Chapter 50: Appendix One
A/N: This and the following chapter are the first two chapters of the original version. They are placed here simply for the reader's curiosity. THIS IS NOT REQUIRED READING. There are several commonalities between the two versions but there are two striking differences. In this version, Robert retains his memories, and he is put into Gryffindor.
Plantagenet
"Harry," Colin Creevey called out, his camera clutched in his hands. "Where are you going?
"I have practice," Harry said as he walked through the common room in his Quidditch uniform. Harry's first week back at school had ended badly. Guilderoy Lockhart made it a point to embarrass him at every opportunity. Now it was Colin's turn. The first year was fascinated by Harry and followed him everywhere, taking pictures whenever he could. It was like being followed around by a talking shadow.
Harry made it to the weekend only to be woken up by Oliver Wood, who wanted to practice even before the sun was up. He trudged down the stairs, tired and hungry, to find Colin there looking as bright and cheerful as ever.
"I've heard about Quidditch," Colin said as he followed Harry out of the Gryffindor Tower. "But I don't know how it's played. What are the . . ."
He stepped outside of the Gryffindor common room and stopped dead in his tracks Harry had tripped over a body that was lying in the middle of the corridor. Colin thought it was a girl at first because of the long hair, but quickly realized his mistake. The clothes, although strange, made it clear that it was a boy his or Harry's age.
The boy was a display of contradictions. He was dirty and barefoot, but his shirt was obviously made of silk with lace around the collar and cuffs. What was left of his vest matched his pants which ended at the calf. The dirty fabric appeared to have once been red satin but was now stained a darker red from an obvious wound.
Colin didn't know what to do as he watched Harry looking at the boy. He instinctively raised the camera to his face and took a picture.
"Colin," Harry hissed angrily.
Before either Harry or Colin could react Professor McGonagall and Argus Filch came running around the corner. Professor McGonagall's wand was in her hand. She quickly examined the boy, then cast a spell causing the body to float, and Filch ran with the him as quickly as he could. McGonagall paused briefly and cast another spell to clean the hallway rug. Only then did she look at the two Gryffindors..
"Come with me," McGonagall told Harry and Colin in a voice that demanded obedience.
Madam Pomfrey examined the wound as she applied the potion. "He'll live, Albus, but it was a near thing. Thank Minerva for her quick reaction."
Dumbledore turned to McGonagall with a look of gratitude then turned back to the boy on the bed. "Do we have any idea who he is?"
"I know exactly who he is," Pomfrey uttered. "He's been in here too many times for me to not recognize him, even with the long hair. Albus, look at his face. Except for not having a scar, the boy is Harry Potter."
Harry was startled at hearing that statement and looked at Colin who was just as surprised. "Did you say that was me. Madam Pomfrey."
"Come take a look, Mr. Potter."
Harry walked carefully around the bed so that he could see the boy's face. "Is that really me?" Harry shook his head in disbelief. "But that isn't possible." Turning to Dumbledore he said, "Professor, is it possible?"
"He IS Harry Potter," Pomfrey insisted. "Every spell I used to examine him tells me that."
"He is here, Harry," Dumbledore said, "therefore it is possible, but we will have to wait for him to recover before we can find out how." He ushered both boys away from the bed and spoke to them privately. "I need to know what you saw."
Colin answered first. "I was walking with Harry to Quidditch practice, but when I came out past the portrait he was lying on the ground, and this boy was next to him."
"Harry?"
"Sir, I stepped out into the hallway and I tripped over him. I never saw him. It was as though he suddenly appeared."
"He did," Dumbledore informed them. "He may have appeared only moments before you fell over him. When something like that occurs the wards around the castle give an alarum, and lets key staff know exactly where the intruder is."
Harry nodded. "That was why Professor McGonagall and Mr. Filch appeared so quickly."
"You are right, Harry. And I must asked you and Colin to keep this a secret until we know precisely what has happened. This boy was deliberately wounded by a muggle weapon only moments before he arrived in the hallway outside the Gryffindor common room. If he is in danger, it is better for him that no one knows he is here. Do you understand?"
Both boys nodded, then Harry asked, "Sir, I missed practice. I have to say something."
Dumbledore smiled. "That is easy enough to explain, Harry. You tripped on your way to practice, and Colin Creevey helped you to the infirmary. You were fortunate he was with you."
"I suppose that is true enough," Harry said. "And I promise not to mention him to anyone. I know no one else was in the hallway, and I didn't see anyone on my way here."
"I didn't see anyone either," Colin offered.
"I know," Harry said, half jokingly. "If you had, you would have taken their picture."
