Warning: Rated T for now, but eventually it will become rated M for sexual content. Expect language and violence. Also, this is a slash fiction so if you don't like two guys together, move along.
Pairings: Harrymort for now. I haven't planned much for the others.
Summary: "Do not blame yourself." "I don't. They only have themselves to blame." Harry foregoes his wand and turns away from a destined battle and a glorified life to redo everything from the start. As time fades and becomes a world anew, and he alone will undo all the damage caused by the one person responsible for the devastation...Dumbledore. Time-travel, HP/LV (TR), and other pairings.
Disclaimer: In the Harry Potter universe, I own nothing. All characters, spells, and other canonized information provided within this fan-fiction belongs to J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros Inc. Any thing else, such as plot devices, original characters, and the need to kill, destroy, or sexually fantasize are properties of my imagination, my creativity, and myself. So, you cannot sue.
Not beta'd. I will go over the mistakes over time. Bare with me. Dyslexia is a bitch.
Chapter Three: There is a Season
"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down; and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace."
"Ecclesiastes 3" - King James Version
Three Years Later
A single sheet of white parchment dances against the backdrop of soft glow. Seductively, it beckons the young man to grasp its crisp edge and read the dark lettering upon its body. However, he does not fall for the call. He follows its trail with sharp green eyes behind thin wired frames. A low giggle draws his attention briefly as they shift to the young woman responsible. Bright eyes peers between him and the page, mirth glimmering. She lazily moves her finger in a small circle, and pushes the missive closer to his face.
Her childish voice follows after the giggle. "Come now, Adrian Evans. We've been at this game for a week." She points out in her taunt, jerking the letter even closer. "Clearly, you are curious about what is written."
Adrian presents her with an eye roll, with is exasperated at the childishness his companion portrays. Yet, by the turn of his lips, he could admit her zealous excitement over something so trivial as his acceptance letter to Hogwarts is rather adorable. Of course, he could not let her know he knew what the letter contained. Therefore, with his seeker speed, Adrian snatches the letter mid-twirl and brought it to his view to read. The letter, like his previous one starts the same, with a few changes. Starting with his name, which no longer states "Mr. Potter".
Dear Mr. Evans,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry…
From this point, it spoke about the expectation of both the school and of himself, along with the long list of items all first years are required to have. Out of that, nothing else surprises him, so he ends the letter at the swift signature of the deputy headmistress and the crest. Eying the intricate design of the school logo, he misses the soft calling of his name until he felt his body jerk from the hard shove received. Green eyes snaps up, glaring at the figure in front of him. She ignores it, and calls him again, following it with a question. "Are you going to ask me about your letter?"
No, he wants to truly say, but by the way she stares at him, he opt for a different answer. One he knew would appease her. "What exactly is Hogwarts?" He politely inquiries, and cringes when a high pitched squeal escapes from his superior.
A blur of black and blue appears beside him, squeezing herself between him and the arm of the chair. With a single inhale, she begins her redemption of Hogwarts: The Wonder Years. "Since this is your first year and I'm going into my fourth year, you must know…"
For awhile, Adrian admits he listened to her adventures within the halls he meandered long ago. He admits her naivety as she spoke about the friends she made from Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, while she bashes those from Slytherin and Ravenclaw for being "too weird". Over time, he felt himself fade into the recess of his mind while her rambles become background noise. There, he confronts the one being he desires attention from.
Crimson eyes stares up from the large tome once teenage Adrian manifest into his study. A smug smirk appears on full lips as Tom closes the book in his hand.
"Are you going?" The soul fragment inquiries.
Adrian shrugs his shoulders. "I have not decided whether my presence is truly needed at the school." He admits. "Now that I know about the other magical schools in Europe, I might plan to attend one of those instead. At least, Durmstrang, I could learn more about the Dark Arts and Beauxbatons allows their students to study elemental magic."
Tom nods, agreeing with the young man and reaches for another tome, humming lowly at the title. "Those are good choices, especially Durmstrang for Dark Arts. However-"
"Oh, here we go." The dark haired teen mutters, cutting Tom off purposely.
He continues, ignoring the intentional disruption. "I think you should just go to Hogwarts. You can do what you have planned within the school, specifically within the Chambers and RoR. Since magic is not detected within those two rooms, you can practice all the dark magic you want. I know my other self did, thus the research that lead to the horcruxes existence.
