Life Agendas

by Windseeker2305

SEQUEL to Life Renovations and 2nd book of Life Cycle trilogy. Harry and Draco's 7th year has started and along with that, a new order is rising. The Wizarding World will never be the same again. DM/HP,along with other pairings. Completed.

35. Faces Of Hope

Life Agendas

Chapter Thirty-Five

Faces of Hope

"Ahh, right there," Fred sighed. Currently he and his brother were laid out in the bed, covered from head to foot in bruises and gashes. They'd spent the last three days in bed with their injuries. Mila had come to feed them, make sure they didn't die, but until the fourth day, Similae had forbidden her to heal them. After the first day in bed, the twins had gotten over the shock of almost being killed, and now found the beating they'd received kind of funny.

Fred leveled his brother a glare as Mila hovered her hands over his back, feeling the cold tingle of her magic messaging his bones back into perfect order. "How come you have less damage than me? Your spine wasn't nearly severed in half," he accused.

"That's a bit overdramatic." George grinned. "Maybe he likes me."

"Or maybe it's because you used me as a shield while shorty's fists were flying!"

"Did you not learn your lesson?" Mila asked in exasperation. The twins looked at her from over their shoulders. "Calling him shorty leads to very bad things."

"But he is short," Fred stated plainly.

"It's not like we see it as a bad thing," George reassured. "Personally I think his lack of height is bloody fantastic. And these pains are so worth it…" he trailed off with a dreamy expression, remembering the vindication shining in Similae's eyes, the fire, the taut muscles, the shouts of pure frustrated rage… "Think I'm in love."

Fred snickered as he dropped his face back against the pillow.

Mila shook her head. These two weren't going to last long at all. "You really should stop speaking the human tongue when alone with us."

"Hey, does Simi have wings?" George asked her.

"Do not call him Simi. That will earn you a worse beating."

"But why? And you didn't answer my question."

Fred grinned. "Simi rhymes with mini."

George laughed and nodded. "Brilliant. Gonna call him that from now on."

Mila stepped back. "Might as well not heal you."

"Come on! Don't leave us in this pain any longer. Please?" Fred begged.

"Mind leaving this bruise on my jaw, though. I want to keep it as a love token," George murmured. Mila laughed and returned to the bedside and the twins remained quiet to make sure they did get healed, but as soon as they were able to move, they started back up.

"So… the Yukon? Why here?"

"We travel all over the world. Never stay in one place for long. A few months here. A few months there..." Mila paused as they sat up and began to undress right in front of her. Without any sense of modesty. She quickly turned around, squeezing her eyes closed. "We're actually planning on a relocation soon."

"But why come here in the first place. It's fucking cold!"

Mila shrugged, peeked over her shoulder, then turned to face them when she saw they had pants on. "Similae likes the cold… but I convinced him to let us go to the Caribbean for our next move. I happen to like being warm without having to wear hundreds of layers of warming spells."

"A woman after our own hearts!" the twins chimed.

Mila was soon gone leaving Fred and George to their own devices for a while. The two soon decided breakfast was in order and headed back to the same twenty-four hour diner they'd gone to when they first arrived in Whitehorse. The booth they'd used last time was open again, and the two eagerly slid into it. Fred first and then George beside him. A waitress was soon over and gathered their orders. As soon as she was gone, the twins leaned into each other until their heads were touching.

"Screwed up big time, didn't we?" Fred hissed.

George nodded, staring moodily at the table. "First mission… this could have turned out badly. We were careless. We should have sensed Mila and Similae in the ocean of snow. They sensed us. We should have sensed them."

"We were tired," Fred defended weakly. "And you were going off on a rant!"

"I was frustrated, bro. Hate the fucking cold!"

"Those pictures saved our arses, I think."

George smirked a little. "Naw. Similae saved us from the snow. Saved us because we're their kind. Why would he have done that only to turn around and kill us?"

"That's what you hope cause you have a fucked up crush," Fred laughed.

"Who says it's fucked up? It's perfect actually. I wouldn't be the pervert, he would! He's hundreds of years older than me. Match made in heaven, bro!"

"Hate to say this, George. But I think shorty's way out of your league."

"I know," his twin mourned as he face planted the table.

"S'not the end of the world," Fred said as he watched the waitress approach with breakfast. He nudged George to get him to move his head. "Besides, blue and red don't match. Find someone with… green hair."

"What are you talking about? That blue and this particular shade of red," George pointed to his hair, "is perfect!"

"Mate, you're lost. Food!"

George instantly perked up and watched the nice looking waitress lay the plates on the table. "Enjoy," she told them before departing. Both tucked in to the identical breakfast of pancakes, eggs, and bacon. Though George had ordered a side of chocolate éclairs that Fred was currently eyeing. George picked one up and dropped it onto Fred's plate.

"You're my favorite brother."

"Course I am. Have your face don't I?"

Fred smiled and turned to look out of the window. George was busy staring at his plate. "What do we do now?" he asked. "Now that we found them?"

"Suppose we can send an owl…"

"Yeah, but now that we're here. What do we do? I don't want to get bored."

"You can take me to see the new blood."

The twins sat back in astonishment staring across the table at boy sitting across from them with his elbows on the table and chin cupped in hands. He smiled widely at the identical gobsmacked expressions. In moments George was out of his seat and sitting beside the blue haired Ukatae. He planted an elbow on the table and rested his cheek against his hand.

"That smile is perfection."

Fred rolled his eyes. "Merlin... How'd you sneak up on us like that?"

"I want to meet the new blood," Similae repeated, now staring at George's besotted face in amusement. Fred thought he looked flattered too. If just a little.

"Err… I don't think we can do that," Fred said.

Similae turned away from George to look at Fred. "And why not?" he snapped.

George smiled. "We can't just show up with you, Simi. No matter how gorgeous you are."

Said Ukatae straightened before rigidly turning to face the twin with a death wish. Fred winced and closed his eyes, knowing what was coming. Only a moment passed before the sound of a fist hitting flesh echoed around them. Fred cracked an eye open and found Similae alone on the bench, back to smiling brightly at Fred. Looking around he found George lying on the floor, a hand covering his eye. Fred burst out laughing and pointed at his twin. He was a bit surprised the other patrons of the diner didn't seem to notice what was going on.

Similae placed his palms on the table and leaned towards Fred and slowly said, "I want to see them."

"Mate, we can't do-"

"I'll take you," George said after jumping up as if he never had a fist planted in his eye.

"You will?" Similae questioned with a brow raised.

"Swear on my family… but only if you give me a kiss. Here," he said, pointing to the bruise on his jaw. He didn't really think Similae would do it, so he didn't think he'd ever have to keep his promise. Obviously Fred thought the same and grinned… until Similae jumped up, grabbed George's hair and pulled the redhead down. Instead of kissing his jaw, shorty pulled him down for a mouth to mouth kiss. Fred's jaw dropped as he watched his brother being thoroughly snogged by his dream, and after a minute it was clear the both of them were enjoying it. Maybe his brother wasn't so lost after all. Fred watched and wished shorty would jump up and wrap his legs around George… and he wished to Merlin he had a camera.

Similae finally pulled away with a smirk. "Now, take me to the new blood," he murmured huskily, running the pad of a finger across his bottom lip.

"Merlin's balls, George! Now you have to! You can't back out after giving your word! Idiot."

"Eh?"

Seeing as his brother was off on Cloud Nine, Fred scrounged for some money, threw it on the table and stood. He grabbed his brother by the arm and started dragging him out of the diner. "C'mon, shorty!"

Despite what was happening, Fred couldn't help but grin when Similae growled at his back.

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Mila returned to the Skky hotel room after a couple of hours. Similae had been missing, and because she knew her brother was curious, knew he would have gone to visit the new blood. Shadowing into the room, Mila immediately heard a shouting match going on inside the bedroom.

"We can't do it!"

"But I promised!"

"Falde will kill him and us! And we can't trust him. We don't know anything about Similae. This could all be a trick! Don't you think it's weird how well they responded to us?"

"I don't think it's a trick, Fred!"

"That's because you're in love with that shorty!"

"I'm not in love! I'm only in serious lust! Besides, do you honestly think I'd let emotions get in the way of reason? I wouldn't do anything to put the others in danger, no matter how I feel about shorty! Which is just lust so stop looking at me like that, bro!"

Mila found Similae out on the balcony, smoking and smiling smugly into the cold crisp air.

"Why do you look so pleased? They are fighting about you. Saying they can't trust you and how this could be a trick to harm their family. What can't they do?"

"I want to meet the new blood. George swore to take me if I kissed him. I did. And now they can't get out of it."

"One of them said something about Falde," she murmured. Similae sucked in a breath.

"He knew Father and Mamma… tried to save them from that farce of a council."

Mila nodded. They lapsed into a moment of silence, remembering their fallen parents. Two warriors who had been well respected within the realm before the Royal massacre had taken place. Mila cleared her throat and tried to ignore the stinging behind her eyes. "So you kissed him… you realize that's encouragement for the obvious flirt who really really really wants to get into your pants."

"Hmm. He tasted good…" Similae took one last drag before snuffing the cigarette out on the railing and vanishing the butt. "Besides I did what I had to. I will meet the new blood. It was worth it—They keep calling me Simi and shorty!" he cried indignantly.

Mila tisked. "Only death will get them to stop that. Personally I think they like the pain. The pain is worth the fun they have at your expense. George certainly likes it. Especially if it comes from you. So yes, unless you kill them, they'll keep doing it."

Similae slouched forward with a pout, dropping his arms over the cold rail. "Don't particularly want to kill them… I like them. They don't act so uppity nor are they spineless."

A commotion from inside had the two on the balcony turning in time to see the twins exit the bedroom. The were leaning in close together, speaking rapidly in whispers. Finally one pulled back and nodded before turning away. He gave a short wave to the two on the balcony as he quickly walked through the living room to the door.

"Which one left?" Mila wondered. "I can't tell them apart."

Similae looked at her in surprise. "You can't? I can. That's Fred standing there waving like an idiot for us to come in. George is the one who left."

"How can you tell them apart?"

"George has a nose that's slightly more crooked then his brother, but mainly it's the scent. They have very similar scents, but it's not identical."

The two entered the room just as Fred sat down with a heavy sigh. "You've put us…" he paused and cleared his throat. "You've put us in a sticky situation. We know nothing about you."

"We do not want to hurt the new blood," Similae reassured.

"That's easy to say," Fred murmured to himself as he lifted his legs to drop them on the coffee table sitting between himself and the outcasts.

"You'll take me anyway." Similae said.

"Yes. Only because we have Saen there who wouldn't let you get anywhere near the new blood should you have malicious intentions. And my brother refuses to go back on his word."

"Where did he go?"

Fred grinned roguishly. "Probably gone to find mortal peril. To make up for his stupidity. We do that a lot, you know. Being immortal just means we'll start seeking dangers worse than normal."

He was being serious. Both Similae and Mila instantly recognized that and the blue haired boy's eyes flashed to the door, then back to Fred who was watching him closely. Mila was also watching her brother with a smirk on her face.

"He may need saving," she laughed.

"From what?" Similae replied while crossing his arms.

"Duran returned an hour ago, Similae. By now he's heard talk… he'll be out looking for these two."

Similae growled as he jumped to his feet. "That pretty is mine!" he snarled before Shadowing away.

"What was that?" Fred asked.

"Duran and Similae don't really get along. And Duran is always trying to take what Similae has because everyone looks up to my brother. Duran's a jealous being and Similae is extremely possessive. When the others tell Duran you two are the new blood, he'll try to persuade you Similae isn't someone you should associate yourselves with. It is amusing… My brother always ends up dueling him and winning. Duran just can't stop being a pest."

Fred snorted. "George is hooked on your brother, in case you hadn't noticed. He's fucking smitten!"

Mila giggled. "I think it's funny, watching your brother flirt with mine. No one has ever had the nerve to act so boldly with Similae before."

"So is that a good thing… for George? Shorty's possessive. Does that mean anything?"

Mila reclined back and shrugged. "Possibly. I'm not too sure. When it comes to things like that, I don't know my brother very well. Similae is not the same as he once was. Before… when we lived in the realm, Similae was so carefree. He loved… everything about life. Now it's painful simply trying to exist in a life he never would have chosen for himself or for me."

Fred leaned back and crossed his arms behind his head with a frown. "He makes my brother act more like an idiot."

"Did he really go looking for trouble?"

"Not in the sense you're thinking. He's just gone round to think. Trouble will probably find him."

George was indeed thinking and not really paying attention to where he was going. But that wasn't a concern for him as he could Shadow back to the hotel whenever he wanted which meant getting lost wouldn't be a problem. He felt like an idiot. Fred was right, of course. He was letting his fondness of little cute blokes get the best of his judgment. Even if he thought he hadn't had a chance of getting a kiss he should never have agreed to take Similae. He'd gone and swore on his family and if he refused to take Similae to Hogwarts then that risked the tentative acceptance he and his brother had with the outcasts. And for some reason or another, George didn't want to go back on his word. Especially since it had to do with Similae.

