DISCLAIMER: THIS STORY IS BASED ON CHARACTERS CREATED AND OWNED BY JK ROWLINGAND BLOOMSBURY BOOKS. I MAKE NO PROFIT OUT OF THIS AND NO COPYRIGHT OR TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT IS INTENDED.
Author's Note: This chapter will seem a bit weird as I will start to narrate from Hadrian (Harry's) perspective rather than third person. I want to get some practice with this form of writing for my other fic and I will use this as guinea pig. Oh, and finally Hogwarts!
CHAPTER 7
The time left to leave to Hogwarts had flown in a flash for Hadrian, which was weird for a person who was used to the monotony of prison and for a child no less. He had passed time away in jail by either reading, working out or just simply staring at the bars. It was a new experience for him when he woke up at the crack of dawn exercised, eat and practised magic till he fell asleep exhausted.
Yes, magic was a huge blessing in his life. He owed his present condition of sleeping in a bed as soft as a cloud, with a flood of pillows and a green silk comforter all to magic. He saw Malfoys as his extended family and while he knew he could never have a true blood family as his parents were dead, he was still very thankful for the Malfoys. He knew he would not have prevailed so well without their help and support.
He got out of bed and quickly freshened up before donning his robes which also had the Potter crest on it just as everyone one of his clothes did after he requested Mister Twillfit to add them.
Professor Snape had advised him to change his approach from weakness to strength as first impressions were everything. In order to convince the sceptical Potter heir, he had narrated his own experiences as a muggle raised halfblood who did not make a strong impression at first and had to spend years being bullied, ironically by Hadrian's father himself before it all changed.
"Mark my words Hadrian, the first impression is very very important in the Wizarding World and for you, a child deemed as a squib and now back to claim your inheritance that many people have a vested interest in, they will try their best to break you and you will make it easier for them by rolling over. By the time you show them you are strong, it will be for naught because you will always be weak to them and it will reflect badly on the families you are heir to as well."
Hadrian had acquiesced after hearing how it impact negatively on parents and godparents and began training to the point of exhaustion after that. He blew through the initial course plan that they had made for him and the Malfoys and Snape taught him extras as he impressed them with his raw talent and sheer magical power.
Draco was no slouch either and while he couldn't get a spell right on his first or second try itself, he did get it perfectly after a few tries and the boy was a true potions prodigy according to Snape. The Potions Master taught Hadrian potions theory and all the potions a student needed to brew in first and second year while Draco had already moved on to third year syllabus. Hadrian was truly happy for his best friend who had offered to help him whenever needed.
All the training and studying had led to this day, the first of September, the day he would be leaving for Hogwarts. Hadrian felt no fear or anxiety as he sat at the foot of his bed and gazed at the blood red wand is his hand. He had expectations on him from both friends and enemies but he would not falter. He would make his parents proud and Merlin help anyone who stood in his way.
He hopped off the bed and made his way towards the door while asking Dobby to get his luggage. Draco met him on the foyer and they both made their way down. The intense physical and magical workouts had been good for the boy. He had gained a few inches of height and packed more muscle that was obvious from his robes.
"Ready Hadrian?" Draco asked quietly.
"Yes. Are you?"
Draco simply nodded before he stopped and looked at Hadrian. "Don't worry Hadrian, whatever happens, whatever house we are sorted in, we will always have your back brother."
Hadrian felt something foreign stirring at his heart, a feeling which he was unable to identity as he had never felt it before.
Love. Familial Love.
"Thank you.. brother. I will always have your back too. They will wish they never tangled with us in the first place." Hadrian said.
Draco nodded with a grin and they both made their way down where Lucius and Narcissa was waiting for them. Narcissa had a stylish camera with her which he she used to take pictures of her two boys and gushed how they were 'all grown up' and 'going to Hogwarts' while Lucius simply smiled proudly.
Lucius then took out a delicate gold pocket watch, which Hadrian was sure was insanely expensive, and said "It is a quarter to nine now. We shall breakfast and then floo directly to the platform. No doubt the platform will be crawling with mudbloods at this hour." he added with a sneer.
Narcissa smiled fondly. "Lucius dear, don't sneer in front of the kids." She did not deny his sentiments though.
The concept of 'mudbloods' was something Hadrian took time to get used to as he had read it to be a racial slur against all muggleborns which included his mother as well and identified them having 'mud' or 'filthy' blood. Lucius and Narcissa set him right and explained that it was a slur against those muggleborns who did not act like they belonged in the wizarding world and constantly yammered about ideas like learning or adopting something from the muggle world or how the muggle world was 'superior' to the wizarding world which had Hadrian laughing to tears.
Considering that his mother married into a Most Ancient and Noble house and supposedly earned the respect of even the staunchest blood purist with her willingness to complete adopt wizarding culture as her own while embracing her role as a Lady with grace removed any doubts in Hadrian's mind that he was disrespecting his mother while using that word.
They finished breakfast with idle chit chat and before leaving Narcissa and Lucius stopped them both. Lucius then handed Draco and Hadrian two pouches of what Hadrian assumed was filled with gold and before he could protest, Narcissa drew him into a quick hug "Hush Hadrian, while I have no doubt you intend to pay us back, this is just us indulging someone who we consider as our godson and you shall not hurt us by trying to pay us back now will you?" she asked with a faux sad expression on her face as she gazed at Hadrian.
Hadrian simply smiled and shook his head, the gratitude clearly visible in his eyes before he shook Lucius' hand, keeping the money pouch in his trunk.
He then let Aunt Cissy and Draco have a moment and Lucius shook his hands warmly "It's a pleasure having you here Hadrian, be sure to come back for Christmas. We have much to do." Hadrian did not miss the malice swirling in his blue eyes.
Narcissa then hugged him and said "Have fun both of you. Hadrian, don't worry about anything. If anyone gives you grief, owl us and we will sort them out. Same goes for you Dragon."
Hadrian smirked at the eye roll Draco gave him but cleared his face when Narcissa called "I saw that!"
Lucius suggested that they shrunk down their luggage so it wouldn't be such a hassle to carry and shrunk down Hadrian's brand-new trunk along with Draco's trunk and owl cage. Seeing that he had no one other than the Malfoys to write to, Hadrian declined against purchasing an owl and took Draco's offer of sharing it with him.
Finally, it was time to leave.
They all assembled in front of the fire and Lucius remarked "You know what to do Hadrian. The destination is "Platform Nine and Three Quarters. This time we can all leave together. The fireplaces in the platform are big enough."
Lucius threw some floo powder into the fireplace and they all stepped in and whooshed away to their destination.
Hadrian arrived in a stream of green flame and smartly stepped out of the floo to what appeared to be a railway station but with one crimson train, billowing smoke waiting for them.
All around them were students of all years taking a moment to say goodbyes to their families before boarding the train and the air was hazy from the smoke billowing from the scarlet engine. Hadrian and the Malfoys made their way towards the back of the train as the front of the train was full and Hadrian did not miss the distrustful and sometimes outright loathing looks they got which the Malfoys easily shrugged off.
