Carry On

By: Teenlaunch

Disclaimer: I wouldn't be writing if I owned it.

a/n: Well, this chapter is the longest chapter and likely the fastest in plot. I only made it so long because you all are dying to get to the good part. Well, guess what's coming up soon.

----

Lily twiddled her thumbs absently as she walked with James. She was nervous. She had agreed to this trip but now she was starting to question her sanity. Lily had thought James would talk nonstop, but he had surprised her by being overly shy. They were both nervous and had barely talked at all.

"So, Lily, um…why did you suddenly agree to go out with me?" James asked, smiling slightly.

Lily bit her lip. "It's…"

"Do you really hate me?"

"No." Lily sighed. "I…I guess before you were just so big-headed, but now…"

James nodded and looked around. "Remus said you admitted you like me."

Lily turned red. "I-I…what?"

"When you were talking with Times in the library."

Lily frowned and muttered, "He admitted it for me. It's like he's known all along and he's just been waiting to say it."

"Oh. I guess you…really don't want to talk about that anyway. I mean, I have been a bit of a prat and all."

"Not until I have a real answer."

James nodded. They walked for a while, until James pulled Lily into Honeydukes. It was as they were coming out that Lily noticed Harry. He was talking with a tall blonde girl. She frowned. "Is that one of the Blacks?"

James grunted noncommittally as he glanced their way. "Yeah. Narcissa. Why?"

"I've just never seen Harry around her. What do you think they're talking about?"

James smirked. "Let's find out, shall we?" He reached into his pocket and pulled out a tiny mirror. "Don't tell anyone," he murmured to Lily. She nodded, intrigued. James held the mirror to his mouth and whispered into it. "Padfoot. Hey, Pads, pick up!"

There was a loud bang and Sirius' face appeared in the mirror. "Prongs, how's the date going?"

James colored. "Fine, now listen up. Our location is Honeydukes. What's yours?"

"Aroman's. Moony couldn't resist." Remus growled loudly in the background. Lily giggled. "What service can Mr. Moony and Mr. Padfoot render, Mr. Prongs?"

"What about Wormtail?"

"Dunno. Disappeared about an hour ago."

"Well, never mind. I need you and Moony to do a bit of-"

"Investigating?" Sirius asked, a smirk finding a way to his face.

"Exactly. Head towards the Hog's Head. Times is about 100 feet from its entrance. You'll have to be careful not to be seen. There's no cover."

"Prongs, do you know how hard it will be to get within two feet of him and not be seen? The mirror won't work farther away." Remus huffed.

James sighed. "Are you a Marauder or not, Moony?"

Sirius snorted. "Find a place to sit. We'll need you watching."

James nodded and led Lily over to a table outside Madame Pudifoot's. They leaned over the mirror to watch as Sirius and Remus walked toward the Hog's Head. James turned slightly in his seat so he could watch Harry and the mirror at the same time. Sirius and Remus appeared beside the Hog's Head. Remus took out his wand and they both disappeared.

"Prongs," Remus murmured, "I'm putting a silencing charm on the mirror, just in case. Hold on."

James found himself holding his breath until Harry appeared in the mirror. He and Lily leaned closer to hear.

"I'm glad to hear everything's working out with Lucius," Harry said, giving Narcissa a smile.

Narcissa laughed. "So is everyone else. I still don't understand how you know so much about him."

Harry smiled mysteriously. "My little secret."

"Death Eater," James hissed. Lily glared at him.

"I'm surprised you're willing to be seen with me in the streets," Harry said. "Especially after that episode with Lucius. I suppose he told you about that."

Narcissa seemed to flinch. "Well, yes, but, well…" She cleared her throat. "Despite what people think, I am pleasant to be around. I am still curious about what you said to me at the beginning of the year. Do you remember?"

Harry nodded. "Yes. Do you find it is untrue?"

"Not at all. I just don't understand why you said it. You seem to be Gryffindor through and through."

Harry snorted. "You have no idea how much like Slytherin I am, though I do agree. I am more Gryffindor than Slytherin. It doesn't hurt to be a little of both, at least in my opinion. But, alas, it is even more complicated than I am letting on."

"Complicated? That sounds like your friend Severus Snape."

