Temporal Paradox: The Second Chance of Harry Potter

February 13th, 1976

The entire student population of Hogwarts sat at their House Tables and looked up towards the windows where the post owls should arrive any moment. It was the day after the trial and due to the long distance between London and Hogwarts, no owls had finished their journey on time yesterday and had instead arrived overnight. Students from all four Houses were desperate for any information on how the trial might have gone.

Marlene sat at the Ravenclaw table next to her best friend and forced herself not to bite her own fingernails in nervousness. She could not remember the last time she had been so anxious about something. Especially not something involving a boy... She ignored the nasty whispers from the table in green next to her and the way Lestrange spread a rumor about Harry being in Azkaban already since he did not come back to school last night.

Over at the Gryffindor table, Harry's friends were also staring up at the window. Neither Harry nor Professor Dumbledore, who had attended the trial, came back last night. Therefore, no one, not even the professors, knew about the outcome yet.

She thought back to the small note she had written for Harry. Florence had guaranteed her that he had received it and acknowledged the instructions. She only hoped that he did not forget to actually read it. It had cost her quite a bit of willpower to even write the note in the first place.

"THERE!" Someone from the Hufflepuff Table cried out and Marlene looked up to see a massive flock of brown, feathered birds aiming for the window. She had never seen so many owls before. It seemed as if literally everyone had started a subscription for the Daily Prophet simply for this event.

The students were gasping in excitement and twitching in their seats as the owls entered the Great Hall and searched for their respective recipients. Marlene spotted an owl making its way over to her and Florence and almost waved at it, to help the bird out.

"Quick!" Florence motioned to her once the owl landed. Marlene's fingers were shaking so badly that she struggled to untie the newspaper. Finally, she managed to do so and flicked open the front page. She caught her breath. The different headlines confused her as to where to start reading, so she simply roamed over each of them first.

PEVERELL ACQUITTED OF ALL CHARGES!

BRILLIANT DEMONSTRATION OF FAMILY MAGIC TO PROVE LORDSHIP!

PEVERELL CHALLENGES MALFOY HEIR TO DUEL OF HONOR IN RETRIBUTION!

"YES!" The voice of James Potter boomed from the Gryffindor table: "TAKE THAT YOU SLIMY SNAKES!

None of the teachers seemed to care, each of them had their heads stuck in their own copy of the Daily Prophet. Marlene was confused... It was all too much, and no coherent thought was forming in her usually very sharp brain. She found a small box at the bottom of the page that was labeled as a summary and began reading.

SUMMARY OF THE TRIAL

Harry Ignotus Peverell was acquitted of all charges in yesterday's trial after a spectacular defense by the young man. The charge of document forgery was disregarded, due to lack of evidence, after Peverell revealed that his family had lived in Liechtenstein for several generations. According to the young man, their privacy was of such high importance, that they did not register within any magical communities of the neighboring countries and also not with the regular muggle authorities.

In addition, the fifteen-year-old student revealed the Peverell Lord's ring and challenged anyone who doubted him to come and try to wear it. (For our readers' information, wearing the ring of a different Lord's house leads to severe consequences in most cases and can even end fatally). No one dared oppose such a challenge, yet certain voices, including that of Lord McKinnon, still called for additional evidence.

Therefore, Peverell performed ancient family magic and conjured the totem of his House, a Thestral, consisting of a blackish flame, in the middle of the courtroom. No further doubts were raised, and he was acquitted of all charges. However, Peverell demanded compensation for the slander of his name. Lord Malfoy and Lord Lestrange were given the option to either pay 100.000 galleons in settlement or accept a Duel of Honor in which one of the two Lord's heirs would fight Heir Peverell. Lucius Malfoy, who was present as a spectator, immediately accepted the challenge. Anyhow, no date has been agreed upon yet. The Daily Prophet will keep you informed.

Marlene's brain was still going into overdrive in an attempt to bring order into everything that happened. The fact that her own father was among those Lords who demanded additional evidence certainly did not help her cause. Would Harry hold it against her?

