Disclaimer: I don't own anything you can legally tie to J.K. Rowling. However, I felt like pulling them out of the closet to play with.

A/N: We have been working restlessly to update though Des had to go get grounded…lol…anyways, some weird plot bunnies have attacked this story but they will not be changed. As much as this story is our baby, it is one big experiment that has never been seen before. Hopefully, everything goes over well. Enjoy and please review…I haven't had my fix yet Tears Up and chews on lower lip Thanks.

Ch.9 (Dynamic Acceptance)

Severus turned his tear stained face from Lucius. It was too hard to see him so shaken. He was the lone brick that broke the unshakeable Lucius Malfoy. For years, Severus had tried to atone for his sins, though not the ones everyone expected, and now they both were reduced to a mass of hopelessness and guilt.

His stomach turned uncontrollably with anguish. He had never enjoyed being lied to, in fact, he quite contested it, but not once had he 'felt' a lie. The letter had so much emotion and wit to it that there was nothing but the truth. Simply, Ryider had not been lying. His mind swirled with guilt about his presumptions and mistrust of the boy he had come to care for.

"Ryider" was a shy boy who had taken his heart and "Harry" was the bane of his existence. How could he merge the two when the personalities were so different yet still the same person.

"Lucius," he spoke firmly, his voice laden with emotion.

Lucius looked up angrily, and somewhat desperately, but refused to reply.

"Reverse the obliviated. I want the entire truth."

"Will you save my son?"

"I cannot without the truth."

"Very well." Lucius stared straight at his pained friend and murmured the counter curse,­­
Revelo.

Severus fell to his knees in pain. A dam of memories broke through his barriers. Occlumency could not save him now. His senses were drowning in the devastating amount of pictures flashing like a picture show.

All of a sudden, Severus felt the pain disappear, along with the pictures. They had vanished as fast as they had come. It would have left him confused, had the comatose Ryider not scream with the pain of Crucio at that very moment. Both men, with Severus following raggedly, rushed to the boy's room.

The comatose was seizing and murmuring. The words spilling from his lips unwillingly. "No hurt. I promised…not believed. Never there. Trust."

Severus' heart was sinking drastically. He knew instinctively that Ryider was calling to him; protecting him. He knew that Lucius had paused at the doorway, knowing he would not be allowed close enough to be of any help. Severus walked towards the barrier of pulsing magic and turned back towards the cold gaze watching him. "Give us some privacy. I will take care of him."

Lucius was silent for a few minutes, though his gaze held an accusatory note. Reluctantly, he backed from the room, his creature half protesting against the privacy his human half was allowing.

He walked morosely back to the main room, surprised when he saw Draco. His surprise quickly melted into concern as he saw his blond son crying. Draco had found the note.

"I will kill him, father. I…promise me we will get retribution." His voice was calm though his words lit a fire in his eyes.

"Draco, Ryider's wishes are set. We cannot change that. Severus is with Ryider now so there is still hope. Be patient and the answers will come."

"How can you be so calm?" Draco snarled viciously.

"Do not presume anything!" He glared harshly.

"I could always torture him." Draco idly twirled his wand, ignoring his father's reply completely.

"No, nothing will happen. However, we will find a way. Now, why are you home so early?"

Draco shuffled his feet self-consciously. "Father, there have been some complications."

Ryider's Room

Severus sat down next to the thrashing boy and placed his hand on Ryider's. The Veela Vamp calmed instantly but continued to whimper in pain.

Onyx eyes stared at the pained expression, unsure of how to stop the pain. So he did what he knew best; he persuaded. "Ryider," he started, running his hand through the silky strands, "Please, give me the memories. I know you do not want me to suffer but I will suffer more if you keep them from me. Let me share the pain. Please, allow me to help you." A sole tear dropped from his chin and landed on the pale cheek beneath him. Not a moment later, ice blue light emitted from Ryider's chest and slammed into Severus. His plea had been granted.

He was remembering; the marauders, Dumbledore's manipulations, and a loss of his own. He truly respected the fact that Ryider had tried to dampen the pain but he had needed to know. Now, he did.

