There Be Dragons, Harry

by Scioneeris

AU. Creature!Harry gains a strangely dragon-like creature inheritance over his sixteenth birthday. He isn't prepared for what follows. Elemental powers? Dragons? Mates? Merlin's beard! Contains all kinds of Slash. HP/TN/CW/OMC's Starts slow. Very Angsty. Complicated plot.

76. Preparing for the Hunt

See first chapter for disclaimers/warnings/summaries. Link to TBDH Forum is on my profile. This chapter was betaed by brissygirl. All remaining mistakes are my own.

---

RECAP: After Harry scolds Theo and Charlie for taking so long to complete their bond and leaving him to fend for himself, they scold him in turn for falling off the pier and winding up with a speech curse that neither Theo nor Charlie can break. Theo promises to ask Ilsa and orders his Bonded to get ready for the big day. In the meantime, George goes home with Jun and Regulus and accepts Jun's surprise offer to be his mentor. They plan to travel to Nevarah and hope to arrive during the Hunting Season.

---

NEVARAH : THE DEVERAINE ESTATE : SHARED BEDROOM FOR ILSA/ARACLE/GRETA

Ilsa stirred, faintly, when the time-triggered spell chimed softly in her ear. She'd set an alarm, knowing that if she didn't wake at a relatively decent hour, the rest of her Circle tended to need a fire started under them to start moving and readying themselves to be on time for a given appointment. Normally, this would be Bahn and Bhindi's usual 'job' after all, a Circle's pace and overall behavior was often cued off of the Submissive, which was mirrored and reflected by the Alpha and Beta.

Typically, Bhindi would wake and Bahn would follow, but Ilsa had done her best to avoid the female half of their elfin Submissives and she'd succeeded, though she had some help in doing so. The Circle, as a whole, had taken it upon themselves to keep them from meeting, and she wasn't about to push that luck.

At present, she knew she was being tolerated for the time being. Things would not settle until either Ithycar or Delani confronted her on her absence and her Gheyo instincts always rode closer to the surface when she knew her Bonded were on edge. She could feel Bahn through their bond and he was grumpy, fretful, tired and of course, repentant. Ilsa burrowed deeper under the covers. Delani would have had her talk with him and it never left him in a good mood.

She did not want to be the first one up and about in the house, though she knew that he would cheer up once the excitement of the day registered. He could never hold a grudge for long. Perhaps that was why he'd been able to forgive her.

Another sigh escaped and Ilsa bit back a groan. She did not want to be thinking of those sorts of things, but she could already read the bonded connections of her children and they were tentatively poking her to see if she was up.

"Ils?" Greta squirmed and stretched at her right. "Something the matter, babe?"

"Mmm." Ilsa turned to accept the sleepy good morning kiss. "We're about to be invaded." She mumbled, snuggling into her lover's unexpected embrace. "Make sure you're decent."

"Decent?" Greta hummed. A ripple of white-violet hued magic handled the problem, spelling necessary nightwear on to the respective dragels. "Are all of them up?"

"The brats are up already?" Aracle yawned. He shifted closer to hug them both, sandwiching Ilsa in the middle. "How many of them?" He nuzzled her neck.

Ilsa snorted, giving a wriggle to settle herself comfortably between them. "Why are you asking me?"

"Because you always know better than the rest of us?" Aracle kissed the side of her ear. "Morning, lovelings."

"Mmm." Ilsa turned enough to nuzzle along the available side of his neck. "Morning to you both." She was quiet for a moment, sorting through things in her head, before the quiet alarm chimed through the air once more. She scowled. "Do I have to-"

"Yes." Greta bumped her lightly with her head. "You do. Besides you'll whine about it all day if you don't." She paused. "First turn in the shower? I could be persuaded to giving it up."

Ilsa perked a brow, the look no less intimidating than her trademark scowl. "Appreciated, but no thanks. I'll skip."

"Skip?" Aracle shifted. "Visiting the baths later?"

"The hot springs, actually. Will probably take the girls." Ilsa yawned. "No sense dealing with it twice."

"Only you would see a shower as an annoyance." Greta sniggered. "Alright then, up and moving, my dearest." Her fingers twitched again, calling out her magic and casting the usual freshening and cleaning charms that all Gheyos were accustomed to using between matches.

"Too late for that," Ilsa mumbled, wrinkling her nose at the minty taste in her mouth.

"Mum?" Dahlia's head poked around the corner of the bedroom door. She had knocked—once.

"We're asleep." Greta called out, laughing. "Try again, when your charming mother is in the land of the—eep! Don't you dare, Ilsa! I swear, I will—Aracle, do something!"

"Morning!" Dahlia grinned, bounding into the room with her siblings close at her heels. She clutched a squishy orange pillow to her chest and a long nightshirt, with polka-dot knee socks. Her hair was kept back in the traditional warrior's braid and she launched herself onto the giant bed without a single warning.

"Ow. My feet. They're broken." Ilsa proclaimed. But her lips twitched, a warm, welcome light surfacing in her rich golden eyes. Aracle laughed along with her, having pulled his feet out of the way in time—just as she had.

"Morning to you three." He grinned. "Come to annoy your, Mum? She needs convincing that-"

"Speak and I shall push you off of this bed and onto the cold, hard, very far away floor?" Ilsa warned. "Besides, it's late enough already, you lout. Why don't you grace the shower first thing in the morning?"

Soula giggled, making sure to jump on her father's side of the bed. She scrambled up over the covers to receive her morning hug and settled between her parents, watching them bicker and banter with the ease that spoke of years of friendship and love between them.

"…alright, alright! I give." Aracle held up his hands in surrender. "Arielle's fangs, woman! I swear I shall be as silent as the grave."

Soula snorted into her recently manicured hands. "Daddy, if you give up already, then you should've stopped talking. Otherwise she'll say that you're talking a lot for a corpse."

Aracle blinked at her and then sent a look of long-suffering to the silently laughing Greta on the other side of the bed. "Uh-huh, and I wonder where you managed to pick that up from, hmm? Ils, what've you been teaching these kids?"

"Nothing they wouldn't have learned on their own," Ilsa blinked, innocently. "Mostly."

Greta was forced to muffle her laughter in Dahlia's orange pillow. She tugged her own daughter down for a morning hug and extended a hand to an unsure Ariki. "C'mon in, kiddo." She smiled warmly. "Aracle, the bed's too small. Go take your shower. Make room for Ari."

"Is that all I am? A bed-warmer for you two sneaky little-"

"Yes!" Both women chorused.

The Rhyeo grinned. "I knew, it, I just knew it." He winked at the teens and pulled the covers over his head. "Greta, you can be first, love. I don't mind."

Ilsa stared for a moment, mouth open. Then her golden eyes narrowed. "You have fifteen seconds to be out of this bed and in that shower before I take it upon myself to lend a hand and when I do so, loveling, even your penchant for turning time won't be able to save you from-"

Aracle tumbled out of the bed and scrambled for the bathroom door. "I'm going, I'm going!" He called over his shoulder. "Arielle..."

Soula giggled into the blankets, and rolled over, making room for her brother. Ilsa rolled her eyes at the dramatics, but beckoned her only son forward. He tentatively slipped between Greta and Ilsa, as Dahlia had Greta's side and Soula had Ilsa's. Both women immediately bestowed him with the same head-pats and hair-ruffles as the other two. He managed a silly smile and basked in the warmth surrounding him of his mother being home and all right within his world. They'd all missed having Ilsa home.

---

"Mum?" Soula ventured. She picked at the threads on the soft duvet, concern overtaking her features.

"Mmm." Ilsa grunted.

"…w-would you mind if I found someone this season?"

Golden eyes fixed on her Submissive daughter, before Ilsa answered. "The choice is yours, you are of age." She said simply.

"But would you mind?"

"Maybe a little. You're still my baby girl." Ilsa snaked a hand out from beneath the covers to draw her youngest close in a loose headlock. "You'll always be my baby." She feathered a hand through soft, dark hair. "But I'd be happy for you. So happy, as long as you were happy and well taken care of."

"What if it's someone older?"

"Older?"

"Someone…really old."

"As I said, you're of age, loveling." Ilsa's brow slowly furrowed together. "As long as they were genuine with their interest and you were willing, the choice is yours." She frowned. "I would object if you happen to be more than few centuries or so, though. Our family line is long, but you're young enough. It's your first hunt. There's plenty of life ahead of you—a lot of life ahead of you."

Soula half-smiled. "I know. The chances of meeting someone during a first hunt is pretty rare too, I guess I just—then what if it's someone young?"

"Young? As in your own age or less?"

"Er, well…"

"Your own age is fine, though I'll warn you to draw the courtship out and not to bond straightaway. You know how I feel about that, at that age, neither of you know much of anything, much less each other. You both deserve time enough to make up your mind. As for younger than that, well, the only way that would happen is if you soulcried or soulscreamed and I don't see you putting yourself in a position for either of those to be called forth and even so, you know the rules for that."

