Chapter Fifteen: Hiking the West Highland Way

Never in his thirteen years of life had he, Harrison James Sirius Potter, Eleventh Earl of Welburn been more jittery than he had at this moment. How did you face the boy you had a crush on? How did you confess to having feelings for a boy who had become one of your closest confidants, a boy who most likely did not prefer men in that way? How would Takashi take the confession? While wizards were accepting of same sex relationships, Takashi was not a wizard, neither were his parents. Granted, Sensei was his uncle, but still, there was a difference between accepting your badass, but eccentric uncle and acknowledging that a friend, who was a boy, thought of you in that way. It would destroy their friendship. Harry couldn't tell him. His feelings had to remain unconfessed. Takashi's friendship meant too much to ruin it over a crush. A crush he had to overcome.

Still, how could he act as if nothing changed, when everything had changed?

Rattled, Harry deposited his bright, purple hiking backpack in the living room next to the floo where everyone else's packs sat before making his way to the dining room. A breakfast buffet prepared by the castle elves was set up on the antique buffet table under a family portrait of several Potter ancestors who waved merrily once they saw Harry enter the room. Harry's guards and their sons sat around the large, oval table eating a hearty breakfast, but Harry didn't see Takashi or Satoshi. Harry couldn't picture any of the Morinozukas having a lie-in, even with the time difference. It seemed odd, Harry was positive it was ingrained in the Morinozuka's bloodline to wake at dawn to train. So, where was Takashi? Had he already eaten? Sensei didn't look worried, so everything must be all right. Harry did see Kingsley standing at the buffet with a plate in his hand though.

It felt odd to see Kingsley in muggle clothes instead of the regal looking robes he usually wore. Like everyone else, he was in a pair of hiking pants with multiple pockets and a long sleeve t-shirt. Kingsley had a great body, strong and muscular, which was odd for British wizards, especially a pureblood like Kingsley. It wasn't as if purebloods carried membership cards to the local gym or anything. Harry caught Sensei's gaze, motioned to Kingsley, and gave his head of security two thumbs up. Sensei rolled his eyes and went back to his breakfast, but Kris and Emil had seen his gesture and chuckled. Harry saddled up to Kingsley relieved to be standing next to him instead of dealing with the turbulent emotions that came with his newly discovered feelings for Takashi.

"Kingsley, have you met everyone?"

Kingsley turned around and grinned. "Yes, not all of us decided to have a lie-in."

Harry pouted playfully and filled his plate; glad he was finally finished with his potion regime.

"Mornings suck. So you met my head of security, Ikeda Morinozuka?" Harry probed.

"Yes, he I already knew," Kingsley grinned. "He came to the ministry a couple days ago and grilled me when I accepted the invitation, but I expected it. Tonks told me he did the same to Sirius and Remus."

"Really," Harry drawled with a grin. So was that were Sensei had went that morning dressed to impress? Harry's hopes soared. "He's a bit overprotective. What was he wearing?"

"Huh?"

Harry flushed trying to backtrack. "I mean, looking after me constantly Sensei doesn't get much time off, I was wondering if he used one of his few days off to still look after me, instead of doing stuff for himself. He needs to find a nice man and get a life. Was he wearing a suit? He usually wears suits when he's working and casual wear when it's his day off."

Kingsley frowned thinking. "I think he was in jeans and a t-shirt. Yeah, I think I noticed that when we went to lunch afterward."

Harry felt like jumping up and down cheering. "So, it was his day off and you two went to lunch. What did you think of him?"

"Very good, impressive qualifications and dedicated to his job and you. You have nothing to worry about their Harry."

"And," Harry drew out getting frustrated. People were so dense. "So, the other week you mentioned not seeing anyone, you, and Sensei have that in common. You need a life outside of work just as much as Sensei does. And Sensei did visit you on his day off," Harry ended pointedly, selling out Sensei without a second thought.

Catching on, Kingsley laughed and walked away. Pouting, Harry stood there trying to figure out how he was going to get the two together, or if they were now not going to get together, just because they knew he was trying to get them together. Adults were stupid like that.

"You were a bit obvious dear heart, but the Potters were never known for their tact, Gryffindor's, the lot of you."

