Chapter 1: Settling into Their New Home
Summary:
Harry and Co. arrive at their new home. Harry and Theo show him just how much they appreciate him. The Pareyas and Draco settle their house. Bill and Sol purchase courting gifts. Run in with Yanek. Check-in with a few of the others that have decided to move to Nevarah as well.
Chapter Revised 5/11/24
I added new things please re-read.
Chapter Text
Harry, Draco, and Circles new home: Nevarah
Harry, Draco, and their new Bonded looked around at the property that Bill had prepared for them all in the last few years. It was magnificent, he had accounted for all elements knowing that Harry would most likely have a circle with many different types of Dragels.
"This is another of my courting gifts to you and Theo, Trouble. I did this all with the help of the Prewitts as well as Ilsa and her circle," Bill told them all as they stared in awe at the property.
The property itself was a small island connected to the main shoreline by a bridge. It was a property in a 'no man's land' between the Earth and Fire courts. There were many large trees with ponds and sunstones throughout the property. There was a large open area that Bill had left clear so that their Gheyo would be able to make their own training grounds. The property that they owned was the island itself and many miles onto the land and out into the Merrow Waters. Bill had made sure to cover everything.
The home was very large, big enough for both circles and for family to stay when they visit. It was built partially into the cliff face and extended down below the island into the waters. It had three main floors and three towers that rose up above the main floors. There were walls of windows and many balconies to accommodate any of their Air-bonded. There were also about three floors down into the waters and an area large enough for underwater training grounds as well.
There were areas around the island and home that also catered to storms and shadows. It was everything that they would ever need and then some.
"This home was also purchased and built with Draco in mind. I know how close the two of you are and Dragel twins tend to want to be close to each other. There are not many who bond into separate circles and live apart. So whether we ever merge our circles or not, Draco and his circle are welcome to live here forever if that is what everyone wants," Bill told them all.
Harry trilled happily and launched himself into Bill's arms, unseating Fawkes from his perch on his shoulder. The Phoenix flew off with a grumpy trill to fly over the property. Hedwig was close behind him to check things out for herself. Harry could tell from the feelings he was getting from everyone around them that they were all very satisfied and proud of their Alpha. He had done a very good job.
"Such a good, worthy Alpha," Harry purred into his ear. Bill tightened his arms around Harry and preened just a bit when he heard noises of agreement from the Dragel around them.
"You can all go and explore around obviously but just so you know, I did not furnish the house or get groceries. I did the bare minimum. I did not know when we would be coming here officially and I figured it would settle any Pareya we bonded and Draco if they got to do the honors," Bill added. There were noises of appreciation and Harry kissed him deeply.
"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go check out everything and see what we need, then we can go shopping," Draco announced. He grabbed Fred and George with Fleur, Ethan, Oliver, Mistral, and Quinn following close behind. The Merrow all headed through the house and into the lower levels to see what they would need for their areas. They would get their things from Merrow cities.
"The third floor is also designated for the Gheyo's private quarters. I know that most Gheyo are particular about their space and most likely will want to furnish the floor to your specifications so just warn off the Pareya before they make it up that far. Also, there is a large clearing in that direction that I left clear so that you can put together your own training area," Bill informed the Gheyo that were not Merrow. Harry was still wrapped around Bill and was giving continuous purrs and trills of approval. Bill had thought of everything to settle the instincts of everyone in the circle.
"Why don't you, Theo, and I find a private place to seal our bonds while the others are busy exploring? I am very happy with you my Alpha and wish to show you just how much. I missed you while you were gone and my instincts are screaming at me that I need to close my bonds with the two of you," Harry once again purred in Bill's ear. Bill whistled for Theo who had just started to walk away.
"Did you need me to do something?" Theo asked. Harry mewled at him and Bill chuckled.
"Our little Troublemaker wants the three of us to hide away and seal our bonds properly. What say you, My Beta?" Bill asked in a low sultry tone. Theo had a light blush spread across his cheeks before he smiled and allowed Bill to throw an arm around his shoulders and pull him close.
"Like I would say no to that?" Theo stated as he was dragged off into the house. Bill led them to the resting room and then locked and warded the door. The three of them didn't come out of the room for almost two hours. When they did come out of the room the three of them had sealed and settled their bonds and exchanged scales. They went down to the sitting room and all just relaxed and cuddled. Some of the Pareya, Draco, and a few of the Gheyo had gone to town to make their purchases to furnish the house. Quinn, the rest of the Pareya, and a Gheyo escort were out shopping for groceries.
Sol came into the room and settled on the couch across from them.
"You did very well with the property and home. Did you build it or was it something that was already here?" Sol asked Bill. "From what I am gathering from Draco, I believe we will be making this our permanent home if you are truly ok with it."
"Of course, we are truly ok with it. I spent the first part of my life neglected and alone. I didn't even know Draco or the rest of my family until I was almost fifteen. I am close to my other siblings as well but the connection between Draco and I is different. We are connected in a way that I am not with Neville and Luna. Like right now I know that Draco is equal parts excited and annoyed. I can always feel him and being too far from him for too long always makes my chest ache. So as long as you all want to be here, we definitely want you here," Harry told the fire Alpha with certainty.
"It will take adjusting to for all of us, but we will work it out," Theo added. "This will make Draco and Harry happy to be together. Because of that, I know that we will all make it work." Harry pressed a kiss to Theo's cheek and purred happily between his Alpha and Beta. They were officially his now and it was almost too much to wrap his mind around. His Empathy was singing happily through all of his bonds.
"Do you have courting gifts for your new circle planned?" Bill asked. He knew that sometimes Alphas gathered and planned courting gifts, especially around the time of the hunt. He knew what he wanted to do, he just hadn't done it yet. He had been waiting to see what kind of people Harry was drawn to or what kind of Circle Harry was going to build so that his gifts could be personalized. Now he could just have a full set commissioned since they had all of their bonded because of the soul scream.
"I have a few ideas of what I want to do but no, I have not gotten anything yet. Why?" Sol asked.
"I think while the others are shopping to furnish the house and getting groceries we four could go and get courting gifts." Bill offered. Gifting their new circle with courting gifts while they waited to complete bonds would help to settle some instincts, especially for the Pareya.
"That sounds like a good idea we can do that," Sol answered. "What Gheyo stayed here? I am sure they would be unhappy if we ventured into town without one or two. While you three were busy Hadrian, Glyn, and Arashi made sure that everyone who left the house was accompanied by Gheyo. Glyn went with Alec and the other Merrow to get the things that they needed. Arashi went with Draco and the Pareya with a few other Gheyo. I believe that Hadrian and my King are still here that should be sufficient for just the four of us to go."
Harry closed his eyes and felt for his bond with Hadrian just like his Grandma Jun had told him about and tugged lightly. He made sure that he was gentle and pushed calm through the bond so that the Ace didn't think anything was wrong. His grandparents had told them stories about how Jun had caused panic sometimes when she had pulled too hard on her bonds without sending calmness and reassurance through the bonds at the same time. He could feel Hadrian respond.
"Hadrian is on his way," Harry announced with a smile.
"You are already very good at that, Princess," Theo told him and pressed a kiss to his cheek. Harry preened and trilled happily when Hadrian strode into the room.
"What can I do for you, Kitten?" Hadrian asked. Harry smiled, stood, and went into the Shadow Ace's arms.
"The four of us want to go to the shops so that Bill and Sol can purchase courting gifts for the circles. I was told that you and the other two Aces' stated that you don't want anyone leaving the house without at least a Gheyo or two. If you aren't busy do you want to go with us? Also, do you know where Sol's King is, so that they can go too?" Harry informed his Ace. Hadrian smirked and nuzzled his neck.
"Good Kitten. Yes, I will accompany you. I will go and grab Lyra and meet you four outside." Hadrian pressed a kiss to Harry's lips and then strode from the room.
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Ten minutes later Harry was walking through the shopping district of Nevarah with Sol, Bill, Theo, Hadrian, Lyra, and Kisten. He was currently tucked under Kisten's arm while the Gheyo pointed out different shops and what they sold and explained things about Nevarah to him. Harry was having the best time.
"Theodore? Is that you?" The group of seven stopped and turned just as a very flashy blonde Dragel came rushing forward. Hadrian and Bill stepped forward to keep the submissive from actually getting close enough to touch Theo. They had all sensed the immediate repulsion and annoyance that had flooded the bond when Theo had realized who was calling his name.
The blonde stopped short as if very confused as to why he was being denied access to the Beta. He peeked between the two Dragel blocking his path and smiled brightly.
"It is you, I thought so," Theo just looked a bit confused.
"I am so sorry. You must forgive me it has been many years since I was in Nevarah. You will have to remind me of your name," Theo stated very cordially. Harry could tell that he was doing it on purpose. The submissive looked offended before quickly smiling again.
"It's me, Yanek. We went to flight school together, among other things," The blonde stated.
"Oh yes, I remember now. Nose-dive Yanek. It has been a while," Theo commented off-handedly. Harry was surprised enough that he didn't have time to stop himself before he snorted. Kisten pinched his ear and Harry looked sheepishly up at his Fire Queen. The other submissive looked at him and barely managed to hide his sneer. Harry just smiled at him, he could feel the waves of irritation and superiority rolling off of Yanek.
"Yes well, I am much better at flying now than I was then. It feels like you inherited as an Alpha. I always knew you would," Yanek practically purred at Theo. Harry bristled. Theo was his. He pulled away from Kisten and tucked himself up against Theo, who wrapped his arm around him and pulled him in close.
"Actually, I am a Beta. This is my Alpha Bill, My Ace Blood Raven, My Queen Kisten," Theo indicated each of the men in turn. Then he smiled and looked down at Harry pressing a kiss to his forehead. "and this here is my Lovely Submissive." Harry could see and feel the excitement growing in the other Submissive as if Theo having these bonded was beneficial to him. All of that excitement turned to hate and irritation when Theo introduced Harry. It was as if the other man had been hoping that Theo was going to be his. Harry preened and pressed closer to Theo.
"Yes well, I must be going. I see my Pareya now. They are probably upset that I took off. I just hadn't seen you in years and thought to say hey. I hope to see you again soon." With that Yanek stormed off. Harry could feel the rage boiling and rolling off of him.
"He might be trouble for us, just so everyone is aware. I can literally feel his anger marching like ants across my skin. He wants Theo, he is very unhappy that Theo is bonded to me," Harry stated to the group. Theo pressed another kiss to his forehead.
"That is a problem for another time. Let's not let him ruin our day. We have a lot to be happy for," Bill stated. Harry chirped his agreement and the group continued on to the jewelry shop that Bill wanted to go to.
"I will make sure we keep an ear out for him just in case," Hadrian stated as they walked away. Kisten nodded his agreement. He had seen the gleam in the Submissive's eyes before he turned away. That wasn't the last they had heard from him.
Bill spoke to the jeweler about the ear cuffs that he had made for him before. He needed twenty-four made. He was going to replace the ones that he had already given to Harry and Theo so that they all matched. The earcuffs were solid gold and a little thick. He wanted a small jewel sliver for each circle member. He chose gems that would represent their elements. So the cuffs had one emerald to represent Harry, three red to represent the Fire bonded, three gold to represent the Earth bonded, five blue-grey to represent the Air bonded, four purple to represent the Storm bonded, three black to represent the Shadow bonded, and five teal to represent the Merrow bonded. He placed his order and then they waited while Sol decided what she was going to get.
Eventually, she decided on silver rings with the same concept as Bill only she didn't use gems she just had slashes of color to represent the bonded. She picked a pretty grey the exact shade of Draco's eyes for the singular color for him, five orange slashes for the Fire in their circle, four blue-grey for the Air bonded, and two purple for the Storm. They finished up and then spent a little more time walking around different shops. Everything was so busy and people were fluttering around everywhere. The Hunt was coming up quickly and everyone was preparing.
By the time Harry and the group made it back to the house, the others had already made it home. Quinn, Fleur, and Mistral were in the kitchen putting away the last of the groceries and starting on supper. Ethan, Oliver, Fred, George, and Draco were all fixing up the house. The sitting room was already more homey, it had throw pillows and rugs and pictures on the walls. They were currently putting the basics in rooms and such. Everything that was purchased for the rooms was charmed so that whoever claimed those rooms could change the colors and customize things to their personal liking.
Harry decided to help in the kitchen since he was actually pretty decent at cooking. Pretty soon everyone was sitting around the dinner table and enjoying a great meal. Harry was happily sitting between Bill and Hadrian looking around the table. Draco was chatting happily in French with Fleur while he was sitting between Sol and Fred. Everyone was filling each other's plates and getting to know each other better and Harry could not be happier. His empathy was singing and it was hard to keep it contained.
"You are vibrating in your chair, Kitten," Hadrian teased. Harry grinned up at him.
"I am just so happy. This is perfect. I want every day to end like this. I know logically it won't but it is a nice thought," Harry told his Shadow Ace. Hadrian ran his fingers through Harry's hair and pressed a kiss to his lips when Harry turned his face up to him.
"We can try for it as often as possible, Kitten. Dinner together isn't too much to ask for," Hadrian assured Harry.
"Thank you, My Ace," Harry purred at him. Ethan cleared his throat.
"Quinn says stop flirting with the handsome Ace and eat before he has to separate you both," Ethan said with a teasing laugh. Harry blushed and turned away.
"Yeah, sorry, I'll eat." Harry ducked his head and pushed his food around his plate a bit. Then he felt fingers card through his hair again and then fingers brushed against his cheek. At the same time, Hadrian caressed his upper arm. He felt both of them project calm through their bonds with him. He also felt Theo, Draco, Fred, George, and Blaise do the same thing. Harry smiled softly and then started to eat. The others went back to eating and talking like they had been. Harry loved his family.
After dinner, Harry saw Quinn and Ethan pull Bill and Theo out of the room to talk. He knew what it was about but he wasn't worried. His Alpha and Beta would be able to gently let his healer and Pareya know about his issues with food. Better for them to do it than for Harry to try and explain why food was a sensitive subject for him.
Harry snagged his Merrow Ace and his snarky Alec and pushed them down on the couch before snuggling up between them. He watched as Draco, Blaise, Fred, and George taught some of the others how to play Exploding Snap. Harry was honestly surprised that everyone was still up. He didn't think anyone had really been to sleep yet since the battle and the soulscreams.
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Twenty minutes later Harry was drifting in and out of sleep and watched as Draco yawned and crawled up on the couch his Alpha was sitting on and laid his head in her lap. Sol continued to watch the others and ran her fingers through Draco's hair. Harry must have finally fallen asleep because the next time he blinked his eyes open, Bill was carrying him to the resting room they had claimed for their circle. Draco's circle would be taking the resting room on the third floor. Ethan stepped up to Harry and did a switching spell and put Harry and Bill in pajamas.
"Thanks, Ethan," Harry murmured sleepily. Bill pressed a kiss to the Pareya's cheek and Ethan blushed looking a bit surprised. Bill and Harry both chuckled slightly and then Bill placed Harry in the center of the bed. Bill lay behind him and Theo settled on the other side of Bill. Harry trilled happily when Wikhn slipped into the bed in front of him and wrapped his arms around him tightly. Harry barely registered Quinn settling on the other side of Wikhn and the rest of his bonded settling down to sleep in other spots around the bed and room. His Merrow were missing so he assumed they were sleeping in the Merrow quarters downstairs. Some of his Gheyo were missing also so he assumed Hadrian, Glyn, and Arashi had already discussed patrols.
Harry fell asleep to the feeling of contentment and happiness from his bonded. Surprisingly Harry could even feel love coming from a few of his new circle. Life was looking to be so much better than it had ever been before.
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Lucius: Evanson-Malfoy Manor
Lucius sat back with a sigh in the sitting room of their home. They had purchased it over a decade ago when they had originally planned to move to Nevarah. It was a large manor home on an impressive piece of land that was butted up against the water. It had been chosen with their Merrow Bonded in mind. The home had apparently been put under a stasis of some sort and had been in really good shape when they had arrived.
Severus and Narcissa had simply needed to do a few cleaning spells and purchase food for the place to be livable. Well, that and they had needed to fix the few rooms that had been set up for their children. They had been set up for toddlers and babies and now their kids were Hunting age. Neville and Luna had wanted to simply transfer all of their things from their Peverell home.
Their circle had also agreed to house two teenagers whose parents had not wanted to come to Nevarah and had chosen to give up their rights to them. They had taken these specific kids because they would be able to help them. There was a Druid boy who was in Hufflepuff and an Air Pareya from Ravenclaw. Both had barely inherited this past summer and would be in need of Mentors.
"You look like you are thinking really hard, My Love," Lily said as she settled herself in Lucius' lap. James tossed himself down on the couch next to them and leaned against Lucius.
"Yeah, what has you so lost in thought?" their Beta asked quietly. Lucius moved around so that he could wrap an arm around both of them. Merlin, he had missed them so much and loved having them with him again finally. Their Triad bond was thrumming happily between them.
"I am just tired. Honestly, it has been one thing or another since our little green-eyed child came into his inheritance. Even now, we will not have much time to settle in and rest. There are things that need to be done. We need to see the Merrow about Laurent, prepare our children for The Hunt, settle our new additions into life here, find Sirius, and so many other things," Lucius counted off. Lily nuzzled his neck and pressed a gentle kiss to his collarbone.
"You're right, there are a lot of things to do, but there are enough of us that no one needs to concentrate on too much alone. We will all be back together again soon once we find Laurent and Sirius. I miss them both so much," Lily replied.
"Plus, we have family here that can help. The Evansons have been incredible and the Royals have agreed to send a message to the Peverells for us. They can help us settle into life here and prepare for all of the things that need to be taken care of. Like the trials for Tuny, Vernon, and Dudley," James added.
"We will take care of all of it one item at a time," Lily insisted. She stood up and held her hands out for both Lucius and James. "It's late now and today was exhausting. We were literally just fighting a war. I need to be held and reassured. Come to bed." James grinned and nipped Lucius' ear before he jumped up and threw Lily over his shoulder.
"Come on, Grumpy Alpha. Let's go find our room so we can smother our Lily-girl," James stated with a laugh. Lucius grumbled something under his breath about not being grumpy. Then he trailed off with something they didn't quite catch before he stood up.
"I don't think I heard that last part, Luc," Lily said with curiosity. Lucius could be serious often but this was a little different. He seemed sad.
"I said. I am not grumpy...I just don't know how I feel about Draco and Harry living separately from us already. While I am happy they have bonded to care for them, I already miss my sons. I didn't expect them to be gone on their own so soon," Lucius said reluctantly. James sat Lily on her feet and the two of them wrapped their arms around their Alpha. He would be the one to feel their absence more keenly of the three of them. He had spent the most time with them their bond was much stronger.
"It is normal to miss them. We will give them time to settle a bit and then we will make time to spend with them," James insisted. "Now, I believe we are all in need of a good cuddle tonight. Resting room with everyone or our private room?"
"Our room," Lucius answered and then the three of them headed off to indulge in the cuddles they clearly needed.
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Patil Twins: Kalzik Estate
Padma and Parvati Patil were nervous and grateful in equal parts. When their birthday came around in early August before sixth year, their entire family had been shocked when they had come into a Creature Inheritance. Apparently, there hadn't been an inherited creature in their family for many generations and it shouldn't have been possible. It had been suppressed and bred out of their family line many generations ago.
Their family had taken them straight to the Goblins for an inheritance test to find out what had happened. They learned within moments that the twins had inherited as Earth Dragel. Not only that but they were Submissive. Their parents had wanted them suppressed and when they had refused and had been promptly disowned. They had been given what was in their vaults and the Goblins put them up in the Leaky Cauldron until school started up again.
They had been more than grateful when the really nice Lady Kalzik had taken one look at the two of them and immediately offered to take them in when she learned they had been abandoned by their parents. The reason why had become more than obvious when they had been introduced to the Kalzik family. Surajini Kalzik and her circle had many many children and all but one daughter was a set of twins.
Padma and Parvati had never felt more at home. They had been shown to a room by an excited gaggle of girls and then been loaded up with more clothes than they knew what to do with. When the two of them had curled up in bed that night after more fussing and pampering than they had ever known, they had fallen asleep more comfortably than they had been since their birthday.
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Molly/Sadara: Prewitt Estate
"Arielle," Sadara gasped when she stepped into the room where she had been called by her Alpha. Tears sprang to her eyes, she had never thought to see her daughter again. Much less standing in her living room much less with the man she had left her family for as well as two children. She stepped forward and Molly did as well.
"Mama," Molly whispered with a look of fear on her face. "I...please, my family and I....we need..." Sadara stopped her by pulling her into her arms. She held her daughter tightly until she finally felt Molly wrap her arms around her in return.
"Whatever you need, Mollandria. If it is in my power to give it to you I will," Sadara assured her. She had long ago regretted the fact that her daughter had felt her only option was to run. She had just been so shocked at her choices and reacted badly when she should have been supportive. By the time she had tried to find her daughter, she had somehow become untraceable.
"A place to stay, Mama. Please. If you will allow it, We are moving home permanently and just need support until we can find our own way," Molly answered.
"Of course, you are welcome here for as long as you need. The Hunt is around the corner and finding a place of your own will be almost impossible. If you are uncomfortable staying here with us then we can put you and your family in one of our other properties that is still empty right now. Will that work?" Sadara asked and pulled away. She looked Molly over once more and then turned her attention to the other three in the room.
"Thank you, Mama. We will stay here with you for now and figure out the rest later. Thank you for allowing us to stay," Molly said with a smile. She had never in a million years thought her mother would actually welcome them so easily.
"You are more than welcome, my love. I have so much to make up for. I was so wrong for the way I treated you. I should never have made you choose," Sadara admitted. Then she grinned and waved her hand in the direction of the others. "Now introduce me to your family."
Molly introduced Arthur, Ron, and Ginny to her mother and sire. They were the only two in the room for now. She would worry about the others later. She told her mother about the suppressions and that she needed help getting them removed. Sadara had been shocked to learn what Molly had done and after a quick reprimand, they had moved on.
"So just the two children? The age doesn't seem right for Ronald. You were pregnant when you left here," Sadara finally asked. Molly smiled.
"No, Mama. I have seven children. Bill is our oldest he inherited as an Alpha. He was apparently courting a Submissive and a Beta and is now bonded because his chosen Submissive gave a Soulscream. I will tell you more about it later. Then there is Charlie. He inherited as a Beta but an incident with Dragon Poachers caused a rank shift and now he is a Joker. He was called by the same Soulscream as Bill. Percy...well he decided he wanted nothing to do with us or a creature inheritance. He chose to keep his suppressions and stay behind on Earth when we all decided to leave," Molly had to pause here and had to swallow her hurt feelings when Arthur awkwardly patted her on the arm. Things were so bad between them right now. He was not happy with the secrets he had learned that day about his wife and sons.
"Our twins, Fred and George, inherited as Pareya and were called by a soulscream but not the same one. I swear I will explain all of it better later. Then there is Ron and Ginny who are still suppressed," Molly finished explaining about her children. Sadara was so happy. She had seven grandchildren. Seven. She may only get to meet six of them and that was sad but it was overshadowed by the fact that she went from no grandchildren to Seven.
"When did these soulscreams happen?" Molly's sire asked finally.
"Today, we have just come here from a war. The submissives are twins. Bill's submissive is a powerful Empath and when he was tortured and gave his scream the soul magic travelled through their bond and triggered a scream for the twin as well. We came here as soon as things were over," Arthur answered.
"Then we will give them time to settle. But I want to meet my grandchildren and their new circles as soon as we can," Sadara replied.
"Of course, they will be happy to meet you," Molly replied.
"Well, you lot have been through quite a bit today so why don't you let Rick lead you up to the rooms I am sure they have already prepared for you all. You can shower and change while we get dinner going. After that, you can all make it an early night and tomorrow we will catch up and make plans for things that need to be taken care of," Her sire Alonso stated.
"That sounds perfect, Da. Thank you," Molly agreed. Then she allowed Rick, the Pareya to lead them out of the room and up to their prepared rooms. It had been a very long day with a lot of hard revelations. She was surprised that Arthur was even putting up with her right now. She was not surprised when he decided to share a room with Ron and insisted that Ginny share with her. She didn't think they were going to move past this for a while if at all.
Molly was going to have to find the time to talk to her mother about the fact that she could be facing charges and a possible divorce if her family couldn't move past this. Merlin, she really hoped they could move past this. She didn't want to lose her husband or her children.
Chapter 2: Dinner with Parentals and Death's Court
Summary:
Sirius comes home. Harry and Draco have dinner with their parents. Harry visits Death's Court and comes away with a few gifts.
****Revised 5/11/24 Only small changes but enough to encourage you to read it again.
Notes:
Here you go. Chapter number two. I like this chapter I am kinda proud of it. I hope you all like it too. I have realized that maybe this second part of the series is going to be a lot of fluff, love, hugs, and cuddles. Just all the good things for our family that have lived with such shit for so many years.
Same disclaimers as always.
Chapter Text
Death's Court
Lucius, Frank, and Remus were currently waiting near a designated portal area for Harry's bonded, Hadrian and Riven. Both of them had experience dealing with Death's Court and their experience would be much appreciated. They were following up on Bill and Hadrian's idea that maybe Sirius had ended up in Death's Court as a new hellhound without his memories.
"I hope you haven't been waiting long," Hadrian stated as he and Riven stepped out of a portal.
"We have been here for a bit longer than we should have been," Lucius stated.
"Sorry, Harry was a bit hard to slip away from today. His instincts are acting a bit erratic, probably due to being a Ferros. He hasn't let anyone report for work or in with their families yet. It has been two days since we got here and it really hasn't settled at all yet," Riven added. Lucius and Remus chuckled. They knew Harry was a bit unpredictable sometimes when he was riding that line between fine and feral.
"We understand. How did you manage to slip away from him without getting caught?" Lucius asked still chuckling.
"Oh well after trying and failing to convince him that Hadrian had to report for duty as the Blood Raven and that I needed to check in with King Edgar for something, we came up with a plan," Riven responded with a smirk.
"I took our Rheyo and two Fire Gheyo and worked them hard for training while Riven convinced the Merrow to tempt Harry with a few feeds so that he would be hyped up on pure Merrow blood. Then we set them loose on each other. They will probably be busy for a few hours," Hadrian added with a grin.
"It probably would have been easier if we had just let you bring him with you. We just figured this would be a lovely surprise for him at dinner on Friday," Lucius responded. His son hyped up on pure Merrow blood was going to be quite a handful especially if he was half-feral already.
"It's fine honestly, it was a great introduction to how we are going to have to learn to handle him when his instincts are at the surface," Riven replied.
"That is all very true, well let us get this done. I am ready to hopefully retrieve our missing mate and if we do this quickly maybe you two can get back before Harry realizes that you aren't home," Remus interjected. Hadrian nodded.
"Well circle up, I will port us there," Hadrian offered. The five of them stood together and held their breath as Hadrian ported them straight to a portal room in Aiden's home. He had already sent a message ahead to The Hellhound the day before about coming and what they were coming for. Since it was for his Submissive's family, Aiden had agreed for them to come directly to his home. He did not want to do anything that would piss off Lady Death.
There was a young man waiting patiently for them.
"Blood Raven, Aiden is not happy when he is kept waiting. Come before you are even later," The young hellhound ordered.
"Thank you, Melacour," Hadrian responded. Then the five men followed the hellhound to the main room where Aiden was lounging on a throne.
"You are late. I don't like to be kept waiting. All of this is a favor for you little Submissive and his family. Because you have kept me waiting I am going to have to insist that you bring the little Favored One here over the weekend. I am ready to meet him and he needs to be introduced to the court so that they know who he is to our Lady. Before the Hunt," Aiden demanded.
"Of course, Lord Aiden. I will inform Harry and we will make plans to be here. I must warn you though that he is a Ferros Submissive and he has been half-feral for days. Riven and I had to distract him with Merrow's blood and Gheyo high on blood lust just to be able to leave our home for this visit. So you may have the entire circle here for that," Hadrian warned him. The hound smirked.
"I heard rumors that he is a bit of a trouble magnet as well. Your Alpha likes to brag that your Submissive will make life interesting. It is nice to see that there is some truth to all of that," Aiden chuckled, teasing the Shadow Ace.
"The rumors are all very true. He will definitely keep us on our toes," Hadrian stated with a proud smirk.
"I see you are just as proud about it," Aiden said while rolling his eyes. "Anyways, you are looking for a new hellhound that may be part of your Submissive's family circle."
"Yes, that is what we are here for," Hadrian replied. Aiden gave a sharp whistle and three Hellhounds came into the room and stopped at Aiden's throne.
"These are my three newest and none have regained any memories of a past life. They will transform back into their human forms and then you can claim yours. Know that if he is here he will always have ties to this court and must come when I call. He will have duties here," Aiden stated. Then he gave another whistle and the three hellhounds became human again.
The first was a blonde man with bright blue eyes, the second was a dark-haired man with dark eyes, and the last was Sirius. Remus whimpered and Frank placed his arm around him to comfort him. Lucius broke away from his two mates and began walking to his lost mate. Sirius had this look in his eyes like he did not recognize any of them. It hurt them to see. Halfway there Lucius stopped and called out to him.
"Sirius Orion Evanson-Malfoy, it is time to come home. Our mates and children miss you. Lily wants you home now," Lucius continued to talk calmly to him. Sirius took another moment and between one blink in the next, they saw the familiar gleam in his eyes and recognition made them shine. Then Sirius was running and launched himself into Lucius' arms. He whined and Lucius rumbled soothingly to him. It was not often that the Gheyo showed any weakness to anyone but Remus or James. Azkaban had made him a little mad.
"It's alright now, Love. You are coming back home to your family," Lucius soothed him. Sirius finally pulled back and looked pleadingly at Lucius.
"Did you find them? You are here in Nevarah, does that mean it is over and we are all here now?" Sirius asked. He looked like he was going to ask more when a soft rumble was heard. Sirius stiffened and looked hopefully into Lucius' eyes. He had not heard that sound from his Ace in a very long time. Lucius nodded and then turned Sirius to face the others.
Frank still stood with his arm around Remus but he lifted the other to call Sirius to him. Remus lifted his free arm as well and Sirius launched himself into their waiting arms and allowed them to coo and fuss over him. He was their Princess after all. He was used to being spoiled by the others. Sirius would take all of the attention that he could get from them. Lucius moved to stand near Riven and Hadrian.
"He is the newest of the three. He still needs a lot of training. In terms of being a Hellhound, he is still a puppy. I will look into finding a good mentor for him since he will no longer be in my mansion," Aiden informed them.
"My Submissive's Dera has offered to be his mentor if it was required," Lucius spoke up. Aiden looked intrigued. It looked like Death's Favorite had more ties to his court than he thought.
"Who is your Submissive's Dera?" Aiden asked.
"Briar Evanson. So Sirius is his son-in-law. They are already familiar with each other as well," Lucius answered. Aiden smirked. Good, tending to the rowdy pup would serve as a soft punishment for Briar for all of the meetings and such that he had missed.
"Very well. I will inform Briar later today that he will be taking over as the mentor for the pup," Aiden agreed. "Well, this has been fun but I have things to do. You may all go."
With the dismissal, they all headed back to the transportation room.
"Remember, this is a secret. I want Harry and Draco to be surprised at dinner on Friday," Lucius reminded them. They all agreed and said their goodbyes. Lucius and his mates ported straight home. Hadrian and Riven ported home as well. Their hope that Harry was still preoccupied was dashed the minute the portal faded around them. Harry was standing in the doorway and he was not happy at all.
Hadrian gently pushed Riven aside and braced. Seconds later Harry launched himself at the Ace with fangs and claws. Hadrian Shadow Stepped them outdoors to the training area that he had set up for the Gheyo. He was prepared to spar with Harry and hoped that it would take the feral edge off of Harry so that he would relax a little. It took him far longer to settle his Feisty Kitten than he thought it would.
An hour later he was lying in the middle of the training field with an exhausted and sated Submissive and a fully sealed bond thrumming contently between them. Well, that had turned out much better than he thought it would.
"Will you at least tell me where you went that it was so important that you tried to trick me?" Harry asked as he stroked his claws up and down Hadrian's bare chest. Hadrian chuckled.
"No, Kitten. It was important and it is a surprise. You will just have to wait a few days and then I promise that you will know exactly why we had to do it. Then you will feel bad for attacking me since Riven and I did something so nice for you," The Shadow Ace teased. Harry huffed but smiled up at his Ace.
"Well then, if it is as nice as you say it is I will make it up to you. Not that I heard you complaining about my attack or what happened afterward at all," Harry teased right back. Hadrian squeezed him and then pressed a kiss to his head.
"We better get up and get our clothes back on. I am sure that Draco and his bonded would not be too happy to stumble across us right at the moment."
Harry flushed at the Ace's teasing words. He had completely forgotten that they were naked as the day they were born lying out in an open training field where anyone could stumble upon them. Hadrian wasn't about to admit he had already placed a ward around the area so that exact thing wouldn't happen. He nipped Hadrian on the chest and then jumped up and looked for his clothes. He groaned when he found shreds of what used to be his clothes. Hadrian held out a black shirt to Harry. The submissive slipped it on and was very happy that he was so much smaller than Hadrian. the shirt hit him mid-thigh and covered all of his important bits.
"Let's get back to the house and maybe you can convince one or two Merrow to join you in your bath. I know your instincts are still close to the surface. They will probably stay that way until you have completely sealed our circle and fully bonded to everyone," Hadrian offered. Harry blushed, nodded, and tugged on his bonds to Alec and Glyn. They would be waiting for them when they reached the main house. This would be fun. Harry kissed Hadrian on the lips and then dashed for the house. If anyone saw him and thought that he looked absolutely adorable with mussed hair and a too-large shirt they kept it to themselves.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harry and Co: Dinner with Parents
Finally, after three very very long days, in Harry's opinion, it was Friday. It was time to go to their parents house for dinner. They had all given each other space this past week to get a true start at settling into their new lives in Nevarah. Harry had finally completely sealed his circle on Wednesday evening and had been convinced to allow some of his bonded to leave for their jobs on Thursday if they promised to be home for dinner and that if they worked on Friday that they had to be home in time for the family dinner on Friday.
Those that were going to return to work agreed to those conditions it really wasn't too much to ask. Especially, since after their first night there, Hadrian, Bill, and Theo had made it a point to speak to each of their bonded about always trying to be home for dinner at night. That it made Harry very happy and was important to him. Of course, Harry had no idea that those conversations had taken place and no one was inclined to tell him.
Bill, Glyn, and Chelan had finally returned from a last minute errand that Bill needed to run. When Harry saw the bag with the name of the jewelry store on it he had trilled in excitement. Bill's gifts were finally done. Sol pulled out her own bag and then commenced to passing her gifts to her circle and Draco preened at the gift and rewarded her with a kiss. Harry and the others had all watched and Harry made the appropriate noises when Draco turned to show his ring off to Harry.
"Trouble, do you want to do the honors?" Harry looked excited.
"Are you sure Bill? The gift is from you, don't you want to pass them out?" Harry asked hoping that Bill let him do it anyway. Bill smiled and handed the bag to Harry with a smile.
"Us, My Love. The gifts are from us. Remember how the next day you mentioned personalizing them with names and the date of the scream that brought us all together?" Harry nodded. Bill reached in and with a small jolt of magic pulled out the new cuff for Harry and handed it over. Harry looked at it with so much excitement. On the inside of the cuff was Harry's initials, the Deathly Hallow symbol, and the date of the soul scream. Harry allowed Bill to put it on him and gave him a kiss.
"Thank you, My Alpha. It is lovely. It looks as if you left an intentional empty space as well, what is that for?" Harry asked as Bill passed him the bag.
"That is so that when we either decide on a circle name or in case Death as our circles Patron through you, gives us a circle name, it can be added to the cuffs," Bill explained. Harry chirped at him and nuzzled against him as Hadrian placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Such a good Alpha. You truly think of everything don't you?" Hadrian praised. Bill flushed a bit from the Ace's words. Harry just smiled brighter and reached into the bag thinking about Hadrian. The cuff flew into his hand. He pulled it out and made sure it was the right one before kissing Hadrian and handing it to him. Harry went around to everyone and passed out a kiss and a cuff. Once they had all been passed out and they had all put them on Harry pressed himself into Bill's side and purred at him. It was very nice to see something on all of them so out in the open that staked their claim on them.
All of them were also wearing the scales that had been exchanged between those that they had bonded to somewhere that they could all be seen. Every member of their circle carried a scale from Harry and Harry carried a scale from every one of his bonded. He had chosen to have a belly chain to wear them on display. So he had been dressed in flowy loose silk pants and his shirt was actually mostly silk scarves instead of an actual shirt. It was very different from his normal style but he felt so good and attractive in it. Every one of his claim marks as well as his belly chain and scales were all on display. He was quite happy to show them all off.
Ethan, Oliver, Draco, and Fleur who had taken to collaborating about their circles' outfits had quickly learned that Harry enjoyed having all of his claim marks on display and had planned accordingly. So now almost everything Harry owned was just as revealing as the outfit he was wearing today for dinner. Draco, who was only barely more modest, was wearing the same exact style of pants as Harry but in a different color and he was wearing a long-sleeved shirt that covered everything but was also completely sheer and showed off all of his marks.
With the two of them dressed this way and their hair put up in similar ways you could definitely tell that they were twins. Apparently, Draco and their Pareya thought Harry and Draco looking like twins every time they left the house together was going to be a thing and honestly, Harry didn't mind it. He had been so envious of Fred and George and even Padma and Parvati always dressing alike. He would gladly allow himself to be dressed up like a doll. Harry wanted the pampering, cuddling, affection, and attention. So he would indulge his mates as much as they indulged him. He was very happy to do it.
"Perry just arrived. I am going to go help him freshen up and slip into the clothes we laid out for him. We should be ready in five minutes," Ethan announced and took off in the direction of their rooms where Perry had headed. He was the last one that they were waiting on before porting over to their parent's home.
"Well, we are going to go ahead and port over that way we can make sure to be out of the way for when you arrive. We can get all of our greetings out of the way so that you guys can come through and get your own smothering," Draco offered.
"Ethan will have Perry situated in just a moment, Love. We want you and Harry to port over with Bill and me together. There is a surprise waiting for you both that we don't want one to see before the other," Sol informed Draco who instantly looked excited.
"Ohh, A surprise? I can't wait. Will you give me a hint?" Draco started to pester Sol. Harry perked up and turned to Hadrian.
"Is this it? The surprise that you and Riven went out and did the other day?" Harry asked. Hadrian nodded and smiled at the pure waves of excitement flowing off of him.
"You knew there was a surprise?" Draco demanded. Harry nodded. Draco pouted. "You knew and didn't tell me? I thought we were closer than that." Harry wrapped his arms around Draco and hugged him.
"I didn't know it was for both of us. Hadrian only said there was a surprise that I would find out about in a few days and every time I tried to get any kind of information out of either of them, they gave me nothing. It was frustrating. Now that I am thinking about it, I should have told you and then maybe you, Fred, and George could have helped me prank it out of them," Harry soothed his pouting twin.
"Yeah, you should have. Next time don't forget that two of us are Maurader Legacies and the other two are blessed by Mischief and Chaos," Draco reminded Harry. Just then Perry and Ethan came back down and Harry ran over and greeted Perry and handed him his cuff. Then, they started to port out in groups. Harry, Bill, Draco, and Sol along with Wikhn and Lyra were the last ones to port over.
When they arrived Harry and Draco were between Sol and Bill with Wikhn and Lyra in front of them blocking their view of the room. Harry could feel the anticipation in the room.
"What's this? The Gheyo Kings protecting my cubs as if there is anything here for them to be protected from!!" A familiar voice spoke with laughter and teasing in his voice. Harry and Draco froze.
"Move please," Harry and Draco said together. Wikhn and Lyra slid to the side and as soon as Harry and Draco caught sight of Sirius standing just outside the doorway they launched themselves into his arms and held on tightly. Not surprisingly, all three were crying. They were given their moment to settle and reestablish the bond that had been missing since Sirius had gone through the veil.
"All right, the rest of us want some attention too," Remus teased. Sirius laughed and then shoved the boys towards their other parents. Harry and Draco said hi to everyone including Luna and Neville. They greeted Ernie McMillan and Su Li as well. They didn't know them very well but since they would be staying with their parents for the foreseeable future, Draco and Harry would be nothing but polite.
"Perhaps we should introduce everyone and then we can all catch up," Lily offered. Harry grinned and paused a moment when Quinn reached out to touch his arm.
"Quinn wants to know if he and Fleur can help out preparing dinner. Since there are so many to cook for," Harry spoke for him. Lily smiled.
"Cissa is in the kitchen now, I think, she is just about to get started you are welcome to ask if she would like help," Lily responded. Quinn and Fleur nodded and then both followed Severus who offered to show them the way to the kitchen.
"Quinn is so funny about food and making sure that our meals are balanced and healthy," Harry explained. Draco nodded and rolled his eyes.
"He has convinced Fleur to his way of thinking too and now the kitchen is their domain. Occasionally, George will help but for the most part, everyone steers clear of the kitchen around meal times," Draco added.
"They have all kind of gravitated towards roles that suit them. Quinn, Fleur, and sometimes George fuss over food. Draco and Ethan fuss about clothes. Fred and Mistral fuss over the house. When George isn't in the kitchen he is learning from some of the others about managing our finances. I think he is going to take over that for Draco's circle. Theo does that for our circle minus the Gheyo. Hadrian and Glyn manage a secondary account for both of the Gheyo suites. I am learning from Bill, Ethan, and Perry how to network and socialize properly. But I have also started training with our Gheyo. It keeps my Ferros instincts more under control," Harry babbled as they all headed for the large sitting room.
"It sounds like you are all settling quite nicely into life together. I know Lucius mentioned that Bill was building with the intention of both of your circles staying together is that the plan?" Lily asked Draco and Harry.
"Yeah, we have all talked about it. We are going to continue living together. We like it this way and everyone has been working well together. The three suites have worked out schedules for patrol and share guarding duties, the Pareya work seamlessly together, and everyone else seems happy with the arrangement," Draco answered.
"We even discussed just merging our circles but with me being a Ferros my instincts would never be able to handle Draco and I both being Submissives to the same circle. My bonded are mine and I find that I am just not okay with sharing them. But Draco is just as possessive. We are living quite happily sharing the same space, we would not live happily sharing our bonded," Harry added. Draco nodded in agreement.
"It is good that you are figuring it all out. I am so very happy for you both. So I am assuming that you both will not be actively hunting this season?" Lucius asked.
"I don't know about Draco but I am definitely not going to be actively hunting. I don't feel the need. Ethan says that might change and that I should think about at least adding another Ace, King, Queen to balance out Hadrian and Glyn in the event of differences of opinions. So I am not saying no and I wouldn't be opposed if the opportunity presented itself or if an Ace caught my fancy but I also don't think I am going to register our circle as actively hunting," Harry informed them.
He did not notice that some of his Gheyo shifted a little at the announcement that he wasn't planning on Hunting. Lucius and a few of their other parents noticed but didn't think anything of it at this point in time. It was brushed off as instinct showing itself.
"And what about you Draco?" James asked.
"I am not going to register as actively hunting either. I am perfectly settled with my circle as of right now. My instincts say we are complete right now. That may change at a later time but right now I am good. I won't be closed off if someone comes along that interests any of us but I am not attending with the intent to hunt," Draco offered.
"I am not going to hunt this season. I am planning on learning everything I can about Nevarah, how things are, and what is expected of a good Alpha. I will observe and learn this Hunt and then I will be prepared to hunt next time," Neville stated before being asked. He was determined not to go into a courtship or anything else without being properly prepared so that he could provide properly for his circle when the time came.
"That is exactly what I expected from you, honestly, Big Brother," Harry teased. "You are always so calm and smart about your decisions. I don't even know how we are actually related or even managed to be friends with how reckless I always was."
"Was?" Alec interrupted. Harry blushed and waved him off sticking his tongue out. Most of the people in the room chuckled at him.
"Don't worry, Submissive mine, I think it makes things quite exciting," Kisten soothed him. Harry grinned and moved from Bill's lap who was still chuckling at him and crawled across his bonded until he got to Kisten and cuddled up to him.
"That's why you are my favorite," Harry teased. Sticking his tongue out at the rest of his bonded as he settled in Kisten's lap. Kisten beamed and held him tighter. Harry then turned his attention to his baby sister. She had inherited a month ago as a Nameless Submissive before all of the craziness of the attack had happened.
"Are you going to hunt Luna-girl?" Harry asked with a smile. Luna grinned back.
"Oh absolutely. Mera and Mum have already started helping me get ready. They have taken me out to get new clothes and to purchase favors to exchange. I am so excited," Luna replied.
"That's exciting. Let us know if we can help with anything," Draco told her. "Ethan and some of the others have explained introductions, favors, and other things about The Hunt. Harry and I would love to help you sort favors and anything else you need. Since we aren't actively hunting it will be fun to help you with your hunt." Harry nodded enthusiastically.
"Of course, I will need both of your help. We are going to have so much fun," Luna told them both.
"What about the two of you?" Harry asked Ernie and Su. They had been sitting so quietly. Harry didn't want them to feel left out. Their parents had decided to bring them into their home so Harry would do his part to make sure they felt included.
"I don't know that I will actively Hunt. I want to find a mentor and learn more about who and what I am. Alice says that the Druid will come with the Fae and that we can petition for a mentor among them so that I can learn properly," Ernie answered. "Maybe I could possibly find a family connection as well."
"That sounds like a good plan," Draco replied. He knew what his brother was up to. "What about you Su?" The Ravenclaw blushed.
"I want to Hunt. Lily and Cissa have agreed to help me with my Hunt as well. We are also looking into a mentor and possible family connections for me as well. I am pretty sure I have family here I heard my father talking about it before he passed away," Su answered.
"Though it could take a while before someone responds since everyone is preparing for The Hunt," Ethan pointed out. Other natives of Nevarah nodded in agreement.
"Both are welcome to stay here as long as they need to. Even if it is years," Lucius made sure to insist. He didn't want either of the two teens to feel unwelcome in their home, no matter what they had going on.
"Oh, before I forget. I have been in correspondence with King Alcandor for you Lily. He says that he won't have time right now to meet with you himself so he will be sending his Queen. He has requested that you bring Draco and Harry with you for the meeting. Also, Harry's bonded Merrow are allowed to accompany you for protection. They want to see if the boys have a Merrow form as well as needing to use their magic and blood to help track your lost Merrow. Since they are the only ones who possess his signature as his children," Perry joined into the conversation. Lily smiled gratefully.
"Thank you for your help with this. Lucius and I will be going to the meeting as well as Draco and Harry. We would be most honored to have Harry's Merrow suite as our guards," Lily told them.
"If a hunt is required to locate him we will request help from the Merrow courts," Frank stated.
"We would be happy to help hunt for Harry's missing parent," Glyn told them. "If Harry doesn't mind of course."
"Of course, I don't mind. My lovely, talented Merrow would be uniquely motivated to succeed," Harry praised. "If it comes to a hunt Da, you are welcome to take whomever Glyn thinks is best suited for the hunt."
"Thank you, Son. We will make sure to consult with him about it," Frank responded with a gentle smile.
"Dinner is ready. But could I borrow a few people to help set up tables in the garden? Since there are so many of us here, I figured that would be the best option so that we are all comfortable," Narcissa asked as she popped into the sitting room. Frank, Xeno, and a few of Draco and Harry's bonded followed her out of the room and to the garden to set up whatever she needed them to.
Twenty minutes later, they were all being ushered to the garden for dinner. It was a lovely meal and Harry loved the time to get to know Lily, James, Frank, and Alice better. He had also spent a lot of time very close to Sirius. Of all of the circle children, Harry had spent the most time with Sirius and his absence had affected him the most.
A few hours later they all said their goodbyes and headed home for some rest. Saturday would be somewhat busy. Harry and a few of his bonded would be going to Death's Court. They didn't have any plans after that because they didn't know how long that would take. Draco and some of the others would be going into town to get outfits for both circles commissioned. Then on Sunday, they would be meeting with the Merrow Queen about their Third. It was going to be a busy weekend and then next week would be busy with last-minute preparations for The Hunt to start the next week.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harry is introduced to Death's Court
Harry was nervous. They would be leaving for Death's court soon and he was currently still being fussed over by Ethan and Draco. Bill, Theo, Hadrian, Wikhn, Kisten, and Cethin would all be going with him. As well as Briar, Sirius, and Jun meeting them there. He apparently, would also be meeting his Great Grandpa Thorne as well. Hadrian had suggested that he bring the Hallows with him as well. He figured it would be helpful and make Lady Death happy.
"All right, you two, stop fussing over him. He looks magnificent and we don't want to be late," Bill came into the room and insisted they finish. Harry looked so grateful. They had been fussing over him for the last few hours. With a sigh, they stepped back and waved them off.
"We only wanted to make sure he was perfect. He will most likely be seeing Lady Death today. We just want him to impress," Ethan stated. Harry chuckled. He knew from the looks that his bonded were giving him that he looked quite good. He was wearing a pair of loose black slack-type pants with silver stitching and his top was once again a scarf-like material but it was in black and a navy blue that matched his hair. It was also lined with silver stitching. He proudly displayed his claim marks and bonded scales.
"Lady Death and I are very close. She has seen me when I was starved, broken, and nearly dead many times. She loves me anyway," Harry told them. Bill draped his arm over Harry and then they said their goodbyes and headed to the transportation room where the others were already waiting for them. As a Shadow Mage, Cethin took control of their portal and took them, once again, to the transportation room in Aiden's manor.
Melacor was once again waiting for them and Harry cooed over the boy and ruffled his hair. Harry thought the younger boy was absolutely adorable. Hadrian had to physically pick up Harry and distract him from petting the young Hellhound. They continued to follow Melacor to the throne room while Harry demanded that Hadrian put him back down.
"But Hadrian, look at him. He is so cute and serious. I bet he is an adorable puppy," Harry whined as they entered the room. Melacor went straight to Aiden to be as far away from Harry as possible. Someone snorted. Harry looked up to see his Grandpa Briar and his father Sirius working very hard not to laugh. Harry grinned at them. Hadrian pinched the Submissives ear and he yelped, pouting at his Ace.
"Behave," Hadrian scolded him and then put him on his own feet between himself and Bill. Harry continued to pout but stood in place and didn't say anything else.
"I see that the rumors about your Submissive are absolutely true. He is quite the troublemaker," Aiden spoke up and Harry blushed and looked shyly up at the man sitting on the thrown.
"Sorry, I don't mean to be," Harry stated quietly. He suppressed a whine and ducked his head. Hadrian and Bill both rumbled at him soothingly.
"Did I say that you have anything to be sorry for? Melacor needs to be treated his age every once in a while," Aiden stated calmly. Harry looked up at The Hellhound and smiled brightly. "There is nothing wrong with a bit of trouble-making, it keeps everyone from getting too comfortable."
"Some of my bonded definitely agree with you," Harry stated happily.
"Now let's get down to the reason you are here," Aiden stated. But before he could go any further they were interrupted when the room became a little darker and colder. The shadows in the room converged on one spot and thickened before a figure stepped out. The figure was tall, hooded, and hunched over. The parts that could be seen were skeletal and holding a scythe.
Everyone in the room bowed to the immortal. Well, everyone except for Harry who launched himself at the figure. Just before Harry made contact the image changed and Harry was wrapped up in the arms of a tall, beautiful woman with bone-white skin, black hair down past her waist, and red glowing eyes. Harry squeezed her tightly and grinned up at her.
"Well, Child of Mine, you make it quite difficult to make an intimidating and dramatic entrance when you insist on cuddles every time you see me," Lady Death teased the little Submissive.
"Yeah well, it's your fault. Every time I have ever seen you, I get cuddles, it's expected now," Harry told the immortal. Lady Death squeezed him once more and then tucked him into her side and turned to address the room. There were shocked expressions on a lot of faces to see the deadly, prickly, and intimidating immortal being cuddled.
"This is my Favored Child. He is blessed by me. He holds all of my Hallows," Lady Death nudged Harry forward and between one blink and the next he felt a weight settle around his shoulders and head. He was also currently holding the elder wand. Harry reached up and could feel a thin circlet with a stone sitting in the center.
"If he so chooses I invite him to join my court," Death tucked Harry back under her arm. Harry looked a Bill and Theo and sent them a mental inquiry to see how they felt about it. Both sent him feelings of contentment and nodded at him. It wasn't traditional. Usually, a Nameless Submissive would join whatever court their Alpha belonged to. However, with them having such a mixed circle, belonging to any of the four main elements would be troublesome for some of their bonded. But, joining Death's court wouldn't cause that kind of problem.
They had all actually already discussed the different options that they could do. Harry had been happy that they had agreed to go with this if it was offered. Harry grinned up at Lady Death.
"My circle is happy to join your court. I am happy to be yours," Harry told the Immortal. She smiled at him.
"I have two gifts for you if you will have them," Lady Death told him. Harry nodded. Death reached into a void space and pulled out a sword that Harry recognized immediately.
"The Sword of Gryffindor," Harry exclaimed. "I used that to defeat the Basilisk when I was twelve." Lady Death smiled down at him.
"Yes, you did. That was another time that you got very close to joining me too early. Then my sister Fate sent you the Phoenix. The sword came to you and so it is yours. I do not think the name suits it any longer. The sword is goblin-made and only takes in that which makes it stronger. You slay the Basilisk with the sword and so it absorbed the venom and now anyone cut with her blade will suffer as if bitten by a Basilisk. So I have renamed her Basilisk's Bite," Death produced a sheath and then handed both to the stunned Submissive.
"Thank you. I will treasure it always. I am sure that my bonded are quite conflicted with how to feel about me being handed a blade that can poison with a slice. I am a bit clumsy," Harry told Death.
"I wouldn't hand you a weapon that would harm you in that way. You still have Basilisk venom running through your veins. Because of this, you are immune to all snake venom and most poisons. The only threat that blade poses to you is the normal kind," Lady Death chuckled at the look on Harry's face.
"Well, that is convenient. Thank you," Harry told her.
"My second gift to you My Blessed Child, is a name for your new circle. Serpent's Requiem. In honor of your blade and my court," Lady Death stated. Harry beamed up at her.
"I love that. Thank you. On behalf of myself and my circle I am so honored to accept both the blade and carry the name that you have gifted us," Harry told her formally and then ruined it by hugging her tight. Death hugged him tightly once more before gently nudging him back to his bonded. Harry pulled both Hadrian and Bill close to cuddle him.
"Treat my Blessed Child accordingly. Should you witness him in danger or if he is in need of assistance you will offer him what he needs. He has suffered too much in his very short life and I will be damned if he suffers anymore." With the last word out of her mouth barely a moment, she stepped back into the shadows and disappeared. Harry beamed up at Hadrian who was looking at him a bit worriedly.
"What is it?" Harry asked him.
"Nothing, Kitten. We can talk about it later at home," Hadrian told him and pressed a kiss to his forehead. Harry shrugged and turned to Aiden when he cleared his throat.
"Well, welcome to Death's Court, Serpent's Requiem. I believe our Lady said everything that needed to be said. We are happy to have you and you are welcome here anytime," Aiden told him. Harry smiled brightly.
"Thank you, Lord Aiden, I am happy to serve our Lady," Harry told him.
"I have been informed that you also have family in this court as well," Aiden commented. Harry grinned and nodded.
"My Granddera Briar, My Great Granddera Thorne, and my father Sirius," Harry told The Hellhound proudly. Then they were informed that there would be a meeting and that Harry and his were welcome to stay for it. Harry decided that he was curious about it and wanted to stay. If this was going to be his court then he needed to be involved. Theo, Bill, and Kisten excused themselves to head into town for Theo to take care of some business. Hadrian, Wikhn, and Cethin stayed with him.
Harry found that he absolutely did not like sitting through the meetings. When he glanced up at his granddera and father they both looked like they might actually be dying of boredom. At least he wasn't the only one.
"All right, we are done for today. Be looking out for any messages I send about meeting again. Especially, with The Hunt around the corner. Dismissed," Aiden waved his hand and everyone got up to leave. Briar, Thorne, and Sirius made their way over to Harry and his men.
"I would like to have you and yours over for dinner someday before the hunt starts. Your Mera and the rest of your family circle have already been by. I want you and Draco to make plans to come but at different times. It will be better for getting to know your circles as individuals," Briar explained.
"Of course, that sounds great. I will let Draco know and we can work out what days to come. We will send you a message," Harry told Briar. Then they said their goodbyes and parted ways.
"Hadrian, will you take us to the shopping district? I was talking to my father Frank and Mooney and between them and something that Ethan said about me being a Ferros gave me an idea. I want to get everyone a courting gift. I want to purchase everyone a dagger. I think it will settle my instincts a bit to know that everyone will be carrying a blade. I am also going to insist that everyone learn at least the basics of good self-defense. Is that doable? Can you and the other Gheyo work out a schedule to teach us all?" Harry asked his Shadow Ace.
"We can absolutely do that, Kitten. I will take you to the Gheyo section to purchase the blades. There is a place there that has the highest quality. Since the hunt is so close and people are preparing to Hunt, it may take a little bit to get the order in but all of your Gheyo including the Merrow will be very happy with the quality," Hadrian told Harry. The Submissive was happy that he had brought it up if the waves of pride coming from his three bonded were any indication of what they thought of his idea.
"Thank you, My Ace," Harry told him. A few minutes later Hadrian led Harry and the others into a simple-looking shop that had blades of all kinds everywhere. Hadrian led Harry to the counter. Harry started looking around and was only mildly startled when a man stepped up and spoke to them.
"What can I help you with today, Blood Raven?" Harry looked up at the smooth voice to see that it belonged to a very handsome Gheyo who had short spiked black hair with green streaks and lovely dark eyes. He had a scar on his face that went from over his left eyebrow across his nose and down to his chin on the right side. It was a serious scar and meant that he had survived a great wound that meant something to him. He felt like Brishen and Charlie did so he was obviously a Joker and based on his coloring he was most likely Shadow. Harry felt a nudge and looked up to see Wikhn smirking at him. Harry blushed and rolled his eyes.
"I am not shopping today. My little Kitten wants to purchase a set of blades to gift to our circle. I told him this was the best place to get the highest quality blades," Hadrian informed the Shadow Joker.
"I did not know that you had bonded. I don't think anyone knows that you have bonded," The Joker stated with a smirk. "He is lovely, your Kitten." Harry grinned when Hadrian wrapped an arm around him and pulled him close.
"Soul bonded," Hadrian told the man with pride. Harry laughed.
"It was a soul scream," Harry added.
"I see, I actually heard something about that. So what can I help you with today?" The Joker asked.
"This one. Of all of them in the case, I like this one the best. I think it will be perfect. What do you think Hadrian?" Harry asked and pointed out the one that caught his eye. Hadrian chuckled and kissed him on the head. It had a black handle engraved with a large Basilisk coiling around the hilt.
"Perfect, Kitten. Of course, it is," Hadrian smiled. Their Lady wasn't through gifting her Child yet today apparently.
"And how many are you wanting to purchase?" The Joker asked.
"Twenty-three," Harry told him only for Hadrian to hold up his hand.
"Order thirty," Hadrian stated and bopped Harry's nose when he went to protest. "There are twenty-four of us now. But what happens if you do find someone that you are interested in courting? You have already stated that it has crossed your mind to court a third Ace, King, and Queen. Being a Ferros, it is also a good idea to add another Joker or two or even another mage. This will give you seven extra daggers that you will have now or ten years from now already made and waiting for you to gift to someone you have decided to bond with." Hadrian explained to his feisty submissive. Harry thought about it for a moment and then smiled and nodded.
"Such a smart Ace. Always thinking ahead. I think I will reward you later," Harry purred at him and pressed a kiss to his lips before turning back to the lovely Joker. "I want thirty. I want the blade engraved as well. I want this symbol on one side of the blade and Serpent's Requiem on the other."
The joker wrote it all down and then flashed a beautiful white smile at Harry.
"I can show you an example of what it will look like if you want," The Joker offered.
"That would be lovely, thank you," Harry responded. The Joker pulled the sample blade from the case and did a bit of magic and then handed it over hilt first to Harry. The Submissive took the blade and looked it over. The Joker had used a font that made the S's look like snakes and it was loopy and perfect.
"I love this. I want it exactly like this. It is perfect," Harry told the Joker. Then Harry looked startled a moment. "How rude of me. I never introduced myself. I am Harry Evanson-Malfoy, though that may change, we haven't decided yet. And you are?"
"Donovan, at your service," The Joker gave a small bow.
"Thank you, Donovan," Harry smiled at him. They finished up their transaction with a promise to get things done quickly and that hopefully they would be done before the actual hunt started. Hadrian led them to the first portal area and ported them home. It had been a long day and Harry was ready for a nap. Tomorrow was going to be just as long since they were going to meet the Merrow Queen. But honestly, that was tomorrow's problem. Today's problem was apparently that Harry might be hunting.
Chapter 3: Favors, Courting, and Laurent
Summary:
Harry realized that he would in fact be hunting. He receives his first favor. Harry has a small food problem and they visit the Merrow royals and find out some very interesting things. Catch up with Hermione. Theo talks with Ilsa.
*******Revised 5/11/24 Minor rewrites. and added new things. I hope you enjoy the changes.
Notes:
I loved writing this and I hope you enjoy reading it.
Same disclaimer as always.
The next chapter will not be a chapter. I am going to type out Draco, Harry, and Lily's circles for those who have been asking for it. I promise it is coming.
Chapter Text
Hermione
"You know, I thought learning that my only daughter was a Witch would be the most interesting thing I would ever learn in my life," Monica Granger stated as she sat with her family around the table in their new accommodations. Hermione blushed and ducked her head.
"Sorry, Mum. I don't mean to be so much trouble," Hermione said a bit dejectedly. Windell, her father reached over and patted her hand.
"You aren't any trouble, Mione. Your mother simply means that we never expected to learn about an entire realm separate from Earth full of Creatures from myth," Windell explained. "Not only that, we are currently living in said realm because Earth is no longer safe for you. That was all she meant."
"Of course, it was," Monica added. "You are our daughter and we love you more than our own selves. We would do anything for you, including moving to a new realm full of fantastical people."
"This place is amazing isn't it," Hermione finally replied. "They gave us temporary housing, a money stipend, food allowances, and an advisor to help us acclimate properly to Nevarah. And seriously, the library is beyond comparison."
They had been properly provided for beyond their wildest imaginations since being admitted to Nevarah. A Gheyo/Pareya pair had shown them to their assigned home and explained everything to them. They would be provided a home, money, and food through The Hunt and a month past that so that they had plenty of time to find work, and a home, and start providing for themselves.
They had also been taken to a clinic to make sure they were all three healthy. Hermione had told them about being a Silvertongue and that she would love any information they knew about it or to be pointed in the direction of someone who could help her. She had been given a set of delicate cuffs that had completely silenced the voices around her. It had been pure bliss and she had been so excited and grateful.
"Did you two ever talk to someone about opening a practice here?" Hermione asked her parents. Both of them were dentists and it was probably the only thing that they could properly do to make money here. Even if they were going to have to learn how to properly take care of teeth that were not from humans.
"Actually, your father and I have something to tell you. We have actually been discussing it for a while now and this is the perfect opportunity to actually follow through with it. New beginnings and all that," Monica answered. Hermione gave her parents her undivided attention. This was new.
"Yes, we have actually decided to move away from working as Dentists. We have quite a large nest egg of money saved up and it turns out, due to currency exchange that it turns out to be quite a bit more here on Nevarah. We are not in a bad place financially. I have decided to pursue my original dream of teaching. I have been told that I can apprentice under an instructor here for a few years before I am officially allowed to teach on my own. But it will be worth it," Windell informed them.
"That's wonderful, Dad. I remember you talking about teaching. I am glad you decided to do something that makes you happy," Hermione encouraged. "What about you, Mum? What are you going to do now?"
"Well, you know I love to sew. I have been taking classes to get better and I have already been set up with a few different shops here for interviews. I am hoping to get a job as a seamstress. I find I am rather good with the delicate hand stitching," Monica answered.
"Mum, that's great. I am glad that the two of you are settling in here so nicely. I have had my own conversations with our advisor. I am going to continue my education. I have been enrolled in Merlin Academy and will be starting classes after The Hunt," Hermione informed them.
"Of course, you are Darling. I would not expect anything less from you. You would never pass up the opportunity to learn something new. I haven't seen either of your friends since we came here. How are they?" Monica asked.
"I got a letter from both of them. Harry is settling in with his new circle quite nicely and is apparently going to be joining Death's Court, whatever that means. He is also going to be meeting with the Merrow Queen tomorrow. That sounds super exciting. Ron and Ginny had their inheritance unsealed. He is apparently a Gheyo. He doesn't have a rank yet though he has to join a training circle in order to earn one. The Prewitts are talking to a few for him. Ginny, unsurprisingly inherited as a Beta," Hermione told her parents about all of the newest developments.
"It sounds like everyone is settling in nicely," Windell said when she was finished.
"Yeah, it does. I am really happy that things are looking up for everyone. I just hope we all get to meet up soon. I miss them. Plus, I know they are going to be having trials for Harry's family that hurt him as well as the Headmaster. That is going to be so hard for Harry. I hope I get to be there for him when it happens," Hermione said a bit sadly.
"I know you are worried but from what I am understanding about Dragel since we have been here, he won't be alone. He has his family with him and he has his circle. They will be there to help him through all of it. Just make sure he knows you are still there for him if he needs it but don't be hurt if he doesn't need you in the same way that he used to," Monica said gently. Hermione just shrugged.
"He hasn't needed me like that for a while now, Mum. Ron and I messed up badly and because of that Harry surrounded himself with different people who he turns to for this stuff now. I am just his friend and I don't think it will ever be the same way it was before. But at least he doesn't hate me," Hermione answered. She had already told her parents about what had happened fourth year and how she had treated Harry. They had been so disappointed in her and made sure to know that they were proud of her when she made things right all on her own.
"Well, the situation is what it is. I am sure they will reach out to you soon to hang out. I am sure they miss you as much as you miss them. In the meantime why don't we head to the library and check out a few new books? There is still so much to learn about this place and the people who live here," Windell offered. Hermione perked up instantly.
"That sounds great. Let's do that," Hermione agreed. So they finished up their lunch and then the three of them headed out to visit the library for the third or fourth time this week.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Evening after meeting Donovan
Harry sighed for like the thousandth time that evening. Draco had reached his limit of listening to it.
"What is it?" Draco demanded. "Why are you sighing all over the house?"
Harry looked up and blushed. He ducked his head back down and shrugged his shoulders.
"I'm not," Harry said. Draco gave him a pointed look and narrowed his eyes.
"He is probably trying to figure out how he is going to ask for help courting the Joker he met today," Cethin stated casually. Harry glared at him and then stuck out his tongue. The mage just chuckled and turned back to his card game.
"I never said I wanted to court him," Harry pouted. Wikhn laughed.
"Oh Kitten, you didn't have to. It was very obvious from the way you were watching him. If it helps, he was watching you too," Wikhn teased.
"If...and that is a big 'IF', I decided to court him....I wouldn't have any idea where to even start," Harry grumbled.
"That is a moot point as of ten minutes ago...your Joker started for you," Bill walked over and handed an envelope to Harry.
"Guess he wanted to get a head start on courting you before the hunt started and he missed his opportunity," Oliver stated with a smirk. Harry just blushed and looked at the envelope in his hand. Donovan had sent him a letter?
"It's just a letter. It doesn't mean that he wants to court, it could have something to do with what I talked with him about today," Harry said still staring at the envelope. Oliver moved over and sat down next to Harry.
"Listen little Seeker. That is a favor. It isn't just a letter. You will probably get a lot of them once The Hunt starts. This is him letting you know that he is interested," His old captain explained. Harry blushed still looking at the envelope.
"Well, are you going to open it?" Draco demanded. Harry looked up at him startled.
"Of course, I am," Harry snarked. Harry sniffed it and it smelled exactly like Donovan. He purred a bit before cutting it off and blushing. Bill chuckled and sat next to him on the side opposite Oliver.
"It's ok to respond like that. There was obviously something about him that attracted you to him and he obviously felt the same way. Instincts have a lot to do with hunting. Just go with it Trouble," His Alpha encouraged. Harry smiled at him and pressed a kiss to his lips. He was so lucky. Harry turned back to the favor and opened it up. He tipped it and a small plain-looking golden ring fell into his hand. Harry held it in his palm and opened the letter that came with it. It had all of Donovan's information, even his statistics in the pits. Then there was a letter explaining that he had felt something when he met Harry and wanted the chance to get to know him better and explore the connection.
He would feel honored if Harry would accept his gift. Then he explained that it wasn't just a ring. That there was a hidden catch that would release a very small blade that was coated in a paralytic of his own making that would work within seconds of making contact with someone's bloodstream. A small scratch was all it would take. Harry looked back down at the ring in awe pressed the release and smiled at the blade that popped out. He pressed the release again and the blade disappeared back into the ring. He looked up and grinned at his bonded.
"It has a paralytic on it. One that Donovan created himself," Harry basically purred the information. He slipped the ring on his finger and pressed a kiss to Ethan's lips when he handed him a paper and pen. Then he explained the best way to give his own information and how best to approach a Joker.
"This won't be like with the rest of us, Harry," Ethan stated. "Usually a Joker will only bond with one person in the circle. It's like the fact that we are all most likely going to bond to you and Bill and probably to each other. But this Joker is yours. Do not be surprised if he only agrees to court and bond to you and no one else." Harry nodded his parents and grandparents had told him some about the different ranks and how they joined circles.
"You can accept a date with him. Send him a favor back and then when the hunt starts ask for his fight schedule. That is a good start for any Gheyo," Hadrian spoke up from across the room. Draco laughed.
"What?" Harry asked his twin.
"So, you are hunting," Draco stated with a smirk. Harry rolled his eyes. He really hadn't had any intention of Hunting. But he had to admit that ever since it had been mentioned that he should consider courting another Ace, King, Queen, or even Jokers to keep his Ferros instincts under control, he had been interested. He had just been afraid and a bit overwhelmed with adding more people to their already very large circle. So, he had been denying that he wanted to do it. But he wasn't a Gryffindor for nothing. If he was in for one he might as well accept his own truth and enjoy the process.
"Yeah, I think I am," Harry smiled brightly looking down at the ring. Ethan grinned and Bill laughed. "What?"
"We figured you would change your mind," Ethan said.
"We already started making preparations for you to hunt," Bill told him. Harry rolled his eyes.
"Am I seriously that obvious?" Harry asked honestly. Draco scoffed.
"Not really, but we know you and they know a bit about a Ferros and what it will take to soothe their instincts," Draco added. "This will be even more fun with you and Luna both hunting."
"Now think of a favor that you want to send him back so we can get it sent off," Theo told him and kissed him on top of his head. Harry grinned up at his lovely Beta. Theo was always so calm and reassuring. Harry couldn't remember a time that he had ever seen Theo even slightly angry. It was one of the things that he loved most about Theo.
"Ok, Theo will you come sit with me while I think about it and write back?" Harry asked. Instead of answering, Theo reached down and lifted Harry off the couch and into his arms. They went and sat in Bill's office and talked about the different things that he could send as a favor. Finally, he decided on an earring that he could carve a healing rune into. He wouldn't do him the dishonor of a protection rune, which was the first thought that he had had. It would just speed up his natural healing, especially with really bad wounds.
"Ethan and Draco got the help of the suites and bought a few things that would appeal to Gheyo since that is mainly what you will be courting. There are a few earrings among the things do you want to look and see if any of them will work for you?" Theo asked. Harry grinned. He didn't deserve these people. They were all so good to him. Theo went and got Ethan to bring the items and Harry chose an earring that would work for what he wanted. He did the rune and put his magic into it. Then he finished up his response and Ethan took it from him to send off the next day.
When he was finished it was pretty late so they decided to head off to bed. He, Draco, and his Merrow would be meeting with the Merrow Queen. He was sure it was going to be just as long a day as this one was. He was excited and a bit nervous to find out about his third. He was also hoping that he and Draco did have Merrow forms. That would be so exciting.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning
The next morning Harry was woken up to the press of bodies. Mistral was pressing gentle kisses to his face and Caelus was lifting his shirt and pressing kisses to his stomach and chest. Harry turned his face and captured Mistral's lips with his own and arched his body up toward his Rheyo's mouth.
"Good morning," Harry breathed out when Mistral allowed him air to breathe. He felt warm breath on his stomach when Caelus chuckled.
"Morning, Love." Mistral said as he moved his attention to Harry's neck. Harry turned his head to give him more access and then ran his hands up Mistral's clothed back.
"I think we are all wearing far too many clothes," Harry groaned out as Mistral and Caelus both nipped him with their teeth. Mistral made a subtle flick of his wrist and all three of them were naked. "Much better." Harry breathed out at the feeling of flesh against flesh.
"Now we can give you a proper good morning," Caelus said as he moved down and nipped at Harry's hipbone. Harry moaned and then fell into the sensations of their hands and mouth on him. The three of them brought each other to a lovely sated completion and then cuddled together to bask in the afterglow of a lovely morning.
"Where is everyone else?" Harry asked.
"Oh, you slept right through everyone getting up so we decided to let you sleep for a bit longer. Then Quinn started fussing about how you needed to have enough time to eat before needing to leave. So I volunteered to come and wake you up. I ran into Mistral on the way and snagged him to help give you a proper wake-up," Caelus explained. Harry grinned.
"It was a wonderful wake-up call, thank you," Harry kissed them both and then looked up when the door was opened and laughed when he spotted the pointed look they were receiving from the aforementioned Healer.
You were supposed to wake him up so that he had time to eat a proper meal before he needed to get dressed to leave!!!
Quinn wrote in the air. Harry tugged on his bond to Ethan.
"Ethan will come and dress me and I won't fuss or slow him down, I promise. Then, I will eat everything you put on my plate before we leave. The Merrow Queen will just have to wait if we are late. I will let her know that I had to eat a proper meal or my fussy Healer wouldn't let me leave the house," Harry promised and then bounced up from the bed grinning when Ethan walked into the room.
"I need you to get me ready quickly so I can eat a proper meal so that Quinn doesn't have to worry about me today. I won't fight or distract while you dress me," Harry said with a grin as Ethan kissed him.
"You will be ready in less than ten. Will that work Quinn?" Ethan asked the exasperated healer.
I suppose it will have to.
Quinn responded and then walked out of the room.
"He seems mad," Harry said quietly as he let Ethan do a really good cleansing charm and do a charm that instantly had him dressed.
"That isn't your fault Harry, you didn't even know you had slept in. We distracted you and didn't even tell you until afterward. I will go talk to him," Caelus said. Mistral spelled his clothes on him and then Caelus strode from the room as Mistral came over to help Ethan fuss over Harry's hair and do the finishing touches. Ethan and Mistral had him ready in less than ten minutes as promised.
Harry went to the dining room and sat in front of the only plate of food on the table. He a couple of bites and then started to just push his food around the plate. Harry was pretty sure he had not eaten a meal alone in over a year. It was weird and he didn't like it. He also didn't like the idea that Quinn was upset with him for something that he didn't even know was an issue. A little bit later Draco walked into the room.
"We need to head out, are you ready?" Harry quickly banished the almost full plate of food before Draco could see and then sent the plate to the kitchen before hopping up.
"Yeah, let's go," Harry said. Draco gave him a look as if he didn't quite believe the smile that Harry was giving him. Harry just waved off the look and then linked his arm with Draco's and they made their way to the transportation room where the other that were going were waiting. Glynn, Chelan, Marin, Brishen, and Alec would be going with them. Only his merrow/water bonded just like it was agreed upon. Plus, himself, Draco, their Mera, and their Sire. They were going to port over to their parent's house and then they would port together from there to an eatery that catered to Merrow.
A private room had been reserved for them so that they would not be overheard. They would start the meeting there and then they would move to Merrow waters so that the paternity spells could be done.
"Oh I almost forgot. I will be right back," Draco suddenly spoke up and darted from the room before anyone could say anything. Harry just shrugged and leaned against Chelan while they waited for Draco to come back.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Draco is mad
Draco had not forgotten anything. He had seen Harry banish an almost full plate of food. Draco was going to Bill. He found the Alpha in the sitting room with Theo, Hadrian, Ethan, and a few others. That was fine, the more people keeping an eye out the better.
"Bill, I don't know what happened to upset Harry this morning but he tried to hide the fact that he banished an almost full plate of food this morning. He seemed upset but is trying really hard to hide it. Figure it out while we are gone so that it can be handled. If we are still out during lunch I will try to make sure he eats. I will let you know if you need to take over by dinner," Then Draco turned around and walked out of the room so that they were not late. Bill felt them port away and looked around the room.
"Who was with him this morning?" Bill asked.
"I think that only Mistral, Ethan, Quinn, and myself talked to him this morning," Caelus told him. He and Quinn had walked in at the end of Draco's comment. "As you know we let him have a small lie in because he seemed to need it. Quinn sent me up to wake him so that he could eat before leaving. I snagged Mistral on the way and we gave him a proper good morning. Probably shouldn't have but he just looked so tempting. Anyway, we made him late. Quinn was upset. Harry was upset that Quinn was upset. Because he didn't even know that he was late or behind until we were through," Caelus explained. Quinn looked guilty and really upset.
"So he was upset and alone when he went to eat?" Theo asked. Ethan nodded.
"I honestly didn't think about it. Caelus said he was going to talk to Quinn to make sure he knew it wasn't Harry's fault and Mistral and I stayed in the resting room to tidy up. I figured with so many people in the house that there was no way he wouldn't run into someone that would go with him or that someone wasn't still eating," Ethan explained.
"We need to have a family meeting while Harry is gone. No one else has left to go their separate ways yet so call everyone in here," Bill stated. Harry's eating habits were not something he would allow to get bad again. Not even five minutes later everyone was in the sitting room. Including, Sol and the rest of Draco's circle. She had heard Theo telling some of the others what was going on and insisted that they all were there too.
"Ok, so since we are all here together, something needs to be addressed. Harry had a really rough start in life we are not going to discuss the details because that is Harry's story to tell. However, I will tell you all that Harry was starved often and because of that he has a very unhealthy relationship with food. Two years ago when we first really took notice it was bad. Every day was a struggle to get him to eat. Some days all it took was Fred or George to help encourage him but on bad days he would only respond to me." Bill started to explain.
"His first bad day at school, the only person he would respond to was me," Theo added. "But those are only the really bad days."
"We all just need to be aware that he has issues with food. If he is upset we need to talk through it with him and whether it is resolved or not it is not allowed to carry over to meal times. I would also like to request that Harry is never left to eat alone. He has not eaten a meal alone in two years we have always made sure of it," Bill instructed.
"This is a Hard Limit. Does everyone understand that? I don't care what is going on or who is mad at whom. No arguments or bad feelings will carry over to mealtime. Harry is an empath he will know. Once the meal is over you can go right back to arguing or being unhappy with each other all you want. Eat at different times if you need to. Also, Harry doesn't eat any more meals alone. Everyone keeps an eye on how he eats without being obvious," Bill continued. Everyone gave their agreement.
I will fix it with him as soon as he is home. It wasn't something to be upset like that over anyway.
The words appeared in the air above Quinn. It was very obvious that he felt the worst about the situation.
