Time seemed to stretch into infinity as everyone processed that there was another younger version of Harry Potter standing there. The three-year-old in question was looking anywhere but up, quietly stepping well behind Lupin in an attempt to hide from the scrutiny.

'How is this possible?' Mrs Weasley exclaimed.

'Well, mum, I think it is obvious how this is possible,' Fred quipped.

'What?!' Mrs Weasley said dazedly.

'You see, mum,' George said in an explaining-things-to-children voice. 'When a boy likes a girl –'

'I wasn't wondering about that you nitwits!' Mrs Weasley snapped. 'Think about it! Harry would have to be twelve at the most when that boy was born. He would have been far too young for …' she looked around herself awkwardly before spitting out, 'that!'

'Mother!' Fred admonished. 'You should know by now that George and I are not nitwits! We are halfwits.'

'And between the two of us, we make a wit!' George added cheekily, generating quite a few reluctant chuckles.

'Anyway,' Fred said, backpedalling quickly when Mrs Weasley fairly growled at them. 'I think it is quite evident that Harry here has some … hidden depths.' He looked at Harry an irritating grin on his face. 'Harry, you sly dog! How did you do it?'

'Looks like someone was cashing in on his Boy-Who-Lived fame,' George said with an identical grin.

'What?' Harry sputtered, finally finding his voice. 'No! I haven't been …' he gestured wildly. 'Especially not at eleven! I am still a virgin, thank you very much.' He scowled at the chuckling twins. 'Oh, go boil your heads!'

'As enjoyable as I am finding this speculation,' Dumbledore said in a raised voice. 'I am afraid I am going to have to lay any further theories to rest with the facts that I have gleaned from the responsible parties.'

The old man sighed. 'I summoned Croaker from the Department of Mysteries to my office yesterday, the very morning after I was made aware of the … discovery. It took a fair amount of convincing for me to get to the bottom of this.' He paused for a moment. Harry had never seen the man looked so disturbed as he weighed his next words.

'Harry, I think you remember the events that preceded the culmination of your first year at Hogwarts?'

Harry slowly nodded.

'What I, myself, did not know at the time was that one of my seventh year students had already been recruited by the Department of Mysteries. Now this individual – I am yet to learn his identity – has been reporting to his future employers for quite a while. Thanks to this individual's efforts, the Department was the first branch of the Ministry to know of Voldemort's continued existence.'

'And they didn't see it fit to mention this to Fudge earlier?' Bill asked incredulously.

'Evidently not. Although, to be fair, the actionable proof was rather slim at best. Voldemort had not left any indication that he was inhabiting Quirrel's body.' Dumbledore said succinctly. 'Back to the topic at hand. There was a small group within the Department of Mysteries who had heard of the prophecy connecting you, Harry, and Lord Voldemort. While they did not know the wording, they did know that you and Voldemort were linked and so were of the opinion that you would be the end of him.' Dumbledore rubbed his forehead. 'This group, in their infinite wisdom, decided that the fate of the world couldn't rest on one child. And so they decided to create another version of Harry Potter exactly like the original should the, ah, original die. To achieve their end, they took some of your blood while you were unconscious and recuperating from your encounter with Voldemort. They even ensured that the clone was born on the same date and time.'

'And what did they plan on doing with this … version of me?' Harry asked faintly.

'Well, their idea was to train the child up from an early age into some sort of soldier. I also have been lead to understand that they have made a few … tweaks in the process in order to ensure that this version is more powerful, but the details of how they achieved that are sketchy at best.'

Mrs Weasley gasped at Dumbledore's rather frank statement. The appalled look on her face saying a lot.

'That explains the lack of toys or anything fun in his room,' Lupin said darkly.

'I got them to describe their regimen in detail,' Dumbledore said sadly. 'It is a good thing we got to him when we did. I just cannot think about what they had planned for him after his fourth birthday.' He sat down, looking world-weary.

There was a very long silence as people all contemplated what had been told.

'Well, at least we got him on time,' Bill finally said. 'Let's move on from here now. What do we do?'

'Well,' Mrs Weasley was the first to jump in. 'It is obvious that the poor boy will need to be taken care of.' She turned to the child. 'What is your name, little one?' she asked in a gentle tone.

Instead of replying, the moppet just shrank back, attempting to disappear entirely in Remus' shadow.

Remus turned to get the boy out, but no sooner had he turned around, the boy just took ten steps back, warily studying the older man.

Remus sighed. 'He's been like this ever since we first saw him. Won't utter a word, won't look at anyone in the eye and if anyone were to approach him, he acts as if we are about to kill him.'

Dumbledore frowned. 'That is unusual. I will have to talk to the Unspeakables about this.' He said thoughtfully.

'Regardless, Croaker was kind enough to supply me with his name.' He took a deep breath. 'In order to ensure that the clone is as close to the original version, they have not only ensured that he was born on the 31st of July at the exact same time as Harry here, but they have also given him the same name.'

