Starlit Aisle
25th of August, 1999.
Harry woke up with a jolt. He rolled out of bed and headed over to the other bedroom. Keyara was crying uncontrollably. He lifted her up and wrapped his arms around her. It was early. He hadn't checked the time, but he was sure it was before he would prefer to be up. He stood up so the movement of his steps would help calm the little girl down. He slowly grabbed things for some breakfast. He didn't want to wake Charlie yet if he could avoid it. Keyara fell asleep again and Harry placed her back in bed. He didn't feel like going back to bed himself. His mind was spinning. What would happen to Keyara? Who would care for her? Could they take her in? He closed his eyes and leaned back in an armchair.
Books and paper lay all around Harry when Charlie made it up later that morning. Keyara was sitting with some coloured pens drawing sometimes on the papers that Harry had calculations on and sometimes on the blank paper Harry had given her. Charlie knelt and kissed Harry.
"Love each other?" Keyara said. "Like mommy and daddy."
"Yeah, we love each other," Harry said.
"You have same marks," Keyara said.
"We do," Charlie said. "We have them because we love each other." He walked over to a table with some breakfast stuffs on it and grabbed a few things. "Do we have any plans for today?" he asked.
"We shouldn't go far," Harry said. "In case they need her."
"We could take a walk around though," Charlie said. "I wasn't with you last time you were here."
"Sure," Harry said.
"Do you have to apply the glamour?" Charlie asked. "I'd like to have my bonded not some other dude."
Harry chuckled. "Can do," he said. "I'll just make sure people don't pay too much attention when we leave and come back here."
"Thank you."
Harry smiled. It wasn't like he preferred being Kato when it was just them. He took his notes and put them away. He felt like he was close, but he wasn't quite sure where to go. He was starting to worry that he might need another mark to work from, and he didn't have that available to him. "Want to get some clothes?" he asked Keyara. "You need something else to wear." He picked her up calmly and headed for the door. "I'm sure Charlie knows how to follow us." He headed for the same clothes shop where he had bought his very intricate naga outfit from. He walked in and the bell chimed.
A young man walked out from the back. "Well, hello there sweetie. Did you finally make it back to me?" he asked. He made it closer to Harry before his eyes narrowed. "Oh, I thought you were someone else," he said. He looked at Keyara and smiled. "Would you like something nice for your daughter?" he asked.
"We would like some clothes yes," Harry said. He smiled at Keyara. "What colours would you like?" he asked.
"Green." Keyara's orange eyes looked around the room. "Pink n yellow."
"Fabulous choices," the storekeeper said. "Shall we get you fitted?" He looked up as Charlie entered and walked up to Harry who leaned back against him. The shopkeeper looked back at what he was doing. He had been about to start flirting again, but this was clearly a bonded pair and he didn't feel like messing with that. The girl was moved from one parent to the other and the first one who entered fetched several fabrics.
"Looks good dear?" Harry asked.
Keyara nodded shyly. The fabrics were very nice. Her mother would never have bought something so nice. Her eyes teared and she buried her face in Charlie's chest. Harry handed over her measurements and they got the clothes made. They walked out and wandered around for a bit.
Keyara smiled as they passed some children playing. "Where is Aya?" she asked.
"Aya is with your mother. She died in the fire," Harry said simply. He stopped by the river and Charlie let Keyara down. Harry reached out and the water moved up and made little birds that flew around before diving down into the water and disappearing. He found the small smile he coaxed out of Keyara a win. "Let's go find some snacks," he said.
27th of August, 1999.
Around noon two days later an Auror showed up. Charlie pulled Keyara into her bedroom as Kato let them in. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" he asked.
"Can you accompany us?" one of the Aurors said.
"Sure," Kato said. He walked out with them and they headed over to the town hall. Sri Lanka's magical government was the same as India's but they did have a local branch for certain things like the Aurors and judicial system. Kato was led into a courtroom.
"You are Healer Kato Peverell?" the Judge asked.
"Master Healer Peverell yes your honour," Kato said.
"Can you explain magic revelation charms to the jury?"
"I can," Kato said. He turned towards the jury. There are several spells categorized as magic revelation charms. Most of these are unreliable and have around a twenty-five to forty per cent fail rate."
"Is this demonstrable on adults?" the opposition asked.
"Yes," Kato said.
"Could you please do so?" the opposition said.
Kato explained each spell before using it. He showed the results of each spell. At least three of the jury members were indeed shown to be squibs each time and it was never the same ones.
"Are there other spells?" the opposition asked.
"There are two more that the healer community is aware of. One is sometimes used though the ICW had prohibited use on anyone under the age of ten since their magical core isn't properly developed yet. Using this spell on a younger child could cause irreversible damage to their core," Kato said calmly. "The last spell is outright banned as it will cause harm as well as pain equal to several seconds under the Cruciatus Curse."
"Thank you for your evaluation Master Healer," the opposition said.
