There Be Dragons, Harry

by Scioneeris

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

118. From The Shadows I Wake

Brissy's got some technical difficulties at the moment-so this chapter was a little bit all over the place. It's here at last though, thanks for being so patient, you guys! I appreciate you so much! All remaining mistakes are my own. See the first chapter for disclaimers/additional warnings/summaries.

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RECAP: Theo visits Maia, Alec has to actually DO SOME WORK FOR A CHANGE, Hagrid meets some dragels, the Cunninghams get more involved in things and Maury and Harry have another bonding moment.

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ALEC / KILLIGAN / CUNNINGHAMS & CO ON EARTH

With Killigan's instructions at the forefront of his mind, a rather disgruntled Alec went to work. His magic, more obvious and significantly vicious than any of the others present, tore through everything from wards, to shields, to blasting charms.

He wasted no time in casting his own magic—a stunning example of intricate Merrow spellwork—with the strength of the lake water to bolster it. Shimmering waves of blue and silver light illuminated the water's surface with a pearlescent glow that brightened with every little ripple, yet never grew too painful to look at.

The natural energy of the lake mixed with his own magic and the result cast a heavy blue haze over everything in sight from shoreline to the murky depths of the lake itself.

Grumbling to himself the entire time, Alec anchored the spell on shore several feet from the water and within walking distance of Killigan to prevent both of them from having to be directly in the water's grasp for the spell he'd prepared. The scowl on his face grew quite ferocious by the time he was back to where his unofficial audience awaited.

"Close enough for you, my Queen?" He asked, sarcastically. "Or is that too far for your delicate feet?"

Killigan sighed, as if put upon, and glided to the designated area where the webbed handprints were clearly visible in the mud. The anchoring had been rather simple, considering that they were not in Nevarah, but the general intent of the magic would do for now.

"Suitable," they said, mildly. "You don't have to ward it that strongly for something like this, but I suppose that's your idea of being considerate."

Alec's scowl twisted into an expression of definite offense.

Killigan pretended not to notice. A thin spark of pale blue energy leapt from their fingers to melt into the ground, hiding Alec's webbed handprints from view.

"Personally, I don't think some backlash would be a problem. The land could use it and every exchange of this sort would have some kind of payment required."

"…you're welcome to do it yourself," Alec said, pleasantly. "Just like how you'll explain to Alcandor why you're up here and not down there where you're supposed to be. Do you have any idea of the mess you've left behind? What were you thinking?"

Killigan's lips twitched, faintly. "I was thinking that if I led the threat away from the castle itself, it'd be easier to eliminate. And I have a competent council, Alec. You know that as well as I do."

"What threat?"

Killigan spun the pearl lightly in one hand, as if it were a shiny toy, instead of a glowing bauble imprisoning a dangerous creature. The pearl glowed brightly from its perch on their fingers. "There was a breach after all. You were right. They almost made it through."

"Of course, I'm right. I'm always right. Why would I bother to waste my breath, if I didn't think I was right?" Alec scowled. "Almost is not good enough. I'd rather it wasn't possible at all—where were the guards? What about the perimeter wards? Killigan!"

"The guard did their jobs and the wards held. With some help."

"Some help? They shouldn't need help. Our people are not to be left defenceless and-"

"Nothing is perfect."

"Of course not, my Queen. Why would I ever endeavour to make anything idiotproof for the sake of-"

"Alec, please," Killigan said, waving a hand towards the busy, churning water where the Inferi continued to struggle and screech. "Lecture or complain later. The noise is a bit much."

"There's silencing charms for a reason!" Alec snapped. "And I wasn't lecturing or complaining. I'll leave that for Alcandor. I'm sure he'll have plenty to spare."

Killigan shot him an exasperated look.

"Fine!" Alec turned to face the water again. He whistled long and loud into the cool air, a hint of musical energy taking the sound and sending it where he intended—to Goonter.

A deep rumbling growl set the water churning heavily, as Goonter's long, sinuous body curved through the masses of undead. Flashes of his massive, pointed fins cut through the surface, Goonter's toothy maw happily crunching on the feast before him. He was larger now, up close and making himself useful by doing what he did best.

Killigan made no sound or complaint, their expression placid, even as the noise level rose in thanks to Goonter's happy roars.

True to form, Alec did not wait at all to get his claws on the Inferi teeming at the edge of the lake. His spell kept things from crawling ashore, but he'd only aimed to contain them.

Not to destroy them.

Not yet.

A hiss and a growl, with a few abrupt gestures—hand signals from his creature wrangling training with Goonter—made his request known. It was a beautiful thing to see the connection between tamer and creature, as Alec's directions to Goonter were short, clipped and to the point.

While Goonter's understanding of it was immediate and joyous. Goonter needed no further encouragement than Alec's permission.

There was no better solution than Goonter, after all.

A Harron's Dragon was perfectly equipped with destroying the undead at no cost to themselves and very little disturbance to the surrounding areas. Their unique needs and tastes made them an invaluable asset on a battlefield or a cleaning-crew.

Goonter's groaning gurgle of happiness was unmistakable as he thrashed about in the water, slapping down the more ambitious Inferi that tried to climb up and over him with the spiralling coils of his huge body. The majority of them were still too close to shore for him to comfortably hunt on his own.

The barrier spell kept them in the shallow water, but it did not drive them back to Goonter's depths for his judgement. A gesture from Alec had the barrier spell fluxing gently to force the Inferi back into Goonter's path.

"Don't take too long," Alec said, sternly. "I haven't got all day up here and Killigan shouldn't even be here at all. The sooner you fill that bottomless stomach of yours, the happier I'll be—along with everyone else here. Go on."

He gestured out at the lake's surface.

Goonter chirped in answer. He plunged into the water with garbled sounds as he dove down, mouth full and scaled body slicing through the water, sharp fins gutting and tearing through all he encountered.

Killigan watched the carnage with the same placid expression as before. As if it was nothing new to watch Goonter's rampage through the undead as if it were nothing more than his appointed playtime.

Alec stayed within arm's reach, his scowl never lessening, but his magic pulsing noticeably in time with the barrier spell.

The other dragels remained gathered silently on the shore, careful to take formation to block any possible stray creatures—Inferi or otherwise—that might dare to come ashore. Lord Cunningham had taken care to be sure that they were moving and operating in doubles or triples to maintain a strong defence. It was only when Alec was happy with the level of destruction wrought through the Inferi along the surface, that he allowed the final threads of the barrier spell to dissolve.

"Brace!" he called out, sharply. "And for Kesmar's sake, use your blades!"

The Gheyos dropped into attacking stances all along the water's edge. Those that were paired, immediately shifted to be back-to-back, while those in threes, took up a triple-point-attack formation.

Goonter's head crested the water with a strong roar, shaking his great head back and forth to scatter goopy droplets of the disgusting water everywhere.

Alec's warning was just barely enough.

No sooner had he spoken, when a strong, surging ripple from the shore, sent the latest wave of Inferi tumbling back into the water. Angry shrieks and cries filled the air, Merfolk rising from the blackening water to make their displeasure known.

Killigan frowned, but held their silence still.

Delighted, Goonter plunged back into the waters, gorging himself on the feast of murderous undead, easily avoiding the Merfolk and buoying them with the little ripples resulting from his movements.

His translucent body grew partially cloudy, a thin film of pale grey hiding the natural functions of devouring and digesting.

Alec watched from the shoreline with a hard look on his face, his jaw clenched. His webbed hands glistened in the air, moisture clinging to his body, despite the slight wind.

Eventually, the webbing melted away to show slender, blue fingers, his hair brightening to a nearly neon shock of colour. He gave a few clicks and snarls, to keep Goonter on track with his assignment, but the disgruntled expression remained quite plainly on his face.

He gave no indicator of Killigan's approach, flinching away at the last second, before they could actually touch. A privacy spell flickered to life, enveloping both of them in a thin blue bubble of water.

Killigan's hand dropped back to their side, a respectful hum the only acknowledgement.

"Don't start with that," Alec ground out. "You will explain this to Alcandor, or so help me, I will personally make sure that he gives you every single boring, annoying and troublesome request that crosses the Council's notice for the next-"

Killigan eyed him with unusual calmness, thin brows furrowed ever so faintly. "I'm fine, Alec. Really. I know you can see that."

"And should I trust my eyes?"

"…you're more riled up than usual," they observed. "You weren't this upset the last time I took a detour. Was passage through the Depths so bad? It was clear enough when I went through."

"…you're impossible!" Alec snarled. "The last time you didn't send your bodyguard back to the palace half-dead! The last time you didn't cut any beacon ties to your whereabouts—and the last time, I didn't have Alcandor breathing down my neck about your continued wellbeing! None of this is like the last time!"

"I'm fine, I didn't cut the beacon, passing through the wards did that on its own and Krym was not half-dead. I wouldn't have invoked the Order if I'd expected things would turn bad. Besides, you're one to talk. I've heard this lecture before."

"And you'll hear it again until I'm satisfied, you're not throwing yourself into Death's Court because you're bored!" Alec said. "You two have an agreement, I do not! My job is to keep you alive—not to babysit when you run off-realm for whatever catches your fancy."

"You say that like I do this every other day. I don't. And I'm definitely alive," Killigan said, a tad smugly. "And you'll be less grumpy, once you've figured out what I've done. I'll talk to Alcandor. I'm sure he'll understand once I explain it to him."

"You can try to talk to him. Maybe he'll listen to you. Kesmar knows he isn't listening to me, because he's too worried about that stupid prophecy. I don't need to figure out what you've done!" Alec snapped. "I already know and it's not going to do half as much good as you think it will because you're-"

"A breach is still a breach, even if it is largely unsuccessful," Killigan said, easily. "I'm more interested in whether he thought it would really work? Trying to bribe his way past our defences is the bare minimum, if nothing else."

"You've spoken to Tavit?" Alec scowled. The air grew humid. Water sloshed angrily up on the muddied banks. "How much more of that do you need?"

"I spoke to Niko. She was quite insistent that I listen to her and pay attention. Unlike you, I do not have a death wish and when a lovely, dangerous lady decides to tell me important things—I listen." Killigan held a hand out, as if waiting for rain. "A little more—it's not strong enough yet."

"They're one and the same," Alec said, tightly. "You know very well that it doesn't matter which half you speak to, they'll do whatever they damn please, so as long as you're informed."

He traced a sigil in the air in front of him, eyes glowing the same bright teal as the symbol, when it activated. The heaviness of the moisture in the air drew a few choked coughs and half-stifled growls of surprise from the Gheyos along the shoreline.

"…you're informed, aren't you?" Killigan asked. "I really am telling you as soon as I could manage it."

Alec's glower increased. "Are you trying to test me?"

"Never on purpose, I assure you of that," Killigan said. "I cannot blame them though. We do have a deal and technically, they did as they swore."

