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: "…." talk Italic thoughts/dreams /…/ Parseltongue Snake language underlinetext/letter/writings bold/italicslyrics from songs
Bahzad thanks!
Pleione: not entirely sure which name thing you are talking about…but at least it makes sense. I made Tonks newly graduated, not two years older then the Marauders. I think she was training for auror at the time. Have to check. Remus' story is very interesting. Had to make some excuses of why he would be with them, and it had to be a good reason too.
noellethat doesn't matter!Glad you think its good though! At least then it'll motivate you to hurry up and finish catching up! Maybe you might catch up by my next post! Who knows?
Chapter 23 The best time of the year: Christmas
The next few days passed by quickly. The house came to life as Christmas approached. People were scurrying in and out of the Potter Manor, visiting Diagonal Alley and returning with boxes and boxes of presents. Jay, Samuel, and Xi were of no exception. They each went out to buy presents, on their own time and when one came back, another went off. That was the plan. So far, only Stone seemed to have been the one that hadn't left the Manor since his arrival. No one knew why, and when questioned, no one got a straight answer. After a few unsuccessful tries, the houses' occupants just left the man alone. That is, everyone except James.
That was how people found them, in the company of each other. Harold's guardian knows better then everyone else, knew that Harold was perfectly fine. It wasn't a surprise to them if he just wanted time with his father. James' friends Sirius and Remus seemed to become tighter with the absence of James. The bond between the three didn't decrease and was just as strong as ever. They respected his absence and let him be, especially since James seemed better off with Harold, and Sirius had a still grieving Remus to deal with. The others left the two alone, as they knew of nothing else that they could do.
Christmas was approaching, and the days seemed to fly faster then ever. The Potter Manor seemed to become a popular gathering area, as more and more people dropped by and stayed. Before anyone knew it, Christmas Eve had approached, and Harold found himself standing before an all too familiar house. Earlier that morning, he had risen before everyone else, and had left the Potter Manor long before anyone noticed.
Now he found himself standing in the midst of Muggle London, facing a building which he had not seen for nearly 7 years. Even so, the small house that resided on Number 4 Privet Drive was exactly as he had last seen it. Surprisingly enough, this house was home of the Evans and the Dursley's had moved in only after the deaths of Harry's grandparents, followed shortly by his mother.
Harold heaved in a deep breath. Then shaking off the horrible memories caused by this house, he reminded himself of his purpose in being here. Slowly he reached out his hand, and rung the door bell. No response. He rung it again. Still nothing. A third, a fourth, and then a fifth time. Harold sighed. Perhaps they weren't home, as he hadn't checked earlier to make sure that they would be there. After another sigh, he turned to leave.
The door clicked at last. Harold rapidly spun around. "Hello Mr. Evans. I'm Harold Stone and I'm here to take Lily back to Hogwarts for…."
There was giggling, and Harold abruptly stopped. He was about to ask what was so funny when, he noticed who had answered the door, and his mistake.
"Hello Professor Stone." Lily said, holding the door open for him, as her laughter died down. "Oh my god, you should have seen your face and the way you've said it. No offense Professor, but you're funny."
Harold only smiled. "Perhaps." A pause. "Now are you're parents home Ms. Evans? I'll like to have a word with them."
Lily shook her head. "They are visiting Petunia. She's studding in France you know? I heard they went not to see her, but her boyfriend. Venon, Vernum…Vernon, yes Vernon Dursley"
If Harold was surprised at this, he did his best to hide it. "Even better then."
Lily gave him a funny look. "Are you here to take me back to Hogwarts now? Or are we going stand here till the end of break?"
Harold seemed to snap out of his daze, his daydream of his Aunt meeting his Uncle in France. It brought a sly smile to his face. "Oh yes, yes of course. Pack your things. You'll be remaining at Headquarters for the remaining duration of the break."
"Headquarters'? I thought we're going to Hogwarts."
Harold chooses to ignore this. "Leave a note for your parents." He bent down and stared directly at her. "Don't worry. You're be fine."
Lily nodded. Without saying a word, she went inside again, letting the door shut, and leaving Stone outside. Ten minutes later, she came out, with her trunk behind her. Stone took it, shrunk it, and placed in his pocket.
"So got your Christmas shopping done?"
"yes…"
"I don't. First stop Diagonal Alley, then to Headquarters." Lily made no objection, and even if she did, she knew there would be no difference. From experience, she knew that whatever this Professor said goes. It was said that even Dumbledore couldn't get a firm grip on the man and that even he had losing disputes with Stone.
