La Lutte Résultant (Sequel To Faux Amour (Frerard/Bandom Hogwarts AU))

Nervous Arrivals And Uneaten Feasts

When the train finally arrived, Frank was hesitant to rise from his seat. He almost didn't want to go back. It had been months since the incident, but being so close to where it happened made Frank's palms grow sweaty.

"Dude, let's go!" Brendon exclaimed as he pulled Spencer, who seemed a bit zoned out, up from his seat. He shot a grin towards Frank. "Back at it again."

Frank laughed nervously. "Yea, back at it."

Brendon extended his hand to Frank, finally forcing him to his feet. "Help me with Smith, will ya? That soothing candy was more like an edible." He laughed, obvious to Frank's nerves.

"Sure thing." Frank nodded. He walked over and wrapped an arm around Spencer's torso, just above Brendon's, and nodded towards the compartment's door. "Off we go."

Helping support Spencer actually made Frank feel a bit better. He had something to hold onto rather than nervously wring his hands together through the crowds. It was something to focus on and Frank found himself silently thanking that stupid jelly slug bet.

The carriages waited where they usually did. Many of the students laughed and pushed each other as they separated into them, completely blind to the creatures that would be pulling them. Black, skeletal horses with folded wings that could only be seen by those that had seen death. Frank had learned about them the hard way. He almost wondered if that event hadn't of happened, would last year have lifted the viel that shielded the creatures from most.

While Brendon helped Spencer into the carriage, Frank hung back. He smiled at the thestral beside him. He reached out his hand, allowing the creature to sniff it before nudging him. Frank laughed and pet its dark skin.

"You and air."

Frank froze at the voice. He had to blink back oncoming tears before turning to look at Gerard. The Hufflepuff wore a small smile as he looked back at Frank.

"Hey."

Frank smiled back, stepping away from the thestral. "Hey..."

Gerard looked a bit nervous. "Want to catch a carriage?"

Frank nodded. "Sounds good."

They both stood there for a moment, unsure of themselves. Frank hated how awkward he felt; things had always been so easy with Gerard. After last year though...

"I haven't seen anyone go in the last carriage." Gerard offered, "Let's take that one."

The two started towards it, quiet as they walked. Gerard climbed in first, setting into his seat as Frank climbed in and shut the door.

"I missed you." Gerard blurted out as soon as the door closed. A hint of color began to fill his cheeks. "I mean, we've been writing, but it's not the same as seeing you and talking to you..."

"It's nothing like this." Frank agreed. He took the seat next to Gerard, grabbing hold of his hand. "I've really missed you too. I really would have hung out with you on the train, but the trolly witch and these weird feelings..." Frank looked away from Gerard, unsure what else to say.

Gerard squeezed his hand. "Are you scared to be back?"

Frank shut his eyes, quickly shaking his head. "I'm not scared. Maybe nervous or uneasy, but I'm not scared."

The carriage rocked slightly, signifying the start of their travel. Frank opened his eyes with a sigh. There was no turning back now.

A hand came up to cup Frank's cheek. He turned slightly, catching a sad look in Gerard's eyes. "No one's getting hurt this year." He promised, "No manipulation. It's just school, okay? It'll be okay."