Late Night Hogwarts: Year Three

by CoffeeNumbers

Summary:

Harry begins his third year at Hogwarts despite his circle’s wishes. What could go wrong?

AU of Scioneeris' "There be Dragons, Harry"
Inspired by The Soul's Scream by cheyla

Notes:

This story’s Hogwarts chapters will read in small snippets of scenes and small snippets of letters with the occasional larger scene in between as we go through book three. I didn’t want to rewrite the entire book so this was the style I thought of doing. Also I don’t own the book so I can’t rewrite the dialogue. This will be more like one shots with filler around them, focusing on Harry’s time with his circle and less on his time at Hogwarts.

Chapter 1: Before Hogwarts

Getting to Hogwarts was much more complicated than just saying ‘Yes, you can go’ and he was on his way. Which, to be honest, was surprising to Harry as that was just about how it went the first time around with Hagrid.

 

First was the announcement that Harry would be going back to Hogwarts. No one had been happy about that announcement and Harry almost folded right then and there that he wouldn’t go if it meant keeping the peace in the circle. Fangs and scales and even a couple pairs of wings had made an appearance at that proclamation from the alpha. There was a myriad of emotions that spun through him when that happened, positive and negative waring in him and making him dizzy. However it seemed having the main triad all in agreement on it held a huge amount of say in the circle. Despite the reaction, there was no actual fighting and Brayden smoothed things over as best he could, though it seemed even he got the cold shoulder from a few of the others. 

 

When asked why they were letting him go back, the response was open. “You have all seen Harry’s reaction at not being able to go these past few weeks. We have been monitoring the situation and believe it is not just a depression at not going but an actual health concern involving the prophetic seal on him. If it is causing such a reaction in him in just these few weeks we’re worried what length it will harm him if we continue to refuse him to go.” That started a clamor and Harry lost track of what was going on as Darius refused to speak over the loud voices and more opinions were given on it. In the end the dragels ended the night very agitated and many splitting up to sleep in other rooms that night. 

 

Then there were the gheyos and discussing Brayden’s wants with them. It made his heart pound when he faced Ezra and explained the situation and that Brayden wanted him to bond with at least one gheyo before he left for Hogwarts. Ezra had been quiet before asking Harry to give him a little time to think it over. The lack of immediate acceptance surprised him but Ezra had given him a little smile and simply told him that Harry didn’t fully understand what he was asking because he didn’t grow up in dragel culture. Ezra also asked that he be the one to talk to Leon and Clara, the King and ACE respectively. That surprised Harry but he had agreed with the reminder that he only had a couple of weeks till he would need to leave. 

 

After that hiccup, Harry’s mood soured a bit, wondering what else would go wrong with his quest to return to Hogwarts. Not even having Ian teach him the magic of sending messages instantaneously across space (without a wand!) could cheer him up. Well, cheer him up fully. He didn’t think magic would ever not elate him to some degree and being able to do it with just a few words and a wave of his hand made him feel even better than the first time he managed to transfigure a match stick into a needle.

 

To further the hectic month were trips to the city. 

 

Harry was surprised to learn that his vaults could be accessed through the Nevaran bank system since he was now a registered citizen. Darius was surprised to learn Harry had a vault when the subject of paying for school supplies came up. When they went to the local bank branch together, they were both surprised to find that Harry had more than one vault and was actually really, really rich. Like Malfoy rich. The numbers on the screens made Harry go cross eyed. Darius had to give him an impromptu lesson about circles and sharing finances. When Harry immediately offered his own up Darius merely held up his hand (Harry was going to smack it one of these days) for Harry to settle down and explained that he would be proxy and monitor the accounts until Harry was of age. Then they could go through them together and decide how much Harry wanted to contribute to the circle and how much he should keep for personal use. When they went home, Harry had his bag of coins for his school supplies and ‘allowance’ and Darius had a deceptively thin folder under his arm with Harry’s bank information now accessible to him.

 

Caleb’s trip was just as overwhelming. Caleb finally got his way and got Harry into a proper healing clinic with another physician. Harry remembered being asked a lot of questions and Caleb giving a lot of answers. He was also poked and prodded quite a bit with some gloved fingers. He did have to admit the magic was quite nice. Not the spells cast, but the entire aura and energy of the two healers in the room was very nice and almost as soothing as sitting in front of the fireplace in the Gryffindor common room. There was advanced talk about seals, Harry knew what they were and that there were a lot on him that people were very unhappy about, but this conversation went over his head with discussions of removals and fraying. 

 

The most interesting thing that happened was learning that the familial seals were from the Evanson and Peverell clans. Two high class clan names that seemed to shock Caleb when he heard them. If they shocked Caleb, Harry wondered how Darius would react.

 

The nutritionist was a bit better. She at least shut Caleb down when he started answering for Harry, though when the questions started up in the same thread as Caleb’s appointment ( “How much did you tend to eat at each meal?” “What did an average meal consist of?” ) he almost wished Caleb would take over. He could practically feel the disappointment the nutritionist had when he mumbled or evaded an answer. They also took a lot of measurements. Not just physical ones, though there were plenty of those - it reminded him of Ollivanders - but they also took his blood and performed a body scan. In the end there were familiar words bandied about such as brittle bones, vitamin deficiency and refeeding syndrome. Caleb was sent home with a new nutrition potion recipe and meal plan for Harry.

 

Finally it was the pareyas that took him out to ‘refresh his wardrobe'. When he argued they already had gotten him new clothes they insisted that they had only gotten him essentials and now he needed more. He also argued he wasn't going to be able to wear them much since Hogwarts had uniforms. That was countered by the fact he would need the clothes when he came home during breaks. 

 

Leon had been the first to see them when they came home and laughed at him and his harried look. To his surprise the gheyo King had led him away by the scruff of his neck and offered to bond. Harry was shocked by the offer and stumbled over his acceptance. When the bond flared to life, a strong steady ember in his soul just waiting to be fed into a full fledged flame, the gheyo King couldn't help but notice his disappointment.

 

“Not who you wanted, am I?” Leon had stated frankly. Harry gave a weak protest before shaking his head. His hair was ruffled a bit harshly. “Give him a little more time. For now you’ve met Brayden's request. I'm at your call if anything happens while you're at Hogwarts.” It seemed that was good enough for Leon and he had left Harry to his thoughts.

 

Surprisingly it was Sera who came to him with bad news. She had been doing research on Earth, trying to learn more of the realm Harry came from and what they needed to expect when handling a young wizard. This led to some rather horrifying discoveries. The Ministry of Magic considered dragel dark creatures. Creatures that were to be captured and killed. Harry had been devastated by the news. The wizarding world would kill his new family if they had the chance to. Would they kill him? That was why Sera had pulled him aside, a charm was given to him, pressed to his hair cord necklace between the scales that decorated it so that it would melt into the cord and latch on. “You don't have any Dragel features we have to worry about but this will hide your bond marks from all but other dragel as long as you wear the charm.” A part of Harry calmed down at having a way to hide his heritage and this new information was not being used as another reason for him to stay. Another part of him absolutely loathed that he had to hide his bond marks like they were something shameful.

 

Another bit of bad news was that Hogsmeade trips were still off the table. When asked, Darius refused to sign the slip even though he was physically and magically Harry’s guardian now. Darius was adamant that if Harry thought Hogwarts was the safest place to be then it’d be the place Harry would stay. They could revisit Hogsmeade permissions next year.

 

It seemed like things would never slow down once they got started now that there was a deadline in place. Not to mention checking off one item seemed to make four more crop up. Triple check his packed trunk - not only for all of his things but also for things that were slipped in while others were ‘helping’, done. He'd check it once more before he left just in case. Be drilled on his meal plan by Caleb and make sure he packed his new auto-refilling potion vial? Recited several times and packed away - separate from his potion supplies so he wouldn't mix it up. Bond with Clara? Not expected but Brayden seemed thrilled when Clara made the offer in front of him. Everyone seemed to have a hand in sending him off and he couldn't stop feeling so very loved by everyone's care. It was making the thought of leaving all the harder to stomach.

 

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

It was the night before he was set to leave, Leon of all of them would be taking him and staying with him till he was on the train to Hogwarts. He had been getting ready for bed when a knock disturbed him and he hastily called out for whoever it was to enter. To his surprise it was Ezra. The gheyo hadn't been standoffish since Harry's request to bond but perhaps a little distant. “I know you're supposed to be getting sleep for tomorrow, but can we talk for a moment?” A small smile was given to him.

 

Harry answered with a small grin of his own as he sat on his bed, kicking his legs a little as Ezra sat beside him. There was a comfortable pause before Ezra spoke, “My sister is in a political circle. She bonded into it when I was eight years old. She didn’t bond with them for love, even though that is what it’s grown into. Sure there may have been some at the beginning but that wasn’t the base of the bonding. I vowed that I would bond for love. A soulscream brings together those that are soulbonded to the submissive, not necessarily soulbonded to each other and there may even be personality conflicts. I already know I am compatible with my ACE and King which is why I bonded with them already.” 

 

“I thought we were compatible,” Harry interrupted, frowning a little as he followed where the conversation was going. 

 

“We are Harry. But you asked me to bond for other reasons and that threw me off. I like to know that I’m wanted for me, not for my skill set.” Ezra leaned forward a bit, resting his forearms on his knees as he looked at Harry.

 

“Of course I want you, Ezra! You’ve been my best friend while I’ve been here.” Harry was adamant about that. Ron and Hermione may be his best friends, but Ezra was definitely earning his own spot among that line. Ezra’s lips spread into a small grin and he swayed, bumping his shoulder to Harry’s lightly. It was then Harry noticed the other was not in his armor - he must have been headed to bed.

 

“Thank you, Harry. I treasure that. Now, would you still like to bond with me?”

 

“Yes! I’m sorry I made you feel bad about us bonding before, but I’d still really like to bond with you.” 

 

“No need for apologies, Harry, we can move forward now.” His hand was taken in Ezra’s larger one, Ezra’s covering the back of his palm as he brought Harry’s inner wrist to his mouth and bit down with little warning. Harry couldn’t help the hiss as large fangs dug in, he was getting familiar with the burn of a claim mark but it didn’t make it any less harsh. Harry noticed scales ripple across Ezra’s face quickly as he tended to the bite before offering his arm to Harry. 

 

Harry was quick to give his own bite, lingering a bit longer than Ezra as the blood was quite refreshing. Caleb had been highly hinting that Harry should be taking blood more as it would help him, Harry couldn’t quite bring himself to ask others just yet but every time he tasted another dragel’s blood he began to think it would be worth it.

 

Then he felt arms around him, bringing him in tightly, dark wings cocooning them both and creating a safe haven for this moment. When the bond came alive it felt a bit like slipping on his invisibility cloak. A soothing cool cloth that felt like protection and would hide him away from the world. It also felt so much stronger than the others, the only one comparable was Brayden’s bond.

 

Harry gave a bit of a start when Ezra gave a short laugh, it sounded elated! “A soulbond! Oh Harry, we’re soulbonded.” The dragel cupped Harry’s cheeks in his hands, nuzzling their noses together. Harry couldn’t help but giggle at the action and the contagiousness of Ezra’s happiness. “I wonder why we couldn’t feel it before. Perhaps those pesky seals on you prevented it. Hmm, whatever the reason we have it now. Can you feel it Harry?” 

 

If Ezra meant that strong thread in him humming with happiness then yes, Harry could feel it. “I think so. It feels like Brayden’s.” “Yes. That’s us Harry.” Hands dropped from Harry’s cheeks to his shoulders while Ezra’s forehead tipped forward till it rested against Harry’s with hazel eyes closed tightly for a moment, as if he was trying to visibly see the mental bonds.

