Arnold's Wizarding World

Chapter 1: How It All Started

Welp, a lot of you asked me to return and I have returned.

After doing a few calculations, this story takes place in 1998. Arnold just entered 6th grade, and Harry Potter just barely defeated Voldemort. Fun fact, Arnold defeated La Sombra at around the same time Harry defeated Voldemort xD Take that to the dinner table. Nor Harry Potter or his crew will have a huge role in this story, but he will be referenced a lot, and there may be one or two cameos ;) I think you're all really going to enjoy this guys, it's not your typical crossover.

NOTE: You do NOT have to have read/watched Harry Potter to understand this, you'll be fine if you only know the basics. But, I recommend watching The Jungle Movie if you haven't already, it's kind of essential.

I could have sworn La Sombra had died.

Helga, Gerald, and I literally saw him fall over the cliff! His skin had gone green and everything!

But we were wrong. We were so wrong.

If I would have known La Sombra had made a deal with the dark lord himself prior to us attending San Lorenzo— a deal that prevented his death despite it seeming inevitable, and turned him into something powerful… well… then maybe Eduardo, my parents, Gerald, Helga and I would have made the effort to find the Corazon and return it to the Green Eyes. Or at the very least, destroy the relic once and for all.

If I would have known that the Corazon could do more than just cure a few adults from the sleeping sickness, I wouldn't have left it where I left it.

If I would have known that the Green Eyes were not people, but in fact, wizards, who fled from the wizarding community many years ago to avoid discrimination from the elite…

Well, I guess I should start from the beginning.

"How was your first day of school, Arnold?" Dad asked, allowing a large smile to appear on my face.

"Did you two really wait out here all day?" I asked, motioning towards the stoop that led to the entrance.

"No, your father and I went to grab some lunch at around lunchtime," Mom responded.

We began walking home, together, for the first time in my life.

"Hey Arnold, wait up!" Gerald exclaimed as he quickly approached me.

I turned and sheepishly smiled.

I had forgotten that Gerald and I had our weekly game night today.

"You almost left me man," he chuckled as we did our secret handshake.

"You two remind me of a young me and Eduardo," my Dad commented.

I felt my stomach sink, and I was reminded of a recurring worry I've had all summer.

"Mom, Dad," I started. "You're not planning on leaving back to San Lorenzo, are you?"

My parents eyed one another with a smile, and my mom kneeled in front of me. "No Arnold, we're done exploring. We have a much more important adventure here."

"Raising you," my Dad finished, causing me to feel a sense of relief.

"You hear that Arnold," Gerald stated. "You got nothin to worry about."

Gerald's right. I truly don't have anything to worry about. My parents are here, my friends are here, my family is here, I no longer feel empty.

"If I win, you're making me a sandwich Grandpa."

"What are you talking about? I've already beat you twice Oskar!" Grandpa exclaimed, motioning towards the checkers board.

"Hello Grandpa, hello Mr. Kokoschka!" I greeted cheerfully, receiving a greeting from both in return.

"Hey Shortman, how was school today?" Grandpa asked, oblivious to Oskar, who was moving a few of the pieces on the board.

"Good, is anyone using the TV?" I asked. "There's this new show Gerald and I have been meaning to watch."

"Mr. Hyunh and Ernie were watching the news, but they should be done soon, I'm not su—OSKAR! Did you move my pieces?"

"I never touched a thing."

I rolled my eyes and turned towards my parents.

"We're going to take a little walk Arnold, we'll see you during dinner," Dad said as I smiled and nodded cheerfully before entering the boarding house with Gerald.

"I can't believe it," I heard Mr. Hyunh say. "How could they have let him out?"

"They didn't let him out, he escaped," Ernie corrected.

"Who escaped?" Gerald asked as he and I entered the room.

"Scheck. Remember him? The guy who wanted to tear down the neighborhood? He escaped prison," Ernie informed.

I gasped, "What?"

I tuned into the television, where a picture of Scheck's mugshot was placed on the screen.

"Authorities are currently investigating the whereabouts of Mr. Scheck since his escape just last night. According to experts, Mr. Scheck had a little help escaping. The question: Who helped him escape?"

Gerald and I shared a look of concern.

"Nick Vermicelli, an assistant of Scheck's, was also reported missing from his cell. Neither of their cells had holes on the ground or on their wall, so the method of their escape is currently a mystery."

