Healing, Hugs, and Hunts

Hermione

"You know, I thought learning that my only daughter was a Witch would be the most interesting thing I would ever learn in my life," Monica Granger stated as she sat with her family around the table in their new accommodations. Hermione blushed and ducked her head.

"Sorry, Mum. I don't mean to be so much trouble," Hermione said a bit dejectedly. Windell, her father reached over and patted her hand.

"You aren't any trouble, Mione. Your mother simply means that we never expected to learn about an entire realm separate from Earth full of Creatures from myth," Windell explained. "Not only that, we are currently living in said realm because Earth is no longer safe for you. That was all she meant."

"Of course, it was," Monica added. "You are our daughter and we love you more than our own selves. We would do anything for you, including moving to a new realm full of fantastical people."

"This place is amazing isn't it," Hermione finally replied. "They gave us temporary housing, a money stipend, food allowances, and an advisor to help us acclimate properly to Nevarah. And seriously, the library is beyond comparison."

They had been properly provided for beyond their wildest imaginations since being admitted to Nevarah. A Gheyo/Pareya pair had shown them to their assigned home and explained everything to them. They would be provided a home, money, and food through The Hunt and a month past that so that they had plenty of time to find work, and a home, and start providing for themselves.

They had also been taken to a clinic to make sure they were all three healthy. Hermione had told them about being a Silvertongue and that she would love any information they knew about it or to be pointed in the direction of someone who could help her. She had been given a set of delicate cuffs that had completely silenced the voices around her. It had been pure bliss and she had been so excited and grateful.

"Did you two ever talk to someone about opening a practice here?" Hermione asked her parents. Both of them were dentists and it was probably the only thing that they could properly do to make money here. Even if they were going to have to learn how to properly take care of teeth that were not from humans.

"Actually, your father and I have something to tell you. We have actually been discussing it for a while now and this is the perfect opportunity to actually follow through with it. New beginnings and all that," Monica answered. Hermione gave her parents her undivided attention. This was new.

"Yes, we have actually decided to move away from working as Dentists. We have quite a large nest egg of money saved up and it turns out, due to currency exchange that it turns out to be quite a bit more here on Nevarah. We are not in a bad place financially. I have decided to pursue my original dream of teaching. I have been told that I can apprentice under an instructor here for a few years before I am officially allowed to teach on my own. But it will be worth it," Windell informed them.

"That's wonderful, Dad. I remember you talking about teaching. I am glad you decided to do something that makes you happy," Hermione encouraged. "What about you, Mum? What are you going to do now?"

"Well, you know I love to sew. I have been taking classes to get better and I have already been set up with a few different shops here for interviews. I am hoping to get a job as a seamstress. I find I am rather good with the delicate hand stitching," Monica answered.

"Mum, that's great. I am glad that the two of you are settling in here so nicely. I have had my own conversations with our advisor. I am going to continue my education. I have been enrolled in Merlin Academy and will be starting classes after The Hunt," Hermione informed them.

"Of course, you are Darling. I would not expect anything less from you. You would never pass up the opportunity to learn something new. I haven't seen either of your friends since we came here. How are they?" Monica asked.

"I got a letter from both of them. Harry is settling in with his new circle quite nicely and is apparently going to be joining Death's Court, whatever that means. He is also going to be meeting with the Merrow Queen tomorrow. That sounds super exciting. Ron and Ginny had their inheritance unsealed. He is apparently a Gheyo. He doesn't have a rank yet though he has to join a training circle in order to earn one. The Prewitts are talking to a few for him. Ginny, unsurprisingly inherited as a Beta," Hermione told her parents about all of the newest developments.

"It sounds like everyone is settling in nicely," Windell said when she was finished.

"Yeah, it does. I am really happy that things are looking up for everyone. I just hope we all get to meet up soon. I miss them. Plus, I know they are going to be having trials for Harry's family that hurt him as well as the Headmaster. That is going to be so hard for Harry. I hope I get to be there for him when it happens," Hermione said a bit sadly.

"I know you are worried but from what I am understanding about Dragel since we have been here, he won't be alone. He has his family with him and he has his circle. They will be there to help him through all of it. Just make sure he knows you are still there for him if he needs it but don't be hurt if he doesn't need you in the same way that he used to," Monica said gently. Hermione just shrugged.

"He hasn't needed me like that for a while now, Mum. Ron and I messed up badly and because of that Harry surrounded himself with different people who he turns to for this stuff now. I am just his friend and I don't think it will ever be the same way it was before. But at least he doesn't hate me," Hermione answered. She had already told her parents about what had happened fourth year and how she had treated Harry. They had been so disappointed in her and made sure to know that they were proud of her when she made things right all on her own.