Colin blushed and smiled in his embarrassment, but never let go of his camera.
Now, off with you. And I do promise to let you know what has happened." He added with a grin, "I suspect, Harry, that you are involved, somehow."
Harry laughed. "Let's see. He looks exactly like me. He appeared right in front of me. I think you might be right, Professor."
"I am glad you see the humor, but please do not tell anyone until I have a chance to talk to the boy. That should be the day after tomorrow if I know Madam Pomfrey's work."
"We promise, Professor," Harry said in a serious tone. "I won't even tell Ron or Hermione."
"I won't tell anyone," Colin said, suddenly nervous at the feeling of responsibility.
"You tripped?" Oliver Wood asked. "How? You can fly rings around anyone. How could you trip?"
"I wasn't on my broom when it happened," Harry said in defense.
"Then fly down to practice from now on," Oliver suggested. "What if this happened before a match?"
"I'm sorry," Harry said. "I'm fine now. It was one of those things."
"I should have thought of that," George said as Oliver stormed off. "You missed the most boring practice I've ever attended."
"You missed most of it too," Fred pointed out. "Harry, he fell asleep in the middle of Wood's lecture on tactics. I know because he was still asleep when I woke up."
"It ended great, in a way," George added. "The Slytherins showed up saying they had to train their new Seeker."
"Slytherin has a new Seeker? Who?" Harry asked.
"The same one you saw in Knockturn Alley."
"Malfoy? How did he get on the team. What happened to Higgs?"
"Higgs father didn't buy the Quidditch team brand new brooms, Nimbus Two Thousand and One's."
"I'm not surprised, but how does that make a great ending."
"It doesn't," George explained, "but that was when Ron and Hermione came up looking for you. That was the great part."
"That's right," Fred added, "Malfoy showed off his new broom and Hermione told him that the Gryffindors didn't have to buy their way onto the team."
"Yeah," George concluded, "She told him that we got there by talent. Malfoy hated that."
"Good for Hermione," Harry cheered. "What happened then?"
"Um," Fred said carefully, "Malfoy called Hermione a name, and Ron pulled out his wand and cursed Malfoy."
Harry caught Fred's tone and asked just as carefully, "And."
"Well, you know about Ron's wand."
"The spell backfired."
"Hermione took Ron to see Hagrid."
"He was coughing up slugs the entire time."
Harry stared at the twins, not sure if it was a joke. "I think I'll go visit Hagrid."
As the twins left to change out of their Quidditch uniforms, Harry turned to the entranceway. As he turned he spotted Colin, sitting in a chair away from everyone else, not looking at anyone. Not many hours ago, Harry was wishing that the same boy would leave him alone. Now he was walking over to him to find out why he was troubled.
"Colin?"
"I won't bother you anymore, Harry. I promise."
"Why the change of heart? I never even explained how Quidditch is played."
"You Know," Colin said, referring to what had happened earlier. I'm sorry I caused you any trouble."
Harry sat in the chair nest to Colin. "Do you actually think that was your fault? You didn't do anything wrong. You were just a witness to what happened."
"It's not that," Colin said in disgust. "I realized that you think I'm a pest, that I annoy you. That boy was lying there and I . . . I . . . I took his picture."
Harry nodded at the thought. Colin was right. He was a pest. He was annoying. But Harry felt bad that Colin felt bad at doing nothing.
"It's more than I did, Colin. All I did was stare. You even heard Madam Pomfrey. If it wasn't for Professor McGonagall . . ."
Colin's face brightened a little. "Then you don't think I'm a pest."
"Of course I do," Harry replied but kept his smile. "You try too hard and it drives people away."
"I'm sorry, Harry. I just thought you would be a perfect friend. I never thought about what you would think."
"Well, I think we both had a bad scare this morning, even though it ended on a good note. We need to take our minds off of it." Harry looked Colin in the eye. "Ron's down in Hagrid's hut coughing up slugs. Would you like to join me."
"I'd love to," Colin said. "Can I . . ."
"Leave the camera," Harry said, and Colin laughed.
Harry's day ended just as badly as it began. He spent the rest of the morning watching Ron spit out slugs, and he found out what the term 'Mudblood' meant. At noon he finally had a chance to eat, only to find out that he had detention with Lockhart, by special request. He spent his evening helping the pompous jer . . . teacher answer his fan mail.
That was when he heard the voice and the words of menace it spoke. Lockhart claimed that he heard nothing. Later that night when Harry told Ron about the voice he never even thought of the strange boy he had tripped over.
The boy stirred in his bed and slowly awoke. As he opened his eyes, a fuzzy old man came into view. A hand approached and put a pair of glasses over his eyes, and the fuzzy old man came into focus.
