A Marauder's Cub

by Starian NightZz

Dumbledore should have learnt that you can't keep a wolf's cub away from him. An angry Remus Lupin learned about the manipulations that have almost destroyed his life and his best friends, and decided that enough is enough. He soon became what he had been all along. A wolf. A guardian. A protector. A Marauder.

15. First Day at Durmstrang

Chapter Fifteen: First Day at Durmstrang

Remus barely remembered half of what was discussed and went on during the Council meeting; his entire attention was focused on Fenrir Greyback who was seated at one of the seats opposite where he was seated with Rean and Crow.

He vaguely remembered Rean mentioning that the seating arrangements was that way due to the vampires and werewolves' mutual dislike of each other that had spanned centuries.

Remus only remembered something about the British Ministry of Magic being brought up in discussion. It seems like the Minister election for Magical Britain is coming up soon. And from the news coming out of Britain, Remus sincerely doubts that Fudge would be re-elected as Minister, no thanks to the entire fiasco with first Sirius, and then when it turns out there were innocent men sentenced to Azkaban. Not to mention the whole situation with Hadrian and Dumbledore.

Remus only realised that the Council meeting had come to an end when the Downworlders all around him were starting to rise from their seats and leaving the chamber. Fenrir Greyback too had risen from his seat, speaking to a woman—a female werewolf as is apparent. Her features however are foreign; and Remus recalled Crow mentioning that this woman is the alpha and representative of the Norwegian werewolf packs.

It's uncommon, but not impossible to see female alphas leading werewolf packs. It's just more common to see men leading packs and clan conclaves, even amongst the Downworld society. There are only a few clans that allows women to head them. Aurelia Le Guin for instance came from a vampire clan where they don't restrict women from heading the clan. The only requirement is for the head of the house to be a full-blooded clan member.

Crow and Rean remained in their seats as they waited for the chamber to empty out; both not saying a word even as Remus rose from his seat and almost sprinted out after Fenrir Greyback as the latter left the chamber.

"Well, we know it's only going to be a matter of time." Crow offered, seeing his mate look concerned. "Whether we told Remus the truth about Fenrir or not, the truth of the matter is that Lyall Lupin spent years poisoning Remus' mind and setting him against Downworlders as a whole, especially werewolves. I doubt even Remus realises just how much Lyall Lupin is hated amongst the Downworld. Parties were probably thrown the day that Lyall Lupin died."

"Yeah, my entire clan were partying for a week when news broke out about Lyall Lupin's demise." Angelica Rogner, the Heiress Apparent of a major vampire house commented from the seat on Crow's other side. Like Towa and even George, she too had attended Durmstrang together with Crow, and was even in his year, and had taken great delight and amusement in seeing Crow try his utmost best to woo Rean when the latter had first started his first year. "No one said it, but I always suspected that Lyall Lupin's death might not be of natural causes as it's said to be. The most likely case is that one of the Downworlders is behind it. Lyall Lupin has no shortage of enemies, even amongst the wizen."

Rean sighed, getting to his feet slowly. "We might as well go and do some damage control," he murmured.

XXXXXX

Several of the Downworlders were still lingering in the antechamber that leads to the main chamber where the Downworld held their council meetings. Fenrir Greyback too was still speaking with that female alpha werewolf when Remus had made his way to the antechamber. Both werewolves broke off their conversation the moment that Remus had entered.

"Crow and Rean told me about it, but I didn't believe them initially." Fenrir murmured in his usual deep voice with faint hints of a growl within it. "So you're finally coming around to the idea that you're a werewolf, and not a wizard, you impudent pup?"

The murmurs in the antechamber have almost came to a stop, but Remus didn't even notice it; his entire attention was on Fenrir. Even the female werewolf speaking with Fenrir had quietly backed away to a corner where some of the other werewolf representatives were gathered.

Remus almost bristled. "You bit me. You destroyed my life!" he accused.

"Your father destroyed mine." Fenrir shot back, his amber eyes flashing dangerously. "I doubt even you have any idea just how many people hated Lyall Lupin, even amongst the wizen. But amongst the Downworld? There likely isn't a single one of us who doesn't desire for his death."

Remus let out a loud roar of rage, throwing himself at Fenrir who easily side stepped the rather pathetic attack. The older werewolf caught Remus by the back of the neck easily—almost like how a parent wolf would grasp hold of their young—and slammed him down onto the ground none too gently.

The surrounding Downworlders all winced as one at the sound.

