...
'She looked into his hard eyes and she witnessed a world burning and wild shadows dancing in the fire.'
Red on red in red.
...
Hadrian clenched his jaw, portraying his frustration at being questioned so outright. His mother, Lily Potter stood by the doorway, suspicion smearing her beautiful features. Her delicate brows were drawn together, narrowed and guarded. The pretty maid stood next to her, close enough to make Hadrian believe she was using Lily as a shield. The girl was scared of him, but it wasn't just simple fear. From the side of the house a young girl ran towards Hadrian, her hair cascading like a river wave behind her - carrying a small flower in her hand.
"Harry!" Remi screamed beaming.
Hadrian turned away from his mother, opening his arms to his younger sister who ran into his chest. Grunting he lifted her, as a warm kind smile lit up his face.
"Hey baby," Hadrian smiled, tucking a strand of brown hair behind her ear.
Remi Potter giggled, her voice gentle and sweet. She opened her small palm and pressed it sweetly against Hadrian's cheek. Lily Potter stood speechless. Everything had changed in that moment as Hadrian had become human. Where he was previously hard and icy, he was now soft and warm. His eyes had dimmed to a warm earthy green, that brought to mind primitive trees and hopefully rays in a dark starry sky. His muscles had abandoned their strained tension, becoming defined yet supple, making his body no longer appear so formidably imposing. Carla looked at the predator before her. But that wasn't right... he was no longer a hunter. He wasn't preying on victims, encircling them in a viscous game of cat and mouse. This was worse - and not for the small child embraced in Hadrian Potter's arms but for everyone else.
Remi Potter was in all aspects adorable. Her soft curls of her dark alluvial brown hair, contained brighter tones of diluted red and Grecian gold. The girl's eyes were the blended combination of both mother and father - merging light brown and vibrant green creating a warm sparkling hazel.
Carla shook her head, her heart pounding. This was worse for everyone but that little girl. If Hadrian Potter was capable of such warmth, that meant his cold cruelty was a choice. Carla had first assumed Hadrian Potter knew no love and therefore could not love. He would almost be understandable then - the tragic result of a loveless childhood. Carla understood the fundamentals to know what led to cruelty, apathy and aggression. But that wasn't the case, not for Hadrian Potter.
"What do you have there?" Hadrian asked Remi, his voice deep yet relaxed - a soft warm baritone.
Remi Potter raised the small daisy in the air for him to see, twirling it in her fingers. Hadrian was aware of the eyes piercing the side of his face - but chose to ignore them. He opened his hand for his sister to drop the flower into and regarded it for a moment, feigning rapt interest.
"It's a Lily!" Remi chirped cheerfully.
The little girl grinned from ear to ear, dimples forming on her round rosy cheeks. Hadrian frowned for a moment, but quickly changed his expression to bright curiosity.
"No, this one isn't a Lily, this is a daisy," Hadrian corrected softly.
Remi looked frustrated for a moment but smiled again.
"Isn't it pretty?" She squealed, picking up the flower from Hadrian's palm and waving it around.
"It is, Daisy's are pretty, much better than Lilies." Hadrian finished, while lowering his sister to the ground.
The double meaning was not lost on anyone but the young girl clutching her flower. Hadrian finally looked at his mother who's eyes sparkled with hurt, yet her jaw clenched from another emotion, anger most likely. Remi ran past Lily and into the house causing the light hearted atmosphere to change.
"How does she know you so well?" Lily swallowed out fiercely.
Her hands were clenched by her sides, her stance strong and mildly impressive. Hadrian stepped closer, taking gratification as Lily's bravery fractured and she swallowed fearfully with his ever step. Hadrian raked his hand through his hair, dragging back his dark curls. He was stood right in front of her now, taller by a handful of inches. Hadrian cleared his voice - in preparation for what was to come next and Carla stood wishing Lily hadn't had asked him anything.
"How does my sister know me so well?" Hadrian chuckled out.
His laughter unlike what it had been previously. It was now mocking and judgmental causing Lily's anger to perish in space for her fear.
"Only you could ask such a question," Hadrian continued, his eyes squinting with savage command.
"I'm g...going to go inside," Carla stuttered, feeling uncomfortable with the mother and son standoff.
As she turned, a hand whipped out and gripped her upper arm. Jolting to an abrupt stop, Carla cringed at the tight hold. Turning around she looked back to a monster, a beautiful dangerous monster.
"Not too fast.." Hadrian jived, pulling the girl into him.
Carla's waist pressed against the hard planes of Hadrian's body, causing electricity to stir in her stomach.
"Wha.. what..?" Lily rambled, shocked at Hadrian's forceful audacity.
