Chapter Twelve: Homecoming

It was a large room. A laboratory. That was Harry's first impression. A number of men where standing around when he and the others arrived, then rushed forward to congratulate Professor Quirrell on the success of the operation. He politely but quickly excused himself and went with his colleagues to discuss the events. Her Grace, the Dowager Duchess of Cumberland, took her cue and led Harry and Lord Robert from the room to a small office not too far away.

"Where are we?"

Captain Sheffield answered. "The Royal Thaumaturgical Institute in Cambridge. The one advantage we have is that if we know the place we can travel there directly. As it is, I must make my report. Good day to you, Your Grace." He left, giving Lord Robert a wink.

Lord Robert's eyes brightened. "My brother?"

The Duchess of Cumberland answered with a smile. "He is with his Uncle. A rider will shortly be on his way to the Duke of Cambridge with the news. We will go out to the estate tomorrow to see them."

"But there is enough time left in the day," Lord Robert pleaded.

"We will wait here while we obtain clothing that is more appropriate."

Harry nodded. Lord Darcy had told him only to take personal items. There was no need to pack any clothes because they would stand out. Lord Robert did deign to ask another question.

"Your Grace. We have the same problem that Professor Dumbledore had. How do we explain Harry's presence?"

"We are in private, Robert. Why are you so formal?"

"Because of Harry. I had not thought of this before, but how do we refer to him and he to us?"

The Dowager Duchess smiled at the thought. "We could say he is your long lost twin brother. That deception worked once before."

Harry grinned in response but Robert was serious. "These are different circumstances. Such a ruse would be easily discovered, and would be an embarrassment. And even I am aware that the truth would cause more problems than either of us could imagine."

"Then I suggest that we await the arrival of your uncle, Lord Darcy. He told me he has given thought to the matter. Meanwhile, I will have someone bring food for us. If either of you are as hungry as I am, they had best bring a large meal for all of us."

Her Grace departed, to return shortly with assurances. As they waited, she explained certain facts to Harry.

"You do understand, Harry, that in our world you do not hold any rank. At the least you would be considered as a commoner, but even a Goodman has a position in our society. That is the first difficulty we have to overcome. More important than clothes is the place you occupy. It defines your rights and duties to everyone around you. Do you understand?"

Harry nodded. His brother apparently came from a very structured society. He should have understood that, considering the fact that every person he had met so far had some kind of title. Then he thought of a question he could ask.

"Your Grace," he said, noting that the Duchess smiled, "Lord Robert told me that he swore an oath in the King's name. In my England, we have a Queen, although she's mostly a figurehead."

"She is mostly a figurehead," Her Grace corrected. "You should not use contractions when you speak, Harry. It shows poor breeding. As for swearing an oath on the King's name, you should know that John Plantagenet, fourth of that name, rules the Anglo-French Empire."

"John? As in King John?" Harry asked, then clarified, "the brother of Richard the Lion Hearted." He did not know why but both Lord Robert and Her Grace gave him a bemused look.

"John Lackland never became King in our world, Harry. He was exiled when he attempted to usurp the throne while his brother recovered from his wounds."

"Was he wounded at Chaluz?" Harry asked, hoping he remembered his history correctly. "In my world, he died and John became King."

"He must have been a terrible King," Lord Robert commented, and Harry grinned in response.

Her Grace nodded. "Then we must give you a history lesson, Harry. Richard recovered from his wounds, and from his rashness which led to them. He settled down and put the Empire in order, although at the time it consisted only of England, Wales and parts of France. After his death, his nephew Arthur, the son of his brother Geoffrey became King. It was his skill in the field and at the diplomatic table that added the Lilies of France to the Plantagenet crest where they sit hand in hand with the Lions of England. Since that time, the empire has expanded to include Scotland and Ireland, and the two continents we discovered to the west."

"You mean the Americas?" Harry asked.

