Chapter 3
Charlie was dizzy when they appeared in a random corridor of Hogwarts, and even while he tried to get his bearings he saw George rummaging in his pocket and pulling out a parchment as Fred drew his wand.
“I solemnly swear I’m up to no good.” Fred intoned, drawing a raised brow from the dark haired one. They both crowded forward in shock when a map filled the parchment. Charlie cuffed the back of Fred’s head at the smug grin shot his way, but Fred didn’t even flinch. Instead, he pointed his wand at the map again.
“Show me Ron Weasley.” A set of golden footsteps appeared, showing them their own names on the map Fred Weasley, George Weasley, Charles Weasley, and Wikhn. Charlie wasn’t surprised at the frown that earned, since he didn’t know how on earth the map could show a name of someone who’d certainly never stepped foot in the school before, but he pushed the thought aside as the golden footsteps started to move.
They lead behind them, down a third floor corridor, and Fred and George scoffed.
“The third floor corridor. Those three idiots went through the third floor corridor.” At the sharp look that earned them, George began to explain.
“First of all, we were warned that we would die if we went to the third floor,”
“So of course the first thing we did was sneak out to check,” Fred continued,
“And what else did we find but a Cerberus,”
“Conveniently named Fluffy by the way,”
“And that was just the first thing,”
“Not to mention the trap-door it was standing on.”
“Needless to say, we decided the risk of certain-death was actually too plausible.”
“But it seems our Harry decided certain-death was a worthwhile risk.” Fred’s hair burst into flames, and Wikhn reaching out to smooth a hand over his head shocked him enough for the flames to sputter out. Fred flushed an unflattering red, sputtering before getting himself back under control, all the while Wikhn smirked knowingly. Charlie shot the other a look. His brother was only 13. Wikhn immediately stepped back, expression growing solemn. Good. Charlie was glad they understood each other.
Then Charlie focused back on the map.
“Alright. I’ll go after Ron and Hermione. If anyone runs into me, I’ll say I was on my way to visit Hagrid and the two of you found me.”
He was glad Wikhn didn’t bother to ask yet, though he could tell the other was curious. Instead, Wikhn just nudged both twins.
“Come on. Time to get your friend and your things. I don’t want to be here any longer than necessary.” the words were followed by a roll of broad shoulders, and all three Weasley’s were suddenly very aware of just how dangerous he was.
“Right, let’s go.” George took off, Fred on his heels, but Charlie jerked a chin at Wikhn before he could follow.
“Dragel are tactile creatures.” Wikhn opened with before Charlie could say a word. It wasn’t said defensively, simply as fact. “Especially with children. It doesn’t mean anything, might never. But everyone will reach out, especially if someone’s in distress. Gheyo’s will reach out to soothe Pareya the most, it’s instinctual. They shield, we attack; our ranks are closely linked.” Charlie took a moment, trying to make sure he really heard the other before jumping to more conclusions. Finally, he nodded, and offered a smile he hoped wasn’t too sharp.
“I’m going to take you at your word.” Was what he said, and he meant it. He would trust this; trust Wikhn, until it was proven he shouldn’t. He watched the flicker of surprise, but then Wikhn dipped his head in acceptance, and Charlie wondered if the slight loosening of his shoulders was relief or if he was reading it wrong. Without another word, Charlie watched Wikhn glide after them before he drew his wand and strode towards the door that apparently lead to a Cerberus of all things.
>>>
When Hadrian’s shadows deposited them beside a wide lake, the trees visible in the distance, he wasn’t surprised as to why when the Merrow immediately moved towards the water, and with a wave of his hand drenched himself briefly. With the temporary bond in place between them, it wasn’t hard to gather that his shadows had felt the more urgent need.
Harry gave a curious chirp, and the Merrow grimaced.
“I’m what you would call a Merrow.” he admitted, scowl forming. “Which means I usually live in the water. Being not only above, but also near fire dragel - well. Not the most comfortable for me.”
The words earned a worried frown from Harry, and a look from the Healer. The Merrow ignored both, looking instead to Hadrian.
“Mentors should be coming, at least for him and those twins.” Was what he said, and Hadrian scowled, glancing down at Harry who was watching his Merrow curiously.
