Hi! So, now that I have a, ah writing tool so to speak, I will be able to update. Now after advice from a friend I am changing my format. My chapters will be much longer, and there will be an update of maybe once or twice every 1-3 weeks. In the summer it will be more often, while the year less common. Now these last five weeks of school will be, trying so expect maybe two updates in this five week period, After that, the new schedule will begin.
(In a side note.) For those who have followed you may want to re-read this because I have changed things that I see have small plot holes, or I just saw it fit to add/remove detail. Until next time -Gray.
*Disclaimer: I own nothing, this is just for fun.
Pairings:
Harry/Ginny
Ron/Hermione
Neville/Luna
I will change POV and time of date a lot
So watch for those (shouldn't be too hard).
Warning: Some chapters are M rated for language and other themes.
Warning 2: Hardcore Neville (Hardened by war, not like asshole Neville just badass kind of)
This is text
This is flashback
"This is dialogue"
This is parseltongue
THIS IS VERY EMPHASIZED YELLING (duh!)
Harry heard the crash as Ginny spun around(A/N: This is a authors note in the story) "What was that" Harry yelled.
Slight bash.
This is the start of the chapter!
Chapter 1:
Harry looked up at the figure of Ginny Weasley walking over to sit next to him. "It's not right to brood on stuff Harry; this will all soon be past anyways."
Harry got slightly upset. "I'm not brooding, I'm just thinking about everyone."
Ginny sharpened her gaze, "think of them? This isn't thinking Harry! This is wallowing in pity and you know it; now get up and think the happy thoughts of seeing them again."
Someone cleared their throat, Harry and Ginny looked up and saw the form of Neville Longbottom. "I hate to interrupt the lovely moment you're having here but Tommy-boy was just given the secret of this place."
"How long do you think we have?" Ginny asked.
Neville looked mock thoughtful. "About thirty minutes if I am correct, he needs time to let everyone know, run skip and sing about it then oh yeah come here with the 'intention' on slaughtering us." Neville replied smirking."
"Well let's get this started then." Ginny replied happily.
The trio then walked into the third room of the flat to see Frank Longbottom getting everything set up, while Hermione was sitting on the coach humming.
"Everything is ready; we just need to wait for the Fidelius to be officially broken." Frank stated, Harry nodded towards him. "Neville we will let you talk to your father you know…"
Harry finished awkwardly. "Yeah I know… remember no beating around the bush." Neville replied with a grin. Harry walked over to Ginny sitting next to Hermione.
"It's sad it?" Ginny asked. Harry looked sadly upon Hermione, not wishing such a fate on anyone.
"Yeah… it is."
"Well, that's why we're doing this. To prevent this from happening ever again, to anyone." Ginny replied tearing up. Hermione still looked at them with a blank stare.
"Neville is taking the potion back with him, enough to help his parents and a little bit more in case this happens again." Harry replied shortly. Harry put his head in his hands and closed his eyes for a second.
"This is the place?" Harry asked, looking at Evan Williams.
Evan gave Harry a cheeky grin. "Come now, when have I ever lead you wrong Harry?" Harry sighed and turned around, looking at the people gathered around him.
"Are we all set?" Harry asked. Taking in Ron's pale, yet deadly serious face. Evan's grin, but calculating eyes. Remus's calm exterior, but angry eyes, and Ginny's livid exterior and interior. Altogether people he would trust with his life.
After receiving a nod from all. He turned towards the wall again. "We're leaving in one minute. Prepare yourselves." He then turned and walked out of the room into the apparition zone.
He had just finished putting on his stealth attire when everyone else walked in. He waited respectably, and well over a minute for everyone else to get ready.
He sighed once everyone had finished, he started. "Alright. Just as we practiced. Hold on to each other, and Remus hold onto me so I can apparate us in.
Everyone nodded their consent. Harry sighed and ran his hand down his neck. 'We're coming for you Hermione. We're coming.' He looked back up and. -"Harry!"
"The potions ready." Frank announced, snapping harry out of his remorse.
"Well better now than never." Neville replied. "Do you guys have your chosen item?"
"Yes," Ginny replied for them both.
"Well everyone stand in the rune chart then." They all complied and soon the three were standing in a circle. "Good luck kids," Frank said "Oh and one thing when you pass through." Harry looked up at him "Yes?" Kill that old snake-faced bastard please," then Frank poured the potion into the rune charm and everything went black.
He was floating, in blinding white light. Something, something was annoying him..? Voices. He was hearing voices. 'Go away...' He thought. "... He's waking up?" 'Waking up? The voice. Ginny? Neville?' "This will do it," a more clear voice said.
'I can't place that voice..' He was interrupted out of his musing by a shock of cold water drenching his face. Harry Potter opened his eyes in what felt like the first time in years.
He saw three faces, two of which were grinning wide and one wit a bit of indifference. "Ginny, Neville. What?" He ashes groggily.
"According to this bloke," Neville exclaimed pointing to the unknown face, "We're in a limbo."
Harry sighed, "Where's Dumbledore?" He asked wearily. The unknown man started laughing.
"What's so funny?" Snapped Ginny.
"You.. You want Dumbledore?" The person gasped between breaths. "What? Is Karma himself not good enough for you?'" He added laughing.
"What are you on about?" Harry asked growing weary of, 'karma.' "You've had it pretty hard, I'll admit... However, Mr. Riddle," he said with some indifference, "hasn't always had it good, but in his mind his life was great when the castle fell back in 97', however you, I must say have had a pretty shit chance. Fate knows of your plan," he stopped looking searchingly at us.
"It's very rare, and I mean very rare that fate lets people interfere."
Neville scowled at him. "Why us then?"
