A/N: Hello people and thank you so much for your support! Another part to our unique little 'one-shot' as it'd initially been; more to come!
A big thanks to my Betas and Discord Staff - Alec, Fox, Metzger, BaptismByFire and Zevoros!
Special thanks to Discord users: Noob Salad, Kyn, 5Firehawk, Guiding Moonlights, Kovacs, Dr Maou-Senpai, Post Mortem, Denduck, Wumjumba, Ac, R3, Shirokama, TrustTube, Zachary, JDH, Avatar, CJ07, Echoh, Elizabeth Wilbrooke, Jacks_, Kappe, Kryn_Womble, Mr. E, Pat, Plut0, Presno, Shawnjohn120 and Trop C'est Trop for supporting my writing and commissioning works!
Feel free to join my Discord for updates, giveaways (for those who actively chat), early access, information and now, commissions/free one-shot giveaways, link on my profile. Without any more rambling from me, I hope you enjoy the story!
(Sorry if you don't like the work!)
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR THE KIND REVIEWS. We now get so many that it's impossible to respond to all of them, but each and every one of you taking the time to speak your support mean the world to me. Please, by all means, speak with me in Discord!
Harry blinked. He'd just run a towel down his face to remove what water lingered from his shower, and when his vision returned from his doing so, the bed he'd left only minutes earlier had shifted. The shift wasn't a foot to the left or right, higher or lower — no, the shift was the style had completely changed.
Drapes and bed posts were present, and numbered at least twelve of the latter and six of the former. There was even one that went overtop their bed; it was only just visible with the side facing him pulled open. Beyond that, the sheets seemed charmed, so much so that little embers flashed across them.
Such a visual had seemed real enough that he'd raised his hand in preparation to stamp out what he'd assumed was a fire… until he saw Sarea slither across and peek out at him with her reptilian eyes. Ones that beckoned him forth, to her with nary a word needed.
When he reached the bedside, he threw aside the towel and climbed back into their bed, and immediately found his arms full-up with her cool body. She always seemed cold when first they rose.
"Morning," he said, unable to contain a grin as he looked down at her, and she, up at him. "Fancied some changes, I see."
Sarea had waited for him to speak before she rose up, and stole a kiss. When she did so, he felt her squirm and wiggle against him, and that continued until she withdrew back to her starting spot. "It wasn't a proper nest, now it is," she gestured to the many layers of blankets, the mattress — that felt like one could sink endlessly into — and the drapes; there were even more than he'd thought. "Safe, see?"
"We have wards and other such magic too for that. Dozens, here." Harry had seen to that. "Is there a reason you thought it wasn't safe?" Maybe somebody had said something to her at the Ministry.
He'd not be surprised if it'd been somebody that had history with her back early days — all the same and regardless of who'd said so much as a word, he'd not let it stan—
"It was too open for a nest. Especially one that should host young in the future." Sarea reached out, and grabbed one of the drapes, showing off just how thick it was. "It's warm too."
Harry reckoned if all the drapes were closed, and the two of them were in bed, it'd get very warm indeed. Maybe he'd not have all his bodyheat sapped from him morning after morning… Merlin. He shifted and pulled at the blankets. "Did you enchant them? Beyond the effect, I mean."
She nodded, pleased as could be if her face was anything to go by. "I did. I wished for them to provide extra heat, in addition to your own."
"Thought so," he pulled at the pyjama pants he'd gotten into. "Rather warm."
"Perfectly warm," Sarea corrected as she buried herself back in his side. "No Ministry today?"
He couldn't help but snicker at the hopeful tone of voice she had. "No Ministry today. Fancy doing anything?"
"Stay in bed."
"I see that," He paused to yawn. She was starting to mess with his sleep schedule. "Aside from this, I mean — we could do whatever you'd like, go wherever you like, eat whatever you like. I'm more than happy to show you the world."
"With my legs, I could go in the Muggle world too." Sarea, hybrid-form as she currently was, hit his neck with her tongue as it shot out in excitement.
The sensation tickled him, and gave Harry reason to jolt. He'd never gotten used to how that felt.
"Right?"
He swallowed and ran his hand through her hair. "Right." Harry agreed. "So what do you think? Have someplace in mind, do you?"
Without delay, she smiled up at him as wide as could be, and gave her answer. "Bed!"
Merlin, give him strength.
By the time the pair were dressed, washed and out of bed, it was past mid-day, and closer to evening. Sarea had chosen to have them remain in bed for as long as she could keep them there, and only when each grew hungry beyond what snacks could satiate, did they make to leave.
Naturally, as they walked the halls of their home, Sarea was glued to his side with an arm wrapped around him.
She'd insisted he give her legs again so that she might practise in the safety and sanctity their home provided. It was also warmer as well, with the charms he'd placed and the added torches he'd spread throughout — she even preferred the darker, subdued colours here than the new, 'happier' Ministry design.
"Oh, I should tell you I heard back from your friend. She wished me to keep the words quiet for the sake of propriety, but I see no reason to avoid telling my mate," Sarea's words caught him off guard enough that he stumbled, and brought her along with him as he crashed into the wall.
Of course, she didn't mind in the slightest since he had absorbed the impact and pulled her flush against his person.
"What did Hermione say, then?" Harry got out, swallowing as his arms came to wrap around her.
Sarea smiled up at him as she spoke the next few words. "I'll give birth like a witch rather than lay eggs as I thought. Isn't th—"
Harry went deaf.
