Hadrian Antares Black loved his family. As well as his name. While he liked Freak, both for its rarity and simplicity, but hated the connotations the name had. He also didn't want to upset his parents. They hated when he referred to himself as Freak, or when they had to use it to gain his attention after he hadn't responded to his new name.

But overall, he liked it.

He liked most of the things in his life, he reckoned. His new house was gigantic, and his room was infinitely larger than his cupboard. He could decorate it, move it around, he could move around in it! At first, he thought he had entered the wrong place, but after multiple reassertions and even writing out "Hadrian's Room" on the door, did Hadrian finally believe his new parents. Speaking of his new parents, Eva and Regulus was the best thing that had ever happened to him. They never hit him, and "punishment" was usually a stern talking too, but they always were doing it to keep him safe, not to spite him or hurt him. They also understood what had happened to him, and they had been nothing but supportive. When Hadrian usually woke up from a nightmare, the first few months showed Hadrian that his new family was a kind and sympathetic one.

And while he didn't have any friends, he had Samara as well as Kreacher, and that was enough for Hadrian. His basilisk familiar would always be there for him, and she always talked to him, and even calmed him down when his parents couldn't, and Kreacher, while grumpy, was fond of Hadrian and the young boy found himself fond of the grouchy house-elf as well.

Peeling his eyes open as the morning sunshine awoke him from his sleep, Hadrian had to untangle his way from the now ginormous Samara and had to practically untie himself from her body to escape the bed. He only heard a few hissing sounds that sounded something like rats and that caused him to chuckle.

Today was the 23rd of June, and it was the fourth anniversary of his arrival to Grimmuald place, and he knew his parents would've liked to celebrate. The first time it had happened, he had no clue it had been a year and was thoroughly surprised when his parents came in, along with Kreacher who was holding the cake, to surprise him. Now though, it was a small time of celebration for the small family of three, along with Kreacher, and while it was close to his birthday, his parents had simply said they had spoiling to make up for.

The aftermath of that first day ended with Regulus and Eva blood-adopting him, which they had the goblins oversee, and after they went to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour and stayed there for most of the day, simply eating ice cream and enjoying one another's company, and it was one of Hadrian's fondest memories. The ritual itself did quite a lot, outside of legally changing his name, and he was taken back when he first saw his new look in his mirror when they went back home to Grimmauld place.

Instead of a scrawny, emerald-eyed boy that had a more basic look, Hadrian now had a mix of his mother's eyes and his father's. A unique mix of grey and cobalt and his emerald made for a sort of aquamarine grey hybrid color that his mother loved. His hair, while still a bit unruly, was much wavier instead of shaggy, and he was able to style it into one that was stylish. He had grown, significantly so, and he knew he was now taller than most if not all of the other kids that lived near Grimmauld place. His facial structure had also changed, and instead of being a mirror of James Potter, he was now one of a younger Regulus Black, with high cheekbones and a more slim build. All in all, he loved his new look.

He was also able to buy clothing that actually fit him, and his parents didn't mind if he bought a few muggle clothing, mainly jeans and Chuck Taylors, but he still wore his midnight blue robes that were required of him for the Pureblood events. It had bothered him at first, wearing robes, but seeing how happy his mother was socializing with other people instantly put a stop to that, and he always abode by what they told of him.

Meeting real people in the wizarding world had been a challenge, both with disguising his appearance and keeping up the facade that he had lived in secret in Grimmauld place his entire life, but after a few lessons with his grandfather's portrait, as well as a few lessons from his dad, he was able to handle politics, to an extent. He understood most of the things Lords and Ladies did in the Wizengamot and was able to do basic things like telling when people were lying, or when people were doing something for their agenda, but more advanced political skills were outside of his eleven-year-old mind.

Hadrian involuntarily let out a chuckle when he remembered Malfoy's reaction, specifically Lucius and his cousin Draco when they learned he was the Heir Black.

"My son, Hadrian Antares Black, the Heir to the Most Noble and Ancient of Black!" His father had gone overboard with this introduction, Hadrian concluded as he shakes hands with multiple lords and ladies of different houses, before he came across a family of blondes. The woman reminded him of his father, and he learned later that this was his father's cousin, and she seemed to radiate giddiness and when she landed her eyes on him, she might have even squealed. A few moments later he was introduced to Narcissa Malfoy nee Black, and he enjoyed her company. She reminded him of a temperamental mother bear, but he enjoyed her company. Her husband and son, however, did not.

