Okay I sorry. Its been over two weeks since I updated. I have excuses!! I've been packing, I'm moving in two days. And the past few weeks work really picked up and those three hours I have to do nothing but write suddenly disappeared. Oh and I accidentally packed my muse. Yeah. So may I point out, to all the pitchfork and gerbil wielding readers, that if you kill me you won't ever get anymore chapters and you will never know my plans because all my notes are spelled to spontaneously combust upon my timely or untimely demise. Muhahahaha.
Anyway. Here's a lot of Harry, some Hylaarr, a few new ocs, ick I KNOW, and Osset're throwing a fit there at the end. IT really sucks I'm well aware. All the planning I did, during those hours where I was supposed to be writing but wasn't able to, is well for later chapters, namely the next and many later and some after he gets to Hogwarts etc. Sorry for any errors you see. I've been up all night, its now 8 am, as I got bit by the writing bug. I think my muse went on vacation.
OK: DISCLAIMER
Kian and Roban Agan are mine. And Rowan. The song Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair is not mine and I'm too tired to look up who. The Scottish dialect was taken from an online translator and a bit of memory for the last time I wrote a story that required it. There are a few definitions at the bottom. Also if you have a hard time thinking in the accent go to youtube and type in Scottish Accent Lessons. Or watch Lord of the Rings. Those twin hobbits.
Oh and the food. None is made up. I have tried a lot of it and seen most. I thought I'd show it in written visual but that would have taken up too much room and I love working on Osset're's character.
The lullaby is mine a I wrote it on the spur of the moment for the story. Originally I was a poet, then I turned 20.
Morrigan or Morrigu is sadly not mine. She's a real mythological goddess. You might recognize her as Morgan la Fae or thats one version. I'm going to pick at others and eventually make up my own.
OH And some reviewer said my paragraphs were too long, which I Knew and was Planning on Fixing, and the imp of the perverse kept whispering at me to ignore them and maybe make them even longer but good sense won out. There are shorter paragraphs here and the last chapter has been fixed of that. I really hate it when someone tells me to do something I'm planning on doing anyway.
Yeah enough chatter. I'm going to bed.
October 26th
Morning
Harry woke up without pain. Opening his eyes he was, for once, dismayed at finding himself in the private chambers of Osset're and Hylaarr Kiinn. The sun had risen to lay splashed against the fabrics tangled on the bed creating the illusion that he lay in a bed of fire. He was alone.
Harry sighed. For once he would have been glad to find himself back at the Dursleys. After all that had happened it would be misery but being here was painful too. He would have to be so careful. Hylaarr and Osset're couldn't be allowed to care for him. He breathed in quickly at the thought but continued. He would have to keep up the fiction that he hated vampires. He knew he couldn't get them to hate him easily, it wasn't something he could do despite the fact that most everyone he knew did hate him, and it was the better course. They would step lightly around his feelings, afraid to make him afraid of them. As if that could happen. Even with all he knew of them he doubted he could ever actually fear them. Not properly.
Stretching he moved carefully but as usual of being here could find no pain in the movement. That confirmed it. He was still dreaming. A part of him had secretly hoped that somehow his dream had become reality and he was actually in Crescent but that was foolish. Crescent and her Lord and Consort only existed in his head. Worriedly he looked around. The vampires were no where to be found. They had left him alone and that said they trusted him. They didn't even know he couldn't leave the chambers! Harry blinked and bit his lip at the thought. He couldn't leave the chambers. He had never been able to. He had never been able to leave the main room; when he had tried it had been as if there was an invisible wall blocking him. When he became aware of magic he had been able to see that it was a shield made purely of magic. He couldn't even enter the loo. How would he cover that up? If he told them that he'd been here before... That would ruin his whole story. The lies would crumble and they would find him out.
The twin, golden doors opened; not flung open in announcement as was usually the way Osset're did, but softly as if careful of disturbing whoever was behind them. It was that very action that had his eyes widening as Osset're peeked around the opening door. He had expected Hylaarr. But it was the elven vampire that, upon seeing him awake and watching, pushed the doors open with a gentle breeze of magic as his hands were quite full, laden with trays of what looked and smelled to be food. A swirl of fabrics and magic trailed behind him as did Hylaarr who was also carrying a tray. The doors closed by themselves and Harry reminded himself just him time to gawk at them. Both vampires caught his look and smiled; Osset're's smile showing flashing white teeth in silent laughter, and Hylaarr's an equally toothy grin.
"Harry." The accent twisted his name in the elven vampire's mouth and made Harry want to grin. "I thought you might be hungry." Osset're rushed across the room to plop himself ungracefully on the bed before Harry had even the chance to sit up. The trays hovered when he let go of them and then softly floated down to rest on the bed in between them. "Of course you are! We've brought you many good things to eat, though you might not recognize much. We're rather adventurous in our meals as we don't need to eat solids as much as mortals do. There's a bit of everything here." He waved at the trays before him with a flourish, ignoring the way Harry backed up quickly to sit carefully out of reach. Looking up he met Harry's green eyes with his own sparkling violet ones. "My favorite are the canapés."
Osset're was always so.. so.. bouncy. He was filled with nervous energy and his fingers were caught and tangled in the ends of his long white hair. It made Harry want to smile as it was such a familiar thing for Osset're to do. He could almost imagine that they didn't even know he was there. Except for Osset're anxious gaze that watched every breath he took and Hylaarr's duel eyes that watched each breath as if it were going to start spilling secrets. He couldn't stop the small upturn of the corner of his mouth but quickly tried to cover that up with a curious glance at Osset're's white hair.