The group stopped near a family the Malfoys seemed to know. They had black hair, aristocratic features and were richly dressed. The man was no doubt the head of the family, judging by the hefty emerald ring he wore on his right hand.
Lucius stepped forward and shook the man's hands warmly. He then turned and said "Hadrian, this is Adramelech Selwyn, Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble house of Selwyn."
Hadrian stepped forward and bowed lightly to the man, while his social equal as lords of most Ancient and Noble houses, still superior in age and abilities and hence the bow, and shook the offered hand. "Heir Potter-Black, a pleasure to see you back among us. It was a travesty what the muggles and muggle lovers did to you." Lord Selwyn remarked.
He then turned and said "This is my family. My wife Meredith."
Meredith Selwyn offered her hand and a warm smile. "A pleasure Heir Potter-Potter."
Hadrian took her offered hand and pressed his lips gently against the knuckles and said "Enchanté Lady Selwyn." The girl standing with them stepped forward and offered her hand while Lord Selwyn introduced her "This is my daughter Ardella, Heiress Selwyn and she will be joining you in first year. She is also betrothed to Draco."
Surprises usually didn't faze him, sudden fists out of nowhere did that to a person, but even Hadrian was floored by this announcement. He took a moment to observe the future Lady Malfoy and his best friend's fiancé.
She had classical aristocratic features, no doubt would be beauty like her mother but she had inherited her father's jet-black hair and grey eyes which was silently studying his as well. She had a piercing quality to her eyes which Snape had taught him to be a trait of an Occlumens and Hadrian had no doubt she would make a formidable ally.
Or rival.
There was a sudden tension in the air as the two families watched the Potter and Selwyn heirs study each other intensely. Hadrian slowly took the offered hand and placed a kiss and remarked "A pleasure Heiress Selwyn, though I must ask, how someone beautiful like you ended up with a boor like Draco."
The tension burst as everyone laughed while a pink tinge entered Ardella's cheeks. "The pleasure's mine heir Potter-Black. Draco does have his good traits after all."
Narcissa marvelled at how masterfully Hadrian had played the crowd. Just the right amount of humour to put them at ease, just the right amount of flattery not to appear sucking up the Selwyn's daughter and just the right amount of jest to not appear to mock the Malfoy heir and his best friend.
It was perfect.
Hadrian smiled politely, though the humour was sparkling in his green eyes, "Of course, Draco, my best friend, has a host of enviable traits but the eye for important facts is regrettably not among them as he failed to mention your betrothal to me."
Draco stepped forward and looped his forearm around Ardella's offered ones and huffed "That is, because, a lot was happening and honesty slipped my mind. You didn't have lessons with Mother about betrothals and contracts so I didn't remember to tell you. Anyways this lovely lady is my betrothed."
"We've met." Hadrian replied drily.
Ardella eyed Draco's visible physical changes speculatively and remarked "No doubt your continued presence will be good for my betrothed Heir Potter-Black. Someone has to keep him in line in the male dorms."
"A painful duty that I promise I will execute heiress Selwyn. Also, I would be honoured if you'd call me Hadrian. Draco is already family to me and you are his betrothed." Hadrian said.
"You may call me Ardella... Hadrian." Ardella said with a small smile.
"Now that we are all acquainted" Lucius drawled amusedly. "Shall we board the train or are we waiting for someone?"
"We just arrived." Lord Selwyn remarked. "We were waiting for the Royces and Zabinis. Oh, here they are."
A family of four made their way towards them. The man in lead was introduced to be Lord Hoyster Royce, Lord of Ancient and Noble House of Royce, his wife Joyce and their daughters Vega and Sophia Royce. Vega was a year ahead of them in second year and studied him carefully while he kissed her knuckles while Sophia a year younger, blushed deeply as Hadrian greeted her.
The Zabinis, Countess Zabini, her son Blaise and daughter Belladonna was in fifth year, who were also friends of Draco and seemed friendly enough to Hadrian.
Lucius quickly looked at his pocket watch again and said "Since all are here, it's best you board now. Be careful, there are many who will take offense at the mere thought of your family name." His eyes hardened suddenly "That said, it does not mean you let them trample you down. Any problems, owl us and we will come. You will be representing your families and any weakness on your part will reflect badly on us all."
Although Lucius, the head of this powerful alliance told it to all the children of his alliance' members, Hadrian heard his final message loud and clear: Give them hell.
Like himself and Draco, Hadrian noticed that everyone had already shrunken their luggage already so they would not have to lug it around before he gazed at the scarlet train that would take him to the next stage of his life.
He could hardly wait.
XXX
They settled inside a compartment that already was occupied by tow girls. Vega quickly made her excuses, saying she had her friends to meet but would find them later so that left Hadrian, Draco, Ardella and Blaise to find a compartment.
They made their way, searching for an empty compartment until they found one near the back with two girls inside. Draco knocked and one of the girls opened the door.
She had medium length black hair and black eyes and seemed nice enough. "May we help you?"
"Greetings. I am Heir Malfoy, and myself and company would be happy if you could share your compartment with us? The rest are all rather full unfortunately."
The girl giggled at the somewhat pompously greeting but opened the door regardless and said "Certainly Heir Malfoy. You and your company are most welcome."
They made their way inside and the girl shut the door behind them while her friend observed the new comers quietly.
She was completely opposite to her friend, with long blonde hair that was the same shade as Aunt Cissy's and cerulean blue eyes that took in each and every detail. Hadrian met the second person in the day who was an Occlumen seeing her face was completely devoid of any emotion or expression.
The black-haired girl took it upon herself to start introductions. "I'm Tracey Davis, of the Noble house of Davis. This is my friend Daphne Greengrass."
Draco took her offered hands and kissed the knuckles making her blush. Hadrian thought she must have expected Draco to shake it, and hence was not expecting a pureblood greeting.
"Greetings Miss Davis. I am Draco, of House Malfoy. This is my betrothed, Ardella Selwyn and my friends, Hadrian Potter-Black and Blaise Zabini."
Ardella and Hadrian simply nodded while Blaise offered a smile and wave.
At the mention of his name, Hadrian saw the blonde-haired girl's eyes, now identified as Daphne Greengrass, widen fractionally before she cleared her expression. Tracey was more open with her surprise as she looked at him somewhat fearfully "Are you related to James and Lily Potter?"
"My parents." Hadrian replied blandly.
"Oh..okay." Tracey said nervously.
The Greengrass heiress simply gave them a nod before opening a book she had on her lap and reading while Tracey did the same.
Hadrian and gang took it upon themselves to talk silently amongst themselves.
"So Draco." Hadrian said. "You did not mention that you were betrothed."
Draco rolled his eyes. "Yes yes, I was planning to keep it a secret until I secretly married her and then introduce her to you."
"Very witty." Blaise mocked. Hadrian assumed Draco and Blaise were long time friends since the blonde who was very easy to offend took no offence at the mockery. "Seriously, the topic didn't come up even once?"
