A/N:1 Although I had most of this written, I had lost my motivation to write more and edit. I have an issue at work where there has been someone there bullying me since I arrived five months ago. It got worse as the manager is away on leave and can do nothing about it. There is no HR as it is not a corporate company, and the bosses are supposedly "working" on the issue. I have yet to see anything happen to fix it. As such, I've been very depressed, and writing became something I no longer felt good doing, especially since it feels as if this has been going unread.
I got a comment on Ao3 that really made me feel better, and I plucked up the courage to finish writing, and now that I worked my butt off to put this out, I'm rather pleased with myself. I really hope you will all enjoy it.
TRIGGER WARNING FOR INSINUATED RAPE ON A MINOR, AND ABUSE AND TORTURE OF A MINOR- IF YOU ARE NOT COMFORTABLE WITH THIS, PLEASE SKIP THE PART WHERE THEO HAS A FLASHBACK.
Regulus stared into the skies, the hammock he was lying on shaking gently back and forth. He was alone, which in itself was unusual, but with how noisy and boisterous the castle had become in the past few months, the Black Heir relished the silence of the night.
He snuck out when everyone was distracted and was, thankfully, not interrupted. Regulus closed his eyes and let his thoughts drift. He remembered the days in the orphanage when he would have to fight for every scrap of food and battle to stay warm at night. Being a wizard with powers had definitely helped, but after his few scares of alerting the accidental magic squad, Regulus was more careful.
It seemed like a lifetime ago now, despite only four months passing, and yet, he and the people close to him had changed so much since then. It was always a cheeky fight between him and Blaise over who was really older. Now that his secret wasn't really a secret, it was fun for them to squabble about who ought to be the leader of their group.
Age seemed to make the other kids all look up to him. However, Regulus knew it wasn't the only thing that caused people to defer to him. At least not Harry, Sala and little Ursa, whom he mourned being no longer a baby. Everyone had grown up. He could see the way they looked at him with admiration and respect. He was the big brother they'd never had, and the thought made his heart swell with pride. Now, with so many other people surrounding them, Regulus felt he could safely hide away for a bit. He was no longer the only one they could turn to, and he could take a step back and watch them grow. He was content with his role as an observer, protecting them from afar as they made their way into the world. He felt responsible for them but no longer had to carry them alone.
He opened his eyes and looked up at the stars, feeling a peaceful calm envelop him. He was thankful for the changes in his life because at least he would have real adults helping him live and thrive instead of merely surviving, and if Ursa, Sala and Harry benefited from this, all the better.
As Regulus looked up at the stars, lost in thought, he heard a loud thud behind him. He quickly spun around to find a small black and white wolf snarling before him, its golden eyes staring into his, and immediately fell out of the hammock.
Well, that's what I get for being at the edge of the wards, he thought.
Regulus was filled with fear yet felt strangely calm. He could feel powerful energy emanating from the wolf and knew he had to stay still.
The wolf circled around Regulus, its body brushing against his legs. Regulus felt warmth spread throughout his body, and suddenly, he sensed a connection to the wolf. It was a familiar feeling he got before when he was near his brother in his first life, but he couldn't place it. Despite the memories floating around his mind trying to make sense of the situation, the feeling tightened his throat. He could feel its thoughts and emotions, and he knew without a doubt that this was no ordinary wolf. A strange shimmer surrounded the wolf, and when Regulus looked closer, he saw how ragged it was. Perhaps he should get Remus?
After a few moments, the wolf suddenly stopped circling him and stepped aside. It bowed its head and silently invited Regulus to follow it. Regulus hesitated momentarily, but then he remembered the days in the orphanage and the tough times he had faced. He was no longer afraid, and he decided to take a chance.
Regulus followed the wolf and, for the next hour, was taken on a tour of the forest. He saw sights he had never seen before and felt a deep connection to the land and the animals that lived there. When the tour ended, the wolf bowed its head again and silently disappeared into the night. Regulus was left feeling amazed and awestruck. He had never felt so connected to the land and the animals, and he knew that this was a moment he would never forget. With a smile on his face, he finally made his way back to the castle. Just as he was about to enter the doors, he turned around and saw the wolf still watching from the edge of the wards, its head tilted to the side like a dog.
The feeling of Sirius plagued him again painfully.
He really needed to get Remus.
Decision made, Regulus ran inside and, despite the hour, shook Remus awake, aware not to stand too close, just in case Remus' reflexes were too fast for him to defend against.
Just like he thought, Remus' amber eyes were on him instantly, his wand pointing directly at his neck.
Never let it be known that Remus is a deadly creature in Wizard and Lycen form.
"Speak," Remus said groggily when he realised it was Regulus, a child, and not someone out to kill him.
"I was outside 'cause I needed to think, yeah?" Regulus began, a bit hesitantly, as despite whatever his brain age might be, he was still physically a child, and children needed rest.
"Yeah," Remus said, rolling his eyes.
"Anyway, I heard a thud, and then suddenly, there was this wolf in front of me."
At this, Remus immediately straightened, his former cheer gone. Without waiting for Regulus to continue with his accolade, he put on a dressing gown and a cardigan and led the way to the castle's doors.
"Tell me more," He said, his wand back in his hand as they went.
"Um, so, this wolf was strange, emaciated and very small, smaller than you when you transform." He added hesitantly, as he had snuck to where Remus was kept to check it out against his better judgement, knowing that Severus was making him the wolfsbane potion.
Remus pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, "That better not happen again, Regulus. I swear if you get my cub into any danger, I will kill you first and ask questions later."
Regulus sighed, not bothering to defend himself. Harry had not even joined him.
"Continue."
Regulus glared, noticing for the first time how frosty it was outside; how had he not noticed this earlier? "The wolf reminded me of Sirius when he was a grim, but I don't know why."
Remus immediately sprang into action at that, and the two searched for the wolf.
After only moments, Remus suddenly stopped and sniffed the air.
"This way!" His voice was as cold as the air, though Regulus couldn't figure out why. At this point, it wasn't anything he had done, and he was suddenly glad he refrained from elucidating to Remus that he followed the wolf around on a joy ride of a trip.
Remus and Regulus followed the wolf's tracks in the wet mud, — when had it started raining? — and after some time, they finally spotted it in the distance. It was a lot smaller than even Regulus had thought, barely the size of a large dog, and it was skittering away from them, its tail between its legs. Remus immediately broke into a sprint, with Regulus close behind, and the chase was on. Remus was so fast that even Regulus had difficulty keeping up with his youthful grace.
The wolf was surprisingly quick and agile and managed to keep ahead of them for what felt like hours. But finally, they managed to corner the wolf in a thicket of trees. It was snarling and growling at them, and that's when they realised there were two wolves, not one. The one they had been chasing was growling protectively in front of the second one, and it was clear that it was younger than the other, for this one was more the size of a house cat. But then, aside from that, Remus was suddenly sad. "They're both babies, Regulus."