"All right. We will wait to see what Draco tells us about lunch before we do anything else about it. If he eats at lunch and dinner then we will know it is resolved for now. Everyone can go about whatever plans they have for the day. Ethan, Harry said he gave you his favor to send off to his Joker. Don't forget to do that please," Bill finished off and everyone split up to start their day.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meeting Killigan and the Merrow
Harry, Draco, and their group were the first ones to arrive at the meeting place. Lily and Lucius claimed a small couch to sit in and watch. Draco and Harry were walking around looking at all of the plants and pools in the room. Everything was damp and their skin and clothes were very quickly just as damp. The Merrow all seemed very comfortable and happy in the room, Draco liked the way it made his skin feel and Harry was practically purring again while he leaned back against Alec.
Ten minutes after arriving the door opened and four guards walked in with a Merrow that was quite androgynous and quite lovely. Covered in jewelry and very fancy clothes. Then four more guards followed behind. Lucius and Lily stood and bowed. All of Harry's Merrow bonded properly greeted their Queen as well. Harry and Draco followed the Merrow.
"I am Killigan. King Alcandor's Queen. I am here to hear your case in person and to see if your boys have a Merrow form then we will all go to the castle to test your Merrow parentage," Killigan stated.
"It is very nice to meet you Queen Killigan. We are truly grateful for the opportunity and help to find our lost mate," Lily greeted.
"We are glad to help. Alcandor would have come himself but with The Hunt starting in a week, he is so busy with his duties. Now let me see these boys," They said and turned to where Draco and Harry were standing. Harry was still leaning back on Alec with the Merrow's arms around his waist. Draco stepped forward and when Harry didn't move he reached back and grabbed his hand and pulled him from Alec's arms who grumbled and followed the twins over to where Killigan was standing.
"Hello, It is very nice to meet you. My brother and I are very excited for this visit for more than one reason," Draco stated. Harry smiled.
"We are very excited to know whether or not we have a Merrow form and to find out anything we can about our third," Harry finished.
"And we are very excited to meet you both. It is always a wonderful day when we find new Merrow even if they are halflings. Now let us find out who your third is and see if he can be located," Killigan said with a smile, hugging both boys. Then they led both boys over to the couch opposite Lucius and Lily, pulling them down on either side of them. Alec moved to sit on the arm of the chair next to Harry. He was sticking close and doing a bit of fussing. The snarky merrow had overheard Quinn and Caelus talking about Harry being a little upset. He could also sense it from Harry. Draco had been giving Harry concerned looks also. Alec didn't know what had upset his Submissive but he was determined to be close to offer all of the comfort he could. He was about two moments away from straight up smothering the young man.
"Why don't you two begin by telling me who your Merrow is and how you met them," Killigan told Lucius and Lily.
"Well, we are all Earth-born some of us were raised knowing what we were and others were not. Those of us who were had grown up on stories of Nevarah and about how wonderful it was. So, we made the choice to visit together. We wandered around and somehow ended up in the Merrow section that is on land," Lucius started.
"Then I literally ran into someone when I tripped over my own feet. I am very clumsy. That was when I met him. It was as if my soul had always known him. The connection was instantaneous and we spent the rest of the time that we were here with him. We exchanged claim marks and then bonded rather quickly. We made a few trips back and forth and so did he," Lily continued.
"We decided as a circle that we wanted to make Nevarah our home and were planning to move when we found out that Lily was pregnant with the twins. She was delicate and so we all decided to wait until the babies were born. Then by that time, Narcissa was pregnant. It was as if one thing after the other was keeping us apart. After Luna was born we were going to go but then our circle was attacked by a madman that is currently locked away here on Nevarah awaiting trial. He performed this ancient ritual and altered our memories and made us all forget everything," Lucius added.
"He made Lucius and Narcissa believe they were a monogamous married couple and that Draco was theirs. They sent Xeno and Luna to a separate home. Alice and Frank were put in an altered sleeping beauty coma and Neville was sent to Frank's mom to be raised. James and Lily were locked away in a cavern so that they could be leeched off of. Sirius was sent to prison, and Remus was driven away. The worst part of the entire situation was that my poor Harry was sent to my magic-hating sister and her husband. Who abused, starved, and all around physically and mentally abused our baby. Our Merrow was supposed to be there for a visit but he had never shown so we didn't know what happened to him," Lily finished.
"His name please," Killigan asked.
"Laurent Keilani," Lily said quietly. Killigan drew in a sharp breath and tightened their hold on Harry and Draco. All of the other Merrow shifted in the room as well. Alec placed a comforting hand on Harry's arm.
"You swear it? Laurent Keilani, you are absolutely sure?" They asked. Harry could feel the emotional whirlwind that was the Queen's emotions. He was also picking up on the shock and disbelief of the other Merrow. Alec just seemed supremely pleased as if whatever chaos was about to happen was going to entertain him immensely.
"I swear that was the name he gave us. We had no reason not to believe him," Lucius told them. Killigan turned sharply to one of the guards standing closest.
"Krym go and get Alcandor. Tell him it is supremely important that he clear his schedule and come now. Right now. He will not want to miss being a part of this," Killigan stated firmly. The guard simply nodded and disappeared into one of the pools on the floor.
"Will you tell us why his name is so important?" Lily asked.
"They are all very shocked and mostly don't believe us. Except Alec, who seems really amused," Harry told his Mera when Killigan didn't seem like they were going to answer. Killigan and the other Merrow that were not bonded to Harry looked a bit shocked.
"He is an Empath. Do we need to use a dampener today?" Draco stated and looked at Harry. The Ferros submissive blushed.
"Yeah, I don't have the control over it today that I usually do. Will you do it for me now? It always works better when someone does it for me," Harry told Draco, who simply leaned over Killigan and pressed his fingertips to Harry's forehead and Harry felt the magic flow over him. He sighed and relaxed shoulders that he hadn't truly realized were that tense. Both boys leaned back into the waiting embrace of Killigan who pulled them close again.
"Do you feel better now?" Killigan asked Harry. He nodded. "I knew you felt tense and that Alec was hovering but I thought it was because you were nervous or having a bad day. Why are you hovering, Alec? You don't trust me with your Submissive? Your Gheyo don't seem to have the same issue."
"I am not hovering," Alec said in a bored tone and shrugged his shoulders. Glynn, Killigan, and Harry all chuckled because of course he was hovering. He hadn't left Harry's side since they had stepped out of the portal earlier. Harry truly believed that if Alec thought he could get away with it, he would have already stolen Harry and bundled him away.
"Of course, you aren't my Snarky Merrow," Harry said placatingly and patted Alec's hand. Then there was a whoosh of noise and the guard from before arrived with another man with him. He was very tall and very regal-looking. He was also very blue and Harry thought he was very handsome. Lily gasped and Lucius wrapped an arm around her.
"Lucius, he looks so similar," Lily whispered. The merrow turned to look at them sharply before turning his attention back to Harry and Draco and looking at them hard. Harry could see what his Mera meant. Other than the fact that the man was blue and had fluted ears Harry and Draco looked a little bit like him. The same eye shape and cheekbones. He had spent enough time looking at himself as he changed over the years and became healthy. Plus his magic felt familiar. Alec seemed even more amused and Killigan stood and brought Harry and Draco with him.
"Do you think they could be telling the truth?" Killigan asked. Alcandor stepped up to Draco grasped his chin and turned his head to look at him better. Then he moved over and did the same to Harry.
"We are going to the ritual room now. It is time to see if you boys are Merrow enough to have a Merrow form. Let's go," Alcandor demanded. Then he turned to Alec who had moved up until he was almost pressed against Harry's back. "And I know that you noticed the resemblance, I am going to skin you, salt you, and then leave you out in the sun."
Harry was instantly on alert. He didn't know the Merrow King well enough to know whether or not he would follow through with his threat. He wouldn't allow anyone to hurt his bonded. Merrow King or not. He wouldn't attack the man outright or anything but he would defend what was his. Alec pressed into his back suddenly and wrapped his arms around him. He did it for two main reasons. He didn't want Harry upset even more than he had been so he was offering comfort. Second, he had been witness to the fierce way that Harry had torn into the snake-faced freak that had threatened Draco and he didn't want Alcandor to end up the same way.
Harry was just not having a good day, dang it. He wanted to be good and make a good impression on the royalty who had the power to help them find their father. Harry felt the scales ripple across his skin and closed his eyes to control the urge to defend. Then he felt arms wrap around him and Alec both and felt his face pressed into someone's neck. He took a deep breath and recognized the scent of his Merrow Ace. Then he slid his fangs into the offered neck and wrapped one arm around Glynn and the other he reached down to put his hand on Alec's around his waist.
"I know that you are the King and everything, your Highness, but it would probably be best for everyone if you didn't threaten any of my brother's bonded where he can hear. He is a Ferros and he works very hard to walk on the right side between fine and feral," Draco explained. He swore he heard someone snort. When he felt grounded he pulled his fangs out and licked the punctures closed.
"Are we in control?" Glynn asked. Harry nodded and smiled up at him.
"Thank you, my Lovely Ace," Harry told him. Glynn pressed a kiss to his head and then stepped back. When Harry looked back up at the King he was not expecting the smirk on his face.
"Being bloodthirsty and quick to fight is a Merrow thing unfortunately and if you are Ferros on top of that you are going to need a lot of Gheyo and Jokers to round that out," Alcandor stated with a smirk. Harry grinned.
"I have two full suites and two jokers. I just accepted a favor to court another Joker and plan on Hunting for at least a third Ace/King/Queen triad as well as a Joker or two and a mage. I am fully prepared to Hunt until my instincts are settled," Harry told the King. Alcandor nodded.
"Let's get to the Palace. Two on the Submissive, Two on the Alpha. Two on Draco and Harry's bonded can tend to him," Alcandor ordered. Harry cleared his throat.
"Two of my bonded will tend to Draco as well. It was a promise we made to his Alpha so that she would feel comfortable with him coming with us without someone from their circle," Harry told the King calmly. Alcandor shrugged.
"So be it," He said. Then he was descending into the pool followed by Killigan and the remaining four guards that had not been assigned to someone. Then, their Mera with her two guards and Lucius with his two. Then Chelan and Glyn went down with Draco. Brishen, Alec, and Marin went with Harry.
Harry listened as Alec explained to him about closing his eyes and allowing himself to feel the magic of the water reach for him and how to connect with that part inside of himself that was Merrow. Harry could feel it.
"Now take a deep breath," Alec instructed suddenly. Harry didn't hesitate he did as he was told and didn't drown. He felt the gills open in his neck and when he opened his eyes everything was bright at beautiful. He looked down at himself and then over at Draco and once again they were polar opposites but identical. Harry and Draco were both mono-finned mermen. Draco was pale blue with a dark blue tail. He had darker blue fins on his wrists, elbows, and down his spine. His scales were a smattering of peach, silver, and pale blue to show his Submissive rank. Harry was a darker blue the same shade as Draco's fins and had a pale blue tail and fins in the same places as Draco. His scales were peach and silver with dark blue stripes that marked him as Ferros Submissive. So they were identical but opposite. Harry figured they made a lovely site together.
Once they had finished admiring themselves they all followed King Alcandor until they reached a massive, beautiful palace. They were quickly ushered to a ritual room. Draco and Harry were placed in the center of the room and a half dozen merrow were summoned to perform and witness the paternity and heritage tests for them. There were shocked and hopeful noises when it was confirmed that they did in fact belong to Laurent Keilani.
"Now will you tell us why the name is so important?" Lucius asked. Alcandor nodded and smiled.
"Laurent Keilani is my brother. He is second in line to the throne and since I have no children your boys are third and fourth. They are my nephews and I am very happy to know them. Now as far as Laurent, he was returned to us many years ago half dead and spirit broken. He fell very ill and refused to get better or allow himself to be healed. So our healers placed him in a coma. He is here in this palace sleeping as he has been for many years," Alcandor told them.
"He is here?" Lily spoke up hopefully. Alcandor nodded.
"I will take you all to him and then we will try to wake him. We knew it was the loss of his mates that caused the refusal to heal. Maybe with you here he will choose to live. Then you will all explain to me what happened that separated you all from each other," The King stated firmly. Lily, Lucius, and the twins agreed and happily followed him to another section of the palace to a grand room with a merrow lying in a bed that did in fact look a lot like Alcandor. This was their dad. Harry was completely avoiding the fact that they were essentially Princes. That was just too much to think about right now.
The healer came and did a few scans and then performed the magic that would wake him up. They decided that only Lily and Lucius would confront him at first. The man came awake with a sob and then stared up in desperation at Lucius and Lily.
"I am still dreaming," He whispered. Lily shook her head no and caressed his cheek.
"No, my Love, we are truly here," Lucius stated in a calm quiet voice. Laurent sat up and allowed them to help him.
"There is no way. He told me that all of you were dead." Laurent sobbed. Lily and Lucius wrapped their arms around him.
"He lied," Lily said. They were given time to reacquaint and then a healer checked him to show that he was already improving.
"How long as has it been Lucius," Laurent asked.
"About sixteen years, My Love," Lucius answered. Laurent closed his eyes and then he shot them open again.
"Draco and Harry?" He asked. He had missed his children's life. Lily smiled and stepped back. Harry and Draco were revealed to the man. They were standing hand in hand and Alcandor was standing behind them with a hand on each shoulder in silent support.
"Those are my sons? They are beautiful. Beautiful grown and bonded if the marks are anything to go by," Laurent said with sadness in his voice. Draco and Harry both whined and were reassured with rumbles from every dominant rank in the room. "Come here, boys. Let me hold you." Draco and Harry were across the room and in his arms so fast.
"Now let's talk about what happened and what happens next," Alcandor said after a quiet few moments between father and sons. Lucius, Lily, and Laurent nodded. Then they explained everything from each of their perspectives. Harry and Draco had fallen asleep toward the end after their parental bond settled. They finally had their entire parental circle together. They had more family and things were looking up for them all. He couldn't wait to see the Merrow's reaction when they told them that they both had Fire Alphas. It was going to be amazing to watch.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Theo and Ilsa
"Oretta, I haven't heard from you in a few days. Does that mean you have finally gone to see Bahn?" Theo asked. He had finally gotten to meet up with Ilsa now that Harry was out of the house and distracted for a while. Ilsa and Aracle had come over to see how they were settling in. Charlie Weasley came in and lounged himself across the couch Theo was on and propped himself up against the Beta.
Theo simply allowed it and played with Charlie's hair that was splayed across his lap. At this point, he was used to most of the Gheyo in the house draping themselves across their other bonded when they were home and relaxed. Charlie in particular sought him out. Theo figured he and the Joker were quickly headed toward a completed bond of their own soon. Ilsa smiled and leaned back into Aracle's arm across the back of the couch.
"I see you are settling in quite nicely," Aracle pointed out with a wink. Theo blushed lightly and Charlie didn't react at all except to close his eyes and shift around to get more comfortable. He was not ashamed to seek affection and Theo was quite good at it.
"It has been a lot easier to settle and fall into a routine than I thought it would be with so many new bonded and two circles living under one roof. I think Harry's Empathy helps a lot," Theo answered. Then he gave Ilsa a look. He knew she had intended to return to her circle after being gone for nearly twenty years. His Oretta sighed and then gave him a small smile.
"Persistent thing aren't you? I don't know who you get that from," Ilsa said teasingly. Theo and Aracle both gave her another look. He clearly got it from her. She chuckled and shrugged. "Yes, I went to see Bahn. He is pregnant by the way. With my children. Twins. That is most likely the reason I have been feeling pulled to come home. We are not settled by any means but we are talking and that is at least progress."
"Good. I am glad to know you are going to work things out. I didn't really understand how important a boned circle was until meeting Harry and the rest of my bonded. I didn't intend to have such a large circle while still this young but it is what it is and I am happier than I have ever been," Theo stated. Charlie gave a happy rumble at that and turned so he could bury his face in Theo's stomach and wrap his arms around his waist.
"That one seems content and calm for a fire type," Ilsa pointed out. "Is he even really a Gheyo?" Charlie grumbled and Theo soothed him with the hand still buried in his hair.
"Don't pick at him. He was not born a Gheyo. He rank shifted from Beta after almost dying. But don't let him fool you. I have seen him fight. He is quite vicious when he needs to be," Theo defended. Ilsa held up her hands to placate the defensive Beta. Yeah, she was pretty sure the two of them would bond soon. They were far too attuned to each other.
"I didn't mean to offend. Pull your claws back in, Theodore. How is Harry?" Ilsa decided to change the subject. Theo relaxed his shoulders and smiled softly. Harry was always a safe topic of conversation. Theo had loved him since he was seventeen and it was obvious in the way his whole face softened when he spoke of him. They talked about Harry and their bonded for a bit before Theo got a serious look on his face and handed a letter to Ilsa.
"Yanek Dorsen, now Calamaris, is trying to plot the way he did back when I was younger. We may have to consider getting a No-Contact order against him. We met him our first day here and he was already trying to lay the groundwork for me to join his circle. He was very upset to learn I had a Submissive already. Apparently, that was not enough to deter him. He sent this the next day. He is proposing that we merge our circles," Theo explained. Ilsa growled and Aracle tightened his arm around her.
"We will look into it. You did send him a letter back to reject this right?" Ilsa asked. Theo nodded. "Good boy, if he continues to hint at it or get pushy like he did before we will take care of it. Make sure that your Gheyo are aware of the full situation so that they can make sure you are all properly looked after. If they can not get to you they may attempt to get to you through Harry. Make sure Draco is aware as well. Just in case. We don't know what they are after or capable of."
"Yes, Oretta. I have already done both of those things," Theo agreed. Ilsa smiled at him.
"Very good boy. Now Aracle and I must get going. I don't want Bahn getting upset that we stayed away too long. We need to get together soon and have a day on the beach for our circles to get aquainted. It will be good for Harry and Draco to be around older more experienced Submissives that can help guide them," Ilsa suggested.
"Of course, Oretta. That sounds like fun. I will talk to Harry and the others about it," Theo agreed. They said their goodbyes and they were barely out of the room before Charlie shifted them around so that Theo was lying on the couch with him and wrapped in his arms.
"What are you doing Charlie?" Theo asked with a smile. Charlie grumbled and tightened his arms around the smaller Dragel.
"Tired from training. Take a nap with me," Charlie stated. It wasn't really a question. Theo agreed anyway and relaxed into the Joker's arms for nap until Harry returned home.
Chapter 4: Not a Bad Day, I swear!!!! First Date.
Summary:
Harry and Draco spend some time getting to know Laurent. Harry wants a cuddle. Plans are made to prepare for The Hunt. Harry has a date. Arthur makes a choice about Molly.
******Revised 5/11/24 New parts added. Hope you enjoy the changes.
Notes:
Here you go. I hope that you enjoy it. I loved writing it.
Also updates may slow down a little. for a week or two maybe. My son is turning Thirteen and my sister just gave birth to my nephew who has to spend a little time in NICU. So i may be a bit distracted.
Same disclaimers as always.
Chapter Text
Draco, Harry, and Laurent
"Fire Alphas? Both of you?" Laurent laughed. He was sitting up on a sofa in his room with a son on either side. His mates were sitting on a sofa across from them. Harry's bonded had come into the room soon after Laurent had woken and the storytelling had started. Alec had not been okay with being so far from Harry for that long.
"Yes, both of us," Draco stated with a grin. Harry smiled brightly. Laurent just laughed.
"Oh, the courts are going to have guppies," Laurent said still with laughter.
"They are already having guppies. Your sons were raised on Earth far away from everything Dragel much less Merrow. They are fully bonded with mixed circles. They both have Fire Alphas and maintain that they will remain living on land. They have passed having guppies and are on to having full meltdowns. Now I am going to start getting pressure to have children. Thank you very much for that. You always did manage to cause quite a stir that I had to clean up," Alcandor said from the door with a fond smile. Laurent smiled up at his brother and tightened his arms around his boys.
"What it sounds like to me is they are following in their father's footsteps as troublemakers quite nicely. The three of us are going to enjoy keeping the stuffy old turtles on their toes and off their shells," Laurent said.
"It is so good to have you back, Little Brother. Though Alec has been doing a good job of irritating me while you were sleeping," Alcandor said. Harry snorted when Alec grinned next to him. His snarky merrow was very proud of his tendency to cause problems.
"What? You don't think he can cause trouble?" Alcandor asked. Harry shook his head.
"He is very proud of himself," Harry said.
"Right, empath. I almost forgot. Did your dampener wear off already?" Alcandor asked. Harry shook his head no.
"No, It is still going strong. But I feel my circle through our bonds. A dampener does not affect my bonds more than just taking the edge off if I am overwhelmed. I don't usually have to use a dampener anymore. I have been working with my Grandma to get control of my Empathy. I know that my Alpha is relaxed but only because he just spent time with our Rheyo. My healer is stressed and anxious. My Pareya are a bit worried but mostly fine. Everyone else is generally calm. Alec has been hovering and worried since we left the house. Draco is the only exception to people outside of my circle. As my twin, I always feel him," Harry looked over at Draco and smiled.
"Which is how I know that you saw me vanish my plate this morning without eating and told on me. That's why Quinn feels stressed and anxious and my Rheyo had to distract my Alpha. I promise to eat lunch. Will that make both of you relax? I will eat as much as you both decide is enough," Harry rolled his eyes and sat back against his dad who had gone from laughing to worried. He looked over at Lucius and Lily. Lucius shook his head no and Lily just looked sad for a moment before schooling her face.
Laurent looked up at his big brother while the conversation around him continued. By the look on his face, his brother was going to be there for that conversation as well. Someone was going to pay for whatever had happened that made food enough of an issue that he mentioned it.
~~~~~~~~~
Harry regretted telling Draco and Alec that he would eat whatever they put on his plate. However, one look at his dad and he knew he was going to power through it. Laurent had tried to hide how concerned he was about the fact that food had been brought up at all. Harry was really thankful that he hadn't brought it up and he was determined to make all of them feel better.
"Now, when we go home I expect you to tell my Alpha that I ate everything at lunch and didn't even fight it," Harry told Draco. Then he turned to Lucius who was sitting next to him. "I wasn't having a Bad Day Papa, I was just a bit upset this morning before breakfast, then I was at the table alone, and I just couldn't bring myself to eat. I don't like to eat alone." Lucius reached out and wrapped an arm around his shoulders and hugged him.
"It's all right, Harry. I believe you. Just have a conversation with Bill or one of your Pareya about it. Your circle is there for you, Son. They want you to be happy and healthy because you are their heart. I wouldn't be surprised if they haven't already discussed it. You did good, Darling." Lucius squeezed him and pressed a kiss to his head and then let him go to have his dessert.
"I won't apologize for looking out for you, Harry. You forget that I have seen a Bad Day. I was just stopping it before it became an issue. You would have done the same thing," Draco stated without looking away. Harry smiled at him.
"Not mad Draco and I don't want an apology. I am glad that you look out for me and I would have done the same thing. I just wanted you both to know it wasn't a Bad Day. I just had a rough morning. Thank you, for caring," Harry told Draco. He didn't want his brother pouting or feeling like he wasn't grateful.
They had their dessert and spent a bit more time together making plans to meet up and for the boys to start getting a bit of an education about the Merrow courts. They were also informed that there needed to be discussions about introductions for The Hunt. Draco would be a simple thing. He didn't have any royals or other court connections to prevent him from being part of the royal introductions for the Merrow. Things were a little more complicated for Harry though, he had another royal in his circle. He would need to talk to his whole circle and see what everyone came up with.
"I love both of you boys so much. I am so glad that I was lied to and that everyone is alive and here in Nevarah. Lucius and Lily are gonna stay here with me for a day or two and then we have things to discuss as a circle as well. I hope to see you both soon. At least once more before The Hunt," Laurent told his twins. Alcandor and Killigan both gave their goodbyes as well. Lily hugged and kissed them both.
"Keep looking after each other. I love you both. Remember to communicate with your circle. They are there for you unconditionally," Lucius told them and then Harry and Draco were given instructions on how to change back from their Merrow forms and then they ported straight home.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Quinn was in the room that he had claimed as his exam room. He was making lists of everything that he would need to purchase to make it a fully functioning exam room. He was just finishing writing down what equipment he wanted to get when he felt a tug on his bond. He dropped everything and headed straight for the transportation room where he had felt the tug come from. His Submissive home. The first thing he was going to do was apologize. He should have known better than any of the others what being upset would do to Harry. He and Ethan had already talked to Bill about it the first night they had been here.
Before he made it to the transportation room he had his arms full of Harry. His Submissive was wrapped tightly around him with his head buried in Quinn's neck. Harry was mewling gently at him and nuzzling into his neck.
"I want a permanent mind link with you and I want it done as soon as we can. Please," Harry asked with his face still pressed into Quinn's neck. The Healer was surprised, he thought surely Harry would be upset with him after this morning. He had blamed him for something that wasn't his fault and then left him alone to eat while upset.
We can do it whenever you want to, Harry. I can talk to my Mera about it and she and my father and papa will do it for us. I am sorry that I upset you this morning Harry. Will you forgive me?
Harry pulled back and looked at the wrecked look on Quinn's face. Harry hugged him tight again.
"I am not upset with you Quinn. I was upset about it this morning but I know it was just a misunderstanding. We are all still getting to know each other, it is going to happen. Staying upset about something like that is just silly and will be really bad for building a strong circle. Quinn, you are mine and I am yours. We will always find ways to work through our issues as long as we both are willing to put in the time and effort to understand where the other was coming from," Harry told him. Quinn squeezed him tighter.
How did I get so lucky to have someone as understanding and thoughtful as you, Loveling?
"It will make you very happy and help you let go of some of that stress and anxiety to know that I ate a very large lunch courtesy of Draco and Alec and I even had dessert. It wasn't a Bad Day, Quinn. Just a bad morning. Can we go and cuddle for a bit? I could really use a good cuddle and yours are the best," Harry asked his now much less stressed Healer.
I could use a good cuddle as well. You might want to invite our Lovely Alpha and Beta along. They were worried more than the rest. It would be good to let them know it wasn't a Bad Day.
"Good idea," Harry said and tugged on his bonds to both Bill and Theo. He could tell them all about his day. It had been pretty great all around.
"Well, I see that is settled," Bill teased as he walked around the corner with an arm around Theo. Harry grinned at them.
"Quinn and I are going to have a nice cuddle. Will you two come, as well? I am feeling the need for lots of uncomplicated touch and I have so much to tell you about my day," Harry asked them as he got comfortable in Quinn's arms.
"Of course, we want to hear all about your day, Princess," Theo said and Bill gave a nod. They all headed for the resting room. Ethan and Charlie were coming out of the kitchen when they passed.
"Where are we headed?" Charlie asked.
"For a big cuddle pile and to talk about my day. Wanna come?" Harry asked. He would take all of the company he could get. Charlie reached back for Ethan's hand and pulled him along.
"We are so in," Charlie said with a grin. Harry smiled and snuggled into Quinn's arms as they made their way to their destination. Harry was left in Quinn's arms and the two of them were surrounded by the other four. So they indeed looked like they were in a puppy pile.
"I just want to start this off by saying I am not having a Bad Day." He looked straight at Bill, Theo, and Charlie. He felt the relief through their bonds. "I was just upset this morning and didn't eat my breakfast. I ate a very large lunch courtesy of Draco and Alec including dessert. So all of you can stop worrying about it. It's ok. Now you will never believe what happened today. We found our third. He is alive and was in the Merrow waters. He was in a magically induced coma because he was fading and his family wouldn't allow it," Harry started. He got more excited as he talked.
"Well, you are keeping us in suspense on purpose. Who is your third?" Bill asked. Harry opened his mouth to answer when the door to the room flew open and Oliver came in with Peryton. Oliver was laughing and Perryton looked amused.
"Once again, Little Seeker, you make life worth living," Oliver said and then busted out laughing again. Harry just rolled his eyes and then looked Peryton in the eyes.
"Looks like I am not the only Royal in our circle with very close family ties to a throne," Peryton announced.
"How did you find out so fast?" Harry demanded with a grin.
"If there is one thing that Royals know how to do is gossip. Alcandor's mother was very excited to inform the other courts that not only was her son finally awake and improving after so long, but that she had two new twin grandsons to spoil and that the courts were already in an uproar about their Fire Alphas," Peryton said as he and Oliver joined their cuddle pile.
Bill started laughing long and loud. Only Harry would find out that not only was his third alive but that he was the brother of the current ruler of the Merrow Waters. Harry grinned up at his Alpha.
"So how close to the throne does that make you?" Theo asked while Bill was still laughing.
"Well Alcandor is the current King and my father is the second in line because Uncle Al has no children. That means Draco is third in line and I am fourth," Harry answered. "So naturally they are putting pressure on Uncle Al to start having kids. They don't want our Fire Alphas anywhere near their throne. Plus our Mera is a Fire Submissive. So the second, third, and fourth options for the throne all have fire bonded and are mostly land-walking circles."
"So what does that mean for introductions for The Hunt?" Ethan asked. Harry shrugged.
"Can we talk about it another day? I kinda just wanted to talk about how pretty my Merrow form is and how nice my father is while enjoying a nice cuddle. No business or complicated questions. Please?" Harry asked his bonded.
I would love to hear about how pretty your Merrow form is.
Harry smiled up at Quinn. He told them all about his Merrow form and his father. He told them about everything that had happened and about the food he tried. Then he cuddled in close between Quinn and Charlie. The contrast of the coolness that came from Quinn at his front and the lovely heat of Charlie at his back lulled him straight to sleep very quickly. Quinn fell asleep pretty quickly after Harry. It had been a long eventful day. His bonded all talked in hushed tones around them. None wanted to nap but they also didn't want to leave Harry when he had specifically asked for the touch. They would do anything for him and were really relieved that he had eaten and wasn't having a Bad Day. Bill and Theo really hated Bad Days.
~~~~~~~
When Harry woke up from his nap and headed to the sitting room with some of his bonded he found a response waiting for him, from Donovan. He wanted them to meet for lunch the next day to talk more and get to know each other to see if they were compatible beyond a quick conversation. Harry wrote a quick acceptance to him with the paper and pen that had been waiting there for him as well.
He handed the response to Ethan when he held his hand out for it. He would be sending it out for him. In just a few minutes to make sure that the other man got it. Theo walked into the room and sat down near Harry and Ethan.
"My Oretta's Submissive is asking to have us over for a day on the beach and lunch. And by invite I mean he is demanding that we have taken long enough to settle in and Oretta can not hold him off anymore. So what day would be best to go to their beach house for the day? Draco and his are invited as well and so are your parents. He wants to meet everyone. We just need to send a response," Theo told them all.
"Well, I just accepted a date with Donovan for tomorrow so maybe Tuesday?" Harry offered. He looked around to see if anyone objected.
"That sounds good then. I will let Bahn know that Tuesday is a good day for us. What about you Draco? Gonna come with?" Theo asked. Draco shook his head no.
"I accepted an invitation to go to our Grandmera's for dinner on Tuesday. So we will have to meet them another time," Draco replied. "Don't forget that you need to make plans with them as well Harry."
"Yeah we will make plans to go on Wednesday if nothing else is going on," Harry told his twin. "We also need to discuss introductions. I know that we are going to walk. Especially, since I have decided to hunt. We qualify to walk with the royals for the Air Court and the Merrow."
"It might be best if we just walk on Friday before the Royal Introductions. That way we don't have to decide what court to walk with and High Nobles and lesser Royals walk on Friday," Ethan offered. "We aren't really registering as a Royal Circle anyways. We have too many Gheyo and Jokers and Harry is planning on adding more. Our circle qualifies as Military. So we can appease the royal families by registering as lesser royals/military. So with Harry's being a Merrow Prince, Perry being an Air Prince, and our circle swearing to Death's Court because of Harry being Her Blessed Child, this should be the best compromise."
"How long have you been thinking about this?" Harry asked.
"Well, I had been thinking about our introductions the entire time. But I really had to think about it when you came home and announced you were fourth in line to the Merrow Throne," Ethan stated seriously. "I am very surprised that they haven't demanded that you remain unseen until royal introductions and make you walk with them."
"Oh, they tried, but we don't do very well with demands. Draco and I told them that we would think about it. I was honestly thinking that we should walk as individual circles and then dip down to the Merrow section real quick and walk with our dad and uncle during the Merrow introductions. That should be a good enough compromise that they should be happy," Harry replied with a smirk. Draco nodded.
"That was what I was thinking too," Draco added.
"Alcandor did say that he would prefer if my Merrow bonded stay out of sight until the introductions on Friday. So I think we are going to do that, I don't want to show disrespect to my uncle or the Merrow crown by not at least sticking with that tradition," Harry informed them.
"So the game plan as it stands right now is: date with your Joker tomorrow, We will spend the day with Theo's family on Tuesday, Draco will go to the Evansons, Wednesday we will go to the Evansons, Thursday you and Draco will go and visit the Merrow, and Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be spent getting ready for the Hunt. Then the Merrow will go underwater or stay home until introductions on Friday. Both Circles are going to walk on Friday, then Draco and Harry will join the Merrow Royal introductions and Perry will join the Air. Then we enjoy the rest of The Hunt." Ethan ticked off on his fingers. Harry and Draco both nodded. It sounded like a good plan.
"The only thing that I am going to insist on is that you, Harry, are always accompanied by one of our Ace's or two Gheyo. You are mostly going to be hunting for Gheyo anyway so having them with you is a must in the pits. Theo, Caelus, and I are going to be staying away from you for the most part because most people will not approach a Submissive that is with their Alpha or Beta," Bill told Harry. The Submissive nodded. Bill was using his no-nonsense voice that he used when his brothers were going too far or needed to be brought back under control.
Harry turned and looked at Fred, George, and Charlie who all gave him a look. They heard it too. Harry grinned up at Bill.
"I promise that I will not go anywhere alone. Especially, in the pits," Harry told Bill.
"It isn't because I don't trust you alone, Harry. I want you to know that right off the bat. It won't be so bad the first week because we will not have had our official introduction. But after that, everyone will know the kind of connections that our circle has. I don't want you to be in a position where someone will manipulate or try to take advantage of your connections. Having one of us or one of our Gheyo with you at all times will keep people from trying to take advantage of you," Bill told Harry.
"I know Bill, and I know that it will make all of us feel better that I am not alone. We all know that I have a problem with trusting people far too easily. I won't argue with you about having an escort, Alpha," Harry told him. Bill smiled and took the letter from Ethan.
"Gonna go send this off for you. I love you, Trouble," Bill said and kissed Harry gently.
"Love you too, Bill," Harry called after him.
"I am going to follow, Bill. We need to figure out a time to deal with the Half-Torvak. He can not just sit in the cells without a court date," Hadrian told Harry and pressed a kiss to his head as well before walking away.
Harry shivered at the thought of having to mess with Dumbledore. He truly hated that man and everything that he had done to him and his family. Hadrian, Glynn, Bill, Sol, Arashi, and their parents would be handling all of the details about the trial and were hoping to be able to keep things small and quick. They had all of the evidence against him and proof from many people about all of the things that he had done. Theo wrapped his arm around Harry and then pulled him into his lap. Harry went willingly and happily to snuggle with his Beta while they waited for dinner.
~~~~~~
"During dinner, Quinn mentioned that you wanted to get a permanent mind link to him," Riven stopped Harry after dinner. Harry nodded up at his storm mage.
"Yes, I want to get a mind link established with him as soon as possible. It isn't fair that he can't talk to any of us without touching us or using magic. He is ours and it shouldn't be that hard for him to communicate with us," Harry answered. Riven smiled and kissed Harry on the head.
"He said that you were talking about waiting until his parents could do it, but I just wanted you to know that I can do it if you wanted me to. I could have it done before we go to bed," Riven offered. Harry looked to where Quinn was standing behind the mage waiting.
"I would love to do it now. Quinn are you ok with that or do you want your parents to do it?" Harry asked his healer. Quinn smiled.
I would be more than happy to do it now. The words appeared in the air. Harry nodded then and smiled.
"Great, I am going to go and let the others know what we are doing. That way if anyone else wants to do it as well then they can," Harry said quickly and headed off to the sitting room where everyone was gathered. He cleared his throat to get everyone's attention.
"Riven is fixing to establish a mind link between myself and Quinn to make it easier for him to communicate. I am not asking anyone to do anything they are not comfortable with, but if there is anyone else that would like to do it, now would be the time," Harry announced. He was not surprised that none of the Gheyo wanted the link. It could be dangerous for them to be mind-linked to someone like that. He was surprised that all of his Pareya and Draco's Pareya, as well as Bill, Theo, and Draco all wanted to get the mind link done as well.
Quinn was more surprised than anyone that so many of them wanted a link to him when very few people in his own family had even done it. He was touched and quite emotional by the time all of them had been done. Riven was quick and efficient with his rune work and he had been right about having all of it done before everyone was ready to go to bed.
I am so grateful and touched Quinn said with a smile. Harry hugged him tightly and crawled into his lap.
"You are ours, Quinn. That means we want to do things that will make you happy or make life easier and more comfortable for you in our home and with our circle," Harry told the overwhelmed healer.
I am not Draco, Fred, George, and Fleur's bond mate. I can not believe that they chose to get the link as well Quinn stated. Harry just smiled up at him.
"Are you truly surprised? You may not be their bond mate but we all live here together. You interact with them as much as you do me and the others. We all love you, Quinn," Harry assured him. Quinn nodded and practically melted when Bill sat next to them and wrapped an arm around his shoulders.
"Trouble is right, Quinn. You are ours and we all love you. Those in our circle and those outside of it. Harry and Draco are too close for it to be any different. All of us are going to be together for a very long time. Get used to being cared for by all of us," Bill said with a grin.
"Alright, some of us have had a long day. This next week is going to be super busy, so I suggest we head to bed so we can be ready for the week to come," Ethan stated. Everyone agreed and Harry was happy to let Enlil and Aither steal him away to sleep in their room up in one of the towers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Dive: Donovan
The next afternoon, Harry was ten minutes early to The Dive where he had agreed to meet Donovan. Harry was so nervous and Wikhn wrapped an arm around him to help him calm himself. The King led Harry over to the edge for him to watch the Dragel that were flying and doing all sorts of aerial stunts that Harry found fascinating. Harry wanted to fly with them but Caelus and Perry had already promised to bring him to The Dive this weekend.
"Harry," The Submissive turned and Wikhn kept his arm around him. Harry grinned at the sight of Donovan standing there. He was still as attractive as he was the first time and that same feeling was there. He could also see that he was wearing the earring that Harry had sent him.
"Hi, Donovan," Harry said smiling. Donovan looked at Wikhn's arm still wrapped around him and grinned at them both.
"Joining us?" Donovan asked Wikhn. Harry looked up at Wikhn and chuckled at the very intimidating look that his King was giving the Joker. Harry elbowed him in the stomach and gave him a look when the King looked down at him.
"No he isn't. He is going to go way over there somewhere so that he can still see me but can't eavesdrop or make either of us nervous," Harry said and pointed away from them. "Naturally, my bonded are all a bit overprotective and nervous about me being alone. Our instincts are all still settling after my soulscream." Harry gave Wikhn another pointed look and then raised up on tiptoes to kiss him and then stepped out from under his arm and closer to Donovan.
"Should any harm come to him at all while he is in your care, you can kiss any chance of furthering your courtship goodbye. Understand Joker?" Wikhn addressed the Joker. Donovan lost all humor from his face and looked the King straight in the eyes.
"I swear to you that he will be safe with me. I will allow no harm to come to him while he is in my care. I will not betray the trust that both you and your circle are putting in me today," Donovan swore. Harry grinned at the Joker and then back at Wikhn. He could feel his King relax and felt his approval through the bond. Then Wikhn pressed a chaste kiss to Harry's lips before walking away. Donovan held out an arm and Harry placed his hand on it and allowed the Joker to lead him to a nearby table.
"All right so tell me some about you," Harry started with Donovan.
"Well, I am twenty-six and I am a born Gheyo. Probably would have ranked up to King or Ace but when I was twenty I was sent on a mission with the military group that I was training with. We were doing undercover work for the Merrow to retrieve a few of their lost children. One thing led to another and a few of them died and I was left very mortally wounded while protecting a young Merrow. That is where my scar came from and when I shifted rank to Joker," Donovan told him. Harry had known there was a story he could be proud of behind that scar.
"Sounds like you rank shifted doing something very worthy," Harry told him. He made sure that his voice held all of the reverence that he felt at the story he had been told. Donovan smiled at him.
"Now how about a little about you?" Donovan asked. Harry looked at him in the eye so that Donovan knew he was very serious.
"It isn't pretty. I did not have a good life or even a remotely nice one until two years ago when I almost died. Funny enough, dying is what saved my life," Donovan looked startled. Harry smiled sadly. "And that was two years before I was kidnapped, almost mind-raped, and gave my soulscream. Still wanna hear about it?"
"How about we start with how old you are?" Donovan asked. Harry grinned that was an easy one.
"Seventeen in July," Harry told him.
"Any siblings?"
"Yep, an older brother, a younger sister, and a twin brother. My twin and his circle live with me and mine permanently. We don't do well when separated it is a physical pain," Harry told him.
"Why was your life bad growing up?" Donovan asked one of the hard questions.
"My family was manipulated by a bad man, a power-hungry half-torvak, he used a very ancient ritual to alter my family's memories and tear us apart in a very bad way. I was put in my aunt's home. She, her husband, and son abused me, starved me, and locked me in a cupboard under the stairs until I was eleven," Harry told him in a matter-of-fact tone. He had to disassociate himself from the situation or it was overwhelming.
"That is a little bit more complex than 'not a good life'. How about we save the rest of the heavy stuff for another time, yeah?" Donovan asked. Harry grinned up at him grateful. He would answer anything he was asked honestly. He swore to himself that he would when he had agreed to the date.
"Yes, please!!" Harry sighed. Donovan reached out and took Harry's hand in his and Harry turned his over to twine their fingers together. So Donovan changed the subject and they talked about favorite foods, goals, plans for The Hunt, and plans for his circle.
"Hey, Trouble," Harry was startled by Bill's voice. He looked up and smiled.
"Is everything okay, Bill?" Harry asked him as Bill leaned down and pressed a kiss to his lips. Harry noticed that Hadrian was behind Bill and Wikhn was making his way over to them as well.
"Everything is fine, Trouble. You have been gone for hours. We wanted to check on you," Bill told him. Harry looked at him hard for a moment and then shook his head.
"Bill, I have known you since I was barely fourteen, I know when you aren't being completely truthful," Harry stated firmly. "Don't handle me, Alpha. I don't like having my choices taken out of my hands. You know this better than anyone." Bill grinned and knelt down so that he and Harry were face-to-face.
"You are right, Submissive mine. I am sorry for even attempting to do so. Something happened that I think is going to upset you and I didn't want you to find out about it from someone else. Are you keeping your Joker? Do you mind having him know our circle business?" Bill asked him nodding at Donovan. Harry looked over at the man and he smiled gently at Harry and nodded his head at Harry.
"I am definitely keeping him. Now tell me what has you so anxious," Harry told his Alpha.
"Harry, we went to check on Dumbledore in his cell today after talking to the courts about setting up our court date." Harry lost his smile and looked between Bill and Hadrian.
"Just tell me what happened Bill, please? Did he get away? Is he coming for me?" Harry stood up from his chair. His claws and fangs were already out and scales began to ripple across his skin. He could feel an itch in his back that let him know that his wings were moments away from bursting free. Bill stepped toward him but suddenly he felt strong arms wrap around him tightly from behind.
"Take a deep breath, Little One and listen to your Alpha," Harry heard Donovan's firm deep voice next to his ear. The combination of that voice, the strong arms, the subtle power that was dancing across his skin, and the feelings of calm confidence coming from the Joker, had Harry calm and almost purring as he turned his eyes up to look at his Alpha again. Bill was grinning.
"Yeah, you are definitely keeping that one. That is the easiest I have ever seen you settle," Bill told him with a chuckle. Harry rolled his eyes and relaxed completely in Donovan's arms. Even if Dumbledore had gotten out and was coming for him, he would have a very hard time getting to him.
"Dumbledore didn't get out, Harry. He is dead. When we freed all of the people that he had under his sleeping beauty curse, we cut him off from the majority of the power that he had been siphoning off of people. The cells here on Nevarah cut people off from all magic like that or anything similar. So any connections that we didn't sever, he was cut off from when he was put in the cell. He was apparently a very weak, frail old man without all of that extra power and his heart gave out." Bill told him gently. Harry took a moment to think about it and then he started laughing.
"He died in the cells from heart failure? A frail old man without even enough magic to keep his heart beating? Oh, Merlin, that is perfect. It was exactly what he deserved. To die without getting to give his grand villain speech in court. He didn't get to brag about all that he accomplished and all of the lives that he ruined. This right here, dying as a nameless, unheard, nobody in a cell. No one will mourn him and no one will care that he is dead. Perfect," Harry finished with a light shining in his eyes.
"Well, you took that much better than any of us thought that you would. Except, Draco, he thought you would react like this. I guess your twin knows you better than we do," Bill told Harry. The Submissive could feel the relief pouring from his three bonded and the humor from the Joker, who still had his arms wrapped around him.
"Beautiful, bloodthirsty, Little Submissive. I knew you were perfect for me," Donovan said with pride behind him. Harry grinned and turned in his arms. He opened his mouth and gave the Joker a Heartcry. Donovan returned the favor.
"All right, Trouble, let's take your new Joker home so you can lay your claim and introduce him to the rest of the circle," Bill said. Harry smiled and stayed tucked under Donovan's arm as the five of them made their way to the closest portal area.
"Do you realize that you have been here talking to your Joker for four hours?" Bill asked. Harry blushed and Donovan chuckled.
"Well, time passes when you are having fun," Harry said. Then they were at the portal and heading home. Donovan whistled.
"Lovely home, Little Submissive," Donovan told him. Harry grinned and preened in pride.
"My wonderful, thoughtful, Alpha had this built for us. He knew I was going to make things complicated, so he built us a home that would accommodate all of the elements. Bill is the best Alpha," Harry bragged on his Alpha. Bill scoffed but Harry saw a light blush. Harry would never stop bragging about his bonded when they deserved it. Donovan grinned.
"I guess I will certainly get the chance to see that for myself," Donovan said and they went into the house. Harry spent the evening tucked up against Donovan while his circle met him and then after dinner the two of them retreated to one of the private rooms. They exchanged claim marks and then sealed their bond. When it clicked into place a small wave of soul magic washed through the house. Harry grinned up at Donovan who looked mildly startled by the fact that he and Harry had a soul bond. They spent the rest of the night just lying in each other's arms and letting their bond settle properly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"You don't think that was fast?" Charlie asked Bill after Harry and Donovan retired for the night. Bill smiled.
"I think that Harry still has open soul bonds and he doesn't realize it yet," Bill told his brother.
" Based on the way that the two of them acted when they met, I would have to say that I agree with you," Hadrian added to the conversation. Just then they felt the wave of soul magic pulse through the house.
"Well, that confirms that theory," Ethan said with a laugh.
"This is going to be a very interesting Hunt," Peryton said as he snuggled close to Ethan. There were noises of agreement around the room from the rest of Harry's bonded. It was definitely going to be interesting. But could they really expect anything less from Harry?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Molly and Co: Prewitt Estate
"I don't understand, Arthur?" Molly stated in shock. Though if she was honest with herself she really wasn't shocked at all. It had been a week since they had arrived in Nevarah and things between her and Arthur had just gotten worse.
"I have spoken with your brothers. Explained to them how I felt and they have agreed to put me up in one of their Circle's homes. I can't be here in the house with you anymore Molly. I need space from you, from this situation to wrap my head around things properly," Arthur told her again. Molly sat down hard in the chair next to her.
"Arthur, I have been giving you all the space you want. I spend most of my time with my mother and the children when they will actually have anything to do with me. You don't need to leave," Molly insisted. Arthur gave her a sad look.
"I am taking the children with me, Molly. That was another thing I wanted to talk to you about. When I explained to them that I was going to be staying in a separate house they asked to come with me," Arthur told her. Molly stood up.
"You are not taking my children from me, Arthur. If leaving is something that you think you need to do in order to process the situation then fine. But you are not taking my children," Molly nearly shrieked. Arthur just frowned at her.
"Did you listen to what I said, Molly? I didn't ask them to come with me. I told them I was leaving but that I still wanted to see them as often as I could. They asked me if they could come with me. They are just as hurt by what you did, Molly. You made a choice for everyone that affected all of our lives. You didn't tell me the truth even when you knew the truth about me. You knew what I gave up for you. Knew how much it cost me to walk away from my family. You could have been as honest with me as I was with you. We could have discussed whether or not to suppress our children together. And just to be clear, Molly. I would have never agreed to suppress them. I love you whether you were a Dragel or a Witch. I would have loved our children no matter whether they turned out to be Torvak or Dragel or Wixen. I am not the only one that is angry with you, Molly. We need time to move past this. To heal from the hurt of it," Arthur spoke. He was calm and never raised his voice.
Arthur had always been calm. He had never raised his voice to his wife or his children. Even now with Molly yelling and him being so angry he could spit ice, he was calm.
"You can't take Ron and Ginny, Arthur. I won't survive the loss of all of you," Molly insisted.
"You haven't lost your children, Molly. I haven't even said that you have lost me. I just said we need time apart to work through this. I am angry with you, Molly that doesn't mean I don't love you. Our children are angry with you as well, but they still love you. You are their mother. We are hurt and angry. We need time. We are not abandoning you. I am moving out tomorrow, Ron and Ginny are coming with me. They are coming because they want to. You are going to respect their wishes and let them," Arthur instructed. Molly sat back down and just hung her head.
She never should have listened to Albus Dumbledore. He had been the one to convince her that Arthur would never accept her or their children being Dragel. He had even helped her suppress them to make sure that it took. She didn't know he was also a Torvak. She should have trusted Arthur and the love that he had for her. None of this would have ever happened. Now, they were in Nevarah all but one of her children were with her. Bill, Charlie, Fred, and George were happy and bonded. They would all be attending their first Hunt and all of them were angry with her. She didn't even know if Ginny was going to Hunt because her daughter wouldn't talk to her about it. She took a deep breath and looked up at Arthur.
"If letting them leave will help them process and move on from this situation better then I will let them go. I will let them know I understand. I want us to be able to be a family again. I made so many mistakes. Listened to all of the wrong people. If I had only been honest with you from the very beginning we may not have been in this situation. I am more sorry than you will ever know, Arthur. Please just try and get them to visit. I won't survive if you all leave and don't even visit," Molly said quietly.
"They will visit, Molly. They love you, you are their mother. We all just need time," Arthur insisted again. Molly nodded.
"I am going to go find them and talk to them. I am glad that my brothers are helping you," Molly stated and then she walked out of the room. Arthur sighed heavily and sat back in the chair he had been sitting in.
"You are a good man, Arthur," Sadara said as she walked into the room. "Your patience and calm in this situation is more than I could have ever hoped for. Thank you for at least talking to her and being willing to work things out. All of you have every right to be angry with her for what she had done and the lies that she has told. I lesser man would have simply taken the kids and left her. So thank you for being a better man than that."
"I love your daughter, Sadara. She is a good woman, loves me, loves our children. Our children are good people because she raised them to be that way. She just made some bad choices. We just need time to process, understand, and forgive. We can't do that here," Arthur said and accepted the cup of tea Sadara held out for him.
"I know. I just wanted to say that I appreciate the way you are handling the situation. We will look after our daughter, Arthur. You take care of the children and yourself. We will all make sure that you have everything that you need. Food, Clothes, information. Just ask. Everything we have is at your disposal. Fabian and Gideon have decided to have their Circle walk during the introductions. They are doing it so that they can give your children a proper introduction and allow them the advantages of our family name. We are High Nobles and being introduced by us will ensure that Ronald and Ginerva are accepted by the higher echelon of our society," Sadara informed him.
"Thank you, Sadara. I can not express how much that means to me. We appreciate everything that you have and are doing for all of us," Arthur stated. "I think I am going to retire for the night. I find I am quite wrung out."
"Of course, sleep well," Sadara accepted. Then Arthur set his cup down and strode from the room. Sadara went to find her daughter to see if she was needed. The entire situation was Molly's fault but she had done it with the best intentions. Sadara felt so sorry for her and planned on being there for her daughter every step of the way.
Chapter 5: A Day on the Beach
Summary:
Harry and Company spend time on the beach with the Deveraine Circle.
******Revised 5/11/24 Didn't change anything really with this chapter. Just corrected some grammar and added a few things. Hope you enjoy it.
Notes:
Hello to my readers. Sorry that it took so long to get back to writing. Christmas is a busy time for my family. Hopefully, now that the holidays are over I can get back to writing regularly.
I hope you all enjoy the chapter.
Chapter Text
Harry and Donovan
The next morning Harry woke up slowly and stretched. He grinned when he felt the small soreness that came with a good night. He turned over and borrowed himself closer to the body in the bed with him. Donovan wrapped his arms tightly around him and he smiled and pressed a kiss to the Joker's cheek.
"Good Morning, Submissive Mine," Donovan stated in a deep sleepy voice. Harry loved the sound of it.
"Morning, My Joker," Harry purred up at him. Donovan flipped them so that Harry was on his back with Donovan hovering over him. "Oh, playtime before breakfast? I am always up for that."
"It's like you read my mind," The Joker stated with a smirk. Harry reached up and twined his arms around Donovan's neck and pulled him down to bring their lips together. Donovan didn't pull away until Harry was breathless and flushed. Then Donovan proceeded to slowly and deliberately drive Harry mad with need. He teased Harry and edged him over and over again until Harry was begging for release. Finally, the Joker gave in and Harry was certain it was the most intense orgasm he had ever had. Donovan was quite smug and preened when Harry told him exactly that when he finally came down from his high.
Luckily, by the time they made it to the dining room, everyone was just sitting down to eat. Donovan sat down next to Wikhn and winked at him as he started on his breakfast. Wikhn just rolled his eyes and continued eating. Harry smiled and laughed when he was pulled down into Aither's lap. His Air Princess was quite happy to fill his plate with twice as much food. Harry reached for a fork when it was handed to him but the Gheyo just plucked it out of his hands and proceeded to hand-feed Harry.
"Oh, that's nice," Harry murmured and got more comfortable in Aither's lap and allowed the Princess to feed him while he listened to the happy chatter around him. Harry smiled up at Theo when he pressed a kiss to his head as he was about to leave the dining room.
"What time are we supposed to leave for the beach today?" Harry asked his Beta.
"In about two hours. Did you hear back from your parents yesterday to see if they are coming as well? Bahn will want to know so that he can make sure there is enough food for everyone," Theo asked Harry. The Submissive smiled.
"I actually have no idea if they replied," Harry told his Beta. Theo just smiled and ruffled his hair.
"They responded. They are happy to join us for an afternoon of fun on the beach. We just need to let them know when and where to meet us," Bill said from where he was still sitting at the table eating. "The message was waiting for me when I popped into the office on the way to breakfast."
"Perfect, I will send a message back and let them know when and where while you lot finish breakfast," Theo said. "By the way, you look lovely this morning, Princess." Theo pressed another kiss to Harry's head and Harry blushed so prettily that multiple of his bonded cooed at him. Which just made it worse. Harry watched Theo leave the room and then turned back to breakfast when Aither kissed his cheek and offered him another bite of eggs.
Harry smiled at his Alpha, who winked at him. He knew that Sunday had worried his bonded and that Bill had talked to all of them about his issues with food. Every meal since then he had been pampered and fussed over but in the nicest ways. This was not the first meal since then that he had spent in one of his bonded's lap being fed. He didn't mind at all and truly appreciated the effort that all of them were putting into taking care of him.
"Harry," Donovan came up to him after eating. Harry smiled up at his very lovely Joker. "I have to make arrangements at work, see if someone else can cover for me. It is too busy right now to close shop. I will be back thirty minutes before time to leave if I am able to make it." Harry stood up and pressed himself against the Joker.
"I understand, Donovan. I know that you have a job and a life before me. I don't expect you to rearrange everything for me. Are you planning on leaving now?" Harry asked. Donovan smiled down at him and pulled him closer.
"I am leaving now so that I can open shop and work on calling someone in. I have plenty of people that can run the shop today. Finding a bonded, especially a soul-bonded is something special someone will cover for me. I will see you in a bit, Darling," Donovan told his little Submissive. He pressed a kiss to Harry's waiting lips and was surprised when Theo handed him a piece of folded paper.
" I overheard the conversation. This is the address of where we are going. If you use these coordinates it will bring you right to the beach that we will be on. Just in case you can not get away before we leave," Theo told the Joker. Harry grinned at his Beta as Donovan took the paper with a smile and tucked it into his pocket.
"Thank you, Beta," Donovan said and then turned and pressed another kiss to Harry's smiling lips. Then he strode off toward the transportation room. Ethan hurried off after him after pressing a light kiss to Harry's lips when he walked passed.
"Donovan, may I?" Ethan asked as he caught up. Donovan just nodded. "I just wanted to talk to you about helping you whenever you decided to move in..." the Pareya's voice trailed off as they turned the corner. Still smiling, Harry turned toward his Beta and hummed happily as he wrapped his arms around him.
"Thank you, Theo," Harry said and accepted the kiss that was placed on his lips.
"No need to thank me, Princess. Donovan is yours and important to you, that means that he is important to us as well," Theo told him. Harry smiled again and snuggled closer to his Beta. "Did you get enough to eat?" Theo asked Harry gently.
"Yeah, Aither made sure that I ate plenty. I am actually feeling quite restless," Harry told his Beta as they headed out of the dining room.
"You could always come with some of us to the training field for a bit, might work off a bit of that restlessness," Kisten offered. Harry brightened up.
"That sounds great," Harry said. He pressed a quick kiss to Theo's cheek and bounced over to Kisten who grabbed him and threw him over his shoulder causing Harry to squeal and laugh. They were followed out of the room by a few of the other Gheyo. Harry laughed to whole way even when Kisten swatted him on his rear and told him to stop squirming before he dropped him.
"There now let's play for a bit," Kisten said as he placed a still-laughing Harry on his feet outside. They had been followed by Hadrian's entire suit plus Charlie. Harry was super excited to spend time learning to fight with his Gheyo. They had been teaching him the basics of fighting with blades the past week and he really enjoyed it. He pulled out the blade that Wikhn had gifted him with a few days ago and flipped it in his hand. He got into the first position that he was instructed on and then the practice began.
~~~~~~~~
An hour and a half later Harry was happy and if possible humming with more energy than when he had gone outside. Charlie laughed at the way the Submissive was practically vibrating out of his skin. The workout had energized the little Ferros and he still had a lot of energy to work off. However, they needed to start getting ready to meet with Theo's family circle.
"Come on, Trouble let's go take a shower and maybe work off some of that energy before we get dressed," Charlie swung Harry up into his arms. Harry wrapped his arms around Charlie's neck and grinned he knew exactly what his Fire Joker had in mind to work off energy. "Why don't you pull on your link to our Rheyo and invite him along as well?" Charlie added. "Might need the extra help to tire you out." Harry blushed but tugged on his bond to Caelus.
They made it across the yard and into the house by the time that the Rheyo reached them.
"You wanted me?" He asked leaning down and nuzzling Harry's nose with his own. "I thought the Gheyo took you outside to work off that energy. Why does it look like it had the opposite effect?" Charlie grinned and leaned forward to kiss Caelus and Harry delighted in being pressed between the two large men and watching them kiss each other quite thoroughly.
"Our Submissive needs us to help him work off some of that energy. Wanna join us in the shower?" Charlie asked their Rheyo. Caelus smirked at the two of them.
"I definitely want to join. Lead the way, Dragon Tamer," Caelus said in a voice that sent a shiver down Harry's spine. Charlie grinned and then took off toward the shower with Caelus close on his heels. The three of them disappeared into the shower.
~~~~~~~~
"Hey, you three should come out of there before Ethan and Oliver come in there and get you," Bill called from the other side of the bathroom door. Harry laughed and turned off the water. He hopped out of the shower and grabbed a towel. The three of them had conveniently just finished a second round of fun in the shower and Harry was only barely worn out. Hopefully, a day out in the sun on the beach would help him work off some of that energy.
"Coming," Harry called and dashed out of the shower, under Bill's arm, and straight into the arms of his fussy Pareya. Oliver flicked a drying charm at him just as he threw himself into Ethan's arms. Harry giggled as Ethan pressed a kiss to his head and passed him to Oliver. "Hi Ollie," Harry said after he kissed his former Quidditch captain.
"Let's get you dressed, Little Seeker, while Ethan fusses over the other two," Oliver pulled swim trunks and a shirt out and helped him get dressed.
"Did Donovan make it back?" Harry asked once he was dressed and waiting for the other two to finish being fussed over. He had Bubble in his hand and he was gently petting the little pink snake. He had been leaving him at home a lot because he hadn't been going places he felt comfortable taking the little thing. Just like today. He knew there would be children and didn't want to risk an accident. Bill sat down next to him and pulled him into his lap.
"Not yet, Trouble," Bill said and placed a kiss on the side of his head. Harry tried not to show that he was just a bit upset about the fact that his Joker had not been able to make it. He truly did understand that he had other responsibilities he had just hoped that he would somehow manage to get off of work to make it out to be with them. Bill just held him tighter and tucked his head under his chin while they waited.
"Oh Draco wanted me to let you know that they headed out a little early they wanted to pick up a gift to take over to Juniper's house," Oliver told Harry as he sat down next to them.
"We should make sure that we do that too before we head over there tomorrow," Harry said absently.
"If I know your brother at all, he picked up something for you to take over there as well," Bill said with a chuckle. "He is much better at those things." Harry just chuckled with him.
"Yeah, you are right. He wouldn't trust me to pick up something appropriate," Harry said.
"All right, we are all ready to go and we will only be a little late. Harry, be a doll and tug on those bonds. Everyone should be ready now, they can meet us in the sitting room," Ethan said with a smile. Harry smiled back and tugged on all of his bonds except for Donovan's. He didn't want to distract his Joker if he was busy.
"Done, let's go," Harry said and wrapped his arms around Bill when he just stood with Harry still in his arms. They headed for the sitting room and met up with their other bonded.
"Everyone here and ready?" Bill asked. There were sounds of agreement from everyone so they made their way to the transportation room. Theo, Harry, Bill, Hadrian, and Riven went first so that they could be there to make sure that no one was attacked by Bahn's people. So Harry was standing happily and a bit nervously between Theo and Bill when they transported and stepped out onto a beautiful beach.
The first thing he noticed was a group of beautiful people. They were so lovely to watch. Most of them were tall, slender, white-haired, and dressed beautifully. Harry had a moment to look before he was pulled into the familiar arms of Ilsa. Harry smiled and hugged her back. Her hugs were just as comforting as the first time she had held him.
"Hi, Ilsa," Harry said with a happy sigh. She pulled away so she could get a good look at him. She seemed happy with what she saw.
"Hello, Loveling. You look happy and healthy. I hope your new circle is taking good care of you?" Ilsa said and looked up to stare at all of the ones that were currently ported in. Harry smiled and nodded.
"Of course, they are. They are taking wonderful care of me," Harry told her.
"That's good to hear, Loveling," Ilsa said and then a throat was cleared. Ilsa chuckled and turned with Harry so that his back was to her chest. He was turned toward a white-blonde dragel with pale skin, high-sloping cheekbones, and a kind smile. He was also very pregnant. "Harry, this is my Submissive, Bahn Deveraine. Bahn this is our Theo's Submissive, Harry."
The pregnant Submissive smiled brightly and strode forward and pulled Harry into a tight hug. Harry returned it. He was so grateful that so far everyone he had met here, other than that nose-dive Yanek, was so nice and friendly.
"It is so good to meet you Harry, we are going to be great friends," Bahn told him. Harry smiled and nodded.
"I would like that very much," Harry replied.
"Now, Theodore, introduce us to your new circle," Bahn said to Theo as he tucked Harry close to him. Harry figured he didn't plan on letting go of him anytime soon. He found he didn't really mind at all.
"Let's all get settled over on the blankets over here and get comfortable while we do that," Ilsa insisted. Bahn just shared an exasperated smile with Harry and led the way with Harry.
"Are yours as bossy as mine?" Bahn faux whispered to Harry. Harry smiled.
"Only a bit. But I get lots of cuddles and fussing when I do what they want. And I find that I just don't mind doing what they tell me to do as long as I get all of the affection that they smother me with," Harry told the other Submissive with a slight blush.
"He does love a good cuddle. The sweet Loveling is always cuddled into someone his circle is probably very happy with all the touch he enjoys," Isla offered. There was a lot of agreement noises from behind them. Bahn chuckled.
"Well, just so long as you also find ways to keep them on their toes. Don't let them fool you, you are the boss, not them," Bahn replied.
"Oh, keeping us on our toes is something we have all gotten used to. That little troublemaker is quite a handful. Never a dull moment with that one," Theo cut in. Harry blushed when Bahn looked down at him with a bigger smile.
"I don't see him causing any trouble, blushes too easy," Bahn teased. They had made it to the blankets and everyone settled down and the introductions were all made. When they were finished quite a few of them decided to play a game that looked to be a mixture of volleyball and football. Harry sat with Bahn and chatted with him. Even sat and cuddled a baby for a bit. He had never been around a baby before and had been really nervous at first when Bahn had handed him the sleeping babe. But the longer he sat and held him the more comfortable he was.
~~~~~~~~~
About an hour later, there was a feeling of magic in the air and Ilsa shouted that there was a portal incoming. Harry smiled as a few of the Pareya came to stand near them and then a few of the Gheyo stood facing where the portal was coming in.
"It is probably my family circle," Harry told them. "You should probably take him back. My dad, Sirius is a bit rambunctious." Bahn laughed and took the still-sleeping baby out of his arms. Harry stood up and moved up next to Mistral and leaned against him. The Pareya wrapped an arm around him and pressed a kiss to his head just as the portal opened up and his family was left standing there. He heard Hadrian inform the others that they were Harry's family and everyone relaxed. Harry saw that Laurent was with them and chirred happily. He hadn't seen his third since the first time.
"Go on, Princess," Mistral said with amusement. Harry grinned up at him and then took off running toward the group that made up his family. Laurent swept him up in his arms and held him tightly. Harry held him back just as tight and sighed into the embrace.
"All right, all right, quit hogging him. The rest of us missed him too," Sirius called out. Harry felt Laurent chuckle and then he was being turned and pulled into Sirius' embrace. "Hey, pup."
"Hey Siri," Harry replied and laughed when Remus just hugged them both tightly. "Hey, Mooney."
"Hey pup," The werewolf said.
"Now who is hogging Harry," called James. Harry laughed again and greeted the rest of his family circle including Neville and Luna, along with Ernie and Su, with hugs until he was happily tucked up close to Lucius. The two of them headed over to where Bahn was now standing waiting for them.
"My Ilsa was right, you are a cuddly thing aren't you?" Bahn said with a smile. Harry smiled and just let his Papa hold him tighter.
"Yes he is, and all of us love it quite a bit. He is the most affectionate of all of our children," Lucius replied with a smile. Harry was just as affectionate now as he was two years ago when they had first been united. Honestly, he hoped that Harry never grew out of it. Luna as their youngest was still affectionate but was like Draco. She would happily allow her parents to cuddle with her but there was a limit that she would take before she wanted a bit of space. Harry didn't seem to ever tire of being cuddled up close to someone.
"This is my family circle...." Harry introduced his family to the others and then was quite content to sit back down with Bahn. Luna and Lily sat down with them. Bahn handed the now cooing baby back to Harry who happily took him this time. Neville, Ernie, Sirius, Remus, Laurent, Alice, and James went with the others to go back to playing games. Lucius, Frank, and Xeno went to sit with Bahn's Alpha and a few others who were not playing. Narcissa, Su, and Severus joined the Pareya who were tending to children and preparing food.
Harry was quite happily playing with the baby in his arms while he talked with Bahn, Luna, and Lily about the hunt and their plans for walking. Not even thirty minutes later there was magic in the air once more that signaled an incoming portal. They were not expecting any more people to show up, so everyone was on guard. Harry gently and quickly handed the laughing baby to Bahn and stood up. Everyone seemed so tense and he didn't plan on doing anything stupid but he still had a bonded that hadn't shown up yet and he wasn't going to let anyone hurt his Joker because they assumed he was a threat.
Hadrian had been heading toward Harry when the magic shifted and he watched as his Submissive stood and tensed. He smiled as he recognized the fact that he was ready to move fast if he needed to. Hadrian prepared to intercept him just as Donovan stepped out of the portal and was surrounded by Bahn's Gheyo. Harry, just as Hadrian predicted, snarled and launched himself toward the group of Gheyo. Hadrian snatched him mid-run and pulled him close to his chest to keep him from making things worse. Hadrian then whistled loudly to get the attention of everyone present.
"I would sincerely appreciate it if you would all quickly back away from my Submissives new Joker. He is quite distressed," Hadrian called out. Everyone was instantly tuned in to the distressed and feral Submissive that was clawing and biting at the Shadow Ace. Everyone backed off and Donovan grinned and quickly made his way to the pair of them. He rumbled and happily accepted the Submissive who launched himself into his arms the moment that Hadrian released him. Harry sniffed him and buried his face in the neck of his Joker after making sure that he was not harmed.
Harry bit into Donovan's offered neck and purred contentedly wrapping arms and legs around the Joker. Everyone went back to what they were doing and Bill and Hadrian explained who Donovan was and let Harry's parents know that they had bonded the night before. Another soul-bond. Harry finally pulled away and licked his bite closed snuggling closer to Donovan.
"Hey there, Kitten. That was quite a welcome," Donovan stated. He pressed a kiss to Harry's lips when he pulled back and looked up at him. Harry smiled brightly.
"I missed you. I am glad that you made it," Harry said while pressing another kiss to Donovan's jaw. The Joker nuzzled him.
"I am sorry that it took so long to get here. The person who agreed to take over my shift had a scheduled fight and couldn't come until afterward," Donovan explained. Harry chirred and nuzzled the large Joker back.
"It's ok, My Joker. I understand," Harry replied. Finally, he relaxed his shoulders and exhaled finally completely calm.
"Better now? Ready to join the others? Your parents look like they are just waiting for permission to get close," Donovan teased. Harry pulled back and turned to where his parents were standing together at a safe distance. He trilled at them and Lucius, Lily, Laurent, and Sirius came toward them. Slowly at first until they were sure that Harry was completely calm and then with more confidence. Harry chirred at Donovan to set him on his feet and the Joker let him down gently. Lily fussed over him a bit and then stepped back when she knew he was fine. Lucius tucked her under his arm.
"Papa this is my Lovely Joker, Donovan. We discovered last night when he bonded that he is another of my soul bonded," Harry introduced his new Joker. "Donovan this is my Sire Lucius, My Bearer Lily, My Third Laurent, and this is my Dad Sirius he is their Princess." They exchanged greetings and made sure that Harry was completely settled and then they went back to doing what they had been doing before. Donovan had made a move to join the others but he noticed that Harry was very reluctant when he released him.
His submissive was going to let him join in on the games even though he still wanted him close. Donovan smiled and leaned down to kiss Harry and then grabbed his hand and indicated for him to lead the way back to the group of Submissives. Harry beamed up at him and happily headed back to the others. Donovan sat down in the open space next to the Deveraine Submissive and Harry happily settled between his spread legs.
"Well, introduce me," Bahn said with a smile. Harry smiled at the older Submissive.
"This is my Joker, Donovan. Donovan, this is Bahn Deveraine. Sorry about getting so worked up. I don't react well to my bonded being in danger," Harry said looking a bit guilty at the other Submissive. Bahn just patted his knee gently and then passed the baby back to him. Harry smiled brightly at the show of trust from the other Submissive. He was glad that he wasn't seen as a threat now that they knew he was a Ferros.
"There is nothing wrong with being a Ferros, Harry. The way you reacted was perfectly normal and nothing to be ashamed of," Bahn soothed him.
"He is right, Love. Following your instincts is never something to be ashamed of," Lily added. Harry nodded and leaned back into Donovan's chest while he rocked the baby who was quickly falling back asleep. Harry held tightly to the baby and listened to the sound of the others talking and playing around them.
He must have fallen asleep because the next thing he knew a tiny hand was fisted in his clothes and he smiled down and at the cooing baby. Harry smiled down at him and then looked back up at Bahn. The other Submissive smiled and reached for the baby.
"Arms sore?" He asked with a knowing look. Harry nodded and purred up at Donovan when he took hold of Harry's arms and gently began to massage feeling back into them.
"Lunch is ready," One of the Pareya called out to get the attention of the others. Harry moved to get up when Donovan pulled him back down. Harry looked up at the Joker and Donovan nodded his head in the direction of the tables. The Submissive looked over and saw Oliver heading their way with two plates.
"Hungry, Little Seeker?" He asked. Harry nodded with a smile. "Donovan?" The Joker also nodded.
"Thank you, Captain. I am starving," Harry said as Donovan reached up for both plates and handed one to Harry.
"Thank you," Donovan said. Oliver smiled and ruffled Harry's hair before heading back to the tables. Severus brought a plate of food for both Lily and Luna. He also ruffled Harry's hair before heading away again.
"Captain?" Donovan asked. Harry nodded.
"Yeah, Ollie was the captain of my quidditch team back in school," Harry explained.
"What is quidditch?" Bahn asked.
"Quidditch is a popular wizard sport. Played on flying brooms way up in the air...." James sat down next to them and started to explain. Sirius had also sat down with them and the two of them went back and forth explaining all about Quidditch.
"So you were a seeker?" James asked excitedly. "What year did you make the team?" Harry beamed at him.
"First year," Harry said with a voice full of pride. James looked at Sirius who nodded. Then he turned back to Harry with a grin.
"That isn't even allowed unless the rules changed. You can't join the house team until second year," James stated. Harry just shrugged trying to hide his smile.
"The rules didn't change. There was a situation that happened and McGonagall caught me flying. Instead of getting in trouble, she made an exception for me since she was the deputy headmistress. I was the youngest seeker in a century and the only time I didn't catch the snitch and win the game was in third year and it was because I was attacked by Dementors and fell off my broom," Harry told them. Lily made a sound of distress and James rumbled to soothe her.
"Why were there dementors at the school?" James asked. Sirius grimaced and looked guilty.
"That was the year that I escaped Azkaban. They were looking for me," Sirius stated. Harry chirred at him.
"What is a Dementor?" Donovan asked and Harry shuddered.
"They are creatures that literally feed on humans. They steal all of the happiness and joy out of a person and then they take your soul and leave you as nothing but an empty shell," Harry stated with as little emotion as possible.
"They are used to guard the prison," Sirius interjected. "I was exposed to them for over a decade and I have to tell you it is really bad for a person's mental health." James patted his knee and pressed a kiss to his cheek. Sirius smiled at him.
"Well, that sounds absolutely awful. Thank goodness that isn't a beast that you have to worry about here," Bahn stated with a shiver. "Earth sounds dreadful."
"It is dreadful. We are all very happy to be here," Lily stated. Then the conversations were steered back to more pleasant things. Finally, everyone finished eating and headed back to enjoy games on the beach.
"Come on, Trouble. Let's go play," Bill stated as he strode up to the group. He pulled Harry up and then tossed him laughing hysterically over his shoulder. "You too, Donovan." The Joker was up quickly and running after the two of them grinning. Harry was deposited on the sand and the rules were explained to him. He spent hours playing with the others. He also noticed that when he managed to get the ball he was always gently put on the ground as opposed to the way all of the others were slammed into the ground.
Finally, he called it quits. Bill moved to follow him off of their makeshift court and Harry waved him away with a smile. Just because he was ready to call it quits didn't mean that anyone else had to. He felt a cleaning charm wash over him and smiled gratefully at Ethan who was sitting with the other Pareya. Harry had a destination in mind. He headed straight for Lucius who was still very contentedly talking with a few others who hadn't joined in on the games.
"Papa?" Harry said quietly as he reached the group. Lucius looked up and smiled at his clearly exhausted son. He opened his arms and Harry chirred happily. He crawled into his Papa's lap and sighed when he felt the arms tighten around him. Lucius pressed a kiss to his head and then continued with his conversation as if nothing had happened. Harry was contentedly lulled into sleep by the soothing sound of the quiet talking.
The next time he became aware of the people around him he was being handed to one of his bonded. He was pretty sure it was Bill. He could barely open his eyes. He only ever felt like this when it was time for his Resting Period. But he was pretty sure that it wasn't time for that yet. Then he remembered that his resting cycle could change after bonding. He fell back asleep as he heard Bill call for everyone to circle up.
He woke again when he was gently placed into the middle of the bed in their resting room. He snuggled into the press of bodies around him and drifted off again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harry woke up feeling really well-rested and stretched. He felt a hand card through his hair and a gentle kiss pressed to his cheek. He smiled and blinked open his eyes to see his Alpha hovering over him. He reached up with both arms and chirred happily when Bill gently extracted him from the bed where his Pareya were still sleeping. A few of his Gheyo were sitting in the room keeping guard and he was happy to let his Alpha carry him out of the room and down to the dining room.
"Aww, welcome back to the waking world, Princess," Theo stated and kissed him. Harry nuzzled his Beta and chirred at him. Bill sat down in a chair at the table and settled Harry in his lap.
"Some of us have eaten but the rest were waiting for you. Are you hungry, Trouble?" Bill asked. Harry nodded and buried his face in Bill's neck. He trilled quietly at Bill who chuckled. "Go ahead, Trouble. Take what you need." Harry licked a few times and then bit into his Alpha's neck. He licked the spot closed after a few minutes and stayed sitting with his face in Bill's neck until a plate of food was set on the table in front of them.
"It is time to eat, Trouble," Bill said gently. Harry sat up and accepted the offered bite. Other's joined them at the table and soon they were all eating happily.
"How long did we sleep?" Harry finally asked.
"Well, you went to sleep on Tuesday and now it is Friday evening," Draco answered. "That is your shortest resting period."
"How long do they normally last?" Kisten asked.
"Normally, I sleep for six days every six weeks," Harry answered.
"Impressive," Kisten replied.
"We will have to see what your new normal will be. You are hunting so it will be unpredictable until you are through adding to our circle," Bill stated. Harry nodded his understanding.
"Friday? We missed dinner with Granddera and meeting with the Merrow," Harry said quickly when he realized. Bill soothed him.
"I let Granddera know what happened and they understand. You will just have to make plans with them next week when you get a chance. As far as the Merrow, don't worry Mera told me that they already talked to the Merrow and let them know what happened," Draco answered. He had apparently efficiently taken care of things while they had been sleeping.
"Thank you, Drake," Harry said gratefully. Draco just smiled and waved him off.
"You will do the same for me when it is our turn," Draco stated. "It will still be at least half a day before your Pareya are up. We can talk about our plans for the hunt in the meantime."
Harry nodded and was more than happy to settle in Bill's arms in the sitting room after dinner. He was happy to add to the conversations about The Hunt and make plans with all of them. Afterward, they played chess and other games. After a few hours, they forced themselves to head back to bed so that their sleep schedules didn't get messed up. Tomorrow their Pareya should wake up and then they could finalize plans and prepare.
Harry was super excited about The Hunt. He could tell that Draco was too. This was going to be so much fun. It was even more exciting that his little sister would be hunting as well. He couldn't wait to spend time with Luna going through favors and all of the other things that went along with hunting. This was truly a great start to their new life.
Chapter 6: Betrayal and Hurt Feelings
Summary:
Harry learns that a trial was held for the Dursleys while he was sleeping. He isn't a happy Dragel. There is conflict with his family but he always has Draco to have his back.
*********Revised 5/11/24 Add a small court scene because I felt like it needed it. Other than that. Just a few grammar errors.
