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Prelude:
Nobody at the start of a story stays in that one place. Stories are about a quest. Whether that means physically or mentally. Something happens.
In the case of this story, it started long ago with Steve and Bucky being taken from the sea. Bucky at birth was a full-blooded octopus. Steve on the other hand was a mermaid.
From here, the story varied depending on whom you talk to. Steve would say they were taken from their homes right out of their beds during a massive attack that destroyed the village.
But if you ask the other, they would say that they were awakened by the attack. And some idiot wanted to fight instead of running away. Which led to them getting caught.
What they both agreed on was that they came from a small beautiful village. Where they had been friends since they were little. That village no longer existed except for in the minds of the two survivors.
After being captured, the prisoners were experimented on. Injected with wizard blood to try and find a way to produce a serum that would make a guaranteed Animagus.
Something that HYDRA wanted more of in their armies. If HYDRA could tap into how to make them, it could help them win the war.
The process killed most of the creatures they had captured. And those that survived the blood transfer had to deal with the unending spell testing.
The idea was that once the creatures turned human HYDRA would be able to take their blood and give it to their grunts.
The good news was that it did work.
On two.
Sort of.
Subject 107, Steve was able to take human form. (And able to change back and forth with the spell. ) While subject 208, Bucky, on the other hand, not only grew to the size of a regular adult male but grew a whole human upper body.
Which proved to work in the two’s favor.
Like any octopus, Bucky was able to escape. It only cost him one of his human arms. When the pair would recall the tale, Bucky would say, “Only had that one for a short time so I wasn't really attached to it.”
With nowhere else to go, they went to Steve’s distant cousins that resided in the lake at Hogwarts. They, in turn, took Steve and Bucky to Dumbledore.
Under Dumbledore's protection, they were safe from those who wanted to study them.
It was during their time at Hogwarts that HYDRA attacked the school. Steve and Bucky in a fantastic move channeled the natural magic of the school and some of the power of the magical residents’ making something that would relate to a soul-powered bomb.
It destroyed HYDRA. And left the two in a coma within a frozen ball.
The school, being unable to move them, built a glass tomb around Steve and Bucky. The corridor around them was flooded to give the two peace from students.
Chapter 1: The Start
Tony had grown up hearing stories from his father about the two great creatures that saved Hogwarts. Howard Stark was a human that only wanted to deal with Tony after he found out how smart Tony was. Before that, Tony only had the Tribe since his mother died giving birth to him.
Howard's money and support came at a cost. Tony would have to hear about the two great creatures all the time. And how Howard hoped that Tony would be smart enough to recreate the serum HYDRA made to change Steve and Bucky. Everyone knew Howard wanted a normal male wizarding heir and not the half blood that Tony was. Howard wanted Tony to continue the Stark name even if he was illegitimate.
Having to live with the pressure of these two shadows over him had Tony often resenting Howard.
Tony's only real escape was his time at school. At least there he could roam the grounds freely. At Stark's mansion, Tony would only be allowed in his wing of the house.
That didn't mean that Howard couldn't contact him. There were daily Howlers that his father would send ranging from the topic of Tony's grades, to the play-by-play of Tony's daily activities that the Potions Master would send to Howard.
Ironically, Tony's only place of refuge was literally at the base of the two handsome heroes. Some would say never meet your heroes yet there was nowhere else Tony felt more comfortable.
A simple spell got Tony underwater. And with another spell he perfected, Tony was able to make a permanent air bubble. A safe haven away from the world, his father and all those who judged him differently for not being fully human.
There was no love lost when Howard was killed in the rise of Voldemort. It was sort of a relief that he wouldn't have to struggle to impress the man anymore.
Tony didn’t stay at the Stark home. He left that to his father’s only legitimate child, a daughter. But his sister Pepper was kind to him, making sure that no amount of laws would keep Tony away from his portions of the Stark's vaults.
Not that Tony had needed it. With the rise/fall/rerise of Voldemort, Tony's career opportunities went to below zero. But Tony wasn't the only one. Many half bloods and muggle borns were rejected from the world that Voldemort wanted to build. Except for the short stint where he was with Ten Rings. But Tony didn't count that since when he quit, he burnt that place to the ground.
So Tony was pretty sure if any of his old bosses were alive, they would not be giving him a glowing recommendation. The only good thing to occur besides Voldemort finally dying for good was that while Tony was wandering the woods, Steven and James awoke.
