When Merrows Scream

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
December 24, 1995: Day Before Yule Ball

“Are you ready?” Severus asked his son. Hadrian looked up at him and adjusted his new robes.

Bill had taken him shopping last weekend in Paris. Narcissa, Draco’s mum had met them there and made sure that he went to all of the best shops and got the latest fashions in everything. Hadrian liked her. She was really nice. Nothing like Lucius Malfoy.

Draco had insisted, with Severus’ agreement that if he was going to be enrolling as a pureblood from an old family that he was going to have to look the part. Especially since he was coming in as the betrothed of someone as famous as Viktor Krum.

So, he was dressed nicer than he ever had, and he actually felt really good. He had a ring on to glamour his skin color but that was it. He had his hair styled nicely and just the front pulled back from his face.

“Yeah, I’m ready,” Hadrian replied after he took a deep breath. He checked his wand holster one more time and smiled. He had had to get a new wand as well. This one felt much better to him and seemed to match his magic better.

“And your shadows?” Severus asked. Hadrian pointed behind him to two places.

Severus couldn’t see the Merrow when they were glamoured, but Hadrian could. Two of them were going to accompany him into the great hall glamoured this first night to watch. They were going to gauge Albus’ reaction and see if he seemed suspicious at all.

“Ok, I am going to leave you here and take my seat. You know how Albus is, he likes to put on a show whenever he can. So, just wait until he introduces you,” Severus told him for the tenth time. Hadrian smiled up at him and then briefly squeezed his hand before letting go.

“It’s ok, Dad. I know what I am supposed to do. I won’t give anything away. No one will know the truth or even suspect it. I’m going to be fine,” Hadrian said quietly.

“I just worry. You have been safe in our quarters and now you will be out in the world where I cannot watch over you at all times like I have been,” Severus responded with a sigh.

“I love you, Dad. We can do this. I am still going to be sleeping in our quarters when I can manage it. And I am being guarded all day every day. So, don’t worry,” Hadrian told him with another smile. It was really nice to have someone who was genuinely worried about him.

“I love you as well, Little Starfish. Listen for your name,” Severus said and then strode out of the side room and into the dining hall. Hadrian watched through the crack in the door as McGonagall pulled out the stool and hat and sat them in front of the head table.

There was a murmur of surprise and excitement. There hadn’t been a new student other than first years at the beginning of the year. Everyone was curious who would be transferring in the middle of the school year.

“As you can see, we have a new student. He was homeschooled and traveled with his family, but they have decided to settle down here in Britain for the remainder of his school years. He will be joining our fifth year students. I expect you to all be on your best behavior and help me make him feel welcome here. Please welcome Hadrian Black,” Albus stood and introduced him.

Hadrian took a deep breath and opened the door and strode out with a smile. He could hear people whispering about the way he looked and could already see the girls whispering to each other and blushing. He looked over to the Slytherin table and smiled brightly when he made eye contact with Viktor.

“Welcome, Mr. Black,” McGonagall said with a smile. “Please take a seat on the stool and we will get you sorted into your house.”

“Thank you, Ma’am,” Hadrian said politely and took a seat on the stool.

“I’ll not give you the chance to talk me out of my original choice again, Little Prince,”

He heard the hat chuckle through his head. Hadrian grinned. He hadn’t planned on it.

SLYTHERIN

The hat announced loudly and there was applause from the House of Snakes as Hadrian’s robes changed color and the Slytherin House crest appeared on his chest. The hat was lifted from his head and a gloved hand appeared in front of him before he could move.

“Hello, Love,” Viktor greeted him.

Hadrian smiled brightly and slipped his hand into the Bulgarian’s hand. Viktor steadied him as he stepped off the stool and then he tucked Hadrian’s hand in the crook of his elbow so that he could escort him to the table.

“Hi, Vik,” Hadrian responded. “I missed you.”

He happily ignored the sounds of shock from the students as Viktor helped him take his seat right next to Blaise and across from Draco and Theo. His guards were in the seats around them and carrying on conversation with the students next to them as if they had always been there.

“Show off,” Nikolaus whispered from across the table. Viktor just shrugged and started placing things on Hadrian’s plate as Dumbledore announced a few more things about the Yule Ball.

