This is for Kamerreon's Drabble Challenge — a drabble a day until my imagination dies.
Disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K. Rowling. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Dark Forest
Harry gripped his wand tighter as he shuffled through the forest, his eyes scanning the ground under his lumos spell. He cursed slightly as he shuffled deeper into the forest, not wanting to venture too far in. The week before when Voldemort had appeared at his detention with Malfoy, Harry had dropped something precious to him when he had been caught up in his fear. He needed it back.
A twig snapped nearby, and Harry spun. Nothing appeared, but in this forest that meant nothing. Anything could materialize out of the shadows before him… or behind him… or above him! Dropping down on top of him, grabbing him, latching onto him and dragging him into the deep dark reaches of the forest never to be seen aga-
A hand fell on his shoulder and Harry screamed. The sound was muffled by another hand covering his mouth, and Harry began to squirm against the hold. A large, warm body materialized behind him, and Harry glanced, up, half-terrified at what he would see.
"Calm down," a thick voice growled. A thick familiar voice. "It's me."
Harry relaxed into the hold with a sigh, closing his eyes briefly. The hand slid down from his mouth, dancing down his neck on the way. Harry smiled up at the figure behind him, the one who loomed over him, protected him and looked after him.
Marcus Flint.
"What are you doing out here?" Marcus hissed as he spun Harry to face him. Harry sighed, looking down at his feet.
"I lost it," he mumbled. A hand gripped his chin, tilting it up. He looked up into Marcus's eyes, his own emerald filling with tears. "I'm sorry!"
"This?"
A small locket dangled in front of Harry's eyes and he stared up at it in wonder. He gave a glad cry as he reached up to take it, sliding the thin chain over his head immediately.
"Hold onto it next time," Marcus ordered as he wrapped an arm around Harry's waist, dragging him towards the classroom. "I can't watch over you all the time. You need to wear it for it to protect you."
"Yes, Marcus," the young Gryffindor whispered. He looked up at the looming man, his eyes filled with curiosity. "Marcus… why… why do you always look out for me?"
Marcus was silent for a moment, staring up at the castle before them. Many thought he was a stupid youth, but Harry knew that he wasn't. He was a Slytherin. He wanted people to think he was stupid. He hid his true self beneath the surface.
"Because, little lion," Marcus answered at last. "you are really a snake in disguise. I can see that. And here, you have been thrust into the dark forest. You need someone to look out for you."
"You."
"Me."
Harry smiled as he allowed the older boy to lead him back to Hogwarts, away from the dark forest behind them.
And the dark forest in his mind.
Ugh, I am sooo gonna drop out before 100...
