A gasp and cup knocking over caused James and Jade look up from their breakfast. "What's the matter, Mum?" asked Jade, looking concerned.
Mrs. North magically cleaned up the spilled tea, then laid down the copy of the Daily Prophet. "Supposedly Harry Potter has been found. Here, read this article for yourselves, dears." James picked up the newspaper and placed it between himself and Jade.
"Yesterday, Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived, was brought to the Ministry. According to his guardian, Larry Anton, Harry was found on the doorstep. Anton, a wizard visiting from the United States, decided to adopt the boy and took Harry with him when he returned home. Harry was given the name Darryl Anton and brought up in the States.
Larry Anton decided to visit England again this morning, and when he heard about the search for Harry Potter, brought his adopted son to the Ministry. A glamour originally gave the boy blue eyes and reddish-blond hair and hid the scar. It has been removed and he now has black hair, green eyes, and the scar has been revealed. He will be attending Hogwarts when the school term starts in two days. We all wish to welcome Harry Potter, alias Darryl Anton, back to wizarding England."
James and Jade exchanged looks. It was obvious that some wizard was taking advantage of the search for Harry Potter and claimed that his son was the Boy-Who-Lived.
"What rubbish!" exclaimed Jade. "How can anyone believe that Darryl is Harry Potter?"
"People will be willing to believe anything," said Mrs. North. "Besides, I'm sure this Larry Anton coached his son in how to act. The story about finding the baby boy on the doorstep fits, because Petunia and Vernon Dursley, Harry's aunt and uncle, admitted to it. If you read further on, it says that when Ministry officials questioned the Dursleys, Mr. Dursley admitted that they hated magic, didn't want Harry, and dumped him on the step of a random home. Well, this confirms how you ended up on my doorstep, James."
James got up and hugged his mother. "Thank you for everything, Mum. I love you."
Mrs. North smiled and returned the hug. "I love you too, dear. You've been the best son a mother could ask for. I hope your parents up in Heaven see and approve of my bringing you up and loving you."
"I'm sure they approve, Mum," said James fiercely. "You've been the best Mum ever. And being with you would be a million times better than being brought up by my aunt and uncle. The article says that they hate magic. So if they had kept me, I'm sure they would have hated me and their treatment of me would probably border on abuse."
"But there have been things I wanted to do for you and Jade, but have been unable to," said Mrs. North, beckoning for Jade to join them.
"Mum, you love us, and that is enough," said Jade firmly, hugging her mother. "We don't care if you do have the money to do everything you want for us."
"And we don't mind having to put with second-hand things," added James. "You buy us new things when you can afford them and we have our needs adequately taken care of. We're rich in all the things that matter and material things aren't that important, anyway."
"True. Well, it looks like I have brought up two very mature children."
"Well, what do you expect when you're such a good mother?" asked Jade.
James took Jade's hand. "And you're a good sister, Jade. Since my parents aren't alive and can't give me a blood sister, you're a great substitute." He paused, then added, "I didn't mean it the way it came out. Yes, you're my adopted sister, but we're really close and we might as well be twins with the sibling relationship we have."
"I know what you mean," said Jade, giving him a sisterly kiss on the cheek and a hug.
"Okay, could you hurry up and finish your breakfast?" asked Mrs. North. "I have to leave for work in a few minutes. You can continue this conversation later."
Five minutes later, Mrs. North left for work and James and Jade washed and dried the dishes. An hour later, they went to visit Hermione and showed her the article.
"How did this happen?" she demanded when she was done reading. "How can Larry Anton have his son Darryl pretend to be Harry Potter? Won't someone find out?"
Jade shrugged. "People do want to find Harry Potter since he's disappeared, Hermione."
"So they'll believe Darryl claiming to be Harry," concluded Hermione dismally. "I suppose we're to say nothing and not reveal this Darryl Anton to be a fraud?"
James nodded. "Otherwise they'll be questions as to why we know Darryl Anton is a fraud and we can't have that happen. Well, someday I suppose I will reveal myself to be Harry Potter, but I don't want to now. I just want to be a normal boy with a loving mother and sister and a fantastic best friend in you, Hermione."
Hermione grinned. "You're a fantastic friend too, James. You and Jade both. And I'm glad that your aunt and uncle decided to not keep you. If they had, you would have had a terrible life, and I would have never met you until we started Hogwarts."
"I thought of that too," said James. "My relatives would probably have made me sleep in attic room like that girl in the book you read and forced me to do all the chores and stuff."
"What girl – oh, you mean Sara Crewe from A Little Princess?" asked Jade. "She was made to sleep in the attic and work as an unpaid servant at the boarding school when her dad died, supposedly leaving her penniless."
"I guess," answered James. "I haven't read the book, only heard you and Hermione discussing it." He decided to change the subject. "We leave for Hogwarts in two days."
Hermione perked up. "I can't wait! It'll be great, learning magic and brewing potions and everything. I just hope I'll do well and that memorizing the set books are enough."
"You'll do well, Hermione," said Jade soothingly. "There are plenty of Muggleborn students and they do well enough. Mum was second in her class, and she said that Dad wasn't far behind. With how brilliant you were in primary school, I'm sure you'll be top of our year at Hogwarts. James, what do you want to learn at Hogwarts?"
