Disclaimer: Harry Potter, its works and all its characters belong to the ever wonderful J.K. Rowling. Serorian, his kin and all those that hunt him are mine.

Thank you once again for all reviews, follows and viewings. This chapter is a bit longer (~3000 words longer!) than usual to make up for the extra wait. Thank you for being so patient!

WARNING: This is a slash fic. I said so in the summary. Don't like it? Don't read it. Also, Dumbledore bashing. I don't know where it came from - this chapter seemed to have a life of its own.

Note: Some of you seem worried that the Serorian chapters might begin to make up most of the story. Don't worry – there'll only be ~ 3 chapters like that (one already gone). Back to Harry's world for now!

The morning came once again with the scent of fresh air permeating the room, and Harry was drowsily surprised to find Serorian sound asleep by his side having evidently crept in at some ungodly hour. The elf had been absent for a while now, a burning absence in the teen's life even after only a few days of knowing each other – in fact he'd be half inclined to believe that he'd dreamt the whole thing if it weren't for that bond steadily feeding him foreign feelings, tinged with a growing fatigue that made worry gnaw at Harry's gut. There were the brief visits in the dead of the night to soothe his anxiety with admissions of love, but when morning arrived the memories of them merely lingered like half-remembered dreams, leaving him happy but disquieted. But the elf was here now – whole and apparently well, if tired, smelling as ever of damp woodland and sweet fruit. The wizard breathed in deeply and sighed out in content feeling well rested and incredibly comfortable, taking the opportunity to study the beautiful being by his side, only considering at that moment that he'd never seen the elf truly relaxed before. He frowned at that thought, but couldn't help a swell of affection as he took in the way Serorian curled protectively around him, lying on his front, one arm securely around Harry's waist, and the other flopping over the other side of the bed – presumably grasping the hilt of that sword that he never seemed to be without. He was warm, and Harry snuggled deeper into his hold feeling unaccustomedly peaceful.

A week ago he'd been boiling over with grief, anger and frustration – unable to adequately express how he was feeling to the point that he'd begun to snap at everyone, feeling increasingly isolated and miserable every time he did. But the heavy weight that life had dumped unceremoniously upon his unprepared shoulders had lifted the very moment he'd set eyes on Serorian. He truly wasn't alone any more. They shared the burden of each other's troubles without guilt or recrimination, and could express more with one passing thought than the wizard would ever be able to convey in a thousand words. Something within himself, that he hadn't even been aware of being broken, had healed.

More awake now, Harry drew back a little to study that beautiful face again, idly tracing bed-warmed fingers over the crescent moon scar in a mixture of disapproval and love. It really did nothing but enhance Serorian's other-worldly looks. The elf sighed drowsily, muttering something in a musical language Harry didn't recognise, and then shifted to draw the wizard closer to him before settling down into sleep once again. Burgundy hair slipped further down that angular cheek allowing a glint of a crystal to catch Harry's attention, and he spent the next few minutes curiously playing with the many charms that adorned the elf's exposed ear. A few were uncut precious gems – studs of ruby, sapphire and emerald linked by a delicate silver chain to a freely hanging deeply purple piece of amethyst, then a copper-toned chunk of ore the wizard couldn't name forming a loop around the edge of that delicate ear, a small pearl embedded into it, beside it an unusual jagged fang on the end of a silver chain and then a strange white crystal bound with brass-hued wire. Finally there was a single small feather – deep silver edging into maroon. Harry could only wonder what they were for, or why the elf had them.

Gentle fingers wrapped around his wrist, caressing the tendons, before removing Harry's touch and pressing a kiss to his knuckles. The startled wizard's gaze darted from the charms and to now wide open mismatching eyes, crinkled into a smile.

'Good morning Beloved.'

'Sorry, I… I didn't mean to wake you. I was just curious.'

Serorian's smiled wider, pressing the hand he still held against his neck, warming the chilled fingers,

'Apologize not – I woke upon my own accord. Also, it would be most hypocritical of me to admonish another for indulging their curiosity. There is a reason why my Earth form is a feline after all.'

