Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"You're certain that's finely grounded fairy wings?" Remus hissed, looking at the dust in James' hand.

"I'm positive Rem. Look, says right here on the package" James pointed at the bag he had just gotten it from. Remus moved creakily to take the package with a sigh to double check. As he was picking it up, James dumped the entire handful into the bubbling cauldron.

"JAMES" Remus yelled, turning around as the cauldron started to rattle. 

"What?" James asked as he backed away, glancing nervously at Sirius who was doing look out. The silver-eyed boy poked his head out from behind the tapestry. 

"It says time sand coated fairy wings dust" Remus moaned. Peter ran into the room in a panic, bowling over Sirius.

"Pete?" 

"She's...she's coming" Peter panted, untangling from Sirius. The cauldron continued to rattle harder and the mixture within was glowing slightly.

"Shit, what do we do? That's a ticking time bomb and we're about to be caught!" James whispered fiercely. 

"Caught doing what, Potter?" Lily Evans shoved aside the tapestry. Peter finally gave into his panic and turned into his other form to scurry into Remus' pocket. 

"Not the time, Evans! James just put an extremely reactive ingredient into our cauldron and we need to fix it immediately!" Remus snarled, grabbing a stirring stick and trying to calm the glow of the mixture by stirring. Lily gasped and ran to look over the ingredients, muttering under her breath. 

"It's too late, brace for impact!" James yelled, pulling Remus away from the cauldron. Sirius joined a heartbeat later, pulling Lily down too. James, Sirius, Lily, and Remus stumbled over one another in an attempt to get away from the light, Peter squeaking loudly in Remus' pocket. Then with a pop, the cauldron, the potion, the ingredients, and all of the notes were gone and a cloud of dust flew up around the teenagers as they hit the floor.

"Well that explains how expensive those fairy wings were!" James tried for light heartedness as they all tried to catch their breath. The others groaned, shoving each other. When they finally staggered to their feet, each took in the differences in the room.

"Did...did Hogwarts move where we were so we didn't get hurt?" Sirius asked shakily.

"Can she do that?" Lily glanced over at the boys. The two pure-bloods nodded while Remus shrugged. "Well then, I nominate Potter to figure out where we are" 

"Wha-why me?!" James sputtered.

"You bought the fairy wings, you discover where we ended up" Sirius stated matter-of-factly. Remus and Lily nodded along, so James stomped out from behind the tapestry. Into the exact same corridor he had been in not even an hour ago.

"We have a problem. We're in the same spot..." he turned towards his friends who all looked bewildered as James felt. Remus opened his mouth when; 

"Har, mate, I swear to Merlin, why are you in the corridors past curfew?" A voice echoed behind James. He whirled around to see a lanky red-head ambling towards him. The other boy stopped once he fully took in James. "Wait. You're not Harry. Who are you?" 

"What, don't recognize James Potter the star of the quidditch team?" Sirius asked, stepping away from the alcove. The red head paled, stumbling back a few steps. 

"OI, 'MIONE, WE GOT A SITUATION" He yelled back down the corridor. A girl sprinted around the corner, her prefect badge clearly pinned to her chest. 

"What kind of situation. Potter luck, toad, or misbehavior?" She asked, focused entirely on the tall boy.

"Uh, Potter luck for sure. Misbehavior is assumed, but-" he broke off in gestures to the four students who had fully emerged. The girl also paled.

"...Am I to assume you are, in order, James Potter, Sirius Black, Lily Evans, and Remus Lupin?" She asked after taking a few breathes to collect herself. Each of the four nodded. "Great. Wonderful. My name is Hermione Granger, and that is Ron Weasley. We are the fifth year Gryffindor prefects. I'm afraid this is something we're kicking up the chain so follow me"

They hurried after her when she set off at a march down towards the deputy headmistress' office. 

"Yes, Ms. Granger? To what do I...oh my heavens" McGonagall answered her door after a few knocks "I... see why you came to me. Come in all of you. Mr. Weasley, please go fetch the headmaster. The password is currently Ice Mice" 

"On it professor!" Weasley sprinted off as the rest filed in. Hermione sniffed and stood near the door, peering down the corridor. To James' surprise, McGonagall didn't protest the position, simply turning her attention to the time travelers. 

"So. I do not know how much you know, so I will start from the beginning. You have travelled to September 11th, 1995. Two of you are alive still, and I will notify them of your arrival here. I'm not entirely sure if you truly travelled through time or if you're copies, so I will avoid bringing those two here until we know for sure" 

"They're imprints or copies of a sort. Sirius and Remus have stated no memory of this before, and the time line is a closed loop" Granger chimed in. 

"Yes, thank you, Ms. Granger" McGonagall nodded "I do not know how long you four will be here, I assume you'll have to continue attending as if you had never travelled. Professor-"

"Harry James, I thought we told you not to leave the common room" Granger suddenly interrupted. 

"Wormtail showed up on the map alongside Sirius and Remus and... and I needed to make sure he hadn't.. and then you guys joined the names" A disembodied voice came from the hallway. 

"And you don't trust us to know what we're doing? He's likely in one of their pockets and it's not the same one. This one is our age and assumedly has yet to do that. We'll be fine. McGonagall is right here, and the headmaster is on his way so you need to shoo" She argued back. 

"You promise?" 

"Duh. Now go" She made a shooing motion and glanced back towards the occupants of the office "Is Pettigrew here too?" 

"Yes. He's in my pocket" Remus pointed at the slightly protruding breast pocket where a rat's head popped out. The girl's chocolate eyes went frigid as she saw it before she smoothed out her expression. James had a bad feeling about her and the person she called Harry's reactions to his friend. Pete was as trustworthy as they come, why would two people have such distrust for someone they've probably never met? But they had used Sirius and Remus' names when the person he couldn't see never entered the room. James' thoughts continued to spiral until someone elbowed him in the side.

"Huh?" He looked around.

"Jamie, we've been calling your name for a full minute without a response" Siri told him. 

"Indeed Mr. Potter. We cannot continue without you" Headmaster Dumbledore smiled gently. The two prefects behind the group hissed something to each other.

"Of course professor, apologies, it's been a crazy hour" James grinned awkwardly. 

"Of course my boy. Now, I believe Professor McGonagall was saying you'd continue as you are. Though I will ask a few of you to change names. Mr. Lupin, we can either change your first or your last name. I will warn you though that your older self is known to be a werewolf so your last name is a bit risky" 

"I will change my last name then. I'd prefer my secret not be so freely known" Remus gave a tired smile "Perhaps I'll take my mother's maiden name of Howell. I'll have no issue passing as muggleborn"

"A wise decision Mr. Howell. Next, Mr. Black. I'm afraid your older self is a fugitive so you will face the same choice" Dumbledore turned his attention to the next boy.

"Oh. Uh. I guess change my first name? I can masquerade as a lost cousin"

"How about Leo then. It's a star name to keep in line with your family's naming scheme, while also being something a muggle would name their child" McGonagall jumped in.

"Leo works. So Leo Black" Sirius shrugged.

"Finally, Mr. Pettigrew and Mr. Potter. Your first names are fine but I'm afraid both of you are too well known to keep your last name. Ms. Evans can just say her full name is Lillian and it's a coincidence she shares a last name with her adult self" Dumbledore continued genially. 

"I'll be James Patel. If anyone connects me to my cousins, so be it" James said immediately. The adults nodded. Peter the rat climbed out of the pocket he had been curled in, jumping to the floor before transforming back.

"I suppose I can be Peter Jones? I think it's a common enough surname" He wrung his hands as he offered the name. 

"That will do. I will have the sorting hat resort you now, just to be safe" Dumbledore offered the old hat to the first in line. Each of them put it on and received Gryffindor once more. "Excellent! I'll have Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger escort you to the common room. The elves should have you all set. I'm uncertain if you'll be sharing a dorm room with the other boys, but Ms. Evans certainly will be with the fifth year girls! I'll see if I can't get someone to escort you shopping tomorrow" 

"Let's go. I have to do some corrections to one of my essays before bed" Weasley waved them onwards, his prefect partner staying silent beside him. "Password is currently Mimbletus Mimbletonia. Nev's thrilled bout it, he has his potted one up in our dorm room. So don't poke the cactus, you'll get stink sap everywhere. That's assuming the four of you are bunking with us five. Anyways, through this passage and then we'll be to the portrait"

"Students out after curfew?" Said portrait asked when she spotted them.

"Of a sort Lady Elizabeth" Granger spoke once more "These are Lillian Evans, Leo Black, Peter Jones, Remus Howell, and James Patel. They just arrived to join the fifth year class" 

"Bit late isn't it?" She received several nods "Well, nothing to do about it now. At least it'll draw attention away from poor Harry. Poor boy has enough on his plate lately" 

"Our thoughts exactly. Anyways, Mimbletus Mimbletonia if you would" Weasley requested. The lady nodded and swung open. Each of the students climbed through to the red-themed common room. After a few steps, a black-haired blur collided with the Weasley kid, who stumbled back only a single step as he caught what turned out to be a short boy. A boy that looked extremely familiar to James. 

"Told you we'd be fine Harry. Now, did four beds appear in your dorm room?" Granger sighed, patting the wild curls.

"I haven't checked. Was too worried about you guys" The disembodied voice suddenly had an appearance to match. Assumedly-a-Potter pulled his face away from his friend's shoulder to reveal striking green eyes. James could only stare in shock at the near mirror to his own features. 

"Am I hallucinating or does Jamie have a twin?" Peter's voice knocked James out of his narrowminded focus. He blinked a few times as he realized his eyes were dry. The unnamed boy (that James was 99% certain was a Potter cause that was the curse hair) stepped a bit in front of his friends at Peter's voice. 

"No. This is Harry, our other best friend" Ron placed a steadying hand on Harry's shoulder. Just like in the hallway, the black haired boy seemed on edge around the rat animagus. 

"Siri-" Sirius began to introduce himself before Remus stomped hard on his foot.

"This is Leo, I'm Remus. I'm assuming you know James? And the other two are Lily and Peter" He took over introductions immediately. 

"Nice to meet you" Harry dipped his head briefly "I will go look if you're with us". He turned to press foreheads briefly with Weasley before repeating it with Granger. He then slid through the gathering crowd to the boy's staircase. 

"Oi, you lot, don't crowd! They aren't animals in a zoo! They just arrived and they're new Gryffs, so you have time to get to know them later! I'll fully introduce them and then all of you need to scram, 'kay?" Weasley shooed the nearest students back a few steps. "So! First of all is Leo Black. No, he is not closely related to the fugitive. Turns out there was a cousin that got casted out a couple generations ago and this Black is his descendant. Next to him is Remus Howell, then Peter Jones is next to Lillian Evans. She has no relation to the famous Lily Evans, just happens to share a name which is common in the muggle world, or so I'm told. Finally is James Patel. Any questions?"

"Why are they starting now?" A sandy-haired boy asked.

"Ah, right. Thanks Colin, I knew I forgot something. I believe their former school was destroyed and they had to take up the offer they got years ago from Hogwarts. Special circumstances. Dumbledore approved, of course" The last words were said slightly sarcastically. 

"What Ron is forgetting is that their school happened to be hit by a series of bombs, or bombardas. Professors were vague about which it was" Granger chimed in with a shrug "They'll be fifth years too".

"In a different dorm luckily!" Harry called from where he was perched on the back of a chair. 

"Harry James you know better than to perch on chairs!" Granger scolded as the crowd parted for her to storm over to the smaller boy. He laughed and leapt away from the girl who was chasing after him. To James' surprise, none of the departing crowd acted like this was abnormal. If anything, there were fond smiles and head shakes. 

"You want some help catching your mate?" Sirius asked Weasley. 

"No, no, 'Mione's got it covered. You can call me Ron by the way. There's four of us Weasleys around currently. There's my older twin brothers Fred and George, who are oddly missing...that's a problem for later. Then there's me, and then my younger sister Ginny. She's the one over there talking to Colin" He pointed at the pair who were quietly chatting in the corner. 

"Catch me!" Harry yelled, dive-bombing for his friend. Ron just opened his arms with a deep laugh, grabbing hold before the energetic teenager could continue onwards. Granger slowed to a stop by their side with her hair crackling with magic. She gave a large put upon sigh before leaning against the two entwined boys. The quiet moment felt private but James didn't look away. 

"Anyways, I'll take you up to our dorm Lily. The boys will have to rely on either my best friends' guidance or finding their own way" Granger beckoned the red head to follow her, which Lily did happily. The two boys separated and the shorter waved them on. 

"You're on the same landing, just the opposite side if that's alright with you" Harry said softly, darting up the stairs. Ron followed closely with a big yawn. Sirius followed first, keeping some distance between him and the others. The other three climbed quickly after. When they reached the landing labelled with a glowing 5 between two doors, they stopped.

"We're in here. I assume the new door is yours" Ron said, pushing open the door on the right. Harry was first through the gap, only giving a nod of acknowledgement. "Good night. Harry and Hermione will be in the common room at the very least when you come down. I'll be hit or miss but those two can get you set until I'm there" Ron then entered and closed the door behind him. The Marauders entered the door on the left.

"Did you notice how skittish that Harry kid was when we were coming up the stairs?" Sirius asked lowly of James. 

"No, not really.  I just assumed he wanted to get to bed already" James shrugged. 

"I did. Ron was covering his back without making it obvious" Remus chimed in, having overheard. 

"Honestly, I'm more concerned about the fact we travelled twenty years because of a cauldron explosion!" Peter interrupted. 

"It'll be fine Pete! We have the chance to check out a whole new group of girls with no fear of it being creepy!" Sirius flopped on a bed with a smirk.

"But I have no idea when the moon is next. Which means everyone here is in danger" Remus realized suddenly.

"Lemme check!" James bounded over to the window, finding the moon easily. He compared it briefly to his memory of the night before. "We should be good. Looks like the full was yesterday or the day before. There's a sliver of darkness on the right side" 

"Oh thank Merlin" Remus breathed out a long sigh. 

"Yeah, yeah, thank Merlin. Now can we go to sleep? I need time to process this before we face an entire school population" Sirius whined from where he was spread eagle on the bed. 

"Yes Siri. Let's all change into the night clothes the elves left and get some sleep" James nodded, scooping up the pile that look like his size. And immediately threw it at Remus instead when he saw how long the pants were. Remus simply sighed, checked the sizing and turned to put them on. Peter just turned into a rat and slipped under the pillows on his claimed bed. James sighed, summoned the pajamas and put them on. Then he crawled into bed facing the shared dorm wall. As he lay there, he traced over the memory face of Harry. The eyes were obviously different, as was the branching lightning scar across one side of his forehead (which looked irritated, maybe he was itching at it?). But now that he ran it over in his mind, so was the slope of his mouth. And his cheeks were almost recovering from being hollowed out. James filed it away behind his occlumency shields. Now was not the time for such examinations. 

Chapter Text

"So you watch us on the map?" Ron whispered after waiting for their dormmates to settle into sleep. The other three were used to Ron and Harry talking quietly and once they had learned the proper charms, insisted they be used around the bed curtains during late night meetings. Not that the pair minded, as sometimes Hermione would also slide up to their dorm room if things were really dire. Out of habit they still waited for the others to be asleep first though.

"Course. I'm still anxious after Fake-Moody last year. If I wasn't afraid of damaging it, I may try to get it to show some indicator of junior or senior. Just to be extra safe. Since we have at least two juniors here and I need...I need to know which I'm dealing with" Harry's breath started to pick up at the end. Ron reached out to take the shorter boy's hands and guided them to his chest to feel his chest rise and fall with each breath. Harry calmed slightly at the familiar gesture. 

"Well, I can tell you I'm glad you care about us. And it gave you warning of who would enter prior to their arrival" Ron reassured his friend "And, how about we set 'Mione on it in the morning. You know she'll agree with the obvious security flaw"

"Entire thing is a security flaw" Harry retorted grumpily.

"And she'll solve that too. Perhaps by making a whole new one with our added areas, like the chamber, with a password only us three can guess. Boom, only three people in the whole world can access it, especially when we get our shields fully up and running. And you throw this one somewhere into your trust vault!"

"It's a good idea Ron. Thanks. Just... I still hate the thought that Snape can sneak into my head though. Not to mention Twinkly eyes" Harry drew some unconnected runes with his finger on Ron's pants as he thought about the two men.

"Hey, no drawing runes without Hermione's supervision, remember last time that happened? Neville was slightly green for an entire month!" Ron scolded gently. The two dissolved into giggles at the memory of Neville's well-timed misfortune, poorly paired runes and the Weasley twins testing their inventions making it so he had a green sheen until they figured out how to untangle the interactions. Luckily, Neville had inherited his father's easy-going attitude, though no one knew it until he had gained some more self-confidence. 

"Are they really....the marauders and mum?" Harry asked quietly.

"As far as we can tell. They at least whole-heartedly believe that they are, and the map calls them that. They just have different names 'cause of the whole already graduating thing" Ron's face fell into neutral as he thought about possible ways they could have fooled the map when they had no idea of its exact location. 

"And Wormtail?"

"Baby Wormtail. Seemed just as nervous as he did in the Shack, though he's definitely younger. His features don't have the more rat-leaning aspects and his right hand is whole, including the finger he would have cut off back in '81" Ron reported. 

"What do we do then?" 

"Well, for starts you can move over" Hermione moved aside the curtain nearest the door. Both boys moved so she could join their huddle without comment "Now. Catch me up" 

"I'm worried that the map is a security risk because now there's seven people outside of us who can open it, as well as the fact that it doesn't have a marker for junior versus senior. Ron said we should get you on making a new one so only us three have access. Which brought us to legilimency and the people we know who can use it. And then I asked if the people really are who they said they are. Ron pointed out the features of Wormtail at the very least that disproves it being the one who cut my arm" Harry summarized. Hermione nodded briefly in acknowledgement but didn't say anything yet. After a few seconds Hermione nodded again.

"Okay. So. From what I can tell, something happened that split their lives. The ones we know went on living their lives for the past twenty or so years. However, these ones time travelled as copies of a sort. Up until whatever made them suddenly end up in that corridor, the two versions were one. And then it's almost like mitosis, cell reproduction, where you end up with two identical daughter cells ideally" She explained.

"Re-explain mitosis to me in the morning 'Mione, it's escaping me right now" Ron asked. She gave him a thumbs-up.

"Back to the elephant in the room, what to do about the new students. Do we have a plan on how to eliminate them permanently just in case? Or is that just my trust issues acting up" Harry twisted his wrist to slide out his wand. 

"I hate to say it mate, but your trust issues may be extremely valid in this circumstance. We have to be prepared for the two versions of the still-living ones to try and merge. Which may mean Petey boy has got to go" Ron looked vaguely disgusted at the thought of the older Peter getting that close. 

"As much as I share your concerns, I believe I need to be the voice of reason in that we can't assume such an event will occur. After all, it's not like the Diary where they felt every one of those years. From what we observed, it's like they took one step out from behind the tapestry and it's suddenly 1995. I'm not saying we let them that close just because of who they are to us, far from it. I just think we need to give them the benefit of the doubt. It's not like they can use any of us as hostages" Hermione pulled her throwing dagger out from her boot as demonstration. 

"That reminds me, did Theo ever tell you when he can meet up with the two of us to learn knife throwing?" Ron realized. 

"No. Slytherin's just as on edge about Umbridge as we are. Turns out they have some background on her, and it isn't pretty. She's got at least two confirmed kills to get where she is. Torturing students with a Blood Quill to get them to fall in line is nothing to her. Wouldn't surprise me if she was behind the Dementors if it turns out to be the Ministry's fault" 

"So if I continue to get detention with her, there's a chance she'll escalate when I refuse to give in" Harry realized. Both of his friends nodded grimly. "I won't promise to keep my head down, we all know I suck at that. I will do my best though. And I will make as big a deal as possible if I get more lines with her. Flash my hand at McGonagall, have tremors for Snape, beg Madame Pomphrey for pain potions" 

"Good idea mate. We'll make sure to make the same potions for you that Pomphrey would hand over. That way, we can use whatever you get from the hospital wing for anyone else who gets lines" Ron took out a pen and jotted it in his reminder notebook. Hermione beamed at the use of her suggestions before getting serious again.

"Do you need to watch us brew?" She looked at Harry who tipped his head back and forth in thought.

"I think so. After what happened with Cedric, and then the dementors and Sirius only reaching out to tell me to be good and stay in y'know...I need to see that you're making what I know you'll make. I won't trust it otherwise" He looked upset. Ron reached out and took his hand.

"Har, mate, Hermione asked because she knows you're struggling, as do I. We're not upset that you're afraid to trust even our brews, we're all on edge. We had to sneak our letters to you after you watched someone die just because you both were too noble to take it alone. We couldn't have your back and that made us feel useless because we promised you. Promised we'd never let you do this stuff alone anymore. Had to smile and nod at the headmaster when he said you wanted to be left alone for the entire summer when we knew you needed us" Ron started to cry softly as he finally expressed what had been bothering him for months. Harry crawled over to wrap his arms around Ron, Hermione hugging both of them tightly. Harry and Hermione's hair both started to spark with their magic as they encouraged it to wrap around their huddle. Ron chuckled and his own rose to join, the three just wrapping each other in a cocoon.

"I don't blame you both. None of us knew I'd be kidnapped from an event witnessed by three schools. I got back to you, the only problem left is my issues. And you know Dumbles is high on my shit list, only Voldemort is higher cause he keeps trying to outright kill me. You found a way to make sure neither succeeded in isolating me" Harry reassured them both. Ron chuckled at that. 

"Maybe one day he'll wear neon green robes with brown spots and we can charm them from a far to look like shit stains" 

"Wouldn't be hard" Hermione smirked.

"Course you'd say that Ms. Set-a-teacher-on-fire-without-being-caught" Ron playfully shot back. Hermione sniffed.

"Get on my level" They all held their composure for a few seconds until dissolving into laughter. "As nice as this is, we should get some sleep. Anything else to address before we leave Harry to make a little nest for himself once more?" 

"Nah. And I resent" a big yawn broke up Harry's words "that remark." Hermione just patted him on his head and stood up. Ron gave a wave and stumbled over to his own bed as she left. Harry smiled as he closed his curtains and gathered his covers around himself. His friends were the best, and he wished they could all show their true selves openly. He pushed aside the dark thoughts of those that forced them to hide parts of themselves. He really needed the sleep, as the strange corridor would most likely show up again, and Ron would make another tally mark. They all worried about what was being forced on him. But those were morning thoughts.

Chapter Text

James was woken rudely by Peter poking his face. "huhm, whasit?"

"We have to go meet the prefects for our schedules. And tell McGonagall what electives if she forgot" Peter climbed off his perch on James' knees. James then sat up, running a hand over his hair to try and get it to stop defying gravity. After ensuring he wasn't going to look like a lightning bolt hit him, he grabbed the freshly-cleaned clothes from yesterday. 

"Morning Jam-head" Sirius called from where he was straightening out his boots. James gave him the finger. One time. He got jam in his hair one time as a five-year old. And Sirius would never let him live it down. James stomped out of the bathroom and automatically went to where he would leave his satchel. He stopped halfway there when he remembered it wasn't with him anymore. After standing aimlessly for a minute, he went down the stairs to the common room. He spotted Granger and Harry immediately and beelined over to them. They had their heads bent close to one another and were whispering furiously.

