CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Rocla was the first of her siblings to awaken the next morning, though that did not surprise the young Hebridean Black a jot. She, Bartok, Synok and Layna had spent a great deal of their free time helping Metis with her giant brood of children. Eddie and Harlow could barely handle the young hatchlings on their own and it was up to Rocla, Bartok, Synok and Layna to provide the proper examples as older 'siblings', which meant teaching the young ones to walk properly, identify good humans from bad, which meat was good to eat and which not and of course to do as one's nest mother told them to do.
Four of the young hatchlings had already given their names to their Hebridean siblings, and Rocla had not been happy when Papa Harry was not there to translate. Euthalia was the eldest; her younger siblings Aneka, Inzko and Nyamu were next to name themselves. They and their still nameless siblings kept Rocla and her siblings on their claws and the humans on their feet, especially without Papa Harry or any of his friends there to help.
However, Rocla had promised herself that, no matter how tired she became, she would make sure to have enough energy to get up in the morning to scour her territory and the rest of the reserve for any new scents that she could pick up in search of the ones that stunk like Pendragon dung, cabbage and sweating socks. She had even quietly done the Scent Test on all of Papa Harry's friends – they had stunk of lemon, mint, the weird chemical stuff known as cologne, salt water, raspberries and several other different scents, but there had not been one whiff of the offending scents on them.
On one hand that meant all of Papa Harry's friends were good and not responsible for trying to steal Inyala's children. On the other hand, it meant the filthy humans who tried were still somewhere out in the world and not roasting on a fire. Now that Metis' children were born, the need to find them had increased.
Maybe those weird camera things would really come in handy?
Rocla did her usual rounds, making sure that she was stealthy and as quiet as she could manage, starting with the front of the reserve, then Inyala's territory, then Owain's new territory that he shared with his new lady friends; following that, Metis' territory. Still nothing, except the usual scents belonging to the Dragonologists and the caretakers. Some of the scents belonging to Papa Harry's friends still lingered there too. Rocla then extended her search to the back of the reserve.
The place made her feel sad. It was a spacious place where they all lived and the young Hebridean Black could not help but feel disappointed that they didn't have more friends and neighbours. One of the territories at the back of the reserve used to belong to an old Swedish Short Snout called Etoirir and the other belonged to a Norwegian Ridgeback called Lagertha. Both had been empty since Etoirir died of old age and Lagertha died of a broken heart after none of her eggs hatched.
Rocla had met both only once before they passed onto the next life and even though she did miss them, she really wanted the beautiful territories they once called home to be home to new friends once again. The Ouroboros was eternal; life should mimic it as best as it could, that was always Rocla's philosophy.
But even in these unoccupied pieces of land, she smelled nothing that could indicate the vermin had been back for a second attempt. However, that didn't mean they wouldn't find other ways to try again. After all, humans were a crafty, devious species. Once they tasted greed, it was difficult for them to let go of the riches they once possessed. Rocla often noted how similar the humans were to some species of drakon because of it.
The young Hebridean Black looked to the sky to see where the Sun was positioned in the sky. It was already above the horizon and judging about how bright the morning already was, she knew it would not be long until it was feeding time so she decided to make her way back to her territory by air before Mama Anya and Mama Lila realised that she had been out and about.
Rocla made it back just in time for her siblings to start waking up.
*Morning, Rocla. Up again first, I see,* Layna yawned, stretching in a manner that humans would describe as cat-like. Rocla almost wanted to scoff at this.
*I was awake,* Rocla responded simply.
*You should try and stay in bed a little longer. It's soothing,* Bartok hissed contentedly.
*Maybe next time,* she tried to placate her brother.
*Well you are going to need all the energy you can get today,* Synok told her as he rolled onto his back. *Papa Harry is bringing Evan to meet us somewhere today, remember? We get to introduce him to the rest of the family.*
*I haven't forgotten,* Rocla scowled a little. She reclined on her bed of stone and sheep's wool. *I just didn't want to go back to sleep.*
The conversation was quickly dropped when Mama Anya and Mama Lilia soon came to visit with their breakfast, which was actually a giant cow that apparently a normal human farmer could not get rid of and the Dragonologists had bought off his hands for cheap because no one wanted to cow due to the fact it was literally too big to fit into a house specially built for killing livestock. When Rocla first heard about that, she thought it was utterly obscene.