Remus stepped forward cautiously, his wand raised. He spoke a few calming words and cast a few calming charms, and eventually, both wolves calmed down. He carefully examined them both, and it was clear that the younger one was malnourished and needed care. The older one was starving, too, but still seemed strong enough to keep growling every so often if Remus raised his hands too quickly.
Remus sighed, relieved to find them both safe and unharmed. He carefully scooped them both up in his arms, and they began the journey back to the castle. Regulus followed close behind, still in shock at the sight of the two vulnerable wolves.
Once in the castle, Remus quietly summoned one of the elves and requested some steak to feed the animals. The elves quickly complied, and he smiled softly as the two scarfed it down, whining and yipping the entire time. Once the wolves had finished eating, Remus conjured a metal cage in his room, putting soft blankets and pillows within it and gently putting both of them within it.
"Time to sleep now, I think?" Remus said to Regulus, and though it sounded like it, he wasn't making a suggestion.
"Of course,"
Regulus had returned to his room to sleep, curious about the two animals they had found and still trying to figure out the strange similarity he felt with the animals and his brother.
Perhaps they were just as cuddly?
With the thought of his brother came the feeling of loss he hadn't thought of since his return to life.
Sirius was in Azkaban for murder. But Regulus knew one thing: Sirius wasn't a murderer.
As his eyes grew heavy, a final thought plastered over his mind as he fell into slumber. He would visit Sirius.
Dawn. It was Dawn, and a scream pulled Regulus harshly from his sleep in a way reminiscent of his times at the orphanage; as such, he grabbed his knife under his pillow in a move that came forcefully out of habit.
It took him a moment to understand where the hell he was and another to realise who was screaming.
Remus.
What had happened?
With his heart thundering, Regulus tucked his knife into his pocket, knowing he could easily and swiftly remove it again if necessary.
The shout, which had been loud and terrifying, alerted nearly everyone in the household. So it was both the children and adults that witnessed the sight within Remus' room, where he, very uncharacteristically, stood against the door, his eyes bulging into his sockets.
When Regulus finally approached the man and put a hand on his shoulder, he turned towards the source of Remus' fear. There were now two tiny children in front of him where the baby wolves had been the night before. They were about the same size as Harry before his transformation. And they had no clothes. Seeing the two little ones now made Regulus realise how small Harry had actually been. It was a reminder of what malnourishment did to someone. How long had these precious little ones been fighting for food?
Narcissa was the first to break the silence and take charge. "We need to get those children out of there," she said. "And we need to bathe and warm them."
Regulus and the others started to move, but before they could, the smaller of the two children, a little boy, spoke up in a tiny, frightened voice. "Don't hurt us. Please don't hurt us."
Regulus felt a wave of pity wash over him, and he stepped forward. He knelt beside the cage and spoke in a gentle tone. "I'm not going to hurt you," he said. "We're here to help you. It's alright; you're going to be fine now."
The little girl looked nervously at the others and then back at Regulus. He could see fear in her eyes, breaking his heart into pieces. He reached in and gently picked her up and then the little boy. He held them close and noticed their eerie similarities. They were pale, from head to toe, with perfectly white hair, lighter even than Sala and Draco. But where the Black-Malfoy twins had some colour to their skin that made them practically perfect, these children had no added colour at all. White eyebrows, hair and skin as pure white to match. They were filthy, their skin only marred by the darkness that came from never properly bathing. Narcissa was right.
Were they albino?
That would definitely make sense from what he was seeing, and as they blinked soft silver eyes at him that flashed different colours of molten silver, he knew he was right.
This should have been obvious from the start with how light as snow they were from top to bottom. Regulus smiled and whispered softly, "You two are safe now. I promise to take care of you." He held them tight and looked into their eyes, knowing he had to protect them at all costs. As Regulus gently rubbed their back, he felt something brush against his hand, and the children whimpered slightly and wondered not for the first time if they had been injured and just hid it well. After all, Harry had entirely denied being hurt, despite his heart nearly stopping numerous times as they tried to get him conscious when he had joined them in the orphanage. It was unlikely Harry even knew how close to death he had been, and Regulus never told him. Sala, having followed his advice, never told him either. It was a shame that when Harry finally opened his eyes, he hadn't been the one to hold and calm Harry like these little ones.
The children squirmed the slightest bit, which made Regulus notice how thin and malnourished they were. He could see the ribs of the little girl and boy poking through their skin, and his stomach twisted in anger. He wanted to hold them close further, but it was as if they had suddenly woken from a shock and began to cringe away from anyone's touch, including his. He quickly set them down on the floor, grabbing the blankets from the cage so they would at least retain some warmth. His concern for their nakedness came up, but Sala, in a way that felt like they shared the same mind, approached with two of the fluffiest bathrobes he had ever seen.
"They must have been shocked when you first held them," Sala said, again proving the boy read his mind. "It's nothing against you," he murmured quietly enough that perhaps the only one to hear would be Remus, with his dumb werewolf hearing.
"Reckon they used accidental magic to turn into wolves?" That was Harry, but it made him realise something.
"Yes! Smart Harry!" He nearly missed the way Harry preened.
"That's what it was, Remus," he said excitedly to the man who still held his palm against his heart, his eyes solemn and sad. "They somehow forced an Animagus transformation."
"How long would they have been stuck as wolves?" Blaise asked quietly, his arm protectively around Harry as if remembering Harry's own smallness.
Remus shook his head uncertainly, "I don't know. I wonder if they could do it again without the force of accidental magic to help them. Or if they were stuck like this for so long, it was an accident for them to turn back?"
"Enough talk now," the Duchessa said sharply, and Harry and Blaise shrunk slightly, moving backwards to allow the woman room to help the snow children room to move.
Narcissa and Isabella led the children out of the room and down the hall to the beautiful bathroom with the huge tub. After the first few steps, though, it was clear that the children could not walk using two legs.
"We're going to lift you into our arms, okay?" Isabella said gently, gesturing between herself and Narcissa. It was clear that neither wanted to be held, but both women waited patiently, and surprisingly, the little boy pointed to Regulus.
Immediately, Regulus jerked forward, kneeling again, staring at the little boy in his pale silvery eyes. "Do you want me to carry you?" he asked, keeping his hands away until the boy nodded in agreement.
Uncertainly, he looked at the girl, who looked a bit bigger but could not seem to use her legs correctly either. "Do you want me to carry you too?" he asked her softly, and when she held out a tiny hand to him, slowly crawling towards him, he took that as a yes and lifted both of them into his arms, one for each.
He noticed Narcissa subtly flicking a feather-light charm on them, and the load immediately lightened.
When they reached the bathroom and flicked the lights on, he heard identical gasps from the children.
