7Title: The Little Assassin
Author: Kelral Orlyana
Disclaimer: I do not own Assassin's Creed or Harry Potter. I make no profit writing this story and posting it upon this site. All unknown characters and places belong to me and any relation to real-life places or people is purely coincidental.
"Italics in speech marks represents the Arabian language."
::Italics in colons will represent parseltongue.::
I will also use some Arabian language in later chapters, so I apologise beforehand if there is a mistake.
Prologue: The Child
Dark chocolate orbs flickered beneath golden eyelids as their owner slowly woke. Golden lips slowly changed into a frown and the figure groaned as he rolled over in the mass of brightly coloured pillows. The figure shifted again revealing what little remained of his left arm. His right hand rose up and rubbed his ebony coloured hair as he finally forced his eyes open with a groan. Slowly he pushed himself to his feet and sighed as he wondered what had kept him from his sleep. He stumbled the first few steps as his eyes and mind failed to comprehend the location of the floor and where to put his feet. His lips spread wide into a yawn and he covered his mouth as he strolled into the bureau.
The building was quiet, the roof was sealed and the rooms empty apart from the built in desk and the pillows and furniture littering the cold concrete rooms. He ignored everything and stumbled over his feet as he approached the desk. A glance out at the adjoining room revealed it was still night time, the sun had yet to rise and heat up the stone. The novice assassins were holed up elsewhere meaning there was nothing here to wake him, no civilians, no sun, no soldiers and no assassins. Sighing he turned with the intent to return to bed, but a sound made him pause. Slowly he turned and entered the room that led up and out of the bureau. It took a great deal of effort to search as his mind was foggy and sleep-deprived but he soon found the source of the noise and the reason he had had no sleep.
Watery green eyes were staring up at him as small, dry pink lips opened and closed as the little being let out small, weak cries. Chubby little arms with small fingers reached for him as the baby whimpered. Fat little legs kicked beneath a little blanket and Malik caught the smell of soiled pants. Lying over the child's small tummy was an envelope and it did not take long for his sleep-addled mind to realise this child was abandoned, but how had the mother got the child inside the bureau? The gate was locked up tight. Gently he retrieved the letter and narrowed his eyes when he realised the letter was in English. He wasn't entirely fluent in English but from what he could decipher it was addressed to someone named Petunia Dursley and demanded that she take care of the child and treat him like she would her own. Malik sniffed in disgust, no one should just dump a baby and demand they take care of it!
The boy whimpered again and Malik sighed. "So you're little Harry Potter?" He asked gently as he lifted the increasingly distressed boy. "Let us get you cleaned and fed, little man and then I can worry about what to do with you." Malik walked to his private chambers and absentmindedly began to work. Fortunately he had raised Kadar and he knew how to change a nappy and how to feed a baby. His mind was elsewhere as he cleaned Harry, he was trying to work out who Albus Dumbledore was and why the man had the right to dump a child on someone's doorstep and demand they take care of the boy.
The boy cooed as he was finally cleaned and Malik smiled as he searched for something to feed the child. He had very little to feed the child, just some bread and some fruit, but the child was one and so if he softened the bread the child would be able to eat a little until he could go buy some proper food.
Harry yawned in his arms and he shook his head with a whine as Malik offered him some more food. Malik chuckled fondly and put the food down. "Will you let me have some sleep now little man?" Malik asked softly, his only answer was a cute little yawn that showed a few small teeth before the boy fell asleep. With an amused sigh Malik carried the child to his bed and lowered himself onto the sheets, he placed the boy on his chest and wrapped his only arm around the small boy. "Sleep tight, little one." The boy cooed in his sleep and snuggled his head into Malik's bare chest. Malik chuckled and relaxed before closing his eyes and drifting to sleep.
