The beautiful present
The morning chill being carried by the wind crept through the small neighborhood, a couple walked in front of 4 Private Drive and knocked on the door. “Good morning, what can I-” Petunia opened the door and immediately glared at them, “Lily.” Lily and James stood in front of the door with grimaces on their face, “We want our child back…” the couple shuffled as Petunia glared.
“We know he was placed with you for his protection from the wizarding world! Now give my son back!” James seemed to explode with irritation and his magic flared but Lily quickly put her hand on his shoulder as she pinched his arm. Petunia’s glare then lightened and her stance relaxed. “You came for the boy you left here? Hah… haha… hahahahahahah!” she started laughing that wasn’t maniacal but actual relief.
“That boy left my home when he finally noticed how unwelcomed he was. He left 4 years ago with my favorite purse and stole everything he could get his grubby hands on and left not a single note behind. He disappeared without a trace, after a while we called the cops but they couldn’t even trace where he went after he paid for some silly books, I’m convinced he found out about that freakishmagic of yours and finally took the hint.”
Petunia smiled back at them with crescent eyes as she wiped a tear. “Now go back to that thing you call a daughter and tell her she’s an only child now because her mommy and daddy lost her only twin who most likely died in some ditch on the side of the road-”
James couldn’t hold back, “You bloody-!” James pointed his wand in her face as Lily yelled, “JAMES.” he couldn’t help but freeze, Lily clenched her fists as her figure shook and her head down. Her face is covered by red ginger hair as she stares at her feet, “If you don’t put down that wand you will be arrested by your fellow Aurors or by me.” His wand arm went limp as he tucked his hand in his holster aggressively, he glared at Petunia who slowly smirked.
She was just about to open her mouth, “Don’t even start you vile woman.” Lily glared furious suns into Petunia, her green eyes glowed dangerously with magic as she glared coldly at Petunia. “You do not get to gloat. I cannot understand why a child of mine would run away but I have a few assumptions.” Lily stomped towards Petunia who slowly started to lose her hubris that she was flaunting just moments before.
“If I EVER find out that YOU have abused, neglected, or used psychological violence on my child, I will make sure you will be far from the beautiful normal you desire. Instead, you will be a lonely widow who will not have enough to even feed herself or her child. And that is not even me touching a single drop of magic in my body, do you understand me?” Lily glared down at Petunia.
She scowled as looked away, Lily turned around but stopped for a moment but then clenched her fists, turned around, and in a fluid motion punched Petunia straight in the jaw. She stumbled for only a moment before knocking her straight on her back, Lily turned away and breathed as she glanced at James as if she just become Chief Warlock and fell in love again. “Let’s go home… No let’s go see Dumbledore.” James snapped from his daydreams and hesitated for a moment before nodding, “Yeah, let’s go…”
The two apparated away as Petunia lay there for a moment before yelling out for her husband who quickly came to assist her. Away from Private Drive, away from England, in the early morning of the Iceland countryside was a luxurious cottage that looked more like a small mansion than anything. While in the distance smaller houses sat with a road a bit away from the cottage, out came a boy with long gold hair that went down his back and eyes to match. He looked strangely tall for someone his age and muscular build that was on the lean side suggesting a workout routine.
He stayed outside in the middle of his gated garden full of flowers and crops for a few moments before catching the sight of an owl in the distance that approached closer. The boy drew in a sharp whistle that caught the owl’s attention swooping down at the boy. The boy held out his arm for the owl to perch on as he ran his fingers through the owl’s chest, the owl hooted in delight. The boy then turned his gaze to the letters and took them in his other hand, [Mr. H. H. J. Potter, Unplottable-Indisclosed]
The boy’s features then changed as his eyes turned green with a pinch of gold and his hair turned raven black but still with golden ends for an inch or two. They smiled with a feeling of nostalgia washing over them both as they jolted their arm as a hint for the owl to go and as soon as they did the owl went on their way. They hummed as they went inside, (Ah it's just like I’m 11 again… ignorant and full of wonder, who I enjoyed the adventures.)
Ed couldn’t help but snort, (Am I the old man or you? Well I guess you are 21 now so I think you could earn the title- AND still can’t even drink! Ha!) Harry scoffed and pouted, (OH Shut it. You’re the only old man here Ed-! Actually, you’ve never specified when you died only said something about “a couple” years after you rejoined the military but that was it) Ed hummed before sighing, (I died when I was 28 and a brigadier general, so I was pretty accomplished before going through the subatomic shredder circle) Harry seemed surprised.
