Second Year
When Hadrian gathered his Court together and told them just who he had allied himself with they were confused and jealous. Their Lord didn't need anyone else but them, and they resented Voldemort's intrusion into their bond. That was until Hadrian had smiled knowingly and spoken the prophecy. Their eyes filled with understanding, and their grins were bloodthirsty. Their hopes and dreams were becoming reality.
One day Lord Chronos would rise from the shadows.
One day he would rule.
A few days before the World Cup, Hadrian's Court started acting strange. They seemed eager for something, murderously so, and the Slytherin Heir was a little bemused at all the sly grins and subtle glances. He didn't believe this had anything to do with Quidditch, but when questioned Hermione smiled and kissed his cheek, telling him he'd love it.
Hadrian was reading a book on the sofa in the Courts tent when Bartemius Crouch Jr silently crawled out from behind the furniture. His crazed eyes were intent on the young Slytherin's face, but Hadrian ignored him. Barty gained confidence, sneaking around until he was by Hadrian's feet. The Death Eater was vibrating with tension, until Hadrian's hand came down upon his head. Barty stilled, terrified, but Hadrian started absentmindedly combing his hand through the distraught man's hair. It took half an hour for Barty to relax against Hadrian's legs and murmur with pleasure, and all the while the Master of Death never looked up from his book. Hadrian was used to his magic attracting all manner of strange creatures and beings, why would this life be any different?
The Dark Lord Voldemort and Lucius Malfoy almost couldn't believe what they were seeing, what they were hearing. They had placed viewing crystals around the youngsters World Cup tent for the Dark Lord's pleasure of watching his obsession, but they never thought they'd witness such an event. Never had they seen such looks upon such young faces, such savage pleasure.
Hadrian was reclined back on the couch, an odd smile upon his face with Hermione Granger-Potter lying down with her head resting of his thigh. Her eyes were bright upon the spectacle, Hadrian's familiar curled around her neck like a living necklace. Lucius couldn't help but compare Hadrian to a predator observing its prey. Blaise Zabini had young Daphne Greengrass sitting on his lap, both leaning forward eagerly. Susan Bones and the First Generation wizard Dean Thomas were curled around each other and were giggling, a chuckling Theodore Nott on the ground by their feet. Nymphadora Tonks was almost panting from her spot just behind Hadrian's couch, where it sat in a place of honour. But it was what they were all watching that had the Dark Lord so very fascinated. Because in the middle of the room, Ron Weasley sat tied to a chair and was screaming in agony while Neville Longbottom, the Weasley twins, and Lucius own precious son Draco tortured a twelve year old boy for entertainment. None of the teenagers battered an eyelash when in-between gruelling unspeakables Fred and George Weasley would turn to each other, covered in the blood of their younger brother, and kiss each other heatedly. Constantly Lucius could see his beautiful son glance at Hadrian from the corner of his eye, looking for approval, and in the midst of this horror Malfoy wondered just how long Draco had been in love with the Slytherin Heir.
Hermione Granger-Potter stood, and Voldemort watched closely as she stalked over to the Weasley boy. His limbs had all been amputated, his eyes carved out, his tongue actually ripped out. She crouched at the scalped, former red heads side, the other bloodied boys stepping back with a grin. The Ravenclaw Heir held her Vine Wood wand above the tortured boy's chest, smiled, and started to use her wand like a magical scalpel. Weasley thrashed wildly as she cut one large "Y" shaped incision from each shoulder across the chest, then down to the pubic bone. Then she started snapping his ribcage. The spell that forced Weasley to stay conscious through all this physical pain had to have been abnormally strong. Hermione didn't stop until she had Weasley's heart in her hands.
Voldemort watched her consideringly and thought she'd make an excellent apprentice. Just like Bellatrix had once been before her madness.
When chunks of flesh and bone littered the floor, and the youngest Weasley son shrieked his last, Hadrian stood in the sudden silence regally applauding. He walked over to the blood soaked boys and his foster sister, stepping on what Lucius was certain was the remnants of Weasley's tongue, and cupped Hermione's head between his hands. Voldemort growled possessively when his Little King kissed the Ravenclaw Heir sweetly, soft lips brushing over hers, thanking his Court for their gift. The Dark Lord stiffly gritted out to his faithful to close the connection, but not before Hadrian turned towards one of the crystals and smiled for him.
What had happened was the point of no return, now, their fate was tied directly to Hadrian Potter's. Lucius was beginning to think it always had been.
