Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Awakening To the Dream	By : ChimaeraChan Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Draco Views: 45317 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 1-CH1
- 2-CH2
- 3-CH3
- 4-CH4
- 5-CH5
- 6-CH6
- 7-CH7
- 8-Ch8
- 9-Ch9
- 10-Ch10
- 11-CH11
- 12-CH12
- 13-CH13
- 14-CH14
- 15-CH15
- 16-CH16
- 17-CH17
- 18-CH18
- 19-Ch19
- 20-CH20
- 21-CH21
- 22-Ch22
- 23-CH23
- 24-CH24
- 25-CH25
- 26-CH26
- 27-CH27
- 28-CH28
- 29-CH29
- 30-CH30
- 31-CH31
- 32-CH32
- 33-CH33
- 34-CH34
- 35-CH35
- 36-CH36
- 37-CH37
- 38-CH38
- 39-CH39
- 40-CH40
- 41-Ch41
- 42-Ch42
- 43-Ch43
- 44-Ch44
- 45-Ch45
- 46-Ch46
- 47-Ch47
- 48-Ch48
- 49-Ch49
- 50-Ch50 *End Part 1*
- 51-Ch51
- 52-Ch52
- 53-Ch53
- 54-Ch54
- 55-Ch55
- 56-CH56
- 57-CH57
- 58-CH58
- 59-CH59
- 60-CH60
- 61-CH61
- 62-CH62
- 63-CH63
- 64-CH64
- 65-CH65
- 66-CH66
- 67-CH67 *New 6/6/2015*
- 68-CH68
- 69-CH69
- 56
- 57
- 58
OMG, no one hit me! *flails* I’m here, I’m updating, don’t pick on me!!! >_<
So, yeah…sorryforthedelay. *hides* I went on vacation, and then I had a small mental breakdown ‘cus my dad is driving me insane @_@ and then more commissions! And for the HP fans (which I assume are all reading :P) you can go check out my latest à http://www.stellanima.com/The_Goblets/   I made the awards (shameless self promotion… and they’re cute!) But I have two… possibly three in the next week (don’t hold me to it though) new chapies to make up for it!
Okay, so to be clear, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go into this direction or not… Well, I wanted to, but I was afeared of the beatings you may all give me for it. >_>;;; So, we’re not in Hogwarts yet, but still following Seamus around, but guess what, it’s a fanfic, and I had a tickle I had to write, so better this than Draco angsting in the hospital wing over Harry… although that could be entertaining too. XD
Shadowclaw: *luffs* Sorry so late, but Happy Thanksgiving back at you. XD
Omi desu~: Who are you kidding? The whole thing is confusing! I think these next few chapters will help explain things… although since it’s deviating from the original story line it may have the opposite effect. >_> Oh, and La Lune will show up. He’s featured in the very end of the book… like the deciding factor in the conclusion (omg suspense XD) so you’ll learn more about him then.
Mis: You’re probably ready to kill me at this point, but HxD is coming up… eventually. :P
Tac: Goodness, look at that big comment (love you thiiiiiiiiiis much!) Let’s see… first off, thanks. XD *glomperstightly* I think I’ve taken a lot of liberties with this because it’s a fanfic, so I can go into all those interactions that not all other authors can…. And I’m a bit of a spaz, and my mind just naturally focuses on establishing that human interaction in any situation. I mean, it doesn’t matter if you’re on a different planet, or someone just got shot, or any thing relating to scene and setting and plot; people understand people, so as long as those characters are established it feels like any outrageous setting is suddenly possible… Does that make sense? O_o Love the cutie picture by the way. ^.^ Oh, and yeah, I felt sort of guilty suddenly going on the Seamus tangent, but it felt like a good time for it too. And anyways, who wants to wait around reading chapters on how Harry hasn’t woken up yet? :/ *luffs*
Clair3: Heh, I try. *blush* Thanks, hun. ^.^
Jan: *reiterates what she said to Omi on confusion level* Sorry it wasn’t soon, but glad you like it. <3
Damien: Lol, Hotx3, thanks hun. XD
The simple minded nerds: (…are nerds simple minded? O_o) Aww, you guys are sweet… when not threatening me with physical harm… *pokes BJ hesitantly* XD I’m glad you all like it so far, even with the info-dumps (which I can’t seem to stop from doing as you will soon read >_>) And I apologize profusely about the delay… so you can put the pointy objects away.
Sologirl102: Kya, good guess!!! <3 I’m hoping to get to those two next, after a little Draco angsting.
