Torturous Cry: Hunt for an Alpha

Harry was still shaking after Barty Crouch Jr. had been caught. The arm used in the Blood Ritual to summon Voldemort throbbed, still left unattended despite the bleeding. It rankled him that no one had done anything but push him aside, dripping blood all over the floor, while they panicked over a Death Eater. Blood that had just been used and Harry had seen the effects of it being taken for nefarious reasons. At that moment, he wished he had taken Hermione’s route and studied more. Harry wanted to banish the life-giving essence that could bring back monsters. No one else would be able to use his blood or body against his will.

They shuffled him around, McGonagall clearing away the mess and field dressing the wound when she saw him. At least that was taken care of. He would have to remember that, Evanesco. A flutter of people came in and out of the room and Harry just watched. That’s all he ever did when people weren’t focused on him. All the talking around him was about what to do with the Death Eater, the very one who wouldn’t stop staring at him. Harry did not look away for one moment either. 

A sudden chill had Harry jerking his gaze from the other man. A very familiar cold. One that Harry had hoped never to feel again. The Minister of Magic stormed into the already small room, snapping his fingers at an Auror, who guided the monstrous cloaked being into the room. If it could be considered a being. Harry shivered and tried to move but felt the beginnings of panic set in.

The screams of his mother resonated distantly. His father’s shout whispered in his mind. Harry could see, but everything was distant. He could hear a cracking noise. It was so loud to him yet no one else noticed him while the Dementor hovered. His fingers twitched, aching to use his Patronus. The soothing Guardian would take away the echoes of the past and soothe his soul. More creaking, as if something was just barely holding on. Harry rubbed his chest as the dull ache began to grow. 

The Minister was gesturing wildly and shaking his hand at Dumbledore. Harry felt the unease of the man’s magic coiling in the room. It felt slick against his skin and he wanted to remove it immediately. Thankfully, McGonagall was between them, acting as a slight buffer, though it didn’t do much the longer the two men argued. Eventually, the Dementor took over and swooped down towards Barty Crouch Jr. before anyone could stop it. They watched in horror at the light colored soul raised from the screaming man’s mouth, his body shaking at the intense pressure. It disappeared into the Dementor’s mouth, never to return. 

Everyone was frozen in shock so no one moved when the Dementor shot away from the catatonic Death Eater and raced for Harry. They should have expected it. Truly, they knew how last year had gone. 

A skeletal hand gripped his throat and lifted him from the ground. It made a rattling wheeze every time it took in a breath. The cracking and the screams grew louder. Harry’s vision blurred, his hands grappling and scratching at the bone hand. The chill trickled into his body and its magic gently pulled on his. The act of pulling his soul was a lot more gentle than he expected. With Barty’s screams, he had thought that it was excruciating. Instead, he felt the chilling warmth. As if you were chilled to the bone and suddenly wrapped in a loving embrace. Was this Death?

 In one moment, it was a gentle caress of peace. The next, he wanted to scream in agony. Except this was within himself. The cracking sound gave way to a loud groan before a piercing pain shot through his chest. This time, he did scream. He felt a fluttering of the hood around his face, the tug on his soul becoming stronger as the Dementor fought to consume it. He wouldn’t give up on his soul, but it felt like it was stuck to him. A tug of war within. Something was preventing the Dementor from sucking him dry. There were more cracks, but they were sharper in tone. Like glass. 

Before the Dementor could take another breath of his soul and magic, a cacophony of Patroni slammed into the cloaked monster. Harry dropped to the floor, still clutching at his chest and gasping for breath that wasn’t rotten. McGonagall was the first to pull him to safety while the others forced the Dementor into a corner. There was arguing again, but Harry couldn’t focus. He could barely catch his breath. Everything within him ached. His magic burned worse than the Basilisk venom before Fawkes’ tears acted like a cool balm.

She lifted him onto a stretcher, “Hold on, Potter. Just hold on.”

And she ran. His arm hung over the side as students streamed into the castle. Some screamed at the sight of his pale, limp body. McGonagall ignored them in favor of pushing through to the Hospital Wing. 

“Harry!” He heard a female voice scream but the pain was too much. He blacked out, his body finally giving up after struggling through multiple traumas that day.

Even with all of the potions Madam Pomphrey shoved down his throat, nothing could take away the pain. After a day or two, Harry had enough, especially with the odd, calculating looks that Dumbledore gave him. He had taken off under his Invisibility Cloak, courtesy of the twins, and headed back to the sanctuary of Gryffindor Tower.

The ride on the train was the worst. His body hurt worse than the beating that Vernon would be delivering when they stepped into 4 Privet Drive later that day. Hermione and Ron were chattering nearby and Harry just couldn’t bring himself to care. He masked the pain that radiated from his chest. Whenever he used his magic, it was like glass flowing through his body. In a way, Harry was thankful that he couldn’t use magic. He never thought that he would have ever desired that, but at the current time, that was precisely what he wanted.

Harry knew, at the sigh of his scowling purple-faced Uncle, that more pain would come. Nothing he could do would get him out of the thrashing he would receive for inconveniencing them. 

That night, Harry lay in bed, sweat coating his brow. He gasped as jolts of magic shot through his body. Again, a faint cracking sound could be heard with each breath he took. Each movement. Under the surface of his magic was a crawling, clawing feeling as if something was trying to release itself within. Harry arched on the bed, his body alight with pain. A familiar shattering sensation rocked through his body and he screamed out. A pounding on the door and a bunch of locks being fumbled with reached his ears, but the rush of his magic came with a deep roar. 

Harry’s hands came up, fingers stretched as claws grew. His skin shed and those very claws dug into his chest and torso, attempting to release whatever it was that was raging within. His cries became something more primal, feral. It needed out. OUT.

He gasped a final time before the force of wings breaking through rocketed him off the bed with a sharp thump. His Uncle was hollering from the door, but Harry could do nothing to stop the scales from rippling across his body. Blood coated his hands and claws, the floor, and everything else touched from the spray of his wings being released.

For the second time that week, Harry passed out.

Nothing could get the stains of blood from the floor and the walls. No amount of bleach or cleaning supplies could touch it.

His body had healed but now he suffered through gnawing hunger. The meager meals that the Dursely’s gave him did nothing to touch it. It had only abated with the partially-rotted apple shoved through the cat flap. Harry had attempted to ask for more of the fruit, but it had gotten him a swing of a pan to the head. He dealt with the hunger in those following days when there was just a cold can of soup and no water.

The claws had taken a few days to go away. The scales took another few. He was still stuck with his wings bumping into everything—the silvery-peach scales shimmering when the sunlight caught them. He had tried everything to get them back in but nothing would work. He felt unsettled, and every time Vernon lumbered next to the room, his claws would reappear. Harry ground his teeth together, a clicking sound as his fangs clashed.

It had been a week of claws and wings and crusted blood on his body before everything sank back into his body and he was human again. When Aunt Petunia saw it, he was thrown into the shower to ‘wash the freakish stink’ off him. Harry stared in the mirror at the cat-eye green eyes that stared back at him. His face had also changed, a smattering of those same silver-peach scales at his temples and down his jaw. He could see under the dried blood and sweat that he had beautiful tattoos that wove down his back. 

He rushed through cleaning, trying his best not to expand his wings in the cramped space, where they had appeared the moment his back turned to the hot water. The scales looked rough and cracked. He could do nothing for them other than keep them as clean as possible. 

Harry had received a slap to the head for ruining her nice towels. He didn’t regret it as the softness of the fluffy towel soothed the raw feeling on his scales. He had pulled everything back in before walking out of the bathroom. He was locked back in the room, a fresh set of cleaning supplies and sharp words ringing in his ears.

He woke up in the middle of the night to a blood red dome, runes swirling in shifting patterns. Harry sat up, rubbing his eyes which no longer needed glasses. He could see another strain of runes that were a black-gold, that creeped in between the blood red. He would have never spotted them if they hadn’t moved at that precise moment. Everything was covered with different glowing runes and magic. His trunk and even the posters that hung on the walls, though those had cost him a heavy-handed drunk Uncle.

His hand reached out and touched one of the glowing runes on a poster. His fingers brushed the smooth paper before the rune shuddered. Harry tried reaching for his magic but realized something that had him rocking on his heels. His magic was gone. He could see and feel it all around him. Yet, when he reached within, there was nothing to be found.

Harry let out a small warble, feeling the emptiness and worry. What had happened that caused him to lose his magic? He had gone to sleep with it there and then it was gone. But he had woken to the shifting lights that he assumed was magic. Harry dug around in his trunk careful of touching any of the runes carved on the inside and outside. He didn’t want the expansion charms to fail because he accidentally touched them.

He groaned at the lack of books—History and Defense, but nothing that could help him beyond a possible Potions text. Harry ran a clawed hand through his hair, wincing at one of the claws snagged on a tangled knot. He was gentle with combing out the rest of the knots in his hair while contemplating precisely what to do.

His birthday was another month, at least. So why now? He needed something to do and was half tempted to write to Hermione for help.

In fact, that was not a bad idea.

Hedwig was happy to carry his letter for him, addressed to one of his best friends, hoping she could provide him with a list or a book. Maybe it would be something that included information on what he was.

Harry lay back on the grass. The feel of the shining sun on his scales had him purring. There was nothing like stretching out his wings and letting the sun heat them. The smell of the dewy grass soothing his frazzled nerves and calmed his magic. He hummed and stretched, body arching languidly with a few pops here and there.