Severus leaned down and gently kissed Ryider's forehead. He moved his lips to the paled ear, his hot breath caressing the cool flesh. His words were soft and melodic, "Hold on. I will be back. Do not give up on me. I will be back. I believe you." With that said, he left briskly and apparated out. Since he was on the wards, he knew it would be a few more minutes before Lucius realized he was gone.

He had three days to get what he needed. Three days to show his intentions, give up his life, and save a boy he once despised. Fate had condensed forever into those measly 72 hours.

Christmas dawned early in the vast dungeons of Hogwarts. The students, professors, and even the exuberant Dumbledore still lay nestled in the dream lands. All were quiet and content--all but one.

Severus Snape moved throughout his quarters with a swiftness only associated with the younger generation. He kept the mental list clear in his mind as he grabbed everything he may need. He had come to the conclusion after he had sorted through his memories. Honestly, there were several revolutions he needed to atone for but first he needed to free a trapped young man.

Double checking his supplies, Snape exited and warded his quarters. He reached the apparition point, outside of Hogwarts, and headed straight for Malfoy Manor. He concentrated on Ryider's image in order to appear in the right room.

After apparating, he closed the bedroom door silently, casting silencing, locking, and privacy wards, as well as an illusion charm to mask his magic. It would do no good for him to be interrupted at a vital point.

Slowly, he moved to the bed and set his supplies on the adjoining end table. Severus watched Ryider and it pained him to see the consequences of his uneasy actions.

Ryider was deathly pale, making the ghost of Hogwarts look sunburned. His eyes were a deep, vibrant purple with a green "x" slashing through each of his unnaturally silver pupils. The only color on his body was the angry lines of reopened wounds.

Severus surmised that the wounds had reopened when his magic started decimating the body. Losing its magic was like a break in the mended skin, causing an onslaught of slow, internal torture. Even the evaporated wound above Ryider's eye had reappeared with a vengeance. There was no blood, showing its refusal to bleed, but the wounds were separated cleanly. In all logical, and medical, medicine, this was impossible.

Sev brushed his fingers down the side of Ryider's face, smiling when he felt a faint response. The pads of his fingers danced lightly over the smooth skin and rested with the pad of his thumb on the thin lips. "Trust me Ryider." He murmured softly and withdrew his touch. Ryider whimpered in protest but remained as motionless as when Severus had arrived.

The Raven haired man unbuttoned the copper-blonde's shirt. Dispatching it from the slender form, he rolled him on his stomach but remained conscientious of the open markings.

Severus removed one of the potions from the side table and uncorked it. He dipped two of his fingers in the semi-gelled substance and proceeded to outline the transparent green lightning bolt. With each trace he could feel magic thrumming restlessly. He followed the feeling carefully.

When he reached the point of the bolt, he was sure his eyes deceived him. The tail of the lightning bolt pointed towards a tattooed circle, partially hidden by the drawstring trousers. Severus moved the waistline down slightly to get a clearer picture and knew instantly that his suspicions were unfounded.

There, hidden at the base of his back, was the matching symbol to the one on his wrist. Sev knew he needed to alter his approach, if only slightly, but it would only make the bond stronger.

Quickly, but firmly, Severus matched his tattoo to its mirror image on Ryider and matched it line for line. "I accept." He whispered and kissed the back of Ryider's neck, still never moving his wrist. He pushed his body weight onto the youth, persisting until Ryider began to push back.

Severus knew the instant the creature took over. It rejoiced silently, as did Severus, when the wounds mended. Only the one above the eye left its testament, as did the rest. His body was marred with his survivals but he had never been more beautiful to Snape.

Ryider's hand whipped back and grabbed the wrist of his mate. Still under the Veela's drawl, he blindly followed his instincts. Severus didn't protest as their positions were switched and he was pushed to the bed; held firmly by the recovering creature. Ryider's mouth began moving, the words growing louder and more concise. The ritual had begun.

"By the moonlight, by the daylight; 'til time has fully ceased. Stay by my side and hold be tight, Forever with me please. I'll hold to your heart until you decide to go. Keep me grounded; protect and hold my soul. Chase away insanity and never let me down. Use your warmth to sooth my cold; will my mate accept what I have found?" The whimsical voice was soft but wavering by the end.

