Chapter 2:  The Boy Who Fell From Above

A new school year just began at Hogwarts.  Harry Potter was now sixteen and anxious for the coming year.  The Hat Sorting ceremony was four days ago, they got quite a few new Gryffindors.  The only thing he was not glad of was Draco Malfoy, who manages to stick his noise in business that doesn't concern him.  Being place in Slytherin house was probably one Harry's worst nightmare, next to Voldermort.  He dreams of it quite a few times and long for reality check every time. 

Now, Harry and his two fell Gryffindors is doing their daily study in the library. 

"I'm hungry!"  Ron whine.

"Can't you wait, we got only half an hour before dinner starts!" Cried Hermione, whose face was buried in a thick book. 

"Harry, don't you have any snacks with you?" There is a glint of hope in Ron's eyes.

"No I don't.  I thought you have a bag full of snacks when we came here, don't you?"  Harry eyed him curiously.

"Well, yes….but, you see, I couldn't find it after our first night.  I think Seamus must have taken it.  You know he how he goes around craving for snacks don't you?"

"Ah….can't you just wait Ron?"  Hermione cried in desperation.  "Now we got less than half hour.  For goodness sake, I don't think you need more food than your tummy can handle.  Why don't you just wait?  Harry can and I can and there's no doubt that you can too!  So stop yapping, will you!"

Ron fell silent at those words.  Harry was glad for Hermione's ability to make Ron shut up when he so desperately wanted something.  Ron was loud and humorous sometimes but irritating and annoying at times.  Not that Harry was bother by it.  Mostly Hermione is because she usually preferred it quiet when studying or reading. 

–——–

"Yahoo!  Time for dinner!  I'm starving!"  Ron pulled Harry with him to the Great Hall.  All the students of Hogwarts were there for dinners, new or old.  Dumbledore and the professors were at their own table.  Dumbledore stood and make a quick speech and then was back in his sit again. 

Harry look across the Slytherin table.  Malfoy was doing his usual chat with Crabbe and Pansy.  At least he is not making any trouble, Harry thought to himself. 

BOOM!  Harry swirl around.  He looks up and also saw a few heads up.  He was sure he heard something, though it was kind of faint and blend in with all the noises of forks, knifes, and spoons.  He glanced at the Professors' table and was sure that the professors had been stirred.  Dumbledore asked Professor Snape to go check out the area outside of the Great Hall. 

Harry turned to Ron and asked, "Hey Ron, did hear that?"

"What?!  Hear what?  I didn't hear anything."

"Are you sure.  I though I heard a faint noise a few moments ago."

"What kind of noise?"

"I don't know.  It sounded like….."

BOOM!!!  Harry didn't need to imitate it, he was about to say 'boom' when a real one hit.  Everyone in the room was so surprise by the explosion-like noise that some spilled their plate.  All their eyes were in the same direction, straight right through the ceiling was a small hole, they could see that something exploded above.  Something also fell into the Great Hall, there was now some rubbles around the floor.  Luckily no one was hurt or was there any damage done.  Whatever fell, hit plainly the floor.  It became dead quite as everyone fixed their eyes on the rubbles. 

–——–

Asluril hit the floor hard.  But he couldn't help it.  He would rather prefer this to being eating alive by a demon dragons or being exploded along with one.  Not that he couldn't fight them, but it is too inconvenient, a fact being that they were from his world.  It was Skey's stupid idea that brought upon this.  Skey promptly suggest that a shortcut is more preferable since in this side of the world, if in Afatar, the land would be un-inhabit, uncivilized, and he would have no fear of being caught by people of his own world.  In addition, Skey says that it is easier.  He has lost a lot of energy opening the gate between the world, and hardly have enough to get back when being pursued by two mad demon x dragon parents when he accidentally stumbled into their nest.  But of course he didn't close the gate when he came back because being chased by dragons, who was only inches behind you, it is impossible to go back and close it.  And he didn't like the idea of getting eating by one of them because he didn't have the energy to fight them.  So after half of day of running from these monster, he got some of his strength back.  When Asluril reached this huge castle (or what he thought it was), he decided to do a hand on hand battle instead of running.  Well, he killed the father dragon just minutes before he fall.  The mother suddenly decided to go for a kamikaze suicidal after she learned the death of her mate, and used a fire-base spell on herself.  She exploded in thin air and probably in hope that the murderer of her husband would fall into the same ill fate.

Energy all drained again, Asluril used the last of what he has to make the impact less harmful and he focused it all on the Aust, who was the most fragile.  At least he felt like they were in one piece and he was quite glad he didn't went unconscious.  He felt some rubbles above him and push them aside.  They were dusty so he cough a little, still holding Aust in one of his arm. 

He rubbed his eyes to get rid of the dust and wave it to clear the dust that was blocking his view.  I must look as dirty as hell with all these dusts on me!  Suddenly, Aust dropped to the floor and walk away.  The dust clear and Asluril saw that the room was surrounded by a lot of people. 

