When Merrows Scream

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December 15, 1995: Earth

“Hadrian,” Severus called out as he entered their quarters. There was no answer, but he could hear the sound of quill on paper. He smiled and headed for the sitting room.

When Severus entered the room, Harry was sitting on the floor scribbling fiercely at a piece of parchment in front of him. There was about three open books on the table around him and he had his long hair pulled up with a chopstick poking through the bun to hold it up. There were a few splotches of ink on his cheek and nose.

Merlin, he looked exactly like Reggie and Remus when they were locked in a study session together. Especially, when they were cramming for finals, or NEWTS. Severus had gotten copies of last year’s O.W.Ls so that Hadrian could study them.

When Hadrian had admitted to dumbing down his work and not putting real effort into it because of Ron and Hermione, Severus had been furious. Apparently, they both complained when Hadrian made better grades than them.

Ron would make comments like ‘Being the Chosen One isn’t enough for you, you have to be smarter than everyone else too?’ Hermione would simply glare or not speak to Hadrian any time his grades were better than hers.

A few times she had even accused him of cheating because there was no way he was smarter than her. So, Hadrian had stopped putting effort into his school work because it kept the peace.

Severus told him that he would never dumb himself down to make someone else feel better about themselves again. He informed Hadrian that he expected top marks and his best effort in all things. Hadrian had been eager to agree, to show just how smart and studious he really was.

Which was why he had given him the exams from last year. The tests changed every year but this would give Hadrian a good idea about what to expect from his classes and his exams.

“I need you to come to a stopping point, Love. We have something that we need to take care of,” Severus instructed. Hadrian ‘hmmed’ but Severus was pretty sure that he hadn’t heard a word he had said.

So, he stepped up and gently lifted Hadrian’s face up by his chin. He had done the same thing to Regulus so often when they were growing up. Reg would get so focused on his studies that he wouldn’t hear the people around him. Severus would need to get his attention and hold eye contact to know Reg was hearing him.
He would apparently need to do the same for their son.

“Hello, Little Star,” Severus said with a soft smile. Hadrian smiled up at him and chirred happily.

“Hi, Dad,” Hadrian answered. “When did you get back?”

“Just now. I need you to put your work away if you are at a stopping point. I received a notice from the bank that Nevarah has sent a response. We need to go see what was said,” Severus informed him.

“Oh, perfect. I just need to finish this one sentence and then we can go. Ok?” Hadrian asked him.

“Ok, make sure you get your cloak, and I will leave a note for your shadows. I am sure at least three of them will turn up down here at some point while we are away and we don’t want to start a panic,” Severus said with a chuckle. Hadrian laughed as he turned back to his paper.

“I am sure the only one that would cause a panic is Drake,” Hadrian mumbled. “Sensitive, that one is. Hovers worse than the twins combined sometimes. If I didn’t know he was a Submissive, I would swear he was a Pareya.”

Severus just grunted and penned a quick note that he left on the coffee table. The Alpha thought it was funny that his son complained about the way Draco worried over him, but Hadrian did the same thing to Draco, his Little Star was just more subtle about his fussing.

Hadrian finished his sentence, bookmarked all of the books, and then grabbed his bag out of his room. He slung his cloak over his body and then grabbed the back of Severus’ robes.

The two of them left the dungeons and headed out of the castle. Once they reached the gates and left the wards, Severus grasped Hadrian’s arm and apparated them directly into Gringotts. They waited with Hadrian still under the cloak.

Griphook was the one who came into the room and greeted them.

“Lord Prince, Heir Prince, please follow me,” Griphook stated.

“How do they always know that I am under here?” Hadrian whispered with a laugh.

“Goblin magic is far more advanced than Wixen will ever admit,” Severus gave as a reply.

Severus and Hadrian followed him down the hall and then down a few more before they were led into a large conference room where a small army of men and women were waiting. Severus chuckled and looked over at the goblin.

“They sent a response did they? You failed to mention their response was a small army,” Severus pointed out.

“Well, we goblins have to have our fun somehow. I will sit here and leave you to your planning. If you need anything let me know and I will get it. The room is warded so that none may enter,” Griphook informed him.

“Thanks, Griphook,” Hadrian said with a smile as he pulled his cloak off and tucked it away. His stomach chose that moment to grumbled and his dad frowned down at him.