Throughout the rest of the summer holidays Hadrian could feel eyes watching him. Sometimes it was just viewing crystals. A lot were Dumbledore's, which were destroyed with extreme prejudice. But others were the Dark Lord Voldemort's that Hadrian would let be, and he'd occasionally smirk at tauntingly. His scar would always tingle, and it was quite telling about Voldemort's reaction.
Mostly though, when Hadrian was away from Grimmauld Place a stalker would follow him, nervously peaking around trees and buildings, scurrying away if he ever caught Hadrian's eye. It seemed Barty had become a fan, a literal shadow. Hadrian idly wondered how Voldemort was handling his favourite faithful sneaking out to watch him covetously.
The disappearance of Ron Weasley was never talked about amongst the Clan, too scared to know the answer.
Remus and Sirius remembered what the Weasley boy had said about their Hermione in his now infamous journal, and couldn't bring themselves to care what Hadrian had done to him.
Voldemort found the intruder to Riddle House sitting on the Dark Lord's throne, a leg casually swung over the side with carefree confidence. Nagini was fascinated with him, her head moving back and forth from the intruder to his ever-present black mamba familiar.
His little King actually had the audacity to absently wave at him.
The Dark Lord was starting to think that Hadrian had been born just so he could surprise him, really there could be no other explanation for it.
Hadrian had resisted for as long as he could from tracking her down, but now there was nothing to stop him from taking her in as she drifted towards the sorting hat. Goddess, was she always that small? Really that beautiful? His thousand year old memories didn't do her justice. But she was still everything he wanted, and more.
Hadrian hadn't paid any attention to the announcement Hogwarts would be hosting the Triwizard Tournament that year, it was the furthest thing from his mind with his Luna so close, yet so far.
The Slytherin Heir bent down and pressed his lips against Hermione's ear where he whispered reverently "help her". With gentle eyes they both watched his wife as she skipped to the Ravenclaw table, and Hermione kissed her Lord's cheek in understanding and for comfort before she got up and made her way to the one that unknowingly held Hadrian's heart in her tiny hands.
Hadrian had been trying to stay away, not sure how his control would stand up in the face of his beloved. He'd had Hermione and his Court keep a close eye on her. But all too soon after the feast he found himself alone with Luna in the library, his eyes fractionally wider as she walked right up to him and captured his head between her tender hands.
With eyes more ancient then the world Luna looked at the man her husband had become in his centuries long grief. She kissed his forehead, his eyelids, and with shuddering breath his lips. For far too long the soulmates had been separated, and Hadrian held this pubescent version of his wife with the care of a man who knew just how much bloodshed his hands were capable of. When they'd finished breathing life back into each other, they bent their heads together and just existed together, long into the night. In the morning she'd gently berate him for avoiding her, but for now they lived solely for this moment.
She became Ananke, Goddess of destiny, necessity and fate.
And her smile was like a million suns.
Hermione was called to the library through the pendent she wore like a talisman. The Ravenclaw Heir thought she'd feel sad or jealous at seeing another wrapped in Hadrian's arms, but nothing but pure elation filled her and she grinned widely at them. Hadrian didn't smile but his eyes were bright with emotion, and she was taken aback at how happy he looked. She had never actually seen her Lord happy before. All Hadrian had to say was that Luna remembered, and Hermione was filled with excitement.
The Ravenclaw Heir was almost crying, because she knew how much Hadrian had missed his wife. Knew what it had been costing him to physically keep himself away from her so he couldn't hurt her. This was the women who was the mother of his precious daughters, who had taken vengeance on their enemies when their daughters had been brutally murdered by muggles, when they were betrayed by corrupt wizards.
A mother's love for her children is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity. It dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.
Hermione turned to face the silver haired elfin beauty but was speechless at the light-hearted amusement on her face, as if she had heard her innermost thoughts. Luna looked thoughtful before she said something vague about Metis hadn't met their Ares yet in a sweet and dreamy voice. Hermione didn't have time to be puzzled over the random musings because Luna tilted her head up to the Heir's face and kissed her softly.
It felt like coming home.
The Court watched over Luna like the most protective bodyguards. Normally they would resent anyone that wasn't one of their own stealing Hadrian's attention, but there was something about the way they looked at each other that inspired only loyalty, not jealousy or resentment. She was the Queen to his King.