AngelStarFire: Lol, I have the sketchy 5 chapters I had originally started out with, and just realizing how it has changed and grown since then blows my mind too… It actually makes me feel accomplished, considering I hadn’t written before. I mean, if I can turn that original stunted idea into… err… whatever the hell this is XD then I know I can finish it, and write another, and do some original work, and yadda, yadda, ramble… <3 Ah, and added you to the mailing list. It was a while back so I’ve already forgotten if I notified you through email or not. =_=
Yocum1219: I’ve already dealt with you… XD Squee, I hope you like the update. ^.^

CH57
“Hello.” A harmonious voice called.
“Hi. …Uhhh… what?” Seamus looked up from his Transfiguration homework, staring blankly at the doorway to the room he had been in for a month now.   Currently he was having a hard time understanding why it was empty of visitors.
“Hah, over here!” Seamus turned to one of the narrow windows, a small dark face smiling in at him.
“Oh, hey… hi.” He gave a confused smile, turning on his bed. He didn’t recognize the new person, but felt that he probably should want to. The person—boy, maybe?—had long dark hair pulled back in a sleek braid, and was covered in an odd array of sparkles and painted tattoos that Seamus wasn’t quite sure what to make of. Small jewels glittering from where they were decorating his face, along with shimmering gold and green makeup leading to thick black kohl eyeliner that highlighted stunning blue eyes. Eventually Seamus realized that his first assessment had been correct, and a boy was certainly staring in at him, but that was only because when leaning forward, the window revealed a lack of shirt and consequently lack of breasts beneath the thick layer of necklaces around his collar. He knew that some wizards wore makeup, and that it was more common the further South one traveled the Earth, but it was the first time he had seen it first hand. If they all looked so beautiful with it, Seamus imagined the custom would likely catch on in the North soon enough.
The silence stretched on as they stared at each other, Seamus in uncertainty, the other with a thoughtful glint in his eye. As unreadable blue trailed over him, Seamus began to squirm, remembering that he was not ‘normal’ anymore, but a strange, monstrous thing with clunky taloned hands and stupid, fluttery wings that refused to move as he instructed them to. It was not a sensation he was used to. He was usually an outgoing, outspoken person, and was rarely conscious of himself on any level beyond healthy and hyper. This new change had been more than physical though, and he had spent many a late night in his room wondering how he fit in with the world now… if there even was a place for him to fit into. He had been able to ignore it while with the other Anhk Ro, since they were just like him, but now here, faced with someone that looked rather normal, if not a bit colorful, there was no more hiding that he was now very strange.
“Want some mint?” Musa suddenly held out a leaflet of spearmint, enchanted to stay fresh for months after picked. He waved it when Seamus showed no signs of noticing. “Oran said it was safe for you to eat.”
Seamus shook himself free of his thoughts, placing his book aside and standing. “Uh, thanks. Most of the stuff they let me eat is somewhat questionable on flavor.” He reached to grab the leaf, pausing as his hand came into view next to the small, delicate hand outstretched before him. They were nearly the same shade of darkness, but that was where the similarities ended. His talons were clumsy and misshapen compared to the elegant, glittering green nails of the other boy.
“Go on, I don’t bite.” Musa smiled. “Much, anyways.” Seamus once again seemed to have spaced out, a frown on the boy’s face, so Musa reached out and poked the very center of the other boy’s overly large palm to catch his attention.
Seamus jumped at the touch, his breath caught somewhere in his throat as his claws instinctually folded and dug into the small hand. Something in his brain sparked and flared, and his mind froze, as it had been doing a lot recently. His body took over, taking a hasty step back, only too late realizing that his hand had refused to let go. He was moments away from a full out panic attack when another small hand wrapped around their locked ones, holding him still. Seamus looked up, anxiety bright in his eyes as he met calm, quiet blue.
“Bit jumpy still, hmm? I’ve been told the Anhk Ro system is so accelerated that, without the proper discipline, the simplest tasks can quickly turn into a disaster.”
Seamus just nodded dumbly, unable to stop shaking.
“My name is Musa.” The boy continued calmly, as if he were used to having his hand crushed by an absolute stranger. “And you are Seamus, correct? I’ve only recently first met an Anhk Ro, and I’m told that to meet a newly formed one is rather rare, given that the Anhk Ro themselves are rare. …Did you know your existence is rare?” Musa tilted his head, his eyes flashing lightheartedly. “It’s something we have in common. I, myself, am considered to have a rare, if not implausible existence.”
