Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or any of the characters. That honor belongs solely to J.K. Rowling. I don't make any kind of money or profit out of this story, it is purely for my reader's enjoyment.

Previous chapter:

This time, he would never bow to anyone ever again. This time he would choose his own path, never to be controlled again.

Harry James Potter had died today, and Hadrian had lived, survived and came out bent, but not broken.

Harry was a Gryffindor, a hero and the very definition of a light wizard.

Hadrian was not, and would never be again.

Even children knew that colours mixed when thrown and pushed together. He wasn't light, nor dark, but made up of the myriad shades of grey.

Twilight had always been his favorite time of the day after all.

Chapter 2 - Lord Peverell

Orion Arcturus Black, Lord and Patriarch of the Most Noble and Most Ancient House of Black leaned even further into the horrid red armchair he was currently sitting in. As a Slytherin and proud Lord of the House of Black, Orion strongly disliked the color red, not even counting on the fact that it was the Gryffindor color, although that fact didn't help his opinion of the it either.

He despised the color for another purely sentimental reason he would not even under the threat of death mention to anyone. Red meant love, a feeling he could not ever remember feeling for anything but his sons and his parents. It meant desire and passion and life and Orion had never felt for anyone like that, having enough respect not to stray.

He glanced at his eldest son, Sirius Orion Black, his heir, out of the corner of his eyes, noting the scowl on his face and the fact that he steadily ignored Orion himself, not that it surprised him in any way. Orion had tried raising his sons in the same manner his father, Arcturus Black III did, hiding most of his affection behind his pureblood masks. But he as a child had known that his parents loved him, he had seen it in their manner and actions. Words were not needed to convey the meaning of their feelings, and Orion knew that Regulus straightened proudly every time he gazed at him with pride, so how come his relationship with his eldest deteriorated so far?

Had he given Walburga, that damned harpy too much freedom? His late wife, who had 'unfortunately' died a year earlier, had been rather disagreeable and a blood purist and staunch supporter of every single Dark Lord. But she had still been a Black, raised and taught to always place the family first.

Resisting the urge to sigh in annoyance, Orion instead took in the other people in the room. Dumbledore's blue eyes were still twinkling as madly as always, his hair and beard getting longer with every single year. Some feet away, a Gryffindor student was sitting with his father, torn between glaring at his bored looking son and shrinking back in fear whenever Sirius even so much as turned to look at him.

Orion had been called only minutes before, requesting his presence because a fight had gotten out of hand between his son, who was currently a sixth year, and a seventh year student, requiring both students to be treated in the infirmary. His son getting into fights was not unusual, but for him to fight a Gryffindor was quite alarming, hence the meeting.

''Yes, shall we get started then?'' Dumbledore's voice shook him out of his thoughts, not that he would have ever let his momentary lapse in concentration be known.

''That would be acceptable.'' Orion stated, his own grey eyes boring into the Headmaster's blue ones.

''It's simple, your son attacked mine. I heard of the Blacks. Dark wizards, all of ya.'' the father of the seventh year student snarled at Orion angrily, glaring the two Blacks.

Orion raised his eyebrow, looking deceptively calm to anyone that did not know him. ''We have not even started the meeting, and yet you have already managed to show your rather unsurprising lack of restraint. Are you sure your son did not attack mine?''

''Of course, my son is innocent.''

Dumbledore clapped his hands gently, ''Let us not fight so quickly. I shall explain what Professor McGonnegal has reported to me. Today in the halls close to the Gryffindor common room, Steve Mason and Sirius Black duelled for several minutes over an unknown reason, both suffering injuries that had to be healed by the MediWitch, after they were found by a member of the staff. The fact that this happened between two House mates is a reason for concern, therefore we called for a meeting.''

''Who was the staff member that stopped their duel, shouldn't he be here?'' Orion questioned, leaning forward slightly.

Albus Dumbledore looked at Mr. Mason, ''Mr. Mason, would you mind if we were to include another teacher?''

The man shook his head, still glaring at Orion Black, who was slowly losing his patience over the man's lack of any kind of manners.

''Tick.'' Dumbledore called, and immediately a quiet plop announced the arrival of a Hogwarts House elf, with wrinkled skin, a long nose and flappy ears.

''Yes, what Tick do for Master Dumbly, sir.'' the elf squeaked excitedly, and Orion had the urge to roll his eyes. Those little beings were far too excitable for his taste.