Harry's face became stony. "What do you mean?"

Narcissa sighed. "After you and Severus started hanging around together, he was the happiest I have ever seen him. He had a friend that seemed to understand him. He has no friends really, only acquaintances. He is not very trusting. You had earned that right, and then something happened. He became irritable again, really sulky and quiet." She grew quiet herself.

Harry focused on a spot somewhere over her shoulder. "You want to know what happened."

"Of course. Being a Slytherin and all, I can't help myself."

Harry pursed his lips. "He believes I lied to him."

"Is that all?" She asked, surprised.

"Yes. As you said, it takes a lot to gain his trust."

James growled. "You see, Lily. He is working for Voldemort."

"How does that prove anything?" Lily hissed. "James, don't force your thoughts about Harry on me and I might consider you a good guy. I know we don't agree, but if you would keep those opinions to yourself we could get along, quite nicely actually."

James bit his lip and nodded. A sudden shout made them both jump up. Remus and Sirius had appeared in the street. Sirius was in the middle of a vicious fistfight with Harry. James and Lily sprinted to them.

James yanked a still struggling Sirius away from Harry and held him back. As Lily knelt beside Harry, who was sitting on the ground, Narcissa rounded on Sirius. "How dare you? He has done nothing to you!"

"You were talking about Andromeda!" Sirius howled. "It's reason enough!"

Harry scowled as he stood up. He blinked, trying to get his eyes to focus, but failing miserably. His glasses had been shattered again. "Thank you, Lily. I can take it from here." His lip and scar were bleeding, one from Sirius' beating and one the sudden sharp pain on his forehead that he was so familiar with. He struggled to keep his hands from touching his sore abdomen and forced an unconcerned look onto his face. He'd refused to hit his godfather, something Sirius had taken full advantage of. "Anyone seen my glasses?"

There were footsteps behind him and Lily let go of his arm as his glasses were pushed into his hands. "Want a healing potion, Times?"

Harry slowly put on his repaired glasses and looked up into the face of Severus Snape. "No thanks." He sighed. "I'll see you all later. Enjoy yourself, Lily." He turned and started walking away, but Severus caught his arm. "I know your secret," he hissed. "Are you going to insist on keeping it from me even now, or will you tell me?"

Harry stopped and didn't respond for a moment. "I'll think about it."

As Harry walked away, Remus sighed and shook his head. "Did you have to cut his face too, Sirius?"

Sirius frowned. "I didn't."

"It was his scar, Lupin," Severus snapped.

Remus stared at Severus. "I don't understand."

"Don't play with me. You understand more than you're letting on about Times."

Remus' confused look shifted to one of shock for a mere moment. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Severus sneered. "I'm going to find out, Lupin. Stop trying to protect him."

----

Harry sighed as he flew around the pitch. His body was still hurting. It was only earlier that day that Sirius had decided to use him as a punching bag. Unfortunately, that wasn't what was bothering him.

His scar had started throbbing in the fight and had only recently stopped. He'd gone immediately to Lupin and asked to see him on the pitch. Lupin had agreed. Now Harry was waiting for him.

There was a faint whistle below him and Harry looked down. Lupin was standing on the pitch, looking up at him. Lupin smiled and waved him down. Harry landed in front of his professor and gestured to a spot near the goal posts. It was the middle of the night and Harry had no plans of getting caught.

He conjured a small green fire and sat it on the ground between them. Lupin looked him over quickly. "Did Sirius hurt you?"

Harry smiled slightly. "No. That's not the problem. But I thought you might want to know that my scar was hurting, and I have no idea why. Well, I take that back." Harry sighed and patted his bangs down like he always did when he was nervous. "I think Voldemort was angry with Severus, though I'm not positive that's who he was angry at."

Lupin blinked several times. "But why would he be mad at Snape?"

"There's a rather complicated story behind that, which involves the explanation for my newfound attempted friendship with Severus. Would you rather I tell you or show you?"

"You can show me a memory without a pensieve?"

"Yeah, one of Ravenclaw's areas, I believe. It's weird being so like them."

"The only way you are like them is in some of your abilities, and even then you outmatch them all easily, Harry. None of them were anything like you."