"Man, that's some crazy stuff," Gerald mumbled.

"I hope they catch him soon," I announced. "Or I hope he doesn't cause any more harm to our neighborhood."

"Arnold, Scheck hates us. I wouldn't get too comfortable," Gerald informed.

"Well, let's just hope he doesn't do anything bad."

"Not that bird again!" Mr. Hyunh exclaimed as he waved an owl away. "It's always hanging around here."

I eyed the owl. It was beautiful, with it's golden feathers and it's bright brown eyes.

"It probably belongs to the guy that lives across the street, moved in last week," Ernie commented as I watched the owl fly back to the house across the street.

"Oh, Arnold! That reminds me, your grandmother made these cookies for the new neighbor. She was wondering if you could take them to him and welcome him to the neighborhood," Ernie stated as he handed me a plate of cookies.

"Yeah! Gerald and I will do that right now!" I exclaimed as Gerald and I ran outside. I loved meeting new people, especially if they lived within the neighborhood.

We saw the owl fly through our new neighbor's window, and I knocked on the door.

We heard shuffling inside the house before an elderly man opened the door. His hair was grey, and it was slicked back. He had creases on his face and he tightly held on to a black cane. He wore a black bath robe, and brown slippers, as if he were having a relaxing day.

"Hello, my name is Arnold and this is my friend Gerald. I live right across the street, and my grandma made you these cookies to welcome you to the neighborhood. On behalf of all of us at the boarding house, welcome!"

He eyed us cautiously before smiling, "Ah, this must be an American custom. Please do come in if you have the time, I'll prepare you two a cup of tea so that we can get to know one another."

Gerald and I blinked, stunned with the change of accent — he had a thick Scottish accent. We both shrugged and walked in.

"My name is Boris, please make yourselves at home. You can take a seat right there by the coffee table."

We both obliged and I placed the plate of cookies on the coffee table.

Meanwhile Gerald and I analyzed the living room. Boris seemed to be a fan of black. Black sofas. Black photo frames. A black owl cage. The only thing not black about the living room were the walls, which were painted with a cream kind of color.

"Nice place," Gerald whispered.

"Yeah, it's very neat," I agreed.

I turned and noticed the owl stare at me.

I waved at it, causing it to ruffle its feathers.

"She's a real friendly one ain't she," Boris stated as he walked back in with three cups of tea. He placed a cup in front of both of us and took one for himself before taking a seat on the sofa across from us.

"You're not from America, are you?" Gerald concluded while lightly blowing on his tea. Neither of us were huge fans of tea, but we didn't want to be rude.

"No, I'm from Scotland. I moved here not too long ago."

"Why? I've heard Scotland's a real nice place," I stated, receiving a smile from Boris.

"Thank you. And let's just say it no longer felt like home. These last few months have been... difficult."

"Why?" I asked, concern masking my tone.

His eyes flashed, and he slightly narrowed them, "You have his eyes."

I blinked, what did that mean?

"Who?" Gerald asked.

Boris smiled sadly, "Nevermind. Forget I said that. Tell me about yourselves, what school do you go to?"

"PS 118," I answered. "This is our last year there, we're in sixth grade."

"Sixth grade? Ah, excuse me, Scotland's education system is different than the one you have here. How old are you?"

"I'm eleven," Gerald answered. "But Arnold is still ten, he turns eleven in October."

Boris flickered his eyes toward me, "Really? You're almost old enough to attend my alma mater."

"Really?"

"Yes. You have to be eleven to attend the school I used to go to. There are seven total years, and first years tend to be eleven years old."

"Do you miss it?" I asked.

"Very much," he simply said. "It's rather sad if I'm being quite honest. The last time I was there, the school was completely destroyed. Thankfully, they've spent the whole summer reconstructing it, and it's as good as new."

"Why was it destroyed?" Gerald asked.

"There was an accident," Boris answered almost immediately. "It's one of the reasons I'm here, like I said, home doesn't feel like home anymore, it's not the same."

He sighed and took a cookie while smiling widely, "These biscuits are exquisite, please thank your grandmother for me Arnold."

"Thanks!" I exclaimed. "I'll let her know."

"It's almost time for me to head to the movies, Arnold," Gerald informed.

