Disclaimer: Well, you may learn something, but I'm not the owner of Harry Potter. Sorry if some people are disappointed, I understand, I am too.
CaskettFan5: To be frank, I like developping each character's way of thinking. That's what's annoying people, but personally I like it, and I'm glad you think her reactions were interesting. Take care, and have a great day !
Koldbones: Well, from what I've read in your past reviews, you're constantly disappointed. I mean, if there's so much that bothers you, don't read. I already explained why Hadrian didn't went after the Weasleys. You don't like that answer ? That's not my problem. You didn't read it ? Also your problem. In the end, that's still logical. Yes, he put his younger self in danger. I purposefully write it that way. I may repeat myself, but I am not writing a perfect character. I'm writing a character that has a lot of issues, and it shows in the story, whether you like it or not. Finally, about Voldy's name... Oh oh oh surprise but in case you haven't seen it the 3949 times I've said it before already, but I'm french. And "Tom Elvis Jedusor" is his real name in french. That's just a translating mistake. I corrected where I made the mistakes (even though there might be some that are still there). Anyway, sorry to be harsh, but at some point the only thing you did in all your reviews were to complain. If like a 12 years old kid you can't do anything but complain, then go find another story. I'm always open to answer interrogations, but my role is not to write the story the way you want it to be. That's my story, period. Take care, and have a good day.
nsaifnabi: Hey ! Thanks for pointing that out. It was a translating mistake. I corrected where I found the mistakes, but there might be some that I left out. Anyway, I'm really glad you like the story. Take care, and have a wonderful day !
fvdv123: Simple but kind. Thanks for the support, that's good to know you liked the chapter. Good vibes to you, and have a great day !
Lord Frederick: Hey ! I'm glad you like the story. Thanks for reading up until here, I sincerely appreciate it. Take care !
Oakhurst: Hey ! So, to answer you, I don't really remember Cursed Child. I remember Harry being able to use it quickly at the end of the story while talking to Delphi, but that's it. However, I looked up once more on the internet, and on the Harry Potter wiki (well, the french version at least. I have no idea if the english version says something different), it is said that he lost the ability after losing the horcrux. Well, anyway, I hope you like the story hahaha ! Have a good day !
Anyway, this chapter is the last one of the first part of the story. After it, I'm going to take a one week break as I have a lot currently going one with my life. Next chapter will be out next wednesday normally. Thanks to everyone who read up until here already, despite the mistakes. I love you all, take care of yourself and your families, that's what matters the most, and have a great day !
02/18/1993, 20H12, Hogwarts, Scotland:
Exhausted and overwhelmed with worry, the two remaining conscious adults, accompanied by a young red-haired student, and followed by several lifeless bodies floating behind them, hurried through the corridors of Hogwarts.
The light from their wands awakened many portraits, who didn't hesitate to express their displeasure. However, they quickly calmed down when they recognized one of the adults as the headmaster himself.
For now, there weren't any casualties, and the Horcrux had been destroyed. These were the only silver linings to this perilous adventure.
"You know, Albus, I think you need a real Defense Against the Dark Arts professor," Hadrian mused.
"Given the events that have occurred once again this year, I am quite inclined to agree with you. Unfortunately, no professor manages to stay more than a year in this position. It's due to that... present Tom gave me when he returned," the old man replied, waving his wand to open a secret passage that led them closer to the infirmary.
"I remember you telling me about it," Hadrian nodded, recalling the curse that plagued this position. In his time, only Voldemort's death had managed to lift it. He should therefore expect the situation to continue as long as the Dark Lord wasn't defeated.
"Are you still in touch with Remus?" the headmaster suddenly asked, staring at Hadrian with his sapphire-colored eyes.
The time traveler didn't bother to ask how the headmaster could have guessed about his occasional exchanges with the werewolf and simply nodded. "He's currently on a mission, but I can pass on a message if you wish. You need him to teach next year, don't you?"
The former Transfiguration professor winked at him, confirming the Lord's intuition.
Albus then continued his explanation, revealing his motivations to the man accompanying him: "Even though Harry and his friends are very brave, the war cannot rest on the shoulders of one person alone, as you yourself have reminded me. It is therefore imperative to prepare the new generations for the future, and this requires a quality education. Let's just hope that Severus won't hold it against me too much for making this choice," the headmaster laughed, visibly delighted at the idea of bringing two old enemies together.
Hadrian feigned indifference, while secretly sharing the headmaster's amusement. He knew that Snape wasn't the most suitable person for teaching and wanted more than anything to see him leave the school. However, he also didn't forget the crucial role the man had played in the war back in his time.
