Cannot Fathom Without You
The last chapter was sort of short, but I hope this chapter makes up for it!
Any questions so far?
Disclaimer still applies! Warnings still apply.
The thoughts and feelings of the characters do not reflect the author's. Please remember this.
Chapter 8: When Fate Holds Her Breath
As slate grey observed startling avada kedavra green, lips threatened to twitch into a smile or a sneer... The owner of said lips couldn't honestly decided.
The owner of such startling green eyes met his stare head on, and didn't break for quite some time. Neither dared to blink, fear that the other would make a sudden move.
This was the position that Hadrian and Tom found themselves in. Staring down their soul mate.
For Tom, this was supposed to be the child of the Light, the one who would destroy him... Who HAD destroyed him, in fact.
Although, he understood that Hadrian had been but a babe. Lilly Potter's love was what saved the child. Now the child had Willow to throw herself in front of him...
He hoped that if he wanted this child dead, he wouldn't have to go through most of the witches in wizarding Britain. Something nagging in the back of his mind told him that he would though.
It was something about Hadrian that drew others to him, and even Tom could understand their curiosity. Here was a ten year old, staring at him, in all his Voldemort glory, as if Tom were a puzzle, but not something to overly fear.
He was partly amused by this, and partly annoyed. He was a Dark Lord, and this child wouldn't cower down to him.
It's true... He could kill the child, and live without the piece of his soul stuck in the boy... He had several other pieces, one wouldn't kill him.
Ah, but the static feeling along his skin when the thought crossed his mind, alerted him to magic's disapproval to this path.
So he was stuck with the brat, for now. At least until the boy did something magic did not approve of. The moment that happened, Tom would strike with all his dark glory!
One of the eyebrows above the green eyes lifted, and Hadrian had to hold back a derisive snort. This man was entirely to easy to read. This man was hoping he'd slip up, and do something foolish enough for magic to deem him unworthy? Ha! Voldemort would have to wait lifetimes then.
He knew that not many children, even pureblood children, were taught about the primal force of magic anymore. Really... Where do they think it all came from?
Despite being face to face with the Dark Lord, Hadrian smiled.
Tom's eyes narrowed on this boy. "Hadrian."
"Yes, Lord Voldemort?" this made Tom's eye twitch. The boy never said "my lord". He'd always avoid that by either calling him "Lord Slytherin" or "Lord Voldemort" like now.
"How did your mother adopt you? Are you sure Dumbledore cannot find you?"
At that question, a grin threatened to curl at the edge of Hadrian's smile.
"My mother was to be my godmother. My actual father, James Potter, made this so. When I was two, there was a letter delivered to my mother, telling her why this had come to pass. Willow Croÿ became my mother through ancient blood rituals that have been long forgotten. Although I am still the descendant of Lilly and James Potter, I am the blood heir to the Croÿ line. Hogwarts will recognize the most recent change of line, as per the ancient laws. Harry Potter, for all purpose, no longer exists unless I chose to re assume that title when I come of age."
Tom smiled. The laws that Hogwarts was founded in had not changed in the many years that castle had stood.
Yes, the laws could be recognized by the reigning headmaster... And Tom honestly believed that if Dumbledore had changed this law, a lot of people would have withdrawn their children from the school... Not just the purebloods either. It was for protection of a house. The continuation of a line.
The only ones that were unaware of the blood adoptions were the muggle born.
At that thought, Tom had to stop himself from grinding his teeth.
They had taken many things from wizards. Rituals, celebrations, rights, and even some laws. This angered Tom.
What good was a wizard without the pride of where one came from? Most wizards drew their strength from the celebrations, like Samhain. Now it was just 'Halloween'.
"What does your mother insist you celebrate during October?" Tom asked, waiting patiently for the answer.
Hadrian gave him a look as if he were an idiot. "Samhain, of course."
The nerve of this ten year old! But yes, he was pleased that the Croÿ family still stuck by traditions.
This would make things far easier now.