"We call the northern continent New England and the southern continent is New France. You should know as well, Harry, that His August Majesty also has the title of Holy Roman Emperor. Although he holds little actual power in either the German or Roman principalities, they do act as an effective barrier between us and our greatest enemy in this world, the Polish Empire." Her Grace paused for effect. "That is why it is very important that we handle you carefully. Their spies know about the control stone and when they find out about you they will know that you come from another world. You could be valuable to them."

Harry nodded in return. "And that's why I'm only here to visit." He paused and repeated, "And that is why I am only here to visit."

Her Grace smirked. "You have a good head on your shoulders, young man. You have great potential in our world."

Harry and Robert grinned in response, then turned as a knock was heard. Dinner had arrived.

It was well after dinner when Lord Darcy returned with two bundles. With him was Captain Smollett of Naval Intelligence who was immediately attracted to how the two boys appeared almost identical.

"You were right, Lord Darcy. They are more exact than I would have believed. I would swear they even weigh the same. If they kept their hair with the same cut you could never tell them apart."

Lord Darcy agreed. "This is Harry, the boy in question. He has one distinction to Lord Robert. A prominent scar on his forehead. It has an interesting shape."

Harry obligingly lifted his hair and showed the lightning-bolt-shaped scar, and Captain Smollett nodded appreciatively.

"That must be worth something, my lad." The Captain reached into his pocket. "This is for your efforts."

"What is this?" Harry asked as he took the coin offered to him.

"The King's shilling, Lad. By taking that coin you have enlisted in His Royal Majesty's Navy."

Harry was stunned. Whatever he expected it was not this. He saw a similar look of surprise on Lord Robert's face but noticed his expression soften when the Duchess of Cumberland laughed.

"Shall I explain myself, Lad," Captain Smollett said, "or do you want to puzzle it out for yourself?"

"An explanation, please," Harry said.

"You will always refer to me by my rank, Lad. Do you know my rank?" He pointed to the chevrons on his sleeve. "This signifies that I hold the rank of Captain. Remember that. Now, rephrase your request."

Harry nodded carefully. "Could I have an explanation, Captain?"

"In the future, address my rank first. As it is, Harry, you are a problem for us. As Lord Darcy explained it to me, we must have a place for you before you can be presented in public. As you have never been acknowledged as a legitimate son of the late Marquis de London, we cannot present you as such. On the other hand there are enough bastards running around that it is no disgrace either."

"Captain," Lord Robert interrupted, "forgive me, but where Harry comes from that word is an insult."

"And here it is a fact of life," Captain Smollett said with no hint of rancor or apology. "Be that as it may, we can not deny or acknowledge that Harry has noble blood. Therefore, we have an alternative. Now he may be presented as a Sub-Lieutenant in the Navy. As an officer, even of the most junior grade, he may be presented in public without admonition or insult." He turned from one boy to the other. "Do you understand, Lieutenant?"

Harry couldn't help it. He saluted. "Aye, Aye, Captain."

Captain Smollett stared, barely controlling himself until Lord Darcy made his comment.

"When it comes to presentations, there are exceptions."

The laughter from the room caused several people in the laboratory to turn and stare.

"If you will excuse me," The Duchess of Cumberland said, and left the room.

"Why did she leave?" Harry asked, then repeated the question. "Captain, My Lords, why did she leave?"

"He learns quickly," Captain Smollett said to no one in particular. "It was a courtesy, Harry. You need to change into your uniform." He took the bundle from Lord Darcy and opened it. "If we gauged correctly these should fit well enough. We will make adjustments as need be when we have time. Please undress."

Harry was surprised, and slightly embarrassed, but he complied. The Captain handed him the undergarments, then the shirt and trousers, all of which were white. Harry felt more comfortable, but was taken aback by the lace cuffs. He was then given a white vest and a cravat. The jacket was the most interesting piece. It was blue in color, but with a modern cut, except that it ended sharply at the waist, just above his belt. The lapels were the full length of the jacket and when folded over could be buttoned up, but as a rule were to be left open. Lastly he was given his hat, which was almost identical to the regulation hats of the military in his own world.

