The last month before Hadrian's arrival at Hogwarts passed uneventfully. Hagrid had returned him to Number 4 Privet Drive where he had been summarily locked in the cupboard. He had retrieved Doll Harry from the storage compartment of his trunk and returned it to his cupboard while he continued his study, plans, and communication with Severus, the Malfoys, and Griphook via the mirror or floo. He had made a couple of excursions to the bank to retrieve more reading material from his vaults, and had started working his way through some of the random trunks also stored there. He had found some older styles of clothing which were of particular interest to him, whether for the style, or to be picked apart for their components, trim, and buttons. He had been owl ordering supplies from several of Twilfitt and Tattings' suppliers, but due to not being able to receive owl post while at the Dursley's, had arranged for his shipments to be taken to the shop. He had retrieved his materials on his first trip through Diagon Alley after shopping with Hagrid and was now happily involved in making himself and Draco new things based on the styles he found, or using the existing pieces and adding new trim, new decorations, or other thread magic improvements to update them.
Hadrian had also had numerous discussions with his family as a whole and with individual members regarding the plans for his sorting, and how they might be able to move forward depending on where he ended up. Severus could tell that Hadrian wanted to be in Slytherin with Draco, and knew that Draco would be there without any question on the matter, but he had cautioned Hadrian to be prepared for any of the other houses. Lucius' conversation with Hadrian about the main qualities of each house and what sorts of people they tended to become as adults had cemented Hadrian's thought that, though it would be beneficial for keeping the headmaster hoodwinked, Gryffindor would not be a good fit. He rather thought he'd kill someone if he landed there. His conversation with Draco and Narcissa however had made him much more willing to be in any of the other three houses. His private conversations with Draco were used to bring the blonde around to the idea that, though he did have numerous Slytherin qualities, it was unlikely he'd be in the house with his brother because it would just bring too much scrutiny from the barmy old man. Hadrian rather thought he'd be in Ravenclaw after the various discussions and was of the mind that it really was the best place for him.
Sunday, September 1, 1991On the morning of September 1st, before any of the Dursleys were awake, Hadrian got up and got ready to leave. He made sure all of his things had been put away and organized neatly, and with the appropriate stabilization charms applied. He also put Doll Harry in storage and was now sitting on his trunk, a bit bored, but prepared to wait for the Dursleys to wake up. He was not required to wait long as Petunia was soon banging on the door yelling at him to get up and make breakfast.
He got to work quickly and efficiently and soon had a full English breakfast spread prepared for his family. He hoped with the abundance of good food, he could get his aunt and uncle into a good enough mood that one of them would be amenable to dropping him off at King's Cross Station. He made himself scarce while they ate, having eaten breakfast in his trunk before starting everything, washed dishes and fetched the paper for Uncle Vernon. When they were finished and Dudley had retreated to the parlor to watch television Hadrian cleared his throat quietly and began his plea.
"Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia?" Hadrian nearly whispered.
"What is it, boy?" Vernon spat, growing angry at being addressed.
"Today is when I leave for school," Hadrian began, only to be interrupted quickly.
"Freak's school, no doubt," Vernon sneered.
"I need to go to King's Cross Station to catch my train. Could one of you please take me?" Hadrian rushed through his request, though maintained the facade of politeness, knowing if he didn't he definitely wouldn't be getting a ride.
"Yes, we'll take you when we're taking Dudley to the hospital. Got to have that ruddy tail removed before he goes to Smeltings." Vernon groused, glaring at the boy.
"My train leaves at 10:00 am," Hadrian judiciously altered the time the train was leaving, hoping he wouldn't be made late.
"Yes, yes," Vernon waved him away.
