A Life Worth Living
Chapter 48
"Hey, hey, hey, easy, Aaron, it's me, it's uncle Peter, c'mon now kiddo, you're going to be just fine," Peter said, his voice tinging with desperation. Nothing anyone said or did got through to the boy, he just cowered in the corner in fear. It set everyone on edge, the scent of fear, it was a repugnant odour. Made the wolves want to lash out and attack, it was a good thing that they had such good control over their own animalistic selves. Not that they'd ever attack a pack mate, it was just an unpleasant situation.
"Hey, Aaron, you seen Derek? Look at him? He's changed so much," Cora crooned, "See all that scruff? He looks like a bear doesn't he?" laying herself flat out against the floor, making no attempts to move closer. "Doesn't he look silly?"
Derek gave Cora an indignant look, feeling slightly insulted, that was until Aaron giggled a little. It made his heart ache hearing that, he sounded like a three year old and not the teenager he was.
"Ask him what age he is," Harry asked, observing the scene but staying away, not wishing to scare Aaron further. As much time that had passed, they still looked like the people Aaron knew. Watching the scene with suspicion, but it was only a suspicion they'd need a healer to confirm or deny it.
"What? Why would that help?" Derek asked, his brow furrowed a little.
"I believe…he's retreated into his own mind," Harry explained, "Someone who does that to this extent, you'll see a different age all the time. His mind space is what it's often called, it can be found with meditation process. It can also be accessed when someone is feeling vulnerable but safe enough to just let go." mostly called a 'Sub space' but this was for only certain creatures with the need for a dominant alpha. Clearly it wasn't the second suggestion, he'd done it to survive no doubt.
"How can we bring him back?" Cora asked, her eyes never leaving Aaron's which were suspiciously blank. No recognition, no spark of happiness that had just been present moments prior.
"He might never come back fully, and if he does it could take years, and even then if met with a stressful situation…it could cause him to retreat again." Harry informed them softly, his gaze sympathetic and sad.
"And if I bit him?" Peter asked, would that not make Aaron feel strong enough to survive without needing to retreat into his own mind? He understood the desire, he'd done the same thing years ago in a bid to escape the pain.
"Being bitten doesn't take away the mental trauma of what he's been through. You'd just be putting Aaron in grave danger and making it more difficult to control him should the need arise." Harry explained, "That's if the bite even took, and if he didn't become something else because of that mental trauma."
Peter inhaled sharply, "A Kanima?" shocked, that's the sort of situation they came from?
"It's entirely possible," Harry informed him, shrugging his shoulders helplessly. "I am not all knowing and all seeing,"
"If this was Teddy…what would you suggest?" Peter asked, causing Harry to flinch, the thought alone causing unimaginable pain.
"If it were Teddy…" Harry said inhaling sharply, "I would have his mind wiped, to the day before the fire and give him a de-aging potion. He wouldn't remember what happened, and I'd get to raise him."
"Wait you can do something like that? de-age someone and completely wipe their memories?" Cora asked, not sure whether to be awed or shocked.
"Yes, and yes," Harry said, "There are potions that can completely wipe someone's memories, the spell isn't quite as accurate, and really was only invented to be used on Mundane's since wizards and witches memories can be recovered."
"Why didn't you suggest it before?" Derek asked, surprisingly his voice wasn't accusing just curious with a little caution.
"Because we didn't know how Aaron would be…mentally, it's usually reserved for worse case scenarios. Plus, as young as he was…I'm sure the Mundane will remember him, it will create a whole lot of suspicion and questions." Harry explained, "So, yeah, worst case scenario." He wasn't even sure they'd allow it since they lived in the mundane world.
"Magic can change looks," Cora pointed out, could she really get her young cousin back?
"Very true, but you'll have to remember how it will affect him to have his looks altered, he'll be confused enough as it is, to see you all aged and learning what happened to the rest of his pack. Especially his parents, it will all be so new to him." Harry gestured towards Aaron, giving them an understanding how it would be from his point of view.
