disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter
warning: only some yelling and cute fluffy-ness
Oh my goodness, another chapter so soon! I am so happy with myself. Anyway, I would like to point out that when I say "pants" anywhere in my stories, I mean underpants, underwear, boxers, whatever you like to call them. I hate saying any of those words in my stories so I stick with pants. Which means when I say trousers, I mean trousers or what many other people call pants. It's an odd quirk I have, but one I'm okay with.
On with the story!
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Harry had spent the rest of the night in the Hall of Portraits talking to Marius. He even had the elves bring him dinner as he sat on the floor with books strewn about him, opened at various pages. As Marius discussed himself and all the aspects of being a mer, Harry would look into the corresponding book to follow along. he couldn't believe how complex merfolk were! Harry wondered how much he would have learned if he did his own research, or spoke to a mer like himself, gaining the creature-half when hitting their majority rather than speaking with a fully-blooded born mer like Marius.
Marius shared his memories of his life with the clan he was born into; Harry didn't even know there were clans to belong in. He shared the customs, traditions, and etiquette that was used in his clan and told Harry that there were universal customs that were used when working with other clans or taught to wizards that worked as ambassadors for merfolk. Then he shared about how he met his mate, Rizelle Potter, and his transition from living in his clan to living with the Potters.
They talked late into the night until one other painting yelled at them to go to sleep. So with promises to come back after reading the books, Harry made his way to his bedroom. He deposited the books on his desk before crawling into bed and quickly falling to sleep. He dreamt of wondrous underwater caverns filled with all manner of merfolk before changing to dreams of peaceful days with his mates.
His dreams kept him so content that he didn't wake for breakfast. It was eleven when a quiet knock finally broke through his heavy sleep. Still drowsy, Harry fumbled his way to his door, opening it to reveal a smiling Remus with Severus standing behind the werewolf. Harry smiled at his two mates before standing aside and waving them into his rooms.
"Late night Harry?" Remus chuckled as he sat down on the sofa. He held out a hand for Severus to join him as Harry was already seating himself next to Remus. "Are you hungry? You did miss breakfast?"
"Yeah, a bit," Harry said as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. As if he had already called, a house-elf popped into the room with a tray carrying a small bowl of fruit and a simple salad to hold him over to lunch, and tea for three. Harry thanked the elf before reaching for the fruit, taking bites between talking. "I stayed late talking with Marius. He taught me so many things because he married into the Potters, so he's from an actual clan of mer. Who knew they lived in clans! I can't wait to learn more, and he promised to introduce me to different ancestors of mine that would be willing to teach me about the Potters. What did you two do yesterday?"
"About that Harry," Remus began. As he turned to face Harry, Severus released a very quiet whimper, still not happy that Remus was going through with this. But not quiet enough that Harry didn't hear. for he slowly placed the bowl on the tray with some apprehension. Remus reached behind him and grasped Severus' hand as Harry gave Remus his full attention. "Something came up that we need to talk to you about."
"Go on," Harry urged. He bit his lip in nervousness as he waited. Whatever Remus had to say, Severus seemed to be just as nervous as he felt. Harry couldn't think of anything he had done to cause this reaction. Both Remus and Severus seemed alright with his request to spend a day apart from them, but what if they weren't? He couldn't keep looking at his mates as he thought that they were disappointed in him, or worse.
"Harry," Remus began and waited until Harry finally looked back to him, with fear in his eyes. He hoped today went well after this so he never had to see that emotion on his mate again. "Yesterday, Severus and I got into an argument because of the attention I was giving you and Severus became jealous. After he said very insulting things about myself and you, we settled what had happened by the way mates such as ourselves do."
"And that is?" Harry asked, though he was almost afraid what kind of answer his question would bring.
"Harry, you have to understand something about wolves. The alpha punishes those under him as he sees fits to correct a wrong behavior. It's ingrained in my instincts as a werewolf, the same with Veela because of their hierarchy their creatures reflect as well." Remus paused to allow that information to be ingested by Harry. When the young man nodded at him that he understood, Remus continued. "So as the words Severus was saying were getting worse, I did strike him, which I have apologized for. But I still had to punish him by having him unpack our belongings himself and then he was to sleep on the sofa." After finishing his story, Remus waited for a response from Harry. He grew concerned when Harry said nothing, for many minutes while staring at Severus. "Harry?"
"Severus?" Harry asked. He cringed himself as he watched Severus flinch before turning to him. "Why?"
"I am sorry, Harry," Severus said morosely. It had been hard enough facing Remus and having to apologize, but to Harry it was agony. He wanted to be a strong mate for Harry and already he was making mistakes. "It was a moment of weakness for me. Though it is not a valid excuse, I am used to having all of Remus' attention and when you are not around, it is difficult to cope with that split attention."
"You misunderstood Severus," Harry said, strength entering his voice, no longer quiet and unsure. "I meant why would you allow Remus to treat you that way?"