"No!" Draco exclaimed. "Ardella, my love, surely you don't think I was hiding our betrothal from Hadrian? Not when you can ask Dobby who will swear that he could hear me hollering with joy at the thought of you as my wife!"
Ardella blushed and still managed to give him a dubious look. "No, I believe you. How did you manage to forget it anyways?"
"Well, you had gone to Transylvania and since we couldn't owl letters, I genuinely forgot with Hadrian's arrival and then then the later training! I swear I couldn't even muster the energy to think at the end of the day after Mother and Father's 'training'." he shuddered at the end.
"What did you learn?" Ardella asked curiously.
"Well Hadrian would wake me up at the crack of dawn and then we'd do some muggle fighting and training then classes the entire day followed by" he lowered his voice while looking at the other two girls "Occlumency at night. Hadrian had twice the workload and yet I have no idea how he didn't complain even once, let alone finish it."
"Wow Hadrian, twice more than Draco?" Blaise whistled. "Aunt Narcissa sent my mother his schedule and I have been doing the same. I finished at least till the middle of second year. Does that mean you're done till fourth?"
Draco looked at Hadrian for permission who shrugged and answered himself "I had to work twice as hard Blaise because I was rescued from jail before the Malfoys made their ward. I had to study everything from scratch and hence the double work."
There was pin drop quiet as he dropped the bombshell and everyone minus Draco was looking shocked. "Why…why were you in Azkaban Hadrian? Surely they didn't imprison for your parents' crimes?" Ardella asked furiously.
Hadrian noticed the other two girls were leaning in to hear more, though Greengrass was being much more subtle about it. He decided he didn't care if they knew the story so he recounted the story of how he was declared a squib and his mistreatment at the hands of the muggles though he just gave a summery and how he burnt one of his tormentors' property down and his subsequent imprisonment and later the rescue by Severus Snape.
At the end, Blaise and Tracey were looking at him with awe while Draco looked amused. Ardella on the other hand was furious as she ranted "Filthy vermin! How dare they touch let alone abuse an heir of your station! Father was right about what animals muggles are. They should be prosecuted and sent to Azkaban the filth!"
Hadrian then knew he had found anther friend, a close friend just like Draco.
"Ardella." Hadrian said with a small smile. "It's okay, I'm here now and hopefully someday I'll pay them back."
"Muggles are the worst things to ever happen…" Blaise started to say before the compartment door was rudely opened.
There was a group of students standing outside, first years Hadrian summarized looking at their size. Except for two of them, Draco and himself easily towered over them.
The boy in front, standing as de facto leader had brown hair, a chubby face and a chubby body too Hadrian assumed as he could see the fat bulging in his tailored robes. He had a strange lightning bolt symbol on his forehead and had gaudy rings on his chubby fingers.
"Look here everyone, we have a dark wizard among us! Throwing vile insults against muggles." The brown-haired boy screamed. "Who do you think you are?!"
Blaise looked unimpressed. "Well well, the 'Boy who Lived to be a Muggle Lover'. I am Blaise Zabini. Didn't your parents teach you manners not to barge inside a compartment without knocking? Or not to eavesdrop or give comments where they're not needed?"
"I sincerely doubt it Blaise." Draco sneered. "Longbottom here looks like the only training he ever got is how to finish 3 pumpkin pies after a four-course meal. All by himself" Draco mocked.
Blaise snickered while Hadrian watched carefully for any sudden reactions. Davis and Greengrass looked weary and Ardella glared at the brown-haired fool.
A red-haired figure pushed his way front and snarled "Shut your mouth death eater. Neville doesn't need your opinion you dark wizard scum!"
He was tall and had flaming red hair and freckles all over his face. Hadrian had assumed Neville to be a bit gaudy but it was compared to this guy. He wore two rings each on each finger and wore four heavy looking gold chains. His robes were no doubt expensive but was in a horrible shade of marron and orange which clashed horribly. Hadrian had to shake his head to confirm whether the boy was indeed wearing a ceremonial sword on his waist.
"What the hell are you?!" Blaise exclaimed in complete amazement.
"I'm Ron Weasley, son of the slayer of Potters." Ron smirked while the others behind him laughed.
Hadrian tensed immediately and Draco snarled "You better clear off right now Weasel. You and your blood traitor family will pay for what you did to Uncle James and Aunt Lily."
"Well, look here lads, this scum considers death eaters who've murdered and butchered families whole as family. What say we teach him a lesson?" Ron roared and his group cheered their approval.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Hadrian said quietly, and he stepped next to Draco who gave him a smile.
"Yeah? And who might your Highness be?" Ron jeered.
"Hadrian Potter-Black."
Instantly everyone behind him fell into a silent hush and Ron eyed him speculatively. "So the squib did get a letter to Hogwarts. How much did you pay for the admission huh? I doubt Hogwarts would accept squibs like you otherwise."
Hadrian simply stared dead serious back at him, not rising to the bait which made Weasley try another approach.
"See this?" he asked, showing the sword at his waist. "Charlus Potter's, Baron of the Land, the traitor doesn't deserve it. Now I will use it to cut my dinner and eat. There's still many more in the Family vaults, reckon I can use one for each year eh Neville?" he asked and the boy in question laughed.
"Yeah mate! Once your done, throw it to the garbage because that's where traitors like the Potters should be. Betrayed the Light to join the Dark wankers, the lot of them!" Neville snarled.
"Charlus Potter" Hadrian said simply "Died as a Baron, a protector of the Land. That's much more than you Weasels can ever accomplish to be. That sword should always remind you that you'll never account for anything Weasel. Eat, cut, do what you want. All the gold in the Potter vaults can't ever buy you class."
Hadrian suddenly had an idea and said "Although I can't take back my gold yet due to my age, trust me when I say, if anything happens to that sword Weasel, I'll make sure you and your band of blood traitors have hell to pay."
Ron snarled furiously "It's WEASLEY. There is nothing you can DO, we have the right to conquest and I can't believe Father asked me to befriend you and show you the errors of your parents' way. No matter, I shall inform them of your insolence and that I gave you a sound thrashing so that squibs remember their place."
He drew his wand and instantly Draco, Ardella and Blaise drew theirs. Hadrian however did not draw his. He looked deeply into the blue eyes of the ginger blood traitor.
Neville noticed the wands in Draco and Ardella's hands. "Sweetheart, you better put it away before you hurt yourself." He sneered. he then adopted what he thought was a charming expression but he looked slightly constipated "Why don't you come with us sweetheart? I'm the Boy who Lived, I can surely show you a better time than these losers."
Ardella looked completely baffled which Neville assumed was awestruck. He smiled "Aww no need to look so shocked. I am a boy, though much more powerful than these ever could be but sure, come with us."
Ardella burst into laughter. "YOU?! You're better than Draco? Other than a worthless title, you have nothing Chubby, while Draco is hundred times your worth."
Neville's expression turned ugly. "You stupid bint, HOW DARE YOU?!"
