The Boy Who Disappeared

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
August 2000

"This is so exciting," Hadrian exclaimed bouncing up and down. Bella was standing next to him holding his hand. She was bouncing as well.

"Yeah, it is. I can't believe that it is finally time to start Ilvermorny, an honest to goodness school for magic," Bella said just as excitedly.

Hadrian turned eleven a week ago and Bella would be eleven in September. It was finally time to really start their magical education. Hadrian was going to stick to the Ilvermorny book lists. His dads had looked over the recommended books when Bella had gotten her letter and decided that it was a good starting point.

"I know. I just wish we were going to school together, but at least we get to shop together. Thanks, Mr. Swan," Hadrian turned and looked at the sheriff.

The man had taken the day off so that he could spend the day with his daughter and the others shopping for her first year of school. Renee, Bella's mom, had agreed that letting Bella do her shopping with them would be the best since they had a lot more experience with all things magical.

"Of course, Hadrian. It took very little effort to convince her mom to let her do her shopping with you," Charlie told him.

They were all standing in Severus' office at the house and getting ready to floo to his shop. They were going to start there. Severus had already picked out everything that both of them would need for their potions work.

He was in the best position to get them all of the highest quality equipment. The kids just didn't know it yet. It was a surprise. He had also gotten them a full range of the best ingredients and even some rare ones. Hadrian was turning out to be quite excellent at potions. Bella would pass but she most likely would never be a master.

"All right, let's go," Regulus said with a smile.

Today it would just be Charlie, Regulus, Hadrian, and Bella. Remus had taken Cassy and Cori to the bookshop with him, Sirius was working a case that he couldn't take time away from, and Severus was working today because he was currently between apprentices. They flooed to Severus' work office and Hadrian happily greeted his papa with a hug.

"Hey, Papa," Hadrian said in greeting. He noticed the two packages that were sitting on the desk with his and Bella’s names on them. "What are those?"

"This is a gift for you and Isabella. I took the liberty of purchasing the best potion supplies for both of you for the new school year," Severus told them. Hadrian smiled and Bella squealed and hugged him.

"Thank you, Sev," Bella called out.

"Thank you, Papa," Hadrian joined in.

"Both of you are welcome, now those packages can stay here until you are finished shopping and then you can grab them before you head back to the house," Severus told them.

Severus kissed both Regulus and Hadrian and sent them on their way to get their shopping done. The trip was mostly for Bella. She would need to get fitted for robes and get a trunk among other things that she would need for school that Hadrian would not.

"I think the first place we need to stop is the bank. I need to exchange more currency," Charlie stated.

"Sounds good, let's go," Regulus stated. "Actually, Bella you are going to be allowed an owl or another pet to take with you to school. Why don't you kids head to the Menagerie and take a look around while we are at the bank?"

"That sounds like a great idea," Charlie added.

"Thanks, Dad," Hadrian called, and then he and Bella were running for the menagerie.

"You know, you are going to be taking home a pet today right?" Charlie pointed out to Reggie.

"Oh, I know. He has been asking for a pet lately, Sev and I have already talked about it. If he finds one that he wants we are going to let him get it," Regulus told him. The two men continued on their way to the bank just as the kids made it to the menagerie.

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

Regulus knew as soon as they walked into the menagerie that Severus was going to kill him. Hadrian was cuddling two small puppies. Both were solid white and very fluffy. Regulus could feel the magic from the puppies almost immediately and knew there was more to them then what they seemed.

“Toldy you,” Charlie whispered as he headed past Regulus to find Bella in the menagerie. Regulus chuckled before approaching Hadrian.

"Dad, I know you and Papa talked about letting me get a pet. Can I get them both? They are Koma-Inu, I read about them last year in one of the new books at Uncle Mooney's bookshop. They are always in pairs dad. One female and one male. They are guardian dogs. Please?" Hadrian begged. He had seen them and felt drawn to them the moment they had stepped into the menagerie.

"How much did you read about them?" Regulus asked taking one of the puppies. They were incredibly cute and really soft. Hadrian grinned when his dad held the puppy close for a moment. That was as good as a yes.

