Chapter 4

Edited

5 Years Later

Ten-year-old Hadrian Potter had never felt so excited in his short life. Looking back, he didn't think he would ever be even a little excited about life after his parents practically abandoned him in favour of his famous twin Thomas Potter. Luckily, fate was not too cruel to the child. Instead, he was unofficially adopted by his grandparents, and found friends that liked him and had the same tastes and distastes – for his twin. His friends were good to him, and they could see many positive changes in the young boy.

The reason for his chipper attitude today was that it was the day. The day for happiness. The day for joy. The day when he and his best friends started their formal schooling.

Contrary to popular belief, pureblood students did not start learning when they were eleven and joined Hogwarts. Rather, they started a year earlier. The children who started early were the future heirs of prominent houses. This meant that they had much more to learn than the muggle-borns who would start the following year. It was also done to ensure that their child did not embarrass their family name by being ignorant about what was being taught.

Back then, the child was homeschooled in the basics of the subjects typically taught in school. While it was illegal to buy a wand for a child, it certainly was not illegal to use an ancestor's wand. The heavy wards that surrounded the manors made it impossible for the Ministry to detect underage magic. Besides, the Ministry wouldn't dare to accuse the heir of a powerful family of a crime. It was also generally ignored as long as the magic was only performed behind closed doors and away from prying muggle eyes.

Then, a few housewives got together and decided that it would be beneficial for all of them if their children studied together. The young heirs could make alliances early in their lives, which convinced the fathers, while the mothers felt that making friends early would ensure a happier school experience for their young darlings.

Hence, ideal-minded families would hire tutors for their heirs. They would meet in a pre-decided location and would formally begin the child's education. The tutor's fee was equally split amongst the families and sometimes, members of one family would teach for free. This process began when the children turned ten since it would give them ample time to learn and forge friendships.

Not all families were invited though; this was not an open group. The Lords didn't trust their heirs with anyone except the heirs of their allies and like-minded individuals. It would give the enemies from other houses an open invitation to either kidnap or, in extreme cases, kill their heirs.

Hadrian couldn't shake off the smile that seemed to have been plastered to his face. He finished his morning rituals and dressed in appropriate clothes for a boy at his station.

Even though Thomas was the more famous one, his grandfather didn't feel that he was entitled to the heirship just because the boy had a fancy mark and an even fancier title (his words). He decided to make Hadrian the official heir of the Potter family, a decision that James didn't like. James argued that Harry was unworthy of the Potter Lordship since Thomas was the Boy Who Lived, who defeated Voldemort and saved the wizarding world, hence, Thomas was entitled to the Lordship. This unintelligent fool was ignored by Charlus and warned to not cross the boundaries and question the Lord of Potter Clan's decision.

Dressed in an emerald green cloak and formal attire consisting of a black shirt and tie, and charcoal-coloured pants, followed by polished shoes, Hadrian stood in front of the mirror and observed himself. He had inherited his father's messy black hair, the Potter's curse, and after much difficulty and cosmetics, had managed to tame his hair. He liked his messy hair, but Grandmother Dorea forbade him from looking like a common hooligan and made him comb it to the side. Draco and Rigel had snickered when he changed his hairstyle, but today he had to stick with formalities. His emerald green eyes scrutinised himself, looking for flaws in his attire. He needed to look perfect since he would be standing for the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter. He did not want to disappoint his grandfather and as the man said, "first impressions are for life."

Satisfied, and mentally snorting at the amount of time Draco would take to get ready, he made his way downstairs passing through the halls of Potter Castle that housed so many of his happy memories. He shuddered when he thought about what he would have done without his grandparents, but quickly decided against thinking sombre thoughts. Today was not the day to frown and think about what-ifs.

His grandfather taught him the basics of the mind arts, and, after discovering that he had a natural affinity for them from the Gringotts test, he began tutoring him in Occlumency. When Hadrian had questioned why he couldn't learn Legilimency as well, his grandfather had explained that his mind needed to mature more before he could thrust his awareness into someone else's mind. So, for the time being, he suggested that he practise Occlumency for now.

