CHAPTER 4

It was the first day of the Christmas holidays, and Harry was practicing alone again in the Room of Requirements. He had just finished the physical part, and now it was time to learn another way of distraction. Soon enough he would have to have his double perform these, so he himself wouldn't get distracted.

Today's book was titled, 1001 Ways to Confuse Your Opponent. He randomly opened the book to a page, and started reading spell number 701.

The incantation is pronounced Wistoio Ohos. When this incantation is said with the correct wand movements (pictured below) the effect is to have the opponents eyes roll around in their sockets. At one time, this spell was considered dark, but it was never illegal. Today it is no longer classified as a Dark Arts' spell, but it is frowned upon in a proper dual. The opponent can no longer keep his eyes focused on one thing, and often misses its target. It is very uncommon, and few people know the reverse spell. The spell will not end with a simple ending spell, making it much more harmful. The reverse incantation is Stalio Ohos. This will not officially win a dual for the person that casts it, but in most occasions, it will be enough to finish things off. On some rare occasions, a person may be able to throw this curse off. The wizard or witch must be very powerful, and must have strong feelings for the caster The emotions matter not, as long as they are strong enough.

Harry found it odd to read something so odd. This was by far one of the weirdest things he had even taught himself. He decided though, that he wouldn't try it now, because he was already tired out, and he had been here for four hours. "I'll save it for another time," he said aloud as he packed his things up, and left.

He met up with his friends, as usual, before lunch. They didn't know where he was all the time, but he always assured them that he was doing something for the good of himself. Remus hadn't been up there to practice with him lately, so he also decided he would visit the friendly werewolf today too.

The two had already finalized their plans for their upcoming trip. They would be leaving in four days, and wouldn't be coming back until the end of the term. They would be sent into the year 1977. Harry had also vowed to continue the training he had been doing since the beginning of the year, and have some help from Remus if he could. When Voldemort came next time for the final battle, he would be ready.

Harry was pretty much completely packed for his trip, and his friends were packed for the ride to Grimwald Place, where they would be spending their holiday. Harry would be going with them until Boxing Day, and be leaving back to Hogwarts' by floo. From there, Dumbledore would perform the spell, and they should be on their way. Harry was excited to meet his parents, but at the same time, he was so nervous that he continuously had butterflies and knots in his stomach. He was also scared to know what his students would think of him; what if he turned out to be a horrible teacher, and they all hated him. Would he be able to live with himself knowing his parents hated him? He shuddered at the thought, and his friends gave him a weird look.

His friends. He would miss them so much. It would be weird to be at Hogwarts and not have them always at his side. What will they do when he's gone? Will they replace him with someone else? Or would they wait for him to get home, and have things go back to the way the are now. These thoughts plagued his mind all day, even throughout the whole train ride to the Kings' Cross Station.

They made it to Grimwald Place easily, and he was welcomed by most with a huge hug, or a handshake at least. They days flew by, Harry occupying himself trying to have as much time with his friends as possible. Christmas came and went, receiving nothing out of the ordinary, except form Moody. He gave him a dark detector, but didn't explain what it did. "It will unfold its secrets in time." Harry nodded and put the object away, with no intentions of taking it out any time soon.

By Boxing Day, almost all residents of Grimwald Place were in tears. Harry said his final good byes to Ron, Hermione, and Ginny by sharing a hug with them all. He and Remus flooed off to Hogameade, ready to leave into the past. They trudged together through the heavy snow which had fallen the night before last, up to Hogwarts.

"Ah, here they are now," they heard Dumbledore saying to someone inside his office. The door opened magically, revealing Dumbledore and McGonagal, who were there to perform the magic and bid their farewells. "Very well, let's make this as painless as possible and get on with this now. Good luck, I'm sure we will be witnessing a few changes if I'm am correct."

"Good bye, Remus, Harry." McGonagal added.

"All right then, on the count of three," Dumbledore said. "One, two, three. Pasabados anyahada." And with that, they were on their way.

Harry and Remus were thrown into swirls of color surrounding them, and confusing them.. All the images they tried to see were lost in the colors, and untraceable. Harry was beginning to get sick, when all of a sudden, the swirling slowed. They were spit out of the colorful time portal into a spitting image of Dumbledore's office.

"Did it work?" Harry asked Remus. They had yet to realize they weren't the only ones in the room. Behind them was a much younger version of Albus Dumbledore.

