Ch.5

A few days after the Halloween troll incident, Alex knew it was time to address the questions that had been lingering in his friends' minds. He had promised Hermione an explanation, and he could sense their curiosity growing stronger.

One evening, after dinner, Alex gathered Harry, Ron, and Hermione in an unused classroom. He ensured they were alone and cast a quick spell to muffle any sound that might escape the room.

"Alright," Alex began, taking a deep breath. "I know you've all been wondering about what happened with the troll and my... abilities. It's time I explained."

Harry and Ron exchanged confused glances, while Hermione looked expectantly at Alex.

"Explain what, exactly?" Ron asked. "All we saw was the troll already dead when we got there."

Alex turned to Hermione, who nodded and spoke up. "I saw Alex do something incredible. He used some kind of magic to take out the troll. He created a spear and then pulled out a heart-shaped object from the troll before it collapsed."

Harry and Ron's eyes widened in surprise. "A heart-shaped object?" Harry asked, bewildered. "What does that mean?"

Alex took a deep breath. "I haven't been entirely honest with you all. The magic I used isn't something commonly known. It's called 'Soul Magic.' It allows me to manipulate the essence of living beings in a way that can be both powerful and dangerous."

Hermione looked intrigued. "Soul Magic? I've never read about that before. Where did you learn it?"

"I discovered it in some very old and obscure books," Alex explained. "Books that have been passed down through my family for generations. It's not widely known because it's incredibly difficult and risky to master. The heart-shaped object Hermione saw was the troll's soul."

Ron looked both impressed and skeptical. "So you can just take out someone's soul? That sounds... intense."

Harry looked curious. "Where did you find these books?"

Alex nodded. "They were part of my family's collection. My family has a long history with magical research, and these books were hidden away for generations. I found them while exploring our old library. It's not something they talk about much, and most wizards wouldn't know about it."

{Of course, that's a lie. I can't tell them the truth about my powers.}

"But that's why I only use it when absolutely necessary. And I have a special artifact to help me control it." He pulled out Kumu from his pocket. "This is Kumu. It helps me store and manage the souls I extract. Think of it as a magical container."

Harry stared at Kumu, his curiosity evident. "And you're sure it's safe?"

"As long as I'm careful, yes," Alex assured them. "But it's crucial that you don't tell anyone about this. Soul Magic is not something most people would understand or approve of."

Hermione nodded thoughtfully. "I understand. We'll keep your secret, Alex."

Harry and Ron exchanged glances before nodding in agreement. "Alright," Harry said. "Your secret's safe with us."

Feeling relieved, Alex smiled. "Thanks, everyone. I knew I could trust you."

With the explanation out of the way, Alex felt a weight lift off his shoulders. He had managed to maintain his secret while still giving his friends a plausible explanation.

A few weeks later, Alex continued his research on the Lost Alchemist's Tome and the Enchanted Mirror. He spent hours in the library, poring over ancient texts and deciphering clues. One evening, as he was about to give up for the night, he stumbled upon an old journal hidden behind a row of dusty books. The journal belonged to a former student who had been obsessed with finding the Lost Alchemist's Tome.

Flipping through the pages, Alex discovered a series of cryptic notes and sketches. One entry mentioned a hidden chamber beneath the castle, accessible only through a specific sequence of spells.

Excited by this new lead, Alex quickly copied down the notes and hurried back to his dormitory. He would need to be cautious and prepare thoroughly before attempting to find the chamber.

In the meantime, the Gacha system buzzed quietly in his mind, reminding him of the Enchanted Mirror quest. Alex decided to take a break from his studies the next weekend to explore the Astronomy Tower once more.

As he made his way up the tower, he used his ability to see souls to avoid detection. Filch and Mrs. Norris were patrolling the corridors, but Alex easily sidestepped them. Reaching the top of the tower, he began to search for any hidden rooms or passages.

Hours passed with no success, but Alex refused to give up. Just as he was about to call it a night, he noticed a faint, magical glow coming from a crack in the wall. Using his alchemical knowledge, he carefully transmuted the stone, revealing a small, hidden door.

Behind the door, Alex found a beautifully ornate mirror, its surface shimmering with an otherworldly light. As he stepped closer, he suddenly sensed a presence behind him. Turning around, he saw Harry, who had just entered the room quietly, his footsteps muffled by the thick carpet.

"Harry? What are you doing here?" Alex asked, surprised.

Harry looked equally surprised. "I could ask you the same thing. I was just... exploring."

Alex chuckled. "Well, it seems we've both found something interesting." He gestured to the mirror. "This is the Mirror of Erised. It's said to show your deepest desires."

Harry stepped closer, his eyes widening as he gazed into the mirror. "It's amazing... but what does it show you?"

