Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Chapter sixteen

Harry smiled as he waved to Teddy from the door as he got on the bus before sighing once it moved away. Warm arms wrapped around his waist and lips pressed to his cheek.

"He's growing up too quickly," Harry bemoaned.

"That's what they do, unfortunately," Rafael said gently.

"He doesn't want me to walk him to the bus anymore!" Harry whined.

"He still needs you," Rafael chuckled, kissing his cheek again as Harry dropped back fully against him.

"Not as much as he did," Harry pouted.

"It is a good job that we're having another one; you're going into empty nest syndrome already," Rafael laughed, moving his hands down to rest over Harry's stomach.

"I hope you're prepared for when he's eleven and goes to Ilvermorny!" Harry huffed.

"If you're meaning for your reaction, I am not; if you mean for my reaction, absolutely not," Rafael snorted.

"At least he can come home on weekends here, at Hogwarts, we would have had to wait for the holidays," Harry shook his head.

"I don't know if I would have survived that," Rafael admitted before sighing. "I had better get going."

"Have a good day," Harry turned in his arms and scattered kisses over his face and then settled over his lips, humming when his mate kissed him deeply, burying his fingers in Harry's dark hair.

"Mmm, I don't want to go," Rafael admitted with a groan, tilting Harry's chin up and kissing over his throat and down to his shoulder where his mating bite was.

"I don't want you to go," Harry shivered, fisting Rafael's shirt.

"You're far too tempting," Rafael hummed, nipping at his mark on Harry's throat.

"I think that is the pot calling the kettle black," Harry laughed, wrapping his arms around Rafael's neck and tugging him in for another kiss.

"Ugh, I have to go before I can't," Rafael groaned, pulling back a few minutes later.

"Have you got your lunch?" Harry asked, letting go of his mate with a pout.

"I have, I will see you tonight," Rafael tugged him back against him and kissed him a few more times before physically yanking himself away and over to his truck.

"I am going shopping later, do you want anything?" Harry called.

"No, but please take someone with you and let them drive!" Rafael called cheerfully.

"My driving is not that bad!" Harry huffed.

"Please don't give our baby whiplash!" Rafael waved cheerfully as he hopped into his truck. "Love you!"

"You're a cheeky fucking arse!" Harry shouted. "Love you more!"

He grinned as he shut the door to Rafael's laughter and turned to grab the few things that Teddy had left around the living room, popping them away before he headed through to the kitchen. He needed to go through what he had and make a list of what he needed to buy, mentally reminding himself to check the cereals to make sure they had everyone's favourites.

"Teddy had better be grateful I am buying him that sugary crap he likes at the minute," Harry muttered to himself, walking into the kitchen.

He froze when the barrel of a gun was pressed to his temple, cold fear washing through him.

"Keep your hands where I can see them, no drawing your wand, if I see your hands moving, I shoot," A cold voice said, and Harry tensed harder than he had tensed in his life. "No reaching down that bond with the Rom either, any sign he is coming back, and I will shoot you, and then him, and these bullets are silver nitrate, they will blow his brains out, no healing," the voice carried on, and Harry felt sick.

"What do you want?" He asked. "How the hell did you get past my wards?"

"They were impressive, I have to admit, they were an actual challenge, which was nice, but there is very little that can keep me out when I want to get in somewhere, I have been in the house for an hour," The man said.

Harry truly did feel sick now; an hour, and Rafael hadn't smelt or sensed him; an hour, and Teddy had been up and around and running about this house with this man inside.

"You didn't answer what you want," Harry managed to sound somewhat calm even as he desperately clamped down on his bond with Rafael to stop any of his feelings from drifting down it.

"I want some answers first. Who was that boy?" The man asked.

"I am telling you nothing about him!" Harry snarled.

"He called you Daddy and Rafael Papa, who is he to you?" The man pressed. Harry clenched his lips shut despite the fear rolling through him as the man pressed the gun firmer to his head. "You're willing to die?"

"I won't tell you anything about him!" Harry snapped. He turned his head slightly to glare at the man and got his first look at him. Honey-blond hair was swept back out of his ice-blue eyes; he was wearing orange-tinted, golden-framed glasses, and while he was fairly handsome, he was very generic-looking, a man that Harry could have easily passed in the street without giving him a second glance. What was in his eyes was notable, though; they were ice-cold and dangerous.

"Rafael was saying about a baby, what baby? There are some items in the house, but no sign of a baby," The man asked. Harry narrowed his eyes slightly. There was something about the way that the man said Rafael's name that told Harry he knew his mate.

He weighed up the risks in his head quickly as to how he answered that question; the man clearly already knew something about magic, enough to know what his wards were, and about his wand.

"I am pregnant, it is mine and Rafael's baby," Harry said, and he watched the man's eyes widen slightly.

"Sorry?" He asked.

"I am pregnant, two and a half months," Harry clarified.

Suddenly, the gun was gone from his temple, and the man stepped back.

"Is the boy your son?" The man demanded, Harry pinched his lips together again, but it seemed answer enough for the man.

"I have been told that you are enchanting people within this community and taking their will away. I was hired to kill you," The man told him, holding his hands up slowly and then placing his gun away before raising his hands again, keeping all his movements smooth.

"Let me guess, Anita Blake," Harry sighed, even as a thrill of cold fear went through him.

"Yes," The man nodded after a second of thought.

"I haven't enchanted anyone! Her mates are cutting things off with her because they are fed up with her demanding everything from them and her giving nothing back. They tried to work with her to improve things, but she refused to change. She has already threatened to shoot me because she blames me for things changing in her life, or she blames me for not falling under whatever the fuck spell she had going with the others! Did she tell you that she shot at Zane and Gregory during a moon because Zane said he was looking forward to coming to my house for supper? Did she tell you that was the thing that made them all draw a line in the sand with her?" Harry ranted, feeling tears burning in his eyes.

"No, she conveniently left all that out," the man said blankly.

"She would," Damian suddenly spoke from the doorway. The man's gun was out and pointed at him in a second where he was trying to keep to the shadows. "Harry has done absolutely nothing besides support us, Edward, and she hates that. Rafael will not be impressed that you have threatened his mate."

"You hate walking in the sunlight," The man, Edward, narrowed his eyes.

"I do, but I heard you, and I know I am the only other one awake in this house with Harry. I was not going to stand by while you threaten him and his baby," Damian braced his shoulders and stepped into the sun.

"I am drawing my wand and blanking out the windows!" Harry told Edward, slowly drawing his wand and charming all the windows once he had flicked the lights on, trying to do everything that he could to ensure this man didn't shoot him.

"I am alright," Damian smiled a little at Harry as he made it to his side, and the Wizard rested his hand on his arm, concern shining in his green eyes. "I promised I would help guard you both."

"Thank you Damian," Harry managed to smile back, the redheaded Vampire slipped his hand into his and squeezed gently when he realised that it was trembling.

"You genuinely care," Edward tilted his head slightly and looked Harry over, seemingly reading something, who knew what, on Harry's face.

"He does, that is why we have been drawn to him, he is an open heart and a good friend to us, and he has been good for the community," Damian nodded.

"He and Rafael are monogamous, though?" Edward said doubtfully.

"You can care for people, love them, without fucking them!" Harry spat. He yelped when there was a gunshot, and he found himself pressed between Damian and the wall in the blink of an eye.

"What are you doing in my house, Edward?" Rafael snarled, holding his gun steady as he walked fully into the room.

"You're still one of the few that can surprise me," Edward smirked at him, turning to look at the hole in the wall. "You could have shot me if I hadn't moved."

"The fact you're in my house, with my mate, when no one else should have been here, I wouldn't have cared," Rafael said firmly.

"Anita hired him to kill Harry," Damian informed Rafael. Harry shivered at the protective snarl that went through the room as what he could see of his mate erupted with fur.

"I haven't harmed him!" Edward held his hands up again. "Something felt off, so I wanted to talk through a few things."

"You snuck into my house to kill my mate!" Rafael managed to growl out.

"Rom! Romni!" Bobby-Lee, Lisandro and Claudia walked in from the three different doors, their weapons already drawn and pointing at Edward.

"Romni?" Edward asked.

"He is my mate!" Rafael snarled.

"He's not a Rat, though," Edward pursed his lips thoughtfully, seemingly unbothered by the weapons pointed at him.

"He doesn't need to be," Lisandro narrowed his eyes.

"She really hired you to kill Harry?" Bobby-Lee shook his head.

"Yes," Edward nodded and then looked back at Rafael. "You're as close to a friend as someone like me can have. I was concerned something had happened to you, and I wanted to check it out. If you had been enchanted, I would have helped, but I wouldn't have just killed your mate and baby."

"Someone like you?" Harry asked, confused, from behind Damian, the Vampire still refusing to move.

"Edward is a sociopath," Rafael informed him, his voice still set in a deep growl.

"Oh, right," Harry nodded with a shrug.

"That's it?" Edward asked curiously.

"Yeah?" Harry tried to look around Damian to see the man, but the Vampire blocked him, and suddenly Lisandro was there as well, ensuring Harry was covered.

"You're willing to die for him?" Edward asked.

"Yes, because he would do the same for us without a thought," Claudia answered sharply.

"There are no enchantments," Rafael snarled.

"Rafael," Harry called softly, trying to calm his mate down, feeling through their unblocked bond how on the edge he was.

He heard his mate taking a deep breath and then a second one, before he calmed enough to allow Harry to metaphysically pull his Rat into his plane, where his own silver Rat was waiting for him. The silver Rat snuggled against the larger body, Rafael's Rat curling protectively around his.

"My magic isn't powerful enough to enchant that many people, not for as long as there have been issues with Anita. Even if I could do it to a couple of them, they would be doing odd things as a consequence," Harry explained to Edward.

"What type of odd things?" Edward asked.

"Eating paper, wearing their shoes on their hands, hopping instead of walking are all things that have been reported by people under long-term enchantment. My type of magic can't roll or control someone long-term like that without there being signs. If I had Rafael under a love potion, I would never have had a child with him," Harry explained.

"Why not?" Bobby-Lee frowned.

"Children born of a relationship where love potions are being used have no feelings of love or joy," Harry said softly.

"Sounds like me," Edward snorted.

"You're a sociopath, but you can manage to feel an enjoyment for certain things, right?" Harry asked, and then, when he could almost feel the hesitation from the man, he clarified. "I don't mean as me or the others would feel it, but you feel your own form of enjoyment, right?"

"Yes," Edward finally answered.

"Children born of love potions don't even have that; they have absolutely no love, like, enjoyment, no form of happiness in their lives. You're cursing them to a living hell by having them."

"You sound as if you know this from experience?" Damian turned his head to him with a soft frown.

"The man who murdered my family, who tried to kill me when I was a baby, who killed me when I was a teenager, his mum used a love potion on his father," Harry said softly.

"That's why he was the way that he was?" Rafael asked.

"Partly I think, his mum, uncle and maternal grandfather were already mad as hatters, his mum a little less so, but still not right, through years and years of inbreeding to keep their blood 'pure'. Between that and the love potions, I don't think he stood a chance," Harry grimaced.

"You sound like you have sympathy for him," Edwards asked, curiosity biting through his tone.

"He was a baby, a little boy at one point, a little boy who was smart and powerful, who didn't understand why he didn't feel right. He was cursed from the second he was conceived. I can hate the man, but feel sorry for what he became and why he became it," Harry said tightly.

"You're very unusual," Edward hummed. "I can see why Anita hates you."

"I am not going to let her get away with this," Rafael said, part warning and part threat.

"You think I am going to let her get away with sending me to a house with a child and a pregnant…man to do her dirty work, all because she is throwing a tantrum. You know I have very few lines, Rafael, but you know children and babies are my line, and I don't just kill anyone that I come across or get asked to kill," Edward said lowly.

Damian stepped to the side after a second, and Harry and Rafael moved at the same time to meet in the middle, the Rom wrapping his arms tightly around his Romni, burying his nose into Harry's hair.

"You're trembling," Rafael growled.

"I'm ok, just shaken," Harry shook his head as he clenched Rafael's shirt tightly.

"I do apologise, I was the one who taught Anita, she has earned a lot of leeway with me, when she told me there was an issue, I mostly believed her on principle. I did not realise that she had become so…"

"Much of a bitch?" Claudia snorted.

"She became too enthralled in the power that she held, and became less and less willing to listen to those around her, those that she claimed to care for when confronted about it," Damian said.

"That has to be upsetting for you," Edward flicked his eyes from where Rafael and Harry were holding each other to Damian's blank face.

