ARTHUR QUINN
A Harry Potter Fanfiction
Chapter 1: The Boys Who Would Be Chief
Today was the day, the day he would finally leave the Warband.
Arthur Quinn sat lazily against the great fir tree, one of thousands that surrounded the town he called home. He closed his eyes, listened to the ambient sounds of the forest; a flock of birds flying overhead, a deer grazing on a bit of grass, a rabbit being chased through the dense undergrowth, and a pair of footsteps walking pointedly in his direction.
Still, Arthur sat firmly against his tree, perfectly content to lay there and sleep away the entirety of his childhood, but fate had already been determined for him.
"Arthur, it's time," his father called out. Cillian Quinn was an imposing, well-built man, possessing a rugged but handsome face that unfortunately had a frown imposed on it seemingly permanently. This time would be no exception, the usual frown plastered squarely on Cillian's face. However, the look in his eyes held an almost imperceptible sadness to it, something Arthur easily picked up on.
Emitting a deep sigh, Arthur got up, lazily walking by his father's side as they made their way back to the town.
Cillian glanced at his son, only elven-years-old and looking like the spitting image of himself; the lightly tanned skin owed to the days spent training under the sun, the short, neatly cropped dark brown hair and the sharp, handsome features, Arthur was almost an exact replica of Cillian when he was a boy.
The only feature that differed from him was his eyes, dark green eyes the color of emerald, the color of his mother's. His heart sped up, a wave of grief once again sweeping over Cillian, the boy an all too fresh reminder of his greatest failure.
"Something is close by," Cillian abruptly states, eager to ward away the painful memory. Arthur, more or less familiar with his father's mannerisms, sniffed the air briefly, pondering the distance and type of his target. "Deer. It's alone, roughly a hundred meters out that way," Arthur points in the direction of the target. Cillian nods, affirming Arthur's assessment, asking yet again "The berries on the right what are they called and what are their uses".
Without missing a beat, Arthur replies, "Rockberries, its flesh is tough but sweet and edible. With the addition of spikeweed, iron root, and a suitable acidic solvent, it can be used to numb one's senses and slightly improve magical resistance".
"Hmm, and those leaves over there?" This continued between Cillian and Arthur for the rest of their trek through the forest, their familiar back and forth questioning and answering in a sort of tradition between them for as long as Arthur could remember.
Eventually, the pair made their way back into the town, the town of Lochjewel. From the outside, it was a fairly unremarkable town, the usual brick and wood houses one would normally see in towns or villages dotted around the wizarding world of Ireland. What distinguished Lochjewel was the beautiful lake the town was perched next to, streams of water flowing down the valley side into the lake.
The town was situated right next to the lake in the middle of a vast valley, surrounded by a dense forest of fir trees that were magically enchanted to ward away any prying muggle eyes. But what made the village truly special was its use as the base of the proud and ancient Warband, the Stoneshields, of which Arthur's grandfather, Lochlan Quinn, was Chief of.
As Arthur and his father walked through the village, Arthur spotted children going through the training he had to go through as well since he was four.
Children, both younger and older than him, were fully engaged in their assigned tasks; handling of wands with close quarters combat, mixing and experimenting with a dizzying assortment of herbs for potion-making, learning to communicate with the myriad of animals the Warband possessed, and perhaps the most challenging of all, shapeshifting.
Arthur was well-versed in the foundational training needed to become a druid of the Stoneshields, his Warband famous for their powerful Animagi, shapeshifters that turned into the form of animals, gaining greatly enhanced physical capabilities even while in human form. On top of their extensive use of potions and ancient incantations to further improve their magical abilities and resistances, Stoneshield Druids were a frightening force on the battlefield.
But their requirements to become a full-fledged druid were strict, almost ruthless, where all children of the Warband were required to be inducted into its tough training regime from the ages of four to six.
Following that, increasingly arduous, annual trials would be conducted for initiates, with them either passing or being forced to repeat that year of training. Only when all of the trials were completed would they be considered a true Stoneshield Druid. Which frankly, didn't bode well for Arthur.
The odd greeting of respect to Cillian and Arthur here and there, the pair passed through the village, finally making their way to the Chief's Hall where Arthur's grandfather, Chief Lochlan Quinn waited patiently alongside his peer, Casey Whelan, and his parents as well as a peculiar woman with an odd pointed looking hat.
"Jack, Mary," Cillian greeted curtly, shaking the hands of Casey's parents, all the while Casey glared daggers at Arthur.
With wavy jet-black hair, skin tone similar to that of Arthur's and square, defined features, Casey was certainly one of the top few eye candies of their age group alongside Arthur. Of the same age, Casey and Arthur both started training under the Warband at the same time.
Naturally gifted with strong, almost pure magical bloodlines, Casey would have an easy time topping his age group were it not for the incessant pest that was Arthur. A fierce rivalry had developed over the years between the two, with Casey infuriated by Arthur's overachieving yet lazy attitude and Arthur just being too stubborn to quit.
Casey continued to stare down Arthur, Arthur simply staring at the sky, counting the clouds as he fought the urge to doze off while standing.
A quick slap to the back of the head by Cillian jolted Arthur out of his daze as Lochlan cleared his throat, grabbing the attention of all parties, "Thank you for coming, Clans Quinn and Whelan. Know that you bring honor to the Warband," Lochlan nods to the respective families.
"As you well know, following the war, the Irish Council of Wizards has agreed to an increase in cooperation between the Wizarding World of Ireland and our British counterparts so that we way share in our knowledge and help better prepare the new generation for the next great threat," Lochlan states seriously, a solemn look passing over Casey's parents, Cillian's fist clenched tightly, a deep sigh escaping him. Casey and Arthur listened intently, young but fully aware of the war and its consequences, the lives lost.
"As such," Lochlan continued, "our Warband will be sending our 2 brightest of the age of 11, to attend the incoming year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Professor McGonagall if you would be so kind," Lochlan gestured to the old woman standing next to him.
As she explained to them the accommodations that would be provided as well as any other relevant details pertaining to their stay at Hogwarts, Arthur was lost in thought, the implications of their stay at Hogwarts and the mounting pressure once again nagging at the back of his mind. Needless to say, he didn't listen to a word and nearly dozed off had Cillian not once again slapped the back of his head.
Professor McGonagall was merely amused by the boy, his boldness in dozing off while standing not something one saw regularly while the other one and the silent war he seemed to wage with the sleepy boy never ending.
"Oh, Albus what have we gotten ourselves into?" Professor McGonagall sighed internally, well aware of another troublesome boy who would also be enrolling this year into Hogwarts.
Finished with her introduction, Professor McGonagall allowed Lochlan to readdress the 2 families, allowing them time to say their goodbyes.