Kato bowed. "A pleasure to help," he said. He was allowed to leave. He guessed he was brought in as one of many healers. If all of them said the same thing it wouldn't look good for the people who had used those spells on little children. He headed over to the Hospital and walked into the burn ward. At the far end of the room was a door with an Auror guard. Kato headed down there and showed his credentials. He walked inside. "How are you doing?" he asked.
"They say someone else might have set the fire," the old man said. "They say Keyara saw someone. I hope they don't pressure her about it. She's just a little girl."
"I'm making sure her well-being is put first," Kato said.
"They placed her with you, huh," the old man said. He looked down at the sheets. "Even if I'm not guilty I know I can't take care of her. I ain't fit to parent a little girl. Is she happy?"
"She is managing," Kato said. "She lost her entire family. She has bad dreams and cries a lot, but she smiles and laughs too."
The old man nodded slowly. "That is good," he said. "That is good."
Kato left not much later. He wasn't sure there was much else he could do for the man. He seemed quite beaten down. He headed back to the Inn. Keyara threw herself at him as soon as he entered. "Em rald no go away," she said.
"I just needed to answer some questions," Harry said calmly. "They needed to know somethings about magic." He sat down next to Keyara. "Did you have a fun time with Charlie?" he asked.
Keyara nodded slowly. "Arlie and Ara paint," she said.
"That is great," Harry said. He wondered how long it would take for her to move on. She was young. She laughed at something Charlie did and came running up to him. "Arlie funny," she said.
"I know dear," Harry said. He looked over at Charlie and smiled.
"Gang up against me. Go ahead," Charlie said. He was smirking. "Let's see how well that goes for you." He pounced and hugged Keyara before pushing Harry flat on the floor. "Let's trap Harry," he told Keyara who was smiling brightly. She nodded vigorously.
"Ry is a monster," she said.
"Harry is a dragon," Charlie said. "And we have to capture him."
"Yay," Keyara jumped at Harry and he caught her.
"Rowr," Harry yelped as he fell down on his back and lifted her up in the air.
Keyara giggled as she soared through the sky before Charlie grabbed her and spun her around. He hugged her close and leaned against a wall as his head continued spinning. "Again!" she squealed.
"Harry's turn," Charlie said as he handed her over to his bonded. He watched with a smile on his face as Harry ran around the room pretending Keyara could fly and spinning her around until they collapsed in a heap on the couch.
…
"She seems to be doing a little better," Charlie said later that night once they had gotten Keyara to go to bed.
"It will go in waves," Harry said. "All we can do is care for her. She'll be sad some days and ask questions. In time she will heal." He smiled as Charlie wrapped his arms around him. "She needs a steady home that will care for her and answer those questions."
Charlie nodded slowly. He wished they could go home. He glanced into Keyara's bedroom. All of them.
1st of September, 1999.
The verdict had come through the night before. The man responsible for the fire had been caught and tried. Keyara's grandfather wasn't the most reliable, but he was innocent. A knock on the door had Harry stand up and apply his glamour. Kato walked up to the door and opened it. "Please come in," he said. Two witches and two wizards walked inside. All of them looked official. One was clearly an Auror. The other three Kato couldn't quite tell who they were. "What can we do for you?" he asked.
"You are Kato Peverell?"
"That is me," Kato said.
"And you have a young girl in your care right now named Keyara Mendis?"
"That is right," Kato said. He was handed a scroll and he opened it.
"The current legal guardian of Miss Mendis finds himself unable to care for the girl. He has offered to hand her care over to you. Of course, this cannot just be done. We have to determine your suitability."
"To do that I will need an oath from you," Kato said. "I will have to give information I am unwilling to share with the world at the current time." He walked over to the desk and wrote a simple but direct vow of silence bound by magic and goblin law. He handed it over to the man who had spoken.
"You truly have such important secrets that our word is not enough?" the Auror asked.
"In a very specific part of the world, yes," Kato said. "That is why this vow is worded quite plainly and shouldn't inconvenience you all that much."
"It simply states that we will use your given name when referring to you," the Auror said as she looked at the document. "I assume this will make more sense once we sign it?"
Kato just motioned to the paper. "I will file it with the Clan," he said.
The four of them signed and Kato removed his glamour. "Now my name may not matter at all here, but I frankly cannot risk word getting back to the wrong people," he said. "He signed the document himself sealing it. "I am Harry Potter… back home that unfortunately carries some weight."
"So you don't want the name you have been using here associated with you?" the Auror asked.
"The political climate back home is somewhat treacherous at the moment. And I need those names separated," Harry said. "The goblins are well aware and hold a document that will unseal all of this eventually. The reason I even reveal this in the first place is that as Harry I am bonded and will marry quite soon. My bonded Charlie is here with me and to check suitability you need to check both of us."
"While that still does not clear this up at least it makes little difference to us. Healer Farook would like to take a look at the girl and we have some questions for you."
