A/N: I own nothing but OCs!

Ginnyrules27: Update as owed! You have nooo idea how much I wanted to push them forward a bit, BUT DENIAL AND SLOWBURN IS THE LORE AND ITS MY OWN FAULT FOR REQUESTING IT.

AmethystDragon14: WHOO! Honestly, Harry is prob my number one favorite of any of the characters in the movies.

Jedblack1997: that would be telling huehue.

Guest: Sadly, my once a week updates was when I was still work from home/part-time and still sort of in the throws of Lockdown. I can try to do a backlog, but it's very unlikely.

Read, Review, & Enjoy!


The water lapped against his legs, bringing a refreshing coolness in contrast to the intense heat of the sun overhead.

Where he had once avoided water unless for baths, or for rain, being exposed to the sun made Hadie feel the need to seek it. Being on an island, one of course was surrounded by water, but the clouds kept the blazing star away, rendering the need to swim as unnecessary.

He wasn't on the Isle anymore. Nor would he, for at least another three months.

Damn the Isle for his stunted growth.

Asclepius was trying his hardest, but even with his schedule being upped to monthly checkups it looked like Hadie wouldn't be able to visit his father before September.

Hadie sighed as he splashed his way through the gentle lake's waves. Nearby, his official watchers of Hyacinth and Cassia waded more carefully. They'd been told he hadn't learned to swim yet, so where most nymphs tended to frolic in their free time, they were mindful of not their actions in case of knocking him down.

Demeter's protectiveness saw a line of buoys placed where the waterbed dropped off. He couldn't help but roll his eyes, but he appreciated the thought.

Flopping down onto the towel covered beach chair that'd been laid out for him, Hadie closed his eyes as he felt the caress of the sun dry him off. A few minutes later, a voice interrupted his blank solitude.

"Enjoying yourself, dear?"

Hadie brought up a hand to shade his eyes, finding himself squinting up at his mother.

"Mhmm," he replied.

Persephone smiled and turned away. Slipping her sandals off and lifting fistfuls of her skirt, she stepped into the lake herself. She sighed in content as the cool water lapped at her ankles. Hadie watched with amusement as Demeter stepped up next to him with a frown.

"Really, Persephone?" sighed Demeter. "That's a perfectly good dress you're getting soaked."

"We're barely into summer, and it's already stupid hot here," whined Persephone. Hadie snickered. It was funny to learn how unruly she could be with her own mother. "Besides, it's just a chiton. It'll dry on the line easily!"

"That'll take time away from the nymphs' tasks!"

"You have the largest employ of them. A few being waylaid to do laundry will barely affect anything," Persephone scoffed. "Besides, I bet you they'd rather have the break in doing so, than toil in the humid fields all day."

"Honestly–," Demeter began, rolling her eyes. Whatever she was going to say was interrupted by a mischievous splash from her daughter.

"Persephone!"

"Ha! Now your chiton is wet too!"

"That's it!"

There was no anger in Demeter's tone. Instead, Hadie was caught off guard as his grandmother dashed past his seat and dove into the water herself.

Squeals of laughter peaked through the air as Persephone found herself tackled into the lake. The Goddesses resurfaced moments later, drenched. Either's luxurious, well-kept hair now undone into messy, soaked tresses.

"Now, who's at fault," taunted Persephone. "I was only getting a bit of my hem wet!"

"Nope, still your fault," smirked Demeter.

"Mother!" Persephone yelped as Demeter tripped up her daughter on the way back to the shore with an overpowered hip bump.

"All packed up, Hadie?" asked Demeter as she approached once more, wringing excess water from her hair and chiton.

"I think so," chuckled Hadie. "Alright there, mom?"

Still spluttering, Persephone reached the edge of the water. With a glare, she splashed at her mother.

"Mom!" Hadie whined. He moved to protect his backpack of dry clothes and books.

"Sorry, dear," smiled his mother.

"Uck, mom!" Hadie complained again as the Goddess reached over to give him a hug. He wanted to dry off so he could go to the Charmings' again, not be doused with more water!

Persephone responded by planting a kiss on his cheek against his will.

"Guess I have to go change, I'll see you in a bit to take you to Charmington."

"Yeah, you do that," grumbled Hadie as the women around him, nymphs included, chuckled at his despair. He wiped at the newly clinging water in distaste.

He reclined once more, ignoring his family while he tried to continue drying off in the sun.

