Beta: Crazylioness21

A/N: I hope you like this chapter. No idea how long it might take me to cough up another one for this. Comments, critique, opinions, hate-mail, etc. all welcomed and loved.


Hadrian opened his hand so he could look at the ring, and the stone on it. He'd held it for over an hour already, not daring to use it, but not willing to part from it either.

It was temptation like no other. He had been wise before, letting it fall from his grasp, to be lost amongst roots and weeds, hidden by the ever changing ground of the Forbidden Forest.

The Deathly Hallows were a thing that should have been lost to humanity before it was even created. And if they truly were things of Death, then with Death they should be. For man to hold them was wrong. No one was strong enough to face the temptation of their power. To be invisible, to hold power greater than no other, to speak to those in the land of the dead.

He wondered if they would come if he turned the stone, his dead. Or would they be the dead of this world that did not know him, would not love him, and would only hear the voice of a stranger whose call they refused to answer. And if it was his dead that answered, would they judge him, condemn him for his choices and actions?

He wanted to believe they wouldn't, but what did he know anymore, with only half his soul intact? He had lost so much on that day when the magical storm had picked him up and thrown him across time and reality and brought him here where he had found a little boy so like him in many ways, but held the potential to become something else, something so much more.

With a shaky breath he let the ring fall to the small hole he had dug under the floorboard of the Shrieking Shack. Unlike Voldemort, he wove no spells, curses or enchantments to protect it, trusting the Shack's reputation and the similarity of the hiding place to keep the Stone, now free from the Horcrux, safe.

He kneeled, covered the stone with the loose soil, replaced the board, and it was again as if nothing had disturbed the ghosts that lived in the rundown cabin, where once a werewolf had howled at the moon with three other animals as his company.

Hadrian stood, turned his back on the stone, and moved to the window from where he could see Hogwarts.

He could slip in through the secret passageway that led to the Weeping Willow, but not undetected during the day, and even with the cover of nightfall he doubted he would succeed. Dumbledore might have looked the other way when he attended the school, but he'd had his reasons then, and none of them were present here and now.

Hogwarts and the Horcrux presiding within its walls would simply have to wait. But he would take it before Harry entered the school, that he swore, even if it was only to himself.

Hadrian walked out of the shack and down the road that led to Hogsmeade. Once in the town he stared in shock at the rushing children filling every street and shop. It was a Hogsmeade weekend.

A boy, a third year Slytherin by the looks of him, rushed past, almost knocking him over and Hadrian was sorely tempted to pull him back by his collar, and shake him until he heard an apology. Was there no one here supervising these brats?

"Mr Emer!" A booming voice yelled, and the rushing third year froze in the midst of his run. It was almost comical how the boy stopped with one foot still on the air, arms folded to the side, and a look of absolute horror on his face.

Hadrian turned to the voice, already knowing what he would see, yet it was still a shock to see Snape standing there with his dark robes, alive, with the full force of his scowl focusing on the boy.

"I expect better behaviour from my Slytherins," Snape said, his eyes still glued on the petrified boy. "Apologise."

The boy gulped and lowered his eyes, then turned back to Hadrian, dragging his feet with every step. When the boy reached him, he still kept his head down and muttered something Hadrian didn't hear, so he simply raised on eyebrow and waited for the boy to look up and see the expecting look on his face.

The boy glanced at his head of house, only to see the same expecting look there, and an even fiercer scowl than before. Finally the boy gathered up his courage, straightened his back and looked Hadrian straight in the eye. It seemed that along with the use of his spine, the boy's pride had returned.

"I apologise for bumping in to you, sir. I should have looked where I was going."

"It's no trouble," Hadrian waved the boy off, and smiled, knowing it didn't reach his eyes, and the combination of the warm smile and the ice cold eyes would be enough to scare the boy, and if he were wise, to remember and be wary of him in the future.

"Thank you sir," the boy replied, a little of that wariness Hadrian had wanted to inspire in the boy already showing.

But it was not all for the boy's benefit, and when he left Hadrian glanced at Snape and was glad to see caution and interest in the dark eyes.

Snape by himself didn't matter, but he was Dumbledore's man. And since Hadrian deemed Dumbledore too dangerous for him to speak with personally, his closest confidant, or at least the closest thing Dumbledore had to one, would have to suffice.

Hadrian could not allow Dumbledore anywhere near him. He was too powerful and clever to risk it. Dumbledore might be the one capable of unravelling all his secrets, and Hadrian was not willing to let them go.

