Tim and Bella were taking Art to King's Cross today for his fourth year of Hogwarts. He had already changed into his robes, causing some weird looks from Muggles while walking through the station. Hugging his parents goodbye, he vanished into the pillar and appeared on the other side. As usual it was filled with young wizards and their parents saying goodbye.
Art saw an old formidable looking witch scolding Neville. She was tall, thin and bony and wear a hat with a stuffed vulture on it.
"Hey Neville, how was your summer?" Art asked, walking up to him. The old woman gave Art a once over and focused on his eyes.
"A Cason? Good family though your eyes are a bit unnerving." she said bluntly.
Her mannerism made Art smile. "Mrs. Longbottom, honour to meet you. I'm Artland Cason." he said, introducing himself.
She nodded, happy with Art's behavior. "I suppose I should thank you for helping Neville with his studies. I am afraid he didn't acquire his parents talent." she said, giving Neville a look.
Neville looked at the floor not saying anything.
"Neville is a gifted wizard ma'am. Just needs to have more self confidence." Art praised, giving Neville a smile.
Neville gave him a thankful smile and looked at his grandma who nodded her head. "He is lucky to have you helping him." she said, "I knew your parents, I can honestly say they would be proud of you."
"Thank you ma'am." Art nodded his head.
He saw the Weasleys enter the platform and said goodbye to the Longbottoms. Fred and George ran towards him laughing, Ginny quietly followed them. Art also saw Draco and his dad who shot him a sneer. Art returned the look with a smile and waved at him. Fred and George burst into laughter as they watched Art's antics. Even Ginny giggled, covering her mouth.
"Come on, let's get on the train."
The three of them boarded the train and found Cedric already had a compartment saved for them.
"How was your summer Ced?" Art asked, taking a seat.
"Mom and dad almost had a heart attack when they saw me shift into a wolf but other than that it was quiet summer." Cedric said, shrugging his shoulders with a smile.
"Oh Wolfy finally told his parents," George said, "are mom doesn't trust any birds now."
Fred nodded his head, "I actually felt bad for a magpie that she hexed, thinking it was us." he said with a guilty look.
Art laughed loudly, knowing the twins probably caused mayhem at home. Soon he felt the train start moving. The ride was uneventful and the four of them bought treats and started to discuss what their plans were this year.
"I want to explore the forest this year, maybe find some dangerous beasts." Fred said, excitement into his voice.
Art rolled his eyes but was surprised to see Cedric agreeing.
Seeing Art look at him curiously, Cedric said, "What? We train all year but if we don't have some actual real life experiences we are no better than rookies."
"You remember the troll right?" Artland asked, reminding Cedric of the troll that broke his arm.
"I do. I also remember how easily you took it down last year." Cedric said, clenching his fists.
Art knew that Cedric hated how ahead he was compared to him.
"Fair enough. I plan to explore the lake this year. I want to see the Merpeople's home." he told them.
Cedric shook his head and the twins looked at him like he was crazy.
"But you are right, we should explore the grounds some more."
Cedric nodded and looked at Art's wrist. "Since when do you wear jewelry?" he asked, seeing a black bracelet.
Art tapped Azura who woke up and looked around. She looked at Art confused as why he woke her.
"Meet Azura, she's a Horned Serpent that I am taking care of." he held her up for them to see.
She looked at them before wrapping around his wrist again, going back asleep. Art smiled and pulled his robes down over her.
"She is still a baby so she sleeps a lot."
"You said Horned Serpent? Aren't they XXXXX ranked beasts?" Cedric asked.
"XXXXX? What does that mean?" Fred asked confused.
"Read a damn book already." Cedric said, scolding Fred. "Beasts are all ranked into five classifications. X, XX, XXX, XXXX and XXXXX. The higher the classification the more dangerous beasts. Dragons are XXXXX and so are Horned Serpents."
"So it's dangerous?" George asked, looking at Art's wrist.
"Can be but she is harmless." Art smiled, not worried. "I am impressed that Ced knew that though. You're interested in beasts?"
"No but I knew you do so I read Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them."
"The book is a great one. You should see Mr. Scamander's beasts though. Incredible." Art's started to day dream, causing the other three to roll their eyes. They had all heard about Mr. Scamander from Art and all the beasts he had.
Soon they arrived at Hogwarts and loaded into the carriages. Art looked around and frowned, "Do you see Harry or Ron?"
Fred and George looked around not finding them. "Where could they be?"
"Not sure. We better tell McGonagall when we get to the castle." Art said, finding it strange.
The twins nodded, still looking around for Ron.
Soon they entered the castle, separating from Cedric. They left the Great Hall and saw McGonagall talking to the first years.
"Mr. Cason and Mr. Weasley, why aren't you in the Great Hall?" she asked sternly.
"Professor, Harry and Ron were not on the train. We think they missed it somehow." Fred said nervously.
She looked stunned before nodding her head, "I will send an owl."
"Come on, there isn't anything more we can do." Art said, pulling the twins away.
Art saw Ginny had a worried look on her face but Art gave her a reassuring smile, causing her to blush. The made their way back to the Great Hall and McGonagall brought in the first years. Soon the sorting was underway and Ginny was sorted into Gryffindor like her brothers.
"Jeez soon half of Gryffindor will be Weasleys." Art joked, digging into his food.
Fred and George shot him a look before they started eating as well. Art noticed that Harry and Ron both hadn't joined the meal.
Soon the meal was over and they headed to the dormitories. They had heard rumors that Harry and Ron drove Mr. Weasley's flying car to Hogwarts and crashed into the Whomping Willow. Soon Art saw the Daily Prophet and showed the twins whose faces grew pale.
"You think he will be fired?" Fred asked quietly, worried about his dad.
"No. He might get reprimanded but that's it." Art reassured, taking the Daily Prophet back.
The headline read 'FLYING FORD ANGLIA MYSTIFIES MUGGLES'.