Chapter 3: New DADA teacher... Again

Hadrian and Antoninus bowed slightly whilst shaking Cyrus' hand, thanking him greatly for letting Antoninus and him stay for a week. Hadrian and Antoninus also thanked Roxxane before the two of them, Daphne, Tracey, and Astoria boarded the Hogwarts express. Astoria was hesitant to leave Hadrian, Antoninus, and her sister when they dropped her off in a cabin with first years. She was especially hesitant to leave Hadrian and Antoninus. The two of them were like stone pillars that blocked off anyone who would try and harm her. Soon after, Hadrian, Antoninus, Daphne, and Tracey found their own cabin and sat down inside.

"Come on! Divination isn't that bad! It is a free O! And at worst, an A! I need to cater to my strengths!"

Both boys just shrugged and simply got back to reading their new textbooks for this year. Antoninus was done with the Arithmancy book after flicking through it for 19 seconds. Tracey's eyes bulged out when Antoninus just tossed the book back into his bag so quickly.

"Daphne, I'll need you to rally the Slytherins or get the word out that I wish to host a meeting in the common room tomorrow. Focus on our year and below. I will notify the other Serpents to spread the word in the upper years."

Daphne nodded before returning her gaze back to her book.

"Antoninus, start Quidditch tryouts as early as possible. I would like to see that Interquidditch House Cup again with green and silver ribbons attached to it again. Let's go for a three-peat whilst we are here."

"Of course. Gotta pick them out early, we got quite the surprise for the other houses this year after all."

Daphne and Tracey both looked up at Antoninus. Surprise? What surprise? Being the insufferable person that he was, Antoninus remained silent and simply smiled at the two girls. The Carrow Twins later stopped by their compartment as well. Hadrian told the Carrow twins to pass the message that their will be a meeting in the common room with all of Slytherin tomorrow evening. To maintain a hold on Slytherin house, Hadrian needed to consistently show his strength and worthiness of being Head Serpent. He was certain that after the summer, many people had already forgotten how he had dealt with Arccington and his lackeys last year when they challenged him after the challenge for the seats.

Hadrian hadn't applied the notice-me-not charm on the cabin, only the silencing ward. Since he was Head Serpent, other Serpents needed to come and find him. However, this also meant the other annoying pests could find him as well. Draco Malfoy strolled passed their compartment. He was about to say something to them but bit down on his lip. He gave a nod before walking past their compartment, with Crabbe and Goyle following after him. Malfoy had grown a bit as well over the summer, and his hairstyle seemed to have changed. Crabbe and Goyle were also no longer the round potatos that they were. They looked more like goon lackeys now than two round stones next to Malfoy. Tracey then broke the silence in the compartment after Malfoy's quiet visit.

"I'm actually surprised that the ferret didn't say anything."

"Malfoy's changed… he no longer is that impulsive rash kid that thinks daddy's name can get him what he wants."

"Hmmm? You have a lot to say about him, Daphne? That is quite the emotional response for you?"

Daphne glared at Antoninus for his cheek but couldn't do much more. Daphne was still in quite a sour mood when talking about the Malfoy's. Lucius did come to try and pressure for a marriage contract again this summer.

"What are you snakes scheming now?"

All four heads in the compartment turned to see the annoying sight of Julian Potter with dumb and dumber. Tracey quickly quipped back before Hadrian and Antoninus could even respond. Everyone in their year seems to have grown, Julian Potter was also now taller. Tracey would have called him handsome if she wasn't aware how much of an absolute dick he was. Weasley still looked scrawny and tardy, only becoming taller. Meanwhile, Finnigan didn't seem to have grown, face just became more square and his eyebrow line becoming more defined.

"Seeing what subjects we have all taken and how to get good grades. You know? Something you can't do?"

Julian's eyes burned at Tracey, he was about to send a remark back when Hadrian cut him off.

"What is it you want brother?"

Julian then turned to look at Hadrian. He bit down on his lip and gave a hateful glare at his brother.

"Nothing… come on guys, these lot aren't worth our time."

Julian then marched off with Finnigan and Ron behind him.

"Gosh, they are finally gone… and did you see Weasley and his rat on his shoulder? Disgusting."

Daphne took a look out the window. The sun had begun setting slowly and the sky began to turn dark.

"We better get changed into our robes… at least Tracey and I, since the two of you are already in school robes. The train will be arriving soon."

Hadrian and Antoninus nodded and both boys stepped out of the compartment before letting the girls lock and blur the glass. Daphne then flicked her wand at the blinds on the glass window on the door and it came rolling down, further blocking any view. Hadrian and Antoninus stood like bodyguards outside the compartment and patiently waited until the two girls finished and let them back in.

Hadrian subtle twirled his hand underneath the sleeves of his robes to dry to the bottom of his robes and his shoes. It had been raining outside when they had gotten off the carriages and walked in Hogwarts. Antoninus also did this as both boys walked into Hogwarts Castle. Hadrian walked over towards the centre of the Slytherin Table. Tracey said goodbye to them and went to go sit near Astoria. Tracey was a little sad that she couldn't sit with the three of them but understood why she couldn't. Tracey quickly went off as Hadrian, Antoninus, and Daphne went towards the centre of the Slytherin table. A few Slytherins stared at Hadrian as he sat down in the centre. They then quickly turned away after Hadrian looked up to look at the podium in the great hall.

