Harry Potter and the Past That Never Was

RobertStorm

Story Summary:
Transported back to just before his eleventh birthday, Harry gets the chance to right the wrongs in his life. But, "knowing then, what you know now," isn't always all it's cracked up to be. Your best friends may not be your friend, your enemies may not be your enemy. Even the greatest enemy may be easily dispatched. But evil will remain as long as there is good. Harry discovers changing the past leaves the door open to a future that may be worse than he can imagine. Will our hero prevail?

Chapter 06 - Your Enemy's Enemy

Posted:
09/15/2006
Hits:
4,864


As he was told the night before, Harry was awakened early the next morning. Dumbledore told him they did not have to rush too much, but he should not lollygag in the shower for very long. They met in the Great Hall for breakfast where Dumbledore outlined his plans for the day.

"As I recall, I was supposed to pay a visit to Hermione Granger next week, to offer her a place at Hogwarts," said Dumbledore. "She was already quite aware she was a witch when I visited her the first time. In fact, she'd been to Diagon Alley but was frustrated when she wasn't able to get the goblins to exchange her Muggle money for Galleons."

"Why wouldn't they make the exchange for her?" Harry wanted to know.

"The goblins will not directly conduct business with anyone they do not know," said Dumbledore. "I will have to act as her agent in that matter."

"I was with Hagrid when I went the first time," said Harry. "That must be why I didn't have any difficulty."

"Very true, Harry," said Dumbledore. "Although she wasn't able to buy anything, she spent a good amount of time at Flourish and Blotts. She was able to read the book Hogwarts, a History nearly in its entirety in one afternoon." The headmaster chuckled as he related this story.

"Yes, she was full of information from reading that book," said Harry.

"Of course the moment she had Galleons, she purchased the book outright," said Dumbledore. "Back to my original thought however, given the circumstances I've decided to pay her that visit a week early. Today in fact."

"Why are you going early?" Harry wanted to know.

"To kill two birds with one stone. Not that I intend to actually kill any birds, but you're going to want to buy some of your supplies and will need to go to Gringotts," said Dumbledore. "I will take both of you there today, accomplishing two tasks at once."

"It's going to be strange seeing her as eleven years old again," said Harry, frowning. He knew the next time he saw Ginny she would only be ten. "It's going to take a lot of getting used to."

"And that is the other reason you are going to accompany me to meet Miss Granger," said Dumbledore. "You are going to have to get used to seeing all of your classmates as they were six years ago. Not only that, you will need to know what you can and can not say in front of them."

"Yes," said Harry. "I let a couple of things slip out last night."

"Yes you did," said Dumbledore. "Fortunately no harm could be done as everyone here last night were told of your secret."

"So today I have to practice," said Harry. "I get it." Dumbledore smiled and began reading his copy of the Daily Prophet. There were pictures of Pettigrew, and Sirius on the cover. The headline read, "Pettigrew found alive: Black cleared of all charges."

They did not speak much more while they ate breakfast, as Dumbledore seemed to be quite interested in the newspaper.

"Oh dear," said Dumbledore. "It seems Peter Pettigrew has been given the Dementor's Kiss."

"I can't say I'm unhappy about that," said Harry. "After what he did."

After they finished eating, Dumbledore led Harry back to his office where they would take a portkey to the neighborhood where Hermione lived. Dumbledore flicked his wand and was suddenly dressed in a Muggle business suit, complete with three-corner hat.

"When in Rome, Harry," said Dumbledore as he placed the hat on his head. "How do I look?"

"Except for your hair being down to your waist," said Harry, unable to suppress a laugh, "you look just like a Muggle businessman."

Dumbledore pointed to a newspaper sitting on his desk. "This is our portkey, on the count of three, grab it."

Harry did as he was told, and soon found he was in a deserted alleyway. Dumbledore was already moving before Harry could get his bearings. They moved out of the alley and into what looked to be an upscale neighborhood. This stood to reason as both Hermione's parents were dentists.

"This way, if I recall," said Dumbledore. As they walked down the street together, Harry noticed although a few people were out on their lawn, no one seemed to be paying them any mind. Harry found this a bit strange as you don't see many men in business suits having hair as long as Dumbledore's. Harry was about to ask about this, but they were turning up a walk and were soon in front of a door.

Dumbledore rang the bell and soon a young girl's voice called out, "I've got it." A moment later, the door opened, and there stood the eleven-year-old Hermione Granger. She looked first at Dumbledore, then at Harry, then back to Dumbledore. She had a darkened, somewhat haunted expression on her face.

