Judging from Arthur's words, their connection ran deeper than Erwin had expected. If that was the case, he wouldn't have to go to such lengths. He'd missed so much of his father's growth—no, that wasn't quite right. It was the other way around.
Shaking his head, Erwin cleared the tangled thoughts. He needed to focus on the matter at hand.
"Erwin," Arthur said earnestly, "I apologize on Ron's behalf. He was completely out of line."
Erwin replied with a gracious smile. "You're too kind, sir. It wasn't that serious. We're just children—disagreements happen."
Arthur shook his head firmly. "No, he was ungrateful. I can't imagine how deeply those words must have cut you."
"It's fine," Erwin assured him. "I won't hold it against him."
As he spoke, Erwin lowered his gaze, his eyes shadowed with disappointment. Arthur's guilt deepened at the sight.
"I'm sorry, Erwin," Arthur continued, his voice heavy. "I know an apology can't erase the hurt, but it's all I can offer right now. Don't worry—I'll pull Ron from Hogwarts. He won't have another chance to offend you."
Snape and Professor McGonagall stayed silent, their tacit agreement hanging in the air. For anyone else, Ron might have had a shot at redemption. But with Erwin involved, expulsion was inevitable.
Erwin's eyes widened in alarm. "No! Please, sir—Professors McGonagall and Snape—don't make Ron leave. It really isn't worth that. He'd be ruined! I couldn't live with myself."
Snape eyed him skeptically. He knew Erwin far better than the boy realized—and Slytherins didn't exactly make a habit of turning the other cheek. Still, Snape held his tongue. Whatever Erwin's game, he wouldn't challenge it.
Arthur studied Erwin, his expression softening with emotion. Here was a truly good lad—forgiving, with a heart as big as they came.
Professor McGonagall nodded approvingly. Erwin's stance aligned perfectly with her own values.
"Sir," Erwin pressed on, "if I'm not mistaken, you're Ron's father, so that makes you my uncle. Uncle, Ron and I just had a silly spat. If you take him away now, I'd be the one destroying his future—and that's a burden I couldn't bear. I'd feel guilty every time I thought about it. I won't dwell on what he said; I'll do my best to clear up the misunderstanding. And if I can't? That's all right too. I just don't want to be the reason his life derails. He's young—we all mess up sometimes. Ron did, and so will I one day. If the roles were reversed, I'd hope for a second chance to set things right."
Tears glistened in Erwin's eyes, his voice thick with sincerity.
Arthur and Professor McGonagall exchanged a glance.
"But this isn't fair to you," Arthur protested.
Erwin smiled faintly. "Uncle, life's not always fair. We're classmates—I'm willing to give him a shot at making it up to me. And maybe that clears the air for both of us."
Arthur looked conflicted, rubbing his chin.
Professor McGonagall interjected, "Since Erwin isn't pressing the issue, we'll let it slide. But Ron will apologize to him in the Great Hall, publicly, at the next meal."
Arthur nodded. "He owes him that much."
Then he turned back to Erwin. "Your tolerance reminds me so much of your father."
Erwin's gaze dropped. "Thank you. I miss him terribly, even though he's gone. But I want to make him proud and honor the Cavendish family."
Arthur's eyes filled with sympathy. "I'm sorry—I didn't mean to dredge up old wounds."
Erwin waved it off. "If that's all, I'll head out. I need some rest before afternoon classes."
"Of course," Arthur said. "Sorry again for disrupting your day, Erwin."
Erwin bid farewell to Professor McGonagall and turned to leave. Snape fell into step beside him.
Once they were gone, Arthur sighed heavily. "What a generous boy. The more forgiving he is, the worse I feel. It's downright unfair. Amelia raised an extraordinary son. I've failed her—and him."
Professor McGonagall leaned forward. "Enough, Arthur. Erwin's moved past it, so you should too. You'll have chances to make it right, whether for Amelia or the boy himself."
"I will," Arthur vowed. "Even without this mess with Ron, for Amelia's sake alone, I'd do anything I could for him."
She nodded. "Now go see Ron. By banquet time, I expect his apology. That's non-negotiable. If he refuses, even I won't be able to vouch for him."
Arthur agreed and left her office.
Professor McGonagall sank back into her chair, her mind replaying Erwin's words. Her heart ached for him—orphaned young, facing crisis after crisis. After digging into his past, she'd found little dirt. Erwin could be ruthless, but only his allies and enemies knew it: the former stayed loyal and silent, the latter... well, they weren't talking.
She knew he'd pulled the Cavendish family back from ruin and weathered storms no child should face. And now this fresh wound at Hogwarts. If Erwin hadn't spoken up today, not even Dumbledore could have swayed her from expelling Ron. That was her unspoken promise to the boy.
In the corridor, Snape broke the silence. "What are you plotting now, Erwin?"
Erwin halted, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "Nothing much, Godfather. It's really not that big a deal, is it?"
...
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