Preview: The Invincible Stag

Disclaimer:

Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to J.K Rowling.

I own nothing but the original characters I make.

“Dialogue”

‘Thoughts’

-Author notes-

A.N: - This is the other project that I have been working on occasion. It's called "The Invincible Stag".

This is a marauders-era fic where an elderly Harry Potter at the end of his life is forcefully sent back in time and into the body of James Potter.

From then on, he had to figure things out and try to live his life as his own father while dealing with the incoming threat of Voldemort.

The pairing would be a young and beautiful Bellatrix Black. Narcissa and Lily Evans are also considered but I would like to hear what people think about those. Especially Lily since it could be a bit weird.

Anyway, if you have time, give it a read. You have the first 9 chapters here. And tell me what you think of it.-

Chapter 01: A Grand Life

On the top of a grassy hill overlooking the north coast of Scotland, was a small but thriving magical community.

It was also a fairly new one, only having existed for a few decades, so it lacked the rich history of places like Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade. And yet, many wizards and witches chose to move their homes and businesses to this isolated place.

The reason for that was the same one for this town to exist in the first place….this was the massive ivory tower that rose in the middle of it.

It was also known as the Alquemy Tower, the Tower of Knowledge, or as its creator originally called it…The Potter Tower.

People crowded the streets of the small town. Today, no one was busy working or doing anything else, apart from being outside.

One would think this was because of some joyous occasion like a festival, but that would be very mistaken.

Every man, woman, and child was wearing black robes, as they had been doing for the past few days. When they received the terrible news…Harry James Potter, the greatest wizard who has ever lived, was dying at the age of one hundred and fifty-seven.

Everyone looked at the ivory tower, where Harry had lived and worked for a very long time. They had been told that today was going to be the day…and when it finally happened, one of his disciples would light up the blue alchemy flame located at the top of the tower, so they would all know.

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“Stop making that face, Augustus. The Minister of Magic should always remain composed.” The kind-looking old man spoke with a tired voice.

“But Master…” Augustus Longbottom was the grandson of Neville Longbottom and the first disciple that Harry took under his wing, so his incoming passing was affecting him harder than the rest.

At the age of eighty, the Minister of Magical Britain was known as a powerful and wise wizard, however, in front of his Master, he seemed to regress to an early age.

Surrounding Harry’s bed, were dozens of individuals of a wide range of ages, from late teenagers to elderly. But now, they all shared the same expression of misery, as their reason for being here was to see their beloved Master during his final moments.

Harry moved his old green eyes around, scanning the room filled with familiar faces…and smiled. His mind went back to when it all started.

After his glorious victory over Voldemort, peace returned to the country. Harry and Ginny were able to continue their relationship. They moved together and were even making plans for their wedding.

But it all went crumbling down when Harry found out by accident about her numerous infidelities while he was staying at the Auror academy…this broke him in more ways than he knew at the moment.

He took his things and left the house where they were both have been living. With no other place to go, he made a trip to Gringotts in order to pick up his last few galleons.

While staring at his empty vault and wondering if he should quit the auror academy and find some job to make quick money, the goblin next to him asked him something that changed his life completely.

The goblin questioned if he didn't want his trust vault to be refilled with gold from the main vault, now that it was empty. He never heard of this main vault before, as no one had told him before now.

Harry could not believe what he was seeing when the main Potter vault was open. A mountain of gold that reached the ceiling. More galleons than he would ever be able to spend in his life.

This changed everything for him…with no more need to find a job. Harry filled a big bag with gold and left the country without looking back.

He decided to venture into the world and dedicated every moment to the pursuit of knowledge and to expand his horizons.

At first, this was something he did just to take his mind out of the terrible thoughts that plague him every night.

But he soon discovered a passion for learning that he never knew was there.

Harry would spend many more decades like this. He would learn from everyone he could about all types of magic. He would not shy away from learning even the darkest of magics. For he believed that knowledge could not be inherently good or evil and it all depended on how it was used.

At the age of seventy, he came back to Britain and bought a piece of land on the north coast of Scotland.

He had recently been learning a branch of magic that would require him to have a more permanent dwelling.

It had taken him a long time to immerse himself in this particular branch of magic because it first required a great deal of practice and study of potions. And this had been his least favorite subject since he stepped foot on Hogwarts for the first time.

But one day, he found a good and kind professor in France who was willing to give private classes.

It was then that he learned that he really enjoyed the process of brewing potions. At the age of sixty-two, Harry Potter officially became a Potion Master.

Had Severus Snape still been alive, this news would likely have been sufficient to give him a heart attack.

The construction of his tower started soon after purchasing the last. With enough money, everything went faster, and Harry had plenty of that. The goblins finished the entire structure in two months. A beautiful tower made of pure white stone.

This was meant to serve as his new home and laboratory for his alchemical experiments.

He didn't leave the tower too often after that. For most supplies, he could order them via owl. He also didn't have anyone to visit.

Ron had passed away before his return to Britain, and Hermione never returned any of his letters. He could only assume she had not forgiven him for leaving in such an abrupt manner all these years ago.

The next decade went by in a flash. By the age of eighty, he was finally ready to start showing the results of his experiments to the rest of the world.

The discovery of several new uses for magical ingredients such as basilisk blood, had made him famous once more inside Britain.

But it was his creation of a fully functional homunculus that took him into the realm of legends and turned him into a worldwide celebrity.

He started to receive a lot of visits after that. Some wanted to just meet him and exchange some ideas, some wanted to steal his research and some wanted to become his disciples.

Since he didn't have any heirs of his blood. He found the idea of taking an apprentice who could carry on his legacy somewhat appealing. He was not a young lad anymore.

His first disciple turned out to be the grandson of an old friend. And my more came after that.

He had to become very selective with who he accepted as a disciple, as there were many candidates and he was only willing to take a new one every few years.

