A/N: I have no excuses except for a briefly lost inspiration :( It shouldn't have taken me a month and a half to update. Black Fortunes is next.
Thanks to bkwyrm16 and Alfirin-Lover for pointing out Gareth's name change. It was originally Rayith before I began writing and I bumped it back to that unconsciously.
sanbeegoldiewhitey: Do you think that I base this in any sort of realism? I know mpreg is ridiculous, so is magic. I am not going to change it. Sorry but not happening.
shadewatcher: I realised the irony of that line after I posted *laughs*
5th January, Hogwarts-
Hadrian would have to put this memory in a Pensieve. It was just too priceless to see the expression on his schoolmate's faces and the Headmaster. All he had done was lean his arms across each other with his right hand conveniently on top, innocently displaying the sparkling platinum, diamond and jade bonding ring. He wasn't wearing the other half of his ring, but the white-gold and opal ring with a calligraphy-style L on the face of the stone was a bit of a giveaway.
Severus' dark eyes were full of mirth if you knew the man well enough to find it. Hadrian was certain he'd be sharing this memory with the Dark sect at his next meeting. It was just too perfect to pass up. Hadrian knew he'd be pulled to the Headmaster's office after dinner for some 'questions' about his marriage. He knew the man would attempt to rile him into revealing his husband or renouncing his marriage but Hadrian had a little bombshell ready and waiting for that moment.
Thoughts of his husband brought back memories of the past few weeks and specifically the first week after they had wed. Hadrian controlled the soft blush that wanted to appear with great effort. While he had known the basic mechanics of things, he had been a virgin until his bonding, as required and spelled into the mark the Dark Roses took. It was something Rabastan had taken great delight and pleasure in, being the first and only one to touch him in such a manner and educate him about.
Rabastan was no innocent and hadn't been for a while now. The Death Eaters weren't kept under such strict control as the Roses in a few areas, combat and sexual 'exploration' being two important ones. While the Dark Roses knew enough of the Dark Arts to protect themselves and their families (some of the Roses were incredible combatants, Hadrian being well on his way to that status), Death Eaters were almost required to know far more, otherwise they were easily killed in the infighting that served to increase one's status to the Dark Lord.
What he had been waiting for and simultaneously dreading came about a half-hour later. Dumbledore left his gilded perch and came over to the Slytherin table, clothed in an obnoxious combination of purple and fluorescent green. "Harry, my boy, if you would please come up to my office in a few moments? No need for a password, just state that you are there to see the Headmaster."
"Of course sir," he replied, slipping into 'Harry Potter' with very little effort.
The man beamed at him as if he'd just won the Quidditch World Cup and left, not even noticing the derisive stares and sniggers that most of Slytherin gave to his retreating back. Draco turned to look at him and said with a sneer, "I do feel for you, Hadrian, having to put up with his stupidity and arrogance on a regular basis."
"Thank you, Draco," he said graciously, "though it is not necessary." To his friend (and second cousin's) startled look he added, "You really should feel bad for him, the stupidity far outweighs the arrogance."
It startled a snort of laughter out of the blonde, much to the curious looks of some of their housemates. Hadrian had erected a silencing charm when he noted Draco was about to speak, keeping their private conversation, well private. Snooping Slytherins didn't need to be hearing matters that didn't concern them, after all.
He lingered over his meal, wondering which point he was about to make with the Headmaster would have the most impact. He had a feeling he knew which one, however. He knew just how far the man's ambitions went and his second point today would horrify the old man. It would be a major loss, one that he hopefully wouldn't be able to recoup.
After he finished eating he bid his friends good evening and wandered in the direction of the Headmaster's office. The man had said to come up after he was finished, after all. Of course the coot probably thought he would jump to the occasion as a loyal lackey, but Hadrian really didn't feel like humouring the old man's power trip.
Reaching the stone gargoyle he paused for a moment to employ his 'Harry Potter' mask and stated, "I need to see the Headmaster."
It sprang willingly aside and he moved into the spiraling staircase beyond. He took the steps slowly, reaching for his calm and determination, keeping the image forward of a loyal little boy who played hero for the Light. Knocking on the door he heard, "Come in."
He opened the door and shut it carefully behind him, moving forward with a slightly nervous air; after all he was supposed to be a nervous Gryffindor Golden Boy. He took the seat across from the Headmaster only when offered and turned down the proffered lemon drop.
