Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling.
Harry's plan was all together simple but at the same time extremely dangerous. He would travel backwards in time, back to his eleventh birthday. That was when everything started, that was when Hagrid first arrived. Unfortunately, as with everything else in Harry's life, things didn't go exactly according to plan.
"Boy, wake up and start making breakfast," a raspy high-pitched voice called as she pounded on the door next to Harry's ear.
Harry shot up straight only to lie back again in pain after he hit his head on the ceiling. The only problem was that it wasn't the ceiling but the stairs. That meant that Harry was in his cupboard and not on the island waiting for Hagrid to arrive as he counted down to his birthday. Harry turned on the light above him and started taking in his cupboard to see if he could figure out the year he was in and how old he was. Based on the hand me downs style Harry had to guess that he was either 5 or 6 years old at best, but then Harry had always been really small so he could possibly be older than that.
Harry then suddenly panicked as he remembered what happened on his sixth birthday. His uncle always made sure to beat him on his birthday but his sixth was by far the worst he'd ever received. He could remember the pain vividly as he had his leg broken by a baseball bat and to make it worse his magic healed the break causing his Uncle to break it four more times, each worse than the time before. He knew that it would begin right after breakfast.
Harry knew then what he needed to do. Opened the door to the cupboard and then carefully slinked down the hall to the telephone. He picked it up and quietly dialed emergency.
"Emergency Services, please state the nature of your emergency," said a nasally female voice.
"Help me please," said Harry in a panicked voice. He would have used his magic to resolve the problem but he couldn't risk interference from the Ministry just yet. "My Uncle, he been beating me, he promise this morning would be bad because it's my birthday. Help me please."
"Boy, who are talking to?" demanded his Uncle Vernon.
"N . No one," answered Harry, "it was just a salesman." Harry had to hope that his Uncle believed.
"Hang up the phone," said Vernon, "I promised you a birthday present and now your going to get it." He then revealed a baseball bat which he was tapping his open hand with.
Harry's eyes went wide and dropped the phone, "No, please Uncle Vernon don't."
The bat arced out and hit Harry in the shoulder, "Stop your complaining boy, you know that you deserve this you freak." The bat swung again this time there was an audible snap as Harry felt his arm break.
"Somebody help me," screamed Harry at the top of his voice.
Vernon continued to beat the boy senseless for nearly twenty minutes before the front door was broken down by the police. They caught Vernon in the act of major child abuse and attempted murder.
The next few hours were not very easy for Harry. His body was injured very badly and he desperately wanted to use magic to heal himself but he knew if he did then the evidence of him being beaten would be gone and Vernon would likely make it ten times worse later.
Harry was questioned by the police and then by a social worker. Harry couldn't help but grin when both Vernon and Petunia were placed under arrest. Harry had struggled through answering the social worker because he was straining to remember things that happened before hand. As it was, he was lucky to remember anything because he had repressed most of it.
Harry was hospitalized that afternoon. No one came to visit him which was a good sign that Mrs. Figg had not seen what happened. If she had seen Harry imagined that Dumbledore would have been banging down the hospital door to try and convince Harry to forget what his Aunt and Uncle did.
Harry stayed in the hospital for two weeks. Occasionally a social worker or lawyer would come in to ask him questions.
At the end of two weeks Harry had to go to court to testify against his aunt and uncle.
If Harry's testimony didn't send Vernon and Petunia to jail then Dudley's definitely did.
"Dudley, do you mind if I call you Dudley?" the prosecutor asked.
"That's fine," said Dudley.
"How do you feel about your cousin?" he asked.
"He's a freak, I hate him," said Dudley.
"A freak, what do you mean?"
"Well, daddy and mummy always call him a freak," said Dudley.
"I see, have you ever hit Harry?" asked the lawyer.
"All the time, dad gives me treats and toys when I do," said Dudley.
"No further questions," said the lawyer.
After that it was pretty much over. Marge of course testified that Vernon and Petunia were fine, upstanding citizens and that it was a sham that they were subjected to such treatment after all they did for Harry.
At the end of the trial Vernon was sentenced to 25 years and Petunia to 5 years as she rarely ever abused Harry beyond the occasion slap or shove.
Then the custody hearing began the next day. Dudley happily went to live with his Aunt Marge but she refused to take on Harry. Harry could not remember ever being so happy in his youth, despite the fact that he became a ward of county and was sent to an orphanage.
Harry was sent to Boureve Home for Young Children. It was the greatest of orphanages but he was around other children his age and for the first time was able to make some friends. Most of the kids though bored him to tears. He was a thirty year old living in the body of a six year old.
Harry couldn't have been happier when school began. Harry decided that if was going to have to relive part of his childhood he might as well enjoy the childhood he didn't have before.
