Title: Falls the Shadow
Chapter 4
Rating: M
Warnings: H/D Slash
Disclaimer: We do not own Harry Potter! Characters (except those created by us) belong to the amazingly talented J.K. Rowling, WB, and the publishing companies.
Harry and Draco stood beside each other amidst a sea of boys, all in their first year as well. Hogwarts had met all of their expectations so far. It was a big castle nearly isolated except for a town that was about a mile down. A lake sat near the castle, its clear water shining invitingly to the boys. A dark forest seemed to surround the place but did not seem to radiate danger as long as you took care not to bother it.
"Draco," Harry heard a voice say, and immediately recognizing the deep tenor as either that of Crabbe or Goyle, he made himself as invisible as he could, sliding away from the other pale boy.
Draco looked up from the lake he had been staring at and stared fixedly at Crabbe and Goyle who were sauntering over to him. He turned and saw Harry had apparently left, no doubt due to the two other boys coming to greet him. Scowling slightly in discontent, he made his best to appear polite to his two friends as they began talking animatedly and waited for the sorting to begin.
"Hello," Harry heard a voice say next to his ear and he immediately turned. "My name's Seamus Finnegan, what's yours?" the boy who had come up to talk to him asked in a distinguished Irish accent. Sandy blonde hair decorated his head and two clear blue eyes stared at him with an open expression.
"Harry Potter," Harry said, returning the grin that was being given to him.
"Glad to meet you then. At least now, I know someone. Do you know what dormitory you're going to be put in? They try not to make a big deal out of it, you know, but everyone knows there's rivalry that's brewing. I hope I'm up near the towers though, couldn't do being in the dungeons," he said, wrinkling up his nose in distaste.
Harry looked at him alarmed. They were going to be sorted? Where was he going to end up? He looked around for Draco but the platinum blonde head was harder to find than he had imagined. Turning back, now slightly afraid, he looked ahead, swallowing as he wondered what lay ahead for him.
"Calm yourself down, Harry," Seamus said next to him, placing a hand on his elbow and startling Harry. "Sorry, but calm down. Everything's bound to go well," he added, smiling and starting to walk, calling Harry beside him.
Harry regained his breath and nodded. Yes, it would be all right. Everything would work out. He breathed in deeply once more before following Seamus, where their names were being called.
"Draco Malfoy, Slytherin Dungeons."
Draco gave a satisfied smirk. He had been expecting nothing else. After all, his father and his father's father before him had been placed in the Slytherin dungeons as well, a place that was not as bad as people usually made it seem.
Harry watched as the blonde made his way over to sit beside the other boys he would be sharing a room with. He sighed as his turn neared. Seamus had been put in Gryffindor and he hoped that he would be put either there or in Slytherin, as long as he was not alone. He waited until it was finally his turn and walked up just as his name was called, feeling stares burning into him.
"Harry Potter… Gryffindor tower," the stern woman said, already moving on to the next name once his had been said.
Harry sighed. It wasn't going to be with Draco, but at least his new friend would be there. He walked over to where Seamus was sitting and sat himself in the empty seat beside him, slowly opening up to the other boy and meeting the other students in his dorm. He did not notice a look of disappointment cross Draco's face as his dorm was called.
"I would like to introduce myself," an aged looking man with a white beard that could have rivaled Merlin's, if he wasn't just in myths, and with a twinkle in his blue eyes that seemed to bring about some youth into his face said. "I am Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts. To our new students, welcome and I hope you will find Hogwarts the school you were expecting. Schedules for tomorrow should be delivered to your rooms already and should be lying on your bed. School starts tomorrow, promptly at eight, so do not be late. Now, allow me to introduce your professors," he said, turning happily over to his right.
"Professor Snape," he said and Harry and Draco stared at the man now standing, who was looking at them all with a rather malicious smile, "will be teaching chemistry. Professor McGonagall," and now the stern woman with square spectacles and a tight bun stood up, "will be your literature instructor. Professor Flitwick," he said, pointing to a rather short and stout man, "will be your history teacher. Professor Sprout will be your biology teacher," he said, pointing to a rather large but friendly looking woman, "Madame Hooch will be your sports instructor," he said, pointing to a wiry looking gray haired woman who seemed to hold energy. "Professor Trelawney is our social teacher," he said, pointing to a rather odd looking woman off to the side, "Hagrid is our zoological instructor," he said, pointing to a very massive and tall man that could have been described as nothing else but a giant, "and Professor Quirrell will be your arithmetic instructor," he said, pointing to a pale young man who stood up nervously before returning to his seat quickly.
"Well then, now that we are all settled," Albus Dumbledore said, "you can all go back to enjoying your feast," he said, sitting down after receiving a thunderous amount of clapping.