As Regulus stepped into the bathroom with the two albino children in his arms, he was in awe of the sight before him, as he frequently used his private bathroom, not the guest bathroom. The walls were a deep, royal blue with gold accents, making them look like a reflection of the night sky. Gleaming marble floor tiles lined the ground, and the entire room shone with a luxurious sheen. In the centre of the room was a large, deep bathtub surrounded by various golden-hued crystals and gems. The ceiling was painted with a mural of a beautiful countryside, with a waterfall cascading down the side of a mountain. The counters were made of rich, dark wood, and the sinks were made of gleaming white porcelain. There were also several plush chairs and a sofa in the corner of the room, all upholstered with deep blue velvet fabric. The children's eyes widened in amazement as they took in the sight of the bathroom, and Narcissa and Isabella smiled at the presence of their wonder.
They filled the large bathtub with toys and bubbles, and the children's eyes lit up with curiosity and what Regulus thought might be excitement. Uncertain if the small children knew how to float, Regulus hesitantly got into his boxers and got into the tub with them, sitting on a bench hidden in the depths of the water. If any of them would start drowning, Merlin forbid, he'd be ready. Though in hindsight, Regulus wondered if bathtubs had a charm against drowning? He'd have to ask Severus. It never occurred to him to think about it, as until some months ago, he had never had access to something so lavish to use at his leisure.
The two mothers tried to make conversation with the twins, but they were shy and didn't respond much.
When the children slowly relaxed, they began to throw toys at Regulus as if inviting him to play.
"Do you want me to join you?" he asked the little boy softly, who had thrown a little rubber duck at him.
"Yes." His response was softer than Regulus' question, but it still echoed around the large bathroom.
As the kids twirled around in their quiet playing, he noticed it and inhaled sharply.
"Narcissa, Duchessa, the next time they turn around, look at their backs."
He said this very quietly, as he wasn't sure how actual Fae! would react to being found out. In fact, Regulus had never been more confused in his life. What was Fae even doing in this realm? Had they perhaps gotten lost when they were younger, found, and abused for what they were? His questions were endless, and when he heard the gasps of both women, he knew they had seen it too.
They had somehow managed to find Fae children who possessed the ability to turn into wolves.
With raised eyebrows, Regulus pushed himself into the water and took over washing the boy, who was more receptive towards him than the girl. With incredible tenderness, Regulus scrubbed the boy's back and saw that, yes, there were tiny wings against his back. A quick glance at the girl's back confirmed the same thing. So he hadn't imagined it. Not that he needed the confirmation; all three of them had seen it.
How rare, Regulus thought, mesmerised.
The twins were part of the Fae race. Insanity.
Well, at least Regulus knew what to do now; he would need to read up about Fae, as he had no idea what they needed and if they grew and flourished in the same way as typical wizards.
The two mothers helped the twins wash the dirt and grime caked onto their skin. As the dirt rinsed away, the wings started to become more visible. They had to drain and refill the tub three times before the water finally remained clean enough for the children to be deemed hygienic by the adults.
The twins seemed to relax more once they were clean and started talking more freely to Narcissa and Isabella. The twins were exhausted but safe and content after their warm bath. The women smiled as they watched them, knowing that the twins were finally in a place where they could be taken care of instead of being on the streets — or, in their case, running through the woods as wolves.
"What's your name?" Regulus asked of them once they were wrapped in brand-new fluffy bathrobes that the Duchessa obtained from who knew where. The ones they had initially covered them in were now so filthy he imagined Narcissa would burn them.
"I'm Laramie." the girl said softly after glancing at the three.
"I'm Lorimer." The boy kept his eyes downward.
"I reckon you guys should go back to bed now, right? It can't have been pleasant to wake up to screaming.
"Oh, we're used to it; it's okay." the boy muttered to the vicious shushing from the girl that did not go unnoticed. Their English was relatively proficient, though their names and pronunciation were obviously French. It made him wonder what situation they were in before they ended up on the edge of his wards and who had mistreated the precious fae children so that they forced an animal transformation and ran off?
Regulus led the children to their new bedroom with the help of Narcissa and Isabella, whom the children had warmed up to and allowed to hold them.
The children refused to sleep alone, and Regulus watched bemusedly as the two flopped over each other and immediately fell asleep.
It made sense, Regulus admitted, especially if they had lived as wolves for a while; it was the easiest way to stay warm.
Strangely, nothing much changed with the addition of the twins, and as it turned out, they somehow were able to transform again. Regulus wondered if that was because, as Fae, they had different powers than typical Wixen. Besides the two wolves joining the various other magical creatures skirting around the grounds, everything continued as usual.
By mid-January, the Fae children were added to the wards officially by proxy of Remus, who vouched for them despite not knowing them.
"I have not gone soft!" he growled at Severus and Regulus, who were both snorting behind their tea service. "They're just babies!"
"But you don't want to adopt them either so they can have a family."
"I can adopt them; I just can't blood-adopt them." Remus countered, his face turning purple with frustration.
"There is nothing wrong with you!" Regulus tried saying, one hand waving around dramatically, the other clinging to a fresh biscuit the elves had made.
"My affliction is a problem!" Remus snarled back.
Harry walked into the room at that moment and made himself comfortable next to Regulus. Sala followed, grinning at them like a shark and taking Regulus' other side.
"Who doesn't want to adopt who?" Harry asked with all the grace of a charging rhinoceros.
"Harry - Ah, Aurelius, this is an adult conversation," Regulus said
"You're a child too," Sala pointed out to the aggravated head bobs of Harry.
"Harry, child, Sala, please, this is a private conversation. Regulus, you too."
Regulus scowled but figured Severus really couldn't let him stay while the other two were there.
None of them were happy to leave, as gossip was one of the main attractions of Highclere Castle.
"Let's listen at the door," Regulus muttered petulantly, to the quick agreement of Harry and Sala.
"Severus, you will need to make a potion to check their ages unless there is a spell for Fae? I doubt they will get a Hogwarts letter unless you can somehow trick the magic of their bloodline? It might make it easier for them to get accepted."
"You can't trick magic," Regulus growled, remembering his own failed attempt from when he was a toddler. Harry and Sala both shushed him.
"How do we know they don't have a home to go to?" Severus drawled, sipping something that was very obviously not tea.
"What are we discussing?" Narcissa and Isabella had joined, and it was noticeable how both Sala and Harry cringed as if in fear they would get caught.
"The Fae children." Remus supplied, suddenly looking very tired.
"Well, they're wolves; they should stay with you," the Duchessa said primly.
Harry snorted quietly, "I love how she can say anything and still sound like a pureblood."
The others nodded in agreement.
"For Merlin's sake, Duchessa, they are not real wolves."
"Could have fooled me," Narcissa said softly, as purebloods didn't mutter.
"Why don't we figure it out when the time comes," Severus said, pinching the bridge of his nose and summoning what must have been a pain reliever potion for the headache he was likely getting.
"We still have time to figure it out, as most of the children still have a year before going to Hogwarts, and then another three for Ursa."
"If you sneak them into Hogwarts, they will need to stay in your quarters Severus," Narcissa said matter of factly.
