A/N:This is the second fic I have written during my hiatus. This takes place during First Wizarding War and has a muggleborn as a protagonist.

I don't call this Marauders Era fic because this isn't one of those fics where a character roams around with them and/or eventually shags them. I felt that particular timeline had soooo damn much to offer and no one as to my knowledge has tapped into it..

The premise being - what if there was a muggleborn who didn't take Death Eaters hunting people like him kindly. And what if he damn well did something about it. My OC will be powerful, but not insanely so. And he will not be a blind follower of Dumbledore. Now, let's get on with the story.

P. S: If you have come across any other fic like this, kindly rec me. I would like to read and see how they have went about it.


Hogwarts Arc


Chapter 1


Adam Conrad was furious.

It wasn't an emotion he had felt often in these past six years. Ever since he had stepped foot in this castle, there wasn't much there to be furious about. Sure, there were a few people who had been annoying, some who were incredibly irritating, some who made him grind his teeth, but there wasn't any reason for him to be furious about.

After all, in Adam's mind school grudges weren't worth wasting time over. You badmouthed someone, they insulted you, both of you spit a few cusswords, if things didn't work out even then, maybe a few hexes, jinxes, and curses here and there would do it.

But lately, things have been getting a bit out of hand.

There were rumors that were worrisome. As these rumors grew more in number, he began to see a disturbing pattern. One that no one else was willing to see. He wasn't egotistic enough to think he was the only one that saw. But, he knew his own personal history made sure that he remained bluntly honest to himself. And it was through this blunt honesty that he realized the pattern.

After all, seeing and accepting were entirely different matters.

Other people might have seen what he saw but, either through willful ignorance or stubborn denial, they refused to accept what they saw. If it was one thing that set Adam apart from other people, then it would be his realistic view on life and willingness to accept that reality.

Things were beginning to change. Not just outside Hogwarts, but inside it too. There was no more safety for muggleborns like him anymore. The rumors have long been whispering about a dark lord rising to purge the filth of muggleborns like him from wizarding society. Initially, he had been dismissive of such rumors, knowing full well a mere extremist idiot wouldn't be able to amount much.

But, somehow, this extremist idiot had suddenly changed into a vigilante fighting for pureblood cause. And the result was that he rapidly gained followers. And now, he was a dangerous element lurking outside, who was striking at muggleborns from the shadows. The mere thought about such an extremist lying outside waiting for him sent shivers down his body.

Normally, it was the moment that anyone else would be worrying over their future and if they are less brave, then they would have nervous breakdown thinking about future. But, unfortunately, Adam Conrad never had much patience with playing the role of a prey. If anything, he was the kind of prey that other predators avoided.

Unlike others, the first reaction Adam usually has when someone threatens him was to lash out. He had lived by the philosophy of 'offense being the best defense'. His childhood experiences had clearly ingrained in his brain that showing weakness would only encourage his tormentors. Sure, things didn't always turn out for better. But, most of the time it had helped him. Hence, he didn't see why he needed to change.

While Adam did indeed have an eye out for future troubles, he had adopted a wait and see policy for such things. But, what made him furious were the changes that were happening inside Hogwarts.

There was a subtle undercurrent that was beginning to develop among students. When it was just bullying, he hadn't paid attention much. After all, no one in their right mind would bully him. The one time Narcissca Black had tried her hand, he had sent her into a coma for a week. And he was a mere fourth year at that time, while Narcissca was two years senior to him.

His sheer disregard for her gender or station had scared of any would be follow-up attackers. Not just that, the main factor was that they weren't able to identify what his spell did to her for a week. That was the factor that had scared off most of his would-be attackers. And rightfully so. Because, that was just one of his creations. He had plenty more in stock from where they came.

So, he had never paid much attention to bullying. It hadn't been a subject of bother for him from then on. But, he was cursing his negligence right now. If he had paid some attention, he would have realized the problem sooner than this.

There was a very visible divide forming up between the students who were under his year. The Slytherins were beginning to get feared by others. While it wouldn't be much of an issue for him as he would leave the school next year, what bothered him was their target for terrorizing – muggleborns. It was as if the external situation was beginning to influence the school too. And it bothered him more than anything else.

