Changing Times
"Chris I would like you to meet my teacher, Professor McGonagall, my boyfriend, Severus Snape, my best friends Lily Evans, Alice, and Frank Longbottom."
"Did you say boyfriend?" Chris asked.
"She also said Severus Snape." Sherry said, smiling like crazy.
"The potions master you look up to?"
"Boy, it's a good thing I've already told him that." I said smiling at Chris.
Lily and Alice had tears running down their faces in happiness. Frank looked pleased with himself and Severus was watching me the whole time. "How'd you do it?"
"If you're asking about Severus, long story, the long story, we spent the last eight months working on a potion to cure you. As well as Lily, Alice and Frank."
"Five teenagers created a potion to cure brain trama? Amazing." Chris said.
"Well, four, I mostly just kept them company and did whatever they asked. Potions isn't my best subject." Frank said.
"Oh Frank, you helped a lot." Alice said kissing him.
"Well, you have a day before you can leave, probably longer seeing as you brought so many people with you. What are we going to do?" Chris asked, looking excited.
"Well I can't stay here that long. School starts tomorrow and if I'm doing this school thing I have to be here. I also have a few days of school left in the past. We get our exam results on the last day of school. I need you to take us back."
"Can I go too? Please? You promised!" Jessie asked, she'd been oddly silent this whole time.
"I was wondering when she would become herself again." Severus said shaking his head.
"I was worried about Chris. I trust Amy but I didn't see how she could fix this one." Jessie said looking guilty.
"Amy, why did this happen?" Sherry asked. I knew this question was coming.
"When I'm around a deminter, it brings up the memories of my time with Tim. Chris saw and felt everything from my past in a moment. It's enough to drive anyone crazy." I said, not meeting anyone's eyes.
"You're not crazy though." Sherry stated.
"If course I am. I'm a trained killer. I'm 13 years old and I've killed thousands of people already. My idea of a good time is going out to the bar with the guys or time travel. I've killed children and men and women, blown up buildings, destroyed so many lives. I enjoyed ever bit of it except the children part. I'm worse then the type of crazy Chris was. Much much worse."
Alice, Lily and Frank just looked at me shocked. This was something Severus already knew. I told him about my past whenever he asked. Chris and Jessie bowed their heads. They were with me most of the time these things happened. "Chris never said anything about having to kill children."
"Because he didn't. I can't stand doing it so I made sure I was the only one. Not everyone looks at things the way we do. It's kill or be killed in war. They use children as weapons. Strap bombs to them and send them crying to us. Once we go to help, bam! Everyone around the child dies, including the child. That's how we lost Eric all those years ago."
"Amy kills them to protect us. She knows we can't." Jessie stated, I could tell she didn't like this conversation any more then I did.
"Sherry, I run in to battle without a second thought. I'm normally laughing and joking when I do so. Chris and Jessie always fight to stay alive, I fight for fun. I'm a dangerous person. I know this, and you should know it."
"The thing is, you don't like enjoying it. You wish it hurt you like it does us. We can tell. You may be dangerous, but you're a good person." Chris said and Jessie agreed.
I smiled, "So, who's all going to 1973 with me?"
"I thought you were in 1972?" Jessie asked.
"Yes, but the new year has already past. Remember, you saw me at Christmas."
Jessie and Chris smiled. They loved time travel as well. "You know, since you're living two lives, this will probably be our last time travel adventure."
"I know Chris, that's why we will make it the best one yet." I said, smiling at the excitement in his eyes.
"Sherry, you coming along?" Jessie asked.
"Oh, why not. I'll need to go pack."
"I have clothes and things for you in my bag. I'm always prepared." Chris said standing up.
"We will let you change. Come on guys, there is a nice little coffee shop we can go to while we wait." I said, leading everyone but Sherry out of the room.
I took us all to the coffee shop and ordered us drinks. Professor McGonagall had remained silent the whole time, she had a look of pride in her eyes. "Amy, I don't think I've ever been more proud of a student before."
"Um....what'd I do?"
"Look around, before you came to our time, Severus rarely talked to anyone other then Lily. You've brought three of the four houses together in your little group. You helped the Marauders grow up. You made it back to your time, and fixed what was broken in it, yet you are sticking to your promises and continuing to live your life for those who's lives you've changed."
"Professor, don't be proud. I may not know everyone's future now, but I will when I return next year. I already know who dies, and next year I'll know how. I can't change it. I can't stop it. I will know the outcome of the war, and good or bad I can not stop it or change it. You and Professor Dumbledore know who dies. Tell me, if you knew how would you try and prevent it?"
