Chapter 2
Rough hands grabbed Harry, slamming him back against the wall and cutting off his scream as Harry gasped in pain. The contorted figure of his defence professor was holding him tight, the horrifying visage of Voldemort sneering down at him.
“I should’ve known you were a Dragel,” he sneered, grip painfully tight. “It explains much about that night.” Then the face came closer down towards him, and Harry struggled, trying to reach up with his claws, but his arms were pinned down. “Your blood will be more than enough to sustain me until I can find a new host.”
Harry tried to fight harder, but he was barely half the size of his once professor, and the pain that still wracked his frame made him weak, not to mention the way he’d been pinned, elbows jabbing into his wings.
When the bright flashes of light started to burst behind Voldemort, a terrified whine left Harry, though he had no idea how he could make such a sound. His eyes slammed shut, everything too loud and too bright, and he braced for further pain, crying out when blunt teeth tore into his shoulder.
Growls immediately rumbled back to him, and he knew, instinctively that whoever had arrived wasn’t a danger to him - but didn’t they know it was too late? Voldemort was already killing him. Then Voldemort was torn away, and Harry’s limp body slid down the wall.
There was shouting - magic building in the air - and so many conflicting feelings that Harry felt sick with it. He pressed his hands over his ears, trying to dampen the noise, but it didn’t seem to help. He curled up as small as he could, wings instinctively folding around him, protectively.
>>>
When Hadrian landed in the stone room with no clear idea of where he was or what was going on, he saw two things; a magical mirror with magic so insidious it immediately tried to wrap it’s sickly claws into him, and a tiny Submissive being pressed against the wall by some sort of possessed corpse, the Submissive crying out in pain as the corpse latched onto his shoulder, tearing through skin and scales. The cry tore through him, demanding something from him in return.
A snarl rippled through the air, even as the thought MINE echoed through Hadrian’s mind. The change started between one step and the next; Hadrian getting impossibly taller, shoulders broader, wings flaring. There was no time to contemplate the shift, beyond a somewhat bitter relief that there would be no contest between himself and Zandian. He dashed forward, ripping the creature from his submissive’s form, throwing it back right onto Zandian’s flaming sword. Hadrian gave a near feral grin when the creature screamed with rage.
He caught sight of a Pareya appearing, already moving towards their Submissive who’d curled in on himself on the ground, hidden by his own peach and silver wings still covered in blood, and allowed his focus to remain on the creature. Whatever it was, it had caused both an early inheritance and a scream in his Submissive. He would get his answers. And he would make it pay for every single drop of blood drawn.
>>>
The lights seemed to dim around him, shocking him enough that it had Harry blinking his eyes open and looking up sharply.
A large man was crouched in front of him, even bigger wings spread between them and the rest of the room, creating what almost felt like a cocoon around them. He had warm, dark skin and was wearing strange clothes, though they were still trousers and a shirt, loose and flowing as opposed to what he was used to seeing. The wings that spanned over them were filled with black and gold scales, and shimmered like precious metal. They were beautiful, and safe.
Harry’s hands lowered from his ears, though stayed pressed to his own body, terror still coursing through him, and his shoulder throbbing with pain.
“Hello little one,” the man in front of him greeted, voice warm and soft. Harry trilled, curious, and winced at his own inability to form words for whatever these sounds were. “My name is Ethan, Ethan Hartwood. I’m your Pareya. I’m here to protect you.” Harry immediately shook his head. Everyone who tried to protect him always got hurt. He had no idea that his worry and fear for others projected so strongly, that Ethan could feel it. He knew immediately what it meant.
“The room must be very loud for you right now,” Ethan said instead, changing tactics. “Do you mind if I cast a dampening spell on you? It will help everything not be so loud.” Harry nodded, because no matter what, it would be better to be able to focus, even if he couldn’t hear everything clearly. He could rely on his other senses; he was used to being able to use whatever he could. He watched Ethan, taking in everything about him, as he flicked his fingers through the air and the world seemed to grow more bearable. Harry chirped in relief, relaxing a bit until his shoulder touched his wings again, and he flinched at the pain.