I hope you like it...
Chapter Text
Dursley Trial: During Harry's Resting Period
"I don't know if it is a good idea to do this without Harry here. He is the one that suffered the most after all," Lily said quietly as they were led into the courtroom. Draco scoffed and gave his bearer a look as if she was crazy.
"It is much better that he isn't here. Do you realize how traumatizing this would be for him if he had to be here to listen to the kind of things that are likely to be brought up?" Draco insisted. Sol squeezed his hand that she was holding and Arashi wrapped an arm around his shoulders.
"That is a very good point, Draco. It is actually much better that Harry isn't here. We will just have to make sure that justice is served for him," Alice replied and patted Neville on the shoulder where he walked next to her.
They were all led to a row of seats where they sat with the Evanson Circle that had beaten them there. They sat there and quietly talked to each other for about ten minutes before Jun, Briar, Lucius, and Lily were called to the front to stand as family for both Harry, Petunia, and Dudley. This was going to be a bit touchy for all of them. The Dursleys were all brought in and the trial began.
Every piece of evidence was presented to the courts and Harry's healer report was presented to show the extent of the damage that had been done to him and at which age it had started. It was truly appalling how badly these people had treated a child under their care. Draco was so angry that Sol had literally had to hold him in her arms so that he would not charge the platform to hurt the Dursleys himself.
When it was all said and done, Petunia and Vernon had been sentenced to ten years in Nevarah's prison. But a curse was added at the insistence of Lucius. This curse would make them feel every moment of starvation over and over again but ten times worse. No matter how much they ate, they would never feel full. They were made to feel every beating or illness that Harry suffered through. Once again over and over again and ten times worse than the original wound. In their cells, they would only have a small cot, a bucket to defecate in, and no window or light. Just as if they were locked in a cupboard.
After their ten years were up, they would be charmed so that they could never mention, write, or otherwise reveal anything about Nevarah, magic, or creatures to anyone and then sent back to Earth to live out the rest of their lives. Draco and the rest of the family was quite happy with the results of that and no one opposed it, including Jun and Briar.
Dudley was a different story. They didn't get a chance to announce his punishment before Lily stood and begged the courts for mercy to be shown to her Nephew. Draco was shocked and appalled. How could their mother stand there and beg for mercy for a boy who had happily tortured her son for years? A boy who, with the help of his gang, beat said son nearly to death and then left him in a dirty alley instead of getting him help. He was even more hurt when Jun and Briar backed her up and even offered to let Dudley stay in their home.
They wanted to give him therapy, try to reverse the hate his parents had instilled in him. They wanted to take his suppressions off of his magic so that he could learn how to use it properly. Draco hated Lily, Jun, and Briar in that moment.
"I want to go home," Draco told Sol. He turned and looked at her. "Like right now. I don't want to be part of this. This is a betrayal and what they are doing is going to hurt my brother really badly." Sol kissed the side of his head and nuzzled him to calm him down.
"Severus and I are leaving as well," Laurent snapped and the two men stood up and followed Draco and his circle from the courthouse. Lucius watched them go and knew that there was about to be a lot of issues because of what Lily had just done. She had not spoken to him about this beforehand. He did not know she had planned on doing this. He shot a glare at Jun and Briar as well. They knew the whole story of what that boy had done to Harry. He couldn't believe they were backing Lily up about this. Harry was not going to take kindly to any of them after this.
Lucius would make sure that Lily knew that he would choose his son over her if it came down to it. He would not risk his relationship with his son over this.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harry after Resting Period
Harry was having a rare moment where he wanted to be alone, he needed time to think. He had learned that while they were on his resting period, the Dursleys had stood trial with his parents, grandparents, and Draco's circle as witnesses. Vernon and Petunia had been found guilty, of course, and been sentenced to ten years in the Dragel cells under the courthouse. Harry had been happy to hear about the curse his father had suggested they be put under. After they served their sentence they would be dropped back on Earth and left to rot for all any of them cared.
Jun, Briar, and Lily had petitioned the court to take in Dudley. They wanted to have the suppressions taken off of him so that he could learn to use his magic and have him see a mind healer two or three times a week so that they could help recondition his mind away from the hate that his parents had instilled in him from birth. He would be staying with Jun's circle. If he proved to make no progress after two years he would join his parents in prison to finish out their sentence and then join them on Earth.
Harry didn't know how he felt about seeing Dudley. He didn't know if he would be able to. Dudley had killed him. Killed him!!!! For fun, with his friends. The only reason that he was alive was because Lady Death had saved him. He didn't know how to feel about his grandparents and mom vouching for him. He didn't know how he felt about any of it.
There was a nudge against his shoulder and Harry reached up to pet Beauty. The Thestral had been released on their island after they had arrived and Harry had come out to visit with him as often as he could, which wasn't very often due to the business of settling in and all that. Hedwig and Fawkes were flying over their heads and Bubble was twining around his fingers.
"Harry," He didn't lift his head to acknowledge that he heard anything. His emotions were just chaotic right now. He knew why Bill was here. He hadn't eaten anything yet today and it was getting close to dinner time. He had been out in the woods of their island since before breakfast when he had been told what had happened. He felt Bill settle beside him and allowed his Alpha to pull him into his arms.
"Harry, I need you to talk to me," Bill said softly. "We can work through what you're feeling. I need you to talk to me about it. Everyone is really concerned about you, Love." The Alpha rubbed soothing circles on his back and then waited to give Harry time to talk if he was going to.
"Alpha, I .... I don't .... I don't think I am okay with what they settled on with Dudley," Harry said quietly. He finally figured out how he was feeling. He was hurt, and afraid, but most of all he felt incredibly betrayed. "How could they vouch for him? How could they decide that he was safe enough to let into their homes? Bill, he.. he... I died. He killed me. I am only here because Lady Death saved me." Harry said so quietly that Bill almost didn't hear him. Bill just pulled him in tighter. He hadn't been happy with what had happened either. Then Harry was sobbing into his chest.
"I know, Love. I know this doesn't feel like justice. We will work it all out together. We will make sure that you are never around him and that you never even hear his name. He will never be able to hurt you again and if he tries, we will kill him," Bill swore. Harry just nodded and stayed wrapped in Bill's arms. He didn't know how long the two of them sat there in the forest with Harry's familiars and pets around them before someone came for them.
~~~~~~~
"Alpha," Kisten said quietly. Harry was sleeping in Bill's arms and the Alpha didn't want to move just yet to let him rest. He inclined his head to the Gheyo to let him know he was listening.
"The other little troublemaker apparently eavesdropped on your conversation earlier. He came back to the house almost breathing fire, he was so angry. He sent a message and summoned their family circle here. They just arrived. Draco tore into them the moment they were settled in the sitting room," Kisten reported. Bill sighed and looked down to see that Harry was awake again.
"Are you up to seeing them?" Bill asked. He would not force Harry to confront his parents right now. He was a bit annoyed because he was pretty sure he was about thirty minutes away from convincing his little Submissive to eat something. All of that work was gone now no matter what Harry decided to do. Harry took a deep breath and then he nodded slowly. Bill kissed him gently. "So brave, Darling." Then Kisten helped him stand with Harry still in his arms. They headed for the house.
When they entered the room Lily stood to come to him but Harry shook his head and turned his face into Bill's neck. He heard his Mera inhale sharply and he felt bad for hurting her but he just couldn't stand it right now. His feelings were too raw and she was part of the reason.
"Harry, Darling, Please," She said quietly. Harry heard Draco scoff.
"He has every right to be hurt by what you all decided. I don't care if that awful boy is family. Do you understand? He killed my brother. So whether or not he is your nephew and you feel bad doesn't really matter to us. Harry is alive because a deity chose to breathe life back into him. We would have never known him. We would have never come back together. You, James, Alice, and Frank would still be in an endless sleep with Dumbledore stealing your magic," Draco was so mad he was nearly yelling.
"Draco, I think that is quite enough now," Sol stated sternly. "I completely agree with you about all of it. But you are working yourself up and it is making your brother react badly. Look," Sol pointed to Harry who was nearly trembling in Bill's arms now. Draco took a deep breath and glared hard at his parents.
"I don't know how many of you agreed with Lily's decision to let that murderer get away with what he did to my brother. But until something is done about it we don't want her, Jun, Briar, or anyone else who agrees with them in our home. Do you understand? I won't let anyone hurt my brother ever again. I swore it. I will stand by it. Even if it is against all of you." With that said he walked over to Harry.
"Come, Brother, let's go have a good cuddle. I think we both need it," Harry nodded and kept his head down as he let Draco gently guide him out of the room. Draco pulled Harry into a smaller sitting room that the two of them had claimed when they first moved in. It had no furniture, just really fluffy carpet and a shit ton of blankets and pillows in a large nest in front of the fireplace. Draco lit the fire and then the two of them let out their wings, crawled into the nest, and curled up together.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Back in the main sitting room, no one else had moved since the twins had left the room.
"Are you really banning us from here?" James demanded. He didn't understand how his sons could not see why Lily and Jun were trying to save Dudley. They needed this. They had lost too much already.
"Yes," Bill and Sol stated together.
"If you don't understand why your decision to let that horrible boy free, would hurt them then you are not the parents that you should be. I don't care if he is your nephew. Harry is your son. That boy murdered your son because it was fun. He and his friends called it "Harry Hunting". Did you know that? It was his favorite game to play," Bill told them calmly. He was not calm at all though.
"Do the courts even know about this?" Ethan asked finally.
"Yes," Lucius spoke up. He had not been happy with this choice. He and Lily had and were still fighting about it. Only James, Frank, and Alice had supported her. But she had spoken up in the courtroom without talking to any of them first. She had apparently discussed it with Jun though and they had decided to try and fight for it.
"Then how in the world did they agree to this?" Perry asked. He was shocked. Most of them were.
"It is kind of hard to fight something when the parent and grandparents of the victim are the ones asking for it," Severus stated coldly.
"What of Luna and Neville? How do they feel about it?" Theo asked. Lily looked guilty and heartbroken.
"They have asked to move out," Lily said quietly.
"Good. It will be good for Harry to know that at least his siblings have his back. They are welcome here," Bill said.
"How do you feel now, knowing that standing up to save that murderer has cost you all of your children? And from the fact that your Merrow is missing, it looks like it may have cost you at least one mate as well," Theo said.
"I think it is time for you to go now. This situation has caused my Submissive to slip in his progress. He has touched no food today, not even a snack. I have been able to convince him to eat nothing. Severus, you may bring Neville and Luna here. Harry will need them," Bill stated with a hard tone.
"The rest of you are no longer welcome here until you have proven that Harry is more important than whatever sick loyalty you feel for your son's tormentor," Hadrian said. "Please, pass the message on the the Evanson Circle as well. They have lost themselves four grandchildren to save one."
Lily looked so upset and moved to argue but Lucius grabbed her arm and gave her a hard look.
"You have caused enough hurt in this home. It is time to go. We will make this right or Laurent will not be the only mate that is missing from your bed, Lillian," Lucius stated coldly. Then he released her arm and turned to leave. James wrapped an arm around a sobbing Lily and then they were leaving.
"I don't want anything lost in translation, I will send a message to Juniper to let her know that she and her circle are no longer allowed in our home or around Harry. I will let them know why. Make sure they understand exactly how bad the situation is and how serious we are about this. If they choose to keep that boy in their home we will sever our ties with them," Bill stated. Then he turned to Glynn.
"Please, get a message to Laurent. Let him know that if he is avoiding home because of this he is welcome here. That Harry needs all of the parental support that he can get," Bill asked. Glynn nodded.
"It will be done, Alpha," The Merrow Ace stated and then walked out of the room with Alec right behind him.
"Ethan, please make sure two rooms are ready for Neville and Luna. They may not use them but make sure they are ready just in case. Harry may end up staying in his nest with Draco and the others," Theo asked calmly.
"Of course, we will take care of it," Ethan said and then he left the room followed by Fred and George.
What are we going to do about food?
Quinn asked the angry Alpha carefully.
He needs to eat something. I would be satisfied at least if we could get him to take blood
"We will figure something out. I want to give him time to settle from this as much as he can. If Laurent comes I will see if I can get him to take blood from him. I will also see if he will let Severus in there to feed from. I think right now he might respond best to a parent," Bill said sadly. Then he left the room to send his message to the Evanson Alpha.
Harry had been so happy and rested. He had gone to sleep last night after waking up refreshed from his resting period. He was excited about Hunt preparations. He hadn't even seen any of his Pareya today, they had still been asleep when Harry had secluded himself outside. They had only woken up around lunchtime. Bill hated that this had happened. He didn't understand what Lily and Jun were thinking. Nephew or Grandson or not, the boy had literally taken Harry's life. Had he been anyone else he would be dead right now. He really hoped they pulled their heads out of their asses and fast. Harry had suffered enough. He deserved to be happy.
~~~~~~~~
Harry and Draco were resting and talking quietly to each other when the door to their little nest room was slowly cracked open. Draco lifted his head to see who had come into the room when he saw Laurent and Severus standing in the doorway. He growled lowly when they stepped forward.
"What do you want?" Draco demanded. "If you are here to try and justify what they did then you can leave right now. He has been through enough today."
"We aren't here for that, Drake. There is no justification for what they did. I left as soon as we arrived home from the trial and Severus decided to leave before they came here earlier. He brought Neville and Luna with him. They are both moving in here. And so are we if the two of you will allow it," Laurent said calmly. Harry sniffled and lifted his head up to look at them. Laurent and Severus just wanted to pull him into their arms.
He looked so wrung out. Eyes puffy, lips chapped and cracked from being bitten, tear track stains on his cheeks, and such a lost look in his eyes. He looked so much younger than his sixteen years. He looked so hurt and betrayed.
"You chose me?" Harry said in a small broken voice. "You don't agree with Lily?" Harry hadn't thought of her as mum since he realized what she had done.
"No, Darling, we don't agree with Lily. Can we come in? We want to hold you, Son. Help you settle, maybe eat a bit," Severus soothed and cooed at him. Harry sniffled again then he was up and in the Pareya's arms crying all over again. Severus just held him tightly and rumbled soothingly to him. Draco walked into Laurent's arms and squeezed.
"Thank you for choosing, Harry," Was all he said as they let Harry cry out his relief that at least two of his parents had chosen him.
"We aren't the only ones who chose you, Love. The others are just trying to talk so sense into Lily," Severus said after Harry had calmed down.
"Really?" Harry asked. Severus nodded. He gently extracted himself from Harry and nudged him to Laurent.
"I heard that you are understandably having a Bad Day?" Severus asked and Harry nodded. "If I go and get some light foods will you try to eat for me, Darling?" Harry nodded again and let Draco and Laurent fuss over him.
"Can your brother and sister come in? They are really worried about you," Laurent asked.
"Please," Harry said with a grateful sigh. Severus nodded and stepped out of the room. Harry heard him chuckle and then stepped back into the room and let Neville and Luna come in. They both had trays of light foods and drinks in their hands.
"Lunagirl strikes again," Draco said fondly. Then the six of them sat on the floor with the trays in the middle and Harry ate enough to satisfy his family. He was so happy to know that he was loved and that they had chosen him.
"Your Quinn says that you should take blood also. He thinks it will help settle you and level out your emotions," Neville said after they had all finished snacking.
"Ok," Harry said and then crawled into Severus' lap when he opened his arms for him. The others continued to talk quietly as Harry fed and then he lazily licked the wound closed and was drifting off to sleep.
"Harry, do you want to stay in here or do you want one of your bonded?" Draco asked. He was prepared to stay locked away in this room with his brother for as long as he wanted. Harry shook his head no.
"Want Bill," Harry said sleepily.
"I will go get him for you," Draco said and jumped up to find his brother's Alpha. He found him lying in a bed fully clothed two rooms down with Theo. The two of them were just lying there and clearly just waiting to be called to Harry.
"Bill, Harry is asking for you," Draco said as he stepped into the room. Bill and Theo both sat up quickly. "Just so that you know we got him to eat a good amount of the snacks and he took blood from Sev." Bill and Theo both physically relaxed. "Now go get him. He is tired and he wants you." Bill nodded and then was up in a moment. Theo was right behind him. They strode into the room and Bill knelt down next to where Severus was still cuddling him close. Bill ran his fingers through Harry's hair and then gently down his cheek until he fluttered his eyes open.
"Bill," Harry said with a smile and softly chirred at the Alpha.
"Hello, Trouble," Bill said gently. Harry reached for him and Bill pulled him up and into his arms. Harry wrapped arms and legs around him and nuzzled his neck.
"Want to sleep in a room with just you, Theo, and Caelus tonight, please, Alpha," Harry said softly.
"Of course, Trouble. Theo will grab Caelus and the four of us will sleep alone tonight," Bill agreed. Harry chirred happily and pressed a soft kiss to his mark on Bill's neck.
"Thank you, Bill," Harry said sleepily.
"We are going to retire to bed now. Thank you for coming and thank you for getting him to eat. You are all welcome to stay here as long as you want or need," Bill said sincerely, and then he left the room and headed to a room down the hall from their resting room. As they passed the room Ethan was standing in the doorway and did a quick swapping spell to put them in pajamas. Bill nodded gratefully and entered the room he had been heading for. Theo and Caelus were already there waiting.
"Let's get some sleep now, Love," Bill said and moved to gently lay Harry in the center of the bed. Harry looked up at him and pressed a kiss to his lips.
"I love you, Bill," Harry said sleepily and then was sound asleep before his head was properly on the pillow. Bill laid down next to him and Theo laid down on the other side of Bill while Caelus took the other side of Harry. He had been surprised and happy to be included in their private cuddle. He knew that Theo and Bill had been courting Harry for over a year and that the three of them had a close solid bond. He had not expected to be called as well. But he would never complain.
The three of them held Harry through the night and when he woke sobbing from nightmares they gently and lovingly soothed him back to sleep. There would be serious consequences for hurting Harry this way.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning, the day before The Hunt officially started, was a quiet one. Harry sat next to Hadrian at breakfast with Laurent on his other side. Bill had refused to look at any messages that may have come from Harry's parents or grandparents so that they could have a pleasant morning and eat breakfast before diving back in. Not that there was much to discuss.
"What is everyone's plan for today?" Ethan asked after everyone had finished eating. "The Hunt starts tomorrow has any of our plans for that changed?"
"Not really. We will explore and enjoy the first week. Let Harry get comfortable in the pits and start maybe checking out people that he would like to possibly court. Then on Friday, we walk," Bill answered. Harry nodded.
"What about Neville and Luna?" Harry asked. "Are they walking with us now? How does that work?"
"They are perfectly welcome to walk with us if that is what they want to do. They can be introduced after us as individuals. It would be better however if at least Luna was introduced by an established circle. She is hunting this season and it would be good for her to be sponsored, so to speak," Ethan said. "Did your parents already find a circle to do that for you?"
"No, I was just going to walk after them," Luna answered.
"There isn't anything wrong with that and it is actually a very normal practice. However, your parents are not an established or well-known circle and it would benefit you to be introduced by someone with connections," Ethan explained. "It won't matter so much with Neville because he isn't hunting, but you will want every opportunity that you can to get you started."
"What if I ask Bahn about letting her be sponsored by them?" Theo spoke up. "She could walk after them. They are an established circle and well respected."
"What do you two think?" Harry asked. Severus and Laurent were their parents after all and had a right to be included in the conversation.
"Your Pareya is right, Harry. Being introduced or sponsored by a more connected circle would be beneficial for Lunagirl," Laurent answered and Severus agreed.
"It would be a good thing even if our circle gets it together before then," Severus added.
"I will go and visit Ilsa and Bahn and see what they think about it," Theo said. "Just let me know if any other plans change." He leaned down and kissed Harry and then was getting ready to walk out of the room when Enlil and Aither stood up as well.
"We will go with you, Theodore," Enlil stated and Theo nodded. He knew that the Aces in the house didn't really want anyone going anywhere without a Gheyo escort if at all possible. They had royal and blood title connections and if someone was feeling stupid they may try to do something.
"Of course, I will be happy for the company," Theo smiled at them. The Air Prince and Princess each kissed Harry as well and then followed the Beta to the transportation room.
"OK so I have to check in with my brother and see what is going on and if there is anything last minute that needs to be handled before The Hunt officially starts. I will be back later to check in," Laurent said. He kissed and hugged all four children and then waited. He knew that he wouldn't be leaving the house alone either. Harry's Gheyo seemed to be incredibly serious about escorts and he was sure that would extend to him.
"We will accompany your father. We have things to attend to as well," Glynn said as he stood with Alec, Marin, and Chelan. "We aren't allowed above ground right now anyways."
"Try not to get into any trouble while we are gone," Alec smirked and kissed Harry quite soundly before heading over to Laurent. Not to be outdone the other three Merrow also snogged the life out of him before leaving. Harry was breathless and a bit riled up by the time they were done and heading down to the lower levels to get to the water. Caelus laughed and pulled Harry down into his lap.
"I am going to head home and see what is going on there. Do either of you want to go or need anything from the house while I am gone?" Severus asked Luna and Neville. They both shook their head no and Severus said his goodbyes to all four of his kids and then left as well. He was going to see if Lucius, Sirius, and Remus had managed to talk some sense into the others.
"I have a few orders to finish up at work so I will need to be gone for a bit today. Hopefully, I will be back sometime around lunch," Donovan stated. He also took pleasure in snogging the life out of Harry. If they didn't chill out Harry was dragging someone into a private room to help him work off this problem growing in his pants.
Peryton also needed to go for a bit today and he was accompanied by Adad and Styrmir. A few of Draco's bonded had a few things to check in on and take care of before tomorrow as well and then Draco dragged Luna off to somewhere in the house to talk to her about her outfits and stuff for The Hunt and Bill took Neville with him for a few hours to do a few Alpha things. Brishen went with them.
"Hey, Kitten," Harry looked up at Wikhn and Kisten. They both smirked down at him and he flushed prettily. "Let's go play." Harry nodded and Caelus kissed him before handing him over to the Gheyo. The two of them took him up to the Gheyo floor and were quite happy to help Harry with his problem. Harry was quite satisfied and in a much better mood when he came back downstairs an hour and a half later.
He plopped himself down in Mistral's lap and was happy for the cuddle with his Pareya. He hadn't really spent any time with them since their Realignment. Oliver came in with a snack tray a little bit later and Harry happily ate the offered snacks and then settled between the two of them.
"How are you feeling, Little Seeker?" Oliver finally asked. Harry sighed and looked up at him.
"Not so raw anymore. Yesterday was bad. Today I am more in control of myself but I still feel the same about it. What they did is wrong, Dudley should not be allowed to escape the punishment that he deserves. I grew up with terrible parents and I would never treat someone that way. It isn't an excuse. I know a lot of kids who grew up in abusive homes that didn't try to kill someone. Dudley is a bad person. I know that he wasn't under any kind of compulsions or spells to make him act out. He did all of that on his own and made the choice to torment me my whole life. He chose to beat me so badly that I died. It isn't excusable. I don't feel safe knowing that he isn't locked up anymore," Harry told his Pareya honestly.
"We will keep you safe, Kitten. He will never get anywhere near you," Hadrian said from the doorway into the room. Harry looked up at his Shadow Ace and smiled. Hadrian came into the room and knelt in front of Harry. "I swear to you that he will never get the opportunity to get even close enough for you to smell him. We will protect you. All of us." The Ace looked Harry in the eyes the entire time. He wanted him to know how serious he was. Harry smiled again and let himself be pulled into the Ace's arms.
"Thank you, Hadrian. Thank you so much," Harry told him and held him tightly. Hadrian nuzzled him and just knelt there holding Harry until he was ready to let go.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Evanson-Malfoy Triad: Evanson Home
Lucius watched in satisfaction as Lily stared in horror at her nephew. The awful boy had done nothing but cause problems in the Evanson home since he had been released to them. They were watching now as the almost seventeen-year-old laughed gleefully after breaking some priceless things in the room. He was throwing a tantrum. Jun finally took the boy by the ear angrily and pulled him out of the room and into a sitting room. Lily and the others followed.
"Dudley, we would like to talk to you," Lily said calmly. Dudley sneered at her and spit.
"I have nothing to say to you, Freak," Dudley said with such hatefulness that Lily was taken aback. She didn't understand how the boy could be so hateful.
"This is very important, Boy. If you don't listen you could end up right back in prison with your parents. We are trying to help you," Jun stated. Dudley just scoffed and rolled his eyes.
"Lock me back up. I don't need help from Freaks. I'd rather rot in prison with normal people than live with you Freaky lot," Dudley said seriously.
"You can't possibly mean that," Lily said sadly. She had to make this work. She had to prove that he was a good boy under all of that hate. She had probably irreparably ruined her relationship with her son because of this. Dudley laughed meanly.
"Of course I mean it. Where is Harry, by the way? I haven't gotten the chance to beat his ass recently and I know that this entire situation is his fault. I owe the fagot one hell of a beat down for this," Dudley said with a sinister smile. He looked up still smirking when he heard growls around the room. "You don't scare me. When I get out of here, and I will get out of here, I am going to hunt that little fagot freak down and finish what I started when he was fourteen. I only wish I had succeeded in killing him that day." Lily and Jun both gasped and stared at the boy in horror.
"You know that you almost killed him?" Jun demanded. They had been hoping that it was an unfortunate accident. That the boy felt bad for what he had done.
"Oh yeah, Piers and I were trying to kill him. Being a Freak with Magic was bad enough but then he turned out to be a faggot too and that was more than we could handle. I wasn't going to sleep in a house with a freak that might decide to try and take advantage of me with his freak magic," Dudley said with an exaggerated shudder.
"Have you heard enough yet, Lily?" Lucius demanded. He was furious and it was taking every bit of control he had not to rip that boy apart with his teeth. Remus had to take Sirius out of the room. Frank, Alice, and James looked sick at having agreed with Lily about giving the boy a second chance. Lily was sobbing again.
"I agreed to this for you Lily," Jun said quietly. "I just wanted to make you happy and I should have stuck with my gut about this. I am sorry Lily but this boy can not stay in my home. He is a danger to my children and circle. I won't lose Neville, Draco, Harry, and Luna over this one horrible boy. You can take him home with you." Lucius sneered and shook his head.
"If you agree to bring that, boy into our home I am leaving. I have a feeling I won't be the only one to leave either," Lucius told his Submissive.
"I don't need any of you freaks to take me in. I don't want to be around all of your freakishness. Send me home," Dudley demanded. Jun looked at Lily who shook her head no.
"You will be going back to your cell. That is the only place that you will be going," Jun stated. "And just for good measure, you are going to be disowned and taken off of any family tree records. I want nothing to do with you." Dudley just scoffed and shrugged.
"Fine by me. I didn't want to be part of your family anyway. Like I said before, being in my cell is preferable to being in this home with one of you. At least there I only have to see a freak when they feed me," Dudley answered.
Briar and Rian came in with a letter written out and handed it to Jun. She read it over and signed it. They had already written up the letter to have him returned to his cell and why. Lily was also made to sign it since she had also agreed to be one of his caregivers. Dudley was pulled up and bound before being escorted out by Jun's Gheyo. They would take him back to the courthouse and have him locked back up.
"Now it is time to fix our family before it gets worse," Jun said standing up. Briar and Rian stood up as well. Lucius nodded and then went to grab Sirius and Remus. They ported away and straight to Harry and Draco's home.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harry and Co.: Home
Harry was sitting and laughing as he played Exploding Snap with Theo, Draco, Neville, Fred, George, Blaise, and Luna. It felt like it had been a really long time since the group of them had spent time together just doing nothing. The only people who were missing were Hermione, Ginny, and Ron. Theo had promised to send messages to them to see if they could come sometime next week and hang out with them.
They felt the wards let them know that someone had arrived and before any of them could move Bill poked his head into the sitting room.
"I got it. Just keep playing. If any of you are needed someone will come and get you," The Alpha said with a smile and then strode away. He was met on the way by a few of their Gheyo as well as Sol and Viktor. Severus was waiting just out the front door for them. He felt his mates.
"It is Lucius and the others. I am assuming they chose this port area because they are unsure of their welcome to port into the house," Severus told his son's Alphas.
"That was a smart choice. If they had ported into the house and caused Harry or Draco distress it would not have gone over well," Sol stated and Bill and Viktor nodded. Family or not. They wouldn't allow anyone to distress their Submissives. This was their home and their safe place and it always would be. They made it to the bridge that led onto their property from the land.
Lucius was standing there looking smug. Lily and Jun looked guilty and the others had looks between smug and guilty. Bill sincerely hoped that meant they learned their lesson.
"What can we do for you?" Bill asked calmly. No need to start the conversation off on a bad note. He didn't know why they were here after all. Lucius stepped forward with Remus and Sirius.
"We are here to let our children know that the problem has been handled. Lily and Jun as well as those that supported her are here to apologize and beg for forgiveness. They were wrong and now they understand just how wrong they were. The rest of us are here to simply see our children and let them know that we were always on Harry's side. He was not abandoned or unwanted. If you will allow it," Lucius stated firmly.
"And what of the murderer?" Viktor asked in his thick accent. Draco's circle cared for Harry as much as if he were their brother as well.
"Back in a cell, where he belongs," Sirius snarled. Remus placed a gentle hand on his arm and Sirius took a deep breath. He had not handled this situation very well at all. This decision had almost torn apart the circle they had only just managed to put back together. Harry had been hurt and he had hated every minute of it. He was so disappointed in Lily and James as well as Frank and Alice. He had expected better.
"Good. Then you may come in and attempt to make things right with Harry and the others," Bill said after nods from the others. It wasn't just his decision to make after all. He and the others turned and headed back for the house. He had seen Hadrian leave earlier. he was sure that the Shadow Ace was going to prepare the others that they were coming.
He had been right of course. Hadrian was sitting in the room with Harry snug in his lap. The entirety of the rest of the two circles that were home were also spread around the room sitting or standing. Draco was not sitting, he was standing very close to the door and stood in his family's way when they made to come closer.
"If you are not here to offer apologies and beg forgiveness then you might as well turn around now. I will not have you upsetting us all over again. We are having a great day after the disaster of yesterday don't ruin it," Draco snapped. Lucius smiled at his fiercely protective son and gently cupped his cheek. Draco leaned into the touch.
"We are not here to upset any of you, Dear One. Those that caused this have finally come to their senses. They are here to do exactly what you demand. The rest of us are here to give some long-overdue cuddles. Is that acceptable?" Lucius asked Draco. He looked back at Harry, Neville, and Luna who all nodded that it was fine. So Draco stepped out of the way with a sigh and was happy to let his Beta pull him into his arms.
Lucius, Remus, Rian, Xeno, Narcissa, and Sirius took seats near their children while Lily, Jun, Briar, James, and the others took the empty seats across from them.
"I would like to start by saying that Lucius, Sirius, Remus, Xeno, Narcissa, and Rian were always against this choice. As well as Severus and Laurent obviously. They never turned their back on you and they never agreed with allowing Dudley out. Do you understand? They always put you first through the entire situation," Lily stated firmly. She wanted her children to know that not all of their parents were failures.
Harry looked like he was ready to cry. Those that he had known the most and had grown the closest to had always chosen him. They hadn't wanted Dudley free. He patted Hadrian's arm and nuzzled him before getting up and going straight into Lucius' arms. He sighed and just melted into the hug. Remus and Sirius both reached out and rubbed fingers through his hair or rubbed circles on his back. Luna had already gone to Narcissa when she had sat down and Neville was sitting quietly in between Xeno and Narcissa.
"Thank you," Harry whispered. Lucius just held him tighter for a moment before pulling him back so that he could look into his face. He wiped his eyes and smiled at him.
"I made a promise when I first found you again that I would never let you down. You and your siblings are more important to me than anyone or anything in the entire world. I will always choose the four of you. Over and over again no matter the situation. Never doubt that, Love," Lucius told his boy. Harry nodded and smiled. Then he was happy to cuddle into Sirius' lap to let Lily continue.
"I should have never done this to any of you. I almost destroyed our family for nothing. I had just hoped that maybe he was a good boy and that he had just behaved that way because he thought he had to. I just wanted to give him a chance away from Vernon and Petunia to have a better life. I admit that I did not think at all about how you would feel about it. I was selfish and I was wrong," Lily said with tears streaming down her face. Harry just nodded.
"We are guilty as well. We haven't been around to witness the actual devastation that you suffered at the hands of those who have hurt you. Hearing it in stories, it is easy to assume that things have been exaggerated. I did not honestly believe that the boy had killed you. Lucius proved otherwise when he handed us your first scans from the goblins. He also showed us the memories that you had submitted to convict them. We understand better now why you feel as strongly as you do about this," James told Harry.
"We also were subjected to that awful boy in our home for a few days. He is not a good boy from a bad situation. He is a rotten apple that rots everything he touches. He is a horrible nasty boy and he scared my other children," Briar spit out.
"I am glad that you all understand why I feel the way I do about it. Dudley has never shown me kindness. He and his little rabid pack of friends have treated a lot of people the way they treated me. I was not the only one. Two and a half years ago a girl from our school spilled milk on Dudley by accident and the next day she didn't show up for school. Dudley and his friends looked smug and proud like they had done something. They found that girl's body in a ditch a week later. She had been raped and beaten to death. I am not Dudley's only target. It isn't just a hate in me that his parents encouraged. Dudley is a psychopath," Harry told them. He had started trembling and Sirius held him tighter and let him bury his face in his neck.
"You never told any of us that," Lucius said gently. "I would have insisted that he was locked away right that moment if I had known that you were not the only one in danger from him."
"I am sorry," Harry said. "I have tried to tell people before but no one has ever believed me."
"I know, Son. But we have always believed you. Haven't we?" Lucius asked. Harry nodded.
"Yes, Papa," Harry said. "I should have told you. I promise not to keep stuff from you again."
"Good boy, Love," Lucius said and kissed his head.
"I am sorry, Harry," Lily said again. "Please forgive us for not standing with you."
"Thank you for your apology and for making things right by putting him back in a cell," Harry stated. "But I am not ready just yet to forgive. This situation has truly messed with me in a bad way. There was still a lot of trauma that I guess I had not dealt with. I need time to move past this. Please understand." Lily nodded as did the others. This was a bad situation and the only way to move on from it was to give Harry time and to show him without a doubt that they were there for him.
"We will show what you mean to us, Harry. I swear we will fix this with you," Lily promised. Harry nodded. "The six of us will go and let you spend some time with the others for a bit."
"OK," Harry said quietly. He wasn't going to ask them to stay. He would relax more if they were gone for now so that he could spend time with the others.
"We love you, Harry. We love all of you. Even if you don't feel like it right now," Lily said, and then they all got up to leave. Rian went with them but only after hugging and kissing each of his grandchildren before he left. Harry and his siblings were left alone with their parents to spend time together without anyone else around. A few hours later everyone was calm and happy. Harry felt more settled than he had since yesterday. Laurent had shown up and joined them. They had dinner with them and then made the choice to go home. Neville and Luna went with them.
"How do you feel, Trouble?" Bill asked as they cuddled together after everyone left. Harry smiled up at him.
"I feel much better now. Especially since I know that Dudley is locked away again and that most of my parents agreed with me about him being locked away," Harry told him.
"That is good, Trouble. I am glad to hear it. I was worried about you. We all were," Bill told him. Harry blushed and kissed his Alpha.
"Thank you, Bill. I love you so much," Harry told the Alpha with a blush. Bill smiled brightly and held him closer.
"I love you too, Harry," Bill told him and then he stood up. "It is time for bed, Trouble. The Hunt starts tomorrow and you need all the rest that you can get."
"Sound like a great idea, Alpha," Harry said.
"Resting room with everyone or a private room again?" Bill asked.
"Resting room, please. I want to be with all of you," Harry said. Then squealed happily as Bill tossed him into the middle of the bed where his other bonded were all waiting. Quinn and Charlie wrapped around him from both sides and Harry was asleep in minutes cuddled up with his circle. Tomorrow was going to be so exciting. Harry couldn't wait.
Chapter 7: The Hunt Day One and Two
Summary:
Harry and the others enjoy their first and second day of The Hunt. Harry has another run-in with Nose Dive Yanek. Let the fun begin.
*******Revised 5/12/24 Added a few new things to the chapter and fixed a few grammar points. I hope you all like it.
Notes:
Thanks for those who pointed out my mistake with Theo's registration it is fixed now!!!!
Chapter Text
Hunt Day One
Today was the day. It was the first day of The Hunt. Harry Draco and many of the others were buzzing with excitement. Their circles were all dressed similarly which Harry expected. He and Draco had not left the house yet, that they were not dressed the same but with minor differences. All of the Gheyo were dressed in new armor that bore their clan crest and displayed their scale from Harry somewhere proudly.
Harry was once again wearing a nice pair of flowing pants made of some sort of silk and a shirt of scarves. He was once again displaying all of his claim marks and his scale belly chain. Each of his bonded, outside of the Gheyo, was also wearing a version of the silk flowing pants but most of them were wearing different tops that made each one most comfortable. They were all wearing different shades of green and their circle crest was on them somewhere in silver.
Draco was dressed almost exactly like Harry but in blues. His circle was dressed similarly but all in shades of blue with their circle crest in black. All of them were ready to go and had already eaten breakfast. They were ready to go and had a private room reserved to register since they were going together and had three royals with them.
"So you four are only going with us to the registration and then coming back home afterward or are you going into Merrow waters?" Harry asked his water bonded.
"We are going to go to the palace. Alec has duties that must be attended to for your uncle and we are going to be with him. So we will port with you to the registration room and then leave from there," Glynn informed him. Harry nodded and felt Alec wrap around him from the back nuzzling his neck.
"I can't wait until after introductions on Friday so that you can be with us during the hunt. I will miss all four of you while we are separated," Harry said with a sigh.
"Such a needy Submissive you are," Alec teased and nipped his ear. Harry squirmed and smiled.
"Stop teasing him, Alec. He doesn't have time to play with you," Glynn admonished their snarky Merrow. Alec just smirked over Harry's shoulder at the Ace and nipped him again. Harry shivered and turned so Alec could capture his mouth with his own. Alec kissed him like he was trying to devour him. Harry was panting when Alec pulled away smirking and smiling like an idiot when Glynn was suddenly there pulling Alec by the ear away from him and tucking him under his arm.
Harry was pulled forward into Charlie's arms. The Fire Joker held him close and chuckled when he squirmed against him.
"You can have the Merrow when we get home for the day," Charlie told him and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "I think it's time to go, Bill." The Alpha chuckled and nodded.
"Yes, it is. Let's go. Harry and Draco's parents will be waiting for us already I am sure," Bill agreed.
"Ilsa and their circle are going to be waiting for us as well. Bahn and Bhindi want to take Harry and Draco to the Submissive floors as well as Lily and Luna," Theo announced. Harry wasn't too happy about spending time around his Mera but he was sure that there would be enough things going on that it would be easy enough to ignore her for the most part and enjoy this time with his siblings. With that stated the two circles circled up and ported to the transportation area of The Hunt. They quickly moved off of the portal area and stood to the side to wait for Draco and his circle to arrive before they headed off for their private registration room.
When they got there, Lucius and the others were already there getting their introduction out of the way. Harry sidled up to Remus who was still waiting and chirred happily as he was tucked under his arm. Draco did the same but with Severus. The two of them were always happy to be tucked close to their parents. Lily looked back as if she was going to say something but Lucius clicked his tongue and nudged her up to do her registration. She looked sad but turned back around. Harry just snuggled closer to Remus and let the werewolf hold him tightly.
"You two boys look lovely today," Remus told them both. Harry and Draco both preened under the compliment and the agreeing noise from others in the room.
"Neville and Ernie both look very handsome," Draco said.
"There are going to be disappointed people when they find out that neither of them are hunting," Harry finished.
"Luna and Su also look so pretty," Draco offered.
"Our parents are going to have a great time keeping people away from them. They are going to get so many favors," Harry agreed.
"So are you big brothers," Luna said as she came up to them. Harry and Draco both hugged her tightly. Su and Ernie were both still pretty quiet and reserved when it came to dealing with everything. They were settling in pretty well but both were also very shy.
"I am not hunting," Draco stated firmly.
"Favors aren't always just for Hunting. Sometimes they are just offers of friendship or alliances," Ethan informed him.
"Well, I don't have a problem looking over those. Harry and I can do it together. Our circles are too close for us to deal with anyone that the other has an issue with," Draco replied.
"That is a good choice, Darling," Sol told him. They just stayed and chatted while they waited for their parents to be done. Harry thought the process was so interesting. When Laurent was finished he waited at the side he had promised his bonded that he would go with Harry's Merrow when they went underwater so that he had protection.
Then it was Draco's circle's turn to go.
"Draconis Ren Evanson-Malfoy, Submissive, Air, Decantor Circle, Royal. Not Hunting," He named off and then waited as the official put in all of his information. Then he was directed to the blue circle and pulled out all of his Dragel features. His wings were identical to Harry's except for the fact that Harry had what looked like Lightning strikes through his that marked him as a Ferros. They were peach and silver with hints of a pretty blue through them. When he was finished he put his wings away and went to stand with Lucius and Laurent.
"Viktor Krum, Beta, Air, Decantor Circle, High Noble," The Beta went next, and then he stepped up and pulled his pretty wings out for the measurements and pictures. Sol directed each of their circle through the process and then she went last.
"Sol Decantor, Alpha, Fire, Decantor Circle, High Noble," She stated, and then when she was directed, she stepped into the blue circle and couldn't help but preen when she heard Draco trill at the sight of her pretty wings. When she was finished she barely had time to step out of the circle before Draco was in her arms. She just smiled and moved off to the side with her arms wrapped around him.
Then it was Harry's turn.
"Harrison Orion Evanson-Malfoy, Ferros Submissive, Nameless, Serpent's Requiem, Royal," Harry prattled off with a smile.
"And are you Hunting?" The official asked. Harry beamed at him and nodded.
"Yes, but only Gheyo," Harry stated.
"Alright, do you want that noted in your introduction? It might cut down on the amount of unnecessary favors that you receive," The official asked. Harry turned and looked at Bill and Theo.
"It's up to you, Trouble. If you are certain that you only want to court Gheyo then it would be helpful. If you are uncertain and may want to hunt for others then don't add it," Bill told him. Harry smiled.
"You can add it for our announcement. I am absolutely sure that I am only hunting for Gheyo," Harry told the official. The official put in the information and then indicated for Harry to step into the blue circle. He did so and happily released his wings. He was very proud of them. He knew he looked lovely with them on display just based on the looks he received from his bonded. Harry left his wings out instead of putting them away. He loved having them out.
"Theodore Gorgens-Nott, Beta, Earth, Serpent's Requiem, High Noble," He stated and then did his measurements moved to Harry, and wrapped his arms around him. "You look lovely, Princess. Your wings are very pretty." Harry blushed and leaned up on his tiptoes to kiss his Beta.
"Thank you, Theo," Harry said. They stood together and watched as Bill, Hadrian, and Glynn kept the line of his bonded moving along. Finally, they were all finished. Harry said goodbye to his father and his Merrow Bonded as they ported away. Then they stepped out of the registration room to see the Deveraine Circle and the Evanson Circle waiting for them. Harry was most surprised to see the Weasleys and Hermione there as well. They were standing with a group that Harry didn't recognize.
"There you all are. We were waiting for you," Bahn said smiling brightly.
"OK, so what are everyone's plans for the day? Who will be where?" Delani, Bahn's Alpha asked.
"Bhindi and I are going to take the other Submissives and head to the Submissive floors. It will be good for all of them to get comfortable and meet others," Bahn stated firmly. Harry knew that tone, it meant there was no arguing.
The others went down the line stating their plans. The Gheyo would be heading off to the pits. Caelus would accompany Harry's Gheyo just in case they wanted to sign up for a fight that required more than the Ace to sign off on. He was also given permission from Sol and Viktor to sign off for their Gheyo if it required it. Ron would be going with them as well. He had inherited as a Gheyo when his seals had been broken and so he would be going to see what it was all about. Mr. Weasley would be going with them.
Theo would be going with Viktor, James, and the other Betas to the Beta floors. Ginny would be joining them because she had inherited as a Beta. Bill, Sol, Jun, Lucius, and Neville would be going with Delani and Malachi. Which Harry learned was the Prewitt Alpha. Neville invited Ernie to tag along with them as well but the Druid declined and said he wanted to just wonder around and check everything out. Su was going to be dragged off by Fred and George with a few of the other Pareya. They figured it all out and then Harry turned to Hermione who had been standing quietly with her parents.
"Mione, come with us. I know you aren't a Submissive but I haven't seen you and I want to spend time with you as well," Harry said and pulled his friend into a hug. She smiled at him.
"I already promised my parents that we would explore things together for a bit today. But if you get away from the Submissive floors for a bit later, find me and we can hang out," Hermione told him. Harry frowned for a moment and then smiled brightly at her.
"Fine, how about we meet for lunch at one? But I am insisting that Theo, Blaise, Fred, George, Ron, Ginny, Neville, and Luna meet us at the same time," Harry stated firmly. Then looked at all of them. "We can meet at the entrance to the food court or something." Then he turned to Su and Ernie. "The two of you are welcome to join us for lunch as well.
"I think I am going to meet up with Ernie around that time and the two of us will do our own thing," Su said with a slight blush. Harry smiled apparently the two of them may like each other. That was probably expected considering they were both new to everything and suddenly thrust together to bond over their shared experiences.
"Alright, but if the two of you change your minds, we will be meeting in front of the food court at one," Draco offered.
"Thank you, we will keep that in mind," Ernie agreed.
"Harry, is it alright with you if Shayla and I join you?" Soula asked. She was Ilsa's daughter she was the same age as the rest of them. Harry smiled at her.
"Of course it is," Harry told her. "Will the two of you be on the Submissive floors with us?" She nodded. "Then we can all just leave together."
"Don't leave the Submissive floors without me. I will come and escort you to the others," Wikhn told them firmly. "I will come with Blaise to escort the lot of you."
"Yes, my King," Harry said and kissed him.
"Ok, let's get this day started. Stay available and respond if someone contacts you," Delani stated. Then everyone went their separate ways. Harry and Draco linked arms and followed behind Bahn and Bhindi. Gideon and Fabian came up on either side of Draco and Harry to talk with them. Harry found that he very much liked their Weasley's uncles. They reminded Draco and Harry of Fred and George. The four of them together would probably result in absolute chaos. Behind them was Luna with Soula and Shayla followed by Lily and Briar.
Harry very much enjoyed his time with the others on the Submissive floors. He was introduced to so many people but he wasn't worried about remembering names because he knew that Draco would remember all of the important ones for them. Bhindi didn't seem very friendly but he didn't take offense because she literally snapped or snarked at everyone. Most people just avoided her and spoke to Bahn. Lily tried to talk to Harry and Draco one time. Harry spoke to her and he was polite but he didn't show her the affection that she was seeking.
"Harry," The Submissive turned at the sound of his name being called. When he did he grinned at the set of twins standing there smiling excitedly at him.
"Padma, Parvati, the two of you look amazing. I didn't know that you had an inheritance over the summer," Harry said. He hugged them both. He really hadn't paid attention to the students from Hogwarts who had chosen to come to Nevarah.
"Dragel Submissives," Padma answered.
"Just like you apparently," Parvati added. Harry smiled and nodded.
"There are so many things to catch up on. You will never believe what all has happened to lead to this. We will need to get together sometime for lunch or dinner and talk about all of it," Harry stated.
"We have heard about some of it," Padma told him. "We have been writing with Hermione, Ginny, and Luna. Are they here?"
"Oh, Luna is over there with my mom and a few others. Ginny isn't on the Submissive floors but she is around with my Beta and a few others. Hermione is running around with her parents," Harry answered. Then both girls looked at him with a smirk.
"So Draco is your twin?" Parvati asked quietly. Harry smiled brightly.
"Yep. Believe it or not, that has been my favorite part of learning about who I am. Draco and I are connected in a way that is just hard to describe. I honestly don't know how I ever survived without him," Harry said honestly. He felt an arm link with his and grinned over at his twin.
"Sap," Draco said with a grin. Then he kissed Harry on the cheek. "I love you, too. Hello, Padma, Parvati. You both look lovely."
"I am not sure who looks lovelier honestly. The two of you or the two of us," Parvati said with a grin. Harry laughed.
"Neither, it's definitely Bahn and Bhindi. They look like art," Harry said and pointed to where the Deveraine twins were talking with someone whose name Harry didn't remember.
"Oh, we agree," Padma stated. "So many sets of twins. Is that normal for Dragel?"
"I don't honestly know, but it does seem like it doesn't it," Draco answered.
"The family we are being fostered with, have at least six sets of twin girls. We fit in perfectly with them," Parvati added.
"My Quinn's family is like that," Harry said curiously. "Who are you staying with?" Before they could answer someone called out for the Patil twins.
"Padma, Parvati find someone that you know?" Harry turned at the sound of the very warm and kind voice. He saw a beautiful woman with long dark braided hair with jewels and baubles decorating it. She was also wearing a traditional sari.
"Yes Surajini, these are our friends from school Harry and Draco Evanson-Malfoy," Padma introduced them. Her whole face brightened and she pulled Harry into a tight hug.
"Just as lovely as I thought you would be," She said happily. Her magic felt a little familiar to Harry.
"And you are?" Harry heard Draco ask. He was so thankful for his brother. The woman pulled back and smiled with a slight blush.
"Forgive me. How rude. I am Surajini Kalzik. Your Quinn is my son," She said kindly. Harry smiled and blushed. This was essentially a mother-in-law.
"It is nice to meet you. I am sorry that we have not come over and officially met your family yet. I was very unsettled and didn't leave home the first week we were here and then when we had made plans to start trying to meet families, I had my Realignment," Harry told her. She gently patted his cheek.
"I know, Darling. Quinn has kept in touch with me to let me know what has been going on. I would like to get with you and your circle to see about a date soon to have dinner though," Surajini asked. Harry nodded.
"Of course, I would love that. This is my twin brother Draco, we all live together in the same home. Quinn tends to them as well when they need it. He insisted," Harry introduced Draco again.
"It is lovely to meet you, Draco. Quinn seems very happy to be tending to all of you. He had never seemed happier honestly," Surajini told them. Harry blushed and turned to Luna who had just walked up.
"This is our little sister, Luna. Our Mera Lily and our Granddera Briar," Harry introduced them. Surajini talked with all of them and she greeted Bahn, Fabian, and Gideon. They talked for just a bit. Then Harry heard a loud voice and saw someone he did not want to deal with. The horrible Submissive that wanted his Theo. He must have growled out loud because Draco grabbed his hand on one side and Luna on the other. He stopped growling but he didn't stop watching the Submissive as he made his way over to them.
"Oh it is lovely to see you again, Hank wasn't it?" He nearly sneered at Harry. Draco gripped his hand tighter and Harry took a deep breath then he smiled brightly.
"Harry, actually but that's ok. We only just met one time and very briefly. I don't actually remember your name at all so we are even," Harry said sweetly. He heard Draco stifle a giggle and heard someone behind him snort. Yanek looked like he had swallowed a lemon. Harry was very pleased with himself.
"Yanek, my name is Yanek," He said trying to recompose himself.
"Oh, that's right, I remember now. My Theo said he called you Nosedive Yanek. Isn't that right?" Harry said as if he had just remembered. Yanek sputtered again and then he glared at Harry.
"Right," Yanek said between clenched teeth. There were too many influential Submissives around Harry so he was trying to keep his cool. How had the stupid boy managed to surround himself with such well-known people so fast? "How is Theodore?" Harry's grin turned almost predatory. Yanek fought not to take a step back.
"My Theo is doing wonderful. We are so happy and in love. Getting to know My lovely Beta these past few years has been so wonderful," Harry said and put just enough of a purr in his voice in just the right places to make the other Submissive so mad. Harry could feel the anger and hate rolling off him. It made him so happy. This Submissive needed to learn quickly that Theo was his and that he didn't play nice with people trying to mess with his bonded.
"Well, that is good to hear," Yanek bit out and then looked around. "I hear someone calling for me so unfortunately I need to go." Harry smiled.
"Of course, it was lovely to see you again," Harry said and then watched as Yanek hurried away. "If he keeps trying to push himself on my Beta I am going to rip him to shreds." Harry almost snarled. Draco and Luna cuddled closer to him.
"Calm down, big brother. Your scales are starting to show," Luna told quietly and nuzzled him. Harry closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths to calm himself. He calmed down but his scales wouldn't go away. Harry opened his eyes and sighed.
"It's ok, Dear One. They will probably go away when you are back with one of your bonded. Do you want to go and find one?" Bahn asked. Harry shook his head no.
"It is only another hour before Wikhn and Blaise come for us. I can hang on until then. Wikhn will settle me," Harry told them. Bahn nodded and then they went back to talking with others. Harry encouraged Luna to go and mingle and when he turned to Draco, his twin gave him a look that said 'try it'. Harry just smiled and let Draco lead him to the edge of the room where a bench was empty.
"Just sit with me here until your Gheyo comes to get us," Draco said and the two of them sat together holding hands. Harry laid his head over on Draco's shoulder and just tried to ignore the itch under his skin that he knew came when he was close to feral.
Finally, Draco nudged Harry and pointed. Harry trilled happily at the site of Wikhn, Blaise, Kisten, Ron, and Styrmir. He got up and went straight into Wikhn's arms. The Gheyo pulled him close and nuzzled him. Harry chirred and mewled at the Gheyo King.
"What happened?" Blaise asked as Draco went into his arms to greet him.
"Remember that Submissive we were warned wanted Theo?" Blaise nodded. "He showed up trying to be hateful and asked after Theo. Harry put him in place quite nicely but now he is really unsettled," Draco told them all.
"We could feel it. He is kind of projecting. I wouldn't be surprised if Bill or some of the others don't show up. It was a really mild feeling of discomfort at first and then it gradually got worse. That is why all three of us came." Kisten explained why they were there. Harry was now wrapped around Wikhn with arms and legs. Draco could tell that he was taking blood.
"I will go and grab the others so that we aren't too late getting to the food court. If Theo is feeling the same way you all were he will be really worried," Draco said.
"I will go with you and those three can take Harry outside. It will help him settle more. There are too many people in here," Blaise replied.
"Me too," Ron said. He wanted to give Harry the space to settle.
So Blaise, Ron, and Draco went deeper into the room, and Kisten, Styrmir, and Wikhn carrying Harry, headed outside to wait for them. Harry finally pulled away from Wikhn who kissed him and then passed him to Kisten. His Fire Queen held him and talked softly to him for a few minutes and then handed him to Styrmir.
By the time Draco, Ron, and Blaise came outside with the other Submissives Harry was happily snuggling with the Storm Princess. No scales in sight. He was perfectly settled.
"Well, he looks perfectly fine now," Draco said with a grin. "Good let's get lunch."
"Want to walk?" Styrmir asked Harry. The Submissive nodded. So the Storm Princess set him on his feet. Harry did keep hold of his hand though and held Draco's hand on his other side. The group of them made their way to the food court unacosted. Theo opened his arms when they got there and Harry went straight into them nuzzling his Beta. Then he pulled his face down and stood on tiptoes to claim his mouth.
"What happened that upset you, Princess?" Theo asked after they had caught their breath. Harry blushed slightly and ducked his head.
"That horrible Submissive, Yanek tried to start something earlier," Harry said with a small growl. Theo just chuckled and kissed Harry on the head.
"Jealous, Princess?" Theo teased. Harry just rolled his eyes and then shook his head.
"No. I just want him to understand that whatever designs he has on you he needs to let them go or I am going to rip his limbs off and beat him with them," Harry said sweetly. Harry heard a chuckle that he didn't recognize and turned to see two Gheyo walking past them into the courtyard.
"Lovely, little bloodthirsty Submissive that you have there," One of them said to Theo. Harry smiled brightly and Theo chuckled along with some of the others.
"You have no idea. About three weeks ago he eliminated a Dark Wizard in a matter of moments before anyone else in the area realized there was even a threat. He is absolutely wonderful," Wikhn bragged. Harry purred at him and blushed.
"Like I said, Lovely and Bloodthirsty. You are very lucky," The Gheyo said again.
"Thank you," Wikhn said. The Gheyo bowed to Harry.
"I am Raiden. It is nice to make your acquaintance." Harry smiled and stepped away from Theo to greet the Gheyo.
"I am Harry. It is nice to meet you Raiden," Harry said with a smile.
"Well, I will let you and your lovely group get back to your day. Maybe we will see each other again," Raiden offered.
"Maybe we will," Harry stated with a smile.
"Where are you headed?" Wikhn asked.
"Back to the Pits. We were just taking a lunch break," Raiden informed him.
"We are heading back that way as well. We were just escorting this group to lunch. We will walk with you," Wikhn said. They said their goodbyes and then headed away with the other two Gheyo back to The Pits.
"He was cute," Shayla said with a smile. Harry nodded. He was very nice to look at and he had a nice voice as well.
"Don't bother, Shay. He only had eyes for Harry," Soula teased. Harry blushed.
"Oh, stop it," Harry said fighting a smile. Draco just rolled his eyes and laughed.
"They aren't wrong, I think it was cute," Draco joined the teasing "Now I am so hungry let's go eat." Harry and the others nodded and they went into the food court to enjoy lunch together. Harry sat with Theo on one side and Hermione on the other. Ron sat next to Hermione the rest of them spread out around the table. Harry was really happy that all of them were together again and loved the addition of Soula and Shayla.
~~~~~~~
"So does anyone need to be anywhere else?" Soula asked when they had finished eating and had just been sitting there talking for a bit.
"Not really," Theo responded. The others responded the same way.
"I know where some of our friends are hanging out playing games. Do you all want to go?" Soula asked.
"That sounds fun," Harry said excitedly. It would probably be more fun than being on the Submissive floors.
"Yeah, let's do that," Draco agreed.
"I am all for it," Ron said and Hermione nodded.
"Then let's go," Soula said and the group of them headed off to another area of the festival grounds. Harry was happy to see that in the group they were headed towards was Quinn and Kyle.
"Quinn," Harry called. The Healer looked up surprised to hear his name and smiled so brightly when he saw Harry. Harry snuggled into Quinn's embrace.
Hello, Submissive mine. I felt that you were unsettled earlier. Are you ok now?
"Yes, I was a little upset earlier but it is perfectly fine now. I met your mother. She was so nice," Harry told his Healer. Quinn smiled.
Sometimes she can be a little much
"She wasn't. She really was super nice. I didn't know she was fostering Padma and Parvati, I used to go to school with them," Harry assured him. Quinn pulled him into a hug.
Mum took one look at them at your school and decided they were hers. They are nice, Mum says they fit in perfectly as if they were always part of the family. Are you all here to play with us?
"Yeah, Soula asked us to come and play," Harry told him and was happy to be tucked close to him when Kyle brought a pretty woman up to meet him.
"This is my girlfriend, Emily," Kyle said and Harry smiled and held out his hand to shake.
"Nice to meet you, Emily," Harry said. "I am Quinn's Submissive." He said proudly. She took his hand and shook it.
"It is nice to meet you too, Harry. Thank you for caring for Quinn. He is so much happier now. Happier than I have ever seen him and I know it is because of you and your circle," Emily told him. Harry and Quinn both blushed just a little.
"OK, now how about that game?" Soula said. So Soula and the others explained the game to those of them who had not played before. It was a complicated sort of tag that was played in teams of two. You kept playing until only one team was left. Harry teamed up with Quinn for the first round and they won. They played a few rounds and Harry switched out partners each time. He teamed up with Draco, Theo, and Luna as well. It was a lot of fun. The last time they finished Harry looked up to see Bill standing at the place they had gathered at.
"Bill," He exclaimed and launched himself into his Alpha's open arms. He wrapped his arms tightly around the redhead.
"Hello, Trouble. Did you enjoy your day?" Bill asked. Theo and Quinn came up to them as well. Bill shifted Harry to the side and he pulled Quinn close to nuzzle him in welcome. Quinn rumbled contently and moved to let Theo greet their Alpha as well. Harry waited to answer until they were finished.
"Today was a really good day, Bill," Harry told his Alpha happily. Bill gave him a small look.
"I felt you earlier. You were unsettled for at least an hour or more. Want to talk about it?" Bill asked quietly. Harry shook his head.
"Not really. It wasn't really a big deal. I am perfectly ok though, I promise," Harry assured his Alpha. Bill nodded and then kissed his head.
"It is getting late. Are you ready to return home for dinner and to relax before tomorrow?" Bill asked them. Harry nodded. He had had a great day but he was also exhausted now and he also missed his Merrow and the other bonded that he hadn't seen today.
"I am ready, Alpha. I am actually exhausted," Harry said with a lazy smile and laid his head over on Bill's shoulder.
"Here come the others now," Bill said. Sol and Viktor had come to claim their bonded, Draco was happily tucked close to Sol while Fred and George draped themselves around Viktor. Blaise rolled his eyes and laughed when George pulled him close as well. Luna went happily to Lucius while Ginny and Ron went to their Father.
"Hermione you as well, Dear," Arthur said. "Your parents are waiting with the Prewitts. I will take you to them."
"Soula you will come with us. Your circle is waiting with ours," Bill told the other little Submissive. Shayla's circle had come for her a little earlier. She nodded and joined them. They said goodbye to those who were not yet leaving and then they were headed off to meet up with their other bonded. Then they all ported home. Harry untangled from Bill and went in search of his Merrow that he felt further in the house. He went down the levels and when he got to the water he transformed into his Merrow form and headed toward where he felt Alec.
He found the snarky Merrow in a room that only had water up to a certain point. He pulled on his bond to Glynn and then crawled into the bed with Alec.
"I missed you today," Harry said as he straddled the Merrow. Alec grinned up at him.
"I can see that," Alec said with a smirk. Glynn came striding in and joined them on the bed after removing his armor and clothes. Harry purred at the two of them and happily lost himself in the sensation of letting the two of them have their way with him. He was sated and so relaxed afterward. He lay cuddled up between the two of them and didn't realize he had fallen asleep until he was gently woken up.
"Hmm, what is it? 'M tired," Harry mumbled and tried to snuggle back up with Alec. He felt the Merrow chuckle.
"As much as I am really enjoying the cuddles, Lovely. It is time to go and eat dinner. I don't want them to send someone down here to retrieve you," Alec said. Harry grumbled and turned with grabby hands toward Glynn.
"Please, Ace I am tired," He pouted. Glynn picked him up and Harry felt the spell tickle across his skin to let him know that he was now clothed. He peaked up his eyes and pouted at Glynn. "Traitor." Glynn just laughed and kissed him on his pouting lips.
"You have to eat, Submissive mine. You are welcome to come back down here after dinner if you want. I know that Chelan and Marin would love the opportunity for a cuddle," Glynn said and Harry just nodded as he laid his head on Glynn's shoulder and let the Merrow swim him to the upper levels of the house. Alec dried him with a quick spell and then they joined the rest of their bonded and Draco's for dinner. Harry was plopped down on Adad's lap.
He smiled and snuggled close to the Gheyo King. Two plates were sat in front of them and Harry didn't even attempt to feed himself. He knew that if was put in someone's lap they never let him feed himself.
"Did everyone have a good day?" Harry asked after a little bit.
"Yeah, it was nice being in The Pits and setting up fights for the season," Enlil said with a smile.
"I can't wait for the fights to start," Aither added. Harry smiled at them.
"I am so excited to come and watch. I can't wait. The Pits is where I will most likely spend a lot of time since that is where I will be Hunting," Harry said with true excitement. He couldn't wait to see his fighters doing what they do best.
"So you will be watching?" Charlie asked. Harry nodded.
"Yes, I will try to make it to as many fights as I can. I want to see all of you. The Hunt only lasts for eight weeks but I have much longer than that in reality to Hunt. I am not in a hurry. You all are already my bonded, you are who I want to watch," Harry insisted. He heard several of his bonded rumble to let him know how pleased they were with what he said.
"There will be rules about your attendance," Hadrian stated. Harry nodded.
"I know. It won't be safe, proper, or allowed for me to wonder on my own in The Pits. I promise to always be accompanied by at least one Gheyo at all times when I am in The Pits," Harry told his Shadow Ace. Hadrian nodded and smiled.
"Good, Submissive," Hadrian praised. Harry smiled brightly and then went back to letting Adad feed him. When they were done Harry told the rest of his bonded that he was going to be staying with the Merrow for the night. He wanted to spend time with them since he wouldn't be seeing much of them for the next week. He told the others goodnight and went with the Merrow. He retreated to the same room but this time he took Chelan and Marin with him.
When he woke the next morning he was cuddled in bed with all four of his Merrow. He was quite happy to be with them and instead of getting up he just snuggled in deeper. The next time he woke up it was because his Storm King had come to retrieve him before their Healer and Pareya started fretting even more than they already were. Harry had reluctantly crawled out of the pile of bodies and gone to Adad after kissing his Merrow goodbye for the day.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Hunt Day Two
Harry was standing with Bill as they walked with the others up quite a few flights of stairs to a box that they had reserved for the Hunt. Bill had apparently taken care of it for them a while back as one of the things that he had been taking care of before they had all come to Nevarah. For the most part, today was going to be spent in the Colosseum. They were going to watch introductions as well as the few shows that were going to be put on.
"This is exciting," Harry said as he bounced in place next to Bill. "It will help to see other people do this before we do." Bill nodded.
"Yes, it will. Plus you are Hunting, Trouble. This will help you look for any Gheyo that may come through there. It will help you know who is hunting for the most part," Bill said from right behind him.
"Awesome," Harry said and then was happy when they apparently reached their box. It was spacious and had a lot of seating. "You made sure there was enough room for everyone." Harry leaned up and kissed Bill.
"Yeah, there is enough room for our circle and Draco's Circle. Your parents would fit as well but they decided to join the Evanson Circle for today," Bill informed him. They all settled in the box and Harry was happily pressed between Ethan and Oliver. They only waited a few moments before the first circles began to walk. It seemed pretty simple to Harry. They would walk as their name was called and most chose to give a performance of some kind.
"It doesn't seem so scary honestly," Harry said as they were eating lunch. They had left their box to wander around the Hunt for a while. They had split up a bit after eating lunch. Harry was happy to just browse the marketplace today. Bill had given him a bracelet with a pendant on it that he could use to pay for things. Ethan, Oliver, and Hadrian were with him.
"What doesn't, Kitten," Hadrian asked. They were helping him pick out favors that he could send to Gheyo when he decided he wanted to court one.
"Introductions. I don't know what cool thing I can do to impress like the rest of you though," Harry said. "I don't have an element and my Nameless gift isn't something that I can show off."
"You don't need anything special to impress, Kitten. You are impressive all on your own. Besides I have seen you working with each person and you have done something even if it was small with each of the elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Just practice with that and we will try and come up with something for you." Hadrian soothed him. Harry looked up at him and smiled.
"Thank you, My Ace," Harry said and kissed him. Harry heard a whistle behind him and he turned to see Donovan he was holding a box. Standing next to him was the Gheyo that Harry had met the day before. Raiden. Harry smiled.
"Hello, My Joker," Harry said and waited for them to come up to them. "It is nice to see you again, Raiden. Two days in a row I am going to start thinking you are stalking me."
"Funny enough, I didn't know that you were Van's new Submissive. I was just following along because he told me he was heading to The Pits afterward. Meeting up with you again was just a plus," Raiden said with a smile. Harry blushed. Hadrian chuckled and wrapped an arm around him.
"Good to see you, Raiden," Hadrian held out his arm and the two of them clasped forearms before pulling away.
"Blood Raven," Raiden acknowledged. He looked at Harry appraisingly. "You called quite the circle didn't you, Little One?" Harry chirred in pride.
"Yes, my circle is very strong. I am very happy with it," Harry answered.
"Raiden is a fun one to watch fight," Hadrian told Harry.
"Yeah? Do you have any scheduled fights currently?" Harry asked. "I will be spending most of The Hunt in The Pits with my Gheyo. I am going to try and catch at least one fight for each of them."
"Are you not Hunting?" Raiden asked. Harry blushed and Donovan laughed.
"He is Hunting. But he is only planning on Hunting for Gheyo. Our Kitten is a Ferros and called two full Gheyo suites when he gave his soulscream. He is planning to Hunt at least a third Ace-King-Queen triad and he was planning on Hunting two Jokers but I stole one of those spots before The Hunt started," Donovan helpfully offered. Harry thought his two Gheyo were being unusually open with information right now. Either Raiden was close to them or they were helping Harry Hunt.
"In that case, I would like to offer you two things," Raiden said and pulled out two items and handed them to Harry. "The card is my Gheyo card with all of my information and stats. The second is my fight schedule so far. It will update as I sign up for other fights. I would be honored if you could make it to at least one of my fights." Harry beamed at the two items. Then he turned that bright smile up at Raiden.
"Thank you, Raiden. I will do my very best to make it to at least one of your fights. Especially, since these two don't seem to have any issues with it," Harry told the Gheyo.
"Now my Lovely Joker is that my blade order?" Harry asked excitedly. Donovan nodded and stepped forward and held the case out for Harry. He opened the lid and pulled one out. He pulled the blade out of the sheath and checked it out. When he was finished with his inspection Hadrian reached out for it and flipped it and then tested its balance. Then handed it back to Harry with a nod. "They are beautifully done, Donovan. They are perfect." Harry pulled the box out of the Joker's hands.
"Would you hold this for me please, Raiden? Only for a moment," Harry asked politely. Raiden nodded and held out his hands. Harry placed the box in his hands and pulled the blade back out. He held it out to Donovan. "Donovan, would you do me the honor of accepting this bonding gift? You did such a lovely job on them that it is only fair that you receive the first one." The Shadow Joker accepted the blade and then swept Harry into his arms and kissed him soundly.
"I accept your bonding gift, Submissive Mine," Donovan said back and strapped the blade to his thigh. Harry took another blade and held it out to Hadrian.
"My Lovely Ace, will you do me the honor of accepting this bonding gift?" Harry asked him and his Ace responded the same way and then added the blade to his belt. Harry grabbed another blade and turned to Ethan. "Will you do me the honor of accepting this bonding gift, My Head Pareya?" Ethan smiled and kissed him soundly before taking the blade and adding it to his belt as well.
"Ollie, my favorite captain, will you do me the honor of accepting this Bonding gift?" Harry asked his last bonded that was currently present.
"It would be my honor, Little Seeker," Oliver said and placed the blade on his belt and kissed Harry as well. Harry turned to take the box but Hadrian had already taken it.
"Thank you, Hadrian," Harry told him.
"I will stay with you until you have passed them all out so that you do not have to carry it," Hadrian told him.
"Well, we are going to head to The Pits now. I will see you later before we port home," Donovan said and swept Harry into another soul-stealing kiss. Harry smiled breathlessly.
"See you later, My Joker. See you around as well, Raiden," Harry called out as they left. "He is an Ace, isn't he? He feels like you and Glynn," Harry asked when they were gone.
"Yes, you are getting very good at recognizing ranks, Kitten," Hadrian praised him. Harry smiled and they kept on shopping around. By the time they headed to the entrance, Harry had managed to hand out most of his blades. He only had his Merrow left now. Day two of the Hunt had been fun as well. He couldn't wait for the rest. Tomorrow, he was going to convince someone to take him to the pits. He was having such a great time. He couldn't wait for introductions so that he could truly start Hunting.
Chapter 8: The Pits
Summary:
Harry spends a day in The Pits. And just enjoys spending time watching the fights, talking with his bonded, and meeting new people.
****Revised 5/12/24 didn't change much of anything for this one. Just changed a few lines and fixed some grammar problems.
Chapter Text
The Hunt: Day Three
Harry was excited and nearly bouncing in his seat. Adad was sitting next to him on one side, Ethan was on his other side, and Styrmir was on the other side of Ethan. Harry was excited because he had gotten permission from his Alpha and his Ace to stay in The Pits today. Hadrian had gotten him good seats that would be reserved for him for the entire day if he wanted to stay there.
"I am so excited," Harry said for like the tenth time since he had gotten permission last night to be here. Ethan chuckled and pressed a kiss to his cheek.
"Good," Ethan told him.
"The fun hasn't even started yet. The first fights will be fun but just wait until the Ace fights. Hadrian wasn't wrong when he said that watching him fight is fun. He has come close to beating out Greta for the Blood title once or twice," Adad informed him. Harry had noticed that as soon as he mentioned that he would be watching one of Raiden's fights today that the two Storm Gheyo had quickly volunteered to be his escorts to The Pits.
"I can't wait," Harry said with glee as the announcer introduced the first two fighters. Harry sat and watched with glee. He wanted so badly to learn to fight the way that they did. He was fast and Hadrian said he had good instincts but he wanted to be able to land hits on purpose not just because he wasn't in control of himself. Adad and his other two bonded answered questions when he asked.
"That was mild compared to some of the fights that go on in The Pits," Styrmir told him when it was over. Harry nodded his understanding. He thinks his bonded might be worried about how he will handle the more violent fights.
"The next fight is supposed to be Kisten isn't it?" Harry asked excitedly.
"Yes, Kitten," Adad answered and smiled at just how excited Harry was.
"Are you enjoying yourself so far?" Harry purred at the sound of his King's voice. He looked up and smiled at Wikhn. The Shadow King picked him up and sat down with Harry in his lap.
"Yes, are you here to watch Kisten?" Harry asked. Wikhn nodded.
"Of course. Hadrian is going to be down there with him for the fight I wanted to be up here with you," Wikhn said. Harry kissed him on the lips and smiled.
"You could just say that you missed me," Harry said with a grin. Wikhn gave him a look that set his blood pumping.
"I missed you, Kitten," Wikhn said in almost a whisper. He was so close that his lips brushed against Harry's with every word. Harry shivered and then pressed their lips together again.
"All right you two, Kisten's fight is about to start," Ethan chuckled. Harry and Wikhn pulled apart grinning and Harry turned and settled himself comfortably in his King's lap to watch their Queen fight. Harry both loved and hated watching Kisten fight. He purred at every hit his Fire Queen landed and trilled excitedly at his show of power with his flames. He was so proud and excited at the way his Gheyo moved so smoothly. He hated it when his opponent managed to get around his defenses and hurt him.
Harry had almost leapt from his seat the first time he had seen Kisten bleed. Wikhn had tightened his arms around him and rumbled at him. Harry had calmed down pretty quickly. He understood that bleeding was a part of fighting and his circle was full of fighters. So he sat and watched with pride as his Gheyo fought hard. At one point his opponent slipped through his defenses and his sword went straight through Kisten's side. Harry could see the blade poking through his back. He had not been easily placated that time.
Kisten however simply kept on fighting. Wikhn had kept a tight hold on him after that afraid that Harry would leap into the arena. Finally, the fight ended with Kisten very wounded but the obvious victor. Harry had trilled in pride and clapped with the rest.
"Wikhn let me go now. I want Kisten," Harry said as calmly as he could manage. He had waited until the fight was over but he wanted his Gheyo right now.
"Let them tend to him. Hadrian will see to him and then he will come to you. You can congratulate him on a job well done and then fuss over him all you want," Wikhn promised. Harry nodded but he wasn't happy about it. The next fight had started by the time he saw Kisten striding through the stands toward them Harry trilled and finally, Wikhn let him go. Harry let Kisten pull him into his arms.
"You fought so beautifully, My Queen. I am so proud to be yours," Harry purred up at him. Kisten grinned and kissed Harry.
"Thank you, Submissive Mine," Kisten rumbled at him. Harry looked up at him pleadingly and ran his hand over his side where he had been hurt. "I am fine, Kitten. All healed up." The Queen pulled up his shirt and showed the mostly closed wound.
"I love magic," Harry said with a sigh. Wikhn chuckled behind him and kissed him on the head before nuzzling Kisten.
"You fought well, My Queen," Wikhn praised. Then he headed back down toward where Kisten had come from. Kisten gently guided Harry back to their seat and sat down pulling Harry into his lap. Harry nuzzled him and sat happily curled up in his lap watching the fight that was still happening. They sat that way for the next few fights.
"Has anyone caught your fancy yet?" Styrmir asked when there was a break in the fights. Harry shrugged.
"I have really liked watching the way some of them fight. But none that truly made me want to send a favor," Harry said honestly. "I think the group of you have ruined me."
"What do you mean by that?" Adad asked with a smirk. Harry gave him a pointed look.
"I have watched all of you fight each other. All of you are magnificent fighters. I want my third suite to be just as beautifully dangerous as the rest of you," Harry said with pride. He heard someone behind him chuckle. He turned to see a Gheyo lounging in the seat behind them looking very amused.
"I'm sorry. I couldn't help but overhear. I have seen the Gheyo that you are bonded to, fight. I also heard your King mention the Blood Raven is one of yours as well. Is that right?" The Gheyo asked.
"Yes, that's right," Harry told him with pride.
"Your issue is that you have high expectations. It isn't a bad thing. You need Gheyo who can keep up," The Gheyo said. "These are fights for fun right now. The real fights start next week after all of the introductions have been done."
"He is right," Ethan told Harry. "Right now people are 'warming up' next week they will start truly showing off for favors or reputation."
"Are you going to be fighting?" Harry asked the Gheyo. He seemed so laid back and casual. He smirked down at Harry and the Submissive had to admit that it was a bit sexy, especially with the hint of fang showing.
"Not this week," He said still smirking. "I am hoping to be Hunted this season." Harry smiled.
"I am sure you will have no issues with that," Harry told him. Styrmir nudged him and grinned nodding toward the isle. Harry turned to see Raiden standing there.
"Hello, Bloodthirsty Submissive. Enjoying the fights so far?" Raiden asked him. Harry nodded.
"It's been so much fun. Your fight is coming up, isn't it? I wanted to see you fight. Hadrian said you were fun to watch," Harry repeated what his Ace had said yesterday. Raiden smiled.
"You are here to watch me?" The Ace asked. Harry shrugged and nodded.
"Yes, plus my Fire Queen had a fight today as well. My Storm King had such nice things to say about you this morning as well when I brought it up. Says you almost beat out Greta for the Blood title a few times," Harry mentioned. Raiden shrugged.
"Lady Greta is a fierce fighter and she has defended her title well. I hope one day to hold it myself but it is an honor to lose to her," Raiden stated. Harry turned at the sound of another chuckle.
"ILSA," Harry exclaimed. Harry let her pull him into her arms. She nuzzled him and kissed him on the head. "It's good to see you." She smiled and let him go back to Kisten.
"I ran into Theodore earlier and he mentioned you were going to be spending the day here," Ilsa told him. She turned to Raiden. "Hello Raiden, I see you have met my favorite little Submissive outside of my own of course."
"Yes, I have had the pleasure," He said and grasped Ilsa's forearm. "Theodore is your adopted son isn't he?"
"He is. He is also Harry's Beta," Ilsa pointed out. The Gheyo behind Harry laughed again.
"Definitely, high expectations. Bonded to Blood Raven, and bonded to a child of Blood Wraith and Blood Rayne," He said with a smirk. Harry just smiled. Then he smirked.
"They aren't the only Blood titles that I have been around. I met Crimson Tide as well when I visited with my Uncle Alcandor," Harry stated. Kisten laughed.
"Are you trying to show out?" Ilsa said with a chuckle. Harry blushed and then shrugged. He was.
"So cute. It makes it hard to remember that I heard him threaten to rip someone's limbs off and beat them with them two days ago," Raiden said amused.
"Who pissed you off two days ago?" Ilsa asked. "Theodore didn't say anything." Harry narrowed his eyes.
