I've Got You {Year One}

The Sorting

Hermione warned Harry of the rumor she heard of Harry Potter being on the train, when it started slowing down. She then excused herself, taking Trevor to return him to his owner. Before leaving she reminded Harry and Draco to change into their uniforms.

They began changing and Harry caught a glimpse of Draco's pale skin. He turned away feeling his cheeks grow warm. Draco was oblivious and when he turned back to Harry, he found the other boy done changing.

"You change fast," Draco commented with a chuckle as the train shuttered to a stop. Harry simply shrugged with a smile as they made their way out the door, joining their peers.

Shoulder to shoulder, the boys made their way off the train. It had come to a stop in a little village illuminated by floating jars with lit candles inside. There was a path from the platform leading to carriages. Harry watched in amazement as a carriage full of kids started pulling itself down the path and into the trees.

"First years, this way! Follow me," Harry heard a familiar voice bellow across the platform. Looking in the direction it came from, he spotted Hagrid. Making his way over, Draco following close behind, Harry smiled up at the very tall man. "Harry, my boy! How was the train ride?"

"Hello, Hagrid. It was great! We talked all the way here," Harry replied, hearing the whispers behind him. He kept his head high and eyes forward. Draco smirked as he watched Harry. He was prepared to say something if he had to but it seemed Harry had it covered by simply ignoring the crowd.

"That's great," Hagrid smiled down at Harry before returning his gaze to the rest of the students. "First years follow me. We're going a special way."

They followed Hagrid down a separate path and come up to a lake. There were gasps of awe. The castle could be seen across the lake, it's reflection shimmering off the lake's surface. There were about two dozen little boats bobbing at the shore.

"Pair up! Two to a boat. Don't worry about having to row, they're bewitched to follow me to the castle. Stay seated and keep your hands out of the water unless you want to head back home already," Hagrid said firmly and the area went silent. "A'right then, load up."

Harry turned to Draco to see him nod. They were sharing a boat. Harry went straight to a boat and got in first. Turning around to help Draco, he found the blond biting his lip looking worried.

"I don't like water, Harry. I don't know how to swim and I've never been in a boat before," Draco whispered loud enough for only Harry to hear. Giving Draco a big smile, he offered his hand.

"I've got you. I promise."

Harry said it barely above a whisper but Draco heard every word. Doing a quick glance around, making sure no one was paying attention, Draco grabbed Harry's hand. It was very warm and comforting. Stepping into the boat, he sat down, not letting go of Harry's hand.

When the boat lurched forward, Draco squeezed Harry's hand tight but didn't say anything. Harry turned sideways so Draco could see his smiling face.

"It's beautiful, isn't it," Harry asked, giving Draco's hand a reassuring squeeze.

"Yeah," Draco said watching Harry, his face illuminated by the light from the castle. "It is." Feeling more at ease, Draco began to relax as they made their way across the lake.

The boats took them to a cave on the side of the castle. Each boat stopped one by one to let their students out when they came to a stop at a little landing. Harry and Draco's boat was the last to stop. Still holding hands, Harry got out first and held the boat steady as Draco climbed out, finally letting go of Harry's hand.