"Trying to decide if you two want to kiss?" James announced his presence by flopping a chair over from Harry. The boy jumped, a knife appearing out of nowhere in his hand, pointed straight at James. 

"Patel. We'd prefer if you'd be a bit more respectful in your interactions with us" Granger's voice was glacier cold. She made a complicated hand gesture at her friend, who slipped the weapon back wherever it had come from. James was jealous, that'd be so helpful for prank supplies. 

"I guess. But you have to admit it's funny" He shrugged carelessly. 

"Already hate him" Harry hissed under his breath. 

"You're also a Parselmouth?!" James hissed back. 

"Wait, also?! I didn't know it was common in Purebloods" The boy looked confused. 

"Nah, just the Potter family and sometimes the Patels. I'm glad it's popping elsewhere though! Since you may not be a Potter" James clapped a hand on Harry's shoulder. The boy flinched away, face draining of color. Meanwhile a knife drew a thin line across his hand as it was thrown from the girl Harry was now moving to hide behind. 

"Do that again and I won't be so kind as to only lightly cut you" James had been wrong. This was glacier cold if not cold enough to stop Death in its tracks. 

"OI! Granger, you're supposed to be a good influence for the firsties! Keep your knives in their sheathes!" An older student came over, giving back the weapon "Potter, you okay?"

"Mm-mm" Now-confirmed-Potter shook his head rapidly, keeping the entire room in sight. 

"He'll likely be partially shut down for a while. Ron and I'll do what we can before Charms. And you know Angie, Fred, George, Katie, and Alicia all would have been just as bad if they had been here. Firsties learn quick that lions are more vicious than we present most of the time. If they haven't already, this'll be their first dose. And you" She whirled on James, her braids swinging violently "will stay as far away as possible. Let this be your sign that we are just as vicious if not more vicious compared to yours" 

"What happened" A voice that James had only heard as neutral, nervous, and upbeat came from behind him in a low growl. 

"He clapped Harry on the shoulder. Har's currently unable to speak so we'll be his voices for now. Luckily it's Charms first so we have some leeway. Professor Flitwick is understanding. Unfortunately we took responsibility for them, so we'll have to wait around" Granger wrapped an arm around Potter's shoulders. 

"Har, normal answers. Do you feel up to staying with both of us and escorting this lot? Or do you want one of us to go with you while the other handles this" Ron crouched down in front of the shaky teen. He held up one finger before making some gestures that James couldn't follow. Apparently his friends could as they nodded, Ron standing and stepping in front of the other two with a cold expression. "We'll be waiting for your group"

"Well I'm here" Evans came over now that it was safe again. She got a small wave from Potter. James turned to look at the boy's staircase. Sirius started strutting down the staircase a minute later, Remus and Peter following closely. 

"Howell, Jones, Black, glad you could join us. We will be meeting Professor McGonagall at breakfast. Let's go" Granger stood, waving the group onward after Ron who had started walking towards the portrait. The time travelers hurried to keep up. The red-head led them through several shortcuts, getting them to the Great Hall within six minutes (Remus had timed it out of curiosity). 

"Go sit with Nev, we'll be there soon" He heard Granger whisper to Harry who nodded and went to a sandy-brown haired boy. The two nodded at each other, Harry making a quick gesture. Before James could puzzle more over it, they reached the high table.

"Here's the new students professor. We'll make sure to guide them to classes but I figured you'd want some privacy in discussing their schedules so we'll take our leave" Ron gave a nod before turning and heading for Harry and the other boy. McGonagall also dipped her head. And then the Marauders and Lily were left standing awkwardly on their own.

"Now. The soonest a professor can get away is this evening. Now, originally Professor Snape was slated to take you. Then Professor Umbridge, our DADA instructor graciously took over so Severus can start on brews for the Hospital Wing" Professor McGonagall's smile was forced towards the end "Until then, your professors will provide you parchment for notes. You will have Charms first, then Transfiguration, Care if you take it, and then Herbology. Now, remind me of your electives?"

"I took Runes and Arithmancy Professor" Evans immediately offered "As did Remus." 

"Leo and I are Divination and Runes" James smiled charmingly. 

"A-and I'm Care and Divination" Peter finished. The professor nodded, tapping five blank schedules and handing them over. Once they had their time tables in hand, all five retreated to the Gryffindor table. James glanced over to the trio of the prefects and Potter. Potter was nodding along to whatever the boy across from him was quietly discussing before one of the two boys on either side chimed in.

"It's as Neville said, we should be careful but can't act too different" James heard the very thick Irish accented voice say. Granger glanced over to the head table before responding too low to overhear.

"Jamie, I love you, but I will not deal with you being cranky" Sirius cut in before anymore of the conversation could be picked up. James gave a last glance over, briefly meeting the glowing green eyes of Potter before they darted away, before spooning some oatmeal for himself. He ate quickly after glancing at a Tempus spell and realizing Charms would be soon starting. He looked up to see the six students standing behind him, watching quietly. 

"O-oh, is it time?" Peter asked, looking mournfully at his last pancake. 

"Yes, come on, I want to talk to Flitwick about alternative uses for some of the spells" Another girl joined the crowd, closely followed by a third.

"Parvati, easy on the new students. After all, one may be long lost family to you and Padma" Ron teased lightly. Parvati scoffed.

"You and I both know that they aren't long lost. But whatever. Come on, Lav" And she left as quickly as she appeared. 

"Me mam would kill me if I was late, so either you start moving or I leave" The Irish boy rolled his eyes.

"We're coming, we're coming. Don't get your knickers in a twist handsome" Sirius winked as he helped Remus straighten. The werewolf hit his boyfriend's arm. Harry made some gestures to the other three boys who James still didn't know the names of. They all rolled their eyes before waving and leaving with Harry in tow. 

"Hm. They'll beat us" Granger shrugged before checking a watch on her wrist "let's go. We'll get there as quick as possible through some shortcuts we know, but Harry will definitely beat us because he never shares the good ones" 

"Nah, the castle just likes him. Makes passages more efficient or just makes new ones" Ron shrugged easily. Another hand wave which had Granger snorting softly as she led them behind a tapestry. There were no real conversations until they reached the classroom. 

"Here we are. There should be some open seats in the back" Granger waved at the back two rows before hurrying to one of the two seats left in the front row. Ron rolled his eyes while the five followed to speak with Flitwick. He took the second open seat. 

"Professor?" Remus stepped forward when Parvati and Lav glanced back and noticed them before hurrying to seats that had bags placed on them. 

"Ah! Mr. Howell and friends. Yes I believe I have five rolls here for you..." Flitwick opened a drawer and stuck his entire arm into it to rummage around "Aha! Here you are!" 

"Thank you Professor" Evans gave him a soft smile before retreating up to an open seat in the nearest open row. James followed to sit just behind her, Sirius on his right. Remus took the other side of Sirius, leaving Peter to sit on the opposite side of the three-person row from Evans. The lesson began, and James watched as Evans joined the other students in jotting notes down as Professor Flitwick lectured. Then he turned to Sirius.

"A galleon that Evans gets the other fifth years to melt towards her first" He whispered.

"Sucker's bet. I bet you a galleon she does it by tomorrow instead" Sirius responded, glancing over at the red head to ensure she was still oblivious. 

"Deal" They shook on it. 

After dinner, James, his friends, and Evans hung around outside the Great Hall waiting for the DADA professor to be ready. 

"Which of the others do you think it is? I mean, Sprout, Minnie, Flitwick, Hagrid, and Dumbledore all still occupy the same spots" Sirius asked, peeking back inside at the remaining teachers.

"Except Hagrid is a professor now! Of Care" Peter added.

"I bet it's the young pretty one" James pointed at the one speaking with Flitwick. 

"No, no, it has to be the-"

"Hem, hem" A girly throat clearing interrupted the theorizing. A short woman in pink stood there with her hands folded in front of her and smile wide.

"Are you Professor Umbridge Ma'am?" Evans asked politely. 

"I am. Now, I believe we should get going before the shops close?" She continued in a girly, sickly sweet way. They all nodded and followed her obediently to her office where the floo was ready to use. Sirius stepped through first at her prompting, closely followed by Remus and then Evans. James stepped through next, a hand on his glasses as he smoothly walked out. Then Peter stumbled out. James grabbed his arm to prevent the smaller boy from toppling as the professor followed him. They all trooped through the Leaky Cauldron and into the Alley proper. 

"Ma'am, I hate to be rude but do you have permission to withdraw funds from the Hogwarts account?" Evans asked as they approached Gringotts. 

"I do. I am, after all, the Hogwarts High Inquisitor. There's no need to worry dear, we'll get you all set" Another sickly sweet smile was aimed at Lily who returned a tentative one. James began to relax as he saw the Goblins guarding the bank doors. They stoically watched the group enter. The teenagers all cast glances around at the tellers doing their business, the familiar sight a soothing balm on all of their nerves. Umbridge approached one and tapped hard on the desk. 

"Yes?" James winced at the first exchange, didn't the High Inquisitor know how to be respectful to their magic brethren? 

"I'm here to withdraw money from the Hogwarts Student supply fund for these five" Apparently not as the woman continued with her rude behavior. 

"Hm. I'll get a runner" The Teller turned, saying something in their language as a second and third Goblin appeared. The third one pointed at James and Sirius.

"You two. With me. You may have access elsewhere. Swiftrace, I will let you know if they will need their portion but for now three should suffice" The Manager of Accounts received a nod from his fellow.

"Understood. Madam, you and the other three will follow me" Swiftrace ushered the other four towards a cart. The Manager walked towards the winding hallway with James and Sirius following closely. They stopped in front of a door that read: Silvershield

"Sit" was barked when the door was pushed open. Both boys obeyed. "Now. I will cut to the chase so you can take that odious chaperone of yours out of our territory as soon as possible. Both of you would have access to vaults. Mr. Black for certain does, and I will have a pouch made up for him. Mr. Potter, it is more complicated for you" 

"Complicated?" James asked, heart sinking. 

"Indeed. Your original self is dead, and the Lordship and ownership of the vaults has passed to your son. He and I have been conversing by letter until the time comes that he can come in person. Now, I have received no communication about you so I do not know if he will allow anything to you. He has locked down the vaults fairly heavily just to be safe. I must wait until his go-ahead to provide you access. Gringotts has run into this problem only twice before, and I'm afraid policy dictates that the one who has lived the time between the points remains the authority on their vault" Silvershield glanced at a box that had a strange symbol on it as it glowed slightly. He grunted and opened it up, taking out a letter. He scanned it over before nodding. "You're in luck. Lord Potter has granted permission for you to withdraw from the Heir vault" 

"That's wonderful. I will have to thank him when I see him" James bowed slightly in his chair. 

"Yes, yes. Black, tell your older self to stop chickening and come here to reopen the vaults so we can invest the money properly. Gringotts knows he's innocent and don't give a flying hippogryph if he's a fugitive by the Ministry" Silvershield all but shoved them out the door, a young runner handing both boys a pouch each with their house crest on it as they hurried them back to the lobby.

"That went. Well?" Sirius said when they were left standing near the front doors. James could only nod slightly. Umbridge led the other three over a second later, smile fixed. They all wordlessly followed her from store to store to get the essentials. They all splurged a bit to get shrinkable trunks which they placed all their things in at the end. Umbridge helpfully shrank them down before ushering them back to school. 

"Thank you Professor" Remus said quietly. The others echoed him.

"Of course children! Now, remember, there are some liars claiming You-Know-Who is back, and you can always come to me and tell me if they try and spread it around or get too pushy" She added onto the end, smile widening and eyes gleaming cruelly.

"We will Professor" Evans replied and the professor nodded and waved them onwards. They all remained silent until they were a floor up.

"She's certainly....strong-willed" Remus said diplomatically. 

"That's one way to describe her" Sirius rolled his eyes, glancing around for others "I heard her called odious"

"I don't care how we describe her, I want to forget that entire trip with her" Peter was jittery and looked ready to run at the slightest threat.

"Alright Pete, let's just get back to the common room. Maybe some time as Wormy may help your anxiety" Remus soothed, putting a hand on the small boy's back to guide him faster.

"Didn't realize how badly she rattled Pete" James watched worriedly. Evans seemed shocked at the display of emotion, which James would have teased her at any other point about. But he was more worried about his friend. He hurried after the pair, Sirius glancing at Evans' pensive face. He caught up just as the guardian portrait swung open. He crawled in after Remus and Peter who started towards the stairs. James hesitated before following. He had promised Silvershield...so he turned his feet towards the corner where Potter sat with his friends.

"Excuse me" He stopped a few feet away, trying not to flinch when several pairs of eyes whipped to him "I'd like to speak to Potter about a delicate matter that he may not want spread around" 

"What in general terms" Granger asked. 

"Money matters" James dipped his head "and what Gringotts told me"

"Hermione, Ron, and Neville will stay with me. Come, we can go to our dorm room" Potter stood, gesturing for the three others to follow him. James let all four go first, remembering the warning from earlier. They all entered, and James watched out of the corner of his eye as Neville took a loose stance by the door. One that echoed a friend from before. Alice had always adopted a similar position when readying for a fight. Perhaps this boy was close to her. James shelved the thought and turned his attention to the black-haired boy who stood quietly between his closest two friends.

"Correct me if I'm wrong but you are my son. Or, my other self's son" James started, receiving three nods of confirmation. "Well. I wanted to thank you for telling Silvershield to allow me some money today. I know my initial introduction to you has been...rocky. So I must thank you for your kindness" James bowed at this.

"No need to bow. The money is technically yours as well, though I will closely monitor your withdrawals as I am told you are a...what was the word Hermione?" Potter half turned to the girl.

"Braggart, show-off, play boy, 15 year old boy raised with money and lots of parental coddling" 

"Yes, those. So until you prove that I can trust you with more access, I will be keeping a close eye. I take the family values and legacy very seriously, and I will not allow someone under my household to treat it with disrespect" 

"I...can respect that, my Lord. I'm glad to see that you've stepped up to the challenge. You remind me of my Uncle and Father actually" James gave a nostalgic half smile. He missed his family already. He noticed his son (and holy shit he went on to have the kid in front of him) clench his fists before relaxing them just as rapidly. 

"Harry. You may call me Harry. In exchange.... can you tell me stories? Of our family?" James' heart broke at the desperation present in his kid's voice. 

"James then, since it'd be weird to call a kid the same age as you Dad. And I'd love to. If you want we can even go do that down in the common room so the rest of your friends can hear? And you have space to leave at any time?" 

"That would be nice. Maybe not tonight though, I'm tired from the day today" Harry gave him a tentative smile. 

"Of course. Can you uh. At least tell me your friends' names?" 

"Of course. So, you know me, 'Mione, Harry obviously. Heir Neville Longbottom is over by the door. You're the only Heir in our group other than Harry, right?" Ron started. Neville shook his head. 

"Parvati is one too. Patil magic can go to daughters if they meet the requirements. So it's likely either her or Padma will inherit since they are the only ones of the British branch" Neville gave a smile when he saw the look of disbelief on James' face.

"The one who said it wasn't a long lost cousin. That was a Patil?" 

"Mhm. She and Lavender Brown were the two who judged you immediately. Then there's Seamus Finnegan and Dean Thomas" Ron finished. 

"Well, I look forward to meeting them. Tomorrow though, since I think today has been overwhelming enough and I want to put on new clothes" James looked down at the clothes he had technically worn two days in a row now, even if they were washed in between.

"You'll probably want sleep anyways. Professor Snape probably hates you if his treatment of Harry is any indication" Granger added out of nowhere.

"Wait, wait, wait I didn't mishear Minnie earlier when she referenced a Snape?" James suddenly made the connection, eyes wide.

"Nope. Severus Snape, Youngest Potion's Master on record, Professor of Potions, and head of Slytherin House".

"Well I should warn my friends cause uh. It's a mutual hatred last I knew!" James stared at the floor with wide eyes.

"Hmm. Wait until he hears that we have it with the Slytherins who regularly get away with throwing ingredients in our cauldrons. And Snape takes points for every little thing" Neville added in an off-hand way.

"They what?!?!" 

"Yep. We independently study secretly in a nearby classroom with seventh-year supervision because it's really not conductive to proper learning. Two of the ones this year are my twin brothers actually. And they take it really seriously, which is weird 'cause they're major pranksters" Ron reassured the teenager who was internally freaking out. 

"Glad to hear it. I will have to take the entire night to process this and prepare so I will be leaving now! Good day!" James sped walked to the door, opened it and immediately yanked open the other door to enter his dorm. "Lads I have bad news!"

"What James?" Remus sounded annoyed. Which would be a problem any other time but not now.

"The potions teacher is Severus Snape. Who lets his Slytherins throw ingredients in the Gryffindor's cauldrons and takes points randomly. It's so bad the students study secretly in a classroom nearby as a group. And we have him tomorrow" 

"FUCK" Sirius summed it up best. 

Chapter Text

Harry stared into the low fire early the next morning. He had been woken by a vision from Voldemort, making his remaining jitters from the previous day worse. Parvati was the first down, and noticed his distant eyes. 

"Harry" She spoke softly, making two short clicks with her wand to grab his attention.

"Parvati, morning" He responded, coming back to himself a bit. She sat on the pouf to his side.

"What are you thinking about?" 

"I had another dream. Of Snake-face. And then I was thinking how I may have agreed to let James close too fast. He offered me stories of our family and I...I just want to know them. To hear them from someone close to my grandparents."

"Oh Har. I'd be desperate for stories too. People always forget the stupid every day embarrassments of those we lost. Can I hug you?" Parvati scarcely had opened her arms before they were full of emotional teenager. 

"So. Potions. Any good?" Ron asked conversationally as they got ready to head to the dungeons.

"Yes. It's a family gift actually" James smiled brightly. 

"Jamie and Rem both are the ones who do the best at Potions. When James isn't being an idiot at least" Sirius glared at the taller of the two Potters. "Oh, and Evans. But she's also friends with Snivellous" 

"Who?"

"Severus" Lily appeared behind them, satchel already on her shoulder. 

"That's gonna be fun then. Maybe he'll go easy on Harry finally" Lavender hummed happily.

"Lav, I love your optimism but we all know Snape will never go easy on our boy" Hermione sighed, taking Harry's hand. 

"Bitter old bastard" Dean shrugged. 

"Dean, language. Firsties around"

"Like you can talk Ms. Throwing-a-knife-and-drawing-blood" 

"C-can we go? I want this to be over" Peter interrupted the brewing argument. The group hummed, Hermione leading the way with Harry still attached. He didn't seem bothered by it at all. 

"So, Snape. What should we expect from him?" Remus asked. 

"Swooping around, unhelpful comments, bullying Neville and Harry, insulting Hermione, turning a blind eye to Slytherins tossing things, allowing the Slytherins to mock us, sneers, no instruction beyond the procedure he tosses on the board, taking points for stupid things, and just general unpleasantness" Seamus listed out. 

"Ignoring Seamus trying to set fire to everything " Harry added.

"All the professors do at this point. I swear Shay could straight up set fire to an entire classroom and none of them would do anything but send an aguamenti at it" Dean was unbothered by his boyfriend's crimes. 

"We're hereee" Neville sang quietly to quiet snickers from the entire group of friends. Evans and the Marauders just continued on. They lined up on the opposite wall from the green-clad students. One small boy gave a nod to the entire group from where he was nestled between a dark skinned boy and a broad-shouldered girl. Each of which inclined their heads minutely. The Gryffindors nodded in return. 

"Oi, Potter! Looks like you picked up more strays" A platinum blond boy jeered, his bookends laughing. 

"They're in our house and year, Malfoy. It's hard not to arrive with them" Ron answered instead, a fierce glare accompanying his words. Harry made a sharp cutting gesture at his friend, who schooled his expression back to politely annoyed. Just in time as the door banged open.

"In" the professor ordered. His expression wrinkled when he took in the Marauders, though it smoothed out when Evans went by as they all filed in. The Gryffindors divided up in what appeared practiced motions, Ron and Harry taking the second row while Hermione took the first with Neville. Dean and Seamus, Parvati and Lavender took the rows behind them. James glanced at his friends before grabbing Sirius' arm and dragging him to the other available pair of seats in the front row. Peter and Remus followed to sit behind them. Evans sighed before setting up alone.

"Here we go" Neville breathed as the Professor swooped to the front of the room.

"Today you will be brewing an Invigoration Draught. Instructions are the board and any necessary ingredients in the cabinet. Begin" Snape waved his wand to reveal the instructions in a spiky scrawl. James closed his eyes briefly, breathing out before beginning. He had only been working for maybe five minutes when a voice barked out. 

"Patel! What are you doing!" 

"Preparing the first ingredients, sir" James kept the disrespect out of his tone other than the address. 

"You're doing it wrong. Restart" Snape waved his wand and vanished the chopped leaves before leaving to bark insults at Seamus and Dean. James could only stare in disbelief where his perfectly prepared leaves had been. 

"That was out of line Sni-" Sirius started to rise out of his seat in anger before James yanked him down and shook his head.

"It's fine, I'm fine. I can do this. Just need to adjust the ingredients slightly. Do not start trouble". Sirius let out a low growl before continuing. James worked diligently until a ball of unidentifiable leaves sailed towards his cauldron. With the ease born of Quidditch practice, he caught it and flung it back to the thrower. There were screeches as a girl ducked the projectile. 

"POTTER" Snape roared. Both Harry and James jumped, looking in his direction. James watched out of the corner of his eye as Ron moved his son slightly away. "A week of detention. With me" The professor's voice dropped to a silky whisper.

"FOR WHAT?" Another yell and bang came from behind James. He half turned to see Evans with her hands on the table in front of her, green eyes ablaze. "For throwing something back where it came from?! If anything you should be assigning detention to your snake! If I'm not wrong, if that landed it would have hurt all of the people on this side of the room. I thought you'd be strict to protect students. But no, you're just a bitter old man with no care for anyone but the Slytherins! I can't believe I was your friend. The Severus I knew would never ever dare to allow what I witnessed in this class alone! I will not step a foot in this classroom until I know I will be safe to learn!" She packed up her things and stomped out, hair standing halfway in the air and crackling with magic.

"Cats out of the bag. Fuck" Harry glanced over, almost identical eyes to Evans' (holy shit James got her?!) stale. 

"She's not wrong. Shame on you Severus" Remus threw caution to the wind, giving a disappointed look to the 35 year old man. Said man looked shell-shocked. He retreated to his desk, staring at the door numbly for the rest of the class period. All of the students quietly finished their brews, took a sample, labelled it, and put it on the desk before cleaning up and leaving.

"Malfoy" Harry spoke once they were clear of the room. 

"Yes, Scarhead?" The blond turned, one elegant eyebrow raised.

"Do not spread around who our new housemates are. Or you'll find the gossip will turn against you" Harry gave a sharp smirk. "After all, I know what you said about Hermione over Christmas break second year. Would be a shame if your future business dealings were tainted by words you spoke when you were 12. Muggleborn or not, the entire school knows how clever she is and how close we are. Am I understood?"

"And what makes you think others won't do it?" The pale boy had almost no blood left in his face, eyes afraid.

