See first chapter for disclaimers/warnings/summaries. Link to TBDH Forum is in my profile. This chapter was betaed by the wonderful brissygirl to provide a smoother reading experience. All remaining mistakes are my own.
Character list is mentioned at the bottom. Character headings are included.
!FANART IN THE FORUMS! Thanks to NirvanaElder and Asfodelia, there are some amazing works of art showing dragel Harry and his bonded. Stop by and check it out.
RECAP: Harry and the Merrow, Alec, meet up for the second time and Harry learns a few disturbing things about the proud, vain water elemental. Alec casts a shape shifting spell on Harry to protect him from a Merrow Official known as Advisor Kalen and then removes it moments before Theo activates the portal to bring Harry to the entrance for their formal introduction into the Hunt. The portal catches Harry unawares and having just been through a Merrow shapeshifting spell, his magic reacts violently and shatters the portal. Plummeting through the air, Harry frantically tries to slow his descent and is rescued by an Air Elemental by the name of Lewis Peverell-could they possibly be related?
NEVARAH : SOMEWHERE IN THE AIR (LEWIS & HARRY)
Harry felt as if he were watching one of those strange dramas on the telly that Petunia would sometimes indulge in while enjoying her afternoon tea. It was a disconcerting experience to find himself feeling so detached and clear-headed that a faint thrill of fear ran through him before his mind retrieved the appropriate memory he'd been searching for.
The Noble House of Peverell…oh Merlin!
Harry could see his first exam with Quinn on that fateful day where he'd learned of those wretched seals. He was remembering the moment where Quinn had listed them, ticking them off on his fingers and then frowning when he'd run out of fingers to count on. He remembered Quinn's barely concealed fury and his reluctance to let Harry leave even after he'd removed the Blood Seal.
They'd spoken of many things, some of them about the high noble houses and the parental seals that had been wrought on him since birth. According to Quinn, his parents wouldn't have known what they did, it would have seemed like a blessing or a baptism of sorts for a wizarding baby. They would have remembered it from their childhood and with their dragel sides suppressed, it wouldn't have affected them at all.
In fact, it probably showed in the way that James Potter had always been a quick flier and how Lily Evans had a charismatic personality so alluring that everyone who met her, couldn't help but want to be near her. Quinn had asked him to define any vivid traits and those had been the ones that Harry could instantly call to mind. He wasn't even sure if they counted, after all, he only had memories, but Quinn had smiled and asked him questions in turn. He'd then explained that those very two things showed in Harry in nearly the same ways, his skill on a broomstick and his natural inclination to help anyone he could—and his ability to draw in people who wanted to protect him.
Then Harry had asked about removing them and Quinn had said something about proper social channels and arranging meetings with the heads of the noble houses to see about having them removed. In all of his sixteen years and the handful days of they'd been in Nevarah, Harry wasn't expecting to literally fly into a member of the noble house of Peverell.
Well, technically he hadn't flown, Harry mused. It was more like he'd fallen into them. Quinn's explanation on the seals had mentioned something about blood parameters and necessary formalities. Harry wondered if anything would turn out spectacularly horrible if he were to forgo the formalities he didn't even know existed.
Maybe they were related—like an uncle and a nephew. No, that couldn't be right. Charles Potter didn't have siblings, much in the same way his own father had been an only child. Harry frowned. Was that a thing? It made him wonder.
The tickling sensation of time speeding up washed over him again, pulling back the threads of fear along with it. Harry braced himself for the reality that awaited him.
It didn't disappoint.
Magic slammed into him with startling force and surprising viciousness. Harry half-jerked upwards into a sitting position with a heaving, choking gasp of breath. He shivered, feeling the chill in the air that subsided at a hastily cast heating charm and experience kicked in before instinct did. He recoiled from the safe cradle of arms, twisting away to roll to the side, his wand winking into existence, turning solid in his hand before he was half-way to his feet in an instinctive, adrenaline-fueled motion.
Alec. Bad portal. Falling. Shadow. Lewis…Peverell…oh. The series of events leading up to his current situation replay in fast-forward in Harry's head and he let himself puzzle over it for all of a half-second, before he processed that the threat was nothing to worry over.
The adrenaline faded almost as quickly as it had come and he slumped down to his knees, not protesting when Lewis slowly rose from his spot on the floor and approached him with caution, hands held out to show he meant no harm. "Harry?" He tested. "Are you back? Are you alright?"
Harry managed a grimace and then nodded, faintly.
Lewis brightened and closed the gap between them, sitting down cross-legged on the cool stone floor. "I'm glad." He reached over, hesitating briefly before smoothing a few strands of sweaty hair from the pale face before him. "Those were some wicked reflexes, by the way. Very impressive. For someone who can't fly, you move very well on your feet."
His fingers were cool to the touch and it made Harry's eyelids slide halfway-shut. He made a gurgling sound in his throat that might have voiced his appreciation for the gesture of tenderness or the compliment. He didn't know which. His shoulders ached something fierce, but he was aware that there were no longer any open wounds—or wings for that matter. For a moment, he wished he could just stay here for a very long time.
"Better?" Lewis smiled at the blinking emerald eyes as Harry leaned into the caress. "You gave me a bit of a scare there. Your wings are alright, I forced them back in—but that's not as bad as it sounds. Trained Medic, remember that. I folded them back the same way they came out. There's nothing wrong in sealing them in, temporarily, while you work to keep the rest of yourself together. Sometimes it can cause some confusion if they're out when you feel like you're about to hurl." He continued stroking the strangely vulnerable face, until his hands shifted to gently rub Harry's scalp, then neck and then down to his tense shoulders, before frowning. "You're a little hard to reach, if you don't mind?"
"What—L-lewis!" Harry tried to protest a few moments too late as he was pulled into man's lap and hugged tight from behind. The gentle pressure of those strong arms and the natural warmth radiating from the older dragel made him relax, instinctively. It felt just like it had with Ilsa on the beach. It felt even better, almost. Ilsa had been wearing flexible armor and her hold, while gentle, had been tentative as if afraid he would break. Lewis simply enveloped him and assumed he was sturdy enough. "I'm—I'm really-" Harry stopped. He didn't know how to stay that he didn't really need a hug, even when he felt he really had earned the right to one.
"Sit still please, I don't want to accidently channel too much into you." Lewis said, lightly.
Harry froze.
Lewis sighed. "You're supposed to relax." He rested his chin atop Harry's head. "I can't imagine exactly how we're related, but we must be. This is actually very exciting, you know. The Perevell Seal only works if one has Perevell blood. It's the base of the entire ritual and it would never work otherwise. Technically it should have come off when you came into your inheritance or at least showed some signs of fraying. It looks perfectly intact to me though, which is a bit odd. I suppose your mentor must have been waiting on you to do something before helping it to come off."
"You can see them." Harry said. He'd never expected someone apart from Quinn to be able to look at him and see the troublesome seals. Then again, he'd seen the flicker of sadness in Ilsa's eyes sometimes when she stared at him and he was certain that Kyle could see them and if Lewis was a Medic as well, it made sense.
"Them?" Lewis echoed. "I only see one seal-" he stopped. "Forgive me if I am prying, but do you mean to suggest that you bear more than one? At your young age?" He hugged Harry a little tighter, the glow of strengthening, healing magic warming and pulsing stronger than before. "I suppose you could have two, one of your father's side and one from your mother's—this one's your father's, I can tell from the signature of it." There was a soft snort. "Your mother must be very powerful then, only powerful parents would ever seal their child to prevent potential disasters at a young age."
"My father?" Harry twisted, trying to see Lewis's face. "Did you know him? James?"
