A/N: Quick note this will be a time-travel based fic. If you do not like then do not read. I do not own any part of Harry Potter.

Chapter 1

Harry suppressed a sigh as he made his decision. Staring at the ceiling for the last hour met his limit. Moving as stealthily as he could he got out of the bed, trying not to disturb his partner. Throwing on a few clothes he heard her start to stir. As he buttoned up a loose shirt, he saw her eyes start to flutter. He smiled as he placed a small kiss to her temple, running a quick hand through her red hair. Harry pulled the covers up and made sure she was comfortable before walking out into the room. He made his way to the study where Cadkey already had a small cup of herbal tea waiting on the desk.

Harry spent the next couple of hours going through the letters and business that he needed to. Various holdings and properties all needed various amounts of attention and need. Much he had been neglecting for the last few months as he… Harry blinked away the memories instead focusing on the issues connected to his house. The current issue was something that realistically needed to be handled several weeks ago, so he decided that he would need to visit the villa outright to decide what had happened. Putting that letter into the smaller pile he turned back to the other issues that had cropped up in turn.

It was during a moment of complacency when it happened. Harry was so consumed with solving the needed issues he wasn't paying attention to what he was doing. In that lapse he grabbed it. Not even recognizing what it was until he had opened it and started reading. Once his mind caught up to what was happening, he almost destroyed the letter in reaction, but held his magic in check. Though the tears started to flow freely.

Dear Harry,

Knowing you as I do I bet it's taken you months to even open this damned letter. But that's okay, because I think I would be in the same spot if our roles were reversed. It's ok. If you aren't ready then put this down, but I swear I will haunt you if you never pick it back up again.

Harry chocked out a laugh as he read that. In that moment he could almost hear her anger. Turning back to the letter he picked up the cup of coffee that Cadkey left for him.

Harry, I think I might've found the solution. This twice-damned war has put us on a terrible precipice, and it needs to be prevented. I know that as you've aged you grown weary about messing with time, but we have a real chance here to not fuck up our society. I know I know. Time is one of the sacred aspects of our lives, but Harry, our world may cease to exist. We've developed a ritual that, theoretically, will send you back in time. You have that raw magical ability to both survive and affect our world. All the arithmancy and theoretical models back up what we have created.

Harry threw the letter down. His tears had dried, replaced by heated anger. They had talked about this. Yes, their world was fucked, but messing with time remained a non-starter. He paced around his study, mumbling about meddling witches before he picked up the letter

Harry, please. I have loved these last years. They were filled with so much joy and peace, but that just fueled the need to get that right. The need to see people again. I know we talked, and I know you thought I was done pursuing this years ago, but I couldn't sit still. Magical Britain has been gutted, yet there is a chance that it could be saved. You're not a savior, I know. Promise me though. Promise me you will at least talk about it. Narcissa helped develop the ritual, and Susan backs up all the theoretical developments.

I know where I stand, but whatever you decide is your choice. And I will always support you. I love you Harry, maybe not as much as Luna does, but I do love you. I have no regrets about what we have done or the paths that we took. Remember that.

Love,

Hermione

Harry paused as he looked over the last few lines. He missed her. Gods did he miss her. Their conversations, laughs, arguments, smile, everything. Walking over to the cabinet he pulled out the wizarding photograph. Her smirking smile was on full display as she tackled him, the two laughing as she came out on top, the smile as she looked straight at the camera before the loop started again. He remembered that day. It was the first time she was laughing after her breakup with Ron, and the fallout from the rest of the Weasley family.

He set the photo back down and moved back to his desk. Setting aside the rest of his other correspondence he grabbed a piece of parchment to pen out a letter. Finishing it a few minutes later he had Cadkey bring Agnes to deliver the letter. After giving the owl the necessary attention and praise, she took a quick rasher of bacon before heading off to deliver the letter. Harry looked at the correspondence still waiting on his desk and moved it to the side. Grabbing Hermione's letter, he started looking over the layout of the ritual and the necessary components he would need to get.

It was only a few hours before Cadkey informed him that there was a visitor in the atrium. Harry grabbed a coat he kept in his office before making his way to the atrium. As he rounded the corner, he couldn't keep the surprise off is face at it was the son of the person he expected to find.

"Draco. Welcome to Potter Hall." They shook hands before Harry continued, "I must admit I am surprised to see you."

"Yes, well I had business in Tokyo, so I was up to receive your Merlin awful owl." Draco answered.

