“Damn protagonists…” -Cale
“Could we sit here?” a girl with bushy brown hair said along with 2 other boys by her side, Cale blinked up at the girl and then took a breath before putting on a soft smile and relaxing aura. “Sure we don’t mind and I’m sure Professor Lupin wouldn’t mind 3 more as long as you be quiet so as not to wake him” The trio stood there in awe of Cale’s features for a second before embarrassingly turning away with blushing faces and taking their seats.
Hermione the girl with brown hair sat next to Lupin as the redhead Ron sat next to her leaving Harry the other boy to sit next to Choi han. Choi han glanced at Cale who whispered in Korean, <Don’t worry about them, they are no threat I promise you> Choi han visibly relaxed slightly which went unnoticed by the others in the compartment.
Hermione was the first to speak up, “Are you transfer students? I don’t see any colors on your robes and haven’t seen you around” Hermione tried to sound indifferent but it was obvious that had a little crush on one of them due to the fact her cheeks were slightly flushed.
Cale smiled at her and she flushed even more, “Yes! Right sorry for being rude, my name is Cale Henituse. Next to me is Choi han and the cutie in my lap is Raon” Cale held up Raon who meowed enthusiastically as he awed at them and Raon. “Oh, how cute! My name is Hermione Granger I also have a cat named Crookshanks!” he referred to the cat in her lap, Cale smiled and turned to Ron.
“And you are?” Ron seemed surprised to be referred to and stammered before answering, “Ron Weasley…” Cale then thought that Ron was kind of suspicious of him due to his last name since it did sound like pure blood. Cale smiled, “Nice to meet you, Ron” Cale then tilted his head towards Harry who peaked at their interaction.
“And you?” Harry seemed weirded out by the obvious “obliviousness” he was displaying at him but took a breath before answering, “Harry Potter…” Cale did not differ in his response to Harry’s introduction from Ron’s, “Nice to meet you Harry” Cale then laid back in his seat and he heard Harry murmur, “Nice to meet you too Cale…” Cale didn’t respond as he leaned on Choi han’s shoulder.
Cale whispered in Choi han’s ear, <Rest your eyes this will be a long ride, you need your strength.> Choi han responded by resting his head on Cale’s head and snaking a protective arm around Cale’s waist as his breathing evened out and Cale remained awake but seemingly asleep as he waited for the trio to start their info dumping.
Cale turned on his ability Record as he listened to the kids chattering about Harry’s predicament and even a little about Cale and Choi han. “Isn’t it weird that there are 2 new students the year Harry is being hunted by a murderer?” Ron said whsipering still, Hermione scoffed.
“Just because they were nice and new doesn’t mean they’re guilty. What are you gonna say that the new teacher is guilty too?” Ron grimaced at Hermione’s choice of words as he looked away before his face hardened and looked back, “You are just saying that because they’re pretty!” Ron pointed an accusing finger at Hermione who turned red.
“Ronald! That is not my reason! I’m- That’s just evident! Yes, they are but it doesn’t mean anything!” Hermione was basically a tomato with her face getting redder as Ron rolled his eyes. “Yeah, and I bet you wanna shag the redhead” Hermione gasped and quieted herself in an instant, “Says the one who turned as bright as his hair when he said hi to us!” Ron blushed and exploded in denial and the two argued.
Harry shrank in his seat slightly as he glanced at the transfer students, they were pretty especially the boy with the bright blood-red hair, Harry wanted to call him a redhead by his hair color was just not the right color. He wasn’t ginger by a long shot so it felt wrong to say he was a redhead even if he did have red hair when most redheads were more orange in hair color.
The boy who introduced himself as Cale was really pretty in an elegant sense, at first Harry thought he was going to offend Hermione under honey-coated words but he seemed genuine he didn’t mind or he didn’t care. His hair reminded him of blood due to the fact it was so unique and something was telling him it wasn’t dyed, he even smelled good.
Who the hell looks pretty and smells good? Rich people, that’s who. However, the boy with dark hair and black eyes looked foreign not saying that the redhead wasn’t also foreign it was just that he was obviously European or at least some variation that was close to some extext if he didn’t look so pale.