Severus leaned in with the ritual words. "Our souls will become one until death do us part; I promise to keep you safe and I promise to hold your heart. Death will take me before I leave, I'll help you learn and grow. I promise now to be your mate and never let you go. I Accept."

Severus smiled for the first time in a long time as Ryider leaned down to kiss him. It was slow and hesitant but more demanding by the minute. It conveyed the feelings of hope, as well as the promise of love. When Ryider pulled back, Severus had to bite back a gasp as the young man bit him harshly at the juncture of his shoulder and throat before soothing it with his tongue. He was claimed.

Ryider swooped down for another kiss. About half way through his human side decided to show itself. His eyes widened comically and he scrambled away from his professor. He frantically apologized and he backed himself into the farthest corner behind him. Written on his face were the obvious emotions of how much fear, rejection, and embarrassment he was feeling. He looked so lost and helpless. For once, he looked like himself; a frightened teenager.

Severus groaned softly. 'It can never be easy.' He thought vaguely before mentally smacking himself when his inner voice dared to remind him that it was his fault. Rolling off the bed, he proceeded towards the teen. "Ryider," he said, attempting to claim his attention, "Ryider, look at me."

The newly violet eyed young man just shook his head, silent tears dripping from his lashes. "I'm sorry." He spoke up quietly. "You shouldn't have come. I know it was your pride that brings you here. I shouldn't have reacted. Leave now, if you wish, and I will not stop you."

"Are you upset that I am your mate or that I accepted the bond?" Hurt lacing his words.

The teen shook his head frantically to indicate "no" to both questions. "I have liked you for a long time. I did not wish to place you here by a misplaced sense of duty. I'm sorry."

"You accepted I may never come to you long before you asked me, didn't you?"

"Yes." The answer was simple but let loose a damn of emotions.

"I see." He sneered lightly. He opened his arms and smiled. "Come here brat." There was touch of true laughter in his eyes when Ryider's resistance broke and he literally ran and jumped into his lap. "I should be the one who is sorry. I shouldn't have doubted you…" His explanation was cut off by two fingers being placed over his mouth.

"I understand. You gave me back both my family and my mate. You do not need to explain Sev. Only…" Ryider choked on his next words. "Only that you will come to realize that maybe it would have been better if I died. I don't want to experience this and then you leave me later." His eyes glossed over with emotion once more.

"Hey now," Severus turned Ryider's face so their eyes met, "I will not leave you again. Even if I tried, you and your family might kill me. I happen to enjoy living, somewhat." He added for levity, thankful when he heard the chuckle against his chest. "Now, what do you say we pull a nasty trick on Draco and Lucius." Ryider nodded readily and proceeded to plan his shocking revival for the Malfoys.

Ryider laid down onto his bed, still as a statue. He was thankful when his father and brother only peaked inside. He wasn't too sure he could have pulled off his coma-like state. Displaying impassive emotional masks were easy but faking death was slightly harder.

As soon as the footsteps disappeared, and the only sound was silence, Ryider stood and headed to the shower to get ready for one hell of a Christmas day. When he stepped from the shower, he made sure to check the time. He had five minutes to get into position as he heard the commotion starting.

Sitting Room

Lucius and Draco were sitting on the couch contemplating the events of the last three days. The mood was unsurprisingly subdued. Both were sitting quietly. Lucius was sipping age old scotch while Draco was lying with his head in the elder's lap.

Draco was so confused about what to do. He loved his godfather more than life because he had been there when his father could not. However, in a short amount of time, his newly found brother had stolen a place in his Slytherin heart. Was he to betray a godfather for rejecting his mate or betray his brother by supporting Severus. His family had been split by fate herself. Surly this was merely a sick twist of fate meant to fuck with his head.

Lucius' thoughts weren't any better. Severus was as close to a brother as he could ever get but he would not lose his son again. Currently, he was trying to find a way around the honor pledge Ryider has made towards his mate.

Almost as he finished the thought, the man in question appeared form mid-air. The younger blond swallowed a growl of irritation at Sev showing up when he had not helped them.

"Lucius. Draco." A chocolaty voice spoke as his onyx eyes were raw with emotion.

"Why are you here?"

"To bring your Christmas gift." His lip twitched slightly.

"We are not in the mood." Draco spoke up, gesturing between himself and Lucius.