Harry smiled. "Right. Okay, so, just close your eyes. It's easier with contact, so don't pull away either. I found that out the hard way while experimenting on Peter while he was sleeping." Lupin smirked but complied. Harry placed the tips of two fingers against Lupin's temples and closed his own eyes. Gently entering Lupin's mind, he replayed his dream and the few nightmares he had had of Severus. When they were done, he pulled out of Lupin's mind and opened his eyes.

Lupin's eyes blinked opened. Tears were shining in his eyes. "Is it true?"

Harry nodded. "I can detect most lies now and when I can't I can usually tell by body language. Severus had no strength to hide any lie."

Lupin jumped up and slammed his fist into the stands in a rare bout of rage. "It can't be true! Snape would never act like that! He's a cold-hearted murderer!"

Harry smiled sadly. "Remus, I've replayed that memory so many times trying to find something to say it's a lie that I'm sick of it. Why do you think I was trying to get to know Severus? I wanted to know what he is really like, and I was really getting somewhere, but I blew it."

"And Malfoy?" Lupin asked, starting to pace.

"I think the only reason Malfoy agreed was to spare his family. He was blackmailed into it, even though I think he knew what would happen in the end. He was buying time, as much as Voldemort would allow him."

"You think they're innocent?"

Harry pursed his lips. "You are only innocent when you do not know that what you are doing is wrong."

Lupin nodded, drinking in the information. "Then why are you willing to give them both a fresh start?"

Harry sighed. "There are many reasons. They just want to be accepted, and because of the families they grew up in, that has been made impossible, at least in that circle. We all know what it feels like to want to be loved. That's what they want. I can tell that. We all have ghosts that haunt us, Remus, and they are no different. They just have different ones, many we can't understand because we've never experienced them. If I can help bury some of their regrets and worries, I will, never mind who they are. And…"

"And what?" Lupin asked quietly, subdued by Harry's heartfelt explanation.

"I…walked in on Malfoy."

"What?"

"Apparently, the only friend he has is Moaning Myrtle. Remus, if I hadn't met Ron and Hermione, that would have been me. I know what it feels like to have no friends. Perhaps I can at least give them friendship, something that no one has extended to them or that they have accepted. Maybe they trust me enough that I can be that best friend they need. You think?"

Lupin smiled. "If they would let you, you would be the entire world's best friend. Try to keep it within manageable limits."

"I can't really make much difference between good friends and best friends, but I know who I would trust my life with, and I hope they know that too."

Lupin sat down and brushed some dark hair out of Harry's face. "They do. But, I don't believe all that explains the sentence: 'I walked in on Malfoy.' Now, if you please?"

"I heard something coming from Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. I was curious, so I went to investigate. Malfoy was there, crying. We both overreacted. I cursed him. He could have died, had it not been for Severus. But what I heard…it got me thinking. And I also saw him when he was about to kill Dumbledore. There was nothing on his face resembling happiness or satisfaction. Dumbledore's offer was really getting to him. He knew that was the way to go, but his plan was already started. He couldn't stop it or he'd be killed on the spot by the Death Eaters. And now he's being tortured. I think Voldemort knew all along Malfoy, Draco I mean, wouldn't go through with being a Death Eater. He's too soft, even though he won't admit it." Harry smiled at the thought but his scar suddenly seared again and his body seized up. Lupin quickly drew Harry to him and held him to his chest.

Harry thrashed wildly and the sand he kicked up doused his flame, throwing them into darkness. It wasn't a moment too soon either. Hurried footsteps and labored breathing caught their attention. They both stilled, Harry occasionally shivering in the after effects from the pain. Whoever had come onto the pitch quickly left and they relaxed.

Harry stayed stiff. He wasn't used to being held so gently, like he was loved. He was waiting for Lupin to push him away. Lupin massaged him arms. "I won't bite. Relax. You can lean on me you know." Harry sighed, laid his head on Lupin's chest, and took a few deep breaths to calm his breathing. Lupin whispered, "What happened?"

"He's angry. Cast the cruciatus on somebody. Even if I wanted to use occlumency to block the visions, it couldn't stop that, not if he's that angry."

"You haven't been stopping the visions?"

