Troll in the Dungeon!

As he walked in, he noted that Madam Pomphrey was at her desk. She glanced up and saw she had a visitor and so made here way over. "Can I help you?" she asked.

Harry shrugged. "I wanted to see how the two students were that I sent to you last night."

Her eyes lit up. "You provided the initial healing?"

"Yes. Well, for the female prefect – Beltchley seemed okay other than being knocked out. I had to use a few spells plus phoenix tears to get her stable."

Poppy nodded. "And a good thing – without your intervention she might not have made it: Ms. Chambers is still alive thanks to you."

Harry shrugged again. "Just doing what I could. So her name is Chambers?"

"Melinda Chambers. She's the 6th year Slytherin Prefect and happens to be Mr. Beltchley's current paramour." She looked over to the two beds where the teenagers he had sent there were both talking with each other from their respective beds, pretty much oblivious to the rest of the world.

Harry grinned. "Can I say hello?"

"Certainly. They should be alright to release before dinner," Madam Pomphrey said.

"Okay." Harry made his way over. The two teens stopped talking when they saw they had a visitor. "Hello. How are you two today?" Harry casually conjured a chair and sat down between the two beds, but closer to the foot so as not to get between them.

"We're fine," Beltchley said. "Umm … who are you?"

Harry smiled. "I was the one who sent you to the infirmary last night. I showed up after the troll knocked you two out. I have to say – good job on keeping your housemates alive. If it wasn't for the idiot first years, you'd probably have eventually won. And my name is Harry Potter."

The girl was confused. "Harry Potter? Isn't he a first year?"

Harry nodded. "I'm a dimensional visitor. I show up when someone needs my help. I got there just in time to stop the troll from getting Malfoy and Nott."

"Thanks," Beltchley said. "When I saw them I had to try to get the troll distracted but got hit instead."

Harry replied, "Yeah. That's why I called them idiot first years: If they had done as you ordered, they wouldn't have been in the way. I forced Snape to punish them for putting you in danger."

Beltchley was curious. "What spell did you use to take out the troll?" None saw the Slytherin Head of House come in to the room or noticed the man listening in – Snape was good at hiding his presence.

Harry grinned. "Windgardium Leviosa."

The two Slytherins were shocked. "The levitation charm?" Beltchley asked.

"Yeah. Believe it not, I learned that from an eleven-year old Ron Weasely."

Melinda Chambers said, "You've got to be kidding us!"

"No. In the world I came from, Ron Weasley insulted Hermione Granger who ended up in a bathroom all day crying. When Quirrell came in, my alternate remembered that she was there and didn't know and so went to warn her – thinking it was safe. Instead, they found the troll – and accidently locked her in. So, being Gryffinords, they rushed in. Seeing the troll menacing their housemate, I – in a completely stupid move – jumped on the trolls back. Unfortunately, Hermione was too scared to move. So Ron did the only thing he could – he tried the spell he has just failed doing in class. And it worked – caught the club and when he let go of the spell, the troll was looking up in confusion – making a prime target. So that's what I did with your troll."

The girl was confused. "Mr. Potter?" she asked.

"Yes, Ms. Chambers?"

"Don't you … dislike Slytherins? That's what we've seen from the younger you … or it seems that way. Is that wrong?"

Harry chuckled. "I don't really dislike Slytherins – and my younger self doesn't either. Well – he does, but mostly because he was told they were evil and then Malfoy and Snape confirmed it for him. All he sees are Slytherins being bullies and he hates bullies – he grew up with one. It's kind of ironic, because Snape hates him because our father was a bit of a bully toward your Head of House when they were in school together. The cycle perpetuates – but to be honest, I couldn't care less. In my world, I became Lord of Slytherin by conquest as well as being Lord Gryffindor by primogeniture. In my dimensional travels, I've met Salazar Slytherin and I found I quite liked him."

The two were wide-eyed. "Really?" they asked in stereo.

"Yeah," Harry chuckled. "Salazar was a man of passion – he really wanted to see Hogwarts work. While it was true he was wary about Muggleborns, it wasn't really about Pureblood Supremacy – it was about security. He really didn't want to allow Muggles to know where the school was and every Muggleborn was a potential risk. This was before the school had Muggle-repelling charms. You have to remember that the average Muggle, unless they were of a noble house, lived in squalor and was quite illiterate. Quitel literally, living in the mud."

Harry nodded at the incredulous look. "Salazar thought newly found magic users needed some education before they should be allowed to come to Hogwarts. He didn't find their magical ability an affront – in fact he was quite keen on preserving all of whom he called 'our brothers and sisters in magic' in Great Britain. He just hated the unwashed masses. It didn't help that some overzealous religious nut incited a village against his family and his wife and child were lost. Salazar really didn't like the priests who spouted about how evil the witches and wizards were."

The two were confused. "That's not what we are taught."

