Chapter Eleven: Seventeen Again
DISCLAIMER: I don't own HP or SP series. I only own my story and the characters I create.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: PLEASE READ! Happy to report that I am officially done with school and passed all my classes! To celebrate I thought I'd post for you guys since I promised a chapter when I was finished! Chapter five of the other crossover will be up soon as well. I wanted to get one up for this one first since I posted two chapters for the other one already.
I'd also like to do a mention. Since the beginning of this sequel I have had a fan emailing me with amazing questions about the happenings of this story and during the questioning I was given some amazing ideas for this story that I hadn't thought of before. Because of this I would like to thank Terra King for all the emails and inspirational ideas you've given me! Please do continue to email me about anything and if others wish to email me please feel free to do so! I love hearing from the fans and knowing I'm making people happy with my stories!
I hope you all enjoy the chapter!
"Talk"
'Thought'
Chapter Eleven: Seventeen Again
Remus' POV:
Harry rushed Spartacus who instantly dodged the attack making Harry quickly turn and try to get a hit on the other man's back. Spartacus side stepped the attack turning his own swords on Harry getting a hit on his thigh causing Harry to stumble some.
Spartacus tried to use that to get the upper hand yet Harry just ducked before quickly standing and getting a punch to Spartacus' face.
Spartacus walked from his husband rubbing his jaw as he turned a smirk to Harry who was also smirking.
Spartacus rushed Harry who backed from Spartacus' swing which allowed him to jab his own sword into Spartacus' stomach then his chest while Spartacus was trying to catch his breath.
"What was it about our son learning from my mistakes?" Harry asked making Spartacus laugh.
"Oh, my heart, this is far from over." With that Spartacus rushed Harry and actually got a hit to his shoulder and side before Harry managed to lift his swords up in defense.
Spartacus kept Harry on the defensive for a good bit before Harry ducked and rolled from the man and turned knocking Spartacus to the ground. Harry quickly straddled the downed man and held his sword up ready to strike.
"It appears I won love." Spartacus merely smirked before swinging his sword at Harry's face causing him to fall off Spartacus and onto the ground where Spartacus now straddled Harry and held his sword up to his throat while the other hand held Harry's hands above his head.
"Not quite my heart. Victory is mine." Harry huffed but seemed to accept that his husband won.
Spartacus leaned down to quickly kiss Harry before standing and offering his hand to help Harry stand.
"Spartacus still stands the only to defeat Harry in contest." Agron said loudly.
"The only one. I'm not above admitting defeat but let's not forget he's the only one who can beat me. I still kick the rest of your asses every time." Harry said making the rebels all laugh loudly and Agron blush as he glared at Harry and rushed him.
Harry, laughing, hid behind his husband who instantly blocked Agron's attempts to reach the boy as he laughed as well.
"Dear brother you cannot hide behind husband forever." Agron warned.
"Yes I can. I'm sure he wouldn't mind." Harry said wrapping his arms around Spartacus' waist.
"I would rather you be beneath me." Spartacus said causing Harry to smack his stomach hard and move from the man blushing deeply as the rebels laughed loudly.
"If you want to sleep in our bed tonight watch it." Harry warned and Spartacus held his hands up in surrender.
"I but speak the truth love." Harry blushed deeper and turned to his sons.
"Ignore all your father just said." He said but the boys were laughing too hard to answer so just nodded at their mother.
I laughed as well causing Harry to look to us.
"You fight rather well Harry. It's hard to believe you're so good with swords." I told him.
"Yeah, well, when you have these brutes for a lover and brothers in a time period where everyone is hunting you it doesn't leave you with much choice in the matter." He said with a shrug.
"I can see why you were second in command and not just because you were with Spartacus." Sirius said beside me.
"Thank you." Harry said and seemed shocked at Sirius' words.
Sirius smiled brightly at the boy before speaking up once more. "I take it the potion helped with your breathing then?" Harry nodded.
"It still feels a little tight when I breathe but the potion has already helped a great deal. I'd imagine by the time I take the next potion I'll be perfectly fine." He answered.
"Good. I'd hate for you to be uncomfortable any longer." Sirius said and Harry just gave the man a questioning look before turning to his family once more.
"Did you notice he responded better just then?!" Sirius whispered to me happy.
I smiled at him and nodded. "We just need to show him we accept the new him and prove we are sorry for what happened. I'd hate for him to go back still angry with us." I whispered back watching Harry with his sons and the smile that actually reached his eyes.
"You'd let him go back?!" Sirius asked shocked and I looked to him.
"That was the deal we made with him. Harry is happy there. I hate the thought as much as you do but we have to think about Harry in this situation not us. If it makes Harry happy we need to let him go." I told him and Sirius looked sadly suddenly making me pull him closer to me.
"Let's make the most of it while we have him." I said and Sirius nodded as we watched Harry and the rest of the ones from the past walk off together leaving those of the present behind.
LATER THAT NIGHT
Harry's POV:
After Pomfrey checking my breathing and clearing me of that she gave me the potion for my soreness which started to work instantly which made me want to melt with relief.
The soreness was getting rather annoying.
After I took the potion I decided I'd make dinner tonight since my sons were outside with the other kids playing while the rest of my rather large family trained not too far from the kids. I moved to the kitchen only to pause seeing Mrs. Weasley already cooking.
"Oh hello Harry dear! Do you need anything?" she asked and I shook my head.
"I was coming to cook, actually, but it appears you beat me to it."
"Oh! Well I'm sorry dearie I'm just used to being the one cooking. If you'd like I wouldn't mind the help." I smiled softly at the woman as it was obvious she didn't know if she should've asked me to join.
"That sounds nice." I told her and she smiled brightly.
