Fourteen: wine and dine me
I'm sorry for the longer wait; I've had some hectic weeks with exams from my students. I hope you enjoy this one. Just one more week, and we'll have May vacation (like spring break I believe), and then onto the last weeks of the school year.
Thank you Salllzy for the beta-work.
Previously; Ron would have beaten Shane with ease, but they leave before that can happen after Rick shows up. Lucius comes around for business meetings of all things (during an apocalypse), and Lord Potter-Black has to be the adult he is - sometimes. When he feels like it. Theo and Blaise are exactly the same as they always were, and love was found in (un)expected places.
Past time Daryl and Merle are wandering the grounds, the second day after coming to Peverell manor
Merle and Daryl had decided to check out the lands that they had arrived on, after they had shared a guest room in the big castle that Ron had called a manor. Both men weren't stupid, and they also realised that this was more, so much more than they had expected to happen to them.
The lands were vast, vaster than they would have dreamed. Currently they were following Luna and George who were giving them a tour of the lands surrounding the castles and Luna Park. There were so many animals that it was almost ridiculous that these lands could hold so many herds of different species. Luna was in charge of keeping the magical herd away from the muggle ones as she had called them, while Vicky – the first one that had greeted them that morning – had muttered something about 'No-Maj's' while her husband, who turned out to be Mack's brother, had just shook his head and laughed.
Mack and John were decent, Southern men who had worked hard, and continued to do so on these lands. Merle understood why Hadrian had hired them, and kept their family on the premises. Two dwarfs had greeted them quickly, before Merle had time to say something. Ron had laid a hand on his shoulder, while he had explained that some inhabitants were naturally shy; everyone was checked before they entered the grounds. Merle had decided not to comment, and Daryl just snorted.
Severus and Marriet had joined them for breakfast, just as George, Draco, and Luna and Neville. Gerard and Elenoir had already eaten, as Gerard was busy looking for some of his family members, and friends from the alley to offer his services for people who lost their wands or just needed a new place to stay. Ron had offered his help as a bodyguard, to make sure the older wandmaker would be safe, so they had not been there in the morning.
"These lands are loads bigge' than ya'll mentioned," Daryl said, as Merle and he watched over the grounds from a mountain at the north. It gave a luscious vibe, with its greens, reds, and some browns thrown in the mix. If you had a keen eye, like Merle did, you could see the greenhouses reflect the sunlight at the far south, and the biggest tower from Hallow manor had some flags waving in the light breeze that was crossing the lands.
The river, that seemed to split the normal and magical lands, rippled easily through the land. After it split where the buildings were, it came back together, before it seemed to disappear. Luna had explained that Hadrian had found some writings that pertained to the splitting, and the reasons why. It must have happened a few hundred years ago, as the river seemed to run a natural cause.
"Harry bought some extra land, and then we expanded almost to the maximum we could." Luna was still answering their questions in a way that both men had become accustomed with, as the woman had a certain ethereal way of talking.
"Won't that collapse?" Merle asked thoughtfully, as he looked over the lands with his keen eyes.
"Luna and I check them regularly, just like the house elves take care of the grounds. As long as we feed it the right kind of magic, in the solstice rituals, we should be more than fine." George nodded, and Merle thought that it would be the best answer he was going to get for now. Or at least, an answer that he could understand.
George offered them all a sandwich from some folded cloth, as both men had not realized that it was already twelve in the morning and the afternoon had broken in. It had taken them four hours to trek around the lands, and they hadn't even seen all of it.
"Hadrian's not around?" Merle inquired, as they slowly walked back to the second big castle, that laid southwards on the grounds. "I was hoping to speak with him."
"He's been managing his estates, he won't be back until late. Maybe he'll catch dinner if we are lucky."
Luna showed them Luna Park next, since Merle had shown interest in helping Carol out there, who already had made herself sparse in that department after she had met Mila after breakfast. Mila had been ecstatic that she would not have to deal with all the men on her own.