By the time Tony was brought back to the castle to take his post as the teacher of the Care of Magical Creatures, the pair had been taken to the Ministry to be reintegrated into the world. It wasn't until the start of Tony's third year teaching that he got a surprise. Sitting at the Head table was none other than Steven and James. The news of the two new teachers was suppressed to all accept the headmaster and the Minister of Magic.
Steven and James kept their distance from everyone but one another. At first it added to their mystery. The pair ate their meals together and often stayed apart from everyone unless it was required for them to be present. Tony had always daydreamed about the pair one day waking up. That they would talk and they would find out that they weren't all that different. This would lead to them wanting to be his friend.
Tony knew that he was desperate for friends. He hadn't had but a handful in school. Rhodey, someone who could look beyond Tony's outside. Then there was Pepper but family didn't count. And there was also Happy the young Squib that Howard had hired to look after both Pepper and Tony.
And while they all loved Tony, they weren't exactly available to look out for Tony right now. Each now having their own things to do.
It was just while Tony tried to attract Steven and James' attention by telling stories or performing cool spells at the head table, Tony found that he couldn't say much beyond greetings and goodbyes when he was alone with one or both of them. Tony was beginning to think that trying to make friends with them was a hopeless case.
...
It was an act of kindness that cracked the ice between Tony and his fellow teachers.
It had snowed hard the night before. It was to be expected, it being winter and all. Tony had been told that the new doorway between the castle and the Greenhouses was still in the works.
But Tony didn't expect to find James on the steps crawling back and forth glaring at the snow as if it had eaten the last of the plum pudding last night. Tony knew the snow didn't eat it because he had. Tony watched as James' robes swished back and forth, his tentacles peeking out from the bottom.
Tony, being nice, paused to see what was going on with his fellow teacher asking, "What seems to be the problem?" James gave Tony a brief glance before glaring back at the snow. “Apparently cold water is fine, but tentacles and ice don’t mix.” James held up one of his arms which, instead of the dark shiny black it normally was, now was pale gray and cracked. There was a slight tint of red from the blood that oozed out of it.
Tony aimed his wand to try and stem the bleeding. The pale pink light hit the skin and fizzled out. James gave him a sad smile. “That won’t work. Whatever they did to me repels magic down there.”
Tony could feel a part of himself itching to learn what else was different about the man in front of him. That would be the human side of Tony, always curious. But Tony's other half sided with James. There were certain things that worked on one part of Tony but not another.
Tony conjured up some strips of fabric. Reaching for the arm, Tony paused briefly to confirm it was ok. James nodded his head in a yes. In no time, the limb was wrapped tightly up.
“Thanks, ”James said, giving it a wiggle to test the limbs out. The happiness was gone shortly after as James looked back to the Great Lawn. With one problem fixed, the more pressing matters still stood before them. “Should have become the librarian, Barnes. It would have been a hell of a lot easier,” James grumbled.
Tony took a deep breath and said, “I could carry you if you like?” James looked shocked at the words. “I thought that was like a taboo or something?” Tony shuffled his feet. Face turning red. How was the Herbology teacher lecturing him on proper Etiquette?
“Look, do you want the ride or not?” Tony huffed out. James jutted his chin out, “I am not helpless.” And Tony gave him a smile, “Never said you were Calamari but we all need help from time to time.”
James frowned at the name but turned the thought over in his head. “Fine, but I will owe you one later. And if you ever call me that again, I will turn you into glue, Ass.”
Tony laughed. "I would make horrible glue, not the right type." They soon had an agreement in place and after they sorted out where all the limbs would go, they headed out.
They were quiet as Tony picked his way across the snow. Only exchanging words at the door to the Greenhouses. “Do you need a ride at lunch?” Tony asked.
James shook his head no. “Nah, I will get Steve to bring me something down or a house elf. I could use one at the end of the day though.”
“Ariel can’t carry you back up,” Tony said as he turned to go. “Oh, he can,” James said a matter of factly. “But riding you is much better,” James said with a wink before turning to go inside the Greenhouses with a shuffle of appendages.
If Tony didn’t know any better, he would have thought James was flirting. When Tony got to bed that night, he sent a letter to the Headmaster to get the house elves to finish the doorway to the Greenhouses.