Karma gave him a searching glance, "you three were chosen because, Ginny you are extremely loyal to Harry and will do anything to help him, Neville you are extremely loyal and brave and will be an amazing leader in this war, Harry... Well Harry you're the chosen one. You NEED to defeat him!" he exclaimed.
Neville looked thoughtful, "Ron was always Harry's best friend, why isn't he here too?" Harry felt shock at that, "Neville you're my best friend too, I mean Ron and I had a really close bond, and I mean still do, however you're with me through the end mate."
Karma looked really proud as he spoke, "Ron, he wasn't supposed to die, I mean we are gods. We do have power but we only have a certain amount of influence in the living world." Karma said sadly.
Seeing everyone's downcast mood, Ginny, being who she was tried to change the subject. "Why are we all here?" Karma looked really happy that she asked that. "Well, I wanted to meet the infamous trio that's going to make waves, also I wanted to give you some gifts, from us; as in us the gods. Finally I wanted to give some advice about your trip, and some time traveling rules."
'Gifts? From gods?' Harry was thinking awestruck.
"I'm going to guess I lost you all at gifts, let me be clear on that, they're not anything special, all we can really do is gift you with one ability that you feel you will need, or you just really want it."
"So, nothing much huh?" Neville deadpanned, earning him snorts of laughter from the other two.
"We'll come back to that, anyway." Karma said in a fake cheery voice. "Time travel! The wonders of it, I mean imagine? It's not even supposed to be possible. Yet here you are," he ended quietly. "Anyone you tell, and I mean anyone must have your complete trust, also they must have a full-proof way to protect their mind."
Karma looked at them warningly, "also, the more people that know, the more of a chance that Modlyshorts -Neville broke out in full blow laughter- will find out." He said slowly letting that information sink in.
"So... We need to be cautious on who we tell, when we tell them, and how many people know?" Neville asked standing back up.
"Correct." Karma said, "I mean imagine if an unspeakable, let alone Tommy found this information out?"
Harry winced thinking about what would've happened if Magma, the head unspeakable got that information. "Now," Karma said pulling him out of his musing, "the rules you need to know are: No more than twenty people can know unless I inform you otherwise. Also.."
"How will you contact us?" Ginny asked curiously.
"Let me finish," he stated somewhat distantly . "As I was saying, you cannot tell anymore than twenty people, unless I let you know. Also if a person you tell willingly tells anyone else without your consent. You will pay. You were supposed to trust them, so choose wisely." Karma stated wisely."Also," Karma explained, "you and anyone you tell, can only time travel like this once. So no I'm not saying you can't use a time turner. However you cannot go 'back in time'" karma said, punctuating the, 'back in time.'
"Now to your gifts, what do you want?" Harry looked at Ginny and Neville contemplative. After a minute of thought Ginny said "I want to be closer to Harry. So I can always be right there for him or know if he's in trouble." Karma looked thoughtful. And finally exclaimed, "I'll give you a soul bound."
He explained happily. At their confused looks he elaborated. "You can sense his emotions, you have shared emotions sometimes, you're stronger if fighting together and weaker if fighting against each other, also in times of life and death for one of you, you can know snippets of important thought, and also you will know where the other is at all times, however this is only when one of you is in mortal peril." Karma explained.
Ginny looked really happy about that. "Well Harry what do you want?" Ginny inquired.
"Well.. I suppose it would be nice to have a full proof way to escape, or blend in anywhere." Harry mused out loud,
"Why not get full power, like completely, the most powerful wizard that has ever walked the earth." Neville asked excitedly.
Harry looked at him dryly. "My power at my full age, after we do the heir ritual, will be as strong as You-Know-Who and Dumbledore combined. The Peverell family was ridiculously strong." Harry stated. "However until I come of age I guess I'll have to live with being the second or third most powerful wizard alive." Harry deadpanned.
Karma looked at Harry curiously. "Why did you say You-Know-Who? Why not Voldemort? Or Tom Riddle?"
Harry thought for a moment and responded, "with the taboo on 'Riddle, Tom, Voldemort, The Dark Whore, Lord MoldyWhore' and plenty more, it is just habit now really." Harry responded.
"Well anyways," Karma said after a tense moment. "If you want something for disguise, or to hide, or steal; I have the perfect option," Karma exclaimed giddily.
"What is it?" Harry asked with Ginny and Neville looking at Karma confused.
"Well a Metamorphmagus of course!" Karma exclaimed excitedly.
"Thats-s, thats brilliant!" Ginny exclaimed. Harry and Neville only nodding dumbly with her.
"Alright, Neville what do you want?" Karma asked.
Neville looked deep in thought for a moment, until he looked up. "I want to be able, to have everyone I care about to live through the war!" Neville exclaimed.
Karma looked really awkward at the, Harry braced himself for what was to come next. "You see, I-I c-can't really do that.." Karma said rushing the last part out.
"Why not?" surprisingly, not Neville, but Ginny demanded.
"Well , I'm not really in control of life and death, and no matter what, no spell, nor potion nor anything really can bring back the dead, once you've clocked in you've clocked in." Karma said nervously.
"What about us?" Neville demanded.
"What do you mean?" Karma asked.
"Well, if you looked at it like this, we're really going to a place where people, that we've known are dead, are going to be alive." Neville stated. Harry felt himself nodding with what Neville was saying.
"Well, have you ever heard of the multi-verse theory?" Karma inquired. At their confused looks he continued on. "Well think about it like this, every choice you make; whether as small as waffles or pancakes for breakfast, or as large as using a killing curse on someone or just a stunner, creates a different universe, the one where you're in stays the same, but essentially clones, into one where you made the other choice, or in some case choices you were contemplating against." Karma stated
"So basically, what you're saying is that, to say I ever got dared to go ask McGonagall to shag me, and I said no…." Harry was shaking with mirth while Ginny gave Neville a half heated glare.
