Godric's Hollow was burning. Billows of smoke polluted the skies, and at the centre of all the commotion was one fallen house.

Alex froze, looking on in disbelief. Without a second thought, he rushed to the scene, pushing through the crowd gathered in front.

Merlin sighed, and applied a glamour charm from afar. It wouldn't do to have anyone see him like this.

Alex didn't even notice. He tore into the house, ignoring the fallen debris.He sprinted reckelessly, his heart thumping, hoping against hope that he would find his parents alive. It was not to be, however; he noticed the fallen figure in the living room. James. It was obvious there was no life left in the body, but he checked anyways. No, there was nothing.

He wanted to collapse right then and there, but he pushed onwards up the stairs towards the room where baby Harry had been placed. He opened the charred door, noticing the pile of crumpled clothes in the corner. Opposite...lay his mother.

He fell on his knees, holding her. "Why, God, why?" He sobbed, the anguish evident in his voice. "You gave me another chance...just for me to screw it up again? Why?"

He buried his head into his mother, breathing in her scent. "Why did you have to die twice, Mum? Why?"

A wail broke his train of thought, and Alex smiled grimly. "Oh, Harry..."

A hand clasped onto his shoulder, and Alex turned around, too broken to even attack or defend himself. Fortunately for him, it was only Merlin. "Come, Alex, we need to leave before Albus Dumbledore comes."

Alex gently laid his smaller self into his mother's arms. It would be the last time he would ever be in that position, and Alex was somehow comforted by his own actions. He gently laid a kiss on his mother's cheek, and closed the door. He walked down the stairs, and closed his father's eyes. Alex held his hand for a moment, and then let go. He walked out the door, never to return.

Merlin took a look back, and murmured quietly, "May they rest in peace forever."

********

Alex stared at the house, watching Albus Dumbledore and Hagrid take his younger self - no, Harry. In one single day, one child's life had been turned upside down - from perfection to abuse. It was indeed a tragedy.

Merlin looked at him. "Alex...I'm sorry we couldn't make it."

Alex snorted. "The bastard came early. You couldn't have known."

"Even so," said Merlin. "It shouldn't have escaped me."

"It can't be helped," said Alex dully, until a thought popped into his mind. "Wait, can't I just go back and change it?"

"I'm afraid not," said Merlin, shaking his head sadly. "You can only change a single event once. Once you do so...there is no turning back."

"But I haven't changed anything," argued Alex. "Voldemort killed my parents - again."

"I'm sorry, my dear boy," said Merlin. "Somehow in your arrival, or rather, our arrival, we changed the time of the attack."

"Bollocks!" shouted Alex. "Who made up these stupid rules anyways?"

"God," said Merlin, fighting an urge to chuckle. "Or if you want, Fate."

Alex faced the sky. "It's called free will, dammit!" He sat down on a nearby log, his hands on his head. "What am I going to do now?"

"You could always go back," suggested Merlin. "But while you're here, why don't you make the changes you want? After all, just because your younger self doesn't have your parents doesn't mean he has to go to those despicable relatives of yours."

Alex looked thoughtful, before a dark shadow passed across his face. "Let me think about it. I need...time."

"Very well," said Merlin. "But remember, you need to set up your identity if you do plan on staying. I'll wait for you in Marseilles. The main entrance of the French Magic sector is located on le Rue Château d'If. Muggles won't be able to see the entrance, not unlike your Diagon Alley - it's called le Boulevard du Vaillencourt. Anyways, the entrance is located in an antique shop, l'Adelais. That's where I'll meet you. You can't miss it."

"All right," said Alex, still facing the ground. "I'll be here for a while."

"Dobby and Cribsy stay with Master Alex Fitzpotter," said Cribsy. "But where Dobby?"

Dobby popped in. "Here, Sir Master Alex, sir. Dobby brought Sir Master Alex's mother's diary for Sir Master Alex."

Alex looked up in surprise. "Thank you, Dobby. I almost forgot about this."

Alex placed it on his lap, and looked at Merlin. "I'd like to be alone for a while, thanks."

Merlin nodded, and he Apparated away. "A bientôt, Alexandre."

********

Once Merlin reached le Boulevard du Vaillencourt, he casted a spell around the general vicinity. This spell provided the background Alex needed, and if anyone asked, Alexandre Fitzpotter had indeed existed, albeit vaguely. The general impression everyone had was that he was a quiet young man who was polite, and was known for his talent in catching criminals.

Merlin walked into le Gouvernement de Magie, invisible. He adjusted a few records, placing Alexandre Matthieu Fitzpotter's file in the appropriate places. Finishing this, he walked into le Section de la Police de Magie, and casted a more complicated spell on all the occupants. Here, they would know more about Alex than the generalities. Merlin moved on, towards the higher-ups. He spotted an office not in use, and began the preparations. Within minutes, the office was now Alexandre Matthieu Fitzpotter's. Merlin paused. It would look very suspicious if it was so immaculate, so he decided to make it look lived-in. Then, he moved up to the higher-ups: the Department Head, the Assistant Department Head, and all the relevant people Alex "dealt" with on a regular basis. He even created a team of people under Alex, and many cases that day were suddenly "solved" under the supervision of Alex. Having completed this, Merlin took it upon himself to purchase a flat in one of the quieter neighbourhoods. Here, he also changed the memories of Alex's neighbours.

‘What a masterpiece,' thought Merlin. ‘Yet...There's no doubt in my mind Alex will return, since he has believed he has failed. I doubt he even can... though I should probably check.'

He flicked his wand, and waited. Nothing happened. "What?" he said, shocked. "That can't be right. That would mean..."

His brain turned rapidly. "That means he destroyed the other universe! Well, I knew he was important, but not to that extent. What are you playing with, Fate?"

"Oh well," said Merlin. "I might as well sit back and enjoy the ride. Speaking of sitting...this flat's completely empty. Time to decorate!"

Several hours later, there were furnishings in every room, and it wasn't garishly done either, despite what Merlin seemed to like (by the looks of his clothes, anyways). The living room was as tame light yellow, with beige couches. On the walls were paintings, and the floor was wooden-panelled. The dining area was a lit with the sunshine coming through the windows, and there was a modest table in the middle, with about four chairs. The kitchen had plain tiles, but marble countertops. The cupboards were all wooden. The first bedroom was a light blue, and the bedcovers were a dark blue. The bed frame itself was made of oak, as was the desk in the corner. The other two rooms were the same, but with different colours, one a light green, and the other a light pink. The bathrooms had marble floors, massive tubs, and showers off to the side. Merlin smirked, satisfied with his work. Even if Alex didn't live here, it didn't mean he himself couldn't have this place.