Rare… rare as in not quite human. His mind pulled at this thought, but was unable to make sense of it. Slowly it dawned on Seamus that the voice echoing in the back of his head belonged to the strange person in front of him, as did the soft hisses he hadn’t noticed at first, until inches away. “…They tell me you’re half muggle. Do you find the culture clash worse, since it’s within your own household? Or maybe it seems less caustic since you’ve grown and adapted with such problems…?” The words had stopped meaning anything, blurring into a soft, calming hum from gold painted lips that Seamus couldn’t seem to break from. Slowly, on their own accord, his hands twitched and began to move until they were cradling the small face before him. He blearily realized something wasn’t right, but what that was he couldn’t gain enough focus to know.
Falling silent, Musa’s gaze never lost its unnatural calm. He smiled gently, watching Seamus’ blazing gold eyes drift in and out of focus. “…Have I caught you yet?”
Seamus continued to stare, talons scraping softly on Musa’s dark flesh. “Well, in that case, would you kindly help me in?” Musa asked, his smile widening when Seamus readily complied, supporting his arms while Musa flattened and wriggled through the thin window. A train of multicolored robes of green and gold slinked in behind him, wrapped high on his waist and flaring around his long tail.
Once through, he took a long look around the room, staring with interest at the ordinary objects Mr. and Mrs. Finnigan had left for their son to pass the time while he grew used to his new situation. Some were magical and some not; a surprising combination to Musa who had learned at an early age that the two were rarely mixed so easily.   He slithered up to a poster of muggles playing some sort of sport, a ball being fought for between cleats. Beside it was another, except this was in the air, players moving over the poster as they tussled for another odd-looking ball.
He turned back to Seamus, waiting patiently until the gold eyes began to clear. “Why don’t we try that mint now? I think it may help spark you back to reality. Open up, please.” He watched the boy closely after popping the leaf into his mouth, eyes intent on the slight flare to his nostrils, the small twitch in his neck, and flex of his talons. Musa expected the gasp this time, the normal reaction when an Anhk Ro was suddenly faced with sensations that its human brain had never had to deal with before.
“Better?”
Seamus nodded, taking a moment before actually trying to speak again. His mind was whirling, and he was rather certain that he had just been cast under the Imperious, or hypnotized, or something. Whatever it was, it frightened the hell out of him, even if it had kept him from having another one of his annoying freak-outs. He fixed his stare on the boy before him, his eyes narrowed. “What are you?”
Musa shrugged carelessly, although his eyes lost their gentle glow of before. “Depends who you ask. Some consider me a god, others a demon. The majority see me as a monster. But, to put it simply…”
“You’re a naga.” Seamus spoke up, tensing significantly as he took in Musa’s long, sinuous tail that replaced where most humans had legs. “I’ve read about nagas in school. They’re not very civilized.” His jaw twitched as he recalled just what he had learned of the creatures and their deadly ways.
Not fazed by the interruption, Musa corrected him. “Yes and no. I am an Eclipse Dragon. I am classified as a naga because my lower torso resembles that of a serpent, but a completely different Fae founds my line. My Fae blood holds the genes of the great Sun Eater, Couatlicue. While there are thousands of Nagas still out there, I, on the other hand, am the last of my kind. The great Serpent Fae Kadru is the Nagas founder; Couatlicue’s power far exceeds hers, and her kind follow him without question.”
Seamus brushed the information off with a wave of his arm. “You’re still a naga though. The worst likely, because they’re only following your founder. Do you consume humans like they do? Do you kill for sport, harass and terrorize?”
“Such hostility for a being you’ve never met… you are very human still.” Musa looked Seamus over, peering past the feathers and the claws, and to the anger and resentment raging within the older boy. “You should know that humans have a far longer history of killing for gratification. Nagas do not make war like your kind, but settle things swiftly by the laws of Clan. Humans have destroyed anything concerning balance in this world; why shouldn’t they at least make themselves useful by feeding a needy being? Humans have consumed this world. Nature assures they shall be consumed in return. Although it pains your kind, even you mighty humans are not above nature.”
Snapping his mouth shut, Seamus glared back at Musa’s cool face, unable to think of a suitable response beyond resorting to physical violence. Feeling this was not the best sort of action when faced with a person he had just met, he stomped over to his bed and sat, folding his arms. “What the hell are you doing here, anyways? I was told that I shouldn’t be around other people for a few more days.”
“I’m not exactly ‘other people’ if you haven’t noticed.” Musa didn’t follow right away, his hands lingering on the foreign knickknacks littering the desk by the window. “…I suppose I should tell you that I have killed before… and, as you say, I’ve ‘consumed’ human flesh. All of it was done with great pleasure.” Raising a small figurine of a spiky-haired warrior holding a large sword from the desk, he observed it thoughtfully, placing it back down when it showed no ability to move. He picked up another, snarling mockingly at the miniature dragon that thrashed in his grasp.