The two appeared through Portkey into the center of a very busy street in the heart of Diagonal Alley. "Come on. The earlier we finish. The less suspicion would be aroused of my absence."
Lily looked up at him with questioning eyes. Harold noticed and gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. Just don't want to worry everyone over nothing."
Lily stopped abruptly. "Wait, you mean Professor Dumbledore doesn't know about this."
"Correct" Harold continued walking, pushing a reluctant Lily along.
"Does anyone know about this? Are you suppose to have taken me?"
"No one knows. As I said, the sooner we get back, the less the suspicion."
Lily took a step back from him.
"Trust me aright. That's all I'm asking. Trust me." The sincerity in Stone's voice, washed all doubt away from Lily.
"Alright," she said at last.
Stone brightened. "Come on then. Let's go shopping." He paused. "What do you think Sirius, and Remus would like?"
There was an incredulous look on her face, one that say 'How should I know'? "Why the hell would I buy presents for those two?"
"I insist. It will come in handy. Besides we aren't leaving till that is done."
Lily shrugged. She thought a bit, before brightening.
"I think I know just the things. Come on" Quite enthusiastically, she led her Professor away, going from shop to shop and coming out with presents under each arm.
"What about James?" She asked, half an hour later, noticing that he hadn't mentioned him earlier. "and Peter?"
"are you done with those two?" Stone asked.
"Yes. What about those two?" she repeated. "Why did you insist on Black and Lupin?"
"We won't be seeing Mr. Pettigrew till the end of break. I already have James' present at hand. All I need is to wrap it up."
"Where?"
"Right here…Look below you."
There was a muffled scream that came from her, as she seemed to have been hit with something. The next thing she knew, her world blackened around her.
"Harry!" A voice greeted him the moment he got back. He was surprised at the very least that anyone was still awake by the time he got back to the Potter Manor. It was nearly 1 A.M and Christmas morning. Then again, it was Christmas, and therefore there always had to be exceptions.
"Jay." Harold said simply, nodding to his guardian as he heaved in package, after package of fully wrapped boxes. "Late Christmas presents." He muttered. Jay looked at him.
"Really?" Jay didn't seem to buy. "You've been gone all day. No note, no nothing. If I didn't know you better, I would have allowed Dumbledore to send out the whole Order in search for you."
Harold chuckled.
"You had your dad worried." Jay whispered, barely audible. "Not to mention me…" Another pause. "It's unlike you…"
"I know. I'm sorry. I'm alright. I'm old enough to take care of myself."
"I know you are…but I have a right to be a bit overprotective of my cub. Don't you think?" Wolfe said simply, coming over to help take the presents to the Christmas tree. Harry only grinned.
"So what you buy?"
"Oh, just some random things. You'll find out later today. I'm sure you'll love it. I'm sure everyone would love it, especially James."
Wolfe gave the life size package that was labeled 'James' a look, before shaking it off, wondering what it was. "I suppose I'll find out then." He remarked. Taking one last look, he nodded once more at Harry before taking his leave as he retired for some sleep.
"Merry Christmas Harry!" was the first thing that greeted Stone as he entered to the dinning hall. He stood there, stunned a bit, as he realized that it was James who had said that.
"Same to you James!" Stone called out, waving in acknowledgement. Those present, gave the two a quick glance before shaking it off.
"Morning Samuel" Stone said, bouncing up to Swell, producing a box and placing it in the man's arms.
"It's more of late afternoon. I can't believe it Stone, you slept in on Christmas." Swell remarked. "So unlike you."
"Finally! You're up sleepy head" Xi said, coming up from behind him, and giving him a afternoon hug.
"Great! Presents time!" Sirius yelled as he came into the room. "Sonorus!" he pointed his wand at his throat, magnified his voice before yelling. "Professor Stone's up! Get your presents now!"
With a blur of colors, the dinning hall was filled with people. Both students, and Professors, including Dumbledore entered with a simple apparation charm.
"Ah, Harold my boy. Up at last?" Professor Dumbledore greeted. "I daresay, you kept unraveling presents at bay…."
"huh?"
"James here insisted we wait." Remus said. "Sirius agrees with me though. There is no point in waiting. All it does is delay the inevitable"
"What inevitable?" Stone asked, as he picked up the presents and began distributing them. Young Remus and Sirius exchanged a shy face, before turning to James.