********

Back in Godric's Hollow, Alex had started reading his mother's diary. It offered him a chance to smile, despite all the pain he had endured the last few weeks. It spanned almost all her years from her graduation date to this very day. He had never really known anything about his mother, other than the fact that she had been his old Potions Professor's one and only love and that she loved Charms and Potions. Heck, he didn't even know what she did for a living. But in this diary...Alex had learned everything about her. She was no longer some ghost from the past, but a real, living person who had faults just like everyone else. A part of him wanted to keep smiling, but there was something else that made him want to go on his knees and beg for another chance, despite all that Merlin had said previously.

Dobby tapped him. "Sir Master Alex?"

"Yeah, Dobby?" asked Alex, without looking up. "What is it?"

"Sir Master Alex Fitzpotter must look," whispered Cribsy. "It is most important."

Alex looked up. "Mum, Dad?"

"Do we know you?" asked James, puzzled. "Though you do look familiar."

"Well...I suppose since you're gone it doesn't matter, right?" Alex looked at the house elves' confirmation, and when they nodded, he continued. "My name is Alex Matthieu Fitzpotter in this world, but where I come from, my name is Harry James Potter."

"Really," asked James, sceptical.

"How?" asked Lily. "Our son is but fifteen months old. How can you be our son?"

"I'm, err, from the future," said Alex sheepishly. "I thought I'd come back and save you, but as you can see, I kinda failed."

"Well, Harry," said James. "I don't blame you for trying. But what's meant to be...sometimes is meant to be."

"But," added Lily. "Before you leave, you have to make sure either Sirius or Alice will take care of him."

Alex's head shot up. "You mean, I wasn't supposed to go to the Dursleys'?"

Lily's face contorted, and she made a face. "My sister and her fat whale of a husband? Never!"

"That's good to know..." muttered Alex. "Though it's a bit too late now."

"You were raised by my sister-in-law?" asked James, horrified. "Merlin have mercy..."

"Don't worry, they're dead," reassured Alex. "Or well, my version of them, anyways. And Sirius is framed by Pettigrew -"

"Peter was the traitor?" asked James in disbelief. "We thought Remus was! That's why we asked him to be our Secret Keeper! How? Why?"

"I have no idea. You know, if I could tell you, I would," said Alex. "But Sirius is thrown into Azkaban, and Alice Longbottom - if this is the same person - is tortured into insanity."

"Can't you prevent this?" asked Lily. "Since you know all of this...can't you save Harry?"

"I could..." said Harry doubtfully. "But I don't know...though, I still have an hour or so to plan. Maybe I can pull it off."

"You better," said James. "My sister-in-law better not raise him."

"You'd think I'd know better than most," said Alex dryly. "Don't worry, I'll take care of him. Dumbledore and Hagrid have him right now. They'll be handing him over tonight, I think. Or maybe tomorrow night. I'm not too sure."

"We'll be watching," said Lily. "But...I know despite the best of intentions things often go awry. So promise me, Harry, if Sirius and Alice are indisposed...you will raise my son."

"You want me to raise him?" asked Alex in shock. "You trust me that much?"

"Only as a last resort," joked James, wincing as Lily slapped him.

"Sorry, Harry, James can be a bit insensitive," smiled Lily apologetically. "But I'm sure you'll do a wonderful job. Best of luck...we need to go. Someone is calling for us."

"You said that last time too, I think," said Alex. "But I'll do my best. No guarantees though."

"We understand," said James. "Goodbye, Harry. We'll see you again."

"Goodbye," said Alex as he stood, as it seemed only polite to at the moment. As they faded out from view, he gathered his thoughts. Sirius, when he heard the news, would immediately react. Which would mean...he would have to get to the scene of the crime now.

He had to get to Diagon Alley as soon as possible. He Apparated, with the house elves squealing in surprise. Dobby shrugged. When Sir Master Alex had something in mind, he always rushed to the scene without thinking. He sat down on the log again, dangling his feet, waiting for Alex to come back.

********

Diagon Alley, give or take ten years, had not changed by much. Still the same old stores with the same crowds and smells. Alex took a deep breath, and smiled. It was great to be back. It cast slight glamour charms around him - he didn't want anyone to know him just yet. It would be better if he got in trouble - being witness to a mass murder scene was definitely trouble.

He strolled towards the grate where he knew Sirius and Pettigrew would soon be battling. When would it happen? In his world, it had happened the next day, in the early morning. Here, since the time was shifted up by four hours...hopefully, it would be the same for this too.

He walked into a nearby shop, pretending to peruse the items laid out on various tables, all the while keeping an eye out the window. Fortunately for him, no one was really looking, especially since most of the items were not male-friendly. As he pushed open the door, meaning to enter the next shop, he heard a very familiar voice.

"Pettigrew!"

Already? Alex quickly bounded out of the shop, the only one to do so. Everyone else had run into shops. Could he prevent this?

"Arrêtez!" Whoops, it came out in French. Alex tried again. "Stop! What are you doing?"

"Bugger off, French boy," said Sirius angrily. "I've no time for this. I have to kill the traitor who killed my friends!"

"I killed them? W-what are you talking about, Sirius?" Wormtail was the same as ever: pathetic, whiny...but manipulative. "You killed them. You were James and Lily's Secret Keeper! You told the Dark Lord!"

Gasps could be heard all around them, but Sirius paid them no heed. "Reducto!"

If Alex hadn't been paying attention, he wouldn't have caught Pettigrew's spell - and he wouldn't have been able to duck in time. As it was, eleven people died in the crossfire. Swarms of rats descended upon the other side, swallowing the bodies and Pettigrew. When they disappeared into the grate, one particularly large rat winked at them, and shook his tail, as if in a final act of treachery. He scampered off into the grate, never to be seen again.

Alex slowly picked himself up, dusting himself off, just as the Aurors came by. People were screaming all around them, and there were fingers pointed directly at Sirius.

Sirius himself had knelt on the ground, his wand frozen in his hand, and his eyes blank and unseeing.

An Auror propped him upright and held on to him tightly, while another took witness testimonies. They hadn't seemed to notice Alex, up until he made himself known as an Auror marched up to Sirius and accused him of murder.

"Qu'est-ce que tu fais?" screamed Alex, then realizing he had spoken the wrong language...again. "What are you doing? He's innocent!"

"What do you know, frog?" said the Auror with disdain.

"I saw it with my own eyes," said Alex coldly. "And for your information, I'm English.

"Apologies," said the Auror, clearly not meaning it. "But this man just killed Peter Pettigrew and eleven bystanders."

"You're wrong," replied Alex softly. "I can provide a memory if you like."

"So tell us what happened," said the other Auror, who was currently holding Sirius.

"This man casted a Reductor Curse - "

"Which caused an explosion, thereby killing these twelve people. Case closed," said the first Auror.

