Reliving the Past, Present, and Future

Chapter 9

"The Potions Master."

"You know it's bad when Snivillus has a whole memory to himself," muttered Sirius to Lupin.

A whirl of colors passed in front of the witches' and wizards' eyes and soon they were back in the Great Hall. They were all seated at the Gryffindor table near a young Harry and Ron.

Several conversations were happening at once while students of Gryffindor ate their breakfast, unbeknownst to them the dozen of witches and wizards who were also seated.  

Harry and Ron were discussing classes, while Neville Longbottom was explaining to Dean Thomas his relief in being good in Herbology. 

Ginny smiled warmly at the young Neville. She remembered her first year when she was crying in an abandoned classroom as she was dealing with the manipulation of Tom Riddle's diary. She cried a lot in her first year... such low self-esteem... but kind Neville finds her and listens as she divulges every thought and worry. He even helped with her acne using a mixture of plants, which helped her confidence bloom. He really was a true friend. 

The younger twins' seemed to be having an animated discussion as they thought of ways to get past the well-known cat named Mrs. Norris. The now older twins' looked amused with their younger selves. Ah, to be young and without the map... they would knick it out of Filch's office in just a few short weeks.

Hundreds of owls soon descended upon tables as they dropped letters and packages onto their owner's laps.

Hedwig dropped a note onto Harry's plate and everyone could tell this was new from Harry's eagerness and surprise.

Charlie read the note aloud, for he was sitting nearest to the younger Harry Potter, about the invitation from Hagrid to join him for tea. 

"That was nice of Hagrid," said Lupin, smiling sadly.

"Dumbledore, can I speak with you?" murmured Sirius to Dumbledore. Only Lupin could see the glint of anger in his friend's eyes.

"Certainly."

The two men disappeared from the scene - making everyone stare from the sudden departure.

"Alright, I would like to cut through the pretenses," started Sirius as the two men were now in the Room of Requirement.

Dumbledore nodded resigned for Sirius to continue as he sat down in an armchair. 

"First off, why have you not looked at Harry? You seem to be avoiding his gaze. And second, why the bloody hell was I not allowed to take Harry!? I'm his God-Father. James and Lily gave me that responsibility and now it was all in vain!" exploded Sirius as he threw his hands up in anger. "If Hagrid had given Harry to me in the first place, I wouldn't have gone after Pettigrew and Harry wouldn't have been abused by his bastard of an uncle!" Sirius was breathing heavily, irritated with the calm the Headmaster displayed. 

"Sirius," said Dumbledore quietly. "Take a seat." He motioned to the armchair next to his. 

Sirius scowled, his hands curled into fists, as he reluctantly sat down. 

"You do know there is a certain connection between Voldemort and Harr," began Dumbledore, giving Sirius a piercing look.

Sirius was taken aback, not expecting the conversation to turn in this direction. He slowly nodded. "A bit, yes."

"You are not permitted to repeat this." said Dumbledore sternly, which made Sirius all the more curious. "I am afraid that Voldemort is close to weaponizing this connection between them. Voldemort will have access to Harry's mind and Harry's with Voldemort's."