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. This chapter is dedicated to Sunset on Heartache(Thank you for the mention of TBDH in your fic "Sarkany Secrets" and OrionStarr.
PLEASE READ A/N AT THE BOTTOM
RECAP: 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, who turns out to be his great-great uncle on the Potter side of the family. Lewis helps Harry return in time for the introduction when the sudden change in location and ambient magic triggers Harry's second dragon transformation for the day. Unfortunately, this occurs just as the Nott Circle is about to be formally introduced and the Deveraines don't seem to want to reschedule.
It wasn't as big of a surprise as it could have been, at least not for Harry. He'd already been in this form once already for the day and once the faint itchy aftereffects had faded, he was relieved to find that he was still in possession of his mental faculties, all his magic and muted empathy.
The original sting of agitation faded enough for him to address the threads of restlessness that settled over him. He would much more prefer to be able to stretch out his wings, small as they were. At present, they felt rather stuck to his arched, ridged back, sluggish and heavy, not at all like when Alec had been massaging and rotating them. Like Theo and Quinn, Alec had magic hands. Harry frowned. He was quite conscious of the fact that the waiting wings up to the Introduction Walkway were far too small for him to comfortably stretch out without accidentally whacking someone in the face.
The actual transformation had happened so quickly, that he really didn't have time to process beyond the fact that Dragel-Harry was now Dragon-Harry. Now that his mind had caught up to that, Harry found himself wishing for hands instead of claws so he could slap his own head. He could practically hear the mantra in his head of how everything always happened to Harry-freaking-Potter and it made him want to bite something.
He curbed the urge to bite when one warm, tanned hand stroked firmly down his shoulder blades, applying just enough pressure to be steadying and comforting, without trying to manhandle him. Harry snorted, tossing his head lightly, but settling down when a second hand accompanied the first. He liked the sensations that came from that and they were soothing enough that he could work to keep his human awareness about him, even though his dragon instincts lurked quite insistently beneath his consciousness.
Harry's train of troubled thoughts were interrupted by the whispered conversation that exploded above him as everyone seemed to be speaking at once.
"You're a Silverwing," Lewis blurted out, shocked. "I don't believe—I've never, Arielle." He breathed, sinking to his knees so he would be less threatening, even though Harry's dragon form wasn't that small. The compact dragon was colored in the most beautiful shades of silver, with faint peach undertones, the scales on his face and underbelly, taking on a metallic sheen, rather than the matte tones for the rest of his body scales. His claws, wickedly sharp, were a surprising shade of crisp black and he had two almost-horns stretching up out of his ridged head and slender snout. "Harry!" There was a note of admiration in his voice as Lewis simply stared. "This is amazing. There hasn't been a Silverwing on our side of the family in centuries. You are amazing."
"Harry?" Theo was in front of him, catching the scaled head in gentle, careful hands. He did not try to hold Harry's head steady, but rather, just to keep some sort of physical contact between them. He leaned to one side, to look at Harry in the eye. Worry was neatly etched on his face and tension lined the creases in his forehead just beneath that layer of worry. Harry in dragon form was good, but Harry mysteriously popping into said form without prior warning was not. His Alpha instincts surged to the surface, addressing the problem rather than expressing admiration for the lovely form—he would do that later. Lewis was already taking care of that, anyway. Theo twitched, faintly. "Harry, what just happen—are you alright? Nod if you are."
Dragon Harry nodded energetically, careful not to dislodge the welcome hands that were tentative running over him.
Theo released him at once, relief painting itself over him. "Lovely. I suppose something triggered this. I didn't know you knew your dragon form. I had to study for months before I could find mine. You really are amazing." His lips twitched as if they would like to smile. "I'm surprised you're taking it so well." He frowned, suddenly, remembering a certain conversation the previous night about a Merrow and walking of the pier. "Harry, is there something you need to tell me?"
"Maybe later," Charlie suggested. He continued to run a light hand over the glossy, smooth scales, a look of admiration showing on his face, even as expert fingers began to map the texture and temperature of the dragon in front of him. His dragon tamer nature would always come to the forefront in a situation like this and he'd automatically begun to calm Harry down the way he would with a young dragon, only rethinking his actions after the fact when it'd had the desired effect.
Harry nosed him, half-heartedly, eyes distant in thought.
"You're a gorgeous dragon, Har." Charlie murmured. He patted one lean flank and chuckled when Harry rubbed against his thigh. Gorgeous was an understatement for his charming Submissive, because as self-deprecating as Harry tended to be, Charlie was sure that he would be pleased to see the lovely dragon form he now held. He made a mental note to be sure that he could either pensieve the memory for later or describe it to Harry soon. "Are you sure you're fine?" He straightened up, looking for Kyle and Dyshoka. They were Healers and they would know what to do in such a situation.
Harry nodded again. He couldn't explain that switching forms brought on something of an attitude adjustment. Some of his earlier worries and anxiety had melted away to something that vaguely resembled self-satisfaction. It was as if everything was just as it needed to be and nothing more.
