The Reclusive Slytherin

by Tsubasa504

Hadrian Slytherin never quite knew how he came to possess such a name. It certainly was not by his choosing and he much preferred and missed the name Harry Potter. Living in self-exile is good and all if your friend, Eileen Prince, wasn't so adamant about bringing back the Nobel and Most Ancient House of Slytherin. Is Hadrian ready for the wizarding world?

1. The Beginning of a Name Part I

A/N: I have done some revising to this story. Fixing up spelling mistakes and re-writing the beginning a little.

Updated: Nov 8, 2018

The Reclusive Slytherin

The Beginning of a Name Part I

Hadrian Slytherin never wanted this name. It had been given to him without his consent, and before he knew it, it had already become an important part of his life. Yet he missed the name Harry Potter. It had suited him, or at least suited whom he portrayed himself as. Reckless and brave. A hero of the wizarding world. It had been a name and a title that he had been able to hide himself behind. Been able to put up a façade and act as the world had needed him to. Then, that role had crumbled, and he had been left, stranded, in a society that no longer wanted the hero they had demanded he should become. Been shunned by the people closest to him, which caused him to withdraw. Both into himself and away from them. To find a reclusive lifestyle.

Hadrian Slytherin, however, was not a name of someone people wished to remain reclusive. It was a pureblood name. A prominent name. A name of someone burdened with a role, not that of a hero, but that of a leader. And no matter how he tried to hide or how much he tried to flee the society that had made him an outcast in his previous life, people around him kept drawing him back into it. At first, he had hated them for it, but as the years passed and he learned to see the difference between blind reverence of a hero and that of earned respect, his walls of resistance crumbled stone-by-stone.

But it did little to change the fact that all Hadrian wished for was a quiet lifestyle, out in the country. A place he could find peace, not just for himself but for the small pack of Frost Hounds and Lupi Caelo that he had become part of. He wanted a place were the disillusionment of wizarding laws against magical creatures could not reach them. Where they would not have to fight against an angry mob of witches and wizards alike who feared what they could not control. A place he could be himself.

For so long, he had thought he had finally found it. Had finally been able to get away from prying eyes and people that demanded things he could not give. But a fateful encounter with one Eileen Prince, pushed him back into society. Not to become a hero, but to claim a legacy he had never thought himself worthy of carrying. Life was changing, and Hadrian felt himself change with it. Felt himself be willingly pushed along by this strong-headed and ambitious woman who had goals the size of mountains.

And if there were two people who could make goals of that size feasible, it was these two self-exiled magical beings who had taken on the quest of bringing back the Noble and Most Ancient House of Slytherin to wizarding Britain.

—V—V—

Hadrian's life had always been rather interesting, and if anything, he thought it had turned even more so upon his arrival in this new time. Time travel was certainly not something he had ever thought to accomplish. It was something he had no real wish to either. So, with reckless abandon, Hadrian happily ignored the circumstances of his arrival to this point in time.

He pushed away his past and became a wanderer. Always pushing forward to a new destination. Eyes fixed so intently on the ground before him that he never gave himself time to worry of the past or think of the future. This also gave him no time to think of loneliness.

But things like loneliness can change very quickly the moment you meet someone that reminds you of what you truly want. Someone who drags the feelings right out of your enclosed heart and holds them before your eyes. And once loneliness has been realized, it can sometime become an incentive to do things you never thought you would be willing to do.

This meeting of that someone came to head when a happily chanced upon encounter found him fixated on one, Eileen Prince. She was everything he had never imagined. Vivid and beautiful, dark hair and eyes that matched most beautifully with her alabaster skin. She was a stark contrast from his memories of her son, the late potions professor of Hogwarts, professor Snape. She was quick to smile and easily flustered, and they took to one another as a fish takes to water.

It was late in the year of 1955; the weather was cold, and Hadrian was deep in one of his latest episodes of depression. The small muggle town he found himself in was quiet and spacious. He could easily slip in and later slip out if he felt the need to. There was a small market open and a few muggles were hustling up and down the stalls and going in and out of shops. Yule was just around the corner.

Hadrian could not be bothered to remember that.

Eileen Prince stood out amongst the crowd. A lone woman. She stood tall and erect and seemed completely out of place in this winter market. But Hadrian did not have to look at her twice to know she did not fit in here like the others. Her powerful magic flared and danced around her, and though he could not see it clearly, he felt it as he would feel the summer sun upon his skin. It brushed his own magic and their eyes met evenly across the square.

It felt like many minutes before Hadrian moved, his body turning completely towards her. Watching as the snow caught in dark hair and feeling intrigued and slightly mesmerized by the rise of a cold flush upon her cheeks.

When they greeted each other, she was courteous and kind, though slightly distant. Hadrian himself was no better. It had been years since he last spoke to a witch or wizard, and in that sense Eileen and he were alike. Both could sense it upon the other that they stood before a kindred spirit, and maybe that feeling was what pulled them along to talk for a short while.

That first encounter passed quickly. They had barely started to exchange words before Hadrian hurried away. Hiding himself in his hotel room feeling off kilter. Nervous for no discernible reason and heart beating loud between his ears as if demanding his attention. The next time they met was two days later and this time they stayed together long enough for tea.

"I thought the name Slytherin had died away long ago," Eileen said rather matter-of-factly after she had taken a sip of her tea. The shop they were at was quiet. It felt almost private where they were sitting. Just the two of them. Strangers, and yet, something else as well.

Hadrian tilted his head upon her words, feeling his eyes narrow upon hers. "For a witch who lives so far from any wizarding community you seem rather certain about your facts."

She flushed slightly, but her eyes remained stubbornly steady.

The tea was good, better than most other places Hadrian had been to. But it did little in help them keep a conversation going. They lulled rather quickly into silence. Each staring contemplating into their own cup and after finishing they parted with a gentle goodbye. The streets outside having already fallen into darkness when they separated to go their own way.

This awkward routine continued for the following weeks up until the day of Yule. Both most likely wishing to deepen their friendship. To seek the contact of a like-minded friend. But isolation had done little to teach them proper socializing, and as the meetings progressed over the weeks, it was only done so by the sheer obstinance of the two. When they met on the day of Yule, two lone figures standing in the cold darkness, they had both stopped running from what they wanted: something to push the loneliness of social exclusion away.

Eileen was the first to break the silence. "I thought you'd be alone."

"Is that an invitation?" Hadrian wondered. For how much Hadrian had known about his former potions professor he certainly knew nothing of his mother. Eileen was a mystery. They kept meeting and Hadrian knew he had stayed much longer in this village than what he had originally intended to. All for her.

"Not much is open this time of year," Eileen said. "But I'm pretty good with a wand if you have a place to cook."

Hadrian did indeed have a place to cook. The hotel room was small, and the word kitchen was barely fitting for what it truly was, but a dinner they could definitely make there. It was stuffy and just as awkward as all the other times they had met. Nothing at all like those posters that could sometimes be seen of a family laughing around a Christmas table. Eileen still remained withdrawn and formal in her speech, and it made Hadrian hesitant to get close. Both seemingly waiting for some sort of response from the other before they willingly let the walls down. Though, it would seem neither were willing to make the first move.

The food was good. Less spice to it than what Hadrian was used to. Neither brought up Hadrian's name again nor asked the other as to why they were in a muggle town. Nonetheless, the question was most certainly at the tip of Hadrian's tongue, begging to be let loose. To finally breach the topic that would either ruin their still fragile relationship or strengthen it.

No such questions came, and before long it was already too late. Eileen excused herself to go home.

And the next day Hadrian left the village.

—V—V—

In a sense, he fled. Fled his own thoughts and the awkwardness of his emotions. Unable to deal with them in a proper way. He was uncertain as to what he was trying to build by spending so much time with Eileen. She was most likely still heir to the Noble House of Prince and that was pushing Hadrian back too close to interactions with the wizarding world. Too much had happened in his life for him to want to go back. There was always a little voice at the back of his head that whispered of the horrors. Whispered of the hate and the expectations. And Eileen was an unknown witch. One he was uncertain if his fragile mind could handle. If his interaction with her destroyed the peace he had found himself over the years. If she pushed him back into the politics and the power struggles that were a constant in wizarding Britain, would he be okay? Would he be able to push himself through it and survive again?

No matter how much he wanted this… friendship, the fear that gripped him would not let go. Could he seek friendship and hold on to it himself? In the last couple of years, he had not had to try. He lived with pack of magical creatures that had adopted him as if he was one of their own. And they never demanded anything from him. Did not push him to use his name to save them or to be a strong heroic figure. They never asked those sorts of things from him and because of that he felt that part of his broken psych was healing. He had become strong enough to seek friendship out by himself now. If only he had not gotten cold feet and ran away the moment it had become more than just random afternoon tea.

He knew that his small pack of misplaced Frost Hounds and Lupi Caelo worried about him. They wish he would spend more time with his own kind. Try to socialize and interact with the human race more often. And well, he had tried, and he was uncertain as to how effective it was as a first step. The pack were all magical creatures of the canine family, and all found society far too stifling. Their animal instinct was what pushed them to remain isolated from others around them. With Hadrian, though, it was commitment issue and fear of past failures. All things which the pack honestly wanted to help him with but were unable to.

When he appeared in a cold snow-covered meadow, his pack was there to receive him gladly. Not all so dog like as their names sounded. Gerald, the alpha of the pack and a Lupi Caelo, greeted him in his human form. He was a tall man, lean and muscular with kind eyes. Slightly on the older side, but like all magical creatures that still meant he had many good decades to come. His hair was short and well combed, light streaks entwined in auburn hair. Steady yellow eyes that Hadrian happily sought comfort in during his times of distress.

The man was the first to push forward, enveloping the younger man in a tight hug. No questions regarding his health or the suddenty of his visit.

Behind Gerald was the rest of the Lupi Caelo pack. Yale and Twaine were two strong warriors, both in their wolf form. They stood tall and were an intimidating sight if you knew not that they were overly fond of cuddles. Their canine eyes stood equal to Hadrian's height with no problem, and their forms rippled with sinew muscle that could be seen even under the thick fur that covered them. Yale was a pale wolf with greenish eyes; he too, had a human form, which was tall and lanky and carried not the muscular bulk of Gerald. Twaine, on the other hand, was a dark wolf with auburn eyes and though he did not have a human form, he was a fierce and formidable wolf and was very protective of Hadrian and his small pack of misfits. Twaine was usually the first one to jump at a possible threat. He was hot-headed and filled with the energy of a young male wolf. Lastly was Immith, Gerald's daughter. She was young, and her wolf form was slim. She had thick reddish fur and the same yellow eyes as her father. And unlike the rest of the pack, she was rather small, her head only coming up to Hadrian's abdomen. She was calm and collective and took great joy in cuddling up close to wherever Hadrian was. The two of them could often be found together, and if not for the wolf form, he would have happily called her a sister. Though, Hadrian had a feeling she did indeed have a human form—she was strong enough after all. But even after all these years as part of the pack of Lupi Caelo, he had never seen it.

Lupi Caelo were strong magical wolves and their transformation manifested itself much like that of an Animagus. It took equal parts a strong mind and magic to manifest their human form, but once found, it could be switched between in a seamless transformation. No full moon required.