“I didn’t want there to be any misunderstandings about who he belonged to. He looks absolutely stunning this evening and I could hear the girls and boys alike commenting on it,” Viktor stated with a slight growl. Hadrian leaned over and placed a very quick kiss to Viktor’s cheek.

“Well, they know now don’t they, My Champion?” Hadrian said with a chuckle. They spent the rest of the meal pretending to introduce Hadrian to his new classmates and just spending time together.

When they were ready to leave the Great Hall Viktor planned on escorting Hadrian at least to the stairs leading to the dungeons. Hadrian was walking next to Viktor and felt someone reach out and pull him to the side just in time for Ronald Weasley to walk past.

If he hadn’t moved, Ron would have slammed into him. Which is exactly what he had intended to do. He sneered at Hadrian and Viktor.

“Who would have thought that The Viktor Krum was nothing but a fairy. I bet the Bulgarian team kicks him off when they find out. I for sure won’t be cheering for them anymore,” Ron stated and then he looked Hadrian up and down. “Just what this school needed, another slimy snake. You should have stayed where you were, Black. You won’t like it here.”

“Are you done?” Hadrian asked after a moment. Ron just blinked and then looked at the two of them. Neither of them were rising to the bait or reacting the way he had wanted. He looked like he was looking for a fight and they weren’t going to give it to him.

“For now,” Ron finally spat out. Hadrian just smiled at him and linked his hand with Viktors.

“Good, now if you don’t mind, I have much better things to do than listen to silly, jealous boys. If you wanted his autograph I am sure all you had to do was ask for it,” Hadrian said and pulled out a signed picture of Viktor and handed it to the now red faced Gryffindor. “Come on, Love. I’m tired.”

“As you wish,” Viktor said with a chuckle. They made it down the stairs before Draco and Blaise burst into peals of laughter.

“Merlin, Hades, did you see his face?” Draco said when he could breathe again. “I am so upset that we weren’t friends before this year.”

“It was perfect,” Blaise agreed. “You are Perfetto, Cara Mia.”

Hadrian blushed and smiled at the compliments. Draco linked their hands together and smiled at him.

“Tell your Beta, goodnight. We need to get to the dorms and see how they accommodated you being here,” Draco told him.

“Not that it really matters, I plan on staying with my dad,” Hadrian responded.

“Goodnight, My Heart,” Viktor said and kissed him on the cheek before nuzzling him.

“Sleep well, my Beta,” Hadrian responded and then waved as Viktor and Nikolaus left.

“Come, Little One,” Ronan instructed. “Your Sire says that you must at least make an appearance in the Common room and the dorm room before you sneak out.”

“Right,” Hadrian agreed. “Let’s go.”

Draco didn’t let go of his hand so the two of them just walked together in the center with the others around them.

“Theo likes having your guards around,” Draco said with a smile.

“Why?” Hadrian asked curiously as he glanced at his friend’s Alpha.

“He feels like he doesn’t have to be so on guard because they are here. He doesn’t have to watch out for me all alone,” Draco answered.

“Oh, that makes sense,” Hadrian agreed. “I know my Dad and Viktor love it.”

“I bet they do,” Draco said. “Here we are. The Slytherin common room.”

“I have been here before, you know,” Hadrian said with a grin.

“What? When?” Draco demanded.

Hadrian laughed and proceeded to tell him all about second year and polyjuicing himself as Goyle to see if Draco was the Heir of Slytherin. They laughed and cut up until almost everyone was asleep, and Ronan escorted him back to his dad’s quarters to sleep.

He couldn’t wait for tomorrow; it was going to be so fun. He had been practicing with Draco on his dancing. He couldn’t wait to show Viktor how much he had learned.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
December 25, 1995: Remus Finally

“Listen Pup,” Greyback said with a sigh.

“Stop calling me that,” Remus responded automatically. Honestly, it was an ongoing argument. He just didn’t understand why the man insisted on referring to him as his son.

“You are my son, Remus,” Greyback snapped. “I swear that damned Wolfsbane has screwed you up in more ways than one.”

“Just because you bit me and turned me into this, doesn’t make you my father,” Remus argued. Greyback looked at him as if he had lost his mind.

