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 07 - Things Will Never be the Same

Posted:
10/21/2006
Hits:
4,045


Harry was disappointed to find Hedwig was not for sale. Hagrid had given him the owl for his birthday so it was possible the owl was not there yet since his birthday was a month away. Hermione on the other hand, was able to purchase Crookshanks. When she originally bought the part Kneazle, she had been at the shop a long time. This owing to the fact no one wanted her. Lucius Malfoy found them inside Madame Malkins' and informed Draco it was time to be going. Before the Malfoys left together, Lucius suggested Draco could perhaps have his new friends over to Malfoy Manor before the school term started.

Seeing both of them laden with armfuls of supplies, Dumbledore waved his hand and sent their belongings to Hogwarts.

"I think it will be okay to keep your supplies at school," he smiled. "Since they're going to end up there eventually. We can use the fireplace inside the Leaky Cauldron to return to the castle," he said, leading them in that direction.

After they took the Floo back to Dumbledore's office, they were directed to have lunch and they would all have a little chat afterward. Inside the Great Hall, the lunch buffet was already in place. Harry filled a plate and sat down to begin eating, Hermione joined him shortly after. As Harry might have expected, Hermione had a lot to say.

"What did Dumbledore mean when he said several things have already been put into motion?" she asked.

"Well," said Harry between mouthfuls of food. "They're going to make sure Quirrell doesn't get anywhere near Hogwarts. And as you heard Malfoy say, I told them about Scabbers and got Sirius out of Azkaban."

"Oh yes," Harry went on, "Lupin is going to be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"He was a good teacher," Hermione agreed. "I hope he can keep the job longer than a year."

"Anyway," said Harry, "even being back in time like this, there's still a lot Dumbledore isn't telling me."

"Harry," admonished Hermione, "you know it's because of your link with Voldemort."

"That's another thing," Harry continued. "Snape was never trying to teach me Occlumency in fifth year. He said he was setting my mind up to have the Aetis Insisto cast on me. He taught me yesterday though."

"He taught you in one day?" asked Hermione

"In five minutes really," said Harry. "He actually told me exactly how to repel an attack. In addition, said I just have to practice. My scar tingles just before someone tries to enter my mind so it gives me time to block the intrusion." Hermione looked impressed.

"You know Dumbledore is never going to tell us everything he knows," Hermione told him.

"That much is obvious," said Harry, nodding. "But that's nothing new, no one but him knows everything he knows."

"No, you can't have all your eggs in one basket," Hermione agreed.

"Funny," said Harry, chuckling, "those are the exact words Snape used when he told me Dumbledore doesn't tell anyone everything. So it's not just me who's in the dark about some things, is it?"

"On the other hand you know some things no one else knows," Hermione countered. "The prophecy, and just about everything Dumbledore told you in those private lessons last year."

"You know those things too," said Harry. "And Snape has also heard the whole prophecy."

"Only because you told Ron and me," Hermione said. "That's not something Dumbledore was going to tell us."

"Hermione," Harry said levelly, "he said I could tell you everything. Until then I was told to keep certain things a secret."

"Even so," Hermione went on, "Dumbledore obviously trusts you more than anyone else."

"Except for perhaps Snape," Harry said. "But seeing as I'm the chosen one and all, he has to give me certain information."

"I think his trust is well founded," Hermione said after a couple of moments. "If he were going to turn on Dumbledore, you, I... or Malfoy would not be back."

"Malfoy," said Harry, dropping his silverware. "I don't know how, but we've got to think of some way to keep him from going to Voldemort."

"Don't you think Voldemort himself has already seen to that?" Hermione asked him. "And if he were going to go back to Voldemort he'd have done so straight away."

"Do you trust him?" Harry asked with raised eyebrows.

"Not fully, no," she admitted. "But he extended an olive branch and I can't see where we have any choice but to accept it at face value."

"We should at least keep him at arm's length anyway," Harry concluded.

"That's the absolute worse thing we can do," Hermione disagreed. "No let me finish Harry," she went on, as Harry was about to protest. "If we do that and he figures it out, he will go back to the other side. Bruise his ego too much and he's just as much of an enemy as he's always been."

"Do you have any ideas then?" Harry asked, seeing the logic in what she had to say on the topic.

"Yes, actually," said Hermione, nodding. "We start the D.A. in first year, and include some of the Slytherins."

"And teach first years what we already know?" Harry asked. "I don't think I want to do that."