"Let me finish, you ass!" screamed Alex out of frustration.

"That's it," said the first Auror. "You're coming along too for obstruction of justice."

"Lovely," said Alex. "But what you're doing is obstruction. This man is clearly innocent, if you'll just let me explain."

"You just confirmed this man casted a curse!"

"Which isn't illegal in itself," said Alex patiently. "Pettigrew casted another curse - the Killing Curse, I believe - and it hit the already casted spell, resulting in an explosion."

"So where's Pettigrew's body then? I see eleven charred bodies right here, and one thumb," said the second Auror, who, though sceptical, was willing to give Alex a chance to explain. "Peter Pettigrew is an Animagus - a rat, to be precise. If you'll remember," Alex said to the witnesses, "There was a swarm of rats here. All Pettigrew had to do was transform and cut off his thumb."

"How do you know all of this?" snarled the first Auror. "How can we be sure you're not one of You-Know-Who's?"

Alex rolled up his sleeve savagely. "Does it look like I have the Dark Mark? I don't think so. Besides, I saw it with my own eyes. Grab a pensieve if you don't believe me."

"What he says is true," said a hoarse voice. "Pettigrew is an Animagus."

The two Aurors looked down at Sirius. "So why isn't he registered?"

"James, the rat and I were all illegal Animagi," said Sirius with a sigh. "We became Animagi in our fifth year."

"Well, then," said the second Auror to the other Aurors. "Issue out a warrant for Peter Pettigrew's arrest!" He turned to Alex. "I'm sorry, but you'll have to give an official statement...and I wouldn't mind taking a look at that memory, myself."

"All right," said Alex amicably. "And this man? Is he free to go?"

"No," said the first Auror, who had a malicious grin on his face. "He just confessed to an offense. He'll be getting three months in Azkaban, I think."

"What?" said Alex in shock. "Three months for being an illegal Animagus? Isn't it only a fine?"

"Crouch, Head of the DMLE, upped the sentence, since it's a lot easier to sneak around if you're an unregistered Animagus," said the second Auror. "But...with Black's influence, he may be able to shorten the sentence, or put it on probation."

"Oh," said Alex. Spoiled again! What was up with Fate?

"I didn't catch your name, by the way," said the second Auror. "Mine's Frank Longbottom, and that one over there is Joe Blair. He's a bit of a fanatic, if I do say so myself. So, what's yours?"

"I'm Matthieu Rousseau," said Alex smoothly. He didn't have a background yet, and it was better that no one recognized him until he had figured out his game plan. The glamours helped too. Thank God he had thought of them earlier. Plus, it would be better for Pettigrew not to know his real identity too. He didn't really want to be hunted down at this time. "Shall we proceed?"

"Black, let's go," said Blair, and violently dragged him off, despite the protests on all sides, including his fellow Aurors.

********

"So, Mr. Rousseau," said Longbottom. "Just fill this form and place a copy of your memory in the vial."

"All right," said Alex, and he flipped through the pages. One was a sheet detailing his entire account (thank God he only had to sign, and not write it out), another was his information - all faked of course. Not that they'd know...all they really needed was the memory, which Alex provided for.

"Done?" asked Longbottom. "You're free to go."

"Thanks," said Alex. "Hey, Longbottom...you might want to be careful. Death Eaters won't be too fond of Aurors, especially if Pettigrew's attempt just failed. You might want to ask for an extra detail around your house."

Frank Longbottom stared at him. "I think I'll be fine...but I'll keep that in mind."

"See that you do," said Alex with a smirk. In that moment, he had extricated the address of Longbottom Manor. He really couldn't be too careful. With Sirius out of commission, that only left Alice...and it would be nice to grow up with Neville.

He walked out the door and Apparated back to Godric's Hollow.

********

"Dobby? Cribsy?" whispered Alex. "Are you still here?"

"Of course," answered Dobby's voice. "We be not abandoning Sir Master Alex's things. We is take good care of them, of course.

"All right," said Alex. "Can you make yourselves invisible?"

"Dobby and Cribsy can be doing so, Master Alex Fitzpotter, sir," said Cribsy, and the two of them promptly disappeared.

"All right," said Alex. "We're staying at the Leaky Cauldron tonight."

The three of them Apparated, landing in front of the pub. "Well, let's go in, guys."

"Hello! How may I help you tonight?" asked Tom in his usual jolly voice, as the door opened, revealing a dishevelled young man.

"I'd like a room plus meals, if you could," said Alex, straightening his coat.

"Well..." said Tom. "How does 10 galleons for a room sound?"

"Five," countered Alex.

"Eight and meals," said Tom.

"Deal," said Alex, and he took out eight Galleons and placed them in Tom's hand, who placed a key in Alex's.

"All right, lad, You're in room 202," said Tom. "Do you want dinner served upstairs?"

"Yes, please," said Alex. "That would be great."

Alex bounded up the stairs with his trunk levitating behind him. He collapsed on the bed, listening to the house elves cleaning the place up. "Hey, Dobby, Cribsy, you know you don't have to clean, right?"

"We is like to clean, Master Alex Fitzpotter, sir," said Cribsy.

"Oh," said Alex. "Well, don't do it all the time, all right? It'll look really weird if a room someone's just been using looks cleaner than it was going in. And Cribsy? You can call me just Alex, all right?"

"Sorry, Master Alex, sir," said Cribsy. "Cribsy be remembering that."

A knock sounded on the door. "Sir? Your food is here."

"Coming!" Alex bounded off the bed and opened the door, and took the food proffered. He also thanked her, and gave her a generous tip. As he closed the door, he said, "Hey, wanna eat now?"

"Dobby and Cribsy should not be eating with Sir Master Alex," said Dobby. "We is eating later."

"Okay," said Alex. Some things just never change. "I'll just put yours over here -"

"No, no!" both elves cried. "We is taking that! Master Alex not be serving us, no!"

"All right, all right," said Alex, his hands in mock surrender. "But your food's here."

He sat down to eat his own, and finished quickly. He checked his watch. Oops, it was time to go. "Hey Dobby, Cribsy, I'll be back later."

He ran down the stairs, two at a time, and nearly crashed into another person. He called as he ran by: "Sorry ‘bout that!"

Alex rushed out the door, and Apparated to Longbottom Manor.

********

Frank Longbottom had listened to him. Outside Longbottom Manor, sounds of battle could be heard, especially the high-pitched laughter of Bellatrix Lestrange. He debated with himself. It sounded as if they could handle it - after all, there were only three Death Eaters, right?

Suddenly, he saw the tell-tale green flash of the Killing Curse, and someone's anguished cry. That sounded like someone's name! No, he should probably go see if everything was okay. He ran across the field, and saw three standing Death Eaters binding a group of Aurors. Alice Longbottom...was dead. "You're just playing games with me, God," he growled. "What's wrong with Harry having a normal life?"