"True." Soula shivered. "But just thinking about it makes me…scared." She bit her lip. "I know SoulBonded are special—like you and Greta and Bu and Salani, but…it hurts, doesn't it?"

"Then you shouldn't even think in that direction." Ilsa soothed. "Besides, there is nothing that says you must be hunting, even if it is your first season." She hesitated. "And yes, it does hurt. It feels like you can't breathe and everything is breaking apart,"

"And then it comes together and you wonder how you even managed before." Greta finished. She shared a secret smile with her lover. "Soula, if you're that worried about it, the chances are that it won't happen. Soul Bonded are hard to come by and if you aren't ready, it doesn't happen."

"I-I know, but it's kind of…it's hard not to when…I don't want to be…I don't even know if I want to be hunting, Mum!"

"Shh. I know. You don't want to be the only one not, when your friends are all hunting and you don't want to hunt because you don't think you're ready, which is a bit off in this case."

"Huh?"

"You're ready." Ilsa said, calmly. "I'd be worried to some degree if you weren't mine, but the fact that you don't think you're ready means that you've actually given it some thought. You've considered another's feelings, you've thought about bondings, your triad, Intendeds and you're aware of all that it entails. You won't be wildly swept off your feet and surprised by a half-dozen propositions or sudden friendships and escorts over a mere seven weeks, seeing as the first has already passed and you've remained miraculously sane, compared to some. The very fact that you aren't brimming with overconfidence is because you're ready."

Soula snorted. "I don't feel ready—and I don't see the point. I mean, I understand, alright? I do want to be bonded—someday. Who doesn't? It's just that, lately, that seems to be all everyone ever talks about. I'm so tired of it and—now it's today and I don't feel anywhere near ready for this. Any of it."

"It's just pressure and they're all idiots." Dahlia drawled. "Honestly, I could tell you that, Zo." She flashed a warm smile at her younger sister.

"I don't want you to tell me-!" Soula sputtered.

"Hush, child." Ilsa murmured. She twisted enough to look at her daughter straight in the eyes. "You need never feel pressure to do what the rest of the realms feel free to drown themselves in." She regarded her silently for a moment. "You know you are my daughter, yes? What do you think I would do?"

"…you'd tell them to sod off and mind their own business and that you'd bond when you're good and ready." Soula said, promptly.

Ilsa's eyebrows arched upwards to her hairline. "Perhaps you have learned something after all." She murmured, with a hint of admiration in her voice.

"Ilsa!" Greta's laughing protest wasn't really much of a protest at all. "Soula, love, it's probably best if you don't tell them in such plain terms as some of them might be sensitive enough that such language offends their delicate high-born sensibilities. However, if you must resort to such bluntness, then by all means, do so. You'd be surprised though, how far a little bit of manners could take you."

"Really?" Dahlia rolled over to lie on her stomach, propping up her chin with one hand and bracing with the other. "How so?"

"Most young dragels are trying so hard to prove themselves, especially as it would be their first Hunt, that they forget to be polite and responsible. They forget that they might meet potential interest in later years and that time will continue on. Someone who was awkward, loud or shy in their younger years, can mature into someone handsome, confident and restrained in their future years. True, it doesn't always mean it works out that way, but most of the time it does. We are all young and foolish once."

"Were you ever young and foolish, then?" Ariki cannot help but ask. He bit his lip, even after he'd spoken. Somehow, it seemed like too heavy a question for their light-hearted morning conversation.

"Many times," Greta hummed. "Far too many."

"Like what?" But Ariki looked to his mother this time, wanting to hear an answer from her.

The gold-eyed gheyo scowled. "Like the fact that I am Gheyo, Ariki." Ilsa sighed, the sound softer than her usual huff. "Like the fact that I am Gheyo." She began to shift, pushing at the covers and gently rearranging her children to slide out from under them, wearing Aracle's nightshirt. "Like the way that Dahlia wears that long scar of hers that she didn't really need to fight for. Like how Soula will never go walking after midnight after that scare, no matter what," She looked at him, hard. "Like how you'll always have your father's temperament, after seeing what my temper can do. Those are times when we are young and foolish, but it shapes our future." She leaned forward enough to press a kiss to his forehead. "Now, what is it you wanted to ask?"

"What?"

"Don't give me that." She tweaked his nose, a smile twitching at the corners of her lips. "Soula came because she was worried and her nerves are just like her father's. Dahlia won't say a word until she knows that you've said your piece, because she's a good big sister, so speak."

Ariki hesitated. "D-do you think I might find someone like Harry?"

All eyes turned to stare at him. Greta and Ilsa exchanged a glance. "How like Harry?" Ilsa prompted.

"He's different. I mean,…someone that needs me. I know he already has a Beta and an Alpha and I am definitely not interested in playing Rheyo or second Beta, so," he shrugged. "But,"

"What is it about him that draws you to him?" Greta hummed. "There's plenty to like, he's an adorable little thing."

Ilsa snorted. "Don't let him hear you say that. If you think I have a temper, I'd wager his is about equal to mine or fairly close in the running."

"He's—kind." Ariki was quiet for a moment. "I suppose I meant, someone who wasn't used to Nevarah."

"Oh?" Ilsa brightened, a look of comprehension dawning. "I see. You want to be his firsts." She ruffled her son's hair. "Maybe. You might be lucky. There are a few rare submissives that do enter Nevarah during Hunting Season, looking for Intendeds." She paused. "But they would likely already have formed a triad and if you're not willing to play Rheyo."

Ariki shuddered. "I can't, I just—can't." He bowed his head. "I mean, I-"

"Shush. I didn't say that you had to or that it was your only choice. I was being realistic."

"And your realism can be incredibly pessimistic, darling." Greta interjected. "Ariki, if there isn't anything you're interested in, then don't mess around with any of it." She paused. "And be sure that's what you really want. Otherwise, you might find yourself a nice, inexperienced Gheyo and have a little fun there." She winked. "I promise you that our kind don't mind. Sometimes we forget other things."

Ariki blushed. "Greta!"

"Greta!" Ilsa echoed behind him. "Honestly! And you say I'm horrible." She tossed her head. "Really!" She took note of the blush on her son's cheeks and saw that he'd found the answer he'd been looking for. "I'd suggest something, but I wouldn't want to-"

"There's a new Gheyo that came over with Harry and the others." Dahlia spoke, calmly. "In fact, he was rather good-looking, if you're so inclined."

Ariki turned to her. "As in?"

"As in slender, lightly muscled build, nice indigo eyes, completely clueless over his rank, no sense of fighting style and entirely aflounder for being in Nevarah." Dahlia's violet eyes sparkled with mischief. "I accepted and inducted him on the day that Lady Pai decided to scold me for coming home after curfew. His name is Blaise." She smirked. "Blaise Zabini. Italian, if you must know, and wizard-born and raised. He turned up with a Nytura riding on his shoulders."

Ariki's eyes grew wide and his jaw dropped. "You're serious?"

"Completely." His sister proclaimed, smugly. "And I'm sure if you wanted to be nice about something, well," she shrugged. "I have Dyshoka and it's definitely something I can vouch for."

"Is it?" Ariki's brow furrowed. "I mean, I don't want to sound like-"

"You sound fine." Dahlia interrupted. "And 'sides, you're outnumbered in room full of Gheyos. We can't help ourselves." She smirked. "And I mean by vouch for it, that if Dy ever found herself a Sub and an Alpha, before I ever did, then I'd likely go with her. She's amazing."

Ariki smiled at that. "Thanks, sis."

"Don't mention it." Dahlia flashed him a grin and looked to her mother. "I'm starving." She announced, apropos of nothing.

"Why thank you for telling me, my precious, adorable little brat." Ilsa deadpanned. "Isn't someone up and cooking yet?"

"I don't think so. We all had a late night." Greta yawned and stretched. "Usually it's only Bu or Salani that cook. Alma did, until Camalis came along and it stresses her, so she hasn't been."

Ilsa groaned. "You're lucky I'm hungry too then." She sighed. "Alright, what do you brats feel like eating for breakfast? I might be convinced to cook something if you're hungry enough."

"Oooh, we're hungry." Soula immediately sat up straight, snatching away Dahlia's pillow to cuddle it in her lap. "We're very hungry, aren't we guys?"

"I already said, starving." Dahlia drawled. She winked at her brother, waving at him with one hand. It was his turn to ask for something.

Ariki's lips twitched into a smile and he huffed. "Oh alright. Mum, you haven't made parfaits with strawberry crepes on the side in years."

"I took you out for them on your thirteenth birthday." Ilsa's voice was muffled as she stuck her head inside of the large, shared closet. "Try again."

"I haven't had your crepes in ages and with that fruit sauce you make on the side—Mmm." Greta hummed.