Harry shrugged. "Well, I've met the man. I've visited Hogwarts before the students first started arriving. I can only tell you what I've seen."

"So where did the Pureblood supremacy start?"

Harry shrugged. "I think with his grandson from his second marriage. He was brought up with a sense of entitlement – didn't like that he was expected to treat newly discovered magic users, who – once again – often came from squalor, as equals. Back then, the Church and the Nobles held all power – and the magic users didn't get along with the Church. So they deferred to any nobles amongst themselves. It's a damn shame the whole trouble with the Church and witches was due to a mistranslation."

"Mistranslation?" the girl asked.

"Yes. In the original language – Ancient Hebrew – where the Bible says 'suffer not a witch' to live, it actually meant 'suffer not a poisoner' to live. But the word for poisoner and sorcerer are the same – only different in inflection and use. So when it was translated to Latin, it was translated as 'sorcerer' or 'witch' – the same word in Latin. And when that was translated into English, it became 'witch'. Thus the campaign against witches and wizards which necessitated the Statute of Secrecy. All because some fool screwed up 2000 years ago."

The two students looked at each other and back to their visitor. "That's a lot more interesting than what Binns talks about in History."

Harry sighed. "History is written by those with power. Always take it with a grain of salt. Even those Goblin rebellions – how much of that is the Ministry hiding the real reasons why they started fighting? It's better to learn to think for yourself and to investigate – not assume based on previous assumptions. Certainly previous knowledge helps – but just because your father might have been an ass, it doesn't make you one. Not that I know about whether you father is an ass – I'm just making a point."

The two nodded. "So as far as my local counterpart goes – investigate for yourself. Talk to him without making any assumptions beforehand and find out what he really thinks and why. Unfortunately, all the Gryffindors get taught 'Slytherins are evil' and then Snape assuming they are going to be idiot bullies based on what he experienced in school he so he treats them like scum. And that means that 'Slytherins are evil' becomes the gospel truth to the new Gryffindor. Like I said: A vicious cycle.

"But, anyway – I will be recommending you for a Special Service to the School for keeping your fellow students safe. I don't know if Dumbledore will go for it, but I'll also mention it to Lucius Malfoy, who's on the Board of Governors. You should receive some recognition for a job well done."

"Thank you," Bletchley murmured.

Chambers nodded in agreement. She then got a curious look. "What?" Harry asked.

"What did he look like?"

"Who?" Harry asked.

"Salazar Slytherin."

"Ah. I can show you." Harry conjured a pensieve. "I may have to translate for you – remember that they spoke Old English a thousand years ago." Harry dropped the memory in the bowl and tapped it. An image appeared above it. (Twists and Turns Part 5, Ch18 Stories of the Lone Traveler)

Harry sat back and said, "I understand your reasons now. I just wish that they hadn't been so corrupted by later generations and purebloods to push their own idea of how things should be."

Salazar nodded. As the consummate cunning strategist that he was, he began to consider how he might prevent the future that was described to him. "I must do something to prevent this. I must consult the others. Disagree we may, but none of us would accept the future that you have described. I do not hate those of mundane origin. I only wish to prevent our brothers and sisters in magic from being harmed by those that would do so for religious zeal or other emotional causes. We are lucky in that those that can read the religious texts which decry witches are often learned enough to see past the rhetoric used against us. Those that are easily led are not learned enough to read the texts themselves."

He nodded to himself. "Only our people, the wizards and witches of Britannia that are trained at Hogwarts are almost universally able to read. It is required in the school that we founded that rituals and spells and potions and elixirs all have to be explained in written form and able to be passed to the next generation. All of those that come to Hogwarts must give oath that they will consider the community of us that are magical their highest allegiance."

Salazar had stood and began to gesticulate as he paced and spoke. "It matters not if you come from the Land of the Scots or are descended from the Druids of Eire. Wessex and Northumberland might fight, but we, the Magicals of these lands, will come together in common purpose to learn all there is of magic. We ignore the fighting and the politics of the lands so that we may advance our craft and so make a better future for ourselves, for our progeny, for our brothers and sisters in Magic, for Magic herself. From now unto the sinking of these lands below the storm-tossed seas, Hogwarts shall endure! Hogwarts shall stand! Hogwarts shall triumph!"

Harry and Moody both cheered the man before them. It was becoming more and more obvious that history had distorted Slytherin and his positions. Harry finally stood and bowed. "Salazar Slytherin, Founder of Hogwarts, I most humbly apologize for my misgivings when I heard your name. It is not obvious that History has been distorted. I would ask that you return to Hogwarts and takes steps to prevent future generations from perverting the purposes that Hogwarts was founded with. Only by your participation and with your voice can such lies be prevented."

The two were wide-eyed. As was the hidden Potions Master. He had not expected to see a visual recording of his House's founder when he came to the infirmary. "Who was that man with you?"

