Finding Family in the Shadows

“Mentoring is the process of developing a person to their maximum potential. The objective of mentoring is improvement and education. A mentor is someone who committed to helping another person grow so that the process of maturing continues for a lifetime,” Ilsa stated to those in the room.

It was finally Saturday and Harry and Cassie were officially becoming mentor and mentee. Ilsa and Theo had come to perform the bonding for them. Harry’s family had come to witness, and his circle was also all present. Harry was so happy.

“To be a good mentee, you need to understand that communication skills are extremely crucial. You need to attentively listen to your mentor and never hesitate to communicate with your mentor,” Theo added. “They are here to help you and are always in your corner. Even when they don’t give advice that you agree with.”

“This is a wonderful, special day for the two of you. There is no experience like the bond the two of you are entering into together. This bond is one that will last for a lifetime,” Ilsa said with a smile. “Are we ready to begin?”

“Yes, I believe that we are ready Lady Ilsa,” Cassie said when Harry nodded his agreement.

“Then turn towards each other and clasp hands,” Ilsa instructed. “There are no official words that need to be spoken so you may proceed. Cassiopeia, you may start.”

Ilsa and Theo moved into place on either side of their clasped hands and held hands above and below where Harry and Cassie were holding hands. They added to the magic that was building in the room around them all.

“I vow to commit my energy, magic, and expertise to assist you in developing and living your best life as you begin your new journey with your circle and family. I vow to build a mutually beneficial relationship between you and myself, to hearing about your dreams and challenges, to sharing my own stories and respecting the differences between us,” Cassie started.

Harry listened to her intently and could feel the magic beginning to swirl around the two of them.

“I vow to support, guide, and be a good role model for you. To be consistent, steady, and persistent.

I vow to be encouraging, to listen, to be understanding, and fostering your strengths.

I vow to recognize that making a difference often happens in small steps and that victories can often be unseen or unspoken.

I understand that my actions carry a new weight and responsibility now. That my role as your mentor can never be taken lightly. That my life will also be changed by this experience.

I, Cassiopeia Killick, commit to being your Mentor,” Cassie finished with a smile and watery eyes. Harry grinned at her and could feel his own tears tracking down his face.

“And now you, Harry,” Theo prompted.

“I vow to commit my energy, magic, and time to accepting your help with my development and learning to live my best life with my new circle and family. I vow to help build a mutually beneficial relationship between myself and my mentor, to listening when you share your stories and telling you about my dreams and challenges,” Harry stated.

Harry and Cassie had gotten together the day before and discussed the vow that they would like to make to each other. They had written them out together to prepare for today.

“I vow to accept your support and guidance. To be receptive, open, and accepting.

I vow to listen and express my needs even when it makes me feel uncomfortable. I vow to understand that change often happens in small steps and that victories are not always instant or the way I may want them to be.

I understand that my actions reflect on my mentor and that I have a new responsibility now. That my role as your mentee can never be taken lightly. That my life will be changed by this experience.

“I, Harrison Serpens Slytherin, commit to being your mentee,” Harry finished.

The magic in the room condensed on the two of them and seemed to form golden ribbons that wrapped around their joined hands.

“Your bond is witnessed and accepted,” Theo and Ilsa stated together. The golden ribbons spit and wrapped around their wrists before settling into their skin. At the same time, Harry felt their bond snap into place. It made him so happy.

“Congratulations on your new mentor, Harry,” Theo said and hugged Harry.

“And you on your new mentee, Cassie,” Ilsa added and pulled her into a hug as well.

With that their bonding ceremony was complete. Harry was congratulated by his family and bonded. Cassie’s circle was also all present and they took the time to get to know Harry and basically let him know that he was being accepted into their family. Their circle didn’t have any children as of yet and they were happy to put Harry into that place.

“Oretta, this is my mum, Bellatrix,” Harry introduced his new mentor to his mum.

“Wow, Cas, he was right. The two of you do look alike,” Nyx said with a grin.

“Yes, they do,” Tom agreed. “I’m Tom, Harry’s Sire. It is good to meet you both.”

“Nyx and this is Cassie,” Nyx said and shook Tom’s hand. “We have requested Cas’ family tree back to the line that branched off and kind of disappeared. When Harry mentioned that there may be a possible family connection we were intrigued.”

“My family kind of dwindled down until there is only a few of us left. My parents claimed solitary and had a friend of theirs agree to be my third. I would love to know if we were family even if it is really distant,” Cassie added.

“My family has dwindled down to just my sister and I and our kids,” Bellatrix responded. “Well, we have another sister, but our mother disowned her, and she won’t have anything to do with us no matter how many times we tried to apologize.”

“And If I am remembering correcting, Narcissa is your sister,” Cassie said and pointed toward the pretty blond talking with Pandora and a few of Cassie’s bonded.

“Yes,” Bellatrix said with a smile. “If you want help with the family line research, I am happy to lend a hand sometimes. We are getting ready for The Hunt but other than that I don’t have much to do.”

“That would be wonderful, and I would love the help,” Cassie agreed. “So, tell me a bit about Earth. We have travelled to a few places, but Earth isn’t one of them…”

Harry grinned when his dad wrapped an arm around his shoulders.

