The Saturday after school started, Hadrian woke up extra early. After getting dressed and grabbing his gear, he headed to breakfast. He wasn't expecting anyone else to be there too. "Hey, Hadrian."

"Hi Skye. Hey Joselyn." Hadrian blushed a little as he joined the two second year girls at the Horned Serpent table. "What's got you two up so early?"

"Same thing as you, Hadrian. Quodpot trials."

Hadrian about choked on his first sip of henbane. "Really? I didn't think you'd go for quodpot."

Joselyn rolled her eyes at him. "Girls play it too, doofus."

"I know that. It's just…" He shrunk a bit in his seat. "Sorry."

Skye chuckled at him. "It's okay. But don't think we're going to take it easy on you. Is Joel trying out too?"

Hadrian shook his head. "No. I think he might try out for quidditch, though."

"Susannah is too." The trio looked up as the older Horned Serpent students headed outside. "We better hurry up if we don't want to be late."

Hadrian was glad to be back in the air, and easily impressed the older members of the team. There were only the three second years and a couple third years who had shown up for tryouts. Hadrian hadn't had a lot of interaction with Atticus Garcia or Blaine Greer, but it was obvious that Blaine was a good flier.

The level of anxiety he felt over the next week as they waited for the results of tryouts was almost more than he could handle. "What if I don't get it, Joel?"

Joel scoffed. "You're totally going to make it. You're one of the best fliers in school!" The two boys looked up as a crowd gathered around Sean Wright at the bulletin board. "I think this is it, man."

Hadrian jumped up, running over to join the crowd. He quickly scanned down the list. "Wright, Sanford, Byrne, Sandoval, Graves, Kane, Wiley… We knew that. Oh, here we go! Greer, Stark, Patterson, and me! Yes!"

"Told you!" Joel gave him a playful shove. "You didn't have anything to worry about."

"Oh, is the list up?" Skye and Joselyn slipped by them to read the posting. "We did it, Jos!" The two girls giggled, congratulating each other. Skye turned to Hadrian. "Congratulations, Hadrian. Looks like we'll be playing together."

Hadrian felt his face flush and nodded. "Yeah. Congratulations, Skye."

Joel watched his friend carefully as the two girls walked away. Once they were out of sight, he tugged Hadrian to the side. "You've got a crush on Skye Stark?" Hadrian nodded, speechless. "Tell her!"

"What? NO!" Hadrian was quickly pulled back to reality. "No way. She wouldn't like me." Joel gave him a skeptical look. "And you better not say a word…"

Joel held his hands up defensively. "Alright, fine." The boys quickly settled back into their easy rapport, but even over their game of wizard chess that night, Joel could sense that Hadrian's mind was elsewhere.

It was the first Quodpot game of the season, Thunderbird against Horned Serpent. Gage, Troy, and Joel were watching from the stands, hooting and hollering as Hadrian flew with the quod towards the pot at the end of the pitch. Horned Serpent was up by five points, when a burly third year, Tobias Riggs from Thunderbird, decided to fly straight at Hadrian, knocking him off his broom. Riggs managed to snag the quod, but the three boys in the stands watched in shock as Hadrian fell to the ground. "No!" By the time the three boys made it to the pitch, a time-out had been called, and Hadrian was being carried off to the hospital wing.

Hadrian woke up slowly, his head pounding. "Hello, darling." He blinked, trying to bring the bright room into focus. However, when he tried to sit up, a perfectly manicured hand gently pressed him back into the bed. "Don't sit up. You've got a concussion."

"Mother?" Hadrian groaned. "What happened?"

"That brutish boy from Thunderbird knocked you off your broom, dear."

"Did we win?"

A low chuckle from his other side told him his father was there as well. "Yes, son. And we're told you were flying exceptionally well."

Hadrian tried to smile, but a sharp pain in his head overwhelmed him. "My head hurts."

"It's going to, dear. You've been asleep for nearly two days now. We've been rather worried."

"I'm sorry, Mother." He pressed a hand to his forehead, willing the ache to go away. "Why does it hurt so bad?"

"You hit your head rather hard when you fell off your broom. Healer Kowalski called for us when he realized you had cracked your skull open." Morticia brushed some hair off her boy's forehead and he leaned into the caress. "He fixed you up, but your brain was jostled quite a bit."

"That boy better be glad that Mr. Fontaine is protecting him. Otherwise, he would have met with the business end of my wand." Gomez nearly growled. "Nearly killing my son… I should sue."

"I'm okay, Father. Really." He swallowed hard, realizing how thirsty he was. "Mother, can I have some water or something?"

Morticia helped him sit up slowly, propping him up with pillows, before handing him a glass. "Just a couple sips, dear. There you go." She helped him guide the glass to his mouth a couple times before setting it back on the bedside table.

Hadrian's eyes followed his mother's hand holding the glass to see a couple cards on the table. "What are those?"

Gomez smirked. "Get well cards, son. Joel's come to see you every day. As well as the whole Quodpot team."

