Creaturae Vindicatae

"Father you should have seen it. They were using really 'Dark' spells when they dueled. They are definitely not going to be friends with that awful headmaster or those blood traitor Weasels," Draco insisted. Lucius fought not to grin this was the third or fourth time he had heard variations of the same story. His son was truly enamored of the new Duke and his Heir.

"So you have said, Dragon," Lucius said as he penned his note to the 'Dark' Duke Peverell. Narcissa had been gushing about his home and that she was being allowed to plan the ball he wanted to host next month before school started back. Lucius was quite curious about the man who had come to claim the Potter Lordship. According to Narcissa and Mahreen, the man held five titles. It was unheard of. There had been cases of Lords inheriting two titles but never five. If Lucius could get this man on his side before he ever stepped foot in the Wizengamot for the first time the 'Dark' faction might just stand a chance of outvoting the 'Light'.

"Duke Peverell has a quidditch pitch in his backyard. He said he was buying brooms yesterday and that I was welcome to come and fly with Teddy anytime I wanted. Isn't that really cool, Father? Mother says it is up to you on whether or not I get to go though," Draco continued to ramble. Lucius finally finished his note and passed it to his elf to send off.

"Draco, didn't you have plans with Theodore and Blaise today?" Lucius asked. He remembered Narcissa saying something about it a few days ago. Draco paused in his on-going dialogue about the Peverells.

"No, Father. Not today. I am supposed to be meeting them tomorrow. We are going to hang out at Blaise's and swim," Draco replied. "Oh, Father, were you still looking for me a tutor so that I can learn to duel? I want to learn more than ever now." Lucius still figured that Draco was too young to truly start learning to duel. But according to Draco, the Peverell Heir had been learning since he was eleven.

"Why don't you show me your memory of the duel yesterday? I would like to see it. You and your mother both seem quite impressed by it. Think about the memory and let me retrieve it, we will view it together in the pensive," Lucius offered. Draco smiled brightly and did as he was told. He could tell that his only son was so excited to show him the memory. He knew Draco thought it would convince him to let him learn.

Lucius placed the memory into the pensive and gripped Draco's shoulder as they fell into the memory. He watched in awe as the Duke and his son dueled. Draco was right, they were spectacular. The Duke was, quite frankly, hot as hell. He was taller than Lucius, broad with so many muscles, he was scarred, had inky black curly hair, and the brightest Avada green eyes that Lucius had ever seen. He looked dangerous and capable and made Lucius feel things he hadn't felt before.

He was limber and fast for a man so big. His eyes flashed and glowed brighter with every 'Dark' curse he cast. And when he flashed his teeth in a smirk Lucius swore, he saw fangs. Lucius wanted to meet this man now, more than ever. His Veela was very interested as well. When the duel was finally over and the memory ended, Lucius realized that he hadn't even paid the son any attention. He couldn't even describe the son's hair color. But he certainly understood why his son was so fascinated now. Lucius was fascinated as well.

"Wasn't it the best duel you have ever seen?" Draco said when they were back in reality.

"I can honestly say, I have never seen anything like it. They definitely look like they could give your godfather a run for his money," Lucius agreed.

"So can I start learning? Teddy was eleven when he started and now his only eighteen and he could probably beat Uncle Sev. I am already behind," Draco begged. Lucius chuckled he could definitely see the pros of letting him start learning.

"I will look into it. That is all I will promise you at this time," Lucius conceded. "Now run along and do some of your summer homework. From what I heard all of the Heirs are going to be invited to the Peverell's ball next month. You will not be allowed to go if your schoolwork is not complete."

"It will be done, Father. I swear," Draco said quickly and left Lucius' office quickly. Lucius chuckled and finally went back to his paperwork that Draco had interrupted earlier. He had been getting a file together and a book or two about the current laws to take with him when Peverell agreed to meet.

It was a little over an hour later that he received Peverell's response. He gathered his things and summoned Draco.

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Severus watched as Albus paced his office angrily. He thought it was kind of hilarious that the old man's plans were not working out the way he wanted them to. Apparently, an unknown family member arrived yesterday to claim the Potter Lordship out from under Albus who had been expecting to get it since Harry was supposed to be the last of his line. He had demanded that Severus look into the man and find out what he could about him. Severus had found nothing other than a family tree that verified he was in fact a distant relative and entitled to claim all of it.

That had not been what Albus had wanted to hear. Then Albus had gone to Augusta Longbottom and tried to feed her the same lie he had The Order about Neville being the true Boy Who Lived. Augusta had laughed in his face and called him a liar. Told him to never return to her home and that if she found out he approached Neville at school with his nonsense she would have the boy removed from Hogwarts and sent to Beauxbatons. Albus had not wanted to hear that either. But no matter what he said she ignored him and forced him out of her home.

Then Albus had admitted to Severus that his wand had come up missing. Even admitted that it was the Elder Wand. He told Severus that the wand had just disappeared the morning that Harry had been murdered. Severus had been forced to do research on that as well. He had currently found nothing. Molly Weasley was pitching a fit about something that Severus was not privy to. He was pretty sure it had something to do with the Potter vaults and the Longbottom boy. Albus wouldn't elaborate.

So, here they were. Severus was sitting quietly sipping his tea while Albus raged. Suddenly he stopped and sat back down in his chair.

"I need to make contact with Peverell. I can still salvage some of this. If I can get him under control, then we can still secure his votes. He is a single father and a widower. If nothing else, I can set him up with a nice young girl from the 'Light' side. That will ensure he is on our side," Albus mumbled to himself mostly. Severus wasn't even sure if he remembered that the spy was in the room at this point.

"Something must be done about Augusta as well. She cannot keep the boy from me. He is needed as a symbol for the 'Light'. There isn't another choice, it must be Neville," Albus continued to talk mostly to himself. Then he stood up and grabbed a book off the shelf and flipped through it until he found what he was looking for. He made a copy of the pages and then handed them to Severus.

It was a potion. The name and what it was meant to do were missing. But Severus was a master and had read many potion's texts. He and Regulus had been friends and he had read the 'Dark' texts in the Black Library. He had also read the potion's texts from the Malfoy library. This was essentially a liquid imperious. It was an illegal 'Dark' potion that Severus could get thrown in Azkaban for brewing.

"I need you to brew this. I need two batches of it as quickly as you can get it done. Can you do it, My Boy?" Albus asked after Severus had looked it over.

"It might take me a little time to get some of these ingredients. They aren't common and some are illegal here now. What is this for?" Severus asked just to see if Albus would tell him the truth.

"Never you mind that, Son. Just know it is for the greater good and that I need it as soon as you can get it to me," Albus told him. Severus fought an eye roll and just nodded.