His first day was more than Harry could have hoped for. His homeroom teacher was Miss Scarlet. She was a short plump woman that reminded Harry fiercely of Mrs. Weasley. She had dark brown hair and bright blue eyes.
Harry classmates were okay and then he saw someone that he recognized all too well. Harry was shocked to say the least.
He was over to the girl. "Hello, what are you reading?"
"10,000 Leagues Under the Sea, have you ever read it before?" she asked as she looked up at him.
"No I haven't, is it any good?" he asked politely.
"Very good," said the girl, "Do you . . . maybe . . . want to read it with me?" She was obviously nervous about asking him to join her.
"Sure," said Harry, "That sound great. I'm Harry by the way."
"I'm Hermione, it's nice to meet you Harry," said the girl.
Harry couldn't help but grinned far to0 broadly at the girl. He sat next to her and together they read the book. Harry was shocked by how patient she was. She would finish the both pages before he was halfway finished with just one page.
"I see you've found a friend," said Miss Scarlet to the pair.
"Yes ma'am," said Harry.
Hermione smiled brightly at being called a friend by Harry. For the rest of the day the pair was inseparable.
"Where to you live Harry?" asked Hermione during lunch.
"I live at the Boureve Home," said Harry.
"Oh," said Hermione not sure what to say.
"It's alright there. I don't have to worry about my uncle beating me anymore. And I'm allowed to have friends too," explained Harry.
Hermione suddenly hugged Harry and started crying. Harry was a bit surprised that the girl would already be crying for him. "It's alright Mione. I'm happy here and now I got you as a friend. It can't get much better."
Hermione sniffled a few times, "But I can't believe your Uncle would do that."
"Can't anymore, he's in prison for it now," explained Harry.
"What about your mummy and daddy?" asked Hermione.
"They died with I was one," explained Harry, "That's why I went to live with my Aunt and Uncle."
"Oh Harry, that's horrible," said the little girl. Harry was suddenly realizing that Hermione was still a little girl and not the anxious young woman that she was to become, or maybe now would have become.
"What about you?" asked Harry.
"My mummy and daddy are dentists," said Hermione as she smiled showing a missing tooth in her teeth.
"Really, so you like never get to have candy then?" asked Harry.
"Oh I get to have candy just not that often," said Hermione, "Besides, I love fruit."
Harry laughed, "I love chocolate."
Hermione laughed too.
Too soon for both of them it was time to go home. Harry returned to the orphanage which was a short walk down the street and Hermione took the bus home.
The next few weeks passed that way and the pair became the absolute best of friends. Harry was feeling closer to Hermione now then when the first met in Hogwarts.
The weekends were always the loneliest for Harry because he was at the orphanage and he didn't get on so well with the other kids. Most of them prayed and hoped to be adopted but Harry was only too happy to stay where he was. Some of the others were annoyed by Harry's lack of effort on visiting weekends when hopeful parents would come looking.
Harry was most pleasantly surprised when on a non-visiting weekend when he received an unexpected surprise.
"Harry," Mr. Oliver, the orphanage director called to him up the stairs.
"Coming Mr. Oliver," Harry called back as he hurried down the stairs.
Harry came down and saw a woman standing their talking politely with Mr. Oliver.
"You called Mr. Oliver," said Harry.
"Yes, you have a visitor," said Mr. Oliver. Mr. Oliver was a kind man in his late twenties. He had once been an orphan in this very orphanage himself. He said that the place was once his shelter so he wanted it to be shelter to other as well.
"Hello," said Harry to the woman. Harry was then suddenly tackled by someone with bushy brown hair. "Hermione?"
"Of course," said Hermione to Harry as she let go.
"What are you doing here?" he asked.
"I asked mum if you could come over and play and she said that we could come and ask Mr. Oliver if it was alright," said Hermione.
"Oh, so can I?" Harry asked looking to Mr. Oliver.
"Harry, I am afraid that we are not supposed to allow the children to leave the orphanage on weekends for the sake of safety," explained Mr. Oliver politely.
"Oh but you simply must," said Hermione giving her most pathetic look to Mr. Oliver.
"I'm sorry Miss Granger but there are rules," said Mr. Oliver.
"Well, can she stay and play?" asked Harry hopefully.
Mr. Oliver smiled, "That would be fine as long as Mrs. Granger would stay to supervise the both of you." He then looked to Mrs. Granger.
Hermione and Harry both looked to her as well giving her their most pleading looks.
"Hermione Jane Granger," she said, "don't give me that look. I invented that look and for you to use it on me . . ." But Harry and Hermione both intensified the look to her. " . . . Fine."
"YES!" shouted Harry and Hermione together.
