War-Bloodied Claws

Chapter 7: Decisions and the Announcement

Hadrian was very protective of Indulal and his twins in the few days directly after their birth. He had hardly allowed anyone beyond himself, Tom and the other courtesans near the babies and the recovering vampire courtesan...never-mind inside Indulal's chambers.

Only the house-elves were the exception; and even they had to tread lightly due to Hadrian's easily ignited instincts despite that the King was normally never cruel or abusive to the house-elves at all.

Hadrian and Indulal both took turns letting them feed from them; to give them both an equal amount of magic from both Hadrian's blood and Indulal's own blood. Tom eyeing the sight almost enviously at times. So, Hadrian had consulted some books from his study, researched for some time and sent for Nyxta to ask some questions. Ensured his theory was sound and that it was safe, but then asked Tom if...he wanted to let them feed from him too; as he was one of their parents...just not, directly.

It was the first time Hadrian had seen Indulal be so wary of what he was doing; intent on protecting the twins, but eventually he smiled and relented after Hadrian explained that it was safe for them to do so. Tom smiling as he was allowed to experience this new sensation with the twins. And, Hadrian also noted as had Indulal; that both of the girls seemed happier to also be able to drink from Tom for some of his magic power from his blood too.

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Hadrian's eyes showed his wariness and concern to what his mate was asking to do; it was hugely risky. Especially to him and the twins, and Hadrian was not comfortable with this at all; Indulal was quiet to them as he rocked the girls; who were staring at their Dad with wide and frightened eyes due to the immense radiation of magic Hadrian was giving off.

Trying to keep them from crying out; as he knew this would have come up sooner or later. It was only a matter of time.

"It needs done Hadrian; you know this..." Tom told him softly

Hadrian grit his teeth as his hand curled, "I know it does, Tom. Believe me; I am all too aware." His voice was hoarse and harsh, "But it's...too dangerous right now to consider it. Albus is not aware of your rebirth yet. He has no idea that you really are my mate and he has no idea of the twins' existence. By doing what you want; you're willing to risk your own exposure to him.

To endanger the girls to him and make Albus plan schemes to try and use them as he used us; are you okay with that?" Hadrian hissed as silver flashed momentarily

Hadrian suddenly easing his magic a bit as both the twins gave small whimpers of being scared; their eyes watery as they shook some unconsciously in their blankets with Indulal cradling them softly and warmly.

Tom's gaze hardened, "Of course not; I will never allow that senile old man to lay a hand to those babies, Hadrian. Nor would I ever allow it to any of the children born to us from the court. I won't let him hurt the court or you either! But, I know that you feel the call of magic as I do...we cannot ignore it for long; Hogwarts wants to bless the new heirs."

Tom's eyes softened, "Our time as the heirs is up. You are the Lord of Hogwarts Castle; not an Heir. You have a duty and a responsibility to ensure that Hogwarts's steward is there for the ancient magic of the castle when needed most.

And I have became the Lord's Mate Consort; to assist you in powering the wards and magic of the castle. Our roles are now no longer as simply an heir to the ancient castle that is built from our blood. It is no longer to simply give some magic to it to help sustain it." He spoke soft and quiet

Hadrian's eyes hollowed, "I know." He whispered as his eyes closed tightly, "But...I just; I can't allow it right now. You know that to bless them; that it has to be before the staff and the otherworldly denizens of the castle...Meaning, the Headmaster must be there."