A small distressed sound woke up Malik and his eyes quickly sought out the little boy. Green eyes that were foggy from sleep and confusion glanced up at him as small chubby fingers curled up in his robes. Malik smiled softly at the little boy and gently sat up with the child held securely in his one arm. "You've made yourself sick from all the crying yesterday, haven't you?" Malik asked quietly as the little child rubbed his eyes and whined in discomfort. "I wonder what happened to you. You look healthy enough though so I must assume your tears were caused by hunger, exhaustion and discomfort." Harry made a small sound as he shifted and carefully rose to his feet. "Well Harry you've put me into an awkward situation. You need clothes and supplies but I can't leave you alone nor can I take you out with only one arm, it would leave us both defenceless and it would mean I could not carry the stuff I'd buy. I think I'm going to have to send a few novices out on a personal errand. Until then you must wait patiently."
Harry stared up at him and opened and closed his mouth as if trying to make sense of the words Malik was speaking. "Num, num?" The little boy asked after a few moments. Malik raised an eyebrow as his mind tried to work out what the boy was trying to say. The boy babbled a little bit more, using words like 'ga', 'boo' and 'da', but Malik was struggling to come up with any translation for the baby-talk. It didn't help that Harry was speaking in English either, Malik knew enough to get by but he wasn't fluent. Kadar had been easier to raise as he was already talking when their mother died, but Kadar had always spoken in their native tongue and father had had a hand in raising them both. Harry was going to be far more difficult than Kadar.
"Well I've got to learn more English by the looks of it." He told Harry a few moments later when Harry had quietened and was staring up at him with confusion. He placed Harry down into a cosy little area where he would be safe so he could change. Harry wiggled and squirmed so he could see Malik and watched with wide green eyes as Malik changed. It felt awkward at first, Malik did not like exposing what remained of his left arm but after a few moments he realised Harry would not judge and so he relaxed.
"Boo-boo?" Harry asked. Those bright green eyes were locked on Malik's left arm and Harry's face scrunched up with sympathy.
Malik smiled and slipped on his robe before approaching the boy who was still focused on his now covered arm. He gently lifted the boy's face so those green eyes would meet his own dark ones. "An old friend made some grave mistakes and cost me the life of my brother as well as my arm. I have forgiven him but I must still live with the consequences of his actions." Malik said softly. Of course Harry did not understand this so Malik merely gave him a gentle kiss on the head before carefully lifting him up and settling the boy on his hip. "I need you to behave little one. I have many who visit the bureau and not everyone will appreciate a child here."
The boy clearly did not understand at all but Malik did not mind, in fact he found the whole situation rather amusing and happily observed the boys excitement as he scanned his new environment. The boy cooed at everything as he carried Harry into the bureau, the boy even giggled at the maps littering the table surface and made a weak grab for one of the feathery quills. "No." Malik stated firmly in English.
"No-no?" The boy asked quietly.
"No." Malik confirmed. He paused for a moment unsure what to do before sighing and settling the boy on a small carpet behind the desk. He made a small sign telling the boy to stay before rushing into the entrance room and looting a few pillows from the pile. Surprisingly Harry had not moved from his place and was waiting as patiently as he could for Malik to return. The boy cooed as he bent down and carefully placed pillows around the boy to support him. With the boy safe and sound Malik relaxed and with a playful smile he raised a finger to his lips and shushed the boy. The boy stared before giggling and clapping his small hands.
"Malik." A voice called. Harry giggled at the noise. Malik sighed and stood. He knew Harry would be fine for the moment but he would have preferred to have his other arm so he could hold the boy whilst opening the gate. He strolled into the entrance room and retrieved the long rod needed to reach up and unlock the gate. The assassin above waited patiently as Malik opened the gate and allowed the man in, once the man was on the ground he resealed the gate before heading back into the bureau. "I suggest you wash and take the time to rest. Do not disturb me, novice!" Malik warned the assassin.
"What's up with you?" The man asked as amber eyes stared at him from beneath a white hooked hood. "You seem very tired."