Harry laughed quietly, pressing further into the warm hold so that the elf ended up partially draped over his side, their faces settling close enough that they could breathe each other's air. The wizard hummed thoughtfully, taking in the slight bruising beneath his soulmate's eyes, and the dull ache of fatigue still lingering on the other side of the bond.

'I was worried. I could feel how tired you were getting.'

Serorian sighed, eyes fluttering shut in regret,

'I know and I'm sorry. The gateway I entered into this realm by was barely functional – the need to stabilize it was urgent, and the longer I waited to do so, the greater the chance that it would collapse, or that my attempts would be disrupted by an incoming party of Imperial Guards. It could not wait, and I could not rest until I had finished my task. There is too much at stake.'

'Will you have need of it?'

Sensing the growing unease his Intended was feeling, Serorian was quick to deny it, grip tightening around Harry's waist,

'Not personally, no. I would not leave you Beloved, and certainly not without discussing it with you first. It has simply always been my intention that, if by some miracle I discovered safe passage into this realm, I would find some way to contact those Cursed I know of, and give them the chance to find happiness such as I have.'

'How?'

The elf shrugged, brow crinkling into a frown,

'I do not know. I scarcely dared think beyond my escape into this realm before. Now that I am here, I find myself at a loss. I must think on it more.'

They were quiet for a long while after that, Harry watching as the elf sunk closer and closer to the edge of sleep. Serorian looked up suddenly however, sleepy gaze fixing itself to the door, startling Harry with his alertness even when so tired,

'Someone approaches.'

Not bothering to move the elf quickly transformed into a cat, mewling slightly in displeasure at the loss of contact, and quickly remedied it by crawling closer and curling up in the nook of Harry's neck. A minute or two later there was a knock on the door,

'Breakfast is ready Harry, dear. Dumbedore wants to speak to you too.'

'I'll be down in a few Mrs Weasley!'

Footsteps disappeared down the hallway, and Harry groaned in annoyance, thumping his pillow irritably,

'Urgh, great. He's the last person I want to see right now.'

Sero purred reassuringly into his neck then rose from his comfortable spot to stretch in attempt to wake properly. Having remained in a magically induced trance for the last few nights without rest, sleep or sustenance he was left feeling drained in more way than one. Fortunately, just being around Harry helped – they were bonded enough that the Wizard's magic could supplement his somewhat, speeding up his recuperation rate significantly.

The feline waited patiently as the teenager dressed, politely averting his eyes, and then jumped up to his regular spot on Harry's shoulder when he turned to leave. The dining room was loud with conversation when they arrived; Dumbledore sat bright eyed at the head of the table, cup of tea in hand as he delightedly watched the family interact. Remus was absent today, meeting with his various sources in the hope of gaining information for the Order. Harry slipped in unnoticed, and quietly took his seat,

'Hungry Sero?'

The elf mewled pathetically in response, drawing a laugh from the young wizard, then more so when the cat jumped into his lap and fixed him with adorably wide pleading eyes. Good humour shook its way down their bond, and Harry grinned, reaching for the fruit at the centre of the table,

'Okay, okay. I get it, you're very hungry. What do you want this time? More mango?'

An eager feeling transmitted down the bond,

'Mango it is. Anything else?'

Sero seemed to stare at him in consideration for a second, then meowed, following which what only could be described as a bubble slid across their bond. Curiously Harry poked at it mentally, startled to find an image forming abruptly in his mind,

'Uh. Melon and strawberries?'

An excited feeling, followed by pride and affirmation. Somehow they'd just communicated via their bond. Something to definitely ask Serorian about the next time he had the correct vocal cords.

Quietly Harry went about cutting up his soulmate's breakfast into bite sized chunks, only becoming aware of the blue gaze fixated onto them when he reached to finally pour himself some tea after balancing the plateful of fruit on his lap for Sero to consume.

'Who is your new friend Harry?'

'Sero.'

'I see.'

The elderly gentleman watched the pair for a long while, not missing the way they easily interacted, Harry reaching for the empty plate and removing it without even needing to look to see if the cat was done, and Sero settling easily on the young wizard's lap to watch those around them with intelligent eyes – not even attempting to climb onto the table, or to snatch additional food from the plate just centimetres away from him.

'He's an unusual looking cat. Where exactly did you purchase him, my boy?'