"I do not understand," Severus trailed off as he looked between Remus and Harry. What did he mean why did he let Remus treat Severus that way? Remus had just explained their instincts and basic pack behavior.
"I mean it seemed to not be your fault that you acted out," Harry reasoned, bringing a hand up to scratch at the back of his neck. "You just said yourself, the both of you, that before me it was just you two. And then after finding out I'm your mate, Remus' attention shifted solely to me, but our attentions should be divided equally between all three of us. How is it punishable for you to be upset and jealous, but not punishable for Remus to ignore you? I told you two when I caught you snogging that I would be concerned if you two changed your behavior for each other because of me. Well, I', concerned now!"
"Harry, I told you that our instincts influence how we behave when we act out. More so for me since I'm the dominant, the alpha," Remus said.
"And that gives you the right to punish your mates when they are not happy because of you? That gives you the right to hit your mates? Merlin forbid what you think about me acting out right now against you." Harry stood up and began pacing around the room, unable to sit still. "Maybe you should read up on merfolk, Remus, before we go any further. They are very independent and outspoken creatures. Even in the clans, everyone is on equal footing. That is how Marius is teaching me, to be equal with my mates, regardless that I'm the submissive of all three of us. So let me ask you Remus, will you hit me as well when I act how I want to, feel the need to act? And just know that I will not allow it to happen. I did that enough with Uncle Vernon."
"Harry-" Remus started before Harry cut him off.
"No! Think about what I said. Stay in your room, or do research in the library, or something, but I will not be spending the day with you." Harry walked over to Severus and gently pulled on his hand. "I am going to spend time alone with Severus and we are going to give attention to each other the way we promised. The way you should have spent time with him. Come Severus, we're going downstairs."
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Harry and Severus did not talk at all as they walked the halls towards the spring room. With great care, Harry walked slowly and calm while holding onto Severus' hand, giving small squeezes to reassure his older mate. From what Harry could understand, Severus had most likely never talked back to Remus as he had just done and it was sure to shock Severus. It was a shock to himself. When Remus and Severus came to wake him, he thought he was going to have a peaceful day spending a lazy afternoon learning about his mates. But instead, he had yelled at Remus and left dragging Severus behind him.
It was all justified to Harry though. Remus was in the wrong, not Severus and not Harry. As the dominant over the both of them, he should have been able to divide his attentions appropriately as the situation demanded. Instead he ignored Severus and said it was because of Harry being the new mate. It he thought about it, Harry could have expected that behavior to come from Severus because for twenty-some-odd years he was the submissive mate and suddenly he had a submissive mate of his own. And then Remus could have been justified to have Severus change his behavior. It was all confusing to Harry, he was new to all of this and yet he had made it his mission to challenge Remus and comfort Severus.
But that was what he had promised them with his song, wasn't it? To protect them as they protected Harry.
Harry closed the doors to the spring room before turning to Severus. The man had his back to Harry and his head was bowed. It hurt Harry to see Severus like this. So he walked up to Severus and hugged him from behind, resting his forehead between the man's shoulders and wrapping his arms around his chest. He squeezed his mate harder as he felt Severus place his hands over Harry's own in quiet thanks.
They stood like that, silent and comforting each other, for long minutes before Harry spoke. "Would you like to come into the water with me? It's very relaxing and wonderful, and I'm not just saying that because I'm biased towards water."
Severus chuckled, despite himself. He knew what Harry was trying to do and appreciated it greatly. Though he felt confused and dejected over what had happened with Remus, Harry was right. They should be splitting their attentions instead of focusing on one person, and it wouldn't be fair to Harry is he spent this time brooding over Remus. "Yes, Harry I will. Go ahead, I will follow shortly."
Severus reveled in the affection, as Harry gave another squeeze around his midsection once more before running to the shore. Severus expected Harry to dive right in like any other time, but he was shocked by his mate once again when he turned around, flushed in the face so deep Severus wondered if he would ever recover.
"Can you turn around? I finally remembered what happens to my clothes," Harry said. And didn't that thought brighten Severus' mood. As requested, Severus turned, but there was no stopping his imagination as he listened to Harry and the soft whispers of his clothes being removed. Severus tracked the steps in his mind as he listened to Harry walk to the water and jump in. However tempting it was, Severus waited until Harry gave the all clear that he could turn. "You can turn around now."
"May I join you?" Severus asked as he turned around. His breath caught in his throat. No matter how many times he saw Harry like this, it would always be amazing. Dark hair stuck fast to his head, the streaks darkening with moisture, allowing his pointed ears to show much more. His green eyes glowing with delight. The iridescent scales that were spread across smooth skin before converging near Harry's navel to begin the tail. He just continued to stand there and stare at the sight of his mate before him.
"Severus? Are you coming in? There's some things I want to show you." Severus refocused his attention to Harry as a whole, when his mate spoke. He smiled down at Harry, who was propped on one of his sunning stones, before Severus began removing his robes. He chuckled quietly as he dressed down when Harry turned away, but kept looking back from the corner of his eyes. He sank further into the water as Severus walked into the shallows wearing only his pants.
