"Temporal Boundary Invasions": Chapter XI - Harry Spins a Tale
Title: Harry Potter and the Temporal Boundary Invasions
Chapter Title: XI - Harry Spins a Tale
Fandoms: Harry Potter/multiple
Story Rating: PG-13
Chapter Word count: ~3,874
Warning(s): Coarse language.
Summary: Harry defeats Tom Riddle once and for all, but with nothing to live for, he leaps through the veil. Being thrown back in time was NOT the plan… Did the universe actually HATE him that much? The recovery of an ancient magical artefact may have the answers, and he just may gain a few powerful allies along the way... Part I: Encounters with an up-and-coming Muggle rock band.
Disclaimer: See first chapter
XI: HARRY SPINS A TALE
OR, HARRY'S CLOSEST FRIENDS OLD AND NEW LEARN A FEW THINGS
As it became evident Cedric would likely be staying in the trunk, another change had to be made. Harry had quickly explained what had happened to Matt, and the change in sleeping arrangements.
Of course, that would no longer do, but Cedric came up with a compromise. He understood the reasoning behind Harry's invitation, in that Matt would not be sleeping alone. That didn't mean they had to share a bed, however, and so a second four-posted double bed was added in the opposite corner, after furniture was moved around.
Now, as it neared 11 pm, Cedric and Harry were cuddled together on Harry's bed, although Harry was engrossed in the journal he had borrowed from Dumbledore. He hadn't practiced the Doppelganger charm, but was instead studying something else, the main reason for obtaining the journal in the first place.
Matt occupied his new bed, although he was also nowhere near ready to sleep. The days' events most certainly weighed heavily on his mind, and even though the notebook lay open on his lap, the words did not come to him.
The trio was interrupted with a knock on the door. Zachariah framed the doorway.
"Come in," said Harry, setting the journal aside, and swinging his legs over the side of the bed. "Right, forgot you wanted to talk to me."
"We can pay the fine, but… you guys seem to need the equipment more. The twins-"
"I doubt it's worth five thousand galleons," Harry interjected.
"Not right off, no, but think of the potential profit."
"Stuff the twins have a right to as it is."
"…"
"Did he tell you everything that happened?"
"He shared his memories. Part of me wants to scream at you for doing that, but… I can't. Even 'I' warned him last time this went down. You won't believe the number of times I've had to haul his ass out of the fire. He thinks just because he's a wizard he can get away with doing whatever he pleases, consequences be damned… The thing is, he also forgets this shit affects me too."
"Sounds like you put up with a lot of shit, then," said Matt.
"Sometimes…" Zachariah let out a sigh, and dragged a chair away from the newly conjured desk, taking a seat. "I've almost divorced him three times now. But… who's gonna protect him without me?"
"Maybe that's not your responsibility, mate," said Cedric.
"I find it rather comical," said Matt, "A Muggle minding the wizard? Sounds rather bent to me."
"Tell me about it," Zachariah snorted, "But…" he sighed again, continuing, "I don't know what I would do without him. You know what I mean, Harry, I can see it between you two…" he gestured at Harry and Cedric-the brown-haired teen had also swung his legs over the side of the bed, and now sat dangerously close to Harry, an arm slid around his waist. "Anyway," Zachariah continued, "I promise to do my best to keep Jiro under control. From what you've told us, you need all the help you can get… and Jiro DEFINITELY knows what he's doing."
"I'll concede that," said Harry, "Thing is, I also have to look out for Matt here, never mind his friends. They're about ready to murder your husband, and I really don't blame them. He should know better than that!"
"You're preaching to the choir there," Zachariah agreed, "So the trade is a no go."
"I can't. He has to understand I'm not joking. Next time it happens, he'll be out of here, and there will be charges filed with the ministry."
"Never mind what I will do to him," said Matt, darkly.
"You can't forgive him?"
"No. Your… partner attacked me twice. Once was bad enough… twice? No, Jiro's made himself an enemy."
Zachariah blew out a breath, standing. "All right. Disappointed, but I understand. You guys have a right to feel like you do… and I guess I would too." He left the room, saying, "'Night."
