Harry Potter: Otherworld

On Edge

***No own no sue. ***

*Twitter for updates, Angelslayer135

I will keep a running list of male to female names as characters are introduced at the end of each chapter.

***HP:O ***

Harry recognized the face staring up at him as if frozen in time. Beatrice Haywood, one of the girls in his dueling club. She was nice, had been nice to him. But how? How had she been petrified? It didn't make any sense and any attempts to figure out the puzzle were interrupted by a professor pushing through the crowd that had gathered.

"All of you, back to your dorm rooms immediately. Not you mister Potter, you come with me." Protests began but were quickly silenced by a glare from Snape. "He is the only one among you not standing there gawking like a buffoon, which is why he will be accompanying me to the Headmistress' office... unless any of you would like to join me for your weekends instead?"

It had been enough of a threat to disperse the onlookers and the motionless girl was immediately floated off towards the medical ward while he was guided up towards Dumbledore's office. It was only after arriving, and being told to wait outside, that Harry realized he hadn't flinched away from her touch as he had before.

This was ignored for the time being, however, as there remained a far more pressing catastrophe. Clearly, someone had discovered the Chamber of Secrets and commanded the Basilisk, but who, and how?

He hadn't seen anyone acting suspiciously, and Ginny was cleared several times over. Not only that but there had been no history of murders in the past. If someone had found the Chamber, then they had done an excellent job of keeping it concealed as its name implied.

Before he could run down a list of circumstantial suspects the door opened, and it was McGonagall's soft face that greeted him, "Harry, could you come in please." He followed as requested, feet seeming to guide him without his command, and a second later he was sitting in a chair offered by Dumbledore with the other Heads of House along with Snape and Madam Pomfrey.

"It appears, that miss Haywood was indeed petrified." the nurse explained, caution and concern evident in her voice. "Though the cause is not yet known."

Even without her own glance in his direction Harry could tell that interest quickly shifted onto him. He hated it, hated the attention, hated being stared at like a pariah or savior, hated being treated differently.

"Mr. Potter," Augustina softly intoned, "Last year we talked about keeping your knowledge secret, of the problems knowing even a possible future could have. However, a student has been placed in jeopardy, and I have a sickening feeling that this was not an accident, and that you might have an idea of what is going on."

The boy merely shrugged helplessly, "Yes? No? I don't know anymore."

"Anything you can tell us would be helpful, Harry."

If anyone noticed the frown directed by Riddle for the use of his first name, they chose not to comment. "It... did happen, at least sort of, in my world. Petrification of students I mean, but this isn't the same, it can't be the same."

Ignoring the second part of his argument Flitwick gave a gentle nudge, "Was the cause discovered?"

Harry nodded, "A Basilisk."

Gasps filled the rooms, and it was Serena who decided to reply, "Impossible, the wards around Hogwarts prevent such a creature from coming within sight of the castle without being reduced to ash."

This time Harry's reply was laced with anger and annoyance, "Not if it was already here. You can blame your precious Sala... Slytherin, whatever his or her name is in this universe. They were the ones who decided to keep a monster in the Chamber."

A hushed silence fell until broken by Riddle, "You mean The Chamber of Secrets?"

"Yeah, the one and only, thankfully. It was let out in my world, used to attack Muggleborn students. Luckily, they were only petrified instead of killed."

Dumbledore gently interrupted, "You said it was 'let out'? By whom?"

The boy shook his head once more, "It doesn't matter who did it last time, they aren't responsible this time, I already checked. Someone slipped her a possessed diary, and it took over her mind, made her do things. But it isn't her I swear."

"Miss Weasley, I assume?" the Gryffindor Head of House inquired, a knowing smile on her face, "She and I had a talk about boys taking unusual attention in girls and their books."

Harry flushed red with embarrassment, "Yeah... just had to make sure. But like I said it isn't her, which means it can't be the same as my time."

"Why not? Perhaps there isn't a book this time, maybe it is someone else?"

But the boy-who-lived, merely sighed, "It isn't that simple. Only a Parselmouth can access the chamber and control the monster. So, unless it is really common in this world, we are looking at a different cause."