“Is that it? Is that what they told you happened? You aren’t a bitten wolf, Remus. I am your Sire. Your mother and I were in love. Lyall Lupin is not your father,” Greyback growled out. He slammed his hands down on the wooden table between them.

“Lies,” Remus stated calmly. “Lies to turn me away from The Order. If you do not want to fight for the Light just say so. Why are you wasting my time like this? Why is it so important to you that I believe you are my true father?”

Greyback snarled. He picked up the table and threw it into a nearby tree. It split in two around the tree and landed heavily in the silence.

“Show me the bite,” Greyback stated finally. He sounded completely calm, and Remus blinked in confusion.

“What?” Remus asked stupidly.

“Show. Me. The. Bite.” Greyback said slowly. “The bite that I gave you that turned you. Show it to me, Remus.”

“Yeah, ok,” Remus said and then paused.

Where had he been bitten?

He looked up at Greyback and then down at the ground. He reached for his pant leg and lifted it. There was nothing. Just a few scars from claws or fights when he was in his Were form.

But no bite.

“There is nothing there, Pup,” Greyback said gently. “Someone has altered your memories or messed with your mind some other way. Isn’t your Alpha a Master Legilimens?”

“What?” Remus looked up at him.

There was a flash in his mind of Severus smiling at him as he read with another dark haired man curled up to him. He blinked and the memory was gone.

“Your Alpha, Pup. And while we are on the subject of your mates, I want to know why you haven’t brought your son to meet his grandfather. He is what? Sixteen now?” Greyback asked him.

Remus could once again see Severus walking into a room and handing him a tiny beautiful blue skinned baby boy. Then Severus kissed him and the baby on the head before walking out of the room.

“I..” Remus looked up at Greyback with panic in his eyes. “What are you doing to me? How are you doing this?”

“Doing what? What’s the matter, Remy?” Greyback asked him. “Stop clawing at yourself, Pup.” Greyback grabbed Remus by the arms and pulled his claws out of his skin. “Come on, Remy, lets breath together just like we used to.”

Remus took a deep breath and with Greyback so close to him he pulled his scent into his nose. The smell of woods, fresh dirt, and something else that reminded him of home. Then there was a flash of memory of Remus standing with Severus and Regulus. He was holding that same beautiful boy and smiling down at him.

When he looked up in the memory, Greyback was standing in front of him smiling down at that baby as well. Remus then handed his son to him and watched as Greyback cooed at him.

Remus blinked again and the memory faded away. He looked around and realized he was sitting on the ground with strong arms wrapped around him from behind. Arms that felt comforting instead of restraining.

“Back with me, Boy?” Fenrir asked calmly. Remus nodded and the arms released him. “Haven’t had a panic attack like that in a long time. I think your sixth year right after that pureblood twat, Black pulled that stupid prank.”

“Something is wrong with me,” Remus whispered. “My memories are wrong.”

“We will get you help, Pup. We will go to the goblins,” Fenrir responded immediately.

They snapped their heads around when they heard a rustling in the trees to their right. Fenrir stood quickly and his grin was a bit feral when Remus stepped up next to him.

“Show yourself,” Fenrir demanded.

Five men stepped out of the trees with their hands raised to show that they were empty. Fenrir and Remus did not relax.

“Are you Remus Lupin?” The white-haired man in the front asked calmly.

“That depends on who is asking,” Fenrir responded.

One of the men leaned over and showed the white haired man a picture. He nodded and turned back to the wolves.

“Your son is in danger,” the man stated. The man beside him rolled his eyes and elbowed him. “Godson, sorry, your godson is in danger.”

“My Godson is safe at school. If he was in danger, Albus would tell me,” Remus countered.

“Did you know that he went missing for five days after the Death Eaters attacked the World Cup?” the man asked him.

“Lies,” Remus responded. “Albus would have told me. Sirius would have told me.”

“Actually, Pup, that is the truth,” Fenrir told him.

“What?” Remus asked him. “How would you know? We have been in these woods for months.”

“One of the younger wolves snuck into town last week and when he came back he was telling all kinds of tales about the World Cup and the Tri-Wizard Tournament that is taking place. He also stated that Harry is missing again. That he was taken from the school back in November and that Death Eaters are suspected,” Fenrir told him.