"Everything. I thought they were pretty cool and so I got another book about them the next time we came to the alley. Uncle Siri was with me. I still have both books at home. Plus, the owner here said he has a booklet that he put together when he purchased them. I promise I will be completely responsible for them," Hadrian told his dad.

"Let me see the booklet. I will look at it while Bella makes her choice," Regulus told Hadrian.

He immediately handed the booklet over. Hadrian took the other fluffy puppy back from Regulus and sat in the open area that the menagerie had near the register for select pets to run around it. Right now, there were no animals in it so Hadrian sat in the little space and played with the little puppies while his dad looked over the booklet. Hadrian really hoped he said yes.

It wasn't even five minutes later that Regulus came over and told Hadrian that he could have the puppies.

"But you are going to be completely responsible for them. You will feed them, bathe them, and be responsible for potty training them. If you cannot take care of them properly then you will be responsible for rehoming them. They are going to be end up being very big dogs probably bigger than Uncle Siri as Padfoot. Or even Uncle Mooney. Do you understand, Hadrian?" Regulus told the boy.

"Yes, Dad. I promise that I will take care of them. They eat a special food that has real meat in it. The menagerie sells it. Thank you, Dad. Thank you so much. Papa won't be mad will he? Should we ask him first? He did only agree to one," Hadrian asked cautiously. He wanted both puppies, but he didn't want his Papa to be upset with them. Regulus ruffled his hair.

"You are such a good boy, Hadrian. Your Papa won’t get mad. He will understand when we give him the booklet and explain why we got two. He will be even happier about it as long as you do what you are supposed to and take care of them properly," Regulus told him.

"Thank you, Dad. I won't let you or Papa down," Hadrian promised.

Bella had already picked out her new owl and all of the things to go with it. So, she helped Hadria to get collars, leashes, and other accessories that they would need. Hadrian and Bella slipped the collars on the puppies and attached the leashes. Hadrian was so happy. They paid for everything that they got and Hadrian also purchased two name tags that would engrave themselves once he had decided on names for the puppies.

They thought about names while they did their shopping. They had gone through so many and when they had bought everything they needed except their wands Bella finally had an idea.

"Oh, Hades, what about naming them after that anime that we watch at my house sometimes? The one about the girl who fell through the well," Bella whispered excitedly. They weren’t exactly supposed to be up watching it. The show came on Adult Swim and neither Charlie or Regulus liked it. Hadrian grinned at his best friend.

"Inuyasha, that is perfect. Now which names should we go with? I think for sure Toga for the boy," Hadrian answered excitedly. He had gotten the book to begin with because at the time he was all about that particular anime. How silly not to remember that.

"Yeah, I like Toga. What about Rin or Kimi for the girl?" Bella offered. Hadrian smiled.

"I think Kimi then they will be named after Sesshomaru's parents. So, Toga and Kimi are their names," Hadrian was super excited. Now his puppies had names, and they were getting the last thing on their list.

Their wands.

This was the part that Hadrian was the most excited about. Once September first came around he would be allowed to do magic in his home and within his warded property line without getting in trouble for underage magic. Then he would have to stop again once the end of the school year came around.

Maybe.

His Uncle Siri told him that it would be really hard to tell the difference between his magic and his parent's magic so the ministry would probably overlook it coming from his house.

"Dad, do they have a shop here that makes wands instead of just selling them? I read that personalized wands are better," Hadrian asked. "Bella and I definitely want the better wands." Regulus didn't know the answer to that.

"Let's go in here and ask. I am sure they will know where you can if they don't," Regulus told him. If Hadrian wanted an original made just for him then Regulus was happy to spoil him. He knew his husband would be fine with it also.

"Thanks, Dad," Hadrian said with a grin.

Then they headed into the shop. The shop owner, unfortunately, did not do custom wands but he did know where they could go to get them. They would have to plan a trip to New York. There was a place there that sold the best custom wands. They would talk to the others and maybe make a vacation of it and go for a few days. Regulus happened to know for a fact that Charlie had vacation days available that he never took.