The kill was the best part! It should never be rushed. Humans really did lose all hunters instinct as they grew more and more intelligent, and thus more and more arrogant.
As if a giant cow was not even the best part of breakfast, the four Hebridean Black siblings were also treated to horse, which they didn't get as often. Apparently, horses had sentimental value to the humans, which was strange. It was just a different animal with different meat.
But Rocla learned quickly not to question everything humans did because not even the humans could sometimes make sense of the things they were doing.
"Did the four of you sleep well?" Mama Anya asked as she watched them they tuck in.
*Yes, thank you, Mama!* the siblings chorused.
Fortunately, their Mamas knew them well enough by now to know that they were hissing in the affirmative.
"Are you looking forward to meeting Evan?" Mama Lila quizzed, studying them closely.
Bartok, Synok and Layna nodded enthusiastically for a moment before continuing eating. Rocla, though, seemed less enthused; she had not stopped eating, despite clearly understanding the question. It was not that she didn't want to meet him; she was just a little peeved it had taken the third mate this long to come and see them.
"We had a rather busy night ourselves," Mama Anya informed them; it was customary for their human Mamas to start babbling about their weird dreams and night shifts so the four siblings pricked up their ears to listen more intently as they continued to eat. "We got a rather urgent letter from our sister reserve in Romania about possibly adopting a breeding pair of Romanian Longhorns. They recently escaped an attack by poachers."
This caught the attention of the Hebrideans immediately.
"The couple are apparently so scared that the poachers might come back at any moment that they are too nervous to court," Mama Lila continued. "The reserve in Romania think it is a good idea that they be moved abroad and they know we still have space left – would any of you mind some new neighbours?"
Rocla lit up; it was like Lady Tiamat herself had heard her! Bartok, Synok and Layna shared her enthusiasm. They hissed and roared happily, so much so that their human mothers had to dive out of the way of incoming smoke and fire and then having to quickly make sure that the fire didn't hit any trees.
*Finally! More friends!* Bartok cheered.
*I hear the horns on Longhorn dragons are amazing,* Layna added.
*We will have to protect them too,* Rocla felt the need to point out.
*Not a problem! We have Marsha here too. She is very scary,* Synok reassured, flapping his bat like wings excitedly. *The point is, we are getting more friends. It won't feel as empty here any more.*
"OK, I think that is an emphatic yes," Mama Lila laughed.
"Now we only need to see what Inyala, Owain, Arca, Marsha, Guendolin and Metis have to say," Mama Anya exhaled sharply. "Hopefully Harry will be here in time to translate."
"Well if they are all as overtly excited as the kids then I don't think we need a translator," Mama Lila laughed heartily.
Suddenly, there was an echoing ring around the sanctuary. It made every human and dragon stop and freeze momentarily because it was not a sound that many of them heard on a daily basis – it was essentially the front gate bell, used only for reservation inspectors and unannounced visitors or guests.
Usually the latter consisted of the normal humans called Muggles who accidentally managed to find their way to the reserve and who had to be put under a Sedation Charm and then sent to the Auror offices for Obliviating.
With a weird look that Rocla and her siblings could not decipher, Mama Anya and Mama Lila got to their feet and immediately went in the direction of the front gate. The Hebridean Blacks exchanged a look between them before deciding it was best to follow them. There had been a moment of tension between their two human mothers, and that was not usually a good thing. The young dragons made sure to stay at a safe distance so that they could hide if necessary as they padded after them.
Anya and Lila joined several other Dragonologists at the gate. Outside, Bartok, Synok, Rocla and Layna could see four humans dressed in dark clothes – weird military-like jackets and trench coats and cloaks – standing on the other side of the gate. One of them wore purple and indigo robes and had dark skin; Rocla already found that one fascinating. She had seen dark skinned humans before, but never ones with such a unique style.
The dragons pricked their ears up a little further to try and catch the conversation.
"-I realise this is less than ideal, but we were sent by order of Madam Amelia Bones to discuss heightened security measures for your reserve," one of the men was saying. "Apparently two people have gotten in touch with her directly concerning the attempting poaching of a nesting Opaleye's eggs."
"Were their names Rosier, Lestrange or Crouch by any chance?" the dragons heard one of the Dragonologists ask with a tone of amusement.
"We were not told the names of the informants, sir," the dark man with funny clothes replied. "But it was expressed to us the importance of the situation and so here we are."