While this was something to worry about, it wasn't the cause of his fury. No, no. He was furious because of the level of negligence that was being displayed on the part of adults in the castle. Either they failed to recognize what was happening or they didn't bother much about it.

If there was anything that made his blood boil, then it was adults neglecting their duty. Especially, when it came to their responsibility to protect the children under them.

And he hadn't been this furious since… that event….

As his mind drifted to that particular event from his childhood, his body shivered in controlled rage. No one knew how much the notion of adults neglecting the child pissed off Adam – well, maybe the Sorting Hat did know.

There is so much anger in you, boy. I haven't seen a child arrive here with so much pent up rage for a long time boy. It is already a wonder you were able to control it to such a degree. But, you must let it go. Find a new life here. While Ravenclaw would have helped you to satisfy all your curiosities and Gryffindor might suit your courage and bravery, I am sure none of them are the house you need. I know what you need boy. You need love and unconditional support. There is only one place for you to go…

HUPPLEPUFF

And indeed, it had been right.

As Adam thought about the unconditional love and support his fellow badgers had showered him with, he couldn't help but smile a little. While others may think their houses as the best house in Hogwarts, Adam wouldn't trade Hupplepuff for anything else in the world.

Once a badger, always a badger.

Maybe, that's why he was so angry. The badgers have been there for him when he needed them the most. But, currently, it was his fellow housemates that were taking the brunt of Slytherin's terror campaign. And the fact that he had been clueless to their plight was what irritating him the most.

It didn't come to him as much of surprise that the snakes had targeted them. While the legendary rivalry between Gryffindor and Slytherin was well known, there was also the well known fact that the badgers rarely ever fought back. Oh, they would trade insults and shoot glares. But, rarely did they curse or jinx others. After all, tolerance was one of the most championed qualities of badgers, and it was so for a reason.

Hence, the current state of affairs.

While his negligence to pay attention could be waived off because of his ever-increasing workload that was mostly piled up on Adam by himself, the adults in the castle had no such excuse. It was their responsibility to take care of all the children and make sure that the quarrels between them never crossed certain lines.

And the fact that they had miserably failed in that department was what angered Adam more than anything else.

"You know Adam, you look scary sitting in the common room like that," he was brought out of his musings by his best friend Roger Waynland, a fellow muggleborn. "Sheesh, you have already scared of few first years and second years. Stop brooding. It isn't worth to brood about exams this much."

"Who said I was worried about my exams?" Adam asked raising an eyebrow in return.

"What else could have you in such a funk? Anyways, have you packed?"

Adam merely nodded his head not willing to voice his complaints. He knew it was not the right time. They would have time this summer to talk about things.

"You coming to my place right?" Roger asked taking a handful of treats from the common room bowl and munching on them.

"Don't worry," Adam graced him with a small smile, "I have my appartition license. No one will be able to stop me."

"Ah, that's there," Roger nodded accepting his answer.

Silence engulfed the duo for a few moments before Adam decided to break it.

"You know Roger," Adam began looking around to see if anyone was eavesdropping, "I have been meaning to ask…"

The common room entrance opened up suddenly to huge commotion causing both Adam and Roger to look up. The sight of Amanda walking in with blood on her clothes freezed them both. Within moments, they were up and approached Amanda as she tearfully recounted how she had found Sally in a corridor with blood all around her.

"What did Pomprey say?" Adam asked in agitation.

"She said it wasn't serious," Amanda sniffed. "Someone had stunned her from behind. Unfortunately, the stunner had been powerful and it had thrown her forwards. Her head had hit the floor hard and a cut had opened on her forehead. Madam Pomprey said she had lost a lot of blood and with a little bit of Blood Replenishing Potion, Sally would be fine."

As they heard the tale, Adam exchanged a look with Roger. Adam knew that a mere stunner wouldn't have sent Sally flying forward so hard. The necessary amount of force would have atleast taken two or more stunners cast at the same time.

And the worst part was, Sally was a muggleborn.

"Tergeo" Adam waved his wand at Amanda causing the bloodstains to disappear. "Go and rest Amanda. I am sure you are tired."

"But Sally…" Amanda hesitated.