A chuckle broke the calm, causing Harry to perk his head to stare at the stranger. He was tall and lean, but he could see that the man had a little bulk. It was mostly broad shoulders and a regal stance. When he pushed off the tree from where he was leaning, Harry could see that he had rich, dark chocolate curls and the occasional flash of golden eyes. His face was shadowed enough that Harry couldn't quite grasp a good picture of his features.

“Enjoying yourself, little one?”

Harry nodded his head while giving a questioning trill. The man gestured to the spot right next to him. “May I?”

He sat down and leaned back on his hands, stretching his legs out. 

“It’s beautiful here.”

“Is this real?” Harry asked before he could stop himself. 

“What makes you ask that one, treasure?” 

He blushed at the pet name, feeling a flutter of emotion. The man was amused at his reaction. Harry watched as the man’s wings unfolded and stretched out around them. He gaped at their size, wondering why his wings were so tiny. His wings fluttered in response to the thought. They were large for his body, enough so that Harry suspected he could fly with them. But compared to the stranger, they were little.

“Treasure?” The man rumbled low, giving a gentle aura that helped ground Harry’s frayed nerves. “What troubles you so much?”

“What are you? What…. What am I?”

The man hummed in thought, sitting up and bracing his arms on his bent knees. “That concerns me that you do not know. Has a Mentor not shown for you yet?”

Harry shook his head, “I’ve been alone this whole time. No one appeared.”

“How long has it been since you inherited?” The man’s wings stretched to their limit, eliciting a pleased groan. Harry flushed at the noise, looking away from the decadent wings that shimmered with rich browns and golden honey yellows. 

“A few weeks. I’m not sure. I haven’t been able to keep track of the days.”

Harry could barely make out the frown, “That is not good. I worry that you are without a Mentor.”

“Could you teach me, then?”

There was a deep chuckle, the man reaching out as if to ruffle his hair before he thought better of it.

“I don’t believe it is appropriate to be your Mentor, but I can teach you some basics. What do you know of Dragels?”

Harry frowned, “I’ve never heard of them.”

“Oh, treasure. You have much to learn. I only hope your Mentor is merely late.”

The man shuffled around so that he could face Harry fully.

“Before I can explain why it’s not appropriate or what these dreams are, which I can see you have many questions about, let me first explain about Dragels.”

Harry woke the next few mornings with more information in his head than he had ever planned. Dragels, Elements, Circles. So much information that he hadn’t known about but felt deep within how right it felt. He was a Submissive Dragel. The man in his dreams kept close but was careful in his movements. Harry still had not caught sight of his face except for the occasional flash of eyes. It annoyed him, but the man had just chuckled in amusement to explain Soul bonds. 

They were having Soul Bond dreams, which occurred when one Soul would reach out for the other. He had seemed surprised when Harry had admitted that he had yet to reach his sixteenth birthday, but then it morphed into sadness. He had Inherited early. 

Everything started to make sense. The reason why he couldn’t stomach certain foods. Everything that he could want to know. At least, the basics. The man had admitted that there were many things his future Mentor would teach him when they got there. He had seemed so sure that Harry’s Mentor was merely late due to wards that Harry didn’t have the heart to tell him otherwise.

Weeks passed, but there had not been a dream since the first few. There were only vague dreams of solid arms and rich, earthen scent. He knew it was his mysterious man, but nothing was solid like before. Harry almost wished he had lucid dreams more than the vague ones, where he desired more when he woke. It left him confused but he didn’t feel he could ask Stranger.

Dementors. There were Dementors in Little Whinging. He panicked. He ran as fast as he could, but they were catching up. Dudley was racing ahead, still far ahead despite all the pudge and heavy wheezing. Harry pushed his body, feeling the familiar chill creep around him. No matter how far he got, ice formed on the ground beside him. He struggled to fight the memories of being right back in that room with the Death Eater. The moment he felt himself shatter.

His body froze in a natural instinct when the skeletal hand gripped the back of his neck. Harry cried out in pain as he was thrown to the ground, the Dementor swooping down to choke him. He struggled to breathe, staring into the dark gaping hole that was its mouth. His head thrashed and his body tried to do the same. Anything to get it off. 

Harry scrabbled at the ground, trying to find purchase. He needed his wand. If he could just grab it. The wheezing cloaked creature bent forward and missed his mouth as Harry pulled up and away. Instead, the mouth covered his heart. He shrieked in agony as a searing, burning pain shot through his body once more. It was the same as in the room but this was worse. He wished for it to end. 

The cool feeling of wood brushed against his fingertips. He could hear the cracking again. Wondering exactly what it was that he was hearing for the third time. He gasped and tried to grab at his wand as he felt the tug on his soul. Yet, something prevented it. It felt like someone was jerking at something deep within him but it couldn’t find purchase. More cracking and creaking, fiery pain lancing through his body worse than the Cruciatus Curse. His vision continued to fade in and out. 

Another set of boney hands gripped his head, holding it in place as its mouth lowered to his. Harry fought as best as he could. With two pulls, there were more jolts and cracking. Everything hurt. 

The nearby wand must have rolled to him because the next he knew, he was screaming out. No words, but pointing it in the faces of the things that dared to harm. A blast of blue-white light seared his eyes and shrieks of the Dementors burst his eardrums. Blood trickled down from his ears but he didn’t care. His whole body was in agony.

“Harry?” The voice was soft, but it echoed through the now silent night. He barely heard it. He turned his head to see a blurry figure rushing over to him. “Harry!”

It was Mrs. Figg, the batty old cat lady from down the road. 

“Hold on, Harry. Can you stand?”

Harry wanted to scoff at her. He was barely staying awake. How could he stand when consciousness was beginning to evade him. 

“Hold on, Harry. Help is coming. Stay with me!”

He blissfully passed out.

“Treasure? Treasure!”

Harry knew that voice. He ached for the warmth that it brought. How he had wanted that person more than anything in those moments with the Dementor.

Warm hands pulled him into a strong embrace.

“Treasure, what happened? You pulled me in here.”

Harry tried opening his eyes, he really did. He was too exhausted. His body hurt more than he could fathom. Everything was almost numb at this point. His whole body shook while he could hear the distant cracks and creaks. They were annoying at this point. He didn’t even know what it was.

“Oh, my gem. I’ve got you. I’m here.”

They stayed curled together until Harry got some energy back. He whimpered, letting out a warbled whine. His companion held him tighter.

“Hush now, little one. You aren’t alone.”

He warbled again and tried opening his eyes. When he did, he noticed that instead of a sunny, grassy field, they were under a starlit sky.

“There you are, treasure. How are you feeling?”

He let out a whimpered whine, unable to speak. The man whose arms he was in let out a rumble that had his body relaxing. The pain eased up.

“Don’t stop.” He said weakly.

The rumble continued, lulling him into a light doze. Not enough to come out of the dream but enough so that his body wasn’t strung so tight.

“Are you safe? Is your body in a safe place?”

Harry shook his head, “I don’t know.”

“When you can, are you able to tell me what happened?”

He nodded, pressing his face against the solid chest. His breathing evened out as he listened to the man’s heartbeat. It lulled and soothed him, along with the deep rumble that continued to vibrate the chest under his cheek.

“Dementors. They attacked me in the park. I tried running. They were too fast. I couldn’t get my magic to work.”

“Dementors?” The voice sounded confused, which in turn confused Harry. “What do you mean, your magic wouldn’t work?”

Harry sighed and nuzzled the chest. He just wanted to sleep. Everything was just too much. His voice faded as his body and mind just couldn’t hold it much longer.

“It hasn’t worked since my Inheritance. Nothing. But I’m gonna sleep now,” Harry slurred. The man’s breathing changed to something more rapid. Harry was too far gone to try to stop the incoming sleep.

“Treasure? No! Stay with me, my heart.”

Harry gave a soft trill before there was nothing.

He had screamed himself hoarse. They had left him alone because Dumbledore said so. A man who oversaw his school but wasn’t his parent or even a relative. All because he told them that it was safer for Harry not to be disturbed. Harry clicked a fang in anger and stormed out of the hallway and into a room further up the way. He didn’t want to be near them or listen to any excuse.

The door slammed shut behind him, but he had not expected the twins huddling in the corner plotting. They both looked over their shoulders at him, surprise written on their faces. 

“Why Harrikins!”

“What a pleasure—”

“—to see you, chap!”

Harry chuckled and flopped down onto one of their beds. “I missed you two. At least you give a shit.”

He saw them exchange worried glances before putting down their current project to join him.

“What’s wrong, Harry?” George sat down first, running his hand through Harry’s locks. Harry let out a purr as his eyes rolled back in pleasure. He missed the surprised expressions exchanged between the twins.

Harry heaved a frustrated sigh and grabbed his hair before flopping his hands down roughly onto the mattress.

“They left me alone without any letters! Alone for months! Just because Dumbledore,” he spat the name, “decided it was better to be safe.”

Fred sat next to him and laid a gentle hand on his arm, “We tried, Harry. You weren’t alone. Even Remus attempted to send a letter or five. That man was determined. Sirius too. We all tried, except for those three.”

Harry rolled over and scooted around so his head was in George’s lap. A hand dropped down to play with his hair. They sat that way while Harry purred under their care. Fred had taken Harry’s shoes off so that his feet were propped in his lap, giving Harry a light massage. The Submissive all but melted under their hands.

At least the mysterious man in his dreams knew that he was well. He had taken a small nap before the Order came and got him. But just long enough to soothe the frazzled nerves of his potential Soul bonded.

“I suspect that I owe you a late Happy Birthday?”

Harry rolled over and stumbled to his feet in haste to meet the stranger again. Just like when they first met, he was leaning against the tree. His wings were out, scales shining from the light spots streaming through the leaves. Harry sucked in a breath at the figure who had taken over his dreams, both waking and at night.

