Saturday, October 31st, 1994
Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Warlocks, and the so-called "Leader of the Light" was walking toward his lofty office, with Severus Snape and 'Alastor Moody' (whom he knew was actually an impostor) accompanying him. He was very perturbed, and extremely baffled at the moment, and could feel a headache coming on.
The evening had been going so smoothly. At least, for Albus Dumbledore, that is. He had gotten confirmation early that morning that Alastor Moody (or rather, Bartemius Crouch, Junior) had succeeded in his task, and had entered Harry Potter's name in the Goblet of Fire. He had been planning all day exactly how he was going to handle the aftermath of Potter being named the fourth Triwizard Tournament Champion.
He had even changed the password on his "Griffin Door" to "Treacle Tart" so that Harry would easily remember the password if the lad wanted to come into his office and rant – ahem – seek Albus' mentorly advice about what he needed to do now! Albus planned a fine conversation with Harry, where he would explain that he unfortunately could not do anything to get Harry out of the tournament, and also advise Harry to ask Professor Moody to help him in the Triwizard Tournament, telling him that Professor Moody was quite willing to help.
Of course, Albus already knew what Bartemius Crouch, Junior's plans were – and in turn, Voldemort's plans were, thanks to Legilimency and Veritaserum. He had interrogated Crouch, Junior just days after the man had started his tenure as Defense Professor, posing as Alastor Moody. Crouch, Junior would guide Harry through the tournament, making sure he survived and ultimately ended up touching the Triwizard Cup, during the Third Task, which would act as a Portkey to a location where Voldemort would be waiting. Voldemort would use Harry's blood to give himself a new body, and then would end up killing the poor boy.
Which is, of course, what Dumbledore was counting on. The boy needed to die. He had a Horcrux in his scar, and the only way for it to be destroyed was for the boy to die. With the boy dead, the Prophecy was fulfilled, and Albus was free to destroy Voldemort, further proclaiming himself as the Leader of the Light, and the greatest wizard since Merlin. No, he'd be better than Merlin. Instead of "Great Merlin!", it would be "Great Albus!" that everyone would be exclaiming in the future.
(Personally he hoped "Great Albus' magnificently magenta robes!" became an exclamation – those robes, of which he had many, were his favorite, after all.)
Of course, before Voldemort could die, Albus would have to hunt down the other Horcruxes and destroy them. But he could do that when Voldemort was back. Yes, Voldemort would cause untold amounts of damage, of course. But that damage he'd do, the murders he and his followers would commit, the great loss of life that would take place – it all was necessary for the Greater Good. Those who Voldemort killed – the vigilantes and freedom fighters and warriors of the Light – wouldn't be around to fight and resist Albus Dumbledore when he finally became the true Leader of the Great Britain Wizarding World, and eventually, the entire Wizarding World. They needed to be eliminated before he could ultimately destroy Voldemort for good. But it had to be Voldemort and his Death Eaters who eliminated them. That was essential.
All of that was supposed to start tonight! With Harry Potter's name coming out of the Goblet of Fire.
Oh, it was all working out just fine there for a while! Harry's name did come out of the Goblet of Fire. However what happened next was something even the great, all-knowing, infallible Albus Dumbledore hadn't even seen coming. Two figures had fallen through a portal into the Great Hall, as if summoned by the Goblet of Fire. They revealed themselves as Lord Harry Potter and his wife, Lady Hermione Potter.
As much as Albus wanted to deny that these two figures weren't exactly who they said they were, even he could admit that the man did look like an older version of Harry Potter. The woman did look like an older Hermione Granger. But how were they here? Were they from the future? That was impossible! Lord Potter seemed to be at least in his older teens. Which was impossible, of course, since Albus was quite sure Harry would be dead by next summer. This Lord Potter was also married to Hermione Granger, which was also impossible, as Albus was already planning on making sure Harry and Hermione's friendship was destroyed well before Harry wound up in the Third Task. Even if he had to kill the Mudblood bitch to make that happen! Hermione Granger definitely could not be Harry's friend throughout the Tournament. The Mudblood's guidance, and Harry's love for her, would only make Harry more powerful and more willing to survive. Harry's survival was definitely not something that could happen for the Greater Good to succeed!
