Time and Time Again

A/N: Okay Okay I know, it's been three weeks since I uploaded the last chapter, I am sorry, but going back to college kind of slowed me down. I hope you all enjoy this one, and please feel free to leave your comments down below!!

Chapter 2: Familiar Faces

Harry awoke the next morning to the sun shining in through the window. The second his eyes fluttered open the events of the past forty-eight hours came rushing back to him. Dumbledore. The Dursleys. His escape from Privet Drive.

I suppose I might as well get up and get going, Harry thought, dragging himself out of bed and slowly but surely making his way towards the bathroom. After taking a quick shower Harry got dressed back into his Dudley hand-me-downs' and standing in front of the mirror lengthened his hair and made it sandy brown and changed his eye color to brown as well as a few small facial changes. After grabbing a quick cup of coffee Harry made his way out of the hotel room.

Walking out of the hotel and back onto the streets Harry decided that the first place he needed to go was a clothing store, since the clothes he was wearing were in danger of falling apart in a matter of seconds. Taking off down the main street Harry walked for a few minutes before coming to a halt in front of a window filled with mannequins dressed in what he assumed was the muggle fashion of the day. Maybe Madame Malkin should consider tweaking the old robe design a bit Harry thought while noticing a mannequin dressed in a fairly short skirt.

Walking up to the door Harry pulled it open and the instant he walked in noticed that a dozen eyes were on him. Harry looked around noticing all the employees were dressed as though they belonged in a magazine, he felt rather uncomfortable in his shabby clothes.

Going towards a rack of jeans a woman, who appeared to work for the store came up to him, “Hello there, looking for anything in particular?”

“No, I'm just looking for a couple pair of jeans and a few shirts,” Harry said, noticing the girl had a somewhat disgusted look on her face.

“Well, the sale rack is over in that corner,” she said before turning around and walking away. Harry noticed that even though she was at the counter on the other side of the store she was still keeping an eye on him. Probably thinks I'm going to knick half the store then run.

After ten minutes Harry picked up a couple pair of jeans and a couple of shirts he thought looked nice, he decided that was enough and made his way to the checkout counter. Once he placed the items on the counter the sales lady looked at him with a curious eye. Once she had finished ringing up the items she told him, “That'll be £65.50,”

“Here you go,” Harry said pulling a hundred pound note out of his bag and smiling as the lady looked somewhat shocked.

“Alright sir, here's your change and your receipt, have a nice day,” the lady said nicely, before gesturing towards the back of the store, “the changing room is back there if you'd like to take off those old clothes.”

“Thank you,” Harry said going back towards the changing room. Deciding to go with a set of blue jeans and a dark green shirt he placed the rest of his purchases into the shopping bag and tossed the grey-dyed rags into the rubbish bin. Walking back through the store Harry felt rid of the Dursleys once and for all, because he knew in this timeline there was no way Dumbledore was sending him back to that prison.

Once Harry was out of the store he decided to head back to Diagon Alley more specifically to run back to Gringotts and start the beginnings of his plan for good `ole Voldy.

Walking down the city block Harry couldn't help but smile as he realized he'd get a second chance, and knew that if he had his way this would be a Voldemort free world in the next few years.

Harry continued down the sidewalk and was pulled roughly from his daydreams and plannings as he passed by a small muggle bookstore with a large window in the front. Behind that pane of glass Harry saw something that caught his eye. A tall woman, wearing sweeping robes of magenta and black, but what took his breath away was the small girl standing next to her. Clearly in her element in the bookstore Harry could see the frizzy brown hair and knew instantly that it was his best friend, Hermione Granger.

Harry stood at the window for a few minutes just watching as Hermione strolled around the store picking book after book off a shelves, Harry couldn't help but be amazed, that although she was standing next to a witch, presumably about to go to Diagon Alley for the first time she couldn't resist a book.

As the pair walked to the cashier Harry decided that he would introduce himself, he quickly and silently took the glamour charms off of himself, and waited near the bookstore's door for them to exit.

Professor McGonagall and Hermione walked out of the store and back down the street towards The Leaky Cauldron, with Harry trotting along a few feet behind them.