“You are a monster.” Seamus said tightly, wishing the other would go away already.
“Most certainly!” Musa agreed with a harsh laugh, whirling and revealing the little dragon trapped within his teeth. Seamus went to grab it, but Musa stopped him with his own claws. He spat the figure out and crushed it with his free hand, his eyes daring Seamus to even try and stop him. “But only because I have chosen to be one. I chose to live. I may be a monster, but the reward for that choice has been greater than any can imagine. Destiny has given me a great gift, a gift that I could not have reached if I had not lived. And now, I’ve chosen to follow it out till the end.”
Seamus was caught once again in Musa’s gaze, although this time it had nothing to do with magic. Something in the strange creature’s eyes was ravenous, desperate, and it held him still. “You are the first immortal born under the new Heir, Seamus. You have been chosen to record his fate in this life, as the chosen immortals that have come before you have done. Beau still records, even though he has been free of that duty for thousands of years now.” He lowered his voice, gripping Seamus’ arm tighter. “You will learn that some rewards are worth suffering for. You will find just how fulfilling Destiny’s gift can be. And when that happens, you will never again regret what you have taken to reach it.”
“Let me go.” Seamus demanded, his eyes narrowed in warning. It had no effect on the boy leaning over him, and Musa’s claws sunk deeper until blood spilled out in long strips from Seamus’ pale arm and dripped down onto his scales.
“I will be your first entry. I am the last of my kind, but with your hand we will never truly be forgotten. Can you understand just how vital this is to me? Destiny has given me another impossible gift.” Musa’s expression softened, almost sweetly, and he relaxed his grip. “I have not been a monster since many a year ago, but I will willingly change that if only to gain this final goal. I cannot let my line slip away. Couatlicue has given me so much, I will not fail him in this.”
Seamus wrenched the last bit from the boy, covering his bleeding arm, and sliding down the edge of the bed until the wall was tight to his side. “You’re fucking insane! If it’s so important, then go write the damn thing yourself. I don’t know what you think I am, but I’m not it.”
“Of course you are.” Musa said simply, straightening up and licking his hand. “You are surprisingly nonconfrontational for a newborn; very disappointing.” He mussed, smirking when Seamus returned with another scathing glare. “The Unvoiced have already sent their messenger. They’ll be arriving in two days. By then you’ll find just what you are. Expect to see me shortly after… I fear my time left will not be long.”
Seamus caught the subtle meaning behind the words, but his anger was greater than his curiosity. “Get lost then.”
Ignoring him, Musa stretched out and rearranged the silks he was wrapped in, coiled his tail beneath him, and settled on the floor. He reached out for one of the pillows scattering Seamus’ bed, and rested against the mattress serenely. The tick in his jaw growing, Seamus jumped to his feet, glaring down at the languid figure. “Just what the hell do you think you’re doing?”
Musa studied his nails idly, elongating and contracting them with ease. “I am waiting for you to calm yourself. Juro will be unhappy if my behavior has somehow disrupted your development while you are under his protection.”
Seamus clenched his fists unconsciously. “You know the Master here?”
“I would not be here if I did not.” Musa smirked up at the fuming boy. “Do you think the ward work for just anyone? If you will hurry up and collect yourself, we can go outside. Juro is away on business, so you have no fear of running into any evil scents. Kayne is waiting in the East gardens as I speak.”
“Yeah, and what about you?” Seamus snapped back. He couldn’t believe he had just wasted five minutes of his life arguing when he could have been out of the room with more pleasant company.
Musa raised a dark eyebrow. “…What about me? I’m a monster, boy; no one said anything about me being evil. Are your senses that dull?”
“I, uh… no.” Confused, Seamus realized that although he was rather sure the boy was a murderer with a bastard attitude, he didn’t sense that taste he connected with evil. Not sure what that meant, he walked over to the door, glaring at it while he listened to the other boy gather himself up.
“You’ll need to step back for me to remove the wards.” Musa slipped in front of Seamus, smirking when he gasped from the touch of his tail on his leg. “I thought you’d be used to scales by now, considering you’re covered in them yourself. Did you know that some consider the Anhk Ro to be demonic flying serpents?”
The urge to hit the boy across his smug little face was growing exponentially. “Holy hell, I don’t give a damn! Just open the bloody door already.”
