Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, JK Rowling does. Wish I had her money though.
guestthebest: I'm glad that you like the pairing and the story so far. In this chapter, we have Daphne and Harry's meeting. Let's see how it goes !
Guest : Hey ! That's totally OK if you can't really think of Hadrian as « Harry ». If its easier for you, think of him as a whole new character. In fact, we never saw older Harry that much in the books or in the movies. Only a little bit in the play « Harry and the Cursed Child ». So to imagine him and how he is as an adult can be complicated. For the sake of my story, I wrote him like that. Still, if that Harry really doesn't suit you, and you don't feel like continuing to read the story, you are free. Lots of good vibes, take care !
CaskettFan5 : I just read a review that said the contrary, and that his mentality doesn't apparently fits him, so I'm lost to say the least. But I'm happy you like it that way. Don't worry, Hadrian dropped a lot on his shoulders, so he knows, but will let him live his life. Let's just say he will … help him when needed. Older Harry, as the other characters in the stories, are not perfect. So I like to write scenes like that where they just think about something they did or will do. I'm really happy that you enjoyed those scenes. About the meeting between Harry and Daphne… well… here he is ! Good day to you !
gv100 : Hey ! Thanks for the kind message, that's really cool ! And yes, I have an idea of where I want to go with this story. You'll see it later, but some weird part I wrote will make sense later. I'm happy with the way the storyline goes, and to see people like you that enjoy it too makes my day. Don't worry, in this story the whole world is opened for older Harry to protect, so he has a lot to do (even though Voldemort will be a big part, let's say that he has many other problems that he needs to attend to before). I hope the story will stay interesting in the future. To answer your other question, his aura… exploded a bit in longbottoms study. He only wanted to show a bit of his magic, but lost control. Anyway, take care of yourself, lots of love and I wish you a wonderful day !
Omnipotent.01 : Don't worry my friend, good vibes to you ! I know you were joking. I just said that you should be ready, because I have other cliffhangers that are going to make me a true monster. I'm really gald you like the fanfic ! About giving Harry a familiar… I don't know. Maybe I will do it at some point with younger Harry. But the older one is already really, really strong, so I need to balance things. Anyway, thank you for the idea, I appreciate it ! Have a good day, and take care !
Indra074 : Hello ! I'm not going to harem with this fanfiction. However, I keep the idea in mind in case one day I try to do one. Still, I hope you will be able to enjoy the story without that. There will be romance, don't worry. Maybe even too much at one point. So it will compensate. Take care !
12/26/1991, 10H18, Potter Manor, England:
Harry dodged a yellow flash that was flying straight towards him by throwing himself to the ground. He quickly got up and retaliated by shouting "expelliarmus" at his uncle. The spell flew at full speed but was deflected by a gloved hand towards the wall. Harry didn't wait to see what would happen next and cast the spell again, followed by "rictusempra".
Hadrian skillfully twisted his body and avoided the two harmless spells before silently casting his own disarming spell, ending the duel.
The two Potters had been living together for a few days now, and Hadrian was overjoyed. He saw his son in Harry and did his best to ensure that the young boy enjoyed the life he had always dreamed of.
The Christmas they had celebrated together was, by far, the best he had in years. The war that ravaged the world in his time had made sure of that.
The young boy had cried tears of joy as he opened his presents. He had received a sweater from the Weasley matriarch, sweets from his friend Ron, the book " Hogwarts: A History " from Hermione, which had made Hadrian laugh, and his invisibility cloak.
Before letting Harry go into raptures, he had taken the time to test it for any tracking charms or objects embedded in it. However, it seemed that Dumbledore had decided to play it safe and had left nothing. For Hadrian, the reason was obvious. Albus knew that his magical sight was highly developed. Nothing could be hidden from his eyes. So, it would have been stupid of him to try such a trick in front of him.
Hadrian had explained that the cloak had previously belonged to his father, and that he should only reveal its existence to his closest friends.