Startled, Harry's head jerked up to see the woman in the family portrait smirking at him while her husband and sons stared at her a little offended.

"Hey, now," the man, her husband probably began, but the wife waved him off before he could speak.

"You need to work on your tact, dear heart."

Harry bowed to the fashionable woman in the portrait. She was dressed in a peach silk gown that looked like the height of fashion for her time and her hair was done up in an elaborate do that reminded Harry of pictures he'd seen in history books of Georgiana Cavendish, the Duchess of Devonshire. Her husband and sons looked just as dapper. Although her husband wore a hat in the portrait, Harry noticed that both boys had the cursed Potter hair.

"I'll work on it, Madame."

"See that you do, we can't have the last Potter being a bore."

Harry chuckled and went back to filling his plate. As he stood at the buffet, he felt a strange burning sensation sizzle through his body, as if he'd been dealt an electrical shock. His heart rate sped up and he closed his eyes to get his bearings, wondering what was going on. Was he in danger? Once his eyes shut, Harry was assaulted with an explosion of yellow lights, a kaleidoscope of swirling yellow lights bounced up and down and spread out across the dining room, brighter and more vibrant than anyone else's magical core. Takashi arrived.

It was amazing to Harry that Takashi could have such a vibrant magical core and not be a wizard. He must be strong in his family's magic, stronger than even Sensei. He felt Takashi approach and shivered as Takashi's hand reached up to rest on his head.

"Harry," he questioned worriedly.

Harry took a deep breath and opened his eyes, looking up at Takashi.

"I'm fine," he lied a little unsteadily. Takashi tilted his head and stared intently, clearly not believing him. "I am. I have a lot of my mind. Plus, I'm worried how I'm going to handle this trip. I don't want to be the weak link."

"You'll be fine. I'll help."

Always so polite and helpful, Harry smiled. "Thank you Takashi." He bumped his shoulder playfully into his tall friend. "Don't tell me you slept in this morning. I expected you to be the first one up, with those crazy Morinozuka genes and all."

Takashi chuckled. "We were." Takashi filled his plate as they talked and Harry took a deep breath. Maybe he wouldn't make a fool of himself. "Satoshi and I were with Chad. Our bags are lighter and the inside is larger now. Satoshi went crazy and added more to his bag. I had to finally put my foot down."

Harry chuckled imagining it. As they chatted Harry relaxed and felt like maybe, just maybe, he wouldn't make a complete fool out of himself and blurt out his feelings for the taller boy. Feeling confident, he sat down at the table between Takashi and Kingsley making sure Kingsley was included in the conversation. He didn't bother to include Takashi much, because of his innate shyness, but when Kingsley and Sean were engaged in conversation, he turned back to Takashi.

"Are they talking too fast?" he whispered.

"A little."

"I'm sorry. I decided to fit in a little self-study in Japanese. I don't know how far I'll get but maybe you can show me your world when I visit my house in Tokyo next summer?"

Takashi smiled. "Ah."

Damn, there it was again. That feeling of wanting to jump up and curl his body around Takashi's. Harry blushed and looked away focusing on the food on his plate. At least he'd managed to schedule another outing with his friend.

Once everyone had eaten their fill and had taken care of their business, they gathered their backpacks and took a port key to an empty alleyway in Milngavie, the town where the trail began. Harry, surrounded by the other kids, winced sympathetically when Rich vomited immediately upon landing. His father was their immediately, discreetly conjuring a cushy chair, pressing him to sit down on it, and giving him water to drink, and a potion that smelled like ginger to digest. From what he remembered from his potion's exam, it looked like an anti-nausea potion. After a couple minutes, Rich looked up flushing, once he saw all the eyes on him. He took the towel his father handed him and wiped his sweaty face.

"Sorry, it'll pass in a moment."

Harry sat on the edge of the chair Chad had conjured and hugged his friend. Rich smiled in thanks only to grimace when he saw all the curious looks the rest of the kids had thrown his way.

"Side effect of being a low level squib," Rich explained with a long-suffering sigh. "Magic performed around me makes me nauseous."

"Meditation?" Takashi asked.

"Dad told me about you two," Rich said wryly in response. "I've tried, I've had a hard time staying still and calming my mind."