A bushy brown-haired girl with large buck teeth fought her way forward and shrieked "How rude of you! You should be honoured Neville would offer you a place in his friend's circle. He defeated you-know-who, I read it in Rise and Fall of Dark Wizards of the Twentieth Century, and deserves our respect. Honestly you wizards are barbaric folks! The muggles are light years more advanced than you are."
"A classic textbook mudblood" Blaise drawled, bored.
"And ugly to boot too." Ardella sniffed.
The bushy haired girl burst into noisy tears and ran out of their compartment. Ron Weasley looked furious and screamed "APOLOGISE TO HERMIONE!"
"Yeah, that'll happen Weasel." Draco snorted.
"ITS WEASLEY! I"VE HAD IT" Ron screamed. "Neville, get Malfoy. Seamus get that prick Zabini, Hannah get the bitch. I'll take Potter. Let's teach them a lesson."
Hadrian moved like a whirlwind and none of them had a chance to even advance on their targets. He grabbed Weasley by his ears with both hands before pulling it down and ramming his knees into Weasley's nose. Hard. There was an audible crack as his nose broke and he howled in pain. As a testament to his raw strength, he grabbed the ginger by his collar and physically threw him out of the compartment.
Seeing what happened to him, the rest hesitated for a second and that was all Hadrian needed. He caught the fist coming towards a stunned Blaise's face and pressed hard, and with an audible crack the boy's wrist snapped making him shriek with pain.
Hannah, the girl who was going after Ardella gulped before she shrieked and ran out of the compartment. He looked around to see Neville on the floor and Draco on top of him, pounding away just like he had taught him.
"FILTHY MUDBLOOD! YOU DARE INSULT ME AND MY BETROTHED! I'LL MAKE YOU REGRET IT!" Draco screamed as he punched away at the Boy who Lived's face. Neville blocked a few blows but a few of them still connected.
Hadrian physically pulled Draco off and held him back who struggled to break out from his grip. "Draco, control yourself."
Draco calmed down and gave the downed boy a murderous look. Longbottom slowly picked himself up and gave a bloody grin. "I'll have you for this death eater! I'll make sure you're expelled and that too before your first class! My parents will make you pay."
"Well, it's our word against yours." Hadrian said calmly, as he again restrained a struggling Draco. "We have memory proofs on who started it and we will see who will win."
Longbottom smiled maliciously. "You assaulted the Boy who Lived. You'll be thrown into Azkaban without a trail."
"Not if we support him." a voice behind Hadrian called and everyone turned to see Daphne Greengrass looking at him coolly. "Boy who whatever or what, the Wizengamot will hear us."
Longbottom looked uncomfortable. "What's it to you Greengrass? This doesn't concern the neutrals. You don't want to do this."
"Your threats are as terrible as your prowess with your fists. For a muggle lover, you shame them with your fighting skills." Greengrass said boredly.
"How dare you insult me. I am.." Longbottom began, no doubt another speech about his greatness before Greengrass cut him off. "Save it for someone who cares. Now leave before things escalate again."
"I will crush you all, I will be back with my allies and then we'll see Greengrass." Longbottom snarled.
"We certainly shall. After all, their allies have arrived." a new voice said from the door and Longbottom whirled around to see Vega Royce, Belladonna Zabini and a few upper-classmen who were idly twirling their wands in their hands.
And they looked pissed.
Longbottom gulped before he dragged a moaning Weasley and the crying unnamed boy whose wrist Hadrian had snapped to their feet. They sullenly made their way out, not before glaring back which didn't faze anyone.
"Touch my brother again firstie" Belladonna threatened a crying Finnegan. "I'll feed your pieces to the squid, scram!"
Once Longbottom and rest were gone, Vega sheathed her wand before making her way inside. "Not even reached Hogwarts and already starting brawls." she said amusedly.
"This is not on us Vega" Ardella huffed. "We were simply talking when those goons burst in, the nerve!"
"Thank you for protecting my brother" Belladonna said quietly. Hadrian simply nodded.
Vega nodded sagely and then turned speculative "And yet not a drop of blood from your side." She looked at Hadrian, studying him who looked back without any expression "You fight well Heir Potter-Black" she offered.
"Hadrian" Hadrian offered.
Vega smiled coyly. "It's Vega to you then." She then said more seriously "Those were some moves. You can do some serious damage."
"I certainly didn't learn it to play games. It serves a purpose." Hadrian shrugged.
"Why?" Blaise asked curiously.
"That's what even I would like to know." Daphne Greengrass said from the side.
She walked forward and stood in front of Hadrian who towered over her, his hands crossed at his chest, and gazed into his soulless green eyes. She slowly held her hand out and said "Daphne Greengrass, Heiress of the Most Ancient and Noble house of Greengrass."
Hadrian looked straight back into her blue orbs and without breaking eye contact, kissed it and said softly "Enchanted Heiress Greengrass. Hadrian Potter-Black, Heir of Most Ancient and Noble houses of Potter and Black."
The tension was broken when the door opened yet again and a portly witch with a kind smile asked "Anything off the trolley dears?"
XXX
The rest of the journey was uneventful as everyone shook off the dreadful encounter and talked. Tracey became less nervous around Hadrian which Hadrian suspected was because of seeing the so called 'good' guys behave so badly.
Daphne Greengrass was still aloof though she did contribute to the conversation in between. Vega and Belladonna left after a while, promising to be back and Hadrian took the moment to get to know Ardella and Blaise who were both Draco's friends since childhood.
Hadrian learnt that Draco and Ardella were initially betrothed purely for political reasons as the two families had major interests in Knockturn Alley and other businesses and with Hadrian supposedly a squib, their union was for a strong partnership in Knockturn Alley. They started as a political match but were close friends now after years of knowing each other.
Blaise was an enigma. His mother, the Countess Zabini was considered a Black Widow as every husband she married died under mysterious circumstances and left her their fortunes. She was a close friend of Aunt Cissy from school and Draco had known Blaise and his sister for all his life.
Hadrian on his part was emotionally detached as was his norms with strangers and answered their questions mechanically but truthfully. He had nothing to hide except the incident with Buba which he did not mention.
Very soon they heard an announcement "We will be reaching Hogwarts in five minutes. Please leave your luggage in your compartments, arrangements have been to transport them separately. Thank you."
Everyone in their cabin unanimously decided to keep their luggage shrunken in their pockets itself. Hadrian and the rest of the boys went out to let the girls change and then the girls left to let the guys change.
Hadrian felt fully in ease in wizarding robes that was his uniform. Draco had assured him Acromantula silk was comfortable beyond comment and he snugly flexed his shoulders and observed the fabric stretching to comfortably accommodate him. Overall, the uniforms wouldn't be a hassle to wear.
He looked at the empty patch on his chest where the house logo would appear after his sorting. He looked at the three family crests above and knew it was a good recipe for a confrontation.
After all, he had insisted on the Lestrange coats be present as well, his way of honoring his godmother. Already he could see everyone except eyeing the crest speculatively. Finally Greengrass asked "Three crests Heir Potter-Black?"
"I am the adopted Lestrange heir as well. Bellatrix is my godmother." Hadrian said casually.