"Does that help?" Dumbledore asked.
"Yes, thank you," the boy said weakly.
"My timing has always been impeccable," Dumbledore chuckled. "I've only just come by with those glasses in case you needed them when you woke up."
"I don't recognize your robes, Sir. Are you a Healer?"
"That honor belongs to Madam Pomfrey. I am merely the school's headmaster, Albus Dumbledore."
"This isn't my school, then. I would recognize you, Headmaster, if it was."
"That is true enough. This is not your school. May I bother to ask your name?"
"You do not know me, Headmaster? Where was I found?"
Albus smiled a rebuke, "If I knew you, I would not ask your name. And you were found in one of our corridors. I might add that we were quite surprised to find you there."
"I am sorry, Headmaster. I'm a bit confused. Lord Cahill."
Albus shook his head. "I'm sorry but now I am confused. Who is Lord Cahill?"
"I am, Headmaster. Robert de Somerset. I am the Eighteenth Lord Cahill. My father is the Marquis de London."
"I apologize, Lord Cahill. I can see you are still tired, but would you like something to eat before you rest again?"
"Please. I am feeling hungry."
Before the boy could react, a tray appeared, and Albus helped him to a sitting position. The boy drank greedily from the juice, then attacked the eggs and toast. He finished the last piece and sat back with a satisfied look.
"May I ask a question of you, Sir, without giving offense?"
"Anything."
"You said you were the head of the school, and I assume this is the school hospital. Which school is this?"
"This is Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Is that of any help to you?" At the boy's shocked expression, Dumbledore asked, "What is wrong?"
The mildness of the question confused the boy and he asked in turn, "You said Witchcraft, Sir, but your manner contradicts you. Do you truly teach Black Magic?"
Dumbledore smiled at the question. "We call them the Dark Arts, and we only teach how to defend against them. I am not sure where you are from, but we commonly call any woman capable of magic a witch, and any man a wizard."
"I understand now, Sir, and I do apologize. In England we call them Sorcerers."
"Please don't apologize. I fear we will continue to confuse each other, especially because I must now tell you that you are in England and I have rarely heard that term used except in reference to practitioners of the Dark Arts. If I may venture a guess, we are not talking about the same England."
"It worked," the boy uttered in amazement.
"And IT is?"
"I understand the problem now, Headmaster. I will try to explain. I was escaping from my kidnapers when I came across the object they had stolen at that same time. They had bragged to each other about how it, they called it the stone, could take you anywhere you wanted. I was fortunate in that my kidnapers did not realize that I knew Polish. They also talked about how they could use it. I was holding stone when I was shot, and I remember wishing I were as far away from them as possible, somewhere they have never heard of his Slavonic Majesty."
Albus nodded. "There is an artifact called the Traveler Stone. If you touch it, you will exchange places with your counterpart in another existence, a parallel world you might say. It looks like a red jewel, but it glows with an inner light. Is this what you touched?"
"No, Headmaster. The stone I held, and I did hold it before I invoked its power, was similar but it was blue in color. I do know it was stolen from the Royal Thaumaturgical Institute, and that the Sorcerers there do conduct scientific research in magic. I must assume that they had developed a means to control the actions of the stone you speak of. It is only a guess but it does answer the questions to the puzzle of my coming here, to your world."
"You don't seem very surprised by all of this?" Dumbledore mused.
"Perhaps, Sir, it is because I know of the Traveler Stone. My Lord of Cambridge is in charge of its safekeeping, and he is my Godfather."
"A curious world you live in."
"My counterpart will be treated kindly once the King's Agents understand what has happened, Headmaster." The boy paused as a horrible thought struck him. "Unless he appeared in my place, as I seem to have appeared in his."
"Do not worry, Lord Cahill," Albus said firmly. "Your counterpart is still in our world. Apparently, your control stone placed you here with him, rather than instead of him. He literally tripped over you when you arrived here."
"I am thankful for that, Sir. But I fear the kidnapers may try to follow."
Albus smiled again in reassurance. "Since your control stone placed you with your counterpart, I would assume that anyone who follows you must also have a counterpart in this world. Incidentally, My Lord Cahill, neither I nor anyone else in this world has heard of His Slavonic Majesty. I suspect that will make it difficult for his agents to find you."
Neither the old man or the young boy said the thought that occurred to both of them. It also made it extremely unlikely that Robert de Somerset, Lord Cahill, would ever return home. Both saw the understanding of this in each others eyes.
"You should rest," Albus said. "I think we have talked too much. While you are sleeping I'll see what arrangements I can make so that while you are with us you will be as comfortable as possible."