“Oh… that was rather rude.” Musa dropped the arm he had been just about to remove the wards with, turning and facing Seamus with a mild look. “You are newly formed, so I will let it slip. For your own good though, you should learn that courtesy is a very commonly followed ritual among immortals. If you are so bullish as to disregard this, Hell will be the only thing you’ll know for many a millennium.”
Seamus scoffed impatiently, having had more than enough stupid little rules and facts thrown at him from this annoying creature. “Yeah, and what do you know of it? It’s a known fact that a naga’s lifespan is hardly a thousand years long. What do you do, hang around here and pretend to be one of the Elders, when you known damn well you’ll never be an equal to even the weakest of them? Sounds rather pathetic if you ask me—!” Seamus stopped with a gasp, eyes bright on glittering green claws inches from his face.
“I imagine it’s rather lucky that no one has asked you, in that case, Seamus. Otherwise you would already know that, until I reached the age of five, I was a full immortal with an unlimited lifespan, and the potential for power far beyond your imagination. I have already repaid you for my hand.” Musa hissed, nodding his head towards Seamus’ already healing arm. “You do not want to know how I repay wounds given to my honor and my heart, understand?”
Not waiting for an answer, Musa threw his free hand up, the doors bursting outwards, and quickly exited by Seamus’ sprawled form to the ground. Musa did not look back to see if the boy bothered to follow him, instead skidding haughtily down the hall towards the East gardens.
*******
“Fully extend your arm, making sure your wrist is straight.” Kayne walked around Seamus’ as the boy obediently complied, watching for any signs of muscular crystallization. “Now flex your wrist, keeping your arm and fingers straight… Now flex your fingers slowly, from the tips until you form a fist. No, don’t worry about the talons; they’ll fold without injury.” Eyes tight on Seamus’ hand, Kayne didn’t miss the change in the boy’s aura, anger and confusion suddenly swirling up. He glanced up at his face, following his gaze to the left, where Musa was lazily lying on his back, arms extended to tease butterflies that were hovering about him.
“You would do well not to cross that boy. Trouble follows him relentlessly.”
Seamus nodded blankly, raising his other arm to repeat the appropriate stretches. “…He said he used to be an immortal.”
Frowning, Kayne stopped his pacing. “In the eyes of the immortals, he will always be one.”
“He said he used to be one. How can you stop being an immortal?” Seamus asked tightly, intentionally keeping his gaze away from the side of the garden Musa was playing in.
“It is a difficult thing to fully grasp. Not all immortals are born equal, as you well know. Many of us are vulnerable until our full powers are awoken during our exritus.”
“Did he not have his exritus? How old is he, anyways?”
“He is sixteen, like you. Musa’s exritus came early when he turned twelve, not unusual for an immortal. With it his aging slowed significantly. He probably won’t look fully-grown until he hits eighty… if his appearance ever ages that much. Couatlicue’s descendents were renowned for their deceptive, childlike appearance. A few, including Musa’s father, have reached an adult appearance, but some argue that they just used glamours the same way we Anhk Ro disguise ourselves to appear like our human counterparts.”
Seamus dropped his arms to his side, turning his head to meet Kayne’s eyes. “What are you avoiding?”
“My, but you do have a strong instinct for trust. Hold both arms above your head, flexing your wrist at a ninety degree angle to the sky.” He watched the boy’s arms, paying close attention to his shoulders and back muscles. “As I said, many of us are vulnerable before our exritus. Physically, you could not tell that with Musa. He was born for the most part as you see now. His Soul Form was revealed at birth, and he wore it proudly, if not a little cautiously. But Musa was still a child, and all children are innately weak. He was attacked, and mutilated by the one he trusted most. His growth from then after was stunted, and even with the healing powers of his exritus, he will never be able to reach the level of stability needed to sustain life. True immortality is not just about a limitless life span with proper care and health, but about the quality of that life. Along with his regenerative powers lost, and the boy’s questionable emotional development, Musa cannot have kin; his bloodline dies with him. He lives a cursed existence. If not for Juro, many an immortal would have killed the boy just for having a half existence.” Kayne trailed off, his gaze straying to the quiet boy chatting with snakes in a bright halo of sunlight. “I fear he will not live much longer.”
“…Why not?” Seamus finally asked, his heart twisting uncomfortably from what he had learned of the boy. “Why won’t they just leave him alone?”
“A new opportunity has appeared for Musa… a great position of power. As immortals, we have watched the rise and fall of many an empire. Many feel if such an obvious Faeling were to hold this seat of power, if could undo any good that the new Heir will bring. And as immortals faced with such a great threat, many would feel obligated to act on this.”