"I really want to learn flying," responded James. "Mum said that my father was a good flier and an excellent Quidditch player. I want to see if I've inherited his flying talent, since I don't seem to have inherited his talent in Transfiguration."
"There's more to Hogwarts than flying," said Jade severely. She took schoolwork more seriously than James did.
"I know," sighed James. "I do want to learn magic and everything. I just also want to learn how to fly on a broom as well, that's all."
On the morning of September first, the Norths and Grangers drove to King's Cross Station. Mrs. North explained how to get on Platform Nine-and-Three-Quarters. Hermione's parents had to hold Hermione's hands to enter the barrier, for Muggles couldn't get onto the Platform otherwise. The Drs. Granger stared around the platform in wonder and awe. Jade, James, and Hermione found an empty compartment in the back of the train and their parents helped them load their trunks. Hermione, who was in a state of excitement, decided to change into her Hogwarts robes then and there. Jade and James exchanged looks and decided they might as well do the same.
When they were done, Hermione went to one side to talk with her parents. Mrs. North hugged her children tightly. "I am going to miss you two very much," she said, smiling brightly, but her eyes glimmering with unshed tears. "Write to me as often as possible, and I'll do the same. And do your best in your classes and keep out of trouble. Though considering the mischief your father got into while he was in school, James, I wouldn't be surprised if you got into a little mischief yourself."
"I'll do my best to behave, Mum," assured James. "Don't worry about it."
"I know you will, dear," replied Mrs. North. She kissed James and then Jade. "Have a good time at Hogwarts and I'll see you for the Christmas holidays. I love you both."
"We love you too, Mum," said Jade, returning the kiss. The Grangers came over then and Hermione's mother hugged the 'twins'. Hermione's dad shook their hands.
James, Jade, and Hermione boarded the Hogwarts Express and leaned out the window. "Good-bye, dears," said Hermione's mother, dabbing at her eyes. "I hope you three have a good time at Hogwarts and do your best."
"We will, Dr. Granger," said James and Jade at the same time.
A whistle sounded and nearby, three redheaded boys got on the train and leaned out the window to say good-bye to their mother and sister. James glanced in their direction, then gave his adoptive mother one last kiss.
The train then began moving. The three waved to their parents. James noticed the red-haired girl run after the train, half laughing, half-crying, until it gained too much speed. She then fell back and waved to her brothers.
When the people on the platform were out of sight, James, Jade, and Hermione sat down. A round-faced, brown-haired boy that was clutching a toad asked if he could join them, for everywhere else seemed to be full. They said yes and he sat down. He said that his name was Neville Longbottom, his toad's name was Trevor, and that he was a first-year.
"I'm James North," said James, giving Neville a friendly smile. "That is my sister Jade, and the other girl is our best friend Hermione Granger."
The door opened and another boy came in. Jade gasped and exchanged looks with Hermione. James frowned, recognizing the boy as the fake Harry Potter. His picture had been next to the article in the Prophet. "You're the boy claiming to be Harry Potter."
"I'm not claiming to be Harry Potter," said Darryl coldly. "I am Harry Potter. Anyway, I was wondering if I could sit here. You seem to have room here."
"Sure, you can sit here," said Jade. "I'm Jade North. This is my brother James and our friend Hermione Granger. And that is Neville Longbottom."
"Granger?" asked Darryl. "Are you related to Hector Dagworth-Granger, by any chance, Hermione? He founded a potion society."
"I don't think so," responded Hermione. "I'm Muggleborn."
"Oh," said Darryl coldly. "You're a Mudblood then." Mulan hissed at him.
"Don't call her that!" exclaimed Neville angrily, eyes wide.
James and Jade jumped to their feet, looking furious. "If you're going to insult our friend, then you can leave this compartment and find someplace else to sit," snapped Jade.
"Fine," retorted Darryl. "I don't want to sit with a couple of Mudbloods, anyway."
After Darryl had left, Hermione asked what 'Mudblood' meant and James and Neville explained the term. She looked shocked at Darryl's rudeness, but unlike Neville, didn't comment on how the 'Boy-Who-Lived' could be like that.
The door opened again and the youngest boy of the family of redheads came in. "Er, hello," he said hesitantly. "I'm Ron Weasley. What was up with Harry Potter? He came barging out of this compartment and when he found out I was a Weasley, he made fun of my family and called me a blood traitor. I left rather than be around him."
"You can join us," offered James. "Anyway, I think the guy who brought up 'Harry' must have taught him to think like a snobby pureblood. When he found out that Hermione here was a Muggleborn, he called her the really offensive term for Muggleborns."
Ron looked shocked. "Not Mud –" He broke off before completing the term and said, "Wow, I can't believe that the Boy-Who-Lived could be so rude. I don't think I want to be his friend. Well, who are you guys?"
"I'm Jade North," said Jade. "This is my brother James. Our Mum is Muggleborn."
"What about your dad?" asked Ron curiously.
"He's dead," answered James. "He was killed going after Death Eaters when we were only one-years old. But he was Muggleborn too."