Deep down, he knew that Severus Snape was not inherently evil. Unfortunately, the man he had become, consumed by resentment and self-hatred, as well as aversion to his former enemies, would forever be incapable of reaching his full potential.
The time traveler was aware that Snape's departure from Hogwarts was only a matter of time. Indeed, his presence was only explained by his loyalty to Dumbledore and the vow he made to him. Once Voldemort was defeated, there was no doubt that the former Death Eater would hasten to leave the school.
It remained to be seen if he would survive until then. Moreover, with Hadrian's arrival in Harry's life, he would no longer dare to act with such contempt towards the young wizard, lest he suffer the reprisals of the one who was regularly nicknamed "The Invincible Soldier."
"I've made my decision," the bounty hunter declared suddenly. The headmaster didn't turn around, preferring to keep his attention fixed on the infirmary door that stood before them. He nodded briefly, his beard slightly singed from the battles against Tom, swaying gently.
"Harry, as powerful as he is, is sorely lacking in strength. We don't know when Tom will return, and although I would like to, I cannot be constantly at his side to protect him. He must be able to defend himself alone against his enemies, otherwise he will be perpetually in danger. I'm taking him with me. He will return when I deem him ready."
This blunt statement made the headmaster turn around, and what he saw sent a shiver of fear and admiration through his old bones. Magic vibrated around Hadrian, making his medium-length hair float and part as he walked. It almost seemed as if the magic was materializing around the man.
"I won't oppose your decision," Dumbledore acknowledged with a sigh filled with disappointment. "Just make sure he follows the school curriculum enough to pass his exams."
The time traveler had already anticipated this request. He would ensure that Harry followed the prescribed program. However, in light of recent events, they would have to step up the pace. Harry had to progress, both magically, physically, and psychologically. Hadrian wouldn't leave him in the same state of weakness he had experienced in his childhood. He would make him stronger than ever.
Hadrian didn't respond verbally to the headmaster, merely nodding and opening the infirmary doors with a simple wave of his wand. Indeed, their conversation had finally led them to the room they were looking for.
The door opened abruptly, an unpleasant creak echoing in everyone's ears, and giving way to the newcomers. With the help of the nurse who rushed to their aid, they were able to safely install all the children in beds. The woman, visibly worried and muttering curses under her breath about the lack of staff, chained together diagnostic and healing spells on the children who needed them.
Once all the students were asleep, including Ginny, the nurse inquired about the condition of the adults. She asked if any of them were injured, which they denied. This didn't prevent her from examining them meticulously, only releasing them after making sure their statements were true.
The two men, exhausted, retraced their steps until they found themselves face to face with two other Gryffindor students: Hermione Granger and Neville Longbottom. Behind them walked a completely disoriented Professor Lockhart. The man looked as lost as a Muggle in Diagon Alley.
"Oh, what a long beard! You're Merlin the Enchanter, aren't you? So you can do magic too!" he exclaimed. Hadrian immediately realized something was wrong when he noticed the children's guilty looks.
"P-Professor! Um... We were..." began Hermione, visibly worried about the headmaster's presence.
Luckily for her, Neville took the lead to clarify the situation. If he knew, Harry would have been proud of the boy. In barely one year, he had not only lost his childish roundness but had also grown, both physically and mentally.
Moreover, this transformation could only secretly delight Hadrian, happy to see his old friend come out of his shell.
"Lord Potter, Professor Dumbledore," called the heir of the House of Longbottom, pointing to the drooling professor at their side, "we were looking for Harry when the message was broadcast. We didn't find him in the Great Hall, nor in the common room. So we went to find a professor to report his absence, and we came across... well, him."
Dumbledore's cerulean eyes sparkled behind his half-moon glasses as the young boy recounted his story. Apparently, after finding the cowardly professor about to flee, they asked him to help them search for Harry. After all, it was his duty to protect the students. Instead, the man, terrified, decided to pack his bags. They tried to stop him, and he pushed them away, explaining that he would deal with them later.
The children then challenged him, insisting that with everything he had accomplished in his books, he should be able to help them.
Nevertheless, instead of doing so, he mocked them, confirming their suspicions by saying that none of the stories in his books came from him.
He then took out his wand and tried to erase their memories of the evening.
Unfortunately for him, thanks to all the training he had undergone with Harry, Neville was the fastest and disarmed the man. After that, they resumed their search, using the professor as a guide to lead them to the headmaster's office. However, after long minutes of fruitless searching, they found nothing. Well, at least until the ground shook violently and the professor, taking advantage of the confusion, pounced on Hermione, considering her the weakest of the duo... wrongly.
With a well-placed curse, she pushed him back violently, causing him to crash into a wall. His head then hit the ground hard, and he fell unconscious.
Later, when he woke up, Gilderoy Lockhart had lost his memory.