"No," said Hermione, shaking her head, "we'll build an army of our allies."

"Right," Harry said, "exactly how are we going to build said army?"

"Easily," said Hermione with an exasperated sigh. "You heard Lucius Malfoy. Everyone knows who you are, Harry. People will flock to you, only this time you don't shy away from the attention, you let them in."

"Sort of like what the Ministry wanted to do with me last year, make me a poster boy?" asked Harry.

"I wouldn't put it exactly like that," answered Hermione, frowning. "But you're going to be a magnet for everyone looking for a cause. Even the Death Eaters believe you're someone to be reckoned with."

Harry knew that to be true. He certainly attracted a lot of attention whether he wanted it or not. Nevertheless, he was not at all sure he was up to letting himself act the big hero.

"The Slytherins aren't going to be flocking toward me," said Harry.

"They will if it's known Malfoy and you are friends," said Hermione. "You know how much influence he had over even some of the older students in Slytherin."

"Malfoy and I are friends?" Harry asked as if Hermione were crazy to suggest the idea. "You've obviously gone mad. Malfoy hates me just as much as I hate him. Not to mention you're probably his second least favorite person after me."

"Listen to me, Harry," said Hermione. "Malfoy hated you because you were always the center of attention. And to make it worse you shunned him in front of his friends in first year." Harry was watching her as if not comprehending what she was trying to tell him. "Don't you see, Harry? You were all Malfoy wanted to be."

"So we let him be the leader of our army to keep his ego from being crushed?" Harry asked.

"Not necessarily the leader, but we'll certainly keep him right in the thick of things," said Hermione. "The Slytherins will follow him because of his name. Don't look at me like that, you know it's true." Harry was indeed looking at her as if she were crazy. "The name of Malfoy carries a lot of weight in the Wizarding world."

"You'll never be able to get rid of all that pure blood superiority he believes," Harry reminded her. "You know what he thinks of you and can make your life miserable." At hearing this, Hermione only laughed and laughed loudly.

"Oh, Harry," she said, wiping a tear from her eye. "I can handle Malfoy just fine. And even with that pure blood mentality he's been brainwashed into believing, he's seen first hand what some people will do for the sake of keeping the line pure."

"You really think his experience as a Death Eater will cause him to change his ways?" Harry asked her.

"Not totally change his ways," Hermione admitted. "But he joined Voldemort under the constant threat of death. Fear is a great motivator."

"All right then," Harry said after thinking about what she had said. "I'll go along with your idea to see how it works out. But I'm telling you now, I'm not putting up with any crap from him."

Dumbledore and Snape were standing just beyond the door of the staff entrance to the Great Hall, listening to the conversation Harry and Hermione were having.

"It would seem, Headmaster," said Snape, "events are transpiring as you predicted."

"Indeed so, Severus," said Dumbledore. "It will be interesting to see if Miss Granger can be an effective buffer between Harry and Draco."

"Do you intend to tell them their return to this point in time was no accident at all?" Snape asked him.

"Not just yet," said Dumbledore. "I want to let them operate with as little interference from us as possible. We will give them information when they can use it to an immediate advantage. Although I must admit I underestimated Miss Granger's ability to firmly grasp the situation."

"If they are successful in forming their army of allies, it's going to change Hogwarts forever," said Snape.

"No, it will not be the same," said Dumbledore. "But that is exactly what I want to see happen."

After they had eaten lunch, Dumbledore and Snape joined them in the Great Hall. The four of them were in the midst of a conversation concerning the upcoming school year, and how they would integrate them with the other first years while also taking classes more suited for older students.

"I'd like to take some advanced history classes if that's possible," Hermione said hopefully.

"There's really no great hurry to pack too many advanced classes into what is already going to be an extremely busy schedule," said Dumbledore kindly. "You're already going to be six years ahead of everyone in your year. There will be plenty of time for advanced electives."

"But Professor," Hermione complained. "I don't understand why we should have to take classes we can pass without even attending."

"Miss Granger," Snape said with his usual smoothness. "While it is undoubtedly true you will have no trouble whatsoever in the first year classes, you must attend them if for no other reason than to avoid setting yourselves too far apart from the other students in your year."

"I would however have no objection if you were to have some of the more advanced textbooks for your own use," added Dumbledore. "I may even have one or two in my personal library you'll find quite enjoyable."

"That would be good," Hermione said, accepting the limitations. "Thank you, Professor."

