Harry Potter: Otherworld

A Series of Meetings

***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 ***

"You," Harry Potter growled, immediately taking a step away from the woman and putting up his guard, "you're behind all of this!"

The woman, seemingly older than his own parents while not quite as old as Grace, merely smirked before taking a sip of her drink, "And what proof do you have of that?" He paled before gritting his teeth. Surely there had to be something he could do. It seemed, however, that she already understood the situation better than he. "Face it you have nothing other than wild hunches and accusations. Even if you did have some shred of evidence it wouldn't matter. I am a high-ranking member of society, trusted with the safety of both students and adults alike. I have ties in both the financial and political worlds. You, on the other hand, are a stupid little boy, barely worth the money spent to educate you. Who would honestly take your word over mine hm?"

"Dumbledore"

She snorted with derision, "Oh please, the Headmistress barely has control over her own staff and the little brats who attend Hogwarts much less any say in the Wizengamot or DMLE. Even if you convinced her what would she do? Make public accusations and have herself excused from her position? Perfect, I would have a much more usable replacement in hours."

"What do you want?"

The woman gave a slight gesture towards a side hallway, "Let's talk in private, shall we? No reason to draw unnecessary attention to our conversation."

He wasn't sure if it was meant as some sort of threat or not, but the longer she talked the more he understood and thus followed her as quickly and stealthily as possible. There was no telling what Grace would do and even if he didn't believe the woman, he knew from the previous year how easily an innocent person could be framed and convicted.

Once they were away from any potential eavesdroppers her fake smile dropped into something crueler and more uncaring. "Thrice now you have interfered with my plans and cost me quite a bit of gold."

"Darn, I do sure hate to be an inconvenience to sociopaths like you." He replied, voice dripping with sarcasm.

The comment earned a flash of raw fury, the likes of which he hadn't seen in a very long time. "You would do well to watch your tongue when speaking to your superiors, boy."

"Well, when I meet one I will, I don't consider someone who tries to murder children to be anything more than a rat."

Her lips twitched into a sneer, one that would have likely given Snape a run for her money, "I would be careful if I were you. Even if you have survived until now, you cannot be on guard all the time, and even if you could…" the woman's face twisted into something even worse, "I doubt your family would be as fortunate."

It was his turn to growl in warning, "So help me if you hurt one hair on their heads'."

"You'll what? I already told you there is nothing you can do. I am beyond your reach in every way, and it is only through blind luck and incompetence that you can claim your petty victories. If you had a spoonful of brains in your head you will mind your own business and stay out of mine, else you will quickly find out how quickly luck can change."

With that she turned and departed, leaving the boy-who-lived flustered and full of barely contained anger.

***HP:O ***

"How did you like the party?"

He hesitated, not knowing how exactly to proceed. Should he tell her everything? If he did it would probably lead to her trying to fix the problem and possibly getting herself, and others, involved as targets.

If he didn't tell her and something happened though, something he could have prevented…

"Harry, what's wrong?"

Clearly, she could read the hesitation on his features and there seemed to be nothing else he could do besides tell her the truth. "I spoke with someone there, someone who had spoken to Dumbledore earlier this year, who I had a bad feeling about."

Riddle frowned, "You think she is up to something?"

"Considering how she outright told me to stay out of her business and if I don't, she will start going after my family? Yeah, I think there might be."

The woman's eyes widened in shock, "She… what!? Why didn't you say something right then and there?"

"And what watch you get arrested for trying to attack her or do something stupid? I've seen how easily people can be framed Grace, hell we lived through that."

But nothing could stop the angry panic which had set in, and the witch was already pacing about in the living room even as Harry took a seat to try and calm his own nerves. It had taken him long enough to reach the point where he wasn't trembling, no reason to start again so soon.

Grace stopped and turned towards him, "Who, who was it? Do you have any evidence? And physical proof?"

"I would have gone to the Aurors if I did."

She growled before continuing her pattern. "Fine, we will just cut out the middle woman as it were. I'll find her myself and ensure she isn't a threat anymore."

His eyes hardened, "So what, you're going to kill her and not leave any evidence? Hope it doesn't come back to you? Put that guilt on me along with everything else?"