"I am upset, Micah, Nathaniel and Jean-Claude are more so," Damian shrugged. "We all tried to save our relationships with her, we all attempted to make it work, but she would not give even a little, not ever to save what we all had."

"I always told her that her stubbornness would bite her in the end," Edward hummed. "Can I sit down, or are you going to shoot me?"

"We're all still considering it," Bobby-Lee glared.

"I need to sit," Harry admitted.

"Come on," Rafael led him quickly over to the table and seated him before settling beside him, wrapping his arm over Harry's chair and taking his hand with his free hand. Harry would rather have sat in his lap the way that they normally did, but he knew that Rafael wanted to be able to move in case Edward attacked again, and so he just settled against Rafael's side, his non-dominant side, and held his hand but didn't squeeze it.

They both watched as Edward moved smoothly over to the kitchen table, his boots barely making a sound on the kitchen tiles before he dropped into the seat. Damian, Bobby-Lee, Lisandro and Claudia all moved to stand around Harry and Rafael.

"You can go back to bed, Damian," Harry reached up and took the Vampire's hand.

"I will stay up for a little longer to ensure you are ok," Damian shook his head.

"I know how much you hate moving around in the sun even though you can, thank you for protecting them," Rafael said softly to Damian.

"Any time," Damian inclined his head.

"Wicked Truth will be fuming that they missed the chance to protect you," Lisandro teased Harry.

"Shush," Harry huffed the Rat.

"They have fallen in love with you; they will be glaring in their way at Damian all night," Claudia added.

"I…" Harry turned to look at Edward a little wide eyed.

"I don't believe you're enchanting anyone," Edward held his hands up as Rafael squeezed Harry's hand in his. Harry realised that he had absently been tracing Rafael's crown brand in comfort.

"Micah and Nathaniel are going to be heartbroken over this," Harry bit his lip.

"We need to tell them," Rafael kissed his temple.

"I know, but it is going to hurt them," Harry sighed.

"They will get through it, we will be ok," Damian reassured him, patting him a little awkwardly on the shoulder.

"Do you want some tea, Romni?" Lisandro asked, looking in concern at Harry's pale face.

"That would be good, thank you," Harry nodded.

"Maybe I should call Lillian," Rafael frowned at him.

"I am fine, honestly, just a little shaken that is all, mainly at the fact that she would go this far," Harry shook his head, squeezing Rafael's hand.

"She was always someone that I worried about, where she hovered between determination and obsession, being good at what we did, and taking it too far. If you don't fit into her world, then she sees you as the enemy. I had thought that becoming involved in the Community, having her mates, and having people that needed her had settled that inside of her. Clearly not," Edward frowned.

"She doesn't know about the baby; we have kept that quiet, but this is…" Rafael grit his teeth as fur threatened to burst over his skin again with his anger. Harry reached up and cupped his cheek, pressing a kiss to his cheek as he felt Rafael taking a few deep breaths.

"She still sent me here on a lie, and into a house where there was a child she told me nothing about," Edward frowned. "The boy, he is yours?" he asked Harry again.

Harry looked at Rafael in question, trusting his mate's knowledge of this man rather than the unpleasant experience he had had with him, despite the fact that he was being friendly enough now.

"He is Harry's adopted son; he's a wolf. He sees me as his Papa as well," Rafael answered.

"He looks like the two of you, though," Edward frowned a little.

"It is a skill he has as a Wizard as well, he can look however he wants, his favourite is a mix of us both," Rafael explained.

"Handy!" Edward raised an eyebrow. He looked at Harry when he snorted.

"Sorry, I was just imagining what you would find it handy for," Harry held a hand up.

"Your mate knows me so well already," Edward smirked at Rafael.

"Better than he should," Rafael scowled.

"I am sorry," Edward insisted. "I won't harm him, or your children," He promised.

"We need to deal with Anita, and quickly, before she manages to actually hurt Harry," Bobby-Lee frowned.

"I want you to have a guard with you at all times, even in the house," Rafael said to Harry apologetically.

"I understand," Harry smiled, squeezing his hand in comfort.

"We brought this problem into your life when you have been nothing but helpful to us," Damian frowned.

"You're not responsible for her actions, Damian. I have told you all that before." Harry shook his head.

"How did you know something was wrong? I made sure that you didn't sense me in here," Edward asked Rafael curiously.

"Harry's end of the bond went blank." Rafael frowned deeply, clearly showing how disconcerted he had felt about it.

"You told me not to send anything to him; the only way I could do it was to stop anything passing down the bond," Harry shrugged.

"I knew something was wrong right away and called the others and headed right back," Rafael nodded.

"You keep it open all the time?" Edward tilted his head.

"We have nothing to hide from each other," Rafael shrugged.

"And you are really monogamous?" Edward asked.

"I don't know why so many people are surprised. It's not like I was sleeping around before Harry," Rafael sighed.

"I told you, you don't need to be fucking someone to love them," Harry narrowed his eyes as he reached up and took the cup of tea Lisandro handed him.

"We all know Harry loves us, and not in a generic way; he loves each of us individually and cares for us in an individual way," Claudia said, not able to resist touching her fingers to the back of Harry's neck.

"You definitely are an interesting addition to the City." Edward's eyes were still ice cold as they swept over Harry. He felt as though the man could look into his soul with that penetrating gaze.

"You and I are going to go to my office, and we're going to have a conversation," Rafael said to Edward, leaning over to kiss Harry sweetly before standing. The blond man stood and waited as Rafael leaned down and cupped Harry's face, aware of the wide green eyes. "I will be back as quickly as I can; the others will stay with you."

"You will be ok?" Harry asked, looking concerned at Edward.

"I won't harm him, I promise. Before we go, though, I will show you around the areas I managed to work past the wards," Edward said to Rafael, already heading for the back door.

"Appreciate it," Rafael nodded tightly. Harry stood and wrapped his arms around Rafael, pressing his face into his chest. He closed his eyes as his mate combed his fingers through his long hair. "I will be back as soon as possible, I promise," Rafael said softly.

"Please make sure that you do," Harry breathed out, tipping his head back for the kiss. Rafael fluttered over his lips, and he gently stroked his face with his thumbs.

"I love you," Rafael pulled back and looked into his eyes.

"Love you more," Harry managed to smile.

"We'll stay with Romni," Lisandro promised, wrapping his arms around Harry from behind right as Rafael let go, hugging Harry firmly to his chest, hooking his chin over his shoulder.

"Make sure you do," Rafael nodded, rubbing his cheek to Lisandro's before kissing Harry one more time.

Harry held onto Lisandro's arms as Rafael and Edward left through the back door, the blond man shooting him one last curious look before they left.

"Come on, Romni, let's go and have a lie down," Lisandro scooped him up before he could protest.

"I will go back down, if you need me, though, call for me," Damian said.

"Thank you for coming to help me, Damian. I really appreciate it." Harry reached out for him. The Vampire took his hand and squeezed it gently, inclining his head in that old-world way that he had.

He turned to head back to his room as Lisandro and Claudia went upstairs with Harry. He was placed in the centre of the bed, and quickly the two had their boots off and crawled in on either side of him. Lisandro pulled the Wizard back so that his back was resting against his chest and threw his arm over him. Claudia pressed against his front, throwing her leg over him and Lisandro and draping her arm over the two of them.

"You ok, Romni?" Claudia asked, her brown eyes swimming with concern.

"Just shaken, honestly. With the fact that he managed to get past the wards, that he was in the house while Teddy was still here, that she sent him to kill me," Harry sighed.

"Edward is a fairly unique person. I don't doubt there are only a few people like him who would be able to get past the wards," Bobby-Lee assured him, walking into the room. He pulled his boots off and climbed onto the bed behind Claudia, throwing his arm over her and resting his hand on Harry's shoulder, rubbing soothingly up and down his arm.

"Who is he?" Harry asked.

"He's an assassin, bounty hunter turned grandfathered in Federal Marshal for the preternatural," Bobby-Lee told him.

"Like Anita. You respect him?" Harry tilted his head slightly to look at Bobby-Lee, catching the tone to his voice and something in his eyes.

"Yes, Edward is a killer; there is no denying that. He is probably one of the most successful killers of us Supernaturals. But he does have rules and a line that he follows, and he doesn't hunt the preternatural because that is what they are, but because he's good at what he does and we're a real challenge for him," Bobby-Lee nodded.

"I doubt that he has never killed anyone who is innocent; he does tend to hunt those of us who have gone bad and are creating a bad reputation for our community," Lisandro said, rubbing his nose into the back of Harry's neck.

"Jean-Claude isn't his biggest fan, but he allows Edward to come and go through the City, and he respects the cleanup work he does with those who have gone really bad, which could cast a bad shadow over us. He has helped with a few of the worst situations that we have found ourselves in," Claudia added.

"And he and Rafael are friends?" Harry asked.

"Yes, Edward respects Rafael and who he is, how he can be," Bobby-Lee drew off.

"I know that Rafael has a violent, dangerous side, and that some of the things you guys go and do wouldn't go well if the law found out. I know that he does questionable things to protect us, this city, and our Community. He knows that if he ever needs my help, I will be there for him in those moments," Harry smiled softly.

"You really are the perfect Romni," Claudia smiled.

"Hardly," Harry flushed slightly.

"Edward and Rafael have an understanding and a respect for each other. Rafael respects that he is professional and knows what he is doing; he respects that Edward has a set of rules that he sticks to," Bobby-Lee explained.

"What is her and Edward's relationship?" Harry asked tiredly.

"Edward helped train Anita. They have worked together on many cases and helped each other a fair bit along the way. They were a small number of people who got grandfathered into the Federal Marshals when people realised that the regular police were struggling to deal with the changes that the revelation of the Community caused, and that they needed people who knew what they were doing, and could hunt and kill Supernatural beings. Edward doesn't really trust a lot of people. Rafael and Anita are two of probably a number that could be counted on one hand and still have some spare fingers," Lisandro told him.

"It isn't a surprise that he partly believed her, but it also isn't a surprise that he would check it out himself. I think at the end of the day, Edward trusts no one but himself. I am surprised that Anita didn't realise that he wouldn't just come in here and shoot you, that she didn't realise he would actually investigate it first," Claudia shook her head.

"I think she has become so arrogant and now has moved to being desperate, that she isn't thinking clearly. Which is worrying in itself," Harry could hear the frown in Lisandro's voice.

"We're going to have to deal with her," Harry sighed, snuggling back into Lisandro.

"We are, before she does something else," Bobby-Lee nodded. "Go to sleep, Romni, we will guard you," he promised, smiling as Harry's eyes fluttered.

"Thank you all," Harry breathed out.

"We love you, Romni," Claudia kissed his cheek.

Harry groaned as he came awake to lips over his, even half asleep he found the pattern that was being set and followed along, fluttering his green eyes open he found his handsome mate lying on top of him, kissing him with that heat that constantly simmered between them.

"Rafael," Harry groaned as his mate pulled back, trying to chase after him. He groaned when he realised that Rafael was naked and had stripped him before waking him.

He tipped his head back when Rafael moved down his chest, layering kisses and licks, nips and caresses over his chest, down to his stomach, where he spent a little more time layering attention over the small bump.

Harry sighed contentedly when Rafael made his way back up his body and settled their lips together again as he hooked Harry's legs over his forearms. Harry tugged his wand out from under the pillow and quickly muttered the needed spells against Rafael's lips, grinning at the automatic shiver that it caused.

The Rom sealed their lips together again right as he slipped into Harry's welcoming body and rocked himself slowly inside of him until they were pressed tightly together. He reached up and ran his fingers through Rafael's short hair a couple of times as he rocked his hips gently onto the hard length filling him perfectly, before stroking his hand over Rafael's face and cupping his cheeks to kiss him a little harder.

They moved together in a slow lovemaking, rocking together in a perfect rhythm, the two of them keeping as much physical contact with each other as they possibly could, barely fully pulling back before they were thrusting together again.

Harry groaned and tilted his head back in request, one that Rafael responded to immediately, mouthing at his mark on Harry's throat, licking and nipping it and drinking in the groans spilled from Harry's lips before he bit down.

Harry arched his body into his mate's, trying to get as close to him as he could. Rafael held him close as he thrust into the tight, heavenly heat of Harry's body, breathing in his mate's scent, the scent of cinnamon that filled the air, mixing with his own scent of arousal. His Rat focused on the way their already well-mingled, mated scent, mixed even deeper, even appreciating the scent of some of their Rodere on the bed from where they had been snuggling their Romni.

"Romni," Rafael growled out before thrusting deeply and spilling inside of his mate.