"Harry," the Headmaster began, "I would ask how your vacation went but it is a little obvious. So I am going to come straight to the point and ask when you got married?"
"The 13th of December, sir," he replied back eagerly and honestly, this point wasn't considered something he needed to keep private.
"My boy, I was rather startled to see that ring on your finger, I hadn't thought you to be bisexual. Your father was straight, you know and you take after him so much."
Hadrian bit his tongue to keep back the scathing comment to the outright lie about James' sexuality and said, "I'm not, sir. Bisexual, that is. I'm gay; I figured it out in my 5th year after a single date with a girl."
A quick blue flash of displeasure crossed the Headmaster's face before it disappeared.
"Ahh, I see," he replied. "Still, do you think maybe it was a hasty decision? After all, when you are young lust can be easily mistaken for love. You just turned 17 after all, perhaps you might want to keep the field open, so to speak."
Hadrian sneered inwardly, so that you can betroth me to Ginny Weasley or some other female against my will and preference later on? I think not old man.
"Sorry sir," he said, acting sheepish, "but my husband and I used irreversible vows. There isn't any way to break them."
Shock one, he thought smugly, watching Dumbledore pale slightly. Irreversible vows weren't that common anymore with the influence of the Muggle world as there was no such thing as a divorce. With how loosely people termed 'marriage' in the modern world being tied to one person literally 'til death do we part' was a bit extreme.
"I'm surprised you agreed, Harry. Not to mention a little disappointed, you know how much I care for your well-being."
"Sorry sir," he mumbled, staring at his knees and appearing every bit the contrite teenager he was supposed to be.
"Well," the old man sighed, "at least now you can take your family title as Lord Potter, though I warn you, being a titled Lord isn't all about the privilege you know."
Shock two, Hadrian thought as he replied, "Um, sir? I'm actually Consort-Lord Potter. I gave controlling power in my title to my husband. He's traditionally raised and knows far more about politics and a Lordship than I do. He's already registered the Potter votes as Neutral with the Wizengamot."
This time the old man actually choked on one of his drops and Hadrian said in alarm, "Sir?!" while inside he was breaking out in hysterical laughter.
"I-I'm all-right, Harry," Albus wheezed, staring at him through incredulous blue eyes. "I just wasn't expecting you to make such a political move without guidance. I'm afraid your parents would be very disappointed in your actions in general this winter holiday, Harry. Your father loathed homosexuals and your mother wasn't much better. Plus giving away your title…"
Hadrian's face paled appropriately, though it was due to rage and not sadness as the Headmaster most likely thought.
"That's all for tonight, Harry. I think you need to go back to your dorms. You've caused a lot of damage for youthful love, my boy."
Hadrian left, glad to have the official leave so that he didn't have to make some excuse. The urge to curse the Headmaster was high as he exited the room, walking down the staircase. The gall of him though, really! To make such blatantly false claims about his father and that traitor Evans. Not to mention the disapproval about what he did with his title.
"Hey Potter! I should have guessed you'd be a queer along with a stupid snake! Glad you're away from me, I wouldn't want to associate with that kind of filth!"
Ron Weasley. The very last person Hadrian wanted to deal with right now. Stalking toward his former friend he reached out with his left hand and snagged the red-head's collar. Slamming him into the brick wall behind he snarled, "Are you really that much of an idiot, Ron? Can you not see how expensive this ring is?"
He held up the glinting band so that Ron could see it closely and snapped, "My husband happens to be a pureblood traditionalist, Weasley. He also happens to be rather wealthy as you should be able to guess by this ring, no matter how small your brain really is. Can your family really afford to cross him by insulting me so blatently?"
He flicked his wand and snarled, "Oblivate!"
All he removed was the bit in the middle, leaving the jab about the Weasley finances and the first bit in place with the ring. It wasn't the time for people to know just how much power his husband wielded in the wizarding world. When that day came, he would be glad to introduce Ronald Weasley, blood-traitor, to Rabastan Lestrange, pureblood traditionalist and combatant extraordinare.
He calmed himself down with the mental image of what Rabastan would do to Ron, along with the recollection of the Headmaster choking on one of his beloved lemon drops. He really would have to share that with people.