Year 8
Summer, 1998
The tired run-down pub hummed to life as the group of friends chattered excitedly, earning a few grumbles from the regular curmudgeons that tend to fill the dusty bar. Barnaby could hardly believe it had been a year since they graduated from Hogwarts. Penny made sure to remind everyone of the upcoming anniversary so they could all gather at the Hogs Head Inn to commemorate the special occasion.
"These look incredible, Jae." Tulip drooled over the freshly baked cupcakes, each finely decorated and detailed based off each Hogwarts house, "Do we have to wait for the others?" she whined.
Barnaby glanced at the empty chairs where Tonks, Talbott, and Arah typically sat. It was becoming a regular habit for the three of them to arrive fashionably late to the weekly gathering. His gaze lingered on Arah's spot- her absence tugging at his heart as it always did.
"They should be coming back from training any minute," Penny offered, giving Tulip's hand a little slap as she attempted to graze some icing off the tops.
"Anyone else think it's weird Magical Maintenance is required to train with bloody Aurors or is it just me?" Andre grumbled in his glass.
A chorus of murmurs echoed around the table in agreement, Barnaby included. Why a Janitor was required to learn defensive and deadly Auror level maneuvers, he'd never know. It wasn't like Arah was involved in any world-shattering work. All though, there was that one time she'd dispelled a particularly nasty fungal spread in the swamp encasement of the Department of Magical Creatures. Barnaby shivered just thinking of the hundreds of mushroom and spores that covered his work space for days.
"I know I shouldn't say, but does anyone else feel like Arah has been rather... distant the last year?" Chiara chewed at her lip, "I worry about her is all."
Thank Merlin Barnaby wasn't the only one that felt that way. Chiara's validation only boosted his confidence that something most certainly has been off with Arah- he'd felt it ever since they graduated. The evasiveness was unsettling, but he figured she needed space to grieve; the loss of her father and her brother's affliction nearly crushed her as she unfairly carried the weight of it all on her shoulders.
As time went on, Barnaby suspected there was something deeper looming beneath the surface, eating away at her. She was hardly around, always working, secretive, shadows dipped well below her eyes inked with exhaustion. When he finally worked up the courage to ask her about it, she only withdrew more. So he respected her distance, careful not to overstep or push too hard for fear that it might drive her further way.
"You don't think we've done something to upset her, do you?" Liz pushed up her glasses, concern filling her magnified eyes.
"If she's miffed at us, I blame Merula." Tulip sniggered, earning a rude gesture from the scowling witch.
"Piss off, I didn't do shit."
"I know what it is." Jae smirked arrogantly, smug as always.
"What do you know, Kim?" Merula challenged, wiping her mouth with her sleeve.
"She's in love." he offered matter-of-factly, taking a swig of his butterbeer.
In love.
The words felt like a shard of ice plunging slowly through Barnaby's chest, stealing the very breath from his lungs.
Badea's hands shot to her mouth, struggling to contain the squeak of excitement that escaped her. "You think so?!"
"I know so." He tipped his glass toward her, "I saw her tumbling out of an alley the other night with some handsome bloke. You didn't hear it from me though." he waggled his eyebrows suggestively.
It was as if he were falling into the very pit his stomach had formed. Barnaby's blood drained from his face, a shivering wave of dread seeped into his very bones. He gripped his mug, doing his best to mask the way his heart squeezed painfully as he drank. Why couldn't he have just worked up the courage and tell her how he felt? Why must he be such a coward?
"Jae!" Chiara scolded, "That is exactly how rumors are started."
"What? It's the truth!" he threw up his hands defensively. "It looked like they'd been rolling around in a trash heap."
The table erupted with questions, each taking turns interrogating Jae, demanding he share every detail that night. Barnaby stopped listening, ignoring the way his stomach churned, pushing out the mental image of Arah in a passionate embrace with another. Liz shot him a painful glance, no doubt worried for his guarded feelings. She was the only one who knew how Barnaby truly felt about Arah. She'd known since their 4th year.
"I disagree." Corey Hardin spoke up, quieting the table. Thank Salazar, Barnaby didn't think he could take it much longer. "I think she's undercover- likely playing a part in some secret network working for the Ministry."
A silence hung in the air as the group blinked at him.
Merula sputtered on her drink, "Surely you aren't suggesting Arah Annon is an Unspeakable?"
Corey rubbed the back of his head bashfully- cheeks going red with embarrassment. "I thought it was a good enough guess."
"I think you've read one too many spy novels, Hayden." Tulip snorted as the rest of the table snickered.