In terms of magical abilities, Gerald was the strongest, followed closely by Yale and Twaine, and lastly, Immith. It was common knowledge for all of them that Twaine was simply too hot-headed and impatient to transform, and Hadrian would never demand he did so either.

The Frost Hounds themselves were also magical, however, the ability to become human was not a part of it. Not that Hadrian felt they needed it, their intelligence could easily be distinguished in their eyes and manner. Like most magical creatures, they had no problems understanding human speech. Hadrian wished that gift went both ways.

They pressed in happily after Hadrian had greeted Gerald. Their forms standing easily at the same height as Hadrian's chest, just a little taller than a normal forest wolf. All three of the Frost Hounds were of a pale greyish to white color. Lunath and Dale were a kind couple. They had not been the alpha pair in their previous pack but that made them no less powerful. Hadrian had stumbled upon them during the peak of Grindelwald's war. Their pack had been killed and it was only with the help of Hadrian's magic that the two dogs had survived. Though Dale would always carry deep scars on his left side, a reminder of just how close they had gotten to death. Lunath had been pregnant at that time and a few months later given birth to a male pup that Hadrian named Roarik. And with the fast growth of the canine kind, Roarik had already surpassed his mother in height and bulk, and it would be a few more years before he would stand equal with his father.

"Hey, hey. I haven't been gone that long." Hadrian laughed as he tried to push away Roarik's over enthusiastic licks. Lunath was rubbing her head happily against any part she could find, and it almost brought Hadrian down to the ground. Dale was slightly more laid back and it gave Hadrian the chance to run his hands and fingers through the thick fur and scratch behind large perked up ears.

"You have been missed dearly, young master," Gerald stated, his voice a low timbre.

"How many times do I have to tell you, Hadrian is just fine."

"Young master might happily forget who you are, but that does not mean I shouldn't show my respect. One day I am certain you will pick up the name Lord Slytherin." There was a light laughter in the yellow eyes almost as if he took enjoyment out of Hadrian's discomfort at his own heritage. "You have been gone a long time, young master. It is unlike you to be gone for so many weeks."

"My apologies," Hadrian said, feeling the excitement that had previously taken hold wane.

He was unable to tell them about Eileen Prince, but none of his pack demanded a story. Instead they happily herded him into a warm lit house that had been their hideout for the last year. It was cozy and far warmer than the chilling air outside.

Hadrian felt himself unwind and relax the moment he was inside. With the familiar feel of his pack around him. He curled up on the couch with the two youngest pups, Immith and Roarik. Gerald was shuffling around the house and soon the thick smell of dinner could be smelt. It was domestic and comfortable.

Hadrian had missed this.

The next day started with a morning run. Hadrian felt the adrenaline pump in his veins as he chased after his pack that playfully kept out of reach. Snow covered part of the ground and the air was dry and cold and it was not long before Hadrian had to seek shelter in the small house.

Gerald and Lunath joined him, and the pressure of warm fur from all sides lulled him into an early nap.

When the rest of the pack joined, they were wet and dirty and dragged it all over the house. Yale was quick to transform into his human form and disappeared into the shower. Growling insults at anyone who tried to join him for a warm shower.

Hadrian was discomfited to feel Gerald turn into his human form while he was still being used as a pillow. He grumbled and turned and circled his arms around Lunath to get away from the harsh planes of the male body next to him, much to Gerald's amusement.

Gerald's alpha side had come out at all the dirt and mud being dragged all over their little home and he snapped harshly at the younger wolves and dog. Dale having had no take in the disarray that had been caused went and curled up by the fire close to Hadrian and Lunath.

By the time Hadrian had managed to rouse himself, the wet patches and mud had been cleaned up and Gerald had a cup of hot tea waiting for him.

"I met a female wizard at the muggle village I was traveling through," Hadrian started, not looking up from his tea to see whether Gerald was listening or not.

"Anyone you know?"

"I knew her son." Gerald laughed at that, his hand landing on Hadrian's shoulder. A comfortable gesture.

"Even after all these years it is hard to believe that you came from the future."

Hadrian thoughts so too.

"I like her," Hadrian said hesitantly, as if uncertain about his own words.

"Good." Gerald leaned back against the armchair sighing contently. "You need friends. Wizarding friends. People outside of the pack," he said, taking in the doubtful look Hadrian threw his way.

"She comes from the Noble House of Prince. She's a pureblood." As if that was a good enough reason not to get close. The narrow yellow eyed look Hadrian got proved to him it was not. "I don't know why she lives in the muggle village. The Prince are a grey family, powerful and rich, why would one live so far from any wizarding community?"

"Nothing will be gained speculating, Hadrian," Gerald said. "You shouldn't question others on the things they do when you yourself are barely able to look upon a wizarding town without turning tail and fleeing."

Hadrian grumbled unhappily at that reminder and continued sipping his tea.

"Besides you seem to want to be friends with her. Stop pushing that away."

"I'm not pushing that away," Hadrian spit out disbelievingly. The dry look he got back went unappreciated.

"Come, you've missed our yearly Yule together and I think it is time for us to celebrate it late." With that Gerald drew Hadrian away from any more topics concerning Eileen Prince.

Pack life was easy going; it gave Hadrian time to read his many books that he had stockpiled throughout his life as well as to come to terms with his emotions regarding Eileen. Immith and Roarik spent much time traversing the cold landscape together and could often be seen curled up by the fire. Dale on the other hand whined and licked his flank often, the scaring flaring up uncomfortably in the cold. Hadrian wish he could do something about it, but he had never been strong at potions and his magic could only be taken so far. The rest of the pack would go hunting once a week and would bring back either a rabbit or a wide assortment of different birds that they managed to stumble upon in the barren landscape.

Hadrian had also taken up practicing elemental magic with the Frost Hounds. Dale's magic had diminished greatly from the extent of the injuries he had received, but he was still a good teacher. Hadrian could feel it all around him when Dale would gather his magic and sent it out as cold frost in a wide circle about him, freezing the ground and anything else that it came in contact with.

Roarik on the other hand was impatient and would snap angrily at anyone anytime he failed to produce results to his liking. For the most parts he could make a very beautiful fine snow fall within a five-meter radius around him. The pack thought this was beautiful and they loved gazing at the pure thick snow. But no one dared praise him for it, other than Immith, who's praise Roarik received with great embarrassment and bashfulness.

Hadrian did not have the ability to send out frost nor create snow, but he could crystallize fine ice into small shapes in his hand and send them projecting out at fast speeds. A good weapon and a fun art project for Hadrian.

Lunath hardly ever practiced her magic and seemed to give little interest in doing so. The new pack life was good for her, relaxing. Hadrian had a feeling she still carried deep emotional wounds from the death of her previous pack. Even though Hadrian never caught her practicing magic out-right, he would often find her basking outside in the morning cold. Although Frost Hounds could easily survive in warm climates, they much preferred the winter landscapes of the northern continents.

This routine continued throughout January into the first weeks of February, before the ache Hadrian felt to return to the muggle village could no longer be ignored.

"I've decided to go back," Hadrian told his pack one night when they had all gathered around the fire after a warm dinner. All ears perked up and attentive eyes were trained in his direction. "At least, for a short time. I think I want try and be friends with Eileen Prince." He smiled happily, feeling content with his decision for the first time in a long time.

Gerald and Yale were in their human forms and Hadrian caught the quick look sent between the two of them, though he was unable to discern the meaning of it.

"We're glad you've finally come to a decision," Gerald answered. "The pack loves having you around, but we all agree you need more friends, and from what we can tell, young Lady Prince seems more than capable of keeping up with your social awkwardness. We can only hope that she will have the ability to draw you out from your self-exile and back into the world you belong to, unlike us."

Scowling, Hadrian grumbled out, "I am not in self-exile. I just don't see the point of returning to the wizarding world. All they want from me is my power."

"And maybe your friendship. But you will never know if you don't take the step to return. Maybe with the help of young Lady Prince you will find that you don't truly hate that world as much as you think you do," Yale piped in with a wistful smile on his face. "Besides, we will always be here for you. And Gerald and I can even follow you when you go into a wizarding village."

"I don't trust them around you," Hadrian said matter-of-factly. It got him barked laughs from an unconcerned pack. "You shouldn't be so laid back. Wizards can be evil and very manipulative when they want something."

"We understand your concern, young master," Gerald said, "but please don't worry about us we are more than strong enough to handle any situation that gets thrown at us when you finally do decide to return to the spotlight of the wizarding world."

Hadrian snorted, unable to imagine that ever happening.

The next few days were more somber. The pack were more affectionate than usual, and they all seemed to be waiting with bated breaths for the day Hadrian took off again. It was frustrating, and Hadrian kept trying to put them at ease. Not that it did any good. They still worried needlessly. Finally, equal parts fed up with all the overly emotional affection he was getting and the want to see Eileen again got Hadrian leaving.

—V—V—

It was mid-February when Hadrian finally returned to the small muggle village. The weather was just as cold. But even though he had returned, it was still almost two days before he saw her again. Eileen was pleased to see him, he could tell. There was a spark in her eye and a caress from her magic. It was welcoming, and Hadrian felt himself relax. Eileen had been on her way to the bookshop and Hadrian happily accompanied her. Their conversation ran a lot smoother. Almost as if two months away had made them closer.

Hadrian happily told her of the travels he had done last year, pleased when Eileen seemed intrigued by the topic. He mentioned some interesting wards he had come across and was surprised to find that Eileen knew a lot about warding. After her schooling at Hogwarts she had wished to continue on and become a ward master. She gave no reason as to why she did not, and Hadrian could not make himself ask.

And so, they bonded over books and warding.

They met daily. Neither ever bringing up the topic of Hadrian's heritage nor why Eileen was in a muggle village. It was peaceful, and they fell into a routine. The muggles, though, kept shooting them speculative looks. Both Eileen and Hadrian were young, neither were from the village. Hadrian ignored the looks much like he had so easily done back in his teenage years. He refused to let it get to him.

It all came crashing down around his ears the last week of March.

For the first time Eileen did not come into the village center alone. She came on the arm of a young man. He was tall and dark in all the ways Hadrian was not and he was also muggle. One part of Hadrian wanted to storm out across the square towards the man, another part of him wanted to leave the village. Find his pack and go somewhere else. Somewhere far away from England and all it stood for, for him. But he did not move, he stood there to the side watching and catching Eileen's eyes when she looked over. She was as striking as usual, all pureblood and strong, her magic not fluctuating the slightest.

Hadrian drew his magic in, not wishing to touch upon hers for fear she would see right through him, right into the hurt and pain that was piercing at his chest. He followed them with his eyes, watching as they went into different shops and re-emerging with new bags. He was unable to make himself look away.

A villager threw him a pitying look and Hadrian realized what had been happening. The speculative looks he had been getting all these weeks, they were not because Eileen and him were young, it was because Eileen was married. It was finally the frustration he felt at himself that had him turn away and seek the quietness of an early pub.

How had he forgotten? He should have remembered, remembered that Eileen Prince married a muggle right out of Hogwarts. But he had not remembered. He had managed to forget, maybe wistfully hoping. What was he hoping for? The thought disturbed him so much. He had no interest in being the one to sire a Severus Snape; yet all that had fled his mind the moment he introduced himself to her.

