Someone alters history to stop Tom Riddle from denouncing his family and Harry receives a strange gift

for his 17th birthday. He wakes up to find himself in an alternate universe where Voldemort never existed and Tom Riddle Jr is Minister of Magic. Is this real? What will he do if it's not? And why does everyone seem to think he and Draco Malfoy are dating?

Chapter 1: Prologue - The Riddle House [View Online] [Printer Friendly Version of This Chapter] A/N: The story contains SLASH, so please do not continue to read if you arent up for that sort of thing. Please read and review =o) Prologue The Riddle House The small town of Little Hangleton was in high spirits as the summer rolled across the gentle roads and homes of the small eastern town. The wealthiest family in town was throwing a huge party to celebrate the announcement of their first grandchild and, in the excitement they had invited everyone they knew to attend. It hadnt been long ago that the village had despised the Riddle family. As of late, since their son met and wed one of the towns own, things had changed. Suddenly the Riddle family took on an air of friendliness and warmth. Their impeccably kept manor was now the center of social events for the village and many a night was spent at lavish parties thrown by the mistress of the house. No expense was spared in the wooing of the village by both the elder Mrs. Riddle and the younger, and the town was all the better for it. This particular party was expected to be the event to top all previous parties. One of the younger maids, less tight-lipped about the affairs of the family and house Riddle let slip that the house had already been decked to the nines with the most expensive dcor and it was believed that Mr. Riddle had even gone to the extreme of hiring a fireworks display. The more that time weaved its merry tapestry, the more the stories grew. There was only one person who seemed less thrilled about the party than the rest of the village; Mr. Frank Bryce was not a social gentleman. His wife was the only exception to this, as after the war he had taken to himself and kept his life confined to the estate where he worked. It so happened to be that Frank was the gardener at the Riddle House, and his only thoughts on the party were how much damage would be done to the gardens. Today he was tying up some of the more delicate of the bushes and flowers, trying his best to have them looking presentable whilst being able to withstand the traffic of the entire village. Muttering to himself as he worked, even he couldnt darken the mood today. The sun itself seemed determined to

shine especially bright on the manor, and the newly painted white clapboards gave the house such a warm glow as to make everyone feel that much more excited. It was this reason why there was a minor shock when the front door to the manor, an elegantly stained heavy wooden door with ornate carvings and a gold knocker, was thrust open so violently that the crack of it hitting the interior wall echoed through the gardens and even caused Frank Bryce to look up. He quickly averted his gaze as he saw the lady of the house coming out, tears streaming down her beautiful young face. Tom, please, you dont understand, she pleaded as she turned to face someone inside the house. She was pulling a white handkerchief from her sleeve and dabbing at the tears as she spoke. Its not what you think Do not speak of it. Never speak of it again, my lady. Toms voice was almost as cold as the look upon his face as he emerged into the sunlight. His countenance was so contrast to the day that it seemed almost horribly coincidental that a cloud chose this moment to cover the suns light and cast shadow on the whole of Little Hangleton. A single tear shed from his eye and he ignored it as he continued. What you speak of is heresy and I will have nothing to do with it. Leave this place and never return. Before the lady could speak further, he stepped backward into the house and closed the door with a very permanent snap of the lock. The lady, who was dressed in a very elegant white dress, turned and began to head towards the road still trying to restrain the tears with her handkerchief. Inside the manor, Tom Riddle had broken down into a heap on the floor and looked as though his world had come to an end. The pained look on his face was so different to his stony one so recent that the man standing in the shadow in the parlor almost wondered if his mission could be any easier. As if taking the nearly silent sobbing of his target as a sign, he stepped forward into the light of the foyer and aimed his wand at the desperate man before him. Tom Riddle, he announced, shocking the young man into attention and ending the sobbing. Who the bloody hell are you, Tom said quickly, standing and looking for all the world like he wished the man before him would kill him. My name is unimportant, Mr. Riddle. What I have come for is most dire, however. If you would please come with me and sit, I will explain everything. Tom looked for a moment like he wouldnt follow, but he did so and sat in a chair by the hollow fireplace. He looked ready to speak, but the whiteblond man cut him off. Mr. Riddle, you have just set into action a series of events that will lead to a long, angry war. Due to your prejudice, your son will grow to hate you and all your kind. His hatred will burgeon into a nearly insane desire to eliminate all muggles. I have come to stop this from happening. Tom had heard so much today that was contrary to everything hed been taught as a child, and the idea that this man was from the future only seemed to follow along with everything so well that he didnt even raise his eyebrows at the notion. Instead, he smiled and looked at the portrait of his mother that sat on the mantle, wishing for all the world that the elder Riddles were not in London at that moment.

