CHAPTER 4
A whole week had passed and the rage created from Harrys visit down Knockturne Alley had dwindled. It left him feeling lost once again. He had gone there with one goal in mind. Find Slytherins locket and confirm whether or not he had somehow traveled through time.
His denial finally abated he must now think of a plan.
He sat back on the comfortable recliner where he had temporarily taken residence. Looking across the room at the other occupants of the small cottage. A small wizard family went about their lives mechanically. Theirs eyes went unseeing as they went about the motions of living. He had a rather formidable imperius curse upon the lot, and it was rather amusing for him to watch as they moved about like marionettes.
They were a means to an end for now. Merely there for his convenience so that he had a place to stay while he found a more fitting way to live his life.
He needed a way to find a more substantial way to live than live like a parasite with some poor family as his only
Means for survival. He knew he would need to find a job for the thought of simply stealing to exist is beneath him.
The sound of light footsteps alerted him to the proximity of one of the occupants of the small home. The youngest of the family of three a little pigtailed girl no more than the age of six held the paper out to him her posture rigid as he demanded she did everyday he was there. He snatched the paper from her out stretched hands and she immediately walked out of the room.
Lazily he flicked through the articles of the paper. Upon the front page he found grim amusement in the third article. A picture of Professor Merrythought was looking up at him a stern expression upon her face. The caption read,
HOGWARTS PROFESSOR MISSING! AURORS LEFT CLUELESS
One week ago distinguished Hogwarts Professor Galatea Merrythought went missing while standing watch while out on the grounds. A very talented duelist in her younger years Professor Merrythought has defeated a who's who of top rated professional duelists and taught many of today's top duelists in her storied career as Professor of Defense Against The Dark Arts. During these times of hardship we must question why and how a Witch of her caliber would suddenly disappear while on duty? These events are especially unsettling considering the blatant magical attack close to several Ministry buildings late this last January. Is Professor Merrythought the first of many Britains witches and wizards to disappear? Head Auror Tobias Moody quoted saying, "Foul play believed to be involved with the professors disappearance. We at the ministry strongly urge the public to maintain constant vigilance in their respective communities!". Powerful words from the normally reserved Auror. Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry are currently looking for a qualified teacher to fill the post for DADA while the case is unfolding. During times such as these our children need defense more than ever! Continued on page 3.
Folding the paper Harry sat and contemplated the contents of the paper. He had not thought of the possibility of being able to return to Hogwarts. After his admittedly hasty action against the late professor he had been expecting some sort of paradox that would ultimately destroy him for his meddling with the past. But the longer he stays the more it comes to reason that he may be outside the rules of the conventional rules of time travel, thus be able to behave however he wish in this time without effecting himself in the past.
Most importantly Hogwarts is in need of a teacher of merit and he was in need of a home. He could once again live in the ancient castle his ancestors built. Hogwarts has been his one true home
Conjuring a quill and parchment Harry began writing out his resume. Pausing only to ponder on a new identity for this era. Thinking on the dead pure blood lines he thought of the lesser ones. The families that would less likely to be documented by the ministry. Unfortunately with his own lineage the ministry had a unsettlingly accurate account of family history. He was even able to find a distant familial tie between the Gaunts and the Potters. Meaning by blood and power he was the true heir of two of the famous Hogwarts founders. It was a truly pleasurable moment for him despite the even more complicated nature towards his relationship with the dark lord.
"Tom Riddle" he hissed in the ancient language of serpents. Tom was both an incentive and deterrent to return to the school. Every fiber of his being wanted to see the blossoming incarnation of Voldemort. He felt that Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort were to be inexorably drawn to one another like a moth to the flame. His role in his others life still unknown to him. Executioner or savior.
Finally thinking of an appropriate name he had come across throughout one of his lives. He scribbled his name down and made to find the family owl.
Harry smirked to himself as the owl nearly made contact with the window pane in its haste to get away from him. Turning away from the sight he decided to go prepare for his departure after all he had a new job to prepare for.
Time Skip
One Week
Draped in the finest cloak he could find. Black silk with silver serpents elegantly embroidered unto the sleeves. Continuously circling the hem. His hood still drawn with the enchantment to obscure his features but considering the back story he was able to fabricate he was not concerned overly much with his reclusive appearance.
He waited patiently at the gate to the Hogwarts. After his ministry administered test he was without doubt that Headmaster Dippet would jump at the chance to hire him. If the ministry proctors were anything to go by.
The wrought iron gates of the castle began opening without warning. Ahead in the distance an unmistakable figure was slowly ambling his way down the path. The person stopped roughly ten paces from himself. Taking a moment to consider Harry in quiet.
After a while he spoke, "Good Morning Mr. Selwyn. I am Deputy Headmaster here at Hogwarts school of witch craft and wizardry.". He paused for a short bow, "Albus Dumbledore"
Harry mimicked the gesture of greeting. He took the time to inspect the younger version of his former Headmaster. He had to suppress a snarl that threatened to slip out. He hated this man. He hated him from from the bells on his Elfin shoes to the shooting stars dancing across his ridiculous hat. Everything about this man offended him.
"Why thank you professor. I am honored that Hogwarts would consider me to join its illustrious teaching staff", Harry said as charmingly as he could muster.
The moment he opened his mouth Dumbledores entire demeanor changed. His stance become somewhat more rigid, his eyes lacked the famous twinkle that he hated so. Becoming cold and calculating. So there we stood for what seemed like hours before Dumbledore spoke again, "Headmaster Dippet is expecting
You upstairs as we speak. We shouldn't keep him waiting."
The walk up to the castle was mostly quiet. Dumbledore would from time to time list some unremarkable fact about the castle. Harry may have healthy appreciation for Hogwarts but the habits of a particular house elf whom constantly leaves roses in the astronomy tower.
( 'The same tower that you fell dead from.'. Harry thought smugly to himself) is a bit much.
After what seemed like an eternity for Harry the two polar opposites arrived at their destination. Not a moment too soon as harry had been reciting a skin knitting charm so that he may silence his former headmaster.
Just as he was tucking his wand back away Dumblerdore spoke the password and stepped aside for him.
With a barely perceptible nod Harry swept past Dumbledore and began the ascent up to the Headmasters office. The deputy headmaster in tow.
A respectful knock upon the door and a boastful summons and Harry was standing before a man he had only seen in flashes of vague memories and paintings.
With one look at the nearly decrepit looking headmaster all Harry could think was, "Too Easy!"...
Authors note
Well damn that took a while. In my defense I spent nearly 7 months out of the country away from all technology so coming back and finding this story again has been hard. I'll try to be a little better but im due to leave again here in another few months. All I'm saying is if you get invested in this story be patient and bare with me. I'll finish it I swear.