They had traveled the world, over the last month they had gone to Greece, Spain, and Scandanavia. They had just arrived in England, Hadrian had told her he wanted to show her the magical world of Britain. They had quickly put their clothes in the hotel room they had bought, just as Caroline was finishing putting away her clothes Hadrian walked in, quickly smiling at him she ran up and jumped in his arms this earned her an off and a big smile in return, after an embrace and a small kiss, they separated, "So where to first", caroline asked practically bouncing with excitement.
Hadrian just smiled at her, her enthusiasm and perkiness were contagious, smiling at her, "well, first we will go to the leaky cauldron, then to Diagon Alley, after that, a walk around and see what we see", Caroline was practically buzzing in excitement.
After quickly apparating they made their way to the leaky cauldron, it had changed since the last time Hadrian had been, it was, cleaner, the place was packed, and people were all milling around chatting. Caroline was looking everywhere at once, being a Vampire, she was technically a magical being, as such, she could now see through the mist that concealed the wizarding world. Quickly walking through the pub, they made their way to the brick wall, as he stepped forward, he pressed the bricks in order, as they parted to reveal Diagon alley, caroline was in shock, Looking at Hadrian, he just smiled at her, and swept his arms.
As far as the eye could see, there were people, constantly in and out of shops, they had picked a bad time to visit, the students and parents were all milling around getting ready for the next school year, as they walked Caroline was assaulted by smells and creatures she had never encountered, from brightly lit colored shops to dark and gloomy potions store rooms, she was constantly spinning around trying to take it all in.
Hadrian was quick to grab her hand and walk towards Gringotts, this building alone had Caroline astonished, the entire building was lopsided, the pillars cracked, yet firm, as they walked up the stairs, Hadrian muttered lowly, so only those with sensitive hearing could pick up, "Don't be alarmed, but you're about to meet a Goblin, they're a warrior race, proud, defiant, so be polite, but don't show weakness, they can smell it", Caroline was quick to nod if only to show she understood.
As they approached the gates, She got her first look at a Goblin, there were two manning the doors, they were short, greying things, with Sharp teeth and huge spears, as they walked Hadrian gave them a short nod, to which he received an arm over the breast, a sign of respect, looking to him confused, "They show respect to warriors, as that's what Drenger were, Warriors", As they entered Gringotts, it took all of Caroline's self-restraint not to gape, it was huge cavernous opening, with tellers on all walls, counting precious gems and gold, as they walked to a free teller, they stopped, and waiting until he was done.
When the goblin was finished he looked up at them, "Greetings Noble Teller", Hadrian said, And whilst to her, it sounded like nonsense, the Gobline smiled, "Greetings Cold ones, how may we be of service" At this, Hadrian deposited his vault key, as the Goblin inspected the key, his eyes grew wide, as they did he looked back to them, "Apologies master Mikaelson, I did not recognize you" Hadrian simply laughed, "No apology is necessary, we would like to make a withdrawal", The Goblin was quick to nod, and he jumped from his desk.
The Vault was huge, it was all Caroline could think of, Gold, Gems, Artwork, books, everything one could think of was here before she could get a proper look, Hadrian had collected the money and they were soon on an exhilarating cart journey back outside.
As they made their way back outside, they seemed to shine even brighter than before, hand in hand they began to walk back down the alley, they stopped occasionally, mainly for sweets, and even some blood pops, a particular favorite of Caroline's, as they were walking they heard someone should Hadrians name from behind, as they turned they were met with a Woman, with vibrant red hair, a cute button nose, and dark brown eyes, before Caroline could speak, the woman rushed to them, bracing herself for a fight, she was shocked however when the woman ran straight into Hadrian's arms, with this he released a short chuckle and hugged the woman back, now holding her at arm's length, he could get a proper look at her, "Hello Elizabeth", she just smiled back to him. "Hadrian, what are you doing here".