Cillian and Lochlan brought Arthur to a side, Arthur already expecting yet another lecture on expectations and honor. Instead, Cillian merely knelt down to Arthur's height, clasping both his shoulders as his eyes glazed over as he threatened to tear up. Arthur, taken back by the rare moment of sentimentality, widened his eyes in surprise.
"Arthur," Cillian started, emotion breaking through the stern facade he was attempting to put on, "you know I don't say it often, and I know I'm not the most sympathetic man but-'' tears roll down Cillian's face, his voice quivering as he struggles to maintain his composure. Taking in a deep breath, Cillian says "but know that I am proud of you. A-and, your mother would be too." Cillian grasps Arthur in a tight embrace, tears flowing freely as Arthur, struck by his usually composed father's strong display of emotion, returns his embrace, their grief and sadness shared for a brief moment.
Their embrace finish, Cillian briefly walked away to compose himself, Lochlan looking on sympathetically as he addressed Arthur.
"I'm sorry lad, that you have to be put through this. The young shouldn't be helping solve the problems caused by us old men," Lochlan chuckles. "But you have your father's resolve and your mother's heart, I do believe you'll be alright," Lochlan says.
"This clan has seen much tragedy over the recent years, but Quinns don't back down, and we never get too comfortable with the ground," Lochlan locked eyes with Arthur, a sense of resolve conveyed to the young boy as he nodded his head in affirmation.
As the families finished their goodbyes, Lochlan recalled the group, making one final speech to the boys, "The world is vast and full of wonder, but also danger. Set forth and face your challenges with determination and courage and fate will guide you to the correct path. May the ancestors watch over you and may you bring honor to the Warband."
The two boys head over to professor McGonagall with their things packed, their goodbyes said, and their minds weighed heavily by the responsibility that's been placed on them.
It was no coincidence it was them that have been chosen to pioneer this exchange between the Stoneshield Warband and Hogwarts. They were the best in their age groups, sons in two of the most powerful magical bloodlines in their Warband and one day, one of them would become Chief. Their experiences at Hogwarts, and the people they meet in the Wizarding World of Britain, would shape the future of their Warband and maybe that of all Warbands.
And it was with that common thought between the two boys that they grabbed on to the outstretched arms of Professor McGonagall, and they disapparated from the place they call home.
Chapter 2: Getting Their Feet Wet
"Arthur. Arthur!" Casey shook Arthur awake, "we're here," Casey said.
Arthur glanced around in a daze as he watched students already piling off the train. The past few days had been a blur, exploring Diagon Alley, getting his first wand, collecting his school materials, Arthur had precious little time to really collect his thoughts, process his feeling towards his current predicament.
His time at Hogwarts setting an important precedent for the next generation of druids in his Warband, this whole exchange at Hogwarts spelt nothing but trouble to Arthur. Not only would he be expected to excel in his studies at Hogwarts, but pass the annual trials a druid initiate in his Warband would normally have to. It was all a great pain, that feeling of conflict once again nagging at the back of his mind.
Arthur took out his wand, Fir Wood and Dragonheartstring, ten inches, a much more delicate tool compared to the staves or staffs his Warband would typically use. Nevertheless, the basic principles of unarmed fighting he had been taught were still pertinent, principles he hoped he wouldn't have to exhibit during his time here.
Arthur examined the wand yet again, its grip feeling unsteady and surprisingly heavy, the weight of his duty again weighing down on him.
Realizing Casey had long left him, Arthur sighed and grabbed his baggage, absentmindedly walking out of his compartment to follow the rest of the excited students before he walked straight into a girl with brown bushy hair.
"Hey watch it!" the girl exclaimed, a frown adorning her face as she fell to the floor.
"Apologies," Arthur muttered, sheepish helping her up.
The girl took a better look at this rude boy, sizing him up before saying "Well you had better not do it again," the girl huffed as she quickly walked away, eager to catch up with the rest of the students.
"Great start Arthur," Arthur thought to himself, conflict outside training ring something he would very much prefer to avoid. And so, he made his way to the boats ferrying students to the ominous, looming gates of Hogwarts.
Once inside, Arthur couldn't help but be a bit in awe of the grandeur of the interior of Hogwarts Castle. Intricately, carved stone pillars, ornate chandeliers and a large, green courtyard as the castle's centerpiece. Even the central dining hall was a place of wonder as floating candles hovered overhead, a beautiful night sky adorning the ceiling and a seat for every student at Hogwarts. It was a truly different experience from that of his Warband, their own common dining hall usually packed and rambunctious.
Spotting Casey amidst the crowded, chattering hall, Arthur saw, unsurprisingly, that Casey had already ingratiated himself well with the students there, the usual show of flair and confidence exuding from him.
Arthur simply shrugged, uninterested with having to talk up complete strangers, choosing to stand at a more secluded spot where the first years were gathered for some sort of ceremony as he slowly drifted off to sleep, to the confusion by the people standing next to him as.
Arthur proceeded to be awake for precisely three times during the opening ceremony.
The first was when the atmosphere of the noisy hall quickly quietened, hushed whispers replacing the loud cheers and chatter.
"Harry Potter," Professor McGonagall announced. The entire hall seemed to focus on him, whispers of the Boy-Who-Lived shared amongst the students. Even Arthur was awoken by this sudden change in atmosphere, quickly determining the cause of it to be this Harry Potter boy.
Arthur knew of the stories, the boy's fame for vanquishing the Dark Lord spread throughout all of Great Britain, but Arthur always disputed the probability of a baby vanquishing the evil many older and wiser had failed to destroy. Arthur wondered if there was some other ancient magic at play, but felt it was not worth his time, dozing back off yet again with the talking hat announcing "Gryffindor!"
The second was when his own name was called, more than twice in fact. Deep in sleep, all while standing, Arthur had completely missed his name being called, only when a student had shaken him awake had he stirred.
Professor McGonagall simply frowned at her peculiar charge, realizing immediately he had, intentionally or unintentionally, ignored the explanation of the ceremony and had no idea what was going on. She wordlessly ushered him onto stage, hearing the sniggering coming from the students, a flash of worry appearing in her mind as she felt increasingly concerned for how the boy would be treated on his first day of school.
But Arthur showed no signs of distress, calmly and sleepily walking up to the podium to have the sorting hat placed on him, the sorting hat giving barely a second's thought before it announced "Gryffindor!"
Professor McGonagall indicated to Arthur the place he should sit at, herself surprised at him being sorted into Gryffindor, choosing to watch the boy more closely before making any quick judgements about him.
Arthur made his way to the Gryffindor table, well-aware of the sniggering behind his back but thoroughly unaffected by it. He took his seat before realizing his excellent or rather poor choice of seating, next to the girl he had run into on the train and opposite the school's resident celebrity, the Boy-Who-Lived.
