Hello everyone! I am so happy to announce that I am a writing machine right now. I have this chapter so quickly after the last one and I have another one just about finished and should have posted in a few days. I can hardly believe it myself! I know some were a little confused about the completely random and brief appearance of Hermione, and I had meant for it to be longer, but it didn't happen. But she'll show up again next chapter. I hope you all enjoy this chapter! Please let me know what you think- Echo Harmony
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"Harry?" Remus called out as he poked his head in the spring room. He had been looking for Harry all morning, everyone had in fact. It was the day to head to Hogwarts, but no one had seen his mate, not even the elves.
The night before had been a fun affair. After dinner, Sirius had everyone go outside to the patio to enjoy a fire where the adults had shared stories of their final years at Hogwarts while Harry laughed the entire time. Harry also told stories of the horrible teachers he had for defense at times, and a number of his crazy adventures. They had all gone to bed in high spirits, looking forward to going to Hogwarts even with the threat of Dumbledore over their heads.
But now, Harry was hiding. Remus stepped into the room more and watched the water. Hoping to see the tell-tale white of Harry. It was hard to concentrate looking for Harry with the all fish they had gotten swimming nonstop. Probably helping to hide Harry, the damn things seemed to always do his bidding. One day he had the fish jump out at Remus, knocking him down into the water. Remus just hoped he wasn't hiding in the cave. There was no way any of them would be able to get Harry.
There! Remus spotted Harry's white tail. Just the tip, the rest of Harry seemed to be hiding behind an outcropping of rock. Shaking his head in amusement, Remus walked over to the edge of the water. "Harry, it's time to leave! You have to come out now."
"Oh, did you find him?" Severus asked as he came to stand beside Remus..
"Yes, but he won't come up," Remus grieved. He checked his watch to see how late they were going to be. At this rate, they would all have to use the teachers' portkey that Severus had to arrive at Hogwarts rather than taking the train. "Harry, we really do need to leave. You're going to miss the train! I thought you wanted to see your friends?"
That at least got Harry's attention. The brief sight of Hermione hadn't been enough for Harry, and he had to see her before they got to Hogwarts to explain about his living arrangements and his inheritance. He knew for sure that Hermione would support him, he was just nervous about telling Ron. Hopefully growing up as a pure-blooded wizard, Ron would understand the most about magical inheritances and the acquirement of mates. But would he be understanding of Harry's mates being Remus and Severus? Harry wasn't sure, which had made him nervous about going to Hogwarts.
But that wasn't the reason why he had become scared and hidden in the early hours of the morning. He was already nervous about the letter Dumbledore had sent to him last week, then before the sun had risen he got another letter. It was short and simple, but was terrifying. So much that he didn't want anything to do with Hogwarts.
'You weren't meant to live.'
What was he supposed to think? What was he even supposed to do? Just get on the train like everything was alright? And without either of his mates or Sirius to keep a look out for him. But if hid long enough, then they wouldn't take the train if he absolutely had to go to Hogwarts he wouldn't be alone. Surely if he should Remus and Severus the letter, they would agree to not go. But for some reason, Harry hid the note.
Now it was time to leave, and Harry needed to make a decision. Go to Hogwarts, see his friends, and try to enjoy his time at school. Or he could tell anyone about the note and they would stay here at the manor, safe from any threats. However, he would have to stay here, not being able to leave these walls for as long as Dumbledore lived. Never to see his friends again, to go outside, never fly, or swim in the ocean. Nothing. It seemed almost as bad as whatever Dumbledore may have planned for him. He did not want to live in fear, never allowed to walk outside again. He may as well live with the Dursley's and have bars on his window again.
It wasn't in him to run and hide. Harry had fought and defeated one of the most powerful Dark Lords in history. He had never run from Voldemort, even that first time he met at Hogwarts on the back of Quirrell's head. There was just something more frightening about Dumbledore than Voldemort. Dumbledore was his beloved professor whereas Tom Riddle had been a madman. He expected Voldemort to be crazy and deadly, not the headmaster. Could he muster the courage to leave the safety of the manor? Could he fight and win if needed against the headmaster? He wouldn't know unless he tried. Plus he wasn't alone anymore. Against Voldemort, he had to do it by himself, but he had two incredible mates and his godfather.
