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Potter Manor, Scotland

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Today will be a day that will always be engraved into Hadrian's mind, for it will be his first-ever birthday party. Waking up, the boy didn't even realize that it was July 31st, years of abuse do that to someone so young. So when he made his way down to the dining room, Hadrian was surprised to see decorations up, and the house elves hard at work.

Entering the dining room, Hadrian was greeted by the sight of his grandfather being absent and Auntie Vicky sitting in her usual chair. This was another surprise for the young lad, for even if Lord Potter was busy he still took time out of his schedule to spend time with his Heir.

As Hadrian took his seat, a plate filled with buttered toast, bacon, and eggs appeared immediately. "Is Grandfather busy?" He asked the American Potter, who was drinking a cuppa coffee.

"Lord Charlus is busy, and he apologizes that he isn't able to be here with you." She answered after taking a sip, and Hadrian nodded, biting a piece off the toast. "But he assured me that he'll be back before midday. So in the meantime Harry, we will begin training with your wand."

Hearing that made the Potter Heir stop mid-bite, and excitement filled him. "Truly?" Hadrian asked as he looked at his American relative who nodded with a slight smirk. "What spell?"

Auntie Vicky chuckled at his questions, but she only answered after finishing her cuppa. "That will be seen, but I can promise that you will not be disappointed, my dear." With that, the boy quickened his eating and before Harry knew it, he was finished.

Throughout the lesson, Hadrian was filled with excitement which came in handy when teaching him a lesson that will help change the boy later on in life. "Emotions are one of the many key factors in magic Harry." Auntie Vicky said as she erected a small wooden statue of a wizard that held a miniature plain stick. "When you are calm and in control, your magic is controlled and calm. When one is angered, their magic becomes uncontrollable and dangerous. When you are excited, your magic becomes lively which isn't necessarily a bad thing but depending on the spells used, it can sometimes lead to unsuccessful casting."

He nodded and the lesson began, and it started with the simple, 'Wingardium Leviosa'. After learning the incantation, the wand movement, and lastly a demonstration, Hadrian had his chance and as expected he failed, and he continued failing until the 20th try where he finally was able to lift the statue barely an inch from the ground.

"Good, now let's see if you can do it consistently, and when you can do it, let's say 9 times in a row, I'll reward you with another spell." His American relative said as she stood behind him, giving him advice if needed, being ready to save the Heir if something happened.

It wasn't until a bit before noon when the Potter Lord arrived, bringing the lesson to a halt. But the lesson wasn't for nothing, yes Hadrian was not able to lift the statue 9 times in a row, but he still managed to make the statue float 6 times consistently. Tidying up, making them look respectable, the 2 Potters left the training room, where Harry finally realized what the decorations were for.

As the Potter Heir left the room with his Auntie behind him, he was welcomed with a sign that read, 'Happy 9th Birthday Hadrian!' And with the sign were the house elves, all of whom held small contraptions that let out confetti and smoke. They all yelled their happy birthday to their youngest master and at the head of the impromptu procession was Charlus Potter who waved his wand, making a few things happen at once. The first to happen was the missed details of tidying up on the shocked young lad, and the second was placing a fluffy pink cap on his bird nest hair of a head.

What followed was a new experience for Hadrian James Potter, a day filled with meeting new people and celebrating something he had forgotten. But before meeting new people the three residents of Potter Manor had a small lunch with a small cake for the birthday boy. After lunch Hadrian was told they were going to be getting some guests, all of whom were friends of his Lord's.

The first to arrive was Lord Arcturus Black, the lord of the Most Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, and a powerful man with his connections placed in many places of power. At first the boy was intimidated by the imposing man, who entered wearing mostly black with a white shirt and red tie, wielding a cane that had a raven head shaped handle. However after greeting the man Hadrian found that his fear of the lord was unjustified, for the man was actually quite friendly with him. But the boy also knew that this will never always be the case, that this small smile was a one time occurrence, and that after this day the man will be as cold and hard as when he first entered Potter Manor.