"It's better than this," Derek said, his entire face spasming in pain. He and Laura were to blame for this, they'd just upped and left, they hadn't even stayed to see if anyone else survived.
"I understand that…if you want, a blood adoption to could be used, but it will require Aaron's consent, even if we get permission to go through with the process and he's de-aged. That will change his looks to the two new parents, giving him a completely clean slate and ability to live out his life in this world without complication."
"It requires consent to go through with? I assume you're meaning more than just ours?" Peter asked, eyes narrowed thoughtfully, "How likely would it be?" there was no point to getting all worked up about it if they were just going to be denied. The thought of giving Aaron a fresh start was an extremely alluring prospect that he wanted to jump on.
"Given his…situation I'd speculate that it was a given, they'd agree immediately without needing to know everything." Harry confessed, "The only drawback as I said…the mundane world, MACUSA fears above all else, someone finding out about the supernatural world. Like you naturally, it's a fear that's been around since the dawn of time and the world of man showed what they thought of all things different. I do believe a de-aging potion along with an adoption potion, if it's one of you, his looks wouldn't change all that much, but his DNA will." He was a Hale and all the Hale's seem to have strikingly similar looks. There was no doubt in the world that Cora, Derek and Peter were related, not only because of their good looks – which is natural of course, they were werewolves – but because of how similar they looked.
"We could make him our son?" Peter asked, glancing at Harry, wondering if it was much too soon to consider that aspect of their relationship. Fortunately, they were mates, they were meant to be together, and Peter would never want to be with anyone else. Harry was his mate, it was a natural conclusion to desire to do this with him.
Cora got a little closer to Aaron, and begun stroking his hand with the tip of her fingers. She made no move to go closer to him, and just relished in getting to actually touch him.
"You'll have to understand if you do, do that, he might inherit magic, which might make him becoming a werewolf…unlikely I'm not sure if he'd want to be a werewolf, after living with magic. It would be the same if you went the other way, after living with your wolf for years." Harry pointed out, living with a magical core…it was intense to say the least, to be without it? Well, nobody would want to be that was the point. "He might be lucky enough to have both due to our combined DNA."
"You mean he could become a wizard and a werewolf?" Peter gaped, "But it's impossible to be both…"
"No, it's really not," Harry shook his head, "It's just a superstitious belief, anyone that has had magic and became a werewolf…only had small reserves anyway. Like a Druid, they're basically only have drops of magic, and when turned…that magic is turned into their Beta spark. Wizards and sparks are fundamentally different."
"You mean if something happened to Stiles I could…" Derek said slowly, he could bring him to Peter and he'd safely be able to get the bite?
"Yes, Peter could bite him, but I don't think Stiles will need much help once he has full control of his powers. He'll be able to heal pretty much the same as you. Better still if he mates with a werewolf." Harry explained, completely ignoring Derek's red cheeks, yes, they all knew Stiles was Derek's mate, even if he was ignoring it, they also knew why. Kate Argent had done a number on the boy when he was young, so no doubt Derek wouldn't act until the teen was older. He was seeing someone though, so hopefully in the long run he'd begin to realize him wanting to begin dating his mate didn't make him a sexual predator like she was.
Peter was in awe of Harry, without so much as a second thought, he had agreed to do this with him. Then again, he was already a father so this wouldn't be a big change for him. "How would Teddy react to this?" he would never wish to alienate the relationship Harry and Teddy had. The boy worshiped the ground his dad trod on for good reason, Peter was in awe of him too.
"Ecstatic to have another brother," Harry said wryly, "Stiles," he added seeing their confused looks, all of them wondering if Harry had another son they didn't know about or hadn't met yet. That cleared up their confusion.
Stiles and Teddy had always considered themselves brothers, whether they got to spend a whole lot of time together after Teddy headed off to Hogwarts. That hadn't changed when Stiles became best friends with Scott McCall also.