"Rafael, my Rom," Harry cried out as the feeling of being filled so deeply, the feeling of Rafael spilling inside of him, triggered his own orgasm.

He lay there panting in Rafael's arms, humming happily when Rafael moved to lick over his mark.

"You're ok?" He asked.

"Fine, Edward showed me all the places he could have managed to get in, and where he did get in. We spoke about what Blake had told him and what she had wanted him to do. He didn't show it, but he was absolutely furious. Children really are a line for Edward, and as he said I am as close to a friend as he gets, the thought she sent him after you because she has destroyed her own life has infuriated him. He isn't going to go after her himself, he promised me that she was ours to deal with, me, you, Micah, Jean-Claude and Damian have that right," Rafael said softly, stroking his thumb over the opposite side of Harry's throat to his mark.

Harry started when his mate said Blake instead of Anita, it felt a little silly, but he realised in that moment how far Anita had pushed things, and what she had done to herself with doing this. Even though he had been coming up with options to break apart the bonds, he had had in the back of his mind that she would be able to change everyone's minds, even Rafael's.

As though sensing where his thoughts had drifted, Rafael kissed over his neck again before speaking.

"I think we should put the offer to the others."

"Are you sure? It is a big decision to make, and a huge change to our lives, to what we planned and thought our future would be," Harry said softly.

"I am sure, I have thought about all the pros and cons that we ran through together, and what our boundaries will be. I am not 100% sure that this is the right choice for us, but I think it is the better choice out of what we have been left with," Rafael frowned slightly. "Will you be ok with us offering it?"

"You know I will follow your lead on this. This is our community, but you're my Rom. As you said, we went over the pros and cons, and I was on either side of it," Harry smiled, stroking his hands over Rafael's handsome face.

"We can make it work, right?" Rafael asked with that hint of uncertainty he rarely allowed to show through, and only ever really with Harry and Micah.

"Together," Harry smiled beautifully up at him. "Yeah, I think we can make anything work," Rafael smiled back, leaning down to gently press their noses together before kissing Harry.

"Little Wizard!" Harry blinked when, between half a second and the next, Wicked and Truth were standing on either side of him, their eyes narrowed and swords in their hands.

"Everything is fine," Rafael assured them quickly.

"Why was Edward in this house?" Wicked hissed as Truth crowded against Harry's back.

"Pardon?" Micah froze in the doorway with Nathaniel, where they had been walking in, the two of them starting to sniff the air to pick up the scent that Wicked Truth clearly had.

"We had better call Jean-Claude here," Harry sighed, resting back against Truth, who carefully wrapped an arm around his chest, as Wicked ran a hand over his arm as though reassuring himself that Harry was truly unhurt.

"What is going on?" Sanguini frowned, appearing in the doorway and looking around the kitchen.

"What happened?" Nathaniel asked, concerned, wringing his hands together. He turned when Damian appeared behind him, hugging him back to his chest.

"Harry? Rafael?" Micah looked at them.

"Blake sent Edward to kill Harry, she told him that Harry has been enchanting us, and that is why we're acting the way we are. Edward broke into the house and held a gun to his head," Rafael said as calmly as he could manage, but the growl in his voice was clear.

"What?!" Micah cried out, and Damian reached out to prop him up as the Nimir-Raj's legs went weak.

"Damian got up here in time to help me, and Rafael realised that something was wrong and came back with Bobby-Lee, Claudia and Lisandro," Harry reassured them.

"You came up in the daylight?" Nathaniel turned to Damian.

"I wasn't going to let something happen to Harry or the baby," Damian shook his head.

"This woman sounds as though she is losing control," Sanguini said as diplomatically as he could, a serious expression on his face for once.

"What has happened? What is the SOS for?" Jean-Claude flowed through the back door, looking around, concerned. When he saw the expressions on their faces, he became even more so.

"Anita sent Death after Harry," Micah choked out.

"Death?" Harry frowned.

"That is Edward's nickname; he is called that because of the number of kills that he has and how good he is at what he does," Rafael explained gently, reaching out to pull Harry against his chest, Wicked Truth allowing him to step from between them a little reluctantly.

"She sent…Merde!" Jean-Claude pressed his hands to his face. "I never thought she would do something like that."

"Edward isn't impressed at all, she had told him that Harry was enchanting us all. She didn't tell him that Teddy lived here, and of course, she doesn't know Harry is pregnant." Rafael nodded, stroking his hand up and down Harry's back in comfort for the two of them.

"She is…she is going too far, she can not be allowed to get away with this," Micah shook his head.

"We can not just kill her, though. She is still bound to us, and she is a Federal Marshal and noted within the Community and tied to RPIT," Jean-Claude sighed. Harry wrinkled his nose as he always did at the acronym for the Supernatural police department, Regional Preternatural Investigation Taskforce.

"We can't just make her leave the City either, though; she would do everything that she could to take revenge," Damian said.

"On the bonds, we have a suggestion to put to you," Rafael said after sharing a look with Harry.

"Do you want me to make myself scarce or do you want me to stay?" Sanguini asked, concerned.

"What is going on?" Micah asked, looking between them.

"I think it might be better if you stay to help us explain," Harry said.

"Let's go through to the living room," Rafael started herding them all through. He and Harry pressed together on their sofa. Harry tilted his head to smile comfortingly at Wicked Truth, where they came to stand behind him, clearly intent on guarding him.

Sanguini took one of the armchairs, and Jean-Claude, Micah, Nathaniel and Damian sat on the sofa opposite Harry and Rafael.

"This is about the bonds? You have come up with something?" Jean-Claude asked, looking between Harry and Sanguini.

"We have something that will not weaken your power or risk losing what you are building here, but will remove your bonds with Anita," Harry nodded.

"But?" Micah asked slowly.

"This isn't the only option, but it is one of the better ones that is more likely to succeed and should maintain, if not increase your power," Harry said. "But there are other options."

"What is this option? You seem concerned about it," Jean-Claude frowned between them.

"It is an option that will change a few things, mainly for Harry and I, we have talked about the pros and cons of it, and if the changes are something that we can live with, and we have decided that it is," Rafael said softly, taking Harry's hand and squeezing it gently.

"We do not want to cause any problems with your lives, or cause you any harm, for the sake of helping us," Jean-Claude shook his head.

"There are positives for us as well," Harry smiled reassuringly.

"But negatives also," Daminan frowned.

"How about we lay it out, and then we can decide?" Rafael suggested.

"Sure," Micah nodded, but his chartreuse eyes were glowing with concern.

"The problem with removing these bonds, as you know, is how powerful they are, but also how powerful they have helped make you. I have been looking at changing things around, removing Anita, but trying to bond you together closer to try and essentially plug the hole that she will leave, but every eventuality that I came up with didn't work because you need a magical or psychic human who isn't Were or Vampire," Harry started explaining.

"Wait, Harry, no, you and Rafael…" Micah sat up.

"Hang on," Rafael smiled slightly, holding up his free hand.

"Sanguini and I have found a bond that will, in a way, swap me out for Anita's position, but I wouldn't be your human servant," Harry said to Jean-Claude, who was looking as worried as Micah.

"But I would also be part of it," Rafael said. "We would be adding me into the equation as well."

"Rafael is a powerful Were, but also an incredibly strong and grounding one; his Rat is solid and would be a wonderful foundation to help centre a new bond that is forged from an old one," Sanguini said.

"But…" Nathaniel looked between the two of them.

"In a way Jean-Claude and I will be the bond holders, all the bonds will flow through us and back out to everyone else, the power and strength that will flow through the bonds will travel via us and we will be able to control it to make sure that no one is overwhelmed with it. Rafael would be the anchor and the foundation of the bond, Damian would be the strength and perseverance of the bond, Micah the calmness and passion, Nathaniel the gentleness and resiliency of the bond," Harry explained.

"It would act in a very similar way to the Triumvirates and the power that it gives you, the control," Sanguini said.

"But you both want to remain monogamous," Micah protested.

"We would stay that way, we would be bound to you, and we would need to spend a certain amount of time together, but honestly, probably very little more than we already do. The risk of the Ardeur being passed to me or Rafael can be controlled within the forging of the bonds; it will be difficult, but between Sanguini and me, we will be able to control it." Harry shook his head.

"Ok," Jean-Claude breathed out in relief, some of the concern in his blue eyes easing, fearing for his friends that they were going to sacrifice their desires and happiness to help.

"We would be bound to your lifespan as well, which would be a plus for us," Rafael added with a shrug.

"Mine and Rafael's age difference has never bothered me, but he is older than I am; being bound to a longer life span with each other wouldn't be a terrible thing," Harry grinned at Rafael, who nudged him gently.

"But Teddy, Luca, the baby," Nathaniel said, and Harry understood.

"I am going to matchmake hard to pair them all up with Vampires to make them human servants and extend their lives if that is what they want. If they don't, we will deal with it as it comes, that would be a long time in the future, and potentially years longer than we would have gotten with them." Harry smiled a little sadly.

"Harry would also be more durable, less vulnerable," Rafael said, and everyone's minds immediately went to what had happened that day. "It would be…harder for someone like Edward to hurt him," Rafael nodded.

"She hired him to assassinate Harry?" Nathaniel asked painfully.

"Yes, she told him that Harry had been enchanting us all, and that is why things have happened the way that they have. She called him in to help her, saying that Harry had charmed all of us to be convinced that she was evil, so she couldn't get close to try and save us all. She told him Harry was hiding behind his wards and keeping us all close," Rafael sighed, dropping back against the sofa. He pulled Harry close so that his mate curled slightly against his chest, running his thumb over Harry's engagement ring, his other hand dropping down to cover Harry's stomach.

"I feel as though we never knew her," Micah closed his eyes.

"People change with power, Harry is a good example of that," Sanguini said softly.

"What do you mean?" Rafael frowned.

"Voldemort and I were very similar; there was a difference in that he was a child of a love potion. But we both had childhoods where we weren't loved and were feared for who we were, before being thrown into a world where, because of circumstances beyond our control, we suddenly became popular and were looked up to by others. It changed Voldemort into a power-hungry monster," Harry explained. "Because Anita is like this now, doesn't mean that is who she has always been and that you made a bad choice, it means that she made bad choices with the power and influence that she was given, and unfortunately, you can't really know how someone will react to gaining that power and influence until they have it."

"Look at you and your Sourde De Sang, Belle Morte," Rafael said to Jean-Claude.

"What do you mean, Mon Rom?" Jean-Claude frowned a little, tilting his head.

"You are both incredibly powerful holders of the Ardeur; you both can wield it like a weapon. With how you were treated by the Courts at the beginning of your life as a Vampire, with the abuse and the treatment that you received, no one probably would have been surprised if you hadn't turned into another version of Belle when you gained the power increase that you did when you took Anita as your human servant and gained the power that you did. Instead, you started immediately using that power to forge a Community that is better for us, safer for us, you started creating something completely different to 'the way it was' because that way isn't right," Rafael said with all the respect and warmth that he felt for the Vampire clear in his voice.

"Until the power is in your hands, you don't know how you will react. This isn't any of your faults. She made her choices, she became who she became because of herself. We can help people, but we can't change them," Harry said sadly.

"She reminds me a little of Voldemort," Sanguini said, and shrugged when Harry looked at him, startled. "From what you have told me, she has held onto the bitterness of what happened in her childhood, and the slights of her childhood, to the point where now if things do not go her way, she sees everything as a perceived slight instead of just a difference of opinion. She dislikes not being respected and revered, and when someone doesn't do that, she wants to destroy them."

"That is actually pretty accurate for what we have seen," Micah sighed tiredly, humming a little when Nathaniel took his hand.

"You believe that adding Harry and Rafael into the bond would be stable, and that they would not be pulled into the Ardeur?" Jean-Claude clarified with Sanguini.

"I do. You need a magical human, and I can't see any other that you trust the way that you do Harry. He is already at the heart of the Community as well, again from what he has told me and what I have observed, a large number of your Community and Court like and respect him. You tried Ms Blake with her fire and anger, maybe what you need is kindness and gentleness," Sanguini said.

"Are you blushing, Harry?" Nathaniel smiled.

"No," Harry muttered, burying his face into Rafael's shoulder.

"Sanguini is right, you are incredibly respected within the Community, and so is Rafael, having the two of you in place would be received well," Micah smiled at them.

"It would also remove the unstable nature that Anita is not fully happy with being my human servant and her responsibilities, and Richard's hatred of what he is and our bond, causing the damage that it does. I trust that we will be a far more united front, supporting each other well. Not having all of us being in a romantic relationship with each other would also be a plus, I believe," Jean-Claude said softly. "You would truly be ok binding yourselves to us for the rest of what could be a very long life?"