Of course, no one answered, as Severus didn't want to deal with children, and no one could speak for him.
"You'd have to hide that from Albus, but yes, that's a wonderful idea." The Duchessa said, clapping her hands, not caring that Severus was against the idea.
"Maybe they can just go to Hogwarts properly!" Severus said a little desperately.
"Or we can send everyone to Beauxbatons." The Duchessa suggested.
"You can't possibly expect Harry Potter to go to Beauxbatons," Remus said, sounding scandalised.
"I think I can expect Aurelius Zabini to go to Beauxbatons; thank you very much." The Duchessa said coldly.
"They will stay here for another year, and then we can figure out the technicalities next year," Narcissa added hastily, trying to calm a brewing storm.
Severus groaned but didn't bother arguing.
When no one else spoke for more than five minutes, Sala sighed and moved away from the door.
"I guess I don't care if I go to Beauxbatons," Sala said as he dusted the non-existent dust particles from his trousers.
"Same," Harry said, shrugging.
"I already experienced Hogwarts, so experiencing a new magic school would actually be preferable," Regulus said, a thoughtful look in his eyes.
Harry swatted him. "Shut up, prat, don't rub it in that you have so many choices."
Regulus didn't bother answering, led them to the sitting room, and plopped himself onto the sofa, sighing.
Sala and Harry followed, casting a glance to the corner where Theo and Blaise seemed to be perusing a large tome. Draco was nowhere to be seen, and Ursa was napping in a giant beanbag he insisted on buying after missing it from the orphanage. Now that the boys had more free time on their hands, Regulus said thoughtfully, "Why don't we check on our brother bond?"
Sala bobbed his head up and down eagerly. "That's actually an excellent idea because me and Harry were adopted by our blood."
"Harry and I," Regulus muttered.
"What now?" Sala asked
"Nothing," Regulus replied sweetly.
"Okay, but how do we figure it out?" Harry asked curiously, "The only magic we've really done is accidental magic."
"Exactly, and Regulus only does wandless magic", Sala added, grinning at the boy. Regulus couldn't help but smile back.
"Why don't we cast a shield?" Sala asked after thinking it through when none of them could figure out how to test the bond. "Last time, it was kind of automatic, I think, because we were all trying to protect each other when the adults first came to the orphanage..."
Harry inclined his head but said nothing; he merely continued leaning against the wall, a book in his hand.
"Come here, Lucien," Sala murmured, his voice lulling and encouraging. Harry gave a deep, heavy sigh as if he had a lot on his mind and joined Sala on the settee, where he curled up against Sala, his relief palpable. Regulus felt a sharp flash of jealousy and immediately pushed it down under his occlumency shields he perfected when he was thirteen.
"Yeah, I went mad, remember? All the magic just came out of me. A shield is a smart idea." Harry finally said, a few minutes after Sala carded his fingers through the boy's hair, turning him into a jellied mess.
Regulus easily casted a shield with wandless magic, grinning a bit at his friend's words.
The only real difference, they found, was that a pearly white colour and beautiful indigo had joined the magical hues that were tied to the bond. Though it only appeared whenever they practised shared magic together. The second Harry got distracted again, the colours faded. The magic wasn't fully fledged, as Regulus was the only one with real magic experience and no wand. In contrast, Sala and Harry had no experience at all, except perhaps in accidental magic.
They still needed to wait a whole year to be admitted to Hogwarts— or Beauxbatons if the women had their way, as only Blaise and Regulus were ten already. Theodore's birthday was in April, Draco's and Sala's in June, and Harry's in July.
Time would tell, he supposed.
With the winter holiday's over, Severus had to return to school. But it seemed that Severus had another gift for Regulus.
Before leaving, he took Regulus aside. "Take the Prince name," he murmured, looking, for what Regulus could only explain as abashed.
Regulus stared at him, his mouth dropping open. "I've already named you my heir in all the legal ways." He said when Regulus still said nothing. "And I think your brother, at the very least, should have a father."
"W-wow... I-I..." Regulus stuttered, in such an uncharacteristic way, that Severus laughed.
"I know you didn't accept a blood adoption because Lily was the only remaining option, and I won't force you into one. You're my heir, regardless. If you do, we can protect you at Hogwarts, as your name would legally and magically change to mine."
"Would I lose all access to anything Black?" Regulus asked, uncertain.
"You would have to ask Potter - Harry - Aurelius!"
Regulus snorted.
"That's really confusing!" Severus muttered, scowling.
"That's why we wanted to keep his name Harry, but you said it was dangerous!"
Severus sighed. "It is. His cover story is that he was always a Zabini. There will be so many problems if anyone finds out he's the boy who lived."
It wasn't really an easy decision, though he didn't say so. "I'd be honoured."
Neither mentioned the awkwardness of the fact that they had once dated, as indeed, Regulus was no longer an adult but a child that, whether or not he agreed, still needed an adult in his life.
In the last week of January, news came from Hogwarts that Remus was offered the History of Magic position, as someone had pulled a prank that sent Professor Binns, who had been a ghost, to the afterworld. Remus had been waiting for the position for a long time and was thrilled to finally get it. He immediately accepted the offer and returned to Hogwarts to take up the post. It was a dream come true for the former Hogwarts student.
However, with Remus leaving and so many preteens in one big house, the possibilities for mischief were endless. The house was constantly filled with laughter, squabbling, and the occasional shriek as the brothers and friends got into all sorts of interesting predicaments. From trying to sneak into the kitchen late at night to concocting schemes to get out of doing chores, there was never a dull moment in the house. Even the simplest of tasks became an adventure, as they all worked together to find creative solutions to everyday problems. With such a lively atmosphere, it was easy to forget that they were still only children and still had to study and learn something new.
Another thing that happened with Remus leaving was the fact that Laramie and Lorimer's care now fell onto Isabella and Narcissa. Not that they minded in the least, but Regulus knew it was an extra strain.
"Truthfully, Madam Black, they look so much like Sala and Draco already; it might be the safest if you take them on."
"I have Veela blood, not Fae blood." Narcissa snapped, though Regulus didn't take it to heart. Narcissa was a lot more stressed than she used to be.
"I always thought Draco and Sala had a little bit of Fae blood, to be fair." Regulus insisted. "I'm sure it would be fine."
"Where would I say they came from?" Narcissa asked him, with an 'I dare you to come up with a proper solution' attitude in her tone.
"Well, they're twins, aren't they? You can pass them off as Lucius' or anyone else's." Regulus answered and ducked, for he knew Narcissa would smack him for even suggesting it. It was typical for someone with twins to have more twins. Maybe he could convince Narcissa of that.
"It's still risky,"
"Just think about it."
Regulus left the room then, not willing to ire the woman further.
It seemed that while the children were all having fun, the adults planned for the former's education.