"Yes I would, which makes you a stronger woman than I."
"Or a heartless one."
"You're definitely not heartless. You're brave. I couldn't do it." Lily said, smiling at me.
"Don't say that! Ugh! I'm hoping to be put in Slytherin in this time." I said, mocking disgust. This caused them all to laugh.
"You would do well in Slytherin." Frank said.
"I'd be epic in Slytherin." I stated making them laugh again.
"You know, I always thought you would do great in Slytherin myself, however I think them Gryffindors need you more. I always knew a Slytherin would have to help them become people instead of animals." Severus said smirking, making Lily and Frank yell "Hey!"
"Severus don't be mean!" I said laughing.
We sat and joked until Chris and Sherry showed up. After, I made a portkey to take us to the gates of Hogwarts. Sherry and Jessie looked at Hogwarts in awe.
"Wow its beautiful." Sherry said and started walking forward.
"Wait Sherry! We have to go back in time first." I said as Chris took her hand to keep her from going forward.
"Oh yeah. Does it look different in this time then yours?" Sherry asked Professor McGonagall.
"Looks just the same." Professor McGonagall said, smiling at the view herself.
Chris took out his time turner and we all made a circle around him. I set his to a hour after we left. Once back in the past, Professor McGonagall went to Professor Dumbledore to let him know I brought a few people back with me, and I led my crew the House Union. Chris and Sherry looked around the room fascinated, Jessie laughed. "Big ass school and Amy stays in a potions room, go figure."
"We spent eight months in this room. Wait till you see our dorms. Though we rarely slept in them." I said smiling at the room. I had many good memories in this room and couldn't wait to make more.
"So what do the Marauders have planned for the end of the year?" Frank asked, taking a seat on the couch.
"If I told you I'd have to kill you. I'm excited about our beginning of the year prank that we have planned though." I said smiling.
"The Marauders?" Chris asked.
"Yes, four boys and one girl that pull pranks on the school throughout the year." I said casually.
"You'll meet them soon. They like to barge in and drag my Amy off." Severus said looking disgusted.
"Oh Severus, and here I was going to warn you what to expect for our next prank." I said smiling at him.
"Come on Amy! What do you guys have planned?" Lily asked.
"I'll give you a hint. It has to do with house colors." I said and refused to say any more.
"What, you're a Marauder? You prank?" Chris asked shocked.
"I have found a deep love for pranking. This school thing, wasn't such a bad idea after all." I said smiling.
We sat and talked for a few hours, telling Chris, Sherry and Jessie about our school year. Professor Dumbledore came to the room to meet Chris and told them they could stay as long as they liked. It was nearing midnight before the Marauders came barging in the room, all with goofy smiles on their faces.
"SHADOW! SAVE US!!!" Sirius yelled, running and hiding behind the couch I was sitting on.
"I do not suggest going in Gryffindor Tower tonight. Can we hide out here?" James asked, not taking his eyes off the door as if someone would come in after them.
"JAMES POTTER! SIRIUS BLACK! REMUS LUPIN! PETER PETIGREW!" Professor McGonagall yelled, walking in the room.
"Yikes, she looks angry. What did yall do?" I asked.
"Will you please explain why my common room is covered in foam? Now!" Professor McGonagall demanded, her famous glare looking at us.
"Because everyone in Gryffindor needed a bath?" I suggested, making Severus laugh.
"That is not funny Mr. Snape. Detention for the first day of term Miss. Links."
"Yes!" I high fived James.
"Detention for all the Marauders, first week of next term." Professor McGonagall said.
"Hard to believe I wasn't even part of this prank. Why did you cover the common room in foam?" I asked.
"We thought it would be fun. You know, a end of the year foam party." James said.
"That's a great idea!" Frank said then added, "Can Alice come?"
"And Severus?"
"Sure!" James said and Sirius said, "No making out with your Slytherin lover in our common room!" This made Frank, Alice and Lily laugh.
"There will be no party! Other houses are not allowed in our common room!" Professor McGonagall said.
"Well what are we waiting for? Let's go for two weeks detention. Come on Severus, you need detention to so we can be together." I said, taking his hand and leading him to Gryffindor Common room.
Once we made it to Gryffindor Tower, there was already a party going on. Other Gryffindors agreed it was party time. Chris seemed amazed that I had made it so far on the friendship thing and mostly listened to the Marauders tell him stories of pranks we had pulled. Sherry stayed with Lily, reading a book and watching the party. Jessie was dancing with anyone who would dance with her and Severus and I were watching Frank chase Alice around the room throwing foam on her.