"A deal that left them worse for the wear. He called in the emergency healing spells that were left on standby," Alec said, darkly. "Now why do you think he'd do something like that?"

The humidity increased yet again.

Alec traced another sigil in the air, this time with both hands, his movements precise and perfectly synchronised as two identical symbols glowed to life. The thrum of water magic gathering and activating, left a faint tingling

"The emergency spells?" Alarm flashed through Killigan's glowing eyes. "Are you sure?"

A definite blanket of moisture hung thickly in the air, faintly pulsing, as if it were alive. Fine water droplets collected overhead, a storm not yet pouring down.

Blue-grey in colour, the cluster of fine droplets created a damp haze that hovered over both Merrow. It continued to grow in size and darkness, until it covered nearly the entire lake, even reaching beyond it to the other side of the lake.

"It's Tavit. I have learned not to ask questions I don't want answers to," Alec said, evenly. "And of course, I'm sure. I wouldn't say it, if it wasn't. Besides, you're the one that authorised them, so I don't want to hear your complaints."

"…of course, I authorised them," Killigan said, half to themselves. "Alcandor wouldn't be able to. Not publicly anyway."

They twisted around to frown at the waiting Gheyos. Despite dispelling the barrier spell, nothing was getting close enough with Goonter's enthusiastic efforts.

"Do you need their help for any of this?"

"Do I need yours?" Alec snarked.

"…probably not, but I'm offering anyway. Many hands make light work."

"And too many idiots create confusion!"

Killigan's mouth twitched, but they said nothing, simply waiting Alec out. Staring out at Goonter's flashing fins and serpentine body, they gave no indication of being the least bit bothered by the gory mess flooding the lake—growing worse by the second.

"…you're sure you want to do it here?" Alec asked, at last.

The darkness lurking at the corner of his eyes suggested there was far more weight to the answer than any of their audience could know. From the set of his shoulders to the grimness of his irritated expression.

Killigan studied him for a moment, before they offered a slight shrug.

"…it will ruin this lake."

"Every body of water can be cleansed or purged. The only difference is how long it takes to recover," Killigan said. "And since this is an out of the way place, I don't foresee that being a problem. For us, anyway. I'd rather ward the shoreline so no one from here stumbles into it. Best for them to keep away—and the less accidental deaths, the better."

"Out of the way temporarily or permanently?" Alec shot back. "You don't know the impact this would have on their daily lives as a water source."

"I don't," Killigan said, cheerfully. "But you do. That's what I have you for. Have you finished checking out the grounds?"

"Shut up."

"Aren't we past that by now? Really, Alec." Killigan ignored the glower shot their way, but there was a knowing hum in their voice.

Alec shuddered violently. His entire form melted into a puddle of water sloshing at Killigan's feet, before melting into the mud.

Killigan smiled, faintly. The transformation was always a wonderful thing to witness where Alec was concerned. He always made it look so effortless and to him, it probably was.

Another happy roar cut through the air. Goonter was really having quite a bit of fun.

Killigan took note of the shadows gathering rapidly from the corners and the surrounding trees. They felt much better now that Alec was close by and there were friends within reach to lend a fang or claw, as needed.

The rising shadows were too obvious to be anything other than the Cunninghams establishing a presence and staking claim with their element, to lend their assistance as needed. That was a good sign. For what they intended, every bit of help would be appreciated.

"Jascha, are you planning on actually helping any more than that or just standing around until you feel like being useful?"

Lord Cunningham's sigh of long-suffering was almost identical to the sigh he used whenever Mariana was involved with something that would bring about an eventual headache.

It was a good sigh, Killigan knew. Alcandor had one just like it. They always knew just how far to push when they heard it.

"Is there something specific you need?" Jascha asked.

"I intend to use an erasure spell," Killigan said, simply. "A very specific one, of which I am sure you know?"

"Here? On Earth?" Lord Cunningham straightened up, shadow wisps curling and flickering on his shoulders. "…your highness!"

"No need to panic, Jascha. Something of this—darkness—should not be left to roam around." Killigan smiled at the pearl in their hand, still glowing. "And they did cross our borders with intent to do harm. They are subject to our rules and by that, also our consequences."

A hardness shone through Killigan's genial expression, before it was masked by a polite smile once more. The soft aura surrounding them, sharpened accordingly, just a few degrees shy of intimidation.

"You will help, will you not?" They asked.

"As you like, on your mark," Lord Cunningham said, mildly. "Or are we waiting on your—Alec?"

"Indeed. I would have him call the mark, but that would be hard for either of you to gauge if we're both out there," Killigan said. "Perhaps, once everything is activated, your Reaper can do the honours? I would offer the soul myself, but a Reaper is far less—messy."

Lord Cunningham gave a small hum. "Done. What's the cue?"

"If it glows, that's easy enough to see, yes?"

"Both of you or one of you?" he asked.

"Both, of course. That ought to be bright enough for pinpoint accuracy. That scythe of yours is very sharp, yes?" Killigan asked, directing their question to the very silence Hadrian lurking behind Lord Cunningham.

Hadrian twitched, his shadowed face reflecting an expression of significant displeasure. "…sharp enough," he said, at last.

"Excellent. You'll need to cut the pearl. I cannot dispel it above land, but it would be far more efficient if you could do the honours." Killigan held up the pearl at eye-level. "Make sure you get a good look at it. Don't miss."

Lord Cunningham gave a slow nod. "Hadrian?"

Shuffling forward, Hadrian studied the pearl for a long, silent moment. The unhappy expression eased, before he affected a short, sharp nod. "…done."

Hadrian took up a guarding stance just behind Lord Cunningham. The heavy reaper's hood shrouded his face from view, though flickers of red light seemed to spark when his head moved.

"Thank you. I'll count on it then. Alec?" Killigan called out. "Get it from above, alright? I'll keep the perimeter. Jascha, divide and conquer, please. The usual way you split things up between yourselves. I take it your—friend—will be helping?"

"I've almost all the shadows we need. We'll take care of any stragglers, if that's agreeable? Bharin?" Lord Cunningham asked, briskly.

Bharin snorted. "Perfectly fine, Lord Cunningham."

"Done," Lord Cunningham said. "Good enough for you?"

Killigan smiled, blandly. "Perfect."

"Did you want me to stick to one of your devils or-?" Bharin asked. He gestured at the shoreline, where he hadn't been paired up with anyone when the barrier spell had come down.

"If you're fine working with those two," Lord Cunningham said, nodding towards Evren and Ellery. "Then I'd appreciate it. They'll work in triad formation, if that's agreeable?"

Bharin grunted an affirmative. He picked his way across the wet, squelching ground to stand slightly behind the Cunningham twins. Ellery gave him a solemn nod, while Evren rolled his shoulders back, unbothered by the addition to their party.

The smell of wet, rotting flesh and vegetation renewed itself as Goonter's happy roar sent a wave of bloody debris and black muck splattering further along the shoreline.

Killigan waited while they all got into position, glancing back once at the smoking castle behind on the hill. It really was a shame the lake would be such a mess, but there was always a price for the kind of magic they'd be using.

"Ready when you are," Lord Cunningham drawled. "Whenever that happens to be, as long as it's in the next five minutes. Anything beyond that and I'll be concerned about the level of shadows and death."

"Begin on my mark?" Killigan asked, gathering up the filmy ends of their thin robe to draw closer to the water's edge.

The shining pearl glowed in their hand. It shone bright and strong in the watery haze of the not-quite-a-mist that hung overhead. Killigan's own blue scales gleamed, water-slick and magic-lit around them.

The soul trapped within the pearl, began to rage and rattle at their confinement. Slashes of yellow and red appeared along the pearl's interior, but not a single crack made it through to the outer surface.

Unbothered, Killigan strolled to where the next wave of muck from Goonter's enthusiastic efforts splashed along their feet. "Thank you, Goonter!" They said, politely. "That's enough for now."

A happy roar came in reply, before Goonter lurched toward the shoreline, heaving their great head to rest on the muddy, filthy ground beside Killigan.

They smiled, reaching out to scratch affectionately at the gleaming, grey-tinted scales now visible. "Did you get to enjoy yourself? I bet you're nice and full now, aren't you? I hope so. You've certainly made a delightful mess."

"Don't encourage him," Alec said, grumpily. He appeared overhead, dropping down to stand atop Goonter's damp head in a swirl of pale blue magic. "And the grounds are clear. Whoever is normally here, isn't. I don't like it. Feels like they just left. Did you sense anything?"

"It was empty when we came through as well," Lord Cunningham offered. "We came out because of Bharin's energy signature here by the water, but—yes. Someone was there."

"Ilsa's signature, not mine," Bharin corrected. He held out an armoured fist to Ellery, allowing the Gheyo to match their Flexi-Suit shields to the same spelled wavelength. "We were together to fulfil the conditions transferred from a public request for an Alpha's Revenge. Tracing things brought us here, before her Circle recalled her."

"Recalled her?" Lord Cunningham frowned. "The Deveraines actively recalled her or she sensed something? That's not good. If the Deveraines are moving against something, that's cause for worry."

"I don't think worrying would help much, but it was an active recall," Bharin said, twitching in annoyance when Evren's Flexi-Suit sparked at him. "And I would have followed shortly, if I had not come here. I spoke to the groundskeeper, Hagrid?"

Killigan tuned out of the conversation. They had more important things to handle. It wasn't worth their attention to focus on something that wasn't actively tearing apart the mess in front of them.

"Will the Reaper help your spell?" They asked Alec, nodding at Hadrian standing solemnly beside Lord Cunningham.

Alec eyed them with pursed lips. "It probably couldn't hurt," he said, grudgingly. "A Reaper can seal the ends of the spellwork in a way that we shouldn't mess with. It'll prevent any rogue souls from seeking an end worse than what is already here."

Killigan hummed. "I'll handle the bulk of it, you'll do the usual?'

"Don't I always?"

It was a fairly simple plan, as far as spell requirements went. Killigan had obviously cast it before, so after a few quick, but extremely specific instructions, the entire activation sequence was set in motion.

Lord Cunningham's shadows would carry the pearl out to the very centre of the lake, while Alec and Goonter would settle things beneath the surface. Hadrian would have the dubious honour of the final strike, while Killigan would hold the spellwork until everything was over.

Bharin was glad to be on the shoreline and nowhere near the sheer amount of Shadow and Water magic at play. He stood gravely beside Ellery and Evren, his sturdy frame visible even from Alec's position speeding along the lake's surface.

Riding on Goonter's head, Alec followed the shadow-clutched pearl to the centre of the lake. He kept up a chittering stream of growls and clicks, echoed occasionally by Goonter, as they streaked through the water.

Timing would be of the utmost importance now.

Goonter slowed to a near-stop, floating with his head above the water, the rest of his long, finned body drooping down until Alec was the only one floating on the surface. They continued to growl and chatter at each other, until Alec gestured for him to descend.