Luna sometimes said things that made absolutely no sense, though one way or another it ended up being something important. Draco and Neville strongly suspected she was an untrained Seer.
It was the Clan that was most surprised by the appearance of Luna Lovegood. It was so sudden, so out of character, that many thought something was very suspicious about all this. Sirius Black had grinned for days, and Remus Lupin sweated nervously trying not to think about how he'd be the one giving his cub 'The Talk'.
Those that had always thought either Draco or Hermione would become Hadrian's lover weren't disappointed, because even though Luna was officially Hadrian's chosen the Ravenclaw Heir and Malfoy were never treated with any less favour. Luna and Hermione were most often seen in each other's company, genuinely appearing fond of each other, and some had the inkling that maybe one day they'd be Sister-Wives.
Lucius and Voldemort watched in blatant shock. A Seer? Hadrian was courting and had the loyalty of a Seer?
The hall was deathly quiet when Second Year Hadrian Potter-Black's name was called from the cup. The few magic sensitive witches and wizards flinched away from Hadrian and his Court scattered throughout the houses, the hall becoming cold as the grave as Hadrian stood regally from the Slytherin table and made his way to the stage. No one dared speak up, not even the teachers, the silence too heavy. Severus and McGonagall were noticeably wringing their hands and distressed by these events. Karkaroff looked angry enough to start shouting, but Professor Moody did something with his wand that almost made the exDeath Eater pass out in agony. Dumbledore and Hadrian's eyes met as he prowled passed the Headmaster, and the young Heir's suspicion was proven correct by the victory in his eyes.
Some people looked to the Ravenclaw table for Hadrian's airy little girlfriend and genius sister's reactions. However they were serene, almost like they knew this would happen. Their arms were linked loosely together, not the frightened cowering some expected of a First and Second Year. Even the Slytherin Heir's Familiar, now seen regularly around the head of Luna Lovegood, was unchanged.
Only the very intelligent students noticed that all of Hadrian Potter-Black's friends were calm, though extremely hostile when anyone so much as even whispered Hadrian must have cheated. Most by now knew Hadrian and his circle of friends well, though only from a distance, so they didn't know why they felt so surprised. They were an impressive group. Those who knew their history well could only watch and hope the past didn't repeat itself.
Tonks sent Hadrian letters, keeping him updated and serving as his direct source inside the Ministry. Fortunately Tonk's Mentor was Kingsley Shacklebolt, who always seemed to know everything that was going on. Hadrian's Court also sent and received letters, unanimously agreeing to keep in close contact so the bonds between them would never fray. Luna herself sent Tonks a letter introducing herself, and the new Auror seemed very pleased.
Hadrian encouraged them. He wanted his Court loyal not only to him but each other. He was sure it would make a difference in the end. They would either stand united or fall divided
For now Hadrian would have her advance inside the Ministry, keeping a close eye on the corruption and the Clan. Hadrian wanted to know right away if Dumbledore managed to secretly send out the call to reform the Order of the Phoenix.
Ginny Weasley was noticeably different from girl he'd met just after Yule last year. More simpering, a doe eyed fangirl. She couldn't seem to decide whether to trail after Neville giggling behind her hand or stare longing at Hadrian from across the Great Hall. The littlest Weasley was also completely ignoring the twin's existence, and obeying Percy's every whim. Watching his Demon's become increasingly more distressed at these turn of events Hadrian acted, quietly organising Severus to make a few batches of the Love Potion Antidote. His Demon's actually kissed his knuckles in gratitude, uncharacteristically serious.
It slightly tipped his hand to Dumbledore, and that was the problem with caring for people. He cared for them, for their opinion. He wouldn't change for them, but his decisions were influenced by them, even if only a little.
Over the weeks the Court combated Dumbledore and Molly Weasleys schemes, but Hadrian knew this couldn't continue. They were unable find the point of origin for the Love Potion doses, and constantly curing Ginny only for the girl to be dosed again was scarring her mentally. Hadrian suspected it was Molly, because at least Dumbledore should be aware that this amount of Love Potion did irreversible danger to a person's magic and brain. Each time Ginny was cured she would sob for hours, clinging to Fred and George until she fell into an uneasy sleep.
Neville watched over them every time, his teeth grinding at the injustice but powerless to stop it. However, that didn't stop him from plotting horrible vengeance.
The Clan couldn't find a way to get Hadrian out of the Triwizard Tournament, and Hadrian didn't want them to.