In order to learn basic magical skills, all the purebloods had to take up tutors, which caused Regulus to need to offer the Vow — though slightly changed, to allow entry for the teachers. He had to ensure that Sala and Harry's ancestral home and its magical items were safe from harm. Regulus also had to ensure the tutors could enter the castle daily and access the enchanted items necessary to teach them.
Changing the contract was a bit tedious, but it would allow him and the two remaining adults in the house, Narcissa and the Duchessa, to trust two new people - or in this case, professors. Severus and Remus had hired them; according to the owl Severus had sent, their names were Professor Eris and Professor Wallace.
However, Regulus used it to his benefit as he bartered the men's allowance into the grounds by trading it for the protection and care of the Fae twins. Reluctantly (though Regulus didn't think so, the woman loved children and had always wanted a daughter, according to Draco), she accepted his proposal. However, they would wait for a weekend when Severus could come and ensure all possible flaws were resolved, as if Narcissa didn't have Fae blood, it could possibly hurt the Fae children.
"Wish I had wings," Sala muttered to him the night before the professors were due to show up and teach them.
"I don't," Draco countered, "imagine having an extra thing to make pretty?"
The next day dawned, and the women seemed happy to finally have a little peace and quiet in the castle. The elves had turned an unused wing of the castle into a small school, which was where everyone trooped after breakfast.
Professor Eris was already waiting for them and taught them about magical arts and Transfiguration. Once Professor Eris left for the day, Professor Wallace replaced him and taught Defence Against the Dark Arts, Charms and Enchantment.
Severus mentioned he was still looking for a third professor that he found apt in Potions that could also teach Herbology, Astronomy and maybe even Flying, but had yet to be successful.
Regulus said that if Severus couldn't be there to teach them, he ought not to be so finicky and find someone decent instead of wasting time.
Within a week, they had Professor Sutton teaching them Potions, Herbology and Astrology, but refused to do Flying as it was a 'disgrace'.
"Don't worry," Regulus said consolingly when the others heard the news. "We can find a way to do Flying without an instructor."
It did little to mollify the group, but Regulus wasn't worried.
After a few days of the Professor's going back and forth, Narcissa suggested they could live at a small cottage on the grounds of Highclere Castle and would be able to teach the boys in the safety and comfort of their own home. Of course, the Duchessa told them they'd get a raise, and the Professors happily obliged.
"Good thing they're not married, yeah?" Harry said softly. "Imagine they'd have a bunch of kids; this castle would be overrun!"
Regulus snorted but knew Harry wasn't wrong. Nine kids were running around (though Laramie and Lorimer usually preferred their wolf forms).
Professor Eris was also an expert in the Muggle world and had a knack for teaching the boys about Muggle culture and technology. The three professors were to help the boys become well-rounded with knowledge of the Muggle and magical worlds. The boys were eager to learn from these professors and worked diligently to master the magical arts for their pre-Hogwarts ages. They would spend hours in the library studying and practising the various spells and charms their professors had taught them. It was difficult without a wand, but at least they got the theory down, which would definitely help in their first year at Hogwarts. As the boys progressed through their lessons, they formed a bond with the professors. They often discussed their studies late into the night. The professors were patient and encouraging and always willing to offer guidance and advice to the boys. The boys began to look up to the professors and eventually saw them as mentors. The professors had become a source of comfort and reassurance for the boys, helping them to believe in themselves and their abilities. The two professors soon became like family to the boys, and they all grew fond of one another. With the help of their mentors, the boys felt more confident in their magical abilities and were eager for their first year at Hogwarts. As the weeks passed, the boys gradually began to understand more and more of the magical world and the power of their own magic.
Narcissa had said that for now, the Fae children were exempt from the studies, as they still had yet to figure out what it was they needed to learn and chose to tutor them herself, with some helpful input from the Duchessa.
Classes continued into February, and soon, all thoughts and excitement of the holiday faded away into a whirlwind of studying, exams, and stress. Of course, not everyone was concerned, namely Regulus, Blaise, and Draco. As they had grown up in a proper home, studying and organising their thoughts on the matter was relatively easy. Well, perhaps that was giving Regulus' family too much credit. Still, the boy did already go through seven years of Hogwarts, and the idea that learning theory for magic for children pre-Hogwarts era was ridiculous.
Theo noticed that Regulus still took it in stride. It was probably because he wanted to show a good and cheerful face to the boys that constantly surrounded him, Rilo, his nickname for the younger Zabini boy, and Sala Malfoy. Or was it Black-Malfoy? The politics surrounding that were slightly more confusing than he let on.
Now, it was "study time" in Highclere Castle, and Theo had to give credit where it was due. The normalcy of the day-to-day lives everyone had there was shocking to him. The children were fed at least three meals a day, and even if they got caught nicking food at all hours of the night, it didn't lead to a whipping or a round of Crucio.
Despite Crucio being so painful he thought he would die, Theo rated it his second-worst punishment. The first was when he had been strung up by his arms with chains and left like that for fourteen days. His father had come in once a day, sneered at him, and told him crying was for wusses and Mudbloods and then whipped him while he couldn't cover himself. When the meagre nightclothes he had been wearing shredded and fell off his body, his father had not bothered replacing them and instead left him naked and vulnerable where he was.
His father had invited friends over too, and they had come inside to where he had been held prisoner and leered at him and done other things to him that he pushed so far to the back of his mind that if someone asked him if it happened, he would have easily been able to say no. He was lucky that an elf quietly fed him a few times and hadn't died along with him.
But as much as Theo wanted to pretend he hadn't been physically and sexually abused, he had, and the first time he had been caught getting food from the kitchen by the Duchessa, he had a full-blown traumatic meltdown.
The memory came to him unwarranted.
It had been one of the nights that he tried sleeping alone, and while alone, he had nothing to distract the hunger that sometimes plagued him at night. Everything had gone alright, tiptoeing down the stairs, slipping in through the doors with his slight frame, and even entering the kitchen itself. It was, of course, a grand place to be in the house. He stood in the centre of the kitchen, taking in the opulence surrounding him. Every surface gleamed with a polished finish, from the marble countertops to the stainless steel appliances. The cabinets were dark, rich wood, and the handles sparkled with diamonds. The kitchen was so large he could hear his own footsteps echoing off the walls.
He hadn't known what most of these things were and had it explained to him by Rilo, who had grown up working in the kitchen. As a pureblood, it was strange to see all these things that his father never used, and he wondered if it was just there for show or if the house elves really made use of these things.
Despite most of the oil lamps being burnt out, a small oil lamp remained lit in the corner illuminating the room and casting deep shadows across the surfaces. There must have been a charm on it to stay burning the entire night. It was enough to see by but not enough to give the room any warmth. Theo knew he needed to be careful in this kitchen. One wrong move, and he could easily break something worth more than his entire life.
Walking around the kitchen, he noticed that everything was perfectly organised. There was no clutter, and every appliance and tool had its designated place. The oven was large enough to cook several turkeys at once, and the stovetop had several burners, each with its own temperature control. Was that necessary with all the magic the house elves had? Again, he wondered exactly what the elves did to make their food every day. Perhaps, if he survived this encounter, he'd ask them.