"I think you may enjoy this one."

"…" Before a reply could be made, the two blondes were jumped from behind. An innocent looking Ryider lay across their laps, giving the most effective puppy dog eyes he could manage.

"Merry Christmas. Miss me?" Lucius and Draco were both silent and their mouths were just hanging open. "It usually takes two people for a conversation, father." Ryider chastised as Severus lost his calm demeanor and doubled over in laughter.

Draco seemed to recover slightly, pulling Ryider into a strong embrace. "Of course not." His eyes betraying his lie. Ryider reached back towards his father and pulled him into the group hug. Finally, the elder pulled back and stood, looking towards Ryider for silent consent. A slight nod was all he needed before he pulled Severus into a tight hug. He embraced him near the fireplace and thanked him.

It was Ryider's soft voice that broke the reverent mood. "I'm hungry." He pouted. Chuckling, they all happily made there way to the dining room for a feast.

Later On

They were all seated around the sitting room. Each ready to give their gifts to one another.

Ryider walked over to each of them and handed out their gifts. He watched nervously as Lucius opened his first. Lucius carefully opened the well wrapped gift. The first thing he found was a beautiful emerald robe with silver snakes down the sleeves and bottom hem. He thanked his son profusely before opening up the other one. His eyes grew comically as he recognized it.

"What is it father?" Draco asked excitedly.

"Where did you find this Ryider?"

"Muggle London. There seems to be a market for them and it reminded me so much of the first time I met you that I couldn't resist." Ryider snickered as Lucius held it up for the others to see. It was a stuffed version of his ex house elf Dobby.

Draco was next. He opened it to see a minature version of a Spinster 3000. It was the hottest rage in Quidditch and wouldn't be out on the market for another year. Without a word, Ryider enlarged it and smiled. "Thank you." Draco answered. "How…"

"It took some persuading but believe me that they are behind me now."

Severus was last to open his gift and he was shocked. For once, he was speechless as well.

"Do you like it?" Ryider asked.

"Where did you find this?"

"In my vault. It is Merlin's potions journal. I figured you could use it." He shrugged helplessly, happy when Sev gave him a kiss for the effort.

"I love it." Severus opened his other gift and started snickering. "Such cheek." He had been given a silver based swing dance outfit, for class presumably, with a red vest and green shoes. The perfect Christmas colors. "I take it you loved your classes. Sorry to disappoint, this will not be worn by me." With that, he rose up and grabbed his gifts for his family. Handing them off, he waited for their reactions.

Draco opened his to find a dragon statue. The scales were a brilliant blue while the spike tail had lines of green through it. Both eyes were jeweled rubies. "Thanks Uncle Sev. It's beautiful. I can't wait to put it with the rest of my collection." Severus smiled and turned his head to Lucius, whom was next.

Lucius opened a set of books. They were Muggle romance novels. Severus definitely knew his week spot. "Perfect. I just finished my last one." Severus snickered at Lucius. It was always fun to see the Pureblood reading Muggle books.

"Of course."

Ryider pulled the wrapping apart and pulled out a shimmering necklace. The thin chain was silver. The broach hanging in the middle was a violet snake wrapped around a green one. Both had pink eyes. He went to put it on when Severus stopped him. He lifted the necklace and put it around Ryider's neck as he explained the gift. "This has many charms embedded in it to give you some protection. It also has a matching ring, that I have on, that will grow warm if you are in danger."

"It's beautiful." Ryider instigated a kiss of thanks before Draco so rudely cut in.'

"Enough. I would like to keep my breakfast down." Ryider turned and growled at him. No one really wanted to see an enraged Veela so Severus quickly calmed him and Draco backed up and grabbed his gifts. Draco gave his father a new cane for his wand, the old one having been damaged in battle. Ryider had tears in his eyes when he opened the family heritage book, written by both his fathers with personal notes. Sirius had written about his Vampire side and Lucius wrote about the Veela side. Draco had found it buried in the attic. He also received a spell for a summoning so he could talk to anyone he wished. Severus received a crystal chess set.

Lucius gave Draco a blue cloak with an embroidered Dragon covering the back. Severus received a pensieve and a spell that had been created for the sole purpose of viewing other people's memories. Ryider received a Diamond Back Rattlesnake.