At least Frank Longbottom was still alive. But he wouldn't be for long, if Alex didn't interfere. Just as Bellatrix casted another round of Cruciatus, Alex called out, "Stupefy!"

Bellatrix fell, and the other two Death Eaters turned on him. "Sectumsempra!"

"You know," said Alex while dodging the spell. "That gets really old. Reducto!"

"A worthy opponent, finally," said the Death Eater on the right, who sounded suspiciously like Barty Crouch Junior. "Crucio!"

"Naughty, naughty Crouch Jr.," said Alex chidingly. "Does your father know you're a Death Eater? Confringo!"

Something was fired behind him. Alex rolled out of the way just in time. "Rabastan Lestrange, I presume? Diffindo!"

"You seem to know us. Can we have a name? Expulso!"

"Protego Maximus!" Alex smiled. "If you keep trying to kill me, you'll never learn it. But it's Matthieu, Matthieu Rousseau."

"Well, Monsieur Rousseau," said Crouch. "Goodbye. Avada Kedavra!"

"I've already survived that once," said Alex, who dived away. "Catch this! Avis Oppugno!"

The two Death Eaters ducked, and tried to run away. But Alex was too quick for them. "Stupefy! Incarcerous!"

The two bodies lay limp on the ground, and Alex quickly untied all the Aurors. Upon recognizing one of them, he asked, "Can you contact headquarters, Blair? We need to get Frank to St. Mungo's.

"What about Mrs. Longbottom?" asked another Auror.

Alex felt for a pulse, but didn't find any. He closed his eyes. "I'm sorry...but she's dead."

"Well, what's done is done," said Blair roughly. "Thank you, Rousseau."

"You're welcome," said Alex. "You better get them back right away. I'll check on the other Mrs. Longbottom and little Mr. Longbottom."

"All right," said Blair. "George, Floo to St. Mungo's with Frank. We'll Floo to Headquarters and toss these into cells. And Paul Conrad, stay with Rousseau." They all entered the house, and quickly used the Floo.

Alex motioned to Paul to stop walking, so he could listen. Where could they be hiding? Suddenly, he heard a little whimper. Alex tiptoed to the nearby closet, and opened the door, only to have a wand pointed in his face. "Who are you?"

"Matthieu Rousseau," said Alex nervously. "We've come to see if you're all right."

"And where are Frank and Alice?" asked Augusta Longbottom.

"Err...Paul, do you mind bringing the child elsewhere?" asked Alex. "I'll tell her."

"Mrs. Longbottom...I'm sorry, but Alice Longbottom was killed," said Alex, when Paul had walked out of the room. "And your son has been taken to St. Mungo's. He suffered trauma from multiple bouts of the Cruciatus Curse."

"No..." Augusta Longbottom crumpled, and almost fell, if not for Alex's quick catch. "Not Alice! Such a sweet young thing...A-And Frank...will he be all right?"

"He should be fine, Mrs. Longbottom," said Alex, who gently laid the older woman on the sofa. "For now...I think you should stay with your grandson. Maybe go to a friend's house? Or Paul or I could stay here tonight, just in case."

"It's all right," said Mrs. Longbottom. "I-I'll go to Minerva's place tonight."

"Okay," said Alex, feeling badly for the woman. "I'd like to provide an escort, just in case. Your son will probably be in Intensive Spell Damage...if you would like to go see him tomorrow."

"Mr. Conrad?" asked Mrs. Longbottom, almost fragilely. "Could you bring in Alice once we're gone?"

"Yes, ma'am!" said Paul, attempting to salute, but was foiled by the forgotten child in his arms. He gently laid the child in Mrs. Longbottom's arms, and walked outside, then abruptly came back in. No wonder Blair had left him behind. What a dunderhead, honestly.

"Mr. Rousseau," said Mrs. Longbottom, groaning a bit. "Do you mind holding Neville? My arms aren't as strong as they once were."

"Not to worry," said Alex, and picked up the child easily. "Why don't you pack while I inform Professor McGonagall. That way, we can leave right away."

"That's a good idea," said Mrs. Longbottom softly. Alex indicated for Paul to follow her, and he himself called out into the Floo Network, "McGonagall House!"

"Hello?" a groggy voice met his call. "Who's there?"

"Sorry, professor," said Alex apologetically. "There's been an attack at Longbottom Manor and Mrs. Longbottom has requested if she can stay at your place - for safety."

"Of course!" Eyes blinked back at him. "I'll be right over."

Alex had barely enough time to stick his head out of the fire when Professor McGonagall bolted out. She primly stepped out of the fireplace, and lowered her glasses. "Well, young man, thank you."

She took a look around, and asked, "What can you tell me about what has happened here?"

"Bellatrix Lestrange, Rabastan Lestrange, and Barty Crouch Jr. attacked Longbottom Manor in retaliation of Voldemort's death, I believe," said Alex. "Alice Longbottom was killed in the attack, and Frank Longbottom suffered multiple bouts of the Cruciatus Curse. He should be at St. Mungo's right now."

"Oh dear..." said McGonagall, her hand covering her mouth. "Alice, Lily, and James all gone in the same day..."

Alex was very close to breaking, himself, but for altogether different reasons. He hadn't seen McGonagall in weeks - no, months - and here she was, alive. But he kept his composure. "Yes, it was very tragic."

"It would have been more tragic if you had not come in, Mr. Rousseau," said Mrs. Longbottom, as she came down the stairs. "Mr. Conrad here has been telling me if you had not been here, my son, my grandson, and I would not have survived either."

McGonagall looked at him. Alex blushed. "It was really nothing...I heard a couple of people down at Knockturn Alley, that's all. Besides, Frank Longbottom played a crucial role in the almost-Pettigrew fiasco. It stands to reason that they might attack him...and he has defied Voldemort several times, hasn't he?"

"Why, yes," said Mrs. Longbottom. "Now, Minerva, I'm all ready to go." She turned to Alex, and her gaze softened. "Thank you very much, Mr. Rousseau. If there is anything my family can do for you, please, just ask. We are in your debt."

"Don't worry about it," said Alex. "Please, be safe. If Professor McGonagall is here, I trust you don't need me to escort you?"

"Oh, no," said McGonagall. "We're fine, but thank you for the offer."

"You're welcome," said Alex. "Well, I'll be off then. Goodbye!"

Alex strolled out the door, and he disapparated, barely able to get away when his glamours began slipping.

********

Well, Alex was in a bind. Alice Longbottom was dead, and Sirius was in prison. Albus Dumbledore would feel he had no choice but to send little Harry to the Dursleys...unless he himself stepped in. He really had to talk to Merlin.