His mind shields were incredible for someone his age, and while they were far from indestructible, he could hold on until he could break eye contact. He also made full use of the side effects of Occlumency which enabled him to clear his mind and control his emotions.

He arrived in the informal dining room to find both his grandparents seated for breakfast as the Head Chef Elf Rago served his grandfather. He was, as usual, absorbed into the Daily Prophet while his grandmother was sipping tea. She noticed him enter and her face split into a wide smile, "Who is this handsome devil? My oh my, the girls don't stand a chance with you, Harry."

"Grandmother!" Hadrian whined, his face becoming hot as he imagined the ridicule he would receive if Rigel got wind of this. He quickly cleared his embarrassment and took a seat. Rago gave him a bow as he sat, "The usual Master Harry?"

"Yes please, Rago."

"At once, Master Harry."

Breakfast went on silently, with the occasional ruffling of the newspaper and clinks of fine China. Hadrian polished down his simple breakfast of toast, eggs, and milk with the grace of a pureblood heir, which earned him a smile from his grandmother.

She cleared her throat and Charlus looked up and smiled "Ah Harry, all done? I suppose we have a little time left and I wish to speak to you about some matters. Come, let us move to my study."

A little confused, Hadrian dutifully followed his grandfather to the Lord's study and stood with curiosity and attention before his grandfather as he took a seat behind the enormous claw-footed mahogany desk. His grandfather then nodded towards the chair across from the desk, causing Hadrian to sit.

While his grandfather was busy waving his wand and enacting the privacy charms of the room, Hadrian surveyed the room that always managed to awe him, even though he'd been there a thousand times. Generations of Potter Lords had left their tastes within the huge circular room, and it had always felt homey to him.

There was a large window to the side which allowed sunlight to flood into the room. Against the wall, stood a large bookcase containing an assortment of books that the current Potter Lord read for his leisure. Currently, it was crammed with books encompassing law and warding. There was a huge, elaborate, marble fireplace to the right with a gigantic muggle painting of the first Potter, Rictus Potter hanging above it. There was a blood-warded safe hidden behind that painting that his grandfather had shown him once.

In all, the room sang out to him, and it was one of his happiest memories when his grandfather had fondly placed him on his lap when he was four and promised him that one day he would sit in the very same chair as the Potter Lord. He would rule over the Potter lands as his right as firstborn and there was nothing James could do about this. Hadrian was born seven minutes before Thomas, who was born just before the stroke of midnight, and the laws of inheritance were the same for everyone, even for prophesied toddlers.

Hadrian snapped out of his thoughts when his grandfather cleared his throat and addressed him "Heir Potter."

Immediately, Hadrian snapped into his role as heir. This was no longer his grandfather addressing him, but the Lord of the Potter Clan. He immediately bowed his head deeply and uttered "Lord Potter."

Charlus surveyed his heir for a second before speaking, "Today you begin your first step into the world. You are going to begin your education and slowly step into your duties and responsibilities as heir to the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter. I hope you are aware that your days as a child are over."

"Yes, Lord Potter. I accept my role as the heir to this great house and I promise to bring honour and do nothing to bring disgrace to the Noble House of Potter." Hadrian said in a formal voice, gulping slightly at his new responsibilities.

"I have utmost faith in you, my heir. I didn't call you to remind you of your duties, but instead, to give you your birthright." Charlus said and smiled when he saw the curious expression on his heir's face.

He cleared his throat and continued, "It is every heir's right to represent the family they are born into, and as an heir to a Most Ancient and Nobel House, you represent centuries of culture and traditions. While we were warriors, or so-called Rulers when we established the Wizengamot, swords and other weapons were discarded in favour of wands. But it was not forgotten by a few families. While it is frowned upon to carry swords and other weapons, it is certainly not illegal. For a few houses, namely the Blacks, Potters, and a few others, it is a birthright, my child."