"Thank you. I am feeling tired again." The boy proved it by yawning loudly.
"One more question though," Albus said. "Are you capable of magic?"
"I have some talent, Sir, but it is not enough for me to be trained in the art."
"Thank you, Robert."
"That should be Sir Robert," the boy said softly, and closed his eyes.
Albus looked up from his desk, as the black haired boy entered his office. "Thank you for coming, Harry. I need to talk to you about the delicate matter that occurred the morning before last."
"Do you know who he is?" Harry asked. "That boy?"
"In a manner of speaking. He told me his name, but it did not make much sense at the time. We only talked briefly, and I have the clear impression that he has led a distinctly different life from either you or any other student here. Also, I have the problem of trying to fit him in."
"You mean he's going to go to school here?"
"Perhaps. Let us start at the beginning. The boy's name is Sir Robert de Somerset."
"Sir Robert?"."
"His father is the Marquis of London."
"Professor, I didn't know there was a Marquis of London."
"There isn't, Harry. And therein lies the problem."
"Is he mad?"
"Not at all. Imagine, Mr. Potter, if things had happened differently. For example, if you ended up in a different house. How would things have changed?"
"I suppose Ron and I wouldn't be such close friends," Harry suggested.
"A very good point."
"But if we didn't become friends, we probably wouldn't have saved Hermione from the troll. That would have been terrible."
"On the other hand," Dumbledore replied, "Miss Granger may never have found herself in danger. But you do understand the point I am trying to make. Something as simple as going to a different house could cause significant changes from what has actually happened, and these differences will become more pronounced as time goes by. This is what happened to Sir Robert."
"I'm sorry, Professor. I don't understand.".
Albus smiled. "Remember the question I asked you as I tell you this. Harry, Sir Robert is you in a different world. Things happened so differently in his world that, instead of being an orphaned boy at a school of magic, he is the son of a prominent nobleman. I had the distinct impression that it was not a recent thing. He mentioned that he was also the Eighteenth Lord Cahill, and I assume the title is hereditary."
"Wait a minute, Professor," Harry said holding his hands to his head. "Do you mean that a world exists where my family is part of the nobility?"
"That is exactly what I mean, Harry. Furthermore, I understood, from the way he talked, that his father is a nobleman of significant influence and power. His England still has an active noble class which runs the government. At least that is my educated guess."
"Is that possible?" Harry paused. "I think I've asked that already."
Dumbledore smiled in response. "Madam Pomfrey examined him exhaustively. Every spell used tells her that, physically, he is Harry Potter. Now I get to tell you the crux of the problem. Sir Robert has no means of returning to his own world, and he is trapped in our world, perhaps permanently. There are people who may come looking for him, but they most likely will not be friendly."
Dumbledore looked at Harry and was satisfied that he understood. "The boy is an orphan now, for all practical purposes and, Harry," Dumbledore emphasized, " in a way, he is related to you."
"Like a brother I never knew I had."
"I was thinking more along the lines of cousin."
"You mean we should tell everyone he's my cousin?" Harry asked, and Albus smiled in reply. "But everyone will ask where he came from."
"Tell them you don't know. Tell them you didn't even know about your cousin until just now when I gave you the news. The Dursleys never told you the truth about magic or about your family. You never knew about your mother's other sister, because she was also a witch."
"But he'll seem strange to everybody," Harry argued. "They'll ask questions I can't answer, and I can't make things up. I know that Fred and George already found out about him, and they know that I went to the infirmary the day he showed up."
"I believe Professor McGonagall told you to come. Madam Pomfrey also hinted about a connection between the boy and yourself, if I remember correctly."
"I understand, Professor. I have a cousin who appears out of nowhere. For some reason we never knew about each other, at least that we were related. I mean, everybody knows about Harry Potter."
"Muggles don't," Albus offered. "He mentioned in his world that he did not have enough Talent to be trained in magic."
A noise was heard outside the door.
"Do come in, Mr. Creevey," Dumbledore called out. "You are late. Did you hear everything from behind the door or should I repeat myself."
"I'm sorry, Sir," Colin said nervously. "I didn't want to interrupt."
Dumbledore looked at Colin who was still standing by the door. "Did you have a question, Mr. Creevey?"
"That last part. Sir. You said that Sir Robert didn't have enough talent. I mean, he's the same as Harry Potter." Colin paused. "How powerful are wizards in his world if Harry Potter isn't good enough?"
Harry felt the need to help Colin relax. "That's Sir Harry, Colin. Remember, I'm a lord."
