the Antidote of Time

This couldn't have happened.

There was no way. Dumbledore, known as the greatest wizard of all time, defeated –killed by some death eaters.

Still hovering against the wall of the astronomy tower, invisibility cloak wrapped around him, Harry could do no less than stare as the followers of the dark Lord began to cackle and celebrate.

Healing the piercing laughter of Bellatrix or the low grunt of Fenrir, he did not even notice that the petrifying-charm had worn off. He did not dare move a muscle as the death eaters around the room began to move away. Fearing that, if he even dared to breath, they would turn around and begin dragging him off to their 'lord'.

But altogether, he didn't move, because he feared that if he did, his body would notice the difference between imagination and reality. And as certain as he was, this just couldn't be real. There was no way that Dumbledore could have been killed by.. them.

Eventually the death eaters left, one after another, leaving the room in a pressing silence. Only after he was truly sure that they were all gone, did he take off his cloak.

His trembling fingers scrunched the silky fabric up, leaving it a mess at his feet. Meanwhile, the hand that wasn't occupied, reached for his wand, which lay beside him; forgotten.

Just as he was about to get up and make his way over to the edge of the tower, hurried footsteps broke through the hall sounding over the maniacal laughter as well as duelling-noises.

Harry turned his head just in time to see a spell flying towards him. Rolling to the side, he narrowly dodged it. Causing him to trip over his blanket as he went to stand up. Unfortunately, he didn't even have a chance to untangle the cloak as another curse came flying in his direction.

Casting a protego, quickly followed by a diffindo, Harry hastily stood up and grabbed the invisibility cloak. He used his opponent’s distraction to throw the cloak over his head.

The blond-haired man apparently saw this and sent a dark purple curse straight at his now concealed form. Harry stumbled out of the way and threw a leg-locking jinx towards the other.

It did hit the target, unfortunately it also directed the curse, his opponent has started to cast, into the direction Harry had started running off to.

He did not even notice as he hit the ground, falling over a stray hourglass; the only thing on his mind was the pain that coursed through his body.

Of course, he remembered how it felt when Voldemort had cast the cruciatus on him in fourth year. It was quite hard to forget. But experiencing it now, he could not even think about it; could not even comprehend a stray thought.

The way knives seemed to drag along his skin and pull it apart.

Acid sliding down his throat, burning his insides and disintegrating his organs; one by one.

Needles piercing his skin, eyes, ears, mouth.

His brain being picked apart.

Bones breaking and reassembling.

Through all of this Harry Potter didn't even notice how his legs got tangled in the cloak once again or the way the sand of the shattered hourglass spread over the grey fabric, basking it in a golden glow. He didn't notice how this light seemed to spread, consuming the blond-haired man. Neither did he notice his opponent’s screams.

He did, however, notice the warping of his surroundings; how his body was contorted as if he was about to apparate; how the pain dulled and was replaced by the pressure against his eyes and ears, the stretching of his already weak limbs.

Trying to draw another shaky breath, a sudden pressure was applied to his ribcage, halting his movement and preventing him from breathing. Feeling his body being squeezed into a tube, he couldn’t help but blame the death eater he had fought, thinking that it was his doing.

Harry grew lightheaded as the apparition occurred to go on for longer than a minute. Still, he could not take a breath; could not swallow; could not open his eyes to look around.

Then, to his relief, his body slammed against a hard ground, causing him to draw in a sharp breath. His whole body was numb, and he couldn't even lift his head from exhaustion.

Harry was neither aware of his eyelids dropping, nor about the change in scenery.

The cold surface beneath his body, was soothing his aching muscle, causing him to drift off to a dreamless sleep.

-----*----*--------------------------------------*----*-----

An orange light hit Harry's sleeping face eliciting a grunt as the young man tried to shy away from it, banging his head against the wall. Cracking an eye open, he quickly shut it again as he was blinded by the light.

The sunshine basked his surroundings in an orange-tinge. Harry rubbed his eyes. Perhaps it had truly been just a dream. However, as he rubbed at his face, he noticed that he slept with his glasses on. How strange. He had never done so before.

Harry shrugged it off, guessing that he had probably just been too tired after Dumbledore, and he went looking for the horcrux. Starting to sit up, he noticed the strange roughness of his mattress. Looking around Harry, slowly took in his surroundings.

Stony parapets lined the round platform he was sitting on, as well as a door to his left. No ceiling, windows, beds, cabinets, or trunks. He was still on the astronomy tower. At his feet lay his cloak as well as a shattered hourglass. This was like the ending of the dream he had had. The one in which Dumbledore was murdered… Scrambling up, the graze on his arm was still there, as well as a few others which he guessed were from the glass he fell on.

That in mind, he came to one conclusion. What had happened has not been a dream. He sprinted towards a part of the parapet. Looking over the railing, he realized that there was no body of Dumbledore. He rubbed at his eyes.

Was he going crazy? Surely, not. But straining his ears, he also noticed how the fights seemed to have seized. Was it really just a dream? It had appeared so very real…

Harry stormed towards the door, grabbing his cloak in the process and throwing it over his head. Just to be sure, he planned to go to the headmaster’s office. Perhaps he would even meet a few students on the way; if so, it would lessen the chances of there having been an actual fight.

Running down the halls, he did not meet any other students nor teachers, which just resulted in him going even faster. His heart was beating so fast, he was sure it would rip straight out of his chest. Sweat started running down his face, causing his glasses to slip down his nose a few times.

Running down the staircases and corridors, his eyes darted over the sleeping paintings. Their postures lax in their slumber, not showing any sign of there having been a confrontation.

Not even noticing his feet have already taken him to the second floor he was suddenly confronted with a stone-like statue. Breathing heavily, his eyes darted around the corridor before settling over the figure once again. He took off the invisibility cloak and stored it in his inner pocket, the silk material resting against his chest with featherlight weight.

Clearing his throat, he said, “Toffee eclairs.”

Standing before the unmoving gargoyle, he realized that he didn’t even know the password since it was probably changed overnight. Cursing Harry frantically looked around. Merlin be damned if he was stopped by a gargoyle. He turned towards the stone gargoyle and with a pressed voice said, “Could you let me in, this is urgent.”

No answer.

“I said this is urgent. Let me in.”

No answer.

Harry’s eyebrows twitched. He could not believe that he was going to have an argument with a stone statue. Nonetheless, he continued, “Professor Dumbledore could be in danger.”

