Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or any of the associated characters by J.K. Rowling.

Harry saw Sirius duck Bellatrix's jet of red light: He was laughing at her. "Come on, you can do better than that!" he yelled, his voice echoing around the cavernous room.

The second jet of light hit him squarely on the chest.

The laughter had not quite died from his face, but his eyes widened in shock.

Harry released Neville, though he was unaware of doing so. He was jumping down the steps again, pulling out his wand, as Dumbledore turned to the dais too.

It seemed to take Sirius an age to fall. His body curved in a graceful arc as he sank backward through the ragged veil hanging from the arch. . . .

And Harry saw the look of mingled fear and surprise on his godfather's wasted, once-handsome face as he fell through the ancient doorway and disappeared behind the veil, which fluttered for a moment as though in a high wind and then fell back into place.

Harry heard Bellatrix Lestrange's triumphant scream, but knew it meant nothing – Sirius had only just fallen through the archway, he would reappear from the other side any second. . . .

But Sirius did not reappear.

"SIRIUS!" Harry yelled, "SIRIUS!"

He had reached the floor, his breath coming in searing gasps. Sirius must be just behind the curtain, he, Harry would pull him back out again. . . . (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix)

Harry saw out the corner of his that Remus Lupin was rushing towards Harry to stop him but he was tripped by a not completely detained Death Eater. Harry ran blindly straight into the veil.

Harry felt weird for only a moment as if he was traveling very quickly but then he stopped and reappeared back in the same room. Except the room was completely empty except for himself and a stunned Sirius.

Harry knelt down next to Sirius and shook him a bit, "Sirius, wake up you mutt." But Sirius didn't move, "Evervate," Harry cast.

Sirius sat bolt upright, "What the?"

Harry hugged his godfather, "Thank goodness you're alright."

"What happened?" asked Sirius in confusion.

"Bellatrix Lestrange stunned you and you fell into this veil thingy and I came after you," explained Harry.

"What? I fell into the veil?" asked Sirius, "But why aren't I dead?"

"What do you mean 'Dead'?" asked Harry.

"Anyone that goes through the veil dies," explained Sirius.

"But I'm not dead and I went in after you," explained Harry in confusion, "Are we ghosts now?"

"No, I don't think so," said Sirius as he nudged Harry, "You feel real to me and your warm and sweaty so I think you're alive if not a little bloody."

"You too," said Harry repaying the nudge a bit harder.

"It looks like we are in the Department of Mysteries still," said Harry, "Do you think maybe that veil just moved us back in time a few minutes, or maybe forward?"

"I don't think so," said Sirius, "No one that has ever entered the veil before has ever come back."

"Maybe we should find someone," suggested Harry.

"Good idea," said Sirius as he stood up.

"Um, do you think maybe you should change into Padfoot?" asked Harry nervously, "I mean, you are a wanted man by the ministry after all."

"Good thinking Harry," said Sirius as he changed into his grim-like dog form.

"Hello," called out Harry, "Is anyone here?"

No answer came back.

Harry set off to explore in the hopes of finding someone. It was the middle of the night when they arrived so it was possible it was the same time now and no one was here.

"Hello," Harry called again a bit louder now that they were back in the main hallway.

"I'm telling you I can hear a voice," Harry heard someone saying towards the end of the hall.

"Hello," Harry called in that direction, "Is anyone there?"

"Hello," a voice called back, it was getting louder and Harry could hear footsteps approaching him.

Harry and Padfoot hurried towards the person now that they had found someone. Harry kept his wand gripped just incase it was a Death Eater.

"Hello," said a voice that now sounded familiar, "What are you doing down here?"

"Moony, is that you?" asked Harry as he saw the man approaching.

"I'm sorry who?" asked the man as he got closer.

"Moony . . . er . . . Remus Lupin?" said Harry.

"That's me, but do I know you?" asked Remus.

"What do you mean do you know me? It's me Harry Potter, you know the boy-who-lived and all that," said Harry confused as to why Remus didn't recognized him.

"You do look a bit like James Potter, are you distant relation?" asked Remus.

"I'm his son, don't you remember?" asked Harry in disbelief.

"You're certainly not Neville, and that is the only son of his that I know about," said Remus.

"Neville?" asked Harry, "You mean Neville Longbottom?"

"Who is that?" asked Remus, "I'm talking about Neville Potter, James and Alice Potter's only son."

"What?" yelled Harry, "This doesn't make sense. James married Lily Evans and had me, who is Alice?"

"What are you talking about boy?" demanded Remus, "Are you 'confunded'?"

