A pillar of flames burst to life, whirling in heatless blue. It only lasted a few moments before fading away, revealing….
A young man in Hogwarts student robes, trimmed in green, which served to bring out the natural light in his emerald eyes. His long hair was slicked back and secured with a silver clasp. Faintly see below that slick hairline was a lightning bolt scar.
The young man looked around for a moment, appeared to notice the Goblet of Fire, blinked, then nodded. “It would appear that I’ve been summoned to another version of Hogwarts, only this time before the Tri-Wizard tournament has begun. Interesting.”
The Headmaster blinked in surprise himself before offering the young man a grandfatherly smile. “Ah, it would seem a welcome back to Hogwarts is in order. Are you by chance, Harry Potter?”
Turning his attention from the Goblet to the Headmaster, the young man inclined his head. “That I am, Headmaster. Would it be that I have a counterpart in this school? Or is there some other chapter to my story in your world beyond that of The Boy Who Lived?”
The room filled with chatter at the news.
Momentarily taken aback, Dumbledore hid his surprise behind his smile. “You appear quite comfortable with the situation, Harry. Though no, your counterpart has been missing these many years. I had hoped, upon seeing you, that you might have been him, but from your words, you appear to feel this is a world other than your own.”
Harry once again inclined his head. “Parallel world theory is one of the elective courses in my world. However, I do not believe that this is the most opportune time to discuss such things. Perhaps we could move this conversation to your office. I would greatly appreciate it if Professor Snape could accompany us.”
Professor Snape looked conflicted as he drawled. “And why would I do that, Potter?”
“Because you’re my head of house?” Harry waved an imperial hand towards the green trim on his robes.”
The chatter in the room grew in intensity, especially from the newly identified house of The Boy Who Lived. The students from the other two schools looked confused and their own chatter grew as they tried to process what was going on.
The Potions Master regarded the boy in front of him. There was only a hint of the boy’s parents in the slytherin before him. If anything, the young man more resembled a young Lucious Malfoy. Was there a chance that this spawn of his hated rival was actually a student of worth? Slowly, he nodded. “Very well.” Standing from the head table, he turned with a swirl of his robes and went to stand by the boy. He turned his attention to the Headmaster, waiting.
Dumbledore blinked at the two before standing and making his way to their side. A brief glance around the Great Hall was all he allowed himself before leading the small group from the room. He could feel the eyes of the other Professors at his back, especially that of Minerva. The animagus was no doubt quivering with the repressed desire to interrogate him. He’d managed to placate her over the years about the missing Potter heir by expressing how much he was doing to find the lost boy. However, with a version of the boy here who had already admitted to being not-of-this-world, he would no longer be able to stave her off.
Suppressing a sigh, he made his way to his office.
***
Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, peering at Harry from above his glasses. “I see. So you were raised by Regulus Black in your world, one who had survived the War, though your parents and Sirius were killed. Fascinating. And Regulus still encouraged you to join Slytherin House, even given your status as The Boy Who Lived.”
Harry offered the Headmaster a slight smile. “It is because of my status that he recommended Slytherin. Not only am I the Head of the House of Potter, but I’m secondary Heir to the House of Black, after Regulus’s son. Additionally, many of the students of my generation were the children of Death Eaters who either perished in the War or managed to escape justice. After much discussion, it was decided that I could be an influence for change among my peers.”
There was a look that passed between the Potions Master and the Headmaster, one that Harry was all too familiar with from his own world. The Slytherin Head had never truly accepted him, holding his parentage against him. While he had accepted that over the years, it didn’t mean that he enjoyed the situation. He had hoped that the supposedly reformed Death Eater would be more of an advocate for change among the House of Snakes. Instead, the Professor retreated further into his own projects and left the running of the house to Harry and Draco.
Which suited the two just fine. Harry would have to contact this world’s Malfoy heir and see how things stood with their generation. From just this brief interaction, he was not hopeful.
***
“So you’re The Boy Who Lived? I don’t see what’s so special about you.”