The woman reeled back, blinking in surprise at how his words had cooled her anger. "No, no of course not I…" she let out a sigh before falling into the spot next to him. "We can't let someone get away with this Harry. Who knows what they might try next."

"I know, fuck, I know we can't, but I can't think of a way out of this."

Grace stared forward for a moment before rubbing tiredly at her eyes, "Let's see if Dumbledore is still awake."

***HP:O ***

The Headmistress hummed as she took a sip of her tea. "It certainly is a quandary."

Silence reigned until Riddle gave a harsh response, "That's it? Such insightful words…"

Dumbledore didn't bother hiding her smile as she looked over the rim of her mug to the professor. "You seem to be in a rare mood Grace. Usually, you are one of the more patient members of the staff." Harry watched as the younger woman crossed her arms with a huff, muttering to herself about something he couldn't quite hear which promptly earned a chuckle from the elder. "I am not saying we sit idle. Clearly something needs to be done but rushing into action will not help us, not now."

She turned her attention to the boy before nodding.

"Is there anything specific she told you Harry? Anything we might be able to use for evidence or to find more information?"

"He already told you…" Riddle began with a growl before the wizard interrupted. "No, nothing else I can think of. The threats were specific but other than how I had interrupted her plans three times she didn't exactly give an evil monologue."

Augustina awarded him with a warm smile, "A shame, it is so much easier when that happens."

It earned a snort from the boy as well, who had been through his share of such events. "I won't sit by and let her target my family Dumbledore, I can't."

But the woman was already nodding in agreement, "I understand and agree, the safety of others is our primary concern, and it does not appear as though she is going to let up in her actions."

"She's targeting Marie, isn't she? Because of her parents, or at least that's what my cousin said."

The two women shared a glance before the older leaned back into her chair. "We certainly suspected it, which is why we permitted Remi Lupin to remain at Hogwarts. But with this confirmation we can have a more focused investigation. Did you by chance get a name?"

"I don't think you need one. You've already spoken to her." Dumbledore frowned, obviously going back through her extensive memory before Harry clarified. "At Hogwarts, she was the one who insisted on sending students for the Minister."

A shadow passed across the elder's face, "Tonee Travers."

"A member of the school board and well connected." Riddle noted with distaste. "Why does it feel like every rich member of society is either a power crazed nutjob or a useless bitch?"

Dumbledore stood before making her way towards the Floo. "I will do what I can starting tomorrow morning by making some calls and contacting the authorities. First things first however I need to inform both your parents and the Rosiers of the situation to ensure proper protections are in place." She glanced over and focused her gaze on one before turning to the other. "You two will stay out of trouble for now, and I mean it. Do not go making threats, breaking into a person's house, or causing issues. Give us some time to figure things out so arrests can be properly made."

With that she departed.

***HP:O ***

"We're going to figure this out Harry, I promise."

He nodded, but the gesture looked uncertain. "I just… sometimes I wonder, you know? Whether I'm going to end up hurting them. My own parents died because of me, my previous friends were constantly hurt, constantly in danger because of their connection to me. When I arrived here it seemed like all these terrible, dangerous, things started happening. James and Lily said nothing like this happened before, there were no break-ins, no trolls at Hogwarts, no Basilisks or evil teachers, no Werewolves trying to hurt children. Then I showed up and…"

"Harry, none of this is your fault." Grace protested, earning his full attention at the unshakable certainty in her voice. "None of these people were after you. First year was Dumbledore, second year was me, and this was adults trying to do their jobs and making their kids a target as a result. It isn't because of you though."

"Just bad timing then?" He questioned, voice cold enough to earn a slight flinch. "The stone only when I arrived, Nagini waited until I was at Hogwarts rather than five years earlier? And I dare you to try and tell me this was the first corruption investigation that involved those with children."

She sighed, dipping her head slightly before choosing her next approach, "There is some validity in what you are saying Harry, but I think if you truly take a moment to look at the last few years from every angle you will find that none of your friends or family would trade the fear and panic away to lose you."

***HP:O ***

It was strange, being so comfortable at the home of someone who went by the last name "Riddle", and yet he was. Her small residence was like a third home to him, behind Hogwarts and the Potter residence of course, and despite having only had one previous Holiday break which split his time it felt so natural being in the same living space as his professor.