He couldn't help it, his right hand came upon his head, scratching it, making him look dumbfounded.  To top that, he turned around in a circle looking at the people around him and unexpectedly blunted out, "Where am I?"  

The door to the Great Hall flew open and Professor Snape, who Dumbledore sent to check out the earlier noise, rush in.  "Oh god, you got to see the amount of damage that's done in the main….."  He spotted the rubbles on the floor and exclaimed, "Oh My GOD!  What happened in here?!"

Everyone stared at the boy in the rubbles again.  Expecting him to answer that question, but only silence follow.  It was broken by Dumbledore, who picked up the black cat from the floor and answered, "Welcome to Hogwarts."

The confusion on the boy face suddenly disappeared and he smiled.  "Oh good!  I made it then, I guess.  And in one piece too.  May I ask who may be this fellow name Dumbledore be?"

–——–

Harry didn't believe a normal human could survive being fall from that height and the boy seems to be in no pain at all, though he look like he has really been through hell.  The boy was extremely dirty.  And the dust got the best of him, you couldn't really see his face since it was covered all in dust and dirt.  Judging from his slim body and voice, he seems to be no older than fifteen or sixteen.  To Harry, the boy look completely confused and scared.  But the boy last questions made Harry reconsider.

Harry though that the boy was rather, innocent.  The questions he asked were so straightforward and pure.  Like a six year old asking where the bathroom is. 

"Um…hu."  Dumbledore moved toward the boy.  "That Dumbledore you asked is no other than me.  Did madame Runna Hurmangly sent you?"

Aust jumped from Dumbledore's arm and walk to Asluril.  She walked around him and made a small purr, showing affection for the boy.  "Well, I'm sorry to inform you that Miss Hurmangly is no longer with us.  Oh wait yes, she told me to bring this thing to you."  He reached inside his right jean pocket and then his left and took out a small box.  He walked toward Dumbledore and hand it to him.  "She told me to tell you she is sorry that she failed to protect it.  She thinks it is best if this is with you."

Dumbledore stared at the box for a very long time and finally spoke, "I want you to stay here a few more days.  I would appreciate it if you could tell me what happened to Madame Hurmangly.  You look a little worn out yourself.  And I would of course want to know why you came crashing down on the ceiling like that."  He wink at Asluril and whispered, "And you could really use a nice wash."

Professor Snape cut in, "I think you want would want to see the amount of damage done out there in the main hall."

"Main hall?" Asluril whispered.  "Yikes!"  Could that be where……?  Man, I'm in big trouble. 

"Did you have anything to do with this?" asked Dumbledore.

"Well…….yes….I mean no….I wasn't really my fault.  I…am….so sorry." 

Snape looked closely at the boy, "It is impossible that this boy could inflict that much damage.  You have to see it yourself to believe it.  I don't believe it is possible.  Maybe if he used magic.  But that's not possibly since it has to be very powerful magic and this boy at this age, could not be able to do that.  Plus this boy probably has no schooling in magic because he was never a student at Hogwarts.  We all know that Hogwarts is the only school that teaches magic."

Dumbledore raised a hand as an indication to silence everyone.  "I think it is best we announce that dinner is over.  I want all professors to escort the students to their dorms.  No one will be permitted to leave his or her dorms for I would like to get a better understanding of what just happened here tonight.  Please do not enter the main hall, for I'm yet to observe the amount of damage.  You all are dismissed."

Hermione wanted a closer look at the boy.  The boy didn't interest her much at first, well maybe just when he fell from above.  She got really interested after Snape's inclination that there was a massive amount of damage being done in the main hall which could only possibly be magic, and to top that, Dumbledore asked the boy and he readily confess that it has to do with him but it wasn't his fault.  She reluctantly walked out of the Great Hall with Harry and Ron.  "Hey guys, I wonder who that kid is.  I've been thinking about what Professor Snape says about the boy?  He is definitely not a student of Hogwarts because he didn't even know who Dumbledore is.  But Snape is right about Hogwarts being the only magic school."

"What makes you think that the kid could use magic, I don't see any wand with him.  It was his fault I'm still hungry.  I didn't have enough to eat yet and dinner was over!" Ron snared.  

"I didn't ask you Ron!  Stop your fuss over food.  You can have my breakfast tomorrow if you want!"  Hermione raised her hands in a desperation gesture and walked on ahead.  "I'm going now.  I guess everyone has to stay in his or her dorm tonight.  Professor Dumbledore's request, can't break that." 

"Wait Hermione, we will meet you in the library first thing in the morning.  Good night!"  Harry yelled after her. 

–——–

After everyone had left the Great Hall, Professor Snape stayed behind with Dumbledore and the boy. 

"Professor Snape, it would be a pleasure for you to come with us to inspect the main hall."  He turned to the boy and paused.  "And you, what is your name?"

"Asluril Pangaton."

"Strange name.  Now Asluril, will you please follow us."  Asluril was about to follow them when he it hit him that Skey was gone, he doesn't remember how long they were separated.

Looking a little unrest, he managed to ask, "Can you wait for a few seconds?"

