Lord Of Time
Chapter 98
"Get up! We're going to be late!" Tom said loudly, sliding out of bed, shocked that they had ended up falling asleep. It was so late, after Burke had brought the portraits, they'd decided to have a bath and one thing led to another, and now…now they were going to be late to the party. Considering that Harry was receiving an Order of Merlin, it was utterly beyond the pale for them to be late, not to forget rude.
Hadrian jerked awake, peering blearily at the time before groaning dramatically, "Bloody hell," tiredness clinging to every pore, everything about them screamed what they had been up to before falling asleep. Stumbling out of bed, a jaw cracking yawn leaving his lips, "I can't believe you actually fell asleep!"
Tom gave him a droll look.
"I can't believe I actually fell asleep!" Hadrian muttered as he grasped a hold of his clothes, that were luckily, waiting for them, pristine having been cleaned. They hadn't bothered buying new robes, or rather Hadrian hadn't, he wasn't one for wasting money. Plus, he had only worn them once, and luckily not to the other ceremony, so the newspapers couldn't go on about that. He had changed since he was a teenager after all, he was a fully grown wizard.
"It will happen more frequently," Tom stated, his voice muffled as he dressed as quickly as he could. Not happy that they would need to wait hours before being served dinner. He was hungry, and he would be drinking, he knew better than to drink on an empty stomach. "Too bad we don't have time to eat."
"They'll have nibbles there at the tables, it should be enough," Hadrian said, and they replenished themselves so they'd never run out. "Or ask Dobby to bring you some sandwiches, who's going to care?"
"Tempting," Tom replied, smoothing down his robes, satisfied that he looked very well groomed. Brushing his hair into his preferred style, dabbing a spot of cologne that he'd had specifically made for himself while in France at a perfumery. It was an exquisitely simple and elegant scent they had wanted to name it after him and sell it as a brand. He had made it clear they would never be using the Peverell-Slytherin name to create more sales. The only ones that would ever profit from their names would be him and his husband. Hadrian had unsurprisingly entirely agreed with that vehement declaration.
"We might just make it," Tom declared, with another glance at the time as they hastily put their dress shoes on. This was the quickest they'd ever gotten dressed since their days in the orphanage. Which felt a lifetime ago, to the bonded husbands'. "Tickets?"
"They're in the office," Harry said, still putting his left foot shoe on.
"Meet me there," Tom said, quickly leaving the room, his robes billowing around him.
Harry grinned watching him go, it was ironic really, seeing those billowing robes today of all days. "Welcome to the world, Severus Snape, may you have a peaceful life," he murmured straightening his own hair before making his way to their office. Anything of importance was usually put in there, and most of their correspondence. It was one place in the manor that nobody could get into, well, except their House-elves but Hadrian and Tom treated them too well for them to ever conceive betraying them.
If it wasn't? Well, he would just have to do something about it.
If Tom didn't first.
He knew his husband well.
"Ready to go?" Tom asked as he looked up when Harry entered the office, sliding the invites out of the drawer they'd been ensconced in since the potion came out and the Ministry decided to give him an Order of Merlin first class.
"I am," Hadrian nodded, with that Tom wrapped his arms around him, and they were off, Apparating to the Atrium within the Ministry of magic.
Quicker than normal, they made their way to the wand weighing wizard, who was acting as security, with five Aurors stationed behind him ensuring nobody got in that wasn't meant to. Or to make sure there was no trouble, or gate-crashing.
Only the elite got to attend these events, and those who have enough money to 'donate' to causes in order to grandstand their own importance.
Hadrian and Tom handed over their wands and their invites, impatiently waiting until their wands were returned to them. A wizard never felt right about giving their wands over, fortunately it was for a merest second before it was returned.
"Here you are, enjoy your evening, Sir's," the registration desk clerk said, returning their wands to them.
