Harry Potter: Otherworld
Two Sided
***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 ***
Harry Potter knew something was going on before he even entered the Great Hall for breakfast. He could feel the excitement in the air, hear the poor attempts of teenagers trying to whisper conversations that could be heard about others while not making a scene, even the faint edge of concern seemed to permeate, likely from any adults in the area.
As he entered, and immediately glanced about for his friends and family, it was impossible to ignore the borderline mob gathered around an announcement board usually reserved for requests to study, Quidditch game info, and general statements from the staff.
Moving forward he could note the annoyance, and concern, on the faces of nearby professors, huddled together in a separate group, talking under their breaths with eyes darting back and forth.
Dumbledore, in particular, looked more agitated than he could remember seeing her in a very long time.
Keeping his head down, just in case it somehow pertained to him, he managed to blend in and slowly maneuver forward to get a better look at the paper with large, easily readable, scrawl covering it.
The moment he began to read he understood both the excitement in the students and the dismay of the adults.
To the students of Hogwarts,
I, Cornelia Fudge, am requesting the aid of two students of bravery and skill to undertake an assignment not just for myself, but for our world. Recent events have instilled fear and doubt as to our government but with your aid we will abolish such concerns and apprehensions.
Upon speaking with the Headmistress, we have decided the best course of action is to allow students to prove themselves capable of such an undertaking and allow selected individuals travel rights to the village of Hogsmeade once more.
Furthermore, I am awarding any such student the right to select another to accompany them on such an outing and will personally provide funding for a romantic outing of your choice.
Your safety has already been guaranteed by both the Ministry and the Aurors. Those of threatening nature have fled or disbanded. Now we just need you to step forward and show our country and its citizens that we will not cower from imagined terrors!
Office of Cornelia Fudge, Minister of Magic
It was an incredibly stupid, unnecessarily risky, potentially harmful action that put not only a, possibly competent, student at risk but also someone who they wanted to take on a 'date'.
And it was exactly what Harry Potter needed.
***HP:O ***
"Absolutely not"
Dumbledore let out a sigh, something she felt as if was happening more and more lately, "I understand this isn't ideal but still…"
"But still no," Riddle interrupted, "It isn't happening Augustina, period, end of statement. I don't care what the ministry, schoolboard, or whoever else demands. I'm not using the dueling club to choose which student to put in danger!"
"I don't like this anymore than you do, but the fact remains I will be overridden, and we either take the initiative and make our own choice or someone else will. Neither of us have control over the situation and so I ask you this, what good will come of saying 'no' when we are replaced and someone who has little to no compassion simply lets the children go in groups without care? At least this way we might be able to prevent a major disaster."
Grace bit back her initial response, because deep down she knew the woman had a point. It was just like the previous year, so long as results were 'shown' little care was given to how many were hurt in the short term. But understanding didn't mean agreement.
"Fine, I will setup a tournament and the victor will be granted a pass to Hogsmeade." The Headmistress smiled slightly and nodded in agreement and thanks, but as she began to shift her attention to another topic an emotionless tone stopped her, "Considering who is in my club though, I have little to no doubt that Harry Potter will end up defeating the competition."
Dumbledore's veins turned to frost. Hadn't he been through enough? Hadn't he sacrificed enough for them already? "Then…"
"Then what Dumbledore? Kick him out of the club? You know without just cause I can't do that, even if we were to ignore my status as mentor and what a breach of contract that would be. Or maybe I should sabotage him? I could make it look like an accident and ensure he loses to another student hm?"
Neither was an option, and they both knew it, and the only other solution did not sit well with the elder witch.
But still, if it meant keeping him out of the Hospital Ward, or worse, she was willing to play the part. "Ban him from it."
A deep, unsettling, silence filled the room, broken only by the breathing of those present. "Excuse me?"
