Chapter 2
Will awoke as the first rays of light shone through the window of his dorm at the children's home. He had once again been caught alone without parents when staying in a hotel room. While he actually quite liked these homes he detested having to leech off other people when he himself could and already had money to live in content. This was the money accumulated by the Old Ones over time. It was also not like Will never worked. That was how he lived just before he left home. Leaving home was by no means like the normal occurrence.
As he neared 13 years of age Will realized the whole impact of being named the youngest of the Old Ones for he did not age one day since his 11th birthday. His parents already concerned for his health due to his non-aging form and with his friends growing older and taller, he conceded that it was time he left. Leaving before everyone grows old around him, forever changing and forever disappearing, was an easy choice. Leaving his home with his family and friends, to have to sever ties with everyone he loves, that was the hard choice. As a race of beings that has to hide within a society without aging, it was without a doubt a spell in the Old tongue could help with leaving. Will sung this spell and allowed it to weave its magic through his family and friends where the spell made them think of Will leaving in the least painful way for them and when they spoke of his 'death' they would all think that their way was the way Will died without thinking of the mentions of another way.
With a gloom about him, Will travelled around where he would go to farms for lodging and food for labour. This happened for a couple of decades as people helped the 'orphan' for a couple of months until he left, always with fair regards. This cycle continued until society shifted and lodging an orphaned 11 year old boy was frowned upon. This lead Will back to where it all began with the home of the light. This room of warmth symbolised the centre of light and also a cold harshness as the realisation sunk in that no one besides Will himself would ever set foot in here again. There were other bases of light which he could travel to from the as these held potions of the lights power and thus were powerful areas known as lay line intersects. Yet these areas still carried that continued reminder of the lack of activity here on earth, a constant reminder to Will that he is the watchman, forever guarding and taking care of the balance of the world.
Thus began his travelling from hotels to motels always under the pretence that his dad had sent him to the reception to pay and get the keys. Always having to move. Yet, every so often, Will is caught and has to spend time in the Children's homes. He can escape, but with all the time in the universe, one finds themself in no need to rush. Unfortunately today is the day he will have to leave this home. The people and children were nice here and a good reminder to him that despite him being older that the people who are looking after him, he has the appearance of an eleven year old so he can run around the world having fun as he pleases as forever a child. Yet, today marks two months staying at the Children's home and with a boy who can't age and bonds that are strengthening, meaning that he needed to leave. As luck would have it, the Old One felt his senses calling him to a person. Will knew instinctually that this person had somehow came across an impression of Merriman's spirit which triggered the call. That in itself is interesting, especially so the location of the call. So with a quick check around the room, Will went to meet the person by opening a passage way to the lay way intersect.
After meeting with the man, Albus Dumbledore, Will discovered many disturbing things as the watchman. After deciding to observe events, Will decided to observe Harry Potter. There were many things he discovered some of which he manipulated in order to stop those Dementers that were attacking him and his cousin. As the events passed, Will went to Diagon Ally (AN: sp?) with Professor McGonagall. Despite having read about this wizarding lane, Will thought it was high time to act like the child he looked like as he ran around the lane gazing at the beautiful array of magical feats. After being dragged away from the Quiddich shop with a professor mumbling 'no matter who they are, boys will be boys' she said with a sigh. It was then that he felt the calling of power from an old rundown shop.
As Will entered the shop he turned to the man behind him and to the right. 'Hi! My name's Will. Are you Mr Olivander, sir?'. Both jumped with surprise as Professor McGonagall didn't see him and Olivander had never been caught sneaking up on his customers, which so happens to be one of his favourite hobbies to do. 'Yes, I am Mr Olivander. I must congratulate you as being the first to sense me. I expect great things from you, Will. Well, we can't talk all day today as I'm very busy. Yes lots of things to do.' Said Olivander as Will observed his shop which was contained neither other customers nor any projects on the bench. 'So hold out you wand arm and we'll see which wand chooses you.' Hold out his right hand, Will awaits the verdict. 'Hmmmmm....' hums Olivander, as he seems to be in deep thought while his tape measure goes wild measuring. 'You are a tough one. Half the wands are will not work at all. No not at all. But the other half are happy to. Yet, I sense that none are the right one for you. How peculiar.'