“When was the last time you ate?” Severus asked him. Hadrian blushed and shrugged.

“Honestly? Breakfast I think. I may have gotten caught up with my studies and forgotten lunch,” Hadrian admitted. Severus looked up to see that the goblin was already moving.

“I will take care of it, Heir Prince. Any preference?” Griphook asked.

“Oh, you wouldn’t happen to have any of those meat stick things that Bill always brings me would you?” Hadrian asked excitedly.

“I believe we just gave the shipment to William, but I will see what I can do for you,” Griphook replied.

“Awesome, thanks,” Hadrian said and then stood proudly if shyly next to his dad as they turned to the others in the room.

“Who is in charge?” Severus asked the group. Three men stepped forward.

“You are,” One of the men answered. “Our orders were to come here and offer to you what our Royals have suggested but ultimately you are who we defer to for instructions and who we are to report to until we can deliver you safely to Nevarah.”

“Perfect,” Severus answered. “I am Lord Severus Prince. I am an Air Alpha, and I have called for assistance in finding and retrieving my bonded as well as protection for my son until we can leave this Merlin forsaken realm. This is my son, Heir Hadrian Prince. He is my top priority and therefore yours as well.”

“We are honored to meet you both. I am Jascha Cunningham, and this is my Submissive Mariana. Prince Raspen has suggested that my circle and I are uniquely qualified to help you hunt down and rescue your missing Submissive,” The man who had spoken earlier explained.

“Ok, what do you need to get started?” Severus asked him.

“A picture, his full name, something that belonged to him, or something that carries his magical signature, perhaps even blood from your son to strengthen the tracking spells,” The woman, Mariana answered.

“I can happily provide most of those things,” Severus responded.

He reached into his robes and pulled out a picture of Regulus holding Hadrian as a baby. Then he produced a parchment and wrote out Regulus’ full name as well as the fact that he was a Submissive Merrow.

“I do not have any thing with his magical signature because it was all taken from us when he was,” Severus told her as he handed over the two items.

“Oh, I can get something,” Hadrian said with a smile.

“And how do you plan to do that?” Severus asked him.

“Kreacher,” Hadrian stated simply.

Then there was a pop that caused a few of the Gheyo in the room to shift and lay their hands on their weapons, and then the old elf was standing there staring expectantly at Hadrian.

“What can Kreacher do for his most precious young Heir?” Kreacher asked with a bow. The Gheyo relaxed. “Young little Master who looks so much like my Reggie. Kreacher will do anything.”

“Thank you, Kreacher. I want to find my Dera. I know Dumbledore has him locked away somewhere. These people are going to help but I need something that belonged to him. Something that was important to him and carries his magical signature in it,” Hadrian asked him.

“Kreacher has just the thing. The perfect thing,” Kreacher said and snapped his fingers. In his hand was a wand.

“How did you get his wand?” Severus asked.

“It returned to the vault in the manor the night my Master Reggie went missing. If lost, all Lord Black wands return to manor vault,” Kreacher answered.

“That’s perfect, Kreacher. Well done,” Hadrian praised and then happily accepted the wand. “We are so going to find him now.”

“Kreacher is happy to serve true Heir of the Noble House of Black. Call Kreacher, he will come,” The elf said before popping away.

Hadrian and Kreacher had gotten close over the last two summers that he had spent time at Grimmauld. The elf was cruel or angry toward everyone in the house, especially Sirius, but never Hadrian. He had always given Hadrian extra snacks or turned down his bed. Little things that he refused to do for anyone else. Especially after his inheritance this last summer.

He handed the wand to his dad after Kreacher popped away. Then he held out his arm expectantly.

“What are you doing, Child?” Severus asked him. Hadrian smiled and bounced his hand.

“She said my blood would help,” Hadrian reminded him.

“I do not wish to bleed you, Child. They can find him without it. You have suffered enough,” Severus insisted.

“Dad, I have been hurt so much worse than a small cut. I can take it,” Hadrian countered. “Please, Dad. I want to help find my Dera. Please, let me help.”

A throat cleared and one of the blue men with so many blades stepped forward.