"Is the person sitting next to Professor Snape our new DADA teacher? He looks very unpleased."

"Yes Burke, Remus Lupin is the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher."

Daphne responded in a neutral and polite tone. Daphne knew about Lupin becoming a DADA teacher as Roxxane was now on the Hogwarts Board of Governors. Dumbledore then rose up from his seat. He didn't head towards the podium and merely stood up to announce the sorting ceremony to begin. Hadrian and Antoninus didn't pay close attention to many of the names being called. Hadrian instead had Daphne focused on the sorting ceramony and list any promising new Slytherin firsties. Hadrian obviously gave her this task as Astoria was being sorted this year. Naturally, Daphne would have a greater interest in the sorting ceremony and keep track of things better. Daphne meanwhile seemed slightly anxious, at least that was what Hadrian thought. She probably was waiting to see where Astoria was sorted.

"Astoria Greengrass"

Astoria walked up towards the stage and sat down on the chair. Professor McGonagall then placed the sorting hat on top of her head.

"Ah… another one…"

Astoria twiddled around nervously on the seat.

"Better be… RAVENCLAW!"

Hadrian watched Daphne let out a sigh of relief. Hadrian could understand why Daphne had concerns about her sister's placement. Over the last week, Hadrian had seen and interacted with Astoria a lot as Hadrian and Antoninus stayed over at Greengrass Manor. Astoria's personality did not fit well into Slytherin. It could make her a target for people to try and get to Daphne and take her seat. Being in Ravenclaw made it slightly safer in a sense as her sister will further away from the snake pit. The friends she makes also will be a lot better. It is very difficult to find true friends in Slytherin. Daphne and Tracey didn't start out as friends with Hadrian and Antoninus. In fact, she chose to give the two of them the cold shoulder and utterly ignore them. That friendship took time to build between the four of them.

Daphne watched Astoria go off the stage and towards the Ravenclaw table. All the Prefects were clapping wildly, welcoming a new member of their house. The new head girl also clapped for Astoria's arrival. This year's Head Boy and Girl were Gryffindor's Percy Weasley and Penelope Clearwater. Hadrian didn't really approve of who Dumbledore had selected. Dumbledore always preached equality and freedom, going away from the Pureblood autonomy and customs. Yet his choice of Head Boy clearly showed how hypocritical he was. Hadrian could understand Clearwater's appointment, she had been an outstanding student amongst the students in her year last year, and was a Prefect for 5th and 6th year. Hadrian remembered that she was one of the petrified victims last year, so he knew she was muggleborn as well. Clearwater's appointment made sense, but Weasley? That was clearly favouritism. Dumbledore knows how snotty and how unsuited he is to be a leader. Percy is someone who does things strictly to the book without even questioning if it was wrong or right. Dumbledore put him in that position just so he could be his eyes and ears… a lap dog.

Speaking of Head students… Hadrian couldn't help but feel that it was a little quieter around him. Antoninus would usually look around and observe quietly and not comment much. The Carrow twins would say something loud every now and then. Hadrian realized that Diana would usually talk to him at this moment and they would discuss a few things. Hadrian flicked his hair out of the way and looked down in the seat he sat in. Time went so fast… it only felt like a week ago that we were celebrating Diana becoming Head Girl, and she would sit in this seat that and discuss Serpent related matters with us… Hadrian then snapped out of his nostalgia as Dumbledore rose to the podium. The golden owl on the podium spread its wings as Dumbledore tapped his wand against it. The sorting ceremony had finally finished.

"Welcome! Welcome! To another year at Hogwarts!"

The great hall then quieted down and became silent.

"Now… I'd like to say a few words before we get too befuddled by our excellent feast! First! I am pleased to welcome, Professor R.J. Lupin, who's kindly consented to fill the post of the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher! Good luck Professor!"

Professor Lupin stood up and the great hall filled with applause.

"I told you Hadrian-"

"That position-"

"Is cursed!"

Both Carrow twins stated the last part in unison. Hadrian gave a small smile at the Carrow twins' antics.

"The new DADA Professor… he seems… strange."

Hadrian instantly turned his neck around to look at Antoninus. Hadrian completely zoned out all the applause sound and focused solely on Antoninus' next words. Did Antoninus see something irregular with their DADA professor again? Hadrian still remembered in the first year when Antoninus identified something wrong with Quirrell but didn't know what it was. They hadn't even noticed it until later on when it was too late. Hadrian wouldn't make such a devastating mistake like that again.

"I agree. Look at the scars on his face as well. He seems almost… feral…"

All the Serpents now looked at Ariana, who had just voiced her opinion. The applause slowly began to die and Dumbledore was about to resume talking again.

"Keep a close eye on him."

All the Serpents nodded their heads at Hadrian's whisper as Dumbledore resumed his speech.