"Heirs Crabbe and Goyle must act as your vassals so I don't need to use any of my blackmail on them. And it's nice of you to pretend you aren't the leader of the year group in Slytherin. I may pretend to be still ignorant but even before, I knew where you stood. Have I been clear enough for you?" 

"Crystal. Does your knowledge of your place count under the silence agreement" 

"It does" 

"Fine. I agree to keep my silence, along with ensuring my year mates'. Glad to see you're not as ignorant as you pretend Heir Potter" Malfoy gave a formal head incline.

"Not anymore. While we are speaking frankly, I apologize for not shaking your hand on the train before Sorting. I was Muggle raised and didn't know of the cultural difference" Harry returned one.

"I'll accept your apology. As long as you take a long hard look at the Leader of the Light".

"We already have. And have found him...lacking" Harry's words startled a laugh out of the other boy. 

"Well then. It was nice to see under your Golden Boy mask. We must take our leave now, good day" Malfoy led his group deep into the dungeons. Harry rearranged his features to a more neutral look. 

"Time to head to the tower?" Parvati asked. 

"Yes. Sorry for keeping you waiting" Harry gave a sheepish smile. 

"It's no issue Harry. Just glad you had control of that" She waved off the apology. He laughed quietly with a nod. They talked about the homework they had due the next days all the way back to the tower. Once inside, the casual talk dropped when they saw the still-angry Evans. Hermione sighed and took Harry's hand to lead him over. The rest trailed after in interest. 

"Evans" The black girl said neutrally "You nearly cost your cover".

"Not my fault Severus was endangering us" Evans snapped back, a lightning bolt streaking out of her hand. 

"Maybe not, but you could keep your temper. We have it handled. We long ago carved protective runes in the tables and floor. Snape may be endangering our lives, but we aren't taking it lying down. Because of your outburst, it's likely Umbridge will crack down on us hard. Which we cannot afford. We are at war Evans. One that's bigger than one teacher being negligent in order to please his master. I have to live with the fact that half of this Merlin-damned school believe I killed a student, a friend, all because Voldemort decided to circumvent the protection on me by using my blood in a necromantic ritual! And I took Cedric with me because he was the true champion and we were too noble to take it independently. And because of that, he's dead. Your little outburst may get Snape to take a look at himself but it could also worsen it. Remus already made it worse when he taught here and showed us boggarts and one of ours' was Snape. Snape got worse, which we never thought he could after hearing of the incident. So take the advice everyone has give me. Keep. Your. Head. Down. You are in a precarious position because of who you are" Harry snarled, eyes glowing brightly. Evans stared back, first in anger and then horror. The Marauders could only join her. This small boy in front of them was terrifying in his anger.

"Harry" Neville cut in, stepping in front of him. "Calm. We have your back" Harry's eyes dimmed and he touched foreheads with the Longbottom heir, breaths rattling through his heaving chest. Lavender stepped beside them and reached slowly to comb through Harry's hair, barely reacting when sparks hit her hand. The boy sagged slightly as she went through it. 

"I think we'll be retiring to our room" Ron spoke after a few minutes, watching how his best friend was swaying slightly. 

"I'll carry him. You wrap up here" Neville leaned slightly to get the sleepy boy up in his arms. He then headed up the stairs, Seamus and Dean covering his back with fierce glares. 

"Evans" Hermione's strict voice had all five time travelers whipping around to stare at her. "Harry has covered the loose ends of the Slytherin students. Snape likely already knew, and if he didn't then there's nothing we can do about it now. And Harry's right. You need to control your temper. This school is currently a mine field that we're having to navigate carefully and you may have messed with it".

"All of you need to figure out how to prevent this from happening again. I don't care that you and Evans were at odds. That ends now" Ron continued. Once he had received a nod from the girl he turned to his friends. 

"We'll keep watch down here. Make sure he knows we're also here for him?" Parvati asked.

"We will" Ron confirmed. The two girls nodded, taking seats where they could see up the stairs and the portrait at once. Hermione and Ron hurried to the boy's staircase and climbed out of sight. James numbly took a seat near Evans, pulling out his homework while he waited for her to settle. Remus and Sirius sat to do the same, with Peter sitting at their feet. It took half an hour until Evans spoke again.

"Do you know what he meant by that?" 

"His friends obviously do and that's enough for me. I'm trying to earn his trust, not break it. He's all that's left of my family" James threw a look at her. Her eyes were shimmering with tears. "Look, Evans. Siri and I never let on, but even at eleven we were playing politics. You-Know-Who's gain in platform just worsened the pressure. Where before Slytherin heirs socialized just like the rest, they were suddenly expected to believe in certain things. Things like blood purity. My Father was before all that. My parents were old when I was born, so there's easily a generation of Hogwarts graduates who heard that shit so much it eventually became their genuine opinion. And whatever happened in the last 20 years just made it rot even more. I have no doubt whatever the kid's gone through relates to that. And you heard Umbridge yesterday, 'there are some liars claiming You-Know-Who is back'. Somehow, he was defeated but assuming by Harry's rant, he's back through an illegal ritual using his blood. Blood magic is already outlawed though still practiced behind closed doors in family homes. Whatever was referenced is beyond that. The only possibilities for a necromantic one are black and demand a heavy price".

"Even my family would hesitate using them. And we're known for engaging in black rituals, so much so that the laws have a clause allowing us to practice the tamer ones with costs held by the mage doing the ritual without the Aurors hunting us down. It's one of the reasons for our name" Sirius added seriously. 

"Point is, You-Know-Who is back and some don't believe that. Likely he's still operating in the shadows. And Umbridge, as she was specifically mentioned even though you were angry at Snape, is likely here to stop people from talking about it or preparing to fight. We have the unfortunate luck of coming now. And I think Lady Magic may be supporting our new lives because you heard Granger. We are copies of ourselves so we can freely exist at the same time. And Hogwarts alone could not have done such a clean separation, much as I love the old girl" James crossed his arms. "So we need to settle into our new lives so we can help my son". 

"Fine. What's off limits then?" Evans crossed her arms.

"Well I'll certainly not be asking you to Hogsmeade in dramatic ways. None of us have permission to go, and that's a very James Potter thing to do. Plus, no offense, when I realized my own son was scared of me off the bat because of me being....me, I did some thinking. When he told me last night of my reputation, I hated how they said it. So I think I need to do some self improvement before I think of romance. I want to be someone my son can be proud of and trust to watch his back first".

"You can't comment on Snape being friends with you, or on our friends who aren't here. If you must, use first names or nicknames even if you never got permission" Remus jumped in. "The lack of manners in that regard can be ignored since it's for protection all around".

"Spend some time figuring out what we missed" Sirius grunted. 

"And just generally play nice. Most of the time you can use the excuse of being muggle-raised to explain away any slights. But it's easier if you're friendly" James finished. Evans sighed.

"I guess you can just refer to me as Lily. If we're going to sell this. Harder to slip up that way". 

"Alright Lily. Also, Pads, you owe me a galleon. The fifth years warmed up to me first" James smirked at his best friend. The dog animagus groaned loudly and pulled out a coin and threw it at James' head. Who caught it easily. 

Chapter Text

"So! I have some questions for you" James sat next to Harry the next day as he waited for his friends to rise. Harry sighed, bracing himself to answer.

"Shoot. I'm not doing much right now" Harry was trying hard to sound casual.

"Is Snape always vanishing student's work?" James' question surprised Harry. He thought he'd be dealing with hard hitters like Voldemort.

"Mine and Neville's for sure. I know I've done perfect brews and I got trolls on it because it didn't pass Snape's can-I-shit-on-Harry-for-it inspection" Harry shrugged. 

"Damn. Neville's too?"  James raised an eyebrow.

"Mhm. Dunno why though" 

"Alright. Second question. Umbridge?"  James jumped to his next biggest question.

"Ministry plant. She's Senior Undersecretary to Minister Fudge, here to ensure Hogwarts isn't causing trouble" 

"Merlin's pants I hate being right. Dated anyone yet?"

"Huh? No. No, I'm still sorting through all that. Had a crush on a girl but it faded over the summer. Trauma does that I guess" Harry stared deep into the fire.

"Want to talk about it?" James' voice got soft. Harry snorted.

"Which part? The necromancy, the shunning, growing up with little love, killing someone at eleven, killing a giant snake at twelve, chasing off a hundred dementors at thirteen, the dementors over the summer or the helplessness of being underaged but also simultaneously expected to fix everything?" 

"Okay, A. Holy shit I am extremely proud of you for like. Half? Of that? Both dementors and snake definitely. And getting through the ritual and loveless raising. Everything else is up in the air. B. Holy fuck where the fuck are the responsible adults?!" James' outburst made Harry break down cackling.

"It's not funny!" His father insisted, pouting slightly.

"It-it is a bit. No one has asked that in a long time and to hear it tacked onto praise of my accomplishments gave me whiplash" Harry calmed down a bit. "To answer your question about wanting to talk about it, not really. No offense but I don't trust you with my past experiences. I don't need a parent to swoop in and save me. That time has long since passed"

"Kid, I mean no offense in return but even if you did, I have no idea how I could possibly be that for you. Most nerve-wracking thing I've done is run with Remus once as Prongs. And that was more innate fear from being a deer around a wolf. I was 15. And you were out here killing snakes at 12!" James ran a hand through his hair. Harry was privately glad his instinct was to push his bangs down because James looked frazzled from just his bangs standing up.

"Wait until you tell him what kind of snake it was" Seamus dropped into a seat nearby with an easy grin. 

"Seamus!" Hermione appeared as well, scolding the Irish boy.

"What! It makes the story more impressive!" 

"We're trying not to make James look more lightning struck before breakfast, or at all, thank you very much" Harry grumbled with a narrowing of his eyes.

"Huh? Oh. Right. The Potter curse. Or, the more obvious one. Yeah, I can't remember who exactly it was but one of our ancestors, well. They pissed off an Old Elf. And the elf cursed them and their children with hair that could not be tamed. I mean, my dad made Sleekeazy's to try and tame it. But if you use too much at one time, the Curse wins. We also got the inherited curse of the Gryffindor line, which is why we're more likely to run off in protection of someone" James brightened a bit at discussing his family. 

"Oh yeah. I had forgotten Fleamont Potter was the original creator" Hermione mused out loud. "And, an old elf?"

"Old Elf; the origins of House Elves. They used to live in the wild, when magic saturated the land a lot more. Over time less and less could get supported by it. So some started doing small tasks in exchange for feeding off of a family's free floating magic. Eventually they all moved to that, becoming what we know as House Elves. They get to take some of our magic as sustenance, in exchange for services" Remus smiled softly as he and Sirius wandered over. 

"Yes, thank you Remus. What he didn't mention is we exude a certain amount of magic just naturally. It's how we're able to ignore Muggle-repelling charms actually. Our innate magic brushes aside the magic of the charm, and that excess is what elves feed on. It doesn't harm us in any manner to lose that bit just floating around us, what some people refer to as auras. A bond just allows the elves to feed directly off the top rather than collecting it from the bits in the air" Sirius explained. 

"So leaving knitted clothes around the area an elf cleans...?" Hermione asked nervously.

"Will offend them likely. May just refuse to clean that area if the intent was honorable. It's basically subtly saying their side of the deal isn't being fulfilled well enough".

"Oops. I guess I'll have to go apologize for that" She blushed.

"We'll show you the kitchens since that's where the Hogwarts elves tend to be in the biggest group. Head Elf should be there too, since they'd be the one deciding meals and making sure they're made properly. Most likely they'll be cold towards you but if you explain your thought process they'll give you a second chance. Students make mistakes, we're here to learn" Sirius shrugged, not fussed one way or the other.

"After classes. 'Mione would just die if we missed even a second" Ron smiled. 

"Or worse, be expelled" Neville and Harry whispered teasingly. The brown-haired girl just glared half-heartedly. 

"Let's just get to Herbology now that Professor Sprout has her plants ready" Hermione marched out with Ron and Harry following closely. 

As the group was headed back up the hill from Herbology, a familiar shaggy black dog came bounding up. 

"Snuffles!" Hermione hissed. Harry glared from where he was hanging off of Ron. Of course Sirius would slip out of the house to see the time travelers. 

Shack? Harry signed with a questioning look towards the Willow. Hermione's brow wrinkled. 

No. Toad. She returned. All of the fifth years winced at the reminder and tried to pretend the older Sirius wasn't currently begging for attention. 

"Meet us after dark. Dissendium" Harry hissed out of the corner of his mouth. Snufffles whined, pausing in his play bowing. But none of the teens acknowledged him, so he eventually ran back towards the forest.

Safe? Parvati asked subtly. Lavender conveyed her doubt with a pursing of her lips and a dart of her eyes towards the windows. Dean huffed lowly, drifting alongside Seamus to cover the side facing the forest. Their wand hands were loosely held near their pockets.

"Who was that?" Peter interrupted their silent conversation. 

"Snuffles. Met him around what? Winter of last year?" Ron smiled benignly. Harry hummed in agreement. He flicked his first two fingers of his free hand towards the castle when Neville came hurrying up. His godbrother got the message and came to stand on Hermione's opposite side.

"Never figured out who he belonged to...collar just said his name" Lavender sighed sadly. All of those who knew the truth narrowed their eyes slightly when they noticed the flash of pink just inside the front doors. 

"Too bad. I wanted to tell them to get their dog under control" Hermione complained. "And now he's running loose again."

"Hello students" Umbridge greeted them with a too-wide smile. 

"Hello professor" All of them chorused, Harry hiding slightly behind his taller friends. When it became clear the toad didn't expect more, they all gave her polite goodbyes and made their way up the stairs to the tower. Once they were safely behind Lady Elizabeth, the tension drained from the non-time travelers. 

"Okay. Showers and then we will discuss this in our room" Harry turned to his friends, magic flaring slightly at the contained emotion. 

"We'll be up in about half an hour and we'll knock first" Parvati told them before leading the way up the girls' staircase.

"Are we invited?" James' eyes were hard.

"Yes" Ron tugged Harry after him once conveying the message. 

"Alright. So. Shall we catch our new classmates up to speed?" Ron prompted about an hour later. All of them nodded. 

"So. The dog you saw was the older version of Sirius. He's currently a fugitive from the law, which is why he was in his animagus form" Harry started.

"Oh! Silvershield told me to tell him Gringotts doesn't care about that!" Sirius remembered.

"Yes. Thank you. As I was saying, he likely was coming to check on you lot as I'm sure he heard all about it at the last Order meeting" Harry finished with a slight glare. 

"Oooo Dumble's little club?" Lavender asked excitedly.

"Indeed. Full name is Order of the Phoenix but we refer to it just as the Order because the full name is pretentious and not great for secrecy" Hermione examined her nails.

"Back up. Black is an animagus?" Lily broke in.

"As of last June...for us...yes. Me and Pete too" James said slowly. 

"Oh I forgot I saw Peter transform into a rat when the explosion happened. What's your form James?" The redhead asked eagerly. Harry exchanged loaded looks with his best friends. It was an explosion, likely a potions one with the comment from the day before. 

"I'm a red stag. My unique feature is how my back fur sticks up in all directions and has a darker hue to it like my normal hair" James ruffled said hair. 

"Why am I a fugitive?" Sirius asked. 

"Well..." Neville started, glancing over to Harry who sighed.

"You were thought to be the secret keeper for my parents and then you went on to allegedly blow up a street, killing twelve muggles and a wizard" Harry's eyes flicked over to Peter at the end.

"Was I the wizard?" The rat animagus caught the side look. Harry looked to Hermione who barely shrugged.

"You were the wizard. But your future self isn't dead. Harry saw him back in June" She told him. 

"Wait. You said 'allegedly' and 'thought to be'. And you're entirely too comfortable with his older self. Was Siri innocent?" James asked. Harry was surprised at how quickly he picked up on it. 

"Never even had a trial" Dean said softly. 

"But yes, he's innocent. Minister just wouldn't listen when he was told as much. Same as You-Know-Who's return after..." Parvati trailed off, looking at Harry who smiled tremulously. Cedric was still a sensitive topic for him. Neville reached over to squeeze his knee with a sad smile. 

"Even if I doubt that it was You-Know-Who, I don't doubt something came to be, bad enough to shake Harry who has stared down a Ba-" Seamus was cut off.

"Really large snake!" Harry covered up the end of the sentence.

"Yeah, sure" The Irish boy yielded. He grinned unrepentedly at the small black-haired boy's glare.

"So he's still around?" Remus cocked his head to one side. Harry's friends went silent, all looking to him for guidance. He considered how much more to reveal, eyeing the five before him.

"We're not sure how, but yes. You see, when I mentioned the alleged crimes of Sirius, that all happened in one day or so. On October 31st, 1981, my parents were killed by Voldemort who tried to kill me too. But Mum had done something that made it so he couldn't, and he was temporarily rendered to a wraith. He possessed our DADA teacher first year in order to regain a body using the Philosopher's stone. Second year a teenage version of him tried to do the same. Last June he succeeded. Now he's currently quiet but we know he's obsessing over a weird corridor" Harry summed up. 

"And how do you know that?" Peter asked with narrowed eyes.

"Harry's got a sort-of connection to him. His scar hurts whenever he's nearby, and he gets visions from him in his sleep sometimes" Ron glanced over worriedly, receiving a nod of permission before he explained. 

"Your scar?" Sirius asked, leaning forward as if to examine it. 

"Yes. We're not talking about that right now though, so, any other questions?" Hermione led them away sternly.

"Your mum did something?" James asked, his hazel eyes lighting up excitedly at the chance to ask.

"Yes, she did. I assume your future self helped. But I only...." Harry trailed off with a sad smile, not wanting to confess the dementor's effect.

"Only know bits and pieces. That's fair, since you lost us young" James nodded in understanding. Harry nodded back, smile widening just a touch. 

"She's so cool" 

"James stop being sappy when we can't understand you!" Sirius tackled his friend. 

"Never!" Said friend shouted happily.

"Curses and lovey-dovey stuff" Remus rolled his eyes. Ron sent an affectionate smile at his best friend since he did the same. 

"Anything else we need to do before you go meet Sirius?" Lavender asked. 

"Cover for us?" Hermione gave a half smile.

"Always" was the soft promise in return. 

Chapter Text

Ron, Hermione, and Harry slipped out of the common room a few minutes later. Their friends were still up in the boys' dorm room, starting a gobstones game. They strode through the corridors with no resistance, the Marauder's Map spread in front of them under the cloak. Each time another prefect or teacher stepped onto their current route, they'd find another way over. After their winding path, they reached the one-eyed witch. Ron reached his wand out from under the cloak to tap the hump and hissed the password. The statue creaked open and all three climbed in and shut it behind them. Hermione then cast her blue fire charm so they could see the passageway. 

"Hullo Sirius" Harry greeted the man neutrally as he put away the cloak. 

"Hey pup, Hermione, Ron. How's school?" Sirius strode forward from where he had been leaning against the wall.

"School's good. Other than, y'know. New kids" Ron answered for the trio. 

"Yeah? Are they causing any trouble?" Sirius gave a cocky half smile, ignoring the tension surrounding them. 

"Only with their lack of knowledge. Otherwise they've been fine" Hermione shrugged. Sirius slumped at that. Harry glared as he realized that his godfather wanted them to get into mischief. 

"We prefer they keep in line with Umbridge around. We aren't trying to get her to come after any of us" Harry told him waspishly. He was struggling enough with just his own protective instincts. He didn't need the newcomers to stir things up more. Sirius was taken aback at the tone. 

"We were never caught, it'll be fine. You all need to loosen up" his declaration earned three glares. 

"Would you be saying that if Remus was here? In our position?" Ron shot. 

"Wha- I- You! Why are you bringing him into this?!" Sirius spluttered.

"Because she's not much better to us than she is to those she deems non-human. She's already taken a dig at Remus' credentials without him even there. When we leapt to his defense, she assigned detentions" Hermione picked up where he was going. Harry caught her eye and raised his right hand slightly. She nodded and he raised it to a more obvious position. 

"You coming could get us put on probation if not outright expelled. At the moment the best she can do is ignite my temper and get me in detention. She wants to break me" Harry informed coldly, flipping the hand with the lines on it. "After all. Without my actions in June, Voldemort could have returned without anyone having proof beyond the Dark Marks. Which is easy for the Ministry to write off. Even my death would be. Oh no, the cheater got killed. Guess he wasn't prepared. The only ones who would know for sure are my friends who know that I trained hard for the trials".

"And Dumbledore!" Sirius started, not noticing the scarring. 

"Sure, sure. He'd know based on Snape's arm. But no one would believe him and the same things would be occurring, just without my presence" Harry shrugged, acting like he didn't care. His best friends both squeezed his hands when they caught them. He squeezed back. All three watched impassively as Sirius struggled to respond. 

"McGonagall said it wasn't too bad though? Just that she's irritating" Sirius tried. 

"With all due respect, McGonagall told me to keep my head down. Then Umbridge stays irritating only. But McGonagall couldn't protect me from what happened in the week-long detentions I earned prior to that." 

"What, the forest?" Sirius chuckled at what he thought was a joke. All three raised an eyebrow.

"No. That was first year. For being out passed curfew and maybe lying to a classmate, such a crime" Hermione deadpanned. 

"Don't forget the 50 points each" Ron added. She hummed in acknowledgement. 

"Then what...?" Sirius asked faintly.

"Lines" Harry held up his fist, showing the white lines against his dark skin. Sirius' face drained of blood. 

"She made you use a Blood Quill?" 

"For five hours, five days straight, yes" Ron half snarled. Harry snapped his fingers, giving his best friend a soft smile when they met eyes. The red-head calmed slightly, applying his shields to get through this conversation before sorting through the various emotions he was feeling so strongly. He needed to have his friend's back and right now that meant being the calm in the storm that was Hermione. Sirius just stared straight ahead.

"Now you see what we can't 'loosen up'. Any misstep could lead to problems" Storm Hermione was rolling into town, as her cold eyes pierced the man's heart. Ron could only feel amusement at her fierce anger. Here was an adult that she could go after.

"Dumbledore wouldn't-" Sirius started.

"Dumbledore doesn't care" Harry snarled.

"Of course he does! He's just busy, and..."

"Busy with what? He lost his positions as Chief Warlock and Supreme Mugwump. The only thing left is being Headmaster" Ron pointed out. 

"He's fighting You-Know-Who!" 

"Glad to see he values 'fighting' an enemy in the shadows over the hundreds of school children he's responsible for, for nine months straight" Hermione hissed.

"No one else is going to, so Albus needs to protect everyone" Sirius protests.

"In the process, he leaves a majority of the magical children to deal with things on their own. What happens when Voldemort uses his current tactics to lure Dumbledore away from the school to attack us. I know most of our professors would be able to hold him off for a time, but not forever. And if he succeeds in killing those professors, he'll have a free shot to the children. A lot of parents would comply with anything to keep their kids safe. Not to mention, he could easily kill me and anyone who comes to my defense. Everyone seems awful keen to send me back to my relatives over the summer 'for my protection', but now that I'm at school, it suddenly isn't that important? That sends a message, Sirius" Harry ranted. 

"Plus, isn't that why he has the Order? To do what he can't due to his other obligations?" Ron asked innocently. 