"I would hide it if I were you. A lot of people will hate you just for wearing that crest." Tracey said timidly. Hadrian gazed at her passively until she swallowed.
"Oderint dum metuant" Hadrian said softly.
Draco smirked "Let them hate so long as they fear."
Ardella nodded "The Lestrange family motto."
The train soon to a halt in a dark empty station that Draco informed was Hogsmeade. Then an enormous form burst out of the gloom clutching a lantern in his massive hands. He had a ruddy face, with a massive beard and coal black eyes. "Firs' years! Firs' years to me! Firs' years to me!"
Taking it as their cue, Hadrian and the rest made their way towards the giant of a man. He called for a few more times before he said "Follow me- mind yer steps now. Alright everyone I am Rubeus Hagrid, groundskeeper and I'll lead yeh'll to the castle, follow me now."
He led them down a slippery trail while the rest of the students went another way. They made their way down and twice Hadrian had to catch Draco to prevent him from falling.
"Yeh'll all get your firs' view o' Hogwarts in a sec" Hagrid called over his shoulder "any minut' now."
Cursing under his breath, the Malfoy heir and group finally made their way down and suddenly the narrow path opened onto the edge of a massive black lake.
And upon a cliff on the other side was a massive castle with many turrets and towers, gleaming in the starlight. Hagrid then pointed towards a small fleet of boats that were bobbling gently in the lake.
"No more'n four to a boat" he instructed.
Hadrian, Draco, Ardella and Blaise took one while Greengrass and Tracey shared one with a pair of Indian twins. They settled in and waited silently and Hagrid called "Everyone in? Forward!"
The small fleet of boasts began to move, cutting silently across the surface of the lake which gleamed like glass. Everyone was gazing at the castle as it loomed bigger and bigger overhead. The boats finally made it to the cliff and everyone ducked under the curtain of ivy which seemed to house an underground harbour.
Everyone disembarked from the boats and stood quietly in front of the massive wooden door. Hadrian noticed Greengrass and Tracey had joined them again.
"Everyone here?" Hagrid asked, looking at them before he raised a massive fist and knocked three times on the oak door.
The door opened silently, seemingly without any effort and a tall, black haired witch in emerald green robes stood to welcome them. Even without speaking a word, the crowd grew silent at her severe face and Hadrian knew this was a strict teacher at once.
"The firs' years Professor McGonagall" Hagrid said.
"Thank you, Hagrid, I will take over from here" she said before opening the doors to the entrance hall to allow them inside. It was a massive cavernous room with medieval torches that was giving off from light from walls. There was also a marble staircase facing that led to the upper floors.
Professor McGonagall led them across the hall. Hadrian could hear the noise from the older students from his right and they found themselves in a small, empty antechamber. They stood in a huge group waiting to be addressed.
"Welcome to Hogwarts." began Professor McGonagall. "The start of the year feast will begin shortly but before you can join your new housemates you must be sorted."
She then proceeded to give a brief history about the sorting and also the four houses they could join- Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin.
"The sorting ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the school, I will fetch you when we are ready for you. I suggest you all smarten.. Mister Weasley! what in the blazes happened to your nose?!"
Ron Weasley was sulking in the background holding his nose which he hadn't even bothered to clean up and he immediately jumped at the chance "It was Potter! He broke my nose!"
"Mister…Potter!" McGonagall stuttered a bit when she saw him but straightened up and demanded "Is this true?!"
"Yes I indeed did broke his nose Headmistress. However, I did not attack him but was merely defending myself and my friends." Hadrian said calmly.
"Explain."
"Gladly Professor." Hadrian said. "We were sharing a compartment with Miss Davis and Miss Greengrass and talking about private matters when Mister Longbottom there barged inside like a barbarian and proceeded to tell us his views on muggle and call us death eaters. When we did not rise to the bait, Mister Weasley proceeded to insult the memories of celebrated Potter family members like Baron Potter. Mister Longbottom then tried woo Miss Selwyn while in the presence of her betrothed himself and when all failed, they decided to 'teach us a lesson' and attacked us like the muggles they worship. I merely acted to save my friends."
"Mister Weasley, how dare you insult the memory of Baron Potter?! He died fighting Grindelwald and I shall not have you besmudge his memory." Professor McGonagall snarled angrily. "And you Mister Longbottom don't think you're off the hook as well. I would think your grandmother would have raised you better, openly flirting with a betrothed lady in front of her intended. I'll be having words with your grandmother."
Longbottom paled drastically before regaining his bluster and screamed "What about them?! They called Hermione Granger a mudblood and broke Sheamus' wrist!"
"Mister Potter! Is this true?"
"Yes professor." Hadrian said conversationally. "She came barging in where her opinions were not needed and proceeded to tell Miss Selwyn that she should honoured that the 'Boy who Lived' is giving her attention and she should take upon his invitation to join them. She then proceeded to tell us all to worship the muggle world which was supposedly 'superior' to us barbaric wizards. She has no ideas about the traditions and our culture and tried to stuff her unwanted ideas where nobody asked. A classic mudblood. As for the wrist, he tried to punch Mister Zabini and I intervened."
Professor McGonagall looked shocked. "Mister Potter, why I never! Your own mother…"
"With all due respect madame" Hadrian said politely but firmly "My mother was Lady Potter, someone who my aunt Narcissa says won the respect of even the staunchest blood purists. I will not let anyone compare her memory to an uppity mudblood like Hermione Granger."
"Five points from whatever house you are sorted Mister Potter." Professor McGonagall said coldly. "I am extremely disappointed in you. While everyone has the right to think whatever they want, you have no right to call that disgusting slur to anyone, not even someone who you say 'crammed their opinions where it wasn't needed.'
Hadrian shrugged, not caring either ways what she thought of him. She had lost all respect when she dared compare his own mother to that uppity mudblood. He would win back those points at the earliest opportunity.
Professor McGonagall took a deep breath and said "Misters Weasley, Longbottom and Finnegean? You three shall go to the infirmary and get yourself fixed. I shall send a prefect to escort you to the Great Hall." She then jumped suddenly and said "My word! I'm late. Wait quietly."
She left the group huddled in the antechamber.
"I hope you're happy with yourself Potter." a bossy voice said.
"Ecstatic." drawled Hadrian much to the amusement of his friends. Draco knew what a mean streak Hadrian could have and looked eagerly at the dishing the mudblood would get.
"No manners at all. Didn't your parents.. how silly of me, they're dead! I meant guardians teach you anything?" sniffed Granger with a sneer.
"Are your parents muggle Miss Granger?" Hadrian asked faux-pleasantly and Draco's grin grew. Natural Occlumens like Hadrian and his godfather had a tell, the nicer they got the angrier they were and Draco assumed Hadrian was furious right now. Most things wouldn't bother him but blatant disrespect towards his parents?
"Yes, they are. I'm the first witch in the family." Granger declared proudly.
"Well Miss Granger, I don't have manners or any form of empathy because your kind abused an innocent child to the point where he doesn't just care anymore. Frankly I hold you and your kind the lowest form of scum in this planet so forgive me if I'm not courteous to you."
