Jim watched half heartedly as Percy the Perfect Prefect drolled on something about the stupid student representative council for Gryffindor and introducing its members, something that had been started rather recently to look after the Gryffindors. Jim didn't understand what the drill was, and why they had something so useless? He had been taking care of himself since he was eight, and he never needed any help other than some food and knowledge, though he wouldn't need it once he was seventeen. And his prodigious and incredible brother didn't need help with even that since he was fifteen months!
If a bloke needs more help, maybe they should just stay hidden in some deepest darkest corner of the earth.
He stifled a yawn, looking around the red and golden common room, wondering where Harry would have sorted. Though Jim knew, he would have followed Harry wherever he was sorted, as alphabetically, his brother's name comes first. He wouldn't have forced the Sorting Hat to place him in Gryffindor. Though he spent a moment to wonder where the Hat would have put him, if he gave it the chance to do so.
Definitely Slytherin, if the Hat knew what Jim was planning!
Thank Merlin! He had already charmed many of the older students into telling him about the Sorting Process and planning about it for months. If his parents knew, they would definitely kill him. Not that he minds, if he could join brother into After life. But Jim would like to keep that as a backup plan, his first plan will always be to bring his brother back to this world.
Jim sighed in relief when self-proclaimed Secretary of the Council, Percy the Perfect Prefect finally released them after the long rant. Idly wondering about how one could love the sound of their voice so much, Jim climbed all their ways to the top of a spiral staircases. He finally found an empty room and strolled right into it, Ron following close.
Jim looked around his new room, noticing two trunks appeared near the three beds on the three corners of the very spacious room, and breathed in relief. At least he has his own space here, though he wondered how much privacy he will get with Ron around, as his childhood friend tends to get clingy. Jiim wondered who will be their third roommate.
As if answering his question, there was a knock, and Jim turned around to find Neville poking his head in, "Hey guys, is there any room for a third?"
"Neville!" Jim exclaimed in relief, "Please, join us. We are only two, for now." Better Neville than any other unknown public, Jim knew from his experience that the other boy is shy and likes to keep his boundary with anyone who is not Adrian. He won't bother Jim much.
Speaking of which, Jim wondered how Adrian is doing in his new House. He could only pray that his not-friend would live to see tomorrow... At least he got Harley to keep him company.
Clearly Neville didn't expect the sudden invitation, judging by his surprised expression which he quickly erased with a smile and came in. His luggage appeared on the last bed.
"Great food, isn't it?" Ron muttered, yawning widely.
"Good night Ron, Neville." Jim replied, pulling the curtain that separated his corner from others, though he knew he wouldn't be able to catch a proper night's sleep, not even a wink. Well, if he was looking forward to getting another night filled with his brother's screams of agony, he might as well get comfortable.
"So, how does it feel? I've heard you can feel her through the throne, is it true?"
Hadrianus nodded and closed his eyes, smiling a little. He had been acutely aware of another magical presence surrounding them, though he had been ignoring it to focus on Uncle Sev - erm, Professor Snape and his words. But now other distractions are gone, he can focus back on it again.
Yes. He can feel her, he can feel Hogwarts. He can sense the castle, a delicate magical entity with her own intelligence and sentience. He can feel the ancient magic coursing through her enchanted walls, the intricate spectral of waves flooding like rushing of blood through the vessels. Suddenly, there was a tingling sensation on his right hand, as if Hogwarts flicked his hand playfully.
Hadrianus laughed quietly, spreading his hand on the seat and sending his own waves of magic via the throne, earning delightful waves all around him. Clearly, even if she was a thousand years old, she's still quite young and no one has played with her in a long time.
Hadrianus wondered if anyone else can even feel her presence like he does. She was so different from the first time he felt her. She appeared more...free, this time.
"Az?" A voice interrupted his playtime with Hogwarts, making Hadrianus open his eyes to find four pairs of eyes watching him closely. Sighing, Hadrianus patted his seat, whispering 'Later' under his breath, then focused on his Familia Regium. He felt the magic of the castle tighten around him in reply.
"What's up?"
"Are you not going to find your suite?"
Oh right, he needs to find the suite if he wants his privacy. The reason for all these dramas. But feeling Hogwarts like this was so worth it!
"Yeah," Hadrianus sighed, standing up from his throne and stretching, "I guess I need to find it if I deserve it."
"Well, of course you deserve it, we will find a way."
"I appreciate your gesture, go - Harley," Hadrianus corrected himself at the last moment, remembering Theo was there, "but I think I need to find it myself. Remember?"
Harley pouted and crossed her arms over her chest, "Look at the kids these days. You just came to Hogwarts and are already infected with the teenage rebellions?"