"Are you having any problems?" Captain Smollett asked as Harry was putting on his boots.

"Captain, I feel right enough." Harry looked over at his brother. "You don't have to laugh. You look a sight yourself." Harry did notice that while Robert was dressed in an amalgam of modern and medieval fashion, it looked natural on him.

"If the two of you are ready then, we will put you in your rooms for the night." Captain Smollett turned to Lord Darcy. "I will leave him in your care, My Lord. Please teach him what etiquette he needs to know. I will see you on Tuesday."

"We will be there, Captain. And we are grateful for your help."

The Captain nodded, then turned to Harry and saluted. He criticized Harry's salute, then taught him the proper method. Satisfied on that point, he left.

Lord Darcy turned to Harry. "I wish you to know, first off, Lieutenant Potter, this is not for show. In our world, you are now an officer in His Royal Majesty's Fleet."

"It's not a criticism, Harry," Lord Robert said. "It was the easiest solution to a difficult problem, but it means that if we stay in this world we can be together." He paused to smirk. "Unless you are on board ship."

Harry laughed lightly but turned serious again. "But how can I be in the Navy? I'm only twelve. I should be in school."

Lord Darcy had the bemused look on his face that Harry was becoming familiar with. "I think you will probably go to one of the Naval Academies to be educated. As for your age, it may keep you from actual combat should fighting break out but it will not keep you from learning. Accept it, Harry, if you stay in our world, you will still be going to school."

Harry nodded, then went to take his wand from his pile of clothes but Lord Darcy stopped him. "Harry, Robert, I must ask both of you to leave your wands here. Bundle them up with your clothes for when you return." He paused at an unspoken memory. "You will not need them here, and I guarantee they will be safe."

Both boys looked confused by his insistence but they did comply.


Lord Robert awoke early the next morning, and dressed quickly. He looked out of the window at the garden of the townhouse of his Great Uncle, the Duke of Cambridge, then decided on his course of action. He walked from his bedroom to the one his brother slept in and had the pleasure of waking him up.

"You need to dress, Harry. It is Sunday. We have the pleasure of showing you off today for the first time."

"Hrmph," Harry said and tried to roll over but to no avail. "I hope I get a good breakfast out of this," he grumbled as he crawled out of bed. He looked up and smiled. "For a second I thought you were Oliver Wood trying to get an early start on next year. What time is it?"

"Near to six. Mass should begin at the eight hour."

Harry was confused until he remembered what Lord Robert had told him during the Christmas holiday, as well as the conversation they had last night. He always went to the chapel because it seemed normal. And now that Harry was in his world, he would be expected to follow suit. He smiled, this time to himself. If this was the price of having a family, he would go to Mass three times a day.

Fifteen minutes later, Harry was dressed in his uniform and ready for the day, and left his bedroom to join Lord Robert in the parlor. He laughed as he was saluted, then turned as he heard the Duchess's voice.

"I have always loved a man in uniform. Harry, you will attract many eyes today. They are already talking about you."

"About me, Your Grace? Why?"

"News about Lord Robert's return is already spreading throughout Cambridge, and those few people who have noticed you have also noticed the resemblance." She motioned for Harry and Robert to sit. "It was decided last night that a reasonable explanation would be found, although we will have to stretch the truth. If anyone asks, you were only told about your relationship to the Somerset family yesterday morning when you were confronted by the Kings Men. Before then, you assumed that your likeness to Lord Robert was a coincidence."

"And myself, Your Grace?" Lord Robert asked.

"You will tell the truth. You had lost your memory and only recovered it completely when you saw the familiar face of your uncle, Lord Darcy. And neither of you are permitted to discuss the matter of what happened until an official inquiry is made."

Robert and Harry shared frowns but it was Robert who spoke. "My dearest Godmother, I do love you dearly and I am grateful that efforts are being made for Harry and I to stay together as part of the same family, but both he and I must ask why such an effort is being made so quickly."