Hadrian returned to the cupboard and extended the handle on his trunk, making it look much more like a muggle suitcase, so the neighbors wouldn't think it odd that he was going to a boarding school without any luggage. Not too much time later, Aunt Petunia had persuaded Dudley to sit next to his freak cousin and they were barreling down the road to London. Vernon squealed the tires turning into the station, causing a number of people to look their way. Hadrian was concerned that when he got out of the car Uncle Vernon might just pull away without allowing him to grab his trunk. Of course it wouldn't be the end of the world, he'd simply summon Dobby and tell him to retrieve the trunk, but he was spared the added stress as the boot popped open and as soon as his trunk was clear Vernon was slamming it shut, stomping back to his seat, and squealing the tires again as he pulled away, leaving his small nephew behind.
Hadrian ignored the stares and grabbed the handle of his trunk to make his way towards Platforms 9 and 10. Hagrid had not instructed him on how to get to the platform, but Severus had explained how the entrance worked from the muggle side. He had also promised to be waiting on the muggle side all morning to ensure Hadrian made it there safely. Before he made his way through the barrier, he decided to stop at the restroom so he could put on his own clothes. As he exited the men's room now clad in his wizarding clothing and French silk school robes, he jumped when an invisible hand landed on his shoulder. He looked around carefully before opening his free hand. The invisible hand took his and pulled him away to a nearby alcove. Severus appeared once he and Hadrian were fully hidden, hugging the boy and wishing him luck. They knew someone would be coming through the muggle side in Dumbledore's continuing attempts to manipulate Hadrian, and Severus would stay until that person or family had been identified. Hadrian thanked Severus for being there, and made his way to platforms. He leaned against the appropriate pillar casually and slid right through the barrier and on to Platform 9¾ .
Hadrian's eyes widened as soon as he was through. He had thought he was somewhat immune to the magical world, having experienced so much with the Malfoys over the past 3 years, but this was amazing! Since it was only just nearing 10:00 and he had another hour before the train left, he pulled his trunk to an out-of-the-way spot, and quickly opened his trunk. After making sure there was no one there, he dashed down the stairs into the flat, opened his owl's cage, and dashed back up, closing and locking the trunk again. He petted the white owl and released her with the instruction to fly on ahead to Hogwarts. He didn't see any reason why she should be cooped up in her cage any longer than necessary when she was perfectly capable of making her own way to the school.
He looked around the platform for a few minutes, enjoying the sight of the red, old-fashioned steam engine. Once he had looked his fill, he grabbed his trunk, tapped it with his newest wand to shrink it, and stashed it in his pocket. He decided it would be better to pick a compartment while the platform was nearly empty, and hopefully Draco would find him later. He made his way towards the end of the train, thinking the compartments closer to the engine would fill up first and not wanting to be bothered too much before they left. He settled near the end of the train and pulled out a book he had placed in a magically expanded pocket he had added to his robes. He could hear the noise level outside the train picking up as the clock ticked ever closer to 11:00 am. When the train started moving at precisely 11:00 am, he set his book aside for a bit to entertain himself with the scenery.
Not even an hour had passed when Draco, Theo, and Blaise found Hadrian's compartment. They settled in for a good catch up chat. They were happily discussing their summer trips, new hobbies, and other things they had done since they were last together when their compartment door was banged open by a tall, skinny, red-head.
"Mind if I sit here, everywhere else is full," the red-head asked, not offering his name. He was already moving his trunk into the compartment and edging toward an empty seat across from Hadrian. Draco and Hadrian exchanged a glance, but waved a hand to indicate the boy could sit. His robes did not have colored trim or a house insignia, so they knew he was a fellow first year. Given his appearance, Draco was certain he was a Weasley, likely the youngest boy, Ronald.
"I'm Theodore Nott," Theo spoke up, foregoing his title because he was unsure if the red-head knew the proper protocols, and breaking the now somewhat awkward silence.
"Blaise Zabini," the dark headed Italian boy spoke up.
"Draco Malfoy," Draco said haughtily.
The presumed-to-be Ronald snickered.
"Think my name is funny, do you?" Draco said copying the raised brow Severus could use to killing effect.