"Thank you," Hadrian replied for both of them, giving him a genuine smile, before they departed. They didn't have much time before the evening would officially start. Despite his reservations on outings like this, Hadrian actually always found himself enjoying the evenings for the most part. Especially when Tom actually went off to discuss business and didn't sit there and do it at the table where he was forced to make nice with everyone else.
The moment they stepped inside the noise dipped, as they found themselves under scrutiny. Neither so much as twitched at the attention, or seemed to wilt under the stares. Instead, both kept their heads held high, as they made their way for their table, which was very near the platform.
Hadrian grinned and led the way, happy to see and spend time with his dearest and most cherished friends. They had circular tables, that fitted twelve people per table, small, intimate and everyone there he could more than tolerate perfect. He took stock of his surroundings surreptitiously, a habit the had not allowed himself to stop. In his view, it was better to be seen as paranoid than live to regret it. Sliding into his seat, which had his name printed out elegantly on a card on top of his plate. He didn't see the Princes' anywhere, good, he rather hoped they hadn't come, he didn't want anything marring this evening and if he saw them? Well, he knew he wouldn't be able to keep his mouth shut.
"Hi!" Hadrian said in greeting, feeling a little guilty, he should have told them that he was pregnant before the announcement. It wasn't very fair that everyone – except Fenrir – would find out this way especially those closest to him.
The others all gave their own 'hello's' in greeting, smiling happily in greeting.
Lucretia and Ignatius Prewitt, sat next to them, then Orion and Walburga Black, Cygnus and his wife, Druella Black. Alphard Black and his wife, Alana – which had almost sent Harry into a fit – now that had most certainly not happened in the other timeline. Admittedly, it might have been partly his fault he had introduced them. Alphard Black had died a bachelor in his timeline, leaving everything to his nephew Sirius Black. Although, that hadn't been the only shocking news, no, when Lucretia had announced she was pregnant he'd been surprised but worried, but so far their son was thriving.
Then there was Dorea and Charlus Potter, a very pregnant Dorea, who looked ready to pop any time soon. The proud father to be was incandescently happy, his hand rarely came away from Dorea's pregnant stomach. He certainly had calmed considerably since leaving Hogwarts, and when he realized the world wasn't black and white like the school taught. Although, for Charlus it had begun that faithful DADA class where they got into that heated debate about the Dark Arts and the fact that you could kill people with so called 'light' spells. Now that? That had been shocking to hear, but the words irrefutable.
Dorea had been so incredibly happy that the man she loved had seen sense, it allowed for far smoother and easier family gatherings.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the Ministry of magic, I hope you enjoy tonight's celebrations, and may I say you all look resplendent tonight." The Minister for Magic said smoothly, "On the middle of the table is an envelope for any donations you wish to give. Thank you for your time, and I'll let you return to your celebrations after I introduce the wonderful Leander Yaxley!" directly after he was finished, soft music began to melodically play, heard all around the room.
Everyone ceased talking as the very famous singer began to sing in low tenor. Her beautiful voice washed over them all, goosebumps raising on their skin, as they listened and watched her. She was dressed in a flattering gorgeous red gown, with sequences that danced off the light.
The only minute disruption was Tom eating from the platters on the table. He wasn't loud of disruptive, but he was very hungry. They hadn't eaten since breakfast, so it was hardly a surprise. Tom had a ferocious appetite; it came from not always having something to eat growing up. Not that the Orphanage was neglectful, but the meals had been small giving them what they could, especially amidst a war.
They so very rarely missed a meal, when they did, they made sure to make up for it.
The moment the song ended, everyone stood and began to applaud. Giving the witch a standing ovation, which was more than definitely deserved. Her voice was just…spellbinding, Harry had never heard anything like it.
"She was absolutely amazing! Oh, I love her dress! And her voice!" Dorea gushed.
"I wonder where she got it?" Lucretia asked, eyeing the dress, "Or rather who made it?" Twilfitt and tattings were admittedly wonderful but something like this? It was probably made by a personal tailor and seamstress. She had the money to have everything she owed personal made and considering she never wore the same thing twice; she definitely went through a lot of clothes.
