Chapter 19: Chapter 19: “Difficult Decisions Part - 2”
James and Lily found themselves at a crossroads, their hearts divided between their two sons and the impending dangers they faced. Ultimately, swayed by Dumbledore's reasoning and their deep-seated desire to protect Charles from the shadows that loomed over their world, they acquiesced to the plan. The prospect of providing Charles with an added layer of protection, a safety net against the dark forces still at large, tipped the scales in favor of Dumbledore's proposal.
Sirius, however, could scarcely believe what he was hearing. Incensed and feeling a profound sense of betrayal, he couldn't hold back his vehement opposition. "How can you even think of stripping Harry of his rightful place for something as uncertain as this so-called protection? Charles has us — his family — to shield him from any wrongful accusations. This isn't necessary," he argued with fervor.
Dumbledore, maintaining his composure amidst the rising tensions, responded, "You underestimate the significance of the ring and its power, Sirius. Our battle against the darkness extends beyond personal grievances. We're preparing for a future confrontation with Voldemort, and sacrifices are unavoidable if Charles is to be ready for that inevitable clash."
Despite Sirius's passionate pleas, his words were ultimately overshadowed by the collective decision. The room was heavy with the weight of their resolution, and Sirius, feeling isolated and defeated, stormed out, his disappointment with his friends palpable.
Dumbledore, while outwardly composed, was internally pleased with the decision made. His gaze, often twinkling with wisdom, now held a depth of calculation as he mulled over the intricacies of the plan that had just been set into motion. Ensuring the safety of the wizarding world was a responsibility Dumbledore did not take lightly. His actions tonight, especially regarding Harry, were not made out of malice but out of a belief in the 'greater good.'
In Charles, Dumbledore saw not just a young boy but the potential for a leader who could one day stand as a beacon of hope for the wizarding world, much like Dumbledore himself had been in his prime. He was old and the wizarding world would soon need a new beacon of hope.
Dumbledore envisioned Charles stepping into the role of the next Light Lord, a figure of immense power and moral fortitude capable of guiding the wizarding world through its darkest times. The unique circumstances surrounding Charles — his miraculous survival, his lineage, and the inevitable fame that would follow the final defeat of Voldemort at his hands— positioned him as the ideal candidate to assume this mantle. But for Charles to rise to this destiny, he needed to be shaped by experiences that would strengthen his resolve and moral compass. Charles would need to be independent on not reliant on or burdened by an elder sibling.
Dumbledore was acutely aware of the dangers that jealousy and rivalry could pose, having witnessed the corrosive effects of such emotions within his own family. The thought of Harry, growing up overshadowed by Charles's fame and potentially harboring resentment, was a risk Dumbledore was unwilling to take.
He believed that separating the brothers was a regrettable but necessary step to prevent any animosity that might drive a wedge between them, much like the rift that had marred his relationship with his own brother, Aberforth.
In Dumbledore's eyes, ensuring Charles's upbringing was unencumbered by sibling rivalry or the complexities of Harry's situation was essential for the future he envisioned. This decision, though painful, was made with the conviction that it was for the greater good of the wizarding world, a world that would one day look to Charles as its protector and guide.
The room was enveloped in a solemn quietude as Dumbledore meticulously laid out the details of Harry's upcoming life with the Dursleys.
"To facilitate Harry's integration into the Muggle world, we'll need to temporarily suppress some of his memories related to our world. This measure will ease his transition. In due course, we can orchestrate a reunion, framing his absence as a consequence of a Death Eater abduction," Dumbledore explained, casting a vision of the future that was both complex and fraught with moral ambiguity.
Lily, her heart heavy with a mother's love and worry, found the thought of erasing parts of Harry's past unbearable. James and Dumbledore were all for this plan and she had no better alternative or a way to convince them. Faced with the finalized decision, she resigned herself to the plan, prioritizing Charles's destined path over her immediate desires.
"And what about visits? Can I at least see him from time to time? Just to ensure he's well?" she asked, hope lacing her voice.
Dumbledore's reply, gentle yet firm, dashed her hopes. "I'm afraid that's not advisable, Lily," he said. "Any contact with the magical world could jeopardize Harry's safety and the effectiveness of the wards we'll place around Petunia's home. Moreover, it's important for Harry to grow up without harboring any resentment towards you or James. It would be best for him to believe he is an orphan; any alternative might provoke his anger. And such anger could potentially steer him towards a darker path."
Accepting the harsh reality with a heavy heart, Lily acquiesced, "If it's truly for the best..."
James, still processing the reality of his son living in the Muggle world, agreed, adding a note of caution regarding Sirius. "We should also make sure Sirius doesn't try to... intervene. He's Harry's godfather, and I wouldn't put it past him to try and take Harry away from the Dursleys."
Acknowledging the validity of James's concern, Dumbledore agreed, "A valid point, James. We must fortify Petunia's residence against not just dark forces but also any well-meaning interlopers, including Sirius."