Ronald's eyes widened a bit, and he shook his head quickly, offering his name, "I'm Ron, by the way. Ron Weasley."
The three likely Slytherins exchanged looks, shaking their heads slightly.
"Hadrian Potter," Hadrian offered.
"You're Harry Potter!" Ron said "Do you have the...you know…"
"My name is Hadrian," green eyes flashed in anger, "and yes, I have the scar I received the night my parents were murdered." He turned back to his book, knowing he and his friends would be unable to discuss anything of importance around this new boy.
Draco glared at the boy, "Didn't your mother teach you any manners? Or was she too busy with her too many children to tell you it's rude to ask about something like that?" He was sneering by the end, and Ron had blanched under the force of his fury. Theo and Blaise had decided to stay out of it and started a game of exploding snap.
I..I did… I didn't mean…" Ron stuttered out.
"Clearly," Draco sneered, pulling out his own book.
The compartment door opened revealing two more red heads, these two however looked identical.
"Ronnie-kins!" they shouted out together.
"Put your-"
"Foot in it"
"Didn't you?" the twins traded off, finishing in tandem.
"Fred and," said the twin on the left
"George Weasley," The twin on the right pointed to himself.
"At your service," they finished together.
"Let us assist you"
"In removing our"
"Dear little brother," they said together again. One twin grabbed each of Ron's arms, and the one Hadrian thought was Fred grabbed his trunk, which the youngest red-head had not managed to get into the rack, and together they dragged both boy and trunk out of the compartment, the door slamming shut behind them. The four boys just shook their heads and returned to their game and conversation.
An hour or so later a polite knock was heard at the door. Theo got up to open the door and two students who also had no house insignia stood there, the girl rather confidently, the boy wringing his hands.
"Has anyone seen a toad?" The girl with extremely bushy hair asked. "Neville here has lost one."
Neville let out a sniffle at the bald statement regarding his pet.
"Is the toad your familiar?" Draco asked. The boy named Neville nodded.
"Have you not yet learned to follow the familiar bond?" the blond continued. Neville shook his head dejectedly. Draco gave the boy an inquisitive glance, but remained silent when Hadrian spoke up.
"Does it have a name?" Hadrian asked the boy kindly, knowing how he would feel if he couldn't find one of his familiars.
"T-T-Trevor," Neville stuttered.
"Accio Trevor," Hadrian said, swishing his wand.
"But...You know we aren't supposed to do magic when we aren't at school," the bushy-haired girl said in a rather know-it-all voice.
The toad landed safely in Hadrian's hand. "The train is an extension of Hogwarts. And even if it weren't there are 17 year olds on the train which would confuse the trace. Either way, you can in fact do magic on the train," Hadrian pointed out, rather matter-of-fact.
The girl's mouth snapped shut.
"Now that the toad is safe, would you care to join us, Neville? And…" Hadrian asked politely, they had knocked after all, rather than just barging in the way Ron did.
"Hermione Granger," the now named bushy-haired girl said.
"I am Hadrian Potter," Hadrian started wanting to get it over with, "and these are Draco Malfoy, Theodore Nott, and Blaise Zabini."
The three other boys gave nods to the two newcomers while both of them stared openly at Hadrian. Neville was the first to recover, shaking his head a bit as he adjusted his grip on Trevor.
"Thank you, that would be welcome," he offered rather formally to cover his awe at meeting the great Savior of the Wizarding World. He dropped into a seat rather unceremoniously clearly having exhausted himself with their small exchange.
"I know you," Hermione began. "You're Harry Potter. You were in…" Hadrian cut her off.
"I know you've probably read a number of stories regarding my life and circumstances outside of my control when I was a toddler. But please, I'm a child, and a first year student, just like you," Hadrian rubbed his head a little, starting to get a headache.
Draco reached into his robe and pulled out a phial of headache reliever and offered it to Hadrian. "It's Severus'," he offered as Hadrian took it.