Claire's shoulder length blond hair bounced as she shifted her weight, one of her spiral curls catching behind her ear. Her almond shaped brown eyes watched her daughter like a hawk, soft pink lips threatening to catch into a smile. The sun beaming down on her slightly tanned form only caused her to look a bit taller than her 5'5" stature.
Alcied could only look on in amusement as Claire watched her daughter roll in the grass. "How old is she?" He asked his current company. Claire's eyes quickly met his, only to dart back to the small figure romping around. "She's ten." She commented. Alcied nodded. "Almost ready for Beauxbatons, is she?"
Claire nodded. "She's growing up so fast." She commented softly. Alcied saw his opportunity. "I know. My nephew, Hadrian, is also ten. He'll be attending Hogwarts soon. He doesn't have many friends though. Poor boy will be swarmed with people."
In all honestly, Alcied knew Hadrian needed more friends than just himself, Sirius, and Draco Malfoy. Such seclusion would be bad when he got to school, and was suddenly swarmed with the mass of other children. Especially purebloods wanting to get close to the Croÿ heir.
Well... Alcied conceded that it wouldn't be so bad if Hadrian ended up in Slytherin. He'd have power due to his blood status as a pureblood. He would be respected in Slytherin, but there were three other possibilities. To discount them would be fool hardy.
Claire smiled, happy with the idea. Her daughter, Anne, did so need company. She was usually a lonely child who didn't attempt to make many friends, due to her Veela heritage. Anne was so afraid that the stares would only be because she was beautiful.
She knew about the Croÿ family, and hoped that Alcied's nephew would be immune. If not, though, they would be a powerful family to have on her side.
"Then let us make a play date for our lonely children?" Claire suggested.
When Alcied next found Hadrian, the smaller male was curled up on the lounge of Alcied's office, chatting away with Roland Croÿ's painting.
"Hadrian." he called out, interrupting the in depth conversation between grandfather and grandson.
"Yes, uncle?" Hadrian's response seemed to be laced with disappointment.
"I have been thinking. Maybe it's high time we associate you with more children. Your going to be swarmed with other children at school. We will be visiting the French Minister and her daughter for a play date." Alcied explained.
Although it would be beneficial to have Claire's support, he would not push Hadrian into forging an alliance with those he didn't trust. Heavens knew he'd have enough of that in Hogwarts.
That... And foreign aid was still the second part of his plan.
He knew his sister wasn't dead. Her portrait had never come to life. Something was amiss, and Alcied didn't like it.
He'd actually gone to Dumbledore, and promised him support in his part of the war. To spy on the Dark Lord, like Severus did. As a sanctuary gift, he was going to be teaching History of Magic at Hogwarts.
He would slowly be influencing generations to come. Alcied liked this position.
While he was teaching, he was still working with foreign affairs at the Ministry, and whispering into the Minister's ears. His only competition was a snot nosed brat named Edmund DeMitri.
After having received Hadrian's nod and smile, Alcied left to quickly plan his next move. Green eyes followed him with sadness. Only his softly spoken name drew his attention back to the portrait. Roland looked upon him with slight seriousness. "Do not take his actions to harshly. It's my fault he's like this." Roland's blue eyes drifted downwards in shame. Hadrian scoffed.
"Grandfather, I think Uncle Alc knows he's not turned out quite right in the head. I think he understands that what he is doing is suicide. Grandfather... I think he wants to die." Hadrian said with a certain air in his voice.
Roland's eyes went wide in surprise. "What do you mean Hadrian?" The ten year old boy took on a serious look. "He knows he is playing two sides he cannot hope to beat. He's not stupid... He's desperate."
Roland chuckled. "How do you figure this?"
Hadrian's serious look turned thoughtful. "He is missing his other half. He knows she's not dead. Now he has to find a way to rescue her from Lord Slytherin. He already failed once, and is very lucky to be alive. He knows he can't try anything foolish again. If he does, Lord Slytherin is bound to kill him, or mother. He is a Dark Lord. He cannot show true mercy. The only reason he kept mother around is because she's useful as a seer. I don't yet know why he spared Uncle Alc though."