With a toss of his head, Goonter dove down.

Threads of teal energy swirled around Alec, until he rose up out of the water, hovering away from where the shadows held the clamouring pearl.

Killigan waved once, from the shore.

Alec rolled his shoulders back. He barely threw a glance upward to see if Hadrian was in place—it wasn't his fault if the Reaper couldn't follow directions.

It wasn't that hard.

His eyes flared teal and the spells activated.

The temperature dropped.

A stark chill stole over the entire landscape, whitened blobs of frost cresting over trees, the water's surface and the muddied shoreline.

Light waned as shadows surged forward, blanketing the entire space until the only point of light was Alec, floating above the water, head thrown back, eyes wide-open, twin beams of teal light streaking upwards to the sky.

Killigan glowed softly in place, a gentle, silvery shimmer that was faintly ringed with hints of pink and red.

For one moment, everything hung in the balance. Frozen, impossible, and silent.

A piercing whistle accompanied the reddish-tinged blur of Hadrian that struck down overhead, straight through the shadow-cradled pearl with a resounding crack.

The water parted.

Surging outward towards the shoreline from the point of impact, the cresting waves were filled with Inferi and writhing shadows holding them down to some bottomless anchor.

Hadrian stood—on a spinning disc of mist, shared by Alec—scythe in one hand, and the fraying collar of a pale, snake-faced man with too-thin, too-pale limbs.

"Release me!" The death-marked man howled, thrashing pitifully in Hadrian's strong grip. "You—you—fools! I will destroy you—I will take everything you hold dear and-"

"With what?" Alec asked, bored. "Your skinny little hands? Your pathetic scraps of black magic? Your severed soul?"

The hideous scrap of a man jerked around to stare at him, still twisting and wriggling in Hadrian's grasp. "You don't know what you're messing with!" He hissed.

Tiny, barely visible baby feathers sprouted along his neck. Stark black against the pale, almost greenish skin.

Alec wrinkled his nose. "My Queen bids me inform you that you have trespassed into Merrow territory with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to those under our protection. You intended to cause harm to the innocent and the young. For that, you must pay the price incurred."

The man bared blunted teeth in a mockery of a hiss, spittle flying at the corners of his mouth. "Unhand me-!"

"Do you deny this?" Alec asked.

"Listen to him!" Hadrian growled, his red eyes glowed bright and eerie in the forced darkness around them. His scythe glowed the same eerie red. "Tom Marvollo Riddle, you were measured and found wanting. This is your judgment and I am your executioner."

Tom twisted again, skeletal fingers struggling to reach back and claw at Hadrian's grip on the back of his black robes. Sickly green magic sparked at one hand, fizzling out into nothing when the shadows that guarded the pearl, now clung to him.

"Perhaps your body would be more honest," Alec said. "There are so many different ways to get the answer I need, but for your case—well, my Queen has asked. And what our Queen wants, they get. You would only have made it past the final ward, if you meant to cause harm. I take that personally. For we protect all who seek our borders in search of a safe haven."

Alec's hand struck out, palm flat against Tom's skeletal chest. His eyes glowed the same eerie teal hue from before.

Tom went rigid.

"Ready for the soul?" Alec asked. "Queen gets the body."

Hadrian huffed, annoyed. The gleaming blade of his scythe hooked around Tom's middle—and carved right through it.

Tom's wheezing croak was the only protest he could've made. His body dissolved into dried, crumbling chunks, while the pale, marked orb of his soul appeared in Hadrian's free hand.

A handy spell from Alec gathered up the bodily remains in a thin water orb. He spun it on his hand as if it were a toy, his curious gaze fixed on Hadrian and the now fractured soul.

It writhed and thrashed in his burning grip, pitiful cries filling the air, its light a pale imitation of what was once a whole and healthy soul.

Alec stared at it in disgust.

"Deliberate severed soul," Hadrian said.

"He split himself on purpose?"

The fractured pieces shivered and trembled, long slivers of pale grey light flickering around it, the now semi-transparent tails held tight in Hadrian's fist.

"There are other parts missing," Hadrian said, tightening his grip on them.

"…have fun with that," Alec said, ignoring the dirty look shot his way. "Not my problem."

"You have cheated my master one time too many," Hadrian said, holding the soul scraps up at eye level. "Enjoy the eternity you deserve!"

The fractured pieces shrieked even louder as their semi-transparent selves disintegrated, turning into pitch black flecks of dust that trickled through Hadrian's fingers.

NEVARAH ROYALS – NEVARAH – ALCANDOR'S PERSONAL QUARTERS

Alcandor stared at his assorted fellow Royals with zero care for how the rising distaste would display itself on his face. They had gathered in his sitting room, attached to his quarters, simply because he refused to leave them to join the unofficial brainstorming session they'd decided.

Unbothered, they'd picked up their research—and really, it was pitiful information gathering— "You want me to what?" he asked, icily.

Dawne—it was always Dawne—rose from her designated seat beside Raspen, her silver and white silks falling perfectly around her with every movement. "I know Ras can do it," she said, patiently. "And it has nothing to do with your court or your petitioners, but—it'd help, if you could lend a hand."

Alcandor pinched the bridge of his nose, an expression of ill-concealed discomfort showing briefly, before it smoothed out into a neutral mask. "You're not asking because of a truth spell, you're asking, because you want the accused to be-"

"You've read the file," Raspen said, quietly. "Al, please. Consider it?"

"It has nothing to do with my court or any Aqua-kin'e," he said, firmly. "I refuse on the grounds that it will cause discord among halflings and show favouritism where none should be implied."

"But it won't?" Ebony sectioned her long, dark hair into three heavy handfuls, attempting to twist it into a manageable braid. "Look, if Dawne is the one acting as the elemental representative, Raspen is the one providing the security—and I can't get involved because one of their Circle happens to be my mentored student, that only leaves you!"

Alcandor made an annoyed sound beneath his breath. "We will appoint candidates for Shadow and Storm before the end of this Hunt or so help me, I will-"

"Approved," Ebony said, without looking up. "There's so much the Shadow elementals keep bringing to my doorstep and I don't think it'll slow down once the Hunt is over either. It's—starting to get a bit overwhelming. They never brought up this much before to the previous crown."

Dawne offered an apologetic smile. "Approved from me, as well. I keep forgetting that you and Alcandor have your own roots," she said. "Is there anything we can do to help?"

Ebony wrinkled her nose. "No. Just—a public nomination, I guess. That's the next step, right? Lady Bianca was still the appointed spokesperson for the Storm elementals and you know how they hate to admit something like that."

"Definitely," Raspen said, brightening. "She's easy to talk to though, when she's not in the public eye. I worried about her introduction. Her elementals stayed fairly quiet—a storm is not quiet."

"They usually do though," Dawne said. "Unless something's upset them, they don't care for attention like that, they prefer it on their own terms. But with Lord Cunningham—I'm fairly certain there'd be some kind of uprising if we didn't nominate him. The Shadow ranks are pretty closed."

"They already operate as if they're Royals," Alcandor said, knowingly. "His Lady backs him quite well. I wouldn't be surprised, if there's more that they've set up for their element than anyone else knows. They seem like the type. We should extend something official, so they know what to expect."

Dawne hummed. "Definitely the type," she said, "But when? Maybe we could do it after the trial? Something to make it a little less-"

"Horrific?" Ebony offered.

Raspen shot her a look.

"What? We're all thinking it." She flipped her finished braid over one shoulder. "You're offering some kind of compensation for the headache this will cause, yes? Juniper Evanson is a known figure among those in the Rune Magic community. I don't want to call it a scandal, but it'll definitely be one—and once you invoke that kind of magic—and trust me, something will be called in, the results won't be pretty."

Raspen sighed. He sat back from the thick sheaf of papers he'd been sorting and tabulating while his fellow Royals spoke. There was an unhappy glint in his warm hazel eyes, proof that his element was disturbed with what he'd gleaned from the information presented.

"Have we sent anything to the Evansons? I've seen Juniper, briefly, and I do not have the impression that she's aware of all that's happened—she's been absent for several years, hasn't she?"

A knock on the door had every Royal straightening up.

Dawne frowned at the door. "Sounds like Perry. Relax." Straightening up in her seat, she called out. "Perry? Come on in. It's just us."

The door cracked open to show the pleasant face of Peryton, her older brother, and a handful of message bubbles in stasis, cradled in his hand, like giant, glowing pearls.

"Saw these collecting outside the door," he said, holding one hand up. "Figured there could be something important there. Ras, Ebony, Alcandor," he said, nodding politely.

Alcandor waved him in, warding the door again, once he was inside. "Are you attending the trial?" he asked, bluntly. "Your sister could use the support."

"I will be there to support her," Peryton said. He handed over the handful of message bubbles to Dawne. "I intend to stay for the Hunt and help, as long as I am needed. Is something you wish to ask of me?"

"Your being there is more than enough," Dawne said. "I'm sure I'll have something for you to help with as soon as the rest of me catches up to all this work. No one ever warned me how much work goes into the Hunt!"

"A lot," Peryton said, wryly. "But that's why we have committees and volunteers."

"Thanks for these. How is everyone?" Dawne juggled the message bubbles, poking them with light fingers.

"Mother says hello, Father is stressed out, and your Dera said to remind you to send him verification of your flight time or he'll stand in your place for the trial and banish you to a ledge."

Dawne's shoulders twitched, almost on reflex. Her mouth twisted at the corner. "My wings are fine," she said, irritated. "They'll be fine for now."

"Your wings are like mine. They need more air time than you think," Peryton said, knowingly. "And if you're thinking that you can tide yourself over until a better time, then you're already overworking yourself. I told you I'd help. You just have to tell me what you need—even if it's just a stand-in while you get some air time."

"I need for everyone to stop thinking I can't do this," Dawne said, grumpily. "It is more than I want to handle, but I'll take care of it. I can do it. I have to."

"And I would not take that from you," Peryton said, smoothly. "I'm not saying you can't. I'm saying there is help available, if you need it. You could even ward one of the Air pavilions and work from there, if you need to. "

She merely held up one of the message bubbles, crushing it between her fingers. The bubble popped, a round swirl of fog shaping into a lens to show a slightly hazy image in the background. A monotone voice read out the words on the information slip that appeared briefly, before the background faded out to a pale brown.

"Requested records from Death's Archives...Vernon Dursley, deceased. Cause of death, blood loss from puncture and stab wounds to the abdomen and throat. Soul, fragmented, but reaped and logged accordingly. No magical inclination, no creature designation. Body bears three curse marks."

"Three curse marks?" Dawne echoed. She let Peryton take the still active message bubble from her surprised hands. "That looks almost familiar. I can't think why. Peryton, look. Why would he—shouldn't the marks be gone, if he's dead?"