Listening to the story with a smirk, Hadrian couldn't help but wonder if fate hadn't already sealed the destiny of all living beings, regardless of their time or world. 'Whatever he does, he always ends up forgetting everything. Well, it's not like he deserved any compassion,' he thought to himself, signaling his departure to the headmaster who took over.
Albus returned his salute and knocked the former professor unconscious with a flick of his wand. He then led him to one of the beds, much to the dismay of the overworked nurse, and after showing the Gryffindors that their friend was safe and sound, he left the room.
Near the doors, as he was about to leave, Hadrian was stopped by Severus Snape, much to his surprise. The latter didn't greet him. Instead, he took a deep breath and launched into a short monologue.
"I will never be able to feel sorry for Harry Potter, no matter how hard I try," he declared, his gaze lost in the void. His emotionless voice stirred many memories in the bounty hunter, who simply watched him in silence. He knew by heart the inner drama his former professor was going through.
"I may try whatever I want, I'll still see him as an arrogant and unpleasant being. Until I die, I'll never stop to hate with all my soul the one who gave him that name," he continued, walking side by side with Hadrian. Their two black capes billowed in the wind, only a slight difference in height, giving the time traveler a few extra inches, distinguishing them.
"However, I am human enough to want the best for my Slytherins. I tried to dissuade Miss Greengrass from staying with this boy, given that he attracts more trouble than anyone has ever caused in this school. Nevertheless... she refused to listen to me."
He took another step, looking up at the sky, before his voice dropped a tone, warming and cooling at the same time. "I don't know... No, in fact, I don't care what you do with this kid, but make sure he doesn't cause any more damage to my Slytherins," he finished in a strange display of concern for something other than himself.
Hadrian stepped forward in turn, leaving the school grounds before turning around. Snape wanted to play the part of the dark wizard? Well, two could play that game.
Magic crackled around him as two white orbs lit up behind the blindfold on his face. His hair flew in the wind as he spread his arms. "My Harry will become stronger than his parents - may they rest in peace - ever were. If the Slytherins you're talking about, Severus, are Daphne, Astoria, or anyone else who is against Voldemort, then yes, they won't have to worry. However, for those whose goal is to take the mark the day this madman returns... Let's just say they'll get what they deserve. Whether it's me or Harry, we will be merciless, Severus Snape."
The next moment, he disappeared, his voice echoing in the night. "You were the exception to the rule among the Death Eaters, Snape. But if you want to protect your snakes, then make sure your choice becomes the rule."
02/21/1993, 14H23, Potter Manor, England:
Fortuna Moon had spent the most peaceful days of her life in the manor of the man who was now her bounty hunting companion.
Even at home, the woman subjected herself to constant training, reading, and diligent work, seeking to achieve perfection in everything she undertook. Nevertheless, as her injuries required rest, she had been unable to engage in any activity until her full recovery. Thus, reading and long discussions with her new companion were her only source of entertainment for a few days.
As soon as he returned to the manor, Hadrian had bombarded her with information, briefly explaining the events that had unfolded at Hogwarts and informing her of his potential need for assistance on a mission separate from Alexei's.
She accepted, moved by a sense of gratitude towards the man and convinced that any combat experience alongside Hadrian Potter could only help her progress.
It was because of this request that she was currently getting dressed, donning her outfit enchanted by Hadrian himself. He explained each enchantment and its utility to her at length, and she had been unable to hide her amazement at his prowess. What he had accomplished in a few wand movements would normally have cost several thousand galleons to a wizard specializing in this field.
Reinforced strength, understanding of all languages, concealment, bottomless pocket... The outfit she wore seemed capable of anything.
Shaking her head to hide the blush that crept onto her cheeks as Hadrian entered the room, his aura filling the great hall of the ancestral manor, she sat down, patiently waiting for the man to speak.
"I just received a letter from a friend informing me that we need to act without delay. Time is of the essence, so I'll be brief. Two of my friends have set out in pursuit of Greyback - the werewolf - and his pack. They tried to contact me, but between Russia and the Basilisk, the owl transmission was complicated."
Hadrian then stood up, placing the letter he held in his hand in front of Fortuna. "Apparently, they were spotted and have been on the run for several days. They sent me this Portkey that should lead us close to their position. Once there, we must eliminate all individuals present except for these two men," he indicated, placing two fingers on her forehead.
In her mind, two faces appeared. She immediately recognized the first: Lord Black. The second, on the other hand, was apparently that of Remus Lupin, a mutual friend.
"Very well. I'm ready," she declared firmly.
She forced her mask of impassivity to cover her face, preferring to hide the fear that invaded her at the thought that he pierced her mental defenses with a simple gesture.