 

When Ezra came back to himself he gently pulled himself away from Harry, folding his wings back into himself. “I’m going to miss you. This whole circle is going to miss you. Are you sure you have to go?” “I have to go back to Hogwarts. I just.. Have to.” “I hate those seals on you.” Ezra didn’t specify which ones but the hiss in his voice showed his words were truly how he felt. Harry felt like the entire circle hated his seals, especially the prophetic one that they thought was leading this pull. Ezra’s face showed his sad acceptance before he ran his fingers gently through Harry’s hair before musing it with a gentle ruffle. “Good night, Harry.” “Good night, Ezra.” The words were quiet as the gheyo stood from the bed and made his way out of the room, offering Harry one last smile before he shut the door behind him.

Chapter 2: Diagon Alley

It was very disorienting to leave midday at one place and then immediately be in another place in the morning, but here they were, the Leaky Cauldron. It had taken some knowledge transfers for Leon to feel confident enough to portal them here safely but they had arrived and Harry’s heart could not stop thundering in his chest at being back in the wizarding world. In fact it took Hedwig giving a disgruntled screech for him to begin to move again. 

 

“Sorry Hedwig.” Harry apologized, his owl was not necessarily appreciative of the portals. “I’ll let you out as soon as I can.” He promised before feeling Leon give him a little nudge on his shoulder where his grip still sat from the portal. 

 

“You’re in the lead.” Leon stated as he stood so close Harry could almost feel the heat that radiated from the fire dragel beneath the cloak he wore to hide his armor and weapons.

 

Harry nodded, he had talked the best plan of action out with Darius and Sera and it started with figuring out the date. He made sure his hair was flattened over his scar, attempting to hide it as well as possible as he made his way to the bar counter where Tom stood. “Excuse me, do you have today's paper yet?” 

 

“Sure do. Right there to the side.” The distracted tone came as the barkeep tended to his dishes. 

 

The Daily Prophet front page was covered with a picture of a familiar man, like someone he’d glimpsed before but couldn’t place. Sirius Black it said under the prison picture. But that’s not what he was looking for. In the corner was the date. August 31st. They had made it just in time! It was good to know the calendar they had charmed to tell them Earth’s date and time had been accurate. It was one of the things that gave Harry anxiety as they wouldn’t let him leave till the last minute they could. 

 

The sound of breaking dishes had his head shooting up fast enough to give him whiplash, eyes going wide. Aunt Petunia was going to yell. He took a sharp breath in, a hand landing on his back in between his shoulders causing him to flinch. The hand just pressed harder and he focused on the almost too much heat it exuded that he could feel even through his cloak and clothes. His focus returned to the outside world and he looked at the barkeep that had dropped the dish.

 

“Well I’ll be. Harry Potter. You know the Ministry’s been looking for ya. Told me to let them know if I’ve seen ye. Come, come, let’s get you a room before the crowd comes. Can’t have all that hubbub start before the Ministry gets to ye.” Harry gulped, mouth dry, was he expelled? He hadn’t necessarily forgotten about blowing Aunt Marje up, but the consequences had escaped his mind. Though the wizards who had come to the house had said it was just accidental magic and he’d be fine, Harry couldn’t help but remember second year when he’d gotten his warning due to Dobby’s magic. That may not have been accidental, but it hadn’t even been him!

 

He looked at Leon for guidance and received a raised eyebrow and a silent nod from the gheyo before they followed Tom around the bar and up the rickety steps of the pub. Led to a private room they were left to wait with a couple cups of tea and some biscuits. Neither of them touched either of the items. 

 

It seemed like both an eternity and barely any time had passed before a portly man bumbled into the room. Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic himself had come. Not that Harry was meant to know who this was, as the only time he had seen the man before was when they came and took Hagrid to Azkaban. “Ah, Harry Potter. I am Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic. It’s good to finally meet you. And your companion is…?” 

 

“This is Leon, my… bodyguard.” Harry hesitated briefly, that seemed like such a down play on what Leon was, but in this instance it seemed the most appropriate. 

 

“Good, good! Can never be too careful now.” The man seemed to bumble over his words a little, Harry thought it was a little weird for someone in such high standing.

 

The conversation was short and a little awkward, but overall Harry got the sense that Fudge was hiding something from him. However much that annoyed him, he couldn’t help but let the relief overpower it as he learned he wasn’t going to be expelled. 

 

“I am sorry to say that your relatives are being a little difficult in accepting that it was an accident. Don’t you worry though, we’ll make sure you can go back home after the school year ends.”

 

“Oh, you don’t need to worry about that. I have new guardians now. I’ll be going home to them during the breaks and after the school year.” Fudge sputtered a little and when it looked like he was going to protest Leon spoke up. 

 

“You’ll find that all the relevant paperwork is in his file. Darius Lynel is his new guardian under law and magic.” 

 

“Well… Well now, if it’s all filed proper then I guess that’s that. Some warning would have been appreciated but if the magic is true then there’s nothing to do at this point. Harry, I wish you a wonderful school year. You stay safe now.” Fudge concluded, attempting to gain his composure.

 

“Thank you, sir.” Harry couldn’t believe it had been that easy. He looked a little wide-eyed at Leon after Fudge had left and got a raised eyebrow in return. 

 

“So, time to get a room and then go get your supplies?” 

 

“Y-yeah, I think that’s right.” 

 

“Lead the way then.”

 

It was surprisingly short order to go back to Tom the barkeep and get a room upstairs. Once there Harry was finally able to let Hedwig out of her cage and the owl quickly took over the perch set up in the room, settling in to preen herself. “We’ll be back in a while Hedwig, okay? I’ll get some treats for you from the Emporium.” Harry promised with a few scritches to her neck. With that they were ready to go. 

 

Shopping with Leon was easy. The gheyo never let him out of his sight but Harry could tell he was also checking everything out, some with interest, others with incredulity, but he let Harry lead the way and didn’t complain. He didn’t even mention anything when Harry took forever looking at the new Firebolt on display and then gushing about its specifications to him as they walked. It was honestly the most lowkey visit he had had to the alley. He wasn’t overwhelmed with the newness of it all, though he still tried to catch sight of everything he missed the first few times around, and there were no crazy duplicitous authors grabbing him and causing a scene. He was near obsessive with making sure his hair covered his scar and it seemed to work as no crowds came forth either. 

 

As the shopping trip wound down Harry could feel himself start to drop as well. It was already night in Nevarah and while the hours had seemed short, he had been up for his fair share of time. When he started to drag, Leon called their shopping excursion done but Harry begged one more look at the Firebolt. Dusk may have been coming but the display was still lit up quite brightly to show off the broom. He’d have to settle for his Nimbus for now. It was still a great broom and he couldn't afford the Firebolt with his allowance. He came out of his pouting when his hair was ruffled roughly. 

 

“Come on short stack. We need to get dinner and then bed.” Harry sighed but agreed and gave another mournful look at the broom before turning to Leon's side and the two made their way back to the pub/inn.

 

Everything seemed a little too mundane as they finished up their day. Leon ordered dinner to be delivered to their room while Harry repacked his trunk with his new supplies. They ate, Leon going over the plan for tomorrow and asking Harry for his input! Leon said it was because Harry was most familiar with what would happen.

 

The night sky was still fairly young when Harry changed into his pajamas and crawled into bed. Leon actually tucked Harry into the bed, pulling the covers up around him and showing a softer side that the gheyo tended to keep under lock and key unless in private. Leon didn’t strip his armor before sitting on the bed beside Harry, taking over the other side of the bed as he leaned against the headboard. 

 

“Aren’t you going to sleep?” Harry inquired to the fuzzy form of Leon.

 

“Likely not. My first priority is to keep you safe, and that means keeping watch. Don’t worry about it, I’m used to it and I’ll rest when I’m back in Nevarah.”

 

Harry merely hummed in answer, it not quite sitting right with him but he could already feel sleep taking him. His hands curled to his chest where his bonds held strongly, even if the connection felt weaker due to distance. His last thoughts before sleep took him was that he hoped the others were doing well.

Chapter 3: The Train

Notes:

Hey everyone! Just a heads up that I won't be posting for the next few weeks as I'll be traveling and then likely exhausted and recovering. I've also run into a strong bout of writer's block that I'm trying to break through. And I'm on new meds. So a bunch of fun stuff.

The next morning was a whirlwind of adrenaline fueled energy from Harry as he checked his trunk for the millionth time to make sure everything was in there including all his new supplies. Hedwig was calm as she sat in her cage, glad to have been able to stretch her wings so much this past summer and used to the process by now. A little rough treatment and then she would spend the year in the owlery at Hogwarts getting fed lovely fat mice and bacon. At least that’s the thoughts Harry believed she was having. She was such a good owl.

 

“Time to go, short stack.”

 

“Do we really have to use the floo?” Apparently floo was how most wizarding students arrived at the platform, not running through a wall like most muggle-born did. 

 

“Sera said to keep as low-key as possible. That means using the wizarding methods of travel. I’m not any happier about it than you are.”

 

Harry grumbled his acceptance, Sera may not have been Darius but Harry had noticed she still had quite a bit of power when it came over the circle. There was quite a bit of arguing between her and Darius in the first week until they sorted themselves out, or at least that’s how everyone else put it. Harry just appreciated the fact they tended to argue without yelling.

 

It was Leon who carried his trunk while Harry carried Hedwig, the duo making their way downstairs with little fan faire. Harry looked at the floo in trepidation, a few knuts going into a cauldron beside the bowl of powder before he threw it into the fire and stepped in. “Platform 9 3/4s!” He yelled before being wooshed away. 

 

When he stumbled out of the fireplace he was happy to be covered in minimal soot and only tripped over his feet once. He stepped aside as the fire flared again and was insanely jealous as Leon practically stepped smoothly out of the fireplace as though walking over a bump in the sidewalk. His jealousy didn’t linger for long as he stood on his tip-toes, attempting to see over the crowds quite unsuccessfully. 

 

“You’re looking for a gaggle of red heads, right?”

 

“Don’t call them a gaggle. They’re a family.” Harry gave a light glare to the gheyo’s comment.

 

A smirk was his answer, “Keep going straight. I think I see them.”

 

They pushed their way through the crowds, Leon somehow keeping a step behind Harry even in the dense population. It was with great joy when he finally caught sight of the colorful forms of the Weasleys plus a bushy haired girl. “Ron! Hermione!” He called as he broke the crowds next to the tall forms of the twins.

 

“Harry!” Was cried in tandem before the teenagers crowded together.

 

“Oh Harry, where have you been?! We heard you left your relatives and then none of our messages could get to you! The owls wouldn’t even try!” Hermione was looking fussed, nose scrunched up as though about to lecture him.

 

“Yeah, mate, Hedwig kept refusing to even take my letters before one day just taking off.” Ron himself looked good, once again even taller than before. Harry wondered if he was the tallest of their year at this point.

 

“I’ll tell you all about it later.” He promised with a side glance to the others surrounding them.

 

“Oh Harry! It’s so wonderful to see you’re alright! Everyone was so worried, even Headmaster Dumbledore stopped by to see if you wound up at our place again. What were you thinking, running off like that?!” That was Mrs. Weasley in all her worry. The Weasley matriarch bustled over and gave him a big hug. It was a nice hug, warm and comforting. Harry had always wondered if this was like what his own mother’s hug would be like. A small part of him admitted he preferred Brayden’s and Ezra’s. 

 

“Sorry to worry you Mrs. Weasley. I was taken in by a cir- by a family. They got guardianship over me during the last few.. Weeks.” He was going to have to work on his lying. He had gotten used to calling them his circle and it had been a couple of months for him.

