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. And, if it isn't too much trouble, I will deeply appreciate it if some of you were to point said mistakes out to me so that I could fix them ~_~. Anyway, enjoy ^.^
Delicately sipping from the porcelain cup, enjoying the delightful, aromatic Rose Pouchong tea that tantalized her with its floral miasma, she surveyed through her blond, long lashes the three ladies seated beside her with calculating amethyst eyes.
The sun was bright and a light breeze could be felt, spreading around the enchanting smell of camellias, magnolias, dahlias and many other equally enticing flowers that bloomed in the splendid garden they were having their little tea party in, using the quaint and sophisticated tea set of the highest quality and the sugar tongs in sterling silver-plate that were featuring a delicate ornamentation.
The rustling leaves of the apple, cherry and apricot trees were creating a soothing, mellow melody, coaxing the body to relax, even in the tense atmosphere that was hidden by the refined air this meeting between four of the wizarding high-society ladies held.
Everything was perfectly prepared, forming a picture of class and elegance, but such aesthetics were only to be expected when the host of the party was Sophie Delacour, wife of Leon Delacour and also leader of the veelas from Europe.
The light refreshments that were served, savory finger sandwiches and scones not to say a delicious variety of quiche hors d'ouvres, cherry tarts, cream puffs and chocolate truffles, lay forgotten on the elegant, round maple wood table in the center of which stood a beautiful assortment of low-cut fresh flowers.
Sophie lightly frowned at that, her flawless face belittling her age, as she thought that Tita, the house-elf, will be disappointed that her snacks weren't appreciated. So impolite.
Though, she had to admit that the shock caused by her declaration might just be enough to excuse such comportment, this time.
"You can't be serious," finally said Bridgette, a petite young girl, in her mid-twenties, with sky-blue eyes, red-painted lips and shoulder-length golden curls, in a dead-pan after a few moments of tense silence in which only the cheery chirping of the birds was heard.
"Au contraire, ma chérie," easily countered Sophie," I'm very serious," she said a touch of amusement in her otherwise steely voice at the disbelief that colored the tone of the youngest member of the veela council found under her command.
"But my lady," Giselle, a cold beauty with long, silver hair and icy-blue eyes that looked to be around her late thirties, same as Sophie, started in a polite but firm tone,"don't you thing is a little too rash to make such a decision so early?
Even if what you revealed about young Hadrian is true we don't know what the future will bring or what path he will choose to take. He might not even be interested in politics, as far as we know. Though I understand that he was the one to cure your son, milady, to pledge your loyalty, and as such all the veelas' loyalty, to this child is absurd," Giselle said, ignoring the way Sophie's eyes were narrowing at her words.
She had to say this for the sake of her brethren. The veelas have always struggled to obtain equal rights with the wizards and now, after centuries of sacrifices made for this purpose, reaching the goal didn't seem like such a impossible task. They couldn't afford to be foolish.
"If we, the veelas, are to abandon our long-standing neutrality towards wizardings matters and offer our support and protection to someone," Giselle bravely continued, "it should be to a person of power, like Grindelwald or Dumbledore, who are key players in the war that takes place and could help us raise our own status, not to a mere child!"
Sophie gave a thoughtful hum at Giselle's words, nonchalantly taking another sip from her Rose Pouchong tea before fixing her with an cat-like violet gaze.
"So, you think I'm letting my feelings interfere with official matters, don't you", Sophie started demurely putting down the rose-patterned porcelain cup of tea, sounding more as if she was stating her thoughts aloud than speaking to someone, as she leaned in the back of her comfortable chair, watching her three friends and subordianates through half-lidded eyes.
A subtle menacing air started to form, lingering around as the sweet fragrance of an expensive perfume and making the three remember that, while she had the persona of a gentle and delicate lady, Sophie could also become vicious when angered.
"I guess that's to be expected though," Sophie continued softly, with a sigh, ignoring the way the veelas stiffened at her words, "considering that I haven't said everything there was to be said. Now, what if I told you that Jeanne had a vision concerning the boy?" she inquired fixing them with piercing amethyst orbs.
"A vision which revealed that, no matter what path Hadrian chooses, he will become the key player in a confrontation much more grave than the war taking place now? One that will shake the very foundation of the world as we know it?"
The three ladies' thoughts went on overdrive at Sophie's words.
Every veela clan had a seer, a holy girl that was chosen each generation to carry the burden of visions from future that will help in protecting the veelas. And this generation seer was the queens daughter, Jeanne, whose visions had yet to guide them astray.
Though it came as a shock the fact that Jeanne was this generation holy girl, the girl not being exactly the soft-spoken, shy and serene type holy girls were usually supposed to be, quite the contrary in fact, they came to accept and rely on her precious, though rare, glimpses of what could come to be when taking decisions concerning the veelas clan.
"How so, my lady?" inquired Bridgette, leaning in curiously.
"The vision wasn't very clear," Sophie admitted softly, "but from what Jeanne told me Hadrian is destined to fulfill a mission which, if failed to accomplish, will result in 'tears of blood and complete annihilation of our kind'," Sophie said solemnly and the sound of a pin falling could be heard in the silence that followed her words.
"'Tears of blood and complete annihilation of our kind'? That's quite extreme," Giselle said, trying to hide how much the words shook her. "What exactly is this mission you spoke of, my lady?"
"I don't know, Giselle, but I think it's clear the the boy should not be allowed to fail 's why he should be given all the help he could have, including our protection as, if what my daughter predicted it's true, the future is not the most desired one and Hadrian is the only one that can change it.
Not to say that, concerning the politics matter, I don't think Hadrian has much choice in concerning himself with it or not. He will be forced to, whether he wants it or not, considering all the influential power he wields. He will not be allowed to disappear from the political arena by those who have an interest in him being there and I believe there are quite many of those. As such he will be able to help us get higher rights for our brethren in time, that is if he so desire, " Sophie explained, before raising her tea cup and taking another sip.