“Come on, why don’t you and I go visit someone else while they talk. It looks like they might be a while,” Tom asked him quietly.

“Sounds good, Dad,” Harry said happily. He loved getting to spend time with his family and he was glad that his circle didn’t mind that they did it often. “Hey, did anyone happen to bring any brooms with them?”

“What do you need a broom for? You have wings, Pup,” Remus said with a laugh as he joined them.

“I um …am not making a lot of progress with my wings,” Harry said with a small blush. Remus chuckled and ruffled his hair. “I miss flying.”

“You mean you miss flying fast,” Remus corrected him. “I have seen you on a broom and you are certainly a fan of tricks and flying fast.”

“Yes, well I can’t help what I like,” Harry said and elbowed Remus. “So, did anyone bring one?”

“I packed a few of the newest brand that had come out The Firebolt or something like that,” Tom told him. “Remus can pick all he likes but he is the one who told me how good you are on a broom.”

“Really? You brought a few Firebolts in case I wanted to fly?” Harry asked excitedly.

“I did,” Tom answered. “I gave them to Severus a few days ago. We are finally finished unpacking everything.”

“So, they are here?” Harry said excitedly.

“Go and find your Pareya and ask him,” Tom said with a chuckle. Harry hugged both Tom and Remus quickly and then made a b-line for Severus when he spotted him talking to Cassie’s Pareya, Hart.

“Severus!” Harry said and wrapped himself around the taller man. Severus chuckled and wrapped an arm around Harry.

“Yes, Troublemaker, what can I do for you?” Severus asked him after stealing a kiss.

“Dad says he gave you some brooms a few days ago. Are they here?” Harry asked curiously.

“They are,” Severus responded. “I put them in the shed out back. I didn’t want to discourage you from learning to use your wings.”

“How many are there?” Harry asked.

“Five or six I believe. Apparently, you dad wanted to make sure that you had plenty just in case you broke one or two,” Severus said with a laugh. Harry stood on tiptoe and then pulled Severus down the rest of the way so that he could steal a kiss.

“Thanks, Sev,” Harry said and then bounded away. He snagged Blaise as he walked passed him.

“What are you up to, Love?” Blaise asked him as he followed happily. “You look like you are plotting.”

“I am,” Harry responded. “Draco! Ron!”

“Hey, Harry, what’s up?” Draco asked as Harry and Blaise got to them.

“You look like you are up to something, Mate,” Ron stated after getting a good look at his face.

“Want to fly?” Harry asked excitedly.

“The only one of us that is good enough with their wings to fly is Blaise,” Draco stated with a pointed look.

“Not with our wings,” Harry responded. “Remi told my dad that I liked to fly and so he literally bought like five brooms for me so that I could fly. They are in the shed.”

“Oh, now that does sound fun,” Ron agreed.

“What are we waiting for?” Draco said with a grin. “I miss flying.”

“Me too,” Harry agreed quickly. “I need to let one of my other mates know what we are doing so that they don’t worry. You guys can go ahead and head to the shed out back. Sev said he put the brooms in there.”

“All right don’t take too long though,” Draco said with a grin as Ron grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the back of the castle. Blaise followed them with a chuckle and Harry wasn’t even surprised with Theo and Luna joined them.

Harry smiled and turned around. The first bonded he found was Zagan. The Hellcat swept him up into his arms and kissed him breathless.

“Now, what can I do for you, Little Snake?” Zagan asked.

“I am going to go out back with Blaise, Ron, and Draco to fly for a bit. Will you let the others know so that no one is worried?” Harry asked him.

“Who is supervising?” Zagan asked. “According to our Alpha, you are not ready to fly alone.”

“Not with my wings. My dad brought brooms from Earth,” Harry explained. The Hellcat perked up.

“Brooms?” He asked curiously.

“Yep, let someone know what we are doing for me please and then you can come and watch,” Harry told him with a wink.

“Deal,” Zagan agreed and took off. Harry watched as he draped himself dramatically on Garrick. The Beta simply wrapped his arms around the Hellcat and indulged him. Harry turned and headed for the back yard. He couldn’t wait to fly.

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

“He is every bit as good as you said he was,” Rodolphus said to Remus with a grin. “He flies like he was born up there. He has no fear.”

“None,” Remus agreed and let the Beta wrap an arm around him.

“Please, tell me that is not my Submissive hurling face first toward the ground at high speeds on a cleaning instrument,” Doyle said a bit alarmed.

“He is perfectly safe,” Salazar said to the Ace. “Wixen have been flying on brooms for millennia. Not to brag but I was pretty decent on a broom back in my day.”

“No, he wasn’t,” Garrick chuckled. “He was much more suited to combat and dueling practice. He hated Quidditch.”

“I find that I have to agree with that sentiment,” Severus stated. “Never took to the idea of flying on a broom.”

“He most certainly didn’t,” Lucius agreed. “I think the school would have had to be burning to the ground around me before he would ever sit on a broom.”

“Maybe not even then,” Severus responded with a shudder.

“I think it looks like great fun. I want to learn to do it,” Zagan said from where Garrick had him nearly in a choke hold so that he didn’t try to use the last broom without any kind of instruction.

