MoP

Harry Potter and the Myriad of Possibilities: Neophytes

Chapter 1: Partners

Disclaimer: This is solely a not-for-profit fan activity and does not intend to infringe on copyrights held by Time Warner, DC Comics, Bloomsbury et al, and JK Rowling. Any characters that are original to this work remain the property of the author.

A/N: The Myriad of Possibilities Series primarily uses the background from the Harry Potter books but some elements and scenes have been borrowed from other sources – including the movies, Pottermore and my own headcanon – that will be covered where they fit into the narrative. The timeline of the DC Comics elements borrows heavily from Young Justice (2011) and may adapt elements and characters from the comics and several additional other media instalments – including but not limited to Smallville (2001) and Superman and Lois (2021) – and relocates events of Young Justice to the Eighties and early Nineties rather than the New Tens as screened and includes several 'legacy' and original characters as a result. Any other recognisable characters belong to their copyright holders.

A/N: Tom Booker belongs to Nicolas Evans and related content is based on publicly available materials by Monty Roberts.


A/N: Thanks to Jon, 6f5e4d and the Young Justice Writers Group for their help on this chapter.


Smallville.
July 6, 12:36 CDT.
Team Year Ten.


Grandpa and Grandma Kent were waiting for them when the Langs drove into their farmyard.

"I've packed up some snacks," Grandma reported as Hank – dressed in a dark-blue suit – hopped out of the car, then ran over to the older woman, with Linda – in a blue sleeveless dress – and Melo not far behind.

"Thanks, Grandma," said Hank, then lead the way into the barn and fired up the Zeta-Tube console.

"Recognized, Hank Lang A-Zero-Four," declared the Computer as two blue beams of light played over the Kents for a moment. "Access granted… Jonathan Kent A-Five-Two; Martha Kent A-Five-Three… Authorization, Hank Lang A-Zero-Four."

"You're good to go," Hank told the elderly couple. "Just step forward into the booth and it'll activate automatically."

Grandpa nodded, took his wife's free hand and drew her forward.

"Recognized, Jonathan Kent A-Five-Two; Martha Kent A-Five-Three."

The Langs waited until the couple had dematerialised, then stepped forward themselves.

"Recognized, Lana Lang A-Zero-Three; Hank Lang A-Zero-Four; Linda Lang A-Four-Three; Melo C-Zero-Three."


Happy Harbor.
14:16 EDT.

"So," said Mr Carr – who had appointed himself event manager for the wedding on the grounds that it was his house – as the Kent, Langs and his own family gathered outside his house after lunch. "Okay, who's just going to hang around the rest of the guests arrive and who wants to help out?"

His blue-haired ward, Harper Row, without saying anything grabbed Violet's hand and dragged them away.

Her brother, blond, impish Cullen, shook his head. "I'll do the chairs."

"Me too," Hank confirmed.

"I'm going help the girls with their dresses when they arrive," Hank's mother announced, and his grandma agreed.

"Count…" said Linda, then broke off as the Zeta Tube in the garage spun up again.

"Recognized, Nightwing B-Zero-One; Rebecca Kane-Grayson A-Five-Three."

"Linda!" squealed the black-haired pre-schooler, then wriggled until her father put her down and released her and hurried over to her.

"Hi, Rikki," said Linda, catching the enthusiastic little girl in a hug. "Let's get you ready."

"Well, that'll keep her occupied," Cullen noted, as the two girls disappeared into the house. "Let's get started."


July 6, 16:16 EDT.

"Well, that's the last of them," announced Hank, then glanced over at the garage in time to see M'gann's parents teleport in, to be met by M'Ree. "I could do with a drink, does anyone else want one?"

"Count me in," declared Cullen, a sentiment that was immediately echoed by Traya who – wearing an off-the-shoulder blue dress – had joined them halfway through the chore.

Hank nodded as headed back towards the house as several more guests Zeta'd in. As he passed the porch where Aunt Dee – dressed in a smart red strapless cocktail dress – was holding court to an audience of her husband, Black Lightning, Batman, Martian Manhunter, Captain Marvel, Red Tornado and Zee's father, she spoke up. "Listen, I've been thinking about something," she began. "I mean, we're all here together, on a wonderfully happy day… and thank God it turned out all right. But what if it hadn't?"

Hank paused in his journey as she allowed a moment for that to sink in.

"Guardian-E-One-Six..."

"Some of you saw what Garfield went through this year," she continued. "And M'gann..."

"Lian-Nguyen-Harper-A-Two-Eight..."