So who was this Lord and Lady Potter? They couldn't be from the future. So they had to be from an Alternate Universe. Yes. That had to be it. Lord Potter (and somehow Lady Potter too) was summoned when his name came out of the Goblet of Fire. The Goblet likely realized that fourteen year old Harry Potter couldn't possibly compete against three older students. So it brought forth someone who could compete in the Tournament.
Perhaps this Lord Potter is from an Alternate Universe where he went to Ilvermorny instead of Hogwarts, Albus mused, Because that was the school that Crouch, Junior put down on Potter's slip to get him into the Tournament. A fourth school with one student as a candidate. Yes, that seems most likely. Well, unfortunately for Lord Potter – and Harry – it won't be possible for Lord Potter to replace Harry. The Ministry of Magic – either the DMLE, the Aurors, or the Unspeakables – or all of them combined – will force Lord and Lady Potter to leave Hogwarts, and young Harry Potter will find himself competing in the Triwizard Tournament! That must happen for the Greater Good.
Right now, however, Albus needed to take control of the situation. Who knew what Lord and Lady Potter had told Harry and Hermione? Albus was certainly going to have to obliviate the young pair by the end of the evening, so they would forget about Lord and Lady Potter, and anything they learned from the older pair.
Note to self, Albus mused, Forgetfulness Draught for everyone inside the castle during breakfast tomorrow. By then, Lord and Lady Potter should be ejected from Hogwarts, and everyone here can just forget they ever existed. I am sure the Ministry of Magic – especially Minister Fudge and the Unspeakables – will certainly agree with that move.
"Do you really believe those two people were Harry Potter and his wife from the future, Albus?" Alastor Moody – ahem, Bartemius Crouch, Junior – asked.
"I believe they are a version of Harry Potter and Hermione Granger," Albus said, "That is to be sure. However… from the future? Most certainly not. You see, whoever put Harry's name in the Goblet of Fire wrote the name of the school Ilvermorny alongside Harry's name to ensure he would be chosen. I believe the Harry Potter we've just met is from an Alternate Universe where Harry went to Ilvermorny instead of Hogwarts. Perhaps Miss Granger went there too in that universe."
"Or perhaps she transferred there after the incident with the Troll in her first year," Severus said. "She somehow survived the incident, but was too frightened to remain at Hogwarts. So she was transferred to Ilvermorny where she met Potter."
"A fine theory, Severus," Albus said, "I did, in fact, ask Miss Granger if she wished to remain at Hogwarts after that incident. This Miss Granger did wish to stay. Perhaps Lady Potter requested a transfer."
It would have been better for Miss Granger – and everyone else! – if she did accept a transfer to Ilvermorny, Albus thought, She wouldn't be around to influence Harry. She might have even lived long enough to actually marry someone if she had transferred!
"As I was saying," Albus said, "The Goblet of Fire summoned the Ilvermorny-alumni Harry Potter here from an Alternate Universe."
"Then why is he older?" Alastor – ahem, Barty – asked. "Why does he seem to be in his late teens or early twenties, and not Potter's age?"
"I look forward to finding that out myself, Alastor," Albus said. "Quite fascinating, is it not? Alternate Universes have now been confirmed to exist! Something even I always thought was just fiction!"
"Indeed," Severus said, "The Unspeakables will be most interested to speak to Lord and Lady Potter. I trust, Albus, that you will be contacting them after you listen to whatever these visitors have to say?"
"Of course, Severus," Albus said, "Lord and Lady Potter being here is very dangerous. Their presence could destroy the very fabric of time and space. No, their arrival was just a monumental accident, and I am sure the Unspeakables will be very willing to help them get back to their own Universe. Which, I'm sure, is exactly what Lord and Lady Potter want, after all."
"Yes," Severus said, "Why would they want to interfere with our universe, after all?"