An Unspeakable. A job so mysterious that most wizarding folk believed it was completely made up; a ploy spread by the Ministry in an attempt to gain control and convince the public they had eyes and ears everywhere.
Barnayby's eyebrows furrowed. Suddenly, it didn't seem like such a ridiculous idea. Everyone knew Arah was destined for greater things than being a Janitor. She was much too brilliant- arguably, the greatest witch of their year. Could the Janitor position be a cover-up? It would explain the late nights, her coworker's unexpected death, the required combat training. It all made sense.
"I think Corey might be right."
Merula rolled her eyes. "Not you too. You both are idiots."
"I could believe it." Andre pondered aloud, "The witch was invited to arguably the most exclusive Gala of the year. Some of the most famous Witches and Wizards of our time were in attendance."
Barnaby chewed at his fingers, obsessing over all the little signs he may have overlooked the last year with her. What could Arah have possibly gotten herself into?
The rusty door groaned open as Tonks and Talbott walked in- no, hobbled, massaging stiff muscles and joints, groaning in pain. Barnaby stiffened as Arah trailed behind them, purple bruises painting her face.
"Holy shit. What the hell happened to you, Annon?" Merula whistled, "You look like you got trampled by a Graphorn."
Arah plastered on a smile, tucking a stray silver strand of hair behind her ear. "Oh, this? Funny story. I got in a nasty tussle with some cursed piping in the Ministry restroom. Horrible buggers." She laughed lightly, sitting in her usual seat next to Barnaby.
The table exchanged a skeptical look- suddenly questioning the authenticity of her tale. Corey's speculations may not be as far-fetched as they originally thought.
Arah gratefully accepted the Butterbeer Barnaby handed her as he took the opportunity to skim over the bruises that inked her skin. The injuries seemed to be several days old telling by the yellowing and green color blotting the edges. What disturbed him most was the bruise coiled around her neck, the perfect shape of fingers clamped around her delicate skin.
"Oh goody, cupcakes!" Tonks cheered, "I'm starving." She unwrapped one of the delectable treats, devouring it entirely.
"Sorry, we're late." Talbott apologized, collapsing in his chair with a sigh. "Arah's mentor made us stay back a while longer to spar- the bloke is ruthless." he winced, taking a gulp of butterbeer.
"At least he's handsome. I can watch him duel all day." Tonks swooned, licking her fingers in ecstasy and giving a pleasant shudder. "So good. All though, I'm not sure what Arah did to piss him off so bad."
Could this be the bloke Jae spotted with Arah in the ally? The thought did little to alleviate the ache in his chest.
Arah bit her lip, "I'm sorry. I hope you didn't wait too long, especially on such a special night."
Badea offered a sweet smile, "We're just glad you all could make it."
"A toast, everyone!" Penny lifted her mug high as everyone followed suit. "The last year has been an adventure, to say the least, but I'm glad to have friends like you all to experience it with."
Barnaby took a moment to gaze at the face of each and every friend that had gathered around the table. Truthfully, he wouldn't know what he'd do with out them. They had been there for him in some of the most trying times of his life, supporting him after his Grandmum had passed. Sometimes your found family could be closer than the one you were born into. He was forever grateful to call them his brothers and sisters.
"Cheers!" They clinked their glasses together- Aberforth grumbling in disapproval to see such joy being had in his goat-scented pub.
Barnaby forced a grin- trying his best to enjoy the moment, but an unease nagged at him. Pulling his gaze toward Arah, he noticed another bruise or cut, imagining all the ways she'd sustain such injuries. Worry plagued his mind to think what unknown trials she might be facing.
They spent the rest of the evening reflecting on the past year. Charlie was missed, but thriving in Romania. Ben had written Penny a postcard recently telling her he'd been recognized as the top Obliviator at MACUSA. Diego was traveling the world to further his dueling knowledge, while the rest of them reflected on their own growth and experiences after Hogwarts. The good and the bad.
So much had changed since their time at Hogwarts. It had been rough, Barnaby was still learning how to navigate life now that he was on his own. It wasn't like he had parents to look up to or offer guidance. He was orphaned in a sense. But there had been good times too. He found his gaze drawn towards Arah again, watching her nearly choke as Tulip showcased her latest prank invention- belching powder. Arah caught his eye, offering him a warm smile.
"You okay? You seem extra quiet tonight." she lowered her voice quiet enough for the two of them.
"Yeah, just thinking is all," Barnaby's smile didn't quite meet his eyes. "Can I walk you home tonight?"
"You walk me home every week, Barns. You don't have to ask."