Hadrianus snorted, his god mummy was so dramatic, she reminded him of his father and godfather. He wondered who was the original inspiration of all dramatic people in his life.
"It's not that, it's just I want to do it myself." And not feel like he was cheating for the privileges he was getting just because he was adopted by their master, The Dark Lord.
"Let go Bella, he just wants to earn his place." Reynaldo poked her.
"Yes. There's nothing wrong with that." Reylan backed up his twin.
"Fine! Can I at least come with you?" Harley looked at him pleadingly.
"Alright." Hadrianus shrugged and turned to Theo, "See you in the morning?"
"Good night, Adrian. And good luck."
"Thanks Theo, I'd need that. Good night."
As soon as Hadrianus stepped down from the slightly elevated platform under the throne, it retracted to the wall. Hadrianus frowned and came closer, and the throne came out again.
"Huh," Hadrianus muttered, shrugging, "Convenient, that one." Well, at least no one can temper with Hogwarts wardstone when he is not around.
"You're not going to help, are you?" Hadrianus asked his grandpa's full length portrait near the fireplace, resigned, and grandpa smirked back.
"Well, I can give you a clue since you asked so nicely. Watch out for what appears unusual outside."
"Lets hope its in the dungeons, then. Thanks." Hadrianus hadn't expected the clue, and was immediately suspicious. Grandpa would never help without expecting some groveling at first, what was happening? Is it some sort of trap?
Making sure he had attached the badge inside his robes, Hadrianus stepped out of the Common room, looking around. He was already feeling sleepy. But after years of sleeping with the vigilant protection of mum and the Slytherin Castle, he didn't think he would be able to sleep a wink among others.
Harley lit up her wand and Hadrianus looked around the hallway leading to the Common Room, closely studying it. The portraits made a sound of displeasure and warned him about the curfew. Ignoring them, Hadrianus crept forward, immediately noticing another portrait of his Grandpa in his younger age, probably in his mid 40's. People wouldn't have noticed it if they didn't know grandpa intimately.
Why did Hogwarts have so many portraits of his grandpa? Or is it the Dungeons? That seems unusual.
As Hadrianus approached the portrait, he noticed the eyes of the portrait were following him, which means grandpa was actively monitoring him. It was the smirk in his face that gave Hadrianus the confidence to look at the portrait closely. He took the lit wand from Harley and brought it near the wall, noticing the tiny crack between the stone wall. A straight crack, nearly seven feet tall. Hadrianus followed the crack, smirking in victory when it appeared rectangular, like a door, with his grandpa being a vigilant guard of it.
Noticing the proud smirk on grandpa's face, Hadrianus confidently put his hand near the wall, "Lady Hogwarts, if this is the legendary Slytherin Suite and if you think I'm deserving of it, please grant me entrance! I'm in need of the safety it provides."
Just like claiming the throne, his hand got stuck in the wall. But this time, Hadrianus didn't panic, starting to realise that Hogwarts wards are different from Slytherin Castle's, and let Hogwarts take her time and judge his worth. Within a few seconds, his hand was released. A small click, then the tiny crack became bigger and started emitting bright light.
The stone door then swung open, revealing a comfortable room. Two opposite walls of the room were entirely made of glass, showing the clean underwater flora of the Black Lake. Thankfully, the only portrait in that room was a picture of mountain scenery. The living room was very spacious, with a fireplace and antique furniture. It looked like the Slytherin Common Room, just with more lush decoration and no crowd of squishy arm chairs. On the opposite side, there was a beautiful candle lit hallway, with two doors on each side and another door at the end.
Smiling, Hadrianus stepped in, already liking the comfort it offered. However, just as Harley tried to follow him in, the door shut automatically.
Oh well, he forgot to key her in, didn't he?
Hadrianus hurriedly opened the door, smiling guiltily, "Sorry. Let me key you in."
Harley laughed and waved it off, "Maybe later, at least I know for sure you're going to be safe here. Sleep well, Little Az, we will meet at breakfast."
After Harley left, Hadrianus shut the door close, and could feel the wards flaring up, locking it.
"Welcome to the Slytherin Suite," Hadrianus spun around to find his grandpa, hanging out in the portrait of the mountain, "I've informed your parents of this development, they have sent their regards and congratulations, and your mother insisted you sleep well, as the first day must have been hectic."
Hadrianus laughed at the look of indignation on grandpa's face for being forced to carry his mum's message, "You're awfully big and prideful for an owl," Hadrianus noted, before raising an eyebrow teasingly, "did she threaten to burn your portrait if you don't comply?"
"She mayhap," If Harianus wasn't so sure that portraits couldn't change their appearance, he would have sworn that Salazar was red in mortification.
"I'm guessing your previous help was also the result of mum's threats?" Hadrianus was amused. His mum was amazing!