As a result, he only took the best and most talented ones, but he also made sure their heart was in the right place. He did not wish to become the Master of the next Dark Lord.

Harry did not hold back any of his knowledge to his disciples either. he would teach them as much as they wish to learn. Every single one of them eventually rose to become prominent figures in the magical world.

But he did not slack in his own research either and ended up making public many more discoveries that propelled his status to an almost divine status.

People even built an entire town around his tower. With his permission, of course.

Harry's mind returned to the present.

One of his biggest regrets in life had been not having any children of his own. No matter how many things he had archived, he always felt that he had failed his family in that regard. The Potter family line was going to end with him.

But looking at the sad expression of his many disciples, Harry realized something…he did have children. Dozens of wizards and witches who loved him, respected him, and will remember and carry on his legacy for generations to come.

Their names may not be Potter's, but they were all his children in the end.

“I'm satisfied…” Harry smiled.

“Master?” Augustus looked at him with worry.

“What do you mean?”

They all stared at him, waiting for his next words.

“With my life…I’m satisfied…my…children…” His green eyes finally lost their shine as the last vestiges of vitality left his body.

His disciples yelled for him and cried, but there was no more answer. Harry James Potter had finally gone on his next great adventure.

Disclaimer:

Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to J.K Rowling.

I own nothing but the original characters I make.

“Dialogue”

‘Thoughts’

-Author notes-

Chapter 02: The beginning after the end

His vision was filled by an overwhelming amount of white.

After some time, the shapes around him became more distinct.

Walls, floors, benches, signs…

“This place…I have been here before. A very long time ago.”

This was the King Cross station…or at least it looked like it to him. Except everything here was pristine white.

“You were here before. But it wasn't your time then.”

He was startled by the sudden appearance of a voice. He had not been expecting to find anyone else here.

“You know…is rude to speak with someone without showing yourself.” He spoke with a reprimanding tone.

“I have been in front of you the entire time.”

His eyes moved as he spotted some dark shadow in front of him. At first, it was just a shapeless…thing. But it slowly started to form a human figure.

A short girl with black hair, black eyes, and black clothes.

It made a massive contrast to the rest of the room.

“I can see you!..why couldn't I see you before?”.

“You were not ready yet.”

“Who are you?” He asked with a hint of fear.

“You know who I am.” the girl told him. She then stared at the train rails.

“Your train is here.”

As she said, moments later, a pristine white train arrived at the station and stopped, opening the doors of the wagon in front of him.

He was not able to see the interior of the train for some reason, but without thinking, his feet started to move, being drawn toward that door.

But then, the black-haired girl stood in his way, blocking the entrance.

“Why? Isn't this what you are here for? To make sure I enter that train?” Harry could not guess this…'girl' purpose for doing this.

“Normally, yes…I came into existence to be the guide…the driver…the nexus between worlds, but today I must be the wall that bars you from entering that place…for that, I am very sorry.”

“You…Death… doesn't want me to die? What am I supposed to do then?.” He spoke with exasperation.

“This is the second time I deny someone my gift…and the first time that is not out of my own will. But my brother Destiny said that this must be done, and he is never wrong.”

“Destiny?!... What…what is this about?. What must be done?.” Harry demanded answers. Not caring if he was talking to one of the most powerful beings in existence.

“I wouldn't mind explaining it to you but….you are not going to remember a single thing from this place. “

She moved forward and black wings sprouted from her back.

He felt afraid all of a sudden and took a step back.

“Wait, I don't want to go!”

But she was not listening anymore.

She moved forward and the light became completely eclipsed by darkness.

The last thing he heard was the beating of mighty wings.

<><><><><><><>

August 10, 1974. Saints Mungo intensive care unit.

“I am very sorry, Lady Potter, Lord Potter…there is nothing more we can do for your son.”

“This can't be happening!. He is just a child. He was about to start his fourth year of school.” Lady Potter hugged her husband and started sobbing.

“Nothing you can do? Come on, I know of many cases of people surviving dragon pox. There has to be some potion or something out there, money is not an issue.” Lord Potter looked miserable.

“I am very sorry, Lord Potter. This is not an issue of money. The disease has already spread into his brain. Even if we could somehow eliminate it immediately, chances are…he will never wake up again.” The healer explained.

Fleamont and Euphemia Potter approached the bed where their son, James was sleeping peacefully.

“He is so…quiet.” The mother said.

“Yes…he is always been a restless rascal…with his damn pranks and his obsession with Quidditch…” The father said.

The couple was already fairly old. Fleamont was sixty-three and his wife fifty-five. It was already a miracle they were able to have one son, they both knew that James was their one and only chance…and now they were about to lose him.

A knock on the door.

“Excuse me, but there are three kids here saying they want to visit the patient.” someone said from the other side of the door.

“I told you there would be no visits.” the healer huffed.

“No, wait. Let them in.” Euphemia said.

“But lady Potter…”

“Please, this may be the last chance they have to see him…” The mother said, her voice filled with pain.

“Ver well…let them in.” The healer exclaimed.

The door opened and three boys rushed inside.

“James!” Sirius was the first one to enter and hurried to James' bed.

“Lord and Lady Potter.” Remus first addressed the parents in the most polite way he knew before moving next to Sirius.

“H-hello…” Peter was very nervous and kept his head down. He always got nervous when addressing Lord Potter. The man could be very intimidating.

“Is he going to be okay?” Sirius asked.

“The other healers would not tell us anything…what is his condition?” Remus looked at the parents.

“Not good…” Fleamont shook his head.

“The healer said…” Euphemia found the words very heavy.

“He said there was no hope…James will never wake up again…”

“Nooo!, that can't be true.” Sirius looked at the sleeping face of James Potter.

“James, come on!, wake up.”

“This can't be…” Remus was shocked.

