This was a glorious way to start his day!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“How did your conversation with Severus go?” Lucius asked as the two of them sat on the couch in front of the fire in their room.
Hadrian shifted and then pulled Lucius into his lap. He held his Submissive and buried his face in his neck to breath him in. Lucius just carded his fingers through Hadrian’s dark curls.
“What is it, My Love?” Lucius asked after a few minutes of simply sitting together.
“It is so much more difficult than I thought it would be, not to touch him, to hold him, to kiss him. The next three days are going to be torture. I may be a complete mess by the time he leaves to go back to the school,” Hadrian admitted.
“Oh, my Hades,” Lucius cooed at him. “He will eventually come around. I know he will. He wants this with us, he just doesn’t know how to let himself have it.”
“I know,” Hadrian agreed. “We talked about what a relationship between us would look like. He is afraid of Submitting the way that you do. Afraid of simply serving another master but in a different capacity.”
“He has a right to his fear Hadrian. He has served one master or another in some capacity since he was a teenager,” Lucius defended.
Hadrian kissed him and smiled at him.
“Don’t get riled, Little Veela. You do not need to defend him from me. I know that he has a right to his fear. I just hate that life has treated him so badly that he has a need for this fear,” Hadrian stated.
“I am sorry, Love,” Lucius said and nuzzled Hadrian under his chin. “I did not mean it. I know that you are far kinder than to be angry at his fear.”
“Forgiven, of course, Darling,” Hadrian insisted. “I know that my instincts are not the only ones riled up right now.”
“It is just that, I have always defended Severus. He was one of the first half-bloods to be sorted into Slytherin house in many years and Pureblood children can be so cruel. Myself included. He wore clothes that had been patched and shoes with the soles nearly worn through. His childhood is probably more similar to yours than anyone else I know,” Lucius revealed.
“I know, Darling,” Hadrian told him. “How did the two of you become friends?”
“It was actually through Cissa,” Lucius admitted. “She found him studying in the library one day and decided to sit with him when she realized he was reading in books about three years above his current level. It just grew from there. Severus was very quickly my dearest friend.”
“Has he always been so guarded?” Hadrian asked curiously.
“Oh, yes. But I am sure that you were just as guarded about your abuse at the hands of your relatives,” Lucius pointed out.
“I was,” Hadrian agreed. “I never told anyone about my abuse growing up. Well, that isn’t exactly true. I told Albus during my first year. Begged him to let me stay at the school or go somewhere else. He dismissed me and told me that I shouldn’t accuse good people of abuse because I didn’t like the way I was punished when I was naughty.”
“I’m sorry, Love. This is why he needs to be removed from the school,” Lucius insisted. “He is a terrible person.”
“Yes, he is. After he dismissed me, I simply never told anyone again. I figured if the Headmaster didn’t believe me then no one else would either. To me, at the time, he was the most powerful person I knew,” Hadrian said with a shrug.
“I am sure that nearly all Muggleborn or Half-blood children feel the same. We need to find a way to fix that whether Albus remains the headmaster or not,” Lucius stated.
“You are absolutely right,” Hadrian agreed.
They sat together quietly for a little while before Hadrian stood with Lucius held in his arms. He turned to head through the door that would lead to their bed when there was a knock on the door. Hadrian turned back to the door and simply used magic to open the door.
Severus was on the other side. He looked between the two of them and then blushed slightly.
“I am sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt,” Severus said and made to turn away.
“Wait,” Lucius and Hadrian but said quickly. Severus stopped and turned back toward them.
“Come in, Severus,” Hadrian insisted. The Potion Master looked between the two of them for a moment longer before he stepped into the room and closed the door.
Hadrian waved him toward the sitting area and Severus sat down in the chair near the fire. The Drake laid Lucius out on the couch and knelt on the floor next to him.
“Unbutton your shirt,” Hadrian instructed Lucius. Then he turned to Severus. “You are not interrupting. I was fixing to share magic with the baby. The books say that it is important for baby and for Lucius so that the pregnancy isn’t so hard on either of them.”
“And how do you intend to share magic? I have never heard of anyone doing anything specific other than just remaining close and the baby naturally absorbs the other parents latent magic,” Severus asked curiously.
“It’s quite spectacular,” Lucius answered. “Watch. You can come closer so you can see better.”
Lucius shifted his feet so that there was a space for Severus on the couch. Severus only hesitated a moment before he came over and sat down. He pulled Lucius feet so that they were resting in his lap and watched the Dominant Drake closely.
Hadrian smiled at both of them before leaning forward and pressing a gently kiss to Lucius’ abdomen and breathing deeply of the scent of his little one in there. Then he leaned back and held his hand over the same place.
Severus inhaled in surprise as the same pretty flashes of light began to pass from Hadrian’s hand and gently sink into Lucius. He looked up and locked eyes with Lucius who smiled at him.
“I have never seen anyone manifest their magic in such a way. Or share magic that way either,” Severus said quietly. “Is it a Creature thing?”
“No, Sev. It’s a Hadrian thing,” Lucius answered with a small chuckle. Severus nodded and then sat back to simply watch.
When Hadrian was satisfied that he had shared enough, he sat back and waved his hand to button Lucius’ shirt back up. He sat down on the floor so that he didn’t disturb either Submissive before he turned to Severus.
“I didn’t…I didn’t need anything,” Severus stated quickly before Hadrian could ask. “Honestly, I am not even sure why I came.”
“Perhaps you just wanted to be close?” Lucius offered. “You know it is perfectly ok if that’s all it was. We wouldn’t turn you away.”
“No, we wouldn’t,” Hadrian added. “I already told you; we are willing to move as fast or slow as you are. You set the pace, Little Bird. What can we do to settle your instincts? What is it you are seeking?”
“I don’t know,” Severus said quietly. “I am simply unsettled and want something. But I am not familiar enough with my Creature or my new instincts to know what it is.”
“Well, from my research, I know that a Phoenix prefers warmth and soft things to sleep in,” Hadrian pointed out. “So why don’t we try this?”
Hadrian stood and disappeared into their room for a moment. When he came back out he handed Severus a set of pajamas that was made from a very soft fuzzy material and was layered in warming charms.
“Go and put them on,” Hadrian insisted.
