Chapter 1: A Honeymoon Interrupted
Title: A Harmonious Honeymoon
Summary: Newlyweds Harry and Hermione Potter are celebrating their honeymoon, when suddenly they are yanked out of their marriage bed, and flung through time. They land in the middle of the Great Hall of Hogwarts, during the Champions Choosing Ceremony in the 1994-95 Triwizard Tournament!
Rating: M
Warnings:Time Travel; Canon Divergence: Deathly Hallows – Horcrux Hunt; EWE: Epilogue What Epilogue; Alternate Universe; Manipulative!GreaterGood!Dumbledore, Ancient and Noble Houses, Lords and Ladies; Character Bashing: Dumbledore; Weasleys – Ron, Ginny, Molly; Snape, Viktor Krum and others.
Ships: Harry/Hermione; other ships (not with Harry or Hermione) to be considered.
Disclaimer: J.K Rowling owns the characters and the world of Harry Potter. I do not. I just like to play in her sandbox. No copyright infringement intended.
IMPORTANT NOTE: There will be sex scenes (between two consenting legal adults – eighteen and nineteen years old) in this story. Harry and Hermione (Lord and Lady Potter, that is) are on their honeymoon after all. HOWEVER, saying that: all sex scenes are EXCLUSIVE to my story on Archive Of Our Own, under my account name FS_VanceMcGill. So for those of you reading this on this website, if some chapters seem shorter than others, it is because there is a sex scene added into the chapter on Ao3. Don't worry, I will let my FFN readers know if the chapter has an additional scene (i.e. sex scene), posted on Ao3.
Chapter 1
A Honeymoon Interrupted
Author's Note: I promised myself I wasn't going to upload this until the weekend after I had placed a preview of this story in "Fable of Firsts". I had hoped to be able to hold back publishing this until I had several chapters written, but I just can't resist! I blame all of you readers, who gave me such wonderful commentary and reactions to this chapter in "Fable of Firsts."
So, I've decided I'm going to publish this story and upload the first two chapters today. As of publishing this story, I only have four chapters written (and I am working on the fifth at the moment). So… until I get a LOT more chapters written, I'm going to try to have a pattern of posting one chapter a week (after the first two chapters are initially posted). No more than that for now.
In this story, there will be two sets of Harry and Hermione. The Fourth Years, and the Married Lord and Lady. When they are together, the Fourth Years will be called "Harry" and "Hermione", and the married pair will be "Lord Potter" and "Lady Potter". Otherwise, Lord and Lady Potter will be called Harry and Hermione when they're not in the same scene with the younger two.
Also, as will be… sort of alluded to in this chapter (and explained in the end Author's Note), the Canon Timeline diverges from the original timeline in this story midway through Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Harry and Hermione become a couple (sorta it is complicated!) during the Horcrux Hunt after Ron left.
"The Hogwarts champion," he called, "is Cedric Diggory!"
"No!" said Ron loudly, but nobody heard him except Harry; the uproar from the next table was too great.
Every single Hufflepuff had jumped to his or her feet, screaming and stamping, as Cedric made his way past them, grinning broadly, and headed off toward the chamber behind the teachers' table. Indeed, the applause for Cedric went on so long that it was some time before Dumbledore could make himself heard again.
"Excellent!" Dumbledore called happily as at last the tumult died down. "Well, we now have our three champions. I am sure I can count upon all of you, including the remaining students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, to give your champions every ounce of support you can muster. By cheering your champion on, you will contribute in a very real —"
But Dumbledore suddenly stopped speaking, and it was apparent to everybody what had distracted him. The fire in the goblet had just turned red again. Sparks were flying out of it. A long flame shot suddenly into the air, and borne upon it was another piece of parchment.
Automatically, it seemed, Dumbledore reached out a long hand and seized the parchment. He held it out and stared at the name written upon it. There was a long pause, during which Dumbledore stared at the slip in his hands, and everyone in the room stared at Dumbledore. And then Dumbledore cleared his throat and read out —
"Harry Potter."
(JK Rowling; "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" – Chapter 16: The Goblet of Fire)
The Great Hall, which had, moments ago, been filled with the raucous sounds of thunderous applause and cheers, suddenly went completely silent. If a needle had dropped on the floor, everyone in the room would have heard it easily.