They settled down and Harry ordered some refreshments. The healer headed into Keyara's room to talk to her. Keyara looked up at Charlie as the strange man walked in. "You no take me from Arlie and Ry," she said.
The healer shook his head. "No, I just have some questions," he said. "How do you like Harry and Charlie?"
"Ther nice," Keyara said.
"Have they told you what happened to your parents?" the healer asked.
"Mommy and daddy and Aya all went woosh in the fire and died. Now they're with Ry's mom and dad," Keyara said.
"Woosh?" the Healer said.
"Fire went woosh," Keyara said.
"We assume it either gained oxygen or found something very flammable for a moment," Charlie said. "That is how she describes it."
The Healer nodded slowly. "Can I look you over? Check that everything is alright?" he asked. "I can do it to Charlie first if that makes you more comfortable."
Keyara nodded slowly. She watched as the man pulled a wand and cast a spell at Charlie. A faint golden glow covered Charlie and symbols appeared along his body. The Healer explained the symbols to Keyara before casting the same spell on her. He explained as much as he could to her from what she could see of herself.
"Everything looks nice and healthy," the Healer said.
Harry knocked on the door. "They want to talk to you, love," he said.
"Is it okay if I leave for a little bit?" Charlie asked Keyara. "We'll be just out in the living room. We can leave the door open so you can hear us."
Keyara nodded slowly. "Okay," she said.
Harry placed a ward so she wouldn't be able to hear exactly what they were saying while still hearing their voices. He stayed out of the way as Charlie answered their questions. He wasn't sure how well they were doing. The two that were there to assess them didn't show anything. He could pretend that he wasn't worried, but that wasn't true. He closed his eyes and listened to his bonded speak. They were trying to antagonize him, but Charlie was a dragon handler. People didn't really phase him.
"You can join her," the Healer told Harry as he walked out of Keyara's room. "I know what I need to know."
"Thank you," Harry said. He walked into the bedroom and grabbed a book. He sat down with Keyara and started reading for her. Charlie joined them after a while as the four deliberated. The discussion went back and forth before they called Harry and Charlie back out. Keyara was clinging to Harry.
"As far as we can determine you are perfectly viable as parents. You have a home and a steady income. You are in many ways more protected than most with your connection to the goblins. We assume you will have safety measures in place for little Keyara though it sounds like you already have a young child living with you?"
"Leoline my guidechild lives with us. We are probably going to have a house built for his father on the grounds, but yes there are measures in place to keep Leoline out of the water and away from the Sanctuary," Harry said.
"Then please sign these papers here and we shall get everything filed."
Harry handed Keyara over to Charlie and walked up to the table. He looked through the papers slowly. Everything looked fine. He knew they would adopt Keyara using a goblin ritual similar to how he had brought Hermione and Dudley into his family. She would be his heir even if she wasn't of his blood. It would make these papers basically useless, but they were a good start. He signed with his full name before walking back to Charlie so he could take Keyara. Charlie signed the papers and handed them back to the attorney. "There we go," he said.
"Good."
Harry dropped Keyara down. "You need to pack your things so we can go home," he said. He knew they had a rough road ahead. They needed to teach her English and the new house would be scary. They would manage though. Charlie walked after her. "I'll make sure we get everything," he said.
When Harry showed the others out, the attorney turned to him. "I have a private message from my client. He asks that you tell little Keyara that he also died in the fire should she ask about him," he said.
"I see," Harry said. "That sounds ominous. I guess we can do that though." He looked back. "She seems to understand that they won't come back." He turned. "Thank you for everything," he said.
"You are welcome."
The door closed and Harry walked back to his family. They had a daughter now. Little Keyara. He guessed he needed to get his and Charlie's things in order so they could leave. He packed everything away slowly. They could finally return home. It would be nice to go back to Ennerdale. They had a lot to do to get everything ready for the wedding. He placed their bags down on the couch. Charlie carried Keyara as they came walking out of her room. He stopped so Harry could hand him a bag then they headed for the door.
Keyara watched the goblins cautiously as Harry was handed a portkey. They were middle landing in Gringotts so Keyara could become an official Potter and get her own trust vault. "Things are going to spin a lot for a bit," he told Keyara.
A shy nod was all the response he got.
They left Kandy behind in a swirly spin and Keyara giggled. She pressed herself closer to Charlie. "Spinny fun," she said once they had landed. Harry spoke to the goblins for a bit and then they headed for Dumac's office. The vault was put up with no problem and Charlie merged his vault into the main Potter vault. "It makes no sense to have one each," he said. He shifted Keyara who was looking around and babbling about the many interesting things she saw.
They walked into a ritual chamber and a dwemer joined them to add Keyara to the family. It was a simple enough ritual with a potion containing blood from both parents. Wizardkind sometimes made a big deal of these things, but it really was quite easy to do. Of course, dwemer wouldn't show humans how to since that could create all kinds of problems.