"T-thats e-essentially the base of it." Karma said blushing deeply.
"Anyways," Ginny interrupted, "what does this have to do with us?"
Karma blinked owlishly at Ginny and answered, "Well Your universe, I mean the one you just came from, is living on, in total chaos."
Harry looked at Karma curiously, "Are there going to be two of us in the universe we're in?"
Ginny looked at him for a second and asked, "Is it even possible for two of well you, to be running around in the same universe?"
Karma looked at them both and answered. "No, your souls will merge together to be one larger and more powerful soul, and Ginny as for your question, yes it is possible."
Harry looked at him shocked, "so lets say, You-Kn.. Voldemort, in multiple universes were to find a way to jump universes…"
Karma winced at this and elaborated, "I think the worst universe we have is where the world is at all out war with seven Voldemorts warring against each other for control, with two allied together to try and kill the other five. Also Four Dumbledore's trying to settle it down, and one Harry Potter in the middle of it."
Seeing all their confused/scandalized looks he continued, "however yours will be nothing like that, it will be essentially the same universe, with the exception i think of, in your parents year Harry, your father chose to stay at Hogwarts and study on a Hogsmeade weekend, hence changing who bought the candy he wanted in your old universe."
Harry looked at him with eyes full of mirth. Karma cleared his throat. "Anyways Neville, what do you want for your gift?"
Neville, looking Karma straight in the eye, said "I want to be able to Apparate to anyone I care about, if they're in trouble and get them out of the situation they're in."
Karma looked contemplative for a moment, "I guess it could happen, however it would be more of something like, you would need to 'bond' with each person individually."
Ginny looked up at Karma, "How will we know how to use our, abilities?"
Karma looked at her happily, "this was the part I was hoping would come up, because no offense of course, you three are completely horrid at occlumency so you're all getting completely rock hard shields! All you'll need to do, is look into your mind. Now I'm sorry I have to say this, but it seems our time is almost up here together. Harry, you will be going first, I just want a word with Ginny and Neville. "You three will be together soon, I promise. As for now, see you later I imagine Harry." Karma said. before he could say anything, let alone think anything his world went black.
October 31, 1981
Harry felt himself waking up for the second time that day to the sound of voices.
"... Shh James, you'll wake him." He heard a female voice say. Harry felt his heart skip a beat or two. '...James?'
"Aww, Lils, he's waking up anyways. It's too bad we can't take him out tonight, a muggle holiday as strange as this one would even be a break from being stuck in the house!" The male voice, 'James' exclaimed.
A beautiful laugh sounded out, "Oh please, you have Moony, Padfoot, and Wormtail over every other night!" The female voice exclaimed. 'James' laughed a good spirited laugh. "What can I say Lils, they're stuck with us forever."
The female scoffed, "don't I know!" Harry finally, slowly opened his eyes and was not ready for the sight that he saw. He was in some sort of firm chair, and sitting in front of him were unmistakably his parents, James and Lily Potter.
"James he's awake!" his mother laughed smacking his father upside the head. His father, carrying him walked over to sit down next to his mother, he put his arm around her shoulder and said, "Just think Lils, Harry here is a handful, I'm not saying I'm upset about it, but another one coming was a shock. Harry, his mind still slow from all the info he had taken in recently, slowly understood the words.
'No..' he thought horrified.
"I'm telling you James, if its a girl, we're naming her Rose." James pushed his glasses back up his nose and sighed.
"The Evans family flowery name tradition, if its a boy, we're calling him Charles after my father!" James said proudly, "although, Rose isn't a bad name." James said, grinning cheekily at Lily.
"Charles isn't such a bad name," Lily said smirking.
After everything stacking up, it just came crashing down. Harry wasn't sure if it was his younger heart or his weariness but he started crying, crying hard. Lily looked worried, "We just fed him, erm its not his nappies, James whats wrong with him?" Lily asked slightly worried.
"He might just need a nap?" James replied uncertain.
'NO!' Harry though, ' go away, leave the house, he's coming tonight, its Halloween! Run!' he was trying to say as hard as he could, but the only thing his young premature mouth could form was, "..go."
Lily looked confused at that word. "I'll just take him upstairs," she said glumly.
She led him into the nursery where it all happened, and lightly put him into the crib. She looked at him sadly and said, "I don't know what's upset you Harry, but, maybe a nap will make it better."
'No! No! not you, don't go, run leave the house leave me just live!'
His frantic mind was screaming. Lily looked at him sadly and cast a mild sleeping charm on him to quiet his fussing, and hopefully calm him down. Within seconds he was out cold.
When Harry was awoke by his mum, he had a brief second of clarity before he remembered the circumstance he was in. she took him downstairs stroking his hair and handed him to his father who smiled happily at him.
Lily threw her wand down on the table and sat on the coach. James in an attempt. to lift Harry's spirits, started making bubbles appear out of his wand. 'No' Harry thought, 'it can't end like this.' "Go...go..go..go" Harry kept repeating. until finally he said run, "ru..ru,,"
James looked at Lily in confusion, "Ru?" He mouthed to her.
No less than five seconds later a loud explosion settled through the house. A look of terrified understanding dawned on both of his parents faces. "Go, Lily take Harry and run, I'll hold him off."
Lily ran up the stairs, Harry was openly crying now, In Lily's futile attempts to block the door a flash of green and high cold laughter reached his ears, Harry screamed in terror in fear, his magic was pulsating out of him in waves.
