Harry Potter: Otherworld

The Boy Who Lived

***No own no sue. ***

*Twitter for updates, Angelslayer135

I will keep a running list of male to female names as characters are introduced at the end of each chapter.

***HP:O ***

There was a noticeable discomfort in the air, one that Grace Riddle had long come to recognize and expect. Some of the students would have at least heard of the spells, have come from family lines where a parent or grandparent might have whispered about them as a scary story or simply had dark enough information in family libraries to stumble upon the three.

It wasn't exactly surprising and anyone with even the slightest interest in the more aggressive, or darker, forms of magic would be fascinated with even the title given to this group. Still, beyond basic knowledge few would be able to give any further insight. Even when the topic of The Unforgivables was normally introduced in later years, usually sixth or seventh year depending on the level of students, most would barely know more than a name or basic function.

Thus, she didn't expect an answer to her next question, "Can anyone name them?"

It was an open-ended query, one she didn't even turn around to ask since it was so automated, just as she would likely hear nothing but silence or a few muttered answers. Instead, a single voice replied, soft and yet hard at the same time, determined and yet empty.

"The Imperius Curse, used to take control of the bodies and minds of others."

An icy hollowness started in her fingers and worked its way through her body.

"Cruciatus Curse, used to inflict pain and torture."

She didn't want to turn, didn't want to see the looks of shock and horror on the other children, didn't want to see their judgment. More than anything though she didn't want to see his eyes matching his tone.

"The Killing Curse, used to end the life of anyone or anything."

Slowly the professor willed her body to move, to look upon the face of the speaker, who was now almost painfully silent, along with the rest of the room and its occupants.

Harry Potter, his eyes downcast, attention focused only on the wooden surface of his desk was as motionless as the dead. She needed to break the atmosphere, needed to change something to draw attention away from him.

The witch knew she could give points or congratulate him on his studying and proficiency. She could make a big deal out of how far he was ahead of the syllabus and how useful such knowledge would be should he ever encounter such horrific spells.

Instead, her lips refused to move, body frozen along with all the others.

***HP:O ***

Ronald Weasley knew he wasn't the smartest kid at Hogwarts, hell he wasn't the smartest kid in Gryffindor of his own year, that title had to belong to either Harriet or Hermione, but he also wasn't stupid. He knew something known as 'Unforgivables' was likely dark magic, probably something bad and maybe even illegal, he also knew Harry shouldn't know so much about them, even if the expressions towards the boy weren't all concern or borderline fear.

He also knew someone should have been asking him if he was alright, if there was anything he wanted to talk about, needed to talk about. Instead, the lesson changed, and Professor Riddle pretended like nothing had happened. Even Harry's sisters seemed to avoid the topic, and eye contact, with their brother.

It pissed Ron off. If one of the girls had been upset, he had no doubts Harry would be charging in to save the day, much like he already had the past few years. But now when he needed help it was too inconvenient?

Fuck them, if they wouldn't do anything he would.

"Hey, Harry, you want to come flying with me after class?"

The question hadn't been discreet or quiet, but nothing about Ron was discreet or quiet, and he didn't want it to be. Contrary to popular belief he knew how to keep his voice down, knew how to whisper and do the subtle nudges that others did so often, but this time he wanted people to see, to notice. He wanted to make them feel guilty about being shitty siblings or tutors, he wanted to leave a bad taste in their mouths when they realized someone else had to step up when they failed to.

Whether Harry realized what he was doing or not didn't seem to matter, and the raven-haired wizard nodded, still a bit down but with a hint of hope in his eyes.

***HP:O ***

"So, you want to talk about it?" Ron called out, even as he tossed the Quaffle at an odd angle, forcing the other to make a bit of a dive, and impressive catch, to save it. Harry, after retrieving it and returning the throw, shrugged.

"Not really much to talk about."

Ron flinched a bit as his arm extended just a tad too far in order to catch the ball, rolling his shoulder out moments later to prevent any strain, "Did Professor Riddle teach you all that stuff then? She seemed surprised you knew about those spells."