"Mummy, please?" Soula blatantly added a touch of whine to her voice, dark eyes sparkling with mischief. She wasn't the least bit embarrassed to play the 'Mummy' card, if it worked. "You make the very best crepes and fruit sauce in the whole wide-"

"Don't hurt yourself searching for flattery," came the grumbled reply. "I could make toast. French toast. Don't you like French toast?"

"I love French toast, but I like crepes too!" Greta protested. "Doesn't my vote count?"

"Absolutely not." Ilsa backed out of the closet with a definite scowl on her face. "I don't suppose any of you could tell me why Aracle's clothes have taken over my third of the closet?"

Identical looks of bland blankness immediately slotted over every face present.

Ilsa perked a brow.

There was a quiet knock on the bedroom door and five heads turned to see who it was.

A young woman, with honey-brown hair and soft blue eyes peeked around the corner, already dressed for the day, balancing a sleeping toddler on her hip. "Um, good morning. Is Papa up?" The sharp blue eyes quickly skimmed the room's interior, zeroing in on the closed door of the loo. "Ah, in the shower already?" She sighed.

Ilsa was silent for a moment, studying her, before the features and the name registered. She tempered her look of grumpiness into something that was hopefully marginally welcoming. "Yes, he just went in. Lorelei, wasn't it?" She said, after a moment. "You look well. Coming in or staying out?"

Blue eyes met gold and then Lorelei's chin lifted a few degrees. "Don't mind if I do." She stepped inside and moved to sit on the edge of the bed where Soula made room for her. The sleeping toddler was carefully cradled in her arms.

At the new addition, Greta slipped out from beneath the covers, dressed in Ilsa's nightshirt and scrubbing a hand through her messy hair. She yawned and moved to stand behind Ilsa, resting her chin on the shorter Gheyo's shoulders. "Which armor are you looking for? The titled one for your cage name? Do you have to dress from now? It'll be heavy."

"I'm not dressing later, if that's what you mean and of course I'll put it all on now. When else would I do it?"

"Mmm, good point. Are you wearing the legacy armor or your title armor? And it's Aracle, you know him, he would've only moved one thing and then another and then everything, without even realizing it. Pulverize him later."

"Legacy is good, but I'll have to defend my title, which means I'll have to wear them both." Ilsa huffed. "Dahlia, love, what are you wearing? Lady Pai's colors or our own?"

"…I'm not sure, really."

Both of her mothers turned to look. Dahlia had scooted back up along the bed, braced against the bed's headboard. She twined her hands in her lap, a slight frown on her face.

"Care to elaborate?" Greta ventured, after it was clear that no one else would speak. She knew that now that Soula and Ariki had spoken their mind that Dahlia would find a way to ask her own questions.

Dahlia sighed. "I don't know if I really want to…hunt."

Her siblings gasped and even Lorelei looked mildly shocked. "B-but, you're perfect!" Soula burst out. "Why wouldn't you?"

"Are you that worried about it?" Ilsa said, calmly.

"Sort of. I mean, not really, but—well fine, yes. Yes, I am! Is that what you want to hear?"

"No, not really. I'd rather hear which side you're more inclined to."

"I don't know!" Dahlia threw up her hands, looking a bit lost. "I really don't. I guess that's why, I mean, I could be, but I don't want to fight them, Mum. I don't want to fight Lady Pai. I don't think I could do it and at the same time, if I was just Dahlia, if I was just Ace, I don't think I could stand having to prove myself for the sake of someone else's vanity! I've earned my rank and you damn well know it!"

"Ah." Her mothers both smiled, knowingly and then Greta nudged Ilsa. "She's your daughter alright, only you would have that sort of self-crisis."

"Hypocrite." Came the immediate retort and Ilsa elbowed her lover in the stomach before she turned to face the bed. "Dahlia, it's really up to you, you know that. Whatever you feel most comfortable being, the choice is entirely yours. Don't worry about the other factors, once you decide for sure, the rest of things will fall into place and you can take it in stride. Handle it all one thing at a time. You know we'll be beside you."

The young gheyo bit her lip. "That's just it, see?" She hesitated. "I love being Ace, I really and truly do. I don't think that I could stand to be anything else."

"But if you were accepted into a circle, you'd have to fight and hold it and likely wouldn't be allowed to fight for it, yes?" Greta guessed.

Dahlia nodded, miserably. "And I would…I think I would at least take Mei and Wik. I mean, I hope I would, if they want to come. I couldn't possibly, well-"

"You could choose them both if you chose otherwise." Ilsa said, softly.

Miserable purple eyes fixed on wise golden ones. "But if I was to choose Alpha, if I was to really go and take on the whole, searching for a Beta and a Submissive and then all of that, it'd be a real circle. A military circle, just like Lady Pai, but I'd have to—I don't want to fight her, Mum."

"Then don't." Ilsa said, quietly. "Challenge for a single stroke match. One move, both of you, a single outcome, socially acceptable by all. If you don't really want to fight her love, the chances are that if she knows you well enough, she won't want to fight you either. She knows full well that's the only way for you to break rank and transform, she can't hold it against you. If she does, then she's…not worth it and you know it."

"I-I know." Dahlia toyed with the sheets for a moment, twisting them in her hands. "I guess…I mean, the chances of actually really choosing that is pretty slim. I can't say there's a Submissive I really would…care about that way. Enough to challenge Lady Pai, anyhow. I love Dy, I really think I do, there's just something about her that I can't seem to help myself when she's around, but, I-"

"Don't make any definite choices." Greta smiled, softly. "Just take it as it comes and you'll be fine. Honestly."

"What about Shayla?" Soula frowned at her sister.

Dahlia shrugged. "What about her?"

"I thought you liked her."

"I like her—as much as the next girl." Dahlia shrugged. "She's a brat."

"No she's not. She's nice, funny and different. She's not stuck up like other Subs can be. What are you two arguing about anyway?"

"None of your business." Dahlia moved to climb off the bed. She ignored the look that her siblings shot her way.

"It's my business when she's my best friend and asks whether it's alright to come over and visit, because you'll be around." Soula scowled. "What did you do to her?"

"I didn't do anything."

"Then let me rephrase, since I have noticed that she hasn't been over in a while." Lorelei interrupted, a slight frown on her face. She knew her sister's friends, as they all did. Dahlia and hers tended to keep to their own, but that was due to their Gheyic nature and the need to keep establishing and reinforcing their ranks. "What did she do to you?"

Dahlia stiffened. "If you must be so pushy about it, she managed to stick her nose where it wasn't wanted and I had to stick my neck out for her without so much as a hint of why or even a word of thanks."

Ariki winced. "Ouch." He thought of the friendly, blonde Submissive and then of the way that Dahlia always kept near her sister. They'd grown close after the incident with Kandra.

"Indeed." Dahlia fixed him with a withering glare. "I told her if she was willing to accept responsibility for what she did, I would be waiting for an apology, until then, as far as I am concerned, she does not exist."

Soula's jaw dropped. "B-but you don't even have a claim on her! You can't just order her around like she's…like she's one of your little-"

"She refused then?" Lorelei said, blandly.

Violet eyes gave a spectacular roll. "What do you think?" Dahlia retorted.

Lorelei's eye's narrowed. "I think she's a smart girl. No sense in tying herself down and if you're so uptight about it, I can't blame her for-"

A low growl tore free from Dahlia's lips and she bared her fangs with an accompanied hiss. "Don't you dare speak of what you don't know!" With another growl, the young Gheyo stalked from the room, slamming the door behind her.

Greta and Ilsa looked at the door and then at each other.

"Five or nothing calls it by the end of the season." Greta held out her hand.

Ilsa eyed it. "Would you really bet on our daughter?"

Greta waggled her eyebrows.

Ilsa snorted. "Of course you would." She slapped the hand away. "Called it and I say deeper than you'd expect."

"Mmm. I like it." Greta grinned. "Should I hurry after her or would you prefer to do the honors?"

"I'd best. She's likely to tear something up and you're likely to let her."

Her lover winked in answer. "Better here in her home than out there in public, wouldn't you think? Call out your armor before you leave, I don't want to hear you whining about how heavy it is when mine's likely heavier."

"It is not and I don't whine." Ilsa scowled. "Besides, it's being retrieved from the vault and I'll likely have to 'port over and sign releases for it and all that rot. Hurry everyone up, we can't take the entire day to be ready." She frowned. "And don't you start taking today of all days to be forever primping in there. Harry and the others are coming over. We'll all be 'porting over together."

"Really? Are they up? I didn't think they'd be up. It's early, isn't it? I'd have thought that they'd have exhausted themselves under the-"

"You have a perfectly filthy mind." Ilsa snapped. "Behave! There are children in the room."

"Behaving just for you, my dearest."

"Greta!"

"Legacy or title armor?"

"Both! And Theo said Harry's been spelled by something, so take a look if I can't, alright?"