“Oh no…James.” Peter had tears in his eyes.

Sirius turned to the healer.

“Is there nothing that can be done? nothing at all?”

“As I said to his parents. The dragon pox has invaded his brain. At this point there is nothing more we can do…the damage is too severe…James Potter will never wake up again.”

“Ahhh!” Peter let out an incredibly loud scream when he saw it.

James's eyes were now open.

Disclaimer:

Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to J.K Rowling.

I own nothing but the original characters I make.

“Dialogue”

‘Thoughts’

-Author notes-

Chapter 03: New life

He felt completely disoriented when he woke up. He was surrounded by people he did not recognize. Everything was so confusing.

“James!”

“James, you are…alive?”

“My son!”

Voices resounded in his ears. It felt overwhelming. His head started to hurt…he screamed.

“James!.”

“Oh no!, healer, do something!”

Images invaded his mind…places, people…some of them were familiar, others were not…

‘What is this?...where am I?’ He wondered.

The pain finally started to subside. Whatever that healer was doing…it was working.

He opened his eyes again and glanced at the people around him.

‘This can't be possible…’

He did not immediately recognize the older couple looking at him with concern, but he had seen them in those visions.

He did recognize the others, no matter how much time passed. He will never forget about Remus, Sirius, and…Wormtail.

‘They look so young though. Have I been sent to the past?.’

“James…how are you feeling?. Please, say something.” The old lady asked.

He just noticed that they are referring to him as…James.

‘I am not in my own body?...but James?, that's impossible!.’ His mind started to overwork, trying to make sense of this situation.

“A mirror.” He requested.

“You want a mirror?” Peter looked confused.

“You look normal…what do you want a mirror for?” Sirius was confused.

“I'm going to have to ask everyone to leave the room, please.” The healer asked.

“I need to examine my patient…this amount of excitement is not good for someone who just awakened.”

“Here, honey.” The woman approached him and gave him a small mirror she took from her purse.

“Thanks…” He tried to smile.

“Well be right outside, son…” The old man gave him a restaurant look before turning to the healer.

“You better know what you are doing now.”

The old man looked seriously upset at the healer.

The boys and the two adults went outside.

“Does anything hurt now?” The healer asked while waving his wand around him.

“No..my head was hurting but it's better now.”

“Can you tell me your name?” The healer asked.

“James…” That's what everyone was calling him.

“Last name?”

He opened the mirror and looked at himself. He knew that face…it was one he had seen many times, even though he didn't have many pictures of his parents.

‘How could this happened?’ The situation made no sense to him. He never heard or read about something like this accruing to anyone.

“Do you not remember your last name?” The healer insisted.

“Potter. I am James Potter.” No matter how absurd that sounded, he knew this was the only explanation. He somehow ended up in the body of his father, James.

“That is correct.” The healer wrote something on a piece of paper.

“What happened to…me?” He needs to know. His father was supposed to live for many more years, so his son should have never been able to be here.

“In a moment, Mister Potter…I have a few more questions first.” The healer glanced at him.

“What is the last thing you remember?”

He thought for a moment, his mind was still working on making some sense of all the images he received before. Those must have been the latest memories of James Potter.

One of the latest ones was in some massive garden, he was…

“I was flying my broom on…my house. I started to feel bad all of a sudden and..I think I fell down onto the ground.”

The healer nodded.

“Can you tell me the names of your friends?, the boys that came to visit you a moment ago?”

“Are you testing me for brain damage?” James raised an eyebrow.

“Please, answer the question, Mister Potter.” The healer insisted again.

“Very well…Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, and Peter Pettigrew.”

The healer seemed satisfied now.

“It seems like everything is in order. And to answer your question…Let's see, six weeks ago you fell from your broom. That was because you had contracted a very serious variant of Dragon Pox. When your parents brought you here, you were unconscious, and soon after, you entered a coma state…the disease had invaded your brain. It was the fastest acting case I have ever seen.”

“But now I’m fine and you don't understand how.” He stated.

“We all thought that you would never wake up again. But now you are awake and there are no traces of the Dragon Pox. I will admit, I am…I have no answers at the moment. Hold on.”

The healer walked to the door and called his parents.

Fleamont and Euphemia hurried inside and went to his side.

“How is he?” Asked the father.

His mother went to hug him…this felt somewhat awkward, he never met his grandparents, or…his parents now. He had some memories of them but it was still very strange to have two people he barely knew acting so familiar with him.

“I would like for James to stay in the hospital for a few more days to run some tests. But for the moment…everything looks good.”

“A minute ago you told us that our son will never wake up. And now everything looks good?!” Fleamont walked to the healer with an angry expression.

“Fleamont stop!. This is not the healer's fault.” Euphemia exclaimed.

“I am very sorry, Lord Potter. But everything indicated my diagnosis to be correct…I have never even read about a case where someone recovered this fast from such an advanced case of dragon pox.” The healer explained.

“And now you want him to remain here so you can do some experiments?.” His father muttered.

“We just want to make sure the disease is completely gone… that's all. I assure you, Lord Potter, that this is the truth.”

“Fleamont that's quite enough!.” She looked at the healer.

“Yes, of course. We will do what is best for our son. How are you feeling, James?”

He tried to smile.

“Much better, thank you.”

“Since when are you so polite?” Fleamont raised an eyebrow.

“Oi healer. Are you sure his brain didn't get damaged?”

“I am for now…” The healer looked troubled.

“Can we go back inside?!” Sirius shouted from the other side of the door.

“Yes, we just want to see him!” Said Remus.

“Please, Mister Healer!” Added Peter.

“If the patient doesn't mind, is fine I suppose.” The healer said.

Harry, no…James nodded.

“Let them in.”

Disclaimer:

Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to J.K Rowling.

I own nothing but the original characters I make.

