Summary: Betrayed and killed by the one they considered their best friend, Harry and Hermione made a different decision when they found themselves at King's Cross station. They chose to travel in a alternate universe and create a normal life for themselves. But of course as Harry Potter doesn't do normal he finds himself in 1962 in a world in which Grindelwald escapes from Nurmerngard and continues his war against muggles and Tom Riddle is the DADA professor. Not to mention that Voldemort is not happy being left behind and follows them in this dimension with an unknown plan in mind...What kind of destiny will they carve for themselves as they prepare to start Hogwarts as first year students? Also, a new prophecy is made...
Warnings: Slash, violence, humor, some Dumbledore bashing, swearing, Grey! Harry and Hermione etc.
Pairings: LV/HP, HG/SS
"talking"
'thinking'
/mental speach/
$parseltongue$
AN/ AS always, thousand of apologies for the grammar errors and spelling mistakes you might come across the chapter, lol. Enjoy ^.^
"Firs' years! Firs' years over here!" an all too familiar voice boomed and Hadrian felt the need to run and hug the giant man that bobbed a lamp over the head of the students.
He was just as he remembered him to be, his face being almost completely hidden by a long, shaggy mane of hair and a wild, tangled beard that were slightly shorter than the ones from his memories and of a darker color. You could still make out his eyes, glinting like black beetles underneath all that hair and the large smile that broke on his face at the sight of new students.
"Hagrid..." he whispered and suddenly he felt a light squeeze on his shoulder.
Turning around he was met with the face of Sirius that was giving him an encouraging smile at which Hadrian couldn't help but give a smile of his own in return. He was sure that his friend knew exactly what he felt at the moment.
A low grumble broke trough his daydream and he felt the need to chuckle at his other friend, Severus', disgruntled face.
Who would have ever thought that he would become friends with the 'greasy' potion professor that gave him hell in his other life? Ah, the irony of Harry Potter's life.
Gazing once more at Hagrid with warmth in his eyes he couldn't stop a nagging feeling from appearing in the back of his head which he promptly pushed away. He wasn't ready to deal with the fact that one of the people who cared for him so in this world was more that what he seemed to be although he already suspected, no, knew that, to be completely honest. After all, there could only be one explanation for the fact that Hagrid was Hogwarts Keeper of Keys and Grounds this time around too, and he wasn't too keen in dealing with it yet.
"C'mon, follow me kids! Mind yer step, now! Firs' years follow me!Yeh'll get yer firs' sight o' Hogwarts in a sec, jus' round this bend here." Hadrian heard Hagrid's voice say, cutting trough his musings, and, slowly, he raised his eyes.
His breath was taken away by the beauty of the sight that greeted him.
There, in all her splendor, stood Hogwarts.
The vast castle was exactly as he remembered it to be, perched atop a high mountain on the other side, proudly welcoming them in all her magnificent glory under the starry sky. Hadrian ignored the sharp intakes of breath of the other first years and their exclamation of awe and surprise enjoying instead the soft humming of magic that existed all around him. He could practically breathe the magic that pulsated in the air as each and everyone of the students was enveloped by it, taken under the noble school's protective wing without them knowing.
His brilliant eyes shone more brighter than ever and unconsciously his face broke into a blinding smile that would have put the sun to shame as he enjoyed the gentle night breeze that caressed his face.
He was home.
"No more than four in a boat!" Hagrid called, pointing to a fleet of little boats sitting in the water by the shore. Gingerly, Hadrian climbed into the boat followed by Sirius and Severus and a sandy-haired boy with whom Sirius was bent on becoming friends, at least judging from the excited question he was trowing at the bewildered boy who seemed to not know what to do confronted with Sirius' more than pushy approach. Idly, Hadrian wondered who the boy was but didn't bothered to ask. He will shortly find out at the sorting, after all.
The ride was silent, with the exception of Sirius' hushed conversation with the sandy-haired boy, everyone preferring to gaze at the castle that will become their home for more than half of year instead of talking, and thus, before they knew it, they reached the shore.
They clambered up a passageway in the rock, following Hagrid who led them to a huge, oak front door on which he knocked three times with his huge fists making some of the first years cringe at the loud noise.
Ominously, the door swung open at once, startling some of the students..
Sirius beamed.
There, in all her stern glory, stood a rather younger Professor McGonagall dressed in emerald robes, her black hair drawn into an tight pun, and Hadrian gave a mental snicker seeing how Sirius straightened himself up and ended his hushed whisperings while faced with his favorite teacher.
McGonagall gave the children a scrutinizing look above her square glasses making some of them shiver. Their survival instincts warned them immediately. This wasn't a women whom you wanted to cross. Ever.
Seemingly satisfied by their reaction, with the tiniest hint of a smirk at her lips, the women turned towards Hagrid.
