Chapter 4

Severus stood their wide eyed motionless, his mind was going into overtime trying to process what James just said. While it was true that he was extremely fond of the boy; adopting him as a son was something that shocked him to the core of his being. The time he spent with Hadrian was truly the best time he ever had. Severus had to grudgingly admit that he was starting to view him as a son. At first, he was not too happy about Hadrian using a wand without his permission, but after seeing him use one of his ancestor's wands. He began to show him the basics, until he would get his own wand.

Turning to his right he noticed that the boy was giving him a reassuring smile and to him that meant that he liked the idea. "I would love to adopt him, but only if he agrees to it", he said look at Hadrian.

"Yes, if you will have me", he replied to which Severus flashed him a smile confirming that this is what he wanted.

Charlus looked at them with pride, while he would have wished that James and Lily were alive. Severus has proven himself to be more than adequate in raising his grandson, "well it seems that we are all in agreement with this arrangement. However, they're two problems though".

Everyone looked up to the age man "What are the problems grandfather", Hadrian asked tentatively. The man looked at him "the first problem is that once a certain meddling old fool gets wind of this. There is no telling what he will do! The second problem is what if some of the death eaters who avoided prison, they only got free because they bought their way out".

Hadrian was about to speak but Severus cut him off 'wait, let me', he said mentally. "I understand your concern, but rest assure I have a plan. If my meeting with Jack goes well, I might be able to convince him to be a proxy in my place".

Charlus started to think about this idea as it had merits "go on", was all he said. Severus started to explain his plan "what if we have Jack as a proxy! We have him adopt Hadrian as his son to appease the public, this way no one will suspect that me of being his actual adoptive father."

Dorea liked the way this plan was going "it could work, after all doesn't Jack have a wife and daughter already. Besides, the Stevenson are members of the grey faction and they have no loyalty to Dumbledore either".

"Hadrian", she motioned to her grandson who was sitting on the couch "were you able to find a copy of the paperwork showing that Jack is rightfully your magical guardian."

"Yes, I found it while I was going through the old files in the lord's study. Right now, it's in my desk drawer in my room". Dorea smiled at him "good and here's an added bonus, both of your father and grandfather were magi's and you know what that means".

Hadrian smiled cryptically. He knew what it meant; anybody who becomes a magus is entitled to one wish. If the person dies before his or her wish is fulfilled, then it passes to their descendants. Hadrian learned this when he was in his library researching the ancient societies of the magical world. Since, neither of them ever used their wishes it would automatically pass to him, which worked to their advantage.

The only thing they needed to do was be patient and wait, with any luck nothing will happen.

(0^0)

The morning of December fifth found a man sleeping peacefully next to his wife, but they were rudely woken up by the sound of their alarm clock. The husband sat up and reached for his wand as it was sitting on the nightstand. He got out bed and cast the tempus charm for the time, it indicated that it was seven-thirty in the morning. Today was going to be a long one as it was his job to oversee the new cadets. If he could be perfectly honest based on what he had seen over the past few months they were above average at best. The only silver lining for him was that he had a meeting with the commander and an old friend.

He made his way to the bathroom to get a shower; after a quick shower he dressed in his ICW uniform and made his way to the dining room for breakfast. Upon arrival he was greeted by the house elves "good morning Lord Jack", all seven were present. "Morning everyone, is breakfast ready" he asked them.

The head elf answered, "yes we were just about to bring it out". Jack gave a nod "thank you Edgar, you all may leave now" with that he dismissed all of them and returned to the kitchen to bring out the food.

When they returned, they levitated the trays of food on the table revealing some bacon, eggs, and toast. Jack settled into his breakfast and took a few sips of his morning coffee, turning around he noticed that his wife Sarah had freshened up and was coming to join him.

"Morning dear", she kissed his cheek softly before settling next to him, Sarah was an elegant woman with a soft frame who stood about five foot seven with long black hair and brown eyes. When compared to her husband who sported a well-built physique, his muscles were well defined and was five foot twelve. He had grey eyes and short black hair; these attributes combined with his years of being in the ICW garnered him a fierce reputation.