"And what about you, madam Yvonne," she then asked putting down the delicate china and turning towards the oldest of the present veelas that listened to the conversation taking place in silence till then. "What do you think we should do, considering everything?"
With her silver, almost white hair drawn into an tight pun and beautiful, though slightly wrinkled visage, the wizened veela met her lady's gaze head on as she gave her opinion on the matter.
"I think we should not be impatient, my lady," madam Yvonne started, choosing her words carefully. She didn't wanted to upset the queen who, though could have ruled with an iron fist, was kind enough to take in consideration their opinions before taking a decision that will affect all their people. Not many queens have been so wise in their ruling, considering the desire to manipulate and dominate over others that run through their blood. The fact that her lady did so and refused to let her primal instincts rule her, spoke highly of her power.
Not to say that the title of Queen was not hereditary as many are led to believe and her lady earned it with sweat and blood. Its took her highness approximately forty years of service to the veela people well being to gain her rightful title. Veelas were, despite their attractive outside, ruthless manipulators inside, after all, and the one chosen to be their leader had to be the most cunning and manipulative of them all. That is if she didn't wanted to become the victim of a coup d'état.
And Sophie was all they could desire in a queen and more.
She worked hard, a gray Cardinal of sorts, that used the influential power of her husband to make the life of veelas more tolerable. Her efforts insured that veelas girls had separate classes in Beauxbatton, where they could relax among their own without worry of being attacked by hormone driven beasts and that many veelas that were faced with eradication in their birth countries could start a better life in France, under her watchful eye.
As such it came with no surprise that she was chosen as the next queen when the last one retired, seven years ago, at the Litha celebration. Sophie Delacour was truly a queen she respected and as such she will make sure to serve her to the best of her abilities.
"What I think," Yvonne started, her voice filled with respect for the kind queen, " is that my lady should give an order to all Veelas found under her command to protect young Hadrian. To protect and help him if the chance arises or if he requires help, but only then, without making the order public to the people outside our clan. That way no one will know we have sworn our loyalty to a youngster and also, when the time comes, we would have an upstart in gaining the boy's favor", the wizened veela finished in a clear voice, inclining her head a little to show that the decision belonged, in the end, to the queen.
"I agree with that," Giselle said softly after hearing what Yvonne said. "That way, no one will laugh at us for putting our faith into a child, milady, while at the same time we will be gaining the boy's loyalty."
"I propose to also not let Hadrian know about our allegiance to him, yet. He is still young and, considering everything that happened to him and how he is now revered by the world – not to say that when he will be declared as the lost Hywel heir his popularity will grow yet again- I'm afraid that he will become too arrogant, specially if he gains power and support with little to no effort from his part", Bridgette added, as she knew very well what arrogance did to ones growth.
"Your all bring good points," agreed Sophie, "And yes, it's true that Hadrian can't afford to become big-headed, au contraire even , he should work much harder than others to achieve his goals so that he could grow strong enough to face whatever he is destined to. He will need to be trained.
Also, not even our families are to know of the decision we took today. Even my husband, Leon, would be kept in the dark, as he still believes that Grindelwald is the one that would help us reach our ideals. Until they can also see the true power the boy will wield they are not to know about this. It isn't our job to help the blind realize their error and, as to not attract attention, we should only keep watch from the shadows for now" Sophie ordered at which the three veelas acquiescent with a graceful nod of their head.
As she saw her plan coming up together, Sophie couldn't help but smile as her friends approached less delicate subjects for discussion while finally enjoying the delicacies Tita prepared for them.
Soon, soon the veelas will regain their rightful position in society.
With the help of her beloved grandson, of course.
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HP-Chronic Hero Syndrome
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Hadrian was trying his best to be encouraging and ignore the frustration he felt.
Really, he was.
So what if his voice was slightly strained? He felt fine, extraordinary even, not stressed at all ...Oh for Morgana's sake, he was too tired to argue with himself at the moment. He had known this day would suck since he woke up, no need to lie to himself now.
So what if his Patronus was an oddity? So what if he was considered freakish even by wizarding standards- though they insisted on using 'special' as if by using a different word it will change its meaning? So what if he had to teach dozen of first years, with an almost nonexistent attention-span, one of the most freaking hard to learn charms he encountered? So what?
He was Harr – Hadrian Malfoy - soon to be Hywel, after all. Such minor annoyances should be easy to handle.
Right.
Thank Merlin his poor disposition went unnoticed by his companion.
"Come on Lily, I'm sure you can do it!" he said with fake enthusiasm coloring his voice, shoving down the gloomy thoughts, as he tried to raise the girl's confidence. Though he was a little...ok, maybe more than a little, peeved for repeating the same words, over and over, for what seemed like hours already to various students, he still truly wanted to be of help to those who wanted to learn casting the charm.
"Just a think of a powerful memory," he continued soothingly, "the happiest you can remember. Allow it to fill you up… That's it...lose yourself in it and now... speak the incantation."
"Expecto Patronum", Lily said in a clear voice, wand slashing through the air, and not a moment later silvery vapors erupted from the tip of said wand, swirling gracefully in the air and seemingly trying to take the form of a four legged animal, before vanishing not even five seconds later, leaving Lily gasping for breath.
"Better", the redhead declared cheerily, in a tired voice. "I think I'll get it soon enough if I continue trying. Thanks Hadrian, you're really good at explaining this," she continued giving Hadrian a grateful smile.
"Think nothing of it," Hadrian said returning her smile with one of his own, feeling a pang of guilt for his selfish thoughts. "Now, continue practicing as I go help more students around," he said, somewhat unnecessarily, seeing that Lily was already preparing for another attempt, her face screwing up in concentration.