The boy-who-lived sighed as he made passing sweep, catching the object before returning it to the redhead with a similar momentum, "No, I just… sort of learned about them. It's hard to explain."

Ronald Weasley caught it before returning, but not before calling out another question, "You explained it to Ginny, didn't you?"

It took Harry by surprise, and he only caught the object a second later by falling into a steep dive to retrieve it, a minute later, far longer than it should have taken to return to speaking distance, and Harry was once again talking. "It isn't… like that, I promise. I probably shouldn't have talked to your sister about it though, it is sort of a family secret."

"Riddle?"

He nodded, "Only because Dumbledore let it slip, the staff knows too and my family of course. My sisters leaked it to Hermione though and Luna… well Luna just sort of knew."

"That's a lot of people."

It wasn't accusatory, but to Harry it sounded like it. There wasn't the normal jealousy he had been expecting, just a hint of hurt and to him it was far worse. He didn't want to keep things from Ron, wanted to have a closer relationship with the boy, because there were so few wizards he had any sort of relationship with.

So he floated closer, and the movement was matched moments later by the redhead who seemed a bit surprised at first. "You have to promise not to tell anyone, understand? This isn't like answers to a test or something simple, it can be dangerous if someone finds out."

Ron stared for a moment, before he agreed with determination in his eyes.

"I'm… not from the Wizarding world, this one at least. Its like a different one but really similar. I had my own Ron, my own Hermione, my own Ginny."

The other boy continued staring before slowly asking his first question, "So like… did you have sisters where you were from?"

"No, no I didn't have any family. My parents were killed when I was a baby and there were no siblings."

"I'm sorry." It was heartfelt and so full of emotions that the boy-who-lived almost rocked on his broom, "I… I can't imagine not having anyone. Is that why you were weird around them at first?"

Harry sighed in response, "Yeah, it's weird going from no real family to have one that loves and supports you and then it felt like I was taking things away from them, like I was cheating them out of their lives."

Realization struck the redhead, "You played Quidditch before, didn't you?"

"Yeah, Seeker. We didn't have different numbers of boys or girls, so I was allowed to play like normal."

"Whoa…"

The raven-haired boy smiled, it was always weird seeing reactions to how different the worlds were, and he figured it was similar to how he felt upon first arriving.

Still, there seemed to be more on the other wizard's mind, "But like, why is it such a big secret?"

"I was a fifth-year before I was sent here and became a first-year again. We couldn't figure out a way to just throw me that far into classes without someone being suspicious and risk having someone come after me or my family to try and get some future secrets. Honestly though, most of the stuff is so different it hasn't been of much help other than knowing spells in advance."

Ron nodded slowly, clearly still processing the information, "So like… you have to do older student work and third-year stuff?"

Harry thought for a moment before shrugging, "Sort of, I mean most of the stuff in our year is busy work for me now and I don't have a lot of older work to do but yeah."

"Sounds awful mate, so can you show me some awesome Quidditch moves?"

***HP:O ***

"Harry, could you follow me please." Dread pooled in his stomach. It wasn't often a student was summoned by the Headmistress herself up to her office and while he did share a closer relationship with the woman than most did it was more than likely to be related to Defense class earlier in the day.

He shouldn't have been so forthcoming, should have kept his mouth shut, shouldn't have freaked out his classmates and professor. Ever since his little speech most students had opted to keep just a bit more distance between themselves and him.

Even his sisters and friends looked concerned but unsure of how to speak with him. All because he couldn't just stop and think before speaking. Dumbledore must sense something because she glances over at him and offers a warm smile, "You aren't in trouble Harry, I promise."

It isn't convincing enough for the worry to disappear though and the moment he enters the office, and saw who else was already present, his heartrate skyrocketed.

"Harry, sweetheart." His mother intoned, gently, rising from her seat and walking over to give him a hug, one that despite the circumstances he gladly reciprocated, forcing himself not to tear up like usual.

His father was next, mumbling something soft and encouraging that didn't quite reach his ears before they both sat back down, guiding him to an open chair next to their own.

Riddle was also present, but he had been expecting her at least.