Severus took the pajamas and stepped into the bedroom when Lucius waved him in there. Severus looked around and smiled when he realized that the room screamed Lucius. Clearly Hadrian had given Lucius free reign to decorate the way he wanted to.
He changed quickly and trilled in delight when he felt the warm material against his skin. It was nearly perfect. The only thing that seemed to be missing was scent. There was no scent on the pajamas and Severus found that he didn’t like that at all.
When he came back into the sitting room, Hadrian was standing, and Lucius was sitting on the couch instead of laying.
“How do they feel?” Hadrian asked him.
“Really nice,” Severus answered honestly. Hadrian beamed at him and he found it very hard not to return his smile.
“What else can we do for you Severus?” Lucius asked his friend. “What else would make you comfortable enough to settle?”
The potion master looked like he was at a loss. Either he truly didn’t know what would help him settle or he didn’t know how to ask for it. Hadrian rumbled soothingly and began to pup comforting pheromones into the air.
He stepped closer to Severus carefully and held open his arms.
“May I?” He asked. He didn’t want to touch the man without permission. Or push him too far, but he wanted to help. His Submissive was unsettled and smelled of distress, he only wanted to help.
Severus looked at him for long enough that Hadrian figured he had pushed too far, so he began to lower his arms. He could simply give Severus something with his scent on it. He figured that was the real reason the Submissive Phoenix was unsettled.
His Dominant Mate was in the house with him. Close enough to touch and yet they weren’t. Hadrian knew it had to be messing with him.
“That’s alright, Little Bird. Only what you are comfortable with. I think scent may be the issue so I will grab something from the room with my scent on it and perhaps that will help,” Hadrian said with a smile.
Severus, not wanting to be comforted by him made his own instincts act up but he would ignore that. He had to. How he felt wasn’t nearly as important as the comfort of his Submissive.
He walked toward his room and stopped when he felt a hand grip his sleeve. He looked at Severus and waited. The Submissive took a deep breath and then leaned forward until his forehead thumped into Hadrian’s chest.
Hadrian felt Severus shudder and then breathe in deeply. He looked over at Lucius and smiled at how soft the man looked as he watched them. No signs or hints of jealousy at all. Then he heard Severus mumble something too low for him to hear.
“I am sorry, Little Bird but I didn’t quite hear that,” Hadrian responded.
“Can you….would you….hold me…please,” Severus spoke up a little louder.
“Of course, I will,” Hadrian answered. He wrapped his arms around Severus and held him close to him. Severus seemed to turn to puddy in his arms and sagged against him.
Hadrian just held him like that for a few minutes. He did nothing else. He just didn’t know what Severus would and would not be comfortable with. He didn’t think even Severus knew what he would and would not be comfortable with.
Finally, Severus leaned away and Hadrian reluctantly let him go. Severus didn’t look up at either of them but he stepped back.
“Thank you,” Severus said quickly. “I …I feel much more settled now. May I keep the pajamas?”
“Absolutely,” Hadrian answered quickly. “I purchased them for you. I wanted to make sure that you had something here that would make you comfortable after reading up on Submissive Phoenix. They are yours, Little Bird.”
“You bought them for me?” Severus asked.
“I did,” Hadrian answered.
“He is a very good, Alpha, Severus,” Lucius spoke up.
“I can see that,” Severus said quietly. He hesitated. “I will leave you now so that you can get some sleep.”
“You don’t have to go,” Lucius stated quickly. “You could stay here with us. If you don’t want to sleep, we would be happy to stay up with you. Whatever you want Severus.”
“I think, I would like to go back to my own room for now. Thank you for helping me settle my instincts and not pushing me to do something I am not comfortable with just yet,” Severus told them both.
“It was my pleasure to help you settle, Little Bird. Our door is always open to you, and you will never be a bother. You are welcome here always,” Hadrian insisted.
“Thank you,” Severus said again. “Goodnight.”
And then he was gone. The door closed with a soft click behind him and Hadrian held Lucius close when the Veela snuggled up to him. He leaned forward and scented Hadrian.
“What is it, Darling?” Hadrian asked his Veela.
“I find that I very much like the way it smells when yours and Severus’ scents are mingled together,” Lucius answered with a smile. “I wish he had stayed. We all would have slept better.”
“I believe, based only on his reactions, that perhaps it won’t be quite as difficult as I thought I would be to woo him,” Hadrian said with a chuckle. “Come on, Darling. In to the shower. You will sleep better that way.”
“Join me?” Lucius asked with a seductive purr to his voice.
“Absolutely,” Hadrian rumbled out and swooped the Veela into his arms before heading for their shower.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Good morning, family,” Hadrian greeted as he strode into the dining room for breakfast with Lucius tucked under his arm.
He smiled when he saw Severus blush just a little. He was sitting between Teddy and Draco this morning. He was sure that was Draco’s doing. Hadrian claimed his seat at the head of the table with Lucius next to him.
“Morning, Pops,” Teddy greeted and grinned Hadrian ruffled his hair. “How’d you sleep?”
“We slept fine, Kid,” Hadrian answered. “We will duel today so be prepared for it.”
Teddy sighed out and then grinned.
“But I get to go after Sev, right?” Teddy asked.
“Why? Because you think I will be too tired to put you through your paces?” Hadrian asked pointedly.
“Well, my hope is that he wears you out and then when it is my turn, I might actually get the chance to beat you,” Teddy answered with a laugh.
“You know what?” Hadrian said with chuckle. “I am going to let you have it. I will duel with Severus first, if he wants to that is, and then I will take you on and we will see if you can take me out.”
“Yes,” Teddy exclaimed and then he turned to Severus. “Will you? Please duel him first. I need to beat him just once.”
Severus chuckled slightly before seeming to really think about it. Teddy was whining like a smally puppy and shifting in his seat by the time Severus put him out of his misery.
“Fine, I will agree to duel your father first….If you agree to accompany me to the lab and show me how well your father taught you to brew. Then I will know if there are any bad habits I need to break you of before school starts,” Severus agreed.
“Deal,” Teddy answered quickly.
“Uncle Severus?” Draco asked from his other side.
“Yes, Dragon?” Severus asked him.
