Classes at Hogwarts unfolded with a mix of enchantment and challenge for Arthur. Transfiguration with Professor McGonagall tested his magical prowess, while Herbology with Professor Sprout took him into the depths of the greenhouses. Charms with Professor Flitwick added finesse to his spellcasting, and History of Magic with Professor Binns proved to be a test of endurance.
In the dimly lit Slytherin common room, Draco, surrounded by a group of fellow Slytherins, engaged in animated conversations. The air was charged with anticipation as the topic of the upcoming flying lesson for first years buzzed through the room. In a corner, Arthur sat, lost in thought about the peculiar dream he had – a vivid green flash and a fleeting image of a little white face.
Draco, ever the social orchestrator, noticed Arthur's contemplative state and decided to include him in the conversation in an attempt to lighten his mood. "Arthur, you didn't tell me you were a Weasley", Draco said commenting on Arthur's hair turning into a shade of orange.
The Slytherins chuckled, creating a momentary distraction for Arthur. However, his mind remained preoccupied with the enigmatic events unfolding around him. Little did they know that this casual banter in the common room would precede a series of extraordinary events that would shape Arthur's journey at Hogwarts in ways he could never have imagined.
....
Later, as Arthur navigated the castle's corridors, he took a wrong turn and found himself on a moving staircase. Unbeknownst to him, it halted on the third floor, revealing a door that beckoned him to open it. To his astonishment, he found himself face-to-face with a Cerberus which was standing on a trapdoor.
After encountering the three-headed guardian, Arthur's hair turned as white as snow – a clear manifestation of fear. The sight of the imposing creature had unnerved him to the core.
In a moment of panic, Arthur slammed the door shut and made a hasty retreat. However, as he reached the top of a tower, he realized he had dropped his wand in the room below. Since going back isn't an option, he kicked down the door at the top. As the door swung open, he found himself on the windswept pinnacle, far above the grounds of Hogwarts.
Frustration mounting, Arthur looked down to the school grounds and saw his fellow first years in the school grounds. Alone on the tower, Arthur couldn't shake the feeling of vulnerability. His heart pounded, and his breath caught in his throat. The white hue of his hair stood in stark contrast to the darkening sky. The distant echoes of laughter and celebration from the school grounds reached him, a stark reminder of the joyous atmosphere below.
He moved closer to the edge of the tower, trying to find a way back down. As he stood on the edge, an inexplicable force seemed to push him forward. It wasn't a gentle guiding, but a forceful nudge that sent a shiver down his spine. Panic set in as Arthur felt himself tumbling off the tower. In that moment of free fall, his mind raced with thoughts of the summoning spell he could be casting if only he had his wand.
The first years celebrating Harry's catch of the Remembrall were unaware of the unfolding drama above. Their cheers filled the air as Arthur plummeted, only to be abruptly interrupted by the unexpected sight of a broomstick shooting out from the ones on ground. Gasps replaced cheers as the broomstick caught Arthur, leaving the onlookers bewildered.
The first years stared in astonishment, witnessing a spectacle that defied explanation. Arthur, suspended in mid-air, felt a strange mix of relief and confusion.
...
'What happened, Reeves?'
In the dimly lit and sparsely furnished office of Professor Snape, Arthur found himself seated in a high-backed chair that seemed to swallow him whole. The walls were adorned with shelves holding various potion ingredients preserved in jars, casting an eerie glow. The air carried the distinct scent of potions, a mix of herbs and concoctions that permeated every corner.
The room's ambiance was heightened by the flickering light of a solitary candle on Snape's desk, where a cauldron simmered with an unidentified potion. The shadows danced across the stone walls, creating an unsettling atmosphere.
Arthur stood nervously, his eyes wary but curious. Snape, wearing his trademark scowl, eyed him with suspicion. "Well, Reeves, care to explain why you found yourself in the forbidden third-floor corridor?"
Arthur hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "I took a wrong turn, Professor. Ended up on a moving staircase, and when it stopped, I found myself in front of a door."
Snape's stern expression didn't waver. "And what, pray tell, did you find behind that door?"
"I... Nothing. "
However, Snape, ever perceptive, noticed the subtle hesitation in Arthur's narrative. The sudden shift in hair color from its natural state to a striking blue betrayed a concealed detail. "Reeves, your hair speaks volumes. There's more to this tale. Spit it out."
" I saw a three-headed dog, Professor. It was massive."
Snape's eyes narrowed, and he pressed for more details. "A three-headed dog, you say? Did you interact with it?"
"No, Professor. I slammed the door shut as soon as I saw it. I didn't want any trouble," Arthur replied earnestly.