"Why's your hair white?" He couldn't help it that his voice was scratchy with sleep. In fact he wanted to rub his eyes but didn't.
Osset're grinned. "Elven blood. I'm elven or I used to be. Before being Embraced." He shot a fond almost triumphant look at Hylaarr who had made his way to them and stood by the bed watching Harry and his mate intently. "Actually I think I still am, its just the vampire part is more dominant."
Harry frowned at that rambling explanation. He actually didn't know why Osset're's hair was such a shocking white but had assumed it was because he was old as vampires lived a long time.
"The elven are a rather flamboyant race, Harry," Hylaarr said and smirked at his mate as if to dare him to take offense. "Their coloring often is unnaturally bright; reds, golds, blacks, browns, even whites, silvers and rarely greens, blues, violets, and oranges often make up their hair and eye color and are obnoxiously glaring in intensity."
Harry just stared at them. That it was offered so freely was as astonishing as the information itself. Blinking at the two vampires he concluded he really wasn't awake yet. Perhaps he was dreaming. Don't be an idiot, Harry, of course your dreaming! The voice yelled at him sounding irritated that he wasn't paying more attention. Harry nearly snorted at the thought that he was yelling at himself. Still it was right. He ought to be paying more attention. If he let on that he knew any of this he could be found out.
"What exactly is elven?" He bit his lip. They might not tell him. He was interested and whenever he was interested in something the Dursleys were always sure to see to he didn't find much if anything at all.
Osset're scooted onto the bed a bit more and Harry backed up a bit. Osset're noted that and stopped when his feet were pulled up next to him but let his fingers fiddle with the blanket he sat on. "Elven is a race, apart from the human one or ones with human blood in them. An elf is magical, more so then humans or even magic wielding mortal races; each one has the ability to use magic however little they devote themselves to it." Osset're said this in half disgust half exasperation. "There are often attributes that are different from humans or other similar mortals." A wide grin threatening to freeze his face in a permanent smile he snapped on his fingers and brought his hand up to pull his long hair behind one ear and let the rest fall behind his shoulder. The ear he revealed was pointed at the tip and a held a hint of a curve as long bit of silvery jewelry pierced it and weighed it down. Harry had seen it before but smiled at the sight. He had fond memories of Osset're fiddling with the earring when he was occupied doing something usually reading. Osset're hated sitting still and when he had to usually some part of him was in motion.
"If your done showing off, Osset're, perhaps you should feed the youngling." Said Hylaarr raising his left eyebrow. His duel eyes smiled even as he implied that his mate couldn't manage such a feat.
Osset're simply huffed at him and leaned over the tray he had put directly in front of Harry. Pushing a dish forward he smiled encouragingly. "These are called biscuits in America, child." He gestured wildly to a plate of three golden brown round cakes. "They aren't sweet though, more like bread I think." He touched a small vessel that looked similar to a cream pitcher. "I like them with gravy."
Harry just stared at him. He was hungry but the array of food before him was overwhelming. And they were watching him too.
Osset're just shook his head when Harry didn't answer and gestured to another dish. "These are strawberries, but you've surely had those." Harry hadn't. Petunia refused to let him eat fruit, even when it was too rotten for the Dursleys they just threw it away. " And here are; cheeses like Twaróg and kasar, biscotti, yoghurt, fruits, croissants, bacon, sausages, sobrasada; kedgree, thats grilled tomatoes; black pudding, don't eat that its horrible and only insane vampires eat such crap, rice porridge, fried potatoes and yum mushrooms, waffles, oh and galletas, thats like a biscuit; toast, you can put anything on it, butter honey, olive oil and salt, marmalade or nutella cream, and jams, eggs; scrambled, boiled, fried, poached, hmm I like the ones with the yoke on top; Naan and Nihari, that's bread and beef and curry stew; muesli, Kimchi, Falafel, and ..." Osset're continued to ramble on gesturing wildly to everything as if to emphasize it. Finally he wound down when he came to the tray of drinks Hylaarr had set on the bed. "And there are juices; apple, which is nasty don't drink it; orange, I love orange juice; grapefruit, sour; pumpkin, too rich for everyday; and grape, which I highly recommend. Also there is tea, coffee, maté, hot chocolate-" There he stopped and grinned conspiratorially at him while Hylaarr frowned a bit at Osset're. Hylaarr disapproved of Osset're's sweet tooth, rather wise as Osset're was hyper enough without sugar, though he more often then not indulged his mate when he deemed it appropriate. "And milk. Or soy milk if your prefer, or goats milk-"
"Osset're. Enough." Harry could have hugged him for stopping Osset're's insane rambling. Why he hadn't done it before Harry didn't know but he was very grateful he had. Harry hadn't ever been offered a quarter of this ever in his life. To say he was uncomfortable and overwhelmed was quite the understatement. He didn't even recognize half the foods he was sure he was supposed to and that was with him visiting the vampires quite a lot in the past years. Apparently the I-hate-vampires ploy hadn't stemmed their enthusiasm to treat him well. And feed him well too.
"I-I'm not that hungry." A lie. He could feel his stomach yowling at him. He hadn't eaten in, what two maybe three days? That happened often as the Dursleys used starvation as an easy punishment but Harry was used to being able to eat his fill here and his stomach knew it.
Hylaarr raised an eyebrow and looked at him like he did Osset're when he knew him mate was lying. Harry flushed and looked down fiddling with a corner of the blanket that Osset're still worried between his fingers and magic.
"Harry." Osset're's voice was demanding but softly earnest. "You haven't eaten in a while have you?"