“Could I come down and brew with you too?” Draco responded.
“Of course you can,” Severus answered with a smile.
“Awesome,” Teddy exclaimed as they started eating.
Hadrian observed everyone around his table. Everyone was talking together, even Severus and Sirius and there was no anger or animosity from anyone. He couldn’t wait until the empty seats were filled with his third mate and his parents as well as Regulus.
He couldn’t wait until his family was complete. Dodky popped in next to his elbow and placed a stack of mail on the table next to him. Hadrian thanked him and then sorted through the mail. He started chuckling.
“What is it, Love?” Lucius asked him.
He looked up to see that he had everyone’s attention. He held up two letters. He floated one to each of Sirius and Remus.
“Our favorite headmaster has written to the two of you. I can almost promise you that he is trying to solidify his alliances. I bet he asks about Grimmauld,” Hadrian responded.
Hadrian finished sorting through the mail as Remus and Sirius read their letters from Albus. He and Lucius had a few things from the ministry and other unimportant things.
“You were right,” Sirius said with a growl. He slammed the letter down on the table. “That horrible man is really acting as if he isn’t responsible for everything that happened that night with James and Lily. He is talking about you being You-know-who returned and that we have to start preparing for war. He wants me to claim the Black Lordship and open Grimmauld up for him to use for meetings.”
“Calm down, Pads,” Remus stated calmly. He could see Hadrian shifting like he was ready to yank Lucius right out of his chair so that he wasn’t sitting right next to the angry man.
Sirius looked up at Remus and then over at Hadrian.
“Sorry, Pup,” Sirius said and took a deep breath. “I just have a hard time comprehending his audacity.”
“It’s fine,” Hadrian answered. “But perhaps we make more of an effort to control our tempers. Especially around my pregnant mate and children.”
“You know, I am curious how you stay so calm. I know you have to be just as angry about all of this as we are. The Potter temper is a thing of legend,” Sirius said with a fond chuckle. “Merlin, James could rage.”
“Yes, well. I am angry,” Hadrian said, and they watched as his eyes flashed for a moment and then he released his tight hold on his magic. They could all feel it pulse like an angry beast through the room. Then he reigned it back in and took a deep breath.
“But I learned a long time ago how to keep my anger to myself. It is something that you learn when outbursts can get you beaten or starved. And then, by the time I realized that I was far to powerful to be punished for my anger, I was a grown man and knew how to control it until I could release it in a more productive way,” Hadrian added.
“Which usually includes dueling with me or locking himself in the dueling room alone for a few hours,” Teddy spoke up.
“That isn’t to say that I haven’t let it get away from me a time or two. I am not perfect after all,” Hadrian said with a chuckle.
“Yeah we lost our kitchen table a few times when he broke it by putting a fist through it,” Teddy said with a nod. “And once he put a really mouthy Vampire through our living room wall because he almost bit me.”
“Yes well, he had been warned multiple times that I would provide him with blood and that taking from the people in my home was not acceptable unless it was offered freely. He didn’t listen,” Hadrian said with a shrug.
“Good to know that you are just as human as the rest of us,” Sirius said with a chuckle.
“Uncle Siri, the only human at the table is you,” Teddy pointed out.
“That isn’t true, Drake is a human,” Sirius countered.
“Not technically, he will inherit as a Veela in four years,” Lucius stated.
“Well, whatever,” Sirius said and stuck out his tongue. “What did yours say Mooney?”
“Same as yours really. Talking about how a new Duke has come to town and that he is suspicious that it is the Dark Lord in disguise. How he is afraid that the war has already started, and no one realized it. That I need to come back to Britain so that I can help the Order,” Remus answered.
“After breakfast we can talk about what we are going to do about it,” Hadrian stated.
“Drake and I can go for a fly or exploring in the woods,” Teddy offered.
“That would be great, Kid. But don’t wear yourself out. We are going to duel today,” Hadrian warned.
He knew that Teddy wanted to know what was going on and he was old enough to be involved in the conversations, but Teddy knew it would suck for Draco to be the only one sent away while they talked. Hadrian would reward him later for being thoughtful.
“Oh, I definitely won’t. I am going to kick your butt finally today after Severus wears you out,” Teddy insisted.
“If…Severus wears me out,” Hadrian stated with a grin.
They all finished their breakfast, and the boys headed outside and the rest of them headed to Hadrian’s office. Lucius sat down in chair behind the desk when Hadrian propped himself against the side instead of sitting down.
The others made themselves comfortable around the room.
“Ok, so how are we responding to Albus?” Remus asked.
“I think that depends on exactly how much you want to let him know about what you know,” Hadrian stated.
“What do you mean?” Sirius asked.
“I mean do you want to attempt to pretend to be on his side or do you want to let him know straight out of the gate that you know he is a piece of shit and that you are definitely not one of his pawns?” Hadrian clarified.
“Oh, well I am all for spiting right in his face and letting him know that I know he is the reason I was in Azkaban and that I definitely no longer part of his Order,” Sirius answered.
“Perhaps both of us openly siding with you will be what it takes to get him to really lose the plot,” Remus pointed out.
“Albus has already ‘lost the plot’,” Severus spoke up. “The fact that he believes Hadrian is the Dark Lord returned and is trying to get me to brew a potion that will put everyone under his control. And he wants me to use that same potion so that he can force a twelve year old boy to fight Hadrian ‘for the greater good’.”
“Speaking of,” Lucius brought up. “You said you wanted to talk about it.”
“Right,” Severus nodded. “Albus just gave me the last ingredient to make Summa Mens Imperium. He intends to have me make enough to dose your sons, Augusta and Neville Longbottom, as well as most of the Wizengamot and Ministry.”
“What is Summa Mens Imperium?” Remus asked curiously.
“A very Dark potion,” Hadrian answered. “You can only find the recipe in books that the ministry banned a long time ago. It is illegal to brew and many of the ingredients are considered illegal to own. It is basically a Liquid Imperious of sorts.”
“It will be keyed to a specific person, either the brewer or someone of the brewers choosing. The people who drink it will be completely open to instruction and suggestion from the person it is keyed to. They could remain under control for their entire life if they are not given an antidote,” Lucius elaborated.
“That sounds awful,” Remus responded. “No wonder it was banned.”