Not only that, it was dangerous. Hadrian had committed sins darker than any Dumbledore would forgive, and worse yet, he would not take any of them back if he were given the choice. Every death, each pain he had caused, he would do again. Not simply because it had brought him here, to this moment and position, but because not all deaths and all the pain were caused by necessity, some he had enjoyed.

"I apologise for my student," Snape said, his dark scowl easing slightly now that there was no student present to be reprimanded.

"No need," Hadrian replied. "The boy apologised."

"Only after prompted," Snape said. "I expect better from my Slytherins."

"You seem very possessive of them," Hadrian commented, stepping a bit closer so they could talk easier amongst the buzz of chatter around them.

"I am their head of house," Snape said and offered his hand. "Severus Snape."

Hadrian waited until he had hold of the hand before giving his name. "Hadrian Potter."

He waited for the disdain and loathing to seep into that face, and almost smiled at the expected scowl that formed on Snape's face. It was familiar in ways nothing else had been. There was still one thing he could count on to stay the same no matter what else changed. He doubted even the strongest of magics could erase Snape's hatred for the name Potter.

"The mysterious guardian of our vaulted Boy-Who-Lived," Snape said, the venom in the title very real and biting.

"And your student by next year," Hadrian answered, smiling. "Perhaps even one of your Slytherins."

"I doubt it," Snape bit out, his lips curling back as if the simple thought of it tasted foul in his mouth.

"True, he might end up in Hufflepuff. Harry greatly values loyalty."

"Not Gryffindor?" Snape asked drawled, the disdain he felt for the gold and red house clear in his voice.

"I like to think I've taught him better than that," Hadrian answered with a wide smile, this one reaching his eyes, but it did nothing to soften its sharp edge. "But I really must be on my way. It was a pleasure to meet you, Professor Snape. Perhaps we will meet again in the future."

Snape sneered at him, but he looked more thoughtful now, as if what Hadrian had said, or something else in their encounter had caused Snape to rethink either his actions, or motivations.

Hadrian walked away with the knowledge that nothing would truly change in the way Snape saw Harry and that there was nothing he could do about it, short of killing the man. But unless Snape endangered Harry in some way he would not harm him, and he knew Snape would never endanger Lily's child, no matter how much of James Potter he saw in him.

Hadrian made his way to the Three Broomsticks with the intention of using the floo there, but was thwarted by that course of action when he saw that Dumbledore had ventured out of the school, and in his company was what looked like the majority of the Hogwarts board of governors.

He grimaced, wishing he would have had the foresight to ask what Lucius' plans for the weekend were, because then he would have at least avoided this unfortunate encounter. He chanced a look behind him and was planning on leaving, when something in his direction caught Dumbledore's attention and the old man shouted, "Mr Potter, what a delightful coincidence!"

Hadrian gritted his teeth and plastered a pleasant smile on his face in favour of the governors. He fought to keep his arms relaxed by his sides and to stifle the enraged shriek building in his throat. With steps that spoke of confidence he did not feel, Hadrian walked over to the group and inclined his head slightly.

"What brings you to Hogsmeade on such a lovely Saturday afternoon?" Dumbledore asked, the men and women around him standing quietly, following their interactions silently and without any obvious interest. Lucius seemed agitated, but Hadrian was certain it had nothing to do with the interruption of Hogwarts business.

"Just out on a stroll," Hadrian answered, casting a longing glance at the pub's doorway barred by the governors, and the biggest hurdle of them all, Dumbledore. "It's a lovely day, after all and we might not have many before the winter comes upon us."

"I did not know you had a habit of taking strolls in Hogsmeade," Dumbledore said, smiling jovially, and Hadrian felt his own smile turn a touch bitter. The look he gave the man would have been obvious to anyone, and it declared Dumbledore had no business in where or what was in Hadrian's habit, and he intended to keep it that way.

Dumbledore's smile waned a bit and he stepped slightly further from the governors. "Might we have a word in private, Mr Potter?"

"I do not really have the time, Mr Dumbledore," Hadrian answered.

"Surely you can spare a few minutes," Dumbledore said, still confident that he would eventually win Hadrian over.

"I could," Hadrian conceded. "I just don't wish to."

Dumbledore sighed with that sad look that oozed of disappointment that was designed to make you feel guilty for refusing a request by the old man. But Hadrian held inside him years of resentment and old anger directed towards Dumbledore that helped him refuse anything the man requested. The fact that it was not even directed to this Dumbledore made no difference, because in his mind not much was different between the two men. Given the chance this man would no doubt gleefully take over the role of their benevolent grandfather dictating their fate from his high tower, confident in his right to decide for them as if they were handicapped children.