Harry spotted Hermione's look of annoyance, pointed directly at the boy who had just sat in front of him. A bead of sweat dripped down his forehead, wondering what the boy could have done to annoy even Hermione before deciding to introduce himself to break the ice.
"Um hi, my name is Harry," Harry said. Arthur glanced at the boy, already dozing off. Arthur realised Harry was a lot smaller than he looked, half a head shorter than himself and much skinnier.
"Arthur," Arthur nodded in greeting before finally drifting off to sleep.
Harry shared a strange look with Ron, utter confusion at the peculiar boy seated in front of them, realising Hogwarts truly had all sorts of characters.
The third was when the grand feast finally started, Arthur seemingly gaining newfound vigor as he devoured the food in front of him. Even the self-replenishing food seemed to have trouble keeping up with his insatiable appetite. Those around him were thoroughly shocked, only being further surprised by how, after seemingly consuming a family's worth of food, the boy instantly drifted back to sleep, oblivious to the world around him.
Once the feast had ended, the new students were escorted to their dorms, Gryffindor's placed in one of the three main towers of Hogwarts. As students panted and climbed up the endless number of moving staircases, Arthur followed along easily, scanning his environment to familiarise himself.
When the Gryffindor boys had been settled in, Arthur was about to once again turn in before being interrupted by a small brown-haired boy.
"Hey you, my name Seamus Finnegan, what's yours?" the boy asked, shifting nervously in his feet. Arthur could not understand why everyone saw the need to socialize unnecessarily with him, answering with a quick "Arthur" before once again trying to go to sleep.
"Yeah okay but, what's your last name?" Seamus asked, his nervousness now apparent. Arthur knew the direction of his line of questioning, narrowing his eyes as he answered "Quinn".
Seamus gasped in shock, "Merlin's Beard! You're from the Stoneshields," he exclaimed, a mixture of awe and perhaps fear flashing through his eyes.
Arthur nodded curtly, lay on his bed and firmly shut his eyes, intent on getting his much-needed sleep. His first day at Hogwarts were uneventful, but informative; the Boy-Who-Lived sharing the same house as him and those likely from Ireland knowing of his heritage, these were important bits of information to him, things to note if he were to accomplish his duty here. However, that lump of worry didn't fail to subside, only growing ever so slightly.
Arthur's first week at Hogwarts was uneventful other than a few noteworthy incidents.
During his first transfiguration lesson with Professor McGonagall, he somehow managed to sit next to the girl he had annoyed on his first day. Although she no longer seemed to hold as much of a grudge against him, he could still feel her icy stare, a stare that only seemed to intensify as the lesson progressed. After going through the dangers and consequences of transfiguration, Arthur already well-versed in its basics from his training in the Warband, she assigned the class to first turn a matchstick into a needle.
Needless to say, Arthur accomplished the task the moment it was issued, not expecting it to be as easy as it was. Professor McGonagall looked on in surprise as well as a bit of admiration, giving Arthur a small smile of approval.
Arthur on the other hand, could feel the glares being drilled into the back of his head, especially from the bushy haired girl who only doubled her efforts after seeing the ease in which he completed his task with. Arthur was thoroughly embarrassed, not used to being the center of attention.
"Can't believe I miss that prat," Arthur thought, thinking back to his time training with Casey. Somehow, it seemed better fighting for 1st rather than actually being in it.
The next few lessons followed in a similar fashion, it was finally during Potions that Arthur breathed a sigh of relief, finding out then that Casey had been sorted into Slytherin and would be having potions with him.
From the looks of it, Casey was well on his way to being the star of his house, the girls swooning at his good looks and charming words while the boys looked up to his physical brawn and magical ability. To Arthur, it was nothing new, but a competitive drive instilled into him since young couldn't help but make him challenge Casey's throne. It was such that potions became a rather exciting affair for Arthur and Casey, an unsaid competition started between the two as they raced to complete the tasks set by Professor Snape. Were it not for the special attention Professor Snape seemed to place on the boys Draco and Harry, he would've caught the intense competition between Arthur and Casey.
It was only Hermione who had caught on, noticing the same glares she had been giving Arthur being given by Casey as well. Tried as she might, even she could not keep up with the rate the pair were answering questions and the confidence they brewed their potions with. It was also the first time she had noticed Arthur looked so full of energy other than during meals. She couldn't help but ponder about the curious boy, dozing off any time he could yet displaying an intense concentration during lesson that even an explosion couldn't waver.
This rivalry was well-concealed by Arthur and Casey, who apart from a few common lessons, didn't have much time to interact with each other, it was only during their morning trainings together did their rivalry rear its head in full view.
Owing to their need to clear their druid initiate trials, Professor McGonagall allowed them to use the fields near the half-giant Hagrid's house as a place to train. Thus, every morning before dawn, long before lessons started, they trained together, practicing hand-to-hand combat as well as physical conditioning, skills which have otherwise gone neglected during their time at Hogwarts.
One particular morning, as the two boys lay in the field exhausted from having push each other, Casey asked, "Arthur, why are you here?"
Arthur turned towards Casey, his eyes staring straight into Arthur's. Arthur shrugged his shoulders, unsure of what to answer. Unsatisfied with his response, Casey got up, noticeably peeved by Arthur's non-committal reply, and walked off back to the castle. Arthur continued to lay in the field, watching the slowly rising sun as he asked himself, "Why was he here?"
It always seemed clear for Casey, his family vying for the position of Chief of his Warband since their fathers were children yet for Arthur, he never had an overwhelming desire to become Chief. Arthur pondered on his dilemma, his own purpose unclear, and how he could make full use of his time at Hogwarts.
Firstly, not one who enjoyed conflict, Arthur secretly wished to make amends with the girl he had so offended, but he knew not how to start, not being use to starting a conversation with anyone other than ironically Casey or his family. With that thought, he slowly drifted to sleep, a much-needed nap before the day's start.
It was during a free period, a break between lessons that Arthur would get his chance. Unsurprisingly, he was taking a nap, in the quietest place in school, the library. It was then that he noticed, across the room from him, was the bushy haired girl, sitting by herself buried under a pile of books as usual. Arthur looked at the girl, wondering if he had ever seen her with anyone else besides her textbooks. Realizing he was not one to judge, he looked away, not fast enough for the girl to not notice his glance, and went back to sleep.
It was from the faint sound of a chair being dragged on the floor and footsteps walking in his direction that Arthur knew a confrontation was inevitable.
"How do you do it?" the bushy haired girl asked. "What?" Arthur replied, confused.
"How are you able to do magic so easily?" she asked further, her air of superiority and stuck up tone never disappearing.