“Dialogue”

‘Thoughts’

-Author notes-

Chapter 04: Welcome Home

Talking to the young  Sirius, Remus, and Wormtail has been very nerve-racking for many reasons.

For Sirius and Remus, it was very nostalgic and nice to see them again, even if they weren't the same people he knew, but a much more naive and mischievous version of them.

Wormtail was…so different from the broken coward and traitorous man he knew. Peter was just an awkward boy, but he seemed nice overall.

James had to do his utmost effort to avoid judging him for things he has never done yet, and will probably never do now…history will be very different this time.

In the end, he was forced to remain in that hospital for an entire week before being allowed to leave.

His mother Euphemia never left his side and they spent many hours talking. Luckily, she didn't ask him many specific questions, only things like ‘How are you feeling today?’ or ‘Are you looking forward to going back to Hogwarts?’.

His father visited them every day after he was done with his work at the Ministry.

James never asked directly but by the conversations he heard, his father Fleamont was the Head of the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes.

Basically, they were the ones who intervened when some wizard or witch did something that would expose our world to the muggles. They contained the situation and obliviated every witness.

Most of the day, he spent it reading. His mother had brought him all the school books he was going to need for the next year, as well as some of his favorite storybooks from home.

It was truly strange to treat them as his parents and refer to them as mother and father. But no matter what, they were always his family.

In his past life, they were his grandparents, and now his parents. Had they still been alive after his parents died, he could have been originally raised by them instead of the Dursleys.

So, treating them as his true parents was strange, but not in an unpleasant way. He was just not used to having a family at all.

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He did not have any complete memory of the house where he grew up, just small fragments. So it was a surprise when he finally saw it.

When growing up, he had all sorts of crazy fantasies about his parents living in a castle. But never expect him to actually live in one.

Now, it was hard from perfect. The castle looked ancient and in serious need of repairs. It seemed like at some point had four towers, but three of them had collapsed and the fourth one will soon follow if no one maintains it.

The main building was around four stories high and was all made of dark grey rocks. Finally, the entire property was surrounded by a high metal fence with spikes at the top.

It was a far cry from something like Hogwarts, but it was still impressive. Especially considering that only three people live there. He was sure that during the time this was built, his family must had at least a dozen members and over a hundred servants living there.

James had to hide his reaction the best he could, and he could not comment on it or ask questions as it would seem weird.

“Glad to be back home, James?” Asked Fleamont.

“Yes, father…I am.” That was not a lie at least. He liked the idea of having an ancestral home. His ivory tower was just something he commissioned to be built for him. And it did become a home for him and some of his apprentices for many decades, but it wasn't the same.

“Let’s go inside then.” His mother patted him on his back

When Fleamont was about to reach the main gates of the castle, this one opened by themselves by some magical enchantment.

Or that is what James thought at first.

“Welcome home, Masters and Mistress!” A little house elf said with a bow.

“Thank you, Dipsy. Have the preparations been completed?” Fleamont asked as he walked inside followed by his wife and son.

“Yes. Loory is almost done with them.” The elf answer.

James was surprised to hear an elf talk in such a normal way. He lived for many years but never even considered having a house elf with him so he had little experience with them. He mostly interacted with two elves during his lifetime, Dobby and Gretchen.

‘Mmm…I wonder if the cranky old elf of the Blacks is already around. They are supposed to live longer than humans and he was very old when he met him, so there is a good chance he has been with that family for many decades already.’

James continued to follow his mother while looking around the castle. Despite its outward abandoned appearance, the interior is well taken care of and clean. The job of the house elves, no doubt.

They walked to the second floor and stopped in front of one door.

“Why don't you go rest for a bit, James? Well, see you at dinner.” His mother suggested.

James opened the door. He felt a familiar sense as he entered. This was definitely his bedroom.

Nothing too fancy, just a bed, a desk, a wardrobe, a chest, and several Quidditch posters on the walls.

There was also a broom on one corner, a Comet 220.

Nimbus have only been around for less than a decade at this point, so Comet and Cleansweaper were the most dominant brands in the market still.

James left the suitcase carrying all his things on the floor and went to sit down on the bed.

This all felt completely surreal to him still.

‘This is going to take some time to get used to…at least I still have almost an entire month before I need to venture into Hogwarts and be surrounded by people.’

He will have to try and use this time to become the most convincing James Potter he could muster.

Disclaimer:

Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to J.K Rowling.

I own nothing but the original characters I make.

“Dialogue”

‘Thoughts’

-Author notes-

Chapter 05: A change of personality

The night of his arrival at home, James went downstairs to the dining room, where the female elf Dipsy had told him his parents were waiting for him.

When he arrived, he found a massive feast waiting for him, as well as many fancy decorations and a sign that said,  “Welcome home, James.”

‘So that's what the other elf has been preparing.’ He had wondered what that comment from before was.

“Come on, son. Take a seat.” His father Fleamont pulled out a chair for him.

“Welcome home, James!” Euphemia gave him a warm smile.

“Welcome home, Master James,” Dipsy said.

“Welcome home, Master.” The other elf called Loory was much older than Dipsy, he almost reminded him of Gretchen. Just a more polite and less insane version of him.

“Thank you, to all of you…really,” James told them before sitting down and enjoying his dinner.

<><><><><><><><><>

A few days passed and James became more accustomed to being once more in the body of a young man. He could once again do things like jump and run that he hadn't been able to do for decades.

There was not much entertainment in the castle, other than exploring and reading. He did glance over all his school books, to refresh his memories about those subjects. But from what he has seen, the fourth year was not going to be much of a challenge to him.

The exploration revealed that not much was left of the three broken towers and the fourth one had its entrance sealed since it was too dangerous to enter. This was apparently done by his father after he was born for his own protection.

