Author's note: First I would like to thank those who read the prologue and bookmarked the story to follow it or as favourites, it's the first time I upload something and seeing that was motivating, now moving on to more important topics, I already have a part of the story written, and as I edit it I will upload it, also while I do that I keep writing more, the problem is that I don't have Beta so if you see mistakes please forgive me and point them out if possible, without further ado I hope you enjoy the chapter.

Chapter 2

Back to Hogwarts

A familiar feeling of dizziness and tiredness hit Harry, as he was regaining consciousness and beginning to open his eyes when he felt someone holding his arm, then realised he was being called.

"Harry, are you all right?"

Then Harry regained consciousness his eyes focused and he looked at the face of the person he had most wanted to see the whole time he was in the Department of Souls, there was Hermione Granger looking at him with concern on her face, it seems that the moment was just after the Dementor attacked him and made him faint, but none of that mattered to Harry, at the moment he just wanted to be close to Hermione and he did just that.

"Ha... Harry!?"

Hermione asked in surprise when Harry sat up and hugged her, it took her by surprise as Harry was not one to initiate physical contact, then she remembered how he happily ran to hug her when she recovered from the petrification and it simply took her a moment to reciprocate the hug, though more relaxed she asked again as they hugged, she had to know.

"Harry, how are you feeling?"

"Better than ever." whispered Harry close to her ear, which made Hermione a little nervous, but before she could ask what he meant, someone interrupted them, reminding them that they were not alone in the compartment.

"It seems you were made to see something very horrible by that Dementor."

Remus Lupin, there he was, standing in the doorway of the train compartment, with a smile that looked a little mocking and sympathetic at the same time, as he approached and offered him some chocolate, he went on to explain.

"Don't worry, everyone reacts badly to a Dementor, apparently he was looking for Sirius Black on the train, here," he handed him the chocolate bar and Harry hesitantly accepted it.

"I'll go and talk to the driver, eat it, it will help you with the effects of the dementor."

With that he left the compartment leaving a reflective Harry, he still didn't know how to react to Lupin, the last time he saw him they had an argument that is still fresh in Harry's mind, he still didn't know how to behave with this Lupin again, luckily that was reflected as simple doubt before a stranger on Harry's face.

"That was creepy, are you all right mate?"

And there he was, the other person who was in the compartment with Harry and the other person who the last time he saw him had had a fight with Harry in which in the end things were said that Harry could never forget, that plus what he learned with Tett and his suspicion that Ron might be an accomplice to what was done to him and Hermione made Harry think that sooner rather than later he would have to separate himself from Ronald Weasley, both for his sake and to avoid doing something that he still couldn't be responsible for with the anger he felt.

But none of that was reflected in Harry's face, remembering one of the teachings of his master dark lord, "Don't let your enemies know what you think, don't show more emotion than you want on your face."

Luckily an opportunity would come soon for Harry to get away from the younger Weasley, he would just have to wait and maintain neutrality, though it wasn't going to look any friendlier, it was just something he didn't want.

"What a strange creature, interesting but strange, what exactly happened?" asked Harry, as he let go of Hermione who was still a little confused.

"Well... After the Dementor entered the compartment it focused on you Harry, after a few moments you passed out, luckily Professor Lupin woke up and chased it away, and it only took you a few seconds to come back."

Hermione commented as she looked at Harry again with concern, he smiled at her face to try to reassure her.

"Are you all right? No one else fainted?" asked Harry as he took Hermione's hand and smiled at her in an attempt to nonverbally express his concern and affirmation that she was fine.

Hermione was again surprised by the contact but once again accepted it happily and smiled at Harry, thinking that maybe she could be helping Harry.

"No, you just fainted, although I felt weird you know, it's hard to explain," Ron commented as he grimaced at his friends' behaviour, something about it didn't please him but he didn't know what, and in the end he put it down to him feeling that way because of the dementor.

"That's strange," said Harry as he looked towards the door where Lupin had come out, although he was referring more to the feeling of actually going back in time, rather than the feeling of the Dementor, in his mind there was still a hint of doubt in his mind about his time in the afterlife, as if it was just a joke or hallucination and that in the end it would simply turn out that he was dead.

But he was really back, he had another chance, and this time he would make the most of it.

"I guess Hogsmeade won't be long now, we should get our robes on," suggested Harry as he began to search for his robes.

"Please crookshanks, I know you don't like it but it will only be for a while, I'll let you out as soon as I get to the dormitory, yes?" while Hermione was trying to convince the half Kneazle to peacefully enter his cage, Harry was waiting at the compartment door, he thought Lupin would be back but apparently he was wrong, in a way he was relieved, it would give him time to gather his thoughts on the matter to his teacher.

