I want to thank everyone who reads this story! And especially those who Reviewed!
The pairing seems to be Gravitating to Hannah/Susan/Daphne/Tracey, I've written Fleur into my sketches but obviously she'll be a character of interest only much later in the story. I like the idea of having her be with Hadrian as well. Which makes five. I'm on the fence about Hermione. I'll probably put up a poll on my profile at some point and have you guys decide. I could go either way.
It's also come to my attention that while I'm not really bashing the Potters, I'm also not particularly kind to them. That won't change and at least James gets a bit of the 'authors backhand' sometimes. To make things clear: Hadrian and his parents will NEVER get along.
I would like to credit Oceanbreeze7 who wrote Shadowed Malice with the initial creation of the serpent familiar Lutain. I'll be borrowing the name for this story.
Anyway, enough of the babbling, have fun with the chapter and please continue on reviewing!
Disclaimer: Obviously I don't own anything related to Harry Potter, all I own is the plot to this story.
Growing Up
What is there to say about my time living at Grimmauldplace? Not much to be honest. Or rather... everything you would expect from someone carrying the Black name.
My Grandma became my mother and my best friend. I was.. an impetuous kid. Often running around the house and injuring myself.
When I was five I took her wand and swung it about.
Of course she became angry, but truthfully it wasn't the fact that I started a fire... it wasn't even that I destroyed a perfectly good study including a 120 year old desk and a handful of books that cost a small fortune.
She became angry because I had nearly burned the only existing painting of Charlus Potter. Her late husband... that moment taught me one thing... to never disobey her again as for the first, and only time in my life she gave me a whooping.
The hurt I saw displayed in her eyes as she did so... that was what made me never want to do anything like it again.
I rushed into my room holding but buttocks... cried from the pain... and then I went back down to see her there... silently shedding tears as she now made sure that the painting was still okay. Carefully brushing her hands along the intricately crafted frame. "Mum?" She turned to smile. "I'm so sorry Hadrian... I ..." I would silence her by hugging her waist.
No matter what anyone thinks of the way we behaved... for the most part at least, in public. We have always been a team.
After that day I became quieter and not as hyperactive. My mother enjoyed reading, and the only thing I enjoyed more than reading myself was having her do it for me... oh, and flying of course. Although that came later.
As I grew older I was made to visit a Muggle school. Most half blood wizarding families did this even if some of them would never admit it, as there was not really a school for younger wizards and witches of barely 6 years old, where else could we go to learn?
That was also the year I was dragged to St. Mungo's Hospital, my mother wanted them to fix my eyes. My 'father' James Potter might have appreciated the uniqueness his glasses provided him... I had no intention of doing the same. I was born a wizard, therefore why shouldn't I enjoy the advantages that brought with it!
Meanwhile of course I was educated on etiquette, law and tradition. While Dorea was certainly never big on the pureblood bigotry nonesense, she wanted me to know it was there and made a point of explaining their views in a light... that in theory made sense, but couldn't practically be proven. In fact the opposite was the case. Instead of Muggleborns marrying into wizarding families diminishing our magical power, it was because of the inbreeding that more and more of our magic was lost.
Needless to say, because of the dim looking career options for Muggleborns many of them made the choice to continue their lifes in other parts of Europe or for that matter, the rest of the world. Why work twice as much as a Pureblood for the same promotion?
It was just before my seventh birthday that I was first taught to do magic. It was to impress the guests the 'Lady Black' had invited to my party at the Manor. And so I was taught the four principles of magic.
I sat on her knee as she opened her palm to show a small orb of light appear in it. "These four things are important when casting magic. 1: Intend, meaning what do you want your magic to do. 2: Imagination, can you see what you intend to do. 3: Willpower, how much do you want your magic to do what you intend. And finally Magical Power. All of these can be worked on. Everyone believes wandless magic is near impossible. They are wrong. It will be draining the more extravagant magic you're trying to perform. But... it will make you much more familiar with your magic. Which is a good thing for all wandless and wand based spells. The more you do this Hadrian, the more used to it your body will become, and the less magic will be required."
For weeks she would try and help me get that light going. We blinded each other a few times laughing about it later. We once blinded old Kreacher who poked his head into the room to see what the flashes were about. The poor elf couldn't see for 2 hours.
When my Birthday came the party was attended by many families.
The Patils, an indian couple with twin daughters came to congratulate me and naturally to make contacts, they had been ignored by most of the pureblood society as they were just 'the new people.'
Blaise along with his mother Eria Zabini, and Theodore Nott showed up, although Nott came without his father. Over the next few years they were who I had the most contact with and soon grew to be my two best male friends.