"I am tired. I had a surprise a few hours ago and I'm not quite sure what to do with myself or him." Malek admitted watching the assassin lower his hood to reveal a handsome face marred only by the scar on the man's lips and that scar merely added a touch of mystery to the man. Few knew the story of how the scar came about but it never detracted from the man's beauty, Altair was temptation, even men looked twice.
"Him?" The golden eyed assassin asked curiously. Malik smirked and led Altair around the desk and waited for the man's reaction. "A child, Malik? Where did you find him? Is he yours? What is that strange lightning bolt shaped scar?"
"I do not know, have a look at the parchment on the side."
"This?" Altair asked as he lifted up the parchment.
Malik merely nodded before watching Altair read it. It was fascinating to watch the 'Eagle's' face as he read the letter once and then twice before re-reading again. The horror and anger on the man's face would have been amusing in different circumstances but instead Malik shared the man's rage. "This child was abandoned! Dumped! This cannot be. Since he has no parent we have several choices to make. You either keep him or we give him to a family or orphanage."
"It is stupid but I don't wish to give him away. He was abandoned in my bureau. It feels only right I keep him unless his parents are found and want him." Malik confessed. "He has only been here for a few short hours but already I feel as if I've been there since he was born."
"Even if his parents are found I think you should keep him, they abandoned him, they do not deserve him. You shall have my support, especially if you need to fight for custody." Altair agreed. "Since he is now yours you must decide your next course of action. Shall he keep the name Harry Potter? Or shall he become your son in all but blood. We also need supplies for the child. I am sure we can bribe a woman into purchasing the necessary supplies."
"I shall name him Bashir, Bashir Al-Sayf."
"Bringer of glad tidings. That seems like an appropriate name." Altair stated in approval.
"I'm sure this little man will bring much excitement to our brotherhood." Malik answered. As if to agree Harry cooed and both assassins would swear that the boy's eyes glinted with cheekiness. "Bashir." Malik stated as he bent down to sit beside the boy. "Do you like that name, little one?" The newly named Bashir cooed and clapped his hands but his wide green eyes were focused on Altair.
Green eyes glinted with happiness as Altair bent down to sit beside Malik. Bashir cooed and giggled in baby-talk as his small chubby hands gripped the pillow. The little boy made cheeky little sounds as he rolled onto his belly, his little legs kicked and pushed against the ground in Bashir's attempt to get closer to Malik. The boy giggled as Malik teased his back with his finger before squirming and trying to catch said finger. Small chubby fingers gripped his larger one and bought it to the little boys' mouth. Malik made no attempt to free his finger and instead chuckled as the boy suckled on it. "Silly little man, I am not food." Malik teased fondly.
"And yet your finger is still in his mouth." Altair answered. Bashir released Malik's fingers and cooed up at Altair as his chubby arms reached for the master assassin. "Hello little one." Altair greeted warmly as he lowered himself to the floor besides them both and tiggled the boy's tummy. Bashir giggled excitedly and made a grab for the man's fingers but Altair easily avoided them and resumed his attack. "I will do some investigation whilst I am out." Altair told Malik as Bashir squealed and cooed beneath him. "I will listen to find out if anyone was missing a child or if anyone knew of a child."
"Thank you." Malik answered. "Those names on that parchment are unfamiliar and I know many, if not all of Jerusalem's citizens. There is no Petunia Dursley or Albus Dumbledore in this city."
"That begs the question of where this baby came from." Altair stated as he allowed Bashir to finally catch a finger and suckle on it. "And how did the find this hidden bureau. Did they dump it on a nearby roof?"
"No he was inside the bureau." Altair looked startled by this. "I do not know how it came to be but I awoke to a sound and when I investigated he was lying amongst the pillows in the entrance room. It looked like he had been there some time as he was very distressed by the time I found him. He was very dirty and he was very hungry."
"How did he get in?"
