Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

“Ahem, just a few more words now that we are all fed and watered. I have a few start-of-term notices to give you”

Harry looked up from his now empty plate and watched as Professor Dumbledore beamed at everyone, his eyes twinkling as he spread his arms wide and smiled.

“First I would like to welcome back Professor Quirrell who will be taking over as our Defense against the Darks Arts teacher.” The scared-looking professor in the odd turban stood nervously and did a funny little bow before quickly taking his seat again, doing his best to avoid looking at the potions professor who sat next to him, Harry didn’t blame him. The dour looking man seemed bent on sneering his way through life. “Secondly it is with great sadness I must announce that dear Professor Cuthbert Binns has decided to move on and is no longer here to teach. He has been replaced by our new History of Magic teacher, Professor Evans, whose wife will also be joining our staff. Madam Evans will be joining Madam Pomphrey in the hospital wing as our new healer and has asked I make sure all students know if they have any problems to please go to the hospital wing straight away.”

Professor Dumbledore motioned to a very young-looking couple who were nestled between Professor McGonagall and Hagrid that Harry hadn’t noticed before. Professor Evans was an average height man with brown hair that fell in slightly messy waves to his shoulders, he wore square glasses and smiled brightly at all the students as he stood up. Madam Evans stood beside her husband, an identical smile on her face, her bright blue eyes beaming at the crowd of students before they both sat down.

Harry couldn’t explain it, but for some reason he felt the opposite looking at them than he had looking at Professor Snape. Something about them made him feel comfortable, even when they both seemed to notice his staring and instead of giving him a stern look for not paying attention to the rest of the speech, they had both given him a small smile, Professor Evans even went so far as to wink at him.

Harry was so caught off guard he hadn’t even noticed when the speech had ended until he heard everyone burst into song around him, each person seemed to be carrying their own tune. Harry followed along with Ron singing a rather upbeat version of what seemed to be the school song and tried to find a way to ask what he had missed. He needn’t have worried as Percy was the one to mention something first.

“I’m rather surprised to hear about the third floor, you would have thought Professor Dumbledore would have at least told us prefects about it.”

“Oh, buck up Perc, the man just probably forgot how important you are.” One of the twins teased. “Yeah, it’s not every day he gets to work with the amazing Percy Weasley, prefect extraordinaire.” The other twin added.

Hermione Granger, who didn’t seem capable of staying out of any conversation sniffed at the teasing “Have they ever blocked off an entire section of the school before? I haven’t read about anything like it in my copy of Hogwarts; A History.”

Harry yawned widely as he stood up with the rest of the first years. Well, now he knew what he had missed.

“Not that I know of, though Hogwarts is extremely old can be a bit temperamental. For all we know the castle itself sealed off part of the third floor just because” Percy stood up “Come on first years, stick together.”

Harry stuck close to Ron as they tiredly trudged up the stairs to their dormitory, only half listening as Percy explained everything as they went. Even in his exhausted state he couldn’t help but look around wide-eyed at the massive, inviting space.

The common room had a massive fireplace that seemed to take up a large portion of one of the walls, tall, narrow windows provided just enough natural light to create a warm welcoming environment, add in the overstuffed armchairs and cozy, dark wood desks and chairs and the whole room screamed home.

For the first time in his life Harry Potter felt as if he truly belonged and as he settled into his large, fourposter bed complete with maroon duvet and fluffy pillows and he couldn’t help the smile on his face as he fell asleep.

The following morning Harry rushed down to the great hall, Ron close on his heels, both afraid they would miss breakfast when they almost ran directly into Madam Evans who smiled down at them both.

“Good morning boys, I was hoping to run into you, and it seems lady luck is on my side. Mr. Weasley you may go on ahead” she quickly stepped closer to Harry who felt his stomach drop slightly “And no need to run, the food isn’t going anywhere. Mr. Potter and I will only be a moment.” Harry gave Ron a pleading look as the other boy was gently pushed down the hall by the woman who turned and briskly set off down the hall. “Come along Mr. Potter.”

Harry’s shoulders slumped as he followed the rather intimidating woman down the hall, dread filling his stomach with each step. When she finally stopped and ushered him into the hospital ward he looked around in confusion.

“Umm... Ma’am… I have I done something wrong?”

Madon Evans turned with a frown “Of course not, I only wish to check up on you. I noticed last night that you seemed to be rubbing your forehead and wished to make sure you didn’t still have a headache or anything.”

Harry looked up at her, his eyebrows scrunched up slightly. He honestly had no idea what to say, no adult had ever really noticed those kinds of things before and he didn’t know if he should just brush it off or say something. Before he had decided on a course of action she had bustled him over to bed and sat him down.

“It was nothing ma’am. Honestly, I’m fine.”

She sat on the bed across from him and leveled him with a soft, but determined look “Your health is not nothing Mr. Potter. Do you suffer headaches often?”

Harry shrugged, uncomfortable with suddenly being the focus of someone’s attention, maybe if he just gave her what she wanted he could leave and still make it in time to eat something? “No ma’am, last night was the first time I ever felt that sort of pain.”

She nodded “In what way?”

He looked down, trying to make himself as small as possible “It was more like a sharp stab to my scar. Is that normal for scars to hurt years later?”

She clasped her hands in her lap and nodded “Depending on the type of scar, yes. Some are more like a phantom pain; others are actual echoes of the original curse that caused the scar.” She talked rather matter of fact voice and face seemed to lack the pity he had come to expect in his very limited time within the magical world.

Harry looked up, maybe he wasn’t such a freak after all if what she said was true, but that also meant he would feal that sharp pain again. He chewed his lip “So this could happen again?”

She looked him over, taking her time to answer him before nodding slowly “I believe it will, yes.” She got up and walked over to a tall cabinet and pulled out her wand, tapping front of it before opening it and pulling out a small, dark purple phial. “Pain like that, while normal, isn’t something you need to just endure.” She passed him the bottle “This is a pain potion, and one swallow will help lesson it. I am giving it to you only if you promise to let me know if it happens again and what you were doing when it does.”

Harry nodded and pocketed the potion “Thank you Madam Evans.”

She smiled and stood up as he double doors to the ward opened and her husband walked in “Ah there you are. I didn’t see you at the table and had wondered what happened.” He turned to Harry and smiled “I trust everything is alight Mr. Potter? Big day today.”

Harry gave the friendly man a tentative smile “Yes sir, thank you.”

The professor smiled “Off you go now.” He looked at his watch “If you hurry you should have plenty of time to eat something before classes start.”

Harry nodded and quickly turned to leave. The Evans’s seemed nice, but he wasn’t exactly keen with either of them taking too much of an interest in him. He hated the attention he was already receiving in the magical world and just wanted the chance to blend in for once.

In his muggle primary school, he had been to center of the bullying thanks to Dudley and his little gang. All the students had quickly turned against him in hopes of avoiding his cousin’s ire and all the teachers had ignored him for the most part, not wanting to have to listen to his aunt Petunia complaining. Coming into the magical world he had hoped for a fresh start, one in which he could make friends for once in his life and maybe actually do well in his classes without having to test low in order to not upstage his cousin.

If the whispers, stares and faculty members singling him out already was any indication he probably wouldn’t be getting what he wanted… again.

Sighing he quickly tried to find his way to the great hall just in time to shove a few sausages in his mouth and nod gratefully to Ron who passed him his new class schedule.

“Everything alright?” Ron asked as they tried to navigate the labyrinth of halls and stairs to their first class with the rest of the students in their year.

“Yeah, Madam Evans just wanted to check on me is all since I had a headache last night.”

Ron looked at him for a moment, “Did someone tell on you or something. Bet it was Percy.”

Harry shook his head “No, she just noticed it last night I think.”

Ron made a face as they turned down yet another hallway “Sounds like Mum. I could cough six floors up and I swear she would be on me with a potion within seconds.”

Harry grinned at the thought of the nice-looking woman he had seen with the Ron at the platform hunting her brood of children down with a menacing look and a small bottle in hand.

Ron rolled his eyes “Trust me, it gets annoying if you try to fake it to get out of doing something.”

Harry tried to imagine what that would be like. Having a mother who cared so much about his health that he couldn’t even fake an illness, instead of an aunt who just shoved him into his cupboard and locked him in until he wasn’t contagious anymore. Ron didn’t seem to notice his falling mood as they walked into their first ever class at Hogwarts and Harry left his dropped mood at the door ready to learn real magic.

Down in the hospital wing Mrs. Evans smiled at her husband and kissed his cheek. “I forgot how little we all were, especially you.”

Harry smiled at his wife and pulled on one of the curls that had escaped her bun “I forgot just how much hair you had.”

Hermione laughed and swatted his hand away “Get to class Harry.”

Harry grinned and dodged her hand “Oh merlin save me! She is already reverting to her former self.”

Hermione laughed and tossed a pillow from one of the beds at his head that he easily swatted away before quickly escaping out the door.

Shaking her head Hermione summoned the pillow back and sat down with a sigh, she really had forgotten just how small Harry had been when they had first come to Hogwarts. If everything went according to plan, they would not only successfully change their own lives but change the whole trajectory of the magical world. From experience Hermione knew life rarely ever went to plan, especially when Harry was involved.

Chapter Text

Harrys first week of classes had been… well, a mixture.

When he had first received his letter and gone to get his supplies, he had picked out the classes that seemed the most interesting and therefore the ones he had been most excited about. Transfiguration had seemed so fascinating when he had skimmed through the book. The ability to change an object completely was exactly what he had expected from magic. It was like what he had read in the school library, the very few times he had been able to sneak in without Dudley chasing after him. The books had described wizards changing people into toads or a desk into a dragon and he couldn’t wait to actually get to do those things.

On the first day of class, he was very disappointed. He had learned that Professor McGonagall was just as strict as all the other students had said, and that they wouldn’t be doing anything interesting until they were in their NEWT years (whatever that meant.) She had then launched into an hour-long lecture before handing them each a match and having them attempt to turn it into a needle. The only one who had even gotten close to fully transfiguring their match had been Hermione Granger the insufferable little know it all that didn’t seem capable of shutting up…. Harry mostly just ignored her, Ron couldn’t seem to stop complaining about her.

Astronomy had been something that had also fascinated him and while the late-night class had been fun, Harry had quickly learned he didn’t really have any sort of passion for studying the stars.

Charms on the other hand had been something he had looked forward to, any class where he got to actually use a wand, Harry just knew was going to be fun. And it was, somewhat.

Professor Flitwick was a tiny little wizard who was very easily excitable and had actually toppled over at the when he had gotten to Harry’s name while taking the register giving all the other students ample time to stare at him openly. He had attempted to scrunch as far down into his seat as humanly possible after that and had kept his head down for the rest of the lecture hour, only really perking at the end.

Herbology had been rather relaxing. Professor Sprout was a rosy cheeked woman who was quick to smile and had a rather relaxed temperament. She didn’t even pause, as others had, when taking the register and coming to Harry’s name, simply nodded as she did to each of the other students and moved right along.

At the Dursley’s he had often been pushed out into the garden to weed or mow the lawn and had always found it relaxing to be able to shut his mind off and get his hands dirty. It also helped that he had been so exhausted at the end of the day he been able to easily fall into a dreamless sleep.

Being able to now spend three hours a week in the greenhouse learning about all the different magical plants and how they were used seemed like the perfect way to escape some of the more annoying aspects of being in the castle.

While most teachers showed some form of subtle interest in Harry, the students lacked such tact. He had heard the whispers following him around in the halls. Watched them gape at him as he ate or sat in the common room and one more than one occasion been cornered by over eager peers hoping to get close to him. Each time he had been rescued by either Professor Evans or Madam Evans, who always seemed to be walking by when he needed an adult the most.

Professor Evans would simply interrupt whatever student had corned Harry and attempted to interrogate him and send the poor kid away before checking to make sure Harry was alright. He rarely stayed past that and never really talked much, though he was always friendly.

Madam Evans would shoo the offending parties away before all but dragging Harry into her office in the hospital wing and offering him little treats like homemade biscuits or sweets. She would then do a cursory examination and chat with him. It wasn’t much, just checking to make sure he was alright and asking about his classes and how he had been settling in, but it was nice. Ron wasn’t one to talk about classes unless it was to complain about them and Harry really hadn’t gotten close to any of his other dormmates, so it had felt good to be able to talk more openly for those few brief moments.

It was during one of those moments he had opened up about what had happened in his first potions lesson.

Potions had been one of the classes he had most looked forward to before setting foot inside the castle. His first impression of Professor Snape wasn’t wrong. The man didn’t just dislike Harry, he seemed to actually hate Harry and was dead set on embarrassing him the entire lesson.

“He took two points from me and then asked me all these questions I couldn’t answer and accused me of not even opening my textbooks. I did by the way. I read the first few chapters of each book when I had gotten back to the Dursley’s.” Harry grumbled around the chocolate biscuit he had currently in his mouth. “It’s not fair, I didn’t ask for this, but he acts like a strut around the castle and am happy my parent got killed by a crazy guy.”

Harry had gone to check on Neville before heading to supper and had been waylaid by Madom Evans as soon as he had made sure his dorm mate was alright. She had practically marched him into her office and sat him down asking if everything was alright. Normally he was good at keeping it all in and just moving on, it’s not like Snape was the first teacher to ever single him out for some made up reason, Madam Evans was just different. Harry felt comfortable around her in a way he had never really felt before, even Hagrid had made Harry a little awkward due to the way he talked sometimes about the headmaster. She was calm and patient and Harry felt like he could tell her anything.

She frowned slightly “That’s just awful, have you informed the headmaster?”

Harry shrugged and stuffed the rest of his biscuit in his mouth to avoid answering her question, earning him a soft sigh.

“It wouldn’t change anything, everyone says he is always awful and mean to everyone that isn’t in Slytherin.” Harry looked up and almost grinned at her pursed lips.

“Well, that isn’t right at all. All students should be treated equally regardless of house.”

Harry snorted “Slytherins are all bullies. Everyone I’ve met has been mean and snobbish.” He instantly regretted his words when she gave him a sharp, disapproving look.

“I will not have such bigoted talk in my office Mr. Potter. Those children are just spouting the same rhetoric their parents talk and they each have the ability to change and improve just as everyone else does.” She took a deep calming breath “I understand it’s hard to see Harry but the same reason you don’t like them; is the same reason they may not like you. I am sure you heard all sorts of nonsense before you even stepped foot inside Hogwarts and had a rather harsh opinion of some of the houses.” She nodded to herself when he broke eye contact and looked down guiltily. “I am not saying that you should start hugging them all becoming the best of friends, but you also shouldn’t just blindly listen to what your classmates might be saying.” She reached over and patted his hand gently “Form your own opinions and you might just someone else’s.”

Harry nodded, mulling over the words she had said when she got up and handing him her customary chocolate frog “Better hurry, I’m sure you don’t want to be late for supper.”

Harry pocketed the treat and gave her a small smile “Thank you Madam Evans. Do you think Neville will be okay to come with me?”

She gave him a bright smile “I just need to check his hands but I’m sure he will be.”

A few minutes later Harry walked next to Neville to the great hall, both boys, not really sure what to talk about.

“Thanks for coming to check on me. I know I’m a bit of a screw up…” Neville mumbled.

Harry paused and looked at the other boy. “Yor aren’t a screw up Neville. I think Snape purposefully intimidates us to knock off points. It’s not your fault.”

Neville looked down and blushed “Thanks.”

Harry gave the other boy an encouraging smile. “I’m going to go visit Hagrid after supper with Ron. Want to join?”

Neville looked a little unsure “Are you sure he won’t mind?”

Harry shook his head “Of course not!” he started walking more quickly, his stomach growling and didn’t realize until much later that Neville hadn’t been worried about Hagrid minding, but Ron…

V O L D E M O R T

Every single student stopped as they entered Professor Evans’s classroom and noticed what had been written on the board, just as they had done in every one of his classes so far. Unlike Hermione, Harry had never mastered the art of subtlety. Go for the shock factor was more his style.

The man himself was leaning against his desk, his robes hanging open, his hands stuffed in the pockets of his muggle trousers watching carefully as the students all filled in and sat down in complete silence. Noting the usual responses and paying attention to anything more out of the ordinary. The pure-bloods where all shocked, the half-blood all seemed weary and the muggle-born students all just seemed confused, not quite understand why people were so scared of a name.  

Unlike all the other classes History of Magic wasn’t divided up. His classroom was large enough to accommodate all the students in each year and since there was no practical element, he was easily able to manage them all at once. He taught each year twice a week and this was his first time teaching his younger self, which despite what Hermione said was just plain weird…

Standing up and pulled out a piece of parchment “Hello class, welcome to History of Magic. I need you all so stand please. In my classroom there will not be any house divides, you will sit in alphabetical order from now on starting. When I call your name please stand and move to the appropriate spot.” Unlike his older classes who had all had years to grow their animosity this one moved with quite grumbles instead of outright outrage. His younger self now sat between a young Hufflepuff named Sally-Anne and a Ravenclaw named Lisa. Hermione was wedged between a Ravenclaw and Slytherin and just as he had hoped Ron was sat between two Slytherins.

The time for house divides was over, and Harry was going to do everything he could to prevent the mistakes some of his former classmates had been forced into making.

He smiled “Now isn’t that better.” He walked around the classroom, the chalk moving of its own accord writing out the names of all know “Dark” witches and wizards within the last five hundred years. “Can anyone tell me what all these names mean?” It took years of practice to not chuckle when Hermione’s hand was predictable the first in the air. While he had found her over-eager know-it-allness annoying as a child, he found it rather endearing now.

He couldn’t wait to tease her once he got back to their quarters later tonight.

“Yes Miss Granger?” The girl practically jumped out of her seat in her haste to answer his question, breathlessly blurting it all out.

“They are all known dark wizards and witches.”

“Sadly, you are wrong Miss Granger.” He almost laughed as her face turned red with embarrassment and anger at being told something she had read in her books was wrong. “While they had been classified as such by your textbooks and other historical materials the classification is technically misleading.” He continued walking around the classroom, paying closer attention to the students he knew to be future little death-eaters. “A dark witch or wizard is simply someone who has a darker core. A person’s core has nothing to do with whether they are evil or anything but what aspects of magic they are more likely to have success in.” He watched Draco sit up more at that. “Someone with a light core is more likely to lean towards to healing arts. Potions, Herbology, Charms, someone with a dark core will more likely lean towards subjects like Defense, Divination and Transfiguration.”

He paused and moved to the front of the class “While it is true many of the people listed board had dark cores, plenty did not. A person’s core should never be their defining feature. Each of these people are just that, People. There is absolutely nothing special or unique about them besides the fact each and every one of them twisted and warped magic and used it to harm others. They took peoples often false ideologies and twisted them to suit their own needs.” He silently made the word Voldemort glow on the board, causing quite a few people to gasp, Ron even going so far as to jump slightly.

“Take Voldemort for example. A half-blood who used peoples pure-blood ideology in order to push his own agenda.” He watched as more than a few of the pure-bloods students looked at him with a mixture of confusion and shock.

Oops, he forgot that had been a lovely little secret of Tom’s… Oh well.

He continued his lecture for the next hour, finishing as he had with the other years assigning each student an essay to be written about one of the people he had listed. He already knew what he would get but he was hoping a few students would be able to actually surprise him.

Dismissing the class, he sat down and pretended to be busy while he waited. He always had at least one student who stayed back to ask him questions, he was not at all surprised to feel the presence of a student hovering in front of his desk, what he didn’t expect was this particular student.

“Mr. Malfoy, is there something you needed?” Harry noted the way the little pounce turned up his chin and fought to keep the bland expression on his face instead of rolling his eyes.

“I wanted to tell you are wrong. The Dark Lord was a pure-blood.”

Harry cocked an eyebrow and pulled out the same book he had used for each student who had tried to confront him thus far, a self-updating genealogy book that contained all the olde families that he had knicked from the Black family library. As far as he and Hermione knew it was the only one of its kind still in existence.

He opened the page to the Gaunt family and pointed to the very last entry:

Tom Marvalo Riddle (Voldemort)

Harry watched as Draco’s eyes widened when he noted just who Voldemort’s parents were before he turned abruptly and walked away without saying another word. Tucking the book back into the drawer of his desk and warding it he stood up and stretched. He needed some air and really wanted to see his wife.

Chapter Text

Two months earlier-

“Fuck” Harry cursed as they stumbled their way through the tunnel that led from Hogsmeade to Hogwarts, stubbing his toe, yet again. “Are you sure we can’t just use our wands?”

“Honestly Harry, how is it you still haven’t read Hogwarts: A History?” Hermione breathed exasperatedly behind him “The school is essentially put to sleep during the summer holidays since the only staff that stay year-round are Filch and Hagrid and neither of them can do magic, well Hagrid isn’t technically supposed to.” She added as an afterthought as they continued to feel their way through the tunnel.

“And we couldn’t just use torches because…?” Harry grumbled.