Has the whole world gone insane? he asked no one in particular. Im sorry, sir, but I find this all rather hard to imagine. He looked down into the mans icy grey eyes and continued. You come at a very inopportune time, and I believe it would be best if you leave. He made to stand, as if to show him out, but the blond man pointed the wand at him again and said something under his breath. A cool sensation flooded over his body and he realized he couldnt move. It wasnt quite like being frozen, but he was paralyzed none the less. Mr. Riddle, your wife is going to die during childbirth. Witch or not, she will not be able to care for your son. Because of your refusal to honor your wife and son, he will grow to hate you and resent you. He will murder hundreds of people and, most importantly, all of my friends. I have studied years and gone through many hardships to be able to come here, and if you believe I will leave without succeeding, you are very much mistaken. The mans voice was set, even and controlled and Tom recognized someone of breeding instantly, being one himself. He found that he could indeed speak, and so he did. Sir, you are obviously of breeding and must understand. My family would never be respected if it were to come out that my wife was a practicing worshipper of the devil. We would be cast out from society and scorned for our embracing her wicked ways. Her child is nothing more than the result of a spell she cast over me to steal our fortune and recruit us into her cult. I cannot Mr. Riddle, do not be so seriously misinformed. Your wife is not a worshipper of the devil, nor has she cast any sort of love spell on you; they are illegal and she would have been arrested immediately had it been discovered. How could you know? Are you also a witch? No sir, I am a wizard. I am also an Auror, which is the equivalent of one of your police, and thus I know quite a lot about our laws. The man seemed to recognize the look of disbelief on Toms face, for he answered a blossoming question before it was raised. Yes, we have laws of our own. Our society is quite better than yours in a lot of respects, though not entirely dissimilar. The only true difference between muggles and wizards and witches is that we are magical and you are not. The man stood and began to pace, speaking as he walked the length of the room. Your knowledge of our kind is distorted by a history that is falsified by men who knew nothing of the truth and wished only to further their own goals. Most of us do not worship the devil, though I will not deny that some of us have no belief in your gods either. As with your kind, ours is quite diverse on the matter and thus it is up to an individual to make their own conclusions. Your wife is quite a powerful witch from a very prominent family. You are quite lucky to have gained her affections, and I would say that turning her out before evening understanding the situation was quite barbaric and ungentlemanly of you. Tom snorted and the man cast a menacing gaze at him. She may be a witch, sir, but she is also a lady. The man sat back in the chair and gave Tom such a heartfelt gaze that it wasnt a surprise when he spoke continued in a softer, more honest tone. I grew up believing that you lot were pathetic and cruel, ignorant and worth less than cattle. Your son would see you all burned or enslaved, and the world rid of you. I have come to believe that we are actually quite the same, and that even our magic is not so different than your technology. That even the most ignorant muggle is worth something to us. It has taken me a long time to come to my senses, but I cannot afford you that time yourself. It is most important that you rectify this with your wife and care for your son. You must raise him properly, for he will be one of the most powerful wizards in all of history. It is you who decides whether he will be a

good or bad one. Tom looked taken aback and uncertain, but there was something in his eyes that gave the impression that not all had been lost on him. The blond man seemed to relax a little and released the muggle from his bind. We have a lot to discuss and you have a lot of questions. Let us get comfortable. With a flick of his wand, a tea set appeared on the coffee table, silver platter and delicate china more elegant than that which Toms mother used for the best company. The steam coming from the pot was giving off a rich smell and teasing Toms senses. Another flick brought cakes and crumpets and Tom barely blinked when another flick brought richly woven linens. Do eat up, the man said, settling back in his chair with a grin. Chapter 2: Chapter One - The Dursleys [View Online] [Printer Friendly Version of This Chapter] Chapter One The Dursleys The streets of Little Whinging were sullen and dark in the lazy heat of the summer evening. The only moving being appeared to be a dark-haired cat that was sitting on the garden wall of Number Four, seemingly watching the house. Being nearly one in the morning, all the houses but this one were dark. On the second floor of the house, in the back, one light was still burning. This was not the only thing strange about Number Four, for it was also the only house on the block that seemed to be attracting owls to it. Inside the lit room of Number Four, a teenaged boy sat at his desk staring out of the window at the night sky. The open window allowed a slight breeze to caress his face, but he still sat with sweat beading on his forehead. Naked from the waist up, Harry Potter was desperately trying to concentrate on his homework, but the heat kept him from it nearly as well as Ron could with a game of Wizards Chess. Just as he was about to bring his quill back to the parchment, Harry saw the owls coming through the night sky and stood up, a smile brightening his otherwise dark face. It wasnt long ago that Harry had hated his birthdays, but in the last few years he had come to anticipate them as much as any other teenaged boy. Four owls burst through his window and landed on the desk. Each seemed to be fighting to be first to deliver their respective packages, but Harry went immediately to his own owl Hedwig. Tied to her leg was a package that seemed to be from Hermione, her neat scrawl decorating an elaborately wrapped gift. As he removed it, he put it on his bed and began the task of removing the larger, brown-paper wrapped one from the small, baseball-sized owl called Pigwidgeon. Terribly excited to have been relieved of his delivery, Pig began to flutter around the room rather loudly and making Harry quite glad that hed put up a silencing charm the moment midnight had struck. The third owl was obviously a Hogwarts owl, carrying a package he guessed was from Hagrid and his