He shook his head bemusedly as he turned from the stubborn girl towards the other students that were trying to cast the charm, filling the air with magic and silvery mist.
Griffindors, Slytherins, Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs, students from all houses were now gathered in this unused classroom that was dusty , badly lit and had its chairs and desks shrunken by the older students so that an empty area, big enough for all to practice, could be created.
He inwardly scowled.
Who would have thought that the study meeting he, Severus and Sirius had planned to have together Lily and Remus would evolve into something like this?
It seemed that, somehow – and he suspected the fact that Lily shouted it for the world to hear had something to do with it, but really, that was just a wild guess from his part-, word got out of their meeting and, after their performance in Riddle's class, at the appointed time there were more than twenty students, from all houses and some even from the higher years, in the library wanting to join their little study group.
Faced with the group of pleading students Hadrian couldn't help but cave in and took them with him into an unused classroom, showed to him previously by Lucius – the Room of Requirement was to remain his and Sirius secret for now-, so that they could practice freely the Patronus Charm while he, and the others that managed to cast it already, gave some useful pointers to those that hadn't.
And just when Sirius said he will bring down some of the cookies made and sent to him by Kreacher, in package during lunch time, that he so bragged about making Hadrian's and the other Slytherins' mouths water.
Bloody Riddle with the bloody high expectation he had from bloody first years.
It was only his fault that he had now to help all this children with learning the Patronus Charm, instead of enjoying the delicious home-made cookies. So. Not. Fair! Not to say that he had problems with teaching this particular spell even to the DA members, from the other universe, who were both older and more experienced, at the time, than this kids!
He sighed despondently as he headed towards a Hufflepuff first year who seemed to have forgotten even the wand gestures required by the charm, if the frantic waving of his arms was anything to go by.
As he approached the first year he also tried to ignore the murderous look Severus sent in his direction as he passed him by. The ex-potion master didn't appreciate being made to practice together with Petunia of all people, who already started to blame her failed attempts at casting the spell on him, in a rather shrill voice that was certain to cause damage to ones eardrums.
Hadrian smirked.
That should show the bastard what happened to those that woke him up using such uncouth methods. No other torture he could think of would ever compare with Petunia's legendary rants. Believe it, he knew that very well.
His smirk faded though as he remembered his own situation and idly thought that maybe he shouldn't have showed off in Riddle's class. A feeling he knew Sirius and Remus, who also managed to successfully cast the spell by the end of said class and were now forced to act as teachers, shared with him at the moment.
Hadrian had to admit that, when he recalled being asked to come in front of the class to try casting the Patronus Charm by Riddle, he remembered feeling confident in his ability to succeed. He was certain that he could cast the spell. And he was right. However, that didn't stopped him from gaping along with the other students once his Patronus appeared, though for different reasons than the ones of his peers.
I mean sure, he knew that the Patronus could be subjected to change if the caster goes through an emotional upheaval of some sort – and he certainly went through a lot of those lately-, a prime example that came to mind being the Patronus of Tonks from the other universe that changed its form to reflect the love she felt towards Remus, but he didn't know they could change that much. He had never seen a Patronus quite like the one that emerged from his wand.
It was surprising, unsettling and downright weird.
And majestic.
It made quite an impressive sight – a big, skeletal winged horse, with a lustrous body covered in a translucent and glossy coat, suddenly appearing in the middle of the classroom, called forth by Hadrian's spell.
It had smooth skin, so slippery and thin that it's bones were clearly defined through the entire extension of its sleek body, and a long mane finished by a large tail with flowing silky hair. Its wings were leathery, reminding Hadrian of those of a bat, and the glittering eyes found on its dragonish face were fixed on Hadrian, shining with a sharp intelligence that made the boy shiver. It gave him an...eerie...feeling.
The Thestral, for that's what it was – a symbol of death and the Patronus he summoned, was also studying him , its eyes roaming over Hadrian's form, seizing him up.
It was the scariest thing he had ever seen and the most stunning at the same time. The patronus just had this intimidating aura around it that made one wary, an aura that screamed you didn't want to threaten what was under its protection, so unlike the tame, gentle aura of the thestrals Hadrian had encountered before.
It felt...safe, as strange at that sounded. To know this imposing creature will watch over him, its cold elegance scaring the dark that dared to threaten him...It felt nice.
Somehow, the boy got the feeling that he should have expected something like this to happen.
A thestral as his Patronus...
It was strangely fitting for the one who had escaped death so many times, even though only by luck, he reckoned. What truly surprised him, though, wasn't the form his Patronus took, but rather its coloring.
It was black.
The Patronus, that should have been silver in color, was black. Or, he should rather say, looked less like a Patronus and more like a real Thestral with a silvery glow.
"Impressive", murmured Riddle upon laying his eyes on Hadrian's Patronus, his crimson orbs drinking in the sight and making Hadrian want to smack him – though he refrained as he didn't thought he'll get away with assaulting a teacher, even if he was the supposedly acclaimed savior. But really, Hadrian thought with a huff, impressive? That was all he was gonna say? Bloody Riddle.
Hadrian looked around the class then, to see how the others reacted to his Patronus. And quickly realized that some weren't able to see it, the question marks almost visible around them while the others, who could see it, were frowning in thought at his unusual spirit protector.
He grimaced.
Joy, another reason to stand out. He didn't know if he wanted to laugh or cry, as he knew that, in the long-run, this would benefit his plans. But still, all the stalkerish comportment this will cause, the rumors, the crazy fans...The horror!
He felt more and more inclined to the 'start crying' option the more he thought about it.
"Good job, Mr. Hadrian", purred professor Riddle, making Hadrian return to planet Earth and look up into cunning ruby eyes that glowed with something akin with satisfaction and...pride? Strange.