'I didn't. We found each other.'

Dumbledore frowned at the less than enlightening answer, eying the feline suspiciously, and raising an eyebrow when it returned his gaze with a certain degree of hostility.

'Hmmm… might I suggest that I take him to Hagrid? I'm sure you'd want to know Sero was in full health, and perhaps learn of his species – it could be dangerous to take him into a school full of raucous children without knowing how he is likely to react.'

Harry frowned, immediately suspicious, feeling the same emotion emanating from the bond along with dislike and slight offense.

'That's alright, sir. Sero is perfectly healthy, and he'd never attack anyone without just cause – especially a child.'

'Harry, my boy, you cannot know that. He could hurt you…'

The teenager pushed back his chair abruptly, not needing to say anything for Sero to jump up onto his shoulder before he stood and abandoned his breakfast, appetite suddenly gone.

'I am not your boy.'

Hermione hissed an admonishment as he passed, but he didn't stop until he left the room, ignoring the sudden silence and heavy weight of eyes upon his retreating form. The door clicked shut behind him and he sighed, leaning against the wall as the room broke into loud chatter behind him. Serorian hissed quietly on his shoulder, attention focused on the gossiping going on from within the room, easily audible to his sensitive ears.

'Don't worry about it Sero. It's no more than I expect.'

The feline grumbled in a manner than was almost human sounding, causing the wizard to smile a little. Affectionately he reached up and scratched the cat's neck, smile widening at the resulting purr.

'I shouldn't have lost my temper. I just… I can't stand it y'know? I look at him, and all I want to do is hex him. How am I meant to smile and pretend the thought had never occurred to me?'

Sero leapt gracefully from his shoulder in seeming response, winking out of existence. Harry blinked in confusion, and then gasped when invisible arms tugged him away from the wall and into a hug.

'You aren't Beloved.'

An invisible pair of lips pressed against his gently for a moment,

'If you live your life constantly trying to avoid causing hurt or confrontation, then you are not living for yourself. If you are angry, say that you are angry; if you're sad, say that you're sad; if someone displeases you, tell them so. Dumbledore is indeed old and powerful for a wizard, but that does not mean that he is always right, or that he cannot be asked to account for his actions.'

'Everyone else looks up to him though! How can I say what I want to say when everyone will be angry on his behalf – they'll all take his side, and I'll feel like the bad guy, and then my friends will treat me like crap.'

Serorian sighed,

'Harry, you are a wizard, and bonded to an elf, you are likely to live a very long time because of it – do you truly suppose that you will only ever have those two friends, or that their friendship will be the only ones of value in your life? If they cannot move beyond their blind admiration of an old man to see how you have been hurt and betrayed, then perhaps some time stewing in their own misconceptions is what they need. You are in the right. Believe that, and let it strengthen you when others would seek to see your convictions crumble.'

Harry bit his lip, knowing that his soulmate was right, yet still a part of him – a part he could objectively understand to be that same part that had desperately sought friendship throughout a lonely childhood – baulked at the idea of standing up to his friends, possibly resulting in the breakup of their friendship. Hermione practically worshipped authority – especially in the form of Dumbledore, and Ron had been raised to be in awe of the man. There was little chance it could end well. But was this what Dumbledore had planned all along? That he would be so affected by his childhood that he could never risk the wrath of those that loved Dumbledore, by speaking against him? A spark of indignant rebellion ignited.

'You're right. I can't let people walk all over me forever. I won't let them anymore.'

The teenager sighed, blindly winding his arms around the elf's neck,

'Do you think Remus will be disappointed in me?'

Serorian huffed in amusement at such an absurd question,

'The werewolf loves you unconditionally, and I do not doubt he will support your choice regardless of what that choice is.'

There was silence for a moment, and then Harry stepped out of the affectionate embrace with a sigh,

'We'd better move before someone comes out and sees me hugging air. They'll be finishing breakfast soon. Are you… are you staying with me today?

A large slender hand pressed against the small of his back, guiding him into walking,

'I am with you always, Beloved, but yes – I shall remain by your side today.'

'Good.'