George frowned and glanced up, looking passed the buildings and road to see the snow covered mountains looming over the city. And that was the problem. That runt was running rampant in his mind. He needed to push it away. He was just a bloke, anyway. There was no reason why he shouldn't be able to control himself around Similae… except the older Ukatae was just too gorgeous for words. But enough about that! Fred was seriously starting to get annoyed with him. And George could understand. If their positions were reversed, he would have knocked some sense into his brother long ago.

George paused when he noticed he was two blocks from that bar. Quickly making up his mind, he crossed the street, and headed for the place. Walking in, he grinned at the bartender as he approached the bar.

"Know where you are?"

"Yep. The Yukon. Whitehorse."

The bartender smiled. "What can I get you?"

George shrugged. He wasn't really in the mood to drink and it was too early in the day anyway. "Nothing alcoholic. I don't know… just came in here cause it's a familiar place."

The bartender studied him a moment before turning around to the small fridge tucked under a shelf behind him. George watched him pull a muggle soda out and pour it into a glass without ice. "Where'd your brother get to?" the bartender asked as he placed the glass in front of George.

"At the hotel… he's annoyed with me."

The bartender looked about ready to say something as his eyes turned towards the doorway. His mouth snapped shut and he frowned. Curious with the change of his demeanor, George turned to see what caused it. The first thing he noticed was a pair of narrowed yellow eyes burning into his. Followed by a rugged face framed by long hair that nearly matched the eye color. The rest of him was tall and stocky. Not a very attractive combination in George's opinion. George didn't need to sense the Ukatae aura to realize this person was an elf. Humans might think it fake, but George knew that eye color was real, and only a Ukatae could have eyes like that.

George turned away from the door when the Ukatae began to head straight for the bar. "He's not too friendly," the bartender murmured lowly. "Watch yourself."

George nodded as he sipped his drink, wondering who this was. He turned back to the door. The bloke was nearly at the bar. And behind him another group appeared at the door. Two girls and two blokes. All looking at the yellow haired bloke's back. George tensed, thinking trouble was probably about to start.

"You know what I want," the bloke said to the bartender before sitting in the stool beside George. He didn't say anything else. Just stared at George's reflection in the mirror. Once the bartender lay a beer on the bar, he stood there, glaring at the Ukatae. "Move. Now."

The bartender glanced at the red head. George thought it was nice of the bartender to worry for him but it wasn't necessary. It wasn't like George couldn't take care of himself. Nevertheless he smiled at the bartender and gestured that he could move away.

"State your business here."

"What's it to you?" George asked as he watched the other four take up seats beside him and beside the other bloke. "You give me your name, I'll give you mine, and maybe we'll move on to more personal questions." The bloke leveled a steely gaze on him and George returned the look, not the least bit afraid. He was actually amused. "Let me guess. You're Duran, and these four- who're doing a horrible job trying to be intimidating- are your group. Similae did mention you."

Several of them lifted their top lips in silent warning or anger. George laughed. He really wished this wasn't a muggle bar they were in. He so wanted to try out some of the tricks he had up his sleeve on these poor unsuspecting Ukatae. He winced moment's later when his arm was suddenly wrenched off the bar, a hand curled painfully tight around his bicep.

"What do you find so amusing?"

"I find it amusing you think handling the new blood like this is smart," a smirk lit his face upon hearing the gasps from the two blokes on his other side. "You're gonna want to let go of me, Duran."

Duran's hand was gone from George's arm before he could remove it himself, and the bloke was suddenly jerked off his stool. George turned to find his favorite shorty clutching Duran's collar in his small fist. George grinned. Duran was bent over, his face being pulled down till he and Similae were eye to eye. The look of timid fear in Duran's eyes nearly had George coming undone. But it was the look in Similae's eyes that gave him the strength to hold back that laughter. His dark blue eyes were promising all sorts of torture and none of Duran's group looked the least bit inclined to help their mate. In fact they were all backing away from Similae.

"You will stay away from George and his brother unless I say otherwise," Similae hissed. "They are mine. Do you understand? I will kill you if I ever see you lay a hand on him again!"

"You don't scare me," Duran snarled.

Similae's free hand whipped up to grab Duran's chin and George could see the joints of his fingers turning white with the force with which he was holding onto Duran's jaw. His grip was certainly going to leave fingertip sized bruises when Similae finally released him. "Is that so?" Similae whispered in a silky dark voice that had George trembling. Oh how he wanted!

George quickly left the two hissing there at the bar, gave a wave at the bartender and quickly disappeared through the door. He'd been trying to think logically, and having Similae show up, clearly being possessive and acting like that, there wasn't much George would be able to think about from being that close to him. He wanted to get his head on straight. The last thing he wanted to do was disappoint Harry and Draco and the rest of the family because of some stupid crush.

George was unsure how much time he'd walked around since leaving the bar, he didn't really care either. Walking around the city was nice, despite the cold, and he could see the charm in the place, could maybe understand why Similae had chosen to stay here for a while. It kind of had a rustic feel but at the same time modernized.

"I was pleased you didn't let Duran scare you."

"Not much scares me or Fred, mate." George laughed without looking at his sudden company. "We're usually the ones sending others running for the hills."

"I believe that."

George turned and grinned down at Similae, who walked along with him, keeping his eyes on the road ahead. "He was scared of you though. I could see why."

"He knows I can kill him. The only reason why I haven't is because… we were on the brink of extinction. I didn't want to help that along. Now he knows… there's no reason to hold back anymore."

George curled his nails to press into his palms as they walked, willing his heart to calm the hell down. They were passing a tall building of flat's now. A low wall surrounded the area. Similae made a noise and jumped onto it, walking along on top of the wall. George smiled when he saw it only brought Similae up a head taller then him.

"What are they like? The Emperors?" Similae inquired after a time of silence.

"Well… Harry's like a little brother to us. He's irrational at times and has a fiery temper, but he's someone you always want on your side because he's loyal, fun, and loving. Draco is the exact opposite... though he's fun as well, and loyal to those who mean something to him. Messing with his poise is delightful. He was raised with a stick up his arse." George laughed. "But Harry pulled that out a long time ago."

Similae smirked. They came upon a corner and he jumped down to plant his bum on the wall, swinging his legs. "You're really crude."

"It's the truth. Draco used to be a right arsehole. Never cared about anything but himself…"

Similae pulled out a cigarette and stared off at the looming mountains as he lit it. "I can understand that. Sometimes… all you can do is think about yourself."

George leaned against the wall beside him, crossing his arms over his chest. "But you were never like that."

Similae stared at him flatly. "How would you know?"

"Mila. It's easy to see you two are close. So it doesn't take a smart person to know you've always looked after her. She is the younger sibling after all… even if it doesn't look like it."

Similae hissed in annoyance before taking a drag. "So you're very close to the Emperors."

"Sure. Mum basically adopted Harry and Draco because neither really had a mother figure in their lives and she so loves to mother people." George, not really comfortable with giving out so much information, decided he wanted to know more about shorty. "What did you do? Before leaving the realm?"

"Went to the Academy. I was in the Academy before the Royal massacres…"

"After that?"

Similae continued to look off to the mountain. The look in his eyes suggested he was uncomfortable with this line of discussion. However, he answered, "the realm was in chaos after that. The order of things disappeared. Civil wars started… there was nothing to do but try to stay alive. Hopes and dreams ceased to exist."

"But what did you want to do after finishing the Academy?"

Similae suddenly smiled brightly. "I was going to breed horses. Dehjinae. You know what they are?"

George did know. He had access to the Knowledge after all. He knew Dehjinae were Ukatae horses. The breed far surpassed any horses bred by humans. But he wanted Similae to tell him. He liked listening to shorty's voice, watching the emotions cross his youthful face. "Sure. But tell me about them."

"My family had been breeding Dehjinae since the beginning of time." George laughed and Similae smiled sheepishly. "Alright, that may be a tiny little exaggeration. But not much of one. Anyway, Dehjinae are extremely intelligent creatures and are never used as beasts of burden except to be ridden. Dehjinae choose their riders, not the other way round. It is a life long bond that cannot be undone unless the rider is truly disrespectful to his or her horse. The senses of a Dehjinae are far greater than ours. They know things, can sense things we cannot. They have lovely intuitions. It was always an honor to be able to watch as a Dehjinae was born…" Similae went back to looking as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders. The smile faded. "But that was a long ago dream. Our home, stables, even our land was destroyed… I don't even know if there are any Dehjinae left alive after all the fighting."

George lifted a hand to touch one of Similae's. "Quit looking sad, Simi. I'll ask the Mother to create more. Just for you."

Similae snorted. "The Mother…"

"What? You don't believe me?"

Similae smiled at the affronted look on George's face. "No, I don't believe you. How can you ask the Mother of us All for anything. She's the Goddess."

"And she happens to be a very good friend of mine. She's in the same class as my sister."

It was clear Similae didn't believe a word he was saying by the raucous laughter echoing around them. Similae sobered slightly seeing the little pout on George's face. He smirked at the look. It was rather endearing. "So you have a sister as well as a twin brother?" he questioned.

"Yup. Also have three older brothers. And a younger… he's no brother of mine. And Percy's just a prat. No one likes him much either. But that's okay. He doesn't particularly care for us."

"Hold on. You have…" Similae's eyes widened into saucers. He looked slightly horrified. "Six siblings?!"

George's face contorted with an ugly look. "Five," he hissed firmly.

Bad blood here, obviously, Similae thought. He didn't like George's current look. He much preferred the wicked grins. "So… five siblings. Are you all alike? Your poor mother! If you all annoy her as much as you annoy me…"

George was only able to smile weakly and he turned away. "You know when Fred and I say stuff about your looks… we don't mean anything by it, Similae. Doesn't make us think any less of you. Harry was short too before he received his destined Ukatae inheritance." Similae watched his smile grow. "He hated it. Being so short. But I happen to like your height."

"Why?"

George sighed and turned to him. Those dark blue eyes were watching him; perhaps waiting for something. He wasn't entirely sure of what. "You really are gorgeous," he murmured, running a finger along the blue hair covered by his beanie and pulling one strand free, watching it fall to Similae's shoulder.

"And you're a massive flirt."

"Guilty." George cracked a pained smile as he continued to play with the blue strand; surprised Similae wasn't shoving him away.

"So I shouldn't be flattered."

George frowned. "I may be a flirt, but I never say anything I don't mean when it comes to things like that."

"Things like what?"

Finally George smirked, momentarily pulling out of his heavy thoughts. Similae sounded so purposely coy just then, staring up at him with that half smile, with those plump delicious lips and George's mind was once again over run by very naughty thoughts concerning this man-child. But honestly, this really had to stop. Maybe he only needed to indulge in part of his fantasies in order to make the others go away. With this thought, George closed the distance and quickly covered those smirking lips with his. He was still for only a moment, waiting for some sort of punishment, but when shorty didn't move with an assault, George slid his hand to the back of Shorty's head and deepened the kiss, moaning softly when Similae parted his lips in invitation. Despite Similae tasting of cigarettes, he also tasted sweet, like he'd been eating candy at some point. And he also tasted male and so perfect, especially when shorty shifted his head, angling his face for a deeper kiss. Perfect…

George jerked away with a silent curse. Well fuck! That plan completely backfired on him.

"What was the meaning of that?" Similae asked softly after licking his lips.

"Wanted to get you out of my system," George replied honestly.

"You're very bold." Similae cocked his head to the side. "Did it work?"

The red head closed his eyes and pulled in a deep breath before stepping away. He missed the frown crossing Similae's face at the move. "No," he opened his eyes and smiled painfully once again. "But no worries. I won't do it again. Let's get my brother. We'll go see the family. Promised you, didn't I?" George Shadowed back to the hotel without waiting for shorty, knowing he'd follow on his own.

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In Scotland, around the same time, Harry was in the process of readjusting the Invisibility cloak around his shoulders, making sure he was completely covered as he approached the Great Hall. It was nearing midnight. Which was the time Weasley headed out to the forest every other day. Tonight Harry was prepared to follow him. He wanted to know exactly what Weasley was reporting and to whom exactly he reported it to. He really didn't expect it to be the clan master himself, but Harry thought it would be a good idea to familiarize himself with others who worked for Demai'Tah. And Weasley had been acting strange lately; Harry wanted to know what that was about most of all. He waited five minutes after Weasley stumbled out of the Great doors and another three minutes to wait for Filch to move along out of the Entrance Hall. Just as he reached the doors, he felt another presence with him.

Neville was rushing down the stairs from the Gryffindor tower and towards him. He knew Neville couldn't see him, and figured his friend was out to do the same thing he was. Pulling off the Invisibility cloak, Harry grinned at the surprised Mar'raeh who stumbled to a stop in front of him..

"Blimey Harry! Didn't even sense you there."

"Weren't supposed to. If you could sense me then so would Weasley and then this would be a waste of an expedition."

Neville blushed and scratched the back of his neck. "Err… I wasn't going to kill him. He's been acting weird. More so than usual. Wanted to find out why."

Harry smiled darkly. Neville watched him stash the cloak beyond a suit of armor before pushing the door open. "Me too. Let's go." He then transformed to his panther form and raced outside.

Neville returned the dark grin with one of his own before dropping to all fours and transforming to a chipmunk. Neville's Saen, Crhii, glanced at Vendyl warily. The Captain rolled his eyes at the two young ones. "Stay alert," he told Crhii. "We may see the Clan Master. No interception unless our young ones are in immediate danger."