"I started practicing since I was 4 years old," Arthur replied simply, not understanding the significance of such information.
"Four years old?!" the girl exclaimed, shocked. She seemed to be a bit at a lost, half-expecting Arthur to be some sort of prodigy but realizing his abilities could be attributed more to the tutoring he received from very early on.
Plucking up the courage, Arthur cleared his throat, "Um, if you like, I could share a bit of what I know," Arthur said awkwardly, charm definitely not one of his strong suits.
The girl seemed to consider this before placing the stack of books on the table, taking a seat opposite him. "Fine," she agreed, "I'm Hermione Granger," she reached her hand out in introduction. A small smile, barely noticeable, escaped Arthur's lips, "Arthur Quinn," he said as he shook her hand, the official start of his first friend from Hogwarts.
Hermione proceeded to drone on about the history of Hogwarts, why she chose to come to this school and how excited she was to learn all manners of magical phenomena listing it in order of preference. Arthur simply stared at her, nodding here and there to feign interest but thought to himself, "I'm not getting much of a nap am I," as he strained his ears to absorb the torrent of information Hermione vomited onto him.
A week later, Arthur would have his first flying lesson with Slytherin House. A short introduction by Madam Hooch, the broom flying instructor, the students were then tasked with first calling their brooms to their hands. His first time holding a broom, Arthur was naturally cautious, even the usually confident Casey seemed to take an extra bit of care in summoning his broom. Only one, a boy Arthur figured was Draco Malfoy seemed to be the epitome of bravado, proudly claiming he's been taught by the best flying instructors and that flying would be a piece of cake for him.
He was almost immediately put in place by Harry, who summoned his broom without difficulty, faster than even Draco had. Arthur smirked at the fuming Draco, reminding him of Casey, albeit a more incompetent, malicious version of him. The lesson proceeded smoothly till another, Neville Longbottom, lost control of his broom, being flung about in the air while the class were to only hover above the ground.
Arthur braced himself, muscles tense as he prepared himself to catch the panicking boy. Just as he was about to leap forward a strong hand pulled his arm, Casey.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Casey whispered angrily. "Remember Quinn, we need to take more than we give," Casey stated, a contest of strength as Arthur pulled against Casey, refusing to allow Neville to be injured while he could do something about it. It was only when Neville had inevitably fallen to the ground, fracturing his wrist that Casey finally let go, Madam Hooch panickily rushing Neville to the Hospital Wing.
Arthur glared at Casey, fangs slowly baring but collects himself in time, realizing that ultimately, Casey was right. Arthur and Casey were students of Hogwarts, but they belonged first and foremost to the Stoneshield Warband. The druids of the Warband, and their magical and physical abilities, were not something to be used openly amongst strangers. After all, there are those in power who would not be as understanding of its traditions and practices.
Because of this Arthur remained distracted throughout the lesson, barely registering the argument between Harry and Draco as he wondered again, why he was at Hogwarts. Only a certain nosy, brown bushy haired girl noticed the interaction between Arthur and Casey, her curiosity piqued by the strange boy.
Chapter 3: The Troll in the Toilet
Weeks pass and Arthur settles into a familiar routine; morning physical training with Casey, attending classes, studying at the library with Hermione, and sneaking in as much sleep as possible in his packed timetable. Soon, it was Halloween, a grand feast awaiting them at the end of the day, Arthur's mouth already watering from the thought of it. Unfortunately, Arthur did not realize but he wouldn't get to eat a bite of it.
It was during a Charms lesson with Professor Flitwick who was teaching them to levitate a feather, Arthur finding it boringly easy as usual. Hermione, having talked to Arthur more often and learning a bit more on how he uses magic, succeeds right after he does, flashing a small smirk at Arthur, which he pretends to ignore. Successful in her own attempt, she proceeds to help guide the boy Ron Weasley in her own well-intentioned but stuck up manner.
It was after the lesson had ended when Arthur caught snippets of an incensed Ron, "that stuck up- …. - it's no wonder she hasn't got any friends."
Arthur simply ignored it, the immature comment of an emotional boy was nothing to take to heart, but Hermione saw it differently. She overheard Ron's comment, bursting into tears as she ran off, bumping into an absentminded Arthur, confused.
Hermione briefly stared at a still confused Arthur as she opened her mouth to ask something, but the words get caught in her throat. She pushed past him, running off as Arthur stared at her, wondering if he should chase after her.
Dinner on his mind yet the thought of his, perhaps only, friend crying nagged at him, till Arthur finally decided with a big sigh to go after her, tracking her scent through the twisting halls of Hogwarts. It was almost time for dinner when Arthur finally found her. The only problem being she was in the girl's bathroom.
Arthur briefly considered walking in, but thought that was a rather inconsiderate action, even for him. Instead, he decided to patiently wait for her.
An hour had passed and Arthur had dozed off, sitting outside the girl's bathroom, well aware of how creepy it looked. It was then a pungent odor filled the hallway, the sound of heavy footsteps walking towards him. Arthur stood up, his instincts flaring as it alerted him to danger. He stared down the hall, waiting for the threat to show, as an enormous mountain troll turned the corner, a massive club heaved over its shoulder.
"Not good," Arthur thought to himself as he barged into the girl's bathroom, common decency be damned.
"Hermione!" he called out, the fear in his voice evident. "Arthur? What in the world are you doing here?" Hermione exclaimed, still sniffling behind a locked cubicle.
"No time, we need to get out of here!" Arthur exclaimed in a hushed tone, urging her to get out of the cubicle.
Slightly embarrassed and unsure of what was happening, Hermione slowly got of the cubicle, the fear in Arthur's eyes taking her by surprise. But it was all too late as the troll strolled into the bathroom, its beady little eyes pointed directly at the two surprised children.
Arthur and Hermione froze, both of them slowly backing away from the troll, before it swung. Its club crushed through the cubicles, wooden splinters flying everywhere as Arthur tackled Hermione to the floor, dodging the club.
"Run Hermione!" Arthur shouted as Hermione screamed, the troll rearing his club back for another strike.
Arthur's heart pounded, Casey's reminder to keep their abilities hidden as much as possible ringing in his mind. But this would just have to be an exception.
Arthur grabbed a sturdy looking splinter, leaping onto the troll's neck. Confused by the pesky creature hanging onto its neck, the troll tried to shake Arthur off as he clung on tight to the back of its neck. Sometime during this, Harry and Ron showed up, trying to distract the troll by throwing broken splinters but to no avail.
Then, using all his strength, Arthur shoved the splinter straight into one of the troll's eyes. It bellowed in pain, finally swinging Arthur off as it swung its club wildly in a frenzy.