"I'm going to miss you this summer. Promise me you will return next year." Severus said.
"I promise. Just think, you have just over three months of me being gone, I have eight months of school ahead of me before I come back to this time." I kissed him.
"Wonder what I will be doing while you're in school." Severus said, thinking of his futur self.
"No idea. I can't wait to find out though. Of course I'll sneak out of school to see you." I stated, looking forward to seeing how Severus turned out personally.
"What if you don't like the futur me?"
"Sweetheart, I looked up to you before I knew you. Of course I'll like the futur you. He is still you, just older and he probably knows more, you know with all the years that's gone by."
Severus laughed, "You're right. Make sure you let me know how it goes, meeting me in the futur."
"No worries. I will."
"You know, Professor McGonagall is right, you are quite the woman. I mean, look at me, never once did I see myself willingly going in to Gryffindor Tower. You've been here 8 months and already changed every person you've met for the better."
"How so?"
"The Marauders for one, they no longer bully. Potter no longer works so hard to get with Lily. I honestly think he has a chance now that he's grown up some. Lily, though she still disagrees with the Dark Arts, she's accepted that not everyone who uses them are evil. Frank and Alice, do you honestly think they would ever get to know me if you were not here? You taught them not to judge. I've even seen them helping younger Slytherins."
"You give me to much credit, all that could have happened without me."
Severus smiled and kissed me, "I love you."
"I love you."
The party didn't end until well after 6 in the morning. Other people who noticed Severus and Alice in Gryffindor Tower went and got friends from different houses and brought them to the party. I was happy to see other Slytherins had joined the party. Around midday the next day Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore came to Gryffindor Tower to see many people asleep spread out across the Common Room. Severus and I were the only ones awake.
"It seems you threw quite the party last night Miss Links." Professor Dumbledore said looking around.
"The Marauders had to make a big exit. It's our job to entertain the school." I said smiling.
"Never in all my years at Hogwarts, even as a student, have I seen all the houses together like this. Amazing."
"Doesn't matter what house you are in, everybody loves a good party. Plus that foam really made the floors and walls shiny in here. We should do that more often." I said making Professor Dumbledore chuckle.
"Tomorrow is the last day of school, what will you do then?" Professor Dumbledore asked.
"I'm going back to my time and starting 1st year." I said completely bored with this idea. Fourth year was easy enough for me, I was not looking forward to first year.
"The boy I've asked you to protect in the future, what year does he start?"
"The year after my first year. Can't I be a teacher or something? I'm already doing school in this time, must I do school in the future as well?"
"You are to young to be a teacher Miss. Links." Professor Dumbledore chuckled.
After everyone had woken for the day and went on about their business, the Marauders and I went to the kitchens to set up our prank. Tonight was the End of the Year Feast and tomorrow the train would be taking it occupants home. Severus and I would be spending tonight alone together. Chris and Jessie decided to enjoy time with the Marauders and Sherry and Lily had managed to become pretty close in the small amount of time we were there. I made sure the spell that changed our body colors would wear off on me before I made it back to my time. Until then I would be red and gold though. The others would wear off before they made it home.
The next day, many screams were heard first thing in the morning. Everyone was coming and yelling at the Marauders (including myself.) Severus chuckled at this. He didn't like being green and silver or me being gold and red. "Look at it this way Severus, your last memory of me from this year will be this prank, you'll have a whole summer to get me back."
"I will be getting you back. Do you know how hard it is to see your body change colors in the middle of what we were doing last night."
This sent me into a fit of laughter. Severus and I had been making love when the potion took effect. Severus was horrified thinking something was wrong and I was laughing at the fact I was kissing a green body. "At least your clothes are the right color."
"That wasn't much use last night now was it?"
"Come on, we are running late." I took Severus's hand and pulled him to the Hogwarts Express.
"I do not want to leave. Can't you ride the train with me?"
"I could, but the goodbye would just be prolonged and I'm not doing that to you. Just make sure your butt is in Dumbledore's office on August 30, 1990 at 11:45am."
"I will be. I love you Amy."
"I love you Severus."
I watched him get on the train, and waved at him, the Marauders, Lily, Frank and Alice until the train was out of site. Chris was the only one to follow me to the train so we turned and made our way to the others in Dumbledore's office. The walk back seemed to take forever. I was going to miss this time zone. I knew Lily and James would be dead once I made it back to my time and I was going to miss them. Once we made it to Dumbledore's office, I walked in, ready to get this over with.