Their collaboration, although far from a classic employer-employee relationship, was also not an association of equals, and Fortuna was perfectly aware of this. For this reason, she didn't reply to Hadrian's abrupt tone and preferred to place her hand on the letter, ready to face potentially the most fearsome werewolf pack in the world.
Hadrian, understanding that she was determined, placed his hand on hers. A bead of sweat slid discreetly down the woman's face, caught off guard by this contact, before her hand joined the other half of the letter. "He knows what he's doing," she muttered, looking up at the English lord.
His magic, his posture and his confident, almost mocking smile, as if he was omniscient, sent shivers through her body.
Any proximity to this man seemed like a sin. To an outsider, it might have looked as if Lady Magic herself had claimed the sorcerer and refused to let anyone near him. It was this control over his fate, this pure, unadulterated strength that left her trembling. She wanted that... No, she wanted strength... Only strength!
Trying to regain control of herself, she closed her eyes, waiting for the time traveler to activate the portoloin.
"Ready? Let's go. Werewolves!" whispered Hadrian with a vengeful grin on his face. He was angry at Remus and Sirius for venturing far beyond a simple 'reconnaissance mission', but he was even more angry at these wolves for attacking his family.
'It's going to get bloody!' he growled inwardly. A creak later, the duo had disappeared from the manor.
02/21/1993, 14H26, Pyriatyn National Park, Ukraine:
Having reached their destination, Hadrian quickly removed his blindfold and scanned the ground for any footprints that would lead him to the two men he was searching for.
Fortunately, or rather unfortunately in this case, he discovered a multitude of clues: magical residue, footprints, blood... Enough to follow the endangered duo without difficulty.
Accompanied by Fortuna, Hadrian immediately set off on the trail. At first, he simply ran, but seeing that the pursuit was dragging on, he decided to shift into high gear.
He apparated next to his new colleague, grabbed her by the waist, and took off, using his wandless flight ability. Surprised, she let out a small cry of fright that she would deny having been capable of producing until the end of her days. Once at a sufficient altitude, he concentrated the magic in his eyes and flew over the Ukrainian forest, scanning every corner from the air.
Several hours of tracking were necessary before they perceived the first signs of human life. That's why, when they finally managed to locate a camp, they decided first to land nearby to take a break. Fortuna was overall fine, but Hadrian had to draw on his reserves to maintain the flight spell.
Luckily, it seemed that the werewolves, like them, had decided to take a break. So Hadrian landed and allowed his core to fill up three-quarters full before feeling ready to take action.
First, he asked Fortuna to go around the camp and draw a plan, while he explored the surroundings in search of Remus and Sirius.
It didn't take long, and the young woman quickly returned with a simple drawing of what they should expect.
For his part, Hadrian had gathered several crucial pieces of information. First, Greyback wasn't present. He didn't know his position, but the pack present here wasn't under the command of its Alpha. "He probably had to send the fastest ones to pursue the two idiots. So the other half of the pack can arrive at any moment, we must remain vigilant," explained the bounty hunter.
Another crucial piece of information, he had located Remus and Sirius. The first was imprisoned in a cage, in the middle of the camp. He had clearly been subjected to a rough interrogation, but judging by the corpses of werewolves that the duo had crossed on their way, the man with multiple scars hadn't let himself be beaten without fighting.
Further on, completely concealed under several charms and hidden under leaves, lay Sirius, unconscious. Hadrian also noticed several cuts on his body, but no trace of a bite. Unfortunately, he couldn't move him, as the proximity of the camp made extracting the man too risky.
The situation vaguely reminded him of his escape into the forest with Ron and Hermione during their quest for the Horcruxes. Just as Hermione had tried to conceal his identity at that time, Remus had tried to hide Sirius, no doubt to save him from a stupid death.
"We need to act quickly. I have enough faith in our abilities to eliminate this portion of the pack without dying. However, if Greyback himself and his most loyal men were to show up as well, we could run into difficulties..."
In truth, Hadrian was confident enough in the power of his magic to face the entire pack without any trouble. The problem lay in the objective of the mission. If he were alone, or only accompanied by Fortuna, and the goal of the attack was to eradicate Greyback and his cronies, he would have no apprehension.
However, his presence here was motivated by the rescue of Remus and Sirius. And while he was confident in his ability to eliminate, he doubted his ability to protect both wizards from death simultaneously. Consequently, they had to act quickly and decisively.
"The full moon was three days ago. That means we're not facing werewolves, but physically enhanced wizards. Be careful," the time traveler said harshly. Fortuna looked at him coldly, as if the mere fact that he thought she didn't already know what he just explained offended her, before nodding.
Hadrian then explained the ambush plan to the magnificent blonde with the sky-blue eyes, before taking his position. After all, it might only be a matter of hours before another fifty lycanthropes fell on them.