The next people the Potter Heir met were Lady Narcissa Malfoy and her son and Heir to the Noble House of Malfoy, Draco Malfoy. When they first entered the manor, the latter was so amazed that the boy couldn't keep still throughout the greeting. But the former made up for it, by the way of greeting Lord Potter with a bow, and a nod to Hadrian. But even so, as the young Potter Heir felt her gaze fall on him, the birthday boy felt as if she was scared of something.

Who came in next were a pair of Grandmother, and Grandson, and when Hadrian saw the young lad his mind gave him an image of a babe beside him as two pairs of parents talked and laughed while the two boys cooed and talked in their baby language. The pair introduced themselves as Lady Augusta Longbottom and Heir Neville Longbottom. Immediately Hadrian recognized the family as a Most Noble and Most Ancient Family but he also recognized the family as one of the very few families that have been allies to House Potter since the early 1500s. Immediately, he and Neville got along splendidly, talking about all they could and as they continued, Hadrian was filled with the feeling that he was missing since he was a babe. A close friend.

The last group of people to enter the old manor were an odd bunch and it was quite weird with Lord Black appearing and introducing them. The first was a woman with a tallish build, with black shoulder length hair and her eyes a similar gray to the lord beside him. Lord Black introduced her as Andromeda Tonks nee Black, a daughter of the branch Black Family and the Lady of House Tonks. The aged wizard then introduced him to Ted Tonks, Andromeda's husband, and most importantly a muggleborn. Immediately Hadrian's eyes flew to his father in question and watched as the Lord Potter nodded with a slight smile, and after that the Potter Heir looked back to the muggleborn and shook his hand. The man was taller than his wife, had dirty blonde hair that was slicked back, and his eyes were a joy filled blue.

However, the next person he was introduced to took his breath away and it wasn't just her looks and abilities, but also because of how she treated him. Yes, her bubbly personality and hot pink hair caught his attention. But what stood out the most was that when he was introduced to her, she didn't look at the scar that signified his parents sacrifice, instead going up to him and gave Hadrian a hug.

This not only made the Potter Heir tense up but also made him blush, something that had never happened to the birthday boy. When the embrace was broken the girl held out her hand and introduced herself to him, her bubbly personality on full display. "Name's Nymphadora Tonks, but please for all the good things our world has, don't call me by that name. Instead, call me Nym, Dora or even just Tonks." She finished with a bright smile, one that made Hadrian feel emotions he never knew he had.

He was speechless, Harry didn't know how to respond to this much positivity. So he did the only thing he knew he could, taking the girls hand he shook it and stammered. "Ha-Hadrian Potter."

Nymphadora chuckled. "I already know that you dummy!" She then broke the hand shake, and a longing and distant look came to her bright eyes. "You look exactly like your father, but you have your mother's eyes. But I bet you have already been told that a few dozen times already." She chuckled as she sheepishly scratched the back of her head.

Unbeknownst to the two children, the adults had left, leaving them on their own. Harry looked at the girl with wide eyes. "You knew my parents?!" She nodded in response and told him that she was two when she met Lily and James Potter, and not only that but that she also knew their best friends, who she couldn't quite remember the names of.

Still, the Potter Heir listened to everything she told him. Grandfather told him a lot about his parents, but even then anything Harry could learn about his parents was worthwhile to him. So throughout his birthday party, Hadrian spent most of his time with Nym and Neville, the latter being a welcomed presence.

Throughout the day Harry experienced what he never thought will happen, a happy birthday to him, or a birthday at all honestly. Yes, he didn't know most of the guests but he got along with those close to his age, even the Malfoy Heir came along and started talking to Harry, and yes the boy was a bit of a ponce but other than that Draco wasn't that bad.

But it wasn't all fun the whole day, for as the hours went by and as people ate their food and then the cake, it came time for everyone to leave. Meaning Harry will once again be alone with only his Aunt, Grandfather, and the House Elves. As he watched people slowly leave Harry kept a polite smile plastered on his face and thanked everyone for coming.

When Nym and her parents went to leave, he was once again surprised by the hot-pink haired girl, for as she passed him, Harry was once again in a warm embrace. "Happy Birthday Harry!" She said as her hug tightened around him. The Potter Heir returned the hug and in doing so he inhaled a scent of her shampoo, which smelled like bubblegum and vanilla. Odd but honestly Harry thought it fit her energetic personality.

