It's finally here! The long awaited return to Hogwarts! But first, they must go shopping! Also, I have decided that all Hogwarts letters are sent out a week before Hadrian's birthday.

I just realized that I didn't clarify before so I will do that now. They decided it was best that Hadrian WAS emancipated so that he would legally be of age and able to do magic outside of school. So he is currently a legal adult, but will go through his inheritance when he turns seventeen.

Hadrian's POV

I wake up to a tapping on my window. The goblins have been redirecting my mail to Gringotts now so that I can't be tracked by owl. I open the window to see a Gringotts owl holding this years Hogwarts letter. When the letter is free, the bird flies away before I can offer it a treat. Tom walks in a moment later, most likely to wake me up like every morning.

"Oh, you're already up."

"My Hogwarts letter came." I say quietly.

"Oh."

We stand silently, neither willing to voice what that means.

"Yes, well, I suppose that means there's a shopping trip in order. What do you say I floo the Malfoy's and your father, and six of us can go shopping for your school supplies? We can have Alexander get your school robes ready as well."

"I know that I need to go back, but I really don't want to."

"Your father will be there, and we can talk through the journals. We'll force your uncle to sign your Hogsmead permission slip, and I will meet you there every Hogsmead weekend. Just introduce me to your sidekicks as someone you met over the summer. I will have to come up with a different name though. Tom is a popular name, but it would still be too suspicious. What do you think? Do I look like a Kevin to you?"

I laugh. It wasn't as funny as I make it seem, but I just can't stop laughing. When a lump fills my throat, Tom seems to sense exactly what is going on. He sweeps me up in his arms, and holds me. I am not sure how long we stood there in each other's arms, but when a throat clears, we break away to see Kipsy waiting impatiently.

"Master Hadrian hasn't evens be havings his baths yet?"

"Sorry Kipsy. I was just telling Tom about how much I am going miss you when I'm gone." I tell him, making his cheeks burn red.

"Well hurrys ups so Kipsy cans be doings masters hair."

—-

Since today is colder and rainy, I ended up dressing in a teal flannel shirt with skinny jeans, a beanie, and a pair of boots. My hair is up in two French braided pigtails. Kipsy just did my makeup simple today, no longer needing to make me look healthy.

Despite the foul mood I was in earlier, I can't help getting excited to go out today. I love it here at the Haven, but Tom is rarely able to come with me when I leave. I skip to the floo, Tom chuckling behind me, and we floo to Malfoy Manor where we will be meeting Sev, the Malfoys, and the Zabini's.

Luckily, Sev knows how bad I am when it comes to wizarding transportation, and was standing on the other side to catch me. He helps me up and I dust myself off, scowling and sticking my tongue out at Tom when he walks gracefully out of the fireplace.

"That's no fair. I have tried everything, but I still can't figure it out." My father and Tom both laugh at my misfortune, and I pout. "Cissa, their being mean to me. Tell them to be nice."

"Be nice boys. Come here Hadrian. You'll need to wear a cloak to hide your identity. Congratulations, people officially know who you are."

I groan but allow her to slip the cloak over my shoulders. The Zabini's and Draco seem surprised at the exchange, and Lucius looks uncomfortable, but Cissa doesn't give them much time to process as she makes sure everyone is wearing a cloak and ushers us all to the floo. We enter the alley to find it as busy as ever.

"Tom, can we go to the pet store before we leave? I want to stock up on owl treats before school."

"Of course. We should also get you some new books, though I am sure you will have plenty to read in the chamber."

"Sev! That reminds me! You wouldn't happen to be interested in fresh ingredients from a fully grown basilisk would you? I'm sure Terra wouldn't mind giving you some loose scales, maybe some venom?"

"You didn't kill it? But you told Dumb-"

"Why would I do that?! They are very rare and as soon as I convinced the one controlling her to stop, she was very sweet."

"We will discuss this more later."

When we pass the twins shop, Malfoy, Zabini and I request to go inside. The adults decide to give us an hour to look around while they go through Gringotts. The other two are given some money to get what they want, but I don't have to pay if I want something here.

"So, who are you? You don't look like anyone we've seen at school before." Questions Blaise.