It was then that he felt it. Drawn to it like a moth to a flame, Will stepped forward. The inaudible whisper summoning him closer as he walked pass the shelves of wands stacked on top of each other in an unorganised order. Inside the trunk, on the floor, it was there, he knew it. Opening it slowly, he pried away wand cases and saw it. He knew it was the one for him. Picking up the brilliant deep red staff. 'That is a very powerful instrument you have there Will' (AN: Is now a good time to point out that he is of the high magic and thus only what he gives of his name is known hence why everyone calls him Will not William or Mr Stanton...) said Olivander. 'Well. Give it a swirl!' he said while motioning with his hand in a circular motion. 'No' Will replied, surprising both of them. 'It's not finished.' he murmured before cutting thumb on the sharp edge of the trunk and swiping his blood down it. Slowly his blood glowed gold before splitting into three thin gold lines that swirled from the top of the staff before fading to the bottom.
Swiftly, remembering his knowledge on mortal magic, Will swirled the staff, as suggested, only to have a long Chinese dragon made of white light burst from the staff. It circled Will shooting off around the shop, disappearing through the shelves of wands, all-the-while fixing the broken fittings, arranging the wands and cleaning the dusty before bursting in an array of coloured sparks. 'I dare say that's certainly never happened before.' commented Professor McGonagall in a stunned voice. 'Yes, well, I say you're quite right! That will be 30 Galleons please' Olivander replied as Will searched his pouch for the right amount. As they were leaving Olivander said to Will 'Take good care of it Will. It has been in my families care for longer than I bare to think. It's made of a rare fire wood tree, with the cores of a phoenix tail feather and coated in its tears, Unicorn hair which is coated in freely given Unicorn blood and an ancient dragon's fire-hear scale. It is very powerful and only one of a kind. The legends also state that it was also meant for it to be for his little brother whom he was forced to part with. If you concentrate on it being a wand it will shrink down to look like a wand. Good day to you Will.' Olivander stated before merrily waving them out and continuing with his day.
It took some time before Professor McGonagall came out of her stupor after having heard and seen so much that amazed and surprised her at Olivanders. When she did she managed to stutter out if there was anything else I needed. 'No thanks Professor. I'll get a room here then catch the Hogwarts Express. I'll be fine. You should go back to Hogwarts and prepare for the next year of schooling before doing something relaxing. You seem a bit tense.' Will said, smiling back at her. She quickly did a nod of the head before trailing back to the exit. Will silently strolled back to the tavern as he reflected on the past few days and the ones ahead.
Will was impressed. That amount of magic compressed into one pillar without distorting the surrounding environment. Quite an impressive feat, he thought as he walked through the barrier and towards the train. Onboard, he wandered around until coming across a compartment with a blonde girl in it. He stepped in and said 'Hi. I'm Will. Can I sit here?' to which she replied 'Hello. I'm Luna Lovegood. I don't think there is anything stopping you but Nargles don't like it if you sit on them. Besides aren't you a little old to be going to Hogwarts' spoken in an airily fashion where her eyes never left the up-side down magazine in her hands. This caught Will's attention as he should not look any older than the youngest students there. Concerned he asked 'Why do you think I'm too old?' in a fashion not unlike a nervous first year student with the fear of not being accepted. 'Your aura shows that you're as old as time. And you have Nargles (AN: sp?).' She replied coolly, still without looking up from the magazine. 'Oh. So you can see auras – ('And Nargles' She interrupted in a light mentioning kind of voice, which was promptly ignored) – well, you're right. I am a bit old to be here but let's keep it a secret between us.' 'Okay' she replied without hesitation.
Feeling the conversation going nowhere with Luna, Will sat down at the seat near the door. He only waited a few minutes before the door suddenly opened again. Three people walked in. First was a nice red haired girl that seemed friendly and firm at the same time. The next was a nervous boy with shaggy brown hair. Finally, a boy with messy black hair, green eyes and a lightning bolt scar enter last with a look of deep thought on his mind. 'This will be interesting' thought Will to himself as he saw Harry Potter enter, considering what Will did during the summer holidays in regards to a Dementer attack and Harry. Harry didn't seem to notice him at first, where he lifted his trunk to put above the seat Will was in. He stopped when he noticed a trunk already there and a quick glance down confirmed his thoughts as he saw first and started apologising. 'Ah. Sorry, I didn't se-YOU!' Harry shouted when he realised who exactly was sitting in that seat.