“They should be able to follow the bond from Nevarah just as easily as here.” The Merrow crossed his arms, lifting a brow. Hadrian’s scowl darkened.
“What would you suggest, then?” The words were nearly a growl, but he had enough control to stop that at least.
“He should seal the rest of his bonds before we leave this realm.”
“We should also notify the family of the other newly inherited dragels,” The words appeared in the air above the healer and Harry nodded emphatically.
“Yes, Mrs. Weasley. That’s Charlie, Fred, George, and Ron’s mum. She made me a sweater for Christmas, with an H, and sent me fudge.” There was a wistfulness to the words that had the other three exchanging glances, the Healer’s a frown but the Merrow’s lined with fury. He stepped back into the lake, shifted to step deeper, but Harry called out.
“Wait!” He froze, turning back, and saw that Harry had hooked his injured arm around the Alpha’s shoulder, the other reaching out towards him. “There’s a giant squid in there. And Hagrid told me there’s merpeople too. He said they don’t like people going in the lake without their permission.” Though the notion was sweet that Harry obviously wanted to protect him, Alec’s responding grin was vicious.
“Delightful.” He dove between the water without another word, and Harry gasped when next thing he knew, a flash of a long tail, the same blue as Alec’s scales, rippled under the surface of the water before shooting off into the dark. Harry blinked before turning to look at Hadrian, free hand coming up to catch itself on armour. He gave another curious trill, the sound making him blush, and it earned a huff in return.
“Do you know anyplace safe nearby?” Hadrian asked, though he didn’t hold out much hope for an answer. Harry’s shrug was not at all surprising.
“Hogwarts is supposed to be one of the safest places,” Harry informed him, and it seemed instinct was calling him, because his gaze had fallen to Hadrian’s neck, and a contemplative frown had taken over his features. “But we were attacked by a mountain troll, and my professor was possessed by my parents murderer, so,” this time, when Hadrian went stiff at the words, Harry let out an involuntary whine before hiding his face against Hadrian’s neck. Even though the bond wasn’t sealed, both Healer and Alpha felt the spike of fear from their submissive and it had the Healer taking a tentative step closer as the Alpha gave a soothing rumble.
“What’s wrong?”
Harry hesitated a moment, and when he responded, he didn’t lift his face, and his grip tightened on Hadrian’s armour. “You’re angry.”
The words had Hadrian’s gaze shooting to the Healer who was still frowning, remembering his earlier guess that Harry may be an Empath.
“Ask him if I can cast a diagnostics spell on him. Also, I’d like to know why his shoulder hasn’t started healing yet. With the amount of blood he’s taken, even from only bonding to two members, he should be healing faster. Especially considering the properties of Merrow blood.” Since Hadrian was inclined to agree, he nudged at Harry’s head with his chin.
“First, I’m not angry with you.” He stated, needing to make that abundantly clear. “If, for any reason, I ever am, it will be something that we can discuss together.” There was a pause, but then Harry nodded against his neck. The action sent a shiver down his spine. “Second, our Healer wants to cast a diagnostics charm on you. He’d also like to heal your shoulder.” Harry went tense in his arms before his head shifted, not enough for Hadrian to see his face, but enough to make it clear he was peering back at their Healer.
“What’s a diagnostics charm do?”
“It will tell me whatever injuries you have or have had that can effect your current health.” The explanation had Harry flinching into Hadrian, and Hadrian’s arms reflexively tightened around him, offering another instinctive rumble to soothe his submissive.
“Can’t you just heal my shoulder?”
The question had Hadrian closing his eyes for a moment, resting his cheek against his submissive’s hair. That single question said so much, and Harry was clearly so young. He opened his eyes when the light of more words from the Healer lit the air.
“How old are you, Harry?”
“11.”
“Most dragel don’t inherit until they’re 16. The fact that you inherited early means that you were in so much danger your body thought you would die if it didn’t force your inheritance early.” Harry flinched again, another telling sign. “I need to make sure that everything’s come in properly. Wings, scales, claws. Please, will you let me check?”
It seemed the please is what did it, as Harry had been growing more and more tense until the pleading words filled the air. Harry slumped against Hadrian, burying his face back against his neck.