The husband, who he learned later was named Lucius Malfoy, screamed pompous git and it only took a few moments before he wanted to throttle the man. Multiple hidden insults towards both his mother and father and his Uncle Sirius left him in an irate mood, and his father must have been as well. He was lucky his mom didn't hear, she probably would have hurt him, but all of his irateness was erased when he heard the little boy, Draco, whine behind his father.

"Father! You told me that I was the heir to the Black family. I want to be heir to the Black family!" The childish winning reminded him of a dying horse and wanted to cover his ears to block the sound, and was eternally grateful when his father interrupted the pair who were bickering quietly.

"Excuse me, do you mean to tell me, that Line Theft would have been committed if we hadn't revealed our son's presence before your son's majority?" He blanched as he recalled what line theft was. One of the most serious crimes someone could commit, the punishment, regarding the circumstances, was most severe, sometimes even ending in death.

And he almost did laugh out loud when he saw the Lord Malfoy flinch and whiten as well, and had a very hard time suppressing a giggle when he saw the Lord Malfoy drag on his son, furiously whispering in his ear as the kid whined about his arm.

Laughing to himself as he made his way into the kitchen, he was surprised to make his way to the stove and began to prepare breakfast. Despite that, his parent's insisting that he wouldn't have to do any chores when he lived with them, he found cooking specifically to be relaxing. His mother had found him making a full English breakfast on multiple occasions, and she, as well as his father, knew it was therapeutic for him and often simply waited in silence for him to finish. After, they would converse on what his nightmare had been about, and usually eat their food. And tonight was different.

"Hadrian, love. Come here." His mother's melodic voice broke him out of his thoughts as he looked up to her from where she was standing in front of him. She advanced, and at his nod, she wrapped her arms around him smothering her to his chest and she began to hum softly in his ear as a few stray tears leaked out of his eyes, dripping onto her shirt.

"Love, what's wrong?" Hadrian shook his head, which was only a slight move due to her arms, and she began to sing softly into his ear and he felt her move around and didn't even realize she had taken them to her bed, where his dad was snoring slightly. She laid onto her back with his small frame settled on hers and he heard his dad wake up with a few grumbles until he opened his eyes and saw his son and wife, with his son obviously distraught. Hadrian still has his head tucked into his mom's neck but felt a warm, fuzzy blanket be wrapped around him and he also felt the solid heavy arm of his father which curled around his form as well as his mother's.

"What happened? Was he cooking again?" Even though his dad was whispering, Hadrian heard every word and he felt an ugly guilty feeling build up in his chest. How did they stand him? For constantly waking them up with his disobedience? He sorry began to try to extract himself from his mother's arms and began whimpering out multiple sorry's, but was stopped when his mother yanked him back into her arms, rubbing her hand soothingly up and down his back.

"Hey, hey, hey. Baby, Love, you need to calm down." Eva and Regulus were shocked. It had never gotten this bad before, save for the first year after his arrival, and they had no idea what had to lead their son to a quivering, sobbing mess in their arms.

"I'm… I'm sorry for waking… for waking you guys up." He further burrowed his head in shame into his mother's neck but was surprised when she pulled him out of his hiding spot.

"Don't ever apologize for how you were affected by those wretched muggles. Ever. What happened to you was their fault. Theirs. You couldn't have done anything, and whatever you would have done wouldn't have appeased them. They were horrible, terrible people and never deserved such a treasure that you are to your father and me. You mean so, so, much to us. Never forget that." And with that, she allowed a still crying Hadrian to put his head back into her neck, and continued to rub circles on his back, and ran a hand through his hair. They didn't flinch when they felt the cold scales of Samara, for she had done this with them multiple times, and he eventually fell asleep.

July Thirty First had an energized Hadrian Black running down the stairs with his snake familiar around his neck, both eager for birthday presents. His gifts from his parents were always sentimental and he valued them more than most of his other possessions. His trusty Cleansweep 360 along with potions kit, which was updated every birthday, were among those. As well as Samara's collar, which allowed for him to carry her around with him whenever he went out in public.

Today, however, was incredibly special for several reasons. One, it was his birthday, and he was beyond anxious to receive his gifts. He knew how much effort his parents put in to have his birthday, as well as his arrival party in which he got a few minor presents, and he loved this day more than most. Two, it was his eleventh birthday, and he would be getting his Hogwarts letter and after breakfast, he and his parents would be going to Diagon Alley to get his school supplies, which both scared and excited Hadrian. Dread for leaving his parents and being away from them for a long period, but excitement for learning new things about magic. His fear of magical things which resigned from his time at the Dursely's had been snuffed out and all he felt now was endless excitement for all things magical.

