Dumbledore's office, August, 1992

Albus Dumbledore was sitting in his office deep in thoughts. There were so many things to do. While in the pensieve, Ariana pointed the other things to do. 'I should make a list.' thought Dumbledore.

Last day was exceptionally hard for him. His death, talking to his sister, emotional breakdown from seeing so many deaths of his friends and students and finally, his return back. If somebody told him this a few weeks ago, he would send them to the St. Mungo.

Fortunately, he has two years before the real action starts. Destroying the diary early will not affect the 'old' timeline. At least Voldemort's plans. Despite the advantage Dumbledore has, defeating Lord Voldemort won't be easy. He can't kill him in the graveyard, because of the ring horcrux. There was a real chance, that Voldemort will check on his horcrux in the Gaunt shack. Riddle Manor was too close so Dumbledore can't take this risk. Also the Hufflepuff cup will be a problem. While the break by Harry and his friends was remarkable, it was pure luck. And Albus didn't want to rely on luck. He also didn't want to break into Gringots.

Other hocruxes won't be that hard. Except for Harry. Dumbledore still didn't know what to with his scar horcrux. Ariana said soul magic is simple, but Albus didn't have a clue what to do. He will have to take a look in Black's library. And that was another question, what to do about Sirius Black? Will he still escape? If Harry will be living with Weasleys, will they still go to Egypt? Maybe Harry could go to Longbottom's? Sirius will probably still go to the Surrey after his escape. What about him by the way? In the Black's library he could find something useful...

'This could wait,' thought Dumbledore. First, he should arrange it with the Weasleys, so Harry could stay with them this summer. He stood up and come to Fawkes. "Could you take me to the Burrow, my friend?" Fawkes trilled happily and flew on his shoulder. With a burst of flames, they vanished.

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Harry was lying on the bed in his room. After the incident with Dobby, the Dursleys locked him in his room, paid a man to fit bars on Harry's window, and uncle Vernon fitted a cat-flap in the door, so that small amounts of food could be pushed inside three times a day. They let Harry out to use the bathroom morning and evening, otherwise he was locked in his room around the clock. It was now three days after that disaster with Mrs. Mason.

Dobby, the house-elf was responsible for the warning he got from Ministry of Magic. If he do magic to let himself out, they will expel him from the school. After the year at Hogwarts, staying with the Dursleys was worse than before. What was worse, Dobby stole his letters from friends. At least he knew that his friends didn't forget him.

His school things and books were locked in his old cupboard. The cupboard, where he lived for ten years. He couldn't study, he couldn't do his homework, heck, he couldn't do anything. His stomach was empty and after the year of proper eating it was worse than ever. 'Wish the wizarding world could see famous Harry Potter now', he thought. It was ironic, how he could go from one extreme to another. One day he is in Hogwarts, where people stare at him and couldn't get enough of him, and the other day he is with people who couldn't stand him.

Suddenly he heard a knock on the front door. Who could be coming at this time? Maybe some peddler or something like that. But what he heard next, woke him up at instant.

"Hello Mrs. Dursley. I am Albus Dumbledore. I am sure you heard about me." 'What is going on?' Thought Harry. 'Why is Professor Dumbledore here?'

Locks on his door suddenly unlocked and the door opened. Harry hesitantly walked to the stairs and saw Professor Dumbledore with aunt Petunia.

"Ah Harry, my boy. It is good to see you. Come here, we are about to have a chat with your guardians." He wasn't wearing his usual grandfather mask, instead he had really serious look. He was projecting almost visible aura. Aunt Petunia was frightened and led them to the living room.

"Professor Dumbledore, what is going on?" asked confused Harry.

"I will explain everything in a minute Harry" answered Dumbledore. Harry shrugged and followed them to the living room, where was already sitting his uncle Vernon. He has also that frightened look on his face and Harry started thinking that something horrible happened.

Dumbledore drew his wand and the Dursleys winced. With casual flick he conjured two comfortable looking sofas. "You can sit down, my boy."

