Cheating time, Unwilling fate.

Chapter 5

Harry was in Kings Cross. Again. He cursed loudly.

“Hello Harry Potter.” Said an ethereal voice.

“We keep meeting like this? This has to stop.” muttered Harry.

“Who did you meet last time?” the voice asked.

“I………”, he stopped himself. It wasn’t Persephone’s voice. Harry turned and concentrated. After the last near death experience he didn’t needed glasses anymore. Whatever Persephone had done to turn him into Alex had also taken away his need for glasses. He was stronger too; a lean more muscular body unaffected by malnourishment almost made one death and subsequent pain worth it. The next day he hadn’t recognized himself in the mirror. He had wondered whether Lucius will find him attractive now.

The mists cleared and the girl’s face came into sharp relief. She wasn’t Persephone. She was a very beautiful young woman. She looked to be about 25. It was no doubt she was one of those damned immortals. He wondered if she was Chaos.

“Chaos, cheated you know. Sent, you out of my grasp. I can’t kill you here because you are not even born yet. But I am stronger than her. I will have you Harry Potter.” She held his face in her grip. “I and Death have a little bet going on. She wanted you dead before. Now, she wants you to suffer before you die and I will make sure of that. You cannot fight me mortal. I know you cannot go back now to future. Till now you have slipped enough times through my hands. But I will set things right this time. You will be born but your mother will resent you. Yes, that would ensure that you will die here, like you were meant to be in both timelines.”

She smiled vindictively and released his face, “Sleep well Harry Potter. Your time is coming.”

Harry woke up drenched in sweat. Of all the things that he had valued in his life he had valued his mother’s love the most. That damned immortal was planning to take even that away from him. No, he would ensure that he will not be born in this timeline if that was the only way to survive.

He took his face in his hands and groaned. “Oh god! I would have to separate my parents.”

‘You are so selfish Potter. For your survival you want to separate your own father from his love.’ Snape’s voice hissed tauntingly.

“Wouldn’t that make you happy? Lily hates him right now doesn’t she? I just have to ensure that she continues to hate him for just a while longer. I was born in the July 1980. That means I was conceived around Halloween in 1979. I have to keep them away from each other until November 1979 or till my birthday just to be safe. Fate likes to play dirty, doesn’t she?”

“That she does, Potter. That she does. Be careful.”


Next morning he sought out Charlus in his study. He knew that James was going to be the head boy and Lily head girl and they would live in the adjacent suites. This posed a problem as they would be in close contact throughout the year. Charlus had tried to get Dumbledore to reconsider citing James’s immature pranks but the headmaster was not swayed. He needed to resolve the situation quickly and a marriage contract was the first thing that had come into his mind.

“Dad, I need to discuss something very important.”

“What is it, son?”

“I need to nip a few problems in the bud. I need you to start negotiating for two marriage contracts and tell your lawyers to draw up a third.”

“Who are you planning to get hitched sonny?” Dorea joined them in the study.

“I and Lucius Malfoy, James and Narcissa Black & Sirius and Denise.” Looking at their astonished faces he quickly added. “Sirius would run from home later in this year. I want to give him another reason to end up here with Denise and James’s contract can be allowed to be broken up later. Trust me mum. James could not be allowed to pursue Lily at this moment. It is very dangerous. Later when it is safer we will see.”

“Lucius Malfoy, Harry. The family is as dark as mine. You are the heir and of age so your decisions are as good as ours. Are you sure?” Harry nodded.

“Why?” Charlus asked.

Harry took a deep breath. “Have you heard of Lord Voldemort?” At their assent he continued. ”In my timeline Lucius became one of the most infamous death eaters, followers of Voldemort. He was cold, ruthless and a destructive killer. However, the man loved his family very much. When his family was threatened he balked; so did Narcissa. They didn’t fight in the final battle with Voldemort. If they are in contract with us the allegiance of Malfoys and Blacks will lie with us. A war is coming dad and I intend to see my family survive. After the threat is over we will see about James.”

“When were you born? Won’t you die or something if you were never born?” Dorea asked worriedly.

Harry smiled. “No mum. I am Alex in everything but mind. If I am born again, there will be a greater chance that I might die. So help me in keeping my parents apart both for mine and their lives. They died protecting me you know. I know it’s hard but I cannot allow that to happen again.”

“I would start the proceedings. You must be sure to go through with it.” Charlus said seriously. Harry inclined his head. “Very well,” he sighed.

Harry rose to leave. “Harry……… Alex.” Harry turned back. “Dumbledore and McGonagall are coming today to test you and meet Denise, for your seventh year in Hogwarts. I told them that you were home schooled for security reasons but now that you are of age you can go to Hogwarts for your final year. Denise will be going with you.”

Harry nodded. “See you at breakfast“.

As the door shut on him Dorea turned to her husband. “He thinks like a Slytherin. I think he had taken after my part of the family. Where do you think he will be sorted?”

“After today Slytherin is a very good possibility but something tells me that he will be very happy in Gryffindor. He can reign in that raging chaos that is named the Marauders.” Charlus smiled affectionately. “He is more mature and capable of leadership than Remus and James and that’s saying something. Dumbledore should not find out. The secret remains with us.” Dorea nodded.

“Alex, these are Remus and Peter; James’s dorm-mates at the school.” Dorea introduced the two boys who had joined them for lunch.