"It is lovely, for someone on the stage…but off stage…it's a bit much," Hadrian commented, as he grabbed himself a handful of nibbles, crackers, perfect. "Too bright, too sparkly and definitely just too in your face." the music continued to play in the background, soft and quiet as not to disturb the conversations they were having.
"Word of advice? Don't adopt a girl," Walburga teased, "We love that sort of stuff, the more glitter, colour the better."
"Says the woman's whose day-to-day attires are mostly black," Harry teased right back, throwing his head back and laughing in genuine amusement. Even the dress she had on this evening was black with a little silver detail layered into the admittedly lovely gown.
"Black helps you look thinner," Walburga commented, her figure was still a little unflattering at the moment.
"It's perfectly normal to gain weight while pregnant. Anyone that shreds it quickly are starving themselves more concerned about their figures than their children. If you're malnourished, the child won't be getting the nutrients it needs from the milk. Not to mention it could dry up, you're supposed to consume at least one thousand five hundred calories a day," Harry pointed out seriously, "Plus, they could end up hurting themselves and their baby by being bloody stubborn. A fainting spell, or something could…well, best not said." not informing her that for the milk to dry up she'd need to be severely malnourished.
Orion paled, tightening his hold on Walburga, disliking the implications there. It didn't help that the family was actively encouraging Walburga to shift the weight quickly. Insisting that 'the weight' would be difficult to come off if she didn't shift it quickly. He honestly didn't see a problem, but he hadn't said anything, perhaps he should have. She'd given him a son, a beautiful, healthy son, who was with his grandparents tonight. This was the first time they'd left him, despite tradition, they weren't leaving it up to the House-elves, except for one night feed a day, so that they could get some sleep.
Tomorrow would be his name day, the entire family were celebrating the next Black heir. Wizards were important to the Black line, kept it going, so while his beautiful nieces, Bellatrix, Andromeda and Narcissa had been celebrated, the birth of a son was more reverential.
Hadrian loaded up a plate for her, putting a little of everything on it before passing it over. Giving her a pointed look to bloody eat, cheese, grapes, crackers, nuts, they were all healthy foods.
"What would you like to drink?" Tom asked, interrupting Hadrian and Walburga's staring contest.
"Fruit smoothie if they're doing them, if not an orange juice," Hadrian said, craning his neck to see the Waiter taking the orders. When he had confirmation his fruit smoothie would be made, he turned back to see every single occupant at the table staring at him curiously.
"Fruit smoothie? When did you start drinking them?" Aiden asked, having joined the table, giving his best friend a weird look. He was sitting right next to them at the adjacent table, so it wasn't difficult to hear them. "Something you want to tell us?" Harry might not have been the world's biggest drinker but he definitely had let his hair down so to speak in the years since Hogwarts. He drank, maybe not a whole lot, just one or two, but he still imbibed alcohol. He'd drank during the Yule celebrations just fine.
Tom cast a silencing spell around the table, "There will be a new addition to the Peverell-Slytherin family in eight months' time." He informed them smugly, naturally he'd never tell them how tense things had been in the beginning. What mattered was how they felt here and now.
"And this is a welcoming addition?" Cygnus asked, staring between the husbands inquisitively, neither had mentioned continuing their lines. Men getting pregnant wasn't shocking to say the least, it was normal, to pureblood society, Muggles and Muggle-borns had problems with it but to them it was just a natural part of life. They'd never talked about having children, although they were private men so that might have something to do with it.
"I thought you were content with Fenrir being your heir?" and he was legally and officially the heir of the Peverell-Slytherin line. "What will it mean if you end up having a boy?" cocking his head to the side.
"Fenrir will still be heir, as will any child we have, boy or girl, unlike the Black family, the women in the Peverell line can carry the name." Hadrian told them, "The Slytherin line is unfortunately, Patriarchal, meaning if we end up having a girl, the lines will be split off Fenrir taking on the Slytherin estate and the girl the Peverell estate." They would still be Peverell-Slytherin's though, but any child they go on to have would only have the single name.