"T-thank you." He said quietly as the embrace broke, and he found dark blue eyes looking into his emerald pools. "Will… will I be able to see you again?" Harry asked as her smile grew. Unknown to the boy was that both elder Potters, Charlus and Victoria, were smiling at the sight they were watching.

"Of course you will, my boy." Charlus said, as he stepped forward and placed a hand on his shoulder. Harry watched as his grandfather looked at the young lady with a small smile. "You are always welcome here Young Nym. You are one of Hadrian's friends. Potter Manor will always be opened to the friends of our family."

After one final goodbye and a small conversation between Lords Potter and Black, the three Potter's remained and when the Head of the Family left to the family dining room, Harry and Victoria followed shortly after him. Charlus took the head of the table with Harry to his right and Victoria on his left.

Harry fidgeted with the trims of his robes as Lord Potter finished with his tea. It was during the middle of the party that the aged wizard came to him, informing him that when everyone was gone and the party finished, that he and Aunt Vicky had something important to tell him. This was it, whatever was important was going to be said here and now.

"Hadrian." Charlus called out and the named boy looked to the aged man, instantly ceasing playing with his cuffs. "What we have to talk to you about is important to your future and will hopefully help you in the days to come." The birthday boy nodded in understanding, and his grandfather continued. "The most important and the good news we have, well I'll let Victoria tell you."

Harry looked at the woman and found her blue eyes sparkling and a smile plastered on her face. "Harry, as you know I'm a teacher at Ilvermorny. I teach charms and wand crafting as you know. But what I haven't told you is that I've given the Board a recommendation and after a few days, I've gotten permission to finally give you this offer." He watched as the woman reached into her sleeve and as she removed an envelope from within. The American Potter held it out to him, and Harry got a better view of it, and what he saw made his eyes widen. "Harry, would you like to go to Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for two years while you wait for Hogwarts?"

His emerald pools stayed plastered on the envelope before him, and he took it with slow shaky hands. Opening it and removing the contents Harry felt as if the letter weighed tons as he took it out and read what was on the letter.

'Dear Hadrian James Potter,

We of the Board of Teachers at Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, would like to welcome you to our prestigious school on September 2 of the year 1988. If you accept please let Professor Victoria Maria Potter know and we will be happy to have you. With this letter, if you accept, will be a list of items you will need. For your uniform, you need not worry for you will receive it the moment you step foot on our soil. The list below are the classes you are welcomed to take. A few of them have already been removed as they came as a recommendation from Professor Potter upon her request.

We look forward to seeing and welcoming you to our School,

Signed: Christopher Edward Smith, Headmaster of Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and Head of the Board of Teachers'

Harry continued reading with shaky hands, and he was having trouble seeing clearly. This kind of offer was rare, and he was having a hard time getting his mind under control. The Potter Heir was always told that Hogwarts was probably the best Magical School in the whole of the world, but as he read the list of classes the American Wizarding School had… it absolutely blew Hogwarts out of the water.

Finishing up with the letter Harry looked to his Aunt Vicky and saw the happiness and joy in her eyes, and he couldn't help but give a shallow but confident nod to the invitation to Ilvermorny. "I'll send an owl of your response to the invitation immediately." She said with a full smile on her face. "But I must let you know that this will only be for 2 years. The moment you turn 11 you will be placed into Hogwarts."

Harry nodded in understanding, yes he should be excited to go to his parent's school, but he knew that after Ilvermorny, Hogwarts will never be as exciting or wicked as the American school. "Can't I just stay at Ilvermorny? It'd make everything easier for us." He asked as he looked between his grandfather and auntie.

The latter nodded as he placed his teacup on the platter. "Aye, it would be. But for you to take my place you need a full education at that dog wash school." Lord Potter snorted and continued. "Only if Former Headmaster Armando Dippet didn't declare that mugglelover his successor. Under the current headmaster's reign, Hogwarts has truly changed in the worst ways possible, and minus killing the old fool there's no way to change it." Whatever the man wanted to say as he continued was said in a grumble and both Harry and Victoria snickered at their elder's behavior.