“My goodness,” Bellatrix said with a gasp. She had Cassie had finally realized most everyone was outside. “He flies beautifully.”

“He certainly does,” Cassie agreed. “Though I find the idea of it a bit terrifying. I will stick to flying with my wings, thank you very much.”

Harry dove straight for the lake on their property in a near perfect nosedive. He pulled up at the last moment and leaned upside down to run his hand through the water.

“That’s it,” Wikhn said as he strode past the rest of them. “I am going up there.” He adjusted his shoulders and his pretty black and blood red wings popped out before he took off into the air to fly alongside their Submissive.

“Wikhn!” Harry exclaimed happily. “Decided to join us for a fly?”

“No, I decided to monitor you a bit closer so that you don’t fall to your death when your stick snaps in half,” Wikhn responded with a frown. Harry just laughed.

“I have been flying since I was eleven. The only time I fell from my broom was when I was being attacked by someone,” Harry explained.

“Yeah, like the Bludger Dobby enchanted to attack you when he tried to scare you into leaving the school,” Ron pointed out.

“Or when the Dementors tried to suck out your soul in the middle of a game,” Draco added.

“Or in first year when Professor Quirrell jinxed your broom and you nearly fell off,” Blaise stated.

“Exactly,” Harry said with a grin. Wikhn didn’t look like the conversation made him feel better.

“Arielle, Harry how many times has someone tried to kill you?” Wikhn asked horrified.

“Too many to count, Mate,” Ron answered. “Trust me, it has caused my brothers and I a lot of stress.”

“This is the longest, I think, that Harry has ever gone without someone trying kill him,” Draco added.

“I think you might be right,” Harry agreed with a grin. “Moving here has been the best thing ever. Wanna see which is faster? Your wings or my broom?” He challenged Wikhn.

“I came up here to make sure you didn’t kill yourself. I think agreeing to a race goes completely against that,” Wikhn said with a sigh.

“I’ll do it,” came an excited voice. Zagan came to a stop right next to Harry and Wikhn. “Wik can watch and make sure you don’t die, and I can race you to see who is faster.”

“Ok, Wik?” Harry asked his grumpy king. “Please.”

“Fine, but if anything happens to him, I am taking it out of your hide,” Wikhn threatened the Hellcat.

“Of course,” Zagan stated. Then he turned and looked at the others on the ground. “Gonna race with the Earthborn’s on their brooms, who wants to join me and see who is faster. Our wings or their brooms.”

Dorrin, Jasper, and two of Cassie’s Gheyo choose to join the race as well. Rabastan decided to claim the last broom and join the race as well. Apparently, he played Quidditch back when he was in school and loved to fly.

“Ready Kiddo?” Rabastan asked as he pulled up next to Harry.

“For sure, Dad. Let’s show them how it’s done. Draco is stupid fast on a broom as well. He and I went head-to-head so many times to get the snitch. I think we can take them,” Harry responded.

“Hell yeah, we can,” Draco agreed.

“Ok, spread out so that there is room for the wings, and everything is fair,” Salazar instructed as he hoovered in the air near them. “You are going to circle the property three times. Of the first five to cross the finish line first, the majority will determine if brooms or wings are faster. Understand?”

“Yes, Alpha,” Harry answered, and the others nodded or made noises of agreement.

“There will be others around the house to make sure that no one cheats, and everything is fair,” Salazar informed them. “Now, line up and get ready.”

Harry and the others got ready and then at Sal’s whistle they bolted. Merlin it was so exciting for him. He didn’t pay attention to anyone else. He had learned a long time ago that worrying where the other Seeker was, made him slower and he risked losing. So, he blocked out everyone else and flew.

It was so exhilarating to be in the air again. He loved to fly. He laughed out loud as he felt the wind rush across his face. This was so much more fun without his glasses. When his final lap was finished and he landed on the lawn with the others who had been watching, he realized that he was the first to arrive with one of Cassie’s Air Gheyo landing moments after he did.

“You are fast,” Kris said with laugh. “I am an Air Dragel and a Fast Flier. I was sure that I was going to beat you. That was pretty good. I have to admit you are fast on a broom.”

“He always has been,” Draco said. He had landed just after Kris. “Never could beat him to the damn Snitch.”

“You almost did a few times,” Harry responded. Jasper and Zagan had landed after Draco.

“Well, as fast as the two of you are, Wings take the win,” Zagan said with a grin and pulled Harry into his arms. He kissed him until he was nearly breathless. “You are magnificent to watch.”

“Thank you,” Harry said with a blush.

“Well done, Darling,” Bellatrix said and pulled Harry into a hug. “I hate that I missed cheering for you at your Quidditch games.”

She sounded like she was working hard not to cry so Harry wrapped his arms around her and held her tighter. He felt another pair of arms wrap around them and looked up to see Dolph nuzzling both him and his mum.

“We can always play for fun mum so that you can watch. I am sure it wouldn’t be a hardship to get what we need to play together. Then you can cheer for me,” Harry tried to soothe her.

“That sounds like a wonderful idea, Little Snake,” Salazar added. “Rick was quite the player back in the day and when we made the move to Nevarah, he brought a set of balls with him. Besides every few years he returns to Earth to see what new advances have been made, so we have a set from probably twenty years ago.”

