Chapter Fourteen

Disclaimer: I do not own

Sebastian woke the next morning feeling groggy- the IBUProfen had yet to make its way through his system. He stumbled out of bed and to the bathroom where, after a shower, he found himself staring at his reflection in the mirror. Why do I look so different? Oh yeah, he said something about a blood adoption, didn't he? But does that make him our father? Sebastian wondered. No, he's not our father. He's just a decent guy who wants to be a dad but can't because of what our father did. Pretending to be his son is the best way to survive. But with the blood adoption… no! He doesn't want to be our father; he's doing this for some other reason. Maybe because we're the weapon they need to win the war? Or maybe there's another reason, something personal. Whatever the reason, he still saved us…me…whatever! We owe him a lot just for that and he wants a son. We're going to be the best damn son possible! Having finally agreed with himself, Sebastian made his way down to the kitchen fully dressed. He had planned on making his rescuer breakfast but found said man sitting at the kitchen table eating cold cereal while hunched over a large stack of papers. "Sorry sir," he said, "I didn't mean to oversleep."

"Good morning," Alekzander said without looking up from his papers. "You didn't oversleep, it's still early. Are you doing all right? I know it's not ideal but we should try to get everyone merged before school starts. Tonight would be a good time for another merge- that way you can sleep it off. Does this sound reasonable?" Sebastian nodded in reply. "Remember how I said that we would be living as muggles? Well, I found a way for you to train. An, well I suppose you could call him an old friend of mine lives here in the city and has kindly agreed to let you train in his home. He has also agreed to train you himself as I cannot. I'm taking you there this afternoon so the two of you can meet. Is this agreeable?"

Sebastian frowned. "Why can't you train me?"

Alekzander rolled his eyes, why must children always ask questions? "I cannot train you because the Ministry will be searching for my magical signature and Harry Potter's. They cannot track you thanks to the blood adoption. That and Neil will probably be able to train you better, he won't have to worry about you hating him and acting out. Regardless of how you may feel about this, you must be trained." He dropped his British accent before continuing. "Suck it up and take it like a man."

"Yes sir," replied Sebastian. I didn't know he had any friends, this'll be interesting. "Should I take my text books?"

"Yes."

An hour later they departed the flat and made their way to Neil's. Alekzander knocked, a tall blonde with extremely well toned muscles opened the door. "Neil."

"Alek," the man replied.

"This is my son, Sebastian. What time shall I pick him up?"

Neil reached out and grabbed Sebastian's shoulder then pulled him inside. "A few hours should be good." He slammed the door shut. He led Sebastian into his library; they sat on two couches opposite each other. "Hello Sebastian, my name is Neal as I'm sure Alek told you. He probably didn't tell you, however, that he and I were roommates in college. I know Alek can be a very difficult person, I also know that he's not your father- no need to worry, he told me who you are. I also get the distinct feeling that the two of you don't get along. He's doing the best that he can right now; things will get better if you are willing to try to make them better. Enough of that. Let's get started. Did you bring your books?" Sebastian nodded. "Good. You'll have to remind me, what year are you?"

"I'm a second year," Sebastian replied as he pulled his books from the bag he brought. "What subject should we start with, sir?"

Neil grinned. "Defense is, of course, the most important."

Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas Kate.