Harry blinked and looked up at him. The violet eyes shined with concern. Harry snorted to himself. As if a few days of missed meals would hurt him much. He had long since become immune to hunger pains. Slowly he shook his head. Hylaarr made a huffing sound that he knew meant he was angry. Harry bit his lip. Vampires took food and feeding very seriously. Of course they would be horrified by the fact that Harry hadn't eaten in a while. Hopefully they would assume it was because he was a runaway living on the streets.
"The food is quite edible," said Hylaarr watching him carefully. "We've included nothing made specifically to vampire taste."
Harry frowned. Vampire taste? Like what? Of course they wouldn't offer him blood. That was silly.
Hylaarr shifted uncertainly before explaining. "Some of our food is made with blood in it. We have perfected over the years the art of changing recipes to include it without cooking it away. Not all but most vampires consider this an essential part of their diet and some only eat solids that have been prepared thusly" He was very hesitant about explaining most likely because he didn't want to remind Harry that he was dining with vampires whom he supposedly hated. "The taste is quite revolting to those who aren't blood drinkers so I've been told."
Harry had no idea what they were talking about. He licked his lips and dared to ask. "Do you," he glanced at Osset're to include him, "Eat food like that?"
Osset're answered. "Yes. I've found most of it quite good and Hylaarr is one of those vampires who feeds only from his mate and therefore must supplement his diet with blood in other ways." He too seemed hesitant to talk about it and it showed in how reserved his explanation was. "All blood is given willingly, Harry, you needn't worry about that. Vampires who take blood by force are not apart of our clan."
He really wasn't worried, though he probably should pretend to be so. He was concerned as he had been eating whatever Hylaarr and Osset're did for years now and never once had he noticed the food tasting horrible or even different from anything he had eaten at the Dursleys. He chewed his lip. The fact that the Dursleys gave him old and rotting food might explain that but he wasn't sure. He wasn't a vampire after all. He didn't need blood or anything. How could he not notice the addition in the food?
"Harry you are hungry." Hylaarr had grown tired of Harry's silent refusal and decided to make a decision for him. "You will eat something." Harry wanted to smile but knew better. He lowered his eyes and nodded but didn't reach for anything. It was so hard to convince himself to do things that had been ingrained in him by the Dursleys not to do. He knew Hylaarr would never hurt him unless he was a threat or something but he was so used to Vernon casually throwing a fist about that he had a hard time remembering where he was.
Hylaarr sighed and Harry darted a look at him as he moved and picked up a piece of toast. Leaning over the bed to reach him he pushed it into Harry's hand so insistently he was forced to take it. It wasn't just toast. It was a large slice of freshly baked bread, still hot from the oven, butter melted and dripping so although it was crisp the inside was soft and warm. He had never seen such a piece of bread before let alone been given one to eat. If they kept this up they wouldn't have to convince him to stay. He beg them to.
Looking at Osset're who nodded enthusiastically he hesitantly took a bite. He really couldn't help it; he closed his eyes. It was warm and soft and tasted slightly sour. The butter was salty and rich and made it slide down his throat. He wanted to devour it but knew better. After going to so long without food that would make him sick. Instead he finished that first bite and opened his eyes to see the two vampires looking at him intently. The emotion in their eyes made him dizzy and he couldn't look at them long enough to separate each emotion and name it. He looked down at the toast. It was so large he could barely hold it. Crumbs had fallen and he carefully picked them up with one hand while the other balanced the toast against his knee. He heard Osset're sigh softly but didn't look up.
"Harry." He darted a quick glance at Osset're to show he had heard. "After you have eaten I'd like to have our healer look at you." Harry froze in alarm. Then he relaxed.
"Alright," he whispered. It would be fine. He never hurt when he was here and strangely the scars left by the punishments never showed here. It was how he knew it was a dream.
If he ever resented anything about the punishments it was the scars. They pulled and twinges and in many places he couldn't even feel anything. Dudley made fun of the one on his forehead, which he didn't remember getting and Vernon and Petunia were always after him to keep them covered. He knew why. People would suspect abuse. He was always sure to keep his hair pulled over his forehead and careful never to move it from the back of his neck. Petunia put up with it being long just to cover the scars there. He never wore short sleeves. He didn't own any. Petunia had him pack the summer things Dudley outgrew for donations to the church.
He would have to be careful. The healer would still find him too small and malnourished. If he used magic on this one it would surely be noticed and that would be remarkable in itself. To distract himself from worrying he carefully took another bite. It was better then the last and it made Osset're hum in delight. Harry peeked at the elven mage who sat with his hands clasped together a fiercely satisfied look on his face. Harry couldn't help himself this time and let a small smile show. The change in Osset're was astonishing. His eyes lit up and he practically glowed with pleasure; indeed his magic swirled up around him in delight; glowing bits of reds and yellows and oranges curling into patterns in the air around him. Harry stared at them, trying to remember the last time he had seen this form of Osset're's happiness, but Hylaarr put a steadying hand on his mates shoulder and the magic settled back down to race along his skin and investigate Hylaarr's hand instead.
"It makes Osset're very happy that your eating, child," he said softly, a thumb rubbing circles into his mate's shoulder. "When he his happy his magic can't help but express itself."
Harry nodded slightly but continued to watch the magic and Osset're. He could feel his heart yearning wistfully. If just eating made Osset're happy with him what would performing magic do? That thought reminded him he wasn't a mage and therefore wasn't allowed to use magic and he looked down again to watch the toast.
