AN: LET ME BE VERY VERY CLEAR.

THE CHILD OF FATE SERIES IS NOW OFFICIALLY ABANDONED.

BOOK I WILL BE LEFT UP, WITH THE FOUR CHAPTERS AND AN INCOMPLETE CHAPTER FIVE OF THE SEQUEL ATTACHED AT THE END, WHILE BOOK II WILL BE TAKEN DOWN.

Preface:

Afternoon tea was not supposed to be anything more than a gathering of friends for a bit of gossiping and chatting. Afternoon tea was not supposed to bring about anything momentous or life changing. And afternoon tea was definitely NOT supposed to end by a prophecy that would invert your life upon itself. Literally. Nope - definitely not supposed to happen during a afternoon tea in a sunny, cheerful sitting room, listening to one of your best friends chatter on about some mystical creature and holding hands with your girlfriend.

But then again, when did anything go as it was supposed to in Harry Potter's life?

"The war is over, but secrets are not,

The boy who thrice conquered the Dark Lord,

A boy no more.

As he passes into man-hood,

His heritage will,

Turn him back in the flow of the river.

Followed by two followers of the light.

The silver idol,

From his pedestal shall fall,

A brand, a collar, is the ruin of all.

Bind 80% magic, thus is the curse,

In the full moon, magic shall reverse.

He, the child of fate,

Shall reach manhood beyond all odds,

To save the world once more.

Beyond the veil, in the shadows lay waiting,

The Grim shall be set free again,

Aiding…

The boy who thrice conquered the Dark Lord,

A boy no more…"

"Have I said something funny? You're looking at me most peculiarly, you know."

Luna seemed to have no recollection of what she had just said. The blonde shrugged airily at the rather comical expressions on Harry and Ginny's face.

"Here, I know it's supposed to be your birthday soon, Harry, so I got you a early gift." Luna drew something sparkly and colorful out of a pocket somewhere in her bright blue robes.

It was a ring that contained all the colors of the four Hogwarts houses, inlaid in opal.

"It's very beautiful, Luna. Where did you get it?" Harry recovered from his shock fast enough to say. The blonde frowned.

"You know, I'm not too sure…"

"Did you know Luna was a seer?" Ginny asked as they hurried away from the rook-like house, choosing to walk instead of apparate.

"No, I didn't. Explains why she's always so dreamy though." Harry answered. "What I don't get is why she says passes in to man hood. I'm nineteen already. That's legally an adult in both the muggle world and the wizarding one." He put the opal ring on his finger, and showed it to Ginny. The stones glittered in the sunlight prettily.

"It's beautiful." Ginny ran a finger over it.

"Would you like to have it?"

Ginny glanced up at him mischeviously.

"Why, are you proposing, Mr. Potter?"

"If I were, would you say yes?" Harry asked back in all seriousness. Ginny stared at him, speechless. They were distracted when Harry hissed in pain. The ring had started burning. As quickly as the pain had come, it was gone. And so was the ring.

"I'm going to call a full family meeting," Ginny said shakily, as they reached the Burrow.

"Mum!" Ginny called out, breaking free from Harry's arms and hurrying towards the house.

"I want you to call a full family meeting! Me and Harry will help."

Molly Weasley smiled, thinking she knew what this was about, and looked for a ring on her daughter's finger, but found none. Frowning, she turned, and grabbed her wand from the pile of laundry she was hanging. She sent out her patronus, and Ginny and Harry did the same – Harry's went to Ron and Hermione, and Ginny's went to Bill and Charlie, who were both helping in the twin's shop. Five minutes later, the rest of the Weasley gang popped in, breathless.

"What is it? You said it was an emergency." Hermione ran up to Harry, followed by Ron.

"Let's get back inside the house." Harry said, leading them in. He then proceeded to explain what had happened at Luna's. There was a stunned silence.

"Okay, let's dissect this prophecy bit by bit." Hermione said, practical as ever. "Someone get a piece of parchment and a quill."

Harry summoned the items and handed them to Hermione.

"Okay, the first line is easy enough: The war is over, but secrets are not. That obviously means that there's some secret that we haven't discovered." Everyone nodded in agreement.

"Second line: The boy who thrice conquered the Dark Lord. That's Harry, right? He conquered Voldemort once, when he was a baby, once at the Tri-wizard tournament, and then killed him last year."

"I don't think so," Ginny objected. "Harry didn't kill Voldemort when he was a baby; only stop his ascent to power. If so, then every instance in his first, second, fourth, fifth, and sixth year could be counted as that, not to mention the year before last when you went off doing who knows what."

"But I reached the count of three in second year." Harry pointed out.

"Why don't we go with Hermione's theory, because that's the one that fits the best, even if it's not perfect." Ron suggested, earning a glowing look from Hermione, and a glare from his sister.

