Chapter 61

Hadrian Potter limped out of the smog, covered in both fresh and congealed blood from head to toe. His glowing green eyes stood out above it all; the young man looked completely sinister as he clutched the head of Lord Voldemort, which was shockingly half Voldemort and half Gaulitier. The head looked so grotesque it nearly made everyone throw up when he tossed it to the ground in front of them.

"Harry," James choked out as he stepped forward to greet his victorious son.

Hadrian turned to face his father who pulled him into a hug and cried into his shoulder, clinging to the young man.

Hadrian wrapped his arms around the man and shook his head, amused.

He eventually extracted himself away from his son and looked him over critically.

"Are you hurt?" he asked worriedly.

"I'm fine, Dad," Hadrian assured the man.

He felt a heavy hand clap him on the shoulder and turned to see Moody grinning at him.

"Got him then?" he growled as he nudged the head with his foot.

Hadrian just nodded.

"Good lad," Moody praised. "What are you all standing there gawking for?" he questioned the crowd angrily. "We have a hell of a mess to clean up and you've all just been drafted," he added with a smirk.

That seemed to snap the crowd out of their awestruck state.

"Lord Peverell," a voice called, causing Hadrian to turn towards it, finding himself faced with a dozen journalists, clearly waiting for a story.

He just raised an eyebrow at the familiar sight of Rita Skeeter.

"What happened while you were inside the ring of fire?" she asked with a predatory grin.

"What happened in there is between myself, Hans Gaulitier, and Tom Riddle, you certainly will get no explanation from me." He answered coldly. "All that matters is that Riddle is dead and he will not be coming back this time, that is all you need to know," he finished sternly.

"The wizarding world has a right to know!" Skeeter tried again, receiving several nods from her colleagues.

"And I have the right to some peace," Hadrian ground out, "I will not be answering questions about this," he added, shaking his head. "You will respect my wishes," he demanded.

"Did you use dark magic to defeat him?" Rita pushed a little further.

"Would you like to find out?" Hadrian growled angrily at the woman, who blanched as she saw him fingering his wand.

"That is enough." The voice of Amelia Bones cut furiously, "You will all leave Lord Peverell alone," she commanded. "He has the right to privacy as he pointed out, and he will have it."

"Thank you Minister Bones," Hadrian said gratefully.

"Who did we lose?" Hadrian asked as he faced everyone standing before him.

"Percy," Charlie answered with a choked voice.

"I'm sorry," Hadrian intoned sincerely.

The Weasley's had now lost a member of their family to this conflict.

"40 Aurrors and 76 of Potter men," Sirius cut in.

"Shit," Hadrian grumbled as he pulled his hand through his hair.

Before Hadrian could express his sorrow, James spoke.

"How about we go and get cleaned up," he suggested. "I'm sure there is a certain young lady waiting to see you," he added to Hadrian. Daphne had rushed inside to heal the injured so she wasn't present there.

"Daphne," Hadrian whispered in realisation. He nodded to the headmaster who then began leading the way, followed by the teen and the rest of the order.

"You may want to clean yourself up a little pup," Sirius advised, "You look completely deranged with all that blood on you."

Hadrian began removing as much from his skin as he possibly could; he knew it wouldn't come out of the very torn clothes he was wearing so left them as they were. He would send for Toby to bring some when he got the chance.

The atmosphere in the Great Hall was one of complete tension, felt by everyone assembled in the room.

They had listened intently to the explosions they could hear from outside the castle, along with the occasional ear splitting screams that permeated throughout the room.

But the sounds of battle had finished quite some time ago and now the occupants of Hogwarts were simply waiting for word on the outcome.

Several voices suddenly became audible from outside the hall and the students and staff alike stiffened, some drawing their wands ready to defend themselves.

The door opened to reveal a very tired looking Albus Dumbledore and a sigh of relief escaped many at the sight of the man.

The headmaster was followed by a limping and blood clad Hadrian Potter, his green eyes glowing in their usual fashion.

Hadrian had barely crossed the threshold when he heard his name shouted and a blonde blur ploughed into him, crying into his chest in relief and happiness.

"I'm ok," Hadrian assured Daphne, he wrapped his arms around her and held her to him.