Deciding as they walked up to the bar's entrance that Harry would pretend to know a little bit about magic, Harry tapped Hermione on the shoulder and spoke up, “Hello there. Are you magic too?”

Hermione turned around smiling broadly, “Oh yes, I am, and so is Professor McGonagall here, she teaches at Hogwarts, my name's Hermione Granger by the way, do you know much about Hogwarts? I don't myself, my parents aren't magical, it was such a surprise when Professor McGonagall showed up at my door with my letter,” Hermione said rather breathlessly, “What's your name?”

“My name's Harry Potter,” he said extending his hand to shake hers, and ignoring the gasp that escaped McGonagall's lips, “it's a pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise, so are you going to Diagon Alley too? Professor said that it's like a giant wizarding town hidden through this pub.” Hermione said gesturing towards the Leaky Cauldron.

“Yes, I am going to do a little shopping, and some other things, would you mind if I tag along?” Harry said, trying not to notice the look on McGonagall's face, clearly one of confusion as to what Harry was doing.

“Is that okay Professor McGonagall?” Hermione asked hopefully knowing that apart from her Harry was the only magical person she knew, and the sole on her age.

“Yes, but first Ms. Granger would you mind if I spoke to Mr. Potter alone for a moment once we're inside?” McGonagall said.

“Of course Professor,” Hermione said as the trio made their way inside.

Professor McGonagall gestured towards a table towards the back of the room, in a secluded spot and took a seat; Harry sat down across from her. McGonagall took a deep breath before she spoke, “Mr. Potter, I am well aware of your living situation, and I would like to know where your guardians, the Dursleys, are and why you're here alone?”

“Well Professor,” Harry said putting on his most innocent voice, “the Dursleys frequently abused me and locked me in a cupboard for days at a time, I couldn't stay there any longer, not once I knew what I was.”

The shocked look on her face made Harry feel comforted in a way, here was someone who cared about him though she hadn't seen him in nearly a decade.

After a moment of awkward silence, McGonagall cleared her throat and spoke in a choked whisper, “I am very sorry Harry, had I known, had Albus, excuse me, Professor Dumbledore known we would've removed you from their care.”

“I'm not sure `care' is the proper term professor,” Harry said rather sarcastically.

“Well, like I said Mr. Potter,” she said returning to her more business tone, “But may I ask, where are you living?”

“For now, at a hotel nearby, I may rent a room here at the Leaky Cauldron until the beginning of term,” Harry said nonchalantly.

“Now that will not do, a boy of your age gallivanting around the city on his own, no, I think you should come back with me to Hogwarts, and will of course need to contact the Headmaster, how does that sound?” Professor McGonagall said looking shocked that he had been wandering around on his own.

“That sounds excellent, so shall we head into the Alley?” Harry said standing up from the table and walking back towards Hermione. Being at the castle for a few weeks will give me the chance to find the Diadem.

“Hey Hermione, ready to see a bit of magic,” Harry said smiling at her taking her by the hand to follow McGonagall to the entrance to Diagon Alley.

The afternoon flew by incredibly quickly; McGonagall decided that since Hermione was there to get her school supplies Harry, who still hadn't gotten his official letter, might as well get his too. They went to the Apothecary, Madame Malkins, cauldron shop, and Flourish and Blotts, where there spent a substantial amount of time.

One of their final stops was to get, although not in Harry's case, one of the most important magical implements, a magic wand.

When the three walked into Ollivander's Wand Shop the gentle tinkle of the bell above the door echoed throughout the store. After waiting a minute or two in the dusty and stuffy room an old man with wild grey hair stepped out from amongst the stacks.

“Ah Minerva McGonagall, sixteen inches, willow, and unicorn hair. Very nice wand for transfiguration, which I'm sure you've used very wisely,” Ollivander said stepping towards them, “and who might we have here, young Mr. Potter, ah yes, I see the scar, and you my dear, I do not know you, but I sense many good deeds in your future. So shall we begin.”

Hermione went first, and and after trying about a half dozen wands found one of vine wood and dragon heartstring, Ollivander knew it was the perfect wand when she made a model bird on his desk begin chirping.