Harry offered a sheepish look before leading Draco to the eastern conservatory. Draco clapped Harry on the back in a peace offering. The two exchange pleasantries as they settled in: Cadkey bringing in their drink of choice. The two spent a few minutes catching up from the last few months, Draco's business in Tokyo garnering a lot of attention from Harry.

Draco set his empty drink aside before leaning forward, "So you finally read Hermione's letter?" Harry gave a non-committal noise before Draco continued, "Mother thought it would be better if I came over to talk instead of her."

"You know what she was planning?" Harry asked.

Draco grabbed his refilled drink, "Yeah. We talked about it a few times. Mother always understood the theory more, but Hermione always wanted to debate the ethics." Draco paused for a moment before continuing, "She never really talked to you about it did you."

"A few times over the last couple of years. Mostly after her breakup with Ron." Harry ignored the snort from Draco as he continued, "But no we never really talked about it."

Draco nodded, "She agonized over it you know."

"What?"

Draco leaned back in his seat, "Yeah. She didn't like going against what you guys had agreed on but…"

"She followed her own opinions." Harry finished, "I really should've known she didn't let it go."

The two of them fell into an amicable silence, both lost in memories about the witch they had called friend. Harry broke the silence first turning his attention back to his guest, "Draco, why are you here? I would've thought that Narcissa would be here extolling the virtues of Hermione's idea."

Draco chuckled, "Mother has not been silent on her opinions regarding Hermione's idea."

Harry scoffed, "One could argue she's taking advantage of being a member of House Black constantly calling on Lord Black."

Draco laughed openly, "She does know how to navigate House politics that's for sure. But I'm here because she thought a conversation between us might be more productive than her just repeating what you have already talked about."

"And you think time travel is a good idea."

Draco shrugged, "Theoretically it's sound."

"Bollocks Draco."

There was a moment before Draco started to explain, "Alright Potter. Yes, I think it's something you should do. Hermione was right, our society is on the brink of collapse and Voldemort's terror is prime reason we are here. Other magical societies know it and they are circling Harry. Voldemort has weakened us on the world stage."

"We are rebuilding." Harry argued

"Families are dying." Draco's voice was rising.

"Because they refuse to adapt!" Harry shouted back.

Draco got up and walked towards one of the cabinets in the room. He stood tense for a few moments before his shoulders slumped forward. Harry fell back into his chair, not realizing he was so far forward. Draco ran his hand over a photo depicting Harry and Luna. "What is it you want to hear Harry?"

"Are you okay with this?" Draco turned around but couldn't answer before Harry continued, "Not the abstract this, but you know the whole thing?" Harry's voice had gone quiet, "None of this might exist anymore. You, Susan, Hermione."

"What do I have Harry? Really. Astoria and Scorpius are dead. My only family is my mother and her estranged sister who refuses to acknowledge anyone. I've lived my life Harry, and there's nothing to show for it." Draco paused as he moved to sit back down, "So yes Harry, I am ok with none of this ever happening. The whole point is to make sure this doesn't happen again."

Draco collapsed back into the chair. Harry could see the couple of tears that had fallen. Draco wiped his face before returning his gaze to Harry, "I know no one is going to convince you either way. Just think about, because I know I'm not the only one that thinks the way I do."

Draco pointed at the doorway causing Harry to turn around. Harry turned and saw Susan standing in the doorway. He recognized that she had just gotten up and thrown on a light sundress – not realizing that Harry had been entertaining company. She smiled softy at Harry before turning to Draco.

"How are you this morning Lord Malfoy?" Susan questioned as she entered the room.

"Well enough, Lady Bones. Business is still business. I see you are still hanging around this wanker." Draco teased.

"Well, he definitely has his moments, and the good is still outweighing the bad." Susan returned the teasing good heartedly, "So what is the business today."

"Hermione's letter and its feasibility." Draco answered, "Harry is still being his normal cantankerous self about it." Susan raised her eyebrows at Draco's response. Draco continued before she could respond, "I've said my piece but maybe there is something that you can say that might be more convincing."

Draco stood up causing the other two to stand. There was a cordial handshake between both Harry and Draco before Susan walked him out to the floo. Susan returned to the solarium; her sundress transfigured back to its original form of a small robe. She moved over and sat down on Harry's lap. One of his arms automatically wrapping around her as she buried her head into his shoulder. The two sat in a comfortable silence, just enjoying the presence of the other. Susan let her magic seep out and coalesce around Harry. Harry basked in the comfort and warmth of Susan's magic.

It was some time before Susan broke the silence between the two, "He is right. You should do this."