"Please sign her full name," the dwemer said.
Harry took the paper and filled it in. Keyara Iris Potter. Her fiery orange eyes glowed in the lamplight. She looked happy. "Ready to go home?" he asked her. "Oh, wait half a second." he dived into an office for half a minute before coming back out. "Need that home for Remus. If we start expanding we need those rooms."
"And he needs his own place if he and Dora become a thing," Charlie said. "We need to include Leoline though. He will be very sad otherwise."
"He can probably keep his room for a while unless you want more children in the next few years," Harry said. "When he is older it won't matter as much."
"True," Charlie said.
Harry took Keyara so he could teleport with her since that was nicer on the stomach than apparating. They landed on the lush green lawn. "This is home Keyara," he said. He pointed up and the wards became visible. "Everything within the dome is home and it is safe. You don't need to worry here."
"No fire?" Keyara said.
"There is fire, but we have house-elves who make sure no one gets hurt and spells that make sure the fire cannot spread. "Winky!" he called and knelt on the ground placing Keyara in front of him.
"What does Master need from Winky?" Winky asked as her big eyes focused on the little girl. She could tell this was Master's child.
"This is Winky," Harry said calmly. He still spoke Sinhala when speaking directly to her. They would phase that out eventually. For now, she needed it though. "Winky is a house-elf. She takes care of the house. She cooks our food and makes sure we are all safe and happy. If you need something you can always ask Winky, but she will not do everything for you." He looked up at Winky. "This is Keyara Iris Potter," he said. "She lost her family in a fire so Charlie and I adopted her. We want to make her comfortable, but she shouldn't just be handed everything."
"Winky knows," Winky said. "Winky will let young elves and Krecher know. Then Winky will make food."
"Thank you, dear," Harry said. It would take some work to get Keyara used to English, but they would work hard. He had already been reading in English to her whenever she picked a book. Winky took their bags and left. He didn't pick Keyara up as they continued. Instead, he let her run around as she wished. She headed straight for the water, but the wards that kept Leoline from drowning himself worked just as well on her.
"Rye!"
Harry turned slightly and caught his guideson as he threw himself at him. "Hey Leoline," he said. He sat down and looked over at Remus who was slowly coming their way. "Leoline," he said. "This is Keyara. She is my daughter."
Leoline looked from Harry to Keyara. "Really?" he asked. He waved. "Hey K'yara. I'm Leo. Can we play?" He walked up to her and took her hand. He looked over at his father. "Can we have buckets and spades, Dad?" he asked.
"Absolutely," Remus said. He summoned Leoline's toys and watched the two children as they scampered a bit further down the beach where the sand was better if Leoline was to be believed. "Charlie said you would be out here," he said. "He told me about her. He seemed quite happy you could keep her."
Harry nodded slowly. "It would have been sad if we had to give her to someone else," he said. "I was there when her mother died and her father was a burnt corpse. It wasn't pleasant. So many lives lost to a fire."
"And she doesn't have magic, but you think she has magicka?" Remus said.
"We'll see about the magic," Harry said. "The medi-witches never admitted to what spells they had used. I can tell that she has magicka though."
"She is healthy?" Remus asked.
"As far as I can tell," Harry said. "And no other healer has reacted either." He conjured a comfortable chair to sit down in and flopped down so he could watch the children.
"So how does it feel to be a father?" Remus said.
"A little strange, but I had enough practice with Leoline that I'm not worried. I guess in a way it hasn't quite sunken in yet," Harry said. "Felac will be coming over. I want you to take a good walk around and figure out where you want a house to stand and how many rooms you want."
"Kicking us out are you?" Remus said.
"Yes," Harry said. "You need your own place, but you don't need to leave Ennerdale… unless you would prefer that."
"We'd love to stay," Remus said. "But you are right. I just wonder how Leoline will take it."
"Slow transfer," Harry said. "And we let him have a lot of say for his new room. There is a reason I haven't made the one in our house that special."
"Please make sure the other house is sold and use that money for the new one," Remus said. "I'll get you everything you need for that."
"I'll handle it," Harry said. "Don't worry about it."
"Can you take Leoline on the fourteenth," Remus asked.
"No problem," Harry said. He smiled as she watched Keyara and Leoline play. It was a good thing there was a child her age so close. It would help with her learning English too. Especially since Leoline wouldn't stop talking.
"Scoot," Charlie said as he walked up to Harry. "I want a seat."
Harry chuckled and changed the chair he was sitting in. He cuddled up to Charlie as he sat down, and they kept watching the children.
A Selkie stuck their head out of the water and Keyara pointed. "It is a Selkie," Harry said calmly. "They live in the lake. When you get older we can go see their village. You need to learn how to swim first though."
"Can we swim?" Keyara asked.
"Tomorrow," Harry said. "Isn't it fun to play with Leoline?" he asked.