 

“Oh, dear, you should have let us know. A quick owl wouldn’t have hurt.”

 

“Sorry Mrs. Weasley. I couldn’t send an owl from where I was and I didn’t pick Hedwig up till later.”

 

“And who’s this with you?”

 

“This is Leon. My bodyguard.”

 

At least Mrs. Weasley looked pleased about that. There was a bit more fussing before the whistles of the train conductors began to drown out the sound of everyone talking. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley seemed to be having a hushed conversation at that point while all the teenagers double checked they had everything. Harry felt a bit bad about leaving his trunk in Leon’s care, though the gheyo did put it down when it looked like they weren’t going anywhere once Harry found the Weasleys. 

 

It was a little unexpected when Mr. Weasley pulled him aside, away from Leon and leaned down to give them some sense of privacy. No wards though, Harry wondered if those weren’t as common here in the Wizarding world. Leon glowered at his charge being pulled away like so, but seemed to hold off as Harry was kept in his line of sight. Maybe it was also Harry’s familiarity with the Weasley family that stilled him. 

 

“Harry, I have something I need to tell you before you go.” Mr. Weasley started, looking serious, “Sirius Black, the escaped prisoner of Azkaban, he’s likely coming after you.”

 

“Me? Why me?”

 

“Black is one of You-Know-Who’s main supporters. He’s likely insane from being in Azkaban for so long but we have a feeling he will be out for revenge against you for stopping You-Know-Who when you were a baby.”

 

Harry felt a little shell-shocked by the news. He had promised a normal year to his circle. “But the Ministry. They’ll stop him. He can’t get into Hogwarts, can he?”

 

“That’s right, you’ll be safe in Hogwarts. I just wanted to warn you, don’t need you unaware. You should let your bodyguard know, though I don’t suppose he’s going to Hogwarts with you.”

 

Harry nodded while at the same time thinking that  no, he would not be telling Leon about this. He would be dragged off back to Nevarah in a heartbeat. “Thanks for letting me know Mr. Weasley. I’ll be sure to watch my back.” The man nodded and patted his shoulder before giving them a nudge.

 

“Best be on the train then. Don’t want to miss it!”

 

Harry stepped back up to Leon quickly, reaching down to pick up his trunk by one handle and Hedwig’s cage in his other hand. “Everything alright?” Leon asked as his charge came back, scrutinizing the companion.

 

“Yup! Everything’s fine.” Harry nearly sweated under Leon’s glower but eventually the gheyo just nodded. Harry led the way to the train steps, halting close to the flow into the train before dropping his trunk and turning to give Leon a hug around his waist. There was a startled pause before the King wrapped his arms around Harry’s shoulders and gave a short tight squeeze. “I’m going to miss everyone.”

 

“We’ll miss you too, short stack. I’ll make sure everyone knows. Don’t forget to send your letters or you’ll be seeing me much sooner than you’d like.”

 

“I know. I’ll send one as soon as I’m in my dorm tonight.”

 

There was a ruffle of his hair before Harry regathered his things and got onto the train. It was the usual crowded push and shove to get through the crowds. Harry thought it was particularly rude when a brown haired Slytherin (He recognized him from Potions, Nott?) stood stock still in the aisle and stared at him even after he pushed past. Well, stared at his neck. Harry double checked that he still had his pendant and scales around his neck - did it fail? Were his bond marks showing? Would someone call the Ministry on him for being a dragel? The more he walked the more he reassured himself as no one else seemed interested in his marks. Surely a kid getting ‘tattoos’ was just as weird in the wizarding world as in the muggle world.

 

The compartment that Hermione and Ron had found had one other occupant, an adult that was sound asleep on the opposite bench. Harry put his trunk up before sliding into the seat with the other two.

 

“So? What happened this summer?” Ron was quick to ask.

 

Harry shook his head with his lips pursed before nodding his head at the sleeping man across from them. “Not here. We need to be alone.”

 

“C’mon Harry, it doesn't look like he'll be waking up anytime soon. Bloke looks a bit done in.”

 

Harry paused, “Alright, I can't tell you everything now but I was taken in by some individuals from my Aunt and Uncle's. I've been living somewhere hidden with them which is why your letters couldn't get to me. One of them, Darius, even became my new guardian. Apparently both legally and by magic. I didn't even know magic guardians were a thing.”

 

“Magical guardians swear to magic to guide their charges. They're supposed to offer protection and support. For muggleborns they often are your head of house or even sometimes the headmaster in some cases. Mine is Professor McGonagall, I assumed she was yours as well, Harry.” Hermione piped up from the other side of him.

 

Harry shook his head. “I had no idea about any of it. I'm just glad he is my guardian now. Even if he didn't sign my Hogsmeade permission slip.” That statement brought forth an indignant Ron and evolved the conversation to the different shops Ron was looking forward to that Harry would miss. It was okay, he tried to convince himself, Darius said they'd revisit the matter later. Harry just had to follow his rules while at Hogwarts.

 

His friends satiated for the time, the train ride passed by in easy conversation. Ron and he gushed over the new Firebolt and Quidditch. Hermione and he discussed the summer homework, Harry couldn't help but preen a little at her initial shocked look when he could keep up with her tangents. Through it all their compartment neighbor was asleep, he even slept through Malfoy’s lovely visit but was a great deterrent. When the train slowed and eventually stopped and all joy seemed to seep from the air, Harry could only grip his necklace for comfort. Not that it helped too much against the screams in his head and the pain of his head hitting the wall of the compartment as he fell unconscious.

 

Waking brought a crowd around him, the run down looking adult above him and chocolate getting shoved upon him. He could only groan at the thought of how he was going to explain this to Brayden and Darius in his letter without them sending a gheyo to take him home.

 

Chapter 4: Explanations

Notes:

I'm back? Kind of.

Quotes and italics are letters either Harry is writing to his circle or is receiving. “...Like this…”

After the whole thing with the train Harry was more than ready to put the day behind him. Of course Malfoy couldn't leave well enough alone and Harry couldn't even dispute it. It didn't help that Nott seemed to have some new fascination with him. He didn't think the other boy had ever shown much interest in him before today but Harry kept catching him glance his way during the feast. One time their eyes even met and Harry frowned at him while the other merely raised an eyebrow, neither willing to be ashamed they were looking. Still, Harry tried to put it to the back of his mind. No one had said anything about his marks so the charm was still working. Had to be. Nott was just being weird.

 

He found himself missing Caleb's cooking when the rich, hearty and heavy foods were brought forth. He remembered his meal plan and tried to sort his plate out accordingly, with maybe one too many sweet treats added on. It wouldn't be every night so he could have them once in a while. Besides, he wasn't asked to report his meals. Now if he could only remember to take his nutrient potion as soon as they were in the common room. That Caleb would notice even if he didn't write home about it.

 

Finally the feast ended and they were ushered to the common rooms. The brilliant red and gold room helped fill the hole building in his heart. It wasn’t the overstuffed home with an entire circle living in it, nor the larger home that he’d barely had time to settle in before he left. Still, it was a home he’d had for the last few years and there was a relief to be in it again.

 

He didn’t get much time to enjoy it as he was ushered to a quiet corner by Ron and Hermione, it was time to come clean, he could see that they would no longer wait for answers. He looked around them a bit before pulling out his wand and casting a privacy ward that Sia taught him in addition to Ian’s lessons on how to send messages. “Harry, what did you just do? That looked like advanced magic!” Hermione was quick to point out.

 

“It’s a privacy ward to help keep people from overhearing. What I’m going to tell you guys has to be completely secret. No telling others at all, not teachers,” He gave a pointed look at Hermione who looked a little offended at it, “no family,” This time he gave a look to Ron who made a motion of zippering his mouth shut, “no friends. No one can know.” Ron was quick to nod while Hermione had a mullish look about her before giving a sharp nod.

 

“Alright, but you have to tell us everything.”

 

Harry smiled as he thought of what everything was and with that smile he began with his Aunt Marje’s vile visit after his thirteenth birthday. He skipped over a few things, no need to get into detail about his Uncle’s punishment or the destruction the gheyos wrought over the fabrine. Still, he ran into hiccups when certain items were mentioned. The first and scariest was the fact that they were dragel.

 

“Dragel are like… dragons that can turn into humans. Only they don’t tend to be able to do that until later in life. And! They think that I’m one of them because I was summoned when the scream happened.”

 

“Wicked. Can they breathe fire?” 

 

Harry thought about it for a moment, remembering the few times Leon’s temper got the best of him and smoke would rise from his mouth. “I’ve never seen it, but if they can, I don’t think all of them can.”

 

“I’ve never read of dragels before. Are you sure they weren’t trying to trick you?” 

 

“They have what they call halfling forms where they have scales and wings and claws. They’ve shown me those forms plenty of times, they’re definitely not human.”

 

“I’ll take a look in the library when I get a chance. We should know everything we can about them.”

 

Here Harry had to hesitate and his hand went up to his necklace, fingering the scales and charm for comfort. “About that… This is why you can’t tell anyone what’s going on. Dragels… Dragels are classified as dark creatures by the Ministry. There’s orders to execute them if they’re found. If anyone were to find out that I’m a dragel I wouldn’t just be expelled from Hogwarts I’d be executed!”

 

“Dark creatures! Harry, you should have run! Besides we only have their assumption that you’re a dragel as well.”

 

“Do we really want to test it and have me possibly executed?! I’m trying to stay alive! First sign of the Ministry and I’m going back to them and you’ll likely never see me again. They didn’t even want me to come back to Hogwarts after they heard what has happened the last few years!

 

“Not come back to Hogwarts?! They’re bonkers. Maybe Hermione’s right, maybe you should have run.”

 

“It’s too late now. I’m bonded to them, or at least some of them. It’s a bond made in blood and soul magic, I won’t let anyone break it.” 

 

“You bonded to them?! Harry! They’re complete strangers!”

 

“They protected me when I arrived and then promised to take me away from the Dursleys. They didn’t even let me bond until I had an idea of what was going on.”

 

“You barely knew them! They could have tricked you! They could still be tricking you!” 

 

“They’re not! I’ve spent the last three months with them. They couldn’t have been tricking me the entire time. I think… I think they really care for me. Look, I’ll answer any questions you have, Hermione, but no matter what you find you can’t tell anyone else. I know you want to, but you can’t.”

 

Hermione looked angry, mulish and about ready to storm off but after a bit of a stare down merely crossed her arms with a huff. Ron also had his arms crossed but his expression was more puzzled than anything. “Harry… Summer break is only two months. You said it’s been three.”

 

The new topic had Harry buzzing to share this aspect of his new life. “Yeah! That has to do with why you couldn’t contact me. There’s apparently whole other realms out there. I was taken to one called Nevarah, they call it a sanctuary realm where anyone is welcome as long as they’re peaceful. I saw all sorts of creatures there! Because I was there your letters couldn’t get to me. There’s a special type of message that can cross the realms. The biggest difference though is that for every day here, four days pass in Nevarah.”

 

“So three weeks was three months? I would love to have a longer break like that.” At least Ron was still talking. Hermione looked like she wanted to speak but was determined to give Harry the silent treatment for now.

 

“It was awesome! They taught me so much and I was free to do magic while there. And because I wasn’t having to hide doing my homework I was actually able to do it and study.” This he said towards Hermione, trying to butter her up a little. “I’ll admit it hasn’t always been great, but they’ve never yelled at me or locked me in my room. They talk to me about things.” He added softly.

 

Hermione shuffled, fidgeting a little as she seemed to fight her own decision before she threw her hands up in the air. “Fine! But Harry, just… Just be careful, okay?”