Alex looked into the mirror and saw himself mastering both alchemical and magical arts, creating new forms of magic and knowledge. "It shows me blending alchemy and magic perfectly, achieving something new and powerful."

Harry nodded, still staring at the mirror. "I see my family... my parents..."

Alex placed a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder. "The mirror can be both wonderful and painful. It reflects our deepest wishes, but it's important not to get lost in them."

[Quest Complete: The Enchanted Mirror Acquired]

[Reward: 1 Gacha Ticket]

Alex carefully secured the mirror and looked at Harry. "Let's keep this between us for now. There's a lot we need to figure out about this mirror."

Harry nodded, understanding the need for secrecy. "Agreed. We'll talk more about it later."

The next morning, Alex joined Harry, Ron, and Hermione for breakfast in the Great Hall. They chatted about their plans for the weekend and upcoming exams.

"How's your project going, Alex?" Harry asked.

"Pretty well," Alex replied, smiling. "I found something interesting last night. I'll tell you more about it later."

The friends spent the day studying and practicing spells, the bond between them growing stronger with each passing day. As the evening approached, they gathered in the Gryffindor common room, sharing stories and laughs.

As they sat around the fire, Alex couldn't help but feel grateful for his friends and the adventures they shared. Despite the challenges and secrets he carried, he knew that together, they could face anything that came their way.

And so, Alex's journey at Hogwarts continued, marked by both shared adventures with his friends and his own personal quests. Each day brought new challenges and opportunities, and Alex embraced them all, knowing that his time at Hogwarts would be filled with magic, discovery, and the pursuit of knowledge.

A few weeks had passed since Alex and Harry discovered the Mirror of Erised. The first term at Hogwarts was coming to an end, and the castle was buzzing with excitement for the upcoming Christmas holidays. Snow covered the grounds, and the Great Hall was decorated with sparkling ornaments and twelve magnificent Christmas trees.

One evening, after their classes, Alex, Harry, Ron, and Hermione gathered in the Gryffindor common room to relax by the fire. They chatted about their plans for the holidays and the excitement of experiencing their first Christmas at Hogwarts.

"Are you staying here for Christmas, Alex?" Hermione asked.

Alex shook his head. "No, I'll be going back to Hogsmeade to spend Christmas. But I'll come back to visit during the holidays."

Harry smiled. "That sounds nice. I'm not going back to the Dursleys."

Ron looked relieved. "Same here. Mum and Dad said I could stay this year."

Hermione glanced at the clock. "I need to go finish some homework. I'll see you all tomorrow."

After Hermione left, Alex turned to Harry and Ron. "Do you want to check out that mirror again tonight? I've been thinking about it a lot."

Harry's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Definitely. I still can't believe what it showed me."

Ron nodded. "Count me in. I've been curious about it since you told us."

Later that night, the trio sneaked out of the Gryffindor common room and made their way to the hidden room where the Mirror of Erised was located. The corridors were eerily quiet, and they had to be careful to avoid Filch and Mrs. Norris.

When they reached the room, Alex carefully opened the door, and they slipped inside. The mirror stood in the center, its surface shimmering with an ethereal glow.

Harry approached it first, gazing into the mirror with a mix of longing and sadness. "I see my parents... they're smiling at me."

Ron took his turn, and his eyes widened. "Blimey, I see myself as Head Boy... and Quidditch captain!"

Alex stepped forward, looking into the mirror. He saw himself mastering both alchemical and magical arts, creating new forms of magic and knowledge. It was a powerful reminder of his goals and the path he had chosen.

As they stood there, mesmerized by their reflections, the door creaked open behind them. They quickly turned to see Dumbledore standing in the doorway, his eyes twinkling with a mix of amusement and understanding.

"Good evening," Dumbledore said gently. "I see you have discovered the Mirror of Erised."

Harry, Ron, and Alex exchanged nervous glances.

"Come closer," Dumbledore beckoned, and they approached him.

"The Mirror of Erised shows us nothing more or less than the deepest, most desperate desire of our hearts," Dumbledore explained. "But it does not give us knowledge or truth. Men have wasted away before it, entranced by what they have seen, or been driven mad, not knowing if what it shows is real or even possible."

Dumbledore looked directly at Harry. "It will be moved to a new location tomorrow, Harry. Do not go looking for it again. It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live, remember that."

Harry nodded, feeling a mixture of disappointment and understanding. "Yes, Professor."

Dumbledore turned to leave but then paused. "And Mr. Blake, remember that your talents and the knowledge you seek are meant to be shared and used wisely. The path you are on is filled with both great potential and great responsibility."

Alex nodded, taking Dumbledore's words to heart. "I understand, Professor."

As Dumbledore left the room, the trio stood in silence for a moment, reflecting on his words. They made their way back to the Gryffindor common room, the experience leaving a profound impact on them.

