And I'm back. Hopefully by this stage you're all starting to realise that while there may be longish breaks in between chapters for this story, I will not let it die. I had hoped to get this chapter out by Christmas, but I got busy, and it didn't end up happening. Since then I had a shopping holiday in Melbourne, made it through a heat wave that lasted over a week and just yesterday celebrated Australia Day with fireworks, all the while continuing to write and edit.
Time to quickly thank those of you who reviewed:
Land of Insanity – I take the fact that you stopped what you were doing to read my chapter as a huge compliment, I'm glad you liked it. Also I didn't mind converting things to feet, it was interesting.
Syntax-N – I love getting nice big reviews, I really enjoy reading about what people liked about my chapters. I'm glad to hear you're interested in there being a fourth task. I haven't started writing it at all, but to thank you for your review, I will tell you that it'll take place it'll be the 'third task' of my story, so will take place in between the second task and canonical maze third task (I'm thinking the date of my third task will be the 24th March). Finally, I like your name – it's appropriate for a website largely based around writing.
Full Metal Pon-3 – Four reviews! I appreciate each one of them, so thank you. I enjoy hearing about what people think about the older chapters, so thanks for all the reviews. I'm glad that you like Matthew being a teacher. I basically did that because it flips the roles that Matthew and Arthur are usually given and makes it a little different. I'm also glad you liked the 'discrimination' line.
Narniaisinmycloset – Thank you for your review – I'm happy you enjoyed it so much (Also, I've finally got around to fixing the 'mon cheri' problem)
Guest 1 – Don't know who you are, but I'm glad you liked the scene with Francis and the Imperious Curse. It was fun to write.
Guest 2 – Again, don't know who you guests are, but as always, I appreciate your reviews. Your wait for the new chapter is over….
Good news before I begin. The next chapter is about half way complete, so I'll try to have it out within the month.
Hogwarts grounds
6th September, 8:30am
Alfred's POV
Alfred stepped out into the castle grounds on Friday morning. He took in a deep breath of the fresh air and momentarily closed his eyes, savouring the warmth the late summer sun still gave. Almost one week in, he thought as he followed Harry, Ron, and Hermione down a path towards their first lesson of the day.
While Alfred was still getting used to his schedule and the strange new classes that filled it, he couldn't help but feel some disapproval at the lack of any non-magic education within the school. Of course he knew prior to his arrival at Hogwarts that the classes were primarily based around magic, but from what he had so far experienced, not a single class taught the students about the important facts and discoveries that Muggle children learnt.
In the week he had been at Hogwarts, Alfred had come to admit that his old belief that all wizards were Muggle haters, was not entirely correct – however the school's dismissal of any subject that did not centre around magic still proved his point that wizards felt they were superior to the Muggle population – despite what Arthur thinks.
Alfred followed his new friends as they continued down a steep, winding path.
And today's classes are no exception. I mean, why can't it be 'Care of Creatures' – COC – Ahh, Alfred considered the acronym for a moment, yeah, maybe not… Care of All Creatures – Great and Small; COAC-GAS. Hmm, it could work – at least then it's not ignoring all the non-magic creatures.
"…And this is where class is usually held," said Hermione, pulling Alfred from his thoughts.
Alfred looked around. They had entered a small clearing, bordering the Forbidden Forest. The only indication that this area was intended for classes were a few benches on the far side of the clearing. Around him Alfred noticed a couple of butterflies flutter between the wild flowers, and in the distance he could hear one of the small creeks that fed the Great Lake.
It was peaceful.
"Sweet place for class," he looked around, noting that they were the only people who had yet arrived. "Where is everyone else?"
"I just told you that," said Hermione, sounding slightly exasperated. "We're here early because we wanted to introduce you to someone."
"Ahh, sorry dude, wasn't listening."
"No kidding," laughed Ron. He looked around. "I think Hagrid might still be in his hut." Ron then turned, and leading the way walked towards a small hut in the distance.
Over the following twenty minutes, Alfred was introduced to Hagrid the Games Keeper and Care of Magical Creatures teacher, his dog Fang and several of the creatures Hagrid currently had under his care.
"You really seem to love the job," said Alfred scratching Fang behind the ear as they prepared to leave.
"I get ter work with fantastic beasts everyday – what's not ter love?" Hagrid beamed before checking his pocket watch. "The time goes quickly though. Yeh lot better head over ter class. I just got a few more things ter prepare and I'll be over too. It was nice ter meet yeh Alfred. Make sure yeh come down with this lot sometime for a cup o' tea. Yeh're from the states right? Yeh gotta tell me what yeh think abou' the Snallygaster," Hagrid said as he parted from the four Gryffindors.