"I am surprised the water is as warm as it is," Severus commented as he pushed himself through the water, closer to Harry. "I am also surprised that you have invited me to share this. It was my impression that it was going to be something you covet as a safe haven, to use for your creature side."
"You and Remus are my mates, right?" Harry asked as he circled Severus. The man nodded as he turned to follow Harry's movements. "then you two are my safe haven. This place only has the purpose of allowing me to be myself. And seeing me happy and in this form makes you happy. Of course I would invite you to swim with me and share something that makes me happy."
"Thank you," Severus whispered. He drifted closer to Harry, and slowly raised a hand to reach out to capture Harry's cheek. He caressed the skin, feeling the smooth skin beneath the pads of his fingers, while staring into the gem-like eyes of his mate. He could think of nothing more perfect than this moment. Except having Remus with them together. The thought of his other mate still bothered him, and what Harry had to do earlier, it should not have been his responsibility. "I am sorry about Remus and what happened between us. That should not have happened."
"You're right, it shouldn't have happened," Harry said. He closed his eyes and nuzzled into the hand that was still cupping his cheek. He moved closer to his mate until their chests were barely touching, but his tail kept bumping into Severus' moving leges. He looked up into black eyes and felt pained at the hurt and guilt he saw there. Though it might show again some time in the future, Harry wanted to take away that pain now. "But it's not your fault Severus, and it's not mine, nor is it Remus'. We're all new to this, it was bound to happen, and it's bound to happen again."
"You have grown wise and comfortable with all of this rather quickly," Severus pointed out. "How is that?" He swam over to one of the sunning stones and hoisted himself up, shivering at the sudden temperature change. Sure Severus knew how to swim and was glad to be with Harry at the moment, but he was a Veela, part bird. Not much of a water person because of that fact. However, he was content to allow his feet to dangle in the water, kicking his feet to brush against Harry's tail. His creature side preened at the small intimacies he was sharing with Harry, and he kept his legs open in hopes that Harry would rest between them so he could have the chance to hold his young mate.
"Marius helped explain a few things for me and put them into perspective," Harry replied. "You two should meet him. He said he would be happy to talk to you and help you learn more about me." Oh, did Harry want to be closer. Severus kept his posture open, just waiting for Harry to maneuver himself in between Severus' legs and just rest there. But that seemed daunting to Harry and too personal to sit like that with Severus. So instead, Harry went around Severus' legs and leaned onto the rock, but with his side pressed against Severus. It was almost intoxicating being this close to Severus and having so much skin contact. Harry was afraid to say or do anything else except stare out the windows, and relish in the heat coming from his mate. It was such a comfort he could almost forget earlier, almost. He gave a deep sigh at his own little reminder and pressed closer to Severus.
"Wasn't there something you wanted to show me?" Severus asked, trying to ignore the huskiness he heard in his own voice. He smiled when Harry jumped back from him, excitement so clear on his face.
"Yes! Wait here," Harry demanded, holding his hands up to emphasize that Severus was meant to stay. He dived down into the water to the clam bed. Harry gathered a few shells that no longer housed any clams before picking two clams. He knew which ones to pick, he wasn't sure how he knew, just knew they were the right ones. With his bounty in hand, Harry swam back to the surface and to Severus. He laid the shells and gently placed the two clams on the rock next to Severus. "Some potions call for Mother of Pearl, right? And that comes from crushed shells, so I brought these to you. I don't mind you having these, but always ask me for the shells please? I won't like it if you take them from me, instincts and all that."
"Of course, these are special indeed." Severus was in awe. Harry had no idea the kind of gift he had just given to Severus. Yes, Mother of Pearl was used in some potions, but the properties changed greatly when it was freely given by a mer as whole shells. No one knew why, but it deemed by all potion masters to be a great honor. Severus pointed to the live clams and asked about them. "And what are these for?"
"For you and Remus. Just watch." Harry was nervous with excitement. Briefly, Harry had read that merfolk can be given a gift when they asked from their surroundings which they protected, it was in one of the books he had when he was with Marius. He picked up the two clams and brought them close before whispering to them, asking them to open. When they did, they revealed two perfect pearls nestled inside. Harry carefully took the pearls, then setting the clams back into the water to float back down to the rest. He took one of Severus' hands and opened it up to accept the pearls. One gold in color and one black, to match the colors of his mates' eyes. "The night of the full moon, you had said my song was like the tokens you two gave me and it didn't seem right, to me, that I had something physical from you, but you had nothing. So these are for you."
"Harry, you are perfect, and nothing could compare. Not even these pearls." Severus closed his fingers, securing the pearls in his hand, and bringing it to rest over his heart. "Thank you so much, my mate, my perfect mate."
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A/N: I hope you loved this really long chapter! As Always, R&R- love Echo Harmony