"Not here, Harry," Dumbledore replied. "Here, you are merely late for Charms."
Dumbledore smiled when Colin snorted at the exchange. "I take it that the two of you will help Sir Robert fit in, and you will keep his true origins a secret."
Harry nodded. "We should tell Hermione about this, Professor. I couldn't lie to her, and this is something she'd be good at. And I would want to tell Ron."
"That is no less than I expected," Dumbledore assured him. "I did not ask them to come with you because they weren't directly involved, and this plan may not work out."
Harry was stunned. "You haven't asked him yet?"
"Harry. He is a stranger, lost in this world, who came here at death's door. When I talk to him, I want the groundwork laid. If he agrees, we will let him try on the Sorting Hat. If he doesn't, then we try something else. When I tell him, I want him to know that he has friends here who are willing to help him."
"You're right, Professor. You had to ask one of us first, anyway. It should be me."
Dumbledore's eyes gleamed as he made his next statement, knowing how they would react. "Why don't the two you mention to a few people, discreetly, that the boy in the infirmary is Harry's cousin, here to recover from a terrible accident. If anyone asks, you'll know more tomorrow afternoon, when you meet me at the infirmary. You will have to miss your Double Potions class, Harry."
"Thank you," came the reply.
"I will inform Professor Snape that you asked for Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger to come with you."
"Sir," Harry said in a serious tone. "I've just had a thought. When I mentioned calling him my long lost brother, you suggested cousin instead. Brothers share things, they do things together, but this boy, Sir Robert, we have the same family but that's all. It would be right to call us cousins."
"That was an astute thought, Harry."
"And you could have us come directly after morning classes as well."
Dumbledore shook his head. "I did think of that, Mr. Potter. And while I know how much you enjoy Professor Snape's class, I have a reason. We must discuss this matter with Sir Robert, and we must make sure that everyone involved is comfortable with what they are going to do. I think this will take more than the two hours between classes. By arranging our meeting for the afternoon we have a minimum of five hours to settle this matter. Most importantly, we will give most of our students their first view of your new cousin during the evening meal while I am there to explain things."
"I'm still grateful, Professor," Harry said.
"I am, too," Colin said. "You didn't have to include me."
"Is that so? Mr. Potter said it was only appropriate since you were there when we found him."
"Really, Harry? You're not just being nice?"
"Colin, at times you are really annoying, but your heart's in the right place. And you do deserve to know what's going on. Please, just don't try so hard."
"I won't, Harry. I promise. Professor, can I bring my camera tomorrow?"
Dumbledore grinned as Harry slowly shook his head. Colin would always be Colin.
My Lord Robert de Somerset, Lord Cahill, heir to the Marquisate of London, dressed himself in the clothes provided to him, and proceeded to eat a late breakfast. He had been pronounced fully recovered but was ordered not to exert himself for a few days, an order he would normally have ignored.
Sir Robert finished eating shortly before the Headmaster was due to arrive. He was only told that there would be guests as well, but he assumed that one of them would be his counterpart. He examined himself in the mirror and sighed. The clothes were drab and functional but gave no indication of rank. Madam Pomfrey had told him that they were standard wear at the school.
"They're here, Lord Cahill," Madam Pomfrey said, and led him out of the infirmary proper to an office with several chairs set out. Professor Dumbledore was standing, as was proper, but the four other guests, all children his age were sitting. The girl was staring at him with a look of complete surprise.
"It is you, Harry," the girl said.
Robert took his cue from the girl's remark, and decided to make the formal introduction himself. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Sir Henry. I am Robert de Somerset."
The girl laughed at Robert's comment, and the red haired boy grinned widely. Lord Cahill noticed that the boy, Harry, whom he had called Sir Henry, appeared embarrassed.
"I'm not Sir Anything. I'm just Harry."
When Harry made that remark, the other two became quiet as well, and an embarrassed silence came over the room. Lord Cahill understood what had happened. His mind worked quickly, as his father had taught him, and he came to the proper conclusion.
"I should apologize," he said before Dumbledore could say anything. "I made the assumption that your world was different in superficial ways. I should have understood that the differences between our worlds was substantial." He held out his hand. "Just Harry, I am just Robert."
They shook hands and Just Harry said that his full name was Harry Potter. He introduced his friends and Sir Robert bowed politely.
"I have a million questions I would like to ask you" Hermione told him.
"Don't worry," Ron said. "She won't give you time to answer any of them so you won't have to say anything."
Hermione gave Ron a look then turned back and asked, "What do we call you? I mean, you're supposed to be a lord."