Harry and Hermione spent the rest of the day playing outside in the small backyard. Mrs. Granger just sat and watched the two playing together happily but said nothing about it. Eventually it was approaching the dinner hour and Mrs. Granger had to pry the pair apart and take Hermione home.
This routine kept up for almost a year. During this year several things began to happen that Harry was completely unaware of.
BREAK
Jane Granger was busily going about the kitchen preparing a nice, healthy dinner for her family. It was the last day of the school year and Hermione would be home soon and altogether depressed because Harry would be going back to the orphanage. Jane always took the last day of school off so that she could celebrate with Hermione, it was for that reason that she was home that day.
Finally the front door opened and her now seven year old fireball entered the house, "Mum, I'm home."
"In the kitchen dear," she replied.
Hermione entered the kitchen and sat down on one of the counter top stools and rested her head on her hand and looked very depressed.
"Happy to be finished with school?" she asked.
Hermione just glared at her.
"Missing Harry already then?" she asked.
"Horribly," said Hermione, "He's my best and only friend. Sometime I wish he was my brother."
"Why don't you go and get washed up and changed? Your father will be home early today," said Jane happily.
Hermione hopped off her stood and walked out of the kitchen and down the hall to her bedroom. Most of the walls of her room were covered in books. Because she had trouble making friends when she was young she found her friends in books, at least that was until she met Harry. She still loved her books but now she learned to enjoy other things.
Recently, her absolute favorite thing in the world had become breaking school rules and not getting caught. It was an adrenaline rush for her and Harry and it was something they both did together. Now, the rules that they did break weren't severe like cutting classes or cheating on tests. No, these two took up an art form of rule breaking known as pranking. It all began with the class bully and from there it just continued to grow. The pranks were always harmless and always funny and more importantly they usually targeted bullies.
Her book collection slowly added books about pranks and jokes. Harry and her had decided right at the beginning that they would never do the same prank twice and through whatever miracle, they were never caught.
Snapping out of her reverie she quickly changed her clothes and washed up. She returned to the kitchen where both of her parents were waiting for her.
"Ready to go?" asked Henry Granger.
"Where are we going daddy?" asked Hermione.
"To see Harry of course," said Henry.
Hermione instantly brightened and hurried out of the house and straight to the back seat of the car where she promptly buckled her seat belt. She sat there impatiently as her parents slowly walked out to the car.
"Are you sure about this dear?" asked Jane.
"Of course," said Henry, "It's the right thing to do."
Jane nodded and got into the passenger seat while Henry sat in the driver seat.
Twenty minutes later they were at the orphanage and Hermione rushed up the stairs to find Harry.
"Harry," called Hermione as soon as she spotted him.
"Mione," shouted Harry as he jumped up and gave her a hug, "What are you doing here?"
"My parents brought me to see you," said Hermione.
"Both of them?" asked Harry.
"Yes, come on, let's go see them," said Hermione as she grabbed his hand and led him down stairs. But her parents were nowhere insight.
They began to search for them and finally found them in Mr. Oliver's office.
"Ah, there they are," said Jane happily.
"Harry, please have a seat, there is something we need to discuss," said Mr. Oliver.
Harry nodded slightly nervous that his Hermione privileges were about to be cut off.
"Harry, Mr. and Mrs. Granger have come to pick you up," said Mr. Oliver.
That was not what Harry had expected, "Huh? But what about the rules and all that?"
"Well, that is no longer an issue," said Mr. Oliver, "Perhaps it would be best if Mr. and Mrs. Granger explained." Mr. Oliver then stood up and left the room.
"Harry," began Mr. Granger, "we wanted to ask you if you would like to come home with us?"
"Of course he would," insisted Hermione.
"Hush darling," said Jane.
"But mum, that's a silly question. Of course Harry wants to come home with us for dinner."
Jane rolled her eyes before continuing, "What we mean Harry is how would you like to come live with us?"
Harry believed himself to be a smart man. He'd survived war and love and even time travel but in all his wildest dreams did he ever imagine that this would happen. "Are you saying that you want to adopt me?"
Jane and Henry both smiled, "That is exactly what we are saying."
"Mummy, daddy, is it true?" asked Hermione.
They both nodded, "If it's okay with both of you that is?"
"It's okay with me," said Hermione who then looked at Harry expectantly.
"Wow, I definitely wasn't prepared for that," said Harry, "I mean, I already think of Hermione as my sister and I could only dream of having parents like you but, I mean, are you certain?" asked Harry.
"We wouldn't have asked if we weren't certain," said Henry.
"I would like that very much," said Harry with a smile but then his smile faded, "but I have one request, well two requests actually."
"Terms?" asked Henry, "A six year old has terms."
Harry grinned, "Well, I just was hoping that you'd let me keep my last name. I know that my birth parents truly loved and I know they died to protect me so it is really important that I keep something of them."
