Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling.
One week dragged by for Harry and Hermione despite the fact that school and extra classes and reading never seemed to stop. It was simply this way because both children were eagerly awaiting the weekend and their trip to Hogsmead with Sirius, Remus, and the Weasley's. Molly Weasley agreed to let the children go although she was slightly reluctant because of Sirius Black being involved but she relented after some coaxing from Jane.
During that week Sirius and Jane corresponded a few times to arrange the travel plans. Jane eventually agreed to meet Sirius in London to go to the Floo Office in the Ministry of Magic to have the Floo connected to her home fireplace, which Sirius took the liberty of enlarging to make travel easier. After that it wasn't an uncommon sight to see Mrs. Weasley's head in the fire place talking with Jane or visa versa.
At long last the much anticipated weekend. Harry and Hermione were dressed and waiting in the living room for Sirius to arrive. Once Sirius arrived they would travel to the Burrow to collect four of the Weasley children.
Sirius arrived with Remus twenty minutes late complaining he couldn't find his left shoe to which Hermione replied, "Why didn't you just summon it?" Earlier that week Harry and her had read about summoning and banishing spells.
Sirius just adapted a funny look, "Now why didn't I think of that?"
"Because I told you to and you never listen to me," said Remus as he stepped out of the fire.
"Hello, you must be Remus," said Jane greeting the man. He was still wearing his usual shabby robes and his hair was still graying prematurely. To Harry, he looked the same as he always had in the past. It was in that instant that Harry decided he was going to force Remus to buy some new robes or die trying.
"Hello," said Remus to Jane, "Pleased to finally meet you in person, though we have talked through the Floo a few times now."
"I don't know if I will ever get used to using the Floo to talk to people," said Jane, "I say give me telephone any day of the week and I'll be fine."
"Anyway," interrupted Sirius before a debate could begin, "We should get going. We are already late to pick up the Weasley children."
"Right you are Padfoot," said Remus, "Ready to go kids?"
Harry and Hermione nodded.
A few minutes later they were all tumbling out of the Fireplace at the Burrow.
Mrs. Weasley greeted them all warmly giving Harry and Hermione nice motherly hugs.
"So nice you could finally get together with the kids," said Molly happily, "Ron is still getting ready so would you all like a spot of tea while we wait?"
Harry knew that this was Molly's way of getting some free interrogation time from Sirius and Remus.
"I think we'll go find Ron and Ginny," said Harry politely excusing himself and Hermione.
"The kids' rooms are upstairs, be careful of Fred and George, they love to prank the unsuspecting," said Molly.
Harry and Hermione nodded. Both had a devious glint in their eyes that seemed to go unnoticed. From the short conversation that Harry and Hermione had with Ron and Ginny they both knew all to well of Fred and George's reputation for pranking. It was because of this that Harry and Hermione had been planning an introductory prank for the twins. The logic was a simple one of get them before they get you. Knowing that Fred and George would be less prepared for a muggle prank Harry and Hermione came prepared.
They went up the stairs as stealthily as they could. As they approached one of the doors that Harry knew from the past was Fred and George's, they went to work. Harry had to use a bit of wandless magic, which he fully informed Hermione of his capabilities in, to form a bucket of water, and some string. Working together they managed to secure the bucket over the door and then tied the string from the door knob to the bucket with just enough slack so that the bucket would only fall once the door was opened all the way.
With their work complete the pair went to get Ron and Ginny quietly so as not to make the twins aware. After quick 'Hello' and 'shh, follow us' Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny went down the hall to Fred and George's room. Ron and Ginny quickly understood the plan and had to cover their mouths to stifle their laughter.
Harry decided that he'd knock on the door.
The door opened a little to show two heads sticking out, "Who're you?"
"I'm Harry, it's time to go," said Harry as he walked toward the stairs with his friends.
Fred and George opened the door the rest of the way and emerged to follow the others, just to have a bucket of water fall on the both of them.
Ron, Ginny, Hermione, and Harry all fell to the floor laughing at the success of their prank on the pranksters. Harry and Hermione had broken their rule about never repeating pranks because this one was simple and yet effective.
"George," said Fred, "I think we've been the targets of a prank."