There was too much worry plaguing his thoughts. Hadie had no clue what he'd do when he got to the Charming's. No plan had been made, no itinerary or anything. Queen Ella had simply accepted Persephone's inquiry of "Keeping Hadie from under foot while the seasons were in transition", and said he was welcome to stay for a few days just in case the Goddess needed more time.

'What to do?' Hadie worried silently. 'I don't even know what state they'll be in when I get there. Would they be interested in still going horseback like they talked about last time I was there? Or are they as listless as they were at school?'

When he felt adequately dry again, Hadie sat up from his seat. Pulling out his bag from beneath his chair, he tugged on a shirt and a pair of shoes. The swimming thing was kind of growing on him, and Kitty had mentioned there being a small swimming hole at their castle as well. Was it overly casual of him to appear in swim trunks and a tee? Absolutely. The likelihood of anyone at an informal playdate caring? Nada.

"Ready to go?" Persephone still had an energetic grin as she approached once more.

"More clothes in the bag in case I stay longer, only some of my homework and toiletries?" exclaimed Hadie as he stretched up. "Check, check, check!"

"Alright," chuckled Persephone, reaching down to pick up the bag in question.

"...Hadie, what's this?" she asked, instead pulling out some loose papers that had been peeking out. She frowned as she read whatever was on them. Demeter came up behind her and peered over her shoulder, an eyebrow raised.

"...Homework," replied Hadie.

"Your school assigned compound runic formulas?" chuckled Demeter.

"Mother…?" Persephone wondered. If the far more strictly opinionated Goddess didn't see a concern, maybe needn't Persephone. That, and the fact that Demeter seem3d to recognize it over Persephone.

"Athena wanted to see what I came up with," shrugged Hadie.

"Well, maybe don't bring these," sighed Persephone. "Anything else like this in the bag?"

"Fair enough," Hadie shrugged again. He pulled out one of the two notebooks and handed it over.

"You're going to a mortal household after all," nodded Persephone as she handed the 'homework' to her mother. "But I'll be double checking with your father on this."

"If you must," pouted Hadie.

"I'll keep put it in your room," smiled Demeter. Now that things were a bit warmer between them, Demeter had cleared out one of the barely used rooms for her grandson, near Persephone's room.

"Thanks, grandmother," said Hadie. "See you later."

"Until later," nodded the Goddess, standing back as Persephone's magic began to swirl.

"I'll be back shortly, mother," Persephone waved.

Hadie recoiled as they appeared at the steps of Charmington Castle.

"Here," Persephone softly spoke. Hadie took the offered pair of sunglasses with a thanks. The white gleam of the castle stones made the sun brighter than it'd been in Greece, and even with all the time he'd spent off the Isle now, there were days his eyes were still extra sensitive to light.

"Keep in mind the rules like always," his mother began, though her voice wasn't firm. They'd been over them so many times, it was old hat, and he'd earned her trust. Even if it was helped that it wasn't the Isle that he was being left unsupervised at. "You're a guest, so remember to follow any rules they set too."

"Of course," nodded Hadie as they made their way up the stairs.

"Lady Persephone," greeted Queen Ella at the approaching guests. Her husband, King of Charmington stood next to her.

"Queen Ella, King Kit," Persephone said in turn. Hadie gave a small bow to each monarch.

"Thank you for allowing me to visit, your majesties."

"Of course, Prince Hadie, any friends of our children are always welcome," smiled Queen Ella.

"I'll see you later, Hadie," said Persephone.

"No time to stay for tea, Lady Persephone?"

"Thank you for the offer, but I've left my mother waiting," smiled Persephone apologetically. "Rain check?"

"On your return, perhaps?"

"I'll see if I can make do," replied Persephone. She turned to her son, dropping him a quick hug and kiss. "I'll see you in a few days, υιóς μου."

And if you feel the need to leave early, I'm only a thought away.

"Love you," Hadie whispered.

"Love you too."


Hadie followed Kit and Ella through the castle's never-ending halls. A servant had come up to take his bag to wherever the room he'd end up staying would be, but he was to follow their majesties to wherever their children were currently holed up.

"Good thing you're already in your swim trunks," started Kit. "Chad took the girls out to the pond in the garden to cool off."

"Alexandria warned me it was a popular pastime during summer," said Hadie. "So, Melody started teaching me how to swim."

"You don't know how to swim?" worried Kit.

"Not very well yet, but I can make myself float without panicking," explained Hadie.