"That horrible Submissive Yanek tried to start shit with me. It took me an hour to settle after he left. If that awful flashy pest thinks he has any chance to get his claws into my Theo, he is absolutely in for a surprise. I will enjoy ripping him to pieces when he gets brave enough to try," Harry snarled. Kisten pushed Harry's face into his neck while he chuckled.
"Now I understand why you called him bloodthirsty earlier," The Gheyo said. Harry could hear the amusement in his voice.
"Harry, that boy has no chance of luring your Theodore away from you. Theo has been yours since you were fifteen. He loves you," Ilsa soothed. Harry looked up and smiled brightly at the others.
"Sorry. Just thinking about him makes me feel so irritated. I know Theo loves me. It isn't Theo I am worried about it is that horrible man disrespecting our bond," Harry said much calmer now. "What is your name by the way?" Harry turned to the Gheyo.
"Damon Torres at your service," He said standing and giving a sweeping bow. Then he sat back down to continue watching the match.
"Well, it is about time for my fight. I need to get down there. It was good seeing you again, Harry," Raiden said with a bow.
"It was good to see you again, Raiden. I'll be watching," Harry said. Ilsa pulled him into another hug.
"I am refereeing his fight. Have you had lunch?" Ilsa asked. Harry shook his head no. "I will come back up and get you five after the match and we will grab lunch together."
"Sounds good. Thank you, Ilsa," Harry said. He went to sit back in Kisten's lap but was pulled down into Adad's instead. Harry smiled at him and happily accepted the kiss that was pressed to his lips.
"This is going to be a good fight," Adad told him as they settled to watch. Kisten threw an arm around Ethan and nuzzled him before they all settled in to watch as well. Styrmir shifted to get comfortable. Harry watched as Hadrian and Ilsa took the spots as the referees. The two of them also set up a barrier around the arena. Then Harry saw Raiden and someone named Zandian who Kisten said was the Fire Elements Blood Title holder.
"I am so excited," Harry said as the fight started. The fight was awesome and kept Harry's complete attention the entire time. The two Aces were truly awe-inspiring to watch. There was lightning and fire used to fight. There was far more blood than he had seen in any of the other fights. Harry loved every minute of it. If he thought Kisten's movements were smooth then watching Raiden and Zandian was like watching silk or living art in motion.
When the fight was over Raiden had lost but only barely. Harry was buzzing with energy after the fight and felt all worked up. They talked about the fight and waited for Ilsa to come for them to go to lunch. Harry was happy to see Hadrian with her. He went into his Ace's arms and kissed him.
"Are you going to have lunch with us?" Harry asked.
"Yes, Kitten. I have no more obligations today and plan on spending the rest of it with you. Are you having fun? You are nearly vibrating out of your skin," Hadrian asked as he held Harry close.
"It has been great. That last fight was the best. I loved watching them Raiden and the other Ace are amazing fighters it was exhilarating. I can't wait to watch you fight," Harry stated.
"So you enjoyed it then?" Raiden asked. Harry peeked around Hadrian to see Raiden and Zandian standing there. He grinned at him.
"Absolutely. You were both magnificent," Harry trilled.
"Thank you," Raiden said. "This is Zandian. He is the Blood Flame." Zandian inclined his head.
"Zandian this is Hadrian's Submissive, Harry," Raiden introduced.
"It is an honor to meet you, Harry," Zandian answered.
"It is nice to meet you too," Harry replied. "Are the two of you going to come to lunch with us?"
"Yes, Hadrian and Ilsa invited us along. If you are ok with it?" Zandian asked. Harry nodded.
"Of course, you are welcome," Harry said then she looked up at Hadrian. "Can we go now? I am so hungry."
"All right, Kitten let's go, we don't want you hungry," Hadrian said and then swung Harry up into his arms. Harry giggled and threw his arms around Hadrian's neck. Then they all left the area and headed for an eatery.
"So, tell us a little about you. We have all been curious about Hadrian's new Submissive," Zandian asked. Harry smiled.
"I met Hadrian when I was fifteen. He helped my family circle find my Mera and three others from their circle who had been taken by my evil headmaster. He did a wonderful job. Helped us win a war. Was also the only one that could handle me when I was feral. He is great, honestly," Harry answered.
"I thought you gave a Soulscream?" Raiden asked.
"He did. But he has known his Alpha since he was fourteen, and his Beta, Fire Joker, and Air Pareya since he was eleven," Hadrian answered.
"Oh, well I bet that was helpful after your scream to at least have people that you were familiar with," Zandian stated.
"Yes, it was. It would have probably been way too overwhelming if I hadn't," Harry told him.
"So did you call a complete circle or are you Hunting?" Zandian asked. Harry smiled.
"I called a complete circle. However, I have been told that it will benefit my Gheyo, Circle Harmony, and my Ferros instincts if I add at least a third Ace-King-Queen triad, a few Joker, and maybe a Mage. I had decided not to Hunt but I changed my mind pretty recently," Harry explained.
"What changed your mind?" Raiden asked. Harry smiled and blushed.
"I did," Donovan said. He placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. "I just finished my shift I was coming to find you." The Joker picked Harry up and then sat in his chair and placed him in his lap. Harry kissed him and then went back to eating.
"So you were not part of his scream?" Raiden asked. Donovan shook his head.
"Nope, but we are soul bonded just the same, Hadrian brought him into my shop to purchase bonding gifts. It moved pretty quickly from that. I knew he was meant to be mine," Donovan answered.
"We think he may still have an open soul bond or two," Ethan added. "It will make Hunting a little more interesting."
"You know honestly that explains why you smell like poison. He gave you a courting gift with poison didn't he?" Raiden asked. Hadrian and a few of his bonded chuckled. Ilsa looked exasperated.
"Your little pink pet is on your wrist isn't it?" She asked. Harry nodded and pulled up his sleeve. There around his wrist was his tiny little snake. Bubble poked up his head and crawled up to twine through Harry's fingers.
"I thought it was just a bracelet every time I caught sight of it," Zandian stated. "It is very poisonous. Your bonded don't have an issue with it?"
"Of course, not. Bubble would never bite me or anyone else if I didn't tell him to," Harry said. He brought Bubble up to his face and nuzzled the little snake.
What is it, Speaker? Why do you disturb me? Bubble asked flicking a tongue out.
*They were asking why I smelled like poison. I wanted to show them why. You can go back to sleep now.* Harry told his snake.
"He speaks to snakes," Raiden said with a smile.
"Yes, he does," Hadrian said with pride. "He also has a pet Thestral, a phoenix familiar, and an owl familiar. His brother warns us that we will end up with a magical menagerie if we are not careful."
"That seems fun," Zandian teased.
"I think it is," Harry replied.
"Oh, it is. That phoenix likes to terrorize Harry's Merrow," Kisten said with glee. Harry shook his head. It was funny most of the time the way his Merrow avoided the Fire types in the house.
"You have Merrow bonded?" Zandian asked with a look. Harry smiled brightly and nodded.
"Of course, I am part Merrow after all. My father is the brother of the King. My brother and I are third and fourth in line to the Merrow throne. It has the Merrow in a tizzy because we both have Fire Alphas and land-walking circles," Harry explained.
"That explains how you met Crimson Tide and called the King your uncle," Raiden said with a grin.
"Yep," Harry said. "But don't ask me who it is because I won't tell."
"He won't tell the rest of us either. I am not entirely sure if his Merrow even know who it is," Hadrian said with a smirk.
"We have tried many different ways to persuade him to tell us," Kisten purred at Harry.
"That has been a lot of fun," Harry mewled back. "I won't tell, but it is fun letting them try."
"You are a very interesting Submissive, Harry," Raiden said with a smile.
"Thank you, Raiden," Harry replied. They talked more while they finished eating. "So are we ready to head back to the arena?"
"I have to get back to Bahn but I will see you later, Loveling," Ilsa told him. Harry let her hug him tightly.
"Tell him I said 'Hi'," Harry said and then Ilsa was gone. Adad and Styrmir also excused themselves to roam around a little and check out other fights in different areas.
"I promised my parentals that I would meet up with them after lunch. So I am going to get going as well," Ethan told Harry.
"Want me to escort you?" Kisten asked. Ethan smiled and nodded.
"Thank you, Kisten," Ethan replied. Harry kissed them both when they left. Zandian and Raiden both excused themselves as well and left Harry with Donovan and Hadrian.
"All right, let's go," Hadrian said and the three of them headed back to their seats in the arena. Damon's seat was empty which made Harry a little sad. Damon had taken to talking to him through the fights or making comments about things that were happening. Whenever he had asked a question, Damon had answered and his bonded had let him.
"Who are you looking for?" Donovan asked. Harry shrugged.
"There was a Gheyo sitting there that was answering all my questions and talked to me through most of the fights," Harry answered.
"Yeah? What was his name?" Donovan asked.
"Damon," Harry answered.
"Missed me?" Harry looked up and smiled as Damon sat back down in his chair smirking.
"Definitely, I didn't know how I was going to get through the rest of the fights without your commentary," Harry said with a smile.
"It might be easier to talk to him from down here. We have an empty seat down here next to Donovan. He isn't going to be letting Harry sit in his own chair anyways," Hadrian offered.
"The little Submissive hasn't sat in his own chair the whole day," Damon said as he stepped over the back of the chair and sat down next to Donovan. "Of course with all of the bonded he has, why should he?"
"Exactly," Donovan replied. Harry just laughed and got comfy.
"This is Damon Torres, Damon this is one of my Aces Hadrian Maruke and one of my Jokers Donovan Glasco," Harry introduced them.
"Nice to meet the both of you," Damon said.
"You as well," Hadrian replied. The four of them sat and watched the fights for a while longer talking about each fighter and their specialties. Harry really enjoyed all of it. Harry was so engrossed in the conversation with Donovan and Damon that he was startled when he heard his Alpha.
"Hello, Trouble," Bill said and fought a smile when Harry jumped. Then he looked up and grinned at his Alpha.
"Hi, Bill. I missed you," Harry reached for him. Bill happily plucked Harry out of Donovan's arms and sat down behind them with Harry in his lap.
"Did you have a good day, Trouble?" Bill asked and let Harry straddle him.
"Yes. Today has been so much fun," Harry told him. "Did you get everything done today that you wanted to with Papa?"
"We did. Are you ready to go home? We invited Dad, Ron, and Ginny as well as The Grangers for dinner. Your parents are coming as well," Bill told him.
"Did you set it up?" Harry asked.
"I did. I know you have been busy enjoying The Hunt and I wanted to give you time with your friends and family," Bill replied. Harry smiled up at him and kissed him until he was breathless.
"Thank you, Bill. You think of everything. I love you, Alpha," Harry said and nuzzled him under his chin.
"Introduce me to your new friend, Trouble," Bill teased.
"This is Damon," Harry said with a smile. "Damon this is my Alpha, Bill." Bill grasped his arm in greeting.
"Nice to meet you, Damon. Our Troublemaker has a way of drawing people in doesn't he?" Bill said with a smirk.
"Well, he has had my attention for most of the day. Usually, I just sit and watch the fights. Today was much more interesting," Damon said returning Bill's smirk. Harry smiled those two might be trouble if they spent time together. They had similar personalities.
"That's our Trouble for you. Unfortunately, we have dinner plans this evening and need to get going. Hope you don't get too bored without him," Bill joked. Damon laughed.
"I don't know how I will ever bear it," Damon teased and Harry just laughed at the two of them.
"I am sure you will survive it," Harry said while laughing. Damon pulled out two items and handed them to Harry.
"Like I said before, I don't start fighting until next week. But I would like for you to come and watch. Maybe I can impress you where others have not," Damon stated. Harry smiled at him.
"I hope you do," Harry said simply and tucked the card and schedule away. "See you later, Damon."
"Till, next time," Damon said and then Harry and his bonded left. Harry securely tucked into Bill's arms. It was time to head to dinner.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dinner with Friends and Family
"Harry," Hermione said as soon as they got to their living room. Harry went over and hugged his friend. "Everyone is already here. We were just waiting for you. How were The Pits? Draco said you were planning to spend the whole day there."
"It was great actually. Kisten is the only one of my bonded that I got to watch fight today. He was amazing," Harry said with pride. Hermione grinned and led him over to where all of them were sitting.
"That's cool, mate. My mentor says that I will spend a lot of time in The Pits. He says I will need to start training and then working with a training circle so that I can start earning ranks before I can bond into a circle," Ron told Harry.
"I bet it will be so fun to do," Harry replied. "Speaking of mentors, we still haven't had my mentor seal removed. We should probably do that soon."
I meant to ask you about that. We can remove it later if you want or maybe even this weekend so that you have time to get to know your mentor. It will be an easy seal to remove Quinn informed him. Harry nodded.
"That sounds good, Quinn. We can aim for this weekend if nothing else happens," Harry agreed. Then he turned back to the others when Quinn left the room to fuss over dinner.
This was great he was so glad that Bill had set this up. He sat with his friends and siblings. They played games and talked. Sirius and Remus joined in with them sometimes as well as some of Harry and Draco's bonded. It was just a really good atmosphere. Harry was polite with Lily, James, Alice, and Frank but nowhere near as comfortable or familiar as he was with his other parents.
"All right, dinner is ready," Ethan popped out of the kitchen.
"Great, I am starving," Sirius popped up excitedly. Harry jumped up.
"Race ya," Harry called as he took off running for the dining room. Sirius sputtered for only a moment before he took off after Harry. The two of them smashed through the door and right into Severus. The three of them went down in a tangle of limbs only Severus' magic kept him from dropping the tray of food he had been putting on the table.
"Oh, sorry Sev," Harry said while looking down at Severus. "It's Siri's fault." He felt arms wrap around him and pull him out of the tangle of bodies. He grinned at Brishen. The Phoelix grinned back and then went and sat at the table with Harry securely in his lap.
"Did you just goad one father into a race and then throw him to the wolves when you tripped and took all three of you down?" Brishen asked quietly. Harry nodded and smirked. He was the reason they had fallen after all. Sirius was going to beat him and he had tried to get around him, tripped over his own feet, and then caused them to crash into Severus.
"Don't tell, Siri likes it when they scold him. He gets to pout like the Princess he is and then they fuss over him. See," Harry pointed out and he and Brishen both laughed when Severus stopped scolding Siri and started fussing over his hair and clothes. Sirius looked at Harry and winked when Remus threw an arm around him and led him to a seat at the table.
"I see, that," Brishen said. He and Harry shared a quiet laugh. "You didn't hurt yourself when you tripped did you? Do you need a little fussing over as well?" Harry smiled and rubbed his nose against the Phoelix's nose.
"I am not hurt but I am more than happy to let you fuss over me though," Harry told him. Brishen chuckled and then kissed Harry all over his face while Harry giggled.
"Did I fuss enough? Or do I need to give you over to your Merrow? The snarky one likes to fuss over you," Brishen teased. Harry laughed when he heard Alec huff. All of his Merrow were snarky, it was like a personality trait that they all shared. But Alec was even more snarky than the rest. He was also the only one that they referred to as Harry's and not 'ours'.
"I am perfectly happy letting you fuss for now," Harry told him and settled comfortably in his arms as two plates were put in front of them. Harry let Brishen feed him without complaint.
"Mate, do you do anything for yourself anymore?" Ron teased. Harry just blushed and shrugged.
"Not really. But I like letting them fuss and do things for me. It makes them happy and settles their instincts and in turn, that settles mine. It works for us," Harry replied. Draco laughed.
"I am not even sure how often he walks on his own. Most of the time one of his bonded is carrying him around," Draco picked. Harry laughed.
"He isn't wrong. I am not bothered. If I asked to walk or do something for myself they would let me," Harry said sticking his tongue out at them.
"I think it is lovely. You deserve to be spoiled. All of my children do," Lucius said matter-of-factly. As if it never occurred to him that his children would be treated any differently. Harry smiled at his Papa. He loved his family and friends so much.
"Hadrian tells me that you have already got your eye on a few Gheyo," Frank stated. Harry nodded.
"Yeah, I guess I do. An Ace I met a few days ago and maybe a Queen I met today. We will just have to see. I am not rushing into anything for the most part," Harry answered. He was trying not to be hateful toward the four who had not stood by him. But he knew that they just didn't know him or his past that well. The others had witnessed it and lived it with him per say. Lily, James, Alice, and Frank had not.
"That's good. I would like to spend some time with you, Harry. So maybe one of the days that you decide to spend in The Pit I could go with you?" Frank asked hesitantly. He wanted to build a proper relationship with his circle children. Harry smiled.
"That would be fine. It could be nice," Harry said quietly. Frank smiled and nodded.
"Thank you, Harry," Frank replied.
"You are welcome," Harry offered. Brishen kissed his cheek and he smiled.
"Good Boy, Kitten," Brishen whispered in his ear. Harry blushed just slightly and let Brishen put another bite of food in his mouth. They finished dinner and then retired back to the sitting room to play more games and spend more time together. It was a great evening and Harry was so thankful that his Alpha had put it all together for them. After everyone had gone home, Harry curled up on the couch with Theo. It had been a while since the two of them had sat together while Theo read to him.
"Ready for bed, Princess," Theo asked after a bit. Harry nodded.
"Yeah, today has been full. I am exhausted. I was thinking about maybe hanging around the house tomorrow and seeing what I can come up with for our introduction," Harry replied.
"That's ok if you want to do that. The Hunt lasts for eight weeks no one attends every day. You can rest at home tomorrow it will be good to have the rest before introductions on Friday," Theo said as he pulled Harry off the couch and into his arms.
"Do you have things to do tomorrow?" Harry asked. Theo shook his head no. "Stay here and work on the Earth element with me?"
"Sure, Princess. I would love to," Theo said as he carried Harry to their resting room. Harry was settled in the middle of his bonded and happily snuggled down and was asleep in moments. He couldn't be more happy honestly. He was so happy with the turns that his life had taken. Hopefully, it would only get better from here.
Chapter 9: Circle and Royal Introductions
Summary:
Introductions. Pretty much the only thing that happens here. I hope you enjoy it.
*******Revised 5/12/24 almost nothing changed about this chapter but a few spelling errors.
Notes:
I took most of the Royal Introductions from "There Be Dragons, Harry" Scion is amazing and I couldn't think of a better way to honor them than by keeping the introductions as close as possible to theirs. Thank you for this wonderful world and all that it entails.
Chapter Text
Day Four: At Home
"Ugh, this is useless. I am never going to figure out something as cool as I have seen all of you practice," Harry growled as he dropped to the ground and lay out on his back. He had been working all morning on three of his elements. He only had a small affinity with each. Nothing as powerful as his bonded currently.
"It isn't useless. You are doing a great job, Princess. This is going to look so good tomorrow. It is a good plan," Theo soothed him. Harry just grunted.
"I don't want to mess up and make us all look bad," Harry told him. Theo pulled him to his feet.
"You won't make us look bad. You have been practicing for a week and every opportunity that you have. I think this is a good idea. You, Ethan, and Draco came up with a great idea for our circle," Theo encouraged him. "You know what you need to know. You have done it a few times now. The only reason that it isn't working now is because you have exhausted yourself. Let's just give it a rest. You know what to do and so do the rest of us. You are going to have so many favors you won't know what to do with them," Theo promised.
"He is right, Trouble. We have been watching and practicing with you all morning. We got this," Bill told him. Harry sighed and relaxed his shoulders.
"I know you are both right. I am just nervous. I know we have this," Harry told them.
"Let's go in and relax. Have lunch and take a nap. Then before dinner when everyone is home, we can have one last talk about what everyone is expected to do," Bill asked. Harry nodded. "Good Boy," The Alpha said and swept Harry into his arms and headed toward the house with Theo and Caelus following behind. They were the three walking right before he did. The three of them were going to help him with his walk. It really was going to be pretty if he could pull it off. Which his bonded knew he would.
"Lunch?" Ethan asked as they entered the house. Bill nodded. "Good Quinn just finished and was sending me out to grab the three of you." The Merrow had stayed home and were already in the dining room. Bill dropped Harry into Glynn's lap. The Merrow Ace happily accepted the Submissive in his lap. They had decided to stay home to spend time with Harry since he was not at the hunt today. It had felt like a long time since they had spent any real time with him.
"Have they convinced you that you are going to be brilliant?" Glynn asked. Harry just kissed his cheek and faked a scowl.
"Almost," Harry told him. Glynn just chuckled. They all enjoyed a pleasant lunch before Harry convinced Glynn to take a nap with him. The Ace had tried to get him to go with one of the others at first but had given in when Harry had pouted. He had wanted to do a bit of training but it was a nice opportunity to spend time with his Submissive.
~~~~~~~~~~
"Okay, now that everyone is home let's go over the plan for tomorrow one last time," Bill stated. "We don't walk until after noon closer to one. It was confirmed this morning. So everyone needs to be in the walkway area by about twelve-thirty. You are all free to do whatever you want until then."
"My circle is going to walk first," Sol stated. "Our Gheyo suite will walk first. Then Blaise followed by our Pareya, then Viktor, myself and finally Draco. Understood?"
"Yep, we know our order. Plus they are going to announce each of us before we walk. It will be fine," Draco confirmed. Sol nodded.
"Then our circle will go," Bill stated. "Everyone except our Merrow, who will be with Harry when he does the Royal introductions."
"My suite will walk first, followed by Adad and Styrmir," Hadrian went next.
"Yes, and then?" Bill continued.
"Charlie, Brishen, and Donovan will walk," Ethan stated. Bill nodded and indicated for them to continue.
"Then Riven and Cethin will be next," Oliver added.
"Yes, and then Quinn and Perry will go," Bill continued again. "Then our Pareya followed by Caelus, Theo, Myself, and then Harry. Once we are through walking, Peryton, Harry, and Draco will head to where the Royals are waiting. Peryton will come in with the Air Royals and Draco and Harry along with our Merrow bonded will come in with the Merrow Royals."
"Sounds good, Bill," Harry said with a smile.
"Good. After that, we are going to watch a few of the shows and then the Kalzik family would like us to join them for dinner. Draco you and yours are included in that invitation," Bill announced.
"Let them know that we appreciate the invitation but we are going to be having dinner with Sol's family tomorrow night," Draco replied.
"I will let them know," Bill answered. "Okay, is there anything that anyone would like to add or comment on?"
"Great, then it is time for dinner," Ethan said. They all stood up and headed to the dining room for food. When they were finished eating, they all headed to bed instead of staying up. Tomorrow was going to be a long day.
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Day Five: Introductions
"I think instead of roaming around today, I am just going to stay in our viewing box and watch introductions until it is time for us to walk," Harry told the others. "I have a habit of getting into trouble and if I am in one place not doing anything I can't possibly cause issues for any of us."
"Are you sure that is what you want to do?" Bill asked him. Harry smiled and nodded. "So your parents decided that they aren't walking. Lucius and Lily are going to be with Laurent when the Merrow present. But other than that they aren't participating. I invited them to stay in our viewing box if they wanted. Is that ok?"
"Of course, it is," Harry told him. "Who all is going to stay with me?"
"Wikhn and I are staying with you," Hadrian stated.
"So am I," Brishen added. "I think Riven is going to stay as well." The mage in question nodded.
"Oliver and I as well," Ethan told him.
"If that is all then the rest of you are free to do whatever you want. But I want everyone to meet in our box at twelve-thirty or earlier. That way we can make sure to be lined up and ready to go when it is our turn to walk."
"Draco, what are you going to do?" Harry asked.
"We are going to walk around and enjoy some of the stalls. Then we will come back to the box," Draco told him.
"Okay, sounds good," Harry replied. Then they all separated to go and do their own things until it was time to walk. Harry and the others that were staying with him in the box headed up.
Harry's parents were already in the box and Harry happily took a seat between Severus and Remus. His bonded spread out around the room to talk to the others.
"Spending the morning up here?" Severus asked him.
"Yeah, I just want to relax. I am a bit nervous about walking," Harry responded. Remus patted him on the shoulder.
"You will be just fine," Severus told him. Remus nodded.
"Of course, he will. He is our child after all," Sirius stated from the other side of Severus. Harry grinned.
"He is going to do fine. He has been practicing and he is ready," Hadrian called from where he was talking to Frank.
"Thank you, everyone. Where is Luna?" Harry asked.
"She is with the Deveraine Circle. Since she is going to be introduced after they walk she is just staying with them for the time being. I need to remember to thank your Theo for suggesting that they introduce her. Bahn has taken on the role of a Mentor for her and she is learning so many things from him. Even that touchy Bhindi has taken a liking to her," Severus told them.
"I am really glad. I can't wait to start sorting through favors with her," Harry said smiling. "What about Neville? What is he doing?"
"He went off with a few Alphas his age that he has met. I don't know what they are up to but he promised to be back in time to watch all of you walk and for Royal introductions," Remus answered him.
"I am glad. I know he wants to learn everything that he can about being an Alpha. I love how prepared he always is," Harry grinned. His brother had never been as impulsive as the rest of them. It was one of the things that would make him a great Alpha one day.
"What are you going to be doing after introductions?" Severus asked him.
"Well, I think we are going to have lunch and then I was thinking about watching some of the shows they are putting on today. We have dinner plans with Quinn's family this evening," Harry replied.
"And the weekend?" Remus asked. Harry shrugged.
"I was going to spend some time in The Pits and some time in the Merrow sections. They haven't been open yet and I am curious," Harry answered. "If I go to The Pits this weekend do you want to go with me, Frank?"
"Yes, I would like that, Harry. Thank you," Frank replied. Harry smiled at him and turned back around to watch what was going on for the other introductions. Severus and Remus gave him proud looks and he was happy to have them proud of him. They sat together and watched the others walk as well as small shows in between. The Deveraine circle was going to be walking soon and Luna would be walking after them. Harry was excited to see it.
"Hey, has Luna-Girl walked yet?" Draco asked as he walked into the viewing box with his circle. Neville was with him as well. "Found our big brother when we were on our way up."
"No, she hasn't walked yet. I think they are walking next. Then we are going to need to get ready for our turns," Harry answered. As they all got settled they started calling the first of the Deveraine Circle. Harry loved watching them Greta and Ilsa were the most flashy. They were so fun to watch. Then it was their sister's turn. She looked so pretty.
Her hair was down and had flowers and gems woven into it. She was also wearing Ravenclaw's Diadem and she looked as pretty in it as Harry, Draco, and Severus had thought she would. She was wearing a long and flowy gossamer dress layered with different shades of blues with gems woven into it. She unfurled her wings before she started walking and she looked like a literal Fairy Princess as she started walking. She smiled so prettily as she walked and when she walked you caught sight of her bare feet.
The best part of her walk was that as she passed, Flowers of every kind blossomed on the walkway. She was leaving a literal trail of flowers behind her. It was an amazing performance and Harry knew that she would be getting quite a few favors. He was very proud of her and could tell by looking around that the rest of his family was just as proud.
"She did beautifully," Draco stated. Harry nodded.
"Yeah she did," Harry replied.
"She has been practicing that since she decided to Hunt," Neville said. "It is actually really easy for her to do it. I have had her help me with my plants a few times." A few moments later Luna was walked into their box by Ilsa.
"Hey little sister, you did so well," Harry said when she came skipping in.
"Thank you, You and Drake will do really good as well," Luna said as she flitted over to Narcissa and sat next to her. Ilsa pulled Harry up and into a hug.
"Where is Theodore?" She asked while still holding Harry.
"He should be here any minute. We all agreed to meet here by twelve-thirty to get ready for our walk," Harry answered her.
"Well, I don't want to get in the way. I know that your Draco and Ethan are as fussy as my Bahn. I am not going to wish you good luck because you are going to do beautifully," Ilsa said and then she kissed Harry on the head and left their box.
Over the next thirty minutes, the rest of their circles filtered into the box until they were all present and accounted for except for Harry's bonded Merrow. At twelve-thirty, they left the box and headed for the walkway. Draco's circle lined up first.
"Introducing a new circle, newly formed due to a soulscream. I present to you all the Decantor circle. First across the walkway is High Noble, Storm Ace, Arashi Noe," The announcer began. The Storm Ace went across the walkway and showed off his talent with lightning. The rest of their circle was called one and a time and they put on a great show.
Finally, it was Draco's turn.
"And now last but certainly not least. The Submissive who called all of these lovely Dragel to him. Air Submissive, and a newly returned to us Royal, Draconis Ren Evanson-Malfoy. He and his circle are not hunting this time around. He is also the twin to the Submissive of our next circle as well. Please show your appreciation," The announcer called out. Draco sauntered across the walkway in his pretty Gray outfit with his pretty Peach, Silver, and blue wings. He walked across in typical Draco fashion with his nose in the air and with a confidence in himself that Harry only wished that he had. Draco didn't need to do anything he was lovely just walking across.
After a breath for the new circle to receive all of its applause, the announcer began again.
"Another new soul screamed Circle is up next. They were gifted a circle name, Serpent's Requiem, by Lady Death herself. We will start with their impressive Shadow Ace, Hadrian Maruke. He is more popularly known as Blood Raven the current Blood title Champion of the Shadow Courts," The announcer began. Hadrian strode confidently onto the walkway and called Shadows to him. They swirled up his body in such a smooth way that you could tell he had perfect control of them. Then he simply disappeared and reappeared a few feet away before continuing to walk across the walkway and slowly allowing the Shadows to dissipate around him. Harry thought he looked very lovely and almost trilled at him before stopping himself.
The rest of his Gheyo were announced and when it came time for his second suit the announcer made sure to let the crowds know that the missing Gheyo from the Suite were Merrow who would be acknowledged later. Then his Jokers went across and they continued in the order that they were meant to. When Riven had gone across the walkway he had made it rain and the others after him made sure to leave the rain water on the walkway.
Caelus was announced and walked across the walkway. As he went he used his ability with Air to trap the water on the walkway within bubbles of air that he left floating at the beginning third of the walkway. The bubbles remain in place as Theo is announced and makes his way across. Once he was past the air bubbles he began calling pillars of earth up to line the middle third of the walkway. He did it with perfect control and an impressive amount of magic. When Bill went across he strutted and called fire to his hands the flames trailed behind him until he reached the last third of the walkway. Then he left them in place along the walkway before stepping off.
Finally, It was Harry's turn. He took a deep breath and grounded himself. He had a plan this wasn't just part of the show. He planned on using what he did to make gifts for his bonded.
"And now Introducing the heart of this impressive soul scream circle. Harrison Orion Evanson-Malfoy. He is a Nameless Ferros, Submissive Royal and twin to the Submissive of the Decantor Circle. He is currently Hunting and would like to have it noted at this time that he is actively hunting Gheyo and perhaps a Mage. He is not opposed to adding others to his circle but is currently concentrating on Gheyo. Please join me in welcoming him to the walkway Lords and Ladies." With that finished Harry stepped out onto the walkway. He had learned before ever coming to Nevarah, from his Grandmera Jun that one could create gems from the elements if they tried hard enough and had an affinity for them.
So Harry started with the bubbles of air and water. He concentrated as he walked slowly and separated them in the air and began compressing them down and pouring magic in them until he had eight gems of varying shades of blue from the water and eight gems of varying shades of white and grey hovering above him he used his magic to make them hover around him in a circle while he went on.
He continued walking to the pillars of Earth. He unsheathed Basilisk's Bite and sliced through the pillars until he had enough broken pieces to do what he needed. He sheathed his blade and then once again compressed and poured magic into the Earth until he held eight gems of varying shades of brown and gold. The Earth gems joined the others circling around him as he moved on to the balls of fire.
Harry was feeling more confident in himself at this point and grinned as he once again compressed the flames and poured magic into them. When he was finished he had eight Fire gems hovering around him in shades of red and orange. He let them circle him for a moment before opening a pouch and letting the gems fall into it. Then he exited the walkway to the sound of applause. He had done it. He had been so worried and afraid but he had done it. It had gone exactly like he wanted it to. He collapsed into Bill's arms and he felt like his magic was a bit exhausted.
"You did so well, Trouble. It was a very impressive show. You will probably get many favors and offers of courting," Bill told him as he scooped Harry up and they all headed to their box. Harry chirred in happiness and let his bonded fuss over him once they were settled back in their box. They had about an hour or so before they needed to head to the Royal areas.
"That was a very impressive show of magic and control over the four main elements, Loveling," Narcissa told him as she handed him some snacks and fussed over his hair.
"Thank you, Cissa," Harry told her with a smile. They sat and relaxed in the box while a few more circles walked.
"Okay, you three let's get going," Hadrian stood up. He would be going with Peryton, Harry, and Draco down to the royal waiting areas because he would be announced after the Royals as a Blood Title holder. Styrmir and Adad were going to go with them as well. Just for the extra weapons to protect them if needed.
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Royal Waiting Area
"There are my boys," Laurent said when they arrived in the Royal waiting area. He pulled Harry and Draco into a hug. "Are the three of you going to be joining us until the introduction?"
"Yes, We will stay with you all until it is time for your introduction," Hadrian answered and then the six of them headed further into the Royal waiting area.
"Hello, Troublemaker," Alec said when they got to where the others were. Harry went into his snarky Merrow's arms.
"Hi, Alec. Miss me?" Harry teased as Alec fussed over his hair and clothes.
"Of course, I did," Alec said. "You did beautifully on your walk by the way."
"It was a very impressive manipulation of the elements, Kitten," Glynn said as he wrapped his arms around Harry. He chirred at his bonded as they each greeted him.
"Hello, Peryton," said a pretty Dragel with nearly white hair and pale skin. She was wearing numerous layers of shimmery, white fabric. His bonded smiled and hugged the woman. "Introduce me, finally." She said with a grin.
"This is my lovely Submissive, Harry," Peryton introduced to the woman. "Harry this is my little sister Dawne. She is the Crown Princess of the Air Courts." Harry bowed and then held out his hand, but she just laughed and pulled him into a hug.
"It is very nice to finally meet you, Harry. And just so that you know, there is no need for you to bow to me. You are a Royal just as well," Princess Dawne told him. Harry smiled. He knew that everyone had known about him and Draco mere hours after it had been confirmed that they were Alcandor's nephews.
"I see our Uncle has been bragging again," Harry said with a grin. He heard someone grumble and turned to see his Uncle Alcandor scowling at them while his father and brother held in their laughs. Dawne laughed and so did two others. One Harry recognized as the Royal who had come to Earth after he had given his soul scream, Prince Raspen he was sure. The other was a woman who was only slightly taller than he was with long hair that was so deep red it was nearly black. She is the one who stepped forward.
"Oh, he hasn't stopped bragging about the two of you since the moment he found out about you. You should have heard him while you two walked. Alcandor and your father were both just gushing about you both," She held out her hand. "I am Ebony. I for one have been happily rubbing it in his face that both of you have Fire Alphas and land-walking circles." Harry laughed and took her hand to shake it as did Draco when it was offered to him.
"Yeah, the Merrow advisors are so pissed. They have been hounding Uncle Al ever since about having children so that neither me and Draco nor our father can inherit after him," Harry told her.
"I love the chaos the two of you have caused simply by existing. It makes me so happy to see that ole snarky Merrow with his tail in a twist," Ebony said with glee. Harry laughed and then smiled happily as a familiar face came striding toward them.
"Hello, Feisty Submissive," Zandian said with a grin and a wink. "It is good to see you again. Did you enjoy the rest of your day in The Pits?"
"It is good to see you again, Zandian. I did enjoy the rest of my day. I stayed until my Lovely Alpha came to get me for a dinner he planned," Harry said with a smile. He pulled Draco forward. "This is my Twin Brother Draco. Draco this is the Blood title holder for the Fire Courts, Zandian. I had lunch with him, and some others when I was hanging out in the pits." Draco held out his hand and shook with the Ace.
"Nice to meet you, Draco," Zandian greeted and Draco smiled at him.
"Nice to meet you as well," Draco replied.
"Can we expect to see you in The Pits as well during The Hunt?" The Fire Ace asked. Draco shook his head no.
"No, I don't quite enjoy fighting the way that my brother does. I prefer the shopping district, the spa, and the shows. I have more delicate sensibilities than my brother," Draco answered him honestly. Zandian chuckled.
"Nothing wrong with that. It isn't a place that most Submissives are comfortable in. Mainly Ferros or Gheyic Submissives are found down there," Zandian replied.
"I hate shopping," Harry said with a dramatic shiver. "I leave all of the shopping to Draco and our Pareya. It makes them happy and that makes me happy."
"If it were up to my dear brother, he would wear jeans and a T-shirt every day. He has a horrid fashion sense," Draco insisted. Harry shrugged and blushed.
"Well, that isn't quite as true as it used to be. I like jeans and a T-shirt but I also find I quite enjoy the new wardrobe. I just never would have bought it for myself," Harry said. He felt arms wrap around him from behind and smiled up at Chelan. The Gheyo Queen kissed him on the head.
"We love you just the way you are, Little Princeling," He told Harry.
"Thank you, Chelan," Harry said with a blush.
"All right, it is time for the royal introductions to begin. We will start with Earth. Listen for your cue," An official-looking Dragel stated just then. The same announcer from earlier began to announce a pledge of some sort that Harry had been practicing with Ethan and Quinn. All of the Dragel in the chambers stood to attention and placed two fingers over their hearts.
"...for that which we have founded, by hands you and old. We give thanks, respect, and love. We maintain our loyalty for the pledge taken by our souls, to uphold truth, honor, and individuality. We ask nothing and take nothing. We give that which will not destroy us and we build up that which requires repair. For the Earth beneath our feet, we stand tall..." They continued to recite the pledge until they were finished. Harry watched as the Earth royals and their courts stepped forward and readied themselves.
"First to present, is the Royal house of the Earth element. We warmly welcome Prince Raspen, the Crown Prince of the Earth Royals, and his entourage. Welcome to his ministers, his court, and the royal guard," The announcer said.
Harry saw as many Dragel in the arena stood up to show their respect and there was a rumbling of applause and cheers that rose from all around them. He watched in awe as the magic pulsed around the Royal party and then the ground began to rumble and shift. He watched as Prince Raspen worked to create a pavilion with no ceiling. Four thrones rose up in the middle, back to back, with each throne facing a different side.
Four walkways rose up and then all of the dust and dirt rolled away to reveal smooth, gray stone and fancy stonework. Then a giant gaping hole opened up and then stairs formed and then the Dragel were moving. Two Military circles that marched in perfect unison stepped onto the stairs first and made their way up to emerge from the gaping hole. Musicians went next and lined up with all of their instruments at the ready. The third section to emerge was filled with performers and mages.
Finally, the Royal court began to ascend the stairs. Advisors, council men and women all of them dressed in extravagant and fine garments. Then Prince Raspen started his ascent followed by his familiar. It was a large hulking thing that dripped mud and had huge gaping holes where the eyes and mouth should have been. With each step it took after the Prince it began to dry and form until it looked like a living statue. Raspen walked down a walkway and stood at the bottom of the stairs as his Court took their places along the stairway. Then he ascended those stairs as well to the throne that stood waiting. The Hulking Golem settled with a Huff as the Prince turned and faced the crowd.
"I humbly thank you for your warm and enthusiastic welcome. I am pleased to lend my presence to the Hunt and I wish everyone health, happiness, and eternity in finding their soulmates. May you continue to uphold the reputation of our respected element and embody all that the earth is," Raspen said with a gentle yet firm voice. Then he sat down as the crowd once again cheered and applauded for him.
"Okay, Fire you are up next," The official stated while Raspen was giving his speech. The Fire court shuffled around until they were in position. At this time all of those in the Air court left up a staircase Harry hadn't seen before. They would be coming in from above so they were heading up to the top of the arena an up into the clouds to wait for the cue.
Harry heard Raspen pause and watched as those standing all took their seats and waited for the next part.
"It is also my great pleasure to present to you, Her Royal Highness, the Princess Ebony, the chosen of the Fire Royals to next take the crown, with her entourage. Welcome to her ministers, court, and the Royal Guard. The Earth Clans extend their warmest welcome and express their sincere appreciation for the alliance between our elements," Raspen introduced the Fire court. Another group of Dragel stood from their seats. Harry knew it was the Fire Dragels.
Harry watched entranced as balls of fire streaked down the aisles of the arena. A line of hovering torchless lights left in their wake. From what Harry could see it looked like intricate webbing throughout the aisles. Harry thought it was all very pretty. Marching was heard next and Harry watched with rapt attention as lines of Gheyo began marching down the aisles. While they were marching down a pair of doors opened and admitted the Royal Procession. The Gheyo that marched vaulted effortlessly over the protective railing and into the dirt as a roar was heard from the double doors.
A large blood-red dragon in true form came into the room with performers doing all types of tricks around them. It was lovely to watch as they breathed fire and sang while they cartwheeled and flipped around. Harry saw Ebony perched on top of the dragon smiling and waving. They made their way putting on a merry show until they reached the base of the stairs leading to her empty throne.
Her court took their places the same way that Raspen's had before them. The dragon bowed it's head when it reached the foot of the stairs and the Princess slid gracefully to the ground. Ebony spoke quietly to the dragon and Harry watched in fascination as it shrank down and curled up at the base of her throne. She curtsied politely to Prince Raspen and then turned to the crowd with a smile.
"Thank you for such a warm welcome. As the head of the Royal House of our element, I am pleased to lend my presence to the Hunt. I wish health, happiness, and eternity to each of you in finding your soulmates. May you find your missing pieces and become whole. May you uphold the reputation of our element with pride and dignity as you embody all that the power of the flame is," Ebony's voice rang out crisp and clear. There were shouts and cheers throughout the arena.
Harry watched as the Dragel around the room took their seats as the Princess did as well. It was time for the Air Dragel.
"It is my greatest hope that you will extend this warm welcome to our friends, the Air Clan. It is my honor to introduce to you our hosting element this season, Her Royal Highness, Princess Dawne, Nevarah's chosen crown royal of the Air Clans and her entourage. Welcome to her ministers, her court, and her impressive royal guard. On behalf of the Fire Clans, I extend our warmest welcome and express our sincere appreciation for the alliance between our elements." Then she threw her head back and opened her arms. "Look to the Sky!" She exclaimed.
There was movement as those of the air element stood and everyone turned their heads upward. Harry didn't get to watch much of the entrance because he was being shuffled around and placed in position next to Draco. His Gheyo surrounded them and they were placed directly behind their parents. They then descended a set of stairs that took them below the water level. He could hear the applause and Princess Dawne as she gave her thanks and then introduced the Merrow. Harry almost giggled as she announced his uncle as Prince when he had been King for years.
When they were finally announced Harry watched as water began to move upward and filled in the giant hole that Raspen had made. The water overflowed the hole and snaked toward the platform. A vortex appeared over them and then Merrow began to ascend out of the portal and line up waiting for their Royal. Then Alcandor stepped through. There was a group of young Merrow that were adorned in beautiful trinkets and clothes and were surrounded by royal guards. Harry and the others all took up places near Alcandor.
Advisor Kieran stepped forward and encouraged Uncle Al to move forward as well. Then the Advisor started speaking.
"It is my pleasure to present to you His Royal Highness. He no longer stands before you as a Crown Prince, but as the accepted ruler of his domain. King Alcandor from the clan of Her Royal Highness, Queen Manthestia. I give you her favored son and the people's choice. He has ruled with a kind and firm hand since assuming his duty seven years before. I ask that you welcome him with the respect that is due to his elevated station."
There was applause and cheers as Princess Dawne took his hands and greeted him with a shocked smile. He then turned back and called for his familiar. Harry was excited. He knew that Alec had been the one working with the beautiful creature. "Goonter," he called with a faint hiss.
A loud roar was heard from the giant pool of water and with a playful roar the Sea Dragon popped his head above the surface. His iridescent scales cast rainbows along the stone walls of the arena. He streamed forth from the portal of water and wrapped himself around the entire royal platform with his head resting closest to Alcandor's throne. Alec sat atop his head with pride. Alcandor stepped forward again.
"I would like to make a few quick announcements of importance to our court. My brother Laurent and current Crown Prince of the Merrow courts has returned to us. His Circle has been returned to him." With this spoke Laurent, Lucius, and Lily stepped forward. "My brother Laurent, his Alpha Lucius, and his Submissive Lillian. That isn't even the best of the news. With the return of his circle, we were also blessed with two new Royals. His twin sons Draconis and Harrison." Draco stepped forward slightly. "Draconis, unfortunately, has no current Merrow bonded and is not Hunting. Please, respect that choice." Draco stepped back again and Harry stepped forward with his bonded.
"Harrison on the other hand has a few Merrow bonded and is hunting. We are happy to welcome them to our family." Harry and his bonded stepped back into place. "I would like to impart a few words of wisdom now. Those standing before you here today are those who have agreed to surface and permit interaction aboveground. There are twenty eligible Merrows of varied ranks, none are Alpha and none other than my nephew are Submissive. Beyond that, you will have to discover their individuality on your own. During the daytime, our kind will move freely with yours. At night, we will reside in the White Caverns, as we always have, during the Hunt. The only exceptions to this are Harrison and his Merrow. Each Merrow is required to report in for the night, a failure to do so will incur my immediate displeasure and consequent wrath." Uncle Al paused and let the threat sink into all of those around them.
"You should be well aware of the jewelry worn by the eligible, they are marked tokens of favor and if gifted, you should understand that you have been chosen or accepted to some degree. We are expressive and seductive creatures, please beware the term 'harmless flirting' is something entirely different to us. At any time, should an incident of a criminal nature occur involving one of our own, we reserve the right to refer to Merrow Law. In following with our native laws, expect Merrow Justice." After the seriousness of his announcement, he smiled. "I hope I have not discouraged you from befriending these charming young fellows, because I assure you, they are polite and interested."
After that, the respected heads of the Shadow and Storm elements were announced and brought onto the royal platform. Lady Bianca Dreswell came for the Storm element and The Cunninghams came for the Shadow. Then the clan chiefs were acknowledged and made their way to the royal platform as well. They filed around without all of the flare of the royals. The Earth Clan chief stepped forward first.
"I would like to present to you all, my daughter, the current reigning Earth Champion of the Blood Titles, Lady Ilsa Gorgens. I am quite proud to announce her entrance. My Lords and Ladies I give you, Blood Wraith." Harry watched as Ilsa appeared in a flash of golden-white magic in her full Gheyo glory. Her wings were held out behind her in pride but Harry could tell that their scared and plated appearance caused a bit of unease.
"Thank you for the welcome," Ilsa stated after bowing to her father and winking at Harry. I am glad to return. And I welcome to the stage the Shadow's Champion and Blood Title, Lord Hadrian Maruke. I give you all, Blood Raven." Harry beamed with pride as Shadows converged on the area and his lovely Ace emerged from the Shadows giving a sweeping bow. Then he and Ilsa gave each other courtesy bows. Then Hadrian turned and bowed to Harry as well. Harry inclined his head back to him and blushed when the Shadow Ace winked at him.
"Thank you, Lady Ilsa," Hadrian said politely. "It is my pleasure to bring to the stage the Air Champion and Blood Title, Lady Paielda, Blood Whisper." The title holder materialized in place next to Hadrian and smiled and bowed.
"Thank you kindly," The Lady stated. "I invite to the stage the Storm Champion and Blood Title, Lady Greta Deveraine, Blood Rayne." Harry watched with a smile as Greta appeared on stage in a flash of lightning. She stood tall and proud.
"Thank you for the lovely welcome," Greta spoke loud and clear. "I am honored to present to you the Fire Champion and Blood Title, High Noble Zandian, Blood Flame." Zandian appeared in a flash of blue-green flame. He gave an exaggerated bow with a cocky grin on his face. He greeted all of his fellow champions shaking hands with all of them.
"Please show your appreciation for your champions," The announcer exclaimed and there was a huge round of cheers and applause. Harry realized that he had not paid as much attention to what would happen after introductions. He stood on stage for what felt like hours as Clan chiefs announced special introductions. When it was done they would be allowed to leave the stage to have dinner. Harry thought today had been a lot of fun and he was ready for the rest of The Hunt.
Chapter 10: Happy Hunting
Summary:
Harry and co. are having dinner with the Kalzik clan after Royal introductions when there is a breach. Which naturally leads to a Fabrine Hunt. Harry convinces his Alpha to let him go and he gets to experience a whole different type of Hunt.
********Revised 5/13/24 Only changed a few conversations and fixed some errors. Enjoy the fixed chapters
Chapter Text
Dinner with Kalzik Circle
Dinner with the Kalzik family had been a lot of fun. They had gone to a large open field just outside of all of the bustle of the Hunt. They had all spread out and introduced each other before sitting down to a large picnic dinner. Harry's Merrow had come with them all after Goonter had been taken home. The only one that didn't join them was Peryton. He had promised his sister that he would join her after the introductions for a few meetings that needed to take place.
Harry's Gheyo had all spread around and were visiting a little but were mostly guarding them. Apparently, the Kalzik family didn't really have Gheyo other than Bharin. Harry thought it was a bit weird but he figured that was only because his circle was so full of Gheyo and he didn't know how he would manage without them. Another thing he noted was that almost every daughter they had was a twin. Just like Parvati and Padma had said. The only one that wasn't was Quinn's sister Dyshoka who was there with a woman that Harry recognized as Wikhn's previous Ace. It made him want to keep Wikhn close.
The King had picked up on it and was currently sitting behind Harry with the Submissive sitting between his legs and leaning up against him. Wikhn found it didn't bother him as much as he thought it would to be around Dahlia. He missed her and what they had together for sure. But it was dimmed by the happiness and love that he shared with Harry.
Getting to know Quinn's parents was exciting and kind of in a way reminded Harry of the chaos of the Burrow. Everyone talked over everyone else. Siblings were pranking each other at every opportunity. Hiram kind of reminded Harry of Arthur in the way that he was calm, kind, and clearly the boss. He also radiated an auror that screamed authority. Harry loved his hugs as much as he loved Lucius and Severus's hugs.
Patrick reminded Harry of Remus. Fun and ready to stir mischief when the opportunity presented itself but also with the capacity to be the most stern of the three parents. Also, his magic was so similar to Quinn's magic that Harry was instantly calm around him.
Surajini was just as warm and kind as she had been when Harry had first met her. She hugged him a lot and was continuously handing Harry more food to eat. He was going to be so full he was sick when he left there.
"So have you thought about a Bonding Ceremony? or at least a Celebration," Surajini asked.
"Jini we told you.." Patrick started but Jini waved them off. Harry smiled and shook his head.
"Honestly, it isn't even something that anyone has brought up. We have spent so much time settling our bonds with each other and learning our new normal that it hasn't been thought about. It's really just been one thing after another," Harry told her. Surajini looked over to Lily, Lucius, and Narcissa.
"Have you and your circle discussed it?" The Submissive asked.
"No, we haven't. Like Harry said we have all been settling in. We have two foster children we are helping navigate this new world as well as finding two lost bond mates, and preparing for The Hunt," Lucius stated.
"Could I? Throw one, I mean," Surajini asked them all. Harry could feel the waves of excitement rolling off of her. This was something she really wanted to do. "I don't want to overstep and as the parents of the Submissive it is your place to do it. But I truly would love to throw one for them. It would be no trouble."
Mama, I don't know if that is a good idea Quinn said.
"Why not?" Harry asked him. "I think a celebration to acknowledge our bonding would be great." Harry turned to Surajini. "You are welcome to spearhead a celebration. I would only ask that you involve as many of the other families that would like to help. Whether it is with money, ideas, or anything else. I am sure a lot of families have been imagining their children's bonding just like you have." Surajini looked so happy that Harry knew he had made the right decision.
"Are you sure?" She asked him. Harry nodded. Surajini turned to Lily again. "I wouldn't mind if you wanted to run the planning of everything, it is your right as his bearer."
"I honestly don't know the first thing about through a celebration of that magnitude and importance. You probably have far more experience than I do and are more familiar with Dragel traditions. So I am happy to allow you to run things. But please, we want to be involved with every step of the process. We want to help in every way that we can," Lily told her. She would do anything to make Harry happy and he looked more than happy to allow the other Submissive this.
"Oh, and one more thing I would like to suggest please," Harry spoke up. "I would ask that you wait at least a few weeks so that I have the opportunity to add more of the bonded I am hunting for. I would feel bad if we had a celebration too soon and then I added more bonded afterward. I want to celebrate everyone. Even those not with me yet."
Are you sure you want to let her do this? Mama can be a bit much sometimes Quinn brought up. Harry could feel that he would love to let his mother do this for them but he was afraid she would overwhelm Harry.
"Yes, I am sure. I am sure she has had your bonding celebration planned out since you were born. Besides she is literally the first person who has brought it up. I can feel how much this means to her," Harry insisted. "Besides I would love to opportunity to celebrate how happy you all make me." Quinn smiled at him brightly and leaned in to kiss him in thanks.
"Thank you, Harry. This means a lot to me. I will get with you all later to get contact information from everyone's families. I will make sure that anyone who wants to be involved is. This is going to be The Event for our family this Season," Surajini exclaimed. She stood up and pulled Harry up into her arms. She squeezed him tightly and then did the same to Quinn before she took off toward some of her Pareya with Lily in tow.
"You have made her entire week," Hiram pointed out with a small smile. Harry could feel waves of affection and pride coming from him directed toward him and Quinn. Harry loved it. He loved accidentally doing things that caused people to be proud of him it was still something he was getting used to. Wikhn squeezed him and placed a gentle kiss on his neck.
The dinner was interrupted when suddenly there was a quake that shook everything in a bad way. Wikhn wrapped his arms tightly around Harry and all of the Gheyo were suddenly on high alert. Message bubbles began to appear everywhere.
A breach. Something has happened to the wards around Nevarah. People were hurt and Fabrine were attacking. They were calling for medics, healers, and Gheyo. Patrick, Quinn's sire, came over to them.
"We are all responding. Those too young are porting home so they are safe behind our wards. You are welcome to join them, Harry," Patrick offered. Harry shook his head.
"Thank you so much for the offer, Sir. My circle would feel more comfortable if I was safe behind our wards. Go safely," Harry replied. Then they were organizing and porting away. Hadrian, Glynn, and Bill came striding to him. Harry went into Bill's arms.
"All of us are going home, Glynn's suite is going to come home with us to guard us. Hadrian and the rest are going to fight. They will be home as soon as they can afterward," Bill told them all. Harry nodded.
"When the breach is handled and it is settled we must report to Lord Aiden. There will be a Hunt tonight for the Fabrine that made it through and will be hiding in Nevarah. It will not be safe to be out tonight. Harry you will have to come with us. You do not have to Hunt but you must report to Lord Aiden. Do you understand?" Hadrian asked him. Harry nodded.
"Do your duty and make me proud. But come home to me when it is done. If you die I will have Lady Death bring you back just so that I can kill you again myself. Fight well, my own," Harry told them. They each kissed him and then they were porting away. Those that were left ported home. Draco and his circle minus his Ace, King, and Queen were already waiting for them when they arrived home. They had joined Harry's Gheyo at the breach. Their parental circle joined them at their home as well. Their entire Suite had chosen to join the others at the breach.
Harry went upstairs to let Ethan and Mistral help him change out of his Hunt clothes and into a flexi suite and armor that Glynn had taken him to get as a courting gift. It would be his first chance to wear it.
"You want to Hunt, don't you?" Bill asked from the doorway. Harry smiled up at him and nodded.
"Will you let me? I will follow whatever rules you all set for me so that you feel comfortable. I swear it. Please? My skin has been itchy and I can feel the dark energy in the air like ants biting across my skin. I want to do this so badly," Harry pleaded with his Alpha. Bill sighed and pulled Harry into his arms.
"I don't know how much I like this, Trouble. I know your instincts are going to be different than mine because you are Ferros. And I don't want to smother or stifle you. I do however want you to be safe and protected. So Hadrian and I will lay out rules for you to follow since he will be with you tonight. You will follow them to the letter or we will not do this again. No matter how prettily you beg. Do you understand?" Bill asked him. Harry smiled up at him and squeezed him tighter.
"Thank you, Alpha. I promise and I understand," Harry agreed.
"That is only if Hadrian agrees," Bill said finally. Harry nodded. He would convince his Ace if he needed to. The four of them headed back downstairs to join the others. Harry quickly realized that there were a few more Gheyo here than there were supposed to be.
"Alec, who are they?" Harry pointed to the two Merrow that were speaking to Glynn. Alec wrapped his arms around Harry and pressed a kiss to his head.
"They were sent by your Uncle. He wanted to offer us a bit more security just in case. You never know who might try to take advantage of this situation to cause problems," Alec answered him.
"Do you know them?" Harry asked. Both of them were quite handsome. Neither had bonding marks either. Alec chuckled.
"Would you like to meet them? It is your right to know those who are guarding you," Alec countered. Harry nodded and grinned. Alec led Harry to where the three Gheyo were talking. "Ace, our curious troublemaker wants to meet the nice Gheyo." Harry was then pressed into Glynn's arms and Alec walked away after kissing Harry on the cheek. Harry blushed and then rolled his eyes.
"Submissive mine, I would like to introduce you to Tempest. He is a Gheyo King," Glynn introduced the first man. He was pale blue and didn't have fluted ears. His hair was also more purple than blue. and his eyes were a violet that reminded Harry of his storm Gheyo. So not full Merrow. The Gheyo bowed low.
"Highness, it is an honor to guard you," Tempest stated. Harry sighed and then smiled.
"Please, just Harry is fine. I was not brought up royal or anything near it. Honestly, it makes me a bit uncomfortable. So please just Harry," Harry insisted. The Gheyo King nodded and grinned.
"Very well, just Harry. It is very nice to meet you. Your introduction today was quite impressive," Tempest offered. Harry blushed and nodded.
"Thank you, I worked really hard on it. I didn't want to disappoint my bonded," Harry admitted. Glynn looked down at him with a frown.
"Why would you ever think we would be disappointed by you?" The Ace asked. Harry shrugged.
"You are all so powerful and impressive. Very lovely and I just wanted to make you proud of me. I want to be a submissive worthy of all of you," Harry said quietly. Glynn looked him straight in the eyes and clicked his tongue at him.
"Kitten, you could never disappoint us. You are powerful, impressive, and lovely all on your own. It is us who need to prove that we are worthy of you. Never forget that you are our heart and that you are perfect for us just as you are. You could have simply walked and nothing else and we would have been perfectly satisfied and proud. Do you understand, Love?" Glynn asked seriously. Harry searched his eyes and tested their bond for any deceit but all he felt was complete sincerity. Harry smiled and nodded. He trilled up at Glynn and then pressed a kiss to his jaw. Glynn kissed his lips softly and then turned him back around to be introduced to the next man.
This man was bulkier and seemed wilder than the other. He was a pure Merrow and was littered with scars that he wore with pride. Harry liked the feel of him. He liked it very much. He tried really hard to keep the soft chirp from leaving his lips but he didn't quite succeed. There was just something about him that Harry needed. It was like when he had met Donovan but far more intense. This Merrow was supposed to be his. He could feel it. The Merrow stepped closer and bowed but never took his eyes off of Harry's.
"I am Varon, Princeling. I am a Merrow Joker and part of Crimson Tide. I am happy to guard you," The Merrow spoke before Glynn could introduce him. His voice was deep and filled with promises of things Harry couldn't quite put his hands on. It made Harry shiver visibly. Varon held out his hand and Harry placed his much much smaller hand into the Joker's. He brought it to his face and pressed a tender kiss to the inside of Harry's wrist before slipping a beautiful bracelet with an emerald dangling from it onto Harry's wrist.
Harry blushed furiously and pulled his hand back to look at the pretty, delicate bracelet that held the jewel that he knew would match his eyes perfectly. He looked back up at the Joker.
"It matches my eyes," Harry stated while looking the Merrow in his deep blue almost black eyes. He nodded.
"I chose it for you because it matched your lovely eyes. I was part of the guard in attendance when you met with our Queen. I have been unable to think of anything other than you since the moment I saw you. I would like the honor of courting you. Our King and your Father already know that I intended to approach you. It is why I was sent to guard you. I planned to wait and approach you after I had proven myself worthy but I could not wait. Will you accept my favor and allow me the honor of convincing you that I am meant to be yours?" Varon asked. Harry nodded.
"Yes, I will let you court me if that is your wish. But I don't need to be convinced that you are mine. I can feel it. I know you are mine," Harry told him firmly. Varon looked supremely pleased and his lips turned up ever so slightly. Harry figured the man didn't smile often and was fine with it. Alec walked back up to them then. He noticed the bracelet and saw the way that Harry was watching the Joker. He chuckled and stepped closer to inspect it.
"It is very pretty, Kitten. Did your Lovely Joker finally decide to approach you? Your father warned me earlier that a Crimson Tide Joker had been pining," Alec teased. Harry blushed and the Joker rolled his eyes.
"Yes, he can court me proper if he likes but he is already mine," Harry said darting his eyes between the Joker and Alec. Alec chuckled again and looked over Harry's head to Glynn.
"So another open soulbond," Alec stated. Harry nodded even though it wasn't a question. "Well, the Pareya are fussing. They want everyone together in the sitting room until the rest are home. So come along, Loveling." Harry frowned and looked back at Varon. Alec nipped his ear. "He is here to guard our home until the others return. Let him do his job. He will come back to you before he leaves and you all can work out anything else after that." Harry trilled sadly still looking at Varon. His Dragel did not want Varon away from him. He knew the Joker was his but he wasn't claimed someone could take him from him. Harry was distressed and no one wanted that.
"What is it?" Bill asked as he walked up. Harry chirped, trilled, and mewled up at his Alpha. Bill chuckled. "The Joker, huh?" Bill turned to see that the Joker, while standing perfectly still and waiting to see what the others decided, still looked like he was strung tight and ready to snatch Harry up the moment he was allowed or no one was paying attention. It seemed like both of their instincts were riding very close to the surface. So an open soulbond. He gently pushed Harry into the Joker's arms who pulled him close and nuzzled his hair and neck. Harry just melted and purred at the attention.
"What about the patrol?" Glynn asked with a smile. He hadn't actually needed the extra help he just wanted to see what the Alpha had to say about it.
"It's over. The breach has been sealed and the fighting is done. The healers have taken over and even then, that is almost wrapped up. Hadrian and some of the others will be home soon. Riven is staying with Quinn until he is free to come home," Bill announced. Harry trilled still in the Joker's arms.
"It's over? They are coming home?" Harry asked just to see if he had heard right. Bill nodded. "So does that mean that it is time to go to Death's Court?" Harry asked. Varon paused in his nuzzling.
"You are going to Death's Court tonight? You intended to be involved in the Reaping?" The Joker asked. Harry looked at Bill excitedly who sighed and nodded.
"Yes, Bill says I can go but I must stay with my Gheyo. I am not allowed to fight without one of them with me at all times. I must remember that I am important and if I don't behave or I put myself at unnecessary risk I will not be allowed to join a Reaping again for at least three years while I work on building up my skill," Harry repeated. Bill and Theo had already pulled him aside when they had first gotten home to discuss it. They knew Harry was going to want to go and fight. It was part of being a Ferros.
"Will you allow me to join you? I would like the opportunity to prove my skills to you," Varon asked. Before Harry could answer another answered for him.
"If you join us you will follow my lead. Harry will be everyone's first priority. The Fabrine will be easy enough to deal with, they always are. This is a good opportunity for Harry to test himself in a safe way. So you are welcome to join us and welcome to show off as long as you remember that Harry's life and safety come first. This will be an opportunity for all of us to show off and once he is noticed by others, they will take the opportunity to show out as well. He was very well received during his walk today especially since it is known he is hunting for Gheyo," Hadrian said as he strode up to them. Harry could tell that his bonded were already riding a battle high. He could see it in the way that their eyes almost glowed and the vicious grins on their faces. He could feel the battle lust through their bonds and it made his skin itch in a pleasant way.
Pretty quickly he was covered in scales and sporting fangs and claws. He was nearly vibrating in Varon's arms. The Joker rumbled at him at the same time that others of his bonded did as well. His hunger and excitement to join the fight was quite obvious to them and it was intoxicating.
"Beautiful and vicious. Lovely," Varon growled and tightened his arms around Harry. Harry purred up at him and tilted his head to the side so that he could be nuzzled more.
"So he stumbled across another open soulbond," Donovan chuckled. Bill nodded. "His reaction to him is much more intense than it was with me." He didn't say it in a way that showed any kind of jealousy he was merely curious as to why.
"I have a theory," Ethan said from just behind them. Donovan nodded for him to continue. "It is the excitement of the upcoming fight as well as the fact that Harry is very much in touch with his Merrow side. He has spent most of the day with the Merrow Courts and spent most of yesterday and this morning sharing blood with his Merrow bonded."
"That makes sense," Glynn replied. Harry had spent a lot of time with his Merrow the day before. They had all shared blood with him many times and he spent a lot of time in the water. Harry was very much accepting and embracing everything that made him Merrow. Plus, as a Ferros the promise of a fight was probably tipping his very unstable scales over into Feral.
"We must go. Lord Aiden is calling," Hadrian said and held Harry's sword out to him. Harry had already changed his clothes and was wearing Merrow armor because it was much more freeing and flexible than the stuff most of his other Gheyo wore. He strapped his sword to his back and made sure that his dagger was secure around his thigh. Kisten stepped forward and held out his hand for Harry's arm. He then strapped a blade to Harry's forearm that he remembered quite well. It was the blade that he had been admiring and then used when he killed Voldemort. Ethan had already pulled Harry's hair back in an intricate design that Harry thought made him look more like a warrior. His belly chain with all of his scales on it was secure under his armor and flexisuite.
Harry and the others said their goodbyes and headed for the transportation room. Hadrian and his entire suite were once again going. Charlie, Donovan, and Varon were joining them as well as Cethin. Varon and Harry stayed very close to each other and touched often. The others respected the fact that their instincts were running high. Once in Death's court, they made their way up to where Briar was standing with a few of his circle and Sirius and Remus.
"Why are you here?" Sirius demanded when they showed up. Harry frowned at him and hugged Remus tightly when he was pulled into his arms.
"I am part of Death's Court. She is my Lady I have just as much right to be here as you do, Siri," Harry sniped out. Sirius seemed a bit shocked at the venom in his voice. He looked at Harry and noticed that his Dragel attributes were on full display and that his eyes were glowing just a little.
"I didn't mean to offend you, Pup. I was just shocked to see you is all. I figured that you would be tucked away at home safe behind your wards. How did you convince your Alpha or your brother to let you out tonight?" Sirius asked with a smirk. Harry grinned.
"It didn't take as much convincing as you think. I have been learning to fight since we arrived. My Gheyo are happy to let me test myself tonight," Harry said. Briar and Jun both hung back they didn't know if Harry would appreciate any kind of physical touch from them. They hadn't been around him much since the Dudley incident. Harry just rolled his eyes and went into their arms. He let them fuss over him for a moment before he went back to nearly pressing himself against Varon.
"That's new," Remus commented to Hadrian. The Shadow Ace nodded.
"Open soulbond. They will most likely seal it and close it before the morning comes. The pull is really intense with this one," Hadrian replied.
"They have been touching from the moment they were close enough to do so and have not stopped since," Wikhn added. "Ethan thought it was worth mentioning since the Joker insisted on coming with him."
"He will not be an issue. He is part of the Crimson Tide. They have to fight hard to get the position and then fight harder to keep their position. He will be fast and vicious. It is required that all Crimson Tide members are just as good on land as they are in the water," Cethin added. He had been fascinated with Merrow in his youth and learned as much as he could. There was a growl and then the throne room fell silent. Aiden had taken his throne. Harry moved forward to stand in between Hadrian and Cethin at the front. Varon was pressed against his back and his other bonded and his four family members were around them.
"You all know why you have been gathered tonight," Aiden started. He looked around at them all and stopped when he spotted Harry. He winked at the little submissive and then continued on. Harry blushed but continued to listen. "Tonight we Hunt. The Royals have already sent out messages for everyone to stay safe behind their wards tonight. We will spread out and decimate them all. Remember that they are tricky and very good at hiding. Leave no shadow unchecked. Rip, maim, and kill to your heart's content. It has been too long since we have had a good Reaping and the breach today was significant. I am excited at the thought of how many Fabrine escaped into our shadows."
Harry was more excited just listening to Aiden speak, he was nearly vibrating with excitement. He heard Briar and Sirius chuckle and felt Varon's smile against his shoulder.
"We have been asked to please remember to capture some as well for The Pits to make use of. If you want to help with that make sure to take some of our containment bags with you when you go. I am also happy to see our newest little member of our Lady's court here. Are you here for the Gathering or are you here for the Reaping Favored Child of Death?" Aiden turned back to Harry. Harry grinned up at the Hellhound.
"I am here to Reap, My Lord. I am here to make My Lady proud," Harry stated firmly and stood tall. Aiden smiled back and nodded his head.
"Very good, Little Warrior. I am sure you will make her very proud. Now, it is time," Aiden went back to addressing the rest of those gathered. He narrowed his eyes and grinned in a way that made most of them shiver. His red eyes began to glow. He gnashed his teeth together in a predatory way. Harry could feel the Death magic spread through the room. Hadrian as well as many others transformed. Hadrian and a few others became taller and raised Scythes. The Reapers were ready. Harry watched as Briar and Sirius as well as many others shifted into their hellhound forms followed by the shift of Remus and the others present that were were-creatures. Jun climbed onto Briar's back.
"We will hunt with yours," Jun informed Wikhn who nodded. Then they waited and turned back to Aiden.
"Happy Reaping," He growled out and then he howled into the air. That was what they had all been waiting for. The outer wall seemed to melt away and those present just melted out into the night. Harry followed his bonded out into the dark night. He was fascinated with the way most of them seemed to fade into the shadows as they drifted away. Hadrian led them all to an area that was relatively empty of most groups only single fighters or duos mostly around them. Harry drew out his sword and took a deep breath. It was silent for only a moment before what seemed like waves of darkness began to emerge from the shadows.
Then the shadows had glowing red eyes and sharp teeth. The inhuman screeching was heard and then the fighting started. Harry slipped into the space in his mind that he had found suited him best when he was fighting with his bonded. He was hyper-aware of where all of his bonded fought around him. He fought as well and when he tired of swinging his sword he sheathed it and pulled out the dagger that Kisten had strapped to his forearm.
Harry used the blade in one hand and his claws on the other to rip his way through the Fabrine that his bonded let through for him to fight. He knew they were monitoring how many got through at a time so that Harry was not overwhelmed but also so that he got his fair share of fighting in. He knew they were managing him but he didn't mind. He was learning that he had absorbed a lot more than he had originally thought from his bonded when they were training him. He noticed that everyone was working their way toward herding all of the Fabrine in one direction.
"Why is everyone working in the same direction?" Harry asked when Varon pressed his back against Harry's for a moment of rest.
"Every group for the most part headed to the edges of Nevarah. We will clear the outer edges and work our way to the center of Nevarah when it is finished we will have cleared Nevarah from the outside in. It is a very efficient way to work and cuts down on the chances of Fabrine escaping death. For the next few days Gheyo will be on high alert to make sure that all of them are taken care of," Varon explained. Harry nodded.
"It is a very good strategy," Harry said. Varon turned suddenly and pulled Harry closer to him. He looked down with eyes so filled with promise that Harry couldn't look away.
"You have good instincts and you are fast. I know that you are only just learning to fight but you have the foundation to be a fighter that will rival your Blood Titled Ace. Vicious and fast. It is intoxicating to watch you," Varon growled down at him. Harry purred up at him and wrapped his arms around the Merrow's neck. Then they were kissing and it was all teeth and tongues. It was hard and demanding and Harry could taste their blood from their fangs nicking each other's lips. It was everything that he needed in that moment and then they were pulling apart and breathing hard. Harry was going to work very hard to convince this wild Merrow Joker to bond with him before the morning sun truly rose.
He heard a snort off to the side and turned to see two very familiar faces coming toward them. Varon growled but Harry patted his arm to let him know it was fine. Harry's Gheyo shifted to let the newcomers through. He could smell the lightning and feel the magic crackling off of the Storm Ace.
"Hello, Vicious Little Submissive," Raiden said with a smile. "I had been hoping I would get to see you display some of that fire I have been hearing about." The Ace was checking him over and Harry thought he might be cataloging all of his wounds. There was actually probably far more than Quinn would be happy with him about.
"Hi Raiden, it is good to see you again," Harry replied. "Hi Damon, It is good to see you as well," Harry said to the Air Queen next to Raiden.
"Having fun, Trouble?" Damon asked. He had apparently taken to the name that Bill had called him.
"Oh yes," Harry grinned at the both of them. "Reap with us?" Harry offered.
"Love to," Damon responded and Raiden nodded.
"Yes, thank you," The Ace accepted. "New Joker?" He asked indicating Varon. Harry grinned when Varon tightened his hold on him.
"Not yet. But he is mine all the same. He will be marked by morning," Harry stated firmly.
"Congratulations on your bonding," Damon said with a grin. "Now, how about we get back to why we are here and quit letting your bonded have all of the fun." Harry nodded and turned back toward the outside of their small semi-circle.
"Draw your weapon, Kitten," Hadrian said in his shadowy Reaper voice. Harry shook his head no.
"I tire of blades, Hades. I want to use my claws," Harry countered. He didn't know where the nickname had come from but he liked it. Hadrian didn't seem to mind either.
"So be it, stay sharp and aware, Kitten," Hadrian gave in and then suddenly Fabrine were once again making their way to him. More than before because he had the other three Gheyo near him now. He fought and loved the feeling of using his claws far better than the blades. Every once in a while he would step back and watch his bonded fight around him. They were all magnificent. He was so proud to call them his. Varon was just as vicious and fast as he heard Cethin mention. Raiden used lightning and blades to expertly demolish them. He left nothing of them behind but ashes. Damon had somehow formed the very air around him into solid blades and arrows that he used to slice the Fabrine to pieces.
All of them were impressive and Harry once again happily sank into his mostly feral state surrounded by the feel of so much power around him. The next time they took a break Donovan had to step up and soothe Harry until he slipped back into a better state of mind. He was covered in the black ick that served as blood for the Fabrine. He was panting heavily from exertion and excitement. He threw his arms around Donovan's neck and basically climbed him to wrap his legs around him as well. They shared an intense kiss and were both grinning like mad men when they pulled back from it.
"Definitely, has a bit of battle lust that we were not aware of before tonight," Aither stated with a grin.
"It is why he has only chosen Jokers so far to bond into the circle. They can match and calm it when needed. Our circle is likely to be more Joker-heavy than we first assumed," Kisten answered.
"I don't know, you have a few Merrow in your circle and they are known for being just as vicious as most Jokers," Raiden offered.
"That is very true. But I think we should be aware that Jokers are likely to be higher on his list," Hadrian added.
"How many Pareya do you have?" Damon asked.
"Three," Wikhn answered. "Four if you count Alec but he leans more toward Gheyic Pareya and tends to stay away from fussing over anyone but Harry and sometimes our healer."
"He may need to add one more to make sure that their instincts don't end up unsettled," Damon replied.
"You have a healer?" Raiden asked. Wikhn and a few others nodded. Raiden whistled. "How fussy is he?"
"He is a Kalzik. He is very fussy," Wikhn growled out. Raiden started laughing.
"He is going to love seeing your submissive come home covered in wounds," Raiden stated when he was done laughing.
"I am going to try and catch a medic when we are done to heal most of it before Quinn gets his claws into him. If I take him home like that Quinn may not be so amendable to Harry joining us for any more Reapings," Hadrian commented back.
"He is quite a sight though. His instincts are incredible. You can tell that he is inexperienced but he makes up for that by being fast and striking at the weakest points," Damon observed. "I understand now why he wasn't impressed by most of the fights he saw in the pits a few days ago. I thought it was because of the Gheyo that he is bonded to and surrounded by. And it is partly that. But it is also the fact that his Dragel knows what it is capable of and is searching for worthy Gheyo."
"He wasn't impressed with any of the fights?" Raiden asked suddenly.
"I was impressed by yours, Storm Ace," Harry suddenly spoke up. He was standing much more calmly between Donovan and Varon. "You fought against Zandian fiercely and it was so much fun to watch."
"Thank you, I am happy to impress," Raiden said with a grin.
"Damon is right though. Yours was the only one I was impressed by. No one else caught my eye. I can't wait until next week. Damon and the others said that is when the real fighting starts," Harry said with excitement. Remus and Sirius still in their wolf and hound forms prowled over and rubbed against Harry sniffing him and licking at his injuries. He huffed and pushed them away.
"Instincts, Kitten. Let your fathers fuss," Hadrian spoke up. Harry just huffed again but allowed Remus and Sirius to sniff him and fuss over him for a few moments more. Finally, he was over it.
"Ok, Mooney, Padfoot that is enough. I am ready to keep going now," Harry shoved them away after scratching them behind the ears. Sirius nipped at his fingers and then Remus nipped at Sirius in reprimand. Harry laughed and turned to his Ace. He was ready to get started again. "Please, Hades. My skin itches I am ready go again." Hadrian nuzzled Harry and then transformed back into his Reaper form.
"Of course, Submissive Mine," Then he whistled and everyone moved back into place and started again. It was easier this time for Harry to give himself over to his Ferros instincts. This time he fought with Donovan on one side of him and Varon still on the opposite. He didn't know how long they had been fighting this time when his attention was caught by a pillar or flames. There was a Dragel wielding a staff and laughing gleefully as Fabrine were consumed by his flames. He looked like some avenging Fire God to Harry. His hair was long and pulled back in Viking braids. His clothes seemed to be made in that style as well. He also had an axe strapped to his back.
"Impressive isn't he?" Harry heard from the opposite side. He turned to see Zandian on the outskirts of his group. He didn't know when the Blood Flame had joined them but it was nice to see so many familiar faces out here. Harry smiled and nodded.
"He is. Hi Zandian, it is good to see you. Who is he?" Harry asked and turned back to watch the other Dragel.
"Fire Mage. His name is Logi," Zandian told him. Harry nodded and continued to fight and also kept looking over at the very impressive Fire Mage. He looked back over at one point and Zandian had slipped away. Harry shrugged and continued fighting Hadrian said they were almost to the center where they would be finishing the rest off,
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Logi and Zandian
Zandian had been chuckling when he slipped away from the others. He fell behind and then made his way to his friend. He came up beside the laughing warrior as he was swinging his axe and taking down a more Fabrine.
"Happy Reaping, Logi," Zandian said by way of greeting. Logi paused and turned toward him.
"Happy Reaping, My Friend," Logi offered in return as they continued to fight. As they were converging on the center of Nevarah, the Fabrine were getting thicker and more aggressive. They knew they were being corralled.
"Any chance you are still without a circle and still hunting?" Zandian asked. Logi looked at him for a moment before turning his attention away.
"I am. Not that it does me much good I have been hunting for two decades. I am about ready to give up on anyone wanting me. I am too onery," Logi stated with a bit of a tone. "Why do you ask?" Zandian pointed.
"See that group and the tiny, beautiful submissive in the center? The one ripping Fabrine apart with his claws instead of blades?" Zandian pointed. Logi didn't need to look. He had seen them already. It was an impressive group. The little Submissive was the most impressive of them all. Inexperienced but deadly. He would grow into something magnificent.
"I see him," Logi answered simply. Zandian snorted.
"He is Hunting this season. The three in the center are not bonded to him but they are trying to win his favor and catch his eye. The Merrow is an open soulbond they will probably bond this evening riding this battle lust," Zandian told him.
"What has that to do with me, Zane?" Logi asked.
"He is only Hunting Gheyo and has been advised to Hunt for a mage or two as well. You caught his eye with your pillar of flames. He has not stopped watching you since," Zandian finally got to the point he was trying to make. Logi paused and looked back over again. The Submissive was still in the center of fighters. He could tell that it wasn't just the three unbonded that were showing out for the Submissive. He was quite a pretty thing and clearly Ferros.