Harry however was a different story. Try as he might the wand to match him just couldn't be found, after nearly an hour he was beginning to get impatient and was about to just give up and use wandless magic when he heard Ollivander from a row near the back, “I wonder, it would be curious, very curious.”

Ah now here we go. Oh wow the same wand as Voldemort, wow how shocking. Harry thought holding back his laughter at the excited look on Ollivander's face.

Harry picked up the wand, feeling the familiarity, eleven inches, holly, with a phoenix feather core, but to his astonishment it wasn't familiar in the sense that his magic coursed through the wand. Perhaps because the horcrux is gone, Voldemort and I don't share that particular connection.

“I had thought for sure,” Ollivander said sighing and returning to the shelves, “perhaps this one.”

When he returned the wand he was holding a wand which for some reason Harry felt he needed to take it, passing it to him Ollivander explained the wand, “Willow, ten and a quarter inches, with a core of phoenix feather.”

As Harry held the wand he felt his magic flow from his chest to his arm, down to his hand, and out his fingertips into the wand itself. Not thinking Harry waved the wand and conjured up a chair for him to sit in.

“Oh excellent Mr. Potter, excellent, so much like your mother you are, I should've started with a wand of that caliber from the beginning,” Ollivander said smiling and ringing up their wands at the till.

“So where are we off to now professor?” Hermione asked clearly in her element for gaining knowledge.

“Well how about a little snack at Florean Fortescue's?” Harry asked licking his lips.

“What's that?” Hermione asked noting Harry's excitement.

“Oh Hermione, you haven't lived until you've had a banana split from there, or no, their brownie delight, or-“ Harry said before getting cut off by McGonagall, “Mr. Potter, just how many times have you been here?”

Crap! I forgot, stupid Potter, you need to be more careful. “Only twice before professor, like I said I was staying down the street,” Harry said trying to cover his tracks.

“I see,” she said pursing her lips and he could tell she didn't quite believe his story.

The walk from one end of Diagon Alley to the other took a considerable amount of time because it was so crowded with summertime activity, but while McGonagall walked ahead Harry `got to know' the young Hermione.

“So Harry, I assume you're parents are magical since you've been here before, where are they?” Hermione asked innocently.

“Oh, well my mom was a muggle-born like you, and my dad was a pureblood, but they were killed a decade ago, in the war against Voldemort. I've been living with my aunt, uncle, and cousin, but they're not the….best kind of people,” Harry said his voice quivering slightly towards the end, the abuses he had hidden for so long were fresh.

“Oh no, Harry I'm so sorry,” Hermione said tears in her eyes, “I couldn't imagine something like that happening.”

“It's okay Hermione,” Harry said placing his hand in hers as they walked, “I know it sounds terrible but my parents died fighting for what they believed in, I know that when you read all those books you bought you'll understand a little more, and I bet it'll only take you a day or two.”

Hermione giggled, “You're right, I do love to read.”

They continued walking in silence following McGonagall who unknown to them had a smile on her face, as she had noticed the two were still holding hands.

After thoroughly enjoying themselves sharing each others ice creams and McGonagall entertaining them with stories of Hogwarts, most of which Harry already knew, the trio paid and headed off towards the archway.

As they were walking Harry stopped and suddenly realized they had forgotten one thing, something that to him was more important than anything else on that book list. An owl. Hedwig.

“Professor, can students bring pets with them?” Harry asked, Good one. You haven't gotten your letter so you wouldn't know, and you can just play it off as curiosity.

“Why yes Mr. Potter students may bring with them an owl, a cat, or a toad. Owls are most useful as they are used, in our world, for carrying letters and messages,” McGonagall said.

“There was a shop, Eeylops I believe it was called, do you think we could look in there before you leave?” Harry asked hopefully.

“Well we should really be going,” she said, but noting the look on Harry's face, smiled “but I suppose if we hurried and don't dillydally.”

The trio walked quickly towards Eeylops Owl Emporium before it closed. Once they were near they could hear the loud squawking and squeaking of the birds inside. Once they opened the door Harry saw across the room in the sea brown and black, a snowy white owl sitting on her perch, not hooting, just sitting and waiting.