"I believe that our friendship is more than strong enough for that. I can't see a negative in us being able to live a long life together, supporting and helping each other," Harry smiled.

"It would put you at a far higher risk of becoming even more involved in the politics of the Vampire world," Jean-Claude said, concerned.

"We discussed that, we believe that we would all be strong enough together to see that through," Rafael said after he and Harry looked at each other.

"What other negatives could there be for you?" Micah asked.

"There is the unknown of what is going on with their bond. I have no knowledge of a Witch or Wizard bonding with an Alpha Were in the way that Harry and Rafael have, and the… variations and differences that they have been experiencing with their bond are something that, as far as I am aware, is quite unique. MACUSA may have a chance of working out why it is happening, but creating the bond with you could cause more fluctuations to their bond that we won't be able to predict," Sanguini said.

"But it could also work as a positive. Because we don't know what is going on, or where it will go, creating a bond with you that we are more in control of could theoretically help stabilise and control what is going on between us," Harry added.

"The baby?" Damian asked.

"There would be no danger to the baby, the bond is magic, and will be formed of my magic; it won't cause the baby any harm," Harry smiled.

"Our biggest concern is the lifespan, potentially having to leave our children behind, to have to bury them. But we spoke about it, and weighed it up, and the chance to have longer together would be a gift; it would mean that I am not going to potentially die before Harry and leave him behind because of our age difference. And we will get to be there with any Grandchildren or great-grandchildren that we have," Rafael explained.

"We're definitely not against it, honestly. If we're going to need to include anyone in the bond, it would be you two," Micah looked at Jean-Claude and then to Nathaniel and Damian.

"And knowing that there would be no romantic connotations to it would be completely for the best, as including someone new right now wouldn't be a good idea, but bonding with two people that we love dearly would give us something that would suit us wonderfully," Jean-Claude smiled.

"Our lives are already so interconnected, this wouldn't really change much," Nathaniel nodded.

"I enjoy both your company; I would not be unhappy being bound to you," Damian shrugged elegantly before blinking when they started laughing. "What?" He raised an eyebrow.

"We need to work on compliments," Nathaniel chuckled, kissing him sweetly.

"Thank you for your help, once again, my friends," Jean-Claude smiled at the two of them.

"We understand you will probably need time to discuss this, and whether it is something you want to move forward with, I will give you the information that I have on it," Harry said to them. The four of them looked at each other, and then Micah looked at them.

"No, I think that this is the best possible choice that we could possibly make, it is preferable to us than just binding the four of us together, even if you could manage that. We can have longer with our friends who we love, and work together even closer to create this world we all envision," He said, and the others nodded in agreement.

"We would not be averse to staying longer and getting more time with you," Wicked said quietly from behind them.

"And there are members of the Court who feel the same, they either respect Rafael's strength and appreciate his integrity and honour, and there are those that enjoy and respect Harry's openness and warmth, and the kindness and understanding he brings," Truth nodded.

"We should get things on the move then, after what happened today, I wish to deal with Anita quickly before she comes up with something else," Jean-Claude set his jaw tightly.

"Thank you for your help with this," Micah smiled at Sanguini, who waved them off.

"What you are creating here is important to more than just those of you in this city or in America; it is important to the rest of us who are excited about the winds of change that this is summoning."

Harry smiled when strong arms wound carefully around his waist and he was pulled back into a warm chest.

"I heard what happened. Are you ok?" He looked up into Nicky's good blue eye.

"I am, I was fairly shaken, honestly, but I am ok. Just a little scared about how far she is willing to go," Harry admitted.

"I wish I could say that I am surprised, but I am not. I think I came into things at an odd time, the point that she was changing, I never saw the person that the others did at the beginning," Nicky said as Harry turned back to cooking supper for that night.

"Do you mind if I ask you something?" Harry asked after a few moments.

"Why did I become one of her mates?" Nicky's voice was amused.

"Yeah," Harry stirred the sauce and held a spoon up for Nicky.

"Needs a bit more garlic," Nicky said, licking his lips. Harry turned back and crushed another clove in as suggested. "I was part of a wandering Pride. We would take jobs, any jobs, assassinations, kidnappings, stealing. Our Rex never wanted to settle down anywhere; he kept us moving. I met Anita, and I liked her well enough, and she needed a Rex for the Lions here. I was tired of travelling, my lion and I were tired of constantly changing smells, constantly changing scenery. We longed for a home, and here was a ready-made Pride, in a place that was settled and becoming something important. I mistook Anita for being the home that I was longing for, when it was the place that was the home I needed."

"She has let so many people down," Harry sighed.

"We're strong enough together to see it through, though. A lot of people are disappointed and hurt, but we are more than capable of dealing with this and coming out the other side better," Nicky said, surely.

"Travis and Noel's graduations are coming up. I want to do something for them, something special." Harry looked up at him, grinning when Nicky reached for the grated cheese he had been about to reach for.

"They want me to come to their graduation as well. I think that they would enjoy a party," Nicky nodded.

"I was thinking about asking Jean-Claude if we could take over part of the Circus, we can invite some of their uni friends, and people from the Community," Harry said, smacking Nicky's hand when he went to steal some chicken.

"They would love that, they would get to show off to their friends," Nicky chuckled, quickly spearing a piece of chicken with his claw and popping it in his mouth while Harry glared faintly at him.

Harry, Rafael and Micah sat nervously in the room waiting for Luca. Micah was seated in the armchair near the sofas, and Harry and Rafael were on their normal sofa. All of them were glancing at the door Luca would come through, and Harry knew all of them were praying that this was going to go well.

The door suddenly flew open, and Luca flew through.

"Papa! Harry! Look at my grade report!" Luca said excitedly, throwing himself onto the sofa between them and holding his report card out to them. The social worker slipped into the room behind Luca, smiling fondly at them.

"Look at this, this is brilliant!" Rafael beamed, looking over the grades.

"I knew you would do brilliantly, you're smart and hard working!" Harry wrapped his arm around Luca's shoulder. The little boy flushed proudly.

"They're not as good as they could be," He brought his shoulders up to his ears.

"What are you talking about? They're all A's and B's!" Harry shook his head. "That's brilliant!"

"It is, these are fantastic results," Rafael assured him.

"Mom said I should have done better," Luca lowered his eyes, and Harry and Rafael shot each other a panicked look.

"Well, we should always strive to keep improving and keep learning, to keep doing better. But it is important to be proud and enjoy what we achieve, and this is a good achievement, Luca. These are brilliant results," Rafael assured him, resting his hand on the boy's back and rubbing it gently.

He smiled when Luca dropped against him, cuddling into his side.

Harry caught the frown on the social worker's face and her typing quickly on her phone.

"Luca, this is Micah," Harry said gently to the little boy, wanting to point out that the man was there before anything else was said, and Luca potentially felt embarrassed. Luca lifted his head and looked at Micah, clearly a little startled by his eyes despite the fact that Harry and Rafael had told him about them.

Micah had wanted to hide them with his contacts to avoid scaring Luca, but both Rafael and Harry had insisted that he be there fully as himself, that, in the end, it wouldn't help Luca hide things like this from him and treat him like he was stupid.

"Oh, hello!" Luca said a little shyly, blinking his big eyes at Micah.

"Hello, you're very like your Papa," Micah smiled warmly at him, and they all watched Luca relaxing slightly when faced with Micah's normal, warm, friendly character. He also glowed a little proudly at the words.

"Thank you for coming to meet with me," Luca said politely.

"Oh, it is my pleasure, I have been really excited to meet you for a long time now," Micah grinned. "And everyone else is jealous that, aside from Teddy, I am the first one that gets to meet you," he winked.

"They want to meet me?" Luca asked.

"We told you, they're all excited to meet you," Harry nodded.

"My mates are all very excited to meet you," Micah said carefully.

"Mates," Luca repeated. "Jean-Claude, Nathaniel and Damian, right?" he looked at Harry and Rafael for confirmation that he had gotten it right.

"That's right," Micah smiled.

"Papa and Harry said that Jean-Claude and Damian are Vampires, and you and Nathaniel are Wereleopards, is that right?" Luca asked.

"That's right, Jean-Claude is French as his name would give away, and Damian was a Viking warrior," Micah told him.

"Really? There was a lot about Vikings in the history book Papa and Harry bought me!" Luca's eyes lit up.

"If you have any questions for me about being a Were, or being a leopard, or having three mates, you're more than welcome to ask me," Micah smiled gently, seeing the curious glint in the boy's eyes.

"Do you all love each other?" Luca worried his lip as he asked.

"We do, some of us in different ways, but we love each other," Micah nodded.

"Can I ask what you mean in different ways?"

"Of course you can. I am in love with Jean-Claude, Nathaniel and Damian, but Jean-Claude and Damian are just friends, even though they're involved with both Nathaniel and me. I am very protective of Nathaniel, and I love caring for him, but I enjoy that Jean-Claude is protective and caring of me, and Damian and I are fairly protective equally of each other. Damian is more in love with Nathaniel and is most protective of him," Micah explained.

"Doesn't that hurt you?" Luca frowned.

"No, because I know Damian loves me in his own way, and there is more than enough love to share in our relationship," Micah assured him.

"It sounds complicated," Luca admitted.

"It definitely isn't an easy choice to make, especially not if you want to have a successful relationship. But it is worth the hard work and time it takes. Sometimes it doesn't work like with any relationship; we were involved with a woman as well, but she couldn't really cope with it," Micah told him.

"Will you two be involved with someone else?" Luca asked Harry and Rafael.

"No, Harry and I don't want anyone else. We love each other, and we're happy with each other. Neither of us would be happy if someone else were to be involved in our relationship," Rafael explained, resting his hand on his son's back as he watched Luca processing everything.

"Plus, Harry adopts too many people; he wouldn't have time," Micah smirked.

"Traitor!" Harry huffed, flicking his pillow at Micah, who caught it one-handed with a laugh.

"If you mean that Harry went shopping with Zane, Violet, Vivian and Cherry and thinks I don't know…" Rafael drew off with a smirk.

"Really, Harry?" Luca turned to grin at him. He started laughing when Harry poked him gently in the cheek, pouting at him.

"You sound just like your Papa!" Harry huffed.

"I know who Zane is, who is Violet, Vivian and Cherry?" Luca asked, taking Harry's hand to pull it from his face, but to Harry's joy, he kept hold of it.

"They're some of my Wereleopards," Micah said.

"How many Wereleopards do you have? You're the leader?" Luca asked. "Like Papa is the leader of his Rats?" he looked between them all.

"You are a smart boy," Micah smiled. "Yes, I am the leader. Where your Papa is called a Rom, I am a Nimir-Raj. I have eight Wereleopards, Nathaniel, Vivian, Violet, Caleb, Zane, Gregory, Bram and Cherry."

"That is a lot less than Papa and Harry's Wererats, right?" Luca asked.

"Cat strands tend to be a lot harder to catch, so there are a lot fewer of us."

"Rats and Wolves are the most easy to catch, right?" Luca looked at Rafael, who nodded.

"How is the house going?" Luca asked, and with a smile, the three of them told him about the house, with Luca asking questions and looking at the pictures Harry and Rafael had taken to show him.

Rafael stared, then stared, then stared a little more before he turned toward his house without taking his eyes off…whatever he was looking at.

"Romni!" He roared.

"You weren't meant to see them yet!" Came back the shout from the house, followed by some laughter.

"Do not encourage your father, Teddy!" Rafael shouted just as a dark head popped out of the kitchen door.

"Don't be mad!" Harry fluttered his eyelashes at him.

"What's all the shouting? What has…what the fuck is that!" Micah stopped walking around the corner and actually yelped, scrambling backwards a few steps as he took in what he was seeing.

"They're threstrals!" Teddy announced, popping his head out of the kitchen under Harry's.

"Harry…" Rafael groaned, looking at the three skeletal black horses with wings moving around the garden, chewing happily on their grass.

"They're temporary! Luna sent them to me while she finds somewhere for them to stay!" Harry said defensively. "Don't look at me like that!" Harry pouted while walking over.

"Temporary," Rafael snorted.

"Temporary!" Harry nodded, reaching out to pat the largest thestral that trotted over to him.

"You need more land," Micah snickered, walking over and holding his hand out to one of the other thestrals. The horse sniffed his hand before nuzzling into it.

"I can't see them," Teddy huffed, reaching out to where Harry's hand was and gently touching the invisible animals.

"He can't see them? Can only adults?" Rafael asked.