"Fine!" Ginny snapped. "Can we get on with it already?"

"Alright, let's move on," Harry cut in, before tempers could blow. "A boy no more. That's obvious. I'm nineteen. But I don't get why I haven't passed into man-hood yet. I'm a legal adult by both the wizarding world and the muggle one."

No one had an answer to that.

"Let's just skip that one, then," Hermione said, after a moment. "Next part: his heritage will, turn him back in the flow of the river, followed by two followers of the light. Maybe his heritage is the lordship of Potter? But how would that…" Hermione's voice trailed off, and Harry recognized her 'in deep though' look.

"What if the river alludes to the river of time, or the river theory made by Rowena Ravenclaw?" Hermione said in a hushed voice. Harry got the gist of what she was saying, because he had become interested in time travel, and had read on the theories.

"But how would my heritage do that?" He asked pointedly. "I researched my family history. Nothing really exciting."

"Harry, most of the heritage charts don't even trace back to the time of the founders. It's possible, even probably, that you have an unknown ancestor who could be this 'heritage'." Hermione said with an exasperated look.

"Right, let's just say I'm going to travel back in time for now, and you two are the 'two followers of the light, and do whatever we're supposed to do." Harry said, irate. Why was it always him that was the subject of these stupid prophecies?

"It's the second verse that scares me the most." Bill contributed. "The silver idol must be a prominent figure we all know, who falls from his pedestal. The secrets might have to do with this person.A brand, a collar, is the ruin of all, bind 80% magic, thus is the curse, in the full moon, magic shall reverse. It sounds like someone is betrayed or something by this silver idol, who bound 80% of their magic, but it would somehow break in the full moon. If I were that person, I'd want revenge, hence the ruin of all." Hermione looked surprised at Bill's practical reasoning – her own theory hadn't been half as good.

"But who is this person? Blimey, it can't be Harry, can it?" Charlie asked.

"If it is you, mate, count on us to help you with the vengeance." George said, with a glint in his eyes that had not been there since Fred's death.

"I don't think it's me, guys. Since when have I been branded? And my power is definitely at the normal level. Besides, look at the next part- that's definitely optimistic." Harry said. "I'm more worried about this silver idol."

"I'm more scared of the last verse, mate." Ron said shakily. "Beyond the veil, in the shadows lie waiting, the grim shall be set free again. That sounds like death, doesn't it?"

"I'm not sure," Harry said, knowing his theory was improbable. "I actually sort of think it sounds like Sirius."

Hermione, Ron, and Ginny stared.

"Well, look at it this way," Harry reasoned. "Sirius fell beyond the veil, right? And his animagus form looks exactly like the Grim!"

"Harry," Ginny said quietly, going over and putting a hand on his arm.

"I know, I know. It was just a hope." He said dejectedly, glaring at his boots. "But the deaths can't be bad for us, because it says it's aiding me, isn't it?"

"I think that's enough speculation." Molly suddenly said. She and Arthur had just been watching in silence. "I want you all to go outside and have some fun. Play Quidditch, or whatever. This war has made you all way too gloomy. I say there's no point in dwelling on the prophecy. The always have double meanings, and it will probably turn out to be self fulfilling if we try to prevent it from happening." She said sternly, shooing all of them outside.

They all were still sporting very grim faces, contrasting oddly against the sunny and cheerful weather. Back inside the house, Molly exchanged a nervous glance with her husband, fingering the notes Hermione had taken on the prophecy.

"Harry has had to go through so much because of that damned prophecy," Molly said, glaring at the piece of parchment as if it was its entire fault. "And now there's another one about him. Why is it that fate just can't leave him alone?" She asked angrily.

"I know dear, I know." Her husband said heavily.

Outside, Bill, Charlie, and George had left for the store again, but Ron and Hermione chose to stay with Harry. Sensing Harry wanted to be alone with his friends, Ginny wandered off into the gardens, knowing that even though she was out of Hogwarts now, Harry still preferred to plan with Ron and Hermione.

The knowledge hurt, but she understood why- the trio had been together, trained together, and fought together for so long, that they knew all of the other's moves, and worked like a well oiled machine. No matter she was going steady with Harry – she still fit on like an attachment, and she had only really met them in her fourth year. The Golden Trio, as they'd been dubbed by the press all had Order of Merlin, First Class, along with Neville.

In fact, all of Dumbledore's Army had been awarded Order of Merlin, Third class, and most of the Order had gotten second class. It was a nice, shiny medal, but Ginny thought that the Ministry had only given it out to try and smooth over the fact that their incompetence and corruption were the main reason Voldemort was able to gain power again so quickly. She shook her head. And to think that Percy used to rub shoulders with them!

Meanwhile, Harry was staring at Hermione who was avidly examining his index finger – he had just told them about the ring Luna had pressed on him. She tapped it with her wand, and then frowned.

