Disclaimer: I own nothing other than the plot. The original concepts belong to JKR and Warner Brothers. Any concepts brought from other fictions are either coincidental or will be used in their own way, and no plagiarism is meant.

Chapter 3: Returning to Hogwarts

August 24th, 1993

Diagon Alley

Harry was deep in thought, having spent a large amount of time learning, relearning, and trying to keep himself calm. Oh, how he wanted to curse Snape over and over again. Damn what the man had done for the Order's efforts during the war, he had mentally tortured him under the disguise of 'teaching him Occlumency'. According to the book, no one should use legilimency on someone who has yet to begin developing their own mental protections. Hell, Legilimency wasn't even required to learn it properly until the later stages. Most of the first period was spent meditating, clearing the mind of all thoughts so one could be less prone to their thoughts and feelings being exploited.

Once that was learned, the next stage was finding how one viewed their mind, or what the book called a mindscape. Though the book said this process took well over a month for most to learn, Harry managed it in just over a week.

And boy, was his mind a mess. The book said that the learner would have to sort their memories, organizing the mind. Once the mind was organized, Occlumency protection was developed by control and willpower, and only later by actual imagined protection. Emotions and being unfocused were what allowed Legimencers to view his thoughts and memories, and feel what his emotions were.

'Clearing the mind' was less important, instead knowing how to control one's own thoughts and feelings was what mattered more, which first came by understanding them. The book also warned him that suppressing his emotions was a dangerous practice, as his mind and magic could make him become numb to all emotions over time instinctively.

It did note that having someone use legilimency could quicken the process for this stage, but with light probes that slowly got stronger. Harry's mind was scattered though, and Harry was just getting through the process of organizing it.

Oddly, his mindscape appeared as the Chamber of Secrets, with his previous memories being located where the basilisk came from, and the tunnels had many of his younger memories from before Hogwarts in them, faded and slightly blurry from how long it had been, though they came into some clarity as he relived them over the days he spent learning.

During this time, he realized how much Occlumency helped with learning subjects and controlling emotions. Hell, he wouldn't be surprised if Hermione was a natural at keeping her mind organized, as he noticed that everything he read was easier to recall and remember. Many theories from his earlier education were coming back to him, and he was sure that once he started training, magic would be far easier. Having spent a large amount of time reading dueling books, he felt more prepared than when he was fighting at the castle the last time.

Oh, sorting his school and childhood memories sucked. He realized that returning to school would be hard. How many people were there alive that hadn't been when he made the walk to the forest. Colin, Lavender, Remus, Tonks. So many other students. Cedric would be there, a fifth year prefect and on the quidditch team. Harry could only hope his beginning emotional control would be good enough.

Harry shook those thoughts from his mind, knowing that he had this chance to try and prevent all of that. Focusing, he returned to the letter in front of him. The letter was a reply from Professor McGonagall, asking to change from Divination to Ancient Runes. Harry had picked up the text for third and fourth year runes during his shopping, and was surprised at how easy the subject really was. Most of the beginning stuff was merely remembering what each rune meant, and what a sequence was. It wasn't until fifth year, he figured, that they actually did more with the subject.

Sighing, he reached down and picked up the letter. She had written back using Hedwig, so Harry guessed that she hadn't been bothered to inform the headmaster of his change in classes. Knowing the prophecy, Harry would guess Dumbledore would want him in Divination. Opening it, he wasn't disappointed by her response. In fact, it seemed that the transfiguration professor was quite pleased with the change in courses, and had already adjusted his schedule. She had also written down the book he would need for the year, even though he already had it.

Sighing, he realized Ron might be quite upset with the course change, but he didn't care. The subject sounded great, and he knew it would be far more useful. He frowned, remembering that the Weasleys were to stay starting tomorrow, and Harry knew he would need to go pretending he was a teenager again, and not stress out as if he was planning for an upcoming war. He also knew he needed to keep his temper over Pettigrew in check so he could capture the rat. Sirius needed to be freed after all, and the news he had broken out had put a lot of people on edge. Harry was rather unfazed though, and instead spent some time researching how to contain an animagus. The book he had read instructed him on how to find one, or reverse the change, but not on how to capture one in their form. Perhaps the library at Hogwarts would have what he was looking for.

August 31st, 1993

Diagon Alley

The trio was making their way back to the Leaky Cauldron, having spent quite some time the past few days searching the alley in boredom. Of course, Hermione had dragged them into the bookstore several times, and had, after Harry told her about his class change, convinced Ron to do the same thing. Of course, she had explained it as maybe Ron could one day create his own broom, which had made the redhead suddenly far more interested in the subject than in having an easy good grade.

