All the Time in the World

Chapter Nineteen

Dumbledore was not angry, but thoughtful. He examined the device in minute detail. He moved his wand over it but nothing happened. At last he lifted his face to look at Harry.

"This is a powerful device and it was a powerful enchantment you activated."

Harry fidgeted uncomfortably. What had seemed like a good idea when he and Ron had talked it over seemed less and less so as he looked at Dumbledore's face. He coughed to clear his throat.

"We, that is Ron and I, thought it was a good idea."

"I see," said Dumbledore. "Right now, we have only one option before us. You, Harry, took this device from Merope on false pretexts. She believed you were my agent when she gave this to you. Your suitability was tested by the device itself and you were found suitable when you convinced Tom Riddle Sr. to take his son."

"It was Ron who figured out what to do." Muttered Harry.

"Yes. And that makes it imperative that Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger be here when I put forward my suggestion."

Harry nodded.

Ron and Hermione looked nervous as they entered Dumbledore's office. Unlike Harry, neither of them had ever been here before. Dumbledore smiled at them like an indulgent grandfather before waving them to the chairs that were on either side of Harry. They sat down, looking even more nervous.

"Harry told me about your adventure the other day," Dumbledore said. "It is my understanding that you were with him, Ronald, were you not?"

"Yes, sir," said Ron nervously before adding. "And it was my idea, sir, to tell Merope that Harry was your agent. So, if you are going to punish anyone..." his voice trailed off as Dumbledore shook his head with a smile.

"No, Ronald. We're not here to affix blame or to hand out punishments. I simply wish to explain certain things to you." He tapped the device on his table. "These are powerful magical objects. They are invested with a magic of their own and we have very little knowledge of such magics. Normally, what Harry did when he took the device from Merope under false pretexts should have created a binding magical contract, very similar to an unbreakable vow."

Ron blanched. "I had no idea," he said, shaken and panicked. "If I'd known, I wouldn't have suggested it. I had no idea!"

"I know," said Dumbledore softly. "But as I said, that is normally what happens in such a transaction. But because Merope was dead, no such bond was formed. Harry is not under any obligation to go back in time to save Tom Riddle from a loveless existence."

"But?" Asked Hermione. "There is a but, isn't there, professor?"

"I'm afraid there is, Miss Granger. But that is one that need not concern any of us unduly."

"What is it?" Harry asked.

"This device, as I said, has magic of its own. And that magic has calibrated itself to you now, Harry. Only you can use this to travel through time. No one else can use it. But, as I said, that needn't concern us much. I've always had reservations when it comes to intervening in past events. Therefore this is actually a good thing."

Harry was still. "What do you propose to do with it?"

"It will make a nice addition to the collection in the Hogwarts museum," Dumbledore smiled. "But it is yours for all intents and purposes, so you have to agree."

Harry looked down. He could not do this. He did not want to go back in time to save his parents' murderer. He'd been hoping that Dumbledore would find a way to do it without involving him.

Dumbledore rose. "I'll let the three of you to discuss it and to decide. I thought of the museum since it was made by the founders. But you can keep it in your Gringotts vault till you decide what to do with it." He ushered them out. "I'll be here if you wish to consult me."

They had almost no time to discuss anything as they had to rush into Defence against the Dark Arts class. Fortunately, they reached before Snape and thus avoided punishment. The rest of the classes kept them too busy to have any sort of talks. But the last period of the day was free and they rushed back to the common room, straight from the green houses.

Back in the common room, Hermione said, "The museum does sound like a good option, Harry,"

"Yes, it does," agreed Ron. "It's a shame it can't be used now, but at least it was good for something, right?"

"I want to use it," said Harry. He did not know when he'd made that decision, but he had no doubt that he should do it. Dumbledore might be having reservations, but he and Ron had already time-travelled without any consequences. He was now almost ashamed that he'd been prepared to let someone else do this.

His friends stared at him like he was crazy. Perhaps he was. There was no way to tell.

"Mate, that's a bad idea." Said Ron.

"I agree," said Hermione. "You heard what Professor Dumbledore said about meddling with time-"

"You don't get it!" Harry hissed. "Merope trusted me! Okay, I lied to her, but I did it in good faith! And she trusted me. I've cheated a ghost. How pathetic is that?"

"I understand Harry," said Hermione wringing her hand. "But you cannot do this! This is not the way!"

"It is the only way," he said flatly. "And I have to do it." He paused. "I'm going to miss you two, but I suppose when I'm back, it'll be as if no time has passed, so you won't have a chance to miss me much."

Ron and Hermione exchanged a look.

"If you think," said Hermione, "that you are going to do this by yourself, you have another thought coming. Have you ever read Hogwarts: A History? How are you ever going to fit into the society of fifty years before when you know nothing about it? You need me, Harry. If you are serious about making this work, then you need me."

"And me," said Ron. "She'll drive you crazy in no time, otherwise."

Harry was too overwhelmed even to protest. He just nodded, his heart light. Having his friends would certainly be a comfort.

"We'll go and tell Dumbledore this evening," he said. "After dinner."

"And if he doesn't agree?" Asked Hermione.

"He will," said Harry. "He has to."