The heavy door of the Headmaster's office closed behind Ethan with a soft, final click, shutting out the lingering tension of his meeting with the Aurors. He paused for a moment in the circular corridor, Nina resting comfortably in his arms. Her familiar warmth steadied him after the intense scrutiny and careful questions he had faced inside, along with the new pieces of information he had picked up from the conversations he had overheard.
Sunlight filtered through the tall windows lining the corridor, casting pale gold patterns across the stone floor. Dust motes drifted lazily in the air, undisturbed by the slow passage of time. Ethan adjusted his hold on Nina as she shifted, her tail flicking once before settling again. Her presence was a comfort he enjoyed.
He had taken only a few steps down the corridor when the faint sound of footsteps echoed behind him, followed by someone clearing their throat.
"Mr Throne."
The voice was calm, firm, and familiar to him.
Ethan turned and saw Professor McGonagall approaching, her face set in its familiar composed, no-nonsense mask that always made her so intimidating. Yet her eyes carried a gentle, motherly softness.
"Yes Professor," Ethan replied at once.
"If you would be so kind as to follow me," she said. "I will take you to your office."
He nodded, shifting Nina slightly so one hand remained free. "Of course."
Professor McGonagall fell into step beside him, her pace brisk but measured, and together they began walking down the corridor. The faint echoes of their footsteps followed them, mingling with the distant hum of the castle going about its day.
"I have already distributed the timetable to the students during lunchtime," McGonagall said as they walked. "I have also decided upon your class schedule. Please inform me if you find it unsuitable or if adjustments are required."
"Certainly, Professor," Ethan said, his voice courteous and calm. Inside, however, his thoughts were already spinning with possibilities. Teaching at Hogwarts was a world apart from his previous experience. The weight of responsibility pressed down harder here. Back at Beauxbatons he had taught Transfiguration as a mere assistant professor, a position free of serious pressure. Now he would be instructing students in dueling and the active practice of magic, a challenge that stirred equal parts nerves and exhilaration within him.
They descended a short staircase and turned into another corridor, this one narrower and lined with portraits that murmured softly as they passed.
"You will be teaching two nights per week," McGonagall continued. "On Monday evenings you will instruct first through fourth year students. On Friday evenings you will teach the fifth, sixth, and seventh years. Do you foresee any issues with this arrangement or have any suggestions?"
Ethan hesitated, fingers absently brushing through Nina's fur as she purred. "If I may speak freely, Professor."
"Please do."
"I'm worried about the timing," he said carefully. "The students already have demanding days filled with classes. Having them come back for lessons at night will leave many of them exhausted and distracted, unable to give their full attention. Night classes could add real strain. Wouldn't it make more sense to hold longer sessions on weekends instead, when they have more time and are generally more relaxed?"
McGonagall glanced at him briefly before returning her gaze forward. "Your concern for the students is noted," she said. "However, weekends are not suitable. Students are unlikely to appreciate spending their free days in classrooms, and many of them use that time to visit Hogsmeade Village. Attendance would be inconsistent at best."
She paused briefly at the top of another staircase before continuing. "Furthermore, this schedule ensures that most students attend only one evening class per week. It is a reasonable balance."
Ethan nodded slowly. "I understand. I didn't know about the Hogsmeade visit, and I certainly wouldn't want to be the kind of professor who takes away their free time and forces them into extra classes. I'm sure they wouldn't appreciate that at all."
They reached the second floor and walked along a wide corridor where the ceiling arched high above them. At the far end stood a large wooden door reinforced with iron bands, its surface etched with faintly glowing runes.
McGonagall stopped before it.
"This is your classroom," she said.
She placed her hand upon the door, and at her touch the runes shimmered briefly before fading. The door swung open soundlessly.
Ethan stepped inside and stopped short.
The room beyond was vast.
