See first chapter for disclaimers/warnings/summaries. Don't forget to check out The Dragel Handbook, a companion fic/encyclopedia of sorts with information and ficlets for TBDH. This chapter is dedicated to twilightreaderaddict/Meechy, who asked for a snippet of Theo/Charlie while they were sorting things out. :D
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RECAP: After Bahn and the others have returned home for the evening, Harry waits to feel evidence of Theo and Charlie's bonds being completed. He decides to spend his evening playing and running along the beach. Harry is surprised to see a strange, glowing person being eaten by an equally strange water-snake creature and he rushes to the rescue only to end up being rescued himself. He meets a smart-mouthed, sarcastic Water-Dragel, (a Merrow) known as Alec, and his trained water serpent, named Goonter. After an exasperating conversation and another blackout episode, Harry decides to return home after sensing that Theo and Charlie have sorted themselves out.
NEVARAH : ILSA'S GUEST HOUSE : MASTER BEDROOM : DEVERAINE PROPERTY :
"This will hurt, won't it?" Charlie stood on one side of the bed, surveying his Alpha with a weary air. Ilsa had all but thrown them together into the bedroom before strongly warding the door. He didn't need to try testing the lock to know that it wouldn't open. The short Gheyo knew her magic and he'd felt some of it the night before when she'd been with Bahn as well as up close and personal when she'd purged him of the tainted, black blood that had repressed his dragel side.
She'd ordered them to sort things out before the night was over, scolding them on how their dancing around each other was affecting Harry. Charlie couldn't stop the guilt that had blossomed at once, remembering the wonderfully bittersweet moments the night before, when all three of them had been in harmony. He'd noticed it fading in and out through the course of the day, but he hadn't thought much of it. He didn't know what to expect, no one had ever told him.
But Ilsa.
Ilsa was furious and all but spitting fire, apparently having figured out one very obvious detail that Charlie had missed. He didn't want to be Theo, for he could read the look in her eyes as the same one his mother would have, right before she took the twins to task for one prank or another.
When they'd exchanged scales in the clinic, Theo had simply gifted him two of Harry's, instead of one of his own and one of Harry's. He hadn't noticed. He hadn't really had the time to be wondering and worrying about it. He'd really only been wearing them for about a day or so. Then his wings had been such a pain that he hadn't even thought to think of anything else. But Ilsa had spotted it straightaway and from Theo's averted gaze, Charlie felt his chest squeeze and tighten in dismay.
Theo had known. He had known, but he'd done it on purpose.
Something that felt like betrayal had danced over him and now, here they were, locked together in a room, to fix things that should have been already put together.
Ilsa hadn't given them a choice. But Theo hadn't dared cross her and Charlie hadn't either. The woman was a caged wildcat with her famous temper held in check only by Greta's teasing words and Bahn's drawling promises. Her idea of forced isolation was good.
It had worked brilliantly. Neither he nor Theo had put up any resistance after that.
It wasn't worth the promise of pain if they'd protested. Which was how they found themselves in their current situation, standing opposite of each other with the giant bed between them. The same place they'd been the night before, when things had been simple, beautiful and magical.
Now, it seemed to be anything but. Theo was the picture of agitation, twitchy and nervous, sharp golden eyes flickering over every corner of the room.
Charlie affected a look of boredom, knowing that he couldn't pull off the emotionless mask that his Alpha had already donned. He'd already given himself over the night before. Too much of himself over, it seemed. He waited, wearily, to hear the answer to the question that maybe, he shouldn't have asked, but somehow felt that he had to know.
"It couldn't possibly be painless," Theo snapped. He should have gifted the redhead a scale last night, he should have, but in spite of everything, he hadn't been able to make himself react. His dragel still wanted proof. A true glimpse of whether he could trust everything to this young man that was bigger, taller and seemingly more experienced than him. He needed to knowfor sure. There was far more in this than mere pride at stake. He could no more explain this in words than he could interpret the complicated expression on the older wizard's face.
It didn't help that Harry's heartfelt plea in the Snape's quarters still run in his ears. His Submissive had begged him not to fight with the redhead. He hadn't even said "Theo" he said "dominant" a title of utmost respect and one detail that now made Theo feel like even more of a berk. If he'd only been able to ignore that, then it would have been a simple little scrabble, a bit of fangs, claws and blood—of course—and then it would've been over.