"Excellent! Why don't you start by cleaning these and cutting them then I'll add them to the stew." She said pointing to the vegetables. I nodded and moved to begin doing as she asked.
As I started she suddenly laughed making me look to her confused. "Sorry. You helping me reminded me of Adam helping me before they went to rescue you. He had told me he heard me down here and thought it was you for a moment. I asked if he'd like to help and he seemed to brighten at the thought." She said and placed a hand on my arm. "He truly missed you. Both of you." I smiled sadly at her.
"Thank you for doing that for him. I'm sure it helped more than you realize. And he wasn't the only one missing his family. There wasn't a moment that went by that I wasn't thinking of them." I told the woman.
"The important thing is you're back together again." I nodded at her words before going back to helping her prepare dinner.
"Spartacus is a lot older than I accepted though." The woman said and I paused to turn a glare to her.
"What?!" I growled.
She must've noticed her mistake as her eyes widened and she quickly shook her head.
"I didn't mean it that way! I was merely-."
"Merely pointing something out right? I thought I explained this to you when we arrived! That man is the love of my life and the father of my children. Back in our time our relationship never made others blink their eyes! Males are considered men at the age of twelve in that time! In their eyes I am more than old enough. And even if I wasn't in my eyes I am! I chose Spartacus and he chose me! I do not need the approval of a woman who isn't even my mother for my relationship that I've been in for nearly twelve years including the war times! I also do not have to justify it to you Molly!" I snarled and the woman stared at me shocked before she looked down in shame.
"It appears I messed up again. I am sorry dearie. I was just worried is all. But you are old enough to choose your mate. And you have children at that. You are old enough to know what is right and what isn't. I guess I'm just having issues remembering you're not the same Harry I knew."
I looked to the woman before sighing. "You were just being you Mrs. Weasley. I know it must be quite a shock seeing me like this. I'm sorry for snapping at you. You were the closest thing to a mother I had while I was a part of this time. But I will say I am not going to keep justifying my relationship with my husband the father of my children. Our relationship is very real and very healthy. Adam is the proof of that. However," I paused here and turned an understanding smile to her, "as a mother myself now I can understand your concerns with the age gap. You just want to protect your babies from being hurt. I would do the very same." Mrs. Weasley blinked before smiling brightly through her tears as she pulled me into a tight embrace.
"Please, call me Molly. Mrs. Weasley is just too formal." I laughed at her words before hugging back. Molly pulled back and held my face with one of her hands. "Just….give me a chance to adjust correctly alright dearie? Give all of us a chance. You come with quite a few surprises after all." I laughed again and nodded.
"Alright. I promise to try Molly." She smiled before patting my cheek gently.
"I always saw you as one of mine as well dearie. Also never doubt that." I looked to her shocked before nodding slowly.
Molly patted my cheek once more before backing from me. "Now then, dinner isn't going to prepare itself. Let's get back to it shall we?" with that she went back to the meat she was preparing before.
I smiled at her and chose to not mention how we could make the food magically prepare itself and went back to preparing the vegetables.
It seems we had a silent agreement food tasted better when done by hand.
Sirius' POV:
I stayed in my hiding spot on the stairs lost in thought at what I just heard between Harry and Molly.
I had originally come down to grab a quick drink and instead hid and listened to Harry and Molly.
'He truly holds a lot of anger for us.' I thought and moved to look at Harry's back as he and Molly prepared dinner and laughed quietly to each other as if no argument just went down.
I smiled at the scene then thought of what Remus said early and felt my heart restrict.
I don't honestly think I could let Harry go. He just came back to us. We now had a chance to fix our mistakes. Why would I let him go now and have even less time to fix it?
Remus' words once more came back to me and I sighed smiling sadly at Harry's back.
'I suppose his happiness means more than mine doesn't it? After all he is my godson.' With that thought I decided to make myself known.
"Well this is a scene I wish was more common." I told them truthfully making both look to me.
"Out of the kitchen until dinner is ready!" Molly cried out shooing me out of the house completely.
I blinked at the door that just got slammed in my face trying to figure out what just happened before sighing and turning to see what the group outside was doing.
The former rebels were training and seemed to be having a contest of sorts while the children watched from a safe distance.
I decided to go towards the children to be out of the way of those training.
"Is this what it's like living in, what was called, a ludus?" I asked looking to the boys.
"Villar, technically, but still a correct term." Adam said as Felix nodded.
"This is a normal vision that is within such a place. Especially within our Villar. Cato is known for starting random contest to prove skill. Father has even been swayed to join in a few." I looked to Felix when he spoke.
"I take it that's not normal for Romans to do?" the boy laughed.
"We only ever wished it so. No man stands superior to others. Yet sadly most Romans would never stoop so low as to have a harmless contest with their gladiators. My father is truly a unique Roman. One I am most proud of." I smiled at the boy.
"Crassus would at random join in a contest. Yet it was only ever with the goal of personally ridding himself of 'unworthy' gladiators. When he joined contest it always ended with blood shed." Caius said and I sighed when I heard him say that.
"I think I prefer your father's way of doing it." I told Felix and Ennius.
"As do I." Caius said before looking to Adam who wanted his brother's attention.
I smiled at the two before looking to the man who was Harry's husband.
Even without him saying I could see the love he held for Harry and his sons. It was obvious what his world revolved around and what he would die for. Even from here I watched the man as he'd turn his gaze to his sons every few seconds to keep a protective eye on them.
I had to smile at that yet still felt sadness that it was this man's world Harry wanted desperately to return to.
Then a thought occurred to me causing me to smirk and move to the man.
Spartacus' POV:
"Who's winning?" I looked to Sirius as the man approached me.