"Also," He opens the book to a random page after finding it satisfying. "You can keep a close eye on Dumbledore. Since we managed to slowly break away the shadows that concealed your memories, we are one step away from destroying the man. Of course, we know he did not work alone since there are two signatures of magic swirling within the abyss."
Adrian sighs loudly, taking it all in. Tom is right...as always. His best and only choice is Hogwarts. There he has the opportunity to observe his interactions with Dumbledore, while testing out his improved abilities. "Fine, I will go to Hogwarts."
Tom chuckles, clearly amused. "A wonderful choice, love."
He felt his cheeks heat up at the endearment. Old memories surface, and the red on his cheeks flush deeper. "Right," He coughs lightly, clearing his throat nervously. "Now all I have to do is worry about Harry Potter."
"What about him?"
"You do know I will have to explain to Cassie that Adrian Evans and Harry Potter are the same. Plus, the wizard world is waiting for their "hero" to return. I cannot return to my old self."
"Then don't." Tom replies simply. "You are not required to continue being ignorant. We removed the compulsion charms from your mind."
"What about Dumbledore? Being as inconspicuous is something Tom and I agreed is necessary not to draw any attention to the real plan."
"Well, my other self is an idiot. Your job, if I recall is to right the wrong in which Dumbledore created. This is what you are doing, and if you cannot be true to yourself might as well let history repeat itself."
Once again, the sly bastard is right, Adrian thought bitterly. With a sigh, he went to reply, but his words are caught in the lips of another. Startle green eyes stares up into the red ones as he felt his lips being freed from their deepen kiss. Tom grins, at the wide eyed gaze. "You are a are cunning, and in the end you will achieve our goal. So, stop with the "what ifs" and just do what your heart wants. For years, you wanted to be just Harry. Now, be just that...him. As for your little friend Cassiopeia, tell her the truth. Do not wait until the sorting ceremony for her to find out your true identity. She deserves to know, especially with the gift she possesses. Just...stay away from water."
Adrian snorts, but nods at the advice. Appreciative, he leans in for another kiss, only to feel a sharp pull at his navel. Knowing that his time is up, Adrian watches as his world disappears in a haze of darkness to the familiar glow of the young girl's private room.
The said girl stares at him, silently observing his behavior before speaking. "Did I bore you, Adrian?"
He blinks, clearing the cloudiness from his vision. "No Cassie." He mutters softly. "I heard everything you said about Hogwarts and your time there. It's rather fascinating and I will discuss this with my mother when she returns from her trip."
"Do you think she will let you go? I know she does not like magic, but if she stops you from attending-"
He cuts her off by the raise of his hand. "She will not stop me, despite her dislike. Let's not worry about this at the moment. For now, let's just go outside and enjoy the rest of the day." Adrian dismisses the topic and stood. He exits, leaving his companion behind.
Cassiopeia sighs, and lowers her gaze to her hands. "Why won't you let me in, Adrian?" She whispers brokenly. "Don't you trust me?"
Strangely enough, she knew the answer, even though it hurt to admit. Pushing the dark thought aside, she stood up from her spot and follows her friend's path.
One step at a time.
"Are you sure this is something you want to do?" One week later, Adrian stood before his "mother", her jade eyes taking in his dour expression. In her one hand, she held his acceptance letter, while the other caresses his thick dark locks.
He sighs, and nods slowly. "Yes, and I know I shouldn't, especially after what happened during-"
Petunia stops him with a gentle shush, and pulls him to her, embracingly. "Let's not think about then. We need to focus on the now." She says gently. "If this is something you want to do, know I will support you one hundred percent."
Smooth by the steady beat of her head, Adrian exhales in relief. "Thank you."
"You're welcome sweetheart." She replies, smiling warmly. "We can gather your supplies next week since I'm off. Why don't you go write your reply and I will begin dinner."
Adrian shakes his head and remove himself from her warmth. He heads out the kitchen, but pauses before he could exit. He turns back around and stares at the woman who became something more to him in the last three years than his eighteen. Sorrow filled his eyes as he observed the way she limps around the kitchen. Her entire left side damaged, and her face scarred. The spell took away her sight in her left eye, while causing severe pain to the other. He looks away, unable to bear the pain swelling in his heart. It had been his fault, yet she does not blame him. Instead, she continues to survive, not letting her physicality to hinder. Exiting the kitchen, leaving her to work Adrian went up to his room.
There is a letter he has to write and plans that are in need of finalizing.
A/N: Ok...so I kinda lied about posting next week. I thought since I was in a good mood, why not do it now. Funny how plans change, eh?