"What did you say your names were again?" Lila inquired.
"Forgive our manners. I am Kingsley Shacklebolt, and this is my partner John Dawlish. We are joined by Nymphadora Tonks-"
"Please just call me Tonks!" a jovial voice pleaded. "Whoever permitted my mother to call me a ridiculous name like Nymphadora has a lot to answer to."
"- and this is Indra Vyner," Shacklebolt added as they all handed their badges to the Dragonologists through the gates.
"Aurors," one of the Dragonologists confirmed.
*Aurors? The law enforcement wizards?* Bartok whispered.
*It makes sense they would come here to try and make us safe,* Synok nodded sagely. *They are used to doing this kind of thing.*
*Yes, for humans. Not dragons,* Rocla pointed out.
*Do you think we can trust them?* Layna questioned nervously.
*That's what I hope. Well we can always get their scent,* Rocla responded. *Just to make sure. Oh look, they are on the move.*
"Well, you had better come this way and we can discuss matters further," one of Anya and Lila's superiors stated as they let the four Aurors onto the reserve. "We currently have more precious charges to take care of and are in the midst of negotiations for a breeding pair of Romanian Longhorns, so you can imagine the stress we all feel."
"Cool, Romanian Longhorns," the Auror with the weird name – Tonks – marvelled. "They are really rare!"
"Indeed they are, Auror Tonks," Lila confirmed, sounding amused. "The pair are currently under enough stress, so we need to make sure that our reserve's security is as air tight as it can possibly be, for the mental wellbeing of the pair, but also the mental well-being of the two nesting mothers we currently have. Our Pendragon's eggs recently hatched and there are plenty of vicious poachers out there who would love to steal them."
"We will do what we can," Dawlish responded crisply. "Have you any idea how these poachers got onto the reserve in the first place?"
"None, because there was no sign of forced entry," one of the other Dragonologists answered. "Everyone was accounted for; those who were not on shift were at home. The only thing we do know about these people was their scents."
"Scents?" Auror Vyner repeated.
"Our Hebridean Blacks managed to catch their scent," Anya explained. "It is like gathering a fingerprint or magical residue to them. According to what we know, the people smelled off Pendragon dung, cabbage and smelly socks."
Auror Tonks snorted. "That is practically nothing to go on!"
"To us, definitely," Lila agreed. "But to a dragon, it's everything."
*Especially because we never forget,* Layna commented quietly.
As the four siblings padded past Inyala's territory, the Opaleye in question stuck her head out of her den.
*Bartok, Synok, Rocla, Layna! Could one of you come over here and help me listen to my eggs? I can't hear one of my eggs' heart beats anymore!*
The Hebridean Blacks exchanged a look before hollering over to their friend's den. Because they were all too big to fit in together, Rocla and Layna went in first. The two girls carefully made their way to the ten beautiful, fossil-like eggs that shone with a stunning mother-of-pearl colour and carefully leant their ears against each one in turn. Each had a healthy heartbeat, except perhaps the last egg. That beating was a little faint, which made the sisters a little nervous.
*We need to get Finch, Llewelyn and Aneirin,* Layna decided. She turned around. *Bartok, Synok-*
*We heard! We're going!* Synok reassured as they heard the retreating padding belonging to the two brothers.
Rocla frowned as she continued to listen to the egg. *I think we may also need Papa. He would know what to do.*
*Is one of my children dead?* Inyala asked, sounding extremely anxious.
*No, but their heart is a little strange,* Rocla answered. *Beating very softly.*
*I also have a feeling that it won't be too long now,* Layna added as she checked the other nine eggs one more time. *They feel strong and ready to come out. A bit like Metis' hatchlings.*
Inyala seemed slightly reassured by this. She then frowned. *Who were the strangers in our territory?* she wanted to know.
*Aurors – human protection people. They have come to help with getting better defences,* Rocla explained.
The mother Opaleye relaxed a little at hearing that. The reserve could definitely do with better defences. After all, if someone tried to steal her children once, there was very little stopping them from trying to do it again.
*We're back and we bought Finch, Llewelyn and Aneirin!* Bartok announced.
Rocla and Layna quickly withdrew from the den to make room for Inyala's caretakers, who were slightly ashen in the face; Finch was carrying a medical kit with him, looking almost as though he were about to collapse out of sheer shock. Inyala watched them closely as Finch put down the bag and he took out a weird instrument from it. He put parts of it into his ears and used the long snout with the round end to listen to something in the eggs.