"Nasir is holding title of victor for now. Yet contest has yet to be decided." I said sending a warning gaze to Nasir. Nasir merely smirked and made a 'bring it on' motion as my heart would say.
I smiled at the thought of my heart before once more checking on my sons before looking to Sirius as the man spoke.
"It appears everyone is liking this time." I looked to him confused.
"Your meaning?"
"Well it's just there's a lot of fascinating things within this time that you don't have in yours. For example the potions to help Harry heal." I looked to the house when he mentioned my husband and remember the relief that followed through me when we were told he could be healed of his retched stomach wound.
A thing that would not have come to pass within our time.
"Then there's the fact that Adam could be around many people, not just his mother, to help control his magic. We do have Hogwarts after all, and he would be old enough to officially attend at eleven. And Caius, the boy could have a place to start over and be a normal teenage boy. Perhaps even heal enough to find someone."
"He is much too young for such things." I said not liking the thought of Caius in an intimate relationship with another. I looked to Sirius once more and glared. "Why say such things to me? We are to leave for our home moment war in this time is over." I reminded.
Sirius held his hands up as he backed from me. "I only wanted to point out some benefits of this time is all. I am sure there are many benefits of your time I'm just not aware of. Do let me know who wins yes?" with that the man turned and headed for the house.
I stared at the man for a moment before turning to Gannicus as he spoke.
"What are his intensions with his words?" I shook head.
"I do not know. Yet they appear harmless for now. Let us put it from mind." Gannicus nodded as we turned to watch the contest once more.
All the while I was unable to remove the man's words from my thoughts.
Harry's POV:
"Will you go let those who went upstairs know dinner is ready while I get those outside?" Molly asked and I nodded at her before moving to get the others.
Everyone but Hermione, Ron, the twins, and Draco were now headed downstairs as I made my way towards the room they most likely were in.
When I opened Ron's door I saw all of them within and motioned for the stairs.
"Dinner is ready." I said and everyone stood and left at my words.
Except for Draco.
I looked to him confused before moving into the room and sitting beside him.
"Something wrong?" I asked when I saw the sad look in his eyes.
Draco looked to me and sighed.
"Has always been like that?" I blinked at the question before smirking slightly.
"Like what?" Draco blushed and looked from me.
"Like he's willing to sleep with anyone who has legs and something between them," I couldn't help it, I laughed at his question.
"Shut it!" Draco growled tossing a pillow at me.
I caught it still laughing. "Alright I'm sorry." I told him when I calmed down.
"Are you going to answer me now?" Draco asked annoyed.
I smiled at him. "Gannicus is a flirt. And I will admit he was a bit of a man whore when I first met him. But he's a lot better now."
"You mean since he met you." He snarled out.
I blinked at him. "Are you jealous?" Draco blushed and looked from me.
I smirked and moved closer wrapping an arm around his shoulders.
"Gannicus has only ever been a brother in my eyes. No I can't deny Gannicus had feelings for me for the longest time. And I honestly don't know if I am the main reason the man chose to change. I like to think he did it for himself and no one else. What I can tell you, and remind you of, is that I am married to Spartacus and have two kids with him. And that I do think Gannicus is able to only see me as a brother now."
"He called you 'Beauty' a lot when he mentioned you." Draco pointed out with a pout.
"Draco, Gannicus has called me that for so long half the time no one, not even me, catches it anymore. It's just become a part of my family's normal. It's just a fond nickname now. There's no romantic feelings behind it." I assured him.
Draco sighed and looked back to me. "Gannicus was flirting with me and all over me before he saw you. The moment you returned it felt like all his focus was on you."
"Well, to be fair, it had been two months since he saw me and he is my family." I said but Draco just glared at me. "Okay, look, I will say this. Gannicus has never shown any interesting in anyone else since he claimed to be in love with me. What I guessed you failed to see while in my time is that Gannicus could never take his eyes off you and looked sad at times. I think the man is missing talking to you. He has never been like this with anyone since I've known him." I said and Draco seemed to think on my words.
"I would like to see both you happy. Especially since you were the only friend to break the rules and write to me over that summer." I told him gently.
It was true. Draco broke the rules Albus placed and wrote to me whenever he was able. My head was clouded in darkness and sadness I wasn't able to remember that near the end when I went through the veil.
Again, can't really regret I did it.
"So you do remember that. I thought you'd forgotten me when you through yourself into the veil." Draco said and I sighed.
"I wasn't in a healthy state of mind back then. The day I went to the veil I just wanted the pain and loneness to go away. I couldn't really remember much in that moment. I don't regret it, however, and would do it again in a heartbeat if time reversed because I met my family. I would never give that up." I told him my thoughts with a fond smile.
"You do seem so much happier than the last time I saw you. I almost don't recognize you at times. Like when you smile. It actually reaches your eyes. When you were here it never did." I smiled at Draco.
"They helped me through so much. Gave me the lover and acceptance I had always wanted." I said and stopped Draco before he could speak. "I know I had you but remember I wasn't thinking when I did it and when I was in my new time thinking of my old wouldn't do me much good because I never thought I'd see any of you again. But that doesn't mean I ever forgot you. I just didn't want to hurt anymore." I told him before smirking. "You're pretty much the only one I'm not angry with. You were the only one who at least tried to help me. You're also the only one who doesn't look at me with pity like the others do now."
"That's because they know they're guilty. I'm innocent." He said and I smack his head.
"Don't get cocky you prat." I said with a laugh. "But, seriously, talk to Gannicus. I promise you that man seems smitten with you now." I said and Draco sighed before nodding.
"I'll think on your words then possibly talk to him. Right now I wanna see what he does before I do anything."
"I find making them make the first move does work. Ask Spartacus." I said and shared a laugh with Draco.