The next morning, Alex woke up with a sense of anticipation. The Gacha system had been quiet for a while, and he felt it might be time to use one of his tickets.

[Gacha Ticket Available for Use]

[Would you like to use a Gacha Ticket now?]

Alex took a deep breath, preparing to see what new opportunity or challenge lay ahead.

"Yes, I'd like to use a Gacha Ticket."

[Congratulations! You have received a World Travel Ticket. This ticket allows you to travel to another world. Please choose a world to travel to.]

Alex's eyes widened in surprise as he read the message. A World Travel Ticket? The possibilities were endless. He thought for a moment before making his decision.

"I choose the world of Once Upon A Time," Alex said.

[Confirmed. You will be able to travel to the world of Once Upon A Time (season 1). Time in the Harry Potter world will pause while you are away. To activate the ticket, simply state 'Activate World Travel Ticket.']

Alex felt a rush of excitement. He remembered watching the show in his previous life, captivated by its intriguing characters and stories. This would be an incredible adventure.

Before he activated the ticket, Alex decided to spend some time with his friends at Hogwarts and make sure he was prepared for his journey. He packed a small bag with essentials and double-checked his alchemical supplies.

As the holiday break approached, Alex bid farewell to his friends, promising to return soon. He traveled back to Hogsmeade to spend Christmas with Mr. Patel and the villagers. They celebrated with a festive feast, exchanging gifts and sharing stories by the fire.

On Christmas Eve, as the snow gently fell outside, Alex found a quiet moment to himself. He took a deep breath and whispered, "Activate World Travel Ticket."

In an instant, Alex felt a magical pull, and the world around him shifted. When he opened his eyes, he found himself standing in the woods just outside the quaint town of Storybrooke on July 22, three months before the events of season 1 of Once Upon A Time.

The air was crisp, and the town was decorated with summer flowers. Alex marveled at his surroundings, feeling a sense of excitement and curiosity about the adventure that awaited him. However, it quickly dawned on him that his presence here would raise immediate questions. He needed to establish a convincing backstory.

[System, what point in season 1 am I in?] Alex thought, hoping for a quick answer.

[You have arrived three months before the events of season 1. Emma Swan has not yet arrived in Storybrooke.]

Alex nodded to himself. {Three months before Emma's arrival. This gives me some time to get settled and figure out my strategy.}

Using his alchemical knowledge, Alex crafted two fake corpses to resemble his parents and placed them in a secluded area just outside Storybrooke. With that setup, he walked into town, ready to play his part.

As he walked down the main street, he noticed the townspeople going about their routines. Soon enough, a car pulled up beside him, and the sheriff, Graham, stepped out, looking concerned.

"Hey there, kid. What are you doing out here alone?" Graham asked, his tone gentle but firm.

Alex tried to think of a believable story. "I... I got lost. I don't know how I ended up here."

Graham frowned, clearly not buying the story. "Alright, let's get you somewhere safe. What's your name?"

"Alex," he replied.

As they drove to the sheriff's station, Graham asked more questions. "Can you tell me about your parents? What do they look like?"

Alex described his fabricated parents. "My dad has dark hair and glasses. He's tall and usually wears a suit. My mom has blonde hair and is shorter, always wearing a blue dress."

Graham nodded, making mental notes. "We'll do our best to find them."

When they arrived at the sheriff's station, Graham made a quick phone call. Within minutes, Regina Mills, the mayor of Storybrooke, arrived, her expression a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" Regina asked, her eyes narrowing as she looked at Alex.

Graham explained the situation, and Regina nodded thoughtfully. "Thank you, Sheriff. I'll take it from here."

She turned to Alex, her smile not reaching her eyes. "Why don't you come with me, Alex? We'll figure out how to get you back where you belong."

Alex followed Regina to her office, his mind racing with possible explanations and escape plans. He knew he had to be careful; Regina was not someone to be underestimated.

In Regina's office, she offered him a seat and sat down across from him. "So, Alex, where are you from?"

Alex knew he had to come up with something plausible. "I'm from the UK. I was on a trip with my parents through the USA when we got separated."

Regina raised an eyebrow. "How did you end up here?"

"I don't remember," Alex said, trying to sound convincing. "I just... wandered around and ended up here."

Regina studied him for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Alright. We'll sort this out. For now, you'll stay with me. I'll make sure you're taken care of until we find your parents."

Just then, Graham entered the office, looking grim. "Regina, I need to talk to you for a moment."

Regina excused herself and stepped outside with Graham. "What is it, Sheriff?"

Graham spoke in a low voice. "We found two bodies just outside of town. They match the description Alex gave of his parents."

Regina's eyes widened slightly, but she quickly composed herself. "Keep this information between us for now. The boy doesn't need to know yet."