Harry nodded his head to his Slytherin compatriot. “Something I agree with you, both in this world and my own. The mythos of The Boy Who Lived was one that served the Wizarding World for a time but no longer holds any true meaning. Especially as we recovered from the devastations of the world. Our generation, as the ones born during that world, have had to pick up the pieces. You and I have been leading that effort through our house, Malfoy. I had hoped to find something similar here, though from my brief conversation with the Headmaster and our Head of House, I do not find myself hopeful.”
Draco blinked in surprise. This was definitely not the encounter he had been expecting. The stories that had been circulated about the savior of the Wizarding World all had him as some kind of goody two shoes, especially the ones spread after he failed to arrive at Hogwarts. Supposedly the boy had been out continuing to save the world. Not to mention those ridiculous books that had been released about the boy’s exploits.
However, when he looked at the Potter Heir, he could see someone who more resembled himself, one who took pride and care in his appearance. The robes were of a quality silk, the hair immaculate, and his bearing that of one who knew he stood at the precipice of society.
“While I do not wish to disparage our esteemed Head of House, I’m afraid I must agree. He has a hands off approach to running the house, leaving it mostly to the prefects. While I have influence among those of our year, the older students are content to manage themselves.” Draco kept his face carefully schooled while admitting that. He didn’t like the fact that he’d failed to influence the older students, but at least they kept their machinations to themselves and let the younger years to themselves. Mostly.
Harry nodded once again. “Then I hope you will not take it remiss were I to offer my insights from having managed our house with my world’s Draco. The Houses of Potter, Black, and Malfoy represent the backbone of Slytherin there and I hope that I may be of service here.”
Draco wasn’t quite sure what to make of that, though he slowly nodded. Perhaps there was something to be gained here after all.
***
“How could you do it? How could you join Slytherin?”
Harry sighed as he turned to confront the student. “And why should it matter which house I am in? More specifically, why would you have something against Slytherin?”
The redheaded students scowled. “Because they’re all a bunch of slimy snakes and can’t be trusted!”
Harry raised the eyebrow beneath his scar. “Oh? You believe every student in Slytherin to be a snake animagus? That’s quite the bold statement. Also, I assure you that snakes are not slimy. They’re actually quite smooth and dry, even those that dwell in wet environments.”
The student seemed taken aback. His face scrunched up for a moment before he apparently rallied his meager mental efforts. “But you’re The Boy Who Lived! You’re supposed to be a beacon for all that is good! That’s what my mum always told me!” His cheeks stained red for a moment as he continued. “She even asked me to befriend you if I ever saw you.”
Suppressing a sigh, Harry shook his head. “I’m not sure what stories your mother has shared with you, Mr. Weasley, but I assure you that the truth of things is far from the fantasy that may have been shared with you. I’ve had this discussion numerous times with your counterpart in my world.”
Ron blushed even brighter. “You know who I am?”
This time Harry couldn’t suppress the sigh. “Of course I do, Mr. Weasley. I know all the students at Hogwart, considering that I’ve been attending the school for nearly six years.”
Ron’s eyes crossed before he nodded. “Oh that’s right. They told us you’re from another version of our world. Still not sure how that works.”
“While explaining parallel world theory would be entertaining, I am not a professor, and I do have other demands on my time. Was there something else I could help you with, Mr. Weasley, or did you just want to tell me how much you detest the House I chose to join and continue to be a member of?”
That seemed to get the attention of the redhead, as it always did. “How could you choose to join Slytherin?”
Hadn’t he dealt with this enough in his own world? Fortunately, Harry’d had plenty of experience butting heads with the stubborn Gryphondor. He settled in for yet another round of why all Houses mattered. Maybe he would manage to get through this time? Not that it had happened in his world but perhaps this one was different enough to matter.
***
“Dragons? You’re sure?”
Harry nodded at Cedric. “I wanted to wait until I could confirm that things were the same here before I talked to you. The dragons have just arrived in the Forbidden Forest. I plan on letting the other champions know, if they’re Headmasters have not already done so.”