A twinge in his forehead had his hand flying up to grasp his scar, which wasn't there here, and a half gasp half moan escaped him. Not now. Harry wanted to growl as the pain in his scar intensified and he dropped the piece of toast. This had happened quite a few times since he had begun using his magic but never before here. Harry could hear the trays being moved hastily and felt the bed dip as Osset're came closer. A cool citrus smelling touch of magic engulfed his head as Osset're laid a gentle hand there. The pain faded slowly, not disappearing entirely but enough that he was able to look up into concerned violet eyes.
"Sorry," he couldn't help but mumble. The Dursleys had always been enraged whenever this happen and invariably followed it with a harsh beating and being thrown in the cupboard for days without food.
"Hush, child, does it hurt?" That was Osset're sounded so concerned tears pooled in his eyes before he blinked them away. Shaking his head he pulled back from the elven vampire's comforting hand causing it to fall and lay aimlessly between them. Harry just now noticed how close Osset're was and jerked away from him in shock so abruptly he fell off the other side of the bed. Landing painfully, as the bed was rather far from the ground, he looked up warily at the fair headed mage. Expecting laugher he was again astonished to see Osset're frowning in concern. While that was uncharacteristic of the elf even more proof waved itself about in the air around him in the form of his magic. It hovered in the air in blue and yellow swirls that formed faces of small animals all chattering silently in worry.
Osset're glanced at Hylaarr who was also frowning at Harry but while he looked concerned as well he also looked disapproving. Harry blinked. Oh. He must be thinking that Harry was afraid of them and was upset that his actions upset Osset're. Harry looked down at the floor, unable to do anything about it without blowing his cover, but still stung by the Dominant's silent reproach. He heard Hylaarr sigh and felt him walk around the bed to kneel beside Harry.
"Harry look at me." Hylaarr's voice was insistent and Harry looked up at him forcing himself to meet his eye. Breathing a bit harshly to stem the tears he waited for the rebuke. "We will not harm you, Harry," said Hylaarr so firmly Harry couldn't help but believe him. "I give you my word on my blood and the blood of my mate. While you stay here no harm will come to you by my hand or any I call kin."
Harry's mouth dropped open in shock and closing it he swallowed painfully and looked away. Why did they have to be so kind? He could never keep this up if they continued to do so. He felt a hand reach out the grip his chin. It wasn't harsh or painful the was Petunia did it but it was demanding. In fact it was an order, as had his previous command to look at him been. A bit of guilt squirmed in his belly as he met Hylaarr's eyes. How could he have disobeyed an order from a Dominant. He was so bad. He deserved anything Hylaarr meant to do as punishment. He released his chin once their eyes met but the order remained.
"Now, Harry." He tensed expectantly. "Are you hurt?" Harry shook his head again before the question registered. "And your head? Does it hurt now?" Hylaarr eyed him in a way that Harry knew meant he better now lie. He bit his lip. Wasn't he going to be punished? He hurt Osset're. He hadn't meant to but the Submissive was so sensitive.
"It hurts, but just barely, sir," Harry whispered. Hylaarr nodded as if he had known but his eyes gleamed with approval. He was pleased that Harry hadn't lied.
"You may used my name child," He smiled slightly when he said this. "I do not like being addressed as 'sir'." Hylaarr's smile took away the sting of that chastisement.
Harry's eyes widened in shock. "You want me to call you Hylaarr?" He blurted out before thinking. He had always called him that in his head but Hylaarr was a Lord and therefore a very important person. How could he let someone address him so informally. Especially someone like Harry.
Hylaarr twitched when he heard that question but Osset're drew Harry's attention before he could see why.
"Yes, Harry. Hylaarr and Osset're are perfect." His eyes were dancing with bedevilment and he smirked a bit. Harry was a bit puzzled by that and turned to Hylaarr for acknowledgment. Hylaarr was the Dominant after all and therefore could overrule his submissive mate. Hylaarr had a strange expression on his face but his eyes were smiling.
"Yes, Hylaarr will do, child." He looked at Harry expectantly. "I do believe it is time for you to meet Kian."
Harry tensed. "Who, si-Hylaarr?"
Hylaarr's eyes glowed with an indescribable emotion. "Kian is our healer. We want to see how your health is and if you were hurt by the attack."
"Also," said Osset're from his perch on the bed. "There is a bit of..aya.. dark magic around your head..." He trailed off uncertainly.
Harry frowned. The Dursleys couldn't use magic. He felt a bit cold. They were always so mad when his showed. It was possible, since they knew about magic, that it had happened before. The tall mage said something about the dark wizard killing his parents in order to kill him. He must have tired to kill him and somehow Harry got away. With only a scar. Well a scar still had dark magic in it. Harry bit his lip. How would he explain that? The 'vampires' who had 'attacked his parents' hadn't even noticed him let alone used magic. His head still throbbed a bit and he brought up a hand to touch where the scar would be.
"If you are feeling well enough," said Hylaarr getting up. "We'll go and see her now."
Go and see her... Harry froze then forced himself to relax hoping they wouldn't notice. He couldn't leave the chambers! The dream magic wouldn't let him. Luckily they once again gave him an excuse.
"I- Do we have to go?" He asked quietly. "I'd rather stay here. I'm not feeling to well after all." The little whisper sneered at him. That was weak. They'll never believe it.
But they did. Harry peeked a glance at Osset're who visibly softened. "We can have her come here, child. It won't be a problem." He looked at Hylaarr who frowned but nodded when he noticed Harry's questioning gaze and Harry breathed a silent sigh in relief.
"Okay. I'll meet her," Harry said softly. He was still worried. What would she find? He wouldn't even be able to tell unless she said something. He hope she didn't find much. Somehow he had to get back to the Dursleys.
