Chapter 4
Wash waited nervously by the fountain outside the castle. It was chilly, going into November. He kept checking his watch. It’s been five minutes past the time they were supposed to meet. Anxiety dripped into his head with thoughts that make him want to go back to his room.
Maybe Tucker really doesn’t want to go on a date, maybe he really was just playing with him and stood him up. Wash felt anxiety induced tears start to wet his eyes when he heard Tucker before he saw him.
“Oh Merlin, I am so sorry! Damn common room is so far away, I didn’t leave in time, took me five minutes just to get outside.”
Wash smiled weakly. “Oh it’s no problem. You’re here now.” Tucker smiled. “I am.” He held out his hand. “Have a drink with me at The Leaky Cauldron?” Wash smiled, feeling himself blush as he held his hand. “I’d love to.”
Once they got to Hogsmede, at The Leaky Cauldron, they sat at a quiet corner table, a butterbeer in their hands. Tucker smiled. “So what is going on with your family? I only know that you’re the only Slytherin.”
Wash took a sip of his butterbeer, swallowing as he looked away. “Family life isn’t that great. I hate having to go back every Christmas and summer. But yes, I am the only Slytherin in my entire family. We have a legacy of Ravenclaws and my father takes it very seriously. My older brother is named after our father but he never wants to be called Leonard, except maybe by professors.”
Tucker frowned. “What happens when you go home?” Wash frowned as well, looking at the wood of the table. “Usually I get stuck with chores but because he seems to hate me he just screams if it’s not absolutely perfect. He’s always been high strung and serious but even Carolina noticed a difference in his behavior when he found out what house I was sorted into.”
Tucker couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “Has your dad ever-“
“Hit us? Yes and no. Carolina is the golden child so she never got any of that. Church, my brother Church, he’s gotten hit once or twice but only when dad was drunk. I…I seem to get the worst of it.”
Tucker had to keep his anger under control, he hated he wanted to find Wash's dad and beat the living hell out of him, see how he likes it. “Couldn’t you stay at school? I’m sure in cases like this they’d have to let you.”
Wash nodded. “You’re not wrong. But my dad is very important to the school, he donates and even works for the ministry. If I stayed at school and he threw a fit to the school about it, the school would take the hit. I’ll just…have to deal with it until I graduate. And then, I’ll go no-contact.
Tucker shook his head. “Damn. Let’s change the subject.”
Wash smiled. “What’s your favorite class?”
Tucker chuckled. “That was quick. Uhh probably defense against the dark arts. It’s fun learning how to use our wands for more than just floating feathers. What about you? What’s your favorite class?”
“It’s a tie between Herbology and care for magical creatures.” Wash said with a soft smile, taking a sip of his butterbeer. Tucker smiled as well. “Wouldn’t expect that from a Slytherin.”
“Maybe not but they’re important. And plants and animals are much better than people, in my opinion. And experience. Animals have never judge you, berate you. They just want food and care. They’re simple, humans are not.”
Tucker nodded. “So true.”
They ended up exploring all there was in Hogsmeade. Wash getting some new books, both trying every type of candy, Wash having to hold onto Tucker before he floated away, both laughing so hard they could barely breathe.
The sun was going down and halfway back to school it started raining. Tucker huffed as rain pelted him. “Oh man. I didn’t know it was supposed to rain.” He attempted badly to shield himself. He tried to sheild his date but Wash had already gone to get more of the rain.
Wash smiled, hand out to feel each pelt of water, blonde hair soaked and clinging to his forehead and ears. “Nothings wrong with a little rain.”
Tucker smiled weakly, his dates reaction infectious. “I mean…it’s not absolutely pouring or thundering. I guess it isn’t so bad.” Wash reached out and held Tuckers hand. “Let’s keep going.”
By the time they got near enough to the entrance Wash grinned and Tucker was completely helpless, his stomach fluttering with butterflies and knees weak from that damn smile. “Wanna race?”
Tucker grinned back. “Oh it’s on!”
Wash was already running, leaving Tucker to catch up. Tucker huffed, running after him. “It’s like that is it?”
Wash ignored him as he ran, hes not sure he’s ever felt this free before or happy. He wasn’t paying attention when his foot hit the stone walkway wrong. He tripped, scraping his knee and hand as he caught himself.
Tucker quickly kneeled down, helping him. “Oh man, you ok?” Wash hissed in pain as he sat up with Tuckers help. “Yeah, just a few scrapes.” He looked at the meat of his thumb, in the palm of his hand, a large, angry red scrape showed itself.
They both looked up, not realizing how close they were, nearly nose to nose as rain pelted on them gently.
Tucker swallowed, taking his chance with his heart beating like a drum. He leaned in gently, slowly and Wash didn’t pull away or push him away. He actually met Tucker, closing his eyes and pressing his lips to his.
Tucker was surprised, he’s had what feels like hundreds of kisses during his time at Hogwarts. And they all felt, the same.
But this…this kiss was different. It made warmth flare in his chest. This kiss made him want to hold Wash close and never let go, made him want to show him how much he’s cared for. He wanted more.
He deepened the kiss, starting to hold his date closer. The blonde nearly moaned in his mouth and Tucker couldn’t resist as he pinned him to the wet ground and nearly devoured his mouth.
Wash opened his mouth, welcoming him inside. He suddenly felt himself blush, deeply as he felt himself harden rather quickly.
Tucker pulled away, smirking and leaning his forehead against his. Wash instantly started to apologize. “I’m sorry, this is as far as Ive ever gotten, it just felt really-“
Tucker kissed his quiet, bringing his hips down enough so Wash can feel how hard he was as well. “Same. Did you want to go somewhere private or just-“
Suddenly they were interpreted by Dumbledore and the grounds keeper.
“Boys, what is going on? A good date is great, not on the wet ground.” Dumbledore said with a smile.
They both suddenly got up, thankful for the cloaks to hide their excitement. Wash blushed so deep it went to his ears and Tucker tried to explain but Dumbledore raised his hand. “You're in no trouble, go on, continue your date, inside and not on the wet ground.”
Tucker took Washs hand. “Yes sir.” They both jogged away and Dumbledore just chuckled toward the groundskeeper. “Ah, young love, those were the days. Let’s get going, thank you for alerting me.”