"... the struggles that Andie, Violet, Vic..."

"Brucely-C-Zero-Four..."

"… and some of the other kids are facing every day."

"Arsenal-B-Two-Five..."

"For that matter, the struggles that Cliff, Jay, Giovanni, and some of the other adults are facing every day," Auntie Dee continued. "Well, to put it simply, we need more than the all-purpose room at the Youth Center can provide. We need a place where our people can go to escape 'the life' for a day, a week, a month. Somewhere safe, somewhere where they can receive treatment... a sanctuary."

Hank nodded to himself as he started walking again, ignoring the sound of a Boom-Tube opening nearby. He'd only gone a few steps before he sensed two people coming up behind him. (Hi Lian,) he said in Vietnamese, and looked down at her.

(Hi.)

Hank turned to look at her companion and was slightly surprised at which of the brothers was accompanying her. "Hi, Roy."

"Hi, kid," replied the bald youth. "Do you know where the ladies are getting dressed?"

"Conner and M'gann's room," Hank replied. "My mom and Grandma Kent are in with them helping."

"Thanks," Roy replied as his niece dragged him inside.

Hank set off again and was just able to beg a tray of drinks from Mrs Carr and return to his friends before the next wave of arrivals.


16:32 EDT.

"All right, everyone, please take your seats," asked Mr Carr. "We're ready to begin."

Zatanna's loudly-voiced "Gniddew cisum!" cut through the buzz of chatter as Hank slipped into his seat in second row behind Aunt Lois and his grandparents and between his mother and a Hawaiian-American woman about his aunt's age who he identified after a moment as Tana Moon, a former staffer at the Daily Planet and current anchor for a Hawaiian news channel, who had gone on a few dates with Conner while he and M'gann were on the outs.

Glancing around he spotted his cousin seated with Rikki, Barbara and her Asian protégé on the far end of the bride's side, then he shifted his glaze to the aisle as Lian lead the bridal procession forward, sprinkling flower petals as she skipped merrily to the music, with first Conner and then M'gann trailing behind her at a more sedate pace, escorted by their respective parents.

"I welcome you all on this most auspicious of occasions," began Reverend Holt. "The happy couple is somewhat eager to get things sorted after the 'difficulties' on M'arzz…so, let's get right to the exchange of vows and rings."

"I've got 'em!" declared Jonny enthusiastically as he ran down the aisle to the sound of a chuckling crowd, clutching the precious trinkets in a clubby fist. When he reached the happy couple he handed them over and then headed for his front row between his parents giggling.

Conner took the lead, taking M'gann's left hand and slipping the smaller of the two bands onto her finger. "M'gann, from the moment we met, you have been my whole heart," he declared.

Hank glanced to his left, but Miss Moon didn't seem to react to that. I guess Aunt Lois was right and it was just a fling for both of them.

"I didn't know how to love, let alone express that love... until you taught me. With this ring, I promise to love, honour, and cherish you for all eternity."

As he dropped her left hand, M'gann grasped his, raising it so that she could put on his ring. "Conner, I came to Earth with some pretty messed up notions about what it meant to be in love. But your purity of spirit taught me what true love and commitment really are… with this ring, I promise to love, honour, and cherish you for all eternity."

"And now, by the power vested in me by the State of Rhode Island... and hopefully with a blessing of love and long life from the goddess C'eridy'all," said the reverend, pausing for a moment to glance at M'gann's parents and apparently receiving the response he wanted. "I now pronounce you husband and wife… you may kiss the bride."

The crowd dissolved into laughter and cheers as the newly-weds embraced each other warmly.


18:16 EDT.

" Get ready, everyone, the bride's about to throw the bouquet!" he declared as the flowers were sent in a high arc over the crowd. "And the lucky lady is...

"Hah!" laughed an orange-clad white-haired man as it dropped into his hands.

"… Icicle Jr," declared Mr Carr, somewhat non-plussed as the crowd began to laugh again. "Okay… did not see that coming." Then he raised the microphone again and announced. "Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for the newlyweds' first dance as a married couple. So, please clear the dance floor..."

He broke off and joined the applause as Conner and M'gann drifted into the air. "... or don't. If they want to dance sixteen feet in the air, who are we to say no?"


Smallville.
June 26, 16:00 CDT.
Team Year Eleven.

"Recognized, Hank Lang A-Zero-Four," declared the Computer as Hank teleported into the barn, then headed out in the farmyard. Grandpa Kent hailed him as he crossed the yard.

"What's up. Grandpa?" Hank asked as he wandered over to wear the older man was working on the farm tractor.