Seamus pondered this while continuing his stretches. Was that the ‘gift’ Musa had mentioned, some sort of position of power? Was that what was worth suffering through all that he had suffered through? But that couldn’t be it, he realized slowly, his arms falling limply once again to his side. Musa had pretty much said he was going to die soon. What was the point of power if you didn’t live long enough to enjoy it?
“…He said I was going to record someone’s fate, or something. Do you know what that is supposed to mean? He, uh… he wanted me to write something for him.”
“Ah, so he told you about that, did he? I should have known better than to let him fetch you.”
“So he was serious? I have to… to write about people, or something?”
“Well, it’s not completely decided, but the Unvoiced are making the journey, so you are certainly a candidate for it. Best not to worry about it until they get here.”
Seamus wondered fleetingly if that would be an option. The desperate look in Musa’s eyes was ingrained in the back of his mind. “He said he’s killed before.”
Kayne froze from his examination of Seamus’ neck, eyes flickering back to Musa’s reclining form. “It seems he’s told you a lot.”
Blushing, Seamus explained the argument they’d had about nagas. “I get that I don’t know everything that’s going on, you know? But he’s just so bloody arrogant about it, and he hypnotized me, or something, and I didn’t even realize it was happening, and I have no idea how to keep him from doing it again… It really freaked me out.” He admitted quietly. “And then I see he’s a naga, and I’ve heard a lot of bad stuff about them…” He turned suddenly, confusion and anxiety deep in his eyes. “Can I ask you something? Something really serious?”
Kayne looked down at the boy with an encouraging look. “I would hope that you would. Remember, Seamus, everyone here is more than happy to help you. That includes Musa, and Juro. We may not be as a family, and some are very unenthusiastic, but immortals are given the task of teaching each new generation. You can ask anyone here anything and expect to get an honest answer. Don’t ever be embarrassed; we’ve all gone through what you’re going through now, and holding back questions will only keep you from learning what you need to know.”
Seamus nodded. Regan had said something similar too, but Seamus had so many questions he imagined that they’d all be running out of patience with him already. Likely he’d be given a fifty a day limit just to keep them all from beating him up. “Do you think that humans deserve to be eaten, if it feeds a hungry animal?”
Kayne was quickly realizing that Oran and his drama would have been a relief to Musa’s head games on the young Anhk Ro. “Well, firstly I do not find the word deserve to mean much of anything in the natural order. That is a term born of sapience, and as such belongs in the realm of society and law. The living die, and the living consume, and in consuming, life is lost and sustained. Humans live, so logically they will be consumed, be it by a high level being, or by the bacteria that feed off the rot of corpses. It would be naïve to believe otherwise.”
Seamus fell silent. He didn’t like the answer… but it didn’t seem exactly false, either. “If that’s true… then why do we struggle so hard to keep from killing people?”
“Because to give in and kill, is to lose our sense of self. We live for a very long time, Seamus, and when we give into our instincts it is almost impossible to claw our way back into something even remotely civilized. But, the answer you’re looking for is a little less self-serving, I suppose.” Kayne added, his smile somewhat grim. “As sentient beings, it goes against our values to kill without thought, to lose control of ourselves and become a threat to any that we hold dear. There are many a person I love and respect that my instincts tell me must be wiped from existence. With enough discipline this feeling may become only a small tickle in the back of your mind. You may be able to walk among the scum of the Earth, eat, drink, and sleep with them, and never cause harm to another. You may even reach a point where you can kill and not have to fear losing yourself to your instincts. You could possibly fulfill the divine duty the great Fae Lexaddo designed for us, and tactically wipe out the core of evil on this planet.”
“I don’t ever want to kill.” Seamus said defiantly, eyes full of fire. “Whatever the reason.”
“That is your choice to make, and as you continue your existence you may find that you change that mindset. I am only answering the questions you have imposed on me with the knowledge and life experience that I’ve gained as a leader of the Anhk Ro. We uphold human life, because we know what it is like to fall into despair and madness. We protect it, because we want to protect what is left of the humanity within us. And we destroy it, because death finds all mortals, and will one day seek us out as well. These words may be empty to you now, but one day you will discover their true meaning by your own experiences.”