Augustina Dumbledore wasn't in a mood to play the 'innocent Slytherin' game, wasn't in the mood for much of anything at that point other than a stiff drink and hanging the Minister's ovaries from her wall.
"You heard me Professor Riddle. Ban all men from participating in the competition, you can take that as a direct order if it makes you feel better."
She heard the snarl a second before watching the other woman's face contort in anger, a rare sight for someone usually so composed. "How dare you! After all the shit you've spewed for decades about equality, about treating men as equals, about…"
"I will not spend another afternoon standing over him while he recovers in the hospital ward!" Dumbledore nearly roared in response, earning a wide-eyed stare from the professor. "I will not watch his sisters tear themselves apart wondering what they could have done differently, will not see the doubt in his parents' eyes about whether he would have been better off with them being dead, will not wonder when, or if he will awaken from wounds that could have should have been prevented!"
Riddle was silent, watching the deep, angry breaths taken by the Headmistress, thinking over all that had been said. "I understand and I agree with you that he shouldn't be involved, but I don't want to be standing over any other injured student either, wondering what I could have done differently to prevent it."
Dumbledore watched as she turned and left, leaving only an empty cold to replace the rage which had been so bright and hot moments prior.
***HP:O ***
Harry Potter figured, at this point in his life, he was done with being surprised. He had been through a lot, after all, and after being asked on a date by Malfoy of all people and being stalked by her sister he thought, 'Yeah, I am prepared for anything.'
Then Luna Lovegood walked up to him and asked him on a date.
"I… uhm… what?"
The smile didn't even waver, "I heard you were having an evening with Cleopatra Malfoy, I was wondering if you would go with me on one as well."
"It… it isn't like…" But then he stopped and took a moment to think. "You know Luna, yes, I would be happy to go on a date with you." Why the hell not? If he was going to be stuck with a prat like Malfoy for an evening he might as well enjoy another date as well, in fact… "How about tonight?"
She lit up with a smile that reminded him of a sunrise before nodding happily, "Oh yes, that sounds very fun. We can get some ice cream after dinner and then go up to the astronomy tower."
It sounded nice, and while he hadn't spent a large amount of time with just the blonde, he was certainly looking forward to it.
***HP:O ***
"What do you think you're doing!?"
Harry glanced up at the blonde, who was leaning over his desk, pushing into his space, "Step back, your breath is gross."
Cleo reeled back as if he had slapped her. Glancing around to ensure no one had heard his comment before clearing her throat and speaking once more, "Lovegood asked you on a date."
He nodded.
"You accepted!"
This time he frowned, "Yeah, I did."
"Wh-why!?"
"Because I wanted to."
"B-but we…"
This time the boy rolled his eyes, "I'm not canceling our date Malfoy, I'm just going on one with Luna on a different day. You don't own me, plus you are the one who asked me because of a Quidditch dare, so I don't see why you care."
She sputtered and fussed for a moment before storming off to her own desk, leaving the boy to shake his head and return to his work.
***HP:O ***
Harry's date with Luna had started much as he imagined it would on those rare occasions, when he allowed such thoughts to enter his head. She was… fun, random but fun. After dinner they had gone down to the kitchens and ordered some ice cream from the House Elves working there and then wandered about the castle while eating and slowly making their way towards the ultimate destination.
"Are you enjoying yourself here?"
He nodded, "Yeah, I've always felt at home at Hogwarts, more than anywhere else, at least before I met my family here. What about you? Do you like school?"
Her nod was even more enthusiastic, serving to mess up her hair from the movement. "Oh yes, it's wonderful. All the new people and things to learn. I am looking forward to taking the study of Magical Creatures next year as well."
"Any other ideas of what classes you might take? What is your favorite one right now?"
She smiled, warming his heart at how carefree and happy she seemed. He had been nervous about bullying, knew how she had been picked on in his own world, but such things were far rarer, at least from what he could tell. "My mother studies Runes so I will take that as well. I really like Transfiguration right now."