“He went missing for five days back in August and then went missing again in November? He hasn’t been found? It’s almost January. Why wouldn’t they tell me?” Remus demanded. “What do you have to do with all of this? Who are you?”

“My name is Xander. I was sent to bring you to the Goblins so that they can talk to you about Harry,” the white haired man answered. “Will you come with me?”

Remus looked at Fenrir. The Alpha wolf sighed and clapped him on the shoulder.

“You need to go, Pup. You know something is wrong with your memories. The Goblins are good at that kind of help. Then when you are all fixed up, I want you to bring my grandson to meet me,” Fenrir insisted. “Don’t let these Dragel drag you off Earth before you come back and see me. Do you hear me?”

“I…don’t even know how to respond to that right now,” Remus said with a sigh. He turned back to the men that had come. “I will go with you to the Goblins, but if this is a trick of some kind, I will make you pay in ways that you couldn’t imagine.”

“I swear to you that we only want to help you get to your boy,” Xander answered.

“Alright, then let’s go,” Remus responded. Fenrir gripped his neck and nodded to him before letting him go and walking away.

He stepped up the Dragel and let them portal him straight into the bank. They waited until a goblin strolled into the room.

“Very good, follow me,” the goblin stated to Remus. “One of you send a message and get Lord Prince here.”

“Yes, Master Axeclaw,” Xander responded.

Remus followed Axeclaw out of the room and down the hall. He was sat down at a desk and handed a parchment. He did everything that he was told and quickly submitted himself to a cleansing when he saw his Inheritance test.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
December 25, 1995: After the Ball

“Dad!” Hadrian called as he slipped into his quarters.

Hadrian had just had the best night of his entire life. He had danced the first dance with Viktor and didn’t mess up once. He had talked and laughed and been asked to dance more times than he could count. Though most of them he turned down.

He did, however, dance with Blaise and Ronan almost as often as Viktor. He danced with the other Gheyo as well. Apparently, dancing was something that all Dragel loved to do. It had been amazing, and he had enjoyed every minute.

About halfway through the ball, his dad had given him a look and then quickly left the Great Hall after a quick word with McGonagall. He hadn’t seen his dad again all evening. Now the ball was over. Ronan and the other Gheyo had escorted him back to his quarters.

“Dad?” Hadrian called again when he didn’t get an answer. Where was his dad?

“He is not here, Little One,” Haikili responded as Hadrian wandered into the sitting room.

“Do you know where he is?” Hadrian asked as he sat down on the floor near the Mage. “He left the Ball about halfway through and didn’t say anything. Did he come here?”

Hadrian found that he really enjoyed the feel of the random bursts of magic that pulsed from the Mage sometimes. The Mage reached over and tugged on Hadrian’s hair. When he looked up at him he tapped the floor next to his leg.

Hadrian smiled and slid over so that he could rest against the man’s leg. He had learned that Kili didn’t talk much but he got his point across just the same. He felt a tingle of magic and grinned when he realized he was in his favorite pair of comfy pajamas. He also felt clean as if he had just stepped out of a shower. That was nifty spell work.

“Rest, Little Starfish. He will be home soon,” Haikili said comfortingly.

“Ok,” Hadrian agreed and purred happily when the Mage began to hum quietly and run his fingers through Hadrian’s hair.

He played with the pretty silver bracelet on his wrist and smiled in contentment. It had been his Christmas/second courting gift from Viktor. The Beta gave it to him when he showed up at the common room to get him before the ball. It was nearly solid except for a few words in Latin.

‘In Aeternum Meum In Aeternum Tuum’ It translated to Forever Mine Forever Yours.

Hadrian blinked his eyes open when he felt a gentle touch on his cheek. When had he closed his eyes? He looked up and smiled.

“Hi Dad,” Hadrian said sleepily. “I missed you. Where did you go?”

“Hello, Little Star. I am sorry that I had to leave so suddenly. But I brought you home something that will make you very happy,” Severus told him.

“You did?” Hadrian said with a grin. “What is it?”

Severus stood up and stepped to the side. Hadrian jumped up quickly when he saw who was standing there.

“Papa,” Hadrian whispered.