At least it felt like he had; he could still see her lips moving, but Merlin, was he well and truly lost.
Until she giggled. That registered, musical and soft and full of mirth as it was.
The kiss that followed did as well.
"You're having me on, yeah?" Those were the first words Harry found himself saying.
"I speak the truth," Sarea assured him. "But I don't mean to rush you — your other friend, Ronald, had said telling you would be amusing. He wished for me to take a 'photo' as well, but I couldn't figure out how to work the item he'd shown me."
That sounded so very much like Ron. Traitorous git.
"Well, next time he and 'Mione come over, you can tell him you gave me a right good scare, yeah?" Harry regained his composure, pushed off from the wall and pulled her close lest she stumbled with the legs she still needed to grow accustomed to.
Sarea turned partially, and wrapped both of her arms around his centre. It made walking terribly troublesome… well, more terribly troublesome. "Will we return to Hogwarts eventually? It feels strange, being away from it as long as we have been."
Harry imagined after centuries in the Chamber of Secrets, a change of scenery, especially one so 'futuristic', was especially jarring. She'd done well to adapt to the myriad of changes, in truth.
"I can speak with the Headmistress — she was my head of house not too long ago," Harry wagered McGonagall would be more than willing to allow Sarea the occasional return to her 'home'. Should he speak with her at length regarding Sarea's circumstances, mayhaps she could even return, in part, to the duties originally envisioned for her; protecting the school and its inhabitants. "I'll write to her this evening, if you'd like. Before bed. He—" he swallowed down the name he'd been ready to say. Even now, it brought back far too sad a memory. "—Midnight can send it."
Sarea was no fool. She picked up on the change in his demeanour.
So she acted to drive it away lest he wallow, as he'd occasionally do.
Along his jaw, his collarbone, his neck, she left kisses. It was obvious to her they tickled, and that fact seemed to amuse her as Harry twitched whilst they walked.
Eventually, he gave way to laughter, and even still, she didn't relent with her affection.
Not until they reached the kitchen did he stop her, and even then he didn't separate her from his person. Harry simply turned her body with his arms before he lifted her altogether.
Sarea had yelped, and without pause wrapped her arms around the back of his neck.
"Worried I'll drop you?" Harry teased.
"A little," her eyes went from making contact with his, to looking at the ground below. "Father never took me flying. I've always remained with my body along the ground, save for when I climb."
Harry gently set her in the seat. "I'll take you flying at Hogwarts, if you'd like. See how everything looks now, yeah?" he made to rise after his question was asked… but Sarea didn't relent the hold she had of him. "Sarea?"
She blinked up at him with watery eyes, and nodded, and even still, she didn't relent her hold.
Not until nearly five minutes later, and after whispered words and a multitude more kisses.
"Merlin." Harry couldn't help but utter when he took in Sarea.
Hermione had ushered him away, towards Ron when the couple had arrived, so that she might be able to aid the other girl in dressing without any interference or impropriety. The former in regards to Harry, and the latter, Sarea when each had tried to say otherwise.
"Huh," Ron snorted, hiding a chuckle. "Green, yeah 'Mione?"
"Naturally," Hermione said with a roll of her eyes. "What other colour would you have me dress Sarea in when she calls Salazar Slytherin 'Father', dolt?"
Ron raised his hands. "Blimey." He looked to Harry for help.
"You did a good job," Harry was quick to placate Hermione. "Green's a good colour for her too."
"I thought as much as well. So did she," Hermione looked between the pair then, seemingly evaluating them. "Are you sure the two of you are ready to be back at Hogwarts? It's been since… you know."
"We're good, aren't we Sarea?" Harry had yet to have nightmares since Sarea had joined him, which meant his sleep was long and full, and most certainly restful.
That was more than it'd been before her presence.
"Very good." Sarea beamed as she gently swayed atop her feet. He was uncertain as to whether that motion was reflexive from when she oft made it in her hybrid — and normal — form or full-on Basilisk form, or if it was still a result of her getting accustomed to a human lower body. Regardless of the cause, it was adorable as the Slytherinesque uniform she wore.
Hermione seemed to accept their assurances easily enough, and started towards the Floo. "Professor McGonagall will be glad to see you. Both of you. I'm certain she'll allow Sarea free access home as well — Dumbledore would."
Harry imagined she was right; he'd thought the same. "Thanks again, Hermione. See you two for dinner this wednesday?"
"Definitely!" Ron grunted in the affirmative as he slapped Harry's back. "Can't miss a meal with you, mate. Never."
"Ron? Miss food?" Hermione blinked at Harry… and after a few seconds, a small smile formed on her face. "We'll be there, and when we are, I hope to hear all about your Hogwarts trip."
The pair were off shortly thereafter.
So too were Sarea and Harry, but not before some words from the former, before they used the Floo.
"Can we fly after we meet with…"
"Professor McGonagall — or Headmistress. Whichever."
She sipped her head, seemingly committing what he'd said to memory. "Could we? After we've finished?"
"Even before the Chamber?" Harry thought that'd been the largest factor behind her desire to return. She'd even made mention of their being more than Harry thought down in the bowels of the castle.
"I'd thought the Quidditch pitch to start, and then all of the castle later." Sarea blinked at him. "Please?"
There wasn't any chance he could refuse her.
"Whatever you'd like," He pulled her close and relished in the feelings that came with such a closeness.
She did too, as she hopped up and wrapped her legs around his waist, and her arms around the back of his neck. "I love you," she peppered his face with kisses as her reptilian eyes peered into his. "Mate."