Eileen the reserved and overly formal pureblood who lived in a muggle village. She had seemed so pleased to meet him, as if fate had put them together. They liked books and warding, and they both hid from the wizarding world. It truly was too much to ask for.

He caught a glimpse of Tobias Snape from the pub window and was surprised when dark eyes met his own. They were not the kind eyes, the sort that Eileen had, and a shudder of foreboding went through him. Tobias Snape, Hadrian did not know much about him, only that his potions professor had hated him.

He stayed in the pub until it became too busy for him. And for a long time afterwards, he just wandered around before he went back to the hotel, where he laid staring at the cracked and old ceiling late into the night.

She came by the next day and Hadrian could not make himself turn her away. They sat together in silence. Hadrian staring out the window and Eileen re-clasping her hands nervously in front of her.

"I was rebellious when I was young," Eileen started. Her eyes flittering about before hardening on the wall over Hadrian's shoulder. "Mother wanted so many things from me, many things I was unwilling to give,"

"You married him?" Hadrian wondered.

She nodded hesitantly before continuing, "I had just turned 18, it was a rainy day, but I was still happy. I had defied mother; forced her to realize I was serious when I said I wouldn't listen to her." A heavy sigh before her eyes finally met his. "Maybe I was stupid." That got her a smile.

"We all do stupid things," Hadrian shimmied in, no specific meaning behind his words. He was still aching from the realization he had yesterday.

"His name is Tobias Snape," she finally said, and Hadrian could not think of two words he hated more at that moment. Eileen seemed to realize that as well for she fell silent.

"You're a pureblood, did your mom wish you to marry into another family?"

"The Goyles," she spat out and Hadrian sneered with her. "At that moment there was no reason to disagree, in the end the political gain was much too high for my mother to even consider any of my opinions. If I mentioned it, my mother would spit out hatefully about her own unfortunate marriage." A dark look unlike anything Hadrian was used to seeing from her entered her eyes. "At least my father is dead." It was little condolence for the pain he seemed to have cost.

"Why a muggle?" Hadrian wondered, why Tobias was closer to what he truly wished to ask.

"No one would have married me if I had said no to the Goyles. The Prince might be old, but we aren't prominent nor important enough to scoff at a marriage preposition like that. When I fled to London at 17 I met Tobias. He was everything the wizarding world was not. Charismatic and wild, he knew nothing of me but didn't demand that either. He knew nothing of politics and was more interested in self-interest. He had wild dreams. Wished to do so many things that... I don't know. I guess I also wanted dreams like that. He in equal parts amazed me and mesmerized me. Like my very own fairy tale prince, having come rescued me from all the misfortunes that were piling up on my doorstep the moment I graduated Hogwarts."

"Not much of a prince," Hadrian said, and Eileen threw him a questioning look.

"True, but I didn't realize that until everything was too late. We were married, and I was carted off far away from any wizarding village or even muggle city."

"You could have returned home." The baseless laugh made Hadrian flinch.

"Even after all these years, I can't make myself return to my mother and tell her she was right. I should have listened. Maybe I would have been happier married to a hateful pureblood instead of a self-centered muggle. I don't quite seem to know which is more fitting for me," she ended quietly, and at that moment Hadrian could not hate her. Could not hate her for not saying anything because there were moments where Hadrian felt just the same. As if the hardships fate kept throwing at him was maybe just what he deserved.

Hadrian did not ask her if she was happy or if she missed the wizarding world. In the end, he did not ask much at all. Instead he got up and made tea. Eileen seemed to realize she was not being kicked out and her previous nervousness left her. Her shoulders slumped slightly, and she sank deeper into her chair. Hadrian watched her from the corner of his eyes, and upon seeing her relax something in him seemed to do so as well. As if a silent we're still friends went through them.

Hadrian did not want to talk about Tobias, did not want to think about her marriage; so, in the end, he asked about her home life.

The Prince family as it turned out consists of four females in total, Eileen's mother and her two younger sisters. Her father had been one to marry into the Prince household and had been gravely disappointed when Eileen's mother repeatedly failed to produce a male child. He succumbed to a heart attack when Eileen was 15 and ever since then her mother had been adamant about getting her oldest, and thus the heir, married off as soon as possible. Life with her father had not been easy, but life after had driven a wedge been Eileen and her mother that seemed impossible to be fixed.

"So, in the end, you were disowned?" Hadrian wondered.

"That is most probable, but I do not know. I haven't actually reported or signed anything in the wizarding world regarding my marriage. Of course, my mother knows. However, I believe my mother is still trying to act like nothing so undignified happened. As far as I know, she may have erased my name from the family register, like most pureblood families do to hide the shame of their family members. My name outside the muggle world is still Eileen Prince, though who knows what happened to my heirship. It was probably given to one of my younger sisters," she said, a heavy sigh leaving her. "How shameful of me to throw all my problems on one of their shoulders,".

"I can't judge you for what you did. Personally, I can't even find the strength to face the wizarding world. I am unable to find it in me to accept my family name; to accept the responsibilities that will come with it. So, here I am, hiding out in different parts of the world; trying to ignore the fact that I, too, have a role to play within the that world," Hadrian said, not surprised at the wide-eyed reaction he received in return.

"Are you telling me you have not accepted your magical inheritance?" she wondered, a sort of fascinating light entering her eyes at the prospect of such a prominent wizard, such as he, hiding out in a small muggle village.

"Well, no. Magically I am indeed Lord Slytherin, I simply have not reported my existence to either Gringotts nor the Minister of Magic. As far as they know, all estates and vaults of the Slytherin line are still tightly sealed and way out of their greedy reaches."

"Fascinating," Eileen whispered, much to Hadrian's chagrin.

"Not really. Do you even realize the reaction that would go through the British wizarding community if I announced my presence?" Hadrian grumbled out irritably.

"Of course. It would be the talk of the century. The reappearance of such a famous line, you could literally turn the ministry on its head with the sort of public and political power you carry," Eileen continued overly excited.

"I have no interest in turning the ministry on its head."

"And you also mean to tell me you have yet to open up the Slytherin estates?" Eileen asked ignoring all of Hadrian's attempts to curb her enthusiasm.

"There are certain wards around the main property that needs gob magic. I can't just waltz in and claim them without the Gringotts' goblins direct support. For that I need to report my existence, which as of right now is not going to happen."

Eileen remained quiet, but there was a calculating air to her that had Hadrian fidgeting nervously. Finally, she seemed to drop the topic and Hadrian happily left it behind for better conversation.

Before either of the two knew it, it was late in the day and it was best Eileen hurried home before Tobias returned from his work. She promised to be back.

Hadrian watched her go feeling more at peace with himself. Slightly unhappy and definitely still feeling betrayed in some way from the event that had happened just the previous day. But the conversation he had had with Eileen left him with a certainty that he still very much wanted to remain friends with her.

Their continued meeting after Hadrian found out about Tobias was more erratic. Sometimes they would not see each other for days and other times they would meet for afternoon tea almost daily. Their conversations were more somber and topics such as Hadrian's inheritance seldom came up except for a few passing remarks.

Together the two delved deeper into the study of warding using the mass collection that Hadrian had and the few books Eileen had kept with her after Hogwarts. Their friendship seeming to have deepened more with the knowledge of each other's stance in the wizarding world. Slowly their cautious manner with one another melted away, yielding a friendship with sharp witted comments and warm eyes.

Hadrian found that even this less intimate friendship seemed to fulfill his companionable needs and he happily let the months pass away in their small village, only now and then breaking away to report to his pack for a day or two. By now he was renting a small two-bedroom home above an elderly shoemaker's shop. It was noisy, and the smell of leather and oil permeated through the walls, but Hadrian would not ask for anything better. He enjoyed life here. It was easy going, far from the busy city life and few muggle technologies ever made its way into town. It made it feel closed off enough that he had no need about worrying that the knowledge of his presence here would find itself in the wrong hands. He had, after all, no wish for the few magical beings that knew him to come crashing into his life unannounced.

For the most part, he spent his time here either alone or with Eileen, but there was a farm girl named Margaret call me Maggie, who also would spend a great deal of her free time following him around. If she was not seeking him out for one reason or another, she could be found watching him from afar with curious eyes. She was young, barely 16 but very outspoken in a way few pureblood witches would ever be. She took great enjoyment in showing off different husbandry techniques that left Hadrian feeling very out of place. She kept calling him a scholar much to his annoyance and often would comment on his weird manner. Apparently, he spoke too proper, much like Mrs. Snape, and didn't that word just drive him mad to hear. She also said he had the air of someone who always studied things in-depth. Whatever that sort of air was.

Even so, Hadrian liked Maggie, she was fun and energetic. He also knew he had no interest in her romantically. Not only was she a muggle but she was far too young in his opinion to even be looking for a husband. Of course, the muggle villagers seemed to have no such qualm in regard to the girl's future and were in most cases rather candid in their remarks on it. Which often caused Hadrian to find himself in situations where they would hint and gush over the compatibility of the two, much to his chagrin.

Eileen thought it was hilarious.

All Hadrian kept thinking was that he wished to flee the village before he was forced into something he had no interest in.

This escape finally came in the form of Eileen's birthday.

"Next week I will be turning 26," she dropped on him out of the blue.

"Your birthday is coming up!"

"Yes. I believe that is what I said," Eileen replied dryly, though a hint of humor still shone in her eyes.

"And you are telling me this because you wish me to celebrate it with you?" Hadrian wondered hesitantly.

"Indeed. I seem to have found myself with four days of free time. I wish you to escort me to Diagon Alley for a few days," she said. The accompanying smile and piercing look said Hadrian had no right to refuse.

"I seem to remember telling you of my unwillingness to return there," Hadrian retorted with cold eyes, feeling coerced.

"I don't demand that you return there as Lord Slytherin or even Hadrian Slytherin. I miss the wizarding world. I haven't been back since I was 17. All I'm asking for is for you to accompany me."

"If I say yes, how were you planning on getting us there?" Hadrian wondered.

"Oh, I still carry a portkey that can get both of us to Reunion Square. I can't imagine much has changed in the last 9 years," Eileen said.

Hadrian nodded agreeing with her. "Indeed, not much has changed in those few years. Though I do not know where Reunion Square is, it most likely still remains the same as before so we shouldn't have any problems getting there."

"So, you will come with me?" she asked excitedly.

"I haven't decided yet. Give me a day to think about it." That got him a derisive snort.

"Dear Hadrian, do not think too hard."

Hadrian did not think too hard, and had an answer for her before she left. The happy skip in her steps as she walked away made him feel like he had made the right choice, no matter how uncertain he felt about the prospect of once again stepping foot into Diagon Alley.

—V—V—

They left two days before her birthday, it was a warm day in late June. They chose a place slightly outside of town to portkey from and Hadrian threw up a Notice-Me-Not just in case before the two of them disappeared.

They reappeared in a big square that was surrounded by four small fountains and containing a large Yew tree in the middle. Even in the bright morning sun Faery lights could be seen shining from its utmost branches giving it an enthralling vibe. It was a square Hadrian had often visited in his childhood, but he was certain the name Reunion Square was new to him. The square was packed with witches and wizards alike as well as a few magical creatures of both human and beast origin. It was the end of school term and a great deal of students were milling about, chatting and for the most part making a ruckus.