The older Potter had preferred to offer Harry a whole new wardrobe, as well as a very reinforced briefcase to store his belongings. In addition, he had retrieved the key that Hagrid had that gave access to what he held in trust, and had given it to him with a bag allowing him to withdraw money wherever he was. "That way, you'll have pocket money for years to come," he assured him.
Harry had been overwhelmed. It had been the best Christmas of his life, and he owed it almost entirely to his new uncle. He had a lot of respect for the man. They had started their magical training, and he could clearly see that Hadrian Potter was more than terrifying with a wand. The man was a monster. Knowing that this man would be on his side throughout his fight against Voldemort reassured him enormously.
After the tearful 24th and 25th of December, they settled back into Harry's new routine. In the morning, they practiced in the domain of magic that Harry chose. Today, for example, it was Defense Against the Dark Arts. At lunchtime, they would eat together either in the manor or in a magical restaurant, allowing Harry to discover more about British magical gastronomy. In the afternoon, Harry would alternate between doing his homework, doing discreet research on Nicolas Flamel in the Potter library, and spending time with his uncle doing various activities, from learning etiquette to playing Quidditch.
Harry knew he was gifted at the sport, but his uncle once again seemed to surpass him, and by far. Apparently, flying was really in their blood, as Professor McGonagall had said.
"Come on, get up Harry. Another forty minutes and then we'll take a break," Hadrian said, glancing at his watch.
The young boy nodded and went to get his wand. Life with his uncle was definitely great. In the span of a few days, he had almost managed to put his life with the Dursleys behind him. The man understood him, listened to him, was patient and took care of him when he could simply have lived his own life.
It was for this reason that he had promised himself to prove his worth and become the Harry James Potter that his parents would have wanted him to be, the Harry James Potter that his uncle wants him to become and not a weakling hiding behind the title of the "boy who lived".
"On guard!" he shouted to Hadrian before casting another disarming spell. In two days they would meet the Greengrass. He would have to be worthy. It was his duty, and he was determined to carry it out perfectly.
12/28/1991, 12H00, Greengrass Manor, England:
A swirl of green flames and crackling sparks announced the arrival of Hadrian and Harry Potter at the Greengrass Manor. The fireplace spewed out thick smoke that slowly dissipated, revealing the two wizards.
Hadrian, as tall and imposing as ever, wore a long black cape embroidered with silver threads. His black hair was loose and fell to the sides, framing his face weathered by years and trials. His white eyes, always hidden behind the black headband, scanned the living room for any danger.
Harry, at his side, was smaller and thinner. His youthful figure was accentuated by a deep red cape. His black hair, spiky as always, contrasted with the paleness of his face. His emerald eyes, inherited from his mother, reflected a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Although inwardly uneasy, the boy seemed to project an aura of confidence rarely found in others of his age.
As the smoke cleared completely, Hadrian adventured forward with a firm step, followed by Harry. He projected his aura into the Manor, indicating his presence. The powerful magic also warmed Harry, reassuring the young man. Two young girls, who had so far been content to wait, approached them. The youngest and smallest, whom he assumed to be Astoria, had long brown hair, unlike her sister Daphne who was blonde. Her blue eyes shone with a gentle innocence that he had not seen when he had met them in his future.
Her young face was similar to her sister's, both having an oval face with similar features. Indeed, both had a rather fine nose, a small mouth, and pale skin on which the recent Lord Potter discerned a touch of makeup.
Astoria was quite small. Her sister, on the other hand, was the same height as Harry, who was still quite small for now. "Long live malnutrition...", Hadrian thought, shaking his head.
The most interesting thing, according to the time traveler, was the magic of the two girls. Both currently showed the same cold front of the nobles he was used to. However, where the magic emanating from the oldest was quite cold, that of the youngest was much more pleasant.
He supposed that this corresponded to the girls they would become. Magic knew everything. So he saw no reason to doubt his eyes.
