Creaturae Vindicatae

Master you must awaken. Something has happened

Hadrian was startled awake by the sound of Death's wispy voice and a gentle caress on his cheek. He bolted out of bed and threw on clothes. He was just pulling his shoes on when Dodky popped into the room looking concerned.

"What is it, Dodky?" Hadrian demanded. The small elf twisted its hands together and looked down at the floor.

"Dodky has just gotten word from Ministry Elf. Master Black has been poisoned and is being transferred to St. Mungos. Master Hades must go now," Dodky informed him. Hadrian growled and stormed out of the room. Dodky was hot on his trail.

"Go to my potion lab and gather at least one of every poison antidote that I have down there. Especially the rare ones. I am sure whoever did this will not have used something common or easy to fix," Hadrian ordered and the elf popped away to do what he was told. "Vakney," Hadrian called.

The elf popped into the hallway with him and looked at him expectantly.

"If I am not back by the time Teddy or Remus awaken for the day, inform them of what has happened and where I am," Hadrian instructed.

"Yes, Master Hades," Vakney bowed and then popped away.

"Tandy," Hadrian called next and waited until the Head Elf popped up next to him. He entered his study at this time and penned a quick note to Lucius to let him know what was going on. "Take this to Lucius, please. Only place it in his hands." The elf took the letter and popped out of the room. Hadrian strode from the room quickly and headed for the floo room. Dodky was waiting for him with a bag in his hands. Hadrian took the bag and thanked the elf before flooing to the hospital.

Hadrian arrived at St. Mungos and was surprised to see Lord Shacklebolt and Nymphadora waiting in the waiting room. He strode straight to them.

"Lord Shacklebolt, Auror Tonks, what has happened where is Lord Black?" Hadrian demanded to know.

"I sent for you. You seem to be invested in the welfare of Lord Black and I thought you should be informed of what was happening. If you will follow me I will explain while we walk," Shacklebolt informed him. Nymphadora followed quietly behind them.

"That is acceptable," Hadrian stated. He listened as they walked. Apparently, they were suspicious that even though the poison took effect in the middle of the night, they were pretty sure it was administered during one of the meals. Harry quickly ran through a list of poisons in his mind that would activate at the different times between breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Many Healers surrounded the prone, pale, body on the bed. There was no movement from the patient. It was as if he was already dead, but Hadrian knew better. Death had not claimed him yet. Hadrian stepped forward and pulled the chest out of his bag that he enlarged and sat on the table next to the bed. It was full of his antidotes. The Healers watched him.

"Have you determined what poison was used?" Hadrian demanded. The Head Healer looked at him with sympathy.

"Yes, and unfortunately it is a very dark poison. Very rare. There is a known antidote, but we will not be able to make it in time before his body gives out due to the effects," The Healer explained to him.

"Tell me which poison," Hadrian insisted.

"Death-cap Draught. Based on his vitals and the effects he has undergone we presume he has been under the effects of the poison for about twelve hours. It was slipped to him around lunch is our best guess," The Healer answered. Hadrian nodded and reached into his potions.

"I have the antidote for that. I keep a stock of antidotes at all times," Hadrian informed them and then they were silent while he searched for the antidote he needed. He had been prepared for something like this to happen. It had only taken Dumbledore two days to attempt to kill Sirius after his release. Now he just needed to prove it. He found the vial he was looking for and passed it over to the healer. Then Hadrian turned to Shacklebolt and Tonks.

"I want to speak with Madame Bones. Get her here now," Hadrian ordered.

"She is already on her way. She was contacted after you were," Shacklebolt answered him. Hadrian inclined his head.

"Thank you," Hadrian said and then turned to watch as the antidote was spelled straight into Sirius' stomach. They did a scan afterward and sighed. His vitals were already trending up. Hadrian sat down in the chair next to the bed and waited. He would not be leaving Sirius' side until he had spoken with the head of the DMLE and established a safe guard for Sirius while he was still in the hospital.

Thirty minutes later, Sirius seemed to be resting peacefully now and Hadrian breathed a sigh of relief. Just then Madame Bones knocked on the door and entered the room. Hadrian stood and shook her hand when she offered. She looked quite serious and was flanked by two different Aurors.

"I do not know how this happened. We have been very careful about who has guarded his cell as well as only allowing Ministry house elves to handle his food," Bones started. Hadrian just frowned at her.

"Unfortunately, the people I suspect are behind this are important and hold power in the ministry. It would be easy enough for them to have changed or bribed a guard to slip the poison into his food. Or even to command a house elf to do it. They may not have even commanded they could have simply cast an Imperius and forced someone to do it," Hadrian insisted. She gave him a curious look.

"Who do you suspect wants him dead?" Bones asked. Hadrian just smiled at her and shook his head.

"I do not have the evidence that I need currently to bring suspicion against them properly, so I will keep the name to myself until I have more concrete evidence," Hadrian told her. Bones nodded.

"We need to find a more effective way to keep him safe until his trial," Bones spoke out loud. Hadrian agreed.

"I want every guard that watched over him today as well as every house elf that had access to his food. I want them investigated and checked for compulsions of every kind. That means potions and spells. I want them checked for holes in their memories or false memories. Even if it does not reveal who did it, it will give us a place to start investigating. I know for a fact the person that I suspect ordered this is very well versed in mind magics and compulsions," Hadrian insisted.

"It will be done. You seem very comfortable in the role of investigation," Bones pointed out. Hadrian smiled at her.

"I spent a lot of time around Aurors and other types of police growing up," Hadrian lied. She accepted that. "As for what can be done to keep him better guarded, I would like to suggest allowing him to reside in the Goblin Nation's cells. They are neutral in the politics of Wixen. They have no interest in his death or life. They will guard him and ensure that he remains alive and unmolested until his trial," Hadrian offered. Bones looked at him shocked.