Feeling a mischievous streak needing to be stroked, Will decided to play innocent and said 'Ummm... okay. Did you really need to yell that last bit by the way?'. This left Harry gaping at him as Luna started to lightly hum with a small smile as if she understood then entire ordeal. Getting over his shock, Harry stammered out 'B-But your that kid! ... I mean... the dementers... then you...' groaning in frustration with his inability to make comprehensible speech, Ginny decided to make the situation more progressive with a clear and concise 'What on earth are you talking about, Harry? None of what you said made any sense!'. Will turned his attention to the two new people in the compartment and smiled before politely introducing himself as 'Will' with a small wave, as he was still slightly cornered by Harry. Ginny quickly offering a smile in return before saying 'Oh sorry about him. It's nice to meet you Will. I'm Ginny. This is Neville and Harry.' Pointing at the two respectively. 'Although apparently Harry already knows you.' She said while giving Harry another questioning glance.
Harry, whose brain finally seemed to get things in order, swiftly pointed at Will before turning to Ginny. 'Remember when I said that there were demeters that attacked me and my cousin? And then a boy shows up out of nowhere and they just leave after he commands them to! Your dad said it was "a figment of your imagination due to the stress" but it's... he's... that's him!' he finally finished with an almost pleading look as if not to prove him insane. Anger leapt inside of Harry as he remembered the glances of worry his friends and the Weasly's gave him when he explained what happened, prompting him to yell at the boy 'WHO ARE YOU! HOW DID YOU DO IT?!?' while ignoring the slight reprimand from Ginny.
Will decided that it was best not to reveal everything just yet so he jumped in fright and leaned back then pretended to be masking his fear and tapped Harry's leg and jokingly said 'he he.. Well... I'm Will... and I'm obviously not a figment of your imagination.' with a weak smile while pointing to where he tapped. When noticing Harry's hardened eyes, Will decided to bend the story a little by holding his hands up defensively and saying 'Sorry! I just saw the dementers and kind of froze up. I gathered my magic up and let it burst forward while saying "leave" without even really thinking about it. I just did it, then got the heck out of there when I saw it look at me.' He finished with a slight, genuine shudder at the memory- after all; he never liked those allies of the Dark very much. Harry relaxed slightly when he heard this however he didn't feel it was the complete truth. But the truth to him was that he felt that he could stay angry at this kid- "Will" as he reminded himself- since the angry didn't seem capable of staying but rather drained away, despite his efforts. In the end Harry decided to not to pin his bottled up anger and underlying sea of other emotion stirring in him, on this first year student.
'Sorry...' he said, mumbling the apology. 'Ummm... That's okay. So you're the famous Harry Potter eh? Cool! I'm Will, as you know, and that's Luna Lovegood.'. Harry, remembering about the other occupants, turned around and offered a polite 'Hi Luna. Sorry about before.' while trying not to stare at the up-side-down magazine and holding back his questioning look. 'Hello. And that's quite okay Harry.' once again, her eyes never leaving the magazine. Feeling the need to say something, Neville suddenly brightened up and said 'Guess what I got for my birthday?' while everyone got a seat, Harry replied 'Another Remembrall?'. Neville thought for a moment on his prized marble like ball that changed colour based on if he had forgotten anything. 'No' he replied thoughtfully. 'I could do with one, though, I lost the old one ages ago... no, look at this...'. Reaching into his school bag he brought out a weird, small, grey, cactus-like plant. 'Mimbulus mimbletonia' he stated proudly. After giving a brief explanation on its origin, which Will tuned out of, much to his displeasure when he noticed Neville's quill edging towards the poor plant. Understanding what was about to happen, Will decided that a closed mouth and a well timed blink where in order.
SPLAT!