Alfred nodded in reply before turning to the others. "What the hell's a Snallygaster?"
By the time they had arrived back in the clearing, most of the Gryffindors and some Slytherins had arrived – the usual gap separating the two groups already forming. After quickly noting his friends had not yet arrived with the other Slytherins, Alfred turned his attention back to his fellow Griffyndors.
"Mornin'," came Hagrid's voice a few minutes later. Ceasing his conversation with a boy named Seamus, Alfred looked over with some interest at the precariously stacked creates the large man had brought to the class. "Gotta treat for yeh lot this term," Hagrid continued, placing each create on the ground before prying the first one open.
"Blast-Ended Skrewts."
"Come again?" said Ron.
Alfred and a girl he was pretty sure was called Verbena peered at the creatures in the box.
"Eurgh!" Verbena squealed, jumping backwards.
While not jumping back himself, Alfred couldn't help but agree. He looked down at what he could only describe as a crawling mass of badly failed pear/ lobster Inmutation hybrids.
"Only jus' hatched," Hagrid said, seemingly oblivious to the looks of disgust most of his students wore. "Yer job this term will be ter raise them."
"And why would we want to do that?" came a voice that Alfred had quickly come to dislike over his first week.
Looking behind him, Alfred noted Malfoy, Arthur, Kiku and a large number of Slytherins had finally arrived for the class. Alfred rolled his eyes as Hagrid fumbled to answer Malfoy's question.
Having spotted him, Kiku and Arthur nodded their greeting, though Alfred was pretty sure his response had been more of a grimace than the intended grin – it still annoyed him that they were hanging around Malfoy's group – especially when the kid has just proven himself to not just be a bully, but a little shit in this class too.
A few minutes later – after the somewhat disturbing revelation that the creatures could bite, sting and burn their victims, Hagrid set the fourth years the task of discovering what the creatures would eat. Alfred set to work, cautiously handling his creature. He soon discovered that it would not eat lettuce, beef, raw eggs, grain, or even the chocolate bar from his pocket.
Too bad burgers aren't available – I bet that would work. Alfred looked around for the next possible option and noticed a bucket on the bench behind him where a group of Slytherins worked.
"Hey Arthur, can you pass that bucket of worms?"
"Sure," Arthur turned, passing the bucket. "Let me know if they work."
"Will do," Alfred set to work before—
"You and the Mudblood are getting along again," Malfoy noted to Arthur.
"I've already told you that I don't care about blood status," Arthur responded shortly. "And as for Alfred himself, it's none of your concern as to how we currently get along."
Alfred smiled at the way his former guardian had defended him.
"Well, whatever. You've got to admit though. It's ironic seeing Mudbloods in a class about different creatures."
Alfred's eyes narrowed. "Do you know what my biggest regret of the first week is?" he asked, turning back to the Slytherin bench. "Missing out on seeing 'Malfoy the Flying Ferret'."
This comment earned a round of laughter from the nearby Gryffindors. Alfred was sure he also saw Hagrid badly suppress a smirk before turning away.
"Yeah, that's right," said Harry. "So before you start implying Muggleborns non-human, remember you were literally a creature just yesterday."
Malfoy's pale cheeks flushed pink, whether due to anger or embarrassment Alfred didn't know – or care.
"Man I wish I had seen it. Maybe I could get my brother to do it again sometime," Alfred added as an afterthought, smirking at the hint of worry that momentarily flashed across Malfoy's face.
"Alfred-san, I don't think Matthew-san would do that," said Kiku. "He's a teacher here."
"At least I hope he wouldn't," said Arthur, not quite sounding convinced.
"Ahh, don't worry, I probably won't ask him." Alfred laughed, turning back to his work.
Twenty minutes later, the bell ending class sounded across the school. Malfoy was the first to leave, but not before deliberately shoving past Alfred on his way out. Arthur stopped briefly as the rest of the Slytherins left.
"Is there any point in asking you not to provoke him?"
"Nope."
"Didn't think so," Arthur signed. "Just try not to push him too far," he said before hurrying to rejoin the other Slytherins.
Harry's POV
"What's next?" Ron asked Hermione as the group re-entered the castle.
"You've got the class timetable in your bag."
"Yeah, but I know you've already memorised it," Ron grinned.
"It's already Friday, all of you should have it memorised by now."
The silence from the three boys was enough to tell her they hadn't.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "It's History of Magic."
