#swishystarter

The first week back was often difficult for most students. Some would flounder as they tried to get back into study habits that had long been forgotten during the first month of the summer. Others would burn themselves out trying to be on top from day one. Arthur, fit into the former category. His brother, Perry, had been visiting over the summer and (in order to celebrate) Septimus Weasley had taken all three sons camping. For two whole weeks, the brothers had bonded with their father and all thoughts of school work had been out of sight, out of mind. 

Now, Arthur was finding it difficult to slip back into the study habits his sixteen year old self had spent the whole year reforming. It was a vicious cycle that happened every year. Reaching into his bag, Arthur broke off a square of chocolate and stealthily brought it to his lips. M m m. There were two things in the world that were better than chocolate, but neither of them were mass produced products made to hook young girls and Arthur Weasley - even if they all had the Gryffindor dangling on a string. Turning to the person beside him, after deciding that there was no way he could get any more work done, he slid the packet sneakily toward them, careful not to let the librarian see he had food. “Chocolate?”

Arthur was never one to shy away from a party. He enjoyed the music and the social scene. While he wasn’t much of a drinker, he enjoyed the odd glass of firewhiskey or two and, when it was a Marauder’s party, he usually had access to the good stuff. It wasn’t bad to have friends with money - not that the flame haired youth would ever try and take advantage of a friend’s hospitality and willingness to share their wealth. For the most part, Arthur’s life was simple and easy. All the money in the world couldn’t change how content he was with his lot in life. 

The party was slowly dying out but Arthur still hung around. It had been an interesting night, and he had no need to get up early for classes - the benefits of being in your final year. Most of his classes were in afternoon blocks, except for an early morning Care of Magical Creatures class on a Tuesday morning. Just as he was moving to get another drink, one of his favourite songs came on. Turning to the person closest to him, he grinned and gestured towards the dance floor. 

“Hey, let’s dance!”