"The Goblins have never allowed a Wixen to be housed in their cells if their crimes did not directly affect the Goblins. What makes you think they will agree to this?" Bones asked him.

"But this does affect the Goblins. The House of Black is among the oldest clients they have. Their vaults have been in what amounts to stasis since Sirius' arrest money has not gone out, but it has also not come in. Besides, has anyone ever just asked them nicely? I will be the one to ask if you like. I have a very good rapport with the goblins," Hadrian offered.

"If you think you can get them to agree then that would be a preferable course of action. Lord Black is clearly not safe in the ministry cells," Bones agreed.

"Perfect I will leave to speak with them when the sun rises. As for his security, while he is still in the hospital, I would like to be involved in the choosing. I want to make sure that Aurors who I suspect have connections with the person responsible are not allowed in the rotation," Hadrian inquired.

"That should be acceptable. I woke the Head Auror when I arrived here. He should be here any moment and the three of us can discuss his security until he can leave the hospital," Bones stated. Hadrian nodded and then the two of them got comfortable to wait. The healers came in and checked on him twice to see that both times his vitals looked better. They figured he would wake by morning and should be able to leave the hospital before tomorrow evening.

About an hour later, Rufus Scrimgeour entered the room. He looked grumpy but well put together for the middle of the night. Hadrian and Amelia both stood and shook his hand.

"Duke Peverell this is Head Auror Rufus Scrimgeour. Rufus this is Duke Hadrian Peverell. He is going to be involved in choosing the Aurors that will guard Lord Black until the matter of his safety can be guaranteed. Let us discuss what has happened and what needs to be done about it," Amelia informed the Head Auror.

"Duke Peverell it is nice to finally meet you. You have the ministry all gossiping like schoolgirls. I have already been to the ministry and detained everyone who could have been involved in the poisoning. They are just waiting for questioning," Rufus informed them.

"The house elves as well?" Hadrian asked. Rufus laughed.

"I did not even consider that. Of course, it could have just as easily been one of them. I will send someone now to take care of it," Rufus said. He waved over one of the Aurors keeping guard at the door and gave them the instructions before sending them away.

"Thank you," Hadrian told him. Then they proceeded to tell him everything that they had decided needed to be done and about Hadrian going to the goblins to ask about Sirius being detained there. Rufus agreed that it was a good idea if they could get the goblins to agree to it. They began going through a list of Aurors to guard Lord Black while he was still in the Hospital and in the event that he had to return to the ministry.

"I can't help but notice that most of the Aurors that you agreed to have as a guard are not 'Light' families. Does that mean that you suspect someone from the 'Light' faction is involved?" Rufus asked. Hadrian just smirked.

"That would be the logical assumption, Rufus," Hadrian said simply.

"And you will not tell us who you suspect. We could help you gather evidence," Amelia spoke up. Hadrian shook his head.

"Not yet. I need to make sure that they haven't gotten their claws into the two of you as well before revealing too much. It would cause me a great bit of trouble if the person was tipped off that I was on to them," Hadrian answered.

"As much as I hate to agree, it makes sense. You said this person was very well versed in mind magic and compulsions. There are not many ways to protect against those things," Rufus stated. Hadrian once again grinned and pulled a cuff off his ear.

"This is a good way to do it. I learned of this on my travels in Asia. This was created by the Unseelie Sidhe. It is imbued with their magic and the spells are woven into it. It protects the mind from Legilimency and Obliviates. It protects you from anyone messing with your mind in any way. It also detects compulsions and burns them away when they are placed, whether it is a potion or a spell," Hadrian informed them.

"That is amazing," Amelia stated. Rufus nodded his agreement.

"I would like to suggest contacting my friend and having him and his people commission enough for every ministry employee as well as the Lords and Ladies of the Wizengamot. This will prevent people from tampering and controlling others," Hadrian offered.

"I think this would be a great idea. But we cannot just pass the law that it must be worn. It must be put to a vote in the Wizengamot in order to be made a mandatory rule for all employees," Rufus added. Hadrian nodded.

"It will be easy enough to get others to vote in favor of this. I am also going to suggest that everyone is required to report to the goblins for a cleansing. Just in case they are already compromised. The goblins have ways of detecting and cleansing. I make it a habit to visit them often myself to make sure that a spell or compulsion has not managed to slip under my defenses. I honestly do not know why it hasn't already been a regular practice in your ministry. Other countries that I have visited made this a mandatory practice decades ago," Hadrian informed them.

"That is a very good point. I do not know why it isn't common practice here. That makes so much sense. Well, you will have my vote in favor when it is put to a vote," Amelia insisted.

"Thank you. I honestly don't see many people opposing this. The only ones that would are those that have something to hide," Hadrian told them.

"Agreed," Rufus stated. He gathered up the list they had put together for the security detail and the list of things that Hadrian insisted they check for when they interrogated those who had been responsible for Sirius today. "I will send the first security detail to arrive at seven in the morning. When they arrive, you can leave to go and see the goblins."

"Thank you for your help and cooperation with this, Rufus," Hadrian stated. Then he shook both Rufus and Amelia's hands and then relaxed back in his chair when they left. He was going to be so tired later. He would have to take a Pepper-up or something. He had made plans with Narcissa to go over the guest list for his ball so that invitations could be sent out. He was also going to show her both ballrooms and share the few ideas he had with her about what he wanted done.

"I know you are awake, Siri," Hadrian said quietly. He had his head leaned back and his eyes closed but he knew that Sirius had at least been awake for the last ten minutes. He heard Sirius chuckle.

"How did you know, Pup," Sirius asked just as quietly. Hadrian peeked an eye open and smirked.

"I heard your heartbeat speed up when you were no longer sleeping," Hadrian told him. Sirius looked surprised.

"Mooney could do that. I see the scars around your throat, Pup. Are you a werewolf too?" Sirius asked him. Hadrian shook his head no.