Carla wondered what her reaction would have been when he had fucked her. Carla couldn't lie to herself - she had wanted him then, just as she did now. Lily stepped closer in horror, her chest tight with nausea, unsure of what to do. As she watched her son man handle the young girl she thought of Dumbledore's words. It seemed so insignificant now - Dumbledore had warned the Order - specifically The Potter's - that Hadrian may be using dark magic. But Dumbledore had no warning for the violence and Hadrian's soundless dominance - that caused Lily to freeze in fear.
Carla, was a sweet girl - Lily had been opposed to the idea of having a muggle maid until she had met her. It was just a plus that Remi loved the girl. Now however, Lily felt completely responsible - something had clearly transpired between Hadrian and the girl and judging by Carla's face, which was creased with fear and lined with longing - it had to be something bad.
Hadrian raised a hand stopping Lily from coming closer, the action was abrupt and dismissive. Hadrian's other hand found its way into Carla's hair, his strong fingers intertwining in the strands pulling against the roots. Carla's head twisted at an angle, her breath loud, echoing in her ears.
"Ha.. Hadrian.." Lily stuttered quietly.
One hand was placed shakily over her mouth while the other reached for her son - despite her intentions her gesture was awkward and futile. Hadrian looked over his shoulder, sneering at his mother's attempt to comfort - pathetic. Hadrian felt himself losing control, he had already gone too far, especially with the maid. However, he couldn't hold on and looking at his mother burnt his chest. The maid - well the maid was just collateral, Hadrian almost felt bad - Almost.
Sighing Hadrian relaxed his hold - supposing this game should finish already. Hadrian dipped his head low, his mouth finding Carla's ear.
"We'll chat later."
Carla was frozen for a moment before realising she had been told to leave. Picking up the basket, she ran a hand through her long dirty blonde hair - the action fast and almost hysterical. Hadrian watched her go, her body slight yet toned. She disappeared quickly around the back of the house, out of sight and for the time being out of Hadrian's mind. Lily sighed, loud enough for Hadrian to hear, making him turn his head to face her.
"What did you do to Carla?" Lily plucked up the courage to ask, her anger returning slowly.
Hadrian raised his eyebrows, laughter bubbling in his chest, in bewilderment. Lily stood her ground, despite the obvious ridicule that was to come.
"What did Dumbledore tell you?" Hadrian stepped and asked his mother seriously.
Lily Potter looked at her sons arms and then chest, sighing. Despite his stone like stance she had the random urge to be hugged. The shock of needing to be embraced in her sons arms, caused her to pause a moment too long. Hadrian stepped closer and gently pulled her closer, there was nothing violent about it. In fact the act was rather tender.
"Well?" Hadrian asked intrigued.
"What's going on here?" A new voice sounded, surprisingly authoritative.
Hadrian turned towards the door, with the strong urge to roll his eyes. James Potter stood in the doorway, arms crossed with a look of guarded suspicion painted on his face. Lily swallowed looking to her husband, thanking him silently. Hadrian lifted the hand that was holding onto Lily and raised it into the air, surrendering, proving there was no problem. He kept it in the air for a moment longer - just to prove a point.
"Hi darling.." Lily smiled sweetly.
The fact that the smile didn't quite reach her eyes and the small twitch of her mouth provided evidence of its insincerity. Hadrian had the urge to roll his eyes for a second time. Lily's attempt at making James believe everything was ok, was pitiful. James's eyebrows pinched together uncomfortably - not believing a word. Hadrian found himself surprised - his father was not as obtuse as originally thought.
James stepped closer, pausing on the steps that led to the front door. Hadrian gave his mother one last flagrant look before walking towards the front door and past his father. However, as his shoulder grazed his fathers, a hand reached out and gripped him by the elbow stopping him from going any further. Hadrian looked down at the contact, his jaw clenching at the brazen grip that secured his arm. As Hadrian looked up he saw the satisfaction in James's face and laughed silently at the irony.
James looked at his son - who he hadn't seen in years. A stranger. The boy was mercurial and beautiful. Perhaps that was a dangerous combination? James wasn't an idiot - at times he admitted he threw himself into situations without thinking. Generally, however - James Potter was no fool. Being a Auror, he had to have a general understanding of how to read people. Being a great Auror meant reading people was simply second nature and James Potter considered himself great - his stats spoke for themselves.
Therefore as James watched his son he felt extreme satisfaction at the discomfort and annoyance settling in his features. James had witnessed enough to understand the dangerously unbalanced power dynamic between Lily and Hadrian.
James watched how Hadrian used his physical dominance to bully and intimidate Lily. Anger slowly slithered its way into James's mind - it was not strong enough to cause an outburst. It was enough, however to set fire to the dark brown of his eyes lighting the shades of amber that were hidden there.
"You better watch yourself, Hadrian," James spoke quietly - remaining serious.