"If they do plan to interfere with the future of this timeline," Albus said, "I'm sure the Unspeakables will have something to say about that."
"Indeed," Alastor – Barty – said, "Better off to let them go home, and then things will go back to normal and we can get on with our lives."
I just remembered! Albus thought, Lord Potter knows about the Elder Wand. He mentioned it after I attacked him. Well, that settles it. If he doesn't agree to leave Hogwarts, and allow the Unspeakables to help him and his wife return to their Universe, then I'll just have to eliminate the both of them. I can't have someone that dangerous – especially someone who knows I have the Elder Wand – around to mess my plans up.
Minutes later, Albus, Severus and 'Alastor' arrived at the "Griffin Door".
"Treacle Tart!" Albus said.
The Griffin bowed at the Headmaster (something it only did for him and no one else), and stepped aside. Albus led Severus and Alastor up the stairs, and into his office. They found Harry Potter and Hermione were sitting in two chairs, obviously summoned by Minerva, though the other three were empty. Lord and Lady Potter, and Minerva were standing. It seems they had been having a conversation with each other. Albus was most interested to know what they had been talking about.
Suddenly, Lord Potter raised up his left arm, and his wand appeared from inside the sleeve of his bathrobes. Suddenly, 'Alastor' became stiff as a board, was tied up, and Stunned as he fell over onto the floor. The attack had happened in seconds, and Albus hadn't even gotten a chance to react!
Albus realized Lord Potter had just used silent magic. Even worse, he realized there was a reason Lord Potter attacked Alastor. Lord Potter knew 'Alastor' was an impostor! Did that mean… was the impossible actually possible? Was Lord and Lady Potter from the future in this universe?!
Albus knew needed to take control of this immediately. "WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!"
Lord Potter rolled his eyes. "Sit down, Headmaster, and my wife and I will explain everything."
"Don't tell me to sit down," Albus growled. "You just attacked one of my staff members! Who do you think you are?!"
"That staff member is an impostor, Albus," Lord Potter said, "Professor Snape? Would you please search the impostor's body, and look for a flask? I believe you'll recognize the scent of the contents inside it."
"Belay those orders, Severus!" Albus said, then glared at Lord Potter, "You do not order my staff around, sir!"
"Maybe not, Albus," Minerva said, "But I most certainly can. Severus, please search Alastor's body, and look for a flask. If there is one, smell the contents of it please."
"Minerva!" Albus growled.
"Do it, Severus," Minerva said, seeing that Severus was hesitating visibly, "Because if you refuse, and it turns out we're correct about this man being an impostor, you'll be an accomplice right along with the man. Especially because of your… fascinating tattoo! I will contact the DMLE if you refuse to follow this order, and they will march you to the Ministry along with this man if he's an impostor."
Severus grimaced and immediately knelt down next to 'Alastor'.
"Minerva!" Albus exclaimed in a 'what-are-you-doing?' tone.
"Albus," Minerva said. "Young Mr. Potter assured me that he didn't put his name in the Goblet of Fire. I think we may have discovered who did, however. Isn't Alastor Moody a dear friend of yours? Surely you want to find out whether this man is truly Alastor, or if he's an impostor? If he is an impostor, then Alastor is in grave danger. Because the impostor would be using Polyjuice Potion, and he would certainly need Alastor close by, and alive, to use his hair or something else from his body! Better off that we find out whether or not Lord Potter is right about this man, instead of ignoring it altogether, and possibly endangering not only Alastor Moody, but everyone else in this castle!"
Albus glared at Minerva, and then Lord and Lady Potter. "Fine. However, if Severus doesn't find anything, I will be contacting the DMLE immediately. Lord and Lady Potter will be out of here in an instance for threatening my staff, and my students, and you, Minerva, will be going with them! I promise you, you will all find yourselves in a Ministry cell by the end of the evening!"
"As entertaining as that would be, Headmaster," Severus said, "I have indeed found a flask on this person, and the flask does indeed have Polyjuice Potion inside it. Given how many times I've seen this man drinking from this very flask, even this very evening, I have to assume he's using Polyjuice Potion to disguise himself as Alastor Moody."