"I don't believe so," said Harry, "but I am really confused right now."

"I can see that," said Remus, "I suppose I should introduce myself properly, my name is Remus Lupin, I'm the Ministry Director for the Department of Mysteries."

"I need Dumbledore," said Harry falling on his behind. When he looked up he saw Remus Lupin's wand point right at him.

"You're a Burner," hissed Remus angrily.

"A what?" asked Harry nervously, "I just want to speak with the headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore."

"Albus Dumbledore is not now nor has ever been the headmaster of Hogwarts," said Remus angrily.

"What are you talking about?" asked Harry even more confused.

"Albus Dumbledore is the darkest wizard in the last one hundred years," explained Remus seeing how confused Harry was.

"I don't understand how this is possible," said Harry. He was kind of wishing that Sirius would change back to help him but he wasn't for whatever reason.

Remus' face softened seeing how confused Harry was. This boy didn't know anything about Albus Dumbledore or his 'Burners'. He seemed to be under the effects of a very powerful memory charm. "Relax Harry was it?"

Harry nodded and took a few deep breaths trying to relax but not really succeeding.

"Harry, why don't I take you to Hogwarts to see the headmaster? Maybe he can help you," said Remus.

"That would be good," said Harry standing up. He followed Remus through the building and up the elevator back into the atrium to the public floo network.

"Do you know how to use floo?" asked Remus patiently.

"Yeah, but I don't really like it," said Harry.

"Well, it will have to do," he said as he tossed some powder turning the flames green for a moment, "Step in with your dog a simply say 'Hogwarts'."

Harry stepped in with Padfoot and said clearly, "Hogwarts." He and Padfoot vanished in a burst of green flame. Moments later Harry and Padfoot were both spit out of the fire place in the main entrance hall. Naturally Harry tripped over Padfoot and landed rather painfully in a very uncomfortable position.

Remus Lupin appeared moments later, "You certainly have the same trouble with the floo as James Potter does."

"Like father like son," said Harry with a sigh as he stood up.

"This way Harry," said Remus leading him through the hallways eventually stopping before the familiar stone Gargoyle. "Hmm, what would he be using for a password today?"

"Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans," began Harry as he started naming off every sweat he could think of.

"What are you doing?" asked Remus.

"Doesn't he usually use candy names for his passwords?"

"No, why would he do something so silly?" asked Remus.

"Hello Remus," called a friendly voice from down the hallway.

"Ah, there you are," said Remus turning to great the man, "Headmaster, this young man and his dog turned up in the Department of Mysteries this evening and as best as I can tell someone has used a really powerful memory charm on him."

"Really now," said the man Remus identified as the headmaster. He then observed Harry closely, "My, he certainly does look like James Potter doesn't he, except for the eyes. I've only seen one person with eyes that green before."

"Lily Potter, my mum," said Harry, "I look mostly like my dad but I've got my mum's eyes, that's what everyone tells me anyway."

"Did you say Lily Potter?" asked the aging man. His hair was mostly gray with a bit of brown speckled here and there. He had warm and inviting brown eyes that twinkled much the same as Dumbledore's do. This man though was easily half Dumbledore's age. He was dress in very nice robes of dark green and black.

"Yes," answered Harry. He figured at this point it would be easier to answer the questions before he asked his own.

"Why don't we sit up in my office?" offered the man before he turned to the gargoyle and hissed the word 'open' in parseltongue.

"Now that's just not fair," said Remus, "How is anyone supposed to get up to your office unless they are a parseltongue?"

"Privacy is a wonderful thing young Remus," said the man.

Harry though was a bit confused. The headmaster was a parseltongue, something that the last time he checked was highly frowned upon by the ministry. Harry snapped out of it after Padfoot tugged at his sleeve urging him to move.

Harry entered the office careful to observe his surroundings carefully. The office looked much the same as it did when Dumbledore was the headmaster, except Fawkes was not there nor was his stand. Most of the room seemed to be decorated in greens as well.

"Now Harry why don't you have a seat?" offered the man as he sat in the chair across from him.

Harry took the seat as offered and waited for this headmaster to begin his questions.

"I suppose you're waiting for me," said the headmaster with a warm smile.

Harry nodded still unsure of his surrounding then he heard a hissing, "He smells of Phoenix." Harry looked for the source casually trying not to draw attention. He did note that the headmaster nodded slightly telling him that the snake in question was somewhere visible to him or at least where the snake could see him.