Harry didn't need to look around the store he walked right over to Hedwig and said, “Hello there.”

The owl looked curiously at him as though she knew that something about his was different, hooting she hopped off her perch and landed on Harry's shoulder.

“I think she likes you Harry,” Hermione said smiling warmly and petting Hedwig on the head.

“I think you're right, I think I'll call her Hedwig. What about you, find an owl you like?” Harry asked stroking Hedwig's feathers inadvertently.

“Well this tawny owl over here, but he's a little too expensive, my parents really only gave me enough money for my supplies and some extra books,” Hermione said frowning.

“Well you know what, why don't you worry about naming your new owl, I'll take care of everything else,” Harry said smiling.

“Oh no Harry I couldn't let you do that, he's much too expensive,” Hermione said trying to dissuade him.

“Hermione, you're one of my few friends, well my only friend, and I would really like to get you this owl, after all it'll be kind of hard to talk to each other until school starts if we can't owl back and forth,” Harry said smiling, and judging by the smile on her face knew he had won.

Hermione coaxed the owl down from his perch with an owl treat the owner gave to her. The pair then went to the counter and Harry handed over enough galleons for the owls, two cages, two boxes of owl treats, and four bags of food. Walking with their new purchases they met McGonagall back outside the shop.

“What magnificent birds,” McGonagall said looking at the cages, “I think it's about time we get Ms. Granger home, so unless we want to be apparating we should hurry.”

“What's apparating professor?” Hermione said looking interestingly at her.

“Oh my mistake, apparating is a method of magical travel, basically is disappearing in one spot and reappearing in another. There's also other way such as broomsticks, floo powder, or travel my means of magically connected fireplaces, and portkeys, magically charmed objects which when touched will transport the holder much like apparition,” McGonagall said smiling at the amazed look on Hermione's face.

“That's amazing, will we be learning those things at Hogwarts?” Hermione asked excited at the concept of learning such things.

“Oh yes, mind you after quite a bit of study, but for now, we'll take you home the way we came, the Knight Bus,” McGonagall said walking towards the archway back to The Leaky Cauldron.

Walking back inside the pub was substantially more full than before, nearly full wall-to-wall. Needless to say the addition of two small children and an older woman didn't do too much to cause any commotion, that was until both of their owls began to hoot uncontrollably because of the noise of the bar.

“Harry, do something,” Hermione said trying to sooth her owl.

At once the bar went quiet, including the two owls. From all around him he felt a familiar feeling of whispers and eyes peering towards his scar.

“Harry did she say, could it be him, The Boy Who Lived,” a woman to his left said.

“It is, it's Harry Potter,” a scraggly voice whispered.

“I can see his scar, I wonder if he'll give me an autograph,” a disembodied female voice said from somewhere near the bar.

As the whispers grew louder McGonagall cleared her throat and nearly bellowed throughout the bar, “All of you clear out of our way. Now.” Perhaps it was her tone or the fact that nearly every person in the bar had been in her classes and had some knowledge of her temper, but the bar silenced and made a path for them.

Walking through the bar Harry was amazed at the actions the onlookers took. Women curtseyed and men took of their hats or bowed, it was such a stark contrast to the way be had been treated in the `past' in the press and as Undesirable No. 1.

When the trio had finally made it out of the bar Hermione looked completely and utterly confused, “What on Earth was that all about?”

“Well-“ McGonagall started before Harry interrupted.

“Remember when I told you about my parents being killed, and that dark wizard was killed, well when I was a baby he attacked my home, and after hundreds and thousands of people died because of him and his Death Eaters, I was somehow able to defeat him. The only thing is I was only one and have no memory whatsoever of it, but still I'm famous for it,” Harry said, trying to make it seem a little more lighthearted.

“My goodness that's terrible, to have all of those people treat you differently because of that, you must hate it,” Hermione said hugging him.

“Well said Mr. Potter, I will tell you Ms. Granger that the wizarding world is a mostly peaceful one, it has its moments, but I assure you that you're safe,” McGonagall said trying to sooth any qualms that had arisen in Hermione at the knowledge of Voldemort and his followers.