Jane got misty eyed and nodded, "Of course dear, that would be fine."
Harry smiled, "Thanks . . . mum."
Jane smiled and then pulled Harry into a deep hug that was very reminiscent of Mrs. Weasley. Eventually she released him.
"I believe you said that you had a second term," said Henry.
"Well, I have some secrets that I would have to tell you about and they are pretty big secrets," began Harry, "I just want you to promise me that you will be patient and allow me to fully explain and prove anything before you react. That's all."
"What kind of secrets?" asked Henry cautiously.
"Some good, some bad," said Harry nervously, "I haven't done anything bad if that's what you're thinking but there are some bad things in my past." Harry swallowed nervously.
"I promise you we'll be patient and calm," said Henry. Hermione had told him a bit about Harry's Aunt and Uncle and he assumed that was what Harry was talking about.
"Thanks . . . dad?" Harry was more cautious about this one.
"That's fine . . . son?" Henry half asked and half stated.
"Sounds good to me," said Harry with a smile.
"Well then, let's go home before my roast burns," said Jane.
Harry's first week in his new home was interesting. He was given the bedroom next to Hermione's which only had a bed, a desk, a dresser, and some book shelves and as a result Jane took him and Hermione shopping to fill those things up properly. Harry knew that he would eventually have to explain more about his second condition of being adopted but for now he was perfectly content.
Harry truly enjoyed every minute of that summer and didn't once complain. He was happy and the Granger's truly looked on him as a son and never once did they ask about Harry's secrets. Harry knew that he should say something soon but he decided that he would wait until Hermione performed her first bit of accidental magic.
Hermione's first bit of accidental magic happened just before Christmas. Unfortunately Harry was not there to explain what had happened as he was stuck at home with pneumonia. The week before Hermione and Harry had plotted out a rather spectacular prank on the class bully, a boy by the name of Yancy Clemmens but most kids just called him 'Clem' or he would beat them up.
It was a simple prank but effective. They planned to glue and feather him as tar was unavailable and would like hurt a lot. Once Harry was effectively out of it because of being sick he told Hermione to hold off on the prank until he got better. Unfortunately she did not listen to him. The prank was executed flawlessly except that he caught her after the fact. Apparently he had grabbed her arm and was about to hit her when his hand was burned rather severely where it touched her. The principle of the school was very angry that Hermione would do such a thing to another student and effectively suspended her until after the winter break. Hermione was sure what to be more upset about, the fact that she hurt another student and didn't know how she did it or that she was stopped from going to three days of school.
When Hermione returned home that day she was in tears and Mrs. Granger was looking very upset with her daughter. Harry was lying on the couch watching television at the time so he saw her come in.
"What happened?" asked Harry.
Through her sobs and tears she managed to say, "I got suspended after 'Clem' got burned by me but I don't know how I did it. It just happened."
"So it finally happened," said Harry in a half whisper. He wasn't quiet enough though because Jane and Hermione both keyed in on it.
"What do mean 'finally' Harry?" asked Jane.
Harry swallowed, "Well, I think it would be better if we wait until dad gets home and I can explain it to you."
"Harry James Potter, I want you to explain this right now," insisted Jane.
"But mum, I think it would be better if we wait for dad, I don't want to explain it twice," argued Harry. Luckily Harry was saved when at that moment Henry entered the house looking very upset.
"I got a phone call at work today saying that Hermione has been suspended because she burned some boy's hand," yelled Henry.
Harry knew he was in for it now. He knew that he should have explained it sooner but he didn't want to worry them.
Harry pushed the blankets off of him and walked into the kitchen and sat down to wait for his family to join him.
Henry and Jane sat on either side of him and Hermione sat down across from him.
Harry took a deep breath, "Before we begin would anyone like some tea?"
Jane looked at him sternly, "Talk, no tea."
"Mum, I need something for my throat and nose if I'm going to explain this," said Harry.
"Fine, then," said Jane as she started to get up but Harry put a hand on her arm gently suggesting that she sit back down.
"You don't need to get up mum, I'll get it," said Harry. Jane sat but Harry didn't move.
"First though before I get the tea I have to ask. Do you believe in magic?"
Jane and Henry looked at Harry as though her were crazy.
"No," said Henry simply, "as a doctor and scientist I cannot believe in Magic as it has no basis in science."
"Fair enough," said Harry, "but how do you explain that 'Clem' burned his hand when he was gripping Hermione and was about to hit her?"
"I don't know," said Henry, "But to say that was magic is just silly."
"Is it?" asked Harry, "Hermione was afraid and her emotions were flaring up. It sounds like something inside of her responded to her pleas for help and defense."
"Harry, how do you know that?" asked Hermione.