As he entered the Leaky Cauldron, he quickly re-applied his glamours, and he headed up to his room. "Dobby? Cribsy?"

"Yes, sir Master Alex?" asked Dobby. "What can Dobby and Cribsy be doing for you?"

"We'll be leaving for Marseilles tomorrow," said Alex.

"Yes, Master Alex sir," said Cribsy.

"After breakfast, that is," said Alex with a smile. "I don't want to waste a good meal. Could you please wake me up at seven?"

"We is doing that," said Dobby. "Sir Master Alex sir is going to sleep now?"

"Yeah," said Alex, plopping down on the bed. His hand moved to remove his glasses, when he remembered he didn't have any. He quickly snuggled under his covers, and was fast asleep in minutes.

********

He walked into the International Floo-Port, dragging his trunk behind him. The two house elves were invisible, but Alex could hear them giggling all the same. He walked up to the counter, where the international floo tickets were sold.

"Hello, sir," said the person behind the counter. "How may we help you today?"

"I would like to go to Marseilles," said Alex. "Preferably today."

"Ah," said the lady. "Nice place, this time of year. Could I see your passport?"

"Indeed it is," said Alex as he presented his passport. "How much does it cost?"

"Ten galleons," said the lady. "The Floo opens again in five minutes. Your floo port is A53, over there on your right."

"All right, thanks," said Alex, and he took the ticket. Walking to A53, he presented his ticket to the person monitoring the floo network, and soon, it was time. He entered the Floo. It wasn't unlike a normal Floo trip, just longer. The house elves, thankfully, had decided to just Apparate there. About an eternity later (or so he felt), he finally came out the other side. He showed his passport and the ticket on the other side, and he walked out of the building. Across the top of the exit were the words, ‘Bienvenue'. Welcome, indeed.

He was in le Boulevard du Vaillencourt, and he quickly scanned the shops. The place was a lot nicer than Diagon Alley, and it sparkled. The French really overdid things. There were fountains all over the place, and it seemed as if there was no dirt on the floor. Alex was in awe, until he remembered he shouldn't act like a tourist.

He strolled down the street, looking surreptitiously around. An old man called out, "Bonjour, M. Fitzpotter!"

"Bonjour!" answered Alex. What the heck was going on here? Did Merlin already fix things? "Comment allez-vous?" Hello! How are you?

"Bien, merci, et vous?" came the reply. Good, thank you, and you?

"Comme-ci, comme ça, merci," said Alex. "Je vais à l'Adelaise." So-so, thanks. I'm going to l'Adelaise.

"Ah," replied the old man. "A bientôt!" Oh, see you then!

Everyone had something to say to Alex, from their children to his looks or his recent capture of the most notorious of criminals. By the time he reached the antique shop, he was feeling definitely disoriented. Were the French really this friendly? Or was it some spell?

"Ah," said someone behind him. "You've finally come."

"Merlin!" cried Alex.

"Please, stop doing that! Stop invoking my name!" said Merlin, chuckling. "As you can see...I've provided a plausible background for you. You will be happy to know you are one of the head officers in la Police de la Magie."

"Wonderful," groaned Alex. "No wonder everyone knows me."

"Isn't it perfect?" asked Merlin. "So how fares the child?"

"Wonderfully," groaned Alex. "Sirius still lands in prison - but it's only for three months, instead of forever - and Alice Longbottom is killed instead of being driven insane. And...to top it off, my parents made me promise to take care of Harry. But I don't know...can I really?"

"Why not?" asked Merlin. "You don't really want to give the child over to your relatives, do you?"

"Of course not," said Alex, feeling affronted. "But how? Do I just request a transfer? And how will I gain custody of Harry? The Dursleys are closer to Lily and James than I am."

"But your parents explicitly stated in their will they didn't want you to go to them, right? And in the event Alice and Sirius could not, a good wizarding family should," said Merlin. "And blood is thicker than water. Besides, you have a good reputation here. You shouldn't have any problem gaining custody. As for going to England...just say you're going over to gain custody of your cousin. That should be a good enough reason. Besides, they'll always take you back if you want to come back. The memories and feelings I placed in them are quite strong."

"Thanks," said Alex. "Now, if I'm right...I think Harry will already be in the cupboard by now."

"All the more reason," said Merlin. "Now, go. The Head of le Section de la Police de la Magie's name is Jean Michel."

"D'acc," said Alex. "Merci...beaucoup." Okay, thanks...a lot.

"Bonne chance!" said Merlin. "L'addresse de ma residence est dans le dossier." Good luck, the address of my house is in the file.

"Dossier?" asked Alex, and sighed when Merlin shoved it into his hands. "Ah, merci. Je vais te contacter quand j'ai finis mes affaires." File? Oh, thank you. I will contact you when I'm done.

Alex left the building, and ran into le Gouvernement de la Magie building, and bounded up the stairs where a sign indicated was le Section de la Police de la Magie was. Immediately, people surrounded him, asking if he was all right, why was he late, and several other things. He answered them in generalities, and pushed towards the office of Jean Michel.

He stopped in front of the door that bore the man's name, and took a minute to compose himself. He knocked. "Entrez!" Enter.

"Bonjour, M. Fitzpotter," said the man sitting behind the desk. "Comment ça va?"Hello, Mr. Fitzpotter. How are you?

"Ca va bien, merci, et vous?" All right, thanks, and you?

"Ah, comme ci, comme ca," said Alex. "Mes cousins sont morts il y a deux jours. Leur enfant n'a plus des parents, et maintenant je suis accrédite comme gardien. Mais le petit est en Angleterre maintenant. Alors j'ai demande d'être transfère au Police de la Magie anglaise." Ah, so-so. My cousins...they were killed yesterday. Their baby no longer has parents, and I know I have been named his guardian. But he is in England right now. So I decided to ask for a transfer to the English Department of Law Enforcement.

"Les Potters?" asked Michel. "Pas de probleme, je cais les demander si c'est possible."The Potters? No problem, I can ask them if it's possible.

"Oui, c'est les Potters," said Alex. "Merci, Directeur." Yes, it's the Potters. Thanks, Director.

"Ce n'est pas un problème," said Michel, and picked up the phone. "Ah, M. Crouch? Yes, yes. I have a favour to s'ask of you. One of my best officers ‘as asked for a, what you say - transfer to England. Do you have room for ‘im?"

There was an unintelligible reply. "Ah, oui, d'acc, zat is for ze best zen. Oui, ‘e has captured many criminals here. ‘is name? Alexandre Matthieu Fitzpotter."

Another set of mumbling. "Ah oui, merci, M. Crouch."

Michel placed down the phone. "Il m'a dit qu'il y a une ouverture d'enseignment." He said there is an opening for teaching at Hogwarts.