"Anyway." Aunt Victoria said as Harry looked back at her. "Sadly what Lord Charlus says is true. If you are to take his place as Lord Potter, you do need a full education at Hogwash."

"Hogwarts! Blood hell Woman!" The lord said for the umpteenth time, making both present laugh. "You don't hear me insulting your institution! Don't insult mine!"

Harry watched as the American Potter looked at the man with an eye roll. "You see 'my lord', Ilvermorny has nothing wrong with it, and as you just stated, Hogwarts is not its former self." The old man grunted and took his cup of tea again. "Now back to Harry. You might be ahead of your peers at Hogwarts but you shouldn't be afraid of that. It only shows the mistakes Hogwarts has made. It was once a school that went from the ages of 9-18, just like all the other magical schools but right now it's not and they'll have to deal with that on their own."

Harry watched as the Potter woman got up from the chair. "Now I must get going, I'll send your acceptance letter on the morrow and together we'll get your school supplies another day." She finished and placed a kiss onto the Potter Lord's head as she went by him, and ruffled Harry's already bird nest hair. "Just until then don't get your knickers into a knot."

With that the Auntie Vicky left, leaving the Potter Heir and Lord in the family dining room. Harry looked to his grandfather and saw the look the man held. It was a longing look full of sorrow and it only made the birthday boy wonder why. However, that answer came and when it did Harry knew why.

"For the other reason I asked you to stay." Charlus amber pools looked to his emerald depths. "Would you like to see them? Would you like to meet James and Lily?" Harry immediately stiffened at the question. Meet his parents? How? Where? Weren't they dead? But that was all answered when the aged man spoke up again. "There are portraits of all the Potter Lords/Heirs and their wives in one of the locked doors, and among them is a portrait of your parents."

Harry stared at the man and as he did, he felt a hot rage fill him. Why did he keep this a secret?! Why did he bring it up now!? And not when he first arrived?! Why?! But as the Potter Heir thought about it, he stopped himself from feeling anger and rage. He knew why his grandfather kept this information from him, and that was probably because even he hadn't gone to visit the portraits yet, and why he hasn't, Harry doesn't know nor does he need to know. But what Harry did know was that this was probably a he worst but also best birthday gift he's ever received.

"Yes… yes please."

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Azkaban

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"Oi Black!" A loud voice followed up by a loud bang made one Sirius Black shot up from his shit bed. "Wakey Wakey! We have news for you Black! You have a visitor you cunt! Now wake your fucking ass up!" It continued, the voice only amplifying in decibels.

Sirius climbed to sit up, his body aching with pain and tiredness, his mind in constant pain and aching, but this pain was deserved after abandoning James, Lily and most importantly Harry. His godson, a boy only a little older than a year old, just lost his parents and all he needed was a family. Harry needed him and what did he do? Sirius handed him off to fucking Hagrid, a loyal 'dog' of the man he once trusted, and chased after the person who betrayed his brother in all but blood.

So in his opinion this pain and suffering was deserved, but he also wondered where and how Harry was doing. Did Dumbledore do right and let Lord Potter know? Did the headmaster give the boy to Grandfather? God forbids the chance the Dursley's took him in. These were the questions that flowed through his mind as he waited for his death or maybe trial.

But after whatever amount of years it's been, Sirius was surprised out of nowhere on a day with gray colds, rain and freezing temperatures, like most days honestly, he was moved to a lower level. One that held no dementors nor the laughter of his insane cousin.

Shaking his head, he glared at the man banging at the door. Getting to his feet he waddled over and grabbed the bars. "What?" He asked with a hoarse voice. His deep gray eyes watched as the Auror Guard ignored him and backed away from the cell, and as a figure took his place.

This person made the prisoner take a step back and his heartbeat grew faster, in both surprise and fright. The man on the other side of the door was Lord Arcturus Phineas Black, with powerful eyes looking to be going through Sirius' soul. "Hello Sirius, it's been a long time since we last met. How've you been, from where I'm standing your trial is long overdue."

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TBC

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