Hadrian froze at the sight of it all. His heart rate escalated quickly, and a feeling of claustrophobia arose in him. He immediately regretted the action of not putting on a Glamour charm to hide himself, even if the action of coating himself in his own magic would have drawn the suspicious eyes of more powerful witches and wizards. It had already been three, maybe four years since he last visited but he was certain he was an easily recognizable person. His vivid green eyes and shaggy raven hair were an unmistakable feature. He had also left a rather large impression of himself before he turned tail and fled.

Eileen's hand was warm on his arm and her gentle eyes looked at him with concern. Their clothing, Hadrian realized was discernibly muggle. They stood out a great deal in this mass of people and he could already tell interesting looks were directed towards them.

He drew Eileen away from the square, his magic wrapping around the two of them protectively and casting a light Confundus on any who looked at them too long. "We need a change of clothing," he grumbled out, as he continued tugging them towards a less populous area. Eileen let herself be tugged along unbothered. Her manner far more free spirited and lively than what Hadrian was used to seeing. Her eyes and magic were both filled with energy and she seemed to drink in the scene around them.

"Yes, new clothes. Where to, dear Hadrian?"

"How about Madam Hoops, she always has something for the here and now sort of customers," Hadrian suggested.

"Oh, how nostalgic. Mother was never found of clothing that weren't tailored and there were very few times I had the opportunity to try something so random," she said. "I wonder what sort of people we should dress as."

"How about nothing too outstanding," Hadrian drawled, but it was light, and he felt how his own spirit was lifting with Eileen's humor.

Madam Hoops place was both a tailor and a variation of a muggle clothing store. Her eyes ran over the two of them when they entered, but she gave no outward sign of whether she approved or not.

Neither Eileen nor Hadrian introduced themselves, they just asked about her selection. Giving a vague statement of having been traveling around the muggle world. She was quick to help and before the two of them knew it they were packing away their muggle clothes and stepping out of the shop as witch and wizard again. Eileen sported a beautiful decorated witches' hat that laid low over her brows and fit well with her flowing hair. Her dress was of a dark blue, framed with a knee long robe with cloud like patterns. Her muggle shoes remained the same, mostly hidden from view. Hadrian himself was dressed without a hat but had had his messy hair styled slightly by Eileen to make it look less wild. His robe ended up being a dark green with a sharp like pattern outline and dark flowing breeches.

They traversed the small wizarding community, looking at books and exploring small quaint cafes that Hadrian had no recollection of. No one bothered them. Before long they found themselves outside of The Owl's Inn, where they had decided to stay for the next three days.

The second day was less sunny, and the crowds had thinned greatly due to that.

Hadrian tried thinking of a birthday gift but could think of nothing noteworthy to get. Eileen enjoyed books but had no space to keep them and Hadrian feared about showering her with magical gifts in case Tobias came across them. For a great deal of the morning he contemplated asking her, but in the end, could not find the courage to do so.

It was during their afternoon tea that he caught sight of a silver hairpin with small ruby stones as an outline at one tip, that he finally felt like he had come across just the thing he was looking for. It was small and could easily be hidden away in her hair. The rubies were not too outstanding, and silver was still normal enough in her muggle village.

Eileen followed his eyes and said happily, "It would look wonderful on you if you just grew out your hair."

"It's not for me," he said as a comeback.

"Well I, for one, think your hair wouldn't be so messy if you just grew it out. You certainly have the facial features to pull it off."

"What's that supposed to mean," Hadrian wondered, feeling slightly defensive about his rather lacking masculinity. He was neither tall nor physically muscular. He had at least managed to get rid of the glasses he had constantly had to wear, but it had not helped in the long run when it came to the ladies. Sure, they gushed and bemoaned his eyes, but never stayed around him long enough to wish for anything else. Eileen was one of the few.

"Your birthday is tomorrow, we cannot celebrate it without a gift."

"True. Will you be the Prince Charming and buy this lady jewelry?" Eileen quipped, and Hadrian felt his face heat up in embarrassment.

"I do not have to buy it."

"No, I suppose you don't. But I am certain I would greatly enjoy it if you did," Eileen answered, a fond smile on her lips as she gazed across the table at him. Hadrian licked his lips nervously before getting up and heading across the street.

The shop was small, it contained a few jewels as well as other magical accessories, they even had wand holsters. Hadrian ignored all other things, pointing out to the shop assistant what he wanted. He got an accessing look for that, but in the end was able to buy it with little questioning.

He received the pin in a rectangular velvet box, which he pocketed, and when he returned Eileen continued sipping on her tea. No mention of the gift she knew was for her.

That evening they had dinner at The Owl's Inn. Nothing glamorous, but it was warm and had a celebratory vibe to it. Hadrian gifted her with her present early and Eileen gushed over it with much gusto before conjuring a small mirror that floated in front of her so that she could redo her hair and pin part of it up. She let the ruby end stick out a bit and a few locks of hair hung down from her hastily made bun. All in all, Hadrian liked it. He liked the way the hair snaked down her back and how a few strands came loose around her face to frame it gently.

"So, any plans for tomorrow?" Hadrian wondered. Eileen said she had none and apparently, she had no specific interest in anything either. Hadrian felt slightly frustrated. Diagon Alley was nice, but he knew that the longer they stayed here the more likely it was someone would recognize him, maybe even recognize Eileen. As far as he understood she had just up and left the wizarding world, leaving the people who knew her reeling and wondering what had happened to her. So far, they had been lucky. Left in peace to do as they wished. No one had demanded their names nor questioned what they were doing together. It left Hadrian feeling like something big was coming, he felt jumpy with paranoia.

"Will we be taking a portkey back home?"

Eileen looked up startled and wide-eyed at that, and Hadrian narrowed his eyes in suspicion.

"How were you planning on doing that?" she questioned. "Neither you nor I can re-apply a portkey, we need the minister to approve it. And I hardly think any witch or wizard would know of the muggle village we live in," she explained.

"How then, were you planning on having us get back?"

"Why, dear Hadrian, you sound defensive. With Apparition of course." Eileen smiled triumphantly.

"Apparition," Hadrian drawled. "Correct me if I'm not mistaken, but to either Apparate in or out of Diagon Alley, or any wizarding town for that matter, one needs to have their magical signature applied to the wards. And to do that we need either Gringotts or the Minister of Magics helpl."

Eileen widened her eyes in faux surprise. "Oh Merlin, does that mean we have to report our reappearance to the wizarding world?"

Sighing, Hadrian leaned down on his hand and ran it down his face before combing it through his thick hair. He could not really find it in himself to be mad. This was what his pack had insisted he do for the last couple of years now. And maybe, just maybe, this was the best time to do it. He could tell Eileen was secretly happy about forcing him into a corner. She wanted him to accept his place back into the wizarding world. Though, what she gained from doing that he could not fathom in the least, but she seemed genuine in her wish to help him. And their time back had been pleasant. He knew it would not continue to be so once the Daily Prophet got word of his return. It would be right back to center stage. But another part of him also knew that he would not be the only one standing there this time. Eileen would be right next to him, garnering as much attention. Hopefully more. Though, that thought was most likely in vain.

"So, Gringotts tomorrow," Hadrian said with a grimace on his lips. His stomach churned uncomfortably at the thought and he kept telling himself that this was for Eileen. She seemed happy. More relaxed than any other time that they had met for tea in the muggle village. If this was her secret want: to come back to the world she had left almost a decade ago. Then a small part of him, wished to help her with that. After all, his aversion towards the magical world was mostly political in nature. Maybe a little social, but he had managed before, and he could manage again.

"It would seem for the best," Eileen agreed unhelpfully.

The next day, Hadrian rose with much trepidation, they had decided the first thing to do after breakfast was to go to Gringotts. Eileen needed to register her magical signature into the wards and Hadrian had to report himself as Lord Slytherin. It certainly was something he did not look forward to. There would be questions. He kept replaying the scene that would most likely take place and he could personally not see anything good coming out of it.

Part of him wished Eileen knew how to side-along Apparate. but due to her leaving immediately after Hogwarts her magical skills were rusty and dangerous at the most to use so flippantly all of a sudden.

Gringotts was large, they had seen it often in passing the last two days, but both had silently agreed to keep away from it. There were two goblin guards by the steps leading up to the large wooden doors. As well as two large crystals encased in Dragon gold just behind the guards that kept up the secure wards that Gringotts was so famous for.

Neither guard looked in their direction as they passed, and the ward easily let them through. The wooden doors stood wide open during business hours and many different kinds of magical folk were hurrying in and out of them. Eileen and he joined the fray and were ushered in and then into a long line. The vault like room was massive and Hadrian had forgotten just how beautiful the interior decoration was. From the ceiling hung massive light crystals, and every corner or pillar was decorated with wooden or metal designs that represented the history of the magical world. The words Fortius Quo Fidelius stood out large and proud against a stony wall behind the goblin counter.

Eileen gave a delightful thrill at being able to look upon this sight again. Part of Hadrian agreed with her, but the fluttering nervousness in him would not go away and he started to feel like he needed to make a quick exit.

She chatted to him continuously, but her words slid over him and away. He was unable to concentrate. His eyes took in the witches and wizards around him trying to see if he recognized anyone. Everyone seemed busy and, in the end, Hadrian had to concede that no one seemed to have the time nor patience to be looking for him.

When it was their turn, a bored angry looking goblin greeted them from across the counter. Hadrian felt his brow rise at that. Unused to such open hostility. At least from goblins, who usually knew that any business with him was usually a lucrative one. And if there was anything Hadrian had learned over time, it was that power and gold was the way to any goblin's heart. Or maybe not heart, but it certainly gave you a fast pass when it came to business with them.

He most certainly did not want to be openly fawned upon, or used to gain political status by narrow-minded, self-obsessed people, but that also did not mean he tolerated disrespect very well. Something about it just set his teeth on edge, and straight out tore the nervousness out of him. He was close to glaring right back before their business had even started.

"Name," he grumbled out, and Eileen and Hadrian shared a disbelieving look at the rudeness before Hadrian smiled coolly down at the small creature.

"Has the famous goblin service diminished so greatly in the wake of Grindelwald's war." The goblin froze at that, beady eyes taking in his customers fervently. Hadrian leaned over the counter and with the tap of his finger a small piece of paper melted into view. The magic was nothing special, but the wandless display got the reaction he was hoping for. The goblin straightened some and a more neutral look took the place of the previous anger.

"Who are you to question whether goblin service has diminished or not?" the creature asked.

"Someone whose business you shouldn't turn away so lightly," Hadrian answered, glancing cursorily at the name display to the goblins right. "Mr. Buckthorn."

Slowly, Hadrian pulled out his wand from the holster which he kept by his right hip. Letting the goblin catch a glimpse of the two-snake design that curved up the hilt and over the lower part of the mahogany wand, before he lightly tapped the paper he had conjured earlier. With a flourish, light golden thread letters appeared spelling out his name, much to the goblin's bewilderment.

The goblin gathered the piece of paper in shaky hands, staring down at it for a long time, quiet.