He stubbornly ignored the warm feeling that the words caused him.
"For those who are not aware," Riddle said, turning his attention toward the whole class, "Mr. Hadrian has succeeded in casting the charm. Quite a feat, I should add, considering he did it on his first try too, " the professor continued, eyes glinting with mirth at the slight blush that appeared on the boy's face at his words.
"As for the reason why some of you are not able to see his patronus, that is because it is a thestral. Does anyone know what a thestral is?" he smoothly asked at which some hesitant hands were raised into the air.
"Mr. Lupin, " Riddle said, picking one of the few that raised their hands, to respond.
A slight smirk tugged at his lips seeing the pout that Sirius Black had at not being chosen. Ah, if only his cousin, Bellatrix would show this kind of enthusiasm for lessons instead of making eyes at him...Riddle suppressed a shudder at the thought of his most 'loyal follower' and stalker.
"A thestral is a magical creature, sir" Remus' voice cut into the professor's thoughts, in a polite, calm tone, as Remus tried to recall what he read in 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them'.
"It is a rare breed of winged horses considered dangerous by the Ministry of Magic," the hazel-eyed boy continued and Riddle was surprised to note that the his voice became rather clipped at that, "though they can be domesticated and mounted, being used as an alternative method of transportation. Also, it is said that they can only be seen by those who have witnessed a death."
"Very good, Mr. Lupin. Five points to Ravenclaw," the professor said making the Ravenclaws smile.
Ha, take that Slytherins! Not only you can score points.
"As Mr. Lupin explained," Riddle continued, ignoring the smug smiles of the Ravenclaws and scowling faces of the Slytherins, "a thestral can only be seen by those who have witnessed death - thus the reason why some of you can't see Mr. Hadrian's Patronus, which is a thestral. And while I'm glad so many of you are able to see it, I'm also very saddened by the fact. It seems that the war has left it's toll on all of us," he said solemnly making Hadrian frown slightly, in confusion. Was the man sincere or just lying to raise his popularity? He couldn't tell.
Although, Hadrian had to grudgingly admit, Riddle did seem to be fond of children- at least of the magical ones, who he considered worthy. At least that's what he thought after observing his interaction with the students so far and after taking in consideration how the man acted towards him, though he knew that he was treated in a special manner, no point in denying that.
Yet another difference between the professor and Voldemort who, Hadrian knew, didn't give a damn about children, be them even magical.
But that didn't meant Hadrian thought Riddle to be less dangerous that Voldemort. Oh, no. He knew that, despite his slight fondness for children, Riddle wouldn't hesitate to maim, torture and even kill a child if that helped him in furthering his plans.
He didn't knew why he had that impression of the man seeing that he didn't do anything to betray such homicidal urges, and maybe, just maybe, Hadrian let his knowledge of Voldemort influence his judgment, but he still couldn't shake the feeling that, behind the charming facade of Riddle, lurked a darkness even more dangerous that Voldemort's. After all, Riddle didn't had his intelligence shadowed by insanity.
Even the thought of that made Hadrian shiver.
Who knew what a sane version of Voldemort could accomplish? One that was the personification of the word 'Slytherin'? He didn't even want to imagine...
"Why isn't Malfoy's Patronus silver, as it should be, sir? Why it is so...weird? " inquired the curious voice of Crouch Jr., making the ones that couldn't see the Patronus look up in confusion and snapping Hadrian from his musings.
That was something Hadrian, too, wanted to know and hoped that Riddle held the answer to the inquiry.
Riddle lips formed a mysterious smile and his eyes became half-hooded before he deigned to give an reply.
"That's a good question, Mr. Crouch, one easily answered though" Riddle started, his ruby eyes piercing Hadrian though he addressed the whole class. " As Mr. Black explained earlier, a Patronus is an insubstantial animal protector, a spirit conjured by an wizard to repel the dark.
Patronus means 'protector' or 'guardian' in Latin, specifically reflecting the entire role that the Patronus Charm plays, while the Latin word expecto means 'I watch for' or 'I await', thus the charm's incantation roughly translates into 'I await a protector'.
Basically, by casting the charm, you summon a protector, a spirit that represents 'safety' in your subconscious, something that can defend or help you escape danger and with which you identify yourself, however unknowingly," Riddle smoothly explained to the students that were writing down everything that come out of his mouth.
"The spirit you summoned is chosen by your magic, as such do not be surprised if you find yourself with an animal or creature you don't recognize as your patronus," the professor continued, being careful to talk in a slow manner so that the students were able to take notes.
"It was chosen accordingly, never doubt that, and that is why, if you ever go through something that drastically changes something within your own selves, you will soon discover that your patronus also changed after that, taking the form of another animal or creature as, because of your new mindset, you won't identify the patronus form it had with 'safety' any longer and the connection with it will be broken.
As it is, it's also because of the connection that exist between the caster and the Patronus summoned that Mr. Hadrian's patronus is so...special," Riddle declared in his velvet voice, practically purring the last word making Hadrian, and also the class, shiver imperceptibly .
"As it was explained," the professor continued saying, "the success of casting the charm depends solely on the strength of the memory used, how happy said memory is and the concentration you have when casting. That is because a patronus is practically the personification of what 'happy' and 'safe' means for you, its purpose being to repel anything that threatens that happiness and safety.
However, that is not all.
In the future you'll find find that it will become easier and easier to cast the charm with every casting, so much that, in the end, you won't even have to concentrate hard on a memory to cast the spell. That is because the bond between you and your patronus will grew stronger.
As such there are some cases, though they are very rare, in which the bond between a caster and the patronus summoned is so strong that the patronus becomes not only a spirit, a reflection of the real thing but actually the real animal/creature it takes the form of, becoming more than a patronus – a familiar of sorts, " Riddle said, pausing for a few seconds in his speech to let his words register into the brain of his students. It was a slow process, to his chagrin.