Augustina spoke once more, "As I said earlier Harry, you are not in trouble, not in the least bit. Grace and I contacted your parents and asked them to come in because… well we are concerned."

"Most students cannot name even one of The Unforgivables" Riddle interjected, "Much less all three along with their effects."

Harry stared off into space, past those present, past the objects in the room, past the window and out into the open evening sky. A part of him, especially in that moment, longed for the freedom of flight once more. "The Boy who Lived."

The other adults in the room blinked in confusion at his statement, sharing a few glances but seeing no understanding in any of the other eyes.

He went on moments later, "That's what they called me you know, back where I came from. The Boy who Lived. I always hated the title, hated that I was famous for something like that, famous for something I couldn't even remember."

"Because the other Lily and James died… but you didn't."

Harry nodded, still without making eye contact, to the other man's statement. "But because I lived. I was the only known survivor of all three curses… The Boy who Lived."

Understanding set in moments later along with wide eyed expressions. "That's not… possible." Grace protested, earning a shrug and an empty laugh.

"Yeah, I know, at least that's what everyone told me." He muttered the phrase once more to himself before shaking his head, "As for what I know about them. Our defense instructor went over all three during my fourth year. Even demonstrated them in class."

If a feather had fallen in that moment, it would have sounded as thunder in the office with how silent it had become. Slowly, almost dangerously, Dumbledore spoke, "A professor demonstrated all three Unforgivable curses to your class in your fourth year…"

Harry shrugged, "On spiders mostly. Although he did make a show of practicing the Imperius on students to show them how difficult it was to resist."

His parents looked horrified, Dumbledore was visibly ill, and Riddle looked as though she was moments away from trying to rip a hole in the universe just to murder the person in question.

"What? Despite all that he was a decent teacher compared to some of my other years."

"Harry…" Dumbledore sounded almost pained in her gentle interruption. "No one should be subjected to even the presence of those spells, much less children."

Again, the boy shrugged, to him it wasn't worth arguing or being upset over. It wouldn't do any good at that point anyway. Moments passed before James noticed something for the first time, the weariness and exhaustion in his son's posture. They had seen it before, he was sure of it, but probably waved it off as nerves.

After all the revelations of the day though, Harry was probably physically, and more important emotionally, drained. "Harry, why don't you head back to your dorms and get some rest, you look tired."

The words drew all the attention back onto the youngest present, and in a flash, Dumbledore had a pass in her hand and was standing to hand it to him. "Your father is right, there isn't anything more to do today. Try and sleep, things will be better tomorrow."

He slowly took it and nodded before standing. Before he could take a step, Lily had him in a hug once more, muttering how much she loved him into his hair, holding him through the slight tremors that followed, trying her best to ignore the wetness of his eyes on her robes and how much effect those three simple words had on him.

James was next and shortly after the young wizard was gone from the room, leaving only the four adults to ponder what had been said.

***HP:O ***

"Hey uhm, Harry? Could we talk to you for a second?" The young man nodded before following Hermione and his sisters into a secluded corner of the hallway. Biting her lip in obvious concern, the bookworm glanced about a few more times before speaking, voice dipping down so as not to be overheard, "We, I mean your sisters and I, were wondering if you were thinking about doing tutoring again this year, in defense I mean."

Harry nodded, "Yeah, I've been asked by a few other students and I'm just waiting to see if they are still interested after... well you know." The three stared in confusion, earning a sigh from the wizard. "After what happened in defense class yesterday."

The nervous looks returned, and he didn't blame them. It wasn't everyday your friend, or pseudo brother, revealed he could give a lecture on the darkest curses in existence.

"I'm... we're sorry," Amy blurted out, "we should've talked to you after, made sure you were okay, we just... didn't know what to say without making it uncomfortable or upsetting you."

He blinked in surprise, "Wait, you were worried about making me uncomfortable?"

Harriet immediately chimed in, "Of course Harry, obviously you were upset by it but we didn't know how to say 'you looked sad while talking about really high-level curses, want to talk about what might have happened that could have been traumatizing?' But we should have, we should have said something but we didn't and we're sorry."