"Is everything all right.." started Harry, but Dumbledore interupted him. "Later...please sit down." He turned to the Dursleys.

"Eleven years ago a left Harry upon your doorstep with a letter explaining about his parents' murder and expressing the hope that you would care for him as though he were your own." Dumbledore paused, and although his voice remained light and calm, and he gave no obvious sign of anger, Harry felt a kind of chill emanating from him and noticed that the Dursleys drew very slightly closer together. "You did not do as I asked. You have never treated Harry as a son. He has known nothing but neglect and often cruelty at your hands. The magic I evoked fifteen years ago means that Harry has powerful protection while he can still call this house 'home.' However miserable he has been here, however unwelcome, however badly treated, you have at least, grudgingly, allowed him houseroom."

"This summer, the protections were severely weakened and I don't really want to know why." He paused and turned to Harry. "Now Harry, this morning I stopped by the Weasleys and they agreed to take you for the rest of summer. That is, if you want." he finished with a slight twinkle in his eyes.

Harry meanwhile looked as if Christmas come early. With a big grin he nodded.

"Splendid" said Dumbledore and stood up. "You can go and pack your things Harry."

"Ehm, um, Professor. They," he pointed at the Dursleys, "locked my things in the cupboard, sir." said Harry hesitantly.

Dumbledore regained his cold look and the Dursleys shuddered. He flicked his wand and door to the cupboard opened. "I will send your things straight to the Burrow, because we have something else to solve." Another wave from his wand and the trunk and broom disappeared.

"Now Harry, I would like you to enjoy your last moments here, because you will not be going back. Ever." said Dumbledore.

"Really?" asked Harry astonished, "b-but where will I go next summer?"

Dumbledore smiled at the confused lad. "I will arrange something...let's say, more comfortable than this." he finished with distaste.

"But now to the point. It has come to my attention, that you were given a warning from the ministry. I assume that it wasn't you who did that hover charm, am I right?"

"Yes sir." answered Harry simply. He didn't ask how he knew. Professor Dumbledore always seemed to know everything about everybody.

Dumbledore nodded. "Let's go than. Take my hand Harry, I will apparate us. I must warn you, it won't be pleasant." Harry nodded and took his hand. With a slight pop they vanished.

"Welcome to the Ministry of Magic Harry."

They reappeared in the very long and splendid hall with a highly polished, dark wood floor. The peacock-blue ceiling was inlaid with gleaming golden symbols that were continually moving and changing like enormous heavenly notice board. The wall on each side were paneled in shiny dark wood and had many fireplaces set into them. Every few seconds a witch or wizard would emerge from one of them.

Halfway down the hall was a fountain. A group of golden statues, larger than life-size, stood in the middle of a circular pool. Dumbledore was walking, suddenly deep in thoughts. That day, now three years in the future, he could have killed Voldemort. But he didn't fight for win, only for Tom Riddle to retreat. He believed in his version of prophecy, that Harry must kill him, not Dumbledore. He shook his head a led Harry to the lifts.

"I contacted Madam Bones, Head of Department of Magical Law Enforcement. It will be quick. I am assuming it was a house-elf who cast that hover spell, it that right?" Dumbledore asked while the lift was moving.

"Yes sir. I have one question, though. You said there was a protections around, how can Dobby come through?"

"Dobby?" asked Dumbledore, although he knew his name.

"The house-elf said it was his name, sir."

"Oh yes. To answer your question, the protections were against those who seek to harm you. Dobby clearly didn't want to harm you, so it let him through. Ah, here we are." They entered the office.

Madam Bones was a middle-aged woman, with a monocle in her eye and a strict look, like profesor McGonagall. "Mr. Potter," she said. "Let's do it quick for I don't have much time. Your wand please." Harry drew his wand and sumbmitted it to Madam Bones. She cast someting with her wand and 'Alohomora' appeared. It was a spell he used at the exams.

She stood up and give Harry his wand back. "Alright Mr. Potter. I will call somebody to solve it with Madam Hopkirk. You can go now."