"I believe that what happened now too, in the case of Mr. Hadrian's patronus, is also because of this bond that exists between a caster and the patronus he summoned" Riddle continued, taking delight in the attention he was given, with all the students hanging on his every word with wide, awed looks.
"Considering the brush with death Mr. Hadrian had and the nature of his familiar, it is only logical to think that they have a bond stronger than usual and, as thus, that the manifestation of the patronus will be more real-looking than normal. It's only natural, in these circumstances, " Riddle said dismissively, as though the whole matter with Hadrian's Patronus looking so unlike a patronus wasn't a big deal at all.
"What impressed me though, is that Mr. Hadrian was able to cast the spell on his first try," the professor said, flashing a smile so fake and sugary, that Hadrian though he might catch diabetes because of it. Damn it all to hell, Riddle was a closet Lockheart wanna-be, Hadrian realized with a sudden epiphany that horrified him. One more cunning, seductive, brilliant and all around better, of course, but that wasn't the point!
"After all," the velvety voice continued thankfully unaware of his student frankly disturbing thoughts, "it doesn't matter what manifestation the patronus has if one is not able to summon it. For that, 30 points to Slytherin, Mr. Hadrian, and you can now return to your seat. Everyone else, pair up with your desk mate and start practicing. I will move around and help you learn the wand-moves and the incantation," Riddle said and shuffles were heard as the students hurried to comply with the request.
Hadrian, on the other hand, was busy mulling on over Riddle speech concerning the strange form of his patronus and what a load of crap it all was.
He was the first to admit that in the past he was wasn't the most hardworking student. In fact he was more of a go-with-the-flow one, if he was to be honest. But he studied the Patronus Charm. I mean he seriously studied it, researching everything there was known about it. At the time he was kinda obsessed with learning it, with Dementors lurking around and making him remember the worse memories he had, so any little information he could find was welcomed as it helped him master it a little faster.
Sacrificing a little time to get rid of the fainting session he became prone to then was a low price to pay.
So he knew that what Riddle said was just a load of crap. Sure, it was a masterfully created load of crap, intertwining lies with truths and unproven theories, that even when questioned it will be hard to pinpoint the falseness of it all but that didn't change it's nature. And as he met Sirius' eyes, he knew his friend also shared his opinion.
But the real question now was why did Riddle lie about such an unimportant matter? What did he gain by lying? Or was it that he lost something if the truth was known?
Those questions or similar ones tortured Hadrian for the rest of the class, even when he was asked to assist his peers with learning the charm, which he did mechanically.
By the end of the class he was ready to go up to the man and demand what was his deal, a foolish and irrational thing to do, he knew, but that was how frustrated he was by not knowing. Though he was also proud to have helped some of the student to at least make the silvery mist appear, despite his growing frustration.
Not to say that, with his help by the end of the class, Remus even managed to summon a somewhat-corporeal patronus, slightly unstable, true, but still, which was a magnificent wolf that jumped around a few times before vanishing.
Remus, though happy at being able to cast the charm, also seemed slightly pained at seeing the form his Patronus took and, upon seeing that, Hadrian knew with certainty that the boy still had his 'furry problem' in this universe too.
Well, at least one of his questions were answered, although not one of the ones that were truly bugging him.
Remus had been the third to cast the spell successfully, with Sirius being the second– no surprise there- though his friend took his time while casting as he didn't thought it was wise to manage it on his first try too as it would garner too mush attention. He did it on his third one.
Because it was so much better, Hadrian thought while inwardly rolling his eyes.
Not to say that Sirius' patronus gathered a lot of attention, regardless. How could it not when it was a huge dog with three heads that, after being summoned, it didn't waste any time before jumping on Sirius and starting to lick the poor boy's face as if it wasn't an terrifying cerberus, one of the most terrifying magical creatures there was, but an oversized puppy.
The surprised widening of Sirius eyes and the groaned "Fluffy! Get off me" also earned incredulous looks both from the students and Riddle.
Who the hell will name a beast like that 'Fluffy'? And why?
It was then and there that, in an unanimous decision made by the Ravenclaw and Slytherin students, Sirius Black was declared the proud owner of the worst naming sense to ever pass the halls of Hogwarts.
Hadrian snickered at that and found, to his surprise, that he didn't even care why Fluffy was Sirius' patronus. He idly wondered if patronuses had slobber though, and then decided that he didn't really wanted to know that, in fact. Ugh.
However a good thing did came out of all the mess their DADA class had been- the first years seemed to have gained more confidence in themselves after seeing that not only Hadrian but also Sirius and Remus managed to cast the difficult spell, a thing further proved by the increasing number of wands that managed to produce wisps of silvery mist. After all, if those two could surely they also could.
That didn't meant that the end of the class caused disappointed for anyone – everyone was too drained out of energy to actually want to spend more time practicing, no matter how charismatic the professor was.
That is why it came to no surprise to Hadrian when Lestrange and Evans practically hauled him off to get out of the classroom faster, despite Hadrian's wish to speak with Riddle.
Riddle, on the other hand, watched in bemusement as the two Slytherins struggled to drag Hadrian out the classroom- "We need your brain still! We won't let you ruin it by overworking it so fast!" - and smirked upon sensing questioning green eyes looking at him. "Your welcome" he mouthed to the brat just before he was taken outside. Not that the brat will know what he was talking about or anything, he thought as he also prepared for the next class. Oh, well, such was life.
Hadrian, however, didn't had the nonchalant attitude of Riddle. In fact, he became even more frustrated than before because of those cryptic words.
' Your welcome'...
Just what did he meant by that? And the way those crimson orbs gleamed with the 'I-know-something-you-don't' glint...Agh! So irritating! Even now, more than several hours after the end of the class, and he was just as annoyed by his own ignorance.