I nodded, and made a move to stand, but was stopped as Boris gave us a cautious look.

"I wouldn't be out too late at night kids, who knows what you could run into."

"Oh, you don't have to worry about that here sir, this neighborhood is pretty safe," I assured.

"Yeah! Downtown is where it gets ugly every once and awhile," Gerald informed. "People tend to get mugged often—"

"But not as much as before, thanks to Monkeyman!" I exclaimed proudly.

"Monkey what?" Boris asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Monkeyman!" Gerald exclaimed. "A superhero!"

"I know it sounds a little odd, but it's true. Gerald and I know him personally," I smiled, but Boris dismissed us with a wave.

"Oh no, I believe you. I've heard and seen stranger things in my life," he chuckled. "Well, I'll let you go now. Come visit any time!"

"Thanks!" I exclaimed as Gerald and I bid our farewells and left the house.

There was never a dull dinner at the boarding house.

"More beans, Kimba?" Grandma asked as she walked around with a pot.

"No thanks Grandma," I said. "I'm kind of full."

She placed a spoonful on my plate anyway, "You need the energy."

"Don't fight it Arnold," Grandpa advised. "Been there, done that."

"Did your little friend leave?" Ernie asked.

"Yeah, he and Phoebe agreed to watch a movie together, so he left our game night a little early."

I noticed my Grandpa giving me a sly look, "What about you?"

I felt my cheeks grow pink, "Me what?"

"When are you asking Eleanor out for a movie night?" Grandma asked loudly from the other side of the kitchen, causing all eyes to turn to me.

I swallowed inaudibly, and my face grew even more red as I noticed Ernie wiggle his eyebrows.

I cleared my throat and trained my eyes on my plate, "Helga isn't ready to make our relationship public…"

"Why not?" Grandpa asked.

"Because I don't think our classmates are ready to see us together… they wouldn't understand."

"Arnold, you can't spend your whole life worrying about what other people think," Grandpa advised.

I sighed, "She'll come around, she just needs time."

Ernie smacked his lips and looked at the clock, "Hey, Miles and Stella have been gone for awhile."

I froze, staring at the same clock Mr. Potts was staring at.

"You're right," Grandpa noted. "It's almost dark out."

"I'll look for them," I announced as I excused myself and grabbed my jacket.

"Oh I'm sure they only lost track of time Arnold, eat your beans," Grandpa advised.

"No, I-I think I'm going to go look for them," I said as I headed towards the exit.

"Well, if it makes him feel better," I heard Grandpa say before exiting the boarding house.

The wind was chilly, and it was getting dark out. At the moment I wasn't concerned, my parents were still getting adjusted to the neighborhood after so many years of being gone, but I wanted to look for them just in case they got los—

"OUCH!" "CRIMINY!"

Of course I'd bump into Helga.

"Arnold?"

I looked up and my girlfriend stared back at me, a wave of concern spread across her face. But it disappeared as soon as I saw it, and her usual scowl returned.

"Criminy Arnold, do we have to do this every time?" she asked sarcastically as she extended her hand.

I took it and she helped me up while I scrubbed myself off. "Thanks Helga, it's good to see you too."

"What ever happened to those walking lessons I told you to take, Arnold-o?" she asked, an amused smile spread across her face.

I smiled back, "I applied to walking school and I'm still waiting on my acceptance."

She chuckled, "That's not a good sign, you probably got denied football head."

I laughed, causing her to laugh too.

"See Helga, why can't we be like this all the time? Like, at school, and, with our friends?" I asked, knowing I was darn well stepping on thin ice.

Her smile faded, "Arnold, we talked about this."

"What are you afraid of Helga? We've been through so much together, it's only natural that we'd fall for each other. Sure our classmates will make a novelty out of it at first, but they'll get over it."

"And then what?" Helga asked. "My reputation will be ruined. No one will treat me with the same amount of respect that they do now."

"Helga, this isn't preschool anymore. They'll respect you just as much if you just acted like yourself. Besides, I'd be there to support you one hundred percent."

Helga sighed vulnerably, "I'm not ready for that kind of transition in my life. Please understand Arnold, it's easier said than done."

I frowned, "Okay Helga. But at some point, you need to wake up and face the music. Facing your fears is a big part of growing up."

"I'm not ready to grow up," she mumbled.