"Of course, Albus. I will get it done," Severus agreed.

"Keep looking into Peverell as well. I know you are maintaining your friendship with Lucius. He and his wife seem to know quite a lot before anyone else does. See if he knows anything about this new Duke," Albus instructed.

"Anything else, Albus?" Severus snipped. Albus simply smiled at him and shook his head no.

"You are free to go, Severus," Albus said in his falsely kind voice. Severus was happy to be free of him. He hated Albus more every day and enjoyed watching his plans fall apart.

This summer was looking to be a definite turning point and Severus wasn't exactly sure which way it was turning but certainly not in Albus' favor.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Harry Potter: Wrong Boy Who Lived?

Dear Readers, today is a sad day for the Wixen world. The Boy Who Lived, Harry Potter, only eleven years old, was found brutally beaten to death in his home two days ago. He lived there with his aunt, uncle, and cousin. From the report given, he was home alone with his aunt when Death Eaters supposedly broke in and bound his aunt who was in the kitchen preparing for dinner.

The Death Eaters then moved up the stairs hunting down our very own Boy Who Lived. They brutalized the poor child until he was dead and then left him lying in a pool of his own blood. According to the aunt, they then came downstairs, untied her, and taunted her with her nephew's death before disappearing without a trace.

It is not known how the supposed Death Eaters found the home of Harry Potter. Or if they were truly Death Eaters. The aunt only said they were masked men. The Aurors found no trace of foreign magic in the home and all of the wounds on the eleven-year-old's body were physically inflicted. So, was it truly Death Eaters or is someone trying to create a panic by saying so? Muggles are known for their violent ways. For all we know it could have been a simple case of other muggles attacking their home.

Either way, what are we to do now that Harry Potter is dead? He was our only chance of defeating The Dark Lord if he should ever rise again. The Death Eaters and some of the Light's leaders have warned us that he will return in time. What will we do when our only hope is dead? Who will stand against You Know Who if The Boy Who Lived is dead? Or is he?

According to our very own Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts, Supreme Mugwump of the ICW, and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, Harry Potter was not truly The Boy Who Lived. What does that mean for us, dear readers? Were we lied to all those years ago? If Harry Potter was not the Boy Who Lived, Defeater of You Know Who, then who was? And why was it kept a secret?

Albus Dumbledore sat down with me to tell his side of the story and why he let the public believe what he did. Here was how our interview went:

KL: So, what you are saying is that Harry Potter was not the Boy Who Lived?

AD: That is correct, Dear Boy.

KL: If Harry Potter was not the one to defeat You Know Who then why was the world told that he was?

AD: It was learned that two children fit the description of the child that The Dark Lord was after. Both families were hidden away for their safety. On the night of the attack, The Dark Lord went to one home and the Lestranges went to the other. It was decided that for the child's own safety, we would tell a falsehood about who the true Boy Who Lived was. In order to keep the true child even safer. It was a truly hard decision to make but hard choices must be made during war times for the great good.

He goes on to tell us that he was deeply regretful of the choice that needed to be made. Painting a target on one child's back in order to keep another safe. It was not an easy choice, but leaders must make the hard choices. What do you think of this decision, Readers? Was it the right thing to do? Sacrifice one infant on the off chance that something might happen to another? Why not keep them both safe? Why choose at all?

Unfortunately, Dumbledore did not have a satisfactory answer for that. Only stating that the choice he made was the best choice available to ensure the survival of The Boy Who Lived. When he was asked to reveal the identity of the true Boy Who Lived, he only had this to say.

AD: I know the world is curious to know, but after the horrible fate of young Mr. Potter, I dare not reveal his name. He is too important to our survival to risk him because the world is curious. It would be quite tragic if I revealed his identity only to place a target on his back and lose him the same way we lost our dear sweet Harry. Just be assured in the knowledge that he is being trained and prepared for his role when the time comes for him to once again defeat The Dark Lord.

This is all Albus Dumbledore would say on the matter. So, I leave it up to you to decide. Was Harry Potter truly not the Boy Who Lived? Is there still hope for us? Or is this all just an elaborate hoax told to us by Dumbledore to keep the world from panicking? Did Dumbledore save us all with his lie? Or did he fail in his duty to protect Harry Potter and is now trying to save his own reputation by feeding us an elaborate lie? Rest assured, Readers. I will be following this story. I will find out the truth and when I know you will know.

That is all for now, Readers. Until Next Time,
Your Friend Kyle Lovelace

Harry tossed down the paper that had arrived that morning. This was ridiculous. That moronic manipulative crazy old man was truly trying to sell this bullshit. Really? The wrong boy who lived. Well, Harry would be damned if he let that foolish man ruin Neville's life like he had Harry's. Harry was fuming at the table and grumbling to himself.

Teddy hated it when his dad was like this. Harry was so powerful that you could literally feel the magic pulse around him in his anger. His fingers sparked grey magic and he actually singed the table and one of the glasses. Dodky popped in with a letter that had been delivered and Teddy stopped him with a shake of his head before he could disturb the glowering Master of Death. Teddy took the letter and sat it to his side.

Finally, Harry stopped sparking and pulled his magic back into himself. He blinked his eyes a few times and then focused on Teddy who was simply sitting there quietly.

"Sorry, Kid. Sometimes I truly want to just snap that old man's neck and be done with it," Harry said with a sigh and ran his fingers through his hair.

"Wanna talk about it?" Teddy asked carefully. Harry shook his head no and handed the paper over.

"You can read it if you want. I don't think I have the capacity to talk about it right now," was Harry's response. Teddy picked up the letter that had been delivered. Harry took it and looked it over. It was from Lucius. He grinned and opened it up. Teddy smiled and relaxed. He knew that would do it.

"What does it say, Dad?" Teddy asked after a minute.

"He says that he understands that I had asked for both him and Lord Shafiq to come for a visit, but Lord Shafiq is unavailable. He wants to know if the invitation still stands if it is just him. He also wants to know if it is fine to bring Draco with him because apparently, he hasn't done anything but talk about the two of us," Harry paraphrased the letter. Teddy could see that his dad was trying to hide just how excited he was about the idea of his first true interaction with one of his mates.

"Tell him yes. Tell him to bring Draco too. I am dying to fly since you haven't flown with me yet. This is a good thing, Pops. It means you get to spend one-on-one time with him. Maybe it will be like the stories and you two will just know instantly that you are mates," Teddy encouraged. Harry waved him away like that was silly.

"Of course, it won't be like the books, Kid. I don't know how it will happen. The book Viktor gave me is a little vague. I don't have to worry about it because I know that Lucius is mine. For him it will be different. I don't even know whether or not his Creature is sealed. He may know instantly, or it may be a gradual thing that strengthens the more time we spend together," Harry explained as best he could.

