Chapter 1
Thomas Potterson: Wizard
Life was a mixed bag for 14-year old Thomas Potterson, a student at a prep- school connected with Yale. He would've been in junior-high if he were in a public school. He was actually in one 2 years before if not for a scholarship program that was instituted by Headmaster Alastair Stanton who offered such to deserving students. But getting into the school was just the first step for Thomas.
There were only a handful of other students who were like him: a total of 12 and more than half of these were older than him so there were only 4 of them in the same batch. David Mathers; son of an oil-magnate from Alaska, Fredrick Hierdall: son of a stock-broker from upstate New York; and finally, George Williams: son of a successful store-chain owner. They were an odd group but they got by. Thomas actually led in academics but he was often in detention as most of the mishaps and odd occurrences found him in the center of things. While he could not be held accountable for them, his mere presence was questionable. Headmaster Stanton could only shake his head as he reviewed Thomas' records. Why couldn't he be normal like the others? Thomas would've qualified for a slew of other programs and scholarships but his numerous demerits got in the way.
So began another week for Thomas. Today, they were due for a chemistry lesson in Professor Wallis' laboratory. His 3 friends sidled up to him as he was walking down the hall towards the laboratory.
"Hey there, Tom; wait up!" yelled David who was the heftiest of the group.
"Yeah, wait up for old Dave here. He can barely keep up with us at the rate you're going. You'll give him a heart-attack," chimed in George who deftly avoided a swipe from David who smarted from that remark.
"Whoa there, guys, no fighting in the hall; its just Monday and we wouldn't want to get in trouble immediately," added Fredrick.
"Yeah. Given my track-record with the faculty here, they'll gang up on me if they found a reason so we better hurry," replied Thomas as he looked at his watch.
Meanwhile, an ocean away, things at Hogwarts were normally placid. The 4 groups of students from the various houses of magic were involved in their lessons and were currently in Professor Snape's laboratory where they were being shown how to make the more potent potions. It was at a critical junction that Harry Potter was about to complete his potion when something strange happened: it was as if Professor Snape was seeing another Harry engrossed in making his own chemical concoction.
The vision lasted only a few scant seconds but it was very vivid nonetheless. Professor Snape decided to dismiss the class early then proceeded to Headmaster Dumbledore's quarters, obviously disturbed by the vision earlier. Snape was even more surprised when he saw that Dumbledore was expecting him as he entered the room.
"Ah, Professor Snape, I take it you are here in order to ask me about what you saw," Dumbledore quipped.
"Impeccable observation as usual, Headmaster; yes I am. What was that?" Snape asked.
"I myself am unclear as to what you saw exactly. For all we know, it may be a window to another reality, another world where there is one who is as Harry Potter is on this world," Dumbledore replied.
"Reality, sir? Are you saying.....?" Snape asked.
Dumbledore chose not to elaborate else he let Snape know of the full extent of his magic.
"Just a theory, Professor, just a mere theory," quickly replied Dumbledore who was quick to prevent any further questioning as he saw the glint in Snape's eyes. Snape for his part, chose to abide for now but made a mental note about this strange slip-up some other time.
"I suggest we make a few more observations before acting on it. For all we know, it could also be one of Voldemort's machinations," Dumbledore added with a hint of finality in his words and by this, Professor Snape knew that there would be no more further discussions on the matter for now. It was clear that the conversation was over and Snape exited the room.
Back in America, Headmaster Stanton felt a strange sensation as he was passing by the Chemistry Lab where Thomas Potterson and his class were currently in. He chose to peek in the room and saw the same sight that greeted Professor Snape at Hogwarts albeit, in the reverse manner. In it he saw what seemed to be another Thomas Potterson going through similar motions as Thomas was doing. It was as if a ghostly image was superimposed over Thomas though the image was garbed differently. The image then faded out but not before Headmaster Stanton was able to make out the image of what seemed to be the insignia of the school that the other boy was attending. Headmaster Stanton could only hold his breath as he recalled his own alma mater whose insignia was that of the phantom boy's: Hogwarts. What surprised him even more was the fact that he could now see the various fairy-folk and magical beings which were surrounding Thomas, vying for his attention or pestering him.
Headmaster Stanton could hardly contain his excitement as he entered his room. Dropping all that he was holding, he immediately opened a small cabinet that was concealed under his desk and retrieved a box from it. Inside were his own badge and a long unused wand. Alastair Stanton was of the RavenClaw; the highly intellectual and scholarly group of wizardry. After recalling the proper incantation, he then sought to contact his former superiors at Hogwarts.
Dumbledore was surprised to see that Faulks, the phoenix, was quite agitated though not in an alarmed manner upon his returning to his room. He turned his attention to where the phoenix was pointing to and saw a small portal that had appeared. He recognized it as a portal that was used primarily for communication rather than for transport and as such, needed a complimentary reply-spell in order to function; sort of a magic-telephone.
"Communicata," Dumbledore chanted, thereupon he beheld the visage of one of his former brightest students when he was studying at Hogwarts then: Alastair Stanton.
"Why, Alastair Stanton! It's been a while! I am surprised but it is good to hear from you. I trust you are well. To what do I owe this sudden call?" Dumbledore asked of his former pupil.
"Greetings, Headmaster. I am sorry if it has been a while since I last communicated with you. But something quite unnerving and of great import has transpired here in the school where I am Headmaster as well," Alastair replied.
Dumbledore was not certain what his former pupil was referring to but his instincts were telling him that he already knew.
"Indeed? Very well then, what is it that caused you to use such a powerful communication-spell just to inform me?" Dumbledore queried.
"It seems one of my wards may possess magical talents. But it happened in an odd way, I tell you," Alastair stated.
"Odd, you say? In what manner?" Dumbledore asked.
Dumbledore saw that Alastair had disappeared from view but returned soon enough; clutching what seemed to be a student-roster in his hands.