Luna waved happily towards Neville who just walked out of the biggest greenhouse out of the three that were visible to them now that they had come closer. The blonde woman had explained that they had moved in before everything had happened, and Neville just had adjusted their plans when it seemed that the end of times would be near.
The man was a herbology expert, and with the help of Mack, they had it up and running in no time. Since they had loads of stock built up from last year, and they were able to produce twice as fast with magic; Neville's greenhouses were able to provide for more than hundred people per month with ease. No heavy rationing needed, people could just eat as much as they wanted, which was something that still surprised both men, even if it shouldn't. Not with magic.
Neville had walked over to them, and kissed his wife in such a soft way, that even Merle would find it endearing. He then tipped her nose, and told her he would see her at dinner. Luna just smiled softly, and waved him goodbye. Daryl focused on George.
"Hadrian needs some time by himself, that happens every now and then; don't draw your conclusions from that." George explained, as he specifically looked at Daryl, who pretended that it did not bother him.
"Lucius just floo'd in," George then told Luna as both of them were also responsible for the wards. But from the two of them, he held the strongest connection, next to Harry.
"Alone?" Luna wasn't attuned at that point, so she just let the wind speak for itself, and closed her eyes, feeling the magic that surrounded the lands.
"Yes," George answered immediately as he let his wand slip back in its holster. Merle recognized those habits all too well. "Alright then lads, shall we continue the tour, so you can choose your rooms later on?"
Daryl had ignored Merle's questions all morning; he did not need to explain himself, nor answer stupid questions. Yet, he was missing the presence that was Hadrian all morning, as he had been used to having the man glued to his hip or better yet; his energy. Hadrian was a hurricane of power that would slowly creep on his skin, and into his whole being. At least, that was what he had remembered from Sophia's magical theory lessons that he had been present for.
The lands were beautiful, and he had already found some decent rooms above the stables, that would do just nicely for both the Dixon's. George did mention that those weren't originally meant to be used as a place to stay, but if they really wanted, their builders could work on that in a few days. Until then, they just had to use the guest rooms at the Antioch wing that had been dubbed 'the single wing', that held all the single guys for now.
They had been led through the whole lands, and then both of the castles. George had passed the message onto Hadrian, but he had insisted that both Daryl, Carol, and Merle take up housing in Peverell Manor, and not Hallow.
They were still contemplating on living on the muggle side or the magical side, when an older woman called Marriet had explained to them that it would be better for Sophia if she stayed around magic most of the time. It had been Draco who had reassured them that it would not affect them in any way, since they had some dormant magic in their blood.
Merle had looked questionably at Daryl who had practically shooed him off to Carol with some words about 'protecting the little one', and that was that. Both Dixon men had wanted to share a room, but Carol had asked shyly if Merle wouldn't mind staying with her and Sophia, as she felt safer like that as they had been sharing a room on the last few nights in the tent. She had the man convinced when she threw Sophia in the argument, and Merle knew he had been lost.
Present time Dinnertime at Peverell Manor - Daryl
Most of them were dressed casually 'chic' as Draco had called it, or just very fancy, in Merle's opinion. He had grumbled a bit about it, but Mack had assured him that it would serve a purpose. Vicky and Marriet, two of the ladies that lived in the Wizarding side had brought Carol some clothing she could choose freely from, while the Dixons had been dressed by Mack, to at least look a bit the part of a decent human being.
Both of them were still in combat boots, but just like Ron they wore a plaid dress shirt. Merle had his sleeves rolled up immediately, but had said nothing more while Daryl was wearing a leather jacket over that shirt. The big manor was being heated with big hearts and other magical ways, yet it seemed to elude some cold every now and then, so they now understood why the others usually dressed warmer than the brothers were used to for the season. He felt a blanket of warmth around him, as he sat down. Merle was on the edge in a few seconds, before he saw Ron doing the same to Daryl, and then with a flourish that wasn't needed, stowed his wand away in an invisible holster.
