READ!: Hey! This a small test chapter to see how people respond to this new story idea I have. It's one of those 'wrong BWL' stories, but with a certain twist to be revealed in later chapters. Its slightly ManipulativeDumbledore, but not where he's an egotistical power hungry maniac. He's still a good, Light wizard..but, well...to put it in easy, understandable terms: he's "blinded by the Light." I never understood stories where Dumbledore was evil, and simply, I believe he just lost sight of where to cross the line. It also goes more in-depth (at least I hope) on the relationships and emotions of different characters. And...well I can't spoil the rest, so just read it!
Chapter 1
"Papa, that boy looks like me…" a quiet voice whispered.
Albus Dumbledore tilted his head ever so slightly; his movement unnoticed by any of those around him as they were all too busy watching the Sorting Ceremony. Although he knew that he wouldn't see anything, he glanced quickly to his right, where the voice had come from. The old wizard gave a small nod of acknowledgement and returned his sights back to the sorting, and back to the boy that had him and everybody else in the room, so intrigued.
"GRYFFINDOR!" cried the Sorting Hat, and the entire hall broke into loud, enthusiastic applaud.
Setting down the ancient headwear, Sean Potter smiled politely to Professor McGonagall and quietly made his way towards his new house. The boy was slightly above average height, with messy black hair and chocolate brown eyes, thin wire-rimmed glasses framing his young face. The instant he had sat down, the poor boy was immediately bombarded with questions from several of his more eager housemates.
The rest of the sorting went on without a hitch and after a delicious feast and his annual "start of term speech," Albus excused himself from the presence of his colleagues and quickly retired to his private chambers. Just as he closed the door, a small boy came running into the sitting room, an excited look in his eye. The old professor knew what had him so riled up, but it was late and there was much for him to do the following day. He held his hands up in a calming motion.
"I know you're eager to learn about that boy, Ares, but it's been a long day for me and the official start of term begins tomorrow. If you can hold your curiosity until the weekend, I promise to tell you all about him on Saturday," he said, feeling a small, guilty stab in his chest at the put-out look his grandson was giving him.
"But Papa…" began Ares, his emerald eyes locking onto Dumbledore's blue ones.
"Now, now Ares," replied the older wizard, shaking his head. "I promise it will be worth the wait. Besides, it's time for you to go to sleep. I trust that you put your invisibility cloak in its proper place after you came back from watching the sorting?" A nod was his only reply. "Good, then it's off to bed with you." Ignoring the frustrated frown the boy was giving him, Albus ruffled his dark, untamed locks affectionately before leading him into his bedroom. Ares, who had already changed into his pajamas earlier, pulled back the covers of his bed and climbed in. Stepping closer, Albus tucked him in and said goodnight.
"Goodnight, Papa," said Ares, rolling over onto his side to get more comfortable. "I love you."
"I love you too, my dear boy," he answered. With a quick wave of his wand, he quickly diminished the light of the candles that lit the room, submerging it in darkness. With one last, fond look at his charge, Albus crossed the hallway to his own room and prepared for bed.
Sean Potter was not having a good day so far, and that was putting it lightly. He had been excited to leave for Hogwarts, where he knew he wouldn't have to be afraid of going out into the public, but his hopes for a quiet year were quickly dashed away. He had been barely able to eat more than five minutes in peace the night before, and it seemed breakfast would be the same as well. Hoping to ignore the stares of other students, Sean had woken up early, glad when he found the rest of the boys in his dorm still asleep. A quick shower later, he was making his way down the Great Hall for breakfast and was disappointed to see that, while there weren't nearly as many students as the previous night, there were still a decent handful of early risers.
"Hey, Sean!" greeted a random Gryffindor, one he did not recognize.
"Hello…" he said quietly, nodding his head as he passed. Finding an empty spot at the table, he pulled a plate of bacon and eggs toward himself, attempting to ignore the many eyes he knew were locked on him.
Suddenly, a large brown owl flew down and dropped an envelope on his plate. Quickly finishing his meal, Sean grabbed the letter and walked outside where the light was better and he could read quietly. Finding a nice spot by the lake, he climbed up onto a small stack of boulders to sit, as the grass was still heavy with morning dew. Looking around, he smiled when he saw that he really was alone and eagerly tore open the envelope. Unfolding the parchment, he smoothed it out and began to read.
Dear Sean,
We didn't think we'd hear from you so soon, but were very pleasantly surprised to receive your owl just as we were preparing for bed. I can't even begin to tell you how proud we are of you for getting into Gryffindor, though we would be proud no matter what house you entered. Don't let your father's remark about disowning you if you got into Slytherin get to you; you know how he likes to joke.
This is only your first year, but it's never too early to get a head start. You're a smart boy, Sean, and it would do you well to put that to good use. Study hard, turn in all your work, and please remember to behave. I hate to say it, but your actions have always been looked at and there are certain expectations for you to uphold. Your father and I will not be the only ones to hear about it if you get into any trouble. However, do remember to have fun. Attending Hogwarts is not just about getting an education; it is for you to make friends, and for you to grow as a person. I understand that you have trouble trusting people, especially as many have tried to get to you for your fame, but learn to open yourself up more. You can't go through everything alone.
My only regret about your attending Hogwarts is that your brother Harry could not be there with you. He would have loved it so much, and I'm sure having two Potter boys to deal with would have driven Severus crazy. I know you hate being reminded of him, but please…don't let his death go to waste. For one reason or another, you were chosen to survive. You are the Boy-Who-Lived. So, my dear Sean, live. Live the life you've always wanted to, live the life your brother never got to have, and live simply because that's what life is all about. Enjoy your first year, and all the following years to come.
Promise to write home often. Your father and I want to know all about what's happening, and if you ever need anything, don't be afraid to ask. We love you so much, and we miss you.
Love, Mom
Sean felt a tightening in his chest as he thought of his family, and especially of his twin brother. Harry had been killed when they were both babies, and his death had forever changed the Potter family. Once again he looked around to see if anyone was there, and finding no one, he slowly lowered his head and wiped his eyes.
I know its not much, but if I get enough reviews and positive responses, I'll continue to write. So if you want more, REVIEW! If I get maybe..10 or more, I'll keep going. If not, I might still consider it.