"Just some sightseeing, Elizabeth this is Caroline" The woman, now known as Elizabeth was now looking at her, unsure what to say, she simply lifted her hand, "Umm...Hi", Elizabeth just smiled at her, "Hi, I'm Hadrian's sister", as she said this, she pulled Carolien into a hug. As though only just registering what she had said, she looked at Hadrian, he simply mouthed 'I'll explain later, she just nodded and gave him a look that said 'you'd better.
After a strong hug, Elizabeth was now staring at Hadrian, "It's been too long brother, we never see you, both James and Harry miss you". At this Hadrian smiled, thinking of his little Nephews, "And how are the little rascals", At this Elizabeth just shook her head fondly at him, "Not so little anymore, James has finished Hogwarts, he wants to go into magizoology, and Harry is in his second year".
Hearing this Hadrian realized how long it had been since he had last seen them all, before he could think more Elizabeth continued, "Why don't you come round for tea, tonight, Mum and Dad are coming over, they'd love to see you" before Hadrian could speak, Caroline said, "we'd love it". Quick to capitalize on this, "Great, see you for seven, remember it's the Oikos" before Hadrian could answer she was waving them goodbye.
...
As they were getting dressed for Dinner, Caroline was slowly coming to terms with what she had been told, whilst she knew his Childhood was a complex one, she never understood just how complex until now, before she could think further, Hadrian came behind her and pulled his arm against her stomach, to hold her close to his chest, she just smiled at him over her shoulder, "Ready Love" he asked, she was quick to nod, as they disembraced, they went to the Fireplace, "Oikos" as he said this, the fireplace turned green, Caroline looked to him funnily "Oikos" She asked confused, Hadrian nodded "Its home in Ancient greek, she's been obsessed with it for years" and with a smile, they both walked through".
...
There was a slightly tense atmosphere in the house, as Liz, Lucas, James, Lily, Harry, and James was waiting for the guests, after telling her family she met and had invited for dinner, the whole family was in excitement, whilst they were in conversation with Hadrian, they hadn't met face to face in years, as they waited, they grew slightly anxious, mainly from Lily and Liz, what is something changed, and he hated them again before they could dwell on it any longer, the fireplaced flashed, and out walked a stunning Blonde, she was around 5"10, with beautiful blue eyes, and she stood, the fireplace flashed again, as it did Hadrian walked through, with an easy-going smile ever-present, and with that the anxiety evaporated.
after a quick round of hugs and introductions, they all sat around the lounge, the adults drinking wine and Firehiskey, the kids on soft drinks, as they sat down, James and Harry tried to get closer to their mysterious uncle, happy to see him again and learn of his adventures. After a small round of small talk, James Senior asked them how they had met, at this they both just looked at each other, and with little reluctance, they told of the last year, what had happened and why, it was a weird conversation, telling your family about what was happening with your other family, but they got through it, soon Liz and Lily had cornered Caroline on the sofa, and were talking about their travels, as they did, Lucas, James, Harry, and James senior all crowded Hadrian, they soon talked about their travels and his other Family, Harry was quick to ask of his time 1,000 Years ago, ever the historian and book worm, Hadrian just smiled at him, and said after dinner.
Dinner was fantastic, Lucas had become a true courde en bleu cook, after a hearty meal and scallops, followed by pork belly, and ending on treacle Tart, a particular favorite of Hadrian and Harry, his namesake. As soon as his desert spoon had hit his bowl, Hadrian was quick to look over at him, "Uncle Hadrian, you told us you would tell us about your history after dinner, well you've finished" he said, his eyes wide, reminiscing that of a puppy, and eyes that Caroline would swear held a compulsion of their own. Hadrian was quick to smile"Well I suppose dinner is technically finished, which time period would you like".
Shivering with excitement, Harry took a moment to think, "ummmm...How about the 17th century", with this, Hadrian gave a slight grimace, most would miss it, but not Caroline, she took his hand and looked at him in confusion, he just squeezed her hand back, "Well let's see, I was in London most of that century, I watched A midsummers nights dream live at the globe, met Charles the 1st, and watched his subsequent beheading", this caused Harry to giggle, while the rest of them just looked at each other in amazement.
