The Incident
Five years after the war, and Harry was finally feeling settled in his life. He was an Auror on his way to become Head Auror one day. He had a good life. He got to see his best friend Ron every day because they were partners. He also got to see Hermione often, as she worked at the Ministry making ways for muggleborns, house elves, werewolves, vampires, centaurs and the like. Many new laws were passed because of her diligent work. Ron and Hermione were married and they were trying for a baby. The three of them would have dinners together every Sunday night. Even the occasional one at the Burrow. Ginny and Harry were no longer together. They had split after Harry realized he preferred men, and Ginny wanted to focus on her career. They were still friends. Ginny played professional Quidditch for the Holly Harpies. She was also dating Luna Lovegood. Harry was happy for them. Harry tried dating, but nothing ever lasted. Harry also visited his godson Teddy as often as he could. Giving Andromeda breaks when she needed it. Harry worked hard. After finally tracking down and capturing the last of the death eaters, he relaxed more. They were all now residing in Azkaban Prison. There were still crimes being committed. There were still crazy or dark wizards who thought they could take on Harry and create havoc. There were still miscast spells and potions accidents. Harry dealt with it all. He like to take on different cases. He liked to keep his mind active, not getting bored by doing the same thing every day. He hated dealing with the monotonous paperwork, but did it anyway. It was a comfortable life. Harry wasn’t quite happy, but he was content. He felt like there was something missing, but wasn’t sure what it was. He was just glad for his friends, his job, and having a normal life for once.
That all changed Thursday November 6th, 2003.
Harry and Ron were called in on an emergency case. They had to investigate an explosion in Diagon Alley. Apparently an Apothecary was at the center of the explosion. The explosion didn’t seem to go much further out, luckily no other buildings were affected.
Harry and Ron aparated to the scene quickly. They nodded to each other. Each knowing what to do. They were trained well. There was rubble and smoke coming from the shop. The building was in shambles. They made quick work to scout out if there was a perpetrator in the area. They scoured the area and checked to see if there was an outside influence. It seemed that whatever happened, came from inside. They didn’t see any trails leading away from the crime. They entered the shop cautiously. They had to check for survivors. They found the clerk, unconscious. She seemed okay though.
“I will take her, you check the back.” Ron said.
Harry nodded and went into the back. He didn’t see anyone at first. He saw an exploded cauldron. He saw a small desk in the back, but didn’t find the owner. Then he heard crying. It was an odd sound. It sounded like a small child. Harry looked around, trying to find the source. As he walked around the small desk, he heard the crying louder, he peered underneath to find a small blond both taking shelter there. He crouched down in front of him.
“Hey, it’s okay. I’m Auror Potter. I’m here to help. Do you know where your mom or dad is?” Harry asked.
The child just shook his head, still crying.
“That’s alright. I can help you find them. Can you tell me your name and how you are?” Harry asked.
The blond boy looked up at him. “I’m not suppose to talk to strangers.” He said in a small voice.
“That’s right, but I’m an Auror. Auror’s help people. So it’s okay. I just want to get you home.” The boy didn’t respond. “That’s okay, are you hurt at all?”
“No.” He replied.
“Will you at least come with me so a healer can make sure you’re okay?” Harry asked.
The boy nodded. Harry extended his hand and the young boy took it. Harry aparated them to St. Mungo’s. Harry sent a quick patronus to Ron about finding the child. He knew Ron would inform Robards. He stayed with the boy while the healers checked him over. The child seemed to start to attach himself to Harry.
“He seems to be fine Auror Potter.” The healer said. “Has he said anything to you?”
“Not really.” Harry responded. “I found him at the back of the shop.”
The healer nodded. “Well, you can take him to social services for now, maybe he will open up more there.”
Harry nodded. They left the room and started down the hallway. “Oi mate,” Ron called out. “They said you were over here. Is this the child?”
“Yeah. I don’t know his name yet. He hasn’t said much.” Harry replied.
“That’s alright. I’m sure you can get him to open up. You are really good with Teddy after all.” He said.
“Thanks. We’re headed to the ministry to go to social services. Can you report to Robards? I will be there as soon as I can?”
“Of course.” Ron nodded. He aparated away.
Harry turned towards the small boy, “Would you like to come with me and we can find your parents?”
The boy nodded with tears in his eyes. He grabbed Harry’s hand. “Please don’t leave me.” He voiced.
“I promise not to leave you.” Harry replied. Harry aparated the both of them to the Ministry. They took the lift down to social services.
Harry told them about the explosion and finding the boy there. He mentioned that he would not talk.
“You have to tell us your name if we’re going to help you.” The social worker, Riley, said.
The little boy didn’t respond.
“It’s okay. I’m sure you want to go home. If you tell us your name then I can take you there.” Harry said.
“Father wouldn’t care if I came back.” The boy spat out. “I’m a constant disappointment to him. He hits me a lot.”
“What about your mother?” Harry asked. While the Riley gasped “Oh dear.”
“She just listens to father. He hits her too.” He said.
“Alright, well, we can keep him here for now. Send him to a safe house. If his parents are abusive anyway, we should start an inquiry into that. Auror Potter thank you for your help, we can take it from here.”
The boy froze next to Harry, tightening his grip on his hand. “No, don’t leave please Auror Potter.”
“Is that alright?” He asked Riley. He wanted to keep the child safe and if that was with him, so be it. He was going to track down his parents and punish them for ever harming such a beautiful and charming young child.
“Well, usually we don’t but he seems to have taken a liking to you. I guess I can look past it for now, as long as you fill out one of these forms.” As she handed one over to Harry. “It needs to be completed by end of business day today. Make sure it does.”
“I will. Thank you.” Harry replied. He looked at the form, along the top it read ‘Temporary Guardianship.’ He took the boy to the lift back to the Auror department. They made their way to Robards’ office. He knocked.
“Come in.” He heard through the door. He quickly entered along with the boy. Ron and Robards were in there talking about the case.
“What happened? Why is the kid still with you?” Ron asked.
“I promised not to leave him, and I intend to keep that promise.” Harry replied easily not letting go of his hand. “He’s going to stay with me until we know more. Robards, I will be working from home for now. Ron keep me informed of any new leads. Anything important I should know right now?”
Robards and Ron looked towards the boy, Harry seeing their looks stopped. “How about you tell me later?”
They both nodded. Harry took the boy to his office and filled out the form quickly. The boy seemed quiet and reserved. He was at least polite and didn’t make much fuss. That helped a lot. “Ready?” Harry asked after sending the completed form off to social services.
The boy nodded.
“Ever travelled by floo before?”
“Of course.” He replied.
Harry brought him to the nearest floo in the main corridor, grabbed some floo powder and called out “Potter Cottage.” Green flames erupted and they stepped out into a small warm den. Harry knelt down next to small boy.
“My name is Harry Potter, what is yours?” Harry asked.
“Really? Like the boy who lived?” the boy asked.
“Exactly.” Harry laughed. He showed him the lightning scar on his forhead.
The boy’s widened. “Not possible” he whispered.
“It is.” Harry replied.
“But- But am I in the future?” He asked.
“What do you mean by that?”
“Well, the boy who lived should be the same age as me.” The boy responded.
Harry’s eyes widened. “What year do you think it is?”
“1985.”
“Oh Merlin.” Harry tried to think fast. Was this boy from the past? Who was this child?
“What’s your name?” He tried again.
“Draco Malfoy. I am five years old.” Draco said.