"Ahh…" came the collective groan.
"Why do they have to put History of Magic at the end of the week? I'll sleep right through it," complained Ron as they entered the second floor corridor.
"Man, you always sleep through it," laughed Harry.
"So do you."
"I would just prefer normal history," groaned Alfred without thinking.
"What's that supposed to mean?" asked Harry, turning to find an empty spot where his friend had just been.
"Where's Al-"
"Why, hello there you three."
"Oh, hi Nick," Ron greeted the long-standing Gryffindor ghost.
"How were your holidays?" asked Hermione.
"Quiet – as you would expect, given the absent of students. It was good to have a few weeks to R.I.P in between school years, but of course, it's just as nice to have you all back."
"We missed you at the opening feast," said Harry.
"Oh, yes, I must give my apologies for that. I was all set to come, but at the last moment a few ghost-related issues arose that I simply had to see to. I was most disappointed to miss the Sorting. I always love to see who enters my old house, especially on years when transfer students enter. Speaking of, I have not had the pleasure of introducing myself to our newest students yet."
"Too bad you didn't get here a minute ago," said Ron, "Alfred was just here." He looked around. "I think he got lost though."
Harry looked back at the deserted corridor. I really don't see how he could have gotten lost.
"Oh, what a shame," said Nick. "No matter, I'm sure you'll introduce me next time. Now, don't let me make you late for class."
They said their goodbyes and watched as Nearly Headless Nick disappeared through the wall at the end of the corridor.
"So, where did Alfred go?"
Harry looked around. There was only one place the American could possibly be given how quickly he had vanished. Harry opened the one door they had passed, and sure enough, there was Alfred, standing by the window. Harry, Ron and Hermione entered the empty room.
"Alfred?"
"If you're looking for History of Magic, this isn't the right place," laughed Ron.
Alfred didn't respond. He remained standing statue-still, staring out the window.
"You alright there?" Harry touched Alfred's shoulder.
Alfred jumped in response, finally turning from the window. "Ah, it's just you!" he said, a hint of relief clear in his voice. "Dude, you don't just grab people like that."
"I called you twice! And you're the one who disappeared without warning."
Alfred suddenly looked uncomfortable. "Yeah, sorry about that. I just had to come in here quickly to… look at the grass."
"To look at the grass?" Harry repeated dubiously.
"Yeah." Alfred said slowly, as though knowing it was a weak excuse. Still he added; "I thought I might be able to see the individual blades, but I guess it's too high up on the second floor."
"Right," said Hermione. "And I'm sure Nearly Headless Nick's sudden appearance had nothing to do with it."
Alfred seemed to pale. "No. Why would that have anything to do with it?" he asked defensively.
"Because it's second time I've seen you go out of your way to avoid a ghost," said Hermione.
"And you didn't look too happy when we mentioned ghosts on Monday," added Harry, catching onto Hermione's point.
"Don't know what you're talking about."
"I think you do," said Hermione. "And it's ok. Everyone's afraid of something and if that something for you is ghosts – well, the three of us will help you overcome it."
"Even if that fear is pretty funny."
Thump
"Ooff!" Ron briefly glared at Hermione, massaging his elbowed gut.
Alfred's expression softened a little. "Thanks for the offer, but I really don't need it. I'm not, nor have I even been scared of ghosts – after all, I'm the hero."
"Then you won't mind that our next lesson is taught by one."
"…What?"
"History of Magic is taught by Professor Binns. He's been a ghost here as long as anyone can remember."
The colour drained from Alfred's face. "Shit. You're kidding, Right?"
Hermione shook her head.
"Damn! My plan was simply to avoid any ghosts for as long as I'm here," said Alfred, all pretence of not fearing ghosts seemingly forgotten. "How am I meant to do that if I've got one as a teacher!?"
"I don't think avoiding every ghost for the entire time you're at Hogwarts would be simple."
"Well looks like I'm not going to History of Magic then," Alfred said stubbornly.
"What, like ever?" asked Ron.
"Not as long as a ghost is teaching it."
"Alfred, it's really not as bad as you think," said Hermione. "Actually, the reason some people don't like it is that it's… not very engaging. Binns just comes in through the front wall and starts lecturing historical facts. He pays so little attention to the students, that even by fourth year he still doesn't know anyone's name. In fact I bet he doesn't even know who is meant to be in his class."
"Ha! So I can skip after all."
"That's not what I was saying," said Hermione, actually looking a little offended at the thought.