"It's happened to me before," said Harry, "especially when my Uncle would . . . well you know."
"So what, you're saying that this is common for children?" said Jane.
"Not common but not entirely uncommon," said Harry, "Let me show you something. Now, not everyone can do this but well, I have a bit of practice." Harry then raised a hand in the air and summoned the tea set from the kitchen to the table. To say that the occupants were surprised would be an understatement. The one thing that Harry didn't count on was that his young body was unprepared to channel such a large amount of wandless magic. It made Harry instantly remember that he hadn't connected to his core yet nor had he prepared it for this kind of magic. More then that, Harry found himself realizing that he would have to start his body over again if he wanted to reclaim his lost powers.
Henry actually fell off his chair, "Dad, you alright?" asked Harry in concern.
"Fine Harry, just surprised," said Henry as he clambered back to his feet and sat at the table again.
Harry was feeling extremely tired now, "That's not easy to do when I'm sick so I don't think I'll be able to conjure the tea to go with it." Harry then visibly sank deeper in his chair.
"So, you can do magic and so can Hermione," said Jane.
"Yes, I think that is why Hermione and I became friends so quickly is because she's magical," explained Harry.
"So what does that make you?" asked Henry.
"I am a wizard and Hermione is a witch," explained Harry. His severe cold was really taking its toll on him and performing wandless magic like that was wearing him down even more. With a slight shutter Harry collapsed.
Harry woke sometime later with Jane sitting on the edge of his bed working a damp towel across his forehead. "Mum?"
"Yes, it's me dear," said Jane with a slight smile, "Feeling better?"
"A bit. Doing that really took it out of me. I really shouldn't have done that while I am sick," said Harry.
"It's alright dear," said Jane.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner," said Harry softly.
"It's alright dear," said Jane, "but you will have to explain it a bit more once you are feeling better."
"Yes mum," said Harry, "Thanks mum."
Jane lowered her head and gave Harry a light kiss on the forehead and then left Harry to rest.
It was a week later when Harry had fully recovered that he explained everything a bit better.
"How do you know about all this?" asked Henry.
"Well, my mum and dad, I mean my birth parents, were a witch and a wizard," said Harry, "I never had much of chance to know them since they were murdered. The only reason I know as much as I do is because one night when my Aunt Petunia was rather drunk she explained a bit of it, she didn't remember in the morning or she probably would have beaten me bloody. I only know a bit about it but every now and then I catch a bit from a random witch or wizard."
"Really," said Henry, "Is there anyway for us to learn more about this?"
"Well, I heard of a place," said Harry carefully, "It's called Diagon Alley. It's somewhere in London but it's hidden."
"I see," said Henry, "Do you by chance know where?"
"The person that told me about it said that there is a pub off of Charring Cross Road and the entrance is through there," explained Harry, "I didn't catch the name of the pub though."
"Well, we can go look and see what we can find if anything," suggested Henry.
"Well, there is one more thing that I learned," said Harry. This time he was very nervous to tell them the next part.
"It's alright dear," said Jane as she took Harry's hand to encourage him.
"Remember when I told you my parents were murdered?" asked Harry nervously. He was becoming far too good at acting.
"Yes," said Jane.
"Well, I found out about a famous story in their world. You see, there is or was this wizard who called himself Voldemort, but most wizards are afraid to say his name. Anyway, he was an evil wizard who wanted to rule the world and kill anyone who wasn't a pure blood wizard. It wasn't good. He went on a killing spree, maybe you remember just before Hermione was born. A lot of people dieing and no one knowing how or why."
"I remember that but the police never knew what was going on," said Jane.
"There were a lot of people killed. Just one man did all that?" asked Henry.
"Not just him, he had followers called Death Eaters. Anyway, all of those attacks ended the night he killed my parents."
"This Voldemort character killed your parents, but then why aren't you dead?" asked Henry then he saw the sad look on Harry's face.
"For a long time I wish that he had killed me too," said Harry, "Truth his, he tried to kill me but for some reason that nobody understands the curse rebounded and killed him instead. The guy who told me didn't realize that I was the Harry Potter I think. The only thing I have to show for it is this ruddy scar and five years of horribly abusive relatives."
Jane couldn't hold back any longer as she pulled Harry into a hug. Eventually she released him when he started turning purple from the lack of oxygen.
"Is that why you act so adult sometimes?" asked Henry.
"I had to grow up fast," said Harry, "When I first heard that story it made me grow up a lot faster than I wanted to. But I have my sister who reminds me to be young and have fun just as I have to do for her sometimes as well."
Hermione smiled at Harry through her tears.
Henry finally let out a very loud and heavy sigh, "When you said you had secrets I wasn't expecting all of this."
"If you want me to go I will," said Harry sadly. He didn't want to mess up Hermione's chances of going to Hogwarts because he was there.
