This chapter was betaed by the wonderful brissygirl to provide a smoother reading experience. All remaining mistakes are my own. See first chapter for disclaimers/additional warnings/summaries. -Read A/N at end-

RECAP: Harry sorts through some of his favors and Soula Deveraine helps him make some sense of it. Greta Deveraine, exhausted from the reaping, takes Ilsa with her to the pits, after a few important tidbits are shared over a hasty breakfast. Harry and Co. turn up at the hunt in time to see the famous Kalzik blessing over the hunt. Afterwards, everyone seems to pair off, leaving Harry to his own devices. He finds himself caught up with the Kalziks-specifically, Quinn and Kyle.

HARRY, QUINN and KYLE. : NEVARAH : THE HUNT, Day 2

"The usual group is over here," Kyle said, gesturing off into the distance. He flanked Harry on the left, while Quinn took the right. "And the games can last for hours, it's really very fun."

Quinn shrugged and smiled, before touching Harry's arm again.

Kyle rolled his eyes. He could see the slight twitch of hesitation before Quinn reached out to make the temporary mental connection. He was sure that Harry wouldn't mind, but Quinn was used to keeping his mental voice to himself. "We'll have to fix that," he said, dryly. "Since you two seem to have an issue."

Quinn gave him a look at that and even Harry snickered. There was enough disdain accompanying those brilliant teal eyes that Harry didn't need words to guess what Quinn had told his pesky adopted brother.

It only made Kyle's grin grow wider and he winked at Harry, before moving forward and taking the lead. "Bharin's probably on his way to the Gheyo pits right about now. If we stop him, he has something that will keep a future headache at bay."

"I'm fine," Harry said, automatically.

Now Quinn gave him a look.

Harry twitched, faintly.

They made a stop near the Gheyo pits and sure enough, Bharin was lounging outside in the long inspection line, leading up to the main entrance. He was talking and laughing with a few of his fellow Gheyos, but turned at once, his dark eyes lighting on Quinn's approach.

The Gheyo pits weren't exactly distinguishable, but Harry supposed that all the Gheyos knew where to find it. He thought that perhaps they were somewhere further off from where Dahlia had taken them that time, but there was mostly a giant wall of rock and a darkened tunnel leading into it, where flickering lights faded into blackness.

Nothing was visible from the mouth of the tunnel, but there were plenty of Gheyos standing around. Some were walking through the tunnel and disappearing from sight, their shadows winking out of existence. Others continued to mill around the entrance, talking and roughhousing with each other. Fangs and claws were prominently displayed, a few with indoor wings extended, showing off the hardened exterior scales.

Mentored…unofficial mentor. Harry thought to himself as he quickly focused on Bharin, so as not to find himself staring at the wrong face. There were too many scars and weapons in plain sight and it made it him uneasy.

He watched as Quinn broke away from them and hurried over to make his request. He'd obviously been carrying a mental conversation with Bharin the entire time, because the moment Quinn reached him, the Gheyo shucked two thin gold cuffs off of his wrists and handed them over without hesitation.

"What's he doing?" Harry asked.

"You'll see." Kyle said, keeping a respectful distance from the line of waiting Gheyos. They wouldn't bother them, especially seeing as they were well behind the waiting line marked on the ground, but Harry was a hunting submissive and he didn't want to chance it. Quinn would pitch a fit, Kyle was sure, if anything were to happen to the sad-eyed brunet.

There was something about Harry that simply made his heart ache for the Submissive, as if Harry had somehow seen such great and terrible tragedy in his few years, that the wound would never, ever, completely heal. Kyle elbowed him lightly, when he noticed those bright green eyes fading a touch.

He'd noticed that Harry did that from time to time, just lost himself in his mind, somewhere that light couldn't reach, dwelling on a darkness that no one else seemed to be privy to. Thankfully, Quinn hurried back over, wrestling with the cuffs on his own wrist as he approached.

"Gained a little weight?" Kyle teased. Wincing and shying away with mock theatrics at the scorching glare Quinn levelled his way. Maintaining a healthy weight was an important detail to a healer or medic's life, but it wasn't something that was worth worrying over, so long as one was careful.

Quinn, like Kyle, was always very careful.

In all the time he'd known the blond, Kyle had to admit that he'd never known Quinn to skip a day of training. It was why it was so funny to see him somewhat out of sorts on this Hunting Season. Once his daily training regimen was over, the blond was at somewhat of a loss as to what to do to amuse himself—true amusement and not simply reading or stuffing his face.

It was why Kyle had suggested playing Creeper. The moment he'd realized that Harry was likely stuck with them for the day, he was determined that he would pay his charming brother back for the past week of pranks in regards to him and a certain adorable werewolf healer—Emily. If luck was with him—and if Kyle was honest, it usually was—then he'd even be able to wrangle some private time for just the two of them.

There were several possible scenarios scrolling through his head and Kyle decided to try as many of them as he possibly could. Turnabout was fair play, after all and Quinn could use some excitement in his life, not to mention that Harry was too quiet and withdrawn for his own liking.

Quinn would be sure to be considerate and a few steps ahead of any potential suitors, Kyle mused. He knew Quinn wasn't looking for anyone and he figured that perhaps, Harry wasn't exactly hunting today. They were two perfect bookends, at odds and bobs for each other and perhaps, they'd be the friend they were both in need of.

Kyle stifled a smirk when he saw Bharin's wink over Quinn's retreating shoulder. He knew at once that the Gheyo had figured out what he was up to, but like most good guardians, he was letting them resolve what little differences they had—in their own way. He knew Bharin would take him to task if anything got out of hand, but Kyle also knew better. He cared for his adopted brother and wouldn't deliberately do him any lasting harm.

He did, after all, intend to spend a significant portion of his afternoon in the arms of his Emily, snogging away the afternoon and perhaps a few other pleasurable interludes. He wondered,wistfully, if she would take a pledge bond with him this season. He had wanted to ask her forsometime and the hunting season seemed appropriate. He knew she wished for a full Circle, the same as he hoped for, someday, but in the meantime, they had each other.

"They're communication bands," Kyle explained, when Quinn reached them and took Harry's hand. "You need to wear one and he'll wear the other. It saves you a headache—which is what too much mind-speak can do if you're not used to it."

Harry flushed a soft red at once and Quinn dropped his hand, a split-second after Kyle's explanation.

An apologetic look flitted over his face and he bobbed his head in apology, before holding out the bracelet and his hand, silently offering to help Harry put it on.

"Er, that's fine," Harry allowed. He didn't hesitate to hold out his hand this time, watching as Quinn quickly unclasped the hidden catch on the golden cuff and snapped it over his skinny wrist. He couldn't help but feel vaguely pleased that they matched—at least, his dragel side couldn't.

I didn't mean to startle you. Sorry. Quinn's mental voice was light and careful, gently projecting into Harry's mind.

He started faintly, one part of him relaxing at once, remembering the familiar mental presence, while the other part of him began to panic as to the permanence of the link. He'd had enough of things in his head—it rarely ever turned out well—but this was Quinn. So far, Quinn had never done anything to hurt him the way others had. Quinn had always tried to help him, even if his methods were slightly different at first. It's…okay? How does this work? Does it…turn off?

You can still speak normally. Quinn's eyes danced merrily. I can still hear you just fine, I simply can't speak, is all. I thought it would help, instead of having to—grab your hand all the time, as it seems that's what I can't stop doing.

That's fine, I don't—mind. Harry choked. That had come out quite differently than he'd intended—but he wasn't about to try and correct it.

Kyle's smirking face jolted them from their private conversation. He waggled his eyebrows. "Do I want to know what you two are saying to each other?" He teased. "Or should I tell Mama that you need to switch your healer status, oh brother of mine?"

Quinn gave him a dirty look and stalked forward, gesturing over one shoulder for Harry to follow, with a mental apology for his idiot of an adopted brother.

Kyle's snickers followed them through the crowd.

"It doesn't matter if you don't know anyone," Kyle explained, scanning the crowd for the usual pair of bushy ears that meant Emily was somewhere in the gaggle of young women waiting for the next round of Creeper to start. He'd already sent a note to her since morning and she had promised to find him as soon as she could.

The other Creeper players had gathered around, a fairly diverse group for the first round. Most of them were pairing off, those without partners giggling and pointing at the ones they wished to play with.

Harry perked a brow. He hadn't spotted a single familiar face in the throng of young dragels around them, but he knew very few to begin with. The Deveraine children had been kind and polite enough—but from the episode with Soula that morning, he was more inclined to move about and enjoy the day on his own. "Then how does-?"

"You just have to know who the creeper is and then who might tell on you and you don't need to really know anyone to figure that out." He shrugged. "Do you see Emily anywhere?"