“Oh, that’s great,” Harry said happily. “Then we would just need to work on a pitch and brooms for everyone and to teach some of you to ride.”

“May take some time but we will take care of it,” Salazar promised. “We would do anything to make you happy. And if playing so that your mother can watch and cheer you on makes you happy then so be it.”

“He is such a good Alpha, My Darling,” Bellatrix said with a grin. She kissed Harry on the head and then let him go to cuddle with her Beta. Harry happily went into the arms of his Alpha.

“Yes, he is,” Harry agreed.

“All right,” Kira called from the doorway. “It is time to eat. All of you come in get seated.”

“Great, I am starving,” Zagan said. He snagged Harry out of Salazar’s hands and threw him over his shoulders. “I know you are too, Little Snake.”

Harry laughed all the way to the table and was placed in the seat of honor next to his new Mentor with Theo next to him on the other side. He talked happily with Cassie and Theo and enjoyed ever bit of the entire day.

He didn’t know anything that could have made his day better. Well, that was until everyone was gone for the day and Severus wrapped an arm around him and lead him up to a private room.

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

“That was fantastic,” Harry said with a sleepy sigh. He snuggled up to Severus as close as he could get without climbing under his skin.

“I told you that I wanted to take me time and show you how much you deserve to be cherished and appreciated,” Severus told him.

“It was definitely worth the wait,” Harry agreed. “I love you so much, Sev. I am so glad to be yours.”

“And I glad to be yours as well,” Severus answered him. “I love you more than you will ever know.” Severus kissed him on the head and ran gentle fingers through his hair. “Do you wish to join the others in the resting room?”

“No, I just want to stay here with you,” Harry answered around a yawn.

“Then, that is exactly what we will do,” Severus agreed and made sure to pull the covers up over them after vanishing their mess and casting a quick freshening charm.

“Did you know that Bahn has eighteen kids?” Harry asked after a few more moments.

“I did not know that” Severus answered.

“Is there birth control for Dragel? Or is it just up to chance on whether someone gets pregnant? Bahn has so many and yet Cassie doesn’t,” Harry pointed out.

“There are contraception charms that can be used to avoid pregnancy if you are not ready. But other than that, it has to do with magic. A submissive or other bearer will not get pregnant unless it is talked about and agreed upon that the circle is ready to have them,” Severus explained.

“So, I won’t get pregnant until I talk to our circle about it and others agree that they are ready as well?” Harry asked to make sure.

“That is correct, as I have understood it. But if you are worried about it, we can make sure that a contraception charm is cast anytime someone is with you,” Severus told him.

“I don’t think I would mind too much if I got pregnant,” Harry admitted with a blush after a few minutes of silence.

“You are only just starting to live your life the way that you want to, are you sure a baby is something you want to worry about so soon?” Severus asked him a bit surprised.

“Well, I often laid in my cupboard at night or in my bed at Hogwarts and thought about what it would be like to have kids. Of course, I only considered adoption since I knew I liked men and didn’t know that I could have children. I want a big family. It is all I have ever wanted,” Harry admitted.

“If you are sure about it, then I think it is a conversation that we should have with our entire circle,” Severus told him. “Figure out how everyone feels about it.”

“Yeah, It is just something that has been on my mind since learning that I could actually have kids. That I can carry them myself. I am not saying that I am ready right this moment or that I won’t wait, I am just saying it is something I have been thinking about and am definitely not opposed to,” Harry responded. He yawned again and Severus held him tighter and kissed his head.

“Thank you for talking to me about it. I am so glad that you are realizing that you are allowed to want things and that you are allowed to ask for the things that you want,” Severus praised him. “Now, let’s get to sleep, Troublemaker. Today has been a long day.”

“I know that I can always talk to you about how I feel, no matter what,” Harry said sleepily. “Good night, Sev.”

“Good night, Harry,” Severus answered. Harry was asleep barely moments later.

Severus stayed awake a little longer with his hand gently caressing Harry’s stomach. He hadn’t thought about having children of his own in a very long time. He had given up on anyone truly wanting to be with him much less have children with him.

He found that he really liked the idea of children with Harry. Beautiful little boy or girl with Harry’s curls and bright eyes. He fell asleep with a smile on his face finally realizing that his dreams of a family were finally possible thanks to the little ball of Chaos in his arms.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Harry,” Hadrian called for him. The teen looked up from where he had been laying with Doyle. The Unseelie had been reading to him and Harry absolutely loved the sound of his voice and the way his chest vibrated against Harry’s back as he spoke.

“Hello, Hadrian,” Harry said with a lazy smile. He sat up when he noticed the strangers behind his Ace. “Company?”

“Yes, Love. This is Jascha and Marriana Cunningham as well as a few of their bonded. I used to be contracted to their circle. They came to meet you,” Hadrian introduced them.

“Hello, Harry,” Jascha said with a grin. “My Submissive was very interested in meeting you. She heard there was a new Submissive on the Realm that was shaping up to have quite the Shadow heavy circle. Full of power.”

“It’s nice to meet you both,” Harry said with a smile. “Please, sit down. I am always happy to meet new people.”

Erebus trotted into the room like he often did when there was anyone in the house other than one of Harry’s bonded. He laid down at Harry’s feet and placed his head in his lap.