"What kind of curse marks?" Alcandor asked. "Any mark that stays past death is usually traceable to the spellcaster." He peered over Peryton's shoulder, thin blue brows arched upward.

"That doesn't look like dragel magic," Peryton said, slowly. He turned to allow Alcandor a better view of the frozen image. It was a drawn animation showing highlighted portions of a sketched figure with the wounds coloured in.

Images of the curse marks followed, each of them displayed in crisp clear colour, showing discoloured skin and stark, black lines branded into mottled skin. It almost looked amateurish, given the lack of elegance in the lines that were cobbled together into something that could have passed as a runic incantation.

"It's not Rune Magic," Alcandor said, firmly. "But someone has gone to great pains to make it appear so. I would say the three marks are for past, present and future. Whoever cast it, was trying to protect themselves when they activated the spell."

"Not the victim," Ebony said, fishing out the written autopsy report from Raspen's pile of paper. "If the spellcaster was protecting themselves, maybe the intent of the spell warped and caused the curse?"

"Not likely," Raspen said, briskly. "Intent is half the magic, but runes are not something to play around with. That's why it's a respected line of work. The amount of training required to do that—there wouldn't be any real trace left if that was a proper Runemaster."

"...Juniper Evanson is a renowned Runemistress," Dawne said, quietly. "You don't think-"

"That's why I said we need to send her something, so it isn't a complete shock. If she knows anything, then we'll know shortly. If she didn't—and I'm inclined to think she didn't, her work is too clean and she would not curse her own family—then we have another problem on our claws." Raspen wordlessly passed the report to Alcandor's waiting hand.

"Correct. She would not curse family," Alcandor agreed. "She is an Empath. That kind of magic would likely be amplified through runes. I would wager she is extremely careful with it, but if she's been absent, that allows anyone with a grudge to take their time in causing problems where none were had before."

"True, but he isn't dragel," Peryton said, setting the now frozen bubble down on the centre worktable where the papers and notes were spread out. "Look here. He was just human. Maybe something buried deep in his bloodline, but not enough to protect him—probably just enough to sire a child. Did his wife not know? Petunia? The naming fits."

"Only up until her," Ebony said, shaking her head. "Their son is Dudley. There's nothing floral about that. The child isn't a full-blooded dragel then?"

"Halfling, at best," Peryton said, briskly. "I don't see a mention of their Third. Why isn't their Third there? Shouldn't they have been present or am I missing something?"

"You're missing something," Ebony said, lips twitching. "A few braincells maybe?" she ducked away from the half-hearted swat he directed to her. "Maybe they didn't know? I mean, it's not exactly impossible for a Third to be unaware, but-"

"But that usually means a surrogate," Peryton said, slowly. "Smart."

Ebony grinned. "I do try. But if she had a surrogate, then there's still a Third out there that doesn't know what's going on."

"Setting that aside for now—Juniper is very much a part of a Fae-heavy Circle. Fae magic has strange requirements," Raspen said, pained. "And Juniper did not court and bond to someone of the Earthen element like her family Clan. She chose a Submissive who is a known hellhound."

"Hound before or after though?" Peryton asked, brow creasing. "There'd be a difference there. It would be significant. Hellhounds are known to carry grudges. Someone could have had something against them and chose to take it out on whatever family they could reach."

"But there has to be something there in order for the curse to take root," Alcandor said, evenly. "If there is nothing there, intent cannot make a curse anchor itself through sheer willpower. That's the wrong type of energy. It will not take—and that has nothing to do with a Third."

Dawne hummed in agreement. She crushed another message bubble, skimming the similar report of Juniper's notable contributions to the Earth Courts, assignments through her family clan and mentions of her family Circle's social standing shifting during the transition when her family Clan was no longer eligible for the Clan Chief position.

The Royals talked amongst themselves, trading the message bubbles back and forth. New information surfaced as Dawne methodically worked her way through cracking open each bubble and checking the information against what they'd already uncovered.

"It'll be a mess," Ebony said, at last. She rubbed her forehead with a loud groan. "I can already feel the headache here. Alcandor—can't you just throw some magic at it and dig up an answer?"

It was a half-hearted jab at best and only earned her a sour eyeroll for the effort.

Alcandor was still studying the curse marks and muttering to himself in Merrowspeak. "Alec might have an idea," he said, after a pause. "And if I summon him here, you'll have to put up with him. I will not be your shield for a request of that level."

Dawne squinted at him from across the worktable. "I need to get me one like that," she said, sighing heavily. "My spy networks need help."

"You need loyalty," Alcandor corrected. His gaze flicked to Peryton. "Or blood family works too."

Peryton immediately held his hands up. "Absolutely not. I have the subtlety of a war hammer. Ask me and I will refuse."

Dawne drooped. "Perry!"

"...sorry, but I'm much better suited as an advisor. Really. I'd be no good to you as a spymaster, Dawne and you know it." He perched on the arm of the sofa she occupied and read over her shoulder, as he'd been doing for most of the research session.

"It's too deliberate," Alcandor said, when neither sibling took his unofficial suggestion to heart. "The curse marks. I'd be interested in whether those marks have shown up anywhere else. The mother and child—Petunia and Dudley—we have them here, yes? Why not ask someone to question them directly?"

Dawne hesitated. "I did—the replay is in here somewhere." She sorted through the message bubble pearls, poking at a few that were turning a dark, misty grey. "Petunia is vitriolic at best, Dudley is distraught all the time. Neither of them are grieving in the traditionally expected sense. Neither of them want any help from the healers or the negotiators sent in."

"And no marks on them?" Alcandor asked, shrewdly.

"...not visibly, that we know of." Dawne twisted her hands together. "I asked if there was a chance that she had inherited Juniper's gift, but they've declared that both her and Dudley have no magical inclination or resonance at all. They're—just there."

"Inheritance didn't come in or couldn't be called out?" Alcandor frowned at her twisting hands. "It is not your burden to bear."

"I know that," Dawne said, frustrated. "But the entire situation. You know how we all are about family. Dragels, I mean. Even other creature types are notoriously protective of their own, but the way this is unravelling—how? How could any mother treat another child so cruelly?"

"And that's why I'm taking over that," Raspen said, gently. "You're in charge of the Deveraines and all that entails. You have enough to deal with already, without adding in the complications from the Evansons and Harry."

"He really manages to get himself into all sorts of situations," Dawne said, cracking a rueful grin. "I don't know how he manages it."

"Proximity?" Ebony asked, idly. "I mean, we were doing just fine before he arrived in Nevarah and now everything's sort of stirred up and bubbling over. Chaos leaking everywhere."

"You should feel right at home then," Alcandor said, rising from his armchair at the head of the worktable. "I'm done. This is more of a headache than I signed up for and It's too dry in here. Don't bother me unless you're drowning—and even then, if you'd die quietly, I'd appreciate it."

Raspen stifled a snort. "Go eat something," he said, flecks of gold dancing merrily in his eyes. "You're grumpy when you're hungry."

"I am not hungry," Alcandor said, stiffly. "I'd like some time to myself and not to have to layer my privacy spells over your wards because of-"

The knock on the door drew everyone's attention once more.

But when it opened, a scowling Alec stomped in, with Kieran bringing up the rear and a slender figure in beautiful, intricate robes so long, the sheer skirts of it trailed behind them. Tapered sleeves with generous slits along the sides showcased gorgeous blue skin and the finest golden filigree chains catching in the light.

The room grew uncomfortably humid, as Alcandor's faint growl echoed in the room. "Alec-!" he began. "What are they doing here-!"

But Alec wasn't in the mood to listen, his expression thunderous. "Not a single word out of you!" he growled at Alcandor, stalking past him. "The two of you need to sort yourselves out, before I make it my problem—and Kesmar save you, because if I have to be your relationship counsellor, I'll quit!"

Storming past, Alec disappeared into Alcandor's bedroom, door slamming behind him, several very loud phrases uttered in Merrowspeak that made all the Merrow wince.

And then Kieran moved to the side, allowing the beautiful figure to approach.

Glistening white robes swirled around them and a deep curtsy was offered to the room. Picture perfect, every movement measured and performed with impeccable posture, the new Merrow smiled, faintly.

"Are you so unhappy to see me, Alcandor? Even after I've come all this way?" Amusement fairly dripped from their words, before Alcandor made it across the room in three strides.

"My queen!" he breathed, sweeping them up into his arms in a crushing hug, uncaring of the fine robes and fancy jewellery. "I told you to wait for me below. Why are you here? Has something happened? Are you injured, ill?"

Alcandor stepped back to hold them at arm's length, one hand pressing against their forehead and then the dusky blue throat where a hint of a claim mark was visible above the thick collar of gold round their neck.

"I am well, my king. Calm yourself—and do not take it out on our precious Alec. He came to get me the moment he knew I needed him. Pushed himself quite hard to reach me too."

"Needed him? What were you doing to need him? Where is Krym? They are not to leave you for any reason whatsoever, they swore on your-!"

"I invoked a Royal Order to spare us both. They are fine. Alec assures me that they are not half-dead." The Merrow Queen stood patiently as Alcandor fussed, but squawked a moment later, when they were swept up into sturdy arms. "They are alive and will resume their duties as soon as I recall them. You need not worry of this. I was quite fine. Alcandor-!"

"Hush," came the gruff response. "You know better than to surface like this—and your feet-"

"I'm fine, Alcandor, I swear, I am alright."

"You are not. Do not lie to me."

"...I am tired, a bit hungry, the air is dry and I missed you. But I am alright—that is not a lie."

"And if you were home, you would not be hungry, tired or reassuring me of your continued good health!" Alcandor growled, carrying them over to his claimed armchair.

He settled them on his lap, a flick of his fingers arranging the trailing robes around them in a way that wouldn't tangle around the furniture and hid every hint of their feet from view. A spell had their hair pinned back and a thin veil of shimmering silver clipped to the shining crown on their head.

The sheer fabric fell just perfectly to their elbows,

Scowling in his usual way, Kieran stood slightly off to the right, just behind Alcandor's armchair, his stance clearly declaring him to be standing guard.

"I am alright, dearheart," The Merrow Queen murmured. "And I know you were not quite yourself when you left, but it seems you are worse now. Come on—be a good host. Introduce me to our fellow Royals. You may scold me later, if I am still deserving of it."

"You are most deserving of it," Alcandor said, sharply. "You know how I feel about your traveling between-"

"I had no choice, my king," they soothed. "But I assure you, not one scale was harmed. I am alright."

Alcandor's grip tightened around their waist. "You are trouble when I least need it," he said, flatly, but without bite. "Raspen, Dawne, Peryton—Ebony—my Queen, Killigan. I would level this realm for them, do not take it as an idle threat."

Peryton smiled, offering a deep bow of respect at once. "To meet one as treasured and respected as yourself, is a great honour, Queen Killigan. Welcome to Nevarah."