"Nonsense," said Henry, "My son will not be going anywhere. When we adopted you, we promised to protect and care for you until you were able to do so for yourself. Nothing has changed except that we now have not only exceptionally intelligent children but also exceptionally talented children as well. If you and Hermione are magical then we are going to support and encourage you to learn as much as you can."
Harry couldn't help but smile at his adoptive father and feel proud to be part of such a good family. "Thanks dad."
Henry gave Harry a brief hug, "Well, since we are all on holiday now what do you say we try to find this Diagon Alley place."
Harry looked up in surprise, "Are you serious?"
"Of course, maybe we can go get some books for you two to get a head start on it," said Henry.
"Thank you daddy," said Hermione as she jumped up and hugged Henry as strongly as a seven year old could.
"We'll go tomorrow," said Henry.
The rest of the evening passed by quickly and pleasantly, even though there was an air of excitement about them all.
The next morning Harry was awoken by Hermione jumping up and down on his bed. "Wake up little brother," she shouted at him.
"Hey, I'm only a few months younger than you," said Harry, "don't you forget that."
"Like I said, little brother," replied Hermione cheekily, which caused Harry to bound out of bed and began to chase Hermione around his room.
A little bit later found Harry and his family piling into the family sedan driving to London.
"Now Harry, you said Charring Cross Road right?"
"Yes dad, that's what I heard, but he might have been lying to me," said Harry as he fixed a baseball cap on his head to cover the scar.
"Why are you wearing that?" asked Hermione, "You look ridiculous."
"Correct me if I'm wrong," began Harry as he started to lecture his adoptive sister, "but am I or am I not kind of famous because of this silly Voldemort thing. Wouldn't it be wise to cover up this stupid scar and hair so that no one recognizes me?"
"Oh like you're so smart," said Hermione with an effective glare and crossed arms.
"Oh Mione, you know I'm smarter than you," said Harry baiting her.
"Smarter than me," said Hermione in disgust, "Who is the one that figured to unscrew the bolt on the teachers chair using a ruler hmm?"
"Hermione Jane Granger," howled Jane from the front seat.
"Uh oh," said Hermione briefly.
Harry just smiled smugly at her getting herself into trouble.
"Don't think you aren't in trouble also Harry James Potter," said Jane as she looked at him too causing his small victory to end bluntly.
"Am I to understand that you and your brother have been pulling pranks?" asked Henry.
"Yes daddy, but we only prank bullies," said Hermione, "and only after they attack another student."
"And the teacher whose chair you sabotaged was a bully?" asked Henry.
"Yes he was, he accused me and Harry of cheating because we both had perfect scores on his test and then he made us retest in separate rooms with a different test that was much harder," explained Hermione, "he needed to learn."
Harry thought for an instant that Hermione had argued her way out of punishment but then she added the 'he needed to learn' part and he knew they would be grounded for a long time.
"We'll deal with the two of you when we get home," said Jane. It was clear to the occupants in the back seat that they were both in for a world of trouble when they got home.
The car finally arrived to Charring Cross Road where Mr. Granger parked the car. The family ushered out of the car and began their search. Harry of course knew exactly where to go but he didn't feel the need to do anything more to raise any kind of suspicions than they may already harbor.
Harry saw a couple walking down the street that Harry could tell from the way they were dressed were definitely wizards. Using his brain he got Hermione to make the discovery.
"Hey, Hermione, look at those people, don't they look weird in those clothes?" asked Harry innocently.
"Harry, it's not nice to make fun of others clothing," chided Hermione.
"But just look at them," he said, "Have you ever seen anyone where such odd clothing?"
Hermione looked at the people and then it was as if everything suddenly clicked into place. "Harry, they could be wizards."
"Really, you think so?" asked Harry.
"Mum, dad," said Hermione, "Look, those two, do you think they could be you know what?"
"Let's follow them and find out," said Henry. The group all followed at a short distance from the two oddly dressed people when the approached a dingy looking building. It was one that if you didn't already know it was there you would never have noticed. The sign hanging over the door stated the 'Leaky Cauldron' in gold letters.
"If this isn't the pub, I'm a monkey's uncle," said Harry looking at the sign feigning wonder.
"What are you talking about?" asked Jane and Henry together.
"Mum, dad," said Hermione, "can't you see?"
"See what?"
Harry grabbed Jane's hand while Hermione took Henry's hand and together they pulled them inside the pub. Once inside Jane and Henry were very surprised to see people in robes sitting around.
Harry meanwhile was actively trying to hide his face and pull his hat lower over his eyes.
Together the four walked up to the bar tender.
"Excuse me," said Henry to Tom the bartender.
"How can I help you folks today?"
"Yes, umm, this may sound a bit odd but . . ."