A short time later they arrived at Hogsmeade station but Lupin did not return, Hermione had won the fight against her cat without much trouble, they exited the train and as they headed off to find a carriage to take them Harry heard an obnoxious voice approaching behind them.

"But if it isn't poor Potter, how does it feel to cry until you pass out Potter?" as Draco approached taunting him as usual Harry didn't feel so upset, on the one hand he wondered how Malfoy found out about this but surely someone must have heard or witnessed the dementor rampage, and he couldn't help but tell the story, the gossip at Hogwarts moved faster than the wind even when they weren't even in the castle yet. It still angered him what Draco had done at the end of his sixth year but right now he just seemed like an insignificant child, after all it seemed that it had all been orchestrated by wizards more powerful than Draco and Draco just had to go along with it.

"Decorum and elegance are things you cannot lose even in front of your enemies, do not strike back like a child, respond by showing that you are superior to those who seek to mock in order not to feel inferior".

Grindelwald's words echoed in his head, at another time Harry would have responded to Malfoy's taunts but, he saw no point in playing along and decided to try another option, holding Ron's shoulder who seemed about to say something, Harry stepped forward and spoke even though he seemed relaxed Harry was standing up straight looking Malfoy in the eye.

"I certainly fainted Malfoy, in my infinite ignorance I had no idea what a Dementor was or what it did, I must say experiencing it head on is not something I would wish on just anyone."

Then before a dumbfounded Malfoy could say anything Harry simply turned around and started walking a few paces, before looking back over his shoulder.

"I appreciate your concern Malfoy, after experiencing that any kind voice that cares is good to hear...I'll see you around" adding those last words as he walked away so that they were only audible to him, he kept walking before his friends who were also surprised with the way Harry resolved the situation, started to follow him the way he went.

As they reached the carriages Hermione was thinking that Harry looked different, but at the same time he looked the same as always, if she had to describe him she would say he felt more mature, but it certainly wasn't a change she disliked, she thought that after the previous year anyone would change enough, she herself feels different after wasting so much of her life petrified.

When they reached the carriages, Harry was surprised to see the Thestrals even though it should be fairly obvious since his mind or soul still remembered the deaths he had witnessed, it only strengthened his resolve that this time it would be different.

Harry offered Hermione his hand to help her up, she gladly accepted and they sat together on one side of the carriage while Ron sat opposite them.

"What the hell was that back there Harry? You left Malfoy speechless, that was brilliant," commented Ron.

"I simply answered the question he asked but with a little more kindness than he expected, it was unexpected for him so he didn't have time to answer," said Harry, before letting out a slight sigh.

Harry looked back as he saw someone approaching his carriage about to set off.

"Playing along with Malfoy only encourages him to keep annoying me, I'm trying a different approach."

"I'm proud of you Harry," smiled Hermione. "I'm glad you realise that dealing with Malfoy is just a waste of time."

"Thank you" Harry smiled at him before someone else arrived in his carriage.

"Hey guys," said Neville as he climbed aboard and sat down in the free spot next to Ron.

"Hello Neville" replied Harry and Hermione, Ron still seemed to be thinking about something with a frown on his face.

"How was your summer?" asked Neville a little nervously.

At that Ron perked up and started talking to Neville as he took a picture that Harry and Hermione recognised immediately.

Hermione rolled her eyes as she opened the book in her arms, ready to read, not wanting to hear the story of Ron and his trip to Egypt again, but before she could begin Harry suddenly came a little closer, and asked her almost in a whisper.

"Do you mind if I read with you Hermione?" and for Hermione this was enough, Harry definitely felt different, she looked at him with wide eyes as she said something to Harry that she thought would make him back out of his attempt to read.

"It's this year's Runes book Harry, I made a point of reading it beforehand, are you sure you want to read it with me?" she asked also almost inaudible to her other travelling companions, to which Harry just gave her a lopsided smile before looking at the book and then back at her, something about the way he saw her made Hermione blush a little.

"I think I can handle that, you'd be surprised how much I've learned this summer."

Then he moved closer to her so he could read without so much trouble as he laid his head on Hermione's shoulder.

Hermione had a slight short circuit as she blushed, Harry Potter was very different and damn it she was enjoying the strange closeness Harry seemed to have adopted with her, not wanting to worry too much about what it might mean she looked back down at the book.

"Well Mr. Potter, then show me that knowledge you boast so much about," said Hermione.

"I'll just ask you to slow down your reading speed a bit, I know I can't read half as fast as you".