"Pray tell, do you have a student who looks like this?" Alastair asked then proceeded to hold up the page which contained the current photo of Thomas Potterson so that Dumbledore could see.
Dumbledore was dumbfounded at what he saw. There in Alastair's roster-book was a student who was the spitting image of one of his most promising students: Harry Potter. He then saw Alastair's face reappear in the portal as he put the roster-book down. It was then Dumbledore's turn to retrieve his own roster-book from the stands and flip the pages to where Harry Potter's image was stored. Holding it up to the portal he asked: "Does this answer your question?"
Alastair Stanton was greeted by a most amazing sight: for all intents and purposes, the face he saw was Thomas Potterson's and anyone would say that it was Thomas save for the difference in garb. Yet his excitement was tempered by his recalling that there was a mystery surrounding the name "Potter". Indeed, the student named James Potter was one of the most promising students of magic and wizardry at Hogwarts along with three others with whom James often kept company. He had heard of it when he was still a pupil at Hogwarts but paid no attention to it as he focused on his studies. Little did he know that there was a great destiny awaiting James' son, Harry Potter. He had only heard of Harry once before when Harry survived Voldemort's attack.
"Quite amazing, isn't it?" Dumbledore remarked.
"Indeed, it is. But what relationship do these 2 have?" Alastair inquired.
Dumbledore did a quick scrying-spell of Thomas' image and saw into the boy's past. It turned out that James and Lily Potter had twins but decided to give the other baby up to an orphanage so as to keep him safe from Voldemort. Indeed, their ploy worked but only half-effectively as magic followed him where he went and he saw things that only one of his kind and talent could. In fact, the many mishaps that surrounded him were caused by the various elves, imps and fairy-folk who vied for his attention.
"But why did I sense Thomas' talent only now?" Alastair asked.
Dumbledore thought deeply and after a few minutes, was able to discern why.
"It seems that my spell of concealment and protection for Harry while he stayed in the muggle-world affected Thomas as well. I had to cast that especially after James and Lily were killed. I guess the same spell caused you to ignore Thomas' magical abilities as well," Dumbledore explained.
"More than you could imagine sir, since I was also unable to see the various magicks that plagued him," Alastair stated.
"Plagued him, you say?" Dumbledore asked.
Alastiar nodded in assent and went on to elaborate further how Thomas, despite his academic gifts was not among the dean's list as the number of his demerits equaled that of his accomplishments. Alastair was not aware that the many mishaps were caused by the magic-folk around him.
"I see. I take it though, that Thomas has no family there?" Dumbledore queried.
"None, sir," Alastair replied.
"Bring him here, then. I take it; your school-year is nearing its mid-term hiatus. At least, no one will ask why you and the boy are making a trip. That way, we can further protect him from whatever dark plans that Voldemort has by teaching him what he should know. How soon can you make it here?" Dumbledore inquired.
"In about 2 weeks, sir," Alastair replied.
"Very well, we shall expect you in 2 weeks. I'll send over the funds for whatever the trip may cost you," Dumbledore added.
"Ah, you'll only need to send enough for me, sir," Alastair quipped.
"For just your trip? Why is that?" Dumbledore asked.
"It seems rather odd but even though Thomas is an orphan, he has his own 'trust-fund' which has specific instructions on when to use it. I believe, this trip qualifies for that so I'll just buy my own ticket. This fund by the way inures to him on his 18th birthday," Alastair explained.
"A trust-fund, you say? How conveniently odd. Very well," Dumbledore mused. He suspected that the goblins at Gringotts already knew of this development and may have diverted the necessary funds to a muggle-bank near Thomas' school.
With that, Alastair dispelled the portal and proceeded to make the necessary arrangements for the trip he and Thomas were to make in 2 weeks time. He was busy attending to these when he suddenly heard a blast from outside. Upon investigation, it turned out that the explosion originated from the Chemistry Lab where Thomas and his class were. Rushing there, Headmaster Stanton opened the door and almost stumbled over an imp carrying a test tube and was being chased by and angry leprechaun. Inside, the most hilarious sight greeted Alastair's eyes: Professor Wallis and the rest of the class were blackened with soot from what was most likely an explosion while in the epicenter was a much-surprised Thomas Potterson who seemed to have been unaffected, clutching what was once a flask.
"Class dismissed. Mr. Potterson, you are to remain and tidy up the laboratory. You will not leave until the whole place is spotless, understand?!!" Professor Wallis declared.
"Yes, sir," Thomas replied.
One by one, the students filtered out of the room, reeking of rotten eggs. Professor Wallis followed but not before placing another demerit-mark on Thomas' records. Headmaster Stanton then entered the room and saw that Thomas had begun sweeping the broken glass away, not noticing that the headmaster was there. The irate leprechaun returned with the imp in tow though now immobilized.
"Say you're sorry, ya bloody imp! Yer shenanigans have caused trouble for Master Thomas again!" prodded the leprechaun.
The imp shrieked but complied nonetheless.
"You two better pipe down. I'm already in enough trouble as it is. They might say I'm crazy, talking to myself since they can't see you. Headmaster Stanton declared his presence by clearing his throat, whereupon the two beings scooted behind Thomas.
"Another fiasco by the great walking disaster, Thomas Potter," Alastair Stanton declared.
"It wasn't my fault, sir! It was ---"
"Yes?" Alastair Stanton cut in.
"Oh crap! You won't believe me anyway so might as well add another demerit to my grades, sir," Thomas said dejectedly.
"What wouldn't I believe? That it was all due to an imp switching labels on the test-tubes? And that said imp is hiding behind you now?" Alastair replied.
"How'd you know, sir?" Thomas asked. His surprise was even greater when the headmaster took out what seemed to be a wand from his coat and utter "RESTORATA!", whereupon the whole room was restored to its pristine condition, with no trace of the recent explosion.