It really did feel nice laughing with him again. Near the end of my time here it did feel like he was the only one to truly care. If I did have any regrets it would be making Draco feel like he did nothing for me.
"Let's go eat before they send people looking for us." Draco said and we both stood and headed for the kitchen.
While we ate it fell into a silence that wasn't uncomfortable but at the same time wasn't comfortable. When everyone was done eating and the plates disappeared from the table Sirius spoke before anyone else could.
"So I was thinking in the morning pushing the potion just a bit further so we can take Harry, Spartacus, and Caius to Gringotts." We all looked to the man confused.
"Why would we take them there love?" Remus asked.
"Well maybe not us. Maybe just Harry, Spartacus, and the kids."
"Yes but what for?" Arthur asked and Sirius looked to him before looking to me and smiling.
"Of course this is if they wish to, but I was thinking they could blood adopt Caius." I looked to the man shocked unable to find the right words for what I was thinking and feeling.
"What's a blood adoption?" Adam asked and I looked to my family before looking to Caius as I spoke.
"It's a more intense form of adopting in the wizarding world. Basically Spartacus and I would put our blood into a potion that Caius would drink. It'd change his looks to look more like us. He'd be officially ours in every sense." Caius took in a deep breath then looked between Spartacus and I.
"Do it!" Adam told Caius happily as he shook his arm. Caius looked to his brother before looking to me.
"It's up to you and Spartacus. I am all for it." I told him looking to my husband who was already nodding.
"As am I." the man said taking me hand.
I smiled at him before squeezing his hand and looking to our son who was silently crying as he nodded.
I smiled before reaching over the table to taking his hand in mine before looking to Sirius. "What on earth gave you this idea?" I asked and the man shrugged.
"You're able to in this time. I figured it's the least you guys can be offered. This way Caius can return home knowing he now shares your blood." He said and I just looked to the man before looking to Caius who finally spoke.
"I want nothing more than to be an official member of the family."
"You were and would be even without the blood adoption. I just want you to be sure. Your father and I agree that we would want nothing more than to blood adopt you but it will change you. Physically anyways. You could potentially take on some traits from either of us." I told him once more.
Caius just tightened his hold on my hand and smiled. "I want this." He said and I smiled at him and nodded.
"Then they shall go to Gringotts before Harry takes the potion. When they return here afterwards then Harry can take the potion to heal him then when he is feeling better we will go along with the plan." Albus said and I just nodded at the man.
"Well then we should get to bed early since we will have a long day tomorrow." I told everyone who agreed.
We all headed for bed, after the two sets of parents made sure the children actually went to bed of course, before Spartacus and I headed for our room.
"How are you ribs?" Spartacus asked touching my chest lightly when we were lying in bed.
"Much better." I told him and he looked relieved. "I cannot believe we are blood adopting Caius tomorrow. It's like a dream." I told him feeling even more excited for tomorrow.
"As am I my heart. I am ready to make Caius ours. Although he already was." I smiled at the man before reaching up to kiss him then settling down with my head on his chest.
"I still don't know why Sirius offered the idea to begin with though."
"Perhaps he only wishes to see you happy. Be able to make up for what happened." I sighed as I kissed his chest.
"Maybe." With that I let sleep take me.
NEXT MORNING:
Caius' POV:
I was woken from my dreams by a hand gently shaking my shoulder.
I turned over and saw mother smiling at me. "C'mon, it's almost time to go." He said and I smiled brightly at his words before quickly getting up to take a shower.
Each time I take one I am grateful mother showed me how to use it. It was so relaxing to stand as the water ran down my body.
After cleaning myself and dressing I met mother and father in the living room.
"Ready?" mother asked and I nodded at him before taking his offered hand and headed outside where we apparated to the building this was to take place in.
I stared up at the large building in wonder before stepping closer to mother as people upon the streets looked to us.
Mother squeezed my hand in assurance before we quickly went into the building.
I looked around in wonder at the strange creatures sitting behind desks. Some turned a glare to me making me stand even closer to mother.
We eventually stopped in front of the center desk where mother spoke quietly to the creature.
The creature looked to mother in shock before whispering to another of the creatures and we were suddenly being led into a more private room.
"Now then, why don't you explain everything to me before we begin Mr. Potter." The creature said and mother began his tale.
When he was finished the creature looked to us in shock. "Well Mr. Potter that is quite the story." It said.
"You have no idea." Mother mumbled as father laughed lightly.
The creature looked around before speaking. "Where is the youngest?"
"At home. This was a special moment for Caius that his father and I wished to share with just him. Adam understood completely." Mother said smiling at me.
I smiled back only to move slightly behind him when the creature looked to me. "Are you ready young Caius?" it asked and I nodded.
"Very well. The potion is on its way as we speak. When it's here the parents will cut their hands with the knife offered and offer a few drops of blood into the potion. Young Caius will then drink it." We all nodded at his directions and another of the creatures appeared carrying the vial with it.
The creature set the potion upon the table in the center of the room and offered the knife to father who took it and cut his hand without hesitation.
Father handed the knife to mother as he let drops of his blood fall into the potion before mother moved to do the same.
Their hands were wrapped and the potion handed to me.
I took it from the creature before looking to mother and father who offered smiles of comfort.
I took a deep breath then drank the potion in one gulp. Nothing happened for a moment before the room started to spin the blackness took over my vision.
"-us." I heard a small voice call out.
"-aius." I said a little louder.
"Caius!" I recognized mother's voice then and slowly turned to where it was coming from and slowly opened my eyes to see him and father smiling down at me.
I blinked before looking around and noticing I must have passed out and mother and father had rushed to my side.
I moved to see up with their aid and looked to mother.