Keyara nodded. "Leo nice but talk strange," she said.
"You'll figure it out," Harry said. He smiled as she went back to playing.
9th of September, 1999.
Winky moved chairs around. The lake sparkled and the golden leaves on the nearby trees were slowly floating out over the ground. Flowers and vines decorated the aisle. Remus had left to pick Tanya up from Hogwarts. Hermione had arrived and Neville was wandering around helping with the flowers.
Harry was working in the kitchen on the finishing touches.
Charlie was talking to the dragons. Most of their dragons wanted to take part in the ceremony even if they couldn't understand what the humans were saying. He was making sure they knew what to do with Misty and Dusty's help. The younger elves were fitting in nicely. Dusty had calmed quite a lot since realising that he had a fair amount of freedom as long as his responsibilities were taken care of. As long as the dragons were happy and cared for he didn't have to do much and the dragons mostly took care of themselves so he could learn how to do anything he wanted to.
The sound of the car alerted everyone to Dudley's arrival. He stepped out of the car and headed to the house. He waved at Harry in the kitchen. Hermione was sitting in the living room with a man Dudley didn't know and two little children. One Dudley knew was Leoline, Harry's guidechild. The other was a girl he had never seen before. He sat down and waited for Hermione to stop talking.
Hermione smiled at Dudley once she had explained the reasons why birds can fly and little boys can't. "Hello brother," she said. "This is Viktor Krum, my partner and this little girl here is Keyara Potter. Harry and Charlie's adopted daughter. Her English is a little shaky since she only started learning a few weeks ago, but she understands certain concepts and Harry won't let anyone but him and Charlie speak to her in Sinhala. He wants her to learn."
"So I guess Harry needs to explain to her who I am," Dudley said.
"He will," Hermione said. "He shouldn't be long."
"Is everyone in the party here now?" Viktor asked.
"Yes," Hermione said. "Ellie and your cousin Deyan are both with Charlie."
"Hello everyone," Tanya said as she walked in. She sat down next to Dudley and smiled at Keyara. "Oh, she is so cute." She had dropped her glamour and Keyara noticed her. "Kitty," she said. She walked up to Tanya. "Kitty girl," she said. She reached up and Tanya lifted her up on her lap. "Hello little one," she said. Keyara stood up and reached for Tanya's ears.
"Be nice to Tanya. It hurts if you pull her ears," Harry said as he walked in.
"Anya?" Keyara said. "Anya cat?"
"Tanya is a Khajiit. She is my apprentice," Harry said. "Like Draco."
"Co-co waiting," Keyara said.
"He will meet the guests, but Keyara will go with me and Aunt Hermione and Neville and Tanya. We'll put on the dress robes that Sue made for us," Harry said. "It is time to go." He walked up to the guestrooms where their clothes had been laid out. He helped Keyara into her golden dress. She looked a lot like Tanya. Their dresses were the only ones that were mostly gold.
"At least we are not fighting this time," Hermione said as she looked at Tanya.
"Yeah, it was fun though," Tanya said. "You can't deny that it was interesting to see how Clan Alfknif does their bondings."
"Now I know what the marks mean," Hermione said. "It doesn't make that much difference most of the time, but it is still nice to know. I just don't feel like a repeat. I do wonder if Keyara will go through the Pit. She has a chance to become part of the clan on her own merit. All of their children will. It doesn't matter that they are adopted."
"At least it is up to them if they want to," Tanya said.
"It doesn't go further though so they would lock it for their children," Hermione said. She helped Tanya tie her sash around her waist and fasten it.
"Would you do it if you could?" Tanya asked.
"I honestly don't know," Hermione said. "Then again I've not trained the way Harry has. He will be teaching his children so I guess they might do alright." She adjusted the bodice and smiled at Tanya. "Sue really is amazing," she said. "You look lovely."
"So do you," Tanya said. She walked outside of the room they had been changing in. Neville was holding his sash and Hermione walked up to him and helped him. His dark green robes were lined with gold and looked like he had just walked out of a forest. Whatever Harry and Sue had done to the design had them all looking just a bit elvish.
Harry walked out of a room with little Keyara next to him. His robes were cream white with emerald green lining and gold stitching. His hair was put up and he wore a crown. Charlie had jokingly said he should ask for Aunt Muriel's tiara, but the crown Katla had made for Harry made more sense.
"You really look like a prince, Master," Tanya said.
"Thank you," Harry said. "Is it strange that I'm more nervous now than when we bonded?" he said.
Everyone laughed. "That is so you, brother," Hermione said. "Is there a dangerous fight?"
"Let's go get them," Neville said.
"But a nice conversation with a few people," Tanya said.
"Oh, maybe not," Neville said.
Harry laughed. "I'm not quite that bad," he said. He took Keyara's hand. "Draco will let us know when we can head down." He walked over to a window and lifted Keyara up so she could look out. "Last time it was Fleur and Bill's wedding," he said. He could see the couple walking along the grounds with their little girl.
