Running With Werewolves
This is foolishness, the veela sent down the mate bond.
Her little mate sent back the dragonish equivalent of a giggle as he swooped below them through the trees, magically tethered to her and her beautiful mate like a foolish muggle kite. Except, rather in reverse.
The veela flapped her wings and soared through the open skies above the tree line, relishing the feel of her beautiful mate’s arms around her neck.
What is foolish, my veela? Me riding on your back? I feel rather like a clinging child…like a…
Her little mate, the baby dragon, sent an image of a small fuzzy creature being clung to by an even smaller fuzzy creature.
Yes, Harry, thank you so much. I am clinging to our veela like a baby koala, are you happy now?
Pure bliss rolled down the mate bond as the tiny black dragon swooped through the trees, whipping over the strange group who ran below him.
Well, I’m glad I can add to your joy. Her beautiful mate tried to sound sarcastic, but warm affection escaped down the mate bond and softened the surly edge to his mental tone.
More happiness and love spiraled out from the baby dragon and the veela could not keep the indulgent affection from blooming from her own soul. Yes, this was foolish, careening around over the Forbidden Forest so that her little mate could fly with his strange werewolf and grim fathers. And the rest of the mad menagerie. But it pleased her little mate. It pleased her beautiful mate. So she would be pleased.
A low call sounded above her and she glanced up to see the creature known as Grandfather gliding over her. His darkness filled the entire sky. And then, as a meadow opened up beneath them, he swooped downward, a strangled whoop sounding from the man on his back.
Hagrid, her beautiful mate thought with affectionate exasperation.
Her little mate seemed likely to burst with joy and hilarity.
She dived beneath the dragon and watched the strange group. Above her, an enormous dragon, carrying a half-giant man. A large werewolf bounding at the front of the pack nearly dancing with joy, a big black grim bounding and playing beside him, nipping and pouncing. The grim and the werewolf carefully herded a small werewolf cub, who was cautiously beginning to play. Her little mate swooped and dived over them, skimming over their fur and puffing smoke at them, the closest he could get to fire at this point and the entire group was being herded by red-headed twins on brooms and two dark haired men were each on on some sort of…wheeled contraptions, one with the snake-girl wrapped around him, her long pale hair flowing in the wind, one with the boy called Neville clinging to his back.
Motorbikes her beautiful mate supplied. Perfectly illegally adapted silenced muggle motorbikes. No doubt they can fly, too.
The werewolf let out a baying howl as he ran, and his joy was so obvious, so infectious, that the veela lifted her head and let out a defiant shriek of her own.
Above them, the dragon roared, blowing fire into the sky. The dog howled with his mate and her little mate did a barrel roll and puffed out the tiniest spark. The redheads were laughing, the motorbike riders revved their engines quite unnecessarily. And the tiny werewolf gave the most adorable howl in the veela’s memory.
Pack, she sent down the bond, with a feeling of love and contentment she had never known. My mates. My kin. My pack.
My mates, her beautiful mate replied, tenderness flowing down the bond even as there was a touch of exasperation for the theatrics of roaring and howling and Merlin-damned fire breathing during what should be a covert outing. You are my life.
Love flowed from her little mate, and he flew up to settle on her beautiful mate’s neck to nuzzle his face and then flew clumsily but backwards - backwards! - to bump his forehead affectionately with hers before diving back down to the group.
He’s going to be an incredible flyer. Her beautiful mate sounded both amazed and exasperated.
He is already incredible. The veela thought with satisfaction. He is ours.
You are incredible, my veela. Her beautiful mate stroked the side of her neck. In every form. In every way. I am proud to be yours.
As I am proud to belong to you. The veela let the purr vibrate through her, even as she watched their little mate play. Pull him up, he falters.
Her beautiful mate yanked up the silvery string of magic and their little mate popped up toward them, avoiding the tree he had been careening towards.
Annoyance and then gratitude flowed down the bond and their little mate flew up for another brief cuddle and head bump before diving back down with the rest of the pack.
How many times do you estimate? Her beautiful mate speculated idly, running his hands through her feathers.
That we need to pull him up? The veela sighed. We’re at five already. I would guess thirty.
Amused affection flowed down the bond. A long night for us, then.
I love to fly. She gave a mental shrug. And there has not been time to fly with you.
I never anticipated enjoying it so much. Her beautiful mate admitted. It’s just you, I think. The peace of my Fleur-veela. The trust.
She sent contentment and trust to him, and he nodded, continuing to stroke her feathers.
You’re a wonder, my veela. My mate. A joy I never expected to experience.