"Told you so! Him great magic-user. Hee-hee-hee!" declared the imp.
"Shut yer trap, ya vile imp! I'll do the explaining around here! Ahem! Like he said, if'n I be telling ye fer the longest time now, yer headmaster is a bloody wizard, and a good one at that! Ye just didnae listen!" declared the leprechaun, who went on to ramble and rave in his brogue about Thomas' denial of what he said. He was cut short by Thomas though.
"Sherman?"
"Aye, me lad?"
"Shut up."
"Oh. That I will," replied the leprechaun. Alastair found it funny that a leprechaun was named that way. In truth, Sherman was one of those who were actually born in America in the early 1800's and was thus named after an American General. But his accent and garb remained the same as those of his kind.
Alastair saw the questions forming in Thomas' mind so he pacified the boy by saying that all would be explained in due time.
"In the meantime, I suggest you hit the books for your upcoming finals. You and I will be going on a trip after that," stated Alastair who stood up to leave the lab.
Thomas could only look on in disbelief. The one man who he considered to be a great thorn actually turned out to be someone like him.
"You two stay out of the way for now. I need to focus on the exams and the two of you will be a pain in the ass," warned Thomas with a feigned harshness in his voice.
He couldn't really stay mad at the 2 magical beings as these, and others of their kind weren't really much of a bother save for when they interfered with his studies. More often than not, they aided him during times of crisis like when the resident bullies ganged up on him after he had proved them to be the culprits of a recent pilferage of treats from the cafeteria's supplies.
It was also the leprechaun who actually tipped him off when another group of students were hacking into the school's systems in order to get the exam questionnaire ahead of time. Leprechauns were actually highly adaptable even in modern times. Their kind crossed over to America along with the first settlers and soon spread throughout the land, occupying vacant areas or making treaties with the land's resident magic-folk. Of course, there were other magic folk who did not take well Thomas' presence and these went to great lengths in order to make his life difficult.
The next 2 weeks were quite hectic for Thomas as the headmaster made him his personal aide, doing all sorts of errands for him as a means to keep his 'misdemeanors' in check, not to mention the upcoming exams. In truth, Alastair was already priming Thomas on various basic magicks which, given Thomas' aptitude and natural talent, were breezed through. The only hitch was during application wherein Thomas seemed to make errors with each and every spell. Alastair wrote it off as neophyte inexperience. Indeed, Thomas had gone through life with no one to show him how to make use of, much less, control his natural talent.
"At least the boy understands the tenets well. That'll be enough for today, Tom," Alastair declared as Thomas picked himself up from where he crashed as he was trying a simple levitation spell.
Alastair had given him a simple wand in order to help execute the spells, made from mistletoe wood. It was the most neutral of wands and was used mostly for very basic spells. More ornate and special wands tended to influence the more advanced spells thus the need to make each wand specialized for each user. Even students of the same house of magic used different wands. But their being a continent away made travel spells very taxing and often left the one who used the spell drained. Alastair would've wanted to go to Diagon Alley in order to get a proper wand to Thomas but the sight of another Harry Potter would've raised suspicion.
"I knew I got it right that time. Geez, this is harder than it looks, sir," remarked Thomas who was dusting himself off. To date, he had tried 3 basic magic skills: levitation, material-transformation and material translocation. Each one went awry the moment he finished his incantation. The first one was his most recent attempt and left him with a couple of bruises as he botched his landing. The mug he transformed became porous though it still appeared solid while the same mug ended up over one of the schools spires when he tried translocating it to a nearby table.
The same was true for the simple potions that Alastair taught him to make. A simple growth potion made an oak tree in the school-grounds bloom profusely and soon, the area around it was knee-high in acorns. Alastair had to shake his head as he accepted that it would take more than a wizard of his level in order to teach Thomas properly.
The exams went by without a hitch and as usual, Thomas was among those who scored highly. Thomas also excelled in sports though mostly in non-team types. Alastair suspected that this was also due to other influences rather than through his own fault. He would've wanted to teach Thomas a simple warding spell but given his string of mishaps, Alastair feared the consequences that might arise from a botched one would be too much to fix.
The day came when all the non-resident students went home. Thomas and a few others were the only ones left and even these students were leaving in a week to join their families overseas. Alastair was done packing and went to Thomas' room to check on the boy's progress. As he neared the room, he heard him arguing with the leprechaun and the imp, trying to tell them that they couldn't join him on this trip to London.
"But laddie, ye be goin' to the land of me ancestors! I be so eager to meet me kin-folk after all this time! Could ya please find it in yer kind heart to bring me wit ye? Please!" begged Sherman.
"Hee-hee. Thomas bring Grinwalt too, yes?" chimed the imp.
"No, and that's final. You 2 will cause more havoc there and most likely embarrass me again," Thomas replied quite forcefully. He saw the dejected looks on their faces and recanted a bit.
"Anyway, Headmaster Stanton will be with me so I'll be safe. But be sure you guys will behave here when I'm gone, okay?" Thomas replied as he closed his suitcase. The 2 nodded their assent and Thomas got up and hefted his suitcase. Alastair decided to go ahead and meet Thomas in the main hall.
Thomas then proceeded to meet up with Alastair in the main hall where they would wait for the taxi that would take them to the airport. They went to the bank this morning where the headmaster supervised him in withdrawing a considerable amount of money for Thomas' needs and returned to the school in order to retrieve their luggage. He saw the headmaster waiting for him in the hall and went on to join him. But just as he was about to meet up with the headmaster, Thomas felt something strange in the air and soon enough, it became a menacing, dark feeling. Alastair felt it as well and was about to reach for his wand when it came: a portal opened out of thin air and out came a huge ogre who proceeded to attack them after spotting at them.
"Thomas! Look out!" Alastair shouted.