They talked, they laughed, they went over schoolwork, both what he was involved with at the time and the advanced material he was given by all the professors. Then there was the exchange of gifts, again something his previous self would have been beyond shocked by.

Harry didn't have the same amount of time as last year for private tutoring and lessons, therefore what he has been able to purchase for everyone is less impressive. His parents, naturally, are still a bit peeved, he bought them anything with his own money, and while his sisters had both thanked him for their own gifts, he had that same feeling of 'you shouldn't be buying us things'.

For Grace it is similar, though she seems more accepting of the wrapped object, a pair of warm gloves for the winter. It is all worth it to see the genuine smile on her lips, the way her eyes light up as she eyes the object. "They're wonderful, thank you Harry. Please, open yours."

His own was a bracelet, obviously not magical like the casting one he still wore while dueling or in class but...

"I understand it is the 'fashionable statement' right now." She spoke up to whatever unasked question there might be. "If you don't like it though..."

"No, no its fine, sorry. It's nice really, it is I'm just not used to receiving jewelry is all."

Another smile crossed her face, this time a bit teasing. "Well, you will need to get used to it. When you break your mother's heart and start seriously dating you will find that it is often this type of thing men are bought."

Harry frowned and crossed his arms, doing his best not to pout, "I'd prefer a new broom instead..."

The laugh took him off guard, and he quickly joined the woman in the contagious act.

***HP:O ***

Harry Potter had been uncomfortable at these types of parties before, in fact every time he had been to such an event, he was more than a tad out of his element. This was different though. This time the attention was focused on him.

Adults he had never met before, whose children he had never even heard of, made beelines towards him the moment Grace and he stepped through the doorway.

Hell, he was certain some of the older generation didn't even have children at Hogwarts anymore, but it didn't stop them from making idle small talk, bragging about themselves and their families, and generally trying to cozy up to him as if he was suddenly important.

And maybe, in their minds, he was. Sure, there was vague popularity before, mostly due to his 'ceremony' with the Minister at the end of his first year, but now they were all acting as though he was a celebrity.

It was oddly familiar and more than a little discomforting.

But the parents weren't the worst part, no, it was those who still went to school, those who were closer to his own age. They bragged and boasted about mundane nonsense, things along the lines of a decent grade in a certain class or working with their parents' post-graduation.

Whether it was to try and show their own competence or try and impress him for some reason the boy wasn't quite sure, but regardless, it didn't work simply because he didn't really care. He should, deep down he knew it would be kinder to show interest, to pay attention and even pretend to be impressed, but he just wasn't.

He had met those far more brilliant, met others more hard working or more loyal, those who had made a name for themselves despite family history. He had faced down monsters and Dark Lords, had met prodigies of incredible talent and skill.

For a seventeen-year-old to gloat about their parents giving them a job was almost silly.

***HP:O ***

While Harry certainly wasn't surprised when they were approached by a certain blonde, after all she had managed to find him during every previous gathering of the "upper class" he was a bit stunned when it wasn't just Pandora but her entire family.

"Hello Harry" The fact that the eldest daughter spoke first gave her mother a noticeable twitch, but the woman said nothing and instead forced a smile and nod towards Riddle. Cleopatra merely gave a small wave. "I trust you received my gift."

He shuffled his feet awkwardly knowing Riddle was going to hear about that soon enough whether from him or his parents. "Uh, yeah, it was definitely… unexpected."

It was, apparently, also unexpected for the girl's family as both Lucius and Narcissa glanced in her direction. "What exactly did you send him Pandora?"

"A letter stating some of my intentions mother, as any good woman does when courting a man."

Four jaws dropped, with Grace glancing between the two teenagers in question while Harry wanted nothing more than to hide in his room and never come out.

Lucius' response was a near-trembling, "Y-you…"

"Think about it my love, I hope you will have time this summer to consider your response. I'm sure I will be seeing you at least once with warmer weather."

Before anyone could give a proper, or improper response, another pair stepped into the growing drama. "Ah, Professor Riddle I see you are escorting the young Potter this evening." All turned to see Bellatrix in her usual extravagantly overpriced dress along with her daughter. "I was hoping to speak with you two concerning a few things."

