Hadrianus felt like grabbing only a minute of sleep when he felt something sharp stab his tail.
"Hedwig, stop pecking me!" he grumbled before glancing at the clock. 4.47 am. Three minutes before sunrise, and his ritual time.
What time did he go to sleep? 4, or 3.30 am?
"What now?" Hadrianus sighed as the pecking continued on his tail.
Hedwig ruffled her feathers and began a long series of hoots that sounded a lot like complaints. Her complaints only ended when Hadrianus held his arm out for Hedwig to come perch on him and begin picking at his hair with her beak while he smoothed her wings.
"Right," he blinked sleepily, "I forgot to create a tunnel for an early morning wing stretch for my majesty, didn't I?"
An especially hard yank of Hadrianus' hair seemed like a yes.
Hadrianus chuckled, "Alright then, let's see what I can do for your Highness." Sighing, he shifted his tail into his legs as he rose from the bed, leaving all attempts to sleep anymore. He rubbed his ears, making sure they were rounded and not pointy, and all his scales were hidden beneath his pale and smooth skin. Even with the ritual, he still tended to shift in half-serpentine form while asleep.
"Okay, how do I do this?" Hadrianus yawned, after completing his ritual and coming out of his room. He rubbed his eyes, then looked around the living room.
Hedwig flew off from his arms to hover around a small closed window, with a small perch nearby. Hadrianus followed her to the window, before closely studying it. It appeared like a solid wall of glass within the frame of a window, with the Black Lake on the other side. If he opened it, his suite might get flooded.
Then again, why would there be a window in an underwater suite? What could be its purpose?
After making sure he had both his wands on him, just in case, Hadrianus gently touched the wall on the window. Just as he did, a muffled rumbling sound filled the space. Hadrianus watched, amazed as a small tunnel formed that joined the window somewhere upward, probably to the air outside. The whole process was completed within a minute, and then the window opened on its own. Hadrianus quickly drew his wand and got ready to bolt in case the suite got flooded, but the water didn't come.
"Hedwig, wait!" Hadrianus cried out, not wanting her to get hurt or drowned, as the Eagle-owl spread her wings and dove into the tunnel, but she left before he could complete the investigation.
"Well, I guess that's another way to find it out. I swear that one is a Gryffindor!" Well, at least now he knows how father always felt whenever he pulled a stunt like that!
Sighing, Hadrianus turned around to find his tracksuit and pants. He's too wide awake for any further attempts of sleep. After dressing up, Hadrianus went out to take laps around the Black Lake. Thankfully, he had already memorised the general routes of Hogwarts from the map his father hung in his office. So he didn't need a prefect to find his way to the lake.
The early morning was quiet and very chilly, making Hadrianus shiver as he continued to take laps. He missed the warm weather of Hawaii and the Sun. Cold always makes him slow and fatigued, though the warming and impervious charms his father taught him were useful.
After thirty minutes, Hadrianus chose to return to his rather warm suite and took a long shower in the bath. He changed into his new Hogwarts Uniform, except for the robe, before glancing at the mirror.
He wasn't fond of mirrors or glancing too much at his own face on reflective surfaces, not since his father had almost rejected him after he changed his face using his ability. Back at home, usually mum used to make sure he looked presentable whenever they had gone out.
But now, in Hogwarts, he's forced to at least perfunctorily gaze at it to make sure he's presentable, after his morning shower. Though he didn't linger for more than five seconds before it, attached his lanyard inside his robes and checked the time. Noticing he still had an hour before breakfast, Hadrianus sat in his living room, wondering what to do now.
How is he going to spend the next hour?
Mum would have found out and given him a task. Anything to keep him busy. Also, she wouldn't have let him go out without the kohl dots on his palms.
He missed mum so much. He hadn't realised how attached he had gotten to her. He felt hollow without her comforting presence. Father had been busy for the last couple of years, so he somehow got used to it. But not mum. Mum had always been with her.
'Wherever you miss me, do this, and you will feel my presence next to you!'
Remembering his mum's words, he closed his eyes, followed the memory of her spell and cast the sparkles. It tingled on his skin, coating him with love, and Hadrianus relaxed a little. It felt almost like her hugs. He could get used to it, Hadrianus thought, casting another round of sparkles. Maybe not as good as her hugs, but it was something.
Now what?
Starting to feel restless again, Hadrianus glanced at the clock. It looks like the hands haven't even moved from the last time, barely 2 minutes have passed.
Maybe write a letter to mum and father?
Hadrianus rummaged through his stationery pouch to pull a sheet of parchment, setting them on the table, and dipped his quill in the ink. Then paused. What should he write? Grandpa has already told them all the major stuff that happened since Sorting.
Should he tell them how much he missed them?