"I was attacked by one a few years back, but I never turned. I am not a werewolf, but I am a creature. What do you know about Creatures in the Potter bloodline?" Hadrian asked him. He was curious to know if Sirius knew anything since, he was so close to James. Sirius seemed to be thinking hard about it. Then his eyes lit up.

"It has been a few generations since the last inheritance, but the Potter line is known for inheriting as Drake," Sirius told him. "James and I did some research on it before his sixteenth birthday. We were curious about what he would have inherited if the Creature blood was still active in your line."

"He didn't inherit?" Hadrian asked curiously. He knew that he had inherited at sixteen, but Dumbledore had taken the memory of it from him. He was curious about what had happened with James. Sirius looked confused like he just couldn't grasp the memory.

"I don't remember it clearly. I know that the two of us planned on staying up all night so that we didn't miss it if he did. I remember us watching the clock at 11:59 and counting down the seconds until midnight. We were so excited. Then there is nothing. We woke up the next morning and just figured we had fallen asleep while we were waiting. It was weird and we didn't even question it," Sirius told him. He looked upset.

"It's ok, Siri. Someone has most likely tampered with your memories. Just like they did me. I inherited at sixteen. But the memory of it was stolen from me and my Creature was suppressed as well as my mate bonds. I am sure the same thing probably happened to my dad. I am going to talk to the goblins when I leave here and have you transferred into their custody. They will keep you safe until your trial. I will have them perform a cleansing on you at the same time," Hadrian reassured him. Sirius nodded and leaned back into his pillows.

"Thanks, Pup," Sirius sighed out. Then he smirked and looked at Harry with sharp curious eyes. "Gonna explain what is going on? You look older than me when you are supposed to be only eleven." Hadrian chuckled.

"Not yet, Siri. You are going to be subjected to Truth Serum in two weeks. There is no telling what kind of questions they are going to ask you about Harry Potter and other things. I need to make sure that we are not compromised by that. Harry Potter is dead. I am Hadrian Peverell. That is all you need to know right now until it is safe for you to know the whole truth. Can you accept that for now?" Hadrian asked him. Sirius looked at him for a few moments and then nodded.

"You talk to me and treat me like we have known each other for a long time," Sirius stated. Hadrian just nodded.

"I know, Siri," Hadrian said simply. Sirius nodded.

"I can accept these things for now. I will ask again as soon as it is safe," Sirius agreed. Hadrian looked relieved.

"You won't have to ask. I will tell you everything as soon as you are home," Hadrian insisted.

"Good," Sirius said. He laid back and closed his eyes. "I am still exhausted. I am going to go back to sleep now, Pup. Try to get a bit of rest as well."

"I will, Siri," Hadrian told him. He watched and listened until Sirius' breathing evened out and his heart rate slowed down. Then he leaned his head back and closed his eyes. He would at least try to get a little rest in before he had to head to the bank. He knew the goblins would agree, they had already discussed the possibility of this happening. Dumbledore would not be allowed access to his Godfather again. Hadrian wasn't going to lose anybody this time around if he could help it.

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

Many hours later, Hadrian flooed back home finally.

He had rested in the hospital room until morning and then he had gone to the bank and spoken to the goblins. They of course agreed to keep Sirius in their cells until his court date. Hadrian, of course, knew they would. So, when Sirius was released from the hospital that evening Hadrian would be there to escort him to the bank. He would be led to a cell and then later after the ministry and the Aurors were gone they had promised to move Sirius into a real room.

He would be checked over by Goblin healers and started on a regimen of healing potions to speed his recovery. This was a best-case scenario for Sirius. Hadrian was not happy about the attempt on his life, but he was happy about the outcome. Visiting him would be easy and Hadrian knew he would be taken care of and would remain free of attempts on his life.

"Dad," Teddy called out as he and Remus quickly met him in the hallway. Teddy grabbed his hand, and they led him to the sitting room. He sat down and rubbed his face. Merlin, he was so tired. He felt a nudge and looked up. Remus was holding a Pepper-up in his hands. Hadrian grinned and took it quickly.

"Thanks, Mooney. I really needed that," Hadrian said with a sigh.

"We figured you would," Remus answered. "How is Sirius?" Hadrian smiled.

"Let's just say we are really lucky that I keep an antidote around for every kind of poison. They used a Death Cap Draught. The hospital was not stocked up on that antidote for some reason. He would have died if I had not brought my case with me. He is perfectly fine now. We talked for a bit, and they will release him from the hospital this evening," Hadrian told them.

"Back to the Ministry?" Teddy asked with a scowl. Hadrian shook his head no.

"No, Kid. I talked Amelia Bones and Rufus Scrimgeour into letting me talk to the Goblins about him being placed in their custody. That obviously someone wanted him dead, and he was not safe in the ministry. So, when he is released from the hospital he is being taken straight to the Goblins," Hadrian told them. Remus breathed a sigh of relief and sat down in a chair. He looked like twenty years of stress had been lifted from his shoulders. Hadrian reached out and patted him on the knee.

"Thank you, Hadrian. He will be so much safer there. He will actually make it to his trial now," Remus said with relief. Hadrian nodded and smiled when Teddy scooted closer and tucked himself against Hadrian's side. He wrapped his arm around his son and held him tight.

"We were worried, Dad," Teddy said as an explanation.

"I am sorry. I didn't think about the fact that the two of you were worried. I should have sent a note home to let you know he was fine," Hadrian apologized. "This is why I need someone around to keep me on track."

"Do you want me to write to Lady Malfoy for you and cancel your meeting with her? You look like you could really use the rest," Remus offered. Hadrian shook his head no.

"Thanks, Remi but no. This needs to be done now. I want to make sure that she has all of the time she needs to get everything planned and taken care of. I am going to be opening the wards for her as well. She will be coming back and forth often for the next month. It will just be easier that way and I trust her to keep our secrets," Hadrian told them.