No answer.

“Sherbert lemon? Acid Pops? Cough drop. Sugar quill. Sugar mice.”

The silence that followed every guessed password was enough to make his blood boil. He clenched his fists and straightened his posture.

“Merlin’s beard!” He started raising his voice. “Dumbledore, the headmaster, could be in danger. I just want to check if he is all right! God, forbid that there’d be a way to enter without a password—”

“You must excuse me, young man.”, interrupted a smooth voice. Harry recognized that voice from the memories he had viewed this year. But surely it couldn’t be possible.

He slowly turned around, his eyes widening. To his shock, there, indeed, stood a man with sweeping auburn hair and beard. His purple robes flowed down his body like water. This person was an exact replica of a fifty-year-old younger Dumbledore.

He was aware that he was staring but this apparently didn’t bother the older man, as he simply began walking closer while informing, “I can assure you that I am not the headmaster of this school, nor any other. But you do seem urgent to check up on me.”

“I- you?”, stuttered Harry.

This amused the man, Dumbledore, even further; the indicator being a smile gracing his lips while he began studying Harry. “Indeed, I am Albus Dumbledore. Although I thought you already knew that by the way you were shouting my name… but it appears you haven’t been sorted yet. Has this something to do with your business with the headmaster?”

“My house? I am a Gryffindor,” he brought forth as he processed the information he has just been given.

The young Dumbledore hummed, turning towards the gargoyle he said, “Leprechaun.”

The gargoyle, as usual sprang aside revealing the moving staircase. Dumbledore turned back towards him and said, “Follow me, young man. I believe you wanted to meet headmaster Dippet.”

Stepping onto the staircase beside a de-aged Dumbledore, guiding him to Armando Dippet, Harry has decided that he has gone mental. Fairly speaking, he was not even sure if his mind could have even made this up.

First, he was searching for horcruxes, Voldemort’s horcruxes, then flying back to Hogwarts with Dumbledore (on broomsticks!), shortly after watching him get killed and now standing next to a younger (and very much alive) Dumbledore. This was, at best, a dream; at worst, an illusion.

“It appears, that I must have let your name slip my mind, would you mind helping an old man out.”, Dumbledore broke through his fussing.

Harry eyed him for a moment. You’ll grow to be old; I can tell you that. Ancient even. He cleared his throat before replying, “Not at all, sir. My name is Harry, Harry Potter.”

Dumbledore’s movements tensed for a moment. “Potter? I wasn’t aware Fleamont already had a child.”

Fleamont? His Grandfather? Why would he- realising his mistake Harry was about to correct himself, when the staircase stopped moving and Dumbledore made his way towards the enormous door, knocking three times before entering.

“Good evening, Armando,” Dumbledore called out. Harry began trailing after his former (future?) headmaster.

“Albus!” came an enthusiastic reply. “What do I owe the pleasure?”

Looking around Harry noted that the office was similar to the one he saw in the memories as well as the time the diary has shown him a false memory. Paintings of sleeping headmasters hung upon the wall, many different tools and accessories lay scattered around the room, as well as the sorting hat.

Turning his attention back to the elder men, he saw that Dumbledore was now seated opposite Dippet. “I wasn’t aware of a new student would arriving today.”

The balding headmaster furrowed his eyebrows and stated, “We were not expecting any newcomers. Not this late into the school year, at least.”

“This young man, Mr Potter,” Dumbledore turned towards him, Harry gave a short nod still slightly dazed, “hasn’t been sorted yet, though he wears our uniform. A bit off now that I acknowledge it but distinctive nonetheless.”

Dippet let his gaze fall upon the boy, “A Potter? I wasn’t aware Fleamont has had a son, or any children, to be frank…”

Harry rubbed the back of his neck, “So- there seems to be a mistake; or just a general problem, really...” Harry’s eyes involuntarily flickered back to Dumbledore, reminding him of his situation.

The silence that followed was uncomfortable for either parties. The weight that settled onto Harry, was coaxing him to continue, “Yeah, I am not really supposed to be here― I don’t even know how I got here.”

“Truly?” murmured Dumbledore while Dippet stayed silent, the dark eyes settling over his fiddling fingers. “Where are you supposed to be then?”

Harry’s gaze lingered on the auburn hair, missing its usual length and grey colour. His voice was barely above a whisper as he said, “I don’t know.”

Dippet cleared his throat drawing the attention back to him. “So, this will clearly take a while longer, why don’t you sit down and explain exactly how you got here, young man.”

It wasn’t a question nor a suggestion as the headmaster gestured to one of the unoccupied chairs before the desk. Hesitantly approaching the chair, Harry swallowed.

This really appeared far too real for it to just be made up… He let his fingers trail over the plush armrest before settling into the seat. The soft material feeling just like heaven to his sore muscles, confusing him further.

“Well then, go on.,” encouraged Dippet.

Harry felt his vision blur as he stared at the desk, recalling the previous events. He wasn’t sure how much to say so he just blurted out, “Is it possible to travel back in time for -let’s say fifty years?”

Glancing up at Dumbledore and Dippet, Harry could tell that he had probably just created a bigger problem than he was already involved in. But there is nothing he can do about it now, so he just continued, “Let’s say, I were- would have, possibly moved back from 1996, what would be the possibility of me getting back?”

Harry sat, back tense, as the two men in front of him exchanged glances, trying to figure out how to answer. Clearing his throat, Dippet began, voice shaky, “Time magic, you say?”

Harry nodded. Dippet let his gaze wander over the portraits of former headmasters, who by now have once again let their curiosity win and listened in on them. “I have heard of it before, yes -but it is mostly something Unspeakables deal with. But to be honest, I have never heard of a time travel this large. Nonetheless without a time turner, considering the absence of one.”

Harry furrowed his eyebrows, indeed there was not a time turner involved. The only thing he could think of would be the hourglass from before, which had shattered, so it would be very unlikely; but still, Harry told them, “There was a broken hourglass were I came from, but I doubt that―”

“Show us, Mr. Potter,” urged Dippet already standing up and hurrying towards the fireplace. “I will have an Unspeakable come to us right away.”

Letting out a quiet huff, harry turned back towards Dumbledore. As his eyes settled on the man, who was now watching him warily, his heart squeezed in his chest. The blue eyes a painful reminder of the old headmaster.