Daphne Greengrass attended with her father Cyrus Greengrass. They also brought the daughter of their neighboors, a half blood by the name of Tracey Davis.
Daphne also had a birthday that day which I learned when my mum brought out her presents. The Greengrasses being a 'neutral' family meant that not many would have come to a party they attempted to host, like this we could celebrate together. By the end of the day we had decided that we'd always have our parties together.
My mum was really glad when both Sirius, her nephew and Andromeda, her niece attended. Andy even brought her daughter Nymphodora. Who absolutely hated her name. Being a metamorph... she was able to make her body look like whatever she wanted, she was not only extremely pretty looking, but also very fun to be around as she morphed her face constantly to keep the younger ones of us entertained.
As for my brother and I... well. We exchanged friendly letters and wished the other the best including a small present to each other. I sent him a book I'd found extremely helpful in navigating the ins and outs of social Pureblood traps. A book I know for a fact he's never touched... just as I've never touched his ridiculous book on Quidditch tactics.
Now don't misunderstand me please, I love Quidditch as much as the next guy, but the tactics were from some team called Chudley Cannons, who were even by the lowest standards absolutely horrible. Like Blaise I would soon come to support Puddlemere United. One of the better teams in the upper brackets of the league and much more exciting to watch.
Once in a while Sirius and Blaise's mother would take us to a game, my friends Theo, Daphne and Tracey would also join us on those occasions.
There was loud clapping and cheering that day as my mother handed me a leather bound book.
Titled:
The Ancient, Obscure, and Forgotten: A Compendium of Magicks by Charlus Potter and Dorea Potter-Black
As the true Potter family Grimoire of the Potter blood was with James Potter, having received it from his deceased uncle Fleamont. I received a slightly... changed version. When I first touched it there was a sudden flash of magic eliciting a beaming smile from my Gramps in his Portrait.
As I quickly skimmed the books registry I read over the different chapters:
1: The Runemage
2: An understanding of Runes and their practical application
3: Charmswork. (Household)
4: Charmswork. (Protection)
5: Wards and Runes
6: The Mind Arts
7: Occlumency
8: Legilimensy (Illegal in some Countries!)
9: Blood Magic (Introduction)
10: Blood Wards and Rituals
11: The Dark Arts (Beginner)
12: The Dark Arts (Advanced)
13: Transfiguration
14: Conjuration
15: Family Potions (Reference: Potions for Beginners)
16: The Dark Arts (Lethal)
There was a lot but the book seemed slim, as people watched me I only managed to open it up to read the first introduction:
This is your introduction, it's simple and will be done quick. Should you be able to read this first part, then you my heir have received the greatest gift of the Potter blood. You are a Runemage. If that is the case, then the first thing to learn is Occlumency. A Potters mind is powerful and is to be considered another of our inborn abilities. Powers of the mind will come easy to you, but your temper will be your greatest enemy. Learn Occlumency early, so you may have it easier later.
Just as I finished reading, more ink appeared on the next page. Which meant most likely the more of the book I read the more of it's secrets would be revealed. I loved it. Just as I contemplated that, the book wanted me to continue with The Mind Arts opening the Chapter on it's own. But as I had guests I thanked my mother put the book to the side and enjoyed my party with my friends.
All those, who had either not been invited or didn't come were either part of death eater families or preferred to celebrate with 'the savior.' Over the years my brother and I would meet only a couple of times. Had my mother not insisted I meet them for family occasions I doubt I would have come to care for my brother the way I did. I guess the only real light in that family... really is my sister.
Daniel became a victim of his upbringing. A victim of James Potters influence and no doubt Dumb'as'a'door's hand in it all. By the time we started Hogwarts he was an arrogant prat I had trouble relating to.
My education continued of course, only now I was expected to study magic after coming home from Muggle school. It was simple, as the heir of Black, my mum wanted me versed in all magic. The first thing I learned was Occlumency, the art to sort and organize ones mind. By doing so creating a mind scape and defences to outside intrusions. The mind scape itself looked like the Library in our house with different aisles all labelled and organized.
As I sat on my mothers lap she explained to me that I was to give no mercy to anyone trying to attempt entrance into my thoughts. The words mind rape, were used for the first time when I turned 9 in association with being explained the differences of men and women. And the worst things boys could do to girls. As my Head of House she gave me full permission to use every spell I knew to prevent anything related to rape happening to anyone. She would take responsibility.
It was during that conversation I actually used my Occlumency actively for the first time to keep from blushing too hard or make an actual run for it. Most of my friends were girls by that point after all.
I learned to practice wand movement to be fluid and graceful with a practice dummy. Basically just a wooden stick. That is another of the great pillars of spell casting. Confidence. You can have all the intent in the world, if you don't believe you can do something, then you won't be able to do it.