Hermione tried to take a deep breath and failed, years on the run and she was still out of shape... “Muggle electronics don’t work in highly magical areas, And yes, even the battery-operated ones. Any magic will set off the wards and alert Dumbledore” She rubbed a hand on the stitch forming in her side, trying to alleviate the tense muscle “Are you sure this is the best way Harry?”

Hary nodded, belatedly realizing she couldn’t see the movement “Yeah, I already contacted the school board with our qualifications and Malfoy wrote back and said they did not have positions available, and they unfortunately were legally bound not to do anything against Binns.” He felt behind him and took her hand once he found it, giving it a squeeze “It’s the best way love, besides you were the one who insisted we didn’t change certain events.”

Hermione squeezed his hand back and sighed “I know… I’m just worried if Voldemort doesn’t show up on the back of Quirrells head we will lose any advantage we might have to the timeline.” She was interrupted from continuing when Harry let out a triumphant whoop and let go of her hand.

She smiled and shook her head with his excitement at finding the door and pulled the map and cloak from her bag.

The light was nearly blinding after half an hour of stumbling around in the darkness and it took them both a few moments before they could properly see again.

“Anyone coming?”

Hermione looked and saw that Filch was on the fifth floor and Hagrid was on the ground “Coast is clear.” He turned and smiled back at her, excitement clear on his face, a look she hadn’t seen in a very long time.

They had hope for the first time in years and Hermione just prayed they weren’t about to bungle it all up.

Their plan was simple, but nothing ever seemed to turn out simple with them. They would sneak in, check. Then they would find Binns and use the potion and words they had found in the book they had used to go back in time to preform an exorcism of sorts and once it was discovered that he had “left of his own accord” the school board would reach out to Harry who just so happened to have a mastery in History of Magic and had just so happened to have reached out recently seeking employment. Once he secured the job offer, he would bring up that his wife also happened to be a certified healer and school this size aught to have at least two staff on hand in the hospital wing.

All wrapped up and tidy in a way that gave them easy access to their younger selves. Harry the youngers life would change for the better and so would young Hermione who had been bullied mercilessly, even after she had become friends with Harry. They had a whole notebook full of plans and back-up plans and merlin she really hoped this would work.

Harry once again took her hand and helped her out of the secret passage, and she smiled as the feeling of home wrapped around her.

“Come on, lets get the hard part over.” Harry threw the cloak over their shoulders, they didn’t want the portraits to blab about seeing them, and they set off for the History of Magic classroom.

It was eerie walking through the silent, empty corridors. The last time either of them had been to the castle had been during the final battle with Voldemort and that had ended in ruins, literally and figuratively. The years before that had just been loud with the typical noises of day-to-day life. If all worked out Harry hoped his younger self would get the chance to complete his education, mostly stress free.

Pausing they both peered into the open classroom door, mouths agape to see their old ghost professor in the middle of a lecture…. Seriously?

“I think we are doing him a favor, poor guy.” Harry mumbled as they silently slipped into the classroom.

‘It’s the middle of July… How does he not realize no one is here?” Hermione murmured back as she shoved her arm up to the elbow into her bag and riffled around until she pulled out the crystal phial full of black liquid. “The book said to just toss it on the ghost.”

Harry nodded and the stopped a foot away from Professor Binns “Alright, give it here.”

Hermione looked half offended “I can toss it you know.”

Harry half snorted half coughed trying to cover it up “Last week I asked you to toss me the paper and it ended up on the other side of the room.”

She huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. “I was distracted going over our plans.” He looked over at her and raised an eyebrow and her shoulders slumped in defeat “Fine, here.” She shoved the potion into his hand.

Harry tried not to laugh as he heard Hermione grumbling to herself as he inched closer to the ghost and uncorked the phial and took a deep breath. Here goes nothing he supposed.

Tossing the contents onto the old professor he jumped back as a loud, piercing scream echoed across the otherwise silent room. The ghost swelled in size before a pop sounded and he was gone in a cloud of smoke.

Both of them stood, open mouthed, glad to be hidden under the cloak when they heard a loud meow behind them, causing Hermione to jump slightly.

Taking her hand Harry turned them so they could make a quick exit. “Come on, Filtch will be here soon.”

Slipping into the hallway they turned the corner to head back in the direction of the statue that hid the passageway when they heard the familiar wheeze of the cantankerous caretaker and both held their breath. Ducking into one of the hidden alcoves behind a tapestry, more out of habit than anything else, Harry turned wide eyes to Hermione.

“I think we just preformed an exorcism…. Hermione, what exactly did that book say?”

Hermione bit her lip “All it said was it was a potion to release a spirit from this world… It said nothing about blowing it up.”

Harry slapped a hand over his mouth to stifle his laughter “Oh Merlin can nothing ever be straight forward?”

Hermione hid her face in his chest “I really hope we didn’t hurt him...”

Harry ran a hand down her hair, smoothing back the wayward curls, his other hand tapped her chin to get her to look up at him. “This was the best option love.”

She looked up at him and nodded “I know.”

His face turned from tender to mischievous as he gave her a crooked grin and waggled his eyebrows. “You know, we are in a hidden alcove.”

Hermione felt her face heat up “Really Harry? Now?”

Harry’s hand dug into her curls as he backed her against the wall and ducked his head to kiss her neck “Why not? I always wanted to do this.”

Hermione’s breath caught in her throat as his lips hit that spot at the juncture of her neck and shoulders that seemed to light her entire body on fire, his hand in her curls pulling just slightly and the other hand inched lower. “We really shouldn’t be doing be doing this…. I’m sure professor Dumbledore will be here soon.”

Harry pressed his hips against hers, kissing up her neck and along her jaw “That’s part of the fun love, the thrill of being caught. We can pretend to be students out past curfew.”

Hermione half moaned half chocked out a laugh “Harry Potter is this some sort of weird fantasy of yours?”

Harry grinned as he let go of her hair, quickly grabbed her arse and lifted her up so her legs could wrap around his hips and pressed her against the wall more fully. He pressed his forehead to hers and looked into her eyes. “Of course it is. I had this fantasy of you and I becoming prefects, having all that time alone in dark corridors. You would realize you were madly in love with me, and we would sneak off into hidden alcoves and empty classrooms.” He smiled when her eyes turned slightly misty. Years of experience had taught him the best type of fourplay for Hermione Granger was emotional intimacy, something he still struggled with after years with the Dursleys. But for her, he would do anything.

Hermione ran her hands into Harry’s hair before kissing him tenderly “I’m sorry it took us so long.”

Harry kissed her back, pressing his hips into hers so she could feel him though their clothes. “We got there in the end love, that’s all that matters.” Smiling, he made very quick work of pushing his trousers and pants down and infinitely grateful she had chosen to wear a skirt today so all he had to do was bunch it up and he had ready access. Slowly he inched his fingers along her inner thigh, taking his time as her eyes seemed to darken with her desire and her breath hitched. His fingers played with the band to her panties before slowly pushing in and just as he thought, soaked.

They didn’t have time for too much fooling around so he couldn’t really savor her reactions to his touches before pushing the thin cotton aside and pressing his lips to hers, stifling his moan when he removed his fingers and pushed into her. They could hear footsteps coming as he started to move, her hips following the rhythm he set. “You’ll have to be quiet love; can you do that for me?”

Hermione bite her lip, her head falling back as he moved inside her, his thumb rubbing her clit to match the quick pace. She could already feel the orgasm coming, the tingles in her back and the tightness in her lower stomach. Gripping his hair she pulled, forcing his lips back to hers as she felt him start to lose rhythm and they both came just as they heard Dumbledore and Filch walking by.

“What do you think happened Headmaster?” Filch wheezed, they both seemed to stop right outside his and Hermione’s hiding spot.

Dumbledore seemed to be taking his time answering “He must have decided to move on. There was magical residue, no evidence of foul play.” The footsteps started again “I will inform the board, we will need a new History of Magic professor, and at this late stage in the holidays it will be difficult.”

Once the footsteps passed both of them finally let themselves breathe. Harry muttered a cleaning charm and set Hermione down on her feet so he could tuck himself back into his pants and they could head back to the tunnel. Both had smiles on their faces.

In a small cottage they had purchased upon arrival Harry was just setting out the breakfast he had made when an owl flew in, a letter in hand that bore the official Hogwarts seal.

“Well, that was fast.” Hermione said, looking up from her many notebooks she had spread out.

Harry grinned and tossed the owl a piece of bacon, giving the beautiful creature a pet before popping open the seal “It’s from the board, they have suddenly found themselves in need of a history professor and would like to offer me the position.” He passed her the letter and she smiled, faze one of their master plan had been a success.

“I'll write them back and make sure to bring up your qualifications again. If I appeal to Malfoys desire to do anything for his kid, it shouldn’t be hard.”

Hermione hummed “You really think he will go for it?”

He nodded “The guy may be an arse, and I will never like him, but you got to admit, when it came to Draco’s safety and education the man had always been willing to throw his weight around.”

Hermione had to admit her had a point; no one could say the Malfoy’s didn’t love their son. The man had tried to have a hippogryph executed for Godrick’s sake. Their only failings as parents had been their blind devotion to Voldemort and hopefully, they could change that.

Two weeks later Edward and Rose Evans officially became staff members at Hogwarts, complete with a mixture of glammers and muggle hair dyes that obscured their feature just enough. Harry no longer had black hair that stuck up all over the place and bright green eyes. Instead, he had grown his hair out and dyed it a soft brown, his eyes they had changed to a light, pale green. He now looked more like his muggle grandfather than anyone.

Hermione dyed her hair a light, reddish blond and she used a potion to calm the curls so instead of the frizzy mess they usually were they now fell in soft ringlets down her back. Her eyes they had settled on a bright blue. Both had changed a few other little things, again resembling Harry’s muggle grandpaernts.

It’s not like anyone in the magical world would know what a couple of muggles had looked like. Right?

Chapter Text

Harry was excited, he was beyond excited. He was practically buzzing as they made their way to the open field they would be using to learn to fly!

When Hagrid had taken him to Diagon Alley He couldn’t believe his eyes when he had seen broom, actual brooms people flew around on. He had thought that was just some made up thing from children’s storybooks, not something people actually did!

And today he was going to get to fly, he would probably fall off straight off, that was if he was even able to get off the ground, but he didn’t care.

Following along with the rest of his classmates he couldn’t help but roll his eyes when he heard Hermione Granger whispering frantically to Neville, trying to give him extra pointers. They both seemed more nervous than excited with the prospect of flying. While Harry had learned to keep his mouth shut from his time with the Dursleys, Ron never seemed to have needed to learn that lesson.

“Will you shut up. Its not like you know anything more about flying than he does.”

Harry felt a small stab of guilt at the stricken look on her face before she sniffed and huffed, walking away from them.

“That was rude Ron, she was just trying to help.”

Ron gave him a flabbergasted look “She’s a muggleborn Harry, she’s never flown before. She is just spouting off crap from a book; you can’t learn to fly from a book.” He turned to Neville “Just don’t fall off mate.”

Neville wisely kept his mouth shut, not wanting to get into it with Ron over yet another thing.

The trip to Hagrid’s had been fine until they had seen that newspaper clipping talking about the breaking at Gringotts. They had all crowded around to read the article before being shooed out by Harid and told to leave it be, which Neville was all too happy to do.

Ron on the other hand had pestered Harry about what had been in the vault and if he had seen anything suspicious that day. All he remembered was a small package, nothing else seemed to stand out.

Neville had brought up the security measures and that it wasn’t someone they should even be wondering about. It had to be someone not only powerful but slightly deranged to attempt that sort of theft.

The ensuing argument had lasted only until Harry had gotten annoyed and told them both to just drop it. He had been curious and would have been tempted to investigate further but Neville had had some really good points.  

So, in the end they had all just let it drop.

His thoughts had drifted and he hadn’t realized just how far until he heard a sharp whistle.

“Hurry up, we haven’t all day. Each of you stand next to a broom and with your wand arm over your broom speak clearly and say up.” Madam Hooch barked. Everyone quickly rushed to get into position and do as she command.

Harry was rather pleased with himself when his broom instantly flew into his outstretched hand. Looking around he was even more pleased to notice Malfoy’s still lay on the ground, his pale face slowly growing redder and redder in embarrassment. Hermione’s broom just rolled over and Neville and Rons both jumped an inch before dropping back down. It took a few minutes of everyone yelling up before they finally all succeeded and it was time for the next part.

Up on the fourth floor Harry and Hermione watched their younger selves, small smiles on their faces.

“I forgot just how bad you are at flying love.” Harry teased, looking over at his wife who just rolled her eyes and huffed.

“I still maintain I was given a bum broom.” She sniffed.

Harry coughed to hide his snort and apparently failed when he noticed her eyes narrow slightly “Of course love, that had to be it.”

Hermione opened her mouth to speak, pausing when they heard footsteps “What are you two looking at?”

Professor McGonnagall came up behind them peering around to see what had their attention “Ah, the first years first flying lesson.” She moved to stand beside them “I do so like watching myself, good to see if there is any potential for a future quidditch player or two.”

Harry grinned at his old professor, thrilled he got to actually witness her reaction to his flying for the first time. “Did you play quidditch yourself professor?”

“Minerva please, we are colleagues despite the age difference.” She gave them both one of her very rare smiles “I played on the Gryffindor team of course, won the house cup three years in a row.”

Hermione smiled at just how smug McGonagall sounded, she always knew her former transfiguration teacher was a bit quidditch mad, but it was fun getting to hear the older women speak so fondly of it.

“Oh my, what is going on down there?”

All three sets of eyes turned to watch as Draco launched into the air, Harry following close behind on his own broom. They couldn’t hear what was being said, for obvious reasons, but both Harry and Hermione knew exactly what was going on. They watched as Draco taunted Harry before chucking Nevilles rememberall and watching as Harry dived to catch it, speeding for the ground before pulling up at the last second, a look of triumph on his face.

“Wow” Hermione breathed, letting out her breath. She had forgotten just how terrifying it had looked to watch Harry attempt something so stupid.

Hary on the other hand as grinning “The kids got talent.”

McGonagall grinned almost maniacally, her eyes bright as she turned “Oh just you wait Severus Snape. I’m about to wipe that smug smile off your face.”

Harry and Hermione burst into laughter as they watched her muttering to herself, hurrying away.

“I better get to the hospital wing to check on Neville.” Hermione leaned up and kissed him on the cheek before walking away.

Harry just smiled and turned back just in time to see Minerva dragging his younger self off the field and to go find Oliver Wood. While something hadn’t been great, quidditch had always been something Harry had loved and it was incredible that he got to witness himself flying for the first time, the nostalgia of the feeling of freedom filling him up as he made his way back to his classroom. He had lessons to plan a essays to grade.

Harry was just grateful Dumbledore had backed him up in regard to his teaching style, agreeing that fear of a name and a long-gone person would do nothing but harm their world. The headmaster had even run interference then the anger owls had started coming in.

“I can’t believe you’re doing this Harry! It’s not like either of you actually know any defensive of offensive spells, the most you can do is send sparks at each other.” Hermione whispered angrily as she followed the others trying in vain to get them to turn back. “You are getting to get in so much trouble and will lose us all so many points and might even get expelled!”

Ron turned on her, pushing into her space trying to intimidate her “No one invited you! Just go away and leave us alone.”

Hermione crossed her arms over her chest and stomped her foot, letting out an angry huff but followed them anyway “I can’t believe you are following them, Neville.”

“I can’t believe you haven’t woken the whole school with loud you lot have been.” Came a deep voice from behind them. Each of them stopped dead in their tracks, turning slowly to see that Professor Evans stood behind them, hands in his pockets and a casual air about him, as if he found a group of first year wondering around attempting to duel every other day.

It was almost comical watching their reactions. Neville gave a little squawk and almost tripped, poor kid, Ron groaned and shot Hermione a scathing look. Harry just slumped his shoulders in defeat and Hermione looked close to passing out.

Keeping his face straight he turned “Follow me.”

“This is all your fault.” Ron whispered at Hermione, hatred in his voice.

“My fault? I didn’t do anything. If you remember I tried to get you all to turn around and go to bed.” Hermione whispered back.

“Will you two just stop.” Harry cut them off. “Malfoy clearly set us up.”

They all followed Professor Evans into his classroom, the feeling of dread growing when they spotted Madams Evans standing in front of the desk in her nightrobe, arms crossed over her chest and a very disappointed look on her face. Harry’s mood improved only slightly when they saw Draco slumped in one of the desks with a sullen look on his face.

“Sit.”

Each of them quickly sat, watching in nervous anticipation as Professors Evans went to stand behind his wife, a slightly amused look on his face.

“What in the name of every founder of this school were you lot thinking?!” The woman started pacing and Harry felt a pang of guilt and dread in his stomach; He really liked the Evans’ and what if they decided he wasn’t worth it anymore after this. What if she decided he couldn’t go to her office anymore when he was having a hard day?

“Wizarding duels are highly dangerous and should never be attempted by children who haven’t even been taught a proper shield! Anything could have happened and you wouldn’t have had an adult there to help you. We haven’t even gotten into the part that it’s the middle of the night and you are all breaking curfews.” She whirled around and gave them each a long look “I am very disappointed in each of you. Mr. Malfoy, you know better than to try and get your fellow classmates into trouble. That was underhanded and immoral, and you will be serving detention every Saturday for the rest of the month with Hagrid. Maybe a bit of hard labor will do you a bit of good. You will also be writing a two foot essay on integrity.” She turned to Neville next who shrank down in his seat “Mr. Longbottom, I understand you got a little caught up in things and hadn’t intended to go along with their stupidity, and am very proud of how you wished to help and be there for your friends, but sometimes its even braver to speak up when you know they are wrong.” Her face softened slightly “You will be writing a three-foot essay on bravery and the various ways a person can show such attributes.”

She looked to Hermione and shook her head, lifting her hand to stop the girl from speaking “I understand what you were trying to do Miss Granger and I also understand you did it for the wrong reasons. You were far more concerned with lose of points than the safety of your fellow classmates. Yes, following the rules is very important, but sometimes rules need to be broken, you will be serving detention with Professor Evans for the next two weekends. You will also be writing an essay on the importance of independent thought and how it applies to this specific situation.”

She turned to Ron next, the boy looking defiantly up at her and Harry sank even lower in his chair knowing she was saving him for last.

“Mr. Weasley, you claim to be Mr. Potters but when it came down to it you let your own personal grudges get in the way of common sense. I understand you and Mr. Malfoy may never be friends but you will have to see and interact with each other every day for the next seven years and possibly longer depending on your career choices. I don’t care if you like each other, but you must at least be civil. You were the one who pushed Harry into a potentially very dangerous situation and that wasn’t right. I want an essay on friendship and exactly why Mr. Potter is your friend and what that truly means. You will also be joining Mr. Malfoy in detention with Hagrid.”

She turned and Harry gulped at just how disappointed she looked “I am very disappointed in you Mr. Potter. There was no reason for you to attempt such an act of stupidity. Your first thought should have been to go to an adult who could have acted as a mediating source in regard to your contention with Mr. Malfoy. It should not have been to fight him in a duel in the middle of the night. I understand your frustration and your desire to stand up for your friends and that is a very admiral trait, but you have people here who not only can but also want to help you.” She gave him a long look “Your essay will be on the importance of accepting help, and you will be serving detention with me in the hospital wing.”

Professor Evans stepped forward “Well I believe that covers it all. Mr. Malfoy, Ill take you back to your common room now.”

He moved forward and waited for Malfoy to slink after him, grumbling the entire way.

They had almost reached the Slytherin common room when Malfoy finally seemed to make up his mind about talking.

“I wrote to my father about what you said.”

Harry’s lip twitched as he fought back the smirk, hearing a young Draco talk about his father was just funny.

“I am aware, I’ve received quite a few owls from the man on the subject.” Harry watched the boy tilt up his chin slightly at that, the smugness clear on his face.

When Harry stopped so did Malfoy “Bit of advice Mr. Malfoy. Just because your father says the sky is pink, it doesn’t make it true. You are young, but old enough to learn to think for youselg to form your own opinions as opposed to just parroting that of your parents.”

He turned “Have a good evening Mr. Malfoy, try not to get caught sneaking around again.” He left the boy to think over his words. Maybe he was a lost cause but both him and Hermione had agreed to at least give him the opportunity to change.

Draco had lied to his own aunt about recognizing him at the manor when they had been…. Well, when it happened and his mother had flat out lied to Voldemort’s face about Harry being died. So, like Hermione had said, with the right encouragement maybe they could change and make better decisions.

Chapter Text

“She’s a nightmare, honestly.” Ron grumbled rather loudly “There was no need for her to correct me like that.”

Harry kept quite as Ron continued on his newest tirade, he was starting to get a little annoyed with Rons weird obsession with Hermione. It was getting kind of creepy how Ron never seemed to shut up about her, she couldn’t even seem to breathe properly around him.

Harry saw main of bushy hair brush past them, the sound of sniffles coming from her as she stormed away.

“I thank she heard you…” Harry mumbled.

Ron shrugged “Good, maybe she won’t be such a pain anymore.”