Back at Hogwarts, Professor Snape was startled when Dumbledore called to him. He got to the headmaster's room and felt the same evil magic that Dumbledore sensed though it felt miles away. He was more surprised when Dumbledore opened a portal and showed him what was happening in the school where Thomas and Alastair were and he saw what was happening.
"Go to them! Quickly! Alastair is quite rusty with his defense-spells and if I'm correct, that ogre is more than what it seems!" Dumbledore advised. Needing no further prompting, Snape held his wand and stepped into the portal.
Back in the main hall, Alastair was busy shielding Thomas while dodging the swipes of the ogre's massive club. He could tell that the club was infused with dark magicks and thus any strike was doubly fatal. But he was indeed rusty with his defense-spells and took long when erecting his shields. He saw another portal appear and out stepped Professor Snape, wand in hand and primed with a spell already. Snape struck at the ogre but not before it was able to strike at Professor Stanton who was a tad too slow to react this time thus, the club hit his magic-barrier but it's dark energies were not dissipated. These coruscated and struck the various pillars of the main hall, causing a heap of rubble to hit Professor Stanton's leg, rendering him immobile.
The ogre then turned its attention to Professor Snape who had just deflected the huge club but was thrown a few feet back due to the immense force and was slightly dazed. The ogre then turned to Professor Stanton again and raised its club to strike. Professor Snape had just shaken the cobwebs from his thoughts as he saw the ogre about to strike Professor Stanton, alarmed at the fact that he would be too late to save him.
Just as he was searching for the proper spell, Snape sensed a huge build-up of magic-energy. Suddenly, Thomas appeared between the ogre and Professor Stanton. In one swift motion, Thomas pushed Professor Stanton back and held his right hand up to meet the ogre's club which, by now was glowing with even more dark energy, no doubt in order to finish off Professor Stanton. Snape was more surprised when he saw the results: the club rebounded off what seemed to be a huge magical-shield which, undoubtedly was emanating from the boy's hand.
"Get away!" Thomas shouted, and the ogre flew backwards from a sudden burst of energy from the shield and hit the wall. Snape seized the opportunity by rushing forward towards the ogre and pronounced a powerful spell which consumed it. Snape then turned his attention to Thomas who was on his knees, barely conscious beside the utterly flabbergasted Professor Stanton who was yet to digest everything he had seen. Snape walked over and held out his hand to the boy.
"Don't you ever try that again," Snape warned though with less irritation than what he was accustomed to since he himself was surprised that Thomas had just shown that he could do that kind of magic which took years for most wizards to master. And he did so without a wand.
Thomas could only nod his head feebly as he took Professor Snape's hand and stood up.
"I'll need your help in restoring this hall, Alastair. Are you up to it?" Snape asked.
Professor Stanton nodded in assent and the 2 proceeded to jointly cast a restoration-spell on the main hall. In a few seconds, everything was back to its original state, save for the ogre's club which mysteriously remained in the hall, its dark-magic still seemingly intact. Snape looked to his companion who agreed to his intention so they cast another spell on the club which whisked it away to another realm temporarily.
"I take it you are both ready?" Snape inquired.
Professor Stanton and Thomas nodded and Snape proceeded to cast a powerful translocation-spell with the aid of a jewel which Dumbledore lent him. It was this which magnified the spell so as not to drain the user's own magic- energy. Almost instantly, the 3 found themselves back in Hogwarts as they reappeared in the great hall where every student had just concluded their lunch.
Almost all of them had either returned to their classes or on their way back, save for 3 individuals: Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Harry Potter. All 3 saw a portal appear about a table away from where they stood and saw Professor Snape step out of it, followed by another man who was most definitely a wizard as well and finally a boy who seemed to be their age. All 3 looked like they had been through a storm. Three gazes locked upon three others as Professor Snape, Professor Stanton and Thomas Potterson noticed Ron, Hermione and Harry gawking at them. For the 3 young wizards, it was startling enough to see them step out of a portal from wherever they came; what was more surprising was that the boy that came lastly looked exactly like Harry Potter. Thomas straightened his glasses and tentatively approached Harry and the others while Harry did the same.
"It's like looking in a mirror!" Ron Weasley remarked as he witnessed Harry and Thomas looking at each other.
"For Harry maybe, but for us it's like we're all besotted," corrected Hermione who still found room to correct Ron despite feeling flabbergasted as well. Snape then chose this moment to declare Thomas' identity to Harry.
"Harry Potter, this is Thomas Potterson. Thomas, this is Harry."
A few strangled seconds passed by before either boy made any motion. But a smile soon formed on both their mouths as both boys reached out with their right hands.
"Well met there, Tom."
"Same here, Harry."
Family: not a bunch of misfit, unbelieving muggles who were a constant pain but one who was like him; with magic, and was directly related. Harry needed no further proof as to who Thomas was but already had a very good idea.
"Alright. As introductions have been made, I suggest you take Thomas here to Griffindor common for now. We can have him sorted later. Professor Stanton, let's go to the headmaster," Snape directed.
Ron and Hermione looked back and forth at Harry and Thomas as they walked towards the Griffindor common room. Harry chose this time to start a conversation.
"So you've been going to a muggle school all this time?" Harry inquired.
"Yes. I never knew I had any magical-abilities until quite recently. I'm still actually in semi-shock over the whole thing, especially that ogre," Thomas replied.
"An ogre?!!! You too, Tom?" Ron asked.
Thomas nodded in assent and told them of the ogre that attacked him, Professor Stanton and Professor Snape just a few scant hours ago.
"Amazing. We too, fought off an ogre quite recently," Hermione replied as she related the story.
The four walked a bit further until they came to the entrance of Griffindor common.
"Well, here we are. This is the room where all the students under the house of Griffindor meet," Hermione explained.
"Wow! This place is great! Do I get to stay here too?" Thomas asked.
"That'll depend on what the sorting hat will say," Ron replied.
"Sorting hat, you say?" Thomas asked.
Ron nodded in assent .