Harry ‘s gaze travelled over the man’s form. His fashion already as odd as it will become, though it was a bit more modest. His eyes lingered on the hand that, before this, has turned black as a result of the curse.

“-This is some serious business, Armando. If this turns out to be a fraud―,” exclaimed a new voice. Harry quickly turned back towards the fireplace, where a now tall blond-haired man stood, dressed in a black suit with yellow embellishments.

“I am sure it is better to be sure, than not. Come now, it is almost 6 o’clock, some students will already be in the corridors. I do not want this to attract too much attention.”

The man nodded before fixating his gaze on Harry. The penetrating stare, seemed to unravel secrets, he never knew he had. “Harry.”, he introduced himself shortly.

The man’s scrunched up eyebrows indicated his irritation. Headmaster Dippet started walking towards him, while saying, “This, Andorn, is Harry Potter, the supposed time traveller. Mr. Potter This man is an Unspeakable whose primary focus lies on time magic; meet Andorn Hacoth.”

“Hello,” said Harry hesitantly unsure if he was only getting introduced or also tested by the way Hacoth was looking at him.

“Armando, if this kid truly is a time traveller I will be forced to make no exception and take him back with me. You will not be allowed to speak of this.”

Glancing over at Dippet, he saw his hands fiddling with some papers while avoiding direct eye contact with Hacoth. At least Dumbledore kept looking at him, although his eyes seemed unfocused as if he were deep in thought.

“We can’t be sure before we have proof, can we?” Asked professor Dumbledore.

Hacoth turned from Dippet to his old headmaster and regarded him with a nod, “Indeed, we cannot.”

As much as Harry’s mouth wanted to open and suggest something, he held himself back. Unsure of what they might do to him, would they find out he went back in time. He was sure there would be some books about time magic in the library and Harry already hated himself for that train of thought.

Looking for information, nevertheless in the library was really rather Hermoine’s specialty. But the uncertainty of what might be to happen to him, were he found out was a load greater than spending a few hours in a cramped space, packed with books.

“I don’t have all day for this, if you have joked about time travel, which is not a laughing matter, I might suggest a punishment for wasting my time and joking about this.,” came Hacoth’s gruff voice.

Not knowing how to answer Harry stayed silent regarding his options. He could bolt out of the room, throw on his cloak and make for an escape; he could try to lie to them about him suddenly stranding in a different time, limiting his chances of success; or he could just tell them the truth, which out of all three was probably the worst to go by.

Dippet as unsure as he was, apparently caught on to Harry’s discomfort. Just like the time he did when he had talked to Riddle, the headmaster emphasised with him. However, he took quite long before finally speaking up, likely contemplating whether this was worth hiding a time traveller. “I am sorry for calling you, all of the sudden. I must have forgotten that some students like to joke about this kind of topic.”

Hacoth scoffed before assessing Harry, who was practically on the verge of squirming by now, with a mild glare, “Make sure to get this lesson across; we wouldn't want such incidents to happen again.”

“Of course.”, assured Dumbledore this time, the slight twinkle back in his eyes as he took in the interaction. “I will make sure of this.”

Hacoth nodded and muttered something along the lines of, ‘Better do so then’ before stepping back into the fireplace and leaving without another word.

“Well…”, began Dippet, his eyes lingering on the fireplace. “That was a bit radical, wasn’t it?”

Dumbledore’s lips quirked at that. “Perhaps just a bit.”

Harry would have snorted if his fate hadn't still yet to be decided. Still sitting in the armchair next to Dumbledore, his stomach felt quite queasy from anticipation. Sure, he was grateful to still be at Hogwarts, there was just this high possibility that he could be thrown out, which would leave him at a high disadvantage of getting back to his own time. Though a whisper in the back of his mind assured him of no such consequences.

“So, Mr. Potter,” Dumbledore said. “If I’m correct you are around fourteen?”

Fourteen? Excuse him. “Sixteen, sir.”

Dumbledore blinked at him before nodding, “Of course, of course; my bad. I am just not good at guessing people’s ages you see.” The meagre built of yours not being any indicator as to why that is, was left unsaid, although Harry clearly knew what he meant.

It was not the first time someone had mistook him for younger and it surely won’t be the last time either. His knobbly knees still very much visible as well as some other bones; the growth spurt, although helpful did not really conceal the factor that he was far skinnier than he should be. Thanks to Quidditch, his arms and legs were filled by muscles making them appear fuller but never truly masking it.

Turning towards headmaster Dippet, the auburn-haired man said, “Sixteen is a fine age to get into a wizarding school, is it not?”

Dippet stilled before sinking down into his chair behind the desk. Harry would be openly gaping at Dumbledore; would he not be as used to this behaviour as he was. Still, he could not help the moment his eyes widened.

“You cannot be suggesting that we take in someone who could endanger this school.”, Dippet said slowly, carefully.

Dumbledore simply smiled and let his gaze drift off towards a distant wall, “Don’t we always. We take in people we do not know the motives of, but we do not care because we offer them a place to study.”

Watching Dumbledore for a few more seconds, Dippet let out a sigh before glancing at Harry, “We don’t usually take people in this late into the term.”

“There are always exceptions.”

Rubbing his face the headmaster acknowledged that there was no point in arguing further. He had already let Harry stay at Hogwarts instead of being taken by an Unspeakable, who was to say they couldn’t offer him an education.

“Alright then.”, he told Harry. “We may accept you at Hogwarts.”

Harry felt his shoulders slump in relief, and he let out a stressed exhale. He rubbed his sweaty palms against his trousers and nodded, to make sure he made it clear that he was still listening.

“However, I will and cannot let you attend with the surname ‘Potter’.”, Dippet informed him. “You will visit Gringotts this afternoon, Professor Dumbledore will take you. Together you will either check your ancestry or create an alias.”

Harry nodded along, dazed. “Great, now that that is settled, I believe we must be off to breakfast. You may go inside the room to your left, it is meant to house a guest and considering that you weren’t sorted yet, you may use it.”

Dippet and Dumbledore started walking back towards the staircase. Just as they were about to leave, Dumbledore turned around and told him, “Don’t be afraid to call upon a house elf. They are eager to help. Have a pleasant stay, Mr. Potter, I will see you this afternoon.”

Harry bid them a farewell and began approaching the room he was told about. He expected to find a cramped space with a tiny bed and closet.