Harry went back to his feast, sending one quick glance at Draco, who noticed the stare and looked up, giving him a wave and almost invisible smile before turning to the boy next to him and beginning a conversation. Harry felt a deep weight in his stomach, but it was soon forgotten as Seamus and another student named Neville began to talk and share to him about their lives and where they each lived. He found himself having more in common with Neville than he thought he would have, sympathizing with the boy since both his parents, though not dead, had not raised him either.
Soon dinner was over and every student was taken up to their dormitory by an elder student. The Gryffindor's made their way slowly up the stairs, through twisted hallways, and finally to a painting of a fat lady who seemed to look down upon them all as if challenging them to enter.
"Simply knock here and twist this knob and… there you have it," the older boy said as he opened the door, allowing all the first years to enter.
Harry entered and was astounded by what met his eyes. A big sitting room decorated in maroon and gold and basked in a warm fire met his eyes. The warmth immediately washed over Harry and he felt himself suddenly feeling very welcome and very comfortable in this place.
Eventually, he tore himself away to follow Neville and Seamus up to their dormitories, which consisted of five poster beds with deep, blood red hangings and open windows that allowed you a view of the grounds and the lake. Harry stared out for a few minutes before changing into his night clothes and, after a few more minutes of talking to his new friends, eventually said his goodnights and fell asleep, hoping to be ready for whatever lay ahead for him tomorrow and with Snape gone from his mind.
Down in the dungeons, Draco was finding it easy to make new friends, seeing as almost everyone seemed to have heard of the Malfoy riches. Of course, he knew if he had even a tiny bit less money he wouldn't even be given the time of day, but he let the thought stray out of his mind as he allowed himself be the view of the admiring and jealous faces of his old and new friends.
He shared his room with Vincent Crabbe, Gregory Goyle, and Theodore Nott, a rather thin, wiry boy but with gleaming eyes that held a mischievous glint in them. 'Better watch out for him,' Draco thought as he changed into his night clothes and slipped into bed, too tired for formalities and feeling like he needed to clear his mind.
Harry had not been put in Slytherin. Draco had been shocked, then disappointed, but had quickly covered those feelings before anyone saw. He noticed the looks of wonderment and awe pass between several of the professors, though, as Harry's name had been said, and he had begun to wonder about the boy. He wasn't sure how the boy would do in school and how he would get along, but a sandy haired boy had begun talking to him, and though Draco felt a bit of jealousy clenching in him, he also felt relieved that at least he looked like he would manage.
He heard Professor Dumbledore's speech and felt someone staring at him afterwards. Looking up, he noticed it was those familiar green eyes again and he tried to give a smile without attracting too much attention, before turning around to Nott who was in the middle of a question concerning heritage, something the Malfoys were proud of.
XXXX
Harry woke up to bright light shining at him. He turned, grabbing at his pillow, but it was roughly pulled out of his hands. He immediately sprang awake, wondering who it was that had taken away his pillow when his eyes landed on an already dressed Seamus and rather nervous Neville by his bed.
"If you don't get ready soon you're going to be late," was all the Irish boy said to him with an amusing smile on his lips before exiting the room with an apologetic Neville behind. Harry cursed slightly before hurriedly putting on his uniform, grabbing the books he would need the first day, his schedule, and heading downstairs at a fast speed.
He looked completely disarrayed but was glad he had at least made it to breakfast. He felt several surprised looks turn his way and he tried to tuck in his shirt and smooth out his collar before trying to placate his hair, but nothing seemed to work and so, in a disheveled state he set his bag down and sat next to Seamus and Neville, who were near finishing breakfast but waited for him, seeing as they all had their first class together.
"Chemistry," Harry said, walking briskly into what appeared to be a colder part of the castle. Seamus and Neville walked by his side, their book bags slung behind their backs and looking around with curious eyes and Harry tried to find the room.
"It's this way," Harry suddenly heard a voice say and to his immediately relief he saw Draco, who had stopped in his tracks and was now staring at Harry and then at the two boys behind him.
"Thank you," Harry said but before he could introduce the two boys behind him, Draco was already walking briskly away. Turning around and giving a confused look to his two classmates, he followed Draco, Neville and Seamus behind him.
About a minute later, they were in the chemistry classroom and just in time as the bell rang and Snape shut his door, not letting any late students enter the classroom. He began by describing his rules, which were as strict, if not stricter, than Harry remembered them and, after giving Harry a cold stare that told Harry exactly where he stood with the Professor, he began to teach them their first lesson, which no one seemed to follow or be able to do right except for Draco.
History was next and that class was just as boring as he had expected it. There was no Draco there, but Seamus and Neville were there and so they spent their time doodling as their Professor went through the importance of history.