"Well, maybe if she doesn't take up too much of your time, you will be able to take a nap before you head back to the hospital to escort Sirius to the Goblins," Teddy suggested.

"Yeah, hopefully, I can get in a small nap at least. I do need to let Lucius know what is going on. He was going to come and spend some time here after Narcissa left," Hadrian said with a sigh. He did not want to cancel on Lucius, but he really needed to try and get some sleep. "I am heading up to my office until Narcissa gets here."

"Alright, Pops. Just relax though," Teddy told him. Hadrian kissed him on the head and then ruffled his hair before he headed out of the room. When he got to his office, he floo called Lucius.

"Hello, Hades. How did things go with Black?" Lucius asked when he answered. He got one good look at Hadrian and was suddenly stepping through into Hadrian's office. "You look exhausted, Love." Hadrian smiled and let the Veela fuss over him. He called Dodky and had the elf bring tea and some sandwiches. He led Hadrian to the couch and made him sit down. Hadrian pulled the fussy Veela down beside him and wrapped his arm around him.

"Stop fussing, Darling. Just sit with me for a bit," Hadrian said with a sigh. He breathed in the scent of his Submissive and let himself relax. Lucius relaxed into Hadrian's arms and laid his head on his chest.

"Wanna tell me about it? Your Godfather is ok, isn't he?" Lucius asked carefully. Hadrian ran his fingers through the blonde's hair.

"He is fine. He almost died but I happened to have the antidote with me. He will be released this evening from the hospital. I spoke with Amelia and Rufus, and everyone agreed that it would be safer for Sirius if he is kept in the cells in the Goblin Nation. Thank Merlin. Dumbledore will not be able to reach him there," Hadrian told him.

"So then you are just tired," Lucius stated.

"Yeah, I am just tired. I have been awake since before midnight. I barely got about three or four hours of sleep. That was why I was calling you. I was going to ask if you would be terribly upset if I had to cancel our visit after Narcissa left so that I could take a nap?" Hadrian asked his Submissive. Lucius looked up at him and smiled gently.

"I could still come and take a nap with you," Lucius offered questioningly. "Just being with you would make me happy. Draco could spend time with Teddy. We don't have to cancel unless you want to." Hadrian held him tighter and pressed a kiss to his head.

"I don't want to cancel. I would love to take a nap with you, Luc. You are right, just being together makes me happy as well," Hadrian agreed. Lucius smiled up at him and then Hadrian captured his lips in a kiss that left him quite breathless. Hadrian had kissed him like that many times over the last two days. Lucius felt like he was being burned from the inside out every time. When Hadrian pulled away Lucius was flushed and panting.

"So unfair," Lucius said with a smile. Hadrian grinned and kissed him on the nose. Lucius reluctantly pulled away and stood up. "Well, I am going to head back to the house to finish up some paperwork. Draco and I will be back later."

"I will miss you every moment that you are gone," Hadrian said with a smirk that made Lucius blush again. He waved Hadrian off and then flooed back home. Hadrian just remained relaxing on the couch. He sipped his tea and ate a few of the sandwiches. About twenty minutes later Tandy popped into the room to let him know that Narcissa had arrived. She was waiting for him down in the sitting room.

"Hello, Lady Narcissa," Hadrian said with a genuine smile. He kissed her on the cheek and then sat next to her. She handed him a parchment with a list of names.

"It is good to see you, Hadrian. This is a list of all of the important people that you should include. This is the Lords and Ladies and their heirs as well as the important members of the ministry, and other important figures that you would benefit from getting to know," Narcissa dove right in. She knew from Lucius that he was exhausted. She was going to get through the important things as quickly as possible so that the man could rest.

"I trust your judgment to know who needs to be here and who doesn't. I do not need to look it over. Now as far as the Heirs go, I do not want anyone here under the age of eleven," Hadrian informed her. She nodded.

"That is standard practice when inviting Heirs to a ball," Narcissa replied.

"Good and did you include the children of the ministry workers and the others that were invited?" Hadrian asked her.

"Of course, every invitation will include one for all children of the household over eleven," Narcissa assured him.

"Wonderful, then you are free to send invitations," Hadrian told her. "What next?"

"I would like to check out your ballroom. So that I can see what I have to work with, please," Narcissa asked. "Also did you have a theme in mind for the ball?"

"No, I didn't have a theme in mind, but you are more than welcome to come up with one. I have two ballrooms in the manor. I would like to use the large main ballroom for the adults and the smaller one for the children. It will be more fun for the younger ones if they are not constantly being watched by their parents," Hadrian told her.

"That sounds wonderful. I know Draco would prefer it. Did you have an age limit in mind for the younger ballroom?" Narcissa asked. Hadrian nodded.

"I would like it to be nineteen and under. Unless, of course, they have already taken on their Lordship for some reason," Hadrian instructed her.

"Of course, that is a great plan. Anything else you would like to suggest or add?" Narcissa asked him. Hadrian shook his head.

"Nope, everything else is up to you, Lady Narcissa. I am giving you free rein to decorate, organize, and plan however you see fit," Hadrian told her. "I am also going to key you into my wards so that you can come and go as you please without worrying about passwords or permission."

"Thank you, Hadrian, that is most kind," Narcissa said with a smile. She was happy to be trusted with access to his home. It would make it easier to visit with Lucius and Draco once they moved in here. She didn't know if Lucius had told Hadrian yet, but their divorce would be finalized tomorrow, and it would be announced in the papers that very same day. She was sure that Lucius and Draco would be moving into Gryffindor Castle by the weekend.

"You are welcome, Lady Narcissa. I got this from the bank when I was there today," Hadrian handed her a key with the Gryffindor crest on it. "It is a temporary key that will grant you the ability to pay for everything that you need. You will only need to return it to me when you are finished."

"This will make things much easier," Narcissa said with a smile. "I know you said money isn't an issue but is there a budget?"

