Tamper with Time
Written by: HoshiHikari
Disclaimer: I do not own HP! That's right, the characters still all belong to J.K Rowling As for the plot, it might have been done before, so I won't take credit for that either
Summary: Complete darkness had befallen across the entire world, wizardry and Muggle alike. The final battle between Harry and Voldemort takes an unexpected turn. Now, the remaining survivors are thrown back into time. Harry must now face a younger and stronger Voldemort, the Voldemort that is currently at the height of power. Can Harry fulfill his destiny before the entire world collapse around him and is consumed by Darkness…again?
Author Notes: I am proud to say that at last I have posted a prequel to "The Reign of Darkness." It's tilted: "The VPMWPV" (the title is quite self explanatory in the case of having read 'RoD'.) Basically who they were and how they became who they are now. The path that was taken that led them onto the road to Darkness. The story behind 'RoD'. After this, I will write a sequel to it, and complete the (planed) trilogy in due time.
Author Notes: "…." talk Italic thoughts/dreams /…/ Parseltongue Snake language underlinetext/letter/writings bold/italicslyrics from songs
Schnuff: thanks for the review! Sorry its confusing. To begin with, no body really knew Harry was that powerful. They thought he needed protection and therefore wasn't allowed to participate until it was too late. True, Voldemort did go back into time as well, but as defined by the chat he had with Severus, he has somehow merge with his younger self so that there is only one Voldemort, a smarter, younger and more powerful person. They recognize the disguise because that was who it was when they were students, that's how they remembered the Professors. Of course everyone is advised to not change the future because of the consequences. However, that's just talk from those who don't time travel. When one is thrown back into time, its hard to believe that one would really stick to the entire past so that the future will play out the same. Well maybe it is confusing and somewhat illogical, however thinking about it deeper, it does work.
A-man: not worried about the swallowtail incident. That's good. Focusing too much on it would only mean a big bad headache. Clues are provided, and have been provided already. Well stick to what you think. First instincts are usually the correct one.
Pleione: thanks again for another review! Thought it was sweet too to have James call Harry by his first name. It's more of that father-son exception. I suppose never knowing his father, and having him suddenly appear in his life in flesh and bone, it'll be just too cold to deny such a thing. As for why Dumbledore isn't allowed, well Harold (as well as the others) want to keep both identities separate (remember, Cho wasn't suppose to let that slip) as too much things will be aroused if this whole time travel thing gets out and the true identities are revealed. However, that might change altogether, but for now, its going to just be Harold. If any people do eventually call Harold, Harry it's because Harry really trust them and therefore it becomes special, like a privilege.
Bukama Stealth: glad you liked it! No, it's a first time post. Really, does it seem like another fic that's out there (I don't want it to be the same) because it defiantly is the first time its been posted, and I'm still writing each chapter out, chapter after chapter. Well there could be reasons for that. I don't know, but hope you like it anyways.
sami1010220: glad the confusion is clarified. It is better when my readers understand what is being expressed. That's why I love it when people bring out questions or comments. It helps me a lot.
Chapter 22 The best time of the year: Arrival and Discovery
"Ready?" Stone asked, touching what seemed to be like a single phoenix feather. The others held onto it as well. They gave him a brief nod.
"Codric" With that the Portkey activated. There was a pull at their nape and then the four disappeared from their cave like temporary dwelling.
"Harold, Jay, Samuel, Xi, Welcome to the Potter Manor, better known as the Headquarters to the Order of the Phoenix" This was followed by clapping, a welcoming clap. An explosion of some sort, with the added effect of balloons and party decorations falling on top of them occurred. Then a large 'Welcome!' banner fell before their eyes, consuming their entire vision.