Cale opened his eyes to a chill and frost on the window, he knew what was coming but he didn’t know if Choi han or Raon was prepared so he held them tight as the lights flicked and the carriage buckled shoving everyone out their seat except Choi han who held onto Cale and on reflex held Harry up too.
Harry turned to Choi han in surprise and gratefulness and he said, “Thank you” breathlessly as he tried to breathe normally. Choi han nodded and he carefully let go, “There is no need… just reflex” his voice was young yet he held a hardened look and voice of unwavering firmness that didn’t come from children. Normal children at least.
He couldn’t help but reminisce on the firmness of his arm, it felt like he had muscles underneath, maybe he’s good at quidditch. Harry couldn’t help but see the way the boy’s eyes softened when he looked over to Cale in worry and moved closer, he couldn’t help but feel he was intruding on something intimate.
A chill waffed in the room as it curled around the group making wisps out of the warmth of their breath. Darkness seemed to seep into his mind and eyes as Cale was starting to black out flickers of a mansion and a mass of graves swept his vision before he was ultimately saved by the voices.
Cale! Don’t fall into depravity!
****! Don’t you dare! You’ve already come this far!
Remember we are all right here with you!
We WILL make a sea of *****ing fire if you don’t fight back!
WAHH! Oh Cale! Don’t do it-! Sob-
If you give up who will look after your family!?
If you give in how will you eat all that yummy food!?
If you give up now how- how will you ever get your slacker life!
You’re gonna die on an empty stomach if you continue…
How will you get back home if you give in!
Cale snapped awake as he looked around him, he instinctively curled Raon in his chest and breathed heavily. He whispered, “Raon I’m here I’m here… I got you” The tiny kitten in his arms shook violently as he rubbed his head on his gut to wipe his tears as he shifted to look up at Cale with teary kitten tears.
His little mouth opened and small mews came out as he lifted his paws in the air waiting to be picked up, Cale ever the enabler tucked his hands under his armpits and carried Raon up and onto his shoulder. “Shh…” Cale gently ran his fingers through Raon’s fur as he moved closer to Choi han to whisper in his ear softly.
<Don’t fall Choi han, you need to be by my side. We need you…> Cale whispered as Choi han shook before he turned to him and enveloped Cale in a hug as his hands shook and moved a bit to let Raon move out of the way of Choi han’s arms. Raon moved to Choi han’s shoulder to rub his face in his as Choi han held Cale as if his life was on the line.
Not that Cale would ever put his life in unnecessary danger. “Cale-nim…” Cale looked up to meet Choi han’s eyes to saw tears running down his face and his voice cracked. Cale reached up to wipe away his tears with a soft calm to avoid Choi han becoming unstable and a danger, “We’re not through the worst, you stay by my side. You as well Raon” Choi han’s face hardened at that realization before Cale heard the wind elementals.
Cale! The hooded figures are here!
Chaos, Destruction, Beware!
They’re here!
The cloaked figures of fear are there!
Cale froze as he saw the door be opened by skeletal hands and the fear seeped into his very soul but then it stopped. As if a blanket of warmth was draped over him he settled and held Raon and Choi han close to protect them in some way. A loud thunk was heard as the dementors went away he loosened his grip as he glanced over to the noise.
It was Harry who passed out, Choi han looked and reacted immediately. Jumping out of Cale’s arms as he crouched down to find his pulse, it was rapid but not weak which was for the best. Choi han was then greeted by his friends coming to his aid, “He is alive” Choi han passively said as glanced around before he stood up and went over to Cale.
“Cale-nim, what were those…?” Cale took a breath, “Those were dementors. They are weapons of the wixen community in the U.K. They guard and used for executions if the book I read was right…” Cale said the last part quietly. The kids could not hear over their concern for Harry but Remus, who vainquished the dementors, did and stared for a moment before digging in his pocket.
Cale acted shaken and let Choi han hold him to his chest as he waited for Remus’ offer, “Here. It’s chocolate, for the dementor exposure.” Remus offered a bar of chocolate to Cale who took a good half of it as he broke it into 4 pieces, he offered the biggest to Choi han for obvious reasons and slipped a piece for Raon. He took a small one for himself as he looked up at Remus which should have been genuine soft thankfulness.