"Later?" Theo guessed, thinking of Charlie's last word. The nod came again. "Alright then, later it is." Theo frowned. He heard the chime sound and the announcer begin to speak, listing off the final members of the Deveraine Circle. They were sure to start on their introductions next and Theo had a dreadful feeling that everything was about to be turned on its head. He swallowed back that worry and settled on focusing on Harry. This would be entirely up to his Submissive. They would probably need a Healer to ease the stress of a return transformation. He wondered if it would be possible for Kyle to find Quinn. So far, Harry had been most receptive to the mute Healer than any others, including Madam Pomfrey from all those years at Hogwarts. Theo most definitely had not missed that detail in the early stages of their bonding. He took note of it now. "Do you still want to walk out there, like this?" He couldn't help running his fingers over the smaller scales along Harry's face.
Dragon-Harry stretched his jaw, hearing it pop, then clicked his fangs together with an audible snap. He tossed his head, shaking off Theo's uncertain hands and Charlie's large, warm ones. He didn't really have to think too much for that. Of course he'd be walking out there, he had no idea how to change back. There was no way he'd be able to do so before their turn came up and it seemed as if their turn was about to start.
On one hand, he could decline, but would still likely have to 'port out from their current location to a private area—and he really didn't want to get back into any 'port any time soon, never mind what Lewis had said about magical sensitivity. Or, he would have to somehow walk back through the neatly ordered crowd behind them, waiting to be publicly announced.
Harry shook himself faintly. There was no way he would be walking back there in his dragon form. If he had to walk in front of people, then he'd do it on his own terms with his head held high and preferably away from the crowds. He could already hear the whispers starting up and his keen hearing didn't miss any syllables.
To his surprise though, the whispers weren't derogatory or demeaning. Sure, there were a few sarcastic snippets and the inevitable murmurs of envy, but most of the words filtering down to him were admiring or complimentary. It made him toss his head in the equivalent of what would've been ducking to hide the resulting blush.
"Whoa, easy, Harry!" One of Charlie's broad arms stretched up, circling halfway around Harry's slender neck in a near hug. He applied pressure, enough for Harry settle down, still twitching faintly. "Theo-!" He scolded, faintly disapproving. There was no need to try and demand an answer of Harry just yet.
A flurry of angry chattering and squawking drew their attention to Lewis, who awkwardly cradled a hissing and spitting Shadow, using gentle threads of magic to keep the Nytura from launching itself onto Harry's unaware form. Shadow had apparently taken refuge in Lewis when Harry's spontaneous transformation took place and now he desperately wanted back to Harry—who seemed to have done something strange for the second time that day.
"Easy, easy!" Lewis tried to soothe, grasping the smaller creature by the nape of the neck and holding it out of range so the sharp claws would not catch on his robes or his face. "Harry is fine."
"Let him go," Theo said, wearily. "He's just worried about Harry." He was then unceremoniously jostled to the side as the two Healers finally managed to make it over to their little corner. "You could say excuse me," he grumbled to himself, but he stepped aside just the same, watching with a careful eye.
"Harry!" Kyle's breathless voice drew everyone's attention as he threw a glare towards the shifting crowd behind them, a silent warning for all unnecessary eyes to return to minding their own business. His hands glowed faintly with magic and he dropped to his knees subtly nudging Lewis out of the way as well. "Harry? It's Kyle. Do I have your permission to heal you? I know you've unofficially given it over to Quinn, but I never asked. Nod, if you agree."
Harry whuffled at him for a second, blowing warm breath over the Earth Fae's forest-green locks. He nodded, rocking his head forward and back in the affirmative.
Relief stole over Kyle's expressive face. "Thank you. I'll see how quick we can manage this, alright? I bet you'd like to return to your usual self, hmm?" He held his hands out, palms facing up and waited until Harry rested his head on them, of his own accord. "This might feel like a tickle, I'll be creating a mental space where we can converse since I can't understand dragonspeak. Is that acceptable?"
Harry nodded again.
"Thank you," Kyle murmured. His soft brown eyes flared with the faintest tinge of green around the edges as he leaned forward and touched their foreheads together.
There was something of a mist that seemed to surround them. Harry blinked and tried to move his head, but felt it held firm in Kyle's gentle grip. He snorted his mild displeasure at that, but understood that it was not done deliberately to restrain him, but rather to better facilitate the mental connection the Medic had mentioned.
The surroundings and people had simply faded away until a thick white fog enveloped them both and Harry was aware only of Kyle being in front of him and the faint impression of hands along his reptilian jaw. There was concern and warmth in the Medic's eyes and he offered a wry smile when it seemed that the mental landscape was complete.
Kyle! Harry chirped.
Hey Harry.
What just—are we in my-?
Something like that. It's more of my mental parlor room than yours. It's a Healer thing. Now, I'm not trying to rush you, but speed is of some importance here, alright?
That's fine. I don't know what happened though. One minute I was me and the next I wasn't.
Hmm. That could be troublesome, but let's not borrow trouble just yet. I'll ask a series of questions and you just answer as instinctively as you can. Don't try to think too hard about it. I just need to know your impressions.
How will that help?
Empath.
Harry huffed. 'You all keep saying that, but I don't know exactly what it means.'
Didn't Quinn explain or—oh. Sorry. Ask me when we're through this side of things, alright? If you don't mind, I'll cast a spell to mute some of the empathetic reactions for the day—you've probably noticed it as your emotional center being so off-kilter you feel like a little girl. No offense to them, of course.
Harry almost smiled. 'Something like that. Alright. That's fine.'
Thank you. Now, outside spell or your own doing?
Both—maybe?
Can you explain now or later? By now, I mean can you explain in a few sentences or will it take longer?