Harry shook his head, as soon as he could he was going to find either Professor Evans or Madam Evans and ask them what to do. Ron had been his first friend, and he felt he should have some sort of loyalty to him. But lately he didn’t like how negative Ron seemed about everyone else. He was always mean to Hermione, sure the girl was a bit annoying, but she wasn’t all that bad... Harry could understand her need to fit in. He felt the same drive; he just did it differently.

Then there was Neville. Harry really liked Neville. Sure, the boy was a bit clumsy and forgetful, but he was also funny and nice and genuinely didn’t give a crap about Harry’s past. He had never once brought up Harry’s parents or what had happened or asked to see his scar. Neville seemed more confused by Harry wanted to hang out than anything else.

Ron didn’t like the other boy tagging along and was never shy letting his feelings be known about that matter.

Harry turned and headed off for the hospital wing, waving Ron off when the boy tried to follow “I’ll meet you in the Great Hall for the feast, I just need to get something.”

Neville waited until Ron was gone to speak up “I’m going to go and try to find Hermione, see if she is alright.”

Harry nodded “Thanks Neville.”

Peeking into the Hospital Wing Harry sighed in relief to see the room empty, slipping in he went to the back and knocked on Madam Evans’s door.

He didn’t get any response.

He knocked again and the door next to hers opened and Madam Pomphrey peeked her head out “Did you need something dear? I’m afraid Madam Evans has already left for the feast.”

Harry shook his head “Oh no Ma’am, I just had a question.”

Madam Pomphrey gave him a warm smile “If you’re sure?” She waited for Harry’s nod before continuing “Then best get going. I heard Hagrid has gone all out with the pumpkins this year.”

Harry smiled back “I’ll just go than. Thank you.” He would just have to wait until after the feast to talk to her.

Hermione sat on one of the beds in the hospital wing, crying. She hated it at Hogwarts. She hadn’t meant to upset Ron… She had only wanted to help and now she was sitting in the hospital wing because she had been caught unawares by a troll. The only reason she wasn’t dead was because the teachers had found her just in time.

When she had found out she was a witch it had felt incredible. Knowing there was an explanation for the odd things she had been doing and that there was a whole world in which she could go and learn such incredible things. She couldn’t wait!

Learning that said world still had antiquated views and ideologies hadn’t been so great… But it definitely wouldn’t stop her though. She had been determined to read every book she could find and learn as much as she could, so she wasn’t too far behind everyone else.

It didn’t work of course. She was still the odd one, still the know-it-all that no one liked. Her parents had told her if she didn’t like it or felt comfortable, they would happily pull her out and she was seriously considering it when Madam Evans came over with a warm smile.

“How are you feeling dear?”

Hermione sniffled and shrugged her shoulders “Fine I guess.”

The kind woman did a few waves of her wand and nodded “Well, everything is all healed. Do you feel up to a few visitors?”

Hermione’s brow creased in confusion “I don’t have any visitors ma’am.” She dropped her head “No one likes me…”

She felt a warm hand on her shoulder and the bed dip “Do you know why the teachers were able to find you so quickly?”

Hermione kept her head down “Magic?”

A soft laugh answered her question “Friendship is a magic of sorts.” A hand tucked under her chin, gently lifting her head so Hermione had to look into the woman’s eyes. “The students were told to stay in their seats until the castle was declared safe. Harry refused and ran up to tell us that you were missing, and someone needed to go find you or he would.”

Hermione’s mouth opened but no words came out. It didn’t make sense. Harry didn’t like her anymore then Ron did. The only one who ever talked to her was Neville, but he was friendly to almost everyone. Hermione didn’t understand why he would be so outspoken about helping her.

“Would you like a little advice Hermione from one awkward girl to another?” she waited for Hermione to nod before continuing “People change, it’s only been a few weeks since you all started school. Just because you all started off on uneven footing doesn’t mean you will stay that way. Give it time and give them another chance, they might surprise you.”

With those words Madam Evans left and soon after Harry, Neville and very sheepish looking Ron came over. Harry gave her a big smile “Are you okay?”

Hermione nodded “It seems I have you to thank for that.”

Harry shrugged “They put us on lock down or I would have gone myself to get you.”

Hermione gave him a small smile, almost forgetting for a moment that there were other people in the room when Ron was pulled closer by Harry and Neville

After a bit of prodding the red head opened his hand and passed Hermione a chocolate frog card of Rowena Ravenclaw. “I’m sorry, for what I said. You just wanted to help, and I shouldn’t have been mean.”

Hermione fingered the card before looking up “Thank you Ron. I’m sorry I was so annoying about it. I shouldn’t have just corrected you like that.”

Ron just shrugged “S’alright.”

Harry grinned and sat down on her bed, Ron and Neville taking the bed next to her as they talked. Telling her all about the feast and finding out Neville had been caught earlier trying to find her by Snape and given detention for attempting to get into the girls’ bathroom. They also caught her up on their theories regarding the break-in at Gringotts and what Harry had seen when Hagrid had taken him.

Maybe Madam Evans was right. Maybe Hermione just needed to adjust to this world and allow others the same grace. It had only been a few weeks, and everything was still so new to a lot of them. Hopefully things would change and she could maybe make a few friends.

Smiling she gave her opinion on the whole matter, telling everyone she would look through the library as soon as she could. Happy when they had encouraged her instead of shooting it down.

The next day Minerva sat at the head table and watched the newly formed little group huddle over the edge of the Gryffindor talking in whispers. She was also watching Edward and Rose Evans keeping a close eye on the group, secret little smiles on their faces.

“I’m guessing you two have a little something to do with that?” she nodded her head to the new friends.”

Rose jumped slightly at being caught out and her eyes widened slightly, Edward grinned and leaned around her to talk with Minerva “Us Minerva? Interfere with the lives of our students? Never.”

She barely surpassed her snort and didn’t even bother to hide her eye roll “I’ve heard of your rather unique punishments. I have a feeling you are enjoying interfering quite a bit.”

She rather liked the new additions to the staff and had so far been quite impressed with their abilities, despite their young age. She had been even more impressed when she had heard exactly how they had dealt with Mr. Malfoy and was glad it hadn’t been her who had caught him skulking around the hallways at night attempting to get his fellow students in trouble. While it was always good to follow the rules, no one liked a tattletale who purposefully got others caught just for the fun of it.

Lucius had been the exact same way as a student and she had been dreading the day Draco walked the halls knowing the boy would be just as pompous, and she had been right. Though he had been keeping his head down the last few days.  

Looking over at the couple who had gone back to eating she felt that same niggling she had when they had first been introduced. Something had felt so familiar about them, and she had yet to put her finger on it. It was as if she had met them before yet couldn’t place exactly where, which made no sense since while they were both British neither had attended Hogwarts. They had even gotten their masteries elsewhere, so it really made no sense, that feeling she got each time she looked at them.

It didn’t really matter though; it would probably come to her one of these days.

Chapter Text

“Quirinus! Oh, I hope you don’t mind me calling you that.” Hermione grinned and sat close to the stuttering fool “I just can’t wait to watch the students flying around. Evan if my healer heart just wants to keep them all safe and sound on the ground.”

Behind her she heard Harry sitting far too close to Snape to be considered polite.

“Sev my man. You and I need to get a drink one of these days.”

It had been decided the best way to alter the Quidditch match debacle was to distract the idiot and well, the other idiot. That way Harry’s broom never gets cursed, and their younger selves never assume its Snape behind it.

Win-win.

Unfortunately. Hermione had drawn the short stick, literally. Harry had actually made them draw sticks, and now she was stuck with Quirrell… She had been hoping for Snape, she had really wanted to pick the man’s brain about certain potions.

Leaning into the trembling mans space she ignored the urge to gag at the smell and gave him a coy smile. “I would love to hear all about your adventures?” she scooted closer, feeling Harry’s gave on her as Quirrell tried to scoot away from her. She bit her lip and bated her eyes up at the man, ensuring her occlumency shields were up when they made eye contact.

The idiot cleared his throat and hastily looked behind them to where Harry was sitting nearly choking when her husband winked at him. Quirrell stumbled on his words for a few minutes, trying to inch away as she kept scooting closer and closer to him until he fell off the bench, the rest of the staff turning away from the pitch to look at him in confusion.

“Oh dear, Professor Quirrell, are you alright?” Dumbledor asked the trembling man.

“Probably drunk” She heard what sounded like

Hermione jumped up “Quirinus! You poor thing, here let me help you up”

Quirrell attempted to brush her off, but her grip was too firm on his arm. Smiling Hermione brushed him off, swiping his wand from his pocket easily and guiding him to sit down. “Maybe I ought to help you to the Hospital wing? Do a basic check?”

He had apparently reached the end of his patients because the mask slipped slightly and he looked at her “I’m fine. Leave me alone.”

She placed a hand over her heart and leaned in close “Careful Quirrell, you’re stutters slipping.”

Hermione fought back the urge to laugh as the mans face paled slightly and he jumped up, hurrying away. Turning to the other staff she looked around in confusion, the perfect picture of innocence. “Was it something I said?”

Minerva patted her shoulder “Don’t mind him, he has always been a bit of a loner.”

Hermione slumped slightly, fingering the man’s wand that now sat in her pocket. Even if he was a master at wandless magic he would need to at least be in close proximity to his wand to be able to curse younger Harry’s broom like he had in their past. She would just leave it for him to find in his classroom, or better yet she could personally give it to him.

It had been a lot of fun messing with him.

Harry watched his wife messing with quirrellmort and grinned. It was kind of hot watching her flirt with the man, knowing she was most likely pissing off Voldemort and scaring the crap out of Quirrell in the process.

He scooted closer to Snape and grinned “I heard the Hogs Head is a great place to go. We should head down one day, get to know each other a bit more.”

Snape sneered, refusing to look at Harry “No.”

Harry smiled “How about a night cap in my quarters, you can tell me all about going to school here.”

“Your wife is right in front of us Evans, wouldn’t she be angry to hear you shamelessly trying to get me into your room?”

Harry shook his head “Oh she won’t care. As long as she gets to watch.” He winked down at Quirrell who looked up at him in panic as Hermione practically climbed into his lap. The game must have been extremely exciting if no one had noticed what they were up to yet.

While it had been fun to watch himself fly and play quidditch, it was still a bit surreal at times and at the moment it felt… odd knowing just how different the games would be playing out. His memories would not be those of the other Harry Potter and that was a good thing. Even if he struggled more than he ever wanted to admit with the fact things could have been so different if someone, anyone had taken more of an interest in him, not just his fame.

Though now that didn’t matter. He had a dour potion master to mess with. It was really helping him work through some of his mixed emotions regarding the man.

He didn’t bother to hide his laughter as the other man blanched “Relax Severus, even if I did swing that way, you aren’t really my type.”

Snape shook his head “Very funny. I would appreciate though if you would turn your focus towards anyone else.”

Harry smiled “You’re the closest in age, why shouldn’t we get to know each other a bit?”

Severus ignored him, choosing to turn his attention towards the game, not even bothering to hide his contempt for younger Harry who was flying around, a massive grin on his face.

“I can’t believe they broke the rules for that boy. Just because he is famous.”

Harry shrugged “I read the rule book, first years can try out all they want, they just can’t have their own brooms.”

Snape’s sneer grew “Yet he is currently on his own broom.”

Harry shook his head “No he isn’t.”

He had been hoping Severus would bring it up just so he could shoot the man’s messed up opinions down. Minerva had actually wanted to get younger Harry his own broom, but he had purposefully brought up the rules and personally insisted they not break them just to get a first year a broom. His goal had been to make sure nest year Malfoy Sr couldn’t buy his sons’ way onto the Slytherin team. Harry was also hoping it would help ease a bit of the undue prejudice he had received from Snape.

Harry had loved his broom, but they had both agreed it would be better this way, and it would give them an excuse to take his younger self shopping to pick out his own broom during the summer.

Snape looked at him sharply “I have eyes Evans; I can clearly see that isn’t a school broom.”

Harry tried and failed to keep the smug smile from his face, “Very observant Sev, but I never said he was riding a school broom.” Hermione huffed and sat next to him.

“What are you two talking about?” She looked between them before gasping as young Harry made took a daring dive.

“Your husband is claiming the school didn’t give Potter special permission to have his own broom.”

Hermione didn’t take her eyes off the match as she answered almost absentmindedly “They didn’t, since the school brooms hardly work Edward offered to let Harry use his broom. Only during the games of course, we don’t want things to be unfair.” She jumped up as younger Harry reached his hand out, catching the snitch and ending the game, falling off his broom in the process. Turning, she gave Snape a sharp look. “Honestly, you are an adult Severus, not a child.” Leaving in a rush she went to make sure no permanent damage had been done to young Harry.

Older Harry faced Snape, all levity from his face “She’s right. I’ve heard quite a few students talking about your treatment of Potter. I don’t know nor do I care what your problem is but if you really can’t stand kids who ‘strut’ around the school and act like they own the place, I would think you would be harsher towards Malfoy.” He patted them man on the shoulder as he stood “Let me know about that drink.”

Half an hour later Madam Pomphrey had got sick of the crowd that had come to congratulate Harry on a good game and kicked everyone out. The room had gone from loud to silent in a matter of seconds, but he didn’t mind as he sank into the pillows and grinned.

He had played his first game of quidditch, and he had caught the snitch, winning the game for Gryffindor. So what if he had broken his arm in the process? He had discovered just how freeing it was to fly around so high up in the air. He loved it.

“That was quite the daring move Mr. Potter.” Madam Evans passed him a small cup full of a foul-smelling potion. “Drink it.”

He quickly downed it, choking slightly on the taste. “Can’t you just call me Harry ma’am?”

She smiled and fluffed up his pillows “If you wish.”

“How long do I have to stay in here?” He asked, sinking back into the pillows.

Checking her watch she waited a moment before answering “An hour should do it. Just need to make sure the bone set properly and no residual pain.” She sat in the chair next to him “Why the hurry?”

Harry quickly averted his eyes; he didn’t want to lie to her but also didn’t want her to stop his investigation into the stone. “I heard they might be throwing a party in the common room. I want to make sure I can go.”

She hummed slightly “So this would have nothing to do with all those books on famous wizards I saw Miss Granger walking around with?”

Harry looked at her quickly, “What books? She reads a lot you know.”

She snorted “I know, I’ve seen the poor girl struggling under her massive piles more than once.” She stood “I won’t pry, nor will I stop you if you promise to come to someone if you need help?” She gave him a stern look.

“I promise.” He looked at her face, actually meaning the words as he said them.

She gave him a soft smile, brushing back his hair tenderly “Thank you Harry, rest up now. I’ll let you get out of here soon.”

Harry smiled and lay back in the bed as she went to her office. His chest was feeling warm and fuzzy at the attention she was giving him. It felt good to be fussed over by her. He wondered if this was what it would feel like to have a mom. If so, he decided he liked it and would do everything he could not to disappoint her or Professor Evans who had taken him aside and offered the use of his own broom for practice and games.

Chapter Text

Harry and Ron walked down with Hermione and Neville to the front entry to say goodbye, both of them were leaving for the Holidays. Ron and his brothers were staying at the castle with Harry and a handful of other students. Harry, for once in his life, couldn’t wait for Christmas.

Hermione gave Harry a hug “I’ll ask my parents about Flamel when I get home. They both now all sorts of obscure historical information, I’m sure they can help.”

Harry hugged her back “Thanks, we will keep searching the library while you two are away.”

Neville smiled and helped Hermione with her bag “I’ll ask my Gran too.”

Ron stood back, still a bit unsure about the new friendships but not willing to say anything against either of the other two. “Thanks Nev.”

“Have a great Christmas!” Hermione grinned and looped her arm through Nevilles as they left.

Harry turned to Ron “So what now?”

Ron shrugged “Maybe my brothers will let us borrow their brooms? Or we can keep looking for he kitchens.”

Harry looked around at the hall, which normally seemed so full of people, yet was so quiet now and smiled. “Let’s explore!”

The rest of that day, plus the following few days leading up to Christmas Day were spent exploring every inch of the nearly empty castle. Him and Ron ended up finding the kitchens that first day and Harry met house elves for the first time. He wasn’t sure how he felt about the nice creatures being forced to serve everyone, despite what Ron said about them liking it. He knew firsthand what it was like to have to cook and clean for others and never have anyone thank him or pay him.

They had also found several secret passages, a few interesting rooms and had accidentally stumbled onto the forbidden corridor. Thankfully they had realized their mistake before any of the professors had found them.

Christmas Eve they had all sat around a small round table in the great hall, surrounded by Hagrid’s decorations and eating the best feast he had had so far. Besides the Weasley’s, six other students stayed behind and only seven staff members. The Evans’, Snape, Quirrell, Hagrid, Filch and Dumbledor sat with them, everyone relaxed and enjoying themselves.

Ron was unlucky enough to be sat by Snape while Harry got to enjoy sitting between Professor Evans and Hagrid. By the end of the feast, he had acquired a new wizards chess set, a book on magical practical jokes, and a small charmed paper dragon that would turn back into normal parchment in a week but was currently circling his bedside table sniffing around.

Overall, it had been a fun few days and even though he knew he wouldn’t wake up to any presents in the morning, just getting to relax and enjoy himself had been enough for Harry as he lay down and fell asleep.

Harry was walking down a hallway, the sound of laughter coming from the room in front of him. Slowly he opened the door and a massive tree stood before him, decorated with the most chaotic looking ornaments. Under the tree was a pile of presents wrapped up in red paper, golden ribbons tied around them in intricate bows. A fire burned bright and warm in the small fireplace, and an overstuffed chair was occupied by the Evans’ wearing cozy looking robes, steaming mugs in their hands. Both looked at him with bright smiles and when Madam Evans opened her mouth Harry woke with a start, his heart pounding as he sat up straight.

The early morning light streamed through his partially closed curtains, and he was glad to hear Rons snoring, giving him a moment to wipe the tears from his eyes quickly. He buried the dream and the wanting came with it down deep trying to forget the details. He didn’t want to waste his time hoping for something he could never have. Hearing a load snort he had roughly two seconds before a pillow was launched at him.

“Get up! Looks like we have presents.”

Harry ripped the curtains open and looked, mouth open at the small pile that sat at the foot of his bed. He had presents, he had never had any real presents before. The Dursleys had given him ‘gifts’ before but he didn’t really count the used sock or bent hanger as anything of any note.

Ron was already half way through his stack before Harry snapped out of his shock and gingerly picked up the first box, slowly peeling back the paper to reveal a lumpy, handmade sweater and a smaller box of fudge.

“Looks like mum knit you a sweater, you don’t have to wear it…” Ron mumbled ears turning pink “It’s only I wrote her when you mentioned how much your aunt and uncle didn’t want you to come back.”

Harry shook his head and quickly pulled the sweater over his head, surprised that it fit so well. “I love it. Thanks Ron.”

Ron shrugged in embarrassment “I’ll tell her you like it.”        

Harry smiled and slowly worked his way through the rest of his pile. He ended up getting a book about quidditch and a box of chocolate frogs from Hermione, a box of homemade candies from Neville and his grandmother, a photo album full of photos of his parents from Hagrid, and a cloak from, well he wasn’t sure who from.

Ron came over, munching on his one fudge and looked over his haul “No way!”

Harry looked up from the photo album. “What?”

The other boy fingered the cool fabric, wonder on his face “This is an invisibility cloak, I’ve heard everything about them but never seen one before.”

Harry set his book down and picked up the cloak “Really? Are they rare or something? The note said it belonged to my dad.”

“Real ones are. You can get cheep ones at Diagon that only last a few weeks or months but ones like this are almost unheard of.”

Harry stood up, throwing the cloak around his shoulders and laughing when he looked into the mirror, only to see his head floating around and no body. Ron stood behind him, mouth hanging open “Can I try?”

Harry grinned and pulled the heavy fabric off, passing it to his friend “Go for it.”

I show not your face but your heart’s desire

Harry, no shaking his head, he corrected himself, Edward. Hermione was right, like always. Things would just keep getting muddled the more they interacted with their younger selves, and they would be interacting a lot more soon, if they didn’t lay their past selves to rest. It was time they embraced their new names and the new lives they had built for themselves in this timeline.

Sighing he stepped forward and looked into the mirror, not at all surprised the image had changed. His parents still stood behind him, smiling brightly, but instead of a room full of Potters Edward saw the people he had lost.

Sirius stood next to his father, grinning mischievously, his arm around the man. He looked healthier and happier than Edward had ever seen the man. Next to his mother stood Remus, his arm around Tonks and Teddy in his arms. They both smiled, eyes full of laughter and love they never got to experience in life. Behind them stood dozens of people he had watched die or knew had died during those long cold years. His hearts ached to see Ron was missing, though he wasn’t surprised at all. After everything that had happened, he wasn’t sure if he could ever fully forgive the red head.

