Chapter 4: The Visit

 As the days at Hogwarts unfolded, Arthur found himself engrossed in the magical curriculum.

 Professor McGonagall's Transfiguration class held in one of the castle's highest towers, Professor Sprout's Herbology class in the greenhouses behind the castle, Professor Snape's Potions class in the dungeons, Professor Flitwick's Charms class, Professor Binn's History of magic and a whole load of other classes.

 As Draco and Arthur made their way down to the Great Hall for breakfast with a few other Slytherins, they reviewed their classes for the day.

 "Double Potions with the Gryffindors", Draco said, as he took an apple

 "You say it like it's a bad thing", Arthur said

 "Of course, it's a bad thing. I can't stand another class that has Granger in it", Draco said looking over to the Gryffindors table.

 Arthur eyes followed Draco's. They were fixed on Hermione, whose nose was buried in what appeared to be Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jiggus

 Standing up, Arthur said: "Buckle up, Draco. You've got a competition".

 " Wait. What?", Arthur could hear Draco say.

 As he was walking away, he could hear two certain Gryffindors talking.

 "... Snape's head of Slytherin house", said Ron. "They say he always favours them - we'll be able to see if it's true"

" Wish McGonagall favoured us", said Harry.

 Just then, the post arrived. Arthur hadn't heard from his Godfather since he left, so he wasn't expecting any letter when his grey colored owl dropped on his shoulder. After delivering the letter, which Arthur opened the letter as he headed out of the Great Hall, his owl nipped his ear and flew off.

 Dear Arthur, (it said)

I know you get Friday afternoons off, so would you like to come and have a little chat with me around two? I need your advice on something and I also want to hear all about your first week. Since I know you won't send Zephyr back, I'll be expecting you.

Hagrid

 Arthur smiled to himself as he read the letter. Hagrid, the only being who ever understood him. Arthur had been yearning for a conversation with someone he knows and Hagrid was the closest thing he had to a father at Hogwarts. He sure would be looking forward to that.

....

 The Potions class which took place in one of the dungeons was by far the most creepy class.

 Professor Snape started the class by taking the register and he paused at Harry's name

 "Ah, Harry Potter. Our new—celebrity."

 Draco, Crabbe and Goyle sniggered behind their hands but Arthur wasn't sure why.

 "I am officially lost", he whispered to Draco while Snape continued taking the register.

 "Oh, right. Potter's like the perfect Gryffindor. His perfect father and mudblood mother were head boy and girl during their time here"

 "Oh, but—", Arthur was saying.

 "You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion-making,' he began. 

 "As there is little foolish wand-waving here, many of you will hardly believe this is magic. I don't expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses … I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death – if you aren't as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach."

 Draco looked at Arthur excitedly. It's one of the few times Arthur had seen Draco actually smile.

"Potter!" said Snape suddenly. 'What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?'

 "The Draught of Living Death, sir.", Harry said with a straight face, ignoring Hermione's hand which shot up almost immediately.

 "Very well, Potter, where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?'

Hermione's hand shot above her head once again, which was ignored by Snape. "The stomach of a goat, sir", said Harry.

'What is the difference, Potter, between monkshood and wolfsbane?', Snape asked Harry.

At this, Hermione stood up, her hand stretching towards the dungeon ceiling.

 "Tha…", Harry broke off, "I don't know, I think Hermione does, though, why don't you try her?"

 Arthur was quite familiar with wolfsbane. He had read books about magical herbs and potions. 

 Wolfsbane is also known as Aconite. It's a very potent potion ingredient. Wolfsbane is harvested under a full moon and can be found growing in dark, damp places. It has a strong and pungent odor.

Wolfsbane. Monkshood. Aconite. Different names for the same plant.

'Thought you wouldn't open a book before coming, eh, Potter?', Snape was saying.

 "A point from gryffindor for your cheek, Potter.

 Things didn't improve for the Gryffindors as the Potions lesson continued. Snape put them all into pairs and set them to mixing up a simple potion to cure boils.

 The rest of the class was torture for the Gryffindors. Draco's potion was the only one worthy of praise and somehow Harry managed to lose another point for Gryffindor. 

 As they exit the class, Arhur remembered that he had an appointment with Hagrid. Murmuring some excuse to Draco, he hurried down the stairs.

....

 "Arthur! It's good to see yer", Hagrid said, stepping away from the door.

"Same here, Hagrid," Arthur replied.

Hagrid gestured for Arthur to come inside his cozy hut. The smell of freshly brewed tea filled the air as Arthur took a seat at the wooden table.

"So, how's yer first week been, Arthur?" Hagrid asked, pouring tea into two large mugs.

 Arthur leaned back, reflecting on the magical whirlwind of his initial days at Hogwarts. "It's been... something else, Hagrid. Classes are challenging, to say the least. And don't get me started on Professor Snape."

 Hagrid chuckled, "Ah, Snape can be a bit prickly, but he knows his potions, he does. What else is botherin' ya, lad?"

 Taking a sip of tea, Arthur hesitated before sharing, "It's just... being surrounded by all this magic, it's overwhelming. I feel like an outsider sometimes."

 Hagrid's eyes softened with understanding. "Yer not alone in feelin' that way, Arthur. Hogwarts can be a bit much at first. But give it time; you'll find yer place."

 Arthur nodded appreciatively. "I got your letter. What did you want to chat about?"

Hagrid leaned in, a twinkle in his eyes. "Well, I see ya got a unique creature with ya. That Zephyr. How's the feathery fella doing?"

A smile played on Arthur's lips. "Zephyr's been keeping me company. Quite the character, that owl.

 Hagrid chuckled, "Smart fella, Zephyr. Now, what about yer classes? Any favorites so far?"

As Arthur shared his experiences and concerns, Hagrid listened attentively, offering advice and anecdotes from his own time at Hogwarts. 

 As Arthur and Hagrid continued their conversation,there was a knock on the door. On instinct, Hagrid's boarhound rushed to the door and started to scratch it. "Back, Fang – back," Hagrid said, trying to hold Fang back.

"Hang on,' he said. 'Back, Fang."

 As Hagrid opened the door, Arthur's expression changed. It was Harry and Ron.

'Make yerselves at home,' said Hagrid, letting go of Fang, who bounded straight at Ron and started licking his ears.

"This is Ron," Harry told Hagrid.

"Another Weasley, eh?"said Hagrid, glancing at Ron's freckles. 'I spent half me life chasin' yer twin brothers away from the Forest.'

 "Hang on", Ron said noticing Arthur for the first time, " You're Arthur Reeves".

 Arthur nodded slowly, his eyes not moving from either of the Gryffindors.

 "I invited him fer tea, also", Hagrid said.

Harry and Ron exchanged awkward glances, sensing the tension in the room. The atmosphere became strained as they settled around the wooden table, teacups in hand.

 As the conversation unfolded, Arthur's resentment toward Harry became palpable. The exchange of pleasantries turned into an uneasy silence, broken only by the crackling fire.

Abruptly, Arthur stood up, excusing himself with a curt nod. "I've got things to do. Thanks for the tea, Hagrid."

 As Arthur walked away from Hagrid's hut, a whirlwind of emotions and unanswered questions lingered in the air.

Harry and Ron exchanged puzzled glances as Arthur left Hagrid's hut, leaving an awkward silence in his wake.