annual Hogwarts letter. The fourth owl however was quite strange and unexpected. Suddenly worried that the Ministry didnt follow the concept of midnight as the determining factor of his coming of age, Harry was glad to see that the package attached to the bird was personal. When hed removed it, the elegant owl took off immediately and disappeared into the night sky. Intrigued, Harry made to open this one first. Once done, he was surprised to find an ornately decorated ring and a note: Harry, This is in hopes that everything goes as it should. Please accept it and remember that I loved you once and hope to love you forever more. Please put it on and remember. The note was unsigned, and Harry had the sneaking suspicion that it might be from Ginny. He had believed she was over her crush on him, but it was possible she would still have some sort of feelings. This thought only lasted a moment before he realized that her present would be with the Weasleys other gifts and that she could never afford such a ring. Further interested, he began to study the ring even more and noticed some strange markings on the band, but it was otherwise completely unmarked. Though he thought he should speak with someone first, something made him feel that this ring was not meant to cause harm. Before he could second guess himself, he had put it on his right-hand ring finger. Immediately he saw it glow bright blue and felt warmth spread up his arm and throughout his entire body. No pain or other danger signs came however, so he imagined he hadnt misjudged. Admiring the ring for but a moment, Harry soon moved on to his other gifts, resigned to trying to find out who the giver of this ornate gift was later. Hermione had sent him a box of Honeydukes Chocolates and a muggle book called Dealing with Death by Dr. Johan Michaelson, PHD. Included was a small note: Harry, Happy Birthday! I expect Ron will tell you about this as well, but Ive received a letter inviting me to come to the burrow the week before we leave for Hogwarts. I look forward to seeing you very much. Harry, I cant deny that Ive been very worried about you this summer. Ive often thought of calling you, but my parents have kept me quite busy with summer work in their office. I wont pretend that I mind the distraction. My mum recommended the book Ive given you in light of your situation. I hope youll find it helpful. Please dont be angry. See you soon! Hermione Harry frowned and put the parchment on his desk, trying to keep his anger from swelling by distracting himself with Rons gift. Another box of chocolates and a long note telling of his adventures during the