Snape, however, chose this opportunity to speak, "It is a rare trait, one that very few share. If memory serves Professor Riddle is the only one to have access to Hogwarts with such an ability, isn't that right?"

Said woman returned the stare, "I've never hidden my ability, you know this."

"And you have also devoted quite a bit of time to finding the Chamber of Secrets, have you not?" The potion mistress continued pressing but failed to earn even the slightest fluster from the older witch.

"As any Slytherin with the time and expertise, yes, I have spent more than a few sleepless nights on this mystery."

Snape's gaze snapped back to Harry, "Who was it that created the diary in your world?"

Shrinking a bit under the attention refocused on him, Harry let out a muttered, "The Dark Lord."

"The same one who shares a last name with our Defense professor. The same one you suspected of attempting to steal the Philosopher Stone last year. Perhaps Mr. Potter's concerns were not as far off as we believed."

Grace straightened her back and shoulders, eyes narrowing, "If you are going to accuse me of something Professor, then do so."

"I am simply pointing out that as of right now you are the only one with the means and ability to commit the crime."

She was right, to a degree, but it didn't matter to Harry. What mattered was that he had been at the receiving end of such blind accusations before. "She's not..." he sighed already knowing what this was going to result even as the adults looked towards him once more, "She's not the only Parselmouth at Hogwarts..."

Snape opened her mouth to inquire further when the room fell silent save for the hissing that emanated from the boy. After speaking a few words in the language Harry found himself staring down at his hands, already aware of the looks he was receiving.

"It's why I didn't say anything before..." He all but whispered, "I was suspected in my own second year for the same reason."

His words seemed to have enough of an impact to cause embarrassment in most of those present even as the Headmistress cleared her throat, "And you shouldn't be. No one should be judged for a trait that they were born with or have no control over."

Another silence fell for a few seconds before Snape spoke once more, "Well, it is obvious he isn't involved."

Harry was quite sure why her dismissal annoyed him to the extent it did. Maybe it was too many years of being ignored, maybe it was the feeling as though a man could never do anything so manipulative, hell maybe it was just resentment towards the woman. Either way he opened his mouth to speak when she interrupted him.

"You might not be the craftiest of Slytherins Mr. Potter, but you aren't a fool. Why in the world would you make yourself one of the only two suspects if you were guilty?"

It was a good point, and Harry found himself, unwittingly perhaps, agreeing with the woman. Still, he had dismissed glaring evidence before on the grounds that it 'didn't make any sense'. "You should probably have someone keep an eye on me anyway." More than one adult stared back at him in confusion, forcing him to continue in his explanation. "Ginny didn't know what she was doing either until it was too late. I'm sure there are plenty of spells or magical items that can produce similar effects."

Dumbledore smiled softly before nodding, "That's a very good point Harry and very thoughtful of you to make such a request. We will ensure that any such guardian is appropriate and does not interfere with your studies or social life."

***HP:O ***

Harry had been dismissed from the staff meeting shortly after his suggestion, and from there he wandered about the halls for a few minutes before finding himself outside. Feeling restless, he directed himself towards the Quidditch Pitch in the hopes of finding it empty and perhaps even being able to do some flying while there was no one else around to see him.

Unfortunately, his luck didn't hold, and there was already a group of students practicing by the time he made it. Regardless, he couldn't find the urge to return to the stone corridors, and instead found an empty seat in one of the stands to rest in and allowed his mind to wander.

The entire situation was one big mess, and Riddle was clearly the primary suspect. It was just like the previous year, only this time the evidence clearly pointed towards the woman. But unlike before he just... couldn't see it.

Grace Riddle hadn't killed anyone during her own time at Hogwarts, hadn't left behind any evidence of the Chamber's opening. She wasn't a crazed sociopath proclaiming the superiority of Purebloods or women, hell she seemed nice when the outer frosty layers were pushed aside.

Nice.

Grace Riddle, nice.

Tom Riddle, nice.

Voldemort, nice.

Harry shook his head with a snort at that trail of logic. "Feels like I'm starting to go mad."

