Chapter Text
“BEWARE THE ENEMIES OF THE SLYTHERIN HEIR; THE CHAMBERS OF SECRETS HAS BEEN OPENED.”
The daunting words glower over Harry and his friends as they look at the written warning over the wall. Mrs.Norris lifeless stoned furry body was suspended mid air eerily and of-bloody-course, it’s just Harry’s luck that trouble has found him again. The rest of the school filtered out of the Great Hall after the Halloween dinner, hearing the ruckus down the dungeons.
Suffocating. He needs to get out of here. Everyone was looking at the three of them and Filch’s malicious accusations weren’t helping. The professors looked troubled but otherwise suspicious of him and his friends regardless. Hermione gripped Harry’s arm tightly when she realized her friend was hunching over himself. Ron looked ready to bolt if he weren’t angrily huffing at everyone.
Was it the voice? Was he just hearing things? Harry wasn’t so sure. Ron and Hermione said they didn’t hear anything or anyone saying “Rip…Tear..Kill…”
The professors reconvene in the DADA classroom where Gilderoy Lockhart, in all his fraud stupidity, is blabbering about if only he was there he could've saved the cat. ‘Bollocks’, Ron muttered low enough for his friends to hear. Harry would’ve laughed if it was an appropriate time. Professors of Hogwarts are there along with Dumbledore and Filch. A shaking Harry is sandwiched between Hermione and Ron as he's interrogated about the chamber of secrets opening and Mrs.Norris.
Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts, a wise old man with a silver beard and half moon spectacles, stood in the middle of the room, a look of deep concern etched upon his face.
"Enough of that, Mr.Filch" Dumbledore said, his voice firm but calm. The muttering of the professors stopped as everyone turned their attention to him. Filch stopped his yelling and glowering at Harry.
"This is a serious matter," Dumbledore continued, his eyes sweeping over the assembly. "One that requires calm and rational thinking."
Lockhart, still sporting his usual slick hair and gleaming teeth, was the first to speak up. "Of course, Headmaster," he said, his voice dripping with fake concern. "But we can't ignore the facts here, can we? A beloved pet has been petrified, and a very plausible suspect has just been found in the vicinity. Aah but if only I'd been there to see Mrs.Norris early, yes, I could've saved the poor cat."
Professor Snape rolled his eyes and sneered beside Professor Sprout and Flitwick. Sinistra and Burbage wisely looked elsewhere, having more patience to not scowl at Lockhart. Professor McGonagall’s lips thinned out in displeasure and exasperation. The yellow looking abomination of a fraud DADA professor couldn’t have done anything to save a mere flobberworm if his life depended on it.
"Mr.Potter, Ms.Granger, and Mr.Weasley, where were you before you found the cat?", The Scottish Transfiguration Mistress McGonagall asks curiously. The Golden trio looks at each other. In a deep breath, Hermione speaks for her friends "We were just passing by, Professor! Harry didn't do anything."
"Indeed, he did not. Filch, such a thing cannot be done by a twelve year old. I believe in your innocence, young ones", Dumbledore raises a hand before Filch could cry murderer at the poor boy. He was peering over the cat’s body, successfully examining the state of the poor cat.
"If I may, it is unwise to accuse the students of what happened to the cat. Though... quite a coincidence, is it not? Where were you three during the feast?" , the dour Potions Master Snape raised an eyebrow at the kids.
"W-we came f-from Sir Nicholas Death Day Party, Sir.", Ron answers.
“Indeed? And pray tell why is it that the three of you forgo a holiday feast for a ghost party?”
Young Harry looks down, still shaken from hearing voices in the walls that's vindictive. The timing as they found the cat was too huge. "I d-didnt w-w-want to go to the feast, sir. I-it was my parents d-death anniversary you see. And we went to the ghost Death Day Party instead because Sir Nicholas invited Luna Lovegood and we all went with her instead."
There was a shocked silence in the room at Harry's revelation. Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, and the other teachers looked at him with surprise and sympathy. Well, it is a valid reason. Though it does not explain everything.
Sprout clears up her throat and took a more gentle approach in interrogating the trio. “Is it by chance that you three were just in the corridors, dear? You did not see anyone suspicious who may have petrified the cat?”