"Thanks," Hadrian responded shortly. "Look, you're welcome to sit, Hermione, but please, I'm no all-powerful hero."
Her mouth snapped shut a second time, but she took a seat.
Theo once again jumped into the awkward gap, "So… what classes are you all excited for?"
"Potions, of course," Draco started. "But Professor Prince is my godfather, so it is to be expected," he said with a small smile.
"Oh, that's so interesting," Hermione jumped in. "Has he been teaching you before? I read about his amazing achievements… Youngest Potions Master in Britain and he received his Mastery at 18!"
Draco nodded, "Yes, he received his Grand Mastery Commendation at Yule last year. He's the youngest Potions Master ever, and youngest Grand Master in any subject...Ever. He has tutored me a bit in preparation for school." Hermione's eyes grew even larger at the pronouncement of his achievements. Draco continued, "Word of advice? Memorize his syllabus and NEVER come to class unprepared. He doesn't tolerate idiots."
Hermione nodded and Neville just looked a bit scared.
Blaise picked up the topic handily, "I'm looking forward to charms. I like the variety."
Theo continued, "I was excited about history, until I heard it was taught by a ghost who only talks about the Goblin wars. There is more to wixen history than wars or goblins," he said with some disgust. "Suppose it will probably be Arithmancy and Ancient Runes in third year when we can pick electives."
"Those did sound particularly exciting when I was reading about the coursework," Hermione said with a smile. "I'm just ever so excited for all of it. You know, my family never knew the strange things I could do was magic. It all just seems so wonderful."
"Wildwitch then?" Draco asked.
"What's a wildwitch?" Hermione said, puzzled.
"First witch in your family, muggle-born, magic came to you from nowhere," he explained briefly.
"Oh, yes, I suppose. I don't know how you'd know for sure what with squibs being exiled though…" Hermione trailed off, a grim look on her face.
"You didn't go to Gringotts?" Theo asked aghast.
"Of course I did! My parents had to change our money so we could buy my supplies," she said.
"Your school escort didn't tell you to take an inheritance test while you were there?" Blaise confirmed, looking at Draco with some concern.
"I didn't have a school escort to Diagon Alley. Professor McGonagall brought my letter and explained to my parents. They asked how to get to the shopping center and where to change our money, and she told them. Was there supposed to be more?"
"Dumbledore," Draco said, rolling his eyes. "McGonagall is his pet."
"Headmaster Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall," Hermione said, affronted by the lack of respect for teachers.
"Headmaster Dumbledore," Draco sneered, "and his follower teachers, like Professor McGonagall, would see our society merge with Muggles, never mind the fact that families who reject Magic are punished by losing their magic in the form of squib children. And squibs aren't exiled, they're supported by their families to find non-magical employment in the wixen world. If they choose to leave the wixen world, there's nothing the magical family can do without further affronting Magic. If the squib stays in the magical world and continues to follow magical tradition, they can revitalize their families by having magical children. If they leave, that possibility is lost. Dumbledore and his ilk don't alert students to the possibility that they may be the offspring of dying families who would love nothing more than to welcome them into the magical world and help them make the transition."
"What he means to say in simpler terms," Theo piped up to say, "is that you could be the child, grandchild, niece, or whatever of an existing magical family or you could be a true wildwitch where magic develops spontaneously, but you would never know without the inheritance test from Gringotts."
Hermione nodded, understanding what they were saying, but also still respecting the authority of the teachers, "Perhaps Professor McGonagall forgot."
Draco rolled his eyes, but didn't comment further.
"At any rate, Hermione," Theo began speaking again, "You should definitely pay close attention in Wixen Studies which is required for first and second years. It will help explain the basics of wix culture, education, holidays, government, and the like. I suggest you take the elective Wixen Studies class for your OWLs and NEWTs since it goes into much more detail. And you're more likely to be blessed by magic that way as well."
Hermione nodded.
"What about you, Neville," Blaise asked, bringing the conversation back on topic, "What classes are you looking forward to?"