first month of summer with no mention of anything that had happened last year gave Harry a bit of a strange sensation. He found also a few home-baked goods from Mrs. Weasley, which he was happy to have what with Aunt Petunia still on her diet kick for Dudley. Suddenly feeling very tired, Harry patted Hedwig and made his way to the bed. Putting out the light and falling into bed felt very good, and he was asleep before hed even removed his glasses. ~*~ The morning seemed to come faster than Harry hoped, the suns hot rays baking his naked chest as he lay waking in the bed. Feeling like hed rather go back to sleep, but knowing the sun was already too high for him to stay in bed, Harry forced himself to sit up. He rubbed his eyes to try and get the sleep out, yawning and seriously considering charming the door shut and hiding in his room for the day. After a few minutes, he reached around for his glasses and put them on, looking instinctively to Hedwigs cage to see if she had enough food. It was when he saw her cage missing that he started to wake up enough to notice the room was not as hed left it the previous night. Where his desk had been a chest now sat, brimming over with what appeared to be old toys of Dudleys. In place of a dresser, Harry saw more broken toys and a television. The decisive lack of his things caused Harry to jump out of bed and search for his wand. He found it under a pair of jeans and brandished it as he searched out any indications of trouble. When nothing attacked, Harry took in a few breaths and tried to figure this out. The jeans on the floor appeared to be his, but they were his size and in good condition. Harry was used to Dudleys secondhand clothing, so anything that fit properly didnt seem right to him here at Privet Drive. Nervous, Harry pulled them on over his boxers and retrieved the tee-shirt that also seemed to be his. Now dressed, he decided nothing would answer his questions here, so he would have to go down and see if the Dursleys had an idea of what was happening. When he yanked the door open, Harry noticed that all of the locks were missing and made a mental note of it before he bounded down the stairs. His wand still at the ready but now tucked under his tee shirt, so as not to upset his aunt and uncle, Harry entered the kitchen and found Aunt Petunia making breakfast at the stove. Morning Harry, she called jovially when she noticed him. Taken aback by her tone, Harry gawked at her silently. Would you like some breakfast? Ive eggs and bacon, sausages and Harry, whats wrong? Harry wasnt able to bring himself to speak. In the sixteen years hed known Aunt Petunia, Harry had never heard her sound anything like this. Something was very wrong and Harry was more scared by her smile than he was by a horde of Death Eaters. Harry? Your Aunt asked you a question. The voice was unmistakable, but as Harry turned his eyes on Uncle Vernon, they bulged and almost shot out of his skull. Sitting at the kitchen table were his uncle and his cousin. It wasnt so shocking that they were sitting at breakfast, but it was shocking that both of them appeared to have lost a horrible amount of weight overnight. Uncle Vernon, who had had more chins than twins the night before now looked as though he worked out on a regular basis. Dudley was

still big-boned, but he was trim and well toned now, his face looking perplexed and almost but Harry couldnt even bring himself to apply the word kind to Dudley; it just wasnt possible. I Im sorry, he stumbled after a moment. Turning once again to Aunt Petunia he said shakily, I Im fine. Unsure how to proceed, Harry decided to play along until he could get some answers. He figured his best bet was to get out of the house and contact Dumbledore as soon as possible. Well, are you up for breakfast? Petunia asked, seemingly content with his assertion. Sure, he answered, putting a smile on his face. He tried to keep his smile while his aunt served him and Dudley read the sports section while his father read the business. The whole feel of the morning routine was so surreal that Harry felt he must be dreaming, but a quick pinch under the table assured him he wasnt. After gulping down all of the food and more than his share of orange juice, Harry had a quick thought that he should have probably been more cautious before eating this food. When he didnt die, he guessed it hadnt actually been a problem. Standing up, he made to pick up his dishes out of habit when yet another shock came. Oh dont bother, Harry, his aunt said with a smile. Ill take care of that. Right, he said, replacing the plate on the table. Well, Ill just be off then, he said cautiously. Youre not waiting for your father? his uncle asked from behind the paper. My My what? Your father, Harry, his uncle said, pulling the paper down and cocking his head. Are you sure youre alright, boy? Fine. Im fine. No, Ill just go. Right. See ya! He took off down the hall and yanked open the door quickly, determined to get out of the house before they could stop him. As he flung himself through the door, he did so right into a man who had been standing there about to ring the bell. Falling to the ground on top of him, Harry panicked and tried to extract his wand so fast that he ended up hitting the man in the face. Harry! What on earth Harry immediately froze. Terrified to look, Harry wasnt surprised by what he saw when he finally did, but instead very upset. There, under him on the ground was his father. Quite alive and dusty, it was definitely James Potter. A/N: I know the preceding two chapters were quite short, but the chapters coming up get progressively longer, so no fear there. As it is, this looks to be a very long fic so long as people remain interested. I'm up to Chapter Six so far, but converting them all into a format that works with this site is timeconsuming. No worries, I'll get them posted ASAP!