Hadrian pocketed his wand and Eileen watched the event unfold with the air of a haughty pureblood. She was playing along perfectly. It almost made him smile. Except that would make them lose credibility. Not that they really needed it, but business was always easier with goblins if you gave them no weakness to exploit.

Finally, the goblin seemed to recollect himself and bowed deeply. "Lord Slytherin, how may Gringotts' goblins be of assistance to you?"

"I wish audience with the Head Goblin," Hadrian said, drawing in his power and straightening himself before adding, "I will have that audience today or my business and any of my future business will be taken elsewhere."

The goblin seemed to recognize the threat behind his words and hastily hurried away. Hushed chatter could be heard from the goblins around and glances were thrown in their direction. Eileen and Hadrian ignored them with ease. A few other customers seemed to realize something was up but for the most part the goblins managed through the frantic affairs without garnering the attention of the public.

Eileen's eyes met his own and Hadrian deflated. Shoulders sagging back down into a more relaxed pose and his magic drew back in, no longer being quite so noticeable. He was unused to having to show power and it left him off kilter. The skill was something he had developed back in the days as Harry Potter; it certainly came in handy now in regard to dealing with the goblins. He liked them well enough, but he found them a little too cynical. Especially when it came to their own clients. Like they were expecting him to stab them in the back at any time.

Mr. Buckthorn was back, an elderly goblin by his side that had a shrewd and slightly hungry look in his eyes. Hadrian liked him immediately.

"Lord Slytherin," he greeted with a light bow; his eyes moved over to Eileen who stood beside him before he inclined his head again and said: "Young Lady Prince." Much to their surprise. "Follow me if you please, business such as yours shall be taken in most private of chambers."

They were led away from the busy main chamber and down slithering corridors. They passed through two large doors before they found themselves in a warm lit chamber that hummed most pleasantly with magic. Runes ran like writing across the creamy walls and they pulsated lightly upon meeting with Eileen's and Hadrian's magic.

They took a seat together in one of the two sofas that faced each other in the room.

Another elderly goblin entered soon after them, his gait more energetic than one would think from the withered face. Intelligent eyes scanned over them before they disappeared behind heavy brows. He was hunched over, but that did little in slowing him down.

Hadrian had never met this goblin before, but even so, he could tell this must be one of the elders. And like most goblins, his magic was held tightly within. Hadrian was certain that if released, it would be of the most spectacular kind.

"Lord Slytherin and young Lady Prince," the elderly goblin began. "The vaults of Gringotts run deep. Whether you seek security for thy gold or documents that will hold, I am certain we can offer you the finest that magic can unfold.

"I am Faulbog the 9th Head Goblin of Gringotts Wizarding Bank. What do I owe this great pleasure to?"

Hadrian inclined his head, while Eileen remained still next to him; her hands clasped securely in front of her. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Faulbog the 9th. Young Lady Prince who came with me today," Hadrian begun, "is in need of ward registration within Diagon Alley." The elderly goblin nodded, and Hadrian felt the elder's powerful gaze as he assessed them. "As for myself, I wish to register my standing as Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Slytherin. I would also like to request documents to be drawn up on the vaults that are still here beneath Gringotts that belong to my inheritance as well as be given a financial and estate manager to help with future business that I may acquire."

Faulbog the 9th Head Goblin was quick to help with what they needed. He, of course, remained seated during the whole ordeal, but he ordered his goblins about with sharp crisp words that saw to that both Eileen and Hadrian got what they had come for.

Hadrian was surprised to find himself given a cup of hot tea from a goblin he assumed might be female, but that lacked any notable features that he could easily distinguish her for. Eileen, of course, was given one to.

The first order of business ended up being Eileen's. She was required to give one drop of blood as well as to infuse her magical signature into a small holding crystal that would later be used by the ward goblins to merge her magic into the wards so that she could come and go as she wished from Diagon Alley. Hadrian would do this process later, but first he needed to go over his ancestral contract that had been drawn up with the goblins many generations ago. It was long and boring, and he was not sure he would have managed without Eileen's deep and intricate knowledge of pureblood tradition.

It was already late on Eileen's birthday before Hadrian finished with the last of the documents. A goblin by the name of Hopgrog having joined them; he was to be Hadrian's manager from here on out. He was a round looking goblin with reddish hair and large eyes that kind of gave Hadrian the creeps looking at too deeply. Apparently, he was a direct descendant of a goblin that had managed the Slytherin vaults and estates previously. As far as Hadrian could tell he seemed adequate, though slightly brash and with the air of someone who often misunderstood other people's emotions. He had a good memory though and always seemed to remember what was needed of him no matter how obscure or round-about the facts Hadrian gave were.

"Lord Slytherin, how would you like to proceed in regard to the Slytherin estate properties?" Hopgrog asked.

"For now, they will remain sealed," Hadrian answered.

Eileen leaned forward at that, eyes intense as she asked, "Are you not going to open it up? The Slytherin manor must be impressive, it most likely holds many secrets of the wizarding world within it."

"Do you wish to go there today?" The question got a contemplating look from Eileen. "I don't know about you, but I am tired. If I request the goblins to open the Slytherin manor, I will have to accompany them. As we all know Slytherin is a dark wizarding line with extensive loyalty to only direct descendants. I do not know what we can expect from the manor, but it certainly is not a place I will send someone without my direct supervision."

"I understand. It was reckless of me to demand anything else," Eileen agreed, and the topic was dropped.

By the time Hadrian could finally stand up, his legs felt heavy and there was a sluggish feel to his being. He bowed stiffly, wishing to leave quickly and barely remembered his manners before heading for the door.

"May your coffers never run empty," he told the Head Goblin, which received him a goblins form of a smile.

"Nor your gold ever diminish," Faulbog the 9th ended.

Eileen and he returned to The Owl's Inn tired but satisfied. Hadrian had long since lost his nervousness about entering the wizarding world again. Now all he wanted was to crawl to bed and forget the day and all the paperwork he had been forced to go through.

"Thank you for staying with me. You could have left after we finished keying you into the wards," Hadrian said gratefully.

Eileen just laughed.

"Like I could have left you by yourself, oh most powerful and noble Lord Slytherin. You looked ready to faint standing inside Gringotts this morning; how was I to know if you would manage out before supper if left to your own devices?"

"I probably wouldn't have," Hadrian agreed quietly, sinking down into one of the armchairs that occupied their shared room. "Would you like to order food to the room for today. I'm sorry it's not much of a birthday."

"I couldn't have asked for a better birthday than to have been allowed to see the shock on those greedy goblins faces when they realized who their customer for today was," Eileen answered.

"True, it was rather entertaining. Let us not do it again. At least not for a while," Hadrian groaned out.

"Sometimes I wonder which one of us is the oldest," she replied, giving him an assessing look.

"I am."

"You certainly don't look it," Eileen said, as she too joined him by sitting down. "You have a most beautiful wand. Did you receive it here at Ollivanders?"

"No. It was a rather unwanted gift," Hadrian explained.

"Well, a most spectacular unwanted gift in that case."

"Indeed. Rather powerful too, but I miss my old wand. It disintegrated or burned to ashes—whatever you want to call it—the moment I Inherited this wand."

"That is most fascinating. Disintegrated you say. I have never heard of that. So, your wand is an inheritance of your Slytherin line, they were a dark family after all, who knows what spells and curses they've come up with," Eileen added, tilting her head and narrowing her eyes at Hadrian as if she would be able to solve the mystery if she squinted hard enough. Hadrian huffed at that, annoyed.

Crossing his arms, he raised one eyebrow at her. "Well I, for one, don't care either way right now. Let us order our dinner and if you don't mind I will turn in early today."

—V—V—

It was still dark the next morning when Hadrian rolled out of bed to the insistent tapping of an owl by his window. He groaned and grumbled and threw a glance over his shoulder to a second bed where Eileen yet remained fast asleep.

"I need to get out of this place," he said quietly to himself as he let the bird in. It was majestic and nothing at all like a Ministry or Gringotts' owl. A personal letter in that case. It had not even been a whole day and someone already knew of his existence; Hadrian had a feeling he knew who it was.

He felt the Feather Light charm drop from the letter the moment the owl relinquished it to him. It was thick rich parchment with his name written in clear cursive on it. There seemed to have been no other charm, so Hadrian hastily pulled it open. A formal welcome letter back into the wizarding world. It was long with far too many unnecessary wordings that came with formal speech. Hadrian skimmed it and ran his eyes over the signature at the bottom.

Abraxas Malfoy.

He bemoaned himself that the one person he had had to run into all those years ago now had been this man. Hadrian had never been a fan of the Malfoys, although Abraxas had been very kind during the time they had spent together. Though, how had he known so fast that Hadrian had returned?

Ugh, purebloods, Hadrian thought, distraught. The man probably had eyes everywhere.

"Good thing we are leaving today. I almost feel certain the annoying pureblood would go search for me. I need to get out of these wards, as long as I stay here any owl will easily be able to find me and most likely any other weird spell Abraxas has at his bidding," Hadrian mumbled.

He thanked the bird, a beautifully light-colored Eagle Owl. It left shortly after, demanding nothing in return.

When Eileen woke, Hadrian did not mention the letter he had received. They ate breakfast, took a small walk before deciding it was time to get back home.

"It has been many years since I Apparated from within Diagon Alley," Hadrian said. "Where shall we go for that, I know there are quite a few spots?"

"I was thinking we can use the one that The Owl's Inn runs. It is in the next building over, a beautifully decorated oval room. I took the liberty of looking at it after you went to bed and I think it will work just fine going from there," Eileen explained. "Of course, when we come back the next time, we shall have to Apparate to that hall, but that shouldn't be a problem."

All Hadrian heard was the words next time. "You are certainly planning way ahead. Let us just get home for now and we will see what the future holds later in the summer. I, for one, miss the smell of leather and books."

Nothing had changed in the village when they returned. Eileen and him parted ways on one of the small paths leading into the village center, so that Eileen may return home.

The elderly shoemaker grunted a hello, but other than that did not spare Hadrian a glance. Maggie had been by and had left a basket of berries and roots as well as a small handwritten letter. It was hard to read as she had only attended the small village school and had no proper education when it came to writing. It was a warm-hearted letter though, and Hadrian smiled happily to himself for the next hour as he busied himself with mundane tasks.

—V—V—

He relaxed at home for about a day before he left again, this time to return to his pack. It had been way over a month since he had last seen them. When Hadrian Apparated into the small clearing in front of the house, he caught sight of Immith and Roarik curled together under a massive Oak tree. And Dale and Yale were barking at each other over a stick, some sort of game Hadrian assumed but refused to think too much over it.

Gerald stepped out of the house in his human form, a warm smile on his face as if he knew to expect him. A sixth sense that Hadrian never understood, maybe magical, was the only explanation he could come up with.

"Welcome home, young master, on this fine morning day," he greeted.

"Gerald, everyone, it is nice to be back," Hadrian replied, allowing himself to be enveloped in strong arms and buried into Gerald's chest. A cold nose joined, pushing itself up under the shirt he wore, and Hadrian playfully tried pushing Lunath away as she continued to sniff at him. "I don't have any injuries, I'm healthy, sane and do not need babying."

