Harry James Cartwright

Chapter 16

Once they got home Harry was happily showing his brother the things that he gotten, even showing them his wand, for which Little Joe comment, "Better not lose that in the woods, some poor sucker might mistake it for firewood."

Harry held his wand protectively, glaring at his older brother, only to smirk when Adam, Hoss and Ben gave the younger man a glare as well and words of warning causing the sheepish man to mutter out an apology.

Agilbert was quick to reassure the young wizard that he had gotten him a wand holster and it was charmed to be anti theft against both magical and muggle means.

Harry thanks his mentor and quickly puts on the holster which was charmed to fit and grow with him.

"Now I believe it would be a good idea to read at least the first chapter of your books." Ben suggested.

Harry nods, "Yes Papa, in fact I am going to do that right now!" He quickly gathers the stack of books and runs up the stairs, ignoring the chuckles from the group of men below.

For the most of the summer Harry ready the first few chapters of his books at the advise of his family and mentor, he was so excited to learn about the wonderous world of magic.

The day before he would officially go to his school, he was suddenly overcome with feelings of nervousness, sadness and anxiety as he came down that morning, his mind going a million miles an hour, he was so out of it that he nearly fell out his chair in fright by Hoss putting a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"Whoa there! What got you all jumpy little brother." Hoss said concerned.

Blushing in embarrassment, Harry mumbles something that no one could make out, until Ben called for his attention.

"Harry, you know that you can tell us anything, we won't judge you."

Harry sighs, before saying, "I am nervous and scared about tomorrow."

This had the 3 older Cartwright brothers confused, but both Ben and Agilbert understood the meaning behind those words.

"Come here." Ben said point to the spot next to him.

Harry obeys nervously, only to quickly relax when he was pulled into his father's strong arms.

"It's okay to be nervous about tomorrow the truth is we will all miss having you around." Ben said softly as he rubs comforting circles on his youngest's back.

Harry puts his head under his father's chin and looks around the table and saw the understanding and sadness in their eyes, causing him to unknowingly to start crying.

Ben said nothing as he gently holds the child in his arms, when he felt the child shift a bit, he looks down to see him snuggled into his chest, nearly asleep.

Chuckling warmly he says, "I think a quick rest and later after chores, how's about we have ourselves a picnic by the lake?"

That was all it took for Harry to perk up and run outside towards the barn, while completely ignoring the sounds of laughter coming his family and mentor.

Later that same day finds the Cartwrights and Co. all sitting around on a picnic blanket, eating some of the food Hop Sing had made for them, while listening to stories about Agilbert's younger days and his many adventures when he went to school.

When started to turn to evening, Ben decided that it was time to head back home, after cleaning up and packing away everything, they soon were on their way.

By the time they rode in, Harry was fast asleep laying on Hoss, Adam and Little Joe's laps who were asleep as well, while both older men chuckled at the sweet sight, they quietly greeted Hop Sing, who smiles at the sight of the brothers sleeping together, before gathering the basket of food and going back into the side entrance.

With a gentle wave of his wand Agilbert levitates Harry off the three men and into Ben's arms, who nodded his thanks and walks inside the main house, while the wizard wakes up his three oldest.

They all grumble a bit, but soon enough they were stumbling into the house quite loud in fact, that Ben had to scold them to be quiet, before wishing them a good night, before sitting with his old friend for a bit, asking questions about tomorrow and what it would entail.

The next morning dawned bright and early as Ben quietly wakes up both Harry and Agilbert, he whispers something in their ears, his eyes bright with mischief that was mirrored by his youngest as they separated and slipped into each bedroom, a few moments later swearing and shouts were heard loudly, as the boys were given a rather rude awakening, by their father, honorary uncle and little brother.

For his troubles Harry was chased around by Hoss laughing his head off, while the other men were either chuckling or trying make it harder for the larger man to get to the boy.

But soon enough Hoss caught Harry, but thanks to years of this Harry manages to escape by distracting the man by mentioning food, and using his magic to silently slips away into the kitchen towards Hop Sing, who for many years knew that Harry was different and often time the boy would try to sneak up on him, but Hop Sing wasn't so easily fooled and when the man sensed that Harry was there, he turns to give him a exasperated look and sigh, saying something in Chinese before gesturing for Harry to stay close by while helping bring out breakfast, when Hoss spots Harry and Hop Sing, he gives the boy a half hearted pout, before smiling and nodding in respect.

While Little Joes snickers and Adam says nothing just rolls his eyes, while both Ben and Agilbert chat quietly thanking Hop Sing for breakfast, while Harry goes to sit down in his usual spot by Hoss.