"Let me guess, your kid is a wizard or witch and you aren't and wanted to buy a gift for him?"
"Exactly," said Henry.
"Right then," said Tom, "How's about I show you out to the Alley then?"
"That would be lovely, thank you," said Jane.
Tom then escorted them out the back of the pub to a brick wall. For a moment the Granger's were confused until Tom hit a couple of brick revealing the entrance to the Alley. "There you are folks, just remember, if you don't have any galleons you can go to Gringott's and get your pounds changed."
"Thank you very much for your help sir," said Hermione politely.
"You're welcome young miss, but please, call me Tom," said Tom.
"Thank you Tom," said Henry.
"Enjoy your day folks," said Tom as he went back inside his pub.
"Nice guy," said Harry.
"Let's go," said Henry leading the way, "So where do you suppose this Gringott's is?"
Harry acted much like Hermione as they gazed in awe at the different shops and stalls and the magic wears they were selling.
"Harry," said Jane calling him out of his fake stupor.
"Sorry mum, what's that?"
"Do have any idea where this Gringott's place is?"
"I don't know, why don't we ask someone," suggested Harry as he returned to his gazing with Hermione.
"Excuse me miss," said Henry to a woman that Harry knew all too well.
"Yes," she said as she tried to contain to small children, a boy and girl both with flaming red hair like their mother. It took every ounce of Harry's control not to run over and kiss the young Ginny but he knew that if he did he would get in enormous trouble.
"Hermione, wizard children," said Harry pointing to the two kids, "Let's say hi."
Hermione quickly nodded and took Harry's hand and pulled him over to the pair.
"Hello," said Hermione excitedly.
"Hi," said the boy who seemed bored.
"Hello," said the little girl, "I'm Ginny, and this is my brother Ron."
"I'm Hermione, this is my brother Harry," she said as she motioned to Harry who replied with a small wave.
"You don't look much like brother and sister," said Ron rudely.
"Ronald Bilius Weasley, apologize now," said an angry Mrs. Weasley.
"Sorry," said Ron looking at the ground with a sour look on his face.
"It's alright, I'm adopted anyway," said Harry with a chuckle.
"See mum, I was right," said Ron.
"It doesn't matter if you were right, that is not good behavior," chided Mrs. Weasley. "Sorry about Ron, he's at that age where his mouth runs and his brain doesn't."
Henry and Jane chuckled, "That would Harry and Hermione as well then."
"So, you wanted help with something before my son distracted me," said Mrs. Weasley, "Oh, where are my manners, I'm Molly Weasley, this is my son Ron and daughter Ginny."
"Pleased to meet you all," said Jane, "I'm Jane Granger, this is my husband Henry, our daughter Hermione and son Harry."
"Please to meet you," said Mrs. Weasley.
"I don't suppose you could direct us to Gringott's?" asked Henry.
"Of course," said Molly, "I was on my way there myself. Am I safe to assume that you're muggles?"
"Muggles?" asked Jane.
"I'll take that as a yes," said Molly with a chuckle, "a muggle is a non-magical person, but being as you are here I must assume that your children are magical yes?"
"Yes," said Henry, "But we only found out a few days ago. Hermione had a little accident at school and Harry here already knew so he was able to explain it. His parents were a witch and wizard but . . . well anyway."
"I understand," said Molly, "Well then follow me if you will. Ron, hold your sisters hand."
"But mum, her hand has 'couties'," complained Ron.
"I'll hold her hand," said Harry a bit too eagerly to skip the notice of the adults. Harry didn't care though as he offered his hand to Ginny. Ginny turned bright red but took his hand happily. In that instant Harry felt the bond reconnect that had vanished the moment she died in the future. As a result he was kicking himself in the ass because of his stupidity. There was no doubt that anyone magical within half a mile would have felt the bond forming.
"What was that?" asked Ron and Hermione at the same time.
"I don't know," said Harry trying to play dumb despite that he knew exactly what it was. The soul bond didn't care about time and space and thus reformed the instant it could.
Molly though was looking on in genuine interest. She felt the magical surge come from Harry and Ginny when they joined hands but didn't know for the life of her what is was or what caused it but she knew that it was a bad thing.
If things could have gotten worse than the situation was building into, it did. Of all the days to go to Diagon Alley to explore the wizarding world he had to choose the one day that Albus Dumbledore was doing his shopping as well.
"Hello Molly," said Albus as he approached. His damn eye was twinkling like mad. Harry had no doubt that he knew exactly what that surge was. Harry felt lucky that Albus would more than like be the only wizard in the alley to understand exactly what it was.
"Oh, hello Albus," said Molly politely, "Did you feel that a bit ago?"
"Indeed I did," said Albus, "Do you know what happened?"