“I know a spell that will charm the blade to be painless. He will feel no pain from the cut if that helps,” the man offered. Hadrian smiled and looked up at his dad.

“See, I won’t feel it all. Please, Dad?” Hadrian asked him again. Severus sighed and then nodded to the man who felt like both a Gheyo and an Alpha at the same time. He pulled an empty potion vial from his robes and handed it over to the Merrow.

“He feels nothing,” Severus demanded. “And you only take what is needed. He is still suffering the effects of malnourishment and a decade of neglect and abuse, and must take more blood from us than normal to make up for it.”

“Half of the vial is sufficient,” Mariana spoke up. The Merrow nodded and then turned to Hadrian with a smile.

“My name is Ronan Aegaeon. I promise this won’t hurt, Little One,” The Alpha, Ronan, told him gently. Hadrian nodded and held out his arm once more.

“Thank you, Ronan. My dad is overprotective. Though he really has every right to be so it’s ok,” Hadrian talked while the man very neatly sliced his arm and let the blood fill the vial halfway.

He then traced a rune into Hadrian’s arm with the blood that was still seeping out and Hadrian watched fascinated as the wound closed up and left no scar or anything behind. He trilled happily and smiled up at Ronan and his dad.

“That is amazing,” Hadrian told him. “There isn’t even a scar. Look Dad.”

“Yes, Child, I know. You will learn to do it as well,” Severus told him with a chuckle. He knew how happy Hadrian had been to have clear skin. He was probably going to be very vain about scars because of it. Then he reached out and spelled away the ink that was still on his cheek and nose. “So, much like your Papa and Dera. The two of them were always a mess of ink after a really good study session.”

Hadrian blushed and cuddled up to his dad as the Alpha handed the blood over to the Cunningham Submissive.

“This is perfect. If you don’t mind, my circle and I will leave right away to start looking. But before I go, I have a question?” Mariana asked them.

“You may ask,” Severus responded.

“Your son says he has been hurt much worse, and that he is still suffering from a decade of abuse and neglect, was it done by the same man who you have claimed Alpha Rights against?” She asked him.

“No,” Hadrian answered. “The people who kidnapped me when I was a baby died a few months later. I was given to the woman’s sister and her family to be raised by them. They locked me in a cupboard under the stairs and only let me out to cook and clean for them. They starved me and hurt me. Before my inheritance, I had a lot of scars.”

He had come to terms with his abuse over the last month. Had even sat down and talked to the others about it. He was learning that the best way to heal from what had happened to him was to acknowledge it and accept it for what it was. He was learning that it took power away from the bad memories and from the Dursleys.

“Have you claimed Alpha Rights for them?” Mariana asked calmly.

“I have not,” Severus stated.

“May we hunt them? To make them suffer the way your son has?” Mariana asked. “I don’t particularly like people who hurt children. It is a pet peeve of mine.”

Severus looked down at Hadrian. This was his son’s decision to make. He was the one that they hurt. Hadrian looked up at his dad for a moment and then turned to the Submissive.

“They are yours to do whatever you want with them,” Hadrian told her. “As long as I never have to see them again. Don’t ask me to testify or anything else that would put me in the same room as them.”

“Understood,” Mariana responded and then she and her circle disappeared as if they faded into the very shadows. The room was much emptier now. Only about eleven people were left in the room with them.

“Ok, what was the Royals next suggestion?” Severus asked as he and Hadrian took a seat at the table. Only two others joined them at the table as Griphook returned with a tray of snacks for Hadrian.

“I had to get those from William so be prepared for a visit as soon as his shift ends, if you are still here,” Griphook informed him.

“Great, I feel like it has been ages since I saw him last. I miss him,” Hadrian said with a grin as he picked up one of the meat sticks.

“That is from Nevarah,” one of the other men pointed out.

“Yes, one of my employers is a Dragel he has requested a monthly shipment of it that he shares with his brothers and our favorite little Aqua’kine here. Though, I get the distinct feeling that you get most of it,” Griphook said pointedly.

“I don’t know,” Hadrian answered honestly. “I just know that he makes sure I always have some and the twins seem to always have some for me as well.”

“Exactly,” Griphook said as he took his seat to wait silently as things were handled.

“Ok, now let’s begin with my Beta,” Severus started. Hadrian sat quietly and ate his snacks while Severus explained where Remus was and what the situation was likely to be when they arrived.