After they left, Dumbledore led him to the apparation point and they vanished again. They appeared in front of very odd-looking house. "Now Harry, I will leave you. I will see you at start of the school." And he vanished with a burst of flames.

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Flourish and Blotts, August, 1992

Albus Dumbledore was standing disillusioned in the corner of bookstore and waited. He was waiting for Lucius Malfoy to slip the diary into the young Ginny Weasley's cauldron. His plan was simple - take the book, but not destroy it immediately. He will need it to blackmail Malfoy. From what he had seen in the pensieve, he grew fond of that little elf, Dobby. He might come useful later. Lucius Malfoy wouldn't know what hit him. Here it comes.

After that little incident between Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Weasley, Malfoy slipped the diary into the Transfiguration guide for the first years and gave it back to the Ginny's cauldron. This was what he was waiting for. He flicked his wand and the diary was disillusioned. Another flick and the diary started floating right into his hand. He pocketed it and left.

Next week will be a meeting of Board of Governors. Albus was really looking forward to this meeting.

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Hogwarts, meeting of the Board of governors

Albus Dumbledore was seemingly listening to the boring speech of one member of board, who was having this really pointless speech about useless things. In the reality, he was planning his encounter with Malfoy. He really didn't like this man. Dumbledore was famous for his "everyone deserves a second chance," but that was his old motto. There will be no second chances, no after what he had seen. He will manipulate, he will blackmail and if it will be necessary, he would kill. But he hoped that it wouldn't be necessary. His Elder wand was responsible for enough deaths through the history.

Finally the meeting was over. "Mr. Malfoy," called Dumbledore. "Can I have a minute of your time." said Dumbledore in his granfatherly voice.

Malfoy scowled at him but nodded "Of course Dumbledore. What do you want?"

Dumbledore waited until the last member of the Board left and rapidly drew his wand. He pointed his wand at the surprised Malfoy. "What is going on? I will have you arrested for this old man!" Shouted Malfoy, but Dumbledore flicked his wand and he was quickly confined by thick ropes.

Dumbledore sat down and looked at him coldly. "Now you will be quiet and I will tell you a short story. You see, I week ago I was at Flourish and Blotts keeping an eye on young Mr. Potter. You know him right? But to make a long story short," he paused and drew a diary from his pocket. "I suddenly saw this little, innocent book." finished Dumbledore with a feral look. " You wouldn't know what it is, would you?"

Mr. Malfoy paled for a moment, but quickly regained his sneer. "I don't know what you are talking about. A diary? You are senile." But Dumbledore smiled. "I didn't say it was a diary."

Malfoy now lost his sneer, instead he has a cold look on his face. He knew he was in trouble. "What do you want then?" He asked straight to the point.

Dumbledore smiled. This was easier than he expected. His eyes twinkled. "First, I want your house elf. His name is Dobby if I am not mistaken."

Malfoy was now really confused. Why would Dumbledore want his barmy elf? Maybe he is really senile. "Dobby!" Dobby appeared, frightened to see his master confined in ropes. "Yes master?"

"Albus Dumbledore is your new master." A tiny flash of light erupted from Dobby's head and was directed to Dumbledore. Dobby started hopping around in joy.

"You can go to the kitchen for now Dobby, I will call you later." Dobby nodded. "Yes Headmaster Whiskers!" and vanished with a pop. Dumbledore chuckled. That elf was really barmy. He glanced back at Malfoy. "A also heard somewhere that there will be a donations of twenty-eight new brooms for quidditch teams. What was the last model? Nimbus 2001? Yes? Splendid." He chuckled again.

"As you surely know...or maybe not, with my memory of your slipping this book to young Miss Weasley's cauldron, I can ensure your staying in Azkaban for a few years and no money could help you out. If you won't cause any problems, I will leave it be. But if I find any other issues, you will find yourself in Azkaban. Am I clear?!"

Malfoy nodded. It could have been worse. He have enough gold and he was certain he could buy himself from the Azkaban, but his reputations would been destroyed. He will have to wait. Dumbledore looked really frightening and Lucius suddenly understand, why he was the only one, whom Dark Lord had ever feared.