Literature proved to be an interesting class, and the Gryffindors seemed to be sharing the class with the Slytherins once more. Professor McGonagall, though stern, was a fair and good teacher, though she did expect a lot from her students and assigned them their first novel that very day.
Their last class for that day was with Professor Trelawney and that proved to be an utter disaster and almost everyone's hated class. She told them how they would be learning how to dance, how to comport themselves amidst society, how to present themselves to a lady, and when asked who would play the role of the lady, for surely she couldn't be with every student at once, she answered that every student would be partnered up and take turns. Humiliation was something no one liked and everyone had reciprocated against that idea, but she had withheld and had eventually partnered them up. Draco had ended up with Neville, whom he personally did not like while Harry had been partnered up with Nott, a boy Harry was sure he sensed something malicious inside.
The following day was not so bad. They spent their first period outside studying pigeons with Hagrid, who had wanted to take things easy on their first day, had spent their next lesson in Biology with Professor Sprout, who had immediately made them dig into the dirt and get their hands dirty, much to the distaste of many of the students who had never had to sink their hands into anything. Harry had spent zoology with the Ravenclaws and Biology with the Hufflepuffs. After lunch, Harry had arithmetic with Professor Quirrel, a class he also shared with the Slytherins and he found himself looking for the platinum blonde head and saying a small hello before turning to the front. Then came Madame Hooch's class, the sports class, where Madame Hooch had explained the next seven years of their sports instructions and had told them all how their first year was used to get them all into shape.
Tired and weary, Harry returned back to his dormitory and after taking a shower began on his homework, a routine that he would soon be following for several months.
Draco, also spent, went back to his dormitories and took a shower as well before retiring, his homework already done the night before and ready to fall asleep anywhere.
The months went by with little or no change in their schedule. They learned, Harry and Draco greeted each other at times, but only formally and never uttering more than a civil word. Harry found himself growing closer to his new friends while Draco found himself learning more about his own new friends. Eventually, the streak of mischievousness that ran in the Potters though, came out, and the teachers were not surprised at all when they found Harry and Seamus sneaking back from the kitchens with pastries that the cooks had been all too eager to make. They both got detention for that, but that didn't stop them from doing it again. Or from exploring the castle. Or from being caught out at night. Or from being questioned at odd hours during the day or at night on what they were up to. Teachers shook their heads with an amused smile as they saw their wildest and reckless student being born again before them.
Christmas break eventually came and everyone made move to go and visit their families again, packing up and leaving books behind, unless they had been assigned homework by a rather mean Professor Snape or a stern Professor McGonagall. None of the other teachers seemed to have assigned them homework and they all sighed as they put their things away and eventually got on the train, leaving what felt like a new home for most of the students for the first time and waiting to get back to it.
Harry was surprised, on Christmas morning, to find gifts for him. He found new clothing from Narcissa, a new book bag along with new quills and parchment from Lucius, and a rather oddly wrapped gift from Draco. Opening it hesitantly, he found himself staring into the yellow eyes of a snow owl which he immediately fed before dressing and going down to thank the Malfoys for his gifts.
He suddenly toppled over and fell into the arms of Draco, who looked at him with an amused expression on his face.
"Thanks for the gift, Harry," Draco said before putting Harry back on his feet and walking towards the dining room.
"Thanks for your gift too, Draco," Harry said as he caught up with the boy and joined the elder Malfoys for breakfast.
The winter break passed and so did the rest of the school year with high marks for Draco and high marks for Harry as well, who had already earned himself a reputation as a sort of rebel at Hogwarts.
XXXX
"You promised you would," Draco said, glaring at Harry sternly from underneath blonde lashes.
"But…" was all Harry could stutter before giving in to the glare he was receiving and moving over with small and fearful movements towards the horse. He looked up and felt it overpowering him, felt a lump in his throat form. He was suddenly lost, staring only at the fearful beast when he felt a hand on his back.
"Go on, it's not going to hurt you," Draco said, giving Harry a gentle push and Harry awkwardly stepped up, shaking from head to toe but trying to control it.
He was on the horse quickly, leaving an astonished Draco below him marveling at the grace and ability Harry had managed to get himself on the horse with.
"Are you going to ride it?" Draco asked after a few moments of silence and an unsettled horse. Harry looked down with frightened green eyes at Draco and then quickly shut them tight before picking up the reigns and making the horse move forward.
Draco looked up, fully alert and ready for anything that might happen but after a few feet began to relax. Harry seemed to be doing fine, except for the excessive shaking and sweating and shallow breaths that were… "Harry?" Draco asked and when he received no reply he quickly moved forward. "Harry?" he asked again, stopping the horse in midstep and looking up at Harry's face.