The door gave way to a circular arena entirely different from any classroom he had known in his years as a student or professor. Dominating the center was the dueling ground itself, its gleaming stone floor traced with subtle, intricate runes that glowed with a quiet, restrained power. Surrounding the arena rose wide tiers of stone benches, arranged like a modest amphitheater, granting every seat an unobstructed view of the dueling space below.
High above, the ceiling vanished into shadow, enchanted to appear far larger than the space should reasonably allow. Floating lights hovered gently in the air, casting an even glow that illuminated every corner of the room.
Nina leapt from Ethan's arms the moment his hold loosened, landing lightly on the stone floor. She padded forward, nose twitching as she sniffed at the unfamiliar scents, her tail swaying with curiosity.
Ethan turned slowly, taking it all in.
"It is… incredible," he said honestly.
"This was once the primary dueling classroom," McGonagall said. "It has not been used in nearly a century. The space is expanded through spatial enchantments, and layered with defensive spells designed to protect both the students and the structure itself."
She gestured toward the far end of the arena. "At the rear you will find your office and private quarters."
Ethan followed her gaze and saw a smaller archway set into the stone wall, partially concealed by enchantments that suggested both privacy and security.
"I must admit," he said, still staring around him, "at Beauxbatons Academy of Magic we had nothing like this."
For just a moment, a flicker of pride crossed McGonagall's face. She schooled it quickly, but the subtle lift at the corner of her mouth betrayed her satisfaction.
"I am pleased that you find it suitable," she said. "Your first class will be held next Monday evening. As today is Friday and due to the incident last night, classes have been canceled until then."
She turned to face him fully. "If there is anything else you require, do not hesitate to inform me."
Ethan considered this for a moment before nodding. "Actually, Professor, I was wondering. Since I will only be teaching twice a week, would it be possible for me to establish a dueling club for interested students?"
McGonagall studied him carefully. "Teach a few classes first," she said. "Once you are settled, you may propose the club. You will need to coordinate times carefully to avoid conflicts with other extracurricular activities."
"Of course," Ethan said with a smile. "That is only fair."
She inclined her head. "Very well. I shall leave you to settle in."
With that, she turned and walked toward the door, her robes whispering softly against the stone. The door closed behind her, leaving Ethan alone in the vast chamber.
For a heartbeat, the room was silent.
Then Ethan grinned.
"Yes," he called out, his voice booming and echoing off the stone walls of the arena. "Finally… a classroom that's truly mine."
A soft laugh escaped him, bouncing gently off the enchanted stone, as he turned in a slow, delighted circle. Grinning widely, he declared, "I'm sure Professor Vivine would be positively green with envy if she laid eyes on my classroom."
At the door, Nina sat waiting, her green eyes fixed on him. She let out an indignant meow.
"Oh," Ethan said, walking toward her. "What is it, my girl? Already bored of our new home?"
He crouched and scooped her up, holding her close. "No wandering off tonight," he added gently. "This castle is far too big for your first day."
Nina protested with another meow, wriggling slightly in his arms.
"I know, I know," he said with a chuckle. "Tomorrow I will take you to the grounds. You will love it there."
She huffed softly, as if unconvinced, but settled against his chest as he carried her toward the office.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Morning at Hogwarts arrived gently.
After breakfast, the Great Hall gradually emptied as students wandered out in small, chattering groups, their laughter and soft voices echoing off the high ceiling. Ethan lingered only a moment longer before the pull of the outdoors grew too strong to ignore. Through the towering windows, a clear, pale blue sky opened wide, and sunlight streamed across the worn stone floor, warm and generous, as though urging him to step beyond the castle walls and into the bright world waiting outside.
He stepped through the castle doors and onto the grounds, inhaling deeply.
The air felt crisp and pure, laced with the rich scent of damp earth, weathered grass, and delicate flowers drifting on the breeze. Hogwarts grounds unfolded before him in endless sweeps: rolling hills, ancient towering trees, all framing the castle as though it were part of a living, breathing painting.