"Most of us have those tasks already. And it's not like that Harry. You can use magic here so you have a degree of freedom and Dumbledore can't interact with you as much with Umbridge around. It'll send the wrong message". 

"Ah yes, the wrong message. The message that even with so many people against Harry, Dumbledore can't even bother to look in his direction for even a headmaster's smile at seeing his students reaching the castle safely. Not even an acknowledgement after a trial deciding Harry's future before his OWL year, that Dumbledore so kindly decided to show up last second to guide the sole non-muggle witness outside of Harry himself to the courtroom" Hermione was on a roll. "A woman he placed near the Dursley residence so he would have reports on Harry. Yes, I can see the messages being sent since what was it? '82? Or did she move in within a month of Harry's arrival? Oh right, I forgot that the only reason he was sent there was because you went after Wormtail, so you wouldn't know, would you?" 

"Hermione, enough" Harry barked. The girl fell silent, glare still firmly on the older man. "Sirius. I don't know what you wanted out of this trip. However, we need to leave. Ron and I have Quidditch practice tomorrow, so we need to get homework done. Be careful leaving, and good night" with that said, he pulled out the cloak and opened the map before opening the hump. His friends climbed after him in silence, sealing the entrance quickly to prevent Sirius following. 

Chapter Text

Sirius perked up as he saw the passageway open. Finally, he could speak to his pup!

"Hullo Sirius" Harry! His Pup! Sirius settled for striding forward rather than running up and swinging the kid around. 

"Only with their lack of knowledge. Otherwise they've been fine" Hermione shrugged when Sirius tried to ask for the newest pranks that had been pulled off. Sirius couldn't help but slump. How could they be the Marauders without pranks??? His godson gave him a glare that wouldn't look out of place on Lily's face back in the day. So he tried to backtrack and hope they calmed. Which failed since Harry's glare got worse, and his two friends also gave dark looks.

"Would you be saying that if Remus was here? In our position?" Ron shot. 

"Wha- I- You! Why are you bringing him into this?!" Sirius spluttered. What did his boyf- last close friend have to do with this? He was busy for the Order, so there was no way he had any stake in this. Except he did, as the children soon informed him. Sirius was just trying to process everything they were throwing at him. He didn't notice what his pup was trying to show him. And when he tried to reassure them with Dumbledore's involvement, they dismissed it!

"Lines" Sirius finally saw the words carved into the dark skin of his pup, his godson. And it was unbelievable to him. No one, not even Walburga, had ever forced him to write that much that it started scarring over. He didn't even notice the anger of the youngest Weasley boy. He started coming back to present when the air around him started becoming more magically charged. He put up protests until his godson became something more briefly. 

"Hermione, enough" Harry barked. And to Sirius' surprise, after a summer dealing with the bookworm, she fell silent. Her emotions were still clear on her face, but she was no longer attacking. Sirius watched numbly as they ended the conversation and left him alone in the passages. He recognized the set of the Indian boy's face. He had only seen James like that three times in his life. The first against him was after Snape nearly was attacked by Remus. James was beyond pissed at Sirius, and nearly turned his back on the Black heir entirely. Luckily, fleeing his family that summer had sealed it into the past. Though James never forgave him. For a moment, Sirius was lost in the second time. 

"GET AWAY FROM MY WIFE YOU BASTARD" James bellowed, his face set in his angriest setting as he charged wand blazing on You-Know-Who. At the shout, Lily whirled around, her own wand soon flinging spells at the self-proclaimed lord. Her magic crackled around her as she demonstrated the reason her and her husband were so feared. 

Sirius blinked and then it was James sprawled dead on his safehouse's stairs, his face still set in fury. And then that blurred with the young boy he saw earlier. He was so little. And for a second it was that James on the stairs with Harry's wails echoing through his ears. 

"Jamie, I promise. I just wanted to make it safe for Prongslet. I was going back for him. I promise. Your son was safe while I went after Wormy. Please, I promise" Sirius sobbed out, falling to his knees, reaching for the nonexistent body. And then it was Harry's face staring back in anger and reaching a hand, a scarred hand, towards him. Sirius let out a wounded bark, scrambling away from the hallucination. 

"Sirius!" A voice finally pierced his attention when a warm hand landed on his shoulder. He turned to Padfoot, whirling around with a snarl. Just to see it was Remus. Safe, Remy. He transformed back immediately and grabbed his Remy in a hug. 

"What are you doing here?" He asked.

"Looking for you Siri. Which it seems like I came at a good time as that looked like a hallucination" Remus said softly. 

"Seeing Jamie on the stairs of their house, dead. Mixed with the glimpse I got of past us" Sirius grumbled out, swaying slightly as he stood on his own.

"Let's discuss this at home Pads. I already don't like how long you were here" Remus gently led his boyfriend towards the opposite end of the passage where they could apparate out of. Sirius just mumbled nonsense as they walked. Finally they exited the wards, and Remus grabbed tightly to the fugitive before turning in place. An echoing crack was the only evidence of their presence.

Chapter Text

Harry stormed into the common room, his magic tightly wound around him. All of the Gryffindors moved aside as he marched up the stairs to his dorm, his two best friends trailing after. He threw the door open. 

"Black, your older self is insufferable and I wish he would think things through for once in his life" Harry flopped on top of Neville after saying his piece. 

"That bad?" Sirius asked, glancing at the other two who nodded grimly. 

"Give Har a minute. Chances are he'll explain more once he's done regulating his magic using Neville" Ron gently redirected when the time travelers looked for more answers. True to the prefect's words, Harry's magic was tangled in Neville's who was draining it slightly. 

"Wait, you two are close enough to blend magic like that?" Sirius asked in surprise. 

"Yes in both senses. Harry and I are closest in power levels due to Fate's touch. So when he can't go fight something or fly, Harry does exactly this. Mione and Ron can keep up with him in a duel, they just have more passive power than Harry and I" Neville shrugged slightly, continuing to pat his friend's back. 

"What kind of passive powers?" James asked curiously. "If you don't mind my question."

"I have an eidetic memory, supported by my magic so I can continue to recall things down the line" Hermione answered unconcerned. 

"And it's not really a secret, my family has always had a tendency for more domestic magics, so part of my magic just automatically fuels those things. I also got a minor prophetic ability" Ron ran a hand through his hair. 

"Can we back up for my understanding? Please?" Lily interrupted. 

"Of which part?" Parvati asked curiously. 

"The magic stuff. Like, blending magic? Is that not normal? And passive power?"

"You can blend magic with someone? Is it Snape?" James perked up, eyes shining. "And passive power is just gifts that are always working. Like a prophetic ability is constantly 'on' so to speak. There's also a difference between a seer and a normal prophetic ability. Seers can use divination mediums more effectively to get small predications like the most likely path. However, a seer will also be used as a tool for Prophecy, which is when Fate itself speaks through them to declare what will happen. For everyone else with the gift, they can get more clear predications than average with any medium but one works best for them." 

"Trelawney is a Seer. She's made genuine prophecies before, one even to Harry here. Parvati and I have prophetic gifts. As does Ron" Lavender added. 

"Oh. And, yea, it was with Sev" Lily nodded before cocking her head to the side. "Does Fate's touch mean there's a prophecy about you?"

"Yes and no. Harry and I both fit the criteria for a prophecy, but it'll only apply to one of us in the end. But because the prophecy is still active, our magic has a bit of...I guess you could call it a backup? It also makes it easier for us to mingle our magic like this, since the same prophecy connects us and acts as a road between. Plus, we're godbrothers so our magic recognizes each other" Neville smiled. 

"Nev's one of my favorite people. Only Ron and Mione beat him" Harry mumbled. Neville patted his head softly. 

"I just realized, James, didn't you have detention tonight?" Seamus asked. The boy paled rapidly.

"Merlin's beard, I forgot I was assigned detention the past two days...whelp I'm fucked!" He clapped his hands with a manic grin. "Think I could go live in the forest forever?" 

"You'd die within the week. Whether by the centaur herd or acromantula just depends on where you wonder. May even be taken down by a thestral if you're particularly unlucky" Hermione looked done with the world.

"Acromantula?!" Peter yelped. 

"Oh yeah. That wasn't a fun trip. Luckily Harry still likes spiders or I'd be screwed since that just made my arachnophobia worse. Think Hagrid is still mad at Aragog for that?" Ron mused out loud. 

"Don't worry, they're deep in the forest and it's safe to say Hagrid has probably been making sure no further problems occur" Hermione waved off. Harry hissed softly in pain. Hermione breathed out "Har?"

"It's fine. Connection's just doing a feedback loop. His irritation is making my own worse, along with the usual throbbing. I'm closing it up as best as I can" Harry smiled tremulously from where he was still leaning on Neville.

"I still think you should do the ritual to cut him off from part of his base of support" Neville said solemnly. 

"Not much I can do Nev. He's likely aware his only lordship has been claimed by someone else. And with his theft of what belongs to Death, he can't even get the heirship and I doubt any of the family magic is in him" Harry reminded. 

"He truly stole from Death? He wasn't risen from the dead, he never actually died?" James asked solemnly.

"No. He should have moved on the night he fired the killing curse point blank at me. But something stopped it. The man who rose in June is the same who came to our house, the only change being 13 years and two failed attempts at returning sooner. I assume you know of the Peverell blood in our family?" Harry was equally solemn. 

"I do. Most Lord Potters don't claim it, due to the unique requirement to become Lord Peverell" James nodded. 

"Well, I'm not most. I qualified for the lordship upon my majority since I was a young child. I took the mantle on to use it to prevent people like Voldemort getting a following. But first, I must rid the world of the thief. Death is not pleased he has evaded its grasp" Harry's words shocked both James and Sirius. 

"One of the goals is to remind people of the ascension laws, which allowed another of his lordships a seat on the Wizengamot. The other two were original members of the Council of Mages and thus were immediately part of the body" Hermione added into the silence.

"He has both Longbottom and Patil backing in this. Our system has grown stagnant, and it's time we step up to make the world better for us" Parvati said seriously, holding Lavender's hand. 

"I'm glad my son has your support in this" James met both of the Heirs' eyes. Both inclined their heads in acknowledgement. 

Chapter Text

"Harry, wake up" A rich voice came from inside the red curtains. 

"Grandfather? what's goin' on? Why are you waking me up at 5am" Harry sat up, rubbing his eyes moodily. 

"The thief was about to send another dream your way. And I have a message for you" Ignotus said calmly, taking a seat next to his grandson's feet as the boy put on his glasses and blinked a few times to adjust his eyes. 

"Who from this time?" Harry gave a huge yawn after his question. 

"Your father and Death, who also has a message from Lady Magic" 

"Lady Magic? It's been a while since she's had something I needed to know. Not that I'm not grateful. She's lovely. She just usually speaks primarily with Luna when her sister isn't influencing her too heavily" Harry cocked his head to the side curiously. 

"You know how Lovegoods and Fate are. Lady Fate does send greetings, but you know she's always curious of what's going on with you. Anyways, Lady Magic wants you to know the copies are entirely new people now. Their blood will still read the same, but the ministry is incompetent and leaves checking such to the Goblins. Wise decision to speak to your account manager though. I applaud your forethought even when on a back foot. The message from your father is to mail a letter to Remus and Sirius and tell them all the challenges you have experienced here" Ignotus listed off before muttering under his breath about how the Council worked better in his first language. 

"I don't want their pity" Harry insisted annoyed.

"It's not for pity, and if you thought about it for a second you'd realize that little lion. It's so they stop trusting Dumbledore with everything. Sirius especially. Jamie, Monty, and Charlie are all annoyed by how trusting he's being especially knowing that prior to this summer, Dumbledore held the power to get him a trial. Maybe not in Britain, but he also had power to put him in front of the ICW for proper trial" Ignotus gestured annoyed at the Black lord. 

"Wait, Uncle Charlus was watching too?" Harry asked.

"Oh, yes. Apologies for not letting you know who was there for that meeting. I was obviously there since I'm your go-to for matters. So was your father, grandfather, great-uncle, great-aunt, and great-grandfather. Your mother was keeping an eye on the younger group. But no, Dorea, Henry, Fleamont, Charlus, and James were all there too" Ignotus sighed softly, rubbing his hands over his face a few times. "Harry, Charles, and Monty have been popping in more often since you took on your inheritance."

"Oh. That's terrifying. What if I mess up?" Harry looked small for a moment. 

"You won't. You're already doing a great job Harry. Especially with Voldemort back. None of them expect you to be able to step up to the seat fully yet. You're 15, you have school. Just speaking with your godbrother and friends is enough. They just want to be on hand in case you need advice from previous lords since you never got even your father's influence. Nothing more than that. And they love you, so even if you struggle the first couple years they won't be angry. Hold your head high little lion, as you're learning quickly" Ignotus reached over and ran a hand over his grandson's wild hair. Harry leaned into it with a steadying sigh. For a while the pair were silent, Ignotus continuing to run his hand over his grandson's hair. Harry drifted off briefly before waking with a gasp. 

"Harry?" His grandfather rumbled. 

"Voldemort. He was angry that I slipped away from his dream. Merlin I hate being connected to him. There was no reason to force me down the corridor with anger thrumming in my veins. He's just being a spiteful bitch" Harry grumbled as he rubbed his scar. Ignotus looked to a corner for a moment, eyes narrowed before humming. 

"Death wishes me to pass on his frustration over being unable to help. He says that maybe collecting Antioch's wand will be able to do something for you. And that he has a suspicion what is tying the creature to the living but he's unable to intervene unless you fulfill the requirements to connect fully with him. He's already meddling more than he should, though his counterparts are overlooking it for now due to what Fate has designated you for and Death blessing our line. But he's not pushing it" Ignotus passed on. 

"My thanks to you Lord Death. I hope you can pass on my appreciation to the others as well. I understand that you are unable to help much more. But I should hopefully have more knowledge through the newcomers to aid in the quest for knowledge. I just hope we can cut him off early enough" Harry slumped slightly at the burden of the upcoming war. 

"Just keep doing what you are already. Remember that war is not kind and second chances are not always possible."

"I know. I hate that Dumbledore is holding the adults back by insisting on it. I have no intention of doing the same. The more I can take out, the safer I make the world after" Harry's eyes glowed slightly as they hardened. 

"I'm proud of you, and so is your family. Try and get some more rest" Ignotus kissed the top of Harry's head before phasing back to the plane of the dead. Harry took off his glasses and lay back down. He pushed up his shields as best as he could as he tried to return to sleep.

"Harry mate" Ron said quietly a few hours later, slipping through the raven-haired boy's curtains. The boy just grumbled nonsense and curled up tighter. Ron reached out his magic first before reaching out to shake his friend's shoulder. He winced slightly as Harry's magic zapped back before recognizing his best mate. 

"Ron?" Harry opened his eyes slightly. 

"Yeah mate, it's Ron. Breakfast has started, and you need to get a little bit of food in you for Umbridge later" Ron said gently. 

"Hmm. Grandfather stopped by briefly and interrupted a Snake-face dream. Drifted off while Grandfather still was here and Voldy sent me down the corridor with a vengeance. Dad said I should send a letter to Sirius and Remus to get their heads out of their asses. And Lord Death passed on a message from Lady Magic that the younger people are entirely separate. And also Death is being cautious about helping right now as it overstepped slightly" Harry reached for his glasses as he talked. 

"Ah. Well, better get that letter sent as soon as possible. Maybe get Parvati or Dean to send it out. They're innocuous enough" Ron advised, turning to leave his friend to change in peace. Harry just grunted before pulling out fresh clothes and changing. Once he was done he opened his satchel to slip the cloak and Marauder's map in the blood-bound pocket. Once they were settled, he opened the main area to place his quills, books, and parchment in. Then he strapped on his wand holder and opened his curtains. 

"Morning Har" Seamus called from where he was styling Dean's hair. 

"Morning Shay, Dean. Ready for Umbridge later?" 

"Not at all. But we'll be behaving like good little babies, per her expectations" Dean rolled his eyes. 

"Oof. Dean, I may ask you to run a letter up for me. It's to the older Sirius to maybe knock some sense into him. Just gotta write it" Harry asked.

"No problem. Just let me know when and give me some of Hedwig's favorite treats so she listens to me" Dean gave a thumbs-up.

"I will. Thanks a bunch Dean" Harry waved to the couple before heading down the stairs. Hermione looked up from her glamoured book to wave. Harry made a beeline over before flopping down next to Ron and pulling out a piece of parchment. 

"Ron update you?" He asked lowly as he squinted at the blank roll in contemplation.

"He did. I find myself suspicious that your father is being sentimental but I will default to his experience for now" She wrinkled her nose, placing a bookmark in the book before sliding it into her own bag. 

"Which was that one?" Harry asked, stalling.

"Secrets in Plain Sight, trying to pre-emptively work a system out while the toad is here. And I know exactly what you're doing Potter" Hermione narrowed her eyes. Harry groaned in acknowledgment. 

"Least he's contemplating it" Ron chimed in supportively from where he was editing an essay. Hermione huffed softly in acquiescence. 

"How much detail do I go into?" Harry asked after writing the greeting. 

"I say go all the way. That way they can't brush off how dangerous it was" Ron said as he dried and rolled up his edited essay. Harry scribbled in silence for a while before presenting a draft. Hermione took it and read over it quickly before handing it off to Ron. As he was reading she gave her feedback.

"I say maybe take out some of the sarcastic quips, but otherwise I think it works. Maybe blame this James for why all of a sudden you're opening up." 

"Agreed. Let's head down to breakfast first though" Ron added. 

"Alright. I may only nibble though" Harry sighed. Ron threw an arm around his friend's shoulders. 

"As long as we get some food in you, nibble all you like. But you're not leaving without eating at least three pieces of fruit and a piece of toast, deal?" 

"I think I can do that... maybe a sausage link to satisfy Mione's desire to get me some protein" Harry gave a small half smile. The trio climbed through the portrait as the boys ribbed gently on their more health-conscious friend. She took it in stride, well used to them doing so while also listening to her. Harry led them through a few shortcuts (including one he knew was Hogwarts trying to be affectionate by making new passages. But he wasn't saying anything where it was so easily overheard). 

"Hey Nev" Harry said happily, taking the free seat next to his godbrother. His best friends sat opposite him, each giving him a pointed look. He rolled his eyes but complied with his part of the agreement. 

"Hey Har, Hey Ron, Hey Mione. Sleep well?" Neville asked, stirring some more brown sugar into his porridge.

"I did" Hermione took some eggs from the serving plate. Ron gave a thumbs up since he had taken a bite before being asked. 

"Not really. Had a bit of a nightmare and was awake for a bit after" Harry sighed before tapping his ring finger subtly. Neville let out a little oh of understanding before acting like nothing had happened. 

"Sorry to hear that. Luckily I think you'll have time for a nap between class and practice. When did Angelina get the field for again?" 

"5:30" Fred said tiredly as he dropped on the seat on the opposite side of Harry. "So eat light you two, if you get in some food beforehand. Or, maybe not you Ron. You need to be a bit heavier."

"Says the beater" The younger Weasley snarked back. 

"Are you saying we beaters are fat?" George appeared to lean against his little brother's back. 

"No you oaf, I'm saying you lot need to have more sturdy base of support" Ron grunted, battling away the grabby hands. 

"Speaking of, Fred you know if Lu's available today?" Hermione asked as the two brothers went at it. 

"Hmm. GinGin is off by 4 but I believe Luna's got one more class" Fred rubbed his chin in thought. 

"She's also going to drag someone to say hello to the thestrals" Ron added distractedly before pausing. "Oh for Merlin's sake. I hope it's James, because Harry and I are busy. Hang on. Luna!" 

"Yes Ron?" The blonde girl turned around from her seat at the Ravenclaw table. 

"Harry and I are busy. Take James or Sirius to feed the thestrals. Maybe even Peter, show him there's nothing to fear. But not us. We've got Quidditch tonight" He pointed a finger sternly at her. 

"Perhaps it will be good for the little rat. Wrackspurts will be bothering him for a while, and the thestrals are always so helpful for that" The whimsical girl smiled serenely. "Plus it may prove he is not the scheming one. If he can't see them, we know they're not the same."

"I already got confirmation they wouldn't merge Lu. I appreciate your added assurance though" Harry gave her a smile. She nodded happily before turning back to her breakfast. Harry did the same, leaning slightly on Neville as a bit of frustration echoed down the connection. He hid his wince so no one but the other Gryffindor noticed. 

"Is he prodding?" Neville asked lowly.

"No. He's frustrated. Probably a setback on a plan" Harry answered just as quietly. His godbrother gave a nod before staring at his half full bowl. 

"Now I feel too on edge to eat more..." He sighed mournfully. 

"Want to slip off to practice?" Harry asked, eating another piece of fruit. 

"I'm headed to the Greenhouses. Professor Sprout wants me to prepare for one of the other year's classes" Neville shrugged apologetically with a proud smile.

"No problem Nev. I'm glad she's seeing how wonderful you are" Harry knocked their shoulders together. The taller wizard snorted, watching as George tried to feed him brother a sausage. 

"George, if you keep trying to feed Ron I will demonstrate how strong my full body bind is nowadays" Hermione said pleasantly. The red-head stopped, rapidly paling at the threat. He hurried to stand by his twin and Harry, believing it to be the safer option. He was wrong, as Harry subtly put a color-changing charm on his shoes. Ron snorted softly at the smirk that flickered across his best friend's face. 

"See you guys later. Don't get up to too much trouble" Neville stood with a wave.

"We're just practicing for charms after this, no need to worry about us" Harry assured. The trio stood up as one fifteen minutes later, headed for an empty classroom to work on banishing charms and summoning charms in the form of a weird game of catch. Harry revised his letter to Sirius before joining in. They drifted over to lunch around midday, Harry handing off his letter and the treats, before returning to the classroom to work on their Care homework. Then it came time for them to go to Defense. Harry found both his hands caught in his best friends'. They both gave him comforting squeezes and gentle looks.

"I'll be okay. Just...don't draw attention to yourselves? I will feel like I have to come to your defense" He said softly. "After all, I can handle the punishment after living with the Dursleys." 

"We won't" Hermione promised just as soft. The three basked in each others presence for a few seconds more before breaking apart and heading for the classroom. They lined up behind Parvati and Lavender. Harry snapped his fingers once to get their attention. 

Quiet he signed to them. Both nodded in acceptance and turned to face the door again. 

"Hey you lot, haven't seen you all day!" Seamus called as he and Dean arrived. 

"We were doing homework off in a classroom. Grubbly-Plank's essay was so different from Hagrid's usual stuff" Ron shrugged. 

"Hagrid's assignments are 'how dangerous is this' so you're prepared" Harry muttered. His friends all chuckled at how true that was. Harry saw James approach with most of his friends out of the corner of his eyes. He elbowed the redhead next to him to whisper "Hey, Ron, I think you gave Lu an idea" 

"Hm? Oh. I guess so. Does that make it a prediction if my intervention is why it may have occurred?" His friend mused out loud.

"It's still a prediction technically. Who's to say Luna would have taken anyone out today? We don't know for sure, but you predicted she would and then influenced who" Parvati said certainly. Ron shrugged in deference. 

