Chapter 2 is here and I hope you enjoy it As I wrote this chapter I kept picturing all different stories and pairings I could write for Harry with a multitude of characters in this fandom so this may end up being a fluffy/sweet series, haha will see what happens in the future
Chapter 2
Rhys, Feyre, Cassian, Nesta, Elain, Lucien, Mor and Amren met again in the kitchen the following morning. Cassian looked like he'd just been dragged out of bed while Azriel looked like he hadn't slept at all that night.
Mor let out a large yawn, "so what's the plan?"
"Azriel, Cassian and I will head over and talk to Harry" Rhys explained.
"This time with less theatrics" Feyre said with a stern look at all three.
"If all goes well, we will bring him back here with us."
Mor nodded, "so the rest of us just stay here until you return?"
"Correct, hopefully it won't take too long."
Rhys stepped forward and pressed a gentle kiss to Feyre's lips while Cassian did the same to Nesta.
"Miss you already" Cass said with a cheeky grin, causing Nesta to roll her eyes.
"Just be careful" she snipped back.
With that all three males walked out onto the balcony, stretching and sunning their wings for a few moments before taking off into the air.
"Be on your guard" Rhys said, once they had been flying for a few minutes. "We have no idea what he is capable of."
Cassian and Azriel both nodded at that, you didn't survive the things they had without being careful.
They landed at the townhouse and Azriel led the way through the house to the room his shadows had told him this strange new fae had slept in. Was still sleeping in.
All three tensed as Rhys stepped forward and knocked on the door. Azriel could tell that he was being purposefully calm, his movements measured.
They waited but the door didn't open, and they heard no movements beyond.
Rhys tried again, this time a little louder. Banging on the door, in case Harry was a heavy sleeper. Still… nothing.
Azriel stepped forward and turned the handle of the door, but when he tried to push it open it refused to move. Getting frustrated he pushed on it harder, surprised when still the door did not open.
"He's definitely inside?" Cassian asked from Rhys' other side.
"Yes" Azriel said, his returning shadows crawling up his arms.
"He must have done something to bar the door" Rhys said thoughtfully.
"Can you get it open?"
"Not without destroying the door and even then, I'm not sure if that would help us. I have no idea how his magic works if that's what he's used to lock it."
"We don't want to force our way in" Cassian said. "I think that will kinda destroy the whole we are nice people, trust us, vibe we are trying to achieve here."
Rhys let out a snort, "perhaps."
"Maybe we should return later, when we know he's awake and out of the room" Cassian suggested, with a significant look at Azriel's shadows.
Rhys ran his hands through his hair, "alright, we'll come back later."
They flew back home, to find everyone had migrated to one of the sitting rooms and was waiting for them.
"That was quick" Amren said in surprise.
"His door was locked, and he didn't hear us knocking. We think he did something with his magic to protect himself while he was asleep" Rhys explained.
"Smart" Amren murmured.
"We thought it best not to try and barge our way in, so we decided to come back and wait him out" Cassian said with a grin as he plonked himself next to Mor on a couch.
"Are you sure he was alive?" Nesta asked, causing everyone to stare at her in surprise.
"What?" Elain gasped as Azriel grew more tense from his place on the floor.
"Well, I just mean, he said he died yesterday and woke up here. It isn't illogical that he could still be injured or that perhaps he moved on again" Nesta said with a shrug.
"Oh gosh" Feyre breathed out. "I didn't even think of that."
Azriel had stood up and was standing near the door, his wings shifting restlessly.
Rhys watched him out of the corner of his eye as he spoke. "I'm sure that Harry is fine."
No one looked particularly reassured at that.
"He lives" Azriel breathed, and everyone relaxed a little more at that as Azriel sat back down on the soft floor.
"Let's say we believe his story" Cassian asked, as he looked around the room. "Then what?"
Everyone sat thoughtful for a moment.
"Well, we help him" Elain spoke up. "Help him get settled into this new world, like you did for us."
"That was a slightly different situation though, you were already family, we knew who you both were."