Neville looked startled to have been addressed directly, "well, Herbology I suppose. I always enjoyed helping the gardeners at home…" he trailed off, feeling uncertain. The group nodded.
Hadrian spoke up as he was the only one who hadn't said anything, "I think I'll enjoy everything. But I'm most looking forward to Healing and Dueling which are only available to 6th and 7th years, and only if you meet the prerequisites."
The group continued their conversation now that some of the awkwardness had worn off. They talked, played games, and enjoyed sweets for the duration of the train ride. Trevor the toad had not escaped again.
When they arrived as Hogsmeade Station, they were called to attention by Hagrid, who waved at Hadrian, but thankfully, didn't shout out his name or anything like that. Hadrian was glad for the short reprieve before his anonymity was shattered. They entered the boats, Hadrian, Draco, Hermione, and Neville getting a boat together, Theo and Blaise got into a boat with two girls who Blaise pointed out as Pansy Parkinson and Daphne Greengrass. Ron they saw getting into a boat with two goon-ish looking boys Draco knew were Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle, and a blonde girl none of them recognized. They all fell silent at their first look at the castle. Hagrid's yell to duck as they were coming up on a curtain of ivy which swung back at their approach shattered the moment. The small first years clambered out of the boats and up a long set of stairs which led to the entrance hall where they were met by a rather stern faced witch that Hermione whispered was Professor McGonagall. She gave a small speech about the houses and points and left them to wait. While she was gone a number of pearly white ghosts floated through the room talking about a poltergeist of all things, startling the new students to screams. The ghosts waved goodbye at Professor McGonagall's return, and she chivied them into two lines.
She led them into the great hall, mouths agape at the splendor of the gold dishes sitting on every table, the floating candles, and the amazing ceiling which had been enchanted to depict the sky from outside. When they stopped the small group of forty students huddled together under the gaze of the entire school whose whispering was cut off as a hat on a stool at the front began to sing. It sang about the four houses and gave a general idea of what each house was known for. Hadrian and his friends resisted rolling their eyes, all being nearly certain they already knew which house would be theirs. Hermione and Neville were in shock, and Hadrian reached over to close Neville's mouth, pushing it up with a finger. He smiled at the startled boy, and returned his gaze to the front. Professor McGonagall began reading names, and each student stepped forward to sit on the stool where the hat was placed on their small heads before it shouted out their new house to the school. Some students sat for longer than others, but Hadrian was really only interested in a few.
Unrolling her list, Professor McGonagall called out, "Hannah Abbott"
The small blonde girl they hadn't recognized from the boat with Ron tripped forward.
"HUFFLEPUFF!" The hat shouted after just a few moments.
"Susan Bones," Professor McGonagall read out next.
Hadrian tuned out the sorting until he heard, "Hermione Granger." He watched his possible new friend walk forward with a determined set to her head and disappear under the hat. It was one of the longer sortings, but finally the hat called out "GRYFFINDOR!"
A few names later, "Neville Longbottom," caught his attention and the hat dithered for a bit before sending him to "GRYFFINDOR!" as well. Neville ran off with the hat still on his head and had to go back and return it to the professor sheepishly.
Draco was the next to catch his attention and the hat hadn't even made it onto his head when it was screaming out, "SLYTHERIN!" Draco made his way to the Slytherin table rather triumphantly. Hadrian knew he had wanted to go to Slytherin, and thought he would, but somewhat like his fear about being an omega, he had also feared disappointing his father by being sorted anywhere other than Slytherin.
Theo went to Slytherin as well, and again, Hadrian tuned out until his own name was called.
Professor McGonagall paused before calling his name, "Harry Potter."
Hadrian stepped forward, rather annoyed that the list said Harry rather than his actual name, Hadrian, but he resolved to speak to the teachers individually, and any students who actually talked to him. Anyone who didn't wasn't worth worrying about. He sat on the stool and the hall disappeared as the hat slipped over his head and covered his eyes.