Dumbledore was satisfied. He waved his wand and the ropes vanished. "Get out!" he said sharply projecting his power in the air. Malfoy nearly ran from his office.

"Dobby!" called Dumbledore. Dobby appeared with a pop. His big eyes were looking at the diary lying on the desk. "As you can see, the danger is no more. I hope young Mr. Potter will come here without any problems like...sealed barrier at the King's cross station or something like that." He chuckled at the stunned house-elf, who was looking at him with awe. "I forbid you to punish yourself. Now...go to the Burrow and do as Mrs. Weasley say. Tell her that I sent you."

"Yes master Whiskers." squeaked Dobby and vanished with a pop.

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Hogwarts, the staff meeting

Every year, week before the start of school, there was a staff meeting at Hogwarts. It was always the same. A few new rules, curriculum updates, welcoming new members, a so on. This time it will be different.

When everybody settled down, Headmaster stood up. "Welcome. This year, I will be taking more active role in the everyday school business. I will be doing inquiries in the classes, revisiting taken points and assigned detentions. It has come to my attention, that some of you were not always fair." he stopped and glanced at Severus Snape who was wearing his usual sneer. He hid his distaste and continued.

"In addition, there will be harsher penalties for bullying, name-calling and fighting in the corridors. This year, there will be the dueling club, where students can solve their conflicts. I am not sure about the details yet."

He paused and looked back at Snape. Since when Ariana opened his eyes, he couldn't help himself, but he really didn't like this man. A double agent. He will have to find a solution for him. Dumbledore didn't want Snape on the dark side, but how could one ensure he will be loyal to the light? Albus didn't like blackmailing, but sometimes it is necessary. He was thinking about many things he need and blackmailing was often the only way. He will have to think about it once again. Snape was valuable.

"If there will be another case of taking points for 'breathing too loud' or something like that, I will have no option but to put you into probation. Also, you will have to reduce your conditions for studing NEWTs to Exceed Expectations. Am I clear?"

Snape was starting to protest, but one glance at Headmaster's cold demeanor was all he needed to stop. "Yes, sir." he said.

"Good," Dumbledore continued. "Last year, I heard some really nasty name-calling, like 'mudblood' and so on. This year there will be none of this. Detentions, taken points, prohibitions to clubs and quidditch, suspension, expulsions. This is the way to ensure peaceful times in our loved school. If you have nothing else to add, the meeting is over. Dumbledore suddenly remembered something. "Professor Lockhart, please come with me to my office."

Teachers left, mostly talking about this new, proactive Headmaster. Needless to say, most of them were happy with this new, proactive Headmaster. Maybe other houses have a chance to win School cup now, when Slytherin won't have unfair advantage. Of course, Severus Snape was not happy. This was one of his tickets back to the Dark Lord, should he ever come back. He could claim that there were less aurors and healers because of him. Also his supporting of Slytherin superiority and hatred directed at other houses was creating a new generations of Death eaters. Snape now hoped the Dark Lord won't come back.

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While Snape was deep in thoughts about the Dark Lord, Gilderoy Lockhart was walking beside Dumbledore, thinking about how he was getting a new position as a leader of the dueling club. Little did he know...

They came to the Headmaster's office. "Please, sit down. Lemon sherbet?" Offered Dumbledore in his typical demeanor of harmless grandfather. Lockhart took one. "Thank you headmaster."

Dumbledore smiled and with silent expeliarmus disarmed him. He looked at the new Professor against dark arts with distaste. "I don't have a time Gilderoy, so this will be quick. I know all about your adventures with memory charms." Lockhart paled while Dumbledore continued. "I will give you your wand back, you swear an oath to never use memory charms again a I will let you go. After this year, you will resign your position. Any questions?"

Lockhart, whose position was similar to Mr. Malfoy nodded. He have enough money for decent living. More than decent actually. And who wants to go to Azkaban? His books will be making money for a few years hopefully, so he could live a decent life.

