Aftermath of Sacrifice
Harry and Draco stared at the mishmash pair talking so close to each other that it left a sour taste in their mouths. Harry realizing this shook his head, it's not like he should want to control Cale’s every step, that would be beyond selfish. He didn’t want Cale to look at him differently after having such a positive image of him, he had to keep it close to his heart.
So he tried to ignore it but with the questions Madame Pomfrey offered their answers seemed vague, mostly about Cale’s biology. Was Cale not human? Or at least completely human? That could explain why Cale had odd features and abilities. Maybe he was veela? That didn’t line up with his appearance at all and besides he didn’t feel compelled to get closer to Cale so it couldn’t be that.
While Harry was thinking he heard Draco mutter something that he could hear just a bit, “Nymph” What was a nymph? Was that a creature? A being? Was Cale a half-breed or something? Before he concluded his thoughts he was shooed off by Madame Pomfrey, “Now go Mr. Potter you may return to class. Mr. Malfoy will be with you soon.”
She dismissed him and deciding to find out what Draco said he waited, “Malfoy! What did you mean by nymph? Were you talking about Cale?” Draco honestly seemed surprised to see Harry and scowled at him. “What? You think I would just expose him like that huh, Potter?” Draco was practically whispering and scolding Harry.
He was confused and his face showed it but Draco glared at him before turning away, “Wa-wait! What do you mean!?” Draco ignored him as they made it to their class and they were welcomed back by Professor Snape like any year with Professor Snape is with Harry Potter in the same class.
Back in the Hospital wing, the first thing Cale heard when he woke up was Raon, “Weak human wake up it's time!” Cale’s eyes fluttered open as he was met with Raon’s little cat face on top of him giving excited meows, “Hello to you too Raon” he reached up to scratch his head and purred as he curled closer to Cale who sat up too fast and needed a second to recuperate.
“Cale-nim it's-” Choi han took a moment to look at the clock again before saying, “11:33” Cale hummed as he scooted out of the bed as Raon crawled on his back and onto his shoulder. “Thank you Choi han, Raon, for waking me up” Cale stretched out his arms to the ceiling as he cracked his neck, “No problem weak human!”
“Let’s get going you two-” Cale took a moment to yawn as Choi han went to his side and smiled, “Right” he nodded as he made their way to the great hall. However, before they made it back Choi han remembered something, “Ah Cale-nim I must have forgotten!” Choi han dug in his robe pocket to find the pocket watch that Cale had given him.
“Oh I forgot all about that, thank you Choi han” Cale smiled warmly at Choi han, “No problem Cale-nim” Choi han bashfully said as he glanced away at Cale’s smile. Cale raised his brow slightly at Choi han’s reaction but brushed it off as he approached the great hall’s door, before they opened the doors he turned to Choi han, “Choi han?”
Choi han turned to him quickly as he waited in silence for his order, “Don’t bring attention to yourself and reflect on what I told you before, look after yourself as well” Cale thought his request was quite low but Choi han looked at him funny before sighing, “Of course Cale-nim, and please listen to your own words as well” Choi han sadly smiled. “Yeah, weak human listen to the strong Choi han…”
Cale tilted his head in inquiry as he brushed it off as just Choi han and Raon being weird. He nodded halfheartedly, “Of course. Who do you think I am?” Cale said with some annoyance in his tone, it was like Choi han didn’t even know him and Raon is being an echo of Choi han’s sentiments. Of course he would take care of himself, that's why he’s here in the first place.
“Yes Cale-nim, I know, I know” Choi han sighed in resignation as Cale pouted at Choi han’s plain answer as if he was giving up on a child’s firm stance. “Stupid weak human…” Raon murmured under his breath but given it was in his mind he could hear it clearly. He wanted to roll his eyes but seeing how he couldn’t be mean or bully a (his) child he would let it slide.