"Mmm. Go make breakfast."

"I'm going!"

"You're lovely when you're all domestic and-" Greta yelped and bolted for the shower, ignoring the teens laughter and Aracle's indignant yelps. "ILSA!"

---

"Are we ready?" Aracle stood in the kitchen, accepting a bite of rolled, strawberry soaked crepes from Greta's hand and a mouthful of yogurt from Ilsa as both of his lovers bustled around him. He knew if he sat at the table, he would likely end up feeding the children more so than himself. His two, lovely Gheyos often made sure that he was eating, in spite of his rank requiring him to be everywhere and helping everyone—all at the same time. "How much more do we need? Is Bahn even up?"

"Think so, not sure." Alma whirled into the kitchen, her skirts swirling, her stunning robes accenting every feature of her loveliness effortlessly. "Tak's with him. Delani's taking her time looking for something."

"Are the others up?" Aracle waited to be fed another two mismatched bites. He gave them a moment to consider, referring to the other half of the Deveraine Circle—namely, Bhindi's side.

"Salani is," Bu entered the kitchen, balancing Bruen on her hip and with two little ones trailing behind her. "Seats at the table, loves." She directed. "I'll have plates for you in a moment." She set Bruen down. "Sit between them, lovey." She began to click her fingers, directing magic to retrieve the children's personalized plates and fill them with the appropriate portions for the morning meal. "And I think Okahn is. I'm not sure."

"Ah, so Bhindi did come home, then?" Aracle half-smiled. He'd known she would. That was why he'd stayed with her for so long the evening before.

"She's home. That doesn't mean she's awake." The pretty Pareya countered. "Stop doing that and sit down and eat." She scolded, directing a look to the smirking Gheyos in turn. "And you two, stop encouraging him! This is why he has bad habits. Sit down and eat as well, unless you have some strange reasons for not-"

"We'll be paraded." Ilsa snorted. "If you think I will even consider flips on a full stomach, you honestly do not know a single thing about me. I refuse to eat on the grounds that I may be-"

"I don't mind the flips," Greta stuck her crepe towards Ilsa's protesting mouth, neatly shutting her up. "It's the twists that bother me." She stifled a shudder. "Where's the rest of our ranks? Are they even up?"

"If they aren't, I'll bite them." Ilsa grumbled, checking her fingernails. "Someone keep an ear out for Theo and his lot, they should be over here in a minute."

"What was wrong with them?" Aracle accepted a plate of food from Bu's insistent hands.

Golden-eyes immediately narrowed to a practiced glare. "There is absolutely nothing wrong with my Theo." She snapped.

Both Aracle and Bu winced. Greta sniggered. "I could have told you that," she said, cheerfully, even as Alma scowled. "Whatever trouble he's in, I hope you can help. French Toast?" She fluttered her eyelashes in exaggeration. "Please?"

"I hate you," came the predictable groan of sarcasm as Ilsa's fingers twitched in the familiar threads of golden magic that began to summon ingredients out of the cellar for just that. Her mind was more towards Theo and his cryptic message

Greta's smile softened. She leaned forward enough to press a kiss to the back of Ilsa's neck, directly over the Alpha's claiming mark that was now visible on the surface. "I love you too." She murmured. "I'll wake the others for you, hmm?"

"Mmm."

---

NEVARAH : ILSA'S GUEST HOUSE : MASTER BEDROOM : DEVERAINE PROPERTY

"I feel like a…goose." Harry tugged at the collar of his new dress robes. He was vaguely reminded of a certain Draco Malfoy-er-Snape, before he realized that even this level of finery had never graced the blond's figure. "How'd you even find these?"

"Stop tugging at it." Theo lightly swatted Harry's nervous hands down to his sides. "It's not tight." He slipped two fingers beneath the collar. "See? If it's more than two fingers, it will look sloppy and we can't have that." He straightened the collar, then flicked his fingers as if brushing away invisible dust from the shoulders. "Stand straight." He added a second later and then rewarded Harry's response with a kiss to the cheek.

"Why am I wearing green? Why couldn't I wear-"

"Because it brings out your eyes and you look very dignified in it." Theo interrupted. "The same for Charlie in his stunning Navy-hues and hopefully the same for myself in these delightful earthy tones. They were color-matched for complexion and simplicity, Harry. Your eyes are green, Charlie's are blue and mine are gold. It was easier this way."

Harry sniffed, but did not answer. He probably did not really mind that much, he mused, the more he thought of it, after all, the robes were comfortable and very tasteful, as far as extravagance went. He tugged at his wrist cuffs and then made a face when Theo snatched his wandering hands and rapped them lightly with the side of his wand to spell matching cufflinks to them. It did not escape his notice, however, that the robes were somewhat plain. There was no fancy embroidery or crests visible anywhere, but Harry did not know whether he ought to mention it or not. He didn't want to be late, so he reluctantly held still as he watched Theo turn his fussing attentions to Charlie.

"Is Bahn 'porting us all there?" Charlie resisted the urge to tug at his own collar as Theo spelled his own cufflinks on. He wasn't exactly a fan of dressing up to this degree of finery and rarely ever did so, but Theo seemed quite insistent on it and he wasn't about to argue. He could read the underlying thread of unease hovering around his Alpha and understood that Theo was only worrying. He could stomach walking about in ridiculous extravagance if that was what it required.

"I hope so." Harry nibbled on his lip, an attempt to stop himself from stopping Theo's fussing. It was kind of nice and frustrating, in a way. "No portkeys." His emerald eyes flickered to Theo's steady golden ones.

His Alpha accepted that declaration with nothing more than a single blink.

"I believe either Bahn or Ilsa will do it." Theo finally stepped back, satisfied. "Bahn, because he will have the extra magic to burn, so to speak or Ilsa, because she can channel for him, if it is too physically stressful."

"Should he even-?" Harry ventured. They'd talked some, but he still didn't know that much about dragel pregnancies and whatnot. He'd be taking his cues from Bahn, no matter how skewed they might end up being.

Theo snorted. "Do not even think of hinting at that in his presence." He said, fondly. "From what I recall, Bahn is quite a prickly, picky and whiny Submissive, when he is with child. He may curb those tendencies while in the public view or private company, but he does gift new meaning to the words hormonal and temperamental." Theo's lips twitched. "Which is why I want you to stick as close to him as you can, if at all."

Harry frowned. He could not quite reconcile Theo's matter-of-fact description to what he'd seen and learned of Bahn yesterday. If the blond really was that—complicated—then Harry liked to think that the elven-dragel had due cause to do so. "Why?"

"Because as a pregnant Submissive, he will have more leeway, socially and otherwise. If you are in his company, you can feel free to insult anyone you like and not suffer for it."

Harry blinked. His brow furrowed a moment later when the insult registered and he scowled adorably at Theo. "Theo!"

His Alpha's lips twitched faintly. "You're wizard-born and raised," he explained, carefully. He gently tugged on Charlie's mental bond, a nudge for him to pay attention as well. "This means that there are some who might not take to you and may actually manage to step out of their way to point it out. I only mean for you to be prepared and I am fairly certain Bahn has your entire Hunting Season all but planned out for you. Let him. He knows what he is doing and he has good connections. Watch and learn."

"Is that all it's about then?" Harry sighed. "Connections and who is who and-"

"No. Shush." Theo leaned forward to kiss him chastely. "It is also fun, vibrant and inspiring. I cannot even begin to explain to you. Either of you," he included Charlie in his warm, golden-eyed gaze. "Now come on. I believe I have sufficiently terrified you both and that was most definitely not my intention." He straightened his robes. "I've also mentioned your—predicament—to Oretta. I've asked her to take a look and see if she can remove the spell, do you mind?"

Harry shook his head at once, slightly relieved. "No, not at all." He almost smiled. He didn't mind Theo telling Ilsa and if there was anyone who he probably would trust to examine him, apart from Quinn, perhaps, it would be Ilsa. He couldn't quite explain why, but Theo didn't seem to need him to.

"Good. Now, Charlie, stand behind him, Harry face me. This is a standard teleportation for where we are headed. You both will need to practice, but until you can and until we have time to practice, pay attention." Theo draped one arm around Harry's shoulders and the other around Charlie's waist to make up for the height difference. "We are traveling by Ergen, because it is my element. I cannot teach you any others, because I do not know them, save for Alloras, which is used by pregnant individuals and Carriers only, you must never invoke it unless you yourself are with child or you are traveling with someone who is." Theo sucked in a breath. Magic tingled at his fingertips as a faint glow enveloped the trio. "Temptrificus Ergen!"

---

NEVARAH : THE DEVERAINE ESTATE : FRONT COURTYARD

They arrived outside of a rather large, old-fashioned manor with soft-brown-stone walls and trailing ivy vines. There were several tall windows, beautifully manicured shrubs and Harry found himself realizing that the manor was more of a castle. He gulped. The Deveraines were apparently quite wealthy. Even his glimpse at the Malfoy Manor through the society pages of The Prophet didn't have anything on this, much less what the rest of the wizarding nobility lived in.