"Well, the situation is what it is. I am sure they will reach out to you soon to hang out. I am sure they miss you as much as you miss them. In the meantime why don't we head to the library and check out a few new books? There is still so much to learn about this place and the people who live here," Windell offered. Hermione perked up instantly.

"That sounds great. Let's do that," Hermione agreed. So they finished up their lunch and then the three of them headed out to visit the library for the third or fourth time this week.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Evening after meeting Donovan

Harry sighed for like the thousandth time that evening. Draco had reached his limit of listening to it.

"What is it?" Draco demanded. "Why are you sighing all over the house?"

Harry looked up and blushed. He ducked his head back down and shrugged his shoulders.

"I'm not," Harry said. Draco gave him a pointed look and narrowed his eyes.

"He is probably trying to figure out how he is going to ask for help courting the Joker he met today," Cethin stated casually. Harry glared at him and then stuck out his tongue. The mage just chuckled and turned back to his card game.

"I never said I wanted to court him," Harry pouted. Wikhn laughed.

"Oh Kitten, you didn't have to. It was very obvious from the way you were watching him. If it helps, he was watching you too," Wikhn teased.

"If...and that is a big 'IF', I decided to court him....I wouldn't have any idea where to even start," Harry grumbled.

"That is a moot point as of ten minutes ago...your Joker started for you," Bill walked over and handed an envelope to Harry.

"Guess he wanted to get a head start on courting you before the hunt started and he missed his opportunity," Oliver stated with a smirk. Harry just blushed and looked at the envelope in his hand. Donovan had sent him a letter?

"It's just a letter. It doesn't mean that he wants to court, it could have something to do with what I talked with him about today," Harry said still staring at the envelope. Oliver moved over and sat down next to Harry.

"Listen little Seeker. That is a favor. It isn't just a letter. You will probably get a lot of them once The Hunt starts. This is him letting you know that he is interested," His old captain explained. Harry blushed still looking at the envelope.

"Well, are you going to open it?" Draco demanded. Harry looked up at him startled.

"Of course, I am," Harry snarked. Harry sniffed it and it smelled exactly like Donovan. He purred a bit before cutting it off and blushing. Bill chuckled and sat next to him on the side opposite Oliver.

"It's ok to respond like that. There was obviously something about him that attracted you to him and he obviously felt the same way. Instincts have a lot to do with hunting. Just go with it Trouble," His Alpha encouraged. Harry smiled at him and pressed a kiss to his lips. He was so lucky. Harry turned back to the favor and opened it up. He tipped it and a small plain-looking golden ring fell into his hand. Harry held it in his palm and opened the letter that came with it. It had all of Donovan's information, even his statistics in the pits. Then there was a letter explaining that he had felt something when he met Harry and wanted the chance to get to know him better and explore the connection.

He would feel honored if Harry would accept his gift. Then he explained that it wasn't just a ring. That there was a hidden catch that would release a very small blade that was coated in a paralytic of his own making that would work within seconds of making contact with someone's bloodstream. A small scratch was all it would take. Harry looked back down at the ring in awe pressed the release and smiled at the blade that popped out. He pressed the release again and the blade disappeared back into the ring. He looked up and grinned at his bonded.

"It has a paralytic on it. One that Donovan created himself," Harry basically purred the information. He slipped the ring on his finger and pressed a kiss to Ethan's lips when he handed him a paper and pen. Then he explained the best way to give his own information and how best to approach a Joker.

"This won't be like with the rest of us, Harry," Ethan stated. "Usually a Joker will only bond with one person in the circle. It's like the fact that we are all most likely going to bond to you and Bill and probably to each other. But this Joker is yours. Do not be surprised if he only agrees to court and bond to you and no one else." Harry nodded his parents and grandparents had told him some about the different ranks and how they joined circles.

"You can accept a date with him. Send him a favor back and then when the hunt starts ask for his fight schedule. That is a good start for any Gheyo," Hadrian spoke up from across the room. Draco laughed.

"What?" Harry asked his twin.

"So, you are hunting," Draco stated with a smirk. Harry rolled his eyes. He really hadn't had any intention of Hunting. But he had to admit that ever since it had been mentioned that he should consider courting another Ace, King, Queen, or even Jokers to keep his Ferros instincts under control, he had been interested. He had just been afraid and a bit overwhelmed with adding more people to their already very large circle. So, he had been denying that he wanted to do it. But he wasn't a Gryffindor for nothing. If he was in for one he might as well accept his own truth and enjoy the process.

"Yeah, I think I am," Harry smiled brightly looking down at the ring. Ethan grinned and Bill laughed. "What?"

"We figured you would change your mind," Ethan said.