“We did not, Professor. We took a long route back to the tower after the ghost death day party. We were…err.. Harry wasn't in the mood to go back to the tower yet. We didn’t think we’d see the cat like that.”, the ever loyal redhead answered instead in defense of his friend. The two other lions can tell Harry was drowned in anxiety after Filch just screamed accusations at him immediately out of everyone in the corridor.
"Is that true, Mr. Potter?" asked Dumbledore gently. The scrawny green-eyed lion nodded, his hands wringing his robe sleeves. Hermione bristled slightly at the professors singling their friend out. Filch looked unconvinced, his beady eyes narrowing.
Suddenly, the double doors of the DADA classroom bursted open and a man arrived unceremoniously. A man who seems to be around his late teen's or perhaps early 20s. For a second, the Professors thought the ghost of James Potter had risen from the grave as the man looked like his replica. Only, he has green eyes as vivid as Lily Evans with James Potter's messy hair. Curious though, he bears a forehead lightning bolt scar like young Harry, and scars littered on the skin that barely shows with his high-necked inner suit and long robes. He sauntered over them in the most intimidating, thundering magical aura around him. A what they can say, the grown up version of the 12 years old Harry Potter right now. He was wearing dragonhide boots, dark green waistcoat and dragonhide slick black trousers with silver accents ladened on the stitching. He pairs his fit with a long double breasted leather coat, the crests of Potter, Black, Peverell and Slytherin at the breast pocket.
"The cat is merely petrified. The kids had no involvement in this matter.", He simply said without preamble as he burst in with an intimidating green eyed glare and a stance of a powerful seasoned soldier.
The teachers' jaws literally dropped at the sight of the man who entered the room. They couldn't help but stare in shock at this person who resembled James Potter but had the same lightning scar as Harry. Filch, seeing the resemblance too, was stunned for a moment before letting out a scoff. "And who are you?!", he demanded. The golden trio was taken aback for a second at the vitriol and guts of the caretaker.
The man's gaze flicked to Filch and he stepped forward, his stride confident and authoritative. His piercing green eyes fixed on the caretaker with a steely glare.
"Someone who knows what he’s talking about," he said firmly, his voice calm but carrying a tone of authority. "And someone who doesn't put up with baseless accusations against children." The teachers exchanged glances, unsure of what to make of this mysterious stranger who seemed to know more than they did.
“Where did he come from?”, a tiny squeak from Flitwick. Great question Professor, Harry thinks. Who the bloody hell is this man who looks like his dad.
The professors, Headmaster, caretaker, and Young Harry, Hermione and Ron can only stare at the grown up version of…. Harry? They don't know where he came from, they don't know why he's like grown up Harry Potter, and they don't know how to react.
Silence descended over the room like a thick fog. The teachers and staff exchanged perplexed glances, unable to comprehend the situation unfolding before them. Young Harry, Hermione, and Ron were utterly bewildered, their eyes darting between the grown-up Harry and the professors. It was young Harry who broke the silence.
Harry: "You look like me! Only older!"
Adorable.
Grown up Harry smiled and put himself as a barrier between the professors and the kids. Grown up Harry smiled down at the mini version of his best friends, acting like protectors on both sides of Young him. He kneels to Harry and brushes his hair away from his forehead. He knows the younger him would flinch and get wary, but also knew he'd be happy to receive such affection. Merlin knows he never had it growing up.
“That I do.”
Little Harry's eyes widened in both surprise and awe as this grown-up man, whom he can say is his older self, knelt before him. He was struck by the uncanny resemblance and the feeling of familiarity as the older Harry brushed the hair away from his forehead. The teachers, still bewildered by the situation, watched the exchange with a mixture of curiosity and caution. They could see the protective stance the older Harry had taken and the affectionate gesture toward his younger counterpart.
Grown Up Harry merely grins and pat younger him's tiny fluffy head. Huh, when did he start hair care again? This 12 year old still looks like he does not know what a hairbrush is. He stood up again and faced the professors. His face went from soft to absolutely intimidating. His aura and magical presence had made even Dumbledore and Snape quiver, as it rivals even of Voldemort. He doesn't scream danger, but he definitely seems formidable and scary. They may have many questions, but it was clear this is a man they cannot underestimate.