"What will you name her?" Draco asked.

'Hello.' He hissed.

'Hello. Are you my new master?'

'No, I am your friend. My name is Harry. Do you have one?'

'No.'

'Are you male or female?'

'Male, master.'

'Call me Harry. How about Kouichi Koga?'

'I like it, Harry.'

'Good. Would you like to go explore?'

'Please.'

'You may, but no eating anything other than mice. If you do not find any I will feed you when you come back.'

The snake slithered off and the others turned quizzical expressions towards him. "He wants to explore and his name is Kouichi."

Two Days Later

Draco found Lucius sitting in his office. He asked him to come out near the fire. When Lucius was seated, he saw Blaise standing near his son. "Father, we have a problem." Draco started hesitantly. Blaise remained silent behind him, both blue eyes smoldering.

"Yes?"

"Blaise is my mate." He said bluntly. "Well, both myself and someone else are his."

"Who is this third party?" He curiously asked.

"You."

"I see."

"I will step back from you two if it is your wish, father." Draco mumbled.

"Hold on. First, before anything is even discussed, I do believe I am owed some answers." He smirked.

"Very well, Mr. Malfoy." Blaise spoke up for the first time. His voice was steady and deep with wanting. "While Draco was visiting, I came into my inheritance. I had already decided to accept being his mate and, to my surprise, he was mine. One of the at least. You Mr. Malfoy are my other mate."

"Why do you have two mates?"

"It is a combination of genetics and magicks. When I was younger, I was cursed by a family member, my grandfather I believe, to suffer. My relative activated the dormant gene in my family line in hopes that being a creature would lead me to be disinherited and have people shun me. As a double insult, he decided that since one mate was hard to find then two would be impossible. Fortunately, it backfired. I found out later that I did have two mate but they were related. To answer the unspoken question, I am a Dragon Incubus."

"Those are extinct." Lucius sneered, his mind processing the information readily.'

"You are wrong. My ancestors disappeared from the from the history books for safety. They were feared because of semi-correct information. It is true that I feed on energy but my breed can only feed from their mate or mates. The energy I need is sexual energy but strong emotions can hold me off. The 'dragon' part of me is my animagus form though it is instinctual. I am part of a clan, am loyal to both the clan but I put my mates above all others. Because of a Dragon's ability to breathe fire, I can control the energy and heat in the room into fire and control it telepathically. That is why I am a Dragon Incubus, or more mythically, a Dracubus." Blaise finished humbly. To him, it was mere facts. He just wanted his mates' acceptance and allowance to feed.

"Mr. Zabini, would you allow us some time to talk this over? We will invite you back when we are finished." Lucius stated quietly, very aware of how quiet Draco had been.

"Sure, and pleased call me Blaise. I have known you forever." He smiled.

"I will have a house elf take you to the library, Blaise, and please call me Lucius."

"Thank you Lucius. Draco." He waited until a house elf was called and followed the little creature through the house. The two Malfoys were left alone for a very needed conversation.

"My son," he sighed, "I would never ask that of you. Beyond his claim on you, he is your mate. Death would be the only separation. Blaise would need both his mates to survive."

"Are you opposed to being with him? Or me? I know it's not normal but I…I don't mind." Draco worried his lower lip. "Please don't be disgusted." He sounded so young. All he wanted was his father's approval and he was scared to death.

"I could never be disgusted with you." He opened his arms and waited for Draco to curl into his lap. "I am not opposed to being with Mr. Zabini. I am worried about you. You have both grown up before my eyes and have become beautiful young men. Also, I believe a little history lesson is in order. There is an old law, still in existence, that has not been used in a very long time. The law itself says that any pureblood witch or wizard may become physically intimate, including marriage and regardless of relation, with another witch or wizard as long as the union does not produce offspring. Alas, a small loophole is that with a trio the third party may beget heirs if so desired. However, your Elvin blood and my Veela blood will not produce an heir. Unlike your mother, your body has already fought off the blood, rendering a coupling between you and a Veela sterile." He informed his son.

A bright smile lit up Draco's face but the apprehension could still be seen. "Do you agree?"