"Your father is a monster." Fenrir hissed, and any struggling that Remus did whilst pinned to the ground stopped very quickly. "Crow and Rean would have told you about him by this point, and what he meant to those of the Downworld. There were celebrations taking place all over the world when we learnt of Lyall Lupin's death, and to this day, there are still those of us who believed that he was assassinated, with the assassin making it look like he died in his sleep. Whoever the assassin is—he or she is a hero to those of the Downworld for ridding us of a monster like your father! I was a child when I was bitten by my sire. I was twelve. The laws back then made sure that the Downworlders have completely no rights at all in Britain. The werewolf that bit me was horrified, but made sure that I learnt how to control my shift and taught me to keep my mind even in wolf form. Unlike you who rely on that poison that you call a potion to help you achieve something as basic as this!"

There were low growls from the werewolves in the room when Fenrir mentioned the Wolfsbane Potion. While peddled as a 'cure' by the British wizen to help werewolves to keep their minds during the full moon, the Downworlders knew that it is really a slow acting poison. The name of the potion itself is one blatant clue.

"Your father destroyed my family too." Fenrir is just getting started, not even letting Remus get one word in to defend his father. "With Britain's laws or lack thereof about werewolves, it was decided for us to move back to our ancestral lands of Romania where Downworlders were at least afforded rights. Before we could do that however, your father attacked my family manor with a group of hunters. My sire was with my family that night when they made sure none of us could escape—whether via Floo, Apparition, or even by Portkey. I was twelve. I was a kid. And I was the only one small enough that was able to make it through a hole in the window and got out of the house. I could only watch as your father and his friends killed my entire family and my sire for no reason at all. Lyall Lupin called me a soulless monster. He called all werewolves soulless monsters. Did Crow tell you of the time when Lyall Lupin tried hunting him and his mate? There is a reason why he only hunts werewolves. Because no human will be able to hurt a fully-fledged vampire. Every single person in the Downworld knows about Lyall Lupin. Even amongst the wizarding societies, there aren't many outside of Britain that holds him in high regard, because they know that he wouldn't care whether a child is a Downworlder or not. That's why I turned you into one of us, you absolute fool. It's to destroy Lyall Lupin's reputation and career as a hunter, and to also stop you from becoming a monster like your father! Then you spent years after that denying who you are and swallowing that swill that would likely send you into an early grave! Years you spent living a lie and telling yourself that you are human and a wizard instead of the wolf that you are!" Fenrir took his hand off Remus' neck. "You disgust me, pup."

The crowd in the antechamber gave Fenrir a wide berth even as he left the room, with the other werewolves in the room following him as he did so. More than one of them gave Remus dirty looks as they did.

Remus meanwhile could feel his entire body aching, and he is certain that he must have at least cracked a few ribs when Fenrir had slammed him into the ground. He felt tears brimming around his eyes as Fenrir's harsh words kept echoing around his head.

"Your father is a monster."

Sure, Crow and Rean have told him the truth about Fenrir, and while they never really did go into detail about his father; the little that they have let slipped had made it clear to Remus that the Shadowcloaks and the Downworlders hold no love and respect for Lyall Lupin. Unlike the wizards however, the Downworlders don't put the sins of the parent onto that of the child. It might just be why Rean and Crow have been involving him in Downworlder affairs gradually over the years; trying to get him to accept his wolf, and accept his role in Downworld society.

Despite everything however, there is still a part of Remus—the child part of him that still clings to his idealised image of his father as a hero. As a good man.

Even through his tears, Remus could see the vaguely blurred figure of Crow approaching him, with Rean by his side. The pureblood vampire only sighed and shook his head.

"You're an idiot." Crow only said bluntly, even as Rean helped Remus to his feet. "You know that Fenrir is an alpha werewolf. You know that Fenrir is bigger and stronger than you were; as he is a werewolf that had accepted his wolf. And you also know that Lyall Lupin, your father, destroyed Fenrir's life. He has every right to kill you the night he turned you into one of us. But he didn't, because in his own way, Fenrir didn't lay the sins of your father on your shoulders. In his own way, Fenrir was trying to save you from Lyall Lupin's poison. And you spit that goodwill back into his face. I'm almost impressed that Fenrir managed to keep his temper and not rip your head off. Most of us would do that with the way you kept on about your father."

"Was it true?" Remus' voice was very small. "Was what Fenrir Greyback said true? About my father? And how the entire Downworld, and even the rest of the world hates him?"