“Hello, Pup,” Remus said with a smile. “I have missed you desperately.”

“You’re here,” Hadrian whispered again.

Remus held open his arms and Hadrian quickly buried himself in his Papa’s chest. The smell was so familiar. He smelled of parchment and chocolate. Of warm things and home. Remus smelled the same way he had smelled back in third year but more.

“Oh, my Hades,” Remus said with so much love in his voice. Hadrian just burrowed closer to him. He knew he was crying but he just didn’t care. “I know this is all so overwhelming for you. Everything has been so inside out and backwards hasn’t it, Little Star?”

“I missed you so much, Papa. Even before I knew you were my dad. I was so upset when Dumbledore sent you away on a mission. I’m so glad you’re here. I know Dad is too,” Hadrian mumbled into his chest.

“Of course, I am, Child,” Severus said with a chuckle. “I have missed him dearly. And now there will be another parent around to share the worry with.”

“What worry? I am a perfectly well behaved son,” Hadrian pouted as he looked at his dad. He looked at Remus with that same pout.

“I never said you weren’t,” Severus said and flicked his nose. “You are absolutely a well-behaved child. I meant the worry about your safety in this horrible school.”

“There is an entire suit of Gheyo watching over me every moment of every day,” Hadrian countered.

“Fine, Brat,” Severus grinned. “I need him to help me keep an eye on our sixteen year old, unbonded Son. You seem to be attracting a new suitor every time I turn my head.”

“Oh, really now,” Remus asked and pulled Hadrian over to the couch to sit down. “Suitors, Hadrian?”

“He is clearly exaggerating,” Hadrian insisted. “I only have one suitor.”

“And who would that be? Is it a Weasley? It is isn’t it,” Remus teased him. “We ran into Bill at the bank, and he was full of questions about how your evening had gone.”

“It isn’t Bill,” Hadrian stated and threw his hands up into the air. “I do not like Bill. He is like a brother to me. Merlin, I am going to have to start wearing a sign or something that says, ‘Bill Weasley is not my Boyfriend’.”

“Ok,” Remus chuckled. “Not a Weasley. Who is it then?”

“Viktor Krum,” Hadrian said with a blush and smile. He looked back down at the bracelet again.

“That is new,” Severus said as he sat down next to Remus and wrapped an arm around his shoulders.

“My second Courting Gift. Viktor gave it to me before the ball,” Hadrian said proudly. Remus lifted his wrist and checked it out.

“Forever Yours Forever Mine,” Remus translated. He looked up at Severus. “A courting gift? You agreed to let our sixteen year old son court someone? He is only a baby, Sev.”

“I am not,” Hadrian said rolled his eyes. “I’ll be seventeen in a few months. And Dad made us promise not to move past the courting stage until you and Dera were back with us. We have been very respectful and followed the rules. The most we have done is a lot of really chaste kissing and a bit of cuddling.”

“Wait a minute,” Remus said with a chuckle. “Viktor Krum.. as in the famous Bulgarian Seeker? That is your boyfriend?”

“That is my Beta,” Hadrian said with an eye roll. “So much more important than a silly boyfriend.”

“Well, I want to meet him,” Remus said and pulled Hadrian close. “Your bracelet is beautiful, Pup.”

“Thanks,” Hadrian said and preened just a little. “It is, isn’t it.”

Hadrian sat there for a few moments before he crawled over Remus and pushed him over just a bit so that he could cuddle up between both of his fathers. He sighed and let the two of them hold him. Severus carded his fingers through Hadrian’s hair until he was sound asleep.

“I will take him to his bed,” Haikili stated. Severus nodded and let the Mage lift his son into his arms and carry him out of the room. Remus scooted closer and Severus wrapped him in his arms.

“Now, tell me about all of these suitors, so that I know who to keep an eye on,” Remus insisted with a chuckle.

“Well, Blaise Zabini for one,” Severus started. “That little Joker has had his eyes on our boy since the school year started. The Soulbond between them is so blaringly obvious to everyone around them, but them.”

“Perhaps he is only waiting until Hadrian has formed his triad?” Remus offered.