Thomas Potterson: Wizard
Life was a mixed bag for 14-year old Thomas Potterson, a student at a prep- school connected with Yale. He would've been in junior-high if he were in a public school. He was actually in one 2 years before if not for a scholarship program that was instituted by Headmaster Alastair Stanton who offered such to deserving students. But getting into the school was just the first step for Thomas.
There were only a handful of other students who were like him: a total of 12 and more than half of these were older than him so there were only 4 of them in the same batch. David Mathers; son of an oil-magnate from Alaska, Fredrick Hierdall: son of a stock-broker from upstate New York; and finally, George Williams: son of a successful store-chain owner. They were an odd group but they got by. Thomas actually led in academics but he was often in detention as most of the mishaps and odd occurrences found him in the center of things. While he could not be held accountable for them, his mere presence was questionable. Headmaster Stanton could only shake his head as he reviewed Thomas' records. Why couldn't he be normal like the others? Thomas would've qualified for a slew of other programs and scholarships but his numerous demerits got in the way.
So began another week for Thomas. Today, they were due for a chemistry lesson in Professor Wallis' laboratory. His 3 friends sidled up to him as he was walking down the hall towards the laboratory.
"Hey there, Tom; wait up!" yelled David who was the heftiest of the group.
"Yeah, wait up for old Dave here. He can barely keep up with us at the rate you're going. You'll give him a heart-attack," chimed in George who deftly avoided a swipe from David who smarted from that remark.
"Whoa there, guys, no fighting in the hall; its just Monday and we wouldn't want to get in trouble immediately," added Fredrick.
"Yeah. Given my track-record with the faculty here, they'll gang up on me if they found a reason so we better hurry," replied Thomas as he looked at his watch.
Meanwhile, an ocean away, things at Hogwarts were normally placid. The 4 groups of students from the various houses of magic were involved in their lessons and were currently in Professor Snape's laboratory where they were being shown how to make the more potent potions. It was at a critical junction that Harry Potter was about to complete his potion when something strange happened: it was as if Professor Snape was seeing another Harry engrossed in making his own chemical concoction.
The vision lasted only a few scant seconds but it was very vivid nonetheless. Professor Snape decided to dismiss the class early then proceeded to Headmaster Dumbledore's quarters, obviously disturbed by the vision earlier. Snape was even more surprised when he saw that Dumbledore was expecting him as he entered the room.
"Ah, Professor Snape, I take it you are here in order to ask me about what you saw," Dumbledore quipped.
"Impeccable observation as usual, Headmaster; yes I am. What was that?" Snape asked.
"I myself am unclear as to what you saw exactly. For all we know, it may be a window to another reality, another world where there is one who is as Harry Potter is on this world," Dumbledore replied.
"Reality, sir? Are you saying.....?" Snape asked.
Dumbledore chose not to elaborate else he let Snape know of the full extent of his magic.
"Just a theory, Professor, just a mere theory," quickly replied Dumbledore who was quick to prevent any further questioning as he saw the glint in Snape's eyes. Snape for his part, chose to abide for now but made a mental note about this strange slip-up some other time.
"I suggest we make a few more observations before acting on it. For all we know, it could also be one of Voldemort's machinations," Dumbledore added with a hint of finality in his words and by this, Professor Snape knew that there would be no more further discussions on the matter for now. It was clear that the conversation was over and Snape exited the room.
Back in America, Headmaster Stanton felt a strange sensation as he was passing by the Chemistry Lab where Thomas Potterson and his class were currently in. He chose to peek in the room and saw the same sight that greeted Professor Snape at Hogwarts albeit, in the reverse manner. In it he saw what seemed to be another Thomas Potterson going through similar motions as Thomas was doing. It was as if a ghostly image was superimposed over Thomas though the image was garbed differently. The image then faded out but not before Headmaster Stanton was able to make out the image of what seemed to be the insignia of the school that the other boy was attending. Headmaster Stanton could only hold his breath as he recalled his own alma mater whose insignia was that of the phantom boy's: Hogwarts. What surprised him even more was the fact that he could now see the various fairy-folk and magical beings which were surrounding Thomas, vying for his attention or pestering him.
Headmaster Stanton could hardly contain his excitement as he entered his room. Dropping all that he was holding, he immediately opened a small cabinet that was concealed under his desk and retrieved a box from it. Inside were his own badge and a long unused wand. Alastair Stanton was of the RavenClaw; the highly intellectual and scholarly group of wizardry. After recalling the proper incantation, he then sought to contact his former superiors at Hogwarts.
Dumbledore was surprised to see that Faulks, the phoenix, was quite agitated though not in an alarmed manner upon his returning to his room. He turned his attention to where the phoenix was pointing to and saw a small portal that had appeared. He recognized it as a portal that was used primarily for communication rather than for transport and as such, needed a complimentary reply-spell in order to function; sort of a magic-telephone.
"Communicata," Dumbledore chanted, thereupon he beheld the visage of one of his former brightest students when he was studying at Hogwarts then: Alastair Stanton.
"Why, Alastair Stanton! It's been a while! I am surprised but it is good to hear from you. I trust you are well. To what do I owe this sudden call?" Dumbledore asked of his former pupil.
"Greetings, Headmaster. I am sorry if it has been a while since I last communicated with you. But something quite unnerving and of great import has transpired here in the school where I am Headmaster as well," Alastair replied.
Dumbledore was not certain what his former pupil was referring to but his instincts were telling him that he already knew.
"Indeed? Very well then, what is it that caused you to use such a powerful communication-spell just to inform me?" Dumbledore queried.
"It seems one of my wards may possess magical talents. But it happened in an odd way, I tell you," Alastair stated.
"Odd, you say? In what manner?" Dumbledore asked.
Dumbledore saw that Alastair had disappeared from view but returned soon enough; clutching what seemed to be a student-roster in his hands.