"James?" Lewis repeated. He slackened his grip to allow Harry to rearrange himself so he wouldn't be straining his neck. "I do not know a James, I did know a Charles though." A look of sadness passed over him. "My younger brother, Aldor, claimed solitary, because his Intended's family did not approve of him. To combat the social slight, our family rejected her in turn. He chose to Bond with her anyway and as a result, left Nevarah to avoid causing complications for either family." Lewis bowed his head. "There were many consequences for that particular choice though and in the end, he was forced to give up many things just to be with her. I always thought that he had—died." He frowned down at Harry, perplexed. "James is your father? Who was your grandfather?"
"Charles. My grandfather was Charles Potter. My dad was James. He married Lily Evans. A muggleborn witch." Harry spoke, slowly, puzzling through the mystery himself. "James Potter was the only son of Charles Potter." Harry heard himself say. "I don't know any Aldor or Peverell. No one ever spoke of anyone but my mum and dad."
"…he might have changed his name to blend in, our dragel naming practices are not exactly subtle." Lewis frowned. "The Charles I knew was Aldor's son. I never met him in person, but Aldor spoke of him in the few letters we exchanged. He sent me his first lock of hair for safekeeping." Lewis smiled. "A magical child's earliest memories vanish with their first haircut. The first cut lock is almost like the superstition that humans keep in regards to the tooth fairy. I always regret that I never made an effort to see him before my graduation. I was free to move about until I earned my Medic's title."
"What do you mean by free?" Harry's eyes narrowed.
"Ah, it's nothing to worry over now." Lewis's smile turned sad. "My family was very—upset, when they learned of our communications. They forbid me to contact him again." He patted Harry's arm. "You must understand that familial bonds in dragel families are quite different from humans and any other magical creature. I love my family, no matter how pig-headed and stubborn they can be. I would kill for them, should anyone even dare to speak ill of us. It is a bit complicated. Aldor was lucky that he loved her more than he did us. That would have been the only solace in running away with her." He sighed. "He was always braver than I was."
The first tendrils of suspicion began to curl through Harry's mind. He was happy to think that he had family—real, blood family here in Nevarah, but he was in no hurry to stir up cauldron of trouble simply by existing. He'd caused enough trouble with that excuse before and it didn't seem fair to turn Lewis's world upside down all of a sudden. "And now?" He asked, carefully.
"Now, I am Bonded and the Peverell head of house has returned." Lewis smiled. "My father was not the original head, he was only acting in his place, while our family head spent some time in private seclusion with his Submissive. Our family line has an unfortunate history of complicated pregnancies. I suppose it makes us more overprotective and paranoid than others. My father became the de facto head during his absence and he was always a very—nervous man. The chance of losing Aldor was such a shock that he pushed him away and lost a son, while I lost my only brother." Lewis half-smiled. "He may regret it now, because family is everything to us. Though I highly doubt that he will never admit to such a thing. I do not blame him for it, for I have my own regrets as well." He sighed. "That may be more than you wished to know, but things are better now and I have my freedom back, for what that's worth."
"That's—sad." Harry allowed, he tried to sit up and was gently held down. "Lewis-!" The protest came out as a small whine, before he could temper the instinctive urge. It seemed like the dragel in him had recognized Lewis as someone trustworthy.
"Enough." Lewis said, firmly. "You really shouldn't be moving around just yet. You've just had quite a fright." He sighed. "You're magic sensitive you know."
Harry blinked up at him. Lewis was the second one to mention that. Alec had been the first. He couldn't recall ever hearing that term applied to anyone or anything else. "No, I didn't really." He admitted. "What does it mean?"
"It means that you're probably a Nameless—and do correct me if I'm wrong—and that your Nameless gift is probably untrained and untempered. You're sensitive to the minutest of changes and probably have an instinctive sense of what to avoid and what to encourage." Lewis hummed thoughtfully. "It means that you're very powerful. Only those who possess a tremendous amount of magical energy can feel the slightest of disturbances and be affected by it in a negative way."
"I don't understand," Harry said, bewildered. "So what does that mean?"
"Simply put, if you weren't as strong as you seem to be, it wouldn't bother you. It is no easy feat to wreck a transportation portal. Those are controlled by very old, very powerful and very special Caspers."
Harry stared at him. "…isn't that backwards?" The mention of being powerful wasn't quite as startling as it should have been, probably because he'd been hearing it from the moment the wizarding world had acknowledged him as the Boy-Who-Lived. To survive something as terrible as the killing curse, certainly meant that he was powerful, didn't it?
Lewis laughed. The sound was rich and warm and it sent another ripple of cheerfulness through the comforting, healing magic that continued to pulse around Harry. "Not really. It actually makes perfect sense. I take it you're wizard-born and wizard-raised? Your magic reeks of it, no offense."
"Is that bad?"
"No. Just slightly restrictive. There's a significant amount of potential just simmering in you. I can feel it. Dragel magic on its own is very expressive. We are extremely powerful beings and most of our training is an exercise in restraint. We learn to control the gifts that are given to us and when we have mastered it, we learn to use them to better the realm we reside in." The Medic shrugged. "It's actually rather simple. Now then, are you relaxed?"
"What?"
"I was trying to calm you down. Your magic sparks when you're agitated." Lewis flexed his wings, drawing in a slight breeze. "Do you think you can answer some questions now? I'd like to know your Circle name, your Alpha's name and where you were headed, if you could manage that."
Harry licked his lips. "The Nott Circle." He said, slowly. "Theo, I mean, Theodore Nott and he said he would 'port me in for introductions and oh no-!" Harry straightened up so quickly that he bumped his head on Lewis's chin. "Ow! That hurts. I'll be late. We're supposed to join the Deveraine Circle for the formal introductions and I'll make everyone late and-"
"Harry, Harry!" Lewis clapped a hand over Harry's mouth. "You were nearly killed. A fall from that height, in your condition, could have done serious harm with lasting injuries that very well may have killed you. I am sure they will excuse you." He frowned. "Did you say the Deveraine Circle?"
"Yes." Harry pried the hand away from his mouth, holding it at arms' length. "Yes, I did. Do you know them? And what condition? I'm fine and I feel fine!"
"Everyone knows them." Lewis corrected. "And you are not fine, but I'll save that topic for later. The Deveraines are famous for acquiring the Earth Clan's heiress, Lady Ilsa Gorgens." He frowned. "Clan heirs and heiresses usually hold a position almost like a Royal, just a few steps down, actually. For Lady Ilsa, even though the Deveraines were an established Air Circle, their Elven heritage allowed them to stay on the ground. It's actually rather unusual for an Earth type to take up with an Air-heavy Circle." He smiled. "Has their Alpha returned? He's been away for a while." He shifted to his feet, helping Harry to stand beside him. "How's that? Better? Can you stand on your own?"
"Yes." Harry thought back to the snippets on the beach. Bahn had mentioned something about their Alpha returning, but he hadn't said when. They had yet to meet, so Harry assumed that he hadn't arrived just yet. Knowing Bahn, he would have dragged Harry over to meet him straightaway. He wobbled for a moment and winced at the phantom pain in his shoulder. He could see that it was fine and he could probably stand on his own, he reasoned a moment later. But it was nice to lean on Lewis, especially when the Medic's magic kept wrapping around him in a perpetual hug of comforting warmth. "I don't think he arrived. I haven't met him yet."
"He's a charming fellow, will likely surprise you. We've had drinks together before." Lewis draped an arm around Harry's shoulders, sharing a friendly smile. "You will probably like him. Take deep breaths and take your time, find your feet. There's no rush, but I would like to send a message to your Bonded, as you probably frightened them quite badly with the portal breaking like that. I almost didn't see you, but something made me look." He frowned. "Can you still feel them?"
"Er, right." Harry sighed. He could still sense them, but the feelings traveling through it were jumbled on top of each other and he didn't know how to sort it out. Lewis was probably right. Sending a message was the best option for the moment. "I know how to do this…" he muttered to himself. Theo had showed him yesterday afternoon. He just had to think about what to say that would actually make sense.