"Really?" Hadrian was a bit shocked. He was surprised the team actually cared that much. His mother handed the cards to him, but he found his vision too blurry to read them. "Why can't I see right?"

Morticia sighed. "It's a side effect of the concussion. It will probably get better in a few weeks."

He groaned. "But what about school?"

"School can wait. Your health is more important."

"I don't have to go home do I?" He had just gotten to school and on the Quodpot team. He didn't want to leave!

"No, son. But it's important you heal. I know the family curse can make you feel invincible sometimes, but it only applies to family. I remember the first time I got cut in a sword fight. Was rather eye opening for me." Gomez squeezed his shoulder. "Just make sure to be more careful."

"Yes, Father." Hadrian nodded before realizing how much that hurt his head. "Oww…"

"Lie back down, darling. You need to rest." Hadrian didn't fight Morticia as she gently helped him back down. "Sleep. One of us will be here."

When Hadrian woke again, he heard his father talking quietly with someone several yards away. Despite his desire to hear what was going on, the pain in his head kept him from sitting up to try and listen.

After a moment, his father sank back into the chair at his bedside. "Hi, Father."

"Hadrian, you're awake!" Gomez smiled as he helped his son sit up fully. "How do you feel?"

"My head's killing me."

Gomez handed him a cup of tea after waving his hand to warm it up. "Here. Have some henbane. It'll make you feel better."

"Thanks." Hadrian gratefully took the mug, sipping at the warm liquid. As he drank, he sank back into the pillows, relaxing. Just like home. "Did Mother go home?"

"She did. She'll come back tomorrow." Gomez sighed as he sat back in his chair where he'd been keeping watch. "You gave us quite a scare, son."

"I know. I'm sorry."

"It wasn't your fault. But had you been a No-Maj, this could have been much more serious. Thankfully, wizarding medicine is much more advanced."

"But I'm still in the hospital wing! Was it really that bad?"

"It was." Hadrian saw his father was a bit emotional, which was not characteristic of him at all. Gomez sighed again, closing his eyes for a moment. "Hadrian, I know this wasn't your fault. But, I have to beg you to be careful. If your mother and I lost you…" He broke off, swallowing hard.

"You won't lose me, Father. I'm fine!" He held his hands up as if to show off that he was still there. "I'm still in one piece."

"Just promise you'll be more careful."

"I will, Father. I promise."

Hadrian spent two more days in the hospital wing before his head stopped pounding and Healer Kowalski allowed him to leave. One of his parents had stayed at his bedside the whole time he was in the hospital wing. When Morticia was at home with Pugsley and Wednesday, Gomez was at Ilvermorny, attending to their eldest. They switched out a couple times too, and Hadrian was glad for their company.

Although he was allowed to return to his dorm, he was told he was still to take it easy and was out of class for the next week. His vision had gotten a bit better, but had yet to return to normal. His father wore reading glasses, and he was wondering if he'd have to as well, but was told that because the damage was due to the concussion, he'd just have to wait it out. If the issues got worse or continued for a while, they may consider glasses for him. He figured that because of his father's eyes, as he got older he'd need them eventually anyway.

He was also having to take a break from quodpot, which was the worst part of the whole thing in Hadrian's opinion. Sean, the team captain, was frustrated that one of his most promising fliers was benched, but knew the blame rested on Thunderbird, who were always known for being rather ruthless.

After another week, Hadrian was able to return to classes, as his vision had returned mostly to normal. He started having more headaches, but Healer Kowalski assured him it was normal and gave him a pain relieving potion whenever he needed it.

The second game of the quodpot season saw Hadrian cheering from the stands with his roommates, but he'd been assured he'd be able to rejoin the team for the next game against Wampus. Unfortunately, because they were down a player, Pukwudgie managed to squeak out a narrow victory.

He'd managed to catch up in his classes again, and quickly rose back to the top of his class. Joel was glad to have him back in classes as well, especially potions where he and Hadrian shared a lab table. "Thank goodness you're back. I was getting desperate."

Hadrian chuckled as he crushed dried nettles and puffer-fish eyes in the mortar. "I'm sure you were fine without me."

"Not so much. The hair raising potion last week about did me in. I couldn't remember how many rat tails it needed, and I put in way too many."

"Well, I'm back." He checked the ingredients, which were almost fine enough. "Go ahead and get two tablespoons of water for the cauldron, and I'll pour these in." Once their swelling solution was brewing, they had more of a chance to talk as it had to brew for a whole hour before they could add the bat spleen. "What are you doing over the break, Joel?"

He shrugged. "Probably same old, same old. We've got a rather large family, as you know, so we may go see my grandparents for Christmas this year."

"Where do they live?" Hadrian knew Joel was from Virginia, but his family was fairly spread out.

"Down in Texas. I'm hoping to get to go to a quidditch match while we're there. The Sweetwater team is doing really well this year." Joel had decided to wait a year to try out for quidditch, but it was obvious how much he loved it. "How about you? Any plans?"

