A/N: I was asked an interesting question. Does O'Connell's son bow to the King.

The general rule is when the King enters a room, everyone genuflects and remains that way until they are told to rise. The exception is if the King is in uniform. In that case, everyone bows deeply. Again, the exception is if someone is an officer. Then, that person would salute a superior officer.

The people who are exempt from these rules are: The King (obviously); The Royal Family (Mother, Wife, Children and their wives and children, Brothers and sisters who have not reached their majority); The Lords of Ulster, their wives and their heirs. As O'Connell's eldest son, Owen is his heir. He does not genuflect. He, and his father, would bow lightly, out of courtesy, the same way that common folk such as you and I would bow should we meet in public.

As a rule, a fiancé is not a spouse. However, if that person were in the company of her/his betrothed, that person would be treated as though they were already married. For example, The Prince of Britain is engaged. That woman would have the same rights and privileges as though she were already the Princess of Britain, while she was with the Prince. When they were not together she would be addressed according to her normal title.

As an aside, people do not shake hands in the Empire. That would be an insult, although grasping another's hand if there is a close personal connection is accepted. If the conditions were strongly emotional, such as meeting a relative or close friend after a long separation, it would not be uncommon to hug the other person, regardless of their sex. Henry and Robert hugged each other at an emotional moment, by the lake at Hogwarts. Had anyone at the school seen them they might have made a joke, but had this occurred on the streets of His Majesty's London any comment would have been a reference to good fortune.

Chapter Twenty: Hogwart's Express

The compartment was already crowded with two sets of twins as well as Ron, Ginny and Hermione. Fred stood in the doorway as he and George started to tell everyone what they knew about the escaped prisoner.

"First off, Dad promised Mum he wouldn't say anything to you, Harry, so he told us so we could tell you."

"And who is this escaped prisoner?"

"His name is Sirius Black," Fred told them, then stared as Robert and Harry both jumped. "What is it?"

"Uncle Remus told us about him," Harry explained. His voice was barely above a whisper.

Robert finished the explanation. "He was the one who betrayed our parents, in this world. He is the reason Harry is an orphan." He looked at Harry, who nodded. "What hurts the most is that he was the Best Man when our parents were married, and he is also Harry's Godfather."

"And he turned us over to Voldemort," Harry concluded bitterly.

George nodded. "And now he's back. Harry, that's why you ended up in the Minister's office."

"And that's why you're taking the Hogwarts Express," Fred added. "The Aurors are watching the train in hope that Black does make a try for you. "

"I don't think he will," George concluded. "There are too many people around. He won't try to sneak onto the train because he knows he can't."

"I am reassured," Harry said half-heartedly. "Do you know what happened when they caught him?"

From the looks on their faces, Fred and George knew, but they hadn't told Ron or Hermione. It was Fred who answered.

"He blew up an entire section of a city street, killing the wizard who found him. And about two dozen muggles."

"And he laughed when they took him away," Harry pointed out. "I doubt he will worry about too many people being around."

"And neither should you," a familiar voice said from behind Fred. Remus Lupin stood there, thin as ever but with a healthy glow about him.

"Uncle!" two boys shouted, then followed through with a boisterous reception. Fred and George used the moment to leave. They did have their own friends to see. Remus declined to stay, however.

"I am next door if you need me. I have to keep the new Defense teacher company."

"He's in the next compartment?" Hermione asked, and Remus nodded.

"I thought Professor Quirrell was in the next compartment," Harry said, then paused when he thought he understood. Remus nodded again.

"He is there as well," Remus said, "but I wanted to give you my good news." As the four watched him eagerly, he added, "I am now the groundskeeper at Hogwarts."

"But what about Hagrid?" Hermione asked before anyone could say anything.

Remus smiled. "Professor Hagrid . . ." he paused for effect, ". . . will be too busy teaching Care for Magical Creatures."