“It’s good to see you, treasure.”

Harry quirked his head with a flush creeping up his neck, “Why do you call me that?”

“Because you are a treasure.” His stranger chuckled at him, a deep and pleased rumble. “You also deserve to be treasured.”

Harry melted and rubbed the back of his neck shyly. “Thank you. For wishing me a Happy Birthday. It was today, so you’re not late.”

He strolled closer, his walk very graceful. Stopping before Harry, he reached out and tucked a long strand of Harry’s hair behind his ear. “Ergen, help me, you are perfect.”

“What?!” Harry spluttered in shock.

“Have you not figured out why we are sharing dreams?”

Harry shook his head, “No. It’s the one thing that I don’t understand. You are still in my dreams even when we aren’t here.”

“Is that so?” He gave a pleased rumble and gently pulled Harry to him, wrapping his arms around the smaller male. “You have been dreaming of me, treasure?”

“I figured you’d know that,” Harry huffed but still had the dark flush creeping up his neck and onto his cheeks.

“I didn’t know that you dreamt of me outside of our meetings,” He purred. Harry shivered at the tone. “You truly are a treasure. My Submissive.”

“Yours?” Harry squeaked in surprise. “I’m yours?”

He hummed before speaking, “I thought your Mentor would have taught you about Soul Bonds and dreaming about your Soulbonded.”

Harry turned his head away, feeling slight shame at not admitting that his Mentor still had not shown. Fingers gripped his chin lightly and turned his face towards the stranger—no, his Soulbonded. The thought had his heart fluttering. Someone that was meant for him. Someone who would be perfect for him. At least, that was what he gathered from context.

“Treasure? Where is your Mentor?”

“They never showed,” Harry whispered. “I didn’t want you to worry when you brought it up.”

“Oh, my sweet Submissive.” He ran his knuckles down Harry’s jaw. “I want only the best for you so that you are not alone trying to go through your Inheritance without support.”

Harry purred at his words, feeling a warmth in his chest. This stranger—his Soulbonded—cared about just Harry. Not because of who he was but because he was his Submissive—nothing more than being just Harry. The feelings that this man evoked in him were nothing like anything anyone had made him feel before. Cherished. Loved.

“What do I call you? I feel like calling you ‘stranger’ in my head is awkward.”

“Stranger?” He threw his head back and laughed, one that came from deep in the stomach. He looked back down at Harry, cupping his face. “You are too precious, my gem.”

“Not fair.” Harry pouted. “You have all these nicknames for me and yet I do not know your name.”

 “What would you like to call me then? I do not mind; no matter what we try, we cannot exchange our names. It’s the magic.”

Harry huffed and pulled back, flopping down onto the grass. He crossed his arms in a pout. “I’ve never known another the way that we fit together. No one has ever loved me or looked at me like you do. Even if I can’t quite see your face. I feel it.” 

His companion sat on the grass with a sigh, one that spoke volumes than any word could convey. He laid down with an arm out, allowing Harry to make the first move. It took him a few minutes of deliberating before he slowly scooted over to curl up against his side. They lay like that for what seemed like hours, though they knew it could have been mere minutes in the waking world. 

Harry rolled over so that his chin rested on his Soulbonded’s chest, “I don’t know what to call you and I feel that anything I come up with will not be good enough.”

A hand carded through his hair before the older Dragel sat up, pulling Harry onto his lap.

“I would treasure any name that you wanted to call me. Just that you want to is enough to make me happy.”

Harry sighed, “But that’s the problem! I am horrible at this. I call my best friend Mione because it’s the last part of her name, even though it could be so much better. And let’s not get me started on Snuffles. My godfather just about laughed himself to death over it.”

“You try, Treasure, and that matters the most to those with the honor of being given a nickname. It means more that you want to be close to them by gifting them a name between you.” His companion cupped his face and leaned forward so that their foreheads touched. “But if it distresses you that much to find something, would you want me to give you a name you may call me?”

Harry’s body slumped in relief. His voice was small as he felt shame at being unable to do something so simple, “Please.”

“Don’t be upset, my Submissive. There is nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to needing help. You only have to ask and I will do my best to give you the world.”

“My Rock,” Harry whispered. He buried his face in his hands while waiting for his companion’s reaction. Harry squeaked in surprise when he was lifted as his companion stood. Strong hands gripped him under the arms as he swung him around. Deep, rich laughter radiated through the area and Harry trilled at the pleasure and happiness that radiated from the man. He was swung around a few times before being brought into a tight hug. Harry’s legs wrapped around his waist to steady himself.

“You are the most wonderful delight, my Treasure. I would be honored to be called your Rock. You bring me the greatest pleasure, Submissive mine.”

Harry flushed at the praise, reveling in the strong arms that made him feel safe and secure.

When he wandered down the stairs, it had been a shock when people rushed to him. The first to reach him were the twins, with Sirius and Remus being a close second. Everyone was talking over his head and clamoring to ask him questions.

“What’s going on?”

He woke up five days after first yelling at everyone. Five whole days. He was set to have his hearing the next day. Sirius had convinced them that he was still suffering the ill-effects of the Dementor exposure. Again. 

Breakfast went on without much fuss, except Sirius standing up and claiming that he needed to outfit his godson with proper Wizard robes for Court. Remus followed along behind. He waved off the others, saying they would care for him. Mrs. Weasley pushed the kids into working on cleaning the decrepit manor.

They made their way back up the man stairs until Sirius led him down a hall that had been off limits. Harry shivered as he crossed over the now apparent wards.

“Come on, pup. We’ll get you set up with Reggie’s old clothes. They’re a bit outdated, but at least you’ll be respected more than if you wore your Muggle clothes. I might be more inclined to wear Muggle clothes, but you’ll need the help when you go up before those uptight nitwits.”

Sirius dug around in a closet while mumbling. Harry exchanged a look with Remus, who shrugged but held a framed picture in hand. He peeked over the corner to see that it was a much younger boy, most likely a first or second year, with his arm wrapped around a young Sirius. Both of them seem a bit stiff until they both burst into laughter. It looped back over again.

“Reggie?” Harry whispered curiously, only receiving a nod in response.

“He was my little brother,” Sirius stood there with an older cut style of a tailored robe. It looked somewhat like his Triwizard Yule Robes, but the fit was more elegant and the back was shorter. There was a longer robe that would go over the top, giving whoever wore it a more regal look. “It’s old, but it should fit. You have a similar stature as he did. Go on, try it on.”

Harry looked at them nervously, knowing that if he stripped, the tattoos of his wings and some of the scales would be very prominent. He still couldn’t get the scales on his stomach to fade. Sirius sighed and tossed the suit onto the bed before hugging Harry.

“It’s okay, Harry. We know.”

He breathed, trying not to panic, “How?”

Remus was the one chuckling this time, “It’s hard to miss a realignment cycle when it’s five days long. Only you, cub. It’s impressive, really.”

“But how?”

Remus tapped his nose. Harry stared at him in horror, completely forgetting that his scent would have changed, too.

“You don’t have to be afraid, Harry. You’re our pup. I only wish that I could have been with you through it. No one deserves to go through their Inheritance alone.”

Harry’s breathing hitched as he stifled the urge to cry. The ones that he had hoped to tell were already in his corner. That was the dam that broke everything and Harry collapsed into Sirius’ embrace, with Remus joining the group hug on his other side.

They had stayed like that for some time before Harry pulled back. At some point, they had sunk to the floor with Harry’s face buried in Sirius’ neck. He whined, feeling the ache in his fangs. Harry gave a warble, not knowing exactly what he needed. Sirius pulled back.

“I’m assuming that your Mentor never showed up?”

Harry nodded and slumped. “That’s what my Rock asked me too.”

Sirius and Remus exchanged looks over his head. It was Remus that spoke, “Your… Rock?”

The smile that lit up Harry’s face took their breath away. They had never seen him so happy and carefree when they had known him, even when Remus was his Professor.

“He’s my potential soul bonded! My Rock has been explaining everything about Dragels and trying to get me up to date.”

“You’re having the soul dreams?”

Harry nodded. His gums ached a bit more and he whined and wanted to bite. But he didn’t understand why. 

“He hasn’t taught you about comfort feeding, has he?” Sirius ran a hand through Harry’s hair, soothing the young Submissive. “It’s okay, pup. This is probably something that hasn’t come up yet.”

By the time Sirius and Remus had explained it and the need for blood, Harry was tomato red. It had taken some cajoling before instincts won out and all the tension seeped from his body as he got precisely what he needed. The conversation was light as Sirius rocked him gently until a slightly sleepy Harry pulled back, licking the spot and then his fangs.

“Feel better?” Sirius asked. 

“‘m better, thanks.” He slurred a bit, his head lolling while his eyes drooped.

“Why don’t you relax for a while, cub. We’ll stay here with you.”

Remus was the one to take him this time while Sirius stood up to stretch the kinks out. Harry was asleep faster than any protests he could give. “Oh, cub.”

Harry stared at the Slytherin that sat across from him. They had gone silent after the initial conversation. Theodore Nott was an enigma. There was something about him that Harry just couldn't put his finger on. Fiddling with the golden band on his wrist, a parting gift from Sirius and Remus to help him hide his appearance and scent had become a soothing tick when he felt unsure. Chocolate eyes darted to stare at the jewelry before flashing a deep honey-golden color. Harry sucked in a breath.

Golden eyes.

His Rock had golden eyes that flashed.