In my seventh year of life, I was also made to learn Tai Chi, it became a nice way to clear my mind of things. Since martial arts was all about directing ones energy this also helped with my magic.
Dorea Black was my guardian and mentor in all things. I learned to fly a broom from her just after I turned 8, I learned to cook and clean as she demonstrated the smaller household charms to me. Kreacher wasn't a fan of these charms or the lessons for that matter as he much preferred to do that work himself.
Over the years of me living there it became customary for Walburga Black to try and convince me that Muggleborns were dirty and should be purged. It was also customary for me to counter her arguments. During these discussions... at least in my younger years I would often use what Dorea had told me to explain why she was wrong.
We frequented Diagon Alley and Gringotts and so I was soon enough introduced to Barchoke. The Goblin Accounts Manager for the Black vaults.
"Lady Black... as always it's a pleasure to see you again." The dark haired woman smiled kindly at the ruggedly looking goblin. He seemed to have been in a few fights of his own.
"Barchoke, I see you're still as charming as ever." He bowed his head slightly as my mother inclined her own head as a greeting.
"And I see you've brought young Hadrian." He said looking at me gravely making me hide further behind my mother..
"Hello, sir." I said smiling at the Goblin who chuckled lightly as I had now nearly disappeared behind my guardian. I knew he was fairly kind from what she'd told me. Charlus Potter had been a friend to the Goblins and that friendship extended to his descendants... or that is to say... it would have if my father wasn't such an arrogant prick.
"I hope you've received my letter?" The Goblins face suddenly broke into a very teethy but no doubt happy smile. Although admittedly to my 7 year old self it seemed quite savage.
"Of course we did, is there any particular reason you wish to proceed with this?" Dorea returned the kind smile before pulling me to her side with her right arm. Always face your fears was the the clear message there.
"The Potters have a very... varied... ancestry. I simply wish to see if my Hadrian has any claim to vaults long left sealed before others get there first." She explained, Barchoke was extremely pleased. If there was one thing Gringotts hated, then it was sealed vaults. Because sealed vaults meant useless gold.
"Follow me into the Blood Chamber." He lead the way, it was really a simple matter of providing a drop of blood to a small basin filled with charmed water.
"Now... your magic and blood reach out to the walls and vaults of Gringotts." The room around us rumbled... it moved.
With a sudden forceful pull that my much older caretaker hadn't expected her hand yanked towards me and the ring on her finger left her. As two more flashes announced the arrival of two other rings.
Dorea chuckled... before breaking into a happy laugh. "This ring I knew of course. Although I didn't expect your magical claim to be quite this strong." She picked the Onyx coloured ring with a wolfs head on the front out of mid air and placed it back on her finger.
"I have no idea what either of these rings are... Barchoke?" The Goblin nodded while picking up the parchment from a table to his right.
"The right one, is supposed to be that of Salazar Slytherin. To which you seem to have a very strong claim." The ring itself was black, just like the Black family ring. But the ring itself seemed to be a serpent.
And as I reached out my hands it's red eyes glowed. 'Why have you woken me fledgeling?" My eyes grew wide. Since when did rings talk now? Then again, if paintings and pictures could... why not a ring.
"I didn't mean to... I'm sorry?' In a sudden coiling motion the serpent sprung forward towards my hand and took up a spot on my right forefinger.
'You are not a pureblood? Intriguing... but the Master was very fond indeed of the Raven woman. What's your name fledgeling?'
'Hadrian Black'
'Let's add the great Masters name to yours then, a boy of your stature should have a strong middle name. So Salazar it is.' The ring smiled or at least I think it did, it's hard to tell. But it did seem rather proud of itself and it's idea.
"Hadrian?" I looked towards my mother who was looking... slightly afraid but proud. Her tone was a bit unsettling though. Like she was unsure whether or not I was still myself.
"Yeah?" I asked tilting my head to the side in confusion not knowing I'd just spoken a different language..
She sighed, "I see, we'll have to work on that."
The last ring was similar to the one of Slytherin. The only difference was that it looked like a dragon and instead of being black it was more of a dark red colour. Both rings seemed to make Barchoke beam even wider exposing very sharp teeth. He went on informing me about what I was about to claim.
"The Black ring was of course entirely expected... next is Salazar Slytherins family ring, from him you will gain a vault containing approximately 50.000 Galleons as well as a small collection of books and other magical items, I will be sure to get you a list. There are also a number of life debts that seem to have carried over throughout the generations. They are nothing to grave but might allow you to call in some favours if with certain high ranking wizard families when truly needed.