"No, they're a death omen, they can only be seen by people who have seen death," Harry said softly, running his fingers through Teddy's hair.

"It is probably a good thing that I can't see them," Teddy admitted. "I wish I could see them in a different way, though."

"They're a little bit creepy to be honest, Pup," Rafael said before yelping when one of the thestrals nipped him. "Can they understand me?"

"They're quite intelligent," Harry chuckled before yelping when Rafael grabbed him and tugged him against him, kissing him punishingly.

"Gross guys!" Teddy giggled.

"Don't look, they will traumatise you," Micah made an act of covering the giggling boy's eyes.

"Told you your punishments aren't punishments," Harry grinned at Rafael, fluttering his eyes open.

"Double gross," Teddy laughed.

"Mamma, we have the meat for the weird horses!" Noel and Travis jogged into the yard with full carrier bags.

"You two are conspiring with him, huh?" Rafael raised a judging eyebrow at them.

"Papa!" Noel yelped, skidding to a halt, realising that Rafael was standing there too.

"Papa?" Rafael blinked and watched the brunette Lion blush before looking horrified. He released Harry quickly and used his Were speed to get over to the two of them, cupping the back of Noel and Travis' heads.

"I…"

"If you want to call me that…if you want to…that is absolutely fine," Rafael managed to say in a thick voice, his heart thundering in his chest as they looked at each other.

"It…it would really be fine?" Travis looked over Rafael's face, his eyes flicking to Harry and Teddy as they walked over, before going back to Rafael.

"It would be more than fine," Rafael choked, tugging them against him.

The two of them wrapped themselves tightly around him, burying their faces into his shoulder, and he felt warm tears spilling against his chest.

"I love both of you," Rafael told them, kissing their temples.

"We love you too," Noel sniffed. Harry smiled and wrapped his arms around the two of them from behind, squishing them between him and Rafael, and Teddy threw himself into the middle of them. Harry met Rafael's eyes, smiling brightly at the joy in them.

"Do you mind if I talk with you?" Harry looked up from where he was curled up on the sofa in Rafael's office, his mate was working away at his desk on his construction company paperwork, to see Micah standing in the doorway with Nathaniel looking nervous.

"Do you want me to leave?" Harry asked, setting aside the paperwork that the MACUSA had sent him to look over.

"Actually, it is the two of you that we want to speak with," Micah shook his head.

"Of course," Rafael stood and moved to sit beside Harry on the sofa. Harry conjured another sofa for Micah and Nathaniel to sit on opposite them. "Is everything ok?" Rafael asked, concerned.

"It is, but I want to make a request to you. I will completely understand that you will need to talk this through between you, and with everything that is going on with the Ministry and the baby, and your other responsibilities, I will understand if you say no completely," Micah rambled slightly, making Harry and Rafael concerned as they glanced at each other.

"Ok," Harry tried to smile comfortingly at their friend.

"Now that we're definitely cutting the bonds with Anita, and have a way to do it, I have spoken to my Pard and confirmed with them that they definitely want to stick with me, before all is said and done, and they have. But they need a Nimir-Ra," Micah said, and Rafael's hand tightened around Harry's, making his mate look at him.

"Micah…" Rafael said slowly.

"Nathaniel would be my Leopard mate, but he is too submissive to be Nimir-Ra," Micah said quickly. "I would like you to be Nimir-Ra Harry, but as I said, I completely understand if the answer is no."

"Most of the Pard already love you, and the others like you," Nathaniel added softly.

"You wouldn't mind me stepping in as Nimir-Ra?" Harry checked.

"No, as Micah said, I am too submissive for the position, I know that, and the Pard needs a proper Nimir-Ra in place with everything that is happening. Micah is my mate, and I know that my Leopard would be more than fine with you taking the position; it loves and respects you already." Nathaniel reassured him.

"We do need to discuss this," Harry said, looking to Rafael, who was looking a little troubled.

"I understand that, and I know that it is a lot to ask. As I said, if it is too much, especially with you having the baby coming, and all the work with the Rodere you already do, I will completely understand, and we will come up with something else," Micah said, standing with Nathaniel.

"We will talk it over and have an answer for you," Rafael nodded.

"I wouldn't be looking for or expecting anything sexual, I promise. Nathaniel would be able to fill that side of my Leopard's needs," Micah said before he and Nathaniel headed out of the office, shutting the door behind them.

Harry absently threw up a silencing charm before he and Rafael sat there in silence for a few beats, both taking in what they had just been asked.

"What are you thinking?" Rafael asked, finally, turning towards Harry.

"Honestly? I am tempted to take it on. I like the Leopards, and I do think that they need someone a little more stable to step in, someone that they already know at least somewhat after everything with Anita. I am not sure bringing in a foreign Leopard to take the position would be a good idea right now for any of us," Harry tapped his lap with his free hand. "You have reservations?"

"I don't want you stretching yourself too thin. You do everything that you can to help everyone who needs it. I don't want you taking this on as well, and it being too much," Rafael admitted.

"And?" Harry pressed.

"I admit part of me is concerned that Micah will want to take it further than you just being his Nimir-Ra in action. I have forgiven him for the kiss, but there is a niggle in the back of my head," Rafael admitted with a sigh.

"You know that isn't what I want, right?" Harry asked, and Rafael smiled at the earnest green eyes looking at him. He cupped Harry's face and drew him in for a sweet kiss.

"I know, I know with all my heart that you don't want him, or anyone else like that," Rafael said softly as he pulled back.

"Good," Harry smiled, slipping forward and sliding onto Rafael's lap, snuggling against his mate.

"I don't think that it is something that he will do, or want, but I admit part of me rankles at it, even while believing that it will be a good idea, and that you will be good for them," Rafael admitted.

"I have a concern," Harry hummed.

"Yes?"

"I don't want to turn into another Anita, having too much influence and too much power within the Community. I know you would never allow me to become what she has, but part of the problem with her was that she had too many fingers in too many pies. If I take this on, I will be Romni, Nimir-Ra and part of the bonded to the Master of the City," Harry said.

"I think maybe having that one additional tie would be good for the City, I think, anymore, and we risk calling into question what has happened with Anita. But binding my Rodere and Micah's Pard when we're both heads of the Coalition, and keeping it in the family, so to speak, would potentially be a good thing," Rafael mused. "Would it be too much work for you?"

"I don't think so, I already look after Zane and Gregory, and to be honest, I have been wanting to fuss with the others," Harry admitted sheepishly.

"Perhaps by doing this and adopting a few in one go, it might slow down your trying to adopt half the city," Rafael teased, laughing when Harry stuck his tongue out at him.

"I think even with the baby, and Luca hopefully going to be here a little more, it will work," Harry said, pressing his head to Rafael's shoulder. "But if you don't feel comfortable with it, I won't do it."

"I know you wouldn't," Rafael linked their fingers together. "I think that it would be a good idea, though, if you're happy doing it."

"Let's think on it a little more, and we will make a decision once we have both had time to think it over," Harry suggested.

"Good idea," Rafael relaxed back into the sofa and rested their joined hands on Harry's stomach. "You have gotten a little bigger," He smiled.

"Have I?" Harry glanced down.

"Mmm, they're growing," Rafael kissed his temple.

"I caught Teddy googling how big the baby will be at different stages. He's so excited to be a big brother," Harry said happily.

"I am so happy, Harry, my life…you have just made my life so much better. I have so many things to look forward to," Rafael pulled the bobble from Harry's hair and combed his fingers through the long, shadowy locks as bright green eyes opened and settled on his face.

"You know you have done the same for me. I have never known a peace like this in my life, a happiness and contentment," Harry said softly before kissing him.

"I know we weighed it all up about the bond, but the idea that I don't have to have just one lifetime with you, that we can have a long future together, that we can have centuries together, it makes me so happy," Rafael smiled.

"Me too, I feel like it will take several lifetimes at least for me to feel like I have had even just enough time with you, and I will still be ready for several more," Harry wrapped his arms around Rafael's shoulders.

"My beautiful mate," Rafael hummed, drawing him in to kiss him deeply.

"Really?" Micah smiled brightly.

"Really, I love the Leopards. I would be more than happy to help you as Nimir-Ra," Harry said before laughing when Micah swept him off his feet and spun him in a circle.

"Thank you so much, I honestly feel as though you are exactly what they need, the girls are already in love with you, and Caleb feels comfortable around you, and Bram will love you, I know he will!"

"You're rambling," Harry laughed, wrapping his arms around Micah's neck and squeezing him gently.

"I am really relieved, they have been through so much. I didn't want to risk bringing someone new in who could end up being Anita all over again. I think that they need your heart." Micah lowered him to his feet carefully. "Would you be ok coming to the new Pard house tomorrow to speak with them with me?"

"Of course, I promised that I would come and make the magical changes that you need anyway. I will bring Lisandro and Bobby-Lee as my guards, but just expect pouting, they have already had a huff about sharing their Romni," Harry laughed, leading Micah through to the kitchen and placing some of Micah's favourite cookies onto the table.

"You're sure that it won't be too much with the baby and Rodere?" Micah checked. "Erm, Harry?" He said slowly before Harry could answer.

"Yeah?" Harry turned.

"What are you doing?" Micah asked, bemused.

"I am not allowed to drink coffee anymore, Lillian has put me on a ban, and the decaffeinated stuff is shit! I am smelling your coffee to try and get a hit that way," Harry pouted.

"It will be worth it," Micah said through his laughter as Harry dropped his coffee in front of him.

"It will be, but Rafael is having to put up with my withdrawals for now," Harry smiled. "He has cut back himself in solidarity, he said that it will be healthier for him, but I know he is just doing it because he feels bad for me."

"Hopefully the craving for coffee will stop soon for you," Micah said, glancing guiltily at his own cup.

"Drink it, I am not missing it that much!" Harry laughed. "But when I am surrogate for you, I fully expect you and Nathaniel to stop drinking in sympathy with me."

Micah blinked at him before a bright smile crossed his face.

"You really will surrogate for us?" Micah asked.

"I said I would, I would honestly be honoured to. And then I get to be Uncle Harry to them. I have spoken to George and he will make the potion when the time is right, I have a lot more faith in my brewing skills, but he really is basically a master at potions with the things he comes up with for his inventions, he will make it perfectly," Harry assured him.

"It feels so odd, I am losing everything that I had with Anita, who I thought was my foundation and anchor here. And even though I do miss her like an ache still, I realise that I am missing the person that she was, and that ache had been building for a long time as she changed. I am sad, but at the same time, it feels like my future is going to be brighter and better with the changes that we're making, including being able to have a child with the men that I love," Micah said softly.

"You know it doesn't just have to be one, right?" Harry touched his hand and smiled warmly when surprised eyes met his. "We're going to be living for a long time together, Micah. I don't mind carrying a few children for you; this isn't a one-and-done deal. Rafael and I want a few kids, and we have talked about it, and we would love to have some cousins for our kids to play with."

"I can never, ever thank you enough, Harry," Micah shook his head, moving so he was holding Harry's hand.

"Micah you showed me what real friendship is, without all the complications of my friendships with George and Ginny and Luna, no matter how much I love them, there were a lot of complications with them. You and Nathaniel were really the first ones to show me true, uncomplicated, unexpectant friendship."

"Thank you, Harry," Micah said with a wealth of emotion in his voice.

"And as for being Nimir-Ra, I don't think it will be too much, if the Pard were much bigger, it may be too much, but the Pard is small enough that I know that I can dedicate my time to them and the Rodere without letting either side slip slightly," Harry promised.

"I can't wait to tell them," Micah grinned, before laughing. "I can't wait to see Zane and Gregory's faces."

"Shall we leave it to be a surprise for them tomorrow with the others?" Harry suggested.

"Oh, Moon, definitely! I want to see their expressions," Micah beamed.

Teddy tilted his head and looked at Harry's plate before looking back at Rafael, who was looking faintly horrified at Harry's plate.

"Say nothing! I am aware!" Harry growled convincingly at him.

"You won't be offended if we can't look at you while you're eating, right?" Travis grimaced.

"You're lucky I love you all," Harry pouted.

"Beef and chocolate spread is an unusual mix," Rafael tried tactfully, only to hold his hands up at the green-eyed glare that he got.

"It is your baby that is wanting it!" Harry growled before snapping his head around to Louie, who was snickering. "Don't know what you're laughing about, Weasleys are known for having super weird cravings!"

"I am afraid that he is right, Fleur had a craving for sardines with strawberry jam, pickles and hot cheetos," George grinned at the Wererat.