Nesta frowned, "so you wouldn't have helped us if we hadn't been Feyre's sisters" she asked with a raised eyebrow and Rhys actually stopped to consider the question.
"No, I would have. You're right. I still would've been careful though, until I knew that I could trust you."
Nesta nodded, "exactly."
"And if we hear his story and decide that we don't believe him?" Cassian asked.
"Banishment. Out of the Night Court and we will warn the other courts."
"We should probably give them a heads up either way" Feyre said thoughtfully. "Let them know that someone has arrived here and has a different kind of magic then we are used to."
Rhys looked reluctant, centuries of keeping secrets being ingrained in him, but the courts had agreed to try to be more open and honest with each other. Realising that at least some of their problems could have been negated that way.
"Fine" Rhys grumbled, and Feyre lent over to kiss his cheek in appreciation.
Lucien sat quietly, watching the whole exchange. He rarely spoke up, not feeling completely welcome by the group yet. They still saw him as an outsider, the story of his life really. He had a feeling that something important was happening here.
So, they waited…and waited. After a few hours everyone went back to their day agreeing to come back if they heard word from Azriel that Harry was awake. But hours turned into a day and then two and still nothing.
Azriel felt like his bones were trying to crawl out of his skin. He released another barrage of punches on Cassian, sending the other flying across the training grounds. Sweat dripped down his face and his lips were set in a snarl.
"Whoa" Cassian gasped as he pulled himself to his feet, "what's gotten your wings in a twist this morning."
"Nothing" Azriel scowled, and Cassian stared in open astonishment at him. Cassian was an expert in reading the other Illyrian after years of friendship, but the other didn't usually wear his emotions so openly.
"Are we training or what?" Azriel snapped and Cassian bit back a chocked laugh.
"Seemed less like training and more like you pummelling me into the ground" Cassian said lightly, but he stepped closer and lifted his arms showing he was ready.
Azriel launched himself, but this time Cassian was ready. If Azriel had some pent-up emotions he needed to get out, then he was here for him.
They fought like only two people who had known each other for centuries could, a seamless dance but instead of settling Azriel it seemed to be riling him up more. Fists swinging, until Cassian was picked up and bodily thrown across the room. He landed with a grunt, all the wind being knocked out of him as he quickly jumped to his feet, preparing for another attack but instead he found the room empty. Azriel gone.
"Shit" he groaned running from the room. He ran down hallways, skidding to a halt and nearly running into a door frame as he spotted Rhys, Feyre and Amren talking in the kitchen.
"Azriel, he's gone" he panted adrenaline pumping through his veins from the fight and his mad dash.
"Gone?" Rhys questioned sharply.
"He's been off all morning, just took off during a sparring session."
"Harry?" Feyre murmured and Rhys nodded.
"Let's go" and in the blink of an eye Rhys had winnowed all four of them to the townhouse, where they found Azriel hammering on Harry's door.
"Azriel?" Rhys said in concern taking a step closer to the enraged male.
"He should be awake by now" he snarled, not taking his eyes off Harry's door. "It's been days."
"If what he said was true, he's been through a lot, he probably needs the rest" Feyre said softly. "I'm worried as well."
A shudder ran through Azriel's whole frame, and he stopped banging on the door. Rhys went to take a step forward but before he could Azriel let out a sound, somewhere between a roar and a cry and he ripped the door off its hinges, throwing it down the hall with apparent ease.
Everyone stared at him in wide eyed surprise, Feyre's hand going up to cover her mouth while Rhy's eyebrows furrowed.
The shadow master tried to walk into the room but again found his way blocked, this time by an invisible shield. He pushed upon it, but the thing refused to budge, but instead of becoming angrier Azriel felt himself start to calm. For though he could not get to Harry he could now see in the room, where Harry lay upon the bed curled up in a tight ball, his black hair askew and a quantity of Azriel's shadows curled around him. The small movements of the blankets reassuring him that Harry was indeed alive.