"What do you take me for, child?" Salazar reared up in indignation and Hadrianus covered his snort hastily with a little cough, "You're wearing the Heir ring, that's why I was bound to help you."
"Does that mean you are also bound to help me if I ask where the Chamber of Secrets is?"
"Don't overestimate yourself, child. You can find that on your own."
"Dang it!"
He discovered his suite is rather homely and a little bland, almost similar to Slytherin Castle in her vintage glory. Hadrianus now realised where father found his inspiration from. But it only made him delighted, as it seems like he is in Slytherin Castle, not miles apart. Even his bedroom gave a beautiful underwater view of the forest inside Lake through the thick glass.
Only if his parents were also with him! Well, at least he has Azure and Hedwig with him. Even though they refused to let go of him in an unfamiliar place.
Hadrianus sighed and started to unpack his things while his familiars clung to him.
Azure and Hedwig kept watching their little human's antics and found it rather humorous. He would take one item out of his trunk, staring at it for a few moments. Then turn it around and stare hard at everything there, before placing it somewhere.
After what felt like forever, Hadrianus finally settled in his bed, Bailey popped in, surprising Hadrianus. "Bailey saw Little Master was not happy with the desert, so Bailey is bringing the little Master treats." With that Bailey pushed a bundle of treats wrapped in a red dish towel in Hadrianus' hands.
"Wow! Thanks, Bailey, you're really the best House Elf ever!" Hadrianus said in awe, not expecting her to visit Hogwarts. He was already salivating as he eagerly unwrapped the bundle and found half a dozen raspberry crème tarts drizzled with chocolate. His favourite!
He immediately stuffed his mouth with one tart, moaning at the rich taste. Bailey is the best, hands down!
"Hey Bailey, how's mum? And father?" He asked, before hesitantly adding, "Do they miss me?"
"They both are resting, but they were talking about Little Master before that."
Hadrianus wondered what they would talk about, though it was late, he should join his parents in dreamland! But before that, there was two tasks left - given and then approved by father.
Hadrianus asked for Bailey to wait then snapped his fingers. Two elves popped to his side with a bow.
"Are you two responsible for the Slytherin suite?"
"Tis be correct, Master Heir Slytherin."
Hadrianus could practically see Bailey giving them most judgy eyes behind him, as if trying to see if they're worth serving her master. Hadrianus sighed, "Hadrianus, or preferably Adrian is fine. What are your names?"
"We be called Nip and Flip, Master Adrian."
"Very well," Hadrianus nodded, ignoring the title. They just wont stop even if he asks them to. "Nip and Flip, if you could ward the suite, especially my room against unwanted nosy people that would be great, nothing unless its Bailey," he pointed his finger at her, "mine, Neville Longbottom, Jim Potter, Luna Lovegood, Professor Crouch, Severus Snape and of course, Lord and Lady Slytherin's magical signatures are to be allowed in here or allowed access without my knowledge. It includes any other magical or non magical creatures or Animagus or any other non-Hogwarts Elf that doesn't have my exclusive permission, which means Bailey here. If I wish to grant access to anyone else, I will inform you. Is that clear?" They nodded and Hadrianus nodded back, turning towards Bailey, "You can go back, Bailey. Goodnight." She bowed and popped away and Hadrianus turned towards them, "Also, can you make sure to leave a few rats or mice and some fresh fruits around for my familiar every week?" He gestured toward his head which is now Hedwig's permanent perch. He doesn't need them to arrange food for Azure, given he eats from his own lunch box which Bailey looks after. She will declare mutiny if Hadrianus even thinks about giving anyone else that responsibility.
The Elves bobbed their heads, "Yes, Master Adrian."
"Only Adrian please. And yes, thank you, I really appreciate that." Hadrianus said sincerely, making them hiccup in shock, "Now, can you call whoever is the Head Elf of Hogwarts, if they're available for a moment?"
They bowed deeper than they did before then vanished with almost silent pop. Minutes later, an older Elf popped in and bowed deep, "What can Dexter be getting Master Adrian?"
Hadrianus hummed, realising Nip and Flip had shared his desire to call Adrian and nodded appreciatively. Smart Elves.
"Hello Dexter. You may call me Adrian. Tell me, where do the Elves' loyalties lie? With the Heir of the Founder of Hogwarts or with the Headmaster?"
"Our loyalty be with Heir of Founder of Hogwarts, Master Adrian."
"Thank you, it's an honour." Hadrianus bowed in acknowledgement, making Dexter wheeze in shock. Hadrianus sighed internally. Seriously, they really need to show more appreciation for their hard work. "Now, Dexter, at first, I want everyone to be in clean clothes and uniform as they work, preferably with Hogwarts logo imprinted on it. You are, after all, representing Hogwarts. You can take the money needed for the clothes and uniforms from the founders' vault, you have Lord Slytherin's explicit permission, here." He gave him the letter.
