บท 56: Ilvermorny
Artland headed down to the kitchens for some food and returned to his dorm where Fred and George were still in their Quidditch robes.
"What's wrong with you two?" Art frowned.
"We lost… to Cedric." Fred moped.
"A Dementor attacked Harry and made him fall off his broom. We tried to fight them off but there were too many." George added.
"You lost a game, win the next one." Art said disinterested. "You want to hear what I did?"
Fred and George gave him a glare and took off their robes before crawling into bed.
Art laughed and crawled into bed as well, "Okay, you will be sorry tomorrow."
The next morning, Art and the twins walked into the Great Hall. When they entered, the Great Hall was a buzz and everyone was holding a copy of the Daily Prophet.
SIRIUS BLACK INNOCENT
Fred and George snatch a paper from a first year and started reading it feverly.
"They named you! You helped catch Sirius Black!?" Fred asked incredulously.
Art scoffed, "Helped? I catch him myself." A smirk appeared on his face, "I told you that you would regret not talking to me last night."
"You didn't tell us! Jerk!"
Art laughed and skimmed the article. He was mentioned by name in the article on how he helped the Ministry catch Sirius Black and found out the truth that he was framed by Peter Pettigrew.
Art scoffed, little angry how the Ministry took credit when they didn't do a damn thing. Ignoring it, he started to eat and opened a book about healing. Madam Pomfrey said that he could pass his OWL in Healing but he would have to go to the Department of Magical Education for the test. There was no test for Occlumency because of the rarity of skill. Dumbledore said he would have no trouble with the Wards exam. There was a DUeling exam but it was used to test Auror's battle skills before joining the Ministry.
So Art was reviewing for these exams as he was taking them this Christmas at the Ministry.
The next few days Art was badgered with questions from students about catching Sirius Black and how found out he was innocent. Soon news from the Ministry came out saying that Peter admitted to killing all those muggles and framing Black.
The Ministry apologized to Sirius for his wrongful jail time and paid him a hefty sum of gold as well as an Order of Merlin, First Class. Sirius also gave an interview explaining on what happened that night. It was one of the best selling Daily Prophet issues with everyone wanting to know the full story on what happened.
A month after the incident, Sirius came back to Hogwarts. He was greeted like a celebrity with the teachers and students all surrounding him trying to shake his hand.
Artland hung back with a slight smile.
Cedric came beside him, "You still pissed at the Ministry?"
"The Ministry is corrupt and inept. They need to take credit for what they can." Art said blandly.
Cedric frowned, his father was in the Ministry.
"Don't take it to heart. It starts at the top and works down. Fudge is addicted to his power and is afraid to do anything radical."
Cedric nodded his head, "So what do we do?"
Art turned to him and smiled, "We change it."
Art was about to walk away but he heard someone yell, "Artland Cason!"
Turning around he saw Sirius walking towards him. SIrius looked better, his face younger less gaunt.
"Mr. Black, it's good to see you. You look better, less crazy." Art joked lightly.
Sirius laughed, a real laugh that didn't have any madness. "I agree. I wanted to thank you for everything."
Sirius shook Art's hand with a smile. "I'm glad you weren't a Death Eater. You are too good of a man."
"They would be proud, you know? Your parents. I knew them and your uncle. They were something that Pureblood families should aspire too." Sirius said.
Art knew that the Black family had a dark history that put the purity of blood above all us.
"So make the Black family like that. Marry a muggleborn or even a muggle. Piss on your ancestors you hate so much. Build the Black family back up again, the way you want it."
"Marry a muggle? Hahaha!" Sirius laughed at the idea, not because of marrying a muggle was disgusting but because of how his family would roll over in their graves if they knew.
"You deserve happiness Sirius." Art said kindly.
Sirius shook his head lightly and thanked him again before leaving with Dumbledore.
"That was nice of you. What's wrong?" Cedric said giving him a strange look.
Art smacked the back of his head and left the Great Hall.
Months went by and Hogwarts was back to normal with the Dementors gone and manhunt for Sirius Black.
Art was busy studying for his upcoming OWL exams. Spending his spare time in the Room of Requirement practicing or reading books.
Coming out of the Room of Requirement, Art went back to the Common Room where Colin McCreevey told him that Headmaster wanted to meet him in his office.
Art was confused as his next lesson was tomorrow and was curious what was so urgent. He thanked Colin and headed towards the Headmaster's tower.
Outside of the office, Art stood patiently as he waited for Dumbledore to let him in. Soon the gargoyle moved and Art entered the office. He was surprised when he saw Newt standing next to Dumbledore.
"Mr. Scamander? What are you doing here?"
"I've come to talk to you and Dumbledore." he said with a mysterious smile.
"Sit down Mr. Cason. We have lots to talk about." Dumbledore gestured towards a chair.
Art listened and took a seat, his eyes darted back and forth between Newt and Dumbledore, waiting for them to speak.
"What do you know about other magical schools?" Dumbledore simply asked.
Art cleared his throat and ranted off what he knew, "There are 11 major schools registered with the International Wizard Confederation of Magical Education. I only have read about seven: Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, Durmstrang, Ilvermorny, Mahoutokoro, Uagadou and Castelobruxo."
"Very good Art, the others are well hidden and not documented very well. What schools do you find interesting?" Dumbledore smiled.
"Well all of them are interesting and have their own area of expertise. Uagadou is known for self transfiguration and using finger gestures to cast spells. Ilvermorny's history is also fascinating with its deep roots with magical beasts." Art said, he had read many books on the schools. Though Hogwarts was prestigious and had a long history it wasn't the oldest.
"I'm glad you say that. I need your help in America." Newt said, handing him a letter.
Art took the letter and read it quickly. His eyes jumped and looked at Newt. "Hidebehinds?"
"Yes, the Hidebehinds population has exploded, causing casualties in Muggles and Wizards. The Magical Congress of the United States of America or MACUSA have sent Aurors to kill them but the population continues to come back. I was asked to help determine the cause of this." Newt explained.
"Hidebehinds are intelligent creatures that are extremely dangerous and are able to turn invisible. They asked Newt because of his reputation and he asked if you would want to join him." Dumbledore face was serious.
"I thought it would be a good opportunity for your broaden your horizons and get some field experience." Newt said.
"But what about school? My OWLs?"
"I have talked to the Head of the Department of Magical Education and she is willing to let you take all your OWLs during the Christmas break. You are more than prepared for them and shouldn't have any problems." Dumbledore paused and looked at Newt who nodded gently. "Newt has also been in contact with the Headmaster of Ilvermorny. He said he would be honoured to have you join the school for half the year."
"Half a year? You mean I will be there until June?" Art panicked a little. Though he was mature for his age, leaving his family and friends for an entire year was a tough decision.
"The decision is yours Art. There is no pressure." Newt consoled.
Taking a deep breath, Art made his decision. Although he would miss the twins and Cedric as well as his family, this was an incredible opportunity for him.
"I'll go"
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