Sarah looked at her husband for a moment "so will there be anything of interest today or will it be one of those days where you are going to come home late again" she asked him softly. The past few nights, when her husband would come home from work were grueling for him, he would come home half dead with bloodshot eyes and looked like he had not eaten anything. Yesterday, he got home at around midnight and looked about ready to collapse, it did not help that he was having nightmares of fighting he who must not be named.

Jack looked at his wife tentatively and knew she was worried about him; the last few nights have been hard on him to say the least. The nightmares he had at night often woke him up gasping for air; during the last war he and a squad of troopers were on the frontlines fighting the dark lord and his forces. The battle was horrific to say the least; him and twenty-five others fought and only nine came back alive, but they were heavily injured and needed medical attention. Even, though they were authorized to use lethal force, it did not help that Dumbledore's little society kept on getting in the way as they only wanted to use stunners and binding spells. He never did like the old headmaster and his group as they were ineffective on the battlefield. Innocent lives were lost, and all the order did was play defense!

Thinking back, he remembered that Commander Charlus tasked his son James to spy on the order and try to get intelligence from them. Jack remembered James well from his time at Hogwarts, while James did have his flaws, he was a good and strong man. When James was a cadet; Jack took him under his wing and taught him everything he needed to know about becoming an agent. He was even present at his and Lily's wedding and he was extremely happy when their son Hadrian was born. Whenever, Jack could he and Sarah would come by and see the little family. Jack was heartbroken when he heard that James and Lily were killed but was ecstatic when he heard that their son survived. Jack tried to get custody of Hadrian, but he was blocked at every turn as Dumbledore placed him with Lily's muggle family. That did not sit well with him as he often heard Lily complain about her sister and her husband.

Jack met his wife's gaze and took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze "I don't know hopefully it will be ok", he said giving her a reassuring smile. "What about you, anything special today" he asked trying to divert the conversation.

"No nothing particular today just a Wizengamot's meeting today, other than that I'm off for the month", she replied happily, knowing that her husband was trying change the conversation. He knew she worried about him, but his job was tough, and someone had to do it.

"So, it's just you and little Emily then", he said envying his wife as she got to stay at home with their daughter while he had to work today. Emily was born February 5, 1983, she had black hair like her parents and her dad's eyes.

Giving her a quick kiss, he got up from chair and went upstairs to his baby girls room. When he got their she was still sound asleep, he moved silently till he was near her and kissed her on her forehead.

After, that he started to walk, but not before taking one last look at her as he silently closed her door. The young lord made it out of the manor and when he was at the gates, he apparated to the ICW building. When he arrived, he punched in the code to allow him access, the entrance was richly decorated as it had its own floo network. Along, with that there was a fountain that had sculptures of different wizards and witches holding their wands in the air. He noticed that a lot of people were just now arriving to work for the day, rather than waste his time and linger he made his way to the elevator. When he got in, he pushed for floor B7 as that was where the other agents were; the elevator took him down and upon arriving he exited and made his way to his office.

While walking he ran into some of his colleagues and greeted them before making it to a door with a gold plaque that read Captain Jack Stevenson. Entering the office, he took a seat at his desk and pulled out some files: the evaluation sheet for the new recruits and the schedule for today's planner. He quickly, looked over what the cadet were going over for the day and after grabbing the necessary files he needed; he left and made his way to the lecture room. Opening, the door he entered and saw that the cadets were all seated at their desks while Lieutenant Shelby Burnett was surveying the room. When she noticed him in the doorway, she snapped into work mode

"Attention", she roared getting the cadets ready. The woman was if anything not someone any of them would want to cross as she was extremely strict and demanded nothing, but pure excellence from her students. Both Jack and commander Taymore knew her as she was one of the four elites that Arcturus and Charlus personally trained. She was a powerhouse and hardly anybody could stand up to her, those that were brave enough to face her in combat often ended up in the medical wing for a few days. "Captain Stevenson has arrived", everyone including her saluted him.

"At ease everyone", he said roughly, and they all stood with their hands behind their backs. "I hope you all studied last night, as yesterday's performances sucked balls! I hope for your sakes that you all can give me better results today", he declared. "Be seated" they all took their seats not wanting to be told twice.