“So, you simply need us to retrieve him and bring him here?” One of the Gheyo asked. He had introduced himself as an Ace. His name was Xander. Harry thought he was gorgeous.

“I am hoping it will truly be that simple,” Severus agreed. “Tell him that Harry is in trouble and needs him. He will come with you.”

“Who is Harry?” Xander asked.

“Oh, that is the name that he currently knows me by,” Hadrian answered. “He believes that he is simply my Godfather. He loves me and would do anything for me. He just doesn’t know that I am his son or that my dad is his bonded.”

“This man, Dumbledore, has truly messed with your entire life. I can’t imagine what his end goal could be,” Ronan stated with a growl.

“We don’t know. All we know is that he is somehow connected to a group of Torvak that helped him do this horrible thing,” Severus answered.

“There are Torvak involved?” Xander asked. Severus nodded.

“Send a message to the Cunninghams and let them know so that they are not caught unaware,” Ronan instructed the Merrow Ace standing behind him. The man nodded and stepped away from them and opened a bubble thing that he spoke into.

“What is that?” Hadrian asked.

“A message bubble,” Ronan answered. “It is how we send messages back and forth on Nevarah.”

“How long does it usually take to reach the other person?” Hadrian responded.

“Depends really. If they are on Nevarah then it is nearly instantaneous. If it is across realms it could take much longer depending on how far away the realm is,” Ronan informed him.

“Oh, that is really neat. Much faster than using owls,” Hadrian said with a grin.

“Ok, so give us all of your Beta’s information and we will set out to retrieve him,” Xander stated.

Severus did what they asked and the Air Ace left taking five other men with him. Severus and Hadrian were left with Ronan, three other Merrow, two Storm Gheyo, and a Storm Mage.

“And what were the rest of you sent here to do?” Severus asked them.

“Our only task is to guard your son,” Ronan explained. “Our King is very adamant that nothing happens to him between now and getting him safely to Nevarah.”

“Perfect. We will figure out arrangements. My quarters are small and there are only two rooms, but we can work something out. Hadrian is currently staying with me, but he intends to enroll as a student and will be moving to the dorms starting in January. Though, I doubt he will actually stay in the dorms,” Severus informed them.

“Is there a water source nearby?” Ronan asked him. Severus nodded.

“There is a large lake next to the castle. It has a giant octopus and Merpeople as well as other water-kind living in it,” Severus informed them.

“Perfect,” Ronan stated. “The Merrow can stay mostly in the lake when we are not guarding Hadrian. The three storm types can find places in the castle to sleep.”

“You know, you could simply ask the castle to expand your quarters,” Griphook interrupted.

“What do you mean?” Hadrian asked him curiously.

“Honestly, so much information has been lost to time because of arrogant Wixen. The Castle is Sentient. Simply ask her for what you need. She will provide it,” Griphook insisted.

“But won’t Dumbledore know if the castle shifts?” Hadrian asked. He knew the old coot monitored the wards and other things.

“Not if you ask her to keep it from him,” Griphook stated. “Hogwarts is just as unhappy with the Headmaster as we are. She wants to help the students, that is what the Founders created her for.”

“Of course,” Hadrian said with a laugh. “I love Magic.”

There was a bit more talking about what was going on and making decisions about how the Gheyo could guard Hadrian properly. About an hour later, there was a knock at the door and Griphook opened it to allow Bill to come in.

The Fire Alpha strode in smiling brightly and completely ignored the quiet hissing from the Merrow in the room. Hadrian smiled up at him and launched himself into his arms.

“Bill,” Hadrian called out.

“Hello, Trouble. What mischief are you up to now?” Bill asked him fondly. He did not miss the way the big Merrow Alpha watched him closely.

“Not me, this time Bill. Nevarah sent help to find my Papa and Dera. So many Gheyo came to help,” Hadrian told him with a happy chir.

Bill ruffled his hair and nuzzled his cheek before he sat him back on his feet. He pulled a bundle of the meat out of his pocket and handed it to Hadrian who grinned and hugged him again before going to sit back down next to his dad. Bill sat down next to him. He handed two more bundles of the meat to Severus.