"We already started making preparations for you to hunt," Bill told him. Harry rolled his eyes.

"Am I seriously that obvious?" Harry asked honestly. Draco scoffed.

"Not really, but we know you and they know a bit about a Ferros and what it will take to soothe their instincts," Draco added. "This will be even more fun with you and Luna both hunting."

"Now think of a favor that you want to send him back so we can get it sent off," Theo told him and kissed him on top of his head. Harry grinned up at his lovely Beta. Theo was always so calm and reassuring. Harry couldn't remember a time that he had ever seen Theo even slightly angry. It was one of the things that he loved most about Theo.

"Ok, Theo will you come sit with me while I think about it and write back?" Harry asked. Instead of answering, Theo reached down and lifted Harry off the couch and into his arms. They went and sat in Bill's office and talked about the different things that he could send as a favor. Finally, he decided on an earring that he could carve a healing rune into. He wouldn't do him the dishonor of a protection rune, which was the first thought that he had had. It would just speed up his natural healing, especially with really bad wounds.

"Ethan and Draco got the help of the suites and bought a few things that would appeal to Gheyo since that is mainly what you will be courting. There are a few earrings among the things do you want to look and see if any of them will work for you?" Theo asked. Harry grinned. He didn't deserve these people. They were all so good to him. Theo went and got Ethan to bring the items and Harry chose an earring that would work for what he wanted. He did the rune and put his magic into it. Then he finished up his response and Ethan took it from him to send off the next day.

When he was finished it was pretty late so they decided to head off to bed. He, Draco, and his Merrow would be meeting with the Merrow Queen. He was sure it was going to be just as long a day as this one was. He was excited and a bit nervous to find out about his third. He was also hoping that he and Draco did have Merrow forms. That would be so exciting.

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

The next morning

The next morning Harry was woken up to the press of bodies. Mistral was pressing gentle kisses to his face and Caelus was lifting his shirt and pressing kisses to his stomach and chest. Harry turned his face and captured Mistral's lips with his own and arched his body up toward his Rheyo's mouth.

"Good morning," Harry breathed out when Mistral allowed him air to breathe. He felt warm breath on his stomach when Caelus chuckled.

"Morning, Love." Mistral said as he moved his attention to Harry's neck. Harry turned his head to give him more access and then ran his hands up Mistral's clothed back.

"I think we are all wearing far too many clothes," Harry groaned out as Mistral and Caelus both nipped him with their teeth. Mistral made a subtle flick of his wrist and all three of them were naked. "Much better." Harry breathed out at the feeling of flesh against flesh.

"Now we can give you a proper good morning," Caelus said as he moved down and nipped at Harry's hipbone. Harry moaned and then fell into the sensations of their hands and mouth on him. The three of them brought each other to a lovely sated completion and then cuddled together to bask in the afterglow of a lovely morning.

"Where is everyone else?" Harry asked.

"Oh, you slept right through everyone getting up so we decided to let you sleep for a bit longer. Then Quinn started fussing about how you needed to have enough time to eat before needing to leave. So I volunteered to come and wake you up. I ran into Mistral on the way and snagged him to help give you a proper wake-up," Caelus explained. Harry grinned.

"It was a wonderful wake-up call, thank you," Harry kissed them both and then looked up when the door was opened and laughed when he spotted the pointed look they were receiving from the aforementioned Healer.

You were supposed to wake him up so that he had time to eat a proper meal before he needed to get dressed to leave!!!

Quinn wrote in the air. Harry tugged on his bond to Ethan.

"Ethan will come and dress me and I won't fuss or slow him down, I promise. Then, I will eat everything you put on my plate before we leave. The Merrow Queen will just have to wait if we are late. I will let her know that I had to eat a proper meal or my fussy Healer wouldn't let me leave the house," Harry promised and then bounced up from the bed grinning when Ethan walked into the room.

"I need you to get me ready quickly so I can eat a proper meal so that Quinn doesn't have to worry about me today. I won't fight or distract while you dress me," Harry said with a grin as Ethan kissed him.

"You will be ready in less than ten. Will that work Quinn?" Ethan asked the exasperated healer.

I suppose it will have to.

Quinn responded and then walked out of the room.

"He seems mad," Harry said quietly as he let Ethan do a really good cleansing charm and do a charm that instantly had him dressed.

"That isn't your fault Harry, you didn't even know you had slept in. We distracted you and didn't even tell you until afterward. I will go talk to him," Caelus said. Mistral spelled his clothes on him and then Caelus strode from the room as Mistral came over to help Ethan fuss over Harry's hair and do the finishing touches. Ethan and Mistral had him ready in less than ten minutes as promised.