"He has agreed to bond a Merrow?" Logi asked as he watched the submissive and the Merrow orbit each other. Zandian snickered and nodded.
"It is more than that. He has three Merrow Gheyo and another who has just claimed Merrow as his position. He also has a Phoelix that I suspect is a water type. Plus the Joker he will claim tonight. The Submissive is part Merrow as well. He is fourth in line to the Merrow Throne. He is King Alcandor's nephew. But that has never bothered you. You don't have the same aversion to Merrow as most Fire types. Why do you ask?" Zandian asked.
"I see one fire type over there how many others? Bonding into a water-heavy circle would be bad for me. Even if I don't have issues with Merrow," Logi stated as if it were an obvious issue.
"Right, his alpha is also a Fire type as well as a Joker I believe so that makes three. It isn't water-heavy though. He is nameless and his circle is made up of all of the elements. You should at least introduce yourself to him at some point and see if you fit. It is only a suggestion if you are still Hunting. Harry is quite onery himself and I have met more of his circle. You being onery or difficult won't be an issue with that Circle," Zandian informed him. Logi nodded and glanced at the Submissive again he was laughing and his green eyes were so bright that Logi could see them from where he was. He was quite beautiful.
"I shall consider sending a favor. His name, Zane?" Logi asked as he watched the Submissive still. Zandian laughed.
"Knew it," He said with a grin. "His name is Harrison Evanson-Malfoy. His circle name is Serpent's Requiem. He plans to frequent The Pits during this Hunt."
"You seem to know a lot for an uninterested Ace," Logi stated. Zandian shrugged.
"I am not uninterested. He has suffered and he is funny, brave, cuddly, kind, and beautifully vicious. He is bonded to Blood Raven and many other powerful Dragel. But I do not think I could move past my aversion to Merrow in the circle. Plus, Raiden has truly caught his eye and I think at this point the courting process is just a formality," Zandian stated. "I will settle for being his friend."
"That is high praise coming from you. Thank you for the advice and the shove in his direction," Logi said and then they were finally still. They had finished corralling the Fabrine to the center and now, like every Reaping, The Hound would honor a few people or a group that will finish those that are left.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Finishing the Reaping
Harry is standing happily with his blood singing in his veins. His power was visibly sparking in his hands and along his skin. Varon and Donovan were pressed against him on either side and Hadrian was pressed against his back. The three Gheyo were enjoying the feel of the magic sparking off of him and against them. It had been a great night and Harry was ready to take his bonded home and claim his Joker.
Hadrian had told him this was the part of the night where Lord Aiden would choose who would have the honor of the last kills. They were just waiting for him to decide. A ward had been placed around the Fabrine that had been corralled to the center. It would be like a cage fight Harry guessed.
Aiden was giving his congrats on a good Reaping and making a show of looking at the fighters around him. He complimented many by name until he stopped in front of Harry.
"You are sparking, Child," Aiden said with a grin. He was looking Harry over. Probably to make sure that he wasn't hurt bad enough to upset Lady Death.
"It was very exciting. I am definitely riding a high right now," Harry answered. Hadrian chuckled.
"Full of blood lust and a battle high, this one is," Hadrian told Lord Aiden. "His magic feels unbelievable." The hellhound nodded and then turned back to the center. He reached back and grasped Harry's wrist and pulled him forward. The magic sparked between them and Harry heard quite a few people around him chuckle.
"Serpent's Requiem and those who Reaped with them will be given the honor of Last Rites. His first Reaping and he performed beautifully. Death's Court is proud to have a claim on him. Do you accept the honor?" Aiden asked Harry. He nodded his head and gave a small bow.
"We are honored for the opportunity to make you and Our Lady Proud," Harry said with excitement. Aiden released his wrist and stepped to the side.
"Then claim your prize," The Hellhound stated. Harry was immediately joined by his bonded as well as his four family members. He noticed Raiden, Damon, and even Varon had not stepped up with them. Harry turned and held his hand out for them.
"The three of you Reaped with us. You won't be excluded now. If I am honored on my group's performance you are honored as well. Come now, Silly Gheyo. Don't make me ask twice," Harry said with a smirk and a wink. The three of them joined him and Harry waited until his Shadow Ace and King took the lead and led them all into the barrier.
Harry decided to go back to using at least one blade. So he swiped with blade and claws and fought. He was finding it easier and easier to slip into letting his Ferros instincts take over. He grinned with those around him while they made quick work of the Fabrine together. He didn't even pay attention to the fact that they were being watched. When they were finally finished, he was ready to go home. He wanted to bond with his new Joker and maybe convince Donovan to join them. He didn't think Varon or Donovan would mind they seemed to fight well together and they had both been grounding Harry tonight. Even now he was pressed between the two of them.
"Kitten," Harry looked up at his Ace. "Have a good time?"
"Yes, Ace. I had a great time. This was exhilarating. I am ready to go home now," Harry told him. Hadrian smiled down at him and caressed his cheek.
"I know, Kitten. But if I take you home like this, our healer is going to have a tizzy. He may have a fit the next time you want to join us for something like this," Hadrian informed him. Harry looked down at himself and grimaced. He did look terrible enough to truly upset Quinn. He didn't want to waste time being fussed over when he got home he wanted to lock himself away in a room with his Jokers.
"Yeah, you are right. So what are we going to do?" Harry asked. Hadrian whistled and a tall Gheyo with black hair with red tips came forward. He was dressed like a Gheyo but he had a symbol on his armor that also marked him as a medic. He had seen it on Quinn's brother's clothes. Kyle was a medic. This man was a medic as well.
"Your Ace would like me to look you over and heal you before you head home to your fussy healer. Is that correct?" The man asked. Harry smiled and nodded.
"He is a Kalzik and I love him dearly but he does fuss. I don't normally mind the fussing but tonight I am too high-strung to want to sit through it," Harry answered.
"My name is Keagan. I am a Medic but I am also a Gheyo. I saw you eyeing my armor. Will you permit me to heal you?" Keagan asked. Harry nodded. But the Medic didn't move toward him. Then he chuckled.
"You will have to move away from your Jokers, Submissive. I can not get a proper look at you pressed between them. I know as a Ferros your instincts are settled between them but I need you to come away for just a bit. Think you can?" Keagan asked him. Harry could tell he was amused. He took a deep breath and stepped away from them. He made it all of two steps before he was sporting scales, fangs, and claws. Keagan chuckled again.
"Sorry, they have been grounding me all night," Harry said with a slight blush.
"It's fine and completely understandable. I am assuming that you have allowed your Ferros instincts to have free reign tonight. Having your scales and claws out will not affect my scans so it is perfectly ok," Keagan assured him. Harry nodded and stepped closer to him.
"Just so you are aware, he is magic-sensitive," Jun spoke up. Harry looked over at his grandmother gratefully.
"Thank you, I will adjust my scans accordingly," Keagan answered and then ran his scans. Harry still shivered at the touch of unfamiliar magic but didn't bolt like he wanted to.
"Nothing serious. Minor cuts and scrapes I can close those up with no problem. I am going to touch you but only so that I can trace the runes. Do I have permission?" Keagan asked. Harry nodded and held his hand out when Keagan asked for it. He felt Varon and Donovan shift behind him and chirred softly to let them know he was fine. He cautiously placed his hand in the Gheyo's open palm. He traced the rune into Harry's palm with a vial he had pulled out of his belt. Harry could feel the wounds closing. When he was finished he could tell that all of his wounds were healed.
"Thank you, Medic Keagan," Harry said and quickly stepped back into the arms of his Jokers. They pulled him back between them with a sigh. All three relaxed once again. Sirius was back in his human form and he chuckled from where he stood with Remus draped over his shoulders. Both of them looked quite sated. The fight had been good for them.
"I still wouldn't recommend taking him home looking like that. I have seen the way your healer fusses. He will take one look at his clothes all torn and covered in Fabrine bits," Sirius said with a laugh. Aither stepped forward.
"I got him," The Gheyo Princess stated with a smile. "May I, Kitten?" He asked Harry.
"Of course, Aither," Harry said and returned his smile. Aither placed a gentle hand on his shoulder and Harry felt a tingle of comforting light magic wash over him. His clothes were stitched back together and all evidence that he had been fighting was cleared away. "Very nice, My Princess. Thank you." Aither pressed a gentle kiss to his lips and left him with his Jokers. Keagan spoke with Hadrian for a moment and then handed him a piece of paper.
"Most likely that is your scans so that Quinn can put it in your files," Donovan told him.
"That makes sense. Hadrian better wait until morning to give him those though. I have plans I don't want to be deterred from once we get home," Harry practically purred.
"What plans are those, Kitten?" Donovan asked. Harry grinned.
"I am hoping to convince you and Varon to lock yourselves away in a room with me," Harry stated. Varon looked down at him.
"You want me to stay with you?" The Merrow Joker asked.
"Of course, I do. I told you already you can court me if you like. All of my bonded are. But you are mine and I want to be bonded to you by morning. I thought I was pretty obvious about it," Harry told him. Varon leaned down and kissed him roughly. Harry welcomed it. When he pulled away Harry grinned up at him. "Does that mean you will stay?"
"Yes, like I could actually deny you anything," Varon said. Harry looked back to Hadrian when he walked back over.
"Can we go home now?" Harry asked eagerly. He heard a chuckle that he recognized as Damon. He turned to the Gheyo Queen and stuck his tongue out. "Hush you."
"Well, I am going to say my goodbyes and retire for the night. It has been a long day and night. Your introduction was quite impressive by the way. Just wanted you to know," Damon said. Harry blushed a little.
"Thank you for Reaping with us. It was nice to see you again," Harry replied. "I can't wait to watch you fight next week." Damon bowed with a grin and then strode off to the nearest portal area. Raiden said his goodbyes as well.
"Well, pup we are going to head home as well before Lucius comes and hunts us down," Sirius said. But he said it in a way that made Harry feel like he wouldn't mind that at all. 'ew'. He did not want to think about his parents hunting each other down.
"Are you going home like that?" Harry asked. Sirius was still covered in wounds that he wasn't even attempting to heal or hide. Remus laughed and Sirius grinned.
"Oh, yes. Severus is going to fuss over him all night," Remus stated. Harry nodded. That made sense Siri loved to do things so that Severus would fuss over him. Harry thought it was super cute.
"Right, Of course he will," Harry grinned. He bid both Remus and Sirius goodbye and then Jun and Briar as well. Now it was just Harry and his bonded left in their group. "Can we please go home now?" Harry whined and trilled at Hadrian. The Shadow Ace chuckled and nodded.
"Yes, Kitten. We can go home now," Hadrian answered. Harry trilled happily. They went to the nearest portal area and ported home to their transportation room. Bill and Quinn looked like they were the only ones awake but Harry knew better. He knew at least two of his Gheyo that stayed behind would be awake on patrol. Quinn was up in an instant and fussing over Harry.
"Are you hurt?" Quinn asked running scans. Harry let him fuss for just a moment or two. Then he kissed Quinn's lips and stepped back between his Jokers.
"I am fine, Quinn. Every wound was minor. Just scratches. A medic healed me up and gave Hadrian the scans for you," Harry told him. He had wanted to keep the scans away from Quinn at least until morning but he just couldn't bring himself to do it. Quinn took the scans that were handed to him and looked them over.
"Well the medic did a good job healing you up. I guess there is no need for me to fuss over you. You look exhausted though. So why don't you soothe your Alpha and then head to bed?" Quinn told him. He kissed Harry and then turned to the others. Harry chuckled.
"Look over my Jokers first. I am taking them to bed with me after I see my Alpha," Harry stated before walking away. Bill was still sitting on the couch and Harry straddled his lap and kissed him long and deep in greeting.
"Hello, Trouble. Did you have fun?/" Bill asked him with a grin. Harry nodded happily.
"Yes. It was great. I did what I was told. I stayed in the center of the others and I made no unnecessary stupid choices. I only had small cuts and scrapes nothing major. I was safe and got to play. Thank you for letting me go, Alpha. Even though I know you didn't really want to," Harry told him. Bill kissed him again. This time it was much softer and sweeter.
"Very good, Submissive. Thank you for listening and I am glad you had fun. Now before you disappear with your Jokers, call Glynn in. He is on patrol right now with that Merrow King that your Uncle sent," Bill told him. Harry looked surprised.
"He stayed? I thought he would go back to Uncle Al once the breach was closed," Harry said and then tugged on his bond to Glynn.
"I think he wanted to stay and prove himself or something like that. I think that is another one that is going to try and court you. He has been asking a lot of questions and absorbing everything about you," Bill teased. Harry didn't find that he minded that at all. The Merrow King was very handsome. Harry would see about watching him. Obviously, he was good enough that his Uncle had trusted him to guard Harry and Draco.
It wasn't very long before Glynn and Tempest strode into the room. Glynn walked over and pulled Harry up and into his arms. He sniffed and nuzzled him until Harry was giggling.
"I am fine, Glynn. It was fun," Harry said with a grin. "Hi, Tempest."
"He was magnificent. Watching him fight was quite an honor. He is definitely Merrow. Fast, Vicious, and beautiful," Varon praised Harry to Glynn and Tempest. Harry blushed and allowed Glynn to press kisses to his jaw.
"High praise from a member of Crimson Tide," Tempest commented.
"He earned it," Hadrian said as he approached the group of them. "Now let our lovely Submissive go so that he can wear himself out with the Jokers. They have been playing footsie with each other all night." Glynn pressed a kiss to Harry's lips and then handed him over to Varon who happily accepted the Submissive into his arms.
"You are not returning with me are you?" Tempest teased. It was obvious that there was a soul bond between the two of them. Varon and Harry both shook their heads no.
"He is mine and he is staying with me. If you are going to report to my Uncle let him know for me would you?" Harry asked. Tempest nodded and agreed before he left. Harry told the rest of his bonded goodnight and then finally was allowed to get his two Jokers alone. Donovan excused himself for a shower so that Harry could have Varon for the first time alone. They exchanged claim marks and then sealed their bond and Harry basked in the feel of the soul magic that surrounded them when their bond fully clicked into place. Donovan joined them right after and Harry spent hours between his Jokers before the three of them finally fell into an exhausted sleep. Today had been a good day.
Chapter 11: Merrow, Secrets, and Punishments
Summary:
Harry has an eventful and not entirely pleasant morning but he won't let it stop him from having a good day. He is a very determined Submissive.
******Revised 5/13/24 mostly minor changes.
Chapter Text
Harry woke up slowly and felt amazing. His muscles felt well used and his body was perfectly sated. He was sporting a new claim mark and quite happy about it. The feel of the new soulbond thrumming nicely between him and his new Joker was invigorating. He was still firmly pressed between Donovan and Varon. With all of that nice stimulus and content, he decided he would not be going out to The Pits or anything today or maybe even tomorrow.
He was going to go through favors with Luna and Draco and just spend the day with his bonded and his family.
"Good morning, Princeling," Varon said and kissed him soundly. Donovan stirred on his other side and pressed a kiss to his exposed shoulder.
"Good morning, My Jokers. Did you both sleep well?" Harry asked as they each pressed lazy kisses to different parts of his face, back, and shoulders. They both made sounds of agreement and Harry chuckled.
"What are your plans for the day," Varon asked. Harry searched his Joker's face.
"You have to leave," Harry said a bit disappointed. The Joker kissed him again.
"Yes, but only so that I can report in with my captain and your Uncle about what occurred last night during the Reaping and about our new bond. Then I will be granted at least the weekend off to settle our bond properly. So I shouldn't be gone longer than an hour or two tops," Varon informed him. "Is that acceptable? I can always take you with me if your instincts are not settled enough for me to leave so soon."
"That's ok. I don't need to go with you, but I do need you to return as soon as possible. I am thinking about spending the day at my parents with my sister so that we can sort through favors together. But I still wanted to be around you for the most part," Harry replied to him.
"I promise to be as quick as possible. Then I can spend the day relaxing with you and getting to know all of the people you are bonded to. Like Donovan, I don't see myself bonding with anyone else in your circle but I would like to get to know them all better to make life easier for us all," Varon stated.
"We have already let him know that at least with his Jokers. They may only ever bond to him and no one else. That especially with a Joker it could take years if we ever consider bonding with another person in the circle," Donovan added to the conversation. Harry nodded.
"I don't expect anyone to go against their instincts but I do expect everyone to conduct themselves like the adults we are and not like uncontrollable children," Harry said firmly.
"Also, I noticed something about your Merrow suite. There are two storm Gheyo with them right?" Varon asked. Harry nodded. He knew some Merrow had issues with mixed circles he was hoping that wasn't what this was. He felt Donovan grunt behind him and he glanced behind him just in time to see him shake his head no. Varon glared at him.
"What is it?" Harry asked them both. He shifted so that he could see both of them.
"You need to call your Merrow Ace in here right now. I don't know what is going on but I have an issue with keeping things from you that could unsettle your instincts and this needs to be addressed," Varon nearly growled with Donovan glowered at him. Harry was beginning to get upset. It was starting to look like at least some of his bonded had been keeping things from him. He tugged on his bond to Glynn probably a bit more harshly than he should have because the Merrow Ace ported straight into the room they were in with a blade drawn.
"What is the matter, Harry," Glynn asked when he realized there was no threat in the room. He saw the glare on Varon's face and the blank look on Donovan's. When Harry turned toward him he looked really upset.
"I don't know, but apparently there is something going on. Varon tried to talk to me about something that has to do with your suite and Donovan tried to make him shut up. I want to know what is going on right now," Harry told him in a soft voice. Glynn sighed and sat down in a chair next to the bed.
"It isn't anything to get worked up over, Love. Adad and Styrmir did not bond into my suite. They are working with us without any issues and everyone's instincts are mostly settled by it. But, essentially you have two incomplete suites," Glynn explained to him. Harry just stayed quiet for a few moments so that he could process what he was saying. Then he was angry.
"You mean to tell me that you have kept something from me that could affect the way that I am Hunting? Do you have an issue with them being Storm Gheyo and not Merrow? Is that why? What if I had found an Ace that they were not compatible with? What if I had decided to bond with a Fire King or Princess? It would have made things worse," Harry demanded. Glynn made a face that let Harry know that for some reason they hadn't thought of those things.
"I am sorry, Submissive. I did not think about how it could possibly affect your Hunting. I was only thinking about keeping your instincts as settled as possible. It is not because they are Storm Gheyo, I swear. It just didn't feel right to any of us for them to be part of our suite but we didn't want to put any extra stress on you. You are absolutely right that we could have made things worse. I am so sorry, Submissive," Glynn answered him honestly.
"How many knew outside of your suite and Donovan?" Harry demanded. He wanted to know how many people had kept this issue from him.
"None, Submissive. We didn't tell anyone. We didn't even tell Donovan, he just overheard us talking about it a few days ago and I asked him not to say anything to you so that I could be the one to talk to you about it," Glynn insisted. Harry still didn't like how bad this could have ended up being because they had not been honest with him.
"I hope you understand just how badly this could have affected my Hunt. Keeping things from me will never work in your favor. I have been manipulated and lied to by omission and lied to straight to my face my entire life. I am very disappointed by this and extremely hurt. My soulscream happened almost a month ago any of you could have come to me at any time and explained to me what was going on. What if I had decided not to Hunt? How long would your instincts have been satisfied with your current situation? Probably not as long as you thought considering Varon noticed right away that something was wrong. Never and I mean never keep things from me again not even if you think it is for my own good," Harry reprimanded them.
Then he got up off the bed and grabbed Varon's hand. He pulled Varon into the connecting bathroom and into the very lavish bath. They were on the lower floors of the house so down here things catered more to the Merrow. Varon pulled him into his arms and just held him tightly. Harry was stiff for all of five seconds before he melted into the hold and promptly started crying. Varon just held him and let him feel what he needed to.
"I am sorry to have caused you pain," Varon said once Harry was through crying. Harry looked at him like he was crazy.
"You didn't cause me pain. You simply wanted to ask a question about something you noticed. I am glad that you did. The situation may have caused me pain but you did not. Them keeping this from me could have potentially caused us a lot of trouble. I am grateful that you noticed something wrong and brought it up. Now I can adjust the way I was hunting. I was hunting for only a Ace-King-Queen triad to add but now I will have to hunt for a Prince and Princess as well. I can not leave Styrmir without a Prince or a complete suite," Harry explained his line of thought.
"What are you going to do about all of it?" Varon asked. He knew that Harry was new to being a Dragel and to dealing with issues within the circle.
"I am going to talk to my Alpha and Hadrian. The two of them will decide on a proper punishment for those involved in hiding things from me. Once their punishment is complete I will let it go. If it happens again we will have issues that I don't even want to consider. Then I will speak to my Ethan and Hadrian about the best way to adjust my Hunt. I need a King and Princess to fit into Glynn's suite and I need an Ace, Queen, and Prince that will complement Adad and Styrmir," Harry thought out loud.
"I think your best bet is to Hunt for the suites on separate days. Take Adad and Styrmir with you one day to The Pits and Hunt with them so that anyone you choose knows right off that you are looking for Gheyo to complement the ones you are already bonded to. It isn't traditional but it isn't unheard of either. Sometimes things just happen. The next day you hunt with Glynn and your Merrow to find a King and Princess that he is satisfied with. It will be fine and not as complicated as it could have been if you had decided to accept claim marks with someone other than a Joker," Varon explained to him.
"That does sound less complicated when you put it that way. Thank you for talking to me and helping me settle myself," Harry said. Varon pulled Harry's face up to his neck.
"Go ahead and bite, it will help soothe you further. Then we can go to breakfast," Varon insisted. Harry nodded and sank his teeth into the Joker's neck. The buzz of power and magic that flowed through him was always so exhilarating when he fed from his Merrow. Varon was even more so. He tasted wild and powerful. Harry was pretty sure that he was sparking just a bit when they were finished and had gotten dressed to head to breakfast.
The room was empty when they came back out. Which Harry was grateful for. He stumbled over his own feet a few times trying to move too fast from the blood high he was on. Varon just laughed and picked him up. Harry giggled and enjoyed the magic that was sparking between them where they were touching. When they reached the dining room, Varon deposited Harry into Bill's lap and chuckled when Bill made a noise of surprise at the magic sparking between them.
"Enjoy yourself this morning?" Bill asked. Harry shrugged and snuggled as close to Bill as he could get. He buried his face in the Alpha's neck and gave a small whine. His arms wrapped around him and he moved so that he was straddling Bill. The Alpha held him tightly and looked up at Varon in question. "A comfort feed then. Not for fun. What happened?" Varon went to answer but Hadrian placed a hand on his shoulder and shook his head.
"Might I suggest waiting until after we have eaten, Alpha?" Hadrian stated as a question. They had all been abiding by the no issues at meal times rule so far. Bill took a deep breath and nodded.
"Right, of course, thank you for the reminder, Hadrian. We will discuss this after breakfast," Bill said and Varon nodded. Bill then returned his attention to Harry. "Are we going to have issues with our breakfast today, Trouble?"
Harry shook his head no and went to move so that he was facing the table but Bill stopped him. Harry chirred softly at him in question.
"You can stay just like this, Trouble. I will feed you. Will that make it easier?" Bill asked. Harry smiled up at him and kissed him chastely on the lips.
"Thank you, Bill," Harry said with a relieved sigh. He felt fingers card through his hair and looked up into Theo's beautiful golden eyes. "Morning Theo," Harry said with a smile.
"Morning, Princess," He leaned down and kissed Harry on the head and only jumped a little at the magic that sparked between them. "Did you enjoy your hunt last night?" Theo asked as he sat down next to Harry and Bill. Harry smiled excitedly.
"Oh, it was so much fun, Theo. I had the best time. I got to see our Gheyo fight and they are magnificent. Mooney and Siri were there as well as Granddera and Grandmera," Harry excitedly told Theo and Bill all about it while Bill and Theo fed him his breakfast. Bill was grateful that Theo had managed to distract Harry so smoothly with something that kept his mind off of whatever had upset him already this morning.
It had something to do with the Merrow Suite because the entire suite looked distressed and said almost nothing throughout the entire meal. Varon was sitting on Bill's other side and he would occasionally stroke Harry's arm or hair distractedly as he sent small glares at the Merrow as well. Definitely something wrong there then. When they were finally finished eating Bill changed the topic of conversation.
"Want to talk here or in my office about it?" Bill asked Harry.
"Your office, please. I want Hadrian to come as well," Harry said quietly. "Theo, Caelus, and Varon can come too if they aren't busy." Varon drew his attention to him.
"I must go, Princeling. I need to report to Crimson Tide and your Uncle about last night and our bonding. I am going to request the next week off to settle in with you properly but I don't know how likely that will be to happen since it is The Hunt. I will be back home to you as soon as I am able. I am also going to let Our King know that your Merrow may not be returning to the water until later today if at all this weekend, depending on what your Alpha and Hadrian decide," Varon told him quietly. Harry nodded and kissed Varon goodbye and then he was heading back down to the lower levels to port away.
"Hadrian, will you take Harry to my office and wait for us?" Bill asked. The Shadow Ace nodded and came forward. He picked Harry up out of Bill's arms and chuckled at the sparks of magic that danced between them.
"Morning, Kitten. That is a powerful Joker you claimed. All that lovely magic sparking off of you feels fantastic," Hadrian said and strode out of the room with Harry talking teasingly with him.
Bill turned to Theo and nuzzled him loveling before pressing a kiss to his lips.
"Good, Beta. You distracted him quite nicely. Will you be coming with us?" Bill asked. Theo blushed slightly and nodded his head. He wanted to know what had happened. "Caelus?" The Rheyo had been sitting on the other side of Theo and had heard everything. He nodded as well. Then Bill turned his attention to the others around the table.
"Those of you involved in whatever it is that has upset our Submissive stay on the island. We will be talking about this when I am through talking to him about it," Bill said in a hard commanding voice. "If I am not obeyed in this there will be severe consequences. Am I understood?"
"Yes, Alpha." Was heard around the table and then Bill pulled Theo to his feet and Caelus followed quickly behind as they headed to Bill's office. When they entered, Harry was sitting on Hadrian's lap. Hadrian was touching and kissing Harry on random patches of exposed skin and Harry sighed and chirred every time the magic sparked between them. Bill could tell the two of them were enjoying themselves a little too much for the current situation.
Bill had felt that magic spark across his bare skin and it felt like electricity it wasn't painful but it also didn't affect him the way it was apparently affecting their Shadow Ace. Bill had a feeling Hadrian was going to enjoy intentionally getting Harry hyped up on Merrow blood and then having his way with him.
"He sparked like this last night, too," Hadrian said when he finally made himself stop teasing their little Submissive.
"Did he take blood?" Bill asked curiously as he sat down at his desk. Hadrian shook his head no.
"He just lowered his barriers and gave himself over to his Ferros nature. There was so much magic in the air last night and it just seemed to seep into his skin. He was sparking by the time we were halfway through the night. Donovan and Varon enjoyed it quite a bit. As did I," Hadrian informed them. "He caught the eye of quite a few Dragel last night. Including Lord Aiden. I imagine the amount of favors he is going to receive increased by quite a bit after they saw him in action last night."
"I bet he was magnificent. I would like to see the memories of it one day if you don't mind," Bill asked. Hadrian nodded and held a vial out. Bill took it with a smile and put it in his desk.
"Such a thoughtful, Ace," Bill praised and then he sighed. "Hate to ruin the mood but, Harry, Love, we need to talk about what upset you this morning and what it has to do with the Merrow."
Harry frowned and then explained everything to them that he had learned that morning. He told them what Varon had suggested for him to do to adjust his Hunting.
"Do you have an idea about how you want to handle their punishment for this?" Hadrian asked Harry. He shook his head no.
"I trust you and Bill to make the best decision regarding the situation. I want them to understand that manipulation and omission of the truth are just as bad as outright lying. And that I will never be ok with any of it. This is very serious if it happens again I don't know if I will be able to forgive it. I have a right to know about the things in my life that affect me. I know that I am younger than all of you but it is important for me to know that I am respected by the people who claim to love and care for me. To me, keeping things from me even if you think it is for my own good shows me that you do not have respect for me," Harry tried to make sure they understood how important this was to him.
"We understand, Submissive," Caelus soothed and leaned down to place a hand on each of Harry's cheeks so that he was looking him right in the eyes. "We do respect you and we understand that what has happened has upset you and you have every right to feel that way. Our Alpha and Ace will take care of it for you so that everyone knows exactly what it means to you and how it has affected you. Trust us to take care of it for you." Harry nodded and smiled brightly at his Rheyo. He leaned forward and kissed him and delighted in the spark that jumped between them.
"I think he is doing it on purpose at this point," Bill said with a laugh. "Harry, is there anything you wanted to do with your day? I know that you were planning on going to The Pits is that still your plan?"
"No, I want to hang out with my siblings today if they aren't busy. At least Luna and Draco. I want to go through Favors with them. So maybe Ethan as well. He is so smart and knows about everything," Harry answered.
"Why don't I send a message and see if they are busy? Ethan has all of your favors put away for you so let him know when you are ready to go through them. I will let you know when they reply," Bill told him. Harry nodded and squirmed in Hadrian's lap. The two of them had still been teasing each other with sparks of magic the entire time they had been talking. Harry was ready to demand that he be taken to a room to play with his Ace.
"Call Wikhn and Aither. They will enjoy the shocks as much as I do and they will keep you distracted until we hear back from your sister," Hadrian said with a chuckle. Harry quickly tugged on those bonds and waited until there was a knock on the door. Caelus opened it with a wicked grin and let the two Gheyo into the room.
"Did you need us, Submissive?" Wikhn asked with a smile. Harry nodded.
"He is still hyped up on Merrow blood and it has had a lovely side effect. I still have business to discuss with our Alpha but I assured him that the two of you would very much enjoy spending time with him and taking advantage," Hadrian said. Harry held his arms out to Wikhn who grinned wickedly and growled at Harry when he felt the magic spark against his exposed skin.
"Lovely," Wikhn growled at him. Harry trilled and sighed happily when Aither reached out and gripped the back of his neck. He pulled Harry close and growled as well when he received a shock against his lips.
"We are happy to distract our Submissive while you handle business, Ace. Thank you for the pleasure," Aither said. Then Harry was being carried out of the room in Wikhn's arms and Aither close behind. When the door closed behind them, Bill chuckled.
"Good choice. They looked supremely eager to play with him. They will keep him distracted while we figure out what kind of punishment is appropriate. Let me send a message to Harry's family first about him coming over."
Bill activated a message bubble.
*To the Evanson-Malfoy Circle immediate vicinity. This is Bill. Harry would like to know if you have any plans today and wanted to know if he and Draco could come over with a few of our bonded to sort through favors with Luna. Please get back to us and let us know if that is possible today. Thank you.*
He sent his message off and then turned to the others. Theo stood.
"I am going to leave this discussion to the three of you. I don't have enough knowledge at this point to help contribute to a proper punishment for Gheyo. I am going to do some paperwork that has gotten behind since the Hunt started since there are no plans to leave today," Theo told them and then excused himself from the room. Once it was only Bill, Hadrian, and Caelus left they got down to business.
"First thing I am going to suggest is another circle meeting to discuss how Harry feels about withholding information. This is something that means a lot to him and everyone needs to know how badly it would hurt him," Caelus suggested. Bill and Hadrian nodded.
"We will do it tomorrow," Bill agreed. "Hadrian since you have the most knowledge and experience here what is your suggestion?"
"The Cunninghams have a gauntlet that they use to train and punish disobedient Gheyo. I have had to run it myself a few times and it is not fun. I suggest making them spend a day running through the gauntlet," Hadrian suggested. "Jascha will let me borrow it."
"That sounds good. Is it sufficient?" Caelus asked.
"I think two days away from Harry to think about how badly they hurt him. Hopefully between the two things they will understand and it won't happen again. Harry is right. What they did could have affected his hunt in a bad way. I am thankful that Varon noticed and said something," Bill stated. Hadrian chuckled.
"He is something else. Harry definitely has high standards and good taste for the Gheyo he has brought to us. He is an amazing fighter and fits right in. He is also hyper aware of Harry and the things around him in a way that makes me trust him implicitly with Harry's safety. It is probably why it took him a mere few hours to notice what was going on with Glynn's suite," Hadrian offered his opinion.
"Do you think Alec knew? It might hurt Harry quite a bit more if Alec knew what was going on and didn't say anything," Bill said with a sigh. That could be bad if he was.
"If he was, are you going to handle his punishment the same way? He is technically a Gheyic Pareya," Caelus asked.
"Yes, Merrow are different from the rest of us. Fighting is something that all of them are taught. Not just their Gheyo. He will suffer the same punishment and probably worse if Harry's uncle finds out about it," Hadrian said firmly. Bill nodded.
A message bubble appeared in front of Bill. It was from Narcissa letting him know that the family planned on spending the day at home other than Lucius and Neville. They were going to be spending some time out of the house together with a few other Alphas that they had been getting to know. Luna was excitedly waiting for Harry to arrive so that they could go through Favors together.
"Well, let us go while Harry is happily distracted and deal with this," Hadrian said and stood. Bill and Caelus stood as well. They left the office and headed to the sitting room. When they got there the six Gheyo they were looking for were standing or sitting around the room. Alec was there as well and that made Bill a bit upset. Harry was going to really hurt about that one.
"Don't look at me like that, Alpha. I was not involved. I only just found out. I am here so that I can make sure that whatever you have decided to punish them with is sufficient. Afterward, I will decide whether or not to get my cousin involved," Alec snarled. Good that made Bill feel so much better.
"For now, Alec. We want to keep it a circle matter. If it happens again however we will let King Alcandor and Prince Laurent have their pound of flesh," Bill stated. Alec nodded and then quite shockingly he came up to Bill and nuzzled him under the chin. Bill wrapped his arms around the Merrow and nuzzled his cheek and pressed a kiss to his head. Clearly the situation had distressed the Merrow enough that he needed the affection and wasn't willing to take it from the other Merrow just now. He let Alec stay pressed against him for as long as he needed. By the time Alec pulled away Brishen had entered the room.
"Why don't you go and have a cuddle with, Brishen. I love the cuddle and would love for another when you are willing to allow it. But his water element can ground you much better than I can," Bill said gently. Alec nodded and sent another fierce glare at those who were in trouble. Brishen opened his arms and quickly ushered Alec out of the room as soon as he was tucked against him. Then Bill turned to the others.
"You have the right to tell you side and give us your thought process on why you kept it hidden," Bill stated and then they waited as Glynn explained exactly what had happened and why he had done it. It aligned with what Harry had already told them.
"Donovan only found out about it two days ago, Alpha. He wanted to tell Harry right away but I convinced him to give me a few days to talk to Harry myself about it. I do not believe that he should suffer the same punishment as the rest of us," Glynn added.
"Is that true?" Bill asked the Joker.
"Yes, Alpha. I only found out because I overheard them talking about it. When I confronted them about it being a bad idea to withhold that kind of information, Glynn asked me to allow him the opportunity to fix it himself. I agreed but told them if he waited longer than a couple of days that I would tell Harry myself," Donovan explained.
"Then we will discuss it with Harry and determine if he thinks that you should have a punishment at all," Bill replied. Donovan bowed.
"Thank you, Alpha," Donovan stated.
"As for the rest of you, Hadrian and his suite will enforce and oversee your punishment. The three of us have discussed and agreed upon an appropriate punishment. There will be a circle meeting to discuss this as well to make sure that no one else makes this mistake. You five will not be involved in this meeting because you will be busy. This is something that Harry feels really strongly about because of his past," Bill explained. Bill motioned to Hadrian who stepped forward.
"I will be getting The Gauntlet from the Cunninghams. It is something that they have used for many years to punish their disobedient Gheyo. You will all run it for an entire day. The only break you will be allowed is to eat a light meal. Normally, I wouldn't even allow that but since our Submissive is sensitive about food and likely to be distressed by it I will not be doing that. You will also be required to spend forty-eight hours without interacting with Harry at all. You are to spend that time thinking about how badly you have hurt him so that you won't do it again," Hadrian let them know.
"Do you understand?" Bill asked.
"When does the forty-eight hours begin? And does the day that we spend in The Gauntlet count towards it?" Glynn wanted to have it clarified.
"Your forty-eight hours starts right after we are done with this meeting and ends Monday at this time. Your time in The Gauntlet does count toward it," Hadrian answered.
"Thank you, for clarifying," Glynn replied.
"Do you all accept this as an appropriate and fair punishment?" Bill asked.
"Yes, Alpha," Glynn and the others answered.
"Good, then you may go," Bill dismissed them.
"I want everyone up before the sun. Eat a light breakfast and then meet me outside near the back door," Hadrian told them. Then he turned to Bill. "I am going to see the Cunninghams and see about the Gauntlet."
"Of course. Harry will be leaving soon to go to his parents so he won't be here anyways. I will send Ethan, Enlil, and Charlie with them," Bill informed the Ace.
"Sounds good, If that is all, I will be going now," Bill nodded and Hadrian left taking Kisten with him. Bill left to find Draco and see if he was going to go with Harry or if he had other plans. He ran into Fred and George.
"Hey, big brother," Fred started.
"What are you up to?" George finished. Bill hugged them both and ruffled their hair.
"I am looking for your Submissive. Harry wants to go to their parent's house and go through favors with Luna. He wanted Draco to go to if he wasn't busy," Bill answered them.
"I think he is outside," Fred replied.
"He wanted to fly," George offered.
"Fleur and Viktor are with him," They said together.
"Thanks guys, I will go out and see," Bill said and headed off. Caelus was gathering Ethan, Enlil, and Charlie. Bill found Draco flying in that way that always made Harry jealous. Draco was a natural with his wings. Bill whistled to get their attention and Draco came down immediately.
"Have you handled Harry's Gheyo?" Draco demanded as soon as his feet touched the ground. Bill chuckled.
"Yes, it is handled. What are your plans today?" Bill asked.
"I don't have any. Why?" Draco answered.
"Harry is going to your parent's house to sort favors with Luna. He wanted you to go with him," Bill let him know. Draco nodded and turned to Fleur.
"Want to go with me?" Draco asked the pretty French Pareya.
"Oui, I would love, too," She responded.
"Are any of your Gheyo going with them?" Viktor asked.
"Of course, Charlie and Enlil are going. Is that sufficient for you?" Bill asked. Viktor nodded and then kissed Draco on the head.
"Behave while you are gone. Remember that your brother does actually want to fix things with your parents. So let him work through it without snapping at them," Viktor warned him.
"I will not let them distress my brother. If they want to talk about it and Harry is ok with it then that's fine but if he isn't ready, I am not going to let them upset him any more than he already has been today," Draco snapped back at him. Viktor sighed and looked sideways at Fleur.
"It will be fine," She assured the Beta. Draco rolled his eyes.
"Is my brother ready?" Draco asked as he headed for the house. Bill chuckled.
"Wikhn and Aither were taking advantage of his sparking magic but they should be done. I will go and check on them," Bill said with a smile. Draco just rolled his eyes. He did not understand Harry and his Gheyo sometimes. Harry spent far more time with his Gheyo than Draco had a desire to do. Draco preferred the more tame attention of his Pareya, Alpha, and Beta. Not that he didn't adore his entire circle but he didn't quite understand the blood lust or joy of fighting.
"I am going to change and then meet up with Ethan to make sure that Harry will have all of his favors so that he can return them if someone catches his fancy. We will meet Harry in the sitting room," Draco said and he and Fleur took off. Viktor walked off to do whatever he did and Bill followed his bond to the room Harry was holed up in. He knocked and heard Harry call him in from the other side.
When he walked in Harry was lying on his stomach sprawled across the two Gheyo. He had a leg thrown across Aither's body and his upper body draped across Wikhn. Aither was tracing designs lazily on Harry's back with his claws and Wikhn was running his fingers through Harry's hair. Harry looked completely relaxed and blissed out.
"You look like they worked all of that extra energy right out of you," Bill teased. "Have a good time?"
"Oh yes. Wikhn and Aither are quite the combination. I hadn't had them together yet. I find I quite liked it. Definitely going to do it again," Harry mumbled enthusiastically against Wikhn's chest. Harry and the other two were covered in a fine coating of fae dust courtesy of Wikhn.
"You all look quite nice covered in all that dust. You look so comfortable that I hate to disturb you but your parents messaged back and Luna is waiting for you. Draco is going to go with you as well as Fleur, Enlil, Charlie, and Ethan. They are waiting for you, Trouble," Bill said reluctantly. He truly did hate to bother Harry when he looked so completely relaxed. Harry sighed and lifted up. He kissed Wikhn and it was long and lazy and then did the same with Aither.
"That was exactly what I needed this morning. Both of you were magnificent," Harry praised them before crawling to the end of the bed. Bill picked his naked, glittery, Submissive up into his arms and carried him to the resting room where Mistral was waiting to help him get dressed. Mistral went to heal the bruises and banish the glitter.
"Don't, I don't want to wash it away," Harry said quietly.
"Then you don't have to, Darling," Mistral told him. He helped Harry pull on his clothes and fixed his hair for him. His clothes today were like his normal variation of silks and scarves so his claim marks and bruises from his fun time with Donovan, Varon, Wikhn, and Aither were mostly on display all covered in a fine coating of glitter. His parents probably wouldn't appreciate the obvious signs of lovemaking but if it made Harry happy then so be it.
Once he was ready he kissed Mistral in thanks and followed Bill back down to the sitting room where the others were waiting. Varon was back and standing with the others.
"Varon, you are back already. Are you going to come with us to my parent's house?" Harry asked excitedly. Varon nodded and looked Harry up and down. It was the first time he had seen him in his preferred clothes. He looked soft and pretty like this. Completely at odds with the vicious little Ferros from last night.
"Hello, Princeling. You look so beautiful. I would be happy to accompany you to your parent's home," Varon answered. "Your uncle and father would do much for you. I was granted the week I requested to settle with you."
"I will remember to thank them both properly for giving me this time with you," Harry said with a grin. It was so nice to have family who was willing to spoil him.
"All right. Off you lot get. Luna is waiting for you. Ethan says you will be there for a bit. The amount of favors that you have gotten is quite impressive. Your sister's is bound to be just as impressive after her introduction yesterday," Bill told them. Harry kissed his Alpha goodbye and then they all headed for the transportation room so that they could spend the day going over favors. Harry hadn't seen any of his Merrow since speaking to Glynn this morning. He wondered if they were avoiding him. He would worry about it when he came home this evening. If he didn't see them then he would figure out what was going on. Maybe it was part of their punishment. He would ask Bill about it later.
Right now the only thing he was going to worry about was his favors and spending time with his family. He was going to end this day better than he started it. He was determined. So he was smiling happily when he ported away and found himself and Draco crushed in Sirius' arms in greeting before they were led to the sitting room where Luna, Lily, Narcissa, Su, Jun, and Briar were already waiting for them.
Chapter 12: Favors, Family, and Fury
Summary:
Harry spends the first part of the day sorting favors with his family and bonded. He learns about the punishment that his Alpha and Ace had decided on. He isn't completely happy with it. Then he learns that Alcandor and Laurent have taken things into their own hands. It doesn't end well.
********Revised 5/13/24 Added a few things to this chapter that I felt helped the story move along. Hope you like the additions and changes.
Notes:
Hope you enjoy the chapter. I also wanted to let my readers know that I have made a small 'archive'. It is called 'My Circle Archives' it has all of the lists of circles from my three dragel stories all in one place. I hope you like it.
Chapter Text
Hunt Day 6: Evanson-Malfoy Home
"This must be the new Joker Sirius and Remus were talking about last night when they got home," Lily said with a hesitant smile. Harry grinned and nodded.
"This is Varon. He is part of Crimson Tide and he was one of my open soul bonds. It isn't open anymore," Harry said with a smirk and a blush. Sirius chuckled and swiped a finger across Harry's shoulder and then brushed the glitter off of himself.
"Yeah we can see that," Sirius teased. Harry blushed and shrugged. "Well, you remember me, I am Sirius. That is Harry and Draco's bearer Lily, our beautiful Pareya Narcissa, and their little sister Luna. The pretty young lady sitting next to Luna is one of our foster children, Su. You met their grandparents last night as well. Juniper and Briar Evanson. Now what do you say we leave the ladies and gents to their favor fun and go make ourselves busy somewhere else? You to Charlie and Enlil."
Harry kissed his three Gheyo and let his Siri drag them off. He turned back to the waiting group and looked over Lily, Jun, and Briar. Draco put a hand on his shoulder and they went to the table with Ethan and Fleur close behind.
"I can leave and let the rest of you do this if it will make you more comfortable, Harry," Lily said quietly. Harry took a deep breath and looked his bearer in the eyes for probably the first time in days.
"It's fine....Mum. We can all do this together," Harry said just as quietly. He had to start somewhere. He couldn't keep being angry at his Mum. At this point, he had probably been angry at her more than he had not been since finding her. He didn't want to keep things bad between them. She had already apologized and had even sent him a letter detailing exactly what she had been thinking about when she had done it. She explained that she had seen Lucius' very first memories of him in the Goblin's office. He had given her the reports that showed his heart stopping and shown her Harry's memories of the situation. She swore she understood and that she was so sorry.
"Are you sure, Harry?" Draco asked him carefully. Harry could practically see the next sentence that he didn't say out loud 'Especially, after this morning.'
"Yeah, I am sure, Drake," Harry said and patted his brother's hand. Lily looked so relieved.
"Thank you, Harry," Lily told him genuinely. Harry nodded and then looked around at everyone else.
"I am here to spend nice quality time with my family. This is normal stuff. I want to do this and not worry about anything outside of this room and us for a while," Harry stated firmly. Luna smiled and reached out to hold his hand as well across the table.
"This is going to be so fun, big brother," Luna said softly. The others nodded.
"Great let's get started," Harry said happily. Ethan chuckled.
"We might want to expand the table or spread out on the floor. From what I can tell the two of you have quite the stacks of favors. Su what about you? Have you gotten any favors?" Ethan said excitedly.
"A few. Nothing like what the two of them have gotten I am sure. The mentor I was given has already gone through mine with me. I am really only here to hang out with you all," Su stated. She didn't feel the same pull to do this stuff with them. These were not her siblings or her family. She didn't have siblings and her parents had wanted nothing to do with her. The Evanson-Malfoy family had been super kind to her and she wanted for nothing but it was different.
Her mentor had actually offered to let her move in with his circle if she wanted to and she was actually considering it. She had spent a lot of time with them since meeting them and they felt more like family to her than even her own family had growing up. She didn't know if it was the mentor bond causing it or not but she found she really didn't care. Her mentor was supposed to be coming this evening to talk to Lily and Lucius about her moving into their home. She was pretty excited. She would miss Ernie but she felt like this was something she needed.
"Oh, that is good. Which reminds me that we still need to take the mentor seal off Harry so that he can meet his. Maybe this weekend," Ethan said. Harry nodded. It was about time. They had just been so busy. He was envious of the bonds that Theo and the others had with their mentors. Even Charlie had found one in the Princess Ebony. Which Harry was super excited about.
Narcissa expanded the table with a rune and then dumped Luna's favors on her side of the table and Harry was amazed at the size of her pile.
"So many, Luna-girl. That's because you were so pretty during your walk," Harry said with a grin. "I would hate to have to sort through that many." Ethan, Fleur, and Draco both chuckled and Harry's jaw dropped when Ethan dumped out his pile on the table. It was just as big as Luna's was.
"You looked very pretty during your walk as well, big brother," Luna said with a giggle.
"And powerful," Briar added. The others nodded. Harry just blushed.
"I am not even hunting for a full circle. There is no way that this is all just from Gheyo," Harry said firmly.
"It probably isn't but that is how we start narrowing it down. We start with separating," Ethan told him.
"Ok how do we do that," Harry asked.
"First thing we will do is separate favors of courtship from favors for friendship or alliances, ok," Ethan said and Harry nodded. He watched intently as Ethan muttered an incantation and waved his hands. The favors separated themselves into two separate stacks. Briar showed Luna and the others on the other side of the table how to do the same spell. Luna's stack was separated as well.
"I want to put the ones for friendships or alliances up. We can go through those with everyone else at home," Harry told Ethan. It was Draco who reached forward and pushed that stack back into a bag and tucked it behind them out of the way.
"We can do that as well," Lily told Luna who nodded.
"Next you will want to sort them by rank. It will help you narrow down what you are ready to look for," Briar offered and waved his hand with an incantation and Luna's favors separated into six stacks. "Alphas, Betas, Pareya, Gheyo, Mages, and other ranks," Briar explained and pointed to each of the stacks in turn. Luna nodded.
Ethan did the same spell for Harry and he watched as his favors separated into six stacks. Harry laughed.
"Why would people send me favors when they know I am not looking for certain ranks? Like an Alpha. I have one already why would they send favors? What was the point of announcing that I am only Hunting for Gheyo?" Harry asked curiously.
"You are bonded to a blood title, a prince, cousin to the merrow king, you are fourth in line to the merrow throne, and that isn't even mentioning the fact that you have so many other powerful bonded. There are some that truly believe that their pretty faces or their connections will be able to convince you to sever your bonds and join with them," Ethan explained to him.
"That is ridiculous. How do you reject favors?" Harry asked with a scowl at the stack of favors from Alphas. "I'd like to do it myself if you don't mind? Can you teach me the spell?"
"Of course, I can," Ethan said with a smile he picked up one favor from the top held it in his hand and spoke a phrase. "Lasair Gheal." Harry watched as the favor was engulfed in a white flame and vanished.
"Does it let the other person know that they have been rejected?" Harry asked Ethan. He nodded.
"Yes, it lets them know," Ethan told him. "This is the simplest way to politely refuse a favor. You don't have to do them one at a time. You can do them all at once." Harry held his hand over the pile and muttered the phrase. He watched as the entire stack was consumed in a white flame. He moved his hand to the beta pile but Ethan stopped him. Harry looked up at him confused.
"We have a Beta and a Rheyo we don't need another," Harry told him.
"Bill, Theo, and Caelus have discussed the fact that maybe it wouldn't be remiss for you to consider adding another Beta since we will have such a large circle. It is just something to consider. If it is not something that you are interested in then that is ok," Ethan explained to him. Harry thought about it and then caught the stack on fire anyway. Draco chuckled.
"Guess he doesn't want another Beta," Jun pointed out. Ethan chuckled too.
"That isn't it," Harry said with a roll of his eyes. "These people sent favors knowing that I was only looking for Gheyo. It was literally in my introduction. I don't want anyone who was sending favors to cause problems or try to replace my current bonded."
"That is very smart, Harry," Luna said with a smile. She was holding a favor in her hand and smiling brightly at it.
"Who is that one from?" Harry asked. Luna laughed.
"Ginerva of course," Luna said with a sigh. Then she lifted her hand and set the other favors from Betas on fire.
"I guess we are all just destined to love Weasleys. Who wants to place bets right now that Ron ends up in Neville's circle?" Draco said with a snort. Harry started laughing but Luna got a faraway look on her face then she smiled.
"I will take the bet," She said still smiling softly. Harry just kept laughing. Life was going to be so fun once things all fell into place.
"Find any Alphas that caught your fancy," Fleur asked softly. Luna shook her head.
"I am not going to look yet. Ginerva and I will choose an Alpha together," Luna informed them. She did reach for the stack of favors from Mages though. She began humming as she sorted through them. Harry turned back to his own stacks.
He pulled the stack of Gheyo toward him.
"Can we sort it by rank?" Harry asked. Ethan nodded and said another short incantation and waved a hand. The favors arranged themselves into six stacks. He pulled the Aces toward him first. He looked through them one by one, he smelled them and felt the magic signature on each of them. He came to one that made him trill happily. He placed it to the side. Draco picked it up and read the name on it.
"Raiden Foster?" Draco said quietly. "Raiden isn't that the name of the Ace that talked to us for a few minutes the first day of The Hunt when we went to lunch?"
"Yeah, I have seen him a few more times since then. He gave me his fight schedule and a statistic card with all of his information on it. He hunted with us last night too for a bit. He is an amazing fighter," Harry said with a blush and a smile. "I will be answering that one for sure." Harry continued to search through the favors. He discarded quite a few right off the bat. He didn't like the way they smelled or the way the magic felt to him.
When he was finished judging them by that he started to open them. He opened a few that offered large jewels or extravagant gifts and the notes inside were very clear that they wanted in his circle for the wrong reasons those were discarded as well. When he was done he only had three favors left. Raiden and two others. An Earth Ace named Rathal who both smelled and felt nice as well as sent a simple personalized gift as well as his fight schedule and an explanation that the reason there were so few fights was because he also worked as a royal guard. The third one was an Air Ace that had done contracted work for the Peverell clan many times had heard about him through them and had made up his mind when he had seen him fighting during the hunt last night.
Draco pulled out his bag of favors and Ethan handed him paper and pen. Harry wrote a small bit about himself for the Earth and Air Aces as well as a small favor to each letting them know that he was open to getting to know each other a bit better. Raiden's was more personal. He placed a favor in his that Harry had made personally. Harry had been playing with the idea of perhaps jewelry making as a hobby and found that he was actually pretty good at manipulating metals and other things to make the prettiest jewelry that he could put enchantments into. He also asked Raiden if was interested in lunch just the two of them with an escort close by of course.
Ethan took those three from him and set them to the side to send off as Harry set his discarded pile on fire. Luna made a pleased noise and Harry looked up to see her pluck a favor out of her stack of mages. She smiled and set it to the side with Ginny's favor. Harry thought it might be nice to just know things the way that Luna did. She was always so certain and she was never wrong. Briar picked it up and looked at it.
"This is not a favor that is offered here," Briar said curiously. Luna giggled and shook her head.
"No, it isn't. That is from my Rolf. He has visited Daddy and me a few times over the years. You all know Daddy is a spy for Queen Titania. Rolf has delivered messages back and forth for them a few times," Luna told them. "He isn't here yet. He will come later when the fae get here. He sent this from the Fae Realm."
"That makes more sense," Briar said and placed the favor back down with a small smile. His grandchildren were all pretty spectacular. It made him so angry to think that he could have lost all of them before he had even known them. Harry shared a look with Draco and then he pulled the stack of Kings toward himself.
"I wish I just knew things the way that you do, Luna. It would make things so much easier," Su said dreamily. Luna smiled at her and patted her knee.
"It isn't always nice. Sometimes, I know things that I am not allowed to tell. Things that could hurt people I love. Other times I see things in pieces that don't make sense until it is too late to change them," Luna informed her. Su looked sad for a moment and hugged Luna tightly.
"I am sorry, Luna. I didn't know that," Su apologized. Luna just kissed her cheek and smiled.
"Nothing to be sorry for, Su. There is always a downside to everything. It is how things stay balanced," Luna told her and went back to looking through her things.
Harry went back to looking at his favors. He was almost certain that he would not be choosing anyone for Glynn's suite that wasn't at least part Merrow. Especially, after the drama from this morning. It would just make things easier. So he went through all of the favors and if they didn't come from someone that could claim at least part-Merrow he wasn't interested. He ended up with a very small stack of four favors.
"Why so few?" Lily asked hesitantly. Harry looked up at her and smiled.
"These are the only Merrow that sent a favor. I had a bit of drama with my Merrow Suite this morning. Apparently, my Storm King and Storm Princess did not bond into their suite. It didn't feel right. My instincts tell me that only someone who is either pure Merrow or at least Half will work with that suite," Harry explained to her. She nodded.
"I understand how difficult Merrow can be sometimes. I understand even more now since we have been going to court with Laurent. That is a good choice, Love," She said a bit more confidently since Harry didn't seem to be bothered by her asking. Harry grinned.
"Try having six water types in the house with so many fire types. It is interesting to say the least sometimes," Harry agreed. Draco snorted and nodded.
"That is not an exaggeration at all," He added. Lily smiled at them both as Harry went back to looking over the four Merrow. None of them felt right to him. He even made sure to open them and read them over just in case but that didn't change his mind at all so he discarded all four of them and then set the stack of Kings on fire. Draco snorted. "Didn't like any of them?"
"Nope," Harry said and popped his 'p'. "I will just have to hunt my Merrow in person. After truly watching Varon last night when he was fighting I am itching to watch others. Merrow are pretty and vicious it's a bit intoxicating." Harry said with a sigh. He heard a laugh from Jun and then felt a hand sink into his hair and tug his head back. He purred happily as he looked up into the eyes of the Joker he had just been talking about.
"Talking about me, Princeling?" Varon smirked. Harry smiled.
"Yes, Lovely Joker. I was just bragging about how very nice it was to watch you fight beside me last night," Harry said honestly. Varon leaned down and kissed him upside down which was new for Harry but still a bit exciting since he could feel the Merrow's claws against his scalp. "Miss me?" Harry asked when the Joker pulled away.
"Yes, and I was sent in here by your Dad to see if you lot wanted any snacks," Varon asked. Finally, releasing Harry's hair. Harry looked at the others who all nodded. He looked back up at his Joker.
"A snack sounds lovely. Thank you, Varon. I missed you too, by the way," Harry said to the Merrow and gave a happy chir when he received another kiss before the Joker left the room. Probably to tell Severus that they wanted their snack.
"Still settling your bond with him?" Briar asked and Harry nodded. He was loving the time with his family but he certainly wouldn't mind a little more time with his new Joker. "Perfectly normal. Especially, since you said it is a soul bond."
"It is. I will get cuddles from him later when we get home. Uncle Al and Dad gave him time off from his duties for the entire week so that we can settle. Varon says it is unusual and that they are making exceptions because he is mine," Harry told them.
"Of course they are. You are their family. It makes you happy to have him at home and so they will do that for you," Lily insisted with a laugh. Harry blushed and then snuggled close to Draco for a moment. It was just so nice to have so much family. Draco wrapped his arm around Harry and took as much comfort from Harry as he was giving. Having so much loving family was a different thing for both of them.
"Nice isn't it?" Draco asked Harry.
"Yeah," Harry said and then he sat back up and went back to his Favors.
"All right, Darlings?" Narcissa asked softly. They both nodded and smiled.
Harry pulled his stack of Queens toward him and started the process of smelling and sensing their magic. Once again he came across one that made him super happy. He set it to the side. Draco once again picked it up and read the name out.
"Damon Torres, Air Queen. Is this like with the Ace?" Draco asked. Harry nodded.
"He was with us last night for part of the hunt as well, wasn't he? He showed up with the Ace and left with the Ace at the end of the night," Jun asked. Harry nodded.
"Yeah, I met Damon in The Pits that day I spent the entire day there. He sat and talked with me all day long about the fights. Invited me to come and watch him fight. I introduced him to Raiden that day as well," Harry told them. "Guess they hit it off. I think Damon and Bill hit it off as well. Their personalities are similar."
"I remember him, was he still there after lunch?" Ethan asked Harry.
"Yeah, Hadrian invited him to sit with us instead of behind us so he sat next to Donovan and me while we watched more fights. I like him," Harry said with a blush. About that time Severus came in floating trays of snacks that he sat on the floor around the group at the table. There was no room on the table for anything other than the stacks of favors. Severus was not going to risk messing that up. He hugged both Harry and Draco and let them know he loved them before leaving the room again.
"He did seem very interested in you," Ethan said with a smile as Draco placed the favor back on the table. "I think Adad and Styrmir liked him too. They kept shooting each other looks while the two of you were lost in conversation. That is helpful since, if you chose him, he would be with them." Harry nodded as he popped a piece of fruit into his mouth.
"Guess their looks make more sense now. As well as their interest in watching Raiden when I mentioned that I was going to his fight," Harry said a bit put out. Knowing what he did now about his suites just put a few looks and comments into perspective. He was a bit miffed about it.
Harry kept sorting through the Queens while he snacked and only found one other that appealed to him at all. He wrote his reply to each of them and placed a favor inside before handing those to Ethan as well. When it was all said and done he had five favors to return to different Princes, none for the Princess rank since that would also be Merrow, He hadn't been interested in any of the Jokers, one return favor for a Mage, two return favors for Medics, and three for people who wanted the companion rank. So in all, he would be responding to sixteen favors.
Luna only had two. Ginny and Rolf. But she had only burned a few of the favors, she said she was waiting to see which Alpha she and Ginny chose and then she would know which favors to accept.
"The Alpha that Ginerva and I choose will show which path my circle will take. I have seen two different paths that we could take. Both of them include Ginerva and Rolf which is why I know I am accepting those," Luna explained when Jun had asked her why she was so certain about those two and not the others. They would just need to get used to Luna the way that he and Draco were used to her.
"Well, that concludes our first go-round with favors. What did the two you think?" Ethan asked as Harry reclined against Draco and let Ethan feed him more snacks. Harry was exhausted in more ways than one and he was ready for a nap. If they didn't get him home soon he was going to make Draco curl up with him in front of the fire. Maybe he could talk Luna into their cuddle pile as well.
"It was fun. I liked it more than I thought I would," Harry said holding back a yawn. He could feel Draco nod his head in agreement behind him.
"It did look a bit more fun than I was expecting," Draco agreed. Harry made a questioning chir and Draco scoffed. "No that doesn't mean I changed my mind. I am perfectly settled with my circle just the way it is."
"I think it is great fun as well," Luna said. She had crawled into Narcissa's lap at some point and was also happily indulging in a cuddle. Varon came into the room with Enlil and Charlie behind him. He reached for Harry who held his arms out to the Joker. He heard Charlie chuckle.
"Looks like he was right," Charlie said.
"How did you know he was ready? Did you tug on your bond?" Enlil asked. Varon shook his head no. He didn't know how he knew he just had. He was perfectly happy sparing with Harry's parents when he suddenly just knew that Harry was tired and ready to go home for a cuddle.
"No, I just knew he was ready," The Joker said and rumbled happily as Harry burrowed his face into the Joker's neck. Draco stood up off the floor with Ethan's help and then reached back to help Fleur to her feet as well.
"Well, I think what Harry's psychic Joker is trying to say is that it is time for us to head home. I could feel that Harry was about two minutes away from dragging me and Luna into a cuddle pile in front of the fire," Draco told them. They told their family bye and to let Lucius and Neville know that they loved them since they didn't get to see them. Then they flooed home. Draco and Fleur headed off to find his bonded and Harry was carried into the sitting room where Brishen and Alec were sitting together. He dropped Harry into Alec's lap and then sat down next to them.
"Hi, Troublemaker. I missed you," Alec said gently. Varon watched as Brishen's shoulders relaxed and he breathed a sigh of relief. Harry happily nuzzled Alec and trilled happily when he felt the Merrow release the tension in his body.
"I missed you too, Alec. I am sorry that I didn't get to talk to you this morning," Harry responded. "Where you terribly upset?" Alec flicked his nose and leaned back against the couch and allowed Brishen and Varon to surround the two of them with their bodies and magic. It felt really nice. Harry yawned heavily and leaned more heavily onto Alec.
"I was, but not at you. Our Alpha and the other handled it though. I am happy you are home. Did you send out many return favors?" Alec asked him. Harry nodded.
"Sixteen," Harry replied with another yawn. Alec and the others chuckled.
"Why don't the four of us head to a room and have a nap and a cuddle?" Brishen offered. Harry nodded and wrapped his arms and legs more securely around Alec. Then the Merrow stood with Brishen leading the way and Varon trailing behind them. They went into a room on one of the Merrow floors and Harry was pretty sure he was asleep before they had all completely gotten comfortable in the bed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Charlie and Theo
Charlie returned from the Evanson-Malfoy home and felt the need to seek out his favorite Beta. He was tired of dancing around about his feelings and was ready to corner Theo into a conversation about bonding. Charlie adored Harry and was happy for the soulbond between them but he was pretty sure he also had a soulbond with Theo. It wasn't as explosive or obvious as it had been with Harry but it was there nonetheless.
He found Theo in the office he had claimed as his own and he looked to be elbow-deep in paperwork and in desperate need of a break. Charlie was pretty sure the Beta had probably been holed up in there since this morning. Charlie figured that meant that now was a good time for a distraction. He closed the office door behind him and then knocked on the frame when Theo still didn't look up at him.
"Oh, hi Charlie," Theo said with a smile. "I thought you were going with Harry?" Charlie chuckled and strode over to the desk and leaned his hip against it. Theo had to admit he was super sexy when he looked so casual about things.
"Theo, Darling, we have been gone for hours. We just got back. You have not left this room since this morning have you?" Charlie asked with a smirk. Theo looked a bit shocked that he had been so distracted.
"I guess so. I didn't realize so much time had passed," Theo admitted.
"Did you at least eat?" Charlie asked seriously. Theo took a minute to think about it and realized that at some point, Oliver had brought him lunch and then come back later to take the tray.
"I did. Oliver brought me something," Theo answered. Charlie nodded.
"Good, now it is time for you to take a break. I need to speak with you," Charlie told him. Theo nodded and let Charlie pull him out of the desk chair. Charlie led him to the sofa in the room and pushed him down on it. Charlie then straddled his legs and settled comfortably in the Beta's lap. Theo was a bit shocked but grasped his waist anyway. He looked up at the redhead.
"What kind of conversation do you want to have, Dragonheart," Theo asked him. He was pretty sure he knew exactly where this was going. He wasn't a stupid man. He was a Slytherin after all and he knew what a soulbond felt like. He had just been giving the Joker time to decide for himself what he wanted. It wasn't common for a Joker to bond to more than one person in a Circle.
"I think you know, Theodore. I know you feel it too. I have seen the way you look at me sometimes," Charlie told him. "I wish to court and bond with you, Beta. If you are open to it." Theo smiled up at the Joker. He reached up and grasped his neck and pulled him down to claim his mouth. When they finally pulled apart they were both a bit out of breath.
"I am more than open to it, Charlie," Theo answered finally. Charlie grinned down at him then he started pulling at Theo's clothes.
"Now?" Charlie asked hopefully. Theo pulled his arms out of the shirt when Charlie finished unbuttoning it.
"Yes, Now," Theo agreed.
"Thank Merlin," Charlie sighed and then he started nipping at Theo's neck and newly exposed shoulders.
An hour later, Caelus knocked on the door to ask a question and found the two of them napping on the sofa wrapped around each other and absolutely stark naked. Each of them sporting a new claiming mark. Caelus just smiled and closed the door back. He went and found his Alpha instead and settled in his lap in his office.
"Guess I owe you a new stationary set," Caelus said after he nuzzled Bill's neck and jaw. Bill chuckled.
"Theo and Charlie?" Bill asked just to make sure. Caelus nodded. "Knew it. I know my brother and I know my Beta. Shouldn't have bet against me. Ready to pay up on the second part of that bet?" Caelus grinned and slid until he was on his knees partly under the Alpha's desk between his spread legs.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harry and his three cuddle buddies were woken up a few hours later by Oliver for dinner.
"Hey Olli," Harry said with a sleepy smile. Oliver reached out for Harry, who happily went into his arms. "Is it time to get up?"
"Hey, Little Seeker. It is. Our Alpha wants to see you for just a bit before we go to dinner. Up for it?" Oliver asked him. Harry nodded and then turned to the others.
"Thank you. That cuddle was exactly what I needed. I love all three of you and will see you at dinner," Harry insisted. He blew them all a kiss and then let his former captain carry him out of the room and up to the sitting room where his Alpha and a few others were waiting. Theo moved over so that Oliver could sit down on the couch between Bill and Theo with Harry still snuggled in his lap.
"Hey Princess, did you have a good day?" Theo asked him in his gentle way. Harry nodded and let Theo kiss him gently on the lips.
"Maybe not as good a day as you though," Harry said with a smile and tapped the new claim mark on Theo's exposed arm. "Charlie?" Theo blushed slightly and nodded. "Knew it." Bill smiled and ran his fingers through Harry's hair to get his attention.
"We just wanted to let you know what was decided about your Merrow now that you are more settled. Is that ok?" Bill asked him.
"Yeah, that's fine Bill. I was going to ask anyway. Let's hear it," Harry said resolutely.
"It was decided by Hadrian, Caelus, and myself that they would spend the entire day tomorrow running a training gauntlet under Hadrian's watchful eye. No breaks except to eat. Sun up to sun down," Bill told him. Harry nodded, that sounded fair. "They have also been thoroughly talked to about what it means to you to have things kept from you, no matter the reason. That the next time something like this happens it won't be so easy."
"Is that all?" Harry asked. "They run the Gauntlet all day tomorrow and then we move on?" Bill shook his head no.
"No, Trouble that isn't it. We also decided that they would not be allowed to interact with you at all for forty-eight hours starting earlier today after we talked to them. So they will not be around you until Monday," Bill told him. Harry didn't think he liked that at all. That felt like a punishment for him as well. But he had left their punishment up to Bill and Hadrian. He trusted their judgment about what would help. He didn't have to like it but he did have to stand behind it.
"That's it? Run the Gauntlet and stay away from me?" Harry asked quieter that time.
"Yes, that's it Trouble. There is one person who I think you should consider not involving in the punishment at all though," Bill stated and Harry looked up at him surprised.
"Who, and Why?" Harry asked.
"Donovan. Your Joker only found out two days ago about the entire thing. He told Glynn that you needed to know what was going on. Glynn begged him to not say anything to you so that he could tell you himself. Donovan agreed but told him that if he didn't tell you in the next few days, he was going to tell you himself. That is the only reason he tried to keep Varon from saying anything. He was still trying to honor letting Glynn tell you himself," Bill explained to him.
" So Donovan wasn't involved in keeping things from me. He was only trying to make sure that Glynn had the opportunity to tell me himself," Harry repeated. Bill nodded and Oliver nuzzled him. "Can I see Donovan?" Harry asked. Bill nodded and looked at Harry curiously. He didn't really like the way Harry was acting now.
"Which part of their punishment distresses you, Trouble? Be honest. Just because we decided on it doesn't mean that if you don't agree with something it can't be adjusted or discussed," Bill said firmly. Harry looked up at him and fidgeted just a bit.
"Well, I ... I don't really understand why they have to stay away from me for two days. That feels like I am being punished as well. I am mad at them for keeping things from me but that doesn't mean that I don't still want to be around them," Harry said finally. By this time Ethan had come into the room.
"His instincts are unsettled, Alpha. He has unfortunately been questioning their feelings for him since only people who wanted to hurt or use him kept things from him. Keeping him away from them is only going to make it worse for him because he won't be given the opportunity to reassure himself that they do actually care for him. It will be worse for Harry than the ones actually being punished," Ethan explained. Harry looked relieved and nodded at Bill.
"Exactly that. I told you Ethan was super smart. He knows everything," Harry praised and noticed the Pareya blush. Bill looked between the two of them and then sighed.
"I am sorry, Harry. I didn't think about that at all. Maybe next time we should have our wonderful Pareya involved in the conversation so that he can make sure that any punishment given out doesn't hurt you worse than it punishes them. We will not enforce that bit, OK Harry? You can be with them as much as you want. I am however going to ask that for tomorrow you stay away from the gauntlet. Let Hadrian do what he needs for that and you can cuddle all of them afterward. Is that better?" Bill asked him. Harry nodded his head eagerly.
"Yes, thank you, Bill. That's much better. I can stay away from them tomorrow while Hadrian has them. Donovan doesn't need a punishment at all," Harry said and leaned forward still in Oliver's arms and kissed his Alpha. "Do I have time before dinner to go and find them? Are they even here?"
"They are not. All of them have gone to the Merrow Section where your Uncle is staying during The Hunt. They didn't want to risk going against their punishment by running into you when they had been told to stay away from you," Hadrian said from the doorway. Harry frowned and curled up into Oliver more.
"I want them home," Harry stated. He pulled on his bonds to the five of his Gheyo. Then he talked quietly with his bonded while he waited but they never came. After about an hour and Quinn insisting that it was time to eat, Harry was distressed. There was no way that he would be able to eat now. His bonded had not come when he called. Was it because they had been told to stay away? Would they really ignore his call?
Harry? Quinn called to him from the doorway to the sitting room. Harry looked up at him.
"Yeah, Quinn?" Harry responded.
It is time to eat, Love. I have the food under stasis. I know you had a very light lunch. Please come to the table. Quinn asked him for the third time. Harry just gave a chir of distress and shook his head again.
"I can't, Quinn. I need them home. They didn't come when I called. What if something is wrong? I have called them to me twice more in the last hour. Would they really ignore me?" Harry asked. Quinn and the others could hear the tears in his voice at this point. Varon and Alec stepped up to him.
"Come on," Alec said and pulled Harry up. He pushed him into Varon's arms. "If I know my cousin, he found out what happened. He is probably giving them his own form of punishment. They probably can't come to your call."
"I thought I stated that we were keeping this a circle matter for now?" Bill said.
"Well, I didn't tell him. I haven't left home today. He would have suspected something when Varon told him that they may not be around this weekend and then for them to show up and stay the night. He would have demanded answers. It won't be pretty," Alec said with a grimace. Harry made another distressed sound.
"We have to go get them. Please, Bill. We need to get them now," Harry said urgently. Bill stood and sighed.
"Varon, Brishen, and Alec will go with you," Bill said and kissed Harry on the head. Harry tugged on his bond to Brishen. The Phoelix was there quickly. They were all staying close so that they could eat when Harry was settled enough to do so.
"We will be back, Quinn. We will eat when we come home. I promise," Harry said to his healer.
Of course, Love. Bring them home. Quinn responded. Harry nodded and then let his Merrow port him away. They ported into the entrance and were allowed through after the guard on duty told them where Alcandor was. Harry gasped when they made it to Alcandor's temporary throne room. His Bonded were strapped to poles in the middle of the room and they were bloody. He didn't know what had been done but he was not happy at all.
Alcandor was sitting on his throne looking both annoyed and pleased with himself. His dad Laurent was speaking quickly and heatedly with his Papa off to the side of the room.
"What did you do?" Harry demanded of his uncle. All eyes turned to him. Alcandor smiled and Laurent moved to stand near his brother while Lucius came to Harry.
"Punished those that deserved it," Alcandor said firmly. Harry was going to wait and see if they had done anything to the King to deserve this before he got angry.
"What did they do to deserve it?" Harry asked. Alcandor and Laurent both looked at him like he was crazy.
"They hurt you, Son," Laurent stated. "They disrespected you and lied." Harry snarled and Varon grabbed him around the waist.
"You had no right. What happened was being addressed and handled within our circle. My Alpha had their punishment well in hand," Harry snarled at the two of them. Laurent looked upset but Alcandor looked angry.
"I have every right. I am the Merrow King, little guppy. I decide what is a sufficient punishment for those that have wronged my family," Alcandor stated angrily. Harry snarled again and actually almost managed to slip out of Varon's grip. Brishen and Alec put their hands on him as well just in case. It would only make things worse if Harry managed to actually reach Alcandor.
"They are my bonded. Mine. Do you interfere when one of your other Merrow have personal issues in their circles?" Harry demanded. At this point, his nails and fangs were out and scales were starting to appear across his skin. He was very close to Feral.
"No, I do not. But other Merrow are not my Nephews," Alcandor answered.
"You are wrong, Uncle. This was wrong. You had no right to interfere in a punishment that was already being taken care of. They didn't do anything to you or your court this was not a public problem. It was private and being handled privately. My personal circle business is not the business of you or this court. Release them," Harry demanded with a growl.
"Harry, my son. We were only trying to make sure they understood that hurting you was not acceptable," Laurent said uncertainly. Harry glared at him. "It is our right as your father and uncle."
"Then you should have come to me, as your son, and talked to me about how I felt about it. If you knew me at all you would know that this is never something that I would have agreed to. I am done talking about this. I want my bonded released and I want it done right now. I am not happy with either of you. I am so hurt and angered by what you have done. Don't interfere with my circle again unless I ask it," Harry demanded once again. Laurent looked distressed that he had upset his son so badly. He looked at Lucius who was frowning at him still.
"I told you that he would be very unhappy about this. It is why I came here immediately when I got home and heard what was going on. You don't know our son like I do, Laurent. Next time don't be so quick to take matters into your own hands. Release our son's bonded so we can go home," Lucius told him gently. Laurent looked up at his brother and nodded. Alcandor waved his hand with a scowl and Gheyo moved forward to release his bloodied bonded.
Harry nuzzled Varon's arms and he was released. He went straight to his Storm Princess and looked him over. He kissed him and fussed until he realized all of the wounds were superficial.
"Call a healer or medic," Harry told his dad. Laurent nodded and then there were two merrows standing there waiting for instructions. "Heal him." He stated and then kissed Styrmir again before turning to his Prince. He fussed over Marin the same way and then instructed the second healer to heal him as he turned his attention to Chelan, his Queen.
"They are fine, Princeling," Varon said from behind him. "All of it is superficial." Harry just nodded but kept fussing. He felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Alec.
"I can heal Chelan. Stop fussing over this one and move on to the next one," Alec told him. Harry nodded and kissed his Queen before moving on to Adad. His Storm King and His Ace looked the worse of all of them as if the brunt of whatever had been done had been done to them. Harry trilled in distress and fussed over Adad more. He didn't realize he was crying until Glynn stepped up and wiped his tears.
"It's ok, Submissive mine. We are fine. All of us have had much much worse than this," His Ace insisted. The first medic was done with Styrmir and had stepped up waiting for Harry to let him tend to Adad. "Let the Healer tend to Adad, Love." Harry nodded and kissed his King again before moving on to Glynn. The Ace let him fuss and worry until the next medic was ready to tend to him. Harry was pulled gently back into someone's arms and looked up into the eyes of his Joker.
"They are all fine. We can go home, eat, and then you can cuddle them until your heart is content," Varon told him gently. Harry nodded and let the Joker nuzzle him. Glynn stepped up with the others when he was done being healed.
"Unfortunately, our Alpha and the others have made it part of our punishment that we must stay away from you," Glynn said a bit sadly. Harry went into his arms.
"The Alpha has lifted that punishment. Harry and Ethan pointed out that it was more of a punishment for Harry since his instincts were unsettled by everything. He will never settle if he isn't allowed around you lot," Varon explained. Glynn nodded and Harry could feel how thankful they all were through their bonds.
"Can we please go home now? I just want to be at home now where we are all safe," Harry said quietly. Glynn squeezed him tighter and lifted him into his arms.
"Let's go home, Love," Glynn said and then they all strode from the room and out to the port area. They ported home and Harry had his dinner sitting in Chelan's lap surrounded by his Merrow and two Storm Gheyo. When dinner was over, his entire circle gathered in the sitting room with Draco's circle. They talked, cuddled, and played games for far longer than they normally did. They were all giving Harry the opportunity to settle again.
The next day, Hadrian only ran them through the gauntlet until lunch. After that, he released them from their punishment since they had already been punished by the Merrow King. Harry was happy to have them all back in the house so quickly and convinced them all to go for a swim. It was a good rest of the weekend and Harry and his bonded were ready to tackle week two of the Hunt come Monday.
Chapter 13: Confrontations, Clumsiness, and Compromises
Summary:
Harry confronts Yanek. Hangs out in The Pits and comes to a conclusion with the help of his bonded. Then talks to his Uncle and Dad about the situation with his Merrow.
******Revised 5/13/24 Added a few conversations and fixed some errors. I hope you enjoy it.
Chapter Text
Day 8: Food court
Harry was pissed. Like, rip that stupid, irritating Submissive's spine out of his back pissed. He and Nosedive Yanek were about to have a conversation that was probably going to get him in trouble. Harry didn't think his other bonded had noticed the Submissive yet, but Harry had. He had noticed him immediately. Harry had been looking to meet up with Theo for lunch after spending the first part of the day in the pits with his bonded. Harry sped up his steps as soon as he saw that filth reach out and touch Theo and giggle. Harry's Beta had looked disgusted and pulled his arm back away from him.