It was Hermione and Draco that brought Viktor Krum and Fleur Delacour to his side. Barty Crouch Jr, disguised as Professor Moody, had helped somewhat by directing the Champions to them. Barty had become the unofficial liaison between Hadrian and Voldemort, all of the Court conscious something was not right with the Professor, but since Hadrian seemed to be aware they weren't too concerned. Not until that memorable time Barty had brushed against Hadrian, and Theodore Nott and Blaise Zabini had almost put a knife through his heart. Hadrian had just smiled an odd little smile with laughing eyes. The skittish Death Eater took some time before he'd come within metres of Hadrian after that.
Blaise was the most reserved member of the Court; but with a blade in hand he truly outshone his peers.
Out of all of them, Theo was the best at masking his intentions. And behind his mask was a bloodthirsty, intelligent mind that showed itself only when you had underestimated him.
All it took was one relaxed evening with the Court, and Fleur and Krum bent their knee to their new Lord. They craved their close companionship, their loyalty, their devotion to their ideals. There was no need for word games. What Hadrian wanted was true loyalty and for them to really believe in his ideals, and to obtain that, the best way to go about it was to be direct.
Fleur became Aphrodite, Goddess of love, beauty, pleasure.
Krum became Moros, God of doom.
On the morning of the First Task Hadrian woke to Draco staring at him, fear peeking out from behind his eyes. It was easy to forget, given their Dark natures and inclinations, their willingness to follow him, that the Court was young. Most of them only twelve.
On their way to the Great Hall for breakfast Hadrian brushed a hand across Draco's cheek, then left him to walk a head as the Malfoy Heir stared after him. He normally wouldn't bother, but he was well aware that as much as he was their Lord, and they cared for him, he was fond of them also.
The Court was literally vibrating with tension. They knew that Hadrian was utterly extraordinary, but were well aware Dumbledore was testing him. With no care for any causalities it might create. Not being able to get between Hadrian and any harm he faced didn't sit well with any of them. Tonk's was even coming to watch with the Clan.
Hadrian just accepted Draco's fear, all the children's fears, because they were his Court, and he would always accept them.
Hermione had never heard a crowd of thousands be so quiet. So still. But how could they not? They laughed in relief when Fleur enchanted her dragon to sleep, they had roared with delight when Viktor faced his dragon with daring. But when their Hadrian, her Hadrian, faced his dragon head on they were as silent as the grave. Because when he bowed to her, she bowed back.
Hadrian's magic was an almost tangible thing, and she felt it caress her cheek, felt it touch each of the Court with fondness, while others could only hold still and pray to Lady Magic this fearsome power would release them.
Luna leaned into the Ravenclaw Heir's side, a dreamy smile on her face. Her hands were gently playing with Hermione's hair when she vaguely explained Hadrian's magic had always been able to charm and ensnare wizards and magical creatures alike.
When Hadrian began speaking with the Hungarian Horntail in Parseltongue, and she spoke it back, the Heir wondered if she'd ever stop being surprised by her Lord.
Luna just laughed and said they would name her Ladon.
Hadrian had just introduced Tonk's to Charlie Weasley when Sirius tackled him. Unfortunately Hadrian was still an inch or so shorter than his Godfather, but he endured the hug with dignity. He was still unused to the affection his Court and the Clan showed him, but he understood how frightened his Godfather's had been. He imagined he would be uneasy too if one of his younger Court member's was to face the dragons alone. Hadrian had just needed to tutor Fleur and Krum in small things, their education already well advanced for their ages. Krum was more than just a Seeker, while Fleur could tap into the power of her Veela ancestry. Remus appeared behind them like a phantom, scenting his cub for injuries. His face was very pale, but he smiled for Hadrian all the same. The Slytherin Heir appreciated the effort. The full moon had never been easy on Moony.
It was then Hadrian caught Dumbledore watching him closely, and Hadrian had the pleasure of seeing Remus close to ripping the Headmaster's throat out with his teeth. If only they were more willing to spill blood.
The Court were finally able to retaliate as revenge for Ginny's torment. Viktor's family magic focused on cursed dark objects, and after learning this Hadrian got a malicious look in his eye. It was a damaging blow, reputation ruining for both Hogwarts and again for the Weasley family. Hadrian's Demons and Neville had wanted something vicious, something soul destroying. Something that would ruin Percy's lifelong ambitions. So they found an object that on the surface appeared to grant superior magical abilities, but in reality decimated the wielders own magic until the wizard was a squib. It was horrific to watch as a wizards magic was slowly eaten alive, and the Court purred their satisfaction.