Much of the central building has been left unused. Of the over fifty bedrooms, three dining rooms, two great halls, twelve studies, and so on…only a small part were used. But the elves made sure to keep everything clean.

In the backyard, he found a magnificent training ground, with plenty of room to move around and even some dummies, charmed to auto repair themselves.

He wanted to give it a go and try some magic, but then recalled his current state as a Hogwarts student and that he was not allowed to do magic outside the school until he passed his O.L.W.S.

James could only hope that his old wand will still answer to him.

One day, while walking around the halls, he overheard a conversation his parents were having.

“He behaves so differently now,” Fleamont told his wife.

“Have you noticed it?”

“Of course, I have, dear…how can I not?. He is my son.”

“He is so quiet and polite…he hasn't tried to pull any pranks on the elves yet,” Fleamont muttered.

“Well…the healer warned us that we may see some small changes in him. After all, that disease had spread to his mind…” Euphemia reminded him.

“This is not a small change. He is like a completely different boy!”

“He is still our son. A mother can always tell, and that's my boy there.” She got a bit defensive.

“What if he has become a retard?. Or if he can do magic no more?”

“Don't use that word!” She shouted at him.

“And as long as he is happy, I will be happy for him.”

“Of course, me too!. But…I just want my son to achieve great things in life, is that bad?”

“No, my dear, it’s not. But  I don't think you have to worry about his intelligence, I have seen him spend a lot of time reading academic books. He may even become a better student now.”

“Mmm…you know?, you may be right. If he lays down the pranks and Quidditch a bit and focuses some more on school…yes, that can only be a good thing.”

James stood away from the door and continued to walk, he did not want to intrude on them anymore.

But this had brought up a problem for him. He did not know how to be James Potter. He had only heard some stories from Sirius and Remus. He knew he was somewhat of a prankster.

From Snape's memories, he knew he had been a bit of a bully. At least to Snape.

From the fragments he acquired during his first day in this world, he couldn't get much. It was all too incomplete and hard to interpret. Most of the pieces made little sense without context.

‘I guess there is just no way to prevent people from questioning my personality change. Instead of trying to hide the fact that something happened to me, is going to be easier to invent something that would justify the changes.’ He decided.

He did not have to think too long about that. His mother's comment from before gave him everything he needed.

The dragonpox he suffered had extended to his brain and put him in a coma for over a week. There was always a chance that something like that would affect someone's personality.

Or at least that's what he was planning on telling people if they asked.

<><><><><><><><>

During his remaining time at home, he received several letters from his friends, but they were not able to visit him.

Sirius seemed to be having a hard time at home. The blacks were not going easy on him. James wondered if there was something he could do to help him.

Remus was not allowed to leave his family home too much, due to his werewolf curse,  his parents were very protective of him and lived pretty much in reclusion. His visit to the hospital was an exception they made given the severity of James' condition.

He did not know much about Peter's situation. He only knew that his family lived in some wizard settlement called Upper Appleby and that they were somewhat poor.

It did not matter much to him. He will see them all soon at Hogwarts. And there was one more person he was looking forward to seeing.

Someone he had been wanting to meet during all his early life, his former mother, Lily Evans.

Disclaimer:

Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to J.K Rowling.

I own nothing but the original characters I make.

“Dialogue”

‘Thoughts’

-Author notes-

Chapter 06: An awaited reunion

“Some things never change…” James said to himself as he witnessed the Hogwarts train arrive at the station.

It was just as he remembered from all those years ago.

‘I suppose, technically…that is the future and not the past.’ He had to keep reminding himself that he was back in 1974.

He told his parents goodbye and proceeded to venture into the train, amidst the crowd of students.

The corridors were more filled than he ever recalled seeing. Maybe there were more students during this time.

He had to carefully thread his way around, moving some students out of his way so he could continue.

Sirius told him they would be waiting for him at the usual cabin, all the way on the back of the train.

‘That was also the cabin I used with Ron and Hermione…’ He found it to be a peculiar coincidence.

“Ouch!”

During a brief distraction, he accidentally bumped into someone. By the voice, it was a girl.

And when he turned around to see her, the first thing he noticed was her long charcoal-black hair, and how messy it was at the moment. To the point that it covered her face completely.

“I’m very sorry. Allow me to help.” James hurried to say while placing his briefcase down and helping the girl.

When she moved her long wavy hair off her face, it revealed a stunning pair of violet eyes.

And an angry expression that seemed so familiar to him, somehow…but couldn't place it at the moment.

“Potter? Are you kidding me?!” She slapped his hand away.

“I don't need your help.”

“What happened?” A very pretty blonde girl came out of the cabin next to them.

“Sister, are you okay?!”

The blonde girl helped her sister up before looking at James.

“Potter!, the year hasn't even started yet and you are already attacking us?”

“Let me go, Cissy. I’m going to teach him a lesson he won't forget!.” The black-haired girl pulled out her wand and pointed it at James, but was quickly grabbed by the other girl.

“Stop Bella!. You are going to get expelled if you do that here!.”

'Bloody hell!. Those are Bellatrix Lestrange and Narcissa Malfoy…no, they are probably still Black. I thought they were a few years older, so I didn't expect to see them still at Hogwarts.' James was in shock right now.

Before he realized it, he was also holding his wand. Just hearing the name of Belatrix had put him on high alert. It seemed like he had not lost his battle instinct after all these years.

But he regained his senses and stored his wand back into the robes. This was not the Bella he knew. At least not yet…

“Miss Black…"

They both glanced at him with furrowed brows.

“Sorry for bumping into you. Now if you’ll excuse me…” From what little he had seen of her, he could already guess that trying to talk with her would be a waste of time.

He ignored their glances and continued his path towards the back of the train.

It took him a while to get there but arrived eventually.

“Hello?” He knocked on the door of the cabin.

“Come in, James!” He heard Sirius's voice and opened up.