“Okay.” the word was muffled, but both heard it. A flare of lights from the castle had Hadrian crouching instinctively, shadows wrapping around all three of them on the shore. The big doors at the front were both open, and a single figure stood in the middle, though they were too far to see much detail.
“Not here.” Hadrian rumbled, “We’ll meet up with the others first.”
“What about-” Harry paused, obviously having realized he didn’t know all their names, and Hadrian felt the heat of his blush against his jaw. Adorable.
“Your Merrow will be fine. You’re fully bonded. He’ll be able to find you no matter where you are.” When Harry didn’t say anything else, Hadrian wrapped his shadows tighter around the three of them. He pictured Zandian, focused on the fragile bond between them, just waiting to be sealed, and let his shadows pull them away from the lake.
>>>
While the trek through the castle had given Wikhn some clue to what kind of building they were in, it wasn’t until they entered the tower dormitory, decorated in golds and reds, that it really hit him.
This was a school.
Not only was it a school, but it was a school dangerous enough to draw out multiple early inheritances and a soulscream. If he and the twins didn’t have an explicit job to be doing, he would be demanding a hunt from their Alpha and Ace.
As it was, he stayed in the shadows as the twins lead the way up the stairs, stopping at the first door, marked with a clear 1. They didn’t bother knocking, though it was the quieter one, George, who opened the door first.
There were five beds in the room, two with their curtains closed and the sounds of sleep coming from them, and of the three with their curtain opens, one had a young boy curled up in the centre, knees pulled to his chest.
His eyes had immediately gone to the door when it started to open, and at the sight of the twins was both more worried and relieved at the same time.
Then, despite the fact that Wikhn had kept to the shadows, and knew he was well hidden, those frightened blue eyes fell on him and widened further, draining the little colour left from the boys face.
“Fred-”
Wikhn’s first thought was that he’d mixed the twins up, but then he realized that while George had stepped into the room, Fred had stayed in the doorway, and the boy’s eyes were clearly focused on the correct twin. Wikhn could honestly say he was impressed; not only had the child managed to see him, but he somehow knew how to tell apart identical twins without the use of temporary bonds to help it along. Fred, meanwhile, whipped around at Neville’s panicked tone, and his eyes focused on Wikhn. Tension bled out of his shoulders.
“Oh, don’t worry about him, Nev. He’s with us.”
Wikhn’s eyes narrowed at the words, but he didn’t argue. While Fred was technically right, it still grated at instincts a bit, as there were not any solid bonds between them yet. Neville too seemed skeptical of the words, but when his gaze flickered to George and the other twin nodded, he allowed himself to relax a little.
“Are - are the others - is everyone ok?”
Since he’d been spotted, Wikhn followed Fred into the room, and over to the unoccupied bed beside Neville’s, even as George approached the 11 year old.
“Harry’s alright, bit banged up but he’ll heal up.” George assured, waving Neville off the bed and towards him. “And Charlie’s here, so he’s gone to get Ron and Hermione and take them to the infirmary. Harry says they were hurt enough they couldn’t follow him, but not so hurt that he didn’t think he could go ahead.”
The words didn’t seem to comfort Neville much.
“Harry chased after a mountain troll.”
“Now that’s not quite true.” Fred joined in with forced cheer. “Technically, he only chased after Hermione, who was in a first floor toilet.”
“That’s right,” George continued, pushing a nervous Neville towards Wikhn even as he tapped his wand against the boy’s trunk, shrinking it down before handing it to Neville. “The troll was supposed to be in the dungeons.”
Wikhn’s eyebrow twitched, and Fred snickered when he noticed. Neville only seemed to grow more nervous.
“Where are we going?”
Both twins grew sober, turning equally serious gazes on the younger boy. It set Wikhn back a bit and had him reevaluating. So far, the twins had only shown that they would use humour to lighten the mood, and lash out when they felt strongly, but in this moment, Wikhn could see exactly why they’d inherited as Pareya.
“We won’t lie to you Neville.” and that was Fred. “But things have changed, even more than we thought.” He glanced at George who stepped forward, wrapping an arm around Neville’s shoulders.