"It's…a nice house." Harry managed, at last.

Theo was frowning at the afterglow of the golden transportation medallion and only looked up at Harry's declaration. "Hmm? Oh. Yes. I suppose." He gave a quick shake of his head. "This is their summer home. They generally live more on the outside of the city limits, closer towards the Elven realms. Instinct, I think, or so Oretta has told me." He straightened, following Harry's line of sight and then Charlie's. His expression softened, faintly and he moved to stand between them. "There's quite a lot of them," he warned, quietly. "Be prepared to be swamped."

As if on cue, the door opened and the Deveraine Circle began to file out in slightly muted chaos. The Pareya dutifully herded the children into neat, orderly lines and the Gheyos separated to take up residence beside Greta, while the rest of the members finally congregated into something of a circle.

"Where's Bahn?" Delani's voice could be heard over the chatter and the rest of her Bonded obligingly quieted down. "For that matter, where's Ilsa?" The female Alpha grumbled, faintly. "Greta?"

"She went to fetch Bahn." The storm Gheyo replied. "And Ilsa is Ilsa, you know that. I'm sure they'll both be here in a moment. Did you retrieve the jewelry from the vault? The first thing he's likely to do is come whining about his earrings."

Delani winced. "As if I would forget them…" She fished in her pockets to produce the bit of lovely.

"Bhindi?" Takar inquired, scooping up Bruen and swinging him gently through the air, prompting a series of delightful shrieks. "I tried to talk to her, but," he shrugged.

Aracle smiled in turn. "She's coming, but I don't think she's quite inclined to join us for the entry ceremony."

"If she's absent, wouldn't that cause more—talk?" Sueh frowned. She gave a stern look to the quivering children standing in front of her, excitement and curiosity fairly pouring off of them. "You two, behave. I won't have you running about like wildmen."

"But I'm a girl, Mummy!" The little lass in pink protested. "Couldn't I be a wild woman?"

Warm, rich laughter spilled out from a tall, elegant woman with dark, cocoa colored skin. She glided to a rest beside Bu, with her arm around Ariki. The young Beta was explaining something or the other to her and he broke off, abruptly as his eyes landed on Harry and the others.

"Harry!" He exclaimed, happily. "You're here. Oh, you're early. Dera will pitch a fit, I don't think anyone's half ready. Morning." He trotted over, pulling the lovely woman with him. "This is Salani, she's Bu's other half." He grinned, the smile infectious. "She's an African Weather Witch." His eyes danced merrily. "It's very rare. She wanted to come yesterday, but something came up. She helps me on the flight ranges sometimes, so if you do stop by, you're likely to see one of us."

"Not that rare, dearest." Salani murmured, her voice like velvet, deep and dark, as her light brown eyes lit with interest. "You must be Harry, I have had heard quite a bit about you since our Circle's outing yesterday." She extended a hand. "I hope to see more of you around here in the future, neither of my Bonded have stopped talking about you since yesterday."

Harry swallowed. Good things, he hoped. "Thank you?" He said, faintly. He didn't know if this was another one of those important official greetings that would require something or the other, before they could be on friendly terms. In the back of his mind, he could still see Terius and the DADA classroom.

Theo took her hand at once, accurately reading Harry's hesitation, as he pressed his lips briefly to the back and inclined his head, politely, providing an accurate and visible example for his Bonded to emulate. "Salani. Theodore, I belong to Ilsa. This is my Submissive, Harry and our Beta, Charlie." He nodded at each of them in turn. "It is a pleasure to meet you."

"Please, no need to be so formal. Bu hasn't stopped talking about either of you since last night." Salani's smile grew wider as she leaned forward and enveloped Theo in a warm hug, before doing the same to Harry and Charlie. "She can be quite convincing."

"African Weather Witch?" Charlie asked, accepting the embrace and returning it in kind. She was tall and willowy in a way that none of the other elves were. He supposed, perhaps, because she did not seem very eflin at all.

The soft brown eyes danced merrily. "I am not quite a storm element," she explained. "And I am most certainly not an elf, but I can play with the weather every now and again." She turned as a new commotion seemed to start up behind them, followed by a decidedly annoyed voice and a low growl.

"…and that's final, Bhindi! You started it, you can fix it, I am not cleaning up your mess this time around. If you really wanted something else, then you should have said something earlier. I'm not ordering anyone to go or stay. If they want to come, then they can. It's your own fault for letting things reach here." Bahn stalked out of the house, a scowl painted on his face, his dressing gown flapping impressively behind him, showing off silken pyjamas. He stopped, abruptly at seeing the mismatched gaggle of his Bonded and children. His expression shifted from annoyed to something of comical horror as he took in their dresswear. "What in Arielle's name are you wearing—get in a line. All of you!"

To Harry's complete surprise, nearly everyone—save for Edor and Greta—scrambled into the neatest presentation and resemblance of a military lineup in time for Bahn to inspect them. His scowl remained as he moved forward and a shimmer of golden-white magic rippled over him, dressing him appropriately for the day.

Harry watched as his pyjamas melted away to show a floor-length, high-waisted, draping gown of white with golden trim. He stared even as the rest of the outfit came into realization as Bahn continued forward. His midsection was glamoured to hide his baby bump, the gown was sleeveless showing of lightly muscled, pale arms, with matching golden armbands on each side and golden bracelets. He wore a circlet of gold around his head and his lovely, pale white-blond hair fell clear to his knees. Intricate golden sandals were laced up to his knees and a fat, shimmering golden pendant hung in the deep-V of the gown's neckline. Spots of color and traces of black flickered onto Bahn's face and when it was over, sultry grey-white eyes were rimmed with smoky, dark liner and sculpted cheekbones perfectly accented with a hint of bronzer.

For Harry, he suddenly understood what Theo had meant when he'd mentioned Elves and vanity. Bahn was wearing a lot of white and a lot of gold and when he studied that very obvious pendant, he realized that it was not a random symbol, but rather something of a house crest, the Deveraine crest, most likely.

The next surprise came as Bahn immediately directed his full attention to each Bonded and child in turn. Takar held still with something of a pained grimace, as Bahn's magic wrapped around him and squeezed gently. His outfit was altered to something trimmer, whiter and again—with matching gold accents. In very much the same vein, Bahn moved quickly down the line, altering the appearance of his children and Bonded until they suited his tastes. He finally stopped at Delani, who perked a brow and held up two dangling earrings.

A near pout graced the elfin-dragel's face. "So that's where they were. You didn't have to hide them you know. I wouldn't have—have—well, maybe." He admitted.

"I did not hide-" Delani began and then muttered something beneath her breath that sounded suspiciously like 'Arielle, help me' and she calmly spun him around and pulled him into a half-hug from behind. Bahn automatically gathered up his hair, showing off his ears and standing patiently while she threaded them into the appropriate piercings, arranging the extra chains to rest from the delicately pointed cap of his ear, trailing down to his neck. "You are braiding your hair, at least in a topknot." She informed him, gifting a kiss to the base of his neck, nipping gently at the pale skin.

Bahn twitched, faintly, but he clicked his fingers as he let his hair down and automatically the silken strands began to separate and braid themselves together. Delani watched him for a moment, then reached out and tugged a few strands and braids until there were elegant loops, twists and knots crafted into a respectable style atop his head. He held out two fingers to her and she kissed the tips as her own hair leapt to recreate a complimentary style.

"Where's Ilsa?" Bahn stood on tip-toe, craning his head to the side. "Harry!" His entire face lit up at once and he all but flew to the trio, snatching Harry in a bone-crushing hug. "You're right on time," he informed the brunet. "And you look…" his brow furrowed and for a moment, he nibbled his lower lip as if searching for the right words.

Harry matched the raised eyebrow expression and waited, somewhat nervously for the verdict. Theo's fussing was quite mild compared to the elaborate and rich finery Bahn and his Circle had chosen. He resisted the urge to twist his fingers, as he caught a close-up glimpse of Bahn's made-up face. On the elfin-dragel, make-up seemed almost natural, lending a rather ethereal look to the pale features. Harry gulped.

"…plain." Bahn finished at last. He inspected his white-lacquered fingernails and sighed. "Honestly, Theodore. Until Harry has decided on a specific theme of dresswear, it is your responsibility to present yourself and your Circle with some degree of splendor."

"I was hoping Oretta would be here." Theo's lips twitched. "I need her to approve our coat of arms. There will be gold trim." He gave the blond a pointed look. "Gold will work well with this," he gestured to himself and slung an arm around Harry's waist, drawing him closer, with a slight tilt of his head towards Charlie. "and it will also match you and yours. Now stop worrying."