The Head Boy was discovered using dark magic, and was given life in Azkaban. And the squib didn't last long surrounded by Dementor's.
Ginevra became one of his most aggressive fighters. She wore her resentment and rage like a cloak, and when she and Neville trained together it was downright brutal. She'd never be capable of complex battle strategies or being subtle, but she was great as a blunt force instrument. Ginevra reminded Hadrian of Bellatrix, that touch of insanity making her a fanatic follower. Hadrian supposed that was why Neville seemed to have taken such a shine to her, but the Slytherin Heir didn't look too closely into it. His Dark Lions could do as they liked.
She chose the name Styx, after the river of hate. Hadrian thought it suited her.
Together with her brother's, and a compulsion free Arthur Weasley, Ginevra finally chose the most painful way possible for Molly Weasley to die for her crimes against their Lord and their family, and over the upcoming holidays the Lovegood's would politely ignore the screams of utter terror and wrenching agony coming from the Burrow.
At first Voldemort fought against his fascination with Hadrian, unwilling to allow his obsession to turn into anything sexual. At least for a few years. But still, nobody could deny Hadrian was beautiful. But now, now with the revelation that Hadrian Potter was really the Master of Death, how could anyone expect him to be indifferent to that? The very prophecy predicted Hadrian would be his. His mind was extraordinary and his magic... there was no other like it. Voldemort introduced Lord Chronos to his faithful, and watched them come under his spell.
Fleur and Draco, with their silver hair and cunning smiles, were absolutely breathtaking as they danced around the ballroom. Viktor was a whirlwind of reds with respectful hands on Hermione Granger-Potter's waist, their dance filled with friendly laughter. But it was Hadrian Potter-Black and Luna Lovegood that everyone watched. There was just something about them. Otherworldly and ethereal, like watching gods amongst mortals. Not even the Weasley twin's memorable tango could keep the schools eyes off the Hogwarts Champion and his other half.
Some had wondered how the very serious Slytherin Heir could ever match with the carefree, strange little Ravenclaw. But as they danced together, majestic and graceful like they'd done this a thousand times before, those watching knew they were seeing something destined.
The Court went home for the rest of the Christmas holidays, and one night Sirius and Remus sat down their pupcubs, grinning excitedly. Finally, the Clan had won the one battle close to their hearts. And Merlin, it hadn't been easy. Dumbledore had made sure of that.
Sirius and Remus could now officially get married. Could now finally, officially, adopt them as their children. Hermione actually shrieked in excitement and threw herself at them. Hadrian joined the group hug with a congratulating smile, and they clung to each other while the Marauders were laughing their happiness.
Sometimes he'd be seated in the throne besides Lord Voldemort, but more often than not Lord Chronos could be found tormenting a bewitched Barty Crouch Jr. Voldemort could hardly contain his jealousy. The women Hadrian had chosen he could abide, but another man was out of the question.
It was Sirius and Remus' wedding that gave him the idea. When he remembered the legal protection a formal contract could give.
Hadrian had the Potter Family Overseer, Griphook, draw up the Betrothal Contact. The Clan was uneasy, Sirius and Remus concerned why Hadrian thought this was necessary. But Xenophilius Lovegood had smiled and said his daughter always had her reasons. The Clan thought this was too soon, that they were too young, but they saw the seriousness on Hadrian's face. The serenity on Luna's.
So it was decided. So it was done.
After the official announcement Dumbledore seemed especially fraught. But at least now Hadrian was sure Luna wouldn't be the one below the Lake in the Second Task. Neither would Hermione. Both were now officially under the protection of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter. Dumbledore might risk doing it anyway, but it was illegal, and McGonagall and the other judges wouldn't go along with it.
He lay in the Room of Requirements, the surroundings a comfortable study. He had Luna and Hermione on each side, Hadrian's arms curled around them both as they dozed against him. Theo and Blaise guarded the room outside, hidden under strong enchantments. No one would be looking for them yet as they had used Hermione's time turner, a loan from McGonagall to her favourite student, to go back several hours so they could have time uninterrupted.