“I had heard that you had a strange Shadow Beast as well,” Marianna said as she settled next to her Alpha. “He looks very impressive.”

“Thank you, his name is Erebus,” Harry offered. “So, what about me has you curious?”

Turns out the answer was everything. Hadrian, Doyle, and Jascha as well as the bonded that had come with the Cunninghams had quickly made themselves scarce so that Harry and the other Submissive could talk freely.

She wanted to know where Harry came from, how he grew up, if he knew how to fly yet, what his plans were for his life, if he was going to Hunt, and the one she seemed most interested in was if he wanted to learn how to fight since he was a Ferros.

Honestly, she kind of scared Harry a little. She hadn’t said anything outright mean but she had a sharp tongue and Harry could tell she had even sharper edges. She wasn’t someone that suffered an idiot's company. She also seemed like she would be a really harsh task master to train under.

They stayed for a few hours and ended up having lunch with Harry and his bonded. Then they left. But not before Marianna had gently tapped Harry on the nose and told him that she wanted his answer about whether he wanted her to teach him to fight soon.

Harry sighed and nearly collapsed into the arms that wrapped around him.

“She likes you,” Hadrian said with a bit of surprise in his voice. Harry snorted and leaned his head to the side for Hadrian to nuzzle him easier.

“How do you figure that?” Harry asked. He hadn’t really gotten that impression from her at all.

“She stayed here to talk to you for a few hours,” Hadrian said between kisses.

“She was satisfying her curiosity about a new Submissive in her territory. Do you know that she made it a point to mention that she and her circle were the unofficial Royals of the Shadows?” Harry told him.

“They are. It is an unspoken thing amongst Shadowkind. There are rumors that the Royals have decided to make the Shadow and Storm sections official elements in the realm. When that happens, it is nearly guaranteed that the Cunninghams will be our Royals,” Hadrian informed him.

“Oh,” Harry said with a shrug and a blush. “Well, she still was very sharp with her tongue and not entirely friendly.”

“Marianna has always been that way. But she offered to teach you to fight, Little Snake. That is a big deal for her. She offered it without a contract or anything in return. Trust me, she likes you,” Hadrian insisted.

“Well, I will just take your word for it,” Harry told him. “Do you think I should let her train me?”

“Yes,” Hadrian answered. “Her circle is known for training some of the best Gheyo in the Pits. Quite a few fresh Gheyo approach her and her circle to train with them until they find their rank. And sometimes even after that so that they can learn as much as they can from them.”

“I think it would be a good Idea as well,” Doyle told him. “Also, I would like to point out that she may have had another agenda in coming here. Our Alpha and Beta as well as myself and Frost are old. The four of us helped to create and anchor Nevarah into existence.”

“And so?” Harry asked and he felt Hadrian tighten his arms around him.

“She sees Harry as competition for the Shadow Throne,” Hadrian answered.

“Yes, he is the Submissive of one of the oldest and most respected Shadow Dragel in Nevarah. He may be considered a Nameless, but his affinity for Shadows is more powerful than any I have ever seen. He is powerful and connected,” Doyle added.

“But I don’t want to rule anyone,” Harry said quickly. “I just want to live my life with all of you in peace.”

“We know that Love. But she doesn’t,” Hadrian answered.

“Well, we need to make sure that she knows that. I don’t want to make any enemies because of a misunderstanding,” Harry insisted.

“She wouldn’t be your enemy,” Hadrian told him. “More like she would want to make herself invaluable to you. The Cunninghams are an impressive and successful Military Circle. It may not be your choice or hers who becomes Royal. Nevarah chooses her Royals.”

“Well, that is kinda shit, isn’t it?” Harry said with a sigh. “I have the worst luck when it comes to stuff like that.”

“Don’t fret over it now, Darling. It may not ever be an issue,” Doyle told him. He kissed Harry on the cheek. “Would you like to read together for a bit longer?”

“Yeah, I think I would. I feel like I need a good cuddle,” Harry told him. Hadrian nuzzled him once more before kissing him and leaving him with the other Shadow Ace.

“Mind if I join?” Mistral asked from the doorway. Harry grinned at him. His new Joker seemed to be just as touch starved as Harry was. The man was often found cuddled up with someone.

“Of course, you can. Doyle has the most soothing reading voice. Literally melts away the stress and anxiety,” Harry told him. He held out his hand and the Storm Joker quickly took it.

“How about we head upstairs? A bed will make cuddling much easier and more comfortable than the couch,” Doyle suggested.

“That sounds perfect,” Harry agreed. “The resting room?”

“Yeah,” Mistral answered.

The three of them made their way upstairs and Doyle settled in the center of the bed with his back against the headboard. Harry pushed Mistral down so that he was settled between Doyles spread legs and then climbed over the Storm Joker so that the both of them were cradled in Doyles legs.

Doyle picked up where he left off in the book earlier and Mistral held Harry as they relaxed. It didn’t take long for the rest of their bonded to migrate to the room. Harry yawned and felt more and more tired the longer Doyle read. Finally, it got to a point that Harry could not rouse himself no matter what.

He fought to blink open his eyes when he felt fingers card through his hair and then he was gently lifted from Mistral’s arms and settled on the bed.