"It happens to the best of us." A voice replied, turning the boy's attention to the Headmistress who emerged nearby. "Would you mind some company?"

He was quick to gesture to the closest empty spot, "Sure."

Augustina sat down, weariness evident in her movements as she let out a sigh and began watching the players soaring high above. "Some days I wish I was your age again, no worries or concerns outside of school, no arguments to break up or problems that need solving."

"Must be nice," Harry countered easily, "to have such an easy childhood."

The woman couldn't hide her flinch, "Apologies, I didn't... I wasn't thinking."

But he was quick to wave off her concerns, "It's alright, I'm glad things seem to be more peaceful here, that Harriet and Amy had a good childhood."

A moment ticked by before Dumbledore spoke again, "I am sorry you can't enjoy Quidditch during the school year. We considered creating a team for just boys but… well with enrollment for wizards as low as it is we would be lucky to get one full team out of all seven years."

Harry merely shrugged her apology off. Yes, it did bother him, and he missed the exhilaration and freedom offered by flying and the sport itself but considering he had a family now it was a trade he would make without hesitation. "Gives me more free time for family and friends."

She nodded before continuing, "I am hesitant to ask but… what did your Dumbledore do in this situation?"

A harsh laugh did nothing to ease her concerns, "Nothing really, he had a lot going on though at the time with his other jobs and the whole thing turned out to be an attempt to have him removed as Headmaster."

Augustina blinked in confusion, "Who would want him removed so badly as to endanger children? Also, what do you mean 'other jobs'?"

"He was the Supreme Mugwump and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot along with Headmaster. The people who wanted him removed were upset because of his actions against Voldemort and making their lives difficult I guess."

She stared in disbelief before slowly shaking her head, "I cannot… imagine attempting to do any of those two things at the same time much less three. He should have been told to make a choice between his political career and Hogwarts."

Her words affected him deeper than he realized as anger shot through his veins, "He's a good person! He stopped Voldemort, saved lives, he…"

The woman raised a hand without rage or spite, "I'm not saying he isn't Harry, but the problem is any of these three careers would take most of a person's time. Attempting two at once will undoubtedly force sacrifices to be made. The care and protection of children is not something that should ever be forfeited."

Despite her words cooling off much of his anger the boy-who-lived still felt the urge to defend the man's honor and decisions when he could not do so himself. "He was doing his best… besides what are you planning to do?"

She stared back for a moment before letting out a sigh, "Unfortunately, there isn't much I can do. Despite what some believe I do not have complete control over Hogwarts, nor the policies we choose to enact. I would love to suspend all classes, send the students home, and have a team of Aurors sweeping every inch of the castle… but I can't. There is no evidence that this was anything more than a prank gone wrong, and the schoolboard will not allow for school to be suspended until an actual threat is present."

"And even then, they wouldn't find anything." Harry noted in defeat. Clearly, no one had ever discovered the Chamber before, which meant a team of professionals likely wouldn't either, at least not without his help. Then what? How was he going to explain knowing the location of an ancient secret room?

Dumbledore nodded, "Don't worry Harry, we will figure something out. For now, I just want you to stay safe and keep others from doing anything reckless. Let the staff handle the situation this time."

Harry's attention returned to the players still soaring far above them, choosing not to answer the woman. It was only in this silence that another question came to the boy's mind. "Headmistress, why does Snape hate Riddle so much?"

Letting out a sigh, the witch leaned back into her seat, "It isn't that she hates Professor Riddle Harry, there is just a bit of a rivalry between them. Professor Snape has always desired the position of both Head of Slytherin House along with Defense Professor. Professor Riddle has been aware of this for some time now. Now there is a new obsession between them."

The boy-who-lived stared in confusion, earning a soft laugh.

"You Harry. Grace has your attentions whether you admit it or not. I overheard she escorted you to a party during the summer that Serena attended as well. Now you defended her despite evidence to the contrary."

It was true, but that didn't mean the young man was going to admit it so easily, "I defended her because it's all circumstantial evidence and I'm just as much of a suspect. I remember what it was like being blamed for it during my own second year. As for Grace, my parents set all that up and even if they didn't, why would Snape care?"