"James. Why did I not know of the thestrals?" Peter asked as he approached with sticks in his hair. "One pushed me into a bush because I couldn't see it."

"Oh. Uh. I didn't think it that important? I mean, most only hear of them in Care. So I assumed that was the only time that you'd encounter them" James shrugged apologetically. 

"As important as this conversation may be, we need to warn you" Hermione cut in. "The professor requires you to greet her with 'good evening Professor Umbridge' and respond to questions with 'yes, Professor Umbridge' or 'no Professor Umbridge'." 

"And keep your heads down. Read the book, nothing more" Parvati said seriously. 

"The thestrals are sweethearts though, one of the only tamed herds in Britain" Harry prompted the previous conversation slightly.

"Really?" Peter asked.

"Yeah. I used to drag my friends out to visit. Though only Neville and I could see them back then" Harry glanced to his friend who gave a sad smile. 

"Back then?" 

"Harry may be the one with blood on his hands, but that doesn't mean we're innocent either" Hermione said coldly. 

"Thestrals for all their association with death are gentle creatures" James soothed his friend. 

"I know" Peter said softly, leaning against the steady presence of the stag animagus. The door opened a few seconds later, and all of the Gryffindors fell silent, filing into the classroom. None of the experienced group drew out their wands, simply getting out the required book alongside quills and parchment. Harry watched as James followed their lead and silently urged the rest of the time travelers to keep their wands away. 

"Good afternoon class" Professor Umbridge tittered. 

"Good afternoon Professor Umbridge" All of the students responded dutifully. She clapped her hands once in excitement. 

"Now, wands away! We'll be starting Chapter 3, and there will be a quiz at the beginning of next class. You may begin" She sat down with a wide smile. Harry bit down on the sigh he wanted to release. He labelled the top of the parchment with the chapter number, ready to parrot back whatever the woman masquerading as a teacher wanted. For half the class period, the only noise was the turning of pages and scribbling of quills. Then a high pitched "Mr. Potter". 

"Yes, Professor Umbridge?" Harry looked up, keeping his face politely confused. 

"What are you writing?" 

"Notes based on the chapter professor. Did you need to see them for something?" Harry curled his toes to keep his boiling anger down. 

"Just to see that your attention isn't...wandering" She reached out a stubby hand, her wand out in her opposite hand. 

"Of course, here you are professor" He placed his notes in her outstretched hand. He watched as she attempted to dispel common glamour spells. 

"Hm. I suppose you're being diligent Mr. Potter. Keep working" She handed the paper back with a small huff. 

"Thank you professor" He settled the sheet next to his book again, glancing over where he had left off his sentence. He tried to get back to his rhythm from before, but frowned softly when he couldn't. He mentally pictured pulling up a wall between parts of his mind. In front of the wall was a puppeteer, reading and writing notes. Behind the wall he tried to organize some more of his memories and shore up a bit of a tricky spot in his occlumency shield. It took several minutes for him to notice the stare down occurring around him. He blinked a few times before glancing between Lily and the professor. His heart sank as he realized it would be another instance of a righteous student challenging the teacher. He glanced over to Hermione and focused on slipping gently into the front of her shields. 

'What?' She sent through the first layer where he waited patiently. 

'Lily. Do I interfere?' He sent back. She sent a half glance back. 

'No. Let her learn' She gently shoved him back out and he flicked his attention back to the professor and the book. He tried to pretend to not care about what was occurring around him.

"Miss Evans?" Professor Umbridge asked sweetly when Harry was one of the only two still focused to the best of their abilities. To his surprise, the other was James. The trust in Harry warmed him from the inside out. 

"I had a question about the book. Why is Slinkhard so against the use of more higher level defensive spells that don't cause direct harm like petrificus totalus? It would end the fight quickly and give more time for Aurors to respond with less harm" Lily asked. 

"That is a jinx Ms. Evans. It's best to find a hiding spot and maintain a shield after calling for help. The aurors will handle the rest" Umbridge told them all with a smile. Harry pushed down his automatic challenge about the dementors attacking him. The class knew about it so there was no need to challenge the toad. 

"And what if they're throwing around Unforgiveables? Or blasting charms?" Lily continued undeterred. 

"Then you find better cover" The professor ignored the spirit of the question. "Now, any other questions?" 

"Yes, why are we learning this for our O.W.L year?" 

"Because the ministry believes you need to return to the basics, since many of your classmates have had inconsistent instruction" Umbridge stressed, eyes glinting maliciously. 

"Well this book isn't the one to do it. It's got so much misinformation that I'm surprised it went to print" Lily slammed her book closed. Harry could almost hear the shattering of his teacher's patience.

"20 points from Gryffindor, and you'll be doing detention with me tonight Ms. Evans" Umbridge purred, and Harry could feel the fear of his friends. He was glad that he had kept his head down. The bell rang out and all the students packed up quickly. Ron pushed Harry in front of him, while everyone else closed rank around the short boy. Neville taking the non-wand side, Hermione by his wand hand, and Lavender and Parvati in front of him. Seamus and Dean took over herding the time travelers. 

"Mione, make sure Lily has the stuff if she decides not to or can't go to Madame Pomphrey. And make sure James goes to Snape, see if detention is still on and how angry he is. Nev, I need you to keep Leo, Peter, and Remus on their best behavior for the night with Shay and Dean. Lav, you and Parvati are on rumor and research duty. See if you can't find a way to protect us in there as well. You know the drill for the rumors" Harry instructed lowly as they got a staircase down from the classroom. 

"I have enough for a single night" Hermione said, checking her bag. 

"First thoughts are a silencing layout but that could interfere with detentions if she decides to hold them there. I'll let you know of any possibilities I come across" Parvati whispered back. 

"Need me to tell Angie you'll be more vicious during practice?" Ron asked. 

"That or distracted. Wait until we're on the field, just to be safe" Harry inclined his head. 

"Want to head down early to just fly?" 

"No. I need to eat something" Harry was proud of himself for choosing not to skip a meal over emotional stress. 

"Proud of you" Neville echoed his thoughts. The group slipped into the Great Hall and sat down. Ron and Harry grabbed something they could eat quick while the rest loaded up their plates. Harry ate as slow as he could before standing up, Ron following a few seconds later.

"See you later" Harry waved, slinging his bag over his shoulder before hurrying towards the field. He got various goodbyes as he left. As he took to the skies after pulling on his gear, a medium sized brown owl was soaring towards Headquarters, a letter clutched in its talons. As he worked out his frustration, fear, and restlessness, the letter he had written that morning was being read.

Chapter Text

Sirius looked up from his drink as an owl hooted lowly. 

"Mistress' disappointment has a letter" Kreacher said, holding out his arm with the owl. Sirius grunted, taking the bird from his elf. "Mutt would do well to follow his heir's example. Ohhh yes, the little stag knows how to respect us. Remembers his manners unlike the disappointment. Wish he and his right hands were here, they made sure Kreacher was treated like the proud elf he is. Yes, mutt master should have listened better"

"Get out of here Kreacher. No one wants to hear your mutterings" Sirius growled, shooing the elf away as he opened the letter. There was a pop and the animagus was alone. He opened the letter, scanning it greedily. It took a full minute for him to realize the horrible things he was reading. 

Dear Sirius, 

I was encouraged by James upon hearing of my adventures to tell you about them as well. Since you are my godfather and were meant to take care of me. So, I have decided to break it down by year so I don't jump around too much. 

First year, I encountered Voldemort again, though I didn't realize it until the end of the year. He had been on the back of my Defense teachers head since just after my birthday. I know the rough time he possessed my teacher because he monologued at me about it. Anyways, the first danger I encountered was a Cerberus behind a locked door that I could unlock easily. Luckily I left quickly and didn't return until the end of the year. Which I will get to later on. Next in time, was Halloween when I encountered and knocked out a Mountain Troll. Where were the teachers? Not there until afterwards. Ron and I had gone to tell Hermione of the danger and ran straight into the beast when it entered where she was hiding. With no choice, we levitated its club and knocked it out. A few seconds later, the teachers appeared. No one noticed my twisted ankle from landing wrong, or the cuts on Mione from the smashed toilets. We cleaned and healed them ourselves. Then, during my first quidditch game, Quirrell (my defense teacher) tried to get my broom to buck me off when I was high over the pitch. No one could approach so it was up to me to hold on. Snape was chanting the countercharm, and Hermione stopped Quirrell. Over the winter break, I ran into a mirror that showed my hearts deepest desire. Had Ron and later Dumbledore not interfered, I would have wasted away there without noticing. For a while it was quiet, until Hagrid acquired a Norwegian Ridgeback egg and hatched it in his hut. It was Ron, Hermione, and I that convinced him to part with it and delivered the dragon to the people who'd take it to a reserve. In the process, Ron got bitten and his hand swelled to twice its size, Hermione and I got detention, alongside Neville and Malfoy who overheard our plans. For the detention we had to enter the Forbidden Forest at 11pm at night to discover who was killing unicorns. Our only protection was Hagrid who split us up so only half of us were safe. I was alone when I found the dead unicorn and its killer. Spoiler alert, it was Voldemort and I found him drinking the blood of it. Finally, to stop Voldemort from returning to life, I went past the Cerberus, some Devil's Snare, another troll, a deadly chess game (which Ron had to sacrifice himself to win, he got a concussion), and separate poison from useful potions. All because no teacher listened when we told them Quirrell would be trying that night. When I reached the final room, I faced the man and his passenger alone. I barely escaped with my life, and only because Mum's protection burnt the pair to a crisp. 

Now, second year. The summer before I was starved so I was already struggling. I had some grace prior to my birthday due to not informing my relatives that magic was forbidden. Then Dobby, the devious little shit, mimicked my magic in order to get me in trouble. He also locked the barrier to Platform 9 and 3/4s. Ron and I ended up taking a flying car to school. We crashed into the Whomping Willow. It hit back. Dobby also tried a third time to send me back to my relative's by making a bludger follow me and only me. And then a basilisk was being released in the school, which is why Dobby was trying to get me to leave, to protect me. In order to discover what the snake was, Ron and I went into the forest to meet the acromantula, only narrowly escaping due to the wild car. I found out afterwards that it was a 1,000 year old Queen basilisk. Now, let me tell you that she wasn't an ordinary basilisk. When I say Queen, I mean Queen basilisk. Easily 18 meters, and venom potent enough to be a fast death. It also could dissolve flesh. Everyone was lucky the victims were only petrified (and once it was due to Sir Nick's actions at the very last second). I slayed the snake alone, when the adult who we thought was going to deal with it turned out to be useless. We brought him as far as we could, but he decided to try and wipe our memories. It back fired, so he remembers nothing of himself. And, once again, it was Voldemort. This time a 16-year old version, but it was him. He himself showed me how he got his name. His old name was Tom Marvolo Riddle, which became I am Lord Voldemort.

Third year you know the dangers I was in. I will remind you that I drove off 100 dementors by myself though, because Dumbledore told Hermione and I to use a time turner to rescue you. Now, I will jump to fourth year. Once again I was in danger before the year even started. Ron's dad was lucky enough to get tickets for his family plus me and Hermione to the Quidditch World Cup. After the game, there was a demonstration held. A death eater one, where the muggle family was being levitated and played with. They would have hurt any one of us. Due to that, Crouch Jr. made it back to his master. I thought it would be a quiet year for me. Instead, on Halloween my name came out of the goblet. The first task was nesting dragon mothers. I'm lucky I had advance warning and made sure Cedric did too. As it was, both of us were injured. The second task I had no plan for breathing underwater until 15 minutes beforehand when Dobby gave me gillyweed. Then I found both of my best friends at the bottom of the lake, alongside a 9 year old. I took the song seriously because there was no indication to say I shouldn't, and brought the last two hostages up. I nearly drowned because of it. Then, I was nearly attacked by both Crouch Senior and Junior all because Krum was curious about my relationship with Hermione. The elder died that night while I was off fetching help. Then, the third task and grave yard. The obstacles were no joke, I sustained a fractured leg after tangling with an acromantula. Krum was imperiused to use the Cruciatus on Cedric. I saved Cedric only to watch him die less than an hour later. I myself went through two bouts of the torture curse when Voldemort came back. Did Dumbledore care to get me the necessary potions to heal? No. He insisted I tell him everything of the graveyard first. After Crouch had dragged me up the stairs on a bad leg, and after I narrowly escaped with my life again. It was Fawkes who gave me medical attention. Fawkes who stopped to care about me first. Not you, not Dumbledore, not McGonagall, or Snape. A bird. Don't get me wrong, I love that bird, he's saved my life before. But the fact is, I needed you to put your foot down and prioritize my health. And you didn't. 

Then the summer happened. The only letter I got from you was to scold me. I'm not a zoo animal Sirius. I need to walk around and do things. Other than mocking my cousin outside the 'safety' of the house, I did nothing wrong. I behaved. And it didn't matter. I was still attacked by dementors, and nearly kissed. And even now you wanted to see the copy of my father rather than me. You wanted your best friend back, and who cares that your godson was there. Who cares that he had been forced to carve his hand open for detention not even a week before. I can't keep giving you chances Sirius. Either you're going to be my godfather or you're going to be just another adult that lets me down. 

Harry

"What.." Sirius mumbled to himself numbly, frantically trying to find some joke hidden in the letter. "No, no. No no nononono. He was supposed to be safe. Dumbledore is there. Albus can keep him safe, Albus is the only one Voldemort feared. Pup is safe there. I'll just get the quills out and he'll be fine! I can.. I can..." Sirius stumbled to his feet, swaying dangerously. 

"Remmmi! We're gonna hic- get the bitch!" He called out in a singsong voice.

"Sirius? Are you drunk again? Whatever harebrained scheme you're thinking of can wait until after the alcohol's out of your system" Remus popped his head around the doorframe, wrinkling his nose at the overwhelming smell.

"But pup needs us! See!" Sirius shoved the letter in the werewolf's face. Who took it with an eyeroll and glanced over it. Then he paled and read over it in depth. 

"I think we need you sober for this. Because it's going to be an intense conversation Siri" He whispered, face still deathly white. When the drunk man just swayed in place unseeing, his friend reached out to gently guide him to a resting surface to sleep off the alcohol. 

"Master Harry, Kreacher has news" Kreacher appeared next to Harry. 

"Kreacher! You surprised me. What news do you have for me?" Harry made sure his feet were solidly on the ground as he dismounted his broom. 

"The mutt has received your letter. He gave me the order to leave so I could come report to you what I've learned since you left for school" Kreacher's appearance and speech improved as his magic was cleansed of the black magic. 

"Speak freely and take what you need from my core" Harry allowed, offering some of the magic that was buzzing through him. 

"I am fine for now, little heir. Just taking what little I already did helped. Now, I was able to get some updates from the meetings. They're nervous about the prophecy they're guarding after Podmore was caught attempting to enter a locked door in the department the day you left on the train. I'm assuming you saw the newspaper?" 

"I did. We figured it had something to do with the mysterious guard duty. It helps to have your confirmation. Anything else you think is important?" Harry gave a closed lip smile. 

"Hm. There was a compulsion to go to another Black when told to get out placed upon me. Luckily the caster forgot that you are Heir Black and thus I was able to shake it" Kreacher hummed nonchalantly. 

"Do you know who would do such a thing to you?" Harry could feel his magic boiling as he realized someone tried to harm a member of his household. 

"I do. I will not be telling you who as I can handle my own revenge. I examined it first, do not worry Lord of my Ancestor. They intended the Black sisters to be the only options. The arrival of the now-named Leo Black and your own status within my family ruined that. No secrets that were entrusted to me will be spilled to the ones who are deemed untrusted. I have served this family with honor since I was born, I do not intend to change that due to some upstart's magic" Kreacher gave a toothy grin. Harry returned one at the promise of retribution. 

"Anything I can get for you?"

"Just an alibi. And to tell the mutt to get his head on straight. He drinks more liquor than water these days. It's not healthy" Kreacher's ears twitched downwards briefly in the only indication of his anxiety. Harry offered a pat on the shoulder in comfort. Kreacher huffed softly, snapping to rid the boy of dirt before fussing slightly "You need more food. Go see Dobby in the kitchens, get some protein. You are still too thin."

"I will Kreacher. Just as soon as I finish speaking with you. I even ate before practice, which you'd be proud of!" 

"Hm. I am, but I still worry. Tell your friends to carry snacks or I'll speak with Tiffy in order to make sure snacks appear on you regularly" Kreacher hummed neutrally. 

"I will, I will! I'm just trying to be polite Kreach" Harry spluttered.

"Niceties have been observed, time for self-care" The house elf shooed his master up the hill towards the castle. 

"Alright! Alright! I'm going. Thanks for the information Kreacher!" Harry called over his shoulder, jogging to meet up with Ron. He heard the pop of apparition behind him. "Kreacher has decreed that we're to go get something from Dobby, and you have to carry snacks for me or I'll randomly get them from an elf."

"Alright mate. Still surprised how much that elf loves you though. He hates Sirius with a passion and barely tolerates the rest of us. You come in and he's suddenly perfectly willing to help" Ron bumped his shoulder against his smaller friend's.

"Not my fault I'm lovable!" Harry protested.

"Of course not Har. We're just all happy to have you."

"Ew! Feelings! Too mushy too close to a big conversation!" Harry tried to run away. He was easily caught up with, since Ron had several inches on him. But the redhead benevolently allowed a subject change.

Chapter Text

"Harry Potter!" Dobby called excitedly as Ron and Harry came through the portrait. "I will be there in one moment, I must finish this batter". 

"Take your time Dobby. We can also ask Winky if you're too busy" Harry assured his little friend.

"Master Harry called?" The female elf trotted over from where she had been setting the tables. 

"Hello Winky. I'm here to get something with protein to eat and snacks for tomorrow at the urging of Kreacher" Harry crouched down so he was closer to her level. 

"Kreacher is wise to direct you here for that purpose. I will gather some snacks for you and allow Dobby to give you something for now." She hurried off as Dobby finished up and came over. 

"What can I get for you?" He asked earnestly. 

"Harry will take a roast beef sandwich and I'll have some of the potatoes and a smaller sandwich" Ron requested to a head bob from the small being. The two boys sat at an out of the way table to wait patiently. 

"Nice catch earlier by the way. I saw that sloth grip into an underhand toss" Harry told his friend.

"Thanks! I picked it up from one of the twins last summer, when you were over for the Cup and we were playing modified. I forget exactly which one did it, but I've been practicing how to do it myself" Ron bragged proudly. 

"It definitely shows!"

"Here's your food, Harry Potter and Ron Weezy!" Dobby came over with the two plates.

"Thanks Dobs" Harry smiled.

"Thank you so much Dobby, and make sure to pass on our compliments for tonight's meal" Ron added after swallowing his first bite. The nearby elves glowed with pride as they overheard the request. The excitable elf nodded in agreement and skipped off. The pair ate in silence for a while, enjoying the busy noise of the kitchen. Winky appeared as they stood to leave, piling snacks into Harry's bag and arms. 

"Make sure you eat those when you are hungry. They're under stasis for now, just tap them twice with your wand to end it. Call for Dobby or me to get more" She fussed.

"We will. Thanks Winky" Harry allowed her to do so before leaving to go back to the tower.

"Is Lily back yet?" Harry asked Hermione, sitting down next to her after entering the common room. He could hear Dean and Seamus discussing something with Sirius on the other side of the room.

"No, she's at detention still. James is back early though, Snape didn't want to deal with him one on one, so the detentions were essentially cancelled" Hermione said absentmindedly, scratching out some notes on Herbology for her essay. 

"I don't like the sound of that. Think one of us should go watch under the cloak?"

"No. It's too risky right now, and I don't want her to let slip that the cloak exists in rage if she knows" Hermione looked up, apology in her eyes.

"You have a point. I'll get out the map if she's not back by curfew though. Oh, by the way, Kreacher came by to report. Siri finally gave him an order that he could interpret as allowing him to find me. Apparently the Order is freaking out over a prophecy, and Podmore had been on duty before he was arrested. And then he made me go get snacks from the kitchen" Harry complained to his friend as Ron returned from the bathroom and sat on her other side. 

"Interesting. Well, at least we know now that they're guarding a prophecy, likely about him. For now we'll have to trust they have that well in hand until proven otherwise. And if Lily's not back by the time I go to bed, I'll leave the things with you to give to her". 

"Thanks Mione" Harry rested his head on her arm briefly. She patted his head before returning to work, joined by her two best friends and Neville after a few minutes. All was silent until a few minutes before curfew when a sniffling Lily entered the portrait hole. 

"Lily!" Harry was out of his chair in seconds, hurrying to pull the red-head over to the corner with his friends. She went easily, sitting in the recently-vacated chair next to Hermione. 

"Let me see" Hermione held one hand out as Ron pulled her essay out of the way helpfully and Neville drew his wand to rest on the table in silent threat to those around them. Lily held out her right hand. It was still faintly bleeding through the words 'I must respect authority'. Hermione tapped out a few drops of Murtlap Essence on it. All of the assembled teenagers watched quietly as the wound sizzled slightly and began to knit closed faster than before. After about a minute, they were gone with only some redness around faint words. "Good. Come to me again in the morning for a few more drops and it'll hopefully go away completely".

"That's it? You're not going to tell her to go to McGonagall? Or Pomphrey?" Sirius asked angrily as he watched alongside the rest of the fifth years. 

"And what do we tell them? Oh, the teacher from the Ministry who holds almost as much power as Dumbledore is making students cut open their hands for detention. Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, just don't get detention though because we can't stop her from repeating the behavior!" Harry growled lowly.

"We hate to say it, but Harry's right. None of the teachers are willing to go against her. And that's if they believe us. Big If" Ron added solemnly. 

"Can you go after her with the influence of your titles?" James asked. 

"No. I'm the only one who's inherited any lordship titles, and nobody knows outside of the Goblins. The mail to the Ministry and Dumbledore 'got lost'. We checked. So there's no use trying" Harry sighed with a far off look. 

"We're just doing what we can to stay out of her clutches" Dean said, resting a hand on the small boy's shoulder. "And when we can't, we do exactly this. We believe she has a way to watch the Hospital Wing, or will likely get one soon". 

"She does" Lily said in a small voice. "I tried to go there after detention, she showed up within a minute of me entering and dragged me back to detention. No matter how much I yelled or kicked and screamed, nobody noticed anything. Madame Pomphrey never came out of her office, and the one person we passed in the halls just looked the other way. I noticed they also had words on their hand, too faint to make out and probably a day old". 

"What house?" Parvati asked lowly. 

"Hufflepuff."

"We'll need to get word to them first then. I'll see if I can catch Susan, and make sure Padma knows too if the ravens haven't figured it out yet" The Indian girl nodded decisively. 

"Sue may be able to get word to her aunt. We can hope at least" Lavender closed her eyes tightly with a heavy sigh. 

"Her aunt is head of the DMLE, and has a very strong sense of justice" Ron explained at the confused looks. 

"Let's hope she will listen then" Peter said, staring at the floor. 

"We can only hope. I'm tired from practice, so I'm afraid I'm going to bow out" Harry apologized. 

"Night Har" Hermione gave him a tired smile, reaching for her essay to finish. Ron also excused himself for sleep. Both did their exercises for Occlumency to process the day before going to bed. 