He felt something inside him start to relax for the first time in days, his shoulders releasing their tension and his breathing becoming less ragged.
A warm hand clapped his shoulder and Azriel glanced over to see a worried Rhys looking at him.
"See he's fine" and Azriel nodded, swallowing thickly.
"I just needed to see him" Azriel explained, and the hand on his shoulder squeezed firmly, offering comfort.
"How about we get this door fixed up, just so Harry isn't alarmed when he wakes up" Feyre suggested.
While Cassian and Azriel moved to get the door, already discussing where they could get it repaired, Amren stepped forward and ran her hand over the shield. She pushed gently and got as far as Azriel had gotten, which is to say absolutely nowhere.
"It feels warm, almost alive" she murmured, "like it's a part of him."
Rhys stepped forward and ran his hand over the shield as well.
"He must be very powerful to maintain such a thing for so long while he is sleeping."
Amren made a sound of agreement.
"I wonder if Helion would be able to break the magic? To get through?"
"It would be interesting to try" Amren said softly. "Perhaps when Harry is feeling better, and we are all on better terms with him he will allow us to see what his magic can do."
Rhys jumped as his ear was flicked.
"Don't even think about it" Feyre said, and the High Lord of the Night Court tried his best to look innocent.
"I wasn't going to do anything" Rhys said with what he'll deny later was a pout.
"Oh really, you weren't just thinking about seeing if your mist could make it through that shield or not" Feyre said with a knowing smirk and Cassian started laughing.
"I think we better go and see about getting this door fixed and reattached" Rhys said, changing the topic and even Azriel felt his lips twitch up in a smile.
When Harry did awake another day later it was to a room filled with bright morning light. He peeled his eyes open, as he groggily tried to work out where he was and what was happening. He nearly jumped out of his skin when he felt something brush against him and looked down to see several shadows swirling around him.
His mind struggled to catch up. Voldemort. Dying. A new world. Fae. And then being attacked and threatened. He groaned and rolled back over trying to fight back the tears that were threatening to fall, everything always had to be so difficult for him. Why didn't he move on so he could see his parents again and if he had to end up in a whole other world why couldn't it have been a friendly one?
As much as wanted to stay curled up for another year at least, he dragged himself out of bed and went in search of a toilet. He didn't know how long he'd been asleep for, but he was busting. His head swam dangerously as he stood, and he gripped the edge of the bed to stop from toppling over. Something to eat and drink would probably be in order as well. He couldn't remember the last time he had done either.
He wandered down the hall, wishing he had something a little warmer to wear, a shiver running down his spine as his feet moved across the cold floor. He was alert to any sound or movement; he still had no idea where he was but assumed this place was at least relatively safe as his magic had brought him here.
He looked in several bedrooms that had a lived-in feel about them, so this place obviously wasn't abandoned. Eventually he stumbled upon a bathroom, beautifully tiled in grey with a toilet, shower and a huge bath. He relieved himself then looked at the bath longingly, later, he promised himself, after he'd had something to eat.
He walked back the way he'd come, feeling a little more relaxed now his most pressing matter had been taken care of. The feeling didn't last long however, when he walked into the kitchen to find three of the males from when he'd arrived sitting at the table. They all turned to stare at him as he entered, and Harry froze in fright. His green eyes trailing over the three and preparing for an attack.
Rhys held back a sigh as he saw the small, frightened male before him. It was clear that Harry was preparing to flee, and Rhys took a moment to regret his actions from their first meeting, perhaps he'd been too hasty. But years of doing anything to protect Velaris had not endeared him to unexpected arrivals in his city.
The shadows that had been hovering around Harry flitted back to Azriel and he felt oddly lonely and vulnerable without them beside him.
"Harry" Rhys greeted, while the other two, Azriel and Cassian kept quiet, just watching intently.
"Rhys" he replied, not really sure how one was supposed to greet a – a high lord. Though he still wasn't sure what that was exactly.
"Why don't you come and take a seat so we can talk."