Harold looked around him. They were in the living room larger then the entire house that resided on Number 4 Privet Drive combined, and only matched by the one in Number 12 Grimmiuld Place. The difference was significant. Unlike his Godfather's place, the room was brightly lit and colorfully decorated. It wasn't dull, or lifeless. There wasn't any mumbling Kreacher around, nor was there a portrait that screamed about loud noises and openly declared their loyalty to the Dark Lord.
Surrounding them, were people, many people. Harold couldn't helped but smile brightly as he was once again standing at the center of his true family, and for the first time, his home, his real home, not at Hogwarts, not at Number 12, not at Privet Drive, but at the Potter's Manor.
"May I introduce Harold Stone, Jay Wolfe, Samuel Swell and Xi Zhang" Dumbledore was saying, before gesturing to the people around them. "and these are some of the members of the Order as well as their family."
Stone's eyes roamed from one person to the next, taking each person's appearance slowly, going clockwise, making sure that he didn't miss any detail, as Dumbledore named them.
"As you already know, since you are colleagues for half of the school term, Minevera McGonagall who is also second to the Order stands at my right." Dumbledore was saying. The group smiled at her, in which she returned.
"Alastor Moody is an auror." Harold smiled shaking the hand that was given to him. "Mad-Eye" He muttered under his breath, loud enough for himself to hear, although he wasn't too sure as Moody's eyes, both of them squinted at that. This man was nearly half the age of the man that Harry had met for the first time. Both his eyes were normal, the large chunk that was suppose to have been missing from his nose was still there, and his neither of his legs were wooden. In fact, the only thing that confirmed this man's as who he was was the hip flask.
"Next to him is Nymphadora Tonks" The young witch opened her mouth to complain, but Dumbledore beat her to it. "Nymphadora Tonks who prefers to be known by her surname only." Tonks closed her mouth. "An auror in training" Dumbledore was saying. "Also a Metamorphmagus." As he said this, her hair changed from bumble gum pink to assorted colors. Harold gave a warm smile to the one who looked like she left school no more then two years ago.
"Kingsley Shacklebolt, a Ministry officer." Dumbledore said, moving on, the man bowing slightly.
"Arthur and Molly Weasley" There was a big smile that spread across Harold's face now. "and their son's Bill, Charlie and Percy" He shook both the elder Weasley's hands. Then he moved to the children.
"Bill will be starting his first year at Hogwarts, September 1st." Molly said explaining. Harold nodded, taking a mental note that the oldest Weasley was 10, making Charlie 8. He frowned seeing the age difference between Charlie and Percy who resided in his father's arms, as the currently youngest son was no older then 1. Turning at Molly it was clear that she was pregnant again, and it wasn't that difficult to guess that the twins were coming next. However staring at the kids only made Stone think, think hard as his mind was suddenly drawn to the concept of time.
If Bill is currently 10 and Charlie is 8 and Percy is 1 and it looks like the twins are coming soon…then there really isn't much time left. The twins are only older then Ron by 2 years. If the Marauder's are in their 6th year now, add three years as one year would be for Fred and George to be born, that's next year and then two years after for Ron, then according to history it would mean I would be born in two years and my parents would have another three years of life.
"Are you alright Harold?" Molly's voice somehow managed to penetrate his thoughts. He pulled himself back together, and shook his head, murmuring that he was fine. "I look forward to teaching you." He said towards Bill, as he tried to push his other thoughts away.
"and here is Ben and Ann Potter and their son James" Dumbledore continued, gesturing and introducing that last two people that were present.
"It's a pleasure to meet you" Harold said awkwardly as it was one thing to know his parents and another to meet his grandparents.
"No, the pleasure is ours" Ben said running his fingers through his hair in a very Potter like fashion. "James has told us many stories about you." He continued.
Harold only nodded, shook their hands and took his place back with his guardains. "Has he now?" he muttered, turning to take a glance at James, only to find Sirius and Remus there as well. Peter was nowhere in sight. "James, Sirius, Remus." He nodded in greeting.