Harry raced to the edge of the forest and paused, waiting for the chipmunk to catch up. He was surprised to see Weasley hadn't made very far into the forest, and seemed to be stumbling blindly, whimpering under his breath. Harry wondered if one from his group had poisoned Weasley without permission.

The two animals stealthily followed Weasley deep into the forest. It was a slow process as Weasley was continuously stopping to lean against a tree, shutting his eyes against some unseen pain. When they were well beyond the boundaries, Weasley gasped and dropped onto his stomach, laying there with his fists clenching in front of him. The panther bounded silently up into a tree and raised his snout into the air and sniffed.

"He's bleeding," he communed to the chipmunk once the small creature settled on the branch beside him. Before Neville could reply, Vendyl and Crhii appeared on the trunk above them. Vendyl held his finger up to his lips. Both Saens' hands was gripping the hilt of their swords tightly and staring out a few feet away from Ron's fallen form.

Harry shivered as a numbing cold whipped around him and he felt the chipmunk shift to press against his warm furry side. Not even their fur could keep this unnatural cold at bay. Out of the darkness a Ukatae appeared. Though Harry couldn't see his face yet, he knew it was Demai'Tah. The clan master moved rigidly, arms held out slightly to his sides, fingers splayed as if feeling around for something. Harry held his breath as cold blue eyes quickly scanned the area, passing over them as if they weren't there. His movements were rushed despite his slow walk towards Weasley. Harry wondered how the Saen were shielding him and Neville and made a note to ask them back at Hogwarts.

"What is this?" Demai'Tah hissed. "How did you call me to you?"

Ron whimpered. "H--help me." The clan master sneered in disgust down at his slave. "Please…my back."

Demai'Tah knelt down and inhaled deeply. His eyes sharpened and he reached down to rip the back of Weasley's shirt open. "What have you done?" he hissed upon seeing two enflamed bulges protruding from his slave's back as well as two bloody joints that had already pushed through his skin at the top. Weasley didn't reply, only continued to whimper. "You're growing wings, slave. WINGS! WHOM DID YOU LIE WITH?" With a snarl, Demai'Tah grabbed a hand full of red hair and yanked until Weasley's eyes met his. "You've been on your hands and knees for others, slave. Who?!"

"No, Master!" Weasley gasped. "I haven't been with anyone. You're the only one who's…"

The clan master snarled in disbelief. "Perhaps one of the Saen isn't as loyal as they seem… did you lay down for one of them?" Demai'Tah wrapped a hand around Weasley's throat and yanked him to his feet before hurling the young Ukatae against a tree. Weasley screamed in agony when his back painfully connected with the rough bark. Demai'Tah watched with wide shocked eyes as the redhead slid down to his knees, bracing himself away from the ground with his hands.

Harry for his part was cackling with glee. Inwardly of course. Oh this was too much! Too delightfully much! There was only one Ukatae who'd fucked Weasley, even if that person looked to be in a panic trying to deny it. Weasley was Demai'Tah's mate. Had to be. There could be no other reason why Demai'Tah looked more panicked than angry. And Harry knew for a fact none of his subjects would have touched Weasley with a fifty-foot pole. Well except for Neville, but that would only have been to kill him.

"I swear it!" Weasley yelled. "I haven't touched or been touched by anyone but you!"

Demai'Tah grabbed a handful of Weasley's hair again and pulled him to his feet once again. "Do not try and deceive me!" he spat in Weasley's face.

"L-Look into my mind! You'll see!" Weasley's voice cracked as he broke into tears.

"You will pay for this!" The clan master hissed. "Not a day will pass where you do not face my wrath for this treachery!" he spat in Weasley's face. Weasley's fearful and pained cries filled the forest as he was Shadowed away with Demai'Tah.

After a few minutes of complete silence, the Saen moved. "We are lucky he was too distracted. Otherwise eventually he would have sensed us," Vendyl murmured. Harry didn't reply until he'd pounced to the ground and transformed.

"Never mind that!" he said excitedly. "Did you see what just happened? Come on, Neville. We need to tell the others!"

Soon they emerged from the forest silently, both thinking about what they'd just witnessed. Both froze upon finding Draco standing halfway across the lawn, apparently waiting for them. Arms crossed over his chest. Silver eyes glowing with a furious light.

"Fuck, I'm screwed," Harry whispered after seeing the stone cold mask his husband currently sported. Neville turned with his mouth slightly open in surprise.

"You didn't tell your highly overprotective mate what you were planning on doing?" he whispered incredulously.

"Did you?" Harry grinned smugly when Neville lowered his eyes. "Besides, it's not like anything bad happened to us. I didn't see any reason to tell him."

"Bet you do now. I don't have to worry. Dudley's not here tonight."

Neville watched as a stubborn glint entered his best mate's eyes. He knew what was coming.

"Neville," Draco called in a voice barely restraining his fury. "Your husband is here. He knows exactly where you were. We are both very aware of who graced our forest tonight. Perhaps you should go and speak with him."

"Did you tell on Neville?" Harry yelled.

Neville stepped away as the blond and brunet finally moved towards each other like magnets. The moment Harry was within reaching distance, Draco punched his mate in the face, sending Harry sprawling back onto the ground. Harry lay there dazed for a moment, clutching his aching jaw. Then his eyes narrowed and in an instant he was on his feet, barreling towards Draco and tackled the blond to the ground before letting his own fists fly. Neville sighed. Some things never change. Why talk when you can beat the hell out of one another?

"Neville!"

Neville spun around, immediately relieved when he realized it wasn't Dudley's voice calling out to him. And then he saw who it was and a grin split his face; just as Harry swiped his claws across Draco's face and split his. Neville winced from Draco's enraged snarl and quickly ran over to the three figures, immediately throwing arms around Fred and George's necks. "You guys alright? Didn't expect to see you for some time… not that I'm not happy to see you."

The twins returned his embrace with a laugh, generally pleased to be welcomed back in this way.

"We're good, Neville. Brought someone to see our powerful and obviously very mature leaders…" Neville snickered at the sarcasm in Fred's voice.

"But it looks like they're busy," George ended with a laugh.

"This row is vicious," Fred murmured, watching the two planting punches and kicks wherever they could, holding back in no way. Harry shouted and roughly kicked out at Draco, only to have the blond catch his incoming foot and throw him back. Draco used enough force to send the Gryffindor flipping head over heals to land dazedly on his back. "Great!" Fred exclaimed, eyes glued on the two. "Haven't seen a row like this since before they got together!"

"Actually," George said as if in awe, "I don't think we ever seen them fight like this."

"Well sure. Back then they didn't have super strength, speed, and sharp nasty claws… this is even better!"

"Who'd you bring?" Neville interrupted, rising on his tiptoes to peer over the twins' shoulders. Similae stood a few feet behind, his dark blue eyes going back and forth between the fight and the castle. He looked a bit confused. No doubt he sensed the copious amounts of human children within. And then Vendyl was suddenly there with three other Saen, and the twins thought they ought to hurry up and explain.

George quickly backed up until he was planted in front of Similae. "He's a friend! Don't kill us. We had no choice-"

"You. You had no choice," Fred interrupted.

Neville walked around to face Similae, who immediately gave the recognized Mar'raeh a small formal bow. Neville knew appearances could be deceiving, especially with Ukatae, but he didn't get any bad vibes from this one. However, he thought he should give warning. "Try anything with either of them," he murmured, jerking a thumb over his shoulder at the fighting duo, "I'll slaughter you. Deceive us and you're dead. Understand?"

Similae gave a brisk nod. He knew of Mar'raehs' powers. He could sense the youth of this one, but that didn't mean anything. Just as his lack of height meant nothing. Neville was prepared to welcome the newcomer, but he was easily drowned out by Draco's voice.

"DID YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU WERE DOING?!" Draco bellowed, straddling Harry. His thighs trapping Harry's arms at his sides while his hands were full of black hair to keep the Gryffindor's head pressed against the ground. "WHAT IF SOMETHING HAPPENED TO YOU?" he turned to spit out a mouthful of blood before returning to yell in Harry's face. "DID YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT CAELLUM WHEN YOU WENT IN THERE? Y-YOU BLOODY BASTARD IDIOT GRYFFIDNOR!" Draco suddenly released Harry's hair to jerk his mate up against his chest, burying his bloodied nose into the ebony locks.

"Draco…" A look of comprehension lit his face. The Gryffindor raised trembling arms to wrap around his husband's head. "Sorry I scared you."

Moments passed and then they fell into a heap on the ground. Unmoving. Similae's eyes widened and he looked to the Mar'raeh, who grinned at him. "Beat each other immobile," was the explanation. "Happens all the time."

Similae watched two Saen transport the emperors away. For healing, he surmised. He stayed quiet and watched the twins interaction with the Mar'raeh. They certainly seemed close.

"Let's get you three inside," the Mar'raeh announced. Similae had no choice but to follow.

Neville took the twins and Similae to the Slytherin common room. Now days the common room was taken over by the Hogwarts Ukatae after a certain time and was warded against anyone who wasn't a Ukatae. So it wasn't a surprise to Neville when he found most of their friends awake and lounging around the dungeon room. The Gryffindor spied his mate in the corner, currently submerged in a discussion with the Dark Lord. No doubt about work and the upcoming grand opening of Wizarding Way. A sharp narrowed look from those hazel eyes and Neville knew he wasn't going to be able to pass the night without getting an earful from his new husband. Then again, instead of losing his temper, as Harry had done, Neville thought he could instead manipulate Dudley into releasing his anger another way. But right now, Dudley's gaze chilled him to the bone. Neville hastily made his way to the Head Boy's dorm to alert the Emperors of their visitor.

Similae had been standing still, taking stock of his location and those around him. Suddenly his silent musings were cut short by twin shrieks and two girls rushed over from their perches in front of the fire. Similae watched a girl with red hair fling herself at George. Similae assumed this was the sister George told him about. Similae was surprised to find himself wondering how he would feel if the other girl, the one with long black hair, had been the one to throw herself at George. Pushing that thought away, he watched as George scooped his sister up and twirled her around in a big hug, while the other clung to Fred. Both girls nearly sobbing in relief. Similae rolled his eyes against the reunion and stepped back from everything. Not entirely comfortable in the situation.

"We've been so worried!" Ginny gushed, squeezing George to the point where he nearly had trouble breathing.

"Haven't been gone long, sis… Oh, Luna!" George called to the girl who'd just come from the Head Boy's dorm. "We want a word… or two!" She smiled sweetly and waved.

"She set us up!" Fred exclaimed. "Planted the royal pictures in our coats for the rebels to find…"

"Not rebels," Similae reminded.

"This is Similae," Fred announced as all eyes finally focused on him.

"We found shorty and the others in the—OW! Fucking-A!" George cried, hopping on one foot as Similae had just cracked his shin with his steel-toed boot. "Kaego!" he cried in pain as he fell to the ground, clutching his damaged appendage. "Someone get Kaego!"

Ginny and Pansy looked delighted with the blue haired Ukatae currently glaring at George with his fists on hips, and his bottom lip protruding slightly in a pout.

Ginny leaned into Pansy, "good Merlin. He's adorable." Pansy nodded.

Similae's glare transferred to the girls. "I'm six hundred and three," he deadpanned, as if that would make them see a change in his appearance and their view on him. It didn't. The indulgent smiles on the girls' faces said as much.

"Stunted growth?" Fred questioned with a wicked smirk. He disappeared across the room in a flash to head Luna off.

"Gin," George murmured. "How'd Mum and Dad's change go?"

"Hasn't happened yet. They had to postpone. Not enough potion was available… But it's happening tomorrow so you two are just in time!"

"You're a sight for sore eyes, sis," George smiled, holding his arms out. Ginny smiled widely, dropping to her knees and allowing George to enfold her into another embrace. "Look like a bright Ukatae princess. Blaise had better be treating you right."

Ginny snuggled against his side with a giggle. "Can't keep his paws off me."

"Too much info!" George mocked cried, shoving her away. "When I can walk again, that bloke is dead!" Ginny laughed and went back to Pansy, whom yet to move away from staring down Similae. While they were doing that, Tom finally separated from Dudley to go and speak with Luna and Fred.

Tom traced a finger along Luna's jaw when he stepped up beside her. "Set them up, did you?" he asked with a smirk.

"She did!" Fred interrupted. "Planted the royal pictures on us! And then all of a sudden these pictures appear out of nowhere when Mila starts searching our things! They could have killed us, Luna!"

"Nonsense!" she giggled.

"Did you know what was going to happen? Did you know who we were going to meet?" Fred questions.

Luna gazed away with a dreamy smile. "Not sure," she sighed. "But it turned out nicely in the end, didn't it?"

"Not really."

Luna and Tom looked at him curiously. Fred shrugged his shoulders. "George is… losing his mind," he whispered in a barely audible tone. Luna's smile grew while Tom started looking concerned. "Losing his mind over him," he elaborated, pointing to Similae, who was now being befriended by Ginny and Pansy. George was still lying on the floor whimpering for a healer…

"Did you meet others?" Tom inquired, glaring at George's whimpering.

"I've only met shorty and his sister Mila so far. George met some others. But we haven't really interacted with anyone but Mila and Simi. Apparently Similae's the unspoken dictator of this group of outcasts. He claims their loyalties stand with the new blood."