"But I think we've done enough for today," said Dumbledore. "Professor Snape will escort you home, Miss Granger.

After Harry bade Hermione goodbye, Dumbledore took Harry once again to his office. "The Burrow has been prepared for your arrival, and the Weasley children have been told of the security measures. They are quite excited about having you live with them. Although I'm told the twins are less than ecstatic over the prospect of Auror presence."

"Have they been told anything yet?" asked Harry.

"They've not been told of your secret," said Dumbledore. "That will wait for a little while." He rummaged in an old cardboard box and took out what looked to be a mangy roller skate. He placed it on the desk and turned into a portkey.

As they had done earlier that morning, they took the portkey to their destination. Harry materialized a few feet from the Weasleys' broom shed. He thought he saw movement a little to his right, but when he turned to look there was no one there.

"The Aurors will of course remain as hidden as possible," said Dumbledore, who also noticed the movement. "This is of course, unless Molly insists on having them in for dinner at every opportunity." He chuckled and began to walk toward the house.

As they approached, one of the twins spotted them and called out, "They're here, Mum." Before he knew it, they were inside the Burrow, surrounded by all five kids, all staring at Harry. As he suspected, his heart sank when he saw Ginny for the first time. He knew she would only be ten, but actually seeing her at that age was a letdown of sorts.

"Good afternoon," said Dumbledore to the Weasleys. "It's good to find you all in good spirits."

"Hello, Albus," said Molly. "Arthur's still at work, but he should be on his way home at any moment." She glanced at her special clock, which now showed Arthur at work.

"Good afternoon, Molly," said Dumbledore, smiling. "I must say I've always been fascinated by this most extraordinary clock." He was running his fingers lightly over its nine hands. "Quite useless if you want to know the time, of course."

"One of Arthur's most handy inventions," agreed Molly. "And now we're going to need a tenth hand, won't we?" She turned and smiled at Harry. "Hello Harry, dear."

"Hi Mrs. Weasley," Harry smiled back at her. "Thank you for having me live here."

"It's our pleasure," she assured him. "And let's see, this is Percy." She gestured to the oldest who held out his hand.

"Hi, Percy," said Harry, shaking his hand.

"Those two are Fred and George," said Molly. The twins each bowed. "But you'll want to stay well clear of these two, terrible troublemakers, both of them."

"That's not true, Mum!" Fred protested.

"Yeah, we're not terrible at causing trouble," agreed George. Harry could only imagine the sort of pranks he would be subject to; no doubt, he would be a prime target for them.

"And that is Ron," said Molly. "You'll be staying in his room."

"Hi Ron," said Harry, a little disconcerted about seeing him at eleven.

"And Ginny," she gestured to her daughter.

"I'm the easiest one to recognize," Ginny pointed out.

"This isn't going to work, you know," said George.

"You're going to have to dye your hair red," added Fred.

"Or you'll never fit in around here," said George.

"If I ever see him with red hair, I will know exactly who to blame," warned Molly. "Dinner will be ready in a few minutes, you will stay won't you, Albus?"

"I would be delighted," said Dumbledore. "I can never turn down the chance to eat your cooking."

"Ron, why don't you show Harry to your room," said Molly.

"Okay, Mum," said Ron. "Come on, Harry."

Harry started to lift his trunk but the twins intervened. "We'll help with that, he's on the top floor."

With the twins carrying Harry's trunk between them, they traversed the staircases until they came to the door sporting the plaque that said 'Ronald's Room'. Ron opened the door as they were all engulfed by the attack of the bright orange of the Chudley Cannons, Ron's favorite Quidditch team.

"It's not much," said Ron. "But it's a place to sleep."

"I like it," said Harry. He well understood how Ron felt about never having nice things, or never having any gold. However Ron did not seem to grasp the fact this was a real home.

"Is it true you've been living with Muggles?" This question came from Percy, as all six of them crammed into Ron's room and were in the process of finding a place to sit on each of the two beds.

"Yes, my aunt and uncle," said Harry.

"Be careful of Dad," said George.

"He's obsessed with Muggles, you see," said Fred. "He'll want you tell him everything you know about them."

"Do you really have... the scar?" asked Ron is a hushed tone.

"Ron!" cried Ginny. "You have no tact at all... I ask you!"

"That's alright," said Harry, as he lifted his bangs out of the way, exposing the lightning shaped scar.

"Wicked," said Ron, awestruck. "Do you remember anything about You-Know-Who?"

"No," said Harry. "All I remember is flashes of green light, and my forehead hurting."