“I was going to take these to the twins later today could you give them to them for me instead?” Bill asked Severus.

“Why didn’t you ask me? I see them more often than Dad does,” Hadrian asked. Bill chuckled and tapped him on the nose.

“Because, if I gave them to you, little water nymph you would keep them,” Bill answered him with a chuckle. Hadrian pouted and then laughed.

“Ok, fair,” Hadrian gave in. Bill tugged on a loose strand of Hadrian’s hair.

“Your hair is growing fast. It’s going to be as long as mine soon,” Bill commented.

“I like it, the Dursleys never let me grow my hair out. I am excited,” Hadrian answered.

“Just how many Dragel are currently on Earth?” Ronan interrupted. “We were only aware of the four of you.”

“Well, there is Draco, he is a Submissive as well, he is already bonded with Theo who is an Alpha. Then there is Blaise, he is a Joker. Fred and George are Bill’s brothers, and they are Pareya, then there is Nikolaus he is a Beta. Then Charlie who doesn’t go to school anymore is also a Beta and Bill’s brother. Then last but not least is Viktor, he is a Beta as well,” Hadrian said and then blushed. “We are courting.”

Hadrian touched the necklace dangling from his neck and then smiled when Bill chuckled at him.

“And you are his Alpha?” one of the other Merrow asked curiously.

“No,” Harry said with a laugh. “Why does everyone think that? Bill is my brother in every way but blood. I love him so much, but the way a sibling does.”

“Ok, so that is eight teenage Dragel and five adult Dragel,” Ronan counted.

“What about parents for the teens?” The Merrow Ace asked.

“Theo’s mum is dead, and his dad is in prison. He is a really bad person. Blaise’s mum doesn’t have much to do with him and his dad is dead. Draco’s parents are complicated. His real dad is dead, and his mother is inherited and will want to go when we do. Viktor’s and Nik’s parents live in Bulgaria and are fully inherited with no intentions to leave Earth,” Hadrian explained what he could.

“And what about your parents?” Ronan asked Bill.

“One is a Dragel, and one is a Torvak though we do not know which. They placed suppressions on my siblings and I at birth and never intended to tell us who we truly were. I only learned about it because I started working here. I have brought each of my brothers here to be cleansed as they came of age. I only have two younger siblings who have yet to be tested,” Bill explained.

“This place sounds like literal hell,” one of the Storm Dragel said with a chuckle. “Are they all going to be seeking sanctuary when we leave?”

“Well, Theo says he already has citizenship on Nevarah and has actually been there a few times with his Oretta. They just wanted to finish their schooling here and wait for Draco to turn seventeen so that he could get his inheritance before they left. Their paperwork is already taken care of,” Hadrian informed them.

“So is ours,” Severus told them. “Our account managers have taken care of most of the paperwork already it is just waiting for us.”

“Ok, that makes things easier. So that leaves you and your family as well as one Joker and the two Betas that will need paperwork done,” Ronan reiterated.

“Sounds right,” Bill told them. Severus nodded as well.

“Ok, lets figure out the plan for guarding the little Aqua’kine until it is time to go,” Ronan suggested.

By the time they were finished making plans Hadrian had gotten tired and was sleeping stretched out on the floor in a pile of blankets between Severus and Bill.

“What day is it?” Bill asked as he watched Hadrian sleep without moving. The others paused while Severus answered. Bill counted it out in his head for a moment. “It is about time for his Realignment Cycle, isn’t it? The twins have been keeping me updated.”

“Oh,” Severus replied and thought about it. “You are right. I was wondering why he seemed so tired. It has been so sporadic that we have had a hard time predicting it. I believe we need to return to the school so that he can be placed in his room.”

“Agreed,” Ronan stated, and they all rose from the table as Severus lifted Hadrian into his arms.

“Dad?” Hadrian mumbled out. “So tired.”

“I know, Child. Let’s get you home,” Severus answered him. Hadrian nodded and snuggled close.

“Love you, Dad,” Hadrian sighed out.

“And I, you,” Severus answered. “Follow me. One of you will need to take him so that no one sees him. Your glamours will hide him as well won’t it?”

“It will. I will take him,” Ronan offered and reached out to take Hadrian from Severus. The little Submissive was so small in his arms. He felt a sudden surge of protectiveness envelope him and he tightened his arms.