Crow and Rean exchanged glances before nodding as one. "Every word," Crow answered. "There probably isn't a single Downworlder who doesn't know who Lyall Lupin is. When Fenrir destroyed Lyall Lupin's career and reputation as a hunter, he didn't just save you. He saved the entire Downworld. As it is the chance that we had at that time to demolish the entire hunter system in Magical Britain." Crow sighed, looking at Remus in the eye. "Most of the other countries have long abolished the hunter system by the 1600s when the Shadowcloaks started getting a voice in their Ministries, and it is us who pass judgment and punishments to those of the Downworld. By the 18th century, it was only Britain that still had a hunter system, and it's mainly because of the Lupin family. They're one of the most influential hunter families in Magical Britain, with the trade passed on from father to child. If Fenrir hadn't bitten you, like we told you years ago, you would have been trained as one too from as early as your eighth birthday." Remus flinched. "Lyall Lupin is a gifted hunter. Back when he was a young hunter, he made the mistake of going after Rean. I taught him better, and allow him to leave with his life intact, but with a healthy dose of fear for Downworlders. It's after that when he only went after werewolves—they're the only species amongst the Downworld that wizards can possibly take on, and even that is a big if. But the truth is that no human would be able to get the better of an adult vampire. Not even a wizard. Not alone at least. It requires an entire squad. When Lyall withdrew from hunter life, and in turn, the hunter faction lost the backing of the Lupin family, it is the chance that the Shadowcloaks had at that time to totally dismantle and demolish the hunter system, with the assistance of the DMLE head at that time. Whatever you might think about Fenrir, Remus, remember this: he is a hero to the Downworld. And it might surprise you, but your father didn't really have any friends even amongst wizards. For even most hunters have a moral code, and they don't hunt the young of the Downworlders. But your father did. It is why so many around the world hated him. I honestly won't be surprised if his death is secretly a well-planned assassination move by a Downworlder. There are ways to make a human's death look like natural causes."

"I think maybe you should go home. Let tempers cool down." Rean suggested. "I'll come by later in the week. You really should think on this, Remus, and consider all your memories of your father. He might be a good man to you. A hero, maybe. But will a good man hunt down children, even those of the Downworld, just because of the circumstances of their birth? You should really think about it, and decide where you stand. Because the doctrines that Lyall Lupin and hunters spewed, is exactly the same doctrine that Albus Dumbledore and his people are constantly spewing. 'For the Greater Good'. And my question to you, Remus, is 'the greater good for whom'?"

XXXXXX

Durmstrang Institute of Magic had been an ancient institution, even being older than Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and the school structure itself reflects that.

While Hogwarts is a castle, Durmstrang is a fortress, with additions added to it over the centuries as the school curriculum evolved and changed with the times. The wards and protections protecting the school, however, are still as strong as when the founders of the school have created it, if not more, with Gringotts cursebreakers running routine checks on the wards and protections yearly, and advising the sitting headmaster on any protections that he should consider including.

With it being in a cold region, Durmstrang Institute has special stained glass in place of their windows, with those stained glass normally telling the histories or stories of the professors and students that have gone through their halls. The portraits that hung near those windows too are more than happy to tell curious students about the tales of those people.

It was early afternoon when Hadrian, along with the rest of the first years were taken by Portkey to the front gates of the school. Following that, they then had the traditional boat ride across the lake to get the first view of the school. One of the wards surrounding Durmstrang is after all a ward that prevents Portkeys from being used to enter and leave. It makes it all too easy to kidnap a student from under the school's watch.

Two older students were waiting for the first year batch when they were guided by the professor to the school, and were then given the grand tour of the school—a yearly tradition where the first year students were shown where the classrooms are, and even the study and research rooms—which, as what one of the prefects had explained, is something that all Fifth Year students and older can bid for as long as there's at least three of them, and to explain what they would be researching. Those with research rooms however are required to at least present a thesis or a presentation at the end of the year to the core professors.

Care of Magical Creatures had an indoor classroom for when it is really bad weather; but otherwise, most of the lessons take place in the vast grounds of the school—though students are recommended to bundle up properly. Durmstrang too had about ten greenhouses, with one core Herbology professor that takes the NEWT students, with three assistant professors that take the other years. The greenhouses too were all warded with weather repellent charms, with the greenhouses having the more dangerous plants being warded against the younger students. There are even alarm charms on the greenhouses to alert the Hospital Wing as well as the professors should there be an incident. With magical plants, one can never know, after all.

Durmstrang has four towers, or as the faculty and students term them, 'wings'. East and West wings are where the senior students from Fifth Year and up have their lessons, whereas students from First to Fourth Year have their classes mainly in South wing. The study and research rooms are mainly located in the North wing, as is the staff room, the dormitories, the Administration office, and even the professors' bedrooms. The central building of the school is where the Great Hall is, as well as the storage room, the kitchen and even the Sports office.