The reply came the next morning that it would take up to a month to finish bending the ancient magic around the school. During that time Tony and James seemed to be on the path to becoming friends.
Tony started to look forward to the meeting at the Great Doors where James would be waiting with coffee. Over time they started talking.
…
The friendship continued well past the winter snow and into the spring. At that point, it was more of a side-by-side walk to their respective teaching buildings.
One day while walking Bucky (because they were friends now) said, “You know if you like, you could join me and Steve for runs.”
As often, when Steve was brought up, Tony liked to ignore the other man. It wasn’t that Tony was jealous of the two, it was just Tony was jealous of Steve.
The man was lucky to spend all his time with Bucky. Tony only got the Octo for these twice a day walks. Tony wanted to spend more time with Bucky. And honestly he didn't want to share it with Steve. It didn't help that Steve and Bucky were together. Everyone knew that. Been that way for years. Tony knew that no matter how much flirting Bucky did, that really they were not interested in complicating their relationship any further.
No matter how cute or smart the Charms teacher seemed to be. It wasn't like Steve wanted to spend time with Tony. But to be fair the merman's schedule didn't quite match up with Charms being in the castle while Tony and Bucky taught outside.
“Runs?” Tony asked incredulously.
“Yeah, we used to do it all the time. It is good for you, you know. We just started back up again since the weather has warmed up.” Bucky sounded proud of this fact.
“Yes, I am aware it is good for you but you can run?” Bucky stopped and stared at him trying to determine if Tony was serious or not.
Bucky blinked then blinked his second set of eyelids. Then a devil of a grin crossed his face. There was a reason the students and the faculty all liked Bucky. All whispered about him.
Tony had to confiscate plenty of porn from the older students, both hand-drawn and professional, that depicted Bucky and his many arms. Tony also knew for a fact that Loki was selling potions that could give you a dream of being dragged underwater to be kept as a Kraken's bride. Tony would deny that he had ever taken the potion.
Even if he had done so.
On multiple occasions.
“Well,” Bucky started off. “You really should know that speed is my kind of thing. You're teaching about Crups this week right?”
Of course, his students would talk. “Yes, Crups are one of the favorite creatures.”
Bucky nodded. “Bring all the little buggers to the pitch. Tonight you will learn something new.”
Tony didn't question Bucky. He just showed up with seven Crups all pulling at their leashes. The pitch was lit up in the fading sun and at its center was Bucky; he had all his arms stretched out in different directions like a starfish while his human half laid flat out.
He looked so peaceful dressed in a red shirt and gray jacket. His black tentacles were all out on display. Tony knew the weight that lifted when you didn't have to hide.
Tony felt a little more of himself falling further in love with the man before him.
The peace was shattered by the Crups yapping. Bucky sat up, waving three of his arms at Tony. The bright smile on Bucky's face warned Tony's heart. That was at least until Bucky poked something to his left. Another figure got up slowly.
Great, Steve was here too. Tony wasn't sure how he thought that Steve wouldn't be here. Tony tried not to show his disappointment as he gave a wave of his own as he headed over. It wasn’t that Tony didn't like Steve, it just was that he didn't know him as well as Bucky. Even if Bucky did talk about Steve all the time.
From what Bucky had said about Steve, the man was fearless and stubborn. A lot like Tony himself, only Steve always seemed to try to do the right thing while Tony's motivation mostly revolved around self.
Tony wasn't sure if he was trying to break them up with all the flirting. Or if he was just doing it because he knew nothing would come of it. Tony was often on edge after saying an inappropriate comment that Bucky would tell Steve and the merman would show up to fight. But Steve never did.
Come to think about it on the days after a particularly hard flirt. Steve would give Tony a knowing look, sometimes a wink at the staff table. Which confused Tony as to what Steve wanted from all this. And a slight glimmer of hope that maybe the man was interested in Tony too. Tony pushed down the teenage daydreams he once had of the three of them together as he stepped closer to the pair.
Steve whispered to Bucky, making him laugh as he took off his jacket. Bucky handed it over with a brief kiss to Steve. After which, Steve walked into the stands giving Tony a friendly wave.
Bucky creeped over, petting the Crups that got close. “So I figured you let them loose and then I would catch them, ok?” Bucky said, stepping back a little.
Tony nodded, kneeling as he unlatched the little terrors. The Crups, once they were free, were more than happy to run around crazily.