"He can't really be expected to remember," said Percy. "He was only a year old."

The evening passed with a nice dinner, Molly insisting on Harry having seconds and thirds of everything. Afterward, Ron and Harry played a game of chess. Harry was surprised to learn he had not learned enough about chess in the past six years to enable him to beat Ron at eleven. It was a close game, but Ron won out in the end with a brilliant queen sacrifice.

"Not bad, Harry," said Ginny, who watched the game. "That's about the best any one of us can do against him."

"Another game, mate?" asked Ron.

"Not tonight," said Molly from her chair next to the Wizard Wireless. "It's time all of you got to bed."

Harry slept pretty well, but was awaken once by a searing pain in his scar. He knew well enough to know it was Voldemort trying to get into his mind. With the Fidelius Charm Harry placed on his mind still there, the pain subsided quickly as Voldemort could find no mind to attack. Harry smiled in the dark as he turned over and promptly went back to sleep.

When Harry woke up the next morning, Ron was still snoring quite loudly in the bed next to him. He quietly got up and padded downstairs to find Molly in the kitchen, sitting at the table reading the Daily Prophet.

"Good morning, Harry dear," said Molly as she set the paper aside and stood up. "Sit down and I'll get you some breakfast."

"I really wouldn't want you to go to any extra trouble, Mrs. Weasley," said Harry. "I can wait until everyone else is awake."

"Don't be silly," said Molly, waving an arm toward him. "It's no trouble at all." She waved her wand as bacon, sausage and eggs flew across the room and into the pans in which they would cook. "There's also coffee if you'd like."

Harry helped himself to a steaming cup of coffee while Molly busied herself with breakfast. He glanced at the newspaper, seeing a picture of Peter Pettigrew on the front page. He could not see the headline, but he was almost sure the story involved more about his crimes.

"Before I forget," said Molly taking out a letter and giving it to Harry. "Bill dropped this off this morning, he said you forgot to take it yesterday."

Harry only vaguely remembered Dumbledore asking for a full accounting of his vault. He took the letter and began to open it.

"This is killing me," said Molly, dropping her cooking utensils. "I have to know... I have to know, does anything... anything terrible happen to us."

Harry did not want to tell her the full truth that yes, several awful things do happen to the Weasley family. However, he also did not want to lie to her.

"No, nothing terrible anyway," said Harry. "Fred and George open up a joke shop in my fifth year. But they do well with it."

"Those two and their jokes," said Molly. "In your fifth year you said? They should be in their seventh by then."

"Yes, they get out of school a bit early that year," said Harry. He was not lying, but nor was he telling the whole truth.

"More like dropped out, you mean," said Molly. "I don't know what to do about those two. Smart as whips, both of them, but not a scrap of ambition between them."

"Oh I don't know about that, Mrs. Weasley," said Harry. "They will do very well with their shop. Better than Zonko's."

"Still, I wish they would take their studies more seriously," said Molly, a wistful expression on her face.

"Percy becomes prefect in his fifth year, then head boy in seventh," said Harry.

"Oh, the Hogwarts letters haven't come yet," said Molly. "I'm happy to know at least someone in this family is serious about getting good grades."

"Ron will be a prefect too," said Harry.

"Poor Ronnie," said Molly. "Having all of those older brothers hasn't been easy for him." Harry was looking at the letter from Gringotts, his eyes nearly popped out of his head when he saw what was in his vault. The coins were listed in each denomination first, then a list two pages long with various items. Things such as jewels, a box of chocolate frog cards, as well as artifacts of various sorts. However, it was the amount of coins listed that made his eyes pop out.

Bronze Knuts: 24,007

Silver Sickles: 72,394

Gold Galleons: 636,125

"Are you alright, Harry?" asked Molly. She saw the way he was looking at his letter and was concerned.

"Oh, yes I'm fine," said Harry, folding the parchment and placing it back inside the envelope. "I've never known exactly what was in my vault before this."

"Yes," said Molly. "Your parents were quite well off." She smiled as she guided several sausages and eggs to his plate. "Tuck in, dear."

Just outside of the kitchen, Fred and George looked at each other in amazement as they turned and silently went back to the room.

"So, he can tell the future," said Fred.

"I don't think so," said George. "I think he's from the future."

"You know what this means, don't you?" asked Fred.

"Profit," said George, with a huge grin. "Loads of profit."


Big thanks to Jaybird for beta reading my chapters.