"Did it work?" I asked and mother had tears in his eyes as he offered me a mirror.
I took it slowly and gasped at what I saw.
My hair was now the same length as mothers and it was slightly lighter than mother's my eyes were shaped as mother's but were father's in color. It appeared I had gained mother's nose, lips, and chin and father's cheek bones, jaw and skin tone.
I truly looked like my parents.
I looked up to them to see mother still in tears and father smiling proudly before leaping into their arms.
Their held me tightly before mother pulled back and pushed my hair from my face.
"Are you happy?" he asked and I smiled.
"Very much so." I said noticing I spoke more like mother now.
Mother smiled before looking to the creature as he stood and father helped me to stand. "What about magic? Will he gain any?" I looked to the creature as well.
"He would be considered a squib now in our world. Where he is a born muggle to begin with it would be impossible for him to gain magic of his own." The creature said but I found I didn't really mind.
I was officially part of a family now. I couldn't ask for more.
Mother looked to me and I smiled. "It's okay mother. I really don't mind." The new speech pattern will take a lot of getting used to.
Mother smiled before pulling me to him.
"You look beautiful." He said pulling back and I blushed.
"Too beautiful. I will have to set one of you uncles on guard when I am not around." Father said and I laughed at his words.
"Oh shush. Don't listen to your father he is just being silly." Mother said and I just smiled knowing nothing could ruin this day.
"Let's go on back then. I am sure your brother and the rest of the family are more than excited to see the changes." Mother said and I took his hand as he led us out of the building where we apparated back to the house.
As soon as we entered Adam rushed to us and stopped to look at me in shock.
"What?" I asked.
"You look so pretty!" he exclaimed loudly jumping into my arms as I laughed.
"Thank you." I told the younger who just smiled at me.
"Caius?" I looked up to see the rest of the family there.
My aunts were instantly at my side squealing and pulling me into tight embrace while my uncles just stared at me in shock.
Uncle Agron looked to father before speaking. "He is to be watched."
"Yes I already have plans for us to guard him upon our arrival to Hogwarts." Father said as the others nodded their agreements.
"Oh you men are so protective! Don't listen to the Caius you are free to be a normal teenage as you wish." Mother said and I smiled at everyone.
"I'm so happy now. I haven't been this happy in, well, ever." I said causing everyone to blink at me.
"Now there is more who speak in such a weird manner!" Uncle Crixus groaned as everyone laughed.
Just then those of this time appeared and stared at me in shock.
"You look amazing Caius." Molly said and I smiled at her.
"Thank you." I told her,
Albus, Snape, and Pomfrey stepped forward suddenly and mother sighed making me look to him.
"I'm so sorry honey, I hate to I really do, but I have to take that potion now." I just smiled at took his hand.
"If it means you'll be healed fully then it makes me more than happy. I've already taken the potion for myself and I couldn't be happier. I'll spend some time with the others until you're able to join us." Mother smiled before kissing my forehead then doing the same to Adam as father also pulled us into a quick before he and uncles Agron and Crixus followed mother upstairs to most likely their room with Albus, Snape and Pomfrey not too far behind.
"Think mother will be okay?" Adam asked and I smiled at him.
"I know he will be. He's strong." Adam just looked to me then shook his head.
"That new way you talk is going to take some getting used to." I laughed before nodding.
"It's weird for me to. It's almost like I have to re learn how to speak. It's easy but still doesn't quite feel natural."
"I wonder if you able to switch patterns as I am able to." Adam said and I just shrugged.
"I'm sure if I tried I could. But I think I need to use this one for now to help me get used to it." I said and Adam nodded.
"Now then, let's go find Felix and Ennius and find something for the four of us to do." I told Adam taking his hand heading for the backyard where the two most likely were.
Spartacus' POV:
When we entered our room I made Harry sit upon the bed before turning to the others.
"You spoke of this causing him pain. How much?" I asked.
"I won't lie. This isn't going to be pleasant for Harry. It's trying to heal years of scar tissue and damage underneath that. It's like I said he'll most likely pass out."
"For how long?" Crixus asked.
"I can't say. Hopefully no longer than until tonight but it could be as soon as two hours that he wakes up. It's hard to say." The woman said and I looked to Harry who smiled and took my hand.
"I'll be okay. Just think, when I wake up my stomach will be fully healed again. Something we have all wished for. Spend time with the kids while I'm out of it and get them prepared for the next potion that'll make me seventeen again. Or just simply be with them. I'm sure they'd love that." I smiled at Harry and pulled his hand up for me to kiss before sighing.
"I do not wish for you to be in more pain. Especially after such an amazing morning."
"I agree, but this tiny moment of pain and I'll wake up to not being in pain at all. You know as well as I that I've been forced to get used to pain in my stomach over the years. It is a nice thought of not being in pain anymore." I sighed at his words before looking to the woman and nodding.
She nodded back before bringing the potion up to Harry who took it.
"Don't let go." He said and I smiled at him.
"Never." Harry smiled back before looking to Agron and Crixus who moved to sit close to Harry on the bed to offer their support as well. Harry gave one more sigh before downing the potion in one go.
Almost instantly Harry's grip tightened and he dropped the vial letting it hit the floor as his face took on the look of pure pain.
Worry set in as I allowed Harry to tighten his hold as he fought a scream.
"Throw up a silencing charm! He will not wish for others to hear this." I demanded and Albus instantly through one up.
"Harry, love, a silencing charm has been placed upon the room. You may scream if needed."
As soon as I spoke those words Harry threw his head back and let out a blood curling scream and gripped my hand even tighter.
Agron placed a hand upon his leg while Crixus upon his shoulder as sweat began to cover his whole being.
This went on for what felt like hours before Harry finally allowed darkness to claim him and he fell into a fitful sleep.