 

“I will, Hermione, don’t worry. I have been, but they’ve been great.” Harry glanced over at his red-headed friend. His heart lurched slightly as he thought of his fire elemental dragels. That was going to be tough to get through until he got used to the feeling of missing his circle. “Ron?”

 

Unlike Hermione, Ron was relaxed, if a little wide-eyed, “It sucks we can’t say anything, think of how cool it would be to tell others you’re part dragon! You said you’ll get wings, will you be able to fly?”

 

Harry grinned and from that point the conversation became more light hearted and more towards expectations and telling them about Nevarah and his experiences being taken flying. He didn’t explain circles and ranks. It was late and the important parts had been explained. Still, they didn’t separate until they were yawning widely and the prefects kept giving them side-eyes as though they were going to usher them to bed. Plus Harry still had things to do before he went to bed.

 

He ate a few pieces of cheese that he had hoarded into his pockets from dinner, he was still full but he did not want to be sick from his potion. It had happened a few times and he tried his best to keep it from happening again. Potion taken, he got ready for bed before pulling parchment, quill and book from his trunk. He crawled into bed, pulled the curtains close and began to write his first letter home.

 

“...incident on the train. Don’t freak out but due to an escaped prisoner the Ministry has released these creatures called Dementors. They came onto the train and I didn’t have a good reaction to them. The Ministry has them guarding Hogwarts for the safety of the students…

 

…There was something odd that happened on the train and at the feast. One of the other students kept staring at me. I could have sworn he was looking at my neck where my marks are and my necklace. No one else reacted so I’m sure the charm is still working…

 

…I told Ron and Hermione. They’ve sworn to keep quiet about it all and I know they’ll keep their word…

 

…I-” I miss you, is what played in his head but he held the quill still instead of writing it. “I’m excited to be here again.”

Chapter 5: First Semester Pt 1

“Harry James Potter! You promised you’d be safe and now you are being exposed to fabrine nearly every day! You’re lucky we don’t pull you this instant. Caleb caught on fire when he heard and you know he usually keeps his composure, as grumpy as it can be. You’re to add a small piece of chocolate to your meals as often as possible…

 

…Have you thought that he might be dragel as well? It is the only thing we can think of as your charm should only allow other dragel to see your claim marks…”

 

Honestly the response he received from his first letter was a better response than he thought he’d get. Harry was glad he was honest in the letter, well mostly honest. He may not have been told directly but he wasn’t stupid. He could link the fact that Sirius Black was after him which meant he’d be coming to Hogwarts. Where best to trap him with dementors than where Harry was?

 

Even without the ‘excitement’ of Sirius Black and the dementors Harry had an unfortunate lot to write about in his letters to his circle. There was the prediction of his death in Divination, which considering he hadn’t seen any grims in person he wasn’t taking much stock in it, there was stupid Malfoy and his taunting of poor Buckbeak. Poor Hagrid was not doing well with that and now they were on flobberworms. But the coolest thing to write home about was the boggart and Professor Lupin. He did get another strongly written letter about being near fabrine but he rebuked that one with the fact that it was Defense Against the Dark Arts class and Professor Lupin was great. They couldn’t get on him about things that happened in class. 

 

The most frustrating thing that happened was his discussion with Headmaster Dumbledore. Harry still got shivers when he thought about the conversation. Dumbledore had been extremely insistent that he go back to the Dursleys. Promising that they could smooth over any tension caused by his accidental magic and mentioning that family was important. Harry thought he managed to keep his ground rather well, but he had really wished one of his circle was there to back him up in the moment. 

 

“...Headmaster Dumbledore tried to convince me to go back to the Dursleys today. He said a bunch of things about family being important but I told him you were my family now. He was really insistent and I’m worried he may try to keep me from coming back to you. I’m still coming home for winter break, right?”

 

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

“...We promised you a home forever and no one will get in our way of fighting for you, dear one. Focus on your studies and we will see you when you come home. Someone will be at that train station of yours when you get there…”

 

Along with the most frustrating thing happening, the weirdest thing that happened? That was Nott.

 

The other third year knocked into him rather hard as their paths crossed on the way to their respective classes. Harry thought nothing of it other than him being another Slytherin that hated him simply for being a Gryffindor or for being The-Boy-Who-Lived. That was till later he found a note in his bag asking that they meet in an empty classroom past curfew. Alone. Harry had dithered on it, the last time he had gone to see a Slytherin in an empty classroom it had been a trap to try and get him detention from Filch. But at the same time he was very curious if his circle was right and this was another dragel at Hogwarts.

 

So he went.

 

He told Ron and Hermione of course, but he made them swear to stay behind. Nott might not talk if more people are around and Harry would have his invisibility cloak. With that taken care of he made his way to the classroom, wrapped tight in his cloak. When he got to the designated room he made to peek in first, confirming that Nott was there before removing his cloak before he stepped into the room. No need to let Slytherins know he owned one.

 

“Nott.”

 

“Potter.” 

 

The other boy stood much taller than Harry, taller than most third years in fact, but most were taller than him so he tried not to let it bother him. He had been facing off with people taller than him all his life, he wouldn’t let someone his age intimidate him.

 

After a moment of silence where the other seemed to be scrutinizing him he couldn’t hold it in. “You’re a dragel!” That seemed to get a reaction, the golden brown eyes widening and his posture stiffening. 

 

“You can’t just go around accusing others of being dark creatures, Potter.” 

 

“You can see my bond marks,” Harry rubbed his neck where his alpha and submissive’s marks were forever staining his neck, “only dragels should be able to see them and you know what this is.” He held up his necklace with the charm and scales shimmering on it.

 

Nott kept quiet and Harry’s temper started to simmer. The other boy is the one who summoned him! “Isn’t this why you wanted to talk?! Then talk!” He snapped, startling Nott.

 

Golden brown eyes narrowed into slits and scales grew along his cheeks and brow. “Watch it, Potter.”

 

This time it was green eyes that widened, “You’re inherited!” Now Harry was a little jealous.

 

“You’re not?” Scales disappeared as quick as they came. “But you’re bonded.”

 

Harry shook his head. “I’m a companion. It was a soul scream.” He was probably sounding like he knew much more than he did, or at least that he was comfortable with the knowledge, but truth was he still didn’t fully understand the severity of what had happened. Still, that was the answer he had been told would be acceptable to give if people questioned his bonds. 

 

Nott nodded and stepped closer. “I’m pretty sure you weren’t bonded last year. When did you find out?” 

 

“After my birthday. Three weeks before school started. But it’s been three months for me. The pareya have been teaching me.”

 

“So you’ve been to Nevarah? That’s good. Did you leave your circle to come back to Hogwarts?”

 

Did he have to put it like that? That brought up feelings like Harry abandoned his circle. He didn’t, he swears! He still nodded to the question though. “There was a lot of discussion about it but I wanted to finish my schooling at Hogwarts. They were going to send me to a pareyic coven until I inherited anyways, this was just another option.” Harry kept watch of the other, both of them still standing despite the desks and chairs in the room. Nott seemed to watch him just as closely. “Is this all you wanted? To check if I was a dragel?” 

 

“For the most part, and to warn you if you were. You can’t tell anyone. Dragel-”

 

“Are dark creatures to be executed. I know. Sera, my beta, looked into things before they allowed me to come back.”

 

A sharp nod was his response before Nott began to walk closer, or rather walk to the door. He did pause in front of Harry briefly, “Potter, if you… If you need anything, you can send me a message.”

 

Harry paused before nodding, “Same. I send letters home every night so if you need anything from Nevarah I can help you get something.” 

 

Nott shook his head, “I have my mentor that I keep contact with, but thank you.”

 

“Mentor?” He thought he remembered something about mentors but usually when they talked about inheritances he tended to drift off in day dreams about what rank he’d be and what his scales would look like. And some anxiety that he would even inherit at all. Perhaps everyone was wrong and he wasn’t a dragel.

 

Nott shook his head, “Looks like you still have a lot to learn. Perhaps you should have stuck with the pareyic coven.” 

 

A glare was Nott’s answer. The Slytherin gave a soft chuckle as he passed by Harry, making his way to the door. “I would appreciate if you didn’t tell anyone else about my being a dragel, Potter. Good luck getting back to your dorms.” 

 

The door was almost closed again by the time Harry responded with a soft, “You too, Nott.” 

 

It was easy to get back to the dorms with his invisibility cloak, a lot on his mind. It was nice to know there was another dragel in Hogwarts, he had someone he could talk to, maybe. Nott was a Slytherin after all. Definitely something to write home about though. 

 

“...I talked with the Slytherin, Nott. He is a dragel! He’s even inherited. I didn’t know you could inherit this young…”

Notes:

The big confrontation between Harry and Dumbledore and I completely skim it.
To be honest I don't know how much Dumbledore will be a part of this story, but for now it's not a big part.

Chapter 6: First Semester pt. 2

Notes:

Another chapter of a lot of nothing happening. Maybe I shouldn't try to follow the books so much but I like the letter format.

Oh well!

“...It sounds like Nott has had a hard life if he is already inherited. I’m glad you have someone to talk to while you’re there…”

 

Nott and Harry were not instant friends, or really friends of the sort, but they did share the occasional glance of those who shared a secret. It had been hard but Harry didn’t even share that Nott was a dragel with Ron and Hermione, keeping the secret per Nott’s request. When he returned that night he still told them a truth, that he had promised to keep what happened at the meeting secret but that it did pertain to what happened over his summer. He’d let them come to their conclusions with that hint.

 

Overall it seemed like one event was happening after another. Quidditch practice was kicking off and his letters more often than not held details of his practices or homework or the current bickering of Ron and Hermione (in particular about Crookshanks and Scabbers which Harry very much tried to stay out of). He couldn’t help but dive into all of it as a distraction from the pinprick in his chest, like a tiny splinter that refused to be removed.

 

Trouble brewed again for him and his new circle when Professor McGonagall confiscated his nutrient potion. He had been taking it to breakfast and dinner so as not to forget to take it. Caleb had threatened to monitor the potion usage after all. However, apparently, all potions and health related concerns were to go through Madam Pomfrey. Therefore when Harry said it was a nutrient potion from his healer, but not through Madam Pomfrey or that he had run it by her, Professor McGonagall demanded it from him and told him he could have it back once he had an official letter from his healer that authorized its use and had been confirmed by Madam Pomfrey. 

 

Of course Harry had argued, but the threat of point deduction had him sitting back down at his meal and watched her walk away with it. When he looked around he couldn’t find anyone looking rather smug about getting something taken away from him except for Malfoy, but he usually looked smug when something happened to Harry so Harry didn’t know if he should take that as his fault or not. He ultimately decided it was Snape to blame as the dour potions master looked entirely too happy about Harry’s day being ruined. He only hoped Caleb didn’t blame him for the issue.

 

“...Professor McGonagall confiscated my nutrient potion. Apparently I need a letter from my healer that can be verified by Madam Pomfrey. I swear I didn’t mean for it to be taken! I’ve been taking it at meal time and someone must have tattled on me for an unknown potion…”

 

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

“...Do not worry your little head over the issue with the potion, dear one. Caleb will send a separate letter shortly for you to hand over to your nurse. We should have seen this coming and sent you with something already. Caleb is actually rather proud of how well you’ve been taking your potion, it means you’re eating which we are extremely proud of you for doing so well on…”

 

Harry had barely read those lines when a second letter popped into existence on his night stand. It had a very official looking seal on the back and hummed with the warm, soothing energy he associated with Caleb’s magic. He could only hope Madam Pomfrey approved of it.

 

He took it straight to her the next morning before breakfast, hoping to get his potion. The fussy matron had given him a wary look, having associated Harry’s visits with major cases that she needed to attend to. When all he did was hand her a letter and explained the situation she had hummed and hawed over the letter for a moment before casting a couple spells on it with her wand. All Harry could think in that moment was how Caleb would have done it wandless. He missed the easy way his circle used their magic for everyday things. 

