I never understood where the line was drawn, between sacrifice and self-slaughter
~Hilary Mantel

Images © Gilbert H. Harrington

SIGNITURE/HANDWRITING:

The Harrington Bloodline:
Gilbert Huxley Harrington was born to Lord Albert Joseph and Lady Winifred May of Harrington House on the 25th August 2010. The Harringtons are one of the last few traceable pure-blooded families, dating back to the 1400s with Vincent Harrington, one of the most notable wizarding architects of the time. Though their origins began in the city of Harrington, Northhamptonshire, they eventually migrated west to Wye Valley in Herefordshire where many generations can still be found at the local St. Mary's Church.

The Early Years:
Neither Lord Albert nor Lady Winifred had any desire to continue the Harrington bloodline however due to the demands of both family and tradition, Gilbert's birth was inescapable though undesirable. Their loathing of children and childish behaviour lead them to discard Gilbert for most of his early years within the northeastern wing of the Harrington Estate. Due to the nature of his work abroad as a 'Curse Breaker', and his 'double life' involving an ongoing affair, Gilbert hardly ever saw his father except for a few fleeting glimpses. This placed Gilbert predominantly in the care of Winifred who all but abandoned Gilbert to his Aunt Jessamine Ida Harrington on rare occasions and the family's butler Arthur W. Ridgelocke, whilst she focused on her socialite reputation within high society.

Gilbert & Albert
Gilbert's relationship with his father, Albert, is non-existent. Gilbert is named so after his father, with both names containing the latter half of 'Bert' meaning 'Bright' in German, 'Intelligent' in French and 'Illustrious' in Old English. In German, the name Gilbert signifies a 'bright pledge' and Albert bestowed it upon his son as the rightful heir to the Harrington family.

Gilbert & Winifred
In terms of appearance, Gilbert greatly resembles his mother Winifred, far more than his father. Although Winifred played a far more significant role in his life, it was a relation filled with bitter resentment on both sides. As he steadily grew older, Winifred became almost overbearing to Gilbert and began inserting herself into every little aspect of his day to day life. Despite the woman's strict demeanour, it also came with overwhelming enthusiasm in regards to his pre-Hogwarts education, much to Gilbert's frustration. He longed for the far off days at Hogwarts, the freedom to choose and explore his own path for the sake of himself, and no one else.

Gilbert & Arthur
Since the moment of his birth, Gilbert was left in the care of the family's butler, Arthur, and was almost solely raised by him, forming Gilbert's most prominent relationship as a child. During early childhood, Arthur never parted from Gilbert's side, unless on orders by Lord Albert or Lady Winifred. Not only did Arthur fulfil the role of an unwavering companion, and dearest friend, but also became the ultimate role model and father figure for him to believe in and be inspired by.

Confines of a Silent Mind
Throughout Gilbert's early childhood, not a single remarkable thing happened. He had an uncanny knack for acquiring new skills, (especially in regards to proper etiquette, vocabulary and even playing the piano), however, none could be deemed a magical feat. As Gilbert approached his eighth birthday, the majority of the family had come to consider him a mere squib prodigy and ruthlessly tormented Winifred for her failure to produce a magical child. Despite their insistence to cast Gilbert out into the Muggle world, Winifred refused though it came at a steep price.

Now branded a shameful embarrassment to the family, the Harrington Estate became little more than a gilded cage to Gilbert, never leaving the estate. The only social interactions Gilbert came to expect were those he held with Arthur and the rare letters he would receive from his Aunt Jessamine. In a blink of an eye, yet another year had passed... and Gilbert became ten years old...

First Instance of Magic
A faint tap upon the door, followed by a series of metallic clicks, announced the long-awaited arrival of Mr Ridgelocke stepping lightly into his room. An appreciative flicker teased the corners of his mouth, crinkling his eyes, but the smile did not come forth in earnest. Looming over Mr Ridgelocke's shoulder stood the stately figure of his Mother, Winifred, her hands clasped together in her stone-cold professionalism. He had long come to the conclusion that any act involving his mother would only bring about more misery.
What more could this woman do? Gilbert longed to never know the answer.

"Your Mother has seen fit to end my tenure here, Master Harrington. She has permitted me the chance to come say 'Goodbye'. It has been an absolute pleasure working for you and your family. I hope our paths cross again someday"
Arthur offered him an outstretched hand, but try as he might, Gilbert could not take it. He could not accept it. How could he? His fingertips lightly brushed those of Arthur's but immediately retracted, hitching them upon his shirt. He could feel it. A long-suffering throb, writhing painfully beneath his chest. His eyes burned. His lips trembled. His words faltered. Was this a cruel jest? Surely he must have misheard him.

"I... order you to stay here with me"
The words languished upon his tongue. So quietly. So childishly. He was unsure if Arthur had heard him, however... A soothing weight ruffled his hair and instinctively, Gilbert buried his forehead into the man's roughened palm. He looked up and he could see it, the pained grimace etched into every line of Arthur's face.
"Unfortunately you do not hold that authority"

"Then... I order you t-to take me with you!" He could not help it. He could not hide it. All his life he had been taught to conceal his inner emotions. To embrace them only in the silent confines of his mind. Never to be worn, never to be seen, never to be acknowledged. Tears rolled freely down his flushed face, a tender trickle against his tinged rose cheeks. "You raised me... You can't leave me..." He sobbed thickly, desperately, burying his face amidst the folds of Arthur's waistcoat.
"That is also not possible"

He felt two firm hands upon his shoulders, sharp, elongated nails clasping his collarbone. His mother had come forth to pry him away. Frantically, Gilbert writhed against his mother's arms, his own outstretched desperately trying to reach out for Arthur as he picked up his suitcase. He did not care for the tears that fell thick and fast nor for the blotched mess he had become. He did not care for the soreness of his parched throat nor the mewls that strained his vocal cords. His chest heaved rapidly against his mother's constraints.
"Arthur please... you're my only friend... I loved you!"

It was then, at that very moment, as Arthur was about to cross the threshold, the door immediately bolted shut along with every single door across the entirety of the Harrington Estate. A thunderous wave swept the old building, rattling picture frames and old glass windowpanes. It was a true testament to Winifred's shock that her grip slackened upon her son, although Gilbert could hardly contain his own. He sunk to his knees, gulping down copious amounts of air, his hand splayed over the frantic throbbing, hammering against his ribs...

Life within the Harrington Estate significantly improved after that momentous occasion...

As a writer, I am always actively searching for music I can weave into my narratives. To imbue the story with the same emotion, visualisation and weight a piece of music presents to me. Listed below are the pieces of music I have used so far and the works they have influenced...
~ Out of Character