"Why only a few families?"

"Ah, you'll learn all this in your history and politics classes. I accidentally let it slip but pay no heed. Back to the topic, Lord Black and I were awarded Baronship for our services in the Grindelwald war, and we have decided to make a statement through our heirs."

"I don't understand grandfather." Hadrian was utterly bewildered.

"I will explain everything when you are old enough Harry. Do you trust me?"

"With my life."

"Then trust me on this. This is for the good of the Magical World and the future of all houses. Now come." Charlus said, calling him to move towards the fireplace. Charlus waved his wand and the painting slid apart, revealing the vault. Even Hadrian, who didn't know much about wards, could feel the lethal power of the ones surrounding the vault.

Charlus conjured a flawless silver dagger and laughed, noticing the open-mouth shock on his grandson's face and said fondly, "You will be able to do this one day Harry. Transfiguration runs in our blood after all."

'I sure hope so.' Hadrian thought, mouth still hanging in awe, and winced as his grandfather sliced his palm without even a grimace. He then held the bloody palm in front of the wall to be judged.

At once, there was a flash, and the Potter family totem, a Dragon, screeched into existence and judged the blood on Charlus's palms. After a moment, it screeched its approval and vanished. The wall behind the fireplace faded to reveal the Potter family vault.

Again, Hadrian was left speechless as his grandfather made his way inside. Even though he'd seen this procedure many times, he felt his respect for his ancestors rise.

His grandfather had once explained how to open the vault and how each security measure worked. The first requirement was a dagger conjured by magic to draw the blood of the wizard trying to open the vault. An intruder would come prepared with a knife or dagger which the magic would immediately recognize. However, it wouldn't react, luring the intruder into a false sense of security. When Hadrian had questioned what difference a conjured knife or a purchased one would make, his grandfather laughed and said, "Magic Harry. While the metal is the same, the conjured one is made purely from your magic. That makes all the difference in the world."

The next one, hidden among the nastiest wards and curses, was, once the magic of the vault determined there was an imposter, either from the dagger or blood, a false vault would open. Once the imposter steps inside, pure darkness would be waiting for them. When questioned further, Grandfather shivered and said he would learn what happens when he reaches fifteen from the Family Grimoire.

The sounds of his grandfather's approaching footsteps snapped Hadrian out of his thoughts and when he looked up, Harry couldn't help but stare open-mouthed.

Charlus held an ornate, ivory-coloured scabbard that had a variety of jewels embedded into it. That, however, was nothing compared to the blade when Charlus drew the sword. It was 20 inches long and made of a dark shining metal. Its wicked sharp edges glinted in the morning sun and the pommel was decorated with a Dragon head made up of a small golden beak and ruby red eyes. Hadrian gasped when he saw the runes etched on the flat of the blade. It ran along the entire length of the blade and had a weak red glow, showing a power of its own.

"This is Bloodlust. While I am unaware of who this sword's creator is, this blade has seen many wars and cut down many foes; It can absorb any power within their blood and use it as its own. This is no ordinary sword anymore. This is a very rare Potter Family heirloom. "

"But grandfather, what if I lose this priceless sword?! What if I accidentally cut myself?! What if I can't lift it?! What if I use it against Thomas?! " Hadrian cried, worry and fear lacing his voice.

"Easy lad. I would never be foolish enough to give a sword that could hurt my grandson. The runes etched into the blade bind the sword to our bloodline. It will never hurt anyone with our blood. So, rest assured, you cannot hurt Thomas or yourself unless it's a formal duel. The runes further ensure that no matter where you place the sword, it will always return to you. And, once you bond with this sword, it will morph to fit your body. Tell you what, why don't you see for yourself?"