"His mum wanted bananas wrapped in bacon, apparently, when she was pregnant with him and Fred," Lee added.

"Gross," Jason gagged slightly.

"Good luck with that!" Rafael smirked at his friend.

"You're the one who needs to deal with it right now," Louse snorted before grimacing at the green-eyed glower he got.

"Rafael?" Harry sighed.

"Yes?" He turned to his mate.

"Can you go and get me the jar of chocolate spread? It needs more," Harry asked as he poured some more salt on the beef at the same time.

"Of course," Rafael kissed his temple and stood to hurry through to the kitchen. "Do you want me to grab some more jars tomorrow for you?" he asked as he came back in.

"Yes, please, I seem to be really craving it at the moment," Harry nodded, spooning a few more generous heaps onto his beef.

"No problem," Rafael smiled.

"I am going to be out with the Leopards for most of tomorrow," Harry told them.

"You're really going to be their Nimir-Ra?" Bobby-Lee whined before yelping when Claudia kicked him in the shin.

"Stop being such a baby, Romni is still going to love you just as much," Claudia rolled her eyes.

"I am not being a baby!" Bobby-Lee growled at her.

"Baby," she snorted.

"I just don't like that those cheeky Leopards are stealing our Romni!"

"He will love you just as much," Claudia repeated with a snicker.

"I will, I promise," Harry smiled at his Rat.

"I know you will try your best, but you already do so much," Bobby-Lee huffed.

"I will still have more than enough time for all my Rodere," Harry chuckled.

Bobby-Lee muttered into his beef, stabbing it a little more violently than was needed, making Teddy giggle behind his hand as Claudia pulled a grumpy expression imitating Bobby-Lee.

"Harry!" Zane beamed, throwing the door open and taking the Wizard's hand to pull him gently into the new house.

It wasn't too far from Harry's house, and was large enough for all the Pard to have their own room, and a couple to spare, with three nice big, bright and airy reception rooms, a fairly decent kitchen that Nathaniel was already in love with and Micah and Jean-Claude were planning on improving for him, and a decently sized back garden.

Harry was fairly sure that Zane and Gregory would still be spending most of their time at his and Rafael's house, but they were both excited about the Pard house as well, eager to settle in and spend time here with the rest of the Pard.

"This is going to be the main living room, this one the den, and that one, Micah said, is going to be a relaxing, reading, chill-out room," Zane said, pointing around.

"He has asked me to place sound dampeners around one of the rooms to make it a little more peaceful. I am guessing that is the one he was wanting," Harry nodded.

"It is, welcome," Micah smiled as he walked into what was going to be the den. As usual, the Nimir-Raj was relaxed, today wearing only a pair of sweats, showing off his tanned skin.

"Harry," Gregory beamed, hurrying in and throwing his arms around the Wizard.

"You realise you literally saw him this morning? Like five hours ago?" Cherry teased as the rest of the Pard drifted in.

"That was five hours ago!" Gregory stuck his tongue out at her, his arms still around Harry's shoulders, before turning shining blue eyes back to Harry. "Are you here to make the magical changes to the house and to look around?"

"That and something more," Micah smiled before chuckling when Lisandro and Bobby-Lee let out nearly simultaneous huffs. Harry reached back for them and stroked his fingers along their hands.

"What is it, Nimir-Raj?" Bram asked. The military man in him liked referring to Micah by his title, and it seemed to be helping him settle into his new life.

"I have been thinking about it, and we need a Nimir-Ra, and you deserve a good one," Micah started to say, and chuckled again when Zane and Gregory both sucked in a deep breath, their eyes flicking between Harry and Micah. "I asked Harry to be my Nimir-Ra. Nathaniel will be my Leopard mate, but Harry has agreed to take that position with us, if you are all happy with that?"

"Really!" Gregory squealed.

"You're going to be our Nimir-Ra?!" Zane wrapped himself around Harry from behind.

"As long as everyone is happy and comfortable with it, then yes," Harry nodded.

"Can…can I ask why you think he is going to be best for us?" Vivian asked, keeping her eyes lowered as she nervously asked the question.

"Of course you can," Micah assured her. "I don't want to introduce a strange Leopard into the Pard as Nimir-Ra and them turn out to not be a good fit for us, or be detrimental, we're all already shaken from what has happened with Anita. You all, and I, need someone that we know we can rely on, someone that will be kind and gentle with you, patient, and be the support that you all need from a Nimir-Ra. I really believe that Harry is the best person for that. He is the person that I trust with you all. And with the bonds and care that he already has with me, Nathaniel, Zane and Gregory, I am hoping that it will not take much more for that to spread to the rest of you that he doesn't know as well."

"I already like all of you a lot, and I was hoping to spend more time with you. This would just mean there is a bit more of an official title that comes with it," Harry smiled at them from between Zane and Gregory, who were purring happily.

"From everything I have seen, you seem to be a genuine person, and the others already think a lot about you," Cherry looked at him.

"Harry is a great Romni; he will be a great Nimir-Ra as well," Bobby-Lee sighed.

"That sounded painful," Micah teased.

"Don't push your luck, Romni, stealing kitty cat!" Lisandro snorted.

"How will that work, being Romni and Nimir-Ra?" Caleb asked, looking nervously between Micah and Harry.

"I have spent a fair amount of time thinking about it and speaking with Rafael about it. I believe because the Pard are so small, I will have more than enough time to be able to dedicate to the Rodere and the Pard, I wouldn't have agreed to this if I believed that I had to half arse one or the other," Harry said before tilting his head as he looked at Caleb, seeing something else in his eyes.

"What?" Caleb asked hesitantly under the green-eyed gaze.

"If I do become your Nimir-Ra, the Rodere won't take precedence because Rafael is my mate, or because I was Romni first. If I am your Nimir-Ra, you will all be just as important to me as my Rodere, and you will get as much of my time as the Rodere," Harry promised with a smile.

"If you become Nimir-Ra?" Violet asked, looking between Harry and Micah.

"I have agreed that I am happy to be Nimir-Ra, but if any of you aren't comfortable with that, then I won't take it, and I will help Micah find someone who is suitable for you," Harry said softly.

"But…you and Nimir-Raj have already agreed," Cherry frowned as Harry quietened Zane and Gregory, who were trying to protest where they were still pressed to him.

"We have agreed that I am willing to take the position, but your happiness and comfort with this is important. If you don't feel comfortable with it, then we will find a better match for you, and I won't be offended or upset at all. You deserve the right person to be in the position of power and care over you," Harry said firmly.

Caleb moved first, slinking across the floor like the cat he was, carefully moving to Harry's side and holding his hand out. Harry smiled at him and took his hand, linking their fingers together and squeezing gently.

"I…" Violet looked at Micah, who was just standing, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed and watching everything with a soft smile, and then at Harry, where Zane was nuzzling his cheek. She moved to his other side and reached out to touch his cheek.

Harry swelled out his metaphysical energy, his silver Rat brushing eagerly against Zane and Gregory, reaching out for Micah and Nathaniel, who reacted quickly, his silver Rat snuggling Lisandro and Bobby-Lee, making sure that his Rats didn't feel left out. And then, carefully, he brushed over Caleb and Violet, who let out soft noises before their beautiful Leopards tentatively pressed back.

Bram stepped up next, and Zane reluctantly moved out of the way to allow the larger Leopard to reach out and rest his hand on Harry's back. The Alpha Leopard let out a startled noise at the feeling of Harry's Rat snuggling his stunning, bright yellow Leopard before the beast rubbed back much more enthusiastically than the other two, his human face smiling brightly.

Harry smiled in welcome when Cherry reached out for him, her hand gentle on his cheek, before she grinned at the feeling of his paws on her metaphysical Leopard, humming happily at the gentle touch.

"You…you won't let us down?" Vivan asked hesitantly.

"I promise I won't," Harry said, putting as much determination into his tone as he possibly could.

"You trust him, Nimir-Raj?" she asked, turning to Micah.

"Completely, I would never have asked him if I didn't think that he was going to be the best thing for you all," Micah promised.

"I won't let you down," Harry smiled at her when she turned wide eyes back to him. He was startled when she threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly, but he wrapped his arms around her waist as she fisted his hair and snuggled her face into his shoulder, a fine tremble working through her body as she relaxed into him. "I promise, I will protect and care for you, for you all," He said, gently stroking his hand over her back.

"Come on everyone, lets get comfy and have a kitty pile," Micah urged them through to what was going to be the quiet room, and the Pard members not used to Harry's magic yet watched with slight awe as Harry enlarged and floated the sofa cushions to the floor and cast cushioning charms over them, Zane and Gregory were already launching themselves onto the cushions right as they were still settling onto the floor.

"They're so soft!" Caleb grinned as he crawled on behind Zane.

"Cushioning charms, they're the best thing in the world for snuggles," Nathaniel grinned as Micah settled into the middle of the cushions, and he settled on one side of him. Harry grinned and kissed Gregory's cheek as the Leopard took his hand and helped him to the middle, not letting him go until he was sitting beside Micah. The Leopard was super protective of him.

Harry snuggled down on Micah's other side, resting his head onto his friend's shoulder and reached over him to link his fingers with Nathaniel, he smiled brighter when Nathaniel moved over Micah's chest to rub their noses together tenderly, kissing Harry's cheek before he settled his head onto Micah's other shoulder.

Zane and Gregory squabbled a little over who would lie behind Harry before Zane won and plastered himself to his back. Gregory hissed softly at him before slipping between Harry's legs and resting his head on Harry's stomach.

Caleb curled against Zane's back and carefully reached out to curl his fingers through Harry's hair, and Bram settled on Nathaniel's other side. Violet curled in the gap between Zane and Harry's legs, snuggling her head into their stomachs. Vivian curled around Harry and Micah's heads, her fingers also slipping into Harry's dark hair and playing with it. Cherry threw herself on top of Nathaniel and Bram, the two of them grumbling good-naturedly as she wiggled her body between them.

Harry smiled and looked up, holding his hand out for Lisandro and Bobby-Lee who were standing on the edge of the pile looking uncertain and a little unhappy, he could feel their Rats moving discontentedly inside of them. His Silver Rat rubbed over them, reassuring them, and Lisandro knelt down, taking his hand and slipping on the cushion behind Vivian and curling around her. Bobby-Lee moved to the bottom of the pile, the two of them ensuring that he was safe between them, and curled his hand around Harry's ankle, squeezing it gently.

Harry looked over the Leopards curled around him and felt his chest settle from the slight uncertainty that he hadn't made the right choice in doing this, as he looked over each of their faces, seeing the hope in Cherry's eyes, the caution but slight trust in Violet's eyes. Gregory and Zane were looking delighted, and Caleb was watching him with a curious hope. He already could feel his protectiveness for them growing in his chest, and his desire to prove to them that not everyone would let them down.

He turned slightly and met the chartreuse eyes that were already watching him. Micah's Leopard rubbed along his Rat like a house cat, rubbing his full body over Harry's fur, and Harry felt something different settle in his chest. He accepted the bond that he could feel being held out to him, and a bond similar, but of a slightly different flavour, that he had with the Rodere settled into his chest.

They spent a good couple of hours snuggling on the cushions, Harry managed to doze off for a little while, and the heat and energy that passed back and forth between himself and those surrounding him, as always, left him feeling far more energised when he woke.

Zane was fully snuggled against him when he woke, and Harry smiled gently as he reached up to comb his fingers through his spiky blond hair.

He was dragged around the house by Zane, Cherry, Gregory and Nathaniel to see the new house, and to cast the spells that he had promised to settle things more for them, including throwing up wards to protect them, something that made the tension from Micah's shoulders relax.

He laughed as he was dragged through to the kitchen by Nathaniel, the two of them looking around it and speaking about the type of things that could be made in there. The leopard wrapped himself around Harry and snuggled into him while Harry expanded his pantry so that he could fit twice the amount in there.

"Ok?" Harry asked Caleb when the younger Leopard sidled over to him.

"You did some of the work in the park at the Riverfront, didn't you?" Caleb asked quietly.

"I did," Harry nodded.

"I like gardening, the back yard is nice, I thought, maybe if you would…maybe,"

"Would you like to work on the garden together?" Harry asked, saving the Leopard from the panicked ramble he seemed to be falling into.

"Yes!" Caleb nodded enthusiastically.

"I like gardening as well, we can definitely work on it together and get it looking pretty out there. We could even get some of the nicer magical plants to put out there," Harry said excitedly.

"The others can help in patches as well, except Violet, she kills anything she looks at plant-wise," Caleb grinned boyishly at him.

"Hey!" Violet squeaked from the next room.