'So his name is Harry Potter too?' Fred asked incredulously,

'Well, yes,' Dumbledore replied. 'His full name is Harry James Potter.'

'So who's going to take care of the little dear?' Mrs Weasley interjected briskly bringing the topic back to important matters. She looked at Mr Weasley and continued. 'I would like to volunteer our home if that is OK with Arthur. After all, most of our sons have grown and found jobs,' she couldn't help but glance at Fred and George as she said the next bit, 'And are now well settled. Our finances shouldn't be as strained as they were before.'

'It might be a bit too dangerous, Molly,' Professor Dumbledore said. 'The moment Voldemort finds out that there are two Harry Potters around, he will go after the easier target which would be the younger version. He can't touch the original one as he full well knows. Not that he would be willing, at the moment, especially after the sound thrashing Harry has given him.' He winked at Harry, causing the boy to blush.

This was the start of a long argument as to who should be suitable guardians.

Remus Lupin wanted to be taking care of the boy because, according to him, he was the only adult the boy trusted. Moody had been quite helpful in pointing out what happened a few moments back when the werewolf had turned to the boy as a rebuttal.

Tonks, surprisingly enough, was the next person offering to take the boy in. Harry inwardly wondered if the woman was capable of taking care of herself first.

Bill shared the same opinion. 'Tonks, I think it is quite obvious that you have difficulty in taking care of yourself.' He said wryly. 'Besides, how is a single Auror going to take care of one kid in the middle of a war? I doubt you will be seeing much of the inside of your flat for any length of time.'

Running a hand through his hair, he then volunteered. 'I have recently purchased a nondescript cottage in the countryside that I have filled with a variety of obscure security charms, jinxes and curse. He should be safe with us.'

'"Us"?' Mrs Weasley asked pointedly, proving how sharp and perceptive she was when it came to her children. 'And when did you get a cottage in the countryside, Bill?'

'Uh,' was the eloquent response of her eldest son who had the look of someone who was caught doing something he shouldn't have done in the first place.

'Oooo, Bill has a new house!' Fred crowed with delight, showing the amount of sympathy typical of a younger sibling in this situation, which is to say, none. 'By the countryside, no less,' said George, sporting an evil grin.

'George, I wonder why Bill is being so secretive about it?' Fred asked thoughtfully, turning to his twin.

'Yes, it seems as if he is trying to hide something from mum,' George replied in an equally thoughtful voice.

Bill, meanwhile, had his head in his hands. 'Fine,' he groaned. 'I was going to tell you two later,' he said to his parents. 'But I just got the deed earlier today.'

'And who are you going to be living with?' Mrs Weasley asked in a would-be casual voice.

'My fiancé.' Bill's embarrassment made his reply a tad reluctant.

'Bill that is wonderful,' Mrs Weasley squealed, as everyone around her made sounds of happiness for him. 'When did this happen? And what is her name?' Then her voice turned a little accusatory. 'And why haven't you told us about this earlier?'

'Well, I only asked her yesterday.' Bill admitted with a sheepish look. 'Her name is Fleur Delacour. I think you'd remember her. She was the Beauxbatons champion in the Triwizard Tournament.'

Mrs Weasley's smile became fixed. 'Ah,' was all she said. 'Wasn't she the young lady who was also taking classes with you earlier this year?'

Bill turned even redder. 'Yes,' he said apprehensively.

'Ah.' Was all his mother said in response.

'Getting back to the matter at hand,' Lupin said loudly.

'Yes,' Fred cut the werewolf off. 'I say George and I take care of little Harry here. We would be the best people to do it!'

Everyone looked at the twins incredulously. 'Why would you say that, boys?' Mr Weasley asked, sounding as if he dreaded the answer.

'Well, someone has to pass on the legacy of the Marauders and keep the tradition of pranking alive in Hogwarts.' George said pompously.

Harry was careful to avoid eye contact. He did notice, though, that aside from Lupin, nobody recognised that name. And Lupin too was trying not to look too shifty.

'I do not know who those "Marauders" are,' Mrs Weasley said tartly. 'But I suggest that you stop your joking. This is a serious matter. This has got to be the most ridiculous idea I have ever heard today.'

Her statement was met with general consensus.

The debate raged on. A large part of Harry was happy that there were so many people who were willing to take care of, well, a version of him, but a small part couldn't help but be jealous and slightly resentful. This kid was going to get someone good to take care of him, while he, the original Harry was going to be shipped back to hateful Muggles who he was forced to acknowledge as family.

He started when he felt a small hand on his arm. Turning, he found himself looking into bright green eyes much like his own.

'Hey there,' Harry said softly. He glanced back at the front where Lupin was still passionately arguing about being the person to raise the child. Harry wondered at that. Was his father's friend feeling guilty for not taking care of him the first time around? From what he could gather so far, there were no laws forbidding a werewolf from reproducing or adopting a child. Apparently nobody had thought that to be a possibility. If that was the case, then what the hell was preventing the man from taking Harry in, in the first place? Living with him would certainly have been better than living with his aunt and uncle.