"mmm we'll see if I'm feeling generous enough for it" Hermione let out a small laugh that Harry swore he hadn't heard in ages and felt his chest heat up, they hadn't even reached the castle but Harry was already sure it was going to be a great year as far as he and Hermione were concerned, the rest would cross him when he got there.

Neville and Ron simply watched as Harry and Hermione leaned back to read a book like it was the craziest thing they'd ever seen, excluding today's Dementors of course.

"Mr. Potter, Miss Granger, please come with me to my office, Mr. Weasley, Mr. Longbotton, please go to the great hall, the selection is about to begin".

They were ordered by Mcgonagall who had intercepted them at the entrance to the castle.

As the rest made their way to the Great Hall Harry and Hermione were taken to the Deputy Headmistress' office where Madam Pomfrey arrived as soon as they entered and went straight to Harry as he groaned loudly.

"Really, Minerva, Dementors on the Hogwarts Express? There were so many first years that they could have been worse off than Mr. Potter."

"I know Poppy, you know how much I refused to let them accept these new security measures, luckily this year we have a decent teacher in DADA, who helped stop the dementor's advance before it could continue tormenting children," commented Minerva with a stern expression, it seemed that she was not at all happy with the current development of things.

"At least I see that Professor Lupin knows how to do his job, he gave you chocolate didn't he?"

He asked Harry as he seemed to finish examining him.

"Yes it does, I think it really helps because I feel good," commented Harry.

"With you, Mr. Potter, that phrase means nothing but trouble, but since for the first time you seem to really look the way you say you feel, I'll let you go, but I recommend that you have some more chocolate at dinner and if you feel unwell come and see me at once."

"Well, Mr. Potter, it seems you are free to go. I still have something to talk to Miss Granger about, so you may go first.

"Actually, Professor, I had something I wanted to talk to you about first and what better time than now?"

Hermione and Professor Mcgonagall looked curious at this and the teacher indicated that he should continue while Hermione looked at him curiously.

"See, Professor, I made a mistake with my electives this year, when asked last year I chose what seemed easy partly at Ron's insistence, but also because of my own laziness."

This certainly left the two witches in the room surprised, Harry admitting that he was wrong in his academic decisions was certainly not something you see often.

"But now that I have reconsidered I want to change my subjects from Divination and Magical Creatures, to Ancient Runes, Arithmancy and Magical Creatures, I know that according to the school regulations I have a deadline to change my subjects of maximum one month from the beginning of classes, and given that classes have not even started I think there should not be a problem, am I wrong?"

Mcgonagall looked at him with her usual stoic face but inside she was quite surprised that Harry Potter would come around in this way, it always hurt her deep down that Lily and James' son was almost as lazy as Ronald, and this change was one she would certainly support although she was curious about this change.

Hermione on the other hand found herself increasingly surprised but mostly happy at the change her best friend was having, as they read in the carriage she realised that Harry really was understanding what he was reading, it seemed that he had also read the material in advance when he decided he was going to change his electives, not only that, Harry Potter had read the school rules! Not only would have Harry in his electives but he was wondering if with this new change in Harry she would be able to make him read Hogwarts a History, she would certainly try.

"Although I am surprised at your decision Mr. Potter, I certainly have no problem with changing your subjects, if you don't mind me asking, what is the reason for this change Mr. Potter?"

Here it is, this was a crucial moment for Harry, to say something here would not only give him a possible ally in the future, but it would also show Hermione what this new Harry Potter aspired to, it would give these two witches the knowledge that so much had truly changed Harry Potter and whether these changes were forever or just a passing thing, and before he answered his teacher's words came to his mind.

"You have to speak the truth, there is no point in eloquence to convince the world if you yourself don't believe what you are saying, so when the time comes that you want to gather allies you must be clear about your objectives, or at least you must be clear about the person you want to become."

Although Harry did not yet have all his objectives clear, he did know one thing.

"I want to leave my name in the world." Seeing that the two witches did not understand him very well, he continued to speak as honestly and passionately as he could, expressing his wish.

"I am famous for something I don't even remember and may not even have done myself, though I don't like my fame I recognise the achievement of it, but I am almost certain that what made me survive the killing curse was not mine alone, but was most likely something my mother did."

The two witches who did not expect him to suddenly speak on a subject they thought was quite sensitive for him could only watch as he continued to express his wishes.

"The first year I faced Voldemort's ghost and the second year I faced him and his pet basilisk again, then I realised that I only really survived those encounters by luck, and I don't know when that luck will end, the same year I almost lost someone very important to me," he said as he looked at Hermione for a second, who was so absorbed in Harry's monologue that she didn't notice or didn't realise it for now.