Just then, as it swung the club straight onto Arthur, its club started floating, the Wingardium Leviosa Charm casted by Ron. The club crashed straight onto the troll's head, knocking it out, leaving the children heaving from the excitement. Professors Snape, McGonagall and Quirrell rushed into the room, surveying the carnage with disbelief.
Professor McGonagall demanded an explanation, Hermione rushing to cover up for the 3 boys who had come to her rescue.
"It was my fault Professor McGonagall, I thought I could take on the troll alon-" Hermione started, but was shushed by Professor McGonagall.
"Mr. Quinn, I hope you have an explanation for you being here," Professor McGonagall demanded. Arthur, already having regained his composure, was still seated on the floor. Put on the spot, Arthur shrugged his shoulders replying simply, "We took care of the troll," laying back on the floor to take a nap to the disbelief of all those around him.
It was from this incident that Arthur had found himself in detention with Professor McGonagall. Hermione, Ron and Harry had, through the quick thinking of Hermione and Arthur unintentionally acting as their martyr with his 'brazen attitude', escaped any sort of punishment, even earning a few house points.
During this time, Professor McGonagall had the boy practice his transfiguration, although it definitely looked as if he didn't need it. With barely a hint of effort and the same sleep expression, Arthur transfigured all manner of items, from solid to liquid, living to non-living. Secretly, Professor McGonagall was impressed, only acquiring such skill when she was a 5th year. Deciding to try to at least get to know her charge better, she asked
"So, Mr. Quinn, did you and Mr. Whelan receive any professional teaching prior to your stay at Hogwarts?"
Arthur took a pause at that, quickly deciding how much to hide about his training without being rude. "We were taught by the elder druids since we were four, along with a few others around our age."
"Hm I see. Are you proficient in shapeshifting as your elders are?" Professor McGonagall asked.
Arthur was taken aback by this, visibly tensing as he was uncertain of the Professor's intentions, whether she was seeking to attain new information or merely confirm what she already knew.
Professor McGonagall, noticing his increase in tenseness, said, "Do not worry Mr Quinn, the Headmaster is an old friend of your grandfather. He was kind enough to divulge much of the nature of your Warband's druids in preparation for your accommodation here. In confidence, of course."
Arthur's concerns although not fully belated, opened up slightly, deciding to trust the old professor who had guided him and Casey during their first days in London. "Yes. Casey and I are Animagi," Arthur admitted.
"I see. Well that is very impressive, especially for boys of your age," Professor McGonagall commended, the reason for Arthur's skill with transfiguration made clearer.
However, Arthur just went deeper into thought, his eyes clouding over as his mind seemed to wander. "When I was nine," Arthur started, voice heavy, "my batch were to survive for three days in the forest without supplies. It was supposed to be simple, as one could easily go on without food or water for that amount of time. But on the last day, a friend who I had paired up with, and I, were attacked by a bear. My friend lost his life that day, and I became an Animagus," Arthur finished, a solemn mood hanging heavy in the air.
Professor McGonagall listened intently, sympathy for the boy overwhelming yet not knowing how to properly console him.
Without realizing time had passed so quickly, detention had ended, Professor McGonagall ushering Arthur out. "Mr. Quinn, I'm sorry about your friend," Professor McGonagall said, a nod returned by Arthur as he went back to his dorm.
Following the events with the toilet troll, rumors began flying around Hogwarts about the 4 children first years who had taken it down, and the sleepy boy who had mutilated it. If Arthur wasn't the center of attention before, he was certainly was now.
Everywhere he went he could hear whispers thrown his way, some out of respect, others out of fear, of how he heroically, or savagely, took down a troll with nothing but a stick. These rumors were further exaggerated by an excited Seamus Finnegan, himself from Ireland and proud of the great warrior tribes of wizards who formed the Irish Wizarding World's first line of defense against magical and non-magical threats. An exaggeration, but one Arthur could not be bothered with, preferring to let the rumors simmer down by itself.
The only person Arthur could not hear enough about it from was Casey, chastising him for drawing unneeded infamy to himself, risking their Warband's secrets and knowledge of their abilities. Personally, Arthur had the feeling Casey was more disappointed to not have been the one to take down the troll, but Arthur wisely kept that to himself.
Perhaps the only good thing that came out of it was an improvement in his relationships with Hermione, Ron and Harry, somehow managing to ingratiate himself into their circle. Hermione especially seemed to warm up to him, spending more and more time with Arthur, as the school term went by. Soon, the Christmas holidays had come around and students started to prepare to return home for the holidays. Unfortunately for Arthur, his duties lay elsewhere.
"So, Arthur what are you going to do during the holidays," Hermione asked as they were on their way to class.
"I'm staying at Hogwarts," Arthur replied. "Oh, do you not have …. family to return to?" Hermione asked, carefully, aware of Harry's situation and his own decision to stay at Hogwarts for Christmas.
"Oh, I do," Hermione breathed a silent sigh of relief at that, "but I have a task to perform here over the holidays," Arthur answered cryptically. Hermione gave Arthur a look of confusion, once again realizing for all the time they've spent together, Arthur has barely made any mention of his past.
"A task? By a Professor?" Hermione asked. "No. It's my annual trial set by the elders of my Warband," Arthur replied. Now, Hermione was confused. She had heard of Arthur and another boy being part of this mysterious Irish Warband but knew not how much stock to place in such rumors, also finding it difficult to bring it up due to how close-lipped Arthur usually was.
Arthur, seeing the burning question practically pasted on Hermione's face, sighed, and said, "To put it simply, my Warband, one of many in Ireland, is a sort of extended family who train our own version of wizards we call druids. Every year, young druid initiates go through a trial to see if they are worthy to progress in their training, an exam essentially."
"Oh, I see," Hermione replies, "then why are you here at Hogwarts?"
Arthur shrugs, "An exchange programme," he answers, walking into class without another word. Hermione, realizing there was still more to his story, decided to let him off for now, briefly satisfied with being able to know that bit more about her mysterious, sleepy friend.
As the Christmas Holidays rolled around and the usually bustling Hogwarts Castle become quiet and empty, with Hermione making him promise to write to her. But the training did not end for Arthur, the uninterrupted sleep he had desired all year not yet his to enjoy as he prepared daily for his upcoming trial. His days now free from magical lessons, he devoted his time to honing his physical abilities, disappearing throughout the day, only to return late in the night to the wonder of Harry and Ron. No amount of preparation would be too much for this trial, one that would be sure to be even more challenging than the last.
Chapter 4: The Christmas Trial
"Albus this is insane!" Professor McGonagall exclaimed at the Headmaster, shocked at what she was hearing. "I don't care what sort of tradition they have; the Forbidden Forest is much too dangerous for children to galivant around to fulfil some test!"