"You've always been adamant that you trust Severus, Albus," Minerva said, "Are you going to trust him now?"
Albus ignored Minerva. "Thank you, Severus. Perhaps Lord Potter and Minerva were right to be suspicious. I suppose we shall wait for the Polyjuice Potion to wear off."
"Rubbish!" Lord Potter exclaimed. "Surely one of you fine Professors knows how to counter the Polyjuice Potion – using a Charm or something – and reveal this man's true identity immediately?"
"I do indeed, Lord Potter," Minerva said, "Severus, back away please."
Lord Potter noticed that Albus dearly wanted to interfere with this. Which also confirmed exactly what Harry knew (and had confirmed from Albus' portrait): Albus had known all along that his dear friend, Alastor Moody, was being impersonated by Bartemius Crouch, Junior. Albus, however, wisely decided he didn't want anyone to discover this fact, because he said nothing. He only nodded at Severus, who backed away.
"I don't get why Albus would want to interfere with Crouch, Junior being revealed," Lord Potter said to his wife, "The man's been caught. Whatever Albus planned on using him for, that is over. Why is he only trying to delay the inevitable?"
"Maybe he wants us to wait for the Polyjuice Potion to wear off," Lady Potter said, "Because he hopes Crouch, Junior can somehow escape before he is revealed… or maybe even Albus could help him escape without making it look like he helped?""That's just mad!" Lord Potter exclaimed, "I already knew the man was senile, but I thought he'd do better to disguise it in front of our Doppelgangers. They're still believing his 'grandfatherly mentor' disguise, after all.""Our appearance has ruined his plans, Harry," Lady Potter said, "That and the fact that we're revealing Crouch, Junior early. He's panicking. He knew you'd end up kidnapped by Voldemort at the end of the Tournament, Harry. His portrait confirmed that. He wanted it to happen, because he wanted Voldemort back in a real body, so he could be destroyed for good. If Crouch, Junior is caught, and you're chosen as the Champion instead of your Doppelganger, those plans are ruined.""A panicked, cornered animal is dangerous, Hermione, you know that," Lord Potter said, "We really need to find real proof quickly about him and bring him to justice before he does something we're going to regret."
Minerva already had her wand in her hand (how long, Lord Potter did not know, but suspected she had been holding it for quite a while), and she pointed it at 'Alastor' and said a complex string of incantations.
Then, before the very eyes of everyone in the room (including young Harry and Hermione who had been watching the scene take place since Lord Potter had attacked 'Alastor'), the face of the man on the floor began to change. The scars were disappearing, the skin was becoming smooth; the mangled nose became whole and started to shrink. The long mane of grizzled gray hair was withdrawing into the scalp and turning the color of straw. Suddenly, with a loud clunk, the wooden leg fell away as a normal leg regrew in its place; next moment, the magical eyeball had popped out of the man's face as a real eye replaced it; it rolled away across the floor and continued to swivel in every direction.
Now, there was a man laying on the floor, pale-skinned, slightly freckled, with a mop of fair hair.
"Crouch!" Snape said, staring at the man. "Barty Crouch, Junior!"
"Good heavens," said Minerva, staring down at the man on the floor.
"I believe we just found out who put your name in the Goblet of Fire, Harry," Lord Potter said, to his young 'Doppelganger.'
"He – he was our teacher!" Hermione cried out, "He taught us… for nearly two months now! Who is that man?"
"That man, Miss Granger," Minerva said, "Is Bartemius Crouch, Junior, a Death Eater, and the son of Bartemius Crouch, Senior, who is in this very castle. He is supposed to be dead."
"Indeed," Severus said. "Albus, we can't keep him here. Not with Potter and Granger here. I will escort him, myself, to the dungeons where we have a prison cell for this very occasion. You can interrogate him there if you wish."