"My kind?!" Hermione shrieked. "I am a witch with magic just like everyone of you! Don't you dare call my parents scum Potter, they're hard working, respected folks, unlike yours."
"Yes yes, my parents were death eaters, they're murderers blah blah blah" Hadrian said bored. "Whatever they were Granger, they would never abuse a muggle child let alone a magical child."
"But you are wrong! No muggle would ever abuse a child like you claim! I refuse to believe it. You would do better to learn from us, You need us! You need muggles and muggleborns to revolutionize this backward world you're all proud of and drag you to the twentieth century!" Granger shrieked.
Immediately there was a large amount of muttering as the witches and wizards around them too major offense at the gall of the muggleborn witch who dared to say they were backward barbarians while the other muggleborns nervously vowed to never talk to this girl again. Draco's glee rose. The mudblood was making this too easy.
"Take yourself, the people who agree with you and especially your pea brained ideas to 'drag us to the twentieth century' all out of our world and don't come back. We are better off without you." Ardella said coldly and Hermione was shocked to see a lot of them agree with her.
"What is going on here?" a suspicious voice asked. Professor McGonagall had returned and was taking in the hostile and nervous faces in the crowd. She looked around to see where the ghosts were, as it was tradition for them to try and scare the first years.
She would later find out that the Bloody Baron had instructed all of the ghosts to stay invisible and listen to the argument and even the ghosts agreed that the muggleborns had overstepped her bounds and trampled on a lot of aristocratic toes.
"We are ready for you. Form a line and follow me." Professor McGonagall instructed.
They formed into a single file and somehow Hermione Granger ended up in the very back of the line which had her huffing much to Draco's amusement and the all walked out of the chamber, back into the entrance hall and in through the double doors of the Great Hall.
The Great Hall was even bigger than the entrance hall, Hadrian noted, with thousands and thousands of candles floating in mid air over four long tables on which the rest of the students were seated. At the top of the hall, there was another long table where the teachers were seated, dressed in their best. Professor McGonagall made them stand in a line facing the other students and Hadrian gazed back at the students blankly. He looked up to see the ceiling show the outside velvety night sky and wondered if he could ever replicate this wonderful piece of magic created by Rowena Ravenclaw.
Professor McGonagall placed a four-legged stool upon which she placed a pointed wizard's hat. The hat was patched and frayed and extremely dirty. Hadrian could hear Draco grumble. Knowing what to expect, they stared at the silent hat as did the rest of the school.
For a few moments there was complete silence then a rip formed near the hat's brim that resembled a mouth and the hat sang:
Oh you may not think I'm pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.
There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise Ravenclaw,
if you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folks use any means
To achieve their ends.
So put me on! Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands (though I have none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!
The entire hall burst into applause as the hat finished. The hat then bowed to each of the four house tables and sat still.
Professor McGonagall stepped forward holding a long roll of parchment and said "When I call your name, you will come and put on the hat and be sorted."
"Abbott, Hannah!"
The girl with blonde pigtails who had tried to attack Ardella earlier stepped out of line, sat on the stool and donned the hat. A few moments later
"HUFFLEPUFF" the hat yelled.
The table on the right cheered loudly as they got the first first-year and Abbott made her way towards the table and sat down
"Bones, Susan!"
Hadrian noted the name and face. During his politics lessons with Uncle Lucius, he had told him about her and her aunt Madame Amelia Bones, the head of the DMLE and a strong alley to have.
"HUFFLEPUFF!" the hat shouted and Susan joined Hannah in the Hufflepuff table.
"Boot, Terry!"
"RAVENCLAW!"
The table in the left cheered and Terry went to join his new housemates. Hadrian quickly lost interest as more and more people were sorted though he kept a sharp year for any names he was taught about.
"Davis, Tracey!"
"SLYTHERIN!"
"Finnigan, Seamus!"
Hadrian looked at the boy whose wrist he had broken. It was covered in cast and didn't look very painful. A pity.
"GRYFFINDOR!"
"Granger, Hermione!"
The uppity mudblood ran towards the stool and jammed the hat eagerly. There was a few moments of silence before
"GRYFFINDOR!"
No surprises there. The bushy haired girl beamed and ran eagerly towards the cheering Gryffindors. Blaise muttered "Good riddance."
"Greengrass, Daphne!"
Hadrian watched as the blonde gracefully made her way towards the hat and donned it. It was few seconds before it called out "SLYTHERIN!"
"Longbottom, Neville!"
There was an extra hush in the hall as students concentrated on the sorting of the Boy who Lived. The hat was quiet for a few minutes before it called out "GRYFFINDOR!"
Longbottom had a look of absolute relief on his face and he ran towards the table who was cheering the loudest for the night yet. There was a lot of clambering to shake his hands and Hadrian watched impassively as a pair of identical red head twins chant "We got Longbottom! We got Longbottom!"
"Malfoy, Draconis!"
Draco stepped forward and sat on the stool and wore the hat. The hat had barely touched his head before it yelled "SLYTHERIN!" and a pleased looking Draco made his way to the Slytherin table.
"More like fatbottom" Blaise murmured and Ardella snickered as Moon Lilian was sorted into Slytherin along with Theodore Nott.
"Parkinson, Pansy!"
Hadrian saw Ardella stiffen to his right and wondered why a look of barely concealed distaste passed over her face. "Anything wrong?" he asked quietly.
"Later" she muttered, glaring at the pug faced girl who was also sorted into Slytherin.
The Indian twins who had shared a boat with Greengrass were next. There were broken apart by the hat as one went to Ravenclaw and the other to Gryffindor. Then a "Perks, Sally-Anne" sorted into "HUFFLEPUFF" later—
"Potter, Harry!"
Hadrian did not move.
Professor McGonagall gave him a pointed look which he dutifully ignored. The silence grew uncomfortable as the student and teacher looked at each other before finally Professor McGonagall exclaimed "Mister Potter, kindly do put on the hat and stop wasting our time!"
"My apologies Professor, my name is Hadrian Potter-Black, I was under the impression there was someone called Harry Potter waiting to be sorted."
The silver haired man rose from his throne like chair in the teacher's table. Hadrian knew who he was. Albus Dumbledore, the leader of the band of muggle-loving fools.
"Mister Potter, your name is Harry Potter. It says so on all the records including your prison documents:" Dumbledore said, seeing an opportunity to start isolating the wayward heir.
Dumbledore was taken aback when the boy simply shrugged and said "I was not aware I had any records of staying in Azkaban prison Headmaster, Merlin forbid."
Hadrian knew exactly what game the headmaster was trying to play. Lucius had educated him extensively about the power names had in the wizarding world. He had told him to be ready for any sort of trick from Dumbledore to undermine his true name that his parents had given him which later could be used against him in court as inheritances were notorious for small details like these and Hadrian could lose his birthright since it was supposed to go to 'Hadrian Potter-Black', not 'Harry Potter'.
"No my boy, I meant…" Dumbledore began but Hadrian interrupted him "Kindly refrain from using overly familiar terms with me Headmaster. I am not your boy nor have any desire to be so."