“That looks painful,” Ethan noted, voice still soft, though he kept an ear tuned into what was happening behind him. He’d seen a full Gheyo Suite appear, and only the one creature attacking their Submissive, so he wasn’t overly concerned as of yet. Especially with two recognizable Blood Titles amongst them. “Will you let me check it?” He watched his Submissive tilt his head curiously, gem bright green eyes watching him critically. It broke his heart for what it meant; that even with his instincts that would be telling him that he was safe now, he was wary enough of strangers or just adults in general, to have to think about it. Finally, the boy gave a chirp of consent, though he didn’t move from his place pressed against the wall.
There was a tap against his wings, and Ethan shifted in acknowledgment, but didn’t let the new Dragel in, not yet. He could feel the aura, recognized Kalzik magic, and felt relieved.
“Little one, there’s another here, like you and I. I believe they’re a Healer. They’re more qualified than I am to check on you. Can I let them in?”
Before his Submissive had a chance to respond, there was a set of pained screams, and without any warning his Submissive was screeching in panic, launching forward as if he was completely uninjured. Ethan could only shift out of the way, not willing to risk the little one injuring himself further in his bid to get to whoever it was that was screaming. He shifted, though kept his wings out as a shield, taking in the room as quickly as he could. There was a bubble of shadows in one corner, and only a white haired Mage standing in front, clearly guarding it, electricity crackling through his hair. He blinked, and then it clicked. Storm Mage. Riven Cairothe. When Riven caught his eye, he nodded across the room, and Ethan’s attention flew that way, to where a Merrow of all things was crouched beside a pair of Fire twins, clearly also going through an early inheritance, another Fire Dragel crouched at their feet, an aura that screamed Beta, and enough markers similar to the twins on the floor that they were likely related. The blood and viscera adorning the Beta’s form also spoke of something strange, as he was far too old to be inheriting naturally. He recognized the blonde Dragel dropping down beside the Merrow, bright magic already building between his fingers.
Then a Phoelix was stepping in front of their Submissive, armour, weapons, and oppressive aura screaming Joker, and he stopped the mad dash towards the twins thrashing on the floor. Their Submissive hissed, wings flaring, and Ethan watched as a shimmer of teal scales rippled and disappeared alongside peach.
A Submissive with Ferros potential.
The Joker clearly saw it too, but he didn’t move out of the way, clicking back instead. When their Submissive crouched, ready to pounce, Ethan made to step forward, but a flicker of the Joker’s gaze had him freezing in place.
“If you interrupt the Healer, your twins could die.” The words were harsh enough to have Ethan flinching, but their Submissive just stared at his Joker, tension building in the air. Then wings drooped, and their Submissive whined in distress, earning soothing rumbles from everyone else in the room.
The sound seemed to snap the youth out of his panicked dash, and when their Submissive finally collapsed, exhausted from everything, the Joker was right there to catch him.
Ethan approached then, hesitating only briefly before setting a soothing hand on the crown of pitch black hair. Another whine escaped the tiny Submissive, and Ethan saw the fangs that had formed in his mouth.
“He needs to start bonding,” Ethan murmured, glancing at the Joker. “It shouldn’t be me, but it could be you.” The Joker stared back at him a moment, maybe gaging sincerity, before nodding. Then he was shifting their Submissive in his arms, tilting his chin to the side when the boy instinctively nosed at his neck. He gave a rumble of encouragement, and didn’t so much as wince when fangs latched on, small arms wrapping around his Joker in turn, balancing himself. The snap of soul magic clicking into place washed over the room, and Ethan was surprised when it didn’t break on the shadowed corner, sinking into it instead. When the Joker eased their Submissive back, he tapped at his injury free shoulder, earning a consenting chirr in response, green eyes barely staying open as they watched his Joker intently. The Joker was quicker than their Submissive was, but that was no surprise considering the forced inheritance and the blood the boy had already lost.
“Rest now,” the Joker ordered, and their Submissive didn’t resist, slipping to sleep curled up in the Joker’s arms. As soon as he was asleep, the full force of his blue gaze turned on Ethan. “Did you get his name?” Ethan shook his head. The Joker hummed.
“Might as well start some introduction. Who are you?”
“Ethan Hartwood. Pareya. I’d say the twins seem to be inheriting as Pareya as well.” the Joker nodded.
“Brishen. Phoelix. Joker.” Ethan nodded, not even having expected that much.