…
Harry?
…
…Harry?
…probably later? Sorry…
I understand. No problem. I can sense something of a bit of foreign spellwork. Merrow Magic, though I can't for the life of me understand how you would have come into contact with one as no Merrows have surfaced yet—even his Royal Highness. Never mind that though, how do you feel? Any pain? Strain? Discomfort? How's your magic?
It doesn't hurt. I feel—stretchy and it's not exactly comfortable to feel your hands turning into dragon claws.
Point taken. I'm glad you're alright though. Now, do you want to walk out there?
Not really.
You don't have to then.
It would cause trouble if I didn't though, wouldn't it?
Do not allow your consideration for others to overrule your own comfort levels.
…I'm not.
Good. No, it wouldn't cause trouble. There are always interruptions at some point or another. Granted, there are not many of them, but there are no hard and fast rules here. Nevarah is a nevermore realm where everything and everyone residing within in learns to adapt. There will be no negative repercussions for declining to follow the Deveraines or being introduced on your own. The reason for a joint introduction is a matter of prestige and social influence.
I don't like that. Why should it matter? I'm sure they can't help it if-
Because that is what our inherent nature is. Probably the human-side of us. We are all selfish creatures at heart and we prefer to uphold and maintain a certain amount of status. It is only what we learn, who we know and what we do that makes us change for the better. Now, I cannot reverse this enchantment on my own. I'm not even entirely sure I could manage it with help, but I'll reserve that comment until I've tried it with Quinn.
If I walk, then what?
Then you may have more admirers than you know what to do with. Everything will be fine, either way. Will you?
…I'm not a coward.
Never said you were.
Charlie and Theo shifted in restless tandem, each of them watching Kyle and Harry's interaction with sharp eyes. Dyshoka appeared, moments later, simply melting out of the crowd and moving up to join them, her lips pursed faintly.
"I'll stall them and I'll see if I can find that brilliant brother of mine," she said, abruptly. "Dahlia?"
Theo hesitated, then turned to ask what she meant in time to see the two young women whispering frantically between themselves, before agreeing to temporarily take Harry's place in the walking introduction. "Thank you," he managed, a moment later, when Dahlia looked up to offer a half-smile, not-quite-a-grimace.
"Think nothing of it," the young Gheyo replied. "Should I call the rest together?"
"You'll walk your Gheyos?" Dyshoka bit her lip. "Will that work?"
"I'm allowed to present them whenever I like and I did warn them. There isn't anything wrong with walking them after my family Circle has gone."
The taller girl nodded, stiffly. "Good. Do it." Her soft-brown-gold eyes narrowed faintly. "Quinten, dear brother of mine…" She muttered, turning away in a swirl of colorful skirts.
Dahlia winced. That would be one conversation between siblings she did not want to be anywhere near to witness.
"You are sure?" Theo rubbed at the furrows in his brow and exchanged a look with Charlie. He took some strength from the tanned redhead's steady gaze. A second later, he rubbed gently along the eye ridges of Harry's scaled face as if to alleviate some of the worry from him.
Harry butted him lightly in the chest, purring softly at the welcome fingers that were so careful around his sensitive face. Kyle had cast the muting spell as agreed and he'd felt as if some great weight had lifted from his shoulders for the time being. A cheerful, more optimistic air had slithered around him and settled into his spirit, replacing the apprehension and dread with curiosity and a healthy-dose of genuine interest.
Charlie half-smiled. "Then we're all in agreement?" He looked to Kyle and gave a sharp nod.
The Medic returned the nod and spoke to someone in the crowd.
"Harry…" Lewis hovered just on the edge, aware that his presence did not sit well with the young Alpha. He was mildly surprised, but somewhat relieved to note that the young Beta did not count him as a threat, but rather had reacted, assessed and chosen to remain neutral. He had absolutely no delusions that if the Alpha reacted negatively once more, the Beta would hesitate to back him up. He could already read that there was a strong bond between them, that was good. It meant Harry was in good hands. "I'll meet you on the other side?" He looked to the hovering Dyshoka, who was waiting for Dahlia's signal from the other end of the walkway.
Dyshoka threw her bejeweled braid over one shoulder, dark skin gleaming faintly in the stray rays of sunlight. "You're welcome to stop by, but you'll need an official invitation to stay. I am Dahlia's Intended, but that does not afford me any privileges in social regards as of yet."
"Thank you kindly," Lewis said, simply.
Harry made an inquiring sound in his throat.
Lewis spared him a fond smile. "I'll meet you on the other side." He would have liked to reach out a hand, but feeling Theo's eyes on him, thought better of it. "Be proud," he murmured.
Harry shifted, half-stamping his feet as he watched his great-uncle activate a portal with Dyshoka's instruction. He twitched and shuddered, faintly, an attempt to keep the itch between his shoulder-blades from spiraling out of control. He would not mind his dragon form if it had come in anywhere else at any other time than right now.
Dahlia did walk next.
So did her military training Circle, including Wikhn, Mimei and several other lovely Gheyo specimens that neither Harry nor the others had seen before. As the eldest daughter of the esteemed Ilsa Gorgens, her own introduction was something of considerable note.
When she reached the far end of the runaway, a white-robed aide motioned for Harry and the others to proceed down the walkway.