He looked at the two young ladies in front of him, and, making sure to remain as gentle as possible, he announced their presence: "Nice to meet you, Greengrass family. We are Hadrian and Harry Potter". In turn, Harry and he took the hands of the young girls and kissed them, remaining faithful to etiquette. Harry blushed slightly, uncomfortable with the act, but remained straight. After all, he had promised his uncle to be irreproachable.
Daphne, who was about to answer, stopped, stunned. She had already seen the boy-who-lived at Hogwarts, but the impetuous Gryffindor and the Harry Potter in front of her seemed to be two different people.
He was handsome, she had to admit! And if what she saw from her uncle's face was a good indicator, he would remain so in the future. "Daphne, this is not the time to think about that. Focus!" she cursed herself.
After all, she suspected the reason why her father had insisted that Harry attend this meeting. He wanted them to meet and get along. The man was a true Slytherin after all.
When she regained her composure, she raised her head to the new Lord Potter and asked him to follow her, closely followed by her sister. She led the duo to a table where Lady and Lord Greengrass were seated. Harry and Hadrian greeted the lady the same as they had done her daughters, and the blindfolded man shook hands with the older man.
Alexander Greengrass had already met the new Lord Potter at the Wizengamot, and knew that the latter was a very powerful wizard. But now that he had shaken hands with him, he was sure of it. The man before him was not the prey, he was the predator. His smile indicated that he knew it clearly.
The girls' mother was the first to speak. She waited until they were seated, a warm smile on her lips, then said, "Welcome to our home, Lord and Heir Potter,"
"We are sincerely honored by your visit." Hadrian simply nodded, his confident smile eternally fixed on his face. The three of them then began a discussion, the ex-soldier hoping that he could bring the two houses together.
Harry, sitting next to the girls, nodded in turn and then turned away from the conversation that began between the adults. He saw Daphne lecturing her sister across from him, who didn't seem to like the dress she was wearing. The blonde raised her head and saw him, her cold gaze meeting the eyes of the young boy across from her. However, instead of flinching as many would have, he simply stared at her, his expression closed off. "He's not in the house of the brave for no reason, I suppose," she thought.
On the adults' side, the conversation quickly got underway, and the atmosphere oscillated between tense and relaxed. Hadrian told his journey and the events that led him to propose this alliance. He was polite and diplomatic.
However, it was clear that he had said, albeit in a roundabout and veiled way: "There are going to be problems. The Wizengamot could make them worse. I would like to avoid that if possible. So cooperation could bring a lot to each family."
The former Auror chief, throughout the meal, discussed with Lord Greengrass the terms of a possible alliance. The two had quickly abandoned formalities, and to his great satisfaction, Alexander Greengrass and Ophelia Greengrass were indeed the worthy wizards he had hoped they would be.
All he had left to do was to ensure that they got along well, and at least could agree on a political alliance. As he looked for what to say to Alexander, he thought, "I hope you're doing well Harry. You know what to do."
12/28/1991, 15H57, Greengrass Manor, England:
As the meal and discussion between the Lords dragged on, the girls' mother suggested that the girls show Harry around the manor. Astoria, surprised, asked Daphne to do it. "I'm going to tidy up my room, take advantage of that to show him around the rest of the manor!" she had said before fleeing to what Harry assumed was her room.
Daphne sighed, then looked at Harry and said, "Come on Potter, I'll give you a tour."
The two hadn't talked much during the meal. Harry had mostly talked to Astoria, who seemed much more open than her sister. The only real exchange that had taken place between him and Daphne was when he revealed to her that the books written about his life were false.
Thinking about it, he remembered that he should thank his uncle for making those rags disappear. A dream life in opulence and wealth? Fighting dragons at the age of three and running off to save a princess from a powerful dark wizard? Even in his dreams he had never done any of these things.
Harry nodded and fell in step behind her. It was a beautiful building, he had to admit. Far from being as beautiful as his family's manor, but already much better than anything he had ever seen elsewhere.
They walked slowly around the estate, visiting the different rooms. Sometimes the blonde girl would take the time to explain the purpose of certain objects. Sometimes she would just remain silent, watching him scan the room with her cold eyes.