Consequently, waiting was no longer a viable option if they wanted to keep their lives.
Taking a long breath, Hadrian drew his wand, a black flame wrapping around his arm like a snake ready to strike. As usual, with his other hand, he lowered his blindfold, his hair falling over his aristocratic face. Beside him, his colleague finished preparing as well and moved to the other side of the camp, near Sirius.
Their scent masked by the enchanted outfit, they blended in as two deadly reapers coming to purify the souls of stray beasts. Raising his wand towards the nearest werewolf, he murmured: "Let the hunt begin!"
The next instant, a storm of lightning and black flames tore through the werewolf camp, killing nearly a third of the group on the spot, the shock etched on their faces for eternity.
Hadrian advanced, blocking the spells of six wizards at once with his wand, and controlling the flames with his other hand. "Who the hell are you?!" shouted one of the men in a trembling voice before being struck in the back by lightning, killing him instantly.
"I'm just a hunter! And right now, I'm working," Hadrian retorted, his face twisted in an expression of satisfaction.
All the rage he had accumulated in his past life. Those hours of torture listening to Hermione scream from the Malfoys' manor basement while Bellatrix and Greyback tortured her, tore her apart with a knife, and insulted her with every name came back to him.
This time, the screams no longer came from the victims, but from the tormentors themselves. Piercing cries tore through the air, made by the same werewolves who attacked innocent children and tore them to pieces for the simple pleasure of destruction, as they had done to Remus in his tormented youth. Cries of pain and terror also rose from the throats of depraved men and women, whose only reason for being was to sow chaos and suffering in the lives of others.
And with each cry, the sadistic smile on Hadrian's lips grew wider. He exulted in the suffering of these miserable creatures, savoring their agony like divine vengeance.
Like a macabre dancer, he moved through the heart of the battle, dodging spells cast in his direction with feline grace, repelling his attackers like annoying insects. With one hand, he set a man who was trying to flee on fire, reducing him to ashes in a fraction of a second. With the other, he launched devastating cutting spells at the surrounding trees, turning them into deadly projectiles that he then directed at his enemies. He felt no pity, no compassion. In the midst of chaos and flames, he embodied death in all its horrible splendor.
His gaze, usually so soft and full of kindness, was now icy and piercing, reflecting the rage and hatred that consumed him. Every movement was precise, calculated, every devastating spell an ode to vengeance. He had become a force of nature, a merciless storm of destruction, determined to annihilate all those who represented evil in this world.
The battle raged around him, but Hadrian didn't care. He was alone against his enemy, against the cruelty and barbarism that ruled this world. And he was determined to eradicate them, to purify this world of their filth.
His killing dance continued, every step, every spell, every cry of pain marking a step closer to victory. Again, a strange voice echoed in the air.
"Death is Coming"
Fortuna, on the other hand, was facing greater difficulties. Her spells, when they hit the wolves, instantly killed them. However, the reactivity and agility of these creatures posed more and more problems for her. Already scratched on the thigh, she was worried about a possible infection.
Dodging under a woman who was trying to attack her from the air, she executed a fluid movement of her wand, conjuring a stake that she plunged into her opponent's chest. Without wasting time, she threw herself to the side to avoid other spells and replied with her own curses.
Raising her wand to the sky, she summoned two lightning bolts at the two men in front of her, who managed to dodge them. In the second that followed, two sickly yellow glows shot from their wands, heading rapidly towards her.
Slamming her Occlumency shields to avoid succumbing to stress, she apparated, reappearing behind one of the men. She delivered a violent kick to his leg, bringing him to his knees, before trying to decapitate him. However, before she could finish her gesture, she was struck full force in the stomach by the second wizard and thrown several meters away against a tree.
The shock stunned her slightly, and she felt a trickle of blood running down her face from the top of her head. Her vision blurred slightly, but she managed to make out Hadrian and his flames fighting several wizards at once in front of her.
However, unbeknownst to him, a hidden woman was preparing to attack the other bounty hunter from behind.
What Fortuna didn't know was that with his eyes, Hadrian could perfectly perceive everything that was happening on the battlefield. But not wanting to reveal this asset to his enemies, he preferred to play the game, literally.
Fortuna raised her wand, her gaze oscillating between the wolf ready to pounce on Hadrian and the two who were charging her. She then made her decision and directed a powerful lightning bolt at the hidden woman, taking her by surprise.
When Hadrian saw this, he realized she wouldn't be able to protect herself from the imminent attack. He then prepared to direct his flames at the wounded woman, having to use all his concentration to avoid triggering a violent forest fire.