"Not at all. I want it to be everything that is expected from a man of my station. I trust you to be classy, elegant, and sophisticated," Hadrian told her.

"I will not disappoint you, Hadrian," Narcissa insisted with a smile. "Now I was told by Lucius that you have had quite the busy day. Why don't you go ahead and rest? Call Lucius and let him know that I am done with you and that he can floo over to be with you." Hadrian smiled at her and kissed her on the cheek.

"Thank you, Narcissa. I think I will do just that. I am still quite exhausted. If you need anything call for one of the elves or Remus and Teddy," Hadrian told her before striding out of the ballroom to leave her to it. He went to his office first to floo Lucius and let him know that he was done with his meeting with Narcissa. Lucius and Draco flooed through five minutes later. Draco hugged Hadrian in greeting and then dashed off to find Teddy.

"Come on, Love. Let's get you to bed," Lucius said with a soft smile. Hadrian wrapped his arm around the shorter blonde and led him up to his room. This would be the first time they were going to be putting themselves in a slightly compromising position. Hadrian didn't mind. He would sleep so much better with Lucius in his arms. He would sleep even better when he had all three of them.

When they got into the room, Hadrian waved a hand, and they were both wearing pajamas. Lucius was in a top and bottoms, but Hadrian was just in bottoms. He went and crawled into the bed. Hadrian turned on his side and waited for Lucius to join him. Lucius looked a bit nervous for a few moments and then he lifted his chin and smiled slyly before crawling into the bed and curling himself into Hadrian's chest. Hadrian wrapped both arms around him tightly and inhaled the smell of him. It was so comforting and intoxicating at the same time.

His Drake was demanding that he claim what was his. But that isn't what this was about. This was about comfort and just being together. He kissed Lucius on the head and then they both snuggled deep into the blankets and pillows.

"Hades," Lucius said softly. Hadrian 'hmmed' to let him know he was listening. "Narcissa and I will sign our divorce papers tomorrow. We will do an interview with the Prophet to make sure that the truth is heard. I was thinking that Draco and I could move in here this weekend?" Hadrian tightened his arms around Lucius and smiled.

"I am more than happy with that, Luc. I will be so happy to have the two of you hear with me," Hadrian told him sleepily. He was so happy to finally have a definite time to have his mate and both of his children under one roof. It would go a long way towards settling his instincts. He had yet to have any contact with Severus, but he was biding his time. He was giving Lucius all of his attention that he could spare. He would make sure that Lucius was settled in their bond before he began to pursue Severus. The same would go for Severus and Lucius both before he attempted to resurrect Tom.

"Good. Draco and I are both excited about it," Lucius told him and Hadrian gave him another quiet 'hmm'. Lucius chuckled slightly and pressed a kiss to his bare chest before snuggling close again. "Sleep, Hades. I will make sure you are awake in time to head to the Hospital." Hadrian kissed his head again and then was sound asleep. Lucius melted into the feel of him and even though he had not been tired he soon found himself lulled into a peaceful sleep wrapped in Hadrian's arms.

If anyone had told him two weeks ago that he would be comfortably resting in a time-traveling Harry Potter's arms he would have laughed in their faces. But nothing was better than this. Once their family was whole and Hadrian had claimed his other Submissives, life would be so good. He had read journals and books about it. Living in a home with a dominant that needed more than one Submissive could be so fulfilling. He couldn't wait, Lucius was determined to help his mate woo his other Submissives when the time came.

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

Severus was trying too hard not to laugh at Albus. The man was pacing as he seemed to do often these days. His plan to kill Sirius Black had failed.

He had made sure that for one reason or another, all of the antivenom for the Death Cap Draught was not in stock at St. Mungos. Severus was not exactly sure of the details of how he had managed it, but the old man had managed to get the poison slipped to Sirius and was so excited when he had been taken to the hospital.

"It was all but guaranteed that he would die. I made sure of it. But that damned Peverell seems to always be ready. Now he has convinced Bones and Scrimgeour to agree to have the boy moved to Goblin custody. I will never be able to reach him there. I need to figure something else out," Albus ranted out loud to himself. Severus just watched.

This was just too good. He was even more ecstatic when he had been shown Lucius' memories from the Wizengamot meeting. He could see why Albus was pissed. He was losing control quickly.

"I need to find a way to spin this so that it doesn't come back to me. Find someone else to take the fall or find a way to control the questions being asked. I can still get control of this before it gets out of hand. I will not let him beat me. He did not beat me eleven years ago and he will not beat me now," Albus said to himself once again. Severus perked up at that. What had he meant by that? Peverell hadn't been in Britain in the last eleven years.

"I am more convinced than ever now about his true identity. We must find a way to expose him," Albus said. Severus watched as the headmaster's eyes seemed to take on a look that he had seen in Bellatrix. He looked insane for a moment before he blinked, and his eyes cleared. He turned abruptly to Severus. "Dear boy, tell me, has your mark been giving you any trouble? Any kind of feelings at all?"

"No, Albus. It is still faded and silent. Why are you asking?" Severus asked the old man. Albus just turned and sat down at his desk.

"You will be sure to tell me the moment that changes," Albus demanded. Severus just nodded. "Have you been able to get any kind of information about Peverell from Lucius?"

"No, he will not give me any information beyond the basic things that we already know," Severus told him smoothly.

"Keep trying to work on him. He will eventually slip and tell you something that we can use against the man. How is the potion coming that I asked you to brew?" Albus asked him.

"I am having a little trouble getting some of the rarer ingredients, but I am sure that I will be able to get them all by the end of the month. Then if I am going to brew it correctly, it will take about a month to complete. You still will not tell me what I am brewing?" Severus prodded him. Albus just smiled and 'tsked' him.

"You have already been told that the name is not important. It is better that you do not know it," Albus stated. Severus fought not to roll his eyes. The man was an idiot. He truly thought that a Potion Master would not be able to deduce what the potion was for based on the ingredients alone.