He rocketed through the hallway which leads from the stairs to the kitchen and pushed open the door with barely contained excitement. His mother, who had been making his favorite for breakfast, was only able to turn around before she felt the black blur that was Hadrian slam into her lower body. She felt his arms tighten around him and she leaned down and whispered, "Happy Birthday", into his ear.

After that, the mother and son pair ate their breakfast, in which Samara was given a few rats, and Hadrian was physically shaking when he saw a brown barn owl fly through the window and land in front of him, sticking its leg out and letting out a soft hoot. The owl had a letter, with a red seal on the front, with the letter addressed to a Hadrian Antares Black, the second largest bedroom, Grimmuald place, London. Grabbing the letter, Hadrian didn't even see the owl fall over when he yanked the letter which caused it to fall over, and ripped it open, reading through the letter and stuffing his mouth with food.

HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

Headmaster: ALBUS DUMBLEDORE

(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

Dear Mr. Black,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment. Term begins 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Minerva McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress

HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

UNIFORM

First-year students will require:

sets of plain work robes (black)

plain pointed hat (black) for day wear

pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)

winter cloak (black, with silver fastenings)

Please note that all pupil's clothes should carry name tags.

COURSEBOOKS

All students should have a copy of each of the following:

The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk

A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot

Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling

A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch

One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore

Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander

The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble

OTHER EQUIPMENT

1 wand

1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)

1 set glass or crystal vials

1 telescope

1 set brass scales

Students may also bring an owl OR a cat OR a toad.

PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST-YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS

His dad, who Hadrian hadn't seen come up behind him, let out a, "I'm so proud of you", and wrapped his arms around and he allowed himself to relax in his father's arms, happy to relax while his mother read through his letter, making notes of what to buy and where to buy them, and the rest of the morning they ate breakfast and made to prepare for the day.

Regulus was happy now, with his new life. He had a son, an heir, who he loved more than life itself and had a wife who he knew was also ecstatic about their son, Hadrian. The beginning of his time with them was rough, but Regulus was prepared to do anything to make sure his son felt comfortable in Grimmauld place. Nightmares were common, and more than not he awoke to his wife and son cuddled up next to him, with his son wrapped around his mother's arms. God, he loved them so much.

But he was also worried for his son. He didn't think he needed to have him see a mind healer, at least not yet, and he was immensely proud of how he had progressed in his magic and magic in general but was worried.

His son was very antisocial, to the point that he only talked to around 4 people, and much-preferred animals to actual people, save for him and his wife, and that worried him. Going from only around 4 people, in which two of them weren't actually human, to a school full of kids of all ages and adults, alone, and he knew his son had a hard time trusting adults, much less talking and interacting with them.

But he had faith in his son, for despite his timid nature, could be a bloody menace and he knew Samara would defend him if necessary.

So, overall, he was both excited and terrified for his son's tenure at Hogwarts, but couldn't keep the smile off his face at the sight of his son smiling widely at the knowledge of his Hogwarts letter.

Hadrian didn't know what to expect from Diagon Alley. From what his father had told him, it was a very large alleyway with multiple shops and even a bank and was connected to other alleyways. But he hadn't ever been to a place such as Diagon Alley, due to the Dursleys, and he was both nervous and excited.

Running a hand through his hair, he readjusted his cloak and grabbed onto his mother's hand and with a crack, they were there.

The sight of a dingy darkly lit with a few people eating at a bar and a few eating in some booths met Hadrian. They didn't look surprised at their arrival, and the barkeep said hi but Hadrian only nodded in welcoming. His father and the man, who he learned was named Tom, talked about something for a bit. His mother grabbed his hand and gently lead him through the crowded alleys of Diagon Alley.

The Alley was something he had never seen before, and he found the experience odd. It was an awfully crowded space and he found himself moving towards his mother more often than not. Letting her take the lead, he was dragged into Gringotts, the goblin bank, and he felt his body relax slightly as he heard the doors close behind him.

It's much more empty in here, Hadrian thought to himself. He kept his gaze towards the goblin dead ahead of them and made an effort to straighten his back and correct his posture. The goblins were not someone to be treated lightly, and he respected them.