“Albus intends to have you brew this and administer it to people?” Hadrian asked Severus.
“He does,” Severus answered.
“He plans to use this on my sons?” Hadrian asked just to make sure that he heard right. His eyes flashed dangerously when Severus nodded.
“Peace, Alpha,” Lucius said calmly. “Our sons are protected.”
“Not from this potion,” Hadrian stated with rage. “There are maybe three spells and potions that the cuffs will not protect them from. This potion is one of them. I did not consider it an issue to worry over because I did not think Albus would be able to get his hands on any books that had it.”
“I didn’t know,” Lucius said in horror. “Severus told me about this right after my heat but I wasn’t worried about it because I thought they were protected.”
“They will be protected,” Hadrian assured him. He planned on speaking to Death about it. She would know if there was something he could do to protect his children and others from this potion.”
I do know Master,
He heard whisper through his mind. He grinned and it wasn’t kind or friendly. It was the kind of grin that promised retribution and death. There was a pulse of magic in the air that made the others shiver before a parchment appeared on his desk.
Follow the steps, Master. Do not skip any or try to take short cuts. Do exactly as I have instructed and they will be safe from everything that could come their way. But, know this, Master. It is only for your mates and your children.
Hadrian thanked her in his head and made sure that she knew just how grateful he was for her. He could feel her pleasure in doing something for him.
“What is that, Hadrian?” Lucius asked.
“A gift from Death,” He answered. “I will look over it later. They are explicit instruction on how to keep our sons safe from Albus’ potions among other things.”
“You truly are the Master of Death?” Severus asked in awe. Lucius had told him all about it when he had explained everything yesterday, but it was different to see and hear evidence of it.
“I am,” Hadrian answered.
“Yeah,” Sirius spoke up with a grin and flashed a ring. “We all get to wear something that will let Hadrian know when our life is in danger. It is how he knew I was poisoned and was able to move quickly enough to save my life.”
“I had been curious about that. Albus was furious,” Severus stated with a chuckle.
“You will have one as well,” Hadrian stated. “I will have it for you before you leave here to return to Hogwarts. Albus is unhinged and I don’t know what he will do in a fit of rage or if he becomes suspicious that you are not on his side anymore.”
“Thank you,” Severus said. Because what else could he say. This was a man who wanted to protect him. A powerful man with the capabilities to back up his promises of safety.
“Albus wants me to complete the potion as quickly as possible so that he can get it in people’s systems after their cleansings but before they place their cuffs so that they won’t know that it is in their systems,” Severus added.
“We can fix that by requiring people to get a cleansing just prior to receiving their cuffs. We will also make sure that the antidote is brewed in large enough quantities to be given to anyone that he may give the potion to,” Hadrian stated.
“He will not win. We can counter his moves as long as we are aware of them and once the wards are fixed, we will always be aware of them,” Lucius stated with glee.
“Exactly,” Hadrian agreed. “I am meeting with the Goblins on the final day of rewarding. Charis and I will both be tied into the wards as Founder’s Heirs. We will be aware of everything that happens in that castle. Unfortunately, Albus will also be tied into the wards but with only limited power.”
“You could be tied into them as well,” Lucius pointed out to Severus.
“I don’t want that kind of background noise in my head. I will trust that Hadrian has it under control,” Severus answered. “I can connect one of your floos to mine and you can contact me instantly if there is ever an issue that needs to be taken care of immediately.”
“I can do you better than that,” Hadrian said with a grin. “Did the two of you finish working on the mirrors?”
“We are almost finished with them,” Remus answered. “Just a few last adjustments and they will be ready.”
“We tweaked them,” Sirius said with a grin. “You are going to love it.”
“They invented communication mirrors. They will allow us to speak as easily as Muggle phones,” Hadrian informed Severus.
“That would be very useful. And a lot more convenient than owls,” Severus said with something akin to surprise.
“Don’t sound so surprised Severus, we may be perpetual pranksters but we are also super smart when we apply ourselves,” Sirius said with a grin.
“Remus does most of the spell work. Sirius just gives him impossible ideas and thinks of all of the ways they can be used to prank people,” Hadrian said in a mock whisper.
“That makes far more sense,” Severus agreed and then chuckled. That was when Sirius decided to throw a trinket at Hadrian from the table next to him.
The Dominant Drake was suddenly sporting wings and horns when Sirius’ aim was off just enough that the item was headed toward Lucius instead of Hadrian. The item hit Hadrian’s wing and the Drake growled menacingly toward Sirius.
“He didn’t mean it, Hadrian,” Remus stated and stood quickly putting himself between his mate and his godson.
“Severus, can you calm him?” Lucius asked quickly. “If I attempt to move between them to calm him, it will make things worse.”
Severus only hesitated a moment but when Hadrian flexed his claws and stepped toward Sirius and Remus, he moved.
Severus took a deep breath and called out his own Creature. Big beautiful black, feathered wings sprung from his back as he stepped in front of the angry Drake. He fluttered them and knew that he had done what he needed to do when he suddenly had slitted green eyes zeroed in on him.
“Deep breath’s Alpha,” Severus said as calmly as he could. Hadrian flicked his eyes back over Severus’ head for a moment, so Severus took his hand and placed it against his chest.
“What?” Hadrian growled out confused.
“With me, Alpha,” Severus stated and took an exaggerated deep breath and counted before letting it back out. There was the soft click of the door closing and then movement from behind them.
“Lucius,” Hadrian said in a warning tone.
“Peace, my Love,” Lucius said and slipped around the desk so that he was standing side by side with Severus. “They are gone. There is no one in this room that is a threat to any of us or our baby.”
Hadrian flicked his eyes over their heads and then back to Lucius.
“You protected us beautifully, My Love,” Lucius purred up at him. “Now, calm down. You know it wasn’t intentional. It was an accident.”
“Accident or not, he needs to stop throwing things when you are around at least,” Severus said and attempted to step away, but Hadrian growled softly.
“Please don’t step away from me yet. I will not touch you against your will but it calms me to have both of you close right now,” Hadrian asked quietly.
“I will stay close,” Severus agreed.
“Your wings are lovely, Little Shadow Bird,” Hadrian praised. Severus blushed just a little.