He balked at first, feeling familiar human-emotions washing over him, until he felt that warm, firm hand on one shoulder, grounding and calming him in the moment. Charlie. Then another hand, smaller, slender and gentle. Theo.
Harry stretched his neck and began to walk towards the opening, leading out to the walkway. He snorted at the slight fanfare that trumpeted out before them and then listened as names and titles were read.
"Presenting a new Circle, young in its conception, endorsed by the prestigious House of Ithycar Deveraine, I present the young Alpha and apprentice of her ladyship Ilsa Gorgens, Theodore Gorgens-Nott!"
A loud round of applause roared from the vast auditorium below as Harry, Theo and Charlie ventured forward. Harry was between them, his Bonded walking with one hand resting at the base of his neck, on either side of him. He tried to keep his steps from being too quick for their two-legged forms, but it required more concentration than he was willing to devote to it. Even though his now sharp eyes couldn't pick out individual faces in the sea of dragels filling the tiered seats, he could feel their gazes on him.
Thanks to Kyle's spell, he was not bombarded with a slew of emotional and magical readings. He was mildly concerned as to how Kyle's magic could work on him when Lewis had been so desperately worried about his being magic-sensitive and then he recalled that both Kyle and Lewis were trained Medics. Kyle also knew a good portion of Harry's medical history, something that must have worked to his advantage, Harry mused.
"Submissive of Theodore Gorgens-Nott, High Noble ranking, we present Harry James Potter, Submissive, Nameless element and High Noble. He is in his current dragon form, that of a rare Silverwing. Show your appreciation, my lords and ladies."
Another roar of cheers swelled up, this one even louder than Theo's had been.
If he could have blushed, Harry knew that he would have. He could clearly hear the enthusiastic cheers and whistles that came his way with nothing more than pure intentions behind them. He didn't know what to make of that. It was a foreign feeling.
"On the left side, I present the esteemed Beta, Charles Weasley, Fire element, High noble as well, to round out the operating triad. At this present time, the Nott Circle is hunting. Interested parties may find them under the protection of the Deveraine Circle, act accordingly and on your best behavior."
A final fanfare sounded out.
Harry trotted across the shiny walkway. He heard his claws clicking against the smooth surface and felt pleased that Theo and Charlie were able to keep up, as they lengthened their strides to match his gait. He paused at one point, feeling a familiar trickle of magic prickling along his spine.
"Harry?" Theo's voice was low in his ear.
Harry tossed his head and bellowed out a screeching, respectable roar for a dragon of his size. He blinked, embarrassed and strangely delighted with the answering roars and screeches that came sounding back. Tail twitching from side to side, he gave a little shake and continued on, nuzzling Charlie's broad, bare shoulder when he saw the swirling tattoos quivering there.
He could tell and smell, that there was something troubling his Beta or at least something that required him to think very, very deeply. Resolving to ask about it as soon as he could manage the task, Harry spied the end of the walkway—an identical arched doorway like the one they'd exited—and scampered for it.
"Harry!" Bahn's worried face was the first one to greet him, followed by a tentative step forward. He hung back at Charlie's sharp look and Theo's scowling face.
"Hey," Ilsa's firm voice stopped any disagreements before they could start. "The day is barely halfway through, can we manage it without heads rolling?" She rested a hand on Bahn's slender shoulder. "Bahn, please go take your potions."
"Don't want them," the pregnant Submissive squirmed under her grasp.
"I'll spike them for you." Ilsa said, in a tone that brooked no argument. "Now, which one of you invited that?" She jerked a thumb over one shoulder and pointed to Lewis standing off to the side, Shadow cradled in his arms.
Harry shook himself all over to shake of the feeling of transformation magic. When they'd walked through the archway at the opposite end of the walkway, they'd found themselves at the aisle beside a large, private box. It was simply furnished with seating for about thirty and a padded corner with protective charms for children to play.
The entryway was guarded by Loren and Edor, the two Gheyos were standing to a practiced attention, with Greta speaking quietly to Bhindi and the children who were already safely inside.
Theo snorted. "Harry, come this way." He gestured off ahead to the guarded door.
Harry stubbornly planted his feet and summoned a low growl. He didn't like the way any of them were treating Lewis. The man was clearly a relative of his, if magic had anything to say about it, and he'd been nice. Much nicer than any other relative that Harry had ever come into contact with—namely, the Dursleys.
"He's with us," Charlie said, calmly. "Lewis, was it?"
The worried expression smoothed out into something like relief and Lewis tipped his head forward in acknowledgement. "Yes. Lewis Peverell. I have a Medic's license as well and I would be honored to assist. I have already formally requested permission to treat Harry and he has granted me that. I would only be joining you in a helpful capacity, if that would be acceptable?"
Charlie threw him an easy smile. "Perfectly fine," he tilted his head. "Come on in. Watch the tail. Harry, don't do that. You'll trip someone." He kept his smile as he met Theo's silent glower and gave the tiniest shake of his head. If Theo trusted him at all, then now would be a good time to test that.
Blue eyes met gold ones and after a moment, the gold darkened to a rich hazel and Theo stepped aside, so that Harry could fit through the doorway. "Where is Kyle?"
"I sent him for Quinn," Dyshoka came over, with Dahlia trailing behind her. "Hey Harry," she held out a hand, waiting while he sniffed her fingers. "That tickles." She crooned, leaning forward to kiss his snout when he puffed a few breaths at her face and neck. "and you're adorable." She complimented.