Chapter Text

Harry rose early the next day. He hurried slightly to pull an older sweater from Mrs. Weasley on top of a casual shirt to ward off the chill of the highlands. Once it was in place, his shoulders fell a bit. He rested a hand over his chest briefly, taking strength from the familiar wool. He then rummaged around for a pair of pants that Hermione had used as a project on undetectable expansion charms. He found one of his clean pairs, running a finger over the rune sequence to check the magic. Once he felt the familiar charges from his best friends still entwinned, he put them on. He then placed his most valuable possessions in the pockets. He finished by putting on his wand holder. After running through a mental checklist, he pushed aside his curtains to make his way downstairs. 

"Morning" Parvati murmured as he came to sit next to her. Very few people were up, and she was taking advantage of it, scratching out an essay.

"Morning. Anything interesting happen after I went to sleep?" He asked as he adjusted to curl his legs up on the seat. 

"Mostly just Lav and I helping calm Lily down some more. The detention really shook her, not that I blame her for it. It was bad enough to see you go through it, and that was just secondhand" She gave a soft sigh, rubbing one thigh aggressively to calm down. Her other hand finishing the sentence she was on. Harry reached over to give her upper arm a brief squeeze in support.

"I'm okay Parvati. I'm watching out for her, and keeping out of trouble" He whispered.

"Doesn't mean I like it, Har! We can barely do magic anywhere outside of class with her prowling around, and I know your magic has to be buzzing for release" She half-snarled, "Because mine certainly is. And I have my family gift taking some of the edge off!"

"Parvati, look at me" He ordered. She turned her emotion-filled gaze to meet his steadier one. "We have survived worse. Even with useless Lockhart, we got through the basilisk attacks. Everyone but me was unscathed in first year, with Voldemort in the school. We can figure this out. We'll find an empty classroom later and I can go at it with whoever wants to face me".

"So just Hermione and Ron" She joked half-heartedly. He snickered at that, nodding all the same. 

"I heard my name?" said girl appeared from the staircase. 

"Just going over a plan for the day. I'll probably see if anyone wants to go at it with me, which is likely you" Harry shrugged as Parvati returned to her essay. Hermione hummed softly, coming to perch on the chair arm next to the small boy after receiving a nod of permission. 

"I want to speak to Luna, but I can always go find her in the afternoon. Your magic has been nippy lately, and it'd be good to practice" she offered. 

"Excuse you, my magic doesn't get nippy. It's more like sparks!" Harry playfully scoffed.

"For anyone else, it would be sparks. But your magic recognizes that you trust us" Hermione ruffled his wild hair. Harry grumbled wordlessly before leaning to rest his head against her leg. His best friend's steady presence grounded him to the moment. For several peaceful minutes they sat like that, Harry lifted his head when a soft greeting came from behind him. 

"Hello Leo, James, Remus, Peter" Hermione murmured calmly. 

"Mm" Remus grunted, immediately claiming a chair to curl up into a ball in. Sirius sat in front of it, eyes glinting dangerously. None of the younger group commented on it. James glanced worriedly at the girl's staircase but took a seat on the floor next to Sirius. Peter glanced nervously at his friends but took the seat on the other side of the werewolf. 

"Evans not up yet?" James finally asked.

"No. But she was up for a while trying to recover from detention. Mione will care for her hand when she does come down" Parvati reassured the worried boy. 

"Do you have plans for the day?" Harry asked as a distraction. 

"Probably will follow you around again" Sirius shrugged. 

"So definitely one of the tucked away classrooms. Maybe the one in Slytherin territory, past their common room and Snape's quarters?" Harry mused out loud. 

"Hmm, she does seem to favor them so we should have a bit of protection by being down there. It does present the problem of no windows in case we get a little overzealous though" Hermione pointed out.

"True, but the only other potential option is only a floor and a half above her office, and she'll likely be prowling around to catch anyone practicing" Harry rebuked. 

"You're not wrong. We can have someone watch the Map and put up some muffling spells to watch our back, and we'll have to be careful with our spells" Hermione sighed in acceptance.

"Can you please give us some context to what you mean?" Peter asked when it was clear they had stopped.

"They're discussing doing some duels, since we need to let off some steam" Parvati didn't glance up from the book she was trying to paraphrase. 

"Oh, that'll be fun" Ron softly spoke from behind his two best friends, coming to stand close to the chair. Both the shorter teens leaned against his torso once he stopped moving. Neville came around to sit next to Parvati, pulling out his non-class potions book to annotate. 

"Mhm. Probably will be after breakfast since I want to meet up with Lu sometime today, and I know you're putting off Flitwick's assignment" Hermione added. 

"The history of the charm's confusing! And you know Angie's gathering us as often as possible to go over tactics, plus our new classmates took away homework time! Add to that our Prefect duties, and older Pads, it made everything chaotic" Ron whined half-jokingly. 

"Then suffer in chaos. It's no worse than Harry going spare first year after the Forest" Hermione deadpanned.

"I wasn't going spare!" Harry protested at the same time that Ron muttered "true". 

"You very much were" Parvati added while Neville nodded. "We were considering staging an intervention."

"Maybe you should've. Then again, McGonagall didn't believe us when we were half-begging her to listen so" Harry shrugged. 

"Maybe she was seeing me instead of you" James suggested. Harry snorted. 

"Considering how she reacted a few weeks before that, she definitely was. Which sucks, but we long since accepted it" The younger Potter gave a sarcastic half-smile. "I'm going to head down to breakfast. Meet you at the classroom?"

"Sounds good Har" Ron tugged a tuft of hair gently. Harry smiled before standing to head down to breakfast, eating quickly before slipping down the dungeon halls. He saw Millicent and Blaise on their way to breakfast and exchanged nods in greeting. After he took a few false turns to ensure any trail lost him, he came to the door he wanted. Pushing it open, he wrinkled his nose at the layer of dust. The elves rarely cleaned the dungeon classrooms to make sure no adverse reactions occurred, so it was on him to clear it away this time. He sent an overpowered cleaning spell across the room, glad as it took some of the edge off of his buzzing magic. After making sure the duels would stir anything up, he found a place to sit and wait.

"Two on one or free for all?" Hermione asked as she finished tying up her hair. 

"I say free for all. I think we all need the stress relief of an all-out" Ron looked around with a critical eye.

"Normal spells in a otherwise no holds barred" Harry decided, receiving two nods. 

"5, 4, 3, 2, 1, GO" Neville yelled from the side lines, raising a strong shield in front of the observers. Harry immediately sprang forward, shouting two stunners back to back, twirling to avoid a return stunner. He saw Ron summoning a small flock of birds out of the corner of his eye, and immediately sent an arc of fire into the heart of the group. The remaining constructs fled from the blast and vanished as the redhead stopped feeding their spell, instead turning his magic to spread ice around Hermione's feet. She stopped firing spells rapidly to conjure bluebell flames to keep her footing secure. Harry dropped to the floor, rolling to hit the open spot Ron had left on his hip. The gangly boy dropped from the stunner, Harry flicking his wand to summon a cushion to catch him. He was already moving when Hermione's petrification jinx hit the spot he had come to rest. He wove a spell chain, the jelly legs jinx flowing into the levitation charm, into a petrification, a disarming spell and then a shield. He moved in a half arc as Hermione blocked most of it, dodging the disarming when her hurried shield failed. He scanned her defense with careful eyes, keeping on the move as she sent more spells his way. He jumped over the portion of the floor she attempted to transfigure to trap him. She hesitated too long at the end of a newer charm and he took the opening, getting a disarming spell to hit. Her wand went flying, which he reached up to catch in his opposite hand. He watched her hands as he swapped directions, waiting her out. 

"Why isn't he stopping?" Lily's voice broke his focus for a second. He immediately hit the floor and rolled forward to avoid the knife thrown by Hermione. 

"Because we aren't done. Never assume an opponent is defenseless without a wand. Most magic-raised are, but they may have second or third wands. And that's only magic-raised, impedimenta!" Harry lectured before breaking off to block another attack. "Yes, thank you Hermione. Anyways, muggle- or mix-raised mages are likely to know how to fight in other ways. As has been demonstrated by- Mione I am talking- this. Hermione may be one of the two people we know who can throw knives, but that doesn't stop others from using them in close combat. You may get punched or even shot by a gun, Hermione Jean Granger I will stun you" 

"Do it coward, I know you're holding back to go strategy rather than brute force" She snarked back, wandlessly summoning her wand back from his loose grip. He sighed through his nose. Leaning slightly into the Slytherin magic, he sent out some spell chains in parseltongue. Hermione tried to block some of them while backing up and sidestepping the rest. "Nice, I didn't even hear you speak this time!"

"Got a bit of help from family magic" He called back, judging her stance before shooting several stinging hexes for one knee and the opposite foot. She yelped as most hit, shooting a bandaging spell to his wand hand. He simply twisted his arm away from the path. He sent several bright lights to hover around her head before summoning Prongs and pointing him to gallop at her, a stunning spell right behind the emotional construct. The teenaged girl fell onto a conjured cushion as the spell impacted her leg. 

"Cancel all magic! Win goes to Harry with the stunning of Hermione and Ron" Neville announced, lowering his shield as Harry crossed the room to revive his friends. 

"Was that the Patronus charm?" Remus asked in surprise as the two newly-revived teens sat up, blinking their eyes rapidly to ward off the effects.

"Hm? Oh, yeah. I've been able to do it since I was 13" Harry shrugged nonchalantly. 

"Did...was that James?" Peter asked hesitantly. Harry's shoulders tensed slightly.

"Yeah. That was Dad. When I was learning it at 13, the memory that kept coming back most strongly was the night I lost my parents. It was the first time I could remember their voices, and it was their last moments. Dad's last words were 'Take Harry and run'. Mum's were begging for me to be spared. I don't know why my magic decided on Dad, but my patronus has been his animagus form since the first time I got it solid. It's like I got a piece of him back, prior to you guys coming" Harry leaned slightly against Neville, who had come to comfort him. 

"I'm glad that you had that piece of future me" James approached slowly before placing a hand on Harry's shoulder. The younger boy pushed down a mix of complicated feelings to accept the small offered comfort. 

"Hello" Luna's breezy voice announced her slip through the wards. Harry shivered at the feeling of the wards adjusting, straightening up.

"Lu.." he sighed in resignation at her innocent expression.

"Hermione and I were going to hang out. She didn't show up" The slightly ethereal girl pouted. 

"Sorry Luna. We wanted to work out our magic for a bit" Hermione came to stand next to the other girl. The fourth year hummed before turning to look at Harry where he was tidying the room. 

"Harry Potter, fight me" She demanded. 

"Alright Luna. Just the two of us?" Harry turned to look at her. She nodded and stepped delicately to the middle of the cleared space. "Normal rules apply. Nev, you planning to duel?" 

"I am. If you'll be with Luna, I'll be taking Hermione" Neville turned to the brown haired girl, who nodded in acceptance. 

"I'll raise the shields. It'll be good practice for linking" Ron offered. Both pairs gave him a thumbs up before assuming dueling postures. At the signal, Luna sprang forward. Harry immediately sent several stinging jinxes at her as he slid to the side to regain distance. She landed just to spin in place to dodge the spells. Harry wove some nets into the floor as he moved to keep distance. Luna avoided them, throwing a transfiguration of her own at Harry. He ducked, throwing a sticky spell chain, immediately moving to trap her by repeating it at her back. Rather than let either hit, Luna flipped into the air. She transfigured the floor to a trampoline to continue flipping over the older boy. Harry grinned, using the transfiguration to launch some spells after her in an unpredictable array, adding more after a few seconds. Before he could do much more, Luna landed on his shoulder, and the pair went rolling across the floor, ending with Luna on her back with her wand at Harry's neck. He was crouched over her with his own wand aimed between her collarbones.

"Tie?" Harry asked quietly.

"Tie" Luna agreed, panting slightly. Harry stood up before offering a hand to her. She took it and they turned to see four shocked faces (the Marauders) and Hermione waiting for Neville to stir from where he was laying on some cushions. 

"You are vicious" Sirius finally declared as Neville climbed to his feet and vanished the cushions as Ron dropped the shields. 

"Eh, that's actually one of mine and Luna's tamer fights. And the free for all was more strategy than brute force as Mione pointed out" Harry stated honestly. 

"How much magic do you have?!" The dog animagus asked incredulous. 

"We've never quantified it. But Harry was brute forcing most of the spells first and second year. And he barely struggled third year with the patronus. Drove off how many Dementors that one time?" Hermione asked, unconcerned. 

"100, at least" Ron answered first. "All of the ones present at the school at the time."

"I mean, even after that, I still have a lot of my reserves left. This just helps take some of the edge off" Harry sent a quick cleaning charm over himself before going to dismantle the wards. 

"I'll be taking Hermione now" Luna stated, taking one of the other girl's elbows. 

"Alright, have fun. Don't set anything on fire where teachers can see, don't wander too far into the forest, and make sure you have solid alibis for any other problems you cause" Harry said absentmindedly. 

"And no setting Umbridge or Snape on fire" Ron added. 

"No promises" Their best friend breezed out with her companion. 

"We best get to the Great Hall, get a lot of eyewitnesses just to be safe" Neville shooed the nearest to the door out, resigned to having to clean up any problems that occurred. Harry and Ron trotted over to walk beside him, striking up a conversation about the use of Devil's Snare in potions.

Chapter Text

James trailed after his son in disbelief. He had just witnessed a fast and hard duel that wouldn't look out of place in his father's time in school. If he remembered correctly, their defense teacher was a big believer in dueling practice. Had Dumbledore gotten her to come out of retirement for a year?

"Where did you learn to fight like that?" He asked in parseltongue to make sure their practice wasn't reported back to unsavory ears.

"Taught ourselves mostly. The Triwizard tournament returned last year, and I got entered as an extra contestant. That's...how Voldemort got me away from the school to use my blood to return. We also had an extremely crazy disguised death eater teaching us Defense under polyjuice who decided to put us under the imperious curse. And we had Remus for defense third year, he was the best teacher. But we focused mostly on creatures like boggarts" Harry came to walk by his side. James felt even worse hearing that a Death Eater had been in the school and that his son was put under an unforgivable! Being prepared and knowing your enemy were one thing, but being put under a curse like that without absolutely trusting the person using it not to put a secondary order under a trigger was an entirely different thing. 

"You're extremely strong" Sirius commented when it was clear James was far too distressed by whatever Harry had said to continue a conversation. Which added another thing to James' inner thoughts, about how the duel wasn't magically exhausting like it would be for most.

"Thanks?" Harry glanced to the side.

"Potters, diversifying the genetic pool since 1363" James giggled to himself. "Sacred 28, more like shove it pure up your ass" 

"Is he okay?" Ron asked as James continued to say similar things. 

"He gets like this sometimes" Peter sighed in resignation. "Most commonly whenever he realizes that the Potters are one of the most powerful noble families because they haven't married cousins in 600 years. They have a history of marrying halfblood, muggleborn, and foreign mages. But he also gets like this when other things get brought up too. But that's the most reliable reason."

"So it wasn't a big deal that he married Mum?" Harry tilted his head to the side, which made James coo from where he was walking in a daze. Peter couldn't help but connect it to what James did whenever he was reading or hearing something he didn't understand. 

"I mean, it'd been a while since a muggleborn had become a lady, even with the Potters unusual history. So it was still a huge scandal back in the day" a small boy appeared to fall in step with Harry. 

"Theo!" Harry said excitedly. "Oh, sorry, may I introduce Heir Theodore Nott. Theo, meet Leo, James, Peter, and Remus" 

"Pleasure to meet you Nott" Sirius gave a short bow. 

"Your ancestor was apparently a piece of ever smelling shit" James said seriously, pointing at the newcomer.

"James!" Remus scolded.

"So is my father, and you don't see me emulating him, much less my grandfather. If I had a choice, I'd be a Ravenclaw but as the sole heir of not only the Nott family, but also the Lestrange family, I'm expected to be a Slytherin" Nott shrugged.

"I always forget they named you their heir so they could go off and commit crimes. And now you get their entire family fortune and magic because Bellatrix is likely infertile and would probably kill anyone who could threaten her position as technically-Lady Lestrange" Neville commented. 

"Yeah. Wish she went to Azkaban for something other than her final crime, but not much you can do" Nott sighed. 

"Me too. I still don't blame you though. And you may want to slip off since we're about to enter public view."

"Mm. See you" Nott nodded before turning around to head back the way they had just come from. 

"You think there's any apples for lunch?" Ron asked. 

"Nah, still a bit too early in the season for the good apples to be ripe" Neville sighed. "Which is a shame since I'm craving apple pie."

"And Mum always says it doesn't taste right if the growth is sped up too much. I think it has something to do with Gamp's laws of elemental transfiguration? Like, you're just increasing the size without the substance that makes it a truly satisfying piece of a meal" Ron waved his hands as he talked it through, taking a seat next to Peter at the Gryffindor table. 

"Do you think it translates even though it technically isn't transfiguration? Like, that usually falls under a charms category" James asked curiously. 

"I'm not sure. I mean, we're the ones who put the spells into 'categories' and as Mione constantly reminds us when we're working on animate to animate transfigurations, the world doesn't fit neatly into categories. We're the ones trying to understand and learn about it, and so we try to sort it. But charms and defense definitely have an overlap. Technically so does transfiguration, but that has a more set boundary since it tends to be centered around changing what you're working with" Ron rambled. "And the higher level transfigurations like vanishing and conjuring could be argued to fall under a charm since are we truly making something or are we summoning it from somewhere far away? Though, we disproved that with a serpent conjuration since Harry could ask if it existed before that moment. And it didn't."

"50 points to Gryffindor for an excellent discussion on the nuances of transfiguration" Professor McGonagall said as she walked past the group. 

"Thanks professor" Ron replied automatically, receiving a nod and small smile in return. 

"I suppose framing it that way does make sense, but at the same time wouldn't a sped up growth actually pertain to herbology?" Peter squinted at the redhead.

"Not really actually. We don't dare use sped up growth in herbology because it can negatively affect magical plants and cause them to mutate if done enough. It's safe enough to do it towards the end of the growth cycle, to extend it, for nonmagical plants since the worst that happens is the magic gets infused into the resulting product. Which isn't a problem since it can help keep magical people healthy" Neville jumped in to Peter's surprise. 

"Like Hagrid's pumpkins" Harry nodded from next to James. 

"Exactly! That's one of the reasons Hogwarts is good for developing mages, since House Elves make a good deal of the food, which adds a bit of magic into it, even if it's just to increase the output. With how much magic we use here, and our developing cores and bodies, it helps us replenish our stores faster. Which keeps us healthy" Neville continued excitedly. "It's still a delicate balance though, how much magic is infused and when. Like Ron said, it can taste wrong or not be as fulfilling if too much growth magic is added at the wrong time".

"How can you tell when is the right or wrong time?" Sirius tilted his head, echoing his animagus form when it heard something interesting. 

"Practice to be honest. That's why novice mage farmers will have two general sets of a crop, one to grow without magic and one with magic at various times and strengths to learn how much and when. Mrs. Weasley is one of the best since she has so much practice and her family magic is focused on domestics like that" Neville gave a nod to Ron. The redhead was about to add on when a gasp rang out from near the doors of the Great Hall. All of the group turned to find a man standing there with a mild smile on his face.

"Why is Remus here?" Harry whispered across the table to Ron and Neville. Both shrugged in confusion.

"Is Headmaster Dumbledore here?" The older Marauder asked the staff, ignoring the student's whispers around him.

"He's currently in his office Mr. Lupin, I assume you know the way?" Professor McGonagall told him primly. 

"Hem, hem. I hope you're not allowing a dangerous beast like him to roam the hallways of a school Minerva?" Umbridge interrupted with a sickly sweet smile. 

"He is going to speak with the headmaster, he will hardly be roaming, Dolores" McGonagall raised a single eyebrow in challenge. 

"I have no problem waiting here Madame, if it helps. I'm sure Albus will be along shortly, and he can escort me to find somewhere to speak. Or, you can escort me to his office yourself if you'd like?" Older Remus said pleasantly. 

"The balls on him" Sirius whispered. 

"You- I- No! No, you will be leaving the premises immediately and I will have you unable to come within 100 meters of the school!" The short woman spluttered in response. 

"Shit, that's going to get messy fast" Harry hissed. 

"Agreed, it's going to be nasty soon if it keeps up like this. And we can't risk leaving with the standoff occurring" James responded in English for the benefit of the rest of the group. Harry hummed, slipping out his wand and starting to cast something. 

"Nev, I need you to anchor the area near the teacher table, Ron get the door side. I'm going to get a general protection over the students if spells start to fly" Harry muttered. "C'mon Hogwarts, help me please" 

"I'm afraid that's not possible ma'am. I'm called in tutor from time to time" The older Remus continued as the three boys worked. 

"I got it" Ron said in relief.

"I'm hitting a problem over by the Ravens, I think someone is doing something similar. Hopefully the overlap won't endanger them while I get my magic to play nice" Neville added.

"Well that will be ending immediately! Vacate the premises now beast!" Umbridge swelled up. 

"Ginny, get ready to cast something discrete to knock her out" Harry shot over to the redhaired girl a couple seats down. "Where are the twins?"

"Ron told them to figure out how to fix an alert ward in the Hospital Ward, tied to toady" The girl responded, resting her wand on the table pointed at the Defense teacher. 

"Thanks Ron" Harry said as he lowered his wand. 

"Least I can do" the prefect responded quietly as the adult Remus drew his wand.

"I will not. You have no authority to order me to leave" He said pleasantly. 

"Repulso! Diffindo!" The toad-like woman casted rather than respond to that challenge. 

"Firsties, get under the table" Ron yelled as the werewolf threw up a shield. All of the nearby first years scrambled to obey, prompting the houses on the other side of the hall who hadn't heard to notice and follow suit. 

"DOLORES" Professor McGonagall thundered, and James could feel the small boy next to him startle and tense as if to run. The short professor ignored it, continuing to fire spells at the man on the other side of the hall who was maintaining his shield. The younger Remus cursed as he saw two of the spells bounce off and nearly hit a student near the fight. Before he could react, the spells shimmered out of being as if absorbed by a high level shield. He glanced over to see the younger Potter's eyes glittering in anger. In the reflected spells, a stupify went unnoticed until it dropped Umbridge. Just as the thud rang out and the older Remus dismissed his shield and lowered his wand, Dumbledore strode into the hall. He stopped, blinking at the guest and the stunned professor. 

"Ah, Dumbledore, I wanted to speak with you about some things" Remus said pleasantly as if there was nothing wrong. 

"Perhaps in a moment, my boy. I'd like to know what happened here" The headmaster responded before turning to his deputy.

"Dolores was angry at Remus' presence and started raining spells at him when he refused to leave. I suppose one of her spells reflected to hit her after hitting his shield" McGonagall said drily. James noticed Harry's gaze flicking to the old man standing in the entrance, narrowing in suspicion. 

"I see. Well, I suppose we should go to my office and speak there so I can get you out of here as soon as possible" Dumbledore said cheerfully, waving the older werewolf after him as he left again. Harry's eyes flicked over to the Deputy Headmistress, still narrowed. She simply sighed before picking up her utensils to finish eating.

