Disclaimer. I own nothing of War Horse or Downton Abbey. They belong to their respected owners. I do own my original characters. 'Nuff said.

Italics are thoughts.

A/N: I was watching Downton Abbey and thought of a story idea. War Horse is based on the movie and Downton Abbey is based on the TV series. Also, in this story, Albert is 15 and his parents were 61 and 52 (his dad and mom, respectively).

Summary: AU: Albert Narracott's parents have passed away, leaving him an orphan. He – along with his two horses Joey and Sugar – go to live with his distant cousin Robert Grantham and his family in Downton Abbey. He makes some friends and a lot of enemies.

Genre: Drama/General

Rating: T

CHAPTER ONE

Albert Narracott ran into the farmhouse after having a delicious ride on Joey. He helped himself to an apple and walked around the house, calling for his parents.

He found them in their bedroom, holding hands, eyes closed. Albert smiled and walked off, hoping they were resting.

By the time supper was to be ready, his parents still hadn't woken from their slumber. Albert was getting worried.

He fetched the doctor, hoping that his parents would be awake when he came home.

Doc Watson removed the stethoscope from his ears and looked at Albert, his misty blue eyes full of sadness.

"Doc? What's wrong?" Albert asked, twisting his hat in his hands.

"Son, you're old enough to understand this. Your parents have passed on. I'm sorry." Doc Watson told Albert, resting a hand on his shoulder.

Albert shook his head, not wanting to believe Doc Watson.

"No, Doc. They're only sleeping." Albert said, his voice rising with every syllable.

"I'm sorry, Albert. They have passed on in their sleep. Do you have any relatives you can stay with?" Doc Watson inquired, putting his tools back in his medical bag.

"I don't want to live with anyone other than my parents!" Albert yelled. Doc Watson sighed and mounted his horse, leaving Albert to grieve in peace.

Si and Andrew, friends of the family, let Albert stay with them when Mr. Lyons came for the house. Joey and Sugar came with Albert, of course, but Si and Andrew didn't have a stable big enough for both Albert's horses and their horse, Dusty.

Across town, Lord Grantham was visiting an old family friend. They were having tea by the firelight when the family friend spoke of the Narracott's. Robert gazed at the man, his blue eyes piercing the man's brown ones.

"My distant cousin was named Narracott. What happened?" Robert inquired.

"Rose and Ted passed away two days ago. The funeral's today at noon, if you want to go." The friend told Robert.

The next words out of the friend's mouth shocked Robert down to his core.

"Their son, Albert, has nowhere to go. He's been living with the Easton's since yesterday."

Robert rode with the friend to the funeral. Robert was touched at the priest's kind words about Ted and Rose Narracott. Robert saw a tall fellow standing in the front row, head bowed.

That must be their son. Poor fellow Robert thought as he continued to watch the young man. The lad stood out like a weed in a flower garden.

After the service, Robert approached the young man he had seen earlier.

"I am sorry for the loss of your parents, young man." Robert told Albert. Albert turned around and saw a well-dressed man standing before him. The man removed his top hat and held it against his chest. "I'm Robert Grantham. Your mother was my cousin on my father's side."

Albert didn't say anything at first. Robert put an arm around Albert's shoulders and gently guided him out of the church.

The two of them walked down the street to a pub called Foxwater. Robert ordered two ales as he and Albert took a seat at a table near the back.

Robert told Albert about Downton Abbey and how happy he would be there. Albert's mind went to Sugar and Joey.

"Excuse me, sir, but I have two horses. If they can't come, then I'm not going." Albert told Robert.

"Nonsense boy. Both you and your horses are coming." Robert told Albert. For the first time that day, Albert smiled.

Si, Andrew and Albert packed up Albert's things and prepared the horses. Albert would ride Joey while ponying Sugar. Robert would drive ahead of him with Albert's things.

As Albert rode into the main driveway of Downton Abbey, he knew that his life would be forever changed.