A knowing smile formed on the woman's features before he could even process the reason. "So, it is 'Grace' and 'Snape' hm?" Before he could think of a rebuttal the woman continued, "Regardless of how you meant it Harry the fact remains you are closer to Professor Riddle than Professor Snape, and I think you underestimate how much that means. She might act with nothing but disdain for everyone, including your family, but deep down I believe Serena did, and perhaps still does, have an attachment towards not just your mother but your father as well. Between your appearance and personality some of those suppressed desires may have transferred to you."

His eyes narrowed, "So because Snape couldn't rape my dad in school, she is pissed that I call Riddle by her first name?" Dumbledore's eyes widened, opening her mouth to, undoubtedly, make an argument for the Potion Professor's integrity when Harry interrupted with a shake of his head, "Sometimes I just don't understand you or Dumbledore's choice in professors."

With that he stood and left, missing the soft reply from behind, "Sometimes Harry, neither do I."

***HP:O ***

"Professor Snape." The woman turned to observe one of her more favored students walking up, Marie Rosier. "Is it true that Beatrice Haywood was attacked?"

The professor held back a sneer, clearly someone had begun spreading rumors already, likely one of those who had been at the original scene. "Miss Haywood is currently recovering from a prank gone wrong, nothing more."

Staring back, the younger witch seemed to see through the blatant lie but nodded in understanding regardless.

"If you have information regarding the incident..."

Marie shifted a bit in place, clearly uncomfortable with the situation, "I... heard that she had a bit of an argument with Professor Riddle after Dueling Club."

Serena's gaze narrowed, "Oh? Regarding what?"

"Har... Mr. Potter, ma'am. I also saw Professor Riddle arguing with Amaryllis Potter shortly before her first Quidditch game."

"The one in which she was injured?"

"Yes ma'am."

Snape said nothing but nodded before giving a dismissing gesture. The evidence was beginning to build, and it all looked to point in one direction for the Potions Professor.

***HP:O ***

Less than a week after the petrification and Dumbledore found herself being approached by Pandora Malfoy.

"Headmistress, I was hoping to speak with you for a moment."

"Oh? Have you gone to your Head of House first miss Malfoy? Surely, she could…"

"It's concerning Harry."

Augustina inwardly frowned at the use of the boy's first name. It certainly wasn't common practice to use a boy's first name unless one had a familial connection or were in a close relationship with them. As far as she knew Pandora fit into neither of these categories. "Then we should find a place to sit and converse." They made their way up to the older witch's office as she gestured towards the empty seat for the student to take. "Now then, you were saying something about mister Potter?"

"There seems to be the idea that Harry is somehow involved in the incidents befalling other students. This isn't true, he's innocent."

Ignoring the use of his first name, once again, the elder quirked an eyebrow. "Where do you get that idea from miss Malfoy?"

"There are several older students keeping an eye on him, I know because I have been observing him as well."

That was certainly not something Dumbledore expected to hear and would likely earn quite an earful from the boy's mother. "And why would you take such a task upon yourself?"

If it was meant as a trick question the Slytherin didn't take the bait, instead staring back into the woman's eyes without a hint of uncertainty or embarrassment, "He is important to me, I do not wish to see him harmed or penalized for something he did not do."

Dumbledore sat in silence for a moment, before nodding in agreement, "Mister Potter is not under any suspicion, those who were asked to watch over him were doing so for his own safety, nothing more."

Knowing a dismissal when she heard one, Pandora rose and gave another nod before departing the office.

***HP:O ***

A few days prior to the start of the winter break and Harry found himself approached by the one person he had been doing his best to avoid.

Lockhart

"Well hello Harry, fancy meeting you here."

It wasn't, and anyone with half a brain could guess the so-called professor had been trying to figure out his schedule and a time they would end up, relatively, alone together. It wasn't as if a Magical Creatures instructor often ended up in the hallway near his Dueling Club.

The boy-who-lived merely shrugged, "Yeah I guess."

