Sorry ive been gone for a so long. School and work both got crazy... Bleh! Heres the next chapter. Its a little longer :)
Harry woke up warm, and cuddled up against someone's side. He tiredly lifted his head, and glanced at the other in his bed. His green eyes met with Siles's mismatched eyes. This confused Harry for a minute, before the events of last night hit him. His eyes widened, and he sat up suddenly. "I'm sorry!" he squeaked out in embarrassment.
"It's all right, we all have bad dreams. And I have seen glimpses of your past, so I know what you dream about. They can't hurt you anymore, you're safe now," Siles said as he pulled Harry back into his arms so that they could cuddle.
"You saw?" Harry questioned. Siles hummed in response and rubbed Harry's back. "Thank you, for coming to me last night."
"Always, Harry; I mean what I said last night. We are soulmates, and I will always come when you call. I don't care where you came from, or what you have been through."
Harry snuggled closer to Siles, relaxing in his arms. "Is that what we are? Soulmates?"
"I would like to think of it that way. Lady Magic gave me the gift to See you, and See us together in the future, so I think that means she made us soulmates. Lady Magic isn't wrong about these things. She knows what's best."
"The idea of soulmates scares me…"
"Why do you feel that way?"
"Who wouldn't? I mean, you're suddenly told that you are someone's perfect other half. And that someone, as far as you have known, has been trying to kill you your whole life. But now, they want to bloody marry you, and it's just ridiculous!" Harry grumbled.
"Who are you talking about, lovely?" Siles asked as he propped himself up on his elbow, looking at Harry with a puzzled frown.
"Voldemort!"
"Voldemort?" Siles looked even more confused.
"Tom Riddle . . . Voldemort, the Dark Lord that supposedly killed my parents. Apparently he is a Naga, and my soulmate, and now he wants to court me! But as far as I knew all he has ever tried to do is kill me, except now I have found out that's not entirely true. It's frustrating! And, and confusing!"
"Lord Slytherin? Now that's interesting, and you say he's told you he is your soulmate?"
"Yeah, Nagas apparently have soulmates and I am his." Harry rolled over on his back to stare at the ceiling.
"Hmm, so do you find that you dislike his presence?" Siles probed.
"I have only really ever talked to him once," Harry mumbled. "Everything else has, well . . . been told to me secondhand."
"And that might be the problem. Harry, you can't judge someone by hearsay. You should get to know him, give him a chance," Siles suggested. "That's the whole point of courting."
Harry sighed and turned over again to cuddle into Siles. "Mum and Dad are going to hex you if they find you in bed with me," Harry mumbled into his side.
"I think no matter what they are going to kill me at this point. Look at your ribbon, Harry." Harry pulled away and did what was asked of him. He found Gunther's name still present in a yellowish-gold. Then came Severus's name under it, in the dark red color. Then lastly his eyes fell on Siles's name. Yesterday the name had been a light blue, but it had changed. It was now black, with a light blue outline.
"It's changed! It's black, but, wait, that means - " Harry gasped, bolting upright in the bed. "We're bonded?!"
"Yeah . . . so it seems," Siles replied.
"Oh. So . . . you're a dead man, huh?" Harry said in a dull voice.
"You okay, Harry?" Siles asked as he sat up and turned Harry's face to look into his eyes. "This doesn't change much, you know; you and I will keep on courting just as we have been. I know it's shocking, but don't panic, I won't force you into anything. We'll still move at your pace, you call all the shots."
"I think I'm okay, just a little shocked. How did this happen?" Harry asked.
"Lady Magic, I think, which is why I am sure we are soulmates. I know it's early, but we have a lifetime to get to know each other." Siles leant forward and placed a kiss on Harry's forehead. "Don't stress about it, lovely. Now I am going to go back to my room and get ready for the day. You should as well. I'll be back in a bit to help with your hair. Okay?"
"Okay," Harry responded, still staring at his hand, slightly stunned.