"I do not know, the only way in is to be let it as they gate can only be opened from the inside but I was the only one here and I did not open the gate. In fact the gate was tightly sealed when I found him. It is as if he magically appeared." Malik explained.
"That is indeed strange. I will conduct a thorough investigation of the gate just to be sure and I will also analyse the rooms." Altair told his friend. Bashir unaware of the seriousness of their conversation cooed around Altair's finger and wiggled excitedly. "What an excitable and energetic little thing you are." Altair commented softly. "You're going to have your hands full when he's older."
"I know." Malik replied in a tone full of fondness. Both assassin's watched amused as Bashir yawned. "Looks like the little man has exhausted himself." Malik commented. "I think he exhausted himself yesterday with all the crying he did." He told the assassin as he pushed himself to his feet and gently lifted Bashir up with his one arm. Bashir squirmed and whined at being moved before relaxing in Malik's arm. "Time for a nap little one." Malik told the little boy before placing him in a specially made little bed. The little boy was asleep before he had even been placed on the bed.
"I will go and purchase some baby items and food whilst I am out." Altair assured Malik. "Having raised two I have a good idea what to buy. I will also have a listen to the gossip to find out if any babies have gone missing. I'll try not to be too long, I know babies can be hard work."
"Thank you, brother." Malik replied fondly. Altair merely smiled and pat Malik on the back before vanishing from the room. He heard the man scale the wall before smiling and settling down besides the sleeping child.
A gentle hand shook Malik awake and Malik blushed as he realised he had fallen asleep besides Bashir. Altair was smiling down at him gently as he slowly sat and glanced around the room. Bashir was still sleeping soundly in his small bed and there was the sound of a third person milling about in the entrance way of the bureau. "I conducted my investigations but there was no mention of an abandoned baby or missing baby. I've bought a novice back with me, he helped carry the items I've bought and has agreed to answer a few questions." Altair explained once he was sure Malik was aware enough to understand what was said.
The novice was pacing nervously as he waited for Malik and Altair, it was clear he either thought he was in trouble or just feared the legendary duo. "Novice, have you heard of any missing child? Have you heard of an Albus Dumbledore or Petunia Durlsey?" Malik demanded.
The novice was clearly thinking deeply and took a few moments to answer. "No sir, I know of no missing babies and I know of no Albus Dumbledore or Petunia Dursley." The novice was looking nervously between Altair and Malik. The young man shifted on his feet, dark eyes scanned the two intimidating men as he tried to think of anything he'd done wrong. "I was in Acre and I heard nothing but I have not been to Damascus in a while."
"Alright novice, you can go." Malik stated before sighing and leaning against the table top. "How can a baby just appear without anyone knowing about him?" Malik asked Altair. "Surely someone noticed a pregnant woman!"
"Apparently not."
Malik sighed again. "Where did this boy come from?" He muttered quietly.
Bashir was awake when they returned to Malik's quarters but he was quietly content to babble and squirm amongst the pillows. Bashir hadn't even noticed the two assassin's arrive as he was too focused on trying to get his legs to work. He squealed and cooed in excitement as he kicked his legs and wiggled along the pillows and sheets. He was so engrossed in his attempts to crawl that he barely noticed Altair moving around him but he did notice as Altair sat in front of him and moved the pillows. The little boy cried out in happiness and reached for Altair but Altair merely smiled and waited. Bashir pouted but seemed to realise what Altair wanted, he got on his hands and knees and fell twice before finally working out how to use his hands and legs and crawling towards Altair.
"So he can crawl." Malik stated looking pleased. "When I realised he was a year old I had grown concerned when it seemed he could not crawl."
"Sef did not crawl either." Altair stated. "He liked to squirm on his belly. He went straight from slithering on the ground to walking. I bet this little one will be walking before you know it."
"How are Darim and Sef?" Malik asked quietly.
"Their taking their mother's death hard but they're both getting better. I would not have left them but the mission that bought me here required my personal attention." Altair explained. "Perhaps you and Bashir can return with me to Masyaf, I'm sure the boys would love Bashir and it gives your new son more protection as he'd be surrounded by assassin's."