"Molly and Arthur's children are slowly getting married and having children," Hermione said. "Have they met Keyara?"
"No," Harry said. "And we'll shield her as much as we can today. I don't mind Molly in the least, but Keyara needs time to adapt and get used to Ennerdale."
Hermione smiled. She hadn't doubted that Harry would be a good father ever since Leoline was born. He talked to Keyara softly as she watched what was going on below until a big dragonfly showed up. "We are ready for you, Master," Draco's voice told them. "I will let Charlie know."
The dragonfly took off and Harry headed downstairs slowly with his entourage. They walked outside and stopped by a shield held in place by Draco. "Everyone has arrived," Draco said. "We are ready to start."
"Cue the music then," Harry said. He had recorded the music they wanted with the help of some dwemer who were inclined to learn music from their home world. He smiled as Charlie came walking towards them. His robes were a very dark green with lighter accents. They looked like fancy battle robes and he wore Qozul over his shoulders.
Ellie smiled happily. The party from Romania had arrived the day before and she had been unable to stop talking. She was so happy that Charlie was getting married and she was glad that Kato and Harry were the same person. She took Deyan's arm as Neville reached out for Hermione.
Draco had moved over to the guests and sat down. He knew his Master could hold the illusion now.
Harry smiled. "Your turn," he told Hermione, Neville, Ellie and Deyan. "Remember to walk slowly please." He walked up to Charlie and leaned against him.
"Soon," Charlie said.
"Yeah, I know," Harry said. He smiled at Tanya. "Your turn," he said.
Tanya smiled. She walked up to the ward and took a deep breath. She walked through. Flames licked out around her as she walked forward. Her smile widened. Harry did have a love for dramatics at times. She certainly couldn't blame him. She walked slowly until she reached the others then she turned around. On the tray in her hands lay two bracelets. They were simple in their design with small dragons etched into the smooth band. They weren't links. They weren't supposed to be taken off. A sapphire and an amethyst represented the stones in their wands and swords. She looked towards the area where she knew Charlie and Harry stood. The music changed and the beat picked up. Heavy drums rang out and with them, dragons rose and flew across the sky. The dragons gathered in two separate pools flying around and around. From within those swirls of dragons and lightning, two figures seemed to appear. Charlie stepped out first and started walking towards the altar. A few beats later Harry walked out of the second swirl. He was carrying Keyara and she had her face mostly hidden. She waved at Leoline as they passed him and Remus.
Harry stopped as he reached Charlie. He reached out and their right hands met palms flat against each other. The dragons finally landed around them. The officiate had little to say. His speech was short and to the point.
Charlie reached out for Tanya and she walked up to him and knelt while holding the tray up. "My bonded, my love. I faced the trials of Clan Alfknif for your hand in marriage. My feelings for you have not dwindled since that day and I believe they never will. Adopting Keyara sent us down the path of parenthood, and I look forward to the adventures we are yet to face," he said.
Harry placed little Keyara down next to him so she was clinging to his leg as he took the other armlet from Tanya's tray. "My bonded, my love," he said. "I have rushed into danger and faced the unthinkable. Never have I felt so calm in those dangers as when I have been with you. I hoped that even though our lives might see many challenges to come we will face any hardship together. Be they the hoards of Oblivion or a tried little girl."
"Together we will walk the road ahead. Hand in hand towards prosperity and adventure. Never let it be said that our courage will falter." They raised the armlets and placed them against each other's wrists. "We share in our love and we bless those who witness our union. To the darkness ahead we shine a light. We ready ourselves and we shall be the first to explore what can come next. For the rest of my days. I will be yours." They pushed the armlets against each other's wrists until they popped into place.
"Krinahkro." "Yolfronin."
The dragons lifted and flew around before returning to the Sanctuary. Qozul lifted from Charlie's shoulders and flew after his kin before Charlie reached out and pulled Harry into a kiss. Tanya whisked Keyara up. The little girl seemed to be fine with her. She was too fascinated with her feline features to care that she wasn't with her fathers.
"Food and drink have been prepared," Draco called. "If you will all follow me."
Harry and Charlie signed the papers that needed signing and then they walked into the pavilion with the guests. Food was served and people mingled around. Tanya had brought Keyara over to Leoline and guarded the two protectively.
Zoe walked up to Charlie. "Good wedding," she said. "To the point and with just enough dragons."
Charlie laughed. "I'm sure some thought there were too many dragons," he said. "It was what we wanted though."
"Married twice through. Isn't that a bit excessive," Zoe said.
"We had already invited people for this one," Charlie said. "We didn't want to cancel after the goblins offered to let us go through the bonding ceremony. It would have upset mother."
Zoe chuckled. "I hope the drink is good," she said.