Quinn rolled his eyes and said something that earned him another elbow to the side. He dodged a split-second too late, half side-stepping into Harry to avoid it and then immediately backtracking.

Sorry, he projected.

"It's fine," Harry said, standing on tip-toe and not really seeing much either. He vaguely remembered Emily from the previous day and wondered if he'd survive this day, considering how the previous ones had gone.

"It's fun," Kyle repeated again, throwing him a reassuring look. "I promise, in fact—if you're courting, it's terribly romantic, if you know what I mean."

He doesn't, Quinn interrupted, scowling. And don't scare him off with your silly ideas.

"Hey—they're not silly! Emily loves Creeper."

That's not all she loves… Quinn ducked.

Harry gave him a mild look. "Quinn."

What?

"Be nice!" The words fell from his lips before he could take them back. His ears warmed, but thankfully, his cheeks didn't.

Quinn ducked his head, looking away, pretending to be offended. Fine.

Kyle shook his head, stifling a smile. "There's some good prizes this year," he said, nodding towards the growing treasure trove of trinkets in the clearing. "There's even a promised rune inscription on the knife of your choice from the Cairothe family."

Quinn perked up at once. The Cairothes?

"Who are they?" Harry wanted to know. He could have sworn he'd heard that name somewhere before.

"Good blood and good spell casters," Kyle explained. "They're all a specialist of some sort in their field and it's pretty neat. One of them, Riven, I think? We've worked with him?" He looked for Quinn's nod of confirmation. "He can actually freeze a killing spell—he can't exactly stop it, but he can freeze it and dismantle enough of it that the person can put their life in order or say goodbye in the hours they have left."

Harry swallowed. He supposed that was good. "What are they doing now?"

"Enchanted forest," Kyle wrinkled his nose. "It's kind of like a maze where we can hide and stuff. It makes it more interesting, since there's so much flat land and open grass," he nodded at the clearing in front of them.

Natural greenery was rather sparse and the waterline could be seen clearly from any point. There were a few trees nearer to the water's edge, but it seemed as if everyone was keeping a respectful distance from the inviting blueness.

Harry watched as curling vines grew into knitted trees, the slender trunks twining together to form a solid trunk. The vines flowered and matching floral bushes began to pop up at the corners.

Kyle's mention of an enchanted forest was quite accurate. The obvious pathways began to shrink and the conjured greenery seemed to grow even faster, taking on a mind of its own before the magic was finished.

"Time!" One of the older players called out. "Pick up your trinkets and if you can't carry them on your person and play, then take one of these favor cards as a temporary claim ticket."

The teens gathered around, murmurs rising and falling as things were traded and other things were replaced upon their person. An excited buzz hummed through the air.

"Make sure you can reach it easily, time is of the essence here," a dark-haired young woman flashed a smile, holding out a claim ticket to Harry. "If you're betting those, then fold them up in this, so you don't have to take them off and put them on, until the round's over." Dark eyes flicked up and down Harry and Quinn. Her smile softened. "Then stick it in your pocket. If you're caught, then you can sit out 'till the next round if you want to win them back."

"Do we have our shots?" Kyle asked. "Or not yet?"

"The Kuroe twins are bringing them," The girl pointed a thumb over one shoulder to where two identical young men were handing out squishy, bright yellow balls.

"And we just throw them?" Harry said, skeptically. He looked to Quinn for an explanation, but the girl answered first.

"One ball in each hand—never two," the girl pantomimed holding something in her hand. "You can put it down and pick it back up, if you have to, but always one at a time. The idea is to tag the creeper and grab their treasure. They play with green. If you're tagged by the Creeper, you'll have green on you somewhere, so the others know to run."

"You can't be tagged back?" Harry folded up the cufflinks into the paper square and tucked it inside his robe pocket. He held his hands out for two of the soft, squishy yellow balls, marvelling that the silky powder left behind was bright enough to be seen, even against some of the more colourful outfits among the players.

It didn't stick to his hands and there was only a faint, powdery scent, which was perfectly fine, as far as Harry was concerned. He hefted it in hand, wondering how far it would travel. He had experience chasing a snitch—but not throwing it.

It's not hard. It's fun. Quinn smiled at him. Looks like Kyle's found his partner, so I guess we should be ready.

"Where?" Harry followed Quinn's nod to see Kyle standing off to the corner, happily chatting away, while Emily cuddled up to his side, her bushy twin tails twining around his waist and arm, her wolf-ears flicking back and forth on her head. The couple looked extraordinarily pleased with each other and Kyle had begun to blush at something his girlfriend was whispering in his ear. "Ah. Right."

"Time!" The tallest fellow called out, waving his arms to garner everyone's attention. "Candidates for Creeper?"

A small handful of volunteers stepped forward, quickly weeded out by who had played before. It didn't take long before the Creeper was designated as the stocky Earth dragel named of Julian, with eyes the color of orange-gold and his trademark sack of green squishy balls.

"Time!" the call rang out again.

Everyone scattered.

How's your empathy?

Harry scowled. About the same. Why?

That bad, huh?

I don't even know what to do about it! How would you feel if you had some big mysterious power slapped into you and then you're pretty much told it's important, but no one can help you with it? The words came out a little quicker and bolder than Harry had intended, but he didn't care. It was easier to share more of what he was feeling with a mental connection. The brain-to-mouth filter was somewhat bypassed, thanks to the golden cuffs.

…That's normally where your mentor would come in. Quinn said, somewhat apologetically. I didn't mean to upset you—and I know things are not the best right now. I was asking because Kyle told me he put a dampening spell on you yesterday to help with the sensory overload.

Oh. Yeah. He did.

Do you need another one?

To play Creeper?

No, for the day. You'll likely experience a lot of new things, since this is your first Hunt and all. If you don't want to be overwhelmed by your empathy, a grounding spell, channeling spell or a dampening spell, would be best.

I'll still feel it though, like yesterday?

Yes, just sort of muted in the background.

Alright. Will you cast it?

…If you like.

I like. Cast the best one and hurry.

Quinn gave him a mild look, but took one of his hands and silently cast a spell of his own choosing.

It spiraled up Harry's arm as warmth and light that seemed to spill into him from every available corner. He took a stuttering breath and managed a smile, a moment later.

Thanks.

You're welcome. It'll wear off at midnight, the usual standard. Ready?

"So we run and hide the whole time?" Harry asked, somewhat disappointed. All they'd done so far was run from Julian and hide behind trees and bushes. His hands and sleeves were partially coated with the yellow mess and he wondered if it was bright enough to give them away.

Quinn gave him an amused look. No, but we don't want to be the first ones tagged, right? So what we do is wait for someone else to be tagged and then decide if we want what they have.

Harry stared. The knut dropped. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "I guess that makes sense."

Of course it does. It wouldn't be much fun if there weren't so many treasures at stake. And unless we're aiming for all of the treasures, isn't it more fun to just pick what you want and tag them?

"How do we carry them?"

One at a time, after you snatch the one from the Creeper, you can take it back to the main circle and stash it there. Then the Creeper has to guard it for you while you tag the next person.

"And when they're tagged, they become guardians too?" Harry guessed. He was beginning to finally understand the point of the game.

Teal eyes shimmered with mirth. Exactly! Now you're catching on—this way!

Harry ducked behind one broad-trunked tree and then under the low hanging branches to catch up to Quinn. A flicker of excitement began to blossom.

"Mph!" Harry stopped himself from talking aloud with sheer willpower. Speaking aloud was a natural reflex and he was trying to be as quiet as he could, but he still found himself wanting to whisper instead of using the mental connection as the game grew more intense.

The hand over his mouth was new though. He stared at Quinn, eyes comically wide as he tried not to think about two things. One, Quinn's hand over his mouth and two, what he'd done wrong.

Neither worked.

Quinn's hand was just as slender and dextrous as Harry had remembered from the private moment back at the healer's clinic, where Quinn had tenderly cared for him in the aftermath of the Blood Seal removal.

Two, he was pretty sure that he hadn't done anything wrong, but the hand still remained on his face and Quinn wasn't Theo or Charlie.

He swallowed.

Quinn was staring off into the distance, sharp teal eyes tracking something that Harry couldn't quite see just yet.

Did you hear that? I thought it was you—but it's not. You're quiet, but not that quiet. I think there's two off to our left.

Harry could practically feel the excitement dripping off of Quinn. This was something that was fun for the Healer. Harry kept himself still and took a quick check of their surroundings. If there were others off to their left, then they would have to tag them first—or at least tag-team them. Height would be an advantage, he mused to himself, scanning the tree tops.

He wondered if they would support either of them, then mentally redirected that thought. He was definitely smaller than Quinn, so if anyone would be climbing, Harry was sure he would be the best option. He fidgeted a moment later, when Quinn's hand finally dropped.