October 26th
Morning.
Kian Meris Agan sung softly to the child that was still unborn and resting inside her. Her hand gently caressed the belly that was well rounded now and she smiled.
"The shadows nestle beneath the moon
And the dawn sleeps far away.
Broken is the silence
By the Goddess's whispered croon
And the roar of the day
Is absent; hours hence."
It was an old lullaby her mother had sung. Her mother had been Embraced and before had been a child of a Celtic bard. It had been her grandmother who wrote the song in honor of the raven goddess Morrigu. The song was of the night and the moon and the death of a child just as dawn rises. Kian didn't fear for her child. She knew should the Goddess decide her child would die but her Goddess had decided the child would live and had told her long ago. She fingered the round stone that hung at the base of her throat by a leather cord. On it, etched into the stone, was a raven. She had awoken wearing it in the night just after she had discovered her pregnancy. It was a clear sign. And therefore she sung to her child of the Goddess and of the night and of death. It was best she learn as soon as possible. Death was a part of life. An unending circle. As a healer Kian knew this all too well.
Roban whispered a good morning and kissed her belly so gently. His black hair fell to rest on the white cotton covering it and she gently pushed it away so she could see his green eyes. It was getting too long again. Soon she would have to cut it, and afterwards burn the locks. He was ever the superstition Scottish man but still laughed at her for her Cornish beliefs. It wasn't so much as superstition for her but habit and tradition. She wouldn't for instance, ever condone leaving her child's hands unwashed for her first year.
"How abit 'Black is the Colour of My True Love's Hair,' Loove?" He murdered still half asleep.
Laughing she obliged him.
"But Black is the colour of my true love's hair.
His face is like some rosy fair,
The prettiest face and the neatest hands,
I love the ground whereon he stands."
He smiled as she sang and kissed her belly. "Ah was thinking bait Rowan. Fur th' name, ye ken?"
Smiling she bent and kissed his face. Whispering softly in his ear she teased him. "For The Rowan Tree?"
He chuckled at that but in a quick move had his hand wound in equally black locks and her on her back. She was completely relaxed. She had been expecting that; he was after all her Dominant.
"Nae woman!" He mock growled into her ear nipping slightly, pleased when she gasped and tilted her neck to the side in invitation. He ignored it but she knew he was pleased. Roban was a true Dominant and loved it most when she gave up complete control. More frustrating was when he sought to do so outside of her comfort. Such as in public places.
"Fur th' cabre we were under when we first met." He released her hair rising to kiss her chin and meet her eyes.
"An' when we first kissed." He leaned down softly and kissed her on the lips, so gently, with just a breath shared between them as it had been that first time.
"An' when we first gart loove." Wicked green eyes laughed at her like dew on the grass. Then he kissed her more fully, so she lost control of breathing and let him do it for her and lost control of her desires and let him remember for her. Hands slipped down to pull up the cotton gown she wore and caress warm, smooth, bare skin at the thighs, and the stomach, and up to cup her breasts. Teasing her he pulled away and kissed downward, mapping out the path between her breasts, passed her ribs, and to her stomach. She let him, he was always so predictable and she had known what he would do. It never mattered. He was always in control, and although predictable, she always enjoyed that.
"An' when we gart our first barin." He kissed her belly, round with their child, and she gasped then laughed when there was a furious kick from inside. His eyes glowed when he followed her hand to her belly and when he touched there and felt the kick the possessive look in his eyes was wild and loving and eternal.
A knock on the door shattered the stillness of the morning and intruded upon them as if they had been the only two, well three, in the world until it came. Snarling Roban was off the bed faster than she could blink leaving the cool morning air an unwelcome substitute.
"Dinna move." He ordered her with a look. She smiled softly at him in reply and watched as his shoulders relaxed a bit. He had been very upset by the intrusion. If there was a knock on the door when both of them were supposedly off duty then it must be for her and therefore a medical emergency, not something he could snarl at and frighten away. He was the type of person that once he had his mind set on something was utterly horrified if it didn't play out exactly as he had planned. The threat of her leaving had him upset as they had planned for this day off for weeks now. They would spend it together, perhaps the last bit of time they would have to themselves before the child was born. Because he was this way, as much as because she was submissive and he had given an order, she stayed where she was and didn't bother covering herself. Whomever disturbed them would be sure to see but the sight would help in hurrying them away that much faster. And if it were an emergency then Roban would tell her she must attend to it and it would then be and order and his idea. Both would keep him calm and relatively even tempered until she got back.
When he neared the door his nostrils faired. "Boughin wench!" He snarled. It must be Seren then. Roban hated quite a few people but none so much as the dominant seer. He wrenched open the door to their chambers and hissed at the red headed vampire.
"Caliach Somus." He said discourteously.
Seren raised her eyebrow in eerie imitation of their lord. "I am not an elder yet, Childe." She couldn't see but knew Roban must have dropped his eyes. Seren was after all one of the Three and therefore more Dominant. He really oughtn't speak to her so. But Seren kindly let it go. "Kian is needed in The Golden Suite."
"Wa?" Roban was still but had looked up and met Seren's eyes, grass green to dark forest green. His left hand twitched inches away from the knife he always had hidden there.
"A child has Drifted into the chambers of our Lord and Consort. Magically."
"Ye haver?" Roban gasped in amusement. Kian wanted to laugh against her better judgment. Only Roban would accuse the Seer of Crescent of being senile.
Seren's eyes narrowed. "I speak only truth, Agan." Roban nodded but Kian knew it was a mocking nod. "'The child has been abused and recently tortured by a spell." Kian sucked in a breath her hand still on her belly pressing against it possessively. "Your mate is needed."