“Perhaps,” Severus agreed. “Which may not be as far off as I would like. Ronan Aegaeon, Gheyic Alpha, Part Merrow/Part Storm. Watches our son like a hawk. Has already presented Hades with two gifts even if our oblivious child hasn’t realized it yet. The Beta has received one as well, but he is very much aware of what is going on. They have been sizing each other up since Ronan arrived.”

“You are the same as you have always been,” Remus said with a chuckle. “You don’t miss anything do you, My Alpha.”

“It helps to have an Eidetic Memory,” Severus stated.

“Are there more, or just those two besides the Beta?” Remus asked.

“The Ace has taken an interest as well. Malakai full Merrow,” Severus answered. “And I think maybe the Storm Princess, Tempest. But he is such a flirt that I can’t tell just yet.”

“Don’t worry, Love,” Remus said with a chuckle. “I will help you keep an eye on all of them. Now, I have a need to reacquaint myself with my Alpha. Take me to bed, Severus.”

“Pushy Wolf,” Severus growled out fondly.

Remus shivered at the way Severus’ already dark eyes seemed to darken more. That look always promised so many fun things. Severus stood and pulled Remus into his arms. He kissed him breathless and then grabbed the Beta under his thighs and lifted.

Severus headed for their bedroom as Remus started nibbling at his neck and undoing his robes. This was going to be a very fun night of reestablishing their bond. Remus laughed when Severus tossed him onto the bed and spelled his clothes away.

“Impatient?” Remus teased.

“Absolutely,” Severus answered. “Now, be a good boy and lie back for your Alpha.”

“Yes, Sir,” Remus breathed out and did exactly as he was told.

He loved when Severus was like this. Severus was a true Dominant and knew that Remus could and would take everything he had to give. Remus loved every minute of it, but his favorite part was the aftercare when Severus was all soft words and gentle touches. When he refused to use magic to clean them up because Severus wanted to take care of him.

Merlin, he had missed his Alpha.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
December 26,1995: Gifts

Hadrian woke up the next morning excited. They had decided to wait and exchange gifts the morning after the Yule Ball that way no one was busy or had to rush to do anything. It had been Haikili’s suggestion. Now Hadrian knew why.

He didn’t bother changing out of his pajamas or doing anything other than throwing his hair up into a quick messy bun. Then he nearly ran from his room and straight into his parents room.

Severus was up already coming out of the bathroom. He was just wearing a pair of low slung pajama bottoms and brushing his teeth. Remus was still sleeping in the middle of the bed. Hadrian waved at his dad and then jumped into the bed with his Papa. Remus chuckled and wrapped his arms around Hadrian tightly.

“Good morning, Pup,” Remus said sleepily and nuzzled his cheek.

“Morning, Papa,” Hadrian returned happily. “Hurry up and get up. We waited for this morning to open gifts.”

“Alright alright. I am getting up,” Remus said after Hadrian had poked him in his side for the fourth time.

Hadrian kissed Remus on the cheek and then crawled out of the bed. Severus had pulled on a top and was leaning against the wall watching the two of them with a fond smile. Hadrian went straight to his Dad and hugged him tightly.

“Morning, Dad,” Hadrian greeted happily.

“Good Morning, Little Star,” Severus returned and nuzzled him just like Remus had. “Go on into the sitting room, we will be along shortly.”

“Ok Dad. Don’t take too long or I will start without the two of you,” Hadrian teased before slipping out of the door.

“You waited for gifts?” Remus said as he got up and headed for the bathroom.

“We were advised by Kili that we would enjoy ourselves better if we waited,” Severus answered.

“And Kili is who again?” Remus called from the other room.

“The Mage,” Severus responded.

“Oh, is that another one of Hadrian’s suitors? They seem comfortable with each other,” Remus pointed out. Severus chuckled.

“No, he sees Hadrian as a child that needs to be taken care of. His Paternal instincts are amazing for a man that doesn’t have children. He is the same way with Draco,” Severus revealed.

“That’s good. He seemed a little too mature and calm for our baby,” Remus said as he came out of the bathroom and hugged Severus.

“He is. He is also a Seer. Which is why we took him up on his suggestion to wait. I am glad that you are finally here, Remy,” Severus said and held his Beta tighter.

“So am I, Sev. Now let’s go before that little menace does start without us,” Remus said with a chuckle.