"He always worries." Takar chuckled, moving over to come and say hello as well. "He honestly can't help himself." He air-kissed one pale cheek, smiling appreciatively at Bahn's final result. "I think Ilsa's 'porting over in a second. I can feel her energy gathering over there," he gave a slight jerk of his head. "You might want to introduce Harry to the other half, before we leave. We're likely to run into each other or remain in each other's company for the greater part of today. It might be nice to start things out from your point-of-view?" The not-so-subtle hint was immediately caught and Bahn brightened up at once.

"Of course, this way Harry!" The blond happily linked arms with the brunet, gently tugging him forward. "I can't introduce you to all of Bhindi's, because most of them are still in the process of making themselves publicly presentable." There was a hint of laughter in his voice. "But the Soulmated ones are here, you know, Bu and Sueh's other halves." He quickened his step. "Come!"

---

"….ergen!" Ilsa's strong voice echoed in the slightly empty courtyard. She materialized at the edge of their loosely assembled group, in gleaming, fitted golden armor. Her dark-two-toned hair was neatly stuck in her trademark spikes, and her dress armor consisted of a modest bustier, plated skirt, leg-braces, heeled shoes, arm guards, shoulder guards, wrist braces and an ornate jewelry collar. Her face was set in something of a scowl and she held a white bundle tucked under one arm. "I'm late." She grumbled. "How wonderful."

"Oretta!" Theo came over at once, with Charlie and Harry trailing behind. "I was wondering."

"Keep right on wondering," his mentor grumbled. "Where's Bahn? I'm supposed to give him these…" She frowned, golden eyes lighting on Harry straightaway. "Harry." She passed the bundle to Charlie and immediately focused her attention on the green-eyed brunet. "Hello, love. You look alright. Theo says you've managed to find yourself a spot of trouble. How are you feeling? Anything unusual, abnormal, out of the ordinary? Hot flashes, cold sweats, upset stomach, hives?" She caught Harry's chin with one hand and tipped it up, so she could stare into his eyes.

"Hi." Harry managed. He blinked once, then twice, mentally sifting through the series of questions she'd directed to him. "I feel…alright." He thought about it a moment longer. "Not dizzy or anything." He shrugged.

"Hmmm." Ilsa hummed, turning his head from side to side, before finally releasing his chin. "I see. Could you demonstrate, please?"

"Demonstrate what-?" Harry began and then the knut dropped. "Oh. Right." He took a breath and began to speak. "A sldkf named fubuguph is the one who-"

"That's enough." She held up a hand, dark brows knitting together across her forehead. "I have a fairly good idea of what happened." The golden eyes darkened a few shades. "You went into the water last night, didn't you?"

Harry swallowed.

"After we all left?"

Theo made a sound from behind him and moved forward, one hand resting reassuringly on Harry's shoulder. "Oretta, I have already-"

"You have. I have not." She interrupted him, the darkening gold shifting to a deliberate hazel hue. "I even waited be sure that you were off the docks." One eyebrow twitched. "Exactly what part of that was too difficult to comprehend?"

"I didn't do it on purpose!" Harry felt his temper flare. "There was a goigdm who was drowning! I was trying to save ddfkf!"

"Whoever it was," she paused. "And I am inclined to believe it was likely a Merrow and a male one, at that—their women never surface to walk on land—he was apparently fine enough to curse you for your efforts. I would not call that an accident. You would have had to do something significant that required him to silence you." The eyebrow twitched again. "Something that likely wouldn't have occurred if you hadn't gone out there in the first place."

"I didn't know that would happen. No told me that-"

"I assumed you were fully capable of making the connection that a warning is usually for a very necessary reason."

Harry's hands clenched and unclenched. He took a breath to calm himself when he felt Theo lightly squeeze his shoulder and Charlie shuffling closer.

"You could have been killed." The sharpness of Ilsa's tone was almost muted, compared to the concern beneath it. "There would have been no trace of you, no word, no hint of where you had gone and what had happened to you. The Merrow are no laughing matter." She reached for him, brushing off Theo's hand and resting her own, one on each of his shoulders. "Even if we had our suspicions, we would have no proof, Harry. You might have lived for a little—if he felt so inclined—or you would be dead."

Harry bristled. "I am not some helpless-!"

"You fell into the water, yes?"

"…and he was eaten." Charlie frowned. "I still don't understand the eaten part." The frown deepened. "I'm not sure I want to understand the eaten part."

Ilsa paled almost at once, her brown eyes now focused on Theo, who swallowed. He had not seen it fit to pass on that particular detail in his morning rant. "You did not mention that, Theodore."

Her use of his full name was not missed. Theo winced. "I was more worried about the fact that he couldn't speak a-"

Ilsa dismissed him with a wave, her head snapping back to focus on Harry. "Have you ever been to Mount Valeraine?" She said, abruptly. One hand dropped and she drew Harry closer to her side, turning to look into the distance.

Harry blinked. "…no?"

"It's a lovely place. In fact, because your Charlie is a fire-type, I would wager he might enjoy a daytrip of poking about through the lava caves and sleeping under the black trees, the ash would be good for his lungs too, though the rest of you might need a few air-purification charms." She squeezed his shoulders gently, a one-armed hug. "Every fire type should visit there at least once. In fact, if you stand right about here," she nudged him forward and pointed with her free hand. "You can actually see the top of it. Squint, if you have to. Your eyes will adjust."

Harry hesitated, he could feel a few tendrils of regret, worry and then a healthy dose of anger all mixed together. Much in the same way that he'd felt Theo's reaction when he'd finally explained his half of things, almost the exact same series of feelings he'd read from Charlie, when his Beta had finally managed to understand the 'eaten' part of his story.

It warmed him inside, just a touch, to know that these were people genuinely worried for him and his wellbeing—simply because he was important to them. Not because they needed to make use of him or they needed anything from him, just because they cared. It was an old feeling that hadn't surfaced in a long time—not since the first time he'd met the Weasleys, anyway and then Sirius. Harry swallowed, pushing those thoughts away for later, he followed her pointing arm, searching in the distance for the mountain range. He was pleasantly surprised to find that squinting really did help and that he could make out a fairly decent representation of a blue-purple mountain with wisps of silvery-grey smoke rising from the tips. He found himself with the urge to smile as he pictured a hiking day spent with Theo's calming presence and Charlie—preferably shirtless—and of course a good lunch and-OW!

Harry yipped when a sudden stinging warmth blossomed in his bum. He flinched forward, only to be steadied by one of Ilsa's iron arms. The reality registered a moment later and his cheeks flamed red, ears warming considerably as he tried to pull away.

"Don't." Ilsa's voice was dark velvet and whispered in his ear. "I'm letting you off easy for this." She hugged him tight, from behind. "Quite easy. I do not simply say or do things because I feel like it. I always have a reason or a purpose behind it." Her chin touched the side of his head as she straightened. "You are important to us. In the future, please pay attention. I do not spout out rules because they are amusing, alright?"

Halfway mortified at being swatted like a child, Harry mutely nodded.

"Verbal answer, loveling." Ilsa's voice softened, her golden eyes lightening once more.

A strangled "yes" came from Harry a moment later.

"Good." She released him with a quick nudge into Theo's ready arms. "I cannot remove your curse, but I do know which one it is. I will see if I can request an audience with my father and from there, perhaps arrange something with the visiting Merrow. Likely, do not expect anything to happen today. The Merrow aren't being introduced until tonight or tomorrow morning, depending and it is highly unlikely that they will consider a request for curse removal before they've had a public entrance." She snorted. "They are quite vain, but I should be able to secure the services of one of them at some point or another and when I do so, I may simply 'port you directly to my side, if you are near Theo." Her lips twitched. "Today is a fun day, with plenty of new things, strange people and ridiculous customs." The golden eyes lightened to their original hue. "Enjoy it—all of you!" She clicked her fingers at Charlie, accepting the white, cloth-wrapped bundle. "Thank you."

Charlie nodded in answer, blue eyes darting to Harry. They softened, considerably and he stretched out one hand to ruffle the perpetually messy hair. He said nothing and Theo remained silent as well.

Ilsa's golden eyes rested on them a moment longer and then she turned on her heel and stuck two fingers in her mouth to produce a shrill whistle. Her Bonded turned as one to see the source of the noise and faces brightened, chatter picking up once more as Bahn was shuffled to the front to answer her unofficial summon.

---

"Ilsa!" Bahn trotted over, curious. "We were waiting for you, everyone's ready and oh—is that what I think it is?" He stopped, and looked at her with imploring pale eyes. "You spoil me." He said, happily. "I completely forgot about those, since we don't wear them all the time."

The short Gheyo handed over the bundle without a word and Bahn's speedy fingers made quick work of the soft cloth. He gave a rather undignified whoop a moment later when the cloth fell away to show a series of intricately crafted, golden Bonding bracelets. His sharp eyes immediately flickered to Ilsa's right wrist, where her own was prominently displayed, before he turned on his heel and held them out to his Bonded, a pleased expression fixed on his angelic face.