"Because of the creativity" he guessed, earning a faint blush on her face. "Makes sense, I think you are the most creative person I have ever met."
Luna's eyes widened, almost shining in the light as her dessert was off to the side, nearly forgotten. "I am?" It was whispered and full of a strange vulnerability that didn't seem to fit with her personality.
Harry frowned, hoping there weren't any confidence problems in his friend. "Of course, Luna. You're creative and brilliant. You were one of my best friends."
"You're one of ours too."
He smiled, a softer one reserved for those closer to him. There was a part that wanted to ask more, wanted to see what else she could tell him.
Another though…
"You can ask, if you'd like."
Seeing the understanding in her eyes, he opened his mouth to do just that but hesitated. "No… no I don't think I should. I miss them Luna, I really do, but I can't go back, I know that now. If I keep pretending, keep my hopes up I'll never be able to move on, never be able to commit to this life."
"And…" here he saw hesitation on her face for a moment, another curious thing he didn't expect to see, "we need you here. Not just to protect us or solve mysteries but to guide us. You show us how to be brave Harry, how to put others first in ways no one could imagine. You're the friend we didn't know we needed until meeting you, a brother Harriet and Amaryllis longed for without realizing, a son Lily and James always wanted."
Forcing away any water from his eyes he beamed a smile at her words. "Thank you, Luna, that… means more than you can imagine."
After the duo finished their frozen treats, they went directly up to the top of the Astronomy tower. Seeing it devoid of students the two sat and gazed out at the stars, occasionally pointing out a constellation or a brighter object but more just enjoying the others' company.
***HP:O ***
"So, how did it go?" Ginny had been a bit too enthusiastic about her question, and it was quickly noticed by the nearby Potter sisters.
"How did what go?"
The youngest Weasley bit her tongue, suddenly embarrassed, and a bit mortified, that she might have gotten her blonde friend in trouble. Instead, Luna merely gave a sunshine-bright smile. "My date with Harry last night."
Two pairs of eyes narrowed in suspicion. "What do you mean date?"
Ginny glanced back and forth, waiting for fear in her best friend's eyes, but none appeared, "We went and got ice cream then talked then went up to the astronomy tower to look at the stars, it was very nice."
"Luna you…"
But Harriet cut off her sister with a swift elbow to the redhead's side, "We are glad you had a nice time Luna We are just a bit protective of Harry."
Her friend nodded, "I know, I would never hurt him though."
"Of course, you wouldn't." Ginny quickly chimed in, reminding the other three of her presence. "None of us would, he's our friend too even ignoring how he protected us and everything he's been through."
Now attention shifted onto her and she flushed at the slip. "What exactly do you mean?"
"I… sort of asked him and he told me… well… you know about his past."
"You haven't told anyone, have you?"
Now she heard the unspoken threat, the edge even in the bookish sister's voice and was about to give an angry response when realization smacked her in the face.
He was their brother, like Ron was hers.
"I would never do that." She matched their suspicions with her own determination, knew deep down that she spoke the truth, and moments later received nods.
Seconds after attention switched back onto the lovable blonde, "So, you both had fun."
Luna grinned, clearly happy at the change in mood, "I think it helped Harry relax a bit too. I think he's been very stressed out lately and with his date with Cleopatra Malfoy approaching he needed something to take his mind off things."
"Wait…" Ginny interrupted, "Harry's going on a date… with Malfoy!?"
This time it was the opposing redhead who looked guilty, and Harriet's annoyance was directed towards her sister. "Because of a Quidditch bet. Isn't that right dearest sister?"
Amy grumbled under her breath as the youngest Weasley simply tried to process what had been said, "Maybe… he might want to try dating some other people too?"
Almost as soon as she said it, she shrunk down under the renewed scrutiny of the two twins.