The two had, of course, spent time interrogating Harry about his stay in the alley, and complimented him on his new clothes. Hermione frowned at his excuse for them, but Ron nodded, even if the redhead was jealous. He had met Vernon the prior summer when the Weasleys had watched Harry return to the relatives at the station, and after the bars were on his window, Harry figured he knew there was more to the picture. Though he was sure his best friend didn't necessarily understand what it was that was happening. Otherwise, things had gone largely as they had before, so Harry wasn't overly concerned.

Returning to the dining room of the Leaky Cauldron, he was unsurprised that Mr. Weasley called him over, asking for a word. Once they were away from any listeners, the man spoke, "Listen Harry. I know you tend to get involved with things at school, things that you shouldn't, but I want you to promise me that you will do your best to avoid Black and the Dementors."

"Why though, it isn't like he would be after me?" Harry asked, wondering if Mr. Weasley would tell him about his godfather.

"Well, it is unlikely. Still, I want you to promise me that you won't go looking for him." Mr. Weasley said seriously. Harry nodded his agreement.

"I promise to be on my best behavior and to not go looking for Sirius Black." Harry responded. He had no intention of honoring such a promise though. He wanted the map back from the twins, and to talk with his godfather so he could get the man freed.

"Thank you. Your safety means a lot to Molly and I, and I hope you forgive us for being protective." Mr. Weasley said, gesturing back to where the others were.

"Of course. It is nice to have someone worried about my safety." Harry replied, before splitting off and sitting between the twins and Ron.

Dinner was a joyful affair, until Mrs. Weasley insisted everyone get packed. Then it became a warzone. Thankfully, it was a very empty night at the pub, or else it would've been a mess. The twins had taken Percy's Head Boy Badge again, Ron and Percy were fighting over it and a photo of a girl, Penelope, which had been damaged again. And Ginny fell down the stairs at some point too, resulting in the Weasley matron yelling at everyone.

Needless to say, it was chaotic. Harry, deciding to avoid whatever was going to happen next, instead bid his goodnights to his friends and the elder Weasleys, before retreating into his room. After a shower, and an hour of meditation, he laid down, unsure if he was ready for what the next day would bring him.

September 1st, 1993

Hogwarts Express

"Wonder who he is?" Ron asked, as the trio made their way to sit in the nearly empty compartment. Harry laughed as Hermione pointed out the name once more, and shushed Ron when he spoke loudly in return.

"Well, what do you reckon he is there to teach?" Ron replied quietly.

"Probably Defense. After all, Lockhart surely isn't capable of teaching it this year." Harry replied. Hermione nodded. The two sat across from the professor, while Harry sat next to him, but at the far end of the compartment, not wanting to wake him up.

"Doubt he will be much better. He looks like a good breeze could knock him over." Ron snickered.

Harry, of course, knew that was because of the full moon tomorrow, and that Remus was likely feeling miserable, which is why he was asleep or faking asleep. He just nodded though, and everyone fell into a quiet lull, with Ron having Hermione help him understand the entry texts to Ancient Runes.

It still was surprising that Ron switched, but perhaps it was for the best.

Again, they had the same encounter with Malfoy, though instead, Harry didn't outright challenge him, instead saying that none wanted to be in trouble, as there was a teacher close by. Hermione shot him a smile as Malfoy and his two bookends left, leaving them in peace once more.

And once again, the Dementor came on the train. Harry was unsurprised that Neville and Ginny both ended up in their compartment once more.

"Everyone," a voice rasped out, "Be quiet, and do not approach the door."

A small light appeared at the end of the older man's wand, illuminating the compartment. Harry noticed Neville wince, and guessed the boy had woken him when he sat down next to the professor.

Harry watched, as the glass frosted over again, and the temperatures dropped rapidly. It was a nerve wracking few minutes until the figure slowly appeared outside of their compartment, before slowly opening the door. Harry felt the memories of that Halloween night attempt to resurface, but ruthlessly repressed them as the Dementor took a look around the compartment, floating in the direction of Harry.

"Sirius Black is not here. Begone Dementor." Remus rasped out, his voice cracking slightly. The dementor floated, and made no moves to continue or take action, instead staring only at the direction of Harry.

