The Barry Johnson Walter Series Book One: The Beginning

Chapter 17: New Term

Chapter 17: New Term

For the remainder of the Christmas break Barry remained at the Labyrinth. He was either up in his and Alec's room camping out or he was outside zooming around on his broomstick with Alec and Ginny. It was the only way Barry was able to distract himself from his parents deaths and stay calm about it.

Before Barry knew it, he was getting his last hugs before boarding the Zarcurus Express. He couldn't help but notice how some people stared at him. He tried his best to ignore but nothing seemed to work. He finally gave up and just hid inside the compartment with his, Alec and Ginny's things.

It was a few more minutes before the train finally left. Barry still remained quiet even as Alec and Ginny started having a conversation. Adriana, Alice and Corey all came into the compartment with their things not to long after the train had left.

Each one of them had a look of worry on their faces. They each strapped in their trunks and then took a seat. It remained quiet in the compartment until Adriana said something.

“So how was your guys Christmas?” she asked.

“It could have been better,” Barry snapped. It took him a few seconds before he realized what he did. “I'm so sorry Adriana I didn't mean to snap at you or anything.”

“I know,” Adriana said. “But I am sorry for about your parents, we all are.”

~*~

The rest of the train ride went by quickly. Even though Barry didn't want to talk about it, he and his friends all talked about the death of his parents. By the time the train had stopped in Zarcurnville Barry was glad that he had talked about it with his friends. He was glad that he had people that he could trust around.

At dinner that night everything went pretty normal except Barry noticed the stares he was getting from a majority of the Great Hall. He wasn't quite sure why. Mr. Walter had said that only certain Ministry official families knew about it, but not that many of the students staring at him could have parents that worked in the Ministry could they.

After dinner Barry went straight up to the common room and sat in front of the fireplace. It was still snowing and really cold so Barry wanted t keep warm. A minute after he made himself comfortable Alec came and sat down next to him.

“You know they're all worried about you,” Alec said. “I told them that you probably just wanted to be up in the common room.”

“Yea its still cold outside,” Barry said. “But it doesn’t really bother me as much as it used to, you know.” he said lowering his voice.

“Well I guess that's a good thing,” Alec said to Barry. “You might want to tell them that.”

“I suppose so, but I don't see why they think it bothers me as much as it should though,” he said. “Well I think I'm going to go to bed now. Night.”

The next morning Barry woke up and there was sun shining over the castle grounds. The sun made the snow look like it was glitter, very shiny and sparkly. He thought that it was going to be a good day today. He woke up all his friends and they got dressed and headed down to the Great Hall for breakfast.

~*~

The rest of the day went by normal for Barry. Lessons were all right, he wasn't really bothered by any students, and he made it through the day. He even noticed that Ivy wasn’t as bad as he usually was during lessons. That made hi a little curious, but then again Barry didn't understand why he was disliked by him in the first place.

After dinner that night Barry and his group of friends sat in the common room by the fire. Barry was busy talking with Alec and Corey about Ivy during the lessons when an owl landed in front of Barry.

“What is it?” Alec asked as Barry untied a roll of parchment from its leg. He noticed he got a few stares from other Ardesco students.

Barry rolled his eyes and unrolled the parchment. It was a copy of the Daily Prophet. What immediately caught Barry's eye was the bold title and a picture of Barry's parents.

Johnson Family Relocates to America

Barry just stared at it for the longest the time until Alec took it from him and threw it in the fireplace. Barry was thankful that Alec had done that, but he had wanted to to read what rubbish was printed before throwing it away. It looked like it had been printed earlier today.

“Is that how they're covering it up?” Barry asked furiously.

“Barry don't let it get to you like that,” Alice said. “They can't hide the truth forever.”

“Miss Vague is right, Barry,” a voice said from behind them all.

They all snapped their heads back to see the Headmaster standing here.

“I know Professor,” Barry admitted. “But how do I do that when they print lies like that.” he pointed to the fireplace.

“You must show them you are stronger and not let the lies affect,” Brakenbury said. “Now I do hope you are truly okay after what's happened to you parents.” he said in a low voice because students nearby were trying to listen in. “I have work I must attend to but I hope you can get past this bump in the road.”

“Of course Professor,” Barry said as the Headmaster walked away.