Harry and Siles entered the dining room together. Siles pulled out the seat for Harry, and then scooted him in before sitting down beside him. They both looked up to greet those present in the dining room, only to find three pairs of eyes staring at them. "Uhh, good morning?" Harry said hesitantly. He glanced from one face to another, trying to figure out what was going on.
"Good morning, Harry. Eventful night?" Bartok asked. His tone was mild but he had a look on his face that told Harry his father knew exactly what had transpired the night before.
Harry blushed, and shifted in his seat. "I, uh, had a bad dream last night. . . ."
"Bad dream? Harry, you woke DAVID up!" Lyle exclaimed. "You know, Mr. I-Sleep-Like-the-Dead." Anna, who was sitting next to Lyle, whacked him upside the head.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you all up," Harry responded.
"You only woke David, and that was only because he was sleeping in his wolf form last night. He has enhanced hearing, and he woke me up. We saw everything last night, Harry. That wasn't just a bad dream, you had us worried. I am happy that Siles was there for you," Bartok said calmly, trying to soothe the panic he heard in Harry's voice.
"You saw everything?" Harry asked hesitantly.
"We did."
"Then you know that Lady Magic bonded us last night?" Siles asked, cutting into the conversation. Bartok nodded his head in confirmation. "Then I don't need to tell you that was not my intent when I went to his room last night. I only went to calm him. Lady Magic bonded us without our notice."
"Yes, we saw that. Don't worry, Siles, we understand what happened. As I said, we are glad that you were there for Harry. It's been a while since he's had such a night terror," Bartok assured the younger two.
"So you're not going to hex him?" Harry asked.
"Pft! You bet I am going to hex him!" Lyle shouted, standing from his chair. He gave a yelp as Anna grabbed him by the ear and yanked him back down into his seat.
"Stop teasing them both, and sit down and eat. You are far too hyper this morning," she commanded. Lyle slumped in his seat pouting and rubbing his ear, which made Harry giggle.
They were all distracted by the door opening. Issy stumbled in followed by David, who was guiding her with a hand on her back. "Issy? Are you feeling well this morning?" Anna asked. David pulled out a chair for Issy, but Issy climbed into Anna's lap and cuddled up with her instead. "Ah, I take it you had a rough morning then. Would you like some toast?"
"Give me a few minutes, and then I'll try some," Issy responded quietly.
"Mum, are you ok?" Harry asked, concerned.
Anna looked up at Harry and smiled. "Your Mum is just fine. Just morning sickness."
Harry looked stunned at the response. "Mum's pregnant?" he asked, excited.
"Yes, she's three weeks along. We confirmed it on Friday, but we didn't want to distract you from your weekend plans so we waited until today to let you know," Anna explained.
"That's so exciting, Mummy!" Harry cried out, grinning from ear to ear.
"Yes, it is. I can't wait. You're going to be a big brother," Issy proclaimed. She smiled a little wanly at him.
"And Harry was just saying something about that the other day, how he wished he had lots of siblings. So you best get busy," Siles mentioned, grinning.
Harry flushed. "It really would be great to have siblings. I can't wait, it's so exciting."
"Oh, and we can go shopping. And get more baby things, since after the accident we gave away a lot of our supplies. And we need to get you some more clothing. Oh, I forgot, Ray sent a letter yesterday, she's got a bundle of new clothes for you to go through. Maybe we should go shopping today. Doesn't that sound like fun? Just you and me, spending some time together?" Issy suggested.
"That sounds like a great plan," Harry replied, "but do you feel well enough to do all that?" He eyed her with concern; he'd never heard his exuberant Mum sound so subdued. And she still looked pale, though she was starting to get some color back in her face.
"Pfft!" Issy waved her hand dismissively. "I'll be fine; it's only in the mornings that I feel sick. I've taken an anti-nausea potion and in a few minutes I'll have some dry toast and be right as rain."
"Good," Bartok cut in, "and while you two are out shopping, you can get your school supplies, Harry. Your list just came." He passed the letter down to Harry.