"Both Sirius andRemus would be staying for the duration of the break." Dumbledore was saying. "Ben and Ann have kindly adopted Sirius as a second son. Remus is here as well for his father…." Harry never heard what Dumbledore had said. He was too distracted by the way Wolfe's hand on his shoulder was squeezing very tightly so that he could feel the man shaking. Young Remus' was staring at the floor, shifting his weight from one foot to the next.
It was a while before he realized people were staring at him with the funniest look on them. "I'm sorry. I…"
"It's alright Professor." Lupin slowly looked up at him. Harold was startled to see a pained expression etched on it. "It's been half a year. I've healed."
"I'm sorry, I…" Harold was extremely confused. He wanted to say that he had no idea what they were talking about.
"He's dead. You can't bring back the dead. I've moved on, and that is what really matters."
Harold was quite alarmed at that sentence, as it seemed to have come out of the blue. "I… Sorry..I" The hand on his shoulder suddenly released him and dropped.
"I'm sorry…If you would all excuses me." Wolfe spoke up startling him. He turned in time to watch his guardian walk hurriedly away. Harold took a step, thinking to go after him, wanting to demand what was happening. He didn't move two spaces when a firm hand held him back and Swell's voice said, "Let him go."
The group's eyes followed behind the man wondering the reason behind his abrupt departure. There was a silence that followed. No one seemed to know what to do or say next. Finally Ann spoke up.
"It's late. Boys go to bed. Harold, I assume you and your companions may wish to retire early tonight. We have a whole break ahead; we can start discussing matters then. You might wish to get acquainted with the house, or perhaps check up on your guardian."
The others nodded as they started to disperse. Harold followed the group out, only to be held back by a hand on his shoulder. "Follow me. I'll take you to your room." Alastor said. Stone nodded. "Sure." Both Swell and Xi departed as Ben and Ann each took the initiative to bring them to their respective guest rooms.
The two walked silently, one following the other. At last they stopped in front of a room in the north wing.
"Here it is"
"Thank you, Ma—Alastor" Moody studied him. "Yes, about that. Why did you call me Mad-Eye earlier? I swear you were about to do that just now as well." Even without the eye, Stone felt as though he was being stared right into.
"He loves nicknames. He's created one for almost everyone who he met." The voice of Wolfe came up from behind them. Harold couldn't help but feel grateful at the rescue, as he had no idea how to explain it.
"We've heard a lot about you from the Marauders. They say you're a bit paranoid, a bit mad." Wolfe said, coming into full view. "Indeed." Moody muttered. "although I could say the same to you, Stone" Harold only smiled it out. "So I've been told." He remarked.
Moody nodded his head, before starting to leave again.
"Well then, good night Professors."
"Good night Alastor" Wolfe said responding quickly. "Yeah, good night Mad-Eye" Stone called after him. Moody paused, seemed to throw his hands up in irritation before stalking off again, muttering under his breath.
"Why you walk out like that?" Stone asked, turning onto his guardian, demanding for an answer. He watched as darkness descended into the man's eyes.
"You know why…" anger flash in Wolfe's face and the words came out somewhat hurtful. "You heard what Remus said. You say that's not reasonable…"
"I didn't hear. I was getting at that. I didn't catch what he said."
"Right. You sure acted like you did. Great acting by the way. It sure fooled me. For a split moment I thought you cared. I thought you understood. I thought you meant the words you said." Wolfe seemed to be even angrier then before, but not enough to hide the hurt in him.
Harold stared at the older man bewildered. He had said something wrong, really wrong. Something happened that shouldn't have. He scratched his head, wondering what it was.
"Come in and tell me." He pleaded, knowing that this was his only chance. Whatever it is had been serious and Harold hated himself for missing it.
"There's nothing to say. The world revolves around you and you only. Why the hell do you care about me and my life?" Having said that, Wolfe hurried away, only to have Stone catch up with him as he was about to enter his won .