"Now I will give you your wand. Should you try anything other than the oath, I will have no options but to use violence." threatened Dumbledore and gave him his wand. Lockhart definitely didn't want to do something else, he was miserable fighter. Of course, against Albus Dumbledore was almost everybody miserable fighter.

"I, Gilderoy Lockhart, swear on my life and magic to never use memory charms, so mote it be!" A flash of golden light erupted from his wand and confirmed his oath.

Dumbledore smiled. "Remember dear Gilderoy, that I didn't swear any oath. So I would like you to behave. You can go now."

Gilderoy nodded and left. Dumbledore reached in his drawer and pulled out Firewhiskey, took long sip and gave it back. His life was really tiring.

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The Burrow

After the rescue from Dursleys by professor Dumbledore, Harry's life was better than he remembered. Mrs. Weasley was feeding him with huge amounts of food, mixed with special potions from St. Mungo because of his malnourishment. In one month, from skinny kid he was for twelve years he grew a few inches, gained weight and grew some muscles from never-ending flying with Ron and the twins.

The end of summer vacation came too quickly for Harry's liking. He was looking forward to getting back to Hogwarts, but his month at the Burrow had been the happiest of his life. Professor Dumbledore somehow acquired Dobby and sent him to Burrow for help. Mrs. Weasley was really happy for that, because Dobby was now doing everything except for cooking, that was her specialty.

The ghoul in the attic mysteriously vanished after few days, gnomes were far away, everything was clean a some old things were repaired. Dobby was doing perfect job.

There was only one bad situation in all summer, the incident with Malfoys. Harry really wasn't looking forward to meet Draco Malfoy again. He was something like his cousin Dudley in his old school.

"Harry, come inside, dinner is ready!" shouted Mrs. Weasley from the house. The last dinner contained all of Harry's favourite meals. Harry hoped the next summer he could stay here again. He and Ron were doing great and even Ginny was getting over her shyness. The Weasleys refused point blank that he will pay them for their hospitality, so he took it another way.

Flashback

After the disaster at Flourish and Blotts, he and Ron were given a half an hour alone. After a while, Ginny came too. Harry took them to the Olivander.

"Ron, Ginny." He started hesitantly. "You know that your parents refused to let me pay for anything in your house, but it's just not right."

Harry paused. "When professor Dumbledore take me to the ministry, we had spoken about wands and he said if you don't have your own wand, the spells are harder."

Ron was confused, but Ginny knew immediately what is it about. "We can't take it Harry, it's too much. Wands costs 7 galeons!"* But it was clear that she wanted it. She wanted to impress her crush since she learned that one of his best friend is Hermione Granger, who was the top of her class. And with her own wand it will be easier.

Ron was uncertain. His own wand, he thought. It sounded good. But seven galeons?

Harry saw that they were at odds, so he dragged them in the shop and refused to leave until they bought their wands. "I know what it means to be poor." he said when they left. "Eleven years at Dursleys I wore my cousin's hand me down clothes, slept in a cupboard, never had enough to eat despite that I did most of the cooking. Now I have money a I have to say that it feels good to give a present. I never have presents and last Christmas your mum sent me a sweater and she didn't even know me. Now I am staying in her house, eat her meals and she won't take money for that. How am I supposed to feel?"

Ginny was angry at the Dursleys and muttered under her breath something that sound like "Bat-bogey" and Ron looked ashamed. He realized that Harry didn't live a perfect life like he thought. Yes, he has money and fame, but for what price?

End of flashback

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Headmaster's office

Albus Dumbledore was standing at the window and was thinking again. He hoped that potions from St. Mungo helped. According to what Ariana said, Harry has a potential power to match his and Tom Riddle's power. Harry had his moments, especially one with the hundred dementors, but otherwise he was only above average in the classes. Hopefully the potions would help. If not, he has one thing that should help. Nicolas Flamel was very helpful. Unlike in the 'old' timeline, he didn't destroy the Sorcerer's stone. Instead he and Nick placed it under the Fidelius charm with Dumbledore as a secret keeper.