 

“Well, Mr. Potter, it looks like a valid authorization of potion use. I will inform Professor McGonagall this morning and you should receive it back as soon as Professor Snape has finished testing it for verification.”

 

Snape had it? He must have made a face at that because he was given a sharp look from the matron. “How long will that take? I’m supposed to take it every breakfast and dinner.”

 

“It’s a nutrient potion, Mr. Potter. It will not harm you to skip a couple of doses while we verify that it is actually a nutrient potion. Now shoo, go on. Off to breakfast with you. No need to dawdle in my infirmary if you aren’t sick.”

 

With a sharp shooing motion he grumpily fled the infirmary and made his way to breakfast. Knowing Snape he’d probably hold back the potion just out of spite. Probably best to keep bugging Professor McGonagall about it. She might get annoyed but it’s better than his circle thinking something wrong is going on at Hogwarts.

 

“...I gave the letter and Madam Pomfrey approved of it but I might not get it back for a few days as they are testing to make sure it is a nutrient potion. I’ll take it as soon as I can!...”

 

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

“...We trust you, sweetling, although Caleb is being a little grumpy over it. Not at you but at your Professors. We miss you very much already. I am eager for these months to pass and have you home again…”

 

Reading his letters was best done in the sanctuary of his curtained off bed as more and more words stating how much they missed him came through. Each time he read them he felt his heart ache and his eyes burn. Occasionally messing up his letters with tear drops that smeared the ink. Was this what home sickness felt like? Or was it worse due to the bonds? Was there something like a bond sickness you could get from being so far from your bonded for so long? It wasn’t unbearable but it certainly made him feel lonely at times. Which was rather ridiculous as he had Ron and Hermione and even Nott to a degree. 

 

It was a couple of days before he was held back from Transfiguration class and his potion returned. Some potions master Snape was if it took him a few days to discern a simple nutrient potion was what it was. He didn’t say that of course but did question the length. Professor McGonagall made mention that there appeared to be a dragon’s blood additive that Snape couldn’t identify, but it seemed to make no difference to the potion so in the end he couldn’t deny it. Harry felt his heart pound heavy in his chest at the revelation that someone was adding blood to his potion and it could have gotten them caught.

 

“...they found blood in the potion and almost didn’t give it back due to that. Why is there dragon’s blood in the potion? Is it necessary?...”

 

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

“...They must have meant the dragel blood. You know from what we’ve discussed it’s essential to our well being. We have all been donating our blood to your potion. Caleb says it will help not only your physical health but also your mental health and keep the bonds strong while you are so far away…”

 

October continued to move in a blur until it was finally time for the first Quidditch match of the season. Gryffindor versus Hufflepuff. Harry felt his adrenaline running high and could only shove down a muffin for breakfast before being rushed off to get ready. Time was a blur, his nerves high in eagerness to be in the sky and facing off with Diggory. He may not have been so eager if he knew what was to come. His night in the infirmary having him miss a letter for the first time. He was quick to rectify that mistake first thing in the morning.

 

“...I’m safe! Please don’t send anyone! The Quidditch match was disrupted by dementors. They apparently wandered over due to the excitement. Headmaster Dumbledore was so mad. Like the train, I don’t react well to them. Madam Pomfrey insisted on a night in the infirmary…”

 

Harry’s fingers twitched as he left out the falling from his broom and it getting destroyed. It was okay. Nothing happened and he was safe now, even if he felt devastated at losing his broom.

 

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

“...We are still unhappy about these dementors being so close to you. The fact this is the second time you have been faced with them is worrying…”

 

Halloween was upon them and with it came the first Hogsmeade visit. He had explained to his friends that Darius had refused to sign his permission slip this year, claiming that he should stay in Hogwarts if it was so safe. He bet Darius was feeling smug as this kept him from passing by the dementors. He had given Ron a few galleons to grab him some chocolate from Honeydukes. Even if he couldn’t go it wouldn’t be bad to try some and Caleb did want him to have some chocolate in his diet. He might have insisted on that two months ago, but better late than never, right?

 

While left to his own devices he actually ended up having tea with Professor Lupin. It was an eye opening conversation about his fears and the boggart. It was a bit of a surprise to himself that his biggest fear was dementors and what they brought. That terrible scream that he could still hear echoing if he thought about it.

 

The Halloween feast was a roaring success. Kids of all ages running on sugar highs and Harry may have completely disregarded both his diet and potion that night for sugar quills, ice mice and treacle tart. He was buzzing with sugary energy when they came across the crowd in front of the slashed empty portrait to the Gryffindor dormitory. Sirius Black had been in Hogwarts, but that isn’t what got to Harry the most. Harry felt his heart drop at the thought of another missed letter so close to the other one. His stomach twisted on the sugar he ate and he made a quick turn to a bathroom to empty it as they were being guided back down to the Great Hall. 

 

He didn’t end up sleeping that night.

 

He paused as he wrote his letter the next day. Taking a deep breath before going into what happened the night before.

 

“...Someone ruined the fat lady’s portrait and she refused to come back to it. No one would let us into our dorm and all of my school supplies were there. They had us sleep in the Great Hall and I couldn’t even send you something because someone might have seen me…”

 

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

“...This cannot keep happening Harry. While we do not fault you for it happening, the circumstances do seem to be out of your control after all, this is just proving to us that there are things wrong at that school of yours. A letter every day…”

 

Harry found his letters getting shorter as school life returned to normal. Quidditch practice was almost physically painful with the loss of his broom. The school brooms just didn’t provide the same feeling of adrenaline and freedom. Maybe he could convince someone to take him flying when he got back to Nevarah, he had enjoyed it the few times Ezra and Ian had indulged him. However they may ask what happened to his broom… Maybe he could tell them he left it at Hogwarts.

 

His appetite diminished as the omissions built up in his mind. Not only that but it seemed like he was reaching the end of a tether, like any wrong move and his rope would snap and he’d fall into oblivion. Every letter he received ended with some form of endearment and wish that he was there. He found some of the letters getting ruined with tear drops. November was unbearable between his longing and the ever looming exams. December came as marginally better as he began to be able to count down the days till winter break. 

 

It was a shock when the final Hogsmeade visit of the year came around and he was pulled aside by Fred and George where they presented him with a map of the school. It was probably the most wicked piece of magic he had seen. So with their permission to cause havoc and his invisibility cloak to help him along, he disregarded every rule an adult had pushed on him regarding Hogsmeade and made his way through the tunnel to Honeyduke’s cellar.

 

When he got back he almost wished he’d never gone. Sirius Black was not only his dad’s best friend, but also his godfather. A wizard that should have never gone to the Dark Lord. Who he should have lived with instead of the Dursley’s, who never should have given up his parents and left him an orphan. He could barely think to write a letter after all the information he had been given and how it made his head go around in circles with this new information. Sirius Black would pay for what he did. He hurt him in more ways than one. He thought about informing Darius about it, perhaps the gheyos would help as well, but that didn’t sit right with him. Sirius Black was his to destroy.

 

“...Nothing happened today. It was a Hogsmeade visit so Ron and Hermione went and brought me back some candy from Honeydukes. Tomorrow I leave on the train to come home. I can’t wait…”

Notes:

Next chapter we get back to the circle!

Chapter 7: Winter Break - Arrival

The train ride from Hogwarts back to London was wondrous. The usual green and grey scenery of forests and cliffs was decorated in snow leaving a sparkling landscape during a rare sunny day. Harry knew it wasn’t just the scenery that sparked the joy in his chest. Finally he’d be returning to Nevarah. He could swear that the joy he felt wasn’t all his own as well, it felt like it thrummed in his bonds. It may have just been his imagination but it still made him feel elated to think his circle was as happy as he was at the thought of going home.

 

The train ride passed with games of exploding snap and chess, while he could never win against Ron he didn’t hold it against him, it was even nice to make his friend feel so pleased with himself. Even Hermione focused more on the games and fun conversation than anything school related. No one had many plans, Ron and Hermione had originally thought they’d be staying with Harry at school while Harry didn’t even know what his circle would be doing. Harry did promise to send them letters, even if they couldn’t send any back to him. 

 

When the train pulled up to platform 9 ¾ Harry nearly jumped out of his seat in anticipation to get off the train. Both his friends tried to get him to settle down but Harry could feel one of his bonds bright and bold. They were so close. His trunk clunked behind him and thumped down the stairs, just like the sound his heart was making in his chest. Green eyes scanned the crowd eagerly before catching a glimpse of red hair through the crowds. His heart soared before falling, that wasn’t the right shade of red. Still, he made his way towards it as the Weasleys would probably help him. 

 

He was right that the Weasleys would help him, just not in the way he expected. Hidden amongst their red hair was some darker orange and light orange eyes glanced up and down at him before the glower turned into a smirk. “Leon!” He couldn’t help the name that exploded from him, making his way quickly over. “Hello Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.” He barely remembered his manners as he passed by them. Once he got close enough though Harry got a little unsure. Did Leon expect a hug? A hand shake? How did one greet family?

 

His thoughts were disrupted by a hand in his hair, ruffling the wild locks to an even more messy state. “Heya shortstack. Looks like you’ve grown a little. No owl?” 

 

Harry couldn’t help but preen a little at that. He had been taking care of himself and had noticed his clothes fitting a little less loose than before. He wondered if he might even get a pass from Caleb. He didn’t think he could make the surly healer happy, but maybe a little pleased with him would be nice.

 

He shook his head to Leon’s mention about Hedwig, “No, I left Hedwig at Hogwarts. She’ll be happy being taken care of there for two weeks and it’s not like I have any letters to send.”

 

“Harry!” 

 

The call had him turning around to see Ron and Hermione coming up and Harry blushed, he had moved rather quickly and hadn’t even kept track of Ron and Hermione. Hermione rolled her eyes while Ron just smiled, “Can’t believe you left us behind on the train.”

 

“Sorry,” Harry sheepishly responded, “I guess I’m just excited.”

 

“Well I guess we’ll see you after the new year. Try to get your homework done!” That came from Hermione, Harry gave her a smile, knowing it was her way of caring. It was their first Christmas away from each other since they met. 

 

“Harry dear, we have a few Christmas gifts for you. Thought we’d give you them now.” Harry was surprised at Mrs. Weasley’s words and couldn’t help but smile wider.

 

“Thank you Mrs. Weasley, I know I’ll love them.” He accepted the couple of packages, turning to put them in his trunk.

 

“Oh, it’s just Molly dear. Now, you have a safe and merry Christmas, you hear me?” 

 

“I will! I’m sure my guardians will make sure of it.” He reassured her, grinning. He didn’t even know if they celebrated Christmas, but he knew just being around his circle again would be fantastic. 

 

“Come on, shortstack. The sooner we get home, the longer you have with everyone.” That statement from Leon spurred him on and he waved to Hermione and the Weasleys as they walked towards the floo. “Now, we’re going to walk towards the floo and you are going to stick as close to me as possible. It’s about to get very hot.” 

 

With that Harry gripped the cloak Leon wore to hide his armor and weapons, trunk in Leon’s hold. They walked together to the floo but just before they got there Harry heard Leon state, “Temptrificus Saurenth!” Before a wave of almost unbearable heat and darkness enveloped him.

 

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When Harry could see again his mouth tasted of ash and smoke causing him to hack a rough cough. A hand beat his back a bit till Harry could take in a deep breath without the coughing. “What was that?”

