Harry Potter and the Power of the Past
Disclaimer: All JKR's, not mine.
Summary: This is a complete AU- Harry Potter is a 21-year-old wizard, who's on top of the world. He's rich, in love, and loved by all, but his life is turned upside down as a spiral of events leads to the ultimate battle between good and evil. Can Harry lead the fight for the light, but yet manage to keep his life together?
A/N: I know, I know, another choppy chapter, but I had a lot written before I started it back up, so the first couple of chapters will be like this. So enjoy, and trust in me that it will get better. Thanks for the reviews everybody. Oh, and review again! Sorry I haven't updated as quickly as I usually do, it's just…I'm going through a tough time with my best friend right now. Her and I are going through a "more or not" phase, and as a guy (yes I am a guy if any of you were wondering) I'm having a hard time trying to figure it out, but enjoy!
S/N: Pettigrew is a little better of a wizard in my story than he shows in the real Potter books. In my opinion, he's underrated and obviously had a scheming aspect to him that went unnoticed by other wizards since he was able to trick Sirius.
S/N 2: I've also taken a few liberties with the Black family tree, shuffling around two members of the family to suit my needs, but nothing too drastic. You'll see it in a few chapters from now, but here's the gist of it: if you look at it, I switched Dorea Black (who married Charlus Potter) with Cedrella Black (who married Septimus Weasley), and made Dorea Black the youngest of the three daughters of Arcturus and Lysandra Black.
Chapter 5: Innocence is bliss
Appearing in front of a small white house, Harry's scanned the property with a small smile. It was by no means a mansion. It wasn't decked out in extravagant décor, nor expensive furnishings. It was a simple house; a quaint home that was perfectly situated in a muggle community. Whether it was the feel of magic around it, or the people inside, Harry always had a feeling of being at home while there.
Walking up the black door that had the number 35 on it, Harry pressed the bell, and waited to be let in. Although the Tonks' always told him to walk in over the years, he never felt comfortable too. Not until Nymphie is a Potter will I feel comfortable, he thought. As the door opened, the wizard finally felt the nerves that swelled inside of him. Tonks gave her boyfriend a huge smile. "Wotcher, stranger!"
Moving in to kiss her, Harry engulfed her in a passion filled moment. Not seeing her for two days was much too long in his opinion. A problem that needed rectification; luckily the answer was right in Harry's pocket. At the last minute, the hitwizard decided to grab the ring. He wasn't proposing tonight, but he felt he needed to show it to Tonks' father, to prove to him that he could take care of his baby girl. To prove that whatever Nymphie wanted she could have. That he would, and could, give her the world if she asked him to.
Breaking apart, Harry gave her a smile. "Hey to you, too."
Grabbing his hand, Tonks led her boyfriend into the small kitchen. Her mother and father were both standing around with a glass of wine in their hands, talking to each other casually. Upon seeing Harry, the couple smiled at the much younger wizard. "Hey, sweetie. How've you been?" Andromeda moved to kiss him on the cheek.
"Been fine. How about you, Andromeda?" Harry replied handing her the bottle of wine. Seeing Ted, Harry shifted to give him a handshake.
For some reason Ted had a way of scaring Harry almost to death. Not only was he much older, and physically smaller and weaker, he wasn't even half the wizard Harry was. Harry knew that, but even so, he was scared of the guy. Tonight, his fear was amplified even ten fold. "Good to see you, son. You're looking good." Ted said grabbing Harry's outstretched hand.
Harry rolled his eyes. "It's only been two weeks, Ted."
The older wizard smiled. "Even so, it's good to see you, and you still look good."
The group made their way over to the waiting dinner table. Steak, potatoes, corn, rolls, and wine were already spread out. Andromeda's meals, like they usually tasted, always looked great. She had a real knack for making a simple dish look elegant. "It looks great." Harry said licking his lips.
Andromeda laughed, putting the bottle of wine down on the table. "Yup. I made your favorite for dessert as well."
A tap at the window forced Nymphadora away from the table. Opening it up, she allowed the owl to take a sip of water, while she paid him and grabbed the paper. Reading the big headline on the front page, the young metamorphmagus gave out a gasp. "What is it?" Ted asked his daughter, worried.
Looking up, she stared right at Harry. "He's…he's innocent?" All Harry could do is nod. As the events that happened over the past few days hit him, he lost the ability to speak.