"Lucy was looking for you," Grandpa replied. "She's got some good news."

"Do you know what?"

"She didn't say," Grandpa replied. "I think she went riding out towards Chandler's Field."

"Maybe I'll catch her on her way back," Hank mused and turned away, heading towards where he'd stashed his bicycle that morning.


16:16 CDT.

"There you are!" exclaimed Lucy – dressed in her usual riding outfit of jeans and a waistcoat over a white t-shirt – as she cantered up behind Hank and slowed April to a gentle walk as they came alongside. "How was the blacksmithing experience?"

"Pretty fun," Hank admitted. "I got to make my own dagger, I'll show you it later. Grandpa said you had some news?"

"My father managed to score some tickets for the Carbon County Rodeo next weekend!"

Hank wracked his brain for a few moments, then realised the significance. "Isn't that guy, Booker, doing a show there this year?"

Lucy nodded, smiling broadly. "He's been extremely busy with his clients and his ranch lately, this will be the first public show he's done in four years."

"Well, have fun," Hank told her.

Lucy's smile broke a little. "Dad got three tickets, Grandma isn't interested, so I was hoping that you might want to come."

Hank smiled back. "I'll have to check with Mom, but I'm always up for an adventure, you know that!"

Lucy chuckled, her eyes flashing in mirth. "Well, that's certainly true!"


July 1, 03:16 CDT.

Hank paused as he was about to get into the cab of the Caos' truck and looked back at his family. "Are you sure don't mind missing out?"

"Of course not," Linda – dressed in a stripped tank-top and shorts – assured her brightly. "Comet and I get on well enough, but I'm not as big on this sort of thing as Lucy or even you. Besides, Lia's promised to start me on psychic juggling this weekend, so I'll be busy."

"Great!" Hank said and hopping into the cab. "Maybe you'll be able to show me when I get back."

"I doubt I'll learn that quickly," Linda countered, then shrugged. "But I'll have my fun."

"Can we get started?" asked Mr Cao from behind the wheel.

"Sure," agreed Hank and closed the car door with a rattling, creaking thunk.

The older man waited until Hank had buckled his seatbelt and then put the truck into gear and set off.


Salt Lake City.
07:30 MDT

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Salt Lake City International Airport," announced the captain over the tannoy."Local time is seven-thirty am and the temperature is seventy-two degrees Fahrenheit. For your safety and comfort, please remain seated with your seat belt fastened until we have parked at the gate and the fasten seatbelt sign has been deactivated. When it is safe to stand, please check around your seat for any personal belongings you may have brought on board with you and please use caution when opening the overhead bins, as heavy articles may have shifted around during the flight. If you require deplaning assistance, please remain in your seat until all other passengers have deplaned. One of our crew members will then be pleased to assist you. On behalf of FerrisAir and the entire crew, I'd like to thank you for joining us on this trip and we are looking forward to seeing you on board again in the near future. Have a nice day!"

"Do you think if have time to get some breakfast before the next flight?" Hank asked.

"Our flight to Billings doesn't leave for nearly two hours," Mr Cao replied. "Providing that we are not delayed to long getting off this flight then that should be possible."


Carbon County.
16:16 MDT.

"Welcome to the Red Lodge Inn!" said the motherly woman at the desk. "How can I help you?"

"My name is Cao Dan Chien," said Mr Cao, as he walked up to the desk and lowered his bag to the ground. "I have a booking for two rooms for the rodeo."

The woman checked her computer and nodded. "I've got in you in sixteen and seventeen," she told him after checking her computer, then handed him a set of papers "If you could just check that these are correct and sign in, that would be great. Do you have a major credit card?"

"I do," Mr Cao confirmed, drawing his wallet out of a pocket, slipped his card out and handed it over, then turned to the forms. He checked a couple of details with Hank and then handed them back. "These are correct."

"Thank you, sir," said the woman and took the papers back, then handed over a pair of keycards. "These are your keys. The rooms are down to the right. The hot-tub's available if that's your thing."

"What about food?" Hank asked.

"Not much onsite I'm afraid," admitted the owner. "There are microwaves in the room and there's a barbeque grill and picnic tables out the back if you want to cook something. Otherwise, there are several diners and restaurants in town."

"We'll search for somewhere after we've unpacked," decided Mr Cao, then picked up his bag again and lead the way down to the corridor to their rooms.

"Fourteen, fifteen, sixteen…" said Lucy – dressed in denim waistcoat and shorts over a white t-shirt – counting the room numbers as they passed them. "We're in here, Dad."