"Professor Dumbledore," she whispered. "Why are you here, now? You're a week early." Harry thought this was a very strange comment for Hermione to make. He did not recall Dumbledore saying anything about making an appointment.

"So I am," said Dumbledore, as if there were nothing at all out of the ordinary about her comment. Harry wondered if they met before, and Dumbledore told her when he would visit. However, something in Hermione's expression told him no such arrangements had been made.

"You already know, then," said Hermione, leaning closer to the headmaster. "You too?" She looked at Harry.

Only then did Harry understand what Hermione was on about. "Are you seventeen?" Harry asked her. Hermione hesitated, and then nodded slightly. Both looked at Dumbledore for the explanation to this. The headmaster's face remained passive as ever.

"Why don't you invite us inside," suggested Dumbledore. "I shouldn't like to linger overlong on your doorstep."

"Oh, yes, come in," said Hermione, backing away from the door.

"I awoke yesterday morning feeling weird," said Hermione. "All of a sudden I started remembering things from the future."

"I was sent back in time by a time spell Professor Snape invented," said Harry.

"There was a slight chance a second person would return to the past with you," said Dumbledore. "I admit I did not know it would be Miss Granger. I thought it would have been Ronald Weasley, if anyone."

"Why would it have been Ron?" Harry wanted to know.

"According to Severus, the one with the strongest bond to you had a chance of being caught in the spell effects," said Dumbledore. "We assumed it would have been Ronald Weasley."

"So this was meant to happen?" asked Hermione.

Dumbledore explained to her the spell used to return Harry to the past. He told her of implanting his and Snape's memories inside Harry's mind, and of what they intended to do with the information returned from the future.

"Professor Snape really is on our side, then?" asked Hermione.

"Oh yes," said Dumbledore. "Regardless of how certain things may look, Severus is on our side."

"It's a good thing," said Hermione. "Inventing that sort of spell, I'd hate to know what that spell could be used for on Voldemort's side."

"That very thought has occurred to me on many occasions," said Dumbledore. "But I'm confident I can rely upon Severus."

Harry was already beginning to notice the usual pattern, Dumbledore not telling him something in the beginning. Only to have it all explained to him after he had gotten the information through other means.

"So what do we do now?" asked Hermione.

"Fortunately, Harry contacted me as soon as he found it possible," said Dumbledore. "There are already several things in motion."

"I would have done as well," said Hermione. "But I have no connection to the Floo or an owl."

"Understandable," Dumbledore nodded. "However, let us proceed to the official purpose of this visit, to formally offer you a place at Hogwarts.

Harry watched as Dumbledore gave the Grangers very much the same speech that he had seen him give to Tom Riddle. Hermione's parents were already aware of their daughter's talents and were quite agreeable to Hermione attending Hogwarts.

"Splendid," said Dumbledore. He handed Hermione her letter, which contained all the necessary items for the school year. "If you would like, I was going to take young Mr. Potter to purchase his things, Hermione can come along as well."

"I think that would be fine," Mr. Granger said. "But you still don't have the correct currency."

"If I may," said Dumbledore, "the proprietors of the wizard bank cannot be approached by someone they do not know. I can act as her go between in that matter. It would also be advisable to set up an account there for any future transactions."

"That's a reasonable idea," said Mr. Granger. "Will they accept a cheque?"

"Yes, I believe they will," Dumbledore nodded. "The goblins do have dealings within the Muggle world," if Mr. and Mrs. Granger were shocked by some of the terms, they did not show it. Harry figured Hermione had her parents up to speed before the official visit from Dumbledore happened six years before.

"I'll leave that to you, Mr. Dumbledore," Mr. Granger said. "I'm sure Hermione will be happiest with others of her talents."

They chatted about nothing in particular for a few minutes before Dumbledore saw his way clear to leave. He explained to the Grangers the spell he was about to use and they should not be alarmed, it was how they traveled.

"If the two of you will take hold of each arm," Dumbledore held both arms out. A moment later, they were standing just outside of Gringotts bank.

"Right then." Dumbledore fished in his pockets and extracted a key, which he handed to Harry. "You will need this to access your vault." The three of them entered the Bank and approached the goblin Harry remembered as Ragnok.

"Good morning," said Dumbledore to the goblin.

"Headmaster," Ragnok nodded at him from his high desk. "A pleasure to see you."

"All mine, Ragnok, all mine," he said grandly. "I have with me, a Mr. Harry Potter who wishes to make a withdrawal, and a Miss Hermione Granger who wishes to open an account."

"Does Mister Harry Potter have his key?" The goblin looked down his long nose at Harry, trying to look fierce. Somehow, Harry suspected it was just a show. Harry held up the key to show him.