"I'll help you," Satoshi said cheerfully from where he amused himself by jumping from one cobblestone to another on one foot with perfect balance.

"Well if anyone can understand having a chaotic mind, it would be Satoshi," Harry quipped with a smile on his face.

"Moe," Satoshi cried indignity making everyone chuckle even Takashi. Chad sent him a grateful look now that everyone's focus was off Rich as Harry started ribbing on Satoshi.

Once Rich recovered, they made it to the starting point of the walk. The West Highland Way walking trail began in the middle of the quaint Scottish town, which was probably deliberate to get people to spend their money before they began. Harry caved into the not so subtle manipulation, by having his picture taken, one by himself and one with the group. He also forked over money for maps, guidebooks, and other camping odds and ends that captured his interest. After another thirty minutes wandering around the shops, they set off on the first leg of their journey.

Harry walked next to Emil and his nine-year-old son Ernest. His guard Emil, Harry learned, was a muggleborn or first generation magical as they called it in America. Emil was the youngest child of an extremely wealthy muggle family from Montana. Emil laughed when Harry's eyes became large as saucers when Emil told him he grew up on a 120,000 acre working cattle ranch in Montana.

"You're a cowboy," Harry whispered awed. "A real cowboy."

Emil laughed and affected an even lazier, American accent, with a grin on his face. "Used to be, the wife civilized me."

His wife Bridgette was descended from magical users who left Europe and settled in America to escape pureblood mania and the witch hunts around the time of the statue of secrecy. That got them talking about pureblood bigotry and if it existed as badly in America as it did in Europe. Emil, who experienced it a lot with his wife's family and social peers, said it did but it was quieter more refined than the blatant prejudice that occurred in Europe. In America, it was more about wealth and class, rather than blood. While he had problems, his children would be accepted, especially since he came from money. American purebloods, Harry learned kept to very close-knit social groups that didn't let in outsiders, but there were many social climbers who managed to slip in and make a name for themselves. They didn't go about spouting their pureblood nonsense to the American magical population like Europeans did, even if they secretly still felt that way. The American's, Harry learned were smart enough to know they were in the minority. They also knew they occasionally needed new blood inserted into their magical lines. New blood they accepted as long as the person fit certain criteria. The only reason Emil was able to marry his wife Bridgette, an eleventh generation pureblood, without opposition was because his family was actually wealthier than hers."

"An eleventh generation pure-blood? Is that how the American's call themselves?"

"Yes, it's ridiculous. Ernest's considered a first-generation pureblood, because even though I'm magical, I come from non-magical parents, hence, not a pureblood, but they do count him. If you lived in America, you wouldn't be considered a half-blood as you are here. In American, you'd be like Ernest, a first-generation pureblood, since you mother was a witch not a non-magical or muggle as they call it here."

"Wait, so the American's don't really consider people half-bloods?" Harry frowned confused trying to picture it.

"Yes. If my wife was non-magical and I had magical children, then they would be considered half-bloods."

"Sounds convoluted and confusing. Though, I'm surprised your wife's family didn't put up more of a fight, their way of life sounds much more pretensions than our straight forward bigotry."

Emil laughed. "No society is perfect, but I do prefer the way we do things over the way you do things here."

"What does your wife's family think about you working since like Sensei you don't have to?" Harry asked curiously.

Emil laughed. "They hate it, of course. They also hate that Bridgette works, and isn't involved in all those stupid ladies groups, but my Bridgette has always been headstrong." He said proudly. "And with the way I grew up, I often worked on the family ranch from sunrise to sunset basically from the time I could walk. I couldn't imagine not working or being married to the type of women a lot of those pureblood girls are. Her family thinks we're odd because we don't live on our trust funds. With the exception of our house, our house elves, and a few other occasional splurges, we barely touch our trust funds. Gosh, I didn't even have access to my trust fund until I turned thirty. My parents did that to ensure I made my own way in the world without relying on my money. Bridgette and I set up the same system for Ernest and Ellen."

Harry looked intrigued. "That's actually a great idea. If I ever had kids I think I'll do the same thing."