Her father nodded and used one of the keycards to open the door, exposing a clean, neat room with two twin beds.

"And I'm next door," concluded Hank, then accepted the other keycard from Mr Cao and entered his own room.


July 4, 14:45 MDT.

"Ladies, gentlemen and children of all ages…" began the Master of Ceremonies. "I'd like to introduce you to one of our local equine heroes… Tom Booker… the Horse Whisperer!"

Hank snorted, "What, he's pretty good at what he does, but that's a little dramatic don't you think?"

"This is rodeo," Lucy countered. "Dramatic is what they do."

Harry shrugged. "Fair point."

"Thank you, Cal," said a stocky man in the typical jeans, western-style shirt and Stetson of almost everyone present. "I imagine that a few of you are a little sceptical about I do, about the gentler, kinder reassure based methods that I and others use… that you prefer your own methods that get you what you want and don't want any of my 'newfangled nonsense…"

He paused as a murmur of agreement surged around the crowd.

"In fact, I'd imagine that if I told you that your methods are the new ones, and that the basic principles have been documented as far as Xenophon of Athens in four-hundred BC you'd be very surprised" He paused again as another murmur swept the crowd, this time a mix of incredulity and interest.

Hank glanced at the Caos, raising an eyebrow inquiringly. Lucy nodded confirmation.

"And horsemanship trainers have been refining and documenting those techniques since the sixteen-hundreds… But enough of the history lesson, you're here to see me do, not talk."

At that moment, one of the rodeo staff brought a young horse – a large, golden-brown Mustang – into the ring.

"I'd like to introduce you to Treasure, she's four years old and hasn't been started yet," Mr Booker as he took the mare's halter from her groom and began to back her into the centre of the round pen they were standing in. "In starting Treasure this afternoon, I would like her to accept her first saddle and rider in about thirty minutes… but it's up to her," continued the horseman as he caressed the beast. "I will do it with her as a partner… I will not force her to do anything. Okay, so I'm going to turn her loose."

The crowd held its breath as he unclipped the lead rein and allowed the mare to move away from him, which she did.

"That's fine, Treasure," said Mr Booker in a pleasant tone. "That's all right, but don't go away a little, go away a lot." At that moment, he flicked the rope end of the lead rein at the mare, promoting her to break into a light run. He continued this for several minutes, sometimes changing direction.

"Look for it…" muttered Lucy at his side.

Hank was about to ask what he was looking for, then he spotted it. Treasure's inside ear – the one closest to the horseman – was turned to track him.

"Did you see it, folks?" asked Mr Booker, then made a clicking noise to encourage the mare. "She's tracking me now, listening out for me. That's not always the first sign, but it's pretty common… and the second gesture is usually to start making a smaller circle, to move towards me…"

As the man spoke, Hank and the rest of the audience saw Treasure shift to do exactly that, then dropping her head.

"Is that?" Hank whispered.

Lucy nodded. "Look carefully enough… yeah, she's also licking and chewing her lips. That's the fourth and final sign."

At that moment, Mr Booker squared off to the mare and reached for her, caressing the animal on the nose briefly and then stepping away. The mare paused for a moment, then began to follow him as he walked around the pen.

This continued for a few moments until they stopped in the centre of the pen and they were joined by one of the grooms carrying a saddle, which Treasure appeared to view with some wariness and suspicion, but consented to without any of the drama that Hank had seen before at the hands of other trainers until Mr Booker released her and sent her back around the pen.

She bucked and jumped a little for the first couple of revolutions, sometimes encouraged by a few flicks of the rope, but after a while she settled down and the horseman was able to attach a pair of long-lines and guide her through a couple more revolutions before they were they were joined by another groom, who was dressed for riding.

"I would like if Treasure would do nothing but walk with Michael," Mr Booker explained as the boy mounted the mare. "Michael would like it too."

The boy nodded vigorously, drawing a chuckle from the crowd.

"But she's already proven that she can buck..." mused the horseman. "So, I'm just gonna move her first…"

Mr Booker waited until the boy was settled in the saddle and then began to lead the mare around the pen. "You be nice to him," he told her gently. "He's a good boy… easy, good girl…" Then as the boy gave him a nod, he released his grip on the lead rein and stepped away, allowing the pair to move freely. "We're just on thirty minutes… accepting her first saddle and rider and walking quietly. I was right about her…"

"Wow…" whispered Lucy, clearly awed by the experience.

Hank nodded. "I've read about it… but seeing it is something else…"