(You were a general? At that age? That sounds… maybe a little young? I’m not familiar with 1910s military ranking stuff and how that works… or even muggle military so yeah) Harry felt a little awkward, he and Ed focused on his life a lot since that was what they were there for but also found that with a ring from Death that this was not the same world- no, that wasn’t the right word. It was an alternate universe, timeline, they were not in the same timeline as Harry’s last timeline where he came from.
That was when they found out that Harry had a sister, a twin sister along with his very alive parents that he had only met once. They talked about it, Harry was uncomfortable with them and he honestly confessed that Ed had become a very important figure to Harry in this life and even thought of the man as family, like a dad or a brother either way he was still family. Ed couldn’t help but agree because before he stepped into that array he was going to be a father but Winry was pregnant when he died and it was honestly not planned, maybe that’s why he was always going out… he didn’t want to think about it, at least not right now.
He’d come to love the boy with whom he shared a body and a warm paternal hum in his very being. He had found he didn’t fear the child Winry carried or his doubt in caring for another living human being but his feelings for Winry. They were already falling apart slowly like a wilting rose and they were prepared to stay friends but then Winry became pregnant. They were caught up with that instead of their relationship they agreed they would co-parent but their relationship would be open for either of them.
He did want a child and he loved the idea, so having Harry here was kind of like that but there was also a feeling of kinship that felt too much like a ride-or-die friendship since that was literally what situation they were in. A relationship that boarded on deeply platonic and familial but always unconditional. There were secrets yet to be uncovered that hit too far but were not unknown to the others, to Harry, Harry never pushed since he had his own demons that he decided to look away from.
Neither did Ed push. They both respectively adults who didn’t feel like adults, as if their body influenced them more than their mental maturity. Like the morning wood that they both experienced and also cursed to every god and being that they had to go through that shit again. They both agreed to never speak of it. They also noticed how when they developed appearances that looked similar, their face were now the same when they switched so it didn’t become evident or even noticeable.
Their hair is now long enough to go past their back and Ed is the main one who takes care of it the most and Harry does the basic things when he’s alone in the front seat. They had decided to make a fake identity for them to be adopted by this identity so no one would ask questions, Dumbl- Albus was an easy fix since they had Harry’s memory and also a magic swear of honesty that he hadn’t met Albus in all of his 8 years of living which was true but also not the complete truth.
That’s why it was so specific and so no one would question it, the identity was basically Ed’s appearance so they would be able to just say he was blood-adopted so no questions would pop up about his new appearance. It was good, they lived comfortably in Iceland with the village down the hill of pretty green grass and wildflowers.
Right now together instead of Ed alone, they sat on the loveseat covered with a fur blanket, with a coffee table in front of them. Ed lazily holds the wheel as Harry excitedly opens the letter with soft eyes when his eyes go over the signature and title at the very bottom.
Dear Mr. Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all the necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Harry couldn’t help but sigh and then went to look at the other paper behind the first one, (This is the supplies that we need for the year so we can get the things we need when he decides to go to the market or… maybe Diagonally?) Ed seemed to hum in contemplation, (We could probably just get it from the market in town but if you really want to go we can go under that one charm that makes us background noise)
Harry couldn’t help but smile outwardly and leaned back as he decided to flip himself on the couch. His back was on the cushion, his legs dangling over the couch, and his head going slightly over the edge. It was not the best position but when usually the blood would rush to his head instantly didn’t bother him as he read the list he remembered from the past.
First-year students will require:
- Three sets of plain work robes (black)
- One plain pointed hat (black) for daywear
- One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
- One winter cloak (black, with silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupil's clothes should carry name tags.
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble
Other equipment:
1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales
Students may also bring, if they desire, an owl or a cat or a toad.
Parents are reminded that first years are not allowed their own broomstick
Yours sincerely,
Lucinda Thomsonicle-Pocus
Chief Attendant of Witchcraft Provisions
Harry could feel Ed sitting straight as if concentrating on the contents of the notes, (We have those in our personal library, you’ve read those at least 3 times, and I don’t see the use of them.) Harry couldn’t help but roll his eyes, (Oh come on I read those like years ago!) Ed quickly countered, (Money is money we don’t need to buy the same copy if we don’t need to, besides you read that 2 years and 8 months ago you can read them again if you need to) Harry huffed and held himself back from eye-rolling again. They get up and Harry searches for parchment and just when he is about to reach it he stops and thinks, (Should I pretend to be in a muggle-born household or a pureblood one?)
Harry asked Ed who thought for a moment before coming up with an answer, (Just use the parchment since we didn’t specify if the identity we made was a pure-blood or not just make it seem a bit childish but freer, not hesitant, write as if it were me) Harry snorted and covered his mouth to not let the noise out which he failed. (So swearing like a pirate when someone shoves us even while in public?) Ed laughed and Harry couldn’t help but smile at the feeling they shared, (Okay, so relaxed, confident, and a total asshat) Ed cackled loudly wheezing trying to catch his breath. The giddy feeling that bubbled between them settled but lingered as Harry took the lead of writing the letter back.