The boy ran to the rubbles and look around it, and then through the ceiling.  The two Professors wondered at the boy's action.  "Skey, where are you?  Can you hear me Skey?  I'm here!  Come on Skey, I know you are there!  There's nothing be afraid.  See I'm fine, I'm in one piece.  And these people are very nice!"

"Is there someone you are looking for?" asked Dumbledore.  But before the boy could answer, a small black bird flew from the hole in the ceiling and landed on the boys shoulder. 

"This is my bird name Skey.  I think he was a little afraid to come down.  Now can we go?" 

Dumbledore asked the boy a few questions on their way to the main hall.  The boy was reluctant to answer any questions regarding where he was from and how he got there.  But other than that Dumbledore found the boy to be very talkative and easy to like.  Dumbledore also made a few comments on his bird, which he simply answer that his bird is as special as any cat. 

Finally they reach the door to the main hall, Snape twisted the handle and open it.  He slightly gasp at what he saw, "Auh!  What happened here?"

Dumbledore walked ahead of Snape and look around.  "Well, I don't see anything out of the ordinary.  Professor Snape, are you sure you saw something here last time?"

"I am absolutely sure.  Though I did have a few glass of wine.  But no, I know what I saw.  This must be some kind of trick!"

"Snape, I think we all have it tonight.  Why don't you go on ahead and get a little rest.  Maybe things will clear up in no time." 

Snape resisted, "But I know what I saw!"  He turned to the boy.  "You admitted there was something!"

Asluril was a little surprised himself, he wondered who could have saved him from this mess.  ::You better thank me later::  Skey voice was in his head.  They don't normally communicate like this because Asluril didn't like Skey being able to read his thoughts, even if he was just a bird.  ::You did this?  How?  You are beginning to surprise me everyday!::  he paused and then add, ::Never mind, we will talk later.  For now, I'm have to come up with something quick::

"Well…..there was something alright.  I crashed through the ceiling and that was something.  And it wasn't really my fault if I have caused other damage that I didn't know about."  Asluril glanced at Snape and continue, "You said it yourself that a puny little kid like me could not possibly do the amount of damage you see here, which isn't here anymore." 

Snape began to reconsider.  The boy was right.  After a few moments, he sighed and said, "I'm sorry.  I guess I'm a little over myself.  I'm not really sure of what I saw now.  I guess I need some rest.  If you will excuse me." 

With that Snape walked away toward his quarter.  Dumbledore turned to the boy, "Well, I guess that's that.  I'll show you to your quarter.  And…."  He looked at the boy again.  "I guess you don't have any baggage with you.  You look awfully dirty.  We have a few clothes that might fit you but they are mainly school uniform.  I hope you don't mind.  I could ask a few boys if they could offer any clothes for you if you don't feel comfortable in the uniforms."

"That's alright.  Everything will do for now.  Thank you Mr. Dumbledore." 

"You can call me Professor Dumbledore." 

Dumbledore took Asluril through a series of stair-cases and even explain the ever changing stair-case system that kept the kids from being late to class or staying up late.  Asluril was amazed at the moving paintings on the wall.  Some of the portraits slightly bow when they pass through.  The building was also beautifully built.  They look a little old but Asluril really like the way they make him feel.  To him, it is a lot better than the school he has grew up in as a child, which he always feel like they were watching every minutes of his life.  Though this building lacks all the high tech equipments and security system, everything in it was natural.  It made him feel at home. 

"Here we are."  Professor Dumbledore opened the door.  "Make yourself at home.  This is the common room.  The bathroom is over there and the bedroom should be right up that stair.  Feel free to use it anyway you like."

Asluril look around the place.  He wonder if every student has their own room like this.  This room was rather big and too fancy to his liking.  "Thanks, but don't you think this is a little big for me?  Or does all the students live like this?"

The old man laughed.  "No, not at all.  The younger students lived in dorms.  They shared rooms.  Only the advance students have a room to themselves.  This is an advance student quarter.  But this room has been empty for years, so we stored some junk in here.  If you open the closet, you will find quite a few sets of uniforms there left by graduate students.  I'm pretty sure you will find one that fit you.  And those shelves over there have books of every classes that those students have taken.  If you are bore, feel free to flip through them.  There are towels and soap in the bathroom, which I think you can use now.  Oh, by the way, are you hungry?"

The word hungry made Asluril's stomach growl. 

Dumbledore wink at him and reply, "You go on ahead and wash up.  I'll make sure someone is here to help you with dinner.  If you have any questions, you can ask me now, or the person I will be sending to help you.  If you don't mind, I would like to talk to you first thing in morning.  Good night."

"Oh okay.  I think I will be fine now." 

Now Asluril was alone in the room.  A shower sounds like a good idea for now because he was feeling a little sticky.  "Skey, thanks for now.  But we'll talk after I wash up.  I think I smell like hell."

"Of course you do.  I can even smell if from here!" answered the bird.

"Like you don't smell too." The boy snared at the bird.  "I wouldn't be able to tell a difference because you are a bird!"

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