Hogwarts? That was too much of a coincidence. "Il n'y a aucune opportunité pour de travail en commisseriat de police?" There is no opportunity for police work?

"Non," said Michel. "Mais, le veux-tu?" No, but do you want it?

"Oui," Alex finally said after some thought. "Quand peux-je commencer?" Yes, When can I start?

"Immédiatement," said Michel. "Pourtant, d'abord, tu dois rencontrer le principal de l'ecole." Immediately. Though, the Headmaster would like to see you first.

"D'acc," replied Alex. "Merci, Directeur Michel."

"Pas de problème," said Michel, and he waved his hand. "Bonne chance...si vous avez besoin d'aide ou votre travail ici, je suis disponible." It's not a problem. Good luck...if you need help or your job here, I will give it.

"Merci beaucoup," said Alex gratefully. "Au revoir!"

He quickly left the building, and he ran to the address Merlin had given him. "Merlin!"

"Yes?" said Merlin as he opened the door. Alex gasped out, "I've got a job at Hogwarts!"

"Congratulations!" said Merlin. "Now, are you going back to England?"

"Yeah," said Alex. "But I don't want to spend another ten galleons on International Floo."

"You could just Apparate there," said Merlin. "After all, I'm sure you know where the Ministry of Magic is located. The Child Welfare Department is on the first level at the back, I believe."

"I can't Apparate that far!" exclaimed Alex.

"Yes, you can," said Merlin. "You have enough power to do so."

"I do?"

"Of course!" said Merlin. "But if you can't, take Dobby with you. He certainly can."

"No, it's okay," said Alex. "I think I can do it. Just let me grab my trunk...Dobby, Cribsy, are you staying or coming with me?"

"I think it's better if they stay with me," said Merlin. "I'm sure you'll come across Lucius Malfoy at some point...and I don't think you want to explain why you have his elves."

"We is free!" said Dobby indignantly.

"Your other selves aren't," said Merlin gently. "When Alex frees them, then you can go, all right?"

"We is okay with that, Master Merlin, sir," said Cribsy. "But we is doing one thing first."

She gave Dobby a look, and the two house elves walked towards Alex. Soon, he was surrounded by magic. "We is giving you protective magic, Master Alex sir."

"T-thank you," said Alex. "I'll see you soon. I'll visit..."

"Just go, Alex," said Merlin. "And remember to have fun."

"Yeah, right," said Alex, rolling his eyes. "Okay, one, two, thre -"

He was gone, leaving only a loud crack.

********

Alex landed safely at Diagon Alley without splinching himself. "Hey, would you look at that. I can actually do it! I wasted ten galleons for nothing then..."

He strolled into the Department of Child Welfare, and knocked. "Could I please see someone about adopting someone?"

"Yes sir?" asked a man behind a glass wall. "What can I do for you?"

"I'd like to adopt Harry James Potter," said Alex.

"Well, he's already been taken by his Muggle relatives," said the man, who's face had gone from animated to dead in three flat seconds. "And you're not the only one. Thousands of people have been in -"

"You don't understand," said Alex. "I'm a cousin on his father's side."

"Oh," said the man. "Well, please, sir, sit."

"With pleasure," said Alex. Finally.

"Now, according to the Potters' will, little Harry was supposed to go with either Sirius Black or Alice Longbottom, or any decent wizarding family, and Lily's sister as a last resort," said the man. "Now, Sirius Black has been sent to Azkaban for a three-week sentence, and Alice Longbottom was recently killed in an attack. Albus Dumbledore has also stated that little Harry should go to family..."

"For protection, right?" asked Alex, who already knew the answer to this.

"Precisely," said the man. "I don't know how much protection he'll get from Muggles though."

"Well..." said Alex. "Wouldn't it be better for me to take him? Since I do have magic?"

"If you can prove who you are," said the man. "Oh, sorry, I haven't introduced myself. Edward Campbell, at your service."

"I'm Alexandre Fitzpotter," said Alex. "I can do a blood test, if you like."

"Capital idea!" exclaimed Campbell, who quickly took out a vial. "I just need a little blood..."

Alex dutifully stuck out his hand, and looked apathetically at the blood filling the vial. "Do you really need that much blood?"

"Oh, sorry!" said Campbell. "I'm overexcited right now, is all. Okay, place the vial here..."

Sure enough, the words on top of the machine proclaimed him of Potter blood. "Excellent, Mr. Fitzpotter. Now...all we need to do is ask the Dursleys to transfer custody to you. All we need is a signature. Shall we?"

The two of them walked out the door and disapparated, reappearing in front of 4 Privet Drive. They walked up the driveway, and Alex noted the prim garden. They really never changed. Campbell knocked on the door.

"Hello?" Petunia Dursley answered the door. "Oh, it's you people again. Who do you think you are, just dumping the boy on our doorstep? We don't want him."

"Err...ma'am?" asked Campbell. "If you will sign here, this man will take custody of the child."

Petunia signed with a flourish, went back inside, and dumped little Harry into Alex's arms. "Good riddance!"

She slammed the door in their faces, and the two men stood there, shell-shocked, until they smelled the boy. Alex wrinkled his nose. "Oh man, I bet they haven't changed him since yesterday!"

"I-I should have them arrested for child abuse!" said Campbell, shaking with rage. "Treating a child like that, no less the Boy-Who-Lived!"

Alex winced. "It's all right...as long as Harry is safe now. Shall we handle the rest of the transfer back at the office?"

"Oh yes," said Campbell. "You could also change him there."

"Oh, I'm planning to," said Alex. "Definitely."

Soon, they were back at the department, and Alex quickly signed the documents and changed little Harry. With the new documents in hand, he walked out and headed towards Gringotts.

Walking up to the counter where a bored looking goblin stood, Alex asked, "Hello, can anyone help me with a private matter?"

The goblin took one look at him, and called out, "Griphook!"

So the goblin had started this early? "Yes, sir?"

"Take this man to Grattack," said the goblin.

"Yes sir," said Griphook, then turned to Alex, his face contorting. Did goblins dislike humans that much? "Follow me."

They walked towards the back, and stopped at an office door. "Grattack sir? There is a human waiting to speak to you."

"Send them in," said a low grating voice. The door opened, revealing a thin goblin behind a desk. "Well, human?"

"Greetings, most noble of goblins," Alex said, according to goblin tradition. "May the stars shine brightly upon your gold tonight."

Grattack's eyes widened. "And upon yours. May peace enter your dwelling place."

"Thank you," said Alex. "It is a pleasure, Master Grattack."

"May I have your name?" asked the goblin. "Since you already know mine."

"Sir," Alex said, while bowing again. "My name is Alexandre Matthieu Fitzpotter."