"Begone. He is not here." Remus said more firmly. Harry focused more on suppressing the memories and emotions, and felt his hands start to shake some as the memory crept forward, overpowering his control. He watched as suddenly the dementor moved forward slightly, as if to approach Harry. Harry prepared himself, in case he needed to cast his patronus. Thankfully, he didn't.

"Expecto Patronum." Remus whispered.

Harry watched as the silver wolf charged towards the dementor, and pushed him from the compartment and down the train. After a minute, the lights came back on and the train started to move. He was startled from his thoughts as he heard a loud snap, and saw Remus holding a chocolate bar.

Distributing the pieces, he spoke, "Everyone eat some. It helps with the effects of the dementors. I must go and speak with the conductor, and see when we will be at the school."

Harry immediately ate a bite of the piece he had been handed, which then caused everyone else to eat theirs.

"Bloody Hell." Ron muttered.

"Language Ron. I agree though. That was terrifying." Hermione whispered. Harry noted that it seemed everyone was pale and shaking.

"Gran says the Dementors are the reason that a life sentence is the worst sentence to be given. Those given a life sentence are in constant contact with them, and don't often survive more than ten years." Neville whispered.

"If they manage to earn a life sentence, then they deserve it." Harry spoke quietly. Though his words were meant for the LeStranges. They had tortured Frank and Alice to insanity and Harry couldn't forgive that. Or forgive Bellatrix for killing Sirius.

"Exactly." Neville responded.

The rest of the train ride was rather quiet. It seemed the Dementors had taken a lot of the joy out of it, and even when Harry journeyed to the bathroom, the atmosphere seemed subdued. Remus returned about fifteen minutes before the train made it to Hogwarts, warning them of their arrival. They all got changed, and soon enough, they were making it through a rainstorm to the castle.

Idly, Harry noted that he could still see the Thestrals, though that wasn't much of a comfort. Thankfully all of the carriages were covered, and thought they got wet approaching the castle, Hermione dried them off once they were inside. Because Harry hadn't passed out, Malfoy didn't make his second appearance, and Harry wasn't called to follow Hermione when McGonagall came around. Instead, for only the fourth time, Harry was able to watch the sorting take place, and he immediately missed not passing out.

Merlin, why couldn't the Hat make a good rhyme. Harry thought. While the actual singing wasn't terrible, sometimes the wording became rough.

Instead of paying attention to the sorting, Harry took time to look around the Great Hall, taking in the feeling of being back in the school when it wasn't war torn, when people weren't tense and afraid at all times. The first person Harry sought was Cedric. Harry had never gotten over the third task, and watching Cedric die was a fan favorite for his nightmares. He had always felt responsible for his death, as it had been his idea for them both to take the cup that night.

Harry saw a few others, Dean Thomas who had been killed by the snatchers, the muggle studies teacher, he had seen her name in the papers while at Grimmauld's place. There was Snape, though Harry only felt disinterest in that one, and of course, the headmaster. Dumbledore had been his role model up until the night he walked into the forest. Now, he couldn't tell what he felt for the headmaster. He wondered, if the headmaster knew that the Horcrux is gone, would he do things differently?

Harry quickly moved his gaze to the headmaster's nose as the man turned to look at Harry. There was a moment where he felt the old man's gaze burn a hole into him, eying the healthier and cleaner look. Harry had come up with the idea after his meeting at Gringotts to continue wearing his glasses, so the headmaster likely wouldn't notice too much of a change in his face.

Harry sent a small nod and a smile to him, pretending the thoughts hadn't run rampant through his head just moments before. He saw the headmaster smile back, before turning his gaze back to the sorting. Letting out a small sigh, Harry watched as the last few newcomers were sorted.

Hermione reappeared just after the sorting and Harry noticed that again, she had the golden chain around her neck, so she still had every class and had the time turner. There was some small chatter as McGonagall removed the hat from the hall, and once she had returned, Dumbledore stood and gave his announcements. After food was served, everyone fell into a comfortable pattern of eating and talking.

"Are you ok Harry? You look a bit pale." Hermione said, garnering his attention.

"Of course, it's just the Dementors, Hermione. They brought back some bad memories." Harry answered. Hermione nodded, but didn't push as Harry hadn't just replied with his signature 'I'm fine'.

Soon enough, dinner was over, and after warning everyone about the Dementors once more, they were sent on their way. Hermione got the password for them, and they made their way up to the tower. After a little bit, Harry excused himself, citing he hadn't slept well and wanted to go to bed. Once he had changed, he closed the curtains on his bed, and meditated for a short while, clearing his mind and recentering himself. After focusing on his Occlumency for a short bit, he laid down, wondering what the year would bring.