When Rose had asked, he hadn’t really known what to say as his reasoning behind keeping Dumbledore away from the mirror incident. Maybe he still harbored resentment from the man and didn’t wish young Harry to ever have to feel that. Maybe he was just selfish and wanted to be the one to explain things. It didn’t matter the reasoning; the fact was he wasn’t going to let Dumbledore play chess with the lives of children anymore.

Hearing the door open he waited, knowing if he turned it would look empty thanks to the invisibility cloak. Biting back a smile when the door started to close once again, he turned “Don’t even bother. I may not be able to see you, but I can hear you.” Edward waited “You aren’t in trouble, it’s the holidays.”

Slowly the cloak fell, revealing a young Harry who looked up at him tentatively. “I didn’t mean to interrupt… I couldn’t sleep.”

Edward waved him off and turned back to the mirror “I understand, I get restless too sometimes.” He waited, sensing the boy inching closer, he knew from personal experience the curiosity that was eating Harry up. “Go ahead and ask.”

“What is it?”

Edward ran a hand along the gilded side of the mirror “The mirror of Erised, I show now your face but your heart’s desire.” He stepped back, allowing Harry to move more fully into the line of the mirror and gave into the reflection. A familiar hungry look on his face.

Harry looked into the mirror and gasped, turning around quickly only to feel disappointed. His parents were standing behind him, smiling like they did in the photos he had gotten from Hagrid. Besides them where the Evans’ smiling warmly at him, others gathered around, mostly he didn’t recognize but it didn’t matter. He knew what they were, family.

He pressed his hand against the glass, maybe if he pressed himself against the reflection hard enough, he could feel them?

A hand landed on his shoulder, and he might have actually jumped five feet in the air at the feeling.

“Come and sit down Harry. I’ll explain it all to you.”

Harry didn’t want to leave his family behind, what if they disappeared and he never saw them again? He wasn’t given the choice though as the hand gripped him firmly and guided him away, forcing him to break eye contact with his parents.

Edward sat down on one of the desks and patted the spot next to him. “They won’t go anywhere Harry, they can’t”

Harry reluctantly sat down, continuing to look longingly at the mirror the whole time. Edward put his arm around the small boy’s shoulders “The mirror was created as an entrapment. People would search their whole lives for the mirror, to be able to truly see their hearts desire, just to be trapped forever.” He looked at the mirror himself. “People have died sitting in front of that thing, wasting away as they stared and stared, never getting up and actually making their dreams come true.”

“I can’t ever make what I see real Professor.” Harry dropped his head, looking at his lap.

Edward quietly sucked in a breath, he knew that feeling all too well. It was the same one he had had all those years ago. “Neither can I.”

Harry looked up quickly “What do you see Professor? When you look into the mirror?”

Edward moved so he could fold his hands in his lap and lean back against the wall. “My family. Like you my parents died when I was very young. All the people I grew to love died before I ever really had time with them.”

He looked up and gave Harry a small smile “I grew up with distant relatives who hated me. I hated it.” He laughed softly and shook his head “Then I met Rose and she changed my life. We made it through hell and back and when I look into the mirror, I still see them, my family, but I also see her. It helps me to walk away knowing she is real while they are just an illusion.”

Harry shook his head “But I don’t have anyone like that sir, no one really cares about me.”

Edward shook his head, “It may feel like that now, but I know a lot of people who care about you Harry. Hermione, Nevill and Ron love you. My wife and I care about you a lot.” He brushed his shoulder against the boys and smile “Don’t tell anyone else but you happen to be our favorite student.”

Harry snorted “I’m sure you tell everyone that.”

Edward shook his head again and laughed “Absolutely not. If I could I would happily tell a few students just how much I don’t like them.” This seemed to pull Harry out of his melancholy as the boy smiled.

“I wish I could tell some of the teachers I didn’t like them too.”

Edward grinned “Hmm let me guess Snape?”

Harry nodded “It’s like my very existence offends him.” The boy looked up at him, grinning as well “Malfoy?”

“Amongst others, though he is young and can change, I hope. Snape well… Who knows with that man.” He smirked remembering the weird memories the man had left him. There was mourning a friend and then there was that weird obsession Snape had had with his mother… it was creepy but maybe he would finally get over it?

He stood up “I know its tempting to want to come back and look into that thing more, but don’t. You have far too many people who are flesh and blood who care about you to get lost in an illusion.” He put his hands in his pockets and waited, watching as Harry seemed to make up his mind and nod standing up as well and grabbing his cloak. “Come on, I know for a fact my wife is still up and will most likely have a pot of hot cocoa ready if you want some.”

He turned, knowing Harry would be following him closely and they walked in companiable silence all the way to his quarters where Rose was indeed up and reading in her favorite armchair by the fire.

Looking up when the door opened Rose smiled “Well it looks like we have a guest.” She set her book down on the small side table and shifted, allowing Harry room next to her if he wanted “Care to come sit down? I’ve got some hot cocoa on the stove if you want.”

She shifted when Harry came and sat down next to her “Yes please.”

Edwards went to get them all mugs while she bent around and pulled out a small gift from under their tree and passed it to Harry. “I’m glad I got the chance to give this to you in person.”

She smiled softly and brushed back Harry’s fringe as the child reached out slowly, eyes wide and took the gift “You got me a gift?”

Edwards set down brought over their mugs and sat in the chair opposite them “Of course we did. I told you Harry, you’re our favorite.”

Rose reached over and playfully slapped her husband’s chest “You aren’t supposed to say that.”

Her husband laughed and sat back “Well go on and open it.”

Harry slowly undid the gold ribbon, taking his time to peel back the red paper and reveal the small box. He pulled the lid off and looked up in confusion “A Galleon?”

Hermione grinned and plucked the coin out of the box, revealing the chain it was attached to. “Not just any old gallon, this one it special.” She passed the coin to Harry and pulled out her own. “These are special charmed coins that can send a message, no wand needed.” She held her own coin tightly in her fist and closed her eyes “Just hold it like this and think about the message you wish to send and.”

She smiled when Harry gasped, looking down at the galleon in his hand, at the message that appeared.

‘Happy Christmas Harry’

He grinned and held the coin tightly, closing his eyes and thinking about his return message.

Rose looked at her coin and smiled when it read Happy Christmas back. She gently took the galleon from his hand and placed the chain around his neck. “No one but you can take this off, nor can anyone but you see it. So you don’t have to worry about loosing it or someone trying to steal it from you.”

Edward passed him a mug of cocoa “If you need anything and mean anything Harry. No matter what I want you to use that and we will come.”

Rose took his hand and smiled “It could be midnight in the middle of June and we will come, do you understand?”

Harry sat back and twirled the coin slowly before nodding and looking at them both, tears in his eyes. “I understand.”

He had people. Really people of flesh and blood who actually cared about him. He didn’t need the mirror, he had photos of his parents, he had friends and he had them. It felt so good knowing someone cared if he was okay, cared if he needed help with anything.

Rose smiled, they had talked with Harry for over two hours about his life and Hogwarts so far until the boy had fallen asleep and Edward had used the cloak to take him back to his dorm unseen. If Harry wished to share everything with Ron, then that was his choice, if not they didn’t want the other boy to pester him about being out of bed so long.

One thing more was checked off their list. Hopefully Harry would use the coin over the summer when his aunt and uncle decided to lock him in his room and starve him and she couldn’t wait. She had a lot of plans on what she wanted to do with those people even if Edward just wanted to rescue his younger self and never look back. He might not want to bother but, well, Rose had never been a forgiving person when it came to people who hurt her friends. Just ask Rita or Marietta.

Chapter Text

Edward stood in the shadows of an alley across from the Hogs Head, indulging in a cigarette as he waited for Hagrid to come out.

It was a filthy habit he had picked up during that first year on the run, one he really ought to quit. Rose hated it, so he usually only snuck one when he was out. Like now as he waited in the freezing cold for the drunken poker game to finish up and for his friend to leave.

Apparently, it wasn’t going to be a relaxing wait as he heard the annoying drawl of Snapes deep voice interrupting his thoughts.

“What are you doing sculking around Evens?”

Harry turned and grinned at the man, “Just enjoying the lovely weather. What brings you out this late?”

Snape kept his expression bland “Bird watching.”

Edwards chuckled; he suspected Snape was most likely here for similar reasons to him. It had been the potions master who had been the only one to suspect Quirrell last time. He lifted his hand.  “Want one?” He fully expected the man to turn his nose up or make some snide comment, so it was a shock for him to instead nod.

They stood in companiable silence for a few seconds before either spoke “A friend of mine when I went to school got me addicted to these stupid things. I tried quitting several times, but I can’t seem to give it up.”

Edward took a deep drag to give himself a moment to think of a response, settling on bluntness. “I’m surprised to hear of pure-bloods smoking muggle cigarettes.”

Snape took a moment to answer, keeping his face focused on the pub door to avoid looking at Edward. “She wasn’t.”

Edward tucked that new bit of information about his mum in the back of his mind, holding it close to his heart like the precious thing it was. While Remus and Sirius had been more than happy to talk about his dad and tell him all sorts of stories, they rarely ever talked about his mum in the same detail. It was nice knowing he had something in common with her besides his eyes.

Snape tossed his bud onto the ground when the pub door opened and a man hurried out. “Well, that wasn’t completely intolerable. See you around Evans.”

Ed smiled and slapped the man on the back. “I see you are succumbing to my charms Sev. Next thing you’ll be joining the wife and I for dinner.”

Snape sneered, more from exasperation than his usual contempt. “Don’t hold your breath, I would hate to be responsible for your death.” He pulled up his hood and took off after Quirrell, leaving Edward behind.

His mood shifted slightly as Hagrid came stumbling out of the pub a short time later. It hurt to look back and seeing just how much his friend had been struggling with life. He was alone, uneducated due to stupid politics and no one seemed to care. Edward and Rose had vowed to change all that this time around.

Stepping forward he quickly moved so he now stood next to the friendly half giant. “You alright Hagrid?”

Hagrid beamed down at him, his hand tucking into one of the many pockets in his large coat. “Edward, what you doing done here?”

Edward smiled up at him, knowing just what was in that pocket. “Needed to pick something up for the wife. Didn’t realize it was so late.”

“Nice woman, that wife of yours.” Hagrid slurred slightly, continuing to stumble his way back to the castle.

“That she is. Care for a cup of tea Hagrid?”

Hagrid’s grin dropped slightly. “Can’t. Got stuff to do.”

Edward felt guilt build in his stomach but shoved it down and wordlessly tripped the half giant so he fell on his face, cursing loudly. Hagrid quickly shifted to sit up and pulled an egg out of his pocket, inspecting it closely before cradling it to his chest.

Edward moved closer “Are you alright Hagrid?” His gaze dropped to the egg that the man tried to hide once again. “I think we really ought to have that cup of tea.”

Hagrid nodded reluctantly “Yeah, alight…” and got to his feet, suddenly walking much more steadily on his feet.

The walk back to his hut was a silent one. Edward didn’t feel the need to talk so openly, and Hagrid was probably thinking of a dozen ways to convince the man this was a good idea. Once inside the gamekeepers’ home they stood eyeing each other until Edward simply lifted an eyebrow and Hagrid slumped into a chair, pulling the egg from his pocket.

“I didn’t buy it or anything. I won it... So, it isn’t technically illegal.”

Edward chuckled softly “Relax Hargid, I’m not going to turn you in or anything.” He sat down and ran a finger down the front of the egg, noting Hagrid sighing in relief. “But I can’t let you keep it.” He looked up slowly, maintaining eye contact. “This is a wooden hut, surrounded by woods and a castle full of children. A dragon needs space Hagrid, freedom to roam and hunt.”

Hagrid dropped his head into his hands. “I know but, I’ve always wanted a dragon. I don’t want to give him up now I’ve got him…”

Edward stood up and patted the man’s shoulder “I’m not saying you must. I’m only saying he can’t stay here.”

Hagrid snorted “Ain’t got anywhere else to take him.” His face showed just how devastated he was.

“I know a place.” Edward gave him a reassuring smile. “A place more than willing to take you both.”

Hagrid looked up quickly “Not possible. No one wants someone like me. I got kicked out of Hogwarts in my third year, don’t even have a wand. I’m very grateful Dumbledore allowed me to stay here and work.”

Edward bit back his initial retort. While yes, it was nice of Dumbledore to allow Hagrid to stay and work at the castle, it was also against a dozen labor laws. He had been thirteen, fourteen at most and turned into a glorified servant all because the ministry refused to actually investigate Myrtle’s death properly. I basic book on beasts could tell you that acromentulas didn’t kill their victims that way, they didn’t kill them it all, preferring to eat their victims alive. Learning about Hagrid’s past had been the first thing that had sown seeds of doubt in Harry’s blind trust in Dumbledor. Not enough to completely discredit the man, but enough that he no longer looked at him as perfect.

“The welch dragon reserve will want you. You’re size alone would get you a job tomorrow, that and your knowledge and love for all creatures is something they value.” He grinned “Plus they can get you a special dispensation to have a wand, once you finish your training that is.”

Hagrid shook his head “I can’t just leave Edward. Not after the headmaster stuck out his neck for me.”

Edward squeezed the man’s shoulder, or, well he attempted to. “If he truly, did it to help you Hagrid, and truly wants the best for you. Then he won’t have any problems with you quitting to do something you truly love.” He patted his friend on the back and offered a small smile. “Think about it, I have a contact who is eager to meet with you and will be thrilled to hear about how you rescued that egg.”

Edward left him at that, giving Hagrid time to make a decision on his own. Either way the egg would be safely gone before the following night, he just hoped Hagrid would seize the opportunity and went with it.

Harry ducked down the library, meeting up with Hermione and Neville in an unused alcove, Ron was busy with his brothers. Apparently, Hermione had figured it all out and they didn’t want to risk being overheard. Smiling he eagerly sat down on the floor next to them.

“So? Who is he?”

Hermione pulled out a massive book that looked like it weighed more than she did and flipped it open, a loud thud echoing around them. “I check this out when we first got that first assignment from Professor Evans. It contains facts on all the most important people in wizarding history. I read his biography briefly but didn’t really pay much attention because that wasn’t what the assignment was on. I completely forgot all about it until just a bit ago when I was looking for something different and spotted the book yet again. “She paused to catch her breath and pointed to an elderly man and woman looking up at them from hallway though the book. “Look.”

Harry and Neville both leaned over, reading about Nicholas Flamel and the Philosopher’s Stone he had created. “No way can he be six hundred years old…”

“Looks like he is older that… Why do you think he would give the stone to Dumbledor?” Neville asked, leaning back against the shelves.

“Professor Dumbledor.” Hermione corrected. “It makes no sense... Flamel has kept the stone safe for over six hundred years and is reported to be one of the most powerful alchemists in the world. Why would it suddenly be unsafe with him?”

Harry chewed his lip, it made no sense to bring something like that to the castle, and with the whole troll incident it didn’t seem like the castle was all that safe.

“I heard Snape and Quirrell talking the other night. Snape was going on about knowing what was really happening and that he wouldn’t get away with it…”

Hermione and Neville both looked at him quizzically. “How did that happen?” “Where did that happen?”

Harry looked down at his fingers, he had forgotten to tell them both about the cloak in all the hustle of returning to classes. “I may have gotten an invisibility cloak over Christmas. It belonged to my dad and the person who borrowed it was just returning it. I sometimes go wondering around at night when I can’t sleep.”

Neville grinned “I knew I wasn’t seeing things. The other night I got up to go to the bathroom and saw the door open and close.”

Hermione frowned “That’s very dangerous Harry, what if you get caught and loose us points or worse, get expelled.”

Harry smirked “I’m completely invisible Hermione; no one can see me and I’m really good at being quiet. Years of training.” Both looked at him at his last statement, and he realized belatedly that he had let that little tidbit slip past his lip. He waved them both off “It’s fine. So, what do we do about the stone?”

Neville shrugged “What do you think we need to do about it? If Dumbledore has it maybe it’s for a reason. Maybe he is trying to lure whoever it is that broke into Gringotts here.”

Hermione nodded “That would make sense, Professor (she made sure to emphasize the honorific) Dumbledor is extremely powerful, he might be trying to help the ministry or something.” She noticed the glint in Harry’s eyes “We don’t even know where it is exactly or who is after it Harry. One conversation doesn’t really indicate guilt….” She trailed off.

Harry understood what they were both saying, and it made sense, even if he didn’t like it. They didn’t really know what was going on or where the stone was. He should just be happy they had solved the mystery of what had been in that vault. He looked up and sighed. “I’m not going after it or anything. Promise.”

Neville pulled out his potion’s homework. “Have you two noticed how Snape seems to have… calmed down a bit? I feel like I can actually pay attention in his class now.”

Harry nodded “Yeah, ever since my first quidditch game he seems to ignore me more than anything.”

Hermione pulled out her schoolwork, her lips pursed. “Its professor Snape. Honestly, it wouldn’t kill you lot to show a little respect to our professors.”

Harry grinned and Neville ducked his head to hide his smile. “Fine Hermione, we are sorry. We will show everyone the respect they earn.”

Hermione scowled and rolled her eyes, but Harry could see the small smile she was fighting.

They spent the rest of the afternoon doing schoolwork and talking until Ron came rushing over. “Did you guys hear? Hagrid’s leaving?”

Harry jumped up, “What? Why?”

Ron grabbed the stitch in his side and tried to catch his breath between words. “Got. A. job.” He paused to stand up more fully and took a deep breath. “Got a job at a dragon reserve and is heading out tonight.”

Harry looked at the others, all of them growing fond of the groundkeeper, Harry more than the others. Hagrid had been the one to bring him his Hogwarts letter and answer all his questions that first day. It would be strange not to have him around the castle anymore.

“We should go say goodbye.”

Hermione stood up “You go on Harry; we will pack everything up than meet you down there.”

Harry shook his head. “I can clean up my own stuff, but thanks.”

Neville shook his head “It’s fine, it wont take more than a few minutes.”

Harry nodded, eager to go and say goodbye to his friend. “Okay, thanks.”

Ron turned to go with Harry only to have the collar of his shirt nearly chock him as Hermione gripped his shirt to stop him. “What? I don’t have anything to clean up.”

Hermione rolled her eyes. “That’s not why, Harry needs a few minutes to say goodbye alone Ron.”

Ron gave her a confused look. “Why?”

Neville stayed on the ground gathering their things. “Because Hagrid is more than just an interesting guy who talks about dangerous creatures to Harry. He is like an uncle.”

Hermione nodded. “It was Hagrid who took care of Harry right after his parents…” She trailed off.

Rons shoulders slumped. “Yeah fine. I get it.”

Hermione smiled. “We will still say goodbye, just a few minutes later.”

Harry practically ran down to Hagrid’s hut, noting the boxes that sat piled up, Professor Evans and Madam Evans standing close by, talking with a tall woman with bright red hair and a burn running the length of her arm.

“Hagrid. I heard your leaving…?”

Hagrid turned and grinned at Harry. “I was gonna send you a note in a bit Harry, ask you and your friends over after supper and let you know then.” He patted Harry on the back, causing his knees to buckle slightly under the weight. “Edward got me a job at the Welsh Dragon reserve.”

Harry smiled sadly, happy to see just how much Hagrid was looking forward to this new job, but sad he wouldn’t have the man around anymore. “That’s perfect Hagrid. You said you loved dragons.”

Hagrid leaned back and laughed. “That I do Harry, but don’t you worry. I’ll always be an owl away if you ever need me.”

Harry nodded and threw his arms around the large man, hugging him tightly. He felt his chest swell when the man hugged him back. “Thank you Hagrid, for everything.”

He stepped back and quickly wiped away the tears in his eyes, looking up he noticed Hagrid doing the same. Harry felt a much smaller hand on his shoulder and knew it was Rose before he even looked back.

“We will just have to plan a visit this summer to the reserve, and you can show us all the dragons.” She said brightly.

Harry’s shoulders curved in slightly, the Dursleys would never let him go to some dragon reserve, but he didn’t want to ruin the hopeful look on his friend’s face. Instead of saying anything he kept his mouth shut as Edward came over. “It will be fun, I love Wales. Spent a lot of time camping around there a few years ago.” Harry watched as Edward and Rose shared a secret little look.

“I would love that, if my new boss doesn’t mind that is.” Hagrid grinned.

The tall woman came over and didn’t really smile but Harry got the impression that smiling wasn’t really her things but nodded to them. “I see no problem with you having visitors, as long as they bring their own accommodations.” She looked at her watch and nodded to herself. “The portkey will be activated soon if you are ready Rubius.”

Hagrid smiled and stepped back just as Hermione, Neville, and Ron came running over in time to say their goodbyes, Dumbledore walking behind them. “I have approved the portkey, so it won’t be a problem. Good luck Hagrid, let me know if you need anything.”

Hagrid wiped his eyes with a massive handkerchief and nodded just an old shoe the woman was holding started to glow and she grabbed hold of Hagrid, who had picked up fang, and waved happily at them all as they disappeared in a flash of blue light.

Dumbledore and the Evans’ pulled out their wands to quickly shrink all of Hagrid’s belongings to send over to the reserve. The kids all grouped together sadly, watching the adults in silence.