"Fred. George, you are wanted now," Neville announced from the doorway.

"But I'm gimpy!" George cried.

Similae smirked down at him. "Serves you right."

"Now, guys," Neville said, a bit impatiently.

Fred hurried over and helped his brother up and helped his hobbling brother passed Neville. The Mar'raeh studied Similae for a moment before spinning around to follow the twins.

Similae watched them go with a frown until he noticed a heavy aura suddenly invade his space. Turning around, he was faced with a girl no taller then he, with long blonde hair and owlish eyes. Beside her stood another Ukatae. Tall, of course, dark features and hair, staring blankly down at him. The eyes were a cold frozen brown and they had Similae taking stock of the person in front of him. Something about this being made him nervous… besides the fact he was part of the royal family. From what Similae gathered from the twins, this person was the brother to the Emperors. Similae gave him a formal bow, which seemed to surprise the brown-eyed Ukatae. The human girl smiled brightly at him. The brother, after a moment, relaxed slightly. He must have appreciated the bow. Similae's gaze went back to the human. She was intriguing. Obviously human, and yet part of that heavy aura was definitely coming from her.

"I'm sure you've been warned," Tom began in a growl. Similae nodded. "Good. Then I don't need to waste my breath." Tom turned on his heel to return to his seat across from the only Ukatae who had no moved from his spot, dragging the human girl along with him. That was just odd.

Now that the twins were gone, Similae wasn't sure what to do with himself. He was presently surrounded by the new blood, and though they looked friendly enough, the short Ukatae was understandably wary. This was not his territory. His word meant nothing here. Before he could worry further, the two females, Pansy and Ginny, suddenly captured his arms and he was being drawn to the couch in front of the fire. And despite their friendly smiles, he was more wary now than ever.

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Harry was straddling Draco's lap when Fred and George entered. The Gryffindor was lightly trailing a finger over one of the gashes upon his husband's face. Kaego had worked on most of their wounds, but when Draco awoke, he ordered Harry to heal his face and sent the healer away.

"Could have scratched my eyes out," Draco hissed. Harry looked suitably guilty as he flinched from the pain he felt while healing the wounds on his husband's face.

"I wasn't aiming for your eyes."

"Still."

"I really am sorry for scaring you, lover."

"You have no idea the kind of fear I felt when one of the Saen told me Demai'Tah was in the forest… and I couldn't find you and you were ignoring my calls. You're lucky I didn't Apparate straight to you. What would have happened had I done that?"

Probably a fight between them and the clan master would have taken place before they were ready. But that's why he'd mentally blocked Draco out. "I said I was sorry," Harry replied in a whisper.

"Err…" Fred began.

"Should we come back?" George ended.

"No. Sit." Draco ordered. It was clear by his voice that the blond was still very irate. "You have something to report?"

Fred went about telling them how the trip had gone so far and then went into great detail when explaining just how Similae had managed to get them to bring him here. Harry turned away from Draco's face to snort at George.

"Sorry," George mumbled. "Can't seem to help myself…"

Harry gave him a small smile before turning back to Draco. Since most of the gashes were nearly closed, Harry placed his palm over the scratches and pressed ever so slightly. No more was said until Harry pulled his hand away minutes later to reveal Draco's face as it had been before the fight.

"Perfect as always," Harry said with a small smile.

"Don't try to flatter me, Potter."

Harry's smile faded. He slid off his husband's lap to sit inches away from him and giving Neville a look. Neville looked understanding, but slightly nervous and Harry figured he was mentally preparing for the time when Dudley decided to confront him about their little outing.

"So you brought one of them here," Draco mused, studying the twins; pleased they didn't look any worse for wear.

"He was insistent on meeting you once he found out the rumors about you were true," Fred answered. Harry once again looked at Neville.

"Seems all right to me," the Mar'raeh answered Harry's unspoken question. "Shows proper respect. Didn't sense any defiance in him."

"You said he's the leader?" Draco asked. The twins nodded. "How many self imposed outcasts does he take care of?"

"Haven't a clue yet," George said with a shrug. "Never had a chance to meet them all. Suppose we'll see when we go back."

"Erm… I think it needs to be said… Similae and Mila know about Caellum."

"We didn't tell them!" George hurried on when Harry jumped to his feet, looking ready to do murder. "It was one of the pictures Luna planted on us. She stashed a sketch of you two and our little prince among the others."

"Let us meet him then," Draco replied tiredly. He didn't have the energy to be angry with the situation. Not when he was still furious with his husband for doing something so stupid as to go into the forest way passed the boundaries when he knew very well there was a good chance Demai'Tah would show up to meet with Weasley for his weekly rape/report. Going in there without telling anyone anything. "Bloody fucking idiot," he growled.

Harry spun around on him. "I'M SORRY!"

"Err… can we see Caellum before we need to head back to the North Pole?" George asked.

"Not the North Pole!"

"Whatever."

"At the moment, Caellum's with Brumek and Ozemir in their quarters. Probably sleeping," Draco answered before grabbing Harry's hand and yanking his mate down beside him.

"It is late," Harry murmured. "But you can see him tomorrow. You guys will stay here tonight. Tomorrow we're changing your parents anyway. You'll want to be here for that, right?"

"Cool."

"Neville, could you go get… what did you say his name was?"

George ran a hand through his hair. "Similae."

"Similae. Bring him here."

"Sure thing." Neville quickly left and found Similae sitting stiff backed on the couch with Pansy and Ginny on each side talking excitedly to him. Neville stifled a laugh, seeing the uncomfortable look on the new Ukatae's face. Similae spotted him and his blue eyes turned begging. "The Emperors will see you now."

Similae shot from his seat so fast one would think someone had lit his arse on fire. Neville hid a smile when the girls giggled at the short Ukatae's back, who in turned narrowed his eyes. Neville glanced over as he led Similae to the door, finding Dudley sitting in the same place as before with Tom. His mate was still angry. It was easy to tell. Just by his furrowed brow as he spoke with Tom, the lack of telepathic communication, and also the lack of movement. Dudley had the tendency to brood and stew until he couldn't do it anymore and then he would lash out. Neville sighed as he passed into the hallway, wishing Draco hadn't seen fit to tell Dudley anything.

As he and Similae entered the smaller common room, Neville wondered how Harry and Draco were going to act around this subject. Usually they weren't formal, but that may be because of who they interacted with on a daily basis. It was probably a given Draco would take to being formal and expecting the same from Similae. Harry would probably remain silent until Draco gave him a silent clue as to what type of person Similae was. That would decide how the Gryffindor Emperor would interact. Harry trusted Draco's judgment on others characters far better than he did his own… usually. And honestly, this wasn't really the right type of place for them to completely don their Emperor personas. The room was filled with Caellum's toys, a play mat lay on the floor; a baby bottle and pacifier lay on the coffee table… the room honestly resembled a small nursery.

Similae paused just inside the door while Neville moved to stand next to the couch to watch silently. Fred grinned at Similae and patted the space between himself and George. Similae moved forward, eyeing Harry and Draco curiously. While the Slytherin immediately jumped into the outcast's mind, Harry visually studied the newcomer. He was sorely tempted to ask how old this Ukatae was, but knew that would be rude. He liked the way Similae was dressed though. With muggle combat boots, black baggy cargo pants, and a dark orange long sleeved t-shirt that nearly matched the twins' hair color.

How old do you think he is?

Draco didn't answer until he'd pulled out of Similae's mind. Six hundred. Still young by Ukatae standards… but he's been through a lot. He and his sister. She's only four hundred.

Can we trust him?

From what I've just seen… yes.

Harry finally allowed a smile to cross his face and beckoned Similae to stand in front of them. Draco remained passive looking though. As soon as Similae was directly in front of them, he touched his heart with a fist and bowed low at the waist.

"It is an honor meeting you, Majesties."

"Highness," Draco corrected. "We haven't had our coronation yet." But a smile finally touched Draco's face and he waited until Similae straightened before speaking. "We must thank you for saving our two friends."

"Hey! We really didn't need sav-" Fred snapped his mouth shut when Draco raised a hand.

"I would have done it for any or our kind, Highness."

"Maybe. But the twins would have been lost for ages if you hadn't found them, I'm sure." The blond and blue haired Ukatae shared a smirk. "Have a seat, Similae."

Similae turned and Fred was once again patting the seat between himself and George. Moments after the smaller Ukatae made himself comfortable between the twins, George moved and limped over to the cushioned chair nearby. Fred raised a brow in shocked surprise at the move, while it was clear by his narrowed blue eyes that Similae took the hasty retreat as an insult of some sort. George ignored everyone and stared ahead at the wall without blinking.

What's that about? Draco thought.

George feels conflicted and I'm sensing minor hurt on Similae's part. Weird.

Well it was kind of rude for George to move away like that as if this runt has a disease or something.

Draco! Don't call him a runt!

I'll call him whatever I want to call him… it's in my mind after all.

It's rude though.

What difference does it make if it's in my mind? You're going to censor my thoughts now, Harry?

Neville shifted on his feet and cleared his throat to remind them they had company. Harry grinned childishly at him before turning to Similae. "So we have loads to talk to you about, but we'll wait for tomorrow before getting into a long discussion. However I would like to know how many outcasts are with you in the Yukon."

"Twenty-three, Highness. But there are others we see from time to time. In fact we'll be meeting up with some of them shortly when we change locations."

Draco liked the sound of that. More Ukatae to rule… err… recruit. But that can be saved for tomorrow's discussion. "How long have you been from the realm?"

Similae looked off to the side, his eyes narrowed in thought. Finally his eyes cleared and looked back at the rulers. "Nearly forty years." Harry's eyes widened in surprise. "But Mila and I would never have left had we known you were coming."

"We're holding nothing against you," Harry quickly assured him.

"We'll assume you and the others have weapons training," Draco went on. Similae nodded. "And it should also be safe to assume you and the others will fight with us."

Similae appreciated the fact he said with and not for. "Most of us will do anything to see the Ukatae Empire shine as it once did, Highness. You'll certainly have my sword and that of my sister's."

"Great!" Harry exclaimed, jumping up excitedly. "Now that that's settled, I'm sure you three are tired. We can continue this tomorrow. Did you want to stay at the castle?" he asked Fred and George.

Fred nodded, but George stood and announced he would be staying at their flat in Diagon Alley. Before Fred could argue, George Shadowed away without acknowledging any of them. Fred looked heavenward and pinched the bridge of his nose. "This is my fault."

"You want to go check on him?" Harry asked in worry. "We'll make sure Similae's comfortable."

Fred nodded before turning to Similae. "You'll be okay here without us for a while, mate?"

Similae planted fists on hips. "Do I look like an infant to you?"

"Well, actually…" Fred laughed when Similae bared his fangs. "All right then. See ya later, shorty!" Fred vanished moments before Similae's claws swiped the air he'd just been standing in.

"Similae, wait for me outside." Harry instructed. Similae gave a short bow before striding out of the room. "Can I tell you what happened tonight without you blowing up in my face?" he asked Draco.

Draco stood and faced him, arms crossing over his chest. "This better be good, lover. I have the insane urge to plant you over my knee and spank the shite out of you," he growled. "But then you'd enjoy that, wouldn't you? You'd enjoy it, you wouldn't learn your lesson, and you'd go off to do something equally as stupid tomorrow!"

Harry bristled. "I can't talk to you when you're like this! You don't want to hear anything I have to say!" Never mind that yes he probably would enjoy the spanking. He spun around to head for the door. Draco grabbed his hand and jerked him back.

"Sorry. Sorry, I'm calm… Tell me."

Harry stared blankly. Obviously he didn't believe the blond was internally calm. Draco sighed and rubbed his temple. And then began to count backwards from thirty. Finally he met the narrowed green eyes of his mate and laced their fingers together. "I want to hear what you have to say."

Harry's entire countenance changed. His face lit up and he started bouncing on his toes. Draco wondered if he should restrict his mate's time with Ozemir. "You'll never believe what we discovered!" he then went on to tell the blond what transpired.

"You're joking," the blond whispered tonelessly.

Harry shook his head, smiling widely. "And you know the best part?" the Gryffindor said, starting to laugh. "I can't find it in myself anywhere to feel sorry for the bastard! You should have seen Demai'Tah's face! He didn't know what to do! It was brilliant, Draco!"

The Slytherin stood there, blinking rapidly. Harry's smile continued to grow even as a tear slipped down the pale blond's face.

Outside in the hall, Similae spun around to face the closed door when thunderous laughter assaulted his ears. A moment later the door opened and he was faced with a grinning brunet while behind him, Similae could see the blond laid out on the couch, hands over his face, laughing for all he was worth. Harry shut the door and waved Similae to the end of the hall.

"Is he okay?"

"Oh sure. Draco's just learned some misfortune has befallen two of our enemies." Harry snickered as he led Similae out into the Slytherin common room.

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George easily entered the flat he shared with his brother, cursing moments later when he realized there was no food. He took a moment to contemplate on going to the Burrow, knowing his mum had plenty of leftovers everyday, and in the weeks he'd been gone that was unlikely to have changed.

Finally he decided against it since all he wanted to do was sleep. As he staggered to the bedroom, his mind thankfully blank, Fred popped into the living room.