Damn it all the hell!
"I did it! I did it!" suddenly exclaimed a third year Hufflepuff girl, making Hadrian snap out his haze, as she jumped up and down in joy causing her newly summoned patronus, a fluffy sheep, to look at her strangely.
As he returned to the present time, Hadrian shook his head to clear it from unwarranted thoughts, before going to congratulate the girl for her success.
However, smug ruby eyes stubbornly refused to leave the forefront of his mind.
'It couldn't be that...no...but maybe...just maybe he noticed my aversion to fame and tried to spare me from the... ah...unwarranted... attention the Patronus I summoned would have brought to my person by...uh...misleading the students...could it? No...
No, of course not.
What a silly notion!
...right?'
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HP-Chronic Hero Syndrome
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The moon was high in the sky when the girl reached the gate of the manor.
Tall, dark, surrounded by an extremely impressive landscape with gardens built on terraces, all at the edge of a dense forest, the manor truly was quite an imposing sight, protected as it was by an array of spells and charms so large that even the air hummed with the soothing lull of magic, forming an image of invincibility. A fortress.
Tentatively, the girl tried to poke the simmering air in front of her, only to be zapped by a sharp electric tingle - wards. Powerful ones. A warning.
Damn.
Huffing she, unceremoniously, dropped down on the grass to wait, letting her eyes wonder on the endless stars-filled sky. She was sure someone will be sent to find out who disturbed the wards and when that happened she would have her chance to demand an audience with the lord of the manor. Then the things will finally start to sort themselves out.
She sighed.
The night air was chilly, not that it affected her in any way but, now that she finally reached her destination, she couldn't help but feel tired, as if the exhaustion she stubbornly ignored in the last few days finally caught up with her.
Painful memories she wished to can forget threatened to arise from the deepest corners of her mind, where they were buried, and she closed her eyes in a futile attempt to stop their flow. Memories of death, blood and screams – they clawed at her all too eagerly, waiting for the chance to ponce and torture her with their nightmarish but all too true images.
Memories of a cruel massacre. Her clan's, her family's, massacre, to be more exact.
A deep breath was let out by her, forming puffs of vapor in the cold air, as she calmed down, refusing to let her boiling emotions get the best of her. She was a princess, the last of her clan, and she couldn't afford to lose her composure so easily, she couldn't afford to shame her clan's memory by acting so unbecoming of her status. As the last member of the Devidra clan, its honor rested on her shoulders now and she didn't wanted to taint it.
The time for childish games was long gone for her.
A faint screeching like sound and the feel of an aura warned her that the lackey was finally here so she got up from the grass, in a fluid, graceful move, and dusted herself off as she prepared to face him.
The man was bulky, dressed in a simple back robe, troll-like in his appearance and had his wand raised defensively as he approached her with a faint sneer on his face, sneer that became more pronounced once he got a clear sight of her. Not that she could blame him.
Dressed as she was, in faded jeans, a shirt and boots, she must have looked like a teenage muggle girl to him. Not to say that she hadn't had a bath in days so she wasn't exactly a pretty sight. Well, forgive her for not having time for such commodities when she was running for her life and for having to mingle with muggles to escape her hunters. Next time she will be more careful.
Not wanting to waste time as she was too tired and grumpy for niceties after the all that she's been through, she got up in the man's face in a flash, evading the reflexive curse the man poorly fired due to her sudden move, and stole his wand after which twisted his arm painfully, hard enough to brake it if she so desired.
"Take me to Grindelwald," she said cutting right to the chase, voice ice cold as she squeezed his arm even harder. "Princess Lena of the Devidra clan is here for an audience with him," she continued, as her fangs started to grow out despite herself. She was hungry as she hadn't eaten in while, too busy trying to hide and escape, and even this man's disgusting blood sang to her.
How distasteful.
Annoyed, she pushed the wizard away from her, making him fall to the ground. He hastily got up though, giving her a look of utmost hatred all the while, not realizing that he had just narrowly escaped the fate of being used as a vampire's diner.
"My lord already knows of your arrival," the lackey sneered once he got up, trying to maintain a semblance of dignity. "He sent me to guide you to his quarters."
"Oh, really," Lena said in a sing-song voice, favoring the wizard with a shark like grin that gave an ample view of her sharp fangs which made him lose some of his already shaky composure. "Then lead the way, big-shot."
Grumbling, the man did so.
The walk was pretty long and spent in a tense silence as they went past the parkland and terraced gardens, the lackey giving Lena an occasional glare which the girl completely ignored. Why should she get herself worked up for the sake of a servant, anyway?
Once they entered the manor, Lena couldn't help but be surprised by the beauty of the lavishing interior- she expected it to be all cold and spooky considering that it was a Dark Lord's propriety after all but she was greeted by rich decorations, magnificent pieces of furniture and sophisticated artwork. It reminded her of home.
As she was lead through long corridors, adorned with moving portraits, Persian carpets and crystal chandeliers, the vampire princess felt herself become more and more anxious, not knowing how she will be received by the most dangerous Dark Lord the world has ever seen.
It was said that he was ruthless, manipulative, temperamental and self-absorbed. But brilliant.
As such, if it wasn't for the debt he owned her clan for helping him out in his time of need, after escaping Nurmengard, she would have never dared to come into his fortress alone, to ask for his help.
It would have been like asking for death to do that as, even now when she was recognized as a guest, the magic filling the air, the wards, were still wary, still in wait for her to make the tiniest action against the manor and the people in it so that they could act. She could feel them, shifting and following her every step, waiting for the chance to rip her to pieces.
Way too soon for her liking, as it ever happens in this sort of situations, she found herself in front of a mahogany door on which the wizard that accompanied her knocked on exactly three times with his knuckles.