“Well, I believe that is all. I must be off. I got word from the ministry that is some sort of emergency that requires my attention.” Dumbledore nodded to them all. “Have a good day.”

Chapter Text

Harry coughed and nearly chocked on the acrid smell of smoke in the air.

Over the school year he had gotten used to the fact that wizards used actual flame torches and massive fireplaces to heat the castle. It was weird, but he had gotten used to the smokiness and now found it oddly comforting.

This was different though, the air felt stagnating like he was in some dark deep hole that hadn’t ever seen the light of day.

Harry felt around for his glasses, finding them next to his hip and was grateful they hadn’t been broken from his fall. He hadn’t meant to go down that trap door; he had been trying to escape Filtch from finding him in the halls so late at night and getting detention. Mrs. Norris may not be able to see him, but she could apparently smell him and had alerted the caretaker who was hot on his heals as Harry backed up against a door and slipped inside as silently as possible. He had been hoping for an empty classroom to hide out in, what he had found was a massive three-headed dog, snoring. He had turned sharply hoping to slip back into the hallway when one of the heads had snorted and he had tripped over his own cloak and fallen into a hole in the floor. He must have hit his head on the way down because he now found himself in dark room, the only light coming from what looked like a doorway in the far corner. Looking around for some sort of stairway or ladder he noticed something slithering around above him and decided the doorway might be a better option.

This wasn’t good… He should have just stayed in bed, but he had felt so restless about exams the following week and had never had any problems before now. He should have listened to Hermione and stopped his late-night roaming. What the hell was he supposed to do if that doorway led to nowhere? Getting up he felt the coolness of the coin that hung around his neck and sighed in relief. He had a way to get help. He felt around for the charmed galleon that now hung around his neck and gripped the coin, praying Madam Evans had it close to her and would get his message before it was too late.

He walked slowly across the chamber and pushed the door open more fully only to see hundreds of birds flittering about. Harry looked around and saw a few old brooms leaning against the wall next to him, a door on the opposite wall closed, probably locked he thought. It would be just his luck to be stuck with a bunch of strange-looking birds until help could come.

Hearing a load crash Harry groaned, he couldn’t let whoever was in here do something that might put the whole school in danger….  He wasn’t sure how much he could help but he had to at least try…

He took a small step forward and froze when the birds all paused suddenly and turned towards him and he realized they weren’t birds at all. They were keys with charmed wings that were now flying rapidly towards him. Grabbing a broom he swung on and took off flying, dodging the attacking keys and trying to get out of the room without receiving permanent damage from the swarming metal. He wasn’t having much luck. It took him several turns around the chamber before he spotted it, a large old-looking key with a bent wing. That must be it, the key to the locked door, the door Harry was praying, would lead him somewhere not as dangerous. His cloak fluttered around him as he sucked in a deep breath and held it, diving for the broken key and continuing to dodge the others that had no problem finding him despite his invisible state.

Taking one last loop he reached out, snatching the key from the air and leaping off of his broom, landing and rolling across the ground and quickly slotting the key into the lock and letting go of his breath when the rest of the keys all froze the moment the lock clicked and the door opened. Sighing in relief, Harry opened the door just enough to slip through the crack and turned to see a dark figure going through a door on the opposite side of the room, a massive chessboard standing between them.

He took a step forward and the chess pieces snapped back to life, organizing themselves into position and leaving a single space on the board. Harry’s heart sank. He wasn’t horrible at chess but certainly wasn’t good enough to make it through a game like this unscathed…

Rose had just sat down for a cup of tea and a pile of paperwork when she felt the coin around her neck heat up and her heart sink. She jumped to her feet and took off for Edward’s office, running as fast as she could.

Bursting through the door she caught her breath and tossed the coin to her husband who stood up quickly, his seeker reflexes kicking in as he snatched the coin easily from the air and looked at the message, swearing loudly and grabbing his wand.

“I’ll go, you get McGonagall and Snape.”

Rose nodded and sucked in air before turning and leaving without a word. They had a plan worked out, and numerous backups just in case. She just hoped it wasn’t too late.

She rushed to the dungeons first and didn’t bother to knock. The potions professor scowled at her, his jaw clenched. “Have you no manners woman!?”

Rose rolled her eyes. “Grab your wand, Quarrell has gone after the stone and Harry is down there.”

Snape stood a sneer on his lips. “Of course he went after the man. Always the hero.”

Rose felt heat creep up her chest and gripped her skirt to prevent herself from slapping the man, but she did step into his space, looking up at him angrily. “I will not hesitate to curse you Severus Snape. Harry is a child and we have no idea what happened or how he found his way into that chamber. He is currently in danger and needs our help so get your head out of your ass and go!”

The man took a step back, staring at her before his nose twitched slightly and he turned, moving his desk and pulling out two phials before striding away, his cloak billowing as he made his way quickly out of the room and headed for the third floor. Shaking her head Rose took off for McGonagall’s office and did actually knock this time, glad when she heard a clear enter almost immediately.

“Rose, it’s rather late for a visit.” The woman stood up “Is something the matter?”

Rose nodded. “I don’t know what happened, but Harry is in trouble. He fell through the trap door and need our help.”

The transfiguration professor swore and grabbed a quill and piece of parchment. “I will send a message to Albus than we will go.” She scribbled out a quick missive and called over her owl that Rose hadn’t even noticed snoozing in the corner.

Rose watched her, waiting for the older woman send the owl off through the window. “Edward is already down there, and Severus is on his way.”

Minerva nodded “Let’s go then.”

Edward took off for the corridor, using a few shortcuts to get to the trap door in record time. He slipped into the door and looked up at fluffy with a smile on his face. Flicking his wand, the harp in the corner started up a tune and a few minutes later all three sets of eyes started to drop as the Cerberus fell asleep and holding his breath, he took a few steps forward and dived through the trap door.

Call on his occlumency he closed his eyes tightly and calmed his racing heart. Keeping his breathing even he felt himself start to sick through the tangle of vines and drop to the hard stone floor beneath him, wincing as he felt the bruise that was already forming from the fall. They hadn’t been able to come up with a different way through the Devil’s Snare and decided the easiest way was Rose’s way, as usual.

The key room was far easier to get through. They had researched and knew each of the enchantments and charms that had been used. Hoping the knowledge would be useless and Harry would stay far away from the chamber and stone. His younger self better have a very good reason for being down here or he would be doing lines most of the summer. A few swishes of his wand and Edward grinned when they all froze in the air, allowing him to fly up quickly and pluck the correct key from the air and easily slip though the door leading to the chess set.

Looking around he didn’t see Harry, that was until the boy pulled off his cloak and practically launched himself at Edward. He held the small boy close, feeling the boy trembling in his arms before pulling back and leaning down to look into his eyes.

“Are you hurt at all?” he waited for his younger self to shake his head before continuing before starting his interrogation. “What happened? How did you even get down here?”

Harry pulled away slightly. “That doesn’t matter Professor, someone else is down here, I saw them a few minutes ago going through that other door. We have to stop him.”

Edward held up a hand. “We will Harry, more help is coming. Right now, you need to tell me how you got down here.”

He would have laughed at the stubborn set of Harry’s jaw if this wasn’t so serious, instead he kept his face open. “Harry, I promise, we will stop him before he does anything. Right now I just want you to answer me honestly, you won’t get in trouble, I promise. Did you find yourself here by accident or on purpose?”

Harry’s shoulders seemed to slum a little. “I was wondering around and Filtch was following me, I didn’t realize I was on the third floor and ended up backing up against an unlocked door. I thought it would be an empty classroom, when I saw that massive dog tripped and fell. I hit my head and woke up in a dark room.”

Edward squeezed his shoulders “That explains how you got down here, but now how you got this far.”

Harry looked towards the door. “I heard a loud crash, and I just knew someone else was done here.” He turned pleading eyes on Edward “I couldn’t just sit around and let whoever it is do anything, what if they hurt everyone in the castle?”

“They wont Mr. Potter, we will put a stop to this.”

They both turned to see Snape striding into the chamber, followed closely by McGonagall and Rose.

Harry seemed to shrink into himself as all eyes landed on him.

Minerva shook her head and stepped forward, waving her wand in a complex manner and they watched as all the chess pieces seemed to freeze, turning into solid stones before their eyes. She turned and looked at Edward and Snape. “Can the two handle things from here?”

Snape gave her a curt nod and Edward patted Harry on the back, gently nudging him closer to the two women. “We’ve got this.”

Rose wrapped her arms around Harry and held him close, looking over the top of his messy hair and nodded to Edward to go. He nodded back and gave them both a smile as Minerva gave them a harsh look. “Wel; don’t just stand there. Get going! I’ll let Albus know what has happened when as soon as he gets back.”

Edward followed Snape as the man swept across the frozen chess board and pushed open the door, both of them gagging at the smell of the now dead troll.

“Well, I guess now we know why he went with a troll during Halloween.” Edward muttered as they skirted the creature and made their way to the next door.

“How long have you known it was Quirrell?”

Edward took his time answering, it’s like he could say he found out fourteen years ago… Instead, he settled for vagueness. “A while. What tipped you off?”

Snape snorted. “The idiot came to me for help.” They entered the final chamber, and Snape didn’t even pause as he tossed a small crystal phial from his pocket at Edward, downing his own in a single swallow. “I was…. On the wrong side of things during most of the war.”

Edward swallowed the bitter potion and gripped his wand, stepping through the fire that separated them from the final room. “And now?”

Snape turned to look at him. “I’m here with you, aren’t I?”

Dropping his voice to a whisper, Edward looked him over slowly. “For now.”

Snape sneered and moved over to the left, Edward going to the right so they could hit Quirrell from both sides. The man in question stood in front of the mirror, talking out loud to himself, well Edward knew he wasn’t talking to himself, but he wasn’t sure if Snape was aware of the entire situation. He met the man’s eyes and lifted his finger to his lips and motioned for the man to stay back as he stepped into the light and lifted his wand.

“It’s just us Quirrell, might as well let your master out to breath.”

The man jumped slightly and whipped around, raising his wand. He didn’t get the opportunity to say a word before the wand flew from his hand and landed across the room, most likely right at Severus’s feet.

“Unwrap me you fool! Let me see this person who dares to stop me.” A rasping, slightly muffled voice came from the back of Quirrell’s head and the man flinched.

“Yes Master…” He lifted his shaking hands and slowly unwrapped the turban he had kept on the entire school year, revealing bit by bit the grotesque face that now occupied the back of his head.

Edward may have remembered most of his original trip down the forbidden corridor, but he had forgotten just how disgusting it had been. Voldemort’s snake-like face looking at him in the mirror’s reflection, a look of utter contempt twisted on his already hideous features.

“What are you waiting for?! Kill him!”

Edward twirled his wand and strode closer. “He can’t Tom, his wand seems to have disappeared.”

Voldemort’s face contorted with anger “How dare you?!”

Edward shrugged and moved closer, using his wand to conjure ropes that wrapped around Quirrell, tightening them until the man nearly fell over. “I have my reasons for daring Tom, none of which I feel like sharing.” He strode forward until he could look into the mirror, feeling the weight of the stone in his pocket and not bothering to roll his eyes at just how easy that had been. “Did you really think Dumbledore would make it that easy for you to get through those obstacles?”

He laughed and continued to walk around, mostly just stalling until Voldemort got sick of all talking and left.

“The mirror is nothing, a simple illusion meant to keep you occupied so someone could come and take care of you.” He grinned. “And here I am.”

Voldemort let out a scream as the door was blasted open and Dumbledore strode in, just in time to watch the shade of Lord Voldemort fly out of Quirrell’s body, leaving behind an empty husk that sank to the ground. Edward threw up a shield as the shade rushed for him, bouncing off with an angry screech and disappearing into the air.

Dumbledore stood frozen in place, eyeing Edward critically for a moment. “I was on my way back already when I got Minerva’s owl.” He seemed to snap out of his thoughts and moved closer. “All she said was something had happened with the stone. What’s going on?”

Snape stepped out of the shadows and answered Dumbledors question. “I was walking through the castle and noticed the door to the third floor was open, I notified Minerva and Edward of my suspicions. Minerva sent off her owl and Evans came down with me. We found Quirrell down here with that thing sticking out of his head.”

Albus looked at him sharply. “Did he see you?” It took everything in him not to punch the headmaster. Fucking Voldemort had been in the castle, a castle full of children and his biggest concern had been possibly losing his spy.

“No, Snape stayed in the shadows as back-up for me. No use for him to know just how many of us were down here.”

Albus took his time nodding more to himself then to either of the other two men. “And the stone?”

Edward pulled it out of his pocket and held it up. “I’ve got it.” He tossed the stone to Severus and moved to check Quirrell’s pulse, knowing he was already dead but didn’t hurt to verify.

“Looks like he didn’t survive the possession.”

Snape handed the stone to Dumbledore and toed the body, a sneer on his face. “I knew he was working for the Dark Lord, but I didn’t know he was actually carrying him around on the back of his head.” He moved away “I guess that explains the smell.”

Edward chuckled “You know I’ve heard rumors about the cursed position but didn’t put much stock into them until now. I pity the fool who takes the posting next year.”

He looked over to Dumbledore “What now headmaster?”

Albus snapped out of his thoughts and looked at them both, taking his time to respond. “We should keep this quiet for now, no need to start a panic. We will tell the students that Quirrell has left his posting and decided teaching wasn’t for him.”

Edward looked over to Snape, who gave him a brief nod before he turned back to Dumbledore. “Fine. If that is all I should probably go tell my wife she can stop planning my funeral.”

Snape moved closer to him. “I should let Minerva know she can sleep easy tonight and the danger has passed. Do you require assistance Headmaster?”

Albus waved them off “No, I can manage. Remember, the details need to stay between us.”

Both men nodded in agreement and left. Making their way back to the third floor in silence before getting the stairwell that led to their respective quarters. “Care for a drink?” Snape asked quietly and Edward knew the man was hinting at more then just a nightcap so he nodded.

“Love one, lead the way.”

Snape turned abruptly and headed for the dungeons, stopping before a non-descript bit of wall. Ranning his hand along one of the stones the whole wall seemed to melt away, revealing a wooden door that opened into a rather cozy looking room. Edwards had always just assumed the bat slept in a whole of some sorts, but he had been a child being bullied by a fully grown man, so he felt justified in his thoughts. So, to see a room full of dark furniture, bookshelves and a roaring fire was a bit of a shock.

Walking around he waited as Snape went and fetched them both a drink, sitting down when the man passed him a glass of muggle whisky and set a slim, black book between them on the small table.

Edward sat back and took a sip of his drink, waiting for the other man to talk. He didn’t have to wait long.

“Did you know I grew up in a muggle home?” Snape said, staring into his glass. “My mother was a witch, but my father was a muggle and hated magic, so she pretty much gave it up. She prayed I would be born ‘normal’ and panicked at my first signs of accidental magic. She tried a few rather desperate means to suppress my magic, but it never worked. My home life turned to shit rather quickly so from a young age I started spending most of my time outside.” He paused, swirling his drink before picking up the book and flipping it open. “I spent a lot of time in a local park. One day I was sitting by the river when I heard laughter turn to arguments and I crept closer to see that was happening. Two girls playing on the swings, normal except one girl kept going higher and higher and jumped only to float down gently to the ground.  I knew then someone else was just as special as me, someone else had magic that I could talk to. The blond girl yelled and stormed off, leaving the little redhead in tears and I could stand that fact she had been made to feel so small so I walked up to her and showed her I too could do magic. She became my only true friend; her sister hated me but her parents always had me over. They knew what my home life was really like and wanted to give me at least a few hours of safety.”

Snape tossed the book on the table between them and Edward didn’t have to look to know it would be a picture of Snape and his mum with her family.

Well shit.

Snape finished his drink and sat back, eyeing Edward cautiously. “I don’t know who you are or what you are doing here but something tells me we have the same goal.”

Edwards downed his own drink, savoring the burn before placing the glass down. “We do. I know of your vow Severus, and I will help you uphold it if you help me do I need to do.”

Severus’s eyes widened a fraction at the mention of the vow he had taken to protect Harry but otherwise remained blank.

Edward stood and held out his hand, waiting of the other man to stand as well taking it in a firm grip. “Your secrets are safe with me, as long as mine are safe with you.”

Severus nodded “Agreed.” He smirked a little. “Have a good evening, Evans. I need to go talk to Minerva about certain details.”

Edward grinned. “See you around Sev.”

Chapter Text

March 2003

“Well, that looks like everything from our first year, what about second year?”

Hermione looked up from one of the many notebooks she had spread out on the floor of Black family manor they had been taken to by Kreacher when they had been unceremoniously kicked out of Wizarding Brition by the last surviving members of the Order. While number 12 had been dark and depressing this place had been light and bright and about six times the size. It was also completely unplottable, and you could only go if you knew where it was and the current head of house approved it. Unfortunately, Harry was now that Sirius was dead.

Kreacher had had to teach him how to lock out the last few members of the Black family left so no one could find them and they were relatively safe. As long as they didn’t stray too far from the property line. The death eater agenda had spread far quicker across the continent than anyone could have predicted, and it had become far too dangerous to go out anymore. That left him, Hermione, and Kreacher to plan a way to fix the world, yet again.

Kreacher had become their strongest alley after Hermione’s deal with the locket. It was him how had set the whole plan into motion.

He had been helping both sort through the massive library when he had found a book and brought it to them, his face pale and hands trembling. The book was… something else entirely.

They didn’t have to touch it to find that wasn’t written in normal parchment with regular ink. It was human flesh and blood, charmed to survive a millennium and reeking of dark magic. Kreacher wouldn’t even touch it, instead he had levitated it over to them and they had all stood back looking at the cursed book with nothing short of fear.

They had used dragon hide gloves, none of them wanting to physically come I contact with the thing, and it had taken months to even identify the language it had been written in, then months to translate it into English with several stops along the way. It had been utterly horrific.

They had thought only one book mentioned horcruxes but that had been naive, it had to be somewhere for Tom to figure out the actual rituals required and they had unfortunately found it. It made sense though, he had been close to the Blacks when he had been at Hogwarts, and they had been some of his first followers. He would have easily had access to the Black family homes and libraries. It was more unexpected that he had left the book here instead of destroying it or keeping it with him.

It told in detail exactly had to create a horcrux and none of them had slept for weeks after those passages. It also talked in detail about vessels and how to transfer the soul piece from vessel to vessel safely so as not to destroy either the soul piece or object.

That was a shock. They could safely remove the soul shard from Harry without hurting him. They could save him from the anguish of having to die in order to live.

If only they could go back in time they stop all of it from happening. A time-turner wouldn’t work. Hermione had gone into full lecture mode on why exactly it would fail. Time-turners worked within the bounds of time. What happened only happened because it had happened. They couldn’t change the past only live through it.

Once again Kreacher had proved to be invaluable by producing yet another book, this one only slightly less dark, containing all sorts of potions and rituals they never would have considered if they hadn’t been completely desperate.

One such ritual was supposedly meant to send someone back in time. Effectively killing them in their current timeline and reinserting them in the past. It would allow them to actually change the past and hopefully save all those live…

It had taken almost two years to get everything organized for the ritual as well as to go every single detail they could remember from the past and decide when they would go.

It had been decided they would go back right before Harry’s first year and become staff at Hogwarts so they could stay close to young Harry and Hermione and fix all the shit they had had to go through as kids.

“Did you try talking to it while down in the chamber?”

Harry looked up with a role of his eyes. “Oh yeah, I had whole conversation while I was running for my life, pleasant fellow, quite friendly.”

Hermione through a piece of wadded up paper at his head. “You know what I meant Harry.”

He caught the paper in midair and chuckled at her exasperated look. “Sorry love.” He sat up and rubbed his neck. “Can’t hurt to try I guess, when would we go down?”

She moved to sit next to him, pulling over her notebooks as she went. “First year? While everyone is distracted.”

Harry pulled on the notebooks closer and shook his head. “Certain people will already be on high alert, don’t want to risk adding a massive, homicidal snake to the mix.”

Hermione snorted. “Fine, right after all the kids leave but before we rescue young you?”

Harry mussed a moment. “Sounds good, what about Aragog? If we successfully get Hagrid out, we will need to clear out the spiders.”

Hermione tapped her pen to the paper before making a few notations. “We can contact a creature specialist? Or have Hagrid come back and help relocate them?”

Harry leaned back against the chair he was propped against “Both, better not leave that to chance. Might help save Ron a few nightmares.”

Hermione pursed her lips and stayed quiet at the mentions of the red head’s name, choosing to change the subject instead. “Are you sure we can’t just go in and curse the Dursleys to oblivion then rescue you earlier?”

Harry took her hand and gave it a little squeeze “I can’t really explain it, but I feel like he needs that, I needed that time with the Dursleys. I’m not really sure why it just feels important. Plus, the best way to destroy them is to destroy their reputation with the neighbors. Appearances were everything, which makes me wonder why they made me always wear Dudley’s old things.”