"It's not a big deal, promise." And it wasn't, they hadn't avoided him for days or talked behind his back or anything like that. Not knowing how to talk to someone about what could have been a horrifying experience was a very legitimate excuse, especially when they were only teenagers. "So why were you asking about tutoring?"

Okay, so his change of topic was obvious and blunt, but really he didn't want to spend time having them think he was upset with them when he clearly wasn't.

The three exchanged a look before Amy spoke up once more, "We… were hoping to get some lessons too. After everything that's happened at Hogwarts the last two years and this year we need to be prepared, we need to be able to protect ourselves, we need…"

"To stay away from danger and not run headfirst into a situation that could seriously hurt you." he finished, eyes cold and analytical. He knew the real reason, could see in their eyes and had been a Gryffindor long enough to notice the signs. They were him after all, which meant throwing themselves into harm's way was practically a hobby.

Hermione shook her head, "No, no we won't do that, we promise."

His gaze narrowed to one of analysis, and all three seemed just a tad uncomfortable with it. "Fine, but I want promises from each of you that you aren't going to be trying to fight werewolves or anything else for that matter. And I'm not teaching you any dangerous elemental stuff."

Despite his conditions he received eager nods and made a mental note to start up a calendar for all the lessons he would be giving.

***HP:O ***

Amaryllis Potter blinked in surprised as the opposing team walked up to meet them, not in the team itself per se but rather the one standing opposite her. "You're the Slytherin Seeker Malfoy?"

Said blonde smirked in her pretentious, 'I think I'm better than everyone else here' way. "Of course, Potter. After watching your dismal performance last year, I thought 'It's about time we stop going easy on them'. No way to explain your victories otherwise."

The redhead growled in annoyance, "Looks like you don't know as much about Quidditch as you are pretending to. What, did your mom buy your team new brooms so they would let you play?"

It earned her a glare in return, "The bravado isn't going to mean much after I beat you."

Amy snorted, "Please, you have no experience and little talent to back anything else up. I doubt you'll even see the Snitch."

"Care to bet on that?"

The question had Amaryllis pausing, not expecting such a response, and not really having an answer. Seeing the smug face on her adversary though, one popped into her mind. "Fine, if I get the Snitch first then you have to stand up to Snape anytime she insults me or my sister… for two weeks."

It had Cleo flinching backwards, clearly expecting something along the lines of doing the other persons homework or just money being on the line. Going against Snape though… it caused her to hesitate for a moment, earning her a return smirk from the redhead.

"Unless of course you want to admit you can't win…"

But Malfoy's didn't back down, and her back straightened, eyes glinting as she went through her own list of options. It wasn't until she saw movement in the nearby stands that a smile of her own formed. "Fine, but when I win you have to convince your brother to ask me on a date."

Amy's jaw dropped before she gave a flustered response. "As if!"

"What's the matter Potter, afraid I'll embarrass you twice?"

"Sounds like you're the one too scared to ask someone out by yourself!"

Malfoy sneered, "Fine, I'll ask him myself, but if I win you have to convince him to go with me."

Amaryllis glanced to where she knew her sister and Harry were seated, biting her lip for a moment before her eyes filled with resolve.

"Deal"

***HP:O ***

Harry Potter watched the players zoom around high up in the sky, both longing for the same freedom and proud of his sister for accomplishing the same as what he had. She was competing against Cleo Malfoy, because of course Malfoy would end up as the Slytherin seeker and the two had been valiantly scanning the surrounding area for any sign of the Snitch for most of the game. To his credit, Harry spotted it first, followed shortly after by the two rivals who immediately dove for it.

They were neck and neck, with both Hermione and Harriet standing either in concern or anticipation. He himself remained unblinking, watching the two in a way only a Seeker would understand.

Both were within mere feet of the fluttering object, arms outstretched and strained to be the first to reach it.

"Come on Amy!"

But despite their sister's cheers Harry knew the blonde would make the catch, and sure enough she did, edging out the victory by a hair's breadth.

Still, a win was a win, and while the Gryffindor section groaned the Slytherin's cheered nearby, hooting and hollering with an almost contagious excitement.