"Oh, wow, the Headmistress worked fast," Harry said, reading the letter aloud. "She even got me an apprenticeship already, with a Master Hilduara. I get to start school the 3rd of October! Only two weeks from now. I have classes on Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays from nine to three. Then I see Master Hilduara on Tuesdays and Thursdays, ahh, all it says is to be there at 9am. Then I've got tutoring Wednesday nights from six to eight, and Saturdays. It's a really busy schedule."
"It might seem like a lot right now, but the schedule changes often," Issy explained. "School is all year around here in Teradore, and semesters are four months long. So every four months you might end up with different schedule. I started off apprenticing at the clinic two days a week, and then was moved to three days, and now I do half-days there, and half-days at school. The school really encourages hands-on experience."
"I can't wait!" Harry said, excited.
Issy and David stood in the Floo room, waiting on Harry. Issy had decided that David should come with them, just in case. Harry skipped into the room, dressed in black jeans and his flowy blue shirt. "I'm ready, Mum!" Harry said coming to a stop.
"David's going to help you Floo, he's coming with us. Someone has to carry our bags," Issy said, teasing. "Gringotts first, then shopping!" she said, before stepping though the Floo.
"We best get going, hold on tight" David said, pulling Harry into his arms. Harry clenched his eyes, as they traveled though the Floo. Harry still stumbled as they exited. David guided Harry over to the counter where Issy was working with a goblin to withdraw funds.
"Where to first, Issy?" David asked.
"Let's stop at Quinton's Quills, and start with Harry's school stuff. The Book Nook is down the road from there, and I am sure that we can find all the books Harry needs, and more. How's that sound?" Issy suggested.
"Sounds great," Harry responded.
Issy held her hand out to Harry. "Are you too old to hold my hand? Mummy's feeling clingy," she requested, waiting for a response. Harry smiled and grasped Issy's hand. David hooked arms with Issy, and the three of them left Gringotts together.
"What about the potions ingredients that are on the list?" Harry asked.
"You should pick those up at the Markets, they have much better options. I am sure Severus would be willing to take you. He would be able to pick the best, and I am sure he would be thrilled going with you," David suggested.
"Now that's an idea. You should send him a letter when you get home," Issy agreed.
When the three of them got to Quinton's Quills, Issy handed Harry a basket and told him to get everything he needed and anything extra that he wanted. She took a basket for herself, so that she could browse as well. After a fair amount of time, Harry met back up with his parents. He was slowly getting used to being able to have not only things he needed but also what he wanted. They checked out and David gathered the bags, shrinking them and putting them in his pocket.
The next shop that they went into was the Book Nook. Issy gave both the boys a basket, and told them to have at it. Knowing that they would probably be there for a little while, Issy grabbed a basket for herself, and went over to the expecting mothers section to browse. After all, it had been a little while since her first pregnancy and styles were bound to have changed. After a while, David came over and emptied Issy's basket, adding it into his own. Issy thanked him, and went back to browsing. Even though there was a feather-light charm on the baskets, it was nice of David to be concerned.
Harry was having a grand time looking though and picking out books he needed as well as books that interested him. He was very excited about the required course materials, and he was thinking about getting a head start. When Harry finished, he found Issy sitting on a chair in a corner of the store, reading. "All done?" she asked.
"Yes, I got all of my school books, and quite a few extras," Harry said, sitting down across from her.
"You are so much like David. He's such a bookworm, it's so cute. You're both so cute," Issy said, smiling.
Harry smiled back at her, and then glanced around the shop. "Where is he?"
"He has another twenty minutes left, then his time is up and we are leaving. We always give him an hour in the bookstore. It's an unspoken rule now, he even times himself. He knows that if it was up to him he would buy everything," Issy giggled. Harry laughed as well, knowing that she was probably right.
Issy smiled and closed her book, setting it down in her basket. "So, you're really okay with a sibling?" she asked.
Harry's face lit up, "Yes, I really am. The Dursleys, they ignored me, I felt like I had no one. They were not a family, and now I am with a real family. I want to have siblings, like the Weasley family. I really do, and I want to help spoil them, and so much more."