He felt the wards of the house, and Voldemort's placed wards go down, His mother must have felt them too, because she turned on the spot, Harry felt the small pull on his naval before he felt himself tear from his mothers grip.
"You, you honestly thought you could just apparate away?" He heard a high cold voice ask in mirth.
Harry looked around and saw his mother, with him lying on the floor in front of the crib. Lily quickly stood and put Harry in the crib, and stood in front of him protectively. Voldemort looked at her with something akin to amusement.
"Move," he said in a tone of boredom. "Not Harry, please not Harry. Take me instead, not Harry please." Lily cried
"You could apparate away, Lily Potter. But you don't, you beg for death so, I shall grant you your wish."
Voldemort paused, "Avada Kedavra," Voldemort said in a childlike whisper. Voldemort turned to Harry and started cooing, -wait Voldemort cooing?- "it's ok Harry. You will join your parents, and soon your godfather will join you as well." He looked at Harry in something akin to pity. "Avada kedavra"
Voldemort said with more power than he used on his mother.
The crib exploded, all Harry knew was pain, pain in his forehead, more and more pain. Slowly, the pain left his head. Harry found himself on the floor, in a destroyed nursery next, and lying next to his dead mother, and dead brother Charles, or sister Rose.
"..." "..." "... up!" Ginny Weasley slowly opened her eyes for what felt like the first time in years. Groggily she took in her surroundings, she saw her mother looking at her with a hint of worry in her eyes. Her mother, it took her for a loop seeing her alive and well.
She realized her mum was talking and she wasn't listening. She sat up and wrapped her arms around her mother. "Ginny..?" She heard her mother ask worriedly.
"I'm fine mum, just a bad dream," she said choking up.
"Well, it was just a dream, would you care to share it with me?" her mum asked.
"No, no its fine, er.. what time is it?" Ginny asked tentatively.
"It's just past nine dear, breakfast is ready, for when you want to come downstairs."
Ginny looked owlishly at her, "alright mum I'll be down in a minute."
Her mother looked at her fondly, "Alright dear." and she left the room.
Ginny got out of bed and walked to the loo. she looked her body up and down in the mirror and estimated she must have been maybe eight or nine years old. 'Everything is surreal,' she thought. The fact that the rest of her family, heck the rest of the world was alive hit her like a ton of galleons. She took in deep breaths and mentally prepared herself to head downstairs.
As she walked down the stairs she heard some clipped conversations coming from the kitchen, such as. "Come on Ronald, it will only be two months until you're at Hogwarts," the unmistakable voice of Percy Weasley," and "Be a good lad Fred pass the salt." Her father said.
Ginny took in a deep breath and opened the door and walked into the kitchen. Ginny took in what Percy said with shock. She'd be going to Hogwarts in a year and two months. She was almost ten!
No one really paid much attention the her entrance. Percy smiled at her as did both of her parents.
Ginny took a seat next to Ron and numbly looked at her plate.
"Come on Ginny, have some sausage." the relaxing voice of her mother said. Ginny took some sausage from the pan and smiled at her mother.
"What are you planning on doing today?" Her father inquired.
Ginny blinked up and him and slowly responded. "I might go to Luna's today dad if thats fine."
Her father looked at her impishly, "I don't know miss, you are needed around the house today."
Ginny looked up surprised, "Ok.. just tell me wh-.."
Her father laughed out loud, "I was kidding Ginny."
"He was kidding Ginny." Both twins coursed good spiritedly.
Her father sent the twins a fond smile. Ginny finished eating in relative peace, slowly coming to terms with the fact that her parents were alive, and the world was in peace. She thought as she made her way upstairs to get dressed, that a nice visit to Luna was in order.
Neville Longbottom returned to the land of consciousness. In a blur or swear words and moans. "Bloody Merlin in hell." he muttered sitting up rubbing his head.
He looked around wildly until everything that happened hit him like a ton of bricks. He looked around in awe at the thought of Longbottom manor still standing, and his grandmother still alive.
He felt around for the potion bottle, until he remembered what Karma said after Harry left. "Your items you're taking with you will only appear when they deem it is appropriate." Neville snorted in amusement, "You're talking as if they have a mind." Karma only winked roguishly.
Neville looked around at his room and saw the wall of gum rappers, he jumped out of bed and ran over to the picture, the picture of his parents. His favorite picture out of any, except maybe the Order of the Phoenix at its strongest in France. He smiled sadly at the thought of all his now alive comrades.
He was startled out of his musings when a house elf, Tippy if he remembered correctly. "Young master is required in the sitting room to see old master off."
Neville looked at the house elf in shock for a second then replied, "tell her i'll be right there."
"As young master wishes," it stated and disappeared in a pop.
Neville gather some clothes from his room, went in the bathroom and looked his body up and down. 'I don't look older than seven he mused to himself.'
He freshened up and put on some fresh clothes. As he made his way down to the sitting room he wondered how Ginny and Harry were faring. He saw his gran sitting in the sitting room, rather impatiently.
"Ah Neville there you are," she said standing to greet him.
"Good morning gran." he stated happily. "As you know when you're ready to eat just call for Flappy or Tippy and they will fix you something, I trust you can entertain yourself while I'm gone?"
His gran asked, "Off course." He replied offhandedly. "Well, I'm off then. Emergency Wizengamot trial. Apparently Fudge has found something to secure this term." She said. Neville walked up to her and hugged her a tiny bit longer and harder than he usually did, however he would later refuse he did.
"Have a nice day Gran," he said.
His grandmother looked at him oddly, then her look softened. "You too Neville," and she was gone with a crack. Neville looked around, and walking out of the sitting room, thought how nice a run sounded.