"Congratulations!" Lucretia squealed beaming deliriously with happiness for them.
With that everyone began to give their own felicitations over the good news. Considering they'd all thought the Slytherin and Peverell names had been extinct it was wonderful to know they would continue on in the blood of an actual child.
"Someone needs to create a potion that makes blood adoption a thing," Walburga stated, "Actually, changing the blood of the child to make them magically, legally and blood of the adopted parents. It would save so many lines from dying out due to unforeseen circumstances." Which meant too much inbreeding which caused fertility issues which prevented the couples from having children.
"It's a very good idea, but even with the potion, it won't overwrite the original DNA, I wonder if that would affect the ability to claim estates…" Tom started passionately, "Although, between a potion and a spell it might actually be possible."
"Now you've done it," Orion teased Walburga, smiling in genuine amusement. If there was anyone capable of what had just been suggested it would be Tom and Hadrian without a single doubt.
"You might want to remove the silencing charm," Hadrian said with deep amusement, "I do wish to hear the music tonight, it's quite soothing."
Tom rolled his eyes, before doing as asked, Hadrian could have done it himself but this was his way of bringing him out of his thoughts. No matter, he knew it had gotten Hadrian thinking too, he could sense it over the bond.
"How's your sister, Aiden?" Harry asked, absently drinking his smoothie as he listened.
"She's happy, or as happy as she can be, they're having trouble conceiving," Aiden confessed with a sad look on his face. "She hasn't said anything but I think Bartemius is blaming her for that." Nostrils flaring as he thought about it.
"They'll have a son," Harry said seriously, "A wonderful, good looking, intelligent boy,"
'Good looking?' asked mentally, feeling possessive.
Harry suppressed a smirk, 'He is, in a young boyish way,'
'I'll give you in a young boyish way' Tom declared heatedly, glancing at his husband 'Just you wait until we get home'.
Harry's smirk bloomed, well, at least they'd be leaving at a decent hour tonight, now that he'd succeeded in riling up his husband.
Aiden relaxed hearing that, "But you should keep an eye on her husband, he's going to be more concerned about his career."
"You're right," Aiden said, watching someone from across the room, the strapping young wizard, Harry had no doubt without looking was Bartemius and he was probably talking to anyone of importance trying to be elevated in their eyes, so he could be considered for the jobs he desired. "He's got an interview tomorrow for a job in the Ministry." Hadrian had warned him about Bartemius in the past, he'd always been cautious about the wizard due to that.
"He's got a rotten vindictive side, especially for anyone that breaks the law, but he loves your sister, wholeheartedly enough to do anything she asks…except be home. Once the baby comes, she's going to need what family she has." At least Aiden's wife and she got on like a house on fire, she would have people in her corner to help her and she wouldn't be alone. Hopefully that meant that Bartemius Crouch junior wouldn't end up hating his father quite so much.
Any man willing to leave his wife in prison because she begged of him must have loved them wholeheartedly. It must have been the most difficult thing he could have ever done, a glance over at Tom, he honestly didn't think he had what it took…should the roles have been reversed.
Tom cocked his head to the side, "He is rather self-righteous to a degree that I find rather nauseating." The only real glimpse he had of Bartemius was an older gentleman completely out of it, in the pensive memory, but he could barely recall him at all. why should he? One glimpse wasn't enough even for his brilliant, brilliant mind to figure it out.
"Indeed, his views on magic are rather…alarming." Orion declared, glancing at the stage as the music died down considerably.
"Which department has he interviewed for?" Lucretia asked, plucking the menu list and reading it over while conversing with the others.
"I don't know," Orion informed his sister, frowning, "It's not as if I care about the likes of him." revealing just how much he disliked Crouch.
"I do believe he wants to get into the Law Enforcement office," Harry commented blandly. "Is there a way to do that without being an Auror?" there hadn't been a single head of Law Enforcement that hadn't been a former Auror. Even Amelia Bones had been an Auror before she went further up the ladder that was steeped in politics.