"It must be a really clever spell," she said, "I can't get a feel of anything – only a faint magical signal."

"So whose signature is it?" Ron asked eagerly.

"I don't know, but I can tell it's a really powerful magical being. Whoever it is might not even be a wizard. But I can tell he probably has about as much or more raw power that Merlin was rumored to have." She said, still staring at the finger. "He or she managed to hide the ring so completely, if the magical signature wasn't there, not even the most advanced scanners would be able to tell something was there besides bone. Also, I can't remember for the life of me reading about a spell that could do something like this."

"Blimey," Ron said. "Why is it always you that gets into sticky spots like this, Harry?"

Harry shrugged, took his friends' hands, and apparated with them to Hogsmead. They walked to Hog's Head, and ordered butterbeers from Dumbledore's brother, Aberforth, who was much friendlier with them now. His pub had actually been cleaned and dusted, and there was no longer a need to bring their own glass.

They got their booth, and as a habit, Harry put a muffliato charm around them, ensuring no one could over hear them. The booth was rather small – the other chair was broken – with wood splinters sticking up all over the edge, and caved-in in the middle – so they all had to squeeze in one bench. They were still debating who the 'Grim' was, when Harry gasped in shock as he saw his index finger glow a bright blue. The trio felt a tug behind their navels not unlike that of a portkey as they began spinning. Harry felt a wrenching pain in his chest, as his very self, his very essence, was pulled from his body.

Harry Potter opened his eyes with a gasp. He looked around, blinking. The clock said it was nearly midnight, and he had his quill next to an essay, which on closer examination was titled: Witch Burning in the Fourteenth Century Was Completely Pointless. His stomach lurched. Unless he had gone completely mental, he was sure he was back inside his twelve (soon to be thirteen) year old body, and also back at the Dursleys.

So that was what the prophecy meant, Harry thought. I wonder if Ron and Hermione came with me. It did mention 'followed by two followers of the light'.

With a sinking feeling, Harry suddenly remembered that his 'Aunt' Marge would be arriving soon. Harry gazed out the window, waiting for what he knew would be his first ever birthday gifts and cards. Before long, the three owls appeared, and swooped in the window, landing on his bed with a soft thump. He took the Hogwarts letter from the school owl, not bothering to open it. He already knew what was in there.

A lump grew in his throat as he took the package from his amber-eyed snowy owl, who had been killed in the skirmish when he was rescued from Private Drive. He vowed to make sure the owl didn't die this time around. He looked over all his birthday presents, still wondering if Ron and Hermione were in this time with him. His question was solved when Ron and Hermione's packages both contained one new letter, along with the original ones he had gotten last time.

Dear Harry,

Are you quite alright? Ignore this if you have no idea what I'm talking about. The first verse of the prophecy seems to have been fulfilled. Be sure not to change anything, as we have no idea what the repercussions would be to our original time line. I'm pretty sure Ron came back in time with us too, but not completely sure – I'll be writing a letter to him in a moment, and warn him not to say anything to his family (seeing Fred again might be too much for him, I fear).

Stay safe until we get together!

With love,

Hermione

Harry,

Did you come back alright? I had the biggest shock when I came back – I was in the middle of a Quidditch game with the twins! I fell off my broom in shock, and Fred had to catch me. I'll hear no end of it now! It's unsettling to see Fred again and George with two ears. I never realized how much they did to keep up the spirit at home – or maybe it's just that Voldemort hasn't rised again yet. I got a letter from Hermione saying that we shouldn't change anything, but I… well, frankly, I don't care. Saving Fred will only have a good impact, right?

Happy birthday mate,

Ron

P.S. I put Wormy into an unbreakable jar I got from dad, so now he's trapped. We'll deal with him when we're together again, eh?

Harry smiled as he read his friends' letters, and quickly jotted down replies to them.

Hermione,

I'm alright; I got back with you two too. Ron's got Wormtail trapped inside an unbreakable jar and I want to use him to clear Sirius's name. I know you said not to change anything, but according to the prophecy, things are going to change anyway, so why not change one event for the better?

- Harry

Ron,

Good thinking in getting Wormtail trapped! I can see Hermione's rubbed off on you – remember what she did to Skeeter in fourth year? It must be really hard with Fred, but if I get my way, we'll save many people who didn't need to die, like Sirius, Dumbledore, Snape, Remus, Tonks… the list goes on and on. Let's meet up in London like last time!

- Harry

He laid his letters on the side, thinking Hedwig would need a break before going out again. As he sat on his bed watching Errol's labored breathing, a silver light appeared in front of him. He snatched his wand up, only to stumble back in shock as the light cleared and turned to the form of a beautiful woman who looked disturbingly like Luna Lovegood. She was transparent, like a ghost, but glowed with an innate energy – a spirit. She had long hair swept up into a French twist, and was draped in an elegant Greek robe, with a silver circlet upon her brow.