"Hmm, I feel that there are many comments I can make to that, but for the sake of peace I shall keep my tongue," Gerald said and started pulling Hadrian towards the back of the house. "Come join me, I was just about to have some tea and sandwiches."

Hadrian laughed, "You are far too human, I wonder sometimes if you aren't but an Animagus."

"And you, young master are far too fond of pack moments. It makes me wonder if you don't carry a piece of Lupi Caelo blood in you."

"I'm a 100 percent human, thank you very much," Hadrian said with a derisive snort.

The sandwiches were lovely, nothing at all like the ones he made himself.

"So, young master, when will we ever get to meet this young Lady Prince?" Yale asked as he came towards the two humans and the one Frost Hound that were relaxing at the back of the house.

Hadrian froze and let out a nervous laugh. "You wish to meet her?"

"Of course," Yale answered, leaning down and snagged the last remaining sandwich.

"That might still be a while," Hadrian said.

"Why?" Yale wondered, inspecting the young human intently. "Have you not told of us to her? My, young master Hadrian, how my heart aches at that."

"Lies. You're doing just fine. The ache is simply heartburn from all the bad food you keep eating."

Gerald snickered quietly at his side. Getting up and brushing a hand over Lunath's fur, before cleaning the plates up and adding more tea to Hadrian's cup. "Would you like something?" he asked Lunath. The reply he must have gotten was quiet and most likely in a form that Hadrian simply could not understand, for Gerald started busying himself.

Hadrian followed the man as he went inside. "I hope I am not putting too much on you by leaving you and the rest of the pack out here," Hadrian said to him. His fingers twisted nervously on the sleeve of his robe. He wished to tell the man that they did not have to stay at this cottage all the time. That they were free to roam as they wished, but the words caught in his throat and he knew not how to articulate his feelings.

"Worry not, young master. The pack can handle themselves and for the most part we go hunting in the vast woods around us. It is peaceful, we do not mind. Yale and I are more than enough to take care of this small house and the rest of the pack is respectful for the most part in keeping it undamaged and functioning and clean."

"I am glad," Hadrian stated, helping the man clean up the used plates in the kitchen sink.

"That statement is for us. We are the ones who should be thanking you. My pack was constantly on the run, being hunted by all sorts of creatures and humans alike. Here under your powerful magic and protection we can be ourselves. And the Frost Hounds have settled in well with us since you picked them up. We are certainly a weird pack, but none of us would have it any differently. It is just sad that we cannot live with you constantly. Society is far too stifling and the younger ones in our pack might not be ready for that sort of change just yet," Gerald said, and leaned over to ruffle Hadrian's growing hair. "Worry not about that. How about you consider doing what Yale asked about and introduce us to young Lady Prince. I, for one, would be delighted in meeting with her."

"You wish to meet her as well?" Hadrian bit his lip with uncertainty. "I will consider it. I am certain she would love to meet you all also. She does badger me constantly on what sort of secretive business I am up to when I sneak away for a few days," he laughed out.

"Good, now come. Tell me, why have you been gone so long and what is it that has you fidgeting so much?"

Telling Gerald about the last four days came easier than he thought it would. And as he told him, Hadrian realized he had greatly enjoyed himself in Diagon Alley. The wizarding food had been good, it had felt great being dressed as a proper wizard again. The smell of the place had even been nostalgic. Having been able to return and go about his business privately away from the prying eyes of the rest of the world, had been a dream come true. He smiled sadly to himself, wishing that this sort of outing had been possible with Hermione and Ron. Would their friendship have been stronger if they had not been constantly harassed by the press and the badgering questions of overly curious people?

That sort of thought was too late to think about now. He tried to push it away. Tried to remind himself of how fun he had had and to not let the past come up and ruin it.

Gerald remained quiet for the most part, and by the time Hadrian was finishing his story most of the pack had joined them. They laid around Hadrian like one big protective barrier made up of different colored fur.

"So, young master has finally become Lord Slytherin," Gerald said with a sharp grin on his features and something very predatory in his eyes. Hadrian gulped.

"Yes, it would seem so," Hadrian admitted.

"And as Lord Slytherin, there are certainly many things you can do for the wellbeing of magical creatures." Hadrian was getting the gist of what the man was getting at.

"I'm not entering into political power struggles!"

"All things come with time, I'm certain neither I nor young Lady Prince will force you into anything you have no wish for. I am simply glad you were able to finally face that part of yourself. I look forward to you opening up the Slytherin land," Gerald explained.

"Why the Slytherin land?" Hadrian wondered.

"Hmm, mostly for the packs amusement, we are all interested in what exists in those woods. If I remember the old stories correctly, Salazar Slytherin had once created his lands as a safe haven for magical creatures from the oppression of the muggle world."

"A safe haven!" Hadrian exclaimed, startled by the revelation. He had never heard of such a thing. It certainly had not been mentioned in any books he had gotten from the Black library nor Hogwarts. Not even Salazar's books themselves had mentioned it.

"Indeed. Salazar was very fond of the magical world and that included all creatures and living beings in it. His lands were once known far and wide. Sad to say, much of that has died out now and only the oppressive dark view of pureblood tradition remains."

Hadrian remained quiet, contemplating.

"I will look into opening it up soon," he said, but he felt uncertain about that. It was one thing to have received just one letter, and from a man he already knew. But to open the estate up would create a wizarding backlash. He would have reporters and all kinds of people knocking on his doorstep—bothering his pack. The big question, in the end, he realized was whether he was pureblood enough to turn them away with a dismissive indifference. He groaned and let his head sink into his hands. "I need practice."

"Practice on what?" Gerald asked.

"Being a pureblood. I barely know anything about tradition, nor anything about the Slytherin line. I'm out of practice. Naive. Abraxas Malfoy would eat me up if I met him again," he explained.

"Ah, the famous Lord Malfoy, it has been quite a few years now since you and I ran into him. He was certainly an interesting wizard."

"You liked him!" Hadrian shouted feeling betrayed at the thought.

"Not particularly. I just knew he was the sort of person to have things under his control. Influential and well liked in the general populace. If you followed anything happening in the wizarding world you would know he has made quite a name for himself. He also has a young child now, Lucius I believe was his name," Gerald said.

"How do you know that? Why are you keeping up with the news?" Hadrian glared suspiciously.

"Someone has to, and it is in the favor of everyone if at least someone knows. As alpha of this pack, including you, young master, it is my interest to make certain that nothing will come up and bite us from behind."

Hadrian did not disagree with him, but he also felt slightly off kilter knowing the wolf-slash-man was off exploring and gathering information while Hadrian safely hid away in a muggle village. So much for thinking that they stayed safely hidden away in these woods all the time.

"How about you let young Lady Prince teach you wizarding etiquette. From what you've told us about her she seems like she would be delighted in helping you in this endeavor. So far, she has shown much in-depth experience in the dealings of the wizarding world with the way she has led you so blindly around. As a pureblood and once heir, she should carry much knowledge that would be most beneficial for you," Gerald explained. "Do consider it, it will lay my worries to rest in regard to future events that are most likely to unfold."

"With the way you say it, how could I disagree?" Hadrian said sullenly. "Though, did you have to put it like that. It makes it seem like I've been completely fooled."

"Well I, for one, don't worry about her taking advantage of you or your status. I'm certain it is all in good faith."

A comfortable silence descended on the two of them with neither of them having any more to add. The rest of the pack took that as their incentive to drag Hadrian down onto the ground with them. Hadrian was forced—rather happily—to spend the rest of his day being dog-piled. It was a painful experience though, as both the Lupi Caelo and Frost Hounds are overly large and heavy creatures. Hadrian felt fragile in comparison, and their over enthusiastic cuddling was putting much stress on his poor ribs.

The warm summer weather was much more appreciative for Hadrian and he was able to spend more time outdoors with his pack. By the time nightfall had come only Immith and Hadrian retired indoors, leaving the rest comfortably asleep outside.

Next morning dawned with the feeling of a cold wet nose being pressed up against the side of his head. All Hadrian wanted to do was roll over and ignore the world.

Twaine would not have it and the wet nose was soon replaced by the trampling of heavy paws and light tugging of sharp teeth. Admitting defeat, Hadrian allowed himself to be dragged outside. Everyone was waiting, all in canine form.

"I wish I had an Animagus form," Hadrian complained to himself as he did some light stretches and allowed his tiredness to fade away.

It was time for a morning run.

—V—V—

Before Hadrian knew it, it was time for him to return home. With a newfound determination to learn wizarding formality as well as tradition. He had promised himself that he would seek Eileen out as soon as possible.

That, however, did not end up happening. For upon his return he was meet with a fresh-faced and lively Maggie. Hadrian did not even have time to protest before he was dragged out towards Maggie's family farm.

"Where have you been?" she asked, not looking back as she continued to pull Hadrian along. "You've been gone for days," she whined.

"Here and there," Hadrian said unhelpfully, looking back mournfully at the fading village center where his homey apartment was.

With a huff she turned around to glare at him. "You are being so scholarly. What is that even supposed to mean?"

"I took care of some business I had in the city," Hadrian replied after a moment's hesitation.

"You have business in the city?" she wondered doubtfully.

It was Hadrian's turn to huff as he looked down at her unimpressed. "What makes you think I wouldn't?"

"You are always hiding away with your books and everyone knows that the only other person you interact with is Mrs. Snape. By the way, Mr. Snape will soon figure out something is up. Have you grown fond of her? Is she leading you to have her break her marriage vows?" Maggie asked, far too straightforward for Hadrian's liking.

"Aren't you a little young to be asking these sort of questions?"

"I heard Mama and Grandma talk about how Mrs. Snape was being shameful in her approach to you."

"Oh, Merlin," Hadrian groaned. "Eileen and I have no such relationship. Your Mother and Grandmother can rest in peace. I swear there is nothing illicit going on here, and there certainly is nothing for Mr. Snape," Hadrian spit out, "to find out about."

"I don't think they will say anything even if you were," Maggie said with a sullen look on her face. Maybe jealousy, Hadrian assumed.

"What makes you think that?"

"Well, I hear the way they talk about Mr. Snape, they don't like him. No one likes him. He cheated poor Hareld over at Greenbury farm; made him lose a lot of his animals," she said.

Hadrian frowned. "When did you hear this?"

"Maybe it's because you are always reading books and never talking to anyone. Grandpa said it started last fall, Mr. Snape had gotten really mad in one of the pubs and had been shouting bad things about Hareld. I don't really know what happened, but before you knew it some of the cows and sheep Hareld tended to got some sort of sickness. Grandpa and Mama had to go over and help put them down before it spread to the rest of the herds."

"Is that the only thing that happened?" Hadrian asked, his previous worries about Eileen and his relationship being sullied by the villagers gone. He was more worried about Tobias Snape's character, after all that was the man Eileen had to return home to constantly. Though for better or worse he seemed to be gone most of the time; doing Merlin knows what.

"I don't know. Mama is always so hushed, hushed about these sort of things. She says it brings bad reputation to our village and that we shouldn't talk about it. Just like you and Mrs. Snape might bring bad reputation if Mr. Snape catches wind of what you are doing," Maggie explained as if everything that was going on was that simple and might be solved by not talking about it.