"No. It just…feels wrong to not be able to help. I would have given anything to stop them just a few months ago, but now…"

Lupin nodded and looked across the pitch, deep in thought. Harry, from his position, was looking up. One star caught his eye and he smiled, though bitterly. "Moony?"

"Hm?" Lupin asked, resting his cheek against Harry's head.

"You ever feel like they're watching over us?" Lupin shifted slightly. "I know Sirius is. He's there every night."

Lupin lay on the ground so they were looking straight up at Sirius, the Dog Star. "Yeah. I know the feeling. But still, I'd be…lonely, if it weren't for you."

Harry nodded. "Moony, how good of friends are we? Best friends? Better than best friends?"

"Better."

"Brothers?"

"Yes."

Harry paused. He wanted to keep going but something held him back. He didn't know how Lupin would react to father and son, so he kept quiet and was content with brothers. Lupin was so natural in both roles that it felt right. And Harry knew it would have been that way if their lives hadn't been torn apart so soon. Lupin would have been his brother and surely, knowing the Marauders, an Uncle. He faintly remembered calling him Uncle Moony, to the best of his abilities, as a baby, and Lupin had eaten it up. Maybe he could start calling him that again soon, just maybe. He changed the subject quickly so Lupin wouldn't notice the silence. "Moony, I'll have to tell Severus."

Lupin sighed. "Why?"

"He needs me, Remus, even though he'll never admit it. Besides, he figured it out on his own. Don't worry. We'll use memory charms on them."

"Alright. Just don't get on his bad side."

----

Harry scratched his ear lazily with his paw. Watching Moony devour a rabbit wasn't exactly what he called entertainment. However, the werewolf was already becoming bored. Harry had found that Moony was extremely playful, after he accepted all Harry's animagus forms into his pack. The werewolf somehow knew that they were all the same person though, at least judging by the way it reacted to them. Harry was surprised how quickly he had been accepted, not that he was complaining. He could trust Moony enough that he had transformed quickly and picked the fluxweed earlier that night.

Moony suddenly perked his ears. Harry watched him warily. The werewolf was unpredictable and could go running off at any given time. The werewolf suddenly jumped up and bounded out of the clearing, Harry at his heels, keeping up only because his wolf form had fast reflexes. If Moony didn't want to be caught, he wouldn't be. Harry caught sight of something crashing through the forest toward them. It was followed by two large forms. Harry cursed. He didn't need such an aggravation.

Too far behind to do anything, he watched as the two werewolves met head on. They were the same wolf, which would just confuse them more, meaning they wouldn't stop fighting. As Harry circled them, trying to figure out how to break the fight apart, Padfoot, Prongs, and Wormtail crashed through the bushes. They stared at Harry for a moment in shock then Padfoot started growling at him, slowly inching forward. Harry took a couple steps back and then leapt over the huge dog, pouncing on Lupin.

Padfoot and Prongs quickly did the same to Remus. Having successfully captured the older werewolf's attention, Harry led him back into the deeper part of the forest. Moony playfully tackled him, rolling them down a small hill. It was going to be a long night.

----

Harry opened the door to the Room of Requirements quietly and hurried inside. Severus didn't even look up. He just kept tending to the potion. Harry dropped the fluxweed onto the table and asked for a soft chair. It had been a long and painful night with Lupin. He gingerly lowered himself into the chair and waited, listening to Severus working diligently.

It wasn't very long before Severus sat down across from him. They stared at each other for a minute, neither willing to back down. Harry shifted and pain arched across his back, making him jerk in response. Severus smirked, though it was somewhat subdued. "I warned you, didn't I?"

Harry growled at him. "Glad you're so concerned."

Severus raised an eyebrow. "I did try to tell you that monster-"

"He's not a monster. You'll learn that soon enough. Besides, Remus didn't attack me."

"Really?" Severus asked, a hint of disbelief in his voice. "Alright. I won't ask then. I came here for answers. And you're going to give them to me or I'll turn you in, just like I should have when I found out."

Harry snorted. "I was going to tell you anyway, Severus. I am not a person who needs heavy persuasion when someone, you for example, has already figured out what I needed to tell them. But I have a question. Who were you planning to turn me in to? Dumbledore, McGonagall, and now Madam Pomfrey know. And I doubt the Ministry would believe you."