Andromeda had a confused look on her face. "Innocent? Who's innocent?"
"Sirius Black." Nymphadora whispered handing the paper to her mother. Andromeda looked down at the night edition of the Daily Prophet. A huge picture of Peter Pettigrew being dragged away by Kingsley was on the front page, with a short article underneath it.
Sirius Black Innocent!
Twenty years. Sirius Black spent twenty years in Azkaban Prison of Witches and Wizards before being the first inmate to ever escape when he did just a few days ago. Being the most dangerous prisoner, Black was in the highest security cell possible; he was watched over by two Dementors every day and night. Having been accused of murdering thirteen muggles, as well as the wizard Peter Pettigrew, Black was a shoe in for life imprisonment. Not even given a trial, the second Black was caught he was on the ferry over to the prison. But what would happen if Black was truly innocent? That the reason he was imprisoned was due to someone framing him? Well, that's exactly what happened. This reporter, as well the entire wizarding world, has been deceived. As I write this, Peter Pettigrew, an Order of Merlin wizard, is being carried to Azkaban. The supposed dead wizard is alive and well.
That's right. You read it correctly. Sirius Black is innocent, and Peter Pettigrew who we all thought died a hero, was actually a villain—a Death Eater of You-Know-Who. Four days ago, Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban prison. Harry Potter, the boy-who-lived as well as all around Quidditch hero, was assigned to track down Black, and bring him back to Azkaban. Being the best at what he does, Potter did track down his Godfather, then forced the truth out of Black.
The story we were all told was the opposite of what happened. It was not Pettigrew who hunted down Black for being a Death Eater, but Black who cornered Pettigrew. It was not Black who destroyed the street and killed all those muggles, but Pettigrew who did. Pettigrew then cut off his finger, and escaped in his Animagus form. All the while framing Black of the crime and forcing him to take the punishment.
Upon hearing this, Potter hunted down Pettigrew (remarkably fast mind you) and took him into custody. The entire Wizengamot was called in for the case. Pettigrew was found guilty of all Black's charges, and Black found innocent and will be given recessions.
Continued on page 2.
Andromeda slowly lifted her head to meet Harry's eyes. Horror was etched all over her face, as her mouth opened and closed a few times, clearly unable to form a sentence. "Where is he?"
"Back at my loft." Harry answered; cocking an eyebrow as Nymphadora took a chug of wine straight out of the bottle, and Andromeda downed what was left in her glass. "But that's why I didn't tell you: I'm having a party for him tomorrow night. I gave him a potion that I brewed up that will restore him to what he would look like if he hadn't spent that time in Azkaban. I know this is difficult, but it isn't any of our faults. We didn't know."
After reading the story, Ted clued himself in on what was going on. Although there was no way for him to console his wife and daughter, he just hoped he could get their mind off of the matter. "I know I have no part in this, for Sirius is neither my godfather, nor my cousin. But I love you all, and hate to see you like this. Tomorrow we'll go to the party, and have a good time reuniting with him. Tonight however, let's have a peaceful dinner." At Ted's words, everyone kicked into action. Passing the dishes to one another, the conversation progressed into idle chitchat. The food, like Harry thought it would be, was delicious.
The dinner winded down, just as the wine was finishing off. Nymphadora and Harry both got up to get the dessert and coffee. As they entered the kitchen, the witch grabbed her boyfriend and began a passionate kiss. When the need to breath set in, the metamorphmagus, who just happened to be in her natural state, let her boyfriend go. "What was that for?" Harry asked in a daze.
Tonks smirked, running a finger over his chest. "Can't a girl kiss her boyfriend?"
"Of course she can." Harry grinned, looking at her intensely.
"Good, because there's more to that later tonight." Tonks said grabbing the pie, and walking back out to the dinning room. Shaking his head, Harry finished making the coffee and tea, and followed the witch back to the table.
As Ted was eating the last piece of pie, Harry's stomach took a turn for the worst. His nerves came flooding back. Like a tidal wave, the weight of what he was about to do crashed down upon him. This was the moment he was dreaming about; the moment that his hard work building the dream house for the woman he loved would pay off. He knew it was here, since once the dishes were cleared and cleaned, there would be no more excuses. No more reasons for him to put it off. Taking a deep breath, the man-who-lived walked over to Ted with a smile. "Ted, let's say you come outside and light a cigar up with me?" Harry spoke, putting his arm around the guy.