Finally, Finch withdrew from the eggs and put the weird thing away and smiled brightly. "Everyone prepare yourselves, these eggs can hatch any minute now."
*Knew it!* Layna hissed happily.
*We're going to be stuck with more hatchling-sitting duties, aren't we?* Synok grumbled.
*Shut up,* Rocla advised him.
##############################################################
That morning, Evan had gotten up bright and early to wash, dress, have breakfast and make doubly sure he got to Mossbridge Hall on time. He had also made sure to wear his best shirt, a slightly older pair of trousers and out door shoes; Evan did want to make a good impression on the dragons.
As for Harry, he too had gotten up early, mainly due to nerves. During the night he had gotten one of his funny feelings that something was happening at the reserve, but he knew that he could not go and see what it was without risking the wrath of his mother. Harry already had managed to convince her to let him go on the trip to Anglesey with the Lestranges, provided that Lord Lestrange or Rabastan chaperoned at all times. He was not going to risk that trip, or his trip to Lincoln with Barty, for a funny feeling.
Harry also hoped that his dragon children would not be petulant or vindictive enough to hold too much of a grudge against Evan for not visiting sooner. It had also been partially Harry's fault that his other suitor had not been to visit yet, since Harry neglected to invite him in the first place. Inyala was already in an uppity mood so all he could hope from her was a little bit of civility. Metis would not be too much of an issue; neither would Owaine.
Lily Potter noticed his anxiety at breakfast. "I didn't think a third date to introduce your dragons to a potential future Consort would cause this much stress in you. Did you already pick a new favourite?"
Harry rolled his eyes at his mother's teasing tone. "I don't have a favourite."
"Of course you do," Lily chuckled as she put cream on her second scone. "You just don't like admitting to yourself that you do, which is always a trait that I love about you. But it is only natural to feel drawn to a certain someone, especially when they fit you."
The young Lord chuckled a little. "I suppose. But sometimes others can surprise you."
"That they can," the Lady Regent agreed readily as she put jam onto her scone. "But you also have to think of your own happiness. You should never feel obligated to continue courting one or any of them if they don't make you happy."
"I am not unhappy with any of them," Harry reassured her as he sipped his tea. "Surprisingly enough. I am more worried about the dragons behaving themselves and not acting moody just because Evan's visit is a little overdue."
"Dragons are haughty creatures, from what you taught me," Lily's eyes shone with amusement. "That is not something that will change in a hurry, as you know. Just make the most out of today and correct the behaviour of your children if you think they are stepping out of line. That is also what it means to be a parent."
Harry rolled his eyes at that. Lily chuckled.
Fortunately the matter was dropped in favour of Lily complaining about certain articles in the Daily Prophet. Harry let his mother rant, rather enjoying hearing her berate the idiocy of her fellow politicians and the clear bias certain journalists had for them. It gave the young Lord a good moment to do some thinking.
Evan arrived not too long after they finished breakfast; the Rosier heir was rather surprised that he didn't even need to knock on the front door because Nipsy was already waiting to open the door for him the moment the wards around Mossbridge alerted the residents to his presence on the grounds.
Evan flushed at the enthusiasm of the Head House Elf of Mossbridge Hall, which made both Harry and Lily laugh.
"Hello, Evan. How are you?" Lily asked amicably.
"Well enough, Lady Potter. Thank you for asking," Evan replied politely with a small smile.
"Ministry business keeping you on your toes?" the Lady Regent wagered, noticing the slight bags under the man's eyes.
"Always," Evan exhaled sharply. "I pray to Merlin every day that I might find some time to just escape for a few days but then someone finds another task for me to do and then the next thing I know, the day has gone by and I haven't even had my lunch at any point."
Harry frowned at hearing this. "That doesn't sound healthy at all."
Evan shrugged. "The wheels of government have to keep turning and they rest for no one, usually."
"Still, you need to take care of yourself or you can't help keep those wheels turning," Harry pointed out.
Evan smirked a little. "You should take your own advice, my Lord. It is sound indeed."
Harry rolled his eyes at him. He took his jacket off the nearby peg. "Come on. We better get a move on before Bartok, Synok, Rocla and Layna drive Anya and Lila mad with their constant badgering."
