A New Normal

As you stepped onto the train platform you sighed deeply stretching your muscles before lifting your luggage. You smiled as Harmony stepped onto the platform carrying little Anthony who was sound asleep having fallen asleep on the ride over. It had been a week before the hospital had finally released you from the extensive testing they wanted to conduct on you.

Thankfully you had managed to escape the hospital to return to Ash Forest Academy as you needed some normalcy in your life. As you hefted the luggage you and Harmony walked through the silent hallways of Ash Forest Academy as it was still early on a Saturday morning.

As you and Harmony made you way to your dorm you set down the luggage to see a small letter sitting in front of your door. Taking your key you opened it up and set down the luggage once more while Harmony quietly set Anthony in his crib before kissing his forehead and covering him in a blanket while you opened the letter.

You sighed as you read the letter before standing up to leave. “What is it love?” Harmony said placing her hands on your shoulders as she rested her head on your shoulder. “The headmaster wants to see me this probably isn’t good but I may as well take care of this before he comes and bothers me even more.” You said before kissing Harmony.

After briefly kissing your wife you spoke once more. “I am gonna take care of this in the mean time can you stay here?” You asked to which Harmony smiled and nodded closing the door as you left.

As you made your way through the silent hallways you could feel eyes following you as you made your way to the headmaster’s office. Looking around you sighed before knocking on his door only to hear the rustling of papers before you heard the headmaster say “Come in”

Stepping inside you saw the headmaster sitting behind his desk in a simple white dress shirt that was unbuttoned the headmaster you noticed had dark rings under his eyes and looked exhausted with stacks of paperwork sitting on the floor all around his desk now.

“Nathan I would say its good to see you however I wish it was under better circumstances.” The headmaster said as he set down his pen. “However before I begin let me say congrats on getting married and having a child but moving on things have become more complicated now that news of your supposed involvement in what people are calling the Princeton incident has caused issues for the Academy.” You raised your eyebrows in confusion before the headmaster continued.

“The Ministry of Wizards has now opened an investigation into any and all wizards involved in the incident including you and your spouse normally this wouldn’t be an issue on campus however they have acquired a warrant allowing then to monitor and track your movements and that of your spouse.” The headmaster said in a grave tone.

You sighed before replying. “I need to know headmaster has this negatively impacted the academy? Normally I wouldn’t care for how it affects me however recent events have opened my eyes to my surroundings if you will.” You said staring at the floor.

“The enrollment has remained the same, faculty and staff remain the same, nothing thankfully has changed with any of our donors or partners however Wormwood Academy has begun a smear campaign against us subtle of course but hurting us nonetheless while I don’t see it hurting us short term a lot of people have begun to question whether the Academy is creating problem students so I must ask that for the next months you do your best to stay clear of trouble at least until the fall dueling season begins in which case I ask you enter and show Wormwood that we still can fight back as I am sure they will back off if they lose the dueling championship cup.”

You nodded before the headmaster continued. “Aside from that I ask that you and your spouse cooperate as much as you can until the Ministry gives up.”

You nodded again before replying. “Do you know who is heading the investigation at the very least?” The headmaster only sighed deeply before replying. “Silas Ashcroft sadly and do I understand correctly that your spouse is estranged from Mr. Ashcroft?”

“Yes its true however I am sure Harmony can work past that however I ask that Silas be kept away from our son. Harmony won’t let him get to her however I can’t guarantee anything from myself or Harmony if he bothers Anthony in any way.” You asked to which the headmaster smiled before replying.

“Don’t worry the scope of the warrant doesn’t extend to little Anthony and he should be left alone however if he should be bothered immediately alert me and I will handle it.” The headmaster said with a smile.

“Now aside from that I must ask that-“

“If the warrant covers our counseling sessions then no I will not be taking up counseling however if it isn’t covered under the warrant then we cam begin counseling next Friday.” You said quietly to which the headmaster replied.

“Luckily medical and mental issues are not so I will see you next Friday then unless you have other business Mr. BlackThorn?” You only nodded before leaving the headmaster’s office your new goal in mind.

Entering your dorm you found Harmony sound asleep in your shared bed. Smiling you took off your sneakers before getting in bed cuddling up to your wife wrapping your arms around her as you drifted off to sleep for a well needed nap.