Most Unusual
Just A Penniless Writer
Disclaimer: Not mine. Neither of them.
Edited: 10.27.05 -- Canon accuracy, grammar, and general idiocy.
First Chapter: Platform Ponderings
"It still amazes me…"
"What's that Mom?"
"That nothing really is what it seems."
Tony smirked slightly, reminding Sarah greatly of his father.
"But that was easy! That was nothing like the Kingdom. Just an imaged barrier."
"So says the boy who grew up around that kind of stuff. Pity your mother, Tony, as she lived only in her mind for years before she met your father."
"Will this schooling interrupt my time with Dad?"
"It shouldn't. The Headmaster has been informed of your circumstances, but he would appreciate it if you would not boast of your heritage. Apparently, there is enough of that in the wizarding community as it is… or rather there was before most of the boasters were exposed as Voldemort's supporters and imprisoned after the war."
Of course, as mother and son discussed quite pleasantly on the almost empty platform of nine and three-quarters, they had not been paying attention to the trickle of people also entering the area. Luckily enough for them, the other people were paying just as little attention to them.
"I can't believe they actually had a war. Silly people," Tony stated. "As if heritage here means anything. It's not like they have a throne to protect."
"Yes, well, you shouldn't make fun of their culture. Just be glad the war business is over and done with so you only have to concern yourself with school. Keep up with your studies so you can impress your dad and I next time he comes Above."
"Can you and Dad visit sometime? Maybe for a Quidditch game? It looks really interesting!"
"We'll see… I wonder when the first game is. It would be nice to know for my schedule. With you in school, I can go Under and do some of the things I've been neglecting."
"He has a broom. Maybe he knows," Tony said smartly, pointing at an older boy with white blond hair speaking with an older man, presumably his father, who looked almost exactly like him. Taking her son's hand, she approached the pair with determination.
"Excuse me, sir, but we were wondering if you could provide us with some information," Sarah requested politely.
The men, however, turned to her with matching scornful looks, and then proceeded to ignore her. Narrowing her eyes in anger, she tapped the elder man on his shoulder quite forcefully and repeated her question in a more clipped tone.
"Really, have I not made it obvious that I do not wish to associate with Mudbloods?" the man replied sharply.
There was a moment of silence as she processed what he had said before she broke into laughter. Her son followed suit.
"What do you find so amusing?" the man practically spit out.
"You, actually," Sarah said through her dying laughter. "You're just so perfectly biased. Really, assumption is not attractive. One of these days you are going to insult the wrong person, and I just hope I am there to see it."
Perhaps it was his feeling that the Muggle-looking, American-sounding woman in front of him was more than what she seemed, or perhaps it was merely his survival instinct that told him hexing her would only give the Aurors a reason to put him in Azkaban where he rightfully belonged... Either way, the man immediately rethought his actions and proceeded with Plan B.
"Oh, please excuse my rudeness. My son's departure always makes my temper rise. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Lucius Malfoy, and this is my son, Draco."
The change was almost astonishing. He had gone from high class, ignorant bastard to smooth debonair bastard in no time. Unfortunately for him, Sarah Williams had practice in dealing with spoiled men with volatile tempers and violent mood swings. So it was that she took his false apology and kiss of the hand with grace and a hidden smirk. She could pity the man as he had no idea what he was dealing with.
"Ah, Mr. Malfoy, such a pleasure to meet you. I am Sarah Williams, and my son is Antonius. I do believe our children will be spending some time together this year."
"And why do you say that?"
"I was informed that Draco was Head Boy and Slytherin. Is this not true?"
"Most true. I am most proud of his accomplishments," Lucius stated with a superior smirk.
"As you should be. As I was saying, Tony will most likely be sorted into Slytherin so I gathered they would become accustomed with each other."
"Slytherin… Really. It is the proudest and most highly accomplished House of the lot. I wish him luck."
Despite his pleasant demeanor, Sarah could all but hear his outrage. She smirked openly.
"Yes, well, one can only hope. Do you happen to know when the first Quidditch match is scheduled?"
At this, the younger of the blonds spoke up, just as smug as his father.
"The schedule isn't set, but the first Friday after Halloween is usually the allotted day."
"Perfect!" Turning to Tony, she smiled brightly. "It's after the Council, so as long as the Headmaster agrees, we should be able to come."
"But…" Draco interrupted, ignoring his father's signals to shut up. "How would you be able to come? It's bad enough they allow Mudbloods in without opening up the school for Muggles!"
Sarah could only laugh again.
"Really, young man, I believe you'll find that you can do just about anything if you set your mind to it."
The Malfoys could only snort with disbelief before renewing their campaign of ignoring the Unimportant Nobodies. The Williams merely smirked as they headed back to Tony's pile of luggage.
"There sure are some odd people in this society," Sarah mumbled quietly. "Please be careful. You can always call on your father if you have any problems."
"Yes, Mom."
"Owl me every week, but don't hesitate to contact me the other way in an emergency."
"Yes, Mom."
"I'll forward you all the mail you get from Uncle Toby. Just be sure not to tell him about the whole wizarding thing."
"Yes, Mom."
"And don't do anything I wouldn't do."
"You are just asking for trouble, Mom."
"At the very least, take care of whatever trouble you get in."
"I know."
By that time, the platform had grown quite full and the students had started hauling their trunks into the train. Sighing, Sarah took in her son one last time. His sandy hair was in handsome disarray, and his new robes were spotless though wrinkled. Luckily the styles of wizarding England and the Underground melded quite nicely so Tony was able to bring much of his former wardrobe. It always felt wrong letting him go for any amount of time, but by now Sarah had grown uncomfortably accustomed to it.
With one last hug and kiss, which Tony took with the proper amount of loving embarrassment, he slowly took his stuff to the train and was helped on board. It wasn't long before he found a compartment and leaned out the window to wave enthusiastically at his mother. As the train began to take off, she looked around quickly then pulled a crystal out of nowhere and tossed it to him. He caught it flawlessly and waved one last time before pulling himself inside the cabin.
"What's that in your hand?" one of the other children asked him curiously.
"Just a present from my Mom," he answered truthfully. They didn't need to know the half dark, half light crystal was a communication device.
Smiling at his improving cunning, he sat back into his seat and pocketed the gift. He seemed to be the only calm person in the compartment as the others were also first years and therefore highly excited.
Tony, however, merely let his wand dance across his fingers as he settled in for the long wait. He had never been good with sitting still, something he had no doubt picked up from both of his parents. He lasted only twenty minutes before he rose and left the cabin to explore.
There were a lot of students at this school. It was his mission to meet them all.