Hadrian growled out frustratedly, "Like I said, there is nothing between Eileen and I. Nothing to bring a bad reputation about!"

Finally, Maggie dropped the subject, but she seemed dissatisfied by Hadrian's answer and kept shooting looks at him over her shoulder as she continued leading the way to her family farm.

"What did you pull me out here for anyways?" Hadrian asked, changing the subject in the awkward silence that had befallen them. It seemed to work for Maggie's eyes brightened substantially.

"You know Grandpa always goes into the woods for hunting. Well, he found this bird. It's really colorful. Its wing is broken though, so it can't fly. So, I'm helping Mama care for it right now, you must come and see."

Intrigued, Hadrian let himself be dragged along back to her house. It was a nice house, two stories with a small barn to the left side and a small tractor next to it that her family used to help plow the fields. Behind the house laid a large pasture with a few cows that milled about.

All the farms and animals in the village were taken care of by five families in total. It was not overly large land but it easily fed the people and had enough left over for trade.

Greeting Maggie's mother was nerve-wracking. Hadrian hated dispute and there was a shrewd look in her eyes. The knowledge that she had been talking about him and Eileen behind his back just heightened his sense of nervousness.

In the end, Maggie's mother was very courteous with her words and betrayed none of her personal feelings. She led them to a homemade terrace that looked like it had been used for many different kinds of woodwork instead of an area for relaxation. There was only one wooden chair and a low set table, the rest was a mix between garden tools and some sort of wood that might have been used as a fence once.

Hadrian spotted the bird almost immediately, it was colorful indeed. Beautiful set sunny colors as well as a wing that looked far beyond any repair that a muggle could do. It hung from a cage by the house wall, just about even with Hadrian and Maggie's mother's eyes.

"How was it injured," Hadrian asked the mother, inspecting the bird that just cocked its head and inspected him back.

"I don't know. Father found him hidden away in some leaves. You know he always takes the dogs with him when he goes hunting. Seems like they sniffed the little one out."

"Hmm, I've never seen a bird like this here before. Maybe it got lost during the migration?"

"That's a mighty long time ago by now. It doesn't look lost to me, looks more injured than worried about its way back home," Maggie's mother said, and Hadrian had to bite back a sharp retort at that. Instead he nodded patiently and tried thinking if he'd read about this sort of bird before. Nothing came up. At least it wasn't magical, not an ounce of magic could be felt from it.

"Do you mind if I look at it?" he asked.

"I'd say you are already doing so," Maggie piped in and Hadrian wish he could hit his head against something hard.

"May I take it out and inspect it?" he clarified.

This time it was the mother who replied, "What for? You aren't a doctor. Seems very little we can do for it right now. I'd say if it had been one of our animals we would have put it out of its misery by now, but I think Father grew attached to its bright colored feathers. Maggie seems to have done so too." The mother shot her daughter a look that might have been judgmental and questioning at the same time.

"True. But I might have some knowledge on how to set that bone, so the bird can heal enough to fly away," he said trying to reason with them. The suspicious look was back, and Hadrian had no idea what they could possibly be thinking. As if his ability to set a bird's wing bone would somehow equate to him having hidden a background as a medical doctor. Sometimes he truly did not understand people or the reasoning they came to.

Finally, they relented and Hadrian took the bird out carefully. Saddened by the heartfelt little thrill he got from it as he lifted it off its perch.

He ran a hand coated with magic over the colorful bird, not worried about the muggles. They would not be able to see or sense anything out of place. The wing seemed to have almost been snapped by something on purpose. It was a clean break straight through. There was not much he could do, he could not heal the bird with magic it would be far too suspicious. So instead he let his magic guide him and he snapped the bone back in place as swiftly as possible. Throwing a light Immobulus on the bird so it would not trash and possibly damage itself more.

Maggie had jumped back startled by Hadrian's action and was now inspecting the straightened wing.

"I've only set the bone, it will take quite a while longer for it to heal into place," he explained.

"I don't mind, it's very pretty. Mama and I will care for it," Maggie said. "Do we need to wrap it?"

"No, it should be fine. As long as the bird doesn't get over excited and throw its wing about I think it will heal just fine."

"I'm glad."

Maggie's mother was less straightforward about her pleasure, but she invited Hadrian for some tea before he left. For a while the quietness that descended on them had Hadrian fearing that she would bring up their thoughts on Eileen and him again, but no inquiry came. It was a quiet tea, mostly Maggie kept up a constant chatter. Hadrian indulged her with few words.

By late afternoon Hadrian finally excused himself. Thanked them for the tea and wished them luck with the birds healing. The sun was still far above the horizon and Hadrian enjoyed the beautiful walk home. A few different farm animals seemed to greet him as he walked past, but other than that he was alone. Finally, after many days of too much action for his part.

With things finally having quieted down, Hadrian could reinspect the letter he received from Abraxas. Receiving the letter had made him jumpy again, uncertain about his return. Abraxas was one of the few who knew of Hadrian and his pack. Knew of Hadrian's power and at least an extent of his inheritance. The letter said nothing of any of that in it. It was formal and to the point. Abraxas wished Hadrian the best of luck as well as an invitation to the Malfoy manor. There was also a note at the bottom that stated if he needed help again, to not hesitate in seeking it from him. Hadrian very much doubted he would.

Hadrian folded the letter and hid it away in one of his trunks.

From there he fell back into normal village life. Now and then he would help the shoemaker downstairs and every week he would go and check on the little bird that was healing just fine without magical interference. Eileen and he were back to their routinely afternoon teas, which now also consisted of being quizzed on pureblood wizarding history.

Just as Gerald had assumed, Eileen was more than happy to help Hadrian establish himself as a respectful pureblood. She had such extensive understanding of wizarding tradition that Hadrian could not make himself understand why she would marry a muggle. Eileen clearly loved the wizarding world and took great pride and joy in her knowledge of it. She knew such abstruse ideas, and not to mention all the traditional pureblood wards that she could practically recite in her sleep. Hadrian felt he was starting to understand where Professor Snape's ingrained want for obscure knowledge came from.

Every day was a new wizarding family. Hadrian started to realize there was a whole bunch of purebloods he had never heard about. Many had fled to different parts of Britain in fear during the war against Grindelwald. Some families like the Prince, were known but the power they carried was too weak for anyone to really take them seriously. They had a seat in the wizengamot, but for the most part it was a family called the Crawford's that used it in their stead. It was like this for many families now, most had long since dropped out of politics for fear of the destruction of their family. Without either magical power or economic power there was little one family could do.

"How come the Crawford's decided to take your seat in the wizengamot?" Hadrian finally found himself asking when his curiosity could take no more.

"My father was neither magically nor intellectually talented," she stated, a harsh look in her eyes. "He certainly tried to keep the Prince seat, but he succumbed to a duel with Lord Crawford early on and was too cowardly to reclaim it. Mother wouldn't be caught dead going to such boring events as the wizengamot, no matter how opinionated she may sound at formal parties. That left me and my sisters. As the oldest it would fall on me and I was already bound to marry the Goyles."

"Sounds complex. Do I have a choice not to enter into this? What if I lose a duel, all my seats will be given to the winner then?" Hadrian wondered.

Eileen thought about that for a while before she shook her head. "Wizarding politics really isn't that simple. You are of an ancient house, your name by itself holds power. Any power that the Prince once might have held is nothing compared to yours. You might be challenged but I hardly think there will be anyway you can actually lose any of your assets to someone else. Not even the Malfoys can take that from you." Here Eileen's eyes narrowed at him in such a way that made Hadrian's spine straighten. "And I am certain you are hiding a great deal of magic from me. Sometimes I feel it, you let it leak out and cover the whole landscape around you. You use your magic as if the wand is simply there to put others at ease. Don't forget I saw the way you summoned that piece of paper at Gringotts, and that sort of transfiguration isn't something to scoff at."

"I'm really not good at politics," Hadrian tried.

"Of course. I think anyone can tell that from a mile away. Isn't that why you have me. I might have fled the wizarding world for a muggle husband, but I am not someone pithless. How about it, with my brain and your power I am certain we can secure a nice place for you that will benefit the both of us," Eileen said, a satisfied grin on her face and a challenging look in her eyes. Hadrian could do nothing but crumble under it.

"How does that benefit you?"

"Well, not only am I coming back to the wizarding world after having run off with a muggle, I am coming back with the lost lord of the Noble and most Ancient House of Slytherin."

"Don't you just sound excited," Hadrian replied with a conceded sigh.

After all the tiring lessons Hadrian kept receiving day in and day out he almost forgot to ask Eileen if she wished to meet his pack. This actually turned out more challenging to do then he had thought as Eileen demanded to know why he had kept this sort of thing from her to begin with. It was hard to tell whether she was angry or not, maybe disappointed, it certainly did not leave a good feeling in Hadrian.

"So, you have a pack of seven wolves, that you've, what, been keeping hidden away in a small cabin in the northern woods of Scotland?" Eileen clarified, and well, put that way it didn't sound so good.

"Four wolves," Hadrian said, as if that somehow would make it better. "The other three are a magical dog breed of the northern continents called Frost Hounds."

"Frost Hounds? Never heard of."

"Well, I hadn't either. But they're really good with snow elemental magic," he said, trailing of lamely at the dark piercing look.

"I see, and you wish me to meet them?"

"Well, they wish to meet you."

"You certainly aren't making this feel friendly," she said.

Hadrian groaned. "I'm sorry. It's not like I can usually go around and tell people I have a pack of magically strong wolves and dogs. You can't keep it against me that it wouldn't come up in normal conversations." The silence must have been a sort of punishment of that Hadrian was certain. It made him fidgety and left him with a feeling of guilt. "If it makes you feel better I really want you to meet them. You'll love Lunath and Immith."

That got him a slow nod. "Okay, when will I meet them. Can you even do side-along Apparition?" The question made Hadrian realize that taking Eileen up into the woods might be slightly more difficult than he had previously thought.

"I'll think of something."

—V—V—

As it turned out, side-along Apparition was not that difficult for Hadrian. He practiced with Gerald a few times much to the rest of the packs horror before he returned to Eileen. They decided on a date for the end of August, but before they headed over to the pack they were going shopping in Diagon Alley. It was time Hadrian got himself tailored wizarding clothes, and Eileen had decided to pick up some for herself. They were after all going to be seen far more often in public now that Hadrian had planned to officially open the main Slytherin estate.

With that decision in mind, the two Apparated directly into Diagon Alley. Their first plan of the day was shopping, followed by another Gringotts visit. There was much that needed to be planned and signed before the goblins could lower the wards surrounding Hadrian's rightful property.

When Eileen and Hadrian stepped out of the oval Apparating room of The Owl's Inn; it was to the sight of harried looking parents and children busying themselves up and down the streets. Hogwarts was starting up soon again, and there were all kinds of sales on display for the new term.

Hadrian took it all in with a nostalgic smile.

Walking through the crowded streets, he was horrified to realize that he was run into far too often. Having long since forgotten the art of evading people in overcrowded places. Eileen snickered at his misfortune. It did not help that oftentimes the ones that ran into him stopped in their tracks to gawk. Usually young children whose eyes were wide and far less subtle in their scrutinization. He even had a young girl comment that his eyes glittered very beautiful "like a gem" with such revere that Hadrian felt his face lighten up in embarrassment.

