The Protector.

Whomping the Willow.

Arthur truly thought that his life was about to come to an end. He would become disgraced, an outcast, the punchline of every joke. He couldn't even bare to think of what would happen between him and his family, especially Molly.

The sound of the door handle came to a sudden halt. The deafening shriek of the old oak door opening filled the room. Arthur squeezed his eyes shut, dreading the sight of whatever was about to waltz in through that door. His heart was pounding aggressively against his chest as if it was trying to break free and escape from the consequences of what was about to happen.      Arthur's breathing became even more rapid as he heard the gentle patter of feet enter the room and then come to a sudden halt.

"Good evening gentlemen". Arthur felt a sudden wave of relief pass over him, that wasn't Molly's voice! This feeling of relief was cut short by the realisation that he had no clue who's voice this was, if it wasn't Molly who was it and why were they here? Arthur was so desperate to open his eyes and reveal who this mystery figure was but he just couldn't bring himself to do it out of fear. "There's no need to fear my old chum" the voice said in a somewhat familiar and reassuring tone. "My good old friend Dobby has been informing me on the intimate details of your relationship and well, I want in" the mystery man stated in a determined voice. "Oh Arthur you really can open your eyes now, it's okay" Dobby laughed. Reluctantly Arthur slowly peeled back his eyelids that were almost glued shut out of fear.

There he was. The mystery man, who turned out to be not so mysterious after all. Arthur gasped out of astonishment at the unsuspected figure standing right in front of him. "Nearly Headless Nick!" Arthur exclaimed "W-What are you doing here?". A sly grin spread across the ghosts face "Didn't I make it clear Arthur? I want to be part of this relationship. I'm tired of watching from afar, y'know i've always admired you". That same bright red blush began to swarm Arthur's checks again. "Nick-t-that's very sweet of you-I would very much like you t-to join us" Arthur muttered. "I'm glad, i'm very much looking forwards to getting much better acquainted with the both of you unfortunately there's no time for that now. Molly will be home soon but as soon as i'm able to get you two alone-well you know what's going to go down" Nearly Headless Nick chuckled.

Arthur felt extremely guilty, somehow this felt even better to him that the love he had shared with Molly. He'd never felt happier in his life, he had never been lusted over by so many people and that feeling of being wanted was taking over him. He wished he could turn back time and forget this had ever happened. He wanted to be back in Molly's devoted arms but he knew deep down that now he had his first taste of the forbidden fruit, there was no going back.