"Seems complicated. I wonder what it will be like for me. Do werewolves have mates like that? Is it different for me since I am a born werewolf?" Teddy asked. Harry placed a hand on his shoulder

"Ted, a lot of things are different for you. I told you most werewolves can only change on the full moon, and it isn't voluntary. It isn't something they can control. You on the other hand are not bitten, you are born. That is why you can change at will. You don't have to wait for the full moon. We don't know a lot about it because it is currently illegal for Werewolves to have children. Your mum hid her pregnancy with scent blockers and glamours until it was too late to terminate the pregnancy. Even Remus didn't know at first. Then your birth was kept hidden which was easy to do since we were hip-deep in wartime bullshit. You are special, Kid. Since you are as much a creature as I am, I am sure that you have a mate," Harry assured him.

"That would be something wouldn't it?" Teddy agreed. "Could I have a test done like yours? Would it name my mates as well?" Harry shook his head.

"According to the goblins, it doesn't work that way. It will only tell you that you have a mate not who they are unless you have already met them and your magics have collided somehow. All three of my mates were listed because, at some point in my past, I have interacted with each of my mates in a magical way. Tom because I literally carried his soul inside of me, Lucius because of the Department of Mysteries, and Severus because he has literally used magic to protect me my entire life," Harry explained to him.

"That makes sense. So, if I was to do it mine would tell me if I had a mate or not, but now who they are," Teddy reiterated.

"Correct. We can do it if you want, just so you know," Harry offered.

"Yeah, I think I would like that, Pops," Teddy agreed. "Maybe next week if things are calm?" Harry ruffled his hair and stood up from the table.

"Sounds good, Kid. I am going to write Lucius back and tell him he is welcome to come today if he is free," Harry informed him. "After I do that, I am going down to the potion lab to see what is stocked and what isn't. I want it fully stocked and functioning with everything imaginable before Severus comes to us. It will be his domain once he is here. Severus is and has always been very serious about Potions."

"You like to brew though," Teddy said in surprise. That wasn't exactly true. Harry had a love/hate relationship with potions. He brewed out of necessity or when he needed to think something through. He apparently made a face and Teddy laughed. "Or maybe you don't."

"I learned to brew because I had to. I never brewed because I liked it. I am decent at it because I had to be. Besides I do not hold a flame to how good Severus is," Harry assured his son.

"You are probably only saying that because he is your mate. It isn't like you are exactly unbiased," Teddy exclaimed.

"Kid, that man and I hated each other with a passion that rivaled natural disasters. He used to spew vitriol at me and torment me for the fun of it because my dad was a bully. My Godfather almost got him killed back when they were in their sixth year. He took out his hate of them on me. Trust me I am not saying it because I am unbiased. I am saying it because he earned it," Harry insisted. Teddy just held his hands up in surrender.

"Ok, Pops. I believe you," Teddy said placatingly. "Now go write your letter if you want Lucius to be able to come." Harry just rolled his eyes and strode out of the room. He penned a quick reply with the password to the floo in the potion lab. He was sure he would be in there for quite some time. He needed to brew a few things as well. No time like the present as long as he had the ingredients.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lucius stopped in his tracks when he flooed into what looked like a massive potion's lab. This wasn't what he had expected to find when he stepped through. But what really captured his attention was the brewer at the far table with his back to them. He truly was exceptionally tall and muscular. His curly hair was pulled back in a small ponytail. He wasn't wearing any robes and the sleaves of his shirt were rolled up above the elbow. The shirt itself was an emerald green that was pulled taught across impressive muscles. The slacks he was wearing were hugging him in all the right places as well. Yeah, Lucius and his Veela were definitely feeling some kind of way about this new Duke.

"Duke Peverell," Draco called out excitedly. "This place is massive. My Uncle Severus would die to brew in here." Draco kept on talking. The Duke in question didn't even startle at the sound of Draco calling out. He simply waved his hand and Lucius assumed he was placing his potion in stasis. When he turned around Lucius was captivated. The man had this sexy lopsided grin that definitely was flashing fangs.

His eyes locked with Lucius, and he felt his Veela stand to attention. He was purring inside Lucius' mind. Pacing like a caged beast that wanted out and it wanted out now. He felt an almost undeniable need to preen and show off for this man in front of him with electric emerald eyes. Then he was coming closer.

"It is nice to see you again, Draco. I have told you that Duke Peverell is too formal when we are in private or among friends. What have I asked you to call me?" Harry asked teasingly. Lucius barely suppressed a shiver at the sound of the man's deep smooth voice. It felt like it caressed his ears and straight down to his core.

"Oh, I forgot," Draco said with a slight flush and a smile. He gave his Father a funny look that Harry caught but Lucius seemed completely unaware of. Harry wanted to roar in triumph. This might be easier than he thought it would be. His Drake was growling in his mind. He knew this man was his. 'Mine' was pretty much the only word he could concentrate on. "Hadrian. You asked me to call you Hadrian."

"That's right so don't forget alright?" Draco nodded excitedly. "Vakney," Harry called and waited for the elf to pop in. "Please take young Draco here upstairs to Teddy. Let him know they have permission to fly on the quidditch pitch. Lord Malfoy and I will be down here for just a bit longer while I finish this healing balm. Then we will be up in my office if the boys need us." Once Draco and the elf were gone Harry gave all of his attention to the Submissive Veela standing almost in shock in front of him. He held out his hand and when Lucius didn't take it, he reached down and grasped Lucius' hand with his own.

"Lord Malfoy, is something the matter?" Harry said with authority. He figured if he pushed just a little magic into his voice, Lucius would be unable to not answer. He was right. He watched as the man physically put himself back together right in front of him. Lucius cleared his throat and locked eyes with Harry again.

"Thank you for inviting me to your home, Duke Peverell. My wife and son have had nothing but good things to say about their visit yesterday. You may call me Lucius," The blonde managed to get out and Harry was impressed that his voice was strong and didn't show any of the emotion that Harry could still see swirling behind those ice-blue eyes. Harry didn't think Lucius realized he was still holding Harry's hand yet.

"Please call me, Hadrian. Or if you prefer my friends call me Hades. Thank you for taking time out of what I am sure is a very busy day to talk politics with me," Harry said sincerely he knew he didn't manage to keep the slight growl out of his voice when he saw Lucius flush slightly and suppress a shiver. Oh, he was so responsive. Harry wanted to devour him now.

"No bother at all, Hadrian. I am always happy to help a fellow politician land on their feet," Lucius managed to get out. Harry gave him a smile that he knew flashed a little fang and saw the flush deepen. 'So Fun' he thought to himself.