Ethan walked slowly, hands loosely at his sides, letting his gaze wander. Students were scattered across the lawn in small groups. Some lounged beneath trees with books open on their laps. Others walked arm in arm, voices low and intimate. Laughter drifted through the air like birdsong.
As he passed through one of the outer corridors leading directly onto the grounds, movement near the castle entrance caught his attention.
Two students were pressed close together near the stone wall, half concealed by ivy. They were young, no older than sixth years by the look of them, lost entirely in each other. The girl had her hands fisted in the boy's robes, and the boy leaned down to kiss her again, unaware of the world beyond that moment.
Then the girl's eyes flicked upward.
She froze.
Her gaze landed squarely on Ethan.
With a startled gasp, she shoved her partner away, causing him to stumble back a step in protest.
"What?" the boy said, confused. "Why did you stop?"
The girl straightened immediately, cheeks burning red, eyes wide as she looked toward Ethan. The boy followed her gaze, and realization dawned on his face. He stiffened, color draining from his expression.
"Oh Merlin," he muttered.
"Sorry Professor," the boy said quickly, standing up straighter. "We did not mean to..."
Before he could finish, Ethan raised a hand gently.
"Relax," Ethan said calmly. "There is nothing to apologize for."
Both students blinked at him.
"There is no shame in being with someone you care about," Ethan continued. "You are young lovebirds, not criminals."
The girl's blush deepened, but her shoulders relaxed slightly. The boy smiled despite himself, gratitude shining clearly in his eyes.
Ethan stepped past them, but not before adding mildly, "That said, you might want to choose a spot that is not directly in front of the castle entrance. If you want privacy, do not do it where half the school can see you."
"Yes Professor," the boy said eagerly. "Next time we will do it somewhere secret."
The girl immediately punched his arm.
Ethan heard it all and chuckled softly as he walked away.
"Cheeky boy," he murmured under his breath.
The moment passed, leaving behind only the faint warmth of nostalgia. Youth was messy, impulsive, and earnest. It reminded Ethan of things long behind him, and perhaps things he had never fully allowed himself to experience.
His smile faded slightly as another thought surfaced.
"Nina," he murmured quietly. "Where've you wandered off to this time, girl?"
He stopped walking and reached into the pocket of his coat, withdrawing his wand. With a smooth, practiced motion, he murmured a tracking charm, one designed specifically for familiars bound to him by magic.
A shimmer rippled across the grass before him.
Then an illusion formed.
A translucent cat shape appeared, delicate and glowing faintly blue. It blinked once, stretched, and then suddenly lifted into the air as though being carried.
Ethan stared at it.
"Oh," he said softly. "So you have already made friends, have you"
The illusion hovered several feet above the ground, bobbing gently, clearly indicating that Nina was not walking on her own. Someone was carrying her.
Ethan followed.
The illusion drifted steadily toward the far edge of the grounds, past sloping hills and thickening trees. The castle loomed behind him now, its towers receding as the land grew wilder.
The silhouette of the Forbidden Forest rose ahead, dark and ancient, its edge marked by towering trees whose branches twisted like reaching fingers. Ethan slowed his pace instinctively, eyes scanning the area.
Then he saw it.
A small hut nestled near the forest's edge, smoke curling lazily from its chimney.
Ethan stopped atop a small hill and looked down at it.
"So that is where you are," he said with a faint smile.
He walked down the slope, boots making soft, rhythmic crunches against the soil, until the hut rose before him. It was precisely as the stories had described: rough timber walls that somehow felt warm, a sturdy frame that seemed to pulse with quiet life. It looked like the lair of an evil witch, the sort who would smile sweetly at those lost in the woods and draw them inside to be eaten or slain—a grim tale whispered to frighten children on dark nights.
He raised his hand and knocked on the wooden door.
Once.
Twice.
A moment passed.
Then the door swung open.