"What the hell, George?!"

George yanked his shirt off and threw it into a corner where he usually threw his dirty clothing. He didn't bother facing the doorway where his brother stood. "What's up? Thought you were staying at Hogwarts. One of us should stay with Similae."

"Why'd you run away like that? And why did you pull that rude stunt when Similae sat next to you?"

Finally George faced him with a smile Fred knew at once was fake. "You told me to get my head in the game, bro. That's what I'm trying to do."

"How is snubbing him supposed to help? Do you think he appreciated you doing that right in front of the Emperors? He's got to be steaming mad by now."

George looked at his brother pleadingly. "I was doing good till he sat next to me. He sat down and all I could sense was him! I could smell him and feel his heat and all I wanted to do was rip his fucking clothes off! Without moving I never would have heard a word any of you said."

Fred stood there, blinking at the seriousness on his brother's face. He'd had a feeling it was something like that. Still… "Get a grip, bro! He's one bloke! This will pass."

"I don't think so. I talked with him long enough to know… and I kissed him again… like an idiot!"

"Shag him and get it over with," Fred said.

"The bloke has no use for me! You've seen! He's just humoring me."

"Fine. Stay here and I'll go back with him to the other outcasts."

George sneered at that idea. "No way am I backing out of this mission just cause I have the hots for shorty…"

Fred stood there and watched his brother fall back onto the bed. Silence reigned supreme in the small room until George groaned. "Look," he said, propping up on his elbows. "All I need to do is figure out some way to ignore that part of me that wants him. Similae's cool. I like him beyond the physical attraction. I just need something… there's got to be some way that I can…"

"Simply be friends with him," Fred surmised.

George's eyes brightened and he nodded rapidly. "Yeah, that's it exactly! Got any ideas?"

"Sorry."

"Dammit."

"Um… maybe you should ask Mum for advice. She gave Charlie advice about Pansy."

"Mum? Are you insane? No way! If I go to her, she'll want to meet him and then she'll coddle Simi and I'm sure he'll hate it."

"Dad then."

"Your suggestions suck, Fred!"

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After several minutes, Draco was able to reign in his laughter. Weasley was Demai'Tah's mate. A few chortles escaped him as he climbed to his feet and Shadowed to the warriors' rooms. It was damn funny, and Draco certainly didn't feel sorry for Weasley. He knew there might be unseen consequences from such a thing happening, but at the moment he couldn't be bothered to care. Draco would allow himself a little time to enjoy the nightmare that was Weasley's life. Tomorrow was soon enough to start worrying about the consequences of Demai'Tah having a mate.

Draco knocked on the door leading to the warrior rooms and Brumek called out for him to enter. Draco stepped in and smiled. Finding his son lying on a blanket on the floor, a bottle to his lips. The warrior was spread out on the floor also, back pressed up against the couch where Ozemir lay, deeply asleep. Falde and Talyn were not at Hogwarts, both having gone back to the realm to participate in a few raids. Brumek had stayed behind without having been asked. He was hardly away from Ozemir's side these days, unless it was for training. Ozemir was too close to delivery. It was a sight, seeing the burly warrior stretched out on the ground with Caellum snuggled against his chest, but Brumek was really soft with the prince; the warrior had quickly taken to being Caellum's godfather. In fact…

The blond sat down in front of Caellum and Brumek and picked up an object lying next to his son. He quirked an eyebrow and held it up for Brumek to explain. A wide grin crossed the warrior's face.

"It's never too early to start training."

Draco shook his head in amusement. He held in hand a miniature sword; a toy actually. The sword was light and the blade very blunt. "So, you've heard the news then?"

Brumek nodded. Sitting up he passed the sleepy Caellum over to his father. "Fred and George brought a visitor."

"His name is Similae. He's associated with over twenty Ukatae who fled the civil wars."

"Similae… sounds familiar." Brumek thought on it a moment more before shrugging. "What do you think of him?"

"Seems eager to do anything for the Empire. Pledged his sword to us."

"Very good." Brumek nodded, obviously very pleased. He passed a burp cloth over to Draco when Caellum pulled back from the empty bottle. Caellum looked up into his father's face with sleepy eyes and gave a big yawn. Draco softly lifted him to his shoulder to burp.

"There's… something else," Draco went on with a smirk.

Brumek eyed him curiously as he shifted to place a hand over those of his mate, which rested atop their unborn son. "Go on. Something has tickled you."

"Demai'Tah has a mate."

Brumek snorted and waved that away, as if it were a ridiculous thought. Draco thought it was ridiculous, but that didn't make it any less true. "Honestly. Harry and Neville," he went on, grinding his teeth, "decided to follow Weasley out into the forest tonight. Miles away. Far beyond Hogwarts boundaries…without telling anyone. And guess who came along?" the blond took a moment to breathe in deeply, taking in his son's scent and rubbing soothing circles over his back. It probably calmed him more than Caellum. "Demai'Tah appeared. Harry says Weasley was in pain and begged for help. When the clan master ripped away Weasley's shirt, they could see the wing joints and wing sacs protruding from his back."

"Doesn't mean he belongs to the clan master," Brumek said lowly. But Draco shook his head.

"I've been in Weasley's head, remember. He still thinks the clan master will turn him back to a human. He still hates Ukatae because we're Ukatae. Weasley wouldn't willingly have sex with one of us. Demai'Tah is the only Ukatae who's touched Weasley in that fashion, Brumek. And the clan master knows it. Harry said Demai'Tah looked panicked. He was seriously in denial."

"What happened after?"

"The clan master disappeared with Weasley and that was that. What do you think the clan master will do to him?"

"I do not know. Ozemir might have an idea. He knows Demai'Tah far better than anyone. You can ask him tomorrow."

"All right, then." Draco smiled and stood with his sleeping son. "Thanks for watching him."

Brumek also stood, giving him a once over. "You fought with your mate, didn't you?" Draco nodded. "Hope you gave him a proper beating. That was foolish, what he and Neville did."

"You don't have to tell me that. I know."

"Go on then. It's late and training has not been canceled for the morning."

Draco rolled his eyes as he turned to leave. Glancing once over his shoulder, he watched Brumek lean down to press a kiss on the Scholar's forehead, his nose, and then his lips before moving to lift Ozemir into his arms, seemingly unaffected by Ozemir's extra weight. It was nice to see. Brumek did dote on his mate.

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This place was oddly comfortable, Similae thought when he woke early the next morning. He'd been shown to a bed in what he was told to be the Slytherin boys' dormitory within the castle. A school of magic for humans called Hogwarts. After long moments of reflection the night before, when Similae went over everything he'd seen and learned before finally falling asleep, he came to the conclusion that the Emperors were surprisingly pleasant people. Young certainly, but pleasant in that they weren't letting their positions inflate their heads. The brunet, Harry, certainly didn't act as if the power meant much to him. Similae could see the blond was more used to being obeyed at every turn though. Harry was the more laid back of the two. Similae didn't find that as a fault. Others in the realm would, but he wouldn't.

Harry was the one to explain his location. He'd even explained why they resided there for the time being. Similae had not been surprised to learn the Emperors were newly transformed at their birthdays. It was a given really, otherwise they would have presented themselves years ago. He was also unsurprised to learn the other Ukatae residing in the castle were newly transformed. It made sense. Take those loyal with you into the immortal world. They would need that loyalty. It would be seen as strength. Never a weakness.

When Harry admitted to changing his family into Ukatae, he'd looked surprised to find Similae accepted and agreed with the plan. Similae didn't need to hear what the Emperor was thinking and told Harry no one would think they were less than Ukatae just because they had been human before. It made no difference once Ukatae blood was within your veins. The very first Ukatae to be created by the Mother had been human, after all. And that was why talk of taking over the mortal world and turning humans into slaves was quickly squashed whenever it was brought up. This didn't mean Ukatae saw humans as equals, quite the opposite, but Ukatae remember where they had come from. Harry's smile at that declaration had been one of blinding relief and looked like that of an innocent child. If Similae hadn't seen that fight between the two Emperors upon first arriving, he would have believed that's all he was looking at. An innocent child. But he had seen that fight, and Similae thought that innocence was purposely portrayed.

Similae sat up when he heard voices beyond the green curtain surrounding the bed. Whispered voices speaking his language.

"Really? When did they get back?" this voice was unfamiliar to him. Similae was sure he hadn't met the owner of that voice the night before.

"Last night. You were sleeping… training wear you out, Zabini?" That voice belonged to the Emperors' brother. Tom the Dark Lord. Similae had heard of him before. Though he hadn't known that that was the wizard Voldemort last night when he'd first met him.

"It's bloody hard! Anyway, go on."

"Brought someone back with them. Similae, he's called. I've reserved the right to hold judgment on him."

"What about Fred and George? They come back alright?"

"Didn't look any different. Relieved to be back."

"What about Theodore? Bill, Charlie? Any word from them?"

"No. Though you know it will not be easy for them to send word once they've found the rebels. They'll need to keep from being caught…"

The voices trailed off as they moved out of the room. Similae dropped back to his pillow and stared at the canopied ceiling. It was surreal knowing a new Royal family was actually in existence. He'd gone many many years believing his race would die out eventually. The civil wars in the realm would see to it. That's why he and Mila left the realm. To keep from being pulled into the senseless battles for power that belonged to no one but Royal blood. At least if they weren't in the realm and remained alive, then Ukatae wouldn't become completely extinct.

And now… there was hope of a continued existence, a bright future for their kind. Just thinking about it brought him so much pleasure and excitement he could literally feel the renewed energy vibrating within him. He's spent years living with humans, trying to blend in, keeping a low profile and hating every moment of it… but not anymore. For his future, for Mila's, Similae was determined to help anyway he could. And from the gleam in the Emperors' eyes, Similae understood they already had plans to use him in some way.

Similae pushed back the covers and the curtains before swinging his legs around to drop his feet onto the cold stone floor. Standing, he ignored the two sleeping human boys across the room, and waved a hand over the clothes he slept in, instantly cleaning and refreshing the garments. After putting his boots on and twisting his long blue hair up and using magic to keep it in place, Similae headed for the door. Once out in the hall, he found it strange to hear no noise except that of sleeping children. Some snoring, others shifting in their beds.

Once he left the dormitory and followed the hall into the common room he was surprised to find it completely empty. He wondered how early it was. The fire hadn't even been lit. It was Saturday, which explained why students were still sleeping, but he hadn't expected all to be late sleepers on the weekend. Similae crossed the room to sit in front of the cold fireplace and began tapping a finer against his knee, wondering what he was supposed to do now.

He was annoyed the twins had left him alone to fend for himself—not that he needed protection or help of any kind. It was just that they knew this place. And he hated having no idea what to do. Truthfully he was more than a little annoyed with George for those stunts he pulled last night. He had the nerve to take liberties and then treat him like that. As if his close presence was poison. It was not to be tolerated. He hadn't punished George for kissing him a second time. Why would he when clearly they'd both enjoyed it? Similae didn't understand George's latest actions but he knew he much preferred the obviously flirting. That type of behavior he could understand clearly.

Looking to the door leading to the Emperors quarters, Similae wondered if they were inside. The area was securely warded against any wandering senses so he couldn't feel if they were or not. But checking was better than sitting here in a silent and still common room. Making the decision, he rose and headed for the door and was surprised to find it unlocked. The next door probably was locked. He chose to knock instead of trying to barge in as if he owned the place.

Only seconds passed before a smiling Ukatae with blinding white hair and sparkling violet eyes opened the door. The face he was looking at sent a familiar jolt of nostalgia through him. "I know you," he whispered. "You taught at the Academy."

Those violet eyes swept over him in study before rising back to his. "I did. But I must confess to not recognizing you."

"I was too young to take your lessons. And the Academy closed before…"

Those violet eyes dimmed a moment, both of them remembering exactly why the Academy had been closed. Then suddenly they brightened and the Scholar stepped aside. "Come in, Similae! Caellum, we have a visitor!"

He was answered by happy giggling. Similae stepped in, eyes immediately searching out for the happy sounds to find a baby playing on the mat he'd seen the night before. It had been so long since he'd seen a baby of his own kind that Similae was dismayed to find his eyes were watering. There was a picture of the baby, but seeing him in flesh and blood was completely different. Not to mention the Scholar was full with child as well.

"You didn't have wings the last time I saw you."

The Scholar beamed such a happy smile that Similae swore he'd gone blind for a second. It was hard not to return such a smile. "Come then, sit!" the Scholar instructed. "I want to hear about you. Harry told me you've lived in the human world for forty years. Is this right?" Similae nodded. "Fascinating! Will you tell me about it?"

Similae didn't see what was so fascinating. It was only the human world after all. Boring. But the Scholar was watching him expectantly with the occasional watchful glance towards the infant who was currently trying to roll from his back onto his stomach. Similae ignored the first few years of being in the human world, as those had been utterly horrible years. The depression he'd fallen into had nearly killed him. Being away from his home, being away from his horses, being away from the realm and having to suffer the presence of humans who acted as if they were better than him, when they were most certainly not! Similae told the patiently waiting Scholar how things had sort of gotten better when he and Mila met other Ukatae escaping the ceaseless fighting within the realm. That's when he and Mila decided to make the best of their circumstances by turning the human world into a playground.