''Ah, Tick, could you please tell Professor Peverell to come into the Headmaster's office?'' Albus twinkled at the elf, smiling gently, before he righted himself and leaned back into the gaudy chair.

With another plop the House elf was gone, but Orion didn't notice, his mind whirling with names and titles and dates. Peverell? There had not been anyone with that name for the last three centuries. He straightened in his chair nearly unnoticeably, feeling anticipation for a reason largely unknown to him, only knowing that his magic was humming in his veins.

''Is he a good teacher?'' Orion turned towards his son who had been strangely quiet for the duration of the meeting, no matter how short it might have been.

Sirius startled in surprise, blinking at his father for a second, before grinning. ''He's awesome, father. The best Defense teacher I've ever had.''

''Black is right. Professor Peverell is a very good teacher.'' Steve Mason spoke up for the first time, scowling embarrassed at the Headmaster's desk, as if agreeing to anything Sirius said was unbearable.

''He's such a brilliant young man. Such fortune for the student's here to be taught by him. Truly he is a very accomplished dueller, I have once-...'' Dumbledore's ramblings were interrupted by the sound of the Gargoyle opening, and the aged wizard smiled. ''Come in, Hadrian.''

The first thing Orion Black saw, once Hadrian Peverell entered, was the brilliant and beautiful colour green. Glowing and breath-taking emerald orbs clashed with his slightly widened grey ones, and Orion was instantly drawn in.

The ebony locks that were framing an aristocratic and simply stunning face, bound with a simple dark green leather stripe at the man's neck, looked elegant and wild at the same time. Hadrian Peverells lithe body was clad in dark green robes that were obviously made out of an expensive material, although Orion would have found the man walking in beautiful even clad in rags, such was his sheer presence.

Personally, Orion Black thought he was looking at sin personified. His blood was pumping through his body, his magic singing and dancing joyously inside his body, whispering to him, urging him to get up and claim-

And then Hadrian Peverells beautiful, and smooth voice washed over him, and Orion Black realized that this meeting would bring forth far more revelations than he had thought.

Hadrian Altair Peverell walked briskly through the myriad of corridors that the Hogwarts castle for Witchcraft and Wizardry was made up of, wondering not for the first time why he had chosen to apply for the position of Defense against the Dark Arts teacher. Hadrian had spent the last few years travelling around the world, wholly unbound, although he had ended up staying in France with a family for some months.

But something had drawn him to England, and in turn towards Hogwarts; his first home. He had returned and formally claimed his Lordship at Gringotts, explaining to the confused and wary Goblin King why he had the ring of a Goblin Friend. It had been a very interesting conversation, Ragnarok was still the same, only younger and Hadrian had been able to win a lot of the trust back by showing him some Pensive memories, and knowing the proper Goblin etiquette and culture.

Hadrian was still unsure what to do about the Tom Riddle issue, preferring to stay out of the war. Harry Potter would have jumped right into the fray, but Hadrian was not Harry, and so mostly kept an eye out for news. Witches and Wizards were given a deadly weapon at the age of eleven after all, and he had no duty to anyone exept his students. Children had always been his soft spot after all.

Half wishing that he could just blast both Tom Riddle and Albus Dumbledore to pieces, and be done with it, Hadrian stopped before the Gargoyle leading to the Headmaster's office. The stone construct hadn't changed in the future, and it allowed Hadrian to release a small wistful smile.

''Chocolate Truffel.''

The Gargoyle sprung to the side, and Hadrian gracefully climbed the stairs, not even surprised when Dumbledore called him in before he even had the chance to knock. Entering the room, Hadrian's eyes flickered over the summoned people, realizing immediately why he was called. Yet, he couldn't seem to tear his gaze from Sirius father, the current Lord Black. It was like his magic was drawn to the man, and Hadrian could feel it humming and burning in his body, begging to be let out.

''You wished to see me, Headmaster?'' he eventually asked, trying to focus on the issue at hand.

''Yes, yes Hadrian. Please take a seat. We were just talking about the incident between Mr. Black and Mr. Mason.'' Dumbledore peered at Hadrian over his half-moon spectacles, twinkling merrily. Truthfully Hadrian had the urge to carve said eyes out most of the time.