"Harry… you're sure it's a good idea to keep him around? You're asking for trouble, I reckon," said Cedric, uneasily.
"He's on his last ticket," said Harry, "One toe out of line, he's gone, and by the sounds of it, Zachariah's just about had enough of him too. Surprised they've lasted as long as they have."
"How long?"
"Three years, Ced," answered Harry, "Three years of that."
"Zachariah won't leave him. He's too forgiving, like you are."
"Forgiving? No. I learned the hard way many times over," answered Harry, darkly, "I truly learned that lesson when Ron and Hermione were killed."
"What happened?" questioned Matt.
"No. I don't want to talk about that. That's… something I don't want to ever experience again… and that's what I would do if I were to discuss it."
Stepping into the dining room for breakfast, Harry, Cedric, and Matt found Sirius at the table, breakfast already set out at the centre of it. Of course his godfather would want to spend more time with him, he realized. Much like it would be in the great hall at Hogwarts, there was cereal, fruit, and toast, boiled eggs, sausages and toast. Two pitchers of pumpkin juice were present, as was one pitcher each of apple and orange juice.
"Sirius," Harry grinned, taking a seat.
"Hey, kiddo. Sleep all right?"
"Better than the past few nights," answered Harry, loading up a plate. Sirius smirked, knowing full well the reason for Harry's answer. Just then, Zachariah and Jiro made their way in, and both sat at the far end of the table-clearly to be as far away from Matt as possible. Jiro had a nasty red mark on the side of his face that somewhat resembled a hand-print. He was scowling at everyone, and Harry had to be careful not to actually smirk. No doubt, Zachariah had put him in his place again, and judging by how fresh the mark was, quite recently.
"'morning, everyone," said Zachariah.
"Mr. and Mr. Kane," said Sirius, inclining his head.
"The twins stayed downstairs with us, I hope that was all right," said Jiro, "We were busy until two this morning."
"Nope, no problem with me," said Harry, "In fact I do need to add a couple of rooms, since they might like to have their privacy while they're here."
"You're pushing the limits of the trunk already, aren't you?" questioned Sirius.
"Almost. I can probably get two more good-sized rooms, but that's just about it. After that I really have to figure something out." He looked up to see Padge and Moose step into the room, followed a moment after by Jay; each of them took seats at the table, greeting the others, save for Jiro. He only got glares from the newcomers. They were all fully aware of what Jiro had done to Matt, and they were by no means impressed. Padge in particular was giving Jiro a death glare. It was a good thing looks couldn't kill, or Jiro would have been dead many times over.
"From the looks Mr. Kane is getting, I gather something unpleasant happened?" queried Sirius.
"You could say that," answered Harry, "Been dealt with."
"I was an asshole," said Jiro, "And I'm sorry."
"Yeah, judging by that nasty mark on your face, the only thing you're sorry about, is that your partner's all pissy about it," said Matt, coldly.
"HEY, I AM trying to be nice!" said Jiro, angrily.
"Matt… he's trying," said Harry, "Just both of you let it go, okay?"
The table fell silent, although the unspoken tension was almost palpable. For Harry, it was frustrating, seeing his new friends at each others' throats. Yet, he couldn't muster a lot of sympathy for Jiro-he'd attacked Matt twice, someone who obviously didn't easily bury a grudge. He was practically famous in the world they had left, right? So to be attacked such as he was, it just didn't normally happen.
The silence was suddenly broken, as Fred and George popped into the room with a noisy CRACK, making Padge knock over his glass of orange juice, spilling its contents. Harry only grinned, banishing the spilled juice, and magically refilling his now empty cup. "Hi guys."
"Sorry about that," said George, taking a seat.
"Forgot there were Muggles present," Fred added.
"So I hear you guys were busy last night."
"Very," said George, "Jiro's com-putter is wicked. The stuff he's been showing us."
"We're both astounded by the detail," Fred completed.
"Yes, useful… guys, is there anything there that might help me link two trunks together?"
"There might be," said Fred, "But you could just set up another fireplace, right?"
"Yes, but I'd rather not have to use the floo network if I can avoid it."