Despite the grandeur of the kitchen, Theo couldn't help but feel uneasy. The room was so open, with no hiding spots to speak of. The kitchen was incredibly open, with no curtains or cabinets to hide behind. He glanced at the small light in the corner of the room, which barely illuminated the space, providing enough light to sneak around but not enough to see much. Maybe at least that could cover his presence?
As if Merlin heard his thoughts and his fear of having nowhere to hide,
the sound of someone coming downstairs startled Theo into dropping the dish he had been holding. It was a cherry pie with sweet graham crumbs that had been calling to him when he attempted to sleep for four hours to no avail. The loud crash would be the thing to blow his cover, even if the lack of light didn't. He ignored how the ricocheting pieces of ceramic cut into his legs and the pain and trickles of blood that he could feel rolling down his legs. Cursing himself now for not wearing anything on his feet, as the pitter patter of slippers would have been another thing to blow his cover, he walked over the shattered ceramic, whimpering slightly as it cut into his feet.
The door opened, and his racing heart made him feel like he couldn't breathe; the inability to use his limbs forced him to stay in place, though looking around again in desperate hope showed what he had seen just seconds earlier. There was no place to hide. His tremors scared him; they started within himself and outward to his legs, arms and heaving ribcage.
He mourned the loss of the food but knew that hiding was more prevalent than the loss, and his growling stomach would survive unless he was murdered first. But all he could do was hope he could fade into the background. A useless, frantic wish of a child.
But she saw him. The Duchessa approached him with a smile, and Theo knew he had to think fast. He tried to blend in with the surroundings, but it was no use. The kitchen was too grand, spacious, and luxurious to hide in.
His father had always liked when he proffered himself to him, falling to his knees and kissing the hems of his robes to beg not to be punished, which never helped, as no matter what Theo did, he was always punished.
He sighed and resigned himself to his fate, wondering how he would explain his presence to the Duchessa. Should he kiss her robes? Terrified and unsure, he fell to his hands and knees and began sobbing, trying without success to kiss her robes as his body shook in terror. The ceramic cut into him further, and he was so far gone he ignored her frantic words to not move and then a soft utterance of a vanishing spell. He still didn't move even when he felt the cool feeling of a spell working its way on him. It was starting; they would hurt him now.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Please, I was just hungry!"
Explaining had never helped either, but he always did it, always hoping that maybe his father would allow him a little leeway.
When he heard nothing, he added, softer, more desperate, "Please don't let anyone touch me again, please, Father! I won't do it again! It h-hurts when they do..."
Theo heard a sobbing gasp which made no sense, and then suddenly, the Duchessa was on the floor with him, and she was sobbing too.
"Hello, little one," a voice said, a soft voice, and he hadn't been hit yet.
Theo struggled to make sense of his surroundings and failed.
The soft, musical voice wasn't deterred when he didn't answer and instead asked, "What can you see right now?"
What could he see? Still confused and filled with terror, Theo dared to lift his eyes to meet hers, then quickly look around, "a p-posh kitchen," he murmured, curling in on himself further. Why wasn't he being hit? Where was the torture? Was this his torture, to trick him into calmness before striking?
"Excellent, Theo. Can you hear any sounds around you?"
Sounds...? "I hear howling wolves - I guess the Fae transformed again..." Why did he say that, were there wolves in Nott Manor? His confusion mounted, but he forced himself to strain his ears when he heard the woman say, "Hmmm."
"I-I h-hear the sound of my racing heart and the blood whirring in my veins."
There was the gasp again, but he ignored it.
"Great, Theo, What do you feel?"
Theo wanted to laugh at that but refrained, he felt afraid for his life, but he couldn't very well tell her that. Theo began tracing his thumb against the marble on the floor. "The floor, it's slippery because it's clean," he told her, waiting for her to laugh, but she didn't, instead only complimented his efforts again. "Yes, Theo, exactly, Do you notice any specific smells?"
Theo felt his lip tremble; it was so easy for him to smell the destroyed cherry pie he desperately wanted to eat. "C-cherry p-pie," he stuttered again. Tears came to his eyes again. "I really wanted the cherry pie..."
"It's okay, Theo; we can make more cherry pie. We can even do it now."
That made Theo look up again. There were tears in her eyes too, but she was trying to smile at him.
"Okay, last one, Theo, Is there anything you can taste right now?"
That was easy for him, the reason why he had come down in the first place. "Hunger," he told her.
She didn't tell him off for not really explaining a taste, but she held her hand out to him, and very reluctantly, he took it.
"Do you know where we are, Theodore?" she asked him once his eyes cleared a bit.
"R-rilo's and Sala's castle."
"Good boy, Theo." she praised him. He gave her a shaky smile.
"I will go wake up Blaise, and then the three of us can have a midnight snack, alright?"
Theo nodded slowly, and though the boy knew he wasn't dreaming, he knew there wouldn't be a punishment either. How peculiar.
When Blaise came down a few minutes later, wide awake, devastated, and overly protective, Theo had let himself be held and coddled, as he only really let Blaise or Rilo do.
They never spoke about that night, and if Blaise insisted they share a bed for the few weeks after the situation, Theo certainly had no complaints. Blaise just made him feel safer.
It was one sunny day in February, closer to March, when after much studying, Rilo had admitted to not knowing anything about Hogwarts.
There was a significant gap in Rilo's knowledge—his understanding of Hogwarts and everything that would happen once they turned 11. The realisation that he was unfamiliar with the intricacies of the magical school prompted the boy to seek guidance from those around him.
"Why don't we just involve everyone in the discussion?" Theo suggested quietly when Rilo had come bounding up to the two of them, his eyes wide and eager to learn more about the school.
"You sure we're not going to Beauxbatons?" Sala joked, sitting down and pulling Rilo with him. The other boy huffed but went willingly and curled against Sala like a cat. The two were almost like the Fae wolves, as they had taken to being called.
Ever eager to assist, Blaise gathered Regulus and Draco to discuss Hogwarts comprehensively. Ursa was there, too, despite not needing to really know about Hogwarts for another few years. The most valuable information was obviously from Regulus, who had already spent seven years at Hogwarts and would need to do it all over again. But he shared about all the teachers, classes, meal times, how weird Dumbledore was, and all the extracurricular activities like Quidditch and Duelling.
He further delved into topics such as the houses, magical creatures classes, and the enchanting environment that awaited them within the castle's walls. Everyone listened attentively, absorbing every detail with a hunger for knowledge. Theo listened too, but his reaction would have been different only some months ago had he been able to escape from his father for an entire year. With the safety of Highclere Castle and being hidden under a Fidelius, Theo felt marginally safe.
Narcissa and the Duchessa had sat everyone down and given them an essential list of rules and punishments that would be delved out should it not be adhered to.