Bucky rolled up his sleeves before stretching all his limbs. Tony tried not to stare at the empty sleeve.
“Take notes, Professor,” Bucky said cockily before taking off.
He was fast. Tony wasn’t sure what to call the movement but Bucky moved with ease.
Darting here and there.
A limb shot out to grab the first Crup. It yipped as Bucky rolled it up close to his body. The creature looked comfortable. Its tail wagged even if its paws were sticking up in the air. Tony could make out the tip of the tentacle petting its head.
The position of the Crup allowed for Bucky to still use that tentacle to run. After the second Crup was caught, the rest realized the game was on. They rushed excitedly in a chaotic manner. But Bucky was on to them.
Dipping, spinning and even jumping.
It was amazing. Made Tony wish that he could see an octopus in the wild. Tony soon found himself cheering Bucky on, vaguely aware that Steve was cheering too.
Soon only one was left, the rest barked happily in the writhing mass of tentacles. The Crup seemed to know it was the last and it wasn't going down without a fight. Bucky snapped his last free limb out but the Crup dodged.
The little critter was onto Bucky. Again, Bucky reached and the creature jumped through the arm.
It turned again, running full speed. Tony’s excitement drained out of him. The damn creature was heading straight for him. And neither he nor Bucky showed any signs of stopping.
Bucky seemed too intent on catching the Crup to notice. Tony stomped a foot trying to intimidate the creature. It veered right for all of two bounds before darting back on the collision course with a snap of a tentacle.
Tony stomped both feet next. But the Crup held its course. Tony was about to turn tail and run when Bucky called to him breathlessly. “Tony, don’t move!!”
What happened next was breathtaking.
Tony stayed.
The Crup jumped.
And Bucky bent forward, using his human hand to do a cartwheel. A tentacle grabbed the Crup.
In a beautiful move of flexibility and skill, Bucky spun over Tony's head. His tentacles flared out pulsing in color. The Crups all wagged their tails, tongues hanging out as they flew overhead in a living breathing tilt-a-whirl. Bucky at the center of this madness winked at Tony.
Tony had only ever seen the contraption in pictures. He briefly thought that Hogwarts needed to have a carnival as a treat for the students. The Great Lawn would be perfect. It would be something nice for everyone to look forward to.
At that moment Tony was struck by a sudden revelation that he was undeniably in love with the man.
Bucky landed, tucking in all of his limbs and rolling to a stop.
Once he slowed, Bucky spun around slowly in a circle unrolling himself and all the Crups. He spaced them out, bobbing them in the air. The Crups for their part while in their holds looked like a real live merry-go-round.
Tony clapped. Running up to help hook the Crups back up to their leashes. “That was amazing.” Tony said, wrangling the small wiggling bodies.
Bucky for his part handed Tony each of the creatures one at a time. He was smiling brightly. The Crups were going to sleep well tonight.
“I am sure you got some fancy moves yourself. You should show me sometime.” Bucky held Tony's eyes.
It’s a perfect moment.
Tony opened his mouth to say something only stopping short at the sounds of gravel crunching behind them. “I wouldn’t mind seeing that too,” Steve voiced.
Steve was giving Tony a look that was both thrilling and mystifying. A look that Tony didn't know how long had been there.
And he was not sure if he wanted to know. “I am sure you do fish sticks." Tony replied back cockily. Steve frowned as he walked over to Bucky holding out his hands for the last of the Crups. It wagged its tail tiredly. The whole lot would probably be asleep by the time they made it back to Hagrid’s.
“Fish sticks?” Steve questioned as he leaned in for a kiss. Tony pretended to check the leashes. He couldn’t help but not note how well the two looked together.
“Ignore him, Stevie, he is just mad cause the newspaper wrote an article saying they thought his hide was an old fake leather suit and not poorly maintained skin.” Bucky looked very pleased as he spoke.
Tony arched an eyebrow at Bucky. “And here I thought you couldn’t read Yanagi Tako.” Tony smirked as he turned to go scooping up the exhausted animals.
Bucky opened his mouth to say something in reply but Steve beat him to it. “I think his skin looks nice. Especially that ass.” Tony focused hard on not falling on his face as Bucky’s laugh followed after him.
…
After that Steve started to appear more often. At the beginning Steve was just around to keep Bucky company while waiting for Tony. The man would leave shortly after Tony showed up with goodbyes to both. From there though Steve started to stay longer. Sometimes even walking them to the Greenhouses.