"If you don't mind, I need to finish this balm. It will only take about ten minutes; I was almost finished with it when you arrived. Then we can adjourn to my study for drinks and to go over whatever it is that you have brought for me," Harry asked politely. Lucius nodded.

"Of course, no problem at all," Lucius insisted. Harry, still holding Lucius' soft hand, led him over to the bench he was working at. He conjured a stool across from him and led Lucius to sit in it. He watched the moment Lucius realized he had been holding Harry's hand the entire time when Harry pressed a gentle kiss to it before releasing it completely. Harry didn't say anything to deepen the blush, even though he really wanted to.

"This will be done in no time," Harry insisted to fill the silence. Lucius nodded.

"You know my Dragon is right. My friend Severus, his godfather would sell you his kidney to get his hands on a lab like this. He is the youngest potion master in a century. Do you usually brew your own things?" Lucius asked. Harry nodded.

"Yeah, I don't trust buying potions off the shelf. You never know who brewed it or if it was done correctly. My potion teacher growing up was very strict and passionate about potions. We butted heads quite often, but I can be quite bull-headed sometimes. I wasn't exactly an easy child to teach," Harry said honestly. He glanced up a Lucius and saw the man flush again before he looked back at the potion. Merlin, he never would have pegged Lucius for a blusher. That was a pleasant discovery.

"Severus is the same way. My family never buys off the shelf. He always brews anything we need. Do you enjoy brewing?" Lucius asked. Harry laughed and shook his head no.

"Absolutely not. I may know the importance of quality and knowing the product, but I do not, in any way enjoy brewing," Harry said with a smirk. Lucius nodded.

"I never took to it either. I got an 'O' on my NEWTS in potions so I can brew if it is necessary. I just prefer not to," Lucius agreed with Harry. The dark-haired Drake pointed to the jars sitting near Lucius.

"Do you mind putting one of those labels on each of those jars for me, Lucius?" Harry asked as he turned the flame off and continued to stir the cauldron. Lucius nodded and started to do as he was asked. Harry fought the urge to murmur 'Good Boy' to his submissive and instead bit his bottom lip.

"Well, maybe I can introduce you to Severus sometime and the two of you can discuss him brewing for you like he does for me?" Lucius offered quietly. He wasn't sure how he felt about introducing Hadrian to anyone else. The man was gorgeous and a widower. He also didn't seem like he was opposed to male companions, which wasn't odd for Wixen. Severus was quite the looker when he was dressed up. Lucius knew for a fact that Severus preferred men.

"Why don't you have Narcissa put him on the guest list for my ball next month? Youngest Potion Master in a century sounds like someone important enough to make the list," Harry mentioned casually. That would get him close to Severus. If he wasn't suppressed, then Harry was hoping that Shadow Phoenix reacted the same way as Veela to finding their mates.

"That is a good idea. I will do that," Lucius said and to Harry, he sounded a bit glum at the idea. Harry wondered why. As far as he knew Severus and Lucius had always been close. Especially, since he had been named Draco's godfather.

"Is there something wrong with that?" Harry asked as he held his hand out for one of the jars. Lucius looked startled at the question but handed over the first jar for Harry to fill.

"No, Severus is a good friend of mine. Why would you assume something was wrong with it?" Lucius asked as Harry handed the now full jar back to him. Lucius placed the next empty jar in his hand and screwed the lid onto the full jar and set it aside. Harry looked at him curiously.

"You sounded reluctant or unsure when you agreed," Harry said honestly. He wanted to know Lucius' reasoning. 'Oh, there is that pretty blush again'. Harry handed the full jar to Lucius and took the empty one from him.

"Not at all. Severus will be surly about it, but I will make sure he is there. He doesn't really do formal events or enjoy flaunting his gifts," Lucius answered. Harry looked at him for a moment. He didn't detect a lie per say but he hadn't really answered the question either. Harry would leave it alone for now. Harry knew that Lucius' Veela was reacting to him. Maybe that had something to do with it. Not wanting an unattached, attractive male around his newfound mate.

"Oh, well if it will make him uncomfortable, I wouldn't want to do that. We can always meet before then in a more private setting if he is more comfortable with that," Harry offered. 'Aww there it is' Harry watched the possessiveness flash through Lucius' eyes before he was able to hide it.

"That won't be necessary. I will get him to agree to the ball," Lucius insisted. Harry grinned at him and simply nodded.

"He is your friend. I will take your word for it," Harry tried to soothe. They had finished filling the jars and Harry waved his hand for them to stack themselves on the shelf to their right. Lucius watched him curiously. "What is it?" Harry asked. as he rolled his sleeves down and pulled on his robe.

"I have seen you do magic a few times since arriving, but I have not seen a wand? Do you do wandless magic often? My son showed me your duel. You used one then," Lucius asked. It was a great show of power to be able to do most everything without a wand. Most wixen never even managed small spells without a wand. Harry just shrugged.

"Wandless magic has always come easily for me. Ted is pretty decent at it as well. But I think it is because of the way I raised him. He was homeschooled. I taught him every spell starting at eleven, with both a wand and without one. I have decided that everyone could master wandless magic if they start doing it at eleven when their cores are first developing. My theory is that Wixen train their cores to become dependent on a focus object and then when they start trying to learn wandless magic in their late teens or after their age of majority it is near impossible to learn," Harry explained to Lucius.

"That is quite the theory. So, you taught your son every spell wandlessly as well as with a wand, so his core never developed a dependency on a focus object. That is quite brilliant. Any chance you want to try and change the educational system to allow that?" Lucius said only half joking. Harry however wanted to do exactly that.

"I absolutely want to do that. It was something I was already considering bringing up. Ted and I can be proof that it is a good working theory. I think we will receive pushback from the ministry because wandless magic circumvents their trace on underage magic," Harry insisted. Lucius looked up at him as they made their way out of the basement.

"You would really want to team up on that?" Lucius asked sincerely. Harry flashed him that lopsided grin again.

"I do hold two out of four Hogwarts' founders' seats. It wouldn't be that hard to have it pushed through," Harry said casually. Lucius stuttered and almost tripped on the stairs, but Harry wrapped an arm around his waist to hold him upright. 'Merlin, that feels amazing' Harry thought to himself. He subtly inhaled the Veela's scent and had the urge to sink his teeth into his neck right then. He didn't though. Harry was pretty proud of the restraint he showed in releasing the blonde instead of molesting him. If his hand slid around Lucius' waist instead of letting go all at once, neither man mentioned it.

"You have to of the four founder's titles?" Lucius finally asked when he was sure he could do it without sounding breathless. It had felt so nice and right to be in Hadrian's arms. He almost wanted to stumble again just to feel it again. But he had more pride than that. He would not molest the unsuspecting Duke.