“I know a few of the others here. The healer is Quinn Kalzik, known for his specialties in soul magic.” Brishen nodded, a gesture for him to continue. “The Mage guarding the others is Riven Cairothe. I think I saw two Blood Titles before the shadows went up.” Brishen’s eyebrow rose. “Blood Raven, the Shadow title holder, and Blood Flame, Fire.”
“Blood Titles are usually Ace’s.” Ethan winced.
“Yes. I think there was a rank shift.”
They both glanced over at the twins, clearly behind a silencing ward since their Submissive’s mad dash, but at least they didn’t seem to be screaming anymore. At that point, the Merrow stood and moved towards them, fierce scowl on his face.
“Of course there are three fire types.” he grumbled, but not quite quietly for them to miss it. Neither took the complaint too seriously though, after all, the Merrow had clearly been one of the first to reach them and help when their inheritance had started. “I heard introductions had started.” His chin shot up, teal hair rippling down his back, and dark blue eyes cutting as they assessed the three of them. “I’m Alec. No need to announce what I am.” His gaze turned to their Submissive and obviously softened, though the scowl never left his features. “Before they collapsed, they were looking for someone called Harry. Since they’re the closest in age, it would make sense if they’d known each other. Also the fact that all four of them inherited at the same time.”
“Seems odd, doesn’t it?” Brishen murmured, tightening his hold on their Submissive, Harry. “We’re clearly not in Nevarah, and there aren’t many other realms Dragel’s feel safe enough to live longterm.” The words had the three who were conscious exchanging a glance. Before any of them could speak, the silencing ward went down behind them, and they all turned their attention on the three Fire Dragel and Healer. Teal letters began to form in the air.
“They’re stable for now.” The Healer glanced towards the Mage, and the shadows behind him. “But the sooner we can leave, the better. All three of them require blood purifying rituals, and best to conduct those before our Submissive tries to close the bonds.”
Brishen hummed, before glancing between Ethan and Alec. Understanding the look, Ethan lowered his wings, an easy way to show he was fine, and so Brishen turned to Alec, handing their Submissive over. The Merrow blinked in surprise before gripping the boy close, eyes narrowing at Brishen. The Joker just ignored him, striding across the room towards the Mage and wall of shadows. When he reached the mirror however, he paused.
“We’ll need to take this with us.” He noted, eyes turning to Riven, and though the pale man scowled, he nodded, moving towards the artifact, staff raised. That dealt with, Brishen turned his attention on the wall of shadows. Reaching out, he pressed a palm against their surface, and after barely a second, the wall dispersed.
Several Dragel stood inside of where the shadows had hidden, a twisted creature laying between them. Brishen also didn’t miss the void stone being tucked into the Alpha’s belt. Brishen felt more than saw all eyes zero in on his claim mark, still fresh.
“Healer says we need to move. Is everyone ready?” Pale pink eyes darkened, stepping forward at his tone, but the Alpha put an arm out.
“Our Submissive?”
“Unconscious. Only bonded with me so far.” At the sight of the Alpha’s thinning patience, but still excellent control, Brishen conceded with his next words. “It was more of a comfort feed than anything. He nearly went feral when he heard the twins inheritance start to force through. Strong Ferros potential. Scales nearly changed.”
The only Earth Dragel in the bunch stepped forward, and Brishen lifted a brow at the level of power bleeding off of him. If this dragel wasn’t some sort of noble or royal, Brishen would give up his spear.
“He’s right.” The Earth Dragel said, and Brishen tilted his head, evaluating. He was clearly not a Gheyo. “And the longer we stay here, the more we run the risk of people following us. I’m more than capable of portalling us back to Nevarah.” Brishen lifted a brow.
“There’s 16 of us.” Golden eyes met his, amusement sparkling, despite the circumstances.
“Yes.”
Brishen hummed, but smirked back. He could wait for formal introductions, but it certainly made this circle more and more interesting.
“17.” All of them turned at the sound of a young, strained voice. It was one of the twins, supported by an irate Healer, the other leaning heavily against their Beta, but also conscious once more. “We can’t leave Neville.”
That earned them frowns from everyone.
“Who’s Neville?” The Alpha asked, breaking the silence. He clearly wasn’t a circle member, and that meant they couldn’t necessarily risk anything for him, not yet, not with everything so new, and only temporary bonds in place.
“Anyone not in our circle can wait.” The Mage interrupted, before the boy could speak again. It was clearly the wrong thing to say. Flames, bright white hot burst from their hair as one of the twins shoved to his feet, sheer will keeping him there as he batted the Healer’s hands away.