Hundreds of miles away, in a large Scottish castle. A man with a sparkling long white beard, just sat heavily in his chair, opened his desk drawer, pulled out a lemon drop and popped it in his mouth. "Harry Potter starts Hogwarts in three years, what do you think?" He asked his loyal companion. Fawkes looked at him with a mischievous note and trilled a happy tune. "I hope so my friend, I really do…" The aged wizard replied.
Vernon Dursley was a very kind person, at least he thought. As he passed all the other undursleyish people on his way to work. He pondered on the enigma.. freak that was Harry Potter.
He would very much love to lay in to the boy until he could not walk, but Petunia the voice of reason had convinced him not to because people would talk about the new forming bruises. At only eight years of age His Dudders had a very immense vocabulary, he thought happily to himself. However the boy.. *ahem* freak, it seemed like did not know how to talk. He had not spoke once in his stay with them, ungrateful freak he was.
HE was very happy with his life before the little thing came into his life. A perfectly normal life, where there were no secrets of stick waving psychos. Yes he wished for a life like that very much. However Petunias freak sister had to go get herself blown up by some mad man.
Not that it was his dearest Petunias fault, no nothing of their freakiness could be blamed on someone as ordinarily perfect as his Petunia. Dudley, his prize son, the perfect image for his family was another thing that confused him.
As much as Vernon encouraged the treatment his son gave the thing, he seemed almost reluctant to do so, almost as if he was scared too. Vernon much hoped the thing was doing something, it would give him the perfect excuse, regardless of what Petunia thought to take all belts, *ahem* bets off.
As Vernon Dursley was happily driving to his work thinking now on the wonders of inflicting pain on the, "freak," the said, "freak," was just finishing the dishes. Emerald green eyes looked around the newly clean kitchen. He walked to his, "room," one would call it, and pulled out his tattered shoes.
"Where are you going?" a shrill voice asked. Harry turned and looked at his aunt, her lips pursued that reminded him disturbingly of professor McGonagall. He shrugged his shoulders at her.
Her lips, if possible became even more thin, "if you're not back in time to make dinner."
She left the threat hanging in the air and then disappeared back through the door. In truth Harry did very much know where he was going, he finally noticed Mrs. Figgs walks, "around," his house had ceased a lot, hoping he was correct in his assumption that Dumbledore felt it was safe to stop keeping a close eye on him.
Harry was planning on going to Diagon alley today and getting some small things to make his life at the Dursleys easier, many, many books on runes included. Also, he was going to start to prepare the safe house for the headquarters, preferably the same one as in his time, and a house for him Sirius, and hopefully Remus.
Harry Potter walked outside of the too perfect house, and walked down the street, he held up his arm and muttered lumos. Nothing happened. Harry sighed and tried again. Wandless magic was much harder than normal magic he thought bitterly.
After his ninth try the customary bang he had not heard in over fifteen years signaled the knight bus was coming, "Hullo, welcome to the knight bus, the fee is…" he stopped suddenly noticing Harry, "Are your parents with you youngin'?" the older conductor asked. Harry sighed and stepped onto the bus, shaking his head no, but offering him the muggle money he had saved up.
Stan's preceder looked at him suspiciously, "I don't think I can do that, it's against protocol." Harry sighed and tried his last bet, He put on his most innocent and pleading face he could. The conductor sighed, "OK, but just this once." Harry smiled to him and stepped on the bus.
After reaching The Leaky Cauldron, Harry stopped for a second, looking around at the standing pub. Harry swallowed the feeling of emptiness and walked in. It was apparently a busy day, as he was able to get into the alley without being seen, following someone in. He looked around in hidden wonderment, taking in the sight of everyone happy and healthy.
He walked down the street to Gringos. Walking in, he swallowed his feeling of emptiness mixed with wonder, and waked to the nearest teller. Walking up to him Harry stood and looked at him for maybe five seconds.
The goblin looked up at Harry , in a almost bored tone asked, "how can I help you?"
Harry looked at the goblin and quicker than he looked pulled out a cutting knife he had taken from his aunt's kitchen, The goblin looking alarmed, moved his hand to what looked like an alarm and only stopping when he saw Harry holding the knife to his palm expectantly.
The goblin, looking unsure ruffled through the desk and pulled out a blank sheet of parchment, pushing it in front of Harry, also giving him one of their knifes.
Harry took the knife and slit his palm, letting the blood flow down his palm onto the parchment. In bold letters, "Harry James Potter, heir to the most noble house of Potter."
The goblin looked at Harry with wide eyes, "follow me sir." The goblin exclaimed in a hushed but excited tone.
Harry, followed the goblin into a back room and sat down on a comfy looking chair. It was a comfy chair, he mused, as the goblin had already nodded to him and left the room. After maybe a minute passed another goblin came in, however this one had a more, dignified air about him.
"Good morning Mr. Potter," the goblin said curtly. Harry nodded in acknowledgement. The goblin raised an eyebrow, taking this as a sign of disrespect. "Short on words today Mr. Potter?" The goblin asked in what seemed like a cold tone. Harry nodded. The goblins jaw looked like it had just clenched.
"Very well, seeing as this is your first visit, and you… ah proved who you are already, I imagine you want to visit your vault?"
Harry just shrugged his shoulders, and with a wave of his hand, which if in the future anyone asks, was a lot easier than what it really was, conjured a piece of paper with the words, "main Potter fault," written on it.
The goblins eyes widened in surprise, before it nodded curtly, and stood up. "Well, follow me then Mr. Potter." Harry got out of his seat and followed the goblin from the room. Harry was lead down a long hallway, into the main entrance, and then into the area where you get in the carts and go down to the vaults. "In you go," the goblin said smirking, obviously thinking this was his first ride, and it was going to catch him off guard.