He sighed. Stupid bloody feelings! He thought sourly. He had never imagined his Bonded Circle turning into this sort of a mess. He'd always assumed that it would progress according to instinct and expected norm, with the occasional spats here and there. Then again, he'd never even considered that he would have a Submissive like Harry.
Oh Harry… Theo swallowed back a growl. If I had my claws in you now, I'd make sure you understood just what you asked of me. He bit back another sigh. It wasn't really Harry's fault and he knew that Harry hadn't really known what was involved, but he was ticked off and Harry wasn't there—thankfully—so he could use it for the mental distraction that it provided. His acceptance of Charlie last night would only make this night more difficult for them both. His Beta would be fighting two battles—one within and one without—he would second-guess himself and the memorable bonding night they'd shared. And Charlie…Merlin save me from my own stupidity…you deserve better than this. Better than having to deal with my unsorted instincts…I will try to make it painless…since you asked. I can't promise it though.
He would have to fight Charlie now. There was no way around it. Perhaps he simply wouldn't mention it to Harry. After all, he had done his best, but some things were instinctive and even though he had agreed at the time, he'd done so with a certain stipulation. He would not physically attack Charlie—not unless his new Beta physically challenged him first. Then, and only then, it would be in self-defense, never mind what instinct came to the forefront afterward.
Personally, he didn't really want to fight Charlie. He did trust that part of their bond. There was no reason not to. His Beta was strong, lean and handsome. He carried himself with a subtle air and confidence that spoke of experience and pure skill. Evidence of such was proved by the various scars that littered that tanned, toned body. Scars on a dragel that wasn't ranked Gheyo could mean lots of things, but Theo knew just what to read from these.
He was particularly loathe to add any scars of his own making to that already marked skin. Charlie wore them well, almost as a badge of honor, but Theo disliked the thought of injuring his Bonded deeply and purposefully enough to leave a visible, marked scar. He had absolutely no illusions that Charlie would escape unscathed. He could try to make it painless, after all, his own skills were nothing to scoff at. He was Ilsa's Apprentice after all and Merlin knew the woman took no prisoners.
She could be vicious and downright dirty in a fight of sheer power. She'd also never lost a single match. He hoped to do the same. She'd never let him fight in an official capacity. Only when it wouldn't be counted.
He could now hear bits and pieces of advice floating through his head in his mentor's trademark sarcastic style.
Theo banished his clothes with a single, twitch of his wand. He laid it atop the neatly folded pile and settled it in a corner of the room where he assumed it would come to the least amount of damage. One of the first rules in a simple fight between Bonded was to minimize the damage, no matter what it could be. He knew the room would be a mess by the time they finished. Hopefully, he could spare the clothes. It was nothing he couldn't replace, but one did not acquire wealth by throwing it away.
He rolled his neck to the sides, stretched his arms and began to call out his preferred Halfling form. Rich, dark brown scales began to ripple and surface on his pale, creamy skin. Golden eyes darkened to a honeyed hue as his fingers lengthened, then curled into deadly, wicked claws. He hadn't used this form in a little while. He'd called out his Halfling-wizard form last night. This halfing form was every inch dragel. His pale skin faded away to the same dark, cocoa-colored scales as his trademark wings. They would offer him some semblance of protection.
"Good idea," Charlie murmured, faintly. He banished his own clothes, deliberately turning away to stash them in his own corner. If Theo attacked him from behind, he'd judge his Alpha on that. As long as this fight had to happen, he'd make the most of it. He didn't fancy doing it again, so he would make sure there was absolutely no possible option for this to do anything else, but satisfy the requirements. Charlie took his time in choosing a spot for his neatly spell-folded clothes. He set it down and reluctantly relinquished his wand as well, he was still not used to being without it, no matter how much more magic now hummed beneath his skin.
Theo barely managed to keep a hiss to himself as he saw the patterned scars that decorated Charlie's back. They were swiftly becoming a turn-on for him every time his Beta dared to be shirtless. His perfectly decent intentions to keep the fight painless, already wavered. Instinctively, he'd be hard-pressed not to react with a little more passion and fire.