“Thank you Mister Lupin” Cale smiled at Remus and Remus nodded, “No problem, only natural to help” Cale lifted his brows in realization or surprise before resting and a smile came on his face. “Yeah…” Cale then looks over to Harry who wakes up soon after, “Ahh! W-what? That scream… what was that.” Cale came over and crouched down with a relaxed expression.
“You seem shaken, here it’s chocolate… Mister Lupin says it's for dementor exposure for brief exposure in this case. They’re guards of your ministry’s prison they’re looking for a convict but here take it, it’ll ease your heart” Cale gave a knowledgable air that was the dominating aura that was just slightly buzzing, not dominating the room but giving confident assurance and capability.
Harry looked up to Cale who gave a relaxed smile and handed it to him, Harry couldn’t help but feel a bit flushed and relaxed at the smell of forest, water, and something else he couldn’t put his finger on. He nodded and took the chocolate as a figure stood behind Cale, “You are very well-versed in dark creatures young man” Remus came behind him as he stood up to look at Remus in the eyes and closer.
Remus’ nose twitched slightly at Cale’s scent, did he smell bad? “Thank you Mister Lupin! I just have an interest in magical creatures… you give me too much credit” Cale offered the image of a bright yet humble academic student. Remus nodded with a knowing smile before as if remembering something he took a step towards the door.
“Apologies for leaving but I will be excusing myself to talk with the conductor” Remus covered his mouth with his fist as he stepped out of the carriage. Cale gave a little smile as he stood up and went over to Choi han and Raon who looked pointedly at him as if he had done something wrong. He lifted his brow in confusion and for a moment they both sighed, “What’s all of this…?” Cale’s index finger circled the duo who looked like they wanted to facepalm.
“Stupid weak human!” Raon meowed at him at the same time as he was even more confused. Cale sighed, “I’m sincerely sorry…” Raon still pointed as he jumped into Cale’s arms and climbed onto Cale’s shoulder. Choi han’s eyes softened at the sight as he stood up as well and Cale looked outside, “Ah we’re here… huh now. What was that spell again?” Cale knew there was a spell for changing clothes and he searched for it until he found it.
Cale slipped his wand into his hand and mumbled as he changed his white dress shirt with a jade brooch of the Henituse crest on his neck replacing the tie, he now has a soft grey cardigan on top and a robe over his shoulders. Choi han was enamored with the demonstration as he thought how quickly Cale got the hang of the magic running through their veins.
Cale looked over to Choi han as he offered, “Would you like me to do the same?” he obstently blinked before nodding. Cale took the initiative to change Choi han’s uniform to match his own but instead of jade, it was onyx black that had a hint of opal and then he pointed his wand to Raon where he put a little bow with a tiny jade brooch to match himself.
Choi han smiled at the detail of his brooch noticing the crest that signaled that he was under Cale’s care, the Henituse name was his own as much as it was Cale’s. Even if it was different. Cale took Choi han’s hand as he turned to the trio, “It was nice to meet you Hermione, Ron, and Harry! However we will be taking our leave, Hope to see you in class!” Cale waved as they stepped out of the carriage.
They entered the hall as they passed other students who seemed unsettled and on edge, and Cale couldn’t blame them, they were children after all. Cale with the aura and scent of nature seemed to turn heads as he walked past making him a spectacle. Cale strained himself to not shrink on himself but the presence of Choi han eased some of the attention.
Choi han may have been young but he was taller than most and his body has not forgotten the years of burdens that he carried on firm shoulders. Cale’s aura gave mystery and an allure that had made most think he was a part veela at first but seeing how he had no veela features there were questions of who he was.
They approached Hagrid who looked down at them and his face brightened, “Ah! Ther’ ye are! The transfr’s go on the boats-! O’ ma’ names Rubeus Hagrid !” Cale smiled, “Nice to meet you Hagrid my name is Cale Henituse and this is Choi han” Cale held his hand to Choi han who waved slightly.
Cale then turned to the boats where Choi han followed behind, Choi han looked at the boys cautiously before Cale took his arm and guided him to the boat where they sat with 2 other boys who looked curiously at them. “You’re…” the blonde-haired boy’s scrunched up in confusion as if looking at a cat doing something weird that doesn’t look right.