Harry laughed. "Retired Master-Auror Alastor Moody. In that world, Moody was being scapegoated by the Minister and I decided to bring him along to find a better world for him. I found a world with its own Dark Lord problem which he could help train those that were going to do what was needed to destroy him. He was happy where I left him. Salazar was a stop on the way – Moody taught him the Muggle-repelling charms for the Hogwarts wards. Probably the reason we stopped there – more than the other thing I picked up there."

Harry retrieved the memory and vanished the pensieve, and then stood, vanishing the chair as well. "Anyway, I wanted to come and meet you and say hello."

"Thank you, Mr. Potter," Melinda answered, with Beltchley nodding in agreement.

Harry was about to travel, but then got a sudden grin. "While my counter has been taught to hate Slytherins and is really just following the pack, Ron Weasley is kind of a died-in-the-wool bigot against anything Slytherin. It's kind of unfortunate that he was our very first friend. But if Ron ever gives you trouble, look at him and say: 'I don't understand why you dislike Slytherins so much, considering your father's mother was a Slytherin.' See if that doesn't shut him up."

Harry had to rush to get to the Great Hall, and so he nodded and traveled … the Slytherins were awed.

Harry arrived to the Great Hall right around the same time as his local counterpart and friends were arriving. Madam Bones was already standing with Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall. She had two Aurors with her.

The Traveler looked at those waiting and said, "You know? I think my ability to travel is making me lazy. I need to walk more."

The people in the room just looked at him after that observation. Finally Madam Bones said, "And why was I requested to be here an hour before the Minister was requested?"

Harry raised his hand and said, "I'll be back in a moment."

Using his abilities, Harry quickly returned with a caged Scabbers.

Ron Weasley was angry. "Why do you have Scabbers?"aHarr

Harry looked at Ron and asked, "How long has this rat lived with your family?"

Ron thought about it. "Percy found him when he was five – least that's what I was told. He's been with us for as long as I remember."

Harry looked at the Professors. "Anyone see the problem?"

With a severe look, Professor McGonagall said, "Rats do not normally live that long. Is it a magical rat?"

Harry gave a small smile. "You could say that. Would you like to try the anigmagus detection charm?"

The adults eyes widened even as the first years were confused. Professor McGonagall sent a spell at the animal – it glowed blue. "I see. Do you know the identity of the person masquerading as a pet?"

Harry nodded. "Before I tell you, the fact that he's been hiding in a Pureblood house for 10 years as a rat should allow you to question him with Veritaserum. Right?"

Amelia Bones nodded. "That a wizard had been hiding around young boys is a red flag. I don't believe there would be any issue."

Harry replied, "Good. Then I give you Peter Pettigrew – marked Death Eater and the true secret keeper for the Potters and the reason why Harry is an orphan."

There were immediate cries of protest. Harry just calmly waited them out. "Protesting won't change the facts."

Amelia said, "But Sirius Black was convicted for betraying the Potters!"

Harry replied, "Not true. Sirius Black was thrown into Azkaban without trial." He turned to Dumbledore. "And the only reason I don't blame you, Headmaster, is that even if you were the Chief Warlock at the time, which I don't know if you were or not, I know you were not sitting in judgment over trials – you were running your school. Even if you performed the Fidelius Charm, you wouldn't necessarily remember who the secret keeper was due to the nature of the charm. So, for this single part of the travesty that ended up as the childhood of Harry Potter: I do not blame you at all."

Albus nodded gravely in thanks for that acknowledgement.

Amelia said, "We need to get Black a trial then."

Harry chuckled. "No. We need to get him questioned and cleared. I don't believe he'd object to Veritaserum."

Amelia looked at the time. "It will take at least six hours – there is no way to retrieve him faster."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Write the order for him to be retrieved – I will bring him back, get him a long overdue shower and have him ready by 5:00 right here."

Amelia replied, "I will have to send at least one of my Aurors with you."

"That's fine. I can take them with me. Make two copies – I will leave one at the cell door for the guard to find when they notice him missing. The other will show I've taken him legally."

Amelia quickly penned the order and the Headmaster signed as Chief Warlock. Harry took the arm of Kingley Shacklebolt and traveled …

Amelia looked at the empty spot. "Robards – call for two more Aurors to come with the Minister at 5:00."

The second Auror nodded and quickly withdrew.

Harry and Shacklbolt arrived in the cell which contained Sirius Black. Sirius was in his animagus form and there was a Dementor right outside of the cell. Harry quickly snapped off a non-verbal Stag Patronus – he didn't want to destroy the Dementor and his Mmmr probably could, especially if he sent it with immediate desire to attack that he had.

Nevertheless, the Great Stag causes the Dementor to screech before fleeing from the cell. Harry smirked in satisfaction. The dog in front of them shook itself and watched as though amazed. Harry could imagine Sirius' reaction, muted as they were in his animagus form, to seeing Prongs run off the Dementor that was trying to torment him.