With the weather warming up Steve started to move his classes outdoors. The good thing about Charms was that it could be taught anywhere. And with the size of the great lawn there was plenty of room for all three of them to conduct their classes and not have to scream over each other while they taught.
It wasn't unusual for Steve and Bucky to go to the lake after classes were done for the day. It was Steve who invited Tony to join them, going as far as getting the evening meal brought out to them so that they could stay out and enjoy the air. Tony would agree but only a couple of nights a week.
That turned to more when Steve started promising Tony's favorite dessert blueberry cobbler to be in the basket of food that would be brought out to them. The more Tony got to talk with Steve the more he didn’t mind the man so much. It turned out Steve was funny. And had a brain under that patch of shaggy blonde hair.
Tony often looked forward to the debates the three of them would have. Especially when he and Steve would talk about new spells. They even created a new spell that could create a sort of bubble with a different pH in water. This would make say using a spot in the lake the right conditions to grow seaweed or something like that but not disrupt the rest of the lake. Something both Bucky and Loki were super excited about.
As the weather warmed up and the school term drew to a close, the three of them could be found everyday sitting by/in the lake grading papers. Occasionally Thor would come dragging Loki with him. But for the most part it was just the three of them.
Tony couldn’t help between the flirting and good times they had together that maybe the two were interested in him too.
…
In no time, it was the end of the term. Tony had tried his hardest to get his students ready for their O.W.L.S.
He just sent his last set of students back up to the castle. They would be on their own from here. In the following days to come, it would be up to them to study before testing started.
Tony sighed, gathering the last of his things before pulling the messenger bag over his shoulder. Giving a wave to Hagrid, Tony headed up to the castle. He swung by the lake trying to catch a glimpse of Steve.
While Bucky was busy preparing plants for the exam, Steve had decided to hold a last-minute overview class.
There seemed to be a good turn-out from what Tony could see. The students were currently paired into threes dueling as Steve walked among them. Checking forms and calling out spells to perform.
Steve’s own wand threw out a few spells too. The students moved from simple spells to more complex ones. They were on stunners and body lockers cursed when a Hippogriff came tearing out of the back pen. It shrieked as it escaped, taking everyone’s attention.
Tony didn’t get a chance to look at the creature as he saw in slow motion the students turned to look, not paying attention to where their wands were pointed.
A few of which were in the middle of casting a spell.
And they were aimed right at Steve!!
Tony watched as the spells hit, only recognizing a few. Steve was knocked off his feet and blasted right into the water. “Shit” was all Tony could get out as he ran as fast as he could. He could worry about the Hippogriff later. Perhaps Hagrid would get it but right now Tony needed to get to Steve.
Taking a running leap Tony flopped right in sending waves of water into the air. Sinking as fast as he could into the murky depths, Tony wondered -- and not for the first time -- why the stupid deep lake didn't have wards around it. He was not built to see in these conditions. For a second Tony wished he was a moose, this would have been a lot easier.
Tony was about to pull his wand out when something grabbed one of his legs, pulling him downward. When he realized it was a hand, a mer-webbed one, Tony resisted the primal urge to kick. Tony let the hand pull him down until he could make out Steve laying on the rock bed.
Before Tony could check him over, Steve’s hand moved from Tony's leg to grab his hand. Steve yanked Tony down. There was an urgency to the pulls.
Steve tugged, pulling Tony down before his lips met Steve’s own. Tony gasped into the kiss. Tony only pulled away when his lungs burned. It hit him then Steve couldn't breathe. Tony motioned upwards only getting a nod from Steve.
Tony pushed off the lake bottom, counting his blessings that this was only the shallows. A mere twenty feet or so. Tony broke the surface fumbling with his wand. “You,” he gasped, pointing at the closest student. “Get Professor Barnes.” He pointed to another. “You get Professor Loki and tell him I need Gillyweed.”
Both children sprinted off. Tony went ahead and performed a lung expanding spell. Breathing as much air as he could before casting Lumos. With one more big breath, Tony dove down hoping that he didn’t drift too far.
He found Steve a few feet to his right. Tony let himself be guided back down for a kiss. This time he pushed air into Steve's mouth. When Steve seemed to be stable, Tony started to look him over. It was a slow process between feeding Steve air and assessing the situation. By Tony's third trip to the top for air, he knew what was wrong. Steve had been hit in the neck with a stunner. Maybe twice. His gills weren’t working.