"You managed to kill a cactus!" Caleb snorted.

"That wasn't my fault!" Violet huffed.

"The cactus didn't kill itself, and you were the one who was looking after it!

Harry laughed at the interaction between them as Violet started trying to come up with different reasons for the cactus.

Harry smiled and held his hand out to Oliva as he opened the door. She smiled brightly at him, quickly shaking his hand before following him into the living room.

"Your house is beautiful," Olivia complimented.

"It reminded me a little of the houses in Britain when I first arrived here, between that and the space with the land, it was perfect for me. Rafael and his team have worked hard getting it looking so good, though. They did the initial work on it, and they're working on the extension for us," Harry said as he motioned to a seat for her and sat opposite, quickly pouring a coffee for her.

"Is that how you met?" She asked curiously.

"No, I went to the Circus with Teddy to look around. One of Rafael's Rats smelled that Teddy was a Wolf, but I wasn't. Rafael came over to check that everything was ok and there was no foul play. We started talking and then got around to the fact that my house needed work. Along the way, he helped introduce us to the Community," Harry smiled fondly.

"And now you're in love," Olivia said with a smile.

"It sounds cheesy, but I am fairly sure that I started falling in love with him from the first time I saw him," Harry admitted with a soft blush.

"That actually brings me partly to why I am here, our Department of Mysteries has been looking into your bond and the unexpected happenings that you have been experiencing. Do you know much about sex and love magic?" Olivia asked with a small blush to her face.

"Not a lot, no," Harry admitted with a faint blush himself. Honestly, if this were one of the Community, he wouldn't blink at it now, but speaking with another magic user put him back to his British/Wizarding mindset.

"Have you heard about how when Witches or Wizards marry and bond that they can twine their magic together, and that they form a strong bond?" Olivia asked.

"Yes, I know it is part of the reason that divorce is so unheard of in the magical world. Ron Weasley's mum and dad were tightly bonded together. When Mr Weasley was severely hurt by Voldemort's snake right before the War started up again, Mrs Weasley was able to use their bond to centre him until he could heal." Harry tilted his head. "You think Rafael and I have done something like that?"

"The members of the Department believe so. Normally, it takes bonding words and active magic to form a bond like that, but there have been a couple of occasions in the past where the love and connection between the two involved has been strong enough that the magic has acted of its own accord to bond them together, a form of accidental magic but with a bit more intent. None of them has ever heard of a magical and non-magical person doing it, though. It is one of the reasons that the magical world is so insulated from the No-Maj one, because if you choose a No-Maj partner, you can't form that bond," Olivia nodded.

"I did think about that when I moved more into the Muggle, sorry No-Maj world, but the bond with a Were is an amazing bond, the connection and the love that they can offer was something amazing for me," Harry said.

"Well, it seems that you and Mr Pérez have managed to circumvent the normal part that would miss you being able to forge a very similar bond. You seem to have created your own one, completely unique and completely without seeming to intend to. It will bind you together in the same way that a magical partnership would be, but it seems that given the different aspects to the magic that you both hold, you're able to pass different things along your bond to each other, such as the extreme circumstance of Mr Pérez being able the apparate to you, and you being able to change your animagus form to match his Were animal," Olivia explained.

"I see," Harry hummed, his mind spinning with what he was being told. It was pretty similar to what he had believed was happening.

"Will Mr Pérez be upset about the bond?" Olivia asked, concerned.

"Hmmm? Oh no," Harry laughed. "Rafael and I are it for each other, we know that. When I chose to be Rafael's mate and Romni, bond or no bond, we were agreeing that what we had was the future for us," Harry assured her.

"There is a concern from the Department about the instability of this bond, because it is not one that has a precedent of happening before, and because there are aspects of magic that don't come naturally to either of you, they are concerned that it could become out of control," Olivia explained.

"Rafael and I are planning on bonding with the Master of the City and a couple of others to secure the City. There are issues with his human servant, and we're removing her from the equation," Harry said carefully. "We believe that it will help centre our individual bond as well."

"Looking over the information that the Department of Mysteries sent me, that could help stabilise your bond as you will be passing magic back and forth to others in a different format, and so there is a good chance your individual bond will, in a way 'learn' to control the flow passing between you," Olivia nodded. "May I ask, the Master of the City and this bond with him and the others, what type of bond will this be?"

"At the moment we're still organising how it is going to look, but it will essentially be creating a collective bond to help centre power within the City with the Master losing his Human Servant," Harry answered as best he could.

"There has never really been a Human Servant who has been set aside like this before," Olivia frowned.

"The main reason is a relationship that isn't working any more, and she has become too powerful and too influential within the City and now no longer wishes to listen to advice or the opinions of others. You're aware Master Sanguini is staying here with me?"

"Yes, as I have been dealing with you and the issues with Britain, I was informed of his VISA request and that you had accepted him, placing your address down as his residence while here," Olivia nodded.

"We have discussed the bond. While you cannot completely remove the bond without causing serious damage to both, we have found a way to essentially transfer Jean-Claude's bonds to us. His Human Servant will receive a drop in her powers, which were boosted by her bond to Jean-Claude, but all the powers that she had at the beginning of the bond, and some she has picked up and made her own along the way, will remain hers," Harry explained.

"This could cause some issues with the Vampire Courts," Olivia frowned a little.

"We're fully expecting to receive requests from other Vampires or Human Servants asking for the removal of their bonds," Harry nodded. "There is nothing in the law here, though, that says I am not allowed to do so."

"No, there isn't, but I have to be aware of the dangers that this could pose to the Magical world with Vampires potentially expecting Magicals to do this for them, or forcing them," Olivia narrowed her eyes.

"Unless there are rapid changes in views in the next twenty years, the Wizarding World very rarely mixes with the Community and Courts; that was the whole point of your wishing for me to act as something of a liaison, to get the ball rolling on actually starting that interaction. The bond also can't be forced; there has to be trust and care between whoever is taking over the bond to be able to pass it over, essentially. Not everyone who is within the original bond has to be willing for it to be moved, but the new holders do have to be for it to work, because you are placing something that is already in existence inside of someone else, instead of creating a new bond. The person taking it needs to be open and accepting of it," Harry told her.

"I would like to be kept informed of how this transfer goes, and how much interest it garners," Olivia requested.

"I can do that," Harry inclined his head.

"I suppose it is a good way as well for the integration of our worlds a little more, as much as I dislike describing it like this, you are becoming a central figure point for that integration and proof that it can work well. Showing that it can work will be a big step forward," Olivia said.

"I dislike the word as well, but if it can help the two worlds interact better, then I will be…not happy to be that figure, but I will be happy if it improves the relationship," Harry inclined his head.

"The Human Servant, she will not cause problems for you with you removing her from the bond? She doesn't know you are doing it correctly?" Olivia asked, concerned.

"Honestly, I am quite worried about how it will go. She has tried to harm me twice now. She blames me for her mates choosing to separate from her, and we didn't get on from the start. I believe she now also blames me for the Community taking a step back from her, even though they have done so because she tried to hurt a few people under her protection. She is also a Preternatural Federal Marshal, so I do worry about that influence that she holds," Harry grimaced.

"As you're aware, we have our difficulties interceding in things in the human world, but if it does have links to the Magical/Supernatural world, there may be things that we can do, especially if she is threatening harm to you or your family. If she starts making serious threats, or if she poses a real problem, call me, and I will see what I can do for you," Olivia said seriously.

"I appreciate that," Harry admitted.

"MACUSA believes that having you here when you have turned your back on Britain is a feather in our cap. We have an interest in ensuring you're living happily and safely here because of that. We also have a vested interest in you doing well within this city, which will buy you help."

"Are you telling me to cash in my chips where I can?" Harry grinned.

"As a member of MACUSA? Never!" Olivia grinned.

"I really do appreciate your help," Harry said, feeling some of the tension from their previous conversation relaxing from his shoulders.

"I appreciate the information that you have sent to us regarding the Courts and interacting with them, and the work you put together on your view on the intermingling of the Preternatural and No-Maj worlds. It has helped us already," Olivia said before standing. "I will leave you to your afternoon, but it was lovely seeing you again."

"You too, and I will let you know once the bonds have changed hands and update you on how we're doing," Harry said, shaking her hand.

"And remember, if you need our help, call me right away," Olivia nodded before heading out.

Harry closed the door behind her before dropping tiredly onto the sofa, closing his eyes and allowing the whole conversation to settle around him.

"Hmmm?" Harry cracked his eyes open, who knew how long later, to the feeling of little hands on his face. "Teddy Bear, I am so sorry I missed your bus!" He gasped, starting to sit up.

"It's ok, Daddy, you're tired from the baby, Bobby-Lee met me at the bus and brought me up. He is in the garden with God," Teddy smiled, leaning down to kiss Harry's cheek. He giggled when Harry wrapped his arms around his waist and tugged him onto the sofa and snuggled him close.

"Did you have a good day at school, Teddy Bear?" Harry asked.

"I did, we learned a lot today, and my friends and I played tag at lunch time," Teddy smiled brightly. "Are you and the baby ok?"

"We are," Harry smiled brightly, feeling his heart warm as he looked at his amazing son. "Are you excited about them coming?"

"I am! I can't wait to meet them! Will Luca be spending time here by the time the baby arrives?" Teddy asked curiously.

"Hopefully, he has said a couple of times about wanting to come and stay here, and the social worker has said that it is ok," Harry said, running his fingers through Teddy's hair. "You know I love you, don't you, Teddy Bear?"

"Of course I do, why?" Teddy blinked big green eyes up at him.

"There is a lot going on right now, and a lot of excitement. I just want to make sure that you know how much I love you, and that no matter what, you're always going to be my amazing little Teddy Bear," Harry smiled.

"Always?" Teddy grinned.

"Always, fifty years from now, I will still be expecting to have snuggles with you!" Harry warned.

"I will still want to! My wolf always loves being close to you, and close to Papa," Teddy promised.

"That is just one of the amazing things about you being a Wolf, I believe that you still will and won't be embarrassed to be snuggling your parents," Harry smiled, stroking his hand over Teddy's face.

"I love how much you accept me, you know that, don't you, Dad?" Teddy said softly, his green eyes sharp as they looked over Harry's face. Harry felt a small stab at the change of Daddy to Dad, but he had been expecting it with how old Teddy was now. But the words had him smiling softly.

"I will always accept you, Teddy Bear, and love you with everything that I have," Harry promised.

"I know that some of the others' families and parents can't accept them because of what they are, like Noel and Travis' mums and dads. I know I am lucky you accept me and love me," Teddy said softly, touching Harry's cheek.

"You're an amazing little boy, Teddy, and you have been the best thing in my life. I could never not love and accept you."

"Do you ever regret that we had to move from Britain because of me?" Teddy frowned.

"We didn't move because of you; we moved because Britain is a bigoted and unaccepting place, and I would never stay somewhere that didn't accept you, and I would never make you stay somewhere you weren't accepted. As it is, if we had never moved, I would never have met Rafael, or Micah, Jean-Claude, Nathaniel, Travis, Noel, Zane, Stephen, Gregory, Jason…"

"I get the point, Dad," Teddy laughed.

"I would never have regretted taking you somewhere where you can be yourself, and be happy and safe. But I love our lives here, I love the people in them, I think us moving away was a blessing in disguise, we left for you to have freedom to be yourself, but I think I found that as well," Harry smiled before kissing Teddy's nose.

"I love Papa so much, I am so happy you and he fell in love, I am a lucky boy I know, I had and mum and dad who loved me so much that they died protecting me and making the world a better place for me, I have a Dad and a Papa who love me all the time and make me feel extra special, I have Luca and the baby, Travis and Noel, and lots of uncles and aunties who love me and I love them," Teddy smiled brightly at Harry.

"You're a hard boy not to love Teddy," Harry hummed, pulling his son closer to him. They lay cuddling for a while before Harry let Teddy go and nudged him up the stairs to change and stood to go and make him a snack and get supper started, but before he could step away from the sofa, there was a knock on the door.

Sighing, he turned in the other direction and headed to the front door, opening it with a welcoming smile that died on his lips as he blinked at the person standing on the other side.

"If you're here to kill me, there are going to be a lot of upset people," Harry sighed.

"No killing, I promise!" Edward held his hands up, his bright blue eyes as cool as Harry remembered them. "I admit I am mostly here out of curiosity. I spoke to Rafael about you and got as much from him as he would give me while pissed at me, and I have been speaking with the others about you around town."

Harry looked at the man for a few moments longer, scanning his eyes over his face and then smiled, stepping back and walking back into the house.