"Lady Narcissa and Lady Mahreen didn't tell you. They knew about it. I know how Ladies love to gossip, I was sure it would be all over the society circles by this morning," Harry said genuinely surprised. Lucius just chuckled and shook his head.

"No, they mentioned that you hold five titles. Well, six now after last evening, right? They didn't tell me which titles," Lucius admitted. They stepped off the stairs and into the foyer. Harry grinned and threw out his hand.

"Well then, let me officially welcome you to Gryffindor Castle," Harry said with a flourish. Lucius held up one finger. "Then Duke Peverell of course." Lucius lifted a second finger. "Potter obviously." A third finger lifted. "Lord Sayre, from my mother's side." A fourth finger. "Lord Gaunt." Surprised shock filtered across his face briefly, but a fifth finger was lifted. "And last but definitely not least, Lord Slytherin at your service." Harry bowed to hide his smile at the once again shocked look on the blonde's face. He stood and then gently grasped Lucius' hand and lifted another finger so that the Malfoy Lord was holding up six fingers.

"That is quite the impressive pedigree. How did you inherit Slytherin and Gaunt if you don't mind my asking? I knew the last Lord of both before his death," Lucius asked carefully. Harry smiled at him.

"Peverell is a Most Ancient and Most Noble house. It dates back all the way to before the time of Merlin. Slytherin, Gaunt, Gryffindor, and Potter are all branch lines of Peverell. Sayre is the only title I inherited from my mother's side," Harry explained. The best part about that was that nothing he said was a lie. Lucius nodded and then allowed Harry to steer them toward the stairs to head to his office. "My study is on the second floor. One of the best parts about it is that I can see the quidditch pitch from it. We can keep an eye on the boys."

"That is good. Draco loves to fly, and he is very good at it, but sometimes he can be a bit reckless," Lucius said with fond exasperation. Harry chuckled.

"I understand that completely. I definitely regretted the day I taught Ted how to ride a broom. He had no fear. It was terrifying. Fortunately, and unfortunately at the same time, he fell off his broom one day when he was trying a new stupid trick, he broke his arm and had a mild concussion because of it. He has been much more careful since then. He will keep an eye on your Dragon. He knows the consequences of recklessness," Harry insisted.

"Sometimes, the most painful lessons learned are the ones that stick with us the most," Lucius replied. Harry nodded and opened the door to his study. There were already two cups of whiskey waiting for them on the table in front of the settee. He knew there was no way that wasn't Teddy's instructions. Lucius simply sat down without comment and didn't even move away when Harry intentionally sat too close. His Draken, purred in pleasure when their legs brushed together. He had to agree with that. His nerve endings were on fire from the contact.

Harry picked up the two glasses and handed one to Lucius as he sat back and stretched out. He was a little sore from standing over the cauldron and if he enjoyed the way Lucius' eyes raked over his body that was just a pleasant bonus. Lucius cleared his throat and took a sip of his whiskey. He tapped the folder.

"Let's talk Wizengamot shall we?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"So, Pops, how did it go?" Teddy teased as soon as the Malfoys were gone. Harry grinned.

"Perfectly. He knows he is mine. His Veela knows it. I wouldn't be surprised if he goes straight to the bank at the first opportunity to confirm it. This is going to be so much easier than I originally thought if the instinct is there like that for all of them," Harry replied happily. "Did you enjoy your time flying?"

"Yeah, it was great. Draco is good. He says he is trying out for his house team this year. He was originally going to try for seeker, but he has changed his mind and is going to go for chaser," Teddy said and then he looked confused.

"What is it, Kid?" Harry asked him.

"I thought Drake played seeker," He finally asked. Harry nodded.

"He did. But not because it was the position he wanted. He always wanted to be a Chaser and would have been good at it too. But he bought his way onto the team as Seeker instead just so that he could go up against me. Our rivalry was legendary," Harry said with a nostalgic sigh. Teddy bumped him.

"Are you really missing fighting with Draco? You almost killed him once because of how much the two of you fought," Teddy exclaimed and threw his hands in the air. Harry just laughed.

"Yeah, I guess it is kind of silly to miss that. However, life was so much simpler then," Harry said honestly.

"I can see that," Teddy sympathized. Harry ruffled his teal hair, and they made their way to the dining room it was time for dinner.

"So, as far as I know, there is nothing going on tomorrow. How about you and I fly a little and explore the grounds? See if we can find anything dangerous in the forest to turn into a pet," Harry asked his son.

"Really?" Teddy said excitedly. "You are going to let me have a pet now?" Harry nodded.

"This place and the land around it is massive. I think you could safely own a pet dragon here," Harry replied. "Though there is probably a law against that." He shrugged. Teddy just looked at him and laughed. Of course, his dad would actually consider having a pet Dragon.

"Awesome, tomorrow is going to be so much fun," Teddy said with glee.

"I figured we were due at least a day or two of rest before the Wizengamot this weekend," Harry informed him. "Then we need to crack down on finding Regulus, James, and Lily. Hunt down Remus. Free Sirius. Put Tom together. And stop Dumbledore."

"Don't forget the ball you decided to throw," Teddy pointed out helpfully. Harry chuckled and nodded.

"Yeah, we mustn't forget the ball," Harry agreed. "Being a fancy posh Duke and Lady Magic's chosen champion is going to be exhausting." Teddy just nodded sympathetically before they dug into their meal.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Thank you for taking me with you today, Father. It was just as fun today as it was yesterday. The Peverells are so cool," Draco said gratefully. He hugged his father quickly before taking off and running through the house. Probably to head up to his room. Lucius just smiled and headed to find Narcissa. This time of day she was usually in the solarium. He needed to talk to her urgently.

He found her exactly where he thought he would. He watched his best friend for a few moments. She was going to be so happy for him if this turned out to be what he thought it was. Lucius had always been friends with Narcissa, even when they were small. But that was all it ever was. Lucius had also known from very young that he definitely fancied other boys. But his father wouldn't match him with anyone but a Black daughter. He had been stubborn and unmoving about it.

Lucius had originally been betrothed to Andromeda. But Andy fell in love with a Muggle-born wizard and had run off to marry him. She had been disowned and Lucius' father had demanded another daughter. Bellatrix had already been married off to Lestrange, thank Merlin. So that had left Narcissa. They had been ok with it for the most part. Neither of them had been in love but they could build a solid relationship on friendship.

Narcissa, while a good mother, had never truly wanted children and definitely didn't want to carry one. So, they had gone to Asia where it had been rumored, that for a price there was a Dark Shaman who would help someone have a baby by combining their magic and DNA and placing it in a fertile egg. Lucius had come home from that trip pregnant with Draco. They had used glamour and other things to hide the fact that Lucius was the one carrying the child and not Narcissa. Draco was Lucius' in every way. Narcissa had simply donated the genetic and magical material to make it possible.