"Left side," Charlie said. He walked up to Harry and wrapped his arms around him. "Keyara is happy," he said as he pointed over at their daughter. Do you think she will be alright with Remus for tonight?"
"We will try at least," Harry said. He looked at the guests. People seemed to have finished most of their food. With exceptions for those who ate exceptionally slowly or just had to take third servings of course. Music started playing and Harry pulled Ellie out on the dancefloor as everything else was pushed back. Stars danced over the floor and walls. Fred and Angelina joined them. The older guests pulled back at first as Charlie moved in with the rest of his brothers. The music flowed and guests left as the evening grew darker. Harry and Charlie pulled back at midnight, but the party continued for hours still.
10th of September, 1999.
Everyone had gone home. The Romanian crew had travelled back. Hermione and Viktor had gone to her parents. Dudley had headed back early in the morning. Everything had calmed down and Harry sat with Keyara in his lap.
"Glowy," Keyara said.
Harry sat up and looked down at the amulet he had made. "Charlie!" he called. He hugged Keyara as a blue glow appeared in front of him. A smile played on his lips as the light took shape. "Hello Rhavaniel," he said.
"Ghost woman," Keyara said.
"Not quite," Harry said. He sat up properly. "It has been a while. I hope things are going well."
"Vivianna has done a good job in my absence. I am glad to say we already have young students and they are quite the delight," Rhavaniel said. "Labyrinthian is a place of learning now and people come travelling through regularly. Viktor and Jonna are doing better. Katla is crawling out of her skin at times, but you know how Skyrim is. There is always something that needs fixing."
Harry smiled. He filled Rhavaniel in on what had happened since the last time they spoke. Keyara left his lap and walked up to Rhavaniel. "No touch," she said.
"She isn't here," Harry said. "She is far away."
Rhavaniel smiled. "Your daughter is a lucky girl," she said. She chuckled. "There are three little cubs running around the grounds of Lakeview Manor. Naya is happy and Rashall has calmed down considerably. Parenthood suits them. Maybe not as much as it suits you."
Harry rolled his eyes and smiled at her.
"I have been thinking that we should probably extend the College. We can't take that many students right now and I hear that others wish to come here to learn," Rhavaniel continued. "Katla is up for it. She helps a lot in building. You would laugh at peoples' faces when they see her carry stones and raise walls. They don't expect that of their Queen despite everything that she has done in the past."
"It is folly," Harry said. "Of course, Katla will help. Please tell me there are those who aren't quite so dumbfounded."
"Jason leads a lot of the building work she commissions. He is doing quite well," Rhavaniel said. "He keeps people on track and I do believe he has found himself a boyfriend that suits him."
"That sounds nice," Harry said.
"On the other hand I do have a magical conundrum that I could really use your help with," Rhavaniel said.
"Same," Harry said. He made sure Keyara had something to do before settling down. He looked at the papers she was holding out and considered the implications of the spells she was trying to create. These were protections for Labyrintian. He had always been just a tad sharper with those types of runes and arrays than she was. He pointed at runes and they shifted things around and added things.
Harry brought out his work on the Dark Mark and showed it to her. She knew darker magic in many ways and necromancy had always been more her thing than his. She had fought Manimarco. She had looked further into the magic once she left the Arcane University. She smiled as she explained what he was trying to do. Harry had always been interesting to listen to and he proved once again why she had fallen in love with him.
"Mom."
Rhavaniel turned around and looked towards her door. "What is it? Is something wrong?" she asked.
"No, it's fine."
"Do you want to go back to Katla?" Rhavaniel asked. She knew Harry had stopped speaking. She could feel him watching her.
"No, you just came back I want to stay with you."
Rhavanile smiled.
"Who are you talking to?"
Rhavaniel looked back to Harry. She knew he could hear her. He couldn't hear the person she was talking to but her answer would still affect him. "Your father," she said.
Harry stood up straighter and looked past Rhavaniel. To him, it was just his living room, but he hoped the person she was talking to could see him.
"What do you mean, mom?"
"He is your father, Daliniin," Rhavaniel said. "This is Harry."
"Katla said he was gone," Daliniin said. "She said Kyne took him from us. He didn't die?"
"No, son," Rhavaniel said. "He didn't die. Harry came from a different world. Kyne sent him back there."
"So that wasn't just a story," Daliniin said. "He is crying."
"He didn't know," Rhavaniel said. "He can hear me."
"So he knows now," Daliniin said. "Can I say hi?"
Rhavaniel held out a hand to him and he walked up to her and took it.
Harry drew a shuddering breath as the boy stepped into view. At least he had Rhavaniel's eyes, but that mess of hair was so Potter it was uncanny. "Hi," he said making sure he spoke Tamrielic. "I'm Harry."
"The great Dragon Prince," Daliniin said.
"Don't look like much right now do I," Harry said. "Trust me the armour does a lot."
Daliniin shook his head. "No it is fine," he said. "Katla doesn't look like she is the Dragon Queen without her armour either. I think it is smart." He leaned back against his mother.