The aura around Theo was a delightful, grounded magic that was also very familiar. Harry wanted to cry out in shock and excitement. Was this his Rock? Was Theodore Nott his potential soul bonded? He would have to be careful. Some things still didn’t quite fit His Rock, but they were close. Harry would have to watch.

From how he sat, one knee propped up on the bench and his body leaning against the compartment wall, to the flash of his eyes and even his magic. Harry wanted to ask. He wanted to know if his special dream companion sat across from him. Would he recognize him, too?

The trolley lady pulled up and Harry took the time to dash for the sugar. He grabbed everything that he could carry and brought it back with pride. Packages of all kinds were scattered on the bench seat, some dropping to the floor. He dove right in, the sugar giving him all the energy that breakfast had not. There weren’t any fruits except maybe an apple or two, and the meat was burnt to a crisp. Harry had barely eaten and only a quick feed from Remus had gotten him up and around.

Harry’s face was buried deep into chocolate frogs and pumpkin pasties before he heard a deep chuckle. He paused, head tilting slightly. Theo had a hand covering his mouth while his eyes shone in laughter.

“That’s a lot of sugar there, Harry.”

He eyed the other teen and shrugged, “I didn’t eat breakfast. Too nervous.”

“Fair enough. Do you have something other than sugary foods?”

Harry hummed at the question, savoring the sweet rush from the chocolate. He absentmindedly held up the bag of jerky that Remus had gotten him. They would send him another bag and some fresh blood to mix into drinks. It would be the best option while dealing with no other Dragels in residence. He missed the calculating look on Theo’s face.

After gorging himself into a sugar high, Harry bounced in his seat as Neville and Luna greeted him and then Nott before leaving them be. Harry tried to settle down but couldn’t bring himself to do so. He wanted to talk to Theo but didn’t know what to say. He hadn’t seen hide or hair of Hermione or Ron. Which he was happy about since he had avoided them the entire time he was at Grimmauld.

He ended up riding in a carriage with Theo up to the castle.

“Welcome to another year at Hogwarts. We are sad to announce that Professor Binns has crossed over this year. In his stead, we are honored to have Terius Baronsworth. He will be working to get the syllabus up to speed. Please give him a warm welcome.”

Harry stared. The man was handsome, but the severe scowl on his face reminded him of Snape.

The first History lesson went much differently than any other that he’d had before. The first was that Teacher Terius had arrived with a portal. Harry had almost fallen out of his chair in shock. He had only heard about them in theory, one of the many conversations he’d had with Sirius and Remus. The next was that their class had gone over that he preferred being called Teacher and not Professor. His rules for classroom etiquette were stricter than Snape's, but they had made sense. 

After the class, he had called Nott and Zabini forward before settling on Harry. He had been asked to remain as well. When he had stepped up closer to greet the Professor with the two Slytherins, Harry’s nose had caught a scent. Teacher Terius was Dragel. 

“Teacher Terius,” Harry clumsily greeted. He lifted his left hand and pressed it to his right cheek, “Please excuse my behavior. My Mentor has yet to teach me.”

Two heads snapped over to stare at him in shock, while Terius eyed him with thinned lips.

“Your Mentor has not taught you a proper greeting?”

Harry breathed a sigh of relief. He had accepted it. “I never got a Mentor. No one showed up.”

Terius’s look was disbelief and anger, “Explain. When did you Inherit?”

“The first week of summer. No one has shown up yet, and no messages have reached me about a reason for the delay. Some others have been working to teach me, but I can only learn so much in time.”

Terius crossed his arms with a furrowed brow. He stepped around and looked Harry over. “I have a suspicion about your designation, and you are welcome to not reveal it, but would you be willing to reveal that? I worry that you have not received the proper knowledge.”

Harry sighed and held out his arm, gold bangle shining. “My Godfathers gave this to me. I need to call them to get it to deactivate. Will you permit me to retrieve that and return here?”

Terius waved him off, “I expect you back here in twenty minutes, Mr. Potter, or I will come hunt you down. Do not test my patience. Your health is important.” 

Warmth bloomed in his chest at someone who cared beyond the little family that he was building. Harry missed the entire conversation between Terius and the two Slytherins about etiquette around an unbonded Submissive.

When he returned with the Mirror, it was to a very casual setup. There was a small settee set up with tea and treacle tarts. Harry practically ran over to the tray, hoping they were for him.

“Go ahead, little one. Let me talk to your guardians.”

Harry sighed in relief, ignoring the look of shock from the two Slytherins when he chose to sit on the floor instead of the settee conjured just for him. They were sitting in separate wingback chairs. 

“Padfoot,” Harry called on the mirror. “Moony?”

The three other Dragels watched as Harry’s features went from nervous to delight as another voice could be heard.

“Pup? What’s wrong? Shouldn’t you be in class?”

Harry sighed and then held out the mirror to show the classroom behind him.

“Do you remember me talking about how we had a new History Professor—” Terius cleared his throat with a pointed look and Harry blushed, correcting himself “—Teacher? He wanted to speak with you.”

“What happened?”

Harry shifted, looking at the three nervously before focusing on Sirius and Remus’ worried faces. “I was called up to the front after class. I recognized Teacher Terius, and when I explained that I had no Mentor, he wanted to check on me. But you told me not to take it off. I don’t know what to do,” Harry gave a low, distressed whine. Three rumbles responded, causing him to flush red.

“Hand me over, cub. I’ll speak with your Teacher.”

Harry nodded and reached the Mirror out for Terius to take.

His magic was going haywire between teaching the DA and Detentions with Umbridge. Everything was beginning to hurt and he could use it less and less. It had been nearly two months since he dreamt of his Rock. No matter how much he tried. Each lesson with Umbridge was getting worse. He could feel the pressure on his magic with every dig of the Blood Quill. 

Harry wasn't quite sure how Hermione and Ron had convinced him to take up the DA, let alone spend time around them. They somehow got back into the friend group. Harry didn’t have the desire to puzzle it out when he had to focus so much on other things. They didn’t notice anything with Umbridge other than scolding him for setting her off or not keeping his head down. He had given up trying to get Hermione to leave him alone.

His Empathy was screaming in agony at the sheer pleasurable joy that radiated off the woman. Harry knew there had to be some sort of spell preventing him from talking about it. Whenever he tried to say something to Remus or Sirius on the mirrors or to show them in case they saw it casually, Harry’s magic would curl inward, and foreign magic would pierce through him.

Terius would check over him frequently and pass off different packages from Remus. He wasn’t sure if Sirius was involved, but he let them handle that. He was too stressed trying to run the DA and keep everyone on track, especially with Umbridge cracking down in her attempts to find them.

He had woken too many times to his scar, bleeding, and anger coursing through his veins. He struggled to keep his focus through classes. He felt the exhaustion in his magic trying to keep him going. He’d not had another realignment cycle yet. Each incantation in classes was pulling harder on a well that was rapidly drying up. He tried to tell someone, but he just couldn’t. Something wouldn’t let him speak his needs. Whenever Terius took off the bracelet to help him tend to his wings and claws, worry grew on the man’s face. It was mirrored in Sirius and Remus when they also spoke over the Mirror.

He had been banned from Quidditch. 

Hagrid had returned from wherever it was that he had gone.

And Harry just wanted to sleep.

That should have been his first sign. It wasn’t until Theo had caught him in the hallways, slumped against the wall, that he was dragged to Terius. His magic was sluggish and he hadn’t been able to cast spells for the last week. There just was nothing left. The mark of the Blood Quill wouldn’t heal, no matter how much salve and murtlap essence was used. He kept it clean and changed the bandage daily, thanks to a helpful Dobby popping off to get the supplies.

Harry leaned against Theo, smelling the rich chocolate and orange scent. He purred. They had grown closer, talking with one another more often than not. Harry spent his time in the Library studying with Nott more than with his friends outside of the DA practices. Theo knew what was happening but did not bother asking. He could claim ignorance if needed.

“Stick with me, Treasure. We’ll get you to Teacher Terius so that you can rest.”

Harry let out a pleased purr. He called him a treasure. Only his Rock did that. 

“My Rock.” Harry mumbled, trying his best to keep walking forward. He missed the confused look that Theo sent him. Earth magic washed over them, Theo picked Harry up Princess style as the Submissive fell into his realignment sleep. He wanted to purr, feeling that beautiful magic in his dreams.

“My treasure,” was the first thing that Harry heard. He scrambled up and ran to the man whom he had not seen in months.

“My Rock!” Harry bowled into him and jumped into the open arms. “You’ve not visited.”

He was held tight to the muscular chest, a pleased rumble soothing all the tension that had built up. Harry laid his head on his shoulder, burying his nose into the neck. There wasn’t a scent, which was the same with the face. Magic blocked out identifying features.

“My precious gem. I tried reaching out but I haven’t been able to. They’re blocked.”

Harry sniffled, feeling his heart break at that. He hadn’t been left behind or left unwanted. His Rock had tried. He was wanted.

“I’m in my realignment cycle. I think that’s why. My magic has been gone, too. So much is happening at School.” Harry babbled away, doing his best to give as much information that wouldn’t be garbled.

His Rock sat down with Harry nestled in his arms. He nosed the soft, dark locks while Harry rambled. Everything was fine until Harry cried out in pain. A dark magic covered the sky, whisps covering the ground. Harry scrambled out of the lap, clutching at his scar. It had begun to bleed. Around them, there were faint hissed words and anger. Harry shifted into his halfling form, screeching in pain.

“Treasure! What’s happening?”

“He’s mad. He’s very mad.” Harry cried out as the remnants of a Crucio began to zing through his body. The man watched in horror as his Submissive was tortured in front of him and none of his magic was able to touch him. He was blocked by an invisible field of magic that had sprung up between them. Dark tendrils of magic slunk over to Harry and covered his body.

