The Heart of a Lion? [Harry Potter, Marauders Fanfiction] [BoyxBoy]

Chapter 1

It was a usual day at the Scott manor. The sun shone over gardens of pink and cobalt blues. Birds sang and squirrels chattered all around. A soft breeze swept over the land as the leaves on the trees rustled. It was nearly time for them to change. Casper watched from afar as his little sister Autumn played with her imaginary friends.

"The pirates are getting away!" She shouted and giggled as she swung around a branch like a sword, a soft smile cracked at his lips as he watched. His sister was very good at imagining scenarios and making them seem real. Casper would try to join her, but he only seemed to ruin it...

"Casper, a word," his father beckoned the boy over, he followed his father's orders, "it seems that we cannot hide you forever..."

"What are you talking about?" Genuinely, he was confused. Hiding him? From what?

"Hogwarts has sent a letter. They know you're old enough to go and attend." He'd never seen his father like this, hasty and nervous. Casper was fifteen (nearly sixteen) years old, surly he could understand what was going on if his father just told him.

"Hog-what? Father please explain why you're telling me this?" He asked with eyes studying his father's features.

"We can't home school you for wizardry anymore Cas." Replied his father, finally giving him a strait answer. But this answer didn't please the boy.

"Why not?" Casper asked again.

"I'm becoming way too busy, and the ministry isn't too happy." He knew what that meant, so as he trudged his way up to his room, he thought of the benefits. But there were more losses than wins.

"Dear mum.." He muttered softly to himself. "Give me a sign that this school will be good for me..." Silence swept over the second floor hall as he slipped into his room. Nothing happened, as usual. "Thought so."

Casper wasn't a very social person nowadays, ever since his mother died, all he could think about was wether he could've done something to help her make it less painful. He went to the mirror to look at himself.

Cobalt blue eyes stared back, hair black as a moonless night covering them. His features were very chiseled. Prominent cheek bones and pink lips that he received from his mother. From his father, a sharp, yet subtle jawline, and a subtle nose. Handsome for sure, but he didn't think so. In order for him to be handsome, he's have to have the body for it.

He was built for speed, but his ribs were showing a bit ever since the funeral. It's been nearly a year and he hasn't gotten a bit of sleep or a decent meal. The house elves tried giving him something, but he ends up shooing them away. How could he go to a school looking like such filth?

Casper sighed again as he had begun to pack clothes for school. The thought haunted him now.
What if they don't like me?
What if they call me a freak because I've been homeschooled?
I know I won't make a y friends there... So why not just give up now?

His mind continued to race with unhealthy voices in his head. Whispering his doubts and worries of the school.

Soon enough he was packed and ready to go, though he kept the willow and dragon heartstring wand in his pocket so there was no need to pack that. His father would have wanted to make haste for this journey to a strange environment. It was a big change for Cas, but it was necessary, for safety.

Suddenly a knock split his thoughts as he turned to the door, eyes studying for a nervousness in his father.

"We'll leave at dawn. Say goodbye to Autumn for the time being..."

That wasn't the best thing he's ever heard of, but she would be a mess if Casper didn't say goodbye to her. She wouldn't understand, but it was for the best.

"Will she be staying with-"

"No. I can take care of her, I just want you to get an education, I fear that they would want to take you away from me because of your ...uh..."

Casper knew what his father was talking about, his patronus and aimagnus can change and switch. He didn't know why or how, there isn't any record of it, but it has happened multiple times. He can control what he can change into, but it all depends on what his emotions reflect.

"Go to bed..." He mumbled then turned, shutting the door behind him. It was obvious that his father didn't pay attention to his son's condition enough.

"Sir..." a house elf squeaked, "please get some rest..." Casper looked to the small creature sadly.

"I don't think I will tonight..." And he was right, by morning he was still up as he made sure everything was perfect and he had all of his things like books and his saw whet ow, Harrison, with him.

The house elf that was in his room before returned again, his eyes sorrowful at the sight of Casper. "They won't let you do that at Hogwarts, sir..."

"I'll find a way, Donnet... I always do." He replied to the now tearing elf.

"Sir-"

"There's no time for discussion over this!" Casper snapped, making him jump. That's when he realized who he was talking like. "I'm sorry... come here..." He knelt and gave the elf a hug, letting him weep hysterically into his shoulder. "I'll miss you, Donnet.."

"I'll miss you too, sir... please send letters" Casper nodded to the request and smiled softly. After a moment he got up from the hug and sighed softly, his father waking in.

"you're already up, good. Now bring your bags downstairs and say your goodbyes.. Autumn's been waiting.." He had already told his sister? He wondered how that went.

Casper walked slowly down the stairs to see the little blonde girl with red teary eyes. It broke his heart as he held out his arms and she ran into them.

"Cassie don't go..." She whispered.

"I have to, Autumn. Donnet will take care of you... okay? He'll help you send letters and cook you meals and tuck you in... you'll be fine." He mumbled and rubbed her back gently, he didn't want to leave her like this. It made Casper feel sick just thinking about it...