Hero Worship
Disclaimer: The characters and world do not belong to me they are property of J.K Rowlings and Warner Bro. Inc. There will be rough language, sex, and homosexual themes.
"Colin! Colin!" The voice was gradually getting more and more agitated as it called him from outside a closed bedroom door, a muffled 'Go away' being uttered in response before a pillow was pulled over a tousled head of brown hair. The younger boy outside the door was not to be ignored started pounding on the door never thinking just to burst in on his older brother. "We're going to miss the train if you don't move your arse." Dennis said, finally giving over to the urge to kick the door.
The body wrapped up in soft gray sheets finally started moving trying to untangle itself before groggily getting up and padding over to the door and yanking it open where his brother had gone back to banging. "Stupid git we leave for school tomorrow." Colin's glare not quite as effective as it should be, hair going in many directions and being half-naked being the cause. Dennis was already showered and dressed with a bright grin on his face as he noticed his brother's snitch boxers.
"Dad's taking us into London today, now get your scrawny arse dressed I want to meet Liddy at the Leaky Caldron soon." Dennis ignored the annoyed look he received from his older brother as he pushed past him into the obscenely clean bedroom. It had to be illegal for a 16 year old to be this neat, really now. The room wasn't to large but it wasn't a closet either, the walls painted dark blue with gray footboards bed a matching gray with all it's sheets the large trunk at the foot of the bed holding Colin's Hogwarts things; cauldron, scales, potion ingredients, Nimbus broom he'd gotten for his birthday, and neatly folded robes. He had been packed for a week and a half. Dennis tsked as he looked around the room; his own looked like a few bombs had detonated there throwing clothes and everything else around. "Where's Archie? I have a letter to send off."
Colin pulled a t-shirt and jeans out of his dresser putting them on the end of his bed with socks and shoes, really he should kick the kid out already, thinking he could just come in and take his owl. "He's already delivering for me. Sorry." The 16 year olds grin said he was not actually sorry. "When does he want to leave I need a shower."
"Fine, fine. Take one we wouldn't want you smelling funny if we ran into the Weasley girl now would we." Dennis clutched his hands to his chest dramatically making kissy faces at his brother getting himself tossed out of Colin's room and door shut in his face for the effort.
Scrubbing a hand through his tousled bangs Colin sighed was not Ginny he was worried about seeing it was someone else. Someone a little more famous.
Several hours later found Colin alone outside Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor eating one of their famous Sundays under an umbrella. He had already picked up his school supplies for the year weeks ago during their original trip to Diagon Alley so now he was just taking his time enjoying the cheerful atmosphere. A year ago it would not have been safe with the Death Eaters walking openly in the streets attacking the muggle-borns. With the final fall of Voldemort at the end of last year everything had changed. Harry Potter had once more done the impossible and made the wizarding world safe. Harry Potter with his wild hair, thick-rimmed glasses, and the famous lightening bolt scar had defeated You-Know-Who once and for all. The details were shady no one knew how Harry had done it but all knew he had. Just like the first time. Harry had refused to tell anyone what had happened in the last battle and so people just took it as a miracle. Colin was startled out of his thoughts by a cold plop of ice cream into his lap he gave a short yelp of surprise as the witches at the next table giggled at him. Colin's cheeks turned a pretty shade of apple red as he looked up at the giggling girls his hands hurriedly brushing off his pants, though they froze where they were when he spotted a figure behind the group of girls and across the street. It was The Harry Potter. He looked like he was alone no Weasleys hanging about for once; Colin had to quickly squash the idea of going and saying, "Hello".
Harry was standing outside Florish and Blott's arms crossed over his chest as he shifted his weight from foot to foot uncomfortable with the stares he was getting from everyone. He was even more of a celebrity now than he had ever been in the past, he had even had some middle-aged witch come up and throw her arms around his neck in the middle of Muggle London a week ago. He was waiting on Remus and Sirius to meet him they were not late…yet. Sirius had finally been cleared of his charges when Wormtail had been caught along with several prominent Death Eaters near Cheddar, England, and now Harry was living with him full time the Dursleys being well in the past now. He once more scanned the street for his guardians, and having no luck, though he did manage to catch Colin Creevey dropping a large spoonful of ice cream into his lap. The image brought an amused half smile to his lips watching the soon to be 6th year blush and clean himself off. Green eyes were caught by hazel as Colin happened to notice him; he received a polite nod from the other boy who quickly went back to dealing with his ice cream mess.