"Neither of my parents were comfortable enough to teach me on the Isle, and I don't blame them seeing there's a lot of sharks…Mom's been letting me play in the lake at grandmother Demeter's farms though," Hadie hastily added at the adults' shocked looks. He didn't want to hold the others back by not being allowed around a pond. Those didn't have a habit of being very deep.

"As long as you feel comfortable then," smiled Ella. "We don't want any of our children, or guests, to do anything they'd rather not do."

"I dunno," Kit frowned. "I'm not comfortable with you not having at least some sort of supervision if you're going to swim. It's not fair to leave it on Chad or the twins to play lifeguard."

"Then we can arrange for a servant to take part," Ella offered.

"I suppose that could work," acquiesced Kit. "I'll go find Prudence—"

"Rudy is certified, ask her," chuckled Ella.

Kit smiled fondly at his wife. "Leave it to you to know our staff so well."

"Keep at it, and you'll get there one day too, dear," Ella said, kissing Kit's cheek lightly. "Now I'm sure Hadie would rather not be hindered by displays of affection, so I'll be continuing to show him the way to the pond."

"Appreciated." Hadie sighed, choosing to stare pointedly down the hall instead of at his hosts.

The king and queen chuckled, and parted; Kit down an adjacent hall, and Ella continued the le

ad as promised.

'I really need to start remembering to carry sunglasses around,' thought Hadie, squinting as they exited the castle into the sprawling back gardens. 'If only I could learn to summon stuff like the Gods yet."

His mother's only reaction was 'no' and a twitch in the eye. She thought he already had enough ammunition to get in trouble with.

"Hadie is here!" Queen Ella called out as they rounded a path surrounded by tall, well-kept shrubbery. Some statues and benches littered the area, and a stone creation funneled a waterfall into a large, shallow pond. Trees, even taller than the shrubbery walls, cast shade across the clear waters.

An odd fluttering feeling appeared in his stomach as Hadie caught Alexandria's eye, so sure that he had seen the girl perk at the sight of him.

"Hiya, Hadie!" Lucy greeted. Kitty waved enthusiastically next to her.

"Hi, everyone," Hadie returned the greetings, a small bout of shyness filling him.

A quiet nod was all Chad offered, avoiding eye contact.

"Well, don't have too much fun," Ella chuckled. A touch of sadness tainted her joke as her smile turned weak at her eldest and youngest.

As he bowed a light farewell to the queen, Hadie watched from the corner of his eye as Lucy elbowed Kitty. If his ears didn't deceive him, it was for muttering something that sounded very much like "We won't."

Within moments, Hadie kicked off his shoes and splashed into the water with the others.

"Sunscreen?" Offered Lucy.

Hadie stared owlishly. "...I don't burn."

"Godling. Right," Lucy snorted.

"But Mal still wears it," said Kitty.

"Have you seen how pale Mal is? She'd rather not take the risk."

"Fair enough," shrugged the darker haired twin.

"Are you guys going to Herkie's birthday party this weekend?" Hadie asked nonchalantly as he waded deeper. He rolled his shoulders to relax as the water began to rise to his waist.

"Sure are!" Kitty said excitedly. "His first open one here in Auradon was pretty fun!"

"I preferred Macaria's, but I guess that's a given, huh?" laughed Lucy.

"It felt like any other giant ball we've been to, just in a laxer, Mediterranean setting," sighed Kitty. "There were games!"

"Oh, like pin the tail on the satyr? Get real, Lucy, learning to throw a javelin and the discus toss for prizes was way cooler!"

"Sometimes I wonder if I don't have a brother for a twin, than a sister," Lucy groaned.

"I like plenty of stupid, stereotypical things, Luce, but that doesn't mean I can't like reckless stuff."

"Alright, alright, take a chill pill ladies," Chad finally spoke. "You said you'd keep the squabbling down if you were going to hang outside with us."

"I guess we did," the twins groaned.

"That doesn't sound like they're going to settle back down," Alexandria gave a short laugh.

"Booooo," pouted Lucy.

"Lucy, don't make him mad," hissed Kitty.

Chad just rolled his eyes and sighed, continuing his lazy back float.

The twins seemed to hold a brief, silent conversation, before Lucy spoke again.

"Why don't you come inside with us, Hadie?"

"Oh, it's alright. I don't mind staying out a little longer with Chad and Alexandria," said Hadie.