***HP:O ***
"It has been decided," Grace Riddle announced as her club began packing up and unwinding for the evening, "That a dueling tournament will be held to determine eligibility for attendance to Hogsmeade. The winner will be permitted to go as a gesture of unity and good faith towards the Minister's request." Excited whispers began emanating from nearly every individual, and Harry's eyes grew bright with anticipation.
This was something he could succeed at, something he could win and then keep others out of harm's way, something that both Dumbledore and Riddle would need to respect. It might even force some of the older, bigoted, students to back off and give him just a tiny inkling of respect.
"Sign-ups will be posted in the morning just after breakfast so begin thinking about whether you have what it takes now rather than later."
The chatter around him grew louder even as his thoughts focused, a smile forming on his lips.
"One more thing," the woman interrupted, earning silence once more, "Wizards are not permitted to enter."
It was almost a stunned silence that followed, Harry's own eyes growing wider in shock as he stared the woman down, who returned it with a calculated, cold expression. Then he heard it, a soft snort from nearby followed by a "No surprise there. Gotta keep them unblemished and pretty after all."
Others laughed at the joke, a few other jabs adding to the insults that whirled around him. They might not have been targeting him directly, at least not yet, but they would soon enough.
"Professor…"
"It is not up for debate," she interrupted with a bit of harshness in her tone. "The Headmistress and I have both agreed upon this."
He wasn't sure which older student spoke next, the faces and voices beginning to blur together in his mind due to the hurt, anger, and betrayal surging inside of him, but it stung all the same, "Yeah Potter, worry about more important things, like cooking and picking out cute outfits."
More laughter and his face burned with embarrassment and anger even as Riddle watched on without so much as speaking towards his defense.
He turned and stormed on seconds later.
***HP:O ***
"Harry" The woman called out as she walked into the common room and spotted him sitting in a corner, alone. Immediately, his eyes hardened, and he stood to make his way back to his room. Riddle called out again, walking fast enough that she barely intercepted him, grabbing his arm even as he reached the doorway to the boy's hallway. "Harry, wait."
"Let. Go."
It was harsh enough that she did so without hesitation, even glancing down as if she could see whether she had squeezed too hard again. "Harry, you know this wasn't meant to be cruel."
He turned, eyes a cross between blazing fury and icy callousness. "Yes, it was."
"No, it was to protect you. Dumbledore and I don't want you anywhere near Hogsmeade."
"But its fine if the other students go?"
Her eyes narrowed, "Considering your history of putting yourself in danger? Yes, it is. We know they won't go looking for a fight. It's for your own good Harry."
"No, it isn't, and I know it isn't because of the way you did it. You didn't say 'only students fourth year and older' can sign up, you didn't tell each professor to nominate someone. No, you made an announcement in front of the entire group that Wizards are not allowed. A group where I am the only boy. You humiliated me, for no reason other than you're pissed that I have a social life that doesn't revolve around you."
It was the end of the conversation, and once more she found him slamming the door behind him and found herself without a retort or argument.
***HP:O ***
"Maybe they're right?"
Amaryllis almost sunk back in her chair at the glares she received from both Harry and Hermione and continued to explain herself. "I mean to protect you." She rushed out, earning a slight huff from the bookworm, a slight smile from her sister, and a roll of her brother's eyes. "Every year you do something that is dangerous. You already had one this year, why can't you just… let someone else handle this?"
"The same reason I couldn't just 'let someone else handle it' the other times. There was no one else. The ministry hasn't done anything and letting a sixth- or seventh-year students go isn't any safer, at least I can protect myself if something were to happen."
"But you shouldn't have to." Harriet chimed in quietly, shifting attention to herself and sinking down into her robes as if to hide, "I mean… no one should be going, it should be the Aurors or the adults but… I don't want to see you hurt again."
Hermione Granger nodded, "She's right Harry. It might have been the wrong way to do it, it might have been horribly sexist and terrible and both professor Riddle and Headmistress Dumbledore should be ashamed of themselves for doing it in this fashion, but I think they were, deep down, doing it for the right reasons."
