noah a. bratcher

As strange as it was to be taking advice from a sixteen year old boy that he’d never met before, Oliver found that everything Noah said made sense.  Someone had to take the first move toward repairing things, and Peter was just a kid.  It was his own responsibility as a father to step up.  But he wondered how much of this was coming from Noah, now that he knew the Bratchers probably hadn’t even bothered to show up for their son.

“You have no idea what you’ve done for me,” Oliver said softly, meeting Noah’s eyes with complete honesty.  “And really, I think you two are good for each other.  I wouldn’t be surprised if Peter asks you to visit during Christmas.”

He glanced up at Oliver with a beaming smile. Wow, Christmas with the Woods? It sounded magical. “You think he wou-”

Noah was cut off at the shrill sound of his mother calling out his name. “Noah! There you are. I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Why didn’t you meet me?” It was instant the way he shut down when his mother reached him and Oliver. She awkward patted his shoulder and he looked up at Oliver apologetically. 

“Um, t-this is my mu-” 

“I’m sure it’s a pleasure to meet you but we have a tight schedule and I’ve already wasted so much time just looking for you. Goodbye.” She wouldn’t even let him say goodbye to Oliver before she was whisking him away muttering about wanting to break another women’s knitting needles in half.

Just how close were Peter and this boy?  Oliver knew that Peter had a tendency to fall hard and fast, but the way Noah talked, it seemed like he was just as sure of their relationship.  Maybe Noah was the right person to ask how Peter felt, after all.  “I don’t… have to understand?  I guess I spent so long not getting it, I stopped going at all.  Ah, I’ve made a mess of things with him…”  He ran his hand through his hair and sighed.  The way Noah explained things made sense, in a way.  It couldn’t hurt to spend more time with Peter when he was home, or send a letter every now and then and ask about his projects, or what his research kick of the month was.  “I can do that,” he said hesitantly.  “Next time he’s home, I’ll take him to something artsy.”

Oliver felt his heart sink as Noah talked about his family.  He couldn’t imagine not being curious about the other side, muggle or wizard, and it sounded like Noah was an outcast in his own home for more reasons than magic.  The kid looked pained, the same way he’d seen Peter look when he showed off an art project and Oliver couldn’t tell what he’d painted.  Would Peter really leave and never look back?  He didn’t want that to happen.  “I’m sorry, lad.  I’m in no place to be talking about your parents, but… you deserve better.”  He reached over and ruffled Noah’s hair.  “Peter would be so embarrassed if he heard me say this, but I think you’d fit right in with us.  Anya would love you.  She’s always been the artsy type.”

“Maybe you did,” Noah paused and turned towards Oliver, shooting him a shaky yet reassuring smile. “But messes can always be cleaned up. Think of it this way...your next Quidditch game...you know Peter doesn’t really ‘get’ Quidditch but if he came it would still make you feel supported and loved, right? That’s all he wants. When he shows you a painting he doesn’t want you to explain or even understand the meaning behind it. He wants you to clap him on the shoulder and say ‘That’s beautiful. You did great, kid.’” Everything he said to Oliver were things he wished he could say to his own parents but knew that he couldn’t. It was too late for Noah and his parents but it wasn’t late for Peter and his father.

For the first time, Noah didn’t freeze when Oliver reached out to touch him. He let his boyfriend’s father ruffle his hair and it was the first sign of affectionate from a father figure that Noah has ever experienced. Peter was lucky. Oliver wasn’t the perfect father but he cared and he was there. “I don’t think Peter would be embarrassed. Maybe a little since it was in front of me, but I think he would be proud that you’re supportive of him and of us. I know I appreciate that. Thank you.”

I’m not perfect, but at least I try to get to know my children.  And actually, I do.  Peter’s in the art room waiting for his father so he can show him the prints he made for Herbology, and Yuri is out at the Quidditch pitch with his friends.

Well not all mothers can revolve their lives around their children. Some of us have other responsibilities. 

“Ah, no wonder you and my son get on so well.  He’s not into sports at all, even the muggle kinds.  He said he’s going to start watching the games, though.  One of his friends made captain, and this might be the year Yuri makes the team!”  Oliver couldn’t help being distracted by a burst of pride for his youngest.  And hey, if Yuri made the team, that was one more reason for Peter to go to games.  “I know Peter probably mentioned we don’t get on well, but… I’m trying,” Oliver admitted.  “It’s just hard for me to understand him, because I was never really interested in school or books, and he lives for that sort of thing.”  He really didn’t know why he was venting all of this to his son’s boyfriend, but once he started talking, he realized how bad things had become.  “I need to show him that I’m proud of him, but everything he says goes over my head.  I’m stuck, lad.  More stuck than a… stuck wotsit.”

It wasn’t an ideal situation, Noah giving Mr. Wood advice but it touched him that Peter’s dad wanted to try. He wanted to be better and maybe Noah could help him be better for Peter by saying the things Peter wanted to but couldn’t. “I don’t want to step over any boundaries a-and I don’t want to put my foot in my mouth but I know Peter really well and we do have a lot in common.” It was nice that even though Oliver didn’t understand Peter’s interest or have any interest in them himself he was trying. “Peter doesn’t need you to understand him, sir. He just needs you to be present. I know that looking at art probably isn’t on your list things you enjoy but you don’t have to enjoy what he likes. You just have to be support. It isn’t about sitting down an reading a book with him...it’s about taking him to a bookstore and enjoying the time because he is.” 