"Fred, I think you're right. And it looks as though our younger siblings were involved," said George.
"I would say that you are correct," said Fred, "I don't know what to do now. They've never done that before."
"I know, I mean it was a simple prank but very effective," said George.
"Should we retaliate?" asked Fred.
"Nay, I believe we should team up," said George.
"I say you two had better hurry up or your mum will drive poor Sirius and Remus crazy," said Harry.
"Indeed," all of the Weasley's said together.
A few minutes later Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny entered the kitchen followed closely by a soaking wet Fred and George.
"Now what have you two done to yourselves?" shrill Mrs. Weasley causing everyone in the room to cringe. "Of course you'd pull something like this and on today of all days when you know that you're going out for the day. What am I going to do with you two?"
"But it wasn't us this time," protested Fred.
"Honestly mum," added George.
The four youngest just laughed a bit at the humor of it but Harry decided to be noble, "it's true Mrs. Weasley. Ron and Ginny told me about how they like pranks, so me and Mione thought it would be a good way to break the ice."
Mrs. Weasley turned to Harry, "Oh Harry dear, how clever of you!"
"What's this?" demanded Fred.
"We pull a prank and get scolded," said George.
"But if little Harry here pranks us, he gets praised," continued Fred.
"And complimented," said George.
"But we still don't get an apology," finished Fred.
Mrs. Weasley glared at the twins and leveled her wand at them causing them to shut up and go wide eyed. She then muttered a quick drying spell on the pair.
"Right then kids, all set to go?" asked Remus.
"Yes sir," chorused the kids.
"Now Remus and Sirius, I expect my children to return no later than 4:00 o'clock, that means you have a good amount of time. Please don't take your eyes off the twins as the results can be quite dangerous," added Molly as they all approached the fire place.
"Yes Molly," said Remus and Sirius together.
"Padfoot, go on through first and I'll send the kids along after you," said Remus.
"You got it," said Sirius. Sirius stepped into the fire place after he tossed in some floo powder. "The Three Broomsticks." And he was gone in a flash of green flames.
Harry, Hermione, Ginny, Ron, Fred, and George all followed after in that order and then Remus finally joined them.
"Well, now that we've ditched your mums, what do you kids want to do today?"
"I'm hungry," said Ron.
"You're always hungry," said Ginny.
"I'm a growing boy," said Ron in his defense.
"If you're not careful you'll be growing outwards instead of upwards," said Fred.
"Mr. Black sir, could we get some lunch first?" asked Ron ignoring his brothers and sister.
"Of course we can but first, never call me Mr. Black, it makes me feel old," said Sirius.
"What should we call you then?" asked Hermione.
"Call me Sirius or better yet, Padfoot," said Sirius.
"Padfoot?" asked Hermione.
"Yep, it's the nickname I got from Harry's dad and Moony when we went to Hogwarts," said Sirius.
"Who's Moony?" asked Fred.
"I am," said Remus, "So that means you can all call me Moony if you like, I know I would."
"Great," said Harry happily, "Now about that food."
"Honestly Harry, you're as bad as Ron," said Hermione.
"Ron's a smart man then," said Harry.
Sirius and Remus then ushered all of the children to a table to sit down.
"Afternoon gents and ladies," said a friendly looking woman. She gave extra attention to the two little girls by saying 'ladies' which caused them to giggle happily.
"Afternoon Rosie," said Sirius, "Long time no see."
"Well if it isn't Sirius Black," said Rosie with a grin, "I never figured you for the kids type, then again I never figured little Peter for a Death Eater either. Never mind all that, what'll yeah have?"
"Well, I think pumpkin juice for the kids and a butterbeer for myself and Remus here," said Sirius with a warm smile. Harry noticed the slight flinch when Peter was mentioned but he could tell that he didn't let it bother him either after that.
"Right you are," said Rosie, "Will you be eating or just drinking?"
"I think we'll be having lunch," said Remus. Rosie nodded and handed out menus to everyone.
"I'll go get your drinks and bring them right back," said Rosie as she shuffled off.
"So, you kids eat anything you want, it's on me today," said Sirius.
A little while later Rosie returned and they all ordered. Shortly after that they ate, Ron more than anyone else.