Over at the Gryffindor Table, Harry Potter was sitting completely still, aware that every head in the Great Hall had turned to look at him.
He was stunned. He felt numb. He was surely dreaming. He had not heard correctly. There was no applause. A buzzing, as though of angry bees, was starting to fill the Hall; some students were standing up to get a better look at Harry as he sat, frozen, in his seat.
Up at the top table, Professor McGonagall had got to her feet and swept past Ludo Bagman and Professor Karkaroff to whisper urgently to Professor Dumbledore, who bent his ear toward her, frowning slightly.
Harry turned to Ron and Hermione; beyond them, he saw the long Gryffindor table all watching him, openmouthed.
"I didn't put my name in," Harry said blankly. "You know I didn't."
Both of them stared just as blankly back.
Up at the Head Table, Albus Dumbledore was about to call Harry's name again, when suddenly, out of nowhere, a large portal-like object appeared in thin-air. Now, everyone's attention – including Harry's – was on the portal. Moments later, two figures fell out of the portal.
"WHAAAAT THE FUUUUUUU –!" One of the voices – obviously a male's – yelled, as he fell toward the floor.
The other figure screamed as they fell after the other figure. However this figure was quick enough to realize that she and her accomplice were about to land on a hard surface. She yelled out an incantation (many in the room recognized the incantation as a Cushioning Charm, and several in the room were astounded because apparently this person was casting a Charm without using a Wand – Wandless magic!). Due to the use of the Cushioning Charm, the two figures had a much softer landing on the floor below than they would have if a Charm had not been used.
Everyone watched, once again in complete silence, as the two figures moved to their feet and looked at their surroundings.
Albus Dumbledore was the first to speak up.
"WHO ARE YOU?!" Albus thundered, "REVEAL YOUR IDENTITIES IMMEDIATELY!"
"Hello to you too, Albus," the man said, "How wonderful to see you alive and well again."
Albus pointed the Elder Wand at the man, and conjured magical ropes. However, before the ropes could hit the two figures and tie them up, the ropes hit a force field and dropped to the floor.
"Raise the Elder Wand again in my presence, Albus Dumbledore," the man said, his voice completely calm, even though Albus had just tried to attack him, "threaten me and my wife again, and the wand – and your life – are mine."
"I SAID REVEAL YOUR IDENTITIES NOW!" Albus growled.
"You could have asked nicer," the man muttered, "But very well. My name is Lord Harry James Potter, Head of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter, and other various titles. And this is my wife, Lady Hermione Jean Potter, various titles, et cetera."
As everyone gasped, or whispered or muttered to their neighbors, the man looked around the room.
"Judging by the fact that the Goblet of Fire is right there," the man said, "I'm going to guess it is Halloween in 1994. And - yep, there's Madame Maxime, Igor Karakaroff and Bartemius Crouch – hello! Is Cedric Diggory here? Or has he already been chosen? Looks like he isn't here. Let me guess. Harry Potter's name just came out of the Goblet of Fire."
"Harry and Hermione are over there, husband of mine," the woman said, "Look at you over there, so cute at that age. How could I not have fallen for you? Anyway, since they're here, I'm guessing that when the Goblet spat out your name, we've somehow time-traveled, instead of gone to an Alternate Universe. A little odd, that we didn't time-travel into our own bodies. But I can figure that out later."
"SILENCE!" Albus roared.
The man (Lord Harry Potter?) narrowed his eyes, glaring at Albus. "Did you just tell my wife to shut up, Dumbledore?"
Albus cleared his throat. "I merely asked everyone in the room to be silent, so I may speak. I'm going to ask that you, sir, and your… wife, accompany me away from here. Meanwhile, Madame Maxime, Headmaster Karkaroff, Messrs. Bagman and Crouch, please see to the other three Triwizard Champions. You may explain to them about what will take place in the future in the Triwizard Tournament. Do not discuss the fourth champion with them at this moment. We'll worry about the fourth soon enough. Minerva, will you please go with them?"