Evan nodded in agreement and bowed to Lily before following the precocious young Lord out of the house and in the direction of the dragon reserve. Both Harry and Evan walked in complete silence for a good minute or two, enjoying the sounds of the forest around them and each other's company, before Evan decided to pluck up some latent courage.
"So, you're going to Lincoln with Barty?"
Harry smiled. "Yes."
"Have you … ever been there before?" Evan asked curiously.
"No, so it is a good opportunity to broaden my horizons a little," Harry grinned. "I am also going to Anglesey with the Lestranges soon."
The Rosier heir nodded, trying to kill the jealous feeling that was rising in his stomach in its infancy. "I see."
"Yeah, I had to put the Pout of Doom on Mama for a good ten minutes before she agreed to let me go but it was worth it," Harry looked very pleased with himself.
Evan soon found himself fumbling slightly with his hands. "And if I were to offer to take you to one of my favourite places one day?" he asked nervously. "What would you say?"
Harry smiled mischievously. "I think that depends on what your favourite place is and where."
"France, to the Rosier holiday home," Evan grinned. "It is hidden away in this tiny pocket of a forest and has a beautiful lake beside it."
"Already sounds like magic to me," Harry commented.
Evan snorted at that. He then composed himself. "Would you … bring me a souvenir back from Lincoln?"
The young Lord blinked at that but nodded. "Of course. I was already planning on it."
"Anglesey too?" Evan almost winced at how childish he sounded.
Harry chuckled. "Anglesey too," he reassured.
Evan looked more relieved and relaxed at this. "Do your dragon children know you will be going on a small holiday?"
"Not yet. I will tell them today," Harry replied, looking slightly nervous. "I hope they will take it well enough. They don't like it when I stay away too long."
Evan smiled understandingly. "I can imagine. You're their father. They love you, so they want to protect you."
"I know," Harry laughed shortly. "Doesn't make telling them that I will be going away any less nerve-wrecking!"
"Fair enough," Evan conceded.
"Harry, Harry – thank Merlin you're here!" the pair were met at the gates by Anya, who skidded to a halt as she stopped barrelling towards them, sweat beading her forehead and her eyes dancing with excitement.
"Anya what is it?" Harry wanted to know immediately. "Has something happened?"
"No, something is about to happen!" Anya laughed. "Inyala's eggs are about to hatch!"
Harry and Evan exchanged a look of delight as they followed Harry's fellow Dragonologist into the reserve. All the while, Anya was relaying to them the morning events – from the possibility of gaining a breeding pair of Romanian Longhorns to the visit from Aurors to discuss security for the reserve.
At hearing this, Harry turned to Evan, who tried to look innocent. "I assume you had a hand in this?"
"I may have accidentally bumped into Amelia Bones and asked her if Rodolphus had gotten in touch with her," Evan informed with a smirk. "She promised that she would get some of her people onto the matter."
Harry lit up at this. "You guys are the best."
Evan preened at this, causing Anya to snort. She never thought in a million years she would witness Evan Rosier act like a starstruck teenager. The Dragonologist's amusement only increased when they got to Inyala's territory and the three were immediately greeted by Bartok, Synok, Rocla and Layna.
*Papa, Papa, we are getting new friends and more siblings!* they blabbered.
*We followed Mama Anya and Mama Lila to make sure those Aurors are OK to come in and then Inyala was worried one of her hatchlings was dead in the egg so we had to come and check the heartbeats – it is still weak but alive,* Rocla added quickly; Harry actually had some issue with keeping up to translate everything she was saying.
Harry nodded thoughtfully. "Is the weaker egg still alive?"
*Yes, Papa,* Layna confirmed.
"Then it may be the case that the child in question simply needs a little extra help with hatching," Harry stated ponderingly. "I read about it once – apparently those cases are really rare but do happen."
"What do we need to do?" Anya wanted to know.
"I think you can guess as well as I," Harry smirked as – to the shock of both Anya and Evan – fire started dancing around his fingers. "We need to give him or her a little extra warmth."
*Papa has all the answers,* Bartok stated happily, his siblings hissing in celebration.
Harry turned to his suitor. "Stay here with Bartok and the others. I'll be right back; I highly doubt Inyala wants any strangers around her children right now."
"Yeah, you're probably right," Evan gulped, clearly remembering the introduction he had to that Opaleye.