"Thank you, Hagrid. I will handle them from here on", she said with a kind tone to the friendly giant who gave a shy smile before taking his leave. "Now," the women continued in a brisk tone, turning to the first years, "follow me and don't stray away from the group" she said before leading them inside the castle.
The students were spellbound.
The stone walls were lit with flaming torches and some gasps escaped them as pearly-white and slightly transparent figures glided across a magnificent marble staircase that led to the upper floors. "Ghosts!" someone from the back screamed at which the professor turned and greeted the floating persons leaving the student gaping after her, though they calmed down significantly.
If a teacher greeted them it meant that they were friendly...right?
Nervous and full of questions, the students continued to follow Professor McGonagall across the flagged stone floor into a small, empty chamber off the hall. They crowded in, standing rather closer together than they would usually have done, peering about meekly.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," started Professor McGonagall to say. "The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but, before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory, and spend free time in your house common room.
The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rule breaking will lose house points.
At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the house cup, a great honor. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours.
The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school. I suggest you all smarten yourselves up as much as you can while you are waiting."
Hadrian inwardly cheered. Sirius owned him now. He always suspected that the professor used the same speech for the first years and now it was proven. Take that Sirius, he thought sending a smug smile to a scowling Sirius.
After the professor left, murmurs started to fill the chamber.
The sandy haired boy appeared to warm up to Sirius starting to ask him all kind of questions to which the latter was gladly answering and Hadrian couldn't help but notice the nasty looks James continued to trow at him as his eyes swept over the first years. The other kids were looking nervous, wrecking themselves over just how exactly they were supposed to be sorted, coming up with exaggerated stories while fixing their attire.
Next to him, Hadrian heard a scoff.
Turning, he raised an inquiring eyebrow towards Severus.
"The sorting", the other clarified. "I can't believe the stories they come up with", he said looking at a group of children who were talking about facing dragons' and what-not and to Sirius who was patiently listening the sandy haired boy, mind you rather bemused at the same time, as the boy listed the spells he read about, expecting an exam of sorts.
"Am I to understand you know what the sorting is all about?" asked Hadrian, amused at his new friend distress.
"It's nothing special," Severus said trying to appear apathetic though he couldn't hide a hint of smugness from his tone at knowing something that Hadrian didn't. "You only have to put an weird, old talking hat on your head who shouts the name of your house." he replied. "The hardest thing one could do in this lifetime, really," Severus snorted, giving a look of contempt to the overly excited first years.
"Liar!", one of the children said hearing Severus explanation. "Thar's the most ridiculous story I have ever heard. It can't be that simple!" the boy, who sorta reminded Harry of a brave Neville, stated and Hadrian was ready to burst in laughter at the glower and death glare Severus sent towards the now cowering boy.
"Yeah, that's right, what were you thinking when you suggested something like that?" a red haired boy, with a lean body and sharp nose, asked in mock-terror, his blue eyes glinting mischievously.
"That's right! Where's your imagination, your sense of adventure? Plus just imagine the horror my hair will face if confronted with a patchy old hat" another boy that was the mirror image of the first exclaimed with a shudder, looking terrified.
"Yeah, even if it is an irreplaceable artifact of forgotten magic that is about to perform intricate telepathy on our mind, what's so interesting about that?" the first boy asked in a matter of fact tone, ignoring the open mouths of his fellow students who couldn't say if they were serious or joking.
Hadrian groaned.
Great, twins. His Hogwarts years suddenly became even more interesting.
"Hush you guys, the professor is coming", a light-haired girl that was sitting with Lily and Petunia said hastily and, not even a moment later, the door opened letting in professor McGonagall upon whose arrival the chatter stopped immediately.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" the professor asked in a sharp tone. "Form a line and follow me" the women ordered leading them out of the chamber, back across the hall, and through a pair of double doors into the Great Hall.
The first years stared in wonder.
In the hall thousands and thousands of candles were floating in midair over four long tables, upon which were laid glittering golden plates and goblets. At the top of the hall was another long table where the teachers were sitting. Hadrian recognized some of them as professor Flitwick, professor Slughorn or professor Sprout but others were still unfamiliar to him.
Feeling a burning stare upon him, Hadrian let his eyes roam further at the professor table until he locked gazes with Riddle's crimson eyes who, unsurprisingly because his father let him know beforehand, was sitting in the headmaster seat. The professor gave him an amused smile and a small nod of acknowledgment, and Hadrian promptly cut the gaze off, the Hagrid issue still fresh on his mind.
Mainly to avoid Riddle's stare, Hadrian looked upward, a smile gracing his features as he looked at the velvety black ceiling dotted with stars. He mentally chuckled as he heard Sirius whisper, "Its bewitched to look like the sky outside. You can read all about it in Hogwarts, A History." to the sandy-haired boy who was also mesmerized by the sight who seemed to be an opening towards heaven.