Since they didn't run an actual school, detention wasn't a real "thing". Nevertheless, the women reminded them that they could help the house elves or lose out on privileges, which would increase with more rule breaking. With a sigh, Theo leaned back into the soft cushions and listened to the talk and easy banter going on between everyone in the room.
During his discussion, Laramie and Lorimer joined, sitting on a free settee together, but made no discernible noise.
Having also walked in on the conversation, Narcissa gave some input on her deep understanding of Hogwarts, explaining the importance of the Sorting Ceremony and the significance of the houses. She described the rich history and traditions woven into the fabric of the magical institution, fuelling the children's curiosity even further. All the boys there, Regulus notwithstanding, asked loads of questions that Narcissa was happy to answer. The Duchessa, who had taken an increased interest in looking after the children since what happened with Theo, also joined but offered nothing new that Narcissa wasn't already addressing.
The Duchessa, who had taken an increased interest in looking after the children since what happened with Theo, also joined but offered nothing new that Narcissa wasn't already addressing.
Theo felt a sense of excitement and anticipation bubbling within him. The prospect of attending Hogwarts became more tangible, his thirst for learning growing stronger with each passing moment. The boy understood that he would be stepping into a realm of limitless possibilities, a place where his magical abilities would flourish.
Theo couldn't wait to discover what awaited him at Hogwarts, and he was confident his future would be full of surprises and adventures.
February was also the month the house elves set up a fully-fledged Quidditch Pitch. The boys were ecstatic to see it set up, and as soon as the house elves finished their work, they ran out to the field.
Theo was amazed by the intricate details of the field; the grass was lush and green, the goalposts were tall and strong, and the hoops were perfectly aligned. He couldn't believe they would soon be able to play Quidditch, a game he had only heard about from Regulus' stories.
Although the boys had never played Quidditch before, they were eager to learn. Regulus was more than happy to teach them the game basics, though he seemed annoyed at something. Maybe it was because Snape hadn't found a professor to teach it to them?
He showed them how to hold the broom and how to fly. He taught them the game's rules, each player's positions, and the moves they could use to outsmart their opponents.
The boys practised their flying skills for hours, soaring high in the sky and attempting daring stunts. They worked on their hand-eye coordination and their ability to control the broom. They took turns playing different positions, throwing the quaffle back and forth, and trying to catch the snitch. As the weeks passed, the boys' skills improved, and they grew more confident in their abilities. They began to understand the game's strategies and how to use them to their advantage. They even started to develop their own unique styles of play.
Soon enough, the boys were playing full-fledged Quidditch matches against each other. They were having so much fun that they forgot all about their magical studies. They would stay out in the field until late at night, cheering each other on and pushing themselves to become the best Quidditch players they could be.
Although Theo and the others had used most of their day to play, Regulus started them on an exercise routine that was safe for them to do to help them with the effort of Quidditch.
It seemed that a few weeks of no studying and only playing had fuelled the professors to become angry for the first time.
Professors Eris, Wallace and Sutton had put their foot down about studying once too many days had passed where no one focused. It got to a point where Professor Wallace got Narcissa and the Duchessa involved. Theo would never forget how the Duchessa stormed down to the Quidditch Pitch, Narcissa not far behind, their arms crossed, and a furious identical look in their eyes that had everyone landing faster than a professional Quidditch player.
"If any of you fail your exams, you will be banned from Quidditch, even at Hogwarts!" The Duchessa snarled and immediately pointed to Blaise and Rilo to head indoors. They did without much fight. Narcissa had the same idea, glaring at Sala and Draco, and it showed how scary the women were acting when Draco didn't whine, as he was won't to do with anything else. Theo silently followed them, knowing he didn't have any proper parents, to shove him inside and didn't want to bring attention to it. Regulus, slightly mollified, took Ursa's hand and put everything away before he, too, made his way inside.
No one argued after that, and as February ended, everyone reigned themselves in and focused on their studies again.
Secretly though, Theo loved his studies. The moment he was no longer worried about looking over his shoulder whenever he wanted to study, it became a safe haven to which he returned constantly. Whenever Theo felt scared or overwhelmed, the boy would go to his room and lose himself in books and knowledge. He felt comforted by the knowledge that he was gaining and found a new sense of purpose in his studies. On some of these days, he was accompanied by either Blaise or Rilo and on other days, he stayed alone, relishing in the comfort of a place he could now confidently call home.
March arrived, and one of the first few things that made itself apparent was Aurelius' physical growth. No longer being starved was one reason, but completely obliterating his entire biological stencil was another. He had spent many a night telling Blaise how happy he was for this change, as it was too embarrassing to tell Regulus and Sala as they had both seen him when he arrived at Littlest Angels Orphan Home. It was a weakness he wasn't truly ready for his longest friends and brother's to hear about.
Blaise was the only one who he had confided in about what really happened at the Dursleys. It had happened in bits and pieces, a story there, an explanation there, and though Blaise never had a bad childhood, the boy had shared many stories he had lived through in turn.
A week into March, Aurelius plucked up the courage and approached the Duchessa.
If he was being honest, Aurelius also wanted a serpent, if only to have a constant companion to speak to and protect him from predators. It wasn't likely to be necessary, as Harry Potter was gone, but having a protector that wasn't human should be required... right?
"Do you reckon I can get a familiar, mother?" He asked quietly one night when she was tucking him into bed. At first, he outright refused such a childish gesture, but she insisted, saying that it offered her comfort to hug and kiss her children every night and see that they were healthy and happy before they slept. Unable to say no to that and sweetly adoring it himself, he started looking forward to it.
"Getting one a familiar before they go to Hogwarts is a tradition. We can wait until then, mio tesoro?"
Reluctantly, Aurelius agreed and hugged his mother goodnight, relishing in the gentle kiss to his forehead she gave him.
As the days went on, Aurelius noticed that his healthy eating pattern brought nourishment and physical growth to his body. He was no longer scrawny but rather a tall, handsome, almost ten-year-old.
On their day off from studies, the second Friday of March, Blaise approached him in one of the hammocks.
"How would you like to go on a transformative journey with me?" he asked, leaning against the tree holding up his brother's hammock.
"Aren't we already following a basic routine from Regulus' Quidditch training?" Aurelius retorted, glaring at Blaise as he was blocking the sun.
"Yes, but it can enhance ourselves further; we can do it safely, and it can be our way of spending time together since it's been so busy with studying, and no one really spends time on recreational things."
"I'm spending time on recreational things now," Aurelius scoffed, "For which you are blocking my sun."
"Please, brother, I'll owe you a favour."
"A no questions asked favour?" Aurelius checked, sitting up.
Blaise gritted his teeth. "I'm not going to kill anyone or something crazy, but otherwise, yes, deal."
Aurelius looked at him, wondering why he was hassling his brother who had done so much for him, and realised he wanted to see how much Blaise was willing to do it for his own sake rather than on the orders of someone else. The stories he heard of Harry Potter were enough to make him wary, especially with how Regulus said that Dumbledore liked to "keep" people.