"That is a tempting idea. It will give the boys someone to play with when Bashir is older and it will give your sons a chance to focus on something other than their mothers death." Malik commented. "Alright. Let me contact one of our assassins and promote him to bureau leader."
"I'll prepare Bashir and pack his things." Altair replied.
Bashir found the whole thing entertaining, he giggled and clapped as Altair worked around him, Malik could hear the cheerful laughter from the bureau as he spoke to his best man. Altair didn't even have a problem dressing the little boy, Bashir merely cooed and tried to grab the man's fingers as he worked. When Malik finally returned he was gifted with the amusing sight of Altair blowing raspberries on the boys tummy. The little boy shrieked with laughter and squirmed underneath the man. "No-no." The little boy pleaded.
"No?" Altair answered with a smirk. "I've never been taught the meaning of the word no, youngling."
Malik strolled over and chuckled. "Bashir." The little boy cooed in greeting. "Say no." The boy blinked. "No." Malik repeated. It took several attempts from both Malik and Altair but suddenly the boy understood.
"No!" He squealed. "No. no. no. no."
"Good boy." Malik praised as he freed the little boy out of Altair's grip.
Altair chuckled and gave the little boy a kiss on the cheek as he passed to pick up the boy's bag. "I'm sure that boy is going to be a trouble maker when he's older and when he is I want you to remember this moment and to remember the first word you taught him." The eagle stated teasingly.
"I can't wait for Bashir to outwit the eagle of Masyaf." Malik stated tauntingly.
Altair put on a mock-offended look. "Never! No one will ever outsmart me!" Malik snorted in disagreement.
"We're going to see some horses." Malik told Bashir gently, the little boy looked up as he spoke before glancing back around the room with excited green eyes. The child could sense something was happening but he did not understand what was being said. "I bet you'll love them. You don't seem the kind of child who is afraid of anything." He added fondly.
"Sef is terrified of them." Altair added just as fondly as he thought of his own sons. "He won't even get on one for his brother and Darim can persuade Sef to do almost anything."
"That won't happen with you, will it, Bashir?" Malik asked gently.
"Do you want a hand getting out of the bureau?"
Malik glared at his friend. "Just because I only have one arm does not mean I can't climb the wall like the best of you. How else would I have gotten out of the bureau and rode to Masyaf? If I had not would our brothers have not of slaughtered you when Al Mualim demanded it during the issue with the piece of Eden? I can climb just fine, but unfortunately I cannot carry Bashir whilst I am doing so. However if you have not mastered how to climb up the wall with one arm full then I cannot ensure my son with you, novice."
"Alright. Alright." Altair answered amused. "No need to get defensive, I was just asking. Pass Bashir to me, I'll get him up safely, I assure you." Malik glared for several good long moments before passing the boy to the waiting hands and turning to the wall. Altair watched with silent awe as he witnessed Malik climb for the first time since the accident that lost Malik Kadar and his arm. Malik was right, he could still climb but it looked more difficult with only one arm. "Ready kid?" Altair asked Bashir, the little boy merely cooed and looked up at the waiting Arab above them. Moments later Altair realised that yes climbing with one arm was harder and it was made even more the harder with an energetic child in your arms, he was very, very relieved to return Bashir to Malik unharmed.
"See." Malik boasted. "It is possible to climb with one arm." Altair gave a reluctant smile and nodded. "You should learn by now, novice that I am always right."
"Just wait until Bashir is old enough to argue with you, you'll find out that you're always wrong." Altair teased. "Then again you've never lost a verbal battle. Yes I believe in a few years your arguments are going to be the talk of the town." Malik snorted and grinned down at Bashir who was busy oohing and awing at the city around them.