But Hogwarts once again surprised him by allowing him into a ginormous room, with cool brown walls and a wooden floor. There was a small table next to the door with two green, plush-looking chairs. A black carpet was spread out on the floor as well as a few pillows lying next to dark green couch. The window in the wall reminded him of the one’s in the Gryffindor dormitory. Near the window towered a fireplace, with many engravings, making it appear majestic.

Harry settled himself onto the couch, a bit stiff at first but soon, after taking notice of the soft material, he relaxed, growing completely lax. His limbs, finally being able to rest, started to draw Harry’s attention back to them, as they began to ache from the constant strain.

Taking of his boots and shifting, so that he was now lying completely on the couch, he let his mind process the information he had just received.

 He would be able to attend Hogwarts again, even after being revealed a time travel. Quite strange; letting someone into the school, although they could endanger the students. They did let Riddle study dark arts at Hogwarts, maybe they really just didn’t notice… But he knows; he knows what Riddle will do and maybe he can even stop him. Was that fate’s plan from the beginning? Was he really only meant to defeat the dark lord?

The prophecy did say that...

Harry’s eyes settled on the painting on the wall; a grey hound baring his teeth at a dark, cloaked figure. The hound reminded him of Sirius, although Sirius’ fur was far darker than the one in the picture. Staring into the rage-filled eyes, his mind reminded the time he first met Sirius in his animagus form; back at the Dursleys… of course he still remembered quite lividly how it felt blowing up his aunt. But he couldn’t find it in him to care.

At that time, Fudge had greeted him in the Leaky Cauldron, told him, how nice it was to finally meet the-boy-who-lived in person. Even though he had used Neville’s name as an alias he was still found by the ministry.

Now however, there would be no person to know Harry Potter as the-boy-who-lived. Meaning that he could proof himself, not by others mistakes but also by his own achievements. It would raise suspicions if a Potter suddenly appeared without the current Potter family knowing anything about him even existing.

If he changed his name, there would be less expectations. Less people who thought they knew him, even though they have only heard stories and never really met him. Less people who knew of him in general. No, that’s not true, reminded a voice inside his head. There will be no people who know you.

No people who knew Harry Potter. No people. No friends. No Hermoine, Ron, Ginny, Neville or Luna. Not even Fred or Goerge. Harry suddenly realized in just how much trouble he was actually in.

‘You should have just gone along with the Unspeakable. He has far more knowledge and is already experienced when it comes to these types of situations.’, scolded a voice, that sounded an awful lot like Hermoine.

Another voice, Ron’s, suddenly spoke up, ‘But, just imagine, how many people you could help staying here. It would actually be a great chance to stop You-Know-Who before he becomes all powerful.’

Groaning, Harry rubbed at his face, dislodging his glasses. Even though, they were not with him right now, Ron and Hermoine, had somehow found a way to sway him even here; like a devil and an angel. One counterpart, scolding and reminding him of rules, though god knew Hermoine would eventually find a way to break them. While the other, wanting to help as many people as possible, even a bit selfish at times, suggested something that would for sure cause havoc.

‘You know how dangerous time magic is, Harry. One never knows what happens if they mess with it.’

‘Come on, mate. Stopping You-Know-Who surely can’t be as bad as going back and having to know that all the deaths at his hands, could have been prevented.’

‘It’s not better. You could break the timeline, you could cause an imbalance in the universe, you could…’ But Harry wasn’t listening anymore. His mind already picking out the faint mumbling of Ron’s voice.

‘You could save Dumbledore, your parents, Sirius.’

Sirius. Yes, he could save Sirius. His parents even. At that moment, Harry did not care whether he was being selfish or not. All he could think about was Sirius falling through the veil, the times they had spent together, Kreacher’s grumbling even.

Harry has made up his mind. He would stay here, change the future, and live a live. A normal one; not one tainted by war or fights. Death and survival.

He would change it. For the better.

-----*----*--------------------------------------*----*-----

The moment Albus Dumbledore arrived in the room, the first thing he noticed was the figure sprawled upon the couch. The boy’s legs hung over one armrest, whilst his head lay upon a soft pillow. Dumbledore couldn’t suppress the small twitch of his lips as he saw the way Harry’s glasses were askew and poked into his cheek at a discomforting angle.

Clearing his throat he, shut the door and started approaching the young man. This produced noise startled Harry, as he was suddenly on his feet, wand pointing at Dumbledore. Having the boy face him, he noticed the slightly visible sweat on his forehead as well as an oddly lightning-shaped like scar and his rumpled clothes; apparently, he also had nightmare, concluded Dumbledore.

Realising who he was pointing his wand at, Harry quickly lowered his arm and apologized, “‘m sorry, sir.”

“No need to worry, young man,” Dumbledore reassured. “I hope you had a splendid rest, since I wanted to escort you to Gringotts now.”

Harry nodded his head and started putting on his shoes and adjusting his clothes while muttering, “Gringotts, yes.”

One would think that he might get a day of rest, but apparently not. Sighing Harry made it clear that he was now ready, to which Dumbledore hummed and started walking towards the fireplace by the window.

Standing next to the fireplace the auburn-haired man turned back towards Harry and said, “We will be meeting in Diagon Alley. I would prefer it, for you to go first.”

Harry nodded and swallowed as he stepped inside the fireplace. The fireplace itself was bigger than usual, which is why it wasn’t that cramped. Therefore, when he thinks back to the Weasley’s fireplace, which was far too small, even when he was twelve years old, he is grateful to have such a wide area, when using the Floo network

Harry took a bit of Floo powder, turned to Dumbledore and after clearing his throat announced, “Diagon Alley.”

As usual, he felled like being squeezed into a giant plug; growing dizzy, he let his eyes fall shut. After a few moments, a cold enveloped his face, probing him to open his eyes and vanishing his dizziness.

Stepping out of the fireplace, he observed Diagon Alley while Dumbledore was still to come. His gaze raked over the colourful and asymmetrical buildings, to the different animals wandering the street and playing nearby shops.

He noticed that although it wasn’t as crowded as usual, which was probably due to the factor that they were here during school hours, the streets seemed more lively and welcoming. Had the rising of Lord Voldemort really affected the wizards that much?

The sound of rushing wind and a thud indicated the professor’s arrival. Harry turned towards Dumbledore and saw him patting his hands down his robes to get the soot off. Seeing this, he quickly did the same.

