Hole in the Air

[gmshed]

Disclaimer: Harry Potter is far too good to be my creation.

Pomona Sprout stared at the air. The hole in the air. It was a very large hole, about Hagrid’s height. Five people could easily walk through abreast. It was just…there. You could only see it from the front. The smooth green grounds of Hogwarts stretched all around, but the view through the hole was of grey tarmac.
She stuck her trowel in the ground as a marker and ran off to the Quidditch grounds. Xiomara had to see this.

Xiomara Hooch stared at the air. The hole in the air. She was certain it wasn’t an illusion. She even put a hand through and touched the tarmac. It certainly felt real and, when she pulled her hand back, she had grit on her fingertips.
With a word to Pomona, she ran off up to the castle.
Min and Poppy had to see this.

Xiomara led the way. Poppy Pomfrey, Filius Flitwick, Minerva McGonagall and Albus Dumbledore followed. Severus Snape trailed a few hundred metres behind, trying to look like he was there by accident because he had nothing better to do. All the other teachers had gone home for the summer. Apart from Sybil Trelawney who was locked in her tower room, lost in a sherry-induced fantasy.
When they reached the window, it was raining on the tarmac.
They were all completely fascinated with the hole. The way it could only be seen from the front, how it seemed not to exist from any other angle. They cast numerous spells and charms but none seemed to be able to detect the hole. They could almost think it was an optical illusion. They all watched as Albus approached the hole from the back and simply walked through the hole, without going through, as if they existed in different dimensions. They watched as Poppy and Minerva stood on opposite sides. Poppy could see Hogwarts grounds and the others standing around. Minerva could see wet grey tarmac. Poppy couldn’t see Minerva and Minerva couldn’t see Poppy. It was a wall between them. They were only a few inches apart, but both could stretch their hands out and not encounter the other. When Minerva withdrew her hand, it was wet with rain.
“What is it?” Poppy looked almost fearful.
Albus took his glasses off, cleaned them on his robe and replaced them on his nose.
“As impossible as it should be, I believe this is a gateway to another world.”
They all stared at him. There was a silence of about a minute.
“Come on then! Who’s up for a bit of exploring!”
“That reaches new heights of reckless stupidity, Xiomara. Just go waltzing off in a world we know nothing about! Not to mention-”
“Don’t be such a spoilsport, Minnie!”
“Don’t call me Minnie!”
Xiomara darted round to the front of the hole. And froze.
“Everyone… You need to see this…I think we have a problem.”
They all stopped dead at the sight that met their eyes.

A/N: Do you think I should continue? It should get funnier and there will be ADMM!

[lemonygingersnaps]

“Everyone… You need to see this…I think we have a problem.”
They all stopped dead at the sight that met their eyes.

That is an evil place to ask to stop! Of course you should continue. This is very origional and quite intriquing.

[kankulex]

Yes! Keep on writing, I like the beginning of the story and I think it would be great if you'd continue it!

[minniebumblebee]

Wow very creative I like it a lot, please continue!!
Riku

[Trulyamused]

Okay, was does Hooch see. Don't leave us hanging for long.

Truly

[kate]

What is it? What is it?? *HUGE Questionmark!*

Really cruel to stop now... Please continue the story!!!

Hope to read an update soon!

[beMMADfabulous]

I definatly think you should continue! The only thing I found odd was that in one spot you called Hooch "Rolanda" but everywhere else you called her "Xiomara".

[Tabby67]

WHOA! WHat is it?

?

And that is all I have to say...Um, no.

Great job! I love this. Update soon.

~Branda~

[gmshed]

Thanks for the encouragement! A post should be up today or tomorrow!

bemmadfabulous said:

I definatly think you should continue! The only thing I found odd was that in one spot you called Hooch "Rolanda" but everywhere else you called her "Xiomara".

There is a reason behind that... I got mixed up. Thanks for pointing it out, I've now changed it.

[minniebumblebee]

Uh hi again! I was wondering.. what is Madam Hooch's name? Xiomara or Rolanda?? I get so confussed when I read stories and some have Rolanda and others have Xiomara.. Just a silly queston I know but I never found out...help!
~Riku

[beMMADfabulous]

minniebumblebee said:

Uh hi again! I was wondering.. what is Madam Hooch's name? Xiomara or Rolanda?? I get so confussed when I read stories and some have Rolanda and others have Xiomara.. Just a silly queston I know but I never found out...help!
~Riku

I didn't think her first name had actually been revealed in the book, but Wikipedia says it is Rolanda. *shrugs*

[sirnicolas]

This story leaves me begging for more ( disappointed that there was a cliffe) and I don't usually beg so this story is really good. Continue of course!
~James

[lemonygingersnaps]

Mugglenet also says Rolanda - I am looking through my books to find out more.