After that it was a great afternoon. Sirius took them shopping and bought all of the children learner brooms that were charmed to go no higher than five feet in the air. Fred and George of course protested but it fell on deaf ears. After that they went to 'Zonko's' were they loaded up on all kinds of jokes and gags to have fun with. Remus was sure to warn Harry and Hermione that magical pranks were not safe to be used on muggle children. Sirius then added that pranking of any wizard was encouraged, which earned him a glare from Remus.
Then they went around town to see the sights. One of the first stops was the famed 'Shrieking Shack' which Hermione absolutely loved to hear about. As a result before Hermione would allow the group to see any of the other sights, she insisted on stopping by the book store to get a guide book to the city. This was of course met by a lot of groans all around. Nonetheless they fulfilled Hermione's request.
Of course no afternoon would be complete with out a prank and given that they were all in muggle clothes it wasn't that difficult.
Harry decided to fly this prank solo. Sirius had mistakenly put his wand in his back pocket, which brought a smile to his face as he thought about what Mad Eye Moody would say. Harry deftly alleviated the wand from his back pocket and switched it with a 'Wildfire Whiz-bang' from 'Zonko's'. Grinning, he then touched the wand to the tip of the firework and the rest was history.
Sirius didn't realize anything was wrong at first. It began with just a little extra heat to his back side. Then came the noise from the firework, screaming as loud as it could. Sirius was now effectively aware of that something was wrong. Then, not as Harry had planned his pants caught fire and he began running in circles yelling "Put me out, somebody please put me out." Unfortunately for him Remus along with the children were laughing too hard to do anything.
It was then that Harry had a stroke of brilliance. Harry was quickly moving Sirius' wand aiming over his head. "Sirius, hold still or I can't put you out."
Sirius suddenly froze. He then saw the wand in Harry's hand aimed about his head. When Sirius looked up he saw a large mass of water hovering above him.
Harry gave a quick flick of the wand and enjoyed watching as the water dropped on him effectively putting out the fire and soaking him from head to toe in water. "Sirius, you're all wet, here let me help you with that." Harry then gave another wave of the wand causing wind to attack Sirius from every direction drying him off.
In the end Sirius didn't get that dry, but his well manicured hair was now sticking up all over the place much like Harry's usually did. Sirius really wasn't sure what he should do at this point. His Godson had not only pranked him but pranked him in a way that was almost impossible to retaliate against him. More than that, Harry still had his wand.
Meanwhile, all the children were laughing even harder including Remus. With the last of Harry's work finished he joined the other in laughing uncontrollably.
Unfortunately the laughter was not to last. Harry's magic flared in warning of an impending attack. Harry instantly stopped laughing, as a reflex his magic instantly slowed time down to a crawl so that he could work.
Harry could now see a stunned traveling quickly toward Sirius. It was sent by a Death Eater. There were six of them present. Harry thought back to his day's events. Suddenly he remembered seeing McNair inside the Three Broomsticks. He must have recognized Harry and called in reinforcements.
Harry mind dropped into what he would call the 'Zone' in the future. His emotions instantly came under control as did his vision. His mind was instantly processing everything in his surrounding, while his magic automatically searched out anything that might be hidden. During this time the stunner was barely crawling toward Sirius as he planned everything out in his mind.
Harry allowed time to speed up again but only enough that he could move at full speed without the magic in the air slowing him down. He rushed forward and pushed Sirius to the ground. He then put up a quick barrier send the spell back to the caster. Once the stunner was traveling back, he put up a really powerful shield dome around Remus and the other. Satisfied that his friends and family were safe Harry adopted a very feral look.
It was time for him to go hunting. There were six Death Eaters. He could sense that only one of them had a hold out wand. That one became Harry's first target. Harry knew that he couldn't kill them but that didn't mean he couldn't hurt them along the way. Harry rapidly fired off six bludgeoning spells at the wizard with two wands. He sent two directly at him and two to each side of him. Harry didn't wait for the spells to finish moving before he was already working on the others.
Three of them were grouped together closely enough. He sent a quickly spell at the ground below them that would changed the ground into liquid. He gave a five second delay before he sent a second spell that would turn the ground solid once more. He just had to hope that their wands would be underground with the rest of them.