Cedric nodded before frowning. “Why would you tell me? Not that I’m not thankful.”
Harry merely inclined his head. “We’re all in this together, Mr. Diggory. The Tri-Wizard Tournament is not something that should be taken lightly. Additionally, no one should have to go against a dragon unprepared. Besides, your counterpart did me a good turn once. I can only return the favor.”
***
“I’ve agreed to this meeting because you stated how important it was. Do not disappoint me, Mr. Potter.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it, Professor. While your counterpart and I may have had our differences over the year due to his experiences at the hand of my father, we have managed to put those differences aside for the good of the House.” Harry maintained a neutral expression as he sat in the Potions Master’s office.
“Indeed. Then by all means, do explain.”
Harry nodded. “What do you know of Bartemous Crouch Jr.?”
***
“Okay Potter, you can do this. You’ve done this before. You’re an accomplished wizard. You’re not fourteen this time.”
Harry looked at the flaps of the tent where he awaited his turn for the first task of the tournament. Things had occurred much like in his world, with the announcement, the selection, and him ending with the Hungarian Horntail.
When the announcement for his turn came he still found himself startled. Shaking his head, he stood, smoothed his robes and his hair, then set out to give the audience a show. They should see how the House of Slytherin compared to Hufflepuff.
Never let it be said that Harry Potter was one to shy away from friendly house competitiveness.
***
Harry staggered back into the tent, his robes smoking slightly. He was eternally thankful for the fireproof charms. Not that it would have worked against direct dragon’s fire, but the few close calls he’d had while skirting around the dragon were bad enough. At least his hair had made it through things. It took enough work just to control the mess. One of the reasons he’d grown it out.
Shaking away the distraction, he looked at the golden egg in his hands. Most likely it contained the same message as before. He would check in the baths tonight to be sure. Meanwhile, he had a few other things to attend to.
Like a victory party in the dungeons.
***
“Ms. Greengrass, a moment of your time, if you would.”
The young woman in question turned from her friend to look at the young man who had been making so many waves of late. To think that The Boy Who Lived had been sorted into the House of Cunning in another world. To think that there were other worlds, parallel ones that mirrored their own.
“Mr. Potter. A moment you may have.”
Harry smiled and nodded his thanks. “There will be an announcement soon regarding a Yule Ball that will be held as part of the Tournament proceedings. I would be honored if you would accompany me as my date. Your counterpart and I have a warm relationship and while I do not intend nor expect anything of a similar nature while in your world, I do hope that my experience with her would allow me to be a more appropriate date with you.”
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It took a moment for Daphne to process all the information the Potter heir had given her. Gazing into those blazing green eyes, she saw nothing but sincerity, a rarity among their house members. Perhaps there was something to the things Harry had been sharing with the other students of their house.
Daphne slowly nodded. “An interesting proposal. However, I do not know if you are appropriate as an escort. Let us instead get together for a series of outings to get to know one another. We’ll start with a trip to Hogsmead, where you’ll buy me lunch.”
Harry nodded with a smile.
***
“Karkaroff, a word, if you would.”
The Durmstrang Headmaster turned to glare at the Hogwarts Potions Professor. “Snape. What do you want?”
“It would appear that we have a situation developing. One that I know you’ve been feeling.” Snape tapped his robe covered forearm.
Karkaroff scowled before clutching his own forearm. “I only just started feeling a change in the mark. I’m guessing you did too, then?”
“Obviously. While I know how terrified that makes you, it does present us with an opportunity. One that takes advantage of knowledge brought by our most recent guest.”
Karkaroff’s scowl deepened. “And what would that boy know of anything?”
“It would appear… a great deal.”
***
“Remember the plan, Malfoy. Tonight is about networking.”
“Yes, Potter. I remember the plan. I helped make the plan.”
“True. And you look lovely, Astoria.”
“Thank you, Harry. You’d better make sure Daphne doesn’t feel ignored while you’re networking.”
“Considering that she’ll be networking herself, I don’t think she will.”
“Hmph. We’ll see.”
