A/N: Not sure how long I will be able to keep up this chapter a day thing, but as of right now as long as the words keep coming I will keep putting them down. Enjoy ^_-
~Shadow
Terry wasn't sure how long he had been out for but since the blinding pain was gone he wasn't sure he really cared. Slowly opening his eyes he was happy to see that the sky above the alley was still very bright, so it couldn't have been too long. Sitting up he shook his head, trying to get the cobwebs dislodged from his brain and succeeding a bit. Pushing his hair out of his eyes he hauled himself to his feet for the second time that day. (Let's go for three, it's a good solid number after all) He mused bitterly.
Checking himself over, he quickly realized that something was amiss. He was sure that the ground had seemed a bit farther away and that crate hadn't been nearly as big. Walking back over to the mirror/window he had to once again push his bangs out of his face. (Even my hair is rebelling against me, when did it get so long anyway?) He could barely see himself from the shoulders up in the smudged window now, but it was enough to clue him in to what had happened. To say he was surprised would be an understatement ("Curiouser and curiouser") being the first thing that slipped through his mind. Hopping nimbly up onto a crate he was able to get a better look at himself.
His light blond hair was now hanging nearly down to his shoulders, (Which would explain why it keeps getting in my eyes, question is: How did my cloths shrink with me?!) After pondering this for a momenthe gave a mental shrug and just hit the "Magic did It" button. He had to admit thought, his clothing now looked slightly odd on his new (Or is it Old?) 11 year old self. Giving himself another look over, he sighed heavily. (Having an athletic body type sucks. Not that I want to look like I pop 'roids like they are Pez, but it would be nice to not look as if a stiff wind will bowl me over.) Shaking his head Terry caught sight of another envelope on the edge of the window sill. Leaning across the gap between the wall and crate he scooped it up seeing his name on the front in a now familiar handwriting. He was able to open this one a bit more neatly and inside he found another letter and (A hair band? Really? Off all the things, why pick…) He trailed off mid thought as his hair once again slid into his face and covering his eye. "Ok, fine. Good looking out." He spoke to the emptiness around him as he pulled his hair back into a quick ponytail. That done he unfolded the letter and read:
Terry,
Now that you have made your choice I have given the last aid I am able. Be warned! Changing you to that age was no simple feat, some side effects may occur. Don't worry, it won't kill you. Well ok, there is a 3.7324% chance it might depending your choices. But I'm sure you will be fine! Just keep moving forward and you will find your way. Lastly and most importantly, and I truly mean this dear Terry; don't forget to take time to enjoy yourself. Just because you are here to give them a better life it doesn't mean you can't have one too.
PS: Don't forget to throw the dog a bone if you get the chance
~Fate
Terry blinked at the letter a few times before reading through it again. (A 3.7324% chance at death… yeah, that's about as comforting as snuggling up on a bed of nails while hugging a hedgehog.) Snickering at the mental image, Terry tucked the new letter away with the other and headed out of the alley. (Time to go and meet with "He who has too many titles". He is my best bet at getting the ball rolling.) Crossing the street to the Leaky Cauldron he tried to formulate a plan of action but by the time he had reached the door of the pub he realized it wasn't going to work the way he was use to from his daydreams. (I'm dealing with real people now; I can't just decide out of the blue how they are going to react, only make educated guess based on what I know. Looks like I'm going off the cuff here. The best I can do is make a set of goals and then try to accomplish them when I get a chance.)
The pub was just as rundown on the inside as it was on the outside, but somehow still seemed to have a cozy feel too it. A few people turned his direction as he walked up to the bar and the man standing behind it, scrubbing an old mug with a grimy cloth.
"Can I help ye lad?" The bartender (Tom is his name, If I remember correctly. Oh look, he really is toothless!) asked him as Terry reached the bar.
"Yes Sir, I was hoping it would be possible for me to use your floo?" Tom stared oddly at him for a moment. (Wonder if it's my age, my politeness or the accent that threw him? Maybe it's all three.) Tom seemed to gather his wits after a moment and held out a hand, palm up.
"One Knut fer a call, two fer traveling. Gotta pay fer the powder somehow laddie. " He said in response to Terry's confused look. Terry chuckled lightly before digging in his jacket pocket. (Two knuts exactly, go figure. Guess that means I'm on the right track at least.) After handing off the coins Tom gestured to the fireplace in the far corner of the room.