He found that Sirius, Remus, and Peter, were already there. With one more addition to the group.

The last boy looked somewhat familiar too. He had curly black hair and a skinny body.

“James!. I was so glad to hear of your recovery.” The boy stood up and approached him to stretch his hand.

“Come on, Frank. Let him put away that suitcase first. It looks heavy.” Sirius told him.

‘Frank?... that's it!, that must be Frank Longbottom. He is Neville's father!. Or he will be one day.’ James realized.

“Thank you, Frank. I’m feeling totally recovered now.”James told him.

“You are one of the lucky ones, James. Dragon pox is quite the nasty thing.” Remus commented.

“Hi, James. Is nice to finally have the group back together.” Peter smiled.

“It is…” James took a seat next to Sirius.

“By the way, I had a brief encounter with your cousins.”

Sirius grimaced.

“Yikes…”

“What happened?” Asked Remus.

“I just bumped into Bellatrix and she fell on the floor,” James told him.

“I’m surprised you managed to get away without any injuries. Bella can be truly brutal…” Said Sirius.

“Her sister Narcissa stopped her.”

“Did you bump her on purpose?. That's one Slytherin we shouldn't provoke…” Peter looked worried.

“Of course not!. It wasn't on purpose. I wouldn't do that.” At last, he hoped…

“Well…is just. I think we went a bit too hard on the Slytherin students last year. That's all.” Peter said.

“He is not wrong…” Remus added.

“That was just because Snivellus was being extra insufferable last year!” Sirius exclaimed.

“Isn't that right, James?. He was always bothering Lily and sneering at us.”

“I rather not think much about that ma-...boy. ” James almost slipped. He never got along with the adult version of Snape so it was difficult to think that his younger version would be too much different.

“That's right, let's just ignore the twat!” Sirius agreed.

A knock on the door was heard before it opened.

“Of course, you guys are always in this cabin…”

“Hi, gentlemen!. Can we sit here?!. Is all full already?”

Two girls were waiting at the door threshold.

One had long brown hair and brown eyes and was staring at Frank.

The other one…was Lily Evans. Just as he remembered her from the pictures, but a few years younger.

“So…can we come in or not?” Lily said with a frown.

Disclaimer:

Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to J.K Rowling.

I own nothing but the original characters I make.

“Dialogue”

‘Thoughts’

-Author notes-

Chapter 07: Howarts

“Yes, come in!” Sirius welcomed them with a smile.

“Alice went to sit down next to Frank and then made room for Lily to sit down between her and James.

Sirius coughed a few times and James glanced at him.

Sirius gave him a playful wink and moved his eyes to Lily.

James wanted to smack him on the head.

‘Is he expecting me to?…oh dear…’

Seeing his lack of speech, Sirius decided to help out.

“So Lily…did you have a good summer?. James had a very interesting one.”

“Right!, I heard about what happened to you from Frank.” Alice turned to look at him.

“How are you doing?”

“I'm totally recovered now, thank you for asking,” James answered.

“You were sick?. How serious are we talking?.” Lily asked. It didn't seem like she had been told.

“It was more than serious!” Remus told them.

“Yes, James was in a coma for like two weeks.” Added Peter.

“The healer didn't think he was going to make it, but then…a miraculous recovery happened!” Sirius exclaimed.

Lily glanced back at Alice, waiting for an explanation.

“Well, I didn't know if would want to know because…you two had a serious fight at the end of last year.”

“Still…” Lily glanced at James with mixed feelings.

“I'm glad you are fine…”

“Thank you…” James didn't know what else to say. He had no idea why they fought but if he had to guess, it was probably related to Snape.

Lily nodded and looked down at her bag. She then pulled out a small book and started reading.

James wanted to talk more with her, but he didn't want to give her the wrong impression and it seemed like their relationship was fairly tense at the moment.

The cabin fell into an awkward silence for a few minutes before his friends started to talk again and make jokes.

A few hours later, they arrived at Hogwarts.

As fourth years, they accessed the school thought carriage. James was probably one of the few who could see the thestrals.

The entire journey was very nostalgic to him and finally being back at the castle filled him with emotions.

“James?, you have  been very quiet the entire trip, are you sure you are feeling okay?” Remus asked with clear worry in his eyes.

“Yes, you can tell us if you don't feel well. We can go to the infirmary.” Peter told him.

Sirius didn't add anything but was also looking at him with concern.

James knew that his change of attitude was bringing concern to his friends and felt bad about it but there was no way he could tell them the truth,  not now and not ever.

Not even to Dumbledore. No one would understand it. And to be fair, even he doesn't understand it.

‘What am I suppose to tell you? That I feel nostalgic for being back at my old school that I attended in the future, in an alternate timeline, as the son of the person I am now?....’

“I'm okay, just a bit of a headache. The healer said it was normal…” It was the first excuse he could think of.

<><><><><><>

They sat down at their usual spot at the Gryffindor table and listened to the Headmaster's speech.

James eyes scanned the teacher's table. He recognizes some of the people there.

Like Hagrid, McGonagall, Flitwick, and Slughorn.

There also of course the Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. Who at this point had only been headmaster for a few years.

He introduced their Defense against the Dark Arts new teacher.

A woman in her late thirties named Valeria Walker. A retired auror.

James didn't have to wonder for long why she was retired at such a young age.

By the way, she walked towards the podium to make her introduction, he could tell that there was something wrong with her right leg.

“Oh, that new professor has some great looks!” Sirius commented.

“A bit old for you…” Peter pointed out.

“bah! nonsense. The older they are, the more they can teach you.” Sirius grinned.

“Right, like you already know anything about that…” Remus gave him an amused look.

“More than the rest of you!. Last year, I kissed a girl.” Sirius told them.

“Where?!” Peter got interested.

“In one of those broom closets.”