Harry quickly jumped off at the opportunity and moved as far away from the horse as possible. "I'm sorry, I just… I can't…" Harry said, unable to form sentences due to the shaking that he was going through. He was trying to breath, but even that seemed to be a problem.
"Don't worry, there's hope for you yet, Harry. You managed to at least get it out of the stable. Small steps do count," Draco said, placing a hand on Harry's arm and trying to get the other boy to calm down.
Green eyes turned up and Draco was shocked, once again, at the emotion that could be displayed on them. "Thanks, Draco," Harry said before moving forward and wrapping his arms around Draco, who was now staring at the small boy in his arms. Eventually Harry pulled back, noticing the tenseness in Draco and began stuttering an apology when Draco interrupted.
"No, its ok," Draco said, giving him one of his true rare smiles. "I'd… never been hugged before, that was it. It just caught me off guard," Draco said before turning around and beginning to lead the horse back in the stable.
Harry looked at Draco and gave a small smile before heading back up to Malfoy Manor.
In the weeks that followed, Harry was able to manage to get the Horse to walk a few feet before having the urge to jump off it. Eventually, it was time for school again, though, and their second year at Hogwarts had already started, the relationship between Harry and Draco once again dying down as they each spend most of their day with their friends.
And third year went by.
And fourth year.
And Harry had finally managed to travel two laps around the field with a horse when fifth year came. Madame Hooch had told them they would all start something new, but when Harry saw that it involved horses, he had immediately backed down and was given permission by Madame Hooch to work on something else once she saw the state he had worked himself into.
Draco frowned from the sidelines as he saw Harry slip away and back up to Hogwarts. If he was ever going to get over his fear of horses, that was not the way to do it.
Eventually Christmas came once again and the now 15 year old Harry woke up to find the three regular parcels at the foot of his bed. He offered Hedwig, his owl, a dead mouse as a token before going over to open his own presents. He had once again, gotten robes, though of much better material this time, from Narcissa. He glanced at them suspiciously before placing them in his wardrobe, which was now full of clothing he had never thought he would own. He quickly moved on to Lucius's package, which contained a horse racing outfit, new and obviously tailored. Harry grimaced at it. He knew Lucius loved the races, but… he would think on that later. Setting it aside he went and opened Draco's package, only to find a book full of short stories and poetry which he knew he would enjoy reading. Setting it aside, he once again went through his ritual of getting dressed before going down the stairs one at a time and entering the dining room.
That same week, Draco made him go out and ride the horse again, trying to get him go at a faster stride, but when Harry shook his head and defiantly said no before getting off, Draco sighed and looked at Harry with lost hope. "There goes talent," he thought as he placed the horse back into the stalls.
XXXX
"Hogwarts is pleased to announce that, due to Madame Hooch's sudden illness over the winter break, we have a new teacher joining us tonight. Allow me to introduce you to Professor Charles Weasley," Dumbledore said, before pointing to a young man with red hair and blue-misty eyes beside him. Harry, along with several other boys, found themselves staring at this new teacher. He was obviously built underneath the tight black shirt he was wearing, obviously from horse riding, and the white pants and boots that hugged his legs defined them and gave them their full appreciation. Harry found himself staring at his long, yet slender fingers as he waved his hand slightly in a small gesture before walking back to the staff table. His red hair was apparently long and tied back in a pony tail, Harry noted, and strands fell about his face as he began talking animatedly with one of the professors.
Draco stared at the new teacher, stared at most of the room until his stare turned onto Harry, who apparently was staring in admiration along with half of the other boys at their new instructor, and he immediately decided he did not like him. After all, he was a Weasley too. He grimaced at the thought of being taught by him and turned back to eat his food. He was now taller in height, taller than Harry by a few inches and his blonde straight hair fell down to his chin, some brushing against his neck now. His grey eyes still held their same coldness but his features had changed from their boyish angelic face into a handsome, aristocratic, haughty looking face.
Harry had also grown to a good height, though he did sometimes resent how Draco had a few inches on him. His hair was as black as ever and still wild, though longer now and hung in strands all around his head, curling up slightly at the ends and framing his Romanesque face perfectly. His green eyes now held a bit more vitality than they had in previous years and they now shone with even a fiercer green than they had before.
Harry knew he was not mistaken. This was Ron's brother and, with a sudden sadness, he remembered his first friend. Maybe if he talked to Charlie, then he might tell him how Ron was doing. He still could not stop staring at Charlie, and he felt a strand of hair fall into his eyes. As he removed it, he caught Charlie looking at him, and he smiled widely, giving Harry a wink in return.