Would it help if I was up there? Harry pointed to a medium-sized limb several feet above the ground. It'd give us an advantage.

Up there? Quinn hesitated. If you want to—it should hold you. He looked Harry up and down, then at the tree. How's your magic?

What?

I tempered the dampening spell so it would work with you. You were magic sensitive—I'd wager you still are, because there isn't much of a cure for that, beyond years of time. So, I'm asking—how's your magic? I'd like to know before scheming up anything elaborate.

So there is a cure? Harry set his squishy balls down at the base of the tree. He wondered if it would matter if he shrugged out of his robe or if he could magic the yellowness away. He also filed away Quinn's choice of words. Scheming wasn't something he associated with the mute blond, but he had a feeling that there was more sides to Quinn than he'd seen so far. Maybe today he'd see a few more glimpses than before.

There is always a cure for something and even if there isn't one, then there is a solution that is almost as good as the cure. Quinn wrinkled his nose. I was asking, because the magic rises in a closed space like this—the entire forest is magically created, so you might find it a bit too nice up there.

Harry felt a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He could almost hear Quinn's clinical tone shifting to one of vague annoyance. I'll be careful. He hadn't had any other magical issues for the day—at least, not since the Merrow spell had come off.

Quinn gestured with one hand and Harry found himself floated up to the highest foothold. Climb quietly. I think Julian's been tagged, which means that the next Creeper is retreating to stash their treasure. You have good timing.

Is it someone you know? Harry asked. He moved quickly and lightly, reaching the desired branch within a matter of minutes. He stretched himself out comfortably over the smooth-barked limb and waved down at Quinn to throw the little yellow balls up. Quinn did.

Harry caught them easily—catching a snitch was harder.

From this slightly elevated height, Harry could see several other pairs attempting to pitch traps and one cautious movement towards one of them.

Harry held his breath as he watched the balls zip through the air and the new Creeper—the young woman with dark hair and beautiful dark skin—donned the green trademark. The torch had passed.

New Creeper. He reported to Quinn. The girl who gave us these. Harry adjusted his grip on one ball. He was careful to keep his weight evenly distributed on the skinny branch—his body remembering the finer techniques of riding a broom.

And someone just tagged her. I don't know who it is now. Harry groaned inwardly. He watched as the easy competition was weeded out. Climbing the tree had been a good idea. He had a bird's eye view and he could witness the game mechanics first-hand. It was certainly a memorable vantage point.

It also didn't hurt that Quinn was comfortably sprawled out on the lush grass below, intently peering through the thicker bushes surrounding Harry's tree.

Harry admired his prone figure for a moment, before the action caught up to him. His face flushed red and he forcefully redirected his attention to the game. He was here to play a game—not ogle Quinn's attractive figure—no matter how appealing it looked.

They tackled the Creeper when he came through.

Harry swung down from the branch—dropping the last two feet to close the gap between tree, air and Creeper. He moved before he had to actually think about what he was doing and effectively tackled the young dragel to the forest floor, smacking him on the shoulder with the ball he had in hand.

Quinn was there in a split-second, tagging him with a yellow ball of his own before he saw the splotch that Harry had made.

"You're surrounded," the Creeper-turned-guardian sing-songed. "They're going to catch you. The round's almost over."

Quinn snorted. That's what he thinks, he thought wryly, to Harry. Tell him to head back to the clearing and you'll be right behind him.

"Clearing," Harry said, picking up the Creeper's fallen claim ticket. "We'll be right behind you."

The young dragel rolled his eyes. "No you won't, unless you're stupid—and you're not." He rubbed his neck and winced. "Nice drop landing." He coughed, a loud hacking sound, several times in a row.

Quinn mirrored the earlier roll of the eyes. Keep the claim ticket, take the green balls. Someone's coming. I can hear them from over there… He helpfully thumped the new guardian on the back, with a touch of healing energy, a nearly automatic reflex.

"We should head that way," Harry pointed, squinting into the distance. That was the one clear spot that he'd seen from above.

"You won't make it," the fellow snickered.

A rustle to their left spurred both Quinn and Harry into movement.

Quinn grabbed Harry's hand and broke into a run.

Hands together, fingers overlapping, footsteps touching the ground in nearly seamless rhythm. Harry moved easily in tandem with Quinn. He scarcely spared a thought for the unexpected compatibility, but found it easy to keep up and fun all over again.

Quinn led him through the magically created forest, ducking, dodging and occasionally stopping still for a moment. They shared a shy, gasping laugh, at one point—teal eyes meeting emerald and warmth stretching out before them.

How long do we keep running?

Tired already?

No. How long? Harry repeated. This was finally turning into something quite interesting and he fully intended to enjoy every single second of it.

Until the round's up.

…And?

I'm counting—give me a moment.

Oh. Sorry.

Probably another half hour or so.

Half an hour?

Don't worry. We can keep moving for half an hour.

I don't know, this garden is tiny.

Then we'll be creative.

…The way you said that, worries me.

Oh come now, you're having fun, aren't you?

And that, Harry had to admit, was exactly true. He tightened his grip on Quinn's hand, reflexively, as something snapped and cracked off in the distance. There wasn't a single hesitation before Quinn squeezed back.

Get down!

Harry swallowed the hiss as he was tackled to the ground, with Quinn's hand over his mouth. Again. Quinn! He protested, expectedly.

Shh!

Where are they-?

No talking. They're scanning. They could hear us.

What?

Brilliant teal eyes were suddenly much closer than Harry had ever discovered before. He was vaguely aware that Quinn's quiet, huffing breaths were nearly silent and puffing against his warm cheek.

Ever so slowly, Harry felt his breathing slow, and everything seem to fade and quiet. For a moment, it was almost as if he could hear both of their heartbeats, thumping along in perfect synchronization.

Quinn removed his hand, but remained half-draped over Harry, propped up on his elbows, head tilted to the left, listening with one ear.

That, Harry realized, was his natural superpower of sorts. The lack of a voice meant that he heard far more than what was normally passing around them. His weight, Harry noticed wasn't the least bit noticeable.

Yes, Quinn was muscled, but slender and very, very warm.

Harry discovered that his field of vision was equally limited along with his range of movement and ability to noiselessly extract himself from the current situation. He opted for looking around only to find his eyes drawn to Quinn's neck and the high-collared over tunic he wore.

He thought he could see the tip of one scar at the right side, but only because of the angle of Quinn's head.

As if feeling his eyes on him, Quinn turned.

Lips nearly brushed, but Quinn caught himself before the moment could flip from adrenaline-fueled suspense to anything vaguely romantic. He rolled off and away with a silent push off one arm.

Harry tried not to miss the warmth.

Do I want to know what you're scheming? Harry dared to ask. They'd been lying in wait for several minutes now and even though he could see who was approaching from where—it appeared that everyone was being just as cautious as they were.

Quinn smirked.

The expression was both oddly frightening and oddly fitting. Harry blinked and the impression vanished almost as quickly as it had registered. He chalked it up to magic in the created forest and crawled closer, using his elbows to propel him forward.

The last pair that's hunting us is the Kuroe twins. They have a twinspeak that's a sort of mental connection, so they're finely attuned to other similar connections. Quinn nodded at Harry's communication band, almost hidden from view on his wrist. We have about five more minutes…and then we'll win by default if they don't find us. Sorry I tagged him too.

Him—oh. That's fine.

Now we're down to two chances. Quinn grumbled. Not exactly fine.

I'm having fun. Harry said. It's fine.

Quinn turned to stare at him. Whatever he saw on Harry's face must have been answer enough, because he gave a tiny nod and returned to the task of pressing an ear to the ground.

Harry felt the muted presence at the same instance that Quinn jerked upright. He turned in time to see Quinn's yellow ball zinging through the air, but missing the target by mere inches as one Kuroe was pulled to safety by his twin.

Both twins had green balls in their hands and identical smirks on their face.

This, Harry thought, was not part of Quinn's plan—whatever that plan was supposed to be. He lurched to his feet and immediately put the tree behind them—between them.

A tell-tale smack against the wood, let him know that one of the twins had thrown something after him. Quinn scrambled after him, miraculously untouched and crouched near the base of the tree.

The concentrated expression on his face hinted to Harry that perhaps Quinn was actually counting down the time in his head. Harry inched away from the tree, he knew the twins would split up and attempt to nail them both at the same time.

Hit the one coming for me. Quinn prompted, wiggling his shoulders as if he were preparing for something.

Quinn? Harry prompted, but he threw the ball at the space over Quinn's left shoulder and dove for the ground. The nearby presence he'd sensed, manifested as one twin behind him, aiming for his head and recalculating when he saw his twin had been hit.

Quinn snatched up the yellow ball before it could hit the ground and sent it flying back. It thumped the second twin hovering over Harry—right in the chest as a loud buzzer sounded in the distance.

