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Several weeks had passed since the heroes had come to stay at the Cullen home. Things were slowly getting settled into a rhythm as they learned to live with each other with only a few bumps along the way.
Harry had developed the charm as promised since he was no longer hiding his terrors whoever managed to make it to his room was able to prevent Harry from hurting himself. Another benefit was that they had been recording information about the night terrors. After making sure Harry was unable to lash out at himself they would take note of the time and the duration of the terror. Severus then compiled all the information into a spreadsheet and was able to track Harry's progress.
Severus was looking over that spreadsheet now and shook his head. Harry was not getting better, if anything he was getting worse, the night terrors would last for longer amounts of time every other night and he was starting to inflict damage on himself before they were even able to reach him. Severus reminded himself that Carlisle often said that things had to get worse before they got better. He could only hope that this was the case.
It was a quiet afternoon with the rain pleasantly beating against the windows. Carlisle and Severus were in another game of Wizard's Chess, though neither was able to fully focus on the game with the distracting came of footsy that was taking place under the table. Harry was reading a book on the couch with Remus and Draco was seated going through his mail. Esme was once again making an abundance of snacks, Emmett was playing video games, and Rosalie and Alice were planning the 'Before School' Shopping trip.
Carlisle had insisted that Draco and Harry go to at least a year of High School to help them adjust after their horrific experiences during the war. Severus agreed with him, someone however had a different opinion.
"Why do you think we, or at least I can speak for myself, have any interest in going to a muggle school of all places when we are finally free from the war?!" Draco said with his legs and arms crossed defensively. He may have changed sides during the war but that in no way meant that he had developed a sudden overwhelming love for muggles.
Harry listened listlessly to the familiar argument but made no comment, something that worried several people in the room.
Remus was one of those concerned. The Harry Potter he knew and loved would have been voicing his opinion whether or not he knew much on the matter. Remus remembered fondly all the Order meetings Harry had spent yelling until his face was red that they could be doing more for the innocent people of the war. Remus wondered where that Harry had gone, and why they now only had his shade with him. He thought it might have to do with the night terrors and post traumatic stress, he hoped it wasn't anything more than that. He didn't think that Harry could handle much more.
Draco had noticed Harry's silence as well and it only added fuel to his fire. Harry had protected him and his family endlessly when they had changed sides. They hadn't grown close until after the war ended, but Harry's sense of Gryffindor honor never allowed him to do anything but protect is one time enemy. He had recognized Draco not as a friend or enemy, but a precious ally. The friendship that formed between them after was made even sweeter because of it. Now Draco knew that Harry needed time to heal after the war, and this time Draco was determined to be the protector and make sure that he got that time.
Draco looked up from this train of thought when a familiar owl entered using one of the small windows left open for air circulation. He raised a brow but took the letter and gave the owl a few treats. He read over the letter carefully before standing and going over to Severus's side. "My father has been acquitted of his crimes it seems…He would like to visit to make sure that I am settling in well." Draco looked up at Severus to see what the other man would say.
Severus in turn looked at Carlisle; he knew that his lovers thought of this as his home as well. He was still unused to the situation however and looked to his lover for confirmation. Carlisle just gave a loving smile and said "Severus of course he is welcome, he's your friend and also Draco's father, I couldn't very well separate a family could I?"
Draco said his thanks and then went to pen a reply. He noticed the smiles that were being exchanged between Esme, Carlisle and Severus right now. He had seen the warmth they held for each other and he was happy that his Godfather had finally found someone to give him that warmth. He looked away, his eyes downcast, as he wondered if someone would ever hold that warmth for him.
Alice the ever watchful smiled when she saw the look on Draco's face and narrowed her eyes when she saw that Emmett was also watching. Emmett looked a little uncertain before he turned back to his video game. She sighed and rolled her eyes in a very good imitation of human frustration and went over to him, pinching his ear hard as she whispered harshly so the humans couldn't hear "Go talk to him!"
Emmett winced and nodded "Okay…" He said, he knew better than to argue with Alice after all. He shook his head and followed after Draco, he wouldn't deny that the slender blonde appealed to him, and it certainly seemed like Rosalie was getting excited over whoever was coming for her. He just didn't want to get his hopes up because he knew that Alice's predictions weren't always correct. People were constantly changing so were their futures. Still, he couldn't say that he didn't want to talk to Draco and slowly made his way to Draco's side.
Draco finished writing his response and set the owl off, watching it until it faded into the distance. It was then that he noticed that he had some company with him on the couch. He looked up curiously at the large vampire who had settled down near him, Emmett, he believed his name was.
Emmett was already thinking that this was a mistake, Draco's face held no warmth for him and it seemed almost as if he was bothering the blond. He looked back at Alice who gave him a thumbs up and then looked back at Draco "Do you know when you're dad will be coming?" It wasn't the most riveting conversation, but he figured it was a start.
Draco thought before replying and said "I would say in about a week, he still has business to settle of course and packing as well." Draco didn't feel like talking about the fact that his father was probably moving his mother's body to the Malfoy crypt because she had been buried with the rest of the killed Death Eaters. He was brought back to focus when he saw that Emmett was looking at him expectantly. Like a puppy waiting for someone to play with them, Draco rolled his eyes and said "How about yourself?" He figured that chit chatting with the vampire wasn't he worst thing he could spend his time doing.