Roland's smile slowly fell. To have matured his grandson this far... What situation had he put his own children in? These thoughts plagued Roland, even long after Hadrian had left, and the fireplace died.
. . .
Anne Baute sat across from Hadrian Croÿ on a bright and sunny Monday morning. The light streaming in through he large french style windows of the Minister's manor seemed to illuminate both hazel and green eyes. Of course, it would help if those eyes weren't currently glaring at one another. Assessing the person across from them with cunning, and slight repulsion.
Claire Baute, current Minister of France had finally had enough. "You've just met! No glares. If later on in the day, you've both decided to call off this play date, then we will call them off. Until then, your stuck together for the day!" she called out with the authoritative voice of a mother used to stubborn children. Alcied nodded beside her, backing her up.
Anne pouted at her mother for a moment before twirling a lock of pure blond hair around her finger in thought. She looked up to Hadrian. The boy didn't look amused at all. He seemed more affronted by her attitude. Good then! He'd passed the first test. Now on to the second one.
"I suppose we could sit down to a civil dinner." She posed quietly.
Hadrian's head was almost spinning. Was this little witch for real? She entered into this play date, immediately acting hostile towards him! Accusing him of setting this little get together with her eyes. She'd nearly hissed at him a few times. She'd also said some very abrasive things!
NOW she wanted to play civil? This witch was crazy. Crazy witches were dangerous. Hadrian immediately began to make his escape plan, careful to never let his polite facade drop, least she scent his fear, and attack. He'd been warned about wild animals!
He nodded towards Anne, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I concur. When will dinner be served?" Hadrian asked politely, hoping to be given a time frame.
Unfortunately, Alcied had caught on to his schemes. "I will call you both for dinner." he instructed. He knew that his nephew had planned to avoid Anne till dinner time was announced. His nephew was new to the avoidance game though. Alcied wasn't new to the duck and dodge, having had to play it many times with potential suitors. He smiled slightly with the memories.
Hadrian wanted to pout at his uncle. He mentally swore to inspire one of Siri's pranks to be aimed at Alcied.
Using all of the pureblood teachings, he stood gracefully, and moved to the chair Anne had plopped down in. He gently pulled it out as she stood, his manners impeccable. She merely scowled at him, muttering something to him that the adults couldn't hear. "Simpleton. Stupid inbred."
Usually, Hadrian would have let it slide, but she had struck a nerve. She hardly even knew him. "Bigot." he hissed back. This startled her. Her hazel eyes flew to meet his cold green. Shock colored her cheeks red. Had she not meant him to hear her? Well, damage had been done.
Anne was surprised! This boy was quick witted indeed, and his narrowed eyes seemed to tell her that he'd more than been insulted by her harsh words. She blinked and looked straight into the entrancing eyes. "I apologize." she whispered.
It was now Hadrian's turn to be taken aback. His assessment had been correct. She was insane. She had to be. Her mood went from zero to ten in less than a second! What was his uncle thinking? Introducing him to this insane girl?
When it came time, and they were led out to "play", Hadrian dared anyone to blame him as he walked a bit of a distance behind Anne.
. . .
"And that is the gist of that."
"So... All of that... Was really just you, attempting to test me?" He questioned, not liking where this was going so far.
Anne nodded, guilt flooding her hazel eyes. "I assumed this was a 'mating' gathering with some influential, pompous pureblood. I again, apologize." she smiled sweetly at Hadrian, really trying to make up for the scorn she'd shown him earlier.
Hadrian had to take a deep breath. "I think... I am developing a migraine." he whispered as he went to pinch the bridge of his nose.
Anne giggled. "Sorry." she shrugged, unable to help how this young man thought of her. She was happy that this was more of a social gathering, and thus decided to try to befriend this boy. He seemed just as lonely as she was.
"If it helps, this place has a huge library." she offered. She'd noticed his long pale fingers, much suited for flipping pages. That and when they'd passed the library on the way out to the gardens, she'd noticed his longing gaze.