Hadrian's eyes flittered involuntarily to the eyes of Orion Black, Sirius father. The man was handsome, with intense grey eyes, aristocratic features and a strong build, ''Lord Black.'' Hadrian inclined his head in a show of respect, receiving a regal nod in return.

''Lord Peverell. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.'' Orion's voice was a deep baritone, and Hadrian smiled in response.

''No need for such formalities, Lord Black. Here I am just Hadrian Peverell.'' Hadrian chuckled at the Head of the Black Family, ''Nice to meet you.''

Orion blinked at him, obviously surprised, before his lips curled just a slightest bit upwards. ''Orion Black.''

Hadrian was more than a little surprised at the easy acceptance and from Sirius obvious shock, he wasn't the only one. Deciding to ignore the issue for now, Hadrian nodded at the other man. ''Mr. Mason.'' He was nothing if not unfailingly polite, so he ignored the suspicious look of the other man who had obviously taken his friendly behavior towards Orion the wrong way.

''Professor.'' Mr. Mason replied curtly.

Hadrian conjured a comfortable arm chair with a wave of his wand - not that he actually needed it - and sat down with a quiet sigh.

''Headmaster.'' Hadrian nodded, silently telling the Dumbledore to move along. He still couldn't forgive his old mentor for betraying and using him when he was still Harry, and even speaking to him usually brought a bad taste to his mouth.

''Yes, my boy. Would you mind telling us what you witnessed of the confrontation between Mr. Black and Mr. Mason?'' Dumbledore laced his fingers together, still twinkling in that irritable way that nearly drove Hadrian to commit homicide.

''Very well. I was heading for lunch when I heard shouting and the sounds of spell fire. I immediately headed towards the direction, where I heard Mr. Mason screaming that Sirius was a dark wizard, both were throwing spells at each other. Considering that fact, I would guess that Mr. Mason insulted Mr. Black who in turn lost his temper.'' Hadrian finished, and observed the reactions his account of the story brought forth. Sirius was gritting his teeth, clearly angry while Steve Mason had a dark sneer on his face that somehow reminded Hadrian of Draco Malfoy. The expression was mirrored on his father's face, meanwhile Orion Black still had his pureblood mask on, but Hadrian could tell he was both enraged and unsettled. The previously grey eyes were blazing and darkening to a near Black, and Orion's chin was locked in silent fury.

''Is that true?'' Orion turned towards his still silent son, gaze flitting over the clenched fists and stubbornly clenched jaw.

''Yes, father. He called me a worthless inbreeded Dark Wizard and I... I...'' Sirius faltered for a moment, before he stubbornly ploughed on. ''So I cursed him. He had no right.'' He glared at his father, daring him to disagree.

''You're right, son.'' Orion agreed, ''It's clear that Mr. Mason started the conflict. While my son threw the first curse, it is understandable after years of trying to set himself apart from the stigma of being a Dark Wizard.''

Sirius gawked at his father, and Hadrian smiled, pleased that he seemed to have pecked the elder Black's character correctly. ''I believe that both should be given detention, and write a suitable number of lines.'' Hadrian suggested, ''It also seems necessary to me that I explain to you what a Dark Wizard is, since using it as an insult implies that you do not know.''

''My boy, do you truly believe that is necessary. Talking about Dark Wizards I mean...'' Albus Dumbledore looked at him disappointedly, the twinkle having disappeared. Hadrian ignored it with ease that came from constant practice.

''I believe so, Headmaster. After all, we are at a place of learning, are we not?'' Hadrian countered, smiling politely at the silently fuming Headmaster. For all of his posing as a Light Wizard, Dumbledore was extremely prejudiced and did not care about the smaller picture - at all. 'For the Greater Good.'

''Nonsense, Dark Wizards are evil.'' Mr. Mason ground out, glaring at Orion Black, who stared back calmly, amusing Hadrian to no end.

''Dark is not a synonym for evil, Mr. Mason. Dark Wizards are merely those who are better suited to practicing old magics. Those who forge a deeper connection to nature and naturally require to delve deeper into their magic, and therefore are more influenced by it. Every spell uses emotions and intent, not only Dark Arts. The reason why so many Dark Wizards are known as evil are that many delve too deeply, and without enough understanding use spells and rituals that slowly corrupt their magic and therefore sanity. Another reason is the reputation of Dark Arts; that it is easy to gain power more quickly, therefore many greedy and power-hungry people start practicing Dark Magic and in turn this gives it an even worse reputation. The Dark Arts are dangerous, but only as long as your intent is. Observe...''

