Going Back to Change the Future

Agony seared through Pettigrew as he raced away. His back ached and blood spilled from the wound, but Pettigrew still scurried away. When he reached the clearing he slowed and transformed back to his animagus form. He flopped down on the stump, panting. Tear streaks rolled down his cheeks and sobs of agony rolled through his body. Sadly, Pettigrew peeled his blood soaked shirt off his sticky achy body and sighed in relief when it did not stick to the open wound on his back. He knew he should go to St. Mungo's but he didn't trust any of the healers there, so, with a bit of reluctance, Pettigrew summoned gauze. Clumsily, he rapped the material around his body. It wasn't very tight, but he felt like he did alright considering the circumstances. When he felt that the gauze was wrapped properly, he spelled his shirt clean and replaced it. He wished that he had a pain potion, but knew not how to brew one. He also couldn't chance summoning one, so he made due. He started to pace at the dilemma he know faced. How in the world would he get the Malfoy's to come around to the fact that Severus Snape was a traitor working for the light? He knew that he wouldn't believe them, what with Severus being their son's godfather and all. He plopped down heavily on the stump, having tired himself almost completely. What could he do to prove that Severus was a traitor? As if waking up from a forgotten dream, his face contorted into a beaming smile, which made him look insane in the setting sun. He knew that the boy, whom knew all about him, was the spawn of his former friends: James and Lily Potter. So, if he could get the boy to him somehow, he was sure that Severus would follow. The only problem was that the boy would be stuck to Severus after the duel, or would that be Severus would be stuck to the boy? Either way, it didn't bode well to go after the boy. Then like a key turning in a lock, something clicked inside Pettigrew's brain and that evil smile that made Bellatrix Lestrange look sane, curled at his lips. That Pettigrew knew of, the Potter's only had a son; that meant that this 'son' was from the future. So, if he got the baby, he'd get that brat who ruined his life. Sadness worked his way through his body. He would have to turn on his friends, expose himself to them as a death eater to get what he wanted.

They were unaware that he was the reason the Dark Lord found them and he didn't want them to know that in case their friendship could be repaired. Though, after much consideration, if Pettigrew kidnapped and killed their only son, their friendship would never be restored. A single tear rolled down his cheek as he made his decision. With trepidation, Pettigrew got to his feet. He walked away from the clearing only to stop a few paces from the outskirts to look back through the clearing wistfully. He remembered a time when he, James, Sirius were in this clearing. He, Sirius, and James had snuck out of Hogwarts to be here with Remus on the night of the full moon. They hadn't wanted Remus to be lonely so they snuck out of the Gryffindor common room and stumbled onto the secret passageway to Hogsmeade. After they fell through the portrait hole, they ran past the apperation wards and Disapperated to the clearing. Remus had already been there, looking sad and lonely. Pettigrew had been the first to change into his animagus form to scurry before the werewolf and dive in and out between the werewolf's feet. Remus had looked surprised to see the rat, but howled in appreciation and acceptance. Remus was even more startled to be tackled by a dog, and then helped up by a stag. They had played with one another until day broke and fell asleep curled up around one another. When Albus came to collect Remus, he was startled to find them all knitted together asleep. Remus, now human, was covered by Padfoot. His head was resting on Prongs, and his hand had been draped over Pettigrew's tiny rat body. Albus had been upset, but his eyes glittered in the same way they did when he was pleased to see something. The memory vanished when Pettigrew blinked; more tears running silently down his cheeks. He knew nothing would be the same again after this. So, with more enthusiasm than he felt, he turned from the clearing, transformed into his animagus form, and was away in a blink.

Severus had Harry close to his chest. He had appeared just outside Hogwarts' wards and was astonished that he had been allowed to do so. He was just blaming the all-knowing Albus Dumbledore for the interference when said wizard, practically sprinting, halted at their side. A look of deep concern warred on his face as he studied both Harry and Severus.

"What happened?"

"Pettigrew", Severus spat, "He found us, asking questions. It ended in a duel."

"…and the boy?"

"He is fine, Albus, He was asleep when the duel commenced. Pettigrew bested me for a moment and had time to pour a sleeping draught down Harry's throat. He merely sleeps."

Albus looked relieved, though Severus hadn't missed the startled look on his face when Harry's name came out with too much concern. He did, however, miss the twinkle that flared to life at the notion.

"Come, you can lay him down in my chambers. I shall like to talk to you."

Severus surprised a groan, but followed the head master without hesitation. Once they reached the Headmaster's chambers, Severus laid Harry upon the bed. Albus gestured too. He lingered over him a too long to brush some of Harry's fringe from his face and plant a kiss on his forehead. He mentally cursed himself for the kiss upon Albus' soft clearing of his throat. When he turned to the headmaster, Severus' face fell even more at the look he held. Severus wondered if he could Avada himself. He followed the Headmaster out, to his beckoning, and both settled in chairs.