“I believe it is time for his first Realignment Cycle,” he heard someone mention.

“I agree,” he heard someone else say before they yawned. “I already sent a message to his father to let them know what is going on.”

“Very good.” came the reply. Harry felt people settle around him and someone pressed a kiss to his head. Then he fell asleep and was no longer worried about what was going on around him.

Severus and Kiran went into a Pareyic trance to watch over their bonded during their resting period and the others slept soundly without moving with Harry for the next three days.

~~~~~~~~~~~
Somewhere Off Realm

“What’s this now?” asked a man as a small shadow snake wound its way up his leg and into his hand.

The man could feel an urgency in the magic of the Shadow as if he was need somewhere else. It wrapped around his wrist and seemed to almost tug on his core as if trying to give directions.

“What do you have there, Nefarion?” his partner Kyron asked.

“I don’t really know,” Nefarion answered. “Seems like it wants me to follow it somewhere thought.”

“Kinda cute,” Kyron said and reached out to touch it. But the Shadow Snake snapped its jaws at him and bared its fangs. “Well, maybe not.”

“I think I am going to follow it,” Nefarion stated after a moment of petting the Shadow. It settled around his wrist again and gave another tug on his core.

“Well, then I guess it is a good thing that your contract is up in two days,” Kyron told him and then he laughed. “Though you might cause the boss to have a fit when he realizes that you aren’t renewing.”

“He will live,” Nefarion answered.

“What are you going to do out there? Do you even remember how to socialize with people that aren’t Demons or Prisoners?” Kyron asked seriously. “How long have you actually been here?”

“I don’t remember, I stopped counting when I reached about five hundred years,” Nefarion admitted. “It will be strange not guarding the Prison or even being in the prison realm.”

“I bet,” Kyron agreed. “My contract is up tomorrow finally; I was going to renew and stay on as your partner for a while longer, but I think maybe I would like to tag along and see what kind of adventure you end up on. And maybe to keep you out of trouble.”

“Yeah, that would be fine,” Nefarion agreed with a shrug. “You have only been here a few decades you can help me blend back in with regular people.”

Kyron snorted and looked his friend up and down. The man was over six foot and look like he was made of muscle. He had a pretty nice set of horns on his head and blood red wings that spread out behind him with a very impressive wingspan. He had a tail that flicked out behind him occasionally with a tip that could be barbed when he wanted it to be.

His eyes looked like they had literal flames that constantly burned in them like a furnace. Sometimes when he was mad or displaying enough magic, he caused literal flames to erupt from the ground when he walked. He was also covered in weapons.

There was a broad sword strapped to one side of his waist and a whip strapped to the other, there was an axe across his back and various other blades strapped to his forearms, thighs, and ankles. He almost never wore a shirt and was always in a pair of leather hide pants and combat boots.

Nefarion was half Shadow Dragel and half Fire Demon. Kyron was also pretty sure he was a Reaper. He was massive and deadly looking and he embraced that about himself happily.

“I don’t know if you will ever blend in but I can at least attempt to keep you from killing people. The Prison Realm is much less civilized than anywhere out there that you may go. You are used to brawling in the street when someone offends you and dealing with some of the worst criminals in all of the realms. It will take you some time to adjust to not being here,” Kyron told him.

“Yeah,” Nefarion agreed with a grunt. “But something tells me that it is time to move on and that someone is waiting for me. It is time to put in at least a small effort to be more than a beast.”

“Well, I will help you where I can. This should be pretty interesting. I can’t wait to see who it is that is calling you and why,” Kyron chuckled. It would be some kind of strange Karma if it was a sweet little Submissive calling probably one of the most dangerous Demons to have ever been spit out of the Hell Realms.

~~~~~~~~~
One Week later

“I did not expect you to get someone to use time manipulation to get us here,” Kyron told him when they finally stepped into Nevarah.

“I didn’t want to wait. Whoever is calling me is doing it for a reason. There is no telling how long it took for the Shadow to reach me. I wanted to waste as little time as possible. If we had travelled normally, it would have taken us twice as long,” Nefarion stated with a shrug.

“Well, we made it to Nevarah. What now?” Kyron asked.

“Now, we follow the Shadow and find out who was calling me,” Nefarion answered. “Though I can’t imagine who it would be. I have never actually been to Nevarah before.”

“It’s a sanctuary realm. Anyone could have moved here that you knew before you exiled yourself to the prison realm or even someone that you met while there,” Kyron pointed out.

“That’s true. Well, let’s get moving. This little thing is nearly vibrating with excitement,” Nefarion admitted. “We must be close.”

The two of them wandered around and followed the pull of the Shadow. They ended up in a massive market place that was bustling with far more people than Nefarion felt comfortable with. The good thing though was that people saw him and Kyron coming and moved out of their way.

He still had his wings and horns out because he was just more used to them being out. He was wearing a shirt but only because Kyron had forced him into one. It didn’t cover much though. Kyron was nearly as big as he was but where Nefarion was half Dragel, Kyron was Demon and Were Panther. He didn’t have wings or horns.

Finally, he saw him and nearly groaned when Kyron started laughing. He was a tiny thing would probably barely come to Nefarion’s chest. He had wild curly black hair and bright green eyes that seemed to shine when he laughed or smiled.