"Why does it matter if I smell of Phoenix?" asked Harry to the headmaster seeing that the man was not going to question him. Harry accomplished his goal of startling the older man but all the same he smiled.

"So you are a parseltongue?" asked the headmaster.

"Yeah, though not by choice," said Harry sadly.

"Oh, what's wrong with being a parseltongue, some of the greatest wizards in history have been parseltongues?" asked the headmaster with a confident smirk that reminded Harry of something.

"Nothing is wrong with having the skill and in fact it has protected me on several occasions, but it has given me as much grief too. As soon as a person finds out that you're a parseltongue they automatically brand you as a dark wizard," complained Harry, "I'm not even a natural parseltongue."

"How is you are not a natural parseltongue?" asked the man with an interested look.

"When I was a year old Voldemort killed my parents then he tried to kill me. My mother sacrificed herself to protect me and because of that the killing curse rebounded on Voldemort killing him instead. But because of that I absorbed some of his powers, like parseltongue," explained Harry. It was obvious this man had never heard of him.

"I see," said the headmaster.

"Other than some of his powers all I've got to show for it is this ruddy scar," said Harry showing the man his lightning shaped scar.

"This Voldemort character was he evil?" asked the headmaster.

"How could you have not heard of Voldemort?" asked Harry incredulously, "The darkest wizard to ever walk the earth. Evil incarnate."

"I see, then this man is a very bad person," said the headmaster simply.

"He's tried to kill me five times now. I'd definitely say he's evil," said Harry.

"Yet you survived," said the headmaster.

"By luck alone," said Harry with a sigh.

"Well, tell how it is that you came to be in the Department of Mysteries?"

"I was taking my O.W.L. when Voldemort sent me a vision of my Godfather being tortured by where all the prophesies are," began Harry.

"I see, so you went to rescue him?"

"Yeah, but I didn't know it was a trap. Voldemort just wanted the prophecy, my godfather was never there."

"I see, so I'm guessing this Voldemort was there waiting for you," said the headmaster.

"No, his followers were waiting for me."

"Who are his followers?"

"Lucius Malfoy, the Lestrange's, Crabbe and Goyle Sr. McNair, Avery, Nott, and I'm sure there were others that I didn't know," said Harry.

"Those are all suspected Burners," said Remus, "That means they are still in there."

"Easy Remus, calm down. What happened after his followers arrived?"

"My friends came with me and we fought them all through the department," Harry then looked at Remus in panic, "I'm so sorry, we destroyed a lot of things in there."

Remus was about to run out of the office, "Hold on Remus, sit down. If there is damage it will wait."

"We ended up in that big room with that veil," said Harry, "I though we were sunk but then the 'Order of the Phoenix' arrived to rescue me. Then Dumbledore came too. Sirius, my godfather, he was dueling with Bellatrix Lestrange. She stunned him and he fell into the veil so I went in after him. When I came out I was in the same room but everyone was gone and Sirius was unconscious on the ground next to the veil."

"You are a Burner then," said Remus venomously aiming his wand at him, "That also means that Sirius is the leak."

"Remus, I really do wish you would stop jumping to conclusions," said the headmaster calmly in a very un-Dumbledore-like manner. "Where is Sirius now?"

Harry looked next to his chair where Sirius had been sitting on his haunches silently, "I think it is safe Padfoot."

The dog nodded before changing into a fully grown man.

"Sirius?" asked Remus, "When did you become an Animagus? When did you grown your hair out? Lily's going to kill you when she sees those tattoos too." Remus was quickly looking Sirius up and down.

"Mr. Black I presume," said the headmaster offering his hand to Sirius, "It's nice to meet you."

"But sir, you know Sirius," said Remus confused.

"I do know Sirius Black but I don't know this Sirius Black," said the headmaster to the very confused Remus.

"Are you saying there are two Sirius'?"

"That is precisely what I am saying," said the headmaster, "It has long been hypothesized that the veil was simply a gateway to another dimension that exists over the top of this and many other dimension. Because of the fluctuations of the veil I believe it randomly changes between dimensions. As a result these two have been sent here where as others have been sent elsewhere."

"Then why haven't they ever come back?" asked Remus curiously.

"There are most likely a million dimension, one could travel back and forth for a hundred years and not find the right one," explained the headmaster, "So it is that these two came from a dimension where parseltongue is thought to be a trait of dark wizards, Albus Dumbledore is a leader for the light, James married Lily instead of Alice and Sirius is well . . ."

"Ex-convict, wrongly accused and imprisoned," said Sirius filling in the blank as he was processing everything.