But he saw them yesterday morning. What if father thinks he is being too clingy and needy, and decides he is not worth his attention anymore?
Holy Merlin, has it really been yesterday morning when he saw mum for the last time? It feels like years! How was he going to last until Yule?
Making a face of disgust at the blob of ink that fell on the parchment while he was distracted, Hadrianus grabbed a fresh one and restarted his letter. He then banished it again and started anew, before banishing it again, not satisfied with how it was turning out.
After several attempts, he completed a rather simplistic letter to his father, informing him about being sorted to Slytherin, claiming the title his father wanted for him, and then finding the Slytherin suite for himself. Though the letter to mum is a lot longer, pouring everything that happened on the train, sorting, and the first night in the Slytherin common room. Hadrianus then hesitated, then wrote a letter to the Pack Elder in India as well, informing him about finally starting his school and adding the fact that if he didn't want him to send him a letter, he would understand and stop writing. Maybe he should write to his Gobfather as well?
"It is time for Little Master Prince's breakfast," Bailey informed him, appearing with a pop and wringing her hands guiltily for distracting her Little Master Prince.
Startled, Hadrianus looked at the clock, noticing it was almost 7.43 am. Oh no, he was 13 minutes late! How did he spend more than an hour to write a couple of letters?
"Shoot! I'm going to be late!" Hadrianus shot from his chair, startling Azure who was perching on his shoulder, making him whine and turn into his cocoon. He grabbed his letters and stuffed them inside his bag. He then snatched his robe on the way to bolt out of the suite and towards the common room. They were supposed to meet in the common room at 7.30 am!
He skidded to a halt in front of the bare stone wall, wondering how he was supposed to get in.
"Erm," Fumbling, he put on the robe and grabbed his lanyard, hoping it would open the gate, and that's exactly what it did. "Thank Loki, small mercies!"
Hadrianus entered the Gothic-looking hall, also known as Slytherin Common Room, to find most of the first years had already gathered there. Theo waved at him, having arrived just a moment before him.
"Good morning, My Prince." They bowed after noticing him, making Hadrianus flush, mortified. Right, he claimed the Slytherin Loyalty last night, didn't he? Merlin, this was embarrassing! Are they going to do that for the next seven years?
"Oh please, let's not do that again unless we are in a formal situation." Hadrianus waved his hand and coughed, hoping his face was not reflecting his true feeling on the matter, "Good morning everyone. When are we leaving for breakfast?"
"In a minute. I have something to tell you." Grace Inkwood, the fifth-year Prefect approached him.
"Of course. I'm all ears, Ms Inkwood."
"On first week, the Slytherin Court teaches the first year how to cast Shield charm, so they can defend themselves from other Houses. I wish to request my Prince to arrange that class."
Hadrianus smiled, impressed with such thoughtful gestures. He thought the Slytherin Court was some sort of useless administrative group. If they help the Slytherins like that, then he will support the Court wholeheartedly. "Of course, maybe tonight? We don't have anything scheduled after dinner, right?"
"Yes, thank you. We can go now, Eddie will take the others. Come." Grace Inkwood waved at the others, asking them to form a line and went out. The first years silently followed her like little ducklings. "Everyone must remember your lanyard, this will be the last time I will warn you. Also, the password is 'Canopus'. While it's mostly distractive, everyone must practice saying the password to hide the presence of the lanyard. It's a Slytherin secret, must be kept inside we Slytherins. Where are you guys going?"
"I'm sorry Miss Inkwood, we forgot to bring our lanyards."
Inkwood rolled her eyes, typical firsties. Though she herself forgot her lanyard several times. "Fine. You will come with Eddie, the rest of you, follow me."
They arrived in the Great Hall, which was a lot empty and Hadrianus sat beside Theo, keeping his bag near his feet. Just as he did, a short blondie came running to him.
"Guess what?"
Hadrianus chuckled, turning and glancing at the smaller girl who claimed the seat on his left. "Good morning to you too, Luna. I'm guessing the Healer visited your mommy?" Last he heard, Luna's mum was very sick.
"Yes, and she said I'm going to be a big sister!"
"What?" Hadrianus widened his eyes, a genuine smile splitting his face into two, "That is wonderful news!"
"Professor Lovegood is pregnant?" From the other side of the table, Parkinson, the gossip queen squealed, obviously having eavesdropping on them, "Awe that's so cute! I've heard she was a bit barmy, but I guess not that much!"
"I've heard she is a genius in her field, and you don't become a genius if you're normal," Hadrianus felt the need to defend his little sister's mommy, even though he knew she was more than 'a bit barmy', especially since her life was saved from the accident.