"It helped me and my brothers and sisters, even though most of them did remain on the ranch, we all worked from our earliest memories. My sisters stopped in their teens but they worked in my family's side business instead, which they now own. My two brothers took over the ranch once it got to be too much for my parents and work it with their wives, family, and employees just like we did growing up."

"Do you get to see them?"

Emil nodded with a huge smile on his face. "We spend a couple weeks at the ranch every July as well as going home the weekend of Thanksgiving, which is a big American holiday. It's especially big with our family. The brothers and sisters, my parents, who are retired, get together. All we do is eat, watch American football, and shop all weekend."

"It's fun," Ernest piped up. "Aunt Pam is a fabulous cook. Then we get up super early for Black Friday."

"Black Friday?"

"It's an American version of Boxing Day, but instead of being the day after Christmas, ours is the day after Thanksgiving and signifies the start of the Christmas Holiday season. Stores open early and slash the prices of most of their goods. So everyone goes shopping and dukes it out over the merchandise that's sliced fifty and sixty percent below retail."

Harry grinned. "Sounds blood thirsty."

"Yeah," Ernest grinned. "Mom cheats. There were some designer shoes mom wanted, but she was in the back of the crowd and there was only one pair left in her size so she used magic to get the shoes and said that I snuck through the crowds and got them when I didn't. When everyone found out she had the shoes, we were nearly trampled by a mob of angry women. It was funny."

Harry laughed merrily. They continued to chitchat as they walked. Harry had expected to see more scenery, though he guessed it made sense that it took a while to leave civilization behind. The hills of Dumgoyne were nice though. When everyone paused in their trek to take pictures, Harry sighed heavily, only to stop when Takashi cocked his head and looked at him in question.

"I didn't bring a camera. With the whole Boy-Who-Lived crap, I hate cameras and having my picture taken, but I never thought it would be cool to take pictures so I could have a documentation of this trip. I wish I had brought one."

"I have tons of storage space on my camera and planned on taking many pictures," Rich told him, his camera strapped around his neck. "When I get everything developed, I'll send you a set through dad. Just let me know if you want me to snap something."

Harry grinned. "Thanks Rich."

They continued walking. After a couple hours, once they passed the next small town Carbeth, the adults grinned at each other and made a detour from the hiking route. Curious, the kids looked at each other but followed the adults and were glad they did. They stopped at a great local restaurant that was designed to look like an 18th century mill complete with ceiling beams and open fires. Everyone was glad for the break and the food. Harry used the time to sit by the youngest members of the group, Ernest and Kris's twin sons Bryan and Brandon. They had a bit of hero worship going on, especially the twins, but Harry was grateful they weren't overbearing about it like Colin Creevy had been.

After lunch, they took another detour, a detour that Harry realized was the reason behind the adults' ecstatic looks, and why they were glad the women hadn't come. They went to the Glengoyne Whiskey Distillery. They took a guided tour of the distillery and afterward had a whiskey and chocolate matching. Since they were in Scotland, Harry and the rest of the kids were able to taste the whiskey as long as they had an adult's permission, which was awesome. So, Harry and the others got to sip a single glass of fine, single malt whiskey that had been aged for eighteen years and was paired with chocolate, both tasted sublime. Kingsley and the guards had a field day, buying up whatever bottles caught their fancy. It was a good thing they were wizards, or their whiskey would've never fit inside their packs. After the wine and chocolate tasting, and once the guides saw how much money they spent, they were taken deep in the bowls of the distillery to where the casks of whiskey were kept. All the kids were able to take a sip from the whiskey in the cask and even select their own cask to be kept at the distillery to age properly, and once they and the whiskey reached maturity, it would be presented to them with their own special label. The fathers all brought casks for their sons and Sensei had brought one for Harry, Takashi, and Satoshi, which had Harry blinking back tears. His tears cleared quickly when he overhead Ernest and the twins moaning that they had the longest wait to get to enjoy their whiskey, even longer since they were American and the drinking age was twenty-one. Harry had pointed out that their whiskey would probably taste the best and be worth more in the end, as it would mature the longest. They perked up at that. It was an awesome experience and gift. One Harry would always cherish. For once, he felt included when people were with their families and didn't feel left out as he usually did. Sensei was the best ever.