Narcissa frowned before taking a step forward herself, "Sister, what are you doing here? It isn't like you to interrupt a conversation."

The elderly Black sister gave a very Slytherin smile in return, "After hearing about their night out together I insisted Delphini reintroduce me to her date. We do have much in common, after all, with my own talents in dueling as well as his own. It would be a shame if I allowed a few poor interactions to ruin any future ones."

Delphini chose to ignore the conversation between the older witches, along with the untrusting gaze of her cousin, and focused instead on the younger wizard. "Did you receive my gift?"

Once more attention shifted onto the boy, and once more he wanted nothing more than to get away from it. "Er, yeah I got a lot of them this year."

"And mine?"

It was almost dizzying how eyes swung back and forth, now onto the youngest Malfoy who seemed to notice the shift her own interruption had caused. Harry merely nodded, silently wondering if there was a way to signal his chaperone to help him escape from the brewing storm.

Bellatrix was the one to break it, "Obviously there is a hierarchy here, and as the elder sister it is my daughter who takes priority. Narcissa, you and your children can wait until we are done."

Said woman glared before crossing her arms in defiance. "As I said before Bellatrix, you are the one interrupting. Besides, in case you haven't heard Pandora is already in courtship with the boy and…"

"And nothing has been discussed or accepted." A third voice interrupted as the two older witches turned to an annoyed Grace Riddle. "Neither Harry nor his parents have made an official decision which means there will be no priorities or hierarchy. Over twenty years since you two graduated and still you bicker like children." With the insults delivered the woman turned to her mentee, "Come along Harry, we have others who wish to speak with you about your accomplishments."

After the pair had exited the room the wizard muttered a thanks, earning a smile from the woman in response.

Meanwhile the matriarchs gave each other a final set of warning glares before departing, the rest of their families close behind.

***HP:O ***

It is only when the pair have made it down the hallway and into a sparsely crowded room that Harry Potter allows himself to breathe a sigh of relief and let his guard down just slightly. "That was uncomfortable."

Riddle hummed in acknowledgement, her attention clearly elsewhere.

"Do you think it was a bad idea to come? Is there going to be a fight or something because of me?"

Finally, she quirked her lips in response, "No, at least nothing which did not already exist. There has always been some animosity between those sisters. Bellatrix inherited the name, household, pride, and responsibilities of the main house while Narcissa married into the Malfoy's. Both Slytherin which means conflict is inevitable even if they are family."

He frowned, "Sounds awful, to hate your siblings so much."

"It isn't hatred just competition. Another reason why many families stop at just one child, to prevent such occurrences which could split future generations apart or turn them into something destructive."

Harry merely shook his head, "Yeah, it would be way too easy to just encourage sisters to be friendly and love each other after all."

Grace turned both her body, and attention, fully towards him, "Do you not compete with your sisters?"

"What? No, of course not. I'm happy when they succeed, it's another reason I never bothered with Quidditch in this world even if I love it. I would rather focus on my studied than take something Amaryllis loves and make it something we might fight over."

The older witch looked at him as if he was speaking a different language, "How strange."

***HP:O ***

"What do you think you are doing?"

Delphini paused before turning to address her cousin, "Whatever do you mean Pandora?"

But the Malfoy was in no mood for the games and her eyes narrowed in annoyance, "Don't act stupid Delphini. You might have made foolish decisions in the past, but you know what I am referring to. My future betrothed."

"Oh? I was under the impression nothing has been finalized, which would imply he is not your betrothed."

The blonde's eyes darkened, "What are you hoping to achieve out of this? Trying to regain some of your pitiful pride at having been saved by Harry during your idiotic outing? Or is it a desperate ploy from Bellatrix to garner more attention?"

Her cousin sniffed condescendingly, "We certainly do not need silly gestures to draw fame and fortune to ourselves."

"And yet here we are, with you making pointless gestures."

"I fail to see what is pointless about continuing the growth of a relationship with a family friend."

"A relationship" Pandora easily countered, "which has no chance of going past friendship, even if it gets to such a level. You have been condescending and hateful towards him. Even if you pretend to want an amicable connection, he will only remember your past actions."

Delphini frowned in return, "I disagree, we had a… lovely time on our outing before being interrupted."