"Okay, Padfoot. Change back to you human form. You're coming with us to get a trial – or at least to be questioned with Veritaserum."

The dog whirled around the voice – kind of slowly. The Grim looked quite skinny and weak. But very soon, Sirius Black was facing the two. "What … who …?"

Harry rolled his eyes. "God Padfoot you're a mess. I'm Harry Potter – your godson from a different dimension. We've caught Wormtail– you're going to get questioned. Any problems with that?"

Visibly gathering himself, Sirius replied in a scratchy voice, "No. I have no problem with that."

Sirius slowly walked over. Harry grabbed him and Shacklbolt and traveled …

They appeared in the Room of Requirement. Kreacher was there with Arcturus, who was just waking up.

"Hello, Arcturus. I've brought Sirius – who will be questioned in one hour with Veritaserum. Perhaps Kreacher could help get some broth for him as well as something to wear while I set up some cleaning facilities here?"

Arcturus looked at his Grandson. "Merlin, Sirius. You're a mess." He nodded. "Kreacher? Get him some clothes and some food. We leave this room for the Great Hall in 45 minutes."

Kreacher nodded and popped out. Harry concentrated and two showers appeared – one more private than the other. "Since you're technically still in custody, you'll have to deal with Shacklebolt watching you shower."

Sirius was totally confused. He didn't know why his Grandfather was there, nor where he was. He did see the showers appear and so he ignored the rest. He hadn't been clean in forever. He walked into the stall and, without even taking off his prison garb, turned on the water and let it run over his face, he eyes closed facing the showerhead.

Harry rolled his eyes and vanished Padfoot's clothes. "Use soap, you damn idiot!"

Sirius noticed he was now naked and, looking around, reached for the soap. Needless to say, he thoroughly enjoyed the next fifteen minutes.

Kreacher popped in during this time and had robes and some food. Harry watched and said, "Okay. Auror Shacklebolt will be keeping an eye out. I'm going to get the other guard we need when Wormtail is questioned."

Sirius was already feeling better. "Other guard?"

Harry grinned. "It's a surprise – I think you'll find it funny."

Sirius gave a weak laugh. "Funny is good."

Surprisingly, it only took Harry twenty minutes but he was soon back with three cages – carrying them awkwardly because he only had two hands.

Sirius looked at the animals. "Kneazles?"

"One Kneazle for the Auror department – to keep an eye on possible animagus prisoners: Peter's going to shit. One half-Kneazle which will help watch while he's at Hogwarts but is really a present for one of Harry's friends. And the last is an owl to take the place of the pet rat for the student who thought he had a pet instead of a criminal."

Sirius looked at them and said, "Damn. I wish I would have known. I would have paid for them."

Harry grinned. "Actually, I kind of used my access as a Black from my world to get the money. So you did pay for them."

Sirius barked a laugh – he was feeling much better. "Good! The idea of Kneazles torturing that traitor that framed me gives me a warm feeling."

Arcturus, who had quietly been eating, chimed in, "Finally! You're starting to think like a Black!"

Sirius gave his grandfather a sour look. "Why are you here?"

Arcturus replied calmly, while sipping his tea, "I'm here to see my Heir properly questioned. And I'm not at home because there are Gringotts curebreaking teams going through Grimmauld Place looking for Dark creatures, curses, and retrieving anything that is goblin-made. We're going to have to figure out a place to stay tonight, and maybe tomorrow night."

Sirius looked at his Grandfather with wide eyes. He then looked at Harry and asked, "Am I also in another dimension? I can't imagine my grandfather doing such a thing."

Harry chuckled. "Actually, it was quite easy to convince him. Maybe it wouldn't have worked when you were eleven, but Arcturus is not an idiot. Calm, rational arguments actually work with him. Can the 'them vs. me' when it comes to your family and you might be pleasantly surprised."

Sirius looked wildly between the smirking Harry and the calm Arcturus. He sat down heavily. "I don't know if I can take this."

Arcturus said, "Suck it up, Sirius. You're a Black! Start acting like one!"

"Like a bigot?" Sirius replied.

"No. Like your blood means a damn thing. Forget the whole pureblood/muggleborn issue and the Slytherin/Gryffindor feud. We're Blacks. We don't take shit from anyone. Even that damned Dark idiot which caused your brother's death and corrupted Bellatrix. We do what we want, when we want, where we want, and we don't give a damn what other people think or say." Arcturus was much stronger and more aware than he had been for quite a number of years.

Sirius was taken aback by his Grandfather's words. Put that way … he acknowledged his Head of House's position with a respectful nod. Arcturus nodded back in satisfaction.

Very soon, the group was making its way down to the Great Hall via the hallways rather than Harry's abilities.