[gmshed]

“Who are you?” The same question was spoken in seven voices by fourteen throats. Emerald green eyes met emerald green, twinkling blue gazed at twinkling blue, hawk yellow locked with hawk yellow.
The wall had become a mirror. The seven Hogwarts staff were looking at themselves with deliberate mistakes. There was the obvious difference that the seven standing on the tarmac were wearing muggle clothing, but there were more subtle changes.
The two groups gaped at each other.
Typically, it was Hogwarts’ Deputy Headmistress who made an attempt at organization.
“Where are you?”
“At Langely Wood boarding school. We teach here. Where are you and why do you look like us?”
Albus answered the questions. “We are in the grounds of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As to the resemblances, I would hazard a guess that we are different versions of the same person.”
The woman who looked like Poppy turned her head away from them and addressed the woman who was very physically similar to Xiomara.
“’Mara, have you spiked our coffee?”
“Poppy, I haven’t touched it in years!”
The black-haired lady looked hesitantly towards her doppelganger. “Are you real?”
Minerva’s hand was knocked away by Albus’.
“Don’t touch! If you are both a different version of Minerva McGonagall, from different worlds, there’s no telling what might happen.”
She looked at him.
“You’re still the same person.” He replied in answer.
His gaze wandered onto the man standing beside the black-haired lady. His hair was short, and his beard a mere goatee. His nose wasn’t quite as crooked as his own. He was dressed in a smart grey suit with highly polished black shoes.
How boring I look. I wonder how he broke his nose.
I hope that isn’t me. His dress sense is appalling. It hurts my eyes to look at it.
Everybody’s thoughts were similar.
The two Snapes regarded each other critically. The other was dressed in a black suit with a white shirt and black tie. The Potions Master was dressed in his usual black robes.
Not an impressive outfit.
He looks like a vampire.
Two pairs of hawk eyes appraised the other openly. ‘Mara’ wore tight black trousers and a yellow vest top. Hooch wore her flying gear.
That suits her.
Why are they all wearing dresses?
Pomona scratched her nose and left a smear of dirt across her face. The plump grey-haired woman standing in front of her watched in fascination. She was wearing a loose t-shirt and skirt. They were just as muddy and patched as her double’s robes.
Good practical clothing. I wonder whether she teaches Herbology.
I still think this is all Mara’s fault.
Poppy scrutinised the woman in front of her. She was looking anywhere except through the hole, obviously trying to maintain the idea that they were a drug-induced illusion, even as a wind from Hogwarts flapped her flowery summer dress around her legs.
She glared at Mara instead. Xiomara had never been that stupid. Perhaps she had actually listened to all the dire warnings she issued over the years.
Wake up and smell the un-drug spiked coffee.
When we recover, I’m going to kill Mara.
The black haired witch shivered and pulled the forest green cardigan around her as her green-and-white checked dress fluttered in the foreign wind. It was quite low-cut and shorter than she liked. Poppy had bought it for her.
She has no stunner scars.
She’s me? This is amazing.
Flitwick beamed happily at his alter ego. The tiny man dressed in a navy blue suit smiled shyly back.
It must be much more difficult to find Muggle clothing to fit.
Parallel worlds predicted by quantum theory. If I could only understand the physics behind this.
Several minutes passed in silence. It was broken by Pomona’s lookalike.
“Did…did you say ‘Witchcraft and wizardry’?”
“Yes.”
“But, but…there’s no such thing as witches and wizards.”
Snape sneered. “Beg pardon, we’ll just stop existing to fit in with your ideas.”
“Don’t talk to me like that! I mean her, no I mean…oh dear.”
“If you’re witches and wizards, prove it! Do some magic!” Mara looked boldly towards them.
They were all visibly shocked when the black-haired ‘witch’ disappeared.
“What’s that? Where are you? Are you invisible?”
A disdainful meow drew their attention to the small tabby cat sitting in exactly the same place.
“No. No, that’s impossible.” Minerva enjoyed Mara’s reaction.
She transformed back.
“It is certainly possible. Are you satisfied?”
Poppy interrupted. “Wait, are you saying you can’t do magic?”
“Yes.”
“You’re muggles?”
“We’re what?”
“Our doubles can’t do magic! That’s strange.” She turned to Snape. “At least your double doesn’t worry about foolish wand waving.”
Snape scowled.
“Why don’t we start introducing ourselves?”
Snape turned on her with a look of disbelief. “Introduce ourselves to ourselves? Hello, I’m Minerva McGonagall. So am I, what a coincidence?”
“Don’t call me Minerva!” The seven Hogwarts teachers turned to the black-haired lady with expressions of disbelief.
“Like I said, Severus, let’s start with introducing ourselves.”
“Severus? What a name!” Snape turned on his double with a murderous expression.