Hermione leaned her head against his should and sighed, all her planes for revenge getting tossed out the window. “Fine.”

Harry kissed her forehead and smiled “I might still let you get a hex in or two just for fun.”

She perked up a little at that as they continued to go over second year and all the years after. Making planes and contingencies for those plans until they were ready.

“And you are positive no will recognize us? We are planning to essentially steal your maternal grandparents’ identities.” Hermione asked, chewing on the tip of her pen.

Harry picked up the photo and shrugged. “The only one might be Snape but I’m not sure if he ever actually met them. Him and my mum hung out at a park, and I know Petunia hated him so maybe so did her parents’?” It had actually been Hermione who had suggested they take on the identities of the couple, keep the connection to Harry to his family alive. Plus, it might even help them if Dumbledore finds out about great rescue of young Harry from the Dursleys, he could claim to be a distant relative so the whole blood ward crap wouldn’t get in the way and help keep their true identities secret.

Harry found it ironic she was the one to know be second guessing her own decisions.

Hermione squared her shoulders. “I suppose it doesn’t matter; we can deal with him if we have to.”

Saying goodbye as they stepped into the stone circle, notebooks in hand plus their new identities forged by Kreacher, so that even the ministry couldn’t determine if they were faked, was filled with a lot more tears than they had anticipated. Both of them growing far too attached to the curmudgeonly old elf who had made them swear to rescue him from that house and destroy the locket far sooner than in this timeline, to which they had both readily agreed.

There was no pain, but they felt the shift as the ritual took hold, like something snapping apart deep inside their chests. The tether that connected them to their current timeline breaking apart and in its place something new forming, connecting them to a completely new timeline. Their world was now gone, blinked out of existence and in its place a new one would be formed, one far better than the last.

They were determined.

Chapter Text

Two weeks.

That’s how long Harry had had before things had really gone downhill with the Dursleys.

The end of the school year had been uneventful after his unwanted trip down the forbidden corridor. Thankfully Rose had treated his injuries and Edwards had helped him get back into the dorm before anyone had woken up, no one knew about his little adventure. Well, his friends did after he told them everything that had happened.

Ron had thought it was hilarious that Harry had actually stumbled his way through the trap door. Hermione had been in shock that he hadn’t died, and Neville had just sat there in shock that he hadn’t gotten six years’ worth of detention from Snape.

The best thing that had happened after the whole debacle was Harry being able to still participate in the final quidditch match of the year, winning them the cup. Unfortunately, they had lost the house cup though, coming in second to Slytherin, but no one really cared at that point.

Shortly before he had got on the express to head back to his relatives, Rose had pulled him aside and made sure he knew that he knew if he needed them to use the coin. They would come as soon as possible and do whatever they could to help him. He had given her a quick hug before running off to meet his friends.

God was he grateful for that coin now.

The moment he had left the station Uncle Vernon had pulled up and practically shoved him into the car, locking away all his things as soon as they arrived back at number 12 and yelling at Harry to get out of his sight. Harry had done so by getting out of the house as quickly as possible and wondering around the village.

The following two weeks they had given Harry a massive list of things he needed to do each day including weeding the ward and laying mulch, cleaning the entire house, and going through the attic. Each night he fell asleep exhausted and hungry, they had decided he only really needed one meal a day apparently and woke up to do the same things all over again until he had been notified that they would be having guests and he would be locked in his room for the night.

It should have been fine; he had been able to get a library card and had started to sneak books into the house when no one was looking. He had also found a few pounds in one of Dudley’s pairs of trousers when he was doing the laundry and treated himself to a meal deal at the shop. He was actually looking forward to a Dursley free night of reading and enjoying a rare treat when he had gotten into his room to find a shaking house-elf on his bed, looking up at him with overlarge blue eyes.

“The great Harry Potter. Dobby is so pleased to meet you.”

Harry felt as if a stone had dropped on his stomach and he just knew things were about to go to shit.

Sitting down in the chair he had rescued from Dudley Harry watched the elf warily. “Dobby? It’s a pleaser to meet you as well.” He subconsciously reached for the coin that always hung around his neck. “Is there something I can help you with?”

Doby squawked loudly and started trembling even more, inching his way closer to Harry. “It is I who will help you. Dobby has come to warn the great Harry Potter. You must not go back to Hogwarts.”

Harry sat back, trying to inch away from the slightly creepy elf without offending the poor thing. “Why’s that?”

Dobby started shaking his head. “I can’t, Dobby mustn’t say. Terrible things will be happening this year.”

Harry sucked in a breath and reached out, taking the elf’s hand, hoping the gesture would calm the creature a bit. “Terrible things happened last year, no one worried about it, what makes this year different?”

Dobby shot away from him and continued to shake his head almost violently, his hand inching closer to the lamp on his table. “You cannot return to Hogwarts Harry Potter; a terrible thing will be released.” He seized the lamp and went to smack himself in the head if it weren’t Harry diving for the elf and grabbing his arm to prevent him from causing permanent damage.

“Dobby, stop it. You don’t understand I can’t stay here and if my aunt or uncle hear you I’m done for!” The elf instantly stopped and looked at him, a glint in his eyes Harry didn’t like the look of.

“Don’t, why me Dobby?” Harry held his breath as the elf paused and looked at him. “There are hundreds of students in that school, why only stop me?”

Dobby cocked his head and looked at him sadly. “Because the dark one isn’t gone and only you can stop him. You must stay safe. I am sorry Harry Potter.” He snapped his fingers and disappeared.

Harry quickly opened the door and inched his way down the hall, knowing in his gut Dobby was about to do something that would cause him a lot of trouble.

Rose drove the car along the road and stopped in front of the seemingly normal looking house, the house that had hid untold horrors and stepped out. Edward got out of the passenger side, and moved to stand next to her, his face blank.

They had changed their features again and were dressed in smart muggle clothes. Edward had on a simple black suit that was perfectly tailored and now had red hair and gray eyes, Rose wore a black pencil skirt and red blouse that complimented her dark brown hair and hazel eyes.

The worst thing that could ever happen to the Dursleys was the loss of reputation. While it would have been fun to go in wands blazing and solve everything with magic, showing up and posing as muggle child protective services agents and asking the neighborhood all sorts of questions would cause much more lasting damage.

They made sure to make a show of looking around the property, pulling out notebooks to write down their observations and waiting until a few neighbors took notice before walking up to number four. Separating the went to talk to a few of the onlookers, asking question about the quite boy with dark hair and oversized clothing in the otherwise very well put together home. Most had little to say about the smaller than average child, stating they always found it a bit odd that the Dursleys couldn’t seem to buy him proper clothing. The ones they talked to that didn’t have children expressed they found it quite distasteful that they allowed Dudley to chase after the poor thing, and that he always seemed to be doing a lot of manual labor around the house.

All the talk brought the Dursleys out of their home where they looked nervously around at all the now staring neighbors.  

Rose turned and as if they had planned it all down to the second they both walked back to number four and up the path to the waiting couple.

“Hello, is there anything we can help you with?”

Rose stepped forward and smiled “Mr. and Mrs. Dursley?”

Petunia nodded “Yes, and who exactly are you?”

“No, we are from the council, there has been a case of child abuse reported, and we are here to investigate.” Edward stepped forward and pulled out their identification to show them, Petunias face growing red as she looked them over.

Vernon moved into her space, trying to intimidate her with his size but it did make Rose want to roll her eyes and laugh. “If that boy said anything you should know he is very disturbed, lies all the time and hurts himself too.”

Rose smiled “Then this shouldn’t take very long now, should it?”

Edward moved for the door. “Shall we continue this inside? Away from prying eyes?”

Vernon face contorted briefly before he nodded and pushed past Edward and open the door and usher them inside. The moment the door shut behind them Rose pulled out her notebook and Edward started looking around.

“I will be conducting the interviews while my partner does the home inspection, you should both be aware that any interference in either of our work will result in us having to bring in the police and let’s just say they aren’t as nice or discreet as we are.”

Vernon gave a little snort and Petunias face looked as if she had smelled something awful, but both remained silent.

Rose smiled. “Now I would like to see the diagnosis from the medical professional and young Harry.”

Petunia’s eyes grew large and Vernon stepped forward. “Why would you need to see something like that?”

Rose quirked a brow. “Unfortunately for you ‘disturbed’ is not a legitimate medical diagnosis.” She stepped into his space, causing the much larger man to take a step back. “Now I would like to see the diagnosis and the paperwork that spells out his treatment plan. If you don’t have one than the information for his psychologist will do just fine.”

“He hasn’t got one!” Petunia snapped, fear finally entering her eyes.

Rose simply jotted down a note in her book and looked up. “What school is he currently enrolled in?”

Vernon grunted. “He isn’t, no school would take him.”

She simply wrote a few more lines before looking at them both. “I will be checking school, records.” She turned and headed for the receiving room. “I need to speak with both children, privately.” She smiled again, trying to mask the glee in her voice as the fear in their eyes grew.

Edward came down, a hand on Harry’s thin shoulder, the other carrying Hedwigs cage. “We will have to contact the authorities Rose and continue the interviews at the station, clear signs of neglect and abuse.”

Petunia gave a small squawk and Vernon spluttered both blessedly speechless for a moment.

Rose turned slowly. “I will do you this one tiny little favor. Contact your solicitor or whoever you must, we are taking that child into our custody, and he will never return to this home. You are to have absolutely no contact with him unless he decides to contact you. I will not contact the police and have them arrest you on the spot if you make no move to stop us. Am I clear?”

Petunia straightened her back “You have no idea who you are up against. You think we wanted the freak? Every time we tried to get rid of him, he was forced back on us. This won’t be any different.”

Edward grinned and nodded at Rose who smirked, pulling out her wand. “I know exactly who I’m dealing with you stupid bint.” She moved closer. “You will never see Harry Potter again, I will make sure you never recover from this.”

Turning her smile softened when she looked down at Harry, who judging by his face had been told what was really going on by Edward. “Where are your things, Harry?”

He pointed to the cupboard under the stairs “They took everything and locked it away in there.”

She nodded and walked over to the cupboard. “Unlock it.”

Vernon twitched and walked over, pulling out a key from his pocket, a nasty grin on his face. “Good luck with that one, nothing but trouble he is.”

Rose ignored him and pulled out Harry’s trunk, heart sinking at just how small the space he had spent so many years locked away in really was, before turning away. “Let’s go.”

They guided Harry out of the house, a small crowd still formed around the house, watching them as they loaded everything into the car and got in as well.

As soon as they started driving away the tension seemed to melt away from Harry’s shoulders and he relaxed in the seat. “I really don’t have to go back?”

Edward turned. “Never Harry, your ours now.” He added the last bit with a smile and Harry grinned back.

Rose met his eyes in the mirror and smiled. “Would you like to get lunch first or go straight home?”

Harry’s grin grew even bigger “Home please.”

Dumbledor would come, they knew if Petunia didn’t tell him that Mrs. Figg would and when that happened, they would be ready. Just as they had been with everything else and it would be oh so satisfying to pull one over on the man who seemed to have everything planned out.

Chapter Text

Rescue Harry from Dursleys. Check

Get ride of Basilisk. Check

Rehome Aragog. Check

Rose smiled down at the charmed notebook she carried with her always and all the little check marks next to everything they had been able to accomplish so far. They still had to figure out how to get the diary away from Ginny before Tom really messed her up too badly. Looking at her watch she sighed at the knock on their door. Only one person knew where they lived.

She owed Edward five galleons now or she could always do that thing in the bedroom he liked so much... She really had thought it would take longer than 24 hours for Dumbledor to hear about what they had done and send out Severus to investigate. Opening the door, she smiled at the pissed off man standing in her doorway.

“Severus, come on in, you’re just in time for breakfast.” She stepped aside so he could come in and tried not to laugh when he practically growled at her.

“I don’t have time for pleasantries, where is that idiot husband of yours?” Severus looked around her and headed for the open doorway at the end of the hallway that led to the kitchen without waiting for her answer.

“I’m doing quite well, thank you Severus. It’s so nice to see you as well.” She called after him, rolling her eyes as she closed the door and followed him into the kitchen where Edward was currently working on breakfast.

Severus didn’t even pause for pleasantries before striding over to her husband and planting himself in Edward’s path. “You took the boy?! What the fuck were you thinking Evans?”

Edward simply looked past him and smiled at Rose. “You owe me five galleons love, or you could always do that thing I like.” He winked at her as Severus looked more and more angry, clearly losing the little patients he had. Rose simply crossed her arms over her chest.

“Fine, tonight we will put up a silencing ward and I’ll”

“Enough!” Severus interrupted them, pinching the bridge of his nose and sitting down in the chair next to Rose and looking at them both. “What do you know?”

Edward grinned and turned back to the stove while Rose sat up straighter, all levity from her face. “What do you know of Harry’s homelife Severus?”

“I know he went to Petunia and her husband.” Severus said slowly, watching her closely.

Rose nodded and pulled out the medical scan she had performed on Harry the night before and passed it to him. Part of her felt awful sharing such personal information with the man but they needed him firmly in their corner with everything that was to come in the next few years, so she pushed it down and waited as he quickly read it over.

“How is this possible?” He asked, setting the paper down and looking at her. “I know Petunia acted like she hated magic, but it was nothing but jealousy… She was always so desperate to be apart of the wizarding world I just assumed she use the boy as her opportunity to be part of it.”

Rose took the parchment and folded it back up, well aware of Harry skulking on the staircase behind the door.

“Apparently her hatred won out.” Edward said and sat down with them at the table. “You can tell Dumbledore where Harry is, I know Albus will insist he go back and I know why.” He looked at Severus, making eye contact with the man. “He isn’t going back and I will be happy to explain it all to the old man when he shows up with his demands.”

Rose took his hand and they both looked at Severus, waiting for him to make his decision. He nodded slowly. “Thank you for keeping everything vague. I would prefer not to have any more information than strictly necessary.” He went to stand but Rose stopped him with a hand on his arm.

“Stay for breakfast, its time to put the past to rest Sev.” She turned her head. “You can come in Harry.”

The door opened slowly and Harry made his way over the table, eyeing Snape warily.

“Good morning, Professor…” he looked at Rose and Edward, waiting for there encouragement before sitting down.

Edward got up and brought the food over to the table before sitting back down. “Harry, did you know Professor Snape went to school with your parents?” Might as well rip off the plaster and get it all out now. Snape was an ass and he know the man wasn’t about to change anytime soon, but maybe airing out all the shit from the past would help him not be such a crap teacher?

Snape choked on his food and Harry looked up, mouth open at the man. “Really?”

Rose patted Severus on the back, not very gently and smiled. “I’m sure he has all sorts of stories he will be more than happy to tell you Harry.”

The man gave her a poisonous look before grunting and looking at Harry. “I will be completely honest with you Potter, I did not like your father and his little gang and they didn’t like me. I don’t have a lot to say besides what he did to protect you from the Dark Lord was very brave and you should be proud.” He took a deep breath. “I did know your mother quite well, we were close for a number of years, and I will answer your questions in the future. But not now.”

Harry sat silently for a moment. “Is that why you don’t like me? Because my dad?”

Severus set down his fork, Rose dropped her head so they couldn’t see her smile and Edward just chuckled and slapped Sev on the back. “He’s got you there Sev.” He looked at Harry. “It’s complicated and I will explain tonight; I promise, but to answer for him. Yes, that’s a big part of it, but he is trying to be better. Right?” He and that last bit to the man next to him whose jaw seemed to click in irritation before nodding and looking at Harry.

“I will try.” He looked at Edward and stood. “While this was lovely, I’m sure Albus will be anxious to hear where you are Potter.”

Rose stood and walked out with him. “Come back anytime Severus. I mean it, our door is always open to you.”

The man turned to face her, looking her over carefully. “Thank you.” He opened the door and stepped out, apparating away quickly.

They wouldn’t have much time before Dumbledore came knocking on their door, might as well enjoy her breakfast while it was still warm.

An hour later there was another knock on the door and this time they let Harry answer, he assumed it was because they knew who was there and wanted to make sure Dumbledore knew Harry was now with them. He liked that about Rose and Edward. They didn’t hide anything from him or hide him from the truth. It was nice.

He looked at the headmaster who seemed momentarily shocked to see him before recovering quickly and smiling down at him. “Harry my boy. I’m glad to see you looking so well, though I am shocked to see you away from your home.”

Harry shrugged and looked around the entryway before looking back at the headmaster, a determined look on his face. “I am home sir. Do you want me to get my aunt and uncle?” He smiled up at the man when he heard Edward coming down the stairs.

“No need Harry, I’m here.” He placed a hand on Harry’s shoulder and grinned at Dumbledore. “That was rather quick Albus. Tell me, was it Petunia or Arrabella that informed you of what happened?”

Harry watched in fascination as the headmaster looked between him and Edward in confusion, opening and closing g his mouth several times before clearing his throat. “I think this conversation should be held in private Mr. Evans.”

Harry looked up at his Edward who simply patted him on the back. “Go find your aunt Harry and let her know we’ve got company please.” Edward stepped away from him and motioned for Dumbledor to follow him down the hallway. Harry perked up slightly when the man turned and winked at him before closing the door to the library and ‘locking’ him out.

Slowly he crept closer and pressed his ear to the door, hoping to hear what they were saying about him. He had every right to know what they were planning on doing with him and he was definitely not going back to the Dursleys. Harry nearly jumped out of his skin when he felt a hand tap his shoulder gently and he turned to see Rose standing behind him, a finger to her lips. He followed her when she motioned him into the adjoining room and was very confused when she waved her wand in front of the mirror what hung above the fireplace, and suddenly a window appeared, showing them the library and the two men looking at each other.

Inching closer he could hear the entire conversation Edward and Dumbledore were having.

“He can’t stay here Edward. I’m sorry but there is more at play then what you see.” Dumbledor paced around the room.

Edward sat down, snorting slightly. “Cut the cryptic bullshit Albus. I know about the blood wards, and you needn’t worry. I’ve got it covered.” He smirked at the shocked look on the old mans face. “Besides, its not like they provided much protection. Before he started at Hogwarts Harry had several run ins with magical folk who knew exactly who he was. One even shook his hand and bowed to him.”

Dumbledore stopped dead in his tracks and stared at him. “How do you know about that?”

Edward plucked at a string hanging from the chair he was in and waved his hand absentmindedly, avoiding the question all together. “He is not going back Albus.”

The old man sank into a chair and eyed him critically. “The only family Lily had left was her sister. He needs to stay with her.”

Edward grinned. “Turns out you are wrong. Her father had a very brief affair while away on business. I am her half-brother.” Edward felt a small pang of guilt disparaging his grandfather’s name, but they needed a way to explain his connection to Harry, and this was the best they could come up with.

Once they had arrived in this timeline they had gone through Godric’s Hallow with a fine-toothed comb and found several letters and even a few of his mother’s old journals. By all accounts the real Edward and Rose Evans had had a very loving marriage. There was no one alive who could discredit his claim and if Dumbledore tested him it would only prove that he was in fact related to Lily Evans Potter. Which he was, obviously, just not in that way specifically.

Edward looked at the man and shrugged. “My mother was a diplomat. She traveled all over the world and when she found out she was pregnant she didn’t feel the need to tell him. Though she did give me his name. My full name is Edward Evans Sullivan.” He stood and moved over the fireplace, looking into the mirror briefly. “I simply switched Evans and Sullavan when my wife and I returned to England, and I learned the truth of my family.”

Albus stood swiftly. “Swear it.”

Smirking slightly at the dramatics Edward pulled out his wand, that was currently glimmered to look differently and held it out. “I do hereby swear on my magic that I am blood related to Lily Evans Potter.” His wand briefly glowed white before returning to normal.

Albus gave him a long, penetrating look before nodding to himself, stroking his beard. “This could work…”

Edward put his wand away and leaned against the mantle. “There is no could Albus. Harry is never going back to the shithole. My wife and I have already submitted the paperwork to become his legal guardians in the muggle world and have everything filled out for the ministry to become his magical guardians as well.”

Albus shook his head. “I can’t let you do that. If people found out it could cause all sorts of problems.” He stopped when Edward lifted a hand, cutting him off mid tangent.

“You are the chief warlock and can easily seal the records, just was you did with the wills.” He looked at the headmaster, all levity gone from his face. “I’m not asking Albus, I’m telling you. Approve it now privately or I will simply go around you and make it public.”

Albus’s eye twitched slightly before he pulled out his wand and nodded slowly. “I will need your wife present for this.”

Harry watched wide eyes as Rose patted him gently on the back and went into the library, standing next to her husband, paperwork in hand. Had she had those this whole time? He couldn’t believe this; he was actually going to get to stay with them…. Sure, they had explained everything last night, but he figured it would only be for the summer, and he would have to go back to the Dursleys next summer. He felt his chest tighten and tears pricked his eyes as he watched them sign the paperwork and the headmaster wave his wand, causing the parchment to glow golden for a moment before returning to normal and he felt like he finally had a family, a true one with people who actually wanted him.

Maybe life wouldn’t be so bad anymore?