"There you are," Susan Bones said as she opened the compartment door. "I see you were too busy to come looking for me."

Harry smirked as he realized she was looking at Ron and not Robert. He glanced at Robert and saw him smirking as well.

"Sorry," Ron said without blushing. "We ran into Harry and Robert and . . ."

"You're forgiven," Susan said as she sat next to him. She then looked to Robert. "Where's Ernie? I thought he would be with you."

"He decided to stay," Robert said in what he hoped was a casual tone. "He likes being a lord."

Susan looked in surprise. "He stayed there? But he had to leave his wand here?"

Robert shrugged his shoulders. "He fell into the trap of nobility."

"And what does that mean?"

"Susan, he was made a peer. He went to investigate his barony. He agreed to be a baron. And now he has to be a baron. It is not something you can play at."

"I wish I had known he wasn't coming back." Susan shook her head slowly. "I was used to him. But that's Ernie for you. He never did anything by half."

"That is true," Robert admitted. "When he was convinced that Harry was the Heir of Slytherin he tried to convince everyone, including myself. But once he knew he was wrong, Ernie always took Harry's side, and argued effectively on his behalf."

"And he saved my life by finding Dumbledore," Harry added. He looked around the compartment. "He saved our lives."

Susan nodded. "Are there any more surprises I should know about?"

Robert paused. "Harry and I are both officers in His Royal Majesty's Navy. Our uncle, Remus Lupin is now the Groundskeeper, Hagrid is now a Professor, and the new Defense teacher is next door with Professor Quirrell, a sorcerer from my world. Did I miss anything, Harry?"

"I'm sorry I asked," Susan said with a laugh.

Robert smiled with her then noticed her hand. Ron was holding it. Something had happened over the summer. He would have to watch those two. He looked at Hermione and Ginny, who were laughing with Susan. Then he looked to Harry, who was sitting next to Ron. He was grinning as well.

Oblivious to all of this, Ron asked, "Harry, did you meet any of your family? You said you had a brother."

Harry couldn't help himself. "I did meet Roger, and I found out why your brothers can't stand you. Younger brothers are completely obnoxious."

Ron laughed. "Ask Roger what he really thinks about his older brothers."

"Ron, you will not believe this, but I met my mother's younger sister."

"You're joking? The Dursley's are there? Are they as bad as they are here?"

"Not at all. Because they aren't the Dursley's. And my Aunt, Lady Gwyneth, is older than Petunia by over a month. It was strange when I met their son. He has the same birthday as Dudley."

Hermione laughed. "Don't tell me his name is also Dudley?"

Harry and Robert shared identical grins, as Harry said, "Thomas Wyatt Dudley."

"That is priceless, Harry." She couldn't help but laugh. "What is Lord Dudley like?"

"He is not a lord," Robert explained. "Our Aunt Gwyneth married a knight, Captain Sir Walter Dudley of His Majesty's Guard. Cousin Thomas does not have a title."

"He was wonderful to meet," Harry admitted. "Thomas is everything Dudley is not. He made me feel welcome."

"Welcome?" Robert paused in thought. For a brief moment he felt apart from everything that had happened. A stray thought entered his head and refused to leave. "Harry," he said suddenly, "did you notice the strange thing that happened today?"

Harry proved to be his twin, and understood his tone immediately. "You are talking about the Minister. Why was that unusual? We appeared in his office so that he could be impressive." Harry paused. "Oh."

"Oh?" Hermione asked.

"Fudge likes to show off," Ron told her. "It's just like him to have Harry and Robert show up like that."

"Then why did Harry say 'OH'?"

Harry frowned. "Because the Minister for Magic was alone when we arrived. Why be pompous when the room is empty." He told them everything that had happened in the Minister's office.

Hermione grinned. "Isn't it obvious? You were with Professor Quirrell, who is from 'that backward world'. My guess is that he doesn't like having to cater to one of 'them'."

"THEM?" Robert asked in anger.