Albus sighed. "Yes, Severus. Please do that. Make sure to use all the short-cuts you can between here and the dungeons, so as to avoid students from discovering our guest. Before I arrive, I want you to find out where the real Alastor Moody is currently at."
"And Bartemius Crouch, Senior?" Severus asked.
"Make sure he doesn't leave the castle, Severus," Albus said, "Not before I can speak to him."
"I think you mean the DMLE, Albus," Minerva said, "Director Amelia Bones will have to be informed of this. She'll be wanting to speak to both Crouches."
Albus' glare at Minerva was miniscule, but Harry recognized it. He knew Albus was not a big fan of Amelia Bones. He certainly did not want DMLE interference at Hogwarts.
"We can contact her after we discover why our… other guests are here, Minerva," Albus said, looking at Lord and Lady Potter, "After all, we might decide that Director Bones needs to speak to them too."
"I can agree with that, Headmaster," Lord Potter said.
"Me too, sir," Lady Potter said.
"Of course, Albus," Minerva said.
"Severus, please escort Mr. Crouch out of here, now," Albus said. "I need to speak with Mr. Potter, Miss Granger and… our guests."
"And Severus?" Minerva asked. "I'd be very vigilant about watching Crouch until Director Bones arrives, if I were you. After the events of this evening, she will want a body in the Ministry's cells tonight. If he escapes… it will be your body in those cells this evening."
Once again, Albus gave a barely noticeable glare to Minerva. Severus merely paused for a moment, as he took in Minerva's threat, nodded once, placed Crouch in a conjured cot, and made it hover, then escorted it out of the office.
"Please sit down, Lord and Lady Potter, Minerva," Albus said, "It seems we have much to discuss. However, I think Mr. Potter, and Miss Granger should leave."
"No, Albus," Lord Potter said, "I want them here."
"Me too," Lady Potter said, "Besides, I don't think it is a good idea for them to return to their Common Room and dormitories tonight. All the students know that they've had contact with my husband and I tonight. They'll want to interrogate these two about us. I think you'd want to do damage control yourself before word gets out around the castle, about who we are? Right now, our identities might just be guesswork. We did identify ourselves, but I'm sure not everybody believed us. If Harry and Hermione are interrogated by their fellow students, our identities will no longer just be guesswork."
"I agree with Lady Potter, Albus," Minerva said. "It needs to be us, Albus, who informs the students about who these two… time-travelers… truly are."
"Very well," Albus said, "Then… what do you suggest we do?"
"If you allow us to remain in the castle after we leave your office, Headmaster," Lady Potter said, "I think we shall find ourselves in a guest room – at least for this evening. Harry and Hermione are welcome to join us, at least for the evening and tomorrow morning, until you can control the information around here."
Albus gave a world-weary sigh. "Fine. I think we can arrange for that to happen. May we please sit down now and have this conversation I'm sure we're all looking forward to?"
Lord Potter led Lady Potter and Minerva over to the chairs. Minerva sat down next to Hermione, and Lord Potter sat down next to Harry, while Lady Potter sat down next to her husband, on the outside chair in the row. Albus sat down in his own chair.
"Alright, to begin, I would like you two to reaffirm your identities, Lord and Lady Potter," Albus said, "I would also like you to not stop when it comes to those titles you alluded to upon your entrance. Also can you please confirm your ages for us?"
"I am Lord Harry James Potter, age 18," Harry said, "Head of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter, Head of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black, Head of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Peverell, and Head of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Gryffindor."
"I am Lady Hermione Jean Potter, age 19," Lady Potter said, "Lady of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter, and Head of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Dagworth-Granger."
Harry, Hermione and Minerva's mouths were all wide open as they stared at Lord and Lady Potter. Albus' expression was completely calm and serene, as if nothing he heard had shocked him.
"Those are the official titles, of course," Lord Potter said, "Over the past few months – mine and Lady Potter's time, of course – I've also been known as the Man-Who-Won, the Vanquisher of Voldemort, the Master of Death, and the New Leader of the Light."