Instead of answering he sent an elf for Blaise. The young Italian entered gracefully but remained at the door. Lucius opened his other arm and with a simple 'yes' the young man ran into his lap and both cuddled contentedly into his lap.

"Thank you." Came a small sob from the brunette. "Thank you." He cried softly in his relief before being kissed languidly by his mates.

At Hogwarts; Severus' Chambers

While Lucius was occupied at the Manor, Severus and Ryider were sorting through the memories they had acquired. Each listened to stories of the other's life. Ryider spoke of his life at the Dursleys. The emotional abuse, the beatings, and the rapes. Since his first year, he had been raped every summer by Vernon and Dudley. He had feared Severus would be disgusted with him but alas, Severus just held him and told him it wasn't his fault. Severus talked about getting the mark to get away from the school. He had needed safety for himself and Remus, from Dumbledore, but in the end it had not helped. He hinted that he still supported the Dark Lord but Ryider opted to bring it up another day. The only thing that truly burned at Severus' mind when he talked was the marking significance.

"Each color and letter has a meaning. Each unique. The silver is preservation of the bond, coupled with your house color. The black is a representation to the abilities of our powers. The blue is a foreshadowing of the future, though it will not become clear until I have found my other mate. The lettering is as follows:

D - Darkness (The things we fear the most and must protect the other from)

D - Death (What we have both faced countless time yet lived for each other)

D - Destruction (Life without the other)

P - Pain (Our strengths and weaknesses; both together and individually)

F - Fear (There is nothing to fear but fear itself)

Beyond that explanation, I do not know. Though, it is my claiming mark so you will always bare it."

"With honor, my love." The night was danced away with quiet conversation and a warmth to keep away the nightmares.

The following day Ryider flooed back to the Manor, intent on speaking with his father. He was hungry and hadn't fed in two days. He was getting sicker by the minute and it wasn't making the trip any easier.

He looked around for them but was shocked to find them in the library. For one thing, they certainly were not reading.

Ryider watched transfixed as Blaise was giving a blow job to his father while Lucius was giving both Draco and Blaise a hand job. Ryider thanked the gods that was all he walked in on. He backed out quietly but not before locking eyes with his father. He moved out quicker, the other two still oblivious, and went to his bedroom.

He laid down on his bed, in deep pain, and crying. He could have felt the blood rushing through the worked up bodies and it assaulted his senses. He shouldn't have walked in there. He fell asleep to the pains of his stomach and the silence of his room.

It was around a couple hours later when his father found him. He awoke instantly when he heard the ebb and flow of blood.

"Ryider." The words held a request to enter.

"I'm awake father. Sorry I walked in, it seems I missed a few things." Ryider stared at the duvet even as he heard his father chuckle.

"Yes, it has come to light that Draco and myself are Mr. Zabini's mates. Blaise is Draco's mate as well. We were…cementing the bond."

Ryider choked on a laugh. "Ah well then all is good, is it not father?"

Lucius mock glared before responding. "Yes, well, was there a reason you decided to show up?"

"Yes, I…need to feed."

Lucius looked at Ryider with sympathy before sitting on the bed. "When was the last time you fed?"

"The Day after Christmas." He whispered.

"That was two days ago." Lucius raged.

"I'm sorry."

"Ryider, you are still weak. You need to feed everyday and you can no longer feed from me."

"What?"

"You have found your mate. You know need to feed from him. My blood will no longer sustain you."

"I c…c…can't. I haven't found the mate to my Vampire inheritance and I can't ask that of Sev." He was starting to panic.

"You can and you will or I will ask him for you. He is one of your mates meaning that he will help you survive until you find your other mate. Is that clear?"

"Yes, sir."

"Come now, I will walk you to the fireplace so you can go back to Severus."

"You are just trying to get rid of me so you can have your wicked way with my brother and Blaise."

"Alright you cheeky brat, get moving."

Ryider grinned at him before calling out the residence, "Hogwarts, Severus Snape's Quarters."

Severus was sitting on the couch when he stumbled through the floo. He smiled up at him but his eyes gave him away.

"Vixen?" Ryider nearly laughed at the endearment but he was too damn nervous. A slight tremor passed through him.

"I need to feed." He whispered painfully. His incisors lengthened in his mouth.