"This day started so well," Harry mumbled to himself. That caught the attention of the Gheyo who had been walking with him. But they weren't quick enough to stop what was fixing to happen. Yanek was reaching out again to touch what wasn't his to touch. Harry was going to make sure that he didn't make contact a second time. Harry reached out and grasped that outstretched wrist and made sure that his claws dug in just a little.
"Hey, what the hell do you think you are doing? Let go of me this instant," Yanek demanded. Harry was happy to see that he at least was smart enough to look afraid. Harry snarled at him and yanked him close so that their faces were almost touching.
"Do not touch him again. He is not yours to touch, Nosedive Yanek. He will never be yours. This will be your one and only warning. So make sure you are listening to the words coming out of my mouth," Harry growled out at him. Yanek nodded and tried to pull his hand away but Harry only gripped it harder. He was pretty sure he felt something snap in his wrist and Yanek whimpered. Good.
"Theo is not yours. Theo will never be yours. He does not want you. He told me all about your letter trying to get us to merge circles. That is never going to happen. Never. You are making yourself look desperate and pathetic by continuing to pursue a happily bonded man. If I find out you have talked to him again I will rip your tongue out of your mouth. If you look in his direction I will blind you. If you touch him with some part of your body I will remove it from your body. Are we understood?" Harry asked the other submissive. He looked close to tears at this point and nodded frantically. "Use your words so that everyone here can hear your understanding."
"Y...yes. I I under understand. He is yours. He does not want me. Do not l..look at him. Do not talk to him. Do not sp speak to him," Yanek stuttered out. Harry nodded and then released his wrist. Yanked stumbled back away from him and was scooped up by his scowling bonded. Harry wondered why they had not interfered. But when he looked around he could see that they had been being held back by Harry's bonded. Harry turned back to face Yanek and his bonded.
"You are a horrible person. I can not imagine why Theodore would choose to be with you. Not once has he told me to leave him alone. You are the only one who is trying to keep us apart," Yanek said from the safety of his bonded's arms. Harry snarled at took a step toward him but found himself wrapped in someone's arms. He looked up to snap at whomever had him. It was Varon.
"Hush, Princeling and let your Beta handle it now," He told Harry sternly. He turned to see that Theo had in fact stepped forward.
"If you need to hear it from my mouth to believe it then so be it. I, Theodore Gorgens-Nott, Beta of Serpent's Requiem, have never and still do not want or appreciate the advances that you, Yanek Callemaris have made toward me. I am perfectly happy and in love with my chosen Submissive and Alpha. I have no intention of severing my bonds with them to join with you now or ever. I have no intention of encouraging my Submissive or Alpha to merge our circles. I have allowed my Submissive to handle you as is his right. You have been warned of what it will mean for you to approach me again. I am giving you the only courtesy that I will ever give you from this moment on by warning you I will be officially filing for a No-Contact Order. Please honor my and my circle's wishes and stay away from us," Theo stated calmly and respectfully. Harry loved how calm Theo always was.
Yanek looked pissed but simply nodded his head and then he and his bonded were gone. Harry chirped at Theo and held his arms out since Varon was still holding him as if he was going to hunt the other Submissive down right now. Theo smiled and shook his head before pulling Harry into his arms. Harry nuzzled him and pressed kisses to his face and chin.
"I am sorry for making a spectacle of myself and you, Theo. I know you don't like it," Harry said quietly. "He just makes me so mad." Theo nuzzled him and pressed a kiss to his cheek and then his lips.
"Princess, you don't have to apologize. I know that you have been suppressing the urge to do that for a while. I am not upset with you," Theo assured him. Harry smiled up at him and kissed him again.
"Promise?" Harry asked just to make sure. Theo nodded.
"I promise, I am not upset with you. Are you ready to get lunch?" Theo asked.
"Yeah, I am starving. And I don't want to miss the fight at one. I finally get to watch Damon fight and then Wikhn has a fight scheduled," Harry said excitedly. It was then that he noticed the pretty Dragel standing behind Theo and to the side. Harry chirped up at Theo questioningly. Theo turned and waved the Dragel forward.
"This is Ariki Deveraine. He is Ilsa's son. We were hanging out today and I invited him to come for lunch with us. I hope that's ok," Theo stated. Harry smiled.
"Hi, Ariki it is so nice to meet you. I'm Harry. I love your mum. She gives the best mum hugs," Harry said and held out a hand for the new Dragel to grasp. Ariki bowed over it and placed a small touch of lips to his knuckles.
"It is very nice to meet you as well, Harry. Thank you for letting me intrude on your lunch," Ariki said politely. Harry just smiled more.
"You aren't intruding. You were invited. Come on, let's eat," Harry said and let Theo lead him into the food court.
"He just moves on to polite conversation as if he didn't just snap someone's wrist and threaten their life," Varon said with a laugh. Harry just ignored him and kept talking to Theo and Ariki.
"Honestly, it is why we love him so much," Aither answered.
"Beautiful, kind, polite, and utterly vicious," Styrmir added. Then all of the Gheyo laughed and headed in behind them.
They had to push two tables together so that they could all sit. They had been joined by Shayla, Luna, and Soula who had recognized her brother with them. Harry had Varon, Aither, Adad, and Styrmir with him today. So all together they were a group of ten. Harry sat in the middle of Soula and Luna.
"Having a good day, Big brother?" Luna asked him. Harry smiled.
"Yeah, it is always fun in The Pits. I wish you, Draco, or even Neville liked going," Harry sighed. Luna patted his hand and then held on to him.
"I am going with you today after lunch. I have someone to meet," Luna said with a soft smile. Harry just grinned. Of course, she did.
"Do any of our parents know what you have planned?" Harry asked her with a smirk.
"Nope, but Papa Frank will be there so it will be ok," Luna told him as if that was a given. Harry wasn't sure about that. He had made plans to go to The Pits with Frank on Wednesday. But he knew better than to question Luna.
" So Harry, how is your Hunt going?" Ariki asked when there was a lull in the conversation with the girls. Harry smiled brightly at him.
"It is going pretty well actually. I have plans to meet with an Air Ace that sent me a favor. I have also been talking with my Alpha, Rheyo, and Theo about the possibility of adding a second Beta to our circle. I am considering it. However, I didn't accept any of the favors that have been sent so far. I don't have any interest in meeting people who are only looking to get a leg up or take advantage of my connections. I have returned sixteen favors so far," Harry answered him. Ariki smiled but before he could answer Soula nudged Harry.
"My brother is a Beta. He is Hunting this season," She offered. Harry and Ariki both blushed. Soula yelped and glared at her brother. "Did you just kick me under the table?" She demanded.
"No, I did," Shayla said with a smirk. "Don't embarrass your brother that way, unless you want him to return the favor. You don't see Harry and Luna embarrassing each other that way." Soula pouted.
"I was only trying to help," She mumbled under her breath.
The conversation around the table was turned to other things after that so there was no risk of anyone embarrassing anyone else. They ate their lunch and had a pleasant time before Harry insisted that they needed to get back to The Pits. He did not want to miss watching Damon fight. He had talked such a big talk about being impressive and if he fought another Dragel the way he fought the Fabrine it was going to be spectacular. He also wanted Adad and Styrmir to watch him as well because if Harry decided to court him, he would be joining their suite.
As they were getting up to leave Harry literally walked right into Frank. Definitely should know better than to question Luna.
"Harry, Luna. Where are you two off to?" He asked. Luna snuggled up to him and smiled.
"We were heading to The Pits. Harry wants to watch an Air Queen fight and I have to be there to meet someone," Luna told him. Harry chuckled.
"You are coming with us," Harry said with a smile. "Luna knew you were going to be here."
"You don't mind if I tag along?" Frank asked. Harry shook his head.
"No, we were already going to hang out in The Pits together. We are just doing it sooner now," Harry told him. Frank pulled him into a hug and Harry held him tightly. It was the first hug the two of them had shared. It was a really nice hug.
"Thank you, Son," Frank said with emotion and Harry smiled up at the Ace.
"You are welcome. Let's go now so that I don't miss Damon's fight," Harry insisted. He kissed Theo goodbye and let Ariki know that he was glad to meet him. Then he was swooped up into Adad's arms as they made their way back to The Pits. They were all seated just in time for them to announce the fight. Harry waved when Damon locked eyes with him. He blushed when the Air Queen winked at him.
"Quit distracting the poor Queen before his fight," Varon teased. Harry just hushed him and turned back to the fight just as it was getting started. Damon was vicious and fast. He had picked his opponent well. They were pretty equally matched and Harry finally understood what they had all meant about last week's fights being warm-ups. Every fight he had seen today had been far more intense than last week.
Harry watched intently as Damon once again wielded the air around him with perfect precision. His blades were quick and armor-piercing. He was purring in his seat pressed against Adad. His Storm King was chuckling at him and nuzzled his hair.
"Is this the same Air Queen that Sirius was talking about fighting with your lot during the Fabrine Hunt?" Frank asked Varon.
"Yeah, that's the one. He is just as impressive now as he was that night. Harry has high expectations of his Gheyo. I think this one passed," Varon responded. Frank chuckled and looked back over at the one son they had who appreciated the fights. Frank had been hoping Neville would be more in touch with the fights since his barer was a Gheyo King and his Sire was a Gheyo Ace. Frank knew Harry's circle was training him and he was hoping to be allowed to be involved with it.
"You should be very proud," Varon said after a few minutes. Frank looked over at him. Varon indicated Harry. "He is a son that any Gheyo parent should be proud of. One that understands and can bond with a Gheyo parent when his siblings are too soft to understand."
"Yeah, I am starting to understand that," Frank stated. "If possible, I would like to be allowed to help with his fight training." Varon nodded. He would talk to Bill, Hadrian, and Glynn about it.
"Of course, you can be involved," Harry spoke up. The other two looked down at him. They hadn't known he was listening. He had been so absorbed in the fight. Varon looked up. The fight was over. It looked like Damon had won but had been injured pretty badly. "The end was the best part. You missed it," Harry smirked at him.
"Sorry, I got distracted speaking to your dad," Varon said with a shrug.
"You will let me help train you?" Frank asked Harry. The Submissive reached back for his hand and grasped tightly when Frank slipped his hand into it.
"I was hurt before. But I have moved passed it. I don't want to be angry or hurt. I want to get to know all of you. So yes I will. Just talk to Bill about it," Harry insisted. Frank nodded and pressed a kiss to Harry's head.
"Thank you," Frank said. Then Luna bounced in her seat and sat up straighter. Harry watched her pat her hair down and straighten her dress. He looked at his sister funny and then waited to see who it was she was here to impress. He didn't wait long.
"Hello, Harry," Came the familiar voice of the Blood Flame. Harry smiled up at him. He wasn't alone either. The man with him was tall and looked vaguely familiar.
"Hi Zandian. How are you today?" Harry asked happily. His eyes kept shifting between the Fire Ace and his little sister. Is this who she was waiting for or was it the other man?
"Pretty good. I was heading down to the arena when I caught sight of you and wanted to say high. Introduce me," Zandian requested and lifted his hand toward Frank and Luna. Harry smiled.
"This is my Dad, Frank. And this pretty Fae is my little sister, Luna," Harry acquiesced. Luna blushed prettily when the Fire Ace leaned down and kissed her outstretched hand. So it was Zandian then. "Dad, Luna, this is Zandian he is the Blood Title holder for the Fire Courts. Super cool honestly, but not my type. He has a few hang-ups about Merrow." Harry teased. Zandian sputtered in fake offense and the guy behind him chuckled and winked at Harry who blushed at the attention.
"I will have you know that it is perfectly normal for Fire-types to have 'hang-ups' about Merrow. Ask your Joker," He pouted and pointed at Varon. Harry's joker just laughed and shook his head.
"I happen to find the Princeling's fire types to be quite attractive. I managed to entice one of them into some very nice extracurriculars yesterday," Varon said with a smirk. Zandian looked at him like he had lost his mind and Harry and the others burst into laughter.
"What is so funny?" Damon asked as he strode up to where they were sitting. Harry smiled at him and waved him down into the seat next to Adad.
"Zandian is offended that Varon likes my Fire Queen," Harry told him in a mock whisper. "You fought really well. Consider me very impressed. You weren't hurt too badly were you?" Damon smirked down at him and shook his head.
"I was pretty wounded but I am all fixed up. Glad that I could impress you. I had to pull out all of the stops after seeing you in the stands. I didn't want to disappoint when you have such amazing fighters in your circle," Damon replied. "And Zandian is only offended because he doesn't know how fun it is to play with Merrow."
"I won't have any Merrow in my circle," Luna said dreamily. She looked up at Hadrian. "I have spent time with my big brother's Merrow. They fit his personality quite nicely but their tongues are far too sharp for my taste." Harry snickered and nudged Frank. Luna was too adorable. Harry was pretty sure he had never seen his little sister blush so much.
"You are right Luna, you are far too delicate and warm-blooded to deal with Merrow. I predict your Circle will be like Draco's all fire and Air types with a few fae thrown in for fun," Harry agreed with her. "That kind of circle would be far more to Zandian's liking. Wouldn't it?" Harry asked.
"Yes it would," Zandian agreed looking at Luna again. Harry could tell the Fire Ace thought she was very pretty. He was pretty sure there was a blush there as well. Harry could get behind that. He would even get Hadrian to help her court the Ace if that was what his sister wanted. Now he was going to address the handsome man who had been silent so far.
"Zandian, you are quite rude. I introduced you to my sister but you haven't introduced me to your friend," Harry pouted. Damon snorted and Varon laughed outright. Harry scowled at both of them. Then turned to stare at Zandian expectantly. The Fire Ace smirked.
"This is my friend, Logi. He is a Fire Mage. You have seen him before," Zandian insisted. Harry looked at the man harder. He knew he looked familiar. He chirped questioningly when the Ace didn't continue. Then he pinched his arm when he laughed at him. "Ok, ok. Geeze you didn't have to pinch me. Did you have your claws out?" Harry scowled. "Or did you have your snake bite me?" Harry just laughed and pulled his sleeve back. The little pink snake was sleeping.
"He didn't bite you but I will let him if you don't get on with it. And I left the antivenom at home," Harry threatened. "Oh, I know. I will let him bite you and then make you beg my Merrow Ace for the antivenom." Then Harry was cackling with laughter. The image of the Fire Ace begging Glynn for the antivenom was just too much. When he calmed down enough to look up, Zandian was looking at him like he had truly lost his mind.
"You know, I think you might be slightly unhinged," Zandian stated with a smile. Harry just shrugged and raised an eyebrow. "Fine. Remember the pillar of flame that caught your eye the night of the Reaping?" Harry nodded and then he grinned and looked up at the tall Viking-looking Mage.
"Oh, it was so pretty. I like your flames, I could feel the power in them from where I was. They consumed those Fabrine so prettily," Harry praised. Then he remembered something. "You sent me a favor. You are the only mage that I responded to," Harry blurted out before he thought about it. The man looked shocked. When he spoke finally he spoke with a heavy Norse accent.
"That is high praise, Little One. I am truly honored," Logi replied. Harry blushed. He pulled a favor out of his satchel. "I was going to send this today. But since you are here now, is it ok if I give it to you?" Harry nodded and blushed as he accepted the favor.
"Thank you. It is really nice to meet you in person. I can not wait to get the opportunity to know you," Harry answered as he held the favor tightly like he was afraid it would blow away. The Viking bowed low and flashed him a smirk.
"It is nice to meet you as well. Zane was right to point me in your direction," Logi stated. Harry grinned and looked up at Zandian.
"Playing matchmaker?" Harry teased. Zandian just shrugged.
"You are both my friends. I am simply ensuring that you get the chance to explore the possibility. Now if you will excuse us. We have a fight to get ready to referee. I believe it is your Shadow King that is fighting isn't it?" Zandian asked. Harry nodded.
"I am so excited to watch him fight. It was nice to see you again," Harry said and then turned to Logi with a smile and a blush. "It was nice to meet you. I hope to see you again soon." Logi reached out and Harry automatically slipped his hand into the much larger one. Logi leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to his knuckles.
"It was very nice to meet you. I am sure we will see each other soon," Logi insisted and then started to walk away. Zandian turned to Luna and took the hand she already had outstretched toward him.
"Lovely to meet you, Little Flower. Don't be a stranger," Zandian flirted and then reached out and grasped Frank's arm. "It was great to meet you, Ace. You have lovely children. You should be proud."
"I am very proud. It was nice to meet you too," Frank replied. Zandian nodded to Harry's other bonded and then he followed Logi down the stairs. Harry settled back in his place in Adad's lap. Varon on one side and Damon on the other. Styrmir was on the other side of Varon and Aither was sitting next to Frank and Luna.
"Ready to watch my lovely King?" Harry asked Damon. He snorted.
"I have seen your King fight. He is deadly. More often than not his opponents end up under the care of a medic for at least a day," Damon said with glee. " I am not surprised he is yours after what I witnessed during the Hunt." Harry blushed and then purred happily when his King stepped into the arena. He couldn't wait to watch.
~~~~~~~~
"Well, I am going to have to make sure to invite you to watch me fight more often," Wikhn laughed as he helped Harry tug his clothes back straight. Harry blushed but didn't look sorry at all. Adad had been distracted talking to Damon about Wikhn's fight when it was over and he managed to slip away from them. He had cornered his King when he stepped out of the ring and pulled him into a secluded corner.
"You were magnificent. You fight so viciously. I couldn't help myself," Harry said and carded his fingers through Wikhn's hair to straighten it from where Harry's fingers had been tangled in it. Just then they heard a few people calling for Harry. Wikhn looked down at him and frowned.
"You slipped away, didn't you? They have no idea where you are?" Wikhn demanded. Harry looked down. Now he was sorry. He nodded and Wikhn clicked his tongue at him. He grasped Harry and threw him over his shoulder before striding out of their hidden space.
"Oh, there he is," Frank sighed out and pointed when he saw them. Harry heard a chuckle that he knew belonged to Damon and he rolled his eyes.
"I would ask what you were doing but that looks pretty obvious," Styrmir commented. Harry couldn't see his face but he didn't sound too angry. Just a bit exasperated. Maybe he wasn't in too much trouble.
"That's our fault for not keeping a better eye on him. We all know what he has been like after watching us spar. The only reason he didn't go to Kisten after his fight was because Wikhn kept him in place," Adad added. Wikhn swatted him on the bottom and Harry yelped in surprise.
"That is because you should have known better. Next time convince someone to bring you down or stay in your seat. Just because nothing bad happened this time, doesn't mean something bad won't happen next time," Wikhn chastised him. Harry whined in apology and Wikhn set him on his feet. Harry immediately pushed himself into his arms and nuzzled him under the chin. Wikhn didn't respond to his apology at first and Harry whined a bit louder and nuzzled him again. When Wikhn didn't respond to the third whine and nuzzle Harry trilled sadly and moved to step back.
Only then did the Gheyo King wrap his arms around him and pull him back close to him. He nuzzled Harry's head and kissed him gently on the lips. Harry buried his face in Wikhn's neck and pressed a kiss there.
"I am sorry, My King. I promise I will not attempt to slip away from anyone again. It was reckless and possibly dangerous. I didn't mean to worry anyone and I promise not to do it again," Harry apologized to Wikhn and loud enough for the others to hear. Wikhn tightened his arms and then pulled him back so he could look into Harry's face.
"You are forgiven, Submissive. Next time I will not be so lenient. Your safety is not a matter to brush off," Wikhn told him. Harry nodded.
"I will do my best to make sure there is not a next time, King," Harry promised. Wikhn nodded and then kissed him again.
"Good Boy, Kitten. Now what do you want to do now?" Wikhn asked him. Harry smiled up at him. He was back to 'Kitten' instead of 'Submissive'.
"I would like to stay and watch the fights some more, Please. I want to see if any of the Gheyo that sent me favors are fighting. Is that ok?" Harry asked. Wikhn nodded.
"Of course, it's ok. I have to referee a few more fights today so I can not sit with you. But I will check in with you when I get a break," Wikhn told him. "Now go with the others." Harry nodded and said his goodbyes then he went into Varon's arms and nuzzled him under the chin. Frank and Luna said their goodbyes as well and left Harry alone with four bonded and Damon.
"I am sorry if I worried all of you," Harry apologized to them all again. Varon just kissed him and picked him up.
"You are already forgiven. Your King has already admonished you. There is no reason to dwell on it," Varon insisted. The others made noises of agreement. Harry turned to Damon before they headed back to the stands.
"Are you busy today or would you like to hang out with us again? I think my Alpha is coming to spend some time with us as well," Harry asked. Damon smiled at him.
"I am not busy right now. I planned on fighting and observing today for a bit until I have to head to work. I will spend time with you all," Damon agreed and walked between Adad and Styrmir. The three of them seemed to get along and Harry was so happy about it. If he did decide he wanted to bond with Damon he at least knew he fit with his current bonded. Bill was already waiting for them with Caelus in tow when they returned to their seats. Varon dumped Harry into Bill's lap.
"Hello, Trouble. Did I already miss our King's fight?" Bill said as he kissed Harry and Caelus nuzzled him. Harry nodded.
"Yes, and Harry slipping away to pull him into a dark corner to ravish him," Damon said with a snort. He sat down next to Bill when Varon waved him into the seat. Varon, Adad, Aither, and Styrmir took the seats in front of them. Bill chuckled.
"I guess that is why our seats were empty when I got here. Was it necessary to take everyone with you?" Bill teased. Harry looked up at him sheepishly and then ducked his head.
"I didn't take anyone with me. I slipped away from them while they were distracted and went alone. They were up because they were looking for me," Harry told him quietly. He wouldn't lie to his Alpha. Even if it meant he got in trouble again.
"He was already properly chastised by your King," Damon chimed in. Harry looked up at him gratefully and then back to his Alpha. He would still wait and take whatever Bill decided was necessary. He hoped he wasn't forbidden from coming to The Pits for a few days. Bill just lifted his chin and looked him in the eyes.
"Do you feel properly chastised? Do you understand why?" Bill asked him seriously. Harry nodded and chirped up at him.
"Yes, Alpha. I know why I was in trouble and am properly sorry for what I did," Harry told him just as seriously. Bill nodded and then smiled at him before nuzzling him. Harry trilled happily.
"Then I don't see where you need to be chastised again. Were you going to sit there and let me get on to you again?" Bill asked and Harry nodded. Bill scoffed and then laughed. "Well, then I guess it's a good thing your Damon butted in." Harry blushed at the 'your' part and pinched his Alpha on the arm. Bill and Damon both chuckled.
"Hush it, both of you," Harry pouted and turned to face the arena where a new fight was starting. His King was refereeing with another Dragel that Harry didn't know. "You keep teaming up against me and I will be forced to cancel our date later this week." Harry saw Damon make a face of obviously fake look of surprise. Harry and Bill both snorted.
"You would cancel our date because I get along with your Alpha? What a weird little submissive you are," Damon teased. Harry just ignored them to watch the fight. He could hear Bill, Caelus, and Damon chatting and getting along great. There was a lot of teasing, joking, and sass. Harry loved the sound of it. He was still planning on meeting the other Queen he had sent a return favor to just to be fair but he was pretty sure his Dragel had already chosen Damon.
"Your father wants to see you before you go home today," Bill quietly said into Harry's ear when he pulled him back into his chest. Harry sighed he had avoided talking to Laurent and Alcandor all weekend. He wanted them to know how upset he was about their interference. He knew why they had done it. Harry was their family and someone had hurt him. They just wanted to have his back but it didn't mean that he couldn't let them stew in their remorse for a weekend.
"Ok, Varon can take me to see them," Harry agreed and Bill looked at him like that wasn't the answer he had been expecting. Varon chuckled.
"He and I have discussed the situation and talked it through," Varon explained to the Alpha. Bill nodded and looked at Varon gratefully. The rest of them had decided to let Harry have the weekend to be angry and then start trying to subtly push him toward forgiveness as they had done with Lily and the others. Looks like Varon has already fixed the problem. It looked like the Merrow Joker truly was going to be good for their circle.
"Well, then I will let the others know where you are when the time comes," Bill told Harry and then went back to his conversation with Damon and Caelus. Harry winked at his Joker. He was happy not to cause his circle the added stress of managing him and Draco around their parents again. He was so grateful for his new Joker. The connection that he shared with this Joker was something special for sure. Varon's uncanny ability to be hyper-aware of what Harry needed or felt at any given time hadn't diminished any with the passing days. Harry kind of hoped it never did.
"Unfortunately, I have to bid you all farewell. I have patrol in a bit and need to get changed and prepared. I hope to see you all again soon," Damon announced after another few fights. He kissed Harry's inner wrist and then winked at Bill before striding away. Harry just laughed when Bill chuckled.
"I don't think I will be the only one he is interested in courting," Harry teased his Alpha. "He seems to like you quite a bit." Bill just shrugged and lounged back in his chair.
"What's not to like?" Bill stated in his cocky way. Harry just laughed and relaxed back against him. "I like him too. I think he will fit right in with the rest of us." Harry nodded and Caelus as well as the others made noises of agreement.
"Did you accept favors from another Queen?" Caelus asked him. Harry nodded and then shrugged.
"I just want to be fair and make sure that I am not jumping into anything," Harry answered. Bill looked at him questioningly.
"Are you unsure about him? I am only asking because it doesn't seem that way. You have spent every day since meeting him around him. Other than this weekend since you spent it at home. Is there something about him that makes you question whether or not he is a fit?" Bill asked him curiously. Harry blushed and then shook his head.
"No. I am not unsure about him. I think he would fit us all perfectly. I do not believe there is a Queen that I will like better than him. I am just trying to be fair?" Harry said the last part like it was a question. Caelus gently pulled Harry's chin over so that he was looking at him. He smiled at him softly.
"So you are sure that you want Damon?" Caelus wanted confirmed. Harry blushed and nodded. Then Caelus chuckled. "So you are literally only meeting with the other Queen so you can say that you gave someone else a fair chance?" Harry nodded again after a moment. "You have no intention of actually considering the other Queen?" Harry slowly shook his head 'no'.
"You do realize that it is perfectly acceptable for you to choose Damon without meeting other Queens right? You have already chosen him. It is a bit of a disservice to agree to meet with the other Queen when you truly have no intention of giving him a fair chance," Bill pointed out. Harry frowned. He hadn't thought of that. He was giving someone false hope and maybe causing them to miss out on finding someone he truly had a chance with. Harry and his Dragel were in perfect sync when it came to Damon.
"I guess that isn't very fair. I will write the other Gheyo and let them know that I have chosen my Queen and then I will talk to Damon properly about it," Harry agreed with them.
"It is ok to know what you want, Trouble. You don't have to feel bad for following your instincts. You probably chose Damon the first day and there is nothing wrong with that. He may not be a soul bond but your instincts still know," Bill told him.
"Thank you guys for talking it out with me," Harry told them and then kissed them both on the cheek. Varon stood up and reached back for him. Harry happily went into his arms.
"Going to see your Dad and Uncle," Bill said with a grin. He didn't think he would get used to how aware the two of them were of each other. There had been no indication from Harry that he was ready and yet the Joker had known he was anyway.
"Yep, I love all of you and will see you at home for dinner. I am going to let my Dad and Uncle off the hook," Harry said with a chuckle. Then he and Varon were gone and headed for the Merrow sections. When they arrived Varon sat Harry down and let him explore. The first time Harry had been through there he had been stressed and it was dark. This would be his first true visit through the Merrow section of the Hunt.
Once others recognized who he was there were a lot of Merrow who stopped and gave him a small bow before going on with their day. Harry would blush every time and Varon along with many others thought he was adorable. Harry was distracted by a grouping of pretty flowers and tripped over his feet into someone standing next to him.
"Oh, I am so sorry. I am so clumsy I was distracted and tripped over my own feet," Harry began apologizing. He pulled a scarf from his pocket and began to wipe the food off of the person that had spilled when Harry had knocked into them. He heard a snort but he ignored it and continued trying to clean his mess until a gentle hand stopped him.
"It is quite alright. It happens to the best of us," A kind voice replied. Then he heard the snort again.
"You are far too nice for your own good. That boy ruined your clothes and they weren't exactly cheap. I would demand that he replace them," A hard voice said from near them. Harry heard Varon growl and he quickly looked up at the man whose clothes he had ruined. They did look very nice.
"I will pay for it. It is my fault they are ruined. If you just tell me what they cost I can give it to you or I can go straight to your tailor to pay them to get you a new one," Harry insisted quickly. The man glared at the person standing next to him and turned kind eyes back to Harry. He waved his hand and the stain disappeared.
"There is no need for that. Excuse my brother he is a bit of an asshole. Nothing is ruined and he knows it," The Merrow assured him. The other Merrow huffed.
"Is there a problem here?" Harry rolled his eyes at the sound of that voice and the Merrow in front of him looked at him a bit amazed before he bowed to his King. Harry heard the other Merrow sputter and heard Varon chuckle. Harry did not bow. He just turned and walked right into his Uncle's startled arms. They tightened around him and Alcandor looked at him grateful for the affection.
"There is no problem Uncle. I was clumsy and bumped into the nice man. I thought I ruined his tunic and was offering to replace it. He assured me it wasn't necessary," Harry hurried to explain. He did not mention the other Merrow's rudeness. He wasn't trying to get anyone in trouble just because they were grumpy. Varon apparently didn't have the same issue.
"The Big One there was quite rude to your beloved Nephew," Varon pointed out and Harry gave him a pout. He poked Alcandor when he growled. His uncle only acknowledged him with a grunt.
"Leave it. It isn't a crime to be grumpy. If it was, you and Alec would always be in trouble," Harry stated firmly. Alcandor glared down at him offended and then Harry smiled brightly at Krym when he chuckled. "Hi, Uncle Krym."
"Hello, little Guppy. First visit to the section and already getting your Uncle worked up. It doesn't bode well for his people," Krymsen stated with humor. Harry shrugged.
"It isn't my fault he is entirely unhinged when it comes to family," Harry pouted. Alcandor sighed and petted his hair. Harry grinned up at him. "Does that mean you will leave it alone?"
"This time, Nephew," Then he looked up and addressed the rude Merrow. "If I hear that you are rude to my Nephew again. He will not be able to stop me from punishing you. Do you understand?" Harry heard the merrow say a quiet. 'Yes, My King.' "Good now thank him for sparing you from a flaying."
"Thank you, Your Highness, for being kind enough to forgive my rude words," The Merrow stated and Harry reached out with his empathy just to see if he was sincere. He was but under the sincerity was pain. The man was hurting. It wasn't a physical pain either he was going through something. Harry looked at the kind Merrow and he just gave Harry a grateful smile.
"Thank you for being sincere. I can feel your pain. It entitles you to a bad day or two," The Merrow looked up at him surprised. "I hope that you can heal from whatever has caused you such pain." He bowed again to Harry.
"You are very kind. I am truly sorry for being harsh with you," He said again. Harry smiled at him.
"I know you are. I feel your sincerity," Harry insisted.
"I am surprised to see you here," Alcandor interrupted. Harry smiled up at his uncle. "I figured after the way your father and I hurt you that it would be at least a week before you agreed to see us so we could apologize." Harry just shrugged and hugged him again.
"I know, Uncle Al. I may not agree with what you did and I am very upset about it, but I am your family and I have a history of people taking advantage and abusing me. I know you and Dad were just trying to protect me from something like that happening again," Harry insisted. Alcandor nodded and then let Harry go.
"Your father and I will be waiting for you in my throne room. Take your time and look around," Alcandor told him and then glared up at the Merrow again. "I am leaving you with another guard in addition to your joker. This is to ensure there are no more incidents." Harry was going to argue but Alcandor gave him a look. "It is non-negotiable, Nephew." Harry just sighed and nodded.
"Fine. I will see you and Dad soon," Harry said and then pulled his very tall uncle down by one of his necklaces and gave him a loud smacking kiss on the cheek before giggling and stepping back into Varon's waiting arms. The King just rolled his eyes waved one of his guards toward Harry and strode off. "Hi, Tempest. It is good to see you again."
"It is good to see you again as well, Princeling," Tempest said with a bow. Varon turned Harry toward him and smiled.
"What had you so distracted that you tripped over your own feet?" Varon asked. Harry went to tell him when he saw said distraction being held out for him. Harry blushed and took the outstretched flower. He turned toward the Merrow who had been rude to him.
"This is what had your attention is it not?" He asked. Harry nodded and sniffed the pretty flower. "To say sorry. You are right I am having a bad day. It was not an excuse to be rude. Thank you for being kind." The Kind Merrow stepped up and placed a hand on the Rude Merrow's shoulder.
"You are welcome. What is your name?" Harry asked.
"Caspian, Gheyo Princess and Medic at your service," He said with a sweeping bow. Harry smiled and turned to his brother.
"Leith, Beta, Your Highness," The brother introduced himself without being asked.
"It is nice to meet you both. I am sorry that my clumsiness caused such a bump in your day," Harry apologized.
"No apology needed, Highness. We hope that you enjoy the rest of your day," Leith insisted. Harry smiled and turned to Caspian.
"Do you intend to schedule fights in The Pits?" Harry asked him.
"Yes, Highness. My fights begin later this week. I wanted to have the first couple of days to explore," Caspian answered. Harry nodded.
"Then perhaps I will get lucky enough to see one of your fights. I am spending most of The Hunt in The Pits. I love watching the fights," Harry said excitedly. Varon chuckled.
"Yes, he does," Varon agreed with a slight purr and Harry blushed before glaring at him.
"Oh, hush it you," Harry insisted trying to will his blush away. The others all chuckled.
"I heard you caused quite a scene this afternoon in front of the food court," Tempest pointed out. Harry pouted and shrugged.
"Maybe," Harry said. Varon laughed.
"He broke a Submissive's wrist for touching his Beta," Varon confirmed. Harry glared up at him.
"It isn't as simple as all that. He had it coming. He has had designs on my Beta since our first day here. He had been trying to convince my Beta to leave me for him or merge our circles, which absolutely isn't going to happen. He has been warned subtly many times but wasn't taking the hint. So I had to be a bit more direct with him," Harry insisted.
"He is beautifully vicious," Varon informed the other three.
"Vicious and amazingly kind," Tempest pointed out. Caspian and Leith agreed.
"Well, we are not going to take up any more of your time. It was a pleasure to be bumped into by you, Highness," Leith said with a bow.
"Very nice to meet you," Caspian agreed with a bow as well. Harry smiled at them both.
"It was nice to meet you both as well. I hope to see you both again," Harry said in farewell and then continued to explore the Merrow section with Varon and Tempest. He had so much fun and tried quite a few different weird-looking foods that tasted amazing and some that didn't taste good at all. After about two hours he decided it was time to see his Uncle and Dad. It was time to let them know he wasn't angry and was ready to move on.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Harry!" Laurent exclaimed when Harry stepped into the throne room with Varon and Tempest. He took a step toward Harry as if to pull him into a hug and then stopped. He looked uncertain if his affection would be welcome. Harry gave a small chirp and then went into his Father's arms. Laurent gave a sigh of relief and held Harry tightly.
"Hi Dad," Harry said gently. He breathed in Laurent's scent and relaxed as well.
"I am sorry that we overstepped. You are right. We had no right to interfere with your circle business. I promise that from now on when it concerns your circle, your Uncle and I will not interfere unless you come to us and ask for our help," Laurent swore to Harry.
"However, that same promise does not extend to situations like today," Alcandor insisted. Harry just rolled his eyes and nodded.
"Fine, but you don't get to just start throwing punishments around without figuring out what happened," Harry countered.
"I will agree to listen to what happened. But the punishment is still mine to decide," Alcandor stated. Harry just huffed.
"Only if you are being reasonable. You threatened to flay a man because he was rude. That isn't reasonable," Harry snipped back.
"He was rude to his Prince. That is different," Alcandor insisted.
"But he didn't know who I was. That isn't fair," Harry argued back. Alcandor grinned then and Harry had a bad feeling.
"Then we will make sure that mistake is not made again. You will wear a circlet to make sure that your station is not overlooked again," Alcandor said with glee. Harry frowned. How had he ended up in this position?
"What? How did we get to that conclusion?" Harry demanded. Alcandor laughed and Harry heard his dad and a few others chuckle as well.
"You agreed that the issue is that you were not recognized correct?" Alcandor asked him. Harry did not want to answer. He had definitely talked himself into a corner. Laurent nudged him.
"Fine, yes," Harry ground out.
"Then you will wear the circlet and at least the Merrow will know who you are on sight. If it makes you feel better, your brother has already agreed to it as well," Alcandor told him. Harry huffed and then just nodded.
"Fine," Harry pouted. Alcandor waved his hand and someone came into the room with a box. In the box was a simple circlet that would rest on his forehead and definitely looked royal even if it was simple. Harry just held still and let his father place it on him. Laurent grinned.
" That belonged to your Uncle Al when he was still a princeling. Your brother will be wearing mine," Laurent informed him. Harry just looked up at his uncle and wrinkled his nose at him.
"Don't try to butter me up by giving me yours," Harry insisted. Alcandor just laughed.
"Go home, Guppy. It is late and I know you plan on spending the day around here tomorrow," Alcandor dismissed him. Laurent kissed his cheek and hugged him.
"I love you, Son. We will see you tomorrow," Laurent told him.
"I love you both. See you later," Harry told them and then he and Varon headed home where the rest of his bonded were waiting with dinner and cuddles. This had been a good start to the second week of The Hunt. Even with his confrontation with Nosedive Yanek.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harry's Mentor Seal
"Are you sure you want to do this now?" Bill asked him. Harry was currently curled up on the couch between Kisten and Cethin. Bill was sitting in a chair opposite them and the rest of their bonded as well as Draco and his were spread out around the room. Harry looked over at Draco. His brother had refused to have his mentor seal removed until Harry did.
"I am ready when you are, Har," Draco told him. Harry smiled, he knew that would be his brother's answer.
"We are sure, Bill," Harry answered.
"Alright, then let's get this taken care of for you," Bill said with a smile. "Quinn? Wanna do the honors?" The healer perked up from his seat cuddled up to Ethan.
I am more than ready. I hate that they have unnecessary seals. The family seals have already been removed this is literally the last seal on both of them. Quinn said happily.
Who first?
"Me," Draco volunteered quickly. Harry gave him a look. He knew what his brother was doing. He was going first so that Harry would know what to expect. 'Thank you' Harry mouthed to Draco and sent feelings of gratitude and love down their twin bond. Draco just waved him off and sent feelings of love right back to him.
Shouldn't hurt at all. This should be your easiest removed seal aside from your family seals Quinn stated as Draco stood up to meet him in the middle of the floor. Lyra and Tanwen followed and stood behind him just in case he needed them. He sent them grateful looks before he turned back to Quinn.
"I am ready when you are, Quinn," Draco said with a smile. Harry could tell he was still a little nervous. Maybe they would spend some time in their Nest room after this. Quinn smiled reassuringly at him and then placed one hand on his head and the other on his chest. Both closed their eyes and Quinn searched within Draco with his magic. He reached the seal and grasped it on either side with his magic and pulled. The seal cracked down the middle and then Quinn pushed a little more magic into Draco to completely dissolve the seal until there was nothing left.
When Quinn pulled his magic out and removed his hands he took a deep breath and swayed slightly. Wikhn's arms were around him in a moment holding him steady. Draco was pulled back so that he was cradled between his King and Queen. Harry was up from the couch and checking on them both.
"Quinn, Draco, are you both ok?" Harry asked. Draco gave him a smile and nodded. Quinn did the same.
"Fine, Har. Just a little rush of magic from the seal breaking. I am perfectly fine. Not even tired or anything," Draco assured him. He let his Gheyo press him down between Fred and George.
I am fine, Love. Just like Draco said. It's just a rush of the magic. No big deal Quinn told him. Wikhn squeezed the healer's shoulder.
"Do you need to take blood? You know mine is as clean as yours," Wikhn offered. Quinn smiled and shook his head.
Not yet. After I am finished with Harry Quinn insisted. Wikhn nodded. He stepped back to give Quinn space but didn't go far.
"Are you sure you are good to do it again?" Harry asked. Quinn grasped his hands.
I am perfectly fine, Harry. I promise. You know I have much better stamina for this kind of stuff Quinn told him with a smile. Harry grinned.
"I know you do. I trust you to know your own limits. Alright, let's do this," Harry said. Cethin and Kisten stood behind him to brace him if he needed it. Quinn stepped forward and placed his hands on Harry in the same way he had Draco. Harry felt when Quinn's magic grasped the seal and cracked it. He felt it dissolve and knew exactly what Draco and Quinn had meant about the rush of magic. He felt the magic in him reach out and fly from him, searching.
He swayed slightly and was pulled back into Cethin's arms with Kisten fussing over him. He laughed at the Fire Queen who was making a spectacle of himself just to mess with him. Quinn was once again held in Wikhn's arms and the Healer didn't decline the offer of blood this time. So Wikhn led him out of the room. The King was still very private about certain things and blood sharing was one of them.
"So what now?" Draco asked and Harry nodded.
"Now we wait for them to show," Ethan answered.
"How much you wanna bet Draco's get's here first?" Fred asked.
"I will bet you five galleons that Harry's arrives before Draco's," George countered. Fred held out his hand and George grasped it.
"Deal," Fred stated. Harry and Draco both laughed. The twins would never change. Harry looked at his brother and held out his hand.
"Up for a cuddle?" Harry asked him. Draco smiled and took his hand and let Harry pull him to his feet.
"For sure," Draco said. Then the two of them headed off to their claimed nesting room. The two of them let their wings out and then curled up together in their nest in front of the fire. "Been a while since we have done this."
"I know. I miss it. We should make sure we take the time to do it more often," Harry agreed. "Feels like we are spending less time together. I was starting to feel a small ache."
"Me too, Little Brother," Draco admitted. Harry poked him in the arm.
"Why didn't you tell me that you had already agreed to wear a circlet for our Dad and Uncle?" Harry accused. Draco laughed.
"I have to pick on you somehow. Besides, I know Uncle Al wanted to tell you," Draco told him.
"Whatever, tell me what you have been up to during the Hunt," Harry asked. So the two of them lay curled up together and caught up on everything the other had been doing. It was really nice to just spend time with his brother like they used to.
Chapter 14: Merrow Waters and a Heart Cry
Summary:
Welcome the Elswood family to the story. Harry spends the day with his Merrow in The Trench. He makes a decision about one of the Gheyo he wants to court and gets all of the love and affection from his bonded.
*************Revised 5/14/24 Added a few things that I thought were important to the story that were left out before. This is my final revision. Now I will start writing new chapters. I hope everyone takes the opportunity to go back and reread the story. I feel like the changes I have made so far make a difference in the story line. I hope you all enjoy it and I promise to try to get the new chapter out as soon as possible.
Chapter Text
Jauren Elswood
A pulse of magic spread through the room and Jauren bolted out of his sleep. It took him a moment to realize what it was and why. Maurice's mentored student had finally inherited. Maurice was sleeping. In a sort of chosen coma. He had been unable to deal with the loss of his circle to the point that he had chosen to sleep until his student inherited. Then he would have that to keep him going.
So Jauren had agreed to have the magic tied to him so that he could wake Maurice when it was time. Apparently, it was time. He felt arms slide around his waist and a gentle kiss on his shoulder.
"What is it, Love?" Alonz asked quietly. Jauren leaned back into his arms and sighed heavily.
"We need to call Ian. It is time to wake up Maury. His student just inherited," Jauren explained.
"It is two in the morning, Darling. Can you wait until morning?" Alonz asked. Jauren nodded and let his Alpha pull him back down in the bed. He lay there for twenty minutes trying to make himself go back to sleep. He felt his Alpha chuckle and then the two of them were getting up.
"Sorry, I tried," Jauren apologized. "It's just, what if he is hurt or something? What if he needs someone now."
"I will send a message to Raijin. It will only take one of you to wake up Maury the other can head to his kid. Will that make you feel better?" Alonz asked his stressed Submissive.
"Yes. That's perfect. Thank you, Alonz. I will start waking everyone up so that we can either prepare to head to Maurice or head to Harry," Jauren stated and then kissed Alonz on the cheek and headed out to do just that. Alonz just shook his head. He should have expected nothing less from his Chaos-blessed Submissive. He sent the message to Raijin and then began packing their things so that they were ready to move when they needed to. He was hoping they headed for Harry. There were too many preparations to make if they went for Maury. The biggest one being dealing with an Empathic Feedback Loop.
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Ian Elswood
The message bubble disappeared after repeating its message. Raijin dragged his hand down his face and took a deep breath. They would be the ones to wake up Maury. They were literally on their way to the pocket realm that housed Maurice's comatose body because Ian had had a feeling that they would be needed. He was right, like he usually was.
"So I guess Ian was right," Ashton stated. "Maurice needed us after all." Raijin just nodded.
"I will send a message back and let Alonz know that we are already halfway to Maury. They will get the duty of tending to the kid until we can get there with Maurice," the Alpha stated.
"That ought to be fun. Especially, with his Chaos blessing. That poor newly Inherited boy," Ashton said with a laugh. There was a throat cleared near them and they turned to see Ian standing in the doorway.
"What are we talking about?" Ian asked. Ashton pulled their Submissive into his arms.
"It is a good thing we were already on our way to Maurice. It is time to wake him up. His kid just inherited," Ashton told him. Ian perked up.
"Really?" He asked. He had missed his Dera. He knew it was time to visit.
"Yes, Alonz just sent a message. They are waiting to find out which of you was closer to Maury so that the other could head to the boy to make sure he is fine," Raijin stated.
"Well, let them know. So that they can go to him. We need to get to Maury sooner. We need to go," Ian said and attempted to pull out of Ashton's arms. The Ace tightened his arms.
"Calm down, Love. We are already almost there. We will get to Maurice before Jauren gets to the kid. Even if we take the night to rest. We need it," Ashton said. Ian whined but Raijin shook his head.
"Ashton is right, Ian. We need the rest. We have been travelling almost non-stop for over a day. Now we know why you felt the urge to come here. We will get there tomorrow even if we rest," Raijin instructed. Ian knew that look in their eyes. He would not get his way with this.
"Fine, send the message to Jauren. Tell him to go to the boy. I am going to find Lyn," Ian slipped out of the room and the Alpha and Ace sighed heavily. They truly were all exhausted and were glad he hadn't put up more of a fight. They would just have to get up earlier than they planned to reward him for not fighting.
"I will send the message and then join you in the shower," Raijin said and kissed Ashton as he walked passed him. He had a feeling things were about to get very Chaotic, very quickly.
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The Hunt Day 9: Merrow Section
Today Harry was Hunting with his Merrow in the Merrow sections. He had already been here for a few hours and had met a lot of interesting people. He had received many favors from others and would have been overwhelmed by the sheer amount of them if he had not already been warned by his Merrow that it would happen. He was their prince after all. Many would send favors to join his circle for that reason alone.
"How about some lunch? You have to be getting hungry at this point," Alec pointed out. Harry shrugged but allowed them to pull him to the food areas. He had been snacking most of the day on different things from the food stalls. He had wanted to try everything.
"Something light, Alec," Varon pointed out. "He has been snacking all day from the different booths." Harry looked at his Joker gratefully. Alec tightened the arm he had thrown around Harry.
"Of course, I am mainly insisting on it so that he can sit for a bit. We have been walking for hours," Alec replied. Harry kissed him on the cheek. He was getting tired. But he had been ignoring it so that he could see as much as possible.
"Can we go for a swim after we eat?" Harry asked. He knew there were underwater stalls and such as well that was mostly just for the Merrow. He wanted to see those as well. He had already bought so many little trinkets for his bonded and his family. The Merrow made beautiful things from materials that could only be found in the water.
"That sounds like a good idea. There is also a small dueling arena underwater that I would like to take you to see. That is where the merrow spar or fight each other when they are not in The Pits," Glynn added. Harry grinned he had heard about it from Varon and Chelan a few times.
"Oh, I definitely want to do that," Harry said excitedly. He was Hunting for Merrow Gheyo after all. "Are they scheduled like at The Pits?"
"Nope, It is a challenge-based situation. Most of the time two Merrow choose to spar and then the winner keeps accepting challenges until they are beaten and then it starts again," Varon said with glee. Harry smirked at him as they sat down at a table.
"So the last man standing gets bragging rights?" Harry asked. The others all nodded. "Sounds exciting. We should go there after lunch and not worry about the stalls and booths. You are all welcome to fight if you want. I would love to watch it. Seeing all of you fighting in your element is exciting." Glynn patted him on the head and they all chuckled.
"That sounds like a fun afternoon. You are getting your only warning, Trouble, the fights between Merrow are a lot more bloody and vicious than the fights in The Pits. You will stay with one of us at all times. Especially if one of us is fighting. We know how you can be after a sparing match and were warned about you jumping Wikhn yesterday," Glynn instructed. Harry blushed and nodded.
"I will behave. I promise," Harry assured them. They ate their lunch quickly with only a little conversation because they knew how excited Harry was to see the fights. When they were finished they headed for the underwater sections. They headed in and quickly transformed into their Merrow forms. They heard a sharp whistle and turned to see Laurent swimming towards them. Harry hugged his dad.
"Hey, Dad what are you doing?" Harry asked after he had gotten a good hug. Laurent grinned.
"I was looking for you. I wanted to spend a little time with you. Where are you lot heading?" Laurent asked. Harry smirked.
"The Trench, I want to watch the fighting. I figure the best place to find Merrow Gheyo is in a Merrow fighting pit. Plus I think they are excited about the prospect of getting to fight," Harry pointed to his Gheyo. They nodded and made noises of agreement. Laurent chuckled.
"I have heard about your fascination with the fights. Can I tag along? It has been a long time since your old dad has been to the trench. I won quite a few fights of my own in The Trench back when I was still young," Laurent asked.
"Of course, you can. It will be nice to spend time together," Harry told him. "It will also make my bonded feel more comfortable joining in on the fun of the fighting to have you and your guards with me."
"For sure," Glynn said with a smile. "Let's get going." Harry nodded and then they were all swimming down to a large trench at the bottom of the area they swam to. Harry was in awe. The Trench was a giant ravine in the ocean floor and at the bottom was a large fighting arena where two Merrow were currently fighting. There was a crowd of people sitting in bleachers that had been carved into the sides of The Trench. There were also food vendors and other types of vendors selling favors and other things. Harry loved it. It was less organized and official than The Pits. Harry thought that made it even better.
He sat down with Alec on one side of him and his dad on the other. They were surrounded by his bonded and his dad's guards. Harry was immediately enraptured with the fight. He could tell they had been fighting already for a bit because their weapons had been discarded on the floor of the arena. The two Merrow were ripping and tearing at each other with claws. It was all very Primal and instinctive. It took Harry about five minutes to realize that he recognized one of the fighters. It was Caspian.
Harry watched him like a hawk. He was magnificent and vicious. He was aware of every strike he landed and every wound he received. He was startled when he felt a nudge. He only acknowledged it with a questioning chirp. He heard a few chuckles.
"Our Troublemaker met one of those fighters yesterday. He is the one who gave Harry the flower he came home with," Varon pointed him out to the others.
"He was the rude one that my brother threatened to flay?" Laurent asked. Varon nodded. Harry scowled.
"Don't judge him from one bad day. He was hurting yesterday. I don't know why but he was in a lot of emotional pain. The rudeness was just his way of coping. He apologized and was quite kind after that," Harry said without looking away from the fight. It looked like Caspian was going to win. The other Merrow was slowing down and was only using one of his arms now.
"He looks like he definitely knows how to handle himself in a fight," Chelan pointed out. Harry nodded.
"Is he someone that you would consider trying to court?" Marin asked from behind him. Harry thought about it and after a moment he nodded.
"Yeah, he was rude at first but he corrected his behavior. He seems like he feels things very deeply and isn't afraid to acknowledge when he is in the wrong. Also, he was paying enough attention to me at first to know exactly which flower I was looking at that distracted me enough to trip over my own feet. Plus he is clearly a good fighter," Harry said with a grin as the Merrow Caspian was fighting conceded the fight to him. Harry watched as Caspian quickly healed a few of his wounds and took a drink of something that was sitting near the ring.
"What is he doing?" Harry asked when he didn't leave the arena.
"Waiting for his next challenger," Glynn pointed out.
"Oh yeah, you guys already told me that. I just forgot. So he will keep fighting until he loses?" Harry asked them. Another Merrow stepped into the ring to fight him. Someone swam forward and counted them in and the fight was on.
"Normally, yes," Laurent answered him.
"Most of them do not step out of that ring unless they are defeated or it is the end of the day," Alec added. "It is a pride thing for most of us. The more opponents you beat before you are beaten is something to brag about."
"When I was your age I slipped away from my guards and came to The Trench. I stepped into the ring for the second match and held my place all the way up to the last fight of the night. I wanted to prove that I could fight just as well if not better than my guards. I was rebelling because my parents wouldn't let me go anywhere without an escort," Laurent said with pride.
"And did you prove your point?" Harry asked. Laurent chuckled.
"I proved my point that I was perfectly capable of handling myself. My parents agreed to take two of my guards off my detail and gave me a little more freedom. But I still wasn't allowed to go anywhere alone," Laurent said and Harry felt him shrug his shoulders.
"That's pretty impressive, Dad. I hope I am that good of a fighter one day," Harry said with a smile.
"I am sure that you will be from what I have heard from some of your bonded," Laurent insisted. Harry smiled up at his dad and leaned into Alec before turning back to watch the fight. Harry was impressed to see Caspian win three more fights before he was shocked at who swam into the ring next. He turned around to see his Merrow grinning at him. He grinned back at them and turned to see his Gheyo Prince, Marin grin at Caspian and shake his hand. They exchanged a few words and then Harry smiled and waved when he saw Caspian look up into the stands and straight at him. The Princess smiled at him and waved back.
"Our Prince wanted to spar with him to test him for us," Glynn informed Harry. "You know just in case the two of you decide to court. We need to make sure that he is up to all of our standards." Harry nodded.
"That makes sense," Harry agreed. He was just happy to get to watch his Prince fight finally. "Are all of you going to spar today?"
"Thinking about it. We will let Marin try to win a few before Chelan swims into the ring," Glynn answered.
"So gonna go in order then. That is smart. It gives you all a fair chance to show off," Harry said happily. He hoped all of his Merrow did a great job today so that everyone knew how good they were and how lucky Harry was. After one hell of a vicious fight that lasted a good long while, Marin finally beat Caspian. The two of them shook hands again and were panting and laughing. Harry had watched the fight the entire time. It was so good to see. He smiled happily as Caspian healed Marin before exiting the ring to heal himself.
Harry turned back to watch Marin as the next opponent swam into the ring to face him. Harry was very impressed with his Prince.
"Hello again, Your Highness," Harry turned and smiled up at Leith who was standing with Caspian. They were both smiling at him. They bowed before standing upright again.
"Hi, Leith. You fought beautifully, Caspian," Harry said in greeting. "Would you like to join us if you aren't busy?"
"Are you sure? We don't want to impose," Leith asked. Harry just smiled and waved them in. Alec stood and pulled Harry up and into his lap so that his spot was open and Chelan moved down a spot so that there were two empty seats now. Leith sat next to Harry and Alec while Caspian sat next to Chelan.
"Let me introduce you. This of course is my father Prince Laurent, my Ace Glynn, my Queen Chelan, my Joker Varon, and my Alec. You met my Prince Marin in the ring. Everyone this is Leith and Caspian. I met them yesterday," Harry introduced everyone.
"You are a very good fighter," Glynn complimented Caspian. Harry nodded with a smile.
"Oh, you definitely are," Harry agreed. Caspian inclined his head and smiled.
"Thank you. Needed to blow off some steam and this is always a good way to do it," Caspian answered. Leith nodded and clapped his brother on the shoulder.
"Cas has always worked out his frustration or problems with his claws," Leith said with a fond smile. Harry turned back to watch Marin while he talked with them. He didn't want to miss his fight.
"So are you feeling better today?" Harry asked him. He really wanted to know if he was still hurting.
"Yeah, I discovered some pretty devastating things yesterday. But after taking the night to work through everything and talking it over with my brother, I am realizing that it isn't so devastating after all and actually a really good thing. So I am much better today, especially after the fights," Caspian answered him. Harry smiled at him.
"That is really good to hear. I am glad that you aren't hurting the way you were yesterday. You said you were planning on fighting in The Pits later this week didn't you?" Harry asked him.
"Yes, Your Highness," Caspian answered.
"After seeing you fight today I am curious to see how you fight on land. Oh, Marin won," Harry pointed out happily.
"I could give you my schedule if you want?" Caspian asked a little hesitantly. Harry smiled at him and nodded.
"I would like that. I am trying to make sure I see all of my bonded fight at least once so I am working around their schedules to catch other fights. It will help me plan around all of that if I have your schedule," Harry told him. Caspian pulled out a schedule and handed it to him. "Thank you."
"Your Prince is impressive," Leith stated. Harry preened proudly.
"Yes, he is. All of my bonded are. I have been told that I have very picky taste in Gheyo," Harry said proudly. Leith and a few of his bonded chuckled.
"He does. He spent the entire first week in The Pits entirely unimpressed by all of the fights. The first fight that caught his attention was between a Storm Ace and the Fire Blood title holder," Alec pointed out. Harry just blushed and shrugged.
"I spend a lot of time around very impressive fighters. The Blood Raven is my Bonded and The Blood Wraith and Blood Rain are essentially my mothers-in-law. Besides all of that my Gheyo are all impressive," Harry simply stated. "You were among the twenty Merrow that are open to Hunting this season weren't you?" Harry asked Leith.
"Yes, I am ready to join a circle. I am in a good place in my life with work and finances. I can contribute to a circle now. I did not Hunt last season and am open to a mixed circle," Leith answered him.
"You were not among those that were willing to bond into a mixed circle so does that mean you are not Hunting at all or what?" Harry asked Caspian as he watched Marin continue to fight.
"It is complicated for me. I am Hunting and I am open to a mixed circle. But I was courting someone else, a King who absolutely did not want to bond into a mixed circle. He and I are no longer courting," Caspian said a bit vaguely. Harry could feel that whoever this person was they were the reason for the hurt that Caspian was feeling yesterday. Harry wanted to wrap the man in a hug and was glad when Leith reached over and discreetly squeezed Caspian's hand in reassurance.
"It is a change for the better," Leith said with certainty. By this time Marin had already won his second match and was getting ready to start his third. Harry watched with a grin as Chelan stood up and swam his way down toward the arena. It was apparently almost his Queen's turn to fight. Harry watched Caspian nod in agreement.
"Are all of your Gheyo going to fight?" Caspian asked and Harry was happy to let him change the subject.
"I think so. They all want to show off," Harry said with a smile. "I like it when they show off."
"Your Gheyo are very lucky to have found a Submissive that appreciates the fight," Caspian responded. Harry blushed a little when his bonded made noises of agreement. Laurent chuckled from his other side.
"His Gheyo parents are happy about it as well. Harry's siblings do not share his love of the fights. Frank my Ace was so animated when he was talking about spending some time with you in The Pits yesterday. He also said that you told him that you are happy to let him help you train," Laurent said. Harry nodded.
"I think it will be fun to let him help me train. It will help us get to know each other better," Harry said as he snuggled into Alec, Marin looked like he was finishing up this fight as well. Harry loved how vicious his Prince was. It made him feel all hot and bothered like he had after Wikhn's fight yesterday. Merlin, he loved to watch his men fight. The others around him talked some more about the fights and other things but Harry just watched Marin.
"Marin won again," Glynn pointed out and no one missed the hint of pride in his tone. Harry trilled happily and Alec tightened his arms around him and nipped at his ear. Harry purred and turned to kiss him.
"Easy, Kitten," Varon said with a smile. Alec pecked his lips again and then grinned.
"It is always fun to play with you when your instincts are riled up," Alec whispered in his ear. "Now turn around and watch your Prince and Queen show off for you." Harry turned and nipped playfully at Alec's chin just as Marin and Chelan started fighting in the arena. Harry and his entire group sat quietly through the fight and watched as their two bonded fought valiantly against each other. Harry had seen them spar many times and knew that the two of them were not holding back with each other.
Finally, in a quick move that Marin didn't expect, Chelan pinned him down with claws at his throat. Marin lifted his arms in surrender and Harry purred when Chelan leaned down and captured Marin's lips in a fierce, claiming kiss. There were cheers and catcalls from those who were watching. Chelan pulled Marin up and the Prince left the arena grinning and made his way up to Harry in the stands. Harry waited impatiently as Caspian volunteered to heal up Marin. When he was done Harry lifted his arms and chirped for the Prince to take him into his arms.
"You fought beautifully, My Prince," Harry purred at the Gheyo as he was settled in his lap. They all continued to talk while Harry and Marin teased each other. Chelan fought two fights that he won after beating Marin. Laurent got a message from Alcandor and had to leave after that. Harry promised to have dinner with his family soon so that they could all spend time together again. Harry perked up when the next fighter entered the arena with Chelan.
"Oh, that's Tempest. That is the King who helped guard our home the night of the Fabrine Hunt," Harry pointed out.
"You are right," Glynn said and leaned forward in his seat. He had already been talking to the others about Tempest. He was someone Glynn wanted for his suit if Harry liked him.
"He guarded me yesterday as well after I ran into Uncle Al," Harry said absentmindedly. "He is really nice."
"Good fighter as well," Alec pointed out. Harry nodded. He was a good fighter. Harry was impressed. He was learning that he was far more impressed with the Merrow Gheyo than he was with the fights in The Pits. It must be his Merrow heritage that appreciated the viciousness of the Merrow more. Whatever it was it had his instincts close to the surface. He was going to either have to spar with his Gheyo when he got home or take a few of them to bed.
The fight was fierce and bloody. Harry was enraptured by the way the two Merrow moved together as they fought. It was really nice. Harry saw out the corner of his eye as Glynn stood up to make his way to the arena. After a really good fight, Chelan was pinned and Tempest was the victor. They shook hands and exchanged a few words. Tempest turned when Chelan pointed and waved happily up at Harry. The Submissive happily returned the wave. Chelan kissed Glynn and wished him good luck before making his way back up to Harry and the others.
Caspian once again healed Harry's bonded and Harry switched to Chelan's lap to continue watching the fight. His Ace was magnificent. They once again put on a good show Tempest was an amazing fighter. He could see why his uncle had sent him to guard him a few times. He was keeping up with Harry's Ace quite well. The fight seemed really close and once or twice Harry was sure that Tempest was going to win. In a spectacular move, Glynn finally got Tempest good enough that the King conceded the fight to Glynn. The two exchanged friendly words and then Tempest stepped out of the ring to allow a healer to look after him.
"That was quite amazing. I thought that Tempest was going to win a few times," Harry admitted.
"Tempest has the makings of a really good Ace. He has been considering ranking up after this Hunting Season," Varon informed them. Harry seemed a little disappointed. If Tempest wanted to rank up to an Ace then he wouldn't be interested in bonding into Harry's circle as a King. The Joker reached over and tugged on Harry's ear.
"What?" Harry said with a smile at his Joker. Varon just gave him a knowing look.
"He is Hunting as King this season. He is content with his current rank and is only considering ranking up if he doesn't bond into a circle this season. Don't look so disappointed," Varon teased. Harry just smirked at him and stuck his tongue out. Varon just leaned over and pecked him sweetly on the lips.
"Your Highness, it is good to see you again," Tempest said with a bow. Harry smiled up at him.
"It is good to see you again as well, Tempest. You fought really well. You almost beat my Ace a few times," Harry greeted him. Tempest pulled out a favor and held it out to Harry.
"I was hoping that you would accept this favor and allow me the opportunity to get to know you better," Tempest said with a nervous smile. Harry grinned up at him even wider and accepted the favor. He deposited a pretty trinket into Tempest's hands. It was one that he had picked up earlier at one of the stalls. It was a pretty shell charm with a green pearl in the center of it. Tempest accepted it with a blinding smile and pressed a kiss to Harry's hands. Harry blushed prettily.
"Would you like to sit with us for a bit if you aren't busy?" Harry offered. Tempest shook his head.
"Unfortunately, I just came down here to blow off some steam before my shift started. I must go so that I am not late. I am happy that I ran into you though. I knew you mentioned yesterday that you would be back today so I was carrying that favor with me just in case," Tempest told him.
"Thank you, Tempest. I hope you have a good shift," Harry said and the others told him goodbye as he swam away back toward the surface.
"Glynn will be happy about that," Chelan said with a grin. Harry just laughed.
"I figured so. I saw the way he watched him fight you. I also saw the way all of you watched him fight with Glynn," Harry teased. "You weren't very subtle about it."
"We weren't trying to be," Marin said with a grin. Harry just laughed and turned back to the fighting. His Ace was kicking ass. After he won a few fights they all started talking to each other quietly again as they watched Glynn dominate the ring. Harry and his bonded talked with Leith and Caspian and got to know them a little better. Caspian was hoping to join Crimson Tide one day and Varon was giving him tips on what was expected of members of the elite guard.
"After this, they will only have one more fight for the day," Varon told him. "Your Ace just might be the day's victor." Harry smiled proudly. All of his bonded were so good. Then there was a murmur through the crowd. Harry noticed why and laughed. His uncle had come to stir up shit he was sure. Alcandor made his way up to the stands to sit with Harry and Krym was waiting outside the arena to challenge Glynn when his fight was over.
"Nephew," Alcandor said with a smile. "I heard that you and your bonded were down here wiping out the competition. I decided to bring my own Gheyo down here to join in on the fun." Harry laughed and hugged the Merrow King.
"Hi, Uncle Al," Harry said happily. "What are you going to do if my Ace beats your Ace?" Alcandor laughed.
"That isn't something I have to worry about, Little One. Your Ace will not beat my Krym," Alcandor teased. Harry just shrugged and snuggled back into Chelan.
"I guess we will see," Harry stated.
"I guess we will," Alcandor said and then looked around at those with Harry. "Has the Princess been better behaved today?" He said and indicated Caspian. "Do I get to flay him today?" Harry rolled his eyes and elbowed his uncle.
"Be nice," Harry ordered. "He has been on his best behavior today. I got to watch him fight earlier and he did an amazing job." Alcandor just sniffed and then pointed down at the arena.
"Time to watch the last fight," Alcandor teased. "Care to make a wager?" Harry grinned and nodded. "Alright if Krym wins you must spend a day with me as my assistant when I have to go to meetings and such with the other royals."
"Alright, and if Glynn wins you and yours have to spend the day with me and mine on the beach all day. No work or meetings or anything. Just all of us spending a day together as a family," Harry insisted. He hadn't gotten to spend too much time with Alcandor and his circle since coming to Nevarah. They were always so busy same for his dad, Laurent. Alcandor smiled down at Harry and pulled him out of his Queen's lap and into his own.
"Deal, Nephew," Alcandor agreed. He was going to give Harry that day of family time whether he won or not. It was obviously something that his Nephew needed. He had learned from stories that Laurent and Harry's bonded had shared with him that his nephew was very tactile and craved affection. Harry just smiled and stayed happily sitting with his uncle while their Ace's fought.
The fight between them was the longest and most vicious fight that they had seen all day. Each Ace at one point or another got very close to beating the other. There was a lot of back and forth between them. Finally, it looked like Glynn was going to take the win. He had Krym pinned and was just about to place his claws at his throat with the other Ace used his tentacles and pulled Glynn backward unexpectedly and pinned him down. Krym grinned and placed his claws and Glynn's throat. Harry huffed and sat back against his uncle and pouted.
"He almost had him. You got lucky," Harry said to his Uncle. Alcandor just laughed.
"I will admit that I was a bit worried there a few times. I thought for sure Glynn was going to win," Alcandor admitted. Harry smiled and waited patiently as Caspian once again healed one of Harry's bonded. Krym had been healed by a medic that had come with Alcandor.
"Great job, Uncle Krym. You couldn't have lost just this once? Now I have to spend a day as Uncle Al's assistant and attend all the stuffy royal meetings with him," Harry said with a pout. Krym laughed and kissed Alcandor on the cheek. He did the same to Harry before Harry was pulled into Glynn's arms and kissed senseless. Harry was putty in the Ace's hands by the time he pulled away.
"You fought so well My Ace. I am very impressed and proud of you," Harry purred into Glynn's ear. The Ace tightened his arms around Harry. "I think it is time to go home."
"I think it is time for us to say our goodbyes," Leith said with a smile. He and Caspian did exactly that.
"I will send you a message letting you know what day I want you to come and spend the day with me," Alcandor told Harry before he and his left as well. Harry and his bonded circled up and Glynn ported them to the transportation room on the lower levels of their home. It was underwater and used exclusively by Harry's Merrow. Varon pulled Harry into a searing kiss.
"I am going to let the others know that we are home and then I am going to see what has been going on with everyone else today. I will leave you to enjoy your other Merrow," Varon told Harry. The Submissive just smiled and let him go. So far Varon had only ever had Harry alone or with Donovan. He didn't share very well but seemed to have no issue with Donovan joining them. Harry figured it had something to do with the three of them being together the first night they bonded.
Once Varon was gone Harry wrapped himself around Glynn again. Chelan and Marin were already leading Alec into a bedroom. Glynn and Harry followed. The room was not submerged and the bed was huge. All five of them would fit with no issues. By the time dinner rolled around Harry and his Merrow had joined together in every way possible. He had fed from all of them and was once again sparking when he touched anyone else.
That was probably why Harry found himself eating dinner in Hadrian's lap with Wikhn on one side and Aither on the other. Of all of his bonded, the three of them enjoyed it when he sparked the most. Harry figured he would find himself sharing a bed with one or more of these three tonight and wouldn't be doing much sleeping. It was a good thing that he was so energized.
"How was your day, Trouble?" Bill asked him from the head of the table. Harry smiled at him.
"It was a great day. We spent the first part in the Merrow sections above water and then we went below and they took me to The Trench..." Harry excitedly explained their day and the fights to his Alpha and the others around the table.
"He also lost a bet against our King," Varon said with a laugh. Harry groaned and stuck his tongue out at Glynn.
"Your fault for not winning," Harry said in a way that let the Ace know that he wasn't at all mad. Glynn just shrugged.
"It is a rare Gheyo that can beat your Uncle's Ace. You should never have bet on that fight," Glynn teased him.
"So what do you have to do?" Draco asked him.
"I have to spend a day as our Uncle's assistant. I have to go with him to all meetings and such with the other Royals," Harry pouted.
"Well, I will at least be around to help ease the day for you," Peryton stated. "I attend all meetings with my sister." Harry brightened up a bit at that.
"Oh that will be nice," Harry said happily.
"Some of your Gheyo will be with you as well, as a guard," Bill pointed out.
"Your bag of favors is getting large again," Ethan announced after dinner when they were all sitting around together. "Do you want to schedule a day to meet back up with Luna and your family like we did last time?" Harry looked over at Draco. His twin just shrugged.
"Your choice little brother. I will help you sort through them no matter what," Draco told him. Harry smiled. He loved having siblings.
"I have a date with Damon tomorrow but that is all that I have scheduled to do. Maybe we can see what Luna and the others are doing and then if they aren't busy we can do like we did last time. If they aren't available then we can just do it here at the house," Harry said.
"Sounds good," Draco said. Ethan nodded his agreement.
"Great, I am sure that Luna has just as many favors built up as I do," Harry said with a smile. Bill stood up and ruffled Harry's hair.
"I will go and send a message to Lucius and he can pass it on to your Mera and Luna," Bill informed him. Harry reached out for Bill's hand before he could step away. A spark of magic passed between them and Harry tilted up his head.
"Kiss please," Harry said with a grin. Bill laughed and leaned down and pressed a very chaste kiss to Harry's lips. He didn't even flinch when he was zapped with Harry's excess magic. Harry laughed and Bill flicked his nose.
"You do that on purpose when you are like this. I know you do. You try to get everyone to touch you so that you can see how they react to getting sparked," Bill said with humor. Harry just shrugged and leaned back into Hadrian's arms.
"I will neither confirm nor deny that," Harry said and shivered when Hadrian nipped at his neck.
"We don't mind," Wikhn said from next to Harry and Hadrian. He was leaning against the Ace and playing with Harry's hand causing sparks to jump between them.
"We love it when he spends alone time with his Merrow," Aither agreed. He was sitting next to them but not currently touching Harry.
"Pleasure to be of service," Chelan teased. The Merrow loved how hyper and teasing Harry was after taking blood from them. He almost never frowned or was in a bad mood when he was sparking from Merrow blood. Bill just laughed and left the room to send his message.
"I take it you will not be joining the rest of us tonight?" Caelus asked as everyone started to get up and head off to bed. Harry just grinned and shook his head. He was going to be sharing a room with Hadrian, Wikhn, and Aither. He wondered how much more fun it would be with Hadrian involved. Wikhn stood up and took Harry from Hadrian while he and Aither got up from the floor as well. Harry was thrown over Wikhn's shoulder and Hadrian smacked him on his bum. Harry squeaked at the impact and then blew a kiss to his other bonded as he was carried out of the room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Hunt Day 10
He had been right. Adding Hadrian to the mix had been quite exciting. Harry got a real taste of what it meant to be dominated by the three of them and when he woke up sore, covered in bruises, glitter, and blood he was so relaxed and sated that he curled back up between his Gheyo and just laid there happily between them.
The four of them lay in bed just gently touching and talking about nothing in particular. It was a great morning and Harry felt so happy and settled. There was a gentle knock at the door and Harry called for whoever it was to come into the room. Quinn was on the other side. He smiled at how relaxed the four of them looked.
"I hate to interrupt your very relaxing morning, but it is time for you to get up if you want to have time to shower before you get dressed and head out to meet the Air Queen," Quinn spoke into his head. Harry smiled up at him and nodded.
"Ok, Quinn. Shower with me?" Harry asked. The healer nodded and approached the bed. Harry lazily kissed the three others before he crawled to the end of the bed and let Quinn lift him out of it. Quinn took him to the main shower in their resting room and sat him on the counter while he got the shower ready.
"How have you enjoyed your Hunt so far?" Quinn asked him. Harry smiled.
"It has been great. I am having so much fun. Are you going to be busy today?" Harry asked him. He felt like he hadn't spent a lot of time with his non-Gheyo. He was going to have to take some time away from The Pits to spend with them.
"I am not busy today. What do you have in mind?" Quinn was finished getting the water to the right temp and was quickly shedding his clothes and throwing them into the hamper. He lifted Harry off of the counter and the two of them stepped into the shower under the water.
"After my date with Damon, will you go through my favors with me, Ethan, and Draco? We are going to either do it here or at my parent's house," Harry asked him as Quinn began washing him.
"That sounds like a fantastic idea. I would love to do that with you. I know last time you didn't want Mistral to heal you, do you feel that way today or do you mind if I heal you?" Quinn asked Harry about the bruises and marks from his night with the others. Harry smiled and kissed Quinn chastely on the lips.
"You can heal them this time. I don't want to be covered in live bites when I meet Damon for brunch," Harry stated. "You can see them through my normal clothes I think my claiming marks are sufficient to let others know I am claimed." Harry groaned in pleasure when Quinn began washing his hair.
"Feel nice?" Quinn asked and Harry could feel Quinn's body move with his silent chuckles. Harry nodded.
"It feels amazing. But you have always been really good with your hands," Harry said quietly. Quinn kissed his cheek and then turned him so that he was under the spray of water. Harry felt him trace the runes into his skin for healing and just let Quinn handle him as if he were putty. He was just so relaxed and was pretty sure that nothing could ruin his mood today. It was a great way to start the day. He was hoping that by the time lunch was over he would be officially courting Damon and that would only make this day better.
When Quinn was finished rinsing Harry he moved to turn the water off but Harry stopped him.
"I already had a shower today after my morning run," Quinn told him with amusement. Harry just shrugged.
"Please. I just want to spend a little more time with you," Harry begged the healer. Quinn smiled gently and kissed Harry again. He nodded and allowed Harry to wash him the same way he had the Submissive. When he was rinsed off Harry wrapped his arms around the Healer and laid his head on his chest. Quinn stood there and held the Submissive who clearly craved uncomplicated soothing touch today. Quinn had not missed the way the three Gheyo had been gently touching Harry when he came in. The Gheyo were not usually so gentle when they handled Harry.
"As much as I am absolutely loving this, it is time to get out and get dressed. You don't want to be late, My Love," Quinn insisted quietly. Harry just nodded and pulled away. Quinn dried himself with a drying charm but took his time to actually dry Harry off with a towel. He could tell from Harry's smile and how relaxed he remained that it had been a good choice. He lifted Harry into his arms and then set him down in front of Ethan and Oliver for the Pareya to fuss over him and help him get dressed. Mistral was standing to the side and Quinn went to him and allowed him to help him get dressed as well.
Quinn leaned back into Mistral's arms as they watched Harry giggle and coax gentle kisses from his Pareya as they helped him into his clothes. He was in such a lovely mood. When it was time to fix his hair he called for Mistral and made him sit on the chair. Harry sat down in Mistral's lap facing him and allowed Ethan to fix his hair while he talked quietly and shared kisses with his Storm Pareya.
"You are very affectionate today," Oliver pointed out when he was all dressed and insisted on being carried downstairs to the main sitting room. Harry just shrugged.
"Want to be touched today. Feels nice," Harry said simply. When they entered the sitting room Theo was the first one to him. Harry smiled and reached for his always-calm, Beta. Theo happily took him into his arms. They shared a slow, lazy kiss. "Morning Theo."
"Morning, Princess. You look very relaxed and happy this morning," Theo said with a smile. Harry nodded.
"I am happy and relaxed. Are you going with me today?" Harry asked his Beta. Theo smiled and nodded.
"If you want me to. I know that Bill was planning on going do you want us both to go?" Theo asked him. Harry nodded.
"Yes, please. You and Bill can keep each other company while I talk with Damon and then we can all have lunch together before we come back home," Harry stated.
"I thought you wanted to have lunch with Damon alone, Trouble?" Bill asked as he walked up to them. Harry shrugged and let his Alpha pull him into his arms. Bill kissed Harry's lips and then caressed his cheek. Harry nuzzled his hand.
"Want to be with all three of you for lunch. Damon won't mind. I will talk to him alone first to let him know how I feel and see what he has to say about it before you two join us for lunch," Harry told him. Bill nodded.
"Then that is what we will do, Love," Bill agreed. "Let's get going so we aren't late."
"Oh, did you get a message back from my parents?" Harry asked before they moved. Bill nodded.
"Yeah, they aren't busy. You, Draco, and whoever else can go over there when we get back. Luna apparently told them yesterday that you were going to ask and made sure they didn't make plans for today," Bill said with a chuckle.
"It is nice having a seer in the family, honestly," Harry laughed. "Bye, everyone." Harry let each of his bonded that were present kiss him and nuzzle him gently before the three of them ported away. They were meeting Damon at The Dive. Apparently, it was a popular place to meet for dates.
"Damon," Harry called out when the Gheyo was in sight.
"Hey, Troublemaker. It is good to see you," Damon said with a crooked smile. "It is good to see you again as well, Bill." Damon shook Bill's hand and then turned to Theo. "I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you yet."
"This is Theodore Gorgens-Nott, my Beta. Theo this is Damon," Harry introduced the two of them. Damon grinned and then winked at Theo when he shook his hand.
"Aww, I finally get to meet the famous Beta. I see why Harry has been so vicious in his defense of you against that other Submissive. I was very curious," Damon teased. Theo blushed a little and Bill threw an arm around Theo's shoulder.