“Yeah, Voldemort's gone and there's nothing to worry about but tests and classes ahead of us,” Harry said with a reassuring smile not noticing the intake of breath at McGonagall's surprise at hearing Voldemort's name come from Harry.

“Well, we should be going,” McGonagall said sticking out her wand hand to summon the Knight Bus. At once the purple double-decker materialized in front of them with a loud bang, and out stepped the conductor Harry had previously met.

“Welcome to the Knight Bus, transportation for the stranded witch or wizard. I am Diana Ridgeland and I will be your conductor for this evening. Oh hello again there young man, oh and Professor McGonagall” Diana said standing a little bit straighter up when she noticed the professor.

“Hello Ms. Ridgeland, it has been a few years,” McGonagall said stepping on the bus, we'll be heading to Summertown in Oxford.”

“Of course professor, it may take a little while, you know it's that time of day, everyone finishing their day,” Diana said beckoning them towards an open row of seats.

“Well it's been quite an eventful day,” Harry said laughing a little.

“No kidding, I mean yesterday I find out I'm a witch, today I see everything from broomsticks to goblins, who knows what Hogwarts will bring,” Hermione said excitement lacing her voice.

Oh you have no idea Harry thought, “Oh I'm sure will be quite interesting to say the least.”

As Hermione sat in her seat engrossed in Hogwarts: A History she had purchased Harry had a sudden thought, the Hogwart's Express, he knew that without being there chances were Hermione would sit alone on the train, and he couldn't have that.

“Professor?” Harry asked quietly.

“Yes, Mr. Potter,” McGonagall answered.

“I was wondering, I know you said I'd be staying at the castle, but I was wondering if I'd still be able to ride the train with Hermione, so she's not alone on the ride,” Harry said knowing that McGonagall wouldn't resist his plea.

“Well I don't see what not,” McGonagall said smiling.

After sitting in silence for a bit taking in all they had done that day the group suddenly their trip was over, and they finally made it to Oxford. Collecting up all their purchases and the owls the trio made their way off of the bus.

“So long, have a nice evening,” Diana said waving as the bus disappeared loudly from the street.

They were standing out in front of what Harry would describe as nothing less than a mansion. Walking up to a set of cast iron gates Hermione walked to the side and pushed in a combination of numbers and the gates began opening. The home was gorgeous, walking up a governors driveway with a fountain in the middle Harry noticed the cars lining the drive. Beyond that stood a three story brick home with ivy growing in various spots, windows lined the front and it looked like it could belong to the Queen. Walking up to a jet black door Hermione walked up to it before turning around.

“Well Harry I suppose I'll see you in a month or so, but I'll make sure to write everyday, and thank you, you know, for everything,” Hermione said smiling, and leaning in kissed him on the cheek.

“Your welcome, and I can't wait to see you, I'll be waiting for you on the platform,” Harry said smiling.

As Hermione disappeared into her house Harry couldn't help but feel giddy, being young and carefree again was wonderful. When they were alone McGonagall walked towards a secluded spot on the side of the house where they would be out of sight of any muggles.

“So Mr. Potter, shall we be heading to the castle?” McGonagall said extending her arm to him.

“Sounds like a plan,” Harry said holding tight to his packages and grasping the professor's arm. At once he felt that usual tug at his navel and the feeling of being squeezed, and just as quickly as it started it had stopped and the pair were standing outside of the gates leading to Hogwarts.

Harry noticed at once that McGonagall was looking at him with an odd expression her face before saying, “Off we go then.”

The pair walked in silence until they finally came around a mound and saw the castle illuminated by the setting sun. Harry gasped, no matter how many times he had seen it the castle was always magnificent to him.

“It truly is wonderful isn't it,” McGonagall said smiling, “it just seems to have an unusual sense of beauty.”

“Yes. Yes it does.” Harry said incredibly excited to be back.

As they made their way across the grounds Harry just stared in silent amazement at the castle. Reaching the steps McGonagall held the door open while Harry came in, “Now Mr. Potter I know it may be presumptuous but I think for your stay here you should reside in Gryffindor Tower.”

“That'd be great, and who knows, maybe I'll get sorted into Gryffindor!” Harry said feigning excitement.