The assassin's travelled the rooftops for the most part, Malik skilfully kept Bashir safe in the more dangerous stunts, such as jumping up buildings and dodging the guards. But they had to forget speed and stealth as they reached the gates, Malik would not risk jumping over so many guards with a baby in his arm and so they would have to slip out using the monks. Fortunately the monks were very receptive when they saw the child, Malik allowed them to admire Bashir for a few moments in payment for their aid and Bashir loved the attention.
Malik was reluctant to release Bashir when they reached the horses but he could not control the animal and hold his new son with only one hand. Once Altair had mounted his bay mare Malik handed him Bashir before mounting his own ebony mare. Malik was saddened that there were so many things he'd miss out on because of his missing arm but it was enjoyable to watch his son's reactions to the animals.
Bashir loved the horses, he cooed and babbled excitedly as he tried to grab the horses' mane. Altair chuckled as he held the little boy safely in his arms. Bashir glanced up with excited eyes and his babbling seemed to get quicker and more excited. "Slow down little one." Altair stated fondly. The boy giggled as if Altair had said something extremely funny before grabbing the edge of Altair's robes and sucking on it. "Hey." Altair playfully protested before sighing as those big green eyes stared up at him. "Don't get them too wet." He pleaded.
"He's got you wrapped around his little finger."
"Says you." Altair retorted as Malek cantered passed them. The dark haired Arabian chuckled as they both gave the boy fond looks. Bashir liked the attention and released Altair's sleeve to coo at his adoptive father. "He is already learning to love you too." Altair commented. "Your bond with him will be strong."
"Da!..." Both assassin's glanced down surprised and stared at the happily babbling boy. Those bright green eyes were focused on Malik but neither could believe what they heard. "Da! Da!" Malik's eyes softened as the boy giggled and babbled some more.
"Do you think the boy knows what he's saying?" Altair asked.
"I don't know, it could be random babbling but that did sound suspiciously like baby talk for 'Dad'." Malik answered. "But I doubt it at the moment, I've only spent a day or so with the boy, so for all I know it is nothing but random babbling." Despite his words Malik could not help the feeling of hope and joy that bubbled up in his chest.
Bashir was asleep by the time they arrived at Masyaf, he was safe in his father's arms as they strode through the great wooden gates. Many people stared as they passed as none were used to seeing Malik holding a child. Malik ignored them all and focused on getting up to the Masyaf castle. The assassin guards and assassin's took in the child and noted that Malik's only arm was embracing the boy, they shared a silent meaningful look with the one-armed assassin and eagle before gathering around the two men and boy. Malik would not say it but he was grateful for the protection they offered, they were a wall of blades and muscles preventing anyone from hurting him or his child.
"Papa!" Two small boys raced towards Altair and easily rushed passed the silent guards. Altair chuckled warmly and fell to his knees to embrace the boys. "Papa! Are you okay? Did you have fun? What were the horses like? Is that Malik? Who's the baby in his arm? Why is he here? Why were you gone? Where…"
"Slow down." Altair stated as he chuckled. "I'll answer all you questions when we're inside and then you can tell me why you're not in bed like you should be." The little boy's shuffled from one foot to the other as they realised they were in trouble. Two pairs of wide golden eyes looked up at their father with a pleading expression. "Though I suppose I cannot fault you." Altair continued fondly. "You no doubt heard of my return." The boys nodded excitedly. "I've missed you too, my sons." Altair stated. "I hope you have behaved for the others."
Malik watched the scene with fond amusement and absentmindedly wondered if he too would have such a bond with Bashir when the boy was older. Of course when Bashir was old enough Malik would have to tell the boy of his true parentage, but right now Bashir was his and he would make the most of it. He just hoped the bond he would last through the trying times and he prayed Bashir would not hate him for not being the boy's real father.
"So who is the boy, papa?"
Altair chuckled again. "What did I tell you?"
"That you'd answer all our questions when we're inside." The older lad answered. Malik chuckled at the put out look on his face. The older boy looked more like his father, with golden brown hair, amber eyes and a face that would be perfect for smug smirks but unlike his father the boy was more expressive. "But papa!"