"Are you sure?" she hesitated. "Even if it's inside, we won't have to use our quiet voices out here."

"No, I want to stay out longer," Hadie said firmly. "Besides, we were cooped up in the school halls for so long, I like getting so much sun."

The fact that he'd never gotten any sun for the first 11 years of his life went unsaid.

"Suit yourself!" Kitty and Lucy spoke in tandem. The pair grabbed their towels and headed off, nodding to the awkward, hidden in the shade, Rudy.

Hadie turned his attention back to the last Charming children still in the pond. Taking a leaf out of Alexandria's book, he sank down to his shoulders, and, giggling to himself as he walked funnily beneath the surface, towards his friend who was occupied in rearranging the water lilies in pretty patterns.

"Hewwo," Hadie gurgled, his mouth halfway submerged with the rest of him as he reached Alexandria.

"Aah—! Hadie!" squealed Alexandria. Petals rained upon them from the lilies she'd tossed up into the air. A hardy slap echoed as one broadleaf hit the water, followed by another lily pad; this one missing the water entirely.

Instead, the painful crack of flesh being hit resounded. A short yelp burst from the unfortunate Chad as he spluttered upright, the plastic-like leaf sliding from his chest. Red angrily marked his abdomen, stark against his 'yet to tan for the summer' skin.

"Sorry," the preteens recoiled.

The older teen pouted sullenly at the cloudless sky.

"We should get out of the water anyways," sighed Alexandria. "I know you haven't been here long, Hadie, but I'm starting to prune."

With a nod, he jumped out of the water, and lent her a hand to climb over the edge.

Chad, however, didn't respond. He simply stood up and got out of the pond.

Hadie watched awkwardly as Alexandria sighed once more, keeping a straight face as the princess finally accepted his hand to join him outside of the water.

A few minutes later, the three were dried off. The godling didn't bother trying to change yet, content with the drying from the sun. Chad, however, had thrown on an informal button up as he sat on a towel reapplying sunscreen. Next to him, his littlest sister did the same, with a sundress now over her swimsuit.

"Rudy?" Chad called out. "I'll call you back if we decide to enter the water again, but you can leave for now. No point in being stuck out here with us when I'm sure you have other things to do."

"As you say, your highness." Rudy bowed away.

Hadie kept quiet, continuing to absorb the heat of the sun. He closed his eyes as he heard the rustling of paper from where the other two sat.

"You don't have to stay, Hadie," the soft voice of Alexandria reached his ear.

He took in the booklet in her lap as she settled next to him. It seemed so long as Chad was in her sight, she wasn't totally hugging his side anymore.

"I came to see you though," he replied quietly. "Even if we're not doing anything exciting, I did promise, didn't I?"

"...Hadie…" she stared at him, wide-eyed. Alexandria blushed and looked away. "Still, I'd hate to keep you from having any fun."

"I may be excitable, but I don't need to have fun every day, Lexi," chuckled Hadie.

A glint appeared in the girl's eye. A whap from the sheet of papers in Alexandria's hands sent Hadie scrambling.

"What did I say about calling me that?" scolded Alexandria.

"Sorry, sorry!" laughed Hadie.

He rolled back over and grinned. "Alexandria, then." His voice was haughty, purring the last half of her name.

She smiled.

And then she smirked.

A moment later, Hadie found himself back in the water, her giggles echoing through the water. The crystalline sound was music to his ears as he resurfaced.

It was a small improvement, but it was something.


Some hours later, Hadie followed his queenly hostess down the always confusing halls towards the guest quarters.

"You'll be staying here," Ella stood aside as she opened the door, allowing Hadie to enter his guest room first.

"Thanks, Queen Ella," Hadie smiled tiredly as he looked around.

"Please, Ella is fine outside of formal events," chuckled the queen. "And even then, I honestly can't bring myself to care."

"With your permission then, Ella," Hadie gave her a cheeky grin.

"Breakfast is at half past seven in the morning," Ella continued. "Would it be alright to have a servant wake you?"

"I'm fine with that."

"I'll let you get to bed then," Ella said as she stepped back towards the door. "Oh, and don't forget to brush your teeth!"

"Of course," laughed Hadie.

"Oh! My apologies, a mother's habit," Ella sighed bashfully.

"It's fine, it's fine!"

"Ah, one last thing, Hadie?" the queen turned, one hand on the doorframe.

The godling paused and looked up, toothbrush held between his teeth as he ruffled through his backpack for pajamas.