 

“Fire elemental portal. Easier for me, less comfortable for you.” Another rough clap on his back caused Harry to stagger before he stood straight and looked around. Excitement bubbled in him as he recognized the white and runed walls of the transportation room. “I got your trunk, go say hi. Everyone’s probably gathering in the living room after the wards tripped.”

 

Harry felt like he was vibrating as he opened the door and stepped out to the new house he had barely gotten time to stay in before he left for Hogwarts. The place was almost disturbingly quiet when he knew there were others there. It was as if everyone was holding their breath and waiting.

 

He made it to the living room, an extremely large and open room, built to hold several dragels and their wings. Well, he made it to the entry, nerves halting his feet from crossing the threshold into viewing the room. What if this had been a mistake? His confidence in his place in the circle was shaken with his absence. He heard a murmur from the room and took a deep breath before stepping into view of the living room. 

 

“Harry!”

 

It was the second time his name had been called in a short period, but this time it sounded like a cry of elation. Like an amazing gift had been presented before the individual and they wanted to put all their joy into one word. Harry could feel his eyes burn as he realized that someone sounded like that because of him. Harry barely saw the speaker before he was being enveloped by a tight hug, arms around his shoulders and back and pulling him tight to the other. He gasped at the overwhelming feeling coming from inside of him, the tethers that felt like they would snap at any moment suddenly feeling like iron cables. His hands gripped fabric tightly, not quite returning the hug so much as holding onto his anchor as his breath hitched with tears he tried not to shed.

 

A protesting sound left him as the hands moved from his back, only for them to move to cup his face and gently pull his head back. Only then did he finally see Brayden, the bright red hair that glowed like embers and the warm brown eyes a very much missed sight. “Oh my sweetling. How I’ve missed you so.” Came the choked words before a kiss was placed to his forehead then again to the crown of his head as he was tucked back into another hug. He had missed them too. Oh how he had missed them. But he couldn’t say it, not yet, his throat got too tight when he tried. 

 

He doesn’t know how long they stood there clutching each other, but Brayden didn’t let him go until he began to relax in his hold and his hands loosened. When they finally parted Harry couldn’t even find himself to be embarrassed at the emotion displayed in front of the entire circle. Not even when he had to use his shirt sleeve to wipe at his eyes. The burning had finally stopped, but only because the tears had formed. He looked up at Brayden’s face again before turning to view everyone in the room and gave a wobbly smile, “I’m home.” He told the room at large, almost getting choked up again at the words. But at least this time they came and didn’t get stuck in his throat.

 

Darius approached next and Harry tensed ever so slightly in the face of the intimidating, quiet alpha. A hand reached out and cupped his neck, a thumb pressing into the spot where Harry knew the alpha’s mark rested. A calm filled him as he could just tell that his alpha was at peace in having him home. “Welcome home, Harry. You did extremely well at Hogwarts. Thank you.” The alpha’s words ripped his heart in two, part becoming elated at the words and another part dropping low at the memory of everything he omitted from his letters. Still, he nodded to the alpha. 

 

After that it seemed like there was an order to how everyone greeted him. Sera with a quick squeeze, then Ian and Sia with easy hugs of their own, Caleb gave his earlobe a light tug and a quick note of an exam soon to check his progress which Harry couldn’t help but give a small pout at. The pout got another ear tug and a quirk of lips upwards before the healer stepped away. Clara was much like Darius, a press of her thumb against where her mark was under his clothes but she gave his hair a small ruffle afterwards. Leon had stood to the side and they had already greeted so then it was only Ezra left.

 

The dark haired dragel stalked forward so intensely that it made Harry feel like he was being hunted and he froze like a deer in headlights. The gheyo queen reached him with that wide grin and Harry gave a yelp as suddenly his feet left the ground, unable to help the surprised laugh that escaped him as he was spun around. “Ezra!” He tried to whine but there was too much glee in his voice.

 

“Oomph!” The breath left him as he was half dropped half tossed onto an armored shoulder, chuckling as he wrapped his arms around the gheyo’s shoulders. His feet dangled above the floor, steel arms around his waist holding him up. He let out a soft sigh of relief as the last frayed thread solidified within his bonds. He gave a squeeze of his arms around Ezra's neck and shoulders before squirming till he was set down. Still the gheyo kept a hand on his shoulder as though he refused to be distant from Harry just yet. It was just as well as it let Harry feel grounded at a time where his feelings were all over the place and too much to process.

 

“Alright! First thing’s first. Harry, have you eaten?”

 

Of course that was Sia. Always worried about the food. He gave her an exasperated look but she just put her hands on her hips and gave him a fanged smile. “Meal, yes or no?”

 

“I had some snacks on the train, but I'm really not that hungry.” Harry protested as Sia was already on her way to the kitchen. He stumbled briefly when the hand on his shoulder gave a light shove, returning Ezra’s innocent raised brows with a betrayed look. He really wasn't that hungry, his stomach was twisted and he was emotionally exhausted, but that didn't stop anyone as he was herded to the kitchen. This kitchen was large enough for the entire circle to be in it with room, which was good because that was what was happening at the moment. It seemed his homecoming wasn't over just yet. 

 

He did manage to eat down his entire plate, Caleb actually looked pleased and Harry had to admit that the light dragel cuisine settled in his stomach much easier than the hearty meals at Hogwarts. Brayden and Ezra had seated themselves to the side and across from him. Harry was a little uncomfortable being under such scrutiny of his soulbonded but he kept quiet and didn't even say anything when Brayden would brush some of his hair behind an ear, then again, he probably got as much comfort from the action as Brayden did. 

 

“It’s late, after we’re done here it’ll be best to go to bed. Harry, we’ll have a busy day tomorrow so try to be well rested.” Darius mentioned from his position a few seats down. Harry might have argued but after getting no sleep the night before because of his circling thoughts regarding Sirius Black, his body was starting to protest being awake after such an emotionally charged day.

 

“And I would prefer you rest in the resting room tonight. I still need you close.” Brayden piped in, once again pushing some wild locks back even though they were bound to fall into his face soon. Harry wouldn’t complain, each stroke felt nice. Harry nodded to Brayden, it would have felt weird to sleep alone in a room after being in the dormitories, too silent after hearing the snores and shifts of bodies in the room for several months.

 

His plate was whisked away and sent to the sink to be cleaned, all with the easy use of pareya magic. It was as they were making their way back through the living room and to the bedroom area that he saw one more surprise. “You have a Christmas tree!” He looked wide-eyed at the softly lit tree, fairy lights twinkling gently and shining off of bobbles that decorated. Strangely, despite the other decorations, no angel or star decorated the top. “I didn’t know you celebrated Christmas.”

 

“We don’t. At least no one else in this circle does, but there is enough of a population in Nevarah that does that it was easy to learn some customs and get a tree for you. We were hoping you would help us put the star on once you got home.” Brayden said all this as if it was nothing. As if these people he had only known for a couple of months hadn’t done more for him than the Dursleys ever had in the twelve years he had been in their care. He remembered watching them let Dudley perch the angel on top of the tree when they could still lift him. He quickly rubbed his sleeves across his eyes once more. He had cried enough for today. 

 

“Not tonight though, it is time for rest. For the entire circle.” With those orders from the alpha everyone moved towards the resting room except for Clara who gave his hair one more little ruffle before moving to go outside. Looked like she was on patrol first. 

 

Everyone began using switching spells for their clothing before Ian came up to him and did the same for him, that was one spell he still didn’t have under his belt. The pareya’s eyebrows went up and a small grin quirked his lips. “Looks like we’ll have to go on a shopping trip if you keep growing like this. These are definitely fitting better than when you left.” Ian gave a laugh at the look Harry gave him. Yes he was happy he was growing, but shopping was not his favorite activity.

 

Harry eyed the bed and the people gathering on it as though they instinctively knew where to go and lay. It brought a pain to his heart to see proof that these individuals had had a year to get used to each other while he had been away. They had grown more comfortable around each other and the easy feeling in the room only highlighted that. He wasn’t given long to his own thoughts, gasping as he was lifted into a pair of familiar arms and hazel eyes smiled down at him. Ezra moved easily between others till he could lay Harry down beside Brayden with the help of some others, taking his glasses with a boop to his nose. “Sleep, little one.”

 

There must have been some power behind those words and magic in the room because while he had been tired before now he could barely keep his eyes open. So he didn’t. He closed them and buried into the heat of Brayden, not even twitching when a hand closed around his ankle over the covers. His soulbonds singing arias at the physical connection between them while the rest of his bonds hummed happily like a chorus in the background. It was the easiest he had been able to sleep in several months.

Chapter 8: Exam

Darius had been right in that the new day dawned early. Apparently his fire dragels were early risers. The shadow dragel thankfully outnumbered them and kept the fire submissive and beta held down for more sleep, the other two able to get away with it by Leon who could get away with it by saying he had property patrol and Caleb claiming healer requirements. Harry was still used to getting up for breakfast so while not up as early as the fire dragels he found himself lying awake and being used as Ezra’s teddy bear. The gheyo’s arms were just as steel like in sleep as they were when he was awake and no matter how he squirmed they refused to budge. It was when he gave a big huff that a chuckle sounded and he squinted at the blurred form of red hair and dark eyes. 

 

“There’s a trick to it. Your mark’s here, right?” Harry’s hand was guided to the muscled arm where his dark green mark had settled. “Press with soothing intention and he should let go. A bite or pinch to it also works.” He said quietly, neither of them really wanted to wake the gheyo who had likely been awake during the dark hours. Harry attempted what Brayden had mentioned and was a little surprised when arms loosened and he was finally able to wriggle free and slide off the bed. “Glasses are on the night stand.” Was called to him, leaving him to quickly grab the frames as he made his way from the room. 

 

It was during breakfast that he questioned where others were at and he was informed that many still had their own work to attend to. A few of them had taken the day off to be with Harry and to tick off some items from their checklist of things to do but winter holidays were for the young and work still needed to be attended to. Caleb was one of the ones who had taken the day off, unfortunately it was mainly to give him an exam. “Do we have to do that today?” 

 

“Yes, Harry. Today. We won’t have much time with you settling in at the coven and we need it to be done before-” Caleb had started but something he said got Harry’s attention more than just a simple exam.

 

“Wait a minute, coven? I’m still going to a coven? I’m only here for two months!” He argued, the food in his stomach going sour at the thought that they were foisting him off on others.

 

“Harry. We talked about this before you left.” Darius interjected from where he ate his own breakfast, entering the conversation between healer and companion.

 

“I agreed to going to a coven during the summer. Not-”

 

“I said it was likely you would be going during your breaks. Harry, do not argue with me on this. You need to meet and get used to living with the coven, starting during the holidays will be a good start.”

 

“But the holidays…”

 

“You will be home for Christmas. I promise you that. We’re all trying to be home and to celebrate with you.” Darius’ tone softened, going from firm to understanding. 

 

Harry gave an unhappy grumble, one that felt a little more like a growl, but did not argue further as he poked at his food. He had begrudgingly agreed to the coven in order to attend Hogwarts but thought it unfair he be forced there while on holiday.

 

“If you’re done massacring your food then let’s get to your exam. Get it over with and you can spend the rest of the morning with whoever you please.” Caleb commented after watching Harry stab his food for a few more minutes. He had watched Harry the entire breakfast, seeming to judge every item Harry put on his plate - the plate not made by Caleb for once but by Harry’s own choices.

 

Once alone in a bedroom Caleb began his exam, hands hovering over Harry with their soft glow and filling him with their healing aura. “Darius and Brayden aren't joining us?” They had joined all his appointments with Caleb before he'd left after all.

 

“I can call Darius if you'd like him but Brayden is at work and it was determined the two of us can actually be in a room together without fighting.” Harry nearly quirked a smile at the sarcasm even though the words had merit. The two of them didn't have a great track record during exams. It was because of that that Harry stiffened when Caleb's brow furrowed. 