"Come in," a rich, baritone voice allowed and the lackey opened the door to grant her entrance.
The first thing that she noticed when she entered the large room were the books- hundreds and hundreds of volumes aligned at the walls on shelves so tall that they reached the ceiling. Once she took her eyes off the rare volumes she noticed that on the left side of the study was a desk, full of papers, parchments and files mixed into a chaotic mess, while on the right side there was bar of sorts in which a variety of drinks held in crystal bottles could be seen.
In the center of the chamber stood proudly a brightly burning fireplace, whose warm flames gave the room an golden glow, in the front of which was seated a coffee table, with matching burgundy armchairs and sofa. And there, basked in the fire light, stood he.
Dressed in form-fitting black robes with a golden trim, regal as he regarded her with cool blue eyes while his dark, dark magic filled the whole room asserting its dominance in power, Grindelwald was the picture of power and nobility, a true Dark Lord, image further promoted by his indulging smile and relaxed stance. He was practically oozing confidence.
"Princess Lena...welcome. If I may ask, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" Grindelwald inquired in a cultured voice, with the barest hint of an accent, not even acknowledging the Reaper that led her there and which now stood in a respectful bowed stance.
"The Devidra clan has been wiped out, " the vampire princess bluntly informed, in an emotionless voice, as a mean of introduction. There was no need to beat around the bush, now
"As far as I know, I am the only survivor and, in the name of the clan, I came to demand you to repay the debt you owe us by offering me your protection," she continued, hardly believing her own nerve to make such bold statements though it seemed that the dark wizard wasn't offended by her words.
In fact it seemed that he wasn't even paying attention to her, idly twirling his glass of cognac, as he adopted a pensive expression.
How... humiliating!
To be disregarded so easily...Thank Akasha she wasn't human or else she would have been beet-red from embarrassment and anger. As it was, she only seethed silently, her too pale face not betraying nothing of her inner feelings.
"And who were the ones to destroy your coven members?", asked then Grindelwald, sharp eyes piercing her own hazel orbs, his tone carrying a hint of steel despite the nonchalant attitude.
"I...don't know," she was forced to admit, head slightly bowed in shame and nails squeezing hard enough to draw blood from her hands. "It was so...sudden. We had no time to defend ourselves or escape. I, myself, barely manged to that with the help of my brothers and sister that sacrificed themselves for my sake. We don't know who or why the attack was made, we didn't had any enemies to speak of, but one thing is certain - they had magic of the kind we never encountered before," she said and only the slight narrowing of the his eyes was proof that the man was affected by what she told at all
"Magic you never encountered before?" silkily inquired the Dark Lord , taking a sip of his drink while eying her like a hawk, searching for any hint of lie and deceit.
"Yes, my lord," she said, barely stopping herself from dragging a hand through her brown hair, in frustration. "As your lordship knows, on us, vampires, magic doesn't has as strong effect as it has on wizards, muggles or any other living creatures. That is due to the fact that, once we reach majority, we 'die' in eyes of the world and are reborn as nightwalkers. As thus, since the magic uses the power of life and we are, for all means and purposes, technically dead, its power on our beings drops significantly. The magic of the hunters that killed my family though, affected us just like it would anybody else" she explained tonelessly.
"Is that so," hmm-ed Grindelwald taking another sip from his glass. "I will require your memories of the night later on. Now though Miss Lena, Bulrod," he said gesturing to the bowed Reaper, "will lead you to what it will be your room during your stay here. Please take your time to relax and ask Bulrod if you need anything else. We will continued this discussion when you don't look as if your about to pass out, " Grindelwald bemusedly said, taking in the tired appearance of the girl.
"Also," he said waving his wand and casting a red beam at Lena, "there was a tracking spell on you. I took care of it but please do be more careful in the future. I wouldn't want anyone discovering one of my manors so easily," said the Dark Lord finding amusement in the girl's embarrassment. Ah, the joy of teasing the youngsters. He wondered if torturing Hadrian like this will be just as fun. He couldn't wait to find that out. His cheeky grandson should better be prepared.
"Understood, sir," replied Lena stiffly as Bulrod got up from his bowed position.
"Have a good night, princess. And I'm sorry for your loss."
Lena gave a curt nod, slightly taken by surprise by the sincerity heard in Grindelwald's words, before following Bulrod out the study, down the hall, towards her new room.
Grindelwald watched her go and the door close behind her, before letting out a sigh.
The girl hadn't told him everything, that much was clear, but, after the ordeal she went through, he hadn't expected her to. Still, the girl seemed spirited enough, though a touch spoiled, but what could one expect from a princess? He just hoped that the desire for revenge he saw burning in her eyes will not destroy her. Hopefully, she was strong enough to move forward and not let past attachments bind her.
He drowned in the last of his cognac, which pleasantly burned his throat, as fire flames danced across his face, casting shadows on it and making his icy-clue eyes glint dangerously in the light.
He was furious.
Furious that Valdor, Lena's father and his dear friend, was killed alongside his whole family except Lena. But, if the war taught him one thing, that was to not dwell on loss and regrets. There was a time for mourning and a time for action. And this was surely a time for action.
This wasn't the first time an unknown faction of supposed powerful wizards made a bold move of attack in the last months. He didn't knew who they were or what their purpose was, but he was almost sure that the ones who attacked Lena's coven were the same that set up the attack in Diagon Alley in which his grandson almost lost his life.
And he will make them pay.
Oh, yes he will, Grindelwald thought with a Cheshire smile on his rugged face as he imagined all the lovely torture he will put them through when he discovered who 'they' were.
No one could mess with his family and friends and live to tell the tale. You could ask their ghosts about that.
Icy-blue orbs blazed with fire as resolution was made.
It was time for action.