When Hadrian walked in the room, looking like he did, Daryl had trouble getting his eyes off the man. He even forgot to look at the others that had joined them. The raven-haired man looked every part of a pure-blooded Wizard, if the hunter believed Draco's stories that the doctor had been telling Sophia as of late.
The dark green suit, with the black dress shirt underneath seemed to hug Hadrian in all the right places, and with his longer, now loose hair that came to his shoulders, he looked like something else. Daryl wasn't a man that would spout poetry, but he did realize it when he saw something he liked. The man was handsome and strong. Hadrian's eyes sparkled, while he showed his wandless magic off towards the other two that joined him, and then Daryl noticed the rings around his fingers. It made him think of the bikers he dated, but it gave Hadrian a regal look. It made him possessive, but also a bit aroused, if he could be honest with himself.
Daryl had loved powerful people his whole life, he was drawn to them like a moth to a flame. He did not care much for the sexual pleasures that Merle chased, but he loved being around people with influence. He had dated a biker before who had become president of the club and then couldn't be with a man anymore, and a girl who had been part of the Triads before. It probably was the one thing that had made him gravitate towards Hadrian immediately.
Power. Not lust.
A person who could hold the conversation, who would let him be him; that is what he wished for. He was a possessive man, and if he had a mission, he would not stop until he got what he wanted.
The downside was that he disliked the need to have sex so much. He did not feel it that much. A good cuddle or maybe a sensual make-out session was much more interesting for him. In the days that he had followed High School, he had picked up on the terms a-sexual or pansexual, but he had never bothered with giving things a name.
He was Daryl.
Anybody who claimed anything else, had Merle to deal with in his youth.
His previous partners had needed more than just a hug or some sex every now and then. Daryl was easily content, was Merle's conclusion. In the past they broke up with him or he had just left, leaving them for what it was worth. He wasn't in the mood to give his heart another blow, but he also could not leave Hadrian alone, and Daryl had been feeling torn about it for a few days, only now realizing that he actually had missed the man on the other side of the table.
Especially when the Dixons had not known if Hadrian would take them along for the ride. Daryl was very happy that he had done so, even if that meant that they had to give up their complete independence. Although Merle had contemplated that they were able to be themselves now, instead of hiding.
"Ladies and Gentleman, may I introduce everyone to each other?" Hadrian was seated at the head of the table, with Ron and George on his right side, while Draco, Luna, and Neville were seated on his left. It was a massive, wooden dining table, and they had placed him on the other head as if it had been intentional. Merle had muttered something about being old fashioned, but Daryl seemed to miss something that his brother hinted at.
"Draco's father, Lord Lucius Malfoy," Hadrian announced as the taller, and older version of Draco gave a curt nod. "Lord Theodore Nott," a tall, but rather invisible looking man now stood. "Count Blaise Zabini," Hadrian smiled as the dark-skinned man bowed softly, and blew a hand kiss towards Luna. Severus seemed to know both men as he barely acknowledged their presence, and Marriet nodded curtly at both of the men, obviously recognizing them as well.
"Then on this side we have Merle and Daryl Dixon, and Carol with her daughter Sophia," Harry laughed as he saw Sophia sitting shyly next to the bigger Dixon brother, trying to get away from it all as she almost tried to disappear in Merle's burly arms. "You all have met Lord and Lady Vallder before," he waited on their confirmations, "John is Vicky's husband and Mack's brother. They were here before it all happened and they helped me build these beautiful grounds. Our other guests keep to themselves most of the time, but would like to pass on their greetings."
Hadrian waved his hands around in practiced manners, before he laughed and gave the word to Draco. "And that's enough politics and speeches for me today. The rest of you know each other. Let's enjoy our meal." With that, he fumbled with his tie to loosen it, and the first course was being served, while Draco did what he knew best: get a conversation going between all parties involved.