The next ring would be Merlins family ring. From him you will receive about 80.000 Galleons as well as a number of magical items, artefacts and pieces of of which will be made available to you in a portfolio." I laughed lightly, looking them over as the he explained.
"These rings are awesome!" I exclaimed leading Dorea to ruffle her hand through my hair affectionately.
"They are yours, I suggest wearing one on each forefinger. I furthermore suggest wearing the one you place more or most importance on, on your dominant hand." I did so, of course it was Merlins I put there. He too had been a Slytherin. I liked the idea of the house even back then. Cunning and ambition were great qualities to have. Sadly most Slytherins, as my mum had explained to me. Took those qualities into a direction they were not meant to go.
"Now then, Barchoke if you wouldn't mind please prepare a portfolio of all of Hadrians possessions and we shall be back in a few days. Please contact me the usual way as soon as you're finished."
It was that day, after our meeting that I sat on my mothers lap as she explained to me what Parseltongue was and how people in the world and Britain in particular viewed it.
In most parts of the world it was simply considered a magical ability, in some parts of India it was considered a gift of the gods. Most of the Indian country considered the talking to snakes a great gift of magic regardless.
Britain of course considered it highly dark, I was therefore advised to keep that ability to myself. "Now... the next time we find ourselves in Diagon... we'll get you a nice serpent. We can't have Salazar's heir without a suitable familiar." I beamed at her happily. It would only be three days later that we browsed the stores and ended up in Knockturn Alley where I found... and immediately bonded with one of my future familiars. A black scaled serpent with orange markings and a broad cobra like neck, called Lutain.
I had little contact with the truly dark families over the years, some couldn't be helped it was just that the people in question had always been the 'high society' of britain.
I met the Malfoy's a couple of times, although that was more because Aunt Cissa and her being married to Lucius than anything else. I liked her and learned much about etiquette from her. I would have liked to meet her more often but because she and the blonde wanker came as a package deal, I preferred not to.
It was from them that I bought Dobby the houseelf. While he was a bit strange... he seemed to be fairly happy to be able to leave the Malfoy's where I shortly learned he had been treated less than kindly.
As for Draco... Malfoy's heir... what can I say? He was worse than my brother and every sentence he spoke was made up of words I'm sure he just repeated from his father. And don't get me started on his table manners. We were never friends... nor would we ever become such.
It was during our second year of school that he learned and would forever remember, that I'm his better.
The fact of the matter is that since the day he was born he's been below me on the social ladder. Although if I kicked the bucket he would have had a claim on the Black fortune. Not something I was keen to see happen.
We travelled a lot, sometimes with friends and other families. Once, Blaise and his mother took us to Italy where we toured through smaller as well as bigger villages. Ending with a 1 week stay at a beach house.
The Patils took us to India of course. Showing us much of their culture and the different way people did magic down there. I liked Padma... Parvati not so much. She was brash and sometimes that went on to be downright rude.
After I'd turned 9, we spent nearly an entire year in America. My clearest lesson even to this day remains simple.
Money opens all doors. Grease the right hands and there was nothing to stop you from doing exactly what you wanted. It's a corrupt system that sadly works wherever you go.
It was during that trip I purchased a small bird for myself. My mother thought it would be great fun to have a Falcon as a messenger. I assured her the bird was much more than that quietly, without the clerk hearing me.
Because she was and will always be, special... one of a kind in all likelyhood just like me.
The halfblood Pureblood.
Mia like Lutain was born a cross-breed. A Thunderbird / Falcon breed to be exact. In truth Thunderbirds aren't much different from Phoenix's, they can carry heavy loads, flash around for transport, create lightning instead of fire and their feathers... well.
When used carefully and correctly can be made into a powerful healing salve, or indeed make for a powerful concoction inducing vivid hallucinations of the future. Which I swear I've only done once when I was 14. That was one hell of a trip.
What more remains to be told? I underwent my first magical ritual the day I turned 11. It was nothing too outrageous. More of a rite of passage among purebloods to strengthen the flow of magic in ones body and make it therefore easier to feel it when casting spells. I did this with both Blaise and Theo by my side. Although Theo's old man had no idea he was there. Because at this point, the Black family was considered borderline Blood traitors and the only reason the Bigots on the Wizengamot hadn't come after us was our considerable wealth.
That night I understood why Voldemort had gone as far as he had, pushed the limits of rituals and took them further than anyone else. I'm not ashamed to admit that I liked the feeling of additional strength flooding me, of changing myself into something better... something stronger than before. It was exhilarating.
Naturally my curiosity was piqued leading me to go on to research more about Rituals and even the completion of some more minor ones... and one rather large one.