Harry turned to look at Draco, knowing that Draco would not like Charlie. Sure enough, a glare was fixed towards the head table, Draco's cold eyes staring at Charlie with distaste. Harry could not understand why Draco hated the Weasley's so much. It may be because of their lack of wealth, but he knew that underneath that coldness that Draco had, there was a boy with a good heart. 'He was just raised not to like those underneath him,' he thought as he finally tore his eyes from Draco and started eating his food.
XXXX
"Good morning, class. As you all know by know, I am your new sports instructor. I have been briefed on what Madame Hooch has taught to this class, but I will be raising it to another level," said the good-natured voice of Charlie Weasley.
The boys started whispering excitedly, wondering what their new professor would be teaching them. All eyes were staring expectedly at Charlie, except a pair of grey eyes who could not detach themselves from staring straight into the eyes of a certain green-eyed boy.
"Technically, horse racing starts in your sixth year, with each dormitory racing against one another. Hogwarts has long been known for its excellent horse racing curriculum, and above all, the caliber of the students in horse racing is beyond any other institution. What this means is that I wish to prepare each and every one of you in this sport half a semester early, so that when sixth year comes, dorm teams can be made and time will not be wasted."
'Prepare each and every one of us?' thought Harry, his mind panicking at the thought. Surely not? It he did not want to participate then he should not be forced to do it. He was sure Charlie would understand his situation. Taking a two lap ride with a horse was one thing, but a race…he could not bring himself to do it. If it came to worse, he could always talk to the headmaster, but that would mean bringing the reason for his insecurity out in the open.
"Now, you lot, grab a horse and bring it around the stables, and wait for me for further instructions."
"This is great news! Finally we don't have an instructor that's going to baby us, don't you think, Harry?"
"Yes, Seamus, of course," said Harry in a tight voice.
"Is something the matter?" asked Neville from his left, trying hard to keep up with Harry's quick stride.
"Nothing is the matter, Neville," snapped Harry, getting ahead of both of his friends as he walked towards the stable.
Seamus and Neville raised their eyebrows in surprise, never before had Harry talked to them in that tone of voice, but they knew better and kept their distance.
Harry finally got to the stable, and he yanked the door open, getting the first horse available. He was about to put a saddle on it when he felt a hand touch his shoulder. He stiffened at the touch, but turned to his side only to find Draco staring at him.
"Are you alright?" asked Draco, his eyes boring over Harry's.
"Do I look alright to you, Draco?" snapped Harry. "I am about to make a complete fool of myself in front of everyone for not being able to race. Do you think I want to be humiliated? Or maybe you are happy now that I'm being forced to ride?"
"That's not true, Harry, and you know it. If you don't want to race, then no one will force you. How can you think I would be happy at your discomfort? Do you think that low of me? If you don't want to race, just talk to Weasley. I am sure he will accommodate your needs," sneered Draco, before walking abruptly away from Harry without even a backwards glance.
Harry stayed still as he watched Draco go into the other set of stables. He hated being at odds ends with Draco. Maybe he was too harsh? Before he began to contemplate his new situation, a deep voice went through his musings.
"Mr. Potter, are you alright?"
Harry turned and met the warm gaze of Charlie Weasley; so different from the icy glare Draco had given him.
"I…" Harry struggled to find the right words, but he just couldn't admit his problem. He had told Draco, and that was hard enough, but Charlie seemed reasonable. He wouldn't laugh at him, would he?
"Just tell me, Mr. Potter. Maybe I can help you?"
"I don't want to race horses, Professor. It brings back unpleasant memories," he whispered after gathering some courage.
"If you don't want to then I won't push you. I can see how much you are affected. Don't worry about today's lesson. You may stay here if you want, but I do want to talk to you after class. Is that alright with you?"
"Yes, Professor."
Charlie gave him a slight nod and left the stable, leaving Harry standing alone with a hand on a saddle, and the other on the horse. He found a stool on the other side of the stable, and he sat down to wait for Charlie. He knew what was coming. Charlie was going to ask him again what was wrong, and he would be forced to say something, say anything.
He sat there for what felt like an eternity until he finally heard the voices of boys coming into the stables to drop off their horses.
"Did you see Malfoy on the horse? He was excellent!"
"…so fast…"
"Slytherin will surely win with him on the team…"
'No surprise there,' thought Harry dryly. He knew Draco was excellent at horseracing; it was something that came natural to him.
The loud voices finally stopped, and Harry waited for the dreaded talk with Charlie to arrive.
He heard heavy footsteps coming from the entrance, and the frame of Charlie came into view.
"Hello, Mr. Potter. I'm glad you stayed to speak with me," said Charlie, gathering another stool and placing it in front of Harry. He took a seat and looked at Harry directly into his eyes.
"I know something must have happened for you to have this attitude towards horses. If you do not want to tell me…I understand. I barely know you, and confiding such information to me must be difficult. I am willing to listen if you have anything to say to me, and maybe there might be a way for me to help you. I am a professor here, and I will always be here for my students."