The young Gryffindor had to admit that he found the girl pretty. His uncle had told him about her, and the fact that he should make friends outside of his house at Hogwarts. For this reason, he tried several times to start a conversation with her, to get her to talk about her interests, her passions... to no avail.
As he lamented his lack of success, they arrived at what had made the family's fortune, the greenhouses. The Greengrass family was known for their knowledge in potions and botany. Unfortunately for Harry, these subjects were not really his favorites.
He didn't have a green thumb like his friend Neville, and Snape had made sure that every class in his subject was a nightmare.
When they entered the last greenhouse, Harry tried to ask, "And what is this plant for?". Part of him was genuinely curious. The other just wanted to chat with the Slytherin. If what he had learned with Hadrian was correct, it should be asphodel.
"It's asphodel," she confirmed. "Its sturdy flower stalks typically bear white or pink star-shaped flowers. It can grow up to a meter tall, as you can see. It is found more around the Mediterranean basin. Asphodel symbolizes the strength of life and the memory of the absent," she explained, staring at the plant. Her usually cold gaze seemed softer, and even her tone of voice was more relaxed, according to Harry.
"Finally, we're making progress!" he thought. After all, it was the most she had spoken all day. "If you think I'm going to become your best friend because I talked with you about a plant, then you're dreaming, Potter," she snapped coldly, seeing the smile on the young Gryffindor's face.
"Aaaand we're backtracking!" Harry stared at her, deciding to temporarily abandon his acting, and asked sincerely, "Did I do something to you Greengrass? Why be so hostile to me?"
He was curious. Outside of the sorting, he had never seen the girl in his life. It had to be said that Malfoy hadn't done a good job of advertising the Slytherin house. But as his uncle said, "Never judge a book by its cover."
"Potter, we both know why my father and your uncle brought you here. I spent my first four months at Hogwarts avoiding suitors, some of them several years older than me. If I did that, it was not to find myself stuck in a marriage with another pompous idiot," she grumbled.
Harry's eyes widened. It had caught him by surprise. Was that really Hadrian's goal? No, that was wrong. Hadrian had insisted that he wanted Harry to make allies, yes. But he would not force anyone to do anything.
"Listen Greengrass. First of all, call me Harry. I feel like I'm my uncle when you call me that. Honestly, I don't know your father, so I don't know what his goal is in inviting me here. However, I can assure you that my uncle has never asked me anything other than to be polite to you and not to cause any trouble today," he explained.
This seemed to take the girl by surprise, as she frowned. "All I want is for us to talk a bit. We don't know each other. I don't even know why you consider me a 'pompous idiot'. For me, the only one who fits your description is Malfoy."
Daphne looked at him curiously, the coldness in her gaze fading almost imperceptibly: "Even if it hurts me to admit it, I agree that you're not Malfoy's level. But, all these books written in your name, and you don't say anything? You defeat the Dark Lord at only one year old? People even have fun saying that you defeated the troll in the toilets on Halloween? And what else?"
Harry let out a chuckle. He couldn't help himself. The coldness returned immediately to the girl's face. "Are you mocking me Potter?" she snapped, putting her hands on her hips.
The young hero of the wizarding world felt himself slowly becoming more and more attached to the girl in front of him. For a Slytherin, she had the strength of character of a Gryffindor, that was for sure.
"Of course not! I'll explain it to you. We can sit down somewhere if you want, it's quite a long story," Harry suggested.
Daphne nodded, and the two walked a little further away to sit under a tree. Harry then decided to tell her the truth. His uncle had insisted that he tell his story in order to prevent other false books or biographies from being written in his name. So, he might as well try.
He told her about the Dursleys, and his life among the Muggles without knowing his heritage. He explained his discovery of his parents' death, his uncle's theories about his survival, his arrival at Hogwarts, and told her about the Troll episode.
He managed to get a laugh out of the girl with that last one. It was short, and her sullen expression returned quickly. But even so, it was beautiful. It sounded like a melody composed by magic itself. In his heart, he knew it. It was her. Her, and no one else.