I let out a long sigh, "So, why are you out so late in the afternoon?"

"Olga is visiting, and I wanted to be as far away from her and my parents as possible. What about you?"

"My parents told me they were going to go on a walk afterschool and they still haven't returned to the boarding house, so I think they might have gotten lost. I'm out here looking for them."

"I'll help you," she said. "It's not like I have anything better to do anyway."

I nodded, feeling happy that I'd be spending time with Helga. We didn't get to do this often.

"So where do we start football head?"

"My parents really like that new museum they made near Slausen's, maybe we could start there."

She nodded and we both began walking ahead.

"So I noticed you have a new neighbor," she stated.

"Yeah, he's really nice. Gerald and I got to meet him today."

"Well, he gives me the creeps."

"Helga—"

"Oh come on Arnold! The guy owns an owl! Totally normal."

"Last time I checked, you used to own a monitor lizard," I clapped back with a raised eyebrow.

She huffed, "That's different."

As we approached Slausen's, I felt the wind grow colder, and I noticed Helga shiver.

"Thank goodness I brought this jacket," she muttered as we continued to walk ahead.

"I'll give you mine," I said as I moved to remove it, but stopped as she placed a hand on my shoulder.
"You don't have to do that Arnold, I have my own jacket. Besides, I don't want to spend the next two weeks feeding you chicken soup because you ended up catching the flu."

We noticed the lights flicker and the streets grow darker.

Silence.

Darkness.

Coldness.

Suddenly, Helga collapsed.

Her eyes grew wide and her facial expressions became motionless.

"Helga!" I yelled as I grabbed her shoulders, only to begin feeling weak myself.

Flashes of my worst nightmares and my saddest memories began flashing right before my eyes. I felt cold, as if all the happiness was being stripped away from me. What was happening!?

"EXPECTO PATRONUM!"

The horrible, sinking feeling went away, causing me to feel nauseous. I turned to look at Helga, who had her eyes closed. She must have gone unconscious.

The last thing I saw, was Boris, who was standing over us while holding onto a… stick?

I'm probably dreaming, as usual.

I woke up to the smell of herbs and spices. A warm, steaming cup of tea was laid on the bedside table next to me.

"Ah, you're awake."

I opened my eyes and almost fell off my bed as I came face to face with a large man with a large beard. He was taller than… than… the tallest basketball player in the NBA!

"I'm glad you're okay, those dementors almost got you good," he chuckled as he handed me a bar of chocolate.

"Here, it's chocolate, it'll make you feel better; imported from the best chocolate company in Belgium!"

"Thanks," I said reluctantly as I took the bar of chocolate. "Who are you?"

"Ay, surely the dementors didn't cause you to lose your memory too. I'm Hagrid, the school groundskeeper for Hogwarts. I've been taking care of ya since those dementors attacked ya. You woke up just in time, Hogwarts starts school in a few days, and your grandparents have been waiting for you to wake up to take you down to Diagon Alley to buy your things."

"Diagon what?"

"Arnold! Thank goodness you're awake!" Grandpa exclaimed, wearing a long black robe that swayed to the side as he walked in. Grandma followed soon after, petting a black kitten that she got from who knows where.

Feeling relieved to be seeing familiar faces, I let out a sigh of relief, "Grandma, Grandpa! Thank goodness you're okay!"

"Okay? You're the one who was attacked by dementors Shortman," Grandpa retorted. "Now get up and thank Mr. Hagrid for his services. We need to go shopping for your school supplies."

"But Grandpa, we already went back to school shopping," I noted in confusion. "What else do we need?"

Grandpa scoffed, "Your wand! Of course!"

"Wand?"

"Don't you know Arnold?" Hagrid asked. "You're a wizard."

Boom.

I promise you all that I won't be steering away from canon in both the Hey Arnold and the Harry Potter universes. I know darn well that Arnold isn't really a wizard. Give this a chance and you'll see what I mean. This is a slight AU, and the only reason I'm labeling it as so is cause I know Craig would never create something like this. But everything is going to be consistent, and I promise that you're all in for a treat.

Important Note: Boris is an original character.

PLEASE REVIEW! This is a test run and I want to see if you all really want to see me continue this. Feel free to PM if you have any questions too! Next chapter goes up if we get 10 reviews in!