The twins froze.

Quinn huffed quietly and picked himself up from the ground, dusting off his clothes. He walked over to Harry and helped him up, a self-satisfied smile stretched across his face. It seems we've won, partner. Congratulations.

Harry smiled. "Congratulations yourself." He took the proffered hand and stood up, wishing he didn't have to let go of Quinn's hand right away. "Thanks."

He wondered if he imagined it or if Quinn's fingers had really lingered a few seconds longer twined in his.

It took some time to sort out who was playing a second round and who wanted to cash in on the treasures they'd won. Only a handful opted out and most likely for familial obligations—evidenced by parents appearing at the top of the hill above the clearing, calling out names.

Several Pareya showed up and claimed a few younger teens as well. Harry and Quinn sat off to the side, watching as it was reorganized all over again.

Want to play another round?

I don't know… Harry mused. His stomach growled.

Quinn laughed silently. Alright. Food first—a good lunch, then maybe a round two? Or something else?

Sounds good to me.

Have you seen Kyle? Quinn scanned the milling crowd for signs of the green-haired fae or his werewolf girlfriend. He hadn't seen them at all during the game and a tiny fission of worry had taken root. Logically, he knew they were most likely snogging in a corner somewhere, otherwise, he couldn't help but worry.

"Not here," Harry said, half to himself. He picked himself up from the ground with a groan. He was feeling a few aches here and there. A hot bath tonight would be welcome. He stretched, enjoying the feeling and squinted into the distance. "I don't see him or Emily."

Quinn's brow furrowed.

"Maybe they were hungry too?" Harry suggested. "He might have wanted to take her to lunch without us tagging along."

Maybe… Quinn allowed. But he usually does mention that sort of thing. He knows I'll look for him. Mama still wants us to stick together.

"Where exactly is lunch?" Harry slipped a hand into his robe pockets, automatically searching for galleons before he remembered the odd little bracelet that Theo had given him to pass for currency in Nevarah.

…Wherever you want, I suppose. Quinn frowned. I can always find what I need at a- He stopped at the look on Harry's face and quickly backtracked. There's a good spot near the square, come on. You'll like it.

"I will?" Harry started after him. "What about our treasures?"

Quinn smiled. He made a complicated gesture with one hand and the pile of won treasures vanished. They'll reappear in the common room of wherever you're staying right now. They're all safe, as far as I can tell.

"Thanks. Now what exactly do you have in mind for lunch?"

NEVARAH : THE HUNT (Theo)

"Now he calls me," Theo grumbled to himself, hurrying down the outerwall, away from the main celebration. There was some note of urgency in Severus' note and he wasn't about to stop and puzzle through it. When a Slytherin asked for help, every available Slytherin came to help—so as long as they safely could.

That was the rule.

That had always been the rule.

It had been one reason why he'd eventually grown closer to the dour potions master, watching as he walked the fine line between most hated professor and fierce head of house. If it were to come down to which Head of House would be more inclined to protect their own, he had a feeling a certain Professor McGonagall would draw about even with their Severus. At least, he hoped so. While McGonagall wasn't always fair sometimes, she was fairer than most and protective of her own, something that most Slytherin's would grudgingly respect.

Of course, it didn't mean that he had to appreciate every Slytherinesque aspect that invaded and permeated every nook and cranny of his life. Harry had been understandably upset about Hermione's disappearance, the lack of information and the unclear recitation of events as to how she'd vanished.

Severus, Theo knew, would have enough to say on the matter, if given the option. There was more to the story than what had been blurted out at Lady Baronsworth's dinner table, but it was probably the sort of story that would or should, only be heard by certain ears.

He made his way through the busy, happy, chattering crowds, skirting some of the more exuberant couples and swallowing back the mix of wistfulness and understanding as new Submissives decided on new Bondeds.

The magical summons pulled and guided him all the way to a quieter section of the hunting festivities and then towards a more private diner, with sectioned balconies overlooking the Merrow waters. It was one of the less popular sections for the newly bonded, but frequented by the older Circles that knew to find luxurious experiences combined with delightfully quieter surroundings and well-bred company.

Theo smirked to himself and paused at the end of the line. He could trust that Severus would know of these sorts of places. He leaned out to the side and beckoned to one of the suited hosts that were waiting for given reservations. "Theodore Nott to see a Severus Snape, he's expecting me."

"The ninth window," the host said, warmly. He gestured to a point beyond them, into the shadowy interior of the dining space. "Will you be ordering? Master Snape has procured light refreshments and no mention of a heavier fare."

"…Not at the moment, thank you. I think that will be fine."

"Of course. Right this way." The host let him past the line and admitted him behind a chained velvet cord, where the lights brightened at once, the moment he crossed from outside to inside.

A dimming spell, Theo noted, relieved that he wouldn't have to stumble his way through the dark and pleased to note that he could at least make out where he was and what he was looking at. He made his way across a well-seated room, large circular tables and quiet chatter filling the air.

He could sense a different sort of atmosphere in the air, more muted and serious, perhaps with a hint of well-masked desperation tinging the corners. Locking onto that particular thought, Theo scanned the room and spotted a familiar head of dark hair, the blunt cut making the inky ends sweep sharply over angular shoulders.

It was a silhouette he'd grown accustomed to seeing after the first year of Hogwarts. He made his way across the dining section and over to the open bar where Severus stood, nursing a small glass half-way filled with a two-coloured liquid.

Theo approached, holding up a single finger when the bartender glanced his way. "Bloodroot Cocktail," he murmured, knowing his request would be heard. He hadn't had one for the day and while he would take care to limit such indulgences, he was making an exception for the moment.

"Theodore," Severus turned to him, not the least bit surprised at his appearance at his elbow. There was the faintest hint of disapproval, but nothing more.

"Severus," Theo returned, calmly. He ignored the look. He would drink whatever he liked and Severus' own choices were not exactly any less of an issue. A Bloodroot Cocktail was far tamer than the spiked drink in the older dragel's hand. "Harry's been very worried."

"Potter is always worried about something." Severus snapped.

Theo did not comment. He did note that Harry had gone back to 'Potter' but he dismissed that detail, when he followed the taller Alpha's sharp-eyed gaze to the ninth balcony.

Sitting around the circular stone table, Draco sat with his head pillowed on his arms, as Calida and Terius took turns petting his head and shoulders, speaking in quiet whispers. His face was somewhat grey as if something he'd eaten didn't agree with him at all.

"Well?" Theo prompted, a moment later, when it seemed as if Severus wasn't very likely to continue the conversation on his own.

"Hermione was found in the woods, as you know—practically dead from whatever that poison was." Severus said, tightly. He turned back to glare at Theo. "We gave her shelter and whatever potions I thought could ease her suffering."

Theo perked a brow.

"She was likely awake for most of her time with us. I couldn't properly wake her, not without causing some sort of internal mishap. Her organs were being magically repaired—they were…melted, for lack of a better term, then the process was frozen and her natural magic tried to restore it. Unfortunately, it wasn't fast enough, if she woke before the process was complete…"

Theo suppressed a shudder. It sounded too familiar to something he'd heard from his father once—a dark, grim tale about a Death Eater meeting where he'd been listening when he shouldn't have. The horrified conversation would stay with him for years. "But you saved her?"

"I helped her," Severus corrected, haughtily. "For free, I might add."

This time, Theo hid his smile. He was familiar with this particular line of grousing. Severus had always resorted to that phrase when he didn't wish his good deeds to appear as something done from the goodness of his self-proclaimed blackened heart. "And it is very much appreciated."

"The hellhound seal—what Calida said? Terius went to check the archives at the main library. He belonged to the house of Arythmoor, as she thought." Severus took a sip of his drink, grimacing as the strong brew slid down his throat. It reminded him why he was drinking it in the first place as he turned to meet Theo's steady gaze. "The House of Arythmoor is known as the line that spawned from the first Hound."

"The first hound?" Theo repeated, brow furrowing. "Severus-"

"Death itself is reborn every dozen centuries or so," Severus explained. "When it happens—strange and twisted as it is—a new Hound is born to accompany it. For Death may walk alone, but in its wake are the dredges of every darkling. Every lost soul. Every vengeful spirit…every shadow. The Hound walks beside her and guards against anything that would wish to harm her."

"Why do you say her?" Theo hiked himself up onto the empty stool to his right. Severus was welcome to stand, but Theo had no desire to spend their entire conversation staring up into the older man's face.

"Because if Death were a man, then I would be dead." Severus deadpanned. "It is legend, Mr. Nott—kindly use your brain. I know you are in possession of some mental faculties and I would appreciate it if you would make use of them."

Theo simply nodded as the bartender arrived with his cocktail. He curled his fingers around the cool glass. "And?"