Just as he was finished, the older man regarded him with a smile, which made his heart lurch. A painful reminder of what had happened to the headmaster. At least he always had a reminder as to why he was still hear, thought Harry slightly muzzy. “We shall be off than.”, said Dumbledore and began following a path that would lead them to Gringotts.

As they were walking down the streets, Harry noted that there were far more stores than back in his time. His gaze landed upon a small, simple purple building with a sign, ‘Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions’. Although it looked the same, Harry could tell the stylized mannequins were missing and instead the space was filled by hats and other accessories.

“We will be visiting Mrs. Malkin after we have visited Gringotts, there is no need to rush things.”, Dumbledore commented from beside Harry. Now noticing he had stopped walking, he hastily picked up his pace again.

Finally arriving at the enormous white building, a Goblin, as always, waited before the entrance, regarding them with a bow as they entered, which was returned by a slight bow of his head by Dumbledore.

After crossing the second door, they reached the vast marble hall, filled by Goblins doing activities that varied from paperwork to counting and weighing gold.

Dumbledore approached one of the counters, followed by Harry who was as wary of Goblins as he had been since the first year. Even if they were fascinating and great, their moral nature lacked thereof.

Clearing his throat, Dumbledore gained the attention of the goblin currently working on a telescope with enchantments. “Good evening,” greeted Dumbledore. “We have come to have an inheritance test made.”

The goblin, long fingers running through his short beard after he lay the telescope away, asked, “Of course. Such a test will cost around eight Galleons and will require seven drops of blood. Are you willing to provide such?”

Dumbledore nodded and took a small pouch out of his inner pocket. Rummaging through it, he pulled out 8 Galleons and laid them in front of the goblin. After examining the  amount of money lain out in front of him, the goblin hummed, or rather grumbled. “Very well then, Serose, will be here shortly and take you to get your test taken.”

Harry watched the interaction with interest. They had been far more dismissive the first time he had come to Gringotts. Considering his company, he guessed that the Goblins truly were just creatures who worked strategically and mostly got involved with influential people. But taking their secrecy into account, these creatures really are surprisingly neutral.

Dumbledore glanced at him and spoke up, “I’m sure you won’t mind providing seven drops of your blood, will you?”

“No worries.”, replied Harry shortly observing the other Goblins.

In no time, soft footsteps could be heard echoing through the vast hall. Another goblin, this one taller than the others. His pointed ears and sharp teeth accompanied by the large hand and feet, the only giveaway that he was a goblin.

Nodding at them both the goblin introduced himself, “Good evening, my name is Serose; I will be guiding you through your inheritance test today as well as grant other wishes you might perceive afterwards.”

“Good evening, my name is Albus Dumbledore, although I guess you already know that.”, greeted Dumbledore.

Harry was surprised to see a small smile graze the creature’s lips as he answered, “Indeed, I do. Though I am afraid I do not know the name of this young gentleman.”

Now this was just outright flattery. He couldn’t suppress the small snort that escaped him at the way the goblin had addressed him. Before harry could let anything else slip, Dumbledore informed, “We are actually here to have his test taken.”

The goblin regarded him for a moment before humming, “Very well then, follow me.”

Instead of walking towards the carts, the goblin guided them to a door behind the many counters, which led to a spiralling staircase. As they followed the stairs up, Harry observed many different corridors diverted but were always blocked by a dark brown, wooden door.

After a few levels they took one of the diverting paths and stopped in front of the door. There didn’t appear to be a handle or a knob to enter. The goblin splayed his hand out against the wood, followed by a blue glow and a soft click.

Serose pushed the door open, allowing both Dumbledore and Harry access to the room. Just like the hall, this room was made out of marble. Although it was not as vast, the size was still comparable to half the size of the great hall at Hogwarts.

In the centre of the room stood a dark table surrounded by a dark red couch and chairs. The walls were cramped with many different items, stacked into a shelf or just laying on a table and even the floor. The room had no windows, but from the ceiling hang a ornate chandelier.

“Go ahead and take a seat, I will get a few supplies before we can start,” said Serose.

Harry only began moving after Dumbledore made the first move to approach the seating area. Meanwhile, he observed the few objects lying around. Many were books, some were telescopes, others  were ingredients of varies kinds. Knives were scattered on top of a table, platters were stacked upon the floor. Broomsticks, cloaks, hats, rings, necklaces and more.

Harry was impressed that they stored this many things in these rooms. He had assumed that they used a vault as a general storage. But considering the way the door was warded Harry wouldn’t be surprised if these rooms were even safer than some vaults.

Dumbledore chose a chair to sit on and let Harry seat himself on the couch. Sinking into the material, he noted that they weren’t as soft as the couch he had slept on in Hogwarts but they were comfortable nonetheless.

As he waited with Dumbledore, he watched Serose picking up a bowl, some ingredients and a knife before approaching the seating are. Setting the items on the table before them, Serose pointed out, “During the procedure I will require you to cut the side of your balm and let exactly seven drops of blood fill this bowl. Afterwards I will mix it with a few magical herbs and then ask you to use a stasis charm on the substance. The flow of your magic will only strengthen the result but if you refuse to perform the charm, the results will also be traceable, just not as precise. ”

Harry nodded and picked up the knife. “Shall I clean your hand or will you be able to perform one?”

“No worries,” reassured Harry and was about to lay the knife down again, to take out his wand when Dumbledore spoke, “Scourgify.”

Thanking the professor as he felt a sudden cold envelope his hand, Harry brought the bowl closer to his body and cut into the side of his palm. The blood oozed out in an instant, gathering in a pool of red. He angled his hand, so the cut faced the bowl, letting gravity pull the necessary amount of drops from the wound.

After seven drops, he quickly retracted his hand and settled it in his lap against his trousers, letting a few drops soak his pants, Dumbledore noticed this and took out his wand, holding it closely over the wound, muttering a healing spell. Smiling down at his now healed cut, he refocused back on Serose, who had already added the herbs and was mixing them.

After a few moments Serose put the bowl down and said, “If you would perform the stasis charm.”

Taking out his wand and waving it, the bowl was covered in a faint blue glow. Serose hummed and walked over to a shelf filled with parchment. “Very well.”, could be heard.

The goblin came back with a blank sheet and spread it out beside the bowl. Dumbledore was as quiet whilst they observed Serose work on the parchment. A cut of a sharp fingernail on the bottom right corner of the parchment, had the sheet laying flat against the table; placing his palm on the middle revealed a circle on the top. Serose hummed, “This will do. Would you wish a general bloodline or a listing of the families?”