[beMMADfabulous]

I liked that very much, but it leaves me begging for more! ;D

[angeldust]

Oh my this is very interesting !!!

Please continue i'm dieing to read more

[JKMcGonagall]

This story is beginning to remind me of one of the original Star Trek episodes. I believe it was called "Mirror, Mirror". In it Captain Kirk, Mr. Scott, Uhura, and Dr. McCoy found themselves in a alternate universe due to a transporter malfunction. Only difference was, their counterparts in that universe were evil. Mr. Spock was the most decent of them and ended up helping them. Oh, and their evil doubles ended up on the real Enterprise where they were quickly captured and incarcerated in the brig. So, they never actually met each other. Would have been interesting if they had.

I love the conversations between the two worlds and the thoughts that characters are having. Severus thinks his counterpart looks boring and the other Severus thinks he looks like a vampire. Ha! The fact that one group is Muggle and doesn't believe in witches and wizards is very funny. Maybe they should read the Harry Potter books. Heh heh heh!

Looking forward to more of this. Update soon.

Kay
Oh, and by the way, Live Long and Prosper! (Gives the Vulcan Salute)

[minniebumblebee]

:oAre you serious?! Another chap that makes me want more!! Your good... I wonder what Minerva's double name is... Oh maybe its Minnie!! Min?? Morgan..? ;D
Hopeful wishes,
Riku

[kankulex]

I have to agree with JKMcGonagall.. It reminds me of a few Star Trek episodes! But it's a really bood idea! I like it and I'm looking forward to more!

[gmshed]