Harry ducked his head.
She scratched him under the chin, amusement showing in her face. "Will you fit through the doorway?"
"The doorway's charmed," Greta said, coming up behind them, magic flickering out from her fingertips, a spell successfully cast. "And yes, he'll fit. He might want to stay in the play area though, until we can figure out the spellwork. Come in from the aisle. I don't know who is taking the other boxes," she gestured to the sitting area on the opposite side. "Or when they'll be coming through, but I do know they won't be happy if we're in the aisle."
"This way, Harry?" Dahlia beckoned, understanding in her own dark eyes.
After a moment's deliberate pause, Harry lifted his head and carefully stepped through the doorway. The private box was even nicer up close and he was glad to see that it was temperature controlled. He was surprised to see that they were backed right up against a wall, then separated by an aisle on either side, allowing some semblance of privacy, in spite of the public setting.
Unlike the Quidditch cup stadium seating, the cooling charms and such allowed them to control the level of noise and temperature around them, as well as air-filtering charms, because he could practically taste the freshness of the air that wasn't anything like what it had been out in the aisles.
"Perks for a pregnant Submissive," Bahn said, quietly. He stood off to the corner, watching Harry's careful analysis of his new surroundings. He looked somewhat sad by tell of his slumped shoulders and pale eyes. "You can sit—stand wherever you like. The children won't bother you." He looked down at little Bruen who had come up beside him, to take hold of his hand. Curious eyes were fixed on Harry and a cheerful smile was beamed in his direction.
Harry regarded him, silently for a moment, then bobbed his head. He would wait until he could speak again to address any worries between them. For now, he moved for the padded play area and carefully padded over to the soft surfaces. Curling up on the burgundy bedding, he folded his paws and rested his head atop them, curling his tail around his side.
"Adorable," Dyshoka chuckled again. She drew near, the warm smile on her face friendly and welcoming as always. "May I have your permission to heal you?" She requested, formally. "I've already sent for Quinn, Kyle had Emily fetch him. He'll be here as soon as she can manage it, but I have a few years of healing on him, if you'll have me in the meantime."
After a long moment, Harry nodded.
They fussed over him in equal turns.
Dyshoka had good ideas for running magical scans to test the level of transformative magic and any potential triggers. Kyle was freed to speak of Harry's medical history with her after Harry had accepted her formal request. Beneath a privacy bubble, Healer and Medic had worked in tandem, showing a remarkable level of teamwork that only could have come from years of practice together.
Lewis had joined them at one point and after careful consultation with Dyshoka, she had added him—within restriction—to the privacy bubble, explaining that his status as unverified family allowed him the option to be present as either a parental figure or a Medic.
Harry wanted to know why he couldn't be both, but Kyle had caught his eye and shook his head at that, so Harry had chalked it up to another one of those formal procedures that were too annoying to track. When Dyshoka and Lewis were occupied though, Kyle motioned him over. He gave a fond smile when Harry thunked his head in his lap, asking for a chin scratch and an explanation with a single arched expression.
"He needs to be one or the other," Kyle said, having accurately guessed the reason for the furrow in Harry's brow. "It's nothing personal, though I will say that as an Earth to Air bound Circle, the Deveraines are really picky when it comes to the Peverells. I don't think they can stand each other, unless they absolutely have to. Dy was just making sure that you have someone else to advocate for you. In the lack of a parental figure, when you're Bonded, the choice lies with your mentor. Seeing as you don't have one, she's offering that position to Lewis. He can either help as your great-uncle—was it?" Harry whuffled. Kyle grinned. "Or he can be a second Medic." He turned to look over his shoulder. "I don't understand what's keeping Quinn. He should be here. I told Emily to hurry." He turned back when Harry nibbled at his fingers. "What did you do to Theo? Scare him twice in quick succession?" He tilted his head towards where Theo and Charlie were speaking in low tones in a corner of the room.
Ilsa was occupied with blood-spiking Bahn's potions and Bhindi was commiserating with him about the miserableness of the entire potion-taking ordeal. The Gheyos had taken up a defensive position near the doorway and the others were lined up at the front of the box to watch the rest of the introductions.
Harry could hear the announcer's voice in muted tones and while he was curious, he didn't want to push anyone out of the way. Small dragon that he was, a dragon still took up more room than the average human. He gave a quiet rumble and nestled his head in the dressy, silken fabrics of Kyle's dress robes. His ears could pick up the muffled mumbles from where Theo had cast a privacy bubble around them, but Ilsa and the twins hadn't.
Closing his eyes afforded him the luxury to focus on one conversation at a time. He could feel through the bonds that Theo and Charlie were fine—probably arguing about Lewis, if he had to be honest. Harry inwardly groaned. He'd have to explain himself and Lewis before Theo's overprotective instincts dictated that he be wrapped in a cushioning charm for the foreseeable future. He was grateful for Charlie's intervention and invitation to Lewis, as it seemed none of the others would have offered it.
Listening now though, he could hear that Bhindi and Bahn held absolutely no regard for Lord Lewis Peverell and they were both antsy and on edge, wanting to know where Delani had gone. That made Harry wonder, as he recalled Lewis mentioning that he knew the Deveraine Alpha—then again, Lewis had spoken of Ithycar.