Malfoy, naturally, did a victory lap before returning to where the Potter had hung her head in defeat.

Harry's eyes narrowed as he observed some sort of verbal exchange, but not knowing exactly what was being said. Still, it seemed upsetting to the redhead but despite it the two flew off to opposing sides of the field to dismount around their teams. Cleo's, naturally, were ecstatic, while Amaryllis' were understanding and comforting.

It was nice to see not much had changed in terms of the game, and the camaraderie which grew because of it.

"Should we go down and wait for her?"

Hermione looked uncertain, and quite frankly Harry wasn't exactly a mind reader either. He knew it could be frustrating after such a defeat and there were times where he had wanted his friends around and times where he just wanted to stew in guilt and annoyance for a while. "Let's head back to the castle for now, she's going to want to do the post-game talk and shower anyway."

***HP:O ***

She had failed, not just in losing for her team but losing for Harry. What was she supposed to do now? Amy's mind wallowed in guilt, even missing most of what their captain said during the review of each person and their efforts during the match. Still, she caught the jest of it, they all played well, no major mistakes, just needing more practice was all.

Maybe it had been meant for her, maybe not, but she was busy with a more important inner debate to spend time on it. How was she supposed to tell her brother that he owed Malfoy a date because she couldn't keep her own damn mouth shut and just let the stupid insults pass?

The scalding hot shower didn't help, and by the time she redressed and made it back to the castle the only thing she could think about was Malfoy's triumphant grin and her repeat of the bet. The blonde prat even had the stones to tell her 'You can decide if you want to tell him before or after I ask'.

It would probably be better to do it before, waiting just made her feel like she was hiding something, which would never work around Harriet anyway. Plus, it added the risk of his embarrassment, something she didn't want on top of everything else.

Her family was in the Great Hall, and with a deep sigh she headed straight towards them.

"Great game Amy," her sister immediately congratulated, before standing and giving her a quick hug.

Harry, nodded as well, "Don't get too down on yourself. Everyone has losses. I know I've had my fair share."

"It… it's not just that…" she muttered before taking a seat, followed by the other two, her sister eyeing her far closer than before. "I… made a bet, with Malfoy, before the game I mean."

"Amy…" her twin sighed, "I know how upset she can make you, but you need to think before doing stuff like this."

"I know, I know. I figured this was her first game and I had an entire year of experience."

Harry merely grinned, "A bit overconfident hm? I'm sure your opponents last year felt the same way. So, what did you lose?"

Her shoulder's drooped, earning another admonishment from her sister, "I… sort of… well… I have to convince you to go on a date… with Malfoy."

Harriet's jaw dropped, while Harry's eyes widened in surprise. "As in like, Cleo Malfoy?"

The redhead nodded, earning a growl from her raven-haired sister. "Seriously Amy? Of all the irresponsible things you could have done…"

But before her, well earned, scolding could begin Harry merely snorted in laughter, earning him shocked looks from the girls. "Oh come on, you have to admit it's a little funny. High, mighty, and proper Cleopatra Malfoy isn't confident in her ability to ask a boy out. So, what would you have gotten in return?"

"She would've had to stand up to Snape for a week."

The wizard's face lit up with a grin, "Okay, yeah I would pay to see that."

"You… aren't mad?"

He shrugged, "Not really, it isn't like she's dangerous or anything. Plus, we can't even go to Hogsmeade so what, I have to eat with her during a meal? Walk around Hogwarts a few times while trying to make conversation? Of all the things you could have bet, this was at least the most minor if you think about it."

Harriet sighed before crossing her arms in annoyance, "You still shouldn't have done something like this, especially without asking first."

The boy nodded, "Yeah, you're right." Harry cleared his throat before lowering his tone as best he could to try and mimic an adult, "We are very disappointed in you, young lady." But he couldn't keep the straight face and soon all three were laughing merrily.

***HP:O ***

"If I didn't know any better, I would have thought you two were trying to get your brother married off as quickly as possible."

Both Potters froze before turning with anger etched onto their faces towards the older student casually strolling down the hall towards them. "You" Amy practically snarled, earning a mocking smile from the heiress.