Narcissa had held Lucius a few times when he had become overwhelmed by all of it and the possibility of never truly finding his dominant mate. It was something that she knew he yearned for. They had talked about what they would do when the time came. Since Draco was far more Lucius' than Narcissa's, he would live with Lucius but visit with Narcissa as often as he liked. Depending on the situation, Narcissa would either remain in Malfoy Manor or move into one of the other homes of her choosing. Based on Gryffindor Castle, Lucius and Draco would be moving in with Hadrian and his son.

"You are awfully lost in thought, Luc. Wanna talk about it?" Narcissa called softly. Lucius nodded and sat down on the couch next to her. She patted his knee and he relaxed. They had talked about this. Even Draco had been talked to about the possibility of this.

"I think I found him, Cissy," Lucius said quietly. She would know what he meant. He watched the comprehension dawn on her. Then she smiled brightly and pulled him into a hug.

"Hadrian. The handsome and dangerous Duke Peverell is your mate," she said with true excitement in her voice for him. Lucius nodded.

"I need to go to the bank and confirm it with my inheritance test. But there isn't a doubt in my mind that he is the one. My Veela has been like a caged animal raging against my hold on it. Only calm when Hadrian was touching me. Which was often, by the way. He made a point to touch me often. It was like everywhere he touched me was set on fire," Lucius gushed.

"This is wonderful news, Luc. I assume you are too wound tight to hold off on going to the bank until tomorrow?" Narcissa teased. Lucius gave her a look. Of course, he wasn't waiting. "Well, go on then. Get it done. It is a simple test and shouldn't take long to confirm. We will hold up supper for you. The two of us can talk to Draco about it over dinner."

"Draco is so enamored of Hadrian and his son I think he will be ecstatic about the situation. Be prepared to listen to him gush some more," Lucius warned Narcissa before he stood up and headed back out to floo to the bank.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I need to speak with my account manager, Ironfang," Lucius said as calmly as he could manage while trying not to vibrate out of his own skin.

"This way," The teller directed. Lucius followed the goblin down a familiar hall and happily took a seat across from his account manager.

"What can we do for you today, Lord Malfoy?" Ironfang inquired.

"I would like to do an inheritance test to confirm something. I am positive that I have found my mate I just need to confirm it," Lucius replied. The goblin nodded and held out a parchment and a small dagger.

"Only three drops. This is not a full inheritance test. This will only show your creature status and your Mate if you have truly found them," Ironfang instructed. Lucius nodded and did as he was told. He watched impatiently as the three drops settled into the parchment and words began to appear.

Lucius Abraxas Malfoy
Creature Inheritance: Submissive Veela
Mate: Hadrian Mors Peverell: Dominant Drake

And there it was in black ink. The confirmation he had been hoping for. Hadrian was his mate. He had been waiting for him for so long. Now it was time to start setting things in motion so that it was possible. He and Narcissa already had divorce papers drawn up they just needed to be signed and submitted. But he was getting ahead of himself. First, he needed to talk to Hadrian. The man may not want to mate with Lucius. Just because he had definitely flirted with him the entire day did not mean he was going to want to mate with him. Maybe the man enjoyed his freedom maybe he flirted with everyone.

Lucius thanked his account manager and headed back home to discuss things with Narcissa and Draco.

"Father, where did you go?" Draco asked as soon as he stepped out of the floo. Lucius placed a gentle hand on his head.

"Let's sit down for dinner and the three of us will discuss it together," Lucius said simply.

"OK, Father," Draco agreed and happily walked next to his father. Draco was a spoiled child. He didn't lack for anything and had always wondered when he was younger, why his father was always so much more affectionate than his mother. When he was eight, they finally explained to him that Lucius was his mother. Lucius had carried him and Narcissa loved him but had never wanted children. They had also explained that Malfoys always inherited as Veela on their sixteenth birthday. They explained mates to him and about the agreement between them if Lucius ever found his mate.

They sat down at the table and waited until dinner was served. Lucius handed the parchment to Narcissa. She smiled at him and then passed it over to Draco.

"Your Father has found his mate, Dragon," Narcissa explained. Draco looked at the parchment and then up to his smiling father. He only ever smiled like that at home.

"Truly? Hadrian is your mate?" Draco asked. He hoped this wasn't a prank. Lucius nodded.

"He is. How do you feel about that, Draco?" Lucius asked carefully. Talking about something and then being faced with the reality of it was an entirely different thing.

"I think I am ok with that. I mean we don't really know them, but Teddy has been really cool and I think he would be a great older brother. I always wanted siblings. Then Hadrian seems like someone who would take care of you, Father. Mum and I know how much of a mask you wear out of the house. I have read books about Veela and other creatures. I know what it means to be a Submissive. It means that you want to be taken care of. Hadrian is so tall and dangerous looking. I think if we were his, people would be too afraid to even look at us badly. He is also really nice," Draco gave his opinion.

"I think you are exactly right, Dragon. Your father wears a mask outside of our home because he is a Malfoy, and it is expected of him to be in charge and unflappable. He doesn't even get to truly be himself at home because he doesn't have his dominant mate. He has never been allowed to be truly Submissive like he craves. I am not a creature and so I cannot truly give him what he needs. Now, he can have those things. Even in public, Hadrian will not be a follower he will be a leader. Your father will be able to follow his lead in public as well as in private," Narcissa agreed with Draco's assessment.

"How does that make you feel, Draco? I know how it makes me feel, how it is good for me. I want to know about you," Lucius insisted. He knew his son was already so prideful even at twelve. He knew he often used Lucius as a threat to keep others from doing or saying things. He didn't want to make a decision that would affect Draco in a bad way.

"I know what you are worried about, Father. I won't be embarrassed or anything. It won't bother me if you and Mother divorce and you bond with Hadrian. You may not like to be in control or in charge, but you are still a powerful wizard. You will still sit on the Wizengamot and the school board. I don't think having a dominant mate is going to turn you into a simpering, meek person with no opinion. You will still be yourself. You will just be your happier self. You are my bearer, and you love me. That isn't going to change. We can all be happier now," Draco insisted.

"That is such a mature and grown-up way to think about things, Dragon. I am very proud of you," Lucius insisted. Draco blushed and shrugged.

"I have had a long time to get used to the idea of all of it. We are moving in with Hadrian and Teddy, right?" Draco asked. Lucius and Narcissa chuckled.

"Your father has to actually talk to Hadrian about all of this first. He may not realize that Lucius is his mate. Or he may not want to bond with anyone at all. There are still conversations that need to occur before those choices can be made," Narcissa stated. Draco blinked. He hadn't thought of that.