"Can I help you, men? I've only been headmaster for a short period of time, but in all my years, I've never seen an entrance like that one just now," he announced slightly bemused. They turned around, Harry already had his wand at hand. He lowered it at the sight of the man though. "Well, this may be interesting, I think," Dumbledore mumbled to himself.

"Er... Remus?"

"Right, hi, Professor. We have a letter for you, and we ask you to read it before we try to explain ourselves." He pulled an envelope from an inner pocket of his dirty over coat. He handed it over, and stepped back while he watched the younger Dumbledore read through it.

"Well, this is quite interesting. Not exactly what I expected, but interesting none the less. Now, let me get this straight. You two are from the future, and I'm supposed to offer this one a job?" he asked, pointing at Harry.

"Please, sir. I have my application here. Your future self gave me a copy to fill out." He smirked a bit, but not enough to be noticeable. "It includes my OWL and NEWT scores. I am aware that you are in need of a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, so I highlighted those scores for you. I hope you will find these scores acceptable."

"Acceptable, Harry? If he doesn't find them less than exceptional, I'd consider him crazy," Remus exclaimed. Harry reddened a bit, but didn't reply.

"Well, I must admit, Mr..."

Harry looked at Remus for an answer. Should he use his real name, or, should he make one up? Remus had a questioning look as well, but then shook his head, signaling to make one up.

"Porder. My name is Harry Porder."

"Very well. Mr. Porder, I am very impressed with these scores, but you can't be any older than sixteen or seventeen. That's not nearly old enough to teach students."

"You're correct, Professor. I am only sixteen, and I have yet to come of age as an active adult in the wizarding world. It may seem as I am not responsible enough for this, but I have pretty much been taking care of myself for quite a few years. I am not an active adult in the wizarding world yet, but I fully intend to be come my seventeenth birthday."

"You do seem to radiate a bit of maturity, and it is very readable in you, but I'm still a bit unconvinced."

"If you would like, I'm willing to be watched the next few days. You are in dire need for a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and I have a similar amount of need for the position.

Dumbledore finally agreed to the offer of following Harry around. Remus introduced himself as Remus Grupin. Things were settled, and the two visitors were to stay at the castle until it was decided if Harry was to be hired for the job.

Settling into their temporary apartment, in an unused hallway. "Do you really think this will go through, Remus? I mean, Dumbledore doesn't seem to be going for it, and I don't really like the idea of being followed. I tried that act of maturity you said, but he still was unconvinced."

"I know what you mean, but our Dumbledore seemed convinced that you would get the job. We just need to go along with anything this Dumbledore says." Harry nodded and went back to putting some things away.

The following days were hell for Harry. Being followed by some of Dumbledore's groupies was anything but fun. It got on his nerves from the moment it started, but he had to bear through it in order to get the much needed job. After three days, he and Remus were called up to the headmaster's office to discuss his review.

"Well, Mr. Porder--"

"Harry. Please call me Harry."

"Very well, Harry. I am yet again impressed by the maturity you show. I received nothing but good reviews from the inspectors. I would just like a short oral interview before officially hiring you as a professor." Harry agreed and answered all the questions asked, until he was asked something he couldn't.

"Can you tell em now, Harry, why on earth did I send you back into the past? It must have been something awful."

"I'm sorry, sir. This is one question I cannot answer this question at this time. Once some more things are revealed, this may be answered, but not now, please." Dumbledore looked quite curious, but did not press the subject.

"I am quite pleased to formally inform you of your being employed. If you will be down at the Great Hall for lunch time, I will introduce you to the rest of the staff." Harry nodded and followed Remus out.

Lunchtime came quite quickly unfortunately for Harry. He was really dreading meeting the other teachers. No doubt, they all will question his capability for the position because of the job. He took a deep breathe, and walked to the Great Hall. Remus put a comforting hand on his shoulder, and led the way.

"Ah, and here he is now," Dumbledore said as he swung the door open. "This is your new coworker, Harry Porder." Harry took a seat with a polite smile, and deliberately ignored the surprised faces.

"But Albus! He's only a boy!" McGonagal exclaimed. "There's no way he's fully certified!" She unlike the others thought expressing loudly was acceptable. The others did nothing, and only watched with interest. They had similar thought reeling around in their heads, but they were much to shy to share them.