"Of course, Albus," Severus said with false acquiescence.

"Keep an ear and eye out for me Severus. Maybe look into a way to get to Black in the Goblin cells. Any number of things that we are trying to get information on. Show me why you are the best spy in My Order," Albus instructed. Severus knew a dismissal when he saw one. So, he just stood and left the room. He was going to brew for a bit to get ahead on the potions he would need to do for the infirmary.

He was truly enjoying watching Albus come apart at the seams. He never thought he would see the day when someone managed to get so far under his skin.

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

"Siri," Hadrian said with a grin. The man was lying on the cot in the cell that the Goblins had put him in when they had dropped him off an hour ago. Sirius jumped up and hugged Hadrian for the first time since seeing him. Hadrian hugged him back and then he chuckled when he realized that Sirius was quite a bit shorter than him. The man pulled back and gave him a look.

"What are you laughing about, Pup?" Sirius asked with a fake scowl. Hadrian grinned and ruffled his hair.

"You are short, Siri," Hadrian pointed out. Sirius scowled and then laughed out loud.

"I am not short, Pup. You are just unnaturally tall," Sirius said and poked him in the chest. Hadrian laughed and then threw an arm around his shoulders.

"Come on, Siri," Hadrian said with a smirk. Sirius looked up at him questioningly.

"What do you mean?" Sirius asked. The cell door was open and there was only one Goblin standing on the outside. It was the Black family account manager.

"You are innocent, Siri. The Goblins will not be keeping you in a cell. They have set up a room for you to stay in while you are waiting for your trial. You are going to see a healer while you are here who is going to put you on a potion regimen that will help you get healthy. You are not a prisoner here, but you cannot venture anywhere that a wixen might see you. You must stay only in the areas that have been designated for you, ok? You will only return to your cell when it is time for you to be moved to the ministry for your trial," Hadrian let Sirius know exactly what was going on.

"Truly?" Sirius asked him with a hitch in his throat. Hadrian nodded and squeezed him tighter to him.

"Yes, Siri. You don't have to worry anymore ok. When they do your healing, you are going to submit yourself to an inheritance test. It will let them know what kind of blocks, potions, and spells have been placed on you. They will cleanse you of all of it. Don't fight Siri. I need you to get healthy so that you can come to my home. Remus is waiting for you, and I have been dying to introduce you to my son," Hadrian encouraged. Sirius nodded.

"I will do everything they tell me, Pup. I will get healthy, and I will not fight. I want to see Remus again. I miss him so fucking much. I want to get to know the man you are now. I want to meet your boy and see what kind of mischief we can get into together. Thank you, Pup. Thank you so much for doing this. For caring enough about me to look out for me," Sirius said. He was sobbing at this point and Hadrian just held him while he did. It had to be so overwhelming for him.

When he finally calmed down Hadrian and the Goblin led him up a few flights of stairs and down to a room. Sirius was so happy to be allowed in a real bed in a real bedroom. He had gone to throw himself on it, but Harry grabbed him and held him back.

"How about a shower first? You haven't been properly clean in a long time. I know they didn't allow you to shower at the ministry or the hospital. Let me draw you a bath, Siri while your account manager talks to you," Hadrian insisted. Then he made Sirius sit down at a small desk and left him to the mercy of his account manager. Hadrian drew Sirius a warm bath and filled the tub with a few potions. Some for sore muscles, relaxation, and soft skin. He put one in there that promoted the healing of small wounds and bruises. He had brewed all of these things many times because he and Teddy often needed them after dueling.

By the time the tub was full, and he had laid out towels and pajamas, Sirius came bounding into the room. Hadrian hugged him tightly and told him that he had to get back home but that he would be back to visit him when he could. But he might be a little busy because Lucius and Draco were moving into his home this weekend. Sirius was happy for him, and Hadrian was proud of the fact that he didn't say one negative thing about the Malfoys.

"Take your time, Pup. Settle in with your new mate. You have already done so much for me. More than anyone ever has in my life besides your dad and Remus. I will be fine. I will probably spend my time eating and sleeping. I haven't been able to do much of either for a decade," Sirius told him happily. Hadrian just nodded and hugged him again.

"Thanks for understanding, Siri. I will be back to visit as soon as I can," Hadrian stated and then he left the Grim to bathe and relax. He nodded to the guard that was posted at the door and then he headed for the floo room on this floor and headed home.

"Hey, Pops. I hope you are hungry," Teddy said with a smile. Hadrian nodded. He was starving. "Good, let's go eat."

"You held up dinner for me?" Hadrian asked surprised. Teddy just looked at him like he was stupid.

"Of course, we did," Teddy said with a smile and then they sat down for dinner. They ate in silence for a few minutes.

"Lucius and Draco will be moving in this weekend. He and Narcissa will be signing their divorce papers tomorrow and then having an interview to explain the reason why so that the gossip mongers don't run wild with speculation," Hadrian announced.

"Sounds good, Pup. I know how hard it is to have a mate that you cannot be with. It's a good thing that you will finally have yours under your roof," Remus stated. Hadrian gripped his shoulder and gave him a small smile.

"Two weeks, Mooney. That's it. That it is all you have to endure and then he will be back home with you," Hadrian told him. Remus patted his hand and Hadrian removed it.

"I know, Pup. I am really excited about it," Remus told him. He was silent for a minute. "I would like to make a suggestion."

"About what?" Hadrian asked him. Teddy was grinning and bouncing in his seat. Hadrian looked between the two and set his fork down. Remus grinned.

"I think you should enroll Teddy at Hogwarts as a seventh year," Remus stated. Hadrian chuckled and looked between them again.

"This is something that you want to do?" Hadrian asked.