"Hmm...difficult, very difficult…Plenty of courage, I see. Not a bad mind, either. There's talent, oh yes. And a thirst to prove yourself. But where to put you?" the hat spoke into his head. Hadrian jerked a bit, not expecting it.
"Please, Hat, not Slytherin," Hadrian whispered in his mind.
"Not Slytherin, eh? Are you sure?" the hat continued. "You could be great, you know. It's all here in your head. And Slytherin will help you on the way to greatness, there's no doubt about that. No?"
"Please, Headmaster Dumbledore will put me under too much scrutiny if I go to Slytherin. I know I would do well there, and my brother is there, but please, no!" Hadrian said in his head.
"Will he now…" the hat contemplated silently for a few moments. "Hmm… This changes things. I can't send you to Gryffindor, though your parents were all in that house... Yes, I know you have three, young one, no need to panic, I'm forbidden to discuss sortings with anyone."
Hadrian gave an internal sigh of relief that had the hat chuckling.
"There's only one place to put you, circumstances being what they are," the hat said in his mind before amplifying his voice to the entire hall, "Better Be...RAVENCLAW!"
Silence reigned in the hall until Hermione and Neville began clapping for their friend from the train. The Ravenclaw table began clapping and cheering, while the other three houses merely clapped politely. Hadrian risked a glance at Severus as he went to his table and saw the flash of pride in his eyes and the almost imperceptible nod before he turned his attention back to the turban-wearing Professor Quirrell sitting next to him.
Hadrian completely tuned out after that, mainly wanting to eat and get to bed. He ignored the questions and comments from his dorm mates, as well as the speech the headmaster gave. He only roused to eat, and to follow the prefects to the common room once the feast was over. He made a mental note of the path they took from the Great Hall to the Common Room so hopefully he wouldn't get lost. Once they had answered the question to get into the common room, the prefects led the first years to the sitting area in front of the fire and turned to introduce themselves.
"Hello," the male prefect who escorted them began, "I am Robert Hilliard, 5th year Ravenclaw male Prefect and this is Penelope Clearwater, 5th year Ravenclaw female Prefect." We are here to help you transition into boarding school, assist with homework or forming study groups, and help you find your way around the castle."
"As Robert said," the girl continued, "I am Penelope Clearwater and we are here to help. First things first, house rules:
We are the house of intelligent and wise. Do not start things with the other houses or behave in a way that is unbecoming of our house.
We are your family. If you have an issue with a housemate, keep it in the common room. Outside these walls, remember you are representing Ravenclaw.
If you need help, ask. Again, intelligence and wisdom. We cannot help you become better if we are unaware you are struggling."
Robert picked up after the rules, "As we know you're all tired, we'll keep things brief. Class schedules will be provided at breakfast tomorrow morning. Professor Flitwick is our Head of House and he will begin passing them out at 7:00. The Prefects will be waiting in the common room to assist first year students to the Great hall at 6:45. Breakfast normally starts at 6:30, but we will go down together."
"Dormitories are single rooms which are assigned to you in first year, and you will remain in that room for the entirety of your school career. Feel free to decorate how you like. Each room has a small shower, toilet, and sink. If you wish to bathe, there is a shared bath hall located on the fourth floor of the dormitory. Please note that all first and second year students should use the entrance to the bath stalls with the BETA indication. You will all take Wixen Health class as second years which will go into more detail regarding possible secondary genders and how to deal with them, but know that if you wander into the Alpha or Omega baths, there may be trouble from which it will be difficult to extricate you. ALWAYS use the BETA baths first and second year." Penelope finished with a rather dire sounding warning.
"Girls" Robert gestured to his fellow prefect, "please follow Penelope who will guide you to your rooms. Boys, follow me. We are in the tallest tower of the school, so get used to lots of stairs," he finished with a chuckle, climbing the stairs and pointing out rooms with students disappearing into them as they went.
Chapter 18 Notes"Mental Speech"