"Susan." Harry groaned, yet before he could continue, she silenced him with a soft kiss. Pulling back, she continued her point.

"I love you, Harry. Never doubt that." Harry could see the tears forming in her eyes, "But there is a piece of me that wants to know my parents. That wants to know… wants to know a life with my family. I miss them. I hardly know them, but I ache because I miss them."

Harry wrapped his arms around Susan, holding her close letting his magic envelop her. He continued to hold her as sobs wracked through the woman for a few minutes. As the sobs stopped Susan made to continue, though tears still streaked her face.

"I can't tell you what to do but I would give up everything so that we could all have another chance at a better life."

Harry sighed, "Susan I can't even begin to think about what we would lose. None of us may even be born."

Susan offered a small smile, "I know. But a place where people even fight back some more against Voldemort would lead to some good for our people. That's worth it to me."

"But what about everyone else. Doing this is incredibly selfish."

"Then be selfish Harry." Susan raised her voice, "Be selfish and create a world that you are proud to live in."

Harry made to get up and Susan let him go without protest. He began pacing around the room muttering something about meddling witches. Susan let him go and burn off the edge of his anger, knowing that he needed the moment to recompose himself. He stopped in front of photo of himself and Luna, he could hear her laughter in his memories. Turning around he offered a small smile to Susan who returned it with one of her own.

"Susan doing this is unprecedented. I can't even begin to think of the consequences that I could have on our world." Harry started only to be interrupted by Susan.

"Julius Caesar." At Harry's confused look Susan motioned for him to sit down, "My family has long theorized that there have been instances where people have successfully time travelled, and that what we have right now is not the so-called true history. Julius Caesar won the civil war leading to the formation of the early Roman Empire, but there are some historical records that do not align with this. There are texts and accords that describe an Emperor who hailed from Pompey. Whose rule was long and prosperous, leading to a different yet still dominant Roman Empire."

Harry sat dumbfounded for a few moments, "What?"

"We have found records all throughout history where there are differences to what we believe to know happened. Caesar, Cleopatra, Zhu Yuanzhang, and Kassandros Antipatrid are the ones I can recall from memory. There are accounts, histories really, that do not align with what we believe to be true. We've never confirmed it but there has always been this idea that history is mutable. That what we know to be true is perhaps not what was supposed to happen."

"You really believe in this don't you?"

"Yes."

There was a moment of hesitation before Harry spoke, "Come with me."

"Harry." Susan drug out the pronunciation of his name.

"You are the one telling me to be selfish. Susan come with me. I don't want to lose you Susan." Harry argued.

"I know Harry. I know, but this is something you will do on your own. I'm not strong enough to survive the ritual. Hermione was brilliant but even she couldn't lessen the power needed to survive. Besides, this way you will have the freedom to do whatever is necessary." Harry looked like he wanted to argue, "Harry this is just one of those things that is a truth we must accept. Its why you are the only one that can make this decision. Everyone in the know understands that you must be the one to agree to this."

Harry laughed but there was no mirth behind it, "You've thought about this in depth haven't you."

Susan smiled before walking towards him. She gave him a kiss before responding, "We all wanted to be on the same wavelength before approaching you. Because we are asking you to do something very selfish."

Susan got to the doorway before Harry spoke again, "I thought I was done being our world's savior"

"I know. But it's why only you can make this decision."

Harry knew Susan would leave him alone for the rest of the day. She would probably leave the manor, choosing to go get work done outside of it for the day. Harry had Cadkey bring Hermione's letter and spent the next several hours poring over the information on the ritual. This had always been Hermione's expertise and he was remembering how much he had come to rely on it in the last few years. She always had this ability to break it down and explain the intricacies of even the most complicated ritual. Harry smiled as he remembered some of the times where he drove Hermione mad at not understanding what she was attempting to do. Turning back to the ritual he continued to soak in the implications of what the ladies were attempting to do. They had told him it was his decision, but he hadn't really processed why until he stared at the ritual. Hermione's notes littered the parchment explaining… no teaching Harry why the ritual was set in the way it was. It was in the moments as he went over the small notes that he saw it. Their old symbol. Summoning Hermione's letter he conjured up a flame. Attuning it to the correct temperature revealed the hidden text underneath,

Harry, if you see this then that means you found the symbol. I do honestly hope that you choose to go through with the ritual but there is something you should know that I do not think any of the others will have considered. I believe that those that Time will mess with those that mess with Time. Susan has more stories but ask her about Kassandros Antipatrid. I say this only because I know you Harry, and as you have grown up you have stopped jumping headfirst into things, thank Merlin. I do not know how Time will choose to mess with you but in everything I've looked at it seems to reach an equilibrium of sorts. Maybe not perfect but I do not know if one could ever truly know Time. Meditate and stay focused on the memories you wish to keep. I love you.

