Ottery St. Catchpole

[G. Novella]

Arthur looked at the clothes, and every fiber of his body wanted to burn them, they were that filthy. He knew, however, sentimental value of the clothes you carried. It's why he'd never tossed his clothes from his parents. He looked around, and then grabbed a bag.

"Toss them in here, we can wash them in the morning," he said, "For now, finish the soup and cocoa. I don't want you getting a fever. If you want more, just grab some from the pot, it's all for you anyways. And there's two dinner rolls under that bowl. Freshly heated."

[kumainpink]

"Okay." Timmy said, a little surprised. He figured that Arthur wouldn't want to go to all the extra trouble. But the thought of food stopped him from thinking too deeply about it. "Thanks a lot! It smells really good!" he then washed his hands, and proceeded to get himself a bowl of soup, and his two rolls. He was so excited that he nearly spilled it, but managed to stop himself just in time. Beaming, he sat down at the table and took a small sip of his cocoa. It was sweet, but not too sweet. "You didn't have to do all this for me." he mumbled, after eating a bit of his soup. "Not that I don't appreciate it, but...why would you do so much for a stranger?"

[G. Novella]

Arthur looked at Timmy, a bit surprised, and pleased, that the kid had the sense to question him. It also upset him that Timmy was smart enough to question strangers. Arthur wasn't a fool however, and realized that this would probably be the most important answer he'd ever have to give Timmy. He looked over Timmy for a bit, his gaze steady.

"When I was nine, I got bit," said Arthur, sipping his coffee, "After that, my life changed completely. I went from happy kid, to living here with my grandmother. My family didn't want a werewolf in the home, so they packaged me off. Moving in with my grandmother was alright, I had some space, but it was lonely. I grew up fast around here. So when you came around, it's similar to what happened to me, worse actually. I know what being alone and feeling abandoned is like. And I don't want the same for you Timmy. So, I'll find you some place comfortable to stay, and some place you won't need to grow up so fast. It's the least I can do after the failure that was today. It's my fault you ended up back in that hole, and I shouldn't have left you like that."

[kumainpink]

Timmy regarded him in silence, as he took the time to process Arthur's story. In ways, it sounded like his own. "I got bit two weeks before my tenth birthday." he said, feeling that he should explain himself a little. "My parents...they seemed fine with it at first. They took care of me and watched over me every full moon. Always made sure I got wolfsbane. But after the third month, a distant cousin convinced them to give me to the Ministry." he shivered at the thought, having heard stories about the so-called retreat. "I-I ran away, and moved around once in a while. Always working and saving for the potion."

He smiled sadly. "I had some good times, you know. It wasn't all that bad. But nobody ever wanted to help me. So, thank you." he paused to take another few bites of his soup. "You didn't do me wrong, so don't be upset about that. You thought I was fine."

[G. Novella]

"Thanks," said Arthur, processing Timmy's story. He'd been lucky that his parents had just wanted to hide him away and ignore the werewolf story. To go to the ministry retreat... The very idea made him sick. "No one's going to send you packing here, and if they do, they'll have to answer to me. You can stay here until I find you a proper home. It's just me and my grandma here, and she stays downstairs. Her memory's going, and she doesn't really do well with people, so try and avoid her. Keep the doors locked wherever you are, she wanders." Arthur said this all grimly, and with an air of seriousness.

Then he ruffled Timmy's hair in a rare show of affection, he was starting to like the kid, "And your not allowed to thank me for helping you. If you're going to stay here for a while, you're going to be kept busy."

[kumainpink]

Timmy's eyes glimmered with happiness. "I think I can do that." He felt a tickle and his nose and sniffled. "And I'll earn my keep, I promise! I'm a good worker!"

[G. Novella]

"But its temporary," reminded Arthur, "I don't want you inconvenienced here. Now finish eating, and I'll show you around the place."

[kumainpink]

Timmy didn't think he was going to be "inconvenienced" here, but he decided not to argue and enjoy his food. He made sure not to be too slow, but he did eat an extra bowl, savoring the tasty broth. Once he was finished, he drank up his cocoa and put his dishes in the sink. "Okay, I'm ready."

[G. Novella]

"Alright," said Arthur, having enjoyed watching Timmy savor the meal. "This here is the kitchen. Plates are in the cupboard to the left, and the bowls. Cups are in the drawer to the right. Don't touch the stove, it's locked to me. So if you want to eat, just ask me. The pantry's locked as well, but it can be opened with the key, I'll show you where it is. That drawer by the sink has cutlery, again, needs a key."

He walked to the garden door. A big red door, with two coats hanging by it.

"That leads out to the backyard. Not much out there, some grass, a few shovels, a small vegetable garden, but you can play out there if you want. I think I have a ball, and there may be an old broomstick in the garden shed," said Arthur, "You want to take a peek?"

[kumainpink]

Timmy perked up at the mention of a broom. Though he hadn't been allowed to own one, his father used to take him for rides all the time! "Yes! I'd love to!"