Mine. My love. My - pull him up.
Hilarity echoed down the bond as her beautiful mate pulled the baby dragon all the way up and turned over, laying on his back, to hold him in his arms.
What was it this time? Her beautiful mate was still laughing, petting a disgruntled baby dragon.
He flew right in front of a wheezy.
Her little mate was suddenly in human form. “It was chicken! It’s a muggle game! You made me lose!”
“You will refrain from games of chicken, or I will give you to your grandfather and Hagrid, who will keep you in a bundle for the rest of the night.” Her beautiful mate said sternly and then rather ruined the effect by kissing the boy’s forehead and holding him close. “If you do not care for yourself, think of the twins. As a dragon, you are nearly indestructible, though not impervious to pain. They are not. And what made you think you would win anything over a Weasley twin?”
Harry sighed and buried his face in her beautiful mate’s shoulder. “I think my brain might be smaller as a dragon. At least, I hope so. That was really stupid, wasn’t it?”
You are a hatchling, my fledgling. The veela sent down the bond. Of course your judgement is poorer in dragon form. We feel your joy as a dragon. We have no wish to take it from you. We simply wish for your safety.
I know. Her little mate sent down the mate bond and then said aloud. “I know. I’m sorry. I’ll be smarter. Probably a good thing you’re keeping me on the leash, if I’m being honest.”
“Correct,” her beautiful mate helped the boy sit just behind her wing. “There now.” He said and kissed the boy on the forehead again. “Dragon time? Very well. Off you go,” he said and tossed the baby dragon into the sky. Her little mate did a barrel roll and streaked back toward the pack.
Will his behavior change? Her beautiful mate asked teasingly, turning over and settling his arms around her neck.
I estimate five minutes.
Tom secured the baby dragon to his chest using a modified baby wrap and sent a thumbs up to the giant white bird lady flying overhead. She squawked and bobbed her head and flew ahead a little, though Tom could sense the magical tether was still tight between them. Tom, for the briefest of moments, recognized that his life was wildly weird, but Celeste’s arms came around him as he settled on the motorcycle’s seat, and he decided it was the only way to live.
“Nice and snug, Harry? Sure you don’t need a little dragon-level warm up with Lord Grandad?” Tom said, magically warming the carrier with his hand.
Harry the dragon cheeped happily and nuzzled his chin, so Tom shrugged and started up the motorcycle. They rode quietly through the woods, Tom keeping his magical senses wide open. Sirius had warded the area well, but Tom was still on high alert just in case. His worst fear was allowing Remus Lupin’s werewolf to eat a bunny that turned out to be an animagus. Mr. Boss would curl up in a ball and die. So Tom had cast a network of revealing spells in a mile-long perimeter and thus far, all bunnies were bunnies and all foxes were foxes.
Thankfully.
Celeste’s warm soft lips pressed against the back of his neck, and he reminded himself to relax. Honestly, he was having fun. It was amazing to be here with the family, to race playfully with Reg, to have Celeste’s arms around him, hell, to cuddle a baby dragon.
It was just hard to forget the Goblins “Orientation Packet”. At last, they had sent over all kinds of information. And it seemed that Tom was Lord of Light, Guardian of the Dark, just as Sirius was the Lord of Darkness, Guardian of the Light. Which was. You know. A little stressful when the guy one was supposed to be guarding insisted on turning into a dog and running around with werewolves and dragons. Even if precisely half of the dragons were currently snuggled to his chest and as cute as hell.
I extended your sweep. Regulus said down the mate bond. Which was another incredible thing to enjoy. We’re all clear for a two-mile radius.
Thanks, Reg, Tom said back down the bond, humbled to have someone like Regulus to lean on, even in doing weird-ass shit like this. And Merlin, having his sweet Celeste literally at his back was a dream.
We love you too, sap. Regulus’s mental tone was as warm and sweet as the man himself.
He is warm and sweet. My darling love, you say the sweetest things to yourself. Celeste rested her head against his back, and he swore internally.
I don’t know how to hang up this damn thing. He groused, leaning back a little into Celeste’s soft warmth.
We know. His mates chorused back in near unison.
Cut me some slack, I’m beggin’ ya. Tom sighed. I’m a marshmallow with sprinkles, we all know this. Lookit your brother, Reg, guide him back to the right, will ya? There’s a fuckin’ cliff off to the left.
Laughter and then focus came down the mate bond and Tom saw with relief that Sirius - Padfoot, rather - responded when Reg’s motorcycle attempted to turn their small, strange herd and ran where he was guided. Tom shook his head, and Celeste massaged his shoulder with one hand.