"Yes, but its very unusual," Walburga conceded, "Menu: Selection five," she stated, and her food suddenly appeared in front of her. Steak pie, potatoes, roast potato, gravy and an assortment of vegetables.
"Looks delicious," Orion murmured, "I think I'll have the same, Menu: Selection five," the smell enticing him entirely. Gesturing for a waiter to fill up their glasses with wine, it was their first night out since Walburga had been confirmed pregnant, he was going to enjoy it. Plus, when they returned home to Grimmauld, they'd have the house to themselves. "If that's what he wants to do, he'll probably be working as a secretary in that department."
"More than likely," Harry replied, "I honestly don't think he should be in Law Enforcement at all, if you can swing it that way, I'd appreciate it. He's one of those light wizards that refuse to see sense."
"I used to be that way," Charlus pointed out, digging into his meal with gusto, casting a spell to keep Dorea from feeling sick over all the scents permeating the air. For which she gave him a soft loving smile of thanks. "It's not as easy as you think to stop yourself thinking what you have your entire life."
"Did your parents attend Hogwarts at the same time as Dumbledore?" Harry asked, selecting his own dinner, Tom was already half way through the meal. He was absolutely starving, but as always with impeccable manners.
Charlus blinked, chewing on his piece of meat, a thoughtful look on his face, "I think he was a year ahead of them, maybe two? I do recall a lot of tales about him through. Apparently, Dumbledore set fire to his dorm room curtains and it was my father that put it out."
"It's probably where the problems stem from," Hadrian pointed out bluntly, "The Potter families path lead directly to the Peverell line, albeit a side line. Regardless, they are Peverell's and the Peverell family have always been grey, and those capable of Necromancy…dark wizards at least by todays definition. Back then they would have been revered for their abilities. If you actually spoke to your ancestors, you'd find I'm probably right. Pure conjecture of course, on my part, but it's a belief I'm going with." Dumbledore was all too good at manipulating people and had begun while he was at Hogwarts at the age of eleven. It was how he had so many followers, those with weaker magic seeking protection from someone stronger, more powerful. Dumbledore had the gall to accuse Voldemort of something similar as if he was the only one to do it. Hypocrisy at it's finest.
"There's only one real rather evil section of necromancy, the rest theoretically is rather fascinating," Imogen declared, much more confident in herself. She had flourished under Abraxas' loving care, and becoming a mother. Sipping her wine absently waiting for Charlus to speak.
"I'm not sure, my parents did speak of Dumbledore but no more and no less than any other classmate," Charlus confessed, frowning, "If they did adopt his stance, it was purely accidental. I can't recall him ever visiting although they did chat with him whenever they were out and about." Recalling that much, but they were by no means close.
"Seven years, impressionable minds, its not difficult to imagine the lingering effect he has on at least one generation." Hadrian commented between bites to eat.
"He was young as well," Imogen pointed out, frowning at the haunted look on Hadrian's face wondering what she'd said to cause it.
"Oh, I don't know about that, I mean he came to Hogwarts with a reputation, a black flag against his name." Abraxas sneered, something they were all more than familiar with now. Hadrian had well and truly besmirched Dumbledore's name entirely. "He had to learn quickly how to get people on his side, especially in Gryffindor, we know just how righteous they can be."
"He would have fitted in well in Slytherin, and I'm not entirely convinced he should have been sorted into Gryffindor." Tom said wryly, "He was as cunning as a fox, even I was taken in by him for a bit." Enough to spill his guts when he shouldn't have.
"Our hatred was handed down from our parents," Cygnus conceded, "But it didn't take long for us to hate him on his own merits. Treating us Slytherin's like mud under his shoes. Honestly, his imprisonment couldn't have come sooner. At least now they Slytherin's are much more comfortable a house to be in."
"Here's to saving future generations," Harry said raising his glass before drinking, the smoothie was absolutely delicious.