"…I do not believe there is any correlation between Death's…supposed gender and that of its Hound. The Hound is always—a man." Severus added, a moment later. His dark eyes glittered, understanding what Theo had posed in such a simple question. "She was marked as a consort and taken, supposedly, by the Hound that marked her, yes?"

"You cannot prove it, can you?" Theo guessed.

Severus fixed him with a look. "One does not need to prove certain things in certain matters-"

"Was he wearing anything? Something that would denote a rank?"

"And if he was?"

"Then perhaps in the Shadow Haunts, one of the houses can verify if there is a new Consort among them." Theo said. He referred to the given name of the Nevarean territory given over to the Shadow elementals.

The Storm types lurked around the edges of the Shadow Haunts and in true dark fashion, the Shadow elementals were quite comfortable among those that shared similar traits or elements. The Hellhounds, though with their own hierarchy and customs, chose to dwell quite near the heart of the Shadow Haunts and in turn, allowed Shadow dragels to join them in their politics and courts.

Of course, where shadows were kept, other things joined. Were creatures were fond of the Shadow Haunts as well, along with dark elves and dark fae. There was even tell that Nevarean Vampires lurked there as well—though few ever saw them to confirm such rumor.

Severus paused, thinking it over. He finally gave a brisk shake of his head. "I doubt it. Terius could give very little detail as to what he saw—only that he was aware that he should not have been a witness. He had cast protective enchantments over Hermione, the standard ones, but he couldn't tell if they held. He didn't feel them break, but the spell that he—kept from us, it destroyed everything back at the apartment. Everything was either broken, torn or completely shattered. Repairing spells didn't work."

Theo inclined his head to show that he was listening. He watched as Severus swirled his glass, an absent movement, pale lavender liquid sloshing up to the lip of the glass, but never leaping over the edge. Pale, skinny fingers gripped the glass, holding it steady, the swirling liquid still spinning inside.

"Your…Harry," Severus said, tightly. "May have all the luck in the realms, but he has already escaped Death more times than I care to count." There was a hint of warning in his voice as he looked at Theo. "Chasing after his friend into the very courts of Death—as all hounds are—is not a wise course of action."

"So you did check the haunts." Theo said, calmly. He had expected the warning—in the same way that he knew Harry would be going after Hermione anyway. Such dangers, they were real yes, but the friendship between those two had been forged by something stronger, he wagered. At the very least, he knew that Harry would want to try. Because Harry was his, Theo would let him.

Severus growled, softly. "Of course I did."

"And?"

"And the House of Arythmoor is the main house among the hounds." Severus drained his glass and set it down, softly. "She was taken by the main hound."

To his own credit, Theo managed to keep his expression entirely neutral, even as his hand tightened around his own drink. "That is—unusual." He allowed.

Severus snorted. "Admirable restraint, Mister Nott." He deadpanned.

"What else did you find out?"

"That isn't enough?"

"So there is more?"

"Nothing to be of any use to you."

Theo's brow furrowed. "I would ask what you had to pay to receive such information," he began, pausing to inspect his neatly groomed fingernails. "But I have no desire to insult you or your methods, whatever they may be."

Severus half-glared at him. "You were always far too perceptive than your oaf of a father ever gave you credit for." He muttered.

"I like to think I take after my mother." Theo said, lightly.

"You do—you have her hair and her mind." Severus said, turning way abruptly.

"What else did you find out?"

"Theodore-"

"Please, Severus," he said, softly.

Severus closed his eyes, briefly—as if to easy some mental image that had returned to haunt him. When he opened them again, they were back to pitch black, unfathomable as always. "They found that she was taken into his house, but not into his personal harem."

"The hound has a harem?"

Severus gave him a look. "He did not take her there, but no one can say where she is—save for that she is not within their dungeons or the—pit. Terius says that she is alive, but he cannot trace her. If the magic was removed, then it was done carefully and not meant to disturb her or the one who cast it."

That was good news, Theo supposed, but the rest of it—not so much. That was another detail of legend. The pit was more of an execution station and things were said to lurk there. Dark, terrible things that would prey upon any soul with a smidgen of light within it. "She is safe?"

"Safe is a four letter word," Severus growled. In his opinion, it ranked right up there with love, but he merely nudged the empty glass away from his hands, towards the bartender hovering just within their line of sight. "She is unhurt for the time being, at least, physically. I can tell you nothing more."

"…Thank you."

"See that you do not kill yourself in an attempt to satisfy the impossible whims of your submissive."

Theo perked a brow. "As impossible as yours not hunting when you can desperately use a fourth?" He deliberately did not look at the man as he spoke. He'd been wondering why they weren't actively hunting, at least, not to his knowledge.

"I have not meddled in the affairs of your own, kindly return the same respect afforded to you."

"You need a fourth and you know it." Theo let some of the concern in his eyes filter through to his words. He tucked away the information that had been given to him, knowing that he could make use of it later. For now, he wanted a few answers of his own to questions that few others would dare ask. "For Terius, even if not for yourselves."

"…I am well aware."

"Wouldn't he allow you to hunt on his own behalf?" Theo guessed. He could see that the bonds between their little trio of sorts were strong, but strained and they were now beginning to grow around Calida as well. He wondered if they would take her in as their own—as it wasn't unheard of for Circles to court and formally Bond with a carrier, bringing them into their Circle.

The look that Severus gave him was partly amused and partly exasperated—that of an older Alpha humoring a younger one, with a knowing air about them.

"My apologies." Theo raised his glass and drained it. "Thank you, Severus."

A slight nod was the only reply.

Slipping off of his stool, Theo began to make his way back across the dining room, heading for the entry hall. He wondered if there was anything he could do for them—after all, Severus had been one of the few to take notice of him, even when Draco and Blaise—though later awkward friends of a sort—they hadn't cared much for him at all. It had been Severus to recognize what was happening with his father and Severus who had devised things to keep him away from home and out of the spotlight.

There was a line leading up to the exit and Theo stood at the end, waiting. He listened with half an ear to the conversations floating past, wondering how he ought to break the news to Harry and what it would cost them. He had no doubt that Severus had done all that he could—using whatever Nevarean contacts he had at his disposal—to acquire all and any information of one Hermione Granger.

"…Oh come now, Viktor. It's quiet—and dark. Just like you. You'll like it, yes?" a lilting voice teased. "Come on! You've been hiding away the entire time since you've arrived and you will enjoy yourself tonight or so help me, I will-"

"You think too highly of yourself, Ivan," a heavily accented voice, dripping with reluctance, answered. "Stop pulling on my arm—what are you, ten?"

"Better ten than a hundred and ten!" 'Ivan' snorted. "You act like an old man—you'll be older before you've even enjoyed whatever youth is left in you."

"Then why can't I enjoy it in peace?"

Theo jerked around to see who was speaking. He caught sight of a vaguely familiar face, almost masked by the shadows and low light of the dining area. The two friends bickered back and forth for another minute and Theo stepped out of the exiting line. He slipped along the shadowed end of the room and stared at a small, private booth where one Viktor Krum and an unidentifiable friend accepted a large tray of drinks and paid generously.

On impulse, Theo hovered a moment longer. They wouldn't see him—he hadn't been Slytherin for nothing, after all. Seen and not heard was not a motto for children, but rather a warning that sometimes silence and discretion could be invaluable tools. He hadn't known that there was any creature blood among the Durmstrang students, but then again, it was to be expected. For all of it's fearsome rumours, Durmstrang students were always well turned out, strong, robust and magically proficient.

They drank most of what was on the tray before Ivan excused himself to take it up to the counter for another refill. Theo did his best to fade back even further, well aware that he could give himself away to Viktor, now that there was no Ivan at hand to distract him. Thankfully, he seemed uncaring of whether there was another presence nearby and simply pillowed his head on his arms, waiting for Ivan to return.

Theo wondered what had happened to him from the time they had last crossed paths to now. He remembered that Viktor had taken Hermione to the ball, but also that he had been casting the occasional glance in the direction of Slytherin's very own ice prince. While he certainly hadn't asked about the blond in a way that anyone could pinpoint against him, Theo had read between the lines.

A careful sniff had proved that yes, Viktor was dragel—to some degree anyway—and that he was definitely unbonded. Theo had begun to distinguish between the scent of a bonded dragel versus and unbonded one, since their arrival in Nevarah. It had been a skill he hadn't thought to perfect before, but was now finding to be invaluable.

Ivan returned, bearing a larger tray than before and setting it down on the table with ceremony. "There's the nicest looking Alpha at the counter," he hummed, setting out a line of shot glasses. "You should take a look."

"Ivan…" there was a hint of warning in Viktor's rumbling tone.

