Aries Rising

The sun cast a warm glow over the sprawling Potter-Black estate, gilding the paddocks and stables in hues of amber and gold. Harry Potter-Black stood in the barn, his nimble fingers expertly securing the tack on his prized mare, Rodeo. The sleek black horse nickered softly, nudging Harry’s shoulder with her nose.

“Easy, girl,” Harry murmured, smoothing a hand down her glossy coat. Rodeo had been his pride and joy since he’d first started barrel racing at the tender age of twelve. Together, they had won the world title five years in a row, an achievement Harry wore like a badge of honor.

“Harry, she looks incredible!” a familiar voice called out from the barn door. Harrison Peverell, Harry’s uncle on the Potter side of the family, strode in with a wide grin, his dark hair glinting in the sunlight.

“Of course she does,” Harry replied, his tone playful but full of pride. “She’s my prize, Uncle Harrison. You should know that by now.”

Harrison chuckled, leaning against one of the sturdy wooden beams. “That she is. But don’t you think you’re overdoing it a bit? She’s polished enough to be mistaken for a statue.”

Before Harry could retort, the sound of approaching footsteps made him glance over his shoulder. Regulus and James Potter-Black, his parents, emerged from the house. Regulus, ever the picture of elegance with his tailored robes and sleek black hair, was already frowning. James, with his unruly hair and easy smile, looked more relaxed but no less determined.

“Harry, it’s time to rest now,” Regulus said, crossing his arms as he fixed Harry with a stern gaze. “Come inside.”

“I’m fine, Papa,” Harry replied, rolling his eyes in mock exasperation. “Really, you and Dad worry too much.”

“It’s not worrying if it’s justified,” James chimed in, his hazel eyes soft with concern.

Harrison quirked an eyebrow at the exchange, his curiosity clearly piqued. “What’s that all about, Harry?”

Harry huffed, stepping away from Rodeo and facing his uncle. “I’m pregnant, Uncle Harrison. And Dad and Papa are acting like I’m made of glass.”

For a moment, Harrison stared, his eyes wide with disbelief. “You’re what?”

“Pregnant,” Harry repeated, folding his arms. “Eight weeks. It was a mistake, but I’m dealing with it. It’s not like I’m about to pop or anything.”

“Harry,” Harrison began, shaking his head slowly. “You’re seventeen.”

“I’m aware,” Harry said sharply. “But what’s done is done. I’m handling it, okay?”

Regulus stepped forward, his frown deepening. “Handling it doesn’t mean you can ignore basic safety. You shouldn’t be out here exerting yourself.”

Harry let out an irritated sigh, turning back to Rodeo and adjusting the saddle. “I’m not made of porcelain, Papa. Riding isn’t going to hurt me or the baby.”

“Harry,” Regulus warned, his tone icy now. “Don’t make me get Sirius out here to drag you inside.”

Harry shot him a glare over his shoulder. “No one is dragging me anywhere, Papa. I’m going riding, and that’s final.”

James placed a calming hand on Regulus’s shoulder before addressing Harry. “Love, we’re not trying to smother you. We just don’t want you taking unnecessary risks.”

“Riding isn’t a risk,” Harry snapped, his frustration bubbling to the surface. “Rodeo and I have done this a thousand times.”

“Not while pregnant,” Regulus countered, his voice like a whip.

The barn fell silent, the tension between father and son hanging thick in the air. Harrison cleared his throat, stepping in as a mediator. “Harry, I get that you’re used to doing things your way, but your dad and papa have a point. Maybe take it easy for now. It’s not like Rodeo’s going anywhere.”

Harry clenched his jaw, his green eyes flashing. “You’re all overreacting. I’m fine. I’m strong, and I know what I’m doing.”

Regulus sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “You’re as stubborn as your uncle Sirius. Merlin help me.”

At the mention of Sirius, Harry smirked. “Speaking of Uncle Sirius, where is he? Probably off spoiling Orion again, isn’t he?”

Harrison laughed, grateful for the momentary shift in mood. “You know him too well. He’s hopeless when it comes to that dog. But don’t think for a second that bringing up Sirius is going to get you out of this conversation.”

Harry shrugged, grabbing Rodeo’s reins and leading her toward the paddock. “I’ll be careful, alright? That’s the best I can promise.”

“Harry,” James called, his tone gentler now. “Please, just think about what we’re saying. You’re not alone in this, and we all want what’s best for you and the baby.”

Harry paused, his hand resting on Rodeo’s neck. For a brief moment, the weight of his family’s concern softened his defiance. “I know, Dad. But I can’t just stop living my life because I’m pregnant. I need to feel normal, and riding helps me with that.”

Regulus exchanged a look with James, the two of them silently reaching an unspoken agreement. “Alright,” Regulus said, his voice weary but resigned. “But only for a short ride. And you’d better not push yourself.”

Harry grinned, his rebellious spirit shining through. “Deal. Thanks, Papa. Love you, Dad.”

As he mounted Rodeo, Harrison shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. “You’ve got your hands full with this one.”

James chuckled, wrapping an arm around Regulus’s shoulders. “Tell us something we don’t know.”

As Rodeo trotted out into the paddock with Harry perched confidently on her back, the three men watched, their hearts a mix of pride and worry. Despite his fiery independence, Harry was still their son, and they would do whatever it took to protect him—even if that meant letting him win a few battles along the way.