"All right I think that makes us all done for the day. We have all of your school books, quills, inks, parchment, potion accessories, robes, trunks, pets, and everything else. The only thing that both of you need before school starts is a wand. Let's get back to the shop and get home. If you two want to stay for dinner then we can talk about going on vacation next weekend," Regulus offered as they made their way back to the apothecary.

"Dinner sounds great you know I am useless in the kitchen. I will have to work on a replacement for work, though it should be fine," Charlie responded. Bella and Hadrian high-fived.

"Vacation in New York sounds awesome," Hadrian exclaimed.

"Yeah, and hopefully we can see a play. I bet the shopping is awesome too. I really wish that Jake could go with us," Bella said both happy and sad. "He is going to be upset when he finds out that we went on vacation together without him."

"Yeah, you are probably right. But it is against our laws to tell him. He is a muggle, and he can't know about magic. Maybe our dads can think of something to tell them so that he doesn't get his feelings hurt," Hadrian suggested.

"You're right. I am sure our dads can come up with something," Bella agreed.

"We don't have to come up with anything. Harry Clearwater and Billy planned a fishing trip upstate for that weekend. They are taking Jake, Leah, and Seth with them. They will be gone for about four days," Charlie let the kids know.

"See there, nothing to worry about," Regulus added.

"Oh, that's good then," Hadrian said.

He felt better about it now. He really wished that Jake had shown that he had a bit of magic like Bella. It would have been amazing if all of them could have shared this thing together. By this time, they had made it back to Severus who was ready to get off work for the day. He started chuckling when he saw Hadrian come in holding both puppies so that they didn't cause a mess in the shop.

"So, we have two new puppies then," Severus asked. Hadrian smiled and nodded.

"Dad said you wouldn't mind. Their species lives better when there are two," Hadrian told his Papa.

"Hadrian has a few books at home about them. He also has a booklet that the shop owner gave him. He knows the rules of having them and what will happen if he doesn't take care of them," Regulus assured Severus.

"They are very fluffy, Sirius and the girls are going to love them. What are their names?" Severus asked Hadrian.

"This little boy here is Toga, and the little girl is Kimi. Thank you for letting me keep them, Papa," Hadrian answered.

"You are welcome, Dear One. Those are good names as well. Let me lock the door and then we can head home," Severus let them know. Hadrian and the others all headed to the back room to wait so that they were not in the way.

"Dad, are you going to invite Uncle Mooney, Uncle Siri, and the girls to dinner tonight too? We are going to get them to go on vacation with us aren't we?" Hadrian asked.

"Yeah, I am going to send Kreacher over to invite them when we get to the house," Regulus assured Hadrian.

"They are going to love Toga and Kimi," Hadrian said excitedly.

They hung around the back and waited for Severus to finish up. He was currently alone. His last Apprentice had just passed his master’s finally and had been offered a job with the hospital and had taken it, so currently Severus was apprentice-free. Regulus would suggest he get Kira to come and watch over the shop for him when they go out of town. She had offered to come and help him during the summer if he needed it.

Ten minutes later they were all flooing back home and Charlie told Regulus that he and Bella were gonna run home and drop all of her stuff off. They would be back before dinner was ready. Regulus sent Kreacher to invite Siri and Remus to dinner and came back with a confirmation that they were going to be there. So Kreacher got busy setting up a dinner for them all.

Hadrian was excited to set up a place for his puppies in his room. Severus also agreed to put in doggie doors for them so that they could run in and out of the house. He also made adjustments to the wards so that the puppies couldn't leave them unless they were taken out. They would not be able to run any further than the ward lines. Hadrian fed them and then took them outside to do their business before bringing them back in and playing with them in the living room. They were still pretty small.

"Daddy, look puppies," Hadrian heard a squeal from the front of the house. He looked up to see Cori running towards them. Cassy wasn't far behind.

"Wow, Hades did you get them today?" Cassy asked. Hadrian nodded.

