September 15:
As I stood in the hallway outside the room, I had a flash of thoughts, the same as when Gregory shared his first impressions. He remembered being my friend, and didn't want me to be left out.
Until I chose to do so, I had never had any material form. I existed as an essence, or perhaps a concept. Words make it difficult to describe such a thing. I know of no better way to explain myself.
In the course of my existence I have observed many things, but was never moved by them. It was only by chance I discovered your world when I did. You have the ability to manipulate the essence of life without being a part of it. That sparked the only emotion I had, curiosity. After a degree of observation, I decided on an experiment to study you. I took a part of myself and made it into a corporal form, this green wand case that I have.
You talk of a human soul as an intangible part of each person. This case, to use an analogy, became my soul, and it was through this case that I interacted. My idea was simple. People would store things in cases such as this one. Whatever was stored in my case, I would use that to manipulate the bearer. The results were disastrous. I did not know how to control the manipulation of physical objects, and my case earned a reputation, I now know, of being cursed. The result of my test was that fewer humans interacted with me as time went by.
I tried a new tactic. I attempted to communicate. I was learning quickly by my standards, but centuries were passing by for humanity.
I did learn how to communicate. I, that is the green case, became a treasured object, much protected. I would attempt to satisfy any request if I thought that I understood what was wanted. I suppose they must have told stories about what happened when I did not understand.
Then I met a human who wanted knowledge. He had become the master of the case, and used me to discover secrets of the world, why rain falls, where the wind comes from, and other answers of nature. It was from him I learned the concept of self. Until this point, I did not think of myself as separate. When I performed an action, I had always thought of the act, but not the performer. This man was truly my master, in that I was his student, his apprentice in knowledge.
My understanding of humanity was still superficial, despite all of my learning. As I have proven, I could imitate the human condition but I never understood it completely. That was the state I was in when Timothy Andrew Wyatt discovered the box. It had taken a long and circuitous path from that old Druid of long ago.
Timothy was four when he found the case, the box, as he called it. I, It, was being sold at a bargain store and he liked the green color. I was sold cheaply, and Timothy clutched his treasure tightly all during the ride home. When we were alone, I revealed myself and asked him what I could do for him. He asked who I was, and I tried to explain that I was the case. He was too young to understand, and thought that I was trapped inside. That was when he told me I could have his 'box.'
This is when I first began to develop a split personality. Even though the box was part of me, I began to see it as a separate thing, as though it were, in fact, unreal. To me, all physical things had a sense of unreality to them. I thanked the boy for setting me free, and asked that he hold the box for me, to keep it safe. In exchange, I told him, I would keep him safe. To me it was only a game. It was only cruel circumstance that made it much more.
You know about the accident, and I know you have guessed parts of what had happened. Timothy had within him the ability to affect the essence of life, to perform magic. When the accident occurred, his reflexes took over. He translocated, I believe your word is apparated, from the sinking car, onto the side of the road. He would have been safe, under normal circumstances but, because of the accident, people were pulling their vehicles off the road, in a vain effort to help.
As I became aware of the circumstances, I willed to be there. I saw a vehicle strike the boy, who suffered mortal injuries. I reacted quickly, joining the essence that was Timothy with my material aspect. His body, I removed to a safe place, and then restored.
Therein lies the problem. I had forgotten that the box was the physical part of me. By merging what was Timothy with the box, I had merged him with myself.
The solution appears simple. I even tried it, for a different reason. By dissolving the physicality of the box, by making the box not be, I would become a complete spirit again, and Timothy's soul, for lack of a better word, would return to his body. The difficulty arose from the manner of my restoring his body. When our link started to dissolve, so did the spells on his body. He began to revert to the point at which I rescued him, wounded and dying. It was then that I discovered that I had limitations.
The greatest limitation I had was ignorance. It never occurred to me to ask help from humans. As a result, I became trapped in a cycle. Timothy hurt from his memories, so I blocked them. He was happy because he did not know any better. Over time, he would learn the truth, and become unhappy. I would erase the memories of what he had learned, and he would be happy again. Then he would learn the truth, and I would erase his memories again.
It was in July of this year, the event occurred which, thankfully, broke the cycle. Normal people, as I have learned, would have ignored it. Timothy, because of his magical nature, saw it. It was a witch riding a broomstick across the face of the full moon. I was told by Professor Dumbledore that she probably did it on purpose, to cause trouble.
Timothy screamed with joy and wanted to find the 'magic lady' that he saw. It was only then that the thought of asking for help finally occurred to me. That was when I made the wand. I knew I would have to make part of myself into a physical form, and I thought of the idea of using a human form as the easiest way. (I want to remind you that I had forgotten that I already had a physical form.) The easiest solution, to my mind, was to take the form of Timothy's brother. From the remains in his grave, I removed a bit of hair that was left. This I restored by bathing it in unicorn blood. I caused the hair to be part of the blood, and withdrew it when it was prepared. The restored hair I placed in the wand.