***
Harry felt his breath catch in his throat as Daphne made her way into the room. While he objectively knew that she wasn’t the one he had known for much of his life, he still felt himself captivated by her. However, this wasn’t his world. He would most likely be leaving her behind when the tournament ended and the Goblet returned him to his world, or so he hoped.
“Miss Greengrass, you are absolutely captivating.” He came to her side, offering his elbow, which she slid her hand onto.
“You are acceptable, Potter.”
***
“I beg your pardon? But I’m not sure what you’re asking, Harry.”
Harry sighed and shook his head. “Please remember, Headmaster, that I come from another world in which the Tri-Wizard tournament has already happened. I know what is involved in the second task, and I’m telling you to not take anyone hostage. You would have known of this request further in advance had you actually been willing to talk to me before now.”
If he hadn’t been as familiar with the Professor as he was, Harry was sure he would have missed the minute flinch. Even after these many months together, his status as a Slytherin still seemed to throw the old man off. Even though he’d tried his best to convince the man that his intentions were for the best for his generation.
Then again, his own Headmaster had proven particularly stubborn in regards to some of the changes Harry had wanted to implement over the years. Perhaps he should have expected the same from another version of the Headmaster.
The Headmaster sighed and seemed to watch Harry over the top of his glasses. “I’m afraid things are out of my hands, my boy. I do not have any say in the structure of the tasks. That is the prerogative of the heads of the various departments running the tournament. You would have had to speak with them and by now I am afraid it is far too late.”
Leaning back in the chair, the Headmaster rested his folded hands on his chest. “I’m sorry that I haven’t been able to meet with you like you’ve wished, Harry. But I cannot be seen to have favorites in this tournament.”
That grandfatherly smile was a lie and Harry knew it. Internally he sighed while outwardly returning the smile with a slight nod. “Very well, Headmaster. I shall not take any more of your time.”
Getting up from his chair, he turned to leave only to pause. “By the way, you never did tell me what happened to the House of Black in this world. Indeed, you’ve always seemed to avoid the subject.”
There was a darkness in the Headmaster’s eyes this time, one that Harry didn’t like.
“I’m afraid that there are no members of the House of Black who are able to handle the running of the house.”
“Ah. Thank you again for your time, Headmaster.”
Harry exited the Headmaster’s office, deep in thought.
Who exactly were the remaining members of the House of Black who weren’t able to handle running of the house. And more importantly, why?
***
The Black Lake was every bit as cold as he remembered. Even with practicing in the waters to prepare for the task, he was still unable to become fully accustomed to the cold. Not even his warming charm could cut the chill that threatened to invade his bones. After this event he was going to find the warmest blanket he could find and sit himself in front of a fire, reputation be damned.
Reorienting himself on the tracking charm on the bracelet he’d given to Daphne earlier, he hurried through the waters. He might even be able to save Delacour and finally make inroads with the Beaubaton’s champion. More allies would be valuable in combating the influence of Voldemort in this world. Not to mention he needed more people to continue the work when he left.
Not that he’d know what happened after he left. That would be up to Draco and Daphne.
Now he just had to rescue Daphne and hope she didn’t ask for too much as recompense for this whole situation.
Especially since it wasn’t his fault.
***
“I trust that Draco has not done something to cause this meeting to be.”
“Indeed. I trust you remember Karkaroff?”
The Malfoy Head nodded, his look disinterested in one who he once shared a common cause. “Karkaroff.”
The Durmstrang Headmaster sneered. “Malfoy.”
“Before you get started, gentlemen, perhaps we could get to the reason I called for this meeting.”
Malfoy leaned heavily on his cane for a moment before nodding. Karkaroff scowled before nodding as well.
Snape took a moment to look between the two before nodding to himself and focusing on Malfoy. “The Dark Lord is returning. Potter confirmed the same happened in his world.”
Ignoring the sharp intake of breath from Malfoy, he continued. “However, we have an opportunity. Potter has brought a rather interesting proposal to me. Let me share the details of what we’ve planned thus far…”
***
“You said it was urgent, Professor Snape. This had better be. I’ve got things that need doing.”