"I assure you, Minerva, I have looked over his resume many times, and he is fully qualified. Harry's NEWT scores may be in competition with your own." She was startled at this statement, and looked at Harry with a bit more respect. Having the peace restored, Dumbledore started the introductions. "This is our transfiguration professor, Minerva McGonagal," he said motioning to her. "And this is Robert Dynamee, potions master. Professor Flitwick, Charms. Pomona Sprout, Herbology. Jack Hunter, our one and only American professor, for Care of Magical Creatures. Krystyne Ringer, Divination. Derrick Flor, Ancient Runes. And last, but not least, Oliver Cross, Arithmacy. Unfortunately, our other professors have further things to tend to, and cannot join us for dinner tonight."

"Hello all, I'm Harry Porder. It's a pleasure to meet you all. This is my close friend, and soon to be assistant, Remus Grupin." It felt weird introducing himself to McGonagal, but he knew he couldn't avoid awkward moments like this.

Glad that the introductions and first impressions were over, Harry started a bit of small talk with Jack Hunter, who was sitting beside him. "So, you come from America?"

"Yeah, this is only my first year here too. Coming from the U.S. to here is a major change. You have no idea what it's like. I'm just coming to terms with calling the jon the loo," he said with a chuckle. They continued for awhile, and Harry started to like this guy more and more. He was only twenty-two or so, and had an interesting American vocabulary and accent.

"Wow, America seems so exciting. I'll have to visit sometime soon," Harry mused.

"If you'd like I could give you some books on the history. Some of it is really very fascinating, if your into things like that."

"I would really like that. I've been looking for something to read about. I've tried magical history, but I just couldn't get into it. I don't know much of it. I was brought up without the knowledge of magic at all." He was about to elaborate, but stopped himself before saying too much.

"Oh, are you mugleborn?" he asked. There was no harshness in his voice simply curiosity, which surprised Harry. Whenever he heard anyone talk about magical blood, they usually had previously formed thought about muggleborns.

"No, I'm not a muggleborn, I just grew up without magic. It's a long story, maybe some other time I'm fill you in but, it's way too much for tonight." Jack accepted the answer, and moved onto a new topic; one fully accepted by Harry.

"So, do you play quidditch?"

Reus watched with delight as Harry talked with Jack. He seemed like a nice fellow, and it was good for Harry to have another friend to talk to. He turned himself back to the conversation he had been having with the Arithmacy professor, Oliver Cross.

Lunch went well; better than expected at least. McGonagal still seemed a bit apprehensive about having an adolescent teaching at Hogwarts, but didn't say anything more that when he was introduced. Harry and Remus headed back to their temporary living quarters after successfully filling themselves. Tomorrow Harry and Remus would be showed around the castle by one of the professors. It would be boring for them, considering they had attended the school for years, and probably knew the castle better than any of the professors.

The tour guide was McGonagal, probably assigned by Dumbledore, in order for her to get another, better impression. Even as they passed things that McGonagal didn't point out, Harry stayed mostly quiet, only participating in the small talk. Remus on the other hand seemed to easily connect with the professor. They talked about anything and everything. When the tour was over, she dropped them off where they were staying. "Mr. Porder, you do seem to be qualified for the job, but I still have many questions. You do not seem to want to answer any of them, so I will be keeping an eye on you."

"Very well, professor. I was expecting as much, and I accept this your suspicions. Have a good day, ma'am." He nodded curtly, and entered the apartment. Remus took a bit longer to say good bye but then followed Harry inside.

"Now that wasn't too bad, was it?" he asked.

"Yeah, not for you. You're such a suck up. I can see know why you weren't in detention as much as my dad and Sirius were," Harry answered with a grin. Remus hit him over the head for his remark.

The weeks flew past Harry and Remus while they became affiliated with their coworkers. Harry and Jack became quick friends, and spent a lot of time together. Remus either was with those two, or McGonagal going over some papers that Harry couldn't care less about.

Early morning on the thirty-first of August, Harry could be found on the opposite side of the lake, running. His morning ritual since they were sent into the past included two laps around the lake and an hour or so of training in the Room of Requirements. Remus was fully aware of these events, and didn't approve of them, but he kept his mouth shut. He knew even if he said something, Harry would continue it anyway, and become angry with Remus for trying to stop him from doing something he wanted to do.