Unfortunately, as misfortune never comes alone, he was interrupted. As his flames approached Fortuna, a cry made him turn his attention to Remus' cage. One of the last remaining wolves violently knocked Remus unconscious and grabbed him by the throat. "You're here for him, aren't you? Well, listen to me, you bastard! If we all die, the traitor will die with us!" the man shouted before taking out his wand and pointing it at his hostage's head.
The situation had descended into indescribable chaos. Sirius, lying unconscious, remained hidden by Fortuna's charm, but his fragile hiding place wouldn't withstand the imminent assault of the rest of the pack. Fortuna, about to be devoured alive, slowly closed her eyes, resigned to her fatal destiny as the two bloodthirsty creatures prepared to pounce on her.
Remus, meanwhile, was held at gunpoint, ready to be sacrificed. Only Hadrian retained a glimmer of hope of surviving the ordeal to come.
At that critical moment, a resounding click occurred in the depths of his being. Like an invisible wall, a psychological barrier he had imposed on himself collapsed into nothingness.
Since his return, he had been careful to adopt an irreproachable role: the uncle of the wizarding world's hero, Dumbledore's friend, the invincible and fearless soldier. But in this quest for perfection, he had restrained himself, depriving himself of powerful spells with devastating effects, like those used in Italy that had razed an entire city. His role model obliged him to limit human losses.
He had also restricted the use of time magic, haunted by the fear of being banished again through the flow of time. He only used it sparingly, limiting it to conjuring objects during duels.
This self-censorship stemmed from a deeper fear: the explosion of his core. The last time, this detonation had nearly killed him, and he had no intention of reliving that horrific experience.
However, the urgency of the situation forced him to act. He could no longer let himself be paralyzed by fear. By Merlin's beard, the lives of his loved ones were at stake! And what was he doing? He was worrying about his own safety, letting his friends be massacred, including Fortuna who, in an act of ultimate bravery, had offered herself up to death to protect him.
A shattering crack tore through the air. Reality... dislocated. Literally. Under the impulse of Hadrian's fierce will, consumed by rage and hatred, the very fabric of reality tore.
The world around him slowed down to an extreme. He perceived the wand on Remus' throat illuminating with a menacing red glow, ready to slit his carotid artery with a cutting spell, and the sharp fangs of the non transformed werewolves dangerously approaching his partner's lifeless body.
He closed his eyes, murmuring incantations in an arcane language. Time continued to slow down until it stopped completely in the area. The entire perimeter was distorted, frozen in an icy eternity. Only the heartbeats of the time mage, beating like the ticking of a broken pocket watch, disturbed the oppressive silence.
In that moment of epiphany, Hadrian understood the true essence of time magic. He had achieved perfect harmony with this primordial force.
Until now, he had handled it with caution, managing to use it without fully mastering its power. Now, like Zeus taming lightning, he had absolute control over it.
Yet, he did not forget his human condition. Such a feat demanded a heavy toll: the depletion of his magical reserves. Barely two heartbeats had passed since his last spell, and his stocks, previously halved, now represented only a quarter.
Postponing any further reflection, he apparated to Fortuna's side and, with a swift movement of his wand, severed the heads of the two wolves with a single blow.
*boom-boom*
Another heartbeat sounded, and his reserves were reaching their limit. Gritting his teeth, he apparated in front of the man holding Remus and broke his wand.
*boom-boom*
Suddenly, time resumed its usual flow. Hadrian collapsed to his knees, overwhelmed by exhaustion. The man with the broken wand, still dazed by the violence of the events, first observed the bounty hunter lying on the ground, then the lifeless bodies around him. He then realized he was the only survivor of the half-pack.
The idea of fleeing crossed his mind, but at the sight of the enemy who had inflicted so much suffering on them kneeling before him, he made a different decision. Even if it cost him his life, he would avenge his fallen comrades!
Letting out a cry of rage towards the man responsible for the death of his brothers-in-arms, he leaped into the air and landed on Hadrian, unable to defend himself. Fist raised, he unleashed himself on the exhausted mage, striking relentlessly at every vulnerable part of his body.
The assault continued for several seconds, before suddenly... *Crack.*
A bolt of lightning struck the enraged man's back, consuming his organs and killing him instantly. Just behind him stood Fortuna Moon. Her wounds, mostly superficial, were dominated by a particularly debilitating head wound.
As soon as she regained consciousness, she opened her eyes, instantly understanding that Hadrian had saved her. But this time, she would not resign herself to an eternal debt. She would repay him, no matter what the cost.
Gathering the last remnants of her magic, she neutralized the man who was attacking her companion and stood up on shaky legs. She supported the exhausted wizard as he got up, and noticed the scars that marked Remus Lupin's face.