Chapter 3: Chapter Two - Return to Hogwarts [View Online] [Printer Friendly Version of This Chapter] Chapter Two Return to Hogwarts After climbing to his feet and holding his wand steady at what appeared to be his father, Harry tried to stop the itching in his eyes by blinking several times rapidly. It didnt seem to be working however, so he tried to keep them open so as not to be surprised by any sudden movements. Harry, what are you doing? Harry couldnt reply, but just stood there with his wand pointing. He nearly jumped out of his skin when the front door of the Dursleys was re-opened and Uncle Vernon came out to stand at his fathers side. Whats going on James? The neighbors, he hissed. I know, Vernon. Please, give us a moment. Ill take care of anyone who sees. Id best Yes Ill just He made to go back into the house, his mustache twitching nervously as he eyed the wand in Harrys hand. Apparently even in this madness of a world Uncle Vernon just couldnt bring himself to be completely comfortable with magic. You wont be going anywhere, Harry said forcibly, regaining his voice before his uncle could escape. I want to know what the bloody hell you think youre up to? What the devil do you mean, boy? Vernon said strongly, his voice only slightly betrayed by the quaver it had adopted. I mean, what is this business of you being friendly and my my father being alive? Harry, where did you get that ring? His fathers question sunk in even though he knew the man was avoiding his own question. Harry did realize that the ring was still on his hand and had the sudden feeling that all of this revolved around the horrible piece of jewelry. How stupid was he to put it on without even checking for curses? Harry, that ring looks familiar James voice trailed off as a loud BANG filled the air. Harry whirled around to see the Knight Bus sitting in all its purple, three level glory in the middle of Privet Drive. Vernon could be heard to gasp and was beginning to wheeze. Can they see it? he whispered frantically to James. It would have been comic had Harry not been in such a state of shock, for getting off of the Knight Bus was Harrys mother, followed closely by two young girls with red hair. The first of them was most definitely Ginny Weasley and the second appeared to be a younger version of his mother.

Ginny! What are you doing here? Harrys voice was cracking and his vision was blurred, but he tried to keep it as steady as his wand. Harry, what the bloody Sarah Minerva Potter! Watch your mouth! Lilys admonition came almost as if automatically and the girl, whom Harry now took to be named Sarah, cowed under it. Harold James Potter, you put that wand away this instant. You may be seventeen now, but you will not go around waving your wand in front of muggles! Lily, James started from behind Harry, but was cut off. No, Ive had enough of his behavior. She turned back to Harry and even though hed never had a mother; Harry could tell he was in for it. Put it away. Now! Harry lowered his wand, scared but resigned to his fate. Whatever was going on, it wouldnt do to alert all of Little Whinging to it. He replaced his wand in his trouser pocket but kept his hand on it just in case. Thats better, Lily said with a slight smirk. Stan Shunpike, whom Harry knew from previous rides on the Knight Bus, was staring at the whole scene from the bottom-most stair, his mouth agape. I believe youre supposed to be getting the luggage, Stan, Lily reminded him softly. He seemed to come to his senses and smiled as he jumped off and ran to get Harrys luggage from where it lay next to Aunt Petunia. Harry hadnt even heard her come out, but he was quickly making his way over to a shocked-looking Ginny. What are you doing here? Wherere Ron and Hermione? Im here with Sarah of course, Ginny said strongly. Why else would I be here? She had a smirk on her face, but Harry ignored it. He was looking very put-out, and she softened a little and continued. Rons probably snogging Hermione at the library, actually. Its the only reason he sets foot in the place, isnt it? Harry just looked at her as if shed grown a set of bat ears or something and Ginny quickly looked around to see if anyone were standing behind her with a wand pointed. When she saw nothing, she just gave him an odd look and went over to Sarah, whispering something in the girls ear. It didnt take much to gather that Sarah was his sister. Aside from the name, Sarah Minerva Potter, she also looked exactly like Harrys mother, except that she had her fathers eyes. Again Harry was reminded of how confusing it could be whilst looking at family albums in regards to parents and their kids. Harry, his father called, moving over to him as Stan disappeared back inside the bus, whose occupants were now all looking out with very sour expressions. We need to talk about that ring, but were late for your test. My test? For your apparition license, Harry. Dont you remember?

Oh, right, Harry said nervously. He hadnt a clue how to apparate, and was suddenly even more nervous as memories of the Weasleys descriptions of splinching came to mind. Come on, were taking the underground. James lead Harry by the arm as the others all clambered onto the Bus and disappeared with a loud BANG. The Dursleys, who were waving to Harry and James as they walked towards Wysteria Walk and the underground station, all looked as though they might collapse the moment James and Harry were out of sight. Now about that ring, James said sternly, his hand tightening slightly on Harrys arm. It looks like a Malfoy ring to me. Malfoy? Harrys heart sank. If Malfoy had given it to him, it was no wonder everything had gone batty. He was ready to hit himself for being so stupid when his father continued. You didnt tell me that things were that serious between you, Harry. Youre of age, so you can make your own choices, but I really wish youd consider your career before running off and getting married. Married? Harry was confused. Did Malfoy have a sister now too? Maybe that was the plot, he wondered. Maybe he would be married into the Malfoy family and then it would be easy for Voldemort to gain access to him. Yes, that must be it. You and Draco Hold on! Harry shouted. Im not marrying Draco Malfoy! He had stopped directly and his father had been caught short, nearly yanking off Harrys arm in his attempts to stay steady. You think Id marry Malfoy? Harry, his father said with another note of concern entering his voice. What is on with you this morning? Youre acting very strangely. Strange? You think Im strange! Youre supposed to be dead! How is that for strange? James looked taken aback, and he released Harrys arm and stepped away from his son. Pulling out his wand and aiming it at Harry, he muttered something and a blue light shot out from the tip, completely engulfing the confused teen. His father was looking all over his body at the blue shield that seemed to now surround him. Harry could see that some places were of darker or lighter shades, but over-all it seemed to be the same everywhere. Well theres nothing physically wrong with you, but there is something wrong. Im not a mental healer, so I cant account for your state of mind, but theres nothing physically wrong with that either. Harry, if that ring isnt from Malfoy, where did you get it? I dont know, Harry said softly. It came last night by a strange owl. And you put it on without as much as a question? I I liked it, he said feebly. Even in his mind he knew how stupid hed been.