He was walking with two redheads that looked like twins and there was a massive creature trailing right behind him. Something Nefarion had never seen before but it looked like good protection. He decided to follow the three Dragel and Beast for a bit before approaching.

~~~~~~~~~~

Harry had woken up from his Realignment Cycle two days ago. He felt amazing, balanced and ready to take on the world. He also woke up with a near crushing need to complete his bond with his circle. So, he did exactly that.

Doyle and Frost had been about an hour or so after waking up. That had been incredibly fun. They mirrored each other nearly perfectly even in bed. It was honestly the closest he would ever get to taking twins to bed with him.

Dorrin had been that night after dinner and Riven had been yesterday. He now understood why the mage had wanted to be last. He was right about the amount of power that surged through their bond when it was completed. It had taken their entire circle nearly a day to work off all of the energy that had been spread through them all.

And now all that was left was an itch that he couldn’t quite put his finger on. He talked to Cassie about it this morning and she told him it was the way she always felt when she was ready to add more bonded to her circle.

So, Harry was going to be hunting after all. That was one of the reasons he was in the market today. He had come to the market with Dorrin, Jasper, Hadrian, Doyle, Salazar, Kiran, and Severus. They were shopping for outfits, armor, and other things to prepare.

He had run into the twins a few hours after getting here and the two of them wanted to show Harry their new shop they had just bought. It would be ready for its grand opening just in time for the Hunt to start.

“You may go with them but make sure that you stay with them. We are almost finished here and then we will come and find you,” Salazar told him. They were currently in an armor shop.

“It is only one street over,” Fred promised.

“Here is the address but honestly you won’t miss it,” George stated and handed over a parchment.

“Thank you,” Salazar said and then he nuzzle Harry and kissed him on the lips. “Be good and make sure you stay with them and Erebus.”

“I promise I will,” Harry said quickly. Then he left with Fred and George on either side of him and Erebus trailing behind him.

“It is nice that you have people looking out for you now,” Fred said when they headed out.

“Yeah, it really is. I am so happy here,” Harry agreed.

“We are really glad, Harrykins. You deserve it,” George told him.

They twins kept up a constant chatter and told him all about the pranks they had pulled on the Prewitts and how much fun they were having putting together their new shop. Harry laughed so hard at some of the things they had done.

“Ok, we are going to run inside and make sure everything is on and ready,” Fred told him.

“So, wait here with your Beast. It will take two seconds,” George added.

“Ok, but hurry up,” Harry told them with a grin. He was only waiting just outside the shop. His bonded couldn’t get upset about that. Erebus laid down next him in the shadow of the building so that he almost wasn’t visible.

“Well, what do we have here?” He heard someone call out. He looked up to see a group of men probably in their early twenties heading toward him. At least two of them where Gheyo.

“Looks like a little unclaimed Submissive all on his own. Not very smart if you ask me,” one of the others said with a sneer.

“Pretty little thing, isn’t he,” a third one added. “Why don’t you come with us and let us show you a good time?”

“My friend here is an Alpha and he is looking for pretty Submissive just like you,” A fourth one said with a laugh.

“I don’t think so. And I am not unclaimed. I have an Alpha so run along,” Harry told them with a confidence that he didn’t feel.

‘Erebus ready,’ Harry instructed his Beast. He felt the Feline shift in the shadows and start to growl as it prowled closer.

“You think we are afraid of your little pet?” the first guy asked again. “We aren’t.”

Harry knew it was because they couldn’t actually see Erebus yet. Two of the men moved at once to grasp his arms but before they made contact with him something whipped out and wrapped around their wrists and bound them together before jerking them to the side.

Harry looked up to see the biggest man he had ever seen. He was muscled, had horns, and the biggest wings Harry had ever seen unfurling from his back. He looked down right murderous. There was another large man standing behind him who was laughing like he had just been told the funniest joke.

The man stepped forward until he was between Harry and the other men. Erebus was still in the Shadows behind him waiting. Harry could smell the man in front of him now and his knees nearly went weak from the smell and feel of the man’s magic. It was divine.

He didn’t hear what the man said but the next thing he knew the men who had been harassing him took off. The massive man turned toward him and seemed to look him over.

“Hi,” Harry said with a careful smile. The man smiled and when he did Harry caught sight of his fangs.

“I believe this belongs to you,” The man said and Harry nearly shivered at the sound of that voice. He held out his wrist and Harry grinned.

“Hello, little thing. I thought you had simply disappeared when I was sleeping. What have you been up to?” Harry cooed at the snake as it transferred itself from the massive man and wound around Harry. It transferred all kinds of information to him like Hadrian and Doyle had been teaching him to do.

“It came to me about a week ago and lead me here to you,” the man stated. “Are you in danger?”

“Almost always,” Harry said with a sigh. “Well, not in the last three weeks but before that almost constantly. He left during my nightmare the first night I was here after my soulscream. He said he was seeking out a someone to protect me from the things that plagued my dreams.”