"Let's just say, payback for the time lost with us! James is a Marauder! He's too sane with you around. Too much of a goody good."
Stone only smiled at Remus, while punching Jay in a friendly matter, as though knocking him for saying that, while handing the man his present. "Now, who's suppose to level minded. You're just as mischievous as those two!"
Before young Lupin could retort, a scream of shock echoed through the room. All heads turned immediately to find Tonks pointing at something that was flying around Alastor.
Harold smiled, he pulled out his wand. "Hey Mad-Eye!" he called cheerfully. "Right here!" Alastor looked up, acting from reflex as he had been called 'Mad-Eye' too often, so that others began calling him that as well.
"What Stone?"
Before he knew it, a spell was cast and it hit Moody's left eye. The next thing the knew it, there was a brief pain. He shut his eyes, and when he opened it, the pain had stopped.
Gasps echoed through the room, from everyone, that is, everyone except a few. The most surprising one came from Moody himself. His left eye had been replaced by the Magical eye, that Stone had took this chance to return it to him. What was more, was there were some new features, and some other features that did not allow certain things.
"I think it'll come in handy." Stone was saying. "The eye is charmed. You can see right through anything solid. Invisibility is no longer an issue. You can see the back of your head. In fact, it can bounce right out, and it'll still be fine."
"yet, it cost me a good eye." Moody growled.
"Constant Vigilance, Mad-Eye. Constant Vigilance." Stone winked, using the man's favorite phrase against him. Moody gave an outward growl.
"Right." He said, before saying no more, as he tried out his new eye, trying to find all its magical attributes.
"Neat!" Sirius cried out, as he opened the present that Stone gave him. Both Remus and James peered down to take a better look. Sirius held up his present for all to see. It appeared to be normal, or as normal as can be. It was the same two way mirror that Sirius had given Harry for Christmas. The only difference was, it wasn't two ways, but many ways.
"I'm afraid I can't afford much. Remus, James also has one. It functions the same. It's a great, but secretive form of communication." As Stone said this, he held up the one that should have belonged to Peter. "It's been charmed so that only us, can use it. To assure this, it's been charmed to be activated by a addressing a certain person by a certain name, word or phrase."
"What name?"
Stone looked around at those gathered, before shaking his head. "It's not like I don't trust the people here now, but I have my reasons for keeping it between us only. Find me later." He winked at them. "Besides, I don't want to get in trouble with the headmaster or the other Professors, for promoting uses of such items, especially if used for pranks or communication during detentions. Even more importantly though." Stone coughed and turned seriously to look at that. "It's been done so, so that outsiders can't access it, in case it ends up in the wrong hands."
"So its another of those, useful, prep for life, for war, for survival type thing." Remus asked. Stone nodded.
"Then you should have given us an eye or something…like Mad-Eye" Sirius remarked, earning a scowl from the man.
"Hey, where's mines?" James asked, prowling through the gifts to find one, but only found the enormous life size box, which he had sworn to open last.
"It's part of the big one" Stone said casually. James, shrugged, as he proceeded to open other presents.
Stone continued with his own. He had already opened presents from everyone else, but his guardians. So far he had received a phoenix tattoo from Dumbledore, free of charge. To an extent it was like a Muggle tattoo, and had to be engraved by the Phoenix onto raw skin. The difference was, each Order member had to pay for the tattoo and the engraving. Stone had gotten it for free as a Christmas present.
From the Marauder's as a group, he had received a scrapbook of their years, with all four together, both in human an animagus/werewolf form. It included pranks and memorable moments. The best part was that it came to life, like holograms, bringing every moment back to life.
From the Weasley's he had gotten a sweater with a big 'H' in front (something he had gotten every year from them, in addition to other presents). Along with that was a family portrait. In return Harry had given the Weasley's a set of supplies, and books, along with money that would help support the schooling for Bill, Charlie, and Percy (though he still dislike that son), for the next seven years of their schooling.
From everyone else he had gotten gifts that ranged drastically from a hip flask from Mad-Eye to a book on Metamorphgus (?) and how to become one from Tonks.
The present that Xi gave, wasn't too surprising. By now he had expected a certain amount from her. This time, she had given her a painting of a butterfly that fluttered to life, and everything that it touched, bloomed into life, as the landscape was that of the 'end of the world' scene. It was an inspiring picture, and provided hope to him, and lifted his spirits, whenever he felt lost or dark. In return to that, he planed to give her something to show her just how important she was in his life. The gift was still in his pocket, as he planned to do it privately.