I had my wand prepared. This was important because it would fix the matrix, the pattern, for the form I would take. With the force of my will, I became Gregory Edward Wyatt. My problems increased at this point. It is one thing to exist as an inanimate object. Nothing affects you. On the other hand, as a human being, I felt the range of emotions and sensations I had only observed. I felt hot and hungry. I even became angry. I also learned a new way to see time. It was no longer a passage, but a flow. I do hope you understood that, because to me it is a beautiful description.
I should note that I never thought to ask for help without taking human form. I assumed that you would only help another human.
I became immersed in the concept of living, that I forgot my purpose. I remembered the part about seeking out people of magic, but not the reason. That is why I was at Kings Cross Station. It is also why, when Timothy became frightened, I agreed to leave him in his hiding spot, until I could come back for him. It is with humor I recall that day, two weeks ago.
I had taken the form of a poor child, as it was easy to slip by unseen. People don't want to see you. However, in a place like Kings Cross Station I am the kind of person they watch out for. I saw the family I now know as the Weasleys standing near the secret entrance, which I knew about on one level, yet did not on the physical level. I was afraid to do anything to reveal myself, and left it to my physical self to take care of things. That is why I became a muggle. It was an error of judgement.
One result of the separation of the physical and metaphysical aspects, was the split personality. My magical half settled down to guard the case until a solution was found. The physical half was left in ignorance of its ultimate task, but with a mental imperative to adapt.
Once I was on the train, the statement was made that I should be eleven. From that point, I, as Gregory, assumed I was that age. The significant change in my memories, as Gregory, was when Fiona made the comment that I did not have a family. At that moment, I forgot all about my brother. It was that change of memory which revealed the problem to all of you.
When I met the O'Donnell family, brought together by Dumbledore's urging, it triggered a response in me. I was always alone, but now I felt lonely. I was directed to Rubeus Hagrid as a father figure, and he talked to me, explaining what my problem was. As soon as he told me, I was cured.
I will dissolve the physical bonds, when Madame Pomfrey is ready to cast the healing spells. Timothy will be restored to the life he deserves. And, O'Donnell Dugh, you will always be my friend.
I sat in the hallway and waited for the end. I knew what was going to happen. As I waited, I saw Hermione leading Timothy to the infirmary. I knew time was growing short.
Suddenly, a bright light flashed under the door, and the door itself bulged out slightly. The curious part was that there was no noise.
I waited for a few minutes unsure of what to do. I was still standing there, watching the door, when Harry and Ron walked around the corner. Harry was saying something about finding Hermione. He saw me and waved, just as the door opened and Neville and Ginny walked out. They were completely disheveled, and Ginny's robe was torn. They were also laughing. I looked through the open door to see Albus casting cleansing spells, why Molly was rushing toward the door to retrieve her daughter. No noise could be heard. I realized that what happened was expected and that a silence spell was put on the room.
Neville started to tell me to go in, when I heard Ron yell, "You Bastard." I saw him run over and hit Neville. He pulled back his fist to hit him again, when Molly walked out of the room.
"Ronald Weasley, what do you think you are doing," Molly shouted. She looked at the suddenly frozen Ron, and then at Neville and Ginny. I could tell by the look on her face, she realized what Ron had thought had happened and yelled at Ron even louder.
"You filthy minded boy, how could you think that about your own sister." She turned around to see Dumbledore standing there. "Albus, think of the most severe punishment for this boy, and double it." She then pulled out her wand, and cast a spell restoring Ginny's appearance. She did the same for Neville, and sent him to the infirmary. She then turned to Ron, threatened him with her wand, then walked back into the room.
Albus looked at Ron and Harry, saying, "A small mishap, you and all the other students will be told about it at dinner. You are dismissed, Harry, you will find Miss Granger in the infirmary. Mr. Weasley, you will tell Argus Filch you need to be kept occupied until it is dinner time."
He turned to reenter the room, motioning for me to follow. As he closed the door behind me, he pointed to the corner. I stared in disbelief. It was the Tinker, standing there on all his glory.
"I did it, Owen," he said, laughing, "I really did it."
"Did what?" I asked in confusion. "I thought you would have to leave."
The Tinker's face lit up, the same way as when I'm teasing Fergus. "Of course I do, but only as far as Hagrid's hut."
Then I saw the broken wand, in his hand. I had a thought about what he might have done, since he had the strand of hair from the original Gregory.
"Hello, Pinocchio," I said.
Mam came up behind me, "You picked the right name to call him, Owen Dugh. He just became a real boy."
"And he'll have to come by the shop for a new wand," said Mr. Olivander. "I am curious which wand will choose him."
I was so overcome, that I hugged the Tinker as hard as I could. "Ye'll still be in school, then," I said.
"He'll be going to Hogwarts with Fergus," Mam said.
The Tinker's grin grew wider. "Until then I'll be going to school in Hogsmeade." He laughed at the look on my face. "Did you forget, Owen? I am only nine."
Fergus had ended up with Da and the music teacher. He thought it was great that the Tinker was his age. He even made a deal with me. The three of us would be best friends together and forever. He was also as upset as I was to find out that the Tinker had lost his musical abilities. Professor Montague, the music teacher, said that was nonsense, that he now has to learn how to use them. She even offered private lessons.