As much as he disliked the fact that the scars had been gifted by strangers or dragons, he didn't wish to have his hand in them. Then again, Theo had a feeling that he'd be equally hard-pressed to keep his hands off of the tanned, warm skin, much as he had when it came to Harry. If he had to leave a mark, perhaps he could make it a pretty one.
Some Gheyos were noted for only submitting to an Alpha after a fairly brutal fight, however, those fights would often be postponed if the Alpha would agree to let the Gheyo mark them in another method beside a bonding tattoo. Proof could be something like the small, spiral-shaped scar that both Aracle and Greta wore after 'taming' their dear Ilsa. Theo had once sat still long enough to hear the tale. It had been one reason he was loathe to even consider marking Charlie.
But now…as he stood, watching Charlie, he could understand how it had happened.
He tamped down another bored sigh. Best to simply charge forward and square things away.
Dark navy blue tattoos rippled and shimmered along Charlie's tanned, broad back as he turned, his own Halfling form slowly meandering to the surface. He didn't have Theo's experience in doing so, but his instincts had instantly come to the forefront when Alpha pheromones had begun to fill the room. His dragel nature had instinctively come forward and he realized that he was settling in for a good fight.
He had asked, in the brief near shouting match they'd had before Ilsa had forcibly removed them from the beach, what he'd meant by letting things progress as they had. Theo had given him some excuse about Harry's wish that they not fight, but he while he could understand his Submissive's distress and his Alpha's reluctance, he felt rather slighted.
Hadn't they thought to give him any consideration at all? He didn't mind a fight. In fact, his skin crawled at the thought of finally having a chance to test his Alpha and prove his own worth.
He was a good Beta, he could be a good Beta, if they'd let him. Why would they deny him the chance to prove it? Surely he was worthy of a true test, no matter how small it might be. He'd accepted the claim to his person and magic, but he wanted more than confirmation. The bonding night, both fierce and meaningful, had been missing on key point.
He needed more.
Validation and true acceptance would be satisfactory, if his Alpha was truly deserving of his title and had the nerve to do so.
A low growl met his ears and Charlie turned, a lofty smirk etching its way onto his face. He couldn't temper the contempt that rose up in him or the faint flickers of shame and insecurity. He might not have known anything about Dragels and their world a few weeks ago, but he was a fast learner and he'd done the best that he could, since they'd all come together. Surely that warranted some form of acknowledgement, but instead, his Alpha had skipped the one thing that would truly cement them together. Charlie hadn't missed that part when Ilsa had been ranting at the smaller Slytherin.
It had made his heart ache. He didn't know how to process that. He'd been able to shake off countless things before, but this—this was something he had no real control over. It burned inside of him like the flames that now danced around his shoulders as his hair ignited and faded into smoldering, blue flickers.
Sharp blue eyes drilled into hazel-hued ones.
"If you didn't want me," Charlie spoke with more steadiness than he felt. "You shouldn't have carried on last night."
There was a sharp snort and Theo tossed his head, agitated. "Last night had nothing to do with now." He blinked, as if the convoluted sentence made no sense to him the second he'd spoken.
"Strange. You only had to-"
"Slytherin habits never die." Theo interrupted. He tracked his Beta's movements as Charlie circled to the other side of the room. Ilsa's warding had included some of the basic things, but he was sure that the magic was only as strong as the intent. Ilsa had warded them out of habit, it could be broken by intense emotion and powerful magic, he was sure. There was definitely enough of that in the room. He'd just have to make sure to avoid any pointy edges.
"So we've been reduced to house status?" Charlie inquired, mildly.
"No, rather, I wanted you to know that I couldn't fully trust you until I had a real reason to do so." Theo's eyes darkened even further. "Your inherent nature and your instincts will dictate your behavior unless something significant provokes you otherwise. I need to know just how far I can trust you. I can see your honesty, I have felt your loyalty, but I have no reason to respect you—no significant reason."
Charlie smiled, all gleaming fangs and sharp edges. "Then consider this significant." He lunged across the room in a blur, claws extended. He felt hard scales, smoothness and then warm, sticky liquid as the armored skin gave way to his sharp claws. He tackled Theo the ground, hard enough to bruise.