“Thank you,” Severus said quietly.
“Come here, Darling,” Hadrian said and pulled Lucius closer to him. He buried his face in Lucius’ neck and breathed deeply. Then he reached down and caressed Lucius’ abdomen.
“We are fine, My Love,” Lucius insisted again. Then he chuckled. “It wouldn’t have hurt either of us anyway. It is such a small little figurine.”
Lucius lifted it up from the desk and looked it over. Then he laughed and sat it back down.
“Your instincts are going to cause us problems in public,” Lucius stated with no true heat to his voice at all.
“Well, then perhaps you shouldn’t go out in public and then we won’t have to worry about it,” Hadrian offered with a shrug.
“Oh, hush it you. I cannot stay locked away in the castle like a princess from a muggle fairy tale,” Lucius said with a laugh.
“Why not?” Hadrian asked with a sigh.
“Because Luc was made to be in the public eye,” Severus said and leaned over just a little so that he was touching Hadrian. “He is showy and would simply wither away locked in a tower where no one could see how pretty and rich he is.”
“Severus understands me,” Lucius said with a grin.
“Fine then I get to be your scary guard dog and make sure that no one gets close enough to touch you,” Hadrian stated.
“Merlin, you are going to be impossible,” Lucius responded with a laugh. “You cannot follow me around all day every day. You have things to do in order to save the world from Albus and his followers.”
“I do hate it when you make sense,” Hadrian said with a sigh.
Hadrian stayed leaned against his desk with Severus next to him close enough that their arms were pressed together, and Lucius was standing between his legs leaning into him. It took him a few more minutes of simply sitting with them for him to feel settled enough to let them both step away from him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“I’m sorry, Mooney,” Sirius said once they were in their room.
“I know you are, Pads,” Mooney said and wrapped his arms around Sirius and nuzzled him. “You have to start being more cautious when you are in the room with Lucius. Hadrian’s instincts are going to be completely irrational right now while he is carrying.”
“Are you angry?” Sirius asked his Mate as he pressed himself closer.
“No, I’m not mad, Sirius but I will defend you against him and he will rip me to pieces. I am not exactly equal to him in power or size,” Remus pointed out.
“He wouldn’t, Mooney. He loves us. We are his Godfathers,” Sirius argued.
“We are, and he does love us. More than the two of us will probably ever realize. He knows us in different ways then we know him. But he would still rip out our hearts to protect his children and pregnant mate,” Remus stated firmly.
“I will be more careful, Remy. I promise,” Sirius insisted. “I am just so used to joking around all of the time. And I have been stuck in Azkaban since I was barely twenty-one. I spent my ‘becoming a grown up’ years in prison. I just need to catch up.”
“You are doing fine, Sirius,” Remus soothed. “No one wants you to change. I can promise you, if you asked Hadrian he would tell you the exact same thing. We love you just the way you are. You just need to be a little more aware of what you are doing. Don’t react so impulsively.”
“I can do that, Mooney,” Sirius promised.
“Of course you can, Pads. You have a big, beautiful brain you just have to use it for more things then pranks,” Remus said with a chuckle. “Now, how about a cuddle and then we hunt down those boys, write Albus back, or work on the mirrors?”
“Awesome, and it will keep me out of our pups way for a little, while he calms down,” Sirius agreed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“You want me to do what?” Bill asked his mother in shock.
“Albus needs you to get close to that new Duke Peverell. He likes men and you are a very fit young man. Someone who could sway him from that horrible Malfoy,” Molly answered with a roll of her eyes.
“Mum,” Bill said carefully. “Please listen to what I am fixing to say to you. I am not interested in men. I have done nothing in my life to even indicate that I like men. Why would you ask me to do this?”
“Because Albus needs you to do this,” Molly answered as if that just made it perfectly ok.
“So, Albus wants me to use my body to help him get Duke Peverell on his side and you are perfectly ok asking me to be a whore because Albus needs me to?” Bill asked. He was completely disgusted.
“He isn’t asking you to be a whore, William Weasley. Don’t say such horrible things. You wouldn’t be a whore; you would get into a relationship with the man. A monogamous relationship,” Molly snapped at him.
“Do you hear the words coming out of your mouth?” Bill asked her. “Are you absolutely insane? I do not like men and even if I did, I would not get into a relationship with someone just because Albus wants to get someone under control.”
“You are being selfish,” Molly stated. “The Light needs you. A war is brewing, and you would allow the Dark to gain power all because you don’t want to sleep with a man?”
“What in Merlin’s name is going on in here?” Arthur demanded as he strode into the room. “I know I didn’t just hear what I think I did.”
“Mother has asked me to sleep with Duke Peverell because Albus told her to ask me so that he could get Duke Peverell on his side and away from Lucius Malfoy,” Bill spat out.
“You did what?” Arthur asked her shocked.
“You can acted as shocked as you want Arthur Weasley, but Albus is the only reason that You Know Who didn’t win the last war and he will lead us to victory again. He is a brilliant man and If he needs Bill to get close to someone to ensure that then so be it,” Molly stated sternly.
“I think maybe you need to stop talking and truly think about what you are saying,” Arthur insisted. “Our son is not going to whore himself out because Albus asked him to.”
“Bill will do what he needs to do to help us win this war or he will leave this house and never be allowed in it again. No son of mine is going to be so selfish,” Molly countered.
Bill looked at his father in shock. Arthur simply shook his head and turned back to Molly who had gone back to fixing dinner.
“Get out, Molly,” Arthur stated coldly.
“Please, like you would throw me out. You wouldn’t know how to run a house or care for these children without me,” Molly stated with a laugh and continued to cook.
“I said, Get out,” Arthur repeated. “I will manage the house and the children. But someone who would ask their own child to whore themselves out for any reason shouldn’t be allowed around said children.”
“Your joking,” Molly stated and turned around in surprise.
“I am not,” Arthur responded. “Get. Out. Pack your things and leave. You are no longer welcome here.”
“What are you saying?” Molly exclaimed.
“I believe I was very clear. Leave!” Arthur raised his voice.
“What’s going on?” Ginny asked as she came into the kitchen followed by their other kids.
“Your….your father is kicking me out,” Molly said as if she were a victim. “He has simply lost his mind.”