His father tutted and said, Well be late, and continued on. Lets talk about this after your test. But, I I dont know how to apparate, Harry said quietly. He was suddenly angry that someone in the Order hadnt taught him, since youd think it would come in handy if he were surrounded by Death Eaters and needed a quick escape. He supposed Dumbledore didnt want his star puppet running off on his own, and that would be why he hadnt learned. Dont know? We spent months teaching you! His fathers voice was becoming raspy, and Harry could hear the strain in it. This is too much, Harry. I dont know what is going on with you, but if this is a joke its going too far! Youre acting very strangely! He sighed and rubbed his temple, but then looked up. Alright, quickly, you simply point your wand Yes, pull it out and point your wand and concentrate on where you want to be, or whom you would like to meet. Got it? Harry nodded. Now just say Apparate and point your wand at yourself. Harry concentrated on Dumbledores office as hard as he could, imagining the whirling silvery gadgets and Fawkes. He pointed his wand and shouted, Apparate! A loud crack filled his ears and Harry felt like his stomach had just been shrunk to the size of a walnut. He was about to chuck up the previous nights dinner when it all stopped and he found himself rocking on his feet. He didnt know when hed closed his eyes, but he opened them quickly and found himself in front of his father. Well, where did you try and go then? he asked sharply. Dumbledore. Harry, you cant apparate onto Hogwarts grounds! You know that! He gave an exasperated sigh and rolled his eyes. Harry had the feeling that this version of his father had put up with a lot from his son. Lets try again. Picture somewhere else, please; lets try that playpark there, shall we? Harry nodded and tried again, this time picturing the playpark in his mind and casting the spell. The same loud crack and the shrunken feeling happened, but a little bit lessened this time. When he opened his eyes, which he wished he would stop closing, he found that he was in the playpark nearly a hundred feet from his father. Brilliant! Now back! So Harry apparated back and smiled despite himself. Hed learned that rather quickly! Youre always pulling this, James said as they continued to walk briskly towards the underground. I swear we let you spend too much time with Sirius, he added angrily. Hell never grow up, that one. FUCK YOU! Harry burst suddenly. He was so angry hed yanked his wand back from his pocket and was aiming it right at his father. His face was so read and his breathing so heavy that James actually backed away, obviously scared. Dont you ever fucking talk about Sirius like that! What the hell is wrong with you, Harry? I dont know whats going on here, Harry started, his voice shaking with the effort of his breathing.