He narrowed his eyes at them, all nineteen of the cadets knew what would be in stored if they did not give a better performance today. Some of them were still in pain from yesterday's drills the two officers put them through. To be an agent of the ICW, the cadets needed to be physically and mentally capable; there were four separate divisions: the communications department, the medical officers, intelligence division, and the front liners. The day was split in two, the first half of the day was for in class lectures where they would go over the rules, regulations, and learning more advanced spells. The second half was reserved for the training course everyone would go to their separate departments to either learn battle strategies, gather intelligence, learn how to treat dark curses and potions, and finally combat training.

The cadets took the instructions today to heart, the beginning of class they had to do a written exam on how to deal with criminals and which methods would be most effective. Luckily, for them they studied for this exam both in theory and practical, once time was up Lieutenant Burnett collected the exams, leaving Jack to teach them about stealth and tracking. After he was done lecturing them, he looked at the clock and it read two o'clock, so he called time.

"Alright", he said getting their attentions "go grab some grub and report to your assigned divisions at 3:45. Every minute you all are late will equal an eternity of suffering, you can rest assure I will find out who is late is this understood", it was not a question and they all knew that well. The last time any of them were late captain Stevenson ran them into the ground as they had trouble walking and breathing.

"Yes Sir", they said loud and clear then they left. Jack turned to Shelby who still grading the exams and noticed her face was expressionless "how are we looking so far" he asked indicating to the exams on her table.

Looking up at her old friend "so far none of them have failed, which is a start", she began. "But I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you, I am pretty sure two or three of them will fail."

Jack grew a smile on his face as he had an idea "care to make a wager on that", he asked with a smirk. She knew what he was getting at and decided to play along "what are the stakes".

"I bet you 10 galleons all of them passed the written exam today", he said with a smirk. She simply raised an eyebrow then replied, "come now Jackie you can do better than that , how about 15 galleons", she upped the ante a bit and decided to use the old nickname they had for one another.

The man extended his hand "alright Shelly you have a deal", he decided to tease her back by using the nickname he gave her. She simply chuckled before shaking his hand and returning to her grading.

"So aside from the new deadbeats, how have you been lately", she asked him. "You can fool a lot of people Jack but I'm not one of them". Mentally cursing he knew she was very observant and was able to see through anyone's visage.

"Sarah" was all he said as he knew the two were like sisters.

"Sarah" she confirmed "you're having nightmares again aren't you". Jack simply grunted indicating she was right. "The war back then was hard on everyone, while the people rejoice that it is over; the people that fought in it know how bad things were back then. I never did like how the war ended as it left scars on people. But I learned to appreciate what I do have and who survived in it".

"Thanks" he said smiling at her "your pep talks are getting better you know". She rolled her eyes at him "hey would you mind working with the cadets for the day I have a meeting with Alex, and I don't know how long it will take?"

"I'll take care of it don't worry it give me the chance to break them in", she said a sadistic smile. "Tell Al I said hey for me will you"!

He let out a chuckle "will do" was all he said before he exited the room. Jack made his way upstairs to the Commander's room which was not far from his own as it was on the same floor as his just further down the corridor. Before he made it to the office, he saw that Sergeant Richard Stone had exited holding the latest case files.

The moment Sergeant Stone saw him, he snapped into action "Captain Stevenson" he saluted him. Jack saluted him back "Sergeant Stone, how is it in there", he pointed to the office where the commander was.

"He was relatively calm" the sergeant spoke to the superior officer "with any luck he will stay that way for a while".

"Don't hold your breath", he said briskly "somehow I got a feeling that the meeting I'm about to have with him will end with some yelling".

That brought the sergeant's hopes down "I wish you luck then. If you need me sir, I'll be in my office" they saluted each other before going their separate ways.

When Jack made it to the door the gold plaque read Commander Alexander Taymore. Taking a breath, he knocked on the door.

"Enter" was all that was heard as he opened the and stepped in the office. Sitting at his desk was the commander himself, Alexander Taymore was dressed in his white tailored uniform. Like Jack's uniform it carried the designs of a superior officer label and rank. The only difference was that his ID badge showed five stars while, Jack had only four on his.

