The next morning dawned clear and crisp, the early light filtering through the high windows of the Slytherin dormitory as Izar quietly dressed for the day. He could feel the familiar flutter of nerves in his stomach as he pulled on his warmest clothes, knowing that they would not be on for very long, as he would soon be in just a swimming costume. Despite his earlier bravado, the idea of plunging into the cold water made him slightly apprehensive.
After making sure he had everything he needed, including a towel to wrap up in. Izar slipped out of the dormitory and made his way through the quiet corridors of Hogwarts. The castle was still mostly asleep, the halls echoing with the sound of his footsteps. As he stepped outside into the cool morning air, he took a deep breath, the fresh scent of the lake filling his lungs and steadying his nerves.
When he reached the shore of the Black Lake, he saw Oliver already there, in his just his costume, stretching his arms over his head with a relaxed smile on his face. The sight of him standing there, the morning light catching the edges of his tousled hair, made Izar's heart skip a beat.
"Morning, Izar," Oliver called out, his voice warm and inviting. He dropped his arms and turned to face Izar, his smile widening as he saw him approach. "Ready to take the plunge?" He said holding out a pair of swimming trunks for Izar to take.
Izar hesitated for a moment, his eyes flicking from Oliver's grin to the trunks in his hand. The reality of what he was about to do suddenly felt more daunting. But then he saw the playful glint in Oliver's eyes, the kind of teasing warmth that had always managed to ease his nerves, and he found himself smiling back despite the flutter of anxiety in his chest.
"Guess I don't have a choice now, do I?" Izar replied with a chuckle, taking the trunks from Oliver's hand.
"Not if you want to keep your word," Oliver quipped, his tone light but encouraging. "I promise, it won't be as bad as you think."
He held the trunks in his hands for a few moments before looking up at Oliver, "could you …umm.." He said awkwardly, gesturing for Oliver to turn around so he had a bit of privacy when changing into the costumer.
Oliver blinked in surprise before a soft smile spread across his face. "Oh, of course," he said quickly, turning around with a playful salute. "Privacy granted, Lestrange. I won't peek, promise."
Izar chuckled nervously, appreciating Oliver's light-hearted response, but still feeling a bit self-conscious as he quickly changed into the trunks, Izar was not as muscular as the Oliver. He was lucky the one area he was blessed in, his behind, held up the shorts better than the would have. The trunks felt strange, unfamiliar, and he couldn't help but feel a little exposed, but he shook off the nerves as best he could.
He cleared his thought, signalling he was done and that Oliver could turn back around, "So what do you think?" He asked, standing there with a mixture of embarrassment and anxiety at what Oliver would say.
Oliver turned around, his playful grin widening as he took in the sight of Izar in the swim trunks. There was a brief moment where his eyes lingered on his arse, clearly appreciative of it, before he met Izar's gaze again. "I think," he began, his tone warm and teasing, "that you look great. You're definitely rocking those trunks, Lestrange."
Izar felt a flush rise to his cheeks, a mixture of embarrassment and a bit of pride at Oliver's compliment. "Thanks," he mumbled, trying to play it cool despite the nervous flutter in his chest.
Oliver stepped closer, his smile softening as he reached out to pat Izar on the shoulder. "You're going to do just fine. And hey, if you get cold, I'll be right there to warm you up." His wink was playful, but there was a sincerity in his tone that made Izar feel just a little more at ease.
Izar chuckled, shaking his head. "You're impossible, you know that?"
"Maybe," Oliver replied with a grin, "but it's part of my charm."
With that, Oliver led the way to the edge of the lake, the early morning sun casting a warm glow over the water. Izar hesitated for just a moment before taking a deep breath and following him. He could do this.
The first few steps into the lake felt like icy daggers were being stabbed into his feet, he let out a gasp of shock, the water was freezing cold and he wanted to turn around and head back to dry land, but he knew that he needed to do this. He stepped further into the lake, the cold water slowly raising up to his shins and then to his thighs.
Izar's breath hitched as the cold water rose higher, sending a shiver through his entire body. His instincts screamed at him to retreat, to seek the warmth of dry land, but he forced himself to keep moving forward, each step more difficult than the last. The water seemed to cling to him, sapping the warmth from his body and leaving his muscles tense with the chill.
"Keep going," Oliver called out encouragingly, his voice warm and supportive even as he stood further out in the lake, already waist-deep. He extended a hand toward Izar, a reassuring smile on his face. "It's tough at first, but once you're in, it gets better. I promise."