"Alright guys, it's time to go. Professor Dumbledore, we will all be back for next term."
"Chris, would you be willing to be the D.A.D.A teacher for next term? Professor Zimble is moving away."
"I'd love to! Never been a teacher before." Chris said excitedly.
"Thank you. Goodbye."
"See you in just a moment." I said, smiling at Professor McGonagall as I set my time turner for the right date and time. With that I watched colors swarm around me and then there I was, in the same room, looking at the same people, with one extra. There next to me was a older Severus Snape. I smiled at him and he came over and gave me a tight hug.
"We need to talk." He stated. His eyes showed so much hardship it made me sad on the inside. I nodded and went to follow him out.
"Chris, if you and your wife and Jessie would stay. I'll explain what's happened the last few years." Professor Dumbledore said.
Severus and I walked to the old potions room. I was excited and worried. I would find out how Lily and James died, what's happened to the other Marauders, and most importantly, what's happened in Severus's life. Severus seemed nervous. I knew Severus was heading down the dark path in my time. I wondered if he was still there or if he had come over to the light side, and if so, why? I was well prepared to join the dark side of the war to protect him.
We sat down on the same couch we always sat. It was a bit dusty, but otherwise everything was the same. Severus looked me in the eyes and after a moment muttered so low, if I wasn't a wolf I would not have heard him, "It's my fault Lily and James die."
"Tell me the story from the beginning please?" I asked.
"I end up joining the Dark Lord. I became a Deatheater, though you call it being snakes faces servent. You join him as well. It causes a big fight between us, but we do make up. Lily and I stopped being friends in 5th year. After school, I knew nothing of her and James other then they were doing well. I over hear a prophecy one night and run to the Dark Lord about it.
"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches.....born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies...."
That's all I hard of it before I was kicked out of the pup. There were only two families in the magical world having babies in the seventh month, the Potter's and the Longbottoms. As soon as I realized this I came to Dumbledore for help. He hid both families. For some reason, the Dark Lord was set on the Potter's. Black was secret keeper for the Potter's. He gave the Dark Lord their location and he killed them, however he was unable to kill the Potter child. He vanished that night."
"Then it's not your fault." I said, taking all this in. "You didn't know it was talking about Lily and James. Or the Longbottoms, I'm assuming Alice and Frank?" Severus nodded. "However, Sirius didn't give their location away. He wouldn't do that. Where is Peter?"
"Dead, Black killed him."
"Then Sirius killed him because he gave them away. They must have switched secret keeper's without telling anyone. Brilliant really. No one would suspect Peter to be secret keeper."
"Yet you expect him to be a Deatheater?"
"Peter follows the crowd. If it seemed the Dark Lord was winning the war, yes I do."
"How can you say it's not my fault?"
I smiled sadly at him and pulled him to me, I held him against me, "Severus you didn't know. Yes, it's still bad because you sentenced someone to death, but you didn't know who. Please don't hold guilt over something that's not your fault."
"She's right." Said a voice, coming from the door. I looked up to see a older Remus walk in.
"Moony!" I said happy to see him.
"You really think Sirius is innocent?"
"Yes I do. I don't know how yet, but I will find proof." I stated, then added, "So how are the Longbottoms? Surpised they are not here."
"We need your potion to fix them. Do you know how hard it's been not to make the potion anyway." Severus said, not moving from laying his head on my chest.
"What happened to them?"
"Bellatrix happened. She used the Catious curse on them until they lost their minds. This happened after the Dark Lords downfall."
"Well let's get the potion made. I'm sure her son or daughter would love having parents." I said, making Severus get up.
"Son, and I already have the potion waiting. I finished it just before you arrived. Also, you should know, I'm the Head of Slytherin and the potions Professor." Severus said, smiling at me.
"Professor Severus is it?" I smiled back, only mine was more devious.
"Professor Snape."
"Oh no, I think I like Professor Severus much more." I kissed him on the lips and walked out the door smiling.
Severus followed with a scrowl on his face. Remus was behind him laughing. We walked to the gates of Hogwarts and I held Severus's hand as he apparated us to St. Mongos. I saw Remus appear beside us and we made our way to the Longbottoms. When we arrived I noticed a cute, round boy sitting beside Alice. I also noticed a elderly woman sitting beside Frank.
"So what's the boys name?" I asked Severus, making the two look at us.