Luna shifted slightly, resting her chin on the Slytherin Heir's chest so she could look up at him thoughtfully. Hadrian smiled softly, his hand gently combing through the girls hair making Hermione cuddle into him and Luna sigh in pleasure. The Seer leaned forwards, pressing a kiss against her betrothed lips. When they broke apart reluctantly Hadrian was mildly surprised when Luna reached over and shared an equally loving kiss with Hermione. Both girls turned to see his reaction, seeming to be waiting for Hadrian to come to a decision. The Slytherin Heir was hesitant, Luna at least had her adult memories of the past, but Hermione was only twelve. And Hadrian was so very old. It wouldn't be right. Wouldn't be fair to either of them. But he looked into their eyes and he wanted. So he kissed first Hermione, then Luna again, but was firmly resolved their relationship would be chaste until the girls were much older. Their magic surged forward, wrapping around him. It was joyous, euphoric. He felt at peace.
They spent the evening lazily trading innocent kisses, mostly Luna and Hermine kissing over Hadrian's chest while he stroked their backs and relished their presence.
Watching from Riddle House Voldemort eyed the three thoughtfully.
For the Second Task Draco was chosen as Hadrian's stolen 'item'. Hadrian was looking forward to the Malfoy's storming Hogwarts when they found out. He had warned both Fleur and Krum, but Fleur was vicious in her rage that Dumbledore had dared touch her precious sister. Her Veela ancestry was obvious by the sheer fury in her eyes. With their silver hair and their fierce love for one another Hadrian was reminded of his daughters, and the Slytherin Heir only just stopped his magic from violently lashing out. He parted the lake like the red sea, and calmly made his way through the middle to his Dragon and the girl. There were gasps and whispers at his grand display of magic, while Hadrian thought they should be grateful they at least saw something this Task. His first life the crowd had just stared at a still lake for an hour.
A typical example of the wizarding world's lack of forethought and vision.
Fleur had been cooing over Gabrielle for an hour before Hadrian brought Bill Weasley to meet her. One look and the mating bond between a Veela and her mate locked into place.
The hooded figures stood together, hands tucked into their sleeves like the sages of old, and were completely immobile. Lucius couldn't keep his eyes off them. There were no individuals. It chilled him. It wasn't natural. Even the Death Eater masks showed their personality. These beings were wraiths.
The Court wore black robes made from dragonhide, their faces hidden by the deep depth of their hoods. They were indistinguishable from one another. They could have been Dementor's, they looked like grim reapers. Dread crawled down the spines of everyone who saw them.
Lucius tore his gaze away from them, only to be shocked by the look in his Lord Voldemort's eyes. His Lord looked possessed by desire, so much raw need in his eyes that it shocked him. But his power, now free from its usual constraints, was almost doubled in strength. Only then did he notice his magic entwined with another's.
Lord Chronos was smiling oddly down at them, confidently sprawled across his throne. He wore Basilisk scale armour, with a cloak matching his followers but in the shifting light seemed to be made from black feathers.
The Reapers and the Faithful stood proudly under their Lord's eyes.
This was an alliance that would one day rule the world, Lucius was certain of it.
The first time Voldemort met Hermione Granger-Potter in person he knew she was his soulmate. His little King just stood off to the side, a knowing gleam in his eyes as his betrothed Luna Lovegood leaned into him, her mind finally at ease at seeing Ares click into the place she had always known was his.
Finally, they were complete.
"You shall be on my side."
Sirius nodded and both he and his husband looked at Hadrian with love in their eyes. They could scarcely believe what Hadrian had told them. That a Potter would ever ally himself with a Dark Lord was unthinkable, that he became one even more so. But there was no denials, no trying to hide his true nature. Honestly, they should have always known it would come to this. Their pupcub might have been fond of them, but there no doubt in their minds he was utterly ruthless and calculating. Yet the Marauder's loved him like he was their own son.
"You are stating the obvious."
Dean and Susan spent a great deal of time researching places of interest in the muggle world. Places of great political and technological power. They knew in the future Hadrian planned on targeting such places, strategic blows that would cripple the muggles when the time for war came. And they would be ready for it. Those trusted First Generation Witches and Wizards who worshipped Hadrian would infiltrate these places, and they would bring them doom when the time was right.
Daphne Greengrass used her skills to charm and create alliances with other purebloods. Her Lord would need these children in the future, and the more the sheep idolised him the easier the takeover would be.
The Court dubbed them Sleepers, for they would lie in wait, and soon there would be one in every household and every business in the Wizarding World.