Alfred turned back to the window. "I get what you're trying to do, and I appreciate it – but if it's taught by a ghost, I'm not going – and that's final."
Hermione gave an exasperated groan and moved away from the stubborn American while Ron gave Harry a look that said, 'well we tried.'
Harry rattled his brain, trying to think of a different way to encourage Alfred to come. Something sparked in his mind as he thought about the way he had noticed Alfred interact with the other transfer students over the past week.
"Ok, I guess you've made up your mind," he said, feinting defeat. "We'll just let Arthur and Kiku know why you're not in class."
Harry had said the magic words. Alfred turned from the window, something akin to annoyance emerging on his face.
"Wait, Arthur knows heaps about this place," he swore. "That jerk, I bet he and Kiku didn't tell me on purpose – bet they're waiting for a big laugh when I see that ghost come in for the first time."
With that, Alfred took the lead, leaving the room with an expression of determination.
"I'll show them I can stay in class – even if it is taught by a monster."
Exchanging bemused looks at Alfred's rapid change in demeanour, Harry, Ron and Hermione quickly followed.
Alfred's POV
Alfred entered the History of Magic classroom and quickly looked around. Thankfully the ghost had not yet arrived. Arthur and Kiku had though.
"You're late," Arthur said as Alfred approached.
"That's because I was just told about your sick joke," Alfred said quietly. "Why the hell didn't you tell me this class is taught by a ghost!?"
"Because it didn't matter. You need to take this class regardless of who is teaching it."
"I agree with Arthur-san this time. None of us thought you'd come if you knew who was teaching it."
"Well I know – and I'm going to prove both of you wrong," he glared at them before taking the seat next to Harry at the back of the room.
"What was that about?"
"Huh? Oh, switching to Japanese?" Alfred confirmed with Harry before lowering his voice. "I didn't want anyone else overhearing about my… dislike for ghosts – especially Malfoy. Turns out they didn't tell me because they thought I wouldn't com–"
Alfred stopped mid sentence as the ghost of an old man appeared through the board at the front of the class.
"I shouldn't have come," he breathed.
"Well don't panic," Harry advised. "If you suddenly run from the class, it won't matter what language you use – everyone'll know."
Alfred watched as Binns skipped the welcome back message and jumped straight into introducing the Giant Wars of the 16th century in a monotone voice. "Uh ha," he agree, not letting his eyes leave the teacher.
For the next forty five minutes, Alfred sat ridgley still. Outside of wartime and the occasional espionage related mission, he could not remember when he had last sat so still. But that doesn't matter, Alfred thought. I must stay alert while I'm here. If I'm not, it'll decrease my reaction time, which I'll need if the ghost decides to do anything.
"Alfred," it was all he could do not to jump at Harry's voice.
He slowly broke his eyes away from Binns to Harry. Harry however was looking down at Alfred's table. It was only when he looked down that Alfred noticed that he had accidently splintered the table where he had been gripping.
"Shit," he hadn't realised how strong his grip had been.
"You need to relax," said Harry quietly, now giving Alfred a strange look.
"Right – sorry," Alfred let loose a breath of air. Though still staring intently at Binns, he refrained from griping the table again. I hope Harry forgets that part.
After what seemed like a lifetime, the class ended. Alfred was out the door before the bell had even stopped, not bothering to wait for anyone. He didn't want to have to explain to Harry how he'd damaged the solid desk so easily, and he was still annoyed at Arthur and Kiku. And I want get as far away from the ghost as possible, he couldn't help but add.
Alfred was so locked in his own thoughts that he failed to pay attention to where he was going.
"Oof," he grunted, running straight into someone coming around the corner with enough force to make him stumble back.
"Mattie!" Alfred said happily, looking up at his twin. "I keep forgetting how much taller you are now."
"I've been this height for a while Alfred," said Matthew, shifting his eyes to his left to discreetly point out he was not alone.
"We were just heading to the staff room," Matthew continued, as McGonagall appeared around the corner.
McGonagall took one look at Alfred, still sitting on his backside, to the books Matthew had dropped.
"Mr. Jones, it seems you need a reminder that running is not permitted indoors ," she said sternly.
"Yes professor," he said as he took his brothers hand, allowing himself to be pulled up.
"Are you ok? You look a little pale."
Trust Mattie to notice. Alfred thought. He briefly thought of dismissing the story, or making something up, but he knew his twin would not believe it – in fact it'd only succeed in annoying him.
"Well," said Alfred, before explaining what had occurred.