I just kept my grip upon Harry's hand as I gently brushed the hair from his beautiful face.
Agron moved to gently lift his shirt and gasped.
I looked to him before looking to Harry's stomach and was shocked to see the bruising was already nearly gone.
"It will be a true blessing to have our brother healthy once more." Crixus said quietly and I nodded.
"Come, we shall let him rest for as long as is needed. His body is now fighting a battle we cannot." My brothers nodded as I leaned down to kiss Harry's head before looking to the others within the room.
"I will stay and monitor him. As soon as he's awake I'll send for you at once." Pomfrey said and I nodded at the woman.
"Gratitude." She nodded and moved to take my place at Harry's side as the rest of us exited the room.
"I must go check on the de aging potion and make sure it is still brewing correctly. I shall return when it is done." Snape said before storming off down the stairs.
"I wish to find Nasir and spend some time with him." Agron said as Crixus and I smirked at the departing man.
"I shall find Cato and the others for contest. They are worthy opponents. A shame we never met upon the sands." I looked to him.
"Then we would never have met at all,"
"True enough." Crixus laughed before also leaving.
Which left Albus and I alone.
I looked to the man before making to leave.
"I did not mean for Harry to end up as he did." I paused yet did not look to the man. "I thought I was doing what was best for him. Even that summer he went through the Veil. I thought he would need space to come to terms with what almost happened. I never thought the last thing he needed was to be alone." The man paused but I still refused to turn to him.
"Harry would often speak of not wanting to go back to the Dursley's. He never would give details just that he truly wished to go anywhere else but to those people. I took it as a boy wishing to spend time with his friends over break and always made him return at least until his birthday to keep the blood wards strong. Those wards were the only thing keep him safe from Tom. Had I known the truth-."
"Would knowing the truth truly change you decision on the matter?" I asked finally turning to the man. "Would you have allowed him to remain within these walls he so desperately wished to spend? Or within the Burrow with the Weasley's? If those wards were as important as you claim then would you not have sent him back regardless on if truth was known?" Albus seemed to think on my words.
"My husband wanted nothing more than to be a normal teenage. Decision was stripped from him at a tender age. He jumped through the Veil to finally find peace. Peace he did achieve."
"I would have found a way to protect Harry had I known the truth. I would not have forced him to return. Sirius is his godfather, I could have found a way for the bond to be a substitute." The man said though it was apparent it was more to comfort himself.
"Harry spoke of a time he begged to be allowed to live here with Sirius. If you were aware of a possible substitute then why not allow it back then when he begged to be rehomed?" I asked and once more Albus thought on my words.
"I wish for nothing else but for the smile Harry found within the arms of his family to never slip. He has been through so much to lose it." I stepped closer to the man then. "Know I will stop whatever it is that causes his smile to leave even for a moment." With that I turned to go find my children.
I found the children outside and, to my surprise, playing with Meadow and Hedwig.
"Where have you two been?!" I asked surprised.
Meadow hissed looking to Adam who looked to me. "They went hunting for a few days. They weren't happy to be almost forgotten in the past when we were all coming here." I looked to Meadow.
"We do plan on returning you know?" I asked and Meadow hissed loudly as Hedwig landed on my shoulder to bite my ear hard.
I flinched from her and looked to Adam who was blushing.
"I'm, uh, not allowed to repeat what he said." I looked to the snake and sighed. (So I am aware I forgot about these two and I apologize for that. to make for it I hope this sorta funny moment helps and also helps to make sense as to what happened to them. Sorry again)
"Well I am pleased to see you both are healthy and unharmed. When Harry awakens I am sure he will be as well."
"How is mother?" Caius asked standing to move closer to me.
"Asleep. It was not a pleasant few moments for your mother while the potion took hold. However, it does appear to be working. Already the bruising upon the area is disappearing."
Both boys looked relieved as Meadow crawled up Adam's arm and wrapped around his shoulders as the boy stood.
"So mother will be okay?" I smiled at the boy and nodded.
Adam smiled brightly before looking to Meadow and starting up a conversation with the animal as he moved off to elsewhere.
"It looks like Adam and Meadow are going to talk about both Hedwig and Meadow going to Hogwarts with us if mother allows it." I looked to Caius shocked.
"You understand Meadow?!" Caius looked to me.
"I was shocked at first too, but Adam said I must've gotten it from mother after I took the potion." The boy said as his eyes brightened.
I smiled softly at the boy before pulling him into a tight embrace.
"It brings me great pride to know you carry our blood. Two finer boys I could not have asked for." I told the boy in my arms.
"I've never been this happy before in my life. I don't even remember what my birth parents looked like so I don't have good memories of them. I'm sure I made some with them, I just don't remember. Now I have a chance to make memories with a family I will remember." I tightened my hold on the boy before kissing the top of his head and pulling from him once more.
"Shall we train more while we wait for mother to awaken?" Caius smiled before nodding and following me to where the others trained as well.
LATER THAT NIGHT
Gannicus' POV:
I entered the kitchen only to see the angel of my dreams sitting at the table reading what appeared to be a book.
I smiled softly at the sight and leaned upon the wall to continue watching the scene.
After a few moments the angel felt my gaze and looked to me.
"Was there ever a more beautiful sight?" I asked as the angel shut the book and stood.
"I'm sure Harry has looked much better than I do now." He said and I ceased his attempt to leave the area.
"What I feel for Harry is that of a brother now. I will never deny I held strong feelings for Harry for many years and he shall forever hold a special place within my heart. Yet I accepted long ago he could never fill the form of my heart." I reached up to hold his face within my hand. "When I look upon you I can only pray you willing to fill its form." Draco looked to me shocked.