Severus snarled. "You are tampering with time. You could completely alter everything."

"We have prepared a way to keep everything as is. So, is that really why you want to know, because you think I'm breaking the law by being here? I didn't choose to come, Severus. Voldemort decided to send me."

"You are working for the Dark Lord?"

"No," Harry answered with a twisted smile. "We're…acquaintances, unfortunately."

"A Potter, acquaintances with the Dark Lord?"

Harry sighed. "Severus, I know you're smart. I know you've figured out who I am and who my parents are. Can you tell me what else you have…concluded before I go on?"

Severus shrugged. "Not much, but I have a feeling there's more to your involvement with the Dark Lord than you're letting on. No wonder Potter and his friends think you're a Death Eater. You do have a tendency to talk in riddles." Severus leaned back. "I don't understand why you haven't told them who you are, I mean, besides the werewolf."

Harry rubbed his eyes. "Severus, I'm going to tell you something even Remus doesn't know yet."

Severus nodded and raised both eyebrows. "Alright."

"I haven't told James, Sirius, Peter, and Lily because…it'll make going back harder. I think it's inevitable that they find out, but right now, my heart can't take any more abuse. I'm sure you know the feeling." Harry fell silent. Severus' fingers tapped rhythmically on the chair arm as he frowned, deep in thought. Harry tried desperately to ignore it but snapped, "Will you stop that incessant tapping? My nerves are shot as it is!" Severus stopped and stared at him. "What?"

"That 'situation' you and Century described during class. It really was your story, wasn't it?" Harry looked down at his hands. "I didn't want to believe it. It seems so unreal." Severus sighed. "So, James Potter and his wife, Lily apparently, are dead. You somehow survived the Avada Kedavra curse. Pettigrew is dead. Black is in jail."

"Dead," Harry croaked. "Sirius is dead, Severus. He was killed two years after he escaped."

"Escaped Azkaban?"

"Don't ask."

"Right. I take it you know me since you kept dropping hints. Care to tell me why?"

Harry pretended to be fascinated by his fingernails. "Your future self is in a spot of trouble. You managed to contact me, ask forgiveness, and explain your actions. The hint about chances was for your future self." Harry sighed. "Anything else?"

"I guess I shouldn't ask many questions."

"Probably not. But I will tell you that I had hoped you could look past what you've always seen, my father, and see me. The future Severus Snape has and if I ever see him again, I hope we are able to rekindle what small friendship we had before I told you about my scar."

"Who said it was gone?"

Harry blinked and then chuckled. "You got me there. I just assumed." He paused. "Severus, why do you hate my father?"

"I don't know. Nature, I guess. But, when I think about his future…"

"He has even less of a chance than you."

Severus nodded. "So, what about Lupin?"

"He's-"

"Right here." Harry winced and glanced at the door where Lupin stood, numerous bandages showing beneath his open shirt.

Severus' eyes widened. "You?"

"Yes, Severus, me. Now hush for a moment." Lupin took the few steps required to cross the room and stopped in front of Harry. "Up. Now."

Harry stood and faced him. "Yes?"

"Take off your shirt." Harry raised an eyebrow. "Don't toy with me, Harry. Do as I say."

Harry huffed and crossed his arms. "No."

"Harry-"

"I can't."

Lupin frowned. "Why?"

"I can't." Harry frowned too. "Well, I could use magic." Harry glanced at Lupin and vanished his shirt. He squeezed his eyes shut in anticipation. When no response came, Harry looked up. Lupin was still standing in front of him. His fists were clenched and his body was shaking.

"Why did you lie? You said nothing happened last night."

Harry conjured another shirt and draped it over his arm. "It isn't that bad. You ran into your past self and I separated you. End of story."

"And when were you going to tell me that I completely mutilated you?" Lupin asked, gesturing at Harry's severely slashed and bruised back. "You didn't even bandage it!"

"I wasn't planning on telling you. They're healing fine. It's one of Hufflepuff's traits. None of them will scar, I think." Harry shrugged and pulled on the shirt. "Besides, I didn't need to draw attention to myself. The Marauders can connect dots you know."

----

"Okay, so we know the plan, right?" James asked. "We're going to act like Sirius was reading at the window and he looked out and saw the werewolf from the window."