"Actually, Albus," the man (Lord Potter?) said, "I'd like Minerva to come with us. If you want, you can ask Professor Snape to come with us as well. Also you can bring Mad-Eye Moody with us too, if you need someone to keep an eye on me and my wife. Also, I want Mr. Harry Potter, and Miss Hermione Granger to come with us too."
Albus narrowed his eyes. "My two students most certainly will –"
"Be accompanying us, just as I have asked, Albus," the man interrupted. "They will accompany us, because they need to understand."
Albus stared at the man, who stared back at him. The Headmaster was the first to blink. He capitulated and sighed.
"Very well," Albus said, "Minerva, accompany Mr. Potter, Miss Granger and… our guests… to my office please. Professors Snape, Moody and I will be with you shortly. Professor Sprout, as Champion Diggory is your student, you may accompany the others to the Champions."
Minerva McGonagall stood from her chair, rounded the table, and made her way over to Harry Potter and Hermione Granger.
"Come with me, please, Mr. Potter, Miss Granger," Minerva said, then turned to the two new guests, "You two as well."
The two guests (Lord and Lady Potter?) nodded, and followed McGonagall, Harry and Hermione out of the Great Hall.
—-
Lord Harry Potter, Head of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter (and various other titles) walked hand-in-hand with his wife, Lady Hermione Potter, behind their fourteen and fifteen year old selves, and Minerva McGonagall, as the Deputy Headmistress escorted them toward the Headmaster's Office.
This is NOT how I wanted to spend my honeymoon, Lord Harry Potter mused, What the bloody hell is going on? Obviously we're in the time period when the Goblet of Fire spat out my name, making me the fourth Triwizard Champion. But why did it summon me? I understand what Hermione was alluding to earlier. If this was an Alternate Universe, and this Universe's Harry had died in Halloween, or didn't exist, and his name still came out of the Goblet, then I could understand why it would summon a Harry Potter from an alternate universe. But this seems to be our timeline. Harry – younger me – is right there! Why did the Goblet summon me? Am I supposed to be his replacement or something? Did the Goblet decide the younger me wasn't capable enough? And why did it summon my wife?!
"I can hear you ranting over there, my husband," Lady Hermione Potter said, through their telepathic ability to speak to each other.
"Right, sorry, love," Lord Potter said, "I sometimes forget we can speak telepathically, and that my thoughts are never safe from you. Our Soul-Bond is still so new, you know? I'm still getting used to it."
"I understand, my love," Lady Potter said, "If you had given more thought about our Soul-Bond, then one of your questions would have been answered already. The Goblet of Fire – if it is responsible – summoned me with you, because we are one soul in two bodies. We could not bear to be split from each other, even across time.""Of course, you're right, sweetheart," Lord Potter said.
"Our younger selves must still be in shock," Lady Potter said, "I would definitely be asking a bunch of questions already, if it was me experiencing this."
"I'd still be quiet, like he is," Lord Potter said, glancing at the back of the head of the younger Harry Potter. "Probably still trying to figure out if I really am who I say I am.""Nah, he's probably trying to figure out why I'm his future wife," Lady Potter said, grinning, "He has no idea what I – my younger self – feels for him after all. Nor that he is already completely in love with my younger self.""That's your fault, wife," Lord Potter said, "Well, part of it is anyway. The other part is the damned Dursleys.""I know," Lady Potter said, "Maybe we can play Cupid with our younger selves? Get them together earlier? Get their Soul-Bond started earlier?""Really, Miss 'Bad things happen to those who mess with time'?" Lord Potter asked, "You want to mess with time?""We're already messing with the timeline, Harry," Lady Potter said, "Just by being here. And you already know you're going to likely be replacing your younger self in the Triwizard Tournament! You can't tell me you can be here at this moment in time and not think about saving people's lives. Cedric? Sirius? Remus? Dora? Also, do you really want our younger selves to go through what we did, especially when it comes to Ron, Ginny and Molly?"Lord Potter sighed. "We'll talk about this later, Hermione.""Fine," Lady Potter said, "Husband?""Yes, wife?" Lord Potter asked.
"I'm so glad we decided to have dinner AFTER we spent some time in the hot tub," Lady Potter said, "instead of before. Because if we did, we would have immediately gone to bed to… have fun… after getting out of the hot tub. And we probably would have wound up naked in the Great Hall, instead of in bathrobes."