“Well that's up to the Sorting Hat, but based off how you've acted since I met you, and not to mention, your parent's were both Gryffindors,” McGonagall said smiling and ascending the staircase towards the tower.

Harry smiled as he trudged the familiar path towards Gryffindor Tower, once they were on the seventh floor Harry was actually walking a little ways ahead of McGonagall, and in his excitement didn't realize what he was doing. A good half dozen strides ahead of McGonagall he stopped directly in front of the Fat Lady.

Looking directly at the portrait Harry didn't notice that McGonagall was staring incredulously at him, “How did you know where the entrance to the Tower was?”

Damn it Harry! What were you thinking! You need to be more careful, you've been back all of two days and you're making huge mistakes. Think. Think. Think. Then an excellent excuse came to mind, “Oh, I just assumed. I have some pictures of my mom and dad, and one of them was taken right here in front of this portrait.”

“I see,” said McGonagall her lips pursing the way they usually did when a student was giving an excuse for something or another.

“Password,” the Fat Lady said rather irritably, “or am I going to have to stand here all night, afterall it is summer and I have friends to see.”

“Lion's Courage,” McGonagall said allowing the door to swing open, walking in she gave Harry a short tour showing him what would be his bedroom, the common room, and the restrooms.

After choosing his bed and dropping all of his things Professor McGonagall placed her hand on his back, “Welcome Mr. Potter, I know you will love it here, remember breakfast is at seven tomorrow morning, and at some point in time the Headmaster would like to speak with you.”

“Thank you very much, it truly is wonderful to be here, goodnight,” Harry said.

“Goodnight,” McGonagall said before closing the dormitory door behind her.

Harry sat down on his familiar four poster bed and sighed deeply, it had been a long day and Harry knew it would be one of many more to come. There were so many times he had messed up he knew he would need to be much more careful.

Sitting up Harry went over to Hedwig's cage, “Hello girl, how'd you like to stretch your wings? The owlery is up by the North Tower, make sure you behave youself.” Harry was greeted with a little hoot and once he let her out a playful nip on the ear.

Once Hedwig had flown out the window Harry began organizing his things in their appropriate places, and stacking his books on his desk knew that he would only need a little refresher, and that he'd be able to spend most of his time on the horcruxes.

After finishing organizing the room Harry changed into his pajamas and sat down in bed. Okay so first thing is first, I need some sort of place to work. That's easy, the Room of Requirement. From there I can plan out my actions, then I need to get the Diadem, again the Room of Requirement, but how to destroy them. Well I'll figure that out later, for now sleep sounds like a good plan.

And with his head buzzing full of plans Harry fell into a comfortable sleep.

Elsewhere in the castle however the Deputy Headmistress and Headmaster were speaking rather animatedly in the Head's office.

“I tell you Dumbledore, something is not right about the boy,” Minerva McGonagall said rather breathlessly as she had tried to tell Dumbledore for the last quarter of an hour.

“Minerva, I agree there are some things which do not add up about Harry, but from what you tell me there is a reasonable answer for everything,” Albus said reclining in his chair.

“Do you care to elaborate, there are things the boy knew which no one raised by muggles should,” McGonagall said exasperatedly.

“Very well. Firstly, the level of magical knowledge he showed in Ollivander's, that's easily explained as both his parents were exceptionally powerful, and the incident with Voldemort, well that shows how powerful he was as a baby. Next his knowledge of Voldemort and his Death Eaters, you said that he had previously been in Diagon Alley, he could have easily read books on the matter, after all when you see your name on the title of a book your curiosity is peaked. Thirdly, his knowledge of the Hogwart's Express and Platform Nine and Three Quarters even though he had not received his letter, perhaps Ms. Granger spoke to him about it. Then you say he didn't even stumble after apparition even though he was laden with packages, you do remember how excellent of a flyer his father was, perhaps he inherited his agility. Finally, he knew where the entrance to Gryffindor Tower was, and I think the answer he gave you is sufficient,” Dumbledore said still leaning back in his chair.

“Well Albus you seem to have an answer for everything. But I still have some reservations about our Mr. Potter,” McGonagall said feeling defeated.

“We shall see Minerva, we shall see.”

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