"No Darim." Altair replied quietly. "This is not information that should be given to civilians. Now head inside quickly and I may allow the cooks to treat you to a nice warm drink and a snack." The boy's eyes widened and the two boys raced towards the castle. Altair watched the boys go and chuckled warmly. "Best way to control a boy child is through their stomachs." He whispered to Malik with a grin.
"And a girl?" Malik asked teasingly, a look of horror crossed Altair's face and the master assassin shivered as Malik chuckled. The assassins who had sired girls chuckled warmly at Altair's horrified expression and one assassin leaned closer and whispered three words, cakes, clothes and toys.
"I suggest you stay in my quarters." Altair stated changing the subject. "We have no spare rooms at the moment and it may be best if Bashir has some other boys around him to keep him preoccupied. I have a spare bed in my quarters as the two boys like to share one bed between them."
"Alright." Malik agreed readily. He was exhausted and he would be quite happy to just sleep but he had to ensure Bashir was comfortable and having new quarters would have made that difficult as there would be no comforts such as pillows and rugs within the room. "It is better than sleeping in a cold, empty room, I can have new quarters prepared tomorrow." He explained to Altair.
Sef and Darim were waiting for them when they arrived. Darim was tucking the small boy into bed, but the darker haired boy was squirming and not ready to sleep. "But I wanna see Daddy and the new baby." The little boy whined. His brown eyes were full of the need for sleep but he was fighting it to see his papa before he went to bed, it was quite endearing to watch. "Please Darim."
The older boy sighed. "Alright, Sef, but first you have to settle in bed, I won't make you sleep but Daddy won't be pleased that we're not in bed. You don't want to upset Daddy do you?" The little boy shook his head and settled into the bedding. "Good boy." Darim praised before climbing in besides his younger brother.
"I'll just go talk to the chef, make yourself at home." Altair whispered to Malik before vanishing from the room, Malik knew the assassin was going to get the treats as he promised since the boys were behaving so well.
"Hello boys." Malik greeted as he strode in. The two boys glanced up and beamed as they cried out 'Uncle Malik'. Malik chuckled before shushing them. "We don't want to wake the baby." He warned them as their eyes went to the little boy in his arms. The two children awed as Bashir wrinkled his little nose in his sleep before cooing and snuggling into Malik's arm. "Meet my new son, Bashir."
"Hello Bashir." Sef greeted quietly as Malik sat at the edge of their bed so they could get a good look at the boy. "He's so pretty." Sef said innocently.
"Just wait until he wakes up." Malik replied. "He has the most wonderful green eyes." Both boys eyes widened and they stared at Bashir as if the boy would wake up at any minute. "Bashir was abandoned and I found him. None will claim him as theirs so I have. I want you big boys to help me." At the word big the boys seemed to puff up and listened avidly. "Bashir needs friends and protectors, I'd like for you to protect him when your father and I are otherwise preoccupied. Can you do that for me?"
"We'll take care of him." Little Sef assured
"Why would anyone abandon a pretty baby?" Darim asked concerned.
"I do not know, sometimes the minds of people are as hard to read as the stars are on a stormy night." Malik answered.
"None will harm him." Darim assured as his small hands caressed Bashir's face. Malik smiled as he watched the awe and love grow on the two boys face, it seemed Bashir had earned two more loyal friends and he had only been around them for a few short minutes. "Would I be able to hold him?" Malik hesitated before nodding, he was tense as those small hands slipped beneath his baby but he relaxed as he saw how gentle Darim held Bashir. Darim held Bashir to his breast and carefully made Bashir comfortable in his small arms. Bashir made a small sound of annoyance at being moved but he soon slipped back into sleep as Darim ran a finger up and down his cheek soothingly.
"He's beautiful isn't he?" Altair asked.