"I'm just glad I found out before the ghost came in," he finished. "Bloody Arthur – not telling me beforehand."
"Well, I don't know if you should be blaming just him," hinted Matthew.
"What's that suppose to mean?"
"We all knew," Matthew admitted reluctantly. "In fact, Arthur wasn't even the one who suggested the bet."
"What bet?"
"Crap," said Matthew, realising too late that he'd revealed a new piece of information. He went on to explain, "We had a bet going about how long you'd stay in class before running off."
"Mr. Williams," McGonagall reprimanded. "Surley you should know that arranging bets with students is highly inappropriate – even more so given the subject of the bet."
The brother exchanged a glance. McGonagall had a point – a regular teacher shouldn't be arranging bets with regular students.
"I didn't arrange it." Matthew began timidly. Then with a little more confidence he explained. "Kiku suggested it as a joke and then Francis insisted on it." McGonagall still looked unimpressed. "That's when I said I'd only allow it if money was not involved."
"So you have not been encouraging betting with money?" McGonagall confirmed.
"It was all arranged using chocolate. Not a knut was bet."
Though the look of disapproval was not entirely gone, it appeared McGonagall had accepted Matthew's explanation.
"Looks like we all owe Arthur," Matthew went on. "He was the only one who bet you'd make it to the end of class."
"Only Arthur?" Alfred looked at his sibling. "Dude!"
"I wasn't going to bet you'd make it – Or did you forget last Halloween?"
Alfred rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment.
"To be fair, they were very convincing looking ghosts."
"Alfred, they were two seven year olds dressed in bed sheets."
"Well, it had been years since I'd seen a real one – and I thought they looked real."
McGonagall observed Alfred for a moment. "So, you've had this fear for quite some time?"
"I wouldn't call it a fear."
"Everyone else would," commented Matthew quietly.
"You both attended Illvamory," McGonagall questioned. "Am I correct?"
Alfred nodded.
McGonagall looked at the brothers thoughtfully for a few moments. She opened her mouth as though about to say something, before changing her mind.
"Well I suppose given the events of last Halloween, it is good that you remained in class Mr. Jones. Hogwarts does not tolerate truancy."
With that McGonagall continued towards the staff room.
"So, chocolate eh?" commented Alfred slyly as soon as McGonagall was out of earshot.
"I owe Arthur $350." Matthew said casually. "But I'm more impressed that you got through the lesson. That's a breakthrough for you! You'll be talking with ghosts in no time."
Alfred smiled at his brother's enthusiasm – Maybe I will eventually be able to speak with – he froze as the ghost of a young lady appeared through the wall ahead of them.
"Now's the perfect time to try," said Matthew quietly beside him. "You don't have to do much. Just say 'hi'."
"OK," said Alfred. "I'll do it."
The ghost lady continued to approach, giving the twins a warm smile as she drew near.
"Just not today," said Alfred, quickly disappearing into the room behind them.
And finished chapter nine. In my original draft, there was a section coming up centring around Arthur, but upon starting to write the chapter, I realised it'd be much too long and Arthur's section is going to have little to do with Alfred's section at the start.
Good news is that I've already started writing chapter 10 – and I can tell you it ends with a bit of a cliff hanger, so I'm looking forward to getting that out
Before we do go onto next chapter, does anyone remember an old nineties add in Australia for the RSPCA? It had all these cute animals walking across screen with the tag line being 'caring after all creatures, great and small', which largely inspired Alfred's acronym (the ad is on you tube. Goes for about a minute and is pretty cute is you like animals, so go check it out if you're interested).
Next Time
Classes finally draw to a close for their first week at Hogwarts and Arthur has yet to meet in person with Dumbledore. Is it too much to hope for a nice straightforward meeting?
(or)
Last chapter's 'next time' is a more accurate for chapter 10 than it was for this one as I wrote it before I started writing chapter nine – will try to make the 'next time' more accurate in future.
Character profile:
Canada – Matthew Williams
Year of birth: 1565 (Same as Alfred as St. Augutine was the first permanent city in the entirety of North America – also having the same birth year is why Matthew and Alfred consider themselves twins.)
'Birthday': 1st July (Canadian national holiday)
Age: 429 (as of 1994)
Appearance: 19, according to official documents. (The minimum age to teach at Hogwarts is 20 [non canon]. He didn't have to show anyone official identity before working at the school as Dumbledore already knows what he is, so he's had no problem so far telling everyone that he is already '20'.)
Height: 177cm (5.81 feet)
Please remember to review – It's been at 69 since September – which is four months too long.