Unable to speak, he nodded to her, managing to keep his friend standing despite the fatigue and his own injuries.
Fortuna then limped to Sirius's lifeless body. Not having the strength to carry him, she summoned a random boot and transformed it into a Portkey pointing towards Potter Manor. She placed the Portkey on Sirius and activated it, causing the man to disappear in a whirlwind of light.
She then returned to Hadrian, still motionless, visibly struggling not to fall unconscious. Grasping him by the arm, she apparated him and Remus away in a determined gesture.
They never returned to that forest, even to collect the bounties. And this choice proved providential, as Greyback and the rest of the pack, furious at the death of so many werewolves, were waiting for them,
02/27/1993, 10H32, Hogwarts, Scotland:
Harry's last memories before falling unconscious were very hazy. Only fragments of memories came back to him, like blurry pictures in a thick fog: the victory snatched from the serpent, the destruction of the cursed book, and the urgency to save Daph-... Daphne!
After several days of forced immobility, Harry Potter's body suddenly straightened, surprising Hadrian who was watching over him. "Calm down, Harry! You're in the infirmary. Everyone is safe and sound, don't worry," his uncle reassured him in a calm voice.
Hadrian perfectly understood the source of Harry's agitation and his hasty awakening. He had, after all, been in his place in the past. Consequently, if anyone could understand him, it was him.
"Uncle Hadrian! So everyone is okay?" Harry asked, his voice still weakened by the ordeal. "Yes, except for Astoria who hasn't regained consciousness yet. She was transferred to Saint Mungo's, but her condition is stable. Don't torment yourself," insisted the time traveler, noticing the guilty look that darkened his nephew's face.
"Astoria isn't awake yet... Daphne must be worried sick...", the young boy murmured, grimacing in pain as his body protested against the sudden movements.
'What's wrong with this boy? He only remembers the bad news! Was I really that pessimistic at his age?' Hadrian wondered, biting his cheek. "Uncle Hadrian... You too, were you injured?" Harry asked, noticing the bandages wrapped around the bounty hunter's arms and face.
"Oh, it's nothing serious. I just pushed myself a little too hard on a professional mission. They're just a few scratches," the man said, contracting his biceps, just to show his nephew that he was out of danger.
A sigh of relief escaped Harry's lips before he let himself fall back on his bed. His gaze was lost in the ceiling, while his uncle watched him in silence. Finally, Hadrian decided to break the calm that reigned in the infirmary.
"All the petrified students have been brought back to life, even that damn cat," he began with a wink. "I'm proud of you, Harry. Really. I know I've asked you a lot since I arrived, convinced I was acting for your own good. But I realized I was wrong. I was just imposing my own aspirations of a world without dark wizards, throwing you headfirst into dangerous situations. I'm truly sorry."
Harry raised his head at these words. He, who felt deeply indebted to the man who had given him a family, found these excuses excessive. "Stop it, Uncle Hadrian. Every day, every week... even every month now that I've spent since you arrived in my life are by far the best I've ever known. Thanks to you, my terrible nightmares and those damn headaches have disappeared. Thanks to you, I have friends in all the houses of the school and amazing allies, like Daphne. And above all, I'm stronger than ever. If I'm here, it's only my fault. I followed Daphne because I didn't want to leave her alone to face all this. Don't blame yourself, please."
Hadrian watched the boy, frozen in his chair. Because of the bandages on his face, he couldn't put his headband back on. Instead, he wore fake glasses with completely opaque lenses.
And for the first time in a long time, he felt a tear roll down his right cheek. He slowly raised his hand, wiped away the salty liquid, and looked up at the ceiling in turn. "I didn't even know this part of my brain still worked," he murmured before laughing softly.
"I see, Harry. If that's how you feel, I won't disrespect you by apologizing again. Instead, I'd like to offer you... more."
Hadrian then stood up, attracting the attention of the Gryffindor who stared at him intently. "I can't always be there to protect you. That's why I'd like to make you stronger. Even stronger than you already are! So you can protect the ones you love without having to constantly rely on others. Your magical core is growing constantly, and if I give you proper training, it will surpass that of a fully grown wizard in a few months. But for that, you would have to leave Hogwarts for the duration of this training. It could take a month, six months, a year, two... I don't know. It will be terribly intense, and of a duration that I cannot determine myself. But once you're done... well, no need to explain," he explained at length, staring at Harry expectantly.
He was gambling big here. But if he didn't give Harry a choice and forced him to undergo this training, he would regret it for the rest of his days. "I need to think about it, Uncle Hadrian. It's not that I don't want to, but I don't know if I'm ready to leave everyone else like that. Can I think about it?" asked the boy, worried about hurting the feelings of the man to whom he owed so much.