"I don't think it was actually Slytherins per se, I think it was certain families," Walburga mused thoughtfully, the buzz of alcohol getting to her.
"Tonight, is a celebration, let's not mar it by talking about Dumbledore of all people," Tom declared, a grimace of disgust on his face.
"Here, here!" they agreed, clinking their glasses in agreement.
"How many awards are being given out tonight?" Druella pondered, "I'm afraid I don't recall how many were on the list." She hadn't paid much attention to it; she'd been distracted by her three daughters as she so often was. They were all at ages now where she couldn't have the House-elves looking after them.
"Five," her husband pointed out, "This was delicious they picked a better chef this time around."
"Don't they use House-elves?" Hadrian asked, glancing at Cygnus in confusion.
"No, every day meals? Yeah, but for occasions like this? They use renowned chefs, the best of the best." Cygnus informed Hadrian, "They want to make a good impression, the better the impression the more likely people are to donate."
Harry hummed, plucking the envelope from the centre of the table, and reading it. Arching a brow, "Newer equipment, for the potions experimental lab again?"
Tom took it, "Not just equipment, better warding as well,"
"They've had quite a few accidents lately, and they've had to close down the Ministry three times, at least three levels because of the toxic fumes." Orion told them, with a derisive scoff.
"Oh?" Harry murmured in interest, "What the hell are they making that's toxic?"
"Democles Belby has been trying to invent…are you alright?" Orion asked, Harry had gone still, his features paling looking rather angry.
"Invent what?" Tom questioned, this wasn't something he was aware of and he rather disliked the fact.
"Wolfsbane potion," Harry finished for Orion, "It's mentioned in the Fantastic Beasts and where to find them, Newt commented that there was someone trying to create the potion to make it less 'painful'," he sneered.
"It won't?" Imogen asked, worry flashing across her features, Fenrir would always, always have a special place in her heart. She'd watch him grow from a young child into a wonderful and protective man.
"Go ahead Orion, tell us why it was so toxic and why everyone had to be evacuated," Harry said with a bitter smile. Deciding on sticky toffee pudding for his dessert, which didn't seem like a popular choice, everyone decided on the more sophisticated macaroons and chocolate mousse.
"There's only rumours, of Monkshood, the smoke was green, so it's highly likely that it was true." Orion conceded.
"That's notoriously difficult to prepare correctly," Cygnus inhaled sharply, his cousin nodding his agreement. "On its own to make it safe for human consumption let alone in a potion." Slightly aghast.
Hadrian hummed in agreement, "Not only will the potion be near impossible to brew for any werewolf…but the cost would be too much, even with a wage. Between the need for food, rent and the usual." Before his gaze darkened, "Not to mention the danger of the long-term use, they're werewolves, ingesting wolfbane on a regular bases every month? They'd be lucky to live into their forties or fifties."
"With one invention created they'll be able to make an alternative which might be safer," Aiden suggested, scooting his chair closer, wedging himself in amongst the group.
"Nothing more will be created; the wizarding world likes to adhere to the 'isn't broken why fix it' mentality. Plus, the majority don't care to help werewolves, the Ministry is just trying to earn money by creating this but the reality is…only one percent of the werewolf population are going to be able to afford it."
"It might have families more willing to allow a werewolf to remain in the family," Aiden pointed out, "I'm not saying they're right to, but if this potion succeeds in doing what it's meant to, there will be less fear, a more willingness to accept it if it's not 'dangerous'," rolling his own eyes at that, seriously, they put weapons in the hands of eleven-year-olds but werewolves are the dangerous ones.
"Yeah, slowly killing them," Harry said derisively, "Then sue the Ministry of magic for murder, for that is what they'd be doing. I'll be making damn sure that Fenrir won't be giving or suggesting that damn potion." Not that he would, that was for certain, even in his past Fenrir had never trusted that potion for good reason. Called it 'poison' if he recalled correctly.
"You think it will be successful." It wasn't a question it was a statement.