“No!, I mean where did you kiss her!” Peter exclaimed a bit louder than he intended. Earning the attention of more students.

“On the mouth of course!” Sirius slammed his hand on the table.

“There is no way that is true.” Frank joined the conversation.

“I agree…if that was true, you would have been bragging all year…and all summer.” Remus turned to look at him.

“Isn't that right, James?”

He smiled.

“Yes, that does sound like something he would do.”

“Is true!” Sirius insisted.

“And what was the name of this unfortunate girl?” Lily, who had been sitting just a few spots away, decided to ask.

“Her name?” Sirius got nervous.

“Yes, surely you wouldn't at least know the name of a girl you had been kissing…on the mouth,” Alice said with a hint of mockery in her voice.

“That's enough about me!. I will be respecting the girl's privacy and not say anything more about it.” Sirius declared.

“He is such a gentleman!” Peter had a look of admiration in his eyes.

“You are too naive…” Remus muttered.

The conversation then moved to other topics while they enjoyed their first dinner of the year.

James remained silent most of the time. He still was not used to interacting with them without looking completely out of character.

He used this time to reflect on his new life and this new start at Hogwarts.

‘What kind of year is this going to be?’

Disclaimer:

Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to J.K Rowling.

I own nothing but the original characters I make.

“Dialogue”

‘Thoughts’

-Author notes-

Chapter 08: First classes

“Oh no….” Sirius groaned while he was reading their class schedule.

“What is it?” James asked him.

“We have double potions…at the end of Monday. Have some mercy!” Sirius exclaimed.

“Is not that bad, Sirius…” Peter said.

“Yes, you are being overly dramatic, as usual. Professor Slughorn is very nice.” Remus commented.

“The professor is fine…but the class is so boring. James agrees with me, right James?” Sirius turns to look at him.

‘Professor Slughorn…man, that brings me some memories. It was my sixth year when he taught me. Probably the first time I enjoyed making potions too…it was also the same year I started dating Ginny…’ And his mood turned sour just like that.

Even after all these years, thinking about that…traitor… brings back some terrible feelings.

“James, are you listening?” Sirius shook his shoulder.

“Sorry, what?” He asked.

“You are always distracted lately…is everything okay?” Remus asked.

“Please, stop asking that. I'm fine… everything is fine. Sorry, Sirius…what did you ask me?”

“Well…I was just pointing out that we have double potions at the end of the day.” Sirius handed him the class schedule.

“Ah…that's wonderful. I love potions, and Professor Slughorn is a great teacher.” James said with enthusiasm.

There may be nothing that the professor can actually teach him, but he still enjoyed the process of brewing potions, even the simple ones.

James heard the sound of several pieces of cutlery hitting the table.

“You what?!” Remus asked.

“James? what do you mean that you love potions?” Peter looked confused.

“You always hated that class even more than me,” Sirius told him.

“Yes, and the fact that is Snape's specialty didn't help to make you like it any better…many of your fights actually started in that class.” Remus tried to remind him.

“Sorry but…I guess some of my tastes have changed after the…you know. The coma and all of that.”

By the faces they were making they did not seem to completely believe him.

He took a sip of pumpkin juice to distract himself.

“Is this a new strategy to into Lily's panties?, because if it's like that, I'm fully supportive!” Sirius gave him a thumbs up and James almost spit his pumpkin juice.

<><><><><><><><>

As soon as he entered the potion classroom, James felt a home.

‘Mmm…the aroma of the raw ingredients, the cold and humid conditions to preserve them. This brings back so many memories…’

“Oi James!”

He was too distracted to hear the warning call from Sirius.

Or to notice the girl crouched in front of him, who seemed to be trying to pull something from her bag.

“Bump!”

Bellatrix fell down on her side and James had just realized what he had done…he had just accidentally pushed that dangerous girl to the ground…again.

Bellatrix was already frowning when she rose back up, but the moment her eyes met James, her anger transformed into something more…

“You!... that's it!. I'm going to kill you, Potter!” She pulled her wand out with an impressive speed for a fourth-year student and flicked it at him.

James reacted by instinct at having a weapon pointed at his face.

He moved forward with a swift step and took hold of Bellas's wand arm with his own hand before forcing it away from his body.

Bella grunted in pain at the sudden forceful approach.

“Oh…my apologies Miss Black…I seem to have acted without thinking once again.” He tried his best to defuse the situation.

“Let me go!” She was not willing to give up that easily. She lifted her right knee, aiming for his most private parts.

James deflected the attack by twisting his body a bit, returning them to a stalemate position.

“That's quite enough!” the voice of Professor Slughorn was filled with a level of authority that he was not used to seeing.

He released Bellatrix, and this one seemed to take this as an opportunity to attack again.

But the professor was faster and took her wand away.

“Miss Black!, go to your seat…NOW!”

Bella moved her eyes at her empty hand before turning them to the professor, but she knew better than to argue right now.

“This is not over, Potter,” she whispered to him before going to one corner of the classroom.

“You too, Mister Potter. Go to your seat.” the professor said with a tone that left no room for arguments.

James went to sit next to his friends, right on the opposite side of the classroom.

He noticed that both houses were quite separated.

Gryffindor and Slytherin never got along during his era. But it seemed that things were even more tense at this point.

“What were you thinking?!” Sirius whispered to his ear as soon as he sat down.

“Yes, why are you trying to pick a fight with Black?, she is really dangerous, James,” Peter added.

“I'm not trying to pick a fight with anyone.” James defended himself.

“It was just an accident.”

“That's not how she is going to see it,” Remus said in a low voice.

“You have made her fall twice in two days…and we are well known for pulling pranks on her house.”

“I am…” James stopped himself. He was about to say that he was not much of a fan of pranks. But he didn't want to shock them too much in the first week.

“Nevermind… I'll deal with her later.”