They were a bloody, gasping mess, when it was all over.
The fight had taken well over two hours, neither wanting to be the one to stand back first. Of course, Charlie would have judged Theo, if he'd called a halt to their match an hour into it. Theo, of course, would have judged Charlie in turn if the Beta had dared suggest they finish things up.
It had been raw, primal and absolutely necessary.
Now, it was over. The Alpha-Beta bond had snapped fully into place, the moment Theo had pulled heavily on his earthen element to bring the fight to an acceptable close. Charlie hadn't been able to call his fire to react to it. He had—but it hadn't been anywhere near enough to counter Theo's expertise.
Dragel healing had yet to catch up with dragel marks though and some of the larger slashes remained angry and red, against pale and tanned skin in turn. Charlie lay, plastered to the floor, chest heaving even as the restraints binding him to the floor began to ease at last. A few shiny burn marks decorated Theo's once-perfect skin, the edges slowly healing, even as singed hair curled around his ears.
That had been a frightening moment, Charlie could admit. He'd been fine with everything in their emotionally charged, tension-filled fight, until in the heat of the moment, pure instinct and raw power had prompted the rush of flame that had set Theo ablaze. The very human scream that had filled the room had shocked him out of any further confrontations. He later wondered if it had been a scream of pain—or fury. He didn't know Theo well enough to judge which it had been.
Theo hadn't been discouraged by a touch of fire, however, and they'd finished their fight to the tune of snarls, growls and whines. Theo's lithe figure and smaller stature had granted him the advantage once the fight had moved to wrestling. Charlie's efforts had been calmly circumvented when Theo had finally used his own element.
The moment Charlie had been finally wrestled to the floor, the fight was over. Theo's element allowed him every advantage necessary, including moving fast enough to avoid Charlie's dangerous flames. He'd been weighted to the ground, then forcibly restrained by calm, sure hands that had maneuvered him into a fairly vulnerable position.
He coughed wetly, soaked in blood and sweat, feeling still as if the weight of a world rested on his chest.
"Shhh," his Alpha's voice, strong and firm, from above, soothed. Dangerous clawed hands combed gently through the sweat-damped locks, the blue flame having burned red before it faded altogether. "You did very well, my dragonheart. You are definitely more than worthy of the rank and position that belongs to you."
Charlie stared upwards at that solemn, dark face. He stared as those great, shimmering wings curved forward, trying to ignore the slightly painful weight of Theo perched on his midsection as that other clawed hand dug into his midsection with unerring precision. He watched, silently, as his Alpha lifted the bloodied claw to his lips and sensually licked the crimson liquid, dark eyes lightening to a familiar golden hue.
For a moment, Charlie couldn't breathe when Theo freed one of warm hands from the invisible bonds to draw it up and calmly carved bloody streaks across his pale torso. His claws tingled at the warmth and magic contained in his Alpha's blood, even as his hand was guided to his mouth. Charlie balked.
Theo didn't. The crimson-coated claws remained hovering just before Charlie's still-healing lips.
Theo gave an encouraging rumble.
Tentatively, Charlie's tongue poked out to taste the powerful offering.
Magic crackled and sparked visibly in the air around them.
Matching streaks faded away into newly healed skin.
Charlie breathed easier when Theo's lips twitched into a fanged smile, the sudden weight lightening considerably.
It had only taken a flicker of power for Theo to alter his weight to allow his Beta to lie comfortably beneath him. The rest of the restraints, formed from the wooden floors, slowly disintegrated as Theo's wings arched forward and brushed gently in the sudden silence in the bedroom. Curving his right wing forward, he hummed encouragingly when Charlie's fingers twitched uncertainly on the floor at his side.
"Because you have won, it is your right to take them." Theo's wings stilled, held at just the right angle for Charlie's fingers to reach up and take what was needed. "If you prefer the lighter ones…" the left wing angled sharply inward.
Charlie licked his lips, a minute shake of his head. He didn't care about the color. He'd take whichever one was loose. He understood what was being offered and knew that the action was what mattered—not following through on it. His right hand was released from the invisible weighted restraints still pinning him to the floor. He skimmed his shaking fingers over the smooth, warm wing scales.