Harry nodded, but still felt that he could not utter a word. He remained silent and waited to hear Charlie's other words.
"Unfortunately, it is mandatory for students to participate in horse racing in this school. I don't know if we can exclude you from this, but as far as I am concerned, you must participate in some form of horse racing activity."
Harry was about to say something when Charlie raised his hand to stop him talking. "Therefore, I suggest you take private lessons with me after your last class. You do not have to be here during your scheduled time, only at the end of the day. If we can progress with this then I am sure you may join your classmates in no time. This is the only option available. I do not want you to be in an uncomfortable environment. If you and I have lessons together then we can move at our own pace, rather than having you move at the pace of the others in your class. What do you say, Harry?"
"Is…is this fine with the headmaster?"
Charlie waved a hand carelessly, "You will be getting your lessons and that's all that matters. I was also told the headmaster holds you in great esteem, as do most teachers here. There should not be a problem."
"He does?" asked Harry in wonder. He was nothing special, after all.
"Of course he does, why would he not? Do you need time to think about this? Or can you tell me your decision now?"
"I accept the private lessons, professor. Thank you for giving me this option," said Harry, the first smile of the day gracing his features.
"Professor? Why, I feel old. Call me Charlie, and you are very welcome. Your lessons will start next time and when you're ready to talk, I'll be here. Remember that. Good evening, Harry," said Charlie, rising from the stool and giving Harry a small wave before walking out of the stable.
Harry let the small smile linger on his lips as he got up from the stool and slowly walked back to the school. He was glad that Charlie had not forced him to participate in racing in front of everyone. His approval of the man soared considerably after that. He was a bit worried about racing, even only with Charlie, but he knew that Charlie would not push him to do anything he did not want. Unlike a certain blonde he knew. Why was Draco being cold again? It made no sense. His smile turned into a scowl, and he walked faster towards his dormitory. He was not going to go and ask Draco what was wrong. He would wait for Draco to come to him. Simple enough. If Draco did not want to be his friend anymore, if Draco wanted to be with his new prosperous friends from London, then so be it.
XXXX
"Harry, aren't you going to class?" asked Neville, already dressed in his racing attire.
"I won't be attending class for some time," said Harry, quickly gathering his things and trying to leave before Neville asked him anymore question.
"Why is that? Are you ill?"
Harry turned towards his Irish friend, whom was standing in the doorway.
"Yes, something of that sort. Now if you excuse me, I have some homework to do. See you at dinner."
He walked past Seamus and headed straight to the library. He cursed as he realized he had left his chemistry book in his room, and with a sigh he turned and took the long walk back to his dormitory.
"Not coming to class?" cut a voice behind him.
"No, Draco," replied Harry, turning around to look at the boy.
"Why not?"
"Why would you care?" asked Harry in a cold voice.
"Why are you being like this?"
"Figure that out yourself, Malfoy," spat Harry as he glared at the boy in front of him. His gaze lingered more than necessary on Malfoy's racing attire, and with a blush, he walked past him.
Draco stayed in the same spot unable to move. As far as he knew, he had done nothing wrong. He listened to the diminishing sound of Harry's footsteps, and once he could no longer hear them he walked towards the grounds with an uneasy step.
Harry did his homework in silence in the library. He was still fuming over his conversation with Draco, and he could not concentrate on his work. The other reason why he could not concentrate was the impending meeting with Charlie for his lessons. He had brought the attire Lucius had given him, and would change in one of the rooms before he left. He did not want to go back to his dormitory in fear of unwanted questions being asked.
Realizing the time, he grabbed his books and ran to go change in one of the dressing rooms outside the stables. When he had finished changing, he looked at himself in the mirror. He had thought that he would never wear racing attire ever again, but he had missed it, just as he had missed the familiarity that came with them. The clothes fit him perfectly, and all in all, they were the best racing clothes he had ever had.
"Harry? Are you in there?"
"Yes, Charlie." Harry took a deep breath and opened the door. There stood Charlie, leaning casually over the doorframe. Harry stared at Charlie's broad shoulders, and his tight shirt, and…
"Ready?" asked Charlie, snapping Harry out of his daze.
"Yes, ready." Harry walked besides Charlie, confused. What was it that made him stare at Charlie in such manner? 'Well you look up to him' he thought, 'and he is easy on the eyes,' he thought before he could block that thought.
"Now first thing first," Charlie said, walking to a bench and pointing to the seat next to him for Harry to sit down, "why are you afraid of horses?"
Harry looked at the hay on the ground. He had been expecting the question, eventually… but now?
"I… well…," Harry thought, but whatever lie he had thought of to cover up the real and painful excuse left him. He felt his throat getting tighter and he forced a gulp down.