"Yes, thank you for deciding we should have eaten before we shagged each other's brains out," Lord Potter said.
Lady Potter glared playfully at her husband. "Behave, husband. Or I might not let you shag me before we go to bed after we figure out what is going on here."
"Shutting up now," Lord Potter said.
Lord Potter looked away from his wife, and found that they were approaching the Griffin Statue that guarded the Headmaster's Office.
A Griffin Door! Lord Potter exclaimed telepathically, "Hey, Hermione, it's a Griffin Door! Get it? Gryffindor!"
"You've been here how many times during Dumbledore's tenure as Headmaster, and only realized that now?" Lady Potter asked, raising an eyebrow.
Lord Potter blushed. He was certainly not going to admit that – out loud or telepathically. Lady Potter smirked at him, as if knew what he was thinking.
"Treacle Tart," Professor McGonagall said.
"Dumbledore's password to his office is my favorite dessert?" Lord Potter asked, as the Griffin Statue stepped aside from the entrance, "Well that settles it. Dumbledore KNEW my name would come out of the Goblet of Fire. He expected to be meeting me in his office after the Choosing Ceremony, and wanted me to remember the password!"
"We already knew Dumbledore knew your name would come out of the Goblet of Fire, husband," Lady Potter said, "Dumbledore's portrait told us that.""Yes, but here's solid proof while Dumbledore's alive!" Lord Potter said, "We can nail him while he's still alive so he can get proper justice this time!""I wouldn't call that proof," Lady Potter said, "But we can discuss that later. We need to follow our doppelgangers.""Doppelgangers?" Lord Potter echoed.
"Better than always saying 'our younger selves'," Lady Potter said.
Minerva McGonagall stared suspiciously at Lord and Lady Potter, but the Potters ignored her, as they followed their 'doppelgangers' up the stairs. Minerva followed in tow.
When they reached the Headmaster's Office, Minerva conjured five chairs on the nearest side of Dumbledore's grand mahogany desk. Meanwhile, the various portraits of former Headmasters and Headmistresses were all muttering and murmuring as they looked at the guests.
"Quiet, now, all of you," Minerva ordered the portraits. "Sit down, you four, please."
The younger Harry and Hermione immediately sat down in two of the middle chairs, leaving one empty on one end, and two on the other.
"I think we'll stand, Minerva," Lord Potter said, "At least until Professors Dumbledore, Snape and… Moody… get here."
"Don't sound so suspicious about 'Moody', Harry," Lady Potter said, "Not if you want to succeed with your plan without Minerva acting suspicious."
Minerva's lips thinned. "Very well. I know such things will be further explained when Albus, Alastor and Severus get here. But I must ask. How do I know that you are who you truly say you are?"
"Who do I look like, Minerva?" Lord Potter asked.
Minerva blushed, stammered, then cleared her throat. "Well, I would say that you look very much like James Potter – except –"
"Except for my eyes – my mother's eyes," Lord Potter said, "And my wife? Who does she look like?"
Minerva glanced at the younger Hermione, then glanced at Lady Potter.
"Harry?" Minerva asked, her voice soft, instead of cool and strict as it had been these past minutes, as she glanced at Lord Potter, then back at Lady Potter, "Hermione?"
"Yes?" the younger Harry and Hermione asked.
Lady Potter giggled, and Lord Potter smirked.
"I think you better call us Lord and Lady Potter when we're in the same room with these two, ma'am," Lord Potter said.
"I'd always wondered whether you two would get married," Minerva said.
"Oh?" Lady Potter asked, "Do you have a betting pool, Professor?"
Minerva blushed and looked at Lady Potter. "I'm guessing you already know the answer to that."
"October 31st, 1996," Lady Potter said, "I believe that's your entry in the betting pool."
Minerva's blush deepened.
"I'm sorry to say you were about a year too early," Lady Potter said. "Early November 1997. Can't remember the exact date. Things were… hectic… around that time. We weren't exactly keeping track of the calendar."
"Excuse me… Lady Potter?" Hermione asked Lady Potter.