I dont know what youre all playing at, what game this is, but Ive had enough! I wont take you mentioning my godfather! Youre already using my parents against me, but not Sirius! Harry, Im not Shut up! Just shut up! Harry tried to calm himself, to think, but held his wand steady on the man pretending to be his father. Polyjuice potion? Some form of horrible spell? Maybe a potion to trick someone into thinking of people they love? The ring could be altering his vision. None of it really made much sense, but he was certain that the ring was the culprit. Suddenly determined to get rid of it, Harry shoved his wand in his armpit and made to yank the ring off. He was angered to find it wouldnt budge. He pulled as hard as he could, but it began to feel hed have to take off his finger to remove it. Harry, please, let me help His father was moving toward him and so Harry grabbed his wand up again to aim it at him. Youve done enough, thanks, he said coldly. Pretending to be my father, as if Im stupid enough to believe he could come back. Im not a fucking child, he spat. Harry, I know. What are you on about my being dead? Im not dead, Harry. James studied Harry for a moment, then pulled his wand from his sleeve and held it out to his son. Here, take it if itll make you feel better. His face was set and the wand was held handle towards Harry, so the teen took it and continued aiming his own at the man. Listen, Harry, I dont know what this is about, but youre obviously serious. Please, lets talk about this. If youre my father, then what was I doing at the Dursleys? Well, you go every year, dont you? To visit Dudley and have a little bit of fun with your cousin. You come home in the morning and we go off to a Quidditch match, then your mum makes your favorite Right, why would I want to hang out with Dudley? Hes a great big old prat! Youve never had a problem with Dudley before, Harry, his father said calmly, ignoring the way Harry had raised his voice. It seemed almost like hed stopped talking to his son and was talking to a patient now, for he was being professional, calm and direct on everything. Listen, were heading to London anyway. Why dont we stop at Saint Mungos and just see one of my coworkers I dont need to go to hospital. I need to see Dumbledore, Harry stated. Well just have to get my apparition license and head up to Hogsmeade so we can Dumbledores in London, Harry. You dont expect he spends the whole summer locked up at Hogwarts, do you? No. But well go to Hogwarts and he can come to meet us. Harry was determined not to go anywhere he didnt trust. Without further comment, he set off for the Underground station and pocketed his wand before any attention might be called. When they reached the red telephone box, his father dialed the code and announced their business. The badges were issued and the voice welcomed them as the box descended into the street. Once inside, Harry rushed them past the fountain, which was in good order even after his fight with Voldemort on

this very spot just over a year ago. Something struck him as odd about this, but he continued on. When they arrived at the security desk, Eric the guard was on duty the same as the last time Harry had come. He pulled out both wands and handed them to the man who, unusual to his normal lazy, unshaven self, raised his eyebrows that the boy had two wands. What business are you on at the Ministry today, he asked gruffly. Im to take my apparition test, announced Harry. Right, he said as his eye roamed to Harrys badge. Noticing the name, he looked over immediately to Harrys father and his eyes widened as he took in the badge on the older mans chest. Hey, youre James Potter! Thats what it says, James said with a smile. I saw you in the 1982 Quidditch World Cup! You was brilliant! The way you handle a broom! The man was positively foaming at the mouth as he came around the desk and made to shake Harrys fathers hand. My son would kill me if I didnt get your autograph! He says theres been no one like you playing for the Cannons since! Mind? Of course not. Taking a quill from his inside pocket, James signed a slip of paper that had been produced. Whats his name? Tony, Eric said excitedly. Hell bloody love me! How old is the lad? Nearly fourteen, he said, puffing up his chest. Goes to Hogwarts just got on the team as reserve chaser! I believe your boy is captain, isnt that right? He turned to Harry as he asked this, looking for everything like he expected Harry to suddenly announce that his son was going to be put first-string. Harry simply nodded dumbly and watched as the mans face turned bright red when he got the paper back and noticed a few wizards watching the scene with sour looks. Right, James said. We should get on. Dont want to be late. Yeah, Ill just He had pulled his golden rod from behind the desk and ran it over the two of them, smiling nervously as he did James. Placing the wands in the golden device Harry had seen him use before, Harry waited for his announcement. Eleven inches, phoenix-feather core, been in use six years? Harry nodded and he did Jamess. Fourteen inches, unicorn hair core, been in use twenty-nine years? James nodded and both wands were handed back. He slipped the two pieces of parchment back on the desk and beamed as the two of them disappeared to the lifts. You played Quidditch? Yes, James said with a note of concern. Joined the Cannons right after school. I was captain after three years, retired just a few seasons ago. Im a healer now. He looked like he had just diagnosed someone as dying, but said nothing more.