Harry began to walk down the centre of the room as he continued.

"All my life I have been trampled on, from my relatives, to the crazy teachers who want to kill me, and I am fed up, facing the basilisk made me realise how small I am, how insignificant I am in the world, so I want to prove that I can be a great wizard, I want to prove that I can go where people have never gone before, I don't want to be the "boy who lived" no, I will prove to the world that I can become a wizard that not even Voldemort would want to face again, and to achieve my goals I cannot waste my time at school."

Finished Harry staring at the Deputy Headmistress, the older witch felt the presence behind that look and saw no flinching or signs of lies, this boy was a wizard with a great goal and for some reason she thought he might actually achieve it, with a grimace of what seemed to be the closest thing to a smile that the stoic face of Minerva Mcgonagall ever showed she couldn't help but comment.

"It's quite an ambitious goal, Mr Potter, I can't help but think it's a goal worthy of Slytherin house."

Harry laughed a little at this and smiled at his teacher. "It's funny you should say that teacher, the truth is that the hat wanted to put me in Slytherin, but because I had already met Malfoy I didn't want to be in the same house as him," he said.

This is certainly not something Mcgonagall expected, and it left her dumbfounded, leaving room for Harry to continue smoothly.

"Besides, I know for a fact that ambition is not just a snake house thing, I know a beautiful Gryffindor who has as much or more ambition than me long before me, she's just quieter in expressing her desires," Harry said again as he looked at Hermione.

If she hadn't noticed before, this time she didn't miss the word Harry used, hearing it made her mentally stumble "Be...Beautiful!?" Harry was really referring to her in such ways!?

Then Harry turned around, thinking it was a good time to leave the office, opened the door wide and as he passed through, he paused on the other side to look over his shoulder at Hermione.

"Take your time. I'll be waiting outside."

Without giving them time to say anything else Harry finished leaving and without them noticing he made a small wand movement that made the door close on its own.

It took a few moments for the two witches to speak again, it wasn't until Mcgonagall let out a small cough "ahem" that Hermione realised she was still staring at the door with her mouth open.

"I'm sorry professor," she said as she turned to look at her professor. "That certainly surprised me, I didn't know Harry had such an epiphany."

"Don't worry Miss Granger, it took me by surprise too, although considering what you said and what you have experienced I can't deny that it makes sense and it was only a matter of time, his parents also had great goals, it's not surprising that their son will inherit that too."

"Yes, it certainly feels quite nice, this change in Harry," Hermione, realising what he had said, ducked her head as she blushed.

Mcgonagall smiled inwardly, she always liked these two and deep down she thought it was only a matter of time before they became a couple, apparently from Mr. Potter's statements today and Miss Granger's actions it wouldn't be long before they got together, no doubt she should talk to Poppy and Filius about that bet they talked about.

"Now the issue at hand is your application, Miss Granger, and although I told you that I would help you if you really wanted to take all the subjects, I have to tell you that I am still worried that it will be too much of a burden for you," said the deputy headmistress as she reached into her drawer and placed it on her desk.

"Although I was about to warn you that this should be kept completely secret, I think you and I both know that there is a certain wizard that you would like to tell about this," seeing Hermione blush slightly as she looked away feeling a little guilty, Mcgonagall smiled inwardly again before continuing.

"Then I say i won't bother if you decides to tell Mr. Potter about it, I must say that his new position might even help each other in their search for magic, but it is certainly your choice."

Hermione smiled at her favourite professor gratefully.

"Thank you very much, professor, I won't let you down."

"I know you won't, just please don't tell Mr. Weasley about any of this, I'm sure the whole school will know afterwards," Hermione certainly thought that was a very likely scenario.

Harry was thinking about what his next step would be, at the moment the closest thing would be the confrontation he knew would come with Ron when he found out about Harry's new subjects, this would certainly help him to start the process of separating their friendship, after that the closest scene he wanted to change would be Buckbeak's accident, Although he had doubts about the boggart class he didn't think it would be a problem, the date that had Harry most anxious and he was looking forward to without a doubt was the 19th of September, Hermione's birthday, Harry wanted to do something special but before he could think any further Hermione came out of Mcgonagall's office and smiled as she looked at Harry waiting for her before trotting over to him.

"Harry! You waited for me, you didn't have to," said Hermione as they arrived and started walking towards the dining hall.

"I wanted to, I can't allow a beautiful lady to go unescorted, can I?" Harry smiled at her as he said that without pausing.