Ivan rolled his eyes and continued to line up the glasses. "I mean it, he sounds almost like that one you were going on and on about—the one with the black hair and black eyes. Nice and pale too. You should take a look. He's definitely your type."

"You should take a hint."

"Hard or soft?" Ivan inquired, ignoring the warning. His hand hovered over two of the full bottles, one a bright green, the other a deep red. "Or a mix?"

"Neither! What are you trying to do?"

"Liquid courage never hurt a soul," Ivan proclaimed. He poured a measure of green in one glass and two of the red on top of it. "Drink it straight and go take a look." Friendly brown eyes narrowed. "Else I'll tell your Mum that you didn't really go out to-"

"The devil and the devil's hag," Viktor spat. He snatched the glass away from Ivan's care and scowled as it sloshed over the edge and onto the table.

They held a staring contest for a long, tense minute, before Viktor threw it back, shuddering with a grimace before he threw the glass at his smirking friend. Obviously expecting it, Ivan simply caught it before it could hit his head and set it down, gently on the table.

"You've been like a brother to me," he proclaimed. "And you've always been a decent fellow. I won't see you doing this to yourself. Now go and take a look—the one in black by the counter. He looks the closest to your type."

Theo's brow furrowed and he ducked out of the corner, turning to find himself face-to-face with an angry, not-quite-drunk Viktor Krum.

"Did you see and hear enough?" Viktor demanded. "As if I couldn't sense you the whole time you were-"

"I didn't know you'd come to Nevarah," Theo said, politely. He didn't react at all, not much more than to draw himself up to his full height and lift his chin. He hadn't been expecting the other one to move so quickly. Perhaps he should have been more careful. "Your voice sounded familiar, so I stopped to say hello."

"Hello?" Viktor mocked. "I've no time for these sorts of games-!"

"Theodore. Theodore Nott," Theo said, holding out a hand, determined to make this encounter into something useful, if not only to leave with his pride and dignity intact. "Hogwarts."

Viktor stiffened. He looked suspiciously from Theo's hand to his face and leaned back, ever so slightly. The furrows in his brow began to grow deeper.

Theo could practically see the mental gears whirring and twirling and took pity on Viktor's obvious confusion. "Slytherin."

There was a pause.

Viktor took a step back, but reached out and grasped Theo's still extended hand. "Hello." He said, stiffly.

Theo made himself smile and inclined his head. "I did not know that you were—one of us," he gestured to the room at large with his free hand. "Welcome."

Dark eyes narrowed suspiciously. "And what of it?"

"Nothing. I was only saying hello." Theo pulled his hand free, drawing subtly on his earth element to extract his hand from Viktor's larger one.

"So you have." Viktor cast a wary look around him. "Where are the rest of your snake-friends?"

Theo couldn't help the laugh that he tried and failed to turn into a cough. "I do not have snake-friends, Mister Krum." He said. "I am an Alpha and I am bonded. I am here with my Submissive for the Hunt."

Viktor's shoulders slumped and the fight seemed to fade from his eyes. "I-I apologize." He managed, after a moment, though it seemed to cost him to say as much.

"Viktor?" Ivan stuck his head out from behind the dark curtain sectioning off their booth. "Is everything alright?" his piercing gaze swept over Theo with deliberate meaning.

"Everything is just fine," Theo said, stressing the last word as best as he could. "I was just leaving. I wouldn't want to stop you from paying your respects to Severus."

Viktor's head snapped up. "Snape? He is here?"

"Severus," Theo repeated, keeping his smile and tone deliberately bland. "Is at the counter."

Ivan exchanged a look with Viktor and stepped out completely from the booth's privacy. "Viktor-"

"Are there more of you here?" Viktor asked, carefully.

Theo barely managed to suppress a shrug. "Your guess is as good as mine. Severus is Bonded though, his Submissive is on the balcony. Good day—happy hunting."

"Mister Nott—wait!" Viktor called after him, but Theo had already excused himself and moved away from them as fast as his long legs could take him.

"Friend of yours?" Ivan asked.

Viktor hesitated. "I-I do not know," he faltered. "I cannot."

Ivan patted his shoulder, not commenting when his friend leaned into the gesture.

A mildly agitated Theo stalked out of the quieter sections and back towards the noise and bustle of the Hunt. A familiar presence tugged at the corners of his senses and Theo found himself following the gentle pull to find himself staring at an awestruck Charlie wandering barefoot through the rock gardens off to the far end of the outdoor attractions.

Fire stirred in his belly, uncoiling to sing through his veins and Theo found his careful restraint, crumbling to dust. He was thinking of the morning and their earlier…interactions. He thought that Charlie would have been with Ebony, but the closer he drew near, he could see that it most certainly was Charlie and he didn't really need to know too much more than that.

As if sensing him, brilliant blue eyes turned to fix on Theo, glittering with power, life and love.

Theo's steps faltered for a single beat, before he was stalking over the thick, black rock, uncaring of his boots and the fact that every other fire type there was barefoot. He closed the distance between himself and Charlie, in time to see those brilliant blue eyes grow wide with shock and then shutter, faintly, when Theo reached up to bring their lips together in a rough, hungry kiss.

A soft, gasping breath puffed against the side of his head as Theo reined in the emotions tangling through him and gave Charlie a moment to adjust to his arrival and the unspoken demand that came with it. Charlie's hands fluttered at his sides, before one of them came to rest on Theo's shoulder, the other settling at his waist.

"Theo?" There was a hint of caution in his voice.

"Charlie," Theo returned. "Are you free?"

"Would it matter?" Charlie asked, dryly. He was somewhat pleased that he'd accurately interpreted the gleam in Theo's eye and the intent behind the unexpected kiss. He didn't mind—and it didn't appear that their unofficial audience minded either, because a few jealous and appreciative glances came their way from a few of the fire dragels close enough to notice the non-fire among them.

"It would matter for as long as it took me to talk you out of it," Theo growled. "Come. Now."

A smirking Charlie allowed himself to be led away to what promised to be a rather enjoyable and very thorough ravishing.

Not that he was about to complain.

Of course not.

"Theodore?" Lewis called out, tentatively. There was a dark look on the small Alpha's face, but he studiously ignored it, somehow managing to look between Theo's scowl and Charlie's encouraging nod. He was disappointed to see that Harry was nowhere with them, but he supposed that his great nephew was off hunting.

That was good, Airelle knew that Harry could use a few more Bonded to spoil him absolutely rotten. Having a larger Circle would also have the lovely side effect of keeping the prickly Theo happier, Lewis mused.

A low growl from Theo jerked Lewis's wandering thoughts back to the present. He gave a slight bow of his head, indicative of their rank in reference to his—and in hopes of keeping Theo calm enough to hear his request.

"I spoke to my Alpha who has taken the matter to our Clan head," he began. "And he had no objections at all."

"About what?" Theo demanded, suspiciously.

"Harry bears one of our seals. It must be one of our house to remove it," Lewis explained. "Specifically, it must be our Clan head."

Theo growled.

Charlie rolled his eyes and calmly draped an arm around Theo's shoulders, pressing down with more weight than necessary, waiting to see if it would work as Ebony had told him. She'd explained that sometimes a grumpy Earth Alpha could do with a bit more—firm—handling. He was curious to see exactly how that worked. "You were making arrangements?" he asked, curious.

Lewis flushed, faintly. "I—didn't meant to presume," he said, stiffly. "But these are familial seals and they can only be removed by blood family, regardless of whether-"

"That was very generous of you to take such a task upon your own shoulders," Theo interrupted, his formal speech returning to him, along with his pureblooded airs. He shrugged out from beneath Charlie's hands and stood tall, his golden-gaze fixed on Lewis. "We appreciate the trouble you have gone through on our behalf."

"It's for Harry," Lewis murmured, the flush darkening. "H-he's alright?"

"He is hunting today," Theo said, brows furrowing. "I hope."

Lewis blinked. "He's not interested?"

Golden eyes gave a spectacular roll. "Interested isn't the word I'd use to describe it," Theo muttered. "Were you heading somewhere or just looking to share the wonderful news?"

"…Lunch?" Lewis suggested.

Theo snorted.

Charlie grinned. "That would be lovely," he said, smoothly. He stepped in between of Theo and Lewis, effectively bridging the gap between the two in more ways than one. "And then you can tell us more about the seal and what's involved in the removal?"

"Of course!" Lewis brightened. "It's really a painless procedure, mostly ceremony and ritual, because of what was done to cast it in the first place, but the preparations take some time and when it's through—well, I'm sure you'll all be happier."

"Oh?"

Lewis shrugged, finally relaxing the last bit as he fell into step with them. "Sometimes seals can affect other Bonded, especially if the Circle is new and particularly if the seal was not removed before Bonding."

"Ah," Charlie nodded in understanding.

Theo scowled. "About this lunch…?"