Issy smiled and reached her hand out, placing it on Harry's knee. "We love you, Harry, and thank you so much for being part of our family. Here comes David, let's get going." She held her hand out to Harry, who grasped it. The two of them met David at the counter, where they paid for their large collection of books. After David shrank those, they headed for the next shop on Issy's list.
Harry gripped on to David's arm as they exited the Floo. This time, he managed not to stumble, but his legs felt shaky. David kept his arms around him, until Harry was steady enough to push back a little. He smiled and thanked David, who gave him a short hug and a kiss on the forehead before letting go. Issy came through next and smiled at them both. "Well, now we get to put everything away!" Her good mood was still apparent.
Tiptop suddenly appeared. "Masters and Mistress be home now! Master Bartok be having guests, and asking that Master Harry be coming to his office."
"Seems you company, Harry. Do you remember the way?" Issy asked. Harry nodded and excused himself, so that he could head to Bartok's office.
The door to the office was open and Harry peeked inside. Bartok, Severus, Siles, and Tom were all present in the office having a discussion. Siles was the first to notice Harry, when he glanced up. "Harry, you're home." This drew everyone's attention to him.
Harry entered the room, and approached the others. "Yes, we got everything we needed except for potions supplies. I was going to ask Severus if he would take me to the Markets on Wednesday. If you have time, that is?" Harry asked, looking over to Severus.
"I am free provided you have a parent that can attend with us," Severus replied, reaching out to take Harry's hand. He leant forward and pressed a kiss on the back of it. "How was your day?"
Harry blushed and mumbled a 'thank you' as he pulled his hand away from Severus and sat down on the sofa next to Bartok. "Busy, we got lots of shopping done. We got me new clothing, and picked up a bunch of neutral-colored stuff for the baby."
"Baby?" Tom asked, interrupting Harry, whose face lit up.
"I am going to be a big brother! Mummy Is expecting! Isn't that great?"
"That is some good news. Congratulations, Bartok! You should have told us sooner," Severus exclaimed.
"Yes, we found out on Friday. We have not told many people yet. Harry was one of the first to know, being immediate family. Next month at our families' Samhain celebration we plan on announcing to everyone," Bartok explained.
"So why is everyone here?" Harry asked, looking at Bartok.
"There is some stuff we need to discuss with you," Bartok told him.
Harry fidgeted in his seat, and glanced at the others. "So what is it that you need to talk with me about?" He was pretty sure he wasn't going to like it, whatever it was.
"Today we had a meeting with Auror Dension, and we have some news," Bartok started. "As you know, the Council of Teradore is assisting us with overseeing the different cases. The first is the case against the Dursleys. The Dursleys themselves have been arrested by the British Ministry, and are being held there. By law, as a minor and an abuse victim, you do not have to face your abusers. However, they are requesting copies of your memories for the case.
"Auror Dension said that the evidence we have against Dursleys is significant, so no matter what, they are going to be punished. However, with your memories it will make the punishment more substantial. Auror Dension would also like to request memories of your interactions with Dumbledore. Specifically, any time you spoke to him about your home life, any time he encouraged something reckless, any time he mentioned anything about your family, and there was more. He has a whole list that he wants to go over with you. You have time to think about it, but that is what he is requesting. If you would like, we can request a full copy of the list beforehand."
Harry shifted nervously in his seat. "I would like that list before I make a decision. I want to help all I can," he said, there was a determined tone in his voice.
"All right, I will send an owl to Auror Dension letting him know. He said that he would request Madam Bones be in attendance for the memory retrieval," Bartok responded. "Now, Dension also wanted me to let you know that if you wish to testify against Dumbledore, Granger, Molly, Ginny, and Ronald, that you may. He stated that you have the option to testify, just attend and watch, or not be involved at all. It's your choice, how do you feel about that?"
"I think that I would like not to attend. I start school soon, and I don't want to stress over the trials going on."
