A/N: Another request from Drakelover30, only this time we delve into Russian folklore... Mmmhmm, we just went there. So, ever have that part of the family that you're not particularly proud of? Sev's got one on his Mother's side. *cackles evilly before fleeing* I know I've got more than my fair share of chapters to work on, but my Muses aren't cooperating... Sentences that have this (*) at the end have translations on the bottom! I did a LOT of research for this, but it made it more real.

DISCLAIMER: No matter how much I wave my wand, I will never own Sev and our favorite green-eyed Wizard. *sobs*

WARNING: Yaoi is an important part of these. Please desist in flaming. Violence of the Wizarding kind as well as sadistic Sev and Harry! No complainin', 'cause you've been informed!

-Ryder

P.S. There may be more than one title that gets a continuation; Dragon's Might, Dragon's Might II... etc.

Baba Yaga Baba Yaga Baba Yaga

Harry hummed as he puttered about the kitchen, making breakfast for Severus. A large raven cawed and tapped on the cottage's window a letter tied to its leg with a beautifully embroidered ribbon. He untied it from the bird and offered it a piece of bacon as he did with most post-bearers. The raven snatched it, nearly drawing blood as it did so, flapping out of the window with a vicious croak. Severus shuffled into the kitchen his hair tied carelessly back with an elastic, yawning quietly.

"What's this?"

"Hmm? Morning, Sev. Some blood-thirsty raven dropped it off not even a few seconds ago. Fed him some bacon and he tried to take off my finger at the joint..." Severus paled suddenly, onyx eyes staring at the scroll with partially disgust, partially fear. "What?"

"If that is who I think it from, we may have to visit Russia." Harry shrugged, plating the food, setting it before Severus and then serving himself.

"Russia? I didn't know you had a Russian relative." he said after a bite of bacon. His husband grimaced before untying the ribbon with trepidation; Sev usually wasn't this open in the morning...

"Hmph. She's not someone you speak about in the family." Well, that was interesting. "My maternal grandmother twice removed, if you insist upon listening. Baba Yaga is old, eccentric beyond what is acceptable by Prince standards, and was banned from the Family years ago. Why would she be writing to me?"

"Well, our marriage was international news. She could've heard-"

"No, Harry. She's removed from the general populace and does not read the newspaper unless it's local. Baba wants something."

"What would she want?" Sev scowled at him eating and pointedly ignoring the opened letter. "Hun, don't do that. I hate it when you close up on me." His husband pressed his lips together, clearly not liking the direction this was going in.

"I honestly don't know at this point, Harry. She's never contacted me. She adored my Mum when she was still in the Family. That's how I even know it's from her; I hated that raven with a passion. Why now? I'm happy and I bloody intend to stay that way." Severus never cursed; not even when he was in agony. This woman, whoever she was, aggravated his husband a great deal. If she was a threat, Harry vowed to obliterate her. "Harry? I don't like that look."

"If she's intending to try and bugger you over she's got another thing coming, Sev. I'm finally done with all this bullshite and now Fate throws me a bloody wicket! I'm not taking this again." he hissed, glaring at the innocent parchment.

"We'll read after we pack. Russia's cold this time of year." With a wave of his hand, Harry packed his winter gear and all of his necessities. Damned if he was waiting to read the bloody thing. "You're angry."

"Damn right I am! I know she's Family, but she's ruined my mood and my day." Strong arms wrapped around him suddenly and he relaxed bonelessly into the embrace of his husband. "Stupid Fates... Don't they have another hero to torture?"

A soft chuckle came from Severus as they sank into the rocking chair together. "Yes, though they seem to dog your footsteps, beloved. I'm sure it's just dinner with rum cake for dessert."

"Like that'll ever happen; you know my luck. We're lucky to be married at all. Of all the excuses in the book... 'Harry Potter belongs to the Wizarding Public and does not have the rights to marry a former Death Eater.' Pfffft, please."

"Indeed. Our officiator was having none of it, thankfully."