Returning to the office, Regina put on her most reassuring smile. "Alex, you can stay with me until we figure everything out. I'll make sure you're taken care of."

Alex nodded, appreciating her sympathy. As they walked to her house, Regina's mind was racing. {How did he get here? No one can enter or leave Storybrooke without me knowing. And if he stays, he'll definitely notice how the town keeps repeating the same things every day. This is a problem.}

When they arrived at Regina's home, she introduced Alex to Henry. The boy was surprised to see someone new and different in their home.

"Hi, I'm Alex," he said, extending his hand to Henry.

Henry eyed him curiously before shaking his hand. "I'm Henry. How did you get here?"

Alex shrugged, giving his rehearsed answer. "I got lost and ended up here. Ms. Regina is helping me find my parents."

Henry seemed intrigued but skeptical. "Well, welcome to Storybrooke. I guess."

Henry looked at Alex's attire, noticing the girlish clothing. "Are you a girl?" Henry asked, confused.

Alex chuckled. "No, I'm a boy. I just like wearing these clothes sometimes."

Henry nodded slowly, still a bit confused but accepting the explanation. "Okay, well, come on in."

Over the next few days, Alex observed the town and its inhabitants. He kept a low profile, knowing that Regina and Mr. Gold might sense something unusual about him if he wasn't careful. He also noticed how the townspeople seemed to repeat the same actions day after day. To avoid suspicion, he decided to ask Regina about it.

"Ms. Regina, why do the people in town seem to do the same things over and over again?" Alex asked one evening, trying to sound casual.

Regina looked at him sharply. "What do you mean?"

"Like Mr. Gold," Alex said cautiously. "He seems to always be polishing the same spot on his counter every time I walk by."

Regina forced a smile. "Small towns can be repetitive, Alex. People here have their routines."

Alex nodded, knowing he had to act curious to avoid raising further suspicion. He decided to focus on earning Regina's trust and getting closer to her and Henry.

A month into his stay, Regina called Alex into her office. She had a somber expression on her face. "Alex, there's something I need to tell you."

Alex's heart raced. "What is it?"

"We found your parents," Regina said gently. "They... they didn't make it."

Alex forced tears to his eyes, making his reaction as believable as possible. "They're... gone?"

Regina nodded, her expression softening. "I'm so sorry, Alex. If you want, you can stay here with me. I'll take care of you."

Alex nodded, sniffling. "Thank you, Ms. Regina. I don't know what I would have done without you."

Regina pulled him into a comforting hug. "You're not alone, Alex. We'll get through this together."

Little did Regina and Alex know, his craving for familial connection was deeper than either realized.

As the days passed, Regina grew more curious about Alex's background. One evening, after Alex had gone to bed, she decided to investigate further. She accessed the town's records and any information she could find about Alex and his family. To her surprise, she found a detailed backstory that included an image of Alex's parents. They matched the description and the bodies found perfectly. She also discovered that Alex's full name was Alexander Blake, though he preferred to be called Alex.

Regina stared at the screen, her mind racing. {This is too perfect. Almost... uncanny. How did these records get here? Who is Alexander Blake really?}

By the second month of Alex's stay, Regina decided that he needed to attend school like any other child. One morning, she sat him down at the breakfast table.

"Alex, I think it's time you started going to school here in Storybrooke," Regina said with a gentle smile. "It will be good for you to have a routine and make friends."

Alex nodded, understanding the necessity. "Okay, Ms. Regina. I'll do my best."

Regina walked Alex to the Storybrooke Elementary School, where she introduced him to the principal. "This is Alexander Blake. He'll be joining your school starting today."

The principal smiled warmly. "Welcome, Alex. We're happy to have you here."

As Alex started attending classes, he quickly adapted to the new environment. He made a few friends and found that he enjoyed the routine. However, he kept a low profile, aware that Regina and others might still be watching him closely.

Over the next few months, Alex and Henry slowly became friends. They shared meals, played games, and spent time together. Henry showed Alex the storybook, trying to get him to believe in its tales.

"These stories are real, Alex," Henry insisted. "Everyone in this town is a fairy tale character."

Alex pretended to be skeptical. "That's hard to believe, Henry."

Henry sighed. "I know it sounds crazy, but I can prove it. Just help me find the evidence."

Alex agreed to help, maintaining his cover while knowing the truth.

Regina watched Alex closely, noting his keen interest and helpful nature. She found herself growing attached to him, considering him almost like a second child. She also noticed that Henry seemed less rebellious with Alex around, which made her hopeful.

His journey in this new world had just begun, and he was ready to embrace the challenges and discoveries that lay ahead.

________________________________________________________________________________

Ok so this was interesting considering my previous statements and to that i say thing change so yeah

Hope You Liked The Chapter

Having issues with next chapter need to fix those might take a while

Word Count: 3755