"You became a thief?" Ozemir asked excitedly.

"Not exactly. Just stole money here and there for years. Mila and I were used to wealth in the realm and I was tired of living without nothing."

"Still, that's a thief."

Similae shrugged. "Better than doing what I really had the urge to do. Which was slaughter every little annoying human that crossed my path, looking down on me as if I were nothing."

"Too true. Go on."

"So we've spent these years here doing exactly what we want, going where we want, taking what we want… but still we have no purpose. Just to exist."

"That is a purpose, young one."

"But now…" Similae's smile grew. "Now there's new blood! We can go back and exact revenge and put things to right!"

"Yes," Ozemir smiled as he leaned back, placing hand on his rounded belly. "Revenge is always sweet."

"Erm… when are you due?"

"A few weeks."

"Where is everyone… if you don't mind me asking?"

"Training…" Ozemir cocked his head to the side. "I'm surprised you were up so early. You do realize the sun has yet to rise."

The widening of Similae's eyes told him he had not realized. "Must be the excitement," the younger Ukatae murmured. "Guess that's why I haven't seen the twins yet. They don't strike me as ones who'd willingly get up so early."

Ozemir laughed. "Yes. Fred is still sleeping up in the Gryffindor tower. I've been told George is staying in Diagon Alley. A wizarding shopping district," he explained at Similae questioning look. "Fred and George have a store there. A place filled with a mountain of delightful products guaranteed to drive you insane. They have three stores actually. A new one is about to open up."

"They are the owners?"

"Yes. Started the endeavor here in this school. And then Harry gave them some start up money, they left school, and have been very successful ever since." A frown crossed the Scholar's face. "It wasn't long ago their first store was attacked. Blown up using a human bomb. They both nearly lost their lives. A very good friend of theirs did die in that attack."

"Was the person responsible caught?" Similae asked through clenched teeth.

Ozemir smiled at his reaction. "Yes."

"Killed?"

"At this point, no. Harry and Draco are letting him rot in the wizards prison for a time until the war in the realm has been won. And then…" Ozemir grinned childishly. "They have plans for the old manipulative fool. Don't worry your little head about that."

Similae glowered, not appreciating the little anything else could be said, Caellum made it known he wanted immediate attention. Ozemir moved to stand up. Similae watched him struggle with it for a few seconds before leaning forward and offering his arm. The Scholar accepted the help graciously and hefted to his feet. Similae watched the Scholar move over to the play mat and carefully lowered down on it, sitting cross legged in front of the infant before scooping the child up, placing the little prince's feet on his bent knees and helping the little one to stand. "What is it you need, love?"

Caellum looked thrilled to be standing as he was, with the Scholar's help. He babbled happily and leaned forward to grab a chubby fist full of white hair. Ozemir hummed in contentment before pressing a kiss against Caellum's forehead. The prince pulled the fist full of hair to his mouth.

"No, no, no. We do not eat hair, little one." Ozemir pulled his hair free. "Are you hungry then?" Caellum answered by shoving his fist into his mouth. Similae, having been watching all of this, spied a bottle lying on the side table across the room. He quickly summoned it to his hand before approaching the play mat and holding it out to the Scholar. "Thank you, Similae."

Similae nodded and shifted on his feet as the Scholar moved to cradle the baby in his arms, pressing the nipple of the bottle against Caellum's lips. While the Scholar held the bottle at the end, the little prince brought up his hands to hold the neck of the bottle. Those gold eyes moved and settled on Similae as he drank the highly nutritious milk.

"Sit, Similae. No need to be nervous."

"I'm not nervous," he reiterated, taking a seat beside the Scholar.

"So I am to take it you were never able to finish your education. What years are you lacking?"

"The last four."

"That should be easily made up."

Similae dropped an elbow onto his bent knee and cupped his chin in hand. "It's not really important anymore."

"Nonsense! Despite what my mate says, knowledge is very important, young one."

Once Similae might have agreed with him, but not now… and he didn't appreciate being called a young one. Though… compared to the Scholar, he really was a young one. A knock on the door interrupted the short span of silence. Ozemir closed his eyes and breathed in deeply. After a moment his eyes opened and he smiled at Similae.

"Could you let him in please?" Similae stood and made his way to the door. "Mind your manners. This is Harry's uncle, and he's not the most sociable of creatures."

"You know, I may look like a child. But I assure I am not one," he snapped.

Ozemir chuckled. "I meant no offense. Simply a warning."

Similae did not reply and instead opened the door. He wasn't expecting the find a dour looking human with lanky black hair standing on the other side. Similae wondered if the Scholar sensed the wrong person. The man's eyes narrowed dangerously on him.

"Let him in, Similae."

Similae stepped aside. The human quickly stepped inside and shut the door before he could. "Ozemir, who is this?"

It was then Similae realized glamour was being used. Only Ukatae knew the language. Similae wondered why he was using a glamour when no one else seemed to.

"Were you not told?" the Scholar inquired.

"I would not have asked otherwise."

"He's a visitor. Fred and George brought him."

Similae found himself being studied once again by black eyes, though they weren't as narrowed before. Similae knew he should probably bow and show respect, but the gaze on him made him feel uncomfortable and he was having trouble moving.

"Short, aren't you?" the man said before turning his back and completely ignoring him as if he weren't there.

Similae fisted his hands and bristled, biting his tongue to keep from shouting at the top of his lungs. "At least I'm not ugly," he muttered quietly.

The man whipped around. "What was that?"

Similae gathered his nerves and smiled an innocent smile. "Nothing, sir."

Severus crowded in front of the boy and rose to his full height. "You are in my school. Remember that, else you'll find yourself in detention in short time."

"Severus, be nice," Ozemir implored in a trembling voice that suggested he was amused with Severus' threat. Severus sneered at him as he approached. "What brings you here?"

"It's just a visit, Scholar. Don't look too much into it."

Ozemir giggled. "You've come to check up on me. Don't bother denying it. You know the others are at training."

Similae watched the glamored Ukatae blush uncomfortably. "I did not come doubting your babysitting skills, Ozemir. The others trust you and so do I."

Ozemir cocked his head and studied the Headmaster in surprise. "So then… you're worried about my well-being?"

Severus was silent for a moment, glaring at the Scholar. Then he sighed. "You may see it as you wish. No one likes to leave you alone in your condition."

Caellum pulled away from the nearly empty bottle and squealed at that. Severus smiled fondly down at this grand nephew. Caellum ignored the bottle completely and raised his arms into the air. Ozemir smiled and lifted Caellum for Severus to take.

"Similae, assistance please."

Severus watched the young impudent Ukatae approach without any defiance on his face to help the Scholar to his feet. Already he had a feeling he wouldn't like this new boy. The twins brought him, so obviously they liked him, which meant trouble for the rest of the world. He had enough imbeciles to deal with in this school. Severus moved to sit down, and as he shifted Caellum to sit on his thighs, he dispelled the glamours, knowing how his grand nephew didn't much care for the glamour. He ignored the newcomers blatant staring and started bouncing the little prince on his legs, delighting in Caellum's squealing. After a short time, Ozemir pulled this new one, Similae, into discussion about his education, and Severus listened in, curious about talk of the Ukatae Academy.

Fred flew into the room some time later, looking disheveled and half asleep. "I've lost him—Oh, Similae! Thank Hirhsa…"

"Where did you think I'd go?"

"Don't know," Fred flopped down next to him. "You might have wandered around and gotten lost. I see you've met Ozemir and our esteemed Headmaster."

"We've met," Severus remarked dryly.

Ozemir giggled. "Severus threatened detention already."

"Did you?" he asked Severus. Without waiting for an answer he then turned to Similae. "Good job!" Fred grabbed Similae's hand, raised his own and high-fived the blue haired Ukatae. Similae laughed.

"Knew it," Severus growled to himself.

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Later Fred Shadowed to the Alley store along with Similae and was pleased to find they had a good crowd within the store. The both of them had donned their human glamours before leaving Hogwarts, but Similae planted his feet when it came to changing his hair color.

"Have a look around, mate. If you want. I need to find George, check on some things."

Similae went off, looking genuinely curious. Fred headed to the front of the store giving Annie and Lee a grin.

"Welcome back, Fred!" Annie exclaimed. "How was your research trip?"

"Not done yet," he said giving her a wink.

Lee and Annie were in charge of the Alley store. Lee Jordan had come to the twins when it was made known they were looking to hire people. He'd surprised them with the request, especially after what happened to Alicia right in that very store. But Lee insisted that if they needed help, he was their man. The twins suspected it was also a way to help him get over Alicia's death in his own way. The twins made Lee the store manager of all three stores because they trusted him. He knew how much the stores meant to them and he'd helped them out throughout the years with their inventions, testing and marketing. And last but not least, Lee was the only one of their employees who knew exactly what Fred and George were up to when they disappeared.

"Checking up on me then?" Lee asked jokingly as he and Fred went into the back.

"You betcha. How goes things, anyway?"

Lee smirked. "Better than when you two jesters are here," Lee returned, handing him the reports from the last week and a half.

"Ha, ha." Fred remained silent as he scanned the reports. "How's the new store?"

"Everything is laid out as you two have specified… George is there now. Making sure it's ready for the Grand Opening. You guys going to be back for that?"

"Probably not." Fred gave a wistful sigh.

After about fifteen minutes of business related discussion with Lee, they both exited from the back. Fred raised an eyebrow upon seeing Similae standing at the counter, a huge grin on his face as he stared down at a pile of products he'd plucked up on his wanderings. His eyes were big, bright, and mischievous. Fred thought it was a good thing George wasn't here to see that particular expression.

"What's all this?"

"This store is amazing!" Similae plucked up a Canary Cream. "This really does what the display says?" Fred nodded. Similae snickered. "Oh, Mila, Mila, Mila… this will be great! She's so gullible. I want all this stuff!"

All this stuff turned out to be three handfuls of Decoy Detonators, a handful of Fainting Fancies and a Headless Hat. Similae promised Mila was going to freak out when he tried that one on her. He was practically salivating over the Instant Darkness Powder. Similae had also picked up a Patented Daydream Charm, a Portable Swamp, and multiple selections of Wildfire Whiz-Bangs as well as a handful of Canary Creams.

"Will this even work on Ukatae?" Fred wondered in a soft tone. He hadn't really thought about that before. But Similae excitedly waved that away.

"The things that need to be ingested might not work the way it's meant to, but that's why I'm getting multiples of those. We can tweak it if need be in order for it to work on Ukatae!"

Fred was really surprised by this change in Similae. It was a surprise but totally welcomed… except George was going to have a harder time trying to fight this attraction. Fred smirked as he picked up the Daydream Charm. "Ya know… we have another version of this. But," his grin turned wicked, "it's only for those seventeen or older. Explicit content, ya know… I couldn't possible sell it to you. Probably wouldn't know what to do with it."

Similae growled. "Give me two of those! Say that one more time Fred and watch what happens!"

"Ring him up!" Fred said to Annie, sending her another wink. " Actually, never mind. You can have this, Similae."

"Have it?" Similae blinked in confusion. "You mean you're just going to give me all this for free?"

"Sure, mate. A gesture for a new friend."

Similae scanned the products in front of him with hungry eyes. "Appreciate the gesture, but I couldn't let you give all this to me for free. And I didn't come on this trip without money if that's what you're worried about."

Similae was so firm Fred knew he wouldn't be able to change his mind. But perhaps they could compromise. And there was something Similae was overlooking. "Yeah, but I bet you don't have any wizarding money at the moment." He felt bad for pointing that out when Similae's face fell. "How bout I only make you pay for the most expensive product you've picked out? And I'll take the currency you have. I can always exchange it at the wizarding bank."

Instantly the boyish face of the six hundred year old Ukatae brightened again. "Deal!"

Soon after they left the shop along with Lee to head to the Wizarding Way shop. Similae toting two Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes bags and babbling a mile a minute. Fred shook his head in awe. What had caused this drastic change in attitude? Certainly it hadn't been just the store that did it.

"Your shop is fantastic," Similae gushed. "You should definitely do something like this in the realm. We've never had a shop like that anywhere! Mother would so have loved your store!"

"Would have?" Fred inquired as they turned into the alley beside the store.

The brightness in Similae's eyes dimmed a bit. "Mamma… he was killed. Along with Father. A long time ago."

Fred felt like a complete bastard having asked. "M'sorry, Simi," he murmured as they stopped at the dead end wall. "Didn't mean to pry."

Similae chuckled. "Yes you did. You and your brother love prying."

Lee snorted. "Aint that the truth."

"Hey, no teaming up!" Fred said with a laugh.

"And don't call me Simi!"

Fred snickered and dropped his arm to rest atop Similae's head. "Ah," he sighed in contentment. "What a delightful arm rest."

Similae snarled and dropped his bags to the ground. Fred bolted away, running straight through the wall. Similae hesitated one second before running through the portal after him, yelling out death threats. Lee shook his head in amusement as he gathered the bags and slowly headed after them. Knowing what Fred and George were, he had also figured out their new short friend was the same. He thought it funny they managed to find a Ukatae whose personality seemed to fit right along with theirs. Was that good or bad for the world?