"Harry, look at me," Charlie said and Harry unwillingly obeyed. He lifted his eyes to blue ones that emitted a certain warmth and a deep concern towards him. "I need to know what it is so I can help you," he said, resting his hand on Harry's shoulder. "Now, will you please tell me what it is. It's the most important step to seeing your way towards recovery," Charlie said, still staring intently at Harry.
Harry could not stand looking at the blue eyes anymore and looked away, back to the hay on the floor. He hunched over and placed his hands over his face as memories came flooding back to him. "My godfather…," Harry choked out, "h-he… a horse… k-killed him," he said, his voice getting softer as he finished the sentence.
Charlie placed his arm around Harry in a consoling embrace. "It wasn't the animal's fault Harry," Charlie began to say but was abruptly stopped when Harry sat up straight and shook himself free from Charlie.
"Are you trying to say my godfather died intentionally?" Harry said in a cold voice.
"No, Harry, you've got it all wrong," Charlie said, understanding his mistake and finding a way to correct it. "You see, no horse will willingly try to kill you. Well, there may be a few wild ones, but those eventually learn. I just meant that your godfather must have overexerted the creature. Something caused the animal to behave that way, Harry. I'm not trying to free the blame off the horse, but understand, Harry, if you don't give the horse any reason to cause you any harm, if you don't give it a reason to collapse, it won't."
Harry stared coldly at Charlie, his words sinking in. Harry sighed as he turned back to the hay, too emotionally tired to remain angry at Charlie.
"So I see we have to build up your trust in horses first," Charlie said, standing up from the bench and going towards one of the stalls to pull out one of the horses.
Harry lifted his head to watch as Charlie pulled out the animal from its home. His words were right, horses had no reason to hurt you. Sirius's own had collapsed on him, but his fear still remained.
"Come over here, Harry. I want you to stand right beside the horse and to hold onto it," Charlie said. Harry slowly got up and walked warily up to where Charlie was, taking a hold of it. Charlie immediately let the animal go and Harry stood there, shocked and too afraid to move.
"It won't do anything to you," Charlie said, standing next to the horse. "Touch it, Harry. Pet it. Move it. Try to have some trust in it," Charlie said.
Harry, not wanting to disappoint, began moving his hand up when the horse's face suddenly turned towards him. His hand was stopped in midair and his eyes went wide as he stared back at the horse.
Charlie moved beside Harry and, placing his hand on Harry's, guided Harry's hand towards the horse's before softly moving it in a petting manner.
"See Harry, there's nothing to worry about," Charlie said near Harry's ear.
Even through his fear, Harry felt another emotion suddenly overtake him. A shiver was sent down his spine as Charlie's words reached his ear and he realized that Charlie's hand was over his, stroking the animal with him. He felt himself blushing and tried to rid himself of thoughts that shouldn't be in his mind in the first place when Charlie's voice interrupted his thinking.
"Congratulations, Harry," Charlie said, now standing beside him, "you are now stroking him on your own."
Harry, startled, stopped all actions and looked at his hand only to see that Charlie was right and that his hand was now placed on the horse.
"Now I want you to brush it, Harry," Charlie said, walking over and picking up a brush. "Here," he said, handing it to Harry before stepping aside and waiting.
Harry placed the brush on his hand and moved slightly. He willed himself to move even after the horse shifted and closed his eyes, mentally preparing himself for the worse as his hand slowly started stroking. Harry opened his eyes slowly once the first stroke was over and nothing had happened to him. He stroked the horse again, and then again, and he felt himself slowly becoming comfortable with the horse.
"I think that's good, Harry," Charlie said from the other side of the horse. Harry looked over at him and saw a mixture of joy and hope in Charlie's face that only helped in further diminishing the fear.
"Now, I think it's time to ride," Charlie said and went to get a saddle. Once strapped on he led the horse outside, followed by Harry who was confused yet willing to try and rid himself of the fear.
He thought about Draco's tries at getting him to ride a horse and was surprised at how Charlie seemed like he was actually managing the task Draco had assigned himself. 'Maybe it's because Charlie actually does show that he cares,' Harry thought as he stood beside the horse, poised to get on it.
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"I think I know your family," Harry said one afternoon as the rest of the class galloped around the field and Harry stood next to Charlie and Neville, who had attained an injury and couldn't ride for at least a week.
"My family… how?" Charlie asked, looking at him surprised.
"They live near Malfoy Manor, and since that's where I'm staying, well…. The one I met was Ron, though. Correct me if I'm mistaken, but he is your brother, isn't he?" Harry asked.
Charlie nodded absentmindedly, still surprised by this fact. "How do you know him?" he asked once he got over his initial stupor.