The commander had mousy brown hair with brown eyes and was an inch shorter than the other agent in the room. That may have been the case, but he was a highly respected military leader. The office was more spacious than his own as it had a fireplace, two couches facing one another with a coffee table in between them. There were filing cabinets along with a variety of different books in the shelves.

"Commander Taymore sir" Jack saluted him, to which the man saluted back "Captain, take a seat", he pointed to one of the couches. "I will be with you in a moment, I just need to put these things away", with a wave of his hand all the files on his desk were back in their proper cabinets. The man walked over to the fireplace and with a wave of his hand started a fire, taking a seat opposite of the captain.

The two men stared at each other quietly for a moment, the commander looked at the clock on the wall which said it was 2:15. "So, Jackie boy, who are these special guests that wanted to meet with us", he jokingly asked.

"Glad to see that your jokes haven't run out yet Al, oh and Shelly says hello" he snickered at his friends discomfort before composing himself "don't worry about our guests they're not due to come for another twenty minutes. The only thing I can say is that one of them has some information, that we might find upsetting".

Alex let out a deep sigh, tensions have been high as of late. There has been a recent spike of international criminals, as of now their organizations are in magical India, Britain, Australia, and in Antarctica. The situation had rose to where the Law the Enforcements of their sectors are rendered inadequate. Taymore had spoken with the other commanders and they all agreed that the needed to neutralize this threat before things get ugly.

Now we have these mystery guests coming in a few minutes, who are probably going to bring more bad news. This is the price of being the head of ICW agency of both Britain and Ireland, 'with any luck this meeting won't be –' a knock on the door pulled him out of his thoughts. "Enter" was all he said.

The door opened, revealing a tall man in black robes with a hood covering his face had arrived. Looks like their mysterious guests was here.

(0^0)

Miles away stood the famous school of Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry, all the professors were gathered in a meeting discussing the progress of the students. Albus told them that he had to leave for the Wizengamot's today as he was the Chief Warlock and it was his duty to address the members. If he could have it his way, he would stay at the school today, but duty call. Therefore, the usual staff meeting was held in the morning, instead of the evening like they usually were. This made some of the staff members upset as most of them were busy grading homework assignments, quizzes, and test. Thank merlin the last of the seventh years were finally done.

With all the students done Dumbledore address the staff "now that the meeting over I believe we should all return to our duties".

Severus decided to take his chance and speak "Indeed" he started with his usual sneer. Everyone just rolled their eyes as they have gotten use to Severus's attitude "Albus I should be back in a couple hours; with any luck it will be short".

The headmaster turned to face the potions master with the usual twinkle in his eyes, "Severus I wish you the best at the meeting. I take it you have everything you need then" he asked.

Before Severus could respond, Minerva cut in "wait your leaving Severus, don't you have papers to grade", she was beginning to suspect where he was going. Of course, she herself had a sorceress degree in Transfiguration, but him constantly having to leave was concerning.

Dumbledore noticed that before the meeting today Severus was in a bad mood and was close to losing his cool evidently, he was still pissed about the day before.

(Flashback)

Yesterday a group fifth year Gryffindor's were picking on a group third year Slytherins; insults were thrown, and spells were casted. When Severus and Minerva rounded the corner, they tried to put a stop to it but one of the Gryffindor's fired a bludgeoning hex that almost hit Severus in the arm. Severus sidestepped and cast a widespread stunner to make them all stop. Severus was one angry man when he saw the shape his Slytherins were in; one of the girls had boils on her head saying 'I'm a cunt' along with her robes torn and homework destroyed. The other girl's hair was sporting a neon green color and had some deep cuts on her arms, torso, and legs. As for the two males their essays were also destroyed and had some scars and bruises followed by a broken bone each.

The four Gryffindor's on the other hand, only had minor cuts and a couple of bruises, when Minerva was finished inspecting her lions, she unfroze everyone and led everyone to Dumbledore's office. When they made it to the office, Dumbledore asked for an explanation as to why they all looked so deplorable. The students just started talking all at once, but Severus quickly silenced them all by firing a cannon blast at the ceiling and instructed one at a time. The four Slytherins could speak first, they tried to explain that they were coming back from the library, after they finished their homework's. While they were walking the halls the Gryffindor's ambushed them and started insulting and throwing curses at them. When they were done with, the Gryffindor's tried to plead innocent that it was a lie and that they were attacked first. Dumbledore had Severus and Minerva to examine their wands and the two head of houses did not hesitate to do as instructed.