"An outing he didn't agree to? Oh yes, such a wonderful start."

"It is a start though, but I am curious why you would be so opposed to this if you are already so assured of your relationship with… Harry." His name, from Delphini's lips, was like a poison to the Malfoy heiress. "Could it be that you aren't as secure in your relationship as you would have everyone believe? After all, how many dates has he been on thus far this year with young girls other than yourself? How many have the two of you had to yourselves? Any?"

Pandora barely manages to contain the snarl that threatened to rip from her throat.

***HP:O ***

He really should have been expecting it. The moment Grace was pulled aside to talk about another student's grades, which allowed him for a breath of fresh air by himself, a voice startled him from behind. "Do not fret my love, she is of no consequence."

Turning, he crossed his arms to feel just a bit more in control of the situation than he was. "Oh? You know if memory serves, I have gone on a date with her… and your sister now. It sure is nice knowing I have options."

Harry had hoped the remark would dissuade whatever it was between them from going any further, perhaps to force the girl to realize the truth and give up. Instead, he saw a sly smile form on her face. "I know the truth beloved, even if you are too young and warm-hearted to see it as well."

Now he was the one who was off balance as it were, and struggled to regain some sort of composure despite feeling as if things were playing out exactly the way she wanted. "And what is that?"

"Simple, none of those are viable options, even if you wished them to be. Delphini will never marry, despite what Bellatrix may hint at, it simply is not in the Black family tradition to do so. My own sister, while your age, is not an heiress and thus can never provide for you the life you deserve. It is the same with the youngest Weasley or several other Slytherins including your friend Granger. Without connections or influence in the Magical World you will be forced to find a job and work to make ends meet. Your sisters will be the heiresses, despite what your parents may claim, which leaves you with little."

The boy-who-lived rolled his eyes, "Oh no, how terrible, finding a job."

But her smile never so much as flickered, "After these first three years wouldn't you rather have an easy life? A life where you can relax and not worry about supporting yourself and possible children? Wouldn't you rather be able to breathe easy knowing things are taken care of?"

Before he could think of a response she continued.

"I am the only suitable match for you. We are both Slytherin, and thus understand each other, our extended families are close enough to be cordial but not enough to be related. You have good relations with my sister as do your own siblings. I am very well off financially even without my own career, which I assure you I will take very seriously. I am talented, well read, and intelligent."

"Don't forget modest" he huffed out, but the girl either didn't hear him or opted not to give a direct response.

Instead, she continued listing what she considered to be the 'obvious qualities' they had in common. "We are close in age, and while many others may see you as a trophy to be won and then put on display I do not. I am fully willing to encourage your hobbies, even if they lead to a career, so long as we can come to an understanding and agreement about our futures together. Plus, your parents will see us as a good match, both financially and politically. It ties them closer to my uncle's family, which is something your own father will wholeheartedly endorse."

"My parents," he snapped, because it was one thing to mention his sisters inheriting more than him, fine whatever, he didn't care even if it was true, but he drew the line at the thought of being treated as a bargaining chip, "love and respect me and my opinions. They would not marry me off to someone just to make money or improve the family name."

Again, there was no flinch nor smirk of victory in her features, just a continued smile. "Perhaps not, but in that case, you are their 'baby boy'. They might not be able to choose a wife for you, but it doesn't mean they can't make their disapproval very known. Do you truly believe either would settle for letting a woman take advantage of your skills and talents and force you to take care of her? They want what is best, and I am the best."

He was losing an argument he didn't even want to be in. "Not the best at dueling though, and if I do end up going professional, I'm going to be on the road a lot."

She hummed, "Something we can discuss and work through when we come to it. As I said I have no intention of depriving you of a life or your own interests. I can appreciate a talented duelist just as I hope you can appreciate a politician."

Harry tried to argue that no, he would do no such thing, but there were those involved in politics he could respect, especially those who tried to change things for the better.

How did his life become complicated so suddenly?

***HP:O ***

"Well, that certainly was… something."

Harry, exhausted from the drama and everything else, fell over onto the couch with a loud sigh as he sunk into the cushions, earning a soft snort from his teacher as she made her way into the kitchen to start tea. "I'm never going to one of those parties ever again."