Anya and Lila stayed back as well; Finch, Llewelyn and Aneirin withdrew from Inyala's den. Harry found his friend near her children, nuzzling each egg lovingly. Inyala looked up curiously.
*Harry, I am so glad to see you! Did you bring your third mate like you promised?* she asked eagerly.
*Of course. But right now, we have something more important to deal with,* Harry answered with a smile. *I hear one of your young one's needs a little more help than normal to come into the world.*
Inyala nodded gravely and then nudged the egg in question with her snout. The young Dragonologist knelt down beside the egg and gently picked it up as he incanted a non-verbal Fire Spell once more. Harry kept his unblinking gaze on the egg and the flames as the orange and yellow fire danced and snaked around it, praying to whatever deity would listen that the child inside would survive.
He didn't know how long he kept the spell up; he only knew when it was time to dissipate them when he saw the beautiful egg begin to crack. As it did so, Harry carefully put it back and stepped away as the rest of the nine eggs too began to shake and crack. Inyala hissed happily and excitedly.
*My hatchlings!*
Harry laughed and practically ran out. "It's time everyone!"
*Yaaaaaaay!* the Hebrideans cheered.
"Oh Merlin," Finch, Llewelyn and Aneirin chorused, clearly paling at the thought of nine extra dragons to take care of.
Layna gently nudged Evan. *You came on the right day, Papa's third mate!*
Evan chuckled as Harry translated. "Yes I suppose I did. And you may just call me Evan."
*OK!* Layna stated happily. *Who else are you looking forward to meeting? We know that Metis and her hatchlings have been itching at the wings to meet you and the other two.*
"Well I cannot wait to meet them," Evan reassured.
*Do you have family?* Rocla asked curiously.
Evan blinked in surprise but soon regained some composure. "I have my parents, my grandparents – I used to have a sister but she … died."
The siblings wilted physically at hearing this.
*Rocla, you idiot,* Synok commented.
*How was I supposed to know that his sister is dead?* Rocla wailed.
Layna changed the subject. *What is your occupation?*
Evan smiled smally. "I work for the Ministry of Magic. I mostly look at documents and legislations to make sure everything is legally sound and there is no funny business."
*Is that very important?* Bartok asked curiously.
Evan flushed a little. "Yes and no. I don't do anything too exciting."
Harry gave him a pointed look. "Don't sell yourself short, Evan. Your job is very important because you help to make sure those politicians stay honest."
*Do you like the flying horse races too?* Synok asked eagerly.
"Abraxan races?" Evan clarified for himself. He smiled. "Yes, I enjoy going to a race now and again."
"Evan! Kids! We can see the hatchlings now," Anya announced, beckoning them over to the den.
The excited Hebrideans led the way, with their human papa and his suitor following. The young Opaleyes were chirping away excitedly and nervously; one or two were still hiding in their eggs, trying to hide from all the creepy strangers around them. When they met their Hebridean family, they tried to put their shells back together, much the amusement of their mother and the humans. Rocla, Bartok, Layna and Synok were a little affronted though.
Funnily enough, the youngest and the one who needed some extra help hatching, was actually the first of the hatchlings to try and escape from the nest to explore. The young dragon was quite small in comparison to some of its siblings, Harry noted almost immediately. However it seemed the tyke was not going to allow its size to stop it from having fun.
"Damn," Evan breathed out with a chuckle. "They're so cute."
Inyala grinned a toothy grin at that. *Thank you kindly.*
Evan flushed as Harry translated happily. The Rosier heir was even happier when the young dragon in question actually managed to escape the nest and immediately ambled up to Harry and Evan's feet, tongue flicking in and out as it took in their scents. Evan tried not to so much as breathe as the young dragon did so.
"He's an inquisitive little one," Harry commented with a laugh as Inyala gently picked up her youngest hatchling as he tried to pull at the laces on Evan's shoes.
"Indeed," Evan chuckled.
*And you have other members of the family to meet!* Layna added as she padded over and began pushing Harry and Evan towards the entrance of the den with her head. *We will not hear the end of it if you don't visit Owaine, Arca, Marsha, Guendolin and Metis. Especially Metis; and make sure to prepare yourself for an enthusiastic welcome from her hatchlings.*
As it turned out, Layna's warning was rather fitting. Owaine and his lady friends practically flattened Evan to the ground in their enthusiasm when Harry came to introduce the Rosier heir to them. Marsha spent five minutes berating Evan for daring to "come late", as she put it, until Harry told her – quite firmly – to knock it off while Evan picked himself off the ground, looking between dazed and amused.
