SUMMARY
After spending half his life trying to rid the world of Voldemort, Harry Potter finally succeeds. However, the price has been high. Too high. Unfortunately, when Harry risks his life to go back and 'do things right', something goes wrong.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank…
S'TarKan – It was his story that gave me the idea for this story's starting point. Also, if anyone wants to know what kind of Harry Potter my main character is (they've had similar experiences, losses etc), or just want to read a good Harry Potter fanfic, then read S'TarKan's "Harry Potter & the Nightmares of Futures Past".
The creators of QUANTUM LEAP and SLIDERS – Anyone who's seen either of these shows might recognise elements of both shows central ideas in this story. The situation my Harry gets himself into was indeed partially inspired by the central features of both of these shows.
This website – For providing a forum where people like me can write stuff that people will actually get to see.
J.K. Rowling – They are her characters after all.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN – Lover's spat.
Harry sat there on the park bench, glowering at a group of children as they played, all of them waving a balloon on a string each. Suddenly, all the balloons burst simultaneously, but Harry found that the random act of childish cruelty didn't make him feel any better.
Why me? he wondered irritably. Of all the people that have ever existed in every single reality, why did I have to become the inter-dimensional problem solver? I mean, haven't I been through enough in my own reality? Isn't living the life I had and having to fight and defeat one on the most powerful Dark Lords of all time enough? He watched as the disappointed children resumed playing, the loss of their balloons soon forgotten. Look at them. Not a care in the world. But me? I get to roam reality for god knows how long. I mean, how long am I gonna have to do this? I've already saved the lives of an entire wedding, at least one Quirrell, possibly a Dumbledore and Snape, countless people who would have died in a reality where, hopefully, Voldemort won't exist now and a couple of versions of myself. Plus, I've hopefully improved things for those other Harry Potters and their friends and, where applicable, family. Surely that's enough.
Just then, he noticed a police car go past, no doubt on its way to Privet Drive. A quick glance confirmed this as, sitting in the back, looking as if he were being led to his own execution, was Dudley Dursley. Nothing worse than being grassed on and caught red-handed vandalising something, eh Dudders? he thought mockingly, trying not to laugh out loud as he pictured a scene consisting of Aunt Petunia denying any allegations of her precious son doing anything wrong and Uncle Vernon yelling at Dudley in the same way he had yelled at Harry for all those years he had had to put up with them. I just hope this reality's Harry doesn't laugh too loud, he thought as the police car disappeared from view. Oh well, any second now… thought Harry, waiting for the light to take him to wherever it would take him next.
Sure enough, a few seconds later, Harry felt the aura pulsing through him as a bright mixture of blue and white light covered his eyes.
XxXxXxXxXxX
Though Harry's couldn't see, he most certainly felt himself being submerged under the water.
"What the…" he tried to splutter, but the words merely came out as bubbles. Realising that he was underwater, Harry began thrashing in the water, his head emerging above the surface. Though he didn't know exactly where he was, he most certainly knew what he was in.
"Of all the…" he yelled at no-one in particular. "What in the bloody hell am I doing in the middle of a sodding lake!?! Oh great! Just fucking great! Wonderful! Absolutely bloody marvellous! A dip in a freezing cold lake – just what I needed!" He looked up slightly. "Thanks a fucking lot!" he added.
As Harry floated there in the middle of the lake, treading water to keep himself afloat, something occurred to him. Of course, he thought. This whole thing is punishment. Fate is punishing me for botching up my reality so badly. Harry shook his head slightly, ignoring his chattering teeth. What the hell am I on about? Fate's punishment? Bloody hell, Harry. you're supposed to be a legendary 'Lone Traveller', not a delusional nutter…
Suddenly, Harry caught a glimpse of a very familiar creature – a very large squid. A giant squid, in fact. Turning, Harry immediately realised precisely which lake he was in when he saw Hogwarts in the near distance. Bloody hell, that's the second time I've appeared here. Third time I've been here too, not counting my reality. Only, this is the only time I've taken an unscheduled dip in the lake. Despite his shivering, he let out a sigh. Why me? he wondered as he Apparated out of the lake and towards the castle, despite the wards.
XxXxXxXxXxX
"Oi, Weasley!" yelled a voice.
The tall, freckled red-head turned and saw a familiar figure walking towards him. "What d'you want, Dobson?" he asked irritably.
"Nothing," replied the fair-haired boy. "I was just told t' tell you that Morton's called for a practice on Saturday, alright?"
"Saturday? But…" stammered the red-head, but by then Dobson was already walking away. Oh Merlin, he thought. How the hell'm I gonna tell 'Dora?
Sighing heavily, resigned to the fact that he would have to tell his girlfriend the bad news soon. Guess I'd better get it over with, he thought as he headed for the entrance to the castle.
A few seconds after the boy disappeared through the main doors, a figure in a leather jacket appeared near the entrance, looking very displeased, not to mention soaking wet. The figure waved a hand over himself and was instantly dry. After checking to see that his wand and, more importantly, the picture of himself and Ginny were both undamaged, Harry Disillusioned himself and entered the castle.