With those three effectively down, he turned back to check on the man he sent the bludgeoning spells at to find that he'd been hit by three of them. His wand hand appeared crushed which suggested to Harry that one of the spells he sent off to the man's side hit his hand. The other two apparently hit dead center sending him into a wall and knocking him unconscious.
Harry now only had two left to deal with but before he could attack they both dissapparated. Before Harry allowed for time to speed back to full again he made sure to bind the unconscious one in ropes. The other three only had there head above ground so he was satisfied they weren't going anywhere. Fully satisfied that it was safe again, Harry relaxed and allowed time to resume a full speed. Harry found out early that he was always a bit dizzy when he would change the speed of time around him.
"Are you all okay?" Harry asked looking back to his friends. He quickly banished the shield dome that he used to protect them. Harry couldn't help but notice the looks of awe and shock from the group. This was something that Harry should have though about before.
Harry decided he had better check Sirius first as Harry had pushed him to the ground first and rather roughly. "Padfoot, are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," said Sirius snapping out of it. He quickly rushed up to Harry and began checking him over.
"Padfoot, I'm fine, they didn't even have time to cast a spell on me," said Harry as he tried in vain to fight off Sirius as he checked him over.
"Harry, where did you learn all of that?" demand Hermione.
"Um, reading . . ." Harry hoped it would satisfy her but he could see it was getting nowhere with her or with Remus and Sirius.
Harry was saved for the moment from having to answer by the arrival of several Aurors. Harry instantly recognized one of them as Alastor Moody. Unfortunately Harry was still holding the wand so there was no way for him to say that Sirius did it.
"What happened?" Moody asked looking directly at Harry.
"Six Death Eaters appeared . . ." Harry then relayed what happened minus him being able to alter the flow of time.
"You're telling me that you did this boy?" demanded Moody as he looked over the four incapacitated Death Eaters.
"Yes sir," said Harry. Harry knew also that by now Dumbledore would be on his way. In fact it surprised Harry greatly that he wasn't here already.
"How old are you?" asked Moody.
"Seven," said Harry, he knew that this wouldn't go well. He also knew that the other would be asked to confirm what he'd just done.
Like clockwork, Moody looked to Sirius and Remus for confirmation. They both just nodded grimly. Harry could sense a bit of fear from them. The kids were more just in awe of him.
"Hello Alastor," said the calm, patient, all-knowing, ever so annoying voice of Dumbledore.
"Afternoon Dumbledore," began Moody, "As you can see we have a bit of situation on our hands."
"Indeed, but it would appear that you have caught the Death Eaters," said Dumbledore.
"Here it comes," mumbled Harry under his breath, but he knew that Moony had heard it.
"Not, we, he," said Moody pointing directly at Harry.
"Do you mean to tell me that this seven year old is responsible for capturing four Death Eaters without so much as a scratch on him?" asked Dumbledore.
"Exactly," said Moody, "Pretty amazing young man ain't he?"
"I would say so. It would seem that young Mr. Potter has been full of surprises this year," said Dumbledore looking at Harry. Harry knew that expression all too well. It was his 'you and I are going to have a nice long chat where you are going to spill your guts and tell me everything that you know or I'll force it out of your mind' look. It wasn't a reassuring look for Harry. He hadn't experienced such a look in nearly 8 years since the old codger final bit the big one. To think that the most powerful wizard other than himself and Voldemort would die not in battle but slipping as he stepped out of the shower was just wrong.
"Mr. Potter . . . as in Harry Potter?" asked Moody, "Well then that explains it." Harry couldn't believe that Moody would say that, to just accept the fact that because it was Harry Potter then this could happen. It instantly made Harry suspicious. Then he saw a look exchanged between the pair that told Harry everything that he needed to know. Dumbledore must have suspected something like this might have happened and therefore he put Moody into position to resolve it if it did. Harry was set up from the word 'go' and now Dumbledore probably had a vague idea of what was happening, or at least as to what Harry was.
Sirius and Remus were both about to question this as well but were quickly silence by a look from Dumbledore that clearly said 'shut up and don't make this more of a problem than it already is'.