Swell had given more then any physical object could give. He had given him tolerance, and had spoken to his younger self about it as well. The end result was both Severus and Samuel acted civilly towards the Marauder's so that a neutral feeling was formed between them. Even if it was just for Harry's sake, Swell took the first step, made an effort to amend the hatred that was formed between his younger self and his nemeses. Harry was grateful for that, and knowing Swell as well as he did, could only return to the gift by speaking privately to the Marauder's and make sure they understood the importance of acting neutrally towards the Slytherin, even if they did not like him. For their Professor's sake, the group had complied.
Now, Stone turned to his last gift that was left unopened. It was from Jay. He quickly glanced over at the man who had just unwrapped his present, and was staring numbly at it.
"Hey Jay!" Stone waived at him. "Try it" He had given his guardian a potion that he had invented himself. With the help of Swell, the Potion Master and the Boy-Who-Lived had created a potion that would humanize the werewolf. Instead of transforming on full moon into a werewolf, the attributes of the werewolf would be transformed into a full, wolf. It was also done so that, the wizard or witch taking the potion would be able to freely turn into his or her other form, in a similar way as an animagus did.
"Does it work?" Wolfe choked out at last, having a hard time imagining what his life would be like without being a werewolf.
"What is it?" Xi asked, curiously.
Stone smiled. "It's between me and Jay. Our little secret."
"No offense Harold, but you aren't good at Potions. You never were." Wolfe said playfully.
He turned once more to his guardian. "I think it's safe. I mean, how could it not be. Samuel here has been breathing down my neck, every second I've been making it. You don't want to get him upset with it. It doesn't matter who you are, when it comes to potions, he's very serious about it, and affords no mistakes. When it comes to such an abstract branch of magic, I don't think there is anyone better."
Swell growled, but made no comment. "It was either this or Wolfsbane. I think one of this, though it took nearly 5 years to brew, considering research and going blindly, with trail and error, its worth it. After all, its only one of this, and thousands of those. I have no time for it." Wolfe chuckled.
"Wolfsbane?" Dumbledore asked curiously.
"it's a potion that allows a werewolf to keep his human mind during transformations. However with this, the whole problem should be solved all together."
"Such things exist?"
"Oh, many things exist. Just because its not well known in the world, doesn't mean it is not there. Rumor has it, your friend Flamel has invented something miraculous, over three hundred years ago."
Dumbledore raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
"So Harry, like your present?" Wolfe asked, cutting into the conversation. Stone shrugged, he still hadn't opened it yet. "Wait, hold up. Let me see." In one gesture, he ripped open the package.
"Oh my god." He cried out in response. His fingers were turning into paws. His skin had turned furry, and his body was shrinking. The box that was now empty laid on the floor. "Oh my god. Oh my god! What the hell did you do Jay!" he yelled out.
Wolfe shrunk back, slipping behind Swell who was staring horrified at Stone, his eyes like everyone else bulged out.
"What the----" A growled escaped as it replaced the words. Then it happened. Stone's body changed before everyone. When it was complete, James, Sirius, Remus, Wolfe, Bill and Charilie were laughing loudly. Percy was giggling. Dumbledore, Xi was holding soft smiles. Swell as everyone else was, was staring in pure shock, not knowing if they should be grateful that they were not the victims. Swell in particular felt grateful that it didn't occur to him as it would have defiantly been his worst memory.
A small, young animal was yelping, horrified at what happened. Sprouting from his head was antlers. He had the head of a black dog. His body was that of a wolf. The tail was that of a rat. As bad as it may have seemed, the creature looked quite cute, and helpless, as it tried to transform into his original form.
"Ah so cute!" Bill cried out as he chased the creature around the room, trying to hug it. Charlie chased after wand out, following his brother as they tried to hex the animal, or more like prank it. The three went from room to room, chasing one after the other.
"Hey Prongs. Have a go?" Sirius asked, mischievously. The two exchanged one look before running after the group. It wasn't long before young Remus joined in.
"Well, so much for Constant Vigilance." Alastor commented, turning to Wolfe. "Hey how you do that? He's been impossible to get."
Wolfe laughed more, before forcefully letting it subside. "hey, no one knows my cub better then me. He's been too serious and stressed out lately. It's about time to loosen up." He paused." Although I'm sure I'll pay heavily for it later. No one gets away from his grasps when he means it."