Severus stood and grabbed his hand before dragging him to the bedroom. He sat down comfortably against the headboard. "Come over here." Ryider listened, transfixed.

"Where would you like to feed?"

"Where ever it is comfortable for you."

Severus conjured a leather thong to tie back his hair and put his wand on the side table. He put his hair to one side and bared his neck. Ryider moved forward cautiously before sitting next to the man. He was surprised when Severus positioned him so he was straddling the older man. "I trust you." Sev whispered as he lowered Ryider's head to his neck. He shivered when the younger man licked his neck soothingly before sinking his teeth into the compliant flesh.

A daze came over the younger man. He began to move against Severus without realizing his actions. The taste of the coppery substance was driving him crazy. He vaguely felt Severus push against his shoulder so he reluctantly pulled back and swiped his tongue to close the wound. As the haze cleared, he noticed he had climaxed during the feeding and fell against the strong chest. His shoulders were shaking with humiliation. He was thankful when Sev merely held him.

"I'm sorry, Sev'rus."

It took a moment before Severus realized what he was talking about but he quickly understood and concern hit him hard. "There is nothing to be sorry for. Though I think you should look in the mirror."

Confused, Ryider conjured a mirror next to the bed as Severus cast a scourgify on the mess. What Ryider had neglected to realize was that he wasn't the only one who had been excited.

Ryider rose form the bed. His shirt was gone. It had been ripped to pieces when his wings had come out. 'When did that happen?' Black Tiger markings met across the side of his face and his hair shone like the sun. Thin claws adorned his hands and both the lightning bolt and the marking tattoo stood out between his wings. He fluttered them carefully but jerked in surprise when Sev stroked them. He purred in pleasure with each sure stroke. The tips of his wings had taken on a red effect that was different form the original wings.

"You are beautiful."

Ryider turned. "You are blind old man."

"I think not. Now take in the wings and claws and come crawl back into bed."

Ryider eyed it suspiciously as though it had scorned him. "I'm sorry."

Severus waved off the apology. "It's natural and I am glad you find something arousing about me, even if it is my blood."

Ryider changed back to his human state before straddling the man. It was time for some truth.

"You are beautiful. Do you even know what I see when I look at you."

"Probably a demented old man but I assume you are going to tell me differently."

"Of course." the cheeky response was for levity before he became serious again. "I see a man who knows what he wants and will do anything in his power to get it…including waiting a lifetime. I see someone who has been through more hell than the devil himself and still has the strength to face each day. I see someone who will be there when he is needed and will fight for those he considers family. I see someone who will be there for me. I see how beautiful you are and how much you have to give. I see you, Severus Snape, and I love him."

Severus smiled, unable to reply just yet. Ryider, understanding the quietness., responded quietly. "You do not need to answer. Your acceptance is enough for me. I will wait forever."

Each lost in thoughts, they drifted off to sleep. Trusting they could face anything together.

The next night was quiet. They sat together in front of the fire for a long time before that peace was disturbed. "Ryider," Severus nudged the body leaning on him. "There is something I haven't told you." He could feel the younger boy tense at his words. Pulling him fully into his lap, He nuzzled the golden locks and whispered nothings until he relaxed. "It's nothing about you. You, my little Vixen, are stuck with me."

"Mmm…does this impact us?"

"It may."

"Then tell me. I will be here regardless. Obviously it is important to you, so it is important to me." Ryider smiled encouragingly.

"I have a son."

"…" Ryider stayed quiet as he mulled over the announcement.

"Those memories given back to me by your father and yourself gave me back a romance." He heard the Veela Vamp growl in protectiveness and ownership. He chuckled in reply. "With an old friend, I am a father. I also know what happened to my child after he was born. Dumbledore took him from me and obliviated me. Of course, the old fuck was too stupid to realize that telling me everything before he obliviated me was a grave mistake. All I had to do was release the obliviate. He gave my son to another Order member and forced me to forget. How could he do that?" He ended up screaming in frustration. Ryider did his best to comfort him. Finally, after some resolved silence, a tentative question was asked.

"Who was your lover and who did your son end up with?"

Severus grimaced. "I guess I should tell him. We were both wronged."

"You can send an owl after you talk to me." He stated, not letting his mate be deterred.