Harry finally just sighed in defeat. There was nothing left to do but sit down and talk to Dumbledore. "Professor Dumbledore," began Harry, "If you want me to tell you all about it, I think it might be a good idea to go to your office up at the school. And maybe the other could play on their new brooms for a while on the Quidditch Pitch?"
"A capital idea Harry," said Dumbledore jovially.
A little while later Harry, Sirius, Remus, and Dumbledore were all sitting in Dumbledore's office.
"Would you like a lemon drop?" offered Dumbledore to the occupants.
"You still putting minor cheering charms on them?" asked Harry as he reached his hand out.
Dumbledore didn't make any motion to show surprise, which just further confirmed Harry's belief that Dumbledore had already figured it out.
"Indeed Harry," said Dumbledore with a smile.
Harry took one and popped it in his mouth, "I get the feeling that by the time I finish with this conversation I may need a lot more than just the one."
"So, Harry, would I be correct to assume that you've been in my office before?"
"Albus, you would be correct," said Harry.
"On a first name basis are we now Harry?" asked Albus.
"We have been for nigh fifteen years, or at least since I fully joined the Order late in my seventh year, but then that was just before Hogwarts fell so," said Harry. He could tell that Sirius and Remus were quite confused.
"So, it is as I feared then?" said Albus calmly.
"It is far worse than you could possibly imagine," said Harry.
"May I ask how?"
"Well, after my wife and unborn child along with my two best friends and their little girl were killed I finally found that damned 'Power the Dark Lord know not', took too long," said Harry.
"Ah, then may I ask?"
"How much do you know about time mages?" asked Harry.
Suddenly the room was in awe and shocked disbelief.
"But I thought they were just a legend?" asked Remus as he was the most coherent of the bunch.
"It would appear that is no longer the case," said Albus, "But can you tell me how you managed to surpass the barriers on how far you could rewind time?"
"I'm not certain of the specifics. But I found a ritual that would allow me to travel back any number of years within my own lift time, but in doing so, I've lost the ability to rewind time until I catch back up to where I am supposed to be," said Harry, "and before you start preaching about not messing about with time I would just like to point out that as time mage, it is my right to mess about with time."
Dumbledore chuckled, "I know that Harry. It is written in the ancient laws, but I would like to remind you that if you change too much too early it will greatly change the outcome you expect."
"I know that, that is why I have been very careful to make sure certain key events transpire in the right time. I have to wait for just the right moment or everything will come crashing down," said Harry.
"Is there reason that you cannot finish him now while he is without a body?" asked Dumbledore.
"No," said Harry, "When he comes back, if he used the same ceremony I can kill him then. Now, his body is still affected by certain rituals and what not that would make it nearly impossible to kill him without six or seven witch and wizards of your level. As it is, I won't reach your level for another ten years despite my fast knowledge. But if I do this right, I can get him when he undoes everything he did in the first place. You see, for him to come back the way he did/will requires that he reverses about 90 of everything he had done. The only reason I couldn't kill him in the future is because he took great pains to do the rituals over again. I will only have one chance, maybe two if I'm lucky to kill him before he starts with those damnable rituals all over again. I have no intention of wasting those opportunities."
"I see," said Albus, "well, your secret is safe with me Harry."
"I figured it would be. I hope you can understand why I kept things from you?"
"I can, and I am sorry that pried," said Dumbledore, "On the other hand, if I didn't, I imagine Minister Fudge would have some choice words for you."
"Ugh, can't that buffoon ever stop nosing into things, honestly," said Harry.
"Wait then, Harry, does this mean that you know where Wormtail is?" asked Remus.
"Yes, sadly I know exactly where he is," said Harry, "and sadly we have to wait until my third year before we can go after him."
"Why then?" asked Sirius, who was annoyed by the look of it.
"Trelawney's second real prophecy," said Harry more to Dumbledore than anything.
Dumbledore then chuckled a bit.
"What are you laughing at now?" asked Harry nervously. He had so many secrets at this point any one of them could have been seen through.
"That bond," said Dumbledore, "let me guess . . ."
"Don't even bother, I am still kicking myself in the ass for letting that happen," said Harry, "I was just so excited to see her alive again, well, you know."
"I understand, it is going to be some really long years for you Harry," said Dumbledore, "I'm not too sure how her parent would react if they were to find out exactly what that bond was."