"What's going on?" asked Henry as he noticed that the Alley seemed to stop.
"Good afternoon," said Albus to Harry's adoptive parents, "I am Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
Once more the introductions went around this time with Henry taking the lead. At this point Harry was trying to avoid looking the old man in the eyes while as quickly as his mind could work he was organizing his memories so that if Albus did take a look around he would only see his memories from this current time line. He just had to hope that Albus wouldn't be suspicious by how well ordered the memories were.
"So can someone tell me what happened?" he asked looking to the children.
"I didn't want to hold my sister's hand but Harry said he would and when he took her hand everything went weird," explained Ron in one breath. Harry could tell that Ron was trying to feel important and wanted.
"Thank you young Mr. Weasley," said Albus causing Ron to smile broadly from the praise.
"Did you hear?" boasted Ron to Hermione, "I helped the headmaster."
Hermione smiled faintly at the goof young boy talking to her. She was obviously more concerned for her brother.
For the first time since his initial trip he wished he could rewind time and prevent himself from taking her hand. As it was now the Headmaster was coming closer to him despite the fact that Harry trapped himself in a time bubble to give himself more time to organize his memories and hide the others. Finally he reached a point where he knew he would have to drop the bubble and face the headmaster.
"Hello Harry," said Albus, "I'm Albus it's nice to meet you." He held his hand out to Harry. Harry knew that if he took his hand Albus would have an easier time searching his mind. Instead he ducked his head and hurried to hide behind his mum. He knew his parents and sister would find this behavior odd but he had to risk it for now.
"I'm sorry, he seems to be a bit shy after what ever it is that happened," said Jane as she rubbed the side of Harry hidden head.
"I understand," said Albus, "After all, what Harry and young Miss Weasley just did is quite rare and for ones so young it is almost unheard of."
"Damn," muttered Harry under his breath which earned him a pinch from his mother who heard him.
"And what did just happen Albus?" asked Molly.
"It would seem that young Harry and Ginny just formed a bond of sorts. It is very rare and I cannot say the nature of the bond as I do not know yet myself. But I imagine that these two will be very, very close in the future," said Albus.
Inside of Harry's head he was screaming and raging at his own stupidity. The only thing that he had working in his favor so far was that Albus hadn't yet looked him in the eyes.
"Oh that's wonderful," said Molly who then looked to Jane, "Magical Bonds are a rare and wonderful gift. We'll have to arrange time for the children to play together."
"Of course that would be lovely," said Jane, "I was only hoping to get some books for the children to study from until they are old enough to go to Hogwarts but now to be able to give them a chance to play and learn from other magical children is simply wonderful."
"Of course," said Molly, "Do you have a fire place? If you do we'll have to get you set up on the floo network."
Harry was barely aware of Jane and Molly starting to talk up a conversation and instead he was concentrated on the heavily blushing Ginny Weasley. He could see the range of emotions play across her face. It was then that Harry realized that at this age she must have dreamed of falling in love with Harry Potter. Instead she was just bonded to some random Harry, little did she know.
Harry walked to Ginny, "It's okay Ginny, I promise your dream will come true." Ginny then looked him in the eye and he tipped his ball cap back slightly to reveal the edge of the 'oh so famous scar' to her. Her eyes widened and Harry quickly pulled the cap back down. Harry barely noticed Albus trying to glimpse what Harry had shown her.
"Mr. Granger," said Albus, "Am I to understand that you are non-magical?"
"Yes," said Mr. Granger. Harry though suddenly wheeled about and picked up on what Albus was attempting. He was sifting through Henry's memories. Harry could see the exact moment that Albus discovered exactly who Harry was. It instantly pissed Harry off.
"So these are your only two children?" he asked as he continued sifting through the memories. He already knew about Harry by now and what Harry told them but he hadn't found out how Harry came to them or why. He was coming close when he was somehow forcefully ejected from his mind by an outside factor.
He was shocked when someone was yelling inside of his mind, "Stay out of my families' mind, you have no business in there. You know who I am now leave them be. If you want to know what happened to my Aunt and Uncle perhaps you should have checked up on me or better yet why don't you check the police reports for what happened on my sixth birthday you meddlesome old man." As quickly as it began it ended. Albus looked down at young Harry who met his eyes and it chilled Albus to the core the anger that resided there in that moment toward him.
"They are, but Harry is adopted," said Henry, "Well, I am afraid that my wife would like to continue with our day. If you'll excuse me?"
"Enjoy your day," Albus replied. He took one last look at Harry and shivered before he walked to the apparition site so that he could begin investigating exactly what happened that Harry was no longer with his relatives. More than that he wanted to know how Harry did those things and knew what he knew. A seven year old should not have to power to enter the mind of Albus Dumbledore ever.