Together, by unspoken consensus, they began the trek to the Black Library, ignorant to the fact that at that very moment a fate-altering floo call was taking place. As they settled in the library, Serorian once again in cat form contently curled up on his soulmate's lap, a darkly dressed man - one tainted by hatred and subterfuge - leant back from his fireplace with an irritated snarl and gathered his few personal effects hastily before leaving his drab home. Moments later, not long after he disappeared with a quiet 'pop', two women approached his battered front door and knocked upon it to no avail. A string of fate unravelled, and another took its place.

Harry was deep into a book about Defensive Charms when Dumbledore peered smilingly round the door, only aware of the initial intrusion due to Serorian's sudden tensing, a feeling of dislike transmitting clearly down the bond.

'Ah Harry, there you are. Hard at work I see! It's wonderful to see that you're taking your role seriously.'

Green eyed blinked upwards to fix the Headmaster with a blank stare, watching as the old man ambled into the room and took a seat opposite the sofa with a heavy sigh,

'Yes well, a weapon is no good if it dies within the first few minutes of battle.'

Dumbledore winced a little at the boy's emotionless tone, feeling pensive and weary as he took in those dark green eyes looking at him, and seeing far too much resemblance to another pair of green eyes that had regarded him in much the same manner a good 50 years ago.

'Surely you must know that I see you as more than a weapon, my boy.'

'All I know is that I've been a good little puppet for too long, and I finally noticed the strings. What do you want?'

'Harry, my boy…'

The gaze flashed, and the elder wizard felt a stirring of alarm in his gut, tactfully getting to the point before the teenager's volatile temper snapped,

'… I need your assistance in an important manner. Tomorrow evening I should think - if you are amenable.'

That sharp green gaze narrowed, but the teen nodded in acquiescence,

'Is that all?'

'One last thing, I admit I have been remiss in how I have dealt with the matter of the prophecy…'

Something odd passed through the Potter heir's eyes, and the casually bored cat on his knee twitched slightly. Dumbledore frowned thoughtfully, but continued,

'…but now you know, and while I'm sure you are doing all you can to prepare, I would like to begin some private lessons with you. I must stress how important these will be. They'll be instrumental in your defeat of Voldemort.'

'When?'

'During term time, I'll contact you by owl.'

'Okay. Are we done?'

Dumbledore hesitated, eyes flickering to that unusual cat once again, disconcerted to find it staring at him with blatant suspicion.

'For now, yes. I would like to speak to you again later – preferably after the meeting tonight.'

Harry nodded once, then turned pointedly back to his book, not uttering a word as the old wizard rose with a sigh,

'I am sorry, my boy, for whatever I have done to reduce our relationship to this. I only hope once you're older you can understand why I have done things this way, and forgive me the hurt it has caused you.'

Dumbledore eyed the unmoved boy sadly, and then left. The door closed with a quiet click, and immediately Harry sagged in place, letting out the breath he'd been holding in a rush,

'Dear Merlin that was horrible.'

Sero purred in his lap, mismatched eyes wide with concern, bond thrumming soothingly.

'I know, I know, he deserves it. Doesn't make it any more fun… and he was as thoroughly uninformative as usual! I wonder what he wants…'

Harry glanced down at his elf, receiving the distinct feeling that he was waiting for something, and caught the quick glance towards the door. Immediately he frowned and went to comment, but was halted as Serorian quickly transformed, not bothering to move from where he was half draped over the teenager, and covered Harry's mouth with his hand, attention still on the door.

A minute ticked by in silence, and Serorian withdrew his hand, indicating for the wizard to remain quiet, and then lay down fully resting his head on his Intended's stomach. Arching an eyebrow Harry complied and turned back to his book, using his free hand to card his fingers through the elf's incredibly soft hair, and grinning when Sero began to purr quietly.

The wizard quickly became absorbed in the text again, and was actually nearing the end of it when Serorian finally shifted and looked up at him sleepy eyed,

'We can speak now.'

Harry set down his book, having been waiting impatiently for this, and settled down further, running his hand through the elf's hair again as he focused his attention onto him,

'Why couldn't we earlier?'

'The old man cast some sort of monitoring charm on the door. I could have dissipated it, but that would have been suspicious, so instead I thought it best for it to naturally fade.'

'Why the hell would he do that?'