"Please, Pops. I loved listening to you and Drake tell stories about Hogwarts. I was always so upset that I would never get to go. This is my only chance. Uncle Remus says that I can take the OWLS in whatever subjects that I want to take the NEWTS for and then if I score high enough, I should go to Hogwarts for my NEWT year," Teddy said quickly.

"You think this will truly help him or he talked you into it being a good idea," Hadrian asked Remus. The Werewolf grinned.

"It was actually my idea. I really think he will benefit from at least a year of schooling. It will give him a good environment for studying, making friends, and getting out into the world a bit," Remus pointed out. "According to the two of you, Teddy lived with you in isolation and only had interactions with people who were staying in your house temporarily. This will be so good for him." Hadrian suppressed a laugh when he saw the pleading look that Teddy was currently sending him.

"Are you sure you want to do this? You haven't been away from me at all. You would be under Dumbledore's thumb and would have to constantly be on guard," Hadrian told him seriously. Teddy just looked at him and nodded.

"I know, Dad. I have thought about it. I really have. I want to do this. Can I please?" Teddy asked.

"Ok, But Ted I want regular letters to tell me how you are doing. I want you to inform me immediately if the headmaster or anyone else tries something. You know what year this is. You know what is supposed to happen if I cannot manage to stop it. So, you have to be careful," Hadrian told him.

"I promise, Dad. I will be very careful, and I will get good grades. I will write every week," Teddy promised quickly. Hadrian just smiled and nodded. "Is that a, yes?"

"Yes, Kid. That is a yes. But if you want to leave or it becomes too overwhelming at any point, I want you to come home and you can take your NEWTS at the ministry. Do you understand? Your safety and happiness come first. Yours and Draco's. He is your little brother now. It will be your job to look after him. The Gryffindors can be pretty hateful toward him," Hadrian added. Teddy nodded.

"I will, Dad. Thank you so much. You are the best Dad in the whole world," Teddy exclaimed excitedly.

"Oh and tell no one that you are a werewolf. They will be suspicious of your differences, and it could cause people to try and hurt you. Wixen children can be so hateful towards people or things they do not understand," Hadrian pointed out.

"Yes, Dad. I know," Teddy told him happily. Hadrian nodded and picked his fork back up.

"I will send a letter tomorrow so that you can get enrolled and receive your book list. You are going to love Hogwarts, Kid," Hadrian told him before starting to eat again.

When they were finished eating Teddy ran off. He said something about letting Draco know that he was going to be going to school with him next year. Hadrian and Remus chuckled as they retired to the sitting room.

"You are a good dad, Hadrian. Your parents are going to be so proud of you. I am so proud of you," Remus told him sincerely. Hearing that made Hadrian so happy. It meant that Remus approved of the way his son had been raised. 'Dark' magic and all. It felt good and made him feel validated in his choices.

"Thanks, Remi. I am going to be meeting with a few of the Heads of Creature Kind to see where we are in the search for them," Hadrian informed him.

"Can I come with you?" Remus asked. Hadrian nodded and poured the both of them a glass of whiskey.

"Yeah, Ted will be fine here at the house alone for a few hours," Hadrian told him. Remus chuckled.

"He is an adult, Pup. He can manage a few hours alone," Remus teased. Hadrian scowled at him.

"I know he can. I raised him and trained him. I know he is perfectly capable of taking care of himself. But I still worry," Hadrian said finally.

"That is perfectly natural, Pup," Remus insisted. "Now let's talk about the full moon in two days."

So they did. It was decided that Remus would go to an Island that Hadrian apparently owned through the Peverell line. There was no house or structure on the Island. It was just forests and fields. It would be perfect for Remus to use every full moon. They even talked about building a house out there for Remus to stay in for the three days of the full moon so that he didn't have to portkey back and forth every day.

"Depending on how big the island is, you might consider offering it to a pack or two to use each month for the full moon. It would be safer for everyone involved," Remus suggested.

"That might not be a bad idea, Remi. We can check it out together after the full moon has passed and see what we can come up with," Hadrian agreed. Hadrian finished his glass and set it on the table. "Well, I am ready to hit the sack. It has been a very long day. I would love a full eight hours at least of sleep before I have to deal with tomorrow."

"Night, Pup," Remus said and pulled out a book. Apparently, he would not be heading to bed just yet. Hadrian headed upstairs and knocked on Teddy's door.

"Come in," Teddy called from inside. Hadrian peaked his head in. "Hey, Pops."

"I am heading to bed, Kid. I will see you in the morning," Hadrian informed him. Teddy got up and came to him for a hug and Hadrian kissed him on the top of his head.

"Night, Dad. See you in the morning for breakfast," Ted said. Hadrian ruffled his hair and grunted at him before turning around and heading for his own room. He showered quickly and crawled into bed. He sighed and then chuckled to himself. His bed felt cold and empty now that he had felt the warmth of Lucius next to him. The weekend could not get here fast enough.

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

Hadrian leaned in the doorway of the room that Draco had picked out for himself. It was right next to Teddy's room. Currently, he was smiling contentedly as he watched Teddy, Draco, and two of their house elves in the room. They were choosing what color to do for the walls and how he wanted to organize the room. They had gone furniture shopping earlier in the day and it should be arriving any moment now.

The boys were giggling and at this point, there was more playing than decorating. Teddy had convinced one of the elves to teach him the spell for changing the color on the walls and had used it to change Draco's pants to pink. Now they were tossing prank charms back and forth while the elves were scolding them. Hadrian just chuckled and watched happily from his position in the doorframe.

"What in Merlin's name is happening here," Lucius said as he tucked himself against Hadrian. The Drake pulled him closer and nuzzled his neck. Lucius shivered at the puff of air that brushed across his neck.

"The boys got distracted from picking wall colors. It somehow devolved into a minor prank war," Hadrian informed him. Lucius just laughed and relaxed in Hadrian's arms as they watched the boys.