Alex inclined his head in greeting towards the two boys and kissed his sister and mum on cheek. Malfoys and Blacks have both responded positively and it seemed the old feud was buried. James and Sirius had found out about the contracts at breakfast. One was delighted the other shook in fury. Denise had simply blushed. When James had found out that it was Alex’s idea, his wrath had centered on him. Now he refused to even acknowledge his brother. Harry had borne James’s anger with grace. He was partly distracted as Dumbledore was scheduled to arrive after lunch so he was thinking about the best way to deal with the old headmaster. According to his parents polite and aloof would be the best choice in the matter and he had agreed.

The four boys were sitting quietly after lunch in one corner, definitely plotting revenge but Harry paid no mind. It was serving his purpose nicely. Harry was reading a book. Denise was out in the garden flying. Charlus, Harry and Dorea were arguing the finer points of contracts. An elf announced the arrival of the teachers. Dorea greeted Dumbledore, McGonagall and Flitwick. Denise then walked in and was introduced along with Harry. Harry passed his exam quickly. The professors were satisfied with the level of his work and his admission was finalized.

“So, Alex where in muggle Britain did you reside.” McGonagall asked casually.

'And so it begins' Alex thought. He met her eyes and spoke clearly, “A small town near London. I lived with one of my father's friend’s squib relative though I had foreign tutors.” It was the truth but not much could be gleaned from it.

Dumbledore was mystified by this calm and confident teenager. He looked definite Slytherin material and that worried him. Voldemort was almost out in the open. The attacks were very minor and scattered but he was afraid that things could escalate very quickly if not contained. The ministry had even refused to identify it until very recently. Things were moving exponentially and could explode at any given moment. This young and impressionable teenager was one of the things that Tom would be keeping his eyes out for. He had to nudge him slightly in the different direction. Perhaps he could be a Ravenclaw. His sources had informed him that Charlus had initiated negotiations for a contract between Alex and Lucius Malfoy. Apparently, Alex had taken a fancy to the Malfoy heir and the Malfoys were ecstatic. The Potters were a fairly influential and old aristocratic family. This could be dangerous. No, the contract could not be allowed.

“So are you looking forward to Hogwarts, Alex. Which house would you prefer?” Dumbledore asked probing at the same time with legiminency.

“Yes, either Slytherin or Gryffindor would be fine. I think any of the two may suit me given my conflicting tendencies and moods at any time.” Alex answered coolly strengthening his mental defenses. Alex’s occlumency shields rivaled Dumbledore’s courtesy of his grandparents. “Ravenclaw isn’t bad either.” He inclined his head towards professor Flitwick. Flitwick beamed. Alex smiled back. Dumbledore frowned as his probe was repelled. He had gathered that the boy was sincere but that was it.

“Very well; the term begins on September 1. These are your letter and school supplies list. You will be a seventh year along with your brother and sister. We shall see you then.” Dumbledore finished. Alex bowed his head and walked out gracefully.

Minerva looked at Dorea. “That boy is sure going to break a lot of hearts this year.”

Dorea looked amused. “He already had his eyes set on Lucius Malfoy. He is quite the looker too. They will make a good pair.”

Dumbledore interjected delicately. “Are you sure that is wise Dorea. Malfoys are quite the supporters of pure blood supremacy.”

"I care about the happiness of my family Dumbledore. If he wants the boy we will get the boy. The Malfoys were delighted with the alliance. They were aiming for my eldest niece but I have offered for her too; for James.”

Dumbledore was speechless. This was news indeed. That explained the sour glances James was throwing in the direction of his parents. James had always proclaimed his love for Lily Evans but the girl had yet to pay him any mind. So, his family had decided to get him engaged to Narcissa. It was a good match and that old feud between the two families would be nullified. But it was a bad news for him. The Potters were dangerously tethering on the lines between light and dark now. If they turned it would be a major blow to the light faction. Damage control was needed and quick.

“As per my knowledge James had always pursued another girl. Is he happy with the engagement?"

Dorea pursed her lips. She had to be careful now. Charlus squeezed her hand and answered. “Alex suggested it. James had been chasing after this girl for years and she had not responded well. So, we decided it is time James should learn some responsibility and court another girl who is not so disdainful of his efforts. He is at an age where new attachments are not hard to form. The sooner he would learn that something’s aren’t worth chasing the better he would be. Dorea and I agree to his reason and he chose well. Narcissa is a beauty and well mannered. It will be a good match for our son. My heir also suggested Sirius and Denise to be engaged. The parents are happy and the kids have not stopped blushing. We will be signing the contract soon. ”

Dumbledore, Flitwick and McGonagall’s eyes widened. Three contracts were a big news; between three very influential families. They exchanged glances and offered well wishes. Dumbledore’s thoughts were in furious turmoil. The hidden heir and daughter’s return to Potter’s was a shock big enough in itself. The Blacks were thoroughly shamed in the pureblood circles upon the news; both for trying to kill the heir and then failing to achieve it. The marriages however would both enhance their status and bury the old feud solidly binding the two families.

Alex had proven to be a master. In one fell swoop he had ensured the protection of his family from both sides of the war. But if James broke the contact Charlus and Dorea could be persuaded firmly to be light. That would be the best course of action for him to take. Dumbledore resolved on his mind to let the situation play out for now. The tension between the two brothers should be allowed to fester and he would take advantage at the right time.