"Who do we need to ask to go through the process?" Peter asked, watching Aaron's eyes becoming drowsy, as Cora continued to stroke his hand soothingly. Thankfully they'd given Aaron something…simple to eat, and cooled it down considerably first. Since he had scooped the porridge with his hands and ate it so fast that he'd nearly made himself sick. His hands were still coated in the remains, sticky, but nobody cared, he'd eaten that was the main thing. The bowl was still wedged in-between his legs.
"A Healer first and foremost will do an initial assessment, then MCPS will get involved, Magical Child Protective Services, they'll be there to ensure that the child hasn't been abused by the family only but considering everyone knows where he was, they'll sign off on it and it will be handed up to President Donovan to sign, once they've given the all clear, the process would be safe to begin." Harry informed them of the process. "Usually it can take weeks, but I'll push it through,"
"So then how quickly would you be able to see it pushed?" Peter queried, glancing at Harry who sat on the sofa giving them enough space to see if Aaron would recognize them. there had been nothing since he had uttered his name in that horrid cell. Despite knowing it might happen…it had been devastating still to have Aaron so terrified of them this morning.
"A few days," Harry said thoughtfully, "If it's something you want done, I can call upon my healer, you might remember him, he aided you." Technically he was Donovan's private healer, but Harry had been using him since, not that he'd needed any time from the healer personally, just asking a few questions here and there.
"Then do it," Peter said seriously, he wanted this to happen, he couldn't take much more of this, he did not want to see his nephew living like this…a shadow of his former self. This was just agonising, he'd rather burn again than watch this. With no clue as to whether his nephew would get better, or spend his entire life just terrified of his own shadow.
"He won't have to be awake, will he?" Derek asked, he didn't want to see or hear any more of the screaming and pleading, his heart had already shattered into a million pieces as it was.
"I don't know," Harry confessed, "I honestly don't know what goes on in the process, whether he will just want to talk to us and get a full understanding or whether he will wish to spend time with Aaron on his own."
"This is all screwed up," Derek muttered, he'd thought it so often since they found Aaron but hadn't stated it out loud.
"Yeah, it is," Harry agreed, "I'll get in touch with James and see if he's available to come, I assume you want it at the earliest convenience?"
"I'll pay double to have him come immediately," Peter declared strongly, he'd pay anything needed to ensure Aaron got the best possible care right away. There was little doubt that Harry was summoning the best healer possible so he didn't ask such an inane question. They were never going to have to worry about money troubles. Not with all the money he'd had stashed in the Hale vaults, it was no longer there of course, he had moved it. To various different locations, just to be on the safe side, ever cautious as he was.
"I'll inform him," Harry said easily, "My Floo network is over there, keep an eye on him, he might not react favourably." Seeing someone do magic for the first time could be terrifying to someone who had been hurt so much that they're afraid of everything let alone magical displays.
Peter automatically moved, positioning himself so that the direct line of sight to the fireplace was obscured.
"Healer James Preston residence!" Harry flung the Floo powder into the fireplace, the fire turned green as he waited.
He didn't have to wait long, "I'm Healer James Preston, how may I help you?"
"It's Harry Potter, I'm sure you're aware of what's going on lately?" he questioned the healer.
"Yes, I've been giving more than my share of a helping hand," James admitted, his tone sombre.
"One of the victims was Aaron Hale, he's been down there six years, it isn't looking good." Harry explained quietly, "Peter has the desire to see that Aaron is given a potion to wipe his mind of the last six years and de-age him, so that he can have a normal life. Since you know the process, I'm hoping you will sign off on it."
"That's usually a last resort, it's barely been two days," James protested, before pursing his lips, not sure if he approved of it or not.
"You know what they've been through, how many of those kids are intact?" Harry pointed out, none of them would have a normal life, he knew that. They'd always be looking over their shoulders, jumping at the slightest sound, terrified of the supernatural.