Harry got into the lift when it finally arrived and announced, Level Six. His father raised an eyebrow but said nothing as the lift jostled into movement. They stopped, as usual, at each level until six. Several witches and wizards got on and off along the way, but only one followed them onto level six; a gangly young man who, by the looks of him was also off to take his apparition test. Harry followed him with his father trailing behind him and was glad when his instincts turned out to be correct. The office was quite large and had a waiting area as well as a few desks. There was a chalkboard floating above each of them with magical numbers writing across them. It seemed to go in line with the young wizards and witches who were rushing over to the desks during every change. Harry saw the device they received the numbers from, which upon closer inspection turned out to be just a box that spit out the parchment. Harry grabbed up his number, four-thousand twenty-two and sat at the nearest bench. Not even ready to be nervous, having too much on his mind already, Harry simply rushed to the desk with his number above it when it came. The witch, who was wearing a monocle and a funny purple hat with a large stuffed cat on it looked at his parchment and pointed towards a door marked 7. His father didnt follow as he entered the room, which he was glad of. Name, said a voice as he stepped through. Harry Potter. Right, over there, on the line boy. Right. The voice, it turned out, belonged to an elderly wizard with an unshaven face, darkened teeth that seemed to be lain haphazardly and a lined face that reminded Harry of Mad-Eye Moody. Go ahead and tell us where youll apparate to, then go on and return immediately. Er, the playpark on Wysteria Walk, Little Whinging, Surrey, he said nervously. Go on then! Harry thought of the same park hed apparated to earlier in the day and cast the spell. This time, the crack was just as loud but the stomach shrinking feeling was lessened. It seemed that each time he apparated, it got a little easier. When he opened his eyes on the playpark, Harry smiled to himself and then thought of the office from which hed just come. Casting the spell again, Harry tried to keep his eyes open this time. He nearly succeeded, but a gust of air made him close them at the last minute. This time he opened them slowly, scared hed done it wrong and left his legs behind. When he opened them on the same ugly face, took a step forward and wiggled his toes to be sure everything was there, he smiled brightly. Since hed been so angry before, scared when his father taught him, it hadnt seemed quite as scary until hed had a chance to think of what he was doing. Well done! Pass. Now get out of here. Harry did just that, leaving the office in a hurry and excited to share his news with Ron. When he excited the office to see his father standing anxiously near the bench where hed sat, he remembered what was going on and frowned. Lets go, he said roughly, leading his father to the lifts.

~*~ When they arrived in the entrance to the Ministry, Harry immediately pointed his wand at himself, thought of the gates of Hogwarts and apparated. He didn't wait for his father or even care if he came along since he was quite determined that even if the rest of the world was in on this, Dumbledore certainly wouldn't be, nor would anyone at Hogwarts. Harry arrived quickly, but his stomach ached as he began to march up the drive. He figured the longer the journey, the more affect it had on a person. When he arrived at the door, which took a considerable amount of time without the aide of the carriages, Harry opened it and headed right up to the Gargoyle guarding the Headmasters office. Without so much as a thought, Harry sat down in the middle of the hall and waited. After a half an hour, his father appeared short of breath and stood with his hands on his knees, looking for all the world like hed run the whole way. Harry rolled his eyes and rested his chin on his hand while they waited. It wasnt but fifteen more minutes when Filch rounded the corner and got the look of a man possessed as he rushed over to them. Mrs. Norris followed behind him like a shadow. What are you two doing here? Waiting for the headmaster, Harry said without a hint of fear of the groundskeeper. Filch didnt seem to take well to this, but he didnt comment. I suppose youll go and get him for us? Harry! Dont speak to Mr. Filch that way! Dont tell me what to do, Harry said quickly, standing up and aiming his wand at the imposter. Youre not my bloody father! James just shook his head and said more quietly, If you would please, Mr. Filch. We need Professor Dumbledore here to settle some things. Certainly, Mr. Potter, Filch said with his idea of a smile. Harry nearly groaned; of course Filch would be in on it anything to get him the right to torture students. Voldemort would obviously allow him that pleasure. Mightnt you be more comfortable in the Great Hall? Or one of the guest rooms? Well wait here, Harry replied tersely. Fine, fine, Filch said with a nasty tone. He muttered to himself as he walked off, Mrs. Norris giving Harry a baleful look before following. After another forty minutes, Harry turned to find Professor Dumbledore coming along the corridor with Harry almost passed out when he saw who it was, his stomach doing a worse lurch than when hed apparated. Striding alongside Dumbledore in a black, pin-striped cloak with a well-pressed suit underneath and a dark head of hair atop his warm skin was what could only be an older version of the boy Harry had met in the Chamber of Secrets.

Seeing Voldemort in the flesh had scared Harry, seeing him in this disguise, one that made him seem almost normal was far worse. It certainly didnt give him the warm fuzzies that he was walking with Dumbledore in a seemingly friendly manner. James, how good to see you, Tom Riddle said jovially. Albus told me that you and your son were here to visit the headmaster and, as I was with him, I just had to come. They grasped hands firmly and shook like they were old friends. Harry felt like hed be sick. Harry my boy, what can I do for you, Dumbledore said with a concerned look on his face. Harry felt a warmth spread through his mind for a moment and realized that the headmaster was performing Occlumency. With a quick bit of concentration, Harry stopped him and put up his guards. The last year had given him time to learn his lesson on this matter, and even the greatest wizard in the land couldnt get into Harrys mind if he didnt want him to. Dumbledore gave a startled look, but only in his eyes. Neither Tom nor James noticed anything. Shall we go up to my office?