"That's because he's your godson." Harry retorted. He was still thankful to his friend for that reason alone.

"Draco makes an excellent Ministry-registered officiator and you know it. He secretly enjoys playing matchmaker, as well as being entirely too good at it."

"Seeing people's Souls probably has something to do with that." he snorted, snuggling closer. "Mmm, can we stay here and ignore that letter?"

"No. She'll send a wolf next."

"Let me guess; you saw the raven and ignored it, even though the letter was for your Mum."

"It was a letter for my Father, actually, taking him to task for beating Mum. But he was dead before he could read it... Drunken car crash off of a bridge somewhere. I didn't ask and they never told me, merely notified next-of-kin. I let the county have him." The savage tone told Harry they were entering dangerous territory. "The wolf took a sniff and then left after I let it in." Harry Summoned the letter and listened as Severus read it out loud. "'Dear Severus. I hope this letter reaches you in good health. The death of... of Eileen was a disheartening blow, so I apologize for not being at her... funeral. I welcomed the death of your Father and I'm not sorry he is gone from this mortal coil. The most worthless bastard I have ever met in my long life, Severus, and I do believe you feel the same. Do an old Witch a favor and bring along your latest squeeze, will you? I'll have dinner with rum cake ready. Say the phrase; I'm sure Eileen taught you everything. Signed, Baba Yaga.' I hope this goes well."

-PoV-

Severus Apparated them both to within ten meters of the house he recalled quite well.

"Turn your back to the forest and your front to me," as the ritual words left his lips, the rickety old house atop the chicken legs spun in place, revealing a bright crimson door. The fence was as he'd remembered; made of human bones and one post blank for the ridiculously brave idiot who asked her for advice or a foe's head to be spiked. Harry rose an eyebrow at the glowing skulls, but intertwined their hands and took the lead up until the ladder. "Are you sure of this, beloved?"

"Hurry up before my Gryffindor side decides to pack up and head for the Slytherin side of me."

"Self-preservation. Nicely phrased, my stag, but you must go first." Harry took a deep breath, squared his shoulders and marched up the ladder with his face blank. Severus followed soon after, taking long moments to soothe his shaking husband. "Shh. I'm here. I promise, husband mine." Harry's stiffness melted under his soft touch and even softer voice. "As a matter of fact, didn't we promise each other?"

"Yeah. Yeah we did. Sorry, Sev." A sheepish grin and his Harry was back in full throttle. "Let's do this."

Severus had barely raised his hand before the door creaked open and there in all her glory was Baba Yaga. She looked up at him, then down his body before sliding over to Harry and sizing him up as well.

"Baba is old, yes, but not stupid, Severus. Tell me all." the old Witch spoke cryptically.

"He is my husband, Baba. Harry this is my maternal grandmother." Emerald eyes flashed warily over his traditionally dressed grandmother before the vise on his hand let up from the obscenely tight grip.

"Da is your husband, but insecure of place by side." Harry growled lowly in the back of his throat, baring his teeth as his magic crackled. "Not as insecure as I thought, though much trouble in past."

"A Dark Lord hunting you your whole life will do that." Harry replied evenly, metaphorical hackles lowering as they entered the welcoming cottage. A rocking chair sat in one corner a basket of weaving by its side. There was a window box of blue roses; enchanted to withstand the cold, as far as he remembered.

"Niet, not only Dark Lord; Wizarding World also demanding place to live." His husband nodded as he smiled at the roses, tugging Severus after him almost absently. "You like flower?"

"They're special. I can feel it."

"Keep this one, da? Magical senses fine-tuned to an art."

"Indeed, Baba. Harry, beloved, why did you keep that particular secret?" Emerald looked up into obsidian, seeking reassurance.

"I feel it all the time. The subject's just never come up, Sev. I died and came back with this amazing talent." He winced at the reminder of his young husband's death. "Yeah, plus I haven't even told my best mates yet."

"A secret from them even? Perhaps you should have told me sooner." he rumbled, pulling Harry close.