"And I know how to sneak back in." she again prodded. Hadrian looked up, his eyes bright with wonder. "How long till they find out we are missing?" he wondered. Anne shrugged. "They don't seem to be keeping an immediate eye on us. Can't hurt to try, right?" she gave him another winning smile.
He huffed. This girl was either going to lead him to wonder, or to trouble. He internally fought a battle. The sanctuary of a library, mixed with a crazy girl, and no doubt punishment for sneaking off in the end. Why the hell not? He was only young once.
"Lead the way." he nodded, determined to find sanctuary once in this situation.
In that small adventure, Hadrian and Anne forged a tentative friendship.
. . .
"Sneaking away like that! Reckless! I expect so much more from you, Hadrian!" Alcied yelled.
Normally, he was a calm man, when not driven to the edge of desperation. Normally, he was all for adventure, and excitement... When it did not involve his sister's legacy.
His heart still thrummed in panic at the mere thought of losing Hadrian.
If his sister were truly dead, he'd lose the only real thing he had left of her. If she were still alive, she'd slaughter him upon her return if she found out that he'd lost her son.
"To much like your father." he hissed, remembering some of the stories he'd been told of Sirius Black and James Potter's Hogwarts time.
Hadrian had to hide a smile at that thought. "I really do apologize uncle, but I did make a new friend. Was that not the goal you'd set out for me?" Hadrian questioned. He was almost eleven, for magic's sake! What did his uncle expect him to do? Go chasing after a troll? Ha!
He already knew he was no Godric Gryffindor.
Alcied noticed that they'd gotten off topic.
"If Willow were here, you wouldn't have behaved like that." Alcied stated, and Hadrian saw red.
"If mother were here, I wouldn't have had to sneak away like some depraved mad man." He sniped.
It was a low blow, reminding Alcied of exactly why his sister was no longer here. It was blame, pure and simple. It also signaled an end to the conversation.
It didn't help that Hadrian had up and left after those words were spoken, leaving his uncle to wallow in guilt.
. . .
Draco Malfoy was inching away from Anne Baute as she glared at the blond. "Move down." She demanded one more time.
She had come to sit next to Hadrian, only to be rudely cut off by the blond ferret! How dare he! She wondered if he'd squeak like one if she were to hunt him down.
"Not on your life." He glared back, his grey eyes like wide slates of ice. Her own hazel stared him down. "If you don't move, I'll gut you like the rodent you so resemble!" It was soft spoken, meant for his ears only.
His grey eyes widened further as he decided that he'd just move to sit on the other side of Hadrian. This witch was insane!
Hadrian watched this with a mix of amusement and horror.
Today, Hadrian turned eleven, and everyone had gathered. Even people he didn't know. He assumed they were friends of his uncle.
He almost groaned as he spotted red hair, and freckles. Really?!
But it was to late to run, and soon he was swept up in the storm that came with Fred, and George Weasley.
"Hey Adrian!" "Happy Birthday!" Fred and George instantly clung to him, looping their arms around the high backed chair, and pulling Hadrian into their awkward embrace. For some reason, they'd taken to shortening his name to just Adrian. Not that Hadrian minded, but he wondered why they did that.
Both gave him impish grins. Having just turned thirteen, they knew they got to tease a soon to be first year. "Bet your nervous-" "About getting your Hogwarts letter."
Hadrian shivered. He hated when they did that sometimes. "I'm not nervous at all." "Oi! Will you let him go!" Draco demanded, upset that he couldn't drape himself over Hadrian as such. Suddenly two pairs of eyes turned to meet Draco. Vibrant blue clashed with vivid grey.
Sly grins spread across the twin's faces. Suddenly, Draco was enveloped in a dog pile, and somehow Anne had managed to land on top of. "How the hell did I manage to get pulled into this?" Hadrian had to hiss from the middle, two bodies atop his smaller one. "I am asking the same question!"
The chairs had toppled over, drawing the attention of the rest of the Weasley children.
