Quirks in Wizarding World

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- Chelsea, London, UK -

- June 21,1991 -

As the car pulled into the driveway, Arthav took in the sight of the two-story house. It wasn't nearly as big as their mansion in Mumbai, but it carried a different kind of presence—solid, respectable, and well-kept. The house of someone who had built a stable, successful life. Given that his Nana, Richard Carter, was a retired Police Commissioner and his Nani, Amelia Carter, had spent her life managing the home, it wasn't surprising that they were well-off compared to most Londoners.

But what truly caught his attention was the garden.

Even in the fading afternoon light, it was clear that great care had been put into maintaining it. The neatly trimmed hedges framed flower beds bursting with color—roses, lilies, tulips, and a few plants he didn't recognize. A stone pathway curved through the greenery, leading to a cozy sitting area with a bench. It was peaceful, carefully arranged, and full of life.

A soft smile unknowingly crept onto his face as he admired the sight.

Amelia, catching the expression, let out a pleased hum. "You like the garden, dear?"

Arthav turned to her, nodding. "Yeah. It's beautiful. You must have put a lot of work into it."

Her eyes twinkled. "Oh, I do enjoy tending to it. It's been my little sanctuary for years." She paused, then tilted her head curiously. "Do you like gardening, Arthav?"

He hesitated, thinking. "I've never really tried it, but… I think I'd like to."

Amelia beamed at him, clearly delighted. "Then perhaps you can help me while you're here. I could always use an extra pair of hands!"

Before he could answer, Richard scoffed lightly. "Don't rope the boy into your flower obsession just yet, Amelia. He only just arrived."

Amelia shot him a look. "Oh, and who was it that helped me dig out the old soil last month? You grumbled the whole time, but you still did it."

Richard cleared his throat, looking away. "That's different."

Arthav couldn't help but chuckle at their exchange, and beside him, his mother shook her head fondly. "They've always been like this," she whispered to him.

Soon, they made their way from the garage to the front door, where Richard unlocked it and stepped inside first. The interior was just as Arthav had expected—neat, warm, and filled with small details that spoke of a long and well-lived life. Framed photos lined the walls, capturing moments from Emily's childhood, old family gatherings, and even a few formal portraits of Richard in his police uniform.

As Amelia guided them inside, she clapped her hands together. "You both must be tired from the flight. I'll make some tea, and we can sit down properly."

Emily nodded. "That sounds perfect, Mum."

Arthav followed them into the living room, where a plush sofa and armchairs surrounded a coffee table. As he sat down, his eyes flickered back to the pictures. There was one of his mother as a child, missing a front tooth and grinning mischievously at the camera. Another showed Richard standing beside a group of uniformed officers, his expression as stern as it was now. And then there was one of Amelia, much younger, laughing with a watering can in hand, standing in the same garden outside.

His mother must have noticed his gaze because she spoke up. "That's from when I was about your age," she said, pointing at her childhood photo. "Mum always had to chase me around to get me to sit still for pictures."

"Ohh, You were a menace darling," Amelia confirmed with a chuckle from the kitchen.

Emily rolled her eyes but smiled.

A few minutes later, Amelia returned with a tray of tea and some biscuits, setting them down carefully. "Here we are. You must be hungry, too—I'll prepare dinner soon."

As they sipped their tea, the conversation flowed naturally. Amelia asked Arthav about his life in India, about his school, his interests. Richard listened, occasionally adding in a question of his own. There was a warmth in the air, a feeling of familiarity settling in despite the years apart.

At one point, Amelia reached over and gently brushed his hair back again, as if still trying to process how much he'd grown. "You really do have your mother's eyes, although yours are blue, they too have the same brilliance in them that she has," she murmured, more to herself than anyone else.

Arthav wasn't sure what to say to that, so he simply smiled.

As the evening carried on, the initial tension faded, replaced by a comforting sense of belonging.

It was the start of something new, something long overdue.

After a long day of travel and a warm evening spent reconnecting with his grandparents, Arthav found himself in a comfortable guest room, lying on a soft bed as sleep gradually overtook him. His mother had retired to her old childhood room—a space she hadn't stayed in for years, yet still carried traces of her past. The faint creak of the wooden floor and the muffled sound of his grandparents talking in the living room faded as exhaustion settled in.

- June 22, 1991 -

The next morning, the house was filled with the aroma of breakfast as Amelia busied herself in the kitchen. Arthav and his mother ate a hearty meal, exchanging light conversation with Richard and Amelia, before getting ready for the day ahead. Today was important—today, he would finally step into the wizarding world.

As they made their way to the garage, Richard handed Emily the car keys. "Still remember how to drive in London, I hope?"

Emily smirked. "I had a British license before I had an Indian one, remember?"

"Just don't wreck my car," Richard muttered, though his expression held a hint of amusement.

Arthav chuckled as he climbed into the passenger seat, buckling his seatbelt as his mother started the car. It was a smooth, familiar action for her, despite the years spent in India. The moment they pulled out of the driveway and onto the London streets, his excitement bubbled over.

The Leaky Cauldron. Diagon Alley. Gringotts. And most importantly—his first wand.

He couldn't help but fidget slightly, his mind racing with possibilities. It wasn't just about getting a wand; it was about what it symbolized. Any reincarnated individual in the Harry Potter world would understand the significance—this was the first step to true magic.

Emily, noticing his excitement, smiled. "You seem eager," she remarked, keeping her eyes on the road.

Arthav grinned. "Of course I am! My first wand… it's like an extension of a wizard's soul, right?"

She let out a small laugh. "That's one way to put it. I remember feeling just as excited when I first learned I was a witch. Getting my wand from Ollivanders was a moment I'll never forget."

Hearing that, Arthav turned to her with curiosity. "Did you bring your wand with you?"

Emily nodded. "I did. Though, after practicing prana and gesture-based magic in India for so long, I haven't used it much. My wandwork may be a little rusty." She glanced at him with a knowing smirk. "But don't think that means I can't still out-duel you if needed."

Arthav chuckled. "I wouldn't dare challenge you, Mum. Not yet, at least."

She raised an eyebrow but didn't comment further, instead focusing on navigating through the city.

As they drove through London, Arthav glanced out the window, watching as the modern world bustled around them. But soon, they would be stepping into a different world—one hidden just beneath the surface.

And he couldn't wait.

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