“I don’t know who you think you are,” the teen snarled, meeting the Mage’s eyes and then the Alpha’s head on, “But Neville is 11, and he’s Harry’s friend, and he’s in trouble. We can’t leave him.” The last words were said with so much venom they were practically a hiss. The Alpha stepped forward, black eyes focused on the twin, on the challenge to his authority. Between one blink and the next the Beta was on his feet, shoulder to shoulder with the twin who’d issued the challenge, the other twin leaning against Quinn, eyes alight with worry, but not stepping forward.
“If Fred says we can’t leave him, we can’t.” The Beta said, tone firm. It had a growl rippling from the Alpha’s chest.
The smell of blood had them all freezing even before the confused warble that followed, and all eyes turned to find their Submissive blinking at them all from the arms of his Merrow. There was a fresh claim mark on the Merrow’s neck, his own eyes smug, and a second claim mark on their Submissive’s wrist.
“Fred?” the warbled voice was the first word their Submissive had spoken, before his eyes darted to the other twin. “George?” With a look at his Merrow, he was set on his feet, though the Merrow didn’t follow him over to the fire types. It was only a few steps before their Submissive launched himself at the twin standing, wrapping his arms around him and letting out another distressed whine. It had everyone rumbling back instinctively. While Fred wrapped Harry in his arms, he didn’t take his gaze from the one who claimed Alpha.
Obviously feeling the tension, Harry pulled back, and one look at all the people in the room had him shifting so Fred was behind him. It had Fred reaching for him in protest, but when Harry sent him a sharp look, he aborted the movement.
It was almost comical, watching the tiny green eyed Submissive standing toe to toe with an Alpha who seemed double his size, but the fact that he thought he had to stand there, had to be in the most dangerous place, was heart breaking.
Harry stared up at the man standing in front of him, with his black feathered mask, and black eyes.
He felt torn.
Part of him wanted to throw himself forward - wanted to dig his teeth into the man’s throat as he’d done to the two others already, despite himself. But the rest of him, the parts of him that had always faced danger head on to protect the people he’d chosen as his, couldn’t give in. Not until he knew the man wouldn’t hurt Fred. Fred had always tried to help take care of him, and so he wouldn’t let anyone hurt Fred.
Hadrian stared down at his Submissive, torn between the desire to scoop him into his arms, and tear into the Pareya behind him, proving his dominance and settling the challenge issued. Logically, he knew the teen didn’t understand what he’d just done, but with instincts so unsettled, and having only just rank-shifted against his will - it was near impossible to hold himself in check. But looking at his Submissive - eyes bright with challenge, standing as if he couldn’t feel his injuries anymore, despite the clear bite shaped wound still bleeding on his shoulder, Hadrian could only feel helplessly fond. It seemed he’d found himself a Submissive that would be just as much trouble as others had always claimed he was.
In one smooth movement, Hadrian lowered to a knee.
“Hello, little dragon.” He greeted, because that’s what his Submissive was, a tiny dragon who’d already started to claim his hoard, and who he could already tell would protect it viciously to the death. “My name is Hadrian Maruke. I am Alpha.”
His Submissive watched him, judging him and weighing his words, and then his protective stance dropped, and Hadrian knew the subconscious edging forward was likely unnoticed by the youth.
“I’m Harry,” their Submissive finally admitted, “Harry Potter.” He seemed to be waiting for some sort of reaction, but when no one gave it, he relaxed further. Hadrian’s eyes flickered to the Pareya, Fred, when he shifted behind Harry’s form, but the Pareya clearly caught the warning because he didn’t reach out, and Hadrian focused back on Harry. Harry hadn’t missed the look, because his chin went up. “Why do you want to hurt Fred?”
There was a moment of silence, before Hadrian tilted his head to the side.
“Why do you think I want to hurt him?” Hadrian asked rather than answering, and it earned him a scowl. When Fred winced behind Harry, Hadrian knew he’d misstepped with the question, and it was driven home when Harry actually shifted back again, wary.