"He won't reject father. You didn't see him, Mother. When Hadrian locked eyes with Father, he looked like it was a struggle to look away to pay me attention. Then later we had lunch together and Hadrian sat so close to Father instead of at the head of the table. He likes him," Draco insisted.

"That is very observant of you, Draco," Narcissa praised. Draco smiled brightly.

"Besides if you and Father get a divorce and we move out, you can move your girlfriend in here," Draco said casually. Narcissa and Lucius both sputtered.

"What?" Narcissa said in surprise. Draco just laughed at them.

"You aren't exactly subtle, Mother. Lady Selwyn comes here a lot, and you aren't as sneaky with your kissing as you think you are. The two of you have spent a lot of time together since her husband passed. So, I figure she will probably end up moving in with you since her son is of age and has already become Lord Selwyn," Draco explained. Lucius started chuckling.

"Looks like our, Dragon is much more observant than we gave him credit for. That or you truly aren't as sneaky as you thought you were, Cissy," Lucius teased. Draco rolled his eyes. Really, it was because he had been sneaking around because he was curious, and Dobby had helped him.

"Looks like it. Guess there is no use in trying to hide it from him," Narcissa replied. "Your father knew about it before we ever started seeing each other. We just didn't know how you would feel about it."

"I love both of you, Mother. I just want you both to be happy. It doesn't bother Father and it doesn't bother me that you found someone that makes you happy," Draco insisted.

"We are exceptionally lucky to have such a mature and caring son, Cissy," Lucius said with pride. Draco blushed again but also preened under the praise.

"Now, let's talk about how we are going to make sure Hadrian says yes to Father," Draco demanded with a smile.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"You know, one day I am going to be better than you at something. I swear it," Teddy grumbled as they put their brooms away. Harry just chuckled and cast a quick spell over the two of them to freshen them up.

"You are already better at potions than I am," Harry pointed out. Teddy stuck his tongue out at him.

"That doesn't count, you hate potions," Teddy answered. Harry shrugged.

"True," Harry agreed. They started walking toward the forest line near the pitch.

"You would think that you would be slower or something. I can understand how you would have been a great seeker when you were twelve. I saw pictures of you. You were puny so you were fast. Now you look like you are part giant. You shouldn't still be able to move that fast. It isn't logical or fair. It must be nice to be Lady Magic's favorite child," Teddy continued to rant as they headed into trees. Harry just laughed. He couldn't help it.

"Kid, you are still just a teenager. You have many years to work hard and beat me at things. I am sure in twenty years or so I will start slowing down and you can beat me then if you keep working hard. You aren't exactly a slouch Ted," Harry told him quietly. They didn't want to scare off anything they might find by talking too loudly.

"In twenty years you will be just as quick and powerful as you are now. If not more so. I am telling you. Being the Master of Death is going to have consequences. You probably aren't going to physically age at all anymore. You are just lucky that way," Teddy insisted. He wasn't pouting anymore. He just sounded excited now. He sounded excited every time the topic of Harry being the Master Of Death came up. Harry just ruffled his hair and rolled his eyes.

"Only time will tell. It isn't as if we can actually do research on it," Harry said. Just like he always did when Teddy mentioned him living forever. Harry wasn't going to be ok with the prospect of living forever unless he could find a way to keep his mates with him. I mean Lady Death had stated that she would protect those that Harry treasured. Maybe one day he could summon Her, and they could have a chat about it all.

There was a rustling noise to their left. Both men crouched slightly and waited to see what would come out of the bushes. Teddy giggled when it was just a bunny.

"Well, I certainly hope there are more interesting things in here than bunnies," Teddy insisted.

"I am sure there is, Kid. It is a forest on land saturated in Magic that has been undisturbed for centuries. This is Gryffindor territory. I wouldn't be surprised to find griffins, lions, or hippogriffs in here. From everything I have read those are the animals most associated with him," Harry encouraged.

"Oh, if we find any of those, I definitely want one for a pet," Teddy said excitedly. "There is a stable enclosure behind the castle."

Harry and Teddy spent hours exploring the woods. They found all kinds of normal forest animals and Harry had a parchment that he had charmed just like the Marauder's map. It was mapping the forest around them in a mile radius. He also placed markers on the map where they found wild plants growing that would be good for potion's ingredients. Harry had loved learning the charms used to create the map. He used it often in the past. He had charmed a parchment for Gryffindor Castle and let Teddy keep it with him at all times. He was discovering new passageways and rooms in the Castle every time he went exploring.

"Dad, look," Teddy said quietly. He was crouched down behind a dense bush, so Harry crouched next to him to see what he had spotted. There was a small solid white wolf cub chasing a butterfly in a small clearing. Harry and Teddy watched for a while to see if there were other wolves around. But after about twenty minutes none showed, and the cub was now sleeping partially under a fallen tree.

"I think it might be alone, Ted," Harry whispered. Teddy nodded.

"Yeah, I think so too. I am gonna get it. I want him. Especially if he is alone. He is too little," Teddy replied. Harry just nodded and indicated for Teddy to go.

"Be careful. Turn if it looks like he might try to bite you. If he sees your wolf he might react better," Harry advised. Teddy nodded and started inching his way forward. Harry just sat back and watched. While he was watching Teddy, he noticed movement in the tree above his own head. A large, grey snake was slowly making its way toward him. When it slithered through a patch of sunlight it became a beautiful iridescent color. 'Sunbeam snake' Harry thought to himself.

It was hissing to itself about unwanted humans in the forest. Harry suppressed a chuckle and looked back toward Teddy. The teen had managed to wrangle the wolf pup without much effort. It only snipped at him once before Teddy flashed amber eyes and the pup yipped happily at him. Teddy shifted then and Harry kept an eye on the two wolves in the clearing playing together.

'Stupid, unobservant human. I will poison you before you even know I am here' The snake was in the tree above his head now.

*That is close enough, Pretty Girl. I don't fancy being bitten today* Harry hissed to the snake just as it started to descend from its branch. The snake stopped in surprise.

'You are a speaker? My mother told me stories of speakers, but I thought it was only made-up stories.' The snake hissed to him. Harry held out his arm and the snake wound down it until Harry was holding it completely.

*If you promise not to bite, I will let you sit and chat with me while we are still in the forest.* Harry offered. The snake bobbed its head.

'Deal. You don't smell completely human. What are you?' The snake asked.

*I am not completely human. I am a wizard, and I am a Drake.* Harry answered.

'I do not understand the second term. My mother told me of humans with magic but not Drake.' She stated. So, Harry indulged her with descriptions of Drake and even shifted so she could see. Harry learned that she was descended from a snake that had been bred and experimented on by wizards. There was apparently an entirely new species of snake thriving in Harry's forest.