'It would be right in front of Harry. He already does not think badly enough of me. Bloody hell last time I ever get chocolate syrup.' Colin sighed the blush still burning hotly on his cheeks as he felt Harry's eyes still on him, the one time he wanted Harry to ignore him it would figure he would not.
Harry was just idly watching his former stalker comparing him to the excitable midget kid he had known. 'Still not very tall several inches shorter than me maybe, but he more than makes up for it.' Tilting his head a bit hands stuffed into the deep pockets of his jeans as he continued to scrutinize the other boy. 'See why Ginny fancied him now he's almost pretty…' he stopped right there, that thought was a little much especially when it came to Colin another boy. He had no time to really analyze it as a hand clapped him on the back surprising him thoroughly.
"Found a girl you like Harry?" Sirius's tone was light as he addressed his godson, he was hoping for a yes it had been so long since Harry had really enjoyed anything.
"No. You're late, where's Remus?" Harry quickly changed the subject away from himself as he glanced around for the werewolf.
"Needed to drop by and see Madame Malkin or something or other be here shortly I'm sure." Just a slight droop in the former convict's hopes, well Harry could find himself a good girl at school in day's time no need to fret.
Colin was all but forgotten as Remus Lupin completed the trio arms clutching several bags and a bright friendly smile on his thin face. The three were spending the last day of Harry's summer in Diagon Alley together, treating themselves to a small holiday of sorts.
Colin threw his remaining ice cream away and headed in the opposite direction from the three. He had given up chasing after Harry with his camera back when he was a fourth year and Harry in fifth, but the reputation was still tagging along after him that he bloody well stalked Harry around the school. He brushed his light brown bangs out of his face before sticking his hands in his pockets; he forced thoughts of Harry out of his mind and continued on his way.
Colin sprinted through King's Cross Station dragging the cart with his trunk and Archie's cage on it, he almost knocked several muggles over as he raced towards the barrier of 9 ¾. Dennis had left without him for God's sake! He held the stitch in his side as he finally reached the barrier just giving a quick glance around before sliding on through, he ran smack into someone as he tried to hurry on towards the train, sending them both to the ground. "Shit, sorry." Colin did not even glance at whom he had run over before scrambling for Archie's cage.
Harry had been minding his own business waiting for Ron to return from the loo when he had been ploughed into; cursing as he fell ripping a hole in his new jeans. "Stupid git what did you do that for?" Harry ground out glaring over just in time to hear the oh so polite apology.
Colin made it up to his feet before going to grab his trunk freezing as he noticed just whom he'd run into. "So sorry Harry I didn't mean to. Really just I'm late and…and…shit." Colin gave a groan as he grabbed his stuff just watching Harry get back to his feet carefully and grab his own owl's cage. "I really didn't know you were there honest."
"It's fine. I'll live." Harry dismissed him with a wave and hauled his stuff over to be put in the luggage car leaving a ruffled Colin Creevey behind to drag his own things over after him. The younger boy blushed bright crimson and stayed silent as he shuffled along behind Harry to embarrassed to say anything. "Colin, you're matching the train." Harry's tone more than a little sarcastic, "Stop." He turned to face Colin as he handed off his trunk to the engineer Harry tossed his head to get his longish bangs out of his eyes half exposing that famous scar.
Colin slipped past Harry purposely not looking up at him, handing off his things to the engineer, and turning his back on the Boy Who Lived Twice to walk off down the platform.
Harry frowned slightly before swinging up the steps to the compartment he had seen Hermione disappear into if Colin did not want to hang about it was his problem not Harry's. He flopped down into a seat across from his friends giving them a weak smile as Ron entered flashing a brilliant one of his own.
"How was your summer, Harry?"
"What's it like living with Sirius and Professor Lupin?" They started together as soon as his rear touched the seat.