"I guess that explains the purple-spotted wolf pup that I saw run down the hall," Lucius said with amusement. Hadrian laughed harder. "I have never seen Draco so open and happy. Not that he hasn't been happy. He has friends that he loves being around but they were all raised to be stuffy purebloods and are expected to behave a certain way. Watching Draco with Teddy has made me really rethink the way we raise our heirs."

"Kids need to be kids for as long as they can be. I understand etiquette training and raising them to know their duties, but I think they should still be allowed to be as carefree and open as they want to be in their own homes or with their closest friends," Hadrian told him. "Having Draco around has been good for Teddy as well. This is going to be good for all of us, Darling."

Hadrian laughed when the elves finally managed to get the boys back under control. They cleaned up all of the messes and Draco decided that he wanted his walls to be a pretty shade of blue-grey. Once the elves finished fixing the walls they began arranging the new furniture that had just arrived. Hadrian tugged on Lucius.

"Come on, let's leave them to it. Are you all settled in?" Hadrian asked him. Lucius nodded. They walked into their room and Hadrian was surprised to see that it was exactly the same. He had given Lucius free rein to change it however he wanted to. "You didn't change anything?"

"No, Love. I am going to wait until you have claimed your other two Submissives. That way the three of us can make it to all of our liking. If I change it now it will most likely just be changed again later. Waiting just means that it will only be changed once," Lucius explained to him.

"I wouldn't mind, Darling. Right now, you are my only Submissive and I do not know how long it will be before I claim the other two. So, for now, if you want to change the room to your liking while it is yours alone to change then I am ok with that," Hadrian insisted. Lucius just looked up at him and smiled. Hadrian was rewarded with a kiss on his cheek.

"You are such a good man. I can already tell that you are going to take such good care of all of us," Lucius purred up at him. Hadrian grinned and nuzzled him when Lucius couldn't hold in his trill of excitement. Lucius was always so pretty when he blushed. Hadrian felt Nuntet wind her way up his leg, and he reached his arm down for her to slither up. She wound around him and stopped with her head on the same side that Lucius was standing on. She flicked out her tongue and then turned to Hadrian.

*Your mate is going into heat soon. Are you aware?*

Hadrian gave the snake a look and then laughed. Lucius looked up at them.

"What does she have to say today?" Lucius asked. He was always amused at the snake's snark. Hadrian pulled him closer and nuzzled him again. Well, he guessed that explained why he had been unusually attracted to his smell today.

"She says you are going into heat," Hadrian translated. Lucius looked startled. Hadrian knew why. Most Submissives, depending on the species, didn't go into a heat until they had met their Dominant mate.

"I have never had a heat before," Lucius said quietly. Hadrian just pressed a kiss to his neck just below his ear.

"I know, Darling. Don't worry I will take care of you," Hadrian promised. Lucius smiled and trilled at him.

"Of that, I have no doubt," Lucius agreed. "It could last anywhere from two days to five days. We need to make arrangements so that we are prepared." Hadrian nodded.

"We will take care of it. There isn't much to take care of though. There isn't a Wizengamot meeting during that time so we won't have to worry about what kind of shit Dumblefuck will try to pull. Sirius is safe with the Goblins. Remus and Narcissa can look after Teddy and Draco. If anyone in the Ministry has need of you, messages can be taken and if it is an emergency I am sure there is someone that you trust to take care of it for you. Just make sure that the problem will be sent to them instead," Hadrian explained. Lucius nodded.

"Been thinking about this have you?" Lucius asked him. Hadrian kissed him again.

"Of course, I have. I did my research, Darling. I knew it was a possibility that you would have your first heat pretty soon after we made our declarations to mate. It is how your biology works," Hadrian answered. Lucius turned in his arms and wrapped his arms around his neck. He kissed his Dominant on the mouth and smiled up at him. Hadrian opened his mouth to say something, but he was flicked in the ear by Nuntet.

"What was that for?" Hadrian asked the pushy snake.

*You will wait until I am gone before you start mating* Nuntet stated irritably. Hadrian just rolled his eyes.

"I wasn't going to mate with him right now," Hadrian insisted while he rubbed his ear. Lucius was laughing at the exchange. He adored watching his big, strong, scary-looking mate get picked on by a pretty little snake.

"What are you laughing for?" Hadrian asked Lucius.

"I love watching you get bullied by a pretty little snake," Lucius told him honestly. Hadrian just chuckled, it was pretty funny he was sure.

"Come on, Darling. Let's go round up the boys and head down for dinner. We can let them know what is going to happen so they are prepared," Hadrian stated. Nuntet made herself comfortable. She loved to find Hadrian around mealtimes so that she could demand to taste whatever had been made.

"Does she even hunt anymore, or does she just eat off of your plate these days?" Lucius teased. Nuntet hissed at him and just curled closer into Hadrian's neck. Hadrian and Lucius both chuckled.

"She hunts. She just eats mine to see what she can bully me into giving her," Hadrian answered. Hadrian knocked on the door jam of Draco's room to get the boys' attention. "The room looks great Dragon. The elves can finish putting your things away now that all of it has been arranged. It is time for dinner."

"And don't forget to take the charm off your wolf, Ted. He was hit by a stray charm when the two of you were fooling around," Lucius added as they met up with Remus in the dining room.

They had a pleasant dinner and you could tell that they were all pretty happy that it was the first dinner that no one had to head home after now that everyone was living under the same roof. After dinner, they all retreated to the sitting room where Hadrian and Lucius explained that they would be unavailable for a few days sometime very soon. Then Hadrian challenged Draco to a chess match and lost spectacularly to the eleven-year-old. There were a few more chess matches between the others throughout the evening before they decided to call it a night.

Hadrian pulled Lucius flush against him and wrapped his arms around him. He buried his nose in the back of the Veela's neck and inhaled the sweet and heady scent of his heat. It was already stronger than it had been that morning. His heat would be starting soon.