'He suspects I may not be a mere cat, or he believes you are hiding something from him.'

'That's a bit rich coming from him.'

The elf hummed, nuzzling into his Beloved's stomach again, absorbing the peace and comfort with a greedy heart,

'It is. Even now he hides his ailment.'

The fingers so easily coaxing him into a blissful state paused at this,

'Ailment?'

'Yes, magically induced. There is no barrier that my all-seeing eye cannot penetrate, and though he disguises it well with a glamour, I can see the blackened, withered flesh of his arm. There is powerful death magic at work. I am not adept enough to be able to identify the curse, but even I can see that it is linked to the ring that even now he wears.'

'Death magic?'

Noting the growing alarm in his soulmate's voice and heart, the elf half sat up to meet that green gaze,

'Yes, Beloved. A much misunderstood branch of magic. It was a significant point of contention between my kind and yours. You must understand, despite what is taught, there is no such thing as 'dark magic' or 'light magic' – there is only magic and the will to use it. Death magic is not inherently evil – it is a natural aspect of existence – without it we could not be a full and complete society. It is the magic of time and rebirth - used to communicate with the dead, to solve crimes, interact with the shadow realm and in healing rituals.'

'Can… can you use it?'

'Any elf may use Death Magic, though Dark Elves will always be more naturally adept. Without it I could not shadow walk.'

'So it isn't used to kill?'

'It can be. But then so can all magics.'

'But the death magic on Dumbledore's arm is killing him?'

'Yes, very slowly. It is a powerful curse, they are fortunate to have been able to lessen its hold.'

'Can it be cured?'

'I know not, Beloved, it is beyond my skill.'

Harry absorbed this, upset despite how much he currently loathed the old wizard. He'd lost too many people in his life to wish death upon anyone.

'I know someone who may be able to help.'

The teenager looked sharply at his soulmate, immediately thinking of that gateway and the cruel society living on the other side of it,

'Another elf? It's too dangerous!'

Serorian's lip twitched in aborted humour,

'I have survived the worst kind of danger – that tainted by hopelessness. Now I have you, I will never be so endangered again. Fear not, the elf I speak of is a Cursed. I speak of Elwing. His skill as a Healer and talents as a Dark Elf endear him to such tasks. He is one of many I intend to free from the misery of the Immortal Realm, so he shall be coming here regardless. Dumbledore's curse is slow. We have time.'

'Have you even thought of a way to get the other Cursed here yet?'

Serorian's brow crinkled, and he exhaled sharply in frustration,

'I have not. It will come to me.'

Harry couldn't help but smile at the grumpy expression on such a beautiful face, and tugged at the elf to encourage him to lie down again. The elf did so, moving further up the wizard's body so that his head rested on a lithe shoulder, making a sound of content as Harry pressed a kiss into his hair and picked up his book again.

'You think then, and try not to fall asleep – I'm relying on your ears as an early warning system.'

Serorian grumbled something intelligible into his neck, and then sighed helplessly in relaxation,

'I love you.'

Harry smiled as he flipped open his Defense book, pressing another kiss to that head of burgundy hair, and then started reading again from the beginning.

The day passed quickly and quietly – Hermione and Ron were seemingly avoiding him for fear of meeting the sharp edge of his infamous temper, Harry worked through book after book in his increasing need for defensive knowledge and his elf lay draped over him, lingering on the edge of sleep but ever willing to awaken further to answer the occasional question. A few minutes had been spent discussing how Sero had transferred the mental picture that morning, a simple matter of purposely pushing a thought towards the bond, and then mastering the ability for future use. Lunch had been delivered by Remus, who had returned from whatever back-alley hole he'd been using to meet with his sources, along with the unwelcome news that Snape had also arrived at Grimmauld Place and was currently spreading the joys of his ill-temper to the Weasley clan.

As expected the Order of the Phoenix meeting was conducted without Harry, though Remus promised to tell him of anything important that came up, and then the many occupants of the house were called for dinner. Harry ate quickly, avoiding the curious eyes of those at the dinner table, and settled in the sitting room afterwards, feeling somewhat nervous as he waited for Dumbledore. Generally, if they had something to discuss, it was something important, bad, or both.