"Indeed, and while you are certainly showing better taste in who you choose, I would prefer you to stop setting up my fiancé with unworthy children."

Before the redhead could respond her sister took ahold of her arm before speaking for her, "It isn't and has never been our intentions to set our brother up with anyone, especially not someone from your family."

Pandora sighed, idly twirling her wand between her fingers, "And yet here we are. Cleopatra has a date with my betrothed all because one of his sister's couldn't keep her big mouth shut, and even worse was unable to follow up with the one thing she's good at."

Both seemed to think Amaryllis would make a biting retort, but instead her expressions seemed to calm into a very Slytherin-like smirk, "Are you really upset that Harry has to go out with your sister, or are you worried he actually might want to go out with her… and not you."

A flicker of emotions passes across the older witch's face, "Harry will see the truth soon enough, if anything this will help our future betrothal. Once he sees what pitiful attempts girls his own age make at courtship he will be thrilled with what I can offer him."

"Oh please, a stalker who sends him creepy gifts for his birthday and Christmas? Yeah, he's so excited at the idea of dating you. If anything, you did save us the trouble of tracking you down and warning you to piss off. Harry isn't interested and if you even think about hurting him…"

"Don't be stupid," Pandora interrupted, "Harry is my future husband, we are meant to be together, why would I ever hurt him and fortunately for you two causing harm to his family would mean harming him as well, which would be detrimental to my plans."

Harriet's eyes narrowed into a glare, "You better reconsider any plans concerning our brother. Our parents are onto you, and they aren't exactly happy at your behavior, neither is Harry, and neither are we."

The chuckled softly. "You overestimate your importance. I don't need to convince either of you. Harry will see I am the only choice soon enough and once that happens your parents will have no choice but to agree. It is all a matter of time."

With one more patronizing smile the girl turned and departed while the two remaining could do nothing but glare.

***HP:O ***

Harry was a bit surprised when the following day the younger Malfoy walked up to him after potions class and cleared her throat, "You will be honored to know I have chosen you for a private outing followed by a walk around the lake."

There were laughs nearby, from other Slytherins, and even Snape seemed to have paused in her torment of children to observe the situation. But despite knowing what he would need to do Harry wasn't going to tolerate the belittlement in the process, no matter what the blonde thought of herself.

"Try again"

She blinked and an awkward silence filled the air as the blonde even glanced over to where his sisters stood. Seeing the confusion, however, Harry merely took a step sideways, putting himself between them.

"You're asking me aren't you, not my sisters? So, try again with less fake superiority."

Cleopatra was turning red, but he was fairly certain it wasn't anger, but rather embarrassment, "I uhm… I was wondering if you would want to eat together and maybe go for a walk… tomorrow evening."

He stared for another few moments, because if she had wanted a date in the first place she should have talked to him rather than going around his back, before nodding, "Sure, sounds fun. Where are we meeting?"

Throwing her a proverbial bone, the gesture was quickly recognized, and she cleared her throat to recover at least some of her pride. "The Great Hall? We can always grab dinner there and eat elsewhere."

He nodded, "It's a date then," before turning and walking out with his sisters, leaving several stunned witches behind.

***HP:O ***

Augustina Dumbledore watched as Cornelia Fudge paced back and forth in her office, fingers idly twiddling with the brim of her hat all while half muttering to herself, half speaking aloud. "This is not good Dumbledore, no not good at all, we must do something. Progress must be made; the people must be assured that we are taking action."

"I fail to see why that brings you here and not somewhere more appropriate, such as the ministry."

The politician returned a glare, for the comment, earning the quirking of an eyebrow from the elderly witch as if to say, 'do you think yourself intimidating?'

Cornelia winced in response before resuming her process of wearing groves into the floor via the back-and-forth movements. "The people are angry Dumbledore, voters are angry. They are demanding action be taken, demanding I take it!"

"Then perhaps you should take action and ensure the safety of our youth."

But the portly woman merely shook her head, "I have spoken to the Aurors, spoken to Madam Bones herself. Everything that can be done is being done but it's not enough. The people want the problem solved and they want it solved now."