"Very well," said Ragnok, sitting back in his chair. "I'll have someone escort you. Also we have the requested accounting of your vault."

Then he looked down at Hermione. "If you will step over to that desk to your right, we can set up your account."

An hour later when they exited the bank, both Hermione and Harry carried small sacks of gold galleons. They looked around wondering where to go first.

"I would suggest Ollivanders," said Dumbledore. "I shall leave you two to your shopping as I have a bit of business with the goblins to complete."

Dumbledore left them alone and once again entered the bank.

"It never ceases to amaze me how powerful he is," said Hermione. "Or Professor Snape for that matter."

"I'm glad you're with me," Harry said. "Two of us will make things a lot easier."

They started walking in the direction of Ollivanders but Harry suddenly stopped as his scar began to tingle. He was ready when the attack came but it was not from either Snape, or Dumbledore.

"What's wrong, Harry?" Hermione looked at him, concerned.

"Someone is trying to get into my mind," said Harry, moments later identified the attacker as none other than Draco Malfoy. "What the...." he repelled the attack and started looking all around him, "Malfoy." They both started looking all about; Hermione spotted Draco leaning against a post just outside of Madame Malkin's shoppe, watching them.

"Harry," said Hermione, pointing at Draco, "there he is."

"Let's go," Harry said, grim faced as he began walking toward Malfoy who in turn began walking toward them. "What's he playing at?"

"Potter," he said in the grating voice Harry remembered quite well. "Granger."

"Malfoy," Harry said warily. Hermione for her part looked a little frightened.

"Potter, we have to talk," said Malfoy.

"And what would we have to talk about?" Harry wanted to know.

Draco told them in short order. "When I saw in this morning's Prophet they'd caught Pettigrew I knew it happened to you as well. I knew the first thing you'd want to do is get Black out of Azkaban."

"He was innocent," said Harry. It did not take a genius to know Malfoy just totally complicated matters. Just how much was unknown.

"I'm not saying I blame you," Malfoy admitted. "I'd probably do the same thing."

"You know," Harry said acidly, "I was in the Astronomy Tower the night Dumbledore got killed." If Malfoy seemed upset at that knowledge, he did not show it. He just looked at him blankly. "I saw everything."

"Under that cloak no doubt," said Malfoy. "Why didn't you do anything?"

"Dumbledore paralyzed me, which is how you were even able to disarm him," Harry said after a moment. "All I could do was watch."

"It doesn't surprise me really," said Malfoy. "I should have gotten there when you were right behind us afterward."

"Well," Harry said in a very nasty tone, "now that you've seen how wonderful your Death Eater pals are, do you still think you're on the right side?"

"No," Draco said immediately. "Not after what he made me do." Harry and Hermione exchanged a glance.

"I wish I knew we could trust you," said Harry. Hermione gave a slight nod. Malfoy studied him for a moment.

"Fair enough," he said. "I suppose from your point of view I can't be trusted."

"Harry," Hermione said slowly, "not that I excuse what he did, but you don't say no to Voldemort and live. You know that."

Harry had to admit to himself that was true. "I did," he said, however.

"Right," said Malfoy, "but he couldn't touch you until his rebirth in fourth year. And it's not as if he didn't try to kill you several times."

"Okay," said Harry. "Dumbledore did say he figured Voldemort expected you to be killed. And I saw you drop your wand before the others busted in." Draco nodded.

"Answer one question. Dumbledore offered you protection to come over to the Order. Were you about to accept?" Harry asked him.

"I was going to accept his offer, yes," Malfoy said. "It was that or spending my life licking his boots. And you don't want to know what happened to my mother."

"We heard she went missing," said Hermione.

"He went mental when he found out she got Snape to make the unbreakable vow, didn't he?" said Draco. "He killed her straight away, right in front of me."

"Something you didn't know," said Harry. "Snape was always going to kill him. The spell sending us back required a sacrifice."

"I believe him," Hermione said quickly. "He could have run right to his father as soon as he realized what happened."

"That's true," Harry agreed. "He didn't have to come to us either."

"You know," said Malfoy, "there's no need to talk about me as if I'm not here."

"Right," Harry still was not quite sure what to make of all this. "Have you told anyone else?"

"Are you barking?" Malfoy looked at him and laughed. "And give up this advantage? No way," Then he sobered. "How many people know?"

"The whole Order knows," Harry answered. "Why would you tell us, then?"

"Not now," Draco said in a whisper. "Here comes my old man."

"Making new friends, Draco?" The voice of Lucius Malfoy was just behind him. Harry jumped at the sound, and He and Hermione turned to face him. The Elder Malfoy regarded him with interest.

