A/N: So, here is my new story.

SUMMARY: When Tom came to the Potter home that night of 1981, things went down differently. What happens when two false idols, a grasping family, and their estranged relative meet? Plus, we have Tommy's reappearance and a tournament! In the words of George Takei, "Oh myyy!" Pairings not yet decided upon. Please vote on who you would like to see Harry (and others) with!

WARNINGS: Slash and Het (mentions of, nothing explicit), minor Violence, Language

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter nor do I make any money from the writing of this fic. No copyright infringement is intended.

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"Sometimes the best and worst times of your life can coincide. It is a talent of the soul to discover the joy in pain—thinking of moments you long for, and knowing you'll never have them again. The beautiful ghosts of our past haunt us, and yet we still can't decide if the pain they caused us out weighs the tender moments when they touched our soul. This is the irony of love."

-Shannon L. Alder

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The Irony of Love

Chapter 1

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If one looks closely at a map of England, they would not be able to find the place where our protagonist resided. Any cartographer worth his or her salt would tell you that this place does not exist. However, I am not worth my salt, and, therefore, I shall tell you that it does.

Back to the map. If you close one eye, then the other, and turn around to face the sun and burn your retinas, you would be able to see a small cove in the northernmost part of the island. It is in this little cove, or, more precisely, on the large plateau overlooking it, that our story begins. On this plateau stood a castle, more magnificent than any before it. This castle was large, larger than even Hogwarts, and was made entirely out of black marble. The ramparts stretched around it, its turrets grasping the clouds.

Residing this castle was a very famous individual. Well, the brother of a very famous individual. And the son of two more very famous individuals.

As you might have guessed, this person was Hadrian Potter. However, this Hadrian Potter had turned out different than one might imagine, but more on that later.

Hadrian was sitting in his parlor awaiting some guests who were set to arrive by Floo. Why are they taking so long? he thought. They were supposed to be here thirty seconds ago!

As though hearing his thoughts, the Floo's green fire flared and shot out four people one by one. All exiting gracefully, one Malfoy and Thomas Marvolo Riddle exited Mr. Potter's Floo.

"I thought that Malfoys were never late, Lucius," smirked Hadrian.

"They are not, Hadrian. They arrive precisely when they are meant to, and that is whenever it is at their convenience," Lucius drawled in return.

Tom, deciding it was time to end this childishness before it got too far, went ahead to end the banter. "Please cease this bickering, children. We must get to work."

"Of course," replied Hadiran. "Follow me." With that, Hadrian led them through the winding halls of his castle, deep enough into it so as to get them lost but not so deep as to bring them too close to his personal area. He led them to one of the many sitting rooms contained in the castle, one that was decorated in rich green and silver tones, sure to appease some parts of their vanity.

"What is it that you requested to speak with me about, Tom?"

Tom, sneering and left eye twitching at the use of his Muggle name, began to explain his plan. "I need you to accept the invitation that is sure to come to you very soon. As I know that you are enrolled in an independent study course at Durmstrang, they will soon be sending you a letter informing you of the school having been chosen to participate in...a special tournament to be held at Hogwarts."

"And…?" Hadrian prompted.

"I would like it if you would concede to go to the school and have yourself put in the running for said tournament. There is a task there that I would like you to accomplish, but I must have your assurance that you will go and an oath of secrecy."

Hadrian took time to think it over. Despite his calm countenance and demeanor, he was bubbling with hesitation on the inside. He knew that he should stay away from Hogwarts. It was just asking for trouble to go there and spend time around his rel-NO! They were just ordinary people who he needn't ever see or hear from again. He was content to ignore them and, maybe one day, when they came to him on their knees apologizing to him, he would laugh in their faces and show them his true allegiance, to the Dark side, but not to Lord Voldemort. He would forever stay a partner to the egotistical lord. He would never become one of his...slaves. Oh, how he despised that word. Never again would he-

"Hadrian? I need an answer now, so that I can plan accordingly."

"Marvolo. Tell me what this tournament is about and then maybe I shall consider it."

"It is the Triwizard Tournament. I am sure that you have heard of it?"

"I have. Very well, you have my oath of secrecy. I shan't tell any person of the task given to me by one Thomas Marvolo Riddle, I do so swear."

Tom nodded in satisfaction. He proceeded to explain his task to Hadrian, all the elaborate twists and turns. He purposefully left out one little, yet rather large, piece of information about his plan, hoping to catch the young man by surprise at the end of the year.

As he got up to leave, Tom decided he might as well give it a try. Holding out his left hand to allow Harry to shake it, he instead grabbed Hadrian's left forearm and pressed his hand to the flesh. "Morsmo-" he began in Parseltongue, but was cut off by Hadrian.

"Silencio. Nice try Tom, but I shan't ever bow to anyone, let alone the likes of you," Hadrian hissed at him. Hadrian proceeded to step away from Tom and walk quickly out the door and down the halls, calling softly back, "Unless you two would like to stay trapped here, I suggest you follow me."

Tom and Lucius followed him quickly, hurrying to catch up. The trio made their way back to the Floo parlor, and Hadrian's visitors left through the green flames.

After they left, Hadrian sighed. It was sure to be a long year. "Happy Birthday to me," he said quietly, before going off in search of the book he had been reading.

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Miles away in a small town called Godric's Hollow, two magical people sat huddled together, crying. The witch, an averagely proportioned woman with fiery auburn hair and emerald green eyes, was weeping because she could not be with one of her three children on his birthday. However, she knew it was her fault. If only she hadn't gotten wrapped up in her other children, he might still have been there.

The other, a wizard, was crying because his pseudo-godson was not there. He knew that it was not his fault necesarrily, but he was still sad and angry because of Hadrian's absence. It left a hole in his heart to know that his cub had left.

"Oh Remy!" Lily cried. "What will we do?" she asked as she buried her face in his neck.

"I don't know Lily," Remus replied. "We can only hope he comes back with a forgiving heart."

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A/N: Sooooo, there it is. This is probably going to be the average chapter length of this story. Also, I have NO IDEA how frequent I will be updating, so bear in mind it could be a while.

Should I continue this?

Also, I need input on a few things. Check out my profile and you'll see three polls. I NEED IDEAS, PEOPLE.

1) Who will Hadrian end up with?

2) Who will Severus, Sirius, Remus, and Lily end up with (choose your favorite pairing(s))?

3) Is Harry's sibling a boy or girl (the one who is the false sibling-who-lived) (the other sibling will be of the opposite gender)?

Lastly, please PM/review if you have an idea for a pairing!

PLEASE REVIEW! NOM NOM NOM I LOVE REVIEWS!