"Oh, man!" whined the boy that called Severus a liar, "I can't believe he told the truth", he groaned looking with distaste at a battered hat that was put on a stool by McGonagall at which Severus remained impassive though one could see, if looked for it, the victorious glint present in his eyes that seemed to scream 'Ha!' to the world.
Noticing that the hat twitched everybody's eyes glued themselves to the old artifact who seemed to stir from a deep sleep. Fascinated, they watched as the hat developed a wide mouth and started to sing.
I welcome you, new students
It's time for a new year!
I'll sort all of you to help
At finding your place here.
You may not like my look
But don't judge me wrong,
Cause I'm the only one that could
Sort you where you belong!
You might be in Gryffindor
Courageous at heart-
Daring, chivalrous, hot heated,
It's what sets you apart.
Or you may be a Hufflepuff,
Where friendship's above all-
Loyal, kind and honest
You'll never let a friend fall.
Or yet in Ravenclaw you could
Find your own kind
Where books and learning
Are always on one's mind.
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll find the house for you still
With cunning and cleverness
Your ambitions you'll fulfill.
So try me, don't be scared
Cause your rightful place I'll find
I'm a thinking hat
And I'll peak inside your mind
But worry not my friend
Cause what there will I see
A secret will be kept
Inside little, old me
So come and put me on
Don't get in a flap
Cause I'm the one and only
The great thinking cap!
Applause erupted in the hall at the end of the song and Hadrian swore he heard the kid from earlier groan a "Great, it sings", in a sarcastic voice to which he couldn't help a snicker from escaping him.
In a long stride, Professor McGonagall stepped forward after the applause calmed down, holding a long roll of parchment in her hands.
"The one who hears his or her name called will step on the stool and put the hat on to be sorted" she said peering at them from above her glasses. "Black, Sirius!"
HP-Chronic Hero Syndrome
Narcissa Black was bored to death while she listened to her friends endless chatter.
Disinterested, she watched as the first years were brought inside by McGonagall and her cold blue eyes quickly locked on the proud figure of her cousin who didn't seemed to be nervous at all about the sorting. From the corners of her eyes she could see how her other relatives also dropped anything else they did at the moment in favor of observing the one who will one day become the Head of the Noble House of Black.
Sirius Black...
The boy intrigued her as she didn't know what to expect of him. The Sirius she knew was a prankster who loved to joke around and hated his responsibilities as the Black heir. A fool. But her uncle said that that wasn't her cousin true personality, that it was the result of a compulsion web which Sirius managed to break on his own.
Her interest was piqued.
Although she was the youngest of her sister she prided herself in also being the wisest. She knew that, compared to her older sisters, she was thought just as a pretty face whose only use to the family will be the betrothal contract she will have to fulfill.
She wasn't as Andromeda, whom she often compared with a gentle owl due to her sister love of books. She knew that her father was very proud of Andromeda thinking that she will have a bright political career and, although she didn't see the charm of those foolish political games, she could see it happening. That is if her sister didn't become distract, as she often did, by those silly romance novellas that planted dangerous ideas in her head. I mean really, how could her sister enjoy reading such filthy, unspeakable stuff was beyond her! Lord gracious could one imagine the shame that will befall the Black House if her sister decided to follow the example showed in those books and fall in love with some pauper or worse – Muggle filth?
Her parents should be glad they have her to deal with it. Andromeda would never find out why her books kept on disappearing.
And Bellatrix...
Narcissa often compared her oldest sister with a storm. She had to admit that Bella was a genius in dueling but what good will that do? Even though her sister had her own kind of beauty who would want to marry her knowing of her tomboyish hobbies like Quidditch – ugh- and dueling and her violent temper?
No, she knew her way was the best one. With care and lots of work she made sure to become the most sought after girl in Slytherin and not only. Even the older students were taken aback by her beauty although she was only thirteen years old and a third year. At this rate she will find the best match she could and assure herself a bright future in which she could enjoy life without lifting a finger.
That way she knew everybody will be happy.
She would have her easy life, the Black house will gain more power trough the alliance to her husband's family and she could after concentrate on building herself the perfect family in peace.
Because, without doubt, family was the most important thing in ones life.
And that it why the news about the compulsion web came as such a shock. To think one would attempt to harm a Black scion...
Fury boiled underneath her cool demeanor and, although she struggled to maintain her polite facade, her smile became the iciest one have ever seen her have.
With barely contained anxiety she watched as Sirius, elegantly she noted, sat on the stool and put on the old hat. Seconds ticked by and it felt like an eternity has passed before the hat proclaimed, in a loud voice, "SLYTHERIN" for all to hear.
She let out a breath she didn't knew she was holding as a genuine smile lighted her face.
Maybe Sirius really changed from his muggle loving silly prankster days because she knew there was no way for the old Sirius to land in Slytherin's house.
Wait a second...
Muggle loving...it couldn't be...could it?
With a sinking feeling she inconspicuously excused herself from the table without attracting attention and, pale faced, headed straight to the owlery with no time to waste.