Albus finally reacted. His eyes twitched – a lot – when he heard the first two titles, and then several lines formed in his forehead, and his lips flattened as he heard the last two.
"I beg your pardon?" Albus asked, "The New Leader of the Light? I assume you replaced me, after you – ahem – Vanquished Voldemort? Where was I in your… future?"
"Dead," Lord Potter said, and Minerva, Harry and Hermione gasped, "Roughly two and a half years ago, in our time."
"May I ask how?" Albus asked.
"Albus?!" Minerva asked, "Do you really want to know?"
Albus ignored Minerva and looked at Lord Potter.
"You put on a cursed ring that had a Wasting Curse on it," Lord Potter said, "Luckily, Fawkes brought you to Professor Snape, who was able to counter it. But only temporarily. As far as I know, you died by Assisted Suicide, several months later, so the Curse wouldn't kill you. But I can't tell you who did it. You made them swear a vow not to reveal who did it. Or at least, that is what your Portrait told me."
"Very nice, my love," Lady Potter said, "Tell him enough, but don't tell him everything. Since you emphasized that he swore a vow with someone, he likely knows who helped him."
"Thank you for telling me, Lord Potter," Albus said, "I'm sure that was very difficult to look back on. I will be careful with any rings that find their way into my possession in the future, of course. Now, usually, when it comes to strangers who I am not sure the identity of, the next step would be to ask some questions and confirm your identities. However… to do that, I must ask another question. Lord and Lady Potter, are you from the future, or an Alternate Universe?"
"We're from the future," Lord Potter said, "The future of this timeline."
"How can you be so sure?" Albus asked.
"Was Quirinus Quirrell possessed three years ago by Voldemort?" Lord Potter asked. "Was he trying to steal the Philosopher's Stone? Did he bring a troll into the castle, which could have killed my wife, had myself and Ronald Weasley not intervened? Did you make an obstacle course that three first years were able to complete, when it was supposed to guard a highly valuable artifact from a dangerous Dark Lord and his followers?"
"I was very proud of those three first years," Albus said, "for solving puzzles that were supposed to stop people twice, even three times their age, from doing so. But, yes, Lord Potter, that is indeed what happened."
"Two years ago, was the Chamber of Secrets opened?" Lord Potter asked. "Was Ginny possessed by Tom Riddle's diary? Did Hermione and others get Petrified, some of them laying in the Hospital Wing for months before they were cured, because you didn't want to buy Mandrake Draught from somewhere else in the world, and decided that Professor Sprout should grow her own? Even though it prevented the victims from living their lives and continuing their important education for several months?"
"There's also the fact," Lady Potter said, "that one of us might have given you the answer you were looking for when it came to the monster inside the Chamber of Secrets. And if you had cured us, we could have given you the answers you were seeking."
Albus frowned. "That is… mostly… what happened, yes."
Minerva tsked. "All of that happened, Albus. You refused to purchase Mandrake Draught from somewhere else in the world even though there were offers of donations to buy it if we couldn't afford it!"
"Thank you, Minerva," Albus said, "That's enough, Lord Potter. I think I can believe you now."
"Oh?" Lord Potter asked, "You don't want me to ask about Sirius Black? Peter Pettigrew? Remus Lupin? Dementors? How about Cornelius Fudge coming here and believing Hermione and I were Confundused so he could hide his head in the sand, and go on believing that Sirius Black couldn't possibly be INNOCENT! When did you buy your Pensieve, Professor? How long have you had it? Was it unavailable for Hermione and I to use to show Cornelius Fudge exactly what happened in the Shrieking Shack?"
"I'm sorry to inform you that I had indeed loaned it out to a dear friend of mine on that very night, Lord Potter," Albus said. "They needed it more than I did. So unfortunately, I couldn't suggest for it to be used, which I would have done, had I had it on hand, of course."
"Of course," Lord Potter said.
"Very well, Lord Potter," Albus said, "It seems my theories were wrong, and you are indeed from our timeline's future."
"What were your theories, if I may ask, Headmaster?" Lady Potter asked.