"Oh, we stay at home every Christmas. Since we had a big family party last year, it may be quieter this year. I'm sure Uncle Fester will come over with Aunt Flora and Aunt Fauna. I don't get to see him as much as I did growing up."

"He was the one with the electricity, right?" Joel had met a few of the family when he'd visited over the summer.

Hadrian nodded. "Yep. Pugsley's still hoping he can get it too, but no luck so far." He checked their potion as Mr. Gladstone walked towards their desk.

"How's it coming, boys?"

"Just about ready for the next step, sir." The teacher gave their potion a quick stir and nodded, satisfied. He didn't mind if the students chatted during the class as long as they kept on top of their potions. The long wait periods for brewing always made for a good chat. The boys smiled as their Mr. Gladstone continued on to other pairs to check how they were doing. "We ready for the spleen, Hadrian?"

Hadrian checked the clock and nodded. "Go ahead and add it and I'll stir." Once the bat spleen splashed into the potion, he stirred it four times and turned the heat down. "Grab a flask. It'll be ready in just a minute." He waved his wand to complete the potion and Joel bottled their sample.

"We're done, Mr. Gladstone."

"Good job, boys. Leave your sample on my desk and clean up your station. Once you've finished, you may go."

After cleaning their desk, the boys packed up and headed to lunch. Shortly after sitting down, Hadrian glanced up to see a girl from their year, Susannah, joining them. "Hi, Joel. Hi, Hadrian."

Joel's eyes went wide at the blonde. "Uh… hi." Hadrian smirked at the look on Joel's face. Everyone knew Susannah was after him. "What's up?"

"We were thinking of having a pickup quidditch game after classes, and I was wondering if you'd like to be on my team?" The boy swallowed hard, a blush tinging his cheeks. "You can join too, Hadrian."

Hadrian smiled, but shook his head. "No, thanks. I'm still benched. But Joel would love to."

"Great. See you later." She stood and the two boys watched as she joined her three friends further down the table. All four girls immediately put their heads together, giggling.

Joel's head immediately fell to the table. "Why'd you have to say yes?" he groaned.

"Because it'll be good for you. I know you've been dying to play. I still don't understand why you didn't go out for the team this year." Hadrian replied as he took a bite of his sandwich.

"It's complicated." Joel looked up at his best friend who raised an eyebrow at him. "Alright. I didn't want to be compared to Riley," he sighed. "He's such a good player and I didn't want them to automatically think that I'm like him."

"But you are a good flier, Joel. Besides, Susannah likes you." Joel's head thudded to the table again and Hadrian laughed. "Joel and Susannah sitting in a tree…"

"Shut up, dude." Joel threw his balled up napkin at Hadrian, which just caused him to laugh harder. "Or I'll tell Skye you like her."

Hadrian immediately stopped laughing. "I don't know what you're talking about." He immediately reached for his glass to cover his face.

"Oh, please. It's so obvious." Joel rolled his eyes. "Why don't you just tell her you like her?"

"She wouldn't like me, I told you. Besides, Susannah already likes you and everyone knows it. So, I'm focused on you and your girlfriend."

"She's not my girlfriend!" Joel blushed as Hadrian smirked again. "Oh, shut up." Hadrian broke into a fit of laughter and after a moment, Joel couldn't help but join him.

When school resumed after the holiday break, Joel and Susannah were attached at the hip. Hadrian was a bit down, not having his best friend around as much anymore. It seemed they only got time together in class. He was glad that Joel had a girlfriend, but it just reminded him how much he didn't like being alone.

At home, he always had his siblings and his parents around, but at school, it was just Joel. Sure, Gage and Troy were good for a chat from time to time, but it wasn't the same as the times he spent goofing off with Joel.

Thankfully, quodpot practice took up a lot of his time and so he was able to spend more time on the pitch as a distraction. It also gave him a good chance to check out his own crush, without her being any the wiser.

The Horned Serpent team steamrolled Wampus in the last match, securing them the trophy for the year. Everything had been riding on the last match, as Thunderbird had barely beaten out Wampus, and it all came down to the points. The party in the Horned Serpent common room went on late into the night, only ending when Mrs. Williams came in after midnight, insisting everyone go to bed.

As the year drew to a close, Hadrian spent much of his time at a table in the library or on a couch in front of the fireplace, studying for his finals. "Can I join you?" Hadrian looked up, surprised to see Joel looking at him, a bit sheepishly.

"Sure." Hadrian grinned. He'd really missed his friend. "Where's Susannah?"

Joel sighed as he slid into the chair across from Hadrian and pulled his notes out of his bag. "We had a fight. She said I cared more about quodpot than her quidditch matches."

"Wait, what?" Hadrian looked at him confused. "That's stupid. You love quidditch."

He shrugged. "It's whatever. There'll be other girls." Joel gulped. "Are we cool?"

Hadrian grinned. "Yeah, we're cool." Joel returned his smile as they easily fell back into their comfortable friendship as if nothing had changed.