Libby's dark-rimmed eyes scanned the page.
Dimensional swaps have played a controversial role in magical science. Many refuse to believe that the theory of having several lives going on at all the same time is true, let alone believing that one alter ego can be switched from dimension to dimension. However, the theory is that the three dimensions, primo, benito, and lune, all coexist with three different versions of each persona, with common denominators, such as parents, magical blood, nationality, etc. However, one or more heavy factors differ from dimension to dimension. Currently, we reside in benito. Primo is the most basic, lune is the most complex.
Dimensional swaps are when a very powerful witch or wizard or group of such powerful witches or wizards gets together and go through a very difficult process published in books of Olde Magik, the only set of books combining the mischief of Morgana LeFaye and the sheer genius of Merlin. These books are out of print and unavailable, but they map out the way to view others' alter egos and possibly bring them into this world with many memories of the other world. The only catch is
A hand placed itself on the page, and Libby looked up to see Professor Greenbaum standing regally above her. "Her Majesty is here and would like to see you."
Libby nonchalantly glided her time warp book over the dimensional swaps book. "Yes, Professor Greenbaum." She closed the book underneath it and slipped both into her bag. "May I say how sharp you look today? Are those new robes?"
"Where is she?" Lily demanded in a low voice snappily to her husband's mistress, Aphrodite St. Clair, who had been assigned to be Lily's assistant as an ironic twist of fate.
"I have no earthly idea. I sent her up to Dumbledore an hour ago." Aphrodite replied coolly.
Lily's head snapped around and her eyes narrowed. "I believe you still forget our ranks, Aphrodite. I am not only Queen and Regent of Gryffindor, but I am first in James's heart. You may have my husband's balls in the palm of your hand, but that is only temporary. Because every night, he comes back to our bed, no matter what hour of the night, or who's perfume or lipstick lingers on his shirt collar, I am his wife. He chose me, because you were never good enough to stay on his arm as a representation of his family and his country."
Aphrodite snorted, but lowered her disrespectful glance to the ground.
"Besides, she was tracked in the library. Clever, isn't she?" Lily asked, raising one eyebrow. "Hmm, and that'll be the bearer of my grandchildren right there…"
Aphrodite bit her tongue so hard it began to bleed.
Reggie and Ginger went straight to Libby's side, leading her away from Professor Greenbaum and behind a changing stall where there was already a complete ensemble waiting, consisting of a strapless black satin top that flared beyond her waist and long, sweeping ecru skirt with black lace overlay.
"Her Majesty is holding court in the Great Hall for charity. Tickets are being sold and offered to Hogwarts students for a lower rate. We shall represent our duchies and also read a bit of our speeches for the Royalty: Our Youth At Large debates next month." Reggie explained as Ginger helped her into the dress.
She tugged the top upwards, uncomfortable with the amount of skin she was showing. Reggie fixed a very elegant chain around her neck with two clear vials hanging on it. "Dear Lord, who picked this out?"
Ginger rolled her eyes and pushed her in front of the mirror and Libby couldn't believe how demurely exotic she looked. Ginger ran her wand Libby's hair, straightening it. "Now go meet Her Majesty. She was asking especially for you."
"Oh, great." Libby murmured, yanking on her heels. "Wonder what I did this time."
The two headstrong beauties just stared at each other. Both were sitting up straight in comfortable, elegant chairs, and dressed in some of the most expensive and beautiful clothes money could buy. And both, extremely intelligent with a giant repertoire of information, didn't say a word.
"Summon my son." Lily demanded quietly after what seemed like ages, and Aphrodite paused, before stepping out of the room. Libby slid her books from her lap next to her chair.
Lily went back to her papers, and Libby just sat there, perplexed. Why on earth would this woman, her only suspect of the dimensional swap, want to get rid of the son she raised and the girl she connected him to? Were they truly that horrible before? Had they no discipline? Had the royal life spoiled them in a way the primo life never had?
"Yes…" Harry began, and Libby turned around, mouthing his 'line'. "Mother?"
Lily motioned for him to come over, and he stooped to kiss her on both cheeks. "Bueno, bueno. Now Bella." Lily instructed, shooing him towards Libby.
He kissed her on both cheeks as well, leaving red on them before sitting in the seat not too far from her own.
"Good to know you pair are remembering something." Lily snarled before finishing arranging the packet of papers she had been working on. "Aphrodite, tell Dumbledore I wish to see him before we have our court session tomorrow."
Aphrodite, again, took a moment before exiting.
"Crazy bitch." Lily muttered upon Aphrodite's rude departure. "Now, getting to the point… Hell, there is no point. Just very happy to see you two are behaving."
She looked at them quizzically, and wasn't quite sure if Libby had figured it out yet.
"I believe the papers you were supposed to present to Parliament are done, correct?" Lily continued, grabbing some twine to wrap her papers with.
Libby nodded, and Harry followed her example.
"Then you are dismissed." Lily said, finishing her bow. "Have a lovely week, Harry. You as well, Bella."
Libby raised one eyebrow before backing out of the room. Harry followed her out and Lily began to write out her proposal.
Have Libby spend a week with my son… Than give her the choice to go back.
She stood up and walked over to Libby's chair, eyeing the books on the floor. "How convenient."
"What was that little ruckus in Potions all about?" Harry asked as the two walked around the lake, hands behind their backs and staring at the ground.
"Ruckus, Harry?" Libby asked with a faint smile that didn't reach her eyes. "This prince thing sure has extended your vocabulary… To the fifties!"
"Seriously, Libs." Harry muttered, stopping to look at her. There was a new vulnerability, a jaded sort. Wisps of her hair flew about, and he sort of wished he could reach out and touch them. She stopped and looked back at him.
Her frown shook him from his reverie. "I've been looking into our alter egos, Libs. Our friends never like to talk about it, but the pair of us… We used to be rebellious just for the sake to piss each other off. We aren't friends, we never really were. We just lusted after one another and did horrible things when we were angry. We're not good people."
Libby bit her lip. "We are good people. They aren't."
Harry chuckled and caught up to her, slipping a warm arm around her bare shoulders. "I'm not saying I want to leave, Libs. I like it here. I've got my family, my friends, and even more friends than I had before."
Libby's head snapped up to look at him skeptically. "Who says I want to stay here? News flash, Harry, while you and I may not have gotten along in the old world, I liked it there. I didn't have to fight for my father's attention over two boys, just one. I didn't have to play the little party girl, nor the sophisticate. I don't like being in this unfamiliar situation, and I don't like that I don't have a choice after Hogwarts."
Harry stepped back, perplexed. "Are you saying you don't want to marry me?"
Libby swallowed the lump in her throat. "I'm saying I want the option. If I'm going to marry you, I want to do it on my own terms. In a small little church in Liverpool. With our real friends and Sirius and Dumbledore… Not with members of Parliament. Not with a heavy tiara on."
Harry looked at her, blinking back tears. "If you found a way out…"
"I'd use it, Harry." Libby murmured in an almost hoarse voice. "I'm sorry… I just can't be…"
Libby took one look at him and couldn't finish. "I'm sorry."
Gulping once more and focusing on the ground, she walked away.
And Harry let her.