“Make sure that you cannot be detected and follow me,” Severus instructed.

“Yes, Alpha Prince,” Ronan responded, and they followed him out.

“Severus is fine. These are the coordinates that you need to portal to,” Severus held out his hand and the Mage reached out for the information transfer.

“I will be in control of the portal,” The mage stated. Severus nodded and then held his breath as the Mage portaled them to a place just outside of the wardline.

“Hide now,” Severus instructed them. Then once they were all unseen, he led them through the gates and into the castle.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
December 18, 1995: Hogwarts

Hadrian woke up in his room with a big stretch. He looked over to see Viktor sitting next to his bed. He only woke up supervised after a Realignment. He chirped questioningly and Viktor looked up from his book with a smile.

A smile that was reserved just for Hadrian.

“Did you rest well, Little Seeker?” Viktor asked him.

Hadrian nodded and crawled out of bed and into Viktor’s arms. The Beta held him and let him finish waking up. Hadrian nuzzled him and then kissed him on the cheek. They had grown so much closer since they had agreed to court.

He reached up and played with the earing dangling from the Beta’s ear. It had been a gift from Hadrian. A pretty stone he had found in the Black Lake one night when he had gone swimming after curfew. The Merfolk had helped him turn it into an earring and it had been the first courting gift Hadrian had given to Viktor.

“Ready to get up so you can eat something? I know you must be starving,” Viktor asked him.

“Yeah, I am starving. I am going to hop in the shower first and change my clothes,” Hadrian told him. “Let my Dad know that I am awake?”

“If he is here, I will. I am not sure what time it is, he may still be in class,” Viktor responded and kissed his head before leaving him in his room alone.

Hadrian showered and changed quickly. He left his hair down and damp and had all of his Dragel attributes on display except his wings. They tended to get in the way in their quarters.

When he stepped out of his room he was surprised to see that the hall looked completely different. It was longer and had more doors. He gave a questioning chirp and looked around again. He could usually see the sitting room as soon as he left his room. But now he couldn’t.

“Dad?” Hadrian called out.

A door opened to his left and he made a questioning noise to the Gheyo that was now standing there. He had blue skin, dark purple hair that was braided back from his face and had a lot of jewels and other things hanging from his braids. His eyes were a lighter shade of purple and he was also wearing armor.

“What is the matter, Little One?” the Merrow asked him.

“Everything looks different,” Hadrian said and indicated the hall. “I don’t know where the sitting room is or even where my dad’s room is.”

“That is a bit upsetting isn’t to go to sleep with things one way and wake up to them another,” the merrow agreed. “Your Sire’s room is just across from yours. And the sitting room is that way. Come, I will take you.”

“Thank you,” Hadrian said gratefully. “What is your name by the way? I don’t think we did introductions at the bank.”

“I am Manollo. I am a Gheyo Queen,” the Merrow introduced himself. “And you are Hadrian.”

“Right,” Hadrian said with a smile. “Thank you.”

“Of course, come on,” Manollo encouraged. Hadrian followed the large merrow down the hall and into the sitting room.

This room was different too. It was bigger and had more sitting room. He didn’t see his dad. Just Viktor and a bunch of strangers. He chirped questioningly and looked around again. Viktor stood up and came to him.

“What is it, Lyubov Moya?” Viktor asked him.

“Where is my Dad?” Hadrian asked him.

“He is in class, Hades. It is nearly the end of the day. He said he would stop in after classes and before dinner to check on you. So, he should be here soon,” Viktor informed him.

“Oh, ok,” Hadrian answered.

“Come and sit. I got you something to snack on until dinner,” Viktor told him and led him over to the coffee table. Hadrian sat down on the floor and pressed his back against Viktor’s legs when he sat on the couch behind him.

“I think, maybe, some of your anxiety is because we are still strangers, and you do not know our names. How about a round if introductions to make you feel better?” Ronan offered. Hadrian nodded and smiled up at him gratefully.

The man had only a light blue tint to his skin and long dark hair. His eyes were a deep ocean blue but seemed to be streaked with purple like lightning. He had pointed Dragel ears rather than fluted Merrow ears. He was taller than Viktor by quite a bit and all muscled up. He had on a flexi suit and armor just like the other Merrow. He was absolutely gorgeous.