The Dowager Duchess of Cumberland smiled at the seriousness of the question. "I can not tell you the reason because I do not know. I can tell you this, however. While we were having our private discussion yesterday at the school," she paused as both boys gave a look of pain and loss, "Lord Darcy and Captain Sheffield had a serious discussion about the differences between our two worlds. They have not informed me fully of what was discussed but I do know that neither of those men slept at all since their return. They have been to London and back in the course of the night and spent most of their time in discussions with people who are close to His Majesty."

"Because of me?" Harry asked.

"You were obviously the focus of their discussion, Lieutenant Potter."

Mary, Duchess of Cumberland returned Harry's smile at the use of his new rank. It would be better for this boy to be in as good a mood as possible when he was seen in public. Smiles would give the gossipers cause to spread good rumours. She paused in her thoughts as a knock was heard at the door and she called for whomever it was to enter.

"Your Grace," Father Maurice said as he entered. He gave a polite bow and the duchess curtsied in return.

"If it please Your Grace, I have been asked to have a private discussion with young Harry before we proceed to the Cathedral. I need to give him a quick lesson on etiquette, least he embarrass himself."

Her Grace nodded. "Lord Robert and I will wait in the garden."

"We will not be long, Your Grace." After they left, Father Maurice turned to Harry. "There are certain things you should know about your situation, my child."

"I know, Father," Harry said, smiling hopefully. "Robert, sorry, Lord Robert and I talked last night about some of the things I should expect." He paused, but before Father Maurice could say anything he asked an unexpected question. "Am I to be baptized?"

Father Maurice showed none of his surprise. "Why would you ask that, Harry? What did Lord Robert say to you?"

"Well, Father, he mentioned having to go to Mass, and that he gave you his confession. Then I asked him what Church he belonged to."

"I must admit that is an odd question."

"That's, um, that is what Robert said. We talked about it and we discovered another difference between our worlds. In my world we had the Protestant Reformation, and there are many different Christian religions with as many different beliefs. Your world did not have that. It is all one church. It isn't Catholic or Lutheran or even the Church of England."

Father Maurice nodded as he understood. "That does explain why almost no one made any reference to Our Lord God. With many different beliefs it is easier to keep silent then to offend someone needlessly."

"Yes Father, but it is different here. It is only one religion. And if I am going to stay here, I thought I would have to be part of it."

"The big word is IF, Harry. We do not know if you will be staying here."

"But everyone is trying to work it out so I can. Her Grace told me so."

"I am aware something is going on. I do not know what but that is beside the point. Baptism is not a matter to be taken lightly, and if you are baptized you will be expected to follow the rules of The Church, and you do not even know them."

"Babies don't know the rules, and they are baptized."

"But you are not a baby."

"In a sense I am. I entered this world less than a day ago."

Father Maurice was stunned by the argument. He uttered an old quote, "Listen to the children. They speak the words of the ages."

"Is that a yes?"

"I will make enquiries with my superiors. For now I will do this." Father Maurice uttered a prayer in Latin while he placed his hand on Harry's head. At the boy's questioning look he replied, "You expressed an interest in our religion. As you are not a member of the church, I have given you a dispensation. You may attend the services as though you did belong although you may not partake in any of the sacraments. Do you understand what I am telling you?"

Harry expressed surprised. "You came to tell me I wasn't, was not, allowed to go to church."

"You were not," Father Maurice agreed. "But now you are. And now I must explain other things to you." The priest led the boy to the door and to the gardens as he set out certain facts to Harry. The Duchess and Lord Robert helped during the ride to the cathedral. By the time the short trip was over, Harry was afraid of stepping on his own shadow.