Dumbledore sat back in his chair, his eyes meeting those of Lily and James. They seemed to find some measure of comfort in the plan, their expressions a mix of relief and lingering concern.
Yet, within the depths of Dumbledore's own thoughts, a more clandestine idea took shape. A few well-placed memory charms should suffice to maintain Harry's ignorance of the night's decisions and prevent future resentment. "For the greater good," he reassured himself silently, convinced of the righteousness of his actions.
Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, satisfied. "Then it's settled. Harry will stay with Petunia, under strong wards, and without any contact from the magical world until he receives his Hogwarts letter."
Dumbledore pledged to Lily that he would keep a watchful eye over Harry, ensuring his Muggle family did not mistreat him for his magical lineage. The parents, overwhelmed by a mixture of relief and sorrow, consented to the arrangement.
As the group dispersed, each lost in contemplation over the weighty choices made, they returned to where Harry slept, oblivious to the life-altering decisions made on his behalf.
Left alone, Dumbledore reflected on the evening's resolutions. Firm in his conviction that these sacrifices were necessary for the greater good, he prepared to exit, his mind already anticipating the challenges ahead in safeguarding the future of the magical world. With a final, contemplative look around the empty room, Dumbledore departed, resolute in his mission to protect and guide, even if it meant making the most difficult choices.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
TalesByJaz
TalesByJaz Author's Note:
Hi everyone! Thanks for checking out my story.
Many readers have been curious, so I want to clear up a few things to make sure everyone knows what to expect and to explain why I made certain choices in my story.
This story isn't about Harry being angry with his parents and them trying to make it up to him. That's not the story I wanted to write. Also, I won't depict them in a negative light
too much in the novel.
All this was done to ensure Harry stays away from Dumbledore. There won't be much Dumbledore bashing also. I just hate the politician in him.
The main idea of my story is to show more about the wizarding world. I always wanted to know more about the Harry Potter World than what was mentioned in the books, like what the world outside Hogwarts is like. So, that's what I'm trying to do here.
Lily and James, Harry's parents, won't be a big part of this story. It's more about the world around Harry. Charles, who everyone thinks is the real BWL, will be in the story, but Harry doesn't feel jealous or hate him. It's not about their rivalry.
I just wanted to tell a story where we can see more of the magical world and have some fun with the characters in it.
Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
To read ahead of everyone check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/TalesByJaz
Chapter 20: Chapter 20: “The Path Unchosen”
The next day, in the temporary quarters of Hogwarts that had become a makeshift home for the Potter family, a palpable tension hung in the air. It was a silent testament to the unresolved issues and emotional turmoil that lay beneath the surface.
Sirius's absence was notably felt, his departure the night before marking a rift in the group after his unsuccessful attempt to sway the decision regarding Harry's fate. James, Lily, and Remus each wore a facade of normalcy, yet their forced smiles and the way their gazes drifted into the distance when they thought Harry wasn't looking revealed their true states of mind.
Lily's eyes were often filled with sadness, while James and Remus wrestled with their own inner conflicts.
Harry sensed something was off with the behavior of his parents but chalked their mood off to the attack at Longbottoms yesterday.
Initially, in the chaos following Voldemort's defeat, Harry harbored fears of being sent to live with another family, or worse, being sidelined—an outcome he had read in many fandoms. However, as time went on and life within the temporary home returned to a semblance of normality, with his parents showing him the same love and attention as before, Harry gradually dismissed these concerns. The thought that his parents might actually be planning to send him to live with the Dursleys, of all people, never once crossed his mind.
The day stretched on with an awkward atmosphere in the room, each hour more tense and monotonous than the last. Harry decided to focus his attention on his younger brother Charles, just to pass his time. He teased Charles throughout the day, eliciting a few laughs but mostly tears until either Lily or James intervened to comfort their younger son.
As dusk settled, Dumbledore, unaccompanied by McGonagall, made his appearance in the wing. His solitary presence signaling the gravity of the situation. Dumbledore's gaze lingered on the sleeping Harry, whose peaceful expression remained oblivious to the life-altering decisions being made around him.
Dumbledore, after a moment of contemplation, gently cast a sleeping charm on Harry, ensuring he would remain undisturbed during what was to come.
Lily, tears glistening in her eyes, whispered a tender goodbye with a kiss on Harry's forehead, a silent promise of love and protection whispered into the night. James, his expression a complex mix of relief and regret, after a moment's hesitation placed his hand on Harry's head, a silent gesture of farewell.
Dumbledore then carefully picked up Harry, and the small group quietly exited Hogwarts, their silent procession marked by a shared sense of solemnity. After a brief moment that allowed the Potters to say their final goodbyes, Dumbledore, with Harry securely in his arms, apparated away to a predetermined destination.