September 6th, 1993

Hogwarts Library

The first days since he had returned to the castle had been draining, mostly emotionally and mentally. Being around those that had died really put a dampener on the mood, especially seeing Cedric, whom he had seen murdered. He was having to always control his emotions to prevent anyone from noticing his despondent attitude, especially around Snape who constantly targeted him in order to get him angry, and it hadn't been easy. Especially today when the man had been determined to get a rise from Harry, but Harry had done well at controlling himself.

Having just tolerated another of the man's lessons, Harry was feeling a bit more than grouchy. "I'm proud of you Harry. You didn't rise to his bait."

Harry turned to Hermione, confused about her words. "What?"

"He insulted you several times, and even your father too. You never rose to the bait, despite his attempts. I'm proud of you." She complimented.

Harry snorted. "Thanks Hermione. But truthfully, I just don't want to be near the man unless I have to be. The less time in detention with him, the better."

They entered the charms classroom. The first lesson had been revision of the levitation charm, along with practicing their control over the things they had levitated. At first, Harry had problems keeping the movements slow and controlled, as the objects wanted to fly too fast or too high, but eventually, he managed to tone down the amount of power he was using. Even with the Holly wand which he used around everyone else, he could still feel the power difference from before his death.

Everyone had been confused at the revision of the first year charm, but Flitwick had explained that this lesson would be over the Seize and Pull Charm, a variation of the fourth year Accio charm, though this one used a tether of light to control the movement of the object, or in the case of an object tethered down, one could use the tether to pull themselves, if they were strong enough magically and physically to hold the rope.

Of course, that lesson was today, and Harry was concerned for everyone's safety. Even though they were kept separated and working only with pillows, it was still possible that if he overpowered the charm, the object, aka the pillow, could hit someone with some force. Harry had to concentrate on the power he put into the spell and the control he wielded over the spell. It wasn't hard, but what was was messing up the charm enough to allow Hermione to be the first to succeed in getting the spell correctly and pulling the pillow to her. He, of course, ensured that he was second, and between the two, earned Gryffindor a combined count of ten points.

Not that Harry really cared about the house cup. He realized that because of his stunts, and Dumbledore's apparent need to give the trio an insane number of points which inevitably allowed the Gryffindor's to win the house cup, that it probably only caused some resentment between the houses. Especially because there was never a proper explanation for the points, and in the case of his first year, was done at the feast before the winner was announced.

That it was Slytherin that was screwed over was of little importance.

Having finished lessons for the day, the trio made their way back to the common room. Harry knew that this was Hermione's last lesson, so she wouldn't be sneaking off, and suggested that they get their homework done. It was only Tuesday, and their fourth day of class, but between Potions and Ancient Runes, they were quite busy. Besides, Harry didn't want any home for after today to do, as tomorrow was the first lesson with Hagrid… again, and he didn't want to miss any excitement after that.

September 7th, 1993

Hogwarts Castle

'Ah, the first time around, this was far more terrifying.' Harry thought as he watched the subdued atmosphere.

The first time he had this day, he had been told the grim was after him. Of course, that had actually been Sirius who had not been after him, but still, he had been scared as he hadn't known that yet. Now, while the Divination teacher had still predicted his death, he hadn't been there for it, and was pretending it didn't matter. He was still surprised Dumbledore hadn't changed his schedule though, as he figured the old man would want him in the class. Knowing how crafty the wizened wizard could be, he might just try to twist it on Harry's lack of knowledge about the subject instead.

Either way, Ancient Runes had been far more of a lesson than Divination ever had been, and Harry was pleased about the switch. After having Transfiguration, where he was told he was still expected to do his homework unless he died unexpectedly, the class made their way out to the Paddock, which wasn't far from where Hagrid kept the Hippogriffs. Harry talked between Hermione and Ron, as they worried over his health. Ron was still convinced that Harry would fall over dead at a moment's notice, but after Harry started ignoring him, he got the message that Harry didn't want to hear anything more on the matter.

Harry watched as the same events unfolded. Hagrid brought in Buckbeak, Harry was left standing to the front, he petted Buckbeak, then took a flight on his back. It was repetitive, but still an experience that Harry wouldn't forget. However, Harry knew that Malfoy couldn't be allowed to get hurt by Buckbeak this time, as Harry had no plans on using the time turner at the end of the year to save him. Truthfully, he hoped it wouldn't change the timeline too much, but he didn't have a lot of options.