Lord Black is a difficult master, is he not?
Tom sighed. He ain’t even my master, is the thing. I just told him one day he was my boss and he went with it, even though he feels weird about it. And he didn’t even tell me to do this. I’m here on my fuckin own. So. Yeah. I might be the crazy one.
You are perfection, my Tom.
Okay, honey, I love you, too. Why don’t you close your eyes and breathe real deep, cause I’m afraid my crazy has infected you a little bit.
Laughter rolled from Celeste, both from behind him and down the mate bond, laughter matched by Regulus’.
Damn, I thought I was just talkin’ to you, Celeste, honey. I really don’t know how to use this fuckin’ thing. Tom sighed. Hang on, we’re speedin’ up. Trees are ‘bout to get too thick up here to the right. Imma guide everybody more your way, Reg.
Got it, my Light Lord.
Don’t call me that. Tom groused only to feel the warm teasing hilarity down the mate bond.
Can’t fool us, Lord of Light. Regulus said as Tom sped up and guided Mr. Boss the Werewolf away from the thicker patch of woods. We feel the bond. You like it.
You are our Light Lord. Celeste kissed his shoulder blade. It is proper that we address you as such.
I…but not for real, though. Tom muttered, kicking lightly at Padfoot, who for some godsforsaken reason seemed to be wanting to race Tom’s dirt bike, finally giving up and sending the mildest of stinging hexes. Sirius yelped and darted away. Like…it’s kinda nice that you think of me that way. And tease, you know. But like…I ain’t the boss of you. I ain’t the boss of anyone. I don’t really want to be the boss no more. That was…that was shit, honestly.
Our sweet humble lord, Celeste was practically purring down the bond. Whatever shall we do to earn his favor, my darling Regulus?
I’m sure we can think of something for later, Celeste, my love. Something worthy of our Lord of Light. Regulus purred back and Tom had to shake himself to focus on the present and not the intoxicating feelings that poured down the mate bond.
You two make me crazy. Crazier, anyway. You don’t have to do a fucking thing to earn me. I’m fucking yours and you know it.
Logs ahead, Tom. Be cautious, love. Reg said, mental tone sharpening so abruptly Tom felt a bit of whiplash. Tom did a ramping maneuver and jumped the logs. The baby dragon on his chest chittered with glee and Celeste squealed in his ear.
You liked that, Honey? Tom asked down the bond. A little bit a daredevil in there? Want to find some more things to jump?
I…yes? Celeste was laughing into his back. I…I loved that…
We’ll find a park or something for such things and make a day of it, Celeste, love. Regulus said down the bond. But not now.
What’s the matta, Lord Black? Scared me and Celeste can out-ride you? Tom teased.
Scared you’re going to ride straight into a tree, more like. Tom. Please. Focus. Regulus’ mental voice sounded genuinely concerned and Tom relented.
Okay. Back t’ business. But we’ll find someplace to ride, Celeste, Honey. This is fun, and my sweet girl deserves some fun.
Celeste sent a wordless wave of love and assent to Tom. Thank you for looking after us, Regulus, darling. She told him, a loving feeling of gratitude rolling to Regulus.
That’s my job, beautiful Lady. Looking after my Lady Celeste and my Lord of Light.
Wow, and it all comes back around. Tom groaned, focus sharpening back to the little herd of critters who mattered so much to him. Love you more than fuckin’ oxygen, you jerk. You’re fuckin’ mine.
Yep, Regulus sent them cheerily and the mate bond quieted into warm contentment all the way around. They rode and herded until the skies began to lighten, then helped load up two weary and exhausted werewolves, and a very tired animagus, and Neville Longbottom on Lord Grandad’s back, handed off the baby dragon to Sev and the veela, made certain the Weasley twins were following along behind the dragon and veela convoy, and led the way on their flying motorcycles all the way home. Celeste casted and maintained a beautiful notice me not charm that was supplemented by Lord Grandad and Tom and Regulus used mind magic to make certain everyone stayed out of the way of the huge dragon and veela.
As they neared Grimmauld, Lord Grandad did the crazy travel through the wards thing and disappeared with all of his passengers. The veela flowed into a smaller form, with a dragon baby on her front and Sev hanging onto her neck and landed gracefully on the roof. The Weasleys of course landed easily beside her. Regulus landed perfectly on the rooftop. And Tom grinned as he landed his flying motorcycle on the roof and brought them to a skidding sideways stop.
He turned off the motor and dismounted, helping Celeste to the rooftop. Celeste was laughing hysterically in his ear.