"Ah, no canoodle in my house. Dinner ready."

The dinner was quiet, filled with small talk and general news.

"Da, da I know. You defeat Dark Lord with own wand before put back. Why?" Harry scowled at the question before he sighed lowly.

"It's not a title I'm proud of, Baba."

"Master of Death and you're not happy with title?"

"I have enough press as it is for choosing my own happiness over the Wizarding Public. Like I need any more attention..."

"Ah. Baba know all about scandal! What, Baba read Daily Prophet now and again. Have it delivered by dunderhead Prince Baba save long time ago and family very grateful." Harry laughed, leaning against him with a yawn. "Da, is time for you to go to sleep. Come again and Baba have surprise for little sunflower." Sleepy emerald eyes slid shut as his husband dropped off into dreamland.

"We'll be by in the morning. I have reservations at a hotel should you need to reach me. Harry's never been to Moscow or St. Petersburg."

"Da, go tend little sunflower. Plant seed." Severus swallowed and blushed at the blatant command to get his stag pregnant. "Is good seed. Little sunflower need other little flowers to nurture."

-PoV-

Harry sang in the shower, out loud since Severus had never complained of it.

"Regrets collect like old friends

Here to relive your darkest moments

I can see no way, I can see no way

And all of the ghouls come out to play

And every demon wants his pound of flesh

But I like to keep my issues drawn

It's always darkest before the dawn

And I've been a fool and I've been blind

I can never leave the past behind

I can see no way, I can see no way

I'm always dragging that horse around

And our love is pastures in such a mournful sound

Tonight I'm gonna bury that horse in the ground

So I like to keep my issues drawn

But it's always darkest before the dawn-Sev?" His husband was laughing so hard that his cheeks turned pink.

"Oh, you have no idea how appropriate that song is... I'm sorry. I was not laughing at you, my stag. You have a wonderful voice." Severus apologized, stepping into the shower with him and kissing in-between his shoulder blades. "Continue, please."

"Alright. But no more interrupting," he warned, dabbing his husband's nose with the soapy shower scrubby. "Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back

So shake him off, oh woah

I am done with my graceless heart

So tonight I'm gonna cut it out and then restart

Cause I like to keep my issue drawn

It's always darkest before the dawn

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back

So shake him off, oh woah

And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back so shake him off

And given half the chance would I take any of it back

It's a fine romance but its left me so undone

It's always darkest before the dawn

Oh woah, oh woah...

And I'm damned if I do and I'm damned if I don't

So here's to drinks in the dark at the end of my road

And I'm ready to suffer and I'm ready to hope

It's a shot in the dark and right at my throat

Cause looking for heaven, found the devil in me

Looking for heaven, found the devil in me

Well what the hell I'm gonna let it happen to me

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back

So shake him off, oh woah

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back

So shake him off, oh woah!" he finished, smiling as Severus toweled him off gently.

They saw the sights, looking like Muggles and generally enjoying themselves. Severus spoke fluent Russian; had even argued down the prices of several items that Harry thought would be delightful presents for his friends.

"Whew. I thought that last bloke would hold out forever, the way you two went at it..." he teased, their hands twined under the table as his husband fed him snacks from the street vendors; blini, shawerma, shashlik, and pyshki were explained as he ate before Severus actually came back to the topic at hand.

"He was particularly fond of that piece and claimed it had magical properties. I was wondering... Could you take a look at it?" After setting up Anti-Muggle and Muffalito, Harry expanded his senses on the ornate little egg, searching for magical resonance and finding quite a bit. He waved his hand to dispel the Wards and looked around before speaking.

"No wonder he didn't want to give it up. Magic is just pouring off this egg; a charged Luck Charm was placed on this. Did you ask him where he got it?"

"It's been in their family for generations and he doesn't know where it came from. I had to tell him that I could charm an egg myself. We exchanged eggs and I let it be. Hmm..."

"I strengthened whatever it was you put on there. I can sense your magical signature anywhere."

"Protection and Prosperity Charms." Severus murmured before paying the bill. "Don't take my hand."