But now he was thinking about something else. In every century, there were up to five wizards or witches, who have much more potential than others. In the 19. century, there were two – Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald. One dark, one light. In this century, there was Tom Riddle, but nobody else. Many times he thought that he found another, but while they were strong in comparison with everyday witches and wizards, they didn't reach the highest level. Now his sister told him that there are three wizards like him. Well, not like him. Not yet. He now knew that one of them is Harry Potter. But because of his aunt and uncle and horcrux, his power and mind was unstable.

What about other two? They are in the school, that was all Ariana told him. Here at Hogwarts. Miss Granger could be one of them, her results in exams were the highest since Tom Riddle graduated. He need to ensure they won't go dark. He once made a big mistake with Tom Riddle, and he won't make it twice. Albus thought many times about Tom Riddle. Maybe the orphanage was the reason he went dark. Maybe Harry didn't go dark only because of his parents, who died in the hand of Dark Lord.

One thing was clear – they will need special training, otherwise they won't reach their peak. Nicolas Flamel helped him and in the same time guided him to the light. Or was it Ariana, who guided him to the light? He didn't really know. Maybe if she wasn't killed, he would continue with Gellert and take over the world...

Dumbledore snapped from his thoughts. The Hogwarts express will be here soon. He will have time to think about his former best friend later. He will have to prepare his speech.

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The Hogwarts express

Harry, Ron and Ginny boarded on the train a found an empty compartment.

"Should we go find Hermione?" asked Harry after they settled down.

"We can wait and see if she come here soon. If not, we can go find her." replied Ron thoughtful. He too had the best summer in his life.

After a few minutes, the door opened. But it wasn't Hermione. It was Draco Malfoy with his bodyguards. "Well, well, if it isn't scarhead and his girlfriend weasel." He retorted as usual.

Ron stood up and tried to draw his wand, but Harry stopped him. He was thinking about this a few times over the summer and realized that he had really short temper.

Last year they got into many problems because of Malfoy. At least that was what they thought. When he thought about it objectively, it wasn't really Malfoy's fault. They were just too stupid and fell into Malfoy's traps. The Sorting hat wanted to put Harry in Slytherin as a first choice. But Slytherins are supposed to be cunning and think about consequences of their actions. He wasn't really using this side last year. Maybe he was trying subconsciously act like a Gryffindor to prove he belong there? 'Maybe it's time to do something else than recklessly jump into action in the first sight of conflict.'

"You know Malfoy, I think you are jealous." He started. "But I am not really sure. Maybe you aren't jealous of me as I thought first. Seeing that you are always with Crabbe and Goyle..." he paused theatrically, "you are probably jealous of Ginny...and while I have nothing against your ehm, sexual orientation, I must disappoint you. I like girls." He finished with a wink at Ginny, who blushed.

Malfoy gaped at him. "Wait till my fath.." but Ginny drew her wand and hit him with Bat-bogey spell. He ran out screaming. Good riddance.

"Bloody hell Ginny!" shouted Ron, who looked like Christmas came early. "That was perfect! And you Harry! Did you see the look on his face?!"

The compartment door opened again a this time it was Hermione.

Hermione came along with Neville and started chatting with Ginny, who was grateful she wasn't only girl in tge compartment anymore, while Neville was his usual self – quiet and shy. Hermione appraised Harry for not taking the bait from Malfoy. "It was really mature of you Harry," she said beaming. Harry blushed and quickly changed topic to holidays. Puberty is not supposed to start so early!

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Note

* galeon = 100 pounds. Otherwise I cannot understand, why would somebody risk his life in the Tri-wiz, or run wand-only shop with one wand costs 7 galeons.

I am really bad with tenses, I know. I am sorry. I won't get upset if you point out specific parts in the review. I also won't mind constructive criticism.

Not sure about eventual pairings. You can express your wish in the review.

Also not sure about scar removing. Any suggestions? At worst I will shot him down. Avada Kedavra! Boo!