"Alright." If you forget all the owls and reporters from the Daily Prophet that followed him around, "It…it was interesting." Not wanting to give any more details he clamed up.
"Why?" Ron war practically sitting on the edge of his seat, he had wanted so badly to visit but it had been quite a busy summer for the Weasley family. Arthur Weasley was now head of the Ministry of Magic and always running to some meeting or something, Percy was laid up in bed until he recovered from the injuries he had gotten in the war and the twins had gone missing only to turn up running a large company that rivaled Zonko's respectively. Yes quite busy.
"Tell me about your summer instead Ron." Harry changed the subject again, it was not yet public knowledge about his guardians so he was not about to spill the beans. "How does your father like his job?"
Ron launched into a long speal about his family's summer only occasionally stopping for breath. Harry just listened passively glad to have thwarted his friend's questioning him.
A large crash and thump sounded directly outside of their compartment startling all three friends out of thoughts and conversation. Harry instinctively launching out of his seat and slamming open the door.
Colin had gotten on farther down the train than Harry, trying to avoid the seventh year, searching the compartments for an empty space. He had not found a seat yet still making his way almost down the whole length of the train before he found one, and one he did not want at that. Who would want to sit with Malfoy and his groupies? Not him. He continued down the train.
Draco Malfoy started slightly as a brown-headed boy stuck his head in his compartment a sly grin coming to his face as he recognized the little Gryffindor 6th year. Malfoy motioned he would be back getting up and exiting the compartment following after the other boy who was still checking into compartments occasionally smiling and saying hello to occupants.
"Well isn't it the Gryffindor nancy boy. Searching for your precious Potter faggot?" The malicious aristocratic drawl stopping Colin short.
'Oh shit not him….' Colin's thoughts locking up as he turned to face Malfoy and surprisingly no one else. Even Malfoy was dwarfing him now, Colin only came up to the other's chin, this was not good…retreat. The blond Slytherin almost stalked towards Colin, looking eager for a fight.
'Hell I'm not in Gryffindor for nothing." Colin stopped backing up instead aiming a sharp fist for Malfoy's nose, Draco just avoiding a broken nose as he pulled back taking a fist to the jaw instead. He used Colin's momentum against him rushing forward and knocking the small boy back roughly. Colin's arms flailed hitting the walls with a crash followed by a thud when he hit the floor.
Malfoy had just moved to capitalize when the compartment to the left flew open an alert and ready Potter in the doorway. Malfoy was caught off guard momentarily forgetting Colin on the floor at his feet as he and Potter matched heated glares. "Sod off traitor." Harry's tone cold as he addressed Malfoy. Draco turned on his heel and all but flounced down the hall leaving Colin to the three other Gryffindors, no one questioning the fact he did not stand and fight.
Ron was laughing in the background, "Did you see the lump on his chin? Brilliant Colin!" Anyone who hit Malfoy being his instant best friend.
Colin grinned sheepishly as he got to his feet dusting his pants off, "Thanks."
Hermione just clucked her tongue her hands on her hips obviously disapproving of the scene before turning and going back in their compartment herself, Ron following right after her, feet not actually touching the floor.
"Want to sit with us?" Harry suggested casually.
"You sure?" Colin did not look to sure, peeking into the train compartment to see if there really was room.
"Yes, move it." Harry ushered the surprised boy in. The only seat left was the one beside Harry. The door was slid shut behind Colin firmly and he was prodded towards the seat.
Colin shifted uncomfortably in his seat looking out the window as he gathered his wits back together. Hermione and Ron were having a quiet conversation across from him and Harry, pointedly leaving the other two out. That left Colin to talk to Harry …alone, what could he really say? He was going to ask about Harry's summer when he was stopped the words dying on his lips by Ron finally cutting back in.
"Colin, why does Malfoy single you out like that? He's worse than he ever was."
Colin thought how to answer that a moment before subduedly "Sorry not something that is my place to tell." Colin fidgeted in his seat hoping they would press anymore. He checked his watch only 11:30.
"We're all friends here, we won't tell." Ron leaned forward in his seat listening wide-eyed to Colin not noticing how uncomfortable he was making the other boy.
"Leave him alone Ron. It's not big deal, Malfoy is gone." Colin sighed slumping back into the corner, cheeks paling slightly as Harry defended him from Ron.