She had a letter to write.
HP-Chronic Hero Syndrome
The professors watched the new students as they were sorted with fond smile on their faces. They remembered a time were they were just like this, nervous but determinant to learn the secrets of magic and because of that they couldn't help little smiles from appearing on their faces although the atmosphere at the table was far from being cheerful.
The scandal with Dumbledore took its tool on everybody.
Most of them understood that the headmaster's intentions were pure but that didn't made them any less wrong and for that Hogwarts had to suffer.
They still couldn't believe that the Headmaster was capable of using legimency on a child and frankly the incident had shaken their blind faith in the wizard. They were teachers, professors and their job was to take care of the children and help them achieve their potential. It was a sacrilege for them to see something that they were sworn to protect, with their lives even, harmed by the one who they thought of as their leader.
More so, since the news of Albus deed had reached the country's ears they received complaints, threats and daily howlers, some parents even wanting for their children to leave Hogwarts in favor of Beauxbatons or Durmstrang.
In times like this they realized like how lucky they were to have Riddle on their side.
After Dumbledore was relieved of his function due to the Ministry's decree, the respected DADA professor was forced to step forward as Deputy Headmaster and assume role of Headmaster in Dumbledore stead. Right when the pandemonium broke out.
In awe, the professors watched how Riddle handled the chaos with seemingly ease, calming the raging parents, organizing the huge amount of paperwork that needed to be completed at the start of a new scholar year and, in short, brought order in the maelstrom that came over Hogwarts with the recent events.
It was a wonder how the professor managed to spin the situation around and make the parents retreat their complaints and convince them to let the children continue their education at Hogwarts. The man was a born diplomat!
From the corners of their eyes they watched as Riddle charmed the students with a simple smile even now, as the sorting took place. It seemed as if the headmaster seat was made specially for him and, though they loved Dumbledore, they had to admit that Riddle did his job better than the old wizard who liked to put his responsibilities on the shoulders of others. They didn't know if they should feel troubled or not at how...fit...the man seemed in his new position.
All the way, Riddle only observed them in amusement.
Some people were so easy won over by his charming facade...
HP-Chronic Hero Syndrome
Hadrian anxiously waited for his name to be called.
This time he decided to let the hat choose his house without his interference and, so, he couldn't wait to see where he would be sorted. After all, he had changed a lot from the boy that nervously waited to be sorted all those years ago.
Slowly, the names were approaching his letter.
He watched, rather dispassionately to be truthful, as Rabastan Lestrange, who was sorted into Slytherin, proud with his sorting strutted towards the house table to sit beside his equally proud older brother Rodolphus.
He was unsurprised when the boy that called Severus a liar proved out to be Frank Longbottom, the resemblance with Neville being undeniable, or at least that was what Hadrian bemusedly thought as he watched the boy trip on air as he headed towards the Griffindor's table.
He was surprised though, when the sandy boy that Sirius befriended, proven to be Remus Lupin, his mentor of sorts from his other life, and that he was sorted into Ravenclaw. He felt a little bad realizing that now Hogwarts wouldn't be met with the "Marauders" seeing that the prankster quartet had been separated before they even had a chance to befriend each other, with James going into Gryffindor and Sirius into Slytherin. Well, at least his mother and Remus were in the same house, Hadrian warily thought, thinking of Lily who, unlike her sister who was sorted into Gryffindor, was also sorted into Ravenclaw.
"Malfoy, Hadrian!", McGonagall called and suddenly the loud chatter in the Great Hall was replaced by silence as Hadrian stepped forwards and, gracefully, sat on the stool.
"Did she say - "
"Is that him? The hero that..."
"- they call him 'dark angel', you know..."
As the blackness inside the hat blocked all the outside noises, Hadrian could only feel grateful. Really, didn't they had anything better to do beside gossiping about him?
/Unlikely, / snorted the same voice that Hadrian heard singing before, and whom he promptly recognized as belonging to the hat, inside his mind. /Now, let's see what we have here.../ the voice idly continued and Hadrian felt the hat's presence passing through all his mental barriers with little to no effort.
/Don't be surprised, young man. I am the founders' sorting hat, after all /, the cap stated, smugness dripping from its tone, at which Hadrian lightly snorted.
/...Oh, my!/, the hat suddenly exclaimed. /This has never happened before!/
Hadrian wasn't sure if he wanted to know. Was it about the fact that he was from another dimension?
/Not that, boy! I already sorted your companion in case that you forgot,/ the had said rather impatiently, shamelessly listening to his private thoughts, /so I already know all about that. It was quite an easy task to sort your friend considering the plans he has for the future, plans which I warn you, have you at their center. But this, this is another matter all together simply because I. CANNOT. SORT. YOU!/ the hat proclaimed frustrated, pausing dramatically between each word.
There was a second spam in which his brain shut down due to the shock. Then ...