"I see Potter. In that case, I was wrong. You have my apologies for that. I'm sorry for what happened to you."
Harry didn't want to let the atmosphere drop. Not after so much progress. "Don't worry about it. As an apology, you can call me Harry if you want!" he replied with a fake arrogant smile. He honestly didn't know where this confidence came from.
Every time he was around his new relative, he felt it. He felt like nothing bad could ever touch him. And he was happy about it. Without that, he would never have made it this far today.
Daphne, instead of answering, stood up, dusted off her dress, and suggested, "I still have to show you my sister's room. We'll see where the discussion goes after that. Follow me... Potter."
Her face wasn't the most welcoming in the world, but Harry was already happy with the development. Their relationship had gone from hostile to neutral. A good start in his opinion.
12/28/1991, 18H34, Greengrass Manor, England:
"But Hadrian, if you modify that rune there, won't the snake be replaced by a pig?" Alexander asked worriedly.
"Do you think so? I don't-", Hadrian began before being abruptly cut off by the appearance of a huge blue pig in the middle of Lord Greengrass's office.
The two had been talking for a long time, and they had managed to agree on the terms of the alliance. Hadrian had observed Alexander's behavior. And unlike the Wizengamot meetings where he kept an eye on everyone, he could one hundred percent focus on him.
What he had appreciated most about the man was his love for his daughters. Despite his fear of him, he had not hesitated to re-discuss the terms of the alliance when it was not in the best interests of his children. And for that alone, he respected the man.
The alliance was almost purely political. They had each expressed their opinions on various issues, and had realized that they had similar views. This made Hadrian realize something that should have been obvious to him. "I'm no longer in the light faction, I'm in the gray faction. I'll have to change my place on the Wizengamot," he noted mentally.
After that, Ophelia, noticing that their children had not yet returned, had suggested to the men that they continue their discussion in the office, which they had done.
They discussed various topics, and the time traveler had to admit that he felt really at ease with Alexander.
Unlike Mrs. Longbottom or Albus, the two were closer in age. In addition, their taste for combat and their personalities meshed well. Seeing this, and knowing that the alliance had already been approved, Hadrian relaxed a little and let the mischievous little boy who was dormant in him partially come out.
That's how they found themselves in this situation. Following a discussion on the usefulness and operation of summoning runes, Hadrian had suggested summoning an animal. However, it would seem that there was an unforeseen event...
*Knock Knock* "I'm coming in!" they heard from the door. Alexander turned hastily and saw his wife enter the room with a tray on which three cups of tea were delicately placed. She stopped short at the sight of the scene.
"Um... I know I shouldn't interfere in political matters between our families... But may I ask why there is a big blue pig crushing you Lord Potter?" she asked, looking at Hadrian. Her tone was so calm, so flat, that he himself wondered if she really understood the situation.
"Oh uh, it's nothing Ophelia. Wait a moment." After speaking, Hadrian drew his wand and blew up the pig that was crushing him. He got up skillfully and waved his wand again, completely restoring the office.
"That spell! It's not Reparo, but it was able to clean the room anyway. Impressive!" exclaimed Alexander. Hadrian had to admit that he totally could understand his reaction. The first time he had cast time magic, he had been so amazed that he had lost his concentration and dropped his wand.
"Yes, it's a little trick I picked up during my travels. Rather useful if I'm honest. Thank you for the tea Ophelia," Hadrian said before returning to sit at the desk. They would resume their experiments later.
"So what do we do about the children?" Alexander asked, dropping into a chair next to his wife.
"About Daphne and Harry? Let them live their lives. If we put in place a marriage contract or something like that, we'll lose their trust. Now that they know each other, making the alliance last shouldn't be a problem. We just have to hope they get along. If something romantic develops... Well... We'll see?" Hadrian whispered, seeming to doubt this last possibility very much.