Oliver followed the nervous Hufflepuff, wondering to himself why on earth he hadn’t thought to look there.  Peter always carried snacks around, probably because of that unfortunate fainting problem he had.  Unfortunately, the whole family was forgetful about checking clothes before tossing them in the hamper.  Anya had called a dozen or more family meetings to lecture everyone about leaving snacks in their pockets, mostly looking at Peter, but also at Oliver and Yuri, who sometimes nicked a biscuit to go.  “I played for a professional team after I graduated,” he explained.  It wasn’t every day that he met someone who didn’t know anything about him, but then again… this was Peter’s boyfriend.  “I feel terrible about this, but every time I try to go find Peter, I get mobbed.”

“That...sounds like fun,” Noah replied quietly. He had never been into sports. They didn’t grab his attention the same way things like writing did. But to each his own. “I’ve never played,” Noah confessed after a moment of silence. “Now that I think about it I don’t think I’ve ever actually been to a game.” Noah felt as though he should have known who Peter’s dad was. Especially after his last comment. But being the Muggle Minister’s son Noah knew to some degree what it felt like to be noticed and sometimes it was refreshing to meet someone who had never heard of you before. “I think...Peter appreciates that you come to see him despite getting mobbed. I’m sure that means an awful lot to him.”

Right, of course, but what branches?  Divination?  Charms?  Care of Magical Creatures?  Is he on the Quidditch team?  Frog Choir?  Just because you’re not magical, you don’t pay any attention to the world your son lives in, and that’s terrible.

Because you’re the perfect mother? Do you even know where your children are right now?

I tried to help him. Perhaps you don’t understand exactly how wizarding society works, but let’s just say that my father is very important. Your son exposed secrets in a newspaper that my father and his colleagues read, including the Minister himself. That’s why I don’t like your son. He’s a foul little toad who should keep his nose out of affairs he doesn’t understand.

And maybe you don’t understand how the muggle society works. Noah’s father is just as important. Unless your father is the Minister of Magic then my husband is far more important than he is. Noah is the son of a Minister and you...with your naive way of thinking can’t be held responsible that you don’t understand there are bigger and better people than you and your family. 

Well, you’re more than welcome to be with us, if you like. I’m sure Osamu and Ada would love it. We might even stop by the Woods and see how they’re doing. -stops little ravenclaw and asks for directions- According to this little one, we’re headed the right way.

Yeah, I would really like that. It beats hanging out in the Hufflepuff dorms by myself. I was kind of nervous for Parents Weekend because I didn’t...I knew my parents probably were not going to make it and it’s hard to see everyone else with their families. It’s kind of you to sort of adopt me for the weekend.

I suppose…  [frowns and crosses her arms]  Kid stuff?  Doesn’t he write home?  Do you even know what he’s studying here?

Isn’t it obvious? He’s here studying magic.

I’m glad you’ll like it. Did your parents come? I’m sure they’ll be happy to see you. -chuckles- Are you sure? Do you think we should ask one of the children in blue?

I don’t know. -He looks away from her and shrugs his shoulders.- They could be here but I doubt it. My father has been really busy. Election time and all. But that’s okay...I wouldn’t want them to try and squeeze me into their busy schedules. Err...yes. We probably should ask just to be on the safe side.

[sighs heavily and pinches the bridge of her nose]  I’m terribly sorry, I’m getting a headache.  It must be all the candles in here.

Books and sports, hm?  He’d get along well with Peter and Yuri, then.  Peter’s constantly reading, and Yuri’s a nonstop bundle of energy.  Does he have any specific interests?  Quidditch, perhaps?

Maybe it’s all of the dust floating around?

The reason I’m whiny, as you put it, is because he ruined everything I’ve been working for for a year. Your son almost got my brother disowned. Honestly, ma’am, I can see why your son is the way he is. He takes after you.

Maybe you deserved it, sweetie. I’m sure you did something to him.

So the kid was still a little jumpy.  It wasn’t surprising.  Most of the kids Peter’s age were beyond nervous, for varying reasons.  At least this Noah kid’s problem seemed to be that he was anxious by nature and desperate to make a good first impression.  Despite how self-deprecating the boy was, Oliver actually rather liked him–he seemed like a good match for Peter’s artsy nature.  “Ah, look at that smile…  Sure, lad.  Lead the way.”

Noah could immediately tell where Peter got his friendliness and charm. Clearly it was all from Oliver and he could only assume that Peter’s nourishing nature came from his mum. “If I remember correctly he was going to try and get some more snacks before any big plans today so he must be down by the kitchens.” He started to lead Oliver towards the kitchens and while he did, Noah nervously toyed with his fingers. What kind of conversation should be have with his boyfriend’s father? What did they even have in common? Don’t bring up Quidditch. You know NOTHING about Quidditch. DON’T. “So...you like Quidditch stuff, yeah? Is that why everyone wanted your autograph?” Clearly his mouth wasn’t connected to his brain anymore.

You never investigated?  [skeptical look with very Peter-like eyebrow raise]  Hm, you know, I think our boys are the same age.  What sort of hobbies does Noah have?  He might know one of my sons.

No. I just assumed she found a better job. At the time, I didn’t have any time to waste trying to figure out why the help wasn’t helping. 

Of course not! She would love it! I’m glad you’re happy. And I won’t tell them, I promise. I hope you enjoy the cake. Do you want to come with me to Ravenclaw now? I’m sure Osamu will find his way up there eventually. We may have to wake Ada up. Is she still sleeping in as much as she can on the weekends? I thought she’d be at the doors to meet us, but she seems to still be in bed.

I most definitely will enjoy the cake! It’s nice to eat something made from a mother instead of a house elf. Not that the house elves make bad food...but it’s just different. Yes! Let’s go. Erm...for Ravenclaw Tower we should go...-trails off before turning and pointing at the stairs.- This way!

He ruined my life and my brother’s! He made it so that sensitive information was leaked to the press. He’s horrid and selfish and I can’t believe that he’s somehow in Hufflepuff!

Hmmm. I’ll try to talk to him I suppose. Would that make you less whiny?