"Yeah, I understand that part, I do, I just don't agree with it."
***HP:O ***
Harry wasn't quite sure what to expect on his date with the youngest Malfoy. Would she wave around her wealth? Act like an arrogant stuck-up bitch? Line every conversation with thinly veiled insults? Or maybe she would just make the entire thing out to be a joke, laugh in his face, or play some stupid prank as a petty act of revenge against his sisters.
Either way, he wasn't exactly happy on his trip to where they had decided to meet, an alcove near the Great Hall and was practically jittery with annoyance when he saw her.
Then it all sort of fizzled out because she was fidgeting.
In that moment Dumbledore's words from before he even started school came back, about not judging those based upon what his versions had been like. The Draco Malfoy from where he had come from was an arrogant, bigoted prick who needed a good ass kicking, or five. This one, while still stuck up and arrogant, didn't seem to have the same issues.
Hell, she had even shown a softer side of herself the year before when his own sister had been attacked.
Anger draining from his body, the body cleared his throat before stepping in to get a closer look. "You're early."
She quickly nodded, a sort of nervous energy filling her that he didn't expect. "Yes, uhm well not really early just, you know, wanted to make sure everything was ready."
It was the equivalent of a teenage boy on his first date, and Harry felt sympathy replacing whatever void had been left in him. "So, where are we going?"
The blonde gestured before quickly walking to a nearby, closed, door and holding it open for him. "Gents first."
Rolling his eyes, Harry walked in, eyes widening almost immediately at the scene before him. The room was well furnished, with a large table, complete with a cloth covering and sets of fine dinnerware all flanked by two chairs.
It was... nice, and far fancier than he would have expected of not just the occasion but someone of Cleo's age in general.
He sure as hell wouldn't have thought this far ahead on a date in his fifth year, much less third. Glancing over to the other girl, and noticing the nervous look on her face, he gave her a smile, "This is really nice."
"Really?"
He nodded, and it seemed to help restore her confidence as she quickly walked over to pull his chair back. Staring for a second, he quickly realized the situation and suppressed a laugh before walking over and allowing her to 'seat him'. Returning to the opposing side, Cleopatra sat down before a House Elf, unfortunately not Dobby, appeared with a tray and food and they were served.
It wasn't anything he expected to find at Hogwarts, far fancier with garnish artfully arranged. There was even a sweeter juice, though he didn't taste any alcohol, accompanying it. Still, conversation was sparse, and the girl didn't quite seem to know where to begin, so he opted to take further initiative.
"You've been practicing flying."
She looked up, clearly a bit surprised, before nodding vehemently. "Yes, yes, I have. First and second years mostly but also during the summer when I could find the time."
"You have busy summers then I take it? Vacations with family?"
"Catching up on course work and future studies mostly. Mother cannot afford to take too long from work with all she is involved in."
Harry didn't know what to make of that, didn't know what the Malfoy's had been involved in the first time around, much less in this new world. "But she does take a few days off here and there, right? Maybe a weekend with you and… Pandora."
He held back a flinch at the girl's name, a gesture that went unnoticed by the opposing blonde who immediately began to talk about a few days her family had gone to Paris and all the sights she had seen, subtly bragging the entire time in true Malfoy fashion.
***HP:O ***
"So, what classes are you taking this year?"
"Arithmancy and Politics."
Harry wasn't quite sure why it surprised him, but the fact Hogwarts even had a politics class still threw him off a bit. "What's it like? The political class I mean?"
The blonde didn't answer at first, instead gazing off into the darkening sky as the duo walked along the path near the castle. Finally, she spoke, "It is mostly historical things right now and basics. My sister said that in the future it will be very… demanding, of my time and attention."
"Sounds tough, plus Arithmancy is a difficult class too, at least that's what I've been told." She nodded, still staring off into the distance as if her mind were elsewhere. "You don't sound very excited about them."