"If you wouldn't mind joining me—I was in the middle of lunch preparations," Lewis said. "I stopped here because of a half-portal. I was heading to the marketplace to grab a few fresh things on the side. You're welcome to come with. It wouldn't take but a half minute."

"Sounds great," Charlie said, his hand brushed against Theo's, a touch warmer than it should be—but holding all the warning that he couldn't put into words. Lewis was kin to Harry and that meant that he deserved respect unless he proved himself to be unworthy of it. Charlie would not see Theo behaving badly simply because of social status or ingrained pureblooded upbringing.

As if sensing his inner resolve, Theo sniffed and turned his head to the side.

Charlie bit back a sigh and stared straight ahead. It would be an interesting day after all, he supposed. His mind wandered off as Lewis began to chatter about the lunch menu and the marketplace. He wondered what Harry was up to and whether said Harry was remembering to eat lunch sometime soon.

LEWIS' Traveling House : (Theo and Charlie)

"If you'll excuse us?" Charlie smiled as politely as he could manage, before he started down the aforementioned hallway. He was both pleased and irritated to note that Theo was close behind him, but a glance over one shoulder showed that his Alpha was muddling through something scowl-worthy.

There were two things that would most likely remove said scowl and Charlie knew right away that he couldn't grant the first option—Harry—but that the second one was most certainly doable. In fact, he would definitely be looking forward to that second option. He could still cast spells, though it took some more concentration and effort to not use his wand. Ebony had immediately decided that she would break him of the habit the moment she laid eyes on his wand.

Silently wondering when he'd come to thinking of things like this, Charlie discovered the necessary bathroom and saw that it was indeed empty. It wasn't too small either, which meant there would be some allowance for what he had in mind.

Theo turned his back to the open door, arms crossed over his chest, brow still furrowed, lips pursed to complete the look of his dark glower.

Charlie didn't even want to know what he was thinking about. Sometimes it was best not to know, he mused. He stepped into the bathroom and used his height to his advantage, hooking an arm around Theo's neck and gently pulling him back.

It was enough of a surprise to make Theo stumble backwards into the small space with him and by the time he'd regained his balance—and his voice—Charlie had shut the door and begun locking it as he cast silencing charms liberally about the space.

"Something in mind?" Theo inquired, bitingly.

"Something in mind for you, not me," Charlie said, calmly. "And seeing as it's such a small space, you'll have to be creative if you want anything more."

"Excuse me?"

"Door." Charlie murmured, giving it a final pat and turning around to reverse their positions. It was easy to guide Theo to bracing against the door—mostly because his Alpha was attempting to avoid his touch, but Charlie knew that wouldn't last very long at all. "And relax, please?"

He braced both hands on the door, his arms boxing Theo in at the sides and held the annoyed golden gaze with his own vivid blue ones. When Theo merely perked a brow, Charlie sighed and shifted to kneel in front of him. "You-" he began to tug at at the neatly spelled robes. "Are being-" he freed Theo's shirt from his trousers and pretended he couldn't feel Theo's eyes on him. "Difficult!"

"You're the one accosting-"

Charlie tugged Theo's trousers down in a single, swift movement.

Theo froze.

Charlie smirked. "Clear enough?" He hooked his fingers in the waistband of Theo's pants and began to shimmy them down those slender hips.

"Damn you," Theo hissed, head thrown back against the door, his hands fisted in the hem of his jumper, knees buckled and clapped to the side of Charlie's head. This was not the way he'd seen this particular encounter turning out, but he wasn't in a position to complain.

He actually wasn't in a position to do much more than he was currently doing at present. It took far more concentration than he could spare to keep from basely reacting to the pleasures that a certain wicked redhead was currently bestowing on him.

"Hmmm?" Charlie hummed around the warm, throbbing length in his mouth.

The vibrations brought another quiver from those pale thighs and Charlie simply stroked them, soothingly. He continued to suck and hum, slowly, but surely driving Theo to the edge. One hand reached out, trying to curl into Charlie's smooth locks, settling for digging his fingernails into Charlie's available shoulder instead.

It didn't take long before Theo found release. The silent, shuddering of physical body and the invisible shattering of his mental defenses. His mouth hung open in a soundless cry.

Charlie had a way of simply reaching through their shared bonds and making sure that he bore nothing alone—now that Theo had given him that opportunity. He didn't swallow, but he was able to hold steady when Theo bucked gently into his mouth.

A moment later, he stood up, spitting into the sink and pausing to rinse his mouth.

Blissed out and limp with sudden giddiness, Theo wearily held himself up against the door. He hadn't expected that from Charlie. No, he hadn't expected that from Harry either. Neither of them, actually. He'd just been very, very pleasantly surprised.

The sound of running water brought him back to the present and watching Charlie there, bent over the sink, rinsing his mouth—Theo found a bit more energy to spare. He couldn't really care that he was a guest—and in someone else's bathroom. There was magic for that.

Right now, what was in front of him was far more important than long-standing dragel ettiquette. He spelled the robes and trousers off and moved forward.

Charlie started faintly when he felt firm, smooth hands skimming meaningfully along his sides. He turned to throw a lazy smirk over one shoulder and braced both hands against the sink. "You'll have to be really quick," he murmured.

Theo's golden eyes darkened to a delightful shade of brown-almost-black. "I suppose I shall…"

Lewis calmly set the table, fretting over the place settings and the partial lunch he had to offer. Things were still slow-cooking and he knew better than to risk his bonded's tempers by rushing things along with magic. Some things could not be solved with magic—a certain young Alpha's temper for one.

The Pareya in him stretched and whined, thinking of Theo and how tightly strung he seemed compared to the introductions that seemed to be scarcely a breath of time before. He wished that either Charlie or Harry could do something to calm him—most Alphas could settle themselves, but new ones, with newly bonded circles and such, tended to need some time to adjust as well.

It was something that he couldn't interfere in and even the slightest of suggestions could be taken the wrong way. He knew it was something of the sort, instinct and all that, which had most likely led to the very cool reception he'd received.

He chalked up the warm welcome from Charlie to the fact that he was very much in tune with Harry, who had obviously wanted him there—wanted something to do with him and even saw him as friend, perhaps. It was enough, for now.

Lewis hoped that perhaps there could be more between their families. He honestly wanted them to be on good terms. It had never occurred to him that he would see anything of his brother again—much less a child with the same striking resemblance. He fussed over the place settings one more time and checked his watch.

He'd sent them to wash up, but perhaps they'd gotten lost…the manor was rather large. He sighed, loudly and bustled into the kitchen to check on the food again. A faint inkling of a thought scrabbled at the edge of his head and he half smiled to himself, thinking of the few times there'd been stolen kisses and frantic gasps behind closed doors when interrupted during a hunting day.

Perhaps they were taking a moment to themselves.

Stolen kisses were often sweeter when it wasn't really stolen at all.

He couldn't begrudge them that, not when he'd had the same opportunities years ago and had been grateful for the deliberate obliviousness of their host. Fate had a sense of humor and apparently it was his turn to do the same. Chuckling to himself, Lewis raised his voice slightly and called down the hall, as airily as he could manage.

"Charlie? Theo? I'm almost done with the table…"

Several minutes later, his guests reappeared.

Charlie seemed to have a slight air of smugness radiating from him, while Theo was even haughtier than before.

Lewis pretended not to notice, but was somewhat gratified to see Charlie's occasional kick beneath the table, to keep Theo's less-subtle jabs from turning their lunch awkward.

He explained the process and how his Alpha was speaking to the Peverell Clan head about the removal of Harry's Seal and what was involved with it.

"And it'll be painless?" Theo inquired, at last.

There was something beneath his tone when he spoke and Lewis found his protective hackles slowly rising. "He may experience some discomfort," he admitted—and that did make him uneasy—but it was inevitable. "But no outright pain?"

"Define outright pain?" Theo snarked back.

Lewis clenched his hand around the steak knife in his hand. "A twinge, a pull—maybe a headache that might require a potion or blood. Maybe a sick stomach. I can't say. Some don't have any adverse effects. Some stay in bed for a day or two."

"Theo," Charlie said, disapprovingly.

Theo answered by filling his mouth with another scoop of creamed corn pudding. He chewed slowly and deliberately, his brow still furrowed. "Harry's been through enough pain," he said, abruptly. "If there's a way to channel it into something—or someone else—find it and make it happen." He stood up from the table, chair scraping faintly against the floor. "Charlie?"

Lewis blinked up at him. "Excuse me?" That had not been the answer he'd expected. He thought that Theo would have demanded that he find a way to make the entire thing painless.

"If you need a volunteer, I'll be more like myself by the time everything is ready. I would volunteer." Theo snapped his fingers, impatiently at his tarrying Beta. He'd been polite for as long as he could possibly stand it and this was his limit. "Charles."