Harry went to the dining room and sat in front of the only plate of food on the table. He a couple of bites and then started to just push his food around the plate. Harry was pretty sure he had not eaten a meal alone in over a year. It was weird and he didn't like it. He also didn't like the idea that Quinn was upset with him for something that he didn't even know was an issue. A little bit later Draco walked into the room.

"We need to head out, are you ready?" Harry quickly banished the almost full plate of food before Draco could see and then sent the plate to the kitchen before hopping up.

"Yeah, let's go," Harry said. Draco gave him a look as if he didn't quite believe the smile that Harry was giving him. Harry just waved off the look and then linked his arm with Draco's and they made their way to the transportation room where the other that were going were waiting. Glynn, Chelan, Marin, Brishen, and Alec would be going with them. Only his merrow/water bonded just like it was agreed upon. Plus, himself, Draco, their Mera, and their Sire. They were going to port over to their parent's house and then they would port together from there to an eatery that catered to Merrow.

A private room had been reserved for them so that they would not be overheard. They would start the meeting there and then they would move to Merrow waters so that the paternity spells could be done.

"Oh I almost forgot. I will be right back," Draco suddenly spoke up and darted from the room before anyone could say anything. Harry just shrugged and leaned against Chelan while they waited for Draco to come back.

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

Draco is mad

Draco had not forgotten anything. He had seen Harry banish an almost full plate of food. Draco was going to Bill. He found the Alpha in the sitting room with Theo, Hadrian, Ethan, and a few others. That was fine, the more people keeping an eye out the better.

"Bill, I don't know what happened to upset Harry this morning but he tried to hide the fact that he banished an almost full plate of food this morning. He seemed upset but is trying really hard to hide it. Figure it out while we are gone so that it can be handled. If we are still out during lunch I will try to make sure he eats. I will let you know if you need to take over by dinner," Then Draco turned around and walked out of the room so that they were not late. Bill felt them port away and looked around the room.

"Who was with him this morning?" Bill asked.

"I think that only Mistral, Ethan, Quinn, and myself talked to him this morning," Caelus told him. He and Quinn had walked in at the end of Draco's comment. "As you know we let him have a small lie in because he seemed to need it. Quinn sent me up to wake him so that he could eat before leaving. I snagged Mistral on the way and we gave him a proper good morning. Probably shouldn't have but he just looked so tempting. Anyway, we made him late. Quinn was upset. Harry was upset that Quinn was upset. Because he didn't even know that he was late or behind until we were through," Caelus explained. Quinn looked guilty and really upset.

"So he was upset and alone when he went to eat?" Theo asked. Ethan nodded.

"I honestly didn't think about it. Caelus said he was going to talk to Quinn to make sure he knew it wasn't Harry's fault and Mistral and I stayed in the resting room to tidy up. I figured with so many people in the house that there was no way he wouldn't run into someone that would go with him or that someone wasn't still eating," Ethan explained.

"We need to have a family meeting while Harry is gone. No one else has left to go their separate ways yet so call everyone in here," Bill stated. Harry's eating habits were not something he would allow to get bad again. Not even five minutes later everyone was in the sitting room. Including, Sol and the rest of Draco's circle. She had heard Theo telling some of the others what was going on and insisted that they all were there too.

"Ok, so since we are all here together, something needs to be addressed. Harry had a really rough start in life we are not going to discuss the details because that is Harry's story to tell. However, I will tell you all that Harry was starved often and because of that he has a very unhealthy relationship with food. Two years ago when we first really took notice it was bad. Every day was a struggle to get him to eat. Some days all it took was Fred or George to help encourage him but on bad days he would only respond to me." Bill started to explain.

"His first bad day at school, the only person he would respond to was me," Theo added. "But those are only the really bad days."

"We all just need to be aware that he has issues with food. If he is upset we need to talk through it with him and whether it is resolved or not it is not allowed to carry over to meal times. I would also like to request that Harry is never left to eat alone. He has not eaten a meal alone in two years we have always made sure of it," Bill instructed.

"This is a Hard Limit. Does everyone understand that? I don't care what is going on or who is mad at whom. No arguments or bad feelings will carry over to mealtime. Harry is an empath he will know. Once the meal is over you can go right back to arguing or being unhappy with each other all you want. Eat at different times if you need to. Also, Harry doesn't eat any more meals alone. Everyone keeps an eye on how he eats without being obvious," Bill continued. Everyone gave their agreement.

I will fix it with him as soon as he is home. It wasn't something to be upset like that over anyway.

The words appeared in the air above Quinn. It was very obvious that he felt the worst about the situation.

"All right. We will wait to see what Draco tells us about lunch before we do anything else about it. If he eats at lunch and dinner then we will know it is resolved for now. Everyone can go about whatever plans they have for the day. Ethan, Harry said he gave you his favor to send off to his Joker. Don't forget to do that please," Bill finished off and everyone split up to start their day.