/WHAT?/ Hadrian mentally screamed making the hat cringe. /You can not do that! You are the SORTING hat. It's your JOB to sort me! What do you mean that you can't?/
/Well/, the had nervously began aware of Hadrian's rather destructive plans for its demise that plagued the boy's mind at the moment, / while seeing your memories I came to the conclusion that you have the equal amount of qualities from all four houses. You are ferociously loyal to those you deem friends and family, you are recklessly brave when a situation arises but you manage to maintain a cool mind no matter what you have to deal with in order to make a quick escape and, though your mind is as Slytherin as one can get with all those manipulative plans you have going inside it, you still earn for a simple life. So, as you see, I come to an impasse seeing that you will fit in all the houses and as such I don't know were to sort you./
/.../
/.../
/...You have to be kidding me/, Hadrian mentally groaned, feeling the rather unhealthy need to bang his head on something. Or strangle the sorting hat.
/ So what do we do now? I can't stay here forever you know/, Hadrian dryly pointed out after a few moments in which the silence stretched.
/I don't know! The founders will all kill me if I don't sort you into their house, respectively/ the hat whined, yes whined, to an unsympathetic Hadrian.
/The founders, really? Forgive me if I'm mistaken but I was under the impression that they are ah, DEAD? So please forgive me for asking but how are they more dangerous than me?/ asked in an innocent tone Hadrian but with an murderous edge coating his voice.
/Right, cause in this world there isn't any way for the dead to remain in this realm./ the hat pointed out with a huff, ignoring Hadrian's not so subtle threat completely
/Wait, you mean they are still around?/ asked Hadrian suddenly alert, ready to pick any clues the hat might give. He really wanted a mystery to take his mind off his chaotic life.
Sadly, the hat simply ignored his question.
/...I suppose I could let you choose for yourself the house you want to be in and I'll just go along with your choice/ the hat said slowly, as if not believing itself for suggesting something like that.
/And we couldn't have done that faster because?/ asked a rather annoyed Hadrian that simply knew wild rumors will run amiss thanks to his rather...lengthy...sorting.
/Well, sorry for being reluctant of letting a students sort himself when that is my task to fulfill,/ the had said sharply, irritated with this unfavorable turn of events.
/A task that you don't seem capable of accomplishing at the moment/ Hadrian mercilessly pointed.
/So what should it be? Do you want to return to being a Gryffindor? Or shall I put you in another house?/ the hat inquired, brushing off yet again Hadrian's comments.
Hadrian brows furrowed in concentration.
What house did he wanted to be sorted in?
This wasn't a easy decision to make, Hadrian realized.
There were just too many factors that had to be taken in consideration, considering his, well, admittedly rather vague plans for the future and the prejudiced views the wizarding world held. If he were to be a Gryffindor, he was sure that the dark families wouldn't ever consider allying themselves with him because he will be thought as a foolish golden boy, that blindly followed the light's beliefs. Hufflepuff was out of the question since, though he knew it wasn't true, the house members did have an reputation of being...rather slow on the uptake and no one will really take him seriously if he was sorted there. That left Ravenclaw and Slytherin for the count. And frankly, though he knew that by being in Ravenclaw he was assuring himself a perfectly neutral position, he really didn't liked studying that much and he preferred quidditch over a book anytime.
So, he decided on Slytherin. Considering the fact that his status as a 'hero' who had a 'hard life' should give him some leeway for the light side, the Slytherin house was his most useful choice. Firstly, because Sirius was there and as such they could plan their private conversations easier, then there was the fact that he could develop more his acting and manipulating skills seeing that in that house they were a must for survival and, frankly, he always wondered what he missed when refused to be sorted there first time around.
/Are you sure?/ the hat's voice asked just as Hadrian made his decision. Hadrian only gave the mental version of a nod.
/Well, if you are, you can go to SLYTHERIN", the hat said, shouting the last word aloud for the whole hall to hear.
After he took the hat off his head, silence was the only thing that greeted him. All the first years, no, all the school, including the professors were looking at him as if he were a strange animal from zoo.
"It's...it's a new record!" suddenly exclaimed professor Flitwick in excitement, standing up on his seat and looking at Hadrian in awe. "It's the longest sorting that ever took place at Hogwarts" he proclaimed and, as if on cue, the hall was suddenly filled with the buzzing sound of whispering, all eyes locked on the Hadrian who plastered an uncertain smile on his face as wild theories were beginning to form in the mind of the students.
Then the applauds began.
It started with Lucius, who was looking at Hadrian filled with pride, and Sirius, who was positively beaming but soon the whole Slytherin table joined , the members throwing smug looks towards the other houses as if to say 'He's ours now, tough luck'. Hadrian was certain that this was the most excited greeting he had ever saw the Slytherins give to a new member. He didn't knew what to feel about that, frankly.
Confidently, as he didn't felt inclined to show any weakness for his new house-mates to exploit, he headed towards the Slytherin table after McGonagall ushered him so that the next student could be sorted.