"We are honoured by your presence," Ebony said, quickly. She rose, offering a proper curtsy, her gaze gentle as it swept over the bonded couple. "I do believe you're the first crowned Queen among our current royals."

Raspen blinked, before rising to offer a proper bow much like Peryton had done. "A pleasure to meet you, Queen Killigan. Congratulations on your title—we did not know that Alcandor had bonded. Please forgive the oversight for a lack of a formal welcome."

"Raspen means we'll send some very belated gifts," Dawne said, rising to offer her own formal curtsy. "Welcome to our little group of Royals. It is a pleasure to meet the one Alcandor deems worthy of his time and attention-"

"Dawne," Alcandor said, sharply.

Killigan laughed, resting a hand on Alcandor's arm. "They're all as wonderful as you've said—and exactly the way you described them too. Thank you all kindly for a most warm welcome. I do hope to share a friendship with you in the future, as you do with my beloved king."

Alcandor made a soft grumbling sound in his throat in answer. His arms tightened from their position locked around Killigan's waist. "You did not come all the way to the surface to meet the royals, my queen. You may as well tell me what it is, in case I need their help to fix it."

Killigan smiled, reaching out to smooth their cool fingers across Alcandor's furrowed brow. "You really shouldn't keep making such a stern face," they said. "Suppose it stays that way?"

Ebony stifled a snicker.

"…I found the breach," Killigan said, ignoring the half-hearted glare sent their way. "And I took care of it. Alec was my witness."

Alcandor stiffened. "What? When? Just now?"

"Yes. I apologise. I could not wait for your approval. Time was—not in our favour."

"Killigan!"

"I'm alright, Alcandor. I swear I am. See? All in one piece." They tugged one of Alcandor's hands free from their waist to rest it on their cheek. "I chased them through one of our test points. The weakened section along the inter-realm barriers? They had one of Tavit's spells, so I thought to capture them instead of—firing on sight. It—went from there. Alec can tell you more, but I think you'll all want to know who it was. We had a Reaper present and they attempted to harvest the soul only to find it fractured."

"Fractured?" Peryton frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I mean just that," Killigan said, wearily. "Fractured. According to the Reaper, they split their soul during their original lifetime and revived from a forbidden ritual."

"And you would trust that Reaper?" Ebony asked. "I know some of them within Nevarah's reach are quite advanced but-"

"It is the one that stays with Lord Cunningham at the moment," Killigan said, leaning into Alcandor's tightening embrace. "You know—Hadrian something-or-the-other."

JUN / BRIAR / RIAN / GEORGE - EVANSON HOME

Briar read the official missive over twice and then a third time, before he wordlessly handed it off to Rian, who attempted to read it over his shoulder as if there was no other possible time of day he could do so.

Annoyed, Briar elbowed him—pointedly—before pushing the charmed paper into Rian's hand. He made a quiet grumbling sound when Rian's broad frame remained determinedly draped over him.

"Rian, move!" he said, annoyed. "You're heavy and-"

"And you want to be free to run off and make mischief where none needs to be had," Rian said, sternly. "I will not. Behave and be still for one moment longer."

"Rian-!"

"Juniper!" Rian called out instead, without looking up from the paper.

Briar stilled at once, but the summons were already spoken and seconds later, a newcomer appeared, clad in sweeping robes with a heavy smattering of feathers rustling together.

Regulus.

"Regulus," Rian said, absently. "I guess you'll do. Jun's not back yet? She should've been back by now." He turned the charmed paper over, sniffing at the edges, then holding it up to the light. "It certainly looks real-"

"I know what it looks like," Briar said, tightly. He tried to wriggle out from Rian's grasp only to tumble straight into Regulus and his warm, feathered arms. Another annoyed grumble escaped.

"Hold him," Rian said, waving a hand in Regulus' direction. "Don't let him escape. He's about to do that thing he likes to do when he hears significantly distressing news—which is, refuse to process it, then run away and hide to the point that Juniper has to track him down—at which point, we all have a general meltdown from Jun's empathic feedback. It's a horrible feeling. Just hold him."

Regulus blinked, his expression turning wary. "You do that?"

"Every single time," Rian said. His sharp eyes fixed on Briar, pinning him in place in Regulus' arms. "I let you run when Jun wasn't here, because you were running around looking for her. She's here now. There's no need to run to make a statement."

"I'm not making a statement," Briar said. He pushed against Regulus' arms, another unhappy growl slipping out when he couldn't quite break free. "And you're just taking his word for it?"

"Because I've told him to," Jun said, appearing in the doorway, Ivy behind her and Jasmine bringing up the rear. "Oh good, just the ones I wanted to see. I just received a message from the Royal's Court and thought that—oh, I see you got the follow-up."

Rian perked a brow, before he spotted the identical charmed paper in her hand. "You have your own, I see. Good news or bad news?"

"I have something I do not know how to process," Jun said, quietly. "I think I will need your help."

Her eyes glistened for a heartbeat and then she shuffled fully into the sitting room, allowing Ivy to poke and prod her towards an armchair with plenty of space around it.

"Do you need to go outside?" Rian asked. He moved towards her at once, movements slow enough for her to see his approach. "Get in some dirt? We could plant you, if you think it'd help."

"...I don't think I'm crumbling," Jun said, slowly. "I think it's more—shock."

Rian hummed. He followed them along to the open room with its calming brown walls and soft, plush carpet. It was a favourite hangout spot, before Jun had disappeared. Now with her back, they'd been slowly easing back into old routines and favourite spaces.

It was—different. Good and flexible in many ways and brittle in others.

"We'll have to go," she said, at last. "I have to go, if nothing else. It's not good news, Rian. It's very, very bad news. I hate it."

Briar successfully slithered out of Regulus' arms, all but demanding Jun's attention as he crowded his way into sharing the armchair with her.

For one desperate moment, all they did was cling to each other.

White-knuckled fingers curled into spell-resistant fabric and faces pushed into the privacy of each other's neck, seeking comfort and reassurance all at once.

The charmed papers were collected by Rian and Jasmine, who held both up together, examining the contents. In a matter of seconds, both of their faces paled to identical expressions of shock and horror.

"This whole time," Jun said, her voice thin and pained. "This whole time, one of them was alive and— the other was-! Briar, what I am supposed to do with this? How am I supposed to-?"

He clung to her harder than before. "Can't undo," he said, at last. "Already past."

"I don't know if I'll be able to stand it," Jun admitted, quietly. "I never thought that—I knew I'd be able to find something, if I came back home. I hoped they were somewhere in Nevarah, but Briar-!"

"Which part is so unbelievable?" Ivy asked, a hint of irritation showing in her tone as she scowled at the messages read over Jasmine's shoulder. "The part where you have a child and a grandchild—multiple grandchildren—or the one where the trial is taking place because of the child's treatment of the grandchild?"

"Ivy, hush," Rian scolded, faintly. "There are better ways to phrase it than simply saying that-"

She shrugged, throwing her hands up in the air. Her green eyes blazed with fury. "I don't know what you want me to say about that. I've read the reports that you've all been scowling at for some time and there's only so much that can be done. It's pretty clear cut."

"She was his aunt," Jun said, hoarsely. "Blood family. My daughter. One of my daughters. Our daughters. How—why would you treat your own flesh and blood as if they were—you've seen what they're accusing her of?"

Briar sighed, loudly. He settled more comfortably in Jun's lap, hugging her tightly around the shoulders. "There is a slight chance they were being influenced by outside beings or energies. There is a possibility a feral trigger was hit and they could not recognise that-" his voice cracked.

Ivy sucked in a breath, watching them cling to each other. "Alright," she said, softer than before. "Alright. At least Petunia is alive—and her son—and the other grandchild."

The triad flinched in tandem, Regulus a beat later. He frowned at them, looking torn between asking questions and figuring things out on his own.

"You can say her name," Ivy said, calmly. "Because it will be said many times when the trial is underway and there won't be any hiding from what it is. There is nothing good about this—it's all ugly. Awful, horrible and ugly."

"She has a child of her own too," Rian said, carefully. "Is that it, Jun? Is that what tripped your empathy?"

Fiery red hair burst into flame. "No," Jun said, locking her arms around Briar. "Not at all. Didn't you read it? Of course you read it, but—oh, Regulus, would you bring George, please? I don't think I could stand to repeat this twice."

"George?" Rian frowned. "What about the—does he need to know all of this now? He's had a day of his own. It's been rough enough since he's joined us here."

"Yes, please. He'll have to come with us for the trial. Because I have—because he needs to know this and I-I don't think I'm wrong."

"About what?" Briar asked, staring at her intently. "Juniper."

"I visited city hall today," Jun said, quietly. "And I've gotten a few things more sorted out—including updating our Clan tapestry. Would you gather the others? I've called, but I'm not sure how many of you muted the excess emotional overflow to save yourselves the headache."

"-of which that is perfectly normal and there's nothing wrong with doing," Rian said, firmly. "You feel deeply, Jun and that is something we appreciate about you. It is also more than some of us can comfortably endure."

Jun offered a blotchy-faced smile, her eyes shimmering still with unshed tears. "You really are too good to me," she said, softly. "Thank you. I needed to hear that."

"And we'll repeat it as many times as you need to hear it," Rian said, firmly. "Regulus?"

"George should be in my room," Regulus said, rubbing his feathers in agitation. "He said he had a headache earlier and didn't want to sleep alone."

"…he can feel his twin now," Juniper said, softly. "He is missing him quite a bit."

"Have you reached out?" Rian asked. "If they're that closely connected, they shouldn't be apart for too long."

"I did go to city hall," Juniper said, a wry twist of her mouth lending credence to the fondness in her tone. "He deserves that much and more. If I'd known how deep it was, I wouldn't have muted it the way I did."

"It helped him make it to Nevarah," Briar said, quietly. "I know you wouldn't have cast any kind of muting spell on anyone, if you did not think it was in their best interest. You, out of all of us, would know that best."

Juniper gave a tiny smile in answer. She curled her arms around him, holding tight. "Just because I am right about something, does not make me feel better," she said, softly. "Sometimes, I wish I wasn't right at all."

MAIA AND THEO ARRIVE AT THE KALZIK SPOT

Maia's 'portal yanked them from the Kadel estate and settled them down at the receiving point outside of the Kalzik property boundaries. Her magic, white-and-grey, crackled along the edges of the Kalzik wards, before rushing back to her.

Stepping daintily down to the ground, she smoothed the skirts of her fancy robes, flickers of white and purple energy barely visible around her feet. Her expression, though serene, seemed worried at the corners.

As if she was not quite comfortable with something in the air.

Theo followed along, a half-step behind her, still a bit off-kilter from the unexpected long-distance bonding and equally preoccupied by his own worries. He found himself sticking closer to her than he usually would and chalked it up to instinct compelling him to stay close to an older dragel who had already shown obvious signs of protective instincts toward him.