"I met him, the first summer I was there. He was actually my first real friend, but we stopped talking once I came here. He didn't take much liking to Draco either," Harry added.
"No, our family and the Malfoys have had well… their disputes over the years," Charlie said. "So, what did you think of the family?"
"I only got to meet your mother and two brothers, the twins," Harry said.
"Please, tell me they didn't try anything," Charlie said and Harry found himself laughing.
"No, they didn't. Ron warned me before I met them," Harry said, at which Charlie replied with a "good", sending Harry off laughing again at the tone of Charlie's voice. "Are they really that terrible?"
"Yes," Charlie said, "and worse."
Harry smiled at the statement and they continued talking, occasionally asking Neville questions who really didn't seem to want to be bothered while reading a book that was decorated with a rather elaborately drawn plant on the front.
XXXX
Draco walked across the grounds, looking rather ruffled. His mind, though, inevitably went back to that afternoon when he had spotted Harry and their professor, seeming rather friendly as they talked and laughed about who knew what. Draco had felt a tiny ounce of jealousy, he wasn't going to deny it, but he was angered by how easily Harry seemed to have fallen into that weasel's trap. Yes, it was a trap. Draco had thought it through and that's what made the most sense. Nearly everyone in the class looked in awe at their professor. Too bad that whatever he had done to the other students didn't work on him.
He continued walking as his thoughts drifted away from those into another set when he suddenly stopped in his tracks. Their, on the field, was a horse being galloped. And not just was the horse galloping though, it was doing something that made it stand out. It was… moving almost gracefully on the tracks. It nearly matched his own way of riding.
Curious as to know who the rider was, Draco strode nearer, letting himself mingle with the darkness and setting himself in a place on the track where he knew the moonlight would reveal the rider. He waited until he could see the horse galloping near him and his eyes became alert. He watched until the face started to become clear and….
Draco began to breath rather loudly. He hadn't even realized his breath had stopped until he was nearly choking with the lack of oxygen. How… how had this happened? When had this happened? Surprised and now really curious, Draco made his way back towards Hogwarts and towards a comfortable spot where he could wait for the rider once he made his way back.
XXXX
"Harry, a word," Draco said, startling Harry as he made his way up to his rooms to go shower.
It was past curfew and Harry had indulged himself with staying out for a while, knowing what he would be getting into if he got caught and hoping he wouldn't. Now though, he stopped and turned to look at the speaker, only to sigh in relief as he noticed it was Draco.
"You had me scared there for a moment," Harry said when he suddenly remembered their last talk and how that had gone. It had actually been several months since that talk and neither he nor Draco had made the move, until now, to speak to each other.
"I saw you," Draco said and Harry was about to ask what exactly he had seen when he remembered he was in his riding gear.
"Well yeah, I've been practicing and have improved," Harry said, remembering the ride he had taken only several minutes ago and the surprise he had when he realized he had ridden for over an hour.
"Congratulations," Draco said, still eyeing Harry warily and Harry began to get uncomfortable. "So… how did you do it?"
Harry blushed and contemplated on telling Draco. He did trust Draco, didn't he, so it would be all right to tell him. And Draco was really happy for him, though as Harry searched his face he couldn't really find any real joy etched into it.
"Charlie's been teaching me after class," Harry said. "He's been tutoring me for the past few months."
Draco was surprised as he heard the answer and felt anger and jealousy suddenly threatening to take over him. "Oh, and you decide that with him teaching you, you can suddenly learn to ride a horse again?"
"No," Harry said, surprised at this answer, "it's just… well, his teaching methods are different, Draco, and they seemed to be the right ones for me."
"His teaching methods… right. It's just because you fancy the bloody fool, isn't it? I wouldn't be surprised if you two were in the stalls –," Draco said when he was suddenly tackled and on the floor.
"Don't you dare," Harry said, raising his fist as if to punch Draco but stopping himself with what seemed to be a lot of self control. "Nothing of the sort ever happened and I thought you would be happy for me. After all those years of trying to get me on a horse, I finally am on one," he said before standing up and releasing his hold on Draco.
"I tried to get you on a horse," Draco said in a cold voice, standing up and making his way towards the Slytherin dungeons. "I also tried," he said again, "but it seems my efforts weren't enough."
Before Harry could say anything else Draco was already out of sight. Harry made his way to his room, tired and confused. With his decisions made, he took a quick shower before going to bed. He would apologize to Draco tomorrow.
A/N: Hopefully we can be excused for the tardiness of this chapter. Once again, thank you to all those who reviewed and well… the story continues…. We hope to put up the next chapter quicker than this one. Things just started… happening and well, things seem to have calmed down for the moment, so yeah. Anyways, hope it was good. Laters.