"Yeah, because Sirius stays up late every weekend reading!" Remus shook his head. "You aren't supposed to know about me. He'll just assume you saw me and not a second werewolf. Besides, how do you know it has anything to do with Times?"

"We don't." Sirius groaned. "Okay. Forget about the werewolf thing and just tell him our suspicions about Times."

"We already tried that!" Peter hissed.

"So, we have more evidence now! And we know that he has only gone on their word. He proved that when he met with Century! If we can get him suspicious enough then-"

"Then we will be sentencing two likely innocent people to his wrath!" Remus whispered. "You're about as insane as he is!"

"Please, no one is as mentally unstable, yet miraculously intelligent, as Professor Dumbledore," James said with a smile.

"Thank you, James. I appreciate such a complement."

The Marauders spun around to look at Dumbledore's now open office door. "Er…you're welcome, sir?"

"Well, I suppose you have not come to pay me a simple complement. Please come in." The Marauders sat down and stared at their Headmaster. "Lemon drop?" He asked when the silence continued.

They declined. Remus glared at James who gulped and blurted, "We think Times and Century are Death Eaters!" A ringing silence fell.

"That is a tall accusation, Mr. Potter."

"I know, sir, but-"

"We have evidence!" Sirius whipped out his notebook and flipped through it. "He knows a lot about the Dark Arts. He's always disappearing at night. He's always having nightmares and he takes weird potions for pain in his 'scar'. He draws demented pictures. He's always preoccupied. He openly talks about Voldemort! There is something wrong with him, and we think it can be explained by his being a Death Eater! Er, sir…"

Dumbledore steepled his fingers. "Mr. Black, while you have gathered sufficient evidence, though with questionable methods, it is disputable evidence. Now, if you could prove that he has the Dark Mark or produce evidence of smuggled information or items, perhaps there would be a reason to question him. As you have provided neither, I see no reason to-"

"But, Professor!" Peter protested.

"Sir, please!" James stood up and started pacing. "Every-well, almost every time there's been a Death Eater attack, he's disappeared! And the next day he's really somber and when someone's talking about what happened he'll correct them on the little details, like the color of the little girl's hair! Professor, there's something up!" James slammed a hand onto Dumbledore's desk.

Dumbledore gazed up at him and sighed. "I will look into the situation. If anything turns up, I will bring it to your attention. From now on you will not go looking for information, understood boys?"

Sirius started to protest but James shook his head. "Yes, sir."

----

Harry's fingers drummed on his chair arm as he waited. He hated waiting but Dumbledore hadn't said a thing and he wasn't going to speak first. The Marauders had grinned at each other as he left to talk with the Headmaster, setting Harry on edge. And now watching Dumbledore scrutinize him was almost too much to bear.

Dumbledore finally sighed and shook his head. "Harry, I am sorry but I have made a grievous mistake that I must correct. The Marauders have informed me that you have been acting very suspiciously. I must ask you to listen before acting.

"The boys have told me that you openly talk about Voldemort and other such things. This, however, does not concern me as you are from the future. I believe that much. What caught my attention was the fact that you have disappeared many times and they have usually coincided with a Death Eater attack. This is, I believe, coincidence, but the fact that afterwards you can talk about the details of the attacks so vividly, concerns me.

"I simply wish to know if you are a Death Eater."

Harry stared at a spot on the ceiling while he thought. He was in a tight spot. Dumbledore already knew too much, but the professor wouldn't accept that he couldn't answer, not about this. He'd have to tell him something. "I had hoped that after revealing what a blow your death was to me that you would believe me wholeheartedly. However, I understand why this is creating such a stir for you. The safety of your students is of utmost importance."

"The problem with that argument, Harry, is that you know how to appeal to emotions. You know exactly what to say to sway my decision. However, you will find me much more steadfast today."

Harry smiled slightly. "Professor," Harry began, finally looking at Dumbledore, "there is no simple explanation except that I am not a Death Eater. Can I prove that without telling you my history?" Harry winced. "Perhaps. For instance, I don't have the Dark Mark." Harry pulled back his sleeve. "Or I could tell you that my occasional adventures around the school coinciding with Death Eater attacks is coincidental.