And then there was the duel of course! What the hell was he thinking, challenging either Lucius Malfoy or Rodolphus Lestrange. Both had been exceptional with their wands, leading the abandoned Hogwarts dueling club while it was still active. In a Duel of Honor, any spell was allowed, even the Unforgivables... Why did the prat have to get himself from one dangerous situation into the next?

"Well, they were definitely correct in assuming that your boyfriend would stir things up." Florence giggled as she scanned over the articles in her own copy: "I should have made a move on him before you had your chance..."

Marlene ignored the second part of her best friend's comment: "I am going to curse him!" She hissed in determination: "Who does he think I am, making me worry like that every other day!"

"Give it some rest, Mar." Florence rolled her eyes: "I am certain he had..."

She was interrupted when the doors to the Great Hall opened and the very raven-haired boy casually walked in, looking as confident and relaxed as ever, followed by the headmaster.

Five Minutes Earlier

Harry stepped out of the fireplace, recognizing McGonagall's office, and expected to be greeted by his Head of House. However, instead of his Scottish transfiguration professor, he was welcomed by the sight of Albus Dumbledore, casually sitting behind McGonagall's desk and reading the latest edition of Transfiguration Today.

Harry was instantly on alert. Being by himself with Dumbledore was certainly not the best idea. Especially since the old headmaster will be extra noisy after yesterday's trial. He strengthened his Occlumency shields and brushed some ash from his cloak.

"Ah, good morning, Mr. Peverell." The man looked up with a twinkle in his eye: "I hope you feel well rested after yesterday's remarkable events?"

"I feel very well, headmaster. I hope you enjoyed the show..." Harry inclined his head: "However, the trial did leave me with quite the appetite. I even refused Lady Potter's pancakes just to be early and enjoy breakfast in the Great Hall with my friends..."

The headmaster was seemingly unbothered by the hidden request to get moving and almost jumped out of his chair: "We had best not let them wait then. Allow me to accompany you down to the Great Hall."

"Of course, thank you, headmaster." Harry nodded and followed the man out of the office, still on high alert.

"That was quite the stunt yesterday, wasn't it?" Dumbledore smiled: "And a very interesting demonstration of family magic."

"It seemed necessary." Harry shrugged as they made their way down the giant staircase.

"Was it also necessary to challenge Lucius Malfoy and Rodolphus Lestrange to a duel, even after being acquitted?" The headmaster inquired curiously. Naturally, Harry noticed the man's dislike for his decision in his tone.

"I had more than enough reason to do so," Harry replied, not too keen on holding the conversation any longer than necessary.

"I see," Dumbledore hummed. Then: "Mr. Peverell, would you mind meeting me in my office tomorrow after dinner?" Dumbledore suddenly suggested: "I would simply like to have a chat about your time at Hogwarts so far and perhaps discuss the upcoming duel with you."

Harry knew that this conversation was inevitable, so he saw no reason to avoid it any longer: "I don't see why not. Does 7.00 pm suit you, sir?"

"That sounds perfect, Mr. Peverell." The old man smiled satisfied as they reached the Great Hall: "Once again, my personal congratulations, and I do hope you enjoy the remaining days of the week with your friends."

"Thank you, headmaster, I am certain I will." Harry grinned as he pushed the doors open. He chuckled as he headed over to the Gryffindor table, followed by the eyes of every student and member of staff in the Great Hall. By now, he was pretty much used to it. Each of them had the latest edition of the Daily Prophet laying on the table in front of them. Harry had to admit that this morning's edition was quite good and reflected the events pretty accurately.

He let his gaze swap over the different house tables, enjoying the frustration and anger on the faces of the Slytherins. A certain blonde curled girl looked at him in utter relief, yet, her piercing blue eyes had something slightly sharp to it. Perhaps because of the duel? A few of the Gryffindors started cheering, which was soon followed by clapping. The occasional Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw joined in, but none of them compared to the welcome the Marauders offered him.

"Harry!" James yelled and jumped up from his seat to meet him halfway along the table. Harry engulfed his father in a stronger hug, shortly joined by Sirius. He took a seat beside them and was instantly confronted by dozens of questions:

"Are they not going to throw you in Azkaban?"

"Can you conjure that Thestral again? Can you speak to it?"

"Do you have any more family magic?"

"Why did you challenge Malfoy to a duel?"