"Pray tell, do you have a student who looks like this?" Alastair asked then proceeded to hold up the page which contained the current photo of Thomas Potterson so that Dumbledore could see.
Dumbledore was dumbfounded at what he saw. There in Alastair's roster-book was a student who was the spitting image of one of his most promising students: Harry Potter. He then saw Alastair's face reappear in the portal as he put the roster-book down. It was then Dumbledore's turn to retrieve his own roster-book from the stands and flip the pages to where Harry Potter's image was stored. Holding it up to the portal he asked: "Does this answer your question?"
Alastair Stanton was greeted by a most amazing sight: for all intents and purposes, the face he saw was Thomas Potterson's and anyone would say that it was Thomas save for the difference in garb. Yet his excitement was tempered by his recalling that there was a mystery surrounding the name "Potter". Indeed, the student named James Potter was one of the most promising students of magic and wizardry at Hogwarts along with three others with whom James often kept company. He had heard of it when he was still a pupil at Hogwarts but paid no attention to it as he focused on his studies. Little did he know that there was a great destiny awaiting James' son, Harry Potter. He had only heard of Harry once before when Harry survived Voldemort's attack.
"Quite amazing, isn't it?" Dumbledore remarked.
"Indeed, it is. But what relationship do these 2 have?" Alastair inquired.
Dumbledore did a quick scrying-spell of Thomas' image and saw into the boy's past. It turned out that James and Lily Potter had twins but decided to give the other baby up to an orphanage so as to keep him safe from Voldemort. Indeed, their ploy worked but only half-effectively as magic followed him where he went and he saw things that only one of his kind and talent could. In fact, the many mishaps that surrounded him were caused by the various elves, imps and fairy-folk who vied for his attention.
"But why did I sense Thomas' talent only now?" Alastair asked.
Dumbledore thought deeply and after a few minutes, was able to discern why.
"It seems that my spell of concealment and protection for Harry while he stayed in the muggle-world affected Thomas as well. I had to cast that especially after James and Lily were killed. I guess the same spell caused you to ignore Thomas' magical abilities as well," Dumbledore explained.
"More than you could imagine sir, since I was also unable to see the various magicks that plagued him," Alastair stated.
"Plagued him, you say?" Dumbledore asked.
Alastiar nodded in assent and went on to elaborate further how Thomas, despite his academic gifts was not among the dean's list as the number of his demerits equaled that of his accomplishments. Alastair was not aware that the many mishaps were caused by the magic-folk around him.
"I see. I take it though, that Thomas has no family there?" Dumbledore queried.
"None, sir," Alastair replied.
"Bring him here, then. I take it; your school-year is nearing its mid-term hiatus. At least, no one will ask why you and the boy are making a trip. That way, we can further protect him from whatever dark plans that Voldemort has by teaching him what he should know. How soon can you make it here?" Dumbledore inquired.
"In about 2 weeks, sir," Alastair replied.
"Very well, we shall expect you in 2 weeks. I'll send over the funds for whatever the trip may cost you," Dumbledore added.
"Ah, you'll only need to send enough for me, sir," Alastair quipped.
"For just your trip? Why is that?" Dumbledore asked.
"It seems rather odd but even though Thomas is an orphan, he has his own 'trust-fund' which has specific instructions on when to use it. I believe, this trip qualifies for that so I'll just buy my own ticket. This fund by the way inures to him on his 18th birthday," Alastair explained.
"A trust-fund, you say? How conveniently odd. Very well," Dumbledore mused. He suspected that the goblins at Gringotts already knew of this development and may have diverted the necessary funds to a muggle-bank near Thomas' school.
With that, Alastair dispelled the portal and proceeded to make the necessary arrangements for the trip he and Thomas were to make in 2 weeks time. He was busy attending to these when he suddenly heard a blast from outside. Upon investigation, it turned out that the explosion originated from the Chemistry Lab where Thomas and his class were. Rushing there, Headmaster Stanton opened the door and almost stumbled over an imp carrying a test tube and was being chased by and angry leprechaun. Inside, the most hilarious sight greeted Alastair's eyes: Professor Wallis and the rest of the class were blackened with soot from what was most likely an explosion while in the epicenter was a much-surprised Thomas Potterson who seemed to have been unaffected, clutching what was once a flask.
"Class dismissed. Mr. Potterson, you are to remain and tidy up the laboratory. You will not leave until the whole place is spotless, understand?!!" Professor Wallis declared.
"Yes, sir," Thomas replied.
One by one, the students filtered out of the room, reeking of rotten eggs. Professor Wallis followed but not before placing another demerit-mark on Thomas' records. Headmaster Stanton then entered the room and saw that Thomas had begun sweeping the broken glass away, not noticing that the headmaster was there. The irate leprechaun returned with the imp in tow though now immobilized.
"Say you're sorry, ya bloody imp! Yer shenanigans have caused trouble for Master Thomas again!" prodded the leprechaun.
The imp shrieked but complied nonetheless.
"You two better pipe down. I'm already in enough trouble as it is. They might say I'm crazy, talking to myself since they can't see you. Headmaster Stanton declared his presence by clearing his throat, whereupon the two beings scooted behind Thomas.
"Another fiasco by the great walking disaster, Thomas Potter," Alastair Stanton declared.
"It wasn't my fault, sir! It was ---"
"Yes?" Alastair Stanton cut in.
"Oh crap! You won't believe me anyway so might as well add another demerit to my grades, sir," Thomas said dejectedly.
"What wouldn't I believe? That it was all due to an imp switching labels on the test-tubes? And that said imp is hiding behind you now?" Alastair replied.
"How'd you know, sir?" Thomas asked. His surprise was even greater when the headmaster took out what seemed to be a wand from his coat and utter "RESTORATA!", whereupon the whole room was restored to its pristine condition, with no trace of the recent explosion.