Apparently, the woman couldn't take a hint, even if it was smacked in her face, "You know I am quite the prestigious duelist myself, I certainly wouldn't mind giving you some private lessons."

"I already have a mentorship with Professor Riddle."

She waved off his response as if it didn't matter, it was just another item on the 'every Lockhart is an arsehole' list. "Variety makes life so much more colorful. Wouldn't you rather try something new than wonder about it years later?"

Harry had a distinct impression they were having two very different conversations but didn't feel he possessed the energy to even try and sort out the confusion. Despite how well the first part of the year had been going his restful nights had quickly fallen apart after realizing there could very well be a Basilisk prowling the hallways and he might awaken the next day to hear about a dead student being found.

When it became clear that he wasn't going to answer the woman merely smiled in her, creepier than normal fashion. "Well, think about it. Who knows, maybe we will run into each other over break."

It wasn't a threat, and the woman was far from being someone Harry would consider a threat, but he shivered anyway.

***HP:O ***

It was the first time Harry Potter had ridden the Hogwarts Express other than the beginning and end of the school years. Snow had begun to fall, each flake streaking past the windows as he gazed out and the winter scenery.

To his immediate left was his raven-haired sister, feet tucked in on the bench, one of her novels in hand. Next to, and leaning against, her was the third of the Potter 'siblings' her red hair nearly covering her face as she snuggled into her sister's arm, eyes closed. Excitement had kept her up the night before, thus she was beginning to fall asleep, using the most comfortable, and obvious, pillow available.

Directly across from him sat Hermione, eyes firmly fixed on her book for Transfiguration, lost in the world of written words. Next to the bookworm were both Luna and Ginny, their own attention spent on a shared catalog of clothing and outfits, the occasional giggle being the only auditory disturbance to the peaceful sounds of travel.

It was perfect, and when the boy-who-lived glanced at the rest of those nearby it filled his chest with warmth. These were his friends, his family in blood, past deeds, and present companionship.

The fears and uncertainties all seemed so far away in that moment. He didn't need to worry about a Dark Lord trying to kill him, or a monster rampaging in the halls of Hogwarts. There wasn't some big conspiracy behind everything with threats and dark forebodings around every turn.

In that moment, he was just plain-old Harry, with normal friends, a normal family, normal worries, and a normal life.

The train arrived on time, and without incident at the platform as it did every year. The children disembarked to waiting parents and guardians, joyful greetings and happiness filled the air. It was in this crowd that James and Lily happily waved for the children, and where the group that had sat together split up, each promising to keep in touch and write over the break.

The relief and happiness filling both adults' eyes was obvious as they hugged all three and ushered them back to the Floos to return home. Their house was both as Harry remembered and somehow warmer, more homely. A blazing fire filled the hearth, candles were lit in the windows, the scent of freshly made dinner filled the air.

Food was quickly served, with the family sitting around the table sharing stories of their lives for the past few months as well as Harry's 'sisters' talking about holiday traditions and plans for their time off.

"We always open gifts in the morning then have breakfast." Amaryllis explained around a mouthful of food, earning her a sharp glance from her father. "Then we can go flying! Uncle Sirius usually comes over in the afternoon or we go over there. Maybe we can meet up with Hermione and the Weasleys and Luna sometime during the week and…"

Lily cleared her throat to gently interrupt, "Those are all wonderful ideas sweetheart and I'm sure your friends would love to see you, but we also need to think about Harry's plans Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday."

The two girls blinked in confusion, before looking over to the boy who shrugged in equal uncertainty. Their father took the opportunity to clarify, "What your mother means is that Harry will be spending at least a few days with his tutor, especially since it is her birthday Thursday."

"What?" It hadn't been a tone the boy expected, especially from the shyer of the two sisters, but when he looked over the anger in her eyes was evident. "This is our holiday break, not hers."

Both parents frowned, "Harriet, you will see him for the first half, but it is important that…"

"Did you ask him?" Amy interrupted, clearly uncaring as to the consequences of doing so. "Or did you just make plans without telling him… again."

"Amy, don't talk to your father like that."