The reason for the private meeting became obvious as soon as the old wizard entered the room… with Snape in tow. Harry all but snarled shooting out of his chair and scooting behind it for fear that he'd attack the scowling man. It was irrational, but he blamed Snape for Sirius' death, at least in part. Added on to an already unhealthy amount of dislike, it was practically a recipe for homicide.

'What the hell is he doing here?'

'My boy –'

'I have told you before; I am not your boy.'

The bond was thrumming with emotion, Harry's fear and hatred warring with Serorian's confusion and concern. Not knowing how else to explain, the teenager directed his memories of the unpleasant man and their 'lessons' together towards his elf, shaking with the effort of remaining calm.

'Harry, I called Severus here because I'm concerned. With Voldemort stronger than ever it is important that we protect your mind as much as possible. We wouldn't want you to be so easily manipulated again.'

Harry flinched, the words like a physical blow as he was reminded of the failure that had cost him the life of his beloved godfather. Serorian hissed fiercely, fur rising in indignation as he bared his teeth at the solemn eyed Headmaster. Behind him, Snape smirked unpleasantly. Feeling as if he'd swallowed glass, the teenager gripped the back of his chair, nails digging into the soft cushioning,

'Hypocrite.'

Dumbledore had the nerve to look stunned at the accusation, though Serorian noted with a keen eye, Snape did not. In fact he looked rather… pleasantly surprised?

'Hypocrite, Harry? I assure you, I am no such thing.'

Harry laughed humourlessly,

'Did you really think I'd remain like my naïve 11 year old self forever? That I'd never overcome the abuse you let my so-called family subject me to? That I'd never look past the rhetoric you've repeatedly spouted at me about having my best interests at heart? I may not be the brightest, or the most powerful, or the most worldly, but even I can see your manipulations. How does it feel, knowing that you resort to the same tactics as Voldemort?'

Blue eyes that so often sparkled with kindness, real or not, darkened at the comparison. Harry spoke quickly, reckless fury fuelling his words, disregarding the anger they might provoke,

'I am not going to learn Occlumency. Not from you, not from Snape, not from anyone you have control over. For all I know, you've been opening my mind to intrusion, not working towards its protection! I don't know what your true intentions are, but I'm sure as hell not going to let you use me.'

So caught up was he in the headiness of actually speaking his mind, that he missed the movement that brought Dumbledore's wand to hand. He could not however miss the firmly spoken spell if he had tried, and cried out in surprise as a beam of blue light hit him.

'Legilimens!'

There was a breathless silence and Harry waited, eyes closed, for the painful intrusion of his mind to commence. A deep, furious growl sounded instead however, deadly and loud in the quiet room and green eyes blinked open. Confusion and fear warred on Dumbledore's face as he stared at the cat at Harry's feet. A cat that was, oddly enough, no longer a mere cat. The teenager gasped at the feline stood tensed before him, hackles raised – at least three times bigger than usual, plum coloured fur struck through with black, and large sinuous muscles obvious beneath rippling skin as the feline shifted protectively. Mismatching eyes were dark with fury, large wickedly sharp teeth fixed in a snarl as the cat-turned-panther stared down the Headmaster.

The full weight of what just happened struck Harry, and he brought his wand to his hand instinctively, throwing a glance to the Potions Master who he half expected to be defending the Headmaster. Instead the teenager was forced to do a double take. Snape indeed had is wand out, but it wasn't pointed at the son of his childhood bully, it was pointed at Dumbledore, his sallow features tight with anger.

'Harry-'

The teenager hissed at the old man, snake-like for a moment, startling the other wizards,

'You have no right to refer to me with such familiarity after what you just did.'

'I only did it to –'

'What, to prove to me that I'm weak? That you're stronger than me? To find out my secrets? You know, where I come from, intruding into someone's body without permission is called rape. I don't see how intruding into someone's mind is any better.'

Dumbledore didn't seem to know how to respond to this, and shifted his grip on his wand, freezing again when Sero growled.

'I know you've been keeping secrets from me Mr Potter. I know that cat is no ordinary cat. I know you could not have learned to defend your mind so completely without help. I will find out eventually.'