"Lemon drop," Albus asked with a knowing twinkle.

Severus growled a 'no' and shot Albus a look, which would have sent a first year to tears. Albus, however, only smiled. Severus explained in detail all the trails they had been through. Albus, showed his concern, appropriately. His eyes widened when Severus exploded:

"…and what was with the bloody pixies?!"

Albus assured him that had he known Harry and Severus would need of it, that he would have filled it with cuddly bunnies, which caused Severus to fume. They were just treading into a discussion about Horcruxes when a sharp cry sounded throughout the room. Severus was on his feet and out the office door before Albus ha even realized the ward he had around Harry sounded. When he finally caught up to Severus, the younger had already woken Harry and was holding him loosely, and awkwardly, as the youth subbed into his robes. It didn't take long for the sob to break as Harry had suddenly stiffened. He seemed to realize in whose arms he was held and, with reluctance only Albus could see, pulled away. Harry seemed to notice his surroundings for the first time, looked around until he locked eyes with Dumbledore. His eyes widened in shock before darting to Severus with a questions look.

"We were attacked, I brought you here," he answered simply.

When Harry gave him a withering look, Severus explained.

"It's a good thing you taught me so much then," he asked.

He seemed to forget for a moment that he was in the future and, due to Severus questioning looked explained himself.

"You taught me away to break through the effects of a sleeping draught."

Severus and Albus' eyes widened at that. "Quietly, Albus said:

"There is no way to break free of a sleeping draught, dear boy."

Harry looked shocked for only a moment before turned to Severus. He saw dark look the Potion Master shot him, remembered that his professor told him never to speak of it, and groaned out an:

"Oops, wasn't supposed to tell anyone that, right?"

"At Severus' curt nod, Harry shrugged it off.

"Good thing it was only the Headmaster then."

When it looked as if Severus was about to protest, Albus clapped his hands together enthusiastically.

"So, what brings you back to Hogwarts if you have Horcruxes to find?"

Harry shot Severus a look that said: 'see, now we are even', before saying:

"We've collected all those who needed to be collected, out there."

Albus didn't miss the implication, and his eyebrows shot up.

"Surely you do not mean that there are Horcruxes here at Hogwarts?"

Harry nodded both gloomily and apologetically.

"Surely you jest," Albus said sounding offended, "I am the Headmaster; I would know if there are such dark items in my school."

Both Severus and Harry looked taken aback by the anger in the Headmaster's face. Neither noticed that the headmaster still had that infuriating twinkle in his eyes. When Harry started sputtering on how he was being honest, Severus noticed the smirk curl at the corners of Albus' mouth. With a shake of his head, Severus placed his hand on Harry's shoulder, effectively cutting off his rant about Ravenclaw's diadem. At Harry's questioning look Severus gestured to the Headmaster, who was clearly having a little fun at their expense. The smile was long gone from Albus' face, but Harry noticed the twinkle still shining in those blue depths. He shook his head, before turning to Severus. He watched the man chastise the older, amazed that both 'this' Severus, and the man of his future could be so alike at times, in yet so different. He was just wondering how that was possible, when a thought entered his mind. He stiffened and turned back to Albus. He studied the Headmaster as he talked with Severus. Nothing, however, escapes Albus' notice, and the conversation faded as Albus' attention snapped to Harry. Feeling bold for a moment, Harry walked up to the Headmaster. He yanked his hand out from beneath his robes. The only surprise Albus showed was in the widening of his eyes. When Harry started for the other hand Albus lifted it willingly. When Harry finished his inspection, and found nothing, his eyes snapped to the Headmaster's and he demanded:

"Did you touch it?"

Taken aback by the abrupt change in conversation, Albus asked:

"Touch what, my boy?"

"The ring," Harry demanded, "Did you touch it?"

"No," Albus said but Harry couldn't tell if he was lying or not.

He considered asking Severus to use Legilimency, but thought better of it.

"Are you certain?"

Albus looked sincere, when he said that he hadn't and Harry released the breath he had been holding.

"Have you destroyed it?"

"No, I was going to, now. Well, not at this particular moment," he amended, "but soon."

"Where is it," Harry asked in a more relaxed tone.

Albus produced a box that was nearly identical to the one in Gaunt's Shack. The only difference was that this box had a green stripe running down the center, and had the initials A. P. W. B. D. engraved into it in purple. Harry asked for the box and Albus handed it over, curious. Harry opened it. The ring sat in there, glittering green. He snapped it shut, and looked to Albus.