“Treasure, try to tell me where you are. Tell me how to find you!”

Harry started babbling as much as he could about everything he knew of Earth. Anything that could work.

“I know you got to school for magic. There are many different types. Many realms have magic users. Give me anything.”

“Phoenix. Basilisk. Philosopher Stone. Trolls. Wands. ” Harry just started rambling off the different events of his school years. Maybe something would get through.

“Wands?” He could hear that sharp intake of breath as a word got through. “You live in a realm with wands? That narrows it down significantly. Keep talking to me, my precious gem. Anything.”

Harry screamed as another round of Crucio cut through him.

A cold cloth wiped his brow, with worried voices cutting through the painful haze. “It’s only been two days in. Yet, he’s showing signs of the visions. The twins and the others told us about them.”

It was a familiar voice—Sirius, meaning Remus was nearby.

“Papa,” he whined, feeling the exhaustion coursing through him.

“Harry!” the cold cloth disappeared, only to be replaced by the familiar scent of his godfather. “Can you talk to me, pup? What happened?”

“Rock,” he let out a distressed trill. “Want Rock.”

There was a soothing rumble from a nearby Dragel while two others gave soft sounds to ease his pain. “I know, puppy. I know you want him. You’ll find him, I promise.”

“Rock?” That was Teacher Terius’ voice. “His vitals are evening now. Whatever was affecting him is now fading away. He might slip back into the cycle.”

“He’s been having soul dreams. He calls him Rock. I suspect it’s an Earth Dragel.”

Harry snuffled and whined, the exhaustion dragging him under.

“Sleep, love. Remus and I will watch over you. You’re safe.”

“Soul dreams? At his age? That’s an incredibly strong connection. As far as I know, we only have one Earth Dragel here on Earth. Theodore Nott. They’ve been spending a lot of time together outside of classes.”

“Nott?” He heard Sirius hiss. Another cold cloth was placed on his aching scar. “Sleep, puppy. Your Papas will watch over you.”

“Rock,” He murmured before succumbing to his realignment cycle.

After the debacle of his realignment cycle being interrupted by a furious Voldemort and the vision of the attack on Mr. Weasley, it had been a whirlwind of scared chaos. It was Christmas day, and he had gotten to share time with the family that had tried to adopt him and then have a smaller affair with his actual family. The twins had hovered quite closely while the others were trying to crowd Mr. Weasley. Harry had gotten a grateful hug from the man who had done his best to make him feel like a son. The entire Weasley clan had shown up—even Percy. Somehow, Charlie and Bill had gotten the time off. 

That had been a surprise when Harry had come down one day to find the two eldest redheads sitting with coffee and casually chatting. Both had stopped to stare at him in curiosity. Mrs. Weasley was bustling around at the stove and counters making breakfast. 

She glanced over when he entered, waving a tea towel in the direction of the table, “Good morning, Harry dear. Go ahead and get settled in with the boys. Breakfast will be ready in a few.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Weasley.” Harry sat down at a spot that was in front of the two eldest Weasley siblings. Harry looked up and flushed bright red under their gazes, both of them flashing him a smirk. 

“So Harry, I hear that you are the one to thank for saving our father.” Bill spoke, his rumbling voice deeper than Harry remembered. Harry nodded and gave a shy smile at their intense gaze.

Charlie reached out and took one of Harry’s hands, thumb brushing his knuckles gently. Harry sucked in a breath and his eyes met blue that flashed with orange. He rocked back into his chair, realizing just what his instincts were telling him. Charlie and Bill were Dragel. Dominant Dragel at that. 

“Thank you, Harry. We do appreciate all that you have done through the years. Including an interesting story I’ve heard from Ron about a specific second year and Ginny.” Bill gave him a look that he knew exactly what had happened.

“Your dad welcomed me in your home. Of course I would help.”

“You’re better than most people, Harry. Something that our family will not forget.” Charlie crossed his muscular and scarred arms over his chest, which Harry’s eyes naturally followed. He flushed when he got caught. But was saved from any questions when Mrs. Weasley placed plates with heaping piles of food down on the table. There was a storm of feet on the stairs that indicated the rest of the family was on their way down. Some squawks of outrage were heard before there was a bark of laughter that set Sirius apart. 

They all tumbled into the room, not surprised to see the Twins pushing all others out of the way to reach Harry first. Without thinking, they flanked either side of him and began piling food on, stating the need to do so before Ron ate it all.

As much as Harry tried to fill his plate with just meats and mostly fruits, the twins had taken over doing so. They had filled it to the brim with a different variety for Harry to try. He opened his mouth in protest and almost choked when George shoved a piece of honeydew in his mouth. He sighed in pleasure as the sweet fruit melted in his mouth. 

Harry went to work on the fruit, consuming more than most had seen him do so before. An arm reached around, setting a cup in front of him. Harry looked up to see Sirius who winked at him. He pulled the cup over to him and tipped it, seeing that it was a juice of some kind. He sniffed and tilted his head at the tangy and sweet scent. It was light yellow in color and he could tell that Sirius had snuck some blood into it.

A burst of sour and sweet hit his tongue and he let out a gasp of surprise. Before Sirius could ask if he liked it, Harry had thrown back the cup and chugged the entire thing. He smacked and licked his lips, holding the cup out for more. 

“I’m guessing that you like it?”

“What was it? I want more.”

“Pineapple juice. I’m surprised you haven’t tried it before because I know they have it at the tables in the morning. But you can have as much as you want.” Sirius replied with a grin, taking the cup from his pup. He could see the two older Weasley’s trying to smother their smiles when Harry gave them a pouty scowl. 

Molly scolded him for giving Harry so much sugar, especially once she saw the fruit laden plate. Harry gave her a sheepish smile, “Sorry Mrs. Weasley. I’m still a bit queasy from all the stress.”

She folded so easily at his pleading look. He could see Bill and Charlie exchange glances with another, not knowing it was because their mother should have recognized a Submissive Dragel’s diet.

The New Year came and passed as quickly. He had been cornered by Bill and Charlie separately, both of whom had questions and were checking in on him. Ever since, it has been a game of avoiding being alone with either, due to being flustered at their attention. It had sent Remus and Sirius into fits of laughter every time Harry skirted around the two. Even the twins had caught onto Harry’s behavior and made it their mission to try and get him into the room with either man.

Finally, he had given up just after Snape had left. It was a few days before they were to leave for the term. Harry was curled up in a chair, wishing that it would swallow him whole. He ignored everyone that tried to talk to him, until he felt a presence, and this one he couldn’t ignore. 

“Harry?” Bill’s soft voice came from the doors to the study he hid in.

He tried to ignore him, but the magic coming from Bill was hard to ignore. He huffed and burrowed his nose into the blanket. There was a chuckle before the tall redhead knelt next to him.

“Talk to me, Harry. I know Snape spoke with you, but you haven’t been talking to anyone since. Sirius and Remus are concerned.”

One hand came up to rest on the armrest next to him. Harry’s attention was immediately drawn to it. It was a bracelet that looked close to the one that he wore. He was darkly tanned with various tattoos covering his arms. They were different runic formations that shimmered when Bill cast a silencing ward around him.

Moving slowly, he flicked his wand at the door and locked it with wards popping up. Even with the suppression bracelet, Harry could feel the wash of magic glide over his sensitive magic.

“I’ve locked and warded it so that we won’t be disturbed. Clearly you need someone to talk to but feel that you cannot. No one can hear us and if you ask, I will not reveal anything to Sirius or Remus.”

Harry continued to stare at the slowly fading shimmer of the rune tattoos. He wanted to reach out and run his finger across them to see if there was magic or if it was just an effect of casting. Seeing his gaze, Bill chuckled. “You can touch, if you want. I don’t mind your curiosity.”

Harry didn’t need to be told twice as he traced over the tattoos. He could feel the light traces of magic, but it was nothing too pronounced to feel a type. He only had to focus to switch to his other gift, seeing the magic. Bill lit up with many different colored lights and Harry winced at the brightness of the house itself. He let out a low hiss, before focusing solely on the arm under his fingers. Everything dimmed down a bit, which would lessen the headache he got from looking at concentrations of magic for too long. He had learned on the first day back at Hogwarts how much of a bad idea that was.

There were runes and other designs shifting that were overlapping one another. It was fascinating to watch them and Harry was lulled into a gentle calmness. Fingers reached under his chin and lifted them up. Harry spotted the dragon fang earring glowing with an interesting combination of blue and purples. But his breath was taken away at the sight of Bill. The man was handsome, but seeing his aura of magic in full was something else. Harry flushed.

“Mage sight? That’s impressive Harry. I didn’t know that you had that gift.”

He closed his eyes and let the magic fade before opening them again. Blue eyes were bright with amusement as they looked at each other. Bill brushed a knuckle against his cheek.

“What happened?” His question was soft but Harry instantly drew away. 

“Do I have to?” Harry asked quietly, fiddling with the blankets.

Bill took one of his hands, “You don’t have to talk about it if it truly upset you. I just wanted to know if there was a way that I could help. I can at least listen to you if you need it.”

Harry whispered low under his breath, watching as the golden bracelet fell into his lap. Without waiting, Harry’s scales rippled over his skin and his wings stretched out. Bill stared at him in amazement, a hand reaching out before snapping back, a light blush on his face. “Beautiful.”