"I will go and check up on her. If possible, pack her stuff for her would you? It would be great help for her," Adam said with a small smile.

At that, Amanda deflated.

"Yeah, I better go pack her stuff."

Adam smiled at her and watched her disappear into the dorm. The moment she disappeared, the smile left Adam's face. Without waiting for anyone, Adam marched out of the common room towards the Hospital Wing. He heard Roger hurrying to catch up to him.

"Adam…"

"Not here Roger," Adam said looking around. "Anything you want to say can wait till we both are back in our common room."

Roger looked stunned for a moment. His confusion slowly faded as a grim determination masked his face a minute later. As the duo hurried to the Hospital Wing in silence, the chill wind of the night rattled the windows in an ominous way.

(*)

"She is lucky to be alive," Roger bemoaned, "just imagine, if her neck had landed in an awkward angle and just snapped."

Adam shot Roger a scathing look that told him how much he thought of such a possibility to occur.

"Fine, fine," Roger raised his hands in acquiesce. "Still, what kind of a coward attacks a girl from behind?"

"The smart one," Adam mumbled looking away at the passing countryside.

A snort was issued in reply.

"You know," Adam began not taking his eyes of the countryside, "things have been changing a lot in the last two years."

Silence engulfed the compartment the duo had commandeered for themselves on the return journey from Hogwarts.

"A lot of muggleborns have been attacked…."

The silence was chilling. Adam knew that this was one such thing that everyone knew but no one wanted to talk about. It was as if that they all believed that not talking about these things would magically vanish these problems. Magic may bend reality, but it never broke it outright. This was one such thing that everyone needed to admit to sooner or later. Sooner they admit, it would be better for everyone in Adam's opinion.

"I know," Roger let out a huff after a long time. "But, what can we do? We are mere specs in the grand scheme of things."

Adam shot an angry look at Roger.

"Look Adam," Roger replied heatedly. "I don't know what you are thinking. I know you aren't happy, but so is everyone else. Hell, do you think I enjoy such a situation right when I am finishing my education, think man."

"So? What if you are not happy? Does that mean anything? What are you going to do?" Adam shot back.

"Nothing," Roger replied firmly causing Adam to stop his tirade and stare at him. "Nothing Adam. That's what I am going to do. I am going to finish my education, get a job and keep my head down till all this blows over."

"Blows over?"

"Things can't be like this forever Adam. No need to be hotheaded about this. Listen, sooner or later the fervor might drop. Either these assholes who hunt us win or the ministry puts them all in Azkaban. One way or the other things would settle down. I will keep my head down until then."

"What if those assholes win?" Adam asked angrily.

"Then, I will either retire as a muggle or flee the country with my pa," Roger shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly.

Adam looked at Roger in askance. Neither of those thoughts had even crossed Adam's mind. It was simply inconceivable for him. He had never been the one to run away.

"Look, you need to be smart about this. These are not our concern. If you ask me, you should concentrate on getting your NEWTs and landing a job. Think man, what are you going to do for food after you graduate?"

Though unwilling, Adam did realize what Roger was telling him was true. He didn't have a fortune in Gringotts like some pureblooded idiot to think about other matters. His priority should be survival. As much as he hated to admit it, he couldn't help but agree with Roger.

"Just…." Roger said looking away, "just…. forget about others Adam. You need to look after yourself first and foremost. No one will help people like us. It would be a miracle if they don't kill us. I know you are one of the most talented students in Hogwarts. Hell, if anything, you will come out with more NEWTs than anyone else. Concentrate on that. Maybe, we won't have to wait for much longer."

Adam didn't know how to reply to that. He was an orphan. The meager summer jobs he worked were barely giving him amount to purchase the few gifts that he sent to people during festivals. Like Roger had said, he wasn't in a position to worry about the world. He needed to save his ass first and foremost. The mere thought of that revolted his stomach.

As he looked away from his best friend, the sheer helplessness of the situation hit him hard. He wanted to take the fight to the fuckers who were hunting people like him. But, unlike them he needed to earn his living. That simple reality was a punch to his gut.

Neither of them spoke for the rest of the journey. Sometimes, the truth was hard to swallow after all.