Do not fear to change history, young one. You have only been brought here so the meddler of fate could be put to justice. Change what you will… history needs to re-write itself. The melodic thoughts appeared in his mind.

What do you mean, meddler of fate?

He is the same as your silver idol, child of fate. The meddler directed the river of time to flow in the opposite direction. We could not fix all of it without bringing disaster upon your universe, so we have brought you and your friends to the biggest rip that you could fix. The meddler needs to be put to justice – as of now he is honored and respected, yet his actions have nothing to do with his words. I will speak to your friends also… Justice must be brought…

The woman faded, leaving Harry to wondering if he had been hallucinating. He needed to get to bed. As he remembered, tomorrow would be the day Sirius Black appeared on even the muggle news…

One week later:

Harry panted, sitting down on the side walk, with his trunk beside him. He had tried to keep his temper this time – he really had. But Marge had gotten blown up anyway. At least this time he knew he wouldn't be punished.

A pair of eyes glittered in the shadows beyond him, and Harry breathed in the crisp night air. He could hear distinct panting. He smiled. This was the reason he had not escaped one week earlier.

"Why don't you come out and change, Sirius. It'll be a piss poor reunion if one of us is unable to talk." He turned around. The flabbergasted look on the massive black dog was priceless. A moment later, the sunken and waxy face of Sirius Black immerged.

"Harry?" He croaked hoarsely. "You look like James so much, but you've got your mum's eyes."

"I get that a lot."

"You've got to believe me Harry, I wasn't the one who betrayed your parents!"

"I know, Sirius. Let me explain." He told Sirius of everything that had happened. He wasn't sure if his godfather believed him, but he knew too many things to be making it up. Like how Moony was a werewolf, that there were four unregistered animagi that used to be running around Hogwarts and that Peter's form was a rat.

"So… your saying you'd already defeated the Dark Idiot, but some stupid ring brought you and your friends back in time to do it all again? Bloody hell Harry, if your mum and dad are watching this from above, they must have turned prematurely gray!" Sirius said, looking at his Godson with awe and respect.

Harry cracked a smile.

"You stay here Sirius. I'll go and try and get you some food." Before he could protest, Harry stood up and jogged to a near by store, and summoned several loafs of bread when no one was watching. He felt sorry for stealing, but he had learned that sometimes you had to do what was necessary. He jogged back and handed Sirius the bread, and let him use his wand to conjur up some water to drink. As Sirius tore into a loaf of bread, eating what must have been his first meal in days, Harry told him of his plan.

Harry would go to London by the Knight Bus, taking Sirius with him as his newly acquired pet. Sirius would have to stay in dog form until his name was publicly cleared, but he reassured Harry that didn't bother him.

"And also, I'm going to have to call you Snuffles when you're a dog, and not Padfoot, because too many of the kids' parents have heard James calling you that in school."

Sirius nodded, trying to use Harry's wand to wash his hair a bit. Seeing this, Harry said,

"You might want to try Auguamenti Maximum!"

"Auguamenti Maximum!" What appeared to be a huge bucket of water poured over Sirius's head leaving him soaked to the bone, and he quickly dried himself up, glaring at Harry, who had burst out in laughter.

"Oh shut up." Sirius half-heartedly growled, handing Harry his wand back, and turning into 'Snuffles'.

Harry stuck out his wand hand, and with a Bang! The Knight Bus appeared. Very bruised, and very grouchy, Harry appeared outside the Leaky Cauldron ten minutes later, hoping he wouldn't run into Fudge this time, as he still hadn't forgiven the man for his incompetence as the minister of magic. No such luck.

"Harry, my dear boy! How nice to see you're okay! You'll be glad to hear your Aunt was deflated and her memory modified. Got a lot of signals for underage magic on your wand though."

Sirius growled.

Harry forced a smile.

"My relatives locked me up when my uncle's sister was visiting. I heard them belittling my parents, and I just had to get out of there. The summoning and Auguamenti charms were because they hadn't fed my anything other than one can of soup every day for a week, and I needed to eat. Surely I won't get in trouble for that?"

Fudge looked a bit flustered.

"Do you want me to take you away from those muggles, Harry? Lucius Malfoy – most generous man – was pushing for your custody a few years back, you know. I'm sure I could – "

"It's quite alright, Minister. My relatives just don't quite understand magic, is all." Harry said hastily. Things were already changing, he noticed in shock.

"Well, of course not, my boy! Just glad you're okay. Why don't you go check in to the Leaky Cauldron? And Harry – I would prefer if you stayed in Diagon Alley... in the present climate… well, it wouldn't be too good for you to be wandering around in muggle London. Goodbye!" He disapparated with a small pop!

Harry walked up to his room; lead by Tom the barman, just like the first time. But there was on very significant difference – he was no longer alone.