Chapter Text

He had burned the bacon.

He hadn’t meant to, he had just wanted to do something nice for the Evans’, earn his keep a little.

Harry had gotten up earlier than them (which was quite the feat since both seemed to always be up) and decided to make them breakfast when he had gotten distracted with one of his new books and looked away a little too long and the bacon had burned. The whole house would reek of the smell now and there was no hiding it. He had tried that with the Dursleys and ended up with a hot frypan to the head. Luckily, he had dodged the pan but some of the grease had landed on his arm, giving him a nasty burn that had left scars.

Life had been going far too well if he was honest and he had been waiting anxiously ever since they had taken him from the Dursleys for the other shoe to drop and from them to decide he just wasn’t worth all the trouble. They had had to buy him new everything, clothing, shoes, books, even had him decorate his new room. It was too much and Harry just new it was all going to be too much, and they would kick him out or send him back…

His thoughts started spiraling and he started looking around for a way out, maybe if he just ran for it, they wouldn’t notice?

A soft hand landed on his shoulder, and he looked up in the concerned face of his aunt.

“Harry love, is everything alright?”

Harry swallowed nervously as Uncle Edward came in, stretching and smiled. “You made breakfast? Looks good Harry.” He plucked out a piece of burned bacon from the pan and tossed it into his mouth before turning the kettle on and sitting. “Thanks.”

Harry watched them both wearily, flinching slightly when Aunt Rose reached for a cup. He missed the very pointed, silent conversation his aunt and uncle were having, too busy looking down to notice.

Edward stood up, grabbing a few slices of bacon and making a sandwich and patting Harry on the back. “Let’s take a walk.”

Harry jumped slightly, keeping his head down and following Edward as they walked out the back door and down the path to the woods that surrounded the small cottage. It was nice and quiet, set a good twenty-minute walk from the nearest village. Far enough away that they wouldn’t have to worry about anyone stumbling on them but close enough to get food and other necessities when needed. The best part was the woods that surrounded the house, they offered just enough protection that with the right wards they could even fly around without the muggles noticing.

He breathed in deep as they entered the woods, walking along the little path that crossed over the stream. He wasn’t as good at this sort of stuff as Rose was. How the hell did she expect him to help his younger self get over all the shit the Dursleys had done and he hadn’t himself? He hadn’t thought it was all that bad growing up. Sure, they had locked him in a literal cupboard for ten years and only given him a bed when they thought someone had found out about it. Then there was the whole starving thing, but they still gave him at least one meal a day. And sure, Aunt Petunia tossed things at him and yelled at him and Uncle Vernon had smacked him around a bit, but they hadn’t left any lasting scars. Well, a few little ones but nothing that caused any real damage like the soul of a mad man stuck inside the one on his forehead. They also encouraged Dudley in his favorite game of Harry hunting but still… It wasn’t that bad...

Though looking down at his younger self made him realize maybe it had been. Had he really been that small? Or that jumpy?

“Why are you eating that? I burned it and ruined it…”

Edward snapped out of his thoughts and looked down. “Go hungry long enough and you get to the point where you don’t waste food.” He took a bite of the sandwich he had made and offered the boy a grin. “Plus, it’s not that bad, just a bit extra crispy.”

Harry stopped walking and looked up at him. “What do you mean?”

Edward shrugged and found a fallen log to sit on. “Rose and I went through a time where we didn’t have much. We were living in a tent in the woods for almost a year. It sucked.” He chuckled humorlessly and looked up at the canopy of leaves above them. “I’m still shocked we lived through it.”

He watched Harry wander around, nervously picking apart a leaf he had picked up off the ground. He didn’t know what to say, what could make him realize this was it, they weren’t going to get sick of him or think he was too much and ship him back to the Dursleys.

So, he settled on the words he had hoped every year he would hear from the Weasleys or Sirius, anyone really.

“You’re home Harry. You are never going back to that shithole ever again.” He stood up and put a hand on his younger self’s shoulders, stopping him from moving around anymore and forcing Harry to look up. “Those people aren’t good people and just because Petunia happens to be your mum’s sister doesn’t make her family. Family doesn’t do shit like that. You could literally burn the house down and we would clean it up and move on, nothing will make us mad to the point we kick you out of your own home.” He smiled. “And don’t even think about the money. We have enough now to last several lifetimes.”

Which they did. Before going on the run, they had completely drained not only the Potter accounts but the Black accounts as well. As soon as they arrived in the past, they opened new accounts under their new names. Thankfully it was one of those weird time-travel paradoxes that Rose was always going on about. Since they had taken the money from a timeline that no longer existed it didn’t affect the money in this timeline. Sirus would need that money once he got out of Azkaban, they had found a nice private clinic that wouldn’t ask too many questions for the right price that they would be forcing him to check into. He loved the man but looking back Edward had realized Sirius was not in any able to take care of him, he really needed help or would probably get himself killed, again.

But that was a part of latter plans, for now he needed to focus on other things at the moment.

He patted Harry on the back. “Come on, I’ll show you the area we got set up to fly in.”

Rose sat on the chaise lounge under in the shade reading while the boys flew around in the area they had cleared away from them to fly. Edward had knicked one of the school brooms to use until they took Harry the following week to pick out his own for his birthday. They decided while it had been incredible to get both of his brooms as gifts, he had always wanted to be able to go and pick one out himself. Maybe given the chance Harry would pick something completely different or pick out a nimbus 2000, only time would tell.

She didn’t have to look up to know Severus had arrived and was skulking around near her.

That was another big change they hadn’t exactly planned on, but it was turning out to work in their favor. Severus had just been a means to an end last year, now he seemed to be a reluctant but loyal friend. He was even voluntarily giving Harry Potions lessons now that everything had been put out in the open, things seemed to have changed for them.

They had sat Harry down and told him everything. They explained Severus’s relationship with his mother and how they had been very close before Hogwarts, staying friends despite house rivalries. That was until peer pressure and Snape’s own closeted prejudices won out and their friendship had been broken. They explained the issues between James, Sirius and Severus and while Snape may not have started the bullying, he certainly was no innocent victim. Years of pain, depression, and self-hatred had twisted his memories and that was a big part of his problem with Harry. Thery had also explained his role in the war and his becoming a spy and that was part of why he couldn’t be seen as nice towards certain groups.

Harry, for his part, could understand, he had explained that while Dudley may have always started things, he never helped the situation by antagonizing him and his friends. He still didn’t necessarily like Snape, and Rose didn’t blame him at all for that, but he no longer hated the man. So, progress.

“We weren’t expecting you until tomorrow, Severus. Is everything still alright for you to pick up Hermione?” She set her book down and shifted her feet, patting the spot next to her.

He completely ignored her gesture, preferring to stand apparently and leaned against a tree, watching Edward and Harry fly around. “I came to let you know a certain someone has started digging around.”

“Well, I hope for his sake he strikes gold or else he will be very disappointed.” She gave him a sharp smile, which grew into a real one when he gave her a bland look. “Don’t worry so much, you’ll give yourself wrinkles.”

She sat up and looked at him seriously. “He won’t find anything. We are very aware of how far his reach is and all he will find is what we want him to find.”

Severus rolled his eyes and finally relented, sitting down on the edge of the chaise. “One day I will ask and you will tell me the whole story.”

Rose snorted “Of course Sev.”

“You should also know I’ve heard a few murmurs around the old crowd. Something is going to happen this year at Hogwarts.”

Rose laughed to herself and stood up. “That reminds me, we have a little gift for you.” She motioned for him to follow, and they walked in silence back to the house where she led him to the cellar, chuckling to herself at the thought that was willing friends with Severus Snape….

They walked down to the small, makeshift potions lab they had set up for her and Severus to use during the summer. She rummaged through one of the cabinets and pulled out a large bag, passing it to him and moving to check on one of the potions she was working on. Grinning when he let a curse at the contents.

“Where the fuck did you get this stuff?” He set the bag down and moved to stand across from her. “Basilisk venom and scales. Acromantula saliva. This stuff is worth thousands of galleons, if you can even find it.”

Rose kept her eyes on the simmering cauldron and smirked slightly. “We have our ways.” She looked up at him. “What do you think of this potion? I’ve been trying to work on the potency.”

Snape growled slightly, pinching the bridge of his nose before picking up the ladle and taking a closer look. “One day Evans…”

“One day Sev.” She answered.

Chapter Text

“I can’t believe you guys went to visit dragons without me.” Ron moaned as they walked down the aisle, looking for an empty compartment. “It’s not fair.”

Harry rolled his eyes and opened the door at the back of the train and slumped onto one of the benches. “We went to visit Hagrid; we didn’t even get that close to the dragons.”

Hermione sat down and pulled out one of the many books they had been forced to buy for defense that year and huffed, ignoring Ron as he continued to moan about not getting to go.

It wasn’t their fault. He had been invited but Mrs. Weasley hadn’t felt comfortable with allowing him to go and had said no, Harry was more than welcome to come to the Burrow for a few weeks if he wished though. A bit hypocritical but it wasn’t up to Hermione to say anything. Even Neville and his Gran had shown up.

Hermione had gotten the shock of her life when she had been called downstairs by her parents and had found Professor Snape of all people in her family’s sitting room having tea and chatting with her muggle parents. The man was in normal looking muggle clothing and had been courteous the entire time as he had explained the plan to surprise Harry for his birthday. He had even invited them to come along, and they would have if it hadn’t been for an emergency that they had to attend to. So, Snape had taken her alone and it had been a blast getting to see Hagrid and getting to walk around the place and see the reserve

Once they had returned to the cottage Harry had dragged her and Neville upstairs and told them everything that had happened to him over the last few weeks. About how a house elf had shown up and caused chaos and Harry had been punished for it. He had explained the coin to them and how he had sent a message and they had come to his rescue. She had been upset to hear about how they had treated him but had been relived to find out that the Evans’s where his actual family and had even gone up against Professor Dumbledore regarding taking over custody of Harry.

Her friend was safe and that was all that mattered to her.

“Your mum was the one who said no, Ron. It’s not our fault.” Hermione interrupted his newest tirade.

“Would you blame her? She heard from Professor Dumbledore what happened when she asked if Harry could come stay with us for a bit.” He turned to Harry. “I like them, but its not anyone actually knows them, Harry.”

Harry set his new playing cards aside and looked up sharply at his friend. “No one knew the Dursleys either. I didn’t see anyone breaking down the door when they beat the shit out of me or starved me until Uncle Edward and Aunt Rose showed up. They actually care and I like staying with them.”

Rons face turned slightly red and he got up. “Whatever. I’m going to see what Fred and George are up to.” He left and took with him all the tension in the compartment.

Neville pulled out his new wand and smiled at Harry. “Well, I like them. If they hadn’t shown up in Diagon the other days and practically dragged Gran and me into Ollivander’s, I wouldn’t have gotten a wand that actually worked for me.”

Harry blushed slightly, remembering how they had bumped into them while getting his new school supplies and decided to get both boys wand holsters. If they hadn’t then Ollivander wouldn’t have forced Nevilles grandmother into getting the boy his own wand. She hadn’t been able to stop the slightly creepy older man from putting wand after wand into Nevilles hand until he had found one that fit. Harry had the oddest feeling that it had all been planned out, but he couldn’t prove it so hadn’t bothered asking them about it.

It was a feeling he got a lot with them. The things they said or did sometimes felt like it all had some deeper meaning. Even their weird friendship with Snape felt like there was more than he could see going on.

Hermione got up and sat next to the shyer boy and held her hand out. “Can I see? I read about wand lore over the summer.” She grinned when he passed over the wand and she looked at it closely. “12 1/8 inch, holly right?”

Neville nodded and took his wand back. “Unicorn hair core. He said it was one of the most unique combinations and he was excited to see what I would accomplish with it.” He took a deep breath and whispered Lumos, a look of pure pride on his face when his wand instantly lit up. Hermione clapped and Harry laughed at the joy that seemed to come from Neville, a complete contrast to what he had been last year. “My Gran said she can’t wait to see just how good I can do in class now, so no pressure there.”

Harry shook his head and got up when he saw the trolly lady coming down the aisle. “Anyone want anything?” Aunt Jane had packed them all lunches but had also given him money to buy a few treats on the ride.

“A sugar quill please.” Hermione said, opening her book once again. He turned to Neville who looked up from his wand “Cauldron cake for me.”

Harry nodded and also got a chocolate frog for Ron when he eventually came back and a pumpkin pastie for himself. He also got a few extra sugar quills to add to Hermione’s birthday gift, they were her favorites and he wouldn’t have a chance to order any once classes started. He tucked the extras away when she wasn’t looking before passing around the treats to his friends and settling in for the ride.

Edward wandered around his classroom, setting up a few last-minute things before heading to the great hall for the welcoming feast.

They had flooed with Harry to the platform, bypassing Dobby’s attempts to once again prevent the boy from returning to Hogwarts before apparating to Hogsmeade and walking up to the castle. Enjoying the nice weather and the peace and quiet before all the students showed up. Hopefully the elf wouldn’t be quite so ruthless in his attempts to ‘protect’ Harry but he kind of doubted it. He smirked to himself at the thought od Dobby, He missed his old friend and this time they would make sure he was still freed and was able to live a happy, long life.

“I can’t believe he actually hired the dimwit.” Severus said, as he swept into the room, a scowl on his already unpleasant face.

Edward snorted and went to his desk, fishing out a folder and tossing it to the man who caught it easily. “You know Sev, people are going to start talking. The grumpy bat of the dungeon who hates people just can’t seem to stay away from either me or my wife.” He loved teasing Severus knowing the man didn’t care, he didn’t have a sexual bone in his body, literally. He had told them all about it late one night whilst slightly drunk, going on about how he had loved Lily but never felt anything beyond possessive when it came to her. Which in itself was weird, but they were slowly working the man through those feelings.

Severus’ scowl deepened as he opened the file. “Please, if I was interested in that I wouldn’t be wanting to jump into bed with either of you.”

Edward smirked and leaned against his desk. “Rose will be so disappointed to hear that. She bet me five galleons you would pick me. I bet you would prefer her, I mean who wouldn’t, she’s got an incredible mind and a body to match, plus she likes to be quite adventurous-“ he frowned when his lips kept moving but now words came out, pouting at Severus who had a slightly evil grin on his face as he kept reading, putting his wand back in his pocket.

Crossing his hands over his chest he continued to pout until Rose came in and stopped dead, looking between them with her eyebrow raised in question.

“Am I interrupting something?” She moved over to Edward and gave him a quick kiss who kissed her back before mouthing ‘silencing spell’ to her. She chuckled as Severus pulled out his wand to cancel the spell.

“This can’t be real? Does Albus know about this?” He tossed the folder on the desk and looked between them.

Rose moved and leaned her back against her husband’s chest, smiling when he wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his head on her shoulder both of them looking at Severus seriously.

“It is. Took us forever to track a few of the people down but it proves without a doubt that Lockhart is a fraud.” The folder contained evidence and testimonies from people involved with all of Lockhart’s fraudulent claims. It had actually taken them almost the entire time they had been here to track a few of the people down, but it would be worth it. Lockhart was good at covering his tracks, but he always seemed to forget that other people weren’t so self-centered and conceited. Most of the people he had obliviated had shared through letters with friends and families what had happened before the man had shown up and taken all the credit. Because most of the locations where so isolated they had no idea Gildroy had taken the stories and turned them into books, raking in the money while they tried to pick up the pieces.  

Edward nodded “We plan on using it to secure a certain reporter stays firmly in our pocket.”

Snape rubbed his forehead where a headache was probably forming. “Why not just get rid of him now?”

“Because that wouldn’t be very fun now, would it?” She gave him a cheeky wink.

Edward chuckled and let go of his wife, safely tucking away the folder and locking the drawer. “Come on Sev, you know it will be fun watching Rose fuck with the man.”

Rose perked up a bit at the prospect of getting free reign when it came to Lockhart. She had a lot of plans for the man and couldn’t wait to get started.

Snape sighed and looked heavenward for a moment. “Why do I put up with you both?”

Rose poked him in the ribs before kissing his cheek, laughing as he batted her away. “You love us, don’t try to deny it.”

“We’ve already talked to Flitwick about starting up a dueling club, we thought you would enjoy demonstrating how it worked with Lockhart.” Edward grabbed hold of Roses robes and pulled her off the man before he got too annoyed with her need to give out physical affection like candy.

Severus scowl softened at the thought before he nodded. “I suppose I can play along with your plan.”

Edward patted him on the back. “Perfect, lets go. I’m starving.”

The three of them left together and headed for the Great Hall, the other staff staring when Severus sat next to the couple, even engaging in conversation once the sorting ended and the feast started.

They didn’t care, its was time people stopped looking at Severus like he was a pariah and it was time Severus stopped being one. They were a team now, unexpected at that was to everyone involved, but there wasn’t any going back now.

Chapter Text

“Miss Weasley, I’m sorry but notebooks such as that aren’t allowed in class.” Edward said as gently as he could to the hunched over little girl. He held out his hand. “You may see me after class about having this returned to you.” The poor thing looked terrified and for a brief moment Edward was afraid she wouldn’t hand over the book, but eventually good sense won out, and she passed him the diary reluctantly.

He nodded thanks and preceded to continue his lecture, dropping the diary in a draw and shutting it before walking around a bit more. The moment he dismissed the class Ginny was standing in front of the desk, an almost hungry look in her eyes.

“Can I have my diary back now sir?”

Edward sat back and shook his head sadly. They had been waiting and watching the girl carefully over the past week and it was clear Tom had already had a massive impact on the girl.

“I’m afraid not Miss Weasley. I will be holding on to it for the rest of the week.”

Ginny’s face twisted momentarily into anger and Edward new Tom had already made an impact on the girl that would last a lifetime. Well, it would have. He watched closely as her face relaxed and she dropped her head in contrition.

“Yes sir…”

He moved, trying to catch her eye and gave her a small, reassuring smile. “I will return it to you, after your final class of the week.” He stood. “Off to lunch now, I’m sure your friends are anxiously awaiting your return.”

The girls’ shoulders slumped further as she mumbled under her breath.

“Is something the matter Miss Weasley?” He gave her a look of concern as she started to tear up and sniffle and he felt around for the coin he always kept in his pocket, sending a quick message to Rose. He may have gotten better with the emotional stuff, but he really wasn’t prepared to deal with a crying eleven-year-old girl….

Luckily, he was saved when his wife bustled into his classroom. “There you are, I was wondering why you weren’t at lunch. She stopped “Oh Miss Weasley, is everything alright?”

Ginny sniffled and wiped her eyes, keeping her head down. “I’m sorry miss…”

Rose put an arm around the girl and gently steered her towards the door. “There is nothing to be sorry about darling. Why don’t you come with me to the hospital wing, and you can tell me what’s wrong.”

Edward let out his breath and slumped into his chair, he would need to talk to Harry and his friends about the girl, maybe enlist the twins in helping her adjust to school a little better. How had her family not noticed the changes in her? He doubted Ginny had always been a quite, closed off girl. Hell, she had actually begged to get on the train and look at him during his first trip to Hogwarts. Edward knew her brothers had their own lives and friend groups but for a family that acted like it was so closely knit they didn’t really bother with one another once they were out of the house.

He got up and pushed his hands in his pockets, whistling as he strolled down the hallway, He would work on that later, for now he had a fraud to fuck with.

Harry sat in the library with his friends, working on their first assignments of the year and trying to ignore the wide eyes blond girl who sat at a table near them and was openly watching him, a curios expression on her face.

“Can you believe he not only gave us a test on himself but also an essay on our favorite things he has done.” Harry grumbled, Ron and Neville nodding in agreement, Hermione keeping silent as she wrote furiously on her parchment.

“At least we have the only one in the class who seems to know everything about him to help us out.” Neville teased, dodging the wad of parchment Hermione lobbed at his head and laughing.

“I only know so much because I actually read his book. Like we are supposed.” She huffed out, cheeks flushing red in embarrassment.

Harry rolled his eyes. “I did read a few of the books he assigned but seriously Hermione, you’ve got to admit there isn’t anything about defense in those books. It’s nothing but him talking about himself.”

Hermione gave him a dark look before going back to her essay. “He is still extremely brave for doing all those things.”

Ron snorted. “If he did all those things. Some of those things sounds a bit farfetched to me.”

Hermione slammed her books shut and stood up. “I’m going back to the common room to finish these. Too much noise in here.” The others watched her cram her books into her back and storm away in a huff.

Harry watched her go before turning back and lowering his voice just in case. “Well now that she’s gone, we can plan.” Neville pulled out a fresh roll of parchment and Ron looked a little confused but didn’t say anything as Harry continued. “Hermione’s birthday is next week, and I want us to do something special for her. Nothing big, she doesn’t seem the type to make a big fuss, but I thought maybe a cake and presents in an empty classroom on Saturday?”

Neville started writing a few things down and nodded. “I can probably talk to the elves in the kitchen and ask them to help with the cake.”

“I’ll talk to Lavender and Parvati about helping to decorate.” he looked to Ron “Can you think of anyone else to invite?”