But Harry is the one that came to the most important conclusion, "Are you saying there is no way for us to get back?"

"Well, now that we know what happened and what that veil truly does I believe we could find a way for you to return in maybe a year or two," explained the headmaster.

"A year?" questioned Harry.

"Or two?" continued Sirius.

"Not that long when you consider how complex and important the calculations are," said the headmaster, "Think of it this way Harry. You have at least a year that you don't have to worry about this Voldemort character. Imagine all that you could accomplish in that time here. I imagine you would like to meet the counterparts of your parents while you're here as well."

"You mean they're alive here?" asked Harry.

"Obviously," said the man, "I would not have mentioned it otherwise."

"But they aren't married here are they?" asked Harry slightly disappointed.

"No, but they are friends so I imagine it would be easy for you to see them regularly," said the headmaster, "you could of course attend Hogwarts in the fall but I think you will have to take your O.W.L.'s again as your records probably did not transfer here with you," said the man with a light chuckle.

Harry was suddenly distracted by a snake slithering across the floor that he'd seen one time too many, "Nagini." Harry's wand was out and aimed at the snake instantly.

"You have met my snake before then?" asked the headmaster slightly worried.

"She belongs to Voldemort," said Harry still not lowering his wand.

"Harry, you forget, there is no Voldemort in this world," said the man.

"What about Tom Riddle? Is he here?" asked Harry.

"Well that would be me," said the headmaster who now had both Harry and Sirius aiming at him. "Let me guess, Tom Riddle is Voldemort in your dimension?"

Harry realized that he was doing and lowered his wand, "Sorry, I just forgot. Old habits . . ."

"I understand," said Riddle nervously until Sirius lowered his wand as well. "I would suggest you use your time here with me to your advantage then. There are probably similarities between your Voldemort and myself, at least as far as our dueling style's go. I might be able to tutor you to be better prepared."

"You wouldn't care that I want to kill the other you?"

"There is one thing I hate above all else and that is an evil wizard, like Dumbledore in this dimension. I am not Voldemort. You intend to kill Voldemort, not Tom Riddle," explained Riddle with a determined look on his face.

Harry sat back and sighed heavily. There was so much happening so quickly and just trying to take it all in was nearly impossible.

"Sorry," said Sirius on his behalf, "It has been one hell of a day and I'm sure that Harry could use some rest a perhaps a bit of post-Crutiatus potion."

The headmaster looked suddenly worried as he looked towards Harry, "Why didn't you say something sooner? How long was he under the influence?"

"Only a few minutes I think," said Harry, "It's a bit difficult to keep track when you're under it."

"You say that as though you've experienced it before," said Remus a bit shocked.

"Only a few times," said Harry, "I wish I could say you get used to the pain from it but that's just not true."

"Is Voldemort really so bad that he would torture a child?" asked Riddle.

"He'd tried to kill me when I was one then again when I was eleven, again at twelve, at fourteen he used me to create a new body for himself in which he just tortured me and then dueled me hoping to kill me and now, just today, there was the whole fiasco with that prophecy mess," said Harry calmly, "You tell me how bad he is."

"Harry here is only a small example of the lengths that Voldemort will go to. He even tortures his own men," said Sirius.

"Which I get to feel through the link created by this damn scar every time he does," explained Harry angrily.

"Even Dumbledore doesn't torture his own men," said Remus, "This man sounds a thousand times worse than Dumbledore."

"Perhaps, but we know very little about the way in which Dumbledore operates. He is a very intelligent man and as the heir of Ravenclaw he has many valuable intelligence assets at his disposal," said Riddle.

"I'm sorry, Dumbledore is the heir of Ravenclaw?" asked Harry.

"Indeed," said Riddle, "Just as I am the heir of Slytherin and the Potter's are the heir of Gryffindor."

"Potter's are the heir of Gryffindor?" asked Harry in disbelief.

"You did not know?" asked Riddle.

"No, somehow Dumbledore forgot to mention that little fact to me," said Harry angrily, "Meddlesome old man."

Riddle chuckled, "I see that he also faces the trials of a leader of the light. Every leader must sometimes meddle with the paths of those around them to achieve a goal for a higher purpose. I'm sure your Dumbledore was doing just that."

"It doesn't matter, he could still at least give me some clue as to what is going on," said Harry angrily, "Maybe if he'd told me about Voldemort's plans for that prophecy or maybe told me that Voldemort could send false information into my mind then this never would have happened in the first place."

"It would have been logical for the headmaster to teach you to occlude your mind. I cannot help but wonder," said Riddle.