“No, I haven’t,” Arthur responded. “Your mother has crossed a line that I cannot and will not forgive.”
“Daddy?” Ginny asked him in shock. “You are asking mummy to leave? You really are kicking her out?”
“I am,” Arthur answered.
“Why?” Ron demanded. “What could she have possibly done. Clearly you have lost your mind.”
“Headmaster Dumbledore needs your brother’s help to keep You Know Who from returning and gaining power. I asked your brother to help, and he is being selfish and said no. Your father is taking his side,” Molly said with a sniffle.
“If the headmaster asked for help, then why won’t the two of you help?” Ron asked angrily. “He must have a reason.”
“Dumbledore wants me to whore myself out to Duke Peverell,” Bill spoke up.
“He what?” Fred and George demanded.
“And you really asked him to do that?” Charlie asked. He was shocked.
“He doesn’t want him to whore himself out. He simply wants him to flirt and present himself to the Duke as a better option to Lucius Malfoy,” Molly said with a scoff.
“That seems reasonable,” Ron stated with a shrug. “He wants you to flirt and get into a relationship with someone who has like seven titles. You could live in a castle and have anything you could ever want.”
“Seriously?” Charlie exclaimed. “Bill doesn’t even like men. This is ridiculous. You are a terrible mother for asking him to do this. I am one hundred percent on Dad’s side.”
“So are we,” Fred and George chimed in.
“Well, if mum leaves, I am going too,” Ginny said and crossed her arms.
“Yeah, me too,” Ron added.
“I think the two of you need to stay here,” Arthur insisted.
“You can’t keep my children away from me, Arthur,” Molly spat out. “If Ron and Ginny want to come with me then they will. They are the only children who still respect me in this house anyway. Go and pack your things.”
Ron and Ginny left quickly to do just that.
“If I find out that you have asked either of them to do something as outrageous as you asked Bill to do, I will take them from you in court,” Arthur threatened as Molly left the room in a huff.
“We will help with the house, Dad,” Bill told him. “I will put my apartment on the market and move back in.”
“You don’t have to do that, Bill. I can take care of things here,” Arthur stated with a smile and grasped his son by the shoulder.
“I want to, Dad,” Bill answered and then he hugged his dad tightly. “Thanks for having my back, Dad.”
“I will always have your back, William. I will always have all of your backs. I am your father and no matter what, I am always in your corner. Even against your own mum. She was out of line and never should have asked you to do something so outrageous,” Arthur insisted.
“Thanks, Dad,” Charlie said and took his turn hugging him as well.
“Yeah, you rock, Dad,” Fred and George said as they squeezed him between them and kissed his cheeks.
“I will finish dinner,” Bill offered.
“I’ll help,” George added.
The two of them headed to the stove while the other three headed to the living room. Thirty minutes later, Molly flooed away with Ron and Ginny and a few minutes after that, Bill and George set the table and the Weasley men had a quiet dinner together.
Arthur let them know that he would be visiting the bank the next day to have an Inheritance Test and possibly a cleansing done. The boys all wanted to go with him so they planned to go early in the morning and Arthur called off work.
He also changed his wards to alert him if anyone other than the five of them attempted to enter the property or use the floo. He didn’t want Molly or anyone else snooping around their home while they were away.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Albus was enjoying a cup of tea in his home when he was alerted that someone was trying to contact him via the floo. He was surprised when Molly stepped through with her two youngest children when he opened it.
“Have a seat, Molly and let me get you some tea. Then you can let me know what is going on that you have turned up at my home this late with two of your children in tow,” Albus instructed.
“Thank you, Albus,” Molly said with a sigh and sat down. Ron and Ginny sat down as well.
She waited patiently while Albus made her and the kids tea and then once they were all settled she started.
“Arthur has kicked me out of our home,” Molly stated with a frown.
“What? Why?” Albus asked her.
“I asked Bill to seduce the Duke like you asked me to. He was completely unreasonable about it and refused to do it. Arthur came home while we were arguing about it. He told me that I was completely out of line,” Molly answered.
“He made you leave because you asked Bill to lure the Duke away from Lucius and the dark?” Albus asked her shocked.
“Yes,” Molly responded. “I told Bill that if he was so selfish that he couldn’t do this for the Greater Good then he wasn’t welcome in our home anymore and Arthur told me to leave. Said that I was the one in the wrong and that he wouldn’t have me around our children.”
“I am sorry that this happened to you Molly, Dear,” Albus stated. “We will fix it of course. Are Ronald and Ginerva the only children that would come with you?”
“Arthur has poisoned my other children against me. They seemed almost happy to see me leave. I don’t know what to do, Albus,” Molly said with a wail.
Ron and Ginny each cuddled up to her and hugged her. Albus reached out and patted her on the knee.
“I will pay Arthur a visit tomorrow as well as your sons. I will speak to them and set things back in order for you. You will be back in your home with your family in no time. Until then, you are welcome to stay here,” Albus offered.
“Thank you, Albus,” Molly said with a sniffle. “I didn’t know where we were going to stay.”
“I have the room here. You did good in coming straight to me. I will get everything situated. Now, have you had dinner?” Albus asked them.
“We haven’t. Arthur made us leave while I was cooking dinner,” Molly answered.
“Perfect. I haven’t had dinner yet either,” Albus said with that twinkle in his eye. “We will get something whipped up and while we do that, Ronald and Ginerva can go and pick rooms to stay in while you are here.”
“Really?” Ron asked and perked up.
“Go on,” Albus insisted.
“Thank you, Headmaster,” Ginny said quickly and then two of them ran off into the house and upstairs to pick rooms.
“I can throw something together for us, Albus,” Molly said as she stood.
“I will come to the kitchen with you while you do,” Albus stated. Once they were in the kitchen, Albus put up a privacy charm so that he would know if the two kids came back down. “Do you think he knows?”
“What?” Molly asked and then frowned. “No, Albus I don’t think he suspects anything, or he would have been a lot angrier. I don’t think he would have let me leave. I think he would have taken me straight to the Ministry.”
“So, you think he is still completely ignorant to what we have done?” Albus asked her.