"Deal." Aurelius said quietly, getting up, "And I would never ask you to kill anyone."
"Alright," Blaise said once they headed towards the castle. "The first thing we must do is visit the local sports shop."
"Right, we'll need basic equipment." Aurelius agreed, nodding. "Regulus had the same, but I guess basic training for him, and you will be different."
"I will ask Mother to accompany us because we can't go to town alone..."
Aurelius sighed but stayed quiet. He supposed getting even more muscular and fit would be good. No way he could get bullied then, right?
Thirty minutes later, the Duchessa apparated them a street away from the store and joined them quietly as they walked inside, looking around.
Blaise handed him a set of hand weights, exercise bands, a jump rope, and a yoga mat.
"Is this really all necessary?" he asked Blaise, who was so excited, he was jumping up and down as he handed everything in Aurelius' arms to his mother.
"Of course, Auri. Everything is necessary."
The second they got home, Blaise immediately went to an area of the castle that Aurelius had never seen before.
"Please tell me you didn't tell the elves to make a gym," Aurelius begged.
Blaise laughed. "They can do anything, Auri. I say accept their help and become fabulous."
Blaise got the two of them to work right away.
The boys spent a few hours each day running, stretching, and lifting weights. They also did many core exercises, including sit-ups and planks. "I hate you!" Aurelius grumbled to Blaise after two weeks when he could hold the plank for a minute, and Blaise had the timer, making sure his brother's form was good.
"Never; you're perfect, Auri."
Of course, if Aurelius preened at the compliment, he didn't announce it to his brother, who had a smug look of "I told you so" all over his features.
Soon, Aurelius could do more challenging exercises like push-ups and squats. Blaise was impressed with how quickly Aurelius was able to adjust to the routine and was happy to have a workout partner. Aurelius was just glad to prove to his older brother that he could do everything Blaise did but better.
Theodore was also eager to join in on the fun. He and Blaise had got closer over time, especially now that they all lived together. Theo wasn't as keen to work hard as the Zabinis, but he inserted himself into a few laps here and some squats there, to the happy delight of Blaise.
Theo was especially interested in the stretching portion of the routine, and the boys took turns leading him through some of the more challenging poses.
The boys had a lot of fun working out together. They laughed and talked the whole time, and soon enough, they had all become quite healthy. Even though Theo hadn't done much, he already had a good physique, and Blaise took pride in his routine, which helped the boy get fitter.
They also had a lot more energy, making it easier to focus on their studies and practice for Quidditch. Overall, it was a very positive experience for all three of them.
They continued to spend hours together during their free time, engaging in physical activities that strengthened their bodies and brought them closer emotionally.
Aurelius watched as Blaise blossomed. The boy was a natural leader, and it filled him with pride that this boy was his brother.
Theodore also loved spending lots of time with Blaise, even more than usual, sometimes even peeking in on the two of them working out together. As their friendship grew, Aurelius saw Theodore and Blaise become inseparable. Theodore's admiration of Blaise was evident, and Blaise returned Theodore's affection with equal enthusiasm. Soon, the two were sharing all their time together, and Aurelius couldn't help but feel slightly jealous of this, though neither boy pushed him away whilst they spent time together.
As their bodies grew stronger, Aurelius found solace in the physicality of their workouts. The pain and exhaustion were reminders of their shared determination and unwavering commitment to one another.
In those moments of shared exertion, Aurelius revelled in the tangible presence of Blaise. Their breathing synchronised, their steps aligned, and their spirits danced together. The boundaries that once separated them dissolved, paving the way for a deeper connection that transcended the physical realm.
With each passing day, Aurelius marvelled at the strength and resilience he discovered within himself, and he knew it would come in handy one day, even if it wasn't about working out.
On the last night of March, Aurelius lay in bed contemplating the month he had. He had come a very long way since that day in September when everything had changed. Now Aurelius had a family, friends, and brothers through a bond that blossomed more powerfully every day.
Aurelius realised that the physical growth he experienced was not merely a result of their workouts but a reflection of the emotional development that had taken root within their bond.
Through their shared physical activities, Aurelius and Blaise cultivated their physical strength and nurtured their emotional connection. They laid the groundwork for a relationship built on trust, vulnerability, and unwavering support.
Together, they celebrated each milestone, relishing their shared accomplishments with joy.
Just as he turned over in his bed to sleep, a soft knock on the door alerted him to the presence of another.
"Come in," Aurelius said softly, turning around to see Blaise enter the room, wearing the same silk pyjamas he had on.
"Pyjama party?" Blaise asked, joining Aurelius under the covers, shivering slightly.
With the castle's size, the corridors were usually draughty, and the common rooms within were usually where everyone hung out.
Aurelius lay in bed, his body pressed against Blaise's as they cuddled together. He could feel his brother's warmth seeping into his bones, and it comforted him. They had always been close, but this was different. It was a closeness that went beyond words, beyond actions. They were two halves of the same whole.
Blaise shifted slightly, and Aurelius could feel his breath on his neck. The boy turned to his little brother and pulled him closer, wrapping his arms around him. "Aurelius," he said softly, "I need to talk to you about something."
Aurelius turned his head slightly, his eyes meeting Blaise's. "What is it?"
Blaise took a deep breath, his eyes searching Aurelius's face. "I know that I've been spending a lot of time with Theo lately. And I know it might seem like he's becoming more important to me than you are."
Aurelius felt a pang of jealousy in his chest, but he tried to push it down. He knew Blaise loved him, but sometimes it was hard to remember when he saw how close he was getting to someone else. "Go on," he said, trying to keep his voice even.
"But I want you to know that no matter how close I get to Theo, you will always be my top priority," Blaise said earnestly. "I saw how jealous you got the other day, and I don't want you to feel like you're being replaced. You're my brother, Aurelius. You always come first."
Aurelius snuggled closer to Blaise, feeling comforted by his brother's words. "I know," he said, "I'm sorry for being jealous. It's just that I love you so much, and I don't want to lose you."
Blaise smiled, kissing the top of Aurelius's head. "You won't lose me," he said firmly, "I promise. I love you too much to ever let anything come between us."
Aurelius felt his heart swell with love for his brother. He knew that Blaise meant every word he said. "I know that, Blaise. It's just hard sometimes."
"I know," Blaise said, his voice soft. "But I promise you, nothing will ever change how much I love you."
Aurelius turned his head, pressing a soft kiss to Blaise's forehead. "I love you too, Blaise. Always and forever."
They lay there in silence for a few moments, their bodies intertwined. Aurelius felt a sense of peace settle over him. He knew that no matter what happened, he would always have Blaise by his side. And that was all that mattered.
As they drifted off to sleep, Aurelius felt how tightly Blaise held onto him and felt grateful for the boy who became his rock when he felt like scissors. All he had to do was make sure no one became paper for his brother, and all would be well.