Izar hesitated, his eyes fixed on Oliver's outstretched hand. The thought of giving up and retreating was tempting, but he knew he didn't want to disappoint Oliver, or himself. He reached out and took hold of Olivers hand, summoning his courage, he took another step, the water now reaching his waist and sending another shiver down his spine.
Oliver chuckled, noticing the grimace on Izar's face. "You're doing great, Izar. Now, you need to just dive in, it will be cold, but its the quickest way to just get it out the way."
Izar gripped Oliver's hand tightly as he took another step, feeling the warmth and reassurance it provided. The cold water lapped against his waist, each wave a reminder of how far he'd already come. He looked at Oliver, who was watching him with that familiar, encouraging smile.
"Dive in?" Izar echoed, a mixture of nervousness and determination in his voice. The idea of plunging headfirst into the freezing water sent another shiver through him, but he knew Oliver was right, there was no point in dragging it out any longer.
"Yeah," Oliver said, his tone gentle but firm. "It'll be a shock, but trust me, you'll feel better once you're fully in. I'll be right here with you."
Izar took a deep breath, feeling the cold air fill his lungs as he steeled himself for what was about to happen. He knew he couldn't let fear hold him back, not now. With Oliver's hand still in his, he gave a nod, signalling that he was ready.
"On three?" Oliver suggested, squeezing Izar's hand in a show of support.
Izar nodded again. "On three."
"One… two… three!" Oliver counted, and without hesitating, both of them dove into the lake.
The cold hit Izar like a tidal wave, the water enveloping him completely as he submerged. Every nerve in his body screamed in protest, but he forced himself to keep moving, to push through the initial shock. He let go of Oliver's hand as he kicked his legs, breaking through the surface of the water with a gasp.
Oliver surfaced beside him, laughing breathlessly, his hair slicked back and droplets of water glistening on his skin. "See? Not so bad once you're in, right?"
Izar coughed, water dripping down his face as he blinked in surprise. The cold was intense, but it was manageable now that he was fully submerged. He looked at Oliver, who was still grinning at him, and couldn't help but laugh despite himself.
"Yeah," Izar admitted, his voice shaking slightly but full of relief. "Not so bad."
Oliver's smile widened, and he reached out to splash water playfully at Izar. "Told you so."
Izar sputtered, laughing as he splashed back, the tension in his body finally releasing as he let himself enjoy the moment. The water, while still cold, no longer felt like an enemy. Instead, it was just another challenge he had overcome, another step forward in a journey he was beginning to realise he didn't have to take alone.
"Now, just keep moving, and you'll stay warm," Oliver said, as he began swimming forward, out further into the lake. "Come on, follow me," he called back, his tone both encouraging and playful.
Izar hesitated for a moment before following, he was not the best swimmer, but he was confident enough and knew he could do this. His strokes were slower than Olivers, but he was determined to keep up.
As they swam in the lake, the initial shock of the cold water slowly faded, replaced by a sense of exhilaration that came from pushing past his fears. Izar followed Oliver's lead, trying to mimic his fluid movements as they swam further out into the lake. The early morning sun glinted off the surface of the water, casting shimmering reflections around them.
Oliver paused after a while, treading water with effortless ease as he waited for Izar to catch up. "You're doing great," he said, a wide grin on his face. "Better than I was on my first attempt."
Izar puffed out a breath, his hair plastered to his forehead as he floated beside Oliver. "You're just saying that to be nice," he replied with a wry smile, though he appreciated the compliment.
"No, really," Oliver insisted, his tone sincere. "You're a natural. I only lasted a few minutes before I had to get out."
Izar chuckled, a warm feeling spreading through him at Oliver's praise. "Well, I guess having you here helps. Your really good at it."
Oliver's grin widened. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Lestrange."
They continued to swim, their movements more relaxed now as they explored the lake together. The water was cool but refreshing, and Izar found himself enjoying the freedom that came with being out here, away from the pressures of the castle and the weight of expectations. It was just the two of them, the sound of the water lapping against their bodies and the occasional call of a distant bird.
Oliver kept glancing back to make sure Izar was keeping up, his encouraging smiles and the occasional splash in Izar's direction making the whole experience feel less daunting. Izar found himself relaxing more and more with each stroke, the rhythm of swimming gradually becoming easier, more natural. It wasn't long before he was matching Oliver's pace, although Izar was sure thats because Oliver was slowing himself down, the two of them moving in sync across the water.
As they reached a small, rocky outcrop jutting into the lake, Oliver paused, turning to face Izar with a grin. "See? Told you you'd be fine," he said, his tone filled with a mixture of pride and affection.
Izar, panting slightly from the exertion, couldn't help but smile back. "You were right," he admitted, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over him. "This… feels great."