He had seen the cold atmosphere during the meal between his younger self and the eldest Greengrass girl. Their departure had initially worried him. Left alone, he would no longer be able to watch Harry. What if he said something stupid that would cause trouble for the friendship between Alexander and him? The horcrux in his head sometimes caused outbursts of anger that were quite... strong. He still remembered the end of his fifth year.
Fortunately, as if to reassure him, he saw the two Greengrass girls accompanied by his 'nephew' enter the room once again. This time, however, the young Daphne no longer seemed openly hostile to Harry. "A good start I suppose."
"Father, it's getting late. Are the Potters staying tonight?" Astoria asked, jumping onto Alexander's lap. "No, we're going to leave. We still have things to set up before school starts," Hadrian replied softly, glancing at Harry. The young boy nodded, looking at Daphne.
"At least it went well," he reassured himself.
Once the tea was over, the Potters said their goodbyes, Harry entering the fireplace first. "I'll send you a letter giving you authorization to act as regent when I'm unavailable Alexander, is that okay?"
"No problem. Here's a copy of the alliance's blood contract. Keep a copy, you never know. I'll be waiting for your news Hadrian. See you soon!" the head of the family greeted, shaking the hand of the Lord in front of him.
"Pleasure doing business with you, see you soon." He then turned to Ophelia and the girls. "Take care of yourselves too Ophelia, Daphne and Astoria." After that, he stepped into the fireplace, and, taking the Floo powder in his free hand, shouted: "Potter Manor!". The next moment, he was gone.
"What do you think, my dear?" asked Ophelia Greengrass to her husband after the Potters left. "He's a very powerful wizard, very intelligent and knows what he's doing. I think today, the house Greengrass has gained a formidable ally. Astoria, Daphne, I'm counting on you to be polite to young Harry. We can't afford to lose this opportunity, understand?"
Daphne nodded without saying a word, surprising her mother who had expected more reluctance. The youngest girl, however, replied: "No worries Dad! But don't worry, Harry is super nice!"
"That's wonderful news, my dear... wonderful news indeed."
01/05/1992, 22H41, Potter Manor, England:
Hadrian was very pleased with his progress over the holidays. He had been able to meet young Harry and form a strong bond with him. In addition, he had secured several alliances with eminent Lords of the Wizengamot, and had even found a regent and friend in the person of Alexander Greengrass.
His relationship with Harry was very special. Even though Harry opened up to him quickly, he had a hard time gaining his full trust. He could understand that, he had been in his shoes, literally.
He had spent the holidays alternating between meeting allies, teaching Harry magic, both practical and theoretical, and introducing him to the traditions of this new world. Indeed, he wanted his younger self to understand who he really is, and to be aware of his political power as well as his magical potential.
However, he knew that as long as Harry had the horcrux in his head, he would be unable to fully flourish. His magical reserves would hold him back, and in a duel situation, this could prove itself lethal.
With his magical sight, he could clearly see the mass of dark magic that was accumulating in his head. And if he wanted Harry to be able to grow and develop normally, he would have to talk to Albus about it.
For this reason, he took out a letter. He wrote his observations, skillfully leaving out the fact that he knew what it was, and gave it to Hecate. "Take it to Albus if you please, luv'," he told the owl, which flew away immediately. If he wanted to remove the piece of soul from Harry, it would be better to talk to the old man about it. Their shared knowledge on the subject should allow them to find a better solution than waiting for a death spell from Voldemort.
A few days ago, Harry had asked him who Nicolas Flamel was. He had quickly explained who the man was and, together, they had searched the Potter library for more information. Hadrian already knew what and where to look, of course. But he preferred Harry to find out for himself. For this reason, he had pretended to be surprised when Harry emerged from one of the rows of the large library, shouting: "I found it!".
After that, Harry opened up completely to him. He told him about the third floor with the big dog on a trapdoor, and all their discoveries. Hadrian, for his part, did not want to risk putting him in danger like Dumbledore did. He knew it was selfish, but he was worried about the boy and even considered him like his own son. He couldn't risk losing him. Neither for the wizarding world, nor for himself. That's why he asked him not to go near it anymore, and that he would settle it with Albus. He had little hope, but who knows? Maybe Harry cared more about his words than he thought...