The redhead smirked, taking his time rising from his chair, folding the napkin and tucking it to the side of the plate. The lunch hadn't been as bad as he'd thought it would be—and at least they'd been able to eat. "Charlie," he corrected, mildly. "Always Charlie." He dipped his head in Lewis' direction. "Thank you for lunch and seeing to all this for Harry. We all appreciate it," he added, with a meaningful glance at Theo.

Theo, of course, scowled, predictably. "Yes, yes, fine. Everything is appreciated," the words were forced through clenched teeth. "Now do you mind?"

Charlie laughed softly, moving over to stand within reach of Theo's twitchy self. He winked at Lewis as the transportation portal sprang to life between them.

Lewis understood the wink a moment too late. He stared at the now empty space where they'd stood, moments before, wondering what exactly Charlie had done to provoke his Alpha to such a state.

A slight shudder passed over him and Lewis popped up from the table, face flushing a slight red. He was suddenly of the mind to find his own Alpha—wherever he was.

Deveraine Guesthouse : NEVARAH

"You!" Theo growled, hands fisted in Charlie's collar as they tumbled out of the hastily cast transportation portal—and directly onto the master bed back at the Deveraine's guesthous, because Theo was brilliant with that sort of attention to detail.

Charlie fairly purred, his eyes gleaming a darker, more vivid red. He was equally interested in where this encounter was headed, particularly because they now had two new components to work with—privacy and time. "Yes?" He smirked.

"What was that?"

"What was what?"

"Whatever you did-" Theo began. He stopped long enough to rid Charlie of that wicked smirk—kissing with teeth and drawing blood. There wasn't the slightest complaint from his smug Beta.

Instead, Charlie's warm hands began to wander, already busied with the task of removing Theo's robes, caressing and stroking suggestively as he stretched up into Theo's kiss.

Theo blushed fiercely, his body already betraying what promised to be a sinfully delightful and quite memorable encounter. The moment in the bathroom had only served to push every single boundary of restraint he had to his name—something that Theo was now wondering if Charlie had known and thus teased him on purpose.

It was one thing to deal with the spill over from Harry's innocent interactions and yearning urges—but entirely another thing to be so thoroughly driven out of his mind by someone who was still learning the finer points of his dragel self.

Theo growled.

Charlie rumbled back in answer, lying back contentedly now as Theo's Alpha instincts surged to the forefront and shredded Charlie's very nice dress robes—that blasted ribbon would not be making an appearance again, that was for sure—and then proceeded to continue to try and snog his face off.

The desperation tinged with a slight thread of panic had Charlie rising up again to meet the half unspoken challenge. He didn't shred Theo's outfit—simply because Theo managed to banish it away when he broke their kiss for a breath of air.

"Theo?"

"…Later." Came the quick reply.

Charlie rolled his eyes, then attempted to reverse their positions—it didn't work, because Theo immediately weighted himself with his element and a sudden gleam in his gold eyes.

"You know, I didn't have the time to really enjoy those lovely restraints this morning," Theo said, as lightly and conversationally as if he were simply mentioning that the weather would be lovely tomorrow.

Charlie gulped.

That look promised everything that made his heart and soul flip over. It promised the world with all the pain, darkness, hope and love twined throughout. It promised a forever that he thought he could handle.

A burst of warmth from Harry filtered through their shared bonds and Theo's smirk darkened even more. "I think," he began, his claws beginning to stretch out from his fingertips and score light red lines down Charlie's quivering chest. "That Harry would probably appreciate a little update on us, don't you think?"

They'd been receiving Harry's empathic feedback through their Bonds since he'd vanished from their sight that morning. He was cycling through every emotion available to him, it seemed.

Charlie had given up on trying to figure it out and resigned himself to the fact that he'd be experiencing second-hand adrenaline and muted terror mingled with giddy excitement for the remainder of the day. He could tell that Harry was fine, for the muted terror was tinged with playfulness, meaning that Harry wasn't truly in danger or afraid of something.

"Maybe," Charlie reached up with one hand, gently cupping Theo's face. He smoothed one rough thumb over Theo's cheek. He huffed softly, as Theo slid into him, seconds after a preparation spell had been murmured against his cheek. Charlie squirmed for a moment to adjust to the feeling of fullness and reached up to brace his hands on Theo's cool shoulders.

Theo stilled at the touch.

Silence stretched between them.

Theo's face said far more than anything he'd said or done for that day. Charlie's thumb skimmed over his cheek once more. He knew what it took to put anguish in those bright golden eyes.

For a moment, he had a feeling he knew what Theo needed. The light grip of hands curling around his hips, turned to claws and a slightly more desperate grasp.

Ebony's words of 'firm handling' made more sense now. He recalled her words to burn bright, but steady, without a single flicker. This, he can understand, here and now. He can manage that—or something close to it.

Theo was still frozen and Charlie was still burning.

Propped up on his elbows, hands now curled the soft blanket beneath them, Charlie stretched up to put his lips to Theo's ear. "Use me…"

"Never!" came the fierce, emphatic reply. The clawed hands squeezed tighter, but more careful now. The unspoken reason of why was left unsaid between them.

Charlie was grateful even though the prompt barely lightened those golden eyes that seem destined to darken. The earlier urgency from before had faded away to something he couldn't quite put into words.

"Then let me," Charlie murmured. He kissed Theo's neck and attempted to reverse their positions once more.

There was more give this time. Theo's elemental weight shifted again. This time, Charlie fought the resistance, feeling Theo's resolve crumbling against his persistence. It seemed like sex wasn't what they needed now.

"Charlie—I can't." Theo's murmured plea was barely loud enough to be heard.

But was loud and clear enough for Charlie to stop. His arms reached up and curled around Theo, gentle, but strong in their sure grip. He splayed his fingers along Theo's spine, feeling subtle muscle and quivering strength.

Instinct told him a lick to the cheek was a good idea.

Charlie followed that instinct without hesitation.

It worked.

Tension drained from Theo as if a switch were flipped. Charlie felt the moment Theo surrendered and he rolled them over with barely a smidgen of effort. He ignored the stiffness and rigid posture.

Theo's spirit may have given in—for the moment, but his body still betrayed his busy mind. Charlie did not mind this. He simply stretched out to cover Theo's smaller form with his larger one, wincing as Theo softened, sliding out of him. There would be time for that later—if they both still wanted it.

He curled himself around Theo as best as he could, drawing on his flames to up the warmth in his body. Charlie held him as tightly as he dared, focusing on tempering the flames that heated them both.

Theo made no protest.

Charlie nuzzled his face into Theo's neck and breathed deeply of the scent that seemed like citrus and steel.

Theo gave a single, shuddering breath and melted into the soft blankets, comfortably weighted by Charlie above. He soaked up all the comfort being gently pushed through their shared bonds. Charlie was warm, but Theo still felt cold. He wanted the warmth that surrounded him to reach deeper inside. Craved it in the way he couldn't put it into words.

As if sensing his wish, Charlie's warmth became almost unbearable. Theo didn't try to fight it, because somehow, he needed it. An ugly voice inside of him snarled and simpered of how he couldn't deserve such kindness.

But Charlie is Charlie and Theo was grateful.

They stay silent and together for a long time. Eventually, Theo's quiet breathing evened out to soft whuffles and Charlie could tell that he slept. It is only when he knew that Theo's dreams were either nonexistent or untroubled, that Charlie could bear to allow himself to doze as well.

Perhaps when Theo woke, he'd share the things that made shadows form in his eyes. His eyes slid shut as he sent a mild burst of warmth to Harry, a silent message that they are fine—or as well as they can be.

A/N: Hey everyone! It seems like forever and a day since I've been able to post a new chapter. :) Thank you all for waiting so patiently. As some of you may know, my Mom's health hasn't been the best since last year and it's been crazy trying to deal with these new revelations and everything else in RL right now. I am doing somewhat better at the moment and I've finally managed to get this chapter written and revised.

I hoped you enjoyed the little moments with Theo and Charlie, as well as the fun with Quinn and Harry. I really had fun writing those little bits. We're going to get into the serious stuff soon, so hang in there.

At any rate, I figured it'd be best to post this chapter instead of trying to finish the review replies, as it's been so long since the last update. My sincerest thanks to those of you who read these notes and check the forums. Your empathy and understanding mean so much! Thanks for your support and kind reviews here on TBDH and my indie project, The Dragel's Song. Welcome to the new readers. Thanks for reading!

REVIEW RESPONSES WILL BE POSTED as I have the time to spare.

STATE OF CHARACTERS:

Theo-( with Charlie at the guesthouse)

Charlie-(with Theo at the guesthouse)

Harry-(with Quinn)

Deveraine Circle members-(at the hunt)