"Remember, dear brother," Harry said evenly, "We are backward barbarians."

"Harry," Ron said quickly. "Mum didn't mean it that way."

"But that is how we are portrayed. Isn't it, Hermione? Susan?"

Both girls nodded.

"We know it's wrong," Hermione said, "Your world took a different path. That doesn't make us better."

"Think about Ernie," Susan pointed out. "When given a choice, he chose your world."

Robert grinned. Susan was right. But the Minister's words had hurt.

Crookshanks chose this moment and jumped at Ron, and the pocket of his robe that held Scabbers.

"Hermione!" He shouted angrily as Harry and Ginny both grabbed for the cat.

Susan Bones understood at once, and made a helpful suggestion. "Ron, I'm sharing a compartment with Megan Jones and Wayne Hopkins. Wayne asked if I could drag you with me when I go back."

"Yeah," Ron said sullenly, with a scornful look at Hermione. "I would like that."

"Robert?" Susan asked. "Would you like to join us?"

"I think I will stay here," Robert said. Then he smirked. "After all, Three is a crowd." He grinned as Ron and Susan both gave embarrassed smiles.

Harry saw Hermione squeeze Robert's arm in appreciation. Ron was still upset, but he was no longer angry. Then Harry smirked. "Robert, would you like Ginny and I to leave. Four is also a crowd."

Harry pointed at Hermione's hand and everyone started laughing as she blushed furiously. She ended up laughing as well. As Ron began to leave, she called to him. "I promise. I'll teach Crookshanks to behave, or the cat will go."

Ron nodded in appreciation and left with Susan. He and Wayne Hopkins would probably talk about Quidditch for the rest of the trip.


Remus Lupin returned to his compartment just as the DADA Professor excused himself, making a small apology.

"How are they?" Professor Quirrell asked.

"They seem happy to be back," Remus said.

"We were worried," Gabriel Quirrell admitted. "Both were reluctant to return. I understand the attitude of My Lord Robert, but I was surprised at the feelings Lord Henry showed."

Remus smiled at the use of the titles. "Harry finally has a family. If I were in his place, I know I'd want to stay."

Gabriel nodded. "I must remember to call them Harry and Robert. And you are right about the boy. He did not want Lord London to be alone again. Both he and Robert know how hard it was for him the first time." Gabriel cleared his throat. "May I ask a personal question? How many people know about your, um, condition?"

Remus looked at the man in surprise. "How did you find out?" He then answered his own question. "It was Xavier."

Quirrell nodded. "Doctor Pantely was impressed by our healers. He dared to broach the subject. I was only told because of my relationship with the school."

Remus paused before answering. "Albus knows, of course. And the staff was informed in confidence, but none of the students know. Except for Ernie MacMillan, but I understand that he won't be returning."

"Would you object to one of our healers examining you? Doctor Pantely thinks that our methods may be effective in helping you. He has told us of his work to date. He also told me, personally, that he is looking for a permanent cure."

Emotions played across the face of Remus Lupin. The possibility of a cure was always his greatest hope. And Xavier thought that these people, whom the Daily Prophet constantly called backward, could be of help. His answer was a definite yes, and he had to smile. He understood that Professor Quirrell and the new DADA teacher did not need an escort. Remus was here so that they could talk privately, and set the groundwork before they arrived at the school.


The compartment door opened and Robert and Harry stared in surprise. They realized they were looking at the new Defense Professor. Master Forensic Sorcerer Sean O'Lochlainn.

"May I join you for a spell?" Master Sean asked. "My colleagues need to have a private discussion, and I am in the way."

"What is it about, Master Sean?" Harry asked.

"I do not know. It is private," Sean O'Lochlainn gave them a wide smile.

"You're Master Sean?" Hermione asked in surprise. "Please come in. Robert told me all about you. Are you the new Defense Professor?"