He and his mother stopped only a few feet away from the teller, and she cleared her throat. "We would like to make a withdrawal, master goblin." The goblins froze, which lead to most of the other wizards freezing as well in fear, but then the goblins laughed. A croaking, hearty, uneasy laugh, but a laugh nonetheless.

"And do you have your key, Mrs. Black?" The goblin gave a crooked smile and Hadrian found himself not moved by the action, while he knew that the wizards watching cringed and one even whimpered. "Yes, master goblin. I do. My son and I need some galleons for both new clothes as well as school supplies. My son, all grown up, going to Hogwarts." Her tone screamed her adoration with her son and he felt his cheeks warm. They reddened, even more, when the goblin chuckled again.

"Well then, follow me."

The goblins, although they disliked most people, respected the Black Family. Regulus, the new head, wasn't a bigoted arsehole who spouted pure-blood supremacy out of his mouth and made efforts to make up for his family's past prejudice. He also respected the goblins, even when they were adversely the opposite, and never once name-called or threatened the goblins. Having an heir also helped.

Hadrian had been in deep conversation with the goblin Griphook, who had taken them to their vaults when his mother grabbed his hand again and motioned for them to leave. "By Griphook!" The young boy shouted. Griphook gave a slight nod to the wizard and shook his head at the boy's antics.

"Where are we going now, mom?" Hadrian inquired from where he was looking out across the alley. He assumed his dad was buying his books and other school essentials that didn't require him to be there in person, and that meant only clothing and his wand were left.

"Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, dear. Now, don't give me that pout. It's not my fault that you are growing constantly." And with that, the pair went on to Madam Malkin's and he was surprised to see his cousin, Draco, there.

The young blonde boy was nagging what he assumed to be Madam Malkin, and he watched as Draco's Malfoy reprimand the boy and laughed silently to himself when Draco's cheeks reddened. But when she looked up and saw Hadrian and his mother, she immediately perked up and headed over to them, hugging his mom and only greeting Hadrian.

He nodded his thanks for her not touching him, and then sat on the bench next to his cousin. Madam Malkin was an older woman but in a good way. She was very attentive and also very nice, and seemed to be filled with stories, about his father and mother. He loved hearing about his parents. He felt a bit prudish for it, but he loved when people praised his father and mother. Openly hearing what he heard from the Dursleys about his actual parents left a toll on his mind, and hearing stories about them, both his biological and adoptive, made him warm and tingly inside.

His cousin didn't talk much, and Hadrian chalked that up to what happened last time, and he simply sat there, answering Madam Malkin's questions.

Later, which was only about an hour or so, Hadrian was greeted with the sight of his father approaching and he felt his face break out into a slight smile. Waving from his seat, and saw his father smile and wave back, and his father then entered the shop.

"Well, what do you know. Regulus Arcturus Black… I remember when you were like your son now, a little schoolboy bumbling with excitement. Oh, when I was younger…" She sighed dramatically and he heard his mother and Narcissa giggle into their hands.

"Now, come on! I wasn't that bad. Well… not as bad a Sirius!" Everyone, except Draco, seemed to laugh at that and the rest of their time at the shop was trading stories and getting robes for Hadrian.

"Well, we best be off! We'll be back if Hadrian here grows again, but it truly was great to see you." Regulus shook hands with Madam Malkin while his mother hugged Draco's. When his family left, his cousin only nodded while Narcissa ruffled his hair. The two parties split, with the Malfoy's going up the Alley and with Hadrian's family going to Ollivanders. The trio entered, and when no one approached, Regulus walked in front of Hadrian and turned around.

"She insisted on coming with me!" His dad pulled out a smaller Samara and the snake immediately shot out from his father's grip and coiled around Hadrian's neck.

"She is quite the beautiful snake." The old man's voice made the trio jump and Hadrian saw his parents reach for their wands, circling around Hadrian to protect him. He managed to peek through his parent's arms and was surprised by what he saw.

An older man with wild, grey hair and dark red robes that were covered in dust, stood behind the counter. He didn't seem threatened, or even bothered by the sight of his parents with their wands out, and looked from one to the other, before looking at Hadrian.