Harry shrugged, expression blank,

'Maybe, but it won't be from me. Come on Sero, I doubt senile old men taste very nice.'

Recklessly the teenager turned his back on the Headmaster. Snape moved from where he blocked the door without a word, and even nodded almost unperceivably in respect as Harry passed by. Filing that reaction away for later consideration Harry left, waiting for Sero just outside the door which shut behind them. Feigning a calm he didn't really feel the shaking teen made his way to his room, the large feline pressed against his thigh, not surprised to find Remus waiting patiently for him in an armchair.

The werewolf knew instantly that something was wrong and rose from his seat in alarm, and then flinched as Sero entered in all his panther-like glory,

'Hells bells, Sero?'

The elf returned to his natural form quickly, ignoring the werewolf as Harry slid down the wall into a sitting position, pressing his palms against his eyes as he tried to absorb what had just happened. Not entirely unshaken himself, Serorian joined his Intended on the floor, tentatively placing a hand on the teen's leg. He smiled humourlessly as Harry immediately shifted forward, placing himself in the gap between the elf's crossed legs, and wrapping his own around slim hips. Trembling arms wound round the elf's waist, and a pale face pressed against his neck. With no thought at all except those to comfort his soulmate Serorian pressed the mortal closer, taking heart himself at the mere proximity.

For a short while they breathed each other in, purposely not thinking beyond the feel of the close embrace, and then Harry sighed, pulling back slightly.

'Sorry… I just…'

'There is no need for apology, Beloved. I feel your betrayal as keenly as if it were my own.'

'Harry… please, tell me what's going on.'

Green eyes flickered immediately to the werewolf, growing wide in concern at his suddenly pale Godfather's pained expression, a scarred hand resting subconsciously over his heart. Sero immediately loosened his hold, letting the teenager scramble to his feet to encourage the sickly man to lie down on the bed. Once achieved, Harry curled up beside the amber eyed man, snuggling up to him and smiling at his soulmate as the elf did the same. Quietly they explained what had happened, Serorian easily preventing the werewolf from rising in his fury at the Headmaster's actions. Harry was quick to distract him with the one thing he knew his Godfather couldn't resist – information,

'There's just one thing I want to know – no, two. How did I block Dumbledore, and how did you change into a big cat? Is that another elemental form of yours?'

Remus's eyes were still pure amber in anger, but even he looked intrigued at this. Serorian smiled mischievously, more than willing to distract them both from earlier events,

'I did not mention because I did not think it necessary, but elves are strong and orderly of mind – we would go mad otherwise with the sheer quantity of knowledge we accumulate over many centuries, and there are many evils in the Immortal Realm that would destroy an elf if they did not shield their mind. As your soulmate I naturally seek to protect you from whatever danger may befall you, and as such the defences around my mind extend to yours.'

Harry hummed in consideration, not having thought to link his recent lack of nightmares and visions to his bond with Serorian.

'And that big cat thing?'

'That is the full measure of my Earth form. As a part Sea Elf hybrid I have unusual control over my shape-shifting ability. I initially decided to restrain my transformation to that of an ordinary sized cat for everyday use, so to avoid suspicion or alarm, however in my need to protect you I felt a more… obvious threat than a hissing housecat would be more effective.'

Harry laughed lightly, not quite able to eliminate the hollow ring from his tone,

'I think you made the right choice; I've never seen Dumbledore look scared before.'

'He has reason to be.'

'I second that… and you say Severus was in the room too? He can't have taken the threat to Lily's child very kindly.'

Harry shifted to better view his Godfather, brow furrowed,

'He… he raised his wand against Dumbledore. I didn't really believe you about him until then… and he nodded at me when I left the room. I think that's the most civil he's ever been!'

'I told you didn't I? You may look like James, but you've got Lily's fire – it's as obvious to him as it is to me, if not more so. I have no doubt that he's fond of you, no matter how much he hides it.'

'I must agree with Remus, Beloved, had I not seen it for myself I would not have believed from your memories that it was so. As you spoke your mind, Snape was surprised, but pleasantly so – as if he had been waiting for you to defend yourself but had almost given up hope of it. It is also clear to me that he has a very strong mind and even stronger control over his heart – I could not sense anything from him. I believe you must consider the idea that he has never acted as his true self around you.'