"So why did you call Malfoy a traitor, Harry?" Ron finally turned his attention away from the younger boy much to Colin's relief.
"Because he is one." Harry speaking as if it was common knowledge and not offering up other details.
"Shit! Won't anyone tell me anything? It's Malfoy for fuck's sake." Ron shook his head in disbelief.
Hermione piped up at this, "Language Ron. You're setting a bad example for underclassmen." Colin blinked…him? How old did she think he was?
"Look at that. Make her Head Girl and she thinks she rules the world. Shesh woman." Ron made a face at Hermione as she sniffed sticking her nose in the air.
"Congratulations Hermione, may I see your badge?" Colin smiled slightly ignoring the wave of nausea that washed through him. "Who made Head Boy?" taking the silver badge from Hermione turning it over in his hand before handing it back to her.
"I did…" Harry flatly answered before Hermione could chirp out an answer, he did not seem excited about it in the least.
"Wow…having both in Gryffindor this year aught to deflate the Slytherins ego." Colin slumped back against the seat trying to act normal wiping an arm across his forehead as he took a shaky breath. He needed the cart woman to show up soon.
"Aye stupid gits won't stand a chance in Quidditch either this year. You practice any over the holiday Colin? Think Wood would be angry his replacement wasn't as obsessed as he was." Ron joked. Colin had taken over as keeper two years ago; he was quite good, surprisingly.
Colin shook his head laughing slightly at Ron, stopping as a rough shiver ran through his body. 'Hell…forgot about breakfast. Dropping pretty quick…' Colin shut his eyes trying to keep still to control the spinning of his head as a hand slipped into his pocket to check for his money.
Hermione frowned at the younger boy noting the sheen of sweat and the quick paling of his face, "Colin are you alright?"
"Stop mothering him Hermione." Ron cut her off.
Colin ignored them both looking towards the door, it was just past 12 the cart lady would be making her rounds soon. He gave Harry a half smile trying to make him stop worrying; it was making a small crease between the other's brows. "It's nothing…" cutting himself off as the middle-aged witch poked her head in with them.
"Anything off the cart, dears?" Colin jumped up wobbling unsteadily for a second before going out to the cart.
"Two chocolate frogs and a pumpkin juice please." Words slightly breathy as he handed over his money to the woman, taking the candy gladly and going back inside and plopping down in his spot. Colin quickly downed the chocolate and half the juice pulling out his real lunch to eat. The other three Gryffindors watched Colin suspiciously as the color slowly came back into his face and he returned to normal.
Harry scooted up next to the younger boy, "May I ask what that was about?"
Colin looked up as Harry moved up next to him their thighs brushing on the seat. Colin self-consciously scooted away as much as he could in the cramped space, being that close to Harry was a little to tempting. "I'm fine, forgot breakfast this morning in my hurry to get here…messes with my blood sugar pretty badly."
"Like diabetes?" Hermione crashed in on Colin's world, which had shrunken down to include only himself and Harry, who was invading his personal space. He turned to face her almost as if he had never seen her before shaking his head.
"Yes like diabetes, I just have to watch my diet and never miss meals to be alright though. I don't have to take insulin." Which he was quite thankful for since he hated needles with a passion, let us just say the Red Cross would never see him inside its doors.
"I never knew that. How long has this been going on?" Harry once more grabbing all of Colin's attention. Hazel eyes only meeting emerald for a moment before dropping away from Harry's eyes.
"Remember when I passed out in my 4th year? I had missed lunch and had an early breakfast; blood sugar dropped so low I hit the floor. Ever since then really." Colin just shrugged it off. "Doesn't affect quidditch, which is the important thing." He grinned. "Ron, where you there when the Cannons finally won a game? Broke the longest losing streak in history they did." Changing the subject and pulling Ron into an all out quidditch debate which filled the rest of the trip to Hogsmeade. Colin separated from the trio of 7th years when they disembarked and found a different carriage to ride in. He had enjoyed his train ride up immensely, being able to watch Harry without having to worry, able to sit near the lithe frame in silent bliss without any questions. It was shaping up to be a nice year.