"Do you have the sword of Gryffindor, or do I need to retrieve it?"

"How do you know about," Severus started but cut his self off at the look Harry gave him.

He bristled at what the look implied, which was, 'you surely can't be this incredibly stupid as to ask this question', before muttering, "Right."

"I do," Albus said, but I cannot give it to you.

"Why not," Harry asked worriedly.

"The Sorting Hat," Albus stated as if it was obvious.

"Of course," Harry breathed, relaxing.

"Will someone please explain what in Merlin's name the two of you are rambling on about?"

"I think you should, Professor. I don't really know why it was placed there."

"Well, when Voldemort first arose, Severus, he issued for all of his Death Eaters to acquire anything of value. There was a high demand on the sword so the late Minister thought it best to give it to me for protection. So, I placed it in the sorting hat, because…"

"Only a true Gryffindor can pull it from the hat," Harry breathed in awe.

"…Precisely."

"I take it you have experience with it then," Severus asked snidely.

"Yes, twice have I handled it," Harry answered as if it was no big deal, "May I speak to the Sorting Hat?"

Albus gestured out of the office and Harry took his leave. When he returned, he held the sword in his hand. Albus made a noise of surprise, and Severus snorted in disgusted indifference.

"Shall we destroy the Horcruxes we have, or shall we find the Diadem?"

"Why don't I find the Diadem, and yourself and Severus can destroy the ones you both have collected?"

Both agreed. Harry told Albus where to find the Diadem, and he hurried away.

Severus pulled a satchel out of his pocket. It was brown and rather large and Harry wondered how it had fit in the pocket. He didn't ask though. Severus reached into the satchel and pulled out Hufflepuff's Cup. It glinted when the candle light shinned on it, and Harry furrowed his brow. Severus set the cup down in the center of the bedroom and stepped a safe distance away. Harry stepped forward swung the sword hard. When the sword made contact with the cup, it shrieked and a dark Mist started to seep out of it. It shrieked again, causing Harry's scar to burn fiercely, and when it exploded, all the dark mist that was stored in it floated the bedroom. Harry's sharp cry went unnoticed by Severus as he quickly spelled the air around him clear. It took a while, but Harry eventually mimicked his action, though he couldn't see it. Severus' eyes widened, in surprise.

"I take it I have taught you that as well."

Harry gave a sharp nod, "When we were attacked in Hogsmeade," and gestured for the next one. Severus gave him a concerned look when his hand lingered on his scar. Thinking that the items do more damage to Harry than good, he held out his hand for the sword. Harry looked confused for a moment but handed the sword over. Severus gestured for the box Harry had sat on the table in the corner. Harry took the hint and opened the box and took out the ring. For the second time his brain didn't process that fact that this item hadn't made him react the way the other's did. He also didn't not that no jolt of pain, or anything at all, came to his hand when he took out the ring, as it was supposed to be cursed. He could, however, hear it hissing in Parseltongue when he set it in the center of the room. He couldn't make out what it was saying until Severus moved closer. When Severus brought down the sword, Harry could hear it pleading to be left alone. It sounded off, the Parseltongue, but Harry couldn't figure out why; nor did he have time for Severus struck it hard with the sword. Both Severus and Harry had braced themselves for the worse only nothing happened. They looked at each other, and Harry slowly realized that the Headmaster was lying. Anger and sadness warred for first place, and anger finally won out as he dropped the destroyed cup he had picked up and stalked to the door. Severus intercepted him before he could leave.

"Why is the Headmaster touching that such an implication?"

"The original ring was cursed. It was the why the Headmaster had asked you… him, to kill him in the end. It was a slow working curse, one that was killing him."

Severus sighed.

"We will deal with that issue later. For now, let us destroy the locket and the Diadem, then, we can speak to Albus."

Reluctantly, Harry conceded and pulled the locket from the satchel. He indicated for Severus to come closer, when said man refused to give him back the sword, and counted to three. When he opened it, the locked screeched and dark tendrils whipped out in every direction. One whipped across Severus' chest, sending him careening backward. He, unlike Ron, was able to stay on his feet. Worried that something had happened to his young companion, Severus looked up; though, when he did, the sight that met his gaze disturbed him. Harry was lying on the ground bleeding heavily. There was no movement, no rise and fall of his chest, just a still form, a lifeless body, lying unmoving on a cold hard stone floor. It didn't register that the floor to Albus' chambers were carpeted. All he knew was that Harry was most likely dead and he couldn't do anything about it. Severus chocked on a sob that was barely audible. Harry, who watched the vision from behind the locket, stood stunned and listened as the cursed thing taunted Severus for his inability to protect Harry. Snapping from the trance of the locket, Harry called to Severus, pleading with him to snap out of it.