"Papa!" Sef trilled bouncing from the bed to run up to his father. Malik was pleased to see Darim did not do this, instead he glanced up to pin his father with an affectionate look before turning his gaze to the baby. "Yes he is papa." Darim agreed as Bashir opened and closed his mouth as if he was tasting something in his dreams.
"Your son is a natural." Malik commented as Darim ignored the treats his father had bought in favour of Bashir. Darim blushed at the praise and Altair looked on like a prideful father. "I chose right when I asked your two boys to take care of my son."
"He'll be safe with me, uncle." Darim assured.
Malik gently ran his hand over the boy's head affectionately. "I know." He told the boy simply, this earned him another blush as the boy beamed. "I think we should settle Bashir into his bed so he can have some undisturbed sleep." Darim looked disappointed but Malik was not finished. "Tomorrow you and your brother can play with him whilst your father and I work."
"Really?" Darim asked excitedly.
"Really." Malik answered warmly. "Just as long as you're willing to stay in your father's office with one of us, I am not quite ready for Bashir to leave the sight of an adult at the moment." Darim nodded with a surprisingly serious expression before handing Bashir back to Malik.
"Did you tell the boys?" Altair asked earning the two boy's curiosity.
"I told them that Bashir was abandoned but perhaps you can tell them the full story whilst I put Bashir to bed." Malik suggested. Altair nodded and turned to the boys, Malik heard the man instructing the boys to settle into bed if they wanted to hear the story and then he heard excited shuffling before silence. "Let's hope you three don't become trouble makers." He whispered to Bashir fondly as Bashir slept on. He carefully created a small area for the baby to sleep before carefully placing the boy in the 'bowl' he had created. "Goodnight little one."
A few hours later and Malik knew Bashir was waking up, Malik heard the small cry and his assassin training woke him instantly, only Bashir had stopped crying. He opened his dark brown eyes and watched as Darim stood beside him and over Bashir. The little boy held Bashir gently and was muttering quietly to the baby as he tried to work out what was wrong with Bashir. Malik shared an amused glance with Altair who had also awoken before turning his gaze back to the oblivious boy. Darim laid Bashir down gently and checked his nappy before nodding. "You need a change." Bashir made a small distressed sound and Darim smiled fondly before proceeding to change the boy. "There we are. All better now, huh?" Darim asked. Bashir cooed and yawned sleepily.
"You are very good." Malik commented. Darim jumped and looked guiltily at Malik. "Don't be ashamed, I do not mind. You did a good job. Where did you learn that?"
"When mummy was sick, daddy stayed by her side mostly. I watched him and learned before taking care of Sef. Daddy was so busy I didn't want to disturb him so I took over." Darim explained quietly.
"Never again." Altair stated. "You should never be afraid to find me my child." Darim looked surprised and ashamed before lowering his head to hide watery golden eyes. "Come here my son." Malik retrieved Bashir and pushed Darim to his father. Darim raced into his father's arms and hid his face uttering sorry over and over again. "No it is I who should be sorry, I left you alone when you both needed me." Altair muttered, his voice thick. "Never be afraid to come to me Darim, never."
"I'm sorry Daddy."
"Daddy." Little Sef was awake and tugging at the side of the bed. Altair gently lifted the boy up and into bed with him. "I missed you."
"I did too." Altair whispered quietly.
"Can I sleep with you tonight Daddy?" Sef asked.
"You can sleep with me anytime little man." Altair assured. "You never need to ask." Sef beamed and snuggled into his father's side.
Malik smiled before turning his back to give the family privacy. Bashir had already fallen asleep and so Malik simply laid the boy down and gave him a gentle kiss before curling back up in his bed. He listened to the small family talking as he relaxed and closed his eyes.
A/N: The idea for this story came from a very traditional theme in the Harry Potter Fanfic Genre. The idea is that Harry Potter had been raised knowing how to fight. I know this theme is over-used but I hope you will all enjoy my story anyway.