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

Meeting Killigan and the Merrow

Harry, Draco, and their group were the first ones to arrive at the meeting place. Lily and Lucius claimed a small couch to sit in and watch. Draco and Harry were walking around looking at all of the plants and pools in the room. Everything was damp and their skin and clothes were very quickly just as damp. The Merrow all seemed very comfortable and happy in the room, Draco liked the way it made his skin feel and Harry was practically purring again while he leaned back against Alec.

Ten minutes after arriving the door opened and four guards walked in with a Merrow that was quite androgynous and quite lovely. Covered in jewelry and very fancy clothes. Then four more guards followed behind. Lucius and Lily stood and bowed. All of Harry's Merrow bonded properly greeted their Queen as well. Harry and Draco followed the Merrow.

"I am Killigan. King Alcandor's Queen. I am here to hear your case in person and to see if your boys have a Merrow form then we will all go to the castle to test your Merrow parentage," Killigan stated.

"It is very nice to meet you Queen Killigan. We are truly grateful for the opportunity and help to find our lost mate," Lily greeted.

"We are glad to help. Alcandor would have come himself but with The Hunt starting in a week, he is so busy with his duties. Now let me see these boys," They said and turned to where Draco and Harry were standing. Harry was still leaning back on Alec with the Merrow's arms around his waist. Draco stepped forward and when Harry didn't move he reached back and grabbed his hand and pulled him from Alec's arms who grumbled and followed the twins over to where Killigan was standing.

"Hello, It is very nice to meet you. My brother and I are very excited for this visit for more than one reason," Draco stated. Harry smiled.

"We are very excited to know whether or not we have a Merrow form and to find out anything we can about our third," Harry finished.

"And we are very excited to meet you both. It is always a wonderful day when we find new Merrow even if they are halflings. Now let us find out who your third is and see if he can be located," Killigan said with a smile, hugging both boys. Then they led both boys over to the couch opposite Lucius and Lily, pulling them down on either side of them. Alec moved to sit on the arm of the chair next to Harry. He was sticking close and doing a bit of fussing. The snarky merrow had overheard Quinn and Caelus talking about Harry being a little upset. He could also sense it from Harry. Draco had been giving Harry concerned looks also. Alec didn't know what had upset his Submissive but he was determined to be close to offer all of the comfort he could. He was about two moments away from straight up smothering the young man.

"Why don't you two begin by telling me who your Merrow is and how you met them," Killigan told Lucius and Lily.

"Well, we are all Earth-born some of us were raised knowing what we were and others were not. Those of us who were had grown up on stories of Nevarah and about how wonderful it was. So, we made the choice to visit together. We wandered around and somehow ended up in the Merrow section that is on land," Lucius started.

"Then I literally ran into someone when I tripped over my own feet. I am very clumsy. That was when I met him. It was as if my soul had always known him. The connection was instantaneous and we spent the rest of the time that we were here with him. We exchanged claim marks and then bonded rather quickly. We made a few trips back and forth and so did he," Lily continued.

"We decided as a circle that we wanted to make Nevarah our home and were planning to move when we found out that Lily was pregnant with the twins. She was delicate and so we all decided to wait until the babies were born. Then by that time, Narcissa was pregnant. It was as if one thing after the other was keeping us apart. After Luna was born we were going to go but then our circle was attacked by a madman that is currently locked away here on Nevarah awaiting trial. He performed this ancient ritual and altered our memories and made us all forget everything," Lucius added.

"He made Lucius and Narcissa believe they were a monogamous married couple and that Draco was theirs. They sent Xeno and Luna to a separate home. Alice and Frank were put in an altered sleeping beauty coma and Neville was sent to Frank's mom to be raised. James and Lily were locked away in a cavern so that they could be leeched off of. Sirius was sent to prison, and Remus was driven away. The worst part of the entire situation was that my poor Harry was sent to my magic-hating sister and her husband. Who abused, starved, and all around physically and mentally abused our baby. Our Merrow was supposed to be there for a visit but he had never shown so we didn't know what happened to him," Lily finished.

"His name please," Killigan asked.

"Laurent Keilani," Lily said quietly. Killigan drew in a sharp breath and tightened their hold on Harry and Draco. All of the other Merrow shifted in the room as well. Alec placed a comforting hand on Harry's arm.

"You swear it? Laurent Keilani, you are absolutely sure?" They asked. Harry could feel the emotional whirlwind that was the Queen's emotions. He was also picking up on the shock and disbelief of the other Merrow. Alec just seemed supremely pleased as if whatever chaos was about to happen was going to entertain him immensely.