"Leave him some space and allow him to eat!" James spoke up firmly and Harry thankfully loaded his plate with some dishes and began eating. He had not lied to Dumbledore after all... He truly was famished.

"Alright, alright..." He groaned when the entire table and kept staring at him: "I will tell you lot about it as long as long as you don't annoy me with any stupid questions afterward."

February 14th, 1976

Albus hummed a little tune while looking over the latest budgeting report, approved by the school's board. His fifth attempt to introduce elementary alchemy as a new subject had failed, once again. Apparently, there was not enough gold left in the budget for the salary of an additional teacher.

Any annoyance over the governors' stubbornness was quickly pushed away by excitement as the ward on the gargoyle notified him that someone was waiting to access his office.

"You can let him in," Dumbledore said and cleared the desk of a few of the many documents that had been spread out. He noticed that he was rather excited to finally meet the boy himself. Ever since his arrival, Harry Peverell's name had been on everyone's lips in the wizarding world. His performance during his recent trial only amplified that effect.

"Come in!" Albus said cheerfully at hearing the knock on the door to his office. He watched with anticipation as the wooden door was opened and the young man entered his office. Just as Lucretia had mentioned, the green orbs immediately took in his surroundings and every corner of the office.

"Good evening, headmaster." Harry addressed him politely.

"Good evening to you too, my boy. Take a seat, please." Albus replied good-naturedly.

He headed towards the offered chair but came to a stop when all of the sudden, Fawkes jumped from his perch onto the young man's shoulders and thrilled a soft melody. Albus was thoroughly surprised. He had never seen his familiar behave like that to a complete stranger and there was no feasible way the two could have met before.

To his astonishment, the boy just laughed and did not even twitch or shudder the slightest. He began stroking the phoenix's long, golden feathers and even patted his sharp beak: "Someone seems to be excited to meet me? What is his name, sir?" Harry asked him.

Albus pulled himself together and cleared his throat: "That is Fawkes, Harry. He has been my familiar for over 50 years now. I am surprised he is so fond of you. Fawkes is usually rather shy around strangers."

"I would never dare to call your esteemed company boring, headmaster..." Harry grinned at him: "But perhaps Fawkes enjoys meeting a new face occasionally." He shrugged and brought the phoenix back over to his perch before taking a seat on the chair in front of Albus' large desk.

"Indeed, he does not have many playmates. Phoenixes are rather rare in the wizarding world." Dumbledore mused, still baffled by his familiar's conduct: "Lemon drop, Harry?"

The boy smirked: "Thank you, sir." And popped a single piece of Albus's favorite candy into his mouth. He seemed a bit more on the edge than usual, Albus noticed. Harry held eye contact and his demeanor radiated confidence, yet, Albus could almost feel his heart beating slightly faster than normal. "Well, Harry... Thank you once again for agreeing to meet with me." Albus began.

"Of course, headmaster." The boy inclined his head: "May I call you Albus for the remainder of the meeting, sir?"

Dumbledore frowned: "I don't think that would be appropriate, actually, given our relationship, my boy."

"That's rather unfortunate." The boy shrugged and leaned back into his chair: "Since you addressed me so informally, I was under the impression that we were on a first-name basis already."

Dumbledore's frown deepened: "Apologies, Mr. Peverell. I did not mean to give you that impression. I am afraid it's simply a habit of teachers..."

"Naturally..." The boy smiled: "There is no harm done, headmaster. How may I help you tonight?"

The thick gold ring on the boy's finger temporarily caught Albus' gaze, but he quickly shifted his gaze up to Harry's eyes. "As I mentioned, Mr. Peverell, I would simply like to have a small chat with you and see how you are faring at Hogwarts and in your classes so far. After all, you have spent over a month in the country and the castle already."

"That is a very generous proposition, headmaster." The boy nodded: "Do you make the same offer to all new first years since they are in the same position as I am? Undoubtedly, they might value your council even more, since they are significantly younger than me and might need additional help getting by."

"No, Har- Mr. Peverell..." Dumbledore smiled: "The first years are usually approached by their Head of House to see how they fare."