They came forward in something of a line and fished through the pile of gold to find their own individual bracelet. Harry watched, interestedly as each Bonded seemed to know exactly which one was theirs, even when he couldn't tell anything different in them. He could see the Deveraine crest in the center of it, where the coat of arms then broke off in the neat, scrolling design that managed to look wonderful, regardless of the wearer's gender.

The last three were taken by Delani. She slipped Bahn's own on for him and he returned the favor in kind, adding a kiss to the inside of her wrist.

Delani's lips curved into a fond smile and she tugged lightly on one of his stray braids. "Are we almost ready?"

"Almost." Bahn looped his arms around her waist, seeking a cuddle and any attention his Alpha was willing to direct to him at this particular moment. He was happy and content and it showed.

"Sickening. Absolutely sickening." Bhindi's irritated voice carried easily through the morning air, drawing the attention of all as she glided down the stairs, clad in a matching outfit, looking exactly as Bahn himself—with the exception of her small bosom, blushed cheeks and pale pink lipstick. "Did you even remember to-"

Bahn shifted, twisting in the embrace to take the third band from Delani's hand and throw it to his twin. "They're all in the same spot in the vault. It's not like yours would be left behind." The smile had disappeared from his face and a faintly weary look edged into his eyes.

She snatched it out of the air and twisted it over her own hand with a grimace, settling it on her right wrist. "Are you really attending under a glamour?" Her pale eyes raked over his form with obvious disapproval. "That really is not the wisest thing to do."

"It's none of your business if I do or don't." Bahn returned, calmly. "Decided to join us after all? We should be ever so lucky."

"You aren't exactly giving me a choice." Bhindi bit the words off, a scowl marring her pretty face. "Then again, that was probably all your doing in the first place, wasn't it?"

Bahn's insincere smile fitted his face perfectly. "Of course not. Arielle, forbid."

Bhindi's pale-grey eyes swept through the gaggle of their shared Bonded and she pressed her lips together, obviously struggling to keep her sharp tongue in check, until her gaze landed on Harry and company. She remembered them quite well from that disastrous breakfast with Aracle in the home of that stuffy Councilman. "What are they doing there?"

"They happen to be my guests." Bahn silently dared her to contradict, a hint of steel showing in his face. "And I invited them." His eyes narrowed. "We have no quarrel with them."

"You have no-" Bhindi began.

Bahn gave a low rumble in his throat, pale eyes darkening. "The House of Deveraine." He hissed. "Has no quarrel with them, a House, that I must remind you, includes us both. Do not dare to disgrace it without sufficient reason. I would suggest you rethink yourself before Ithycar returns, because I grow more inclined to speak badly in your favor, the longer you keep this up."

The pretty blonde snorted. "Do you? And what do you suppose he'd have to say about your little bits of fun while he's been out of touch and far away from the-"

"Delani has already covered that." Bahn nearly growled. "And it's none of your business."

"Covered it?" A wicked gleam flashed in Bhindi's eyes. "Thoroughly? In your condition? You're walking. That's hardly saying much at all."

"I'd be happy to try it out on your condition as well." Delani's quiet voice cut through the argument before anything could spiral out of hand. "If you intend to accompany us, then you will be on your best behavior." She warned. "I will not have any of this." Her sharp glare flickered to Bahn. "Which includes you as well," she said, pointedly. "Do not make me repeat a lesson that neither of us care to remember."

"Of course not." Bhindi's voice was syrupy sweet as she sauntered down the curved stone steps, her heeled sandals clacking ominously on the stone. "Why should you grow a backbone now? It would only cause-"

A loud shriek sounded from within the house and whatever would have happened next, didn't. Soula came streaking through the door, with Ariki beside her and an unfamiliar woman chasing both of them with a shiny black slipper in hand.

"I'll kill you both!" The dark-haired beauty shrieked. "I swear I will, you brats! What are you, five years old? I don't have time for this. We'll be late and just look at what you've done!"

Of course, her screams immediately attracted the attention of everyone present and they turned to watch the drama unfold.

"It was a joke, Koury!" Soula dodged around Bhindi, twirled between Callistar and Okahn, before making a beeline towards her father. "Just a joke, we didn't mean anything by it really-!"

"It wasn't my idea!" Ariki protested, he dodged behind Bhindi, grabbing her gently about the shoulders for something of a shield, ignoring her squeaked protest as she was whirled about to meet her furious Bonded. "I was the messenger. Don't shoot the messenger."

"There were no messengers involved." Koury, one of Bhindi's Pareya, stood in the doorway, a glower on her face, her skin glowing purple and her hair now a pitch black shade, trailing on the ground behind her in fat, oversized ringlets. She grabbed a handful of hair and shook it, furiously. "This is not funny. Not the least bit funny. Am I laughing? No. I'm not. Ha ha. Not funny. Messenger, my foot! Seeing as you've volunteered, I'm sure I could make an exception. You will have the rest of your life to regret the fact that I have." She started down the steps, pausing to hack at the long, ridiculous carpet of hair that followed her.

Ariki gulped. "It was just a joke." He ducked behind Bhindi's shoulder. "Really it was. Mera?" He pleaded. "It'll wear off in a few."

The blonde rolled her eyes skyward, turning to frown at the teenage boy. "You should know better." She elbowed him sharply. Her lips twitched, fighting laughter at the sight of her Bonded suffering from an everlasting hair extension charm, coupled with a forever curls spell and a skin-glowing hex.

A quiet 'oof' came from the young, honey-blond Beta as he immediately hugged his Mera from behind, affecting an innocent expression. "It really was Soula's idea, Mera. Completely hers. You know I couldn't cast a hair-curling charm to save my life." But he fought a smile, even as he protested, suggesting that perhaps it hadn't really been his baby sister's idea in the first place.

"Hey!" His youngest sister protested. "Blame it all on me, why don't you?" She sputtered. "You're horrible! You were just as invested as the rest of—ow, Daddy!" The teen yelped when her father caught her neatly, with one arm around the waist, before he landed a hefty smack on her pert behind. "It was a joke!" She pouted.

Aracle's dark eyes hid barely-concealed amusement, as he hugged Soula closer to him, offering a half-hug in answer. He knew just how her jokes could play out, especially when coupled with Ariki's little pranks. Soula was closest for the moment, so Ariki would have to wait. "Jokes are not to be played on Koury especially on days like today where we are all waiting on-"

"She bloody well deserved it." Soula scowled. "It's not like I just-"

"Language, young lady." Came the expected scold, Aracle sighed. But he could see the faint trace of worry in her young face and knew that he had her to thank for diffusing the situation before anything could happen. Her favorite charms had likely been her only means of a distraction and Ariki, well, the Rheyo knew that the young man would gladly lend a hand if it was for a good cause. He squeezed her shoulder, gently.

"Enough, Koury." Bhindi silenced her with a look and two-words. "Stand still." She wrought the same type of magic that Bahn had, to produce a similar outfit of white and gold, with the charms and hexes removed, as if it were nothing. The result was a pretty woman, with small, fine features and vibrant, rainbow-colored hair that fell to her waist in perfectly straight strands. "Better?"

The Pareya affected a sulky look in response, checking her outfit and hair before giving a grudging nod in answer. "You always side with those-"

"They are children." Bhindi interrupted. "What would you have me do?" But even as she spoke, she'd managed to grab ahold of Ariki's arm and spin him around to sit at her feet, one hand tangled in his hair as warning. She did not argue with Koury often, because the vibrant Pareya was often the one starting the pranks. This was about as normal as a—well, Bhindi wasn't quite sure, but she did have no intention of allowing a childish prank war to break out before they were all presented to the dragel public at the most prestigious event in Nevarah.

"You always side with him!" Koury shot back. "Because he's half Ithy's." She snorted. "But never mind me, it's only Koury. Empty-headed, too-many-colors, Koury. Why should I even matter?" She sniffed.

"Oh no, you don't!" Bhindi's attention immediately refocused on her. "There will absolutely none of that. You know fairly well why." She frowned.

Koury opened her mouth, then shut it abruptly as the necessary memory came to mind. Her cheeks colored and she looked away with a mumbled apology.

Bhindi merely turned away without answer.

---

"Oretta?" Theo had moved over to stand by Ilsa once more, now that Harry was calm—as in not blushing furiously—and safely ensconced in Charlie's scorching arms, he had a moment to broach the second issue he'd meant to take up with her.

"What?" The spiky head of hair swiveled to look at him.

"This, I wanted to add something to our robes before we left, but," Theo tipped his head to the side. "I wasn't quite sure, as this does use the background and brackets in yours." He showed her now, a design he'd been working on in his head. A finished coat of arms for the House of Nott. Socially, they would always identify under his name, unless a new Bonded had a name of higher standing. For the moment, Theo's name was the only one recognizable in Nevarah and only due to Ilsa. Charlie and Harry were unknown with their present names and newborn status.