The Kalzik guesthouse was buzzing with activity by the time Theo and Maia entered the property. Different energies crackled overhead, stabilising spells automatically activating as they entered the small sectioned lot where the guesthouse stood, nestled between healthy shrubbery with glowing runes for wellness and calm.

Contentment flowed easily through his bonds, proof that his Circle was alright, even though he couldn't see skin nor scale of them yet. Quinn's phantom mark radiated the same steady calmness, a foreign, but welcome thread to follow.

Harry's was the same as ever—gentle, steady and fiercely protective. Even in his own situation, the protectiveness remained.

It was a nice detail, even if it prickled at his Alpha conscience. He was supposed to provide, protect and persevere. He was maybe, managing one out of three, at the present moment.

"Did you hear that?" Maia asked, her steps slowed to a stop. A distant look flickered across her face, as she turned slowly to look behind her.

Theo tracked her movement, seeing and hearing nothing at all. Not even a shadow or a swirl of dust.

"...heard that," she muttered, half to herself. "Why would they-?"

A muted query from Ethan's bond, prompted Theo to move again. He sent back a light pulse of reassurance, eager to see all of them again and verify for himself that they were alright after Quinn's addition.

Given the intensity of the phantom mark, he was reasonably sure his absence had affected them in some small way.

Theo made it three steps up the walk from the guesthouse entryway, when Maia caught him by the arm. She froze in place, head snapping around to stare at something overhead in the distance.

He watched the way she straightened, spine perfectly straight, pale hair fluttering oddly behind her, before her eyes glazed over in tell-tale white. Lips moved, no discernible sound escaping as Maia's form grew rigid.

Her grip tightened on Theo's arm. He didn't dare try to break it.

Seconds crawled by in agonising slowness.

"...Lady Kadel?" he ventured.

Fragments of sound and bits of words floated down to his ears. Theo strained to hear it. He couldn't make out anything at first, though he could've sworn he heard Harry's name.

Maia came back to herself seconds late with a sudden lurch, as if something had reached out and shoved her forward. Her feet stumbled, but a sharp gust of wind steadied her with a careful swirl around her waist, keeping her upright. The silver hue returned to her eyes, almost too-white to be silver at all.

She pressed a hand to her mouth and turned to Theo, that unnerving stare pinning him in place. "You are sure about this?" she asked, yet again. "To wake him?"

Theo's eyes narrowed.

She'd asked more than once already and the weight behind her words each time, chipped away at his resolve. It was almost as if she was trying to tell him something without leading him straight to the answer by the hand.

"Yes," he said, carefully. The unease in his stomach was stubbornly pushed away. Harry had asked and so he would try. "He needs to be-"

"He needs rest," Maia said, abruptly. She dropped his arm, turning back to frown over one shoulder at something he could not see. "It would do him good. I did not place him into a trance because I thought it was a fitting consequence for the strain on his physical body. I placed him in a trance, because the number of seals upon his soul was threatening to tear it away from his body. Your Harry is not a Gheyo. He is not capable nor trained to hold the weight of that kind of magic in a body so young and for so long."

Theo clenched his jaw. Harry was stronger than he was, in many ways.

"Gheyos are meant to hold things like Death Seals and Soul anchoring spellwork as well as the kinds of burdens that are heavy upon the shoulders of their Bonded," Maia said, absently. "It is considered their right, if they choose that path. I will be honest with you. I do not wish to wake him."

"You agreed-!" Theo began, a flicker of fear twining with the burgeoning despair.

"I did," Maia said, evenly. "That was before now. Something has changed."

"You can't just-"

"I gave you my word that I would help," Maia said. Her silver eyes glowed, the edges of her body growing faint and fuzzy at the corners. Almost as if she were not entirely there. "And so, I will help. However, that help may not be what you are expecting. But you have asked for it and I have agreed, therefore it shall be yours."

"I'm starting to think that your kind of help causes more problems than it solves," Theo said, bristling. "We already have more help than we need for the-"

"You are worrying of things that do not need to be worried about," Maia said. She flicked a handful of her silky hair over one shoulder, her fingers passing right through neck. "I wish I had the time to explain, however, I do not have control over how much time I can spend in Nevarah and how much I can spend between its planes. I will come to see you as soon as I can. In the meantime, go to him. Stay at his side and keep your Bonded close. Do not allow anyone else to try anything that will separate you. Some time together will do you all a realm of good."

"He's asked me to come to you," Theo said, exasperated. "I am only trying to honour his wishes in-"

"You are his Alpha and indeed, it will weigh on you heaviest, because it is a request he has made of you. His wellbeing should be at the forefront of your mind. Simply because it is within your realm and right to grant his every wish, does not mean you should always do so. Anyone that is so selfless to the point that they deem it an acceptable option to sacrifice themselves because no one else was willing, needs to have their self-preservation instincts revived. Preferably as soon as possible. Perhaps you could concentrate your efforts there."

Theo's jaw dropped.

But there was truth in that.

Harry did have a tendency to be self-sacrificing at the worst of times and if nothing other than the churning rumour mill at Hogwarts presented itself as evidence, well, Theo was not Slytherin for nothing.

Sure, there were countless rumours and exaggerated retellings of everything from Harry's skirmish with the troll in the dungeons to the soul-wrenching horror of Cedric Diggory, and hearing Harry's account of things had only cemented the need to see him happy and safe.

For someone who gave so much, Harry deserved the realms and by Ergen's sacred soul, he'd do his best to make that happen. Even if it would take longer than he'd prefer.

"I will ask a favour of you and yours," Maia said, abruptly. Her eyes were still glazed over in that odd, bright white. Her ear seemed to disappear and reappear, the semi-transparent quality washing over her like rain. "And when I do, you must accept."

"Accept what?"

"...my request. I will find you when the time is right. For now, you should—go. Yes. I think you should go. It does not do to meddle with things that ought not to be meddled with. There are rules that must be obeyed and I am no different than you, even though I see them before they come."

"They? What rules? Lady Kadel-!" Theo grasped at her arm only for his hand to pass right through her wrist.

"He will be fine. You will be fine too, if you allow yourself to seek the help and support you need and deserve. One does not need to be truly in the bowels of despair to be worthy of asking for help."

Theo's protest caught in his throat as Maia gave a little, surprised gasp and fluxed from visible, to invisible, her entire body fading away in a burst of air. He saw her startled expression as the very last thing in his mind's eye, before there was nothing but emptiness in front of him.

Frustration welled up, settling neatly beside the carefully restrained temper he'd pushed aside from earlier. It seemed even the fates had conspired to keep Harry locked into a mere healing trance at the most inconvenient time.

Scratching at his head, Theo took a handful of minutes to pull himself together. There was some truth in her words. He should at least take some time to see Quinn and properly get a claim mark exchanged.

It would certainly require a bit more blood and magic, given Harry's request and Quinn's requirements as a Healer, but he was sure they could work something out. From the way Maia spoke of the phantom mark, he guessed that Harry, Charlie and Ethan would have one as well, if not a proper mark.

That would mean some complicated magic if it needed to be completed straightaway.

Or maybe they were waiting.

Waiting for Harry to wake-up.

Ethan met him at the door, a solemnity in his face that hadn't been there when Theo left. "My parents say they'll drop by on the way back from their lecture," he said, leaning out of the entryway just a bit to check behind Theo.

"It's just me," Theo said, unwillingly amused at the fact that Ethan had pulled him in with a strong grip on his wrist and proceeded to check for secondary threats—without releasing him.

Ethan shut the door behind them, warding it almost at once with magic that immediately flared to life with a vaguely familiar symbol at eye-level.

Something very much like a healer's crest.

The Kalzik Healer crest.

Ah.

Pleasantly surprised, but also somewhat pleased, Theo said nothing. If Quinn wanted to explain that later, he was more than welcome to. It was nice to see that he wouldn't have to poke at the same sore spot he had before leaving.

Whatever Quinn and Harry spoke of, apparently, it'd resolved itself. Lovely. Now, if they could just weather the upcoming headache of the Nevarah Courts and the submitted claim of neglect—he'd be happy.

Well. Happier.

Golden eyes blinked at him in careful consideration. "...you were with someone?" Ethan said, instead. He gently pulled Theo closer in favour of rubbing their cheeks together, nuzzling more insistently when the gesture wasn't immediately reciprocated.

Theo's hands came up to grasp at Ethan's elbows, stilling him a fraction, so he could lean forward and return the affectionate greeting. "Maia Kadel," he reminded. "She was with me up until a few steps ago. I think something called her back. I'm not sure."

Ethan's expression remained unreadable. "...she refused?"

"I'm not entirely sure—well, I mean, yes, she said it would be best for Harry to wake on his own. Not to rush anything and to take some time together. Just all of us. She said that because of the weight and strength of the seals on his person and the soulscream that it would better to just wait it out instead of-"

Ethan nodded, carefully as if that made perfect sense.

To him, Theo supposed that it did. The Hartwoods were renowned scholars, after all, and Ethan would at least have been raised on basic Nevarean knowledge of soulmates and what came with that. Seeing that calm acceptance soothed a little bit of his ruffled feathers.

It really was nice to have a Pareya that simply took everything in stride. Theo found himself relaxing a little bit more. If Ethan wasn't worried, then maybe—there wasn't a need to be worried either.

"...do you think it's alright?"

Ethan regarded him silently for a long moment. The mask of perfect solemnity was even more genuine up close. "I do, Alpha," he said, carefully.

Theo blinked at the use of his title. That was—not what he'd expected, but it matched the seriousness of Ethan's tone. "Really?"

"Besides the fact that the Kadels rarely ever involve themselves in social or political manoeuvring, it's not because they don't want to or don't have to, it's more along the lines that they don't need to. They can tell when and where they need to meddle. If we're to stay put, because they think it best, it probably wouldn't hurt us at all. At least, not as much as deliberately doing the opposite."

"The Sight?" Theo sighed. "I guess that's as convenient an excuse as any."

"Not convenient," Ethan said, shaking his head. "Extremely troublesome, I'd say. There's all kinds of rules and regulations they have to work with. If every Seer in the realm and those with sightful gifts decided to start digging their claws into things and making a muddle of it, we'd all be in a rather sorry state. Imagine having to make the kinds of decisions that are on par with whether a realm should be destroyed or not."

"Frightening," Theo said, dryly. "I suppose we would be in a mess if we ignored her, wouldn't we?"

"Very much so. If Maia Kadel believes it was necessary—even if Harry would prefer to be up and about being his usual self, I'd prefer that he waited out the trance until the end. There may be more things at play then we know of—or should know of. I would trust that."

Theo eyed him shrewdly, keeping a close check on their bond. It was faintly muted, but he could read the continued genuine honesty in those words and their shared element. It was refreshing.

"You didn't say anything before," he said, carefully. "I would've listened, if you'd said something."