For a few minutes, Harry wandered along the corridors, which were completely devoid of anyone. C'mon, Harry thought impatiently, still annoyed at his rather undignified arrival. Someone give me a clue when I am. Am I gonna bump into Riddle or my grandfather again? A first year version of me? Maybe a version of me that isn't me? C'mon, someone, anyone, just give me a general idea…
"'Dora!" he heard someone call out. That'll do, mused Harry. Quickening his pace, Harry made his way toward the familiar sounding voice and rounded a corner where, standing at the bottom of a staircase, was a girl with pink hair and a familiar looking red-haired boy. What really took Harry by surprise, however, was what they were doing.
"Hey," mumbled the girl when the two broke off the kiss. "Not here. If someone sees us…"
"Does it matter?" her boyfriend said quietly.
Oh my god! thought Harry. Tonks? Charlie? An Item? Oh boy…
The girl, who Harry was certain was Nymphadora Tonks, blushed slightly. "I suppose…" she whispered. "But isn't this what Madam Puddifoot's is for?" she smiled mischievously.
"Um, yeah, about that…" began Charlie Weasley uncertainly. The smile on Tonks's face faded. "Well, you see… I've just been told that I have Quidditch practice on Saturday…" Tonks immediately turned away from him when he said this. "Look, I'm sorry 'Dora, but…"
"But Quidditch is more important than me," mumbled Tonks.
"What? No!" exclaimed Charlie. "It's nowhere near as important as you!"
"So why does everything for you revolve around Quidditch?" snapped Tonks. "Every time we make plans, suddenly, some moron calls a Quidditch practice and you just throw our plans out of the window!"
"'Dora…"
"Don't you 'Dora' me, Charlie Weasley!" shouted Tonks. "Just for once, I want to spend some time with you without having to cancel because of your bloody Quidditch!" By now, tears were starting to well in her eyes.
"I'm sorry…"
"You're always sorry, Charlie!" sobbed Tonks. "Every bloody time!" With that, she turned and stormed up the staircase.
"'Dora, wait!" Charlie called out desperately but Tonks ignored him. "Damnit!" he muttered, punching the wall in anger. "Why me?" he sighed as he walked up the same staircase.
Aw, poor Charlie, thought Harry sarcastically. Christ, no wonder Tonks's upset. C'mon, Charlie, if you love her, then just go and tell that Quidditch captain to fuck off so you can go to Hogsmeade with her. He began to follow the second oldest son of Arthur and Molly Weasley up the staircase, wondering what he should do – should he introduce himself and give out advice, or wait for a few minutes and see what came up? Deciding on the latter option, Harry followed Charlie Weasley to the Gryffindor common room.
"Hey there, Charlie," Harry heard a voice greet as he slipped into the common room behind Charlie before the portrait hole closed. "You okay?"
"Sod off, Dave," sighed Charlie. "I'm not in the mood."
"Aye, I can see why," said another boy. "What wi' the look on Tonks's face when she came in, I'm no' surprised ye're no' happy."
"I said sod off!" snapped Charlie as he slumped onto one of the armchairs.
"I'm sure whatever it is…" added the Scots boy.
"Calum!" interrupted Charlie.
"Alright, alright," said Dave quickly. "C'mon, Cal', we'd better leave him be."
Once the two boys went up to their dorm, Charlie buried his face in his hands and sighed. "Why me?" he muttered again.
If he says that one more time, I swear I'll… Harry thought irritably. God, now I know which brother Ron took after. He paused slightly. Ah, so this is why Charlie and Tonks were so awkward whenever they met… Oh buggeration, don't tell me I'm here to keep them together. What the hell am I? An inter-dimensional matchmaker? Oh well, I suppose I should do something…
"Y'know, sitting there muttering to yourself isn't going to help," Harry said quietly.
"I said…" exclaimed Charlie, turning his head only to find that no-one was there. "What the…" He glanced around nervously, wondering if someone was trying to play some kind of joke on him. For example, his brothers, Fred & George, were already notorious tricksters despite only being first years. Seeing nothing, however, he went to sit down again.
"Y'know what I reckon you should do, Charlie?" continued a still Disillusioned Harry, making Charlie freeze and whirl around. "I reckon you should go and tell whoever your Quidditch captain is to take his Quidditch practice and shove it up his arse."
"What… who…" spluttered Charlie, still trying to figure out where the voice was coming from, as well as whose voice it was. "Who the hell are you?"
"Just a passing traveller," smirked the unseen voice of Harry. "Not that that's particularly important right now, right Charlie?"
"Traveller?" Charlie mumbled. "No way…"
"Like I said," interrupted Harry. "It's not important."
"But…"
"Do you love her?" Harry asked suddenly.
Charlie frowned at the seemingly empty common room. "What?"
"Tonks," elaborated Harry. "You do love her, right?"
"What?" spluttered Charlie. "Of course I bloody love her!"
"Then what were you doing sitting around feeling sorry for yourself?" Harry asked bluntly. "Whether you realise it or not, she's probably up in her dorm, crying her eyes out because she thinks you care more about being Gryffindor's star Seeker than about her."