"It's lovely." Ilsa poked at the misty, projected image hovering over her hand. "Why don't you add a little more ivy here?" She trailed a finger along the edge of the shield's border. "Run or twine it around the gold, then make the crest a little bigger and the banner a bit curvier…"

A few minutes of fiddling produced an acceptable likeness to both parties and Ilsa's proud smile was all that Theo needed as he excused himself to return to Charlie and Harry, now that they were all shuffling into circles to prepare for the group transportation.

It was almost time to leave. The atmosphere had taken on a tinge of excitement as the children, who had been kept in a corner by Bu and Sueh, were now happily chattering and shrieking as they were herded into the center of the circle. Some waved at their parents and made faces at their siblings, obediently allowing themselves to be moved and positioned just so.

The sudden blur of activity caught the attention of a certain brunet. Harry found himself watching with a hint of interest and admiration at their behavior, there were no temper tantrums or little spats and he could already see some resemblance to some of the other Bonded in the Deveraine circle. Charlie hovered behind him, chatting with Takar about one of Bhindi's Gheyos, a fire type by the name of Loren, whose spiky, cropped hair held the same three-toned hues as Charlie's own long locks.

Harry started, faintly, when he felt a trickle of Theo's magic wash over him. Turning with a question on the tip of his tongue, he bit back to the words when the warmth enveloped him thoroughly, before finishing its work. He stared down at his plain green robes that were now brilliantly edged and trimmed with a rich, glittering gold. There were delicate scrolls and runic symbols forming a lovely, three-inch border at the open front, the cuffs and hem. A quick glance at Charlie, showed that his Beta had noticed the change and now took a moment to admire his own rich, navy robes that now bore the same elegant scrolling in the same lovely gold that complemented his tanned complexion.

Curious now, Harry twisted around, searching for Theo, only to feel those familiar, elegant fingers slipping into his hands. "Theo!" He turned in time to see Theo raising his hand to his lips. Soft, smooth, cool lips pressed lightly to the tips of Harry's fingers. His blush resurfaced with surprising ferocity.

"You look absolutely stunning, my treasure." Theo hummed. "Do you like it?"

And Harry did. He could not quite think of a way to express his thanks at the loveliest set of dress robes he'd ever worn yet. He settled for a light kiss to Theo's cheek and a hum of appreciation.

Theo chuckled into his ear and patted his shoulder, before scooting Harry forward and to the side. "Go ask Bahn what the order of entrance is." He gave a slight tug on his Beta's bonds and waited for Charlie to finish his conversation before turning to him.

"Nice work." Takar commented, inclining his head as he excused himself from the duo and strode forward to Delani and Bahn.

Theo perked a brow.

Charlie's lips twitched. "It's nice." He allowed.

Golden eyes danced mischievously. "Nice?"

"Quite."

Theo suppressed a chuckle. "They suit you quite well." He complimented. "Should I expect you to be with Takar for today?"

The redhead hesitated. "Maybe."

"That's fine. I only wondered. I will likely be busy and absent for most of today, if Oretta has her way. There are many I have not seen in some time and it will do our Circle well to have the connections reforged."

Charlie caught the meaning beneath it at once. The bond hummed between them and he moved forward, his hand brushing faintly against his Alpha's. "I'll keep an eye on Harry."

---

"Is everyone in position?" Bahn's clear voice finally silenced them all. There was a bit of shuffling and not too much more, before a low murmur of agreement rippled back to him. "Good. Now, Ilsa, dearest, you said you would handle this?" He perked a brow in her direction.

Bhindi made a sound of displeasure, but it was immediately silenced by her Beta, Okahn, a serious, golden-blond elf, who automatically shifted his hand from around her waist to cover her mouth. When she made as if to protest, Aracle cleared his throat and she settled with a glower.

"Thank you." Bahn said, calmly. "Now then, the order of entrance will be traditional, because we are introducing Harry and his. Gheyos first, do whatever you like, Pareyas second, you have the same and the rest of you know where your ranks fall." His pale eyes flickered to Harry, noting the light in those emerald depths. "We, the Submissives, traditionally enter last, unless we are in a hurry or bored with pomp and circumstance and then we would enter first. Is that agreeable?"

Harry nodded, quickly. "That's fine." He found himself smiling, before he could help it.

"Good, now then, are we ready? Ilsa? Lani? On the count of three, one-"

"One moment!" Ilsa's bored tone interrupted. "Soula, I expect you to be within range of someone familiar at all times today. If you must be traipsing around on your own, do it with Harry." Golden eyes drilled directly into her youngest daughter before shifting meaningfully to Harry.

He tried not to squirm beneath that strict, knowing gaze.

"If you require my protection or Delani's, please seek it at once. As you have expressed a desire to hunt, I have refrained from automatically casting it for you, but the option is still there, should you desire it." She paused. "This is a wonderful and entirely enjoyable occasion for everyone, however, there are still reasons for caution and I expect you to use, show and demonstrate common sense. If you cannot trust your judgment at any given moment, then you should not be in the situation that you find yourself. Excuse yourself from the matter and find any one of us." She inclined her head to the side, indicating the Betas, Delani and Aracle. "Bahn, so that there are witnesses—do not, I repeat, do not, pick a fight with anyone or anything today—if you could? There will likely be a number of challenges due to my return and I do not wish to drag anyone else into them, yourselves included. Please, by Arielle's virtue, consider this seriously?" She sighed. "Now, on the count of three-"

"Thank you, Ilsa." Bahn flashed her grin. "I had almost forgotten that." His pale eyes hardened, faintly. "I expect you to consider that carefully, Soula." He skimmed the serious faces of his Bonded and then gave a short nod to Ilsa. "and Harry, I will likely drag you along with me half the time and the other half, you'll most likely end up with either your Bonded or Soula. Happy Hunting."

There was a faint pop at the outside of the circle and Dahlia came to a gasping halt at the edge of the transportation hub, where her family parted to allow her to step through. "Mum." She greeted, with a faint wave. "Sorry. Lady Pai had something of a fit this morning. Apparently the Royals have something planned for the afternoon." She grimaced. "Which I am not supposed to be speaking about, so ignore that." She turned. "Wik? Mei?"

Her favored Gheyo companions immediately fell into flanking positions behind her. The dark fae's brooding gaze was mesmerizing with his vivid, fuchsia-colored eyes and Mei, turned out to be a changeling—just like Edora—as a slender, willowy young man, with no bubblegum or pink lipstick. Both were armed and clothed in their dress armor and hints of excitement could be seen, even as Dahlia ordered them into position.

"Lovely of you to join us." Ilsa drawled. "Now are we ready?"

Bahn stifled a chuckle. "Anytime now." He straightened his circlet. "Oh and I need not remind you all to remember to clear the 'portation medallion within the first five minutes of landing, yes? Good."

Golden eyes gave a spectacular roll and Ilsa rolled her neck as she shouted up to the sky. "Temptrificus Ergen!" A flare of brilliant golden light spiraled out from her feet, streaking across the ground and forming a beautiful, glowing medallion on the courtyard stones. It spread out until it encompassed the entire Circle and then some, before it solidified into a perfect circle and began to swirl and spin, locking onto the location coordinates provided and drawing on Ilsa's magic to complete the request.

Delani's slender arms shot out, circling Bahn as she glowed a faint pale-orange hue. "Temptrificus Alloras!" She called, tagging her transport on to Ilsa's, allowing her pregnant Submissive a stress-free relocation. A smaller, discrete medallion of soft orange energy flared about her feet, covering only herself and Bahn as magic flared and energy crackled in the air.

Harry felt Theo snatch one hand and Charlie the other. He squeezed both, impulsively, feeling a sense of expectation that he'd never quite known before. This would be so much fun!

---

A/N: Chapter 76 is finally here! LOL. Sorry for the long wait guys, I've been trying to work on it in between of RL and everything that's been going on at Uni and whatnot. Thank you to everyone who faved/alerted and reviewed my new QuinnxHarry fluffy oneshot, "Potesne Me Amplexare" it was just an excuse to write some fluff.

Thank you kindly for the wonderful reviews, suggestions and also the well wishes for my Aunty. For those of you following the Chatterbox thread in the forums, she is recovering from her surgery and so far-so good!

---

REVIEW RESPONSES are in the FORUM. Copy and paste to get there, click on the appropriate chapter number and scroll down to find your review and my reply. Replace the (heresadot) with actual dots as FF eats all urls.

forum(heresadot)fanfiction(heresadot)net/forum/The re_Be_Dragons_Harry_Forum/108964/

---

Also, the very talented and wonderful brissygirl has written a spin-off ficlet for TBDH, titled "TBDH : Something's Wrong With Harry". Pop on over and check it out-it's adorable!

---

~Scion