"My partner, ironically enough, was Remus Lupin. He carried our child." Severus smiled warmly in remembrance. "We were so proud."

Ryider encouraged him to continue. "Was he a Lycan?"

"No, it wasn't hereditary. I wouldn't have minded but it would've been easier for him."

"His name?"

"Isaac Nevalle Lupin Snape." (A/N: Nevalle is pronounced Neh-Vall-lay)

"Beautiful. What happened to him?"

"Isaac was my grandfather's name and Nevalle was a Lupin family name. His middle name should give him away. He was given to Frank and Alice Longbottom."

They left the sitting room for dinner and later Severus silently went to the desk in his room. Ryider obligingly left him alone. The silence mocked Severus because he had so many memories to combat his well believed hate but Remus did not. There was no more animosity with the truth, just anger at missing a life of happiness that he could have had. At least now he had Ryider. Slowly, he expressed his thoughts on parchment like he never had before.

Remus,

It agonizes me that I have hurt you so much over the years, not that you didn't deserve something. Lately, I came across some information about your pack. Come urgently and avoid Dumbledore at all cost. My chambers will give you entrance with your 'condition.'

S.S.

The words seemed so foreign to him. It was the opposite of the greasy git he portrayed to the world. It had been necessary and his views on the werewolf had taken on a drastic new mask; love.

It was almost a fortnight before a reply came. An onyx colored owl had arrived in the middle of the night and carried a simple message.

S.S.

I will arrive soon. I thank you for the consideration. I will arrive tomorrow, on January 12th, around 4pm.

R.L.

Holidays had ended and school was filled once more as classes started up. Everything had been subdued but lively. A Daily Prophet article had renewed suspicions again on where Harry Potter had disappeared to. Dumbledore stood by his stance that the Boy-Who-Lived was off training but in reality everyone assumed he was dead. Spirits were low and many peoples' faith in the Light had diminished completely. Overall, Ryider was extremely happy.

Now, though, Severus was pacing nervously in front of the fire. Ryider had never seen him so unhinged. It mirrored how he had been when he first entered school. Right at four o'clock, Severus' chamber doors were opened and in stepped Remus.

They silently stared at each other before Ryider stood and motioned for Remus to sit down before asking him if he wanted some tea.

"Severus, why don't you have a seat. I will bring you some tea as well." Surprisingly enough, Severus had a small kitchen in his chambers. Ryider walked in there and heated the water. He wanted to get back out to the other room before something happened.

Both Remus and Severus had not moved while he had been out of the room and Ryider was slightly worried about that.

"Severus," Ryider urged. "Would you like me to explain?" Severus nodded minutely.

"Mr. Lupin, there has been some information uncovered that has baring on both you and my mate. It has come to our attention that Dumbledore has been lying about some things that happened sixteen years ago and we have reason to believe that part of your memories have been obliviated. We would like permission to unbind those memories."

"What does this have to do with my pack?"

"Your pack is bigger than you realize." He responded cryptically.

"Is this true Severus?" He asked directly. He had never know the Slytherin to lie to him.

"Yes. That and so much more."

"Alright. But I want Severus to perform the spell."

"Very well." Severus cast the spell, waiting for Remus to sort through everything. It only took a couple of minutes.

"Zezz." Remus did remember after all.

"Velve."

"What are you speaking?"

"They were our secret names for each other. It is the language of the Dark Elves, Drow. Zezz means Razor and Velve means blade. Razorblade is always connected."

"I see. Remus, there are some other things you should be informed of." He lead Remus to his pensieve and showed him his memories of the past Summer. When Remus pulled back he was definitely shocked.

"You're Harry?"

"Yes, Moony. In a way, I am. Though now I am called Ryider and you are one of very few who know the truth."

"I missed you cub." Turning to Severus, he asked, "Now what do we do about our cub?"

"Oh, shit." Ryider managed to mumble before collapsing. Severus was at his side in a moment.

"Vixen, love, what happened?"

The tell tale signs burdened the youth. "Back up Severus and ward the doors." He rasped out. His eyes burning gold, like the werewolf's, his canines lengthening and his hair turning purely red and magically shortening into spiked tips. The markings from earlier reappeared and his arms were drenched in tribal tattoos. He stared blindly at Remus.