The crisp morning air was filled with the sounds of birdsong and the faint rustling of leaves as the Potter-Black family gathered near the barn. The estate, always lively, seemed especially bright today as Harry prepared for something he had been longing to do for months: ride Rodeo again.
Aries, now six months old, was bundled up in a soft blanket, perched in a carrier on James’s chest. The baby cooed and gurgled, occasionally batting at his dad’s face with tiny hands. James grinned, tickling Aries’s belly and earning a delighted giggle.
Regulus stood beside Harry, watching as his son adjusted the reins on Rodeo’s bridle. The mare nickered softly, nuzzling Harry’s shoulder as if sensing his excitement.
“You excited, Harry?” Regulus asked, his voice warm with affection.
Harry turned to his papa, his green eyes sparkling. “You have no idea,” he said, his grin wide and genuine. “I’ve missed this so much. It feels like forever since I’ve been on her.”
“Well, you’ve earned it,” Regulus said, resting a hand on Harry’s shoulder. “You’ve been incredible these past months, Harry. Balancing everything with Aries and taking care of yourself—I couldn’t be prouder of you.”
Harry’s cheeks flushed at the praise, and he looked down, brushing his hand over Rodeo’s mane. “Thanks, Papa. But I couldn’t have done it without you and Dad. You’ve both been amazing.”
James joined them, bouncing Aries gently as he approached. “You’re the one who deserves the credit, Harry,” he said with a smile. “You’ve become an amazing dad. Aries is happy, healthy, and completely smitten with you.”
Harry glanced at his son, who was watching him with wide, curious eyes. “Hey, baby boy,” Harry cooed, reaching out to tickle Aries’s tiny foot. “You’re going to watch me ride today, huh?”
Aries let out a high-pitched squeal, his little legs kicking excitedly.
“I think that’s a yes,” James said with a laugh.
Harrison emerged from the barn carrying a saddle, his healer instincts still in full swing even on this special day. “Alright, Harry,” he said, setting the saddle down on a nearby rack. “You’ve got the all-clear, but remember: take it slow. No galloping, no sharp turns. Just a nice, steady ride.”
“I know, Uncle Harrison,” Harry said with a mock sigh, though his grin betrayed his excitement. “I promise I’ll be careful.”
“Good,” Harrison said with a nod. “Because if I see you doing anything reckless, you’ll be back on stable duty before you can say ‘Quidditch.’”
Harry laughed, shaking his head. “No need to worry. I’m just happy to be back in the saddle.”
With Rodeo tacked up and ready, Harry carefully placed his foot in the stirrup and swung himself onto the mare’s back. The movement felt natural, like muscle memory kicking in after months of dormancy. He settled into the saddle, adjusting his posture as Rodeo shifted beneath him.
“Easy, girl,” Harry murmured, patting Rodeo’s neck. “It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”
Rodeo let out a soft nicker, her ears flicking back toward him.
Regulus stepped closer, his sharp gray eyes scanning Harry’s posture and Rodeo’s movements. “How does it feel?” he asked.
“Like I never left,” Harry said, his grin widening. “She feels amazing, Papa.”
James, standing a few feet away with Aries, smiled at the sight of Harry on Rodeo. “You look great up there, Harry,” he said. “Like you’re right where you’re meant to be.”
“Thanks, Dad,” Harry replied, his voice filled with emotion.
As Harry guided Rodeo into a slow walk around the paddock, he felt a wave of peace wash over him. The steady rhythm of the mare’s steps, the gentle sway of the saddle, and the fresh air all combined to create a sense of freedom he hadn’t realized he’d missed so much.
Regulus and James watched from the fence, Aries still nestled in his carrier. The baby clapped his tiny hands, giggling every time Rodeo passed by.
“He’s got an audience,” Sirius said, walking up with a grin. “You’re showing off for your boy, aren’t you, Harry?”
“Maybe a little,” Harry admitted with a laugh. “But can you blame me?”
“Nope,” Sirius said, leaning against the fence. “You’ve got every right to enjoy this moment.”
After a few slow laps around the paddock, Harry brought Rodeo to a stop near the fence. He leaned forward, resting his hands on the saddle horn as he looked down at his family.
“This is perfect,” Harry said softly, his green eyes shining. “Thank you all for letting me do this. I didn’t realize how much I needed it.”
Regulus reached up to pat Rodeo’s neck, his expression soft. “We knew it would mean a lot to you, Harry. And after everything you’ve been through, you deserve it.”
James nodded, bouncing Aries gently. “You’ve worked so hard these past months, Harry. It’s good to see you doing something for yourself again.”
Harry smiled, his heart full as he looked at the people who had supported him through every step of his journey. “I couldn’t have done it without you,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.
Sirius smirked, crossing his arms. “Don’t get too sappy now. You’ve got a ride to finish.”
Harry laughed, straightening in the saddle. “Alright, alright. One more lap, and then I’ll call it a day.”
As Harry guided Rodeo around the paddock one final time, he let himself savor the moment. The months leading up to Aries’s birth had been some of the most challenging of his life, but they had also been the most rewarding.
And now, as he looked at his family—his son, his parents, his uncle, and his godfather—he knew he was exactly where he was meant to be.
When he finally dismounted and handed Rodeo’s reins to Regulus, Harry felt a sense of fulfillment he hadn’t felt in a long time.
“How was it?” Regulus asked, his sharp eyes soft with affection.
“Perfect,” Harry said, his smile wide and genuine. “Absolutely perfect.”
As the family gathered around, Aries let out another squeal of delight, his tiny hands reaching for his dad. Harry laughed, scooping his son into his arms and pressing a kiss to his soft hair.
“Thanks for watching me, buddy,” Harry said, his voice filled with love. “Maybe one day, you’ll be up there too.”
James chuckled, wrapping an arm around Regulus’s shoulders. “He’s already got the Potter-Black spirit,” he said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s riding before he can walk.”
Regulus smirked, though his gaze remained fixed on Harry and Aries. “Let’s hope he gets his sense of caution from me, then.”
As the family laughed together, the barn filled with the warmth of love and laughter. Harry’s journey had been anything but easy, but in this moment, surrounded by the people he loved most, he knew it had all been worth it.
YOU ARE READING
Aries Rising
FanfictionA young father navigates unexpected parenthood, family love, and self-discovery while rebuilding his life, supported by unshakable bonds.