Harry shuffled through his thoughts until he recalled a vague conversation in the back of his head and pieced together the remembrance of Theo's words on a merged Circle. Ah. Ithycar would be Bhindi's Alpha then. He mentally snorted, wondering what kind of a pushover would be Alpha over a brat like Bhindi. He could see that she did care somewhat for her Circle and that she knew how to take care of her own children—and did so as if it were second nature—but he did not like her.
Bahn, on the other hand, seemed to be growing cranky and complained of achy feet and a headache. Ilsa had finally taken a seat and drawn him into her lap for a comfort feed. He sat, forlornly, refusing to bite and accepting his sister's token pats to his arm or leg, in comfort.
That tingly ripple of magic he'd felt on the walkway, reasserted itself when Kyle sat upright, apparently tuning in to a mental conversation from Quinn drawing into closer range. No sooner had he turned towards the doorway, expectantly, then Harry felt his body beginning to change and shift of its own accord once more.
Kyle turned back to him at once as Harry felt his grasp on the alternate form slipping, shrinking and rewriting itself into his human guise. He shuddered visibly, inside and out, coughing, hacking and spitting as scales merged into skin and bones folded into place. He was grateful for the spelled robe that Kyle immediately cast over him as his transformation petered out.
"Theodore!" Dyshoka's clipped tones drew the young Alpha's attention. "Are you good for the blood? He'll need some."
Theo dropped to his knees as Harry lifted his head, reaching out with one aching hand to pull the thick, forest green robe around his bared shoulders. "Harry," there was a note of anguish in his voice and then Theo was reaching for him and Harry knew things would be alright.
He relaxed into those familiar arms, relieved at the skin on skin contact afforded them thanks to Theo's lack of a shirt along with his own. There was warmth and emotional strength shared through this brand of intimacy and it solved the problem of fussy clothes being in the way of the blood that his body now craved. Harry leaned forward to rest his head in the familiar hollow of Theo's pale neck and stretched his jaw, feeling his fangs surging up and out of his gums.
"Drink," Dyshoka said, briskly. She bustled around him with Kyle's help, transfiguring the robe into pants, trousers and a shirt.
Harry was too close to instinct to care. He gave a single lick to the patch of skin above Theo's pulse point and bit down with relish, greedily gulping in the warm flow of rich blood.
"Charlie," Kyle waved the worried redhead over as well. "He might need some from you when he's done."
A hesitant nod was Charlie's answer, but the worry remained in the form of slightly clenched fists. "Is this—expected?"
"Magic sensitive," Dyshoka said, simply. "Meaning, the best way to have his body accept the help it needs is through the only medium that wouldn't scramble or effectively fight back—blood. She produced a phial out of thin air and cast a scent bubble. "Kyle, hold this."
"Are you sure?" The Medic scrambled over to hold it. "I could-"
"Dahlia doesn't mind. We're not that kind of exclusive and as a Healer, you know mine's purer than yours." Dyshoka slit her wrist with a murmured spell and carefully dribbled the result into the phial in Kyle's hand. "Make sure he drinks this before he takes from him," she nodded at Charlie, while healing the self-inflicted wound. "I'll see if I can find a few potions from our storehouse. He'll likely need something for the aching muscles of a forced transformation and magic replenisher." Her lips twitched. "I also suppose a few blood replenishers wouldn't be amiss either. Something tells me that this isn't the first time he's given blood today," she nodded to Theo. "Don't let him drain you. Your Alpha physique can take more than other ranks, but it doesn't mean you should push your limits. Give your Beta a chance."
Dahlia appeared at Dyshoka's side, offering her lover a hand up. Dyshoka accepted it, standing to her full height and rearranging her dress robes. A second later, she leaned down for Dahlia to whisper in her ear and nodded quickly in agreement. "Yes, I can do that. In fact, I'll leave now. Page me if I'm too long."
Harry gently withdrew, licking the bite wounds shut and rubbing his face along Theo's collarbone. Theo was familiar and comforting, his hands rubbing slowly up and down his sides, a soft, quiet rumbling emanating from that tattooed chest. It made him feel happy and relieved, before his aching gums and burning throat reminded him that he needed more blood.
Theo eased Harry of his lap and into Charlie's arms as the dragon tamer took over, tossing his ponytail over one shoulder and tilting his head to the side. Harry managed an apologetic smile, before he draped his arms around Charlie's tanned shoulders and selected a good spot.
"Oi!" Kyle caught him by the chin. He followed up with a light warning tap to the nose when Harry bared his fangs innocently. "Dy said to take this first. Mouth open and bottoms up." He carefully held the phial and upended it into Harry's open mouth when the brunet turned to him. "Good job." Kyle praised, before nudging him back to Charlie.
A moment later, Harry licked his lips. He didn't have much of a chance to savor the taste of pure healer's blood, because Charlie was right there and he wanted to feel something between his fangs. He eyed the expanse of tanned skin, critically, before, picking a suitable spot. Seconds later, he happily fed, purring softly when Charlie began to stroke his wayward hair.
At that precise moment, Quinn appeared with a bedraggled Emily in tow, both of them looking as if they'd run all the way there. "Kyle!" Emily panted out, ducking around the Gheyos with murmured apologies and eyes only for her lover. She spoke in a string of dragelspeak and gestured back to the door.
The Gheyos immediately closed ranks and both Emily and Quinn winced at the resulting sound of an argument starting up outside the private box.