Harry gave a low trill of pleasure and blushed at the praise. Without asking, Bill slipped his bracelet off and stretched out, revealing large wings. Harry gaped at the beautiful range of colors that bled into one another. He had a dark blood red color that appeared black in the low light and faded down into a rich crimson color. There were some scales that had white tips, giving them a sharp look. Bill’s hair had transformed as well, with his flames being a deep red that flared into a bright white. Heat poured off of him in waves. 

“Do you want or need a hug? I would be happy to do that for you if you need comfort but don’t want to seek out Sirius or Remus.”

Harry warbled and lurched out of the chair to wrap himself around Bill, who had held his arms open.

“Oh, Harry. You’re okay. I know things have been stressful. Sirius filled me in a bit on what’s been happening.”

Harry relaxed as Bill picked him up, sitting in the spot that he had vacated. The blanket was pulled up over his lower back so that he was covered except for his wings. Bill ran a hand up and down Harry’s back while they sat in silence. Harry had begun to drift off when Kreacher popped into the room.

“Young Master is being told by Master Mutt that dinner will be soon.”

He popped out before Harry could respond. Bill chuckled and shook his head, “That poor elf.”

Harry sat back, tilting his head at Bill. The man ran a hand through his hair, which had calmed down from the initial burst into flame. He took out the hair tie, allowing for the long locks to drape across his shoulders. Harry didn’t realize that he had been keeping it in a bun. It hung low on his chest, about even with his heart. Bill gave him a smile.

“The hair tie has a subtle illusion on it to conceal the length of the hair to a short ponytail. Mum already tries to cut it at ear length.” Bill rolled his eyes and pulled his hair back, showing the shaved sides. The hair tie returned and Harry watched as the glamour snapped into place. Harry was surprised to find that he missed the longer locks. Bill caught the look and winked at him. “Just ask when you see me and I’d be happy to take it down. My only requirement would be to give a good head rub or braiding it.”

Harry spluttered and leaned forward to hide his face in Bill’s shoulder. It was quiet but Harry was surprised that it was a comfortable silence rather than an awkward one. It felt more natural than he expected. Having only heard some from his siblings and meeting for a bit during the Quidditch World Cup, Harry knew that it was his instincts telling him that Bill was safe.

“Snape told me that I was being forced into Occlumency lessons once we started the term back up. Dumbledore ordered it.”

Bill sucked in a sharp breath before hissing, “That’s the worst idea I’ve ever heard. Why?”

Harry wouldn’t look at him before Bill directed his gaze back to him with fingers under the chin. 

“Harry? Why is Dumbledore ordering you to learn such a skill? Especially since it’s well known that those with Empathy cannot learn it through traditional methods?”

“I didn’t know that,” Harry whispered. “But it’s because of the visions.”

Bill tilted his head back with a sigh, “The very same ones that had saved Dad.”

There was a note of finality in that. Enough that it made Harry squirm uncomfortably, thinking that Bill was agreeing. The man’s head snapped down and he gave a low rumble to comfort Harry.

“I’m not agreeing, so get that out of your head, spitfire.” Bill soothed, “You have a few days before you return to the castle for classes and I’m assuming the new lessons, right?”

Harry nodded and fiddled with the blanket edges, the action catching Bill’s attention. There was a moment of confusion that crossed the man’s face before it shifted into something of anger. He gently took the hand that still had bandages wrapped around it.

“Harry…” Bill started with a low growl. “Who did this to you? The amount of Black Magic pouring off of this to conceal it…”

“It’s nothing!” Harry snatched it back, knowing that the moment Bill let go of it, he would forget. Except that when he did, Bill did not. His eyes flashed a bright orange color and changed to slits.

“What. Happened?” Bill ground out, “Don’t lie to me. I can tell that you are wounded and that’s some dark magic. Who hurt you?”

Harry whimpered and burst into tears, feeling the relief of someone finally noticing and not forgetting. After months and months of dealing with the open wound and pain, he had begun to grow used to it. No one ever remembered or asked about it.

“Umbridge. It’s her detentions. She makes me use a quill to write lines.”

Harry could feel the shuddering breath of Bill trying to temper his anger, but his Empathy knew absolutely that Bill was close to raging fury. Someone was made on his behalf.

“She’s making you use a Blood Quill for detentions?” Brill growled.

“Since the second day of classes.” Harry admitted. The wounds were very deep now, and would only get worse no matter what he used. “I’ve tried everything but it won’t heal.”

“It won’t heal naturally or with anything magical, until you pull off the Blood Seal that it casts on you and remove the tainted Black Magic. It’s multiple rituals. We don’t have the time to get you to the Goblins either. Not with how heavily watched this house is.”

Bill groaned and ran his fingers through his hair. 

“I’ll talk with the Goblins and see what we can do. They have to be told about what is going on. But with the magic that I can see on this, it will take some time for there to be enough evidence. Do you trust me, Harry? It’s not an immediate solution, but I promise that I will do everything I can to get you relief until those rituals can be cast?”

Harry hesitated, worrying that Bill would forget once they left the room. Bill reached up and pulled out his dragon tooth earring. “Do you see this? This is an enchanted earring that blocks against mental magics. Every Cursebreaker is required to wear something that protects against certain magics. I won’t forget. The magic on that is not strong enough with this protecting me.”

Harry slumped forward and nodded, “I trust you.”

“Good boy,” Bill praised, pressing a soft kiss to Harry’s forehead. “Now, we’ll have to go down to dinner, but I haven’t forgotten about the Occlumency issue. With your Empathy, I fear that lessons would be difficult for you. But adding in Snape and his known behavior, I don’t trust it. After dinner, I’ll be leaving to talk to the Goblins. I’m going to get you something to help protect your mental shields.”

Harry played with the gemstone stud that was in his left ear, right at the top cartilage. It was a beautiful emerald and had garnered some questions, but Sirius had been proud to take the blame for that. Which ended up being the most heated argument between him and Mrs. Weasley to date. Sirius had confided that it had been a good row and was completely worth it since Bill had spoken to them about the gift and why he needed it. 

It had been a few weeks since School resumed and he had received only one letter from Bill. It had taken a bit of work to get the Goblins to move on investigating. Bill was in the area the next few days to give his testimony about what he witnessed from Harry’s hand and then had cornered the twins when they showed the same magic.

Bill would send a letter to Harry in the next day or two to let him know about the Goblins’ decision and the actions that would be taken against the woman. It was pretty straight cut, from what Bill had written, but it still required going through Goblin Courts and legalities.

“Enter.” Snape’s voice sent Harry’s instincts on edge. 

He had come from Umbridge’s “lesson” and was set to undergo another mental torture lesson. Courtesy of the man who hated him more than he’d even hated his father.

Harry stepped forward and had just enough time to close the door before he was sent careening to his knees from the force of the spell crashing into him. He cried out in pain as his knees slammed into the cold stone floor and at the feel of the battering ram that was Snape’s mental attack.

Flashes of memories began to surface. Everything that would be humiliating to him. The times at the Dursley’s and Dudley’s Harry Hunting. Times when his magic got out of control. The longer it went on and the more he tried pushing him out, the hotter the earring got in his ear.

At some point, Harry could feel him dig deeper into his mental shields, shattering the small amount of natural barriers that he had. Blood began to pour down his face from where his body could no longer take it. Harry tried his best to focus on the positive things that the book Bill had sent him talked about. Like the Patronus, shields worked better if they were supported with happier memories and emotions. Especially with him being an Empath. That would be his easiest way to work with building shields and strengthening them.

Everything shattered and Harry heard a familiar sound. One that had happened each time he had been under strain. With the Dementors and with the Ritual from Voldemeort’s resurrection. The crack of something within. Snape snarled and tried again, slamming his mind against Harry’s. There was a flash and everything slowed down to play out the scene of Harry laying with his Rock. They were happy and all of his Dragel features were out.

“Dragel? You’re a Dragel?” Snape snarled in surprise before casting once more. This time it was pointed at any information about Dragels. Memory after memory poured faster than Harry could keep up with. Once again, there was a flash of memory of his time with Theo in the library, both of them comfortable and laughing. The next was a memory of sitting with his Rock, the dark wings of the Earth Dragel stretched out. 

There was a moment where his Rock reached out and cupped his cheek, just taking the moment to stare at him. Harry smiled up at him, feeling the growing connection between them. Harry took that memory and latched on with everything that he had.

It felt like knives tearing through his mind as Snape tried to force more of the soul bond dream forward. Tried to reveal the face of his suitor. There was a moment where his body went slack before it was alight with liquid fire. There was a pressure building up and Harry latched onto the memory of his Rock and then the quick flash of Bill cupping his cheek the same way. The two Dragel men who cared for him in different ways.

The pressure built up and he felt it rush out in a wave, his mind and soul calling out to the ones who made him feel safe. Cracks were heard as he let out the Soulcry for his potential Bonded. He needed them. He couldn’t take it any longer.

EARTH REALM : GRINGOTTS LONDON : BILL WEASLEY

“Order, I Say!” There was a loud thunk of a weapon hitting the ground.

Bill winced at the flurry of cursing from the Goblins around him. He was stuck in the midst of their argument of getting into the affairs of wizards. Though the other side was arguing that they broke it by using a Goblin artefact on children. Back and forth it had gone for days. Nothing had budged much, but as a witness to at least three cases of it being used, he had to attend the full Judgement.

It had gotten late when they broke off for the evening meal. Bill was standing to the side, speaking with one of his older mentors from his Cursebreaker training. The old Goblin was needed to pledge on behalf of Bill. Even with the many years of service for the Nation, and their revealing the three-fold suppression releasing his Dragel, he still needed to be vouched for.

“Tell me about the boy.”