Stepping out of the portal into the Northern Welcome Hall, Lee laughed outright when he saw Fred was scampering from corner to corner, trying to evade the quick Ukatae's attacks. "I'm sorry!" Fred exclaimed. "Stop trying to kill me! I'll give you more free products!"

Similae ceased the attack. Soon the three were strolling down Wizarding Way. Fred smiled widely at seeing the place. It was fantastic. He couldn't wait to see what the entire city would end up looking like once complete. When Dudley had given them a tour, he told them it would take years. The city would be huge. Dudley promised there would be other streets, more buildings, houses, and flats. Another hospital would be built. A few primary schools, a large library… all this including the new Ministry buildings and things Tom was having built that only Dudley, Sirius, and the Lestrange brothers knew about.

Ahead of them lay a wide stone road that curved mildly as it stretched on into the distance. It was a dark cobblestone road, surrounded by clean white multi-leveled buildings, most with white pillars out front, some with balconies here and there. Some of the buildings had domed roofs made from either stone or some kind of gleaming metal. What really impressed Fred was that not all the buildings were the same size. The structures ranged in height and width. Everything lined up in perfect proportions would probably have been boring.

Soon they came upon the Square. The Square was situated dead center of Wizarding Way; separating the north and south ends. A three tiered stone fountain was placed in the center and lining the Square were numerous shops. One of which was the new Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. At the closest corner of the twins shop was another Welcome Hall. Shoppers would be able to Floo to it by calling out The Square. The stores accompanying the twins store consisted of a bookstore, Quidditch supplies, and an empty space. The twins had bought that space as well. Not for their own use. They planned to rent it out to three girls they knew would have good use for it.

"This place isn't used yet?" Similae inquired, hardly missing the brand new shininess about the place.

"Nope. In fact what you see is the production of ten months worth of work," Fred answered as he led them into the new Wheezes store. "George!"

"Back here, bro! Lee, buddy! Why aren't the new products on display?"

Similae perked up. "You have new products? Things I haven't seen yet?" he asked Fred excitedly.

"Sure. We're always inventing… and George we discussed that. We weren't going to sell new products until our mission is over."

"Oh right. Forgot." George sighed and placed elbows on the counter. He'd forgotten. All because he was having trouble concentrating. The cause of that was suddenly in his face.

"Can you show me these new products?" before George could answer, Similae went on. "Know what you should do? Only sell new products in this store! Give your regular customers reason to come to the new store and they'll tell everyone else to visit the new store as well. And then when you have enough sells, you can distribute the new products in the other stores. What do you think?"

George pulled in a deep breath. "That's actually not a half bad idea, shorty. Fred?" he asked his brother as he and Lee came up behind Similae.

"You have some business sense, Similae. We should do that."

Lee concurred. "He nearly bought the store out," he said, pointing to the bags Similae was carrying. "Or would have if Fred hadn't given it all for free."

George leaned over the counter to peer in the bags, an eyebrow rising.

"You guys are geniuses if this stuff actually works as you say it does! It's nice because you don't have to do any magic yourself, and Mila won't be able to sense the magic until it's too late! Can you show me the new products now please?"

George retreated. "Show him Fred. I'm busy," he waved hands over parchments lying in front of him. Both Similae and Fred stood on the other side of the counter, staring at him. George looked up to find shorty giving him a flat look. It was impossible to read that gaze. Fred was more open. Fred wondered what the hell he was trying to pull. Finally Similae spun around and walked away.

"You don't want to show him?" Fred asked as Similae moved away.

Finally George grinned. "Oh, yeah. I want to show him… lots of things."

"This store's bigger than the other!" Similae exclaimed as he jogged up the stairs at the front of the store. It seemed he'd pushed George's attitude aside for the time being.

"What happened to him? You give him a potion, bro?" George asked. "If so… not cool. S'not helping me at all."

"No potion. He's been like this since this morning… he spent some time with Ozemir, Caellum, and Severus. But I don't think they were the cause… I think this is Similae. The laid back version. He doesn't need to put up a front here as its obvious he's not in charge or responsible for others."

"I can hear you!" Similae shouted down.

A Cheshire cat grin grew upon George's face. Fred laughed as he went after Similae. George followed their movements as they perused to top floor until they disappeared from view. Similae's previous hyper activeness didn't dim in the slightest and George was able to see exactly what Fred had in the Diagon Alley store. He quickly made himself busy with Lee and tried to ignore the hyped up Ukatae as much as possible.

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It was raining at the Nest when they arrived. Draco thought this a blessing. It wouldn't cost them as much energy to pull in the lightening. They decided to do the de-aging and transfusions in pairs. Draco, Tom, Severus, and Hermione were in the room that was used by the children for potions learning. Currently the four were ladling up Youth potion from a massive cauldron and distributing it into separate vials, making sure they had the precise amount for each person needing it. It would be a disaster if they consumed too much or too little before the lightening strike.

While those four were doing that, Harry was above in the parlor with those being turned. Lucius and Sirius decided to stay at Malfoy Manor in order to look after the children. Everyone thought this procedure might be a little frightening for them to see, especially since some painful screaming might be going on. Ginny and the twins were also in attendance, sitting with their parents and Neville and Dudley with theirs.

Harry smiled as he leaned against the wall, shifting Caellum into a more comfortable position in his arms. He watched Ginny talk excitedly with her mom while Arthur probed his sons on their muggle mission. Harry's green eyes moved on to Petunia, whom sat next to Rodolphus. The wizard's arm was securely around his aunt's waist. Rodolphus wasn't smiling, but he did have a certain amount of excitement shining in his eyes. Petunia looked delighted with the situation, as did the others of the gang. Harry couldn't wait to see what those four would look like when all was said and done. Amortia currently had a wide smile on her face, which really wasn't anything new, except Rabastan kept leaning over to whisper things into her ear. Harry could easily pick it up, and along with Amortia, Harry's cheeks blazed from the things he was promising the healer once they'd been turned and he had the stamina of ten men. Harry had the urge to cover Caellum's ears despite knowing his son was too young to understand what the roguish wizard was saying.

The Longbottoms sat closely with Petunia and Dudley, and Frank and Alice seemed to be a bundle of nervous excitement. Harry could understand their thoughts without having to actually tune into their feelings. Those two had wasted away for so many years in St. Mungo's. Had missed so much of their life and Neville's. They were eager to start this new adventure into life. Harry had to shake his head at the resilience of everyone in this room. Not one of them had seemed wary at all of becoming immortal.

One thing was for sure, these people were his family- even the Lestrange brothers and Amortia- and saying that, he knew this life of immortality was never going to hold a dull moment. Harry had begun to feel anxious about changing these people. Not because he didn't want them, but because he wasn't sure how they would be received in the realm. Everyone here had started out human and Ukatae weren't too kind in their thoughts of humans. And he hadn't wanted to make the lives of his family more difficult by bringing them in and having that discrimination to deal with. But Harry had been pleasantly surprised by the small discussion he'd had with Similae the previous night and finding his fears were unjustified. Actually Harry had been surprised by a number of things concerning Similae. The short Ukatae had been very formal with them, which wasn't surprising and it pleased Draco to no end, but at the same time, Similae spoke very honestly with Harry when he'd shown him through the Slytherin dungeon. Harry hadn't meant to show weakness by being worried, but Similae took it all in stride.

Speaking of which, Harry wondered where Similae had gone. He knew the twins brought him along, but he'd been missing for the better part of an hour. "Vendyl."

Vendyl appeared beside him. "Highness."

"Where's Similae?" he asked, turning to his Saen. "He's still on the property, isn't he?"

"Yes, Highness. Outside. The back lawn."

Harry turned and left the parlor, hefting Caellum up to his chest. Caellum's forehead rested against Harry's chin and the baby gurgled pleasantly as he lifted a hand to grab a handful of his mother's hair. "Try not to pull so hard this time," Harry said with a chuckle, walking down the hall

Similae stood a few feet away from the door, smoking a cigarette. The moment he saw Harry, the short Ukatae straightened and instantly vanished the cigarette. And then waved his hand. Harry felt the wind around pick up, blowing the lingering cigarette smoke away. Harry smiled brightly at that. When Similae prepared to bow by laying a fist over his heart, Harry waved that away.

"We'll forgo being formal here. It's not really the place and I don't like it much."

Similae stared at him a moment, watching as Harry softly bounced Caellum in his arms. Finally the blue haired Ukatae cocked a smirk. "Didn't think you did."

Harry crouched down and put Caellum's booty covered feet in the grass, holding his baby up under his arms. Caellum squealed delight and started stomping his feet. "Heard you went to Diagon Alley with the twins."

Similae crouched down as well, watching the little prince trying to pull away from his mother's supportive arms in order to try and walk on his own even though he was far too young to be able to do that yet. Similae smiled. "With Fred anyway."

"What did you think of it?"

Similae shrugged. "Didn't see much of it. Only the twins' shops. Liked those though!"

"Really?"

"Yeah! They have some great stuff!"

Harry was wary when Similae's grin resembled the grin the twins sometimes wore when they were planning something devious.Harry looked towards the door a moment before one of the twins appeared. "Fred?"

Similae looked at Harry curiously. "You can't tell them apart either?"

The brunet looked sheepish. "Not my fault. They're always wearing the same thing. Not even their parents can tell them apart. And those two arseholes are always trying to play tricks and tell you they're the other twin."

"That's George," Similae announced, smirking when said twin looked startled by the absolute assurance. "He's the one who's been trying to ignore me all day." Similae pierced George with a glare. "I don't like being ignored."

"I'm hurt, Similae! I've been doing no such thing!" George defended as he dropped to his knees and scooped Caellum into his arms. George beamed at his prince before planting kisses all over Caellum's face, eliciting many squeals of laughter. "When mommy and daddy smile at you and say you're going on a mission… run away! Run away, Caellum or they'll send you to the North Pole and you don't want that cause its cold and harsh and nothing there is at all pleasing to look at… except for shorty here."

Similae smacked the back of George's head. "Stop calling me shorty!"

George frowned. Why did Similae always choose to ignore the compliments thrown his way?

"We didn't send you to the North Pole," Harry laughed.

"Anyway," George handed Caellum back to his mommy before grabbing Similae's hand and hoisting him up. "Mum wants to meet you. Ginny told her some nonsense about you saving us from becoming twincicles… Coming Harry?"

"Sure." Harry followed as George dragged Similae back into the manor. "Wait!"

He held Caellum tightly against his chest and ran after them. Finding them waiting in the hall, he was surprised George still had hold of Similae's hand. Neither of them seemed to have noticed. Maybe because it felt as natural to them as it looked to Harry. He dropped a hand on Similae's shoulder. "Just wanted to warn you. There'll probably be spontaneous hugging. A lot of it."

George nodded with a snicker. "Mum can't help herself. With you… the way you look. She'll want to smother you."

"Yeah…" Harry nodded solemnly, trying very hard to hide a smile. "No offense… seriously, I mean no offense, but you're kind of cuddly looking and Molly loves to cuddle."

By now Similae was passed annoyed and was downright frightened. But George was back to dragging him down the hall before he could object. "Don't worry," George murmured, "I won't let Mum smother you too much. I reserve that right."

Similae did not reply to that, though he did cast a sideway glance at the grinning red head. Liking how deviously and twistingly pleased George looked at the moment.

When they walked in, Harry saw the females had separated from the males. The gang had surrounded Ginny and were fingering her long hair. Ginny and Pansy's hair had grown along with their transformations and they did not cut it. Now, when she wasn't in training, her red locks hung down to under her arse. The gang was completely enthralled with it at the moment.

"Mum! Here's Similae," George called as he tugged Similae over to the group of women.

"Don't let them hug me," Similae hissed. "I am not a toy."

"I rather think you are. You look like a yummy sex toy." George whispered back with an obvious look over. Similae narrowed his eyes. George was certain it had nothing to do with his flirting. Similae seemed immune to that. "Look. Mum's very affectionate. She'll want to thank you… even if you didn't really save us."

"Did too. You and your brother were stupid enough to fall asleep in the snow. The sun was set. You two would have frozen in your sleep. Warming spells would have stopped working after a time."

As soon as he was within reaching distance, Similae felt himself being jerked away from George and enfolded within a strong soft embrace. Crushed against an ample bosom and rocked back and forth.

"Mum! Let him have a breath," George whined. "Or he'll run away and I'll never get to lay eyes on him again!"

"Thank you so much for looking out for my wayward sons!" Molly gushed, allowing Similae to pull back softly… though she didn't let him step away too far. Her hands were solidly connected to his arms. She gave him a warm smile.

In fact all the women were giving him soft gracious smiles, and Similae felt his cheeks warming from both nerves and embarrassment. Similae looked to George with a plead in his eyes. George stiffened. Once again his nails curled in to press against his palms. It was actually Draco who inadvertently saved Similae.

"Everything is ready!" the blond announced as he strode into the room to stand beside his husband. All eyes turned to them and Similae managed to make an escape and sequestered himself off into a far empty corner.

"Who would like to go first?" Harry questioned the group. At once everyone responded. Draco laughed quietly. "Alright then. Molly and Arthur will go first."