“We can’t stay here.” George admitted. “It’s one of the reasons Wikhn here, is here. Harry - well. You know Harry.” Neville nodded. Wikhn could already feel a headache coming at the amount of trouble this implied their Submissive got into. “Harry isn’t safe here anymore, Nev. So he’s leaving, with some folk who can keep him safe. But we have to go to.”
Wikhn watched as George looked back to Fred, and he realized what they were doing. They weren’t only switching back and forth to be confusing, or for a joke, or even just simply out of habit. They were taking the parts of the conversation the other didn’t like - taking the parts they could handle and in their own way, protecting each other from saying things that made them feel vulnerable.
“We want you to come with us. And we know that since you packed your things, you want to too.”
Neville blinked between then, looking briefly up at Wikhn, and finally relaxing against George. He’d been tense until now, and it had been so subtle that Wikhn hadn’t seen it.
“What about Gran?” Neville asked softly, that hint of fear still in his voice. When a snarl curled Fred’s lip, a sign of instincts too close to the surface, Wikhn stepped in.
“You’re one of Harry’s. Anybody who wants to get at you will have to get through me and the others.” He knew what he looked like when he said the words, knew what Neville saw as he looked at him with wide, serious eyes.
Then the boy nodded.
“Let’s go.”
George lead the boy past where Wikhn stood, and when they’d both stepped out of the dorms, Wikhn slid his gaze back to Fred. From the way he was twitching, Wikhn could tell his wings were fighting to come out, and he was honestly impressed that his hair hadn’t burst into flames yet.
“Ready?”
At the prompt, Fred’s gaze snapped to his, and for a moment they just stared, tension building in the air. Well. Shit. They’d have to be careful of this one.
“That all of Harry’s things?” He asked next, careful to keep his voice low and even. Their Submissive’s name had the teen snapping out of it. Turning to the trunk and tapping it with his own wand before it shrank down, and he tossed it to Wikhn.
“It’s all in there. He doesn’t have much.” The way his lips curled in disgust told Wikhn what little Harry did have, was likely not stuff they’d find worthy. Another problem for when their circle was settled. He tilted his head towards the exit, watching and waiting, but not saying a word. It took Fred a moment, and he clearly didn’t fully understand what his instincts wanted from him, but he finally moved ahead of Wikhn, following his brother and their new charge out the door.
Yes, they’d have to be very careful about that one.
>>>
Charlie was honestly surprised his wings hadn’t forced their way out and his hair hadn’t burst into flames based on how furious he was.
It hadn’t taken him long to subdue the Cerberus, since he’d seen the harp but also met Fluffy a few times before. He’d been even less thrilled by the Devils Snare that came next and the flames he’d brought forth to burn it hadn’t been entirely on purpose. The room of keys? Well. Let it be said that you didn’t need a key if you could cast a strong enough blasting curse.
That had lead him to the next room, and to a young witch with hair crackling with energy, wand raised but arm shaking, until she clearly recognized that Charlie must be a Weasley, because the relief was palpable, and she was immediately stepping aside to reveal Ron, unconscious but alive.
The scattered pieces of a larger than human chessboard nearly broke what little control Charlie had. But he managed, because he needed to get his brother and his friend out of here.
“Hermione, right?” He asked, eyes focused on his brother, casting a few diagnostic spells over his brother’s pale body. The girl nodded, kneeling next to Ron, but her gaze was flickering towards the door made of flames now. Noticing, Charlie couldn’t help but offer her some comfort. “Harry’s fine.” her gaze snapped back to him then her eyes narrowed. He was honestly impressed with how steady her arm was as she pointed her wand at him again.
“How do you know about Harry?”
Charlie couldn’t help but grin at her, because this was exactly what he’d expected from everything he’d heard about the girl, from all 4 of his brothers.
“Would you believe me if I said it was Harry’s magic that brought me here?” Hermione’s eyes narrowed, and he watched the gears spin, lifting his brother into his arms when he was satisfied that moving him wouldn’t harm him. He could’ve done it by magic, but he needed to hold him; needed to know he really was alive in a way that only feeling him breathing in his arms would allow.
“How?”
“It’s complicated, and something Harry should get to explain to you,” he tacked on as soon as she looked ready to argue. “In the mean time, I’m taking you both to the infirmary.”
“What about Harry?”