"But I don't!" yelled Charlie angrily. "I love her…"
"Then prove it," said Harry. "Go and tell your girlfriend that you'll be going to Hogsmeade with her this weekend."
Charlie stood there for a few seconds considering what had just been said. "I have a better idea," he mumbled before walking towards the portrait hole. "Keep an eye on 'Dora for a few minutes, okay?" he said before leaving the common room.
Oh my god, thought Harry as he saw Charlie's intentions via Legilimency. He really does love her! He looked towards the stairs to the girl's dorms. Oh well, I suppose I'd better go and see how Tonks is doing…
XxXxXxXxXxX
"Y'know, I don't know why you put up with him, Tonks," Harry heard someone say as he made his way up the staircase, overpowering the 'anti-boy' charms as he went.
"Yeah," agreed another voice. "I mean, calling off a date just so he can go to Quidditch practice? That's just so mean."
Mean? thought Harry as he entered the dorm quietly. Not the word any of my generation would have used, but then again, I'm probably not due to start at Hogwarts for another couple of years. He stood just beside the door and watched the two girls trying to console Tonks, whose hair, Harry noticed, was a dull brown colour. Depression inhibits metamorphic capability, Harry thought, remembering that Tonks's hair always returned to its natural colour whenever she was depressed or upset about something."I just wish he wouldn't put me to one side every time he had Quidditch practice," mumbled Tonks. "It's like I'm just there to help him pass the time."
"I'm sure it's not like that. He's just being a prat, that's all," said one of the girls. Ah, now that sounds more familiar, mused Harry.
"Michelle's right," agreed the other girl. "Charlie does love you. He's just being an insensitive prat. I mean, we all know what boys are like, especially when it comes to sports…"
Harry watched as Tonks's roommates denounced Charlie as being a 'typical insensitive boy' until a surprised yell told him that someone had just tried to come up the staircase, only for the stairs to become a rather slippery slide. Having ended up sprawled over the floor at the bottom of the stairs, the boy in question tried a different tactic.
"Hey, uh, 'Dora!" called the boy, who Harry correctly guessed to be Charlie. "I don't suppose you'd mind coming down here a second would you?"
"You gonna go down?" asked Michelle after a slight pause.
Tonks sighed and nodded as she left the dorm, closely followed by a still invisible Harry.
When Tonks got to the bottom of the stairs, she found that the only person in the common room was Charlie Weasley. He did this every time – he'd get her to come down, then apologise profusely and promise to make it up to her. Well not this time, thought Tonks angrily. I don't care how many times he says 'sorry', none of it ever means anything. It's always the same and there's no way this time's gonna be any different.
But this time, Nymphadora Tonks was wrong.
"You still up for Hogsmeade on Saturday?" he asked, taking her completely by surprise.
"What? But…" she stammered. "How… I thought you had Quidditch practice…"
"Not anymore," interrupted Charlie.
"How come?" asked Tonks.
"Well, I figured that there was little point in going to the practice if I'm not on the team," answered Charlie.
"What?" exclaimed Tonks. "You're… you…"
"I quit the team," said Charlie calmly. "As of today, I am no longer Gryffindor Seeker."
"You quit the team?" spluttered Tonks. "Why?"
"Because you're more important," answered Charlie.
Tonks stared at him incredulously, not sure whether to believe that Charlie Weasley had really given up his position on the Quidditch team just for her.
"So…" Charlie continued. "You still want to come with me to Hogsmeade?"
"Of course I do!" exclaimed Tonks as she hugged Charlie.
Any doubts or regrets that Charlie had had about quitting the Quiditch team disappeared in that moment. He was about to say something else when she kissed him. I guess I'm forgiven, thought Charlie as the two teens stood in each other's embrace in the middle of the common room. As he went to kiss her again, Charlie noticed that Tonks's hair was now pink again, just like she normally had it.
And to think, I was ready to dump him just a few minutes ago, Tonks marvelled, thankful that she had someone that was willing to give up one of their favourite pastimes to be with her. What was I thinking? she thought as she gazed into Charlie's warm brown eyes.
Normally, one of them would have said "I love you" during these kind of moments, but there was no need. Though they would both say it many times throughout the rest of their lives, they both knew it would be unnecessary. They loved each other – that was all there was to it. Nothing else mattered at that moment, not even the pulsing blue light that filled the common room or the sound that vaguely resembled the singing of a Phoenix…
-
AUTHOR'S NOTES
Concerning my dating system – Thanks for the information on Canon dating, but I will be sticking to the 'First Book 1997' system for this and probably SoTG too as I have noticed that some fics have various Harry Potter events taking place today, so moving the timeline forward a few years shouldn't be that big a deal.
Emerald Dragon – The Lone Traveller myth is my creation.
Makokam – From what I could tell, Snape didn't know what Draco's mission was, hence the frustration when he couldn't use Legilimency to find out. At least, I think that's how it was in the 6th book. I could be wrong though.
After the next chapter, there's hopefully gonna be a multi-chapter reality, but until I get the next SoTG chapter done, this is all you're getting…