Hadrian flicked his wand once, and all eyes were focused on the quill that was floating above the Headmaster's desk. Hadrian waited for a moment, before with a miniature flick of his wand, the quill embedded itself in the wall, boring into the stone wall with a resounding noise.

''I just used a first year Light spell, and I could have easily killed a person with it. Do you understand now, gentleman?''

Hadrian ignored the spluttering from the Masons who were trying and failing to find arguments for their ridiculous belief, the sad and disappointed face of Dumbledore, instead concentrating on the Blacks. His explanation was largely for Sirius benefit who had always denied his dark heritage, no matter what Hadrian still had a soft spot for his former Godfather.

The Black heir was staring at him aghast, denial in his features, before turning towards his father. Orion Black met his son's widened grey eyes with his own, before he - ignoring normal pureblood decorum - raised his hand and ruffled his son's hair gently.

''Come, we are obviously done here. No reason to linger.'' Orion stood up, before nodding curtly at both Dumbledore and the Masons, managing to let his disdain be known without even changing a single facial expression. It was quite amusing to Hadrian, who noticed the silent question in the elder's eyes when he turned to look at him. He nodded, and gracefully vacated his own seat, smiling politely at the rest of the room's occupants, before following the Black's out of the room.

The walk down the stairs was silent. Hadrian was content with studying the object of his magic's fascination. The Black Lord truly was a sight to see, and he was more than aware of the chemistry between them. On the other hand, he did not know Orion Black, and Hadrian was not interested in a casual physical affair.

No matter how much he despised the Dursley's and their treatment of him, his childhood and the betrayals he experienced were a large part of his character. To let someone in after so long… Mentally berating himself for contemplating things that were not even sure to pass, Hadrian stopped next to the two Black's in front of the stone gargoyle, looking questioningly at Orion Black.

''You wanted to talk to me?'' Hadrian inquired politely.

Orion Black gazed at him thoughtfully, before nodding. ''Yes, that would be much appreciated. Is there a private room here in Hogwarts?''

''Of course.'' Hadrian simply turned on his heels, silently telling them to follow him. There weren't a lot of private rooms in Hogwarts that didn't have any kind of spells or portraits close by.

Hadrian was mildly shocked by how quiet and subdued Sirius was behaving. His former godfather seemed to be deep in thought; hopefully he wouldn't reject the olive branch that his father was sure to hand out in the near future.

It took them only minutes to arrive at the seventh floor, and after checking with his magic whether anyone else was in the close vicinity, Hadrian approached the opposite of the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy and walked by the hidden entrance three times. He was aware of the close scrutiny he was under; Orion's steady gaze was literally burning into him.

Winking at the stupefied Black's blinking at the wooden door suddenly appearing in front of Hadrian, he entered the room, taking in the comfortable armchairs and cozy flames flickering merrily in the fire place.

Flopping on a neutral blue armchair gracefully, he watched as the two Black's walked in; both obviously shocked, though Orion naturally concealed it better. Sirius on the other hand was grinning excitedly, undoubtedly thinking of showing the room to his friends.

''Impressive.'' Orion commented, and Hadrian had to contain a shiver as the voice washed over him. That couldn't be normal, could it?

Sirius seemed to calm down rather quickly, and followed his father, falling into his own chair. The young man was fidgeting nervously now that the excitement of the new room had vanished.

''Thank you.'' Hadrian smiled, ''Now how can I help you?''

Orion Black hummed, eyes flickering from his son to Hadrian. ''Sirius has praised your character greatly, and since he seems to trust you a great deal more than me right now, I thought it would be a good idea to have you here. You are also obviously not prejudiced concerning the Dark Arts, and could explain it from a different viewpoint.''

Hadrian gaped at Orion Black for a moment, but the Lord was as composed and serious as ever, and then his eyes flickered to Sirius who looked as if his whole world was suddenly turned upside down and Hadrian could sympathize.

''Sirius.'' His voice was uncommonly grave, and Hadrian pretended not to notice when Sirius straightened from his customary slouch almost unconsciously. ''What I said in the Headmaster's office before is true. I can give you books and reports that prove what I told you. Magic is neither good nor bad; the user's intent is what eventually decides how the spell is used.''