The men made their way outside where the moon was high in the sky. It's brilliant glow shown down on the earth, lighting it up in an eerie haze. Taking a seat under the porch light, Ted watched Harry patiently. All night the boy had been acting nervous, distant almost. And now, that nervousness was back tenfold.
"Mr. Tonks, Ted," Harry began whipping his sweaty hands on his pants. "There's something I got to ask you." The older wizard cocked an eyebrow, and motioned for Harry to keep going. Taking a deep breath, Harry went for it. "Well, I was wondering if you'd allow me to marry Nymphadora? You know how much I love her. I'll take care of her, and make sure she has not only everything she needs, but everything she wants as well."
Ted gave out a howling laugh. When his laughter continued after a few seconds, Harry closed his eyes and put his head in his hands. Ted didn't want him to marry his daughter? Why? He was perfect for her. He would keep her happy, safe, protected. "That's what you've been nervous about this whole night?" Ted's voice rang out. Looking up, Harry nodded. "Well, do you honestly expect me to say no to you, Harry? Not only do I love you like a son already, but you also make my little girl happy. You're an honorable man Harry Potter. The best wizard I've ever met. I'd be happy to have you as my son. So yes, you can marry my daughter."
A broad smile came upon Harry's face. This was one of the happiest moments of his life. That in and of itself was saying how special Tonks was too him. Although he had a very traumatic childhood, he had lived a life of luxury and thrill the last ten years. With lavish parties, and thrilling adventures, a good time was something that came almost everyday to Harry. A smile was always on his face, and rarely ever came off of it. He had the money to do whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, and however he wanted, but today was different. This happiness was different than being on a broom, or touring the world; some would say that this happiness was less shallow. "Thank you, sir. I promise to take care of her."
Ted nodded. "I know you will, Harry. When are you going to propose?"
Taking out the ring, Harry opened the box with a hiss and showed it to his future father in law. "This Sunday."
Mr. Tonks whistled at the sight of the ring. "That must have cost a bundle."
Harry smiled but sighed. "When have I ever been stingy when it came to Nymphie?"
"Be careful, or it's going to be the death of you." Ted laughed.
Harry couldn't help but agree. "You're probably right."
The rest of the night passed with out any commotion. That's why Harry felt at home with the Tonks'. He could have a good time with out anything exciting, nor adventurous happening. That, to him, was refreshing. A change from his everyday life that was more than welcome.
"So you're going to come tomorrow right?" Harry asked, walking outside to apparate. It wasn't polite to apparate inside a wizarding house, just like it wasn't polite to walk into someone's house uninvited or leave without saying bye.
Andromeda and Ted both nodded. "We'll be there. Eight o'clock?"
"Yup. Till tomorrow." Harry waved, apparating out.
"Bye mommy, daddy." Tonks said following her boyfriend. "Where is he?" Tonks whispered appearing next to Harry in Harry's loft. Walking to the first guest room, Harry gently opened the door up. Sirius lay curled up under the covers, his long, black hair cascaded down, covering his face in a shadow. "That's him? He looks too good to have spent twenty years in Azkaban."
Harry smiled, closing the door with a soft click. "I do know how to whip up a superb potion, you know."
Tonks hit him on the arm playfully. "I know that, but that looks too good of a potion."
The wizard shrugged indifferently. "I concocted it on a whim. I don't even remember what I put in it." Admittedly, he was no Severus Snape when it came to potion making, but even with potions being one of his worst subjects—yet he was still better than most wizard and witches—, he was pretty handy with a cauldron.
Rolling her eyes, Tonks took his hand in her's. "Harry James Potter, what am I going to do with you?" She questioned with an arched eyebrow, leading him to his bedroom.
A sly smile crept onto Harry's face. "I can think of a few things."
"Hmm, you'll have to tell them to me." Tonks whispered, closing the door.
Tonks awoke to the smell of bacon the next morning. Apparating over to her apartment, the witch took a quick shower, and threw on a change of clothes. She appeared back in Harry's room a few minutes later with her hair a bright yellow. Walking out, she smiled when she saw Remus standing over the stove, using his wand to cook up some grub. "Wotcher, Remus! I didn't know you were going to be here." She said from behind the were-wolf.
Turning, Remus smiled. "Well, Harry asked me to come and take Sirius out shopping when he wakes up. He wants Sirius' party to be a surprise."