Dumbledore looked at Harry waiting for him to answer. Noticing this, Harry cleared his throat and stated, “I have never done this before… what would be the better option?”

“This depends on the purpose of the test,” answered Serose. “If one wishes to find a family member or relatives, the bloodline would be beneficial; whilst the list only depicts the names and possible abilities to be inherited.”

Staring at the lain out parchment, Harry decided, “A list would be better, I guess.”

“Do you agree to take the listing instead of the bloodline, Mr. Dumbledore?”

Dumbledore nodded and said, “Of course.”

“Good. Good.”, muttered Serose as he pierced the parchment next to the circle, basking the sheet in a golden glow. “You may lift the charm.”

Harry did so by waving his wand and watched as the goblin poured the slightly glowing liquid onto the circle. Instead of spreading across the paper or soaking it, the parchment seemed to absorb the blood and formed words underneath the circle in blood red ink.

Harry James Potter

directly entitled houses:

Ancient and Noble house of Potter

Ancient and Noble house of Black

Noble house of Fleamont

Ancient house of Peverell

House of Evans

Further houses:

Ancient and Noble house of Weasley

Ancient and Noble house of Lestrange

Noble house of Crabbe

Noble house of Nott

House by conquest:

Ancient and Noble house of Gaunt

House of Riddle

Possible abilities:

Animagus (transformation into an animal)

Metamrphmagus (intentional change of appearance)

Choranaptyxic (ability to shrink and grow)

Abilities by conquest:

Parseltongue (ability to speak to snakes)

Harry had to reread the parchment. House by conquest? Because he had defeated Voldemort as a baby? What a joke. One couldn’t just claim the right to a name by murdering someone. Besides, he hadn’t even killed him. That bastard was still alive.

Turning towards Dumbledore, he noticed the man had gone slightly paler and his features had tightened. He turned towards Serose and asked, “How can I have the right to take the name of the house of Gaunt and Riddle if I didn’t even kill a member of the family.”

Serose regarded him for a few moments, the stare penetrating his soul, forcing a shudder. Dumbledore turned towards him, his eyes finally leaving the piece of paper. “It is only possible if their magic has considered them dead or defeated for more than seven years. As such one earns the right to be known by that name by conquest but not to take it as one’s own.”

“Indeed. If one would be able to just take a name by conquest, there would be many more slaughter attempts.”, explained Serose. He then turned towards Dumbledore. “What do you intend to do with the list now, Mr. Dumbledore and Mr. Potter.”

Humming, Dumbledore elaborated, “We would like to request a change of name for Mr. Potter. His situation requires such and as that we demand it to be kept confidential.”

“We can certainly assure that.”, replied Serose and turned towards Harry. “And to what would you have the name changed to?”

Harry has thought about this whilst he had rested at Hogwarts. He was always associated with his father far more than his mother. Not just because of the looks, but also because of the name. Although many people who knew Lily Potter would always comment on his eyes, her relationship to him was otherwise ignored and more focus was placed on the similarities between James Fleamont Potter and Harry James Potter. His name had always attracted more attention than his appearance, but when it did, it was only on his father.

So he had decided to take a name similar to his mother's. If he were to go back in time, it would also arouse suspicion among the adults who would meet him in the days to come—such as Slughorn, who would be his Potions teacher in sixth year—who, in 50 years, would meet someone who looked so much like him and had the same first and middle names.

It was not uncommon for wizards to have a middle name associated with an influential or powerful person in the family. Therefore, there were also female names for wizards, although they were slightly modified.

He did want to keep the name Harry; being called so for most of his life, he couldn’t just start listening to another name all of the sudden. Which is why he raised his eyes to stare into awaiting yellow ones and stated, “Harry Lillien Evans.”

The goblin looked down on the parchment, apparently reading the words, ‘house of Evans’. Humming he said, “Yes, we can make that possible. You will need to provide another portion of blood, though this time only three drops. You will let them drop directly onto your current name on the parchment, I will take care of the rest.”

Doing as before Harry cut the side of his palm with the knife, let it be healed by Dumbledore hand watched as the goblin placed one of his fingers above the now formed blood patch.

“Praeteritum nomen in novom mutetur. Praeteritum nomen reicitur a corpore, mente et anima. Nomen novum corpus, mentem et animam. Praeteritum oblitum gerentis, novum gerentis confirmatio.”, spoke Serose clearly before the parchment was covered in a red glow.

As the goblin removed his fingers Harry saw that his name was truly changed. The excitement coursing through his body, was visible by the slight fiddling of his fingers. Dumbledore apparently noticed this and let a small smile slip his lips as he thanked the goblin, “Thank you for your service, Serose.”

The goblin didn’t break eye contact as Dumbledore stood up and towered over him, instead he answered, “Any time. Though I must request another two Galleons for the change of name.”

“Yes, of course.”, Dumbledore once again rummaged through the small pouch as Harry stood up as well. Holding out two golden coins he said, “Here you go. We hope you have a great day.”

The goblin took the money and regarded them both with a miniature nod, “You as well, it was a pleasure doing business. Although I must escort you back out.”

With that the goblin walked off towards the door after storing the Galleons in a pocket. Dumbledore and he followed him out of the rooms and down the spiralling staircase. When they arrived in the vast marble room, the goblin stood beside the door to see them off.

“I do hope we will meet again soon.”, the goblin said to the both of them and after receiving a nod from Harry and affirmation from Dumbledore, he was back up the staircase.

“Well, that went splendid, didn’t it?”, Dumbledore asked him as they exited Gringotts.

Harry nodded and mumbled, “Harry Lillien Evans.”

It would take a bit of time getting used to but he was already starting to warm up to it. Evans did sound more pleasant. Dumbledore smiled at him and said, “Indeed, Harry Lillien Evans. It is a lovely name.”

Hearing the praise of the older man, Harry couldn’t stop his chest from filling with a funny feeling making him feel sheepish and turn away, scratching his cheek.

This apparently only amused the man further since he chuckled and informed with a light tone, “There’s no need to be embarrassed. You will get used to it in the following days, for now let us get you some school supplies.”

Nodding, Harry moved along with him. At first they got him a standard trunk. It wasn’t anything fancy, had no enchantments except for an extension charm nor extra compartments. Then they got him a cauldron, a few quills as well as parchments.

