Chapter II

I couldn't sleep. That was nothing unusual for me as I had always had a hard time falling asleep, but this was different. The Night had finally caught up to me even though I could be reasonably satisfied with what I had achieved. But still Lord Voldemort's eyes, these embers full of callous indifference would flash before my eyes as soon as I closed them. But considering what I had achieved a bit of fear was worth it. I knew that I had survived, and I knew that I wouldn't have to worry about the snake faces bastard for at least a decade but still. Our minds didn't always follow the path of logic and even knowing something like Voldemort could exist was enough to put the fear of God into me.

Tired but still unable to sleep I decided to let my mind wander and review what had happened after we had arrived in Hogwarts. It hadn't been nearly as magical as one would have imagined. Sure, seeing the Castle that I had first read about as a child in my old life had at first been terrible exiting but once you get ushered into Dumbledore's office where a lot of familiar strangers where shouting at one another in pure hysteria everything became a bit more mundane. This were people that possessed the power of magic, but they were still ordinary in the regard that they tended to react to crisis like everyone else. By screaming and arguing about a topic that they were afraid of and every sentenced blurred out seemed to antagonise them further. Was Harry dead? Was Lily dead? Was I dead? All of this and more was said until Dumbledore raised his Wand. My eyes fixed themselves immediately to the Deathstick, marvelling at the power this Wand possessed. And that was a bad choice as I could have probably expected that the old Wizard would put his staff to order by means of magic. A loud boom echoed through the office and made my ears hurt. But I couldn't deny the effectiveness of Dumbledore. Silence reigned after the spell wore off and was until broken as Fawkes eyes came to rest on Sirius, Harry and me. The Phoenix let out melody so full of sorrow that would have made a stone weep and yet it seemed to instil courage and hope in our hearts. It is sufficient to say that I had never seen nor heard anything more beautiful.

"As you see my friends" a rich and old voice that seemed to radiate with weight captured my attention and it was immediately clear to me that it belonged to the old wizard sitting behind his desk. "Our worst fears as it seems were unfound" Whilst Dumbledore talked his twinkling eyes came to rest on me and as he mustered me from behind his half-moon spectacles, I remembered all the Discussions I had read and taken part in on the topic of Albus Wulfric Brian Dumbledore and an uneasy feeling was spreading inside me. I simply didn't know if I could trust this man. The way he looked at me was kind but behind this kindness I could see a great amount of calculating. I was a variable that didn't fit into his plans as it seemed. A Piece who's worth he hadn't determined yet. Or maybe this was my imagination being fuelled by countless Dumbledore bashing stories.

But before I could dink deeper into my paranoia Sirius broke the silence that had again taken possession of the office "James and Lily are dead" he whizzed out as tears again formed in his eyes and I felt his hand on my shoulder tighten slightly. Not knowing how to react I started petting his hand with my own and lowered my gaze as I tried to reign in myself, the room exploded into gasps and moans. When I raised my gaze from the floor, I understood how sorely my parents would be missed. Sprout had sunken her face into McGonagall's shoulder as she wept, and the other witch seemed to be near to a breakdown herself. Flitwick at this point was the only person of similar height as I had buried his eyes inti his arm as tears ran down his face. Dumbledore was downcast. There were no tears in the old wizards face for the most likely had more than just once had this experience of losing someone dear to him or maybe he didn't care all that much.

But after everyone had gotten themselves back under controller the real work started as Dumbledore took charge of the room and directed Flitwick and Sprout to get Harry and me into bed as Sirius stayed behind. I tried my best to play the scared child that didn't wish to leave his Godfathers side and after remaining adamant twitched away when Flitwick tried to put his hand on my shoulder Dumbledore reluctantly agreed to allow me to remain. And so, it came that I was there to see them decide our future. In the end the result was not as I had expected it. You see as a child my possibilities and actions were restricted but I was still able to use the weapons life gave to all children. And those weapons I had used to a deadly effect on Sirius. Ever since I had woken up in this body, I had worked to integrate myself with him. Every possible moment was spend trying to get him to love me and all this in order to have him come to the rescue on this faithful night and to prevent him from charging after Pettigrew and gaining himself a nice long stay in Azkaban. And getting me send to the Dursley's. I shuddered at the thought.