"I do care. Please Remus. What is that's bothering you? What is it that I've done wrong or said wrong." Wolfe made no attempt to talk as he gave the password, half way slamming the door, but Stone caught it on time.
"My father died in the end of my 5th year. To be more precise, he was forced through the veil the same day Snuffles fell through"
Harold was now in complete shock.
"Coincidence? I don't think so. Let us say I've never properly healed. Never had a chance, aside from what young Remus may think now. When Snuffle's fell through, he reminded me of my father, and you reminded me of me. It reopened wounds. Then earlier today it was again reopened by Remus' reminder. Now you're trying to forcefully reopen them!"
"Moo---"
"Just leave me alone, Harry." Jay tried to close the door shut, but instead found that it opened more and Stone admitted himself inside, only then did he let it shut. Stone then cast a silencing barrier.
"Remus I had no idea. I'm sorry alright. I mean it." Stone was entirely sincere. "If I've know earlier. If you've shared…"
"Where were you the last 20 minutes when I did mention it?" Jay said hotly.
"My mind was not here." He admitted. "I was thinking, very deeply. The concept of time suddenly caught onto me." Wolfe made no attempt to speak or show any sign that he was listening. "and I've come to realize that my parents." Stone gulped hard. "has about three, possibly four more years of life."
At this, Wolfe did retort. "Right. I'm sorry I've interrupted on some family matters." He said bitterly, taking a seat on the bed. "after all, the world revolves around the all high and mighty Potters, that Lupins and Blacks mean nothing to them." The instant those words came out he regretted it. The pained expression that flashed across Stone's face stabbed him in his chest, and seemed to have mentally knocked him backwards.
"Harry I…I didn't mean"
"I'll come back another time." Stone said briskly, his hand on the door knob. Then in a very small voice he added. "Just so you know. You're the most important person in my life, much more then Severus or Cho would ever be. I've never known my parents, and knowing them now won't change anything. They'll never make a lasting impression more then Sirius ever will and he's the closest person I've let into my life and even still there is a huge gap between the space where I hold a place for you.
If you must know, then I will tell you. Frankly I doesn't matter to me at all if James of Lily survive pass October 31st, the day they are suppose to deceases. I've already lived more then 20 years without their presence besides me, what harm will it do to live another 80 years without them? Of course I always wanted a family, but you Severus and Cho have already made that possible, have already proven that.
If you must know, then I will tell you. Frankly I don't care if James or Lily survive past October 31st, when they are doomed to parish. You are the most important, most influential, adult in my life and ever will be, not even Severus of Cho would ever come close. Even with my parents around, they won't make a lasting impression that would come close to the one Sirius has done, and he is the closest person to fill the gap between you and the rest of the world.
All I've wanted to do was help. You've helped me overcome pains and sorrows. Its about time I did the same. However, if you do not wish to, then I will leave. I understand."
Stone was half way out when Wolfe spoke again. "Growing up, he was everything I had, the only one I had. He pulled me out of darkness and supported me when there was no one there. I suppose it's a bit touchy when it comes to matters regarding my father. I tend to be a little overprotective of him and quite defensive."
There was a silence. "My mother died the after I accidentally tore her apart during my second transformation at 7." Wolfe said quietly. "Not only did my father not hate me for it. He didn't blame me."
Stone stood stiffly, not knowing what to do. Finally at last he decided to remain so that he could listen to the tale. He closed the door, added extra wards, pulled up a chair to the bed, conjured two butterbears and waited.
"He was extremely protective of me and my weakness." Wolfe was saying after graciously taking the butterbear that had been offered. "After the incident with my mother, the world knew what I was. Without hesitation, the world turned against me. The only person that defended me was my father. When I say only, I mean only." Wolfe heaved in a deep breath. "My mother was a witch, my father was a Muggle. At that time, there was no Albus Dumbledore in my life. In fact, he didn't show up until after I begin being tried in the Wizardry World." He said quite bitterly.