"That you, Lord Potter, went to Ilvermorny instead of Hogwarts," Albus said.
"Really?!" Lord Potter asked. "Then I suppose the protective enchantments around my home would have not gone faulty in that universe, preventing other offers from schools around the world, in addition Hogwarts, from getting to me. It happened in this universe, after all. I had no choice but to accept coming to Hogwarts if I wanted to learn how to be an awesome wizard! Surely the Boy-Who-Lived would have been accepted to prestigious magical schools all over the world!"
"How do you know your relatives didn't keep those letters from you?" Albus asked.
"I think Aunt Petunia would have preferred I go to another magical school," Lord Potter, "instead of the school run by the same man who ruined her childhood, by preventing her from coming to Hogwarts because she's a Squib. She would gladly let me go to another magical school, if only because it would annoy you. Uncle Vernon too, I think. He did call you a crackpot, and he had never met you, so Petunia must have told him all kinds of stories about you."
Harry gasped. "Aunt Petunia's a Squib?!"
"I suppose you have a good point," Albus said, "Anyway, you are correct. Faulty enchantments were to blame for those other letters from reaching you."
"And I suppose those enchantments," Lord Potter said, "also stopped all those letters that were sent by fanboys and fangirls of the Boy-Who-Lived from getting to me?"
"I'm sorry to say that was unavoidable," Albus said, "I could not risk hex letters and other dangerous mail getting to you."
Lord Potter looked down at Harry. "Now you know why boys and girls around here have been avoiding you, instead of wanting to be your friend. They think you ignored them, and their letters, over the years, instead of writing back to them."
Harry angrily turned toward Albus. "Is that true, Headmaster?"
"My apologies, Harry," Albus said, "That is, indeed, true. It was done for your protection."
"And you never told me about this until now?" Harry asked. "You told me about the protections at the end of my first year!"
"You never asked, Harry," Albus said.
"Bastard, making Harry think he's to blame for this!" Lady Potter muttered.
"Are you surprised by that?" Lord Potter asked.
"Not in the least," Lady Potter said.
Minerva scoffed. "I will be looking into the location of all those letters, Mr. Potter. You have my word. I'm sure Albus was gracious enough not to destroy them."
"I'm sure we can discuss this later, Professor McGonagall," Albus said, with a world-weary sigh.
"Let's go back to your theory, Headmaster," Lord Potter said, "If I went to Ilvermorny, then how could I have met Hermione?"
"Did your wife not tell you?" Albus asked. "After the unfortunate troll incident in your first year, I offered Miss Granger a choice. Remain here at Hogwarts, or be transferred to another school. Ilvermorny was one of those choices for new schools. Your wife and her… counterpart here… agreed to remain in Hogwarts. An Alternate Hermione Granger might have decided to go to Ilvermorny."
Lady Potter nodded. "Yeah, that happened. I completely forgot about that, and at the time our friendship was too new for me to talk about it."
"Yeah," Hermione agreed with her older self.
"So you see," Albus said, "If you were indeed, an Alternate version of young Mr. Potter here, you could have gone to Ilvermorny. Hence, my theory."
"Why Ilvermorny?" Harry asked, "Why not another school?"
"It is the most prestigious English-speaking school in the world, Lord Potter," Albus said, "aside from Hogwarts, of course. If you didn't go here, you'd likely have gone there. But that doesn't explain my theory. On the piece of parchment that came out of the Goblet of Fire, along with your name, there was the school's name: Ilvermorny. A genius move, by Barty Crouch, Junior, you see. He added a fourth school, so your name, Harry, was the only one from that school who came out of the Goblet."
"And I assume you thought the Goblet of Fire Summoned my husband from an Alternate Universe," Lady Potter asked, "because he was supposed to be an alumnus of Ilvermorny?"
"Indeed," Albus said, "Now that we are on the subject of the Goblet of Fire summoning Lord Potter and yourself, Lady Potter. Why do you think it summoned you, along with your husband, instead of just Lord Potter?"