After examining the wands both the transfiguration and potion professor were furious with the spells the students used. The latter was more pissed and looked like he wanted nothing more than to curse the impudent lions, especially the one that almost hexed him. Severus turned to look at Albus told him that all his Slytherin did was use minor hexes and curses against the lions; Minerva had to take a deep breath after inspecting her lion's wands. Some of the spells they used could have caused some serious damage and probably put the third years in St. Mungo. Dumbledore was beside himself and deducted 30 points from each of the Gryffindor's and gave them three weeks detention when the new semester started. That made Severus angry and he began protesting that he was letting the Gryffindor's off easy, the Slytherins lost 40 points each, given four weeks of detention and banned from hogsmede for a month.

The Slytherin tried to protest that this punishment was unfair as they were the ones that were attacked, but Dumbledore raised his hand to silence them and said his decision was final. The Gryffindor's sported looks of superiority, the one on the end snickered a bit but was cut off by the stern/murderous glares from Minerva and Severus. Severus was not going to be as soft as Dumbledore was with them "you four will serve your detentions with me. If you think I am going to be as lenient with you as your own Head of House is then you have another thing coming", he said firmly.

Three of the four Gryffindor's were frozen with fear at the tone he was using as they knew the professor meant what he said. The other one did not have enough brains to keep quiet like his friends and spoke up "that's not fair you greasy bastard, your just mad because your filthy snakes got roughed up". The boy was about to speak again but was cut off by a slap to the head by two of his friends while the other covered his mouth.

Severus immediately got in front of the boy, with a look that made the boy want to piss himself "you just bought yourself another three days of detention Mr. Ramirez and lost your house another ten point. Care to try for more", the boy looked at his head of house for help, but she just gave him an icy stare that said we will be talking later. Rather than risking anymore confrontations Dumbledore dismissed everyone (except for Severus) and instructed Minerva to lead them to the hospital wing.

When everyone was gone Dumbledore turned to look at Severus "really Severus I know your upset, but did you really had to be that harsh with the boy", he used his grandfather tone.

"The impudent brat needs to learn some respect Albus and you coddling your precious Gryffindors is not helping" he retorted. Albus gave a sigh "my boy I understand that Mr. Ramirez was out of line when he spoke to you and he does deserve to be reprimanded for it. Your tone towards the boy was unprofessional and I do not coddle the Gryffindor's Severus you know that".

Mentally cursing the old man for being biased toward the lion and disregarding the welfare of his snakes, "that brat and his friends casted lethal curses at my students and you let him walk free. What about my students Albus, their work is ruined and have more injuries than your Gryffindor's"?

Dumbledore massaged his temples as he honestly believed the boy didn't really mean to do harm "I do not like what the boy and his friends did to your students Severus. However, I believe that they have been punished enough", he said firmly to end the conversation.

Seeing that he was not going to listen to him Severus turned around and left to see how his snakes were doing.

(Flashback end)

"Calm down Minerva" Albus said to his deputy head "Severus has already explained that he would be leaving for a few hours today. Master Yamamoto has requested an audience with Severus to discuss his latest invention for his Sorcerers degree. If Severus can impress him enough then, it might revolutionize the way we use healing potions", he said confidently.

Minerva raised an eyebrow and thinned her lips "what's wrong with the healing potions that have already been invented", she asked skeptically. Before Albus could reply, Severus was already irritated with the nagging woman "the problem Minerva" he said her name as if he swallowed a sour lemon. "Is that while we may have invented potions that can fix bones and remove poisons from a person body, they are not always a guarantee for survival". Severus continued "if I am lucky enough my current project could be more effective when treating those that have suffered from not only mild to moderate, but also the effects of dark magic".

The teachers were impressed as well, they did not expect Severus to work on something like this. In, truth the recent healing potions were hardly effective as a person had to use certain items to help get around. Professor Vector stood up to address her colleagues, she was a young in her mid-thirties witch with fair skin, long black hair, and red robes. While she might be stern and cynical it was nothing like Minerva and Severus as she was fair, understanding and more lenient. "Everyone please settle down" trying to calm down the tension in the room "now Minerva, Severus has already told to me why he was leaving and has asked me to watch his house while he is away".