"I swear that was the name he gave us. We had no reason not to believe him," Lucius told them. Killigan turned sharply to one of the guards standing closest.

"Krym go and get Alcandor. Tell him it is supremely important that he clear his schedule and come now. Right now. He will not want to miss being a part of this," Killigan stated firmly. The guard simply nodded and disappeared into one of the pools on the floor.

"Will you tell us why his name is so important?" Lily asked.

"They are all very shocked and mostly don't believe us. Except Alec, who seems really amused," Harry told his Mera when Killigan didn't seem like they were going to answer. Killigan and the other Merrow that were not bonded to Harry looked a bit shocked.

"He is an Empath. Do we need to use a dampener today?" Draco stated and looked at Harry. The Ferros submissive blushed.

"Yeah, I don't have the control over it today that I usually do. Will you do it for me now? It always works better when someone does it for me," Harry told Draco, who simply leaned over Killigan and pressed his fingertips to Harry's forehead and Harry felt the magic flow over him. He sighed and relaxed shoulders that he hadn't truly realized were that tense. Both boys leaned back into the waiting embrace of Killigan who pulled them close again.

"Do you feel better now?" Killigan asked Harry. He nodded. "I knew you felt tense and that Alec was hovering but I thought it was because you were nervous or having a bad day. Why are you hovering, Alec? You don't trust me with your Submissive? Your Gheyo don't seem to have the same issue."

"I am not hovering," Alec said in a bored tone and shrugged his shoulders. Glynn, Killigan, and Harry all chuckled because of course he was hovering. He hadn't left Harry's side since they had stepped out of the portal earlier. Harry truly believed that if Alec thought he could get away with it, he would have already stolen Harry and bundled him away.

"Of course, you aren't my Snarky Merrow," Harry said placatingly and patted Alec's hand. Then there was a whoosh of noise and the guard from before arrived with another man with him. He was very tall and very regal-looking. He was also very blue and Harry thought he was very handsome. Lily gasped and Lucius wrapped an arm around her.

"Lucius, he looks so similar," Lily whispered. The merrow turned to look at them sharply before turning his attention back to Harry and Draco and looking at them hard. Harry could see what his Mera meant. Other than the fact that the man was blue and had fluted ears Harry and Draco looked a little bit like him. The same eye shape and cheekbones. He had spent enough time looking at himself as he changed over the years and became healthy. Plus his magic felt familiar. Alec seemed even more amused and Killigan stood and brought Harry and Draco with him.

"Do you think they could be telling the truth?" Killigan asked. Alcandor stepped up to Draco grasped his chin and turned his head to look at him better. Then he moved over and did the same to Harry.

"We are going to the ritual room now. It is time to see if you boys are Merrow enough to have a Merrow form. Let's go," Alcandor demanded. Then he turned to Alec who had moved up until he was almost pressed against Harry's back. "And I know that you noticed the resemblance, I am going to skin you, salt you, and then leave you out in the sun."

Harry was instantly on alert. He didn't know the Merrow King well enough to know whether or not he would follow through with his threat. He wouldn't allow anyone to hurt his bonded. Merrow King or not. He wouldn't attack the man outright or anything but he would defend what was his. Alec pressed into his back suddenly and wrapped his arms around him. He did it for two main reasons. He didn't want Harry upset even more than he had been so he was offering comfort. Second, he had been witness to the fierce way that Harry had torn into the snake-faced freak that had threatened Draco and he didn't want Alcandor to end up the same way.

Harry was just not having a good day, dang it. He wanted to be good and make a good impression on the royalty who had the power to help them find their father. Harry felt the scales ripple across his skin and closed his eyes to control the urge to defend. Then he felt arms wrap around him and Alec both and felt his face pressed into someone's neck. He took a deep breath and recognized the scent of his Merrow Ace. Then he slid his fangs into the offered neck and wrapped one arm around Glynn and the other he reached down to put his hand on Alec's around his waist.

"I know that you are the King and everything, your Highness, but it would probably be best for everyone if you didn't threaten any of my brother's bonded where he can hear. He is a Ferros and he works very hard to walk on the right side between fine and feral," Draco explained. He swore he heard someone snort. When he felt grounded he pulled his fangs out and licked the punctures closed.

"Are we in control?" Glynn asked. Harry nodded and smiled up at him.

"Thank you, my Lovely Ace," Harry told him. Glynn pressed a kiss to his head and then stepped back. When Harry looked back up at the King he was not expecting the smirk on his face.

"Being bloodthirsty and quick to fight is a Merrow thing unfortunately and if you are Ferros on top of that you are going to need a lot of Gheyo and Jokers to round that out," Alcandor stated with a smirk. Harry grinned.