The other boy with jet-black hair continued, “Older?” the boy tilted his head inquiry as Cale with a relaxed expression said “We are the new transfer students, we’re in our 3rd year but I heard that the boat ride was a once in lifetime experience so, here we are” Cale smiled and explained in a relaxed tone with a hint of aura to make him a bit more respected.
Cale tucked a piece of his hair behind his ear as he smiled, the scent of nature became evident as rushing water and wooded forest swirled together when they were on the water. “Ohh umm, I’m Atticus Hawthorn…” Cale smiled softly at Atticus’ shy behavior yet he could tell that Hawthorn sounded quite noble.
“My name is Jesse Cooper!” Jesse smiled brightly as he looked up at Cale as if he was going to perform a trick, Cale smiled confidently yet not an arrogant expression. “My name is Cale Henituse and this is Raon” Cale pets Raon who is on his shoulder and purrs in delight as he hops down between Choi han and Cale.
Cale nudges Choi han who blinks for only a second before introducing himself, “My name is Choi han.” Choi han looked shy as he introduced himself. The boys looked at them as if they hung the moon but then the view of Hogwarts took the attention of the children and Cale sighed quietly as he leaned back and hung his arm out the boat letting his hand dip in the lake.
Then something touched him. He jumped in his skin as he froze and he slowly leaned over to look down. He saw the big bulging eyes of a merfolk youngling that couldn’t have been more than a few weeks old… Cale watched as they tried to get his attention. Cale thought the merfolk of the black lake would be uglier, they are there is no denying but in a cute way. Ugly in a cute way.
He reached to scratch between their mane which made them giggle, he leaned a bit closer and noticed more merfolk watching and he used the sound of the wind to whirl the baby merfolk in a quick merry-go-round to distract them so he could take back his hand and shrink on himself. Just a bit.
They soon hit land as Professor McGonagall and Hagrid talk to each other before turning to their boat, “Transfers this’ way!” Choi han holds Cale’s hand as he looks over to him which is his way of telling Cale what to do. Cale turns to the kids, “See you at the sorting ceremony Atticus and Jesse!” he sweetly said as he waved and walked away.
Jesse jumped and waved back, “See you later!” Atticus bowed his head in farewell as he snuck a glance at them one last time before being guided into Hogwarts by Hagrid. “Bye tiny humans! See you later!” Raon, though invisible and speaking to Cale and Choi han’s minds, waved and called back to the children in hopes of seeing them again.
Cale couldn’t help but let his smile soften at Raon and Choi han did the same, “Welcome! It must be a tad weird to be sittin’ with folk younger than ye isn't it?” Cale nodded passively, “You could say that Hagrid” Cale had forgotten how it was the be dawerfed in size to someone else.
It reminded him of Toonka but probably friendlier, “Cale-nim… where are we going?” Cale felt a tug on his robe as he looked back to Choi Han, who kept a tight grip, he looked nervous. “Yes, weak human where will we be going? Raon asked the same question which made it easier for Cale to answer both while not looking like he was talking to air.
“The sorting ceremony as I’ve been told where everyone else will be sorted into houses decided by some sort of test or aptitude test” Cale answers plainly like it's common knowledge and Choi han stays quiet for a moment before asking. “Aptitude test? As in finding a person's ability in skill or field?” Cale nodded, “Exactly.”
“Oh, is that what an aptitude test is? Cool!” Raon says as they continue to walk and Cale bumps into Hagrid who doesn’t seem to notice, “Come and step in!” Hagrid opened a door to the great hall where they were guided to the front high table where the professors sit. Cale stood relaxed and confident as he walked with Choi han who followed behind by his side surveying every exit and window as if he was in danger.
Cale gave his best scammer smile as he was in front of the table, “Welcome young transfers please have a seat before your sorting” Dumbledore said as he pointed to the seats next to them on the high table. “Thank you for everything headmaster” Cale knew he shouldn’t be buddy-buddy with Dumbledore. He is an opportunistic manipulator who will take advantage of anyone whose worth a damn.