"Do you like three cheese pasta?" He asked over his shoulder.

"Yes," Came the slightly confused response. He turned to watch Edward stepping into the house at the unspoken invitation, looking intrigued.

"Good, that's what's for supper tonight," Harry nodded and headed through to the kitchen. He was barely able to hear the footsteps behind him, and when he turned, the man was already in the kitchen and sitting down at the table with his jacket over the back of his chair.

"A few of the others mentioned that you're a good cook," Edward said, looking around the kitchen with interest.

"I try, we have a lot of comings and goings, so I mainly make meals that are easy to cook in bulk," Harry hummed, starting to put everything together.

"Nicky warned me that he would rip my eyes out if I hurt you," Edward said conversationally.

"I look after two of his cubs, and he's a good friend," Harry nodded.

"Caring without fucking everyone," Edward nodded. "Nicky and I go back, for him to make that threat and mean that he will try means a lot."

"Are you trying to make a point?" Harry asked.

"I find it interesting how integrated you have become with the community, how much power you have over them, but as far as I can tell, you don't use it," Edward admitted.

"Oh, hello," Teddy smiled as he bounced into the room.

"This is a friend of your Papa, Edward," Harry introduced as Edward's eyes washed over Teddy with interest.

"I hear you have a handy skill of changing how you look," Edward tilted his head.

"I can!" Teddy beamed, hurrying over to the table and tilting his head like Edward before changing into a mini version of him.

"Amazing," Edward leaned forward so they were nearly nose to nose, his eyes taking in everything about Teddy, looking for anything that was incorrect, before he smiled. "You're a perfect match, you have a good eye for detail." The smile wasn't warm or from the heart, but Harry felt that it was an honest smile.

"Papa taught me to be more exact with my matches. I could be close before, but he taught me to look for the small details," Teddy beamed. "Are you friends with my Papa?"

"I don't really do friends, but your Papa is as close as I have, yes," Edward nodded, his blue eyes still taking Teddy in with interest.

"Ok," Teddy nodded.

"That's it?" Edward asked.

"What do you mean?" Teddy tilted his head.

"You're not curious about the fact I don't really do friends?"

"You didn't seem sad or upset about it, you said it as though that is just who you are, so that is fine," Teddy shrugged. "Do you like puzzles?"

"I do enjoy them, yes," Edward nodded.

"Would you like to do one with me?"

"Of course," Edward watched as Teddy raced from the room and looked back to Harry, who just smiled at him and turned back to finishing supper.

He chuckled when the front door opened, and there were a few beats before Zane was wrapped around him and glaring at where Edward and Teddy were sitting at the table, working on a jigsaw puzzle.

"I didn't threaten him, kitty cat," Edward said without lifting his head.

"Does Rafael know you're here?" Zane glared at him.

"No, he doesn't," Edward answered.

"He will be home soon," Harry kissed Zane's cheek.

"Are you making three cheese pasta?" Zane sniffed the air.

"I am," Harry reached up and combed his fingers through Zane's hair.

"Edward is helping me do a puzzle," Teddy grinned at Zane.

"I can see that," Zane narrowed his eyes and flashed a fang.

"Why are you upset?" Teddy asked curiously.

"I threatened your Dad last time we met," Edward told Teddy.

"Oh, why?"

"A misunderstanding and some bad information that I had been given about your dad."

"Did you apologise?"

"I did."

"Ok then," Teddy nodded and went back to the puzzle.

"You have no self-preservation Teddy Bear," Zane sighed.

"You say that all the time," Teddy grinned brightly at him.

"It is true," Zane huffed.

"Papa!" Teddy beamed just as the door opened, and he turned to race down the hallway. "I missed you this morning!"

"I missed you too! I am sorry I had to leave so early," Rafael said as he scooped him up and into a hug. "Why are you looking like a mini Edward?"

"He has been helping me do a puzzle," Teddy said as he and Rafael reached the kitchen door.

"Edward is staying for supper," Harry said over his shoulder.

"Is he now? Did you give him a choice?" Rafael asked as he walked across with Teddy on his hip.

"He didn't, but he offered pasta," Edward said while he was still working on the puzzle.

"Sounds about right," Rafael snorted, leaning down to press his nose to Zane's cheek and then leaning down to kiss Harry deeply.

He laughed when he pulled back, and Teddy smacked a kiss to his cheek before scrambling down and back over to Edward. He wrapped his arm around Zane and Harry, the Wereleopard pressing his nose under Rafael's jaw.

"Mamma!" Travis called as the front door opened.

"Mamma?" Edward blinked.

"His fault," Harry pointed at Teddy, who giggled.

"What's he doing here? Do you want me to call the Rex?" Travis narrowed his eyes as he walked over to wrap his arms around Rafael's waist.

"Can he move under there?" Edward asked curiously.

"Just about," Harry laughed. "No need to call Nicky, Edward is here for supper."

"Don't look at me like that, cub. You think I can stop your Mamma from feeding everyone that shows up at our door?" Rafael snorted when Travis looked at him.

"Harry!" Stephen called.

"We're in the kitchen," Harry called.

"What is he doing here?" Stephen glared as he walked into the kitchen and saw Edward.

"Getting a really warm welcome here," Edward smirked as Stephen slunk across the kitchen to kiss Harry and then Rafael.

"What is he doing here?" Wicked glared as he and Truth appeared in the kitchen.

Harry started laughing, and Edward snorted in amusement. Harry ignored the baleful glares that he was receiving as he moved to carry on finishing their supper.

Harry groaned as Rafael thrust into him, his hand perfectly around his throat as he moved inside of him, hitting all the best parts that the Wizard would swear his mate used a spell to find, driving Harry higher and higher into pleasure.

He groaned as their lips met and he drowned in the kisses of his Rom, pulling him closer, burying his fingers into Rafael's dark hair as he thrust his hips down onto the thick, slick rod filling him.

Rafael rumbled out a growl against his lips before he pulled back and moved them along Harry's jaw, down his throat and to his marked throat. Harry arched into him and cried out as he came as Rafael bit down, his body tightening around his mate's and brought him over the edge with him.

Harry groaned happily when Rafael kissed his pathway back to Harry's lips and cupped his face, and kissed him luxuriously again.

"I love you," Rafael breathed against his lips.

"I love you more," Harry smiled.

"That's an argument we're never going to win as long as we live," Rafael nudged their noses together.

"I will enjoy arguing that with you for many, many years," Harry kissed him again.

"How did it go with Olivia?" Rafael asked, settling down onto the bed next to him, throwing his arm and leg over Harry and snuggled close, kissing over his fresh mark on his mate's throat.

"Fairly well. I ended up telling her about our choice to bond with Jean-Claude and some of the others, she was concerned about it, and the attention that us being able to break a human servant and Vampire bond will bring, but she is intrigued by the opportunity it will bring, and the further integration into the Community," Harry explained, shuffling as that he could rest his head on Rafael's shoulder.

"I trust your judgement on what to tell her and what not to tell her," Rafael said, gently brushing his fingers up and down Harry's back, smiling softly at the contented sigh that left his mate's lips at the touch.

Harry explained what Olivia had told him about the Department of Mysteries' findings into their bond, the discussion they had had around it, and the belief that the bond with Jean-Claude, Nathaniel, Micah, and Damian could help them keep control of their bond.

"Hmmm," Rafael said thoughtfully once Harry had finished. "It isn't really massively different to what we thought was happening."

"Not really," Harry shook his head.

"If I ever need proof for even a second of how much you love me, the fact that you have done something that no one has ever done before, unconsciously simply because you love me," Rafael kissed Harry's temple.

"You're the love of my life," Harry breathed out, kissing over his mate's heart.

"And you're mine, my darling Romni," Rafael tilted his chin up to kiss him properly. Harry smiled against his lips as they carried on kissing, as Rafael's hand dropped to cup his stomach.

"You do not know the band?" Jean-Claude teased. "I thought I was the centuries-old one."

"I grew up in a castle in the middle of Scotland with no electricity," Harry pouted at him as he leaned back against the sofa and so Wicked's legs.

"You have been out of there for years now," Nicky teased.

"Whose side are you on?" Harry huffed at him.

"Yours of course," Nicky leaned down to kiss his forehead.

"Hmmm!" Harry huffed again.

"Les lionceaux will appreciate all the hard work you're putting into their graduation," Jean-Claude smiled prettily.

"I can't believe they're graduating already!" Harry sighed, resting his head on Wicked's knee.

"Time has flown," Rafael agreed. "It feels like it was only a few months ago you were apparating me for the first time to go and help Noel."

"I can't believe how much has changed since then," Harry laughed. "I was terrified of meeting Jean-Claude, and now we're planning on being bonded together!"

"Life has the most amazing ways of changing," Jean-Claude stroked his fingers over Harry's face.

"I…what?" Harry blinked, sitting up when everyone around him jerked upright, their eyes widening. "What?" He said, a little concerned.

"The heartbeat! We can hear the heartbeat!" Rafael fell from the sofa to his knees and crawled over to Harry, resting his ear to Harry's stomach.

"You can hear the heartbeat?" Harry beamed as Rafael cupped his sides and closed his eyes.

"Oui! We can hear it! Tiny, but it is there," Jean-Claude beamed.

"It is like a little flutter of wings," Truth tilted his head.

"Amazing," Rafael breathed out. "Teddy!" he said, jumping up and racing for the stairs, leaving Harry chuckling.

"May I?" Jean-Claude asked.

"Of course," Harry smiled, holding his arm up. The Master of the City leaned forward and pressed his own ear to Harry's stomach, smiling brightly as the little fluttering sound became clearer. Harry carefully ran his fingers through the Master's curls as the Vampire let out a soft, happy sigh.

"What's going on, Papa?" Teddy yawned, rubbing his eyes as Rafael hurried back into the room with Teddy on his hip. "What is Uncle Jean-Claude doing?"

"Here, listen carefully, what can you hear?" Rafael asked as he sat down next to Harry, while Jean-Claude sat up. Teddy tilted his head one way and then the other.

"What's that sound?" Teddy's eyes widened, and he leaned forward in Rafael's arms.

"That's the baby's heartbeat," Rafael beamed.

"Really?!" Teddy gasped and wiggled. Rafael placed him on the floor, and he settled his ear over Harry's stomach, his little hands cupping his stomach. "Dad! Papa! I can hear it!"

"You can hear the baby?" Harry smiled, stroking his hands over Teddy's hair.

"I can! That is amazing! That's the baby!" Teddy beamed between them. "Hello, little brother or sister! I am really excited to meet you!" he said softly to Harry's stomach. Harry's green eyes met Rafael's brown ones, both of them glowing with happiness.

"That is an amazing sound, Mon Magicien," Jean-Claude cupped Harry's cheek and kissed it.

"Just think a little bit of time, and you will be able to hear your own baby like this," Rafael smiled.

"Dad is going to have a baby with Uncle Jean-Claude?" Teddy scrunched his nose, confused, even as Jean-Claude's smile grew even bigger.

"No, I am going to carry a baby for Uncles Jean-Claude, Micah, Nathaniel and Damien, because they're not Wizards, they can't do it themselves. It will be their baby, but I will look after it for nine months for them," Harry explained.

"So they wouldn't be my brother or sister?" Teddy blinked.

"No, they would be your cousin," Rafael explained.

"That would be so cool!" Teddy beamed.

"Oui, we're very excited, your dad is giving us an amazing present," Jean-Claude kissed Teddy's cheek. "And you will have practice at being an amazing big brother to be a big cousin to our baby, though you will be more like a brother."

"Luca and I will be good big brothers," Teddy nodded.

"Mon Romni, you make my heart so happy," Jean-Claude sighed, cupping Harry's face to kiss his cheeks again. "I can not wait to meet this little one!"

"Are you two ok?" Harry asked Truth and Wicked, leaning back to look at them.

"It is very interesting listening to the heartbeat," Truth said.

"We have not really been close to anyone who is pregnant before," Wicked nodded.

"It is…" Rafael's words were cut off by the front door slamming open so hard it rattled through the house. Rafael grabbed Teddy and turned, tucking him into his body to shield him, but then Nathaniel stumbled into the room, still dressed in an outfit from Guilty Pleasures: a tiny pair of silver shorts and a sheer silver sleeveless shirt.

He was panting, and his eyes were bright red with the tears that were flowing down his cheeks.

"Nathaniel?" Harry pushed to his feet as Jean-Claude flashed across the room and wrapped his lover in his arms, the Wereleopard letting out a sob as he curled into the Master Vampire's chest.

"It's Micah!" Nathaniel cried.