“Harry,” it was the other twin, the one Hadrian assumed was George that spoke now, and when Harry glanced back at him, George held his gaze a moment before shaking his head. Harry’s shoulders slumped a bit, but he stayed closer to Fred than Hadrian. When he looked back at the Alpha, there was an age to green eyes that made Hadrian want to gather him up and hide him away in the shadows forever. The silence stretched, fraught with tension, and this time it was Fred who sighed, slumping a bit and putting his hands on Harry’s shoulders.
“It’s my fault too,” the redhead muttered, though he still glared at both Riven and Hadrian. “But Neville, he needs help. And we promised if you didn’t go back tonight, we’d get him.” The words had Harry turning sharply towards Fred, worry clear in how he was all but vibrating now. They all winced as the motion twisted the injury on his shoulder, and the scent of fresh blood filled the air once more.
“What’s wrong with Neville?”
Fred just looked at Harry, and it was clear it expressed enough to make words unnecessary because Harry’s shoulders tensed and discomfort-fear-despair seeped through the room. Hadrian grimaced. Harry was likely an Empath. That could certainly cause headaches in the future.
Then Harry nodded, turning back to Hadrian, determination-anger-love replacing the earlier feelings. From the sharp breath behind him, Hadrian knew the feelings had spread through the whole room. It was intoxicating. This time, the step forward was tentative but purposeful, and when Harry’s hands fluttered uselessly by his side, obviously torn between the instinct to reach out and the insecurity of a relatively unknown adult, Hadrian reached out gently, taking Harry’s hands in his own. They felt infinitely small and fragile. There were callouses that spoke of hard work roughening the skin.
“We can’t leave Neville.” Harry said, his voice wavering despite how he kept his gaze firm on Hadrian’s. Hadrian resisted the urge to smile. Brave Submissive. “If Fred’s right,” Harry swallowed back a whine, and terror flashed through his eyes briefly, but he hadn’t quite hidden the sound, because comforting rumbles came back from every other in the room. Harry’s face flushed, but the terror receded, and was replaced once more with determination.
“If Fred’s right, then Neville won’t be safe if he goes home. Like I’m not safe at home.” The words had growls reverberating through the room, until a sharp sound from Hadrian when Harry trembled had everyone quieting.
“Do you know where he is?” Hadrian asked, not about to deny his Submissive this, not when it was another child in danger. Harry glanced at Fred, who nodded.
“We sent him back to his dorm to pack.” When multiple eyes turned in Fred’s direction, the teen crossed his arms, defiant. There was a violence that shimmered around him then that gave Hadrian pause. It looked like Fred may also have Gheyic potential. “He’s 11, and he’s in trouble.” Fred repeated, challenge back in his gaze. “He’s Harry’s friend and he’s the only one who tried to get help when Harry was in trouble.”
Harry flushed again but didn’t deny the words, in fact, he shifted from foot to foot, guilty.
“He tried to stop us,” Harry admitted, earlier confidence gone. “Hermione petrified him, and I couldn’t leave him like that, so I undid it, but he was really brave trying to stop us, and I knew he’d think of something, since the professors are useless.” There was belligerence in his tone now, and then he was blinking, looking up at Hadrian with worry. It soothed Alpha instincts to be turned to first now as he hadn’t been earlier.
“Ron and Hermione!”
“Ron’s down here?” The sharp question came from the Beta, and Harry blinked at him, obviously noticing him for the first time.
“Charlie?” The beta offered a soft, if brief smile.
“That’s me. But what was that about Ron and Hermione?”
Harry stepped towards the doorway filled with flames, tugging Hadrian with him.
“They’re back this way. Hermione was supposed to go back and get help but who knows if she could even get out at all, and Ron - Ron was unconscious when I left.” He winced, apologetic. “I’m sorry, I didn’t want to leave him, but the philosophers stone-”
Charlie put up a hand to stop any further explanation.
“You don’t have to apologize Harry, I’m sure my brother chose to follow you down here, just like he chose to help with the dragon.”
“There was a dragon here?” That was the dark haired, pink-eyed Dark Fae Gheyo speaking up for the first time since they’d torn the soul shard from the corpse. It had Harry’s head swinging round, finally seeming to take in all the adults in the room. He gave a squeak of surprise, then flushed bright red.
“Who - who are you all?”
Hadrian scooped Harry into his arms, ignoring the startled squawk it brought, but not missing how Harry instinctively curled into him.
“Introductions later. Children first.”
Harry nodded, pointing at the fire once more.