Choi han followed Cale to the seats but he didn’t sit down, professor Flitwick tilted his head forward to stare at Choi han. “We won’t be sitting here for long,” Cale said which solidified his decision to stand up by Cale’s side, Cale made no move to correct it, by his knowledge he was going to be in danger in this damn school so he let it continue.
Students eventually came in and took a seat as they ogled at the pair who sat on a separate table and finally, the first years came in and looked in awe at the great hall. Dumbledore rises from his seat and looks over the sea of students, “Welcome! Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few things to say before we become befuddled by our excellent feast.”
Dumbledore then paused before adding his own opinion, “I myself am particularly looking forward to the flaming kiwi cups, which, while somewhat treacherous for those of us with facial hair…” McGonagall clears her throat and Dumbledore continues his speech, “Mm. Yes. First, I'm pleased to welcome Professor R.J. Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts. Good luck to you, Professor.”
An appease rang out as Dumbledore continued, “As some of you may know, Professor Kettleburn, our Care of Magical Creatures teacher for many years, has decided to retire to spend more time with his remaining limbs. Fortunately, I'm delighted to announce that his place will be filled by none other than our own Rubeus Hagrid!”
Hagrid flushes red rises from his seat and nearly topples the staff table, sending goblets of water weaving on the table. Dumbledore then turned grave, “On a more disquieting note, Hogwarts at the request of the Ministry of Magic will, until further notice, play host to the Dementors of Azkaban.”
Dumbledore then warns them, “The Dementors will be stationed at the entrances to the grounds. While they are under strict orders not to enter the castle itself, you will on occasion see them as you go about your daily activities. Under no circumstances are you to approach them. It is not like a Dementor to be forgiving.”
Dumbledore said solemnly as he suddenly lit up disturbingly as he turned to Cale and Choi han, “To leave on a lighter note we have gotten TWO new transfer students! Come mister Choi han” Choi han seemed to still as he was called. Choi han glanced at Cale for something to approve of the action, Cale nodded as he gave a comforting smile.
Choi han walked with a straight back and alert as Dumbledore guided him to sit down and placed the sorting hat on his head, Choi han stilled when it talked to him but then it reminded him of how Raon communicates so he relaxed ever so slightly. The hat talked to Choi han quietly and in his mind, it was weird and offputting.
A soldier, a loyal one at that, but brave enough to walk straight into your death. If that isn’t Gryffindor behavior I don’t know what is, ha! Choi han wanted to squirm but he didn’t want to show weakness in front of Cale after he failed him when he needed it most. He will not fold. A mind that has gone through trials of great harrow.
“A… GRYFFINDOR is what you’d be!” The Gryffindor table shouted in glee as they welcomed a new lion to their den. Choi han turned back to Cale who smiled and mouthed something before he heard Roan say it for him. “Human says keep on the “Harry boy” human and make sure to be friendly with your roommates!”
Choi han gave a small nod as he headed down to the table, “Cale Henituse come down!” Dumbledore then called his name as he smiled and headed to the stool where the sorting hat was placed on his head. Huh, a master, a father, a son, a hero yet a cunning mind… deceit falls from your tongue even when the deceit is nowhere to be found, when it's genuine. Truly a resourceful commander, I will keep your secrets just as I have done for the soldier.
“You would fit in SLYTHERIN!” Cale watched as the Slytherin table roared in cheers as he looked back at the high table where some faces looked forced but he simply gave a polite smile as he walked down to the green-bannered table. Dumbledore then turns to the rest, “Let the first year sorting commence!” Cale heard as children were called up one by one.
He sat down and ate ignoring the stares at his form but it wasn’t until a voice called to him did he turn around over to the rest of the table of Slytherins, “You, who are you?” Cale looked to see a platinum blonde who stood with his nose in the air. Cale pulled out a porcelain smile, “You must have heard before didn’t you? I’m sure the whole school knows my name. How about you introduce yourself, stranger.”
The blonde’s face twisted in irritation and calmed himself for a moment, “I am Draco Malfoy! Heir of the Malfoy name and Marquis house, now who are you?” Draco leaned down towards Cale but Cale stood up as well. His smile turns sharp as he uses just enough of the dominating aura to be intimidating, “My name is Cale Henituse first son of the Henituse duchy. Now Draco, be a doll and sit down for me.” Draco flushed.