He refused to acknowledge the satisfied crimson stare that followed his every move.
HP-Chronic Hero Syndrome
Emerald flames sprung to life, bathing the room in their eerie glow as, gracefully, a figure emerged from them, greeting with a nod the other three occupants of the room.
"My Lord, you have arrived, " respectfully murmured Abraxas while the others two also gave curt but respectful nods. They weren't foolish and they recognized the man's power.
Tension filled the air as they were under the sharp scrutinizing gaze of the newly arrived man, that sent shivers down their spine unconsciously.
"Yes, the sorting had lasted more than it was expected", the man finally said, with amusement dancing in his burgundy eyes, "thanks to the always surprising Mister Hadrian who, you will be pleased to find out Abraxas, has been sorted into Slytherin", the man continued with a hint of smugness, explaining the reason for his delay without really giving an apology per se, not that anybody expected him to do.
Abraxas was indeed pleased, if rather surprised, by his son's sorting. He had expected him to land in Ravenclaw but, as always, his lord's premonition had proven right. Also, he couldn't help but wonder what Hadrian had done now to cause his master's delay but he knew this wasn't the time to satisfy his curiosity.
"Well, now that you have blessed us with your presence we can finally get this over with," interfered gruffly a voice, bluntly cutting the pleasantries short before they even began, that belonged to Bogrud, a rather disgruntled goblin that was glaring at nothing and all at the same time trough his monocle covered eye.
"I have to say that I am also curious to find the reason for this meeting", Leon Delacour also stated, his blue eyes piercing Riddle's red ones, knowing that the man was the one that was in charge.
The man in question let a fleeting dark smile adorn his flawless handsome features as he served himself with a glass of red wine from Abraxas' office, in which the meeting was held, and turned to face his guests, Abraxas Malfoy, Bogrud the senior goblin and Leon Delacour, that were scattered around the kidney-shaped satinwood desk, seated in comfortable armchairs.
"I presume that everyone present here has been briefed on Hadrian's heritage, isn't that right?" he asked, mostly towards Leon as he knew that the other two were acquainted with the situation.
"We have been", Leon confirmed, "but I have to admit that I don't really understand why this is such an important matter," the blonde wizard said earning himself quite an disgusted look from Bogrud.
"He is the Hywel heir!" the goblin stated in a matter of fact tone, as if that was an explanation in and out itself. Really now, he couldn't believe the ignorance of wizards these day. Stupid fools!
"The Hywel heir, indeed," Riddle mused before fixing Leon with his eyes. "Tell me, Mr. Delacour, what do you know about the Hywels?"
The older wizard's forehead creased in concentration.
"Not much," he finally admitted after a couple of seconds, "only that they are one of the oldest houses in Europe", at which the goblin huffed.
"Figures you don't know much about them, boy", the goblin said to Leon who was bristling in barely contained anger at Bogrud's insulting tone. "If you knew, you would have realized their importance and you wouldn't have addressed them without the proper respect," the goblin continued and, if Leon wasn't a peaceful man, he would have likely strangled the goblin despite the fact that no anger could be seen on his face at Bogrud's words.
"Maybe it would be better if we let my Lord give us a proper explanation. I have to admit that I am also at lost to their true importance, although I like to think I grasped the basics", Malfoy smoothly interfered before the goblin and his father-in-law started to go at each others throats.
A low, seductive chuckle escaped Riddle, who was amused at the their antics, childish as they might be, effectively silencing any further attempt at speech that the others might have.
"The Hywels," Riddle started with a velvety tone enrapturing his listeners, "aren't just any old family. They are more important than any of you, well maybe with the exception of Bogrud, can even begin to imagine.
They are ancient, their first widely known appearance in history dating from 48 BCE, back when the Hywels, that were already known as a Noble House, saved most of the books from Library of Alexandria from being destroyed during the Great Fire.
As you can deduce, they migrated from Alexandria afterward, firstly towards Africa, Asia - Japan included and America before, finally, coming in Europe where they traveled from country to country for a few centuries before settling down in the British isles, also deciding to adopt the name of Hywel then, which means prominent in welsh.
In their travels, thanks to their neutral position and knowledge that they possessed, the Hywels were courted by many important wizarding Noble Houses with whom they signed magical binding alliance contracts that passed down the generations and that are still active even today, and I believe you realize what that means for Hadrian and us. I trust that Bogrud has some names that are allied with the Hywels for us?" inquired Riddle pinning the goblin in question with his gaze.
"Indeed I do, and among them are found the names of the Royal House of Russia, the Rurik House, of China, the Yue House and of Japan, the Shindo House", the goblin said making Leon and Abraxas gasp in surprise, their jaws almost dropping to the floor from shock.
…
ROYAL Houses?