“They’re through there. And Neville shares a dorm with me.” he frowned. “But we’re not taking Hermione and Ron right? Their families would miss them.” The implication that neither Neville or Harry’s families would miss them was lost on none, but Hadrian shook his head.
“I assume there’s an infirmary nearby?”
The question was confirmed by the quieter twin, George.
“Yes. Charlie?” and Charlie nodded to the unspoken request.
“If someone can help me look less - dragon-y, I can get them to the infirmary.”
Hadrian’s eyebrow winged up.
“And if you’re seen?”
“I’ve got 4 brothers here, and I’m an alumni. Plus I’m a dragon tamer and friends with the groundskeeper. Nobody will say much.”
The statements were met with another beat of silence before a snicker came from the Gheyo with chrome wings.
“A dragon tamer are you?” The teasing words were followed by a sound of mock disgust, but Charlie’s grin was sharp enough that Hadrian was very certain his Beta would be able to handle the Suite, even newly inherited as he was.
“I can get them to the infirmary, and we can meet on the grounds. There’s a forest, and we won’t be bothered in there. But don’t go too far in,” Charlie warned. “There are some creatures that would be best to avoid right now.” Hadrian nodded, understanding. With the twins barely back on their feet and Harry still injured, they couldn’t risk anymore danger.
“The twins should be the ones to get Neville,” Charlie continued. “Anyone else might scare him off.” but Charlie’s gaze had narrowed in on the Dark Fae. “You look like you can stay out of sight.” The Gheyo narrowed his eyes right back, before finally nodding.
“Fine. Anything else?” was the snarked reply.
“Can someone get my owl?” Harry asked nervously, and ducked his head into Hadrian’s neck when everyone looked at him again. “Her name’s Hedwig. She’s my familiar.” He spoke the rest of the words against Hadrian’s skin, and it took every ounce of self-control for Hadrian not to sink his teeth into Harry right then and there.
“I can collect your familiar.” The words came from the Gheyo with purple streaks through his hair, and it earned him a grateful chirp from Harry that had a blush of all things dusting the Gheyo’s cheeks. He finally looked at Zandian, who’d been watching everything with amusement, but mostly letting him take the lead. When he bared his teeth at the Ace, his Ace, Zandian’s smirked for only a moment more before the expression dropped and he moved forward.
“I’ll take the other two and clear the forest.” Zandian offered, referring to the final two Gheyo. Hadrian clicked in agreement.
“Anything else you need, Harry?” Hadrian asked, and they watched the boy bite his lip, unsure.
“Are we really leaving?”
There were nods all around.
“What about Mrs. Weasley?” the way his gaze darted towards the twins and Charlie, who were all having help from the Healer to retract their dragel features, it wasn’t hard to deduce that she must be their mother.
“Word can be sent once we’re somewhere safe, and when you’ve been healed.” The words obviously reminded Harry of his injury, and the way he blinked in surprise at his shoulder, somehow having forgotten, drew more growls from everyone.
“Riven, Ethan and I will join Zandian and the others in the forest.” Hadrian glanced over at the Dragel who’d spoken, the crown Prince of the Earth Court, and bit back another sigh. He could already feel a headache building.
“Fine.” He turned his gaze on the Merrow, Healer, and Joker, both of whom stared back. It was the Merrow who gave first, somewhat surprising him, but he didn’t let it show.
“I’m staying with you and Harry.” Hadrian gave a curt nod, and looked at the Joker.
“I think it would be best if everyone left now.” He said instead of answering. “Someone’s coming.”
The words had everyone moving fast. With a nod from him, the Dark Fae grabbed hold of Charlie and the twins, disappearing in a burst of shadows. Quinn and the Merrow both latched onto Hadrian’s armour, and the others linked up to portal to the forest. It left only the Joker, and when tilted his head in final askance, he shook his head.
A soft wash of magic had him disappearing from view, and only the fact that Hadrian could still feel the weight of his gaze told him that the Joker was still in the room.
He didn’t wait any longer.
Pulling on his shadows, he looked down at Harry.
“Outside, the twins will get my things.”
“Hold your breath.”
When Harry sucked in a sharp breath, Hadrian let his shadows pull them away.
>>>
It wasn’t hard for Devrim to find the Owlery - the magical aura of hundreds of magical animals was easy enough to feel and follow.