He knew they would love them. Harry watched as the twins took off and the puppies took off after them. He could see in his Uncle Siri's face that he wanted to join in but was trying to be a grown-up. Hadrian laughed when Uncle Mooney leaned down and whispered something to him and then Uncle Siri was suddenly a very large black dog and was running around with the puppies and his daughters.

"Hey Hades, we are back," Bella called from the front door. She and Charlie were dodging puppies and kids on their way into the living room. "I can't wait until we can learn to be Animagus also." Harry nodded in agreement.

He planned on learning as soon as he could with his parent's permission of course. Hadrian had already been warned that Uncle Siri was not going to be his example of readiness because he had done it illegally with only other teenagers to help him if something had gone wrong.

"The legal age to learn is sixteen here. So, we only have to wait five more years before we can learn. That is also the year that we could get a creature inheritance if it’s something that runs in your family and you have strong enough magic to survive the transition,” Hadrian told her.

“A creature inheritance? What is that?” Bella asked as they continued to watch the others run around the house playing.

“I asked my dad about it a few months ago when I read about it. He said we have a few different types of creatures in our family lines but that no one has inherited in a few generations. He thinks we bred it out of our family because the purebloods thought of it as an impurity. My Papa says he thinks there might be a creature inheritance in his mother's line also but he doesn't know how that will work since I am blood-adopted and not his by birth," Hadrian explained to his best friend.

"That's pretty cool. So, we did that inheritance thing that you were talking about before. My mom took me in Florida. Apparently, my mom and dad are both descended from squib lines," Bella told Hadrian. "You think that means I could get a creature inheritance?"

"I don't know. My parents don't think I will because of how long it has been since anyone had one and I am a pureblood. So, I think maybe the chances of you having one are even less," Hadrian told her.

"Yeah, probably. It would be cool though. If we did, we wouldn't have to learn to be Animagus," Bella giggled. Hadrian grinned.

"It would be cool. I did ask my dad to help me research what types of creatures we have in our bloodline and my Papa's line too. You know just in case. The Prince line has Neko, which mostly only the women inherit. Papa says that the last Prince to inherit was his great-grandmother," Hadrian started.

"Oh, so like they had ears and tails and stuff like cats?" Bella asked. Hadrian nodded.

"Yeah, and on my Dad's side of the family, so far we have found Neko, Dark Kitsune, Drake, and Dark Veela. He thinks that might be it. That anything else would be too far back to research. I guess I will have to wait until I am sixteen to see if I get lucky enough to inherit anything," Hadrian explained.

"That would be pretty cool. I will definitely make sure that I am here for your sixteenth birthday so that I can see. Not that I plan on missing any of your birthdays," Bella added.

"All right boys, girls, and mutts," Regulus said as he stepped into the living room. "Dinner is ready. Everyone under twelve go and wash up, then get to the table." Bella and Hadrian went to the sink in the kitchen while Remus took the twins to the downstairs bathroom. Pretty quickly they were all sitting at the table enjoying a delicious dinner.

After dinner, it was decided that they would definitely be taking that vacation. Siri had just finished the case he had been working on today and just wouldn't take a new one until they were back. Remus had a lady who worked for him who could run things while they were gone. Charlie just needed to let his deputy know that he would be on his own that weekend and Severus would call Kira. She had just asked Severus last week if he needed any help because she hated being bored through the summer.

So, it was decided, they would be going to New York for at least the weekend next week. The kids were going to order wands the first day there so that the wandmaker had time to get it done while they were in town. Then, they would make a list of the things that everyone was interested in doing or seeing and try to hit as many as possible. It was going to be great.

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

Hadrian and Bella took off through the very large house that they had just portkeyed into. It was of course right in the middle of a very nice neighborhood in New York City. It was Friday afternoon, and they would be staying through Sunday evening.

The first thing on their agenda was to pick rooms and settle in. Hadrian and Bella had convinced their parents that they could room together. So, when they came across one of the upstairs rooms with two twin sized beds in it they claimed it. Hadrian took Toga and Kimi off their leashes and let them run around the room to get a feel for it.