"Powder's on the mantle, help yer self." Terry nodded his appreciation and moved to collect a small scoop of the powder. Standing before the fire he took a few steadying breaths, (Hope this works.)
Tossing the powder onto the fire he watched as it changed colors and then stepped cautiously into the flames. He could still feel the warmth from the flames, but it was nowhere near uncomfortable. "Headmasters office, Hogwarts" he stated clearly to the flames. They seemed to flicker for a moment as if by some unseen wind, but nothing happened. He tried again.
"Uhh… Headmasters Office, Hogwarts. Please?" He asked hopefully. This time something did happen, the flames flickered as before but this time he was barely able to register it happening before he was spinning away into darkness. Keeping his eyes shut he tucked his arms tightly to his chest so they wouldn't get slammed into the walls. After about half a minute he finally felt himself slowing, opening his eyes he saw what had to be the Headmasters office and prepared to step out when he got closer, but the floo had other ideas. Feeling as though someone had shoved him from behind Terry all but flew out of the fireplace and just managed to tuck and roll before impacting the floor, only to be stopped by the wall on the other side.
"Ugg…" he groaned as he picked himself up and dusted off. "Ok that's three and hopefully the last, because I am so over…" He trailed off as he noticed Dumbledore sitting behind his desk, looking flabbergasted. "Err… Hi?" Now that he was here, and had made such a fantastic entrance, Terry was stumped as to how to start. Luckily Dumbledore handled that for him.
"How did you get in here young man?" Dumbledore asked his voice kind and showing obvious confusion. (Apparently it isn't normal for just anyone to be able to floo into the Headmasters office, should have thought of that.)
"I uhh… asked nicely?" Terry replied questioningly, seeing as he wasn't really sure himself. Dumbledore seemed to consider this for a moment before nodding to himself.
"As that may be the case, that now leaves the question as to why you are here, Mr….?" Dumbledore gestured vaguely toward Terry, whom took the hint.
"Rayne, Terry Rayne Sir. And I came here looking for you." (This is where things get interesting. I have to watch myself, he's crazy like a fox this one.) Dumbledore arched an eyebrow and took a quick glance at a paper on his desk before leaning forward and folding his fingers under his chin.
"Indeed?" He asked, clearly amused "And what may I do for you this fine day Mr. Rayne." Terry began to reply when he caught Dumbledore's eyes (They weren't kidding when they said his eyes could twinkle, it's like I can actually see a light coming…) that's when he felt it, it was like someone was poking his thoughts with a feather. (Legilimency, NO! He is trying to read my thoughts. Eye contact, it's that damn twinkle.) Reacting without thinking, Terry quickly fished out his folding knife and flicked it open all in one motion, and then with a sharp jerk of his arm, he let it fly. His brain caught up with his body too late to stop the blade. He could only watch and hope. (It's a fifty-fifty chance, either the blade sticks or I'm screwed….)
There was a muffled thud as the knife point sunk into the wooden lamp directly to Dumbledore's right. Dumbledore was eyeing the still quivering knife warily; his wand hand stopped with it half drawn. Overcoming his relief at not accidently hitting the Headmaster, Terry jumped to use the moment for all it was worth.
"If you EVER try that crap on me again Old Man, I swear to whatever god you believe in that you will be picking yourself up off the ground before you even know how you got there." Pointing at the knife still in the lamp and giving Dumbledore the most fearsome look an 11 year old could, which unfortunately isn't very. "Go ahead, call my bluff." (Please don't call my bluff. Please don't call my bluff…..) The room was deadly silent, and Terry felt a bead of cold sweat roll down his back. Then finally, Dumbledore slowly placed his wand back into his sleeve before reaching over and prying his knife out of the lamp only to set it down on the desk in front of the visitors' chair. Gesturing with a wave to the chair he spoke.
"Please sit, it would seem we have much to discuss. Like how you have the mind of a young adult and the body of a child hmm?" Terry nodded and taking the offered seat he carefully picked up his knife, folding it closed he tucked it away. Thinking for a moment, he came up with an idea. Reaching into his jacket pocket he pulled out Fate's letters to him and handed them across the desk to Dumbledore.
"Those will probably be able to explain more quickly and efficiently that I can." He stated as the old wizard began to read. After finishing he sat the letters on the desk and addressed Terry.