Hermione was enthralled by Master Sean and his willingness to answer any question she could think of. He even gave her a grin of approval when she asked if she could look in his sorcerer's bag.

Andrew looked up as the door to the dorm opened and Ernie walked in. "Did you manage to lose your way again?"

Ernie shared his grin. "I was told that since I liked the school so much I had to return. My parents insisted."

"Owen will be happy to hear that," Andrew acknowledged.

"I know," Ernie replied. "The house needs a good forward." Both boys laughed.

Draco Malfoy opened the compartment door. Appropriately, it started to rain at just that moment. "Look. A pair of Potty's and a Weasel."

Behind him, Crabbe and Goyle laughed, while Ginny blushed in furious anger. Robert stood up and faced the blond-haired boy.

"You are not amusing," he said and reached into his robe as though to draw his wand. "Why not duel, at the here and now? Or you could leave quietly?"

Draco looked at the one hand reaching inside the jacket and the other hand held up in readiness. "You're not worth it," he sneered, as though the past had never happened, and walked away with his friends.

Laughter followed him until Robert closed the compartment door.

"Thank you," Ginny said appreciatively. "I can't stand him."

"No one can," Robert answered. "Except the Slytherins."

"What curse were you going to use on him?" Ginny asked. "I'm just curious."

"None." Robert gave her a grin. "I left my wand at the school."

"What?" Hermione said in surprise. "The first thing they taught us is never to forget your wand."

"I did not forget my wand," Robert explained. "In our world, we have forbidden the use of wands. Any wizard who visits must leave his wand behind else they be tempted to, um, show off."

"But if you're not a wizard in your world, what are you?"

Robert pointed to the insignia on his jacket. "I am a Lieutenant."

Hermione was surprised. She looked at Harry who nodded in response. "But Ernie stayed in your world?"

"And left his wand with Dumbledore."

"Why?" Hermione thought furiously. "Harry, Robert, I don't care what it takes but I want to visit this world of yours."

"You are invited for Christmas," Harry offered.

"Roger will love you," Robert told her.


Someone actually knocked on the compartment door instead of just opening it. Robert being closest, slid the door open to find himself facing Cedric Diggory. "Please, Cedric, we have still to arrive at school. I refuse to have Quidditch practice this early."

Cedric laughed, and joined them as Robert sat back down. "We'll wait until after the sorting."

"I think Oliver Wood has the pitch reserved for that time," Harry offered, eliciting another laugh from Cedric.

"I have a serious question," Cedric said shortly. "I want to know about Ernie. Susan told me he stayed behind."

Robert shrugged his shoulders. "He wanted to come back but his family fell in love with the barony. He stayed so that they could stay."

Cedric frowned. "He stayed because of his family?"

"And the wealth and power that come with being Baron."

"But was it his choice? I was told that his father may have forced the issue."

Hermione was curious. "Why would he make Ernie stay?"

Cedric's frown deepened. "Do all of you understand that Ernie is wizard born?" Everyone nodded. "Do you know that both of his parents are also wizard born?"

"Wait," Robert said. "Ernie distinctly told me that he has a muggle cousin the same age."

The frown became a wry smile. "His father's first wife was a muggle."

"She was killed," Hermione guessed, and Cedric nodded. No one had to ask by whom.

"Mister MacMillan was always a bit skittish after that, my dad said."

It was Harry who said it. "Now his family is safe from Voldemort, should he succeed in returning."

Robert reached over and put his hand on Cedric's shoulder. "Lord MontClaire is staying because of his family, but it was his choice. He had to consider what was best for them."

Cedric was surprised to hear how Robert referred to Ernie, but he understood the reason. Ernie wasn't Ernie anymore. "I had to ask. I always liked him and . . . the train is slowing?"

Ginny looked out the window. "We're nowhere near the station, yet? I think I see some lights." As she wiped the window to try to see better, the lights on the train went out, leaving everyone in complete darkness.

"What is it?" Harry asked with a hint of nervousness.