"I understand Minerva, but this was the explicit wishes of their Chief Lochlan Quinn. He assures us they are well up for the task," Dumbledore assures.
"They're only children!" Professor McGonagall rebutted, furious at the thought of sending them into the Forbidden Forest.
"Children who have, as you know by now, been put through far more dangerous and arduous training than even most of our senior students," Dumbledore says, Professor McGonagall at a loss for words.
"I know this far more perilous than what we are accustomed to usually tasking our own students, but it important we respect the wishes and traditions of their Warband so that we may all come together," Dumbledore finishes, his decision final.
Professor McGonagall stormed out of Dumbledore's office, resigned to accept his decision but still unhappy with it. She could only hope the boys were as skilled as Chief Lochlan Quinn claimed them to be.
They gathered after nightfall, at the entrance to the Forbidden Forest. Arthur and Casey had changed out of their regular Hogwarts robes to a more practical attire, a loose cloth shirt, jacket, trousers, and a pair of boots, bringing along their wands as well. The boys were freezing, the winter chill reaching even their bones.
Professor McGonagall was there to announce their Trial and send them off, ironically the most nervous out of the three. A few days had passed since her conversation with Dumbledore, giving enough time for the necessary arrangement to be made for their trial. Professor McGonagall was still concerned for the safety of the 2 boys, but they had a steely resolve to them that Professor McGonagall couldn't deny.
A large bird suddenly swooped overhead, a greater spotted eagle, a messenger from the Stoneshield Warband as it dropped a rolled-up parchment into the outstretched hand of Professor McGonagall. She opened the parchment reading its contents, the official start of the trial.
"Sons of Clan Quinn and Whelan, your trial is as follows,
Pursued by your shadow, dead at night
So, into the forest, you must take flight
Follow the path that should not exist
And embrace your pursuer, under the Moon's kiss
-Chief Lochland Quinn."
Their instructions clear, Arthur and Casey set off into the forest, Professor McGonagall watching them with worry, praying for their safe return.
A few hours later and Arthur was not having a good time. Having split off from Casey near the start of the trial, Arthur crept through the forest, his body lightly covered in snow to mask his scent as he moved to avoid the denizens of the forest.
The centaurs, trolls and gigantic spiders alongside an assortment of dangerous creatures were one thing, it was his mysterious pursuer that proved to be his greatest threat. A fallen branch crashing next to him just as he was trying to escape a group of wandering centaurs, a troll that just so happened to stumble upon him, tree roots seemingly creeping towards him, threatening to entangle him and trap him in place, it was as if the whole forest was against him. The best part of all was that Arthur still had yet to figure out where he was supposed to be going, fully focused on survival.
It must have been almost midnight, the moon nearly at its peak when based solely on instinct, Arthur turned around just in time to see a black mass charging straight at him. Arthur rolled to the side, dodging the black figure as it crashed straight through a tree, a loud crack echoing throughout the forest as the tree fell to the ground.
Arthur assessed his assailant, detecting no scent from it. Getting a better look at it, Arthur realized it formed the shape of a massive bear. Arthur whipped out his wand, trying to think of any sort of spell that would help him face this creature before he realized that the forest's roots were definitely moving. It moved towards Arthur at an astonishing pace, threatening to ensnare him as the strange bear prepared to charge at him yet again. Quick to react, Arthur shouted, "Incendio!", igniting the roots as he broke free, narrowly avoiding the bear before breaking off into a run.
Arthur ran for a good half an hour before coming to a stop, chest heaving from the exertion, but sure he had escaped his assailant for now. He lay on the forest floor, deducing the black bear and the strange occurrences to be part of the trial, the method to vanquish them still unknown to Arthur. As he lay in a relatively less dense part of the forest, contemplating his next move, he realized that the stars were wrong. Or more accurately, there was an extra star.
Arthur stood up, using his limited knowledge on astronomy to determine that there was an extra North Star. "The path that should not exist," Arthur thought, his first major breakthrough in this trial as he caught his breath before setting off hastily in the direction of the false star.
After around fifteen minutes of quickly but quietly moving through the forest, Arthur arrived at a clearing, moonlight shining down. Casey had already arrived, sitting comfortably in the middle of the clearing.
Arthur approached him, seeing that Casey also sported similar marks of exertion and battle, his body covered in snow and grime while his clothes were slightly torn.
Arthur took a seat next to Casey, "Took you long enough," Casey jabbed at Arthur. Arthur ignored him, sprawling himself next to Casey, desperate to take a nap. "Any luck figuring out the last part of the trial?" Arthur asked. A simple glare from Casey was enough.
The two boys remained there, too tired to be at each other's throat for once, thankful for the brief moment of reprieve they have. "Quinn, is becoming Chief what you want?" Casey asked out of the blue, a question that had been nagging at him for a while. Before Arthur could respond, a wolf howled, close to where the boys were resting. "Ah hell, it's back," Casey grumbled quickly getting up and readying himself, wand out.
Arthur spotted Casey's opponent, a black smokey wolf that also possessed no scent, followed by his own, as the bear stalked towards the boys from the opposite side, a deep growl emitting from his throat.
The two boys stood back to back, ready to face their opponents as they continued to circle the boys. "Mine's bigger," Arthur muttered, almost hearing the annoyance Casey felt at his jab before their assailants charged.
"Engorgio!" Arthur shouted; his wand pointed at a rock Casey was throwing towards the wolf. The rock expanded in mid-air, crashing onto the wolf, throwing it off-balance. But the bear still continued its charge. A quick Wingardium Leviosa by Casey casted on Arthur lifted him into the air, allowing Arthur to avoid the full-on collision by the bear.
This back and forth continued, the boys, by the skin of their teeth, avoiding their opponents yet unable to find a way to knock them down. Physical damage seemed to be ineffective, while the boys had yet to learn any defensive or offensive spells. It was a battle of attrition; one the boys knew they would lose eventually.
"And embrace your pursuer, under the Moon's kiss," Arthur repeated that line over and over in his head, trying to decipher its true meaning.
The clearing he was led to, the moonlight shining upon it, and his mysterious assailant. The trial never stated he had to defeat his assailant. Their opponents' patterns all but confirmed it, the bear never seeming to go after Casey even when given an opening.
"Whelan! Embrace your enemy, just let it come to you," Arthur shouted, steeling his nerves as he stood still, bracing himself for what could have been a very bad idea. Then just as the bear impacted him, everything went black.
Arthur was back in the forest. Not the snowy forbidden forest he was just fighting for his life in, but the familiar woods surrounding his home of Lochjewel.
It was a disconcerting feeling, his body moving of his own accord as it stumbled through the bush, twigs and leaves snapping being crushed underfoot as he ran with all his might.