"I have two full suites and two jokers. I just accepted a favor to court another Joker and plan on Hunting for at least a third Ace/King/Queen triad as well as a Joker or two and a mage. I am fully prepared to Hunt until my instincts are settled," Harry told the King. Alcandor nodded.

"Let's get to the Palace. Two on the Submissive, Two on the Alpha. Two on Draco and Harry's bonded can tend to him," Alcandor ordered. Harry cleared his throat.

"Two of my bonded will tend to Draco as well. It was a promise we made to his Alpha so that she would feel comfortable with him coming with us without someone from their circle," Harry told the King calmly. Alcandor shrugged.

"So be it," He said. Then he was descending into the pool followed by Killigan and the remaining four guards that had not been assigned to someone. Then, their Mera with her two guards and Lucius with his two. Then Chelan and Glyn went down with Draco. Brishen, Alec, and Marin went with Harry.

Harry listened as Alec explained to him about closing his eyes and allowing himself to feel the magic of the water reach for him and how to connect with that part inside of himself that was Merrow. Harry could feel it.

"Now take a deep breath," Alec instructed suddenly. Harry didn't hesitate he did as he was told and didn't drown. He felt the gills open in his neck and when he opened his eyes everything was bright at beautiful. He looked down at himself and then over at Draco and once again they were polar opposites but identical. Harry and Draco were both mono-finned mermen. Draco was pale blue with a dark blue tail. He had darker blue fins on his wrists, elbows, and down his spine. His scales were a smattering of peach, silver, and pale blue to show his Submissive rank. Harry was a darker blue the same shade as Draco's fins and had a pale blue tail and fins in the same places as Draco. His scales were peach and silver with dark blue stripes that marked him as Ferros Submissive. So they were identical but opposite. Harry figured they made a lovely site together.

Once they had finished admiring themselves they all followed King Alcandor until they reached a massive, beautiful palace. They were quickly ushered to a ritual room. Draco and Harry were placed in the center of the room and a half dozen merrow were summoned to perform and witness the paternity and heritage tests for them. There were shocked and hopeful noises when it was confirmed that they did in fact belong to Laurent Keilani.

"Now will you tell us why the name is so important?" Lucius asked. Alcandor nodded and smiled.

"Laurent Keilani is my brother. He is second in line to the throne and since I have no children your boys are third and fourth. They are my nephews and I am very happy to know them. Now as far as Laurent, he was returned to us many years ago half dead and spirit broken. He fell very ill and refused to get better or allow himself to be healed. So our healers placed him in a coma. He is here in this palace sleeping as he has been for many years," Alcandor told them.

"He is here?" Lily spoke up hopefully. Alcandor nodded.

"I will take you all to him and then we will try to wake him. We knew it was the loss of his mates that caused the refusal to heal. Maybe with you here he will choose to live. Then you will all explain to me what happened that separated you all from each other," The King stated firmly. Lily, Lucius, and the twins agreed and happily followed him to another section of the palace to a grand room with a merrow lying in a bed that did in fact look a lot like Alcandor. This was their dad. Harry was completely avoiding the fact that they were essentially Princes. That was just too much to think about right now.

The healer came and did a few scans and then performed the magic that would wake him up. They decided that only Lily and Lucius would confront him at first. The man came awake with a sob and then stared up in desperation at Lucius and Lily.

"I am still dreaming," He whispered. Lily shook her head no and caressed his cheek.

"No, my Love, we are truly here," Lucius stated in a calm quiet voice. Laurent sat up and allowed them to help him.

"There is no way. He told me that all of you were dead." Laurent sobbed. Lily and Lucius wrapped their arms around him.

"He lied," Lily said. They were given time to reacquaint and then a healer checked him to show that he was already improving.

"How long as has it been Lucius," Laurent asked.

"About sixteen years, My Love," Lucius answered. Laurent closed his eyes and then he shot them open again.

"Draco and Harry?" He asked. He had missed his children's life. Lily smiled and stepped back. Harry and Draco were revealed to the man. They were standing hand in hand and Alcandor was standing behind them with a hand on each shoulder in silent support.

"Those are my sons? They are beautiful. Beautiful grown and bonded if the marks are anything to go by," Laurent said with sadness in his voice. Draco and Harry both whined and were reassured with rumbles from every dominant rank in the room. "Come here, boys. Let me hold you." Draco and Harry were across the room and in his arms so fast.