"They are useful to take, my parents will be pleased."
"What about you? What do you want to take?"
Her attention snapped back to him, confusion, and a flicker of anger in her eyes, "It doesn't matter what I want. There are expectations."
Harry met her stare without so much as a flinch, "I know a little bit about 'expectations'. If all you do is try and make others happy you never will be, and eventually you won't meet them and then no one will be happy."
"You… don't understand." It wasn't an insult, wasn't a harsh retort, and had no annoyance. Instead, the blonde sounded tired, strung out in so many ways that he couldn't help but feel bad for her.
Yes, there had always been other expecting things from him, one way or another, but in his previous life it had never been family, at least none that mattered. "So, explain it to me."
She looked uncertain, whether in his ability to truly grasp the truth or her own in portraying the situation. "My parents… they have always praised my older sister, always paraded about her achievements, showed off her grades, her participation in groups, how much everyone loves her. But me? I'm just… a spare. They want me to succeed, not because they want what's best for me but because it would be embarrassing if I didn't."
"Cleo…" he rubbed his hand over his face, trying desperately to think of the correct words. He wasn't good at this, wasn't good at cheering people up or giving heartfelt speeches. "You're right, I don't know what it's like being compared to an older sibling or just being seen as a secondary in my family, but you can't live like this. You need to find your own path to being happy because living for the expectation of someone else… you're going to wake up one day and realize you don't have anything, and I think it would be better to be happy with who you are and what you've accomplished rather than working for what someone else wants you to be."
There was still uncertainty in her eyes, but something popped into his mind, a last-ditch effort to reach her.
"What do they think about Quidditch?" She looked away, and he knew it was his chance, "They don't like it, do they? Probably think it's a kid's game or a waste of time or something else."
She nodded slightly, reluctantly.
"How did you feel when you play though?"
She opened her mouth, and once more he was surprised at the raw honesty and joy in her voice, "Like I was somebody. Not a Malfoy or the daughter of Narcissa and Lucius, or Pandora's little sister. It felt like I was me, like everyone saw me for once."
His own lips turned up into a wide smile, "It felt right, like you were meant for it." She quickly nodded in silent agreement, "Then you need to find other things that make you feel the same way."
***HP:O ***
She watched on from afar, while lurking in the shadows. The witch had listened as the young couple laughed and talked while eating, had sat through the poor excuse of conversation from the blonde girl and her date's clever salvaging of the situation at each turn.
Now the duo walked in the evening air, far too close for the observer's liking. Cleopatra seemed to be upset one moment, deep in thought the next.
She frowned, whatever the conversation was had clearly stirred something in the Slytherin, but she was unsure as to what it might be. Obviously, she knew that this year would be tough for her younger sister, and while she was thoroughly annoyed at the fact she had involved her future betrothed it still warmed her heart to see how much he could impact her.
Clearly, Harry's perfection was more revealed with each passing day, and she was deeply thankful for her own realization those many years ago to allow her a head start in pursuit of him.
At this point anyone who even noticed his grandeur would be years behind her own courtship and would have no possibility of…
Pandora watched as her younger sister's hand brushed against Harry's.
No
Cleopatra would always be her sister, her beloved younger sister whom she tried to help as best she could and protect, but there was a limitation on what she tolerated in terms of the girl's behavior. At first this was limited to insults and any perceived character flaws which could be corrected and after their last major talk she thought that there was an understanding of behavior towards her own beloved.
That understanding being that the younger girl would stay away from him.
But now? Now things were different. A silly, childish, outing to relieve some stress? Fine, such things didn't bother the older Malfoy. The line in the sand, however, was such affectionate ideas.
Perhaps she needed to have another chat with her sister about coveting what so clearly belonged to another.
***HP:O ***
"You want your legs positioned like mine are instead."
Daphne frowned a bit before glancing over and quickly mimicking his stance, "Why?"