"Tell me and I'll do it." Lewis tapped him on the head. "Magic sensitive, remember? You probably shouldn't be using your own magic just yet. You could, but you might find it easier to let it rest until you really have to. You'll probably have the mother of all headaches by dinnertime."
Harry made a face. He could do without the headaches and the crazy pains and the feeling like an invalid when he'd managed just fine on his own with plain ol' wizard magic for his entire life up to now. "Can you give me a potion for it?" He stretched, gingerly, at first, then relaxing into the movements as he felt his body adjusting. "It's to Theo," Harry stopped, thinking. He recalled Theo's formal introduction at the entry gates and frowned. "Theodore Gorgens Nott," he corrected. "Just tell him that I'm fine and I'll be there as soon as I can." He turned to Lewis, hesitant. "You can take me there, right?"
"Headache potion? Maybe. I'll think about it. There are other ways to cure headaches." The Medic flashed a smile. "I would be more than happy to take you to your final destination." He said. "Anything else you'd like to say?"
"No, that's fine. If it's too complicated they'll stop listening and start worrying again." Harry reasoned. "Do you need some space?"
"If you don't mind," Lewis stepped away. He made a fist and touched it to his heart, giving a slight bow. "A message for the Alpha of the Nott Circle, Theodore Gorgens Nott on behalf of his Submissive, Harry, immediate vicinity. Harry is fine and he will be there as soon as he can. My name is Lewis Peverell and I am a trained Medic. He is currently in my care. I shall see you shortly. Please advise as to your immediate location. My thanks in advance."
Harry watched as the faint glow of white-gold magic flared up and then faded, the message safely sent. "Do you all have to do that?" He gestured vaguely. "The bow and the phrasing?"
"If I didn't, who knows where it could end up. The bow is important, because sometimes your first image appears as an echo before your message plays. It's a sign of respect and shows that your message is meant to be a polite exchange. You can skip it if you know the person you are addressing or if you are very upset." He chuckled. "When he answers, we can 'port in. So relax for a few more minutes." He waved a hand and two white, metal chairs wisped into existence with a small round patio table sprouting up between them. "Have a seat."
Harry smiled, heading for the nearest one. He sank gratefully into the chair and then turned curious eyes to the passing wisps of cloud. He was tempted to ask if they were really flying, but the evidence was before him and he knew from experience that it had to be real.
"Have you been to see a Healer?" Lewis seated himself gracefully on the opposite chair. He waved a hand again, two more items shimmering into existence as if they'd literally been crafted out of the air itself. "Here, put this on." He handed over a grey silk shirt. "It's cooler up here than you would expect. It should resize to fit you."
Taking the shirt, Harry tightened his grip when the soft, flowy fabric spilled out of his hand. It was the softest, lightest thing he could ever remember holding. He held it up to view and then began to thread his arms through the respective sleeves. Lewis was right, because the moment he began to do up the buttons, the shirt buttoned itself and immediately resized to fit. Harry squirmed for a moment, feeling the silky fabric shrink to fit him like a glove. The top buttons were nonexistent, instead the collar fell open, showing off his pale neck and a hint of Theo's Claim mark on his collarbone.
"I can't speak for the color," Lewis poured tea into matching cups from a steaming tea set. "But it looks good on you. Milk and sugar?"
"I can fix it." Harry found himself blushing. He didn't know anything about colors, but he did like the way it felt. He'd never worn a shirt like this before. The shirt cuffs buttoned themselves when he reached over for the sugar bowl. "Thanks." He poured in a measure of milk and stirred it with a shiny silver spoon. For some reason, the very action seemed soothing and familiar. He set the spoon on the saucer and sat back, lifting the cup for a sip. "Theo took me to see a Healer on our first day here. I'm in between appointments."
"Oh?" Lewis sipped his own tea, then frowned. He leaned over and pushed the sugar bowl closer to Harry's side of the table. "Take some more. The extra sugar is good for you now. I'd offer blood, but your Alpha might not appreciate it." He sat back, watching as Harry added four more cubes and brightened at the sweet taste when he took another sip. "Might I ask who you are seeing? You do not have to answer if you do not wish to, but-"
"It's fine." Harry took another long sip of tea, smiling appreciatively. Lewis brewed a wicked pot of tea. "I don't mind. I'm seeing Healer Quinn Kalzik."
"Kalzik?" Lewis's eyebrows arched upwards in surprise. "You're seeing a Kalzik? That's wonderful. I don't have to worry then, I was starting to." He frowned. "Quinn? You mean Quinten? Wasn't he the one with the, ah-?" Lewis made a gesture around his neck. "The accident, the one who lost his voice because of that fight?"
Harry set his cup down. "I don't know about any fight, but he is mute and he is very good at what he does."
"Of course," Lewis said, hastily. "I didn't mean anything by that. It's just how we Medics know of him. Every Kalzik is extraordinarily talented, especially in the healing arts. Quinten is the only one who doesn't work under house jurisdiction."
"…I don't understand."
"All Kalziks work from their ancestral family home. They never lower themselves to mixing with the standard trained Healers and Medics. They charge well for their services, but it is perfectly in proportion to their talent. I'm told even her Royal Highness, Princess Dawne of our Air element, seeks their gifts when she is feeling under the weather. They are very well known and highly respected." He smiled. "The Peverells have no quarrel with them. I am glad you are in good hands."
"Ah." Harry knew that phrase. Bahn's friendship had been solidified with it and he understood the declaration for what it was. That was nice to know. He drained the last of his tea and began to pour himself another cup. He slowly stirred extra sugar into the brew before reaching for the small pitcher of creamer.
"How long have you been seeing him?"
"Since Tuesday?" Harry tried to count on his hands. His days were all mixed up since they'd arrived in Nevarah on that fateful Monday afternoon. "Today is Friday?"
"Today is Friday." Lewis agreed. "Tomorrow is Saturday. Do you want some biscuits or scones?"
"Ginger newts?" Harry asked, before he could stop himself.
Lewis smiled. He turned and pulled a bright red tin out of the air to his left and then set it down on the table. The cover vanished from the top to reappear a few inches away on the tabletop. Three biscuits levitated out of the can and arranged themselves on Harry's saucer.
"Thank you." He reached for one, savoring the familiar taste.
"So you've seen him for three days?" Lewis rubbed his chin. "That's not very long. How long have you been here, in Nevarah, I mean?"
Harry almost shrugged. He stopped himself in time, thinking. "We came here Monday night," he murmured. "And we're still here."
"You came from where?" Lewis had to know.
Harry bit into the second ginger newt, chewing slowly. "The wizarding world." He said, quietly.
"You came for the Hunt?"
"Not exactly." Harry frowned.
"I hope you weren't planning on hunting with seals on." Lewis looked appalled. "That's hiding your true potential. You might end up with Bonded who cannot handle your kind of power or your true personality."
Harry thought of Wikhn and slow dancing, then Alec and his Merrow spellwork. "I don't think that's very likely to happen." He said, after a moment. It rather felt the other way around, as if he was attracting powerful people that he didn't know how to handle yet. "And I don't have a-"
"This is Theodore Gorgens Nott for Medic Lewis Peverell, immediate vicinity." A hazy image of a perfectly composed Theo offered the traditional bow as the circle of nearly invisible magic shimmered like a soap bubble. "Thank you for assisting my Submissive. I am currently at the public entry way to the main stadium. We are a private section. If you could bring him with you, I would be eternally grateful. Harry, if you trust him, please accept the transportation portal. We can work something else out, otherwise. My thanks for your assistance."
"Ah. That would be your cue." Lewis set his cup and saucer down before he looked over at Harry. "Are you ready or would you like to finish your tea?"
"This is fine." Harry swallowed the last ginger newt and downed the final swallow of tea. "It's fine. I'd like to—go. I mean, thank you for everything."
"Thank me when we've arrived," Lewis chuckled. "I'm not about to let you out of my sight just yet. I'd also like to have a word with your Alpha. He's remarkably composed."