Severus gave a nod to Septima, he had memories of her from his time at Hogwarts, she was four years older than him. Septima had a reputation as one of the top twelve Arithmancer in the world, even when she was in school her skills in the subject were impressive. Also, she a licensed spell crafter and one of the few Professors who he got along with and even understood boundaries. "Thank you, Septima! My Slytherins have already been made aware that you will be watching them in my absence. Let me know if any of them misbehave! I be more than happy to straighten them out" he said firmly.

Septima gave him a reassuring smile, "relax Severus I'll handle them while you are gone. If anything, there should be no problems today and you can have a day without issues" to that Severus gave a nod and headed to exit the room. Just as he was about to leave, he took one last look at Minerva "I hope that meets your expectations, wouldn't want you to be useless and turn a blind eye to anything" he said with a sneer before leaving.

Minerva was left shocked at the man's words and she could not believe that he would say that. Filius interrupted her train of thought with a squeak "Minerva I really wish you lay off Severus more. Why must you two always be at odds with one another", he asked shaking his head before leaving. While the other professors were filing out, Severus made his way to the grounds to apparate to the ICW building to meet his old Potion's Master.

Arriving at his destination, Severus was met by a person with a hood over his head. He immediately knew it was and gave a respectful bow "I'm glad you could come; I wasn't sure you would even come".

The figure in front of him took a breath "Severus I understand, and you have nothing to worry about I was not followed. While I do enjoy our chats, I believe this would be better if we meet with the others inside". They both went inside to meet the others, as this meeting was important.

(0^0)

The two men made their way to the Commanders room and the older man knocked on the door "Enter" that was all that was heard as the man opened the door and saw to people sitting on the couches.

Jack and Alex were both initially leery about their guests for the day as they did not know what to expect "I trust that the other one is behind you as well". It was not a question as Severus came from behind the other person. Jack was shocked as he had not seen his old friend in a few years and receiving a letter from him was staggering.

Jack composed himself before looking at the two people "Severus, this is a surprise! I have not seen you in years" he began still a little shock. He was about to speak again when the hooded figure closed the door and decided to intervene "forgive me for interrupting but there is a matter that we need to discuss".

The figure removed his hood, revealing himself to be Hayato Yamamoto much to the shock of the two ICW officers. They were not expecting this, not only was he the deputy headmaster of Mahoutokoro he was also a magus. This can only mean one thing: trouble! Hayato whipped out his wand and casted some privacy wards so that they would not be overheard.

The two officers were about to speak but were silenced when he held up his hand "all will be explained. I just need to make sure that no one is eves dropping." He proceeded to check around the office to see if anything was bugged. After conducting his search to verify everything was fine, he looked at his former protégé "alright Severus the floor is yours".

Severus took that as his que and addressed the two agents on the couch "I'll get straight to the point. The reason we are here is because of a meddling old man placed a certain boy with his abusive relatives, stole the position of magical guardian from Jack here, and disregarded the wishes of two members of the Magi's".

This immediately got Alex and Jack's attention as they both shared a knowing look if Dumbledore did something that went against the wishes of a magus then it will be hell on earth. The look on Hayato's face was one of pure anger that shocked both, Jack was the first to regain his wits "why don't you start at the beginning Severus".

Severus explained everything he knew about what Albus did to the Potter family. He told them about the night he was out spying for the Dark lord and the deal he made with Albus so that he would keep Lily and her family safe. If Severus spied for him then, Albus would do his best to keep them safe but even then, he had misgivings and went to Hayato for help. Then explained how Hadrian was placed with Petunia and her family; he informed them of what the boy had to go through under their care. It was mentioned in James and Lily's will that their son was not supposed to go anywhere near them. He even explained how Albus stole the rights of being the magical guardian from Jack.

However, all this was the tip of the iceberg as Severus told them about how the boy's magic had been bounded and that Albus stole his blood to power illegal tracking charms. After, that he told them about the day Hadrian was brought to Potter Castle, how he was close to death courtesy of his uncle. Lastly, he told them how he has been appointed as the boy's adoptive father by the boy's parents and grandparents.