"Although my father was a Muggle, he knew about this world as my mother had told him all about it." Wolfe took another sip from his butterbear. "He accepted my mother and thus became a part of this world." A pause.
"At this time, my father was still living in the Muggle World. I was sent into one Muggle court after the next being persecuted for being a murderer, and a werewolf, a creature which should have only existed in horror tales. Lawsuit after lawsuit was filed against us, each proclaiming my death. At last, after each appeal we were finally brought to the highest court, and we failed. I was sentenced to be terminated within a week."
By now Stone's mouth had been hanging open for a while, and when he finally realized it, he snapped it shut. Both of his hands were sweating now, and a cold chill ran down his back, even though he knew that in the end Remus was not 'terminated' as the man was sitting in front of him and telling his tale.
"As for a final resort, my father appealed to the wizardry world." Wolfe's voice was extremely cold now. "Things didn't get better, but only worst. The ministry would look at our case if I agreed to register as a werewolf, and admit that I did kill my mother, therefore admitting to the first offense of being a murderer."
Stone balled his knuckles, gripping so tight that it was now white.
"My father had no choice but to accept the terms. It was either that or my death."
Stone made a move to interrupt, but Wolfe waved him off.
"The wizardry world oblivated my case off the face of the Muggle world. Still, the mark was there. My story had become one of those myths and legends of their world.
Afterwards, my trail was set. The Minister at the time was Barty Crouch Sr. If there is anyone worst then Fudge, it would be him. As I said before, my first trail was the first time I've met Albus Dumbledore. It wasn't a pleasant meeting, although he was defending us with his popularity, after all, we did meet in court. His figure and power made little difference. For 9 years, my case was being held. In the end, we still lost. I was charged for the same offensives."
Jay studied Harold, pausing to note the hatred flare in his eyes, for who he was not sure, although he knew that he wouldn't want to be that person.
"There was nothing Albus Dumbledore could do. My father pleaded to him, that he'll do anything to spare me. Dumbledore listened on, and at last he gave in. On the day before the trail, we had the Polyjuice Potion in play. I was my father and my father was me. That day, I've watched him being forced through the Veil." Wolfe was now choking the words out. "As far as the Ministry and the rest of the world know my father committed suicide afterwards.
From then on, I've been taken in by Dumbledore and under a disguise in which the world would see me as, although my closes friends would still see me as whom I was. I finished my schooling. Only shortly afterwards, the nightmare began. James and Lily died. Peter was presumably the dead, and Sirius was presumably the murderer. For a second time my whole world crashed before me. For the next 12 years, I tore myself away from the wizardry world and cut all ties to it." Then very softly he said. "The only reason I came back was because Sirius broke out and I knew then and there that I was going to avenge your parents and you, as I had no idea you survived. To say the least, I was very surprise to find you at Hogwarts, perhaps not healthy, but at least, alive. When I did return, my reappearance as a dead man walking caught no one's attention as the world had changed too drastically to care and my case had become a long lost fragment within the world's memories."
A very long silence overlapped afterwards. The two sat with Harold grasping onto his guardian's hands. "I'm sorry Remus. I'm so sorry." He said over and over again. "I didn't mean to bring up these matters."
Wolfe put a hand on his shoulder. "There's nothing you can do. I've moved on. I've seen death as much as you have. We both know there isn't anything to do about it, nothing more then to accept it and move on."
"but if only…"
"Harry, just drop it alright. Please." Stone stared at him. Finally he nodded. He didn't know what to say or how to provide some comforting words. It had been so long, there really wasn't much that could be done. Wolfe seemed to be far away and still consumed in the past.
"Remus…"
"Harry. Just go." Harold stood up, squeezed the man's shoulder once, before taking his leave. He didn't want to, but he respected his guardian. If his guardian wanted to be alone, then he would oblige by it.
So how is it? Please tell me what you think! Remember to Review!