Tony’s other plan was to try and turn Steve back into a mermaid with the transformation spell. He knew the spell by now after those lazy days near the water’s edge. But this time it would do him no good. Steve had been hit with a Jelly Legs curse on top of a Ribbon Threader curse. So not only were Steve’s legs useless, they were now paper-thin, wrapped and knotted around rocks.
Sinking back into the darkness, back to Steve, Tony knew he couldn’t do this all on his own.
No, he first needed the Gillyweed. He tried not to think of how the plant would affect his body. But at least he would be able to stay underwater. Then with the help of others, they could free Steve with any luck.
Hopefully, before the ribbon curse wore off. With that particular curse, it was hard to tell if Steve's legs would simply slip out or if they would grow to inflate around what was there.
Tony shuddered as he descended. Steve was already reaching for him, Tony could see the relief in his face. Steve must have thought Tony was going to leave him down here. Tony tried to swim a little faster to Steve. Smoothing the frown lines away with a gentle hand before breathing the air over, Tony waited for Steve to tug at his arm to let him know he had enough for now.
When they parted this time, Tony gave a small little wave. Steve rolled his eyes before showing Tony where he had been clearing away some rocks.
They were making progress. Tony couldn’t really judge how much because he had no clue how long they had been down here. They were close to freeing the left leg when Tony just returned from the surface before he saw something inky and black. His first thought was that they attracted the attention of the Grindylows. But the way it moved had Tony second-guessing that.
Either way, he didn’t have time for this so he drew his wand. Tony only knew a few wordless spells. One of which was a stunner.
It would be enough to shock and scare whatever it was away. The red striked through the water. The black swirled before the spell hit. It did not leave.
Instead, it seemed to dart towards him. Tony tried again and this time it dodged before part of the blackness shot forward wrapping around Tony's leg.
Before Tony could kick it off it glowed a neon purple and a voice sounded in his head. ‘Stop shooting at me, you stupid donkey.’
It was Bucky.
Tony lowered his wand as Bucky moved forward. He grinned at Tony. ‘Hey there Doll, where is the idiot?’ the voice called again from within the blackness.
Finally he had some help, Tony thought. He opened his mouth to say what took you so long but all that came out was air. A tentacle slapped over his mouth. ‘Think it, don't say it.’
Tony nodded. ‘This way.’ He said as he led Bucky down to Steve. He noted that the arm stayed wrapped around his leg. It felt like he was dragging a balloon.
At first when they appeared, Steve couldn’t see it was Bucky behind Tony. Steve tried to wave frantically to let Tony know there was something behind him.
And nothing Tony seemed to do to calm Steve. It was only when Bucky sent a pulsing tentacle at Steve did he sag in relief.
Steve tentatively reached out, sliding his hand up the tentacle in what had to be a caress. Then Steve gently guided it to his throat. ‘There you are, Buck. Come give me a kiss.’ Steve's voice echoed between the three of them.
Bucky gave Steve a crooked grin before descending. They stayed together for a long time. But Tony could hear the sadness in Bucky as he asked questions of what all was wrong. There was reassurance and love coming from Steve at every reply back. Tony wasn’t sure if he was happy or upset about that. He felt like an outsider once more.
Steve cocked an eyebrow at Tony then turned towards Bucky. ‘Didn’t tell me someone else was on the line too, babe,’ Steve said. Tony flushed trying to think if all of his thoughts were being shared.
Bucky waved it off with his human hand. ‘Later. We gotta get you out.' A tentacle rose up to Tony. 'The best from Loki.' Tony held out his hand as the dark green plant was dropped into it. Tony threw it into his mouth and swallowed it without a thought. If he thought about the pain, then it would only make him hesitate.
When the change was complete, he noticed that Bucky was working to get Steve’s right leg out. Tony turned to Steve, who was staring at Tony with wide eyes. ‘If I hear one water joke, I am done and gone. I will use the time to explore the lake and leave you on your own.’
Steve stared, blinked once before saying, ‘Ok, Pouch Papa.’ Then with a grin. ‘Can I have some air please?’ Tony watched Steve carefully as he swam down to him. Tony noted that not only could he hear, but he could see better too.