"He is definitely worth all the fuss," Bill said. He gently nudged Harry toward the Queen. "We will leave the two of you to your date. I would suggest sitting next to each other instead of across from each other. Have fun." Then Bill and Theo walked off a little way to watch the Dragel that were showing off in the air. Harry stood as close to Damon as he thought he could get away with and then slipped his hand into the Gheyos.
Damon simply gripped Harry's hand and tugged him just a little closer so that their arms were touching as they walked.
"I already reserved us a table. It is big enough for Bill and Theo to join us if you want. I don't mind," Damon told him with a smile. He let Harry sit and then scooted into the booth next to him like the Alpha had suggested. Harry slipped his hand back into Damon's.
"I would like for them to join us for the actual meal but I wanted to talk to you first if that's ok," Harry said with a smile. Damon could tell that today, Harry was a lot 'softer' than he was the other times that Damon had been around him. He seemed utterly relaxed and calm. More affectionate as well. Damon had not missed the way the Beta and Alpha had him pressed between them and gently touched him. Even the nudge toward him had been more gentle than usual.
"That sounds perfect, Harry," Damon told him.
"I would like for you to court me properly. I have known that I wanted you for my circle from the first day I met you. I accepted a favor from another Queen only because I thought I should so that I was being fair. But my Alpha and Rheyo pointed out that sometimes it is just instinctual and that is perfectly ok. That if I knew I was going to choose you from the beginning that I should stick with that," Harry blurted out. Damon was quiet for a few moments. "I mean, only if you want to."
"Of course, I want to. I just figured that you would choose an Ace first before deciding. That is the normal way of doing things. But I should have known from the beginning that you didn't do things the normal way. I am happy to court you properly. Honored that you have chosen me," Damon told him. Harry was so happy.
"I have something else that I need to tell you as well before we go any further," Harry started. He hoped this didn't change Damon's mind. "My suites are a bit of a mess right now. I learned last Saturday that my Storm King and Princess didn't bond into my Merrow Suite. They didn't feel right. So instead of building a completely new suite, I am actually filling in missing spots for a suite that is already started. Adad would be your King and Styrmir your Princess. Is that something you could be ok with?"
"You are right that is a bit of Chaos, isn't it? But I expect a bit of Chaos from you at this point. That is information I already knew, Trouble. The King and Princess told me about it on Monday. Said they had learned a lesson over the weekend about keeping important information to themselves. They knew I was interested and so were you. I actually like them both. It will be a strong suite no matter who is chosen as Ace and Prince. I am still interested in courting you," Damon informed him. Harry trilled happily. His Bonded were amazing. He gave a Heartcry that Damon was happy to reciprocate. The Queen pulled Harry into a hug.
"Thank you, Damon. I have known I wanted you to be mine from the first day. I am so happy you said yes," Harry told him. He rubbed his face against Damon's shirt and sighed happily. Damon just held him and let him stay in his arms as long as he wanted.
"Do you want to exchange claim marks now or do you want to wait?" Damon asked him. He wanted to place his claim mark on the Submissive as soon as possible. Harry was a catch that anyone would be happy to have. He was kind, affectionate, vicious, understood what it meant to be a Gheyo, and was also incredibly handsome as well.
"Here is fine if you don't mind. I want to place my mark on you as soon as possible. I don't want anyone to try and snatch you up," Harry said with a laugh. "Do you have a preference on where you are marked?"
"No, I have noticed many of your bonded carry your mark on their neck. If that is your preferred place, then I am happy with that," Damon told him. Harry leaned back and smiled.
"I would like to put it there," Harry said and then placed it when Damon tilted his head to the side. Damon placed his mark on Harry's wrist. They sat together and quietly talked for a little bit longer about Damon's job and other things.
"Are you ready to eat?" Damon asked finally. Harry nodded and tugged on his bonds with Theo and Bill. The two of them joined them pretty quickly and they congratulated Damon and Harry on agreeing to court.
"I want to court you as well, Alpha," Damon said with a grin. Bill winked at him and relaxed back on his bench.
"Harry and I figured that you would," Bill said confidently. "I am open to it. We get along quite well." Damon laughed and settled back as well and happily tucked his arm around Harry when the Submissive scooted closer for contact. He fingered the circlet on Harry's head.
"This is new," Damon commented. He had noticed it earlier but hadn't really paid any attention. Harry blushed and then pouted when Theo and Bill laughed.
"His Uncle, King Alcandor, insisted that he wear it from now on so that there aren't any misunderstandings among the Merrow or anyone else about who he is," Bill explained.
"I tripped and fell into someone and their brother was quite rude. Alcandor overheard and threatened to flay the poor man. It was a whole thing that ended with me agreeing to wear the circlet so that there weren't any more excuses for the Merrow who are rude to me. Honestly, he is just being overprotective. The Gheyo is actually a really nice man he was just having a bad day. We actually spent most of yesterday with him and his brother," Harry explained. Damon and the other two laughed and Harry just ignored them.
Their food arrived and the four of them continued to talk while they ate. Damon was happy to court them but he wanted to wait until Harry had chosen and bonded with his Ace before completing their bond. Harry understood that it was an instinct thing. They didn't part ways for a few hours. Harry promised to let him know the next time they were in The Pits. He let him know he was planning on spending at least the next day at home or in the other areas of The Hunt with his non-Gheyo.
Harry, Bill, and Theo said their goodbyes and then they ported back home. Harry sat and cuddled with Theo as Bill went to find the bonded that were going to accompany Harry and Draco to their parent's home. Bill made sure that the Gheyo that accompanied them were the ones that were more affectionate. Harry, Draco, Ethan, Quinn, and the Gheyo ported away to sort through favors with Luna and the others.
Chapter 15: Of Mentors and Dates
Summary:
Harry and Luna open favors together with family. Draco's mentor shows up and it is surprising. Jauren shows up to explain things to Harry. Harry goes on two dates and learns something about Raiden. Just another day of the Hunt done and out of the way.
Chapter Text
Evanson-Malfoy Home Still Day 10
When Harry, Draco, and the others arrived. Lily, Luna, and Narcissa were waiting for them already in the sitting room. The difference this time was that their grandparents and Su were missing and Alice was actually sitting with them. Harry and Draco hadn't had much interaction with her at all, she seemed kind of unapproachable. They settled on the floor around the already expanded table.
Draco sat down and Harry indicated for Quinn to sit next to him and Ethan to sit next to Quinn. Harry's Gheyo, which was Enlil, Kisten, and Brishen each cuddled Harry close and nuzzled him a bit before he was put in Quinn's lap and they headed off to find the other Gheyo in the house. Harry happily snuggled as close to Quinn as he could get. Ethan handed communication cuffs to each of the people in the room who didn't have a connection with Quinn so that everyone could talk to him without issue.
"Awfully cuddly today, Harry. Is anything wrong?" Lily asked once they were all settled. Harry shook his head no.
"Nothing wrong, just feel the need for lots of cuddles today. Everyone has been very accommodating," Harry replied.
"Well, nothing wrong with that," Narcissa answered.
"Where is Su?" Draco asked. He figured she would be down there with them like last time.
"Oh, her Mentor came and spoke with us about taking her. Apparently, the two of them had grown very close and their instincts told them they belonged together. Su says it was the most connected to family that she has ever felt even when she was with her parents," Lily answered.
"How did Ernie take that?" Harry asked. "They seemed to be close."
"He took it fine. They still see each other often," Luna answered.
"Well, that's good then. I am glad they are figuring things out," Draco stated. "Now let's get to those favors. Harry's have been piling up since the Reaping." Luna grabbed her bag and poured it out on the table it was even more full than the last time they had done this. Harry's was too when Ethan dumped his out.
"Oh, I meant to tell you," Luna said with a smile and plucked a favor out of thin air. "Ginerva and I decided on an Alpha. We are going to meet him tomorrow."
"Congratulations Luna-girl. Who is he?" Harry asked. Luna smiled dreamily.
"His name is Keanu. He is an Air Alpha," Luna told them.
"Have you met him yet?" Draco asked. Because you just never knew with their sister. Harry nodded it was a valid question.
"No, I've just told you we are meeting him tomorrow. But I know he is the one for us. Ginerva likes the feel of his magic as well," Luna answered. Harry smiled brightly.
"I am happy for you Luna-girl. I know it will go really well," Harry congratulated his little sister. Finding his Alpha and Beta had been a really exciting thing for him. He hated that Draco hadn't gotten to find his like Harry and Luna had. The process of choosing and being chosen had been wonderful. Draco like always, had apparently guessed his line of thought and reached over to pat his knee.
"I wouldn't change a thing about how I got my circle. I didn't have to go through the bother of worrying over rejection or knowing whether or not they were meant for me. This was better, Har. I swear," Draco assured him. Harry smiled and linked their fingers together.
"Alright, ready to get this going? First things first, favors from friendships and alliances," Lily stated. Narcissa did the spell for Luna and Ethan did it for Harry. Once again Draco took the offers of Friendship and scooped them into a bag. Harry figured they should probably start looking through those. Draco laughed and squeezed Harry's hand.
"What do you think I have been doing all day while you are in The Pits? I have been talking with your Pareya and the others and I have been making connections for both of our circles. I have a list of families from everyone in both circles that they have a quarrel with or don't. Making sure they want connections for the right reasons and that they are good people. I got it covered. This is what I was raised to do. The lessons stuck," Draco assured Harry. Harry laughed.
"I love you, Drake. You are literally the best twin anyone could ask for," Harry exclaimed. Draco just smiled.
"I know, Har," Draco agreed. Then he waved his hand for Harry to continue with his favors. Ethan separated them into the normal six stacks. Harry immediately burned the Alpha stack as did Luna. Apparently, she was very sure about the Alpha she and Ginny had chosen.
"Oh, your friend Ron has chosen a military circle to train with. He is officially a Page. The Circle is from the Fire District, all fire types, it will be good for him," Alice pointed out.
"That's great. If he trains hard he should be ready to Hunt or join a circle by the next Hunt," Harry answered. Alice smiled.
"Very good. Yes, it will take him that long to decide and settle into a rank," Alice agreed. Harry smiled at her.
"I spend a lot of time with my Gheyo. I learned things about how it works. We have been in conversation about becoming a military circle once we are complete. Maybe after The Hunt," Harry told her. She seemed surprised.
"Really?" She asked. It was apparently hard for her to associate soft, Silk-covered, snuggly Harry with someone who would be fine in a military circle. Harry shrugged.
"It has been talked about," Harry told her. "I love learning to fight. It has been great letting my suites train me. On land and in water. Frank has talked to my Alpha and Ace about being involved. You are welcome to as well if you want." Harry offered to the only parent he wasn't close to.
"That would be lovely, Harry. I just might do that," Alice agreed. She hadn't really believed Frank and the others about how much Harry understood what it meant to be a Gheyo. She figured if her own son who was born of two Gheyic parents, didn't understand that there was no way any of their children would.
"Wonderful," Harry said and then turned back to his favors. Ethan had pulled the Beta stack toward him.
I heard you burned it last time. Are you going to burn it this time too? Quinn asked him with a smile. Harry shook his head.
"This time I have actually met a few Beta who know I may be on the Hunt for one. I will at least look them over this time," Harry answered. Luna on the other side of the table set that stack on fire as well. When she got to her Pareya she actually started sorting through them. Harry looked up at Ethan.
"What is it, Love?" Ethan asked him. He caressed Harry's cheek and kissed him on the head.
"You are my Head Pareya, my Oracle, and you know so much about everything. Do you think I should add another Pareya to help balance out all of the Gheyo?" Harry asked him. He was pretty sure he had heard someone talk about it but he couldn't remember what was decided. Ethan smiled at him.
"That's right. I am your Oracle but I can fill other roles such as taking care of finances which I don't have to do because of Theo and managing Schedules which I am currently doing. Oliver fits in the role of Deracle. He has the combat and weapons training to do it and it was the role he always wanted to be in when he bonded into a circle. Mistral, would be your Eracle as he is very good a mediating within the circle and keeping discord to a minimum. He has also been incredibly helpful with Draco and their networking. I would suggest adding at least one Pareya a Toracle but no more than two. The second rank can be anything you like if you choose to do that," Ethan explained to him.
"The Toracle is the one who only defends the sub right?" Draco asked. He spent a lot of time with his Pareya and Harry's Pareya he had learned a few things. Ethan nodded.
"Very good. That is exactly right. My job as Oracle is to protect all of the Pareya. Oliver's job as the Deracle is to protect the circle, minus Harry. A Toracle's job would be to only protect Harry. They would concentrate on nothing else and trust Oliver and I to handle the rest. So like I said I would consider looking for Pareya with Toracle tendencies because that is the gap we currently have in our circle," Ethan answered.
"Definitely do that," Draco told Harry. So, Harry started going through the Pareya favors like he had the others. First, by smell and feel of magic. The ones that did not attract him he pushed away.
"Do you three want to read through these with me? You all know what we are looking for. Draco knows me better than anyone and you two will do a lot of interacting with a new Pareya," Harry asked.
We would love to help you if that is what you want Quinn stated. Harry nodded.
"It's what I want. You and Ethan know more about all of this than I do right now so your input is valuable and wanted," Harry assured his healer. Luna on the other side had three stacks in front of her. "How are you doing yours Luna-girl?"
"Oh, this stack is 'No' this stack is 'yes' this stack is 'maybe'," Luna told him. The 'no' stack was high. The 'yes' stack had two in it and the 'maybe' stack had quite a few. "The maybe's depend on other bonded, of course."
"Of course," Harry and Draco said together. There was small chatter while the group went through favors. When it was done, Harry had five Pareyas that he wanted to send return favors to. Ethan handed him the paper and Draco pulled out the favors. He made sure to put all of his information in the letters and let them know what he was looking for specifically so that there were no miscommunications. He would leave it up to them to respond if they were interested in that particular place in his circle.
"Are you done with the Pareya?" Ethan asked. Harry nodded and Draco pushed the stack of Betas toward him.
"You got distracted and forgot to actually go through the Beta stack," Draco told him with a laugh. Harry just rolled his eyes and pulled it toward him. Just then Severus came into the room with trays of snacks and finger foods. He settled the trays around the table on the floor so that they could all eat them while they sorted favors.
"Thanks, Dad," Harry and Draco said before turning back to the table. He chuckled and ruffled their hair.
"The two of you are doing that more and more often. It's more adorable than I thought it would be," Severus said before making his escape out of the room.
"He isn't wrong. You have been doing it a lot when you answer or talk to people," Ethan pointed out. Harry and Draco just shrugged.
"This is the most time we have ever spent around each other. In school, we were in separate dorms and not really allowed to talk to each other except when we managed to sneak away. Now we live together and spend a crap ton more time together. It was bound to have an effect on our bond," Draco answered. Harry nodded and continued to sort his Beta favors while Quinn fed him.
"Oh, here is one from Leith. The Merrow I spilled food on the other day. He was really nice but I don't know if I want to add another Merrow apart from the two I need to add for my Suite to be complete. It might unbalance my elemental harmony. I will just have to see," Harry stated as he sat Leith's favor in the yes pile. He came across another favor that made him happy. Ariki Deveraine had sent him a favor as well. That was nice, he had enjoyed talking to the Beta, Theo seemed to like him, and he was Ilsa's son. All of those were points in his favor. He ended up putting two more Beta's in the pile and then burning the rest.
"Alright, moving on to the Aces," Draco stated. Harry took a minute to think about it.
"I will sort them but I am not going to send any favors yet. I have my eye on Raiden right now and I want to see how that works out before I decide whether or not I need to look at more," Harry told them and so he ended up with two more Aces that he was willing to exchange favors with but just not yet. He sat them to the side to be kept just in case. Luna set fire to her entire stack of Aces.
"What did you do that for?" Lily asked her. Luna smiled.
"My Ace will not send a favor. He wants to be chased. So I will chase him," Luna explained. Harry laughed.
"Zandian does seem like the type to want to be chased," Harry said knowingly. Luna nodded and winked at him.
"Thank you for introducing us, Big Brother. It is going to be fun," Luna replied.
"Oh, I met him didn't I?" Draco said suddenly. "The Blood Title Holder for the Fire Court, Right."
"That's the one," Harry answered.
"He was quite good-looking and seemed quite fun. Good on you Luna-girl," Draco congratulated. Harry nodded his agreement.
Your family is going to be stacked with important people and great connections without ever trying Quinn stated with a quiet chuffing laugh. Harry loved the sound of it.
"We don't mean to, we are just following our instincts," Harry answered him.
I know. That's what makes it even better was Quinn's response.
They continued to go through their favors until they were finally finished. Harry had accepted and returned a few favors in each Rank other than Mage and Queen. He felt like Logi was the one he wanted. Especially, after meeting him and Damon had agreed to court him. Luna had her stacks taken care of as well and so they talked for a little while longer before Harry, Draco, and company headed home for the evening. It was time for dinner and bed. Plus Harry still wanted lots of cuddles and the evening was the best time to get them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After Dinner day 10
"Did I just feel someone at the wards?" Harry asked as he was cuddled up between Theo and Charlie.
"Yeah, It's awfully late for visitors. All of our family is keyed into our wards and uses the transportation room. So it isn't family," Draco stated. He was currently playing a game of Exploding Snap with Blaise.
"Hadrian, Styrmir, and Sota are on patrol right now. They will see to it. If it's important they will bring them in or call us out," Bill assured them.
" Besides, it didn't feel urgent or anything like that. Just a gentle brush across the wards to let us know they were there," Sol added.
"That's true," Harry and Draco said together and relaxed again.
"Even if it was someone with bad intentions, they wouldn't get very far. We have enough Gheyo here to start an army," Fred said from where he was draped over Victor.
"I know, isn't it nice to be so well protected?" George added from his place on the floor next to Blaise. Just then Hadrian came around the corner with a man following behind him.
"Dad?" Harry and Draco both exclaimed at the same time. The man paused and looked a bit shocked.
"Why?" Harry started and stood up Draco placed a hand on his arm.
"Not Dad. But Merlin, they look nearly identical," Draco corrected. Harry nodded. Then both gave the newcomer identical looks of confusion. Hadrian chuckled. They were adorable. He kissed Harry and ruffled Draco's hair, which earned him a scowl. Then he headed back out to continue his patrol. He figured the man could introduce himself.
"You are?" Draco asked as Harry linked his hand with his. The man seemed to shake himself from the initial shock of being called dad.
"I am Lewis Peverell, I am here for Draconis Evanson-Malfoy. I am his Mentor. Are one of you Draconis?" The stranger, Lewis asked. Draco raised his hand.
"I am. But please call me Draco. So you are my Mentor?" Draco asked him.
"Ha, I win. You owe me five galleons," Fred said with glee and George pulled them from his pocket and slapped them into his twin's hands.
"Twin terrors, hush," Sol remanded and the twins sighed dramatically and wrapped themselves around her. She just wrapped an arm around them both and let them have at it. If they were distracted, they weren't causing mischief.
"Harry, Draco, offer him a seat," Bill called out.
"Oh, right," Harry said with a blush.
"Please, make yourself comfortable," Draco added and then indicated an empty chair. Lewis sat down with a smile.
"It is very obvious that you didn't just inherit. Could you explain why I was only just notified?" Lewis asked once he was settled. Harry and Draco sat down on the floor in front of him.
"Oh it's complicated but the short version is I inherited at sixteen like I was supposed to. A really bad person put a seal on my inheritance. It was dangerous for us to remove it at the time. There was a war my brother was captured and tortured. He gave a soulscream. Our bond was wide open at the time and the soul magic triggered a soulscream for me as well. That was a little over a month ago. It has all been a little chaotic between settling in here with each other and The Hunt. We only just found the time to remove the Mentor seal two days ago," Draco gave him a quick rundown of what happened.
"That sounds like a lot to unpack," Lewis stated. Harry and Draco both nodded. "First, I would like to apologize for coming so late this evening and for taking two days to get to you. I have been dealing with something very personal within my circle. I was only just able to get away and if I did not come now I would have chickened out again to stay home with my Submissive. I am very happy to meet you."
"It's ok. At least you showed up," Draco answered. Harry tugged on Draco's hand. He was trying to stay quiet because this was between Draco and Lewis. A mentor bond was special. "What Harry?"
"You said your name is Peverell, right?" Harry asked. Lewis nodded. Harry turned to Draco. "That was Dad's last name on my inheritance test. Plus he looks exactly like Dad. Do you think they are related?"
"Could be," Draco said. "Did you have family on Earth?"
"I suspected I did but I never had proof. There was a bunch of drama and my brother left home. We wrote letters back and forth for a while and I know he had a son, Charlus. But then we lost contact and I haven't been able to find him since," Lewis told them.
"Oh, well you might really be related to him then," Harry said with a smile.
"Him, but not you?" Lewis asked. Harry and Draco both nodded.
"Yeah, we call him Dad because he is part of our Parental Circle, his name is James. But we don't actually share blood with him. So you wouldn't be our Uncle but you would be our older brother Neville's Uncle. James' dad was Charlus. Though they went by Potter in the Wixen world, not Peverell," Draco answered him.
"That is very interesting information to have. I will need to look over the family tapestry. It will be recorded on there. If it is true, I will be very happy to get to know my brother's children," Lewis responded. "Now, I know it is late, so I will ask, do you want to take some time to get to know each other now or do you want to wait and we can make time tomorrow to get to know each other?"
"Oh, I would prefer we wait until tomorrow. We were just winding down from supper and about to head to bed for the evening. Tomorrow, I will be more rested and have more time to spend with you," Draco answered.
"That sounds good. I will send a message tomorrow with a time we can even meet here so that you are more comfortable," Lewis told him. He stood from his chair. Harry and Draco stood as well. Harry went back to sit with Bill so that Draco could say goodbye on his own.
"I am happy to meet you. I can feel that we are going to get along just fine. This is my Ace Arashi, he will lead you back out to the transportation portal you used to get here. He will key you into the outer wards so that you can access the property. See you tomorrow," Draco said. Lewis pulled him into a quick hug and Draco hesitated for a moment before he returned the hug.
"It is good to finally meet you, Draco. See you tomorrow," Lewis said and then he followed Arashi out of the house. Draco sat down in Sol's lap and accepted kisses from Fred and George, who had still been messing with the Alpha.
"Well, that was interesting," Draco said with a smile. Harry nodded.
"Yeah, I really thought it was Dad for a minute, they could really be twins," Harry answered. Harry yawned and snuggled closer to Bill.
"Tired, Trouble?" Bill asked. Harry nodded and buried his face in his Alpha's neck. "Then let's head up to bed."
"Good idea," Sol said and she stood with Draco in her arms. Sol led her lot off to their resting room and Bill did the same with his. Harry was already mostly asleep by the time he was snuggled between Theo and Caelus on the bed. It had been a good long day and his bonded had done a great job of keeping him cuddled close and pampered today when he needed it the most. He felt so loved.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Maurice Elswood: Pocket Realm
Maurice opened his eyes and stared at the roof of what looked like an old hut. What was he doing here? Where was here? He sat up and looked around. He was in a small hut. There was nothing in the room but the bed he was lying on and the chair his son, Ian was currently sitting in. Ian opened his mouth to say something but Maurice held his hand up and Ian closed his mouth. He just needed a few minutes to catch up to what was going on.
The last thing he remembered was petitioning the courts for Charum Mortus. It had taken some convincing on his part but they had finally agreed. He had been preparing for it. Dividing his assets between Ian and Jauren, making sure he had no debts, and leaving his sword, Rykers Bane to Mariana Cunningham. That had been hard, she had been so mad at him and begged him to stay with her and that she would help him heal. He hadn't been able to do it.
None of this explained why he was in a hut sleeping. Oh, he had agreed to be put to sleep. He had been on his way to complete Charum Mortus when his boys had come to him. They had been going through his mail at Emerald Hollow. He had finally been assigned as a Mentor. He had let his boys convince him to abandon his quest to end it all and to stick around for this young man who was going to need him.
But he hadn't been able to move past the pain of his loss. So after a year, he had come up with a plan. He would go to sleep, he would sleep until his boy inherited and then he would waken to be there for him. The hope was that being a mentor would help to fill the hole of all that he had lost. Keep him distracted enough to heal and live. Maurice turned back to Ian.
"Harrison has inherited then?" He asked him. He just needed to be sure. Ian smiled and nodded.
"Yes, Dera. Jauren has already headed to him and I was already on my way here to visit with you," Ian informed him. Ian looked antsy sitting in the chair so Maurice opened his arms and was not surprised when Ian nearly flew across the space between them and let him wrap his arms around him.
"I missed you," Ian said. Though it was muffled by the fact that his face was buried in Maurice's neck. Maurice just squeezed him tighter.
"Missed you too, Love," Maurice said and continued to hold him until he finally let go and eased back into his chair.
"Now, I know you are going to want to rush off to Harrison but you need time to wake up and recover from sleeping for so long. My circle and I have rented out rooms at a Traveler's Lodge close by. You will come there with me, shower, eat, take blood, and give yourself time to return to full strength. You will do Harrison no good if you can not even take care of yourself. Jauren is looking after him. Let me look after you," Ian stated. Maurice wasn't very happy with it, but he knew Ian was right.
"Alright, let's go then," Maurice agreed after a moment. Ian smiled at him and helped him out of the bed. Then they ported away to the Lodge to start working on Maurice's recovery.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hunt: Day 11
"Quinn's family is performing their blessing today, right?" Draco asked Harry while they were waiting to get into the hunt grounds.
"Yeah, that's why he left early this morning. He will be coming with his family," Harry answered. By this time, they had reached the front. Ethan and Fleur accepted the favors that were waiting there for Harry and Draco.
"So, who is going up with Harry to our box?" Bill asked. Draco, Fleur, Sol, and Tanwen were going to the viewing box. Fred and George were going to talk to someone about opening a shop after The Hunt. Harry was pretty sure it would be a joke shop. The rest of Draco's bonded were heading to The Pits.
"Princess Ebony wants to see Charlie so the two of us are going to be busy with that for a bit," Theo informed them. Caelus would be with Harry and Bill.
"Mistral, Oliver, and I are going to be up in the box as well," Ethan stated.
"Enlil, Kisten, and myself will also be in the box," Riven stated. He had informed Harry that he would have to leave the realm soon. He was being called away. Harry wanted to spend as much time with him as he could until then.
"I have some family business to attend to so I will not be there now but possibly later," Brishen told him. Alec also had business to attend to so the other Merrow would go with him to guard him. Other than Varon who was still taking advantage of the week he had been given to be with Harry. He would be with Harry in the box. Hadrian and the other Gheyo would be heading out to do their own thing and would check in with him randomly throughout the day.
"Well, since that is all settled let's get this day started," Bill said. The ones that were leaving kissed Harry or scented him before leaving. Then the rest of them made their way up to the viewing box.
"You have two dates today don't you?" Bill asked him. Harry nodded.
"Yep, I am going to have lunch with an Air Ace, Xander," Harry told them.
"I thought you had pretty much chosen the Storm Ace, Raiden. I honestly thought it was another situation like Damon," Bill pointed out. Harry shrugged.
"Not really. I..um..am a bit unsettled when it comes to him. At first, it wasn't that way. I was very sure that I liked him and that he would fit with us. But recently, it is like his scent has changed or something about him has caused a slight irritating itch in the back of my mind. I don't really know how to explain it honestly. I just don't feel as sure about him anymore," Harry tried to explain.
"That's ok, Harry. You have been following your instincts and they have been leading you right so far. We are a creature that is more in tune with our instincts than most," Ethan told him soothingly.
"I would like to figure out what it is about him that has set my instincts on edge so that I can fix it and go back to enjoying his company. I liked him," Harry said wistfully. Bill patted his hand and kissed his cheek.
"It will work out the way it is supposed to, Trouble," Bill assured him. Harry nodded and took a seat between Mistral and Oliver.
"Your second date is with the Fire Mage, right?" Ethan asked. He was the one who had sent off the correspondence but he just wanted to make sure he was remembering correctly.
"Yeah, I am supposed to meet him around three," Harry reminded him. Ethan nodded.
"We will make sure you are ready for both. I will accompany you to the first and take the opportunity to do a little shopping," Ethan said a bit excitedly. He loved shopping for them all. Enlil wrapped an arm around him.
"I will accompany you," The Air Princess offered. Ethan nuzzled him in thanks. Harry was just happy to be with them all. Mistral and Oliver kept playing with his hair or hands and the constant touching and fussing made Harry feel delicate and cherished. It was really just a continuation of the care they had all shown him yesterday.
Harry was happy to sit and watch the few shows that took place before the Kalzik's Blessing. There was a fire dance that was so pretty and was put on by a group of friends. There was a display of Earth manipulation that had Harry comparing it to things that he had seen Theo do. Theo was the most powerful Earth element Harry had met, in his opinion, other than Ilsa.
Then it was time for Quinn to perform with his family. They came into the center in two lines of beautifully dressed people. There was so much color and finery. They were something so entrancing to look at all together lined up from end to end. Harry found Quinn almost immediately and then was captivated by him the entire time. He knows vaguely that Surajini stepped up centerstage and that she gave a signal that started them all off dancing.
Quinn was graceful and lovely to watch. Harry watched as he took his turn on the stage with Surajini and her sisters. He added his magic to the flame that was growing into a towering pillar. Then he returned to his place. They continued to dance and perform until everyone had added their magic to the flame. When it was all done and the dancing stopped the announcer made comment about receiving the Blessing that the Kalziks had asked for on their behalf.
When the Magic exploded out into the room Harry and Draco braced for the backlash of it to reach them but when it did, it was the gentlest of touches that made them smile. Everyone in the box reacted the same. It was lovely to experience and Harry couldn't wait to tell Quinn exactly that. He was so exceptionally proud of his Healer. After, they left the stage, the contained Heartcries began. Harry and Draco thought it was a strange practice. Harry really enjoyed the process of Hunting. He enjoyed the back-and-forth of sending favors and receiving them.
About an hour later, Quinn came through the door still in the beautiful outfit he had worn on stage. Harry snuggled up close to him and nuzzled him.
"You were lovely, Quinn. I am so proud to call you mine," Harry told him before he pulled him down into a gentle kiss. Quinn smiled at him and held him tighter.
I am glad that you liked it, My Harry. I am so proud to be yours Quinn replied. Then they settled back down with Quinn in his chair and Harry on his lap. They continued to watch the Heartcries on stage and talked quietly together. It was exactly the kind of day Harry had been hoping for. At least it started out that way.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lunch
"Harry, stop worrying, Quinn asked for space. He will come to you when he is ready to talk about it," Ethan told him gently. Harry nodded.
"I know you are right. I just can't help but worry. I can't believe Shayla gave a soulscream. Why would it upset him so badly for Dyshoka and Kyle to be called by it?" Harry asked. "We have talked about how he got his scars but I don't know what that has to do with him being upset."
"He will tell you all about it when he feels ready. You know he will," Ethan assured him. Harry smiled up at his Pareya while he was tucked close to his Princess. Enlil kissed his cheek and Harry relaxed. It wouldn't do him any favors to go into this date upset and preoccupied. He knows that Wikhn had arrived just after Quinn had taken off and once Wikhn knew he left to follow Quinn. Harry knew his King would watch out for him.
Wikhn was probably dealing with his own issues about what happened. Dahlia had been involved in the scream as well and Harry knew that she was the one who had Wikhn's heart before he had been called by Harry's Scream. He probably understood whatever pain Quinn was going through better than the rest of them. Harry sincerely hoped that the two of them could offer each other the comfort they needed.
"Chin up, Love, you have a lovely Ace to meet," Enlil said and nodded his chin in the direction of the food court. He was right. Harry was pretty sure that Xander was among the most handsome men that Harry had ever seen. He knew it was him because he had seen his picture but it didn't truly do him justice. He was sitting at a table already and it was already covered in different takeout dishes from the vendors around them. Harry loved trying new things.
"Oh, he is lovely," Ethan agreed. Harry nodded and let the two of them nudge him in the right direction. When he reached the table the Ace gave him a bright smile and stood to pull his chair out for him. Harry smiled back and allowed the man to gently push him back up to the table.
"Hello, Harry, it is so good to finally meet you," Xander said as he took his seat again. "You are even more lovely up close than you were during your introductions though watching you fight during the Reaping is a close second." Harry blushed prettily.
"Thank you, It is good to finally meet you in person as well Xander," Harry greeted him back. "Before we get really started here, I have something to tell you that might change your mind about courting me." Xander held up his hand to stop him with a smile.
"First, make yourself a plate. You can tell me whatever it is while we eat," Xander told him kindly.
"I am starving and some of this smells amazing. I am still so new here and I haven't had the chance to try everything," Harry said gratefully. Xander added things to his plate as well as his own and when they were finished he indicated for Harry to begin. So, Harry did. He told him all about what had happened with his Suites and the fact that he was looking for an Ace that was willing to become part of a suite that was already part of the way done. He didn't leave anything out.
"So, I have told you everything now. I will completely understand if you want to politely bow out of the chaos that seems to follow me around," Harry said finally. Xander didn't look like someone who wanted to bow out though. Harry was hopeful.
"You already have a Storm King and a Storm Princess correct?" He asked Harry.
"Yes, Adad and Styrmir. They both have fights later this week. I can give you a schedule if you want to check them out," Harry offered. Xander smiled.
"I would like that thank you. Then you said that you just had an Air Queen agree to court you but that won't bond in until you have chosen an Ace," Xander reiterated.
"Yes, Damon Torres," Harry offered. Xander perked up.
"I know him. He has served under me for patrol a few times. He is a very good fighter and has a personality that keeps me on guard when I work with him. Sharp wit and all that," Xander complimented. Oh, that made Harry feel better. At least Xander and Damon were familiar with each other. Even worked together before.
"Wonderful, I am glad you are already acquainted. My Alpha and I enjoy his company quite a bit. He and My Alpha have very similar personalities," Harry informed him happily. "So, you aren't going to run far away?"
"No, I am not going to run far away. I want to get to know the three that you are bonded to and courting to make sure that we are compatible and capable of working together. Fighting is necessary to work that out. Are you going to be ok with that?" Xander asked him. Harry grinned.
"I do love a good fight. I hope I get to watch," Harry said happily. Xander grinned right back.
"Nothing would make me happier than to prove my worth with you watching," Xander stated. Oh, Harry liked him. The conversation moved on and they talked for a little over an hour more before Xander had to excuse himself to return to duty.
"I am so happy that we finally got to meet. This was really nice," Xander told him. He then took Harry's wrist and pressed a gentle, barely there kiss to his inner wrist. Harry blushed again and Xander smiled at it.
"It was really nice. I had a good time. Thank you for still considering me even with all of the crazy things going on with my Suites. I hope you have a good shift and that we can meet again soon," Harry stated. Then Xander gave a beautiful sweeping bow before flipping out the most gorgeous pair of glittering white wings that Harry had ever seen and disappearing into the Air.
He was still looking up into the Air where Xander had disappeared when he heard a throat clear behind him. Harry blushed and turned figuring he had been caught staring by one of his bonded. But the two people standing there were not people Harry recognized. The smaller of the two smiled and indicated the Air.
"He was quite lovely and put on quite a show for you. Is he yours or are you courting?" The smaller man asked. Harry turned around fully and placed one hand loosely next to where he had a blade concealed in his scarves. He also tugged on his bonds to Ethan and Enlil. He could feel another bonded close to him so he pulled that bond too. They didn't look threatening, in fact, they were putting in a great effort to appear very unthreatening. But Harry had learned the hard way to be careful.
" Neither, this was our first meeting. I am hoping to court though. May I ask, who you are and what business you think it is of yours who I am bonded to or courting?" Harry asked as politely as he could. He was sure he was being offensive. His brother was so much better at politeness than he was. The smaller man chuckled and smiled at him.
"Feisty. I like that. It isn't any of our business, I was just being polite. If he was yours or you were courting I was hoping the compliment would be received well. But I can see you are a suspicious little thing. I am Jauren Elswood and this is my Alpha Alonz. I am looking for Harrison Evanson-Malfoy. Are you him?" Jauren asked him.
"And If I am? Why do you want to know?" Harry asked him. He had not moved from his ready position. His bonded had taught him how to be ready without alerting his opponent. They told him it would be his best tactic. He was small, delicate, and pretty. His clothes made of silk and scarves. No one would expect the three blades, the poison ring, or the poisonous snake he always had on him. They definitely wouldn't expect him to fight instead or run.
"You clearly have a lot of bonded and to be so suspicious something must have happened to cause it. Why are you alone and unprotected?" Alonz asked. Harry could sense genuine concern from him when he felt for it. Then he felt the emotion sputter out as if a wall had been erected between them.
"Who says I am unprotected?" Harry asked. Then he caught sight of a feathered mask and felt Hadrian slip into place at his back. Harry knew his smile turned predatory when Hadrian nuzzled the side of his face before standing back to his full height. "And I am never alone for long." Jauren laughed and Alonz elbowed him.
"You are delightful. My Dera is going to have his hands full with you. We were expecting a newly inherited Dragel stumbling about waiting for a Mentor to arrive. Instead, we find a young man very much comfortable with his inheritance and with a large circle at his back. I am sure there is a very entertaining story involved here," Jauren said happily. Just then Quinn and Wikhn arrived with Ethan and Enlil just behind them. "More of yours? "
Then Jauren stepped away from his Alpha. At the movement, Harry unsheathed a blade into each hand. Only Hadrian's hand on his hip kept him from leaping forward. This apparently amused Jauren and his Alpha even more. He continued without pause, he placed one foot slightly behind the other and bowed formally with one hand over his heart.
"The House of Elswood has no Quarrel with yours. I extend our friendship and goodwill towards you and yours. May this be a prosperous friendship," Jauren said formally and sincerely. Harry could feel it with his Empathy as if the man was pushing the feelings toward him on purpose. That combined with the way Alonz had closed himself off to Harry let him know that they were used to dealing with Empaths. Hadrian gently removed both blades from Harry's hands and stepped back.
Harry had already gone over the etiquette of the situation with Bahn and Briar so he knew what to do. He mirrored Jauren and smiled.
"Serpent's Requiem acknowledges the House of Elswood and has no Quarrel with you and yours. We accept your hand of friendship and goodwill and offer you the same. May this be a prosperous friendship," Harry stated as politely and formally as he could. He stood upright and preened under the feelings of pride that his bonded fed to him.
"Very well done. I don't know why I expected to have to walk you through that. I should have known better," Jauren said. Harry could hear the hint of pride in his voice as well. Hadrian handed him his first blade and he slid it back into the sheath in the small of his back. Harry smiled at the two across from them.
"I inherited when I was fourteen. I learned a lot of truths that day that changed the course of my life. I met my true family for the first time and learned that I had siblings. I was weighted down with harmful seals that were removed as soon as they could be. All but the mentor seal. Removing that one could have alerted the man who placed the seal in the first place and that would have been really bad. I gave a soulscream a little over a month ago and triggered one for my twin as well," Harry paused when Hadrian handed him his second blade. He slipped that one into place just under his ribs in a glamoured sheath that went across his body under his clothes.
"After that we moved to Nevarah and between settling in, claiming my circle, and The Hunt, I completely forgot that the seal was still there. My Healer," Harry indicated Quinn. "Removed the seal on myself and my brother a few days ago. My brother's mentor showed up last night. In fact, I am pretty sure he is with him now. I guess that means you are my Mentor?"
"Goodness, no. I am Chaos Blessed and going just based on that story the two of us would cause all kinds of trouble for our circles if I was. No, I am here because my Dera, Maurice is your Mentor. He was going through some things and requested to be put to sleep until you inherited. I was keyed into you so that we would still be aware when you did. My brother Ian is waking up Maurice. He will take some time to heal up from sleeping so long and then he will come for you. Until then I have taken a vow to see to you as he would until he arrives," Jauren explained to him. Harry grinned. He had heard his bonded groan when Jauren mentioned being Chaos Blessed. This could be fun.
"Well, I am happy to meet you. I am sorry for all of the suspicion and such. But, if you didn't gather on your own my life has always been a bit less than nice," A few of his bonded snorted at his rather weak representation of the things that he had been through. He waved them off. "However, now that I know you aren't a threat to me and mine we will get along great. I am Immortal Blessed as well. This could be fun." Quinn stepped up and kissed Harry on the cheek. Harry looked at him to make sure he seemed fine.
I am fine, Love. I promise. Standing out here is drawing attention. Why don't you invite them back to our box so that we can all be comfortable while we talk Quinn suggested.
"Great idea, Quinn. Let's do that," Harry said happily. Jauren laughed.
"Wanna explain for those of us who do not have a mental connection?" He asked. Harry blushed.
"Quinn suggests we head back to our box so that we don't continue to draw a crowd. That way we can be comfortable while we talk. Want to?" Harry asked.
"We would love to," Alonz accepted. "The rest of our bonded are wondering around is it ok if we give them the location when we get there so that they can find us when they are ready to?"
"Oh, absolutely. Though you will have to vouch for them before mine will let them in. They are very careful about my safety," Harry said and indicated the five bonded standing around him.
"That much is obvious. Though the way you drew your blades and the fact that your Ace stood behind and not in front of you says a lot about how much they trust you to handle yourself," Alonz stated. Harry blushed and followed along as Ethan and Wikhn took up the lead.
"Yes, well, I am a Ferros. I am fast and I am being trained. I am learning and they are trusting me to learn," Harry answered.
"And your Empathy gives you an advantage in a fight as well," Jauren stated. Harry grinned and nodded. "You are going to have to learn to shield better though. I and mine will help you and yours learn properly. My brother and I are both Empathic and our Dera has a similar gift. If the four of us end up together in a room we are going to have to shield with more than our own willpower. If we get stuck in an emotional feedback loop it will be bad for us and our bonded.
"My Grandma Jun mentioned something about that. But we didn't get that far with training. She said other than her and potentially my Mentor it was unlikely that I would come across any more Empaths regularly. But this is just another way that I am a defeater of odds," Harry said with a shrug. "Happens a lot."
"And you are sure you are not Chaos Blessed? Sounds an awful lot like life with Jauren," Alonz said teasingly. By this time they had made it back to their box.
"Picking up strays, Trouble?" Bill asked with humor from his spot with Caelus tucked into his side. Harry waved him away.
"Oh hush you. This is Jauren and his Alpha Alonz. They are here because of my Mentor seal being removed," Harry informed them all. Bill grinned and stood up. Caelus followed behind him. They both shook hands with the newcomers.
"Are you his mentor then?" Bill asked.
"No, Bill, my Mentor is his Dera. He couldn't come to me right now so Jauren is here in his place until he can get here," Harry told him. "This is my Alpha Bill and our Rheyo Caelus. The others can introduce themselves as they wander around. Let's sit down. If I know my Quinn, snacks will be served soon."
Harry spent a few hours talking to Jauren about his life and getting to know him. Harry really liked him and if Maurice was anything like Jauren then he was going to be in good hands. He also spent a little bit of time teaching Harry really good techniques for keeping his Empathy from getting away from him.
"Harry, Love," Ethan interrupted them finally. Harry turned toward him with a grin.
"Yeah, Ethan?" Harry responded. Ethan ran his fingers through his hair to smooth it out. Harry also felt a brush of magic that straightened his clothes and tidied him up.
"It's almost three. You need to head out to meet your Mage," Ethan reminded him. Harry's whole face brightened.
"Oh, right, Logi. I am so excited," Harry said. He turned to Jauren. "I have to go. I have a date with a gorgeous Fire Mage."
"Courting?" Jauren asked. Harry nodded.
"Hopefully, after today. We have met briefly and I have seen him fight during the Reaping. I like his flames," Harry said with a happy sigh. Jauren chuckled.
"I am sure it will go the way you want it to," Jauren said happily. "We will hang around until you get back. Go be charming."
"Oh, I plan on it. That Fire Mage is meant to be mine. Now I just need to convince him," Harry stated. Bill threw an arm around his shoulders.
"I am going to meet up with Dad for a bit so I am gonna go with you. So is Kisten and Hadrian. They will give you space but will be close enough if you need them," Bill told him. Harry snuggled close and nuzzled his neck.
"Sounds good, Bill. Let's go. I don't want to be late," Harry said. "We are meeting outside of the food court. There is a really big field there where people picnic. That is where we are going to be."
Harry, Bill, Hadrian, and Kisten all headed out for the food court. When they got there, Logi wasn't there yet. So, they waited. Bill went ahead and left to meet with Arthur. Hadrian leaned up against a tree they were next to and Kisten pulled Harry down onto a huge black sunstone with him. He entertained Harry by calling a few small balls of flame and making them dance around in front of them.
"Heill auk Saell. It is good to see you again, Saeti." Harry and his bonded turned toward the voice. Harry was already smiling, he recognized that Norse accent. There he stood taller than all of Harry's bonded. He had long red hair that was loose for the most part other than the top half that was in a bun and a few braids hanging down. There was also golden trinkets placed in the braids that made them stand out.
He was wearing animal hide pants tucked into furred boots and a tunic-style shirt with a belt around it. There were pouches and short sword hanging from it. There was also an axe strapped to his back. He looked so good, Harry had to put an effort into not purring in pleasure. Kisten nudged him. Apparently, he had been silent for longer than polite. Logi chuckled.
"Oh, hi, Logi. It certainly is good to see you again. You look great," Harry said with a blush. "What was that greeting? I haven't heard it before."
"It means Hail and Joy. It is just a typical Norse greeting. Are your bonded going to be joining us?" Logi asked. He didn't seem like he minded if they were. Harry shook his head and held out a hand for Logi to help him down from the sunstone. The Viking took it without hesitation and helped him down.
"They were just waiting with me until you arrived. Kisten and Hadrian are going to make themselves busy somewhere nearby. You get me all to yourself," Harry told him happily.
"You will take care of our heart as if it were your own. Should anything happen to him while in your care, it won't be good for you, Norseman," Kisten stated casually with a smile. Hadrian said nothing, he just leaned down and nuzzled Harry before stepping back and letting his Queen have at it. Logi simply placed his dominant hand over his heart and bowed.
"I swear on my honor that I will care for him as if he were already mine. He will come to no harm while in my care," Logi swore. Harry just rolled his eyes at Kisten's posturing. He yanked the Fire Queen down and kissed the mess out of him. Then he turned him and pushed him toward Hadrian.
"Go with your Ace and leave me to the Mage. No need for threats, My Lovely Queen," Harry told him with a laugh. Kisten just laughed as well and draped himself over Hadrian who indulged him. Harry blew them a kiss.
"Be good, Kitten," Hadrian said with a smirk. "Stay out of trouble."
"No promises," Harry said sweetly and moved so that he was standing next to Logi. Hadrian just wrapped an arm around Kisten and the two of them headed off. He smiled up at Logi. "So what's the plan?" Logi just smiled and held his hand out to indicate a picnic blanket that was already laid out waiting for them.
"How about we just sit and enjoy the sun while we talk?" Logi offered.
"That sounds great," Harry agreed with a smile. He let the Mage lead him to the blanket and Logi helped him down before sitting down next to him. "So what do you need to know for you to decide whether or not you want to be mine?" Logi grinned and laughed. It was like a head thrown back belly laugh and Harry loved it. It sounded so joyous.
"I knew I was going to like you," Logi said when he was through laughing. Harry just shot him a cheeky grin.
"Most people do. I have been told I am quite likable," Harry agreed with him. "So tell me a bit about you. Your accent is interesting, I like it. Does that mean you aren't from here? I am from Earth. Britain to be more exact."
"I was born over a millennia ago in Scandinavia. My parents had claimed solitary but wanted their child to be Dragel. So they asked a friend of theirs, a Mage, if he would lend his magic as their third. He of course agreed and so here I am. I was raised in the age of Vikings and adventure. I knew what I was from birth and every few years my parents would bring me to Nevarah to enjoy the Hunt. Ten years here is only about two and half on Earth. I left Earth permanently when Vikings began to die out. Now I travel to different realms I have been hoping to find a Submissive to call my own for a long time now. But I am too, crass or rough around the edges for most," Logi explained to him.
"That sounds like you lived a very interesting life. You probably have so many stories to tell. I bet you have seen so many cool things. And most of my circle, myself included is a bit rough around the edges. And crass?" here Harry laughed. "My Alpha thinks I don't know because he tries to be careful when he is around me, but he has a mouth that would make most people blush. Besides," Harry paused. " I didn't exactly grow up in a loving home. We will leave it at that for now. I have heard and seen things that most people my age never do."
Logi looked at him hard for a moment. Harry knew it was so hard to look at him now and see all of the pain and devastation that he had lived through. He was happy and whole. He didn't look like someone who had been literally starved, beaten, and tortured. He didn't look like someone who had killed his first person at eleven, killed a Basilisk at twelve, and fought a Dragon at fourteen.
"There is much more to your story than that. I would like to hear it one day. I have lived through many many horrible things. I could handle anything you wished to share with me," Logi told him. Harry could feel the sincerity of his words. He reached out and grasped Logi's large hand.
"If you become mine, Logi, I will tell you everything. All of the horrible, devastating, and ugly truths that make up my early life. But until then, why don't we talk of nicer things?" Harry asked him. Logi nodded and shot him a grin.
"Well, then how about I tell you about the time that I had to sail across the ocean to fight a flock of Thunderbirds because someone was convinced they were Dragons?" Logi asked him. Harry laughed and nodded. Then they spent the next hour simply talking or telling stories. By the time the hour was up, Harry was convinced that he wanted the Norse Fire Mage as his own.
"So, do you need more time to decide if you want to be mine?" Harry asked him suddenly. He wasn't really the type to beat around the bush honestly. Logi looked at him as if surprised he had actually asked. Harry just shrugged and looked at him questioningly.
"I..No. No I don't need more time to decide. If you will have me, I promise to do everything in my power to add to your circle and never take from it. I will make you happy, Harry. I will always strive to do so. My magic, my axe, and my loyalty is yours if you want it," Logi stated seriously. Harry smiled and looked at Logi so that he would know he meant what he said.
"Your happiness matters too. If you bond into my circle, Logi, it comes full of love, support, and loyalty. Whether you only bond to me or you decide to bond with others. We are family, all of us and that means no matter what happens you never stand alone again. Our magic, our weapons, and our loyalty is yours. Understand?" Harry stated. Logi nodded.
"Yes, I had given up on ever bonding into a circle. Of finding a Submissive that would be able to at least tolerate me. This is more than I could have ever hoped for," Logi insisted.
"I think I can more than tolerate you, Logi. I know that I want you to join my circle. Have known since I saw your pretty tower of flames during the Reaping. When I got your favor I was happy. I have literally accepted no other favors from Mages. Didn't even look at them. My instincts have yet to steer me wrong and I don't think they are wrong about you. I have chosen," Harry told him. Then he looked Logi in the eye and gave a Heartcry, which was immediately answered by Logi.
Harry smiled and then crawled into Logi's lap. The Fire Mage wrapped his arms around him and Harry felt small, much smaller than he normally did when he was with one of his bonded. It was really nice and warm. They didn't say much else after that. They only sat together and enjoyed the closeness.
"Oh," Harry said suddenly and snuggled closer to Logi. The Fire Mage looked out to see what could have caught Harry's attention. "I guess that explains why I was feeling a bit hesitant toward him recently. The Storm Ace over there cuddled with the pretty Air Submissive. We had been exchanging favors, I thought it was going pretty good. He was with me and mine during the Reaping. But the last few times I have run into him something was off with his scent. I guess it was the smell of another Submissive on him. Well, he looks happy and that is what is most important. I just wish he would have said something."
"His loss if you ask me," Logi stated and pressed a chaste kiss to the top of Harry's head.
"Definitely his loss," Kisten stated from next to them. Harry looked up and smiled at his Fire Queen. Hadrian was just a few steps behind him. "You are smarter it seems. Welcome to Serpent's Requiem. We Flameheads are happy to have you. We are currently outnumbered by the Merrow. But you have enough magic to balance that out even if he doesn't add another. Come on. It's time to head home for dinner. Our Alpha invited the Elswoods to the house for dinner." Kisten reached down a hand and pulled Harry to his feet and then offered the same hand back to the Mage. Logi smiled and accepted it for what it was. Acceptance.
"Thank you," Logi said. Harry linked their hands together.
"Do you have dinner plans? Or somewhere else to be?" Harry asked him. Logi shrugged.
"Zane asked me to dinner..." Logi started but Harry waved him off.
"Cancel. He will survive. I want you to come home and have dinner with us. Meet everybody else. Will you?" Harry asked. Logi grinned and nodded.
"Absolutely," Logi answered. He sent a quick message bubble to Zandian and then headed off with Harry and his bonded.
"Are we going all the way back to the box or straight home?" Harry asked Hadrian. He would be the one who knew.
"Straight home, Kitten. We can port from right there. Are we all ready?" Hadrian asked. Harry stepped up and wrapped his arms around Hadrian, the the Shadow Ace reached out and grasped both Logi and Kisten before porting them home.
Dinner was fun. Harry introduced everyone to Jauren and his circle as well as Logi. They played games and talked for hours. Before the night was through Harry and Logi exchanged claim marks but did not complete their bond. Logi wanted to wait until he had at least presented Harry with his first real courting gift. Harry was fine with that if that was what Logi wanted. So Logi left that night after being keyed into their wards and promised to see Harry soon. Jauren and his circle headed home as well. They wanted to meet back up with Harry tomorrow, whatever he was doing.
Then, once it was only Harry, Draco, and their circles they shared a quiet cup of tea and Harry and Draco talked together about their days. Harry told him about Raiden, Logi, Xander, and Jauren. Draco told Harry about Lewis and the conversations they had together that day. Then, Draco had apparently, spent some time with their parents which was calm and uneventful. They ended up falling asleep together in their nest room. Their bonded left them that way. The day had been really full of ups and downs but ultimately it had been a good day.
Chapter 16: Heartcrys and Happy Times
Summary:
Harry spends a lot of time at home with his bonded. He finally meets his mentor and Maury loves him the moment he lays eyes on him. Xander insists on meeting Harry's Gheyo to see how they work together.
Chapter Text
The Hunt Day 12
Harry was currently sitting on the couch cuddled up with Quinn and Ethan. Some of them, Harry included, had decided to stay home for the first part of the day and go to The Hunt after lunch. He had spent the morning talking to Quinn about what had bothered him so bad about the Soulscream Shayla had given. Quinn had explained everything to him and Ethan.
Quinn had been an arrogant, angry Alpha during his first Hunt ten years ago. He had started a fight with Kyle for no reason and had ended up wounded so badly that he could no longer speak. He had caused so much of an issue that he had prevented his favorite sister and his now-adopted brother from being together when they had a soul bond. He was not upset about the Soulscream. He was upset at the time he had cost his two favorite people. Keeping them apart when they should have been together.
It had been a very emotional conversation that had ended with Quinn calling his sister and Kyle to talk to them about how he was feeling. They had ported over to talk to him about everything and when the three of them had come out of the room they were all smiling and there seemed to be a huge weight that was lifted from their shoulders. Dyshoka and Kyle had gone home and Quinn had come to him and Ethan for cuddles.
Thank you so much for taking the time to listen and help me with this
Quinn told Ethan and Harry.
"You are so welcome, Quinn. That is what it means to be part of a circle," Ethan told him. He kissed Quinn on his cheek. Harry nuzzled Quinn on the other side.
"We love you, Quinn. We want to help you when you are going through something. Just like you would want to do for any of us," Harry added.
I love the both of you as well. This has been a good morning. How about we cuddle for a bit longer, then I will make lunch, and then we can head to The Hunt. Don't you have a few fights to watch?
Quinn asked. Harry nodded and moved so that he was sitting between Ethan and Quinn. He cuddled up close to the both of them.
"That sounds like a plan, Quinn. And yeah, I am supposed to be watching Caspian and Keagan fight today," Harry answered him. His Merrow were going to go with him to watch Caspian fight and then he was going to officially ask the Merrow to court him if they all approved. Keagan was the Prince he met right after the Reaping, the Medic who healed him up before he headed home.
Hadrian came striding into the room. He was holding a letter in his hand. The Shadow Ace handed it to Harry and kissed him before he lifted the Submissive up and settled in a chair with Harry in his lap.
"That was just delivered for you," Hadrian told him. It was from Xander, Harry opened it eagerly. He read through the letter and then he grinned. "What does it say, Kitten?"
"He wants to meet tomorrow with the rest of the suit he is being courted for. So Adad and Styrmir as well as Damien because he has agreed to courting but not bonding until I have an Ace. If I decide I want to court Keagan after his fight today I will invite him over as well," Harry told them all.
"Sounds like you have it figured out," Hadrian told him proudly. Harry nodded and smirked up at his Ace.
"He wants to meet them all here or somewhere that I can watch them fight it out. He wants it to be just us and says that if everything goes well then he is willing to exchange claim marks with me if I want it," Harry told him.
"So the rest of us need to make ourselves scarce so that you have the run of the place," Hadrian deduced. Harry nodded and nipped on Hadrian's jaw.
"Such a good Ace. You know just what I want," Harry praised. Hadrian nipped his ear and licked a line down his jaw before claiming his mouth. It was so nice.
Why don't the two of you go and spend some time alone and work that off? I will make lunch
Quinn suggested. Harry blushed and then 'yipped' when Hadrian stood with him still in his arms.
"That sounds like a lovely plan, Darling," Hadrian said, which caused Quinn to blush and Ethan to chuckle. Hadrian just smiled and then strode from the room to deposit Harry on a bed in a private room. It had been a while since the two of them had been alone together like this. Hadrian took full advantage of their time alone together. Harry loved every second of it.
They were called down when Lunch was ready. Everyone ate a good lunch and then they headed to The Hunt. Hadrian escorted Harry to The Pits where his Merrow were waiting for him at the entrance.
Harry kissed Hadrian goodbye and then went into Glynn's arms. The Merrow nuzzled him and kissed him before letting him greet the others. When he was finished, it was time to head in so that they had time to get situated for the Princess' fight. Varon, Brishen, and Alec were his water types that were not present. Alec had to take care of something for Harry's uncle so Varon and Brishen were guarding him while the Suite was with Harry.
"There you are," Harry looked up to see Jauren and his Ace standing in the aisle next to them. Harry grinned. "I ran into your Shadow Ace and he pointed me in your direction." Harry waved them into the seats next to his suite.
"Hey, It's good to see you," Harry said happily.
"It is good to see you too, Harry. What are we doing today?" Jauren asked. Harry grinned and nodded toward the ring.
"My Merrow suite is here because we are watching a Princess fight. We have pretty much already decided that we want him but I wanted to see the way he fights on land. Then I will ask him to sit with us for a bit to see how he feels about joining my circle," Harry explained.
"That is one thing I love about The Hunt. Merrow are always so vicious and we landwalkers rarely get to see them fight on land. You get to see it often though don't you," Jauren teased. Harry grinned and nodded.
"Yep, I am honored with the opportunity to see them fight often. They even train me in the water and on land. I have learned so much from them," Harry said happily. He loved learning to fight from his Gheyo.
"Lucky you," Jauren's Ace said honestly. Glynn leaned forward to catch the other Ace's eyes.
"You are welcome to spar with us if you want. We are always happy for new sparing partners," Glynn insisted.
"That would be really nice," The Ace said with a grin. Jauren laughed.
"Don't be surprised when my entire suite joins in," Jauren told them. Marin laughed.
"They are all welcome. We are always up for a good sparring session," Chelan answered.
"Glad that is all situated. Now, pay attention, Caspian is getting ready to fight," Harry told them. He poked his Queen in the cheek. Chelan nipped at his finger and Harry laughed. Then they turned toward the front to watch the Princess square off against a Storm Princess. The fight was a good one. Caspian was good, like really good. He was better in the water but he definitely held his own. He got very close to beating the Storm Gheyo but at the last minute, he lost.
Harry didn't care that Caspian had lost. He had shown that he was a great fighter. That was all that Harry cared about. From the way his Merrow were reacting, they were pleased as well. Caspian looked disappointed though. He had known Harry and his Suite would be watching today.
"Hey, Jauren, we will be back in a few minutes. I need to go reassure that lovely Princess that just because he lost doesn't mean we aren't interested. We have another match to watch today, then we can run around or whatever else you all want to do," Harry informed them.
"Go on. I am going to step out and check to see if we have any messages and then I will be right back," Jauren told them. Harry nodded and then they got up and headed down to the area behind the arena. Caspian didn't look down in fact he looked more than a little upset but the fight wasn't the cause. There was a Merrow man in his face who looked to be ripping into him with his words. The closer they got, Harry realized the man was putting Caspian down. Threatening to tell some secret or other if he didn't insist they were a package deal when Harry asked to court.
Well, Harry was having none of that. He quickened his stride slipped under Caspian's arm and snuggled up to him. He looked up at the Princess and completely ignored the other Merrow. He smiled brightly.
"That fight was wonderful, you fight so well," Harry praised the Princess. The other Merrow cleared his throat, but Harry continued to ignore him. He was waiting to see if the man was brave enough to actually insult him. He was wearing his circlet, he always wore it. There was no mistaking who he was and this time he would be happy to let his uncle punish this man.
"Thank you, Highness," Caspian said with a hesitant smile. "Um...this..." Caspian started and Harry hushed him.
"Whatever secret he is threatening to tell, don't worry about it. It doesn't matter. Everyone has secrets," Harry assured Caspian then he finally turned to look at the other Merrow. "And just so you know, whoever you are, if any secret or even bad-mouthing is done about Caspian, I will come for you. I will make sure you are absolutely miserable and so undesirable that no one of prominence will accept you into their circle. Do you understand? I don't even care if it isn't your fault. I don't take threats lightly and I don't like bullies. I have a lovely powerful King that I plan on adding to my circle. You will never fill that roll. You can go now. I have a Princess to court."
Harry turned away from the King who was getting angrier and angrier back to the Princess who looked like he was trying hard not to laugh. He heard the man huff loudly and knew he was gone when Caspian's shoulders finally relaxed. He tightened his arm around Harry and then looked down surprised as if he just realized that Harry was cuddled up to him. He went to move his arm but Harry just grabbed it and put it back around his waist.
"I lost the fight," Caspian said quietly. Harry nodded.
"You did, but wanting you to be part of my circle had nothing to do with whether or not you actually won the fight, Silly Princess. I am not that shallow. My suite and I have decided that we want to court you. Will you have us?" Harry asked him. Caspian looked so surprised.
"You aren't curious about what he knows that he was threatening to tell?" Caspian asked instead of answering. Glynn came forward and put a hand on the Princess' shoulder.
"No, we don't care. Like our, Princeling said earlier, everyone has secrets. You can tell us when you are ready and comfortable or you can keep it to yourself. I don't know that the man will risk our Submissive's wrath by letting anything slip now," Glynn answered. Caspian smiled at Harry, Glynn and the rest of the Suite.
"Yes," Caspian said and tightened his hand around Harry. "Yes, I want to court and be courted by you and your suite."
"Perfect," Harry said happily. Then he gave a Heartcry that was answered by Caspian. Then the Princess let Harry push him into an alcove that they were near and they exchanged claim marks. "My suites are switching out after the next fight. Will you stay with us for it? Then you can run off with your new Ace, Queen, and Prince to settle things between you."
"I would like that very much," Caspian answered. Harry grinned and then the five of them headed back up into the stands. They took their seats and Harry settled himself in Caspian's lap. He nuzzled the Princess and purred happily when Caspian kissed him along his jaw. Then the Princess wrapped his arms around him tightly.
"I guess, everything went well. Congratulations on your courtship," Jauren said happily. Harry beamed at him.
"Thank you, I am very happy, Caspian is such a good Princess," Harry praised. Caspian blushed and then Harry and Jauren started talking about a few other things. Apparently, Maurice was going to be heading their way soon as well as Jauren's brother Ian. He thinks they will arrive either tomorrow or the next day. Harry was super excited about it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Hello again, Lovely Submissive," Harry looked up to see Xander standing there.
"Hey, did you get my message? You wanted to come to the house tomorrow right?" Harry confirmed. Xander nodded.
"Yes, I got your message. I can't wait. Are you here watching anyone in particular?" Xander asked.
"Yeah, after this fight I am going to watch a Prince I am considering for your suite actually. Wanna stay and watch? Or are you busy?" Harry asked him.
"I would love to stay and watch with you. I didn't have plans, I was just coming down to maybe pick up a fight or two for myself. But this is much preferable," Xander insisted. Glynn stood up and offered Xander his seat.
"You can have my seat. Me and mine were just fixing to head out for some bonding with our new Princess. The rest of your maybe suite should be here in the next few minutes. Will the three of you mind keeping our little Kitten occupied until they get here?" Glynn asked Xander, Jauren, and his Ace.
"Of course, he will be fine," Jauren waved him off. Harry kissed each of his Merrow and then settled in the seat between Jauren and Xander. "So you are the pretty Ace we saw at lunch with Harry, yesterday, right?"
"Well, I did have lunch with Harry yesterday. So I am going to assume the answer is yes. I am Xander," The Ace introduced himself.
"Jauren and this is my Ace, Phillip. So you are considering bonding into their circle with a half-completed suite," Jauren stated.
"Yes, I like Harry. He is kind and I saw him during the Reaping. He is beautifully vicious. Getting to know him yesterday was lovely. I want to meet and get to know the suite that I may be the Ace for to see how well we will work together," Xander answered. Harry smiled up at him and nodded behind them to the three Gheyo coming down the aisle.
"There they are. My Storm King Adad, my Air Queen Damon, and my Storm Princess Styrmir. My own this is Xander the Air Ace I had a lunch date with yesterday. He is going to watch Keagan fight with us. Did you all get my message about tomorrow?" Harry introduced them all.
"Yeah, Trouble, we got it," Damon answered. He leaned down and kissed Harry on the lips and then sat down next to Xander. "Good to see you again Ace. I didn't know you were one of the ones he was considering as our Ace. It will be nice to fight with you again. Maybe on a permanent basis," Damon practically purred at the man. Harry grinned 'oh that was so nice'.
"It is good to see you again as well, Damon. Always a pleasure," Xander answered. Adad came over and lifted Harry up and settled into the chair with Harry in his lap. He kissed Harry on the cheek and nuzzled him before turning to the Ace.
"It is nice to meet you, Xander. Our Kitten sure does have lovely taste in men," Adad said with an appreciative glance. Xander smirked and returned the favor.
"Yes, he does," Xander replied. Styrmir took the seat next to Damon and leaned into the Queen. Damon threw an arm around him and nuzzled him. Xander looked at the Princess as well. "Very good taste."
"All of you are so cute it is gross," Jauren interrupted. Harry grinned and nodded.
"Oh, we definitely are," Harry agreed. It was nice that they were getting along. Harry sat back and let Adad hold him while the other four talked together before the fight started. They all seemed to like each other well enough.
"Keagan's fight is fixing to start," Harry announced after about twenty minutes. They all sat and watched the Prince fight. He used both Fire and Shadow to fight. It was neat to see the combination attacks. He could tell the others liked him because they were talking quietly to each other while Harry watched. They seemed to debate a few things amongst themselves before they all seemed in agreement about something.
"The Prince is also a Medic isn't he?" Damon asked him. Harry nodded.
"Yeah, he is the one who healed me up after The Reaping. Why?" Harry asked. The fight was over now. Harry had sent down a fruity drink that was accepted. He had also placed a quickly written letter with it. He had asked the Prince to come up to them when he was done.
"It is just always nice to have someone around that has a bit of medical training. Especially if we are going to be a military circle," Adad answered.
"That makes sense. But we have Quinn who is a Master Healer Caspian and I just exchanged claim marks today. He is a Merrow Princess and a medic, Riven is pretty good with healing magic as well, and then Keagan if he agrees to bond with us. So I think that we are covered honestly," Harry pointed out.
"Would you bond another Healer?" Jauren asked. "You do have a lot of Gheyo, there are bound to be a lot of wounds."
"No, My Quinn was very clear that he would not be ok with me bonding with another Healer. I promised him that I would never bond with another Healer without the two of us talking it out and agreeing first. Right now we are firmly settled with no," Harry answered.
"He is ok with Medics though?" Phillip asked.
"Yeah, I think it is a rank thing. He used to be an Alpha and still has those tendencies every once in a while," Harry explained.
"That does explain it actually," Jauren answered. Just then, Keagan comes walking up to them smiling. Harry waved him over to them and pointed to the empty chair next to Styrmir.
"Hey, It is nice to see you again, Keagan," Harry said smiling brightly. Keagan smiled at him.
"Good to see you too, Harry. You look very different than what you did after the Reaping," Keagan pointed out appreciatively. Harry blushed.
"Well, Of course I do. I was armored up, covered in blood and dirt, and high on bloodlust. It is a very different look when compared to scarves and soft things," Harry said with a smile. "You fought wonderfully."
"Yes, you did. Quite lovely to watch," Xander agreed. Jauren suggested they all go and sit together and have a snack before he excused himself and told Harry he would either see him later or tomorrow.
So that was what they did. They headed out and hit up a few stands to get snacks and different foods, then they headed out to a grassy field and all sat together to talk. Harry had so much fun. They all seemed to get along great and that was a good sign. Harry hoped that after tomorrow he would be able to exchange claim marks with Xander and Keagan. Then he would get busy completing those bonds. Then he would just need to bond in a King for his Merrow and he would have three complete suites.
He wasn't finished Hunting but he was doing a great job of getting things done. His instincts were so on point when it came to choosing. When they all finally parted ways it was with agreements from Damon, Xander, and Keagan to meet after lunch at the house tomorrow. Harry, Adad, Styrmir, and Damon headed out to enjoy some non-Gheyo parts of the Hunt. It was a really good day. Harry felt pretty great when they finally headed home. Caspian has apparently come home with his Merrow. Harry was excited to complete that bond after dinner.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 13: Maurice, Jauren, Ian
"You made it," Jauren said happily. He went straight into the arms of his Dera. They had gotten there a lot faster than Jauren had thought they would. He had assumed it would be late tonight or tomorrow. "You must have started earlier than you said you would and had someone mess with time."
"Well, I just wanted to get here sooner. I was anxious," Maurice admitted without shame. They had come across a Timebender at the Traveler's lodge where they were staying. She had agreed to shorten their travel time for a fee. Ian had happily paid the fee.
"She couldn't bring my entire circle, so some stayed behind to travel at a regular pace they will be here in a day or two. We were both excited to meet Dera's new mentee," Ian explained. Jauren grinned.
"Oh, both of you are going to love him. Harry is a lovely little thing," Jauren informed them. Maurice, Ian, and his circle took seats around the sitting room of Emerald Hollow to relax from their travels before they insisted on meeting the Submissive.
"Tell us about him," Maurice insisted. Jauren sat back against Alonz and the Alpha chuckled. Maurice and Ian both gave them suspicious eyes. "What?"
"I won't tell you everything. We want you to be surprised," Alonz teased them. Ian groaned.
"The only reason the two of you would do that is because he is a chaotic little thing. Isn't he?" Ian asked them. Jauren just shrugged.
"Want to hear what I am willing to tell?" Jauren countered. Maurice laughed. Arielle, he had missed his sons.
"Yes, just tell us what you are willing while we rest," Maurice answered before the two of them could start bickering.
"He is a Ferros Submissive and seventeen years old. He is sweet as can be and so much fun to be around. He is Immortal Blessed, though I will let him tell you which one. He is fourth in line to the Merrow throne. Lives on an island with his twin brother. Is not newly inherited. That is all I will tell you," Jauren teased.
"Anything else and it will ruin the fun," Alonz explained. "I will tell you he is Hunting this season and is quite often seen in The Pits. Let's just say we know why Maury was chosen as his Mentor. You are going to adore him. You will have a lot to teach him, just not in the ways that you were probably thinking."
"Now, I am even more curious. I think, maybe we have rested enough. I am anxious to meet my boy," Maurice said with a laugh. Just then, Jauren's Pareya came in with snacks and tea.
"Just a little longer. Eat and rest. You all look like you need it," Alonz insisted. Raijin nodded his head in agreement and handed Ian the plate he had made for him. Maurice took the one from the Pareya. They were right, they did need a little longer to rest.
"Oh, I took the liberty of going to your metal smith and having him make another charmed anklet," Jauren said while they were snacking.
"Why? Mine is still working perfectly. Is something wrong with yours? They are supposed to last a century. He will fix it for free if something happened to it," Maurice said concerned. Jauren just laughed.
"No, nothing is wrong with mine and it isn't for you or Ian," Jauren explained.
"Then who is it..." Ian started and then stopped he grinned. "Oh, it's for Harrison isn't it?"
"Yep," Jauren popped the 'p'. Maurice laughed.
"That is bound to get out of hand if we don't shield properly. Even with the charms," Ian pointed out.
"His grandmother has taught him the bare minimum about his gift. I have been teaching him more in-depth when I get the chance. He is a busy little thing. Certainly enjoying The Hunt, that is for sure," Jauren told them.
"Well, that's good. I am glad you have been helping instead of just letting him run amuck," Maurice said teasingly. Jauren just laughed.
"Oh, he is still running amuck. I am just really glad that for whatever reason, my blessing has been calm. Because if it was acting up and Harry was around we would likely cause a natural disaster," Jauren teased back.
"He is not even joking," Alonz added. "It has been exciting, to say the least. You are going to love him, Maury. He is just the type of kid you like to take in."
They talked and caught up for a few more minutes before they were deemed rested enough to leave the house. Jauren gave them the coordinates to the transportation portal on the outside of the property. They should have a few hours to visit before Harry's third Suite showed up to settle things. He was sure it was going to get very personal afterwards so they were not going to be sticking around after that.
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Harry and Co.
Harry was lazing about in the lower levels of the house with all of his Merrow. They had all stayed home to be with him and to bask in the feel of their new bond with Caspian. It had been a great night and an equally great morning. Harry was once again so full of his Merrow's blood that he was sparking every time he touched one of them. Which was often considering they were in a giant naked pile together.
"You know if you don't get up and head upstairs, they are going to send someone for you so that you can eat breakfast," Glynn pointed out. Harry laughed and pulled away from Alec's neck where he had been lazily feeding from.
"Yeah, probably. Plus, I want to go up and touch as many people as possible while I am still sparking. I like to see how many people I can get before they send me to Hadrian, Aither, and Wikhn. If it lasts, I might even be able to get Xander, Damon, or Keagan," Harry said excitedly. He wasn't planning on attending The Hunt today at all. He was just staying home and taking advantage of his new bonds.
Hopefully, before the day was over, he would complete three more bonds. He was on a roll right now. It was so exciting, the more Gheyo he bonded, the more complete his Suites were, the more settled he felt. Maybe he could finish his Hunt and then they could spend the rest of their time building stronger bonds. It would also give Surajini time to really start planning their party while The Hunt was still going on.
Harry let Alec pull him out of the bed and get him dressed. Then the rest of them came up at a slower pace. Once again Varon was the only Merrow that didn't join them last night. He still wouldn't share Harry with anyone but Donovan. He was really the only one that was picky about sharing. He didn't mind cuddling together with Quinn, but he was sure that was because no sex was involved when Quinn was with them.
"Good Morning, Trouble," Bill said with a smile and pulled Harry down into his lap at the table. Harry pouted when he didn't even jump when the magic sparked between them. "Don't pout. I was expecting it. I know you have been with your Merrow since last night. You were bound to be sparking this morning. On top of that, I know you well enough to know that you deliberately drank enough so that you would spark."
"You know, for someone who enjoys a good joke, you are quite the buzz killer sometimes," Harry teased. He straddled his Alpha and kissed him until they were both breathless. "Good morning, Alpha. Will you be staying home today or do you have plans?" Bill nuzzled Harry and kissed him on the neck.
"I will be here for a few hours and then your dad wants to meet up about something. So, I will be at your parents for a bit. Ethan is going to go with me," Bill answered.
"What are you going over there for?" Harry asked curiously. Bill just kissed him on the nose and smiled.
"That my little Troublemaker, is a surprise," Bill teased. Harry turned around to face Draco.
"Do you know what it is?" Harry asked. Draco just shook his head.
"Is it a surprise for me as well, or can I know?" Draco asked. Bill just laughed.
"It is a surprise for you as well. The two of you should know by now that if it is a surprise that involves your family, it is for both of you," Bill stated.
"That's true," Draco said with a shrug and then he turned his attention back to Harry. "Turn around so you both can eat." Harry laughed and did as he was told. Theo and Charlie came into the room after that and both of them nuzzled and kissed Harry before taking their seats. Aither came into the dining room a little bit behind them.
"This little sparking thing is yours. Take it before he starts biting or something," Bill said with a teasing tone. Aither grinned happily and Harry let him pull him up into his arms. The Princess was happy to cuddle with Harry after he had spent the night with his Merrow. Aither carried Harry down the table to the empty seat next to Wikhn. The King leaned over and ran a hand down Harry's arm and then claimed his lips in a kiss.
"Good Morning, Kitten," Wikhn practically purred at him.
"Good Morning, My King," Harry answered and pecked his lips again just as their food floated to the table in front of them. The group of them all talked and caught up on what had been going on with everyone. The Hunt was keeping a lot of them busy and away from each other. Harry was honestly really enjoying The Hunt. He was also really glad it only came around once every ten years. He would be happy when it was over and they all started to settle into a routine.
He was also starting to get a bad feeling. Everything was going so well in his life right now that there was no way something bad wasn't coming. That was the way it had always been for him. Any time he had any type of joy or happiness, something bad would come along and ruin it. He really hoped it wouldn't. He really hoped that life here would be as good as it seemed.
Just as they were finishing up breakfast, there was a brush up against their wards. Hadrian peeked out the back door.
"Looks like Jauren. He has some people with him," Hadrian let them know. Harry jumped up excitedly.
"Oh, it is probably my mentor. Jauren told me he would get here today or tomorrow. Open the wards for them," Harry said as he headed for the back door. Bill obviously did exactly that because, as Harry flew out the back door toward Jauren, they were crossing the bridge onto the island. Harry flew right into Jauren's arms and hugged him tightly.
"Harry, goodness you almost knocked me down. You are quite hyper today," Jauren said and then laughed. "Are you sparking? Arielle, what have you already been doing this morning?" Harry stepped back and Alonz ruffled his hair. It wasn't fixed and he wasn't wearing his circlet today. He didn't intend to leave his home so there was no need for it. Therefore his long curly hair was flying free today.
"I always spark after I spend the night with my Merrow," Harry said with a grin. "It's quite fun and I am a bit hyper for a little while afterward. We completed our bond with Caspian last night."
"I knew you would," Jauren said with a smile. By this time Hadrian, Bill, and Caelus had caught up with them.
"All right you two, hush a moment and make introductions before Maury pounces," Alonz said with a grin. The older Submissive's face had just lit up the moment he had seen Harry. He looked like he was ready to smother him in hugs and cuddles.
"Yeah, good luck getting my little Troublemaker to be calm at all today," Bill said. He shook hands with Alonz in greeting. Caelus and Hadrian both chuckled in agreement.
"Right well, Harry this is my Dera, Maurice Elswood. He is your mentor. Dera, this is your Harry," Jauren introduced them. Maurice beamed at Harry and the younger Submissive loved the look and feel of him. He could feel the bond between them already.
"Hello, Harry. You have no idea how good it is to finally meet you," Maurice said as he stepped forward. "You are so lovely and settled. Clearly not newly inherited." At this, he gave Jauren a quick teasing glare.
"Hello. It is good to finally meet you too. I have been waiting since I was fourteen. Everyone always talked so highly of having a mentor and I was always so envious. There was a block on our bond. I will explain it all better later," Harry answered. He could tell Maurice and the other newcomers were curious but they didn't ask. Harry grinned at the man who put his hands behind his back to keep himself from reaching out for Harry. He was having none of that and stepped up and wrapped his arms around the man who happily and eagerly wrapped him in a tight embrace.