"However, my ability to describe the most minute detail of those attacks is another thing. You could say I was there, in a way, though it's strange, even to me.

"Sir, to understand, I will need to tell you what will happen a few years from now."

"You think that wise?"

"No, but you won't understand otherwise."

"I may surprise you."

Harry sighed. "I have a connection with Voldemort."

There was silence. "Alas, you are correct, Harry. I cannot possibly comprehend how this statement proves you are not a Death Eater. Proceed with your tale."

Harry nodded. "I was a year old. It was Halloween and my parents were in hiding under the fidelus charm. Their secret keeper ratted them out and Voldemort turned up on our doorstep. He murdered my parents. When he turned on me, his curse backfired, and I went down in history as the 'Boy-Who-Lived.'" Harry laughed bitterly. "I was their hero. I had saved them all and all I had to show for it was a demolished house, my parents' graves, and a scar.

"I soon learned that my scar is a link between my mind and his. Luckily, I have been able to block most of the visions. However, I have chosen to keep my mind open. I feel so…helpless when I stop them. It's like I…betrayed them.

"Through that connection I can feel Voldemort's emotions and I can see everything his followers do. Why it is strange is because I can see the actions of my time's Voldemort and of this time's, which is why I can relate what both are doing. Though unpleasant, my ability has proved useful."

Dumbledore frowned. "Why were your parents targeted?"

"A prophecy that will be made very soon. Voldemort was scared and decided to kill the baby the prophecy spoke of. I just became famous for it. Apparently, he somehow transferred some of his abilities to me, even though I should have already had them from my Slytherin blood. He might have just triggered them early. For instance, I was not born a Parseltongue. I believe I got that ability from him.

"That is really all I can say in my defense for now, sir, and I know you found no lies. I leave the verdict in your hands." Harry sat back in his chair, satisfied with his answer and knowing that he had impressed his future mentor. His fingers resumed their drumming.

Dumbledore continued to stare at him then smiled sadly. "You are correct. You left your mind as open as you could and still feel protected, and I detected no lie. I am sorry for this mess, Harry, very sorry. You are free to go."

----

Harry flipped through his book absently. The Founders' book had stopped giving him instructions for training. Apparently, he was doing everything he needed to already. He was working out almost every morning, which had given him a lean and slightly muscular body that he knew he never would have achieved back in his own time.

Besides exercising and running, Harry had started training with weapons. He used the device Dumbledore had given him as a Christmas present most often. He never left the dorm without it. He was getting paranoid he knew but he was so good at handling almost any weapon now that he liked having it at his fingertips in case something came up.

Not only was he becoming adept with weapons, but also wandless magic. He was so accustomed to it now that he was prone to forget to use his wand. It was just so easy for him. There was no energy drain and it felt wonderful. It was like being submerged in something warm, breathing…almost alive. He didn't like locking it away to hide his power. Why hide who he was? Harry laughed at that thought, but it was true. He liked wandless magic. He was powerful and he couldn't hide it. His magic spilled from him in waves. He couldn't feel it a difference anymore, but he knew everyone else could. The good thing was that although everyone could feel it, they usually had no idea what they were feeling.

Harry was one of those gifted wizards who could see and feel auras and traces left behind by magic. It was as if Scrimegour had planned that he would become the next Dumbledore, as he had said at the end of Harry's sixth year. He was becoming more and more like the old man every day, and yet he was so much more powerful already that it scared him to think what he could do.

Harry yawned and snapped the book shut. The Marauders were out, thank goodness. Harry had had enough of them for a while. Ever since his meeting with Dumbledore they'd been shooting him suspicious looks, obviously wondering how he'd convinced Dumbledore he was innocent. It was completely quiet. Harry sighed and closed his eyes to take a nap.

A series of taps on the window made him groan and open his eyes. He got up and moved to the window, opening it only far enough that a black owl could stick its leg inside. As Harry took the message from its leg, the owl snapped at his fingers, successfully drawing blood. He knocked it none-too-gently from the window ledge. He laughed when it hit the wall and flew away at a slant.

Harry opened the scroll and immediately snarled. It was from Wormtail.