Hadrian could hear Cassy and Cori doing the same thing in the room across from them. It had bunk beds and Hadrian could hear Sirius having a cow about how unsafe it was for them. Remus was chuckling and reminding Sirius that they weren't babies and that it was perfectly fine for them to sleep on bunk beds. Finally, after soothing from Remus and begging from the girls, Sirius gave in and let them stay in the room.

"Your Uncle is a bit like my dad. He has always been extra cautious with me. He lets you get away with more stuff because you are a boy. Uncle Siri is the same way. He first moved here when we were five. He let you get away with all kinds of stuff that made Reggie lose his mind," Bella laughed.

"Yeah, it is funny to see Uncle Siri like that with the girls. We still do crazy stuff and pull pranks that makes my Dad loose it. Then he is so cautious with the girls, and everyone thinks it is hilarious," Hadrian nodded.

He was about to start unpacking his suitcase when Kreacher popped in quietly and did it for both him and Bella. Hadrian laughed when the elf put up a finger to his mouth to shush Hadrian and Bella.

"Kreacher you were supposed to stay at home," Hadrian whispered with a grin.

Kreacher spoiled Hadrian more than his parents ever had. He was always sneaking Hadrian extra sweets or helping him get away with stuff. Like now. Kreacher was supposed to stay home and have a vacation of his own with everyone gone. But Kreacher was sneaking around to still help Hadrian with his stuff. Hadrian wouldn't be surprised if Kreacher came every day to turn his bed down like he did at home and such. Dad was going to be mad if he found out.

"Kreacher thinks Master Regulus is being very cruel to make Kreacher stay home and take a stay at home cation. Kreacher enjoys taking care of family. So Kreacher will take care of Little Master and Little Master's friend. Kreacher knows Little Master won't tell," Kreacher whispered with a grin. "Now shoo and go have fun."

Hadrian hugged Kreacher and then he and Bella were off to explore the rest of the house. It was pretty big and really nice. All of the bedrooms were upstairs, and the adults had already put all of their things away, with magic of course. Remus had done the twin's things and his and Siri's, Papa had done theirs, and Dad had done Charlie's.

"Did you two already get your things put away?" Regulus asked as he came downstairs to see the two of them checking out the game room. Hadrian looked up and grinned.

"Yeah, Dad our stuff was put away really quickly we were excited to explore," Hadrian told Reggie.

See not a lie but he also didn't say that they had been the ones to put it away. Listening to Uncle Siri had taught him that little trick. On how not to admit to something but not lying either. Regulus gave the two of them a bit of a look like he didn't quite believe it but let it go. Hadrian and Bella went back to exploring.

"We are going to leave in about twenty minutes to head to the wand maker. Get your pups ready to go," Regulus said before leaving the room.

"Ok, Dad," Hadrian called behind him, and then he and Bella finished looking around the first floor quickly before heading upstairs to get the puppies and their leashes.

Couldn't have them running around leash-free in New York City. They had also picked a house that would make it easy for them to walk to most places. They didn't want to risk too much magical travel in New York if they were not in the magical district. There were so many people and they didn't want to draw any unwanted attention to themselves.

They were going to try and be as discreet as possible. New York was a very large and popular tourist attraction for Wixen as well as muggles. He figured the chance of them running into some stuffy purebloods that recognized them would be likely especially since it was right before the kids would be heading back to school or starting school.

Severus and Regulus had already come up with a story about running away to America and having a child together. Hadrian looked nothing like what the world claimed the boy who lived looked like. So, it would be safe to tell people that he was theirs and that Regulus and Severus had run because Regulus was pregnant. It was a solid story.

Turns out it wasn't a story that they needed.

They weren't approached by anyone much less someone from 'across the pond' much to Regulus and Severus' relief. They went to the wand shop and Hadrian and Bella took turns going into the back room with the wandmaker. Bella went first. She was blindfolded and different pieces of wood were placed on the table and Bella was instructed to draw on her magic and take the one that feels right to her.

Bella moved her hand over the woods a few times and finally reached out for one that 'called' to her.