The two of them exited their room and headed down the hall. They walked into the sitting room to see Hadrian sitting in the middle of the floor talking to a very big Merrow who was sitting next to him.

“Ronan, the Alpha,” Severus whispered to Remus.

“Of course,” Remus responded with a chuckle. They stood there and watched the Merrow hand their son a small, wrapped gift.

“This is so pretty,” Hadrian said as he gently pulled out the small blue pearl that was streaked with purple lightning. “It looks just like your eyes.”

“Yes, it does,” Ronan responded with a chuckle when Hadrian blushed. “All Merrow love their jewelry and trinkets. I made this for you. It is an added protection so that if you are in trouble simply smash the pearl. It will alert me that you are in need, and I can track the magical signature to you across realms if I need to.”

“That’s amazing, Ro. Thank you,” Hadrian chirred happily and attached it to his necklace next to the scale of the Horntail from Viktor. “I always end up in the worst situations. Don’t be surprised if I actually have to use this.”

“Make sure that you do, Little One,” Ronan said with a chuckle. “If I find out you were in danger and didn’t use it, I will be quite disappointed. Now, I believe I am going to go for a swim so that you can have some privacy with your parents.”

“Wait!” Hadrian said and jumped up.

He went to the small tree he had been happy to decorate earlier this month. It was his very first Christmas tree. He slept in the sitting room the first night he had put it up so that he could see the lights. He dug around for a moment and then pulled out a gift box.

“I found this when I was in Paris with Bill and Cissy getting my school clothes,” Hadrian stated with a blush. The Alpha took the box and opened it while Hadrian watched and waited.

“This is quite beautiful,” Ronan said and pulled a dagger out of the box.

It had been expensive but when Hadrian had seen it, he couldn’t not get it for Ronan. It had a beautiful silver handle with depictions of a storm on it. The blade was made of a black metal only found in the Goblin mines.

Hadrian watched as Ronan balanced the blade in his hand and flipped it a few times to test it.

“Good weight and perfectly balanced,” Ronan said with a grin. “So, it is pretty and well made. Thank you, Hades.”

“It’s Goblin made. And the Goblin in the shop said that you can also channel your magic into the blade,” Hadrian informed him. “It also has enchantments on it that will call it back to you after you have thrown it or dropped it. And once you have stabbed someone or something with it, the only person who can pull it out is you.”

“Wonderful,” Ronan said with pride. “A perfect blade.”

“I am glad you like it,” Hadrian preened with a blush. “Happy Christmas, Ro.”

“And to you as well, Hades,” Ronan said and pressed a kiss to Hadrian’s cheek before he left their quarters.

Hadrian reached up and played with the pearl as he sat down grinning like an idiot. He jumped a little when there was a chuckle from the doorway. He looked up to see his dads standing there. Remus was watching Hadrian while Severus was scowling at the door, Ronan had just left through.

“Hey,” Hadrian trilled happily. “Ready to open gifts?”

“Absolutely,” Remus said and elbowed Severus.

The Alpha grumbled and the two of them came into the sitting room and sat down on the floor with their son. Hadrian had gifts for both of them. Remus was surprised but Hadrian had let them know that Kili had hinted that he should make sure he got something for the Beta as well, just in case.

Severus had apparently received the same suggestion because he had something for Remus as well. Remus had picked Hadrian up a gift after his cleansing when he realized it was Christmas, and he was going home to his family. It was one of the reasons they had returned so late.

This was the best Christmas Hadrian had ever had. The only thing that would have made it better was if Regulus had come home to them as well.

At lunch, Severus had to make an appearance in the Great Hall for the meal but afterward, he had come back with Draco, Blaise, Theo, Viktor, and Nikolaus. Fred and George had gone home on the train this morning to spend the rest of Winter Break with their family with a bunch of the other students.

The Gheyo all came and went at random times when they weren’t patrolling. The rest of Winter Break was pretty much spent the same way. Going to the Great Hall for meals and spending a lot of time with his family and friends.

When second term started in January, Hadrian realized that they had been right. No one paid him any attention. He was just an insignificant new kid that quickly became old news between the excitement of the tournament and all of the articles being published about Harry Potter’s disappearance.

It was nice to be invisible aside from his friends and family.