Inhaling sharply, "None of them," he admitted with a grimace. "Except those too young and born in captivity to remember in time." They'd rescued babies for Merlin's sake, babies as young as months old who had parents that were in no way capable of coping with dealing with a child on top of their own issues. All bar a few who were extremely protective of their offspring. Who would be able to survive after what they'd been through.
It's probably the only reason they were still whole and not entirely feral.
Peter stiffened at that pronouncement, while he knew a lot, he didn't know everything, hadn't seen everything.
"Will you come and at least give your opinion?" Harry questioned, "You will be well compensated for your time."
"Very well, I'll be through in five minutes, I need to prepare," James said, sighing softly, barely discernible. This wasn't about money, although it didn't hurt, he'd worked pro-bono for days, helping those who needed him at MACUSA.
"Thank you," Harry said, and with that the connection broke, and the fire went back to normal. Harry reclaimed his seat, and everyone remained silent, contemplating everything that had happened in the past day or so. The wolves were outside, they didn't want Aaron fearing for his safety, but Harry disagreed, he believed Aaron would gain comfort from them.
True to James' word, five minutes later on the dot, he made an appearance through the network. His gaze automatically assessing the room, and then Aaron. The boy was in the corner of the room sleeping, a massive wad of covers, blankets and pillows strewn where he lay, a den for him, that was good, he needed all the comfort he could get.
Harry set them all up with coffee and tea, before James got down to business, drinking his dark and strong. "Now, has he eaten at all?" getting straight to questions.
"Yesterday we gave him a dreamless sleep draught," Harry informed him, "We found him here the next morning, cowering in the corner for no apparent reason. He didn't seem to recognize anyone in his family, not even Peter who had managed to get some semblance of a response from Aaron while he was still in Eichen House."
James nodded as he wrote down everything he was told.
"This morning we gave him porridge, it's my understanding giving him such a large breakfast would do him more harm than good, especially since we don't know what they've been given him, when they actually fed him." Peter bit out, eyes blazing red in fury, he definitely wasn't fed properly, you could see each and every single one of his ribs and his spine. "He's severely underweight, you can see all his ribs, his spine, he's been starved." Peter's eyes shone wetly, as his rage met new heights just thinking about it.
"He's had a potion to give him the nutrients he needs," Harry added, he'd need to take it for years before true progress was seen if they didn't go through with this idea. "First of many,"
"That's good, there's going to be an overwhelming need for that particular potion, we need to make sure we don't run out of supplies," which meant buying overseas as well, and from private growers.
"I'll do my part," Harry promised, he might not be the best when it comes to potions, but he damn well knew his way around a nutrition potion.
"I will also," James agreed, to be a healer he had to have gained a few certificates in potions a few certificates more one could become a potions master also. In fact, a lot of healers actually elect to do so, giving them two Masteries.
"How much did he eat?" James asked.
"Scoffed the lot," Harry told him, "With his bare hands, he didn't even look at the spoon, I didn't give him too much suspecting it might happen." A faraway look on his face.
"And why would you suspect something like that?" Cora questioned, none of them except for him had thought it might happen. "Do you think he's feral?" feeling very defensive of her cousin, and wrongfully taking it out on Harry. She was very easy to anger still, and it did not help the constant upheavals the had once the pack was settled.
"No, Cora, I know what it's like to go hungry, to be starved, to just want to eat the quickest way possible so that I actually got something to eat without it being taken away." Harry informed her bluntly, "To be locked away discarded and forgotten. I'm not saying what I went through was anything compared to Aaron, because it wasn't, but it doesn't mean that I can't understand a little what he went through." More than they could comprehend, it is what it is. He could accurately guess Aarons reactions in a way that the rest just couldn't. Understanding Cora felt frustrated, angry but didn't have anything else to take it out on. "I think you and Derek need to go for a run, take the wolves with you and don't return until you've gotten some of that frustration off you."
"I'm sorry," Cora murmured as she passes.