Harry rolled his eyes, and stepped into the cart. When the cart started, and during the whole ride, Harry kept his face neutral until they finally stopped. The goblin looking a little bit leery, because of his lack of reaction, walked over the door with a small, "P," on it. He stroked one finger down it and stood back as it opened. "I'll be waiting out here for you." The goblin said wearily.
Harry stepped into the vault, and looked around. along large and vast piles of gold, were many books, a lot of chests and a miscellaneous assortment of items. Walking deeper into the vault, Harry found a small bag, which upon further inquiry, he realized it was a bottomless bag, also empty.
He started scooping piles upon piles of gold into the bag. Once he felt he had put his fill into the bag, he closed it, waved his hand over it, shrunk it and out in his over-sized pocket.
Harry took one last sweep through the vault and saw a door he must have missed. Walking over to it curiously, he opened it and peered inside. He saw frame after frame of empty portraits. He walked to this closest one and read the title, Arnold Potter -(1204-1279 A.D).
Harry rapped on the portrait a few times, until an older looking person walked into the frame. "Who are you?" Harry opened his mouth, and tried to talk, bewildered because what came out sounded like Parseltongue.
Arnold Potter yelled and tumbled back, he ran back to wherever he came from screaming something that sounded like snake mouth, Harry tried talking again and what sounded like words out. He, wandlessly again he must add, summoned a cup, and again wandlessly added water into it. after downing the cup. Harry tried talking again and a few soft words came out, "I'm a dunderhead."
Harry swore he heard a snort and looked around, "down here." Harry turned down and walked down the aisle. Coming upon last four he saw a decent looking women with long black hair.
"Well, I don't think that was parseltongue, a damaged voice box?" She asked, him? "Yup, definitely a damaged voice box?" Finally she turned her attention towards him, "Are you a parseltongue boy?"
Harry looked at her incredulously, "I don't think so." His soft but scratchy voice replied.
Suddenly, her eyes widened. "Harry?" she asked gaping at him.
Harry immediately went on the defensive, "who are you?" She looked at him with happy tears, "Harry I'm your grandmother."
Harry looked at her gobsmacked, and then looked down the aisle at the vast amount of portraits, "Out of all these, how likely is it that you come?"
Harry snorted out loud. He heard a bitter chuckle, and she responded, "oh its because I was born a black, so that automatically makes me a master on dark magic."
Harry snorted too. Then looked back at her, "Wait where do all these portraits lead to?" Harry asked, curious now.
She looked at him and beamed, "well Potter Manner of course." Harry just looked at her blankly.
"Well of course you know of Potter manner," she stated and grew flustered when he looked even more lost. She sighed and shook her head sadly, "Never, how do you now know of Potter manner, your own home," before Harry could even respond she turned and walked away.
Harry was staring at the portrait for what felt like a long time, until he heard someone else approaching. Harry walked over to the portrait he heard it from and almost choked. His portrait, well to be more accurate, his family portrait. Finally a man with glasses and dark hair came into view. He grinned at Harry,
"Harry, well… this is a surprise, where are, well we at?" Harry's face told him all James needed to know, through a strangled sob, "when?"
Harry's soft voice sounded scratchy as wool, as he replied, "1981, October 31."
James looked at him sadly, "How," Harry, feeling his eyes misting over at the fact that his first, well erm, 'conversation,' with his father was about his death replied, "Wormtail." Jame's face tightened, until he looked up, "when are you coming to Potter manor?"
Harry grimaced at this one, and replied "probably not soon," James, surprisingly grinned at this. "There is a book in the gold and red chest with the large J on it, about an art of magic called occlumency, take this portrait with you, have Moony, Padfoot, or Wormtail - assuming he didn't betray me on purpose- shrink it, assuming they're with you, yes of course they are, anyways I'll help you with it as much as i can, anyways once you reach a, 'mastery level,' at it, you can take this portrait, and animate it in your mind so your mother and I, well the part of us we left in the portrait can become a part of you!"
James said that in a whole breath, "Harry "J-just put this in a bag, its in the vault, it doesn't have a bottom, when you get somewhere safe just call for me and I'll come… I love you son," then James Potter's memory was gone, leaving behind an empty portrait. Harry sighed and wandlessly shrunk the portrait, he was starting to feel weak and sick from all the wandless magic, 'and they were just first year charms! Accept aguamenti, but well that didn't count.' he mused to himself.
Harry walked outside the vault, and nodded to the goblin. He got in the cart and started his ascent up. He remained quiet the whole time until he was out of the cart, "Thank you," his soft voice whispered and we walked out of the bank without glancing back. He got down the steps and then tensed as he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Not so fast lassie." A familiar voice exclaimed.
Harry spun around at the contact, he was momentarily stunned at seeing the, now not so ex-Auror Mad-Eye Moody.
"You've caused quite a stir, leaving your house like that. Cause some people quite a worry." Harry snorted, already knowing who he caused to worry. Moody raised his eye but had no comment.
"Common lad, let's get you home, we need to stop somewhere first, it should be quick." Moody said steering him away from Gringotts. Harry, knowing where, -or more like who,- the stop was started to panic.
As the pair were walking down the street towards the exit. Harry got an idea in mind, a crazy one, but still an idea.
Harry pretended to trip, Moody instantly went to right him up, and Harry took his chance and sped off.
He heard Moody curse behind him and try and grab him. But Harry was not to be caught.
He kept on running weaving through people, which was becoming easier because of the commotion they were causing.
Harry felt a small pull on him, and instantly pushed harder. He would have laughed at the idea of being summoned if the situation wasn't as serious.
He really needed to get into muggle London. There was the only place he had a chance of getting free.