"And yet it was you that approached me instead of Professor McGonagall, sir." The boy raised an eyebrow: "That seems rather curious to me, headmaster. Nevertheless, I suggest I simply answer your questions. I am certain that both our times are too valuable to be wasted in needless discussions..."

"Yes... indeed." Dumbledore pulled himself together. The boy in front of him was unlike any fifteen-year-old he had encountered. Rhetorical manipulations of any sort would not work on him. Not after what he had witnessed during the trial and now for himself. He was extraordinarily sharp for someone his age.

"How do you like your classes so far, Mr. Peverell?" Albus stated carefully: "Do you perhaps have a favorite class?"

"I get along well in all my classes, but Charms, Transfigurations, and Defense are certainly my favorite," Harry replied casually.

"Yes, so it would seem." Albus nodded: "You certainly have achieved extraordinary results in those classes and yet I wonder why you are holding back?"

"Holding back?" Harry raised an eyebrow: "You must be mistaken, sir. Professor McGonagall only recently took points from me because I messed up my duplication charm."

"Yes, most curious how any time you mess up a charm, the results are always the same?" Albus' eyes twinkled: "Minerva told me that this time, you duplicated the number of nostrils in James Potter's nose, leaving him with over eight individual ones..."

"I should certainly work on my control." Harry smiled and popped another lemon drop into his mouth.

Albus slowly felt himself growing frustrated: "Why don't you tell me about what happened in your very first defense class, over one month ago? I assure you; you are not in trouble, I simply wish to understand better..." 

"I believe I was partnered up with Ms. McKinnon from Ravenclaw." Harry mused: "Rather childishly, I attempted to provoke her. I assume spending too much time with the self-named Marauders does that to you. Luckily no one got hurt..."

"Very fortunate indeed, is it not." Dumbledore nodded. There had to be a way to get the boy to reveal something: "Do you perhaps know the spell you used to defend yourself from Ms. McKinnon's attack?"

"I am afraid I did not use a spell, professor." The boy shrugged apologetically: "I simply wished not to get hit by it and desperately moved my wand."

"I must admit, I find myself disappointed, Mr. Peverell." Albus shook his head: "I was hoping we could be honest with each other."

"Honesty is a very curious thing, headmaster." Harry smiled without any humor and his eyes remained cold: "Why don't you start showing some honesty and tell me why we are having this conversation in the first place, sir. And please, let us just skip the whole, 'I'd like to know how you are faring, my boy'... We both know I have been asked here for different reasons."

"Very well, Mr. Peverell..." Albus decided to follow the boy's lead: "You caused me a great number of headaches over the last few weeks because I keep on pondering over the question of who you really are."

"Harry Ignotus Peverell..." The boy said smiling: "As I have proven two days ago in court. I am certain you were present to witness that?"

Albus finally had enough of it. He had shown restraint, but this might be an opportunity to learn if the boy was lying or not. His eyes bored into the orbs of his opposite, attempting to catch some brief images of his surface thoughts. However, instead, he was met by shields that were slammed down so abruptly, that he was thrown back out violently. Albus flinched in his armchair and rubbed his temples. That would be yet another headache caused by the boy.

"Should I assume you utilize Legilimency on all your students, headmaster?" The boy snapped, visibly angry. A fire was blazing in his eyes and Albus felt the small waves of magic pulsing from him.

"Who are you?" Albus frowned, reading himself to flick his wand into his palm should the need to defend himself arise.

"As I told you. My name is Harry Peverell." The boy repeated: "The last descendant of the Peverell Clan."

"You said so before and, yet, I don't believe you." Albus whispered: "No fifteen-year-old should be able to complete advanced transfigurations. No fifteen-year-old mastered a technique to bat aside a spell. And I assure you that no fifteen-year-old has Occlumency shields of similar strength to mine."

"Have people not said the same things about you when you were my age, professor?" Peverell countered: "Do you think no one showed concern when you performed things with a wand no one else was capable of at the same age? Why should it be any different for me?"

Albus wanted to growl in frustration, but the boy had a point. He had been called out numerous times for performing incredible feats in his own youth, things unheard of before. People had been calling him a fraud and a cheat left and right.