"Tomorrow, he's going back to Hogwarts," he sighed, dropping onto his desk. He knew it, things were going to accelerate. Harry, now armed with much more knowledge than before, and allies like Neville Longbottom or Daphne Greengrass, would not let Voldemort act into the school.
As for him, he would have to leave for Mexico. He had waited too long. He couldn't put it off any longer. He would have to go back to war.
Shaking his head, he took out the list he had written from his drawer and crossed off:
- Find a regent to avoid attending all Wizengamot meetings (Greengrass of the neutral faction could be an asset).
Now the serious stuff was about to begin. No turning back. "Come on, sleep time!"
01/06/1992, 09H10, King's Cross, England:
The Potter duo arrived at the platform early. "The train leaves at 9:30, you should have time to find a quiet seat," Hadrian said, gently patting Harry on the back. The younger boy felt a small wave of magic run through him at the gesture. His uncle was trying to reassure him, no doubt.
The holidays he had spent with Hadrian Potter had been the best weeks of his life. The man had taken better care of him than he could have ever imagined. If every vacation in his life was like this, he knew he would never have to complain.
Despite everything, he remembered his role. He would have to be the one to defeat Voldemort. And even though he had become stronger thanks to his uncle's training, he was still far from being able to rival the monster who had killed his parents. And he knew it.
In the distance, he saw Hermione leave her parents and get on the train. His eyes continued to scan the station, and he also saw Daphne with her father discussing. His uncle seemed to notice them too and took them towards the Greengrass.
"Alexander! How are you doing?" Hadrian said, greeting young Daphne and her father with a nod.
"Oh Hadrian, it's you! I'm fine, and you? I was saying goodbye to Daphne. Oh and hello to you, heir Potter."
Alexander, even though he had relaxed with Hadrian, maintained a certain form of respect for the young boy. First, because he had defeated the Dark Lord, but also so as not to risk getting Hadrian on his back. He knew that if that happened, it would be the end of him.
They chatted briefly on the platform, talking about the latest Wizengamot meetings. Meanwhile, Daphne and Harry moved a little away to talk. "Potter, I don't know what your uncle told you, but it would be better if we weren't seen by the entire student population. It's not against you, but the Slytherins are pretty... vicious with those who don't meet their expectations..." Daphne explained, showing a form of concern for once.
"Don't worry about that. We'll talk by letter if we need to see each other. Is that okay with you?" Harry suggested, lowering his voice. He didn't want to cause any trouble for Daphne.
"That's fine by me. Just use your brain for once, and don't use your owl. It's too recognizable. Go to the owlery, there are plenty of them there."
Harry nodded, and the two returned to their respective parents. Alexander greeted Daphne one last time and Disapparated.
Hadrian, for his part, bent down to Harry's level. "Remember Harry, if anything happens, don't hesitate to send me an owl, and I'll arrive immediately. And I trust you, don't go into that room on the third floor. I spoke by letter with Dumbledore, and the old man told me he had everything under control. But if anything happens, let me know, okay?"
"Don't worry, I'll let you know. Thank you for everything, Uncle Hadrian... What you did for me during these holidays... I'll never forget it. I know you won't be here for the next holidays... I'll miss you," Harry confessed.
Suddenly, the train whistled. "Come on, we'll talk again by owl. Have fun!" Hadrian said, hugging the little boy. "Thanks! See you this summer!" the boy replied, running off to the train.
Hadrian watched Harry walk away and get on the train. When he was out of sight, he disapparated.
Now that Harry was gone, he could get back to serious business. A war awaited him, and he intended to end it.
In his office, he changed into his combat gear. He checked his equipment, and, lowering his hood, grabbed a small shoe lying on his desk.
He took a deep breath and muttered "Mexico." The Portkey activated, and Hadrian and the shoe both disappeared from Potter Manor.