He watched in anticipation as Malfoy and his bookends began working with Buckbeak, and thankfully he was free to watch again, having already worked with a Hippogriff. Harry idly noted that Hagrid was also close to the Slytherins, and guessed that he expected something to happen as well. It was something Harry hadn't noticed the first time around.

He watched as Malfoy called Buckbeak an ugly brute and watched as the hippogriff became angry. Malfoy's eyes widened as Buckbeak reared up, and just before the Hippogriff slashed down, Harry used the Seize-and-Pull spell to pull Malfoy from the raging animal's reach.

However, he somehow accidentally threw Malfoy past a tree root, causing him to snag his foot and fall, getting a bit muddy on the wet ground. Hagrid was quick to block the animal from reapproaching Malfoy, and calmed Buckbeak back down, before turning to Malfoy.

"How dare ye' do somethin' like tha'. I 'ery clearly told ye' to not insul' any of them and ye' went and ye' did it anyways!" Hagrid yelled, causing the blonde to take a step back.

"Detention wit' me, Mr. Malfoy, and twe'ty points fr'm Slytherin for disobeyin' a teacher." Hagrid finished.

"Class Dismissed." he called out, causing several to leave the area quickly. Harry helped Hagrid put the animals away, before speaking to the gentle giant.

"Than' ye' Harry. Ye' probably just saved me job." Hagrid said. Harry just smiled.

"I had a feeling he was going to do something, so I kept an eye on him. Hopefully he is discouraged from doing something like that again." Harry spoke. He heard Ron scoff behind him, and silently agreed that the boy was likely to do something like that again.

"Still, thank ye'. And twenty five poin's to ye' for protectin' a student." Hagrid replied. They talked for a few more minutes before the trio made their way back to the castle. Harry sighed, believing this to be a success, and only praying in the back of his mind that nothing negative would come of it.

September 10th, 1993

Hogwarts Library

Harry had spent several hours since he had returned to Hogwarts in the library, and for more than one reason. With Hermione becoming quickly busy, and Ron leaving Harry to study on his own at times like normal, Harry had been investigating a way to capture Pettigrew. He was hopeful that he would find what he was looking for, but there was another thing that caused him to spend so much time there.

It was oddly peaceful, being in the library, and there was something that helped calm him while he searched the shelves for books to help him with his problem. He had checked multiple animagus books, along with some transfiguration and charms books, and figured he had ruled out his solution being any of those.

With not a small amount of disappointment, he turned to wards and runes, which was what aisle he was in now. Currently, he was staring between two different books on wards, trying to decide which might have his answer. Grabbing the second, A Warder's book of Wards, Harry went and sat down, pursuing the pages in search for his answer.

Truthfully, as he flipped the pages, he realized he had missed out on a lot of important things. There were wards in the book that, while basic, had more usefulness than some of the wards they had used during the hunt. It made him feel a bit of disappointment in himself for not reading more or expanding his knowledge when he knew Riddle wanted him dead. Flipping through the pages, he stopped suddenly, reading a ward he had never heard of.

'Perfect', Harry thought.

The ward, while it didn't prevent an animagus from changing, did prevent him from being conscious, and from what the books said about animagus', they could be unconscious while being transformed. Without something to force the transition, Pettigrew would stay unconscious as long as he was in the cage if it worked properly. The only downside to this ward was that it wasn't simply a spell as it also had runes involved, and it would require a second ward, meant to control a ward's activation and deactivation, to work.

It would take some time, but it looked doable. Harry knew he could conjure a cage, and permanency runes were simple to engrave. Thankfully, he already had an engraving kit, so all he needed to do was stay up late one night, conjure a cage, and inscribe the necessary runes before beginning to work on the wards. It would probably take a few weeks for a first attempt, and even longer if the first one didn't work.

Of course, he would test it with some conjured or transfigured rats first. He wasn't taking any chances with this. He also knew he needed to meet Sirius first, and he needed to write a few letters. So now, it was back to planning and scheming. After all, he wanted to make questions come up at the ministry before Sirius presented them with the rat.

Perhaps this was what Dumbledore felt, on a larger scale of course, over the past years, or really the future years.

Chapter Length: 4601

A/n: So yes, I saved Draco from the pain. It was deliberate on my part, where Hagrid doesn't get in trouble and Buckbeak doesn't need saving. Yes, it will have consequences later, though not far reaching ones, but it will be for both the better and the worse.