With that he Seer turned and left knowing the what the out come of her visit would be without even needing to See it.
Roban stood staring after Seren in astonishment for a moment then softly closed the door. Slowly he turned to her and although she could see the disappointment in his every move his eyes held determination.
"Ye hae tae go, loove." His eyes stared at her intently, almost apologizing.
Roban might be brash, abrasive, arrogant, and stubborn he was a good person, a good vampire, and a good dominant. Even without their unborn child weighing on his mind he would have hastened her out the door and come along to help if he could. He couldn't. His Will didn't work the way hers did. He was a warrior and therefore first on the battlefield and usually last off it. When she was called it was usually to convince him to leave before she could begin her duty of healing. He felt helpless when there was nothing he could do. She knew when she left he would spend the entire time fretting about the child and making plans to avenge him. It was why she loved him so much. It was such a shame he wasn't her lifebonded. She knew why he wasn't. His act first think later attitude would one day see to it she made her way to the battlefield and found him numbered among the dead. Kian worst fear was that it would be sooner rather then later.
October 26th
Late Morning
When the soft mindtouch of one of his guards, Traff, let him know Kian was at the door Kiinn couldn't help but thank the Ancients he had a sister who was a seer. Leaving the boy on the bed where he Osset're had coaxed him a few minutes before Kiinn made his way to the twin golden doors. Opening it he smiled at the small healer, dressed in green with thick velvet robes open to reveal the child she would birth soon. Motioning her in he felt the gaze of the boy but ignored it. Once he met the Submissive healer he would be more at ease. For now let him watch.
Kian's soft mindtouch brushed quietly against his thoughts and he welcomed it gently. The little Submissive always was polite when mindspeaking. She followed The Ancient Ways as if born to them and indeed he had been. Her mother had been one of the first to join his clan many years ago.
"Seren said there was a child?"Said Kian softly.
"Yes, Kian. The boy, Harry, is there." He nodded to the bed. The boy was eating a strawberry Osset're had convinced him to try. He looked to be enjoying it but his eyes remained on Kiinn and the vampire healer. "He is very wary around vampires. His parent were killed by a few."
Kian nodded and rubbed her belly protectively. "They hurt him?"
"No. It happened years ago I believe. He witnessed it, and used magic to hide." Kiinn was still uncertain about that. It seemed miraculous that they had missed him. Even rogues leaned how to used their skills to the extent of their abilities. "He was sent to an orphanage. The mortal who was in charge abused him."
Kian nodded but her eyes were horrified. She watched the boy and Kiinn longed to know what she was seeing, what he had missed. "He's in pain."
Kiinn growled. That boy was too good at lying. "Apparently he was attacked. A spell, designed to torture, brought back the memory of his parents death and that coupled with the pain cause him to Drift. Somehow he bypassed every ward we have."
Kian's eyes widened and she looked at the boy intently. "Did you have Osset're block his magic?"
"Of course." Kiinn said stiffly and Kian's eyes swung to his and upon seeing the rebuke dropped to the floor. Kiinn felt the boy's interest increase and then relax. Good. Now the boy knew Kian was Submissive. That would help enormously. The boy was more skittish then a snake.
"I apologize, my lord." Came Kian's soft whisper in his mind and Kiinn felt a twinge of guilt. He shouldn't have let the Submissive worry so.
"I as well." Kian astonishment was obvious in her smell. " I am not angry. I merely wanted the boy to note you were Submissive, childe." Kian sighed and nodded thought her eyes remained downcast.
Kiinn couldn't let her remain that way. Gently her took her chin and brought her eyes back up to meet his. He let his pleasure at her subservience show and was rewarded with a small secretive smile. Clever child! She had been acting for the boy's sake. And it had worked. When they turned their attention back to him he was eating an orange as if he had never had one before. Hylaarr's eyes narrowed. So did Kian's.
"He hasn't had an orange before." Shock and outrage was obvious in her mindvoice and scent.
"You are sure?"
" Yes my lord." Kian was very firm. "How old is he?"
"Seven."
Kian swallowed in shock. "When you find the mortals responsible make sure they know hunger." Kiinn snapped to look at her in surprise. "That child has been starved often for a very long time. All his life I wouldn't hesitate to guess."
Kiinn growled. If the boy's parents weren't dead he would kill them. "He isn't scarred."
Kian's reply was grim. "There are other forms of abuse."
"It would please me and my mate if you would take the time out to check the boy over. I know you had plans. Roban will be missing you." Kiinn let his amusement show.
"My mate understands that duty to Lord and clan comes first." Said Kian primly. Kiinn laughed at her. "It would be a pleasure, my lord." Kian said this warmly and was rewarded by a quick smile from the boy thought he didn't look their way.
Kiinn nodded and nodded for her to move. Kiinn followed her as she made her way slowly over to the bed. The boy's eyes immediately fastened to her as she approached and Kiinn put a guiding hand on her shoulder allowing him to see it. He relaxed a bit but still watched them intently. "The boy was in terrible pain earlier. From his head."
"I've sensed dark magic there. An old curse. A deadly one."
"As I suspected."
Kian stopped in front of the bed. The boy moved a bit closer to Osset're to his mate's delight. Osset're smiled at Kian who smiled back but let her eyes fasten once again on the child. The boy met her eyes for a moment before dropping them to rest on the forgotten orange. Kian reached out a gentle hand and waited expectantly. Kiinn watched the boy swallow before reaching out his own and letting it rest in hers. She maneuvered the handclasp until her palm was against his wrist and his against hers then she let go.