“Indeed, Professor Moody. Please sit. This will not take long.”
The Defense Professor narrowed his good eye at the Potions Master for a moment before scowling. He pulled out his flask, looked at it for a moment, grimaced, then returned it to his pocket, then took a seat, easing his peg leg in front of him. “This had better be good, Snape.”
“I do believe we have something important to discuss. Such as the disposition of our Master.”
The magical eye that had been whirling around zoomed back to focus on Snape as Mood appeared to go still for just a moment. It was a brief moment but Snape had been looking for it.
“Last I heard, your Master had been killed by that boy Potter in your House. He’s been avoiding me. Doesn’t even attend classes with the other Slytherins.” Moody’s tongue darted out to lick his lips, before he scowled. “I’ve actually been meaning to talk to you about it.”
“Ah yes, our resident celebrity. Summoned by the Goblet. A truly wondrous event.” Snape drawled, careful not to roll his eyes too noticeably. “However, in spite of his appearance, or perhaps because of his appearance, it would appear that there are some things that need to be discussed, Barty.”
Had Snape not already had his wand in hand the entire time, it was quite possible that Barty, disguised as Moody, would have been able to get off the stunner before being disarmed. As it was, Snape had two wands and one very skittish Death Eater.
“Calm yourself, Barty. We have much to discuss. Such as how we can assist our Master together, and how we can bring others into the fold. I’ve already begun by talking to Lucius, who will be gathering the old guard together so we can properly welcome our Master back.”
Snape leaned forward, wand still pointed at the fake auror. “Now, are you ready to talk, or do you need more… encouragement?”
Barty’s tongue darted out again before he slowly nodded.
***
Harry vowed that he would one day invent a portkey that didn’t cause him intense nausea as he picked himself off the ground in the all too familiar graveyard. A moment later he rolled away as a stunner was sent his way. Dodging behind a tombstone, he frowned. That had not been part of the plan.
“Oh Harry, it’s so good to see you. You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting for this meeting.”
“Wormtail. I’m afraid that I can’t say that I approve of your venue, or your greeting. Surely a friend of the family could have sent a proper invitation.”
“Stop playing with the boy and bring him to me.”
Harry allowed a hint of a smile to grace his lips. There was the confirmation he was looking for. Tilting his wand up, he cast a flare. Within moments there was the sound of apparition and stunning spells before he heard a voice call out.
“Mr. Potter, if you would be so kind as to come out.”
Harry kept his wand at the ready as he peeked out from behind the tombstone. Lucius Malfoy, Igor Karkaroff, Severus Snape, the Minister of Magic, as well as several aurors and other notables, surrounded the trussed up form of Wormtail, as well as the bundle containing the Voldemort homunculus. The Minister was alternating between gobsmacked and stammering. Fortunately, Malfoy seemed to have things in hand.
“As you can see Minister, the House of Malfoy takes its role as a pillar of Wizarding Society seriously. We learned of the plot to resurrect the Dark Lord and took steps to stop it.”
“Right. Right.” The Minister swallowed before continuing. “We’ll just see about policy changes worked out so that you can continue to serve the Wizarding world.” He reached up to cover his mouth with a handkerchief before turning away and hurrying into the apparent safety of his army of aurors.
Lucius made his way over to Harry. “Congratulations are in order, Mr. Potter. I never would have expected you to take advantage of the Dark Lord’s return to help cement the position of one such as myself.”
Harry inclined his head in greeting. “I owe a great deal to the Lucius of my world. It would be remiss if I didn’t try to pass on some of that gratitude to you here. Your son is a friend of mine and I hope that the things we’ve talked about for the future come to pass here, after I return home. And you'll see to the release of Sirius Black?”
Lucius inclined his head in his own acknowledgement. “The House of Malfoy will remember. Good luck to you, Mr. Potter. I hope that your world appreciates what you’re trying to do.”
Harry opened his mouth to reply only to be enveloped in a pillar of fire and vanish from the world.