"And why is that?" he asked back, lowering his voice quite a lot.

"We've got some apparent non-supporters of gays tailing us; malice is just spilling from them. No, don't look. We'll handle this in that alley there." They strolled casually down the dark alley, seemingly chatting away in touristy speech. "Oh, dear. I think we're lost." Severus raised his voice a bit.

"Da, you are lost. Disgusting freaks like you should have stayed in your own country!" the leader spoke from behind them.

"Wands in three, two, one!" They drew their wands simultaneously, grinning as the Russians stopped what they were doing. "Expulso!" Harry cast the first curse, hitting the Muggle square in the chest, sending him flying out of the entrance of the dead-end alley. "Anyone else wanna try that?" he asked casually, spinning his holly wand with a sadistic grin on his face. The gang bum-rushed them, he and Severus causing painful, but curable defects on all of them. "Aww, look at that... We didn't even break a sweat. My bad; oh, and the next time you try that on some innocent men, think before you attack. I'm sure you'd like to keep the family jewels, yes?"

The bound men made what sounded suspiciously like blubbering noises as Harry leveled his wand below the belt. "Mmm, that's what I thought." He'd Glamoured (audial as well as visual) them both for the outing, thank Merlin, and his grin was on the face of a forgettable man with non-descript features, as was Severus's. He invented a spell on the spot with his husband's help, "Per cogitationes malignorum sterilitas*. Oh, by the way, that causes two years' worth of infertility if you do this sort of shite again." They stepped over the leader, also casting the spell and making sure he understood as well what it meant. The man begged them to take it off.

"Please! I didn't-"

Severus sneered at the man, his hackles raised from the fight and full of vitriol, "Let me guess the rest of that; I didn't mean it! Pathetic bastard, I knew what you were going to do. The next words out of your mouth as you headed to jail would have been, 'They asked for it. Freak, that's what he was!' What we did was mild compared to what we could have done. Would you like a taste?"

"Niet, ni-" The man's back arched as Severus cast a non-verbal Crucio, mouth open in a silent scream. Another was cast as the leader lay there shaking, drawing a scream of absolute agony from the man's throat. His husband let it go before kneeling over the gang leader. "Plea-Please..."

"I have no mercy for imbiciles like you. Do spread the word."

They travelled to Baba's house after that, Severus still pissed at what he'd seen in the man's mind. He'd been embraced repeatedly, his husband muttering under his breath.

"Severus! Little sunflower is worried over you. What is done is done, da?"

"The nerve of that-"

"Sev, I'm right here. Can you tell me what you saw?"

"Vile, depraved- He was going to hurt you; take what was not his after I'd been beaten down." Harry's eyes widened at the implications of that statement. "I'm sorry, my stag, but I cast the curse much stronger on him than the others."

"Damn right you did. My husband is my hero." he sighed, snuggling into Severus's arms.

"Little sunflower is safe; has insane luck for situations. Why have you not done as I have asked to little sunflower?"

"Harry remained asleep the entire trip there."

"Ah. I give you draft to take home. Going home now after dinner and cake, da?"

"Sounds like a great plan, Baba."

"Little sunflower is smart. Here, take surprise." The gift was a male Russian doll, dressed in traditional costume, stitching holding a miniature wand in his right hand. "Wand is for you; doll is for little seed." Harry shrugged and took the intricate wand. Cyrillic script was written along the length, along with other ancient languages, some of which Harry could read. "You like?"

"Thank you, Baba."

"You are welcome, little sunflower. Have lots of seeds. They will make you happy, da?"

"I... guess?"

"Ah. Severus, tell little sunflower message; but not now."

Sev Apparated them home, tumbling them onto the bed before falling into a deep sleep, Harry following afterwards.

Ending A/N: Mmm, I like it. I needed that, I think. Yeah. Umm... Oh! As always, folks, ASK ME FOR DRABBLES!

*Per contiationes malignorum sterilitas - infertility caused by malicious thoughts