“Yes, I believe that all of our potions, spells, and compulsions are still firmly in place. This is just a minor issue that you can fix,” Molly insisted. “Nothing to worry about.”
“If he learns the truth, it will be disastrous. I think we should consider getting rid of some of the evidence,” Albus stated.
“No, not yet,” Molly growled out. “I am not finished punishing them for what they did.”
“You are being unreasonable. You have punished them, what more can you do to them?” Albus insisted.
“I said, not yet, you said that I could decide when,” Molly pointed out.
“Yes, I did. I just want to go on record saying that you are risking a lot by not simply being done with it,” Albus stated angrily.
“Fine, you are on record saying it, now let me cook dinner,” Molly stated and turned away from him.
“I could just call an elf from Hogwarts to take care of dinner,” Albus offered.
“That’s alright. I needs something to keep my busy,” Molly answered. “Now, shoo.”
Albus left her in the kitchen and removed the privacy wards. He was concerned that she wasn’t being rational about her decisions. She had so much anger built up from imagined transgressions that she had been perfect for Albus’ purposes and easy for him to manipulate but now that anger was going to end up getting them caught.
He was going to have to keep an eye on the situation and pay a visit to Arthur and his boys and make sure he had them firmly under control. It would cause them quite a bit of trouble if they got out of his control.
They were a very firm ‘Light’ family. If they turned from him, it would be very bad for him with everything else that was going on. He needed them now more then ever. Now that he knew Tom was back and quickly wresting control away from him in the Wizengamot as well as the school.
He needed Severus to finish that potion. Needed it desperately and he was sure the man wouldn’t even start brewing until they were back in the castle. Another issue that Tom had caused. He was going to have to figure out a way to get the wards back under his firm control.
He hated Tom Riddle, and he was going to stop him this time just like he did last time.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hadrian and Lucius were once again sitting together in their sitting room after dinner. It was a perfect way for the two of them to unwind together.
“Today was a good day, all things considered,” Hadrian said with a smile.
“What you mean is, you had a good day once you got passed wanting to rip out Sirius’ throat,” Lucius countered.
“Yeah, that,” Hadrian said with a chuckle. He gently rubbed Lucius’ abdomen. “It didn’t take me long to move passed it.”
“No, it didn’t, but you were horribly clingy for the rest of the day,” Lucius said and then kissed Hadrian on the cheek so that his Dominant knew that he wasn’t actually angry or upset about it.
“I will endeavor not to be so clingy tomorrow,” Hadrian promised. “Besides I wasn’t clingy all day. I sent you away from me once.”
“How was your duel with Severus?” Lucius asked. “Since it was the one time you sent me away from you.”
“It was magnificent. He is a very worthy opponent and even casts some of his spells wandlessly. Such a powerful, Little Bird,” Hadrian answered with a happy sigh. “I think he has as natural an aptitude for wandless magic as I do. I think I could get him to mine and Teddy’s level. He already casts nearly everything wordlessly.”
“So, it was a good duel,” Lucius said with a grin. “And from Ted’s pout at dinner, he didn’t manage to beat you.”
“No, he didn’t,” Hadrian agreed with a chuckle. “But he sure did give it his best try. He is going to be a force to reckoned with. I am excited to see Draco get to that level as well. Our children will always be able to defend themselves and each other. They are going to be incredibly powerful young men.”
“Yes, they are. That is just another way that you are an incredible Alpha,” Lucius purred at him. “Did you see the way Severus watched us during dinner?”
“I did,” Hadrian answered wistfully. “I understand his reluctance to jump into something. He has trained himself to second guess everything to see how it could hurt him and in how many ways. I just wish he would see that we would never hurt him like that or use him for our own gain.”
“He knows, My Love. I promise that he knows, or he wouldn’t be here entertaining the idea as much as he is. And trust me, he is entertaining the idea,” Lucius insisted. “I have known him long enough to know that he is considering us.”
“I just want him to know that he is safe with us. We will take care of him. Physically, emotionally, and any other way that he needs it,” Hadrian stated and held Lucius tighter. “He did good today in helping me settle.”
“Yes, he did,” Lucius agreed.
The two of them sat together for a little longer in silence before there was a knock at the door. Hadrian perked up and answered it to find Severus once again on the other side. He was in the pajamas that Hadrian had given him and was blushing slightly.
“Come in, Little Bird,” Hadrian rumbled out and moved to the side.
“Come and sit, Sev,” Lucius called out and patted the couch next to him. Severus did as he was told and got comfortable on the couch next to Lucius.
“Is everything ok,” Hadrian asked him as he reclaimed his place on the other side of Lucius. Severus wrung his hands together for a moment before blushing slightly and nodding.
“Everything is fine. The…. the elves washed my night clothes. They don’t …smell like you anymore and I couldn’t get to sleep,” Severus answered a bit shyly.
“Well, that is an easy fix and one that I am very happy to help with,” Hadrian stated with a smile.
“You could just sit with us for a bit,” Lucius offered. “I think we were fixing to share magic with the baby.”
“I think, I would like that,” Severus responded.
“Well, I for one, don’t want to kneel on the ground again so I was going to do it in the bedroom on the bed. Would that make you too uncomfortable?” Hadrian asked.
Severus was silent for a moment as he looked between the two of them. No, he didn’t think it would make him uncomfortable to be in the bedroom with them. If he was a braver man, he would ask them to let him sleep in the bed with them. He had a feeling he would sleep so much better that way.
He just didn’t know how to make himself that vulnerable. He didn’t know how to let them know he wanted to sleep…only sleep…in the bed with them. And he knew they wouldn’t push him to do something before he was ready. But Severus didn’t know what he was ready from. He would just spend this time with them and probably regret it terribly when he went back to his own room and cold bed.
He would probably regret it even more when he returned to Hogwarts in a few days and hadn’t done more than sit and talk with them. But he needed to careful and smart about this.
“I’m ok with being in the bedroom with the two of you,” Severus answered before they got the wrong idea about his silence.
Last night, Hadrian had mistaken his silence for refusal and was going to take back his offer of a hug. Severus was glad that he hadn’t let him walk away. It had been nice to let someone hold him even if it was only for a moment.
“Perfect,” Hadrian said with a smile. “Then let’s get this lovely blonde into the bedroom and comfortable.”