"I am Kian, child." She waited until green eyes peeked up to look at her before she smiled. "What is your name, little master?"
The boy's eyes widened at the address and he flushed and smiled back. "Harry."
"It's wonderful to meet you, Harry." Her soft, grey eyes tracked to his head. "Your head hurts." The boy gulped and nodded before wincing. Apparently Osset're rather powerful magic had worn off. Kian cocked her head. "Are you dizzy at all, Harry?" The boy hesitated before nodding again. Kian just nodded right back. "Harry," she waited until she had his full attention. "I want to see if you are feverish? May I touch you?" The youngling looked astonished she had asked and Kiinn felt his mate's magic snarl even as he held back his own.
Carefully the boy nodded but Kian waited until he finally caught on. "Yes, Miss Kian, you may t-touch me." Kiinn smelled sadness before she tied it down. Reaching out slowly she put a hand to his forehead. Kiinn smelled a bit of Will, just a touch really, and was glad for Osset're's block on the boy. She had asked to touch him not use magic and if the boy had known all the work Kian had just done would have been wasted.
"He's been hit and often. Mostly likely more painful things as well. I would guess he's been hurt by magic as there isn't a mark on him but he wouldn't be so resistant to touch if he had. A child expecting to be hurt flinches when touched. A child hurt by magic is usually terrified of every motion made. I just checked for glamor or other disguising magic. There is none but he has been Healed recently and by dark magic as well."
"Could that account for scars and such?" Kiinn was going to kill whomever had done this.
"No. I'm afraid that there would be some scars visible somewhere. There are none. Not even ones that every child receives in the course of play."
Kiinn looked away to stare out the window. That was suspicious.
"Very good, Harry. You did very well." Kian pulled her hand away and smiled at the boy who flushed and looked down. "Now I have a potion that will make your head stop hurting." She looked at him. "You will need to eat for it to work properly. And some tea will help as well. Do you like tea?"
The boy nodded shyly. He look relieved. Slowly she reached into her robes and pulled out a small glass bottle filled with a blue liquid. Kiinn recognized it. He had made it. He wanted to sigh. That a child needed such a powerful potion was infuriating. She handed it to him and he took it gently. Nodding she looked to Osset're. Her eyes narrowed.
"Osset're Li'essha Kiinn you need to eat as well." Osset're started and stared at her. He had never been quiet so long. Surprisingly he didn't say anything. Just nodded and turned back to watching Harry. Kian sighed and looked at Kiinn expectantly. He nodded assuring her he would take care of it. Motioning with his head he told let her know she was through. He followed her to the door.
"He needs food, rest, and more importantly touch." Kiinn blinked at the last one.
"Why? He isn't vampire or any other." Kian frowned at him.
"Every child needs touch, Lord Kiinn!" She very nearly snapped at him. "An abused one even more so. He must learn that touch is good and won't always cause pain. It will also help win his trust." She eyed him knowingly. "If you want to keep him, my lord, you must first gain his trust and then his love."
Kiinn stared at her. It was probably hopeless to try and convince her he wasn't planning on keeping the child. The way both he and his mate hovered was proof enough.
"You have been a wonderful help, Kian, please give your mate my thanks for your time." A small smile played about the corners of her mouth.
"It was my and my mate's pleasure to serve our Lord and Consort. And future Heir and Lord." Kiinn's mouth twitched.
Kian turned to go and Kiinn held the door open for her. She hesitated before walking out.
"You should know, Kiinn," She began softly and looked down at her hands. "Harry has vampire blood somewhere in his lineage."
Kiinn felt his breath catch in his chest before he forced it out. "He wasn't bitten?"
"No that would have been obvious even if nothing came of it. It must be somewhere in his parent's line." She looked up to watch him. Softly, gently she watched him. "I just though you should know. He belongs here. Even if you never turn him."
With that she left, her robes swirling around her skirts and her gait a bit wobbly with her pregnancy so far along. Closing the door he turned back to watch his mate and the boy. Osset're had somehow maneuvered himself behind the boy and if he was any closer he would have had him in his lap. The elven vampire was whispering an explanation on how to go about drinking the potion and the boy was struggling to pull the top off. Finally he got it and, with a pop that surprised him into jumping, the cork came out. He looked up and meeting Kiinn's eyes smiled sheepishly. Yes Kian was right. The boy belongs here. Harry belongs here. Now all was left to do was convince him.
October 26th
Late Morning
Hylaarr finished his silent conversation with the submissive healer and made his way to the bed. Harry had somehow found himself tucked up closed against Osset're who showed him how to open the bottle with the medicine in it. Harry forgot about it when Hylaarr didn't stop upon reaching the bed but climbed on it and only paused when he was kneeling in front of Harry. Harry's eyes widened when he pulled the little bottle away from him and he frowned in confusion. He didn't think she had found anything but it was possible. He hadn't know vampires could talk without speaking as Hylaarr and Osset're hadn't but then he wouldn't know as he wouldn't have been able to hear now would he? Was he angry now. What had he found out?
"This potion tastes terrible." Harry just stared at him. What?
Hylaarr grinned at him. "I should know, I made it." Harry cocked his head. Is that what he did with all those plants and nasty smelling things? "But I know how to make it taste better." Hylaarr waited as if for Harry to ask." He was too bowled over by Hylaarr's new attitude that he couldn't even reply.
Osset're helped him out. Whispering in his ear he said with a laugh bubbling out, "Things always taste better when someone feeds you." Harry blinked. Did they? He didn't know. No one had ever fed him anything.