"Aww that is a Rowan wood. A protective wood. Makes very good defensive charms that are strong and difficult to break. Attracted to clear-headed and pure-hearted Wixen. It also frequently outperforms others in duels. Very good choice Mrs. Swan," The wandmaker praised and placed the wood over to the side. Bella smiled and then waited patiently as the wandmaker laid out the different cores on the table. "Whenever you are ready, Mrs. Swan."

Bella once again held her hand out and moved it over the cores. She went slowly and really felt each of them over. Finally, she settled on one that felt right and picked it up, holding it out to the wandmaker.

"Unicorn Hair, best known for consistent spells and most faithful of all wands. Another very good choice and paired with Rowan will serve you very well. Very good choices indeed, Mrs. Swan. It will serve you well little witch," The wandmaker told her. "You may take the blindfold off now." Bella smiled and shook the wandmaker's hand when it was offered.

"Thank you. I am so excited," Bella told him. They made their way back to the front and Bella went to stand with her father.

"What do we owe?" Charlie asked.

"Nothing until you pick it up, Sunday morning. I do not allow my customers to pay for something unless they are fully satisfied with how it feels in their hand for the first time," The wandmaker stated with a smile. "Now, please come with me Heir Black-Prince." Hadrian jumped up and handed the leashes for his dogs over to his Dad. He excitedly followed the wandmaker to the back room.

"What do I do? Just pick a wood and stuff?" Hadrian asked excitedly. The wandmaker smiled and shook his head.

"No, I am going to blindfold you and you are going to feel the different wood and whichever reaches for your magic will be the one that will work best for your wand," The wandmaker informed him and then placed the blindfold on his head before laying out all of the different wood. "Ready when you are, Little Wizard."

Hadrian took a deep breath and then held out both of his hands. He fed his magic into his hands like his dads had taught him to. He took his time and frowned. He felt a connection with two different types of wood. So, he placed one hand behind his back and moved his single hand over the wood slowly again. He frowned harder, he did not know which one to choose.

"What is the matter?" The wand maker asked. Hadrian reached out and picked up both pieces of wood that he was torn between.

"I feel drawn to both equally. How do I choose between them if they both sing to me?" Hadrian asked a bit frustrated. The wandmaker chuckled.

"If they sing to you equally then we can use both for your wand. I can meld them together for you," The wandmaker told him.

“But they don’t feel like they will play nicely to me,” Hadrian insisted. The wandmaker grinned. Hadrian was right. It would have been difficult to get the those two particular woods to meld harmoniously together. It was impressive.

Hadrian held both in his hands and really felt them out. He pushed his magic into his hands to see if one sang to him above the other and finally smiled brightly. He held one out to the wandmaker. The more he pushed his magic the brighter it had shone in his mind.

"This is the one. I am sure of it. I don't need both. I truly don't think they would play nice together," Hadrian repeated confidently.

"Cypress wood. Associated with Nobility. Made for the brave, bold, and self-sacrificing. Many many years ago it was the wood most commonly associated with Wixen that would die a heroic death. Very nice choice," The wandmaker stated.

Then he removed all of the wood and placed the cores on the table. Just out of curiosity, he plucked a few hairs from Hadrian's clothing that belonged to his little guardians. Hadrian had no idea they had been added to the cores on the table.

"When you are ready, Heir Black-Prince."

Hadrian took another deep breath held his hands out again and pushed his magic into them to get a feel for the cores. This time when he felt the pull to multiple cores he didn't worry about it. He pulled those three to the side and did the same thing that he did with the wood. Only this time, there wasn't one that called to him above the other. Hadrian took a few more moments to make sure and then held all three out to the wandmaker.

"All three of these feel right. Can you put three items into the core?" Hadrian asked the wandmaker.

"Yes, I certainly can. These will pair nicely together. You can remove your mask. The first item is Thestral Hair, usually chosen and mastered by those who can accept death. The second item is African Mermaid Hair, it will send a shock to anyone who tries to use it other than you. The last ingredient isn't one that I had in the shop, it is one that you brought with you. This is the fur from your Kuma-inu, one from each if I am not mistaken. It will connect you to your guardians and it will offer you more protection and defense," The wandmaker explained to him. Hadrian grinned. He liked the way that sounded.