Blue eyes flickered uncertainly to meet shimmering golden ones. His fingers calmed, carefully stroking over the proffered expanse, watching as those golden eyes rolled back in pleasure, growing heavy-lidded with the welcome ministrations. He felt along the smooth scales until his fingers caught on a rough patch.
When he pried the desired scale loose, Theo didn't make a sound.
Charlie lay still, after he handed it over, watching as Theo switched it for Harry's extra scale. He held out his hand for the extra and waited. After a moment's pause, Theo handed it over.
With a burst of flame and magic, he dissolved it into nothing.
Silence twined between them. Magic hung in the air. Time passed.
Those rich golden eyes finally returned to their natural, golden hue, a new vibrance shimmering behind them. Something different, something deeper, something unspoken.
A challenge almost.
"Is that all?" Charlie licked his lips.
"Hardly." Theo whispered. He stretched forward and claimed those newly healed lips.
It was an intimate dance of dominance, one that Theo won, of course. Charlie finally gave into it, once he'd made his point and now, they sat together, with nothing needing to be said.
Theo's elegant, long-fingered hands stroked over the myriad of scars that littered that tanned chest, before golden eyes finally settled on those steady blue orbs. "Should you ever have need of me and I cannot reach you, use this as a last resort." Theo murmured. "This is how Harry brought you back. I've changed it just a bit though, so I won't quite...die, if you use it."
Charlie felt his breath hitch, slightly.
"The words are...Orbis Terraro Ken. It should only be as an absolute last resort, it will transfer all of my reserves to you, using you as the primary channel. I hope you need never use it. Nod if you understand."
The dragon tamer swallowed. After a moment, he nodded. They sat in continued silence and then Charlie hesitated. "...would I ever...?"
"As soon as we find you a mentor, as soon as they teach you the depth of your element, then yes. It is the final test you must pass." Theo rested his hands on Charlie's broad shoulders, fingers playing with the untied locks. "It is one of the most difficult things you will ever do."
"What happens to you?"
Theo's lips twitched. "Nothing too serious. Might be out of it for a few weeks."
Charlie snorted. But he understood all that wasn't said and mentally tucked away the spell in back of his mind.
The last part of the ritual was just as bloody as the first half, Charlie mused. But there was magic in that blood and he understood as much, surprised to find that his earlier aversion to such things had finally melted away. Then again, he was sure he could blame it on watching Harry feed from Theo.
Harry's expressions could be illegal from the look of orgasmic bliss on his pale features every time their Alpha allowed that bit of necessary intimacy. The jealously he'd felt from that was tempered by the fact that now, Charlie was Theo's sole focus. He was allowed to sit up and kissed in reward for his obedience.
Theo's kisses were thorough and drugging and Charlie couldn't complain. There wasn't any reason to.
In the shadowy, ruined bedroom, they sat across from each other, experience warring with necessity and newly awakened instincts reminding them of their shared Submissive. Charlie knew logically that things were complete now, but there was one final tug in the back of his mind that did not quite settle down as he wanted.
Theo's steady gaze would be unnerving at any other time, but the silence that stretched between them was companionable enough that Charlie understood his Alpha was waiting for him to speak.
"…is it good enough this time?" The words were a mere whisper. His face flared with heat, a touch of guilt, shame and defiance all rolled into one. He'd thought he'd given everything last night. But everything hadn't even been enough, had it?
"Do you still give me everything?" Theo asked, head tilted to the side.
"If you have to ask, then I've managed to bungle it again." Charlie couldn't keep the rawness from his voice.
"Shall we swear to never make this mistake again?" Theo's voice, soft like velvet, held an equally pained edge. His actions could only have translated as hurtful and he'd continued, deliberately. Now, he would have to give more of himself and if accepted, it would be the first step in offering an apology for the unnecessary pain he'd caused.
"Could we?" Charlie threw back. "I thought-"
"Blood is enough. Magic is enough." Theo murmured. "But together…"
And suddenly, Charlie knew. "Yes."
"Repeat after me," Theo murmured, extending a hand. "Change to the opposite, when you know which is yours." They sat together, Charlie braced with his back against the wall, Theo perched on his strong thighs, an awkward, but doable position, for the moment. They were at just the right height for what would eventually come of this extra ritual.