When it came to getting his school robes, he noticed that Mrs. Malkins had been quite attractive in her youth. Although she was still short, she had a lean build and brown and eyes, which were emphasised by the red dress she wore. The measuring procedure was however the same as before. Standing on a stool while some measuring tape floating around his body hugging his body, before Madam Malkin threw a robe over his head and adjusted it with pins and afterwards a few spells.

Lastly came the pet. However as they looked through the many owls, he was reminded of Hedwig and he suddenly grew a longing for her. The squeeze of his chest being enough that the one time he came across a snow owl, he tried to shoo it away. Dumbledore apologized to the owner, after the many owls began a commotion and started hooting and fluttering their wings. They quickly left the store and entered Magical Menagerie.

Harry remembered the time Hermoine bought Crookshanks at this store in third year. The store hadn’t changed that much either, the only difference being that there weren’t as many caged up animals anymore; though there were still a lot.

“Well then, we have quite a few more options here.”, said Dumbledore as he eyed a purple toad in amusement.

Humming, Harry turned away and walked around the store, looking at the many creatures. He came across Toads, Kneazle, Fire Crabs, Knarls, tats, birds, rabbits. He wasn’t given a specification of the pets he could take back to Hogwarts. Perhaps it was because he was older now. Perhaps because they forgot. But the fact is, that he wasn’t given one, which meant he could choose whichever he liked.

His heart bet faster at that realization. The exhilaration of such a small freedom, no restriction and no one to care about it since, he was a nobody to them. He felt his lips quirk up into a small smile.

At his musing he didn’t realize that he came across a small container, where a silent hissing sound emerged from, “Another human? ”

He looked down at a small black snake. It’s beady black eyes stared up at him as the snake’s body was spread out on a heated rock. The scales reflected the light, causing them to seem like they glowed. Feeling the pointed stare the snake curled in tighter into itself.

It let out lazy hisses, but did not talk any further. Harry observed it for a few moments before hissing, “Hello.”

The snake’s head was lifted and the large tongue came out and flicked the air. “A speaker? Have you come to take me? ”

Harry scratched his head. Well, he hadn’t really decided. But out of all the options in the store -he looked around at the creatures and saw Dumbledore next to Kneazle petting it- he definitely preferred a snake.

It was just more beneficial, to have someone to talk to, although he would have to keep quiet about his ability to talk parseltongue. He wouldn’t want to attract attention whilst staying here. So he hissed out a hesitant, “You do seem to be the best option.”

The snake hissed proudly and shifted mildly, like it was squirming. “I am the best. I can prove it. I can hunt very well and have an excellent sense of smell.”

“That does seem beneficial. ”, he muttered.

“It is, it is. ”, came the hasty reply.

Harry shrugged and said, “All right, you it is.”

To be honest he was just a tad impressed by her abilities but mostly tired of looking for a pet. The snake seemed to preen at this and slithered in tiny circles on top of the heated stone. “What is your name then? I am Harry Lillien Evans.”

It was a good practice to introduce himself to a snake before doing so with people. It would do him no good to keep messing up his introduction because of a change of name. “I do not know. I have never been given one. Harry… It fits you very nicely.”, the snake answered honestly.

Harry hummed, thinking of what to call a snake. He had only ever named Hedwig… A sour taste settled on his tongue as he thought of her. Hopefully he would see her again soon. Glancing down at the scales Harry noted that they were quite beautiful. But he didn’t know many languages and just naming a snake beautiful certainly wouldn’t do. “Are you a male or a female?”

“Female, Harry. But I promise I will grow bigger. ”

“I ‘m sure you will, ” muttered Harry, already lost in thoughts again. Why was it so difficult to name someone? He groaned and rubbed at his eyes before pinching the bridge of his nose. “How about… how about -Ornella? ”

Ornella? Where had that come from. But as let his gaze fall back down to the black creature, he noticed her excitement. “Ornella. I like it. Thank you, Harry. ”

Harry smiled at Ornella and was about to speak when he was interrupted by Dumbledore, “You have been standing here for quite some time, have you found your pet?”

Glancing down at the black snake, who had curled back into herself -a shy one, then- he hummed, “I think I have.”

“A snake?”, asked Dumbledore slightly taken aback. Harry turned back to him. The older man had probably expected that he would choose something different out of the many species in the store.

“Yes,” Harry replied staring straight into Dumbledore’s eyes. He was aware of the man being a legilimens. “She is shy, so I’m sure it won’t be a problem, if nobody frightens her.”

Taking a deep breath, Dumbledore pushed back a strand of auburn hair before saying, “I can remember that I have read about you being a parselmouth at the test.”

“Yes,” agreed Harry still not letting his eyes stray. “But not by blood. Of that I’m sure. And I would in no way want harm done to anybody.”

Well, except for Umbridge. That bitch could get hit by a crucio for all he cared, thought Harry as his fingers caressed the scar on the back of his hand.

Swallowing, Dumbledore’s gaze settled on the tightly curled snake. At that moment she did not seem imposing at all, nonetheless dangerous.

He heard the older let out a sigh before muttering, “All right…”

Harry let the smile graze his face, not even trying to hold back. “Thank you so much, sir.”

“But,” Dumbledore said with a stern expression, halting Harry’s joyous fiddling hands -he really needed to stop doing that. “You will promise to take responsibility if any student comes to harm. You will keep it under control and try to keep it hidden.”

Harry nodded, “Yes -yes, of course.”

“Good,” sighed Dumbledore. “I will pay then.”

He turned and left Harry with Ornella. The snake had raised her head again, “What did he say? ”

“Did you not listen?”, asked Harry. He had always wondered, whether snakes could hear them.

Ornella shook her head. “No. I do not have ears. ”

Harry furrowed his eyebrows. Really? He had never noticed. “Then how can you hear me? ”

She lowered her head back onto her tail and hissed, “How can I talk? How can you talk? How can we understand each other? Magic, I guess. ”

Harry hummed. “How old are you anyway? ”

“About two years? ”, hissed Ornella, even if she sounded a bit unsure.

“Quite old then. ”, assumed Harry.

She lifted her head and tail as if offended and hissed, “Quite old? I am young. I have heard of snakes who have lived up to 30 years with their wizard.”

Harry lifted his brows in surprise. “Thirty years?”