"I can't believe it. Neither are checking in on us" Harry hissed, running a hand through his hair. James reached out to grab it. He released it immediately when the younger boy flinched dramatically. 

"Firsties, you should be good to come out and finish eating. Any of you who want me to spell your hands clean can come over and I'll happily do it for you" Ron called to the younger kids after a look to the two Potters. 

Chapter Text

"Now, how can I help you Remus?" Dumbledore asked after they had settled in his office.

"Sirius has nominated me to come in his place to ask some questions about Harry's previous years. Such as what he had to do with Quirrell's disappearance" Remus crossed one leg over the other.

"Quirrell? I'm afraid he suffered an accident from a run in with a cursed object. I had been studying it in an out of the way corridor's furthest classroom when I could find the time. Poor boy happened across it and activated the spells I had been working on taking apart" Dumbledore sighed sadly. 

"Funny, since we heard differently. You see, we received a quite interesting letter that detailed everything that has happened since Harry started here. He describes things like a Basilisk and Mountain Troll running around, which he dealt with alone" Remus pulled out a copy of said letter. He was surprised to see Dumbledore's face drain of color, then there was a flash of anger in the blue eyes. Suddenly, it was all gone like it had never been there.

"Ah, well, you know how young boys are. Always bragging about little things and making it seem like a big adventure. I'm sure that's all young Harry was doing" The headmaster smiled benignly, holding out a hand as if to take the parchment.

"I doubt that, Albus. You see, there's details here that seem almost underexaggerated. Such as the injuries from said troll" Remus hummed in interest.

"Harry was near the troll that somehow got it, yes. But he was unharmed" Dumbledore gave up on seeing the exact words, instead preparing to rebuke from what he knew.

"That's where you're wrong. He and another student had to heal themselves, as first years only two months in" Remus growled, his eyes likely flashing golden. "And, I have good information that his latest week-long detention is him using a Blood Quill for five hours straight. That is unacceptable!"

"Now, my dear boy, that can't possibly be true. The wards would have notified me" Dumbledore quickly soothed. 

"The wards must be faulty then, because Sirius saw physical scars from the detention" Remus flicked his wand out to project a piece of memory from Sirius. He watched as the headmaster's face pinched in anger again before it was whisked away behind a facade of horror. 

"My dear Remus, I will of course be investigating this claim. However, I have no power to remove Dolores, as she's protected by the Minister. Even if I had enough proof, it's better to deal with the devil you know than risk a Death Eater using their connections to enter" Dumbledore sighed sadly. "Even Voldemort could figure out a way to get in! No, no, my dear boy. Better to stick with the current teacher and figure out how best to divert her attentions."

"You are on thin ice Albus. At this point, I'm tempted to take the risk of whoever the Ministry appoints after. I could even find a way to slip into the castle, and bite Umbridge as revenge. See how she likes being on the other end of her laws. For now, I won't. It would risk Harry too much. But know that I am willing to risk my life to get rid of that woman" Remus stood up. "We will be watching your actions closely. If you show that you won't protect the students under your care, I have no problem finding a way to oust you"

"Remus-" Dumbledore started before the werewolf disappeared down the staircase. The old man was left standing in his office, contemplating how he had to shift things around to accommodate this new development and threat to his power.

Chapter Text

"Fred! George! I need you to check the hospital wing" Lavender heard Ron yelling across the common room as she slipped out of her dormitory. "Evans came back last night from detention and told us that our esteemed toady-ness put a warning on it for someone seeking medical care after detentions!" 

"We're on it" One of the twins said seriously.

"We'll have Lee keep an eye on her while we work" The other added, the portrait opening as he spoke.

"Morning Lav" Parvati greeted as Lavender got to the bottom of the stairs. 

"Morning. Anything interesting happen while I was upstairs?" She took the seat opposite her best friend, making sure there was still distance between her and the Marauders. Little Lupin was looking icky and his friends were clustered protectively around him.  

"Mhm. Talked with Harry, he'll be doing a fight later to work out some energy, Ron has his brothers on the hospital wing problem, and I got some comfort from our walking danger magnet" Parvati put down her quill, waving a hand to dry the ink on her parchment. "I love Harry, but he is far too blasé about everything".

"You're telling us. I remember in second year. That was a terrifying week. Ron was jumping at any shadow that had more than two legs, and then Harry came back with Ginny and Ron with eyes haunted. I don't think he talked in English for hours afterwards" Lavender shivered in remembrance. 

"He was just downplaying the aftermath of the Forest in first year" Neville commented absentmindedly. "And it was three hours. Seeing Hermione snapped him out of it. Though none of us were exactly discouraging him by asking him to switch to English."

"No one who cared to stop him got passed our block at the feast. I mean, it's Harry, he stopped that snake at the dueling club despite Justin being a pompous arse" Parvati nodded as she rolled up her assignment. "Oh, the Marauders are going to follow Harry and those practicing later. I don't know if they'll take Lily along or not. I'm thinking of taking a girls day after I get these essays finished, if you want to join?"

"Ooooo that sounds fun. I'll see if I can catch Sue after breakfast" Lavender bounced slightly in joy. "If you don't mind me being late?" 

"Not at all. I'm actually going to go eat with Padma, get the word out to her house while the twins work. We can meet up afterwards" Parvati gave a calm smile. 

"Sue!! Hey, Sue, I gotta talk to you quick" Lavender yelled, jogging after the Hufflepuff leaving breakfast when she got down there. 

"Oh? What's up Lav?" Susan paused to allow her to catch up.

"I have some absolutely delicious gossip for you about baby Weasley! Word is she's looking at someone new~" Lavender reached to link arms as she trilled her first hints. Learned about toad she signed, not changing her expression. 

"Oh? Come, you can tell me on the way back to my common room" Susan's expression turned serious, though she kept her tone light. 

"Sounds lovely. Now, you know how she's been after Harry? She turned her sights on someone else. Someone from Hufflepuff" Lavender replied in the same tone. 

"Do you know who?" Susan pulled Lavender into a secret room, glancing around to make sure no one noticed. "Now that we've got some privacy, give me all you can."

"To start, I don't know if we've been able to get word to you but she uses a Blood Quill in detentions. Already Harry has faint scars from a weeklong detention, most of the nights going to midnight" Lavender ran a hand down her face. "But that's not all. The so called 'transfer' students are actually magical anomalies, copies of people from the past. Luna and Harry both got word that they exist separately since a few have older versions still alive. The split occurred due to an accident, where the ones we know continued to live normally but these ones came to present day as 15-year-olds. They will become new side branches for the lost families. Lily got detention last night where she had to use the Quill. And when she tried to go to the Hospital Wing for treatment, Umbridge appeared and took her back to detention to write more lines. On the way, they passed a Hufflepuff whose hand also bore the marks".

"Merlin's fucking balls. You're serious about this?" Susan burst out. Lavender just nodded gravely. "Thanks for updating me. I'll keep the travelling part secret from everyone but Aunt Amelia, so she knows for legal purposes. I'm guessing the Goblins know? But I will find out who was hurt by it and find a way to treat it and prevent future punishments of that type, until I can get Auntie a way to charge her formally. Is anyone on the hospital wing thing?" 

"Yes, the Goblins know and yes, the Weasley Twins are on the Ward problem. Parvati will be getting word to Ravenclaw through Padma and we're assuming based on Theo's passing of information that the Slytherins know too. If not, either one of your houses need to pass it on because we're still at odds with the snakes"

"Good. Anything else before I go to the dorms?" Susan glanced at the see-through wall. 

"No. But if asked about the rumor it's Michael Corner or Dean Thomas. Ginny does have small crushes on them, and has given permission for us to use that gossip as cover" Lavender confirmed. 

"Thanks Lav. I'll see you later"

"See you!"

Chapter Text

"Mr. Ron, why aren't the teachers worried about the spells that nearly hit us?" One of the first years asked quietly after his hands were cleaned. 

"I don't know Euan. We're just glad that the shields were up in time. I hope they just didn't notice before the spells were fizzled out but..." Ron trailed off with a sigh. The nervous little boy nodded solemnly. 

"Thank you for protecting us" Euan murmured before moving away again with his two friends. 

"It's my job" Ron sighed to himself. 

"One you do well Ron. Don't sell yourself short because of the failings of the teachers" Harry reminded his best friend gently. "Those kids trust you because you're not just doing what's expected, you're making them feel valued. Your first concern was for them to have a physical barrier as well as a magic one. Whether because you didn't trust the shields to hold against the spells being thrown or for peace of mind due to having something visible between them doesn't matter. You prove every day that McGonagall made the right choice for prefect this year. Your grades may not be the best, but your heart and dedication is unmatched".

"Thanks Har. I still think you'd be just as good though, you're a natural leader" Ron gave a crooked smile. The smaller boy laughed loudly at that.

"He's right though" Peter said quietly, stirring the soup he had in front of him. At the confused look from both boys, the nervous boy elaborated. "I mean, I'm not downplaying Ron's efforts but I've noticed how everyone kind of orbits you, Harry. You just have the quiet authority, I don't know how else to describe it. Everyone pauses to listen when you speak. Even Granger, and she's a force of nature."

"Part of that is because Harry is the best under pressure, proven time and time again with his yearly adventures. Hermione and Ron usually are there too, and we all helped last year with the tournament. But in the end, Harry always faces things alone and makes it back to us by the skin of his teeth. We listen because when he has something to say that isn't a sarcastic comment, it's important" Neville explained softly. 

"I'm not that sarcastic!" Harry protested. 

"Harry, I've known you for less than a week, and that's one of the first things I'd describe you as" James commented with amusement. The younger Potter slumped in his seat with a grumble and a glare. 

"I've only known you for that long too, and my wolf soothes somewhat in the presence of your magic. It may be because part of it recognizes that the older version of myself sees you as a pack child. But it's also your magic. It's present without being smothering...almost coaxes my magic to settle peacefully together" Remus added. "Today is a bad day, but I feel just a bit better being around you".

"Huh. Might want to see if 'Mione would take that up for a research project" Ron mused.

"Please. I cannot walk into our dorm with her performing another legally grey experiment. She already pushed me nearly to the point of getting someone involved third year, with all that was going on then. I honestly half expect to walk in on her making some sort of blood-linked doll for our dear defense professor one of these days" Parvati grumbled, collapsing on the bench next to Sirius. 

"Oh yeah. Don't be surprised if she asks you to blood bind something for secrecy soon. She was looking at a book on stuff like that yesterday. And you probably will find her in one of her research holes again soon" Ron shrugged. Harry's head shot up as a load grunt was heard from the front of the room. He flicked his wand, silently erecting a new shield as Umbridge wobbled to her feet. 

"Where is he. Where is the half-breed!" The woman screeched as she took in the room, wand snapping back up to gesture wildly. 

"I assume at this rate, Dolores, that he's finishing up with Albus and leaving" Professor McGonagall commented drily, sipping from her cup. 

"Unacceptable!" The defense professor stormed towards the doors, Harry quickly dismantling his shield as she moved forward. She glared at his section of the table, though he had his wand stowed before she got anywhere close. 

"Day I don't have to worry about my words around her cannot come soon enough. How was the talk with Padma?" Harry muttered before turning to Parvati. 

"Mm. She's appalled, said she would call a house meeting on it tonight, see if anyone's been caught yet" Parvati set down some food on her plate. "I doubt many have, you took up a lot of her evenings from the start. Once she does that though, she'll see who may have ideas on the project you gave me"

"Perfect. I'm going to go work on some essays while I have the focus. See you later" Harry stood up, waving over his shoulder. He hummed softly as he made his way back to the common room.

Chapter Text

The days slipped by as time was wont to do when presented with massive amounts of responsibilities. Surprisingly, having James and Lily there helped Harry keep his temper in Umbridge's class. Hermione was busy experimenting with the limits of each method of secrecy she read about, helped by Remus who had gotten a little too interested one night. Parvati and Lavender regularly reported on the progress and made sure their dormmate ate. They also reported on the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff efforts to stall Umbridge in her detention reign of terror. A few more people had gotten lines, but all had been treated. Colin volunteered to take photo evidence as the spell over the Hospital Wing was the subject of a silent war between Umbridge and all of the students in the know. She'd place it up under various protective wards, and the students would dismantle it as quickly as they possibly could without leaving evidence behind. They also tested the limits of the spell, figuring out that it alerted a specific magical signature that the quill was leaving behind, which the sixth year Runes students were gleefully using as their combined end of year project. 

Finally, a few days after October started, Hermione came pounding down the stairs in victory. 

"I've figured it out! Which means I can have it prepared for the meeting in Hogsmeade tomorrow!" She held up a brown journal which had a vine curving along the spine. 

"What meeting tomorrow?" Ron asked, wisely choosing to address the part with an actual plan seemingly attached first. 

"For the defense club? You know, like we discussed? Meeting up in the village in small groups so that Umbridge can't do anything?" She looked confused. 

"Mione, you never shared that part with us" Harry added with a small sigh. "You asked if I'd be willing to teach if we could find time, space, and a way to hide it. And then everything started happening at once and I assumed it would be business as usual."

"Oh. Lav said she was already getting word out about the meeting tomorrow. She was the one who suggested we do it in small groups since you can't really yell at kids for stopping to chat." Hermione sat down next to Ron. 

"I'm not saying no, far from it. I'm just wanting to know what's going on. And how will we keep track of who is 'in' so to say?" 

"Oh! I had the twins and the Marauders work out a password on the paper we'll be carrying. To anyone not in the know, it'll be a survey I'm doing for arithmancy! I need to get a good sampling and this way, I can do the actual study afterwards in private while collecting people's signatures in a non-suspicious manner! Our magical signatures are written in as override so the page will be obviously a list of people willing to come to a meeting to us. Then, I'll pretend I have follow-up questions and give people a time and place to come to, where we'll do actual meetings and hand out the way we'll communicate. I need more time to get enough made properly" Hermione explained excitedly. "Anyway, the password will make it so that once we're guaranteed in private, we'll all be able to see the names, so people know who's 'in' so to say. I'm not expecting every meeting will have everyone present."

"What if we're betrayed? How will we protect those who signed as well? What if it's unlocked and someone gets a hold of it and takes it straight to Umbridge? What if she manages to convince someone with legilimency capabilities to take the names from those without shields? What if she finds a way to get around any promise or vow we make? What if she gets Veritaserum?" Ron rapid fire pointed out. Rather than fly into a rage, as she looked five seconds away from doing from sheer frustration, Hermione took a deep breath. Both boys gave her the space to collect her thoughts and consider what was being said. 

"You're right. We do need to have a back-up. I was going to charm the parchment afterwards to make it obvious who tattled and punish them, but I never considered something like Veritaserum. Or plain human error like Third Year and Neville's passwords. Though, we did find out that was Crookshanks' fault then, way too late to defend Nev from scorn. I suppose I could ask Angie, Alicia, or the twins if they know a way to wipe knowledge from people's minds or to protect it from people trying to get it. But it's only one day before...shoot I really didn't think this part through, did I" She muttered. 

"It's okay Mione. That's why you have the rest of us. Merlin knows half the time when we get fixated, Nev and the girls have to remind us to eat too" Harry gave her a soft smile. "I think, for now, it's enough to have the real list hidden. We can figure out a way to protect it fully after we get the signatures, and just not open it until we're certain. And, worst comes to worst, we just have people resign a different parchment with protections on it and say the original got damaged or something. The other question is, do we include Slytherins?" 

"I hate to say it, but we need to be careful about it. Theo, Millicent, and Blaise are fine. I'd even accept Tracey and Daphne since they tend to run neutral in the non-interaction unless provoked way. Malfoy and his close group are a no, even if Harry's intimidated them partially to silence. The younger snakes, I'd say yes. Third and Fourth years won't be too much of a threat even with Family spells. Plus, big group who would probably retaliate would make even the most bold hesitate. Anyone older will need to be vouched for since they're much stronger and have learned silent casting so it's easier to get away with a spell without being caught" Ron mused. 

"So, have the girls get the word out of our willingness? Maybe have Mione pass a note to Theo?" Harry verified. 

"Probably best if I just confirm it in passing after rumors. Umbridge is getting twitchy at so many of us being able to roam. What about the time travelers?" Hermione asked.

"They'll sign before we leave. They have just as much right to be there, since they're here to stay" Harry shrugged. 

"Works for me" 

"I'm using the time out of the castle to send a report to Auntie" Susan whispered as she scribbled her name on the offered sheet. "Filch found a reason to confiscate the two I tried already. Returned them badly edited a day later, and I didn't bother sending the mess they were. Auntie would react poorly, and I don't know if it'll be scolding me for not being careful with my letters or if she'll charge in wand blazing because she can tell something's wrong. Even if she does that though, it may be because she thinks kids are bullying me and not, well, y'know."

"I understand. Be careful though, she may have found a way to get a hold of those too" Hermione warned just as quietly before letting the Hufflepuff jog to catch up with Hannah and Ernie, who had signed prior. She waited a minute and then meandered after, squinting at the red robes she saw near the post office. When she met Susan's eye, the blonde subtly shook her head. Not a friendly auror then. 

"I see you've noticed Auror Dawlish, Fudge's nephew" Theo appeared at her elbow as she entered Honeydukes. He took the sheet and signed his name against a shelf before passing it to lingering Blaise, Daphne, Millicent, Tracey, and a weedy third year Slytherin Hermione didn't know off the top of her head. 

"I did. Didn't recognize him from a distance though, just saw Susan's reaction. She was hoping..." 

"Mm. Figured. Potter and Weasley off also doing this?" Blaise asked, stepping to the side to shield Theo from passing eyes. 

"Yes. We figured we'd do a three-way link so anything signed on our sheets goes to one master one securely hidden from prying eyes. And before you ask, we have guards on it too" She rolled her eyes a bit at the guards in question (James and Sirius). 

"Good. We'll probably send you two more younger snakes. The rest are either too neutral or too...ingrained to be worth implicating ourselves to them by probing with questions" Daphne nodded at a pair of twins who approached. "As well as these two. Flora and Hestia Carrow need protection, and at the very least your plan will give them defense skills if they need them."

"Greetings to you both. I will speak with my friends and see if I can't get Sanctuary for you both in time. For now, it will be enough to offer our teaching so you can protect each other" Hermione gave a small half bow, recognizing the last name as one of the lower Wizengamot seats as well as two infamous Death Eaters still loose. 

"We are grateful for the honesty in your offer" One of them spoke up while the other signed. She then took the paper to sign her name before handing it back. They melted back into the shelves to pick out candy once it was clear their part of the conversation was done. 

"How long do we have?" Hermione looked to Theo first, as one of the ones with first hand experience with Voldemort's circle. 

"I can guarantee my father will buy my desire to stay here to study for both breaks. For the girls? At best, end of the year. At worst, before Yule break" He shook his head slightly. "Both are third years, you'll have to warn any in the same year that they have to go along with the normal talk to protect themselves. Their father and aunt are....worse than my own father. He doesn't care about my direct actions for the most part so I can safely be quietly neutral. They're expected to be more like Pansy, vividly and loudly believing in that stuff. In privacy they'll be more like that, as long as you have a way to protect that knowledge from getting out."

"We're working on perfecting it. Harry will likely offer Sanctuary, though the Patil twins may be the better option as they can have their father step in, and also can hide the girls abroad. What are the names of the others you'll be sending?" 

"Bridget Cook and Archibald, Archie, Vaisley. And...tell them thank you. We appreciate that you lot are willing to consider this."

"War has stained all of our lives. We're just trying to make it so that it doesn't continue to color our children's the same depth" Hermione said softly before leaving with some sugar quills. She ran into Vaisley first, heading to stock up on some potions ingredients. She followed him into the store, grabbing some of the more common ingredients for herself while he signed. She then hovered in front of some higher level ingredients, quietly debating if she wanted to get extras to practice commonly tested potions on the OWLs. She ended up deciding not to after seeing the price and adding up how much she'd want to get so she paid for what she had and left to look at books. Cook, another third year it turned out, begged her to help find a friend, recognizing the prefect badge Hermione kept pinned to her coat. Once they were hidden from sight, the younger girl quickly signed the sheet and pointed out her friend so Hermione could lead her over. The friend did a performative jeer before grabbing Cook's elbow and pulling her to the Three Broomsticks. The little Ravenclaw assumedly had approached one of the boys if she was interested in the hidden group. 

"Good haul?" Ron asked as he rejoined her near Madame Puddifoot's.

"I hope so. More than I thought I would find at least, but less than I had hoped" Hermione answered vaguely.

"You and your sweet tooth. Ambitious it is, with your parents being dentists" He gave a half smile. 

"What they don't know can't hurt them!" 

"Can't hurt who?" Harry asked as he approached with a new hat jammed over his messy hair.

"The Doctors Granger. Hermione got more candy" Ron answered. "I didn't realize you were getting any new clothes?"

"....Parvati and Lavender got ahold of me and dragged me in. Said my hat was just embarrassing and did not match my skin tone. And yes, they also managed to force two sweaters, gloves, and a scarf onto me. They're lucky I like them."

"They're not wrong though. Your cousin is so pasty that he got away with those colors but you very much didn't Har. Plus, wizarding ones come with temperature control runes so you can wear them in more situations without worrying about overheating" Hermione scanned her friend. 

"I'm well aware I'm skinny 'Mione, you don't have to rub it in!" 

"Mmmm I think she does mate. How about we go to the Broomsticks, get some chips and butterbeer" Ron hummed teasingly. 

"Fine! If only so that you leave me alone about eating" Harry gave them both a half smile to make sure they knew he wasn't mad, just indignant. They both had done a lot over the years to combat the Dursley's periods of near starving him. He may never be as tall or muscular as he could have been but he at least would be at a decent level. And he knew that they would continue to do so until he could leave for his own place at 17. They had discussed at length over the summer what to do, especially now that he was a threefold Lord. They ended up agreeing that Voldemort may be able to touch him now, with their shared blood, but the Death Eaters would hesitate. Especially since Theo had made sure to fan the rumors of Quirrell's death and how Harry had been able to do it because the teacher followed the Dark Lord and had the Mark. And with Malfoy Senior having seen firsthand how protective Dobby was, they also had that threat in their back pockets. 

"I got you a club sandwich" Ron told his younger friend, plonking down the plate. "Figured we'd split it, if you're not up to the full thing?"

"Yeah, I'll probably only manage half. Thanks Ron" Harry picked up one half and started on it while Ron sipped at his butterbeer. 

"Oh, remind me to get you and Parvati together later. Maybe even Neville" Hermione asked him. Harry nodded and swallowed before asking.

"Oh, yeah, sure, why though?" 

"Request for Sanctuary. Maybe by break, maybe later" She whispered after making sure no one was close enough to hear over the bustle. 

"Shit. Yeah, I'll make sure we get together. Snake?" 

"Mhm. Younger, joined the list too so we can talk then" She gestured to her bag. He nodded before going back to his sandwich. The trio finished up in the village over the next hour, wandering back to the castle with their purchases. They all kept a subtle eye on the pink blob as they came into the castle proper, relieved when she just swept her gaze over them shrewdly. They entered the common room to see it about half full, the Marauders off in one corner with the parchment still locked and books on concealment enchantments scattered across the table.