"He had the one man that hates me because of my father teach me, Snivillus Snape," said Harry angrily, "That man did nothing to help me."

"That seems foolish," said Riddle, "I will be happy to teach you myself. If it is me that is invading your mind than who better to teach you to defend yourself from me than me."

"Huh?" asked Sirius.

"That would be great," said Harry. In his mind he'd already separated Tom Riddle and Voldemort into two different people.

"So, Harry here will be fine and good but what about me?" asked Sirius, "I mean there can't exactly be two of me wandering around without causing problems."

"You are quite correct," said Riddle, "I suppose I could employ you to teach the animagus transformation to interested and capable sixth and seventh year students. We'd have to change your appearance and use a different name but it should work."

"Oh no, not a teacher," said Sirius, "James would roll over in his grave if another Marauder became a teacher, one was bad enough." Sirius said the last looking at Remus.

"Don't look at me, I've never been a teacher," said Remus, "But James is a teacher."

"Oh no," said Sirius, "Remus in our dimension and now James in this dimension. The horror, the tragedy, the . . ."

"Run out of words?" asked Harry to his godfather.

Sirius ruffled Harry's hair a bit, "Smart ass."

"Just like you," said Harry with a grin.

"Proud of it too," said Sirius with a smile.

"Well, I suppose I should give a call to your parents," said Riddle, "We need to find a place for you to stay this summer as the term is about to end."

"Can't he stay with me at Grimmauld Place?" asked Sirius stupidly.

"You forget Sirius, you already live there with your wife and daughters. It would be a bit awkward if two of you lived there, not to mention the confusion it would cause," said Riddle with a chuckle.

"Wife?" asked Sirius.

"Daughters?" asked Harry.

Riddle and Remus both laughed heartily at the pair.

"Oh this will be fun, you have to get James and Alice here first," said Remus, "I can't wait to see how Alice reacts when she finds out that James has a son by another woman. It's going to be classic."

Sirius was already cracking up laughing, "Oh Moony, I knew there was a Marauder in there somewhere."

"Moony, who is this Moony you keep mentioning?" asked Remus through his laughter.

"It's the nickname we gave the other you when we went to Hogwarts together," said Sirius.

"But why Moony?"

"Because you're a werewolf, you know the full moon and all that," said Sirius.

"I'm a werewolf?" asked Remus in shock.

"You mean you're not?" asked Sirius.

"No, my parents were both killed by a werewolf defending me. I managed to escape and call for help," said Remus.

"I see," said Sirius sadly, "Our Remus didn't escape and his parents didn't come to help. He was turned but his parents lived a long time."

"Wow, so many differences," said Remus, "Did you guys play a lot of pranks?"

"Of course, we weren't the Marauders for nothing," said Sirius, "We became Animagus to help you during the full moon, it was then we got the nicknames and the infamous group name."

"You did that for me?" asked Remus.

"Of course mate, you were one of our best friends. We weren't going to let you suffer alone," explained Sirius.

"So it was you, me, James and Peter then?" asked Remus.

"Don't ever mention Peter in front of me again," said Sirius venomously, "He's the reason I was sent to Azkaban for twelve years without a trial. He betrayed us all."

"So, he was the traitor in your world?" asked Riddle interested, "For some time we've suspected a leak in our organization but we've yet to find out who it is."

"We thought it was Moony because of the werewolf thing but it was Wormtail. He was the perfect spy. He was weak and pathetic as a wizard so no one ever suspected him until it was too late," explained Sirius.

"I take it Wormtail was his nickname," said Riddle.

"Yes," said Harry, "Do you think he might be the spy in this dimension as well?"

"I never considered it before for exactly the reasons you listed. He isn't very powerful so we usually over look him. I will have to look into it more closely but thank you for giving us at least a lead," said Riddle.

"So Sirius, back to the prank," said Remus excitedly, "I think it would be best if you changed into your dog form to watch the show. Harry please just play along. Your father is nearly impossible to prank and to date we've only succeeded twice in really getting him. This should be the best yet."

"Alright, I'm in for a little fun," said Harry with a grin to match the two elder Marauders.

"I really shouldn't be party to this," said Riddle, "But, I think my Defense teacher needs to be knocked down a peg or two." Harry couldn't believe his ears, the headmaster of Hogwarts was taking part in a prank.

"Well, then let's get to it," said Sirius shrinking down into his dog form.

Riddle tossed some powder into his fire place, "Potter Place." A moment later the head of James Potter appeared.

"Hello Tom, what can I do for you this evening?" asked James with a cocky smile.