"That does indeed explain your appearance, but not where it is you are from." He started, "And I must admit I am curious as to what Fate meant in regards to checking a paper." At this Terry laughed aloud and explained his brief altercation with the newspaper while showing him the cover page he had saved. Dumbledore chuckled lightly at the story, his eyes dancing merrily. (But still no twinkle thankfully, let's just hope it stays that way)
"As to where I'm from, it's a bit complicated." He began hesitantly, Dumbledore motioned for him to continue. "Best I can figure, I am in another dimension, or world, or maybe universe. I don't know, take your pick." Dumbledore seemed intrigued.
"Let's say world, and please, do explain: What is the difference between our worlds?" he asked and Terry gave took a moment to think it over.
"Well for one, in my world magic doesn't exist. At least not in the form it takes here. Very few people believe in it and far less of them are able to feel it. Almost none can actually use it."
"Were you one of those people?"
"Who could feel magic? Yes, I still can actually and far more easily. Maybe it's because magic is so much stronger here?" Terry paused for a moment to reach out and feel the magic around him that had been a constant buzz at the back of his mind. It was so much stronger here, it was almost overwhelming. Pulling himself back in he returned to the conversation. (Ok, time to pitch it to him. I hope he takes it well.)
"As to why I am here, in this world. The easiest answer is: To help Harry Potter in whatever way I feel I should." Dumbledore, seeming to be deep in thought, murmured to himself "What makes you so important to helping Harry that Fate would bring you here…." Terry smiled slightly too himself (He set me right up for this one, here goes)
"That's easy." He starts, regaining Dumbledore's attention. "In my world, while Harry Potter exists, He is not a real person." At this point Dumbledore interrupted him.
"If he exists but isn't truly alive, what does that leave him as then?" He asks out of confusion and what sounds like a little bit of disbelief.
"As work of fiction, a teenage story book to be exact. You see, I grew up reading about Harry. The first book that came out was of Harry's first year at Hogwarts, and I just happened to be the same age as Harry. With each year I grew, so did Harry as he went through yet another year here at Hogwarts. So you see I know what it is that he has to face. I know what the future has in store for the wizarding world. And I am here to make sure it turns out the best possible way." By the time Terry had finished speaking Dumbledore was staring gob smacked at him. He quickly schooled his features and seemed to look off into thin air for a few moments before speaking.
"So, I am to believe that you know the future of the world?" He asked slowly, causing Terry to tense up. There was something dangerous about that question.
(What is he gona do? Will he try to obliviate me? Take my memories for himself and then obliviate me? Maybe just straight up kill me, claiming "That kind of knowledge is too dangerous for anyone to posess"? Oh, he is waiting for an answer.)
"I only have future knowledge of the things that directly affect Harry and his friends." Terry admits carefully. Dumbledore continued to stare for another minute or so before finally nodding his head a few times distractly.
"Since you came to me first, I assume there is something you need from me? How can I help?" The wise old wizard stated calmly. Terry felt dumbstruck for a moment. (Or he could easily except what I told him and then offer his assistance willing… Well let's crack on then!) Grinning widely he slides forward in his chair.
"I just want you to know before we start that I will not always be able to tell you everything about why we are doing something or an upcoming event. The more people know what is to happen the more likely something will be done, even unintentionally, to change things. And the more things change, the less of an advantage we have." Terry looked to Dumbledore who nodded his assent.
"Excellent, now I hope you have your schedule cleared for the rest of the day Albus." He paulsed and looked questioningly at the man. "Albus?" Dumbledore chuckled lightly before replying "Albus is fine my boy." Terry smiled his thanks and picked back up where he left off.
"Yeah, hope your schedule is open, because we are going to be here for a while." He told the old man with a smile, which was returned whole heartedly.
"As a matter of fact, I have just one more entrance letter to be delivered and then the rest of my day is free." With that he leaned across the desk and handed him the piece of paper Terry had seen him glance at when he arrived. Unfolding it he quickly read its contents.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL
OF WICHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Dear Mr. Terry S. Rayne,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all Necessary books and equipment.
Term Begins on September 1st. We await your owl by no later than July 31st.
Well there you are. Next chapter should finish with the Pre-Hogwarts stuff so that chapter 4 can be the trip on the Express. Questions, Comments and Constructive Criticism always welcome!
Until next time,
~ShadowZeroV7