Tony found as he gave Steve air that it was definitely easier. Different too. Steve tried to draw it out. And there was definitely tongue involved. Bucky broke them apart with, 'Quit flirting, you two over there making out. Got me doing all the hard stuff.' Tony could feel Steve frowning against his lips. Steve pulled away, letting Tony go.
'Really, Bucky, you are one to talk.' Tony got back to work trying to free the left leg. 'What are you implying, Rogers?' Bucky replied, arching his eyebrow.
Tony looked up to see a smirk on Steve’s face. 'Well, I may be kissing him but you could have had any of your tentacles wrapped around Stark. But you choose that one.' Bucky pulsed a violet red color. Tony did take a second to look at the tentacle. It was smaller than the rest and unlike the others, the suckers were tiny and Tony noted there were none at the tip. The whole thing was smaller than the others and if he stared hard enough Tony could see the end was rounder.
'Rogers, if you know what is good for you, you will keep that trap of yours shut. ' Steve didn’t say another word. It did intrigue Tony about this small mystery but with the task at hand, there was no time to focus on it.
Soon the first leg was free, allowing Steve to help with the other. Tony and Bucky still took turns feeding Steve air until he was freed.
Tony could feel the relief pass through them all once Steve was free. He and Bucky both helped Steve to the surface where a few of the teachers and the nurse were waiting.
They whisked Steve off as soon as he was close enough to grab. Bucky looked helplessly between Tony and Steve before Tony told Bucky to go on.
It was not like Tony could go. His bottom half was still a fish for Christ’s sake. Tony decided that since he wasn’t going anywhere, he would chill by the lake.
One of the teachers had brought his things for him. Tony wanted to summon one of his notes on sea creatures. The one that had a lot of information on the Hippocampus. Try and see if he had any notes on Ichthyocentaurs.
It felt like a good time to review it but instead, he found himself reaching for his bag and pulling the book on octopuses out.
The conversation between Bucky and Steve played in his head. He had the book shipped to him on a whim. Friday, his new owl, had brought it to him one day during breakfast but he had yet to look at it.
Now he found he wanted to know more. Bucky was after all a creature, and Tony was the creature teacher. It was neglected not to know about a creature right here on campus. Even if Tony never thought of Bucky as a creature.
Tony got his answer right there on the first pages of the book where it went over the appearances of octopuses.
He read it once. Read it again. To make sure he read it right. But he really didn’t need to with a diagram right there making it pretty clear. “Well, fuck me,” he said to himself.
…
Steve was held in the hospital wing for three days.
Tony had come when he could but every time he showed up Steve was either sleeping or someone from the Ministry had come to make sure the hero was ok. Tony was assured by the Nurse Christine that Steve knew he had come by and that he was getting Tony's get well gifts.
It wasn't easy ordering flowers for someone from the sea but if you had the money and Tony did, then a person could get just about anything, including a Lotus that could grow and bloom underwater.
Tony's freetime was cut short after the accident because Nurse Christine was unsure of how to provide medical care for Tony. So she did what Tony knew deep down was in his best interest and sent a Patronus to the clan. This resulted in the leader Magorian himself and the medical apprentice Tadashi, Jarvis' son, to the lakes edge before the Gillyweed even started to wear off.
This resulted in a lecture on eating things you shouldn't (even if Tadashi said Tony was fine and that if Tony wanted to he could eat Gillyweed again just to not over do it.) and knowing one's limits. As always no matter how old Tony got, Magorian always seemed to make Tony feel like a colt.
Tony couldn't really blame Magorian, while most centaurs were part horse, Tony was part of a very rare and thought by the clan to be a fragile breed which were part donkey. An Onocentaur. But unlike the ancient depiction Tony very much had four donkey's legs. He had yet to see any of his kind that had two legs to confirm if that was possible.
With the sudden arrival of the head of the Centaurs along with Ministry officials Tony found himself dragged into Talks. Being of both worlds Tony was brought into act as a mediator between the two parties and to also make sure his fellow clansmen needs were met.
Tony was all too happy when they all departed. A little happier that a few colts would be coming the following year for schooling. One of which would be Tadashi's little brother Hiro. There wasn't much time to enjoy the freedom since Tony had to jump right into testing. Then before Tony knew it, the teachers were loading the students onto the train.
Tony didn’t see Steve or Bucky at the station. And with the children gone, Tony was free to do as he pleased. So he decided to take a long walk. Letting his mind drift and his legs go.