Those were THE most ancient and noble houses in the whole world, that, without even having to make an effort, were unanimously recognized as country leaders by their compatriots. They practically did what any Lord, be it dark or light, wanted to accomplish without even lifting a finger and no one dared to question their rightful place without being completely crushed by the power those houses held. They were, as the say goes, born with a silver spoon in their mouth. And to think that the Hywels, meaning Hadrian, meaning now them were considered as allied with those houses was...mind-blowing!
"Not to mention that," Riddle continued ignoring the gob-smacked expression of the two wizards, "if Hadrian passes the probes and opens the Hywel Archive he will become the owner of a knowledge gathered since ancient time till at least the last century. I trust you can understand what that means and surely, when that happens, even more people will want to ally themselves with him if only to try to benefit of the knowledge he has in his grasp, with him and with your families members, both of you included, Abraxas, Mr. Delacour seeing that your are the closest to Hadrian.
As it is, Hadrian will become, when this information becomes public, the most desirable child in the world. After all, even without this, he is world-wide known as a hero whose magical reserves are double in size for what a child his age should have and also possessor of a high intelligence. Adding the blood abilities to the mix, the fact that his ancestry is as purest as one can get considering that there were no squibs in his line and the fact that he will be the owner of the Hywel Archive will make him the number one target for betrothal contracts coming not only from noble houses but from royal ones. He will represent POWER and everyone will want a piece of him", Riddle stated his eyes piercing the others occupant of the room to the core.
"Not only that, but all of Hadrian's close friends and family, and yes, that means all of the Malfoys and the Delacours who are the boy's known adoptive relatives, will also become targets to betrothal contracts, assassination attempts and bribery as a way to get to Hadrian."
"Taking all things into account, I plan to make the news become public knowledge in one week from now and, in the mean time, I have some task for you," Riddle continues, a smirk tugging at his lips, as he took into account the reaction Leon and Abraxas gave as they mulled over what they were told.
"Abraxas," he started and, with the utmost serious expression adorning his face, the called wizard gave all his attention to his lord, "I need you to start looking for a trusted secretary whom you'll magically bind to secrecy right away, so that he could help you handle the paperwork without worrying that he might be a spy. Also, if Bogrud will give his permission, you shall give the documents concerning Hadrian's adoption to him to be checked by goblins. The adoption would surely be questioned when Hadrian's heritage will be found out so all the papers must be in the neatest condition possible, not a letter out of order."
At this Abraxas looked questionably at the goblin who gave an almost imperceptible nod in agreement.
"Beside that, Senior Bogrud," Riddle continued turning now towards the old goblin, "I have to request Gringotts services in providing an warding team to add better wards and improve the already existing ones at Malfoy Manor. Of course, the help will be rewarded handsomely," Riddle added knowing that no matter what, for a goblin only through galleons you could get through.
Bogrud only grunted in response but one could clearly see the greedy glint that appeared in the goblin's bottomless black eyes.
"Also, you should inform our common friend of what is to happen", Riddle continued with a dark, amused smile."We wouldn't want him to have a heart attack, considering his age and all".
"I shall," the goblin responded, silent laughter shining in his eyes at Riddle's comment, making the other two wizards curious at what friend they were referring.
"Likewise, Mr. Delacour, you should to do well to improve your manor security.", the dark lord said, focusing now on his follower's father in law. "And also, I was informed by Abraxas that you have some kind of alliance with Mrs. Skeeter, is that right?"
"Indeed, I can say I do," Leon said guardedly, slightly disturbed at the devilishly handsome and oh so dangerous smirk that appeared on Riddle face at his confirmation, that made him resemble a cat that got its canary.
"Then you must appoint a meeting with her as soon as possible. I'm sure both us and Mrs. Skeeter could have a most enjoyable partnership. She could prove most useful in showing the Ministry's true colors, specially with the information gathered by the goblins about their dealings with Hadrian's fortune", Riddle casually remarked, his predatory, Cheshire-like grin belittling his innocent tone and sending shivers through the ones witnessing such a sight. How could he be so charmingly sadistic they didn't know but they truly hoped that he never, ever would think about considering them as to be his enemies. Since if that happened they would be crushed in a blink of eye, no doubt about that.
As they started planning the best way to break the news about Hadrian's heritage to the wizarding world, Riddle's dark magic purring in contentment all the while, only one thing damping the DADA professor's mood. Really, it was such a pity that he didn't got to witness Dumbledore's face when the wizard heard the news...
HP-Chronic Hero Syndrome
Dear mother,beloved father and cute little brother,
As I suspect you will be all killing yourselves over my sorting I decided to be kind this time, don't expect it to happen a second time Regulus so behave!, and cut your suffering short by letting you know that I was sorted into Slytherin.
I am ever so pleased with the chosen house of course, specially considering that all the other Blacks have been sorted here, and yes, mother, I know you told me it doesn't matter but please, I am not a child and I know what is expected out of me as the Black House heir. I promise to make all of you proud!