Timothy turned out to be fine. Hermione was there when he woke up, and she took on the task of telling him that his memories of his family were true. Neville told me that she held him for over an hour, rocking him until he fell asleep again. She was still there when he woke up again.
Dumbledore apologized to everyone for underestimating the degree of the release of energy. That is adult for 'he didn't now it was going to be that big an explosion.'
Before he left with Hagrid, the Tinker told me that he almost didn't go through with it. He became scared. Neville convinced him he would be fine, telling the
Tinker to read his mind. The Tinker was deeply impressed by how scared of things Neville really was, but that he faced up to them anyway. "I did something
nice for him."
At dinner that night, I looked around, and saw several faces missing. Ron Weasley, who would get a Howler the next morning, and detention until Hallowe'en, was apparently too tired to attend. Hermione, I knew, was still in the infirmary. The Tinker had gone of with Hagrid and was probably having dinner at the hut. Neville and Ginny were also missing, but no one knew anything.
As dinner ended, Albus called for everyone's attention. "Several issues have arisen, that I need to bring to everyone's attention. As you know, two weeks ago, we admitted to these halls, a boy, Gregory Wyatt, who was thought to have no magical abilities. This turned out to be untrue. He had in his possession a spell box, which hid his abilities as well as his true age. This was revealed in a confrontation earlier today, when the box was damaged. This also caused some distress for those present, but no one was injured.
"It seems our young wizard is in fact nine years old, but because he had no family, and another foundling to care for, he hatched a daring scheme to sneak into our school. He does have a proper award for his skill. He will be a student here when he is of age. Until then he is under the supervision of Rubeus Hagrid, our professor for Care of Magical Creatures.
"The young child, Timothy, that you have seen around the school grounds, will also be leaving us. He is also an orphan, and will be placed in adoption. His future sister, Hermione Granger, is with him, and will introduce him to her parents.
"The third issue has to deal with Neville Longbottom. He was called away suddenly on important family business. I have been asked not to say anything about it at this time. I will add that his good friend, Ginny Weasley, did accompany him. Both of them will explain fully when they return, if they choose to explain anything.
"Anyone else who is missing," he said, glancing over at the Gryffindor table, "is either serving a detention, or has other personal reasons." With that parting shot at Ron, he dismissed us.
Two hours after supper, I was called to Dumbledore's office. As I walked in, there was a small table set up with a pot and cups. "Owen, we never did have that cup of tea."
We sat and talked about my family for a little while, then I asked him, "Why did you have my family come? Da may have come on his own during the week, but not on the weekend. The pub would be too busy."
"I did it because of you, Owen. I knew Gregory was interested in the way you and Fiona interacted, and I hoped that giving him a close up view of a real family might get him to let down his guard. It worked better than I planned. You had already noticed his gullibility, for lack of a better word, and used it to bond him to you as a friend."
"Comhanaich Gael," I said, "That means that if Fergus had not suggested he talk to Hagrid, someone else would have."
Albus smiled, saying, "You have found the heart of the matter."
"Then ye knew what he was?"
"No, Owen, I only suspected, but your mother said it was the best guess she could make."
"And the prophecy has been fulfilled?" I asked, only to receive an answer which surprised me.
"I'm sorry to tell you this, Owen," Albus said in a voice that showed he was clearly enjoying it, "it seems that the prophecy has nothing to do with Gregory, at all."
I drank my tea, wondering what was in store for Neville.
Arthur and Molly contacted her estranged brother, Darren. He visited them at Christmas, instead of coming to our house. He also picked up two new clients.
In exchange for a percentage of their business, he would manage the money end, supplying some additional start-up funds if needed. He guaranteed that Fred
and George could start their business. He was confident they would succeed.
Peeves remained my friend, although it ended up as the second strangest friendship I had. Before his transformation, the Tinker had asked if he could do
anything to help anyone. Peeves was the only one to ask for anything. He asked, "How?" I was told that the Tinker reached his hand up and actually touched
the Poltergeist, saying, "That is how." Peeved refused to comment on it except to say, "Just in case."
After the troubles with Voldemort were ended, Neville Longbottom became a career politician, constantly pushing his social programs. He and Ginny had
married not long after her graduation, and they had a long and happy marriage. Ron was their best man.
The Tinker came to Hogwarts, graduating near the top of his class, but not near enough to make note of. The day he returned, Professor McGonagall called out his name, Gregory Hagrid. As soon as he took his first step forward, the Sorting Hat called out, "I know. Ravenclaw." The embarrassed boy walked to his table amidst laughter and cheers. His friend, Fergus O'Donnell, joined him.
The Tinker lived a full live, becoming a professional musician who performed in both the magical and muggle worlds. He died in a plane crash, at the age of
forty-two. In all his short years, he never regretted the choice he made.
Timothy Granger followed in his sister's footsteps, becoming a Gryffindor. He graduated top of his class.