Harry, as a Sub-Lieutenant, was an officer although of the lowest rank. Because he was in uniform, he would not be expected to act as a commoner, nor as a lord. He would bow slightly when introduced. He would never offer his hand to anyone, nor was anyone expected to offer a hand to him. He would salute all other officers. If possible he would say nothing except the most polite generalities. Worst of all, Harry had to try to remember how to address the various members of the nobility, as he would meet several of them. A knight would be pleased to be called His Grace, but a Duke would be deeply insulted to be called Sir. While it was not a hanging offense, it showed poor breeding, and would make others think less of him.

"How do you feel?" Lord Robert asked as the coach arrived.

"I can not feel a thing," Harry admitted.

"Your language skills are improving," Father Maurice said as a complement, but it did not help.

The coachman opened the door and helped the Duchess step down. Lord Robert stepped down next and the crowd outside the Cathedral stood silent for a moment. Then the applause began. A lost sheep was being welcomed back into the fold. "And next comes the black sheep," Harry said to himself as he stepped down. He waited for Father Maurice to join him, then walked with him behind his brother and Her Grace, who made frequent stops.

"They are being very polite to you," Father Maurice explained in a whisper. Harry noticed that everyone did not exactly ignore him while greeting Lord Robert, but did watch him with interest.

The priest told him "If they were offended by you, they would not bother to notice you." He quickly pointed out a man who was greeting Lord Robert at that moment and whispered to Harry. "He is a retired Commander. He is sure to look at you. When he does, salute him."

Harry waited. When the man finished speaking, he turned his head as expected. Harry gave him a proper salute and said, "Sir."

The man gave him a polite smile and returned the salute. "Lieutenant."

Father Maurice gave Harry a pat on the back to say a job well done. Harry had passed his first test. His second test came almost immediately and he was completely unprepared. A boy suddenly shouted and came running, barreling into Lord Robert. Harry watched in fascination. The boy regained control, and then excused himself to everyone. That was when he spotted Harry. The boy looked up at him with matching green eyes, and grinned as Lord Robert whispered something to him. Harry looked up at Father Maurice to find out what to do as Lord Roger de Somerset, Marquis of London, threw his arms around Harry's waist and hugged him.

"My Lord Marquis," Father Maurice said politely, while smiling at Harry's embarrassment. "It might be more circumspect to first give thanks that this reunion has taken place."

The words had their effect and Roger, Lord London let go. But Harry heard the words he said just before he did so. "Now I have two brothers."

Harry and Robert would talk again that night. Their plan had worked, and Harry was permitted to come to the Cathedral to meet Roger. They prided themselves on their cleverness.

Elsewhere, Father Maurice was having a discussion with the Archbishop of London. He had to report the failure of his task because of the unusual circumstances. He was to propose the suggestion that Lord Robert's twin be baptized, but Harry had raised the subject himself.

The Duke of Buckingham and the Dowager Duchess of Cumberland were also in conference with an old midwife, the one that had delivered Lord Robert. They made a curious proposal, and a generous offer. The midwife accepted.

A fourth conversation was taking place between The Lord Seneschal and His August Majesty, John IV.

"It is important that We be in control of this situation at all times."

"We are, Your Royal Majesty. And it has happened more easily than I thought possible. Lord Darcy's decision to have the boy enlisted in the Navy was a master stroke. By accepting his position the boy has by default declared his loyalty to yourself."

"Remember, My Lord Seneschal, We are discussing a twelve-year-old boy."

"A twelve-year-old boy with no family," The Seneschal pointed out in return. "He has shown a strong attachment for his counterpart. I believe he would do anything to remain with his brother."

"He will stay or go as WE decide," His Majesty said, then turned to look out the window. "We find it hard to believe that the Empire is shaking in its foundations because of this."

"Then let us send the boy back to his own world, and remove ourselves from there on a permanent basis." The Lord Seneschal smiled knowing that this, the easiest solution, would be the most dangerous.

In acknowledgment, His Majesty gave him a withering frown ruined by the wisp of a smile. "What good news do We have of all this?"