"GET THAT KID!" He heard Moody roar. Harry could see the leaky cauldron coming up.
Harry burst through the entrance, and was running towards the door when he collided with something, which made him tumble over.
Looking up he saw it was a grumpy looking wizard in Auror robes.
Quickly jumping up, he tried to run past him only to have a hand placed on his shoulder. "Aren't you going to say sorry, that was mighty rude."
The auror said with a sneer. Harry quickly nodded his head and said sorry and went to run out the door, but the auror grabbed him again.
"Why are you in such a hurry, that you had to rudely bump into me?" The auror asked with an air of suspicion
Harry let out a quick, "nothing," and tried to break free again, he swore he could hear Moody's leg coming closer, when the auror
gasped.
Harry looked at him, and saw him staring at his forehead, and did the only thing that the situation called for. Swore, hard
As the auror was pulling Harry farther into the bar, Harry saw Moody enter the building.
Moody was momentarily paused seeing Harry being pulled to the fireplace, but quickly regained his composure.
"Jugson, wait!"
The auror holding Harry, -Jugson,- turned to face Moody. "I didn't realize you were on duty Alastor."
"I'm not," the auror replied gruffly, "however you can't take him to the ministry," Moody replied
Jugson paused, as if he was thinking and looked at Moody, "I'm pretty sure, as I'm sure you know why, but the ministry would like to know that Harry Potter was sprinting through the door of the Leaky Cauldron, when he was supposed to be blissfully ignorant of the magical world."
The rest of the pub, who by now were listening in gasped and every eye found itself glued to his forehead.
Harry could see that Moody was itching to draw his wand, but wanted to avoid causing a larger scene, so he gestured to the fireplace as if saying, "after you."
Jugson nodded at him pulled him towards the fireplace and looked at him, and said, "First times always suck, if this even your first time." pulled some floo powder from the jar, threw it in the flames and shouted, "Ministry of magic, Auror office."
After the spinning was done. he found himself in a larger office, with desks all over. "I figured that wasn't your first time, everyone I know, on their first fell over."
Harry heard a snicker and a reply, "It might have something to do with you holding him, but pure speculation," another auror replied.
Jugson's face went red as he shook his head. The roaring of flames was heard again and Moody stepped out.
Jugson looked thoughtful for a moment and then turned to Moody, "Seeing as you're probably familiar, take him to one of the holding cells for now, I'm sure the boss will want to speak to him as soon as possible.
Moody glared at the man, "You're asking me to take a child, a child to a holding cell?"
Jugson snorted and looked at Moody, "Oh yes, it's a shame we don't have any means of making it more comfortable, if only stuff could just, appear."
Moody's face turned a little bit red as he glared at Jugson. -Dawlish snickered in the background-, and turned to Harry. "Come on lad."
As they were walking through the ministry, Moody turned to Harry, "this is some spot you've gotten us in, I would like to know how, but I'm pretty sure that will be answered soon."
As they got to the holding cell, Moody opened the door and walked inside, he transfigured the cot into a comfy couch, conjured a light that he attached the the ceiling. Warmed the air up a lot. and transfigured the stone floor in to carpet.
"If you're going to be here longer, I'll try and find something to bring for you to entertain yourself, for now just sit tight." and with that, Moody was gone.
Harry sighed and flopped down on the couch. He didn't want to risk pulling out his family portrait, and with a sigh he realized he had forgotten the book his father had told him to get.
So Harry just lay there, and what felt like hours passed, before his door opened again and Moody entered.
Moody had a sandwich and a ping of Pumpkin juice with him. He conjured a table and chair, while putting the sandwich on the table.
He pulled out a copy of, "The Tales Of Beedle and Bard," and put it next to the sandwich.
He sighed and looked at Harry, "something has come up, that will be problematic, someone will be coming to talk to you and explain, for now just sit tight. Aside from the sandwich, I always found the book entertaining as a youngster, maybe you will too," and with that he was gone again.
Harry sighed, he realized he was rather hungry and ate the sandwich. He looked at the book, and picked it up. deciding to give it a try, seeing as the only store he was familiar with was the infamous, "three brothers."
Time passed rather quickly as he was reading the book, whose stories he actually found entertaining, when he heard voices.
"They're not really going to give him a trial Albus?" The forlorn voice of Moody said.
"Alastor, I'm afraid so, however it is mainly for publicity for Fudge, something like figure out how he knew of the world, introduce him to it formally and have a few picture along the minister, and Fudge will have a for-sure way to win the re-election."
Harry almost smirked on the inside at this turn of events, Fudge wants to use him a poster boy this early on? Turning it on him to make him the fool sounds much better.
The pair were right outside his door, so he lifted the book to his face and pretended to be deep in reading,
He heard a chuckle, of the dead mentor at time, and despised, -but still loved- man later and looked up.
He was met by the unwavering gaze of Albus Dumbledore. "Hello Harry, I'm Albus Dumbledore, though soon it will be professor Dumbledore."
Harry, deciding to play along, tilted his head, and asked curiously, "Professor?"
Albus chuckling, said "yes Harry, however you may also call me headmaster."
Harry gave him a curious look and said, "I never told you my name." Alastor chuckled and gave him an approving look.
Albus looked at him for a minute and then said, "well you see Harry, you're quite famous."
Harry tilted his head at him, "for what?"
Albus looked solemn and replied, "that is for another time."
Alastor sent him a look, and Dumbledore continued. "Now, as to what is happening now, The minister for magic, -Cornelius Fudge- is going to put you on a… well trial is not the right word for it. Basically you're going to be questioned in front of a large group of people and then have some pictures taken of you."
"So basically I'm being used for publicity?" Harry interrupted.
Alastor chuckled. "smart one he is," he exclaimed.