"Told you so! Him great magic-user. Hee-hee-hee!" declared the imp.
"Shut yer trap, ya vile imp! I'll do the explaining around here! Ahem! Like he said, if'n I be telling ye fer the longest time now, yer headmaster is a bloody wizard, and a good one at that! Ye just didnae listen!" declared the leprechaun, who went on to ramble and rave in his brogue about Thomas' denial of what he said. He was cut short by Thomas though.
"Sherman?"
"Aye, me lad?"
"Shut up."
"Oh. That I will," replied the leprechaun. Alastair found it funny that a leprechaun was named that way. In truth, Sherman was one of those who were actually born in America in the early 1800's and was thus named after an American General. But his accent and garb remained the same as those of his kind.
Alastair saw the questions forming in Thomas' mind so he pacified the boy by saying that all would be explained in due time.
"In the meantime, I suggest you hit the books for your upcoming finals. You and I will be going on a trip after that," stated Alastair who stood up to leave the lab.
Thomas could only look on in disbelief. The one man who he considered to be a great thorn actually turned out to be someone like him.
"You two stay out of the way for now. I need to focus on the exams and the two of you will be a pain in the ass," warned Thomas with a feigned harshness in his voice.
He couldn't really stay mad at the 2 magical beings as these, and others of their kind weren't really much of a bother save for when they interfered with his studies. More often than not, they aided him during times of crisis like when the resident bullies ganged up on him after he had proved them to be the culprits of a recent pilferage of treats from the cafeteria's supplies.
It was also the leprechaun who actually tipped him off when another group of students were hacking into the school's systems in order to get the exam questionnaire ahead of time. Leprechauns were actually highly adaptable even in modern times. Their kind crossed over to America along with the first settlers and soon spread throughout the land, occupying vacant areas or making treaties with the land's resident magic-folk. Of course, there were other magic folk who did not take well Thomas' presence and these went to great lengths in order to make his life difficult.
The next 2 weeks were quite hectic for Thomas as the headmaster made him his personal aide, doing all sorts of errands for him as a means to keep his 'misdemeanors' in check, not to mention the upcoming exams. In truth, Alastair was already priming Thomas on various basic magicks which, given Thomas' aptitude and natural talent, were breezed through. The only hitch was during application wherein Thomas seemed to make errors with each and every spell. Alastair wrote it off as neophyte inexperience. Indeed, Thomas had gone through life with no one to show him how to make use of, much less, control his natural talent.
"At least the boy understands the tenets well. That'll be enough for today, Tom," Alastair declared as Thomas picked himself up from where he crashed as he was trying a simple levitation spell.
Alastair had given him a simple wand in order to help execute the spells, made from mistletoe wood. It was the most neutral of wands and was used mostly for very basic spells. More ornate and special wands tended to influence the more advanced spells thus the need to make each wand specialized for each user. Even students of the same house of magic used different wands. But their being a continent away made travel spells very taxing and often left the one who used the spell drained. Alastair would've wanted to go to Diagon Alley in order to get a proper wand to Thomas but the sight of another Harry Potter would've raised suspicion.
"I knew I got it right that time. Geez, this is harder than it looks, sir," remarked Thomas who was dusting himself off. To date, he had tried 3 basic magic skills: levitation, material-transformation and material translocation. Each one went awry the moment he finished his incantation. The first one was his most recent attempt and left him with a couple of bruises as he botched his landing. The mug he transformed became porous though it still appeared solid while the same mug ended up over one of the schools spires when he tried translocating it to a nearby table.
The same was true for the simple potions that Alastair taught him to make. A simple growth potion made an oak tree in the school-grounds bloom profusely and soon, the area around it was knee-high in acorns. Alastair had to shake his head as he accepted that it would take more than a wizard of his level in order to teach Thomas properly.
The exams went by without a hitch and as usual, Thomas was among those who scored highly. Thomas also excelled in sports though mostly in non-team types. Alastair suspected that this was also due to other influences rather than through his own fault. He would've wanted to teach Thomas a simple warding spell but given his string of mishaps, Alastair feared the consequences that might arise from a botched one would be too much to fix.
The day came when all the non-resident students went home. Thomas and a few others were the only ones left and even these students were leaving in a week to join their families overseas. Alastair was done packing and went to Thomas' room to check on the boy's progress. As he neared the room, he heard him arguing with the leprechaun and the imp, trying to tell them that they couldn't join him on this trip to London.
"But laddie, ye be goin' to the land of me ancestors! I be so eager to meet me kin-folk after all this time! Could ya please find it in yer kind heart to bring me wit ye? Please!" begged Sherman.
"Hee-hee. Thomas bring Grinwalt too, yes?" chimed the imp.
"No, and that's final. You 2 will cause more havoc there and most likely embarrass me again," Thomas replied quite forcefully. He saw the dejected looks on their faces and recanted a bit.
"Anyway, Headmaster Stanton will be with me so I'll be safe. But be sure you guys will behave here when I'm gone, okay?" Thomas replied as he closed his suitcase. The 2 nodded their assent and Thomas got up and hefted his suitcase. Alastair decided to go ahead and meet Thomas in the main hall.
Thomas then proceeded to meet up with Alastair in the main hall where they would wait for the taxi that would take them to the airport. They went to the bank this morning where the headmaster supervised him in withdrawing a considerable amount of money for Thomas' needs and returned to the school in order to retrieve their luggage. He saw the headmaster waiting for him in the hall and went on to join him. But just as he was about to meet up with the headmaster, Thomas felt something strange in the air and soon enough, it became a menacing, dark feeling. Alastair felt it as well and was about to reach for his wand when it came: a portal opened out of thin air and out came a huge ogre who proceeded to attack them after spotting at them.
"Thomas! Look out!" Alastair shouted.