He leant forward, his face closer to Hadrian's, an interrogation tactic. Hadrian pulled his arm out of his fathers hold and grimaced.
"Don't wait up, I won't be back until tomorrow," Hadrian clawed out, his voice sharp yet quiet.
Lily who had previously remained quiet looked confused, she took a step closer, furrowing her brow.
"Why... where are you going?" Lily asked, her hand finding James's.
Hadrian considered whether to tell them - but realised it wouldn't do any harm.
"The Malfoy's Ball."
Without a second glance Hadrian walked past his parents and into the Potter Manor.
...
Hadrian pulled the towel away from his waist, the fluffy white material fell to the floor leaving his body stark naked. He lifted an arm and dragged his hands through his wet hair - it now seemed darker than it had been before if it were possible.
Hadrian sighed while leaning down to pick up his bag - which was magical edited to fit in everything he needed. On the outside, the bag was a plain black rucksack normal size, yet the interior was a different story. Hadrian's mind admired the endlessness of it. Pulling out the things he needed, he began to change - trying hopelessly to keep the memory of what had occurred earlier out of his mind. He pulled his T-shirt over his head when a vibration sounded on his bedside table.
'Shit,' he thought it was his phone.
The small minded notion that the Wizarding World didn't use technology was a load of shit. Most of the pureblood's had iPhone's and could use them just like any non-magical teenager. Hadrian signed again, the call was coming in from Alec. Stomping over gracefully, he picked up the phone - answering it.
"Yeah?" Hadrian coursed out roughly, his voice impatient yet still pleasant.
"Hadrian? Yeah, it's me. You know you wanted me to deal with Jerebko?" Alec's voice was calm, just like always.
However, Hadrian could still identify the tense notes within his friends words that raised alarm bells.
"Fuck. What happened?" Hadrian yelled, clenching his jaw and throwing a fist to the wall.
"You're gonna need to come see for yourself," Alec responded, ignoring Hadrian's outburst. Alec's voice was controlled, yet a little anger could be heard.
"I'm on my way." Hadrian said finally, ending the call.
Hadrian finished changing, opting for black jeans and black lace up boots. It was casual enough not to be stared at and sleek enough to be intimidating. Hadrian didn't hang around the house or wait to let anyone know where he was going. He walked down the back staircase and out through the gardens. Once he made it to the boundary line - he apparated to Kingston Rd.
The air was humid, a kind summer sun rained down on him, illuminating his face. Hadrian looked around, the place was old town, predating everything. But with old came wealth therefore the buildings were well looked after and the streets were clean and tidy. A couple of people were walking out and about - Hadrian looked at the time and suspected it was their lunch break. A girl walked past, she stared at him for moment too long - eventually leaving him a smile. Hadrian almost returned the gesture but stopped himself - remembering what he came for. The girl saw the change in his features and frowned, increasing her speed as she walked away.
Hadrian turned down into an alleyway - Maidcier Alley, the same one Alec had texted him. The alley ended and opened up into a large back alley, closed off and hidden. A couple of figures stood in a huddle and Hadrian reached instinctively for his wand. Hadrian relaxed slightly as his animagus form could smell Alec.
"Alec," Hadrian spoke as he reached the group.
The other two figures jumped - their hands gripping their hearts. Alec stood still as stone, his hands clasped behind his back, his eyes cold and serious.
"Hadrian! Mate you scared us to death - your like a fuckin' cat!" One of the boys spoke - his voice loud and rushed.
Alec stifled a laugh at the boys comment, obviously finding some irony in it.
"Not a cat, Joval," Hadrian responded quietly and impatiently to the boy while he shot a death glare toward Alec.
"Joval and Aver called me, they found him." Alec spoke, his humour vanishing and his eyes staring off to the corner of the alley.
The two boys in Alley, Joval and Aver, were not any older than 16. Joval the taller of the two was pale, his skin littered with dark tattoo's, mostly skulls and small symbols. One was painted across his neck emphasising the shadow of his sharp jaw. Aver, on the other hand was small and dark - one tooth was lined with gold and piercings littered his face and ears. Conclusively - they were both people you would not like to meet in a dark alley. How ironic. But Hadrian and Alec knew them and unless they were asked to - they wouldn't hurt a fly.
Hadrian followed Alec's gaze to the corner of the Alley near two large blue bins. Jerebko was propped up - his eyes wide and lifeless. Another body lay next to him but that wasn't important to Hadrian. The markings that littered the bodies and were painted on the bins behind them was the reason Alec told him to come here.
This was a declaration of war. Hadrian's eyes met Alec's and he clenched his jaw as he felt his eyes set on fire.
...
'The blood flowed freely from one lifeless body to the next, a collective pool of scarlet.'
...