Aries Rising

The dim light of early morning filtered into the living room, casting soft shadows on the walls. Harry Potter-Black stirred on the couch, his body still heavy with fatigue. His head felt foggy, his limbs weak, but one thought pierced through the haze like a beacon.

He opened his eyes slowly, his green gaze darting around the room until it landed on his Uncle Harrison, who was sitting nearby with a healer’s journal in his lap.

“Uncle Harrison?” Harry whispered, his voice hoarse from sleep and illness.

Harrison immediately set the book aside, leaning forward in his chair. “I’m here, kiddo,” he said gently, his tone calm and reassuring.

“The baby…” Harry started, his voice trembling. “Is the baby okay?”

Harrison’s heart clenched at the fear in Harry’s voice. He moved to sit on the edge of the couch, his hand resting lightly on Harry’s shoulder. “The baby is fine,” he said firmly, his blue eyes steady as they met Harry’s. “I checked last night while you were sleeping. The potions and care we’ve been giving you are helping both of you.”

Harry’s breath hitched, tears welling in his eyes. “You’re sure? I don’t feel right, Uncle Harrison. My body feels… off.”

Harrison nodded, understanding the fear that gripped his nephew. “I’m sure, Harry. Your body is working overtime to fight off the venom’s effects, and that’s why you feel so drained. But the baby is safe. The fever and nausea are hard on you, but the potions are doing their job.”

Harry let out a shaky breath, his hand instinctively moving to rest on his abdomen. “I was so scared,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “When that snake bit me… I thought I’d lose them.”

Harrison placed a comforting hand over Harry’s. “It’s normal to feel that way, but I promise you, we’ve done everything we can to protect you and the baby. And you’ve been so strong through all of this, Harry. You’re going to get through it.”

Harry nodded slowly, his fingers curling protectively over his stomach. “I’m trying to be strong,” he said softly. “But it’s hard. It feels like every time I think I’m okay, something else happens.”

“That’s because you’ve been pushing yourself too hard,” Regulus said, his voice firm but gentle as he walked into the room. His sharp gray eyes were softened by concern as he crossed the space to kneel beside Harry. “You’re allowed to rest, Harry. You don’t have to carry everything on your shoulders.”

Harry glanced at his papa, tears slipping down his cheeks. “I don’t want to be a burden,” he admitted, his voice cracking.

Regulus shook his head, his expression softening further. “You are not a burden,” he said, his voice unwavering. “You are my son, and I love you. Taking care of you is not a burden—it’s what I’m here for.”

James appeared in the doorway, carrying a tray with a steaming cup of herbal tea and a small plate of dry toast. He smiled gently as he set the tray on the coffee table. “And he’s not the only one, Harry. We’re all here for you. You don’t have to do this alone.”

Harry looked between his dad and papa, his heart swelling with gratitude despite the exhaustion weighing him down. “Thank you,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

James smiled, sitting down on the couch beside him. “You’ve been through a lot these past few days, but you’re tougher than you think. And if it helps, I think your stubbornness might be rubbing off on the baby.”

Harry let out a soft laugh, his lips curving into a small smile. “They’re already giving me a run for my money, huh?”

“Seems like it,” James said with a grin, handing Harry the tea. “Now, drink this. It’ll help with the nausea and give you some strength back.”

Harry took the cup, his hands trembling slightly as he sipped the warm liquid. The herbal blend was soothing, the heat spreading through his chest and easing some of the tension in his body.

“You’re going to be okay,” Harrison said, his voice full of quiet confidence. “And so is the baby. One day at a time, Harry.”

“Thanks, Uncle Harrison,” Harry said, setting the cup down and leaning back against the cushions. “That’s all I needed to hear.”

As the morning stretched on, the family worked together to keep Harry comfortable. Regulus brought fresh cool cloths to lay on his forehead, James stayed nearby to ensure he was hydrated, and Harrison monitored his condition closely.

Though Harry still felt weak, the love and care surrounding him were a balm to his frayed nerves. The fear that had gripped him earlier began to fade, replaced by a renewed sense of hope.

By mid-afternoon, Harry managed to nibble on a piece of toast without feeling sick, a small but meaningful victory. He smiled faintly as Rodeo’s soft whinny drifted in through the open window, a reminder of the world outside waiting for him once he recovered.

Regulus noticed the smile and leaned down to press a kiss to Harry’s forehead. “You’re going to get through this,” he said softly. “And when you’re feeling better, Rodeo will be waiting for you.”

Harry nodded, his green eyes bright despite the lingering fever. “I can’t wait to see her again,” he said. “But for now, I think I’ll just rest here. With all of you.”

Regulus smiled, brushing a strand of hair from Harry’s face. “That sounds like a good plan.”

As Harry drifted off into a light sleep, the room fell quiet, the soft hum of familial love filling the air. Together, they faced the challenges of the day, their bond stronger than ever. And as Harry slept, his family watched over him, their hearts full of hope for the brighter days to come.

Six months had passed since the venom scare, and Harry Potter-Black had finally started to regain his strength. His body had adjusted to the demands of pregnancy, and though he still had moments of fatigue and nausea, they were manageable. But as his belly grew, so did his impatience.

Harry was currently propped up on a mountain of pillows in the living room, his arms crossed over his chest and his bottom lip jutting out in a sulk. His rounded stomach peeked out from under the hem of his oversized T-shirt, a constant reminder of the little life growing inside him.