It had become a weekly routine of theirs. Arah still despised traveling by apparition so Barnaby would offer to apparate her home. They would walk from the cemetery to her door and say their goodnights; other times she'd invite him in to stay a while longer for some tea. He'd never say no to that.
"I'll always ask," He smirked, "I wasn't raised in a barn."
"I beg to differ." her golden eyes squinted mischievously. She wasn't wrong.
Barnaby grinned, "You're right. A cow would have taught me better manners than my Mother." He joked- the sound of her laughter making his soul all the more lighter.
"Sounds udder-ly devastating."
He nearly choked on his drink. Where most people skirted around his questionable past, Arah wasn't afraid of it- it never defined him in her eyes. She'd taught him something important- to laugh. To make light of life, no matter the hardships one may face. It was one of the many reasons he loved their friendship so much.
"You're really milking this, huh?"
Arah snorted, Butterbeer spewing out of her nose.
A singular piece of popcorn floated miraculously from the bowl. Arah focused intently, her tongue sticking out as she channeled her magic- power humming through her body, hand shaking, eyebrows furrowed as she willed the tiny morsel of food towards Barnaby's open mouth. It took every ounce of concentration to lift the singular kernel. Magic surged from her drained muscles as she gave a final push- the popcorn landing perfectly in his mouth with such precision she couldn't help but jump up and cheer.
It was so stupid. Such a trivial task would be effortless with a wand- but even so, Barnaby matched her energy, pumping his fists in the air as if she'd won the Quidditch House cup.
Godrick's heart, was she thankful to have her best friend back. She couldn't be happier. Laughter came easy now as she sat on the opposite side of him on her patchy couch, nearly knocking the bowl down in their absurd celebration.
"One more!" She grinned, focusing again on another piece.
Ever since the Gala, Callum had ordered Arah to work on wandless wielding. It felt like she was a flailing First year again. Arah had a new appreciation for those who studied magic at Uagadou- it was incredibly difficult to channel without her wand. The power within her wavered, fatigue apparent as the popcorn wobbled dangerously before dropping into Barnaby's lap, her magic exhausted. Barnaby's beloved pet Knarl, chittered happily as it waddled toward the stray snack, gobbling it up with delight.
"Knarl, if you keep eating all that popcorn, you're going to get even rounder." She teased lightly.
Barnaby scooped up the hedgehog-like creature, coddling it close to his cheek. "Shhh. Don't you listen to her. She doesn't mean it." he cooed as the pudgy little thing nuzzled into his neck.
To her utter dismay, Knarl shot her the most devious glare it could muster. The little menace.
"I meant no offense." She put her hands up, choking back a laugh.
Barnaby fed him another piece of popcorn, it's spirits lifted again as it nibbled happily.
"Why are you so focused on practicing wandless magic?"
Arah grabbed a handful of popcorn for herself, tossing one in the air and catching it. "For work." She offered. It wasn't a lie... but it wasn't the full truth either. Still, Arah didn't think she'd ever get used to hiding the truth to her friends, especially Barnaby.
Barnaby lifted a skeptical brow at her. "Wandless magic for Janitorial duties?"
Arah shrugged lightly, "Don't ask me. I don't make the rules." Not a lie either.
Barnaby's eyes lingered on her- skin burning under his scrutinizing gaze. He opened his mouth as if to speak, but shut it quickly- a huff of humorless laughter spilling from his nostrils, shaking his head as if he'd lost an argument entirely in his own head. It would be so easy to reach into his mind- the tendrils of his thoughts taunting her, but she wouldn't. She'd never breach his trust like that.
"What is it?" she teased lightly, tossing a kernel at him.
He looked down, giving Knarl a little scratch under the chin. "Nothing. It's stupid." he chuckled nervously.
"Try me. What's on your mind?" she pressed seriously, hugging her knees to her chest.
His jaw ticked, serious eyes meeting hers. "Are you an Unspeakable?"
Arah blinked, shocked at such a pointed and painfully accurate accusation. Her heart skittered, debating on telling him the truth before recalling the disciplinary actions the ROCC would enforce to those who unveiled such a secret- not only to her, but to those who discovered anything about the highly confidential department.
"Hah. Very funny." Arah lifted the corner of her mouth.
Barnaby remained unwavering and bold, his gaze boring a hole into her very soul as if it were a strong dose of Veritaserum. "Are you an Unspeakable?" he repeated, slowly and unapologetically.
Arah's throat bobbed as she swallowed tightly, her mind a tangled mess as she grasped for words, the weight of her secret suffocating her like Garrotting Gas.
"Why would you say such a thing?"