"Kyne came to me a few months ago. The Dwemer live here and we bonded through a ceremony provided by them. She came to us and she offered me the opportunity to go back."
"You wouldn't be happy," Rhavaniel said. "You have spent so much time making things better for you over there that coming back here now wouldn't be right for you."
"Harry?" Charlie stepped into the living room. He could see Rhavaniel's amulet glow and the tears in Harry's eyes. "Has something bad happened?" he walked up to Harry and wrapped his arms around him.
Rhavaniel appeared but she didn't appear alone. The boy standing in her arms looked familiar. "This is my son," Harry said.
"I'm Daliniin," the boy said.
"Hello Daliniin," Charlie said. "I'm Charlie."
"Charlie is your father's husband," Rhavaniel told her son. "How much time has passed since you were pulled back?" she asked.
"Almost five years," Harry said. "I can see that it has been a bit more for you."
"Yeah," Daliniin said. He looked up at his mom. "I think we should end soon," he said.
"Probably," Harry said. "This is draining on the both of us that's how we can keep going and as much as I like to keep up a brave face I feel ready to collapse." he reached out towards Daliniin and Rhavaniel. "I want to see you again soon," he said.
"As soon as I can and have time," Rhavaniel said. "Love you."
"See you soon, Dad," Daliniin said.
"See you soon," Harry said. He collapsed back as the connection ended and leaned heavily on Charlie. "I have a son," he whispered. "She was pregnant when I left."
"I'll contact Healer Green," Charlie said. He helped Harry down on a couch so he could call Healer Green. He knew he could talk to Harry, but it was better if Harry got to talk this over with someone who wouldn't get hurt from the things he needed to get off his chest. It was weird knowing that he had a son. Charlie knew better than to think that Harry would change anything now. He had the chance to go back, and he didn't take it. Would knowing he had a son have changed anything? Charlie sighed. He honestly couldn't think that way and in the end, it was all just Kyne messing with things.
"What is happening?" Healer Green asked as they came through.
"Harry spoke to Rhavaniel tonight," Charlie said.
Green didn't look too thrilled. They weren't sure those conversations were good for Harry, but they wouldn't interfere as long as Harry wasn't hiding the fact that they spoke from Charlie. As long as they both knew what was going on it was most likely fine. "That hasn't been a problem in the past," she said.
"He didn't know she was pregnant when he left Skyrim before," Charlie said. "His son is about eight and we spoke to him a couple of minutes ago."
Healer Green closed their eyes and sighed. A child changed things and they couldn't forbid those conversations. The child had a right to know their father. "I will speak to him," they said. "I assume he needs to vent." Some of the things Harry had to say could very well hurt Charlie before Harry had a chance to think about what he really thought.
Charlie took Keyara with him out of the living room. It was time for her to get some dinner either way. He knew Harry would feel better after a talk with Healer Green.
…
It was getting late as Harry slowly made his way through the house while turning the lights off. Charlie was still up. That didn't surprise Harry that much. He knew they needed to talk too. He sat down on the bed and buried his face in his hands. "I don't regret the choices I have made," he said. "I both love and hate what Kyne did to me because I love my time in Skyrim and I love you. If I hadn't gone then we wouldn't be here." he sighed. "I'm glad I didn't find out about Daliniin until after Kyne gave me that choice to go back. Rhavaniel is right I wouldn't have been happy after everything I have built here. If I had brought you, you would have questioned my feelings for you and I don't know if I could have been platonic with Rhavaniel. Not there. Not in Skyrim where I lived my life one day at a time and didn't care that much who I slept with as long as they were nice to me. If she came here it would be different. I am different here than I would be in Skyrim. At least he wants to get to know me," he said. "Is it wrong that I want to talk to my son?"
Charlie shook his head. "No, of course not," he said. "Just please I want to be there. To support you but also because I want to get to know him too."
"Our oldest is apparently about eight or nine," Harry said. "I'll have to ask Rhavaniel about what year it is next time we meet." He stood up and pulled his robes off. He straddled Charlie and kissed him. "These marks are for you," he said as he touched his arms. "No one else. Nothing will change that. I love you."
Charlie chuckled. "I love you too," he said. He reached out and placed his hand over Harry's heart. He took a deep breath. "I want to become a Dragon Knight, and no, it isn't because of what happened today."
Harry opened his mouth to argue before stopping himself. He hadn't argued with Rhavaniel. He had trusted that she knew what she was talking about. Why should he argue with Charlie then? He knew what the dangers were. He had made sure Charlie knew the dangers too. "Not tonight," he said. "I'm already exhausted. I need rest before we can do that."
"That's fine," Charlie said. He wrapped his arms around Harry. "Let me take care of you," he said.
Harry smiled and leaned down into another kiss. "You spoil me, love," he said softly. He gasped and Charlie smirked.
