Chapter 16
The story is Connell Edmund Murphy is a genius, he is so smart that he was accepted into a prestigious overseas school and the school is so generous that they allowed Aine admission also as one of their policies. Also, It wasn’t a hard story to believe, Connell is very smart- he doesn’t have to try very hard to study, he’s good at most sports and overall an outstanding character.
Connell remembers his first few incidents of magic- like in primary school it was his job to pick up Aine from her classroom, then meet their mother at the front gates. One day, he noticed she was still in the classroom when it had mostly cleared out even the teacher, he decided to investigate and noticed another young boy withholding her jacket and making her cry. He really only remembers thinking ‘get away from her’ as the boy was suddenly pushed onto the floor- don’t worry there was carpet. In that moment, he thought Aine had actually stood up for herself, so he quickly walked over tugged her jacket away from the crying boy and left.
The next time wouldn’t happen till his 8th birthday, it was when his father started traveling more for work, but he promised him that he would take him and his mates to the biggest boxing match of the year.
‘I don’t understand- you promised.’
‘I know.. granda will take you-‘
‘but I wanted you-‘
‘Connell. Sometimes things don’t work out the way you want.’
‘….’
‘I have to go. I love – ‘Connell slammed the phone on the receiver and ran to his room. He remembered how hot the tears were. He remembered thinking repeatedly ‘its not fair!’, shoving his face into his pillow- he was so angry the lightbulb in his room shattered. His mother was scared she thought something was wrong with the electrical, she had their grandfather look when he came. But Connell knew that it was done by him.
After that he tried to keep his emotions in check, with a side of experimenting. it seemed like if he had big reactions to things the more out of control his ‘problem’ would get. It was an easy secret to keep, but still exhausting. Although whatever was wrong with him was intriguing, he was also scared of what would happen if he told his parents, would they send him away? His fears were put to bed when Professor McGonagall appeared shortly after his11th birthday. It was unbelievable at first, his parents were confused but in the middle of his future teacher speech he admitted the truth to them.
That was the first time Connell felt a distance from his family. Me vs them.
It was the truth; he wasn’t like them and as much as he wanted to be here at home. He must go to Hogwarts.
Its lonely being a muggleborn, there is always a wall separating you from everyone else- pureblood, half-bloods it didn’t make sense to him. Until he has a run in with Cassius Warrington, biggest prat ever- Connell only asked for directions but Warrington was so disgusted by the act of Connell talking to him he had said:
‘Figure it out yourself- Mudblood.’ Connell didn’t know what it meant, but by the way his cronies were laughing it wasn’t anything good. So, he did what any sensible person would do when they are called presumably a slur and began to hit him with the biggest textbook from his bag. Thankfully, Charlie Weasley was around and pulled the boys apart- when the situation was explained only one detention was given and it wasn’t to Connell.
It was a reminder to Connell to control his emotions, it was hard it seemed like constant build up of frustrations here and there. No peers, can barely write home and will never be good enough here or there- he felt less isolated when Aine started showing signs of magic, it was small but he could notice it and he repeated in his head ‘Least in a few years, ill have Aine with me’.
Oliver Wood came out of nowhere; he was a bit annoying but in his 3rd year he tracked down 2nd year Connell basically begging him to do trials for quidditch.
‘you’re strong, can fly well and we need players!’ to shut him up he did it. He was surprised that he was actually good at it, started off as a chaser then beater then seeker, he didn’t have a preference just played whatever he was told too. ‘Jack of all trades’ is what Oliver called him, after he had made the team Oliver stuck like glue. At first, he thought it was some weird hazing thing and Oliver was just taking the mick out of him, but he had genuinely wanted to be friends with him.
The more time they spent together, the more they found out how much they had in common, and he helped Connell be more social which helped Connell mental health a lot. He made a lot of friends, but he enjoyed being with Oliver the most, Oliver made him happy... and feel safe. As the years went by Connell realized what he felt for Oliver was different but-
“Connell.” The lights flickered in his room causing him to open his eyes, his dad was standing in the doorway.
“Yea?” he asked in a sleepy tone, turning his head towards the clock that read 7:30 am, he held in a groan – he’s supposed to be on holiday.
“Get dressed. Something warm, leaving in 15.” His father instructed. No point in asking questions, he just did it. He could tell things were still tense from the night before, It was quiet in the house. Walking downstairs he noticed his dad holding an orange cooler and 2 fishing rods, he was wearing a slightly thicker jacket than Connell, but he didn’t feel like changing.
“Where’s ma and Aine?” He asked.
“Picking up Cathy and nan” His father responded as they headed towards the door, that meant they took the car, so they were walking to the docks.
‘dam this gonna be my whole day’ Connell resisted sucking his teeth and walked silently along side his father. It was cold, and empty there only one old guy named joe who ran the docks who they gave polite hellos too. His father sat in a chair that was empty, Connell sat directly on the dock leaving his legs to dangle, after the poles were set up his dad handed him one, then reached into the cooler and pulled out a hot coffee and sandwich and gave it to him.
“Thanks” it was quiet for a full 30 minutes before his father spoke again.
“Your mother worries a lot. Last night was hectic” Papa Murphy began, Connell kept staring at the water it was calm except for the occasional little ripple.
“…I think I’ve always know you would do great things; I think you’re too much like me when I was younger. If you want this, I can’t stop you... Mom just gets lonely and overthinks. Don’t worry about it though she’s my wife ill talk her off the ledge.” As he kept talking Connell gelt his face heat up, he could describe it as an embarrassing feeling but maybe he just didn’t know how to react to his father’s lecture. This is probably the most he’s talked consecutively in his whole life.
“don’t be ashamed of what you want, or what you feel. It’s your life and I’ll be proud whatever choice you make. To live in this world or in the other, you’re still my son and we are still a family. Nothing will ever change that.” Papa Murphy finished, standing up he had caught something and began to reel it in. Connell grabbed a net and outstretched his arm towards the wriggling fish, trapping it so it had no escape.
His dad let out a hearty laugh as he strung up the fish on the side of the dock and looked at Connell.
“You know the rules...now you gotta catch one.” He said in usual gruff voice, but it had a hint of something mischievous in his tone. They got back in their positions, and began the slow wait again in the cold, Connell let his mind wander about – Oliver, School, his family.
“Dad..Thank you.” He murmured quietly as his father just grunted in response.
It was nearly 3pm when Papa Murphy decided it was time to go home, in total they had caught 8 fishes. His father listened as he randomly chattered about school and complained about the cold.
“I told you to dress warm.” Papa Murphy teased.
“Ya but I didn’t think we’d be out all day.. and what are we gonna do with 8 fishes?-“ As Connell turned the knob into the dark house all the lights suddenly flashed on and his sister, mom and grandmother screamed surprise at him.
“Oh! So that’s what you all were planning!” Connell jumped back into his dad who secured his shoulders as he clutched the fishes harder. He noticed a small flash again and looked into that direction, seeing Oliver Wood and his other mates. Oliver had a camera and was laughing at him.
“Happy Birthday mate!” Oliver threw his arm over his shoulder and pointed the camera towards the 2 of them and took another picture.
“Ollie, at least turn off the flash!” he laughed as he pushed him off, Oliver smiled sheepishly that made a twinge happen in Connells stomach.
“Forgive me Con.” Oliver replied.
“its alright”