"I was hoping that you and your wife might join me in my office. There has been a development that requires your immediate attention," said Riddle.

"Is it Neville or Sarah? Are they hurt?"

"Not in the slightest but it does have to do with your son," said Riddle trying not to laugh.

"We'll be right there," said James leaving the fire.

A few minutes later James walked through with a woman that Harry recognized instantly as Neville's mother, Alice Longbottom. At least that answered that question. Harry could hear Padfoot snorting trying not to howl with laugher.

"What's Neville done Tom?" asked a very concerned mother Alice.

"This is not about Neville," said Tom, "This is about Harry." He then motioned one hand towards Harry.

"Hi dad," said Harry excitedly. He was really meeting his father.

"You son of (BLEEP)," screamed Alice as she started hitting and slapping James about the head and arms.

"Alice sweetie, I've never seen this kid in my life," protested James trying to defend himself from the onslaught.

"You told me you were a virgin when we got married," she yelled back at him.

"I was, I swear," said James.

"Then you cheated on me," said Alice even angrier now.

Meanwhile Remus, Sirius and Harry were all rolling with laughter. Even Professor Riddle couldn't hide his mirth at the success of the prank.

James seemed to have suddenly noticed, "Damn you guys."

Alice now noticed the three humans and one dog laughing, "That was not funny Remus. I suppose that's Neville that looks like James."

"Nope, I'm really Harry Potter," said Harry with a grin.

Harry could see that Alice knew he was telling the truth but at the same time she knew that something was amiss.

"Tom Marvolo Riddle," shouted Alice in a voice only a mum could use.

"Ouch, she went straight to the full name," said Remus with a laugh.

"He's telling the truth," said Riddle, "This is Harry James Potter. Son of James and Lily Potter."

"Lily?" question Alice, "You cheating bastard," she screamed again slapping James about.

"I never," said James in defense.

Harry was becoming less amused with it now. It was funny at first but now it just wasn't.

"Um, Alice, ma'am," interrupted Harry.

"What do you want?" asked Alice studying Harry closely. There was no denying that this was James' son.

"I'm not really this James Potter's son," said Harry cautiously.

"What? Is there another James Potter that I don't know about?" she asked disbelievingly.

"Exactly," said Tom Riddle with a smirk.

"Huh?" said both James and Alice at the same time.

"Harry here is from another dimension," explained Tom calmly, "In his dimension James and Lily got married."

"What?" they asked together.

"Young Harry here and his companion fell through the veil in the Department of Mysteries during a battle against evil wizards and they appeared in our dimension," explained Riddle simply.

"You're joking right?" asked James looking at Remus and Harry.

"Yes and no," said Remus, "The prank ended when Harry here confessed."

"You did this?" asked an angry Alice.

"Sirius helped," said Remus in his defense.

"How could Sirius help? He and Lily are waiting for us to get back," said James.

"Go ahead and change back Padfoot," said Harry.

Suddenly, Sirius was standing next to Harry.

"Sirius, when did you . . . how did you . . . huh?" mumbled James.

"This is Sirius Black, he is not the Sirius at your home but Sirius from the other dimension," explained Tom with a smile. Despite the levity of the situation he was finding it most entertaining.

"So now there are two of them running around and one of them is an animagus?" asked Alice in slight disbelief, "The world is doomed, one is bad enough but two . . ." Alice shivered at the thought. "May they never meet."

"Well, they are about to," said Riddle as he went back to the fire place.

"Hello Tom," answered Sirius, "Something wrong?"

"I would appreciate it you and Lily would both come to my office now as well," said Tom.

"We'll be right there," said Sirius.

As soon as the flames vanished, James, Remus, Sirius, and Harry all got identical looks.

"I think Sirius could use a good scare," said James.

"Please play along Alice," said James with a wink. At the same time Sirius changed back into a dog.

Lily came out first and Harry wrapped her in a big hug, "Just play along," he whispered in her ear.

As soon as Harry heard the second flame announcing Sirius' arrival, "Oh mum, it's so nice to finally meet you after all these years. I've been searching and searching for so long and now I've found you and my dad."

"Lily, what is this boy talking about?" asked a confused Sirius.

"Lily, I think it's time we told them about our little secret," said James, "I've already told Alice and now that Harry has surfaced it is only right we tell Sirius as well."

"Oh James, how did he find us?" asked Lily, "The orphanage promised they wouldn't keep any records."

"I'm not sure," said James.

"What the hell is going on here?" demanded Sirius.