'He probably can't – too risky. If someone saw him being nice to Harry Potter and reported it to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named he'd be dead within a fortnight.'

Harry bit his lip thoughtfully, never having really considered how difficult it must be to spy on the Dark Lord, nor how it must control Snape's life. Absently he wondered how many lives the potion's master lived – was it possible for any sane person to play three separate roles for so long? Serorian eyed his Beloved briefly, knowing that the teenager needed time to think, and turned instead to the werewolf who was grimacing at some phantom pain.

'Are you well?'

Remus nodded absently, stretching out his arm to ease some ache,

'The sting of transformation never quite seems to leave. I should probably go to bed – it's getting late and I need to be up early.'

'You are in bed are you not?'

The werewolf blinked, amber eyes uncertain,

'This is Harry's bed?'

'And you are his family. Tell me truthfully – would a night in close proximity to your pack not ease some of your pain?'

'Pain? I'm fine - my last transformation was 2 weeks ago.'

'I do not speak of physical pain, though I have no doubt that it feels like such. You are heartsick Remus.'

The kindly werewolf half sat up, blindsided by this casual statement,

'How… how could you know that?'

A firm hand to his chest forced him to lie down again,

'I can sense it. You are greatly weakened – were you not so sick at heart, I would not be able to overpower you so easily.'

'You can sense it?'

Guilt was beginning to grown in those amber eyes, and Serorian was quick to dispel it,

'I do not feel any echo of your pain, have no fear. Merely it is something I acknowledge – it lingers in my senses much as scent, or sound, or sensation might. Sleep now my friend, I will watch over you and your Cub.'

'You need sleep too, Sero.'

'I will get my rest when the Long Sleep overcomes me.'

Remus' brow crinkled at this, even as he compliantly waved his wand to transform his clothes into pyjamas. Beside him Harry rose to perform his night adulations and to change.

'It that your elf-like way of saying 'I'll sleep when I'm dead'?'

Serorian's lips quirked,

'I believe so, yes.'

'Don't let Harry know that – if he's anything like Lily, and he most certainly is, you'll still be feeling the resulting slap when you're in your 'Long Sleep'.'

The elf chuckled at this, rising from the bed to remove his various weapons, ignoring the raised eyebrow the sizable pile gained him,

'Is that a voice of experience I hear?'

Remus laughed too as he clambered beneath the covers, smiling mischievously at the elf who sat cross-legged at the end of the bed,

'I'm afraid even I fell victim to a prank or two during school, on one unfortunate occasion I had the misfortune to drink a potion-laced butterbeer that rendered me incapable of speaking anything other than dirty limericks. Lily was right to slap me, even if it wasn't quite my fault. She was very apologetic when she figured out that it was a prank though. Bought me a huge bar of Honeydukes chocolate to say sorry for slapping me – James didn't speak to me for a whole week due to jealousy.'

'Chocolate? What is chocolate?'

Remus froze, and then slowly sat up eyes wide in horror,

'Oh dear Merlin… please tell me you're joking.'

Sero raised an amused eyebrow, and looked to his soulmate who had begun to laugh, having re-entered the room in time to hear the elf's question,

'It's a sweet Sero - you'd probably love it. Moony is addicted to the stuff.'

The elf hummed thoughtfully, deciding he'd have the werewolf introduce him to this 'chocolate' at the earliest opportunity, supressing a smile as the scarred man flopped down onto the bed again, grumbling about the insanity of a world without chocolate as he settled down to sleep. Harry clambered in beside him, ensuring he was far enough down the bed to be in contact with his soulmate through the covers, and far enough along to be able to curl up against his Godfather. There was a mutual exaggerated sigh of relaxation, and the elf shook his head at the resulting giggles before beginning to hum, lulling the pair to sleep before they could realise the effect his voice was having upon them. Serorian closed his eyes as he continued to hum, senses on full alert, turning his thoughts inwards to the problem foremost in his mind at that moment. Namely the gateway and how he was going to get more than 100 condemned elves, scattered across various countries, through it. It was not going to be easy.

R&R if you want (yes, feed this insecure writer cookies of encouragement!). Any spelling/grammar errors, just let me know.