"My name is Hadrian Snape. I'm Sev's son, though we both only found that out recently. I will be going to Hogwarts, but you won't see me. I won't look like myself."

Both boys look stunned, and so naturally, this is when the twins decide to make their entrance. There is an explosion behind the two boys that makes them both jump and whirl around. I laugh and hold my hands up on either side of me, receiving a high five from each of the twins.

"Hadrikins!"

"We weren't expecting you today!"

"Not that we—"

"Mind of course."

"Perfect timing really,"

"We just put out the new—"

"Products you suggested—"

"A few days ago."

"Great! Have you sold any yet?" I ask excitedly.

"Of course!"

"who wouldn't want to buy things" "created by your brilliant mind?"

"We've just had to put out more!"

"Already run out, we did."

"Gred, Forge, I'm sure you have met Draco Malfoy and Blaise Zabini before?"

"Of course!"

"How do you do?"

They each bow and kiss the back of their hands, then, without letting go, kiss the other hand. I roll my eyes at their antics and slap them both upside the head.

"Anyway, I will be needing pranks if I am going to survive this year."

The five of us roam around, filling a basket each of pranks and things. The two Slytherin's are a bit quiet at first, but soon we are all laughing and joking, imagining people's reactions to certain pranks. Draco mentions pulling pranks on me only once, but I shoot it down.

Before we know it, the adults are back. We go to the front so the others can pay and I can get my things in a sack. We leave the store with a dramatic farewell from the twins.

"Can we go to the bookstore next? I need to at least get a few books for this month. Also, I need the next book in the runes and arithmancy series I am reading. Madam Bell said she would hold it for me once it came in, and it was due in last week."

"Of course. I do think your about out of them at this point. After this one, there won't be many you haven't read already. Short of the ones in the chamber or writing your own that is." Tom teases, wrapping an arm around my waist so I can lean against his side.

"Oh please. I don't think I'm that good."

"Is that so? Cause even though your father changed your schedule, I doubt you will learn anything in your runes and arithmancy classes. You already know enough to get a mastery and publish seven of your own books on it. Don't even get me started on potions."

"Oh! I was wondering if it would be possible to copy the books in the chamber, or if they would be under copyright?"

"I don't see why you couldn't. They are mostly research journals. Not many published works. Anything that was published should be old enough to not be bound by that anymore anyway."

"Yes!" I stand on my tiptoes and peck his lips, causing my father to groan.

"Please no pda in front of me."

I blush and stick my tongue out at him. We walk into the bookstore and I rush up to Madam Bell.

"Madam Bell! Madam Bell! Has it come in yet?"

"Who- Hadrian, is that you?" I grin and nod excitedly. "Well you're in luck. They sold out on the first day, but as promised," she pulls out a book from behind the counter, "I saved you a copy."

"Thank you so much!"

"Anything for my favorite customer. Though I doubt you need the book much. Anyone who reads these things for the fun of it should be writing their own if you ask me."

"You know, I was just telling him the same thing." Tom says as he wraps his arm back around me.

"My lord." She bows her head, knowing that if he is in disguise he doesn't want to be recognized by a full bow.

"Come Hadrian. We should keep moving if we wish to finish our shopping before the end of the day."

"Right. Hey Draco, Blaise, you two are doing ancient studies this year right?"

"Yes, why?" Blaise asks.

"Is it true that that teacher does a secret alchemy club?" They look at each other, then at the Dark Lord who is holding me possessively.

"Yeah, but you have to join ancient studies class to join." Draco answers.

"That's fine. I need you to get a friend of mine in."

"Can't they join themselves?"

"Not without the whole school finding out, and he'd rather keep it on the down low. I offered to teach him myself, but I have a rather full schedule, and he knows that."

"Sure, I guess we can talk to Professor Newton. Who is your friend?" I look to Tom to confirm that I can tell them.

He nods and I tell them with a smirk, "Harry Potter."

"You must be joking. Potter is an idiot. Plus he's the golden boy. Doesn't he have to train to defeat the Dark Lord or something? Not that he will succeed mind you." Draco blabbers.

"Mr. Malfoy, not that it is any of your business, but have you ever considered that all those things are simply what he wants people to think?"

"What?" The two Slytherin boys question stupidly.