They clasped hands, one tan, one pale. Blue eyes met Gold. Fire met Earth. Threads of soft, golden magic knitted together with the warm, red strands that licked along the joined hands.
"To a wandering soul, a friend is life." Theo's grip tightened faintly.
Charlie responded in kind. "To a wandering soul, a friend is life."
"To a shadow, the sun is death."
"To a shadow, the sun is death." Charlie repeated.
"In strength and adversity, by loyalty through honesty, I do so solemnly swear."
The dragon tamer's lips twitched into the softest, faintest tease of a smile. "In strength and adversity, by loyalty through honesty, I do so solemnly swear."
"To the four elements that reign within and without and the two that stand beside them." Theo's own near smirk met the look of understanding leveled at him. This was permanent—this was forever.
"To the four elements that reign within and without and the two that stand beside them." Charlie's deep voice intoned.
Theo leaned forward, lips barely touching one tanned ear, warm breath sending shivers through his living pillow. "I take this obligation freely and I accept my responsibility."
Charlie swallowed, hard. "I take this obligation freely and I accept my responsibility."
"As I am Alpha, I accept you, Beta." Theo gifted the ear a gentle bite, catching on the earring with his fangs. "May that which is between us, be never torn apart." A hot, open-mouthed kiss was pressed over Charlie's bared neck. Theo sucked once, lightly, then sank his fully aroused fangs into the skin, directly over the claiming mark from the night before.
A muffled cry came from Charlie's lips as the magic invoked literally bled into his veins from the point of Theo's bite. His head thunked back against the wall, a groan escaping as he felt those lips move and his blood being drawn deliciously slow, bordering on torturous, but remaining exquisitely pleasurable.
When those wicked fangs finally withdrew, Theo's bloody lips slanted directly over Charlie's parted ones, seeking, devouring and dominating. The Alpha took all that was there and gave freely, all there was to give. He finished, by guiding Charlie's head to rest in the unblemished crook of his neck, with final whispered words of possession. "You are mine."
"…yes." Charlie answered, a beat later.
Theo's hands skimmed comfortingly up and down his sides. Reassuring and firm in their steady strokes.
"…As I am Beta, I accept you, Alpha." Charlie's whisper was strong and steady. "May that which is between us, be never torn apart." His aching fangs surged up through his gums, and he hovered, selecting a spot. "I am yours." He bit down.
Rich, thick blood flooded his mouth at once, soothing and arousing him on a level he'd never even thought possible. He felt Theo's body tense and shudder in his arms, as the shared pleasure washed over them both, amplified by the renewed bond between them and enhanced by the second one they'd just cast.
Their joined hands burned a moment later, new magic twining over in the shared, meshed strands.
Charlie stifled a hiss even as Theo gritted his teeth.
They watched, together, as new tattoos were formed out of nothing, scrolling across pale and tanned skin, in matching stripes of their respective burgundy and navy hues. When their hands fell apart, the matching scrolls faded away.
After a moment, Charlie smiled. This was far more than 'enough'. He almost didn't know what to say. "…thank you."
"Always."
Of course, blood sharing was a lovely precursor to more enjoyable things and Charlie was hardly about to protest when Theo guided them down that particular line of interest. He did protest at being taken on the floor, but Theo had swallowed those breathy words and done something with his fingers that had Charlie's cries echoing through the room.
By the time the cushioning charm registered, Charlie was too content to quibble over it. Not that it mattered, there was something primal and satisfying at knowing that he'd provoked his perpetually calm Alpha into such a single-minded concentration. Being the recipient of such affections was an added bonus.
"…the room's a mess." Charlie ventured to speak, after a while. "What time is it?"
"Late." Theo mumbled, vaguely. He was enjoying his Beta-pillow, soaking up Charlie's elemental warmth and enjoying the last of their pleasant haze. "Magic."
Charlie bit back a snigger at that. Theo's expression was borderline grumpy at the very thought of having to move at all. He didn't blame him, the day had been long and he was fairly exhausted himself. But, he was beginning to wonder about the time, the others and Harry. He hoped that Harry had settled down and relaxed.