"Cornering and accusing three students, minors at that, without any preamble is unprofessional, Professors. Neither is allowing Filch to accuse young Harry of doing such a thing. Disappointing. The cat isn't dead, it's merely petrified. Has anyone stopped to think how traumatizing it also was for them to see Mrs.Norris like that, including the writing on the wall?”, it was abit acerbic, a bit bitey. But the man believes his words were necessary. Going by the chastised faces of some of the adults.
Before anyone can say more, the older Harry grabbed a vial inside his robes, raising it to show the professors. Specifically angling it for Snape to see, as he’s the potions master here. A steeled glare over the rest, he makes a show of dropping a few drops in the petrified cat’s mouth. The cat jumped to Filch immediately who gruffed gratefully but still bitterly.
"Mandrake restoration potion.", he simply notes.
The professors were caught off guard by the older Harry's commanding presence. Even Dumbledore and Snape, seasoned wizards that they were, couldn't help but feel intimidated by the aura he exuded. Hermione, Ron, and young Harry watched with wide eyes as the older Harry effortlessly took charge of the situation. At the mention of the Mandrake Restoration Potion, Snape's eyebrows rose in interest.
"And how, pray tell, did you come to possess such a potion?", the potions master murmurs with a raised eyebrow. A look typically used for rowdy students or dunderheads he intimidates.
Harry raised an eyebrow back at the Potions Master. If he was young Harry right now, he would've been nervous. But Harry's a time traveler who won a war, watched this man die, killed the same monster who killed Snape, and frankly had faced far more intimidating people. Harry simply smiled back with a wry challenging grin. The other professors curiously watched the interaction. Young Harry, Hermione and Ron however are in awe of him. The tiny students gaping obviously found him cool, which Harry honestly finds adorable. Did he really look that tiny at second year?
"Why, Potion Master & Professor Lord Severus Tobias Snape-Prince, Mandrakes aren't that hard to acquire you know. Especially when you can brew them for restorative potions.”
The use of full titles and names of Snape made them raise their eyebrows. Snape specifically, because his Prince lordship was hardly a public information.
"The Chamber of Secrets has indeed been opened. A slytherin heir indeed does exist. As someone was.. Or is currently being possessed by a shade of the previous, but already conquered Slytherin heir. Also known as Tom Riddle. But he is no longer the heir. Why? I shall not endeavor right now. None of you has the right to question me when I know how this year will go., nor I shall allow it to repeat. Hadrian “Harry” James Potter-Black from the year 2001, I had accidentally time traveled. Though if I shall go back to my timeline, is a question."
The teachers, especially Snape and Dumbledore, were stunned into silence. They had so many questions but were rendered speechless by the older Harry's confident and matter-of-fact tone. Ron and Hermione's eyes widened in awe, completely smitten by the mature and powerful persona of Harry Potter. The younger Harry was about to open his mouth as he looked up on himself? His counterpart? He looked like he wanted to say something but wisely decided to keep silent for now because the older man still looks intimidating.
Dumbledore spoke up, his voice calm yet intriguing. "You said you accidentally traveled through time. How...?"
"Ehh, malfunctioning time turners, tricky things. I was on a mission a few days ago. Got thrown back here. Say... I'm what? 9? 10 years from the future? We were on a hit mission in knockturn alley and someone was reselling time turners illegally by scamming people. My timeline might be in shambles right now after losing their Head Auror, or the future might've dissolved already. Not sure."
He shrugged as if nothing’s amiss, and he’s already giving anecdotes of the future. The adults and the trio are all captivated by his authoritative yet nonchalant cool demeanor. He promptly turns to the young version of Hermione and with a stern stare, he wiggles a finger at her.
“No more time turners for your third year, young lady. My own Hermione mistakenly used them to take all electives as third year. I won't allow that to repeat again."
Young Hermione, despite her usual confident demeanor, felt startled at the stern tone of grown-up Harry as she gets warned against her future decision to use a Time Turner. The teachers, meanwhile, exchanged bewildered glances. Even Dumbledore seemed taken aback by the casual way grown-up Harry spoke about his accidental time travel and the mention of the Chamber of Secrets being opened.
Ron, still starstruck, couldn't help but blurt out,"Wait, you're an Auror in the future?!"