"Our Marriage Vows, which we did only yesterday, in our time," Lady Potter said. "They were too new. And very Magical. They were still working their way into our very core. We've barely even consummated our marriage, Headmaster. So that is why I was summoned along with my husband."
"Nicely done," Lord Potter said, "You believe we should keep our Soul-Bond from Albus?"
"Yes," Lady Potter said, "At least until we decide to tell Harry and Hermione in private. Actually, no, they need to be Bonded before we inform Albus, or he will do whatever he can to prevent them from Bonding."
"A fine theory," Minerva said.
"Indeed," Albus said, "Now, Lord Potter. Why do you think the Goblet summoned you from the future?"
"Well, that's easy, Headmaster," Lord Potter said, "Because Harry, here, isn't anywhere near ready to compete against two wizards and a witch of Cedric, Fleur, and Krum's caliber. The Goblet of Fire wanted to make the tournament… more fair, you could say. No offense to young Harry, here, but not only am I older, I have far more experience, knowledge, magical power, magical skills, et cetera, than he does."
"None taken," Harry said, "I do not wish to compete, Headmaster. As you already know, I didn't put my name in the Goblet."
"Unfortunately, Mr. Potter," Albus said, with a world-weary sigh, "You might have to compete."
"Yes… might, Albus, not 'will have to compete'," Lord Potter said. "I imagine the Goblet of Fire is still lit at this very moment?"
Albus frowned. "It is, indeed, Lord Potter."
"Which means it hasn't chosen who exactly the fourth champion is," Lord Potter said, "So tomorrow – I was going to suggest breakfast, but perhaps you could make an announcement at breakfast, for the event to take place at dinner. Tomorrow evening, at dinner, young Harry and I will stand in front of the Goblet of Fire, and we will ask it to be more specific. Which Harry Potter has it chosen to be the fourth champion? Each of us can – I don't know – touch the Goblet of Fire. Whichever one of us it reacts to, becomes the Chosen Champion."
Albus stared at Lord Potter, his lips flattened. Finally, he nodded curtly. "I can't think of a better suggestion, myself. Very well, I agree, Lord Potter."
"To be honest, Headmaster," Lord Potter said, "I think you better hope it is me who will be competing."
"And why is that, Lord Potter?" Albus asked.
"Because, if young Harry here competes," Lord Potter said, "Then the moment he begins the First Task, confirming his acceptance as Champion… Harry Potter will be an Emancipated Minor. That is, after all, exactly what happened to me."
"Only you didn't learn about it until you were already of age," Lady Potter said.
"Yes, but he doesn't need to know that," Lord Potter said.
Albus' eyes widened. Apparently that hadn't occurred to him until just now.
"Indeed," Albus could only say, "Moving on. Is there anything else you would like to discuss? Surely my death isn't the only one you wish to prevent in the future. And there is also, I assume, the fact that Barty Crouch, Junior's capture happened much sooner than it was in your timeline? Are you planning on making any other changes to our timeline?"
"Albus!" Minerva growled, "You know it is dangerous to mess with time!"
"Time has already been messed with, Professor McGonagall," Lady Potter said, "Mine and my husband's very presence has changed the timeline. Also, the Headmaster is correct. Barty Crouch Junior's reveal several months early has also changed the timeline."
"Yes, I think we should forget about that old warning about time travel, don't you, Minerva?" Albus asked.
"I suppose we can be cautious about what information we reveal," Lord Potter said, "My wife and the Headmaster are correct, after all. Barty Crouch Junior was caught. I think the – direct future of the timeline is in danger of changing anyway. How about – for now – my wife and I tell you, Minerva, and these two, what would have happened this year had we not fallen out of the sky?"
"And the rest of your story?" Albus asked.
"Can wait until we know we aren't doing irreparable damage to the timeline," Lady Potter said, "Lord Potter and I wish to wait until we are sure that there aren't any butterflies being damaged, so to speak."
"Very well," Albus said, sighing again, "Let us hear about our very near future, or at least, what would have happened had you not – as you say – fallen out of the sky?"