“I am Ronan Aegaeon, I am a Gheyic Alpha and a member of Crimson Tide. I am Half Merrow and half Storm Dragel. I am happy to be part of your guard and happy to meet you,” Ronan introduced himself. Hadrian smiled and the next person spoke up.

“We will go in order of Rank to make things easier. I am Malakai. I am a full Merrow and an Ace. I am also part of Crimson Tide,” He was as tall as Ronan, but he wasn’t as muscled. His skin was a dark pretty purple with white strips. He had purple and white dreads and white eyes ringed with purple. And the fluted ears that were typical of Merrow. Gorgeous. They were all gorgeous.

The next one up was a Storm Dragel with black hair and purple eyes. He had an easy smile that encouraged others to smile with him. He was about the same height as Viktor and moved with easy grace. He introduced himself as Aolani.

The Merrow Queen he had met in the hallway went next even though he had already introduced himself to Hadrian. The next was a Merrow Prince with teal skin and blue hair cut short. He seemed younger than the others but no less powerful. His name was Kanoa.

The last Gheyo was a Storm Princess named Tempest. He had grey hair and light purple eyes. He was sitting in the lap of the last man. A tall, slender man with dark hair and flashing purple eyes. Power seemed to just pulse out of him every once in a while as if he just needed to release some of it.

He was holding the Princess in his arms as if he were merely doing it because it made the other Dragel happy. He watched everything around them with sharp eyes except for when they glazed over just a bit as if he were seeing things that were not there. Luna looked like that sometimes.

“My name is Haikili and I am a Storm Mage. I am also a Seer and Realm Walker,” the man introduced himself. “It is lovely to finally meet you little Aqua-kine.”

“It’s great to meet all of you as well,” Hadrian told them “So all of you are just here to guard me? That might get a little boring at least until January. And maybe even after then hopefully.”

“How do you intend to guard him properly when he starts classes again?” Viktor asked them. He had liked the idea of Hadrian safely tucked away in Severus’ quarters and far away from any potential danger. Now he would be back out in the world that had already hurt him many times.

“The Goblins have given us similar rings to your Submissive that will allow us to seem like students here. The Mage created a charm that will make people think we have always been here when they see us and forget us the moment we walk away,” Tempest explained.

“That’s neat,” Hadrian said with a grin. He looked up at Viktor. “Did we find a way that I can go to the Yule Ball with you?”

“We did,” Severus said as he strode into the room. Hadrian chirred happily and quickly launched himself at Severus. “You are now enrolled at Hogwarts as Hadrian Black. Viktor and the others have been making sure to speak about his betrothal to a pureblood Black that is transferring to Hogwarts after being homeschooled because his family has decided to move back to Britian.”

“That’s genius,” Hadrian said excitedly. That would mean it was perfectly ok for him to already be familiar with Viktor.

“It was Draco’s idea,” Severus answered.

“He is brilliant,” Hadrian said with a grin.

“I have been instructed to retrieve you from Hogsmeade the day before the Yule Ball and bring you to the Great Hall at Dinner time so that you can be sorted and have time to settle into your new dorm before the excitement of the Yule Ball the next day,” Severus informed him.

“I can’t wait, I have loved not being out in public where everyone watches me, but this room was starting to make me a bit stir crazy,” Hadrian said as he took his seat back on the floor at Viktor’s feet.

“How do you feel?” Severus asked him as he sat down for a moment.

“Great. As always after my Realignment. Anything new happen while I was sleeping? Any news about Papa?” Hadrian asked.

“Nothing yet. Apparently, the pack he was trying to negotiate with moved recently so they are still trying to track him down,” Severus answered.

“What about Dera?” Hadrian asked. Severus sighed and sat back.

“Nothing. They are still trying to pick up any kind of trail to follow. The Alpha reported that Regulus must be under some serious wards,” Severus told him.

“I hope they can find something soon,” Hadrian said with a sigh.

He was kind of sick of Earth. He was ready to have all of his parents and move on to Nevarah with his family and his Beta. Theo and Blaise had been telling him stories about The Hunt and he was hoping they got back to Nevarah close to when it was going on. It sounded so exciting.

He was sure to find a good Alpha there.