A smile, though unseen, curled onto her lips at his exaggeration, "Yes you are, and it will get better, but what did you expect? All the fame from saving the day so many times was bound to catch up to you eventually."

"I don't want fame." He replied, and there was something in his tone that caused Riddle to look over towards him, to try and analyze the origins of such a statement, to compile what she already knew of his former life into an answer that would fit all her questions.

It was a picture in her mind, one slowly being drawn and filled in as time went on and he revealed little by little. "It isn't all bad. Better to be gawked at for something you accomplished rather than hated for blind rumors."

This, finally, raised his head and focused his own attention onto her, the boy's expression filled with so many emotions and unspoken thoughts. "Yeah, maybe, but it means they pay more attention, find more faults, look for any flaws they can find and then drag them into the public."

Grace nodded slowly. Something had obviously happened to him in his prior life which did a similar thing. Had they passed it already? Was it still approaching? How bad would it be?

***HP:O ***

It was only after Dumbledore herself stopped at the Potter residence to explain the situation, and gave her own assurances, that the parents agreed to another Auror interview. This time, however, they demanded an adult supporting him be present.

Thus, Grace and Harry sat in a comfortable office across from Amelia Bones while going over all which had occurred that year.

"And she confronted you at the party?" The boy nodded, earning a frown of concern from the woman. "Did she hurt or threaten you?"

"She didn't hurt me, but there were some definite threats to me and my family."

Bones scribbled a few notes down, anger evident on her face, "But she didn't give you any specifics? Anything that might hint at what she had planned?"

Harry shook his head, "Not really, but the way she talked it made it sound like I was interrupting her plans already, which would have been protecting other students, right?"

"Most likely, and if what you've said is true it likely centers around Marie Rosier and her mother's investigation. It's very possible this woman has connections without us realizing it."

Leaning forward, Riddle's gaze sharpened and focused, "Now what? Surely there must be something the Aurors can do with this information to take the pressure off Harry and the other children."

The boy-who-lived didn't need to see the flicker of defeat, didn't need to hear the sigh, or watch the woman take off her monocle to rub wearily at her eyes. He already knew what the answer would be, knew before they came to the department, really. He had been dealing with it for how many years at that point? How many years of incompetent adults?

"There… isn't much we can do. We have no evidence other than young Harry's word which will never be enough for a search warrant."

He can feel the tension surge through the woman beside him, the hint of anger. "What about focusing the investigation onto her? Surely if she has had this much interaction with the attackers then there will be a slip up somewhere."

Although he isn't much for cards or gambling, Harry is quite certain the woman across from them has a nervous 'tell' a slight twitching likely indicating they were in for more disappointing answers. "We only have so many resources to spare…"

The growl is faint, but the wizard heard it, even if he isn't quite sure the director does as well. "We cannot remain passive in this situation. There have been three attacks already. Three attacks with minimal Auror assistance other than to show up once everything is over and make empty promises!"

Bones stared back before releasing a sigh and nodding her head, "I know, I know. My niece was on the Express and I was just as terrified as any parent, but I only have so many resources. Crime did not stop because of Lycan attacks. If anything, it has increased since the start of the year. We are being pulled in too many directions to effectively deal with any crisis."

"And so, we should just keep hoping for the best then while you push the burden onto others?" Amelia opened her mouth to answer, but no sound emerged and after a moment Riddle shook her head in disappointment before standing, gesturing her charge to do so as well. "Come along Harry, there is no help to be found here."

***HP:O ***

"How have you been enjoying your classes, especially the new ones?"

"They have been interesting. Culture isn't exactly fun, but I've been learning and that's the important part, right? Theory has been better though."

Riddle nodded, already assuming his reactions. Harry was clearly more of an interactive learner rather than someone who could sit down at a table full of books and absorb the information. Much more like his redheaded sister than the other. "Any exciting plans for when you return to Hogwarts? More dates to go on I presume?"

He snorted and shook his head, "Nothing I have planned so long as the Minister lays low and stops listening to stupid advice from criminals."

The comment earned a smile from the woman who sat nearby, "That is asking a lot, especially from a career politician."

Harry matched her smile before posing a question which he had been wondering about for some time. "Did you always plan on being a duelist? You said you started that career out of Hogwarts, correct? Then became a teacher later?"