"Harry Potter is dark. In fact, the only people who are higher ranked on the dark side are Hadrian and myself." Tom pitches in, causing the boys to look surprised.

"The golden boy isn't golden? Wait till I tell—"

"You are to tell nobody unless you wish for your families to have to bury you. Do I make myself clear?"

"Y-Yes my lord!" They answer together.

—-

"Stupid humans!" A voice towards the back of the pet store is saying. "Stick your hand in here tiny human! I dare you!"

I follow the voice to find a black snake about three feet long, watching as a young boy presses his face against the glass to get a better look. His mother turns around and tells him it's time to go, leaving me alone with the snake.

"What are you looking at? I bet you wouldn't be so relaxed if I wasn't stuck in this cage!"

"You know you won't ever get out with an attitude like that."

"A speaker! It is an honor to meet you master." I feel a connection between this snake and I, telling me that she is my familiar.

"It would seem that you are my familiar. Would you like to come home with me?"

"Yes! Please master!"

"My name is Hadrian, you have no need to call me master. If I take you though, you cannot hurt any humans without my permission."

"Deal, now get me out!"

I open the container and lift her out. She curls around my arm happily, and I walk to the front of the store after grabbing some owl treats, and some supplies to care for the snake.

"Excuse me sir, I would like to get these things, along with this snake."

The man looks at the counter, then jumps in surprise.

"Sir, I want you to remain calm. The snake you are holding is very dangerous, and violent. We need to put it back in a container so it can't hurt anyone."

"She won't hurt anyone. I assure you I know what I am doing. How much for her?"

The man hesitantly tells me the total, and I pay and leave the store. The others are waiting out there for me, and I cast a disillusionment spell on the snake so I can take her with me to Hogwarts without the boys realizing that I am Harry Potter.

—-

"Wake up kitten. Your father is here to join us for breakfast."

I groan but force myself to sit up. A pair of arms wrap around me, and warm lips are pressed against my own. My arms find their way around his neck, fingers tangled in his hair, and he deepens the kiss. When we pull apart, I am out of breath.

"Happy birthday Hadrian."

"Thanks." I reply with a blush.

I get up and go about my morning routine. Today I dress in black shorts , and an emerald green button up tank top. I put a black tank top style robe. When I finish pulling my dragon hide boots, and my hair is pulled half up, I walk down to eat breakfast with my father and Tom.

The two of them spend the whole day with me, teaching me spells and playing board games. At about four o'clock, Tom suggests we go out back for a while since it's nice out. I notice that the curtains are drawn on the sliding doors which is unusual during the day. I pull them open, and open the door.

Outside is decorated with streamers and balloons, there is a table set up with tons of food and a cake, and a small table has presents.

"SURPRISE!"

The twins, Bill, Charlie, the Malfoys, and the Zabini's all jump out from where they were hiding. It takes me a moment to figure out what just happened, but then I can't keep a smile off my face.

—-

"I do have one more gift for you." Tom says once we reach my room after the party.

He pulls a small box out of his pocket and gives it to me. I untie the silver bow, open it, and gasp. Inside is the necklace that I saw in Alexander's the first time we were there. The silver snake is in the shape of an infinity sign, and the two purple gems are practically glowing. I can feel the warm magic inside of it. Tom has me turn around so he can put it on me.

"How did you know?" Because I know he did.

"I saw you looking at it. I had him put protective runes and spells on it, and I put some of my magic in it so you'll have a piece of me no matter where you go."

"Thank you. I love it."

"Happy birthday Hadrian. Sleep well." He kisses me good night.

"Thanks. You too."

—-

I climb onto the Hogwarts express with a heavy heart. Tom and Sev obviously couldn't come. If I was seen arriving with anybody I would have to answer questions about who they are. As I am looking for an empty compartment, a hand grabs me and pulls me into one.

"Hello Hadrian. Congratulations on clearing away the wackspurts."

"Luna! Nev!" I exclaim.

"Harry!" Neville hugs me after Luna has had her turn. "What is this that Luna was telling me about you joining the dark? I hope you know the two of us will always support you. We're all siblings, we stick together."

I smile at them and settle in for explaining things to them.