Bill choked on his drink, not expecting that line of conversation.

“You would not have gone to the lengths you did to push this issue if it wasn’t for your siblings alone. So tell me about the youngling that caught your attention.”

Bill sighed and set the plate down, thinking of his little green eyed troublemaker with a fond smile. “He’s a Dragel Submissive. Inherited early, right after the Triwizard Tournament too. He’s friends with my younger siblings.”

“And that tells me nothing, Weasley. I’m vouching for you so I need a bit more than just that. Give me the dirt.”

“He’s a Nameless Submissive, with a talent for Empathy and Mage Sight. You probably know him.”

“Me? Know a little brat? I doubt it, Weasley.”

Bill chuckled, “You know him as Harry Potter.”

“Potter?!” The Goblin almost shouted in surprise. He bared his teeth, “There’s been some interesting talk about the Potter Heir.”

Bill nodded his head, “So I’ve started hearing.”

“You’re in for some trouble, though with all of this about the Judgement, you should have guessed that.”

The red head laughed and picked up his plate, “I think that he would be very interesting to be around. You should hear some of the stories my siblings have told me over the years.”

Bill tried to take a bite, but the plate dropped from his hands. He felt a large pull on his magic before a wave of Soul Magic swept through the area. The Goblins all paused, before eyes slid over to where Bill had stumbled. He clutched at his chest. His eyes raised in panic to meet with his old mentor’s. “Soul Magic. Harry. Hogwarts.”

That was all that he could get out before the Soul Magic snagged the potential soul bond with Bill and swept him away in a flash of light.

NEVARAH REALM : CROWN ROYAL QUARTERS : CROWN PRINCE RASPEN

Raspen sighed and shuffled through the stack of paperwork that had been dropped on his desk. There was a chuckle from the Gheyo that stood at the door. Raspen gave him a rude gesture in retaliation, knowing that his friend would find it funny. The burst of laughter in response was exactly what he expected.

“Aren’t you ready to get to sleep, Your Highness?”

“Really Jas, you’re still refusing to call me Raspen or Ras even after knowing each other since we were kids?”

The Gheyo shifted, leaning onto the tall metal spear in his hand. “You know that I have to follow protocol.”

Raspen waved him off, deciding it wasn’t worth the fight at the moment. All he wanted was to return to his chambers and hope that his precious little Submissive was doing the same. He had been missing him in the months since they last spoke. He figured that the time difference between the two Realms was large enough it made it hard to sync up their dreams.

“Daydreaming again?” Jas teased.

Raspen threw a wad of paper at him in response.

It was some time before the monotony of the paperwork was broken up.

A chime rang through the room as a message bubble popped up. Raspen eyed it while Jas shifted to be closer. 

“Incoming transmission from Councilman Terius Baronsworth. Accept?”

Raspen sighed, feeling the tension drop onto his shoulders. The Councilman had been working with them to hunt down suspicious activity. If he recalled correctly, Terius would have been on the Earth Realm.

“Accept.”

The bubble popped and the image grew to show Terius’ stressed face, “Your Highness. Thank you for taking my message. I couldn’t reach Princess Dawne and this couldn’t wait.”

Raspen sat forward and waved Jas closer so that the Gheyo could hear, in case there was an emergency.

“Report. I will deliver it to Princess Dawne myself.”

There was a sigh of relief, “Thank you, Your Highness. I’ve been keeping an eye on the situation here on Earth. I’ve made reports to Princess Dawne about a few cases where Mentors had not arrived to their charges Inheritances. In particular, there’s a Nameless Submissive with Empathy talent that is struggling. I have been helping where I can but I am not able to give him the proper attention a Mentor can provide.”

Raspen swore, “You said that you had spoken with Princess Dawne about this?”

Terius shook his head, “That was my report this evening. It’s been confirmed that there is no trace of mentors for a few Inherited Dragels and there’s some suspicious activity that I fear may be Torvak in nature. There’s been signs.”

“Torvak?! On Earth?” Raspen growled. Jas rumbled as well, his grip on his spear tight.

“That’s what I fear. It reeks of their meddling and magic. I haven’t found concrete evidence of it yet but there’s too much too clean. The Headmaster makes me wary and I do not trust his motives with the students. I will work to keep the reports—”

The bubble flickered and the two watched as Terius’ face shifted into horror. His head was facing away from the bubble. 

“Soulcry. Someone just gave a Soulcry in the castle.”

Terius turned his attention back to the bubble.

“Do you need me to send a Suite to you? Is there danger?”

Before Terius could answer, the message rippled again. But this time, the magic washed through the room. Raspen and Jas stared at it in shock, not expecting the Soul Magic to make it through a message bubble. But Raspen gasped and clutched his chest.

“That’s not possible. I have blocks… and it’s not a soulscream?”

He gasped as another wave of the magic hit him. The bubble fizzled out with a shocked Terius’ face fading away. Raspen staggered to the side, feeling the beginnings of a portal form. He looked to Jas, “Call for help. I don’t know how, but I’m being called.”

“I will follow momentarily, Your Highness. Let go, Ras.”

A flash of light was all that was left of the room.

EARTH REALM : HOGWARTS : POTIONS ROOM : BILL

Bill landed in a crouch, his wings stretched and wand out in preparation for what was to come. The Cry lingered around them, but faded faster than he expected. Instead, it was the tortured screams coming from Harry that had him running for the small Submissive. Blood poured from his ears and nose, while Snape stood with his wand pointed at him. Bill tossed a spell at the man, knowing that it wouldn’t land.

The spell was broken the moment that Harry was lifted into strong arms.

“I’ve got you, spitfire. You’re safe now.”

EARTH REALM : HOGWARTS : TERIUS’ PERSONAL QUARTERS : RASPEN

Raspen braced himself for the harsh landing, but wasn’t expecting to land in the same room as Terius. In fact, he had expected to land next to the Submissive that had managed to call him through Seals. 

“Where did it come from?”

Terius stood up at his appearance and bowed slightly. “I’m not sure, but if you follow the magic, we may be able to find the origin. The castle is quite large.”

“You mentioned that there is a Submissive in the castle? Are they the only ones?”

Terius thought for a moment before his features morphed into one of anger.

“Severus.”

“Severus?”

Terius snarled, “The only Submissive in the castle, who goes by Harry Potter, has lessons tonight with the resident Potion’s Master.”

He was already beginning to run out the door, Raspen on his heels. “Harry doesn’t know that his godfather told me about it, but Harry is supposed to be having lessons in Occlumency. I didn’t make the connection with his Empathy talent.”

“A Nameless Submissive with an Empathy talent is being put through Occlumency lessons? Who is the one that authorized this?”

“The Headmaster,” Terius whispered, looking around at the portraits. He cursed, “We best hurry. The portraits report to the Headmaster. We won’t have much time before he learns the truth. We were avoiding that.”

Raspen hissed and his wings flexed at the idea of his Submissive being in more danger than the situation that pulled the Soulcry out.

Terius pulled up short and stepped closer to the Crowned Prince, “I didn’t think. We are able to port in here. The wards don’t stop portals. Just their form of travel.”

“Temptrificus Portgas. Immediate Vicinity. Harry Potter.”

EARTH REALM : HOGWARTS : POTION’S ROOM 

Harry sighed in relief and rested his head against his shoulder. His body was still shuddering with the lingering pain of the mental attack. Bill was using his wings to protect him while Snape tried his best to break through the wards that he had thrown up around them. The Potion’s Master had shifted into his own Dragel form, snarling at the interference. Harry could barely make out the words.

“I have you, Harry. You’re safe now.”

Harry whined and bumped his head against Bill’s chin.

“I know, this is confusing. I want to see who else you called and I have to figure out what to do with Snape.”

Bill pulled him closer, shifting so that they were sitting on the floor instead of crouched awkwardly. Spells rang off the shield, sounding like ringing gongs. 

“They’ll hold up for a bit, but with his increasing use of Darker magics, I’m not sure how long. Can you stand or do you need me to carry you?”

“Carry, please. I don’t think I’ll be able to stand.” Harry wiped at his still bleeding nose. “I think I need to see Madam Pomphrey.”

“I think we need to take you to proper Healers, spitfire. Madam Pomphrey is not capable of healing this level of damage.”

Harry winced and was about to reply when the doors to the room blasted inward. Standing on the other side were two men. One he recognized as Teacher Terius and the other a handsome Dragel that had the most beautiful wings. Harry squinted, trying to get a better look, but Bill hissed and wrapped his wings around closer. Both Dragels took one look at Bill cradling someone in his arms under his wings to the other Dragel that was snarling spells that crashed against the shield protecting the two.

“Freeze!” The unfamiliar voice rumbled. The magic behind the command rolled through the room and stalled Snape enough that Harry could see Teacher Terius’ spell hit him square on. The Potion’s Master went down with magic wrapped around him in a restraint. While Teacher Terius took care of the one who had attacked Harry, the newest Dragel cautiously approached the shields.

“I’m not here to harm. I was called in by the Soulcry.”

Bill opened his wings, allowing Harry to see the Dragel fully.

He took one look at the wings and the way that he held himself and Harry knew. He gave a surprised trill and then tried his best to stand up. Both Bill and the older Dragel tried to steady him. Harry batted the hands away before stumbling to stand in front of the one who had also been called to him.

“My Rock?”

The Dragel sucked in a breath before his face transformed into one of happiness and relief, “My Treasure. My beautiful gem.”

Harry lurched forward and slammed into the Dragel that had been haunting his dreams for the last six months or more. “You came!”

“Of course I came. You pulled me through the realms on a Soulcry, precious.”