Grown-up Harry turned to Ron with a nod, a hint of pride in his eyes. "I am, indeed. Head Auror, to be precise."
Young Harry and Ron's eyes widened even further. The Golden Trio couldn't believe what they were hearing. Grown-up Harry, the older version, was the Head Auror. The professors watched on, their initial surprise morphing into fascination.
"Head Auror, at such a young age?", a surprised Dumbledore murmurs. Grown Up Harry twirls back to raise an intimidating eyebrow at the Headmaster and the professors. He waved off dismissively to deflect.
“Special case. It was offered when I was 17 immediately after killing the dark lord in a war. But huh... good to see you alive, Headmaster.”
Everyone's eyes bulge at the indication that in grown up Harry's future, Dumbledore had died already in a few years. Also, everyone, the Golden trio, McGonagall, Snape, Flitwick, Pomona, Lockhart, Sinistra gasps at his admission of killing Voldemort at 17. And a second war?! Severus Snape was at the back looking up on the ceiling, ready to retire to Australia at the confirmation there was a second war.
A deathly silence fell over the room as the professors, and the future Golden Trio, absorbed the gravity of Grown Up Harry's words. Dumbledore's already pale face became even more so, while Snape's expression darkened. Even McGonagall's usually stern demeanor was overtaken by surprise, and Lockhart, for once, was speechless.
After a tense moment, McGonagall found her voice, "Did...did you say you killed the dark lord…? At seventeen?!"
Grown Up Harry gives her the iconic James Potter signature grin and nods proudly. He bows playfully and takes the hand of his Head of House, kissing her knuckles like a gentleman.
"Indeed... However, it’s good to see you younger and healthy, Professor. My, you’re still glowing as ever even in the future."
McGonagall, usually stern and strict, found herself smiling slightly at the unexpected gesture. She was taken aback by the maturity and chivalry of the older Harry.
"Hmph, stop deflecting Mr.Potter, though you... You certainly have the manners of your father, Mr. Potter."
The rest of the teachers, still trying to comprehend the enormity of Grown Up Harry's statements, exchanged glances. Snape was the next to break the silence, his tone sharp.
"And the arrogance."
"Ahh, I forgot how dour and bitter you were in my younger years, Professor. I'm glad to see you alive too."
The time traveler merely grins. Knowing the true allegiance already of Snape in his own timeline and his duties. He playfully tips an invisible hat on his head and bowed at the man whose eyebrows shoot high in his forehead. Younger version of him look at him gobsmacked as if he's mad for being like this to his least favorite professor. Ron squeaked in horror and Hermione was also confused.
Snape, for the first time, looked almost dumbfounded by grown up Harry's attitude. Normally, he would've retorted with a scathing remark, but the way Harry carried himself with such confidence and nonchalance left him speechless. Even more strange, there was a hint of affection in the time traveler's eyes. It was as if he knew something Snape himself was unaware of.
McGonagall, unable to maintain her stern demeanor, let out a small chuckle. "It seems you've become more cheeky in your time."
Young Harry, Ron, and Hermione watched this exchange, mouths agape. Young Harry, in particular, couldn't believe his older self was speaking to Snape like that. He had never seen anyone talk to the dour Potions Master in such a casual manner before.
Dumbledore, still visibly stunned but also somewhat entertained, couldn't help but smile at the scene. "I must say, Mr. Potter, you do have a knack for subverting expectations."
"A family trait, Headmaster. My father was good at it too.", Harry turned to Dumbledore, a sly smile on his face.
Young Hermione, unable to hold her curiosity in, suddenly blurted out a question. "But...if you're from the future, why are you here and crossing paths with our Harry? Wouldn’t you create a paradox? Isnt it dangerous to have an interference with the timeline, Sir?"
Ron and young Harry looked curious at this as well. The professors too, were silently waiting for a response. Though the twelve year old Potter scion was more weirded out that Hermione called the older him Sir, and well, everything about the time traveler. Joking with Snape, being casually cheeky with Mcgonagall and all that.
Grown up Harry looks down on the younger version of his bestfriend. He couldn't help but giggle at the adorable mini version of Hermione. He leans down abit without bending his knees, left hand on his pocket and the right smoothing down her frizzy hair. "Oh you're adorable! I never realized Mione was this small."