A towering figure filled the doorway, massive shoulders nearly brushing the frame. Dark hair spilled over a broad face, and a thick beard framed a grin that appeared instantly upon seeing Ethan.
"Oh Professor Thorne," the great big feller boomed with a massive cheerful grin, his voice rollin like a friendly storm over the forest. "Welcome welcome ter me little hut! Blimey I didn't know yeh'd be droppin by terday what a grand surprise! Come in come in don't yeh mind the chill outside it's proper nippy this mornin eh?"
Ethan smiled at his enthusiasm.
"If I am not disturbing you, Mr Hagrid," he said politely.
"Oh please," the man said with a laugh. "Just Hagrid is fine. No need fer formalities."
He stepped aside, ushering Ethan in.
The interior of the hut was warm and cluttered, filled with the scent of tea, wood smoke, and something vaguely sweet. A large black dog slept near the bed, chest rising and falling slowly. A sturdy wooden table sat near the door, surrounded by mismatched chairs.
And there, sitting quietly, was Nina.
She was curled comfortably in the arms of a small girl with pale skin and soft blond hair that shimmered like gold in the firelight. The girl looked up as Ethan entered, her expression shy and unmistakably guilty.
She hugged Nina a little tighter.
Ethan recognized her immediately.
His neighbor.
A girl he had seen countless times in London but had never truly spoken to.
Hagrid gestured toward the table. "Please sit down, Professor."
Ethan did, resting his hands on his knees as he looked at the girl. His expression softened, playful warmth entering his eyes.
"Well," he said lightly, "it seems I have come to retrieve my cat. Though I must say she appears to have been kidnapped by an adorable little sunbeam."
(Pic here)
The girl gasped and hugged Nina tighter.
"No," she protested in a crisp, delicate voice. "I did not kidnap Nina. She came to me first."
Ethan raised an eyebrow, glancing between her and Nina, who was purring happily without a single sign of distress.
"I see," he said. "A willing accomplice."
Hagrid scratched his beard awkwardly. "I did tell her, Professor. I said the cat might belong ter someone an' they might be lookin' fer her, but little Aria assured me that this cat didn't belong ter anybody important an' they wouldn't look fer her."
"Oh, so Aria is your name. It's quite a fitting one for you, I think."
"I did not know you were looking for her," the girl said softly, eyes downcast.
Ethan smiled reassuringly. "It is all right. Nina spent most of her summer with you, after all."
Hagrid's eyes widened with a little confusion. "You know each other already?"
"Well, yeah, Miss Aria and I live in the same neighborhood back in London," Ethan said with a small smile. "We never properly met, however. The only times I saw her were the mornings she waited in front of her house for Nina to come out and play."
Hagrid set a heaping plate of cookies and a steaming mug of tea in front of Ethan with a small, knowing nod. "Well, that explains a lot now, don't it? Cats don't go trustin' just anybody, an' they're not the clingy sort with their owners neither. The ones that are… they're somethin' special, real rare."
Hagrid leaned back in his creaking chair. "Yeh've gone an' become quite famous, yeh know. After what happened on the train, the wizards down in Hogsmeade have been yappin' about it all day an' night with the wildest tales yeh ever heard."
Ethan laughed softly, a quiet sound. "I never imagined I'd end up the subject of rumors among British wizards."
"Some are sayin' yeh fought thirty wizards an' a dragon all by yerself while protectin' the students with nothin' but yer bare hands," Hagrid said gravely.
"That is one hell of an exaggeration," Ethan said, shaking his head with a wry smile. "It was only three attackers. And I had plenty of help. The prefects and the Head Girl were incredibly brave."
Hagrid let out a heavy sigh. "Bloody cowards. Attackin' children. Dumbledore won't stand fer it. They'll wind up in Azkaban, mark my words."
Ethan said nothing more, watching Nina flick her tail contentedly in Aria's arms.