A few hours later, Dumbledore arrived at Privet Drive, a street that prided itself on its normalcy, where the most exciting thing to happen was perhaps a neighborhood barbecue. Number 4, Privet Drive, was a perfectly ordinary house, with a well-manicured lawn and flowers that seemed to scream 'respectable.' It was the kind of place where one would least expect to find anything related to the magical world. It was here, in this most ordinary of settings, that Dumbledore planned to entrust Harry's care.
Here, Dumbledore found Professor McGonagall waiting for him, disguised as a tabby cat.
McGonagall, still in her cat form, watched from the shadows, her feline eyes reflecting her concern. "Albus, are you sure about this?" she asked as she transformed back into her human form. "I have been watching them all day and from all my experience with the muggles, I can rightly say that the Dursleys are the worst sort of Muggles."
"I am sure you are exaggerating, Minerva. I am aware of a few of their shortcomings, but I have spoken to Petunia. She understands the importance of taking Harry in. I will take steps to ensure Harry receives the care he needs," Dumbledore replied, his voice carrying a weight that silenced further objections.
"But what if Harry decides to run away? He is not going to like this. Albus, Harry's resourceful, even at his age. The likelihood of him trying to return to our world is not insignificant," McGonagall pressed, her voice laced with worry.
Acknowledging the validity of her point, Dumbledore reassured her. "Rest assured, Minerva. I've implemented safeguards to prevent just such an occurrence. Harry's safety and well-being are my utmost priorities," he stated, a hint of finality in his voice as they prepared to leave Harry in the care of the Dursleys.
Unbeknownst to Professor McGonagall, Dumbledore had intricately woven a series of charms around Harry, creating a protective cocoon designed to shield him from the outside world and prevent any untimely re-entry into the magical realm.
This web of enchantments included a subtle tracking charm to keep tabs on Harry's movements, an owl ward to block any early attempts at magical communication, and a memory charm specifically tailored to blur Harry's recollection of his past interactions within the wizarding community.
Additionally, Dumbledore had cast a magical suppressant to curb any accidental magical outbursts, a necessary precaution for a young wizard growing up in a Muggle household.
Each spell was meticulously chosen, representing a strand in the complex safeguarding of Harry's new, isolated existence—one devoid of any wizarding influences until Dumbledore deemed the moment ripe for his reintegration.
Dumbledore justified these measures as essential safeguards, not just for Harry's well-being but as a bulwark against potential threats from those still loyal to Voldemort's cause. He acknowledged the physical and magical toll these charms might extract on Harry but consoled himself with the belief that such sacrifices were justified for the broader protection they afforded.
However, Dumbledore was unaware of the broader implications of his enchantments.
The memory charm, in particular, had a profound effect, dulling not only Harry's recent memories but also obscuring the deeper, recently awakened memories from his past life. This unintentional memory suppression effectively reset Harry's awareness to that of an amnesiac four-year-old.
Had Dumbledore just applied the memory charm to just a couple of years of memories, the whole plan would have failed since with memories of life years above his current age, Harry would have easily seen through the motives of Dumbledore and escaped easily.
Similarly, the charm designed to isolate Harry from Sirius inadvertently also blocked Mira, Harry's house-elf friend, from locating him, thwarting any alternate plans for escape or assistance.
The next morning, when the sleeping Harry wakes up, he will be a clean sheet without any memories. He will be confused and at the mercy of the Dursley family. Things did not bode well for our protagonist.
As Dumbledore gently positioned Harry on the doorstep of Number 4, Privet Drive, he did so with a sense of solemn responsibility, wrapping the boy snugly in his blanket against the chill of the night.
Dumbledore had initially considered placing a Squib member of the Order of the Phoenix near Harry for added protection and supervision. However, upon reflection, he decided against it. He reasoned that with James, Lily, and Charles drawing the attention of the wizarding world, Harry would likely remain under the radar. There seemed to be no need for extra protection or expenditure.
Dumbledore earnestly hoped Harry would have a good life at Petunia's. He had visited her that afternoon, outlining the benefits of taking Harry in and impressing upon her the importance of family. After all, a family would always take care of each other. That was the power of love.
Before departing, Dumbledore finalized the wards he had meticulously prepared around the Dursley residence. These wards, innovative and potent, were designed to both conceal Harry from magical seekers and to be powered by the presence of love within the household—a safeguard rooted in one of magic's most profound and least understood forces.
This warding system was contingent on the Dursleys' treatment of Harry. Should their care falter, indicated by a weakening of the wards, Dumbledore would be alerted to Harry's plight, enabling him to intervene if necessary. This measure was Dumbledore's safeguard against replicating the neglect that had shaped Tom Riddle's early years.
With a final, lingering look at the slumbering child, Dumbledore whispered a quiet wish for Harry's well-being. "Good luck, Harry Potter. We'll meet again when the time is right." Then, with the soft rustle of his cloak, Dumbledore disappeared into the night, leaving Harry with a new life that would shape him in ways yet unknown.
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