Oliver's grin widened, his eyes sparkling with that playful glint Izar had come to adore. "Not bad at all. And hey, I didn't even need to save you from drowning," he teased, reaching out to splash Izar lightly.
Izar laughed, swatting at the water in retaliation. "Oh, so now you're a comedian too?"
"I try," Oliver replied, shrugging with exaggerated modesty. "But really, I'm just glad you're out here with me," he said as he made his way closer towards Izar.
Izar felt a warm flutter in his chest at Oliver's words, the sincerity behind them making his heart skip a beat. "Me too," he said softly, the weight of the admission hanging in the air between them.
They floated near the outcrop, catching their breath and enjoying the peacefulness of the moment. After a few minutes, Oliver spoke again, his voice gentle. "You know, you're braver than you give yourself credit for, Izar. Not just for coming out here today, but for everything you've been dealing with lately."
Izar looked at him, a mix of surprise and gratitude in his eyes. "I don't always feel brave," he admitted. "Most of the time, I just feel… scared. Scared of what people think, scared of making the wrong choices."
Oliver nodded, understanding clear in his expression. "That's what makes you brave, though. Facing those fears, even when you don't have all the answers. It's not easy, but you're doing it. And that's something to be proud of."
Izar felt a lump form in his throat at Oliver's words. He wasn't used to this kind of affirmation, this genuine support that seemed to come so effortlessly from Oliver. "Thanks," he said, his voice a little rougher than usual.
Oliver smiled, reaching out to place a reassuring hand on Izar's shoulder. "Anytime, Izar. I'm just glad we're doing this together."
They stayed there for a while longer, the water gently lapping against their bodies as they talked about everything and nothing. The connection between them deepened with each word, each shared laugh, and by the time they finally decided to swim back to shore, Izar felt lighter than he had in days.
As they reached the shore and climbed out of the water, the chill of the morning air hit them, but Izar hardly noticed. He was too focused on the warmth that seemed to radiate from Oliver's smile, the unspoken bond that had formed between them during their swim.
Oliver glanced over at Izar, his hair dripping and a playful smile still lingering on his lips. "You did great out there," he said softly, his voice carrying a sincerity that made Izar's heart skip a beat.
Izar, feeling the lingering adrenaline and the comfort of Oliver's presence, met his gaze. There was something unspoken between them, a tension that had been building, slow and steady, with each shared moment. The world around them seemed to fade, the castle, the lake, the cold, all of it dissolved, leaving just the two of them standing there on the shore.
Without really thinking this time, Izar stepped closer, his breath catching in his throat as he looked into Oliver's eyes. The playful glint in them had softened into something deeper, something that made Izar's pulse quicken.
Oliver's smile faltered for just a second, his expression turning serious as he realised what was happening. But instead of pulling away, he stepped forward too, closing the distance between them until they were mere inches apart.
For a moment, neither of them moved, the air thick with anticipation. Then, as if by some unspoken agreement, they both leaned in, their lips meeting in a soft, tentative kiss. It was brief, a gentle brush of lips, but it sent a warm shiver down Izar's spine, making his heart race in a way that nothing else ever had.
When they pulled back, both of them were breathless, their eyes locked on each other, a shared understanding passing between them.
Oliver was the first to break the silence, a small, almost shy smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Well… that was… nice," he said, his voice a little shaky but filled with warmth.
Izar couldn't help but laugh softly, the sound full of relief and joy. "Yeah… it was."
They stood there for a moment longer, both of them trying to process what had just happened. But instead of feeling awkward or uncertain, Izar felt a sense of rightness, like everything had just clicked into place.
Finally, Oliver reached out, his hand gently brushing against Izar's taking his hand in his own. The two shared a smile before realising the practicalities of the moment. They were still standing in their swimming trunks, the wetness making them clinging to their bodies, the cool morning air reminding them of the need to get changed.
Oliver glanced down at his own attire with a sheepish grin. "We should probably get out of these before we catch a cold," he said, giving a playful shiver for emphasis.
Izar nodded, the reality of the situation pulling him back from the warmth of the moment. "Good idea," he agreed, glancing around for their robes. They had left them on a nearby rock, along with their towels.
They walked over to their clothes, their hands still brushing against each other, reluctant to break the physical connection they had just established. Once they reached their things, Oliver turned his back slightly to give Izar some privacy, just as he had earlier.
Izar quickly dried off and pulled on his robes, the familiar fabric feeling surprisingly comforting after the vulnerable moment they had just shared. When he was dressed, he turned to find Oliver pulling on his own robes, the other boy clearly not as concerned for his own privacy as Izar was with his.