"I benefited from a very extensive education before I came here, where I learned things that the average Hogwarts student never felt the need to learn." Peverell continued: "I am certain you have heard the rumors about my ancestors. Surely you know by now that my parents have been hunted and killed by a dark wizard for similar reasons. Can you not see a rationale why it might be necessary for me to learn those things from an early age on, sir?"

"I... I..." Albus stuttered. For the first time in his advanced years, he was out of his depth: "Why hold back and not just complete your NEWTs then? Why the masquerade?"

"Because I did not have the most pleasant childhood and for once in my life, I have found friends." The boy explained with sorrow in his eyes: "I simply want a piece of my childhood back, I don't want to be your enemy, sir. Is that so hard to believe?"

Dumbledore exhaled deeply: "You must understand. You simply remind me of two other young men I have encountered in my life. I am not saying you will turn out the same, but both of them followed a path that led to nothing but death and the destruction of everything we as a society hold dear."

"And yet you worry about me while I play pranks in class?" Harry shook his head incredulously: "I am ambitious, headmaster, but I have no desire to overthrow the wizarding world. All I want is the childhood and youth I never had. As long as you let me have that and stop interfering, we might just get along well." With that, he stood up and pushed the chair back in.

"I will take my leave now, sir." He declared determinately: "Have a good night, headmaster."

Albus nodded gravely, shocked, yet relieved by what he had heard. Just when the boy opened the door of his office, a final question left Albus' lips: "The man who murdered your parents, Mr. Peverell. Is he here in Britain? Is that one of the reasons you came here?"

The boy stopped and slowly turned around, his face an emotionless mask: "Right now, I just wish to graduate... That is all you need to know, headmaster." With that, he left Albus to his thoughts and the inevitable headache that was building up in the back of his head.

February 14th, 1976

Marlene sighed deeply as she stood next to the large oak doors, waiting. The first Valentine's Day that she gets to spend with a boy, will be nothing like the muggles describe it in their romance novels... That much was certain.

She had dressed up very nicely, in a long green wizarding dress, with her expensive black coat and shoes that would allow her to walk through the snow. Her hair was left open, yet the top of her head was covered by a beret. She was told that all the girls in France and even the female witches at Beauxbaton wear them constantly and she decided they were quite cute. Her hands were covered in matching mittens and hopefully, the thick scarf would keep the cold out.

She definitely looked cute today! But saying so only reminded her of Harry and the fact that he would probably not have a chance to even compliment her on her outfit today... The boy she was going to the village with, certainly wouldn't mention anything about her style, unless to express his dislike...

She saw him approaching her down from the dungeons and heading towards her. As always, Lestrange was dressed all in black. Whereas Harry's green eyes usually sparkled with amusement and warm emotions whenever he saw her, his dark orbs merely narrowed, and a cruel grin tucked on his thin lips.

"Let's go!" He practically ordered as soon as he was next to her. No good morning... No comment on her appearance... Just as she expected. He did not bother offering her his arm while they walked through the courtyard and towards the waiting carriages.

Apparently, fate decided to be extra cruel today, because only a few carriages ahead of her, she spotted Harry and his friends laughing and joking with a carriage full of upper-year Hufflepuff girls next to them. He is not going to flirt anymore with them! Marlene told herself. He promised you!

Lestrange and she took a carriage for themselves and rode to the village. The boy had been in an exceptionally foul mood ever since Harry was acquitted of all charges four days ago. All he did was scheme with his friends and exchange whispers with other upper-year Slytherins while shooting nasty glares at Harry.

"He will be dead when the duel takes place." Lestrange's comment pulled her from her thoughts. His cold eyes were trained on Harry's back and his hand twitched.

"How can you be so convinced?" Marlene asked. She had not been able to communicate with Harry over the last few days. He was constantly surrounded by people asking him about the trial and upcoming duel. She would have liked to hear his motivation for challenging an older and more experienced opponent.

Part of her worried that Harry was underestimating the danger in it. But then again, he had proven before that there was more to him than what meets the eye. If he was proficient in advanced dueling techniques, then what else might he be capable of?

"Because I know Lucius personally and he will not be defeated by a little boy, who has not even sat his OWLs yet." Lestrange sneered at her before turning back to glare at Harry.