Dumbledore gazed at him for a moment before he said "Very well, Mister Potter. I meant your criminal records from the muggle prison you served states your name as Harry Potter and so does all your school documents which was forwarded by the muggles authorities."
"I was under the impression that this was Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry headmaster?" Hadrian asked mildly.
"Well you are correct.." Dumbledore began but Hadrian cut him off again "Then according to the Hogwarts charter, any names or titles other than the ones they were given by a parent only holds true here on Hogwarts land. Even the Minister of Magic here has no power since it's an outside title. Harry Potter is the name the filthy muggles gave me and I refuse to identify myself with that. My parents name me Hadrian Potter on birth and my godfather Sirius Black formally blood adopted me into the Black family which gives me the legal right to use his name as my own."
"Blood magic is illegal to be used! It will not stand!" Dumbledore exclaimed angrily, aware of how quickly he was losing control of this situation.
Hadrian yet again gave him a bored look and said "Please Headmaster, let us not diminish your already poor image further by baseless accusations on not one but two Most Ancient and Noble houses. You and I very well know that blood adoptions are legal and binding if performed in Gringotts territory under an inheritance goblin. If you do insist on continuing this charade to deny me my birthright I am sure I can write to my guardian Lucius Malfoy and arrange all necessary documents to be made available to you in front of a closed Wizengamot meeting."
"That won't be necessary Mister Potter" Dumbledore said shakily, extremely aware how badly he lost this fight and also look bad in front of the children of conservatives who he had planned to slowly bring to the Light.
He then regained his composure, with liberal use of occlumency and said genially "It just appears to be a misinformation on my part. Minerva, please change Mister Potters name to Hadrian Potter-Black" and sat back down on his throne.
Professor McGonagall threw him a dirty look for some reason which had absolutely no effect on Hadrian. She made the corrections in her roll of parchment and called "Potter-Black, Hadrian"
Hadrian stepped forward with a casual grace and sat on the stool and put on the hat and waited.
"Well what is this? A natural in the mind arts, how fascinating" a voice inside his head said.
Hadrian thought back "The sorting hat I suppose?"
He felt something akin to a nod in his mind "Yes indeed. You have suffered terribly yet you stand tall and strong. Godric would be proud to have you."
"Not Gryffindor. I cannot tolerate the fools and muggle lovers" Hadrian thought.
"Such hatred for someone so young and yet you have the right to hold it. There is a ploy against you. I was ordered to sort you into Gryffindor but while do I owe allegiance to the headmasters of Hogwarts, my complete loyalty will be always to the founders. Welcome back heir SLYTHERIN" the hat yelled the last part loud.
Finally, a major hurdle in his plan to re-join the wizarding world had been removed. Whatever name the Headmistress called during the sorting would be registered as his name in all future records in the Ministry as well as the Wizengamot and as of now 'Harry Potter' now ceased to exit.
There was a thunderous applause from the table in green and silver and Hadrian calmly kept the hat down and made his way to the table and sat next to the seat Draco had saved for him. The pug faced girl sneered at him across Draco for some reason but Hadrian ignored her.
"Well played Hadrian" Draco said calmly, which Hadrian suspected was due to Occlumency as he could see the glee in the blonde's mercury eyes. "I was beginning to worry but you're here among us now."
"The hat did mention something interesting. I shall tell you later" Hadrian said, noticing the attention he was getting. Draco too noticed and began introducing everyone he knew.
"Hadrian, this is Marcus Flint, fifth year prefect and quidditch captain." Draco introduced him to a burly boy with oily black hair. He shook his hands and said "Welcome to Slytherin Heir Potter-Black. Please call me Marcus."
The offer for a first year, from a fifth year and a prefect and quidditch captain to call him by his first name was not lost on anyone, especially Hadrian who nodded and said "My pleasure Marcus. You may also call me Hadrian."
"Do you play quidditch?" Marcus asked.
"I've flown around. Draco taught me a few moves." Hadrian replied.
"Hadrian is a demon on the broom and before we lose you to Marcus and his quidditch, you already know Belladonna Zabini, fifth year female prefect."
"You have earned the right to call me Belladonna after defending Blaise" she declared.
"Hadrian to you" Hadrian offered politely and she nodded.
"This is Evan Rosier the Third, of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Rosier. He's also my cousin somewhere in the family tree and probably yours as well." Draco said, introducing him to the sixth year prefect who had a handsome face, and a dashing smile.
"Call me Evan" Evan Rosier the Third said as he shook hands with Hadrian. "Anyone who can go toe to toe with that mudblood lover Dumbledore and land a few blows is okay in my books."
Draco then introduced him to the seventh-year prefects, Niles Harper and Selene Warrington who offered to let him address them by their first names. Hadrian knew it was all a huge honor and was possible only because he was associated with the Malfoys and that his parents were the best of the Knights of Walpurgis which they all idolized.
By then Ardella was also sorted to Slytherin and gave shook her head when she saw Draco's sheepish look about forgetting to save her a seat. Hadrian simply moved sideways and made place for her to sit next to Draco. She gave him a thankful smile and this earned him another glare from the pug faced girl who was sitting silently opposite to them.
"Oh do stop frowning Parkinson." Ardella said in a condescending tone. "Hadrian may get the wrong idea by how much you keep looking at him." she added with a wicked smirk.
The pug faced girl, Parkinson, flushed and glared back at Ardella. On her either side sat two boys with vacant expressions who Hadrian learnt were Crabbe and Goyle, Parkinson's 'henchmen'.
"You may have won now Selwyn, but this is not over yet." Parkinson seethed. "It's still not too late for the betrothal to get cancelled."
"Oh, but it is" Draco said airily but had a steely glint in his eyes. "I told you ages ago to forget and move on Pansy. I am marrying Ardella on her twenty first birthday and the contract is finalized."
Parkinson looked like she was about to burst into tears before remembering where she was controlled herself.
Hadrian who didn't care what drama the pug faced girl went on about but resolved to keep an eye on her, in case she was a threat to his new friends.
Finally, Blaise was sorted into Slytherin after Ron Weasley went to Gryffindor and he sat near them and gave a blinding smile "Hadrian that was awesome! The fool didn't even expect it!"
"The old man did play a wily game, we can discuss it's ramifications later." Hadrian said with a pointed look towards Parkinson who was obviously trying to eavesdrop and flushed when she was caught.
Dumbledore got to his feet and was positively beaming, with his hands wide open as if extremely pleased and said "Welcome to Hogwarts. I have a few words to say and they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!"
He sat down and the five tables suddenly groaned with the weight of the food that suddenly appeared. "Barmy, absolute nut!" Draco muttered as he reached for the chicken.
Ardella noticed this and piled a bunch of vegetables on his plate along with the chicken which made Draco whine and others laugh. Hadrian himself had a few helpings of everything as he planned to continue his workouts here in Hogwarts too and his body would need the fuel.
As everyone eat, a gaunt faced ghost with silver blood stains and chains that made no sound glided along the table. The infamous Bloody Baron.
