Toppers Wallow

It was mid afternoon on Saturday before Harry and Billy had recovered enough to become serious about their work. Billy started some of the outside painting and Harry mounted his broomstick to commence making the wards. His freehold was oblong with the house almost central; as wards are curved and elliptical in nature Harry intended an oval ground-plan with the wards curving upwards to centre round the chimney of the house. Outside, a long but not wide half-ellipse lawn stretched from the open paved patio, set between the pool surround and the walls of the old barn. This lawn was bordered by dense flowering shrubs, most of which had thorns. Harry’s parents had had the lawn made in a half oval, encouraging brambles, hollies and thorn bushes to fill in the two remaining corners, making an impenetrable thicket masking the garden.



The second half of the oval was overlooked by Harry’s basement study and workroom. Another story lower, the shrubbery on that side of the house, led down the hollow to the Apparating area. Harry set up some tracer beams based on the chimney, moving them round to ensure that none of the trees would impinge on the dome of wards. He removed or pruned vegetation where necessary, quite often using tree spells that Hagrid had taught him. The only area that was difficult was on the roadside where the old barn and main entrance abutted the Magnet Lane.



Billy was intrigued by Harry’s flying, stopping to watch whenever Harry was on his side of the cottage. The painter admired the wizard’s flying skills, and the athletic body that was making them look so easy. Harry caught Billy watching and took time out to show off some of the more spectacular Quidditch moves, making Billy gasp at the daring of them. The net result was that neither young man completely finished what he had planned to do. Nevertheless, Billy had the undercoat on most of the doors and Harry had a basic network of wards in position before they retired for dinner.



“Billy? Would you help me afterwards, I have to make some flights where I would be visible from the road. I’ll make them at dusk, but I would like a look-out man just in case.”



“No problem Mate. I fancy a bit of skulduggery.”



“I thought you fancied me?”



“Yes, but that’s a delight for later, or we won’t get anything done.”



They left the washing-up in the sink because the sun was setting. Billy lolled near the entrance gate, keeping an eye for any strolling couples. They found out that their quiet village track was the local lovers’ lane and on a warm Saturday night it was frequented by quite a few strolling enamoured couples.



Billy had arranged to make a series of owl hoots to warn Harry when anyone approached. Everything went well until Erwin decided to patrol his newly-won territory and flew in to warn off the intruding owl. Having made various fruitless forays until he found out, he became quite peeved with Billy; landing on his shoulder and nipping his ear. Chuckling, Harry fed him an owl treat or two; mollified, the owl ghosted off in search of voles and other edible vermin.



Billy took to imitating a night-jar, only to find that there was one of those looking for a mate. As Harry made his last connection he was giggling at Billy’s antics in avoiding the amorous bird. Harry landed intent on Billy and having failed to see a snogging couple. He thought the young man had seen him flying, because he had gasped in surprise. Then Harry noticed where the young lady’s hand was and realised that the gasp had sexual overtones. Still, to be safe, he pretended to sweep up some old leaves, moving quickly into the confines of the sheltered front gate. Giggling he told Billy, and when they peered through the gate’s arch of honeysuckle, they could see the young man had recovered from his shock, and was preparing for something more than heavy petting. They quietly closed the gate, locked it and retired inside.



“Did you see his boner? She was doing a great job on it.” Billy was trying to adjust himself.



“Yes. I’m all hot now, let’s go for a swim.” Harry had the beginnings of a tent.



“Oh! And I thought we were set up for some randy fun.” Billy stroked Harry’s bulging trousers.



“We are! The water will be warmer now the sun’s been on it most of the day, so I thought that we might have a change of medium.” Harry had found Billy’s zip and was pulling it down.



“Oh! Right then; let’s go.” Billy’s hand was inside Harry\'s flies, and tugging him towards the pool by the useful handle he had found.



They quickly stripped off the few clothes they had on, splashing in the warmer water. The comparative weightlessness enabled them to try out positions not normally available on dry land. The water also helped lubrication as they held each other close and rubbed their bodies close together. Much of what happened relied on their sense of touch, as the night was very dark and, being behind the house, no street lights penetrated. By and large, they spent nearly an hour in various forms of foreplay before their hormones got the better of them and final fruition took place. They hugged caringly before slowly climbing out of the water to lovingly dry each other off.



Before retiring to bed, they made some hot chocolate which helped them to revive slightly; it also made them feel sleepy, so they soon were in bed hugging each other closely. Awaking in the morning they shared some long kisses and then went for a joint shower. They washed each other and sprouted hard-ons, but nothing went beyond some loving caresses. They decided to have a cheese, toast and marmalade breakfast. Towards the end of the meal the bells of the village church could be heard starting to ring, calling the faithful to worship.



“Come on Harry, come to church with me? I usually go and the congregation know me.”



“I’m not sure I want to. We don’t go while we are at college, and it was only on Christmas that the Dursley’s went.”



“Oh; come on Harry, just to please me? Village life centres round the church and you ought to get to know some of the residents. If you’re worried about what to do I’ll show you. I\'ve got a special feeling about today, please come?”