At that, Aria straightened where she sat, her small chin lifting with sudden confidence.
"Yes," she said firmly. "Mommy says that Grandpa Dumbledore is the most powerful wizard in the world, so he will definitely destroy those bad guys."
Ethan blinked, then laughed softly. He leaned back slightly in his chair, studying her with amused curiosity.
"Oh really," he said. "In that case, perhaps we should go straight to your Grandpa Dumbledore so you can tell him how you kidnapped my cat."
Aria's eyes widened in outrage.
"I did not kidnap her," she protested at once. "She came to me on her own. And besides, Grandpa Dumbledore will definitely take my side if I tell him what you did to poor Nina."
Ethan placed a hand dramatically over his chest, eyes wide in feigned outrage. "What terrible crime have I committed to earn such a fate? That your grandpa would punish me for it?"
Aria crossed her arms, her lips curling into a smug little smile. "You starved her. That is what you did. Poor Nina came to me because she was hungry. That is why she does not like you and comes to find me instead. I give her food."
Ethan slowly turned his head to look at Nina.
The cat had closed her eyes completely, curled comfortably in Aria's arms, her tail flicking once in lazy indifference. She looked like a creature entirely uninterested in the accusations being leveled in her name.
"Well," Ethan said dryly, "this greedy creature eats better than I do. Believe me, her meals cost more than my own. If she keeps this up, she will have me bankrupt within a few years with the amount of expensive meat she eats every day."
Aria's eyes lit up instantly.
"Then if you cannot afford to feed her," she said eagerly, "you should give her to me. I have a lot of savings in my piggy bank. I will feed her the most delicious food every day."
Ethan paused, tapping his chin as if genuinely considering the offer.
"Hm," he murmured. "That is very tempting."
Aria leaned forward, hopeful.
Then Ethan shook his head.
"Nope," he said simply. "She is still mine. She was barely a newborn when I found her. I cannot give her away."
Aria's shoulders drooped. She let out a dramatic sigh and looked down at Nina with a mournful expression, gently stroking her fur.
Nina responded by purring even louder.
Hagrid watched the exchange with clear amusement, a warm smile tugging at his beard. The sight of a grown wizard and a small girl arguing so seriously over a cat seemed to delight him.
Then suddenly his expression shifted.
"Oh," Hagrid said, rising abruptly from his chair with a creak of wood. "I nearly forgot. I was supposed ter pick up a package from Hogsmeade fer Professor McGonagall this mornin'."
Ethan rose from his chair. "Then I should head back to the castle too."
Hagrid nodded and lumbered toward the door. "It was good meetin' yeh, Ethan. Yeh're always welcome in my cabin."
He paused in the doorway, then added with a gruff cough and a sheepish glance, "But I'd appreciate it if yeh didn't bring yer cat next time."
Ethan blinked in surprise. "You do not like cats"
Before Hagrid could answer, Aria burst into laughter.
"No," she said brightly. "He is allergic. If he touches a cat, he turns all red like a tomato."
She giggled harder. "It is very funny when you see him like that."
Hagrid rolled his eyes. "Very funny indeed."
He turned back to Ethan. "Actually, would you mind helpin me with somethin. Aria came here early this mornin. Lily might be lookin for her. She is still young and should not be walkin around alone in this grounds."
Ethan nodded at once. "Of course."
He looked down at Aria and smiled. "Come on then little girl. Your mother is waiting for you."
Aria stood up, still holding Nina tightly, and frowned.
"I am not a little girl," she said indignantly. "I am a young lady. Mommy said so."
Ethan laughed softly. "Of course you are, young lady."
With that, the three of them stepped out of the hut together. The morning's warmth wrapped gently around them as the door closed with a quiet finality behind. Ahead, the castle loomed against the pale sky, ancient and steadfast, its windows catching the first true light of day. Behind them, the Forbidden Forest stood dark and still, a quiet presence that seemed to breathe in time with the wind.