Even Dumbledore's eyes had a mischievous twinkle. "I'm afraid so, even I, with my power, cannot stop this."
Dumbledore looked at Harry for a moment, "well if you're ready, we should get going, you have an appointment to, ah yes, 'gain publicity,'" Dumbledore stated with an amused twinkle.
Harry got up, handed Alastor the book, and followed Dumbledore out of the room to whatever cock-bull ploy Fudge had set up.
They walked down the corridor some, and came upon a lift. Albus tilted his head towards it in an, 'after you,' type nod.
The lift was empty accept for the three of us. Deciding to act like a I really was eight years old, I looked at Albus. "Why are the hosting a trial for me?"
Albus looked a little amused, and responded "My dear boy, this is not a trial, in all senses its more of an interview; accept in trial format."
I looked at him curiously, "why are they doing this just for me?" Albus looked down at me and answered, "as you said earlier, I am positive this is just for publicity, to gain The Minister publicity for the next election to get him the spot again."
Harry nodded, noticing Albus avoiding the topic of the, "Boy-Who-Lived," thing, and looked down. After a short time the cool voice of the female announcer said, "Department of Mysteries."
Harry felt a tiny bit worried, simply because this was where the full Wizengamot trials were held.
The passed courtrooms one through eight, and once they passed courtroom nine, and stopped at ten Harry felt a full blown sense of Deja vu.
Albus turned to looked at Harry, and said "This should be fairly easy, after the… ah trial… I will be waiting for you to ask some unanswered questions. I do not advise you to lie. It is of utmost importance that I know how you know of this world, and why. Now, I have to take a part in the trial, but do not fear, we are just going to ask you some questions, now do you have any questions?"
Harry stared at him, Albus had just asked that without taking a breath and it didn't even seem like he took a breath afterwards.
Being brought back to reality by Moody snorting, he answered, "no."
Albus looked at him questioningly and nodded, "alright, go on then," he said gesturing to the door.
Harry sighed and walked into the room, and was immediately taken aback by seeing the entirety of the Wizengamot there.
Harry stood looking up at them all, and they were all looking down upon him. Some with faces of scorn, others confusing, and some kindness.
He heard someone clear their throat, "Ah Mr. Potter, if you would, please take a seat." Harry looked up and saw Cornelius Fudge gesturing to the chair in the middle.
Harry went to it and sat down and looked up at him expectantly. "Well, we have Mr. Potter joining us right now." Fudge said to the room at large. and then to him, "We just have some questions for you. We would like you to answer them truthfully, ok?"
Harry looked at him, waited a second and then nodded. Fudge cleared his throat and asked. "Ok, so first off, how are you in this world?"
Harry swallowed and answered, "Well when two people love each other, they.."
"Not that way." Fudge said looking red. Some people were chuckling while others were looking upon him with scorn.
Harry looked up and saw a twinkle of amusement in Albus's eyes.
After Fudge recovered, he looked at him, "How are you in the magical world."
Harry thought for a moment and answered, "well the same thing happened accept my parents were wizards."
This time many people were outright laughing and others were smiling at him. "Fudge, with a rosy red face asked, "How do you know of the magical world?"
Harry looked thoughtful for a moment, deciding to anger Fudge more asked, "How do you?" The room silenced immediately, with some people looking at him in respect, while most looked at him with anger and annoyance now.
Fudge looked angry for a moment, then smiled, nodding to and auror on his right."Would you like some tea Mr. Potter?"
Harry taken aback from the sudden change, shook his head no.
"Nonsense," Fudge replied, "I insist."
Harry starting to get a little worried replied, "No I'm fine."
Fudge looked down at him, "It would be a great insult for you to not take it, so do you like sugar in it or not?"
Harry once again tried to tell him no to no avail. "Well then, sugar it is." Fudge said nodding to the auror. Said auror walked out of the room and returned a minute later.
Harry, knowing now what was in the tea, because of the ridiculously short time it took to make it started to panic. However he accepted the tea with no complaint.
"Now, how do you know about the magical world Mr. Potter?" Fudge asked looked at him. Harry shrugged his shoulders.
"Drink up Harry drink up." Harry looked towards Dumbledore in a panic, only to grow angry when he saw him nod. 'He knew! Bastard..'
Harry, feeling cocky in his anger downed the tea in one gulp and instantly felt the effects of veritaserum.
"Now Mr. Potter, how do you know of the magical world?" Harry looked up at him.
"Someone told me."
Fudge looked slightly scarlet. "Who told you about the magical world?"
Harry panicked some, and then realized he could get out of this with twisted truths. "A person."
"Tell me the name Mr. Potter." Harry against his will started, "Ru-" but then paused, and found a loophole in it. "My parents."
There was a shocked murmur around the room. "James and Lily Potter are dead!" Fudge exclaimed.
"That doesn't mean they couldn't have taught me." Harry sniped back.
Fudge was seething now. "When did they teach you of the magical world?" he asked.
"A long time ago." Harry responded.
Fudge , realising he wasn't going to get anywhere, instead asked. "Why were you in the Diagon Alley today?"
Harry tried to fight the question but couldn't. "To know my assets and see if I had any houses available."
Everyone he could see looked generally curious now.
"Why would you need to do that." Again Harry struggled and failed to fight the serem. "To prepare a house for my godfather myself and whoever else comes along the way.
The few people that knew who Harry's godfather was looked shocked. "Wh-Why would you want to do that, your godfather is indisposed at the moment." Fudge asked.
Harry gave in to the serum and responded, "I want to have a house for him because I was planning to press a trial for him to prove his innocence." And the room erupted in chaos.
A/N: Welp, here it is. Till next time - Gray