Seamus looked down, fidgeting uncomfortably from the piercing gold gaze focused on him. As much as he trusted this man, at times he found the other Anhk Ro very intimidating, be it their age, or the fact that they’d killed, or possibly even the fact that they seemed to know more about him than he did. He’d been feeling very stupid recently, as if ignorance were a disease that he had caught, and it was going to lead to his demise if he didn’t somehow find a cure. “…He mentioned something about being polite also. That I might be, err, injured or such if I wasn’t…”
“He’s right. Like many things steeped in history, we immortals follow strict rituals, and believe in candor and politeness in most formal situations, even if it is usually false. We like to keep up appearances, so to speak. If you’re having problems with Musa, you’ve probably said something untoward to him. You may not like what he has to say, but Musa is not one for lies, and he knows much about our ways. You can learn a lot from him while you are here… and he would make a suitable friend, I think.”
“As if.” Seamus huffed, glaring at the dark form still chattering with a small heap of snakes. “He looks ridiculous with all that bloody makeup, anyways, like a girl or something. And what’s with the stupid jewelry? He paints his nails—and those clothes! Even if he wasn’t such an ass, I still wouldn’t want to be seen with him.” He finished with a stubborn air, his wings fluttering agitatedly.
Kayne smiled to himself, slowly pushing Seamus backwards so the boy could stretch his spine. “Musa is one of the precious jewels of this land. It is an honor to gaze upon him when he dons his royal dress, even more so since he has taken the role of a warrior and rarely dresses thusly. I do believe he was trying to make a good impression on his guest. Apparently it wasn’t effective.”
Seamus huffed again. “…It’s a bit much. I mean, really, he’s decked out like a bloody peacock.”
“You don’t see his beauty? I fear your exritus may have left you blind.” Kayne laughed, smacking Seamus on the shoulder, and nearly sending the boy rolling. “Come now; it’s time to see what those legs of yours can do. Start out with a slow trot until we reach the border there, and then we’ll take you out on full speed.”
“I’m not a horse, you know.” Seamus mumbled, face flushed. He readily complied though, and soon found that each stride seemed to clear his mind, and free a weight of worry and anxiety that had been pressing on him since he had woken changed in the strange land. Each stamp of his feet in the thick, dusty golden soil awoke something wild inside him, something that connected him to the air, the Earth, and every scent that assailed him.
“Wow… what is that?!” He half shouted, half laughed to the man sprinting beside him.
Kayne grinned back, not unaffected by the simple pleasure of running. “What do you think it is?”
“It’s… it’s bloody brilliant, is what it is! It’s like returning home!” Finding a laugh he had thought he had lost since his exritus, he hollered to the plains and increased his speed until he was nothing but a dot on the horizon.
*******
There weren’t many living at Fiery San Temple; Juro didn’t believe in servants when it was mostly just Musa, Beau, and he to care for. They had two house elves for domestic occupations, and that was it for breathing beings, beyond the snakes slithering underfoot. If one were astute enough, they would notice that gargoyles didn’t need food like other mortal protectors, and there were many a watchful stone guardian within the temple. Gargoyles weren’t capable of double-crossing their masters, one of the reasons Juro stuck with magical protections. He knew his enemies, and he knew Musa’s; gargoyles couldn’t be manipulated like other servants could. It did leave for quite meals, though. Thankfully the Anhk Ro were happy to fill the almost unnatural silence while the Master of the house was out.
This particular dining hall was unique, the only one in the temple practically outside. There was only one full wall, the other three merely pillars and arches supporting a ceiling with a large glass panel for viewing the stars. There were no chairs in the large dining room, and the dining table centered in the hall was low to the ground, hardly three feet off the floor. It was custom made by Juro, specifically for the child naga that had been unable to work a chair, a problem that still plagued Musa to the day. Varying fashionable cushions dotted the space, consistent in colors and comfort for the delicate backsides of guests that did not agree with the dark marble floor.
The house elves had taken the time to create a small feast for Seamus’ first meal out, careful to take into consideration the Anhk Ro’s strict diet. Musa didn’t mind the food himself, and since he felt it would be rude to eat something else in front of his guests, he took appropriate portions. He could always grab a piece of cake later, once the Anhk Ro had retired, after all. If he was miffed that the new arrival hadn’t bothered to try a bit of everything, he kept it to himself, even though he knew well that Hail and Tinny would be wringing their large ears in the kitchen about it.
Seamus found himself to be a little detached from the cheerful setting, not that he minded much. He was in a thoughtful mood since that afternoon, his mind caught on things he really wasn’t happy to be thinking about. The first time eating out of his room, he was relieved for the extra company and easy conversation, even though he was still unnerved by the strange place he had found himself in. Even in the airy room, he still caught the faint scent of death. Also remained was his tension with the young naga. Seamus felt particularly uncomfortable around Musa, who had chosen to sit directly next to him even though there were plenty of free seats to choose from at the long table. At first he had assumed Musa was only being polite, but as the moon rose in the sky, he had realized that the naga’s intent had been to poke fun at him, being close enough to read his emotions and attack accordingly. Seamus did his best to ignore it, which only seemed to send the git next to him into giggles.