"Welcome to Slytherin" the Baron said in a hoarse voice, eying the first years. "I hope you will all be an asset to our house." Hadrian gazed back impassively. He had plans. Big plans.
When everyone had eaten their fill, followed by desserts, a content lull seemed to fill the hall. Dumbledore stood up and the hall fell silent.
"Now that we are fed and watered, I do have a few start of term notices to give. Firstly, the forests on the grounds are forbidden to everyone below fifth years." Dumbledore began.
"The caretaker Mister Filch has asked me to remind you there will no magic is to be used in between classes in corridors and the list of forbidden items include fanged frizzbees and the list includes three hundred and nineteen items which can be pursued at your leisure on his office door."
"The quidditch and duelling tournaments trails will begin from the start from second week of term. This year, the faculty have decided to include first years as well and, at the end of the year, will include three open for all tournaments – the beginners consisting of first to third years, novice consisting of fourth and fifth years and open consisting of sixth and seventh years. This tournament will be in addition to the year wise competitions and will be teams of four. Do practice well."
"Finally, I must warn you, that the third-floor corridor on the right hand side is out of bounds for anyone who does not wish to die a horrible death."
"Who tells a bunch of kids not to go somewhere?" Blaise snorted.
"Someone who wants nosy kids to do exactly that." Hadrian mused, shrugging. If it didn't involve him, he wouldn't pry.
"Now, off to bed, classes will start early tomorrow! chop chop!" Dumbledore said and sat down and began conversing with Professor McGonagall.
"First years to me, follow us" Marcus Flint called and the first years dutifully huddled around him and Belladonna who led them out of the Great Halls and into the dungeons. They passed through the drafty corridors and Hadrian mentally remembered the route so they wouldn't get lost.
They finally arrived in front of a blank stretch of wall to which Marcus said "Aconite" and the wall slid open to allow entry into the Slytherin common rooms.
The Slytherin common room was a long rectangular room with a greenish hue. There was a lot of comfortable leather couches scattered around the room and there were even tables and chairs for those who wanted to work. Hadrian counted at least six fireplaces with cherry emerald green fire roaring away in the room. There were two passages leading downwards on the opposite sides of the room.
The older years made their way inside and sat down on the couches to socialize while the first years were asked to wait. Flint lined them up and started "Welcome to Slytherin! You have been sorted here because the hat saw great ambition and the traits for greatness inside you and Slytherin will help hone these traits to be truly great. We aren't bookworms like the Ravenclaws, yet we take our studies very seriously. If you have any academic troubles, approach a prefect, preferably sixth years as fifth and seventh years have OWLs and NEWTs to study for but we will help you if required" pointing at Belladonna who nodded.
"I am the fifth-year female prefect Belladonna Zabini and welcome to Slytherin! While we detest the duffers in Hufflepuff, we do respect their solidarity and Slytherins stick together. This rule is non-negotiable. If you have any problems amongst your yearmates or even housemates you will solve it here, it will not rise above the dungeons. We are solid in support for each other above which is why we have prevailed for so long. If anyone is caught breaking this rule, our Head of House Professor Severus Snape will be notified and trust me, you don't want him.. being displeased with you."
"Welcome home everyone! I am Evan Rosier the Third and this is my counterpart, Jessica Yaxley. Since we're done with our OWLs, we have a lesser workload as we don't have NEWTs like next year so me and Jessica will be able to help you with your academics. The rest of the houses are jealous of us and hence we have to always be on the lookout and if you feel wronged and feel like revenge is in order, don't get caught. We are cunning, sneaky serpents. Always have an alibi and try not wander alone in the corridors."
"I am Niles Harper and this is my counterpart, Selene Warrington" Niles Harper stepped forward along with Selene. "Slytherin is the best, we take the best traits of all the other houses along with our own and we guarantee that you will be someone great if you play your cards right. Hence our founder decided that the students under him will also be treated better than the others. So Slytherin students get their own rooms but.." Niles smirked at the excited chatter that began "only for fourth years and above. Our founder also felt students appreciate what they have only if it's out of reach and work for it. So now, boys to the right and girls to the left. Three to a room and first year rooms are on the first landing. Older you go, the deeper you enter the dungeons until you reach the Head Boy and Girl's chamber which I hear is… for royalty." Niles smirked.
"Oh and I wouldn't try entering the girls dorms if I were you" Evan called, much to the catcalls around the room. "I can personally say no amount of cunning is enough to bypass that ward and the end result is not worth it."
"Hadrian" Selene called, "Professor Snape asked me to inform you to meet him in his office tomorrow morning before the initiation. Find me or any prefects and they'll escort you to his office."
Hadrian nodded "Thank you Selene."
He turned to Draco who asked him "So you and Blaise to a room?" while looking distrustfully at Nott and Parkinson's book ends, Crabbe and Goyle.
"You don't need to ask me mate, I'm game. Hadrian?" Blaise asked to which Hadrian simply nodded. Draco and Blaise were fine.
Behind them, Ardella casually said "So Greengrass, Davis, shall we share? I wouldn't want to be the one stuck with her."
Davis and Greengrass who were both sure of who she was speaking about quickly agreed.
Parkinson in the end ended up sharing with Bulstrode and Moon who did not look happy with the arrangement.
Hadrian and the other two boys bade goodnights to the girls and made their way to the male dorms. They found a golden plaque reading 'Malfoy, Zabini, Potter-Black'
They entered inside to find a luxurious room with three four poster beds with green comforters. There were three massive wardrobes each for the boys. There was a door behind which led to a nice bathroom with individual cubicles so they wouldn't have to wait for their turn.
"Slytherin overall did make sure we are comfortable while learning his lessons though" Draco observed as they all unshrunk their luggage.
"Leave the luggage, I'll have Dobby put everything away. It'll keep him happy and save us some time." Draco called and Hadrian nodded.
"Draco, tomorrow morning we will talk, we will rest for now." Hadrian said and after his nightly rituals, he slept after a long day.
A/N: Phew! 11k words and still few words to say from my side.
Firstly, I really had planned to make the chapter around 6000 words, I really did but I've written three fanfics now and this is the first time I reached Hogwarts and I was simply too excited to stop. I apologize for those who wanted shorter chapters but those who like reading the long ones, hope you enjoy this.
Second, I would like any other writer's advice on speech formation. I feel my dialogues need a lot of work and your thoughts or suggestions on bettering it is welcome.
Third, the name Adramelech Selwyn is from one of my favorite fanfiction called Harry Potter and the Prince of Slytherin by The Sinister Man. It's a really great fic, over a million words and here's a free appreciation shout out to him and his book, do give it a read guys.
Fourth, I'm sure I'll get a lot of hate for the blatant blood purity Hadrian shows and I'm sorry but he will continue with that Hadrian is not a nice person per say and I hope to do his character justice in the coming chapters.
Fifth, I guess I'm done with my rant, anything I forget I'll add it in the next chapter. Do review and enjoy and stay safe from covid19.
Words: 11533.
Nox