Barty Crouch Jr, who chose the name Lyssa after the spirit of mad rage and frenzy, did his job well. He smirked with malicious glee when he remembered what his Lord Hadrian had instructed him to do. What he was planning. The first time his Lord's told him their plan Barty had started cackling. He smiled and his eyes shone, some would call him disturbing, his grin feral, and they'd be right.
Severus knew whatever Hadrian was planning was coming.
He could see it carefully hidden on each of his charges faces.
He'd seen those exact expressions on many of the Death Eater's from the Inner Circle just before a particularly bloody raid. It fascinated him as much as it terrified him.
Hadrian's Demons were instrumental at silencing the very few naysayers in Hogwarts, whether they be students or teachers. Hadrian was rather proud of the twins, he knew they were intelligent, but had little finesse before they joined the Court.
However, the moment Hadrian introduced them as a part of the Court they started to apply themselves. Hadrian had said it wasn't necessary, but they wanted to do it.
They lived up to their nickname. Because they truly were demons to anyone who dared speak against him.
Neville never questioned the prophecy and why Hadrian chose to ally himself with Voldemort. Some might find that strange, but none of them did. They willingly chose to follow their Lord, and to them it was as natural as breathing. He wouldn't even be able to say why, only "because he was their Lord".
Luna looked up at Hadrian, with her big blue eyes a bit glazed over, as if she wasn't really there. Soon, she said, soon the time would come.
She wore a serene smile for the rest of the day, snuggled against her Lord's side.
Lucius tried to talk to his son, his Heir, about the Dark Lord Chronos. He worried his Draco would lose himself in his Lord's addictive power. He was worried he would lose his Draco forever. But Draco silenced him with a look, and the words he spoke would forever haunt him.
"We are only instruments of our Lord's will".
Maybe if Hadrian had distanced himself from them they would have been different. But the Court would accept nothing less. They wanted to be as close to him as possible, and he allowed it.
Hermione eyed her Hadrian from where she stood behind his throne, Luna standing besides her humming gently. Nobody could see inside their cloaks deep hood, but her hair as well as Luna's had black feather's braided in to mark her as special. Hadrian had done it himself, his eyes and hands possessive. Hermione knew Hadrian wasn't fully hers, Luna and Voldemort sharing his soul and affection too, but she didn't feel as deeply for them as she did her Lord. She had shadowed his steps for most of her life, and she wholeheartedly intended to do so forever.
It was time.
Erebus and Athena gathered the Clan, and finally all that Hadrian was, was exposed to the light.
The slight nod Remus gave him from the stands made Hadrian smile, as odd that it was. The Court, especially those with family in the Clan, became less tense, had clearer heads. The Clan stood with them. Their greatest ally could have been their greatest enemy, but all was well.
Now, as Hadrian was about to begin the Third Task, nothing could stop him.
The Maze wasn't any different from his first life. Apart from the fact every dangerous being in the Maze had been bewitched to attack him. It was more an annoyance then an inconvenience. Hadrian knew Dumbledore's plan, knew his tricks. The Slytherin Heir didn't have a scratch on him as he grinned savagely and touched the portkey.
Dumbledore had no idea what he was getting himself into.
Hadrian came out flying, the battle beginning mid-air. Dumbledore didn't stand a chance. The wand in the Headmaster's hand was only transfigured to look like the Elder Wand, and nothing less could never even hope to match him. The duel was a spectacle of light and destruction. Dumbledore slowly became horrified when it became clear Hadrian was only playing with him, and it was as he was trying to retreat that Voldemort came from the shadows.
The Headmaster had his magic stripped from him, his voice and mind broken beyond repair. No fate was worse for any magical being. This particular stripping spell wreaking havoc on the body until it was an empty husk, a tomb for a broken mind.
Then Voldemort moved. Before Hadrian could speak the Dark Lord had pushed him against a large graveyard headstone, his body pressing against his. Voldemort's head dropped to Hadrian's neck and the Master of Death could feel the other Lord taking a shuddering breath against his skin. Voldemort wanted to take his Little King against the wall, victory and lust making his blood sing in his veins. The kiss Hadrian pulled him into was everything he had ever wanted, sharp bites and blood tinged lips fighting against one-another for dominance. Hadrian's smile was wicked as he let Voldemort's hands stroke down his body reverently.
"It has finally ended" Voldemort mouthed against the Slytherin Heir's throat, only for Hadrian to laugh darkly and bite a claiming mark against the pale skin of his shoulder.
"Oh this was only the beginning. Voldemort dear, are you ready to become Tom Riddle again?"