Cale simply huffed as he opened the doors and a handful of eyes landed on him but he ignored the waves of eyes as he made it to the Slytherin table. He then saw the hesitant eyes of Atticus as he glanced at Cale, “Hello small tiny human!” Raon meowed at Atticus and hopped down to the floor. Cale’s eyes softened as he sat next to Atticus and Raon curled at his feet, “Hello Atticus, how have you been?”
Atticus blinked before his cheeks warmed and stammered for a second before greeting Cale, “I’ve been well Henituse. I heard about the incident in the morning…” Atticus inched his hand to Cale’s and Cale decided to indulge him by holding his hand as a way to comfort him.
It was obvious he was worried about Cale’s accident that morning so he wanted to comfort him, “It wasn’t serious, just a bit of blood, nothing more” Cale attempted to be reassuring but it just made Atticus more worried. “Blood? I wasn’t aware there was blood…” Cale realized his mistake and sighed, “I have a naturally weak body so what could be why… but I’m glad you care enough to ask” Cale smiled sweetly as he squeezed his hand.
Atticus flushed slightly as he scooted a little closer, “It was really not a problem. I am glad you are well now, right? You are fine now right?” Cale smiled, “Of course I am, I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t” Atticus studied his face as if searching for a lie but after a moment sighed in contentment with what he saw as plausible and content with what he found.
Cale was glad that he was able to ease Atticus’ worries, he didn’t need them as much as other people. “It seems I have distracted you from your meal, I apologize…” Cale raised his brow and let go of his hand and placed his hand on his shoulder, “There is no need to apologize I’m sure we both distracted each other, please eat it’s quite fine” Cale smiled encouragingly as Raon meowed at his feet, “Listen to the weak human, tiny human!”
Cale almost laughed at Raon’s echo of sentiments but kept his composure as he pushed a plate closer to Atticus, “Let’s not waste more time than we have” Cale smiled at him as he nodded slightly and gave a small smile, “I will. Thank you Henituse” Atticus took his spoon and dipped it into the gravy onto his mashed potatoes.
He would admit it did look appetizing so he took a small portion of steak, potatoes, and green beans since he knew Raon was watching him so he would pick up on good habits. “Children should eat their greens too so they can grow strong,” Cale said off-handedly, especially so Raon can protect his weak self.
Atticus perked at Cale’s comment and saw that he didn’t have any greens on his plate and so he subtly put some on his plate he then glanced at Cale for something. “... I have to do that right? I’ll eat those to be big and strong weak human!” Raon pawed at his legs as he climbed up and onto the space next to him, “Good” Cale softly said and Atticus preened at the comment.
Cale ate passively but after taking a few bites he couldn’t help but miss Beacrox’s cooking, he couldn’t help but compare the two! He just really misses it… but he shouldn’t be complaining, any food was good food and he wouldn’t be ungrateful. Once he had finished he excused himself, “Well I should be going to my next class, I hope to see you around Atticus” Cale smiled as he bent down to his ear.
He flushed and he nodded, “Yes. See you around Henituse…” Atticus puffed his cheeks which reminded him of Raon. Cale petted his head softly as he stood upright and waved at Atticus as he caught Choi han quickly excusing himself to follow Cale. Raon had climbed up and onto his shoulder and curled into himself.
Cale petted Raon who seemed to be just begging for attention and gave it to him, Choi han caught up quickly to his side as he took the note that Cale wrote for him, “Cale-nim you have Defense against dark magic? Or well Dark arts.”
Cale thought for a moment before nodding, “Yes I do we share a class” Cale passively before remembering a detail, “Oh right Remus is teaching this class” Choi han blinked at this comment and thought for a moment before realization came across his face and lights up, ‘The man in the train right Cale-nim?” Choi han knew that Remus wasn’t completely human and that’s why he seemed to favor him.
It was probably due to the fact that he reminds him of Lock their wolf tribe family and maybe he sensed it, but that was a long shot of an idea so he’ll lay that to rest. “Yes he is and we’ll be helping him” Choi han perked at looked over to Cale with a complicated expression before sighing, “How are we helping?” Cale then realized he didn’t explain Remus’ situation.