"He is actually quite tall, isn't he?" Marlene stated, barely keeping a chuckle from escaping her lips.

Lestrange slowly turned to her, his face a mask of anger and fury: "His height will hardly matter when he begs for his life in the mud at Lucius' feet."

"I still don't see why you are so certain that Lucius Malfoy will win." Marlene frowned.

"Because as the one that was challenged to an Honor Duel, he has the right to dictate the place and especially the time." A cruel grin tugged on Lestrange's lips: "And when that time comes, be it tomorrow or next week, Peverell has to face him, no matter what!" He added under his breath.

Marlene tried to process that information. Why would Lestrange regard being able to dictate the time of the duel as such an advantage, unless... Her eyes widened involuntarily. Of course! Unless they would pick a time that was difficult or even impossible for Harry to duel at... Perhaps due to an injury?

For the remaining ride in the carriage, she pondered over the matter. Was she perhaps interpreting it the wrong way? But what else could Lestrange's comment have been about? In any case, she would share it with Florence and see what she thinks about it.

"Is there anywhere specific you would like to go, Rabastan?" She asked politely. This was supposed to be a date after all. Hopefully, she could persuade him to at least let her run the few errands she had planned.

"I certainly won't be stomping through the cold any longer than necessary." The boy snorted: "My father said we should go to the Three Broomsticks. He says that most people will see us there and I definitely won't be dragged from store to store by you, to watch you shop."

Marlene quashed her anger and took a deep calming breath. Of course, he would not let her do anything that would please her. She attempted a smile: "Well, if your father suggests so, then we should follow his advice."

Lestrange glared at her, unable to figure out whether she was being sarcastic or not. Then, he just shrugged and stepped off the carriage, not bothering to offer his hand to help her out. Seriously, had his mother never taught him how to treat a lady on a date? Harry would have probably carried me through the snow bridal style if it was too slippery. She suppressed a giggle and followed Rabastan down the main street of the village.

"I guess this will be necessary now..." Lestrange sneered in disgust and finally offered her his arm. Marlene scowled. As if this brought any comfort to her: "To the three broomsticks then."

They stomped in silence through the snow until they reached the pub. Rabastan led her to a table in the center that would be horrible for conversations, but at least everyone would see them together… Unfortunately. He grumpily asked her what she would like to drink before walking over to the bar to order.

Marlene watched him with observant eyes, grimacing when he blatantly checked out the barmaid, a recent graduate from Hufflepuff, Madam Rosmerta. He conversed with a few of his friends on his way back and pushed her butterbeer over to her. No toast, no nothing...

Marlene noticed how some of his friends stopped by every so often to converse with him in low whispers. She did not like what this looked like at all. It was almost as if they were plotting something. She was bored to death and Rabastan was not even offering her a refill. Just when she thought things couldn't get any worse, Harry, his friends, and a few girls from Gryffindor entered. Great, now she also had to watch the boy she liked, having fun while being on a miserable date herself!

Harry's eyes flickered over to her table briefly as he entered the pub. The group of Gryffindors moved to a table over in the corner. They were about to sit down when Harry nudged James Potter in the side with his elbow. Even over all the noise in the pub, she could make out what he said: "You guys just order something for me. I've got to head over to the owlery really quick and send a letter!"

Potter nodded his understanding and headed back to the bar with Black. Apparently, Marlene was not the only one who must have heard about Harry's little trip. Opposite of her, Lestrange looked like Christmas was coming early. He shot from his chair as soon as Harry left the pub.

"I will talk to Mulciber quickly!" He turned to her, excitement and anticipation on his face: "It might take a bit longer since he could be at the Hogshead. You will stay here and you had better not move. Do you understand me?!"

Marlene gulped heavily and nodded: "Yes, I will wait for you."

"You better!" Lestrange spit. Then he hurried over to a corner of the pub where a few of his friends sat. She could not hear what they said, but as soon as Lestrange gestured for the door, they all shot from their chairs and hurried out of the pub.

Marlene did not remain a split second longer. She had a pretty good idea of what they intended to do and who exactly they would be looking for out here. The only question was: How could she warn Harry in time?