"Much, Your Majesty. Our man in the household overheard a conversation between the boy and the Papal Legate. The boy himself asked to be admitted into the church." John arched his eyebrows. "I suspect, Your Majesty, that he was coached as to what to say by Lord Robert de Somerset."

His Majesty nodded. "Then, if possible, we will keep them together. I assume that the Duke is making arrangements."

"As we speak." The Lord Seneschal paused. "Your Majesty, there is one item of news that may be considered good or ill, depending upon your view. The headmaster of the school was removed from his position shortly after our people left that world. I would remind you of the brief discussion last night of the status of the school. It was one of the reasons the headmaster agreed to quickly send Lord Robert home." The Admiral paused. "Professor Quirrell had returned as agreed to discuss the possibility of studying that world. When he discovered the situation, he returned with the suggestion that we bring the teacher, Professor Dumbledore, here. We can honestly claim he is a visiting scholar."

John IV nodded. "Do so. Such a man may be amenable to helping Us, for his own reasons."

"He is a good man by all reports, Your Majesty. I believe he will help us because it is the right thing to do. If we inform him of our intentions, he will agree."

"We will find out," His Majesty said. "Send word to Professor Quirrell, then go to bed. One night awake is enough. We will take Our own advice and do the same."

"I will follow your orders gratefully," the Lord Seneschal said, and bowed as His Majesty left the room.

There was one last conversation that took place that night. It was between Lord Darcy and Master Sean. Master Sean was the only one who had slept the previous night.

"Are you still in pain, Master Sean?"

"I was never in pain, Milord."

Lord Darcy looked surprised. "From the way you screamed and the grimace on your face, I would have sworn you were in some kind of pain."

"A deception of circumstance, Milord. Rather I was experiencing a feeling so powerful that it seemed painful because it was more than I could bear. When I touched Professor Dumbledore's wand, I felt power. That is the only word to describe it. I felt raw power."

Darcy nodded. "Then the wands are amplification devices."

Master Sean snorted. "That was obvious from the first and you know it. Lord Robert has enough talent that, with a great amount of training, he could perform simple spells with some chance of success. He has talent, but never enough to be worth studying the art of Sorcery. What I failed to realize, Milord, was the degree of amplification. I am only grateful that you have no talent at all." Master Sean smiled. "For magic, that is."

Lord Darcy pondered the words from his Master Sorcerer. If the wand amplified his nephew's talent to the point where, at twelve, he could readily perform magic then the amplification must be in an order of magnitude. "Master Sean, Father Maurice examined you but he saw no hint of Black Magic."

"There is none, Milord. The wand is a passive instrument. It can not do good or evil. The good or evil is done by the caster. It is the same with the boy, Harry. He received his scar through Black Magic. Through it he gains some of his power as a wizard, but he is not evil as a result. The scar is passive. I would be curious," Master Sean noted, "to find out what would happen if young Harry were to enter a church."


"I felt strange walking into the Cathedral," Harry admitted when Robert asked him what he thought of it.

"As though you were out of place?"

"It wasn't that. I could never feel out of place with you there. It was like I was missing something that was always there, but I never knew about."

"You were grinning the entire time," Robert said. "I thought you were overwhelmed. But we know you did not have a religious experience. What you described is the exact opposite."

Harry nodded. "I know that, because when we left the Cathedral I felt it again and I knew what it was. It was my scar."

Robert began to say something but paused, "Have you ever been in a church before."

"Once on a class trip. We toured Saint Paul's Cathedral."

"And?"

Harry smirked. "And what?"

Robert shook his head in exasperation "And did you feel any different."

Harry frowned as a memory returned. "It wasn't a happy occasion for me. I remember hiding so that my cousin and his friends wouldn't do anything to me. I didn't have this feeling though. This was strong enough that I would have noticed."

"That is odd," Robert commented. "I would have thought your problem was related to magic."

Now Harry felt odd at hearing Robert's statement. "Why would going into a church have an effect on magic?"

Robert looked up in stunned surprise. "Harry, I think I know another major difference between our worlds."