"We have all the time in the world to get to know each other. I am so eager to learn everything about you," Maurice said with a happy sigh. Harry snuggled closer. Hugging Maurice was like hugging Lucius almost. So safe and comfortable. Lucius and Remus were his parents that gave the best cuddles with Severus as a close second. Maurice was right up there with them.
"All right, how about we head inside and let you meet everyone? No one has left yet for the day," Bill finally interrupted. Harry pulled back and let Hadrian pull him close and tuck him under his arm. Then they all headed into the house. Harry introduced everyone and then those that were leaving headed out for the day. Everyone else just made themselves busy. Harry, with permission from Draco, had pulled Maurice into their small nesting room so that the two of them could spend some time alone getting to know each other. They had a few hours before Xander and the others arrived and Harry would be busy.
He told Maurice all about his life and how he had grown up. He told him about Albus and what the man had done to his family. Why he had inherited at fourteen which ended with him being wrapped tightly in Maurice's arms and wings for a little bit. He told him about his school, his Soulscream, and moving to Nevarah. He told him all about his hunt and how that was going. By the time, it was time to leave the room, Harry had told Maurice about everything. They had agreed to make their bond official tomorrow. Harry would ask Theo to bring Ilsa over so that they could perform the ceremony. Harry was so excited.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Xander, Damon, and Keagan
Harry was too anxious to sit still so Varon and Donovan had drug him out to the training field outside to help him stay busy. The two Jokers put him through his paces so vigorously that he didn't even notice when Xander, Damon, and Keagan arrived. The three Gheyo had settled themselves on the grass to watch Harry spar with Donovan as Varon gave instructions or corrected his stance.
Harry dropped down to one knee to avoid a swipe from Donovan's leg. He made his move the moment the leg cleared him. He pulled a dagger from its sheath and sprung up knocking the big Joker off balance before he could regain his balance. He rode Donovan to the ground with his knees on either side of his chest, his claws at his throat, and the dagger plunged through his shoulder.
"Very good, Kitten. You are small and taking advantage of your opponent being off balance is a great way to catch them off guard. Very well done," Varon praised. Harry grinned and then squeaked when Donovan switched their position so that Harry was pinned beneath him.
"Always fun to spar with you, Kitten," Donovan teased him. Harry leaned up and wrapped his arms around the Gheyo's neck making sure to avoid the dagger still embedded in his shoulder. He pulled the Joker's head down and captured his lips in a kiss. While they were kissing, he moved his arm down and then yanked the dagger out. When he did he felt a pulse of magic from Varon that sealed the wound.
"As lovely as this is to watch, Kitten, our company is here," Adad said from the sidelines. Harry pulled away from the kiss and grinned up at Donovan. The Joker nipped his ear and then stood up and pulled Harry up with him. He was turned toward the other Gheyo still grinning.
"Hey, sorry I didn't realize you guys had arrived," Harry said happily. Xander, Damon, and Keagan all got up from the ground.
"No need to apologize, that was very fun to watch. No complaints from us," Xander answered. The others nodded in agreement. Donovan kissed Harry on one cheek and Varon came forward and kissed him on the other.
"We will leave you all to your fighting. Have fun, Kitten," Donovan said. Then he and Varon headed back into the house. Harry's bonded would leave them all alone until they were finished.
"So, what are we doing first?" Harry said with a grin. Xander stepped forward, grabbed Harry's hand, and pushed him into Styrmir's arms.
"You are going to sit here with these three while the King and I play," Xander instructed. Harry was happy to do just that. He stood in Styrmir's arms with Damon on one side and Keagan on the other. The four of them watched as Xander and Adad got into the ring Harry had been sparing in. The Ace and the King circled each other for a few moments and then they sprang. Harry doesn't know who moved first. It was like they moved at the exact same moment.
They were fast and brutal. There was no holding back. Adad seemed determined to be as forceful as possible. He was challenging Xander. Pushing the Ace to perform at his best. The Storm King moved from just the physical fight to using his element. When the first strike of lightning hit the ground, Styrmir pulled Harry back a few paces and the others followed.
The wind picked up around the area as well. Then the fight was on using their elements. Weapons were formed and both were bleeding before they resorted back to actual blades. It was a magnificent fight that ended when Adad stepped back and dropped his blades. Xander did the same. This was not a fight to see who was better, it was never meant to have a winner or loser. It was a fight to size each other up. To determine if they would fit well together. Keagan healed them both.
The fights continued that way. By the time they were finished, all of them had fought each other. Harry was having a great time watching. It was always so exciting for him to watch his bonded fight. When it was all done they were sitting in the grass together to talk it out. Harry was happily settled between Adad and Damon.
"Just to start off the conversation, I feel really good about this. I would be very happy with this Suite. All of you are amazing fighters and I think we could work really well together," Xander stated. Harry smiled happily. He hoped everyone felt that way. His instincts said this was his third suite.
"I have to agree. You are an Ace I would be happy to follow. Someone I could trust to lead us true," Adad answered. Styrmir gave his agreement as well. Damon wrapped an arm around Harry and kissed his head.
"Looks like you have your Suite, Trouble," Damon said with another kiss to his cheek. "I watched you while we fought. I know what you look like when you are pleased with a fight. I have seen you watch enough of them."
"Such a good observant, Queen," Harry purred up at him and nipped his lips. "I am very pleased with all of you. I want all three of you for my suite, if you will have us."
"You know I am in, Trouble. I have been having far too much fun courting you and your Fire Alpha. The both of you are so fun to play with. I was already in. I was just waiting for you to choose an Ace," Damon corrected. Harry nodded.
"I know. I was just making sure you hadn't changed your mind," Damon said with a grin.
"I am definitely in. I have been waiting for my date with you since I sent you the favor the day after the Reaping. This is not very traditional but it is exciting and perfect all the same," Keagan said with a smile. Their actual date had been set for next week, this had just sped things up for them.
"Yes well, I still expect to be taken on that date next week," Harry insisted.
"Of course, Harry. I am excited to do so," Keagan answered. Harry grinned and then turned to look at everyone.
"So we are all in agreement. This is what we all want?" Harry asked just to be sure. Everyone gave their agreement, so Harry gave a Heartcry to first Xander and then Keagan. They exchanged claim marks and then after a few minutes of small talk, Harry insisted that Xander take him into the house to complete their bond. Damon and Keagan both insisted that they at least wanted to do this part traditionally. So Harry would bond with his Ace first.
He was perfectly fine with that because sparing and watching them all fight really had him all kinds of worked up. He was one step closer to completing his circle and he was so happy about it. They came down for dinner, after which, Xander and Adad disappeared together and Harry drug his Air Queen up to a room. He was done waiting for that lovely, snarky Gheyo. Before he made it out of the room he turned and winked at his Alpha.
"Wanna come with?" Harry asked his Alpha. Bill grinned and looked up at Damon to make sure he was fine with it. The Air Queen just smirked at him and beckoned him forward.
"I think between the two of us we can wear him out," Damon teased. Bill stood up and strode towards them.
"Oh, I think we can certainly try," Bill agreed. The Alpha grabbed Harry and tossed him over his shoulder. Then they headed up to a room to complete their bonds. Harry slept in the next morning, content between the two of them. They had definitely worked very hard to wear Harry out and they succeeded. Harry spent another day quite content at home with his bonded. Keagan had things to do that day and so he didn't get the chance to corner the Prince but he certainly would as soon as he was back home.
Draco stayed home with him as well. Harry was having a good day and then the rest of their family circle showed up. Then it was a great day spent with all of the people that he loved the most. Life was so good right now.
Chapter 17: Preparations, Precautions, and Pampering
Summary:
Harry prepares for his day as Alcandor's assistant which is much better than Harry dreads. The circle gets a bit of concerning news and calls a family meeting to handle it. Harry has a fun date and finds two new potential bonded.
Chapter Text
~~~~~~~~~~
The Hunt Day 15: Harry and Peryton
“So, this is the kind of things that I am going to be expected to pay attention to?” Harry asked with a sigh. Peryton chuckled and pulled Harry into his lap. The Submissive snuggled close and pressed a kiss to the Air Prince’s neck.
“It isn’t as hard as it seems. Honestly, there is more talking and messing around then actual business this time of year,” Perry tried to soothe him.
“And it is only for a day,” Ethan pointed out. “At least he didn’t bet you for an entire week or for the rest of the hunt.” Harry shuddered and the other two laughed at him.
“Yeah, at least there is that,” Harry agreed. “And I will have a lot of you with me. Perry will be there, some of our Gheyo will be there, and I know for a fact that Varon is going to be on duty that day with Crimson Tide. I think Charlie is going to be with Princess Ebony as well.”
“See, it definitely won’t be so bad,” Peryton agreed. There was a knock on the door and Perry called for whoever it was to enter. They were currently in Perry’s office at the Royal Compound because Harry wanted advice and to be prepared for two days from now when he had to spend the day as his uncle’s assistant.
“Oh, I didn’t know you had company,” Came the rich voice from the doorway. It was Prince Raspen of the Earth Courts. Perry waved him in.
“Come in, Raspen. We weren’t talking business. Just soothing my little Submissives nerves about the meetings in two days. He lost a bet to Alcandor and has to attend all of the Royal meetings that day as his assistant,” Perry informed the Earth Royal.
“I remember Alcandor mentioning something about that a few days ago. It will be nice to have you there. Sometimes those things can get so boring and having new people to talk to makes it better,” Raspen said to Harry.
“I just hope I can keep up with what Uncle Al wants me to do. I have never been any good with paperwork. I am much better at keeping people company,” Harry admitted.
“You will do wonderfully, especially with Ethan coaching you through it. He is quite wonderful at keeping notes and keeping people in line and on track,” Raspen praised Harry’s bonded.
“Oh, don’t I know it. I think my circle would just crumble without him keeping everything running smoothly,” Harry praised his Pareya as well. Ethan blushed prettily and Harry kissed him on the cheek.
“Yes well, thank you both. I do work hard at it,” Ethan said gratefully. Harry knew it was always nice to know when you were appreciated.
“How have you been settling into Nevarah?” Raspen asked Harry.
“Oh, I love it here. The home my Alpha purchased and set up for us is perfect and works very well for my blended circle. The Hunt is so much fun. Trying all of the new food and learning about the culture here has been nothing short of amazing. I never want to leave,” Harry said with a happy sigh.
“I am glad that you like it here. Your circle has been quite the point of gossip for quite a few people. I believe you just bonded a complete third suite, did you not?” Raspen asked him. Harry nodded.
“I did. It was non-traditional but so much fun,” Harry responded.
“So, you are planning on becoming a military circle?” Raspen asked.
“Yep, I do believe that is what we have decided,” Harry told him with a smile.
“You have pledged your circle into the service of Lady Death, have you not?” Raspen pointed out.
“We have. She has been with me my entire life. I owe her so much, she has always been so good to me,” Harry agreed. “What is it that you really want to know?” Raspen smiled and Perry chuckled.
“I guess we are all curious if you are only going to fight for Death’s court or if you will take assignment from all of the courts considering you have ties to all of them,” Raspen asked him finally.
“We haven’t really discussed it that far yet. Only that we know we are going to train as a military circle,” Harry answered him. Then he smiled. “Well, they may have already discussed it amongst themselves, but I haven’t talked to them about it yet. I am enjoying my Hunt. When I am settled and bonded to all that I am going to bond to this Hunt, I will enjoy getting to know them. Then I will start discussing those things with my Alpha and Aces.”
“You sound like you have a plan,” Raspen said with a fond smile.
“I do,” Harry agreed. There was another knock on the door and Logi was on the other side with Hadrian. Harry stood up from Perry’s lap and went to his Fire Mage and Shadow Ace. “Hello, you two. What is going on?”
“Are you still busy?” Logi asked him. Harry turned back to Perry and Ethan who both shook their heads no.
“Nope. I am through with all of the learning I am going to do today,” Harry responded. The Fire Mage smiled down at him.
“I would like to ask you to accompany me for a lunch date. Just the two of us,” Logi inquired. Harry grinned and nodded.
“That would be nice, Logi. I would like that,” Harry agreed. Harry looked over at Hadrian. “Did you need something as well, My Ace?”
“No, Kitten. I was just escorting your Fire Mage to the Royal Compound. He showed up at the house looking for you,” Hadrian answered.
“Thank you, Hadrian, for bringing him to me,” Harry said with a smile. Then, he turned back up to Logi. “Are you ready to go now?”
“Yes, Love,” Logi answered. Harry kissed his three other bonded goodbye and then told the Earth Royal goodbye before letting Logi take him by the hand and lead him from the Compound.
“Where are we going?” Harry asked excitedly. Logi smiled down at him.
“I booked a reservation at The Fire Pit in the Fire sections. It is a very nice restaurant. I wanted to take you out and spoil you a little and present you with my first official courting gift,” Logi answered him.
“Oh, that sounds lovely. I am so excited to go somewhere new with you. Am I dressed ok for this place?” Harry asked concerned. He didn’t want to look bad if Logi was taking him somewhere nice. Logi stopped walking long enough to kiss Harry chastely on the lips and give him an appreciative look.
“You look ravishing, Saeti. Perfect just as you are,” Logi insisted. Harry blushed a bright pink and was happy when Logi smirked and started walking again.
“Thank you, Logi,” Harry said with glee. He loved the way his bonded cared for him. They always knew exactly what to say. When they stepped into a transportation room, Harry clung to Logi and concentrated on him. He was still afraid of accidentally breaking a portal since he heard that it was something that could happen. He had the worst luck sometimes.
They arrived in the Fire Section without issue. It was a little stifling for Harry but nothing that he couldn’t put up with. This would be his first time in the Fire Section. He was pretty sure his bonded had avoided bringing him here so far because of how in touch he was with his Merrow side.
Logi led him through the streets of a beautiful little shopping area that had stalls with lovely clothes and jewelry for sale it was all really pretty and done in reds and oranges. Harry loved all of it. The finally reached their destination and it was a beautiful restaurant that seemed to be carved from the side of the volcano. Harry could see a literal pool of Lava out the window they were sat next to.
“This place is so pretty, Logi,” Harry said with wonder.
“I am glad that you like it,” Logi said with a smile. The waiter came to their table and Harry let Logi order for him. He didn’t know much about the options on the menu, but he was willing to try anything.
Harry and Logi had a lovely lunch and talked about nearly everything that had been happening to the two of them since they had agreed to bond a few days ago. When they were caught up, Logi told Harry more stories about the things he had done in his life on Earth and after leaving. It was a really good meal.
“I would like to give you, your courting gift now,” Logi said and pulled a box from his pouch and sat it on the table. Harry smiled and reached for the gift to open it. Inside the box were two gorgeous arm rings. They were engraved with Nordic Runes and designs. They looked old but well cared for. Harry pulled them from the box and looked them over before holding them out to Logi.
“Will you put them on me?” Harry asked with a blinding smile. “They are absolutely beautiful, Logi.”
The Fire Mage smiled and then took the Arm Rings from Harry and then knelt on the floor in front of the Submissive. He held the Arm Rings in his hands and stared at them fondly.
“These were my mothers. My father had them made for her and gifted them to her when they bonded. My mother gave them to me when I told her about courting you. I hope that you will accept them,” Logi informed Harry of the significance of the gift he was giving him.
“I love them, Logi. They are beautiful and I will wear them with pride,” Harry told the kneeling Fire Mage. Logi’s entire face brightened, and Harry couldn’t resist reaching out and cupping his face. Then he kissed the Fire Mage and whispered against his lips. “Please, put them on me, Logi.”
“They will sit just here on your arms, and they won’t cover any of your claiming marks when you wear them,” Logi told him as he placed the first ring on his arm. “The Runes are for protection, among other things. They will alert me if you are ever in danger and have need of me.” Logi told him as he placed the second ring on his arm. Then Logi lifted his sleeve to show a more masculine version of the rings on his own arms.
“Thank you, Logi. This gift is perfect. I love it so much more knowing that they mean so much to you as well,” Harry said. Logi stood from his kneeling position and held a hand out for Harry to help him stand.
“I would like to take you shopping at the market nearby. I will get you anything that you desire before we leave the Fire Section. Then I will take you anywhere you want to go,” Logi told him.
Harry let the Fire Mage lead him through the market. He ended up with a few new outfits that were a little more revealing than he was used to, but he knew that his bonded would love them. Plus, he had felt so pretty in them when he had tried them on for Logi.
The Fire Mage bought him jewelry and hair pieces. Basically, anything that Harry picked up for longer than a few seconds was purchased for him. He had had to stop picking things up and laughed when he insisted that he didn’t need so many things. Logi had shrugged and told him he had plenty to spend.
Apparently, the Mage had been doing jobs that paid him quite well and had been only living on the bare minimum. He was well off and ready to spend as much of it as possible on Harry before he combined it with the Circle finances. Finally, after a few hours, Harry had convinced Logi that he was tired and was ready to go home.
Ethan, Mistral, and Oliver were happy to take his new things and put them away for him. They insisted Harry would try on his new clothes for them later. Logi was handed a jar of moisturizer from Quinn and then the two of them were sent to a private room.
Harry relished in the pampering he received from Logi. Being in the Fire Section had dried his skin out more than he thought it had because when Logi coaxed him into a shower his skin soaked up the water like crazy. When they exited the shower, Logi made Harry lay out on the bed naked and he took his time covering Harry in the moisturizer and teasing him until he was begging the Fire Mage to take him and complete their bond.
He was quite sated and quite happy when the two of them joined the others for dinner. The power boost that was coursing through their circle from adding the Mage was noticeable as well. All of Harry’s Fire Types kept losing control of their flames at random times all evening.
His Merrow had not been very happy with the random heads of hair catching on fire among other displays so right after dinner they had retreated to their lower levels. Harry had fun making bets with his other bonded and Draco’s on who would be next to sport a flaming head. It had been great fun and Harry enjoyed bragging about his wonderful date and showing off his newest courting gift. It was a great day.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Home Day 16: Bill, Caelus, and the Aces
“So, what exactly is going on?” Caelus asked.
“I got a message from Riven and Cethin. They were called away to handle a situation on Earth. Something is going on with the Torvak. They seem to be plotting and the Royals sent Mages and Gheyo down to try and figure it out,” Bill answered. Then he turned to Xander. "They are two of our Mages."
“Ok, and what has happened?” Glynn asked. He knew that Alcandor had been up in arms about whatever it was as well.
“They found the main base of operations for the Torvak. It was deserted but they found evidence that they had been plotting with Albus Dumbledore to infiltrate Nevarah and basically wipe us out,” Hadrian answered. He had been with Bill when he had talked with their Mages.
“But now that they know an attack has been planned, then they should be able to head it off. Right?” Xander asked. “They have double patrols and alerted the military circles to be ready?”
“They aren’t doing anything right now. They want more information before they cause a panic,” Bill spat out a bit angrily. “Riven and Cethin weren’t even supposed to say anything to us, but they felt it was necessary considering Harry and Draco’s personal issues with this specific man.”
“I haven’t been given all of the information about Harry’s past or Soulscream,” Xander pointed out.
“You and I will talk about it after we are done here,” Bill told him. Xander nodded. He wanted all of the information that he could get so that he could understand more fully why everyone was on alert about this.
“We will tighten down on our defenses here. Harry will go nowhere without Gheyo with him. We will speak to Sol about this as well as the rest of their family. They all need to be informed and ready. We will hire in help if we need to. They won’t get to Harry or Draco,” Caelus instructed.
“That is what I was thinking as well. We have more Gheyo than Draco does so we will work with his circle to make sure that he is just as protected as Harry is. If they have plans to infiltrate Nevarah and we don’t know what they are, yet they could already be here, and we could have no knowledge of it. With the Hunt going on and people coming in from everywhere there is every chance they are already here,” Hadrian stated.
“Riven said there was also evidence that they are working with another race or two of creatures and there was no indication of which one. So, we need to be aware of that,” Bill added.
“We will be careful and alert. Nothing will get to Harry or Draco. We will make sure of it. We should have a family meeting about this tonight. Everyone needs to be made aware,” Glynn spoke up.
“Agreed. We should include The Evanson-Malfoy circle as well as The Elswoods and possibly the Peverells. That way the Mentors and their circles are also aware,” Hadrian pointed out.
“That sounds good,” Bill agreed. “Ok, so Xander if you will stay here with me, we can talk about Harry and his family. It will give you some insight into why this is likely to affect him personally. Hadrian speak with Sol so that she is aware of what is going on and inform her that we are having a family meeting tonight. Ask her to contact Lewis Peverell to be here as well. Glynn contact the Evanson-Malfoy circle and inform that we would like them to be here this evening for a meeting. Let them know it is important. That they can bring Jun, Briar, and Rian if they want as well. I will speak with the Elswoods when they bring Harry home in a few hours. Caelus send a message out to our circle to let them know they are required to be home for a family meeting this evening.”
“Yes, Alpha,” The four of them said together with a small bow. Bill was a cut-up most of time and always up for a good prank or good joke, but when he was serious, he had this aura around him that demanded respect and obedience. His circle respected him for it and knew not to oppose him when he was like this. Caelus, Glynn, and Hadrian left to do what they had been instructed to do and Xander joined his Alpha on the couch in the room and listened as he told him everything about Harry’s life.
~~~~~~~~~~~
The Hunt Day 16: Harry, Draco, Maury, Jauren, and Ian
“So, you have been leaving all of the networking to Draco?” Maury asked him with a grin. Harry blushed and nodded.
“Honestly, I didn’t even think about it,” Harry admitted. He looked around and frowned. They were currently on the Submissive floors at the Hunt. Harry had been dragged down here the moment his Mentor had found out that he had only been here once the first day when Bahn had forced them to come out here.
“This isn’t exactly Harry’s strong point. I enjoy doing it.” Draco spoke up as he linked hands with his brother. Maury smiled at the solidarity between the twins.
“I understand that. I was and am still no good at all of the socializing part of things. My Alpha handled most of this part of things as well as a few of my other less socially awkward bonded. I only bring it up because even if you are no good at this part of things, you still need to be seen. Talk to people. Let them know who you are and build friendships with them,” Maury stated.
“If you make friends with your allies, they are more eager and willing to come when you call for help. Or to offer favors when you have need of them,” Ian pointed out.
“If Draco is the only face they ever see or learn, then the burden falls on him alone to handle these things and that isn’t exactly fair to him. Considering you aren’t even bonded into the same circle they may come if his circle is in need but not yours,” Jauren added.
“Do you understand now? It is ok for him to handle networking and socializing for both circles, but you need to make appearances as well,” Maury stated.
“Anyone that I have accepted friendships, alliances, or have no quarrel with understands that it includes both circles,” Draco spoke up. Harry squeezed his brother’s hand.
“It’s ok, Drake, they aren’t wrong. It isn’t fair to you that you are doing this alone. I should be with you to share the responsibility at least sometimes,” Harry soothed his brother. He could tell that Draco was getting ready to defend him again and he didn’t want him getting worked up when he knew that his mentor was right.
“Yeah, but you are likely to accidentally offend someone without realizing it. You’re really shit at this part of things. You weren’t raised with the same social training that I was,” Draco pointed out. Harry grinned and shrugged his shoulders.
“Well, with four of you here, you should be able to keep me from offending anyone too badly. As long as I don’t run into Nosedive Yanek, I should be able to keep my Ferros instincts under control,” Harry teased.
“I feel like that is a story we need to hear,” Ian said with a chuckle at the look on Harry’s face.
“We can tell you all about it when we are home with one of Harry’s Aces or Varon and Donovan. They are the best at calming him when he gets a little Feral and we are talking about Yanek he is most definitely going to be a little Feral,” Draco insisted.
“Harry, Draco!!” There was a call from behind them. The twins turned to see grinning Bahn and a frowning Bhindi heading toward them.
“Bahn,” Harry greeted happily and let the older Submissive pull him into a tight hug. Draco greeted Bhindi who was actually nice to him. Harry was not surprised that Draco got along better than he did with Bhindi.
“Hello, Loveling. How have you been? We need to see each other more often. You spend far too much time with your Gheyo,” Bahn insisted. Bahn eyed Harry’s outfit with a smile. “You look absolutely lovely. This is definitely from the Fire Sections.”
“It is,” Harry beamed with pride. He knew he looked lovely. His Bonded had made a point to let him know just how lovely this morning when he had gotten dressed and gone to breakfast.
He was wearing scarlet red silk Harem pants, a very revealing scarlet crop top trimmed in gold runes that had silk pieces that attached to his new arm rings. He was also wearing the new anklet from Maury and other jewelry that Logi had bought him in the Fire section. His hair was loose and in styled ringlets and he was only holding it back with his Circlet. His belly chain had been braided with scarlet and gold chains. He looked and felt so pretty.
“Most all of this was gifted to me by my new Fire Mage. He took me shopping two days ago in the Fire Section after a lovely meal at The Fire Pit and presenting me with these Arm Rings that used to belong to his mother,” Harry bragged.
“Well, good on him. You look absolutely ravishing. I am surprised that your bonded let you out of the house like that. Where are your weapons? I know you carry them at all times,” Bahn asked as he looked Harry over.
“I am armed,” Harry said with a grin. “I won’t tell you where they are, but I am carrying three blades and at least two items with poisoned tips.”
“Of course, you are,” Bahn said with a laugh. “Should have known before I even asked. Who are your new friends?”
Harry smiled brightly and turned so that he was facing everyone.
“This is my Mentor Maurice Elswood and his sons Jauren Elswood and Ian Elswood. Guys this is Bahn and Bhindi Deveraine they are my Beta Theo’s family circle,” Harry introduced everyone.
“It is lovely to meet you,” Maury said and gave them a formal bow. “Harry speaks highly of you. Says that you have been very helpful to him. I am grateful.”
“Harry and Draco are family. We introduced their younger sister during the Introductions last week. We are close with their family. I know they are very happy that you are here. Harry is a wonderful young man, you are very lucky,” Bahn said as he wrapped an arm around Harry and pressed a kiss to his head.
“Thank you, I know that I am very lucky,” Maury said with a grin.
The seven of them got a table and sat to chat for a while. About an hour in, Surajini showed up with the Patil twins and joined them for lunch and conversation.
“So, how is your Hunt going, Darling?” Surajini asked Harry.
“Perfectly, I completed my third suite a few days ago and my second suite is only one King away from being complete. I completed my bond with my Fire Mage two days ago. I am really only thinking about added two more to my circle at this point. Another Pareya and a Beta. I feel like that will satisfy my instincts, but we will see,” Harry answered her.
“Oh, that is lovely, does that mean we may get to plan a bonding ceremony before the Hunt is finished?” Surajini asked excitedly. Harry smiled and nodded.
“Yeah, hopefully. You have already started planning, haven’t you?” Harry asked her.
“Not really planning,” Surajini stated. “I have mostly been putting together the guest list and contacting family members to see who wants to be involved in the planning process.”
“I have been quite involved in that with her. We halved the families of your bonded so that we could cover more ground. I think we are planning to get together next week actually to go through our lists and make sure that there won’t be any conflict with the guests,” Bahn added.
“The three of us are no good with planning things like this but we would like to contribute funds,” Ian spoke up.
“Wonderful, we are opening an account that the families can put funds into for the bonding ceremony. A few of the families insisted,” Surajini let them know. “I will get with Quinn about your new bonded so that I can contact their families as well.”
“It sounds like you have it under control,” Maury praised them.
“So, who are you considering for your last three bonded?” Bahn asked Harry.
“Well, my Merrow and I have our eye on a King that is part of Crimson Tide. He has been assigned to guard me a few times by my uncle and he gave me a favor, so I know he is interested. He has a fight scheduled in a few days and we are going to watch it and then approach him about courting or bonding,” Harry answered.
“He has sent out a few replies to Pareya, but he hasn’t met up with any of them yet,” Draco added.
“And what about the Betas?” Maury asked. Harry blushed.
“I have a date with one in a few days,” Harry answered. Draco laughed when the others looked curious about the blush.
“It’s with Ariki,” Draco told Bahn. The Submissive smiled brightly.
“Well, I guess that explains why our boy has been so flustered and blushing whenever Harry is mentioned,” Bahn said with a laugh.
“I am assuming that Beta is yours as well?” Maury asked curiously.
“Yes,” Bahn answered with a grin. “Theodore is our Ilsa’s mentored student. He doesn’t have family, so we claimed him as ours. He and Harry have been courting since they were fifteen, I believe. Ilsa is Ariki’s bearer.”
“Seems like our Harry has taken a liking to your boys,” Jauren teased.
“We are perfectly ok with that. He is a wonderful young man, and our boys are lucky to have him,” Bahn agreed. Harry blushed brightly. “So, do you have dates set up with any other Betas?”
“No, I want to see how things go with Ariki first. He and I have only really talked with a group around. I want us to have the chance to have a little one on one time to decide if we really do like each other and are compatible,” Harry answered.
“That’s good, you are making wonderful choices, Darling,” Surajini added.
“I know, it is like he doesn’t even need a Mentor,” Maury fake pouted. Harry swatted at him.
“Oh, stop it, of course I need you,” Harry stated firmly.
“Are these your daughters?” Maury asked Surajini. The Submissive smiled with pride and nodded her head.
“They were not born to me and my circle, but they are ours none the less. We adopted them from Earth when we were there after Harry and Draco’s Soulscreams,” Surajini answered.
“Padma and Parvati Patil,” Draco introduced them to Maury and the others. “We went to school with them.”
“How are the two of you settling in here?” Harry asked them.
“It is wonderful here,” Parvati answered.
“Jini’s family has been so welcoming and helpful,” Padma added.
“Are the two of you sticking with not Hunting this season?” Draco asked them.
“Yeah, we want to learn more about what we are,” Padma stated.
“So, that we will know more about what is expected of us and what it means to be Dragel,” Parvati added.
“Before we join a circle and are bumbling around like idiots,” Padma finished.
“That is a very smart decision,” Bahn praised them.
“It is how I would have done things if I hadn’t given a scream,” Draco agreed with them. Then he turned to Harry and scowled at him. “Not that I would change anything about how I got my circle. I already told you that I am perfectly happy and settled.”
“Right, well when you do decide you are ready to Hunt. It is so much fun. I have enjoyed every moment of it,” Harry stated. “Our older brother Neville is doing the same thing. He isn’t Hunting this season either. He is busy learning everything about what it means to be an Alpha in this society. He wants to be settled and prepared when he decides to court a Submissive and Beta.”
“Neville always was the brightest of you Gryffindor boys,” Padma pointed out. Parvati nodded her agreement.
“Well, it is getting late, and I believe I have spotted our escort heading this way,” Maury said with a smile. Alonz and Raijin were heading toward them. Harry perked up, he was ready to be home with his bonded. This was the first day that he had spent so long without even one of them with him. He missed them.
They said their goodbyes to the other Submissives and Harry let Maury tuck him close for the portal home. He dashed out of the portal room as soon as they arrived and plowed into the first bonded he came across which happened to be Bill. He climbed his Alpha like a tree and kissed him until they were both a bit breathless.
“Hello, Trouble,” Bill said when he had caught his breath. “Miss me?”
“Yes,” Harry said and nuzzled his Alpha’s neck.
“Did anything happen today?” Bill asked. Harry shook his head no.
“It’s the first day, since his scream that he hasn’t been with one of you. He is probably only a little unsettled. Just make sure he gets lots of cuddles,” Draco said with a laugh.
“Of course we will,” Bill said and adjusted Harry so that he was holding him more comfortably. “Can the five of you stay for a family meeting?”
“We can. What happened?” Alonz answered for them all.
“Something has come up that will most likely affect our Harry and his entire family. We are going to be tightening our defenses for an unknown amount of time. We are also having his family circle and Draco’s mentor here as well,” Bill answered.
“Should we send for our Aces?” Raijin inquired. “If this is going to be a discussion about protection and defense they should probably be here.”
“That would be a good idea,” Hadrian said from the doorway. “The Peverells have just arrived, that only leaves a few stragglers that we are waiting for. Hello, Kitten.”
“Hi Hadrian,” Harry said a bit worriedly. “What’s going on?” He knew he had bad feeling. Things could never be good for him for so long without something bad happening.
“Nothing yet, Kitten,” Hadrian told him truthfully. “We are just being cautious. Just be patient until everyone is here, and we will discuss it with everyone. Can you do that for me?”
“Yes, My Ace,” Harry said and then he kissed Bill on the cheek before reaching for his Shadow Ace. He always felt so much more settled in a bad situation when his Gheyo were with him. The Ace was happy to have his Submissive in his arms. He nuzzled Harry and nipped at his neck before he took him and headed to the sitting room where the others were gathering.
Hadrian took a seat on the sofa between Xander and Glynn. Harry sighed happily when he settled more comfortably in Hadrian’s lap and received kisses from his other two Aces. Donovan leaned over the couch and nuzzled him gently before standing up straight but not leaving his spot at their back.
Enlil settled at Hadrian’s feet and leaned back against his Ace. When everyone was finished finding a seat and settling in, Harry had been passed down to the Prince’s lap. Caspian was sitting to his left at Glynn’s feet and Adad was on his right at Xander’s feet. Harry was nearly purring at the attention from his Gheyo.
“Well, he looks quite happy, doesn’t he?” Sirius teased when he settled down between Severus and Remus.
“He absolutely does,” Frank agreed.
“So, what are we all here for? This seems like one hell of a family meeting,” Lucius stated as he took a seat next to James and Lily.
“We received a message from our Mages that were called to handle a situation on Earth,” Bill started right into the heart of the situation. “This information we are not supposed to have but they thought it was relevant. There is evidence that Albus was working with a massive group of Torvak as well as another unidentified race…”
Bill explained everything that Riven and Cethin had reported to them. Then he explained what they had decided about safety and that they were willing to hire Gheyo to help guard them all. Harry and Draco were both instructed to go nowhere without at least one Gheyo for now. Lily, Luna, and Neville were given the same instructions.
“Is there a confirmed danger on Nevarah?” Harry asked after Bill and the other Dominant Dragel had finished talking.
“No, Trouble. We are just being cautious for now,” Bill answered. “They may not even target you or your family. Albus was the one who was obsessed with your family, and he is gone. The Torvak, as far as we can tell are only out for the annihilation of Dragel kind as a whole.”
“Oh, good. I don’t know if I could handle being the target of another mad man and his followers,” Harry said with a chuckle. Enlil hugged him tighter.
“They would never get close to you, Kitten,” Hadrian promised.
“No, they wouldn’t,” Xander agreed. Harry smiled up at his Aces. He loved how safe and settled they made him feel. He would most likely be sleeping on the Gheyo floor for tonight.
“I think we should increase out daily training. Take a few hours out of every day to train together to stay sharp,” Glynn stated.
“Agreed. And I want to be included,” Harry said with a grin.
“Of course, you are included,” Donovan agreed. “You are fast and precise, but you definitely need more training.”
“I would like to be involved as well. I don’t know how many of you have guessed who I am if at all, but I am the wielder of Ryker’s Bane. I am very well versed in what it means to be a military circle. I can help train your Submissive with his sword and prepare him for his role as a Submissive in a Military Circle,” Maury spoke up.
“Oh, that makes so much sense,” Hadrian said with a grin. “And your help and tutelage are very welcome. Harry could not have been paired with a better mentor.”
“Isn’t that truth,” Harry agreed. “So, go nowhere without at least one Gheyo and mandatory training every day. Is this the only thing that is changing for now? We still get to go about life like normal, but we are just a little more cautious.”
“Correct. We just want everyone to be aware of the possibility of danger,” Bill answered.
“You did good, William,” Lucius told him. “A very good Alpha for my boy. All of you, you have all taken such good care of our boys. They could not have asked for better bonded.”
Sol and Bill both acknowledged the praise for what it was. Quinn and the other Pareya headed for the kitchen at that time to prepare a large dinner for everyone. The others still in the sitting room pulled out games to play or just took the time to catch up and talk.
Harry and Draco made their way to their parents. Harry was happily snuggled up with Lucius as he talked with Ian and Jauren’s Alphas. Draco had found his way to James and Lily. It was a nice evening once you moved past the reason, they were all called together.
They had a great dinner when it was time, and no one spoke of the night's news. Only good things and what everyone had been up to during the hunt. Everyone who didn’t live there said their goodbyes when dinner was over and those that did live there retired for the night. Harry slept quite contently between Wikhn and Kisten until it was time for shifts to change and Xander and Damon crawled into bed with him.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 17
“Ready, Love?” Alec asked Harry. He had just finished helping him dress for the day. They would have breakfast with Alcandor.
“I think so,” Harry said with a hesitant smile. Alec kissed him on the cheek and nuzzled his neck.
“You act like your uncle would ever do anything to put you in a bad situation. He is only doing this to spend more time with you. He just has a funny way of showing it,” Alec assured him.
“I hope you are right. I don’t mind spending time with him for the day. I am just afraid that I am going to mess something up if he really wants me to take notes for the meetings. I am not good at this kind of stuff,” Harry insisted.
“It’s fine. I will be there as well as Perry and Ethan. Everything is fine. You are going to have more fun than you think you are. The meetings can be stuffy but for the most part the Royals just sit around and snip at each other,” Alec insisted.
Just then Ethan popped his head in. He smiled brightly at Harry and Alec.
“You both look lovely. It is time to go. The Merrow Gheyo are all waiting downstairs. We will port straight to the Royal Compound. We will be having breakfast with the Royals. They are making a thing of it today. Oh, and there is a surprise waiting for you downstairs as well,” Ethan instructed them.
“A surprise for me?” Harry said eagerly. He loved when his bonded gave him surprises.
“Yep, and you are going to love it,” Alec insisted. Harry grinned at them both before he darted from the room and down the stairs. He smiled brightly when he saw Draco standing with his Merrow. His brother was dressed nearly identically as he was with his Circlet sitting on his head.
“You are coming too?” Harry exclaimed. Draco smiled up at him.
“Of course, I am. Did you think I would let you do this by yourself when it causes you so much anxiety? Besides Uncle Al sent a message about wanting us both there. Something about showing off his nephews to the other Royals,” Draco stated happily. Draco was always ready to show off and Harry was always happy to let him do it while he sat in the background.
“Thank Merlin,” Harry said as he hugged his twin. “I was so anxious about all of this.”
“We know, Kitten,” Glynn said and kissed him on the head.
“Ok, are we all ready to go?” Alec said as he and Ethan joined them downstairs.
“I believe we are all ready to head out,” Perry answered.
The group of them headed for the Transportation room and ported straight to the compound. There was an Ace waiting for them and he led them to the Merrow section of the compound. Perry left with the Ace to go to the Air section to meet up with his sister.
“There you all are. Right on time,” Alcandor said with a smile. Harry and Draco both let the Merrow King pull them into a hug and fuss over them for a moment.
“Hey, Uncle Al,” Harry greeted their uncle.
“It’s good to see you,” Draco finished for him.
“I am just glad to have you both together. I can’t ever manage to pin you both down. Thus, why I invited you both along today,” Alcandor said with a grin.
“Hello Tempest,” Harry said with a slight blush.
“It is good to see you again, Highness,” Tempest said with a bow.
“Are you on guard duty today?” Harry asked.
“I am. I will be here all day to make sure you are all safe,” Tempest said with a wink.
“Wonderful. We plan to catch your fight in a few days in the Pits,” Harry informed the King.
“Then I will make sure to do my best to impress,” Tempest responded.
“I know you will,” Harry said happily.
“Hey boys,” Laurent said as he strode into the room.
“Hey, dad,” Draco and Harry said together and hugged their dad.
“All right, that is everyone here. Let’s head up for breakfast,” Alcandor insisted. “Remember that your Suite are guards today so let them do their jobs when the others are around. Don’t distract them. If you want a cuddle, go to Alec, Ethan, or your father and I.”
“I believe your Charlie will also be there and of course Perry. Lots of options for cuddles,” Laurant pointed out. Draco laughed when Harry pouted.
“Guess, I should have spent more time getting cuddles this morning,” Harry stated and then he grinned. Then he turned to his Gheyo. “I expect so many cuddles when we are done here. Like a giant puppy pile.”
“Anything you want, Princeling,” Chelan agreed. Harry grinned and stole a kiss from each of his bonded Gheyo before they headed out of the room.
Harry had a much better day than he thought he was going to have. Breakfast was fun and it turned out he knew more people in the room than he didn’t know. He and Draco both took notes and added to the conversations that took place that day. He and Draco were sent to enjoy lunch at the Hunt with a few of the Gheyo to guard them. Which is where they were now.
“Come on, I want to try that place over there,” Harry said excitedly. He turned around to make sure that Draco and the Gheyo were following. Draco called a warning at the same time someone else shouted. But it was too late. Harry walked right into what felt like a brick wall and tumbled to the ground.
“I am so sorry. I wasn’t watching where I was walking,” a deep soothing voice spoke to him. Harry looked up into beautiful amber eyes and could feel something click into place.
“Oh,” Harry sighed out with a smile. “Hi.” Harry reached up and the man grasped his hand and gently pulled him to his feet. He didn’t let go of Harry’s hand and didn’t stop Harry when he stepped closer.
“Magnus, are you ok? Is he ok? Did you hurt…” The man that walked up to them stopped talking when Harry locked eyes with him. He was just as handsome as the man who had knocked into him. Harry felt something click into place with him as well and laughed at the startled look on both men’s faces.
“Perfect. So, perfect,” Harry said. “Soulbonds.”
“Yes, Soulbonds,” the second man said with smile. “I’m Bryn. Earth Pareya. This massive brick wall is Magnus, he and I are Soulbonded to each other. And you as well it seems.”
“It is so nice to meet you both,” Harry said with a grin. “I am Harry Evanson-Malfoy.”
“Let me guess, you have Toracle leanings?” Draco said from next to them.
“Not primarily, but I have trained that way as well. If that is what you are looking for then I can definitely fill that role for you,” Bryn answered.
“Why don’t you two join us for lunch and you can talk all about it,” Draco offered.
“We have eaten already but we will be happy to join you for the conversation,” Magnus accepted.
“Wonderful,” Harry said. He was still holding Magnus’ hand and was quite happy when Bryn took the spot on his other side.
They chose a table and ordered their food. The two Gheyo stood a few feet away from them to let them have privacy.
“This is my twin brother Draco. He and his circle live with us, and we are all very close,” Harry introduced Draco.
“Are you a merged Circle? Or plan to merge?” Bryn asked.
“No, I am a Ferros and am building a military circle. My brother is made of softer things. Doesn’t enjoy the fight the way me and mine do,” Harry answered. “We are just very close, and it is physically painful to be apart from each other. So, we stay close.”
“So, you are building a Military Circle. How is that going?” Magnus asked. He loved a good fight.
“Perfectly. I have two full suites and only need a King to complete my third. Though I am hoping to have him claimed soon. I have Three mages and four jokers as well,” Harry let them know.
“And how many Pareya?” Bryn asked.
“Three, you make four,” Harry responded. “A Toracle was the last Pareya that I was looking for.”
“You are asking a lot of questions about him. Where you not here for introductions? Most people already know all of this stuff,” Draco asked them.
“Oh, no. We only just arrived today. We were away on business for my mother,” Magnus answered. “She needed us to transport some Were’s for her that were rescued from Earth. There was a double Soulscream that caused quite the stir.”
“Sorry,” Harry said sheepishly.
“That would be us,” Draco added. “My brother was attacked by a madman and when it happened our bond was wide open because he was calling for help. When he gave his Soulscream it triggered one for me as well.”
“Oh, well imagine that,” Bryn said with a laugh.
“Why was your mother interested in Werewolves from Earth?” Harry asked curiously.
“She is an Alpha and tends to collect strays,” Magnus answered carefully.
“So, that would make you a born Were? Right?” Harry asked. Magnus smiled when he realized that Harry was more curious than judging.
“Yes, I am a born Werewolf. Does it bother you?” Magnus asked bravely.
“Well, if it does, I think my feelings are going to be very hurt,” Harry looked up and smiled at Remus and Lucius who had apparently come up on them without being noticed.
“Of course, it doesn’t bother me. I have the pleasure of calling one of the greatest Werewolves I know, Dad,” Harry said with a laugh. Magnus seemed to relax, and Bryn reached behind Harry and patted his shoulder.
“That’s what I thought, Pup. Now introduce your old dads,” Remus teased.
“Neither of you are old,” Draco stated and then laughed. “Harry stumbled quite literally into two open Soulbonds.”
“Sure did. Isn’t it exciting? This is Bryn, he is an Earth Pareya, and this is Magnus a born Werewolf,” Harry introduced them with pride.
“And this is our Sire Lucius Evanson-Malfoy and our dad Remus Evanson-Malfoy,” Draco added.
“It is very nice to meet you both. Our son has very unique luck. I hope we will be welcoming you to the family soon,” Lucius greeted the two men.
“We hope to be welcomed into the family as well,” Bryn responded. “Happy to meet you both.”
“Do you guys want to join us for lunch?” Draco asked.
“Unfortunately, we are busy. We were on our way to meet up with a few Gheyo we are considering hiring to look after Luna and Neville when they are away from us so that they don’t have parents hovering while they are enjoying the Hunt,” Lucius replied.
“We just saw the two of you as we were passing and wanted to say hi,” Remus added.
“I thought the two of you were supposed to be with your uncle in the royal meetings all day?” Lucius pointed out.
“We are,” Harry and Draco said together.
“They let us go for lunch,” Draco continued.
“Figured we deserved a break from all of them,” Harry added.
“And none of your Gheyo came with you?” Lucius asked and looked around.
“No, they are on official duty today and apparently it is against the rules for a Royals’ Gheyo to guard them,” Harry said with a pout.
“We have the two of them,” Draco said and pointed to the Gheyo that were standing a few feet away.
“Aww, I see and the two of you are acting as Royals today,” Remus said with a laugh. “And from the looks of surprise from you two new friends, they didn’t know.”
“Oh, no,” Harry said with grin. “We hadn’t gotten that far. Our father is brother to the Merrow King. We are third and fourth in line to the throne currently until Uncle Al starts having babies.”
“Well, that is quite a surprise,” Bryn responded. “I guess it explains the circlets as well. I was curious if they were just for aesthetic. Guess now we know.”
“Sorry. I wasn’t trying to keep it from you. It is just that we are so used to most everyone already knowing,” Harry apologized.
“Don’t apologize,” Magnus said and squeezed Harry’s hand. “It is just a show of good character that you don’t flaunt it like most would.”
“Exactly,” Bryn agreed.
“Well, finish your lunch boys and run along back to the Royal Compound before they send out a search party,” Lucius instructed.
They bid Remus and Lucius farewell and finished up their lunch. Harry was not eager to part ways with Bryn and Magnus. He could feel their open bonds reaching for each other and he really just wanted to run away with them back home and seal them.
“Bring them with, Har. The others will understand,” Draco finally stated when he saw his brother hesitate.
“You don’t think they will mind?” Harry asked.
“Of course, they won’t,” Draco said with a grin. “We are a bit spoiled when it comes to our family.”
“That is so true,” Harry agreed. Then he turned to Bryn and Magnus. “Are the two of you busy? Do you want to come with me?”
“I have some arrangements to make and a few things to tend to if we are going to be coming home with you,” Magnus stated.
“And we do want to do that,” Bryn pointed out.
“So, I am going to take care of those things and Bryn is going to go with you,” Magnus finished as if Bryn hadn’t interrupted. “I will meet up with you when I am done.”
“These are the coordinates to our home. If we are not still at the compound when you are finished with your errands,” Draco said and handed over a piece of paper.
“Thank you,” Magnus said and put the paper in his pocket. “May I kiss you?” Magnus asked Harry.
“Yes, please,” Harry said eagerly. The Werewolf pulled Harry close and wrapped him in his arms tightly before he nuzzled the side of his face and placed a gentle chaste kiss at the corner of his mouth. Then he released Harry and bowed to him in thanks. Then he kissed Bryn and scent marked him before he strode away from them.
“Alright come on,” Draco said. “I think we managed to get that search party anyway.” He pointed to where Charlie, Glynn, and Caspian were striding toward them.
“Hey guys,” Harry said happily. “We were just on our way back. Got a bit distracted.” Harry pulled Bryn close to him and joined their hands together.
“We can see that, Kitten. Find a new friend?” Charlie asked with a chuckle.
“Yep,” Harry said and popped his ‘p’. “A Soulbonded.”
“Two of them,” Draco added just to see the looks of fond exasperation on the Gheyos’ faces. “The other is a Werewolf who is already Soulbonded to this one. He had somethings to handle and will be joining the rest of you later.”
“You have the funniest luck, Love,” Caspian said with a laugh. “Life is never boring with you around.”
“If I didn’t know any better, I would swear you were Chaos blessed,” Glynn added. Harry just fake pouted at them all.
“Oh, it isn’t that bad,” Harry stated.
“Of course, it isn’t, Love,” Charlie said. “Now, let’s get back before we get in trouble. Welcome to the family.” Charlie said to Bryn before they all headed back to the compound.
Harry explained to everyone who Bryn was and was happily settled in the Pareya’s lap for the rest of the meetings that were held that day. When it was finally time to head home, Harry was so excited.
Magnus had beaten them to the house and had already made friends with some of his other bonded. Charlie had sent a message home earlier to let them know Harry had two new bonded coming home with them and that one of them might arrive before the rest of them did. Bryn was welcomed with open arms by Harry’s other Pareya who whisked him away to the kitchen to help with dinner while Magnus talked with Harry’s Gheyo about being added to the patrol and joining in on the training.
It was a great evening that ended with him sealing two new bonds. While they lay together cuddling afterward Harry smiled and settled contentedly between them. They had been the last of his open Soulbonds. It settled something deep inside of him to have them closed. He would add two more to his circle and then he would be through Hunting. He had his heart set on Tempest and Ariki, and he really hoped it went the way he wanted it to.
Chapter 18: Hope, Love, and Happiness
Summary:
Things move along for Harry, his bonded, and his family. He is happy and feels settled. He finishes his circle and learns some fun things about his family.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
~~~~~~~~~~~
The Pits: Day 19
“He is fantastic,” Harry exclaimed.
“Yeah, he is,” Chelan agreed.
“Merrow really are the most vicious fighters I have ever seen,” Sirius stated.
Harry had come to The Pits with his Merrow Suite as well as Sirius, Frank, and Alice. He was finally getting to see Tempest fight. And he was delivering on his promise to put on a show.
The fight had already been going on for around twenty minutes now and Tempest was dominating even if he was bleeding from multiple wounds. His opponent realized he was being toyed with about ten minutes ago and had gotten angry which made him sloppy.
“The thing that gets me, is that he is playing with his opponent. What kind of damage could he do if he was serious?” Frank added.
“So, much,” Glynn answered. “He isn’t a member of Crimson Tide because he is pretty.”
“He is also one of only two members that are not pure Merrow. It has given him quite the bragging rights,” Marin insisted.
“Uncle Al has sent him to guard me every time he has sent someone. That should tell you something if nothing else does,” Harry spoke up. “Oh, I think he is through playing.”
Tempest was, in fact, through playing. He swung his trident around and then his face smoothed out from the grin he had sported through the entire fight. He rolled his shoulders and dropped into a ready position.
The entire atmosphere in the ring shifted and the air felt charged just before two strikes of lightning hit the ground on either side of the Gheyo he was facing.
“He actually looks angry,” Harry pointed out. “I wonder what the other guy said to him.”
“You’re right, he does look angry,” Glynn stated.
“Well, that particular King has the ability to piss anyone off with just a few words honestly,” Caspian stated.
Then it clicked in Harry’s head why the other Merrow had seemed familiar. He was the same Merrow King that had threatened to reveal secrets about Caspian if he didn’t insist they were a package deal to bond with Harry.
“I would be you my favorite dagger that he either insulted Harry or Caspian,” Glynn responded.
“Is he someone you have had trouble with?” Alice asked them as she looked at him closer.
“Yeah, he and Caspian used to be an item. But the parted ways when Caspian learned some things about him. When he found out that Caspian was being courted by our circle he tried to threaten and bully his way into getting courted as well,” Harry explained.
“Oh, so a piece of shit for sure,” Sirius stated.
“For sure,” Chelan agreed. “But Tempest seems to have put him in his place quite nicely.”
And he certainly had done just that. The fight ended with Tempest pressing a foot into his neck and the trident in his hand pierced all the way through his leg. He was completely pinned to the ground.
“Lovely vicious King,” Harry purred. “Take me down there to see him please, Ace. Caspian come along so that you can heal him up.”
“Yes, Kitten,” Glynn said with a chuckle. He grasped Harry’s hand and walked with him down to the arena. Caspian followed close behind. Tempest was just stepping out of the ring when they reached him.
“Hello, Princeling,” Tempest said with a grin. “Did I impress?”
“Absolutely, it was even nicer to watch because of who your opponent was,” Harry told him. Tempest scowled and looked like he wanted to go back in the ring another round for a moment.
“What did he say to make you so angry?” Glynn asked curiously.
“He got angry when he realized he was losing and decided to try and distract me by insulting Caspian and Harry. I won’t repeat the things that he said because they were vulgar and down right disgusting. Just know that should I catch him outside of the ring talking like that again I will hurt him irreparably,” Tempest stated with a bit of a growl that made Harry shiver in pleasure at the fierceness in it.
“Let my Princess tend to your wounds,” Harry said with a smile. Tempest nodded and let Caspian heal him up. Then Harry stepped close and gave a Heartcry. Which Tempest responded to before Harry pulled him down into a fierce kiss.
Tempest pulled out a gift box that he handed to Harry with a grin.
“Been carrying this around with me. I know how chaotic and unpredictable things can be around you sometimes and I wanted to be prepared,” Tempest explained.
“Oh, these are beautiful, Tempest,” Harry exclaimed as he pulled the set of bracelets out of the box. They were bangles with different designs on them. But the prettiest bracelet was the one in the center that was made of pearls and shells.
“I handpicked each of those pearls and shells,” Tempest informed him with pride.
“They are absolutely gorgeous. I love them,” Harry insisted. “Thank you.”
“Only the best for you, Princeling,” Tempest said with a wink. Harry blushed a little and then slipped the bracelets on. He hugged Tempest tightly and reveled in the feeling of having him close.
“Are you busy for the rest of the day?” Glynn asked the King.
“No, I am not,” Tempest stated with a smile. “I do take a day off every now and again.”
“Will you spend the rest of your day with us?” Harry asked him hopefully.
Tempest had been a hard one to pin down for the most part. He was always busy whenever they happened to run into him.
“I am happy to spend the rest of my day with you and yours,” Tempest told him.
“Great. We plan to spend a little more time here. My dad, Sirius, has a fight in bit and I am excited to watch him,” Harry informed him. The four of them headed back to the stands.
“So, this is your last Gheyo. The Missing King,” Sirius said with a grin. Harry nodded and plopped down in Chelan’s lap.
“Yep, isn’t he gorgeous,” Harry answered.
“All of your bonded are quite attractive,” Sirius said with a laugh. Harry smiled happily.
“Yeah, they are,” Harry agreed.
“Well, why don’t you tell us a little about you,” Frank asked.
“Of course,” Tempest agreed.
Harry sat contently in his Queen’s arms and listened to Tempest talk to his parents while they watched the fights. It was a good day and a little over an hour later, Sirius and Frank headed down to the Arena.
“This is exciting,” Harry said as he leaned forward. “This is the first time he has been in the arena right?”
“Yeah, Frank has been really running him through his paces since we have been here. Sirius has been begging to get in the ring, but Frank wanted to make sure he was ready,” Alice answered.
“He has been training with a few of ours as well,” Glynn added.
“All of us have. Your circle has been really helpful in making sure all of us are performing to the best of our abilities,” Alice responded.
“It’s time,” Harry said excitedly as Sirius entered the ring with another Princess.
Their group watched the fight with rapt attention. It was a bit more nerve wracking than Harry had thought it would be. Apparently, it was different watching one of his parents fight than it was to watch his bonded fight.
Sirius was a good fighter and he held his own for a good bit. But the other Princess got a good hit in that knocked Sirius off his game. It was down hill from there and Harry got progressively more worried as the fight went on.
He gave a distressed chir and attempted to bolt when Sirius was slashed and pinned down. But Chelan had been prepared and tightened his arms around his distressed Submissive.
“Hush, Kitten. He is alright,” Chelan assured him. Harry just continued to watch as the fight ended and Sirius lost. Glynn made a noise and Caspian stood when Alice did to head down to the arena.
“Sit tight, let them tend to him and then he will be back up here for you to fret over,” Marin insisted.
Harry reluctantly nodded and then turned so that he could bury his face in Chelan’s neck. He made an inquisitive noise and his Queen rumbled back so he bit into his neck and fed to sooth himself.
“Here comes your dad,” Tempest told him quietly. Harry closed the bite in Chelan’s neck and made a happy noise when Sirius simply lifted him out of the Queen’s arms and settled with him in his lap. Harry snuggled close and Sirius nuzzled his head.
“Were you worried, Pup?” Sirius asked with a chuckle.
“Yeah, I don’t think I like watching you fight as much as I like watching my Gheyo. That was unsettling,” Harry admitted.
“Next time, I will not go down so easily,” Sirius promised.
“That was good for your first official fight,” Glynn insisted. “You will get better the more you fight.”
“Oh, I intend to get better,” Sirius assured them. “I think I need a few more sparring sessions with your Gheyo, Little One.”
“They will be happy to do it,” Harry responded. “I am a bit hungry, is it time to meet up with the others for lunch?”
Harry was going to be having lunch with his family today. Draco, Neville, Luna, and their parents. They apparently had news to share, and Harry was excited to find out what the news was.
“Actually, it is,” Alice said after checking the time. “Let’s get going so that we aren’t late.”
The group of them left The Pits and headed for the food court. Harry saw Draco standing with Neville, Lucius, and Sol.
“Hey guys,” Harry said and hug Neville and Lucius before grasping Draco’s hand and standing with him while they waited for the rest of their family to show up.
Once they were all there, Sol and Harry’s Merrow spread out to keep an eye on them and yet still give them privacy. They ate lunch and caught up on what everyone had been up to. It was truly the first time they were alone as a family all together.
“So, we have news,” Lily stated with a smile.
“What kind of news?” Draco asked her.
“Well, we are growing our family by one more,” James responded.
“Like a new bonded?” Neville asked.
“No,” Luna answered with a grin. “Babies. Mum is pregnant. Aren’t you?”
“Yes, Luna-girl I am,” Lily said excitedly.
“Luna said babies,” Harry pointed out. “As in, more than one?”
“Yes, twins,” she confirmed. Lily grinned and rubbed her flat stomach.
“Who sired them?” Neville asked.
“Me!” Sirius said proudly. “And Lucius is their third.”
“That’s great. This is so exciting,” Harry stated.
“Congratulations, I didn’t know you wanted more,” Draco added.
“Well, we talked about it and decided that we were ready. We have four children, but we haven’t actually had the opportunity to raise any of you,” James pointed out.
“I didn’t even think of that. It must be so weird to have four babies and then to have four adult children,” Neville agreed.
“So, how long until we can find out boys, girls, or one of each?” Harry asked.
“I was about twelve weeks along with each of you when we found out. I don’t know if there is a spell or test that could find out sooner here on Nevarah,” Lily responded.
“We can ask, Quinn. He will know for sure. Or even Surajini,” Harry offered.
“That would be nice. Thank you, Harry,” Lucius answered.
They had desert and talked about what fun it would be to have new babies running around. Harry was pretty excited about and could tell from the look on Draco’s face that maybe his twin was a little more than excited.
Where Harry wasn’t quite interested in having kids just yet, he knew his twin was. Harry and Draco had talked about it after he had first inherited. Harry was planning to just be a cool uncle for awhile before he started having any of his own.
“Wanna hang out in the Merrow section for a bit?” Harry asked his twin.
“Yeah, that sounds like fun. Maybe you can show me the underwater market area. I haven’t been able to visit it yet,” Draco agreed.
“Oh, it is so fun. They have the prettiest things for sale down there. You know if you wanted to go you could have just said something. I would have been happy to go with you,” Harry told him.
“You have been so busy and having a great time running around everywhere, I just didn’t want to disrupt your Hunt,” Draco answered.
“Drake, you know better than that. I will never be too busy for you. It wouldn’t have disrupted my Hunt. Family comes first,” Harry insisted. “Next time, say something.”
“Yeah, ok,” Draco said with a smile.
“Promise?” Harry asked.
“Promise,” Draco agreed. “Now, let’s go. I am excited.”
So, Draco, Harry, and his bonded ported over to the Merrow section and spent a few hours there exploring together above and below the water. It was a lot of fun and Harry needed to make sure that from now on he spent more time with his brother like this.
He really needed to take the initiative to spend more time with all of his siblings like this. Harry wanted to make sure that he didn’t forget how important time with his family was. He spent so much time not having one that he never wanted them to feel unappreciated.
When they got home that evening. Harry and Draco spent a bit of time in their nesting room together. Afterward, Harry found his lovely Beta and curled up with him. He asked Theo to read to him from their book for a bit until dinner.
“Hey there,” Bryn called from the doorway of the office Theo and Harry had been relaxing in.
“Hey, Bryn,” Harry said to his newest Pareya.
“It’s time for dinner, are the two of you ready to come down?” He asked them.
“Yeah, Theo was just about to start a new chapter. So, this was a great place to stop,” Harry responded.
Theo and Harry headed to the dining room with Bryn and Harry was pulled down into Magnus’ lap between Bryn and Donovan.
It was a really good day and Harry was pretty sure that he wanted to spend the day at home tomorrow doing nothing but relaxing with his bonded. Well, besides the few hours of training they were having each day.
He slept happily between his Alpha and Beta that night.
~~~~~~~~~~
Day 22: Harry, Theo, Aither, and Ariki
“Ariki,” Theo greeted his friend with a smile and a hug.
“Hey, Theo,” Ariki responded happily. “Harry, it is so good to see you again.”
“Hi, Ariki,” Harry said with a happy chirp. “It is good to see you again as well. This is Aither one of my Princess’.”
“Nice to meet you,” Aither responded.
“You as well,” Ariki answered. “So, I have a table reserved from us in the Canyon. You are going to like it here. There is a show today.”
“Wonderful,” Harry agreed. “Lead the way. I haven’t been here yet.”
“You are going to love it,” Theo insisted. “Ilsa used to bring us here when we were younger.”
Harry and the others headed down into a large canyon. The feel of the Earth magic in the area was really nice, steady, and calm. Just like Theo always felt to Harry. The came up to a restaurant that was built into the side of the canyon and were lead to a table that was out on the ledge overlooking a stage of sorts.
Theo and Aither sat on one side of the table and talked quietly together about the shows and other things so that Harry and Theo could have time to talk to just each other.
“So, tell me a bit more about you,” Harry said once they were settled, and their food had arrived.
“Well, I am a flight instructor. I am twenty years old, and I am sincerely hoping that this date goes really well,” Ariki answered with a smile and a wink.
“Yeah, me too,” Harry responded. “I could use some instructions on how to fly a bit better than I do currently. Draco is so good at it, and I am just not.”
“That is no problem at all. I would be more than happy to work with you on flying. From what I hear though, you are far more deadly with both feet on the ground,” Ariki praised.
“I am ok,” Harry answered with a blush. “According to my Gheyo, I am fast and have good instincts, but I am far from ready to really fight anyone officially that isn’t a fabrine.”
“You have only been training with your suites for what, a few months at the most?” Ariki asked him. Harry nodded. “Then you are still really new to all of this, and you have plenty of time to train and get better. My mother has bragged about you enough for me to know that you are going to be spectacular.”
“Ilsa brags about me?” Harry asked.
“Yeah, she does. She loves you as if you were her own,” Ariki confirmed.
“I love her too,” Harry said with a happy sigh. “She is wonderful.”
“This place is great. I am surprised that my other bonded haven’t brought me here yet,” Harry said as the show below them started. It was really nice to watch the way the Earth Dragel manipulated their element.
“It isn’t as popular as The Dive during the Hunt. It is usually just Earth types that come here,” Ariki informed him.
“Shame. It’s nice here,” Harry responded.
The two of them talked for a bit longer about other things and drew Theo and Aither into the conversation as well. Harry had a great time and when it was time to part ways he was a bit sad. But he now knew that he definitely wanted Ariki for his circle.
“I would like to court you, Harry. Are you considering any other Betas?” Ariki asked him when they exited the canyon.
“No, I wanted to see how things went with you first,” Harry answered honestly.
“Can I ask that you consider agreeing to let me court you properly before we exchange any marks? And that you don’t date any others in the mean time?” Ariki asked him seriously.
“Of course, I am happy to agree to that,” Harry told him. “You can take as long as you like to court me the exact way that you want to. I will not accept or set up any more dates with other Betas. I am happy to go at your pace.”
“Wonderful, thank you Harry,” Ariki said gratefully. “May I hug you?”
“You absolutely can,” Harry consented.
Ariki grinned and pulled Harry into a really nice hug. He really liked how steady and calm his Earth types always felt. It was one of the first things that had drawn him to Theo back when he was fifteen and his life was chaos.
They parted ways with a promise to meet up again soon. Harry was quite happy and content. He had completed his bond with Tempest yesterday and now he had confirmation that Ariki wanted to bond with him as well. His instincts were settled and thrumming happily.
“Where to now, Princess?” Theo asked him. Harry snuggled up to his Beta and nuzzled his neck.
“Why don’t we message our bonded and see who isn’t busy. They can join us in our box in the Colosseum and watch a few of the shows that are going on today?” Harry asked him.
“That sounds lovely, Princess. I will send out the message now,” Theo answered.
After he sent out the message, the three of them headed for their box and got comfortable. It was barely twenty minutes later when a few of their other bonded started to trickle in. Harry sat down between Ethan and Mistral.
He loved his fussy Pareya, and he really didn’t spend enough time with them. But that was going to change now. He wasn’t Hunting anymore. He didn’t feel the need or compulsion to seek more bonded. He felt whole and completely relaxed for the first time in probably his entire life.
Harry had every intention of enjoying the rest of the Hunt in a very relaxed way. Watching shows and his bonded fight. Surajini was going to throw them a bonding ceremony in about five or six weeks and then when the Hunt was over and things in Nevarah settled down they would start training to become a Military circle.
“You are awfully deep in thought,” Mistral pointed out. Harry nuzzled the Storm Pareya.
“Yeah, a bit,” Harry agreed.
“Anything we can do to help?” Ethan asked him. Harry linked their fingers together.
“No, there isn’t anything wrong. I was just thinking about how settled I feel. I feel really good about our lives, where they are and where they are heading,” Harry told them.
“That’s good, Love. You have no idea how happy that makes a Pareya feel to hear something like that,” Ethan said with a smile.
“I’m not going to be Hunting anymore,” Harry informed them. “I plan to just enjoy the rest of the Hunt now doing things exactly like this. Spending time with all of you.”
“I for one am very happy to hear that,” Bryn called out. “Spending more time with you is absolutely a plus.”
There were sounds of agreement all around the box from his other bonded. He smiled and nearly purred from all of the feelings of happiness he was getting from his bonded. It was a really nice feeling.
~~~~~~~~~
Day 24: Merrow Island
“I am so excited,” Harry said as he nearly bounced in place.
“Me too,” Draco agreed. “I wonder what surprise our bonded have in store for us today.”
“Both of you are going to love it,” Fred said as he wrapped his arms around Draco.
“That’s for sure,” George stated after nuzzling Draco and kissing his cheek.
“Tell us what it is,” Harry begged. The twins laughed.
“Nope,” they said together.
“So, mean,” Draco and Harry responded.
“Do you know how funny the four of you sound when you do that?” Bill asked as he wrapped his arms around Harry.
“I like it,” Harry responded and was happy to let his Alpha nuzzle him.
“I think it is adorable,” Xander called out. There were noised of agreement from other bonded around the room. Harry’s and Draco’s.
“Are we ready to go?” Sol asked when she poked her head in the room.
“Yeah, you have the coordinates right?” Bill asked her. She nodded.
“The four of us are going last right?” Sol asked for confirmation.
“Yep, right after the last four get here,” Bill responded.
“Who is coming?” Draco and Harry asked their Alphas.
“Luna, Neville, Frank, and Keanu, your sisters new Alpha,” Bill informed them.
“So, the surprise is not just for us is it?” Draco deduced. “It is for all four of us. That’s why you all are making sure that we arrive at the same time.
“So smart, Love,” Sol said and kissed Draco. “Now, the two of you need to join the others in the transportation room.”
Fred and George kissed Draco as well as Sol before waving at Harry and heading out of the room. Harry relaxed back against Bill while they waited for everyone to do what they needed to do. Ten minutes later, Keanu, Frank, Neville, and Luna showed up.
“Give it another twenty minutes and then we can portal over,” Frank told the others.
“Portal over to where?” Harry asked casually. Draco laughed when Frank chuckled.
“Won’t be that easy, little Troublemaker,” Frank told his son who gave him a fake pout before they all busted out laughing.
“Good try, Harry,” Draco told him. Harry shrugged and grinned at his twin.
“Can’t blame a guy for trying,” Harry responded.
Twenty minutes later, they gathered in the transportation room. Harry and his siblings were turned to face the person they transported with so that they could not see where they were when they arrived.
Harry grew even more excited when his feet landed in sand. He could hear the water lapping against the shore somewhere nearby and feel the warmth of the sun on his skin. Wherever they were it was outdoors near the water.
“You can look now,” He heard Lucius call out.
The four of them turned around to see that they were on a very large island. It was surrounded on all sides with some of the prettiest water Harry had ever seen. There were tables set up with food and drinks, canopies set up for shade, hammocks hanging in some of the trees, and games set up.
“Are we having a party?” Luna asked excitedly. Their entire family was there. But it wasn’t just their parental circle. It was the Evansons as well as Alcandor and his two bonded. This was going to be so fun.
“How long do we get to spend together?” Harry asked as he was hugged by Alcandor.
“The entire day. No distractions from the courts or anyone else. That is why we are here on this Island. Exactly like you asked for,” his Uncle told him with a grin.
“You guys planned this because of the bet I lost?” Harry asked suddenly feeling very overwhelmed by the shear amount of love he felt from that one action.
“Of course, we did. It was obviously something that you truly wanted but didn’t think you could have. That is why you figured if it was a bet that you won that I couldn’t deny you. You don’t have to resort to bets to get what you want, Nephew,” Alcandor insisted.
Harry smiled up at him and barely kept himself form tearing up.
“Thanks, Uncle Al,” Harry said sincerely with as much feelings as he could. “Today is going to be amazing.”
He took off and let Draco, Neville, and the twins pull him into a game. They spent the entire day on this Island completely separate from everyone else and everything else. No messages were answered, and no one had to leave for any emergencies.
Games were played, food was enjoyed, stories were told, and bonds were strengthened. There was lots of cuddling with family and getting to know each other so much better than they did before.
Harry, Draco, Luna, and Neville talked about how they were going to see if they could bully their families into doing something like this regularly. Like once a month or so. They felt like it was really important for all of them who really hadn’t grown up with the best home lives. They wanted to make sure that their new little siblings grew up surrounded by this type of environment.
~~~~~~~~~~
One Year Later
"So, tell me how things have been," Maury asked him. Harry smiled at his mentor and snuggled closer to him.
"Things have been amazing," Harry answered him.
"The twins, Pollux and Castor are a few months old now. It is a Black family tradition to name your kids after stars or constellations they were named after the twin stars in the Gemini Constellation. They are beautiful and so tiny. I didn't know how tiny babies really were," Harry told him.
"They are pretty small," Maury agreed with a chuckle. "Still not ready to have any of your own yet?"
"No," Harry answered with a chuckle. "I am perfectly happy right now and feel no urges to have any children just yet. My circle and are going to be declared an official military circle in a few months. We have been training really hard. Bill, and my Aces finally agreed to let me fight in The Pits."
"Oh?" Maury said with surprise. "And when are you going to do that? I don't want to miss it."
"Next month," Harry answered with a grin. He handed Maury a piece of paper with the details on it. "I knew you wouldn't want to miss it."
"Thanks, Loveling," Maury responded as he tucked the paper in his pocket. "Ian and Jauren will probably come as well. They have been asking about you."
"I bet they have. I write them all the time, but it just takes so long for our letters to get back and forth since they are always off-realm," Harry insisted. "How are you enjoying running around with the Cunninghams?"
"I really enjoy it; it is nice to function within a military circle again," Maury admitted. "Mariana and I have been friends for a long time and being around each other is easy."
"That's good, Oret. You seem a lot happier being with them has been good for you," Harry insisted. Maury blushed.
"Yeah, it has," Maury agreed. "Thank you for insisting on it. Ian and Jauren seem so much less careful around me now as well."
"Well yeah, you are their dad, and you went to sleep for a decade because you couldn't deal with the loss of your circle. They were worried and stressed. They are happy that you are happy," Harry pointed out.
"I know," Maury said with a smile. "Now, what else has been going on with you?"
"Draco, is expecting. I am going to get my first niece or nephew in about seven months," Harry stated with pride.
"That's great news. I know he has been trying," Maury responded. "Is he going to carry the baby?"
"For now," Harry responded. "He doesn't know how he will feel later but for now he wants to. Viktor is the Sire and his Queen; Tanwen is their third."
"You know I hear about all of these babies, and I can't help but be a bit upset that you nor Ian and Jauren will give me grandbabies," Maury said with an exaggerated sigh.
"I am not saying I will never have children, Oret. I am only saying I am not ready yet. I want our circle to have the opportunity to be a military circle for a bit before we toss children into the mix," Harry pointed out.
"I am only picking at you, Love. Do things in your own time. You are a smart young man with plans that work for you and your circle," Maury soothed him.
"I know, Oret," Harry assured him with a smile. He checked the time and stood up. "I gotta get going. We will spend more time together when your training is done. I miss you."
"Where are you off to?" Maury asked when he hugged Harry.
"Draco and I are going with Uncle Al to a meeting. They are discussing the Earth problem," Harry responded.
"Well, if they do approve of the extermination idea, make sure the Cunninghams are on the list of circles to go," Maury grinned. Harry laughed.
"Jascha and Mariana are going to be there," Harry informed him. "Well, I will see you later. You can come to the house for dinner and hanging out in about a week."
"Sounds good, Harry. Have fun," Maury told him.
Harry hugged his Oret again before leaving the restaurant and porting straight to the Royal compound. Hadrian was waiting for him in the transportation room.
~~~~~~~~
"Hey, Kitten," The Shadow Ace greeted him. Harry grinned up at him and barely kept himself from squealing when he was thrown over his shoulder. "Did you enjoy your visit with Maury?"
"It was nice to catch up. We stay so busy with our training that it is hard to make time these days," Harry said. He reached up and pinched Hadrian on the rear that was currently his only view. Hadrian chuckled and smacked Harry on the bottom.
"Behave, Kitten," The Ace warned. Harry just laughed and held on while he walked.
"Well, that isn't exactly Royal behavior," Ebony said with a voice full of humor. Harry heard chuckles around the room. Hadrian sat him on his feet and swatted his butt when he walked away to greet his uncle.
"Yeah, well we all know I won't actually sit on a throne," Harry pointed out. Alcandor chuckled.
"My court is still hounding me about children thanks to your father," Alcandor pointed out. "They even suggested that he bond with another Merrow just for the sole purpose of an heir. I think they might be giving up on me."
"That's because they are worried that one of us will end up polluting your Merrow throne with our Fire bonded," Harry teased.
"Truer words have never been spoken," Alec added. He pulled Harry into his arms and kissed him nearly breathless. "Missed you, Trouble."
"Missed you too, Alec," Harry nuzzled into the Merrow's chest.
"You saw him this morning," Alcandor said with a scoff. "Sappy little Shrimps."
"He is just jealous no one misses him like that," Alec teased. Harry nodded and then was happy to sit down with Alec to wait for the rest of the Royals to arrive.
One by one everyone slowly tricked in until they were all there. Perry sat down next to Harry so that he was pressed between them.
"Everyone is here now," Jascha announced.
"Good, then let's get started," Raspen stated. "The scouts that we sent to Earth recently just returned yesterday."
"Is it bad?" Ebony asked.
"Yeah," Raspen answered honestly. "We have identified the race that is helping the Torvak on Earth."
"It's the Vampires, isn't it?" Dawn asked. They had been suspecting it since they hadn't shown during the last Hunt.
"Yeah, it's the Vampires," Raspen confirmed.
"Ok, so we know what race is working with them now, what about the Torvak themselves?" Alcandor asked.
"There is a lot more of them than we thought there was," Raspen admitted. "Let's talk about options."
"I have a suggestion," Harry spoke up. Raspen nodded for him to continue. "I had a discussion with Riven about eight months ago about all of this. We came up with an idea that he has been working on ever since. Riven as well as my other Mages have created a spell that when preformed inside a realm, like say Earth, will render an entire species infertile."
"Are you telling us that your Mages have created a way for us to curse the entire race of Torvak on Earth all at once so that they can no longer bear children?" Ebony asked him.
"Yes," Harry answered. "My suggestion is that we send a handful of Mages and a few Gheyo to Earth, capture a Torvak so that the spell will be specific to their race, and then leave. And by leave, I mean quarantine Earth. No travel to or from there. Don't answer any distress signals, don't make exceptions for any reason, completely shut down all travel between our realm and Earth."
"That might actually be the best solution I have heard in months," Raspen said with a grin. "It minimizes the risk to our people and our Realm by avoiding war."
"Exactly. And if it makes people feel better, give the quarantine a time limit. How about shut it all down completely for about a century or two Earth time. That should give it enough time for the Torvak to die off. Then send a scouting team down to check everything out," Alcandor pointed out.
"Great job, Love," Laurant praised his son. Harry blushed and smiled. It was always nice to be praised for good things.
"Did your bonded help you come up with that?" Dawn asked him with a wink.
"Of course, they did," Harry answered quickly. "One of our exercises for our training was to come up with a solution to a problem that didn't involve fighting. This was a current hot topic, so this was what we decided to brainstorm about."
"Beautifully done, I believe it is very clear that you chose a great circle to train with," Raspen complimented.
"My Aces got together and picked them. I agree that it was a perfect choice for us," Harry agreed. "Their very first lessons were that not everything has to be settled with a fight. That choosing not to fight benefits us more than our enemy."
"A lesson that you have clearly taken to heart," Laurent responded. "Your other parents will be very happy to hear that."
Harry chucked along with a few others in the room. They spent the next few hours talking through a few other options before they decided to go with Harry's idea. They picked six Mages including Riven and Logi as well as the Cunningham circle to accompany them. They would leave in two weeks so that they had plenty of time to prepare.
Harry cuddled with his Alpha and Rheyo that night and thought about how much his life had changed since just before his fifteenth birthday. He had gone from an abused, unwanted, malnourished little boy to someone who was loved and surrounded by family. His life was really good, and he couldn't imagine what would have become of him if Albus Dumbledore had gotten what he wanted.
Life was good. It was better than he had ever dared to dream when he was locked up in his cupboard every night. He snuggled into Bill's chest and was happy to feel Caelus press closer to him from behind. He fell asleep with a smile on his face and all of his bonds thrumming happily in the back of his mind.
THE END
Notes:
There it is. I am finished with this story. I know it seems a little abrupt but it just felt finished to me. I hope that I tied it up enough to satisfy you and that you aren't too disappointed. I have other stories that I am still writing and am working on another story that isn't uploaded yet.
Hope you like it!!!!
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