"Ah," said Grattack. "Of the Potter line?"

"Yes," said Alex. "I recently gained custody of my young cousin, who is currently the Potter heir."

"Cepheus Potter recognized your father, you know," said Grattack. "If your father is indeed Albert Fitzpotter."

"Yes, he is," said Alex.

"There is a separate vault for him, left over when Cepheus validated him," said Grattack. "Would you like to claim that as well and join it with your other vault?"

"Yes, please," said Alex. "I would also like to gain control of my cousin's trust fund and family vault. Please allow only myself or my young cousin to access it. I do not wish anyone to steal from it."

"You yourself will not?" asked Grattack, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.

"Of course not," laughed Alex. "That leads to my other request. I'd like you to deposit all the Galleons in this bag" - he pulled out all his old vault's money - "into my vault. You see, I really have no need to take my young cousin's. I only wish to take care of it for him."

"I see," said Grattack, whose eyes had widened at the sight of the amount of Galleons on his desk. "Would you like to change your name to Potter?"

"Would it be possible for you to?" asked Alex.

"Why yes," said Grattack. "Cepheus Potter declared Albert legitimate after his wife passed on. Here's the Potter family ring. Your young charge will be given the Head of the House ring when he comes of age. Now, as for changing your name..." He did several fancy wand movements, and Alex watched as all the documents changed from ‘Fitzpotter' to ‘Potter'.

Alex slipped on the ring as he replied, "I would also like you to manage both vaults", who knew (from his future's experiences) that this goblin was trustworthy. "And I would like to see the investments made currently."

"Well, you have several holdings in Madam Malkins' and Zonko's," said Grattack, who looked over the files in front of him. "You also have several assets in the diamond industry."

"All right," said Alex. "That should be fine. I would also like you to invest in several Muggle companies - specifically Bill Gates's company Microsoft and the mobile phone company Motorola."

"All right," said Grattack, feverishly writing this down. "And my fee?"

"Five percent sound all right to you?" asked Alex. "I would also like a weekly summary as well. You can send me an owl whenever...I haven't settled down yet. It'll be able to find me."

The wheels were spinning around the goblin's head. "Why, yes, of course. I shall do that."

Alex got up. "Pleasant doing business with you. May your gold be everlasting."

"And to you as well," said Grattack, bowing in response to Alex's. "I look forward to your next visit."

********

Crap. He had forgotten about Harry! How could he go into an interview with Dumbledore with Harry in his arms? Who could he trust? He sighed. Guess he was going to have to Apparate overseas again. Could he do it with Harry along? He didn't really have any choice in the matter, did he?

He shrank his trunk, and placed it in his pocket. Tucking the child safely in his arms (who, thankfully, had slept through the entire ordeal), he Apparated - straight into Merlin's apartment. "Merlin!"

"Hello?" asked Merlin. "Oh, it's you, Alex. How was the adoption?"

"Oh, it was fine," said Alex. "I didn't realize how much my aunt didn't want me."

"Well, at least Harry will grow up being loved," said Merlin. "Don't have that interview to do?"

"Yeah," said Alex. "Could you watch Harry for a bit?"

"Of course," said Merlin, and he gently took the child into his arms. However, the minute he did so, the boy started wailing. "Oh, dear."

Alex took the child back, and Harry stopped. "Okay, Harry, be good for Merlin, all right? I'll be back for you."

Harry gave a little sigh, and fell asleep. Alex gently laid down the child, looked at Merlin, and disapparated. Destination? Hogwarts.

********

He landed just outside Hogsmeade. Now, where did the Headmaster want to meet him? In his office? At Hogshead? Oh well, he thought. Aberforth could probably ask his brother if indeed the interview was at his office.

He walked into the old, run-down pub and inn. It took a moment to adjust his eyes to the darkness inside. He walked in, and strolled up to the counter. "Hello?"

"Yes, lad, what can I do for you?" asked Aberforth.

"I have an interview with Headmaster Dumbledore..."

"Third room to the left down this corridor," grunted Aberforth. "He's waiting for you."

"Thank you," said Alex. He began walking down the hallway, and he stopped at a door half open. He knocked. "Hello?"

"Come in, please," answered a very familiar voice. Alex almost broke, but he quickly caught and steadied himself. This wasn't his Dumbledore; not yet, anyways. He gracefully opened the door, and walked towards the table where the Headmaster of Hogwarts sat. The Headmaster stood as he neared the table. "Mr. Fitzpotter, I presume?"

"Eh, not quite," said Alex ruefully, adding a faint French lilt to his English. "I discovered my grandfather had declared my father legitimate, so I have taken his name, Potter."

"Ah, I see," said Dumbledore, offering his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Albus Dumbledore."

Alex shook the hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you too, sir."

They both seated themselves on opposite ends of the table. As Alex was sitting down, he felt tell-tale traces of Legilimency. He quickly threw up his Occlumency walls, but let a few memories drift through, like walking through Marseilles today. He didn't want Dumbledore seeing his secrets. To his relief, Dumbledore was satisfied with what he saw. "Now, Mr. Potter, I know it's quite unusual for me to be looking for a Defense against the Dark Arts teacher this late into the year, but the current teacher has been unable to teach all the levels of this course. When Mr. Crouch informed me of a transfer from France, I asked that one of his Aurors come and assist at Hogwarts. However, as you can see, you were the one offered the job.

Now, I've read your file, and you seem very accomplished for a young man. In less than two years, you've risen to become one of the top members of la Police de la Magie in France, and your record is spotless. Your O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s are also impeccable: I have never seen such high marks before here in the United Kingdom. Do you mind telling me a bit about yourself?" In other words, I couldn't find anything about you, so you should tell me.

Alex sighed. "I was born in France in 1962 to Albert Fitzpotter, a squib, and Marie Cherise Fitzpotter, née Legrand, a Muggle. When my father died, my mother came to Britain in search of my father's relatives, but at the time, my grandfather had already died, and his half-brother had no idea I existed. So we stayed here for a bit (about five or so years) before returning to France, where I spent the rest of my childhood.

My mother died when I was twelve. Of cholera, I was told. That was when my magic first manifested. My aunt on my mother's side took me in, and she was the one who arranged for private tutoring, rather than having me go to l'Academie Beauxbatons de la Magie. By the time I was fourteen, I was ready to take both my O.W.L.s and my N.E.W.T.s. You know how the French are really big on people who finish fast? Well, I was labelled a prodigy, and everyone sought me out. I chose to work for la Police de la Magie when I was sixteen," said Alex, who took a breath, and then continued. "When my aunt was killed for something I had done...well, let's just say no one messes with me now. That was two years ago. From then, my status and rank rapidly rose, especially when I took down a notorious werewolf - Fenrir Greyback."