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HP-Chronic Hero Syndrome
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"Albus...what should we do?" asked Charles Potter after reading the report regarding the hidden investigation of the 'Diagon Alley Battle'. The information contained in it was...alarming to say the least.
Blue eyes strangely missing any kind of twinkle closed briefly with a sigh before their owner responded.
"Nothing, we do nothing for now," Dumbledore softly whispered, piercing Charles with one of his rare serious and solemn looks.
"But Albus, you can't be serious! Think about the –"
"Charles," the old wizard simply, said effectively cutting down the Potter's family Head outburst. "I said for now. We will continue to investigate the matter but the information isn't to be made public. Just imagine the reaction this will cause – everyone will flock to Grindelwald's side if this was to be known. There will be an all-out war- much more dreadful than the one we are currently engaged in," Dumbledore said, satisfied by the grudging acquiescence to his point made by Charles at the end of his words.
He sighed.
Just when he sorted the 'Legilimency incident' and things were starting to look up for him, seeing that in a few days he will be able to return as Hogwarts Headmaster, this had to happen.
Such stupid fools this men were.
Disaster will occur if Grindelwald or anyone else for the matter found out about this. Even he, as calm as he tried to appear, was disgusted and repulsed by what this men want to achieve. So much prejudice... Blood will be spilled, tears will be cried and for what? Didn't anybody realize that war wasn't the way to solve conflicts?
Something had to be done, and soon. Too bad he didn't knew what. For the first time in his life he had no idea how he could sort this situation out, without causing the most terrible war between people and races to erupts.
He grimaced.
The future looked more grim the more he thought about it. And that didn't bode well at all.
Seated on her perch Fawkes let a soothing thrill, that spread a wave of calmness in the room, as she spread out her wings. For once she agreed with the old, often misguided, wizard.
This didn't bode well at all.
...TBC...
AN/ Hi minna- san ^-^ I missed you all so much~ Thank you for all your wonderful reviews, comments, suggestion and advices you gave little old-me! They were all very helpful ^_^ It was such a wonderful surprise when I came from the prom (which was super-awesome btw ^_~) and saw my inbox full of lovely review alerts *blissful sigh*
So, what do you think? Is the new chapter to your liking? I hope so ^,^
The Patronus of Hadrian was chosen after many consideration as I thought seriously which one of your suggestions fit him best. Also, I took count of the numbers of reviews I had for each creature/animal voted as took my pick. It was a hard battle between some kinds of snake, dragon, chimera, black phoenix, thestral and you saw which one was the winner ^,^ Oh, and the Dementor suggestion was so cool! If it wasn't for the fact that Dementors were the greatest fear of Hadrian/Harry in the other world I would have totally used it as his Patronus.
Also an extra big thank you to those who saw fit to help me correct the grammar/spelling mistakes of this fic through their reviews. I REALLY appreciate it and the reason why I didn't asked for help before was ...because it never passed my mind that a reader will take precious time to check out my silly mistakes. I'm truly flattered ^/ / /^ And, btw, thank you Barranca for pointing the most embarrassing mistake I did - using 'cuddle' instead of 'coddle'...I had cracked up so badly when I read it again and saw that I indeed made Riddle say "I will not cuddle you"... It was epic XD *grin*
Anyway, I also have an important, if slightly irritating, matter to take care of before I go on- for some time now I seem to have acquired an anonymous flamer who takes pleasure in slandering this story and calling it " an insult to humanity" and "the product of a sick mind" among some of the mild terms he used to describe it, while also using a great array of insults and derogatory to address me with (I learned some new words from him, really) As such, if he reads this, I want to ask him to stop.
I wouldn't mind if he criticized my writing style, grammar, spelling or characterization (God's knows how much I need to work on them) , as some may have observed seeing that those kind of reviews still remain posted, be them even anonymous as I am in fact grateful for them as they help me improve.
But simply insulting me because, in his opinion, I try to corrupt the readers with my 'f***ed up views' and 'pedophile tendencies' or because I have whatever hidden purposes he comes up with for posting this, is not something I would take with no retaliation (and btw, I don't think my fic contains anything that could be labeled as 'pedophile' yet and even if it were it's FICTION- it's not like I condone this in real life. Also, there many other fics that are more...drastic... in their approach than mine so why did he encountered a problem only with this one?)
Also, even if my story is a waste of space and all that, it's not as if I'm forcing anyone to read it and if he dislikes it so much then he shouldn't bother with it. It's not like I gain anything from posting this(beside my personal satisfaction that some people enjoy reading my work) and I have to say that if, despite his disgust and utter contempt he helds this fic in, he still continues reading it so faithfully, finding time to let an insulting comment every new chapter, is quite telling and sending me some mixed signals...
Usually I'm not the type to let this get to me but, as I was prepering to post this chapter I just received another comment from him, which was quite boring in truth as it simply repeted what he already wrote previously like a brocken record or smth, and I wanna tell him that he wastes his time writing such reviews as I simply delete all his offending comments anyway.
Sorry for my rant guys, but I wanted to vent myself for a bit and also let him know that I don't take calmly to his words. I write this to take my mind off things and relax and his comments really get in the way of my goal *sigh*
Moving on, I want to tell my other readers who actually enjoy this, that I'm totally grateful for the kindness and support they have showed me since I started posting^-^
Thank you so much!
Oh, and I also want to tell FrenchGirl333 that I don't have anything against French people! I really, really like them as I find them so refined and romantic and elegant and I'm so sorry if I failed in conveying that making them appear 'snobbish gits' instead. I fail as an writer ...*lament* I'll try to be more careful in the future but it truly wasn't my intention ~_~ Gomen!
Your still slightly annoyed author,
Sara
P.S. Once again sorry for ranting! Oh and don't forget reviews=motivation=faster updates so you know what to do now *hinthintnudgenudge* LOL ^,^