"All right, we will let Dension know. The last thing he brought up was the situation with your godfather, Sirius Black. Helix submitted copies of your parents' wills, presenting evidence that Black is innocent. Your godfather, it seems however, is missing and not responding to the Ministry's summons. Remus has gone looking for him, but he thought you might know where he is?" Bartok suggested.
Harry smiled; this was great news! "No, I don't, but Hedwig could find him, I bet! She's a smart girl, only now that I think about it, I haven't seen her much since we moved here. I think she's enjoying all the fresh air and freedom. I'll have her try and find him."
"I wish your owl good luck then," Voldemort - no, Tom - encouraged Harry. Harry smiled at him, and glanced over to Siles, who smiled at him.
"Thank you, Sirius will be excited."
"Harry, if you do decide to give memories, we all will be willing to sit in with you," Siles offered.
"Thanks, Siles, I appreciate that." Harry then grinned. "Oh, by the way. This Saturday, there's the Full Moon Festival at the Courts. Susza mentioned it to me, and I wanted to know if you want to go . . . with, umm . . . me?" Harry asked nervously, glancing at the three men.
"I would love to accompany you, Harry," Siles responded immediately.
"The three of us?" Tom asked hesitantly.
Harry blushed, and wrung his hands a bit. "Yes, I would like to go as a group."
"I think what he means is, are you accepting his courting proposal?" Severus commented dryly.
"Oh." Harry stood up and positioned himself in front of Tom, holding his hand out to him. "Yes, I accept your proposal. Thanks for giving me time to think about it."
Tom took Harry's hand and placed a kiss on the ribbon. It glowed and Tom's name appeared in a light violet color. Tom looked at it for a moment with a slight smile, then studied the other names on the ribbon. One eyebrow went up in surprise. "You and Siles have bonded already?" he asked, as he stroked his own name on the ribbon.
Harry blushed, and glanced sideways at Siles. "I had a bad dream last night; Siles woke up and came to help me. Our magic went a little wonky, and Lady Magic bound us," he explained.
"And it's thanks to that little accident that Siles can now be one of your chaperones at the courts. Meaning we parents get to have our own little party, while you attend the festival," Bartok said teasingly.
"So it's okay for me to go?" Harry asked.
"Yes, Harry, you are free to attend with Siles as your chaperone. Make sure that you stick close to them, and have lots of fun," Bartok encouraged.
Harry turned to look at Severus and Tom. "So, would you both be willing to come as well?"
Tom squeezed Harry's hand. "Yes, I would love to attend the festival with you."
"Great! How about you, Severus?"
"Yes, I am able to accompany you on Saturday. I am also willing to take you shopping Wednesday for your potions supplies. What time should I be here on both days?" Severus asked.
"The festival is an all-day event, and it carries on well into the early the next morning. I would recommend that we leave around ten am, allowing us to eat lunch there. Then we can enjoy the festival," Siles suggested.
"That sounds like a plan; I will see you then," Tom said, standing and kissing Harry's hand once more before he released it. "I am afraid that I must be going. I've got an appointment with a pack of Weres I am meeting for dinner. I will see you Saturday morning at a little before ten then. I will see myself out." He nodded a farewell to everyone and left.
Harry took Tom's seat next to Severus, smiling as Severus took Harry's hand in his own. "Harry, I will be unable to attend the markets with you on Wednesday," Siles announced, "So one of your parents will need to go with you and Severus."
"Don't worry, Siles, one of us will be able to accompany him," Bartok reassured him. "What time would work best for you, Severus?"
"It would be nice to go in the morning, perhaps we could eat dinner there as well."
"We will plan for you to pick Harry up at 11 on Wednesday, then?" Bartok suggested.
"That will work out just fine," Severus agreed. There was a knock that drew the group's attention to the doorway, where they saw Anna.
"It's dinner time; enough talk, come on," Anna instructed.
"I must be going myself, I will return Wednesday," Severus said. He gave Harry a small kiss, then shook Bartok's and Siles's hands before excusing himself.
It might take a little while longer for me to update. I am sorry :(