Edward meanwhile played endless melodies on his piano during this time. The guests unsettled him, as did Alice's predictions of more changes to come. He hit a wrong key and paused, becoming totally still as the foul note rang in the air. He was restless, something that didn't suit him. He once again blamed Alice and all of her incessant talking of changes to come, because of this he persistently felt as though eyes were watching him. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end as he felt himself being stalked .He took a human like breath, a habit he had developed for clearing his mind, and resumed the song. He wondered if a hunting trip would help clear his mind.
Downstairs similar plans were being put into action. Carlisle had put the topic of the two boys going to high school aside for the time as he said "My children will be attending school…which means we will have to schedule a hunt so that everyone is well fed before the school year begins."
Draco heard this and turned his attention back to Emmett "Hunt? I thought that you didn't drink human blood." He was surprised when Emmett gave a laugh and wondered if he had missed something.
Emmett smiled at Draco "We drink animal blood to help us control our urges for human blood, it get's hard going to school surrounded by them if we don't fortify ourselves first."
Draco nodded, slightly astounded that vampires would go to high school like they had nothing better to do with their immortal time on earth. He shrugged and said nothing though he was slightly curious what type of animals Emmett liked to eat.
Carlisle smiled and turned to Alice "I think it might be best if we take turns, half of us going at a time so that some will be here…just in case." Alice nodded and began searching the future for the best hunting days.
Severus frowned when Carlisle said this and narrowed his eyes at his handsome partner "Why would you have to leave half of your clan here? I can assure you that we are capable of protecting your home while you are gone."
If Carlisle had the ability to blush he would have been doing so "We have plenty of time before school starts, we're in no rush…" He avoided the question until Severus reached forward and grabbed his chin, looking levelly into Carlisle's in human eyes demanding that Carlisle tell him the truth.
Esme came forward and gently rested her hands on Severus's shoulders "Please don't be offended…we just worry." She didn't want to add how incredibly fragile they all seemed with their mortal lives. She had seen over the years exactly how easy it was for humans to die, and though wizards were stronger than regular mortals it was just as easy to kill them.
Several days later Edward, Emmett and Carlisle were heading out to go hunting. As the strongest members of the clan they could control their thirst for longer periods of time while the others would wait closer until school started to go hunting with some of the stronger members, like Esme and Rosalie, to go along and make sure that everything was okay.
Carlisle kissed Severus and Esme as they prepared to head out. He then turned and looked at Emmett and Edward to see if they were ready. Emmett was bouncing on his heels obviously hoping for a large bear to wrestle with while Edward seemed a bit listless. Carlisle hoped that getting out and getting some fresh blood would help snap him out of this strange mood he seemed trapped in. They looked up at him, ready to go, and they said their goodbyes as they headed out into the wilderness.
The sun was setting and the air in the house was calm and peaceful. Remus was helping Harry to bed with Jasper nearby sending calming waves. Harry had grown used to the vampire sending good emotions into him, he hoped that he wouldn't always need them, but for the time being he realized it was for the best.
Draco and Rosalie were downstairs as Esme put away dinner and Severus helped. Rosalie was flipping though a fashion magazine listlessly and Draco was looking out the window wondering how long they would be out. Not that he was worried or anything, but merely concerned.
The quiet was interrupted when Alice, who had been reading a book, dropped it and it clattered loudly to the floor as she stared straight ahead. Esme came out of the kitchen a look of concern on her face as she asked "Alice…Alice what's wrong?"
Alice turned to look at her adopted mother, a strange mix of emotions on her face of horror, awe, and happiness. "Edward's going to meet his mate!" Her eyes widened and her expression turned to one of worry and concern "Edward's going to meet his mate…I think they might need some help restraining them."
Esme looked down at her daughter not understanding what she meant by that. Severus narrowed his eyes "Restrain whom?" concerned that he already knew the answer.
Out in the woods Emmett was growling as he wrestled with a bear, it was a good prize and he was enjoying every minute, holding back purposefully so that the fight could last longer. His thirst finally overcame him and he bit down moaning as the blood flowed into his mouth.
Carlisle watched in amusement, he had already eaten and he was keeping an eye out for any humans that might come across them. He watched as Edward took down a beautiful doe and calmed her before he bit down closing is eyes in silent pleasure as he fed. All the sudden Carlisle tensed when he sensed they were no longer alone. He could scent that it was a werewolf, but the scent was closer to Remus then to one of the Blacks. His sons also sensed their guest and finished their meal as they stood at attention.
Fenir had enjoyed watching his mate take down the deer. He thought it was very suiting to what he had learned of his mate so far. H stepped into the clearing, shirtless with a pair of worn jeans and no shoes. His long dark grey hair flowed down his back in a mix of tangles and knots with some twigs and leaves intermixed. He rubbed some of the dirt off his face and looked directly at Edward as he said, his amber eyes glowing "So…we meet at last."
Carlisle stepped forward and smiled politely "Excuse me…I'm Carlisle Cullen…is there something we can help you with?"
Fenir snorted at the man's polite tone "Yeah, you can get out of my way so that I can get a good look at my mate."
Edward put the doe aside and narrowed his eyes angrily, the most emotion he had expressed lately "Mate?!"
Hope you guys have enjoyed the chapter!