Harry half-smiled. "He's Theo. He's always like that. Charlie, my Beta, he's kind of like that too, but Theo is Theo."
"…really?"
"Yes. Very little actually surprises him." Harry found himself smiling fondly at the thought. Theo's unflappable nature made it easy for him to forget just how dependable the Slytherin could be. "Is it safe for me to use a portal again? I mean, if I'm magic sensitive and all that."
"It isn't." Lewis grinned. "Good of you ask. But I have no intention of 'porting you anywhere." He stretched his arms out to the side and his wings unfurled to their true length with an audible snap. "I never said I would use a portal to carry you there." His wings flapped experimentally. "Air element, remember? Trust me to get you there?"
"I already do." Harry circled around the table, feeling the thread of familiarity connecting them again. He wished he knew just how they were related. "Do I just…?"
"Arms around my neck and hold on tight." Lewis instructed. He bent down for Harry to reach him, then carefully swept the young man up in his arms. "Comfortable?" Harry nodded. "Good. Now, if you have trouble breathing at any time, just put your nose to my neck and breathe in the hollow there. Normally, I would put some charms on you to ease any potential discomfort, but with your current condition, I really don't want to stress your magic out any more than it is at present. You should be fine."
Harry leaned forward, taking an experimental whiff of the familiar scent of steel—Theo—and spice, like something he couldn't quite place, yet lingered in the back of his mind as if he ought to know it. "Can you take the seal off?" He asked, tightening his grip on Lewis's neck as he felt the older dragel tensing for take-off.
"Do you like flying?" Lewis countered, as if Harry hadn't spoken at all. "I rather think you would, but I'd just like to make sure. Do you?"
"…yes."
"Good. Take a deep breath." Lewis's warm breath ghosted over Harry's cheek as the older dragel tightened his grip. "On count of three, alright?"
"Alright."
"Three!" Lewis announced.
And then he jumped.
NEVARAH : STADIUM - LOWER LEVELS (CHARLIE)
"Charlie?" Kyle's voice carried through the air. "Charlie Weasley? Is that you?"
Charlie turned at the sound of the Medic's voice and broke out in a wide grin when he saw the forest-green haired Fae approaching. "Kyle!" He waved cheerfully. "Hello. You look well."
"Rested is more like it," said the young woman beside him. She had lovely red-brown hair with furry white-tipped ears sticking up from her head. "You'd be surprised what sleep could do for him."
"Emily!" Kyle blushed. "Stop it." He didn't dodge the smack she aimed at him, but smiled up at Charlie. "Are you having fun so far? I'm surprised to see you alone. Ah. Nevermind, Harry's probably hunting, isn't he?" Kyle's grin grew wider. "Good for him."
"I'm Emily, his girlfriend." The girl stuck her hand out. "Pleased to meet you. I'm a Medic as well, I work specifically with were creatures, as I'm a were myself."
Charlie shook her hand, firmly. She had a nice strong grip and her smile was just as open and friendly as Kyle's. "Charlie, pleased to meet you."
"I don't suppose you've seen Quinn anywhere, have you?" Kyle shaded his eyes, squinting off into the busy crowds. "I lost sight of him hours ago, but we're assembling for the introductions and if I don't find him soon, Mum will have my head."
"You shouldn't have let him wander about on his own." Emily scolded. "Besides, you're supposed to be near each other for the foreseeable future. What part of that sounds like freedom?"
"You weren't complaining when you were snog-" Kyle started, then he grunted when Emily kicked his shin. "Em!" He looked at her reproachfully. "I wouldn't have said-"
"Don't 'Em' me!" She retorted. "You were the one that started that. I was perfectly fine with not being-" she stopped, her face coloring a rather attractive shade of pink.
Kyle wiggled his eyebrows. "Mmhm. You keep telling yourself that." He stood on tip-toe and scowled. "I could have sworn I scented him here, did you do the same?"
Emily brightened, taking a few careful whiffs. "I did. I don't see him though and the scent's a bit stale."
"Is something the matter with him?" Charlie followed their line of sight, scanning the crowds himself for the familiar shock of wavy blond hair. He had thought he'd passed a few familiar scents, but he hadn't seen anyone he knew. Now that he stopped to look at Kyle, he found himself wondering if he would have recognized Quinn on sight.
The Earth Fae was decked out in forest-green and gold finery in a traditional style that he'd never seen up close before. Emily wore shimmering dress robes, with a slit in the back for her bushy tail, but it had nothing on Kyle. The Medic was stunning in the well-tailored Sherwani with a deep forest-green dupatta that was nearly the shade of his unique hair and there were gold hoop earrings in his ears, with golden cuffs on his wrists.
If Quinn was similarly attired, he would have passed him over.
"Nothing's really the matter, but after that stunt he pulled at the clinic, Mama and Father were very upset." Kyle frowned. "Papa too. The current result of things have left him in my express care." Kyle's frown deepened. "He's to be in my sight or by my side for this Hunting season."
Charlie nodded in understanding. "Where did you last see him?"
"We haven't seen him in a few hours," Emily took another whiff. "I think more this way, honey." She shoulder-bumped Kyle. "He said that he didn't want to interrupt our couple time—never mind that we weren't doing anything—so he walked off and he let him!" She poked Kyle.
"You didn't exactly stop me or complain." Kyle returned, mildly. "In fact, if I was going to—Charlie? Are you alright—Charlie!" he lurched forward, grabbing at the taller Beta, when he suddenly crumpled to his knees.
"Kyle?" Emily's worried voice came from Charlie's other side as she instantly hurried around to help support him. "Charlie? Talk to me, love. What's going on here?"
"…Harry." Charlie gave a choking gasp. His blue eyes were blown wide and a distant, faraway look had taken over him. "Oh Merlin no, Harry!"
"Move him, quick." Emily looped one of Charlie's tanned arms around her shoulder and caught the little bag of takeout he had been carrying. "We need to move him off the walkway."
"Right." Kyle agreed, copying her move and casting a featherlight charm. "Charlie? Stay with us, alright? What's happening? What happened to Harry?"
"He's the Charlie you mentioned earlier, right?"
"Yes." Kyle held out his Medic's badge, clearing a way through the busy stream of dragels for them to reach the walls.
"Where's his Alpha then?"
"I don't know, but I'd sure like to." Kyle muttered.
Immediate portal for Charles Weasley of the Nott Circle, by order of the Alpha. Commencing in five, four, three, two, one-!
"Arielle," Kyle swore. He grabbed Emily's arm from Charlie's other side as he felt the portal suck them in together.
NEVARAH : UPPER STADIUM - WALKWAY ENTRANCE (THEO & DEVERAINES)
"Theo!" Bahn waved merrily from the far end of the queued line. There were several Circles ahead of them and the Deveraines were all assembled into something of a line, chattering amongst themselves. They looked up at Theo's approach and Bahn was the one to move out to greet the young Alpha. "There you are! I was starting to worry. Where's Harry and Charlie?" He frowned. "Specifically, where's Charlie? I know that the others would—Dahlia?" He stopped and stared over Theo's shoulder at an approaching Dahlia, with Dyshoka trailing behind her.
"Dera," Dahlia greeted, coming to a stop beside him. She pulled gently on Dyshoka's hand and held them up for inspection, showing off matching, golden proposal bangles. "It's official."
"…congratulations." Bahn said, after a moment. "Weren't you with the-?"
"We headed into Gheyo territory to celebrate." Dahlia smiled over her shoulder at Dyshoka's pleased expression. "The others decided to take off a long time ago."
Bahn's eyes narrowed. "And where exactly is Soula?"
"With Ariki and Lorelei," Dahlia answered, promptly. She looked around Theo and frowned. "Where's Harry?"
"Where's Harry?" Bahn echoed. "What do you mean, where's Harry?"