 

“I'm going to take some blood. Start thinking about what you've been regularly eating so we can go over it.”

 

It was almost surprising how easy it was to offer up his hand and arm to the healer to let him draw some blood. Almost because he could feel in him the trust Brayden had in the other. They weren't bonded to each other but they were both bonded to Brayden. A circle wouldn't do bad to each other, right?

 

Once blood was given Harry was practically ignored as Caleb went through a couple of vials, testing blood with serum and parchment. A frown formed on his face along with a furrow of his brow, neither a good sign in Harry's opinion. It was as if disappointment radiated off the other. Then the pale redhead turned back to Harry. “Alright, meal listing. I want to know a typical breakfast, lunch and dinner with snacks. I should have had you doing a meal diary or at least sending me the info via Brayden.”

 

Harry frowned in return, why wasn't the other happier? Wasn't he growing? His clothes certainly made it seem that way. Still, while brisk the healer hadn't been offensive - yet - so Harry tried not to get defensive - yet - and began to describe what he had been eating. Eggs, scones, muffins, beans, thick sandwiches, roasts, hams with potatoes, pies and treacle. Only three meals a day, no snacks except the occasional sweet or chocolate.

 

It was clear something was wrong when a large sigh escaped the healer's nose. “Harry, that's not the food plan we talked about.”

 

“I know, but that was hard with what was offered. I thought as long as I ate it'd be fine. And I ate a lot!”

 

Caleb pinched the bridge of his nose before leaning over till eye to eye with Harry. “Yes. You ate a wonderful amount. But with your body as damaged as it is from malnutrition, even just regular food can be bad for it.” A chair was conjured and Caleb sat in it, still leaning forward to catch Harry's green gaze. “We gave you that meal plan for a reason. It was to give you the best fighting chance to grow healthily. Now you have grown but there are issues to watch for in addition to the ones you had before.”

 

Harry eyed the other wearily. This wasn't as terse of a meeting as his previous interactions had been with the healer. “You're not mad?” He didn't feel mad, but the news wasn't good either so clearly something was wrong.

 

“I'm frustrated. This could have been avoided if you stayed home and I could monitor your intake. The pareyic coven would also have known to do so and they will know to do so once you begin living with them. I should have also known better than to give you such free reign while under my care.”

 

That didn't sound like a particularly nice sentence but Harry couldn't determine exactly what was wrong with it before the other continued.

 

“Now, we have an appointment with your nutritionist later this month and I've secured a room at a clinic to get your inheritance seal removed as well. Barring any issues we'll get both done before your Christmas celebration and the New Year holidays.”

 

“We're going to remove the inheritance seal? So I'll be able to become a dragel in a few years?”

 

“You are a dragel, Harry. Your blood doesn't lie. Just because you haven't inherited a halfling form doesn't change that fact. This will just allow your element and rank to settle. Now drink this.”

 

Harry was handed a familiar looking potion which he knocked back easily, expecting the earthy taste that coated the back of his throat. What he didn't expect was the powerful zing of flavor that had him gasping lightly in surprise. “What was that?!”

 

“Healer's blood.” Harry could hear the smirk in Caleb's voice even if the healer looked as grumpy as usual. “There's a reason it's only given in moderated and monitored doses.”

 

Harry smacked his lips after one last swipe of his tongue to get the remaining tingling residue off of them. He wouldn’t mind taking the nutrition potion so much if he got that every time! It was almost like a pepper-up potion, but without the steam and it felt much smoother on his system. 

 

“With everything said, your body is reacting well to the added nutrients and increase in food. We’ll adjust your meal plan for when you go back and you’ll continue with the potion. I’ve told you before, this is not a simple fix. Years of mistreatment will take years to fix, even after it seems like you’ve done so. So, keep doing your best. Some food is better than no food but lets limit the sweets going forward?”

 

“What about chocolate?” Harry felt a little cheeky with that question, afterall, it had been Caleb’s orders for him to have little bits as much as possible.

 

“Little pieces only. I want no bigger than the top half of my thumb at meals and snacks. Those dementors don’t seem to be having a lasting effect on you but that could be because of the chocolate.” Caleb turned to his vials, cleaning them up as he spoke.

 

“Caleb?”

 

“Hm?”

 

“Why do you think they affect me so badly? I faint whenever they get too close and…”

 

“Faint?! Harry you said you had a bad reaction, you didn’t say anything about fainting!”

 

“Well… That’s a bad reaction right?” Perhaps he shouldn’t have brought it up. He forgot that was one thing he had been omitting from his letters and now Caleb was glaring glowing orange eyes at him while pale red hair flickered in the light.

 

“You are worse than some of the gheyo I’ve treated in my time. Fainting! A bad reaction!” Harry couldn’t help shrinking back when a growl came from the healer’s throat. It cut off abruptly and the glowing eyes closed. “Alright. You faint when you get too close to a dementor. That is a very bad reaction indeed.” A deep breath was taken and then a heavy sigh released before the sharp eyes opened and stared intensely at him. “Harry. You are thirteen years old. You have been through many very traumatic life events. From what I know from my exams, nearly every day of your life from a baby till you showed up with us could be considered traumatic. A dementor can bring all of that forward. They can take the good things out of us and when those are gone all that’s left is the harmful, a harm that you have not processed or have the tools to do so yet. That’s what the coven will help do.”

 

“You mean if I learn from the coven I won’t have as strong of a reaction?” Harry couldn’t help the hope in his voice. Having a way to combat the dementors would make his stay at Hogwarts much better.

 

There was a moment of hesitation before Caleb continued a bit cautiously with his words. “I can’t promise anything, but processing the past in a healthy way does have a success rate with processing reactions to emotional manipulation by fabrine. But Harry, some people spend years on it in order to be successful. It takes time. Don’t expect to suddenly be okay around the dementors after a few therapy sessions. It’s still best to avoid them at all costs. Understood?”

 

That dimmed his light some. So he’d still react just as badly even if he attended therapy with the pareyic coven. It still gave him some reason to try. If adults could master it then who’s to say he couldn’t? He fought a basilisk at twelve years old! He could conquer dementors. Emboldened despite Caleb’s warnings, he nodded, “I understand. I’m still going to try.”

 

“We’ll all be supporting you as you do. Now I think that wraps up everything between us for now. Until your appointment with your nutritionist I want you to try and write down as many meals as you can think of that you’ve eaten at Hogwarts and I want you to try and plan out as many meals as possible using what we’ve taught you about what you should be striving to eat. That will help prepare you for the discussions at the appointment.”

 

Homework from Caleb? Harry couldn’t help the pout that formed at being assigned homework from one of his circle while on holiday. Didn’t he have enough homework from his classes? 

 

“Now shoo. I have notes to finish up and you have less than two hours before you're due to be taken for initial intake at the coven. I’ll leave a journal on your stuff for you to record your meals in later.”

 

Harry was given nudges to his shoulders till he hopped off the bed and made his way out of the room, one final nudge pushing him past the door frame although the door was not closed on him like he thought it would be, the healer simply turning away and to his vials and notes. Well Harry wasn’t going to close the door then. Perhaps Caleb preferred having the door opened.

 

Still, now Harry was left to his own devices for the next hour and some and had no idea what to do. He had homework, but it seemed wrong to get started on it the first full day back. There had to be someone available in this large home…

Chapter 9: Pareyic Coven

In the end, Harry had ended up finding Sia in the living room with a thick bundle of papers and a pen at the ready. Apparently she worked as an editor and was able to do that from home on her own schedule as long as she met her deadline. It left her to be the prime candidate for entertaining a thirteen year old on holiday and she was happy to do so, taking the time to go over Nevarean cuisine that Harry had questions on and to feed him a well balanced lunch. 

 

When Darius came to collect him, Harry was still a bit mulish over the entire coven thing but took the shadow dragel’s proffered hand in order to travel to the pareyic coven’s estate. Harry couldn’t help but be a bit standoffish the entire meeting. He trusted Brayden and his circle, but that didn’t expand to anyone else yet. Still, he sat unobtrusively next to Darius as the adults discussed him staying there. He was generally able to do that. The Dursleys may not agree but Harry also thought that they found fault in him even when he succeeded in staying in the background or trying to be invisible. 

 

He made generic sounds when addressed, he could see Darius giving him some side eye while the pareya, Cyril, just kept a polite smile on his face. Harry couldn’t even see any annoyance in his eyes. With the general circumstances reiterated (the months Harry would be living there in between years at Hogwarts, treatment for both mental and physical health, and unofficial mentoring) they moved onto actually meeting his ‘care team’. While all the pareya at the coven were there to support Harry, so he was told, there were three that would see to him personally. 

 

Aleyn, a male air dragel medic who would be in direct contact with Caleb for all of Harry’s physical needs. Tuesdays at two in the afternoon would be their weekly checkups. 

 

Felix, a male fire dragel therapist. Harry still had mixed feelings about a therapist. Even though they apologized, the term ‘fix him’ still rang in his head when he thought of a therapist. Therapists were for crazy people and he wasn’t. But.. now he knew the therapist could also help face dementors. He was weary about this pareya and would be holding judgement for quite a while. Their sessions were Monday and Thursday at ten in the morning and four in the afternoon respectively. Why he needed to meet with him twice a week was beyond him.

 

Finally, Rhiana, a female air dragel and his main ‘caretaker’. The one that was to help him keep his schedule and be his unofficial mentor as he learned about Nevarah and dragel culture. If he needed anything he was to try to go to her first. 

 

Once introductions were over Harry could say that the only reason he disliked any of the dragels he had just met was because he would be forced to spend time with them instead of his circle. He had nearly broken his self imposed unobtrusiveness when he learned that he would not be able to see his circle every day. Not even just a single person. Apparently something about learning healthy dependency boundaries? Visits with circle members, even bonded, were to be scheduled. Some may even require supervision. The only silver lining was that Christmas and New Years celebrations were already approved for him to stay with his circle. There was no way he would have allowed them to keep him from his circle without a fight during those days. He was also to be sent back for resting periods, the couple days a month where the circle would come together to reset their magic and bonds. Harry looked forward to it if what he remembered from before Hogwarts was accurate.

 

In the end, Darius left the coven with a grumpy Harry tailing him. He was to move in tonight. They really weren't giving him a lot of time with the circle before shipping him off. He'd barely been able to see anyone since they all had work or training! His disgust at going was almost as thorough as it had been towards the thought of going to Stonewall High. 

 

Dinner was pretty somber for him, the others trying their best to try and perk him up but a good part of him didn't want to feel better. He wanted to be upset about this. He did feel some vindication when Brayden gave a screech in response to being told about the limited visitation. 

 

“He’s mine!” Came the snarl of an unhappy submissive, pausing the activity up and down the long table. Peach and silver scales burst over his face and arms in reaction to the sudden anger. Hair alighting with a vibrant flame. “I already share him with that school, they can't deny me one of my bonded!”

 

Darius bent his head forward to rest his forehead against Brayden's, murmuring to him low enough that Harry couldn't hear. It seemed to work as Brayden eventually went from angry to grouchy. Harry shot a look at Ezra who hadn't said anything but didn't look happy at all - the dark violet scales on his face said more than words would have anyways. Harry looked down at the other's plate only to see his utensils bent in his clenched hand, but Ezra didn't seem to notice him looking, the gheyo busy glaring at their alpha. Harry looked down at his own untouched plate and poked it a few more times before taking a couple of bites of what he was sure was supposed to be a very delicious dinner but only tasted like plaster in his mouth. 