Ethan twitched. "If that was what Harry wanted-"

"Harry would want you to have your own opinion and share it, even if it was different from his own," Theo said, firmly. "As would I and I'm sure the same is true for the others, unless we've given you some other reason to think otherwise?"

"...no," Ethan said, at last. "But—my base instinct is to see that Harry is happy, comfortable and protected. He was happiest with the idea that you would wake him straightaway."

"Maybe. But expressing yourself or offering an alternative does not hinder that in any way," Theo said. "You might cause a current mood to dip or not, but showing more of yourself in that way will never cause the kinds of problems you're thinking of. I'd rather you told me what you thought and not what you think I want to hear."

Ethan hesitated.

Slowly—with plenty of time for Ethan to move away, if he so chose—Theo pulled him in and tugged at his collar. It gave easily under his hand, allowing him to mouth over the newly exposed claim mark.

Ethan trembled in his arms, the faintest, minute shudder, before he melted completely into the embrace. As if all the reassurance and grounded he needed was found in the comfort of Theo's arms.

Theo lifted his head, his hands resting comfortably on Ethan's waist. "You don't need to defer to my rank either, if you just want to share what's on your mind. I will listen to you, I swear it. If you're simply more comfortable that way, then that's alright too. I know this is just as new to you as it is to me, in some aspects. We're all learning. I expect it will take some time."

"...you are too good to me," Ethan said, quietly. He rested his forehead against Theo's slender shoulder.

"Exactly as good as you need and more," Theo said, reaching up to curl one hand around Ethan's neck, holding him lightly in place to resume his attentions on that lovely mark.

A whine followed those words, so soft and faint, that if Ethan wasn't so close to his ear, Theo knew he wouldn't have heard it. He simply patted Ethan's head and sank his aching fangs into that willing neck.

He'd catch up with the rest of his Bonded in a minute, Ethan needed him first.

THEO / CHARLIE / ETHAN / QUINN – HARRY'S ROOM - KALZIK GUESTHOUSE

"Theo?" Charlie was the first to spot him, his blue eyes clouding with worry. Patches of orange and crimson scales covered his cheeks and throat. "Ethan! What happened?"

Quinn rose halfway from his seat on the edge of Harry's bed, his own teal eyes reflecting the same concern as Charlie's. His hands twitched in front of him.

…Theo? Did something happen?

"We're fine," Theo said, briskly. He ushered Ethan into the room in front of him, Maia's words replaying in his head. A glance over his shoulder at the empty sitting room drew a frown.

There was no one there, but maybe that was for the best.

"Theo?" Charlie prompted, again, when an answer wasn't immediately forthcoming. "Did something happen with the Kadels?"

"…they won't be undoing Harry's healing trance," Theo said, quietly. He followed Ethan to one of the chairs in the corner by Harry's bed, and pressed on his shoulders until he sat.

She refused? Quinn chewed on his lower lip. The Kadels are very generous. I thought they would at least honour the favour once it was invoked. That isn't like them at all-

"She said that Harry needed to rest more than to break the trance. It was pretty much like she was dragging her feet all the way over here and then something happened and she just—disappeared."

Disappeared? Quinn straightened up in alarm. What do you mean? Did something happen to-

"I mean, she was in front of me one minute, then gone the next. Literally blinked out of existence right after my hand went through her wrist," Theo said, patting Ethan's shoulders twice, before circling around to the other side of the bed. His pensive gaze settled on Harry's face, smooth in sleep and free of all the usual worries that seemed to plague his waking hours.

Quinn frowned, his expression mirroring Theo's as he studied Harry's silent, blanketed form bundled up on the bed.

He could do with more sleep. Everyone always can. It doesn't hurt anything at all. A healing trance just concentrates the repairing and regenerative functions. For Harry, it's likely something that he desperately needs. Especially not when he's been through so much and with all of those seals. He's had more released, hasn't he?

"To be honest, I've lost track a bit," Theo admitted. "A duty I would be glad to hand over to you, if you'd like it. I'm afraid the details sometimes overwhelm me."

"Shared burdens are of no consequence," Ethan said, warmly. "If there is something else I can offer, let me know."

Quinn nodded. If Maia Kadel thought it wasn't a good idea, I'm inclined to believe her. Maybe there's something she saw or something that changed as she approached.

"She walked me to the gate," Theo said, mildly. "She agreed."

"But then she left," Ethan said, straightening in his chair. "You said it seemed like something had changed and then she told you to make the most of it and faded into nothing."

Into nothing, but she didn't give you an explanation? Quinn's alarm was plain to see. He slid off the bed to stare at Theo, incredulous. What exactly did you tell her?

"I don't think it matters," Charlie said, slowly. His knowing gaze settled warmly on Theo, like a gentle blanket of reassurance in the midst of a freezing winter. "She has the right idea. Maybe we should just—wait it out."

Ethan shrugged. "My parents will be here to keep an eye on things outside and I'm pretty sure yours will come back and do the same," he said, nodding to Quinn. "In all honesty, there's nowhere I'd rather be right now. Just here. With all of you and Harry."

Theo smiled. "Then let's wait for him, alright?"

Charlie nodded, moving to claim the other chair in the room. Quinn mimicked the nod a moment later, resuming his seat on the foot of the bed, his sharp eyes tracking Theo on the other side of the room.

Ethan merely settled in, the last of the tension rolling off of him into nothing. "We can pass the time with a few stories," he said, lips quirking. "I think there's a lot some of us have to catch up on—and Harry can hear us, I'm sure."

Fang, Claw, Scale? Quinn offered, wiggling his fingers. Winner goes first.

"Sure," Theo said, wryly. "Why not?"

"…and after that, my Mera said if I ever tried anything so dangerous again, she'd actually clip my wings and send me to spend summers in the desert with my grandmother," Ethan said, shaking his head. "Summers in the desert are no fun at all. There's always sand everywhere and even the charms won't get all of it out. While I know my wings are safe now, at the time, I was an impossible child and if the threat wasn't grand enough, I would've thought she was making it up."

Quinn's lips curved into a smile, his silent laughter lighting his eyes. She was making it up though.

"True, but I didn't know that until much, much later," Ethan said, laughing. "At the time, my wings were so big and so clumsy, it was painful to do anything with them. By the time I learned to stretch them properly and then to actually start the flight-training exercises, I would've given my legs to keep my wings."

"They're lovely wings," Theo said, smiling. "They suit you."

Ethan cracked a grin. "Harry said the same thing. I can't wait to take him flying. We should sign him up for flight lessons, if you haven't already."

"…good idea," Theo said, brightening. "He did mention he wanted to fly, but we haven't had the time. He would love any kind of air time, I'm sure. He played Quidditch back at Hogwarts. Flying all the time on a broom. I think his affinity was showing even before he knew what a dragel was."

Ethan's grin widened. "Then he'll definitely love it. I can schedule something open at The Dive? Rotating times and stuff, unless there's something specific you want. I know Ariki Deveraine is a flight instructor—if he's close to Harry, I could ask for his timetable and find lesson slots there."

"Harry would probably like that," Charlie said, nodding approvingly. "He'd be more comfortable with someone he knows—but will he actually be teaching right now? With the Hunt and that whole Clan fight now?"

Ethan hummed. "Maybe not, but for Harry? I bet he'd come on down here and teach in the backyard. The Dive's just a fun place to start, but you don't need steep drops and cliffs to learn how to fly. A good rooftop will do."

True, true, Quinn agreed. I jumped off of my grandmother's summerhouse rooftop when I was getting used to my wings. I think Mera nearly squeezed me to death when she caught me and when my Father caught hold of me, well, let's just say that there weren't a lot of happy people that week…

Charlie stifled a laugh. "Really?"

…it was a really high rooftop. I got a good lift from a running start.

Theo choked. "Running start?"

Quinn shrugged. You have seen my wings, right? I was a skinny little kid and my wings grew in before the rest of me. I didn't bulk up until my Inheritance settled and that took about two years after the initial shift. Things kept growing and changing.

Ethan winced. "The settling is the worst. It took me a little under a year, but the waiting was the worst. Good wings though."

Quinn nodded, fond. Good wings.

Charlie sighed, pale flames dancing around his shoulders. "I don't know that I have much to offer here, because nearly everything I've done in my childhood revolved around dragons and traveling abroad to either pick up a dragon or deliver it to a different dragon preserve."

"Always?" Ethan asked, curiously.

"Always. One time, I got Professor Flitwick to charm a dragon toy into a semi-realistic pet. Kind of like the little ones they used in the Triwizard tournament? Except for I let one of the Hufflepuff seniors experiment and—he accidentally turned it into a living breathing dragon statue. Mum was very cross. I tried to charm our pets before. Even Errol. Our owl. That never went over very well."

Living and breathing? Quinn stifled a grin. That must've been a very talented bit of magic.

"Oh, it was. Dad let me smuggle it back in, after Mum insisted I get rid of it, but at that point, the charm was wearing off and Mum was so upset, I never dared to do it again."

Theo studied him, silently, across the room. "She didn't take it well when you wanted to study dragons, did she?"

Charlie's mouth quirked up at the corner, a sad, knowing sort of smile. "Understanding what I do now, I can see how—strange—it must've been for her, but at the time, it was too expensive. They couldn't afford my expensive hobby on top of everything else—not with everyone needing textbooks, school robes and then Ginny came along and it all-" he faltered.

"But you trained anyway?" Ethan asked, frowning. "Did you get a scholarship? Surely, they had one in place?"

"Not for poor wizard students like me," Charlie said, flashing a grin too sharp to be kind. "But I got to know Hagrid a bit and well—I was a very good Quidditch player."

Theo perked a brow. "Gambling, Charlie?" He asked, amused.

Charlie shrugged. "Of course not. Gambling's unpredictable. But Quidditch though—when you play as much as I did, you know which side will win."

I'm glad you made it to Romania to study. Quinn traced a shape in the bedspread, his gaze faraway. It's definitely admirable to know what you want to be and to go after it wholeheartedly. That doesn't happen to everyone.

"Definitely not to everyone," Ethan said. "Knowing what your family Clan can offer and knowing what you'd like their help with, are two very different life paths."

I think I've always wanted to be a Healer, in some capacity or another. Don't know what I would've done, if I didn't have it set out so easily in front of me. Literally nothing appealed to me at the time, when I was studying the different Healer specialties. I went with what I was good at, just because it was less hassle to start from scratch.

"You didn't have it easy," Charlie said, mildly. "And you would've done the same as I did—found a way to make your own way, even if you had to take things into your own hands."

Quinn small smile spoke volumes. Thank you. I'm happy with it now. Can't imagine doing anything else, but at the time, I was so sure I'd never manage to do it by anything other than sheer spite…

"…and that's when Oretta found me," Theo said, smoothing one hand across the navy-blue bedspread. His gaze wandered to Harry and then back to his silent audience, taking in their horrified expressions. "But it's fine now. I'm fine, really," he said, hastily. "You don't have to look at me like that. I'm perfectly alright."