Hermione had her mind racing as she blushed, That's the second time he's called me Beautiful! Hermione still didn't know what to think of the things Harry had done since they had met a day ago, she certainly liked the new closeness they seemed to have, and he had paid her several compliments, Hermione didn't want to get her hopes up but no doubt Harry's actions were making her think it was likely that... Hermione shook her thoughts, she was jumping to conclusions, she thought she should sleep on it tonight and a letter to her mother would perhaps come in quite handy, before jumping to conclusions.

Harry on his own was glad to be with Hermione again he just can't quite contain himself, he's not as quick as Tett suggested, the mad reaper wanted him to kiss Hermione as soon as they saw her and initiate their bond, but Harry decided he wanted to properly woo Hermione, they certainly deserved typical teenage things after all they've been through, though certainly Harry still wanted to be with Hermione as soon as possible.

When they arrived in the large dining room they witnessed the sorting and the banquet began, halfway through the meal Ron began to question them.

"So what did Mcgonagall want?" he asked while he had food in his mouth.

"Professor Mcgonagall Ronald," corrected Hermione, looking disgusted.

"She just wanted to see how we were doing after the train," said Harry expressionlessly.

"Really, that's it? I thought it would be something more exciting and you Hermione, what did I want from you?"

Hermione quickly realised that Harry also knew that Mcgonagall wanted something from her and didn't ask her anything, giving her privacy to her secrets, something she was grateful for as she still hadn't decided when to tell Harry about the time-turner.

"Nothing, she just wanted to ask me something about my timetable."

Before Ron could continue the Headmaster stood up to make some announcements, as Dumbledore spoke Harry watched him for what seemed to be the first time he had ever really seen him, it certainly seemed that everything he did was calculated or purposeful, and theatricality is something his master dark lord spoke to him about, something he no doubt taught him and thanks to that he recognised that Dumbledore practised it quite a lot.

If Harry still didn't know how to feel about certain people with Dumbledore it was different, he may not be evil, his teacher himself was a dark lord so Harry knows what a person who was evil in life is like, but even if he wasn't entirely evil he wasn't the kind grandfather he appeared to be either, Dumbledore was clearly in a grey area but one that sometimes leaned very much to the dark.

So what Harry felt about Dumbledore was nothing more than cold indifference, he was a powerful wizard, no doubt, but despite his knowledge and power the actions he took almost always led to failure, so Harry was not interested in anything Dumbledore planned or wanted, hence the indifference, the day he fulfils the deal he made with Grindelwald regarding Dumbledore will come, but not now, until then Harry will have to handle the old man with care, even with the knowledge of Grindelwald in his head, he was not arrogant enough to think he could stand up to Dumbledore right now, either magically or strategically speaking, at least not yet.

On the other hand Snape was someone Harry wanted to deal with as soon as he could, it may have been Dumbledore's plan to use his death as a tool, but that did not justify Snape's attitude against Harry or his students, the man would no doubt get his comeuppance sooner or later, Harry would see to that.

After the announcement of the Dementors where Hermione looked at Harry with concern, he returned a smile that somehow reassured her, the students were sent to bed.

They reached their common room after passing the shouts of the fat lady, and the tired students quickly split up to go to their rooms to sleep, as they all said their goodbyes and went upstairs Harry took Hermione's hand and pulled her away from the crowd.

"Harry, what's wrong," Hermione asked with sincere curiosity while still holding his hand.

"Oh nothing you know just me wanting to say goodnight to my best friend and by the way ask her if she'd like to meet up early tomorrow morning to go down for breakfast," Harry commented lightly as he gave her a crooked smile and moved a little closer so as not to speak too loudly.

"It looks like the kids are going to stay up late tasting Fred and Goerge's sweets, and they'll probably be up late."

Hermione, still nervous but practical, asked, "And you're not going to participate? Harry Potter will go to bed early while the others get up to mischief?" she smiled in amusement as she raised an eyebrow.

"What can I say lately I need my full beauty sleep to maintain this animal beauty," he smiled cheekily before they both started laughing.

It had been so long since Harry had heard her laugh and he wanted to hear it every day, no doubt he was lost to her and he knew it and he liked it.

"Besides, I have a feeling that when we get the timetables, Ron will make a fuss."

"Certainly it can happen, I suppose we should go for an early breakfast then to prepare for that, shouldn't we?" asked Hermione, still a little amused.

"Perfect! See you tomorrow then," said Harry before giving her a quick hug and running up the stairs.

Hermione stood still for a moment before heading to her own room, she had a letter to write and no doubt had a lot to sleep on, despite the dementors today was by no means a bad day for Hermione Granger.