Without giving Dumbledore a chance to say more Hadrian turned on his heels and stormed off, passing Snape on his way. The man's eyebrows were raised questioningly, having apparently witnessed the entire encounter, but he did not comment on it.

When Hadrian turned a corner he chanced a glance back and saw Snape give Lucius a look, one that was replied to with a small nod.

That single nod could mean trouble, depending on where Lucius thought Snape's loyalties rested. He was almost certain Lucius would not betray him, not after what they had done together to ensure Voldemort's downfall, yet there was still a small nagging doubt in the back of his mind, making him question the man.

Despite everything, Lucius had given him no assurances, and Hadrian had not asked any. It was doubtful he would have believed any, either. Lucius Malfoy was not a man whose word could be trusted, and Hadrian would have trouble believing any vows from him that were not enforced by magic.

Frustrated at how things seemed to pile on top of each other Hadrian hurried to the edge of town and apparated home.

000

His encounter with Dumbledore made Hadrian realise he needed to speak with Remus, and if he wanted to avoid killing him, he had to convince the man to keep their secrets.

Considering what Dumbledore had done for Remus, it would not be easy to convince him to lie, or even to withhold information from the old man. Remus was used to taking orders from Dumbledore, and it would be difficult to convince him to trust an almost complete stranger and a known Death Eater instead of a man that had led him through an age of terror.

That Sunday, like any other Sunday, Hadrian told Kreacher what to prepare for dinner, and for the elf's peace of mind kept away from the kitchen, making sure that Harry kept his distance as well. It had become almost like a rule for them now, to let Kreacher prepare their meals every Sunday, and not just the dinner they shared with Remus, but lunch as well.

Kreacher seemed more than pleased to be able to take care of a family again, even if it was only for one day a week. The fact that they had yet to move in was a constant cause for bemoaning for Kreacher, and he was not shy in expressing his opinion like most elves would have been.

Then again Kreacher had never been shy in expressing his opinions to his masters, but they used to involve much more swearing. The change in behaviour was startling, and Hadrian credited it all to Harry. Hadrian knew that if it had been only him, Kreacher might have been loyal, but would have retained his gloomy view of life, and would have fought him on every single change done to the house. But with Harry there, Kreacher seemed to agree that a cleaner, brighter house would make Harry wish to spend more time there and perhaps eventually even live in the house.

Remus arrived just in time to have afternoon tea, which they had in one of the brighter sitting rooms that was lighted by the afternoon sun, and decorated with new, pale wallpaper and fresh flowers on every single surface.

"He really wants you to move in here," Remus commented amusedly, picking up one of the sandwiches Kreacher had provided with the tea.

"And we might," Hadrian answered. "But not before Harry starts at Hogwarts, and perhaps not even then. It all depends how things go."

Harry, who'd heard the arguments before focused on the more sugary treats on the tray and left them to their conversation.

"Are you worried?" Remus asked.

Hadrian shrugged and placed his cup on the small table by his elbow. "Harry's situation isn't exactly usual," Hadrian said, entwining his fingers and settling them on his lap. "It all depends on how well he adjusts to the school and his position amongst the Wizarding World. It can be stressful for a child to have that much attention on them, to have your every word and gesture weighed and speculated. Thankfully he's been spared so far, but that won't continue once his name is called in the Great Hall and he places the sorting Hat on his head."

"You told Harry about the sorting!" Remus shouted, appearing horrified, but grinning. "No one's ever told the sorting, it's a tradition!"

"A stupid tradition, especially in Harry's case," Hadrian said. "He needs to know what will happen, and he needs to understand the consequences of what will happen based on the House the Hat will place him. Each house comes with its own stigmas and prejudices."

Remus glanced at Harry, who to him was taking this surprisingly calmly. "You've talked about this before, Harry?" he asked the boy, who nodded.

"The best House by my reckoning is Hufflepuff," the boy replied. "Less expectations, I'll be underestimated if I'm a badger, and most people will leave me alone just because I'm a puff. Not to mention there's strength in numbers."

"Slytherin," Remus announced without missing a beat. "A Hufflepuff wouldn't even consider the merits, a Gryffindor wouldn't care and a Ravenclaw… well a Ravenclaw might, but I don't see you in a blue tie."

"I figured," Harry answered, looking disappointed. "But it would be cool if I could convince the Hat to place me in Hufflepuff," he added, a sly smile on his lips.

"Why not try?" Hadrian offered.

"You think?"