"Hesh, mr'rm?"

"Look, I need to be honest," she sighed again, this time forlorn. "It's not fair to you to be here, when Alexandria isn't willing to do much without Chad. Unfortunately, I can't force her to be a better friend, because there's nothing wrong with being a good sister. Even if it's a little unhealthy right now."

"It's fine," Hadie said again, taking the toothbrush out of his mouth. "I wouldn't be here if I minded. Even if she doesn't want to hang without Chad, I'd just like her to remember that she has more than just family to turn to."

"Well, don't feel pressured to do anything…and if something is out of your comfort zone, I heard you like libraries."

"...You drive a hard bargain."

"Can you blame me?" laughed Ella. "I saw your face over dinner when the others spoke about taking their horses out tomorrow. Might've been only a second, but I caught it."

"You did, huh?" Hadie sighed. "Honestly I wouldn't mind it, but I'd rather not hold them back from full sprints when I'm not ready."

"And that's kind of you, but I would also expect my children to be proper hosts and not leave a fledgling rider in the dust. Especially when teaching you was their idea."

"I'm interested in learning!" Hadie protested. "I just feel like I'd be lagging behind, since Chad and Alexandria, a-and the twins, all said they wanted to race! And Chad seemed excited, so far be it from me to interfere with something that would help his recovery!"

"So, it has nothing to do with VK's refusing to show fear?" said Ella.

"Y-you know that rule?" winced Hadie.

"Your sister does go to Learning to be Royal meetings," Ella said softly. "She's let a few things slip."

"But I wouldn't be a good guest either," hesitated Hadie.

"Hadie," Ella interrupted. "I'd rather you learn in a safe and comfortable environment, where you are willingly making the choice to participate. Far be it from me to be a hypocrite and say must's must. We'll gladly host you for lessons any time that you are ready for them."

"...Thank you."

"Good night, Hadie," she smiled, retreating from the room at last.

"Good night!" he called after her distractedly.


Hadie kept Ella's words close to heart the next morning. It came helpful when the discussion from dinner ultimately came true.

"We're going to go for some sprints around the fields! Want to come?" Alexandria said excitedly as her older siblings headed out the door about an hour after breakfast. The five of them had taken an easy morning; talking and, in Hadie's case, getting to know each other better as they digested the early meal.

"I…I think I'll pass," frowned Hadie.

"Why not? You did well enough your first time," smiled Alexandria.

"Exactly, first time," Hadie pointed out. "You and Chad were looking forward to racing when you made plans last night, there's no way I'd keep up."

"W-well, we don't have to go at a sprint," she offered.

Hadie smiled sympathetically.

"Alex…you clearly want to go, and run to your heart's content. Far be it from me to be the one to hold you back from having some of the first bit of joy that you've finally decided to pursue."

"It's been pretty obvious that I've been moping while I focus everything on Chad, huh?" asked Alexandria, eyes full of trepidation.

For a moment, Hadie took the chance to channel his inner Dizzy. It was a bit awkward at first, reserving such an action for adored family. The friendly group at school, including even Herkie and Melody, only ever saw the allowance of thrown over-the-shoulder versions.

This was the first real hug Hadie had ever initiated with anyone not family.

"Go on, have fun," he said quietly into a shocked Alexandria's ear. "I'll see you at lunch."

He smiled a bit as Alexandria briefly tightened the hug.

"I'm glad we became friends," sniffed Alexandria. He realized his shoulder had become a bit wet.

"Me, too," he said, pulling away gently to offer the princess the handkerchief he'd started to carry ever since his second lesson of Chivalry.

"Thank you," she gave a short laugh. With a light dab to each eye, she folded it into the pocket of her dress, blushing furiously. "I'll have it back to you as good as new, later."

"Take your time," Hadie laughed. "You're far more important than that little square. Now, I believe your siblings are long gone, so you might want to avoid keeping them waiting any longer."

"Good point," Alexandria nodded. She flashed him a proper smile this time before running towards the garden doors. "See you at lunch!"

As he watched the sun hit her golden tresses, Hadie sighed and turned back into the palace.

"Welp. Guess I'll spend my time exploring yet another new library. Although I finished all the homework I'd brought already since that's all Chad and Alexandria really did after getting out of the pond."

Hadie paused and glared at his reflection in a nearby window. Luckily, there had been no servants nearby since everyone parted from breakfast.

"Evan's right. I need to find another hobby."