Resolved about his decision, Harry swam away from his hiding spot up to the surface. He made sure to look sheepish when he came out of the water. Surprisingly Severus was the only one amused. Remus looked resigned and Sirius appeared to be angry at him, who came in while Harry was thinking.
"Well it's about time! We were looking all over the manor for you and we missed the train," Sirius ranted. Harry only nodded along with his godfather as he pulled himself out of the water. "You are lucky that Severus has a portkey to get you to Hogwarts now. Why did you hide? I thought you were looking forward to going to school this year? I know Dumbledore is still there, but we have people helping us. You need to finish school. Do something like this again and I will keep you away from Severus and Remus so there will be no chance of bonding together. Am I understood young man?"
"Yes, Sirius, I understand you," Harry replied. He pulled himself behind a screen that the elves had set up him, so that he could change back to his human form without exposing himself before he could get dressed again.
"Good," Sirius exhaled. All the tension leaving his shoulders knowing that Harry was safe and knew he was upset about it. "Care to tell me what happened?"
"I had a nightmare and got scared," Harry explained. Wasn't a complete lie, the nightmare being the note Dumbledore sent. "I came here to take my mind off of it and lost track of the time, when I realized how late it was I stayed in the water because I knew you would be mad."
"I'm over it already." Sirius took Harry's hand when he came out from behind the screen and pulled him out of the room. "But it is time to go. Maybe this is a good thing. You can check out the rooms you have before everyone else arrives."
"See? Turned out for the best!" Harry laughed as he let Sirius drag him out
When they landed it was dark. Harry couldn't make out anything in the darkness. He kept his grip on Remus so he wouldn't run into something or get hurt until they could see. The note stayed at the back of his mind, so he thought the headmaster might have tried something in their new rooms.
"Lumos." Harry hear Severus whisper. He blinked rapidly as the lights caused spots on his vision. He stayed where he was as Severus walked around casting spells to ensure nothing dangerous was waiting for them. Apparently his mate had the same idea, carried over from his years as a spy. "I am unable to find anything. We can move freely."
Harry stepped away from Remus as he looked around amazed. They had landed in a main sitting room. It a spacious circle filled with squashy chairs and couches that were a deep, chocolate brown. The walls were a light blue, lined with either bookshelves or, to his delight, aquariums already filled with tropical fish similar to his own. There was a large fireplace that he assumed would be hooked up to the floo system. Next to the fireplace was a small kitchenette area. Thick rugs covered the stone floor to protect them from the coolness of the dungeon. One of the doorways was lined with a portrait frame which Harry guessed lead to rest of the castle. Opposite that door were three more. He walked to each one opening them. The first one was a large bedroom, with a similar color scheme as the sitting room. The large bed inside that was obviously larger than most made Harry blush. Rushing to the next door revealed a smaller bedroom with a single bed, dresser and desk. Harry guessed he could use this room if he ever wanted privacy or use it as a spare bedroom for Sirius or someone. The third door was his favorite.
He could guess what was behind the door. The door itself was painted with colorful fish, they didn't move, but it was gorgeous. Pushing the door open, Harry was stunned. It was another oasis built just for him. There was no waterfall like at the manor, but it was larger than that one. The water was an incredible blue, so bright and clear, as the sky. In the water Harry could see many different kinds of fish swimming around rock formations that looked to be big enough for Harry to explore. All around the edge of the water was large, leafy plants, adding an earthy smell to the scent of saltwater in the air. The ceiling was enchanted like the Great Hall, showing a bright sunny day. None of that compared to the best part of the room. One of the walls was made entirely of glass and extended down into the water of the pool. The glass was a window looking into the Black Lake. There were globes of light on the lake side of the window that bobbed up and down, but stayed next to the window. Harry hoped it would attract the attention of the lake's inhabitants. Maybe he could meet the merpeople of the lake.
Harry ran back to the sitting room, grinning like a fool. The place was amazing! He couldn't wait to show Sirius or have his friends down here. And it was all his. Sure, his mates were staying with him, and there was space for them, but it was built for him. He went over to Remus and Severus and gave each man a hug.
"It is so amazing! I can't believe the Board did this! Have you looked around, we have so much space," Harry shouted as he went looking around the rooms again. The mer came back to the sitting room and grabbed his things to start unpacking. Every time he ran by Remus and Severus he would squeal and point out something new to them.