Knowing exactly which one he needed when he arrived, however, was a different story. He wished he’d asked for a bit more detail before taking on this task, but what was done was done, and considering the magical signatures of these owls, he was fairly certain that Hedwig, as Harry had called her, would be intelligent enough to understand him.
As it was, the moment he became visible after making sure there were no protective wards or hexes around the place, a white owl with black speckles was winging down towards him. He lifted an arm, and was rewarded by the owl landing gracefully on the outstretched limb.
“Hedwig?”
There was no response, but golden eyes stared into his own, and she didn’t so much as ruffle a feather.
“Harry sent me to get you. We’re going to Nevarah. Will you come with us?”
She gave a sharp hoot before launching off his arm and going straight for the window. Devrim stared a moment before he supposed that was answer enough. He hesitated then, unsure what he should do next, before he thought of the other group inside the castle, and realized that while their King would’ve gone with the twins, their Beta was unaccompanied, and newly inherited, meaning he definitely didn’t know how to portal yet.
Decision made, Devrim focused on the incomplete bond between him and his Beta, and let the shadows take him.
>>>
Brishen sank further into the walls of the underground chamber, eyes sharp as he watched it. His own circle had disappeared in quick order at his warning, leaving Brishen able to focus on the threat. After all, whoever was coming needed to be dealt with quickly and efficiently, if he didn’t want his new Beta potentially running into them with two children underfoot.
It was the ripple of flames in the doorway that gave away the newcomers presence; and Brishen was honestly impressed with that level of invisibility. If it hadn’t been for the warping of the flames, he may not have noticed right away.
As it stood, whoever it was had stepped right through the magical flames; making them either the creator, or there was some sort of tool for getting through on the other side.
But Brishen couldn’t focus on that now; instead, he focused on tracking the nearly completely invisible shape that paced into the room on silent footsteps.
When they reached the centre of the room, magic swept out in a strong wave, and if Brishen were anyone else, he would’ve been afraid of being discovered.
Instead, he watched, curious, as the invisibility fell away revealing a tall, slim man, dressed in all black, with long black hair, a hooked nose, and the clear aura of Dragel. Alpha too, if Brishen wasn’t mistaken, and he rarely was.
The man was cursing as another wave of magic washed over the room, shadows chasing it this time, muttering under his breath as he went. A Shadow Dragel. And one who clearly wasn’t getting any relevant information from the shadows already present in the room if he was hearing correctly. That either spoke of a weakness on the part of this Alpha, or the strength of their own. Considering their own apparently held a blood title, he wasn’t opposed to giving his circle’s Alpha the benefit of the doubt.
“Where is the blasted boy? If something’s happened to him, I’ll wring Albus’ neck.” Brishen cocked his head, curious. The new Dragel was definitely looking for Harry, though it was difficult to be certain if it was for good or ill. He knew the words themselves seemed to be good, but the emotion behind them? It set things at odd.
For a moment he considered revealing himself, if only for the information he could try to gain, but decided against it but a moment later.
There was no reason to reveal more about Harry than the other already knew, especially with the ill-tempered nature of this particular Dragel.
A shadow darted up and through the flames, rushing to the Alpha’s shoulder.
“You’re sure it was another Weasley?” He demanded, and the shadow obviously shared an affirmative, because the Dragel nodded. “Odd, but not completely unexpected. After all, it seems impossible to keep Weasley’s off the ground after they graduate. Saves me from dealing with idiotic Gryffindors. No sign of Potter?” This time the answer was obviously negative since the Dragel’s scowl deepened.
“What of Quirrell?” The man grew impossibly paler at whatever his shadows shared. “We must find at least one of them.” and fear seemed to be turning into anger as he drew himself taller. “If that worm has laid hands on that boy…” the rest of his words faded out as he swept back out of the room without a backwards glance.
Brishen waited another moment before stepping out from the wall, though he kept himself out of sight.
He hesitated again, debating following the other Dragel who had apparently had at least some interaction with Harry throughout the year, but eventually decided against it. His loyalties were still far too questionable, considering how he spoke of Harry; even if the gist of it was in Harry’s best interest.
Physical safety and mental or emotional safety were not the same thing, and this Dragel only showed interest in the first of the three.
He would have to ask Harry for more details about the man before he decided whether it was worth informing the other of Harry’s safety.
For now, it was time to return to Harry.