Harry shuttered, "I still remember the first time Ron found out. Sometimes I'm thankful that the others were dead at the time." Harry then had a really sad look on his face.
"Ghost's of the past Harry," said Dumbledore, "you have a clean slate to work from this time around."
"I know, but what am I supposed to say to Mrs. Weasley and my adoptive parents when they ask what happened today?"
"I think it would be best to perform a minor memory charm. Make them think that Sirius was responsible and I will pull certain strings I have with the Prophet and the Ministry to ensure that the public believe that Mr. Black and Mr. Lupin were responsible for capturing those Death Eaters."
"Thanks Albus," said Harry, "If you ever need my advice on anything with regards to how it may or may not affect the future, feel free to ask, but I can't guarantee I'll be able to give you an answer."
"I do not believe that will be necessary but I would like to thank you for the offer," said Dumbledore, "If I were to constantly rely on your insight I may inadvertently alter things too far."
"You are wise when you want to be Albus," said Harry, "I know that you have done certain things for me because you believed that you were protecting me and while I may have still been supremely angry with you in the future, you're being given a second chance this time around. Therefore I would highly recommend that you keep me informed when the time comes."
"I understand Harry," said Albus, "Thank you."
"Well, I need to get back into the mindset of a seven year old again," said Harry, "I think that a little play time on my broom would do that quite effectively."
"Right you are Harry," said Albus, "I will follow you down to the pitch and see to your friends' memories of this afternoon. Before we go, Sirius, Remus would you like for me to alter your memories?"
"I think that we can keep this a secret," said Padfoot.
"Hold on Albus," said Harry grinning deviously, "I have a price for them to be allowed to keep their memories."
Sirius and Remus became nervous at the glint in Harry's eye.
"That's the same look your father got when ever he planned to do some crazy," said Sirius.
"So Remy's told me," said Harry.
"Name your price," said Remus with a nervous swallow.
"I just need for you to brew six doses of a certain potion," said Harry.
Albus raised an eyebrow at this, "What potion would that be?"
"Well, considering that we were all attacked today, I thought it might not be a bad idea if my friends and I had an alternate means of escape," said Harry. Those in the room though could feel the sneakiness behind it.
"Harry, are you thinking what I think you're thinking?" asked Sirius.
"Marauder's to the end," said Harry, "While I may still have the knowledge of how and what, my body needs the potion to make it possible."
"I suppose you already know if your friends can," said Remus.
"In the future they all were," said Harry, "What better way to disappear after a strategic guerilla strike on Death Eaters?"
"The way you talk it sounds rough," said Sirius.
"You have no idea, you died before it got really bad," said Harry, "you were the second death of the second war, and believe me when I say it still hurts."
"Okay, Remy and I will make the potion," said Sirius, "but you'll be responsible for teaching them. Also, I'm guess you intend for this to be entirely secret, am I correct?"
"Absolutely," said Harry.
"So, does this mean that the six of you will be worse than the Marauders?" asked Albus.
"Sir, I didn't much enjoy my time at Hogwarts the first time except for the fact that I didn't live with my Aunt and Uncle. I have some things to make up for. I've done a lot of that make up work just by having parents and family that love and care for me. Trust me when I say, that the Marauders will look like nothing compared to the havoc we shall wreak. Also, just as a forewarning. You might want to give Professor Snape the largest raise in the history of Hogwarts. Between my plans and what he may have to go through in the war, he definitely deserves it."
"Well, at least he has four years to prepare for your arrival," said Dumbledore.
Harry smirked causing Remus and Sirius both to howl with laughter.
A little bit later Dumbledore had straightened out all the memory issues and pulled the strings that he had with the Ministry and the Daily Prophet, effectively resolving the issue. That afternoon found them all being lectured by Mrs. Weasley first for being late coming home and then second for getting into such danger. Sirius and Remus also got a separate lecture for buying so many gifts and toys for her children.
After that, Harry and Hermione went home where they had to explain what happened to Jane and Henry, which went over surprisingly well. Sirius and Remus were even invited to have dinner with them as thanks for protecting the children.
After Sirius and Remus finally left Harry and Hermione went straight to bed where sleep claimed them both quickly.