When Severus finished, he handed a copy of the documents to Jack proving that he was indeed the magical guardian of Hadrian James Potter. The occupants of the room were sporting looks of anger, rage, grief, and disbelief. The most came from Jack as he was furious with the old man and muttering how he wanted nothing more push Albus through the Veil of death himself. Alex was also pissed as he to have a strong connection with Charlus and his family. Charlus was his mentor/friend when he became a cadet knowing full well that the man was rolling in his grave by now. He may have baby sat Hadrian a few times and had grown to care for him; he understood that Charlus and his son loved the boy very dearly. If anything, he felt like he betrayed them by not looking after the boy.

Finally came Hayato as he too was pissed at the old man. According to Albus he placed the young infant with his mother's muggle family and said that he would be well protected and cared for. When Charlus and James were Magi's they both wished for their grandson/son to be protected. Hayato did not believed what he heard what happened to the boy from Severus. So, he checked to see if the wishes were met; sadly, they were not. If a magus makes a wish, then their names would glow silver and if they did not then they would glow yellow both names were in yellow. This only proved that Albus willingly ignored not one but two Magi's and that would have grave consequences.

Alex partially recovered and turn to look at Severus "do you have the memories of what the boy went through in that house" he asked barely audible. The man simply nodded his head and took out the vial from his robes containing the memory.

"Where is your pensieve" Severus asked. The commander went to his desk and pulled out the pensieve which was in the bottom drawer. When he brought it out, Hayato stopped him "make sure it hasn't been tampered with. I wouldn't put it pass Dumbledore or anyone of his followers to sabotage it." Alex complied and took out his wand to cast some diagnostic spells to ensure it was working fine.

After confirming that the pensieve has not been tampered with he motioned for Severus to bring the memory. Severus took out the memory from his pocket "Hadrian has granted me permission to show you the memory. As I have already seen it, my presence will not be required" Severus said firmly not wishing to see it again. The other three took a breath then entered the pensieve hoping that things that Severus told them was wrong.

The three of them entered the pensieve to view the memory bracing themselves for what they were about to witness. After twenty minutes they exited the pensieve and were sporting different facial expressions: rage, anger, and sorrow. Alex went to his desk and pulled out three calming draughts for them. After downing the contents, Jack gave Severus a nod telling him that he understood the situation.

"So where do we go from here" he asked Severus. What he saw in that memory had made him furious as he desperately wanted to go to the Dursley's house and tear them a new one. Severus stared at him for a moment then answered "during my time with the Potters more importantly Hadrian I began teaching him how to defend himself both in magic and muggle combat. After one of our training sessions we talked with his parents and grandparents and it was decided that I would be his adoptive father".

Everyone was shocked at this information, taking a moment to recover Jack spoke "so what is it you require" he asked wanting to know.

Seeing as that was his que to continue Severus took a breath "as you three know while I can't be his father in the public eye as it will cause a lot of problems. Particularly, from Albus and the other death eaters that claimed to be under the imperious curse. We figured that you would help in that category as you and your wife can act as his adoptive parents to appease everyone. This way no one will suspect me being his actual father." Severus let that information sink into everyone then continued "also he would like to attend Mahoutokoro. This way he can get away from Albus for a while."

The three occupants were silently impressed with this plan not only will the boy have the family he should have; he would also be away from Dumbledore. Hayato was indeed on board with this but there were a few things that concerned him "can you bring him here right now".

Severus gave him a look as he didn't know what the man was thinking, "I give you my word Severus that I will not harm in anyway. I just want to be certain about a few things before we proceed further". Severus stared at his former master for a moment before relenting a bit.

"Alright I'll get him here", Severus concentrated a little bit to reach his son 'Hadrian are you there'?

'I'm here dad I just got done training a few minutes ago. Is it time yet' he asked wanting to know if they were on board with the plan?

'Yes, and they wish to meet with you, come to the Commanders office at the ICW'

'Ok I'll let Byakko know and have him bring me there', that was all he said before he dropped the connection.

Severus looked to see that everyone was staring at him as if he were crazy "I'll explain later when he gets here".