The sun hung lower in the sky as Harry Potter-Black leaned forward in his saddle, stifling a yawn. His body was tired, more so than he wanted to admit, but his pride wouldn’t allow him to go back to the house just yet. Stroking Rodeo’s neck, he sighed.

“I’m tired, girl,” he murmured.

As if understanding his words, Rodeo gave a soft nicker and began to walk toward the far pasture. It was a secluded spot, bordered by trees and wildflowers, with one towering oak at its center. The tree had always been Harry’s favorite place to rest, offering shade and a sense of peace.

When they reached the spot, Harry dismounted, holding Rodeo’s reins as he stretched his legs. He smiled when the mare snorted softly and lay down in the soft grass. Her movements were deliberate, as if she were inviting him to join her.

“Alright, girl, you win,” Harry said with a chuckle, settling beside her. He leaned his back against her side, feeling the comforting warmth of her body. Rodeo let out a deep sigh, and Harry found himself mirroring the sound as his exhaustion caught up with him.

Within moments, he drifted off, the worries of the day melting away.

Hours passed, and back at the house, the atmosphere had shifted from calm to chaos. Regulus paced the living room, his face pale with worry. “Where is he?” he demanded, his voice sharp with panic. “He should have been back by now. What if something happened?”

James, seated nearby, tried to remain calm but couldn’t hide the tension in his shoulders. “He’s probably fine, love. Harry knows what he’s doing.”

Regulus spun on his heel, glaring at his husband. “That doesn’t make it better! I knew we should have been firmer with him. Letting him ride was a mistake.”

Sirius Black-Peverell stepped into the room, his usual casual demeanor replaced with a serious expression. “Alright, let’s not lose our heads. We can take the horses and go find him. He can’t have gone too far.”

Harrison nodded, his arms crossed over his chest. “Sirius is right. We’ll split up and search the pastures. He’s probably just stopped somewhere to rest.”

Regulus hesitated, biting his lip before nodding. “Fine. Let’s go.”

The group saddled up quickly, riding out into the fields with the sun dipping closer to the horizon. Regulus’s worry only grew as they searched, his eyes scanning every corner of the property.

“There!” Sirius called, pointing toward the far pasture. In the distance, they could make out the dark shape of Rodeo lying beneath the oak tree.

Regulus’s heart leapt into his throat. Without waiting, he kicked his horse into a gallop, reaching the tree in record time. As soon as he was close enough, he jumped down, practically stumbling in his rush to get to Harry.

“Harry!” he cried, his voice trembling as he knelt beside his son.

Harry blinked awake, startled by the sudden commotion. “Papa? What—?” He looked up to see not just Regulus but James, Sirius, and Harrison all dismounting their horses and rushing toward him. Confusion flashed across his face as he turned to Rodeo, who had lifted her head and was watching the group with calm eyes.

Regulus placed a hand on Harry’s shoulder, his grip firm but gentle. “Are you okay? What happened?”

Harry yawned, rubbing his eyes as he sat up straighter. “I’m fine, Papa. I got tired and decided to rest under the tree. I must have accidentally fallen asleep. Rodeo was with me the whole time.”

“You fell asleep?” James asked, his voice a mix of relief and exasperation. “Harry, do you have any idea how worried we were?”

Harry winced, guilt creeping into his expression. “I didn’t mean to worry anyone. I was just tired. I thought I’d rest for a bit and head back.”

Regulus closed his eyes, letting out a shaky breath before pulling Harry into a tight embrace. “You scared me,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “When I saw you lying here, I thought—” He broke off, shaking his head as if to dispel the thought.

“I’m sorry, Papa,” Harry murmured, leaning into the hug. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I just needed some air.”

Sirius crouched down beside them, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Kid, you’ve got a knack for giving people heart attacks, you know that?”

Harry chuckled softly, glancing up at his uncle. “Guess it runs in the family.”

Harrison, who had been quietly observing, stepped forward and placed a hand on Harry’s shoulder. “We’re glad you’re okay, Harry. But next time, maybe let someone know if you’re going to stop for a nap.”

Harry nodded sheepishly. “Yeah, I will.”

Rodeo let out a snort, drawing everyone’s attention. The mare shifted slightly, nudging Harry’s side with her nose. He turned to her, stroking her neck with a soft smile. “Thanks for staying with me, girl.”

“She really does look out for you, doesn’t she?” James remarked, his voice lighter now that the tension had eased.

Harry nodded. “She’s the best. She kept me safe, just like always.”

Regulus sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Alright, since you’re fine, let’s get back to the house. You can rest properly there.”

Harry hesitated but ultimately nodded. “Okay, Papa. But only if you stop looking at me like I’m going to break.”

Regulus gave him a small smile. “No promises.”

As they all mounted their horses and began the ride back, the mood was noticeably lighter. Harry rode beside Regulus and James, feeling the warmth of their protective presence. He knew he had scared them, but he also knew that their worry came from love.

As they neared the house, Sirius rode up beside him, grinning. “You know, you’re lucky Rodeo’s the patient type. If it were Orion, he’d have bolted the moment you nodded off.”

Harry laughed, the sound carrying on the evening breeze. “Good thing I’ve got the best horse in the world, then.”

“That you do,” Sirius agreed.

As the group reached the barn, Harry dismounted and led Rodeo to her stall, giving her one last pat before heading inside with his family. He knew he was in for a lecture—or several—but for now, he was content, surrounded by the people who loved him most.