Eileen also happily pointed out that Hadrian was shorter than the seventh-year boys. It was a curse, Hadrian decided, his short stature was a curse. Adulthood could not get rid of the abuse that befell him in his childhood. Though, she also said that it suited him and told him he should not let it bother him. He still quietly fumed about it and could not help but shoot childish glares at the growing boys that would one day all overtake his slight height.

Finally, Hadrian was forced out of his thoughts when Eileen pulled him into Madam Malkin's Robes for all Occasions. The shop was busy, and Hadrian and Eileen had to press through the crowd to find a small space for themselves.

A house elf popped up in front of them, bowing deeply and dressed in a deep colored robe like clothing. "How may Crickity help Master and Mistress today?"

"We are looking for formal robes. Are there many waiting to be fitted?" Eileen asked.

"Crickity would say at least three more to go before it would be Mistress turn," the elf replied.

"I see, that will do. Please let us know when we may get fitted, until then we shall look around for the colors we like." The elf bowed again and disappeared.

"You sure are good with house elves," Hadrian commented.

"Their easy to please. I bet you wouldn't be too bad with them either. Have you never had your own?"

"I inherited my Godfather's, but a dark curse took most of the elves sanity and it wasn't long after my godfather's death that the little creature himself succumbed to the same fate," he explained.

"I see, was he of a dark family?" she asked.

"The Blacks," Hadrian said, not feeling like lying. It would do no ill to reveal that little fact. Wizarding Britain was practically overrun with Blacks at this point in time. Far too many where marrying into all kinds of wizarding families.

"Your inheritance as a Slytherin seems to become more and more evident the more I learn about you. A Black Godfather, I feel like you would have no less than that as the heir of the Slytherin line," Eileen said.

"Maybe. Looking at it from the here and now it seems easy to see why I would be of Slytherin blood. But when I was younger that was the last thing I had ever thought I would be."

They kept up their light chatter, trying to be discrete in the topics they brought up around so many other wizards and witches. Eileen ended up selecting the color scheme for the both, and Hadrian was pleased with the outcome once he got to try it on during his fitting.

Madam Malkin scrutinized the two of them, before turning her attention on Eileen. "Would you like the order under the name of Prince?" she wondered.

Eileen simply smiled at that revelation and seemed unbothered by being found out. Instead she turned to Hadrian and raised a playful eyebrow. The question was clear, did Hadrian wish to state his name. Word would already get out that he was with the Young Lady Prince and if he kept his name hidden here they would question his authority and his power. Best to play along with Eileen.

"You may place the order under the name Slytherin," he answered, trying to keep his voice steady and not portray the nervousness he personally felt.

The store seemed to freeze at that; all the people around them turning to look as one big wave. Madam Malkin's reaction was less obvious but she too was just as shocked. Her hands shook slightly over the material she held in her hands and she had to unclasp her grip on the wand she held. It was a tense silence, before gradually people started talking in hushed voices with one another. Hadrian and Eileen ignored them both their attention on Madam Malkin.

She finally replied, and much to her credit her voice did not waver at all, "I understand. I will have the robes ready for you in two hours, Lord Slytherin."

Two hours! Hadrian thought, eyes casting over to seek Eileen's out. She simply smiled back with a Cheshire-like grin.

Their leaving of the store was followed by many eyes. None stopped them though, and no one came up to talk to them. Outside was better—word did not travel that fast—but Hadrian bet that before the day's end he would all but be a celebrity once again.

"Well, that was certainly an interesting reaction, far more of one than the goblins," Hadrian commented.

"Hmm, I would assume the goblins knew that someone of the Slytherin line yet lived. After all, the magic that keeps vaults and valuables and Merlin knows what sort of magical contracts are all under their safe keeping. They must have some way of knowing if they are still kept binding," Eileen said.

Hadrian stopped walking at that. The thought had never crossed his mind, he always just thought of goblins as rather shrewd creatures with a vast interest in gold. Gob magic was just as ancient as wizarding magic and there was much about it that Hadrian had never been able to understand. But he did know there was a reason Gob magic was used instead of wizarding when it came to such things as wards and inheritance contracts. For one, Gob magic was much more stable; because of its stability it did not fade as fast nor was it broken easily. It was practically completely resistant towards the more finesse wizarding magic and that's why it took so much power to be able to break through barriers that goblins put up. Wizarding magic was much like humans, it was easily malleable and grew and withered depending much on the state of the wizard. Gob magic on the other hand was incredibly stable, once cast it took little for a goblin to keep it up and it could easily be switched over to another goblin as it did not depend so much on the caster as simply on nature magic.

"I'd never thought of that," he admitted.

"Most don't," Eileen said offhandedly. Hadrian took it as an insult and huffed in frustration. "Dear Hadrian, you are acting like a child. Let's stop squabbling and get going, we have two hours to get the property contracts taken care of so that we may open Slytherin manor." For that they needed to head for Gringotts.

This time there was no line they had to stand in, for the moment they passed the large wooden doors a goblin came hurrying in their direction. "Please follow me, Lord Slytherin. Would young Lady Prince be joining as well?" To which Eileen answered that she would, and before the two of them knew it they were once again being escorted down winding hallways, until Hadrian felt certain he had no way to know which was the correct way back.

The door they were herded through was not the one for the main head goblin, but Hopgrog's personal office. It was brightly lit with a horrid decoration that was already giving Hadrian a headache. The smile he granted his new managing goblin was strained and he stumbled over the proper wordings of a formal goblin greeting.

Once seated, Hopgrog moved straight into business, much to Hadrian's pleasure. "Lord Slytherin, what do I owe today's meeting to?"

"I've come in regard to the main Slytherin manor. I wish to set a time so that we may take down the Gob barrier and transfer my magical signature into the ward key so that I will have complete access to those grounds. I believe it is time I take up residence in more fitting areas," Hadrian explained. The goblin's eyes seemed to twinkle in satisfaction at that, but to tell the truth that could have just been the lighting in the poorly decorated room. Hadrian was certain he was looking too much into it.

"Certainly. Do you just wish to open up only the main estate property or are you interested in the other ones as well that exist under the Slytherin name?" the goblin asked.

"Just the main estate for today. I have heard it is extensive and I have no interest in dividing my attention between all of them."

"A wise decision," Hopgrog said, already rifling through a stack of papers that had come summoned in the air from somewhere in the room. It was a large stack and the paper looked heavy. A few pages of old parchment could also be seen among the masses. "How much does Lord Slytherin know of his inherited property?" It was a question Hadrian felt he should take offense to, but the truth was he really did not know much. Gerald had said it was an old sanctuary for magical creatures and past that Hadrian had a suspicion it probably also contained a large quantity of dark artifacts. It was little knowledge and for the most part useless in the face of the mass of documents that the little goblin kept shuffling through.

"I know very little. I've heard that the main property was once used as a sanctuary for magical creatures, but other than that I know nothing of the estate itself." The goblin simply nodded at his admission, apparently unbothered by the Lord of the house knowing next to nothing. Hadrian took that as a good thing. Eileen just remained silent.

"Sanctuary indeed. The woods that the property is built on are some very old woods. I would assume even now we will find many magical beasts and plants living there. The barrier around the whole of the property is after all not to keep things out nor to keep things in; it was erected to offer protection to those who seek it. There is a more concrete barrier around the main estate, which is the one that us goblins helped raise. We won't need to take it down, but as no previous Lord of Slytherin was able to key you into these wards, we will be helping you with that. As for the land itself, it says here that it was once called Quiescent Meadow," the goblin said, as he stared at a worn-out looking paper before sliding it across to Hadrian.

Hadrian glanced down at it and grimaced. Latin. Great.

Eileen too leaned over to look at it; she nodded her head and her eyes skimmed the paper in such a way that Hadrian could only assume that she understood it.

The goblin continued. "The forest itself is called Enclaves of the Past, and though we have documents of magical beasts occupying the forest before Slytherin's time, it says nothing of what came of them after the estate was finished being built."

Hadrian felt like his head was hurting. "Quiescent Meadow, Enclaves of the Past. Most intriguing names. Please don't tell me Salazar Slytherin is the one who came up with them," Hadrian said.

Hopgrog continued searching through the papers; handed another one over. Eileen looked at it before she gave it to Hadrian. It was still in Latin.

"Of course not, Lord Slytherin. The names are but a rough translation of what they were called many centuries ago. I know not what Salazar named the woods or even if he did do so. Our documents are but different contracts that have been signed, not journals that detail the keeping of these grounds."

"I see," was all Hadrian could say to that.

After that, he had to give his blood signature to show that he was indeed the legitimate Lord of Slytherin and that he was personally agreeing to the reopening of the main estate property. Once all that was done, a good two hours had almost past. Hadrian was hungry. The goblin kept going over matters of the ward and though Hadrian tried to listen, it was boring and reminded him far too much of a school lecture.

When the final piece of paper had disappeared, the goblin straightened and turned his eyes for the first time to look upon Eileen. "Young Lady Prince, this might be a little out of my jurisdiction, but I feel that it is news you might want to know. Your mother, the current Lady Prince, since of your leaving the wizarding world has done no changes to your heirship. In the unfortunate event that Lady Prince should die, your inheritance will remain the same."

The news were huge. Eileen had frozen in her seat next to Hadrian, her hands still gripping a piece of paper that they had been given. The room around them warmed as Eileen's magic swept out in one giant gust. Her eyes gaining a shine to them that had Hadrian fear she would break down and cry. Thankfully she did not do so. The silence ticked on and with a sharp intake of breath, the world shrank back to normal.

"Thank you, Mr. Hopgrog," was all Eileen said. She handed the paper over to Hadrian and stood, curtsying and making her way to the door. Hadrian hastily followed; bowing slightly deeper than normal as he parted ways with his goblin manager.

Another goblin waited for them in the hall, and this one led them back to the entry. Hadrian thanked him while Eileen was still deep in thought.

Eileen had stopped on the upper steps of the stairs down from Gringotts' entrance. Head tipped upwards at the partially clouded sky. Hadrian did not know what to say to her. Could not tell if she was upset or happy. It was distressing, Eileen never seemed phased by worldly things. She took her crumbling marriage with a muggle in such stride that Hadrian would have never assumed that news such as this would have such an effect.

"My mother," Eileen began. "She was never overly kind. She gave praise and scorn hand in hand and there were many times I felt like I was so under appreciated. Someone she kept looking forward to marrying away to gain better standing." She took a deep shuddering breath before looking over at Hadrian, her eyes clearer. "I'm not sure what this means. Does she regret her actions, or did something happen to my sisters that has forced her to keep the heirship on me in fear of losing the family line completely?"

"We won't gain answers here," Hadrian said. "Do you wish to go see your mother?"

Eileen shook her head at that. "No, I can't imagine my mother wishes to see me. And even if she does, I'm not certain I wish to see her. I will take this as her farewell gift to me, maybe she's trying to say that no matter what I ultimately decide in life, I will always have a home here in the wizarding world. That by itself means more to me than any other kind of words that she could tell me."

"Yeah, that's a pretty good gift," Hadrian agreed. "The gift of feeling like you belong."