Hermione

Harry wiped away the tears that had begun to fall again. He loved seeing her handwriting; and her use of their old communication methods brought him back. Shaking his head clear of the memories he scanned the letter once again. Her warnings were appreciated, and he would definitely speak to Susan. However, his mind wandered to the last few times he had discussed this possibility with Hermione. Even then, before the rituals' creation, she had been so sure of her path. So sure of what she wanted. Harry begun to wonder just how long Hermione had been working on this idea. Putting out the flame and setting the parchment down, he went out in search of Susan, hoping she was still in the manor.

Harry's arms encircled Susan and he buried his head into her neck. She laughed as she leaned into his embrace. They both let their magic intermingle enjoying the sensations that it brought.

"Susan luv, how long ago did Hermione come to you with her plan?" Harry asked.

Susan pulled away from Harry, giving him a questioning crook of her eyebrow before answering, "Several years ago now. She said she had been doing research and realized that my family were dedicated to protecting magic. Thought maybe we might know something about it."

"And stumbled onto perhaps the holy grail of this pursuit."

Susan laughed, "Yeah, she spent months with me discussing it. What's this about?"

"Come with me." Harry pulled Susan back to the solarium where he showed her Hermione's hidden letter. Susan spent a few minutes going over it before setting it down and turning her attention to Harry.

"Hermione's right to be worried. And Kassandros was one that could never really be proven." She continued at Harry's insistence, "Kassandros ruled the Macedonian region after the deaths of his father Antipater and their monarch Alexander the Great. However, Antipater originally passed the regency of Macedon over to another, causing Kassandros' to take it by force. He then systematically began taking power from Alexander's family, killing them as he went. He consolidated his power throughout Macedonia, though he died quickly afterwards of an unfortunate medical condition.

"There is no contradictory evidence like there is for Caesar, but there are hints. Antipater choosing someone over his supposed son. Kassandros' efficient consolidation of power in Macedon, a place that was still politically relevant and a large part of the ancient Greco world. Then his sudden death, could be something that Time was using to balance the scales. Furthermore, Kassandros' own family was estranged and aghast at his killing of Alexander's family. We just don't know but his actions are different then all the other Diadochi."

Harry stayed silent for a few moments, "Time exacts its revenge. Something that could happen to me."

"We don't think so. Narcissa believes that Time is extremely sensitive to maleficent aberrations. Kassandros killed the family of his liege lord. Time punished him for that. Caesar created the Roman Empire by force when it was due to form naturally. We believe that you are trying to prevent a similar aberration. Magic needs to exist, yet its currently dying in Britain." Harry sat silent so Susan continued. "I don't understand why Hermione wanted you to meditate. She never talked to me about that but Harry. I firmly believe in this plan."

Harry got up and kissed Susan who had stood up in that last little bit, "I know." He took a long breath, "and I think I believe in it as well."

Susan stared at him for a moment before nodding her head. Harry saw the tears start to form and pulled her in close. Both were realizing what Harry's acceptance meant and where it would lead. Susan made to speak but Harry stopped her. Letting his magic loose she felt it flood between them. Neither of them spoke about the issue again that day. Choosing to just enjoy the moment between them.

The creation of the ritual took several months. Many pieces needing to be sourced and imbued with the proper magics. Narcissa was a common feature of Potter manor, and where she was Draco was oft not far. Draco and Harry spent the time discussing the various aspects of the war. Wounds that had sealed were examined and discussed between the two. Through it, Harry begun to have a better understanding of what he was up against. Draco even provided his father's old journal detailing the early years of Lucius' roles within the Death Eater ranks.

All too quickly the preparations were finished, and it was time for Harry to leave. That morning he had to force himself to get up, stomach churning despite everything. Both he and Susan were resigned as they spent the morning together. Shortly they were both walking down to the prepared ritual chamber. Narcissa was outside, waiting for them. Coming up to the pair she nodded before offering Harry one last piece of advice.

"Change our world, Harry. Change it in a way Riddle never could."

With her piece said Narcissa walked away, giving the couple a last few moments of privacy. The two exchanged words and tears. With one last kiss Susan sent him through. As he disappeared into the chamber Susan offered up a final prayer before turning around and walking away.