Dexter had wide eyes and bobbed his head eagerly, "Dexter can be doing that, he will."
"Good. Now can you make sure to pass on the order to all the Elves to not tire themselves while working to their bones? I would prefer if everyone sort themselves in two or three shifts so everyone can get the well deserved rest. After all, you can not serve Hogwarts if you're exhausted. Also, tell them the feast was delicious. Thank you, Dexter."
Dexter had fat tears rolling from his tennis ball sized brown eyes as Hadrianus talked. He promptly burst out in tears by the time Hadrianus finished and disappeared with a pop, leaving Hadrianus gape at the empty place with his mouth open.
"Well. At least he didn't try to trip me with a hug like Dobby did that one time!"
Hedwig hooted in agreement from her throne of soft hair.
Hadrianus tossed and turned the whole night, not being able to sleep a wink. Oh, the bed is comfortable and warm enough. But he had become so used to sleeping with his mum coiled around him like a safety blanket. And now, without mum, he felt empty, void. As if he's missing something.
The warm and scaly body he had become so used to using as his personal pillow to hug during sleep is not there.
Hadrianus turned, hugging his own legs, before remembering how mum would have nudged his legs with her nose until he straightened them again. While Harry had used to become coiling up while sleeping to take minimal space in the cupboard, mum wouldn't have let Hadrianus sleep like that. It is bad for bone structure, she said, before nudging his legs until he straightened them, then keeping her own coils on his legs to stop him from coiling them again. He hadn't realised how he became so used to such a settlement.
Now without that familiar weight on his legs, Hadrianus couldn't sleep.
Sighing, he fumbled with the Slytherin locket. It was heavy when he was just a child and received it as his first Yule present, but having worn it day and night for years, he had gotten used to its heavy weight around his neck. And his diary that he hugged to his chest as he slept.
He looked at the snakes on the locket, glinting under moonlight, enjoying the familiar feeling of his father's essence from it. Fumbling for a moment, he opened it and stared at the photo inside.
On one side, there was a family of three, posing together. He was sitting on a chair, smiling as he enjoyed the weight of both his parents' hands on his both shoulders, tall, powerful and regal, as his father stood behind Hadrianus, while Nagini on the left. Hadrianus in the picture stole a glance at his mum, his mouth was moving, saying something which made a grin appear on the couple's lips for a brief second.
Hadrianus remembered the day when they had taken the photograph and smiled. They had several similar, but more serious and different posing photographs in the house, and Marvolo had let Hadrianus choose one for his locket. He remembered the exasperated but resigned look on his face when he had selected this one, the one without the least amount of dignity and the majestic impression they carry as their public reputation, but more...themselves! Hadrianus knew father had planned to discard it, thinking it too plebeian and non-impressive for lacking the cold eyes and arrogant expression of a proper rich and noble Pureblood House. Hadrianus had snatched it before he could, declaring it will be the one for his locket. After all, inside the walls of their house, neither father nor son is Pureblood, having Muggle blood from his father's side. And he knows father had only allowed the photo because no one would be able to see it.
As he thinks, another thought came to him and terrified him, even if he refused to acknowledge it. What if father refuses Hadrianus? Now that Hadrianus is gone, what if father realises he was much better without Hadrianus around? What if his father realises how much of a bother Hadrianus is to him and mum?
Would he really abandon him? Would mum?
Hadrianus kept tossing and turning, restless.
Hadrianus knows very well how cruel his father could be, he has never even pretended to hide himself from Hadrianus, he has always shown his true side to him, and for that Hadrianus is relieved. He had accepted his father as he is, not a rose-tainted version of it.
He knows his father had killed and tortured many people, and he will do it in future as well. He will do anything he thinks best for his subjects. He is a great leader, ruthless, yes, unkind, also yes, but great.
He is training Hadrianus to be like him in future, Hadrianus knows. But father is immortal, while Hadrianus is not. Then why would he think Hadrianus would need training to become a leader like him? He doesn't understand.
What if father realises that too, and leaves Hadrianus behind when he learns he is nothing but a useless little boy, who is nothing but only getting in his way? Hadrianus knows he had been, the number of times his father had to abandon his work to rescue him or save him, protect him.
Stressed out, Hadrianus seeked out to Mother Castle, momentarily forgetting he was not in Slytherin Castle anymore. However, Hogwarts didn't refuse him. He felt her magic tightening around him, acknowledging him and trying to calm him down.
Hadrianus felt Hogwarts shifted. A warm glow engulfed him, like his mum's hug.
Slowly, calming down, Hadrianus fell asleep.