Hadrian then grew somber, and looked down at his lap, "I also lost a good friend", with this, Caroline was once again holding his hand, trying to bring him comfort, "His name was Arthur, he was a good man, his parents died when he was young, I met him on the streets, he tried to steal my watch", he said with a chuckle, remembering his old friend, "But, time passes, and soon she grew old, and with age came disease, and he contracted smallpox". Hearing this the rest of them grew silent, all just taking in what they were hearing, "I offered to turn him, but he didn't want that, he was over 60, and in those times that was a very good age" This brought a chuckle to the group "But soon he died, I had known him for over 50 years, he was a good man, and a good friend". As he finished, a single tear fell from his eye, Caroline was about to embrace him, but before she could Lily Potter had moved over and was giving him a hug. Hadrian just smiled at his Mother, after being released, Caroline gave her a grateful smile, and she got one in return, "For the funeral, we buried him on the hill overlooking the city, it was a place his parents had met, he told me that it was fitting, that his family began and ended there"
"Then, of course, was the great fire, it roamed the city, burning it all to the ground", With this Harry was quick to respond, "Yea, I read about that, it was a baker that caused it right". Hadrian froze
...
Flashback - London 1666
As Hadrian, exited the small bakery, happy with his new loaf of bread, he loved freshly baked bread, and the local baker here would always stay open late a night for him, as he walked down the street, he was stopped in his tracks, he felt something before he could think more, a voice came from behind him, "Hello My Son". His shoulders tensed, and his eyes grew wide, steeling his nerve as he had been taught, he turned around. There he was Mikael, in all his glory, he had blended in well, he was dressed almost identically as Hadrian, they both stood there, looking at each other, "Father", Hadrian spoke first, with a small head nod.
Seeing this Mikael smiled, "Hadrian, what a glorious night to see you", as he said this, he withdrew his white oak stake, at this sight, Hadrian froze, whilst he knew he could get away, the thought of it being used on his siblings haunted him, "Where is that Abomination you call a Brother", just hearing this sent Hadrian mad, he dropped his bread, and took a step forward, his eyes glowing as they did, "Far, far away from here Father".
Mikael just smiled, "Really Hadrian, you love your siblings, you never leave them for long, always wanting to be close by, just in case your needed", he said, trying to goad him to respond, he didn't, he just stared at him, seeing as he was getting no response, "Loyalty, you have always been loyal to them Hadrian, just as I taught you, Family, always", as he finished, Mikael placed the stake back inside his jacket pocket, as he did he took a step forward and began to raise his voice as he spoke, "but that abomination is NOT YOUR FAMILY".
Hadrina just stood there, he woudl not allow Mikael to goad him, "He is my brother, I will not allow you to hurt him Mikael", he said it with such calm, that Mikael stopped, he looked upon his son, one he truly was proud off, he was a true warrior, noble, couragous and protected those he cared for with his life, "So be it" as he said this he sped towards, Hadrian, he managed to grapple onto his kacket, and with enough force to cause the wind that his throw would genrete to be visible, he launched Hadrian through the Bakery windows, as he began to walk to it, Hadrian exited the bakery, the doors and windows shattering outwards and he walked, before he could take a breath, Hadrian was upon him, he grabbed Mikael by the throat, and smashed him into the floor, but Mikael wasnt feared without good reason, he was soon back on his feet and attempted to smash Hadrians skull wih his fist, before he could, Hadrian caught his fist, and spun Mikael around, as he pushed his father away, he conjured a small ball of fire, whilst it would not hurt, it would be effective, he quickly threw it at Mikael, and hit him directly in his chest, propelling him backwards, and through the local pub wall, before he could move, he noticed a small fire had started, it appeared that the fire had hit mikael, but the force that hit him caused the flame to hit the thatched roof, seeing this, Hadrian sped away, leaving what would become the great fire of London in his wake".
...
Looking at Harry, "That's what they said" he replied, with a slight grimace.
For the rest of the night, they all just chatted, catching up on what the rest of them were up to for the last year.
...
As Hadrian and Caroline were leaving Elizabeths, Elijah and Niklaus had finally managed to find a werewolf pack.
