Double Trouble: Potter

      Edward shifted his grip on his brother's arm, carrying a few berries from Aunt Petunia's bush with the other, hoping she wouldn't notice the loss of a couple.       — What do you need these for? – Habriel asked, following closely behind his brother.       They walked for fifteen minutes, not exactly a long time. The sun beat down on the tops of their heads, which the boys had been too lazy to pull on their caps.       — It's... For something! – Edward winked secretly and giggled, watching Habriel jump impatiently, trying to figure out what that something was.       The asphalt was now gradually giving way to a regular sandy path, and the trees were becoming more and more frequent along the way. Something flickered in the grass, and Edward stopped and carefully approached, crouching down. Habriel watched him with interest, and when his brother returned holding huge, round beetles, his eyes widened comically.       — What are they for?! – he asked, surprised. Edward didn't answer; they walked a little further before he spoke.       — Just don't be afraid... okay? – Edward began, but was interrupted.       — We're going into the forest?! – Habriel exclaimed when he noticed where the path actually led.       His bright eyes sparkled with excitement, and a smile crept across his face. Now Habriel was galloping almost ahead of Edward, who smiled tenderly, watching his brother. Habriel had never been in the forest before, not even the one so close to home.       Some time later, the boys were making their way through bushes and nettles. Edward felt a slight burning sensation on his cheek. – Oh, I must have scratched myself, –he thought, touching his skin with his palm. Feeling nothing, he frowned and turned to Habriel, who was creeping up behind him. He had just brushed his fingers across his cheek, leaving a red mark.       Strange... – flashed through Edward's mind, but he nevertheless handed his brother a damp cloth from his shorts pocket. It was worth it, after all.       — Here, wipe this off! – The boy had already passed all the "obstacles" and sat down on the wet grass near someone's burrow.       Habriel took the napkin and, first holding it to his nose, inhaled—he loved the fresh scent—then wiped his cheek, tucked the napkin into a small pocket, and hurried over to his brother.       — Well, what's going on?! – he exclaimed impatiently, coming closer and sitting down next to him.       — Quiet, look! – Edward hissed, pointing his finger into the hole. Something moved in the darkness...       Habriel tilted his head in confusion.       — It is? – he whispered, placing his palms on the ground and sticking his nose a little deeper. Edward pulled it back and giggled.       — Yes, yes! Behave yourself, silly! You know... I found it yesterday, wanted to show you. – The boy took the berries, scattered them on the ground, and left them in the hole. The fox opened his eyes and sniffed the air. At first, he eyed the boys warily, hesitating to approach. Then Edward planted a few bugs he'd picked up along the way. A little furtively, constantly looking up, the fox ate them all, time after time.       — OMG! – Habriel felt genuine delight play within him; he and his brother loved animals and enjoyed watching them.       — I... I named him Debs! – Edward announced, smiling and proudly puffing out his chest. Both laughed.       Habriel lay on the grass, watching the ants scurrying back and forth, carrying twigs and blades of grass. Edward sat intently at the entrance to the burrow, his hand outstretched and his eyes closed. The fox sniffed his palm, whether for a few seconds or a minute, it didn't matter. Something wet nestled somewhere between his fingers. A small black nose.       Without opening his eyes, Edward ran his hand slightly up the soft fur. The animal didn't seem frightened, but stayed, which made his smile widen. His heart pounded wildly in his chest, echoing in his head, and his body felt a familiar warmth, calm, and a surge of strength.       Confirming his suspicions, his brother cried out:       — Eddie, it's back! Edward opened his eyes: his outstretched hand shimmered with blue veins of light.       — Wow... – was all the boy could manage, staring raptly at his own fingers.       And from under his hand, a pair of beady eyes stared inquisitively at him. – So familiar... – Edward thought, glancing briefly at his happy brother, who had come closer and was also examining the magical light with interest.       Edward ran his hand from the fox's head to the tips of his fluffy tail and whispered,       — Debs...       The boy had already picked the animal up when it... unexpectedly responded,       — Yes? Me?       Edward's green eyes widened at the little creature.       — Habri, did you hear that!? – he squeaked in surprise.       — No? – his brother was astonished. — Did you hear something?       — I think... – the boy answered hesitantly. — Debs, you say?       The fox merely shook his head. Habriel heard only a squeak. But Edward clearly understood the answer,       — No, you say. I mean, with animals, you understand them. I haven't met one like that in a long time... – Edward paused for a moment and, sighing, merely patted Debs on the head.