It was almost a letdown to get back on the hiking trail. With the detours, and well, the sneaking of an extra glass of whisky, the walking took a toll on Harry. His energy flagged. He was not drunk, wizards, Harry learned had a higher tolerance to alcohol compared to muggles. The higher alcohol tolerance was why they preferred fire whiskey, since fire whiskey was five times stronger than muggle whiskey, even if muggle whiskey tasted better. Even with all that, Harry still felt slightly off balance. To Harry's pleasure and delight, Takashi immediately fell behind so they could walk together and placed a hand on the small of his back to help him over a rough patch or just to talk and keep his spirits up. Takashi must have known he needed it, because otherwise, Harry didn't think Takashi would ever talk so much. Though Harry suspected Takashi was more talkative because he too had snuck extra glasses of whiskey. Whatever the reason, Harry was grateful for a talkative Takashi. He answered Harry's questions about what went on at his school and his relationship with his cousin Mitsukuni, who was currently in Switzerland on vacation with his family. Since Takashi's family had a home in Switzerland as well, Harry asked him what there was to do in Switzerland. Harry was surprised to learn that with such high mountain altitudes, you could still ski and snowboard in the summer. He managed to extract a promise from Takashi to teach him how to snowboard, because it sounded amazing.

Harry was happy when they reached the town of Dryman and Sensei decided they had walked enough for the day. Officially, they had walked twelve miles, but with all the detours, Harry suspected they had actually walked nearly twenty. They found a place to set up their tents in a large circle away from the prying eyes of non-magicals. Everyone decided to head inside their tents to shower and rest for a bit, before they met outside to start a campfire, pool their food resources and have a barbeque. Walking inside his tent, Harry couldn't help be pleased with how it looked. The tent looked even more amazing than it had in the store. Tired, they all collapsed on the large sectional sofa that wrapped around the living room.

"Isn't this great?" Harry said excited. "How should we separate bedrooms? There are five of us and four bedrooms. You know, since Takashi and Satoshi aren't used to roughing it, they shouldn't have to share and since this is my tent . . . Sensei, I think you and Kingsley should share. It's only fair."

"Brat, if you were any more transparent, you'd be invisible," Sensei said.

Deep, rumblings chuckles erupted from Kingsley's chest. But Harry noticed Sensei and Kingsley were sitting next to each other and Kingsley's arm was stretched out across the sofa behind Sensei's head and Sensei's head was resting on Kingsley's arm. It was perfect.

"It's my tent, I think—"

"It won't hurt Takashi and Satoshi to share for a couple days."

Harry gave Sensei the evil eye and finally gave in when Sensei just looked at him with an arched brow. Sighing heavily, he pulled Takashi and Satoshi up and stomped away from the living room so Sensei could tell that he was not happy with him. "Come on guys let's find our bedrooms and unpack. We'll leave them out here and they could have whatever rooms we decide against."

"Harry, I didn't like that. You are making me think of my Ojisan in ways that is very uncomfortable for me," Satoshi said his voice solemn, though his eyes were dancing mischievously. "My ojisan should not . . ."

"Shush," Harry snapped dragging on Satoshi's arm leading him down the hallway to where the bedrooms were. "Emulate your older brother for a few minutes and zip it."

Takashi chuckled and Harry glared at him as well. Takashi made a motion of pressing his lips tightly together, his eyes lit up with amusement.

"Stop it. Just because you're not saying anything doesn't mean I can't tell what you're thinking Takashi, stupid Sensei messing up my plans."

Takashi gave him a mocking bow. It took a couple minutes but Harry had everyone's room settled though not in the way he wanted. He got the master, Takashi and Satoshi were in the second largest bedroom across from his, which left Kingsley and Sensei to duke it out over the other two remaining bedrooms. Harry's bedroom had an attached bath, so he took a long shower to help relieve all the aches and pains from the walk as well as clear his head from the whiskey. When he got out, Takashi was there waiting, Harry flushed red considering he only had a towel wrapped around his waist.

"You're still stiff." Takashi stated.

Harry flushed. "I'll be fine. I have some cream that will get rid of soreness."

"Where?"