"I am. The Eighteenth Lord Cahill, a title I inherited from my mother's father, when he died. If you are a Lady, you would call me Sir Robert, and I would call you Lady Hermione. We would never use only our Christian names unless we were close friends, and then only in private. If you are not titled, you would call me Lord Cahill, and I would call you Goodwoman Hermione. On the rare chance that you should outrank me, you would call me whatever you wanted, and I would grovel at your feet."
As expected, everyone laughed at the last line. "I should add that since you do not have a hereditary system, I suppose I should simply be called Sir Robert."
"There are a few people with titles," Hermione pointed out.
"And England still has a Queen," Ron offered.
"But she doesn't exercise any real power," Robert stated. "In the realm of political power she is more of a figurehead."
"That's true, Sir Robert." Hermione couldn't help smiling as she said the name. "But . . . How did you know that? You didn't even know about the Queen until a moment ago."
Robert looked up at Dumbledore. As with Ron and Hermione, his face wore an expression of interest in what the answer would be. He glanced at Harry, who had remained silent the entire time, and he was simply smiling as though he understood. He also observed that Harry had the look of someone waiting to see what happened. Interestingly, the third boy, Colin, had the look of somebody who was just happy to be there.
"It is a simple matter, Hermione," Robert said, remembering to be informal, "Your Headmaster asked me yesterday how to address me. That told me that he had knowledge of our system of government but it was not current. He also told me that he was the Headmaster of this school which, being a school of magic, is a prestigious institution. He would be aware of current events. Therefore, his knowledge must be historical. Harry's embarrassment when I addressed him confirmed that fact. Ron mentioned there was a Queen, but if she exerted any real power, he would have referred to her as The Queen."
"A wonderful display of logic," Dumbledore said.
"Harry, he's not you from a different world," Ron joked. "He's Hermione."
Robert smiled as the Gryffindors laughed, then turned back to Dumbledore.
"I do have one question, Headmaster. If you do not have a hierarchy system of government, why do you separate the Talented from those without Talent?"
"We have to keep ourselves secret from muggles," Ron blurted out. "Otherwise they would want us to solve all of their problems for them."
"Um, Sir Robert, how did you know that?" Hermione asked.
"The same way that I know you are embarrassed when you say my name, although I will admit that I do not know why. I observed how all of you acted around me. Father is an excellent teacher."
"Your father is also a teacher, Sir Robert?" Dumbledore asked.
"First, Sir, we must resolve the problem of my name. You mentioned that you would try to help me 'fit in', and I assume my title will be a hindrance."
Dumbledore nodded. "You will stand out because of your appearance, but using your title would make you stand out even more, in ways that could prove difficult if we are trying to keep your origins a secret."
Sir Robert turned to Madam Pomfrey. "Madam Healer, will you attest to my oath, as the person of highest standing in this room?"
"Professor Dumbledore would be that person."
Sir Robert smiled. "In my world, a Healer, even one without noble rank would stand above a mere teacher." He looked at Dumbledore and added, "I mean no offense, Headmaster."
Madam Pomfrey grinned at the thought of Albus Dumbledore as a mere teacher. "What do I have to do?"
"It is very simple. I make my oath, and then you say, 'I attest to your oath.' You are therefore the King's witness to the oath, and I am bound by honor to keep it."
"Then I will attest." Madam Pomfrey said, adding a small laugh at the end."
Sir Robert stood straight and said in a clear voice. "I do solemnly forswear all claims of title and nobility for so long a time as I am in this world and will be considered as common as those who stand witness to this oath."
Madam Pomfrey looked directly at Sir Robert. "I will attest to your oath with one addition. Professor Dumbledore may release you from it if he finds there is a good reason to do so."
"Done and done," Robert said.
Tuning to Dumbledore Robert added, "To answer your question, Headmaster, my father taught me the things I would need in order to take his place when the duty came. He is not a teacher per say. Among other duties he is in charge of all criminal investigations for His Majesty in the City of London and it environs. Observation and deduction are two important skills for such a position."
Robert looked at Hermione and told her, "I have to change my answer to you. I believe the custom is to use Christian names as the common form of address. You should call me Robert or, as Harry indicated for himself, Just Robert."
Hermione grinned at what he said and held out her hand. "It's also the custom for friends to shake hand . . . Robert."
"You have spoken little, Harry," Robert retorted after shaking Hermione's hand, and Ron's as well.
"I'm trying to get used to it," Harry replied. "It's not everyday I can watch myself. You're handling this much better than I would have."
"Only because I knew to expect the unusual," Robert answered. "I would have been more out of place if this world were similar to my own. Your world is so different, it is actually easier to understand. There are so few similarities to confuse me."
