Chapter Text
Harry Potter is not entirely sure why he's here again, or at least why he's here so early. After all, he didn't expect to die this soon; at least, he assumes that's what has happened, considering this is where he went the first time he died. It's not that Harry is surprised that he has died prematurely, for he is an Auror, and an Auror's job is quite dangerous. No, what Harry is surprised about, is that he's here in the colourless Kings Cross station with no recollection of dying.
"Hello, Harry," Death said, echoing through the empty station. "It seems we are finally able to meet."
With a high pitch and embarrassingly girly yelp, Harry swivelled around and faced the unknown entity that had interrupted his internal monologue.
"Finally? What do you mean? And why would you want to meet me?"
Death chuckled. "You have a choice, Harry. You can move on to the afterlife or go back in time."
'Did Death just... ignore me?'
"You didn't answer my question," Harry said, and then his racing thoughts abruptly halted as he processed what Death had told him. "And time travel"
"Yes, time travel," Death said. "You are, being granted the choice to travel back to just after your parents died."
Harry was stunned. It was a lot to take in. he didn't know what to do, though the thought of going to the afterlife made him feel strangely unnerved.
'But, why... why him of all people.'
"Okay," he said, taking a deep breath. "I-i'll do it. But can you tell me why I'm being given this offer?"
Death nodded. "Very well. It is because you, Harry, are the master of Death."
'Well shit, I did not expect that. And when the hell did this even happen?'
Harry nodded, trying to remember when this had happened, though it was almost impossible to concentrate over the pounding of his heart in his ears. He closed his eyes, feeling a strange sensation wash over him. He didn't really know what he was getting himself into, but if this wasn't just some weird dream that his mind concocted, he needed to grasp this opportunity, for there was so much he regretted and wanted to change.
And so, with the determination and surety that he most definitely didn't have before, he accepted.
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When Harry opened his eyes again, he was back in the past. He looked around, taking in the familiar surroundings.
He took a deep breath, closed his eyes again and apparated. When Harry opened his eyes, he stood in front of number four, Privet Drive.
It was a warm summer night, and the moon was high in the sky. Harry could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he approached the house. He knew what he had to do, but that didn't make it any easier.
He slipped quietly through the back door of the house, his wand at the ready. He went through the kitchen and past the laundry, trying to keep his footsteps as quiet as possible.
When he reached the door to the cupboard under the stairs, he paused, momentarily taking a deep breath.
With a flick of his wand, the door swung open. Baby Harry was lying in his crib, fast asleep. Harry picked him up carefully, cradling him in his arms.
He could feel the weight of the responsibility settling onto his shoulders. He knew that he couldn't fail. He had to keep little Harry safe, no matter what.
And so, with determination, Harry slipped back out of the house and into the night, holding little Harry close. He knew the road ahead would be long and difficult, but he was ready for whatever lay ahead.
As they disappeared into the darkness, Harry couldn't help but feel an odd sense of hope. He knew he had the power to change the future and would do everything he could to ensure that Baby Harry's story had a happier ending.