Young Hermione blushed a little as older Harry leaned down to her level, fixing her frizzy hair. Everyone couldn't help but be amused at the sight. McGonagall hid a small smile, and Dumbledore chuckled softly.
"Hey, don't talk to her like she's some kid! She's the smartest of all of us, even in our year.", tiny Ron chimed in.
Grown up Harry just did the same to little Ron however. The younger version of his other bestfriend is also adorable. He ruffled young Ron's hair too with a grin.
"Of course she is! My Hermione of the future is now taking up the Ministry by a storm you know. And grown up you also became an Auror.... oh you're actually adorable.... all three of you are... huh, were we this tiny in my second year?”, the time traveler grins as he pat all three kids fondly.
“Cute."
Young Harry, Ron, and Hermione giggled at older Harry's playfulness. The professors couldn't help but watch on, amused by the sight of the older man behaving like a doting older sibling or even a father figure.
“We’re not tiny, you’re just tall!”, the younger Harry huffed. Sensitive about his height. “Oh sure mate, let’s leave it at that.”, the older one teased.
"Face it mate, you are tiny among first year boys. Though, I bet I will grow more than you in the future! I'll be bigger!",Ron teased his friend, declaring playfully.
Hermione rolled her eyes, a small smile on her face. "Boys don't grow much after they turn sixteen, Ron. Harry can still catch up.”
“You three can grow as tall as you want, just be good children and take afternoon naps.”, grown up Harry winks at the mini versions of the golden trio. Circe! Time travelling by accident is fun!
Dumbledore cleared his throat after a beat, though his eyes twinkled at the adorable interaction. The time traveler turned to the adults again and nodded at them.
"Now! Business! Mrs.Norris is revived, and these three kids need some dinner. The ghosts served spoiled food at the Death Day Party you know, and these mini trio still haven't eaten anything. So we don't get confused, you may refer to me as Lord Potter.... or Black... or Peverell ... whatever you prefer. I typically go by Lord Potter. Professors Flitwick, Snape and Sprout? It's best if you calm down the other students about tonight’s fiasco. The Chambers of Secrets is very much real, mind. They surely have questions. It's best you explain the history before little me gets accused again he's the one petrifying students. As Mr.Argus Filch here has done.”-Harry glared at the caretaker who cowered- “My second year experience was shit, if you must know. Professor McGonagall? If you please summon Ginevra Weasley in the Headmaster's office in an hour? She's needed in this so I can handle the Chamber of Secrets you see. Tell her to bring the diary she's writing with, by force. It's a dangerous artifact. And she needs help from a healer. Stat. Headmaster, if you receive us in your office in an hour then I may endeavor to explain to your faculty how to deal with this business. Lockhart, do us a favor and retire to your chambers. You do not have any business in wasting our time as a haughty fraud. Mr.Filch... next time you accuse younger me of being a murderer, see to it you have evidence.”
He effortlessly commands everyone and for some reason, the respect he commands even while threatening Filch, makes everyone feel compelled to follow his instructions. “Now, I shall bring these kids to the kitchen to get them the dinner they need after being interrogated with no evidence. That's all."
The professors, including Dumbledore and Snape, were taken aback by Grown Up Harry's commanding presence. He'd just ordered them around like they were his subordinates. Even Snape seemed slightly intimidated. Flitwick and Sprout exchanged looks of bewilderment but nodded in agreement. Filch looked like he wanted to protest, but after an intimidating look from Grown Up Harry, he backed down.
The younger versions of Harry, Ron, and Hermione were staring at Grown Up Harry with wide eyes. They couldn't believe how confident and authoritative he seemed.
Dumbledore, still looking impressed, nodded at Grown Up Harry's instructions. The professors and other staff members quickly started to disperse, each one heading off to fulfill their assigned tasks. Lockhart shot Grown Up Harry a nervous glance, while Filch huffed and stomped out.
Young Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked on in awe. They couldn't believe how Grown Up Harry had taken charge of the situation and how everyone had immediately deferred to him.
Grown Up Harry turned to the trio with a much friendlier warm smile and guided them out by their shoulders.
"You may call me Hadrian, that's actually Harry's real name in legal records. Questions later, food first. Cmon, I'll show you guys how to get in the kitchens."
Ahh, yes. Impossible mysteries later, food first.