A/N: Sorry for the long wait. Life's been busy. I'd like to take this moment to announce that I have found a beta reader/co-writer : Kyouki no kitsune. I hope together that we can produce a story that is very enjoyable to read. Anyway enjoy chapter 3.

Thanks to Kyouki no kitsune for helping write this story.


The Great hall grew even more quiet. The fact that a First year student openly challenged the headmaster and his deputy headmistress, shocked the student body. The students would, for this reason alone, be talking for days to come about this event. The revealing fact that the defiant boy standing there proudly with a straight back, facing the great hall with an equal proud face, was none other than Harry Potter; would have kept the students and even the papers talking for weeks.

But him renouncing his birth name by not stepping forward when Harry Potter was announced to be sorted and then openly declaring his new name would ensure the papers talking for months. Many students have heard the stories surrounding the Black family. That many people wearing the Black surname were dark wizards, siding with dark lords. They spurred onwards the pureblood agenda. Rumours had it that the Black family library is filled with books containing such dark magic that even the bare mention of it, could have you labelled as a dark wizard. The Black family is, rightly, the most dangerous family Magical Britain has ever known. Many great wizards have cowered in fear on meeting a Black on the battlefield or dueling podium and even on the political field they are a force to be reckon with. It is rumored that the Black Family possess an book filled with many secrets that can be used to blackmail prominent families and individuals if necessary. The existence of such book has never been confirmed, but it would certainly explain the political success of the Black Family.

But to have the Boy-Who-Lived announcing that he finds himself more a Black than a Potter, shocked the student body to their very bones. The saviour of the magical World, the defeater of Lord Voldemort. A figure many viewed as the pure epitome of Light, wearing a name containing so much dark History.

Many students were already deciding to not mess with the boy standing in front of the head table. The presence the boy radiated told them that this boy was already trained to be a Black. Powerful yet elegant. Dangerous yet reasonable. This thought process didn't pop up in the mind of one first year Slytherin student. This blond boy, spoiled rotten by his parents, was fuming. While all the Great Houses of Magical Britain keep their successions silent, many already knew that the blond boy, Draco Malfoy, was the heir to the Black Family or either very high up on the succession list. Draco was furious of the fact that the boy standing in front of the great hall claimed to be the Black Family heir.

Hadrian didn't care or was oblivious for the reaction of the students and turned around after he had watched the Great Hall for some moments to enforce his statements with his presence. Facing Dumbledore again he spoke with a very clear and steady voice that demanded attention whilst looking unflinchingly in the eyes of the greatest wizard alive. "Listen to me very clearly Headmaster Dumbledore I only am here at the request of my Guardian, not because I want to be here. I can take care of my own education, having excess to two very large libraries filled with ancient tomes. Yet my Guardian feels that me being amongst my peers could prove beneficial in the search of allies."

Hadrian spoke that last sentence a little more louder on purpose. Knowing that stating it would encourage people to seek him out for alliances and associations. Hadrian Black and his guardian know what his future beholds for him and the importance of alliances playing in that future.


Dumbledore flinched upon hearing the tone with which Hadrian spoke. He couldn't stop having images of young Tom Riddle jump in front of his eyes. This scared him even more, realising the large similarities between Harry Potter and Tom Riddle. Tom Riddle was his biggest mistake. Dumbledore knew very well about his part in creating the Tom Riddle, which he suspects is still alive. Dumbledore denied the young boy from staying at Hogwarts for the summers.

From the very first moment Dumbledore met Tom, he feared what would become of the world if Tom would grow a powerful wizard, and he vowed that he would never let that happen. In trying to prevent Tom becoming a powerful wizard, he pushed Tom in exactly that direction.

Feeling betrayed Tom did exactly what Dumbledore wanted to prevent. Tom felt the need to become strong, to defend himself. Dumbledore unwillingly created the strongest Dark Lord the Wizard World had yet to witness. But we all know, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Hadrian could see Dumbledore flinching while he spoke and knew that he left an impression that would keep Dumbledore wary of him. Knowing that whatever he did Albus Dumbledore would always keep a close eye on him, he hoped that by confronting Dumbledore immediately the headmaster would think twice on trying to manipulate him. Hadrian knew that if Dumbledore would try that on him, he would not like the consequences. Hadrian's guardian would tear him apart.