"And again, I'm curious on why that brings you to Hogwarts."

"I need volunteers."

In an instant the mood in the room shifted, the gentle, compassionate aura that the Headmistress seemed to always possess melted away, leaving behind something sharp and dangerous. Without so much as uttering a word in response Fudge understood, shrinking away in fear.

"I-I…"

"Choose your next words very carefully Minister."

"I want to send some students to Hogsmeade!" the woman rushed out, earning a frown.

"Hogsmeade?"

Cornelia nodded fast enough to dizzy herself, "N-nothing dangerous of course. If the people see students out and about, they will understand we are taking action, will trust in the ministry and their officials again. It will calm the public, prevent reckless action from being taken!"

"Reckless action such as sending schoolchildren out into a potentially dangerous situation after they had been attacked weeks prior all for the political careers of those who refuse to spend money on bolstering the Auror department?" Again, her question was answered with a telling flinch. "I will not request or recommend students put themselves into harm's way all for your political career minister. Find a different means to quell the public's concerns, one that does not involve using children as pawns."

***HP:O ***

"Excellent work!" The Lycan's praise did not go unnoticed, and Harry grinned in response. When she had first been approached about giving him some extra lessons in her free time there was more than a little hesitation. Sure, she knew Lily and James from when they had attended Hogwarts but having a few classes with someone over a decade prior was far different then trusting them with your son's wellbeing, especially alone, even more especially when said person is a Werewolf.

If it were her, she wouldn't have even considered it, but Riddle seemed to have pushed through the idea and Harry had been more than willing to ask for the assistance.

Even then it was a strange at first. She had never taught anyone, especially not in such a private setting, and wasn't quite sure what he would know, what he needed to know, and what he even could learn.

As it turned out he was already extremely talented, and he happily soaked up any combat or defensive skills and spells she could demonstrate or instruct on.

In fact, she was beginning to doubt her ability to provide continual lessons. At the rate they were going she would quickly exhaust her own repertoire.

"Why don't we take a short break, get some water, and cool off." He nodded in agreement and moments later they were relaxing on a bench in the unused room. "I think we will finish up one or two more offensive spells and then call it a day. You still have homework to finish and friends I'm sure you'd like to see."

"Yeah, not much but I do have some. Thanks for tutoring me again by the way."

Remi returned the smile, "It was my pleasure, Harry." And it was, he likely didn't know how much this single interaction with her meant, that someone was willing to be so close to her, take time and speak to her, acknowledge her as something other than a potential threat. She knew what her kind was capable of, don't get her wrong, but it still hurt at times to be viewed as inhuman.

Now what she dreaded most was when she ran out of options or he found someone more talented and moved on. To go back into that lonely life would be…

"Remi?"

She blinked, ripping herself from the depressing thoughts and refocusing on the concerned face next to her. Apparently, she had missed a question or statement. "Sorry, zoned out a bit there. What were you saying?"

"Just asking if you had time again later this week to do another practice session or just have dinner again. It was nice."

He might not be hers and eventually they might part ways but it did not stop her from coveting all the few moments she had with him and she quickly nodded in agreement.

***HP:O ***

Despite Dumbledore's warning, and best efforts, word began to spread around Hogwarts from numerous sources concerning the Minster's desire. It was interpreted differently depending upon who was continuing the rumor and while the professors did their best to stem the tide it was futile.

In Gryffindor there were talks about seeking glory and showing courage in the face of fear.

Hufflepuffs spoke about doing what was needed to help others, to display unity in the face of danger.

Ravenclaws conversed about the opportunities it would present in their future to show such initiative, both in the Ministry and among professors.

Finally, Slytherin House were more concerned about the obvious political advantages there were to be had if the Minister, and Ministry as an extension, took notice of them earlier than planned.

Eventually, as all things did, rumors ended up with the younger class and caught Harry's attention. By that point the students were all but certain the Headmistress would reopen passes to Hogsmeade, some thought she already had for either privileged students or those with certain academic standing.