"Sirius love," said Lily, "Years ago, James and I, we had a small affair. It didn't last long but it was long enough to have little Harry here."

Harry was waiting for the punch to fly from Sirius towards James but it never came. Instead Sirius fainted.

"I honestly thought he was going to hit me," said James, "I'm a bit disappointed."

"You and me both," said Lily sharply before she looked to the boy that was still hugging, "You can let go now."

"Just a moment longer please," mumbled Harry.

Lily looked to the assembled group confused but all she got in return was a few shrugs.

Harry finally let go and looked the woman in the eye. To say she was startled would have been a big understatement.

"Oh my," said Lily, "He really could be my son."

"Technically he is," said Tom calmly.

It was lucky Harry was still close because he was able to catch her when she fainted.

"I've never seen Lily faint," said James.

"I've never seen Lily faint and I've been her best friend since our first day on the Hogwarts express," said Alice.

"Um . . . she kind of heavy," said Harry straining to hold her up. James and Remus quickly rushed over to help him set her in one of the armchairs.

"So who is going to wake Sirius up?" asked James.

"I think Lily should," said Remus, "He'd be less likely to hit her."

"Then who is going to wake her up?" asked James.

Suddenly everybody looked to Alice, "Hell no."

"Oh come on, you could explain it to her," said James pleadingly.

"Sirius," ordered Harry, "Wake yourself up and make sure you use extra slobber."

The group chuckled as the dog started to slobber all over him human duplicate.

"Blah," complained Sirius, "Gerroff of me."

The dog turned and farted in his face.

"Padfoot, bad dog," said Harry plugging his nose, "No more instant burritos for you."

Padfoot whimpered.

Sirius though had his eyes watering intensely as he gasped for clean air causing the group to laugh.

Sirius suddenly remembered, "James you bastard, you're supposed to be my best mate."

"I am your best mate," said James, "Don't you just love a good prank?"

"What?" asked a confused Sirius, "You set me up and you got my wife in on it?"

"All on very short notice too I might add," said James, "But don't worry, Remus already got me as well."

"You bastards," said Sirius with a grin, "I can't believe you pulled that off and you Tom, you were in on it."

Tom smiled but kept silent.

Sirius then looked to the child that looked like a mix of James and Lily together, "So, who are you? One of the students?"

"Yes and no," said Harry answering the last question first, "Names Harry James Potter."

"Okay, the joke is getting old," said Sirius.

"Ah, but if only it were completely a joke Sirius," said Tom entering the conversation. "Young Harry is indeed the child of James and Lily, however, he is not the son of the James and Lily in this room."

"Huh?" asked Sirius.

"That's what I said," said James.

"This young man is Harry Potter, but he is not of this dimension," said Tom.

"Huh?" asked Sirius again.

"Harry fell through the veil in the Department of Mysteries," said Tom before he launched into a full explanation.

"Huh?" asked Sirius yet again after the explanation.

"Never mind, I'll explain it to Lily and then she can explain it to you later," said Tom more than a little annoyed.

"Sirius, wake up your wife," said Alice.

Sirius gently shook her awake then he did something that would forever scar Harry's psyche. He kissed her passionately as only a man and woman in love would kiss.

"I never want to see that again," said Harry wide eyed.

"Sirius, you're disturbing the kid," said James, "And the rest of us."

Sirius broke the kiss to a blinking Lily, "Why'd you stop?"

Harry shivered involuntarily, "I could have lived my entire life without ever seeing my mum and godfather kissing like that."

"Sorry Harry," said Tom, "They are married and it is their right to do that though I must admonish the both of you for doing that in my office."

"Sorry Professor," said Sirius looking only slightly abashed.

"What did you mean mum?" asked Lily studying Harry.

"Harry is a visitor from another dimension in which you and James are married," said Tom calmly.

"How is that possible? I didn't think the dimensional barriers could be breached?" asked Lily to Tom excitedly.

"Harry and his companion here fell through the veil in the Department of Mysteries," explained Tom once again.

"So that's what it really is then, a gateway between dimensions. It must move randomly between dimensions, which would explain why no one has ever returned. But now that we know what it does then we should be able to control it and select a specific dimension," said Lily excitedly.

"She really is a Hermione," whispered Harry looking to the dog. Padfoot gave him a look as if to say I told you so.

"You understand him?" asked Sirius to his wife.

"Of course, it's not that complicated," said Lily.

"Remember who you're talking to love," said Sirius.

"Okay, so imagine another world just like ours. Now in that world I married James and had a child instead of marrying you. Now young Harry here fell through a door that connects our two worlds together. Get it?" asked Lily.