Back at Hogwarts, Professor Snape was startled when Dumbledore called to him. He got to the headmaster's room and felt the same evil magic that Dumbledore sensed though it felt miles away. He was more surprised when Dumbledore opened a portal and showed him what was happening in the school where Thomas and Alastair were and he saw what was happening.
"Go to them! Quickly! Alastair is quite rusty with his defense-spells and if I'm correct, that ogre is more than what it seems!" Dumbledore advised. Needing no further prompting, Snape held his wand and stepped into the portal.
Back in the main hall, Alastair was busy shielding Thomas while dodging the swipes of the ogre's massive club. He could tell that the club was infused with dark magicks and thus any strike was doubly fatal. But he was indeed rusty with his defense-spells and took long when erecting his shields. He saw another portal appear and out stepped Professor Snape, wand in hand and primed with a spell already. Snape struck at the ogre but not before it was able to strike at Professor Stanton who was a tad too slow to react this time thus, the club hit his magic-barrier but it's dark energies were not dissipated. These coruscated and struck the various pillars of the main hall, causing a heap of rubble to hit Professor Stanton's leg, rendering him immobile.
The ogre then turned its attention to Professor Snape who had just deflected the huge club but was thrown a few feet back due to the immense force and was slightly dazed. The ogre then turned to Professor Stanton again and raised its club to strike. Professor Snape had just shaken the cobwebs from his thoughts as he saw the ogre about to strike Professor Stanton, alarmed at the fact that he would be too late to save him.
Just as he was searching for the proper spell, Snape sensed a huge build-up of magic-energy. Suddenly, Thomas appeared between the ogre and Professor Stanton. In one swift motion, Thomas pushed Professor Stanton back and held his right hand up to meet the ogre's club which, by now was glowing with even more dark energy, no doubt in order to finish off Professor Stanton. Snape was more surprised when he saw the results: the club rebounded off what seemed to be a huge magical-shield which, undoubtedly was emanating from the boy's hand.
"Get away!" Thomas shouted, and the ogre flew backwards from a sudden burst of energy from the shield and hit the wall. Snape seized the opportunity by rushing forward towards the ogre and pronounced a powerful spell which consumed it. Snape then turned his attention to Thomas who was on his knees, barely conscious beside the utterly flabbergasted Professor Stanton who was yet to digest everything he had seen. Snape walked over and held out his hand to the boy.
"Don't you ever try that again," Snape warned though with less irritation than what he was accustomed to since he himself was surprised that Thomas had just shown that he could do that kind of magic which took years for most wizards to master. And he did so without a wand.
Thomas could only nod his head feebly as he took Professor Snape's hand and stood up.
"I'll need your help in restoring this hall, Alastair. Are you up to it?" Snape asked.
Professor Stanton nodded in assent and the 2 proceeded to jointly cast a restoration-spell on the main hall. In a few seconds, everything was back to its original state, save for the ogre's club which mysteriously remained in the hall, its dark-magic still seemingly intact. Snape looked to his companion who agreed to his intention so they cast another spell on the club which whisked it away to another realm temporarily.
"I take it you are both ready?" Snape inquired.
Professor Stanton and Thomas nodded and Snape proceeded to cast a powerful translocation-spell with the aid of a jewel which Dumbledore lent him. It was this which magnified the spell so as not to drain the user's own magic- energy. Almost instantly, the 3 found themselves back in Hogwarts as they reappeared in the great hall where every student had just concluded their lunch.
Almost all of them had either returned to their classes or on their way back, save for 3 individuals: Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Harry Potter. All 3 saw a portal appear about a table away from where they stood and saw Professor Snape step out of it, followed by another man who was most definitely a wizard as well and finally a boy who seemed to be their age. All 3 looked like they had been through a storm. Three gazes locked upon three others as Professor Snape, Professor Stanton and Thomas Potterson noticed Ron, Hermione and Harry gawking at them. For the 3 young wizards, it was startling enough to see them step out of a portal from wherever they came; what was more surprising was that the boy that came lastly looked exactly like Harry Potter. Thomas straightened his glasses and tentatively approached Harry and the others while Harry did the same.
"It's like looking in a mirror!" Ron Weasley remarked as he witnessed Harry and Thomas looking at each other.
"For Harry maybe, but for us it's like we're all besotted," corrected Hermione who still found room to correct Ron despite feeling flabbergasted as well. Snape then chose this moment to declare Thomas' identity to Harry.
"Harry Potter, this is Thomas Potterson. Thomas, this is Harry."
A few strangled seconds passed by before either boy made any motion. But a smile soon formed on both their mouths as both boys reached out with their right hands.
"Well met there, Tom."
"Same here, Harry."
Family: not a bunch of misfit, unbelieving muggles who were a constant pain but one who was like him; with magic, and was directly related. Harry needed no further proof as to who Thomas was but already had a very good idea.
"Alright. As introductions have been made, I suggest you take Thomas here to Griffindor common for now. We can have him sorted later. Professor Stanton, let's go to the headmaster," Snape directed.
Ron and Hermione looked back and forth at Harry and Thomas as they walked towards the Griffindor common room. Harry chose this time to start a conversation.
"So you've been going to a muggle school all this time?" Harry inquired.
"Yes. I never knew I had any magical-abilities until quite recently. I'm still actually in semi-shock over the whole thing, especially that ogre," Thomas replied.
"An ogre?!!! You too, Tom?" Ron asked.
Thomas nodded in assent and told them of the ogre that attacked him, Professor Stanton and Professor Snape just a few scant hours ago.
"Amazing. We too, fought off an ogre quite recently," Hermione replied as she related the story.
The four walked a bit further until they came to the entrance of Griffindor common.
"Well, here we are. This is the room where all the students under the house of Griffindor meet," Hermione explained.
"Wow! This place is great! Do I get to stay here too?" Thomas asked.
"That'll depend on what the sorting hat will say," Ron replied.
"Sorting hat, you say?" Thomas asked.
Ron nodded in assent .