Hylaarr held his eyes and looked at him intently. Harry had a feeling that something very important was about to happen. A softly screaming whisper in the back of his mind warned him to be careful but he mentally shook it away.
"May I feed you, Harry?" Said Hylaarr finally and something caught in his throat. He closed his eyes. This was a turning point. From here on out he could either show the trusted them and eventually they would find out he loved them and he had lied and about the Dursleys and everything or he could refuse and they would give up. Not right away but eventually they would have to. "Harry." Hylaarr's voice was insistent. He couldn't think. He opened his eyes to answer the command and fell into Hylaarr's. There was no magic, no spells or hypnotic gaze like in the stories. He was simply in love. Not like Osset're was with his mate but he had always loved Hylaarr and now he knew exactly what it meant.
"I-" He licked his lips and started again. "I can do it myself." He felt dizzy. Hylaarr's eyes narrowed and he felt Osset're deflate behind him. When had the elven vampire become a pillow? Harry dropped his eyes and waited. For them to pull away. For them to start talking about where he would go now. For them to maybe hit him now that they knew he wasn't anyone worth their time.
"Harry," There was that command again. Harry breathed out and opened his eyes a bit. "Harry, child, I'm afraid you have no choice." Harry's eyes abruptly snapped open as Hylaarr started forward. He jerked back and found himself against Osset're whose arms came around him and began whispering in his ear.
"It's alright, child, I have you. It will be okay." Harry gasped. They were too close. Why were they touching him? He was trapped. Osset're hummed and Hylaarr took his chin in a gently hand.
"Breathe, Harry. In and out. You are safe. We will not hurt you." Harry couldn't help but follow those commands from the Dominant and felt himself relaxing. The dizzy feeling went away. Once he could lock his eyes with Hylaarr's again Hylaarr brought up the bottle and poured it into his mouth without warning or fanfare. He was forced to swallow. He never even contemplated spitting it out.
It was horrible. It smelled and burned and ran down his throat like thick water. Harry gagged but Hylaarr was already offering a sip of something which Harry drank gratefully. Osset're was holding him tight and it wasn't until he leaned back into him more fully that he felt him trembling. Worried he touched a hand that was clutched around his middle and felt long fingers grasp his tightly before relaxing a bit. Osset're had buried his face in Harry's neck, a hard thing to do as Harry was so small, and he made odd noises behind him. Harry looked at Hylaarr who was frowning at his mate.
"Osset're! Breathe. Now." Harry felt him suck in a breath and then blow it out in a huff. Then do it again. The air brushed the hair against his neck and tickled it. He really wished he knew what had just happened and what was going on with Osset're now.
Finally Hylaarr reached out and wound his hand into Osset's hair. The elven stopped trembling immediately and relaxed against Harry still hugging him to him like a teddy bear. He moved his face a bit so his voice wouldn't be muffled against Harry's hair.
"Why did you do that!" Hylaarr froze at his tone and his eyes narrowed. Harry wanted to snort. They were going to argue again.
"WHY would you DO something like that!" Osset're spoke in the vampire language now and he was spitting mad. "HE's A Child! He's not even vampire. He's a mortal child and needs someone to trust and he was just beginning to! You can't ask a child something and then refuse when they don't do what you want! You and your little mindchats with Kian, which you know I hate because I can't MINDSPEAK and finding out things and not telling me before you do WHATEVER it is you did, which by the way I DON"T approve of if you'll recall the first time you forced ME to do what YOU wanted. I was a Wreck for days. It set us back weeks!!You--"
"This is not about you, Osset're!" Hylaarr snapped and yelled that bit at his mate which shut of the panicked tirade. Hylaarr switched back to English and his eyes went back to Harry. "This is about, Harry, and what he thinks." His grip in Osset're hair tightened and Harry felt Osset tense then relax.
"Harry." Hylaarr's command drew his attention back to him. "We will not abandon you!" This was said so fiercely Hylaarr was practically growling. "You may not want to stay here but you will not be able to do anything that will make us give you up or send you away. Do you understand?" Harry stared at Hylaarr. Apparently he wasn't as good a liar as he thought. He felt strangely glad about that.
"Oh, Harry." Sighed Osset're and tightened his arms which were still wrapped securely around Harry's middle. "Is that what you thought? Why you refused?" He switched to elven and muttered something about being surrounded by idiots who never told him anything. Harry had to work very hard to keep a straight face. Hylaarr just sighed and rolled his eyes.
"Harry child, I do believe its time for you," He glanced at his mate, " And Osset're to eat." He raised an eyebrow. "You've seen how he acts when he hasn't." Harry snorted out a laugh and leaned back even more into Osset're. He thought about moving but he was comfortable and Osset're seemed to need the contact anyway.
"Okay, Hylaarr." He whispered and smiled at the pleasure in the vampire Lord's eyes. He really would have to use Hylaarr's name more often. For some reason it made him so happy.
So how was it? Probably horrible. I had a hard time coming up with things to put in this chapter and it ended up moving at one of those meandering paces some stories do. Your all lucky I finished though. I've grand plans for the next one. Your lucky I'm so tired or I would have finished this off with a cliff hanger.
So Who Loves Severus. Been reading stories with him in it lately. I'm so mad this story is so slow. I miss him. One day I'm going to get to the chapters with him in in and complain about how I'm rubbish at doing his character justice. Ha. We all want what we can't have, ya know.
Falling asleep when I should be waking up.
Fiful
Haver: Speak nonsense, normally associated with senility.
Caliach: Gaelic for old woman. Normally used in front of the woman's name i.e. Caliach Stewart.
Boughin': Filthy, revolting, ugly, vomit inducing.