He did his best to focus on the other Anhk Ro, especially watching Kayne to see how he acted, if only to imitate it later when faced in similar situations. He felt a bit like he was a child again, watching his mother to know if it was okay to talk while his father’s friends had come over for dinner. It left him feeling slightly depressed, honestly, another emotion he wasn’t that familiar with. He wished he were back in Gryffindor, yucking it up with Dean, and the rest of the gang. …Except, that would likely lead to Dean and the rest of his friends being his dinner.
Seamus sighed, picking at his food while he watched the people around him drain the wine. Amusedly enough, by the time Oran had started prattling about trolls, and his odd attraction to a strange bird he had run across in the Lut Desert, Seamus was rather sure the boy once sitting serenely beside him was soused out of him mind.
Musa gave another uncontrollable giggle and swished his silk sash around exuberantly, trying and failing spectacularly to imitate an attractive bird. Seamus figured if he was going for an insane, and perhaps a little tipsy bird, he might have passed, but he really wouldn’t put money on it. “Listen, not to be the voice of reason here, because the gods know I’m the stupid one in the group and all, but maybe you should take that bottle away from him.” Seamus suggested quietly to Regan while Musa gave another giggle.
Regan just shrugged at him with a distant smile at the antics going on around him. “Let the boy have his fun. He’s not hurting anyone.”
“If you say so.” Seamus muttered, pushing at the heavy coil of tail wrapped haphazardly around his waist with little success. “Oi! Get off me already.” He yelped, another coil falling in his lap in retaliation.
“Forgive me… I forgot you were afraid of naagaass…” Musa hissed, his dazed expression revealing mischief, and something hard and cold beneath that. He flickered his sash at Seamus’ nose, making no attempt to move.
“I’m not afraid.” Seamus growled, giving another push at the unmoving tail. “I can’t help that you’re annoying as all get out.”
Musa laughed harshly, turning to Oran. “He thinks he’s the only one who can sense lies. Would you care to demonstrate, Elder Oran? Is he afraid?”
Oran, smiling through the growing tension, glanced briefly at Seamus. “He’s confused, and cautious… I wouldn’t say afraid though. I think you should cut poor Seamus a break, Musa. This is all new to him. He’s lived a very different life until now.”
“It’s just ironic, isn’t it? He knows that he’s no different on the inside, even after… after his change… but he looks at me and calls me a monster.” Musa narrowed his eyes, his words a chilling mix of glee and venom. “Does he think hiding behind his excuse of losing control frees him from his own monstrous actions? I doubt any grown Anhk Ro feels that way.” He taunted, eyes tight on Seamus’ rising rage.
“But we are grown, Musa. Some lessons can only be learned through experience.” Kayne injected quietly, catching and holding Musa’s eye until the boy sighed and uncoiled from Seamus.
“… It’s not fair.”
“No, it’s not. But fair belongs with law, and what is happening to Seamus concerns nature. You know that as well as us. None that know better have ever held your darker nature over your head, as you would Seamus.”
“He did it first!” Suddenly slamming his hands on the table, Musa gave the shocked boy beside him a vicious glare, before whirling and nearly flying from the room.
Seamus just stared after, a hollow feeling growing in the pit of his stomach as he registered the pain in Musa’s eyes. Biting his lip, he finally got up to see if he could somehow fix the mistake he was slowing realizing he had made.
“If you value your limbs, you won’t follow after him.” Oran advised with a warning look, casually tossing his napkin onto the table.
“But…” Seamus sighed deeply and sat. “I didn’t… I didn’t mean to hurt him like that.” He whispered.
“He’ll get over it. The boy has dealt with far worse… but I think it’s time for a talk, little bird.”
Nodding glumly, Seamus prepared for the reprimand to come.
“Actually, Oran, I think this would be settled far easier with a demonstration.” Kayne injected, pushing himself to his feet. “I shall speak with Musa, and when I return, we will go out.”
“Isn’t it a bit early?” Regan asked, glancing at Seamus with a troubled frown.
“There are three of us; Seamus has nothing to fear. Although, I suggest you curb your tongue, newborn.” Kayne’s look was more teasing than warning, but Seamus nodded quickly nonetheless, wondering anxiously what was to come next.
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Awakening To the Dream