When Sirius looked like he was about to protest, Hadrian flicked his wand once and conjured a small plant pot on the table, a small sapling encased safely in the earth. Sirius frowned confusedly, shifting in his seat. ''But Professor, what do you want with-''

Hadrian smirked mischievously at the lost teen, and tapped the small sapling with his wand once. He wasn't able to keep the quiet chuckle that slipped out of his mouth in, when Sirius stared wonderingly at the beautiful white flower that grew out of the sapling.

''That was Dark Magic. Elemental magic to be exact and it's highly illegal, outlawed by the Ministry for centuries now. You have to understand that there are even household spells that are forbidden, because they involve a drop of blood. It's true that they are many damaging curses connected to the Dark Arts, and no one is forcing you to learn those curses that you obviously are not comfortable with. But I can tell you right now that you are at least a darker shade of grey; you will always have a higher disposition for the darker branches of magic. Before you deny your own magics, please at least read about it a little more. I can even give you books if you are not comfortable with using the Black Library.''

Hadrian finished his impassionate speech, a little embarrassed by how forceful he was, but him growing up as a light wizards even though his magic was grey, taught him how incomplete one usually feels when denying one's nature.

The Black heir nodded once, immersed in his own thoughts, before he bowed towards both Hadrian and Orion Black. ''May I be excused? There's a lot I have to think about.''

''Of course.'' Orion ruffled his son's hair once more, and Sirius escaped the room with an indignant squeak, making Hadrian chuckle amusedly.

Orion Black eyed him shrewdly, grey clashing with green. ''Thank you.''

Hadrian waved him off, a small wistful smile on his face. ''Don't worry about it. Sirius is a good kid, and no one should ever deny their magic.''

''You're speaking of experience.'' Orion questioned, leaning back in the comfortable armchair. ''Otherwise you would not have been as passionate.''

Hadrian crossed his legs, while contemplating his answer. ''I grew up as a light wizard; I didn't know that I was a grey wizard till I was almost fifteen.''

''I see, are you planning on entering politics, Lord Peverell?.'' Orion enquired curiously, and Hadrian could see the cunning and ambitious politician beneath the mask. His magic purred in delight at having found such a strong match-

''Not yet.'' Hadrian ground out, brows furrowed as he tried to hold back his magic that wanted to stroke Orion Black's. It had been more than a decade since he had last had problems with controlling his magic and it made him uneasy.

''Any problems?'' Orion's voice deepened, and Hadrian tried not to let it show how affected he was. Gods, he wanted-

He shook his head, clearing his throat. ''No, just some passing thoughts.''

Orion Black smirked, a darkly mischievous expression on his face that made Hadrian's blood and magic burn, ''I see. I do hope we will see each other again soon.''

With that passing remark, Orion stood, prowling towards Hadrian like a predator chasing it's prey. Irritated at the analogy currently occupying his thought, Hadrian also got up, annoyed at having to look up at the tall and strong form of the Black Lord.

''It was a pleasure meeting you, Hadrian.'' Orion nearly purred his name, halting only a foot away from him. Hadrian's magic was on haywire, thrumming and boiling beneath his skin, only his iron will preventing anything embarrassing from happening.

''Likewise, Orion.'' He was unwilling to admit how much he enjoyed the darkening of those grey eyes boring into his. Hadrian mechanically let the older man guide his hand to his lips, not being able to resist the pull of his magic. Orion's hand was warm and strong, tendrils of his magic stroking alongside his, and Hadrian did shiver slightly that time. That was not what he had expected upon meeting the esteemed Lord Black.

The touch of Orion's lips to the back of his hand was feather light and yet it felt like Hadrian had been burned and branded with an intense fire. Too soon the feeling was gone, and he felt curiously empty.

With only a last dark and promising look, Orion Black, the Patriarch of the Black Family left the room of Requirement, and Hadrian fell back into his chair gracelessly, thought churching.

He would have liked to convince himself that the trembling wrecking his body was the physical sign of his dread, and yet he knew those shudders were dark shivers of anticipation.

He smirked excitedly, 'Let the game begin.'

A/N Next chapter, over 4000 words... not too shabby...

Thank you to all those of you who favorited, fallowed or reviewed my story... It really means a lot to me!

This chapter was a kind of introduction to Hadrian's character, stance on wizarding affairs, the relationships inside the House Black, and so on...

Hope you liked it!

C'ya soon

AriesOrion