"So you really only see Harry as a brother now?" I nodded.
"I know now what I felt for Harry and what I feel for you are very different. Harry it began as a simple teasing that bloomed into something stronger. With you, I can only think of nothing but holding you within my arms. To getting to know the beautiful angel before me. If I was but given the chance." Draco blinked before blushing the standing straighter.
"Well it certainly is good to know about my looks and my worth. Do remember never to forget them again." I smirked at the boy before bowing lowly.
"Yes Dominus." The boy seemed confused but kept his face as he rushed from my side.
Only to stop and turn slightly to me. "I suppose we may continue to get to know each other better." He rushed from my sight then and I smiled brightly at the area he vanished into happy to have fixed whatever had been wrong to begin with.
I moved to enter the living room to see Spartacus sitting with the children at his feet playing with Hedwig and Meadow.
"Where have they come from?!" I asked shocked.
Spartacus sighed and explained how they came to be causing me to laugh.
"Apologizes dear friends. Know it was not intentional." I vowed as I sat by my brother as the rest of the family entered the living room.
"How fairs our brother?" Nasir asked.
"Pomfrey as yet to come with news. Yet I believe Harry to make a full recovery. He is too stubborn to do anything else." Spartacus said causing all to laugh loudly.
Suddenly Promfrey was seen walking to us smiling brightly. "Harry's awake. He's pretty weak right now but I'm sure he'd love to see you all for a few minutes." We all shared a smile before following Spartacus and Pomfrey into the room that held Harry.
Upon entering Harry offered a tired smile as his children climbed onto the bed to gently sit beside their mother while Spartacus moved to claim his hand.
"Hey everyone." He spoke in a rough voice which let all know he had been screaming.
Most flinched yet hid it well as Spartacus spoke.
"How are you feeling?"
"Better. Still a little tired. My throat hurts though. I'd love some water." He said and I instantly moved to pour water from the strange looking jar that was within the room into a cup and gently held it to aid Harry in drinking from it.
When he was finished I sat the cup down and sat down at his side to check the wound.
Feeling joy beyond belief to see it looked as clear as it was before wound was ever placed upon it. Even the scar has disappeared.
"I never thought I would see the day that dreaded scar vanished!" Agron gasped out also seeing it was gone.
Spartacus moved to also see and his eyes brightened upon not seeing a scar as he moved to gently apply pressure watching Harry for signs of pain.
To all our joy he did not even flinch.
"It appears to have worked my heart." Spartacus said moving back to be closer to Harry's face.
"I knew the moment I woke up. The constant pain I always felt in the area is completely gone. For a moment I actually thought something was wrong with me until I remember the potion." Harry admitted and I just looked to him in joy as Adam moved to take Harry's other hand.
"You're not in pain anymore?" Harry looked to him with a smile and shook his head.
Adam smiled before laying down and snuggling up to Harry's arm attaching himself to it.
"Come now children your mother needs more rest. It was a hard few moments for him and he will need to recover from them. It is wonderful to know his stomach is no longer a worry for us but now we must allow him to rest." Both boys groaned but got off the bed to allow all the family to wish Harry a restful slumber before leaving the room once more.
Spartacus stopped Pomfrey before she could leave our presence.
"Gratitude for healing my husband." The woman smiled.
"It was the least I could do for the boy after all that's happened." She said then looked to all of us. "There is something I wish to share but I don't think the children should hear it." She said and I respected her for learning from past mistakes.
I looked to my nephews. "Alright children why not head to bed as well. We have a long day tomorrow. Your mother de aging and moving to Hogwarts after shopping for supplies." Adam groaned but Caius pushed him towards their room and shut the door as we all headed for the living room so they could not hear.
"Now what is it you wish to tell?" I asked as we all settled to listen to the woman.
Pomfrey sighed. "I actually left an important part out when I was telling all that was wrong with Harry. I didn't want to cause worry since it was going to be fixed but I don't think I can hide anymore." We all looked to each other in worry before the woman continued. "The injuries to his stomach were a lot worse than I made them out to be. Had Harry not been brought to him when he was then…." She paused here seeming to try and find the words.
"Speak mind." Spartacus demaded clearly worried for his husband.
Pomfrey looked to him and sighed. "Had he not been brought to me when he was then….I'm afraid the injuries would have eventually caught up with Harry. I don't think Harry would have lived to see Adam turn twenty-five. Of course I am just throwing out an age, but the point is Harry wouldn't have made it for much longer." The weight of hers words was instantly felt by all as we understood that had we not come to this time our time with Harry was limited.
"The important thing is he is healed and will make a full recovery." Naevia said with a shaky voice looking to Pomfrey. "He will make a full recovery?"
"It will never fully heal but he has been healed to where no threats to his life and no pain will be felt ever again. The scar outside was healed up but I am sure there are scars within that the potion just couldn't get rid of." She admitted.
"Then we are blessed," I started as she looked to me, "that we got Beauty to you when we did. I believe I speak for us all losing Harry is never an option. Losing any of us is never an option." I said as the rest nodded their agreement.
The woman smiled before nodding then she stood. "Now then, I must return to Hogwarts to prepare for the coming year. I will see you all shortly." With that she headed for the fireplace.
Sighing I turned to my family to see they were all lost in thought. "Do not let her words unease mind. Our brother is among us and will now stay among us." They looked to me and I could see they were still holding doubt.
"Had we never met with this time our time with Harry would be limited." Nasir said.
"Yet we did meet those of this time and their medicus has healed Harry. He shall remain with us for years to come. Long enough to watch our children raise their own." Spartacus said causing all to look to him.
Seeing Spartacus so calm aided in the others calming as well as we all agreed we should retire for the eve.