"We can have a look after breakfast," said Jiro.
"Why would you need more than one trunk?" questioned Padge.
"I'm almost at the limit as to how much I can magically expand this one," supplied Harry, "We'll need a second one if I want to add much more, which I do." Just then, a large barn owl swooped into the room, to land on the table in front of Sirius-Harry had configured the trunk in such away that owls could enter and deliver mail to those inside it. It had a newspaper secured to one of its legs, which it held out for Sirius. He took it, and placed three knuts in a small pouch secured to the other leg, then offered it a slice of bacon, which it took. The bird then took off, flying from whence it came.
"What the fuck just happened?" questioned Jay, looking VERY confused.
"Owl post," Harry explained, while Sirius opened the copy of the Daily Prophet.
DUMBLEDORE SUSPENDED FROM WIZENGAMOT, ICW
Aging wizard no longer in a sound state of mind, by Rita Skeeter
Both the Wizengamot and the International Confederation of Warlocks have temporarily relieved Albus Dumbledore from his position in both bodies, citing his fantastic believes in the continued existence of Lord Voldemort.
A spokes-witch from the Ministry of Magic has gone on record to say, "It is believed without a shadow of a doubt that the dark wizard known as Lord Voldemort has been vanquished once and for all, and we as a governing body cannot stand by and allow someone to state the contrary, no matter WHAT sort of status the individual has."
The ministry has gone on to say they are also investigating claims by the one who vanquished the dark wizard nearly fourteen years ago, which go along with the Hogwarts headmaster's claims. "We are equally disturbed by the fact [Dumbledore] has somehow coerced or bewitched young Mr. Potter to make similar, outlandish claims. The ministry will be taking equal steps in that regard, to ensure [the truth] is made very clear."
Indeed, this reporter must question both the motives of Dumbledore and Mr. Potter. Is it yet another foolish attempt by the boy to gain more attention in the public eye? Or is it an attempt by the elderly wizard to gain further control of the Ministry? This reporter will continue to keep you, the reader informed, as I feel we are only scratching the surface of this sordid tale.
"Right. They'll all sing a very DIFFERENT tune when Voldemort storms into the ministry one night," Harry scowled, after reading the article aloud.
"Ministry insider?"
"Umbridge, likely. Useless pink toad she is. She will be neutralized, I swear on everything holy," Harry vowed.
"As in Delores Umbridge?" inquired Jiro.
"That would be her."
"She runs the Muggle-born registration commission. She had thousands of Muggle-born witches and wizards arrested and thrown into Azkaban," said Jiro, "I only escaped by keeping my head down."
"Sounds darker than what Harry went through," Sirius noted.
"You-know-who is in charge where we come from," answered Jiro, "Even in Canada."
"What's a Muggle-born?" questioned Padge.
"I'm a Muggle-born," answered Jiro, "It means a witch or wizard born to Muggle parents. The ministry-once it was taken over by you-know-who-created the commission to persecute people like me, basically. They say we somehow stole our magic. It's a load of horse shit!"
"Sounds bent to me," Matt agreed, "I mean, I would think your magic is a part of you, not something you can just learn-or steal."
"Well, Mr. Tuck, there have been a good number of honest studies by the Department of Mysteries, but there's never been a good answer as to why it happens."
"Harry… I never got to ask. What year are you in now?" questioned Jiro.
"Starting fifth year," answered Harry.
"So it's right after you-know-who got his body back…"
"Except he didn't," said Harry, "I don't want to get into details just yet, because there are still people missing from this table."
"Ron and Hermione," Fred guessed. Harry nodded. "Once they're here, I promise, everyone will get a rather detailed explanation of the hows and whys of me knowing what I do. All I will say, I have detailed knowledge of the future."
"No time better than the present," said Cedric.
"Do you mind? I'd rather not be calling Grimmauld Place from here myself," said Harry. Cedric nodded, standing. He left the room. Harry finished the last piece of toast on his plate, and also stood. "Better add them to the floo."
Once he had added Ron and Hermione to the trunk access list, he then took a seat in front of the fireplace. He smirked inwardly to himself when Matt took a seat in one of the couches off to the side, and lit a smoke.