Harry fought the urge to smile. Although he never really considered a career as a professor it was fun when those he was teaching asked questions. "Because not everyone will be dueling you as a professional. This way you can keep your sense of balance but also move to the side more freely."
She nodded, "Is this what you did on the trai… sorry, I shouldn't have, I'm not supposed to ask about that."
But the boy merely laughed, "I think you just aren't supposed to ask about the spells I used. But no, I didn't use this stance. It doesn't really work when you are surrounded."
He noticed the shiver, likely of fright, but didn't comment, "How did you… I mean what should I do if I'm ever surrounded like that?"
His expression grew serious, and she looked ready to take the question back when he answered, "Don't get surrounded."
"What?"
"Don't get surrounded. I know it's sort of an obvious answer but it's the best one I have. It is very difficult fighting like that Daphne, almost impossible to watch your back, sides, and front all at the same time while responding offensively and defensively. My suggestion would be to avoid that type of situation as best you can. If you can't then get out of it. Put your back to a wall, take out one person in front and run, put up a barrier, do something so you aren't overwhelmed and outnumbered. I would say very few people can fight like that for very long and expect to win."
"You did…"
But he was already shaking his head as if expecting her comment. "Not really, I didn't have much hope to win, I was just doing my best not to lose. I needed to buy time and protect everyone else, maybe even show it wasn't worth it for the Lycans to continue attacking, but a full victory? No, I didn't have much hope for that. Plus, I almost didn't make it, so I would say it was a draw at best."
The discomfort was noticeable now and just as he thought to ask her about it, the Greengrass heiress spoke once more. "And last year? Something did happen at the end, didn't it? You were in the Hospital Ward for a long time and despite what we were told it didn't make much sense that you were injured trying to help Dumbledore and professor Riddle."
"That's… mostly what happened. I was trying to help them, and the rest of the students and I got in over my head and it almost cost me my life. Would not suggest it unless there is no other way."
She looked at him with obvious suspicion but said nothing and their session continued shortly after.
***HP:O ***
"You're doing well," Remi intoned, even as Harry parried one of her spells with his own, an impressive feat he had begun to incorporate into his dueling, before launching a counterattack.
"Not well enough apparently."
The woman sighed, lowering her wand, and thus signaling the end of the duel, "Harry, I… understand what you are going through. I know what it feels like to be left out, to be treated differently because of something you can't control, to know there is nothing wrong with you but others acting as if this weren't the case. It sucks, I get it, but moping isn't going to fix anything, I can promise you that."
Running his hand over his face, he nodded. "Yeah, I know it just… infuriates me. It shouldn't, I know it shouldn't. I've been treated like this before, when I first arrived up until now there are students who look at me like I'm never going to be good enough, like I don't belong here. It was never this way with Riddle and Dumbledore though, not really. They didn't act like I was some inferior boy who couldn't hold a wand correctly and was only at Hogwarts because it made me more valuable or whatever bullshit. They saw me as a person, as someone to respect for their achievements and abilities rather than what I was born as."
"But now it feels like they aren't," she correctly guessed, "and I take it any conversations since then haven't inspired much confidence in you."
"Not really. They explained themselves, sure, but it just feels like they say one thing but do another."
Remi nodding in understanding, it was certainly something she had experienced many times before. "Sometimes adults do things which don't seem right at the time but are for your best interests. It isn't fair, and a lot of times you won't like it but it is how life works."
"You're saying I should just grin and bear it?"
But the witch quickly shook her head, "No, but compromising isn't the worst thing in the world even if it can be a bitter pill at times. You've already done enough for one year, maybe even for the rest of your time at Hogwarts. Maybe for once you can just… settle for being a normal teenager?"
Looking back Remi Lupin would admit it was not the best worded advice and would more than once blame herself for inadvertently putting ideas into the young boy's head.
***HP:O ***
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