Curious, Harry went to the bed where he'd emptied out his hiking bag and found the bottom of cream, which he handed to Takashi. Takashi read the label carefully before clearing off a free space on the bed and pushing Harry to lay down on his stomach. Now, grateful for the towel more than ever, Harry found a hard time keeping his feelings bottled up inside. Body parts he didn't really feel like thinking about decided to wake up, which was totally embarrassing, but at least with him lying on his stomach Takashi couldn't tell. Suddenly, he felt calloused hands with long, slender fingers on his back spreading the cream on, which had to be the sexiest thing anyone had every done to him. Harry couldn't help but moan loudly as Takashi's fingers kneaded a particularly sore muscle. He couldn't help himself; the feel of Takashi's fingers massaging the nape of his neck was the best thing ever.

"Takashi," he said quietly turning to look at his friend.

Takashi flushed. "I better go. I was going to ask to use your shower, but the other one should be free now. Everyone should be outside waiting. Bye Harry."

Takashi bolted from the room. Harry moaned and buried his face in the pillow. He really messed up now. Takashi could probably tell what he had been feeling and was horrified. Of course he had, Takashi never rambled like that. He knew and was horrified but didn't want to hurt his feelings so he bolted from the room. Oh Merlin. Stupid hormones. They had just cost him a really good friend. Takashi would never be comfortable around Harry now.

Takashi avoided him the rest of the night much to Harry's despair. Instead, Harry found himself sitting next to Rich at the campfire. Emil had brought a grill, Harry produced steaks from the animals at Castle Potter, the others more food, and Kingsley took control of the grill to cook the steaks, Sensei stood next to Kingsley helping, but Harry couldn't even gloat about it. The twins brought out some games and they had a great time hanging out, everyone except Harry.

Rich slid down next to him and bumped into his shoulder. "So what happened between you and Takashi?"

"What, nothing," Harry squeaked looking around wildly. "What made you think something happened?"

Rich snorted. "Maybe because the two of you can't keep your eyes off each other, but both of you always look away when the other is looking."

Harry flushed. "I like him."

"Duh. Harry, no offense, but you're not the most secretive bloke in the world."

"Apparently," Harry groaned and placed his face in his hands. "You're not freaked out that I have a crush on a boy."

"Harry, I just spent the last few weeks singing show tunes in my musical theater workshop. Nothing says gay like singing Surrey with a Fringe on Top in front of a live audience wearing jeans, chaps, and a checkered shirt."

Harry chuckled. "So are you . . ."

"No, but most of my friends are. So tell Uncle Richie what happened."

And Harry did. Once he explained everything, Rich began chuckling.

"What."

"Puppy love. You and Takashi are dealing with your first crush. It's cute. I think that's why Dad and the others are looking at both of you trying not to bust a gut."

Horrified, Harry's head shot up and sure enough, Sensei and his guards were shooting looks between he and Takashi snickering and gossiping amongst themselves.

"Oh crap. If they know, Takashi has to know and he's never going to remain my friend now."

"Harry, I don't profess to know Takashi well, but I think he wants to be more than your friend."

"What," Harry asked somewhat hopefully, "makes you think that?"

"I'm not a genius, but I have been in the position of having some of my guy friends have little crushes on me and I can safely say that I never keep looking at them and blushing worse than a little girl like Takashi is doing now."

"He's probably just horrified by his supposed friend acting like a moron when he only wanted to help him ease his sore back."

Rich laughed and bumped his shoulder. "You really are clueless aren't you? Talk to him. You're already fearing the worst, talking to him can't be worse than what you're imagining in that head of yours. You'll probably be surprised, and even if it's as bad as you think, at least you'll know."

Harry sighed. He supposed Rich was right, but he didn't want an official end to his and Takashi's friendship.

After dinner and s'mores, Harry dragged himself back to the tent where he dropped face down on the mattress groaning at how idiotic he'd been to give himself away like that earlier. The next thing he knew he was sleep. He woke up hours later to a nightmare. Instead of dreaming of the Chamber of Secrets, he dreamt that he'd caught Takashi making out with Lavender Brown. Both of them had been laughing and giggling about what a fool Harry had been to harbor a crush on Takashi who clearly was too good for the likes of him. Unsettled by the weird, but somewhat true nightmare, Harry dragged himself out of bed and made his way to the kitchen to make tea, only to stop upon hearing rapid Japanese come from Takashi and Satoshi's room. Feeling a little guilty, Harry cast a translation spell on himself.