The moment on the beach when he'd thrown both him and Theo halfway down the sandy strip had really helped to hammer the reality home. He hadn't realized an incomplete bond could cause so much trouble. He hadn't even known it was incomplete. Thankfully, Ilsa had been there and knew the signs. She stepped in as a substitute along with another young woman of considerable power.
Together, the two of them had been able to approach Harry, and then Bahn and Soula had joined as well. Eventually, they'd managed to come to some sort of agreement and Harry had finally fallen asleep. Ilsa explained that he likely wouldn't remember the confrontation at all and warned them not to mention it if Harry didn't.
Theo suddenly frowned, sitting up. He rose a moment later, stepping away from Charlie's splayed form.
"Theo?"
"Harry." Came the immediate answer. "Something's…off."
"Off like how?"
"Haven't you been feeling things?"
"The entire time we've been here, yes." Charlie hesitated. "…was that Harry?"
"We have no other shared Bonded between us." Theo retorted, dryly. A moment later, he winced. "Yes. That was Harry."
"I don't—ow." Charlie mirrored the wince.
Harry was up and awake, for sure—and very, very irritated at both of them.
"Maybe we should fix the room before," he began.
Theo's response was to chuck a pair of fresh pyjamas at him. "Dress first. Fix later. We've cast quite a bit of magic tonight." He paused. "And even though we both took about the same from each other, I would think a blood replenisher wouldn't be amiss."
Charlie grimaced, but nodded. He hated the taste of those things. He sat up from the floor, wondering where his original clothes and wand had been. The room truly was a trashed wreck. Harry might chew their heads off for it—in addition to whatever else he had in mind if the transmitted annoyance was anything to judge things by.
"I'll spike it for you." Theo offered, quietly. Catching and easily interpreting the look of distaste that had flickered across his Beta's face. He mentally reached out through the guesthouse, checking and setting the wards, altering them to admit Harry, as he felt their Submissive approach.
"…thanks."
Theo hummed in answer and fished out his wand from beneath a pile of rubble. He sighed. The wardrobe might not be fixable after all.
An exhausted, irritated and wholly annoyed Harry dragged himself up the stairs. He made a mental note to remind himself to research alternate methods of transportation, remembering that Theo was two years ahead of his sixteen. He wondered if his Alpha could apparate and if he'd already earned his apparition license.
He wondered if being Bonded counted as marriage in the eyes of the law and thus would have him emancipated and able to handle his own affairs and necessities. It would be nice if it was. He'd have to ask Theo.
At the top of the stairs, Harry was suddenly aware of how quiet the guesthouse was. He listened, hearing nothing, but picking up the slightly worried and apprehensive trickles flowing down his triad bond. Theo and Charlie had apparently settled their differences and quite enjoyably too, if the musky scent of sex in the air was to be believed.
Harry's scowl darkened. He'd jumped off a pier, nearly died of dehydration, encountered one of the most infuriating beings he'd ever laid eyes on and his two idiotic Bonded had been-!
With narrowed eyes, Harry all but threw the door open.
His dramatic entrance was muted by the fact that there was something on the other side of the door preventing it from opening all the way. The anger was immediately replaced by concern and after a moment, Harry was able to wedge it open enough to step through the section and into the bedroom.
Or rather, what was left of the bedroom.
Emerald eyes stared at the mass destruction in sheer belief. A moment later, his hand went to his face, as the scent of sex was not the only scent lingering in the air. There'd been blood and plenty of it. Harry swallowed hard, manfully shoving down all instincts to hurl and react to the fear nesting in his gut.
He turned to survey his Bonded and inwardly stifled a smirk.
Charlie wore his pyjama jacket buttoned one button off and the cuffs open, his pyjama bottoms draped over one shoulder as he'd been the process of beginning to redo his buttons. A sheepish look danced across the tanned face and then, a worried one settled as Charlie scrubbed a hand through his messy red hair and then started forward.
Theo stood beside the jumbled wreck of what had been their bed, clad in a pair of pyjama bottoms slung low about his hips, advertising the fact that he was not wearing pants underneath them. Golden eyes flickered quickly and methodically over Harry before the slightly tense posture relaxed. He held his pyjama jacket in hand dark brows furrowed into a question as he started over after Charlie.