"I'm alright, Severus."

Severus heard Harry's voice. It sounded like it was echoing from a distance, but the most important thing was that it felt real to him. So, with more gusto than he though himself capable of, Severus broke free from the trance and jumped to his feet. He charged with a battle cry born of desperation and swung the sword. The sword struck the locket, causing the thing to crack and explode. Both Harry and Severus blew away from the locket. Severus got shakily to his feet, scanning the room for Harry. He spotted him lying on the carpeted floor and the image of his bleeding unmoving form leapt to his brain. He charged to his side, crouching by him, never noticing the soft rise and fall of Harry's chest. Nor did he notice that the bed chamber was completely totaled, his eyes were only for Harry. Something seemed to freeze in his chest and he placed his hand on Harry's chest whispering barely above a whisper:

"Harry?"

At the soft exclamation, Harry's eyes snapped open and he locked eyes with Severus. Severus completely relieved and not thinking clearly, leaned forward and captured Harry's soft lips with his own thin ones. Harry stiffened briefly, but relaxed and kissed Severus back enthusiastically. Neither noticed the Headmaster return, nor the surprise that clearly crossed his face at the utter destruction of his rooms. His eyes mimicked his eyes as it slackened in a comic drop at the sight of the stern man leaned forward with his lips pressed to Harry's. When Albus was there for a while, and neither looked as though they would be pulling apart anytime soon, (especially since Harry's hand had snaked its way into Severus' hair), he backed up out of his destroyed rooms, closing the charred door softly behind him. He twinkled merrily and sat in his chair, placing the newly retrieved Diadem on his desk and watching it as it glinted musing.

"I guess you will have to wait," he said to it with amusement clearly in his voice.

The cup never answered, but glinted again in the rising sun.

Peter Pettigrew stood outside his former friends' house yet again. He watched as James tried to put the barely 7 month old Harry on a broom. He laughed in amusement as Lily thumped James on the back of the head. He could imagine the scolding James was getting and felt a bit sad that he was no longer welcomed in the house to witness it. With a fierce shake, he jolted himself back to the present and out of his wistful thinking. Pulling his wand from his pocket, he took a deep breath. He knew that he had already made the choice to do this, but it didn't make it any easier. He apologized to them, to the heavens and to himself as he threw open the door. He caught the Potter's completely off guard. Neither had a chance to draw their wands before a curse struck Lily in the back. She fell with a thud. James took a second to access the situation before he bounded for the bedroom, Harry in tow. The baby shrieked in joy at having thought James was playing with him, but started to cry when a curse whizzed by his father's head and James let out a panicked, "Shit!"

James made it to the room slamming the door behind him rather roughly. He set baby Harry down gently before whirling on the door and pilling his wand. He waited in anticipation for Pettigrew to come bursting through the door, but was caught unaware when a Petrificus caught him from the side. In his anxiousness, James had forgotten that his former friend was a rat animagus and it cost him in the end. So through petrified eyes, James watched as Pettigrew scooped up the screaming baby and blasted the bedroom door open. He looked snidely at James, before he could see the man struggling with the spell. His eyes softened, and he whispered a quiet, "Sorry," before fleeing. He didn't get very far though because once he stepped into the hall he came face to face with an angry Lily Potter. She had her wand out and trained on him. Pettigrew, fearing that he would lose his bargaining chip, held his wand to the squealing baby's temple and dug it in a bit too roughly.

"Step away Lils or I'll hurt him. You wouldn't want that, would you?"

Lily still had her wand trained on him.

"If you had wanted to hurt Harry, then you would have done it already," she said confidently.

"Oh I can hurt him;" Peter said cockily, "though killing him would not be wise."

Clearly Lily didn't believe he was capable of either and would lower her wand. Felling desperate, Pettigrew began:

"Cruc…"

"NO," Lily shouted, hastily lowering her wand. Quicker than anyone thought him capable of, Pettigrew shot another Petrificus at her and she hit the floor with a sob. Not taking any more chances, Pettigrew rushed past her and out the door, missing the curse James Potter shot at his back.

To be continued

AN: Here you all are: the eighth chapter. There are only a few more left now as the story winds to a close. I'm sort of ashamed that this took a whole month to get out, but I certainly hope it was worth the wait. I'm having a ball with this, as you can probably tell. I wanted to make it a bit longer for you guys because the wait was so long, but I figured that this was the best place to leave it off, for the next chapter's easy start. :D Again, I hope you all enjoyed it, and are looking forward to the next chapter. Until next time reader's…

YetAnotherJanewayFan