"Couldn't hurt," Hadrian smiled. "I doubt you'll succeed, though, so I suggest you start focusing on how you'll going to win over the other Slytherins, and prepare yourself for the backlash, because there will be one."

"Like bullies?"

"Bullies that can publish their opinions in the paper and declare it news," Hadrian declared grimly. "And you shouldn't forget the ones inside the school, and though I suspect the students might give you a hard time, you'll mostly have to deal with the first years. And as for the teachers, you only need to look out for two that I know of. One of them is the Slytherin Head of House, Severus Snape, and the other Headmaster Dumbledore. The Defence Against the Dark Arts teachers changes yearly, so of them we have no idea yet."

Remus was obviously uncomfortable with the advice Hadrian was giving his young charge, but said nothing. Instead he focused on his tea and admiring the various flowers decorating the room.

Yet his silence broke when Harry ran into the garden and left him alone with Hadrian.

"I can understand your caution of Snape and Dumbledore, but should you really be telling Harry to be weary of them? He'll not trust them now, and they will be his teachers and in charge of his education and safety while he's at Hogwarts."

"I expect Harry to take care of himself, and that means against his teachers as well," Hadrian replied. "Snape is known to favour Death Eater children, and though I suspect he wouldn't do anything perilous to Harry, I wouldn't put it past him to let Harry's education suffer. And as for Dumbledore, I simply don't trust the man when it comes to Harry's safety. He's already proven he can't be held responsible for that."

"You mean his relatives," Remus said, meaning the Dursleys and Hadrian nodded. "Are you ever going to forgive him?" Remus asked, with desperation in his gentle and unassuming voice.

"No," Hadrian answered. "And I don't have to. There is no law that compels me to forgive him, or even speak to him. If Harry did not wish so desperately to attend Hogwarts, I would not allow him to set foot in that school."

"This is about more than the Dursleys," Remus pointed out and leaned forward, taking in every inch of Hadrian's face. "More than Harry. What could have Dumbledore possibly have done to you?"

Hadrian refused to answer, because he could not tell Remus the truth, and lies about this, no matter how convincing, would be found out. "Did you know he still holds the invisibility cloak?" he asked instead.

"What? Who? Dumbledore?" Remus shook his head. "That can't be true. Why would Dumbledore have James's cloak?"

"I don't know the reason," Hadrian said. "But he has it, and has yet to return it."

"Maybe he's holding it for Harry," was Remus' weak attempt to defend Dumbledore.

"And that is my point!" Hadrian shouted, leaning back on his chair and gripping the arm rests. "It is not for him to hold things for Harry, that is my role. If he did not think Harry mature enough he should have given the cloak to me. He should have relinquished it the moment I became Harry's guardian."

"You have hardly given him the opportunity," Remus replied calmly, and with a hint of annoyance now. "You flee the moment you set eyes on him and refuse to even exchange a few cordial words with him."

"He could have sent the cloak back at any moment. He could have returned it through Gringotts, by mail, through a Hogwarts elf. There are millions of possibilities, but only so many reasons why he has not relinquished the cloak." Hadrian drew in a calming breath and forced his face and voice to sooth over and not reflect his anger. "The fact is, I do not trust him. And I can't trust anyone that would run to him with my secrets. And someone I can't trust, I can't allow Harry to see."

Remus' mouth curled and he even gave an impressive growl, but Hadrian refused to be intimidated. "You have a choice Remus, one that is not even very complex." Hadrian poured more tea into his cup and then brought it to his lips. He waited a while longer, but when it was clear Remus wasn't going to respond, he continued. "I need your word you will not reveal any of my secrets to Dumbledore, or to anyone who might carry those secrets to him."

"And if I don't give you my word?" Remus asked, too calmly for him not to be furious.

Hadrian placed the tea cup back down and placed his hands on the arm rests, taking his time in answering, watching Remus stew in his anger. "I'll make sure you never see Harry again," he said. "And believe me, I do have the power to make it happen."

Remus was so still that he would have passed for a statue. He sat in the same position long enough for Hadrian to wonder if he should poke the other man to get him to exhibit some signs of life, but eventually Remus blinked and drew breath so it was visible. "Alright, you have it. You have my word," he finally said.

"I need you to say it, Remus, I need to hear the words," Hadrian pressed.

"I give you my word that I will never reveal any of your secrets." There was no flash of light, no pulse of magic, because this was not a vow made with magic that bound, it was simply one man's word. And Hadrian trusted it, trusted Remus Lupin's word where he would not trust Lucius'.