"It's fine, I can understand how you feel," Harry said sincerely, "You just need to find a different way than taking your frustration out on your pack. Because if you don't…it won't lead anywhere good, it won't do to have your pack avoiding you eh," he judged her a little. She was still a young teenager in so many ways, and Harry remembered how angry he had always been then too.
Derek and Cora listened to their Alpha and did indeed go for a run.
The wolves needed some time with their pack too anyway, so it was good for them all.
Peter gave Harry a grateful grimace, compared to Laura though…Cora was doing rather well. Going through the teenage angst years with pack bonds feeding you wasn't the easiest thing in the world. He could remember his own years as a teenager, and they hadn't been easy, but easier still because he'd been the only teen in the pack at that time, his sister already had children of her own for the Moons sake.
"Let's be honest here, James, after seven years of that place…what are his chances of a normal life?" Harry pointed out, "Not that Peter or any of the Hales would skirt their duty, they'd help him for the rest of his life not out of obligation but because they love him. Seeing him like this is killing them, and it's only been a few days. Having him retreating to different ages, and being unable to look after himself sometimes not recognizing them…it's not fair on anyone let alone that boy there who has been grieving his lost pack for the past seven years while being tortured for the simple matter of being born into a werewolf family as a human. Putting him through testing him to see if it was possible to use his genes in order to supress anyone with the werewolf abilities and make them human."
"I understand why you want to do it, it's just been ingrained into me that it's only done as a last resort. There could be a chance he might recover fully, but admittedly that chance is very slim." James sighed, resigned to agreeing with them. "I would have preferred his consent." Noticing the boy was awake.
He wasn't the only one who noticed.
"Peter…change into your wolf form," Harry said, "Trust me,"
Peter barely hesitated before he changed into his wolf, he did trust Harry, more so than he had ever trusted anyone else. Harry had more than earned that trust, and then some, plus, Harry was the Alpha-mate, Peter's anchor. Of course, he was going to trust him.
Aaron made a little noise, staring at Peter's form, his hands making grabby fists.
James watched intently, his mind playing over everything he was seeing, while making his own deductions.
Peter padded over, trying to remained crouched as possible, as not to scare Aaron. His tail unconsciously wagging over the complete turn around in his nephew in the short time. Aaron wasn't even the slightest bit concerned, had they been smothering him so much that he'd been that scared? Or was it just the lack of 'humans' in his vicinity that was allowing him to relax? Every human that approached him had hurt him for years now so he shouldn't have been surprised.
All was calm and quiet as Aaron softly brushed his fingers through Peter's fur, very carefully might he add. One had had a grip of hair at his back, but that wasn't hurting him, it was almost as though Aaron was just trying to ground himself. Then Aaron just snuggled up as close as possible, patting Peter's belly, and closed his eyes.
Harry ended that quietness.
"Aaron? I understand this situation is absolutely scary…terrifying even. Unfortunately, I do need to talk to you." Harry started, "My name is Harry Potter, I'm your Uncle Peter's mate, you remember how important mates are?"
"Momma, daddy," Aaron said tearfully, his brown eyes staring deeply into Harry's own, part of his true self peeking through.
"Yes, just like your momma and daddy," Harry said softly, his heart wrenching for the boy. "Nobody should have to go through what you did. What happened to your family won't happen again, your Uncle Peter was badly burned and was in a Coma for years. Everyone thought you and Cora died, and the man who took you will pay very heavily for his crimes." Deaton was the only possible suspect, unless there was someone they were not seeing.
Aaron just remained silent, tears coursing down his face, and falling into Peter's fur, Peter who just whined plaintively.
"We can give you peace Aaron, a second chance, you won't remember what happened, and you can grow up again. Unfortunately, we need you to agree to it, it's your decision." Harry added quietly, not daring to move closer. This was the calmest Aaron had been…and it was allowing Aaron to shine through, the boy who had been through too much in his young age.