“Choi han.” Choi han seemed to still at Cale’s words and almost stopped but Cale looked at him back at him questioningly but he quickly caught up to his side. Shoulder to shoulder Choi han got closer so Cale wouldn’t have to be as loud or get his attention, then Cale thought for extra precaution he wouldn’t speak English.
<Remus is similar to Lock, they have a berserk mode like the first time Lock did> Choi han beamed at him with the use of Korean and the realization of Remus’ identity and whispered back, <Like Lock? If he's like Lock, why would he need our help? He should- he must be strong right?> Cale hummed in confirmation but then sighed making Choi han flinch slightly.
<However, unlike Lock Remus is not able to control it, and with the transformation it is regulated with the moon. Every full moon he enters the transformation and cannot control himself and is a danger to everyone and everything.> Choi han’s eyes widened and shook, <So you're saying that he... can never be in control? How can I help him?>
Cale gave a little sad smile, <That's a problem for the future. For now, focus on your studies. I'll find out how we’ll help him.> Cale said firmly and Choi han’s eyes softened. <Don't carry this burden alone. You can ask for help at any time Cale-nim> Choi han took Cale’s shoulder carefully and tried to be firm but quickly melted away when Cale gave him a bland look.
He brushed Choi han’s hand off his shoulder as Raon decided he had enough, “Humans no more secreting!” Cale could practically see Raon’s dragon face pout at them but instead it was Raon the temporary cat that decided to bat his head for attention. “Sorry Raon” Cale sighed at his youngest’s antics, “Yes sorry Raon” Choi Han said as well a little pathetically.
“No more secret languaging!” Cale sighed and nodded, “Of course Raon” Choi Han nodded as they made it to the door of the Dark Arts classroom, “Open it will you?” Cale was just a little petty to get back at what Choi han said. Choi han wouldn’t know what to do if Cale didn’t explain certain things about this world and so it was less than likely to actually find an answer.
He only felt a bit patronizing that Choi han would say that he needed to sort this out on his own. He was the one who dragged them here, he was the one to get them out, and he was the one to make things right.
Choi han opened the door with ease as Cale stepped in with him following behind, only a few students were in, and there in the front of the classroom was Remus Lupin in his patchwork robe glory. Cale smiled at Remus and he quickly shot up to Cale, “Hello Mr. Henituse and Mr. Choi it’s good to see you all good and well” Choi han seemed to soften at Remus in sympathy.
“We- I did have a little incident this morning but nothing came of it” Cale smiled enthusiastically with a pep in his step as they made it to the front of the class and took a seat. “How has Hogwarts treated you?” Remus seemed to notice the ties and a wave of confusion came across his face but quickly schooled his expression into one more passive.
He smiled politely like his mind wasn’t in a state of disarray of the boy who so brightly shines like a Hufflepuff and ended up with the snakes of the dungeons. He tucked that thought for a restless night as the boy whose scent had a strong force of calm settled him. This boy’s scent had given him serenity and the calmest sleep he had in a very long time until the dementors came along.
“Hogwarts has treated me like any other student” Cale smiled cheerily at him as he settled on his seat, propped his elbows up and crossed his hands, and set his chin on his fingers. “How have you been, Mister?” Remus stared blankly for a second as if looking for an answer before nodding lazily, “Yes life has been treating me well” Cale could tell that was a very fabricated truth but to preserve his character he would ignore it.
Cale hummed and Remus turned to Choi han, “How has Hogwarts treated you Mr. Choi?” Choi han for a second is surprised at being referred to but shakes it off quickly, “It has been… very new. I’ll be okay” Choi han awkwardly but honestly claimed as he glanced at Cale.
Cale hooks his leg with Choi han’s which makes him flinch and flush before concluding that he said the right thing, “I see… well I hope you are treated well while you are here” Remus smiles as he steps away from their table and leaves them to themselves.