Harry finished his morning run and made his way through the castle to the Room of Requirements as he had so many mornings in a row. This time though, he was stopped by Jack. "Well, Harry, I have to admit. You never cease to surprise me. I never pictured you as a morning person. Then again, I rarely see the morning, so I wouldn't have a very good idea of what a morning person looks like," he said with a smile.

"Yeah, this is the first time I've ever seen you much before noon. What have we done right that you could grace us with your presence so early in the morn?" Harry asked jokingly.

Jack glared at him, and replied. "For your information, Porder, I'm trying to get back into the routine of waking in the AM. School does start for the kids tomorrow, you know. By the way, what are you doing up so early?"

"Well, if you weren't hiding in your quarters every other morning, you would know that I've been up this early every morning since I've been here. I'm not much of a late sleeper."

"Well what do you do? I mean, you're not really just roaming the halls by the looks of you." Harry looked down at himself to see what Jack was talking about. It took about a less than a half of a second to realize. He was completely soaked in sweat all down his front, and halfway down his back. Without thinking, he tore off his shirt, in order to cool himself off. "Unless you want to break a fair few of school rules when the students get here, I suggest you don't do that again. They'll be the same age as you, and I'm sure you know what raging hormones feel like," he said with a smirk. Harry blushed, but managed to give the man in front of him a glare.

"Well, Professor Hunter, you're not so much older than I am. I'm sure you haven't forgotten the feeling."

Jack looked at him in mock astoundment. "Are you suggesting that I'm not thoroughly matured, and that I'll fall for one of my students? Maybe in June I'll whisk my pretty lady away and we'll elope together." Harry laughed. "That would make for an interesting year next year, don't you think?" Harry nodded and started walking. Jack followed.

"So are you sure you're going to stay a professor here next year? I mean, I have no clue what I'm doing," Harry asked his friend.

"Yeah, sure why not. I love to teach, and I do a damn good job when I want to, if I do say so myself. I mean, once you find exactly what you want to do, I say take it and run." His answer gave Harry a few things to think about for his future, but that's if he has a future. Winning the fight against Voldemort didn't look promising at the moment.

"Yeah, but I don't know if this is really what I want to do. You may be forgetting, but I'm only sixteen. Most guys my age have no idea what they're going to do after school. I figure though, I may just find me a wife, have me some kids, send them to school, and live off of my inheritance. That would be the life, wouldn't it?" Jack was looking at him like he had five heads now.

"Inheritance? Inheritance from who?"

Harry thought about whether or not he should tell Jack about his life at 'home'. He relented by telling him a bit, but not enough for him to be suspicious. "My parents." He looked at him like he was crazy.

"You lost your parents, and no else but you and Remus know about it? Are you kidding?"

"Nope." He sighed. "I was just over a year. Don't remember much about them either. Most I've got is pictures and Remus. He was a good friend of my parents, you know."

"How are you so cool about talking about them. I mean if something happened to my parents, I would be a mess. But watching you talk about it like this is... I don't know... insane?" No matter how hard he tried, Jack just couldn't understand how a kid who lost his parents at an age earlier than he remembers could talk so freely about them.

"I told you, I was only a year old. I don't talk about them much though." Jack nodded, but didn't say anything. He didn't want to push the subject much further. If Harry trusted him enough to share something as close as this, he didn't want to lose that trust. Before he knew it, Harry realized they were nearly to the entrance of the Room of Requirements. He didn't want to share the room, but he didn't have anywhere else to lead Jack. He sighed and continued.

"So where are we going?" Jack asked.

"I'll only tell you if you promise you won't tell anybody, including the headmaster, about it. It's kinda my own secret about the castle." He was hooked now. What could be so secretive that he didn't want the headmaster to know.

"Okay, just tell me." Harry laughed. He looked like an excited three year old. Then his expression changed to a glare in Harry's direction. "Just tell me."

"Fine. It's called the Room of Requirements, and it's just that. The room gives you anything you need." He still looked skeptical, so Harry decided to just show him. "Just come with me."

They went the rest of the way, and walked three times in front of the wall, wishing for what they wanted. Harry opened the door that appeared. Jack gaped.

A/N: Okay they're in the past, just like I promised. And I know I put a lot of plot into a short amount of text, but I hind of want to get this story going. Now that school's out (today was oficially my last day) I'm gonna try to update a bit faster. I'm not gonna promise anything... but I'm gonna try. I love reading reviews, so if you would... thanks!