"Taki-ni has a crush," Satoshi singsonged repeatedly.

"Satoshi," Takashi warned, his deep voice rumbling.

"Takashi," Sensei said in his familiar I'm serious don't mess with me or no one will ever be able to find your body voice. "Harry just turned thirteen, you just turned fifteen. You are both too young. I understand your hormones are raging, but now is not the time to act on them. Use that vaulted discipline you're known for and control yourself. You are too young. I better not catch you acting out on your feelings. Do you understand?"

"Ah." Takashi sounded morose.

Sensei sighed, his voice softening. "Harry is still trying to sort out who he is after all that's happened to him. I know he seems mature, but emotionally, he's just too young to deal with anything more right now. Got it?"

"Ah."

"Calm down the hormones and just be his friend. It will give you time to figure out if this is something serious or just a crush. In a few years, if you feel the same as you do now, approach Harry and let him know how you feel. He'll be older then and surer of himself. Okay?"

"Ah."

"Besides, you aren't even in high school yet. You have time to make sure what you're feeling is real. Do you understand?"

"Ah."

"Good. Takashi," Sensei began his voice softening.

"Ah?"

"You have good taste. Harry has one of the greatest hearts out of anyone I have ever seen, which is amazing considering everything he's been through."

"Ah."

Harry snuck away from outside their room, a huge smile on his face, cancelling the translation charm. Putting the kettle on, Harry's smile widened when he found some custard tarts in a basket of fruits, vegetables, and snacks under a stasis charm sitting on the counter. The house elves must have packed it for them. Harry found that his appetite had slowly increased until it was ten times what it had been when he was with the Dursleys. His increased appetite was proof positive he was getting better. He sat down to snack and idly flipping through his Grandfather's Charlus's journal. With studying for his placement tests, he hadn't gotten a lot of time lately to go through it, but what he did read was spellbinding. His grandfather had been a fascinating man and Harry wished he had known him. Harry had also discovered to his shock that his father had been blood adopted by Potters when he had been born. Grandmother Dorea had had several miscarriages throughout their marriage and thought they'd never have an heir, so they paid a surrogate to have Dad when it became apparent they'd never conceive naturally. It explained a lot. It explained why such a formidable Gryffindor and Slytherin pairing of two no nonsense people such as Charlus and Dorea Potter had spoiled dad rotten. It also helped Harry to relax about never having children naturally, when he saw how much his grandparents had loved and idolized his father. It was comforting. Harry was on his second tart and writing in his own Lord's journal when Sensei left his nephews bedroom and found him sitting in the kitchen. He came up to the table and snagged a piece of fruit from the basket.

"I thought I felt you out here. Another nightmare?"

Harry nodded and took a bit of custard.

"Do you think you can get back to sleep now or do you need some dreamless sleep?"

Harry swallowed the food in his mouth. "I'll be fine."

"Good. Then get some sleep, the trail is going to be tougher tomorrow, there are many hills we have to go up and down." Harry groaned and Sensei laughed and hugged him. "You're doing good, brat. Better than I thought you would, your stamina is increasing and tomorrow we won't be stopping at a distillery where you can sneak alcohol." Harry flushed, caught as always. Sensei chuckled and ruffled Harry's hair. "Go to bed."

Harry nodded and quickly finished his journal entry, which was mostly about Takashi and his growing feelings for him. When he got back to bed, he was so excited that Takashi felt more than friendship for him his nightmares were chased away. Instead of a nightmare, he had dreamt of Takashi. Harry dreamt he was lying on the bed on his stomach as he had earlier, but instead of Takashi straddling him to rub cream on his back, Takashi had straddled him and began kissing his body from head to toe as Harry squirmed underneath him. He jerked awake blushing furiously at the mess he made in the sheets.

His first wet dream.