He reached down and helped Severus to his feet before swooping Lucius into his arms. Lucius simply chuckled before wrapping his arms around Hadrian’s neck.
“Do you walk at all when the two of you are in your quarters?” Severus asked with a chuckle.
“Not usually,” Lucius answered happily. “Hadrian refrains himself from carrying me or being overly touchy in front of other people when we are out and about. He doesn’t show the same restraint once we are in our rooms.”
“I respect the pride that he has in the image that he presents to the world. And so even though I hover, or touch him a little, I don’t do anything that would ruin the reputation that he has made for himself,” Hadrian added.
“So, if I wasn’t comfortable being openly in a relationship with you right now, but wanted something private, just between the three of us, you would be ok with that?” Severus asked as Hadrian laid Lucius out on the bed.
“If that is the only thing you are comfortable with right now or even for a while, then I would respect that. We both would,” Hadrian answered. “But eventually, when the world finally knows that we are Creatures and do not adhere to there silly laws or moral thoughts on one partner per, I would like to know that you accepted us as we are the same way that we accept you,” Hadrian stated.
“What he means is, even though we would never want you to be uncomfortable and if public displays of affection and never something you are ok with, then we are ok with that. But we would eventually, after you have gotten used to us and the new reality of being a Creature, appreciate if you publicly acknowledged that we are together. Otherwise, it would feel like you are ashamed of us and that would hurt,” Lucius added.
“Yes, that,” Hadrian said with a smile. “Lucius is far better with words than I am.”
“I saw the memories of your first Wizengamot meeting. Lucius didn’t speak for you then and your words were spectacular,” Severus pointed out as he sat down on the bed next to Lucius and Hadrian sprawled out on the opposite side with his face next to Lucius abdomen.
“That is because, I am good at fighting or sparing. And that was like a verbal spar between Albus and I. I am good with confrontation, I was raised for war and have spent almost the entirety of my life fighting a war in one capacity or another,” Hadrian pointed out.
“Yes, you have, My Love,” Lucius said and carded his fingers through Hadrian’s hair. “One day, you will know peace. I will ensure it.”
“This is peace, Darling,” Hadrian said and indicated the three of them. “That is why I look forward to this part of the evening. Sitting and talking or cuddling in our rooms. Sharing magic with the baby. Uncomplicated time together….That is the only peace I have ever known.”
“We will make sure there is so much more,” Lucius insisted.
Hadrian smiled up at him and then over at Severus before he gently kissed Lucius’ stomach and lifted his hand over it. They all watched in silence as his beautiful magic once again gently fell from his hand and sunk into Lucius and their baby.
Lucius looked over to see Severus once again watching with rapt wonder on his face and he linked their fingers together. Severus looked over and smiled at him for a moment before turning his attention back to the magic sharing. He didn’t let go of Lucius’ hand.
When Hadrian was finished, he pressed another gentle kiss to Lucius’ still flat abdomen.
“I cannot wait until you are round with our baby and the Little Darling is active enough to kick my hand when I caress you,” Hadrian said with a wistful sigh.
“Such a softy,” Lucius said and tugged on his curls. “No one outside of this home will ever know just how soft you are.”
“Darling, I am six foot four, muscled, and heavily scarred. Even if I was soft in public, no one would ever believe it. They have never been able to look past my appearance,” Hadrian stated. “Which honestly has been perfectly fine. It has kept Teddy and I safe. And now it will keep all of you safe.”
“Well, I for one am exhausted,” Lucius stated with a yawn. He stood up and waved Hadrian away when he grabbed a set of pajamas and headed to the bathroom.
Hadrian simply swapped out his clothes for pajama bottoms and stayed sprawled out on the bed. He looked over at Severus who was trying very hard not to look at Hadrian’s bare chest and was failing.
“If you wanted,” Hadrian started and Severus jumped slightly and blushed. “You could … stay. I would love to have you close while we slept. But only if it is something that you are comfortable with. If you don’t want to that’s ok. I will simply do what I did last night to ensure that your night clothes carry my scent.”
“If …. If I chose to stay, what would you expect of me?” Severus asked cautiously. Hadrian reached out and gently tugged on a piece of Severus’ hair until the man looked him in the eye.
“Nothing, Little Bird. I said sleep and I meant sleep. I have told you already and will tell you as many times as you need me to until you believe it. I want nothing from you, except what you are willing to give. I will never push you to do something that makes you uncomfortable. If sleeping in the bed with us is too much too soon, then say no. We will respect it. I just wanted you to understand that the option is there for you if you want it,” Hadrian insisted.
“Just sleep?” Severus repeated.
“Just sleep,” Hadrian assured him.
“Though he is an amazing cuddler,” Lucius stated from the door to the bathroom. “So, I definitely wouldn’t pass up that opportunity if I was you.”
“I would like to stay,” Severus stated. After he looked the two of them over for a moment. “For sleeping.”
“Perfect,” Hadrian said with a smile and turned over and crawled up to the top of the bed in the center. “Come to bed. Both of you.”
Lucius grinned and headed for his side of the bed and curled up with his head on Hadrian’s chest and a leg thrown over his. Hadrian tucked the blankets around his Submissive Veela and then turned to Severus who had yet to move.
“Only what you are comfortable with,” Hadrian insisted.
Severus nodded and then crawled into the bed on Hadrian’s other side. He laid on the pillow not touching Hadrian at all and pulled the blankets up around him. The bed was saturated in Hadrian and Lucius’ scent.
“Good night,” Hadrian said to both of them. He kissed Lucius on the head and nuzzled him.
“Good night,” Severus responded quietly.
“Love you, Hades,” Lucius mumbled into his chest. The Veela already half asleep.
“I love you, Little Veela,” Hadrian responded and closed his eyes. He would let Severus decide what he was and was not comfortable with. He smiled to himself when he felt the Potion Master shift and move closer so that the were touching. Even if it was only a little. It was a good sign for things to come for them all together.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He woke up quite content the next morning. His bed and his room was full of their scents all mingled together.
Hadrian looked down to see both Lucius and Severus in his arms with their heads on his chest. Their hands were clasped together, and he could feel their legs all twined together under the blankets.
This was a glorious way to start his day!