Daryl felt like his mind was in the gutter, and that if Harry would have offered sex to him right then and there, he would actually accept and would be able to do it. Hadrian looked so carefree, so poised. Something burned on his skin, it teased him. It had started since Hadrian had entered this room with the rest of the Lords following him, and then Daryl felt it; Hadrian's magic. It seemed to engulf him, it wanted to own him, it caressed his skin in a way that only leaves did as they would fly by in a forest. It was all around him, but it seemed to be focussed on him, because he did not notice anyone else in the room who seemed to be affected as he was right now.
When Daryl looked up from his absolutely divine steak, he only saw two very dark green eyes that seemed to know all his secrets like they did while hunting, before they seemed to switch to the lighter green that the rest of the group was more familiar with.
Harry hurriedly took a large gulp of his water out of the crystal glass that had been served with his brandy for dinner, as he locked eyes with Daryl. He had tried to not look into the man's direction for the longest time, but had failed eventually. He knew Draco had something to do with the way the man was dressed, but even he could not deny anymore that he found the hunter attractive. The nonchalance that he carried seemed effortless and that was something that Harry needed in a partner.
Daryl felt like a forbidden romance, something he wasn't allowed to touch, and yet Harry wanted it. It surprised him himself, when he first looked at the hunter and thought that the man oozed sex; the unkempt hair, the way he moved. That would be a problem, Harry knew from experience. He wasn't all into relations, so that's why he hadn't taken any steps yet. His mind had been busy with other matters, and fixing a relationship right now would not work.
His magic had been the one to beat him to it just right now, but Harry stopped caring about being different. Daryl probably would not notice, but he had seen Draco looking up. His left hand, so to speak, was magic sensitive, and he had also seen what his magic found interesting. Harry just shook his head, to let Draco know that it was fine. Death himself was now hovering next to him, giving his own commentary on the food they were enjoying. It was probably boring, Harry mused, but he would not lose this game with the entity. He could ignore it all evening if necessary. Daryl on the other hand…
The dinner was nice, it was a breath of fresh air while the whole world around them was suffering. Harry couldn't care less. They couldn't do this every day, but now that they were all together, there was nothing wrong with a little banquet. His friends, family, and guests seemed more relaxed than before. Maybe it was the wine, maybe it was the feeling of safety, or maybe it was the fact that he had not seen most of them in a longer time.
Severus and Neville were engaged in a conversation about ingredients and plants, something that would have seemed unbelievable just some years ago, while Draco and Vicky were debating on the things they needed for both Manors and Luna Park. Marriet had found a kindred spirit in Carol, and was explaining different things that Carol had picked up while Sophia had been learning. Merle and Ron were whispering about something with George that Harry really did not want to know, while Theo and Lucius had picked up their debate from that afternoon.
Blaise was listening to John, and Harry looked towards the other end of the table, again, probably for the eleventh time that dinner, to lock eyes with Daryl, who also sat silently as an observer at the table. Daryl nodded and smiled softly, and Harry felt like he was finally understood by another living being.
Present time Severus and Ron, after dinner
The evening chill was slowly settling around the lands, as Severus handed Ron a small slip of parchment with a potion vial with a practiced ease, that only came from passing on secret messages during wartime. Both men were more in tune with each other than they would ever let on, nor acknowledge.
"Your suspicions are confirmed. Marriet verified them for me. If he's being poisoned, than you should be able to help him with this."
"I know what to do." Ron murmured.
"Good."
There was no need for further discussion.
Well, I hope you enjoy the foreplay. It needed to happen some time, haha. I have been sitting on this part for a long time, so I'm glad that I was able to post this chapter. I have the habit of writing single parts for my story, that every now and then fit like a glove, and then I'm the one who's excited like a child to post it.
This was a bit of a filler chapter, but I hope you still like it. Let me know!