Hadrian nodded his head curtly, mouth full of sweet toffee pudding, which frankly he wasn't getting to enjoy at all with this conversation.
'If I get into that office, the potion will not, I shall not allow such a pathetic expenditure to continue' Tom declared.
'Good,' Harry thought softly, he honestly didn't want to see werewolves lives ended prematurely because they couldn't and didn't accept their wolf.
Anything they might have had to say, was put on pause, as a sonorous was cast by the Minister of Magic, who was standing at the podium. Hadrian had never really forgiven him for his attempt to release Dumbledore from prison to deal with Grindelwald. The wizard knew it too, he did have a good relationship with Tom, naturally, Tom was so very good at charming people.
Hadrian didn't listen to the Ministers speech about who was getting what awards tonight. Or what they had done to deserve it. Harry hadn't created the potion to get the Ministry's attention, he'd done it to save peoples lives. The only useful thing here was the fact they were going to grandstand.
To showcase their next plans in a way that would warm the magical world to them further.
Hadrian began to applaud lightly as the others did, when the first name was called. Leaning closer to Abraxas, he asked, "Have you received yours dose of the Dragon-pox vaccine?"
"No," Abraxas declared, giving Harry a odd look.
"Get it Abraxas," Harry told him, "And the boosters when required, do you understand me?" giving him that look. One that spoke of knowledge and wisdom beyond his years, it was the same look he used when he gave everyone advice that the knew best to follow.
Imogen gripped her husband tightly, understanding the warning under the advice for what it was. Everyone knew better than to ignore any advice Harry gave out, not for fear of what he'd do. No, some had learned the hard way when they lost a significant amount of money, when his predications showed through. Druella's father more than most, he'd confessed what Harry had said to him all those years ago. Three powerful daughters, and he'd been right. There was no end to his foreknowledge. "He'll get it," she declared sternly. Not the meek girl that Abraxas had married, no, she'd found her voice through the help of this group of friends and more importantly her husband and Harry.
Abraxas heart pounded, nodding dumbly, he sure as hell would. He barely kept his impeccable masks up. His relationship with Harry had been rocky in the beginning, mostly due to his superior attitude. Which Harry had not liked at all, and found a lot lacking when it came to his attitude and perception of things. Up to and including House-elves, which he treated with a lot more respect these days. Magical creatures as well, spending as much time with Fenrir as he had…it wasn't a surprise his views had changed from parroting everything his parents said to gaining his own opinion. Being raised by Tom and Hadrian…Fenrir had been powerful, smart and downright vicious against anyone who harmed what was his. He was normal, surprisingly, despite turning into a werewolf once a month. He'd grown fond of him, as much as Imogen had.
Abraxas snapped himself out of his thoughts, applauding when everyone else did, at the speech the wizard had given after receiving his Order of Merlin first class. The Welsh accent strong, as he said his thanks again before stepping down. The Order of Merlin strapped to his dress robes, the bronze not quite as visible as the first- and second-class medals which were in gold and silver.
Despite his attempts not to dwell on what Harry said, he couldn't help himself. He made a mental note to speak to his Healer tomorrow morning and make arrangements to get the potion as soon as possible. As well as for his wife and son.
The rest of the Order of Merlin recipients all ascended the platform to receive their medals from the Minister of Magic. Who they all knew was retiring, to spend more time with his family – in the south of France of all places – the great grandfather to be wanted to end on a high note.
"Last but no means least, a wizard of great distinguish, who has not only coming to receive his Order of Merlin first class in biology, for his creation of the Dragon-pox vaccine which has saved scores of wizards and witches all over the world, twice over…Hadrian Peverell-Slytherin!" Minister Spencer-Moon called out; he wasn't unaware that Hadrian still held a bit of a grudge over what he'd done all those years ago. He was kind and respectful but there was a lack of warmth there, a lack of friendship and rapport he'd built with Tom, Hadrian's husband. He had said he'd never forget, which he had most definitely lived up to. He could respect that, but he would have greatly liked to have gotten to know such a prominent figure.