"That sounds great. I cannot wait to use that wand. It is going to be great," Hadrian grinned, and then they went back to the front. The order forms were written up and signed and they were told to come back Sunday morning to retrieve their new wands.

They left the shop and headed back to the house to drop the pups off so that they could go to dinner and a show. They spent the weekend doing all types of fun things. Seeing as many tourist spots as possible and lots of shopping.

Saturday evening Regulus realized that Kreacher was doing things around the house. He had gone in to tell Hadrian and Bella what time they were getting up the next morning and caught Kreacher turning down their beds.

"Kreacher, what are you doing?" Regulus asked with a laugh.

He had been ignoring small things like Hadrian's clothes being neat and that he always had snacks that he hadn't gotten from their kitchen. His room was always clean, and Regulus should have figured this out before now. Kreacher looked so guilty and Regulus couldn't help but continue laughing.

"I am sorry Master Regulus, Kreacher did not want 'stay at home cation'. Kreacher wants to take care of family. Makes Kreacher Happy. So Kreacher is sneaking and taking care of young Master," Kreacher said while bowing.

"I am not mad, Kreacher. It wasn't a punishment. I was trying to give you a break from having to put up with us all the time. If you didn't want to do it all you had to do was say so," Regulus said. Kreacher looked up at Regulus like he was going to say something but didn't.

"He did tell you, Dad. Every time you brought it up he grumbled and complained about it. Papa and I both knew he didn't want to stay at home while we were gone. But you just kept insisting that he needed time off too," Hadrian pointed out. Regulus and Kreacher both turned and looked at Hadrian and Bella standing in the doorway. Regulus looked thoughtful and then frowned.

"You're right, Hadrian. I am sorry Kreacher, I thought I knew better than you did what you would need. I didn't listen. You don't have to sneak around anymore. Thank you, Hadrian," Regulus told them both. Hadrian grinned and Kreacher wailed thanking them both.

"Are masters going out for breakfast?" Kreacher asked pointedly.

"No Kreacher, you are welcome to prepare breakfast," Regulus told the now happy elf. "Now Hadrian, Bella, it is time for the two of you to hop into bed."

Hadrian and Bella said their goodnights and set an alarm to get up at a decent time to go and get their wands in the morning after breakfast. Kreacher waited until Regulus left the room and then hugged Hadrian tightly before doing something he hadn't done in a few years. He tucked the boy into bed and kissed his head before leaving the room. When the elf was gone, Hadrian and Bella busted out laughing.

"He tucked you in like a baby," Bella laughed at Hadrian. The eleven year old just shrugged and laughed with her.

"He was happy that I took up for him. He used to do that at night when I would sneak out of bed in the middle of the night for a snack. Kreacher would give me a snack and then tuck me back into bed. Kreacher loves me, that is just how he shows it," Hadrian told his friend they were still laughing. Bella was still picking at Hadrian, but Hadrian was just happy to be loved that much.

They next morning they had a large over-the-top breakfast made by Kreacher and then headed out to get their new wands. Both wands reacted beautifully in the hands of their new Wixen. They left the shop very happy and promised to recommend the shop to anyone who was looking. The wands were beautifully made with pretty and delicate designs. They put their new wands in their boxes along with the complementary custom wrist sheaths that they were gifted from the wandmaker.

The rest of the day was spent shopping in New York's magical district. It was amazing. It was like its own village. It wasn't like the alley in Seattle. It was like a city within a city. It was really cool. They spent hours shopping before heading back to the house. Kreacher had everyone packed up and all of their belongings already back in Forks. They were just waiting for the time that their portkey was to activate and take them all home.

It had been a great vacation and Hadrian and Bella now had everything that they needed to start school. Remus would also be starting at Forks High School as an English teacher this year. Everything was now ready for the new year.

Bella and Hadrian were gonna spend the last two weeks of Summer spending all of the time that they could with Jake and enjoying spending time together since Bella's time with them would shorten drastically after this year. Hadrian just sincerely hoped that it didn't change too much about their friendship.