"Oh no." Hadrian hissed quietly, but it was to late, and soon enough, Ron, Ginny, Bill, and Charlie had added to the pile.
"I'm going to die like this." Draco wailed from underneath it all.
Somehow, someone started to tickle him, and his hitched giggles could be heard even under the massive pile of children.
He attempted to retaliate, but somehow, he just started tickling Hadrian. Hadrian's cute giggles burst with the unexpected tickle attack.
Hadrian looked up to find several pairs of eyes blinking owlishly at him. Suddenly, they converged upon him, tickling him relentlessly.
Slate grey eyes watched this from the corner, along with dark brown.
Edmund didn't like how close all of the children were to his soul mate, but held down his tempter. It wouldn't do to blow his cover. The witch beside him only smiled, shifting the toddler on her hip.
"You must be so proud to watch your pureblood son be made a fool of." Edmund hissed, hoping to remove that smile from her face.
"I am a proud mother, watching her son grow, and make new friends. Pureblood or no, every child needs friends to grow." Willow recited softly, hoping her voice didn't carry to far to Alcied's ears.
Edmund, or Tom sneered at that. Who was in need of friends? Certainly not he, nor his soul mate.
But he wouldn't lie. Seeing the smile on his little soul mate's face as the children disentangled themselves from one another was worth it. He supposed, he'd allow his soul mate friends.
Willow rolled her eyes as she looked at James who was reaching out for Hadrian. "Brudda." he demanded. Who was she to deny either of her sons their heart's desires?
She gracefully moved to where a glamored Sirius was helping Hadrian up. "Hello gents." She said softly, a smile lighting up her glamored face. "Could I ask you to watch after this little tot here. He's been so aching to see the birthday boy." She offered up James to Hadrian. "Brudda!" the tot squealed with joy.
Hadrian eyed his mother, longing to give her a hug. He smiled to James. "Hello Jamie." He offered to his little brother.
Sirius could only watch in slight amazement as James and Hadrian interacted. "Hello, Beloved." he mouthed slightly to the woman standing close to him. She slid her eyes to him, and offered him a beautiful smile. "Hello Fur ball."
They missed the calculating midnight eyes lingering upon their position.
Alcied smiled. It seemed that his sister's game of hide and seek was up. She was clever, yes. Unfortunately for her, she had far to much heart to miss her son's eleventh birthday, and now that he thought about it, she'd been there for birthdays past as well, always on the arm of Edmund DeMitri.
He immediately sought the man out.
"DeMirtri." he called out, alerting the man to his presence. Edmund eyed him warily, but nodded a greeting.
"Croÿ." he offered in return. Alcied gave his most charming grin. "It was nice of you to make it to my nephew's party."
"It was nice of you to invite us." He was beginning to wonder where this was going.
"You've a lovely wife and son." Alcied nodded to the woman talking with Sirius and Hadrian as the toddler was tugging on a piece of Hadrian's hair.
Edmund didn't react the way Alcied had hopped. "Thank you. They are both a blessing on my house." he nodded.
Alcied frowned. "What did you say their names were?"
Edmund had prepared for such a question. "Alice, and James." he offered, his eyes almost narrowing. What was Croÿ playing at now?
"Interesting... I don't think I've ever heard of you marrying."
That did it. The Dark Lord was through playing games.
"What I find interesting is the blood ritual adoption papers on you, Alcied Croÿ." grey eyes met midnight.
"I did blood adopt my nephew." he said, but that was common knowledge. To make Hadrian the heir to the Croÿ home, he had to blood adopt Hadrian as a nephew.
Edmund smiled, it wasn't a charming smile. "I wasn't talking about Hadrian." he said as he moved towards Alice. "I was talking about your blood adoption into the Croÿ house." he left that as a parting.
Alcied's eyes widened. What on earth was he talking about?!
DUN DUN DUUUUUUN!
Questions? Theories? Do ask, or do tell! I'm excited to hear from you.
If you had to teach a subject at Hogwarts, what would you teach, and why?