They stayed there for a moment before Cale took the extra parchment in his robe along with the inkwell, “Here while you listen you can take notes in the Western continent’s language or Korean, just get your notes and if you don’t understand ask me” Choi han nodded as he took the parchment and inkwell that Cale offered.
More students filtered in and sat into the class and finally the class started with Remus stepping up to the class, “Welcome! I’m sure you’ve heard but let me introduce myself one more time, my name is Remus J Lupin. You may call me Professor Lupin” Cale hummed and a chorus of confirmations of “okay” and other confirmations.
Remus nods slightly as he starts with the lesson, “To start I would like to state, that I expect you to treat each and every individual in this class. The professors, employees, and your peers all treat them the way you would wish yourself to be treated. Rudeness will not be tolerated, especially in assignments.” Remus sternly as he moved on to the next subject.
Cale nodded lazily, it was the most basic standard in a classroom and every social interaction. Remus continued, “Now that’s out the way, in this class for the rest of the year we will be discussing and learning about the Fear of the Conscious.” Remus leaned back on the desk in the front and Cale couldn’t help but see why others would trust him.
Remus had a weird yet endearing feeling to him that gave a relaxed air that meshed smoothly with his compassionate nature and created a layer of trust, there was honesty and acceptance. It was probably due to his condition that made him so understanding was unwavering, and he could see the good in everyone.
Though Cale couldn’t understand it he thought it was admirable, “Conscious fear can be tangible things that have physical forms but the difference is when it comes down to it, it’s how they are viewed.” Remus then looked back at his desk and picked up a paper in his hand, “Such as this paper. Regular, nothing else to view but when it's written on when there’s nothing in sight not even a quill. That would be unnerving.”
Remus then placed the paper back on his desk, leaning forward he took a step toward the class. “Last year fears were specific items or creatures that cannot be questioned. However, what we will be learning Fear of the Conscious is more open to interpretation for the individual.”
Remus scanned the class and seemed to linger on the mismatched pair of ties at the front of the room, Cale and Choi han. Cale smiled and gave a little wave which made his face soften, he then continued with expanding on the subject.
“This of course means this focuses more on how the mind interprets fears that fall under what we will be introducing this year in this class” Remus then continues, “Take for example acrophobia, commonly known as fear of heights which raises questions about how we interpret "high" and whether we assign a specific distance for people to be afraid of heights.”
“Is it absurd for someone with severe acrophobia to avoid climbing ladders or step ladders in their own home?” Remus asks this question to the class right after his explanation, it causes little whispers to go across the room answering the questions and comments that spread throughout the class.
Remus observed them all as he noticed Choi han taking notes and came to look over them, “What language is that Mr. Choi han? Enlighten me” Choi han quickly looked up and seemed to be flighty and ready to get to his legs but then there was a tug on his leg that grounded him.
Choi han glanced at Cale who raised his brow with a little glare that was a warning and kept their legs hooked, “It’s Korean…” Choi han quietly said and ducked his head down. Remus smiled and nodded, “Ah it did seem slightly familiar… thank you for informing me, Mr. Choi” Remus nodded and walked back up to the class.
“To continue the discussion of the Fear of the Conscious is much different than Fear of the Physical which was last year, it is perhaps which so many people struggle to discuss these fears.” Remus paced around the front of the class almost at a restless pace but seemed to regulate himself enough to seem relaxed.
However, it seemed forced if you knew where to look, thankfully a person of Cale’s profession would have no problem spotting them like it was clear as day. “The amount of interpretation that goes in, the level at which these fears are completely individualized to the person who suffers from the fear, makes them difficult to discuss.”
Remus then stopped in the middle, front and center, he took a breath and gave a relaxed smile. “We will go over everything we can, we will be looking at many tangible creatures and only tangible creatures that in most cases will fall under the Fear of the Physical.”