"Oh," said Ron, going red. "Sorry for asking. What about you two?"
"I'm their best friend, Hermione Granger," responded Hermione.
"And I'm Neville Longbottom," finished Neville.
The five of them talked and got to know each other better. Ron was the sixth son and second youngest in his family. As the Weasleys weren't wealthy, Ron had to make do with secondhand and hand-me-down things. He had his brother Bill's old robes, Charlie's old wand, and Percy's old rat. He pulled out Scabbers, saying that Percy had gotten an owl for being made prefect, but Ron had to make do with the rat instead.
Mulan hissed at Scabbers and Jade quickly shut the cat in her carrier, apologizing to Ron. James helped Ron feel better by revealing that he and Jade also had to make do with secondhand things, for their mother didn't make that much money, either.
Neville revealed that he lived with the grandmother, a witch, and that his family thought that he was all-Muggle for ages. His great-uncle Algie kept trying to force magic out of him. It wasn't until Neville was eight that he did his first bout of accidental magic. Great-uncle Algie had hung Neville out an upstairs window and accidentally let go when Great-Aunt Enid offered a meringue. Neville had bounced all the way down the garden and into the road. When he had received his Hogwarts letter, his Great-Uncle Algie had been so pleased that he bought Neville Trevor the toad.
A smiling witch with a food trolley came by then. Ron turned red and muttered that he had brought sandwiches. Jade took out the Galleon her mother had given her that morning to buy snacks and with James, Hermione, and Neville, stepped out. As none of the food was very expensive, Jade and James ended up getting some of everything.
Ron and Neville had to explain some of the sweets, and Jade and James invited Hermione and their new friends to share their food. Hermione was a bit hesitant at first, but after Jade pointed out that she could just brush her teeth longer that night, she gave in.
An hour later, Neville realized that Trevor had escaped, probably when the food trolley had come by. The others volunteered to help search and they walked the entire length of the train, stopping at each compartment and asking the occupants if they'd seen a toad.
Darryl, who was sitting in a compartment with a blond boy, two mean and thickset boys, a pug-faced girl, and another girl built like the two thickset boys, sneered at them.
"Why would anyone have such a stupid pet?" he asked. The blond boy and the two girls laughed. "Anyway, we haven't seen a toad," said Darryl rudely. "Now go away."
Finally Ron found Trevor in one of the boxes on the food trolley. A grateful Neville took the toad and thanked Ron repeatedly as they returned to their compartment.
Their conversation resumed, this time about the four Hogwarts houses. They all wanted to be in Gryffindor, said by many to be the best house. However, Neville said dismally that he'd probably end up in Hufflepuff, and Hermione added that with her brains, she'd also be a good candidate for Ravenclaw, her second choice.
"Cheer up, Neville," said Jade. "Hufflepuff is a perfectly good house. It would show that you're loyal and hard working. And besides, who says you won't be in Gryffindor? I'm sure you have hidden courage and a little confidence will bring it out. You stood up for Hermione when Darryl, I mean Harry, called her that insulting name."
"I guess," said Neville doubtfully. "It's just that my Gran expects me to be –"
"Your grandmother will love you no matter what, Neville," interrupted James. "Like how Mum will love and be proud of me and Jade no matter what."
"It's 'Jade and me'," corrected Jade. James made a face at the correction.
"Besides, if you weren't in the same house as us, we'd still be your friends, Neville," said Hermione. "So don't worry about that."
Neville cheered up slightly and then the girls left the compartment for a few minutes so Ron and Neville could change into their robes. The train then began slowing down, meaning that they were about to arrive. The five of them put the last of the sweets in their pockets and stood up, feeling nervous.
"I hope the Sorting wouldn't be difficult," said Ron nervously.
"It won't be," said Jade. "Mum said we just have to try on a hat." She explained about the Sorting Hat. Neville looked relieved to hear this, while Ron was slightly annoyed.
"I am going to kill Fred," he muttered. "He was going on about wrestling a troll."
The Hogwarts Express came to a complete stop. A voice told everyone to leave his or her luggage, that it would be brought up to the castle in a few minutes. Everyone got of.
Hagrid called all the first years to him and led them to the lake. They would be crossing it in boats to reach the castle. Four people were to a boat. James, Jade, Hermione, and Ron got into a boat. Neville got into a boat with twin girls that looked to be of Indian descent and a sandy-haired boy. Hagrid got into the head boat and they set off.
The first-years were all gazing at Hogwarts. It was simply wonderful.
When they reached the other side, they disembarked and walked up a path to the front entrance. It was dark and Neville tripped twice. Each time, Jade grabbed the back of his robes to keep him from falling flat on his face.
Finally they reached the front doors. Hagrid raised one large fist and knocked loudly.
A/N: I, Lady Alianne, figured that there might be some wizard that would want to take advantage of the search for Harry Potter and get his son to pretend to be Harry. My sister, Elspeth25, decided to make the fake Harry be an unpleasant person so that only Slytherins would really like him. Darryl is a Metamorphmagus, so he was able to change his eyes green , his hair black, and create the scar.