"Harry (if I may call you that),

I wish to again request your attendance at a meeting with me for some information that should be most profitable for you. You may think this an absurd suggestion. Surely I must be up to something. Indeed, it is so. I wish to repay my life debt by telling you why the Dark Lord brought you to the past and perhaps help you figure out how to work your manipulator. I beg of you to consider my offer. I will be waiting at the quidditch pitch at midnight, alone. You have a week to decide. Farewell, Harry Potter."

Again, it was signed with a paw print, no larger than his fingernail. Harry growled. Something wasn't right. Wormtail, though he did owe Harry a life debt, would never volunteer information unless there was something in it for him. Harry wasn't given time to think about it. The door to the dormitory flew open and Lily swept inside.

She ran over to Harry and threw her arms around him. Harry smiled and gave her an awkward hug in return. Lily pulled away and beamed at him. Harry, getting the feeling he was missing something, swallowed nervously and said, "Uh, Lily, are you…okay?"

She giggled. "I'm more than okay. I'm fantastic! Oh, Harry, you were right! I should have given James a chance a long time ago!"

Harry smiled mischievously. "Did he take you to Hogsmeade?"

She gaped at him. "How did you know that?"

He shrugged. "Let's just say we're more alike than he knows."

Lily smiled. "Oh, Harry, he took me to this wonderful restaurant on the far side of Hogsmeade. It was so beautiful! We had a candlelit dinner and he took me flying around the countryside afterwards. We just got back and…and…"

Harry's jaw dropped open when he realized what the blush on his mother's cheeks meant. "He kissed you!" Her blush deepened. "First one?"

She nodded. "Oh, I'm as bad as a little school-girl!"

"You are a little school-girl."

"You know what I mean!"

He snickered. "Well, at least you aren't doing what I did."

"Why, what did you do?"

"Short of panicking, I was shell-shocked. But, I can see one main difference between my first kiss and yours."

"What's that?" She asked nervously.

"You're in love."

Lily screeched and slapped his arm. "Stop it. I don't need the whole school to know!"

"So you don't deny it!"

"I-"

"Don't argue, Lily. I won't tell. James wouldn't believe me anyway."

She growled at him. "You'd better not tell, no matter what!"

"So, James is the all-around perfect guy then?"

She sighed. "Except for the fact that he's still tormenting you and he can be a bit arrogant."

"Lily, no one's perfect." Harry's eyes softened. "It took me all too long to realize that." He rolled his eyes at her abashed look. "He'll stop eventually anyway." Eventually probably meaning when he found out who Harry was.

----

"Times looks horrible," Peter muttered, glancing at Harry's slumped figure only a few feet away where he was sitting asleep in an armchair by the common room fire.

"You would too if you were out all night on a Death Eater raid," Sirius hissed, absently moving a chess piece. Peter winced.

Remus snorted. "Right. If he's a Death Eater, I'm not Moony." He jumped when a wand was suddenly thrust in front of his face. "What are you doing?"

Sirius stared down at him, a gleam in his eyes. "Who are you and what have you done with my best friend?" Sirius smiled and sat back down. "I don't understand you, Moony. I mean, it's so obvious that he's-"

"Not a Death Eater." Remus finished.

James frowned. "I don't understand why you're so sure he's not a Death Eater, Moony."

"I don't understand why you're so sure he is!" Remus snapped.

"Because there's evidence."

"Are you sure?" Remus asked. James' frown deepened. "Are you sure it's not just in your head?"

Lily came over and sat beside James. "What's going on?"

"One moment, Lils. What do you mean am I sure it's not in my head?"

Remus leaned forward and jabbed his finger in James' direction. "The only reason you don't like him is because you're jealous."

James looked like Remus had punched him in the stomach. "What?"

"Don't deny it! There's something in you determined to see him as a rival!"

"Remus, you're being-"

"Over-critical? Insensitive? Selfish?" Remus snapped. "Maybe I am. But at least I'm giving him a chance." He stood up. "You gave me a chance. What's wrong with giving him one too?" He stormed out of the room and the dorm door slammed loudly. Harry cracked one eye open, looked over at the other Marauders, and smiled sadly, knowing that Remus had kept his temper as long as he could, but the man had to break sometime.

----

For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Matthew 7:2