Harry left Caellum for Neville to tend and followed his husband along with the couple out to the back lawn. They were both handed a vial of potion and told to drink while Hermione, Tom, and even Luna stood off to the side. The transformations went as well as Severus' had. Perhaps better, as none needed to drink as much of the potion as Severus had. But they all needed the lightening and that wasn't any less painful. Harry hated kneeling down beside the Weasleys and watching them writhe in pain after the lightening struck. He hated hearing Molly's gasps of pain and Arthur trying his damnedest not to scream by biting his lip and breaking the skin. But it was over in moments and the two de-aged right before their eyes. The Longbottoms were next and after their de-aging, Harry and Draco took a break from the lightening allowing Hermione and Tom to de-age the last two couples. Once that was done, the couples were transported to a room upstairs in the manor, where Kaego and Ozemir were waiting to do the transfusions.

"Glad that's over with," Harry murmured as he and Draco descended the stairs to the parlor in order to give news to those waiting on the outcome. The moment they were inside, the Emperors were bombarded with news on their family. Draco ignored them and took Caellum from Dudley. He tossed his son into the air before catching him and planting kisses against Caellum's stomach.

"Were you good? Did you bite Dudley yet? You know you have permission…"

"Draco!"

Dudley laughed. "Yeah, Malfoy. He bit me."

"Good boy!" Draco planted more kisses against his son's stomach.

Harry gave Draco a stern look before turning to Ginny, the twins, Dudley and Neville. "Everything went well. There's nothing to worry about. They'll be awake in a few short hours."

Everyone let out relieved breaths at that. Harry told everyone to sit. "Neville, Dud's… could you two maybe release each other for one minute so we can have a discussion?" Harry asked in exasperation after catching the two slinking off to a corner to celebrate the successful turning of their parents.

Ginny laughed from where she sat next to a silent but ever watchful Similae. "That's rich, coming from you, Harry."

"What?" he asked in perfect innocence. "You don't see me sneaking off with Draco…"

George snorted as he dropped down on the other side of Similae, shamelessly throwing an arm over the back of the sofa behind the short Ukatae. "Not yet… But I'm counting down. What do you think, Fred?"

"Five minutes tops."

"We do have some control!" Draco snapped.

There was a round of disbelieving snorts. Harry gave them all a mock glare before sitting down in a chair Draco pulled up in front of the long couch. Caellum was placed in his lap while Draco stood behind him.

Harry addressed Similae. "Taking into account the many years you've been in the mortal world, is it proper to assume you've come across more Ukatae who've taken refuge in the mortal world? Refugees who are not in your group?"

"Yes. There are many. Spread throughout the world."

Draco nodded. Ozemir had told him that once not long after the Scholar had joined them. "We want you to help Fred and George recruit these refugees. Do you think you can do that?"

"I can and will do anything you ask of me, Highness."

"Why are you so accommodating for them?" George murmured as he toyed with a strand of blue hair. Similae smacked his hand away with a smirk.

"The reason should be obvious."

Ginny leaned forward to give her brother a look. George grinned when she wagged red eyebrows at him.

Fred hid a grin. He wondered what happened to George's plan to stop flirting and ignore shorty… obviously it wasn't working.

"Alright then. So you guys can stay until tomorrow," Draco began, watching George try and put his arm around Similae's shoulders, only to have that arm quickly swatted away again. "Sure you want to make sure everything is as it should be before Wizarding Way is opened."

"Yeah," Fred agreed. "Thanks. We need to brainstorm some new advertising slogans. And Ginny, you need to get Pansy and visit our new store later today when we're there. We have a surprise for you two and Angelina."

"Alright," she replied slowly, wondering why.

"Since shorty seems to want to follow your every word," George said, quickly blocking the elbow aimed for his ribs, "could you ban him from living in the North Pole?"

"IT'S NOT THE NORTH POLE!" Fred, Harry, and Similae cried in unison.

"Whatever."

"Um…" Ginny looked at Harry and Draco with worried eyes. "Have you heard from the others yet?"

"Sorry, Gin…" Harry murmured. "But hopefully we'll hear something soon."

After that, everyone was dismissed, leaving Harry, Draco, and Caellum alone in the parlor. Harry's expression turned pensive and he buried his nose into his son's soft dark hair. "I hate that I can't say for certain they'll be okay," he murmured slipping back to English.

"Our friends aren't defenseless, lover," Draco returned as he moved and knelt down in front of his son and husband. He lifted a hand to Harry's cheek.

"Still…" Harry turned his head until his lips pressed against his husband's warm palm. " Do you think they'll be okay?"

Draco's eyes dropped to his son's face, smiling when he saw Caellum had reclined back against his mommy's stomach and closed his eyes in sleep. "They went knowing the risks, Harry. I wont… I can't say something you didn't want to say to Ginny."

Harry nodded in understanding. But it was hard not thinking they'd sent their friends to their deaths. Harry didn't have any bad feelings about it. Didn't dream of them dying, but it was normal to wonder; to feel guilty and feel as if he were making everyone else do all the dirty work.

"We'll be joining them soon," Draco said as they left the parlor.

"I wonder what they're doing right now? If they've made any progress…"

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Theo and Richard hadn't made any progress at all and currently Theo was miserable. Hunkered down in a ditch, pressed against a large boulder and watching as buckets of water poured down from a dark sky he couldn't even see thanks to the dense dark canopies of the trees surrounding him. He shivered, wishing Richard would hurry and return. Richard had gone off to hunt something for them to eat and Theo couldn't follow due to the deep gash in his leg gained earlier in the day. He nor Richard were healers, so Theo had to let the wound heal on it's own, which would probably take about a couple of days thanks to the poison the gash was exposed to.

Richard and Theo were literally dropped in the middle of a dense dark forest in the middle of the night nearly two weeks ago. They hadn't been in the forest an hour before Shadow hounds attacked them. Luckily those things were easily killed. Not so lucky was the fact there were packs of Shadow hounds all around and it was never a good idea to linger in one spot for long. Along side the hounds, many of the plants were dangerous as well. Poisonous and thirsty for flesh and blood.

Theo's injury had been caused by a massive plant that suddenly struck out from the darkness, unfurled and snatched Theo's leg right out from under him. His wound came from being pierced by one of the large poisonous thorns attached to the vine as it dragged him towards the colossal bulb that opened and was waiting for its prey to be dragged into it. Luckily the poison of this plant wasn't fatal to Ukatae, but it did delay healing and increased inflammation and pain. After pulling Theo free, Richard had gone berserk on the thing and hacked the plant up until it was nothing but pulp. Despite the pain he was in, the Slytherin had found the sight of Richard so worked up and angry over a damn plant amusing.

Theo adjusted the hood of his cloak and mentally cursed for the hundredth time. The night before they'd had to run like hell from Shadow hounds. The sheer number of hounds had been impossible to take on, and during their escape they lost the sack of supplies brought on the journey. Theo was now stuck alone in the rain to worry over Richard's absence and hoped beyond hope Richard had not come across any Shadow hounds. Reaching over, Theo touched the sword lying by his side, checking to make sure it was still there and wished he could go back to breathing normally. But he hadn't been able to take a normal breath since Richard had gone out alone.

"Where are you?" he hissed under his breath, only to freeze a moment later when a deep feral growl pierced through the cacophony of pouring rain. He quickly pulled the sword to lay between his legs, gripping the hilt tightly. After being in this forest for two weeks he knew that growl had come from no Ukatae.

Fear clawed at his good senses when a matted wet face full of razor sharp teeth appeared over the edge of the ditch. The Shadow hound spotted the Slytherin before he could erect a vision barrier. The hound lifted its snout to the dark cloudy sky, preparing to howl and alert others of wounded prey. Theo knew he had to move quickly or soon an entire pack of hounds would be on him. But before he could even lift his sword, the hound hissed as if in pain moments before its face dissolved into ash. And then Richard was there, standing where the hound had been and brushing ash from his hands. Theo's head thumped back against the boulder and he pulled in a deep relieved breath.

"You okay?" Richard asked, jumping down and kneeling in front of the shaking Slytherin.

Theo grabbed his boyfriend's cloak and jerked him into a shaky embrace. "Don't ever do that again!" he hissed. "Thought something happened to you. Gone for ages!"

Richard said nothing at first. Simply let Theo squeeze the hell out of him. Theo had been doing more of that lately. Showing his affections without any inhibitions, or allowing Richard to be affectionate without snapping at him for it. The gestures were never unappreciated.

"Found something for your leg," Richard replied lowly after a moment, worried by the pallor of Theo's face and his shivers. He pulled away to sit in front of Theo, catching his eyes. "Good thing too. We need to move on. Can't stay here tonight."

"What happened?" Theo asked, watching Richard pull out a hand full of what looked like mud-covered moss. "You're not putting that anywhere on me."

Richard flashed a grin and held the moss out beyond the rain barrier. "Came across rogue Ukatae. Just barely managed to keep from falling into their camp. They were packing up though. Heading this way. Some are the deranged Ukatae Ozemir spoke about… the ones being changed to the mindless. We need to get as far away from that as possible. Lucky I found this stuff. You'll be able to walk without pain now."

Theo was silent and watched Richard work. Impressed actually. The blond, whose hair was currently dripping and plastered down his face in curvy wet waves, pulled the moss back into the dry area. Then showed him there was no more mud. Theo smirked; pleased. Richard handed him the moss and began rolling up the fabric covering Theo's right leg where the gash ran from behind his knee and down to his ankle. As he removed the bandages, Theo studied the moss. Wracking his brain for a name and purpose. The knowledge was there, swimming just out of his grasp and he blamed fatigue and discomfort for his lack of knowledge.

"Boluesa moss," Richard murmured, staring at the injury and wishing he knew more about healing. He didn't like the thought of Theo being in pain. And the brunet most certainly was with this deep poisoned gash.

"That's right," Theo whispered. "Gets it's name from the only thing it grows on. The Boluesa tree." The Slytherin grinned in the dark, happy that he'd been able to pull that from the Knowledge. "But… how do you know that's going to do any good?"

"Boluesa moss has healing properties many don't know about," Richard replied. Theo frowned in disbelief. Richard took the moss and started rubbing some between his fingers so that the moss juices were squeezed out to mingle with the rainwater. "Trust me, don't you?"

Theo nodded without hesitation. Which was another odd thing. Before he hardly trusted anyone, even his boyfriend at times… now he knew without a doubt the blond would never hurt him.

"Roll over for me," Richard said as he backed away to give his boyfriend some room. Theo did as was asked, knowing it would give the blond easier access to the wound. Once Theo was lying on his stomach, Richard held the moss over the wound and started squeezing, letting the dew from the moss drip into the long gash. Theo hissed out expletives as the dull ache of his wound suddenly exploded into searing pain that traveled throughout his leg. And he didn't appreciate Richard's laughter mixed along with an apology.

"Richard," he said after a moment when the pain died back down to a dull throbbing.

The blond was now pressing the pulped moss into the wound and it didn't hurt quite as bad as the juice did. "I'm listening."

"Think we're mates."

"Yeah. Think so too."

Theo couldn't see the smile on the blond's face, but he could hear it. Which in turn made him smile in relief. "How did you figure?"

The blond was silent for a moment, and Theo felt him wrapping a new bandage around his leg. "Because… my priorities for this mission have changed. Everything I do now is with the purpose of protecting what is mine. And Theodore, don't take offense, but… I feel like you're mine in every sense of the word."

Theo said nothing. Simply buried his face against his crossed arms. He wasn't offended. Far from it. Elated maybe. Because that's how he felt. Like he belonged to Richard. It was a sense of contentment that surrounded him as Richard tended to his wound. He'd always wondered how Draco could stand it. Being tied to someone so closely as he was to Harry. He knew Draco and Harry loved each other, but knowing the blond Slytherin, Theo couldn't understand and at first couldn't believe that Draco enjoyed being so enthralled by the Gryffindor. But now he understood. There wasn't anything negative about it.

"How does it feel?" Richard inquired after he pulled Theo's pant leg down and helped him turn around into a sitting position.

"Don't feel much of anything anymore," the Slytherin whispered, taking Richard's hand and rising to his feet. Carefully he shifted weight onto the injured leg and cracked a grin when there was only a twinge of discomfort brought on by the tightening of his muscles around the wound. "It's good. I could probably run now too."

"You're not going to push it," Richard warned. "There's no need for that anyway. Not if we leave now."

Theo leaned against the boulder with his arms crossed in front of him. "Did you find any food?" Richard nodded as he bent to pick up Theo's sword. "Tell me it's not a plant."

Richard grinned. "It's all I came across before finding that camp. We'll find more later."

Theo scowled and snatched his sword out of Richard's hand. "Bet you weren't looking for anything else! Stupid vegetarian…"

"I'm not a vegetarian. How many times do I have to say?"

"I'll believe that when I see you eat meat. Which I haven't yet."

Richard opened his mouth to refute that then shut it and smiled. "Ready?"

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A/N: So... this was a filler chapter and mainly Similae orientated. Tied up a few loose ends in this one. Things will move along very quickly after this point. I wanted to go ahead and get this chapter out because i have no idea when i'll be able to update again. My daughter and I are moving back to Washington so I'll be working hard packing and getting things in order... but i should be able to start finish the next chapter towards the end of the month. Hopefully it wont take me long to get that chapter done.

Hope you can stay patient for that and really hope you enjoyed this chap. I had fun with it.... Till next time, have a great day! :D