NEXT MORNING
Harry's POV:
I woke up the next morning with Spartacus pressed into my back and his arm around my waist.
I smiled at the man before gently moving his arm and climbing out of the bed stretching when I was standing.
It felt amazing not having pain in my stomach like there normally was.
"Does it hurt?" I looked back to Spartacus and I smiled.
"Not at all. It's like it never even happened begin with. I forgot what it felt like to not be in pain all the time." I told the man as he stood and wrapped his arms around me.
"It lifts heart to see you in such good health. To know your stomach will no longer be of concern causes great relief."
"Now we just have to worry about finishing this damned war then we can go home." I said sighing at the thought of what was to come today.
Spartacus made me look to him before kissing me gently. "You are not alone. We shall be with you through all of it. I shall be with you." I leaned up to kiss him after he spoke.
"I love you." I whispered when I pulled back.
"And I love you." He whispered back.
I sighed and enjoyed being in his arms for a little longer before pulling back and started pulling him to the bathroom.
"Might as well prepare for the day." I said as we entered the bathroom and went about what needed to be done to prepare ourselves.
Once finished we moved to head for the kitchen for breakfast.
Breakfast was a tense one as no one spoke throughout the whole thing. Too busy thinking of what was to come from today onward.
Once breakfast finished we all moved into the living room where Spartacus and I took the couch while our kids sat in front of us while the rest found a place to stand or sit.
I noticed Draco and Gannicus standing by each other and I sent a smirk to Draco who returned it with a glare.
Snape stood in front of me causing me to look to him as he handed me the potion and a pair of glasses.
I took both staring at the man confused. "Before you went through the Veil you wore glasses. If you return without them it would look suspicious. They're fake so they won't cause any headaches from wearing them." The man said and I nodded looking to the glasses once more.
"The potion will make you feel discomfort but there shouldn't be any pain. It works rather quickly and should return you to what you would look like at seventeen in this time. Can't cause any suspicion can we?" I glared at the man but nodded as I took a deep breath and accepted Spartacus' hand as I gulped the potion down in one go.
Snape was right, it didn't hurt but it felt a little strange. Like things were crawling all over my body and even if I had tried to remove them they wouldn't have moved an inch.
Just as quickly as the feeling came it ended leaving me feeling anxious as I slowly put the glasses on and Snape conjured a full length mirror before me.
I sighed keeping my eyes off the mirror, and stood before slowly looking at myself.
In the mirror was a boy I had nearly forgotten. One that was way too skinny with clothing so big it made him look even smaller. A boy who spent every summer in a living hell.
"Harry?!" Naevia gasped and I looked around to see my family in different stages of anger a part from Crixus and Spartacus who had seen most of this when I first landed in their Villar.
"Your relatives did this?!" she growled and I sighed before nodding. "Where is it they live? I shall go introduce myself." I laughed then before smiling at her.
"I believe you would and it makes me happy to know you would, but the damage was done many years ago and I'm better now. Healthier. No need to go after those that did this all these years later." I told her yet she seemed to not like my answer and Crixus pulled her into his side for comfort.
"Mother?" I turned to Caius who had a look of shocked understanding as I smiled knowingly at the boy.
We were still fighting to get wait on the boy after what he went through.
"I'm okay Caius. It doesn't hurt, it's only a disguise to help me play the part I never thought I'd have to again." I told him but Caius still looked unsure.
I looked to Adam who seemed to be lost for words.
"It's still me Adam." I told him and he walked up to me.
"It's weird seeing younger you." He said making the others laugh.
"I'm not that old you know." I told him pouting.
Adam laughed before reaching for my glasses which I gave him and watched him place them on his face upside down.
"What do these do?"
"They help people of this time see when they're eyesight isn't that good. I wore them before I went to our time. In fact it wasn't until shortly after meeting your father that I did a spell to fix my eyes so I never had to wear them again." I told him watching as he gave the glasses to Caius who looked to the unsure before putting them on the same way Adam did.
I laughed at their antics before turning to the rest who still seemed to be stuck in their shock.
I sighed. "Guys it's really me! I may look different but don't think I won't beat your asses if you try treating me any different." I warned and that seemed to snap them out of it.
"At least his personality stayed intact." Agron mumbled and I glared at the man who then tried to hide Nasir who merely laughed.
"Now then, can we please just get this over with so we can get to Hogwarts quicker?"
"Very well, dear boy, let us go to the Ministry. I've already let them know so they should be waiting for us."
"Don't call me that." I snarled and the man sighed before I turned to my family. "We'll be back soon. Make sure everything is ready to leave when we get back so we can head on there." I said and they nodded as I felt something crawling up my leg.
I looked down shocked to see Meadow then looked to see Hedwig with Adam.
"I didn't think you guys knew to get into the circle! Where did you guys go?" I asked and Adam spoke up.
"They went hunting for the last few days because they were mad they almost got left behind."
"But we planned on going back home right after this." I told them yet Meadow just hissed loudly and Hedwig looked from me.
I sighed but smiled and made Meadow get off me giving him to Caius before taking Spartacus' hand as Agron and Crixus moved to stand at our side.
"I shall go with Agron and Snape will take Crixus to make sure they get to the correct place safely." We all nodded at the man and watched as Albus and Agron disappeared then Snape and Crixus right after them.
I looked to my family once more before smiling sadly.
"We'll be back soon." I promised before turning and getting into the fireplace with Spartacus.
I held onto his hand and took the powder with other. "Ministry of Magic." I said and through the powder down.
What did you all think? I'll get the update for the HP/Gannicus one up fairly soon but I do work today so I don't know if I can get it up today. Hopefully tomorrow if not. I do hope you all liked this chapter and I will see you in the next one!