Going on, I am pleased to announce you that I already made some friends, among them being Hadrian Malfoy, Regulus don't laugh!, and Severus Snape. I think that you were in the same year as Severus' mother, Eileen Prince, weren't you mother? If I recall correctly, you used to be good friends till she decided to marry that good for nothing muggle, isn't that right? As it is, I have to say that her son seems to appear intelligent, at least that's what I gathered from his lovely sarcastic replies that reminded me of Regulus, and no that wasn't a compliment dear brother, and he appears to be rather advanced in his potions material.
Also, father, I decided against befriending James Potter despite the fact the he is my cousin and the son of Aunt Doreea. His is a prat, to put it simply, and I got the most awful first impression from him as I could get. I first saw him when he was, after all, insulting Severus, without any other reason beside the fact that he wasn't looking as good as him thanks oh his modest robes, and mother could you do something about that?, and Hadrian at the same time, thinking him to be so shallow as to judge people based on appearances.
And Regulus, Hadrian was so cool handling the brat! He got all emotionless all of a sudden and then said, in ice-cold voice that felt like being in the middle of Antarctica wearing only underwear, 'Please refrain from insulting my friends, especially if you are trying to become one of them', making the little stuck-up get tomato red in the face! It was hilarious!
Likewise father, Aunt Callidora's son, Frank Longbottom, who was sorted into Griffindor, didn't endear himself to me, being quite loud and obnoxious but Barty Crouch, Aunt Charis' grandson, who was sorted into Ravenclaw, seemed to be interesting enough so I'll think I'll try to become his friend.
Oh, and Regulus, you might want to learn as much as you can before attending Hogwarts. Confronting a troll seems like child play compared with the dangers you would have to face as to be sorted into a house, so prepare yourself. You'll need it, specially if you want to land in Slytherin, the best of all the four houses.
I must say that the food was satisfactory mother, so don't start fussing! I especially enjoyed the strawberry cheesecake the Hogwarts house-elves prepared for dessert although it doesn't come closer to comparing with Kreacher's special cookies, which I must say I already dearly miss.
Oh, and I also met Lucius Malfoy, Hadrian's brother, who led us into the dorm we shall use while at Hogwarts. It will be shared dorm but I am happy to say that Hadrian and Severus will be the ones with whom I'll share it, beside other two students, among them being cousin Evan Rosier and Rabastan Lestrange, with whom I exchanged some greetings at a party before, I think.
I am afraid that I must end the letter here, as it is rather late and tomorrow, seeing that we start classes early, Hadrian's brother offered to give us a Hogwarts tour as to not became lost in the castle that might resemble a maze, to us first years poor souls, and that means we have to wake up even earlier that the rest of our classmates.
I hope to hear from you soon, as I already miss you all so much!
Love,
Sirius
P.S.: Mother, please do send me some Kreacher's home made cookies. I'm drooling just thinking of them!
...TBC...
AN/ Hi guys ^-^
I am really sorry that, despite the lovely reviews I have got from you, my wonderful readers, I haven't been able to update on Sunday and that you had to wait till today to read this chapter...BUT! on a more cheerful note, I made this chapter extra long just for you so can I be, pretty please, forgiven?*hopeful eyes*
I hope so, lol^ .^
As always, Zana, Lena, thousand of thanks to you, my brilliant co-writers, who, hopefully are doing great! Aren't you just giddy reading the reviews count,knowing that you helped so in reaching it?
I am EUPHORIC! I tell you, to reach the 2000 count for reviews and that wouldn't have happen without all of you who supported this fic, who encouraged me, made me laugh and gave me advice trough your more than wonderful reviews! Also, I am happy to say that this story is posted on 50 C2s! LOL!- by the way C2s represent communities here on fanfiction dot net haha ^-^
As such I have a little surprise ^-^
The first one to review this chapter would get a wish out of the three posted below, granted by me ^_^
Wish number one - you can make your own oc character for me to include in this fic, although it will be a minor one. You can choose he's/she's name, physical appearance, some personality traits and age, and I'll continue from here on. If you choose this wish you have to post your character description for me to read ^-^
Wish number two - you to can make me write an oneshot with whatever pair strikes your fancy from any book or anime although, If I am not familiar with it might take a while till i manage to write it as I'll have to get to know about what I'm writing, lol, but don't worry I'm sure I'll manage.
Wish number three - you get to make me write an multi-chapter Harry Potter fanfic on which you write the overall summary, choose the pairings and the major characters but, if you choose this one, I have to warn you that the updates will be slow, like in REALLY slow as my attention will mainly be on "Black Phoenix"^ _^
So, my lucky reader, take your pick!
Also, my other not so lucky readers, don't despair! You'll also get your chance, though the wishes from which you'll have to choose will be most likely different, some other time in the future ^-^
That's it for now, my friends, so see ya next time and I hope you'll enjoy the chapter ^_^
Ja ne ^-^