"Get your wands out, just in case," Cedric said clearly.

"Our wands are at the school," Robert answered in the same tone that Harry used.

"Lumos," Cedric said and the tip of his wand began to glow. A gasp was heard from the doorway and everyone looked to see Neville Longbottom standing there. It was obvious he had been feeling his way along the wall. The light appeared as Neville was about to rest his hand on empty air instead of the compartment door he expected to be there. His gasp was relief at his close call.

"Can I join you?" he asked quickly. "At least until the lights come back on."

As Neville gratefully sat down, the sound of footsteps could be heard as people began boarding the train. There was also another sound that none of them recognized. Then it appeared. Robert later described it as a dark form that seemed to exude hopelessness.

Robert wasn't sure of what happened after that. He was frozen in fear, staring helplessly at the creature. Cedric was trying to cast some kind of spell but it wasn't working. Then Harry fell to the floor, shaking. As though it was a signal, the creature began to bend over his brother, and Robert forced himself to push it away. His hand froze when he touched it, and the hooded face turned toward him. That was when he heard the scream, but a feeling of apathy seemed to come over him. As the face came closer, he lost consciousness. His last thought was a mild amusement that the screams were coming from his own mouth.

Robert awoke in a bed. Someone was standing over him, a healer.

"Good, My Lord, you have awakened. I must ask you to eat this. I have been assured it will make you feel better."

Robert took the piece of chocolate and ate it. Relief and warmth seemed to fill him immediately. "What happened?"

The healer, a sister of the Order of Saint Gertrude, smiled warmly at him. "You attacked an abomination. You did not achieve victory over it but you stayed its course and saved the life of your brother."

"Harry?" Robert asked anxiously.

"One of the sisters is with him. He has already recovered. You took the worst of it upon yourself." She put her fingers on Robert's lips to prevent his next question. "There is more chocolate here, and I must insist that you eat all of it. After that you are to rest. You may ask all of your questions in the morning."


"Where's Robert?"

The healer handed Harry another piece of chocolate. "He fought the beast and took more harm than you, but he will recover."

"What was it?"

"That I do not know, My Lord, but your friends are waiting. I am certain that they will explain everything to you." She paused and looked sternly at Harry. "Lord Henry, you are ordered to stay in that bed until morning. I will permit guests to visit you for an hour, only if you promise to obey my orders."

"It is my duty to obey orders," Harry said cheerfully as he saluted.

The sister laughed at his gesture, then walked to the door of the small room and opened it. She stepped out and Hermione walked in. She was followed by Ginny and Cedric Diggory.

"Robert is fine," Harry and Hermione said together, and then laughed.

Hermione grabbed his hand. "Thank you for thinking of me. But how are you."

"I feel better now," Harry said, "but I don't know what happened. As soon as I saw that creature I heard someone scream, and then I blacked out. I vaguely remember falling on the floor."

"That's odd," Ginny said.

Hermione frowned. "Robert was the one who screamed, but you had already fallen by then."

"I think I can explain," Cedric said as he came up to the bed. "It was probably a memory. Dementors always bring out the worst memories that you have. It's as though they suck all of the happiness out of you, which is what they do."

"Is that what that thing was?" Harry asked. "A Dementor?"

Cedric nodded. "They are the guardians of the prison of Azkaban. My guess is that one was on the train in case they found Sirius Black."

Harry nodded but his face had a serious look. "What happened to Robert? Why did he scream?"

"It was lunging for you," Ginny gasped. A tear was in her eye from the painful memory. "Robert tried to push it out of the way." Hermione put her arm around Ginny to comfort her.

"Lupin and the others heard his scream," Cedric told him. "He was able to distract the dementor while Professor Quirrell took us to safety. We didn't know who was hurt, or how badly."

Harry smiled thinly as he looked at Hermione. "You have your wish."

Hermione returned his smile in kind. "Be careful what you wish for. You will surely get it."