“He’s being taken care of, and he’s okay, I promise.” Hermione gave a sharp nod before scrambling after him.
“Who else?” At his look, Hermione clarified. “If you were pulled here by Harry’s magic, who else was too?” Charlie lifted a brow.
“Why would you think others were called too?”
Hermione didn’t answer right away, but her expression was subdued now, exhaustion clearly starting to take over now that she knew there was an adult around, and one she trusted to keep them safe.
“I heard Harry’s scream.” she admitted when they were almost at the infirmary, voice soft and tearful. Charlie winced. “And I heard shouting after - too many people to just be you and Harry.” when she glanced up at Charlie, her eyes were bright with unshed tears. “I couldn’t hear what anyone was saying but-”
“Harry’s fine.” Charlie promised once more. “And you wouldn’t know most of the people who showed up. But I’ll make sure Harry can fill you in soon, okay? For now, let’s focus on getting you two checked on.” When Hermione nodded, expression hardening to one of distrust that didn’t belong on the face of an eleven year old as she regarded the doors of the infirmary, Charlie almost resisted opening the doors. But there was nothing for it. His brother needed more help than he could currently provide, and this was the only place he knew they’d both be safe until parents could be notified.
When the door swung open, Madame Pomfrey was already bustling around, dealing with a flash burn across Professor Sprout’s collar. At the sight of him both professors gaped.
“Mr. Weasley?” Then their gazes fell on Ron in his arms, and Hermione slightly behind him, and both were in action. Madame Pomfrey waved Charlie to set Ron on a bed and professor Sprout beckoned Hermione, putting a comforting arm around her shoulders. The young witch sagged in her hold, but stayed on her feet.
“What’s happened? Why are you here?”
“I was already on the grounds, headed to visit Hagrid about a mutual interest,” the words had both women rolling their eyes, but nodding in acceptance.
“How did you find these two dears?” Then Madame Pomfrey’s gaze sharpened. “And where’s the third of their bunch?”
“Harry’s with the twins.” Charlie cut in before she could turn her attention on Hermione, and it had the Mediwitch’s gaze narrowing on him, prompting him to continue. “You know them. Somehow they figured out I was in the area. And for once, at least from what I’ve heard in the past, Harry was not actually in need of the infirmary.” That earned a hum from the Mediwitch but no actual argument.
“Right then. I’ve got these two. Nothing that needs anything other than a bit of bruise balm and a good nights rest. Best you get out before someone else catches sight of you. There’s already been quite a stir this evening.” Her gaze went to professor Sprout who was herding Hermione to a bed. It drew Charlie’s gaze back to her burns. The professor offered him a wry expression in response.
“Courtesy of your twins,” she admitted. “They wanted us out of bed, and I can guess why now, but they didn’t stick around long enough to tell us earlier.” She shook her head, but didn’t seem all that upset. “Minerva’s on a tear, so I’d avoid the front door.”
Charlie offered her a sloppy salute before making his way to the door.
“I’ll try and head mum off for you,” he promised, and it earned him an amused huff. It was the last thing he heard before the door closed behind him, and his shoulders dropped. He needed to get to the forest.
He nearly jumped out of his skin when the one with the purple hair, who’d promised to get Hedwig, stepped out of a darkened doorway. It earned him an apologetic glance before a tentative hand was offered.
“I can port us there quickly, if you want.” Charlie didn’t hesitate, and it was clear his lack of hesitation shocked the other, but Charlie didn’t care. From what little Charlie had been able to grasp, most of them were soul bonded, and he wasn’t about to deny whatever that was. At least not until he understood it all a little better. He grasped the other’s hand, stepping close like Wikhn had done to the rest of them earlier. It seemed to startle the other a little more, and this time Charlie couldn’t help but smirk.
“Charlie Weasley, and you are?”
“Devrim Ekene.” The response was automatic, and Charlie gave the hand in his a squeeze.
“Happy to make your acquaintance.” The flippant words earned him an eye roll, but it also had the other man shifting even closer, and something thrummed between them. “Whenever you’re ready, Devrim.” What might have been a blush crossed the other man’s features, but the world around them crackled and in a flash of light they disappeared.
>>>
Alec fought not to scowl as he cut his way through the water. Water was water of course, but this water felt slimy - tainted in a way.