"Yes, dear?" Lady Potter asked.
"Are you… me?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, dear," Lady Potter said.
"Oh," Hermione said, quietly, "Okay. But I thought we couldn't meet each other? Bad things happen to those who mess with time!"
"Indeed," Lady Potter said, "I'd say Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall probably exaggerated when they talked to us about the Time Turner at the beginning of Third Year."
Minerva's cheeks went pink again.
"Technically we haven't exactly messed with time yet," Lord Potter said, "Soon… but not yet."
Minerva eyed Lord Potter suspiciously.
"Ignore my husband," Lady Potter said, "We'll explain everything when the Professors get here, my dear. Be a good girl and turn back around. The adults are speaking now."
"She sounds like my mother," Hermione whispered. "Do I really turn into my mother when I get married?"
"Not yet, sweetheart," Lady Potter said.
Realizing everyone had heard what she said, Hermione blushed, and turned back around in her chair. Harry, meanwhile, was simply staring down at his lap, as if he was trying to ignore everything that was happening. Lord Potter couldn't blame him.
"Have you figured out why the two of you are here yet, Lady Potter?" Minerva asked.
"Well, judging by the fact that my husband's younger self," Lady Potter said, "actually exists and is alive and well, I'd say we're not in an alternate universe."
"Alternate Universe?" Minerva asked.
"Say this was a universe where Harry was killed by Voldemort in Halloween of 1981," Lady Potter said, "Or simply didn't exist. Or maybe James and Lily bore a daughter instead of a son –"
Young Harry coughed, while Lord Potter glared playfully at his wife.
Lady Potter ignored her husband and his younger 'doppelganger. "And Harry Potter's name still came out of the Goblet of Fire. I don't think Lady Magic would just let that happen without something happening. An Alternate Universe's version of Harry Potter would likely be summoned."
"But Harry Potter is alive and well, Lady Potter," Minerva said, "The younger version, and your husband. So how do you explain that?"
"I think it has to do with young Harry's age," Lady Potter said, "And the fact that my husband has already gone through this and survived."
"Barely," Lord Potter muttered.
"If my husband wasn't here," Lady Potter said, "young Harry would have to compete with two wizards and a witch who has more experience, et cetera, than he does. My husband – being eighteen years old – is a better candidate to compete in the Triwizard Tournament. If we were just going by age that is. Judging by experience, knowledge, magical power, magical skills, et cetera, that also makes my husband a better candidate than young Harry here."
"And if Albus Dumbledore believes young Harry is the one who the Goblet of Fire chose?" Minerva asked.
"He would, wouldn't he?" Lord Potter muttered, "Even after a better candidate literally fell from the sky moments after his name came out of the Goblet of Fire. He'll probably tell us that young Harry needs life experience or something. Just another test he's going to put Harry through, to make sure he's ready for his true destiny."
"That doesn't answer my question, Lord Potter," Minerva asked, though the glare she was giving him suggested she wanted him to explain that further.
"Well, then I'll explain to Albus that if young Harry here competes in the First Task next month," Harry said, "That means Harry will be Emancipated, and Albus will no longer have any control over him. Mind you, Minerva, I didn't know that I was qualified for Emancipation the moment I stepped foot in the Dragon Pit."
"Dragon?!" Hermione gasped, turning back around, "Did you say Dragon? And what is this about Emancipation?"
"We'll explain everything soon, dear," Lady Potter said, "Turn back around."
"Yes, Mum," Hermione said, glaring at her older self as she turned back around.
"I didn't learn I was Emancipated, because Dumbledore never told me," Lord Potter said. "Even after I was put in front of the entire Wizengamot for breaking the Restriction of Underage Wizardry, which should never have happened because I was Emancipated, Dumbledore never told me anything!"
"Calm down, husband," Lady Potter said, "We can deal with our issues with Albus later. We shouldn't air dirty, stinky laundry out in front of Minerva and the little ones."
"Yes, I believe I understand now," Minerva said, "Explain exactly what will happen if young Harry competes in the Tournament, and Albus will desperately be looking for a replacement."
"Probably not 'desperately', Minerva," Lord Potter muttered.
Lady Potter glared at her husband, this time none too playfully.