Harry hesitantly moved toward the table, raising a shield just in case this was a surprise attack. He hadn't forgotten how the biggest one had wanted to take him away for questioning.
"Where's Lucien?" Harry asked, thinking of the only one who had been kind to him when he'd arrived.
"Lucien?" Azriel growled while Rhys looked confused.
Harry thought for a moment, thinking perhaps he'd gotten the name wrong, but no he was sure it was Lucien.
"Yes, Lucien."
"Why would Lucien be here?" Rhys asked confusedly.
"Why are you three here and not him?" Harry asked in return, his eyes never straying as he took a seat.
"Lucien is back at home."
And Harry took note of how he hadn't really answered the last question. He assumed these three were the ones in charge and that's why they and not Lucien were here.
"I apologise for how we handled things the other day" Rhys began. "We are not exactly used to unexpected visitors; they usually bring nothing but trouble in our experience."
Harry nodded slowly; he could understand that.
"If you come back with us, we promise to have a much more civilised conversation and also explain about our world."
"Why do I need to go anywhere with you?" Harry asked, not exactly trusting these males not to harm him in some way after their threats the other day.
"The rest of circle wish to be present and there is more room and comfort at our other home."
Harry paused. "This is your home?"
"It is one of several homes that we live in at different times" Rhys confirmed with a nod and that more then anything convinced Harry to at least hear what they had to say for he had wanted somewhere safe, and his magic had brought him here, surely to some extent that meant that these people were safe. He decided to trust his magic.
He let out a long exhale.
"OK, I'll go with you, but there better not be anymore threats or- or attacks" Harry said with a scowl and Rhys couldn't help but think he looked like an angry kitten especially with the way his hair was puffed up.
"I promise you will be perfectly safe."
Harry followed the three out on to a large balcony feeling rather short as he walked next to them. His eyes lit up in joy as they began to spread their wings.
"Are we flying?" He asked excitedly and the three nodded bemusedly.
"One of us will car-" before Rhys could finish his sentence Azriel had stepped forward and scooped Harry into his arms, the green eyed teen letting out a small squeak at the movement. If he felt small before, he felt positively tiny now.
"Well, that's settled" Cassian said with a sardonic look at his best friend. "Let's go."
Cassian took off first, his great black wings shuddering powerfully as he took off into the sky, Rhys followed after and then it was Azriel's turn. Harry felt the strong arms around him tighten, holding him secure against a firm chest as they leapt off the balcony and into the sky. The wind whipping against his face had Harry's heart soaring and a large grin breaking out that he had no hope of containing.
They landed with a soft thud a short time later, on another balcony and Harry assumed they were back at the house that he'd arrived in.
"That was amazing!" He crowed smiling broadly up at Azriel, who was looking down at him with an unreadable look on his face. "We have to do that again, please?" He tacked on. "I've flown on brooms, thestrals and a dragon but never with a giant bat man!"
Azriel spluttered choking on his own spit as he tried to clear his airway. Howling laughter had Harry glancing up to find all the people he'd met the night he arrived standing just inside the doors watching him.
Several of them were laughing and Cassian was laughing uproariously as he hit his hand on his leg. "giant bat man" he gasped out and Harry turned red at the attention.
He squirmed a little trying to get Azriel to put him down but the other held firm, he glanced up to see if Azriel was mad, he hadn't meant to be insulting, but the others face was perfectly blank.
Cassian stepped forward, still chuckling as he gripped Harry's wrist and gently pulled him out of Azriel's grasp. "Here, let me help you."
Harry slipped to the ground, noticing that he only came up to the others collarbone and sent a small smile back at Azriel in thanks, but the winged male was not looking at him, his jaw was clenched tight as he looked away from Harry.
Harry felt his heart sink a little, perhaps he'd caused more offense than he'd realised. He would have to apologise later; he really didn't want to get the intimidating male offside anymore then he already was.
Cassian dragged him forward and a female stepped up, Feyre, he thought.
"Harry" She said brightly, "I'd like to officially welcome you to our home."