“Yes. The big human always coming around and feeding me says that it has something to do with the magical bond. ”

Cool. He had just learned more from a snake than in his six years at Hogwarts. Hermoine would be proud.

Just then Harry heard footsteps coming their way and turned his head only to see Dumbledore and a slightly bulkier man come their way. The man smiled at him and said, “Was about time, someone take this beaty. My name’s Jequine Scourge by the way.”

Harry nodded at the man and introduced himself, “Harry Lillien Evans.”

Jequine hummed and pulled out his wand muttering a word, before the cage Ornella was in glowed yellow. He turned towards Dumbledore and harry and asked, “With or without the tank?”

Harry considered this, “Would it be possible to shrink the tank?”

“’course.”, answered Jequine and turned back towards the tank. ”But you’d wanna get her out before ‘at.”

“Yes, yes,” said Harry and slowly put his hand into the tank. Ornella lifted her head and flicked her tongue at his hand, which slightly tickled with the touch. As she moved to climb up his arm and under his sleeve, he heard her hissing, “You taste very nice, Harry.”

He smiled down at his arm, as he felt her settle against his forearm. Meanwhile, the tank had been shrunken and stored inside his trunk. “Well,” spoke Dumbledore. “Let’s head back to Hogwarts then. We still have something to do before going to dinner.”

Harry nodded and bid Jequine goodbye before walking back towards the Floo, Dumbledore being the one to carry his trunk. Harry thanked him a few times as they approached the Floo connections. Before stepping into the fireplace he hissed, “This will be a bit uncomfortable, Ornella. ”

He felt her stir against his arm but not saying anything. Grabbing a bit of Floo powder he said, “Headmaster’s office. Hogwarts.”

Once again the feeling of being squeezed into a tube and unable to take a breath, he hoped that it wasn’t this bad for Ornella; though, he really doubted that.

As they landed in the office, Harry stumbled out of the fireplace while breathing in deeply. As his dizziness subsided, he felt Ornella moving against his arms and hissing; at times there would be coherent words such as, “Don’t like. Dislike. Never again. ”

Harry would like to agree, but since he had already felt a worse way of travel -apparition; god knows why some people do that willingly- it wasn’t that much aversion anymore. He smoothed a finger over the fabric of his sleeve where he thought Ornella would be.

The announcement of Dumbledore’s arrival, was once again indicated by a thud and rushing wind. He brushed the soot of his clothes and turned to the former professor who was still holding his trunk.

“Since Armando will arrive shortly, I will let you know how we have planned your further stay,” announced Dumbledore and walked over towards the desk to take a seat, Harry quickly followed and sat down on the chair next to him.

“You will be sorted here, then we will have a prefect called, who will then take you to your house’s dormitory. You can decide whether or not you wish to attend dinner in the great hall today or not. Although we otherwise always ask that students take their meals in the Great Hall. You will select the subjects that you wish to take, while we wait for the prefect to arrive, as such you will receive your time table at breakfast tomorrow. Is that all right?”

Harry nodded. He doubted that there would be a reason to get sorted again, but he knew, that he could not  assign himself a house as such. The door to the office opened and headmaster Dippet entered. He regarded them with a smile, “All went well, I hope?”

“Splendid, yes.”, informed Dumbledore. “May I introduce Harry Lillien Evans.”

Harry smiled awkwardly and felt his cheeks heating up. Dippet on the other hand enjoyed the information very much as he quickly said, “Evans? What a wonderful name, indeed. It is probably your mother’s name than?”

Harry nodded, toying with the hem of his sleeves -Ornella’s weight against his arm a reassuring one as well as the softly hissed words, “Don’t worry, little Harry. I am here. No need to worry. ”- and responded, “Yeah…”

“Wonderful, wonderful.”, he looked over at Dumbledore. “I guess you have already been informed then? Good, let’s get the hat, you may stay seated, Mr. Evans.”

 And thus he waited until the familiar weight of the sorting hat was placed atop his head, somehow, even though having grown quite much, the had was still big enough to cover his eyes.

‘Oh my,’ the voice of the hat sounded inside his head. ‘Have I already sorted you? Really, but I cannot remember.’

‘You know?’

‘Know? No, but I can see it. I can clearly see it in your mind. An interesting one, but I have already said so haven’t I?’

‘You have yes. So let’s just get this over with quickly.’

‘I can see the house you want to go in,’ stated the hat but it sounded reluctant. ‘But I am not so sure.’

‘Excuse me? I am definitely a Gryffindor.’

‘Or so you have been told, yes. You do have the courage, are quite daring enough. But you are also ambitious, are you not? A great leader, or well teacher. Cunning as well-’

‘No.’

‘But yes. You are loyal as well dedicated, though not patient. No you are quite hot-headed aren’t you? You learn and you will want to learn. You will have thirst for an answer almost impossible to achieve.’

‘That means no Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw.’

‘Highly unlikely, for now. Now that leaves us with Slytherin and Gryffindor. Difficult, yes. Impossible no.’

‘Care to fill me in?’

‘It is time I choose your house in the way I see fit. Last time I listened to your whim.’

‘You could just do so again, couldn’t you?’

‘I could, but I won’t. So, better be-’

“Slytherin.”

Harry felt the hat being lifted of his head as he sacked back against the chair. This would be a very interesting term even if Voldemort wasn’t here -oh, wait. No he was at Hogwarts, as Tom Riddle. And if he had the luck he was known for it would certainly mean, that he was probably attending Hogwarts now as well.

“A Gryffindor, yes?”, asked Dumbledore slightly bemused when he handed him a sheet of paper.

Harry took it, the list of the subjects, he huffed, “Well, it was a close call.”

Dumbledore hummed and turned to talk to Dippet whilst Harry filled out his chart.

Defence against Dark Arts (Advanced)

Potions (Advanced)

Transfiguration (Advanced)

Charms (Advanced)

Herbology

History of Magic

Care of Magical Creatures

Harry looked over his choices. He had decided that if he were to have anormal year, he would definitely note take either Divination nor Astronomy. He just hoped that he would get a better teacher than Binns in History of Magic.

About the same time he gave the chart back to Dumbledore, the door opened and a voice echoed, “You have called, headmaster?”

Yep. That was a sign, that he had the worst luck ever. Tom fucking Riddle was standing behind him and he couldn’t even let himself care enough to turn around.

Oh this will definitely be an interesting year. And Harry just couldn’t wait for it to begin.