Aaron shuddered, his entire body jerking as if he was just being reminded of what had happened to him, his hold on Peter tightening significantly.
"Aaron?" Harry spoke softly, "Would you like that? A fresh start? I promise you that everyone who hurt you will pay."
The boy seemed incapable of speaking, instead of gave one short jerky nod.
"Aaron, is that you agreeing?" Harry asked, green eyes silently encouraging the young boy.
"Stay with Uncle Peter?" his voice hoarse from disuse.
Peter's muzzle nuzzled into Aaron and licked his face.
"I'd like to see anyone try and stop him," Harry teased, "Yes you'll stay with your uncle Peter, and your cousins Cora and Derek." Deciding against telling him about the additional members of the Hale pack that had been acquired since the fire. He'd find out when he was in a better mindset.
Aaron nodded just once again, before obscuring his face in Peter's fur.
"He certainly understood what we were discussing, but he's mentally I'd say around five-years-old." It was unusual to regress but remember what happened. Or perhaps he'd forgotten how to talk except in short bursts, either one was actually quite possible.
"He called me Uncle Petey until he was seven," Peter explained after turning back into human form, keeping Aaron safely ensconced in his arms. "So I'm thinking eight,"
James nodded, Peter would know best after all this was his nephew. "Having his consent…such as it is, makes things easier to accomplish."
"Such as it is?" Peter asked, giving James a blank look.
"Unless I spoke to him at length I cannot say whether he was just agreeing or whether he actually meant it." James explained, "And I dare say I won't get much talking done with him, he's very skittish, understandably so."
"You are going to agree?" Peter then questioned, holding his breath.
"It is in Aaron's best interests," James agreed, "Yes, I'm going to give my referral,"
"Don't get your hopes up, there are still two hurdles to pass,"
"How often should we give Aaron something to eat?" Peter asked, deciding to get his money worth, and as knowledgeable as Harry was, he wasn't a healer and made no attempts to be either. If asked, he would give his very best guess. Making it clear that it was only an educated one.
"Very small dishes, eight to ten times a day, but it's very unlikely he'll eat everything but he will attempt to. Which will lead to bouts of sickness maybe even Diarrhoea which will cause dehydration which can lead to very serious consequences." The healer went on to explain.
"The potions I'm giving him will prevent that," Harry quickly reassured Peter, who looked worried, and who wouldn't be? When healers or doctors say 'very serious consequences' they meant it. The last thing Aaron needed was to be dehydrated, his body wouldn't be able to handle it.
"It must be bland foods he gets, such as sweet potato, chicken his body will no longer be used to food with a great deal of flavouring." The healer added, even putting flavouring in the porridge might cause him problems. The last thing he needed was an upset stomach, when it was vital he began putting on some weight. He was so gaunt that James actually contemplating suggesting that the kid be hospitalised. "Even if you're tempted to give him sweets, it's not a good idea."
"Okay," Peter agreed, he was used to human complications, even if he didn't understand them himself.
"Good, now let me fill the information out, would you like me to hand it to MCPS?" the healer questioned, glancing at Peter and Harry, his quill poised in mid motion as he stopped writing waiting on their answer.
"If you don't mind," Harry said, "I'd appreciate that," a healer bringing it in would allow the stage to be settled sooner, since they would wish to speak to him regarding his part in the process. To clarify a few things and get his personal opinion on it before then coming here to finish the second stage of the process.
"No problem," James reassured them, before continuing on with his work, he'd known what it was about before coming here, so he'd brought the necessary documents with him. otherwise he would have had to return home to retrieve them. It wasn't often he was asked to do something like this after all.
Pinging alerted Harry to company, before he wanted to smack his head, "Sh..oot, I forgot it was today they were coming to finish the obstacle course."