"So you believe Albus wants young Harry to compete?" Minerva asked.
"Harry, what's your favorite dessert?" Lord Potter asked.
"Um… Treacle Tart," Harry muttered.
Minerva's eyes widened. Lord Potter smirked.
"And what was today's password to this office, Minerva?" Lord Potter asked.
"Treacle Tart," Minerva said, "Albus wanted Harry to remember the password to his office –"
"Because he knew Harry would probably be coming here to speak to him after his name came out of the Goblet of Fire!" Lord Potter said, "Which means he knew Harry's name would come out of the Goblet of Fire. Mind you, I never actually did that. Apparently Albus thinks I was going to go all – er – 'Caps-Harry' on Albus and rant at him after my name came out of the Goblet of Fire."
Lady Potter snorted. "One year too early for that one."
Now it was Lord Potter's turn to glare at his wife. Lady Potter just smiled at him.
Minerva sighed. "That does make an outstanding amount of sense, doesn't it? Wait… so who put Harry's name in the Goblet of Fire? I assume it wasn't yourself, Mr. Potter?"
"Absolutely not!" Harry growled, "I don't want to compete!"
"Don't worry, lad," Lord Potter said, "You won't be competing… not this time. As for who put Harry's name in the Goblet of Fire, he's on his way to this office right now."
"Surely, Lord Potter, you're not telling me Albus did it?" Minerva asked, "Or do you mean Severus?"
Before Lord Potter could answer, the door opened. Albus Dumbledore, Severus Snape, and 'Alastor Moody' stepped into the room. Lord Potter snarled, summoned his wand from his wand-holster on his wrist, and pointed it at 'Alastor Moody'. Moments later, 'Alastor' fell down onto the floor, bound with several ropes, his whole body rigid, and also Stunned.
Minerva glanced at 'Alastor' then back to Lord Potter. "That answers that question."
"WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!" Albus Dumbledore thundered.
Lord Potter rolled his eyes. "Sit down, Headmaster, and my wife and I will explain everything."
Author's Note: Lord and Lady Potter (Future Harry and Hermione) kissed in the tent a few days after Ron left (I like to think that takes place on Halloween) during the Horcrux Hunt, after revealing their feelings for each other. When they kissed, it created a Soul-Bond. They "officially" married October 30th (after Harry refused to marry on Halloween) of 1998, and their Honeymoon began on Halloween (and they were yanked through time on Halloween).
Next Chapter: Bartemius Crouch, Junior's identity is revealed many months before it was in canon. Lord and Lady Potter discuss several things with Albus, Minerva, and the young Harry and Hermione.
Chapter 2
Manipulators, Impostors, and Time Travelers, Oh My!
Author's Note: Starting from this chapter, I will use dates. I am using the Harry Potter canon calendar in this story, and not the real-life calendar. So don't tell me "This says it happened on Saturday, I know it was a Wednesday!" I'll just ignore you.
This chapter begins several minutes before the previous chapter ended.
Warnings: Manipulative Dumbledore Plotting; Severe Character Bashing: Dumbledore, Severus Snape
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?"
A fine ending for this chapter. If I didn't stop here, it would have been much too long.
Albus' plotting at the start of the chapter had very much to do with this theory that Lord and Lady Potter is from an Alternate Universe. Now that he knows they're from the future, that they survived whatever he was plotting – and that he died before Voldemort was defeated (and also that Harry defeated Voldemort), I think he's going to throw all his planning out the window. He needs to know what happened in the future before he can make any plans, so he can adjust to what Lord and Lady Potter told him. Basically They don't trust him at all, so Lord and Lady Potter are being very cautious about telling Albus everything (hence Lady Potter's statement regarding butterflies).
Basically everything Albus plotted at the start of the chapter went down the toilet when he discovered his theories about Lord and Lady Potter were wrong. Why did I write that scene then? So you can know exactly what kind of person Albus Dumbledore is in this story.
Next Chapter: Albus, Minerva, and young Harry and Hermione, are told – in summary – the events of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" between the Choosing Ceremony and the First Task. (More of the story will be told after the First Task takes place). Then Amelia Bones comes to Hogwarts.