Dear Deputy Headmistress McGonagall,
I will be attending Hogwarts School of Wizardry this year on September 1st. I am so excited to be able to meet new people and make even more friends. I will be waiting for the 1st to come while I get ready for the school year. Thank you for inviting me to this institute. However, I must admit that I am disabled, I am unable to speak due to the damage to my larynx. I have come to learn a few ways to communicate like sign language but I am aware that it's not well known. All I ask of you is to employ a capable individual to help communicate or at least have someone learn it to be able to understand me. I'm sure you will be able to handle that much. I hope this finds you well.
Sincerely,
Harrison Hawthorn Peverell-Elric
Heir Peverell
(Wow the woman can’t catch a break with the demands-) Harry could tell Ed was trying to tease him, (I’m just proficient. She would be delighted at the… straightforwardness, fuck you Ed) Harry huffs as he gets up to find an envelope and seal it. (And subtle “innocent” condescending, love that- Ooo use my owl) Ed said as Harry approached the owlery and Harry became annoyed but also tired, (Okay then YOU do it I’m getting tired of doing everything-) Harry felt himself fall and he watched as Ed took the wheel and went up to his owl named Titania, he whistled a tune similar to a rhythm that he swore he heard before, probably from Ed’s records.
A beautiful barn owl flew down to their arm as Ed scratched her chest with fondness as she preened in delight, he held the letter to the owl who looked at it for a moment before bobbing her head as she took the letter and flew out the window. He smiled as he gave a little wave to Titania as she flew away, (Okay let’s go on our jog, do our routine, and then I’ll make breakfast) Harry sighed as he completely detached and went in the backseat. Their hair went back to gold and their eyes the same gold coloration, (I’ll stay back here for now, I’ll come out when you’re done with shopping and we go to Diagon Alley) Ed huffed a bit but ultimately rolled his eyes as he went on some better clothes for an outing and a sweater.
Ed put up his hair as he was about to step out the door when he remembered something, he gave a sharp whistle as a pop came right beside him. “Masters, yous called?” the house elf with a pretty blue handmade dress with embroidered blue flowers on it as she looked up at him as he smiled and nodded, ‘I need my book bag with everything in it please’ Ed signed as the elf nodded as she popped away to do as told.
She came back with a leather courier bag that was more than heavy enough to contain everything he needed, ‘Thank you Rosey, make sure to take care of yourself’ he signed as the elf Rosey seemed to sigh as she nodded, “Yes Masters, yous have a good mornin'” Ed nodded as he took the bag hanging it off his shoulder and walked outside. He stretched for a moment before he went on his jog, he jogged laps around the cottage before turning to the path down the hill until he reached the town where he quickly was confronted by 2 kids, “Brother… hmmm Ed!” the girl squinted at them before confirming that it was in fact Ed while the boy crossed his arms while squirting at Ed. The two were fraternal twins who had attached themselves to Ed immediately.
They became interested in their inability to talk and asked why didn’t they go to a healer or a medi-witch to which they explained in the notebook they always carried when they first were getting the hang of sign language that it was in an incident that they don’t like to talk about. The topic was dropped and developed into them teaching sign language to the twins, Marianne and Magnus, who invited them home and if not brought them homemade pie.
Ed could feel Harry slip in the front as he smiled, ‘Hello Marianne and Magnus how are you?’ they studied his signs for a moment processing it before saying, “Good! Hmmm… brother Harry too! How about you?” they also signed along with their speech. ‘Got an acceptance letter to Hogwarts, so good I guess’ he signed along with a shrug, the twins' eyes lit up. “To Hogwarts! So exciting!” so caught up in their surprise and barely signed their thoughts.
He chuckled, ‘Yes’ as he pulled out a pocket watch before signing, ‘I need to get going I will see you later’ they hummed as we went on his way, “Have a good day! Bye!” another voice followed, “Ba-bye!” they waved and he did the same. He made it to the edge of town and took a breath as he approached the out-of-town little library mailbox that stood on a wooden pedestal, he had helped make along with the other village kids.
The mailbox library had a red roof along with painted flowers on the sides, he opened the latch looked over the books, and noticed a new book. He decided to take it as he reached into his bag taking out a few books and placing them in the little library as he snapped his fingers. A hat found itself in his hand as he placed it on his head snatched up his braid and stuffed his hair inside the hat, (Let’s go shopping Harry!) Harry couldn’t help but smile, (Woooo! Hell Yeah!)