Professor Slughorn gave a short welcoming speech before walking to the pizzarra.

“I was planning on doing this a bit later…I think is better if we start now.”

The class wondered what he was talking about.

“This discordant relationship between the houses of Slytherin and Gryffindor is going too far. That is why…this year, I have decided to try something different. This year, I will be deciding who teams with whom, and all the teams will be formed by one student of each house.”

The classroom was filled with voices of complaint.

“Silence!... I am the professor here and you will do as told!.” He glanced towards Bellatrix.

“I think I already know who the first team will be…”

Disclaimer:

Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to J.K Rowling.

I own nothing but the original characters I make.

“Dialogue”

‘Thoughts’

-Author notes-

Chapter 09: Teammates

“Mister Potter and…Miss Black will be the first team. “ The professor declared.

“You can't do this, Professor.” Sirius stood up from his seat to complain.

“This doesn't seem fair,” Remus added.

“I agree!” Lily also spoke up.

“James is terrible in potions, he is going to drag her down.”

“Lily!, come on…be on your house side at least.” Alice scolded her.

“That's quite enough. If you have any serious complaints, you can write a letter to the board of Governors, in the meantime…you will follow my instructions, or…you will find a big T on your grading papers.”

That threat was enough to shut them up.

“Now…I want the two of you right here on the front.” Slughorn pointed to one table whole he glanced at James and Bellatrix.

The black-haired girl stood up from her seat, grabbed her things, and moved to the indicated table.

“James, be very careful!” Peter whispers.

“Yes, just try not to speak with her if possible,” Remus advised.

“Whatever you do… don't make her angry!” Sirius added.

“I think I'll be fine.” James stood up from his table and started to walk.

“I expected you to complain some more,” Lily told him as he was passing.

“How so?” James asked.

“Last year you were saying that all Slytherins were dirty snakes, I just thought you would be more reticent to partner with one. “

“I see…then you will find the 'me' from this year quite unusual.” James walked away before she could answer.

He then sat down next to Bellatrix.

He never thought he would ever be sitting next to this person.

As much as he wants to avoid judging a person for crimes they have yet to commit…when it comes to ones who have caused so much damage like Peter or Bellatrix…is much more difficult to separate them.

He was still trying to remain impartial.

“Potter, If you make me fail the class, I'm going to kill you,” Bellatrix whispered to him.

And she was not making it easy.

“The next group will be…” Professor Slughorn scanned the classroom.

“yes…what about this. Mister Black and…”

Sirius stood up and glanced towards the Slytherin side. He did not get along with a single student from there…but there were at least a few good-looking girls.

“Give me one of the seductive ones at least!” Sirius muttered.

“Mister Snape.” The Professor declared

“Noooo!” Sirius reaction may have been overly dramatic.

“Professor…” Snape was very close to begging but his personality would not allow it.

“Is there any chance you will reconsider this decision?”

“No, I have made up my mind, Mister Snape. You may consider this as, one more challenge in the road of life, if you will.”

“Nooo!”

“Mister Black, stop that!. And come over here.” Slughorn pointed to a nearby table.

“You too, Mister Snape.”

“Okay, this may be entertaining.”

James heard Bellatrix speak and glanced at her. It was the first time he saw her smile.

And he could agree with what she said. Seeing Sirius and Snape trying to brew a potion together will be at least interesting.

They spent nearly an hour making up the new groups. But since this was a double class, there was still time for some work.

“Today we will get started with something simple.” the professor pointed at the board and words started to appear.

“A calming draught. The full instructions are on page twelve of your books. The ingredients are on the shelves…if you have any questions, raise your hand.”

“I'll go get the ingredients.” Bellatrix stood up before him.

“Start the cauldron, I hope you can do that at least.”

‘It seems like my reputation in potions is quite a terrible one.’ James lamented.

He may have hated the class as a kid, but as an adult, he learned to love the art of potion-making almost as much as alchemy.

“I'll go!”

“No way Black!. I'll get the ingredients, you can barely read.”

“At least I can wash my hair!”

James glanced at the other table.

‘At this rate, they may not even get the potion started before the class is over…’

Bellatrix returned with the ingredients. Her eyes moved to the cauldron. She was obviously checking if he had set the fire too high or didn't fill it to the right amount.

She said nothing and sat down, so she must have been satisfied.

“I can process some of the ingredients. It will be faster that way.” James offered.

“No thank you. I saw you prepare ingredients with my cousin last year. “ Bellatrix muttered before getting started.

He shrugged and said nothing.

“You are cutting that hearth in the wrong way.” James pointed.

“What are you talking about?, I'll have you know that, unlike you…I get good grades in this class.” Bella reminded him.

“Good for you. You are still cutting it wrong…and the slices are too thick.”

Bella stabbed the table with the knife.

“Is this your newest jest? Trying to make me fail potions so you can go laugh with your buddies?. That is not going to work. I will make this as the book says.”

James glanced at the cover of the book. The name of the author was Tobias Smith.

‘Mmm…that guy…’

“You can do that, and you will get an average potion. If you follow my method, I can guarantee an outstanding.”

“Do you even know what you are talking about?, the one who made this recipe is a Potion Master. And you think you can do better.” Bellatrix raised an eyebrow.

“Did you hit your head on the way here?, because last I remember, you couldn't brew the simplest potion to save your life. “

“What about this…if we do it my way and fail…you can curse me. In front of the whole class or in private, as you prefer.”

She was about to yell at him again, but then, she saw the absolute confidence in his eyes and that made her hesitate. She has never seen him like this before.

“You know what?... Fine, show me.”

She figured, that if he failed, she could use that as an excuse to change partners and would also get to enjoy cursing him.

‘And if he succeeds… no, there is no way that will happen. This is James Potter we are talking about…’ Bella saw him grab the knife and look down at the ingredients on the table with an expression of joy.