"Ah yes. Regulus Black… Cypress, 11, and with the heartstring of a Ukrainian Ironbelly… I remember when you entered this room, with your banshee of a mother, as well as your brother…" Regulus slowly let his wand down and his mother, although hesitant, followed suit. "And you, Evangaline Black nee Rosier… Sassafrass, with the heartstring of a particularly protective Direwolf. It took out a chunk of his left arm when he tried to heal its injuries after it was attacked by a particularly vicious grizzly bear…"

"Hello, Mr. Ollivander. We are here to get my son, Hadrian, a wand." Hadrian stepped forward a bit, and Ollivander seemed to brighten up when he heard that Hadrian needed a wand. He approached the young boy and seemed to notice when the young boy flinched, for he stopped immediately and instead stopped a few feet in front of the family.

"Are you left-handed, or right-handed?"

Questions like that were thrown to Hadrian, and after a few wands were given to the boy for him to try, but none worked. A few gave him a slightly warm feeling, but none like the one Ollivander said he would feel. One, a holly phoenix wand, violently left his hand when he touched it, and after that, despite the failure, seemed very happy at the news.

"Ah… now you see, Mr. Black, that when someone, such as yourself, cannot find a wand that fits him or her, I get to make my own wand for that person. It takes a while, but it optimizes the user's connection to their wand. Choosing a wood, as well as a core, and then finally the length which lets them have more access to his or her magic."

"Now, come here, and feel each of these blocks and pick the one that gives you a good feeling." Dozens of blocks were laid out on three tables, and Hadrian did as instructed. A few made his hand feel warm, and one made him shiver, but the final one, which was a dark brown one, similar to his father's hair, filled him with warmth and he immediately grabbed that one, bringing it to Ollivander. "Ebony… suit for any form of combative magic, as well as transfiguration. Wood for a very individual person, and for one who stands up for his or her beliefs. Now, the core."

"The core of a wizard or witch's wand influences the temperament of the wand produced with it. Meaning that depending on the core of a wand." he opened a door and led Hadrian and his parents to a room filled with jars of odd materials and jars filled with strange liquids. "This… is my material room, and while I usually use only dragon heartstrings, unicorn hairs, and phoenix fathers, some materials are more suited for others.

This went the same as before, and Hadrian found a few who were ok, but one that was blacked our jar made him feel the same as before, but a little empty. "Ah, this dragon heartstring usually doesn't associate with most people, for its nature suits that of a strong-willed, independent, person. But… it seems you have a slight connection with this core." He eyed the slight bulge which was Samara on his chest. "Your snake familiar, may I see her?" Hadrian froze and eyed Ollivander who seemed, again, to understand his wariness. "Familiars are bonded via magic and sometimes, parts of said familiar, say snake venom, can help a witch or wizard utilize their magic more efficiently in their wands.

"We… will need a vow of secrecy from you, Ollivander. His snake is… unique to say the least, and we would greatly appreciate it if you would take the vow." The old man put up his hands, which, again, allowed for Regulus to breathe and relax and once the old man took the vow, Hadrian hissed to Samara and let her come out.

"Hello, Hadrian. What a weird room to be in. Smells funny…" Hadrian chuckled at Samara's remark and let her move around his body, seeing around and smelling the air. When she was satisfied, she let her head rest on his shoulder and closed her eyes.

"This is Samara, Mr. Ollivander. She is my familiar, and happens to be a basilisk." The old man hesitated for a moment, but after hearing the adoring in Hadrian's words he sighed in relief. "Hadrian hatched Samara when he was younger, and she has never harmed anyone, rest assured, Mr. Ollivander. She is harmless unless provoked." Ollivander still stared at the snake, before he went to the back of his room, leaving the jar on the table and when he came back, he had a vial in his hand. Due to the corrosiveness of the venom, the Hungarian Horntail heartstring will be placed into this vial, which I will have you fill with your familiar's venom, and then, with magic, it will be sealed with the ebony wood. Your wand will be one of the few liquid ones of my time and will be a very unique wand. Don't let anyone touch it, for it is very loyal to you, and it could fatally harm someone if they touch it. I will be right back, with your wand."

The wand-making itself took very little time. And when he came back, he came out with a 12-inch wand, which was chocolate in color, and when Hadrian grabbed it, words could not describe how he felt. Goosebumps spread throughout his entire body, and he shivered violently, and a few dark blue and dark green sparks shot out of the wand. He grinned towards his parents and when he looked at Ollivander, he let out a quiet laugh.

"We can expect great things from you, Mr. Black. Great things."

I won't be able to write next week, but hopefully, you all like this chapter! Please rate and review!