"Neville if I'm not mistakin." Severus replied as the elder lady approached us looking angry. She pulled out a wand and pointed at Severus. I stepped in front of him with my wand pointed at her.
"Get out of here Severus Snape! You Deatheaters have done enough damage to my family! Move out of the way little girl!" The woman said furiously.
"Little girl? Deatheater? Bitch move! We came to cure the Longbottoms and you are in my way. Your choices is to be hexed or move and let us do our job." I said through clinched teeth.
"Cure? There is no cure!" She started to say a spell when I petrified her. Neville gulped and stepped aside. I looked at him.
"I'm sorry about that Neville. You can stay in the room until they become normal, however then I'm going to need you to step out. The last time they saw you, you were just a baby, the shock may kill them. Let me explain first, okay?" Neville shook his head yes.
I walked over to Alice and Severus went to Frank and we pored the potion down their throat. Remus walked over to Neville. "I promise they won't hurt your parents. Amy doesn't have the best temper when it comes to someone saying bad things about Severus."
"You're right, I dont. Neville, how old are you? 10?"
"Yes ma'am."
"So you'll be starting Hogwarts next year. Good. I promise they will be okay. Actually, your mom and dad helped invent this potion. I like to time travel. I went to fourth year with your mom. Severus, Professor Snape to you, Lily Potter, Evans back then, your parents and I worked on this potion for eight months. I couldn't have done it without them. I needed it to save my own father."
"Really? What was my mother like? My grandma only talks about dad."
"She was smart, funny and sweet as can be. She agreed to help me, even though she didn't know me. Her eyes were always so full of life." I said, smiling at memories of her.
"How long does this potion take?"
"I can't tell you. The first person we tested it on came to 30 minutes after the potion was given. Chris, my dad, took a hour." Severus said, he hadn't took his eyes off me.
"We should play a game Neville, tell me, what's something you enjoy doing?" I asked.
"I like plants." Neville muttered. I could tell he was unsure of himself. I smiled and pulled out the Herbiology book Professor McGonagall gave me. I handed it to him. "You'll enjoy this book. When you've finished it, please return it, that was a gift. If you like it, I'll buy you a copy."
"Thank you." His eyes lit up and he started to read.
"Well, so much for a game." I said watching him.
Two hours passed by before any signs of the potion working. Finally, close to three hours later, I noticed the glossy eyes start changing to focused. I smiled, it was working. "Neville look! Go on outside the door love. I'll let you know when they are ready to meet you."
Neville looked and gasped. Then he took the book and hurried out the room. I went and sat next to Alice, Remus went and got. A Healer to come see. When I noticed she was trying to speak, I handed her water and Severus gave a glass to Frank. "Neville." She whispered.
"Neville is safe." I said, smiling at her.
"Need him." Alice said.
"Not yet Alice. Do you know what's happened?" I asked, she shook her head no.
"Alice, Bellatrix made you both lose your minds. I just returned from your fourth year. I've given you the potion, however, this happened close to 9 years ago."
I saw Alice and Frank sit up in a panic. "Nine years! My baby! Where is he? How is he? Is he okay?"
"Is that my mother on the ground? Is she okay?" Frank asked at the same time as Alice panicked about Neville.
"Oh, that's your mom? She wouldn't let us cure you because Severus is a Deatheater." I said.
Frank laughed, "Only you could say that as if it were everyday conversation."
"Neville!" Alice screamed at us.
"Neville is okay Alice. He's outside the room waiting. I needed you to know how long it's been. You must understand, he's never known you. He comes to visit you here though. He was here when we arrived." I said.
"I want to see him. Please." Alice had tears running down her face. Severus walked to the door and brought a terrified Neville in. Alice broke down again. "Oh my baby is all grown up."
Both Frank and Alice stood up and hugged their son. Neville was crying now as well and hugging his parents back. The Healer came in and fainted in shock. I smiled at the family. "See what you did Severus. You are a wonderful man."
Severus smiled at me and kissed me on top of my head, "Because of you."
Frank looked up at us and smiled, "Good to see you two together again. Do you think you could undo whatever you did to my mom?"
I undid my spell and the old woman stood up looking around confused. When she saw Frank and Alice standing up she whispered, "Frank!" Then fainted.
"Lot of good that did." I said as Remus revived her and the Healer.
"How?" The Healer asked as the woman ran up to Frank and hugged him.
"Special made potion. We will work on getting you more in stock now that it's been invented." I said smiling at the reunited family. "Come on boys, let's let them enjoy their time together."