Having nothing more to say to the headmaster, Hadrian spun around on his heels and marched over to the stool with the sorting hat. Hadrian picked up the old raggedly looking hat and placed it on top of his head while sitting down elegantly on the stool.

Immediately Hadrian felt a presence in his mind, knowing that occlumency would be useless against the sorting hat, he dropped everything except his last defence layer on his mind. Hadrian didn't trust Dumbledore and Snape to not try and use legilimency on him while he was being sorted.

An ancient voice boomed inside of his head:

Mister Potter or should I say Mister Black…. Oh yes Black it is, I can see it. finally I get to meet you young wizard. You already are making quite the name for yourself

Hadrian couldn't resist sweeping the student body under his gaze and seeing the many curious and even some afraid faces.

They are right to be afraid, Mister Black. If they could see what I could see in your mind…. You possess everything that is needed to become a great wizard. Just like the wizard that gave you your scar. You and young Riddle are very similar, yet you possess the quality to be loyal to those that are in your heart. Intelligence in abundance, cunning and guile are your second name. And you possess a bravery that is admirable. The blood of Salazar Slytherin and Godric Gryffindor flow richly in your blood, giving you a strength you have yet to find. I will give you one advice, young wizard, seek to try to find chambers filled with secrets. Now young wizard, set me down and walk your way to SLYTHERIN.


Hadrian sat down at the Slytherin table beside a dark skinned boy, who Hadrian knew was called Blaise Zabini. The Zabini family came to Britain after World War 2, seeking new fortunes when Europe still was in ruin because of Grindelwald. Hadrian knew that they were pure-blooded biased, but not so vicious in it that they would join the Dark Lord like the Malfoys. Blaise Zabini being the Zabini heir is precisely the kind of people Hadrian's guardian set him for to befriend, even though the Zabini isn't a particularly powerful one in Britain, they still are a large name in Europe.

Everybody at the Slytherin table had their gaze upon Hadrian, scrutinizing and possible sizing him up in some cases. Slytherin is a house of strength, you show weakness and you are a target. Only the strongest and the most cunning survive the seven years in the dungeons unharmed. Hadrian was totally unfazed by the fact that he was under everybody's gaze and took the moment to observe his fellow first years. Gathering allies in his own year was his main goal this year, having to live and possibly study with them for seven years. The upper years would come later when Hadrian had his position solidified.

Besides the Zabini heir, an dark haired girl sat which Hadrian identified as Tracey Davis. The girl being a half-blood would have a difficult life in Slytherin, particularly because of the blond ponce named Draco Malfoy. Hadrian, remembering his own history of being almost the victim of 10 years of bullying at the hand of the Dursleys, hates bullies and he would try as hard as he can to prevent anything of happening that in Slytherin and the other Houses. The Davis family are not dark and are classified as a half-blood family, Tracey's father owns an antique shop at the verge of Diagon alley and Knockturn alley. Dark objects are most definitely part of Hadrian's future, and the odd antique cursed object are not ruled out either. Tracey was most definitely on the 'befriend' list of Hadrian.

Hadrian spotted a white haired girl sitting next to Tracey. He immediately noticed a difference between her and the rest of the people. While the other people were sizing him up, she was looking at him with an intrigued glint in her, and Hadrian admitted with striking blue eyes as though he had done something that would warrant her investigation. Hadrian recognised her as Daphne Greengrass. The Greengrass family were already allied to the Black family, admittedly in secret. This idea of keeping it secret and the fact that Hadrian's existence was kept secret, was probably the reason that no betrothal attempt was put forward by either families. The Greengrass family would probably be most willingly to announce their alliance to the world, and both heirs would be set up for a marriage. The Greengrass family made their wealth from potions and herbology, doing their flower crest proud.

The other first years, Draco Malfoy, Pansy Parkinson, Theodore Nott, Vincent Crabbe, Gregory Coyle and Millicent Bulstrode, Hadrian knew weren't worth his time. They were already drawn into the Dark corner, raised by their Voldemort puppet like parents. They didn't really pose a threat, even though they have the number advantage in Slytherin. Their magic potential is average and Hadrian could probably take them all on at the same time at this moment of time. The Malfoy and Nott name draw weight in the Wizardry world, but not like the Blacks. The other families are smaller and carry less weight in the Wizardry world. The worst this little group could do is be a hindrance on the political aspect, but not too much of a hindrance due to the alliances the Black family already has and their family reputation.