"Brilliant" thought Will sarcastically as he felt a glob of slimy Stinksap fall off his chin into his lap. Turning his stoic head towards Neville, who was muttering apologies left, right and center. His attention was then changed when he heard the compartment slide open a female voice to which he later placed as Cho Chang, who muttered a greeting to Harry before mention how it must be a bad time as she slid the door closed and left. Ginny, noticing Harry's exasperated sigh, lightened the mood by getting her wand out and swishing it will saying 'Scourgify!'. As the Stinksap disappeared Will saw Harry's depressed mood, Ginny's annoyed and slightly jealous state, with Luna in indifference and Neville constantly saying apologies, Will sighed. It must have been a God sent when the food trolley arrived. Will quickly bought some sweets and chocolates for everyone to splurge on. With a smile and thanks of appreciation, the group started eating.
When Ron and Hermione entered the compartment, Ron immediately started complaining about the prefect duties before sitting down and grabbing a fistful of sweets to eat. When Ron spotted Will he immediately enquired as to his presence with 'Who the hell are you?'. This was met by a glare from Ginny and a chiding remark from Hermione. Just as Will was about to reply, Harry interrupted saying 'That's Luna, over there and this is Will. Guess what. I've met Will before. He was the boy I saw during the dementer attack.' This was expressed by a pointed glare from Harry to his two friends and a weary glance of guilt in reply, as they realized that they had thought he made that part up. Harry then filled both of them in on what exactly happened during the event. When Hermione still questioned Will as to what exactly had happened, he just shrugged and said that maybe it was a late onset of accidental magic. This only raised more questions for the inquisitive mind of Hermione Granger. Will was saved from more questions and suspicion as Ron started ranting about how a boy called Draco Malfoy was now a Slytherin Prefect.
Will sat there and watches the group banter. They talked about how this boy would abuse his prefect powers and how he was unfair and decided to retaliate the same way! Will shook his head at this as he realized that Hogwarts seemed to need a little reminder about what to see and not what to look for. All hope was not lost when it seemed that Hermione seemed to try and attempt to create equality but Will could see that past memories of this Malfoy who also seemed to carry the insight of those like Harry and Ron, seemed to deter her. Will smiled to himself as the compartment door opened and a blonde boy entered with two other big boys that seemed to act as body guards. The hostility that swept the room between everyone confirmed that this was Draco Malfoy. As they started to argue and through insults, Will waited until the moment before Hermione was about to end the argument when tension was thickest. It was at that moment that Will decided to have some fun.
'Wow! You two must really enjoy being rivals to put this much effort into insulting each other.'
This simple comment completely destroyed any tension in the room before Malfoy put up his mask again and sneered 'Stupid brat! You don't even understand the difference between when people are friends and enemies. You probably think that everyone's your friend when no-one likes you, you little snot nosed brat!'. Will jumped up from his seat, eyes ablaze in anger 'DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM!?!?' he shouted. Everyone was stunned that this boy could contain soo much anger. 'Do you know who I am?!?!' retorted Draco. 'No. I don't. But do YOU know who I am!?!?' said back with just as much force. 'No I don't.' Snarled back Draco. Will quickly moved into a position without any hostility and a friendly smile on his face with all traces of anger gone before saying cheerfully 'I'm Will. What's your name?'. Draco was stunned. Staring at the offered hand, he hesitantly took it as he watched this bipolar kid. 'Draco Malfoy' he replied. 'Nice to meet you Draco. I'll probably see you around the castle. See ya!' he said with a big smile before sitting back down and petting Crookshanks who was sitting next to him. Draco stared for a bit before nodding slightly with a confused look on his face and walking out of the compartment.
Silence ensued.
Everyone stared in silence at Will who continued to pet the feline. 'Hmmm... That was a fun way of introducing yourself, Will. We shall do that next time. Maybe we can in the Ravenclaw common room if you're sorted there.' Luna said in a dreamy voice before her eyes swayed back to the upside-down magazine page. 'Ravenclaw, eh? That's the house for knowledge, yes?' Will asked to ease the tension that seemed to lately follow him like a bad smell. 'Yes. Knowledge. Then you have Hufflepuff, which is loyalty, then Slytherin is cunning and Gryffindor is bravery.' Hermione said in her matter-of-a-fact voice. 'That's difficult. I'm not sure what house I'll be in now. They all sound good.' Will said while in though. 'You don't want to be in Slytherin, though. Cause only slimy gits like Malfoy are in Slytherin.' Ron said. 'Oh no! Cunning is an excellent ability. But so are the rest which is what make it so frustrating!' He once again replied leaving the group impressed that this boy seemed not to be affected by others thoughts, particularly his older peers.