Dumbledore cleared his throat. "I think we should discuss the plans we have made, and find out if our guest agrees. And thank you, Robert, for what you did concerning your name. It does make our task easier."
"We, Sir?" Robert asked.
"I discussed this with Harry Potter to be sure he would agree."
"And you didn't tell us," Hermione whispered accusingly at Harry.
Ignoring her remark, Dumbledore continued. "He agreed with me on a plan that would keep your past a secret with the sole condition that Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley be included in the plan as well."
Robert refrained from laughing as he could see Dumbledore's eyes twinkling, while behind him Hermione was blushing fiercely. "I am sure it will work. Headmaster."
"It is simple," Dumbledore assured the boy. "You are Harry's cousin, your mothers were sisters. That is why you were sent here to recover after a terrible accident that left you an orphan. We will be more than happy to admit you as a student. The only requirement is that you can explain why you do not know who Harry is, nor have any great knowledge of magic."
"I have no skill in magic," Robert pointed out.
"You do have sufficient skill, as I will explain later."
Robert nodded. "When I talked with Madam Pomfrey earlier she pointed out that in your world, England and France are two separate countries. I can say, honestly, that I was born in France. My mother died when I was only five, therefore I can claim that I did not have a chance to know her side of the family. And as for magic, my father had some Talent but not enough to require training. I can claim that is why he never bothered to let me be trained."
"Wouldn't it be best to claim that his father had no talent?" Hermione asked.
Dumbledore replied, "then how would we explain Robert's knowledge of our world of magic? Miss Granger, the idea is to keep as much of the truth as possible in what we say."
Hermione nodded and they continued to discuss the matter. Most of the conversation was to give Robert some familiarity with the way the school operated. Colin was happy because he found out that his first impressions, still fresh, were exactly what Robert needed to hear. As a result, he was able to contribute to the discussion instead of being an observer. He even got Robert to agree to let him take his picture.
To Hermione's regret, she was forced to admit that it would be best not to discuss specifics about Robert's world as that could cause problems, should somebody make a verbal slip. She was patient enough to wait a week or two, then she would corner him.
The time passed swiftly and Dumbledore soon told everyone there was an hour until dinner. "Professor McGonagall should be here in a few minutes."
"I'm here now," McGonagall said from the doorway. She walked in carrying the Sorting Hat and the stool that new students sat on. Robert walked over to the stool and sat down.
"Wait," Hermione said, "What if he doesn't get into Gryffindor?"
"What if he's put in Slytherin?" Ron asked
"What if we let the Sorting Hat decide," McGonagall said, and placed the hat on Robert's head. Hermione didn't even have time to cross her fingers before the Hat called out Gryffindor. Even Harry was surprised.
"How. . . How did the Sorting Hat decide so quickly. It took almost forever with me?"
"Only two minutes, Harry," Dumbledore said. "But you forget who we are dealing with. The Sorting Hat decided where to put Robert last year when he sat on that very stool and called himself Harry Potter."
Robert sat grinning. "That would explain it, then. Before the Hat shouted Gryffindor, it said, 'Oh, you again.'"
"You're making that up," Ron accused.
"And this is for Lord Cahill," McGonagall stated as she handed a long box to Albus.
"Robert has set aside his rank while he is with us, Minerva. He is only Robert Somerset." Albus opened the box while everyone watched. He pulled out a wand and handed it to Robert, who stared at it in wonder. "I talked with the wandmaker who sold Harry his wand. This is the closest he had. It has a phoenix feather, as Harry's does, although from a different bird. It is the same wood, but a half inch shorter. If it doesn't work for you, we'll take you to his shop in London to find one that will."
"I feel it, Professor, but I cannot describe it."
"Try waving it."
Robert did as he was told and was surprised to see a stream of gold and scarlet stars come from the tip. "I am a wizard," he uttered in surprise. "But how?"
"It would take too long to explain," Albus said. "We would all miss our supper. But I promise that we will have that conversation at some point." He looked at everyone in the room. "We have Forty-five minutes until we are all expected in the Great Hall. I will meet you there with Robert."
Harry, Ron and Hermione ran to the dorms to change and made it to the Great Hall with a few minutes to spare. Colin was already sitting with the first years, eagerly telling them about how he met the cousin of his good friend, Harry.
"I don't see Robert," Harry said as he looked around.
"Well," Ron said. "Let's sit down and start telling everyone about him."
"I should do the telling," Hermione told them. "I'll have everyone thinking he's another Gilderoy Lockhart."
"Hermione, we want everyone to like him, not lynch him."
"Trust me, Ron. I'll handle the girls, then you can talk him into trying out for Quidditch.