"Why not?" she snapped, "You have no problem interrupting our lives without telling us."

As the arguments began Harry was reminded all too much of the Dursley's during the winters before Hogwarts. Dealing with extended family, with the arguments, with the hateful glares. "Stop!"

All conversations came to a halt as attention shifted onto him, allowing him to take a few deep breaths to calm himself. He looked towards his counterparts with as gentle a smile as he could muster, "It's okay, really it is. She bought me birthday and Christmas gifts last year and it is her birthday on the thirty-first so it would only make sense for me to see her. I don't know about three whole days but at least a little."

Lily nodded, "Thank you Harry for…"

"And you should have told me before making plans on my behalf." This brought the woman's response to a halt, before letting out a sigh.

"Yes… yes, you're right. We should have talked to you about this sooner, it's difficult to remember that you aren't older and already know how all this works. I'm sorry."

James nodded in agreement.

Silence fell onto the table, until Harry spoke once more "Okay, no more angry holidays, I had enough of those."

He missed several looks being passed between the others before the pleasant conversation and eating resumed.

***HP:O ***

Early the next morning Harry woke to the sounds of pans banging, footsteps, and doors slamming. In an instant he was wide awake, on alert, wand in hand, and creeping into the hallway. A quick check reassured him that both of his sisters' doors were closed and secured.

More noise and instincts that had been forced into his mind kicked in. Back to the wall he peeked around one corner at a time, securing each room before reaching the source. Had someone managed to force their way into the home? Were they under attack? Were they...?

A certain redheaded woman stepped into the room, before stopping and turning to notice the boy standing so close, clearly on edge. Neither spoke, neither so much as moved as they stared at each other until James entered the room from behind the woman. "Love, what's..."

Harry quickly lowered his wand, flushing with embarrassment with a muttered apology.

His words seemed to break through to the woman, who had her own moment of fluster. "No, no I should be the one who... we have a bit of a tradition where we..."

She trailed off, before glancing back at her husband in desperation.

He let out a deep sigh, "Your mom... she has a problem Harry, one we've tried to hide form the public but..."

Lily replied by smacking him in the arm, which did little to dissuade the man.

"She feels no one has the right to sleep in on their holidays, it's a terrible condition, one we've tried to diagnose, tried to cure but to no avail." This promptly earned a mock growl from the woman, along with a grin from the man. "But in all seriousness, your mom has always done her best to let the girls sleep in on Christmas, but they can be deep sleepers, which means she often 'encourages' them to wake up a bit early."

Rubbing at her forehead the woman turned towards the, still a bit confused, boy, "I'm sorry Harry, I... I just didn't take into account that you might not be the same way. It usually takes about an hour or two for them to be disturbed."

"Oh... uh sorry I've always been..." this time his words fell short. How was he supposed to explain that if he slept in someone would be kicking at the door to his 'room' followed by angry shouting and even being dragged out. "I guess I'm just a light sleeper."

Neither parent looked convinced, but neither pushed. Instead, Lily gestured back towards the kitchen. "Would you like to sit down and finish waking up? We have coffee if you drink it or hot chocolate or..."

There was obvious frustration on her face, and the boy understood instantly. She didn't know him, didn't know what he liked, what his favorite foods were, what he drank in the morning, what his hobbies were, or anything else.

He was in much the same position.

"Hot chocolate sounds great."

***HP:O ***

The boy-who-lived was all smiles watching his redheaded counterpart's eyes almost blur back and forth between colored objects, trying to decide what to open first. After another minute or two her mother clearly had run out of patience. "Amaryllis either pick something or let your sister open..."

"This one!"

She promptly tore into a box, earning the shaking of two adult heads as she unwrapped a box containing new clothes. With that the 'dam had been broken' and a frenzy of paper and boxes were ripped into. Amy would receive several more outfits, along with various Quidditch books, and posters.

Her sister received various clothing as well along with more than a few books and a new messenger bag type of item that was magically expanded on the inside, allowing her to carry around school supplies and books with greater ease.

For Harry there was, to no one's surprise, clothing and books. Those chosen were various texts that one would expect of a fifth- or sixth-year student. His 'big gift' was a new wand holster, one specially designed for duelists.