"Then Stiles will no doubt be by directly after, he noted the time and date they were coming, and he will want to oversee their process." Peter said wryly, which meant Derek would spend a great deal of time finding excuses to be outside as well, if he even bothered to. There really wasn't a subtle bone in is nephews body. How Stiles hadn't figured it out was anyone's guess…but the boy wasn't only a virgin but no doubt had never had anyone interested in him before, thus even if Derek flirted with him, he wouldn't see it for what it was and would assume he was just teasing.
He wondered whether Derek would get exasperated and ask him outright or whether Stiles would get a clue first…a subtle smirk working its way onto his face, his Emissary in the making was going to keep things interesting around here.
"Excuse me," Harry murmured, he couldn't just leave them waiting.
He eased the wards around them, allowing them to walk up the pathway, if Derek and Cora felt them, they'd know they were allowed on the property and they were safe. All people who could get on the property were personally invited by him. whether it was a one time thing or not, nobody could get in uninvited.
"Thank you for coming gentlemen," Harry said, opening the door invitingly, "The obstacle course is in the back, you're all aware of what you're supposed to do or would you like me to go over it?" guiding them through his home, and through the utility room and outside the back garden, ignoring the blanching at the sight of the wolves, and the wizards knew they were wolves, shifters were significantly bigger, so they knew these were natural and wild – no matter how domesticated they were raised – predators.
"Actually we have the paperwork, you can tell us if it's correct, and sign off on the work if it is," the boss stated, the most composed out of the rest of the workers. Handing over the clipboard with all the details they needed, staring at the obstacle course in awe, what they were building was bordering on impossible to complete. It looked like a great deal of fun through.
Harry chuckled to himself as he checked the information over, it looked as though Peter was quite correct. Stiles was here, ready to watch and probably ask a million questions, it's a good job that Derek and the others would be nearby. So that no tempers were lost if Stiles got too overwhelming. Checking over the list of spells, he nodded, exactly what he wanted, he slid the quill out the side and signed it, before putting it back. "It's perfect," he informed them, "How long after they're put on can it be used?"
"It can be used immediately afterwards but we always recommend at least an hour to settle,"
"Great," Harry said, handing the clipboard back to the boss, who's name tag indicated his name was Timothy. "I'll leave you to it, and don't worry about the wolves they'll not harm you." Was added as purely an afterthought.
"Are they here yet? Are they here yet? Are they here…oh, are they finished?" Stiles skidded through the back door, staring at them with a pout, which was difficult to see as he flailed about almost planting face first on the floor, but Peter who was behind him managed to prevent that by grabbing his clothes with a roll of his eyes, "Please tell me they're not done!" he added, his clothes still in Peter's grasp, looking like an errant child.
"Yes, they're about to leave," Peter stated letting go of Stiles clothes, a smirk unnoticed, rounding Stiles and making his way over to Harry with his usual lethal intensity.
"Whaa…noo!" Stiles said, looking genuinely gutted.
Harry snorted, shaking his head, "They haven't started yet, do not overwhelm them with questions," he warned the teen, but his statement was met with a 'Who me?' innocent look from Stiles that made Harry grin, people never did realize what they were getting into with Stiles.
"You're evil, Alpha," Stiles grumbled, straightening himself up when Peter flashed his red eyes at him in a playful manner, and scrambling over the wizards who were about to start by the look of it.
"He's right, you are," Harry said, swallowing thickly as Peter wrapped his arms around him, his entire body screaming possessiveness, perhaps due to strangers being in what he now considered was his territory or perhaps it was the simple fact it was wizards and Peter felt he couldn't compete with them. "Who has…"
"Cora and her wolf is with him, he's calm and quiet, and the Healers headed off to MACUSA to personally deliver the form." Peter informed him, they might not have known each other long, but they were getting there and he knew what Harry would ask.
They didn't need to ask where Derek was, since he was standing chatting with Stiles. Either keeping him preoccupied so that he didn't bug the wizards…or because he simply felt like talking. He wouldn't later, since he had another visit with his therapist on the cards today.