"Yes, Father," said Draco, "they're entering Hogwarts this term as well."

"Yes, this would be about the right time," he murmured, extending his hand to Harry. "Lucius Malfoy, Mr. Potter." Harry followed Draco's lead and played stupid.

"You... you know me Sir?" Harry said, accepting his hand.

"Know you?" He chuckled. "There isn't a wizard alive who doesn't know of Harry Potter." Then he did pretty much the same thing he had done when they had met just before his second year.

"Forgive me," he said as he brought his walking stick up to move Harry's hair aside, exposing his scar. "This scar is legend, Mr. Potter," said Lucius, "as is the wizard who gave it to you."

Harry had called Voldemort nothing but a murderer when they first met. He wondered what would happen if he were to react differently.

"It's confusing to be famous because someone tried to kill me," said Harry, frowning.

"No doubt," said Malfoy, "you're famous because you survived a killing curse that never fails."

If Harry had taken the time to think about it, he would have taken careful note of how the Death Eaters saw him.

"Being famous for being invulnerable is a quite different matter if you'd care to consider it," said Malfoy.

"Yes, Sir," Harry agreed. "It does sound better when you put it that way," Lucius smiled and turned to offer Hermione his hand.

"And who is this lovely young lady?" Malfoy asked charmingly.

"This is Hermione Granger, Father," said Draco.

"A pleasure to meet you, Miss Granger," said Lucius. "Are you by any chance related to the Hector Dagworth-Granger?"

"Distantly, I believe," Hermione said slowly, as if racking her brain.

"A fine family, you'll no doubt excel at potions," said Lucius, nodding. "And I assume you're both here collecting your school supplies?"

"Yes, Sir," Harry answered. "There's an awful lot to get though."

"Well, enjoy yourselves," he said. "I have a few things to take care of." He nodded to them as he continued on his way.

"Not bad at all you two," said Draco, letting out a long breath he seemed to have been holding. "It's a good thing you didn't tell him you're a MudBlo..." Both Harry and Hermione shot him a dirty look. "I mean a Muggle born. I wouldn't want to face him later."

"Why didn't you keep this to yourself, then?" asked Harry for a second time.

"I don't know, really," said Draco. "I suppose to help stop the Dark Lord from returning."

"You wouldn't be thinking of enhancing your position in the Wizarding world, would you?" asked Hermione, her eyebrows raised.

"Oh heavens no!" said Draco, over-dramatically. "I would never use something such as this to better my future. You must think I'm in Slytherin or something."

Hermione shot Harry a withering look, because he was laughing loudly at what Draco just said.

"And all this time I didn't think you had a sense of humor," said Harry, still laughing.

"Harry!" admonished Hermione. "That would be totally wrong."

"You need to lighten up, Granger," said Malfoy. "It's not as if this were something we planned, is it? Why not use it to our advantage?"

"But to change the past..." she started, and then let her voice trail off.

"Oh, I suppose that's exactly what we're doing."

"You would be well advised," said Dumbledore, who was suddenly standing right next to them, "to take care of where you have these sorts of conversations." He was not smiling at them; he was looking at Draco with a look of confusion on his face. "Come with me, all of you."

Dumbledore led them back into Gringotts where he asked Ragnok for the use of his office for a moment or two. Once inside the office, Dumbledore began to speak.

"I must confess, I did not foresee this happening," said Dumbledore. "As I explained earlier, there was a small chance one other person would return from future with you."

"If it helps, Professor," said Draco. "I've decided to throw in with you lot."

"It helps a great deal, Draco," said Dumbledore, inclining his head. "May I assume this is not an 'I've seen the error of my ways' revelation on your part?"

"No," said Draco. "But yes, I've seen how You-Know-You treats his followers. He even killed my mother for getting Professor Snape to make the Unbreakable Vow."

"Ah yes," said Dumbledore. "The only concern Voldemort has ever shown for his followers is how useful they are to him. Your insights will prove to be quite valuable, as well."

"I'll do what I can," said Draco.

"For now, you should all make the purchases you are here to make," said Dumbledore. "And take care you do not buy anything other than what is on your first year supplies list." He looked at Hermione over his spectacles; she looked stung by this directive. "If you want something other than first year texts, arrangements will made to get them for you."

Hermione frowned, but nodded her assent.

After they left Ollivanders clutching their wands, Harry looked at Hermione who still seemed to be less than happy.

"Look on the bright side," said Harry. "Since we're going to breeze through all our classes, you'll have loads of time to spend in the library."

"I don't think so," said Hermione. "Or haven't you figured out we're going to be weapons of war?"


Big thanks to Jayird for beta reading my chapters.