Izar couldn't help but steal a quick glance at Oliver as he finished getting dressed, his movements casual and unbothered by the lack of privacy. It was clear that Oliver was comfortable in his own skin, and the sight only made Izar smile to himself, feeling a mix of admiration and affection for the other boy.
As Oliver fastened the last button on his robes, he caught Izar's gaze and flashed him a playful grin. "Enjoying the view?" he teased, his tone light and full of warmth.
Izar felt his cheeks heat up at Oliver's teasing, but he couldn't help the small smile that tugged at his lips. "Maybe just a little," he admitted, his voice playful but tinged with sincerity.
Oliver chuckled, clearly pleased by Izar's response. "Well, I suppose I can't blame you," he replied with a wink, flexing his muscles jokingly, his eyes sparkling with mischief, "some ones got to.".
Izar laughed softly, shaking his head at Oliver's antics. "You're impossible, you know that?" he said, though there was no mistaking the affection in his voice.
Oliver grinned, clearly enjoying the lighthearted moment. "I try," he replied with a playful shrug, still holding that mischievous glint in his eye. "But I'll take it as a compliment that you noticed. Maybe I'll have to make a habit of it, keep you entertained."
Izar rolled his eyes good-naturedly but couldn't suppress the warmth that spread through him at Oliver's words. "Well, don't let it go to your head," he teased back, feeling more at ease with each passing second.
Oliver's grin softened into something more genuine as he finished adjusting his robes. "Too late," he said lightly, but his tone carried a note of sincerity as the two fell into a silence as they made their way back up to the castle.
As they walked back toward the castle, the memory of their kiss lingered between them, adding a subtle yet undeniable tension to the air. It was a moment neither of them had mentioned since it happened, but it hung there, unspoken but very much present. Izar couldn't stop replaying it in his mind, the softness of Oliver's lips against his, the way it had felt so natural, so right.
Oliver glanced over at Izar, catching the thoughtful expression on his face. He hesitated for a moment before speaking, his tone softer, almost tentative. "About… earlier," he began, his voice carrying the weight of what he was about to say.
Izar looked over, meeting Oliver's gaze. "Yeah?"
"I just wanted to say… I'm glad that happened," Oliver admitted, a small, sincere smile tugging at his lips. "It wasn't just the swim… it was everything. That kiss… it meant something to me."
Izar felt his heart skip a beat at Oliver's words, a warmth spreading through him that was both thrilling and comforting. He looked at Oliver, seeing not just the playful grin but the sincerity behind his eyes. "It meant something to me too," he confessed, his voice steady despite the emotions swirling within him. Each word felt like a small step toward something new, something important.
Oliver stopped walking, gently tugging on Izar's hand to halt him as well. The touch was soft, but it sent a ripple of electricity through Izar. Oliver's eyes, bright and earnest, searched Izar's for a moment before he spoke. "Maybe we could do this again tomorrow?"
Izar's breath caught in his throat, hopefulness creeping into his voice as he asked, "The swimming or the kissing?"
Oliver's smile widened, his eyes lighting up with a mix of warmth and mischief. "How about both?" he suggested, his tone soft but brimming with meaning. He held onto Izar's hand, his thumb brushing gently against the back of it, a simple gesture that felt profoundly intimate.
Izar's heart fluttered at the thought of spending more time with Oliver, both in the water and out of it. The idea filled him with a sense of excitement and anticipation that he hadn't felt in a long time. "I'd really like that," he replied, his voice just above a whisper, but the sincerity in his words was palpable.
Oliver leaned in slightly, their faces close enough that Izar could feel the warmth of his breath. "Then it's a date," Oliver whispered, a playful grin dancing across his lips. For a moment, neither of them moved, the air between them thick with anticipation.
Without fully thinking, Izar found himself leaning in, closing the small distance between them. Their lips met in a soft, lingering kiss, more assured than the first, as if both of them were savouring the connection they had just acknowledged. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the warmth of Oliver's lips against his and the gentle pressure of Oliver's hand still holding his.
When they finally pulled back, the grin on Oliver's face had softened into something more tender, his eyes bright with emotion. He gave Izar's hand one last squeeze before reluctantly letting go, as if he wanted to hold on for just a moment longer.
Izar felt his heart racing, a mix of excitement and something deeper that he couldn't quite name. The kiss had left him feeling both exhilarated and at peace, as though everything had fallen into place.
"Tomorrow?" He asked, smile on his face as he looked at Oliver, he couldn't help but feel butterflies in his stomach.
"Tomorrow," Oliver said, his voice soft but full of promise. Izar nodded, unable to keep the smile from his face, and they turned to head back to the castle.