Fire is something that has interested Hadrian from the moment he could use magic. Ancient scrolls describe that fire was discovered by a human ancestor thousands of years ago. Rumours have it that it was the result of accidental magic and that that human ancestor was the very first 'wizard'. The discovery of fire allowed the human ancestors to grow and evolve in the humans they are today, the increase of brain volume caused by foods prepared with fire might well possibly have paved the way to people being able of using magic. The evolving brain might well have caused something to change in the brain that allowed some humans to use magic and others don't.

Not only the history the history of fire caused Hadrian's interest in fire, but also what fire implies. Fire might well be the most clear example of intent. It can burn humans with the intent to maim humans but you can also use it to heal humans by scourging wounds. It can kill humans with its heat, but it can also save humans with its heat. Magical fire such as Fiendfyre can be used to kill people, rip apart protective wards and destroy properties. But Fiendfyre could also be used to destroy dangerous magical objects. What role fire, either natural or magical, plays is decided by the wielder of fire. It can be used for good as for bad. Magic works exactly the same way, all magic can be used for good but also for bad. The levitational charm, is seen, by most of the magical community, as an innocent charm. And could be used in battle to either protect or harm. Objects can be levitated in the path of curses, in fact the usage of the objects is the only way known to counter incoming Unforgivables. Yet at the same time, people could be levitated and dropped with the intent to harm people.

From the moment Hadrian could use magic, it was clear that he had a great affinity to fire magic. He can conjure fire with wandless magic, and has no problems using fire spells. But probably Hadrian's greatest usage from fire is the possibility to draw magic from fires near him. Fire is nothing more than magic, magic that fuels itself from materials and gives off heat as a product. Hadrian can pull this magic, use it to replenish his magic core or strengthen magic he wants to perform.

The presence of fire calms Hadrian, the waves of magic coming from fire helps Hadrian's occlumency enabling him to think more clearly, to help control his emotions. This is exactly why Hadrian is sitting near the fire at this very moment.

A half hour ago Hadrian was led, alongside his other Slytherin first years, to the Slytherin common room by the Slytherin prefects. Having arrived in the cold and dark common room, filled with green serpent themes, they were met by a man cloaked in a black robe. This man in the black robe has greasy black hair, his dark eyes, like the rest of his face, void of any emotions. Hadrian had already identified him as Severus Snape at the Sorting Ceremony. Severus Snape, one of the youngest potion masters in history, was a death eater in service of the Dark Lord. His actions as a death eater has caused Hadrian to feel such hate for him that it even surpassed his hate for Dumbledore. In front of Hadrian stood the man responsible for the death of James and Lily Potter.

Snape gave a speech to the first years, yet Hadrian didn't hear a single word. Hadrian was in a deep internal struggle to control the hate and rage that was surging through his veins, to not give in to the desire to pull his wand and unleash the Black Family magic on his Head of House. To avenge his parents.

Only after Snape left the Slytherin common room, Hadrian could regain some of his composure. Hoping desperately that nobody noticed his internal struggle Hadrian marched off towards a nearby chair by the fire, to use the it to relax himself.

Unknowingly for Hadrian, his struggle with his composure did get noticed by a certain blue eyed girl. Daphne, educated into the pureblood ways and behaviour, easily spotted his internal struggle when they arrived in the common room. She saw his hands lightly opening and closing, his right wrist jerking as if he wanted to draw his wand from an arm holster, and slightly narrowing eyes. Daphne wondered what caused this internal struggle in Hadrian and decided to store away this information for latter. You never know when information like this could become important.


The following morning Hadrian received his class schedule. The Slytherin first years were just escorted down to the Great Hall for their breakfast and Hadrian again sat beside Blaise. Luck had it that Hadrian shares an bedroom with Blaise, while he isn't afraid of sharing one with one of the Malfoy posse, Hadrian was glad that he wouldn't have to be in their presence even more than he already has to. He had grown a slight liking to Blaise as they talked during the opening feast and Hadrian actually enjoyed talking with him. They exchanged small talk about the classes and their expectations of Hogwarts during their dinner.