But they died, Quinn tentatively reached across the blankets, brushing his fingers temptingly close to Theo's, but not quite touching, as if he wasn't sure how much closeness was allowed. That must've been a shock, no matter how it came about.

Theo blinked hard. "It was," he said, quietly. "My father hated me and my mother did little to protect me, at the time. I realise now that she took on more of his ire than I imagined, to keep it from falling on me. But doing so took her out of the picture and when she wasn't there—I suffered."

Quinn pressed his lips together. He scooted carefully—awkwardly—across the foot of the bed, to where he could hold his arms out to Theo.

For a long moment, they simply stared at each other.

Quinn's hands twitched in short grabbing motions. Please—may I—that's not—I don't think I can hear that and not do this.

Theo sighed. He gave the faintest hint of a shrug, but didn't resist when Quinn eventually sidled over to his side to lean against him for comfort.

"Theo?" Charlie called his name with the soft surety of knowing that Theo would turn to meet his gaze before he answered. "I'm sorry," he said, simply.

Two blinks, this time, before Theo's golden eyes were suspiciously shiny. "I don't miss them," he said, voice raspy. "There's nothing to miss and I have more money in the Wizarding world than I'll ever need to be comfortable, because of what they left. But for what they did-"

"It's not a matter of missing them," Ethan said, quietly. "It's that it was an experience you went through alone. I'm glad Ilsa found you, even if she is an utterly terrifying woman."

Theo nearly smiled. "Me too."

"Did you ever find your Third?" Ethan asked, carefully. "Was there any claim?"

"…Oretta said the record was sealed. Whoever they are—they didn't want me and they didn't want to know anything about me. There's no obvious family magic to hint at a particular Clan, so we think that maybe I was an unexpected child."

"Their loss," Charlie said, firmly. "We're glad to have you and we're glad you survived all of that."

Quinn clicked and whistled, three very sharp notes. Definitely their loss. If you ever think you find something though—or if you'd like to leave a general message in your birth record, I can do that for you as a Healer.

Theo blinked. "It wouldn't do any good-"

If it gives you closure, that's all you need.

"…thank you."

FINAL DAY OF HARRY'S HEALING TRANCE / HARRY & CO - KALZIK GUESTHOUSE

On the evening of the final night, they crowded around the bed on borrowed armchairs from the living room, balancing dinner plates on their laps and chattering easily to one another, the awkwardness broken by sharing stories and secrets from the quiet nights.

Theo had just taken a mouthful of Charlie's cauliflower and lentil stew, choking on a forkful of rice when he saw brilliant Emerald eyes staring back at him from the slightly shadowed ward over the bed.

"Theo?" Ethan set his plate on the foot of the bed, reaching over to slap Theo's back. "I told you it was hot—you didn't have to—Harry?"

A tired smile slowly settled on Harry's face. He blinked a few times, before his brow furrowed in a mixture of concentration and effort. Painstakingly, he moved his fingers and hands, wiggling his feet under the blanket.

"Harry," Charlie said, relieved. "You're awake."

Quinn popped up on Charlie's other side, his own smile so pure and genuine, that Harry immediately flushed a soft pink at the clear relief reflected back on him.

"Hi," Harry croaked out. "Do I get to eat any of that too?"

Quinn's glowing transcription spell lit up the room in a pale wave of colour. Not right away, but I'm sure we can figure something out. Welcome back, Harry.

Harry smiled, even as he struggled with the blankets. "Thanks. I'm glad to—be back."

"I was out for how long?" Harry sputtered, staring at Theo. "That's why you didn't-?"

Maia Kadel does things in her own time for her own reasons, Quinn patted Harry's head of spell-cleaned hair. Stop twisting so much, this is a delicate diagnostic spell.

"What does it do?" Harry wanted to know. "And when can I get up?"

"As soon as Quinn clears you and as soon as you eat something," Ethan said, firmly.

You should have eaten something before taking a shower, Quinn scolded, lightly. His magic, teal sparks, spiralled over Harry in a steady, glowing thread.

"I feel fine though," Harry protested, squawking when Quinn pinched his nose in answer. "Quinn!"

You might feel fine, but your body has been resting for three days. There are steps you must take after waking from any healing trance. Food is one of them.

Harry huffed, but obediently allowed himself to be shuffled out from the bedroom—in a fresh suit of clothes—and to a large round table in the dining room attached to the guesthouse kitchen.

Seated between Theo and Quinn, he was served with a large platter of fingerfoods that he'd never seen before. A mixture of small round bowls were arranged along the platter with a steaming bowl of some kind of golden soup in the centre.

It's something light for your stomach. Quinn explained. Mama made this for you—those are warming spices for digestion, fresh veg for blood purification, a cream fruit salad when you're done—and some moong dal to top it off.

"It smells good," Harry said, sniffing appreciatively at the new, spicy flavours. "Are you all just going to watch me eat or-?"

"We'll catch you up," Charlie said, smoothly. "And maybe a snack for those of us who didn't take seconds while you were in the shower."

"Where is everyone?" Harry asked, settling into his chair and allowing Quinn to reach across the table to show him how to mix and sample each of the contents of the little bowls.

"My folks are wrapping up the final lecture of their guest series," Ethan said. "They'll be by later. I sent them a message that you were up, so they'll probably stay away to give us some privacy until dinner time."

"I sent Hermione a message," Charlie said, quietly. "And I hope you don't mind, but I also asked her to give us some time."

"Oretta has been dealing with her Circle's business," Theo said, quietly. "And she sent over a handful of property listings to look at. We can check some of those out, if you're up to it."

Harry hummed quietly. He leaned forward, trying to mimic Quinn's elegant fingers scooping up little bits from each bowl for a perfect mouthful of the colourful breakfast.

Quinn's lips twitched. He took the spoon and filled it himself, before offering it to Harry with a slightly arched brow.

"Quinn!" Harry's protests didn't go very far, because Quinn was quick and the food was warm and tasty, settling in his belly like the strongest healing balm even known.

"It's good, isn't it?" Charlie asked, setting down a tray of hot coffee and buttered sweetbread. "Quinn likes to cook. He's very good at it."

"It's very good," Harry said, between mouthfuls. "And you're all avoiding the obvious. Tell me about the trial? Theo?"

Theo sighed. "It's tomorrow," he said, warily. "And it's going to be a mess."

"Because you don't think we're prepared for it or you don't think I'm prepared for it?" Harry asked. "I don't think there's much we can do to prepare for something like that."

Ethan frowned. "What did you hear from us, exactly?"

Harry sighed. He sat back in his chair, shaking his head at Quinn, to stop the next incoming mouthful. "I was—Oret explained what I heard. Or at least, the pieces that I couldn't quite put together on my own. He said I would need to depend on all of you to get through it."

"He was right," Charlie said. He helped himself to a steaming mug of coffee and a fat, buttered hunk of sweetbread. "In the meantime, this is what we know…"

Harry took a shaky breath, focusing on Quinn's arm around his shoulder, Theo's warmth pressed up against his side, with Charlie and Ethan clustered around him as well.

"Harry?" Ethan prompted, gently. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Not really. No," he said. "I—I should've known that-"

"You couldn't have," Charlie said, firmly. "And even if you had, you weren't working with the same resources as everyone else. Harry, you did the best you could with what you had. There's no shame in that."

Harry gave a jerky nod. "But it didn't do me much good in the end, did it? Everyone still hated me even when I-" his voice cracked.

Oh Harry. Quinn's arm tightened around his shoulder. That's enough of this for now. We're only going to dig up more things that hurt, that don't need to be pushed on you so soon.

"Suggestions, then?" Theo asked, mildly. "I'd also like to move past something so heavy, but-"

But if it isn't addressed, it'll fester. Quinn nodded, knowingly. That's fine. But there's nothing that says we can't take breaks in the meantime. How about we do something good?

"Good?" Charlie echoed. "Like what?"

The Bond? Quinn arched a brow. I can wait. I have been waiting, but—pretty sure those phantom marks will start to burn again, now that Harry's awake. Might as well make it official, don't you think?

Harry perked up. "Yes," he said, sitting up straight. "How?"

Quinn's smile lit up the room. A little bit of effort and a whole lot of magic.

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A/N: Hey everyone! Thank you so much for being patient while this chapter was sorted and wrangled. Brissy ran into some tech difficulties and I had some RL chaos dumped in my lap. Anyhow, here's the long-awaited chapter! I hope you enjoyed all of the little twists and turns.

Yes, Alec and Killigan got rid of Voldysnorts. That was always going to happen. Hadrian kind of snuck in there on his own at the end, but-hey, it works. That's one less threat for Harry to deal with. Speaking of Harry, our darling MC is now awake and ready to tackle some hard things, like the upcoming trial. He's heard bits and pieces through what his Bonded have been saying while he was in his trance and some of what Maurice explained to him. Timeskip, bc I know y'all don't want to deal with Harry being asleep for another chapter, LOL.

More fun to come soon-stay tuned and thank you for reading! I hope you had a safe and fun holiday. Good luck in 2023!

Also, we now have a Discord! It's very dragel-centric and there's plenty of fun and chaos. I do pop-in when I can. If you want to talk dragel-things, check it out!-there's an invite link in the AO3 chapter notes and on my tumblr.

Anyway, as always-Enjoy the read! and I'll see you next chapter! -Scion

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I was asked to include a short ranking summary in a recent comment, so here we go for quick reference!

DRAGEL CIRCLE -RANKS
• ALPHA — the dominant authority figure, equal to the Submissive, within a bonded dragel Circle. One corner of the operating triad.
• BETA — Mediator between the Alpha and Submissive. Usually acts on the Alpha's behalf, when needed. One corner of the operating triad.
• SUBMISSIVE — the heart of a dragel Circle and generally the shortest. One corner of the operating triad.
• PAREYA — the protector within a Circle, usually attuned to the Submissive and proficient in defensive magic
• GHEYO — the fighter within a Circle, usually attuned to the Pareyas and proficient in offensive magic. Gheyos have multiple titles within their ranks, denoting special fighting skills and establishing a clear authority figure. A Circle with all Gheyo ranks filled is referenced as having a full Suite. They are ACE, King, Queen, Prince, Princess, Knight, Page, Trainee
• MAGE - A magic-oriented fighter within a Circle that does not follow Gheyo ranking or authority. They are known for having tremendous magical ability and control.
Additional ranks include, HEALER, ADVISOR, RHEYO, ROYAL, COMPANION, and CARRIER.

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Find me online as Chera Carmichael for updates on all kinds of dragel stuff. I also have a Tumblr for chapter update progress, random fandom slash and some AU fic teasers at Scioneeris.