"Of course, you're right, My Prince!" Pansy batted her eyelashes at him, though Hadrianus didn't notice her as he was busy preparing tea for his sister and loading their plates with eggs, bacon and toast while looking around the Great Hall, searching a certain raven-haired Gryffindor firstie. Why was he missing breakfast?
Blaise made a face of disgust at Pansy's blatant attempt of flirting, taking a mental note to never sit beside her, and pulled out a smaller pouch with a jar from his bag. "I need coffee. Strong coffee."
"You're the worst British person I know," Theo complained, taking a sip of his tea.
"I'm half Italian. And I have a taste. No tea on earth can top a good, strong espresso. You can't buy happiness, but you can buy coffee, and it's pretty close!"
"Happiness my arse. A cup of tea is a cup of peace."
"It's okay if you disagree with me, I can't force someone to be right."
Curious about the fragrance of the drink that he had only smelled from a distance so far, Hadrianus leaned forward, interrupting the banter of two best friends, "May I try some?" He definitely needs something stronger than the tea to keep him going for the day!
"Why not?" Zabini prepared another similar cup for him, and passed it over, with Hadrianus keenly watching every ingredient he used. "Learn this, Slytherin, while anyone can make the bitter-tasting black coffee, a good espresso should be well balanced, have a chocolatey base, and a smooth finish."
"Hmm, I do love chocolate!" Hadrianus nodded cautiously, before taking a small sip. He widened his eyes at the taste, noticing the mild nuttiness and chocolate as the base flavour, as Zabini explained. He can also taste some fruity and clove in the mid-sip, making it have a complex taste. Definitely approved!
"Looks like someone approved!" Zabini was smirking in victory as he glanced at Theo.
Hadrianus smoothened his expression, though his eyes were still sparkling as he took another sip, a long one, this time, "Tell you what, Zabini, make me a cup every morning and I may allow you to call me Adrian!"
"WHAT!?" Malfoy and Theo hollered in protest, both completely for different reasons. The rest of the Great Hall silenced and glanced at them, making Theo blush and look away while Hadrianus waved at them to continue as they were.
"I thought you had a sweet tooth, how can you tolerate this bitter thing as a British!?" Theo wondered at the same time Malfoy complained, "You just met this guy yesterday! And you haven't even let me call you Adrian yet!"
"Half German here!" Hadrianus winked at Theo, making him laugh, ignoring Malfoy, for now.
Blaise looked at him closely, noticing the challenge in those ethereal green eyes. Malfoy was right, it was a subtle invite of alliance. An alliance over a cup of espresso? Normally, making him coffee every morning, like some sort of house elf, is not what he desires, as it will make him appear to the House like he is catering to Slytherin as if he were his subject. However, Slytherin was also their Prince now, the House Commander of the whole Slytherin. So it really doesn't matter. Blaise was his subject anyway, maybe he would be on his good grace and ally as well. And maybe a coffee partner! It's always nice to find someone decent who appreciates a good cup of coffee!
His being a mysterious and powerful dark horse who defeated the previous Count with 'apparently' no proper schooling on their first night is just a bonus! Blaise could still remember the irresistible aura he radiated when Khan was insulting him, sending a shiver down his spine. He would have never guessed how powerful the boy was until Khan pissed him off. He was a true Slytherin, hiding his potential and revealing only necessary, worthy of the title of Slytherin Prince. Mother would certainly approve of the alliance once she hears.
"I'm Blaise."
The bigger and more genuine smile he earned in response made the first morning of Hogwarts brighter, for some reason. It ought to be fun, at least.
The rest of the breakfast was mostly quiet among the snakes, other than the sounds of cutleries. A few minutes later Uncle Sev - erm, Professor Snape came calling with their schedules. Hadrianus accepted his schedule with a quiet, "Thanks, Professor." After saying that, he paused. Wait, he was not a Professor anymore, right? Then what should he call him? Unknown to his dilemma, his new Head of House murmured softly to ask him to come to his office after class. He accepted, wondering what it was about. But at least now he knows Uncle Severus wouldn't mind being called Professor.
Hadrianus glanced at the rolled parchment on his hand and opened it, spreading on his table. Today was apparently a day full of Introductory Classes. All the classes start at 9 am. The first half was dedicated for Muggle-borns and Muggle-raised for classes on Penmanships, Wizarding Etiquettes, and Culture and Customs of Magical People. Thankfully, Hadrianus had signed up for the last one, so only the first two hours would be free for him. Lunch break at noon for one and half hours, and then the second half was for Culture and Customs of Non-Magical People, and Literature. Tea break at 3.30 pm and dinner start from 5.30 pm. Curfew for first years at 8 pm. Huh, why does it sound like his father? Did he set the routine?