'It's a shame, isn't it, that the houses seem to split the processes of a challenge into different houses.' Will murmured to himself but loud enough for everyone to hear. 'What do you mean?' enquired Hermione. 'Well... To overcome a challenge you have to be loyal to the reason or solution. Then to actually overcome it you must have the knowledge on how to do it. This is then integrated with the cunning on how to use the knowledge and in what way. Furthermore you must be brave in order to accept the challenge and then move through it. All of these components make up how to overcome a challenge and if you're lacking in one area then they all come down.' explained Will in a nonchalant way. The group sat there contemplating. Hermione was the first to recover with a surprised and amazed face but also filing it under another oddity of Will.
Noticing that the explanation had brought the wrong kind of attention to himself yet again, Will decided to let them do the talking by turning to the and asking 'I've read heaps books on Hogwarts and I've been told a little bit about it by the Professors, but could you tell me a bit about what tis' like?'. The group the happily started chatting away for the rest of trip about the wild wonders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As the Hogwarts Express pulled in to the destination, the group split up their different ways with both the Gryffindors and Ravenclaw offering him a place to sit should he get sorted into their houses. They waved goodbye and wished him luck as he marched off with other first years to boat.
Will travelled in the boat with the other first years, eyes firmly fixed on the big looming castle ahead. The candle light from the various windows danced upon the surface of the water as it rippled and distorted, letting the small boats through. He entered through the front of the Hogwarts and awaited behind the doors of the Great Hall. Professor McGonagall came to meet the first years where she issued various instructions. She gave Will a quick glance before entering the Hall with first years following behind. When they reached the front of the Hall the students quieted down as an old hat was brought out. A rip formed a mouth as the hat began its song. The hat sung many things of interest that Will stored in his mind to review later. Soon the hat stopped and the applause started. Professor McGonagall then approached the front and started calling out names. More and more names were called yet Will stood standing at the front. As one-by-one all of the first years were sorted until he was left standing alone. Professor McGonagall then rolled the scroll of names up and paced back to the front of the staff table.
Quiet murmurs began for the forgotten first-year who now stood at the front of the Hall. Professor Dumbledore the stood up and addressed the Hall when all was quiet. 'It is not often that Hogwarts is presented with a student that of a level rarely seen before. There is a test set by the founders known as the "Circle of Merlin". This test allows students who have been tutored in the arts of magic since a young age to enter for the year. To stay with us, share knowledge and form bonds as they study for their OWLs with our 5th year students. May I congratulate our new student for achieving this phenomenal feat that has not been done in over 200 years. He will be joining our fifth years and preparing for the OWLs just like all of our 5th years. I congratulate him and wish him the best but alas I have held up our sorting ceremony for too long. Professor McGonagall, if you would please." Dumbledore announced to a stunned Hall before passing a scroll to Professor McGonagall. She opened the scroll and read the name out. Once heard, the entire hall gasped and quick whispers spread around the room as everyone stared at the prodigy before them.
AN: AHHH!!!! I have a review and an alert! :D I'm soo happy :D thanks for the review Black-Dranzer-1119. When I read it I was a bit scared to go on as I had finished Wills background and now needed to develop the character. But then your review urged me to keep writing and I got the rest done that night! :D
Hmmm.... Sorry about the block kind of text. I haven't written in any other style before so I'm trying to merge out of that a bit. I also put heaps and heaps of effort into this... then had piddles worth of word count v_v" so my respect for the people who make fanfiction went up about 5 billion notches! Good work guys! :D
Next chapter... hmmm... this may take longer as several interesting things will be going on and I'm going into lockdown for my exams this week lol. But this should be a good stress relief.
Also appologies for any inconsistancies. It's probs going to be mainly in things from TDiR series. v_v" it's in-depth stuff when it wants to be!
Also, I should warn you I'm like Billy Connely... There maybe something that I haven't explained properly and I will tell you but it's probs going to be 10 chapters down! Lol so just add it in the review and I'll tell you if it's in the future, will now be in the future or if I just messed up :P lol
I hope you liked it :D (any tips in how to make it better reading for you guys would be appreciated as I'm probs doing a few novice mistakes.)
JonAlDrink