"He left with him," Dahlia pointed to Theo. "We left shortly after you did, because of news." She waved a hand. "Gheyo business. I had to take care of a few things. Wik and Mei took the others back to the atrium. They'll meet up with me here for the official presentation. Lady Pai plans to parade us."
"Harry wanted some time to himself, I'll port him through in a minute." Theo said, calmly. "Are we ready for him yet?"
"It might be best to bring him through early," Aracle stepped around Theo, clapping him lightly on the shoulder. "He might appreciate having some time to right himself after the portal. Had a good morning?"
"A busy one," Theo admitted. "Thank you for looking after Charlie, please send the expenses to our account."
"Think nothing of it." Aracle said, smoothly. "It was a pleasure. He's a charming fellow, you'd hardly think he just came into his true self."
"I'll consider that a compliment." Theo's smile widened, slightly. "and really, it is no imposition. Please do send it. I will look out for it."
"That's really not-" Aracle began.
"He'll send it." Takar thumped the Rheyo on the head as he passed by. "Don't quibble, Aracle. It's annoying." He sighed. "Did Okahn return yet? He said something about Ithycar's return, but then I didn't hear back from him and Loren for a few hours."
"Ithy?" Bhindi wound her way through the gaggle of her Bonded, coming out to stand in front, fussing with her long gown. "Was it confirmed?"
"I don't know. I was hoping to see him and ask in person." Takar bent down to kiss the top of her head, careful of her fancy hairstyle. "You were shopping, I see. Very pretty."
Bhindi hummed in answer, doing an impromptu twirl to show off her jeweled sash. "Aren't they? They're one of a kind. I was lucky to find them. Bahn's wearing the other set." She waved a hand at her twin. "Where's Soula?"
"We already answered that," Bahn said, allowing her to lean on him. "She's fine and she's with Lorelei. Where's Lani and why are we so disorganized? I thought we were keeping things together."
"We're keeping the children together, the rest of it is up in the air." Bhindi smirked. "You underestimate me though, brother of mine. I'll whip them into shape as long as you remember that you owe me for that little stunt this morning. Delani!" Bhindi turned away, calling for the Circle Alpha.
Bahn sighed. "It's always confusing before it straightens itself out." He said, matter-of-factly. "And I don't owe you anything," He mumbled to himself. "Theo, come on this way and we'll have you registered. You don't need Charlie and Harry for this part." He led Theo up to a counter where he signed the necessary forms releasing the rights to have them formally announced, along with their respective full names and ranks. "You can probably bring Harry in any time now." Bahn said, after a while. "We're two groups away and that's always just enough time to order everyone to where they ought to be. How are you planning on entering?"
"I thought you'd discussed it with Harry." Theo frowned. He'd almost been certain of it.
"I didn't want to burden him," Bahn yawned, rolling his neck to the side. He smiled when Bu came up behind him, reaching over with a hand to rub the back of his neck. "He doesn't need to worry himself over little details like this. There's more important things he can focus on. You're welcome to walk in rank with us or behind us with Harry, which would you prefer?"
"Does it matter?" Theo wanted to know.
"The ones that care, don't matter." Ilsa said, dryly. "And the ones that matter, probably won't care. You can take it either way. If you think Harry will be more comfortable walking with Bahn and Bhindi, then walking in rank will be fine. If you think it wouldn't, then you can be introduced behind us, with a tag on to my name." She inspected her fingernails and cast another cooling charm over her sun-warmed skin.
"Are we entering first?" Greta rolled her shoulders back, swinging her arms to loosen them up. "I mean you, loveling." She nodded to Ilsa.
"I think so. Traditional opening is what we're aiming for, yes?" Ilsa looked to Bahn.
He quirked his lips into a crooked smile. "Traditional is fine, yes."
"Traditional it is then," Ilsa decided. "Where is Delani?"
"She had to sign off on Dahlia." Alma appeared, bouncing a wide-awake Camalis in her arms. The chubby-faced baby screeched in delight, waving his arms happily. "You didn't tell me she was serious, Bahn."
"Serious about what? Dyshoka?" Bahn looked at her in puzzlement. "Of course she's serious, love. She's a Gheyo. They don't play around with things like this."
"Mm," Alma moaned. "That's what I was afraid of. Of course she'd be the first one of them to leave," a faint pout came to her lips. "She's so young."
"She's old enough," Ilsa said, firmly. "It's her choice. I would never take that from her."
"I'm not taking it from her, I'm just saying that she's hardly ever had a chance to just be herself." Alma sighed. She stopped bouncing the baby and cuddled him close in her arms. "I'll take the head for the Pareya ranks, will that be alright?"
"That's perfectly fine." Delani approached, unwrapping a mint. "Bahn." He turned to face her expectantly and blinked in surprise when she pushed the mint into his mouth. "That's to keep you from worrying the rest of us." She scolded, lightly. "The rest of you, fall in." She frowned at Theo. "Where's the rest of yours?"
"Summoning them now," Theo ducked his head, moving away from the group. He reached out through the thrumming bonds to sense Harry and Charlie, pleased to find tendrils of contentment and happiness radiating from them. That was good. Perhaps their first day wouldn't be quite a wash just yet. Concentrating and focusing his magic on Harry first, Theo began to cast the portal.
He stared down at his feet, while the golden-white medallion of energy flared to life on the walkway floor. He felt the transportation portal activate and directed it to a spot, a few feet away. The portal was nearly complete when he felt the magic suddenly waver and then snap, eliciting a gasp and sending a powerful backlash of energy that had him flying through the air.
"Oof." Theo crashed into a warm body and winced, slowly sitting up with the aid of the helping hands.
"What happened?" Edor hoisted him up by the arms and began to brush him off, a hint of worry showing through. "I've never seen a portal do that before."
Theo blinked once, twice, before the horror registered. "Harry!" The name left his lips and he frantically reached out with his magic, trying pull the connection back into place, searching for a way to reach the signature of his Submissive. Everything had been fine up until that waver, then it all had fallen to pieces.
"Theo?" Bahn was beside him in an instant, with Delani right next to him. "Theo, what's wrong?"
"The portal—I was bringing Harry." Theo swallowed. "He broke the portal."
Bahn's white face grew even paler. "He what?" But the words were nearly whispered.
"Sit." Delani snapped at him, urging her Submissive to kneel on the floor and then motioning for Edor to do the same with Theo. "What do you mean, he broke the portal?"
"Just that." Theo held up his hands in bewilderment. "He was right here, I could feel him. I was bringing him through and he just—vanished."
"You've 'ported him before?" Delani asked, briskly.
"Yes." Theo nodded. "Several times in fact, I was showing him how they worked this morning. When we 'ported to your home."
Delani frowned. "Can you still sense him?"
"I can't—ah!" Theo clutched his head, curling forward on himself. "Harry." The name was hissed through clenched teeth and his shoulder shook violently before his wings erupted out of his shoulders with startling force. His golden eyes immediately darkened to pitch black.
"Ilsa!" Delani barked, snatching up Bahn and moving him out of the way while Edor had ducked to avoid being hit by the agitated wings.
"Theo? Theodore!" Ilsa was beside him in a moment, reaching out to touch him, when a flare of golden magic dropped a screeching, wriggling Nytura on Theo's head.
The young Alpha responded mostly by instinct, preparing to throw the offender away, before he understood what it was. "Shadow!" He rasped, clutching the small creature to his chest and looking it over for visible injuries. "Shadow, Harry!" He choked. "What happened? Why can't I reach—Charlie." Theo's magic snapped and crackled, before a powerful wave of magic swept through the preparation platform leading up to the introduction walkways.
In a flare of golden-white magic, Charlie appeared a few feet away, supported by a distraught Kyle and a worried Emily. "Er, hello?" Kyle offered, easing Charlie up to his feet. "Theo!" He bit his lip. "What's happening?"