Metis was far more controlled in her greeting, but her hatchlings were not. As Layna had said, they greeted Harry and Evan enthusiastically – meaning they were very soon tackled to the ground while being licked and nuzzled by several eager young Pendragons.
*Is this the third mate?*
*He looks too pretty.*
*Will the other two visit too?*
*Does he eat meat?*
Evan could barely answer a single question; they were being fired too quickly and he was also laughing too much. He had been flattened twice in a day by dragons who were not trying to kill him but trying to get to know him; when did his life get this interesting?
Very soon, he also had a face full of adult Pendragon. *Are you all right?*
Evan chuckled. "I am perfectly well, thank you," he reassured as he and Harry picked themselves up. "Your children have a lot of … fire."
Harry facepalmed at that pun, while Metis hissed with laughter.
"I'll say. I thought you two would be fully pancaked."
Harry and Evan looked around to see a young woman with purple whacky hair, a red trench coat and an almost permanent smile on her face watching them, eyes dancing with amusement.
Evan's good mood soured in a second. "Auror Tonks," he recognised her in seconds. "What are you doing here?"
"Helping with extra security measures for the dragons," Auror Tonks answered nonchalantly with a shrug. "Didn't they tell you?"
"They did," Harry responded as he and Evan got to their feet. "We just were not told who would be coming."
Auror Tonks hummed. "Oh well. At least I got to see if the rumours about Lord Potter and his love of dragons were actually founded. I am rather glad I wasn't misinformed; it would be rather disappointing to find out that you actually like normal lizards."
"I like all sorts of creatures, Auror Tonks," Harry reassured crisply. "Dragons are my passion."
"So it would seem," Auror Tonks grinned. She sighed. "Well, I had better get going to the back of the reserve. I do have a job to do after all. Gentlemen, dragons, it was a pleasure."
Auror Tonks bowed with a dramatic flourish to the humans and dragons before carrying on her way. Harry, Evan, Metis and the young Pendragons watched her leave with a mixture of confusion and apprehension. Evan, especially, who set his jaws quite tightly.
Harry saw the Rosier heir's eyes glow menacingly. "What is it, Evan?" he asked gently.
"I don't trust that one as far as I can throw her," Evan responded candidly.
"Do you have some kind of history with her?" Harry asked the question before he even comprehended what he was doing.
Evan snorted. "No! Absolutely not. I just know that she hangs around a lot of people who are close allies of Dumbledore."
Harry froze for a moment, eyes going wide. He looked down the path Tonks had gone down. "I see."
"Yeah," Evan grumbled. "I just hope that she is actually here to help protect the dragons, and not do any kind of spying."
Harry hummed in agreement. "Well, let's just give her the benefit of the doubt for now," he decided. The young Lord grinned. "Shall we go and get something to eat soon? I am rather hungry and the canteen here does have some decent meals now and again."
"Sure. Shall we ask your dragon children to come along?" Evan suggested.
*Oh those four can eat anyone under the table,* Metis grumbled. *They will likely eat more than half the stock themselves!*
Harry and Evan chuckled.
As predicted, Bartok, Synok, Rocla and Layna accepted the lunch offer enthusiastically, asking Evan a myriad of questions the whole time. Evan answered as best as he could, but absolutely refused to answer the questions posed on human children and if he wanted any.
Though it had concerned Harry, he saved his suitor from the ignominy that he felt by changing the subject. "I will be going on holiday soon," he told his children. "To Wales, so I will be gone for around four days-"
*Please bring us something back!*
*Are you going with your mates?*
*Do you even know how to speak Welsh?*
*Papa is finally taking a break. Lady Tiamat have mercy.*
Harry huffed to himself while Evan laughed. Yep, dragon children were definitely more than enough trouble for now!
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So finally Evan has been introduced to the dragons and Rocla seems to be on high alert; will that alertness pay off? Will the help given by the Aurors actually keep the poachers at bay? Now that Metis and Inyala's eggs have hatched, will the babies now become the targets? Stay tuned to find out.
As usual, this is another sandcastle from JK's sandbox – I don't own the world of Harry Potter.
Kingmaker'sUmbreon