But as lucky as I had been until know Dumbledore seemed death set on one thing that became apparent as his next words left his mouth. "Sirius my boy, Harry cannot remain with you" It was like a lightning rod had been send through both of us as Sirius opened his mouth to protest but Dumbledore having expected his reaction beat him to it. "The boys security is paramount Sirius you know that, and his life cannot be allowed to be put in peril" I turned around to look at my Godfather who seemed to be resisting the urge to pull out his wand. One think was clear. Sirius took his responsibilities seriously. But if the reason was his friendship with James or genuine love towards me and Harry I didn't know. "I can keep him safe" Sirius words came through his clenched teeth and Dumbledore left out sigh of pity as he answered." Whilst I don't doubt your commitment my boy you need to know that the Magic that Lily used to protect him is tied to his blood relatives and the only one alive, apart from Richard is Lilys sister" Dumbledore continued, and his face softened considerably as he let out another sight. "Sirius the Dark Lord is not dead as you well know, and Harry must be kept away from our world. Even know our forces are engaged against Voldemort's forces. Even know Death Eaters stalk the night searching for him. Even know after he is gone people are dying, what do you think would they do if they found out that Harry was the one to so the deed ?" there was steel in Dumbledores voice as he tried to convince Sirius of the necessity of isolating Harry and a small part of me wondered if Sirius had gone to Azkaban in the original timeline because Dumbledore had deemed him a threat to his plans. But the old wizards reasoning was sound. Harry was too important do risk him. Who could now if some of Voldemort's lunatics wouldn't try to kill him whilst he took a stroll in Diagon Alley or if they would try to simply burn Grimmauldplace to the ground?

But that was of no consequence right know. I was powerless to influence the outcome of Dumbledores decision. Harry would no doubt be sent to the Dursleys. But as the Headmasters eyes once again came to rest on me, I swore to myself that if he tried to send me there, I would force myself to pay him

back right now. I had experimented with my magic and the only effect I had managed to produce was to conjure flames and so help me God I would burn the old man's beard if he suggested sending me away. "What about Richard Albus?" there was a pleading undertone to Sirius question and for a time that seemed like eternity to me there was only silence until Dumbledore made his decision. "Given the circumstances I would advise for Richard to stay with you, my boy. For one so young he displays considerable control over his magic and accidents could give Harry away." Shit, I had forgotten the old man twinkling eyes could read my mind as an open book and it didn't help that I had been trying to kill him with my gaze for the last few minutes.

This had been the end of our little meeting as we had left afterwards. We had been assigned some office on the 6th floor where McGonagall was waiting for us. Harry was soundly asleep when we arrived and there was nothing more to be said. Sirius collapsed nearly immediately after tucking me in and reassuring me that everything would be fine. And so, I was left to wonder what my life in the wizarding world would entail. Sure, it was an unbelievable thing to be born a wizard and I was still giddy at the thought of being able to use magic, but I had to ask myself what my purpose was. Why was I send here. Was it because of Harry or was there something else I had to do.

At that thought my eyes wandered to the little toddler who was fast asleep. Tomorrow Dumbledore would take him to the Dursleys and most likely drop him of at their front door with only a letter explaining why he was there. I shuddered at the thought. This was a cruel faith that awaited him and while the books had never mentioned any abuse it was still hinted at. Inside of my stomach something started to boil as I thought about my brother getting abused by an obese lump of shit. I was nearly sure that my soul had fused with the soul of Richard Potter for these emotions I felt were sincere. And before falling asleep I vowed that I would give my best to improve Harry's life. After all he was only a child that had to bear a heavy burden from his birth, and it was only appropriate if someone levelled the playing field a bit. That was to be my purpose. That and magic. And with this thought I feel asleep with a smile. Tomorrow I would start on planning and preparing, and the wizarding world would be well advised to prepare for my coming.