"I see," said Dumbledore, who saw the haunted look around the young man's face. This was a man who had seen far too much in his lifetime. Yet...he looked familiar. "Mr. Potter, I'm so very sorry for your loss.

"It's been years," said Alex, waving his hand. "It's all right."

"Ah," said Dumbledore. "Now, if you could follow me...I would like to spar with you."

"Is this part of the job requirement?" asked Alex. "Duelling one of the greatest wizards of all times?"

"You exaggerate, Mr. Potter," said Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling. "And I don't think you're too shoddy either. But perhaps the sparring can wait. I have several forms for you to fill out, and then you're hired."

"D'acc," said Alex. "What grades shall I be teaching?"

"Fifth to seventh years acceptable?" asked Dumbledore, as they walked past the gates and onwards towards Hogwarts. "The other teacher...is not up to caliber. Unfortunately, due to special circumstances, I have been unable to procure a decent teacher for several years in a row."

"You mean, Voldemort's curse?" asked Alex. Whoops, was he supposed to know that?

Dumbledore looked at him with an odd expression on his face. "You certainly are well-advised. But yes...Voldemort has coveted this position since his early beginnings. When I refused him, he casted a dark spell across the position, and terrible things happen to those who teach beyond a year. I myself cannot void the curse."

"Perhaps I could give it a try?" suggested Alex, who had broken it after Voldemort had died. "I have studied the most lethal curses in recent years, due to the numbers of Death Eaters entering France."

"If you could," said Dumbledore. "I would be in your debt."

"I'd rather break a curse than duel you, sir," said Alex. "It's got to be easier than that."

Dumbledore chuckled. "Why, you have some sense of humour, young man."

Alex blushed as they walked up the stairs and into Dumbledore's office. "Shall I sign first? Or break the curse first?"

"Sign first," said Dumbledore. "If you please."

Alex signed with a flourish. "There. Now...as for the curse, do you know what artefact Voldemort placed it on?"

"On the Defense emblem out in the Great Hall, I believe," said Dumbledore. "But that's all I know. It has been a bane of my existence for the last thirty or so years."

"Could you show me the way?" asked Alex. It wasn't on the Defense emblem, but Dumbledore didn't know that.

"Here we are," said Dumbledore.

"Ah," said Alex. "This one is a trick curse. Here..." He reached out to the curse, and broke it with his raw magic. "I believe the stronger one is elsewhere..."

He reached out with his power, running it through the entire school. Dumbledore's eyes opened in shock. Never in fifty years had he seen such raw power before! "Mr. Potter?"

"Just a second," murmured Alex. "Ah, there it is. And please, just call me Alex, Headmaster."

"If you call me Albus," said Dumbledore. "But where is it?"

"It's here," said Alex. "On all these doorways. I presume the Defense teacher must take his meals, so every time he passes by this door, the curse is re-applied."

"Very clever," said Dumbledore. "Now, perhaps I can break this one..."

"Human magic won't be able to," said Alex with a grin. "But wild magic, on the other hand..."

"No one has ever been able to use wild magic," said Dumbledore. "I've tried myself."

"You're speaking to the man who's done impossible things," said Alex, his eyes gleaming. "Watch."

Alex walked around the room, placing magical boundaries around the Great Hall. Then he closed his eyes, and used the same power he had called forth to vanquish Voldemort: "Per diligo, evinco malum!"

Pure wild magic washed over the Great Hall, eliminating all the traces of magic used for evil. Alex opened his eyes. "Albus? Can you feel it now?"

Dumbledore was shaking. Never had he seen such...power! "No, I don't," he said, his eyes widening. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," said Alex. "By the way, I felt traces of a Horcrux in the upper levels of Hogwarts. I could get rid of it, if you like."

"A-A Horcrux?" Dumbledore felt ill. "Whose is it?"

"Voldemort's, I believe," said Alex.

"He's not dead then, is he," said Dumbledore softly, and he began to sway. Alex quickly ran over to the old man, and gently led him to a chair, and seated him.

"I don't think so," said Alex. "Truthfully, he was very obsessed with immortality, was he not?"

"Yes," said Dumbledore. "Is that the only one -"

"Here, yes," replied Alex, trying to skirt the faint line between a lie and the truth. "But there are more, I think. Voldemort would probably have made more just in case, bastard that he is."

"Indeed," said Dumbledore, and he abruptly stood, his piercing blue eyes no longer twinkling, but hardened. "Who are you?"

"Alexandre Matthieu Potter," said Alex with a bow. "At your service, sir."

"Tell me the truth," said Dumbledore. "No man should have as much information as you."

"That is where you are wrong, sir," said Alex respectfully, ignoring the wand pointed at him. "My task in France was to learn as much about Voldemort in order to prepare for the then-imminent fall of Britain. You only have to look a little deeper...you were his Transfiguration teacher, were you not?"

"Yes," said Dumbledore. "So, if you don't mind me asking, how did you come about finding so much information? I doubt even his Death Eaters know as much as you."

"No," contradicted Alex with a shake of his head. "They don't know anything, but perhaps because Slytherin is so bent on blood purity. Tom Riddle, by being placed in that house, was indoctrinated to the point of becoming insane and zealous towards the cause. But then again, it may have been the treatment he had had in the orphanage...I can only guess.

It was quite difficult at first, to be honest," continued Alex. "I traced his rise to power. He seemed to come out of nowhere. But honestly, whose name is really Lord Voldemort? I knew it had to be a pseudonym. It didn't make sense at all, until I heard one phrase half a million times, in every one of his stupid rants on blood purity."

"What was that phrase?" asked Dumbledore, curious to the point where he dropped his wand back to his side.

"I am Lord Voldemort," said Alex. "Of course, when I jumbled the letters, nothing really made sense, or they all came to be ridiculous. For example, one man who had all the letters in his name was a squib. Another had drowned at birth. Finally, I placed together Tom Marvolo Riddle...and the rest is history."

"You are quite bright for your age," said Dumbledore. "Even when shown all the evidence, many people refuse to believe the truth."

"Sometimes, it takes a person on the outside to figure out the truth," said Alex softly. "Incidentally, Albus, I have something important to tell you."

"By all means," said Dumbledore, whose curiosity was piqued again. "Shall we retire to my office?"

"That would be for the best," said Alex, whose heart was now thudding terrifically. Was he making the right decision telling Dumbledore he had adopted Harry? A part of him whispered the consequences, but yet another told him that Dumbledore would find out anyways. He may as well come clean now...rather than later.

Dumbledore stopped at the top of the stairs, and motioned to the gargoyle to move. It stared a moment at Alex, and then moved, the door opening. They seated themselves in his office, and Dumbledore called for tea.

Time to tell the truth? Or not?