"We're almost there! Just keep going!" Arthur heard himself shouting, his arm dragging a wheezing, bespectacled boy. The boy, out of energy and breath, suddenly tripped, collapsing to the ground from exhaustion. Arthur, struggled to come to a halt, doubling back to help up his fallen friend but was too late, it had caught up. The massive brown bear whose territory they had trespassed on sent Arthur flying with a swipe of its claws, Arthur's back crashing against a tree, winding him. The bear turned on the boy who had fallen, frozen in fear as its large figure loomed over him.
Arthur hobbled towards the bear, the loudest shout he could muster escaping his lips, trying desperately to draw away the bear's attention. It was too little, too late, as the bear plunged its fangs into the screaming boy.
A haze clouded Arthur's vision once more, as he awoke back in the Hospital Wing at Hogwarts. He sat up with a start, his vision readjusting itself as he glanced around in a panic.
"A memory," Arthur realized, one he had hoped not to revisit.
Casey sat on a bed opposite his, the usually confident boy visibly shaken by whatever vision he had received. Arthur wondered what sort of nightmare Casey received to have scared the boy to such a degree as Professor McGonagall walked into the Hospital Wing, a sigh of relief escaping her at the sight of the two boys finally awake.
Madam Pomfrey followed in after, going to the boys to check on their mental states, their physical conditions relatively okay. The eagle from the Warband appeared as if on cue, another parchment delivered to Professor McGonagall, as she opened it to announce its contents,
"Congratulations on passing your trial, sons of Clans Quinn and Whelan. Many times, a druid's greatest foe lies in the ghosts of their past and the darkness that dwells within them. You cannot run from it, and you cannot banish it. Only through acceptance, may you rise above.
-Chief Lochlan Quinn"
Arthur lay back on the bed, releasing a breath he didn't realize he was holding, his thoughts troubled by the dream, and the implications it entailed. And so, this was how Arthur's Christmas Holidays ended, the dread of his upcoming trial ending for a brief moment, leaving Arthur to a more peaceful second half of his year at Hogwarts.
Chapter 5: An Unexpected Disturbance
Through the stress of preparing for his trial during the holidays, and the extended rest he needed following its completion, Arthur forgot something rather important, his promise to write to Hermione, one that Hermione was sure to give him hell for when she finally got back from the holidays. Finding it too late to send a letter, Arthur decided to at least get her a gift, borrowing a knife from Hagrid and finding a fresh piece of timber to craft her gift.
It was in the Gryffindor Common Room where Arthur was napping on the sofa when Hermione showed up, a thick book in her hands as she used to smack his head with a loud thud. Arthur woke up with a jolt, "You forgot." Hermione stated angrily, her nose scrunched up and a frown on her face. Arthur sheepishly rubbed the back of his head, pulling out the necklace he had made and passing it to Hermione.
"I forgot about the letter, but made you this," Arthur admitted, eyes refusing to meet Hermione's, her mouth agape, pleasantly surprised Arthur had still gotten her a gift. She examined the necklace, a delicately carved wooden emblem of an eagle, held together by a leather cord.
"It's the animal druids in my Warband are gifted when they pass their final trial, a life-long companion similar to your owls," Arthur explained.
Of course, Hermione extrapolated even further on Arthur's simple explanation, her face becoming flushed, color rising to her cheeks as she stuttered out a response, "W-well, most people would give their gifts on Christmas Day itself."
"It's my first time," Arthur offered lamely, unable to find any other excuse but the truth.
"Y-your first?", Hermione already thrown off emotionally, read further than necessary into Arthur's words yet again as she muttered a soft thank you before briskly walking off, the redness in her cheeks threatening to show. Arthur was left confused in the common room, choosing to return to his nap as his interaction with Hermione met by chuckles from those who witnessed it.
Meanwhile, Hermione's mind was still on Arthur and his gift, realizing he had probably meant nothing more by it, causing her to feel even more embarrassed by her reaction. But the one thing she caught was that it was Arthur's first Christmas gift, causing her to wonder what sort of childhood Arthur had, if any, to not celebrate Christmas. Her curiosity grew ever larger, feeling herself drawn even closer to the boy.
The term passed by even quicker than the last for Arthur, his exams a breeze as his overall grades were a close second behind Casey's with Hermione coming in third. Hermione was not happy with her placing, losing out to Arthur despite his unnaturally long sleeping schedules, but not as unhappy as she would have been in the past, which was a definite plus for Arthur. It seemed as if he would finally finish his first year at Hogwarts, but the sound of the not so sneaky footsteps of Ron and Harry, followed by the thud of something hitting the floor in the common room, woke Arthur out of his sleep.
"I'm going to regret this," Arthur muttered to himself, getting out of bed to follow the duo. As Arthur walked into the Gryffindor Common Room, he glanced at a petrified Neville lying on the floor, his eyes meeting Arthur's as Neville attempted to say something behind his sealed mouth. Arthur was once again placed in a strange situation; one he would very much prefer to sleep through. But the scent of Hermione accompanying that of Ron's and Harry's made him decide otherwise.
Not knowing the appropriate counter-spell, Arthur uttered a quick apology to Neville before taking off after the troublesome trio, finding himself at the Forbidden Corridor. The smell of a dog hitting his nose, Arthur carefully walked through the door, finding the three-headed monstrosity sound sleeping. Arthur was fascinated by it, almost wanting to pet it before thinking better as he made his way through the trap door.
The next room he found himself in was simple to pass, having only to relax himself to slip through the Devil's Snare. In the third room, a swarm of flying keys made a beeline towards him, his quick-thinking saving his hide with a quick Immobulus freezing the keys in place. Finally making it into yet another room, he found himself at a gigantic chess board, the chess pieces seemingly having hacked each other to pieces, and a tired Hermione nursing an injured Ron.
"Arthur!" Hermione exclaimed, surprised by his sudden entry.
Arthur raised an eyebrow, scanning the room for Harry but found no signs of him.
"Arthur, I wanted to tell you, but Harry and Ron insisted that more people knowing would only bring more suspicion," Hermione explained with guilt in her voice. Arthur nodded in understanding, "What happened to Harry?" Arthur asked.
"He went into the next room," Ron replied, still flinching from the pain of whatever challenge they had to solve in this room. "Right," Arthur answered curtly, walking straight to the next room, dreading the possibility that the next room would be as dangerous as the previous ones, concerned for Harry's safety.
"Arthur, wait!" Hermione called after him, "be careful." Arthur nodded as he headed into the unknown room.
What he saw was not what he expected; Professor Quirrell grappling with Harry only for them both to yell out in excruciating pain, Professor Quirrell's face melting away as Harry passed out. The Professor stumbled towards his wand, still conscious, determined to kill Harry before Arthur leapt forth, his fist connecting directly to the Professor's temple, sending the man tumbling away. Arthur readied himself for a fight, the evil sensed from the Professor making his hair stand as his instincts warned him to retreat. But a fight never came, the Professor going limp as the evil presence slowly subsided.