[G. Novella]

"Alright, come on," said Arthur, slipping on his shoes, and handing Timmy a pair of his galoshes, which were far too big for the kid anyways. He grabbed the first coat, a warm, wintery coat, and threw it over Timmy, again, it was far too big, and pulled the light fall sweater over himself. He opened the garden door for Timmy with a smile.

[kumainpink]

Arthur hadn't been lying. There really wasn't much, but it was still nice. The yard was neatly trimmed, and the vegetables seemed to be growing just fine - it wouldn't be long before they were picked. It had a fence around it, but even closed off, Timmy could see himself playing one of his games out here. Maybe even practice some of the spells he picked up on his last trip. He'd still have to work to provide for himself, so that he wouldn't be a burden, but now he had somewhere safe to play.

"This is brilliant." he said honestly.

[G. Novella]

"Glad you like it," said Arthur with a smile, "The third post from the left of the fence is loose, slip in through there, and out. Let's see what stuff has been collecting dust in the shed. Come on!"

He moved towards the small shed in the corner. A strange new excitement bubbled through him at having Timmy around to share these things with.

[kumainpink]

Arthur's excitement was contagious. Timmy followed close behind him, wondering what they'd find. He decided that he'd have to take back what he said - today was a complete success, even more than usual!

[G. Novella]

They arrived at the small shed, and Arthur opened the creaky door. He took out his wand and mumbled a quick Lumos. Inside the shed were a few cobwebs, an old Firebolt broomstick, a soccerball he'd stolen from nearby, a Fanged Frisbee, and a few shovels. In the corner was a box of of Weasley Whiz-Bangs he'd wanted to set off, but never gotten around to. Otherwise the shed was mostly empty. He remembered coming out here and playing with the ball. A slow fondness entered his eyes at the memory.

"So, all this stuff is yours to play with," said Arthur, moving around and kicking some spiders away. "Knock yourself out."

[kumainpink]

Timmy stared in wonder at all the things that were in the shed. And to think, all this was his to play with for now! He grinned at Arthur, and got out the ball. "Do you know how to play?" he asked

[G. Novella]

"Er, I know to kick it around," replied Arthur, curious, "But I'm a quick study. You think you can play in the galoshes, or do you want me to get you a pair of my old trainers?"

[kumainpink]

"These should be fine." Timmy said placidly. Really, he'd rather play in his bare feet, but something told him Arthur wouldn't go for it. He looked around the area and saw two trees that were close enough to be used as a goal. "I have an idea! Wanna take turns kicking the ball and seeing how well we can block each other?"

[G. Novella]

"Alright, you want to kick first?" asked Arthur, following Timmy's gaze to the trees. He moved out of the shed and shut the door, nudging Timmy out as well.

[kumainpink]

"Sure!" he replied, attempting to dribble the ball with his feet. It took him a few tries before he remembered how.

[G. Novella]

Arthur moved between the trees, and watched Timmy dribble for a bit. He was suddenly struck with the realization that this was the first time in his entire life he was actually playing a game with anyone. It felt hollow, and sort of exciting at the same time. He shrugged it off, and yelled out, "Ready when you are!"

[kumainpink]

Timmy grinned. "Alrighty!" He ran around, kicking the ball a little bit, though it was somewhat sloppy because the galoshes were rather big on him. He kicked the ball at Arthur, trying to get it passed him.

[G. Novella]

Arthur caught the first kick easily in his hands, and dropped the ball down. He gently kicked it back to Timmy, who was obviously struggling in the galoshes. Arthur pretended not to notice, remembering the kid's pride. "So, when's your birthday?" he asked, trying to make conversation.

[kumainpink]

Timmy kicked again, harder this time. "January 19th." he replied. "How about you?"

[G. Novella]

"August seventh," said Arthur, jumping to the side to catch the ball, which hit his hand. "Good kick! So then, your twelve?"

He eyed Timmy skeptically, the kid seemed to small to be twelve years old.

[kumainpink]

"Thirteen, actually, though nobody ever guesses that." Timmy said brightly. "They always think I'm younger, and treat me better for it, I think."

[G. Novella]

"I wonder why," said Arthur with a frown. The kid was far too small to be a healthy thirteen-year old kid, "So, since you've been running around, has anyone taught you any magic?" He tossed the ball back to Timmy easily.

[kumainpink]

"I learn things here and there." Timmy replied, kicking the ball once more. Yes! It made it passed him! "Sometimes, I would ask to be taught something, instead of getting paid. That's how I learned so many cleaning charms, and the spell I used to make my holes. They've really come in handy!"

[G. Novella]

"Sounds like it," said Arthur, moving to get the ball, "What about reading and writing? You do know those, right?"

[kumainpink]

"Yup. Mum and dad used to make me study a lot - they said I'd be a good little Ravenclaw someday." His eyes misted at the reminder of his parents, but he pushed it back. He didn't need them anymore, and they didn't need him. "But I haven't used either of those in a while."