"That… is a very long story."

"Oh no," he replied dramatically throwing his arm over his face, "And we just simply do not have the time for long winded stories what with Dumbledore grounding us both for the rest of the holidays."

"Cheeky brat" she muttered, voice full of fondness, "Alright, well as I am sure you can guess neither of these were something encouraged by my mother. She wanted a very… different route. Politics, or at least something similar, was what she envisioned as my future and what she tried to force me to enjoy even at a young age. Luckily it didn't quite take and during my own fourth year I decided to shift priorities. Normally such a thing would be difficult but between the Headmistress' own understanding of my situation and Merope's own attention diverted elsewhere I was able to change my courses to those of my own choosing."

She stared off into space, eyes unfocused as her memories returned.

"Much like you I enrolled in the theoretical classes involving Magic and later spell crafting. But even those could only hold my interest for so long. I wanted to see the world, to explore and travel, to do something important, something on my own, something exciting. We didn't have a dueling club back then, but students would occasionally get together and participate in 'friendly' competitions."

"And I'm sure those were always very appropriately managed and civil." Harry interrupted, earning a snort from the woman.

The shaking of her head would have been enough of an answer, but she continued regardless, "Hardly, things were a bit rougher around the edges between houses back then. Quidditch was a source of pride, naturally, but there was also an unspoken rivalry between the top duelists."

Harry leaned forward, eyes focused and attentive, "I imagine you were one of them. Let me guess, Hogwarts champion by sixth year?"

"Fifth year thank you very much. I am a prodigy after all."

He gave a look of mock surprise, "Really? I wouldn't have guessed, you're just so… humble about everything."

There was no attempt to hide her smirk, "But of course, I need to set a good example to my students. Anyways, dueling gave me the thrill I had been looking for, even if the path to a career of it was a difficult and uncertain one. In my seventh year my mother did find out, probably someone writing her an anonymous tip to get back at me, but regardless there wasn't much she could do at that point. After graduation she tried the usual 'my house my rules' threats, so I left and didn't look back."

Her smile was once again warm in remembrance and Harry was glad the story hadn't been anything dark and dreary, at least not yet.

"I already had a bit of a name for myself but even with that it was tough at first. Without proper experience or official recommendations, I was stuck finding work where I could while dueling whenever possible. After a few years a team picked me up and that was when things truly became interesting. Long story short I had a very long, fulfilling, career winning championships, earning fame, and winning the hearts of so many adoring fans."

Here she winked and harry rolled his eyes in response. "So why did you give it up? Sounds like you loved that lifestyle."

Hesitation crept back onto her features, "I did… until I didn't. One day I woke up and realized I was just… lonely. Constantly moving around, changing teams to further my career, competing against former friends alongside those I had defeated years prior. It all felt so… fake. I didn't know anyone, didn't have any real friends and my family was nonexistent. I wanted something else, something stable, something that would leave a legacy behind apart from some trophies and pictures with my name and image. So, I reached out to Hogwarts, and Dumbledore of course, and was offered an open teaching position. I took it without hesitation and… well here I am today."

"Do you ever regret giving it up? Not being on the road with fame, fortune, and all those adoring fans?"

She paused for a moment before shaking her head, "No, not really. Don't get me wrong, it was a wonderful experience, and I certainly wouldn't trade it for anything but when it came down to it, I missed the normalcy and the stable relationships that come with just being in one place all the time. Besides, moving is such a pain."

He laughed and the conversation continued as they both relaxed into what had become their own norm.

***HP:O ***

Another attack.

There had been another attack, and once more she had been of no use. Two of three she had been absent, even if the first was before her arrival at Hogwarts. Once more innocent people were targeted, once more children were put into harm's way.

Once more Harry Potter saved the day.

But while the boy, which had become so very precious to her, was seemingly growing in talent in dealing with such situations Remi couldn't help the dreadful thoughts which crept into her mind.

What if next time he was caught off guard?

What if next time they targeted him instead?

What if next time he made a mistake?

Something needed to be done, something drastic, but what? This wasn't something she could negotiate, something she could attack head on and defeat…

Or was it?

***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

-*************************Carolyn Ricci