Ron shrugged. “I didn’t even know she got on with Lav and Parvati… I thought she hated them.” He looked down at his hands. “I didn’t know it was her birthday…”

Harry looked over at Neville who gave him a quick nod before going back to his party notes. “Her parents asked me to give her their gifts this year. I honestly wouldn’t have known either if they hadn’t said anything. Last year we weren’t even friends yet so makes sense she that she didn’t tell anyone.”

Ron bit his lip, “I’ll ask the twins to help, and I’m sure Ginny will want to come along.”

This was perfect, Uncle Edward had stopped him after class and asked them to see if any of the other Weasleys had noticed anything odd with Ginny lately and to help her adjust a bit better to life at Hogwarts. Him and Neville had been trying to figure out the best way to ask that didn’t make it seem like they were accusing Ron of not caring or anything like that.

Neville looked up from his parchment and leaned closer. “How’s Ginny doing?”

Ron looked between them, a guilty expression on his face. “I don’t know, fine I guess.”

“She is currently crying in the bathroom on the second floor if you wish to ask her yourself.” A soft voice spoke from behind them, causing all three boys to jump slightly and Ron’s mouth to pop open. A small girl with long blond hair and large silvery blue eyes stood next to them, a placid look on her face.

“What do you mean Luna? Why’s she crying?” Ron stood up, the others following suit.

The girl, Luna, blinked at him. “You are her brother, shouldn’t you know?” She turned and glided away from them. Ron grabbed his things, shoving them in his bag, Harry and Neville doing the same before following him to the second floor and a bathroom that looked like no one had used for ages.

Ron had just touched the door to push it open with an unnaturally peppy voice coming up behind them. “Ah ah young men, that seems to be the ladies room.”

Harry didn’t even hold back his groan when they all turned to see Lockhart standing behind them, showing off all his teeth in an unnatural grin. “Professor we were-“

“Trying to find my sister.” Ron interrupted, pushing forward. “Someone told us she was upset and was hiding out in here.”

Lockhart shook his head, that creepy smile never leaving his face as he stepped closer. “Be that as it may Mr…” He broke off, clearly forgetting Ron’s name before looking at Harry, his eyes gleaming for a second. “Potter, you have been caught trying to infiltrate the girl’s bathroom and that is very much against the rooms. It will be detention for you.” His hand shot out to grab hold of him when they heard a voice down the hall and peered around the man to see one the one person Harry had never thought he would be happy to see coming closer.

“What exactly is going on here.” Professor Snape said slowly, looking at each of the boys before his dark eyes landed on Lockhart. “Lockhart, I never would have pegged you for the type to try to sneak into a girl’s toilet in a school full of children.” He clasped motioned for the three boys to go while he distracted the man. Harry wasn’t surprised at all when he pushed the door to the girls’ room open and it didn’t make a single noise.

“Though I suppose its true, you can never tell what a person is truly like based off of public appearance.” Harry caught the small smirk on Snapes face as he moved to go through the doorway. “I’m sure the headmaster will want to hear about this.”

He didn’t catch Lockhart’s response as he closed the door and turned, bumping straight into the others who had stopped and were staring at something in front of them. Peering around Ron’s much taller frame he caught sight of the ghost of a young girl hovering over a small hunched over figure with flaming red hair. Looks like they found Ginny.

Pocking Ron to get him moving, the three boys slowly moved closer to the girl, trying not to startle her too much. The ghost perked up, giggling slightly at the sight of them. “Oh, boys in my toilet’s how scandalous!”

Ginny jumped, furiously wiping at her eyes with the back of her hand, a scowl on her face. “What are you doing in here Ron? Go away!?”

Ron sank down so he was kneeling by his sister and awkwardly patted her back. “Luna told us you were crying in here. Did someone do something to you?”

Ginny sniffled and buried her face in her robes, shaking her head. “You wouldn’t understand. No one here does.”

Harry and Neville stepped back, wanting to allow the siblings for a few moments and to be honest not wanting to have to deal with the crying girl. Harry did feel a small bit of guilt at seeing her crying and not offering help, but what could he do? He hadn’t even talked to Ginny before.

Ron sighed and sat down more fully. “Is it being away from mum and dad? I cried too a bit when I first got here last year.” He put his arm around his sister, clearly at a loss for what to do.

Ginny shook her head, “I don’t know. I just feel all alone.”

Neville was thankfully the one to save the day, stepping closer and offering the girl a small smile. “I felt that way too. I didn’t think I could ever be good enough or even make a single friend.” He chuckled softly. “I thought they would kick me out and my Gran would be so disappointed that she would ship me off somewhere.” He sat down next to Ron.

“I thought it was all some sick joke made up by the people I had been living with. Or that I would walk up to be sorted and they would snatch the hat off my head and send me packing, saying it was all a mistake and there was a different Harry Potter out there.” Harry sat next to Ginny, the four of them forming a small circle on the filthy floor of the unused bathroom.

Ginny wiped her nose on her sleeve and looked at them all, her eyes finally landing on Harry. “But you knew who you were.”

He shook his head sadly. “Not really. Those people didn’t tell me anything. I didn’t even know magic was real until Hagrid showed up with my letter and even then, I didn’t really believe it till I got here.”

Ginny and Ron’s mouths seemed to fall open at that, and Harry had forgotten he hadn’t actually told Ron anything about his life before Hogwarts. He had only told Hermione and Neville over the summer because they had asked. He didn’t think it mattered so why tell anyone else. That part of his life was over, and he had a proper family now with his new aunt and uncle.

“Mummy always said you were living a nice life with a great family that would tell you everything.” Ginny mumbled, the news of Harry’s of his upbringing.

Harry shrugged. “I think a lot of people thought that.” He stood up, the others getting up as well. “So don’t worry so much, if we can muddle through all this, so can you.” He smiled.

Neville nodded and gave her a grin, causing her to blush slightly. “Me and Harry didn’t have anyone when we got here but you’ve got us. So it can’t be that bad.”

Ron picked up Ginny’s discarded bag and threw it over his shoulder. “Just because we are at school doesn’t mean I stop being your brother. You can always come to me.”

Ginny gave them all a small smile and Harry noticed she looked as if an invisible weight had been lifted off of her shoulders as they walked out into the empty corridor. “Thanks guys. I think I’m going to go and find Luna and thank her for telling you.”

‘Hello Tom, my name is Harry Potter.’ Edward wrote on a blank page of the diary, Rose sitting next to him at the small table they had transfigured in the chamber. They didn’t want to try doing this in the main part of the school.

While they both felt extremely confident, they would be able to transfer the soul piece and destroy it they really didn’t want to risk something going wrong and hurting any of the students. So, the Chamber of Secrets it was with Severus standing guard ready to find their bodies if it all went pear shaped and they didn’t return in an hour. Bit morbid to think about but they had gotten used to the idea of death as children.  If this all worked then they shouldn’t have any problems performing the ritual on Harry over Christmas break and severing that connection before it caused any major problems.

Hello Harry Potter, I have waited a very long time to talk to you?

Neat penmanship appeared across the now blank page and both of them leaned in to read the words. Edward rolling his eyes at what Tom wrote.

‘Does that mean you know everything Voldemort has done since he cut you off and sealed you away?’

Rose wrote quickly. It’s not like they had had the opportunity to ask any of the Horcrux’s nor Voldemort if he could feel when his soul pieces were being destroyed or not. They doubted it but an actual confirmation would be nice.

It seems you know far more then young Ginny has told me… How do you know what I am?

‘How about we play a little game Tom. You answer one of my questions and I’ll answer one of yours. Any Questions.’

It took several long moments before Tom responded.

No, I don’t know, as you say. I was ‘cut off’. I don’t think he can feel me either. There was a small pause. How did you survive?

Edward grinned ‘Which time?’

What do you mean by which time?

Rose swatted at Edward as he started laughing. “What? He needs to be more specific in his questions.”

She rolled her eyes and snatched the diary away from him. ‘A muggle-born outsmarted you.’

Edward peered at what she wrote as the words melted into the paper, “You’re taking all the fun out of this, love.”

Rose gave him a bland look as Tom responded. “We don’t have the time for this Edward.”

He lifted his hands up in surrender, grinning at her exasperation. “Fine, you win. We got our answer anyway.”

That’s not possible. Some stupid, filthy little mud-blood could never outsmart me! I am the greatest wizard of all time.

‘Well, she did and now another one is going to destroy you. Goodbye Tom, have fun rotting in hell you egotistical sociopath!’ Rose furiously scrawled across the paper before slamming the book shut and tossing it into the center of the runic circle, they had drawn on the chamber floor the matching one sat exactly one meter away, a simple twig from the forest at the center.

Edward stayed back, not willing to sacrifice his bollocks when his wife was in such a state. He kept his wand raised, ready to step in if she needed help, though he doubted she would.  

Rose walked slowly around the first circle, her wand raised and eyes closed as she quietly started chanting. The already chill air of the chamber dropped drastically, the runes started to glow red and in a flash of bright light they felt the chamber’s temperature go back to normal. Edward wrapped an arm around Rose’s waist, holding her up as she slumped slightly, sweat started running down her brow for the magical exertion.

“Do you think it worked” She shifted to look up at him, and he guided her to one of the chairs that she sank down in gratefully.

He walked over to the diary and picked it up gingerly, flipping it open. “Only one way to find out. Toss me the pen?”

She tossed him the pen and he wrote quickly. ‘Tom?’

He waited several minutes before writing again, smiling when there was no response. “He is either really pissed off at us, or it worked.”

Rose slowly got up, letting out a small groan and rubbing her wand arm. “Can you feel anything?”

He shook his head, “Ever since I died, I can’t feel a thing. The connection was severed when the soul piece was destroyed.”

Rose pulled out her bag and tossed him one of the basilisk teeth they had gathered from the chamber after they had sent off the massive snake to the private island. It had taken several trips down to collect everything useful, clean up the place, and prepare it for use. They hadn’t been able to explore all that much, but what they had found had been interesting so far.

Edward took the tooth and held it above the twig, bringing it down quickly when it started to shake. The wood broke in half, a cloud of black smoke rising up with a scream before dissipating into the air. Rose set the twigs on fire, leaving behind a small pile of ashes. Edward turned to his wife, picking her up and twirling her around with a massive smile on his face as she laughed. It worked, like actually worked.

The diary was completely untouched, and the soul piece was destroyed, and this would save Harry years of heartbreak and pain. No visions of Voldemort waking him in his sleep. No pain in his scar reminding him of how he got it. This was actually going to work.

Chapter Text

Harry loved magic, he loved Hogwarts and his new family, but most of all he loved flying. The complete freedom that came with getting on a broom and taking off into the air, no responsibility other than catching the snitch. He loved it.

What he didn’t currently love was the rouge bludger that kept trying to attack him.

The game had started as usual with an almost manic speech from Wood about the game that Harry sometimes forgot the moment they stepped onto the pitch, okay he almost always forgot when he stepped foot on the pitch. It wasn’t that Wood’s speeches were bad, it was just very clear the boy was very obsessed with winning, and like Fred and George had said his fist game, the speech was almost always the same.

He would always use the same strategy, fly high and circle, keeping out of the way and his eyes open. The other seeker would usually do the same but at the opposite end. This time though he had Draco whose strategy seemed to be, fly so close they could share brooms. It was annoying but nothing Harry couldn’t handle.

Draco for his part had calmed down a lot since the detentions Aunt Rose had doled out the previous year. He was still a pompous, spoiled brat, but he no longer went out of his way to antagonize or bully people. He still threw his weight around, or tried to, but things had improved, a lot. Harry and Draco still tossed insults to each other during the game, but it was nothing more than a basic quidditch rivalry.

Harry had heard from Uncle Edward that Draco’s dad had tried to ‘donate’ brooms to the Slytherin team in the hopes of securing his son’s position as seeker, but Snape of all people had refused. Telling the man if he donated brooms, they would have to be made available to the entire school, not just one team. He must have withdrawn his donation after hearing that. Harry felt a bit bad for Draco when he found out, it must feel crappy to hear your own father didn’t believe you were good enough on your own and felt the need to bribe the team in order to play.

Draco had proven him wrong though and Harry was actually happy to see he had a rival that was pretty dang good. It made beating him and catching the snitch so much sweeter.

“What the-“ he heard Draco swear, quickly swerving away. “Potter watch out!”

Harry turned in time to see a bludger coming straight for his head. He pulled up sharply and winced at the loud crack as the errant ball hit the stands, shattering the wood completely.  He dived down, bobbing and weaving the entire time as the ball kept coming straight for him. Fear rose up as he flew recklessly in an attempt to escape the ball, relief flooding him when Fred and George came closer, trying to keep the bludgers from connecting to his face, or any other body part as he continued to attempt to avoid death by quidditch game.

Who knows how long it would have gone on if it hadn’t been for the snitch hitting him in the face before hovering close by. Reaching out his arm he wrapped his fingers around the tiny golden ball just as he heard a crack. It took his brain several seconds to register that crack had been his arm as fiery pain shot though his body and he let go of his broom to hold his now shattered arm and slipped from his broom.

Rose was particularly gleeful as she slipped into the Defense classroom and practically skipped up the stairs to Lockhart’s private quarters.

She would have liked to watch the match currently going on but Edward had flat out told her no. She had been rather peeved until he had explained they both knew she wouldn’t be able to control herself when the idiot attempted to ‘heal’ Harry and with so many witnesses it would be hard to keep her out of Azkaban. Which was an extremely valid argument, it didn’t mean she was pleased with him putting his metaphorical foot down though. Plus, they needed to talk to Dobby and they knew for sure the little troublemaker would be showing up in the hospital wing tonight. It killed her to know that Harry would be in pain, but they really need to keep this as close to the first time as possible.

Edward did make it up to her though by telling her she had full free range to punish Lockhart how she saw fit and would be more than willing to create a distraction in order to help her. It wasn’t necessary of course. She had the current match plus the help of the house elves for.

Rose grasped the handle to Lockhart’s room and grinned when the door opened easily, revealing Lop, one of the Hogwarts elves waiting for her.

She he had yet to convince the house elves that they should be getting paid for their work and should also have time off. She had convinced them to accept other things in exchange for a little extra help. Sweets were the number one form of payment, followed by fabric they could use to make themselves things. Rose had absolutely no issue whatsoever in indulging the wonderfully brilliant little creatures and always carried something she could give them. Doing this had essentially made her a favorite amongst the hidden staff and they were always happy to help, especially with dealing with humans they didn’t like.

At the top of that list, currently sat one Gildroy Lockhart.

While most of the human staff at Hogwarts maintained a decent relationship with the house-elves, most tended to forget the elves were there, choosing to do most things for themselves. Lockhart was another story. According to the elves assigned to maintain her and her husbands’ quarters, the man was extremely rude and demanding, always yelling about one thing or another. That was one more massive strike against the man in Roses book, and it was finally time to take him down a notch.

Rose almost laughed at just how excited the little elf looked as she pulled out two bags from her purse. The same purse she had carried the entire time they been on the run… old habits were hard to break, and she just couldn’t seem to let go of this one, no matter how safe she now felt.

Blinking back the maudlin thoughts she gave Lop a small smile and passed him the bag of sweets. “Are you ready to have a little fun?”

Edward sat beside Harry’s bed in the Hospital wing under the invisibility cloak and waited.

Dobby was sure to show up soon and it was time he had a few words with his friend.

It wasn’t long before the little elf popped up, looking all around him and wringing his ears. Edward watched him crawl onto the bed and freeze, realizing he had made a very big mistake. The bed was surrounded by a very old, archaic magic. One that had been taught to them by Kreacher. It was the only spell that could prevent a house elf from using their own magic to escape and had been the way wizards had originally trapped the poor creatures and enslaved them. He hated using such magic but there was literally no other way to ensure Dobby stayed put long enough for them to talk.

Pulling off the cloak Edward gave Dobby a small, triumphant smile. “I learned that trick from an old friend, a house elf I hope to be reunited with very soon.” He watched Dobby’s eyes grow even larger, fear taking over. “I won’t hurt you Dobby, you and I have the same mission.”

He pulled the diary from his pocket and tossed it on the bed where Harry slept peacefully. Thank Merlin for Rose and Severus for creating that sleeping potion that wouldn’t interfere with the Skelogrow. He rubbed his arm absently, remembering the excruciating pain he had had to endure.

Dobby flinched away from that diary before his head seemed to twitch slightly, his eyes narrowing as he inched closer to the book before gingerly picking it up.

“It’s not possible…” Dobby whispered, looking at him with suspicion now.

Edward chuckled softly and shook his head. “I know you can feel it, the echo of the dark magic. I know that you can also feel that it’s nothing but an ordinary book now.”

Dobby squawked slightly and he nodded. “But how? My master was-“ He cut himself off and was about to dive for something to bash against his head when Edward wrapped his arms around the tiny creature, preventing him from moving.

“You’re master failed Dobby. The threat inside Hogwarts is gone.” He let go of Dobby but kept a hand on his shoulder, bending his head to look into his eyes. “I know you wish to protect Harry and would do everything you can to do that.”

Dobby nodded, keeping quiet.

Edward grinned. “Perfect.” He sat back down in his chair. “Tell me Dobby, is it possible for a house-elf to get into Azkaban?”

Rose came out of her office just as Edward released to magic containing Dobby and the little elf disappeared with a pop.

Hopefully the plan to get the cup would work, it was a long shot, but it was the best they could come up with. The goblins wouldn’t work with them; it didn’t matter what was in a person’s vault. Only those approved to get into that vault could access it, and that included the goblins themselves. They needed a Lestrange, and they had a pretty good idea of who the weakest link in that family was. It was just getting to him that posed the problem.

That was an issue for another day though, they still had a few years anyway, for now an opportunity they hadn’t anticipated had just arrived.

Both of them turned, wands raised as Draco melted from the shadows by the doors, face screwed up in confusion.

“Why was my house elf here?” He moved closer to them. “Why was he talking to you?”

Rose looked over at Edward who shrugged and put his wand away.

They didn’t want to influence any of the kids one or the other. What they wanted to do was give them opportunities to be better versions of themselves. Harry had never learned to trust others, having lost so many and been let down far too many times to know that he had people who could and would help him. Hermione was so obsessed with proving she was a proper witch and proving she deserved her place at Hogwarts that she had ostracized herself from everyone, even her friends. Ron had been a good friend, until the pressers of war and loss had been too much for him to bear. Neville had proven time after time he was loyal and brave, putting his life on the line to do what needed to be done.

And Draco had risked it all to help them escape. He proven to be so much more than his name and supposed legacy. He had given his life for them, and it was in the memory of that man that they knew the boy needed to be given opportunity to change.

Rose sat on the bed opposite the one Harry was currently sleeping on and patted the spot next to her. “Come and sit Draco.”

The boy eyed them warily as he slowly walked over and stiffly sat on the very edge of the bed. “Why was Dobby here?”

Edward snorted and laced his fingers behind his head, leaning back and closing his eyes, leaving the explanation up to Rose. She looked over at the boy, cocking her head slightly before nodding to herself.

“You aren’t going to like this Draco, but Dobby came to warn Harry about something your father planned on doing at the school this year.” She watched closely as the boy kept his expression closed off. “He wouldn’t say what, but he knew it would be bad and a lot of people could end up hurt.”

Draco nodded as little “He said he was going to clean the school up, get rid of the undesirables.”

Rose gave Edward a sharp pock when he snorted loudly, ignoring the interruption, she gave Draco a sad look. “Have you ever taken a handful of grass and thrown it into the air Draco?” she waited for him to give her a confused nod before continuing. “When you throw it up you no longer have control over where it may land. It’s the same with your father’s plan. Once set into motion he no longer had control over who got hurt.” She looked into Draco’s eyes, trying to put this as softly as she could. Lucius Malfoy loved his son, but that love was nothing in comparison to his devotion to his lord. It was a hard truth but one that could potentially save the boy a lot of pain in the future.

She patted his hand when understanding dawned. Shaking his head he stood up. “You're wrong, my father would never hurt me.”

Edward opened his eyes and cocked a brow. “If you went up to him today and told him you believed muggle-borns and pure-bloods were equal, what would he do?”

Draco blanched slightly and shook his head, that haughty expression back on his face. “I would never say that.”

Rose stood up and went into her office grabbing a book off her shelf and bringing it back. “As punishment for being out after curfew you are to read this and write a two-foot essay summarizing what you have learned.” She passed him the book, one written by an African wizard that had spent decades researching magic and the myth of muggle-borns. “Once you have done that, I expect an actual answer. What would your father do?”

Draco eyed the book before taking it, straightening his back. “I just wanted to check on Potter, but I see he is fine.” He read the title and rolled his eyes before turning and leaving in a huff.

Edward grinned at his wife and stood up. “Well, that went well.”

Rose shrugged her shoulders, “He is a very smart boy. He just needs to learn to apply that intelligence to something worthwhile.

He shook his head and wrapped his arms around her. “We will just have to wait and see, love.”