Hadrianus turned his attention to the rest of the schedule of the week, noting they have five classes each day, each class taking an hour, including the weekly classes like the Muggle Sciences and languages. There were options for a maximum of two languages each year. After debating a bit, Hadrianus selected Latin and German. Latin was compulsory for everyone. He will switch to a new language once he settled into his new routine and learns how hard his classes are going to be. His parchment of schedule flushed and then settled, showing the time and room number of his new classes.
He has a Defence class tomorrow, it was something he was looking forward to.
"I have to go meet my daddy." Luna stood, kissing his cheeks, "Don't let the snodfish get you."
"I won't," Hadrianus promised, wondering if it was real or imaginary. It's always a puzzle with Luna, and Hadrianus loves her for it, as it will certainly keep him busy to find out the answer. He won't have her any other way.
After breakfast, he went to meet with Neville who stood waiting for him near the door of the Great Hall. He didn't notice the rest of the first years scrambled out of their seats to follow him, as he stopped to greet Justin on his way.
"Hey Nev! How was your room?"
"Not bad," Neville shrugged, "The rooms are spacious with three per dorm, thankfully. I heard from the seniors it was five per dorm, before the upgrade."
"Who are your roommates?"
"Take a guess."
"Jim and Ron." Hadrianus guessed easily and Neville laughed, nodding, eyeing the rest of the Slytherins that were gathered behind Hadrianus, wondering what it was about. "Where is he anyway?"
"He was still sleeping when I went to shower, haven't seen him since."
"Oh." Hadrianus was disappointed, he wanted to talk to Jim, and ask him how he was faring.
"How was your room?" Neville's voice pulled him out of his thoughts.
"Like an underwater heaven," Hadrianus winked, before noticing the witnesses behind him and quickly changing the topic, "Well, I am free for the first two classes, what about you?"
"I'm free until lunch. Wanna go check out the library?"
"Of course. But first, let's detour to the Owlery first. You guys go ahead, see you in classes. Unless you want to go for the same route as us," Hadrianus waved at the others. Theo and Blaise glanced at each other and shrugged, saying they wouldn't mind either way. Malfoy, Parkinson, Crabbe and Goyle stayed with them, mostly because the first had letters to send and the rest wanted their company. Hadrianus was completely oblivious to the sour look Greengrass Heiress sent to Parkinson, or the new drama starting to brew as Parkinson sent a flying kiss back to her, smirking in victory before rushing after the new, tall, powerful and handsome Slytherin Prince.
Hadrianus looked around, finding Harley amongst the other third years and waved at her, receiving an equally enthusiastic wave in return, before leaving.
Following their maps, they arrived at the top of the West Tower at Hogwarts. Hadrianus had to pause and gag at the smell before they even reached the owlery.
His nose started to burn with the intense rancid and putrid smell coming from it. So intense, that he started to feel dizzy. Hadrianus felt like he was drowning in dead bodies and skeletons of regurgitated mice and other small animals. His Inner Naga started to lash out at the prey all around him, overwhelming him. The loud shrieks of hundreds of avian predators felt so loud, as if at least fifty speakers surrounded him in their loudest volume.
"Gods, that stinks so bad!" Parkinson scrunched her nose in disgust, and Hadrianus flinched at the shrilly voice. Merlin, why did she have to be so loud?
"You alright?" Neville asked, concerned, making others pause to look at him. Hadrianus immediately slammed his Occlumency shield barely just in time, remembering his father's strict advice about never exposing weakness to a fellow Slytherin.
"You...go ahead," Hadrianus barely was able to wheeze out coherently, trying his best not to appear so weak, he regrets bringing so many Slytherins at once! "I'll catch up, later." He waved them off.
One by one, they left, Theo and Neville being the last ones who kept asking if he was really okay, before leaving for the owlery. As soon as the last of his company left, Hadrianus collapsed on the near wall, bending over and gagged. He needs to leave. Now. He can't pass out from sensory overload on his first day, out in public, with no defence!
But he can't walk on his own. Not when the whole world is spinning so fast. Not when his brain has almost shut down, unable to process more information.
Why was the opposite wall getting closer?
Why are the rooms getting smaller and closing up on him?
Why was the floor getting closer?
Is he falling?
But he can't fall, he can't stay unconscious out in public, so open where anyone can get him.
Why can't he get his body to obey him? They are supposed to work for him! Why can't he get his legs to move and catch him?
Please, I need help!
Hadrianus cringed at the thought of an upcoming injury to his face. He was falling...and falling…
Why was he falling in slow motion?
Even so overwhelmed, he noticed two arms catching him just in time before he smacked his face on the dirty floor.
Kin. Safety. He was finally safe!
He can sleep now.
That was the last thing that crossed his mind, before passing out.