“Okay, if you think I ought. What shall I wear?”



“Something neat and clean, but not best clothes. I have some neat jeans, and a pullover.”



“Oh; I think I can match that.” Harry went upstairs and found Molly’s recent birthday present jumper, which was of a light knit and a pleasant fawn colour. Billy’s jumper was a leaf green one, making both of them passably neat.



Harry walked with Billy down the lane into the village square, pausing to look at the war memorial and remembering the magical statue that it contained. Arriving inside the creeper covered church, they were handed the books by a pleasant middle aged lady who greeted them. “Nice to see you again Billy, are you still painting Magnet Cottage?”



“Yes thank you Samantha and for the next week or so. This is Harry the new owner, he arrived on Friday.”



The lady shook hands with Harry. “Nice to meet you, I’m Samantha Kidson; I used to know the previous owners, before that dreadful fire.”



“They were my parents.”



“Oh … I am sorry if I brought up painful memories.”



“Actually I’d like to learn more about them, as I was fostered by an Aunt and Uncle who didn’t say much about my Mother and Father. Perhaps you would like to come to tea sometime and tell me more about them?”



“Thank you Mr Potter, I would like that. Maybe in a week or so once you’ve settled in properly.”



Harry and Billy smiled at her and went to find a seat. They chose one where they could see what other people were doing and copy their actions. Billy knew the hymn tunes, and Harry followed him. Billy kept quietly swapping books with Harry so that he could follow the service. The Vicar preached a sermon about using the various talents we had been given, stressing that the gifts were for the good of all people, not just the churchgoers. He quoted the parable of the talents, saying that our skills would atrophy if we didn’t practice them regularly. Then he drew out examples of gifts from various members of the congregation, and included Billy’s painting skills as one of the illustrations.



After the service the vicar was at the door, making sure he greeted everyone.



“Hello Billy, how’s the work at Magnet Cottage going?”



“Quite well so far, but I have at least another week’s work. This is Harry Potter, the new owner.”



“How-do-you-do, nice to see you attending church; are you some relation to the previous owners?”



Harry felt a slight tingle in his hands as shook with the Vicar. “They were my parents.”



“Oh; I see. I hope I haven’t put my foot in it.”



“No Sir, you haven’t. I was talking to Ms Kidson, she said she knew them. They died when I was very young so I would like to know more about them.”



“Samantha’s the right person to ask, she used to visit them occasionally. I came here a few years after the tragedy, but I have heard about it. You have my condolences. Perhaps you would like me to come and bless the house for you, as it is almost a new one again.”



“Thank you, may I think about the offer, and come back to you?”



“Of course, Dear Boy, I shall be available if you require me.”



Harry was slightly disturbed by the tingling in his hands and by the mention of his parents, but he was also heartened by the friendly welcome he received. He and Billy ambled slowly back, pausing to watch the choirboys kicking a football around, leaning on some railings watching the ducks on the pond and then sitting down at a shaded table outside at the Farmers Arms.



“Hello, you must be Mr Potter from Magnet Cottage, what can I get you sirs. We have a rather nice piece of roast lamb today, or perhaps a salad?”



Harry checked that he had enough Muggle money on him before both of them ordered the roast. Billy suggested some cider to go with it as Harry was in a quandary about names of drinks.



“It’s almost as pleasant as that Butterbeer you gave me yesterday, but be careful, it has a kick too,” whispered Billy, after the landlord had gone to fetch their order.



“Thanks for that Billy, I’ll have to get used to Muggle drinks again, not that I’ve had many alcoholic ones before.”



Quite a few of the congregation came for their Sunday lunch at the pub as well. Harry felt quite relaxed by the friendly greetings. Most of the people avoided mentioning his parents, as they were unsure of his reaction. All in all, Harry decided that Sunday lunch at the Farmers Arms might well become part of his life here. Sated, Billy and Harry walked slowly back to the cottage, Harry was feeling at peace with the world for the first time in ages.



When they arrived inside Magnet Cottage, Harry said, “I think I shall work on the special wards for the outside door, as that is the most vulnerable. However first I’m going to look up something. When the Vicar shook hands with me I felt a slight tingle; I know it means something, but I must check it out.”



“Does that mean he’s a magician too?”



“No; at least, not in the sense that I am; however some clergymen are specially gifted, that’s what I want to look up.”



“Right then, I’ll finish off the undercoats from yesterday, and then start rubbing down.”



In looking for the correct book, Harry started to shelve the ones out of the crates. About an hour later he felt the wards being disturbed and the front doorbell rang at the same time. Checking his wand was handy, Harry went to see who was there and grabbing his school robe from the peg as he answered the door.



“Oh; hello Vicar, do come in. Oh no! Sorry can I start again?”



The Vicar smiled and nodded acquiescence.



“Worshipful Father of Souls, I, Harry James Potter, bid you welcome to Magnet Cottage in friendship and in peace.”



The Vicar took a quick glance at a piece of paper he was holding. “Venerable Mage, I, John Terence Green, greet you in the love of the Lord Jesus.”