"Where is he, anyway?" Tonks asked, taking a seat at the table.
"Inside Sirius' room, waiting for him to wake up. It should be any second now, actually." Remus answered, levitating some muffins and other pastries onto the table.
Nodding, Tonks moved onto other topics of conversation. "How many people are coming tonight?"
Remus shrugged, pouring the witch a cup of tea. "The guys and I sent out the invitations last night. Most of the people we invited were our old school friends, and people Sirius used to know through the Order. All in all, about forty should be coming. Harry told your parents, right?"
"Yeah, he did." Tonks replied, breathing in the hot steam of the tea as she held it up to her nostrils. Tea in the morning hit the spot in the metamorphmagus' eyes.
Harry sat with a cup of tea in his hands, just staring out the window. He could hear Sirius' breathing behind him becoming more rapid. Looking down at his watch, he smiled when he saw the wizard should be waking up anytime now. A yawn from his godfather drew his attention from the window. Looking across the room, his green eyes met with the gray ones of Sirius. "Hello Sirius." Harry spoke, grabbing the paper from the desk, and striding to the bed.
Sirius cocked an eyebrow. "Hello, Harry. Ah, what's going on?"
Harry smiled; realizing waking up and seeing your godson staring at you must be weird. "Well, it's done."
"What is?" Sirius asked confused. Throwing the daily prophet over to the black haired wizard, Harry watched the man's face. A gulp was the first reaction Sirius had. As the ex-prisoner looked up, Harry smiled and nodded. Tears swelled in the dog animagus' eyes in response. Reading the rest of article, Sirius bursted out in true happiness. "Thank you, thank you, Harry." Sirius whipped the tears from his eyes.
"You're welcome, Sirius." Harry grinned sadly, happy that his godfather would be able to move on with his life. "The rat deserved everything he got. I know I can't give you those twenty years back, for all the money in my vault wouldn't accomplish that, but hopefully we can live the rest of our lives to the fullest."
Sirius grabbed his godson in a hug. "I don't know how to repay you, Harry."
"Just don't do anything rash anymore, okay?" Harry muttered breaking the embrace.
Sirius laughed. "I'll try not to."
"Good. Well, get cleaned up, Remus is here, and I want you to meet someone. Breakfast will be ready when you come out." Harry said, walking out of the room. When Harry reached the kitchen he could smell the bacon and eggs. His stomach growled in response to the aroma. Scanning the area, Harry grabbed a muffin, and walked over to where the pair was sitting. "When did you wake up?" Harry asked his girlfriend, who was sporting spiky green hair now. Grabbing the butter for his muffin, the wizard kissed her on the cheek and sat down.
"About ten minutes ago." She answered, taking another sip of her tea.
Hearing the shower turn on, Remus smiled, his amber eyes flicking over to Harry. "How did he take the news?"
"Other than the crying, and the excessive thank you's, you mean?" Harry smirked. "Not bad."
"I can't wait to meet him. Although I never thought I'd be saying this, but he must be quite a guy." Tonks gushed, happy to have another member of her family be as good and honorable as her mother. The Tonks' weren't a big family, and the Black's were as evil as their name implied, so it was basically just her mother, her father, and Harry that Nymphadora actually considered family; but now, with Sirius around, she could maybe add one more name to that list.
Remus cocked an eyebrow at that. "You know when he found out your mother was pregnant he tried to contact her."
"What do you mean?" Tonks questioned, startled. Did her mother keep the knowledge to herself all this time?
"Back in our fifth year when you were born, he tried to owl her." Remus answered, squeezing some lemon into his tea. "But they never got to her. We never found out why either."
"So he knew about me, then?" Tonks asked.
Remus shook his head. "Only knew of you at one point. But when your mother never replied, he thought his information was false."
Hearing the door open, Tonks got ready to see her cousin. "How should I wear my hair?" Harry shrugged. "Like this?" Tonks asked again.
Looking at it, Harry was surprised in the normalcy she wanted. It was blonde, which cascaded down to a little past her shoulders. "It doesn't matter. You look good in whatever."
Tonks gave him a face, but kissed him none-the less. "That was a lame come on."
Harry smirked. "Well, it's my specialty."
"Your father would be greatly disappointed in your ability to court the fairer sex." Sirius said walking into the kitchen. "Ah, you must be Nymphadora." He smiled down at the witch, his gray eyes sparkling with happiness.