"And also… our Care of Magical Creatures teacher has decided to retire… in order spend more time with his remaining limbs."

Hestia then turned around to look at Hadrian, Antoninus, and Daphne. Daphne already had lowered her head, with a hand on her forehead and through the front of her bangs. Flora giggled slightly, which left Hadrian and Antoninus slightly confused.

"Fortunately! I am delighted to announce that his place will be taken by none other than our own… Rubius Hagrid!"

The great hall exploded with cheers at hearing Hagrid's appointment as the new creatures teacher. The Slytherin table however remained quiet and in disbelief. Hadrian was slightly surprised but not too bothered, like Antoninus. They both were taking creatures, but the two of them were already used to self-studying for the exams. If anything, this was good for them. Hadrian and Antoninus wanted a challenge in class and not something boring. Both boys knew that a man who kept an Acromantula and loves dragons will bring them something more unusual and exciting in class.

The applause for Hagrid only got louder when he stood up and knocked all the cutlery off the table.

"Now then… let the feast begin!"

With a clap of his hands, the four long rows of tables in the great hall became filled with food. Various students began to grab the food in front of them and started to eat.

After Snape finished explaining to the new first year the rules of Slytherin House he dismissed everyone. After saying goodbye to Daphne and Tracey, both boys walked up to their dormitory that they shared.

$$ We are back Pistis… missss us? $$

Pistis stirred around in the portrait and curled up to look at who came in the room.

$$ Weclome back… $$

Antoninus had already locked the door to their room and layered a silencing ward to make sure nobody could hear Hadrian talking to the snake portrait. Antoninus then walked off towards the bathroom to shower, the standard procedure when they came back into their room. Whilst Antoninus showers, Hadrian would have a catch-up chit chat with Pistis.

"Hadrian, can you ask Pistis what he knows about vampires?"

Hadrian's ears perked up as he listened to Antoninus ask this question as he came out of the shower in his pyjamas.

$$ Pistis… what do you know about vampires? $$

Pistis recoiled slightly in her portrait and let out a low hiss.

$$ Creaturesss of the dark… very devious and manipulate the shadows well… like your friend $$

"What about their hierarchical structure. From the few bits of research I did from our creatures book, it only explained that much. The vampire that I fought and the one that later killed the person I was fighting was stated to be an elder vampire. What does that signify?"

Hadrian quickly translated Antoninus' question into Parseltongue and asked Pistis.

$$ Vampires have three main family lines. The Jacquelines, Seymors, and Cazimirs. The three families have been divided into three parts of the world, Jacquelines took America, Seymors with most of East Asia, and Cazimirs with all of Europe. This has been the case when I was alive with my master, Corvinus Gaunt. Based on how long vampires live… as they are essentially immortal unless killed in combat, this division of the three families wouldn't have changed in a long time. $$

Hadrian then translated what Pistis said back for Antoninus to understand. Although Hadrian hadn't met the vampire called Vanessa, he knew that it had bothered Antoninus to an extent. Hadrian could tell that she would be a difficult opponent for Antoninus. Antoninus sat pensively on his bed, clutching his bed sheets.

$$ The vampires are also like werewolves and often travel in groups. The vampires and werewolves also have a long rivalry and have a strong dislike for one another. $$

Antoninus let out a sigh as Hadrian finished talking.

"That's enough. At least this lets me know what we are dealing with. I just happened to run into the daughter of the vampire lord of Europe it seems. This favour that can be called in… it obviously has a price in return. Most likely paid by blood…"

Antoninus then summoned the red book that Vanessa gave him and caught it with a tight grip as the book zoomed out from his trunk and towards his right hand. Antoninus flicked through the small red book and went over the noted pages again.

"Is there any point calling in this favour then? Blood magic is not something we are familiar with. It is also incredibly difficult to learn. I highly doubt that even Nicholas has an extensive archive of knowledge on that. Blood magic has been one of the earliest magical practises banned in wizarding history. The only people that even practice it now are the vampires."

"Yes, there is… Hadrian, think about what we just learned. The Cazimirs are the ruling vampire family of Europe. Europe! That network of connections must be huge. That is over 44 countries they have access to. There may come a time when we might need to call in a favour."

"But the price paid in return? Is it worth the gamble?"

Antoninus looked out the tiny glass window in their room before turning back to Hadrian.

"I believe it is. The vampires could be an unexpected good ally for us or a deadly enemy. They are already aware that both you and I are a fire and shadow mage."

Hadrian was still a bit sour about that. Both he and Antoninus had no idea how they knew. Vampires must have some ability to sense their affinities, but then if any wizard hired a vampire to gauge them out… wouldn't they be exposed?

"I guess we should call it a night. Although, the vampires could prove to be an ace that we hold if things turn dire."

Hadrian nodded. He agreed with that this favour that Antoninus earned could be a hidden ace… but at what cost? That was the question that bothered Hadrian. Maybe Antoninus is right… if I get cast out from the Potter family before next summer comes, and I can't get the paperwork done for me to become a Peverell, then maybe I should just go become a vampire… if that is even possible.

UPDATE*

Chapter 4: BUCKBEAK! is out →