Harry broke down in his arms and cried, feeling the relief and anxiety drain out of him as the Earth Dragel’s magic grounded him. His calm demeanor made it easier on his frayed Empathy and nerves. He held on tight as his potential soul bonded picked him up and carried him from the room.

Harry could see Bill following, a perplexed look on his face. They made it further down the hall and into another room, this one set up like a lecture hall. 

“There’s going to be portals incoming, I expect. They’ll most likely be bringing some Healers with them. If not, we will work to get you to a Healer as soon as possible. But before they arrive, I think some introductions may help.”

Harry blushed and nodded, twiddling with his thumbs. It was silent for an awkward moment before Bill chuckled.

“William Weasley. I go by Bill most times. I’m Fire Dragel and work as a Cursebreaker for Gringotts.” He held out his hand and Harry watched as the two shook hands. Bill motioned to Harry for him to go next.

“I’m Harry Potter. I’ve been told to say I’m a Nameless Submissive.” Harry stuttered as the door opened, revealing Teacher Terius and Sirius.

“Pup!” The man ran over, grabbing him into a strong hug.

“Papa,” Harry could feel the sense of relief wash over him. His family and others were here. He was safe. “I couldn’t handle it anymore. It hurt so bad and then Bill showed up.”

“I’ve heard. Terius caught me up when I came through.”

Harry tilted his head, “How did you get here so fast?”

“There’s a fireplace in the office attached to the Potions Room. I called him through the Floo when I needed backup and Harry needed his Godfather.”

“Thank you, Teacher Terius.” Harry gave him a smile before burying his face in the familiar scent of his Godfather. 

Bill and Sirius shook hands while the rest looked to the last occupant.

“Crown Prince Raspen. Earth Element. Usually I would say that I take the Royal rank, but I believe that may not be the rank I need to take.”

“Crown Prince?” Sirius whistled. He looked down at Harry who gaped at Raspen. “You don’t do things by half, do you pup?”

Harry gave a huff and crossed his arms. 

“Treasure?”

Harry blushed and stepped away from Sirius to come closer to Raspen.

“You really are my Rock?”

There was a snort from Sirius, which earned him a glare from Harry. He held his hands up in surrender before taking up a place next to the doors.

“I am. We’ll have to look into how you called me through yourSoulcry, but for now we need to get you to safety and figure out where to go once you get seen by Healers. I suspect that portals will be coming any minute now. My disappearance isn’t going to be taken lightly.”

Harry watched as Sirius and Terius talked next to the door before focusing on the man in front of him.

“I’m just happy to finally meet you.”

Raspen held out his arms, giving Harry the chance to step in for a hug. He didn’t waste an opportunity. Harry purred the moment the familiar arms wrapped around him.

“You have Alpha potential.” Raspen stated, eyeing Bill. The redhead nodded his head in response, crossing his arms over his chest.

“I do. Though I have not done anything to bring it forward. No reason to, when I’ve been on dig sites most of the time.”

Raspen frowned, “Someone will have to take the Alpha role. I cannot due to my connection with Nevarah.”

“I don’t think I would be a match for Alpha. I was not raised with Dragel culture. My mother did a three-fold suppression. I’ve only been unsuppressed for less than a decade.” Bill shifted and leaned against a table. He could see Harry soaking up the grounding magic of the Earth Dragel and chuckled. He was happy that the Submissive could relax for once. 

“This is unorthodox. There should be an Alpha and a Beta.”

“Everything around me is unorthodox. Nothing ever goes right,” Harry grouched. “Trouble always follows me where I go.”

“He’s not wrong,” Bill agreed. “I know the stories too. He’s a trouble magnet. If I didn’t know better, I would say that he’s been Chaos or Mayhem Blessed. Or even Luck Blessed.”

Harry pouted and stuck his tongue out at Bill, knowing that the man was right but didn’t like it. Bill bopped him on the nose before straightening. “Portals. I can see the magic forming.” 

Raspen raised a brow,  “Impressive.”

Bill gave him a smirk before making his way down to the floor area where the portals were beginning to form. Raspen followed along with the other two men that had been standing guard. The light from the portals faded to reveal a full Gheyo Suite and a few others. Three Kalzik Healers were with the Gheyos, while Raspen recognized Jas standing with Princess Ebony.

“Raspen? Oh thank Saurenth, you are okay. When the alarm went up into the Earth Courts, I ran to see if I could be of help. Your parents are worried.”

“Ebony,” He pulled her into a brief hug before stepping back. “It was a Soulcry. I was on a message call with  Councilman Baronsworth when I got pulled through.”

“A Soulcry? But we’re Sealed from being called even by Soulscreams,” she looked confused and Raspen couldn’t blame her for it. “How?”

“I’m not sure, but we’ll have to look into it. I see the Kalziks were sent.” Raspen waved over the others that were standing near. “Welcome. Thank you for your prompt appearance.”

“Your Highness, we were summoned for a potential emergency?” The woman in green stepped forward. 

Harry peered out around Raspen and waved, “That would be my fault. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize, pup. It’s not your fault.” Sirius stepped forward so that he could stand with Harry and his two Intended. “My Godson was being forced to take Occlumency lessons from a man known to antagonize him. We weren’t given a choice. Terius has the man in question contained for the Gheyos to take into custody.”

“Occlumency for a Submissive? What an absurd notion.” The Healer stepped forward and motioned for Harry to come closer. “What is your name, dear? Mine is Surajini Kalzik.”

“Harry Potter, but you can call me just Harry.”

She gave him a smile while the others moved off to the side to continue their conversation. “Would you be willing to let me do some scans?”

Harry nodded, “Of course. Although, I was told that I should mention that I’m a Nameless Submissive with Empathy and Magic Sensitivity.”

“Oh, aren’t you a lovely one? That’s perfectly fine. Let’s get a scan of things and go from there. Can you tell me what happened?”

Harry nodded and explained all that had been happening since the end of Fourth Year. The feelings of shattering to the multiple Dementor attacks. He even tried to show her the Blood Quill wound, but Bill had come over to explain how they worked and it wouldn’t be able to be dealt with until the Seal was broken. Over the course of Harry talking, there were many frowns or outright angry expressions from various people.

“Well, it looks like the scan is finally complete. I just want to do a general health scan to see if you can handle a portal to Nevarah. We can do a deeper scan and further healing when we get there.”

Harry shrugged, “I should be fine. I’ve had worse.”

There were hisses in response to his flippant attitude. He gave them a side eye before focusing on Surajini. She was looking just as upset but the other two in Healer’s garb were keeping her calm. The woman turned to the small group around Harry.

“Frankly, there are more issues than I care to discuss at present time. We need to get him off this Realm.”

“Surajini,” One of the others, who Harry learned was her Bonded, hissed. “There’s more to it than that.”

She turned to him and pointed a finger, “Don’t you Surajini me, Hiram. This is a mess and it’s going to have multiple Hunts and you know it. But this isn’t the time or place to have this conversation.”

“Multiple Hunts?” Princess Ebony cut in. “What do you mean?”

“Harry has signs of having more than thirteen Seals on him at one point. Thirteen. And he Inherited early. That’s not including Basilisk venom and Pheonix tears in his bloodstream. There’s remnants of shattered Seals. A Blood Seal with open wounds. We need to get him off this Realm and to Nevarah where he will be safe and can be healed.”

Harry watched as most of the heads turned to look at him in shock and horror. The Gheyo Suite had all growled or hissed the longer she talked. He just shrugged and looked at Sirius.

“Are we leaving now?”

Sirius barked out a laugh and turned to Raspen, “That’s up to your new Intended. He makes that call. If you leave one of those lovely Gheyos behind, I can follow with Remus. And deal with all of the Gringotts vaults.”

“If Harry is safe to travel, then we can.” Raspen stood up but Hiram pulled him aside, whispering in his ear. Raspen cleared his throat and flushed. “Right. Thank you, Hiram. Bill, Harry, can I talk to you in private?”

The three walked over to the corner of the room where they had privacy while the others made the preparation for the large Portal. 

“We need to close the open soul bonds.”

Harry flushed bright and stuttered while Bill hummed. Raspen focused his attention on Bill, knowing that it was between them to figure out the ranks.

“We can’t leave the Triad open for too long. I cannot be Alpha with my Crown title. You are choosing not to take the Alpha position.” 

Harry leaned against Bill, who threw an arm around his shoulders. There was a yawn and both of the older men softened at the sight. Harry had been through enough and the Soulcry would have taken a lot of his energy.

“Can we make it with you taking Beta? I know that could be an option.”

Raspen thought for a moment, “I could fill that role. If that is something you wouldn’t mind. Though, I am not sure what rank you would be taking.”

“Advisor. I can step into that position easily with my experience and it won’t tip the power balance too far.” 

“That… might work. I hadn’t thought of the Advisor rank.”

Bill shrugged, “I think it would work the best. I’m not much of a full rank and I know there are many others that can fill the Alpha role much better. At least as an Advisor I can be useful.”

Harry frowned at that and poked Bill in the ribs, “You’re mine. Not something to be used, Bill. You’re perfect how you are.”

Bill gazed down at Harry with a soft expression, “Of course, spitfire. I appreciate you telling me that.”

Harry blushed and mumbled a ‘you’re welcome’.

“Then we are in agreement that we need to have Harry Hunt for an Alpha?”

Both looked to Harry who stared back at them with wide eyes. “You mean I have to have more?”

Raspen groaned. Right. He forgot that his Submissive didn’t have a Mentor. Bill was bent over in a fit of laughter while Harry scolded him for laughing at him. At least this beginning of a Circle would prove interesting.