Uncle Harrison sat nearby, flipping through a medical journal but keeping an eye on Harry. The healer had grown used to his nephew’s moods, especially as Harry’s freedom became increasingly limited.

“Uncle Harrison,” Harry whined, breaking the silence.

Harrison sighed, glancing up from his book. “Yes, Harry?”

“Can I please go ride?” Harry asked, his green eyes wide and pleading. “Just one time. Before I can’t climb on Rodeo anymore.”

Harrison raised an eyebrow, setting the journal down on the coffee table. “You want to ride? At seven months pregnant?”

“Yes,” Harry said emphatically. “I’m not going to gallop around the countryside or anything. Just a slow ride in the pasture. I need to feel normal for a little while.”

Harrison leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful but skeptical. “You know your papa isn’t going to like this idea,” he said, crossing his arms. “And neither will your dad.”

Harry groaned, flopping back against the pillows. “They don’t let me do anything anymore! I can barely walk to the barn without them hovering like I’m going to drop the baby right there.”

“Because they’re worried about you,” Harrison pointed out gently.

“I know,” Harry muttered, rubbing a hand over his belly. “But I feel like a prisoner. I miss Rodeo. I miss riding. And soon I won’t even be able to get on her because I’ll be too big and clumsy.”

Harrison studied his nephew for a moment, his healer instincts warring with his understanding of Harry’s restless nature. Finally, he let out a sigh. “Alright,” he said, holding up a hand when Harry’s face lit up. “I’ll think about it. But only if you promise to take it slow, and only if your dad and papa agree.”

Harry beamed, sitting up straighter. “Thank you, Uncle Harrison! I promise I’ll be careful.”

“We’ll see about that,” Harrison said with a wry smile. “Let me talk to Regulus and James first. If they give the green light, I’ll help you get ready.”

When Regulus returned from the study later that afternoon, Harrison intercepted him in the hallway.

“Regulus, I need to talk to you,” Harrison said, his tone serious but calm.

Regulus raised an eyebrow, his sharp gray eyes narrowing slightly. “What is it? Is something wrong with Harry?”

“No, nothing’s wrong,” Harrison assured him. “But he’s been asking to go for a ride on Rodeo. He says he needs to feel normal again, and I think it might be good for him—under very strict conditions, of course.”

Regulus sighed, running a hand through his hair. “He’s seven months pregnant, Harrison. Riding isn’t exactly what I’d call safe right now.”

“I know,” Harrison said, holding up a hand to forestall further protest. “But I also know Harry. He’s restless, and that’s not good for him either. If we let him do this under supervision, it might help his mood and give him some peace of mind. A short, slow ride in the pasture. Nothing more.”

Regulus pinched the bridge of his nose, clearly torn. “James isn’t going to like this,” he muttered.

“Probably not,” Harrison agreed. “But you know as well as I do that if we say no, Harry will find a way to do it anyway.”

Regulus sighed again, his shoulders slumping. “Alright. Let’s talk to James and set some ground rules.”

After a lengthy discussion that involved plenty of back-and-forth and a fair share of reluctance on James’s part, the family finally agreed to let Harry have his ride. The conditions were strict: Harrison and Regulus would be with him the entire time, the ride would last no more than ten minutes, and the pace would remain at a walk.

When Harry heard the news, he practically glowed with excitement.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” he gushed, throwing his arms around Regulus in a tight hug.

“Don’t thank me yet,” Regulus said dryly, though his lips twitched with a small smile. “This is a one-time thing, Harry. Don’t push your luck.”

“I won’t,” Harry promised, already heading to the barn with a spring in his step.

Once at the barn, Harrison helped Harry prepare Rodeo while Regulus hovered nearby, watching like a hawk. Harry could feel his papa’s worry radiating off him but chose to focus on the familiar routine of tacking up his beloved mare.

“Easy, girl,” Harry murmured, stroking Rodeo’s neck as he secured the saddle. The horse nickered softly, nudging his shoulder.

“She missed you,” Harrison said, tightening the girth. “Just like you missed her.”

Harry smiled, his hand lingering on Rodeo’s warm coat. “She’s my best friend.”

With some help from Harrison, Harry mounted the horse, settling carefully into the saddle. The extra weight of his pregnancy made the position feel slightly awkward, but the familiar rhythm of Rodeo’s movements immediately soothed him.

“Alright,” Regulus said, standing at Rodeo’s side with his hand on the reins. “Ten minutes. Stay in the pasture. And don’t even think about trotting.”

Harry grinned, nodding enthusiastically. “Got it, Papa.”

As Rodeo began a slow walk around the pasture, Harry felt a sense of calm wash over him. The tension that had been building in his body for weeks seemed to melt away with each step, replaced by a deep, abiding peace.

“This is perfect,” Harry said softly, leaning forward to pat Rodeo’s neck.

Harrison and Regulus walked alongside him, their watchful eyes never leaving his face.

“You look happy,” Harrison observed, his voice light.

“I am,” Harry replied, his smile widening. “I needed this. Thank you for letting me do it.”

Regulus sighed, his lips curving into a reluctant smile. “Just don’t make a habit of it, alright? I’d like to get through the next two months without any more scares.”

Harry laughed, the sound bright and full of life. “Deal, Papa. Deal.”

For the first time in weeks, Harry felt like himself again. And as Rodeo carried him through the pasture, surrounded by the love and support of his family, he knew he could face whatever challenges lay ahead.