He put his hands behind his back as his shoulders finally dropped down, “That said you must be aware that in some cases, what you will experience will be highly individualized. It is also important to remember that some fears that may appear to be physical are also open to interpretation”
Remus straightened his back as his eyes roamed each desk from front to back and landed on the interesting duo in the front, “Therefore, for this class, we will be completely separating Physical and Conscious fears by the keyword that goes with Fear of the Conscious: interpretation. If there is any room for interpretation, it will fall under Fear of the Conscious and therefore… class dismissed.”
Everyone rose from their seats and they all practically jumped out of their seats and ran out of the classroom. Cale unhooked his leg and stood and lazily elegantly, “Come on” Cale glanced towards Remus and smiled, “Thank you for your time Mister” Raon meowed loudly as he pawed the air as a cute wave.
That made Remus smile and almost snorted but thankfully he was able to smother it with his hand, “No thank you, Mr. Henituse have a good day. You as well little Raon” Remus waved and Raon beamed at the attention he was getting from him and meowed louder.
Cale smiled and then turned away and by the time he did Choi Han had gathered his things and caught up to Cale. “What do you have next Cale-nim?” Choi han took Cale’s hand and walked out of the room, Cale ran through Record to find his schedule and replied. “I have Charms, you?” Choi han seemed to deflate at the realization that they have a different class, “Herbology…”
“Oh we have different classes, take Raon with you Choi han” Cale took Raon off his shoulder and held him out from his armpits, “Here.” Cale held out Raon and Choi han stared at them and couldn't help but coo at the pair. Cale’s relaxed aloof expression while Raon being held by his armpits, his tail swaying in a playful nature, his little cute face almost coming into a dopey smile that only a cat could have.
Choi han smiled as he took Raon into his arms and cradling him, “Cale-nim are you sure? I can’t protect you if we’re apart and Raon can’t protect you if you’re apart.” Choi han stepped closer to Cale with doubt on his face, Cale sighed. “I’ll be fine, this castle is quite literally designed to protect their students. I will be fine, I’ll even walk you to your class” Raon jumped out of Choi han’s arm and onto his shoulder.
Choi han sighed, “Okay Cale-nim” Cale took Choi han’s hand as he led him to the greenhouse outside, Choi han looked around and marveled at his surroundings. “I’ll come to pick you up after, don’t go anywhere.” Choi han nodded and took Cale’s hand and held it to his cheek, <Be nice don’t cause any conflicts, be careful and don’t say whole truths, half truths are are not lies>
Choi han rested his cheek in Cale’s hand before letting go, <Yes Cale-nim> Cale smiled, “Good now I’ll see you soon” Cale turned around as Raon meowed at Cale’s back. “Bye weak human! Don’t die or I’ll destroy the castle and everything!” Raon said cheerily and pawed the air as a cute wave.
Cale couldn't help but smile at them both as he gave a wave back and headed towards his Charms class, passing stairs and courtyards. He then passed an office and found his way in front of the door of Charms. He opened the door to see their dearest charming, Professor Flitwick standing on some books smiling at every student that came in.
“Welcome! Welcome! Come sit everyone!” The cheery Professor then spotted Cale coming in and taking a seat near the front, “Oh why hello! You must be the transfer student this year” Flitwick practically beamed at Cale and he softly smiled, “Yes I am Cale Henituse, it’s nice to meet you Mister…? Sorry, what is your name Mister?” Cale tilted his head with genuine curiosity at Flitwick.
“Ah well my name is Filius Flitwick, Professor Flitwick at your service!” Flitwick held out his hand to shake and he hesitated before he could pull back Cale smiled at him and shook his hand, “Nice to meet you Mister- oh sorry Professor Flitwick” Cale apologetically with his slip up which wasn’t accidental really.
“Oh don’t apologize you may call me Mister if you feel inclined to” Flitwick reassured him and Cale smiled, “Thank you Mister Flitwick, I’m sure I’ll love your class” Flitwick beamed and walked away, “I hope I live to your expectations Mr. Henituse!” Cale soon was joined at his seat by Draco.