It led him to the lake where he found himself at their tree. Here he sat staring out at the water. The sun was glowing brightly. Tony watched the sun sink until something tickled his ankle.
A tentacle (not the little one) waved at him from the water. Tony followed the limb to the water where two sets of eyes were watching him. When Steve saw Tony was looking at him, he flicked his tail behind him in greeting.
Tony gave a small wave before reaching down and placing the tentacle on his leg. They both raised their chests out of the water.
'Hey. See you two skipped out on departure duty today. ’ Steve smiled while Bucky shrugged. ‘Didn’t see the point. Not with all of those other teachers being there.’ Bucky said
'Besides the weather was nice and the water was calling to us. We can’t stay away for long. It's like you and wanting to be in the woods. It's in our nature.’ Steve pointed out.
Tony blushed. He didn’t think anyone noticed when he slipped into the woods. ‘Sure, use that excuse. Make the rest of us work harder.’ Tony huffed. The arm tightened around his leg. ‘Don’t be like that Tony, we would have loved for you to have come with us.’ Bucky rushed out.
'Still do,’ Chimed Steve. Then with a hopeful look on his face Steve added. 'I got your flowers. And that Sea Bass was good. How did you know it was my favorite?'
Tony felt his cheeks flush. He tried not to let thoughts of how carefully he had watched what Steve and Bucky ate over the past year enter the bond. How Tony heard every time one of them would say "this was really good" or "is my favorite". It didn't seem to work as both Steve and Bucky grinned simultaneously.
Ignoring the slip of thoughts Tony pushed forward. He still had a point to get across. ‘Not sure how that is supposed to work. I don’t really have the equipment for underwater swimming. By the way, Bucky, you switched tentacles on me huh? Am I not good enough for your dick?’
Bucky froze his whole body, turning red all the way to the tip of his tentacles. Steve laughed. ‘He looked you up, Buck.’
Tony gave Bucky a wink. But just as fast, Bucky recovered swimming to the edge of the water. ‘Well Tony if you have questions about anything to do with me or my body' the tentacle traced over Tony's leg. ‘all you gotta do is ask. I will gladly tell you.’ In an octave lower Bucky said, ‘Or show you.’
Steve smiled, ‘You are a creature’s teacher and here is a chance for one on one creature time. Well, two on one. Besides, I owe you some air.’ Steve flared out his gills.
Tony hesitated and Bucky must have sensed it. Another tentacle rose out of the water. This one (small one) was holding something plant-like. ‘Or you can have some of this.' He wiggled the limb. 'And swim with us. I can show you the Gillyweed patch I am growing for me and Steve’s new boyfriend.’
Tony balked at the words. 'Well, if you want to be our boyfriend,’ Steve added nervously.
Tony looked at them carefully. Thinking it was over, the confidence started to leave them. Steve started to sink further into the water. They both looked hurt.
The tentacles started to sink back in the water. ‘We understand,’ Bucky said dejectedly. Tony threw himself over on unsteady legs. He took the plant out of Bucky's grip. They both gave him a wary look.
Tony took the tentacle, giving it a kiss before wrapping it around his wrist. ‘You'll have to forgive me, fellas. I never really had anyone interested like this before. But I am interested.’ He turned from Bucky and stared at Steve, ‘In both of you.’
Steve smiled brightly. Bucky had that crooked grin back on his face. ‘Well, what are you waiting for? You already have an invitation.’ Bucky fussed.
Tony held back for just a second ‘What are you interested in doing with me?’ Tony asked.
‘Everything,’ Steve said with a wink.
'I just have a question.' Tony was hesitant to ask. Bucky waved a finger for him to continue. ‘If we are intimate…’
‘When we have sex cause we are,’ Bucky corrected him.
‘Ok, yeah that. So does that mean you are going to die afterwards?’ Tony continued.
It was silent before Steve started laughing. ‘He really did look you up, hun.’
Bucky frowned. ‘I will have you know I am not one of those octopus. I am of a breed that can be active in love making. And I will have you know I know a few tricks that can satisfy your big ass.’
Steve swam closer. ‘He really does. And so do I. So what do you say cause I won’t mind riding you one day if you know what I mean.'
Tony rolled his eyes as he swallowed down the plant. Two hands helped to guide him into the water as the change took place.
Then all three slipped under with only a slight ripple.