Hadrian nodded eagerly and his grandfather carefully placed the sword into his outreached hands. He expected it to land heavily within his hands, but when his grandfather placed it into his grasp, it felt impossibly light. Charlus conjured a silver dagger once again and nicked his grandson's finger, blood already flowing freely. Hadrian knew he had to work on his occlumency when he wasn't able to stop a wince from forming on his face.

"Here Harry, smear some blood on the first rune here," Charlus instructed, pointing towards the first rune in the sequence, a rune shaped like a thunderbolt. Hadrian gasped when he realised that it was similar to the cursed mark on his twin brother's forehead.

Charlus nodded gravely, "Yes, that mark. It is the Sowilo, a rune signifying, in simple words, power. Your brother indeed has some divine power… but that's neither here nor there." Charlus added quickly after seeing the crestfallen look on Hadrian's face. It became clear to him that his brother was indeed as special as he was shown to be in the newspapers.

Hadrian smeared his blood on the rune dejectedly as his mind wandered off. Suddenly the runes flared brightly causing Hadrian to yelp. His mind was suddenly assaulted with foreign magic, luckily, he had the strangest notion that he was being judged. He stared defiantly at the strange magic in his mindscape, refusing to back down.

The magic seemed to respect Hadrian's fortitude and departed in a dazzling show of light. Hadrian staggered as his mind was bombarded with knowledge of the sword, ranging from different styles to all basic and advanced stances. Hadrian, using his Occlumency skills, quickly caught all the information before it could clutter his mindscape. He skillfully organised the information into a separate folder and imprinted it with his magic to keep it safe.

"Harry, are you okay? Talk to me, son." Charlus asked worriedly as his favourite grandson seemed to lose his balance, seemingly on the verge of fainting.

The dizziness vanished as suddenly as it had come, causing a sudden gasp to erupt from Hadrian's lungs, "I know grandfather. I know it."

Charlus looked even more worried than before, the unexpected magic seemed to have made his grandson go insane. Seeing his grandfather's expression, Hadrian rolled his eyes, "I'm fine. The sword's magic seemed to judge me and as soon as I passed some sort of test, it exploded and suddenly, I knew how to use a sword."

Charlus mused, "Well, I certainly didn't expect that. Go ahead Harry, show me what you can do."

Hadrian glanced at his sword and to his shock, it seemed to have shrunk to fit him perfectly. It looked like it was custom-made for him alone. It was around half its original length and the runes seemed to have been compressed which were now glowing merrily.

Calling the sword fighting folder into the forefront of his mind, he gave an experimental slash and to his surprise, it was very clumsy. It was nothing like the graceful slashing that he knew he could do but his body wasn't responding to that. He gave another stab, a lighting-accurate one in his mind but a slow, sloppy stab was all he got. He growled in frustration.

"No need to growl Harry." Charlus chuckled. "This makes perfect sense."

"Well?" Harry demanded.

"Just because you were granted the knowledge does not mean you will be phenomenal instantly. Like all the experts in their fields, you must practise and incorporate that knowledge into muscle memory. Does it make sense?" seeing Harry nod tentatively, "In simple words, you must practise and practice until your mind and body are one. Thanks to your occlumency your mind is sufficiently ahead but your body needs to practise."

"So, I won't be able to use the sword until I train?" Harry asked calmly. He of all people knew that nothing was free and if it was, then it wasn't worth the effort in the first place.

"Exactly lad. I think we can add swordsmanship into your training now." Charlus said, mentally analysing the advantages this would bring to his grandson.

"We need to find someone who can train me. While it is easy to train here, how can I train when I leave for school?" Harry asked, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"Let me worry about those details lad. Nothing is impossible, not when you are a member of the Wizengamot and also hold power in the Board of Directors." Charlus smiled crookedly and Harry smiled back, thinking about the outrageous power his family held in their world.

"Another thing I wanted to talk to you about Harry... Well, this topic is quite... sensitive. Do you swear to hear me out and won't judge me until you hear the entire thing?" Charlus asked, an almost unnoticeable nervousness in his voice.