Apparently, a wizard a few centuries back had decided to breed snakes and experiment on them to see if they could create something new and magical. The result was a Sunbeam that could glide like a Paradise Flying Snake, was venomous like a boomslang, could grow as large as a boa, and was also magical. And Harry's forest was full of them. About an hour later, Teddy and the pup were apparently tired, and Teddy came back to Harry with a sleeping wolf cub in his arms.

"I get to keep him, right?" Teddy asked.

"Yes, but you are required to research everything you can on what it means to care for a wolf. That cub is your responsibility now. You are responsible for feeding it, cleaning it, cleaning up after it, training it, and everything else that goes along with it. Do you understand?" Harry said seriously. Teddy nodded.

"Does it have to stay in the stable we talked about earlier?" Teddy asked curiously. Harry chuckled and shook his head no.

"It can stay in the house. But like I said he is your responsibility. By the end of the week, I want you to know exactly what his species is, and I want a paper about it. That will let me know if you actually did the research," Harry told him with a grin. Teddy groaned and then nodded quickly when Harry gave him a look.

"You got it, Pops. Thank you so much. I gotta think of a name. Maybe I will find one that fits him while I am doing research," Teddy stated and then he noticed the snake resting around Harry's shoulders. "Did you find a pet as well?"

"No. She just wanted a chat. She can get off now and we can head back to the castle," Harry said, he had just wanted to explore the woods. He had no intention of finding a pet.

*We are going back to the castle now. It was nice to visit with you. I can put you back in your tree if you want.* Harry informed the snake. But apparently, the snake had other plans. She chuckle-hissed and just flicked him with her tail.

'I think not, Speaker. I have decided I will keep you. It will be quite an accomplishment to brag about. To own a speaker. My sisters will be so jealous. Take me home with you' She demanded. Harry snorted.

*Seriously?* Harry asked. The sunbeam flicked him with her tail again in annoyance.

' Of course, let's go. Your offspring tastes tired' She hissed back. Teddy looked amused when Harry looked back towards him.

"You're keeping her, aren't you?" Teddy stated. Harry nodded.

"Apparently, so. But she is keeping me not the other way around according to her. It gives her some sort of bragging rights to 'own' a speaker," Harry sighed and stood up from the ground. He brushed the dirt off his jeans and the two of them headed back to the house.

"Does she have a name?" Teddy asked. Harry nodded.

"Yeah, she was named Renenutet, after the first of her line. According to her, all of the firsts were named after ancient snake Gods and Goddesses. I will look the name up later. I think it has something to do with the underworld. Which is oddly fitting since I am the Master Of Death," Harry chuckled.

"Of course," Teddy said laughing. "Are you actually going to call her that?"

"No, I will either call her Rene or Nuntet," Harry replied. The snake hissed at him and he chuckled. "Nuntet it is. She says she will bite me if I call her, Rene. Though her threat of poison doesn't really scare me since I am immune after getting bitten by the Basilisk."

"What is the plan for tomorrow? Dueling I assume," Teddy asked as they stepped out of the forest and back into the yard near the pitch.

"Nope, you get to spend another day doing whatever you want. I am going to spend the day going over the file that Lucius brought yesterday. I want to be completely prepared for the Wizengamot day after tomorrow," Harry told him. Teddy said a silent 'yes' to himself and took off running for the house.

"Thanks, Pops. You are the best dad ever. See you at dinner," He called out as he ran. Harry just laughed and continued to make his way slowly to the house. Before he made it a familiar owl dropped out of the sky and landed on the tree branch of the tree closest to him.

"Hey, girl. Been a while," Harry said gently to the snow-white owl. "I am glad you found me." Hedwig clicked her beak at him. Harry smiled. "Does that mean you are staying?" She clicked her beak again and then launched herself into the air. She swooped down and nipped at his outstretched finger before flying up to the owlery. "Guess so." He said and then continued his walk back up to the castle.

"Master Hades," Dodky was waiting for him when he entered his study. Harry sat in his chair and let his hand dangle toward the ground at Nuntet's request. She wanted to explore the room. The Elf eyed the snake wearily but then ignored it when it didn't seem interested in biting him.

"Yes, Dodky?" Harry answered. The elf held out a letter with the Gringotts seal on it.

"This arrived while you were exploring," Dodky replied and then popped out of the room after making sure there was whiskey in the glass for him.

Dear Duke Peverell,
We have located two people that you requested. The Rat is being held in our mines until you are ready to make use of it. We await your decision on the matter. The Wolf was located and arrived this morning to speak with us. He has a portkey that will activate tomorrow at precisely ten am. It will drop him at the place that you requested. He is ready to listen after we did the inheritance test and showed him the paperwork that you requested we show him.

May all your enemies go bankrupt,
Account Manager, Axeclaw

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Remus was confused and angry.

His life had ended the night he lost everyone. He had gone from four best friends and a godson to no one. Lily, James, and Peter had died, Sirius had gone to prison, and Harry had been whisked away from him. He had petitioned the Ministry over and over to speak to Sirius and find out where Harry had been taken. When the ministry wouldn't help him, he had gone to Albus. The headmaster had refused to help him as well. He had told Remus over and over again that Harry was where he was safest and that for the greater good no one could know where he was.

So after a year of searching on his own and being denied or thwarted over and over again, he finally left the country to try and run from his failures. That is what he had been doing for a decade now. He didn't even truly realize how many years had passed since he fled Britain. Then someone had found him in Asia. A Kitsune had hunted him down in the forest where he had been living with a pack of werewolves.

He was handed a portkey and told it would take him straight to the bank in Britain. He had almost ignored it, but the Kitsune had insisted it was of the utmost importance and had to do with Harry. The portkey had taken him straight to an office where a goblin had been waiting. The things he had told and shown Remus had left him in his current state.

Harry was dead but not really. James and Lily were alive but captured. Peter was alive and in hiding because he was the one who betrayed James and Lily. Sirius was innocent of all charges and had never been given a trial. Albus Dumbledore was a manipulative old bastard who was apparently tossing out compulsion charms and blocks like candy. Remus himself had been tested and found out that he also had been blocked, suppressed, and spelled by the old bastard.

He had submitted himself to a cleansing and been handed a portkey that would activate the next day to an undisclosed location where he would meet Harry. Though he didn't know how a twelve-year-old had managed to accomplish all of this.

So now Remus was stressed, shocked, confused, and angry. He was restlessly pacing a hole in the rug under his feet in the room Harry had paid for him to use at the Leaky Cauldron for the night. Finally, after a few hours, he forced himself to lay down and slipped into a restless sleep.

Tomorrow he would see Harry.