"Harry broke a portal." Ilsa shot a glance to the Medic and frowned when she saw Charlie's near immobile state. "Depending on when he broke the portal will determine whether we're too late or not." She reached over, grabbing Theo's hand and then Charlie's, linking them together. "Use my magic. Find him. If you can't find, search where you last felt him and pull on whoever or whatever is nearest to help him."
A fine sheen of sweat broke out on Theo's forehead as he nodded, stiffly, then squeezed his eyes shut and pulled.
"How is he?" Bahn leaned back into Delani's embrace, looking worried to death. "I've never—I mean, I've heard of it, but I've never known anyone who actually did break a portal."
"Magic sensitive, I'd wager." Delani murmured. She stroked the side of his neck, channeling calm through her Claim mark to keep him from panicking. "He was receptive only to Ilsa and Shayla yesterday, remember?"
"Mmhm." Bahn sighed. "Maybe there was someone flying up there?"
"Maybe." Delani allowed. "It seems more like—oh."
"What?"
"A message."
"I don't see it."
"It's coming." Delani shushed him. "Just be quiet."
A few seconds later, a message materialized in midair beside Theo. It showed a distinguished man with a Medic's badge, before the short message relayed itself. Harry was fine, he'd been rescued by a Medic belonging to the noble house of Peverell and wanted to know their location.
Charlie sagged forward in relief, while Theo half-growled and scowled at the message. A moment later, he composed himself enough to send a message back, asking for Harry to trust the Medic if possible.
"Is he safe?" Kyle handed over Charlie's takeout bag. "Sounded like it."
"For the moment," Theo said, tightly. "Thank you for your—assistance."
Kyle offered a small smile. He could understand the pressure of magic, distance and instinct. "Not a problem at all," he said. "Are you presenting now?"
"We're fifth in the queue." Bahn spoke up, helpfully. "Might I ask who you are?"
"Of course, how rude of me." Kyle began.
"He's my adopted brother," Dyshoka appeared from behind, to rest her arm atop his head. She threw a smile at Emily and prompted the Fae to offer a bow. "Younger brother, if you have to be specific and definitely adopted." She frowned at him. "You were supposed to be with Quinn, but I don't see him anywhere here and I certainly don't sense him."
"Er," Kyle said, sheepishly. "About that…"
"He rather gave us the slip." Emily said, coming up on Kyle's other side. "We were looking for him when we ran into him," she pointed at Charlie. "Then he seemed to have some kind of an attack so when the portal called for him, we joined it." She bit her lip. "My apologies if we strained you." She bowed towards Theo.
The young Alpha merely glared in answer, looking supremely irritated as Ilsa finally allowed him to stand up. He said something to Charlie that made the redhead frown, but shrink the food packages and stow them in his pocket for later. They held a whispered conversation that made Charlie's expression mirror Theo's a moment later.
Kyle winced. "I don't even want to know," he murmured, leaning forward. "Can I stand up now?"
"No." Dyshoka said, sweetly. "But you can tell me where you last saw Quinn. Mama will have you locked in the basement for laundry duty if you're actually letting him skive off."
The wince turned into a grimace of distaste as Kyle shuddered. Laundry duty in a healer's clinic was one of the worst jobs. Like other certain chores, handling them with magic could interfere with the necessary spells needed for the patients at a later date. He most certainly did not want to spend any part of his Hunting Season toiling away in the basement, elbow deep in grimy bedsheets.
"…we'll be entering after you." Theo said, quietly. "If that's alright?" He smiled, politely at Bahn's careful nod. His composure had returned and though his wings were out, he kept them folded back. He'd ruined his robes and spelled them away with a wave of one hand.
After a moment's pause, Charlie shucked his own off as well, folding them over one arm. His broad, tanned shoulders showed off his muscles and the rich tapestry of scars from a life of wrestling dragons. Tattoos of burgundy and black swirled to the surface of his skin, moving and shifting as if they were alive as he let Theo take his robes and spell them elsewhere.
Harry nearly swallowed his tongue. The shriek that bubbled up in his throat was more from the sheer thrill of a freefall with the kind of speed he'd never experienced before.
Lewis was an expert flier.
The initial dive tapered off into a sharp turn and then they were streaking up through the air again, before everything evened out. Harry felt his breath hitch twice as he stared in awe at the majestic scenery, a view of Nevarah that he'd never seen before. They were very high up and it was cold.
But he was warm everywhere that Lewis touched and his own magic had begun to spread out, singing happily inside of him, as it acknowledged a side of his dragel nature he'd never known existed. When Lewis did a few twirls and loops, Harry found himself laughing in delight. "Lewis-!" His protest wasn't really a protest at all. "You're very good."
"I aim to please," Lewis winked. "And it's inherited. I'm sure you'd be a sharp streaker in your own right, once you adjust to your own wings. I take it you've never flown before?"
Harry shook his head. "No. I actually only came into my inheritance this summer. Flying wasn't exactly at the top of my—list."
"Understandable." Lewis chuckled. "Some don't even think of flying until they're almost a full century. I don't know how they can manage it, but to each their own." He relaxed his grip, somewhat. "We're headed to the stadium over there, it's the large silver oval that you can see on the left." He tipped his head, for lack of a free hand to point with.
Harry twisted carefully to see. He had to squint to make out the distinct shapes from their current height. It took a few seconds for his sight to adjust. "That?"
"Hold on, I drop down a bit." Lewis's smile turned into a smirk and he angled his wings with purpose in mind.
Harry's shriek made the older man wince, but they were both smiling, by the time he settled on a lower altitude. "Daredevil!" Harry accused, but his emerald eyes were fairly sparkling with admiration. "If you took my seal off, would I fly like this?"
Lewis hummed for a moment. "Probably. Your healer should have submitted a formal request to our house to have it removed. I haven't seen or heard talk of one arriving—it would be my duty to remove it—but it's more so a dampener of your air magic. I am not so much flying as I am also directing the air currents around us to make those maneuvers possible." He smiled. "It takes practice, but it's also very instinctive. Our kind lives for the air, the thrill, the heights. It's hard-wired into us. I'll check with your Alpha about the seal removal though. I would like to have it off as soon as possible, but it will take some time to prepare the necessary items for the required ritual."
"Quinn said it was something about blood and formalities." Harry supplied. "Is it really that complicated?"
"It has to be done on our land, using blood from our head of house and according to the wind currents. There's some things that have to be aligned and we can't skip those portions of the ritual and certain things have to be purchased in advance."
"Oh." Harry bit his lip. "It's expensive, isn't it?"
Lewis nudged him with his chin. "That's none of your concern. You certainly won't be paying for it and neither will your Circle." He gave a few powerful strokes of his wings. "Want another dive?"
Harry brightened. There was no harm in being honest. Merlin knew when he would ever be in a position like this again. "Go a little higher first." He tested his grip around Lewis's neck and made sure he could still feel his fingers. "Then faster."
Lewis laughed.
"Harry!" Charlie was the first one to spot him.
Shadow, perched on Theo's pale shoulders, reared up on his hind feet, screeching happily in the air, little wings flared out. "Easy," Theo calmed him with one hand, moving forward behind Charlie, angling towards Harry.
The emerald-eyed brunet in question had just arrived, cradled in the arms of a man who looked remarkably similar, with ruffled brunet curls and rich brown eyes. The man allowed Harry to stand up, before carefully releasing him. They were sharing smiles and he said something that made Harry giggle—right before Theo stalked up and snatched him away.
"Theo-!" Harry's exclamation turned into a squeak, when Theo grabbed him in a fierce hug, squeezing hard enough that he couldn't breathe. He blinked in surprise, trying to twist and turn, but finding no room to do so. "T-theo." He tried again, with a gasp.
The embrace loosened just enough for comfort, before he spoke. "Harry." Theo breathed.