Snape leaned back in his chair, drumming his fingers on the desk. "Reeves, Hogwarts is full of enchanted creatures. Some harmless, others not so. Be grateful you didn't provoke the creature. Now, about your wand."
Arthur's eyes widened as he patted his empty pockets." I dropped it in the room. I didn't realize it until I left."
Snape's scowl deepened. "Dropped your wand in the presence of a potentially dangerous magical creature. Remarkable."
Despite Snape's stern demeanor, he reached for a box on his cluttered desk. Inside was a new wand, pristine and untouched. "Take this. A temporary replacement. Now, consider this a warning, Reeves. Stay away from restricted areas, and keep a tighter grip on your wand."
....
In the echoing corridor of Hogwarts, Arthur Reeves found himself unintentionally walking in on a conversation between Professor McGonagall, Oliver Wood, and none other than the famed Harry Potter. Seeing that neither of them saw him, he hid behind a statue. The trio stood in hushed discussion, surrounded by the timeless stone walls that held the secrets of the wizarding world.
Professor McGonagall, her stern expression softened just a fraction, spoke with authority. "Potter, I must say, being chosen for any role in a quidditch team is very rare for a first year. Wood, ensure that he understands the responsibilities that come with being a seeker."
Oliver Wood, the passionate Quidditch captain, exuded enthusiasm as he outlined the expectations for Harry. "Harry, you've got natural talent, and we need a Seeker like you. But remember, it's not just about catching the Snitch; it's about working as a team. Gryffindor expects excellence, on and off the pitch."
Harry, a mix of nerves and excitement, nodded earnestly. "Yes, I.... I'll try to keep that in mind."
Professor McGonagall, with a subtle smile, added a word of caution. "Potter, while Quidditch is a thrilling pursuit, academics should remain your top priority. Balance is key."
As the conversation unfolded, Arthur observed from the sidelines, his mind still grappling with the recent events and the weight of Snape's warnings. As the trio continued their discussion, Arthur quietly retreated.
In the dimly lit corridor, Arthur's curiosity led him to an empty classroom where faint whimpering echoed. The air felt charged with an ominous energy as he cautiously approached the source of the sound.
As he neared the door, Quirrell emerged from the room, his once mild demeanor replaced by eyes now ablaze with an eerie red glow, Arthur couldn't shake off the disconcerting encounter. Unbeknownst to him, the Dark Lord had subtly entered his life.
To Arthur's surprise, Quirrell commended him on his accidental use of wandless magic, an ability Arthur was unaware of possessing. Quirrell, masking his true intentions, offered to guide Arthur in honing this newfound skill. "Impressive display, Reeves. With the right guidance, you could become a formidable wizard. Consider my offer," Quirrell suggested, his voice dripping with an unsettling charm.
As Quirrell departed, leaving Arthur to ponder the encounter, it slowly dawned on him that Quirrell had not stammered during their conversation. The realization heightened the mystery surrounding his Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.
....
Draco looked up from his book as Arthur entered the common room. The silver glow of his hair seemed almost ethereal in the moonlight. "You took your time, Reeves. Everything alright?" Draco's voice, usually laced with a hint of sarcasm, carried genuine concern.
Arthur, still processing the encounter with Quirrell, took a seat opposite Draco. "Yeah, just a strange run-in with Professor Quirrell. Have you noticed anything odd about him?" Arthur's words held a note of uncertainty, searching for confirmation from someone he considered a close companion.
Draco leaned back, studying Arthur with a thoughtful expression. "Quirrell? Well, he's always been a bit off, but lately, he's been downright creepy. I heard rumors that he's been acting strangely even for him." Draco's eyes flickered with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.
As the conversation unfolded, Crabbe and Goyle stirred from their slumber. Draco continued, his tone more serious now, "You know, Reeves, Hogwarts is full of secrets. Some of them darker than others. We've got to keep our eyes open and watch our backs."
The mention of secrets resonated with Arthur, the weight of Snape's warnings and Quirrell's ominous offer lingering in his mind. "True. It's like there's something lurking in the shadows."
Draco nodded in agreement, a shared understanding passing between them. "We'll figure it out together, Reeves. Slytherins stick together, right?"
A hint of a smile played on Arthur's lips. "Right. Slytherins stick together." The moonlight cast long shadows in the common room, emphasizing the unity forged amidst the mysteries of Hogwarts. As they delved into a conversation that ranged from Quidditch strategies to the peculiarities of magical creatures, the bond between Arthur and Draco strengthened, providing a sense of solace in the face of the unknown.