"I would ask who you insulted, but quite frankly, I don't want to know." Dahlia scolded, faintly. She gave a slight nod to the guarding Gheyos. Whatever it was, they would take care of it. The downside of having so many dragels present during the Hunting season, was the problem of short tempers and famous names who believed they had certain entitlements. "Dyshoka went to fetch some potions, she has his permission." She nodded at Harry. "Make yourself useful, if you would." Her violet eyes narrowed faintly. "You are in good health, yes?"
Quinn gave her a look of longsuffering.
Dahlia didn't break her stare, deliberately standing between him and Harry. They might not officially be working, but she knew went to step in and when to step back.
After a moment, the blond huffed and nodded. Dahlia stepped aside and he lurched forward, taking up the space where Kyle had been moments before.
One shimmering orb of healing energy spun to life on his fingertips and Quinn tentatively stretched a hand towards the feeding Harry to establish a mental connection. He waited until Harry finally withdrew, licking crimson drops from his lips and cleaning the bite marks on Charlie's neck. It wasn't until they healed over, that Harry finally turned to face him. Looking from the orb to Quinn, he stretched on hand out and absorbed the pulse of magic.
When it didn't affect him, Harry couldn't keep back the relieved smile.
Harry? It's Quinn, how are you feeling? I've just heard the most remarkable tale from Emily about your afternoon. Quinn offered a wry smile and held out a hand over one shoulder to accept Dyshoka's diagnostics from Kyle. He knew the signs of magical sensitivity and had mentioned it in Harry's medical file. He was relieved to know that his sister had been on the scene, along with Kyle, even though it meant he'd probably hear the lecture of his life when she returned. She was protective like that.
"Better," Harry grimaced at his rough voice. "I don't know what started it. I was just—I didn't even feel the magic."
Feel the magic? Quinn perked a brow, a sudden gleam in his teal eyes. Exactly how would you know about feeling for magic for an unexpected transformation?
"Er—it just—I felt something when I was crossing the walkway." Harry avoided the eyes that seemed to know more than he wanted to tell while they were amongst others. Privacy bubble or not, he did not want to discuss this here.
I see. Quinn frowned. You felt a magical pulse twice?
"Is that…bad?" Harry leaned against Charlie, soaking in the warmth that naturally poured off of his Beta. He supposed it had to do with Charlie's fire element and he was very grateful for it in the present moment.
No, but it does give some cause for concern. Is this the first time you've felt it? Could you tell if it was the same magical signature?
"Not really. I don't think," Harry bit his lip, thinking back. "I don't think there was any warning, at first. I just—it just happened. I only noticed something on the walk back."
I see Kyle has cast a dampening spell for your empath nature. I didn't realize it would manifest so quickly. Quinn observed, skimming through the floating reports of Dyshoka's diagnostic results. My apologies, I would have cast something of the sort before releasing you last time, if I had known. How are you faring apart from the transformation and blood cravings? Did Dyshoka give you any blood?
"Yes. Kyle—the phial." Harry straightened, ducking to avoid Charlie's chin as he turned to nod towards the furiously whispering Kyle and Emily. "Is something wrong with me?"
You are too quick to assume that you are always the problem. No. This happens from time to time. Quinn offered a smile. Usually only in very powerful individuals though. We call it spontaneous transformations—the only reason this bothers me, is because in order for this transformation to crop up and fade on its own, it means that you have already assumed your true form before. His pale brows knitted together. Something that I do not understand as I am positive you did not know it from our last scan and it does not show anything on Dy's report.
Harry felt his face growing warm and he resisted the urge to childishly hide in Charlie's neck. Quinn did not know of a certain tale that he was in no hurry to repeat. "That may not exactly be true." He hedged.
Care to elaborate? Quinn folded his arms, waiting.
"Not really," Harry said, weakly. He jumped when Charlie pinched his side, gently. His Beta hid something of a smirk and Harry sighed. He knew from the others reactions that his tale of a midnight stroll of the end of a pier would not be well received, least of all by a full Healer.
"Last night he went for a walk," Theo said, silkily. "And it seems that he might have encountered a spot of trouble."
"It was an accident!" Harry protested. "I wasn't deliberately looking to drown myself. I was trying to save a smrighlf from drowning because sifh looked as if fihga was trying to commit suicide."
Merrow. Quinn said, flatly—or at least as flat as he could sound through a mental projection. You had a forbidden encounter with a Merrow. Arielle save us all.
"I didn't do it on purpose." Harry squirmed. "And I was honestly worried."
Be that as it may, Merrow magic is tricky. Very tricky and in most cases, it can only be removed by a Merrow and usually only by the Merrow that has cast it or one of higher social bearing. Merrows haven't even surfaced yet. I hope you haven't mentioned this to anyone, it could land you in more trouble than you know what to do with. Merrow are extremely private and picky. Quinn sighed.
"How did you know it was Merrow Magic?" Harry wanted to know.
I am a Healer. A trained Healer. I deal with these sorts of things every now and again when the occasional landwalker and half-Merrow manage to find themselves at odds over some trivial thing. They have a habit of hexing their darling loves, nevermind how much they actually love them. They can be quite creative with their magic without actually doing any real harm to the person they've hexed. If it wasn't so annoying and vexing, I would almost be impressed. Quinn huffed. I should also add that it takes a very special person to be worthy of a Merrow's time, much less their earned ire. You are very special, Harry. His lips twitched faintly, as if he were trying not to smile.