"Harry? Are you alright?"
Harry drew in a breath to speak, only to find his teeth chattering. Embarrassed, he clamped his mouth shut, even as his cheeks began to color in his customary blush. The bedroom was charmed to be warmer than anywhere else in the house and Harry hadn't realized just how cold he was, until now. He trembled, reaching out for Charlie.
"Harry!" Theo was beside him at once.
Charlie yelped at the freezing arms that tentatively locked around his waist. He immediately snatched Harry directly to him when the brunet flinched and retreated, as if expecting to be turned away. "Sh. It's alright, Harry." He murmured, rubbing his large hands over the expanse of goosepimpled skin. "You're freezing! What happened?"
"Here, let me spell this one him." Theo moved around the hugging duo and with a twitch of his fingers, spelled the pyjama jacket onto Harry's smaller frame. "I'll set the room to rights, Charlie, warm him up as best as you can." He frowned. "Perhaps a hot shower?"
Harry cringed, burrowing deeper into Charlie's scorching embrace. "No. No shower." He muttered, fingers scrabbling to hold on to Charlie's pyjama jacket. He scowled, tugging at it, wishing it was off.
Theo snorted from behind them and Harry understood a moment later, when Charlie was newly naked. He blinked and stared up, seeing the minute flush and the quirk of Charlie's lips that hinted at any temporary embarrassment. Harry didn't have time to process that, because Charlie drew out his wings, curving them forward and drawing on enough of his gift to bathe Harry in true warmth.
Both watched with interest as a yawning Theo picked his way through the rubble and then stretched, languidly, head rolling to the side.
"Terran reparo askeo." The words were spoken with conviction and a hint of authority.
Harry stared.
He watched as the entire room leapt together, every single fiber, splinter and dust, returning to its original state. A still rather disgruntled Theo scowled at the result. He clicked his fingers at the neatly fixed bed and watched as the duvet turned itself down. He then turned back and gave a slight jerk of his head towards his two Bonded.
"In the bed. It'll be warmer." He twitched his fingers, casting a wandless heating charm.
Charlie didn't need any further prodding. He simply picked Harry up and carried him to the bed.
Harry made a soft sound when he was gently dumped on the soft, warm duvet and allowed to claim the center of the bed. He watched, with interested eyes as Charlie went in search of his pyjama bottoms and Theo, taking pity on him, summoned them both to the bed.
After a few minutes, some awkward and some not, they were all settled beneath the covers, Theo on Harry's right and Charlie on the left. Silence reigned and then, Harry turned over, snuggling into Charlie's side, with one hand reaching back to tug Theo closer to him as well.
Without comment, both Alpha and Beta turned inward, sandwiching their chilled Submissive between them.
"Harry…?" Theo began.
"…tomorrow." Harry pressed his cheek to Charlie's warm chest. He squeezed Theo's hand wrapped around his waist. "Tomorrow, please?"
"Tomorrow it is." Charlie answered for them both. He kissed that cool forehead and rested his chin atop Harry's head. The Alpha-Beta bonds thrumming through him shared Theo's worry and muted concern. Something kept the Slytherin from pressing Harry, but Charlie was sure it was the same reasons as his own.
Harry was exhausted and still cold to the touch. Charlie sighed. He reached a little deeper into himself, tugging on his elemental gift and pushing that warmth out to dance along his skin. He was rewarded by Harry cuddling closer with a contented hum, cold nose buried at the base of his neck.
Theo's elegant, long fingers curled through his uncombed hair and Charlie smiled at the touch. Tomorrow would be interesting, for sure.
A/N: I tried to post this yesterday, but FF seems to have been having a few hiccups. At any rate, its working now, so here we go, folks! I hope you enjoyed some Theo/Charlie, and Harry's reaction to things coming up tomorrow when he wakes, along with the Deveraines (and Harry!) Getting reading for their Hunting Season introductions. Like last time, there's no Character snippet for this chapter, mostly because of how short it is. I might just put them all together into one short chapter. Meh. We'll see.
Thank you kindly for the wonderful reviews, suggestions and also the well wishes for my Aunty and a stress-free spring break. It's had me grinning like an idiot for the past few days. :D
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~Scion