Minerva shared a rueful look with ‘don’t-call-me-Minerva.”
“At least we know that nothing happens if we touch.”
“That is depending on the type of touch.” Not-Minerva quirked an eyebrow.
“True. Did you see where Pomona and yours went?”
“I think she took Posy to the greenhouses.”
“Posy?”
“Her mother’s favourite book was Ballet Shoes.”
“Oh I’ve read that.”
“I liked it as a child.”
They stepped to one side to avoid the fighters on the ground.
“What about Poppy? Last I saw your Poppy was slapping her.”
“She’s finally convinced this isn’t an illusion. Poppy took her to the hospital wing to explain medical magic.”
“At least Severus is happy; he’s finally found an equal for staring matches.”
“I always-”
“I said equal. I always beat him too.”
“Severus is a strange name.”
“It’s not common among muggles. What’s your Snape called?”
“I strongly resent any implications of ownership.”
She caught Minerva’s eye. They winced and laughed.
“Steven.”
They stepped aside again. Not-Minerva still had the same feline grace. “Where’s Andrew?”
“If you mean your Dumbledore, he took Albus into the school to show him the central heating. Poor fellow won’t know what hit him.”
Minerva recognised that look in her double’s eye.
“No resentment at implication of ownership?”
Not-Minerva blushed bright red.
“I bet he feels the same way.”
“How do you know?”
In answer, Minerva raises her left hand.
“It took four Stunners to the chest to get him to admit it.”
“Stunners?”
“It’s a very long story. I’ll tell you later, if we get the chance. That’s everyone accounted for, isn’t it?”
“Posy and Pomona in the greenhouses, Poppy and Poppy in the Hospital Wing, Andrew and Albus in the school, Steven and Severus burning their eyes out here, Mara and- what’s your Mara called?”
“Xiomara. Yours?”
“Tamara. And I think ownership of any Mara is hazardous to the health.”
“Quite an understatement.”
“So Mara and Xiomara are rolling in the dirt, because-”
“Mara insulted brooms.”
“Right. So where’s Frederick and-”
“Filius.”
A squeak drew their attention downwards.
The Flitwicks were hanging grimly to the backs of the respective Hoochs, their peacemaking attempt ignored and their efforts to pull them apart not even noticed.
They rescued the Flitwicks and succeeded in dragging Mara and Xiomara apart.
“Bare skin in a fight is a disadvantage. Remember that and you might be more of a match.”
“You think I’m bad, you should see the other girl.”
They all understood that as a near an apology as they would ever hear.
“You were quite the Chaser when we were young. You should have been helping me defend the honour of broomsticks and Quidditch, Minnie.”
“Don’t call me Minnie.”
Not-Minerva interrupted. “You hate being called Minnie. I hate being called Minerva. Mara will be pleased because she can use the name Minerva and I imagine Xiomara will be pleased that she can use the name Minnie or Min.”
Xiomara and Mara stared at them in disbelief.
“You really don’t understand.”
“Care to enlighten us?”
“No. But anyway, the sun and my stomach tells me it’s dinnertime. Min-erva,” Xiomara added hastily “do you think we could have a couple of guests for dinner? Or seven?”
Minerva turned to her double. “Care to join us?”
“Hmm, takeaway pizza in front of the telly in my empty flat or dinner at a magic school with my friends and our parallel versions? I gladly accept. Mara?”
“What’s for dinner?”
“Whatever you want.”
Mara’s eyes lit up.
“Take that as a yes.”
“I’ll go find Albus.” Xiomara ran off into the school, Frederick Flitwick valiantly keeping up at her side.
“We’ll find Poppy and Poppy and inform them.” Filius Flitwick piped up and he and Mara walked away, Mara considerately slowing her stride. Or it might be her hesitation to walk through the doors of a castle which was a magic school in front of her guide.
“I am going to my dungeon.”
“You’ll join us, Severus.”
“In that case, I will need some Essence of Insanity. You-” He looked at his double with disdain. “I’m not having anyone who looks like me going round dressed like that in Hogwarts. You’ll have to borrow,” He spat the word out “some of my robes.”
“I’m fine with my own clothes, thank you. And I have no intention of wearing your robes.”
“Steven-”
“Severus-”
“You remember when-”
“Wouldn’t it be terrible-”
“If I accidentally let slip-”
“In the Great Hall at dinner?”
“Blackmail.” Severus hissed.
Minerva looked shocked. “Oh no, Severus. Blackmail is a dirty Slytherin word. Gryffindors only persuade.”
She won the battle of glares yet again. Severus stalked off. Steven followed after a dangerous smile from Minnie.
“Gryffindor? Slytherin?”
“Hogwarts houses. We’re nice, they’re not.”
Minnie laughed.
“I suppose that leaves us to tell Pomona and Posy. I would check before opening the door, Pomona may be showing her Mandrakes off. I wouldn’t like for you to see the Hospital Wing before the Great Hall. You might get entirely the wrong idea about Hogwarts.”
“Mandrakes?”
“Their cries can kill. The ones Pomona’s got at the moment are very young so they would only knock you out.”
“Are we talking about plants here? Plants crying?”
They wandered over the grounds towards the greenhouses.
The sun was setting as they returned with Pomona and Posy in tow. Minnie had been completely fascinated by all the plants and Pomona was pleased to explain everything.
It was Minerva with her feline sight who saw it first. The setting sun was outlining the hole. An outline that seemed to be shrinking. With horror she saw that the hole was shrinking.
It was closing.
She raced over the grounds. Xiomara had also noticed the shrinking hole and she and Albus were rushing towards it. The last thing Albus saw was the panic-stricken face of his wife as the hole sealed.

[beMMADfabulous]

Yay, Xiomara (the Muggle one) has my name! ;D That's odd. hehe

Great update!

[emeraldeyes]

I loved the part that said, “Tamara. And I think ownership of any Mara is hazardous to the health.” but mostly because of beMMADfabulous. This is great! I can't wait for more!

Poor Sev!

[Tabby67]

GAH!! I love it! Sorry I missed a couple updates. Am a retart. (ain't that one fun?)

Lovely Stev and Sev....LOL! Update soon! I'll review quicker, I promise. ;D

~Branda~

[crystalpheonixeyes]

Ahhh up-date up-date! Ahhh need more! This is awesmoe. I love it!

[minniebumblebee]

OMG again I nearly missed this one! This is so great please up date soon!
Riku-san Out!