As Hadrian stood, every single person in the room stood up giving him applause.
Harry smiled in genuine thanks, inclining his head as he walked past and up to the platform. Given that he was next to it, he didn't have to bypass many people to get up there. He had the speech in his pocket, but he had worked hard on it, knowing this day would come. He'd also memorised it, it was short after all. "Thank you," the Minister said, warmth effusing his voice, not only had he saved them all from Grindelwald – both Harry and Tom had – and now this. His name without a doubt was going to go down in history to never be forgotten.
Harry smiled and inclined his head, as always polite but distant with the Minister for Magic. If they hadn't had Death on their side helping along the way…they might have ended up with Dumbledore out much sooner. The fact that the purebloods had agreed, at least the majority had irked him something rotten.
He stood tall and proud as the medal was attached to his lapel, the gold gleaming brightly under the lights. Turning to face the crowd of people all waiting eagerly to see what he had to say. Two of them reporters, from what he could see.
"First may I say thank you for this wonderful honour, the gesture is greatly appreciated." Harry said softly, nothing was heard as they listened to him. "I encourage you to all get your vaccines, for it might just save your lives. The disease is…horrendous to see, to endure, and if a single potion can prevent it…well, why the hell wouldn't you get it?"
He was aware that some faced trepidation over getting it, but at the end of the day it was up to them.
"Every potion bought will enable me to continue to run my clinic and see to it that each wizard and Witch gets the care they so greatly need, that St. Mungo's does not give." His reprimand light, casting shadow against St. Mungo's. letting them know what he planned to do with the money he was receiving for the potion, no doubt there was a lot of unhappiness that he'd kept the recipe a secret and not just given it to the Ministry and St. Mungo's for free distribution. "That includes the dragon-pox vaccine, if you need it, come and get it." giving a look to the reporters making it clear that he wanted them to put that into their report. One was kind enough to give him a smile and nod.
If he didn't have so many plans, he would have done just that, let them have it for nothing. Well, Tom probably would have had something to say about that. Tom's desire to ensure they had a lot of money was bordering on obsessive actually. He understood it though, Tom had grown up with nothing. He wanted to make sure that they had the money for anything and everything they wanted.
"I shall keep this speech short and sweet, and thank you all for coming to celebrate this evening with us. The news will get out sooner or later, and there is nothing I'd like to do more, than to share this wonderful news with the people closest to me," staring at two tables in particular where his nearest and dearest sat. "In eight month's time Tom and I will be bringing a child into this world…" the rest of his speech had to be paused as everyone cheered and applauded happily at the news, to hear that the Peverell-Slytherin name wouldn't fade into obscurity was welcoming news indeed.
"We will be in the spotlight a lot in the coming months as Tom has decided to throw his hat into the ring to become Britain's Minister for magic, and I hope despite that endeavour you will give us some rights of privacy." Hadrian said, he'd always been the more private out of the two, everyone knew that. "Thank you for your time." With that Harry stepped down, returning to his husband's side.
He made a mental note to talk to Damien and Temperance Dolohov, who were out with increasing frequency nowadays. The potions Hadrian had been giving her had worked a miracle. It had steadily and relentlessly healed her, she so rarely had to use the salve anymore except for when she pushed herself. It was a whole new lease of life for them. They were quite frankly enjoying the newfound freedom Harry had given them.
A/n – you know…knowing exactly what I want in my chapter bit by bit makes it more difficult to write than winging it with only a particular scene I want written in…like seriously how is that a thing? How can it be possible? Ugh it's annoying! But I got it out eventually! Although, it doesn't help that I've been really tired for no reason whatsoever…ah well, anyway there we go! Next chapter is Sirius' naming ceremony and thank you guys for your wonderful suggestions 😊 they mean a lot and help me from having to scour the internet for information! the next time jump I think will be maybe a year or so…gosh I hope you don't mind time jumps because there are going to be a lot of them!