Hadrian noticed that Daphne and Tracey took their seat across from them. Hadrian suspected that this was because they didn't want to sit close to Malfoy as Daphne has a history with the Malfoys and their betrothal attempts.

Blaise and Hadrian were talking about their favourite subject at Hogwarts when Hadrian decided to draw in both of the girls in their conversation

"What about you miss Davis?" Hadrian asked while shifting his gaze from Blaise to Tracey across from him "What is your favourite subject?"

Tracey was shocked out of her conversation with Daphne. Clearly not used to being addressed to by purebloods outside of public events Hadrian noticed, so Hadrian smiled encouragingly and waited for her response.

"uhhh…. I enjoy charms Heir Black." Tracey replied slightly hesitant while keeping her eyes on her plate trying to avoid eye contact.

"Really? So you work together with your father in his shop then?" Hadrian replied while leaning forward in genuine interest.

"yeah. I help him sort the items and I hope now that I have a wand that I can help him with charming objects." Tracey said while still avoiding eye contact.

"Hmmm I might be able to help you." Hadrian wondered out loud while tracing a finger over his scar on his cheek. "The Black and Potter libraries should have some books about charming that might be of use. While I do know some charms, I am not very masterful in them. But maybe I still could help you with some things." he directed that last part to Tracey

"Y-you would be willing to help me?" Tracey stammered while this time raising her eyes to Hadrian.

Hadrian smiled and assured her "Sure, it could be fun and very interesting."

"Why?" Hadrian heard Daphne ask slightly accusingly.

Hadrian understood the question very well, why would a Black help a half-blood. Hadrian smiled and turned to face Daphne. "I might be a Black, heiress Greengrass, but not all Blacks follow Toujours Pur. Besides I want my 7 years of being at Hogwarts to be fun, and I can't have fun when I have no friends right? And I don't want to find my friends with them…" Giving a nod towards Malfoy and his little group when he spoke that last part.

Hadrian hoped by distancing himself immediately from Malfoy and his pureblood group that Tracey and Daphne would be a little more open towards him. He could see that it worked a little as Daphne's accusatorial face dropped a little bit.

"I hope you don't mind me joining, Heir Black?" Daphne enquired politely. But every pureblood knew from the words she used that without her, no such studying together will happen.

"Please call me Hadrian, and I actually hoped you would join. We could make it a little study group. Blaise you don't mind tagging along would you?"

Blaise who was watching Tracey throughout the conversation discreetly, turned slightly to face Hadrian and grinned. "No I wouldn't mind spending some time with you lot, besides I tend to blow up stuff when charming and I wouldn't want to make an 'explosive' entrée on my first day right?"

Hadrian chuckled "Even if you try, you won't beat mine."

"Indeed Hadrian, if you don't mind me asking. Why did you do that?" Daphne asked eyeing him with that same intrigued gaze he saw last night.

"Besides making me look good?" Hadrian returned while smiling, but then turned serious. "I wanted to make certain people aware that I will not be… influenced."

Daphne nodded seeing him eye the headmaster coldly with his last sentence.

Conversation drew back to less important subjects between the four, Hadrian learned that Daphne liked Ancient Runes and was a little saddened that she had to wait for the 3rd year to attend the class. Tracey obviously couldn't wait for the charm classes and Blaise had an interest in potions which Hadrian already knew. Hadrian in turn revealed that he liked Defence Against the Dark Arts, although keeping the fact he could use the Dark Arts just as good as defend against them.

Their conversation was interrupted by the Slytherin prefects who were handing out the first year class schedule. They would start their first day with Transfiguration with the Ravenclaws and after Potions with the Gryffindors. Hadrian internally groaned, McGonagall and Snape on the same day, his first class day couldn't be worst. They were escorted back to the Slytherin common room after breakfast to gather their utensils for their first class and then they started their walk to Transfiguration .

A/N:

So let me explain 2 things:

Hadrian's fire abilities: By no means is he a fire elementalist, he just has a fire affinity and can draw power from fires. Don't worry, I won't make him super powerful

Hadrian's maturity: While he might give up an air of great maturity, this will change. He has grown up in solitude with only his guardian, he never has had an friend from his age. Now that he is amongst his peers, he will grow friendships and become more like his age. Yet he will always keep this small air of maturity, because he knows his fate with the prophesy already.