"Harry." Charlie murmured, he sniffed the grey silk shirt and bit back a growl. He didn't like the fact that another scent other than his or Theo's was all over Harry and it made it difficult for him to tell if there was any injury. It took him a half-second before he shredded it with careful claws. Bright blue eyes took in the pale skin and sudden shiver from the rush of coolness. He sandwiched them both from the other side, his touch nearly searing. His own magic read the growing surge in Harry's powerful magic, twisting and writhing beneath the surface of his skin.
"Charlie." Harry twisted around to see his Beta, worry surfacing as he realized that both of his Bonded were shirtless as well. He opened his mouth to speak and froze, when Theo trembled. He swallowed hard and let his own arms come up around Theo, hugging back as best as he could. "M'fine." He mumbled, leaning forward to rest his forehead on Theo's shoulder.
There was no answer.
Charlie made a soft, rumbling sound in his throat, one hand tangling in Theo's hair and the other, wrapped around Harry's neck. He breathed a sigh of relief, holding them both close. It had been the very worst feeling he'd ever experienced in his life, to feel that sudden, unexpected rush of fear, coupled with the realization that he was completely and utterly helpless to do anything other than experience the feelings that came rushing through their shared bond. It was different than coming out of the Burrow to realize that his entire family was under attack. It was different than bolting onto the field to corral a rampaging Ironbelly. This was Harry.
This was Harry.
A warbling sound welled up in Harry's throat and he cooed softly, reassuringly, as Theo's arms gradually loosened around him. He froze again, when he heard Theo hiss and instinctively pressed himself closer to the warmed torso of his Alpha, seeking protection and comfort. For that to be Theo's reaction, he knew he didn't want to look at whatever it was.
Until his rational mind processed the sound and the direction in which it'd been sent. Lewis. Merlin! Harry's head popped up and he wriggled, pushing at the tangle of arms wrapped around him to try and see the Medic. "Theo, Charlie." He huffed, when they didn't quite release him. He couldn't reach the claim marks to force them to release him and had to settle for an impromptu dance of sorts. "I'm alright. It's alright. Lewis saved me."
Theo growled lowly in answer.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Lewis is a Medic and he's from the noble house of Peverell." He waited a beat. Theo's arms flexed around him, fingers skimming lightly along his bared sides. "You know, the house that Quinn said I have a seal from?"
Charlie released him in surprise, stepping back to look between Harry and Lewis. "There is some resemblance," he muttered, half to himself, looking between the two brunets. He frowned, feeling Theo's unease being shared between them and Harry's uncertainty.
Theo bared his fangs in answer.
Lewis calmly stared back, not responding in any way other than the faint smile that hovered about his lips.
"Theo." Harry found himself starting to blush. This was not the way he'd envisioned things turning out. He'd been having a wonderful time in the air, right up until the moment when they'd touched down. "Lewis is a friend. He lent me a shirt and he flew me all the way here-"
"Why didn't you 'port?" Theo rasped.
"Harry is magic sensitive." Lewis said, smoothly. "Surely you didn't expect him to step into an actual transportation spell in his present condition?"
The rumbling growl that Theo gave next was punctuated by the way that he possessively held Harry to his side, slightly shielded from Lewis and tucked against a very willing Charlie. "He was fine when I left him." He snapped, mentally reviewing the conversation they'd had right up until his departure. Harry had been fine. "I was unaware that something had changed."
"Oh?" Lewis folded his hands in front of himself. "And you didn't think to ask? I hardly doubt that was his first episode. As his Alpha, I would have expected you to show some care."
Wait, what? Harry tried and failed to understand the verbal sparring match taking place. He was certain that something had set Theo off, he wasn't sure if it was Lewis, but it seemed as if Lewis didn't particularly care whether Theo liked him or not. It made a funny feeling settle in his stomach. He had a feeling that if he didn't interrupt them right away, everything might turn pear-shaped before he could slip a word in edgewise. "Theo, stop it." Harry tugged gently on the bonds between them, placing his flat palms on Theo's bared chest for added contact. "Please. I'm alright and Lewis was just trying to help."
"Harry?" Bahn's quiet voice interrupted the staring contest. "You're back." He smiled, warmly, moving out from Delani's protective embrace to come over and inspect his younger friend. "You had us worried for a moment." He tipped up Harry's chin, leaning forward to peer into his eyes. "You look alright, a bit stressed, but alright and I can't feel anything out of the ordinary…" he slapped a hand on Harry's forehead, while feeling his own. "You're fine." He murmured, a second later. "Are you ready for the introductions?"
"You're introducing him now?" Lewis stared at him incredulously. "The formal introductions? Do you have any idea what he's just been through?"
"I would not have given you this location if we were watching from the stands," Theo snapped. He ran a hand through his chocolate curls and tugged on them in frustration. This was definitely not the way he'd envisioned their first day on the Hunt. Perhaps he should have set a few more contingency plans in place. Merlin knew they needed all the help they could recruit.
"Circle up!" Delani's strong voice rang out. "Attention. We've got two minutes to presentation, Circle up, now, please." The Deveraine Bonded began to shuffle into a clearer semblance of order and Bahn offered a bland smile to Lewis.
"Harry, do you feel up to it?" He asked, calmly, arranging his white-blond braids over one slender shoulder. "It really isn't difficult. You'll just be walking from this entrance, down to the other end and from there, we'll find our watchbox. If that is too much, you need only say so."
Harry found himself coloring under the sudden scrutiny of several pairs of penetrating eyes fixed on his person. He made himself focus on Bahn's friendly face and warm grey eyes. "It's fine. I can do it."
"Harry!" Lewis and Theo exclaimed in the same breath, only to stop and exchange glares again.
Charlie merely sighed. "Are you sure?"
Harry resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "Yes. I'm not traumatized or anything, it was just a fall and a-" he blushed as the image of Alec rose in his mind's eye, unbidden. "I've had worse," he finished, hastily. "Trust me. I'm fine." He looked down at his bare chest and made a face. He'd rather liked that shirt. "Charlie, did you have to shred it?"
Charlie gave him a look, just as his red hair ignited into a burning mass of flickering flame. The dragon tamer didn't even seem to notice as he exchanged a look with Theo and folded his arms over his chest.
Harry winced. Now he would owe Lewis for the cost of a shirt. Lovely. "Fine. You're paying for it." He scolded. "Theo, the portal didn't give much warning. Shadow wanted to play near the water and I needed my wings out. My clothes were left behind, I wasn't close to them. Do we have spares or can you summon them?"
"Clothes? Why?" Bahn looked him over, carefully with a critical eye. "You look fine and it seems like you're all shirtless. There's nothing wrong with just walking out there with your wings and your pride."
Harry coughed, face red as a rose. "My what?"
"Never mind it," Bahn said, helpfully. He slapped him lightly on the back. "Small breaths." He advised as he turned and made a clicking sound with his mouth that had all of his Bonded standing to attention. "Ilsa starts us off, alright?"
"Bahn!" Harry hissed. "I can't just walk out there in—and even if I could-"
"Other Circles do it. There's nothing wrong it."
The blush deepened and Harry bit his lip as he glanced over at Theo's lean form and Charlie's tanned, muscled one. There was a near irrational spark of jealousy at the thought of anyone else other than him being able to witness their perfection.
"Fine. Loren, Darren, Nathan, strip." Bahn calmly named off all the Gheyos in their Circle. "Edor, that includes you too." He threw a smile over his shoulder and trotted forward. "Happy now? You'll be in good company, Harry. No worries. Besides, you look adorable." He winked, mischievously. "There's nothing to worry about."
Harry opened his mouth and shut it. He was shocked to see the Gheyos in question easily shedding their dresswear to show off well-muscled forms, with their swirling tattoos dancing across their shoulders. To him, they looked perfect. Looking down at himself, he felt rather out of place.