"Now let's talk about what happened and what happens next," Alcandor said after a quiet few moments between father and sons. Lucius, Lily, and Laurent nodded. Then they explained everything from each of their perspectives. Harry and Draco had fallen asleep toward the end after their parental bond settled. They finally had their entire parental circle together. They had more family and things were looking up for them all. He couldn't wait to see the Merrow's reaction when they told them that they both had Fire Alphas. It was going to be amazing to watch.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Theo and Ilsa

"Oretta, I haven't heard from you in a few days. Does that mean you have finally gone to see Bahn?" Theo asked. He had finally gotten to meet up with Ilsa now that Harry was out of the house and distracted for a while. Ilsa and Aracle had come over to see how they were settling in. Charlie Weasley came in and lounged himself across the couch Theo was on and propped himself up against the Beta.

Theo simply allowed it and played with Charlie's hair that was splayed across his lap. At this point, he was used to most of the Gheyo in the house draping themselves across their other bonded when they were home and relaxed. Charlie in particular sought him out. Theo figured he and the Joker were quickly headed toward a completed bond of their own soon. Ilsa smiled and leaned back into Aracle's arm across the back of the couch.

"I see you are settling in quite nicely," Aracle pointed out with a wink. Theo blushed lightly and Charlie didn't react at all except to close his eyes and shift around to get more comfortable. He was not ashamed to seek affection and Theo was quite good at it.

"It has been a lot easier to settle and fall into a routine than I thought it would be with so many new bonded and two circles living under one roof. I think Harry's Empathy helps a lot," Theo answered. Then he gave Ilsa a look. He knew she had intended to return to her circle after being gone for nearly twenty years. His Oretta sighed and then gave him a small smile.

"Persistent thing aren't you? I don't know who you get that from," Ilsa said teasingly. Theo and Aracle both gave her another look. He clearly got it from her. She chuckled and shrugged. "Yes, I went to see Bahn. He is pregnant by the way. With my children. Twins. That is most likely the reason I have been feeling pulled to come home. We are not settled by any means but we are talking and that is at least progress."

"Good. I am glad to know you are going to work things out. I didn't really understand how important a boned circle was until meeting Harry and the rest of my bonded. I didn't intend to have such a large circle while still this young but it is what it is and I am happier than I have ever been," Theo stated. Charlie gave a happy rumble at that and turned so he could bury his face in Theo's stomach and wrap his arms around his waist.

"That one seems content and calm for a fire type," Ilsa pointed out. "Is he even really a Gheyo?" Charlie grumbled and Theo soothed him with the hand still buried in his hair.

"Don't pick at him. He was not born a Gheyo. He rank shifted from Beta after almost dying. But don't let him fool you. I have seen him fight. He is quite vicious when he needs to be," Theo defended. Ilsa held up her hands to placate the defensive Beta. Yeah, she was pretty sure the two of them would bond soon. They were far too attuned to each other.

"I didn't mean to offend. Pull your claws back in, Theodore. How is Harry?" Ilsa decided to change the subject. Theo relaxed his shoulders and smiled softly. Harry was always a safe topic of conversation. Theo had loved him since he was seventeen and it was obvious in the way his whole face softened when he spoke of him. They talked about Harry and their bonded for a bit before Theo got a serious look on his face and handed a letter to Ilsa.

"Yanek Dorsen, now Calamaris, is trying to plot the way he did back when I was younger. We may have to consider getting a No-Contact order against him. We met him our first day here and he was already trying to lay the groundwork for me to join his circle. He was very upset to learn I had a Submissive already. Apparently, that was not enough to deter him. He sent this the next day. He is proposing that we merge our circles," Theo explained. Ilsa growled and Aracle tightened his arm around her.

"We will look into it. You did send him a letter back to reject this right?" Ilsa asked. Theo nodded. "Good boy, if he continues to hint at it or get pushy like he did before we will take care of it. Make sure that your Gheyo are aware of the full situation so that they can make sure you are all properly looked after. If they can not get to you they may attempt to get to you through Harry. Make sure Draco is aware as well. Just in case. We don't know what they are after or capable of."

"Yes, Oretta. I have already done both of those things," Theo agreed. Ilsa smiled at him.

"Very good boy. Now Aracle and I must get going. I don't want Bahn getting upset that we stayed away too long. We need to get together soon and have a day on the beach for our circles to get aquainted. It will be good for Harry and Draco to be around older more experienced Submissives that can help guide them," Ilsa suggested.

"Of course, Oretta. That sounds like fun. I will talk to Harry and the others about it," Theo agreed. They said their goodbyes and they were barely out of the room before Charlie shifted them around so that Theo was lying on the couch with him and wrapped in his arms.

"What are you doing Charlie?" Theo asked with a smile. Charlie grumbled and tightened his arms around the smaller Dragel.

"Tired from training. Take a nap with me," Charlie stated. It wasn't really a question. Theo agreed anyway and relaxed into the Joker's arms for nap until Harry returned home.