The Unknown Factor

*Ouch!* Harry thought. His scar was hurting… again. It had been burning for the past two weeks since he'd returned to his Aunt and Uncle's house. The Dursleys were his only living family unless you counted his godfather, Sirius Black, who was charged with a murder he hadn't committed. Consequently, everyone but Sirius hated his guts. (I am not going to give you the back story or descriptions because you should already know them.)

He winced; his scar was still aching. He couldn't wait to go to the Quidditch World Cup with the Weasleys and then to Hogwarts. Mr. Weasley worked at the Ministry of Magic so he could get things like that.

Harry felt a twinge in the middle of his back. Quickly, the twinges escalated into extreme pains. He leapt off his bed. His head was swirling, filled with colors and sparkles. His ears were ringing painfully. He stumbled and "Crack!" He'd hit his head on the end of his bedside table. Harry Potter faded out of consciousness before he even hit the floor.

*I have to be dreaming. This isn't real* Harry thought, dumbstruck. His parents were dead, but they were standing before him clear as day. The room that they were standing in was blank and white with only a door to interrupt it.

"Happy birthday son!" his father said and grinned. *Oh. Right. Today is my birthday. I'd forgotten.* this was Harry's dream come true. He'd always wanted to meet his parents and just talk with them, nothing major. Too bad it was just a dream. James and Lily must have seen his expression. Lily hugged him, "You'd be surprised how much of your dreams are actually real." She whispered gently, "We really are here sweetheart and we have some amazing news!"

His father, James, grinned and yelled the sentence to forever change the course of his life. "Son, you have a twin brother!", and motioned toward the door at the other end of the room.