"This…adoption potion, does it wipe out all other DNA?" Peter asked pensively, not sure how he actually felt about that.
"When we do a test it will show all four 'parents' so to speak, once the potions been taken." Harry explained, leaning back into the warm muscular chest. "It doesn't get rid of his parents, Peter, it will just be like having four parents, but he will primarily look like us. Or should I say since he already looks like you, he'll take on some of the Potter characteristics."
"Including magic, potentially," Peter pointed out, it was odd to think a potion could change someone at such a cellular level.
"Yes, I'm afraid the Potters have always been on the powerful side," Harry admitted, "Although I definitely surpassed them all, but that was only because of the infusion of Muggle-born blood from my mother I believe." And his MOD powers.
"You also live longer," Peter pointed out, "Hermione informed me that wizards live up to hundreds of years," tightening his hold, wondering if Harry would tell him or if he'd keep it a secret from him.
Harry licked his lips, "That's true, wizards and witches can live hundreds of years, my old headmaster was nearly two hundred years old. Barely looked a day over eighty, and probably would have lived longer if the situation hadn't been what it had been." His emotions souring just thinking about the old man. "His saying 'Death is but just the next great adventure' used to annoy me, especially considering he expected everyone to sacrifice their lives when it was alright for him who had already lived a long and full life."
Peter remained silent, listening to Harry speaking, wondering if he was going to be told or not.
"I'm not like most wizards, Peter, and this is not something I want to discuss with strangers here." invited or not, they were still strangers, and he didn't want to discuss it and have it getting out within the general population. This was a secret he kept very closely guarded, and only one other person knew, and that was Hermione herself.
"Very well," Peter agreed, biting at his neck playfully with blunt human teeth, feeling rather satisfied that he was indeed going to be told without having to inform Harry that Hermione had already sort of let the cat out of the bag, without actually revealing how or why to him. Meanwhile listening to Stiles and Derek's conversation. Apparently Erica was trying to build up the courage to talk to him about biting Boyd, her mate. Not that she was really aware of it yet, she was drawn to him she just didn't know quite why yet, and Peter was just waiting on her asking him, as she should, about anything bothering her, he was her Alpha after all.
Teenagers, but it would ingrain the idea to 'inform you Alpha of everything concerning' this way with trust on their side, things would be good. He would be better able to protect his territory.
"Damn, that's the Floo network going, it's MACUSA!" Harry easily and reluctantly slid out of Peter's hold, who followed him regardless, both making a beeline for the living room where Cora and Aaron and the wolf was.
Thankfully Aaron was asleep, sandwiched between two wolves, Cora is seemed had transformed to make it easier on her cousin. Cora was asleep as well by the look of it, she didn't even throw them a look when they moved into the room.
"Ah, Peter, may I have a moment of your time?" President Donovan asked, staring at the power couple through the Floo, and he knew they would be a power couple. Grateful that Peter was already there and he didn't need to wait too much longer.
Peter arched a brow, "What is it regarding?" glancing at his youngest nephew, he came first, regardless of whether he was content at the moment. To be away from him would be…extremely difficult so he'd rather only have to leave if it was important. If it was anything that could wait a few days then he'd prefer that.
"Peter…if all goes well, Aaron will be young again and he'll definitely need you then, the grief will be very new and very real." Harry explained mildly, speaking softly so only Peter could hear. "You're best getting everything you need done now, while Aaron's mostly asleep. So that you can spend time with him when he is really going to need everyone around him." as he grieves it wasn't going to be an easy time…but considering the alternative it was the best solution all around.
I think the next chapter will focus primarily on Harry and Peter...will we see Derek and Stiles relationship before the story ends? I think to do that will require a little time jump...Will Stiles becoming a full time Emissary immediately or will we see him becoming an officer of the law like his father? What of Teddy? Will he become an Auror or will we see him primarily opening up a sanctuary for injured wild animals? Will that be what comes of the area where the fire happened? Turning it into something good? R&R please