"How many names did we get?" Harry asked James curiously as he came to sit by the older boy. 

"Hm? Oh, let me see. I solemnly swear Umbridge is a bitch!" James tapped his wand to the parchment as he spoke the password (surprisingly, it was Remus who came up with that one) after jolting from his focus. "Two, four...fifty-one!" 

"Including us?" Hermione asked, peering over Peter's shoulder as he flipped through something to do with blood protection on items.

"Yup! Good group."

"Oh, Mione, you wanted me to remind you about meeting with Parvati and Neville" Harry spoke up after scanning over the list and seeing the probable names. 

"Oh! Yes! Are they back yet?" 

"Nev was still in the village when we left, and Parvati probably is there too" Ron reminded the eager girl. Harry nodded in agreement before standing to put away his purchases. When he removed his hat, his hair sprang up to its full extent. He just sighed and tried to pat it down to no success. He returned to the common room with a book on Potions, trying to figure out which could help protect their new group. He looked up from it when he received a nudge from a familiar elbow. Hermione waved for him to follow, Neville and Parvati having returned, similarly trailing after. They hid in one of the classrooms and placed silencing charms before the older girl spoke up.

"So, the Carrow twins need Sanctuary. They signed up for the defense group, so we can offer them protective spells if nothing works out. But I promised I would at least ask you three. Theo said they are guaranteed to have until the break, but after that is...ify. Right now they have to take a more vocal support of Voldemort's policies, so we need to warn the other Third Years of their mask. But the older Carrows certainly live up to their reputation even towards the girls" She explained with a heavy sigh, running a hand down her face. 

"I can't offer it. Gran still holds enough power, and she'd deny it to keep the Death Eaters away. We're not entirely sure our wards will hold up, and right now quiet recruitment is probably his goal. The children of his free followers are easy. And the imperius curse is always an option if they stray" Neville shrugged apologetically. 

"I'd need to ask my parents" Parvati added. "Padma too, since we share duties."

"That leaves me" Harry bit his lip in thought. "I'd probably be the best option anyways since I took on my Lordships. That gives me more power, and more properties to choose from. Plus, the obvious of being the last, wait no James is here too so I'm not last anymore...regardless, I will offer Sanctuary formally once I speak with them in safety. I can always have the Patils take over partial duties if it becomes too dangerous here in England. But I will do it."

"Thank you Harry. Now we just need to figure out where to meet, and the secrecy aspect. They won't attend until they're certain nothing can be shared of their true thoughts" Hermione seemed to have a thought all of a sudden. "Dobby, Winky?" 

"Hermione Granger called?" Dobby popped next to her, looking curious. 

"Hi Dobby" Harry waved. 

"Yes, I did. Do you know of anywhere that fifty-something students can practice defense magic without being caught by a certain new teacher?" She asked. 

"Hello Harry Potter and friends! And yes, I do! It's called the Come and Go Room. It's located on the seventh floor opposite the trolls learning ballet tapestry! You pace thrice in front of the wall while asking for what you desire. It will easily help with a secret room" The excitable elf bounced in pride.

"You're incredible Dobby" Parvati clapped her hands in joy. "Now to finish the secret keeping magic so no one can let something slip unless they choose to!" 

"Hopefully the boys have found something" Neville added.

"Good luck!" Dobby waved as he disapparated again. The four Gryffindors took down their spells to head back to the common room. They were surprised to see Lily debating something with Peter over his book.

"No, look, if we modify the Fidelius charm just slightly, it will still have a secret keeper but it's less structured so technically yes it can be shared by someone else but they'd forget everything to do with it! I don't like the idea of entirely restricting it like with the typical charm, which may not even work in this case because it's not really a place-" Peter was saying, gesturing to something in the book James was helpfully holding aloft. 

"And I'm saying that the charm is fine as it is, it never says it has to be so rigidly defined! People just most commonly use it to hide places because that's why it was created." Lily fired back stubbornly. Harry sighed, placing a silencing spell around their area and settling in to listen. 

"Productive meeting?" Ron whispered. 

"Yea. We have a place now too" Harry returned, watching as Lily's magic began to react more vividly. 

"That's good. Now we just let them duke it out, since this seems to be the best option thus far" Ron waved at the argument. 

"Peter's right" Remus cut in finally.

"Huh?" Both whirled to look at the werewolf. 

"No, I see what you mean Remus. The modification Peter found would probably be the best option, since one of us could stay unbound. Probably Harry, he's kind of the teacher after all. But he's right that the charm is finicky at the best of times and may collapse at the stress of our Secret" Hermione looked over the scribbled notes. 

"Exactly. And it also allows loopholes to be built in for someone else to share without consequence. Like if someone got badly hurt and we needed Madame Pomphrey" Remus nodded. "It leaves that gap of someone sharing still, but they would indeed lose memory of the Secret. A bit cruel if they're relying on that knowledge for tests and real life skills, but that's just incentive to keep mum."

"Lovely! Work out how best to phrase it, and get it set up. We have a room, and we can figure out a meeting time after that" Harry clapped once before giving instructions. 

"You got it" Sirius lazily saluted. 

Chapter Text

"Repeat what he said exactly" James demanded after Remus came back from a private meeting with Dumbledore later that day.

"He said that there is a potion called Wolfsbane that could have made the moon easier, and Snape made it for my older self when he taught here. But due to budget issues this year, and the desire to keep my affliction under wraps, they can't make it for me. And it's a tricky brew so very few Potions Masters can do it, and definitely not on less than 24 hours notice. It's also expensive so the next moon will likely be the same" Remus recited dully while staring at the ceiling.

"He did it on purpose. Get your hopes up and then crush them immediately" Sirius snarled, grabbing his boyfriend's hand. 

"Oh, no doubt. I could see the cruel glee in his eyes. He also hissed that it was the least he could do to pay me back for not stopping you during school" Remus waved his free hand.

"That bastard!" James spat. "What do we do then? Go to the Shack?"

"Suppose so. Can't risk leaving it though, since Umbridge is here. Do you have the cloak?" 

"No. I suppose I can see if Harry will allow us to borrow it? Since I assume he has it, or at least knows where it is" James shrugged, looking towards the wall between the two dorms. After receiving only shrugs, he stood up and went to knock and ask. The other fifth year's door opened to reveal Seamus.

"Can I help you?" He asked. 

"Yeah, is Harry awake? I had a question for him" James resisted the urge to peek around the shorter boy. 

"Aye, Har! James wants you for something" Seamus called over his shoulder, stepping to the side when the younger appeared. The pair swapped places, Harry raising an eyebrow in question. 

"I was wondering if we could borrow the Cloak? Moony was told Wolfsbane wasn't an option and so we want to go with him to where he transforms" James asked. 

"I suppose so. On the condition that none of you leave the Shack until morning. We can't risk an adolescent werewolf running around, even if you and Sirius can keep him in check" Harry agreed. 

"That was the plan, yes. Does after dinner work, for picking it up?"

"That's fine. It's a Sunday anyways, so it's not like I'll be running around for classes. Just find me somewhere out of sight, I carry it on me everywhere anyways" Harry shrugged. "See you tomorrow".

James would be cackling if he had the throat for it. He had slipped out of the Shack with Peter while the canine boyfriends spent quality time snuggling. Moony had been completely worn out, so the stag animagus was free to bound through the forest. Peter was holding tight to his antlers as he tried to stay balanced on James' back as a human. 

"Jamie! Jamie, there's something there-" The boy yelled. It was too late though as James knocked full pelt into a horse-like side. He went tumbling with a high pitch grunt. The two boys landed in a tangle of limbs as James instinctively transformed back to human. 

"That....may have been a thestral" James grumbled, scanning the ground for hoof imprints. 

"I saw branches moving, not an actual animal so I'd say so" Peter shoved his taller friend off. The pair scrambled to their feet, James' hand suddenly being nudged by a velvety nose. 

"Oh, hello. Did you want attention?" he cooed, following it to stroke the bony neck he couldn't see. Peter approached as well, stretching to place a hand near James' so he could also pet the creature. The pair of them spent several minutes just petting the horse-like creature before a huffed whinny indicated it was done with the attention. The boys backed up, watching as the leaves crunched under unseen hooves. Then James transformed back into Prongs and knelt beside his friend so they could return and get some sleep before sunrise. 

"Does she know?" Harry was asking lowly Monday morning as James approached the cluster of people around the announcement board.

"She doesn't" Bones approached, answering James' kid in a murmur. "Word is that she's angry you're not rising to her bait in class, so she's going after Quidditch under the guise of 'student safety'. The rest is just...collateral."

"That's a relief at least. Suppose I could have guessed based on the fact that teams is listed first but Quidditch is one of those things that is just...part of Hogwarts, y'know?" 

"No, I know. Chances are that McGonagall will strong arm her into letting you all play"

"Which brings the possibility that Umbridge will push for more power as High Inquisitor since a teacher can be overruled but that supposedly can't" Ron chimed in. All of the present children hissed, glancing towards the open doors of the Great Hall. As one, the group broke up to drift in. James grabbed the nearest hand, which turned out to be Lily's, as he followed. She let out a squeak of surprise but didn't pull away until they reached the bench. Even then, she chose to sit next to him.  

"I'm curious, how hard is it to become an animagus?" She asked as she reached for some porridge. 

"I mean, it's not easy...but having an experienced person helps" Sirius shrugged from across the table. 

"The hardest part is the Mandrake Leaf, and remembering to do the chant every sunrise and set. Otherwise, it's potions and connecting with yourself" Peter nodded. 

"Some say the hardest part is accepting all of yourself, else you get stuck" Ron chimed in. "Like, I'm pretty sure I'd be some kind of dog. 'Mione says a Golden Retriever, but that means accepting the negative traits like blind loyalty and excess energy."

"It was definitely hard to come to terms with the fact my form is associated with nervousness. But I've also realized it's part of me. My friends help, but it doesn't get rid of my anxiety."

"We've been meaning to do it, but with Harry being trapped at his relatives, and then Ron and I being under near constant watch this summer, we couldn't" Hermione sighed. "Which is a shame, I was so excited since we agreed around 15 was a good age to try."

"I mean, that's usually when my family starts to work on it. I got an early start because I wanted to help Remy" James shrugged. He blinked in surprise when Harry shot up in interest.

"What do you mean our family starts to work on it??" 

"Oh, I forgot you wouldn't know. Yeah, it's a bit of a tradition since....Great-Great Grandfather Nicolas? I don't remember why, but no one registers. Probably from the leftover Peverell paranoia we're raised with. I'm guessing we didn't because of the war."

"That would be correct according to Sirius" Ron nodded. 

"What was Grandpa?" Harry asked curiously. 

"A leopard! He had funny spots over his eyes that always made him look surprised" James beamed. "Mum was always amused when he would lounge across the rug in his form. She rarely joined him, her form was a Water Buffalo and she said the hooves did dreadful things to the flooring."

"Were you surprised that you were a stag then?" Hermione pulled out a notebook, ready to jot something down.

"I mean...not really? I knew I wouldn't take too closely after my parents since I'm not exactly a copy of them or anything. And I was raised in a very warm, privileged household. When I told Dad my form over the summer, he said it made sense since my ego needed extra supports so I could stay standing."

"Maybe we should make the potion at school. It could turn into a year-wide Gryff thing" Hermione mused as she finished writing. 

"One problem, 'Mione. The ingredients would need to be bought and in the amount we'd need, it'd be very noticeable" Ron pointed out. "And expensive, though I'm sure Harry will end up covering at least you, me, Lily, and Dean, if not Seamus as well."

"Wait, you'd invite me to do it too?" Lily asked at the same time as Harry mumbled something unintelligible. 

"Of course, you're a fifth year Gryff too. And if the boys have done it, you may as well join us for it" Hermione shrugged, patting her black-haired friend on the shoulder. He groaned at her lack of shame in calling him out, moodily shoving an apple slice into his mouth.

"I'll see about sneaking out during Winter break at the latest. May have to do it in two or three trips though, depending on where I go to buy the necessary ingredients. It's too useful to put it off too much longer, since I figure we need at least the rest of the school year to master the transformation" Harry piled more food onto his plate. 

"Do we still have polyjuice under stasis? You could use that" Ron offered.

"We have it, yes. But calling the Knight Bus from Hogwarts would be too suspicious and Floo would leave too much of a trace. Unless you use a teacher's hair but they should be able to apparate. Though maybe Trelawney? Use an excuse of wanting more sherry and being a bit...tipsy already" Hermione said delicately. 

"We'll refine this later. We have class in a few minutes" Harry shelved the conversation.

"I will warn you all only once. As of this meeting, the sheet you all signed has protections on it. You cannot be coerced into sharing the secret of the club, and if you choose to...you will forget everything to do with it" Hermione began the meeting the next night in a deadly soft voice that nonetheless filled the room. "There are exceptions such as seeking medical attention from Madame Pomphrey or anyone else under healer's oath. Umbridge is not one. I must also warn you that within this room, certain people will act different. Such as the Carrow sisters, who outside of here must be good little Death Eaters for their safety. If you come across them in the halls, you must act as if nothing changed. In here, they will be their true selves and we will teach you all the same. Some of you understand more than others why masks are so important, if you don't, trust us at our word. The Slytherins here have one of the heaviest roles to play, since they have no safe common room to escape to. We trust them still, as we know they lean towards neutrality if not opposition of Voldemort."

"And why should we trust you?" A Hufflepuff that James barely knew spoke up from the middle of the group. 

"Ernie!" another one hissed.

"No, Hannah, it's fine. Ernie is right to ask. After all, we are in a time of uncertainty where I witnessed Voldemort return and have been mocked for my account since then. Some of you may believe I killed Cedric, since it is hard to understand why I came back and he didn't. Now we have a so-called teacher stalking the halls who is denying medical attention to us after basically torturing anyone she assigns detention to. It is a good thing to question why we can be trusted" Harry spoke up, his hands folded in front of him. "So I will give you a secret in exchange, that will not be covered by the protections. I was abused by my muggle guardians since the night after my parents died. Starvation was a common punishment for me. It has taken the efforts of all my friends to get me to the point I am at right now."

"But...you're the boy-who-lived" an older Ravenclaw girl gasped, wiping away the tears that had sprung to her eyes when Cedric was mentioned. 

"I am. And they didn't care. To them, I have always been the burden they were forced to take in under threat. And yes, it was under threat. They were told that if they didn't, they would be a target for the people who followed the man who killed my parents. Raising me was the only way to create a protection against that. And still, they tried to stamp out my magic. Unfortunately, I am and always have been a very magical child so they failed. And now I stand here, offering to teach you what you need to pass your tests, and to survive anything you come across outside of school." 

"Where do we start" The youngest Weasley asked. James glanced around at all of the faces that had hardened at the reminder of tests and the danger outside. 

"Disarming and shields. Establish the basics, make them so rote that thinking about the how is unnecessary. They won't necessarily do much in a no-holds barred, to the death fight. Shields fail, Expelliamus is considered schoolyard fare, and can be blocked easily. But if you combine it with other spells, or manage to get a fast hit then you can end a fight much sooner. Plus, it gives me an idea of how much control you all have so it can be improved while the worst that happens is you launch your partner like Snape did to Lockheart." Harry smiled at the giggles that rang out from the older students. "Pair up! Ron, Mione, and I will come around and help. Leo, no, you're going with Dean. James, with...Neville. Parvati, I want you to go with Remus, Seamus and Peter, and Lily, you'll be with Lavender."

"What, why?" Sirius gasped when his lunge for James was denied. 

"The pair of you will make a mess of things if paired together. Which reminds me. Remus, cover your ears quick, WEASLEY TWINS!" 

"Yes, oh fearless leader?" One of them materialized. 

"George, go face Daphne. Fred if you try and finish that spell on me then I'm forcing you to go up against Hermione and Ron as a duo" Harry glanced over his shoulder at where the other twin had been hidden, which James had missed.

"You're no fun" Fred pouted as his twin went to find his assigned partner. 

"Mhm, not sorry at all. Anyways, go find Padma, she should be a decent partner to keep you in line."

"Not going to assign any other pairs?" Hermione asked as she approached.

"No, I figure let most of them get this down against their friends and we start swapping things around in a meeting or two. I just don't want the twins or Marauders together, since I know they'll progress into prank spells if given the chance" Harry moved away from where James stood across from Neville now. 

"Too true mate" Ron sighed before cupping his hands around his mouth and calling out. "Disarm and shields only! Remember Protego to protect, Expelliamus to take your opponent's wand. Do your best to catch the wand and be mindful of those around you! And Begin!"

"Expelliamus!" Neville immediately cast, form perfect. James immediately dodged to the left. He winced when he heard someone shriek in surprise behind him. 

"Here you go Marietta, sorry about that. James, as impressive and encouraged as dodging is, in this case we want you to shield. Save that for when we're not all standing in lines" Ron instructed, handing back the wand the girl had lost. "Oi! Creevey and Creevey, don't make me separate the two of you!" 

"I'm on it, don't worry Ron" Hermione called from the other side of the room as James lifted his wand and fired a disarming spell at his partner. Neville immediately had a shield up, deflecting the spell upwards. The shield held up against five more spells before finally bursting. Neville wasted no time in returning his own disarming spells. James was able to shield against two of them before the third ripped his wand half out of his hand. He managed to catch it with his off hand, swapping it back once he straightened. 

"Alright, good work everyone. If both of you have gotten the shield and disarming spells down, I want you to swap partners. I don't care if the person you end up against is from a different house or year, it just can't be the same as your first partner. If you still haven't gotten it down, stay with your current partner until you have. But we'll do a demonstration once everyone has shuffled around" Harry called a few moments later, standing on a small platform against one wall. There was a lot of shuffling around, James finding himself grabbed by one of the Slytherins in the same year. She just raised one eyebrow when he opened his mouth in shock. He closed it, deciding it wasn't worth it to ask any questions. 

"Lovely, now, Hermione and I will show you each in isolation, then one against the other while Ron points out any details. Mione, you want offense or defense?" Harry spoke up again once everyone had settled once more. 

"Offensive, of course. I want to see if I can break your shield this time" She told him, ejecting her wand from her sleeve. He nodded, moving to stand a few paces away and facing the crowd of people.

"Right! Harry will run through the movement slowly without casting, yup, just like that thanks Har. See how his wand ends in the center? That's typically where he finds it best to anchor his shield. Hermione typically anchors it more to her nondominant side, believing that's where she gets the best results. In battle, you'll want to look for these things since it gives you an idea of casting style and where a weak point may be. Now Harry will run through it again at normal speed without casting, like so. And then he'll do it again with the cast facing Hermione. Now, you can see what I mean on where his wand ends? By shifting where his wand is, he can make certain parts weaker than others on purpose. So if he was laying a trap or letting someone get a spell or two off from behind him, he can do that by shifting where the center hold is. Now, for Hermione's spell. You can see she's already running through the motions at various speeds and flourishes. In structured battle or ones for points you want it to be very clear what you're doing. But in the battle we're teaching you for? Eliminate that movement as much as possible. Keep your elbow close to your side, movements should stay in your wrist. The older you get, the less you need to rely on wand movements or spell words for these basics. Some strenuous spells that you may encounter in NEWT and Post-NEWT will never be nonverbal but a lot of them will. Now, I'm going to get off the stage because Hermione wants to put a lot of magic into her spell to best Harry's shield. So lemme put one up between us and them and 3, 2, 1, go!" Ron explained. 

"Expelliamus!" Hermione's wrist snapped out, her spell glowing brightly as it left her wand. James watched as Harry minutely adjusted his wrist, the shield shifting just slightly alongside. And the spell shattered out of being against the shield. Seamus whooped from somewhere to James' left, and many people clapped once some of the shock wore off. 

"That would have shattered most shields" Harry said matter-of-factly after examining his friend. "However, you can see Hermione is a bit drained from overpowering the spell. So I could in theory hit her with return fire and she'll struggle to match. I won't, as this was demonstrating two spells. Any questions before we go back to practicing in pairs?" 

"Yea, what are we calling ourselves?" Little Weasley called. 

"Fudge's Head Flew up his Arse" One of the Carrow twins deadpanned. 

"That...may give the game away Flora. Even the abbreviation, as funny as it is" Nott shot down. 

"Cedric's Avengers" The same Ravenclaw from earlier spoke up, eyebrows scrunched together. 

"I don't think that's a good idea Cho" Her partner- Mary-something? James couldn't remember- gently told her.

"Hermione's Minions is always an option" Ron ducked a swipe from the girl. 

"Luna's Creatures? If we want something a little more...normal? Misleading?" Weasley offered. 

"Or Unity Within, like the hat said" The dreamy Ravenclaw added.

"How about Chocolate Enthusiasts?" Remus piped up. 

"All of those are good ideas. I do like the idea of something that's less.... open. Umbridge may not be onto us, but we still need to be careful. I don't want to stress the protections too much" Harry spoke over the suggestions. 

"Bridging House Divides?" Ernie tried. 

"Fire Brigade" Dean deadpanned as he put out a fire that Seamus had started in his boredom.

"How about we think about it, and decide at the beginning of the next session. Speaking of, everyone needs to grab a notebook before they leave. It will give you new dates and times once you blood bind it. 3 drops of blood on the red spot, and no one but you will be able to read it. It will appear as random notes. You can use it to write to each other as well. Once it's bound, you can change the design on the front" Hermione interrupted, pointing to several stacks of books near the door.

"Any other questions?" Ron asked. When no one spoke up, he nodded decisively. "Right! Back to casting then!" 

"What's your name by the way?" James turned to look at his new partner. 

"Millicent Bullstrode. One of the few neutral Slytherins in our year. Nice to formally meet you Patel" She replied, shooting a whispered disarming charm at the end. James snapped up a shield.

"Nice to meet you too. Nice job with that being almost nonverbal by the way" He complimented as he maintained his shield, testing what Harry had demonstrated. 

"Thank you. I can do a few spells nonverbally already, I figure it'd be a nice challenge to get more down that way" She tilted her head in acknowledgement. The pair fell silent after that, focused more on exchanging spells. The three teachers wandered by a few times, offering quiet nods to both at their efforts. Finally, half an hour later, the session ended and people went to collect notebooks. The few Slytherins were the first to exit, through a door that was marked with a rearing cobra. They clustered in age groups, neutral masks falling into place. The Hufflepuffs started tumbling out with some of the younger kids from Ravenclaw and Gryffindor, followed shortly by the eldest of the group. Finally all that was left was the fifth year Gryffindors.

"Good first meeting?" Hermione asked softly.

"I think it went well. You maybe should have started with the demonstration rather than put it in the middle, but that's my only real criticism at the moment" Parvati absently poked one finger on a pin from her hair, dripping the required blood on the cover of the book she was holding. She sanitized the pin with a spell before offering it to Lavender to do the same. Harry pulled out his version of the book, which had a streak of white lightning running across the spine and jotted a note down before snapping it closed and returning it to the pocket in his pants.

"We'll try that next time and see how it goes. I think new spells definitely need to be like that, but review ones are more ify" He shared his thoughts as the rest of the group took turns with the pin to bind their books. Lavender was busy charming her notebook to have her namesake on it while Parvati was writing something. Once they had finished, Hermione hooked arms with the still-writing Parvati and guided her along with the group back to the common room.