—-

I am laying with my head on Luna's lap and my legs across Neville, working on my occlumency shields as much as I can before testing them against Dumbledore. Nev is reading his herbology book, and Luna is carding one hand through my hair, and using the other to read the quibbler upside down. The door is opened quickly and a head of red hair looks inside.

"Not-" he pulls his head out, but then looks again, "Harry!" Ron yells.

I snap my eyes open and put my hand on a glaring Luna's shoulder.

"Hey Ron, Hermione," I nod to each in turn, "How was your guys' summer?"

"Harry James Potter! Is that all you have to say to us?! We have been looking for you all summer!" Hermione yells.

"Wait, you have? How did you know I was gone?"

"Dumbledore told us."

"Oh, I didn't realize he was keeping that close an eye on me. I promise I was perfectly safe."

"Where did you go mate? Why did you leave?"

"I-" I sigh, knowing I have to say it. "I couldn't stay there anymore it gets worse every year. It would have only continued to get worse."

"What do you mean? Can't you just give us a straight answer?" Ron asks, frustrated.

"Ronald!" Hermione slaps him on the back of the head.

"What?"

"He's saying that he was being abused."

"Oh. Why would they abuse you? They're your family."

"Sometimes that's not enough to make someone care about you." I say angrily.

"Well that still doesn't tell us where you have been." Ron complains, ignoring the angry tone.

"I was somewhere safe. The more people who know where I was, the more dangerous it becomes to stay there. I promise there is no way for Voldemort to find me if even Dumbledore couldn't."

"I'm glad you're safe Harry." Hermione says, "if you need anything at all, even just to talk about your relatives, I'm here for you. I'm so sorry I didn't notice before."

"Don't worry about it Mione. I have had years to practice hiding it. I could use your help though. Since my books weren't locked away this summer, I had a chance to actually do my summer homework and things. I decided that there is no way that I will defeat Voldemort if I don't train and study. I had some of my classes changed to some that are more useful, and I practiced what I could without actually using magic. Do you think I could study with you more this year?" Her face brightens into a huge smile.

"Absolutely! Oh Harry, I am so happy you are taking your studies seriously! What are you taking?"

"I dropped Care of Magical Creatures, and Divination. I will be taking Ancient Studies, and Runes and Arithmancy. I sent my summer catching up to where everyone else in our year is. Let me tell you it took forever, and I was super bored, but I did it. I have also been told that I am a natural at Runes and Arithmancy."

"Why would you do that mate?! That's a lot of work. You won't hardly have any free time!"

"I never said it was going to be easy, but Voldemort is back, and I can't always hope that I will get lucky. You guys are my family, I don't want to put your lives on the line just because I relied on luck that ran out."

He sighs and nods his understanding. Inside, I smirk at how great of an actor I am. A movement from my robes catches my attention, and I see Athena pop out from my shirt, hissing angrily about being woken up. Neville and Luna already met her, but Ron jumps and backs away, Hermione simply jumping in surprise.

"Harry, you have a snake in your shirt. Hold still and I will get rid of it."

"No! This is Athena. She was at the pet shop, but she was being mistreated and she was stuck in a container far too small for her. She's my familiar so she listens to me."

"But it's a slimy snake!"

"Actually Ronald, snakes aren't slimy. Besides, she's his familiar, she won't hurt anyone." Hermione scolds, before stroking Athena's scales.

"I like the bushy human." Athena informs me.

"She says she likes you, Mione."

"Aww, tell her I think she's very beautiful."

"I think I am going to go see where Dean and Seamus are." Ron says and leaves the compartment.

I throw up privacy charms and relax back against Luna.

"Mione, can you keep a secret?"

"Of course."

"Even from Ron?"

"Harry, I am always here for you."

"I don't want Ron to know because, well, you know how he gets. But someone told me this summer that I shouldn't pretend to be stupid just to get people to like me. I'm switching my classes because I've decided that I want to stop pretending not to understand."

"Wait, so you have been pretending to get bad grades this whole time cause you thought Ron would be mad if you didn't?"

"Well, you too, but yeah."

"Harry! I would never be mad at you for being smart. Your my best friend. That won't change even if you are ten times smarter than me."

"Really?" I ask surprised.

"Of course."

"See Harry, I told you she wouldn't be mad." Neville says with a pat to my leg.