“His love is most welcome, and I offer you the protection of my being and my residence.”



“I accept your offer of protection and hope that it will be spread to all my parishioners.”



“That I will extend right gladly; do please enter.”



“Peace be on this house and all who reside here.”



“Your peace is welcomed.” Harry grasped the priest’s hand and drew him through the wards and inside the door. “I see neither of us is exactly what we appear. I had to go and look the correct greeting up and then forgot it.”



“Same here! It’s quite some time since I had to greet such a person as yourself. I wrote mine down, just in case.”



“Did you have the alternative written down, in case I rejected you?”



“No! I didn’t think you would, but I did quickly revise it, just in case.”



“It sounds as though you have recently had such a rejection.”



“Yes! Although I didn’t get into the ritual before the door was slammed in my face.”



“Should I be aware of the person concerned?”



“Yes! His name is Araxes Goodfellow and he lives on Woodyates Farm.”

v

By this time the two conversationalists were sitting on the patio, being stared at by a perplexed Billy.



“Billy, do come and sit with us.” Harry then looked at John. “John, Billy is aware of my special gifts and we are quickly becoming close friends.”



“Good! That answers the next two questions I was going to ask.” John then looked at Billy. “As well as being a parish priest, I am an exorcist. I have been trained to recognise various spirits, and that recognition kicked in when Harry and I shook hands. Hence the peculiar form of words when we met.”



“Oh I see. Harry would you like me to make us some tea; I think there’s some fruit cake as well.”



“Yes please Billy.” Harry nodded; then turned to John. “Do we have to say those words every time we meet, John?”



“My version of ‘Rites of Priests and Wizards’ doesn’t say, but my old professor seemed to think it was first time plus special ceremonial occasions.”



“That’s the same book that I used and yes, it was a bit vague. So when you come to bless the house, we’ll have to go through the rigmarole again. Oops, sorry! Please John, will you come and bless the house for us.”



“I’d love to Dear Boy, and yes we’ll have to go through the form of words again. Not to worry overmuch though, my parishioners are steeped in the old ways, so they won’t look askance at our doings. The new incomers will just think it’s quaint and that your robes are your college outfit.”



“They are. I still have some time at college left to do. I’ve had a year off as there was particularly bad patch in my world ending in a difficult battle. There is still some tidying up to be done and I think I will be part of it, though I’m supposed to be resting just now. That reminds me, I must check out Araxes Goodfellow, not in person, but through our records.”



“I suspect, Dear Boy, that he would be on the opposing side to yours. There are some funny rumours attached to goings-on at his farm. Many of the older people will be glad to know you’re around. I think Samantha sussed you out immediately, so you can bet most of the village knows by now. She’s a bit of a busybody, but her heart’s in the right place, and she loves to spread good news. I dare say, you’ll find gifts left at your door, any day soon. As I said before, the parishioners are steeped in the old ways. We’ll soon have to bless the harvest before it’s brought in, I would be most pleased if you could accompany me, the duties aren’t too onerous. I do the blessing and you support me, preferably in your robes.”



“All this is new to me, but I’d love to help if you think I would be useful.”



“Definitely! If we’re not careful we’ll lose what was good in the old ways. I like modern technology, computers, TV, telephones and the like, they’re all very useful. However, for peace of mind one needs to relax and the goodness in the old ways promotes a deep spirituality. Some of the old ways were evil too, just as modern consumerism can be. So, a judicious discernment and a mix of old and new are my dictums, not that I always get it right though.”



At this point Billy brought in the tea, and the two men had another little ritual to go through, offering and receiving their cups from each other. Then the three of them sat and chatted about the area, its people and their expectations, munching fruitcake and sipping Earl Grey.



The Vicar got up to leave. “Oh; I nearly forgot, Dear Boys, the parish has a dance once a month, and the next one is on Saturday. Would both of you grace us with your presence, please. To some extent it’s self-preservation, if you could dance a few steps with different ladies, it’d give me a chance to chat with one or two people.”



Harry smiled at John. “I’m afraid my prowess on my toes is almost non-existent, but I’ll come and chat to people, if that’ll help.”



“I came to the last one, it was fun. I’d love to attend.”



“Right then, Dear Boys, I’ll take that as two yeses. Peace be on your house”



“Our peace goes with you.”



The Vicar left, he was riding a bicycle and he wobbled as he gave them a cheery wave. Back inside the house, as they washed up, Harry expressed his doubts about dancing.



“You’ll love it Harry. It’s none of the smooch and gyrate type. They have formal dancing with someone to call out the instructions. I noted country dance tunes, line dancing, and American folk dancing, plus a Scottish reel or two. I was worn out and giggling, you must come. I fell over my feet sometimes, so did everyone else, so we forgot about being embarrassed.”



Dinner was late. Harry had finished all but one set of intricate wards and Billy had caught up with his paint preparation and undercoating. Aching slightly, they had a shower together. The naked closeness and hot water worked wonders on their libidos, so two very horny young men set about satisfying their loving needs. A couple of hours of amorous thrashing had Harry using a cleaning spell, and Billy hugging his lover in restful sleep.