It was nearly ten minutes before the fire roared a brilliant green, and Cedric stepped out of it. "They're on their way. You've added them to the access list already?"
"Way ahead of you, Ced," answered Harry, as Cedric sat beside him. Only an instant later, the flames turned green again, and this time, a bushy-haired witch stepped out, along with a ginger-haired wizard. 'One of the twins' brothers,' Matt assumed.
"Harry! You're all right? You have no idea-" Hermione began, but Harry held up a hand, saying, "I'm just fine, Hermione. Guys. Before we take another step, I need a wizard's oath from the both of you that whatever I say here remains a secret."
"A wizard's oath?" questioned Hermione.
"Right," said Ron, taking out his wand. Holding it in front of him, he spoke, "I, Ronald Bilius Weasley, swear on my magic, that I shall not disclose anything about to be shared with me by Harry James Potter, so mote it be."
"So mote it be," spoke Harry, letting the golden thread of magic seal the oath. Hermione quickly duplicated Ron's oath, at which, Harry said, "Great. I know that was a lot to ask, but I really need to be sure what I'm about to tell you won't end up being repeated to certain people."
"Guess that makes sense. Harry, where did you get this?" Hermione gestured to the room around them.
"You like it? I visited a store that specializes in Wizarding travel gear. You probably don't remember Professor Moody's trunk… but it had lots of compartments-although this one only has three. We're in the third," Harry explained.
"And where is the trunk now?" questioned Ron.
"In my room at my relatives' place. So Dumbledore can't say I'm not where I should be. It's just not exactly as intended."
"And you have to be at your aunt's because of the blood protection, right?" questioned Matt.
"And you are?" Hermione apprised the stranger.
"I'm Matt. Matt Tuck."
"A pleasure. Hermione Granger."
"And Ron Weasley."
"Harry's told me a bit about you guys," said Matt, as they shook hands.
"Let's go into the dining room, the others are in there."
"Others?"
"Just c'mon," said Harry.
Introductions were quickly made once they were seated, although both Ron and Hermione got a shock from Jiro, who addressed Hermione, "Mrs. Granger-Weasley."
"Excuse me?"
"Well… um… you two were married, where I come from," Jiro supplied, with a shrug. That got a swat from Zachariah, and a glare from Harry.
"Right…" he said, "I mean, that sort of applies in what I'm about to tell you all, but I'll get to that. My story begins on June 24th. Some of you already know that story, but for those who don't know, truly terrible things happened… things that began eleven years of nightmares…"
By the time Harry was finished, it was nearly time for supper. Five empty vials that had once contained a calming draught sat on the table in front of him; he had needed that many to remain calm during the explanation, for the future he told of was truly a dark place. It had had a profound effect on his new friends equally as his old ones, Hermione needing to brush away tears on more than a few occasions. Jiro, too, was stunned. He thought he knew everything about the boy-who-lived, but only now realized, everything he knew was wrong. No, this was definitely no boy.
"You're really from the future," said Ron, finally. Harry nodded, and said, "Let me try something." He stood up, gestured with his hand at himself, and he began to change. Gone was the boy of nearly 15, and in his place, stood a man who looked to be going into his 30's. His green eyes and raven hair were still unmistakable, but the hair was shoulder-long and stringy, clumped together in some places, and the face had changed: The face of someone who had been through hell, was the best way to put it, as it was marked by a number of scars, not including his infamous lightning bolt scar linking him with Voldemort. Someone who had long ago lost his innocence in the fire of war. His body equally, bore a number of scars, but only a few of those were visible.
"This is my true appearance," spoke the boy become man, "I will turn 27 on the 31st, rather than 15."
"Bloody hell, Harry," spoke Ron, while Hermione only stared, open-mouthed. "If… if you had not explained to us… Merlin!" she finally managed.
"I know. I look of fright. Luckily, this body did not travel back with me. Unfortunately, my mind did. I'm not who you think I am. That Harry Potter died a long time ago."