When he was deep enough to be invisible from the surface, he veered off course, looking for a safe place to hide while he took stock before sending a message to his cousin. He didn’t need a guard chasing after him and giving him away after all.
Even as he had the thought, portals swirled into existence around him, and three members of the Crimson Tide appeared, one none other than Krym themselves. Alec’s scowl only deepened.
“What are you doing here?” Alec snarled, bristling. The look he was given was unimpressed, but they scanned the area first, the other two members of the Tide fanning out to keep watch. Krym’s brow furrowed, tentacles rippling with unease as they focused back on Alec.
“We shouldn’t stay in this water long.” their certainty had a chill crawling along Alec’s scales. “Where are your bonded?”
“They’re all landwalkers. Though there’s an Earth Healer who has at least some of the blood.”
“And why aren’t you with them?”
“Because I didn’t want the likes of you to show up and complicating things.” Alec sniped. Krymsen, the actual blood title holder, returned the stare with a bland one of their own.
“If you think King Alcandor-”
“Look, two of my new circle are also Blood Titles.” then his face pinched. “And one a crowned Royal.” When he chanced a glance at Krym’s face, he would’ve sworn the other was trying not to laugh at him.
“Which ones?”
“Blood Raven, and Blood Flame. And Crowned Prince Raspen.”
That earned two raised brows.
“Mixed elements.”
“Not just mixed elements. All of them.” Alec countered, then he passed a hand over his face, drained. When he felt tentacles reaching out in support, he waved them off with yet another scowl, but they both knew this one was just to save face.
“Go back to Alcandor. We’ll be heading back to Nevarah soon, and Harry’s already started sealing the bonds.”
“And what’s his element?"
“Nameless, it seems.”
“The King won’t be pleased if we leave you here.”
“And if my new rank-shifted Alpha, a blood title holder in his own right, notices stray Gheyo too close to his recently inherited, underaged submissive?” Alec shook his head, and let his own worry bleed through. He knew Krym of all Aqua-kin’e would never judge him for it. Not when Alec knew what their own Submissive had gone through before he’d given his own soul cry and drawn in an Alpha who’d brought them down to Merrow Waters and safety.
“Harry was afraid of us.” Alec admitted, tone soft, arms wrapping around himself in an unusual moment of self-comfort. “Not all of us, and not me, really. I was the second he bonded after a Joker, but the others. His instincts had to be telling him we were safe, but he’s clearly never really had a safe adult in his life he could trust.” When he looked up at Krym, the rage in his gaze fought with sadness. “He also has Ferros potential. Your auras are too strong, and they’ll set him off. We can’t have any other Dragel around until he’s fully bonded. I imagine the only reason we don’t have a whole set of Earth guards is because that Mage of ours put up some sort of block or misdirection ward with the Prince’s help. It would start a blood bath.” Krym regarded him a moment, red scales shimmering softly. Finally, they inclined their head.
“Understood. I will report the situation back to the King. When will you be able to report in? If it isn’t soon, he’ll send more guards after you.” Alec grimaced, but didn’t argue. He knew Krym was right.
“As soon as I can. As I said, I think we’ll be in Nevarah within the next few hours, and I imagine our Alpha will insist on at least one rest together so Harry settles. But I should be able to get away once everyone’s awake again.”
“Royal Quarters, likely.”
“Likely.” Alec echoed.
Krym inclined their head once more. This time, when the tentacle wrapped around him, a surprisingly kind gesture of comfort, Alec allowed it.
“If something changes, I’ll send word.”
“I’ll give you 24 hours. If you don’t show before then, I’ll come back, and I won’t leave again.”
Alec dipped his chin in understanding. It was more than he’d expected after all. He felt a gentle tug on his bonds, and shifted to landwalker form.
“I think we’re leaving sooner than expected. Tell Alcandor not to kill anyone while I’m gone.”
He disappeared in the swirl of a portal, leaving a scoffing Krym behind. Krym, however, didn’t open a portal of their own. Instead, they turned their attention towards the depths of the lake. The two that had come with them flanked them, and with a soft series of clicks, both nodded their agreement.
They would return with news for their King, but they would find just what was wrong with the water before they left.