Deciding that it would be best to go straight to the source, Harry sought out Dumbledore herself, catching part of a conversation before he turned the corner leading to the woman's office. "…Is important Dumbledore, the shop owners are concerned which is making us concerned."

"Am I understanding correctly then that you are putting economic growth above the safety of children?"

"Of course not," the other individual snapped, "but not all of us are afforded the comfort of seeing the world from only one point of view. Besides, Hogsmeade is safe. Auror presence has nearly doubled."

The reply was stern and unyielding, "One Auror to two does not inspire confidence in the safety of my students and I will not tolerate using innocent lives as political and economic bargaining chips."

He could hear the huff of annoyance, and leaned in a bit closer, "Don't be so melodramatic Dumbledore, there hasn't been a sighting in weeks. For all we know they could have fled across the world or disbanded after failing to achieve anything save for a humiliating retreat. There is no danger."

Harry could almost guess as to the older woman's response before even hearing it, "If that's the case, then why not take an evening stroll near a forest sometime? Without Auror escorts."

A silence followed, which the young wizard imagined was filled with glares from both sides until the unidentified woman broke it, "The Board has made a decision, and I speak for them. Either allow Hogsmeade visits once more as the Minister requested or we will push through an amendment removing control over this from your authority. It is your choice."

Moments later the sound of footsteps indicated the woman leaving, followed by silence and then, "I trust you overheard enough, Harry?"

With a blush of embarrassment, the Potter stepped out from where he had been hiding and into the woman's seemingly all-knowing gaze. "You know one of these days I'm going to figure out how both of you manage to do that."

His emphasis wasn't missed, and the woman smiled gently in response, "Years and years of practice, simple as that I'm afraid." With a glance she let out another sigh, "One of the members of our School Board, it seems she finds it rather easy to put children in danger when you have none of your own to worry about."

Following her gesture, he continued staring for a moment before stating his request, "Send me."

"Pardon?"

Shifting, he met her eyes with a confidence he had developed in his own world and strengthened in this new one. "Let me go to Hogsmeade."

"Absolutely not."

It was the same refusals and denials he had been dealing with, and had dealt with, for years. "Someone is going to end up going, obviously you have no choice in the matter. If I go at least you don't have to worry about the student being hurt. We both know I can defend myself and probably others as well if it came down to it. This is the best decision!"

"No, Harry, the best decision is for an adult to step up and deal with the situation rather than relying on a thirteen-year-old to solve the problem… again. Remi Lupin is here to ensure your safety along with everyone else's at Hogwarts, do not make her job more difficult by putting yourself into further danger."

"But…"

"No, and that is final. If you press me on this, I will involve your parents if need be." With that the woman walked away, leaving the boy fuming, and plotting, behind.

***HP:O ***

A/N: I am trying to expand Ron Weasley's character a bit in between everything else going on… there's just so many damn characters though! I wanted to try a bit of a new angle with him, that Ron isn't dumb he just learns and uses that knowledge differently. He's physical, which is why he always loved Quidditch both in my canon and normal canon. It means he's more perceptive of physical changes but also understands that distraction and redirection through physical means can be powerful conversation tools.

Like talking to someone while playing Chess.

Previous Name**************New Name

Tom Riddle*****************Grace Riddle

Albus Dumbledore***********Augustina Dumbledore

Draco Malfoy***************Cleopatra (Cleo) Malfoy

-*************************Harriet Potter

-*************************Amaryllis (Amy) Potter

-*************************Pandora Malfoy

Blaise Zabini****************Bliss Zabini

Theodore Nott**************Theresa Nott

Severus Snape**************Serena Snape

-*************************Marie Rosier

Percy Weasley**************Paisley Weasley

Bill Weasley****************Billie Weasley

Charlie Weasley*************Charlene Weasley

Fred Weasley***************Frankie Weasley

George Weasley*************Georgie Weasley

Remus Lupin***************Remi Lupin

-************************Sylvie Rosier

Gilderoy Lockhart***********Gordana Lockhart

Oliver Wood ***************Olivia Wood

Cornelius Fudge ************Cornelia Fudge