The two adults had bought each other only a few gifts, with Lily receiving a new, heated, bathrobe and a book or two with James being gifted, oddly in Harry's opinion, a rather expensive looking necklace.

It was then that James Potter excused himself for a moment, before bringing in a last-minute object, one that the younger boy almost instinctively identified.

So too, could Amy when it was handed to her based upon her squeal of glee.

A Nimbus Two Thousand.

It was only a second later that a twinge of fear made its way through the wizard's spine and settled in his gut. That broom wasn't cheap, and he didn't see any other gift for his dark-haired sister.

He almost didn't want to see her expression. Would it be jealousy? Envy? Bitterness?

Risking a glance any concern immediately evaporated at the warmth on Harriet's face. "Did you get everything you wanted Harry?" Lily asked from the nearby couch, a bit of concern clear on her features.

"More than I could hope for." It was then that he remembered his own surprise and reached under a nearby couch to pull out several gifts he had hidden late the previous evening. "Uh Merry Christmas" he muttered shyly before handing one package out to each person, all of which stared in surprise.

"Harry..." the older man whispered, "You didn't... you shouldn't have."

"We didn't get you anything."

The sadness in his raven-haired twin's voice was quickly waved off. "I'm just glad I have family to buy for, it isn't anything super fancy though."

There was hesitation as each began to unwrap, far calmer for everyone, even Amy's hands were slow and careful. She received a pair of warming gloves for Quidditch, much to her delight. Harriet's gift was a magical bookmark that kept track of where the reader was regardless of the book, moving between them automatically.

James and Lily were given matching, self-heating or cooling mugs for either iced or hot beverages.

***HP:O ***

Almost as soon as the unwrapping was done Amy was begging to do some flying, to no one's surprise. Lily, despite her husband's 'puppy dog eyes', ordered them to eat breakfast first. Shortly after, with the girls going to change, a voice stopped the boy's own departure.

"Harry," the boy turned to look at the older man. James had an odd expression on his face, one he couldn't explain. "Can I ask where you got the money for our gifts from?"

He blinked before shrugging, "Some of the students paid me."

The man shifted in clear discomfort, "They didn't... take advantage of you, did they?"

Harry's face blanked, "I mean... it wasn't exactly pleasant if that's what you're asking." It was something akin to horror that appeared in the man's eyes which the boy-who-lived allowed for a few moments before snickering, "I'm kidding, some of my classmates asked for tutoring in Defense class and offered to pay me for it. While it wasn't exactly fun dealing with Slytherins it wasn't as bad as you're thinking."

James noticeably relaxed before crossing his arms and pouting, "It wasn't that funny..."

"It kind of was, besides I thought you and Sirius were the avid pranksters."

The man looked away for a second before speaking, "You shouldn't... that is your money Harry, you shouldn't be spending it on gifts, especially not for your mom and me."

He let out a sigh, "I know you might not understand this, and I hope Amy and Harriet never do but... the one thing I've always wanted, the only thing I wanted growing up for Christmas was a family who loved me. You could get me nothing for my birthday or the holidays for the rest of my life except for just being here and I would be happy."

***HP:O ***

Previous Name**************New Name

Tom Riddle*****************Grace Riddle

Albus Dumbledore***********Augustina Dumbledore

Draco Malfoy***************Cleopatra (Cleo) Malfoy

-*************************Harriet Potter

-*************************Amaryllis (Amy) Potter

-*************************Pandora Malfoy

Blaise Zabini****************Bliss Zabini

Theodore Nott**************Theresa Nott

Severus Snape**************Serena Snape

-*************************Marie Rosier

Percy Weasley**************Paisley Weasley

Bill Weasley****************Billie Weasley

Charlie Weasley*************Charlene Weasley

Fred Weasley***************Frankie Weasley

George Weasley*************Georgie Weasley

Remus Lupin***************Remi Lupin

-************************Sylvie Rosier

Gilderoy Lockhart***********Gordana Lockhart

Oliver Wood ***************Olivia Wood