"Oh, why couldn't you just say that?" asked Sirius looking at Professor Riddle.

"He did," said James.

"I guess my ears don't listen to anything but the sweet voice of my Lily flower," said Sirius locking eyes with Lily.

"I want to go home," said Harry shaking his head, "No child should be subjected to witnessing this."

"What?" asked Sirius, "Never seen your mum kiss before?"

"No, as a matter of fact I haven't," said Harry in slight disgust, "And if I had, it would not have been her kissing my godfather like that."

"Why haven't you ever seen me kiss before?"

"Yeah, don't I love her?" asked James.

"I'm sure you did," said Harry sadly not making eye contact.

"Did?" asked Lily, "What do you mean did? Did James die?"

Still Harry didn't look up.

"Did Lily die?" asked Sirius worried.

Still Harry didn't look in fact he turned away completely wiping away a few tears.

Padfoot changed back into a man and hugged Harry, "It's alright kiddo, just let it out."

"There are two of me," said Sirius earning himself a smack from Lily.

"That hurts you know," said Sirius rubbing his arm.

"You are so insensitive," said Lily.

"I am not," argued Sirius.

"Just be quiet," said Lily in frustration.

"Lily, James," began Riddle, "From what young Harry here has told me, you were both murdered when he was only a year old."

"Dumbledore?" asked James sadly.

Riddle actually chuckled, "No, me or rather Voldemort which is the name I apparently fashioned for myself."

"No way," exclaimed James.

"Indeed, it would seem that the role of Albus Dumbledore and myself are reversed in the other dimension," said Tom lightly.

"Oh my, then did you grow up with James' brother?" asked Alice.

"Huh?" asked Padfoot, "James doesn't have a brother."

"Yes I do," said James.

"Not in the other dimension," explained Padfoot.

"Obviously he went to me," said Sirius, "Why else would I be here with him now?"

"You went to Azkaban," said Padfoot, "or rather I did. I was framed for the murder of twelve muggles and Pettigrew by none other than Pettigrew himself. It didn't help much that we told everyone I would be James and Lily's secret keeper."

"Oh no, he can't have," said Lily shaking her head, "He mustn't have . . . how could anyone ever be sent to . . ."

"What is it Lily," asked a very concerned Sirius seeing how distraught his wife was.

"My sister," said Lily barely at a whisper.

"No," said Sirius in shock as he looked to Harry.

Harry actually laughed, "Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon."

"So they weren't bad?" asked Lily hearing the laugh but missing the venom with which he spoke their names.

"Depends on your definition of bad," said Harry hiding his face, "Is living in the cupboard under the stair until age eleven bad? Or how about getting beaten on your birthday as your only present, is that bad? Is being used as slave labor from the time you could walk bad? I guess it all depends on your definition of bad."

Lily though was crying for the son she never had. Even James was having trouble holding back his tears. This boy was of their flesh and blood yet they never knew he existed. Even with all of this horrible treatment he just told them he still seemed like a very good young man.

Harry finally turned to look at them, his eyes were red but he was no longer crying, "We don't have to think about that. I am being given a chance to get to know a version of my parents. That is not something I have had the chance to do before."

Lily crossed the room and hugged the boy fiercely.

"Great, all happy now," said Padfoot earning him a smack on the arm from Lily.

"Glad you said it and not me," said Sirius earning him a smack as well.

Padfoot now studied the other him up and down just as the other had, "Well, its good to see that we are both still sexy beasts."

"Damn straight," said Sirius studying Padfoot.

"So, we'll call you Sirius," said Padfoot, "This is your dimension after all. You can all call me Padfoot."

"Right then Padfoot, you're going to have to teach me that Animagus thing," said Sirius, "I can't believe we never thought of doing that while we were in school."

"Yeah, but you didn't have Moony to motivate you," said Padfoot.

"Moony?" asked Sirius and James.

"Remus," said Padfoot as he launched into explaining the Marauders to the interested pair.

Lily and Alice were both more interested in giving Harry a once over.

"I hate to interrupt," said Tom, "But it is rather late and I don't believe Madam Pomfrey will be too happy we've kept Harry here when he is obviously hurting. Harry, I know this might be a bit annoying but while the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. testers are still here in the castle I would like you to take your tests. I'm afraid it will be rather intense as you will have to take all your tests in just two days but better than having to spend a week testing in the Ministry of Magic."

Harry nodded sleepily. He hadn't noticed how tired he really was until that moment.