The rest of the hike sped by. They stopped and toured the towns they passed and the scenery Harry had been anticipating finally came. Harry's favorite side trip was half day they'd spent rafting down the river. Of course, Harry found himself watching Takashi closely. Takashi had backed off like Sensei had demanded, so had Harry. They still walked with the rest of the kids, but they didn't always walk right next to each other. Although Harry noticed Takashi paid attention to his conversations with others. Whenever Harry faltered or stumbled, some of the times were for real, though most of were contrived, Takashi was always there with a warm hand on his back or a hand wrapped around his arm supporting him. Harry felt his heart beat faster whenever Takashi touched him and the dreams were getting worse. He wanted to know what it would be like to kiss Takashi. But Sensei was right, Takashi was too special, he had to make sure what he felt was real before he ruined their friendship. So, he enjoyed the hike, the company, and especially Takashi.

At the end of the walk, Harry felt proud of his accomplishment and accepted his certificate and t-shirt with pride. The only downside was Sensei saying he was now ready for more combat style training, which he knew was going to hurt. The last day they walked nearly twenty miles only this time there weren't any stops to explore the towns and the hike comprised of hiking over a large hill. Despite the views at the top the hill being amazing, Harry was glad for the hike to be finished. So, an exhausted Harry landed in his living room once the port key dropped them back off. He collapsed on the sofa and leaned back, though his entire focus was on Takashi who sat next to him.

"You have beautiful eyes, you should never close them."

Startled at Takashi's blunt speech, Harry straightened and opened his eyes, blushing as he met Takashi's gaze.

"Thank you."

"Their my favorite thing about you, that and how soft your skin feels under my fingers. I noticed that when I put the cream on your back."

Harry was positive his face could put a tomato to shame. "Well, I think you're pretty great too."

A gasp from the doorway and Harry looked over to see Satoshi gaping at the two of them.

Takashi grinned. "Hey, little brother, I love you."

"Ike-oji," Satoshi called over his shoulder panicked. "Code Red!" Confused Harry turned to Satoshi who began talking to Takashi as if he were a two-year old. "Taka-ni, it's been a long day, we should get some sleep if we're going to adjust back to the time difference, and you're tired aren't you?"

"Yes, I am. I could sleep. You're so sweet little brother. Thank you."

Satoshi came to Takashi and led him away. Harry turned to Sensei who had returned to the room, his eyes demanding an explanation. Had Takashi gotten into the whiskey?

"It's a family joke," Sensei said amused. "If you want to find out what Takashi is really thinking wait until he's exhausted and ask. It's better than veritaserum and he never remembers what he said or the way he acted afterwards. Don't tell him, he'd be really embarrassed."

"So, he wasn't serious," Harry mused sadly.

"Of course he was. Even dead on his feet, Takashi is still Takashi, just a more touchier, feelier version."

Harry flushed again making Sensei sigh.

"You know, I think I'll leave now. I really don't want to know what my nephew said to make your face heat up like that. Hopefully, I can burn the image out of my mind."

Sensei quickly left the living room.

It was hard to face Takashi the next morning, not because he regretted what Takashi had said, but because Takashi didn't remember. What made it worse was that Harry couldn't do anything to try to make him remember. It was also hard because he knew he wouldn't see Takashi for a while so he became depressed and moody. Harry only perked up when Takashi invited him to go to Switzerland for a long weekend during winter break to teach him how to snowboard. At least now, he had something to look forward to.

While Sensei was getting the international port key ready to take his nephews back to Japan, Takashi pulled him aside and brought him in a lingering hug. Harry was so busy relishing the feel of Takashi's lithe and powerful body against his that he almost missed the gentle words whispered in his ear.

"They're wrong. I always remember what I've said."

"Oh," he breathed.

"Goodbye Harry." Soft lips brushed his ear. Harry shivered.

"Goodbye Takashi."

Ten seconds later, they were gone and Harry was alone, his senses still tingling from Takashi's lips on his skin. Screw waiting, Harry liked Takashi and Takashi liked him back. Hopefully he'll get a real kiss from Takashi. Preferably, sooner rather than later.

Life was good

Author's Notes:

*This was a hard chapter to edit. I think because it was so long, I had a hard time focusing. I hope you like it. As a teaser the next chapter is titled 'The Golden Trio Reunites.'

*As always self-beta'd and I do not own HP or Ouran High School Host Club

*See you next Monday. Happy Reading.