"No, he didn't!" Hermione protested, "You can't think that way, or V-v-voldemort will have already won."
"No, he won't ever win. I defeated him once, I'll do it again. I swear on everything holy, he won't ever win, nor will he take away those who mean so much to me." He sat back down, blowing out a long breath.
"Mate, I don't care what you look like," said Cedric, "You're still handsome to me."
"Means a lot," said Harry.
"Me too, mate," said Ron, "You'll always be my best friend, no matter what."
"You know my answer Harry, although your appearance is quite startling," said Hermione.
"I know it is… but among you, this is who I am. I won't pretend any more."
"Can you hide your scars?" questioned Matt. Harry only nodded, gesturing again at his face. The scars vanished, save for his infamous lightning-bolt scar-the one he could do nothing about. "Why?"
"Just curious. I mean, the look suits you better, I think."
"He won't be able to use that at Hogwarts, though," said Fred.
"Unless he wants the entire school to know his secret," his twin added.
"No. When I go back to Hogwarts, I will look like I'm 'supposed' to."
"Gotta wonder what Malfoy would think if he saw you like that," Ron grinned.
"Well, he's likely to find out," Harry answered, getting a shocked look from his school friends. "I'm not kidding."
"But why, Harry?"
"I told you about his change of heart, right? What if I can influence that sooner? Get some help from the snakes, rather than them be a pain in the ass. I've already got Snape's support. Getting Draco as well, it would double the chances."
"That'll be a difficult sell," said Sirius, "What do you have to offer that Voldemort doesn't?"
"My memories. Just like I did with Snape, I'll show Malfoy exactly what's in store. Just the shock value alone should get his attention." Just then, Kreacher popped into the room. He gave a squeak of shock, seeing Harry's changed appearance.
"It's still me, Kreacher," said Harry.
"Master Harry has changed his appearance?"
"I was showing everyone what I really look like," Harry explained. The elf seemed to think on this for a few moments, then said, "All are staying for dinner, they are?"
"If they'd like," said Harry. Kreacher gave a low bow, and popped away. That got a sour look from Hermione. "Please don't argue with me about Kreacher. I'm glad for his help. I asked if he'd like to help out here rather than stay at Sirius' place."
"So that's why Dobby and Winky are at Sirius' place, then," Ron guessed.
"Yeah. I asked if they'd like to help there, since I know it's busier. Kreacher wouldn't deal with it well-he didn't the last time around, kept calling Hermione a Mudblood."
"Well, kiddo, you've truly turned him around, I have to admit," said Sirius. Just then, plates and cutlery appeared on the table, and the food itself appeared at the centre, much like had happened at breakfast.
"Okay. As cool as your trunk is, Harry, could we maybe go outside for a bit?" questioned Matt, as the dishes and leftovers vanished from the table. "We've been stuck in here for almost three days now."
"Right. Anyone else care to come for a walk? There's a little park not far from here."
"Matt, you sure that's a good idea?" questioned Padge, cautiously.
"Why not? No one knows who we are here. Can't hurt anything," Matt pointed out.
"Other than Death Eaters that might be looking for you. Harry, do be careful," said Hermione.
"I plan to. We won't be long. Cedric, coming?"
A quick glance at the map gave Harry another reason to smile: his relatives were away for the evening-they likely didn't even know he was back in the house.
"Right. Let's go, then," said Harry, and made a hasty exit from the trunk, Cedric and Matt quickly following.
oOo
At precisely that moment, miles to the north, at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, one of the many shiny trinkets that adorned the headmaster's office let out a long, agonizing cry, and began to spew black smoke. Had the headmaster been there to witness this, he would have been very alarmed, and made an urgent trip to Privet Drive. As fate would have it, Albus Dumbledore was currently meeting with the Order at Grimmauld Place, and so had no inkling the protective wards surrounding Number 4 Privet Drive had just collapsed.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: So... why might the wards have collapsed around Privet Drive, hmmm? Heads up, action coming next chapter! Weeeeee!
PREVIOUS CHAPTER: X - UNITED AND SEVERED
NEXT CHAPTER: XII - AN UNPLEASANT HOUSE CALL
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