"I knew I shouldn't have come here," Arthur cursed, taking a seat with a loud thud as he watched Professors McGonagall and Snape rush into the room, a case of déjà vu hitting Arthur as he wondered what sort of excuse, he would have to give this time.
Chapter 6: An Unexpected End
Once again, Arthur found himself being grilled by Professor McGonagall alongside Hermione, Ron and Harry being sent to the Hospital Wing to be treated for their wounds. Hermione did most of the talking, explaining how they had snuck out and passed through the rooms and their associated tests, silently impressing the Professors present. Apparently, the professors had been alerted by Neville who had recovered from the Petrificus Totalus charm Hermione had casted on him a while after Arthur had left him.
Which led to Arthur's turn to explain his presence. Arthur offered the factual, but very unsatisfying answer of 'he had woken up' for his reason in following the trio, the excuse he gave for not going to a professor immediately being the thought had slipped his mind.
Realizing Arthur was being completely serious, Professor McGonagall accepted his rather lame excuse. It was when Arthur got to his encounter with Harry and Professor Quirrell that intrigued all those present.
Arthur described the scene he walked into, how the Professor had attacked Harry and experienced a severe reaction from Harry's touch, an evil presence emitting from the professor till his passing. Arthur naturally omitted the part of how an 11-year-old boy had enough strength to send a full-grown man flying, also realizing Professor Dumbledore had arrived, listening to his every word intently.
The first time Arthur was in such close proximity to the Headmaster, the man's presence clearly did not reflect his old age, Arthur only experiencing such force and power just from a person's presence when he was with his grandfather on a particularly bad day.
Having provided as much information as possible, Professor Dumbledore dismissed the two students, his mind left with much to ponder.
Hermione and Arthur both heaved a sigh of relief as they left the office, thankful that there didn't seem to be any sort of punishment as of yet.
As they made their ways back to the Gryffindor dormitory, Hermione asked, "So Arthur, how did you figure out where we were?"
"Your scent," Arthur replied. Hermione stopped in place, staring at Arthur in disbelief as she watched the boy continue walking without missing a beat. She pulled Arthur back by his arm, the boy staring at her in confusion.
"Arthur, be honest, are you lying to me?" Hermione asked seriously. "No," Arthur responded, his eyes betraying no hint of deception. Hermione let go of Arthur, drained from the night's events, deciding to once again let Arthur off with his secrets. But one day, she promised to herself, she would get Arthur to explain his mysterious nature, and the life he truly led.
A few days passed and Ron had already recovered, Harry only having recently woken up. Rumors once again spread like wildfire about the four 1st year troublemakers and the evil they had put a stop to in the hidden room. This time, Arthur wisely secluded himself to the library, away from the nosy students of Hogwarts, Hermione usually serving as his only company.
When he found out Harry had finally woken up, Arthur went to visit the boy, waiting till everyone else had congratulated Harry on his recovery before entering the Hospital Wing to talk in private with Harry. Arthur took sat on the bed next to Harry's, clasping his hands together, unsure of how to start.
"I saw what you did for me Arthur," Harry began, saving Arthur from the silent awkwardness which would have no doubt persisted. "Before I passed out, I saw Professor Quirrell raise his wand at me, but you stopped him. Thank you, Arthur," Harry said sincerely, grateful for Arthur's actions. Arthur muttered an awkward 'you're welcome', before finally getting to the actual reason he wanted to talk to Harry.
"My grandfather used to tell me stories about people like you, those whose fates seemed inextricably linked with misfortune and danger," Arthur started, locking eyes with Harry in a rare show of seriousness. "Those who follow you will either rise with you with honor, or fall with disgrace," Arthur let his words hang in the air, giving Harry the chance to really think on his actions, the recklessness he had shown, a small feeling of guilt growing.
"But," Arthur sighed, "I was never fond of cowards. You will need help on the path fate has set before you." Arthur reached out his hand, Harry shaking it, a silent confirmation of friendship exchanged between the two boys, unfortunate in their own ways but making do with the life they've been given.
A rare smile escaped Arthur's lips as he got up to leave, before Harry suckered him, "Is part of the reason you were there that day Hermione?"
Arthur blinked, a long pause between the two before abruptly getting up without a word, walking out of the hospital, leaving an amused Harry at the endlessly peculiar friend he had.
And so, Arthur's first year at Hogwarts ended, the final feast ending with Gryffindors huge upset, stealing the House Cup from Slytherin due the last-minute addition of points commending the deeds of Hermione, Ron, Harry and, the biggest surprise of all, Neville.
Not that Arthur had even been keeping track, napping as usual before the commencement of the feast of which he happily gorged himself on.
As the students boarded the train back to Platform Nine and Three-quarters, Hermione pulled Arthur to aside, intent on asking him.
"Yes, I will remember to write this time," Arthur assured, already wanting to take nap on the train. "No not that you sleep buffoon," Hermione chastised, her heart fluttering for reasons unknown. "I. Was wondering. If you would like to visit me, over the holidays," she finished with difficulty, quashing the anxiousness building up in her.
"Oh, sure," Arthur agreed, expecting something more dramatic. "Oh, um, that's wonderful! I'll arrange with you the details by owl then," Hermione exclaimed, unsure that Arthur would have agreed, walking off with a skip in her step to board the train.
Upon his absentminded reply, Arthur realized too late he had failed to clear this social visit with the elders of his Warband, which would clash with the training they had no doubt planned for him over the holidays.
"I'm sure things will figure themselves out," Arthur lazily concluded as he boarded the train, the castle which had slowly made its way into his heart disappearing in the distance as the train brought him back to London.
The year had brought many unexpected people and experiences into Arthur's life, and although the weight of his responsibility to the Warband and the high expectations placed upon him didn't lessen, for once Arthur felt he could be just a kid, free to make mistakes and spend time with the people he could finally call friends.
Nonetheless, he had missed the small town he called home, its simple but familiar sights and sounds comforting Arthur. And as he alighted the train at the platform, finding his father waiting stiffly for him, a smile masterfully concealed underneath his serious exterior, Arthur felt more at ease, his long-awaited return home finally a reality.
A/N: If you've read until the end, thank you for your attention and I do hope you will continue to enjoy the later chapters. A review would mean a lot to me as it would help to improve my writing and creative skills. Unfortunately I find myself not editing the chapters very often upon finishing writing it, so there will be multiple grammatical or sentence fluidity errors. I will try to patch them out as the days go on.
For now, I hope you find yourself willing to continue reading this story, enjoy.