[gmshed]

“Minerva?”
Minerva tore her gaze from the spot where the hole had been and spun round.
“Great Hall. Now!”
The four hurried to the Great Hall and found the others already seated at the staff table. They looked so happy, Minerva's resolve died an instant death. Surely they could just eat dinner first...
“Minnie and Minerva!” The two women shot suspicious looks at Mara, but decided to give her the benefit of the doubt.
“Um…Minerva?”
“Yes, Poppy?”
“Poppy-” she waved at Hogwarts’ mediwitch “-says that the library will have a copy of Hogwarts- A History. I would love to read it, could I borrow it?”
“Of course. Just don’t ‘rip, tear, shred, bend, fold, deface, disfigure, smear, smudge, throw, drop or in any other manner damage, mistreat or show lack of respect’ towards it or Madame Pince, our librarian, will be absolutely furious.”
“Is your life really that empty that you memorised that?”
Minerva smiled sweetly at Severus. “Says the person who-”
She was interrupted by Posy’s shriek.
“What are they?”
Pomona quickly located the reason for her double’s surprise.
“House-elves. Nice creatures, desperate to please, but not the best people to have around when you’ve a headache.”
A house-elf started to unload the trolley.
“And what is it wearing?”
Minerva leaned over. “That’s Dobby. He’s a bit…strange. They might be a bit of an odd collection, but he does keep his clothes pristine. I think he sees them as a symbol of his freedom- well, they are.”
“So if he wears anything and keeps it clean, why is that one wearing neat clothes that are terribly stained?”
“That’s Winky. She-”
“How can you tell it’s female?”
“You just can. She’s ashamed of her freedom. She tries to drown it in Butterbeer- an alcoholic drink.”
“Is that one wearing a tea towel?”
“Yes.”
Minerva settled back in her seat.
“I thought Miss Granger was the champion of house elves.” Severus sneered.
On the other side of the empty throne, Poppy was explaining how a lack of clothes was the symbol of the house-elves enslavement.
It was only when Dobby brought the dishes up to the table that he noticed the occupants. He stopped and his mouth fell open.
“Once you’ve engaged your brain, I would quite like to eat.”
“Yes, Professor Snape, sir. Dobby is sorry, sir. Dobby is ill. He sees two Professor Snapes..” His eyes travelled along the row. “…two Professor McGonagalls…two Madame Pomfreys…and two Professor Sprouts!” He gave a frightened squeak and shut his eyes tight.
“Dobby…” He cracked one eye open.
“You’re not ill. There really are two of us. These are our- friends. They teach at Langely Wood school, and we invited them for dinner. They’ll be going home soon.”
Minnie raised an eyebrow at Poppy’s words and sent a pointed look towards Minerva.
“Will Professor Dumbledore be requiring his dinner in his office, Professor?”
Minerva had a wonderful vision of stuffing Dobby’s mouth with his woolly hats.
“Um…no, thank you Dobby. And please ask the house elves to keep our friends presence a secret.”
“Yes, Professor McGonagall.”
The house elves left. Poppy turned to Minerva.
“Where is Albus, Min?”
“Don’t. Call. Me. Min. You know I hate it, I must have told you about-”
“Don’t. Change. The. Subject. Where is Albus? And Xiomara?”
The other Poppy broke in. “And Andrew? And Frederick?”
“Oh Merlin." Minerva muttered,"I haven’t even had dinner yet.”
“What was that, Minerva?”
“They are somewhat detained.”
“Why?” The students knew Madame Pomfrey could be intimidating when you were trying to defy medical advice, but they would never have guessed that she could intimidate the Queen of Intimidators, Professor McGonagall herself.
“Um…er…well…you see…” How do you explain to people that they are trapped in the wrong world?
“Minerva!”
“TheholesealedandAlbusandXiomaraandAndrewandFrederickwereontheotherside.”
“What?”
“The hole sealed and Albus and Xiomara and Andrew and Frederick were on the other side.”
“What?”
“The hole sealed-”
“Sorry, Minerva? Say that again? I thought you said that the hole sealed and Albus and Xiomara were on the other side.”
“I did.”
There was a moment of stunned silence.

Sorry if this appears to be a slightly pointless chapter. I was going to continue, but decided to stop there. This may be my last update for a while because I'm going to Cornwall soon.

[beMMADfabulous]

That was cute! ;D hehe I can't wait for an update.

[Jessabelle]

Excellent story. Very original and intruiging! Please update again.
- Jess

[Tabby67]

GAH!! It stopped! *bangs head on desk* Come on now!! Write more!! Pweasey?? Thankses!

~Branda~

[thingone]

Hah brilliant!! Have fun where ever your going! This chap wasn't pointless, I found it really funny!!
Buh bye,
Megan
or..
Thing One