"Quinten Auwren Kalzik." Dyshoka's deadly voice made them all jump. "There you are."
Quinn gulped, audibly and froze.
"Harry needs these potions, kindly see that he takes them." Dyshoka said, sweetly. She clamped a hand down on her younger brother's shoulder, meaningfully. "And when you're through, we need to have a little talk. Theo, Charlie, I've brought blood replenishers for you as well and some of that Pepper-up that is used in the Wizarding World, I thought it might help."
Potions were exchanged and drunk all the way around, until Harry and his Bonded were seated together and instructed to eat and drink a tray of afternoon tea. Dyshoka excused herself, Quinn and Kyle for a 'little talk' and asked the Pareyas to see that the Nott triad were well fed.
Harry silently congratulated her sneakiness, because he could have sworn he'd polished off the biscuits and sandwiches on his plate, yet there were two more small specimens already there. He was almost positive it was Sueh and Bu, tag-teaming him, but his stomach had growled and the food was welcome, so he didn't complain.
Lewis had excused himself to be introduced with his Circle and Shadow had consequently taken up residence in Harry's new shirt. Theo and Charlie were gifted with new shirts as well, courtesy of Okahn and Takar who had slipped out to purchase some new things for them all. Harry had gladly accepted a switching spell for the newly familiar feel of silken fabric everywhere and shoes on his feet.
Now, he fed Shadow a few pieces of sandwich meat and fruit from his plate, every time the Nytura chirped softly in his ear, the small scaled head peeking out from his shirt collar. Theo and Charlie took turns offering it a few tidbits as well, both of them trying not-so-subtly to keep from smothering him with their worry-turned-relief.
He bore their attentions with good grace, relieved as well to have the whole embarrassing ordeal behind him—for the most part, anyway. His life would never be simple, but perhaps the recovery time could be minimized. He could feel the potions working and his stomach felt pleasantly full.
Charlie reached over to rub the back of Harry's neck and Theo leaned forward to offer Shadow a small nugget of fruit. Harry smiled inwardly to himself, listening with half an ear to the muted introductions. He was grateful for the privacy charms that were cast over the viewing box that worked effectively like two-way muggle glass. He could see out, but it seemed that no one else could see in.
That realization brought even more relief with it and Harry was finally able to relax. He was vaguely aware that the members of the Deveraine Circle were seated in the upper section, two rows above them and it was just the Pareya that were moving about freely, tending to the children and checking up on everyone. He'd heard Delani step in and talk down both Bahn and Bhindi and convinced them to settle down and watch the remaining introductions. Harry had tuned her out from there, not wanting to know exactly what went on between them. They'd granted him and his own some privacy by pretending that everything was fine and he was glad for that.
Several minutes later, Emily came to join them, fighting a smile on her face the whole time.
"Shouldn't you be with them?" Charlie asked, jerking his head to where Dyshoka had her back to them and the duo of Quinn and Kyle standing at attention, eyes appropriately downcast. She was still lecturing, her bejeweled arms occasionally waving around in her careful display of temper.
"Not in the least," the female werewolf said, cheerfully. Her twin fluffy ears twitched faintly in their direction. "I tried to talk to them both. I warned them both. They can handle it. They're big boys." Her lips curved into a smile. "Don't worry, she'll let them out in time for the royal introductions." She settled down in the row of seats in front of them. "I'm sorry I missed your introduction, I hear it was lovely—you'll likely have some courtship offers by the end of the day—probably even the hour." She threw him a wink. "Lucky fellow."
Harry felt his face heat up again. He was thinking only of dancing with Wikhn, then the encounter with Alec and when the ache in his chest dulled, he pushed away thoughts of the others to think about Quinn's concerned teal eyes and his quick, efficient manner.
He almost smiled.
Lucky indeed.
A/N: See the forum for updates on the next chapter of this fic and delays in posting/writing, and so on, in the CHATTERBOX thread. I appreciate each and every one of you who show respect, politeness and patience in your reviews. It makes writing this fic easier and happier. Welcome to all the new readers and lurkers and thank you to all the familiar readers and reviewers. I do remember you.
(Copied from chatterbox thread)I work full time. I am a student full time. I am also dealing with some family drama issues. This is my graduating semester at Uni, meaning I have a tremendous amount of work in addition with my usual course load. To give you an example, I will be writing no less than 20 full papers over the course of the semester. Some of those will be significant critical essays of 10 pages and upwards. It requires a tremendous amount of time, effort and research. That said, I am still writing fanfic in my nonexistent spare time, as evidenced by short updates to stories like the Snape Circle and The Price of Loyalty. I write short chapters for those and so it is easier for me to update them. TBDH requires more time. Thank you for your patience and my warmest thanks to those of you dear readers who messaged to ask if I was alright. You are the best! -Scion
If I were to ever abandon TBDH, I would write a final synopsis to give this story closure.
REVIEW RESPONSES are in the FORUM for Ch 82. 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. 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. in the private viewing box.)
Deveraine Children: Introductions over, with friends (Ariki, Soula, Lorelei)
Kalziks: Kyle-with his girlfriend, Emily. Dyshoka with Dahlia and Quinn in the private viewing box.
~Scion