“You loved that, huh, baby girl?” Tom laughed and kissed her cheek.
“I fear I may be daring the devil,” she said, so seriously that he had to laugh again and kiss her properly.
“Oi - we got…never mind…” One or other of the Weasley twins called, as everyone hastily retreated.
“Room for one more?” Regulus asked and Tom extended his hand without ending the kiss, because, for Reg, hell yes, always.
Regulus snuggled into them and Tom broke the kiss with Celeste so that she could kiss their Reg as thoroughly as he deserved as Tom busied himself with kissing a tempting bit of throat here, smoothing some silken hair there, and generally considering himself the luckiest man alive. And then Regulus was kissing his mouth and Celeste was kissing his throat and he could only lose himself in a haze of passionate pleasure.
My mates, Tom muttered, kissing and caressing. How did I evah breathe without you?
You make everything better, my Tom. Regulus was kissing him, his hands in his hair. He broke away from Tom and kissed Celeste, still caressing Tom’s hair with one hand. You make our lives full of joy. And light.
Tom and Celeste burst into laughter and the heated moment was broken. Tom grabbed Regulus and squeezed him into a tight hug. “You think you’re funny, huh? Funny, funny guy.”
“You laughed! Both of you!” Regulus was laughing into Tom’s neck. “I am judged as funny by the court of public opinion!”
“Let’s take this inside, my hilarious loves,” Celeste stepped up and kissed them both, quick but intense. “It is cold.”
“Yeah, true, honey. You two head on down. I’ll put up the bikes.” Tom pushed back from Regulus and kissed him quickly. “Think you’re so funny…”
“Again, I got laughs. It speaks for itself.” Regulus stepped back from him. “You sure you don’t need help?”
“I got it, Chuckles. Take care of our snake lady. And hell, maybe check on the werewolves if I don’t get there first.” Tom said, suddenly alarmed.
Regulus looked concerned. Celeste gasped.
“No, love,” Regulus put his arm around her. “Nothing to panic over. They’ve changed back and everything. They’re just a little…fragile. After turning. We’ll check on them, Tom.”
“Thanks, honey.” Tom said, setting to work rolling a bike to a small shed on the roof. He did a little routine maintenance and then headed into the house. He peeked his head into Harry’s room to see Harry, Neville, and Dudley crammed into Harry’s bed, already snoring their sweet little heads off. An honor guard of red headed twins and Sev and Fleur were dozing on Harry’s couch, so Tom considered the kids taken care of.
He wandered down to see Boss and Mr. Boss cuddled in bed with Mr. Boss deeply sleeping and Boss catnapping, which was a little hilarious now that he thought of it. Regulus was seated in an armchair with Celeste in his lap, Celeste looking wildly adorable in sleep.
“Hi there, handsome,” Regulus said softly, looking up at him with such loving adoration that Tom couldn’t help kissing him. Regulus’s long lashed eyes stayed closed a few seconds after Tom had broken the kiss, which was so gorgeously adorable that Tom was compelled to kiss him again, longer and more thoroughly.
Regulus looked dazed with desire by the time Tom pulled back, which was how the pretty man should look all the time in Tom’s opinion. “I…um…” Regulus muttered, reaching out to caress Tom’s cheek before drawing him back down for another long, decadent kiss. “I was going to say,” he said, pressing his forehead to Tom’s. “That you should take Celeste and go to bed. I want to be available if Siri or Remy need me.”
“You’ve been up all night, too, honey.” Tom said softly. “Least I can do is stay up with you.”
“Some of us might as well get sleep,” Regulus said, softly caressing the back of Tom’s head. “Some of us have to preserve our strength to be light’s guardian of the darkness. Or whatever.”
“Oh, the jokes don’t quit with this fuckin’ guy,” Tom said with utter indulgent affection as he leaned in and kissed Regulus once more. “You need me, you yell. Holler down the mate bond if you need to. Imma sleep right here in this chair beside you. Want me to take the baby?”
“She’s fine. She’s perfect,” Regulus sighed, and Tom shook his head.
“She ain’t the only one, sweethot,” Tom murmured and hugged Regulus close. “I love you, Reg.”
“I love you, Tom,” Regulus muttered and kissed his cheek. “Seriously, you can go to bed if you want.”
“I’m a damn good sleepuh. I’ll be fine right here. You yell or kick me or somethin’ if you need me, undastand?”
“Yes, my lord,” Regulus grinned, and Tom gave him the softest of headbutts.
“I do kinda like it when you say it,” he admitted.
“I knew it.” Regulus laughed softly.