"Harry," Lewis hurried forward, hand half-way outstretched, before he snatched it back. "You really don't have to do this if you don't want to." He took a step backward when Theo stepped between them. "And excuse me, but I mean your Submissive no harm. He was in my company for some time and I did not cause him any unnecessary stress." He looked at the rest of the assembled Circle, dragel and elven heritage showing through as they adopted a haughty air in turn. "This can be rescheduled and-"
"Enough!" Bhindi's irritated voice had the intended effect of making everyone freeze. She stalked to the back of the crowd where Bahn grabbing her arm, made her pause, instead of flouncing up to Lewis. "You have no idea what it looks like to be rescheduling an introduction for a Circle of our standing." She hissed. "No idea at all. I won't be rescheduled. I refuse to be made a laughingstock for something as trivial as this." Her narrowed eyes flickered to Harry. "You can stand and walk, yes?"
Harry's eyes narrowed. He nodded, curtly.
"Perfect. Then there's no reason for us to stand here and debate it, yes?" She sucked in a quick breath as a soft chime rang out over head. "Ilsa!"
"Yes, yes, I'm ready." Ilsa yawned. "Don't get your knickers in a twist." She cracked her knuckles and started forward.
"…presenting, the esteemed heiress of the Earth Clan and high noble, Gheyo Ace of the Deveraine Circle, Lady Ilsa Gorgens!" The announcement rang out clearly as the music switched tunes. The long walkway was almost like a runaway, sloping downward to the opposite end of the auditorium.
Decked out in shimmering, well-polished dress armor, Ilsa strode forward from the shadowed wings and into the light. She tossed her head, short hair giving a slight bounce as she reached the quarter-mark point and called her wings out with a primal roar.
A cheer rose from the audience below.
Ilsa continued on, pausing to give a single twirl, wings glittering in the sunlight. She waved and continued on.
"I can't do this, I can't do this, I don't want to do this." Greta moaned, biting her lip. "Why am I doing this?"
"You're fine. You'll be fine. You love doing this." Aracle leaned over her shoulder and nipped her ear. "Go on, that's your cue."
Greta gave a high-pitched whine, that turned into a squeak, when Aracle rolled his eyes and gave her a light smack to the bum, propelling her forward. She half-stumbled out into the light and froze. Then drew herself up, set her shoulders back and stretched her neck out, a smirk coming to rest on her face.
"…presenting, high noble, Gheyo King of the Deveraine Circle, hailing from the Storm element, Lady Greta!"
Greta sashayed halfway across the large walkway before she turned and blew a kiss to the crowd, amid roaring cheers. She offered a deeply exaggerated bow, then jumped backwards off the walkway and into the steep drop below.
Harry gasped, feeling his entire body freeze, before he lurched forward, only to be caught by Charlie's warm arms. "Easy, Harry. She's fine. Look."
As if on cue, with vibrant purple wings, Greta came shooting upwards from the shadowed depths with a playful screech.
"Show off," Edor scowled. He cracked his neck from side and side and stalked out. The cheers rose again.
"…presenting, high noble, Gheyo Prince of the Deveraine Circle, hailing from the Air element, fighter Edor of Alensworth!"
Harry watched them exit one by one, the Gheyos first, the Mages hanging back. It was like something out of a fantasy novel. Each dragel strutted out, showing off beautiful wings, massive displays of their elemental gifts or daring physical maneuvers.
The Pareyas went after the Gheyos, then the Betas and Rheyo, then finally Delani. Bahn and Bhindi were the last ones to leave and they paused to look at Theo and the others. Bhindi stood impatiently, waiting while Bahn patted Harry reassuringly on the arm. "You'll be fine. Just act like you own it."
"Bahn…" Harry said, weakly. "Not helping…"
"We'll be alright," Charlie said, calmly. "Thank you."
"Wait for your cue," Bahn reminded.
"Bahn!" Bhindi called, impatiently.
"Yes, yes, coming." Bahn winked, then flipped his hair over one shoulder and pulled on the same haughty Deveraine mask as the rest of his Circle. He held a hand out to Bhindi, who took it as he walked past and they exited the wings in perfect unison to the applause of the crowd below and the loud announcement declaring their rank and status.
"…presenting, the Royal twins, from the Northern Elves, the rock of their Circle and influential supporters of the esteemed Air element, Bhindi and Bahn Deveraine!"
"Esteemed air element?" Harry repeated. "What do that mean?"
"It means that they use their social status to help those with the air element, whenever they can." Emily smiled. "It's actually rather common among the high nobles and lower royals. It's practically expected."
Harry nodded, finding his eye drawn to the long drop off at the edge of the walkway. It was certainly wide enough for him and his triad to walk, shoulder to shoulder with excess room, but he didn't like it. "That's a long way down," Harry swallowed, nervously.
"The walkway's protected. You can't fall off of it, unless you deliberately throw yourself off." Lewis said, reassuringly. He was trying not to hover, but having a hard time keeping his natural Pareyic instincts at bay. "It's well-charmed. Don't worry about it. The Gheyos actually have to throw themselves off to do that fancy flying and when they touch down, it anchors them back. There's never been an accident, ever."
"Don't say that." Harry muttered. The last thing he needed was to know there was an impossible feat set out in front of him. He was Harry freaking Potter after all. What couldn't he do? His thoughts sorted themselves and he realized one specific detail. "What about you?" Harry whirled to look at him. "You aren't—are you?" He stumbled over the words. He didn't think it was proper protocol to have different Circles mixing in this introduction business, but he really wanted to keep talking with Lewis. There were still plenty of questions he wanted to ask. Hopefully there were other answers too.
"I'll meet you on the other end." Lewis said, calmly. "Do not worry about me. Think of yourself."
"I'm trying not to," Harry scratched absently at one arm. He was trying to ignore the itchy feeling that had started up the moment Lewis had set him down in the bustling entryway. It felt like there was something fighting and clawing inside to be let out.
"Harry?" Charlie leaned over to look at him, worry creasing his brow. "You look a bit red, are you-?"
"Harry?" Theo felt his neck, then his forehead. "You feel warm—whoa!"
Harry didn't have a chance to answer, he simply took the itchy, fussy feeling and shoved it out of himself, feeling it leave willingly. That was a relief. He felt a funny shiver ripple over him and looked down in time to see his hands turning into dainty, silver claws. The horror registered a few second too late, because when he tried to speak, a panicked screech came out instead.
He listed forward to fall on all fours as the rest of his dragon form came out for a walk. Harry mentally groaned to himself, tail twitching agitatedly behind him as he shredded his shoes in favor of lovely, clawed dragon feet. Today was certainly a comedy of errors. Oh Merlin-again? Why me?!
A/N: Hmm an exasperated Harry? Looks like it. ;) It seems he'll have a chance to show off his dragon self, if he wants to. So Lewis and Harry are related. Charlie and Theo had the fright of their lives in the span of mere minutes. Harry had a shirt-for all of five seconds-and Quinn will be making an appearance soon, if Dyshoka has anything to say about it. The Deveraines have been introduced, Harry and his Circle are next, along with the Royal Introductions. :D
Whew. Lots of stuff happening. Sorry for the long wait. It's been incredibly difficult to squeeze in writing time with everything else happening in my RL right now. I am STILL working on review replies for chapter 81. Welcome to all the new readers and lurkers and thank you to all the familiar readers and reviewers. Happy reading!
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, but the live link is on my profile.
forum(heresadot)fanfiction(heresadot)net/forum/The re_Be_Dragons_Harry_Forum/108964/
STATE OF CHARACTERS:
Theo-(with Charlie, Harry and Deveraines)
Charlie-(with Theo, Harry and Deveraines)
Harry-(with Lewis Peverell, Theo, Charlie and Deveraines)
Deveraine Circle members-(Bahn, Bhindi, Delani, Okahn, Takar, etc. Formal introductions in progress)
Deveraine Children: Introduction in progress (Dahlia, Ariki, Soula, Lorelei)
Kalziks: Kyle-with his girlfriend, Emily. Dyshoka, waiting for Dahlia on the other end of the walkway.
~Scion