"Harry!" Rosy cried as she ran into him.

Hadrian immediately bent down and hugged his little sister, fighting back the tears that were forming in his eyes. He realised that he had not talked to his sister or comforted her in any way when their grandparents passed. He felt as if he was too selfish and self centred.

"Albus?" Professor Sprout questioned worriedly.

Dumbledore shook his head and made his way to the podium in front of the staff table. He looked around and sighed before he addressed the room.

"Lord Voldemort has been defeated." he informed them.

A loud cheer erupted within the room but Dumbledore held up his hands to gain their attention once more.

"This war has been costly," he began again, "We lost many good men and women today," he explained in a somber tone. "Let this be a lesson to you all that war is neither fun nor glorious," he continued firmly.

Dumbledore released a deep breath before he addressed the room again.

"We largely have Hadrian Potter,The Potter's army, and the Potter's and other families who helped us fight the evil forces,to thank for today's victory," he explained with a nod towards them. "Not only were they vital personally in battle but they helped prepare our forces to the best of their ability with the help of Alastor Moody. Had they not prepared and fought so diligently we would certainly have lost more people, and perhaps even lost the war," he said gravely. "I will of course keep you all updated with any relevant information," he finished as he stepped away and exited the hall.

Hadrian watched the man leave and saw the lost expression he wore.

"I'll be back soon," he promised Daphne, who nodded her understanding.

Hadrian made his way through the castle, heading for the headmaster's office.

He reached the stone gargoyle and sighed as he realised he didn't know the password.

"Could you just let me pass?" he asked the statue, which moved, allowing him entrance.

He came upon the room to find Dumbledore standing in the middle of it, simply staring around.

Hadrian placed a comforting hand on the man's shoulder to get his attention.

Dumbledore jumped at the contact but visibly relaxed when he caught sight of the teen.

"Should you not be celebrating Harry?" he asked with a light frown.

Hadrian shook his head.

"I'll leave that to those that don't have blood on their hands," he answered. "I won't celebrate death and violence when I was a part of it."

"As always, you show wisdom beyond your years," Dumbledore praised, inclining his head towards the teen.

Dumbledore just smiled sadly.

"Toby," Hadrian called, "Could you bring myself and Professor Dumbledore some tea and some clothes for me?" he asked.

"Of course Master Harry," the elf replied, clearly pleased to see his master had survived the battle.

The two men sat in silence for some time drinking tea and eating biscuits.

"War is too costly," Dumbledore sighed exasperatedly.

"It is," Hadrian agreed, "Not only to those that die, but to us that are forced to take lives and continue living when it is done," he added.

"A burden that we must carry, as unfortunate as it is, I myself took a life today, and not by accident." Dumbledore admitted bitterly.

"Do you see me as a bad person sir?" Hadrian questioned.

"No Harry, I see you as one of the greatest men I have ever met. I am ashamed of my past actions against your families, even if my mind was corrupted by a spell placed by my old lo.. friend." Dumbledore said without hesitation.

"Then you should not see yourself that way" Hadrian returned firmly, "I did hate you, but as soon as I realised you were being controlled by Grindelwald, I waited to see how you would act. I have grown to admire you after you were released from Grindelwald's spell," he finished, looking towards the old wizard. Dumbledore looked grateful for the kind words and comfort that Hadrian gave.

"I am here for you sir," Hadrian said softly, placing a hand on the man's shoulder. "People see us as invincible when we probably feel more pain and carry more burdens than any of them. We all need someone sir, even the great Albus Dumbledore," he concluded with a soft smile.

"Thank you Harry, I may take you up on that offer of help," he chuckled warmly.

"Anything you need sir," Hadrian reaffirmed sincerely.

"You're a good man Harry, a much stronger one than myself and I am grateful for your friendship, truly," the headmaster expressed genuinely. "But you should not be here with me right now, I will be fine, I just need some time to let it all sink in. Go, enjoy some of the peace you have fought so hard for, I imagine it will be disturbed before you are ready," he warned.

Hadrian nodded and left the man to his thoughts.

He had no doubt that Dumbledore was right. Though he wished for nothing more than peace, he knew there was still much more to do before he could have it.

Review please.