Ron's eyes lit up. "That's right. If Harry's a natural on a broom, so is Robert. We'll win the Quidditch Cup for sure." He failed to notice Harry and Hermione rolling their eyes.
They sat down near the other second years and the questions began immediately.
"Where were you, Harry?" Neville asked. "You missed Potions."
"I was talking with my cousin, the one Dumbledore told me about yesterday," Harry said with a grin. "Dumbledore gave me the afternoon free, and he let me bring Ron and Hermione."
"You are lucky," Neville said. "What's he like?"
"Well, he's my age, and he looks like me a little."
"You're telling it wrong," Hermione said, and looked at the few students who were listening. "First of all, He looks a lot like Harry, with wonderful long hair. He's also French, at least he was born there. And he's very smart, but he knows almost nothing about magic."
"Does he have an accent," Lavender Brown asked.
"Not a French one, but it's not an English accent either," Hermione told her. "It's like he's mixing the two. I loved listening to him talk."
"What's his family like?" Ginny Weasley asked, and Hermione's face dropped.
"That's why he's here," Harry said. "I'm the only relative he has left who can do magic."
"Sorry," Ginny said sadly.
"It's not your fault," Harry said, trying to smile. "He's here to start a new life, and I'm more than happy to help him."
"Harry," Seamus called out, "How does he like being related to you."
"He thinks I'm nice. The truth is he never knew about me, either. His mother died when he was young, and his father didn't think there was much of a future in magic. He never let Robert come to school here."
"Robert?" Lavender asked.
"Robert Somerset," Hermione said. "Isn't that a wonderful name. Wait until you meet him."
"He's coming here? To the Great Hall?" Pavarti Patil said in awe. "When?"
"That must be him," Lavender called out, and pointed to the entranceway, where Albus Dumbledore was escorting the new student.
As everyone looked at Robert Somerset, Ron looked at Hermione and mouthed, "You were brilliant."
"He's wearing Gryffindor robes," Ginny said in surprise. "He's going to school here?"
Dumbledore stopped directly behind Harry, and called out in his Sonorus voice for everyone's attention. "I have a short message before we begin tonight's meal. It is my pleasure to announce a rare occurrence. We have a student joining us after the beginning of term, who is not in his first year. I will not explain the reason for this, because they are personal, and I ask you not to press the issue with our newest student." Everyone could see the Headmaster reassure the boy, and knew it was not a happy reason.
"I should like introduce all of you to Robert Somerset, who has been sorted into Gryffindor. This is fortuitous because he also has a cousin who is in that house, as some of you already know. I also see some of you staring at the resemblance, so I will ask Mr. Somerset's cousin to stand up as well, so that you can see them side by side. Mr. Potter?"
Harry stood up next to his cousin and smiled as everyone gasped. He started to laugh when he heard Malfoy's exclamation from across the room. "By the gods, there's two of him."
"Who was that," Robert asked when he saw how Harry reacted.
"Draco Malfoy," Harry said, trying to control his laughter.
"What type of person is he?"
"Don't worry. You'll hate him. I guarantee it."
A flash went off as Colin took their picture.
Albus Dumbledore ushered the two boys to their seats, then walked to his place at the teachers table. He made some general comments then announced the meal. His eyes were on Robert, whose own eyes lit up in surprise and delight when the food appeared. Albus also noticed that every girl within distance was trying to talk to the boy.
"That is Miss Granger's doing," Albus commented to Minerva McGonagall. "They are more than eager to accept him."
"So that is what Miss Granger meant when she said told me she was going to 'work the crowd.' I'm sure that Mr. Weasley has his part."
"I'm sure Mr. Weasley will suggest that Robert join the Quidditch team regardless of any plan to help him adjust. I think he hopes that Harry's cousin is as good on a broom as Harry is."
"We can always use a good chaser," McGonagall said, and Albus chuckled
Seamus Finnigan was the first to notice it since he was the first to return to Gryffindor. He was waiting with a wide grin on his face when Harry walked in with Robert.
"Harry, you won't believe this. I know where your cousin is going to sleep. Follow me."
Seamus led the way to the dorm room and opened the door. Harry walked in behind him and stared. Instead of the five beds in a room just big enough to fit them, there were six beds in a room just big enough to fit them. There was a bed next to Harry's, on the opposite side from Ron's, with the trunk open. Ron pushed his way in past the crowd that had gathered and his eyes bulged. Robert was the only one who was not surprised. He admitted later that it was because he did not know anything had happened. "I thought all of you were amazed at how they managed to fit the extra bed. I never dreamed they could actually make the room bigger."