Made-Eye's new eye flew out of its socket as it zoomed after the group, as though not wanting to miss it. "You better get him. Poor cub's been cornered." He commented. "The eye's actually very useful."
Wolfe nodded. "Excuse me everyone." He said as he went off to retrieve his charge. Ten minutes later, he came back cuddling the young animal in his arms. Stone was struggling against it, but at the same time it was obvious that he enjoyed it.
"Had fun cub?" Wolfe asked as the children crowded around him. Stone gave a whining sound, as his paws fumbled with the wand in his guardian's hands.
"Oh, alright, alright." He laughed. "but promise me, you won't do anything serious to me?" he said as he let the cub go. Pointing his wand at it, he muttered some words, and Stone was once again standing before everyone.
"You're dead Wolfe." He said simply, though he made no attempt to get back at the older man. "So is everyone else." He took a step toward James. "Now go…you all have ten before I come and get you."
James dashed behind Wolfe. "Help." He cried out. Wolfe stepped aside. "Sorry, no can do, better you, then me." He said laughing.
James frowned. "No fun. Come on Sirius. Help me with my last present." He said, as though nothing had happened earlier.
"Speaking of which, don't you have something for me." Xi asked Stone. "Yeah, its still upstairs. I'll get it." He said, heading for the door. "James, open yours first."
They watched as Harold went upstairs, before shaking it off, and turning to James and Sirius who was beginning to open the present.
Harold slipped away easily. He already had Xi's present in his pocket, but then again he didn't want to be there when James found out what it was. He waited in his room. Five minutes, then minutes, fifteen minutes, passed in silence, causing him to wonder. He was about to go down and check when a scream echoed through the house.
"Harold Stone! Get down here!" James' voice boomed through the Manor. Stone shrugged, before making his way down there again, knowing that he could not delay explanation any longer.
"A chocolate Lily? A life size chocolate Lily Evan?" James said, pointing at the statute of chocolate that was half unwrapped.
"Very detailed too, don't you think mate?" Sirius said.
Everyone now turned to Stone, wide eyed, with many questions floating in it.
"Alright guys, don't kill me for it. That's not all."
"Not all?" James asked, yanking the mirror of the chocolate's hand. Stone sighed, pointed his wand and the food, and murmured something. The group watched as the head of the chocolate disappeared, only to be replaced by a real one.
"PROFESSOR HAROLD STONE!" Lily Evan yelled, the minute the chocolate's head fell off. Before anyone knew it, a chocolate covered Lily Evan was dashing around the room, trying to hex the man.
"He's sure an odd person. So unpredictable." Moody commented to no one in particular, as he examined the room, his normal eye on James who seemed rooted to the floor and his magical eye on the chase that was going on around the house.
After much chasing, the two finally settled down. Dumbledore didn't ask how it came to be that Lily ended up at the Potter Manor. Whatever the reason, he felt no need to address it as it was Christmas, and Lily didn't seem extremely angry about being here. Besides, the only way to get it out would be if either was willing to speak of him, something he knew neither would do.
"Well, Mr. Stone. You've sure cause a lot of trouble today." Xi said scolding as they began to settle down. "Now where's my present. You won't want me going after you as well would you?"
Stone shook his head. "Close your eyes." He whispered. Xi looked at him suspiciously before doing so. Taking out the present from his pocket, he bent down and go on one knee before her. The room immediately fell silent as those there froze with what they were doing and stare at him.
"Alright, open them." He said.
Xi gasped. She had been expecting anything but this.
"Xi Zhang, would you marry me, Harold Stone?"
There was complete silence as the room held its breath and waited. Xi closed her eyes. She had been waiting for this moment since longer then she could ever recall. She loved the man, and it was a feeling visa versa, however because of the second war, it wasn't the appropriate time for Harry to have too many close connections. Then of course there was another reason, or reasons. One reason or another of why to or why not to marry the man, such as one being it was everyone's dream to marry the great Harry Potter, or since the matter of the Potter line being nearly extinct and so was almost everyone around him, having such connections with the man was not good. However, it wasn't these reasons that pulled Xi to or away from him. She had a greater purpose to serve, she had always believed so, and marrying him was one of these things that would help achieve that great purpose.
"Yes!" she cried out, tears of joy running down her cheeks. "Yes, Harold Stone. Harry. I'll marry you."
It's been awhile. A longer chapter to make up for it. Hope you all enjoyed Christmas! Remember to Review!