“Seems quite a distance to travel to find a protector,” the man said with a chuckle.

“The Shadow came to me only a few hours after my soulscream. I have learned a lot about that kind of stuff sense then. It could have been influenced by soul magic still when it sought you out,” Harry pointed out.

“Harry?” he heard Fred and George call together.

“Are you ok?” Fred asked.

“Who is your new terrifying friend?” George added.

“He saved me from some stupid men who didn’t notice my claim marks and thought I was free game,” Harry told the twins.

“Any chance of you not telling your Alpha or either of your Aces?” George asked with a grimace.

“I don’t fancy being eviscerated by your bonded,” Fred added. Harry gave them a look and then turned back to the other man.

“I’m Harry, by the way,” Harry said to the man who had saved his life and his friend who had finally stopped laughing and joined them. “This is Fred and George.”

“Nefarion,” his rescuer stated simply with an incline of his head. “Kyron.” He said and nodded at the man beside him.

“It is so nice to meet you both,” Harry said happily.

“You aren’t even a little intimidated?” The man Kyron asked him with a grin.

“No, why should I be?” Harry asked him. “If he wanted to hurt me, he wouldn’t have saved me.”

“I mean you no harm, Little One. That I swear to you,” Nefarion swore to him.

“I know. The Snake told me,” Harry said and indicated his wrist where the Shadow was comfortably settled.

“Well, still want to see the inside of the shop while we wait for your bonded to join us?” Fred asked him.

“Yeah, will the two of you join us?” Harry asked them.

“I will wait for you out here. It looks like my wings would be a bit inconvenient inside,” Nefarion stated after looking through the door. “Kyron may go with you if he wishes.”

“That’s alright. It’s been awhile since we have been around fresh air and a decent sun. I think I will stay out here,” Kyron declined.

“Alright, but please don’t wonder off. I’d be awfully sad if you did,” Harry told them with a smile.

“We will be here waiting for you,” Nefarion stated and then turned so that he was facing out toward the street.

“Thank you,” Harry said with a grin.

‘Erebus, come’ Harry instructed, and his Beast separated from the Shadows and followed him happily into the store.

“That thing is far bigger up close than I thought it would be. I wonder which of his bonded gave him that as a courting gift,” Kyron said once the others were inside and it was just him and Nefarion again.

“It is simply called Shadowsworn. They are created by very special beings who have been to Death’s Realm and back again. Loyal only to those who create them. I have a feeling that the little Submissive has been through quite a bit more than his cheerful disposition indicates,” Nefarion informed his friend.

“He has, who are you?” the two Demons turned to see a group of seven Dragel standing there watching them suspiciously.

“Nefarion, he is Kyron. I was called to your Submissive. A small Shadow snake found its way to me and was very insistent that I come,” Nefarion answered.

“The one that attached itself to him after his first portal?” Kiran asked.

“Maybe,” Hadrian answered. “It disappear sometime in the night around the time he had his nightmare. We all just assumed it faded back into the Shadows. Perhaps it sought out a Soulbond instead.”

“Yes, perhaps it did,” Salazar agreed. “If he was seeking protection then he certainly found someone who looks capable of it. I am Salazar Slytherin. The little Submissive’s Alpha. That is Hadrian and Doyle they are his Aces. Dorrin and Jasper are his Queens. Severus and Kiran are his Pareya.”

“Are you both Soulbonded to him?” Severus asked curiously. They both felt quite dangerous.

“I am not. My contract was up the day before Nefarion’s was and I decided to tag along to make sure he didn’t get himself into any trouble. Plus, I was curious to see who was calling for him all the way in the Prison Realm,” Kyron answered.

“The Prison Realm?” Salazar asked.

“Yes, we were both guards there. I have been there for a few decades, Nefarion has been there for a few centuries,” Kyron answered again.

“Alpha!” They heard and turned to see Harry launch himself into Salazar’s arms. The Submissive nuzzled his Alpha. He chirped and chirred up at the Alpha.

“What happened, Little Snake?” Salazar asked him concerned.

‘There were a group of men. They thought I was unclaimed. They tried to drag me off to ‘play’ with me. I was scared. Nefarion saved me from them. He is mine too, Alpha. I know he looks scary, but he is mine. Please don’t send him away’

Harry spoke to Salazar in Parseltongue, and the others were pretty sure that he didn’t even realize it.

‘Hush now, Love. You are safe. I won’t send him away.’

Salazar soothed his upset Submissive.

“You won’t?” Harry asked surprised in English.

“Of course, not. Your Shadow sought him out and brought him to you. I would never deny you anything. Besides, according to you, he has already saved you once,” Salazar answered him.

“Such a good Alpha,” Harry purred up at him. “Can we go home now? I think I have had enough of the outside for now.”

“Of course, we can,” Salazar told him. He set Harry on the ground and let him be fussed over by Severus and Kiran. “My Lovely little Snake would like me to invite the two of you to our home for dinner and clearly a conversation needs to take place. Will you join us?”

“Yes, thank you for the invitation,” Nefarion responded.

Harry chirred happily from where he was pressed between Severus and Kiran. He was happy that the other two had agreed to come home with them. He couldn’t wait to see how everyone reacted to Nefarion. He was big and quite intimidating. Harry loved it.

He also wanted to get through introductions because he has really wanted to do since seeing the man was crawl into his lap for a good cuddle. His parents were coming over for dinner as well. This was going to be so fun.