"We have a lot to accomplish, Harry. So I'd prefer you to make your decision quickly. However, if you need an extra week to think about it, I won't object. Take your time, and let me know your decision by letter," the man said, approaching Harry.
Relieved to see his nephew in good health, he took him in his arms. Harry buried his head against his uncle's muscular chest, feeling safe again. He always had trouble with physical contact, probably thanks to the Dursleys. But this time... he was happy.
"Everything will be fine, Harry, I promise you," the older man whispered in his nephew's ear.
The embrace lasted a few more moments before the two men separated and Hadrian left the infirmary. As he left, he saw Daphne waiting patiently by the door. He smiled at her and winked, making the young girl blush and then look away. "He's all yours," he said before walking away quickly.
03/01/1993, 23H43, Hogwarts, Scotland:
"My sister is fine. However, the medi-wizards still don't understand why she won't wake up. Her whole body is functioning normally, after all. Even her magic core is intact," Daphne said, breaking the silence in the empty classroom.
Well, empty if you didn't count Daphne herself and Harry sitting across from her.
After a brief discussion in the infirmary on the day of his awakening, they hadn't spoken again. Harry, after reassuring his friends about his well-being, had isolated himself to think about his uncle's proposal. Daphne, for her part, was also suffering alone from her sister's condition. Harry thanked Tracy Davis from the bottom of his heart for being the source of energy and positivity that she was, because she was the only one who could bring a smile to the Slytherin's face.
The young hero of the wizarding world nodded before lowering his head. Daphne, seeing this, sighed wearily and spoke again: "You're going to leave, aren't you?"
The harshness in the blonde's voice pulled Harry out of his thoughts. "So... you heard us that day," he breathed, not surprised that the girl already knew.
"I think I will. I don't know how long it will take, but we can't keep going every year like this. Every time, you get hurt, and you end up unconscious. First during the chess game, to protect me, and then again, with the Basilisk, for the same damn reason. I don't want you to put yourself in danger for me anymore. I have to get stronger! I have no choice!" he declared confidently, gritting his teeth, his emerald eyes shining brighter than ever.
This underlying strength sent shivers down Daphne's spine. For a moment, she saw the powerful and reliable man Harry would become if he followed this path. Yet, deep down... She wanted him to stay.
Usually, her logic had always managed to beat her emotions. However, this time, they were equal. For this reason, she couldn't answer the boy who was facing her.
"I'm sorry to leave like this Daphne. But I'll be back, that's a promise. That day, I'll be able to be the boy you deserve," he promised, clenching his fists.
Daphne had to bite her lip to keep from crying. 'And what do I want in all this?! Who cares?!' she shouted inwardly.
Instead of saying it out loud, she stood up, a movement copied by Harry. The boy forced himself to look for any reaction on the blonde's face, but... nothing. He knew that Daphne had always been very good at hiding her emotions, and today he had proof of that. Although... if he had looked even a second before, he could have seen a worried girl about to collapse in front of him.
Thinking that the young girl wanted to leave, Harry was about to head for the door. However, before he had time to do so, he felt a pair of warm lips on his. Then, the next moment, a heart beat against his chest.
The kiss only lasted a few seconds, but it felt like an eternity.
Their lips brushed delicately, like a butterfly touching a flower. The whole thing was bordered by an undeniable innocence, neither of them having ever kissed anyone this way in their young lives.
The world around the two teenagers faded away. There was only Harry and Daphne, alone in that classroom. Harry felt the warmth of Daphne's body against his, the scent of her hair, the softness of her lips.
He had never been very good at understanding his emotions, but this time, he was sure. Whatever happened in the future, whatever he had to endure, the blonde in front of him would survive, even if he had to sell his soul to the devil to make it happen.
After five seconds, she pulled back, looking him straight in the eye with a sincere smile. "I'll wait for you... you idiot."
She then quickly left the room, leaving Harry more determined than ever, alone.
'I don't care if you erase me from your heart before I come back... I'll do everything to protect you. I won't lose anyone else from my family.'
Harry then left the room in turn. After all, he had a letter to write and things to pack.
03/01/1993, 23H47, Hogwarts, Scotland:
Daphne gazed up at the starry sky from the astronomy tower. She didn't know the reasons behind her impulsive action.
However, she had a few hypotheses. The main one being that, for one of the rare times in her life, logic had been defeated by her emotions... And that for someone who wasn't even family!
Staring at the different constellations, she also made her decision. Even if she couldn't leave Hogwarts, she would train.
She wasn't a fragile damsel in distress who needed to be constantly protected, as Potter seemed to think. And she would prove it to him.
'You'll see, Potter. I won't need to be saved anymore. And then, that day... My heart and my logic will finally reach that harmony I've been searching for…'
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