'Hi.'

Harry was surprised. He wondered if he was the first person the kid had voluntarily spoken to. He certainly was the first person in the room who the boy was looking in the eye. Hesitantly, he extended his hand. 'My name is Harry, what's yours?' Internally he cringed. It was a patently stupid question.

Nevertheless, the boy did not seem to mind. 'My name is also Harry,' he said so softly that Harry had to strain his ears to decipher the words. Hesitating a bit, he slowly placed his small hand in the teen's larger one.

'Nice to meet you,' said Harry shaking the child's hand solemnly. Glancing back at the crowd, he had a thought.

'I'll do it.' He announced loudly.

Harry's announcement had the desired effect of shutting everyone up.

'I'm sorry, but what did you just say, Harry?' Dumbledore finally said, gazing at Harry intently.

'I said, I will do it.' Harry repeated slowly. 'I will take care of this boy. We shall live together.' Saying so, he placed an arm around the boy, who, surprising everyone did not so much as flinch. In fact, the young boy leaned into the older boy's touch.

Mrs Weasley was the first person to break the shocked silence. 'Harry, dear,' she said slowly. 'You can't possibly –. You are a child yourself! You certainly cannot take care of another child!'

'I think Professor Dumbledore can see the benefits of me being the one taking care of mini-me,' Harry said quietly.

True to his word, the headmaster had a very thoughtful look on his face. 'It would certainly tie things up nicely,' Dumbledore said slowly. 'Security for both the boys would be much better for one.'

Mrs Weasley had also noticed the look on the headmaster's face. Unlike Harry, she did not think it was a good thing.

'Albus, you can't really be serious!' she said furiously in a hushed voice. 'Surely the boys' safety isn't so important as to sacrifice their happiness!'

'Oh please,' Harry scoffed. 'Like that stopped him before. Besides, I can say with utter certainty that mini-me here is going to be a hundred times happier with me than I was at his age with the Dursleys! I can hardly be worse than the Dursleys. In fact, I will start off by promising little Harry here his own room.' He bent down over the boy. 'Would you like to stay with me?'

The boy agreed readily with a shy smile and nod.

'Excellent. And you will get your own room as well,' Harry said to him with an answering smile. He looked up at the adults. 'See? That's more than what I had at his age! I am already better than the people who were supposed to take care of me.'

Mrs Weasley was at a loss for words. 'But – but,' she stuttered. 'You don't have a house!' She finished slightly victoriously. 'Where will you stay then?'

'Sirius left me Grimmauld Place,' Harry replied quickly. 'So I have a house.'

Mrs Weasley sputtered. 'This place?!' She finally exclaimed. 'You plan to stay here on your own with a little boy?!'

'I think that it is time we ended today's meeting,' Dumbledore interjected before Harry could argue back. 'I have heard the various ideas put forth, and will think upon them tonight. I shall give my thoughts on this tomorrow, at the same time.' His electric blue eyes swept around the room, ensuring everyone's grudging agreement.

'And where will the boy stay in the meantime?' Moody asked.

'He could stay with me like has been doing for the past couple of days,' Remus offered. Stepping forward, he made to approach the aforementioned child.

However, Little Harry was having none of it. The toddler immediately burrowed into the older boy, clutching to him like a limpet.

'I do believe that Harry here is not happy with that arrangement,' Harry the teenager said idly.

'Oh don't be silly,' Lupin said in a soothing voice approaching the boy. 'You will see your new friend soon enough.' He reached out a hand to the boy.

The man was almost immediately blasted backwards. Fortunately for him, his fall was broken by Fred Weasley's face.

'Yup, not happy at all,' Harry said drily trying not to laugh out loud. Fred had literally been hit in the head by his inspiration and he didn't even know it.

'That's a rather strong reaction,' Bill noted in surprise. 'What have you three been doing to the boy?'

'Nothing!' Lupin exclaimed indignantly as he extracted himself from one of his disciples. 'We've barely spoken. He has yet to even say something. Personally, I doubt he knows how to talk.'

Harry did not see any point in telling the adults that Lupin was mistaken. He awkwardly patted the clinging infant. He must have done something right when the child released his death-grip. But it was plainly obvious that he was watching the adults warily.

Dumbledore frowned. 'Well, then our options are clear.' He said slowly. 'Harry will stay with … Harry for the night.'

Mrs Weasley was at a loss for words. Though the aghast expression on her face spoke volumes.

'It is only for one night, Molly,' Dumbledore said reasonably. 'And we can have someone here in the house to supervise.'

'Fine,' Mrs Weasley conceded unhappily. 'Just for a night.'

'Then it is settled.' Dumbledore said with finality. 'It shall be Grimmauld Place for the night.'

'I take back my earlier words.' Mrs Weasley said, throwing her hands up. 'This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard today!'

So, what do you think? I am rather pleased with this, seeing as it is quite a different take on the Harry-is-a-father concept.