Harry was puzzled "Of course, I will grandfather. Why would I judge you? After all, you have done nothing but good for me. Tell me what this is all about."

"I wish for you to build alliances with other Noble houses only and not interact with muggle-borns."

Silence.

"Um, okay... Not judging, but aren't you sounding a tiny bit like... a blood purist grandfather?"

Charlus hated to see the guarded expression on his grandson's face, but he had to do this, for the good of his grandson and the world as a whole. He took a deep breath and said "Harry, you know I never believed in the garbage that muggle-borns steal magic and make us weaker and have never supported views which demand that we ban them from our world. They have the gift of magic just like the rest of us."

"But through the years, times have changed Harry. While you were a child, the world changed drastically, and it will be political suicide if I do not mention these to you myself. It will not look good if the heir of the Potter family is clueless when he should be fully aware."

"Why should I be aware of this grandfather? Unless I was obliviated, I have never taken part in blood supremacy debates." Harry asked, the last part with a bit of sarcasm, which brought a smile to Charlus 's face.

"I shall get to that part in the end. Let them give you the basic details which you will be expected to know. While the Wizengamot has and always will uphold the concept and principles of nobility, the same cannot be said for the Ministry. After your twin brother supposedly defeated the Dark Lord, the Dark faction was caught off footed and this gave the Light an advantage which Albus Dumbledore seized. Using the newfound influence and power, he immediately had the Minister of Magic, Millicent Bagnold, removed and appointed a muggleborn Steven Banks as the new Minister."

"Okay, a muggleborn Minister. Is that bad?" Harry asked, baffled. His whole life, he had never expected to have such a conversation with his grandfather.

Charlus grew sombre. " Harry. The current Minister is an absurd fool at best and is trying his best to hoard riches and power for himself and his kind. He is least concerned about the magical world. "

Harry stared at him. "Then kick him out for Merlin's sake. Don't you have enough influence to call for a vote of no confidence or something?" It was that simple in Harry's head.

Charlus smiled at his grandson and said "I wish it was that easy Harry. There are a lot of factors that are playing their course in our legislation, and I will not bore you with details. At least not until you're older." He added when he saw that Harry was about to open his mouth. Seeing him nod reluctantly, he continued "The basic reason we cannot remove him is Dumbledore." And Harry was surprised at the barely disguised venom in his tone.

Seeing that Harry was still quiet, Charlus continued "The main reason I began this topic is to warn you to stay away from Dumbledore. I know I might seem a bit controlling but I do not want you to interact with him, my son."

"As you command." Harry bowed, agreeing without hesitance. "I'm no muggleborn who's enamoured by the great 'Leader of the Light' grandfather," Harry said with a snort.

"That's good to hear Harry. I'm sure Lords Black and Greengrass have instructed their heirs to avoid contact with him also. But since our family's idiots are close to him," Charlus sneered. "He will invite you to have tea to question you about your life here and I want you to reject his invitations if it does not regard academics. If he insists, be careful." Charlus finished with a maniacal sneer.

"I know Lily and James adore him and that's more than enough reason for me to stay away from him." Harry sneered back and Charlus was taken aback at the anger his voice held when he spoke of his parents, but he really couldn't bring himself to change the child's views when he was disgusted at the level his son and daughter-in-law had fallen.

"Harry, when you visit Lord Black's Manor, do you follow the rules set by Lord Black? Do you open doors that Lord Black has expressly forbidden you and little Rigel to open?" Charlus asked suddenly, intently observing his grandson who looked shocked at the suggestion.

"Of course not! Even though Rigel and Draco play a variety of pranks, we stay away from the forbidden corridors that Lord Black has warned us not to visit. It is improper for a guest to openly disobey the laws set by the host."

Charlus hid a smile at his grandson's words

"Now that that's taken care of, let's get you to school." Harry's eyes suddenly ignited with excitement as the new phase of his life was about to begin.

He couldn't wait.

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