"Just answer the question, Arah." His voice pleaded, pupils darting over hers desperately scanning for the truth.
"I'm a Janitor for Magical Maintenance." She strained, the lie constricting her throat as she fibbed to her very best friend.
His shoulders sagged, a look of disappointment etched across his face. The guilt felt like a pile of rocks filling her stomach. "But if I were an Unspeakable..." She began, choosing the next words delicately. "I wouldn't be able to tell you, would I? They'd probably arrest me or worse... wipe my memories or even your memories entirely." She spoke slowly, begging that he might be able to heed her warning.
The line between his brows vanished as his eyes widened briefly in what Arah hoped was only realization.
"But to answer your question, no. I'm just a boring 'ol Janitor." She lied through her teeth, blame heavy on her consciousness- souring her tongue.
"Right." he muttered quietly, seemingly lost in thought as he stroked a happy careless Knarl.
Arah cleared her throat, eager to change the subject to literally anything else. "So... I hear you're going to be a Landlord now?"
"Yeah." Barnaby perked up, "I finally got the house fixed up. Andre, Liz, Tulip, and Penny should be moving in next week."
"Thats great! I'm glad you were able to put that big old drafty house to use." Arah smiled. It would be good for Barnaby to be surrounded by friends instead of the empty reminder of his loss and neglect. Selfishly, she wouldn't have to worry as much about him knowing he wasn't alone anymore.
"You know... there's one more room if you want it." he offered shyly, unable to meet her gaze. "I know you've got a place of your own here, but you're welcome to it."
Arah considered it- truly, before the memory of their intimate moment surfaced, replaying in her head as it often did. She swallowed, unsure if it would be a good idea to be that close to her friend when her feelings were so easily muddled around him. What if he met someone and wanted to bring them over? What if she did? Things had finally become normal between them. Why ruin a good thing, right? Besides, it would be much harder to hide her work efforts if she were living in the same house with 5 of her closest friends. She had a hard enough time keeping it a secret considering how close she was to telling Barnaby the truth a moment ago.
"I appreciate the offer, but I've come to really love it here." She looked around her cozy flat, appreciating the place she'd learned to call home. "You should offer it to someone who needs it."
"If you say so." He shrugged, "I'm sure Alanza will be happy to hear it's available. She was asking me earlier about it."
Alanza? A prickle of jealousy reared its ugly head. It wasn't that she disliked Alanza by any means, but things have always been complicated between them to say the least. When Rowan died, Dumbledore had allowed the Witch to transfer from Castleobruxo in their 6th year, assigning her Rowan's old bed in their common room. Arah knew it was completely irrational, but she couldn't help but feel like they were trying to mend the Rowan-shaped hole her best friend had left behind. As friendly as Alanza was, Arah didn't have the room in her heart to let her in at the time. It was unfair of her to shut out Alanza the way she did, but she had been in a dark place.
To complicate things even more, the witch has had a massive crush on Barnaby since the moment she met him. Admittedly, they would be great together. Their mutual love for magical creatures was one thing, but she was also beautiful and insanely talented. Alanza could swoon a full-grown Hungarian Horntail if she wanted. Everyone loved her.
"You know she's been obsessed with you since like 6th year?" she said cooly, stealing a glance his way. His face remained unreadable.
"Really?" He said flatly, more focused on Knarl rolling around in a little ball.
"Don't pretend like you didn't know." Arah crossed her arms haughtily over her chest, lifting a silver brow at him.
Barnaby managed a careless shrug. "I didn't."
"Suuure." she rolled her eyes.
Barnaby froze, eyes flitting momentarily in her direction. "Maybe I should ask her out." he tested, eyebrows lifting.
Arah grinned through the painful lurch in her chest. It was clear now that Barnaby had moved on from that special moment they had shared all those months ago. Maybe it was time she let go too, no matter how much a part of her wished they could have tried to see where things would lead. Her throat tightened as she bit out the words.
"Go for it, Romeo."
A/N: We will soon be jumping ahead of Jam City's plot line and I will be writing in unchartered territory. As much as I want to keep things cannon, I will have to abandon Jam City's retelling since it would probably take me another 7 years to finish this fic based on the pace they are releasing new content.
My hope is this story can still remain and feel authentic as we follow the characters we have learned to love the next 6 years into the 2nd Wizarding War. As I continue to play, I will try my best to tie in details where they fit to keep it close to cannon. But I want to avoid this story feeling forced or jumbled in any way, so keep this in mind as you continue to read on!
As always, if you have any thoughts, please feel free to leave a comment / review! They truly make my day and encourage me to keep writing.