 

Another bite and then he was gulping down his potion before standing quickly and excusing himself to finish packing. Not that he really had to, he hadn't even unpacked anything from his trunk, but the table was getting stifling and he couldn't sit among them anymore despite wanting to do nothing more than curl up against Brayden or Ezra and get them to comfort him. However, even that thought of actually seeking comfort from another made his heart race uncomfortably and he wanted to physically cringe away from the thought. 

 

He wasn't in there all that long before there was a knock and then Ezra stepped in after a moment of silence. A small smile was on his face but Harry didn't think he looked very happy. “Done packing?” 

 

Harry gave a one shoulder shrug, “Wasn't much to pack. I just got here after all.”

 

“Hm. That's true.” The queen came further into the room till he was next to Harry and gingerly sat on top of the trunk until he was sure it would hold his weight. “You know we’ll still visit as much as possible, right? Sia was already mumbling about schedules. I wouldn't be surprised if she gets a hold of the coven and gets a working rotation of visits.”

 

That made Harry's lips quirk slightly, Sia could be like a hurricane when she got something in the circle that needed to be organized. His lips fell just as quickly. “This is all still unfair. I don't even know why I have to do this at all. I know how to take care of myself. I just want to spend the time with you guys.”

 

“We want that too but no matter how much you can take care of yourself you shouldn't have to right now. You're still a kid. If anything, your time with the coven will help you relax enough to act your age. There's also the fact that this is their job so they will be around to keep you busy unlike us where we still have to go to work and leave you all alone.” Ezra leaned forward a bit to try and catch Harry's eyes with his own. “And the final reason is because we want you to grow into the person you are meant to be. We don't want you becoming what we want just to make us happy. We want the sweet and sassy and temperamental Harry.”

 

Harry gave a small growl of frustration, such vocals had been becoming more natural to him. “That's the reason you all seem to give and I don't get it.”

 

A small sigh was given. “Yeah, I don't blame you for being frustrated. We don't want to explain it further because it's a very heavy and adult topic. Can you just trust me that we are doing this to give you the best chance at becoming a healthy adult?”

 

“I do trust you.” The reply slipped from his lips easier than he thought it would. “I just don't want to go. I want to stay with all of you. I miss you enough while I'm at Hogwarts…”

 

“You miss us?” A grin had stolen across Ezra's face when Harry looked at him, pushing his glasses up his nose from where they slipped. “You never write that you miss us. I was beginning to wonder.”

 

That was true, Harry tended to avoid saying that in his letters. “I do! Miss you that is. I just.. I don't want you to think I don't want to be at Hogwarts. I can miss you and still enjoy being at Hogwarts.”

 

“Of course you can. But sometimes it's nice knowing someone you care about misses you when they're gone for so long.” His hair was ruffled with a small squawk from him before Ezra stood. “Come on. Let's get your trunk to the transportation room and then you can say goodbye to everyone.” Harry groaned but rocked up to his feet before helping Ezra with his trunk.

 

Goodbyes felt like they took forever and were not nearly long enough. Most of them gave some form of a hug but everyone gave a form of physical touch mixed with their goodbyes. It was still a little weird to him how much physical touch seemed to be so important to dragels but his circle had been courteous in giving him time to get acclimated to it. Brayden ended up grabbing him for more than one hug. Those hugs Harry followed his instincts on and buried into them, nuzzling into the soft fabric of Brayden's shirt as the other gave a soft purr. 

 

It ended up being Darius, Harry and Clara that transported to the coven. Rhiana met them at the transport room and barely batted an eye at the gheyo ACE that carried Harry's trunk to his new room. On the way he was pointed to the resting room where he was welcomed at any time although Harry truly doubted he'd ever make use of that particular welcome. His room was blank. A bed, a desk and a dresser. The door to an ensuite took up part of a wall. And that was it. Add a few broken toys and he might think he was in Dudley's second bedroom. There was a promise that they would decorate tomorrow and Clara seemed busy doing.. something, but she had put his trunk down against the end of the bed for him. 

 

Darius placed his hands on his shoulders, squatting slightly so that they could look eye to eye. Harry stared defiantly into the alpha’s gaze to which Darius just gave a sigh. “I know you're not happy but please, give this an honest chance.” Harry merely stared intently into dark grey leaving Darius to give a slightly defeated sigh. He leaned slowly forward and gave the lightest press of lips to his forehead. Harry's eyes widened as it was the first sign of physical affection the other had given him outside of their bonding. Darius gave a small smile at the look. “It'll be Christmas before you know it.”

 

With that Darius stood and turned to Clara, the ACE giving a nod to some unspoken communication before they began to move out the open door. Rhiana mentioned she would be back shortly to make sure he was okay before going to bed. It was getting to be late after all. And with that he was left alone in a room that brought too many memories forward. 

Chapter 10: Inheritance Seal

Notes:

A note about timing: Winter holidays last roughly 2 weeks which would run roughly 2 months in Nevarah with the holidays towards the end of the stay as the year turns over on the same day and time in both Earth and Nevarah. So Harry is spending quite some time with the coven.

This is a rather blah chapter. Just getting a plot point out of the way really. Still love you guys for reading it! I swear the next two chapters will make up quite a bit.

Living at the pareyic coven wasn't… horrible, he guessed. Harry may not have liked living there but it wasn't unbearable after the first few weeks. The first few weeks involved a lot of waking up from nightmares, covering his mouth to keep quiet, or waking up in a cold sweat and holding his breath to see if the creak he heard outside the door was someone making their way to him to punish him for some mistake. The stress had made him rush to the bathroom more than once and somehow Rhiana always knew and would end up right beside him with a soft hand and kind words. She always asked if he wanted to talk about it but he couldn't. He merely gripped her hand tightly in his until his heart would calm and he let her tuck him in. He was used to living with such reactions from his dreams so he wondered how she kept herself so put together while experiencing his wakings with him. He felt like he was one good shiver away from breaking into a million pieces at times.

 

While it was kind of her to do, he knew she never kept these instances to herself. The morning after he'd always have a gentle porridge with fruit presented to him for breakfast and then Felix and Aleyn always had something to say about it during his appointments with them. Felix tried to coax him to talk about his nighttime experiences by promising that they could work on tools to lessen the stress and harsh reactions. Harry stayed quiet for now.

 

He was shocked to learn he would be attending classes and protested that he was on holiday. He was still promised a holiday closer to Christmas and no homework would be given but these lessons would teach him about Nevarah and dragels as well as other races close to the dragel. He had to admit after his first class he was rather interested in what they were teaching.

 

And so it went. Lessons, therapy, healer appointments and, his favorite, time with his circle. It was as promised, he couldn't see someone everyday (Thursdays became off limits since he was often wiped after lessons and therapy), and some visits were supervised by either Rhiana or Felix, but they could send all the messages they wanted to each other and he went home for Brayden’s resting period which was just as amazing as he recalled.

 

There was a particular couple of visits with Sia that stood out as Harry asked her help in making some special spiced chocolate. The pareya had made some for the circle and brought some for him to try. When he learned it was a Nevarean traditional holiday chocolate he had an idea and asked if she would teach him to make it. The next time she was able to make it they stole the kitchen for the evening, melting and mixing chocolate before pouring it into molds. Then Sia had provided some gift bags and put preservation spells on them to keep the chocolate from melting. Harry had given her a quick hug in thanks and Harry stayed up late writing letters and sending off the chocolates to friends and a certain Slytherin who might appreciate a taste of home.

 

Really the thing that should have been the biggest deal he slept through. Caleb had come and picked him up one day, actually taking him to leave the coven and go to a special clinic. It had looked much like the other clinics he had been to but they were led to a special room in the back that was smaller than the clinic rooms but had runes painted on the floor and walls. A brown haired dragel waited for them next to a medical bed that had two rolling stools beside it. The other dragel felt… staticky. Like ants on his skin. It faded after a short exposure but he couldn't help but feel he had experienced it before somewhere. 

 

“Hello Harry, I'm Keiron, a mage. I'm here to help Healer Caleb remove your inheritance seal today.” The brunette, Keiron, stated. 

 

“It's nice to meet you. Thank you for your help today.” See, he had manners. Even knew how to use them every now and then. 

 

There was a handshake and shared smiles before Harry was whisked away. Caleb had picked him up under his arms and dropped him up on the bed without preamble. Harry was prompt to stick his tongue out at the fire dragel. They had been getting better around each other, or so Harry thought at least. Aleyn as their intermediary seemed to help quite a bit.

 

“Stop that. And lay down. We'll be putting you to sleep for the procedure. Shouldn't take more than an hour at most, an inheritance seal is fairly simple but if there's anything set to fight back against removing it it could take longer.” A finger poked Harry's forehead, right at the point of his scar. He scowled and pressed his fringe down to cover the scar. Some pointed looks at each other and Harry scooted on the bed till he was resting down on it. And that's really all he remembered as Caleb put him to sleep as soon as his head was situated on the pillow.

 

When he woke Caleb had a flat look on his face, the kind of look he got when he was truly unhappy, not just grouchy, but was attempting to keep it inside. That was a Brayden problem in Harry's mind. Or even Darius’ to solve. “Is it gone?” He didn't feel too different. Maybe a little lighter? Kind of like when a train comes out of a tunnel. 

 

“It's gone, but someone really didn't want you to inherit. Thankfully we were able to take a sample of their magic and if we ever find them we’ll be able to tie them to this.” You could take samples of someone's magic? That was news to him. Not something he expected.

 

“So I'll become a dragel when I turn sixteen then?” There was the excitement he expected from this event.

 

A knuckle knocked on his head lightly. Harry flinched slightly but overall was happy he managed to keep still. “We've told you before. You are a dragel. Just not inherited yet. With this gone we should hopefully see you settle towards your rank and element, maybe show some characteristics of what you're leaning towards. My bet is pareya with as much as you follow Sia around.”

 

“I might change that bet. That much power in him? He’s definitely got mage potential.” Keiron piped up from where he sat on one of the stools. 

 

“Mage? Really? What makes that different than being a wizard?” They hadn't covered all the ranks yet in his lessons. Just the most common.

 

Keiron gave him a smile and a wink, “More schooling.”

 

Harry blanched, “I think I'd prefer pareya.”

 

Keiron laughed, “It's not too bad. Plus sometimes we're not given a choice. I just felt a small portion of your magical potential and you may have to become a mage simply to settle your magic.”

 

“But that's not something we have to worry about for quite a number of years yet. We’ll face that hurdle when we get there and the fact Brayden may just murder someone if he finds out you will be away even longer.” Caleb interjected into the short conversation. 

 

Keiron gave a shrug in response before standing and giving a playful salute to the two of them. “If that's all for now. Feel free to call me for help with any of those other seals. Not that I'm sure there's much we can do but it'll certainly be interesting to see to them.”

 

“Yes, we best be on our way back to the coven. Perhaps a snack on the way though?” Caleb's raised eyebrows was matched with Harry's own before he nodded and hopped down from the bed and followed the fire dragel. 

 

And that was the end of his inheritance seal. He still had the two familial seals and the bound up soul/prophetic/death seal, but a little fear slipped away that he could inherit now. Sure there was still anxiety of what if he didn't inherit at all, but for now he would see what changes he might experience.

 

And changes he did experience. They weren't big ones at all, in fact it took him a while to realize they were there. Part of it had to deal with the fact that they had to deal with other people. Other dragels he should say. It all of a sudden seemed easier to read them. Every purr or growl, the flash of scales, even just the flash of a look and suddenly it was so easy to read people. He even found it coming more naturally to himself. The first time he gave a distressed whine he had been mortified, he had managed his nightmares just fine on his own after all, but this was almost inhuman sounding and was what gave him the first inkling that things were changing.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 4 of Late Nights