In the North wing alone, the students' dormitories take up the first seven levels alone—with one year to each level, with the professors' bedrooms being located on the eighth level. Study and research rooms takes up the ninth through eleventh levels, whilst clubrooms are mainly located on the twelfth level, with the headmaster's office taking residence on the top level.

All in all, due to how large the school is, it almost surprised Hadrian to learn that it is nearly time for dinner by the time that they were done with the tour, with the two prefects informing the first years that their belongings have already been delivered to their respective dormitories, even telling them to change into something more comfortable for dinner.

One thing about Durmstrang's dress code is that while uniforms are a requirement for classes—students are actually allowed to don casual wear during mealtimes and on the weekends when there are no classes. And from what the prefects have said during the tour, there are actually a few wizarding villages located not far from Durmstrang, and students can start to visit it during their weekends starting from their Second Year as long as they inform the student leader for their year.

Apart from the prefects, there is also a designated student for each year assigned as the overall year's student leader or spokesperson that handles mediation between students and is even the one that students approach when they have problems. That position is normally voted by the entire year group. For the first years however, it is mainly the student leader from Fifth Year that takes on the position for them.

Draco and Hadrian too were very pleased with their shared dormitory room when they have headed to their room, along with the rest of the year group after the school tour.

Golden name plaques were already visible on the door with their names inscribed on it. And from what the prefects have said, dormitory doors were warded against all students but the students whose rooms belonged to, and even the prefects and their year's student leader in case of emergency. There are anti-theft charms and even spells to prevent break-in on each room. And while there are house elves in Durmstrang to keep the school and the rooms clean, students are still expected to at least keep their rooms tidy and neat, as there would be regular surprise dorm inspections by the dorm master.

The dormitories itself too are relatively spacious and comfortable looking – with a bed on either side of the room. There are even desks and a large empty bookshelf against the wall beside the door—most probably for Draco and Hadrian to use to store their books. A wall calendar too was visible hanging on the wall next to the bookshelf – which from what the instruction below the calendar had said, they could note important dates and events just by pressing the tip of their wand against the date and speaking out loud what they wanted to remember.

There is even a private bathroom attached to their room for their usage—something that both boys are relieved about, as they feared having to fight the rest of their year group each morning for the usage of the shower each morning.

Owl perches too were placed on either side of the tall and spacious window in their room, with Hedwig and Draco's male eagle owl, Arcturus, already perching atop of it, with both owls conversing in their own owl language. Much to the entire household's amusement, Draco's eagle owl had taken an instant liking to Hedwig the moment that Sirius had brought her home that Narcissa had commented something about preparing for future baby chicks once more owls are a little older and more comfortable with their bonds with their current owners.

Their trunks too were already delivered and currently sat neatly at the bottom of each bed, with each boy even having their own clothes wardrobe to hang out their clothes so that it won't get crumpled.

"It looks great." Draco commented, patting the covers of the bed on the right side, liking how comfortable it is, and how soft the covers felt against his skin. "Comfortable too."

"Yes." Hadrian agreed, already opening his trunk and putting away his quills and parchment and even notebooks that he'd bought during their shopping trip on the desk near his side of the room. "We have a few hours to kill before dinner. Maybe we should unpack? I also want to get started on the letter home, and even a letter to Neville and the others over at Hogwarts."

"I'll get Arcturus to send the letter to Hogwarts then." Draco added, looking around at his cousin from where he is already putting away his clothes. From what the prefect said, the wardrobes have ironing charms on it so that the clothes would always be freshly pressed and smells good. "Hedwig is too unusual, being a snowy owl. And if she makes regular trips to Hogwarts, it'll only be a matter of time before someone either tries to harm her or place a spell on her once someone realises she belongs to you. Arcturus at least could blend in easily, being an eagle owl."

Hadrian's face fell. "Oh. That's true," he murmured. Over at their perches, both owls let out soothing croons. "Though we should really try to find a way to be able to communicate with Nev and the others over at Hogwarts without sending owls back and forth. I'll be worried sick for Hedwig if she has to make that kind of trip."

"We'll talk to Siri about it when we're home for Yule." Draco promised. He then grinned. "Maybe this will give him an idea of what to invent next for his shop." Hadrian giggled, and Draco grinned, liking to hear the sound of his cousin's laugh. Hadrian doesn't laugh enough, in his opinion. "Come on, let's get unpacking. Then we can get started on the letters. Maybe we can even explore the school and the grounds this weekend. Too bad I didn't bring my camera with me though. Mama would love seeing the grounds, I'm sure. It's really beautiful…"

XXXXXX

Both Draco and Hadrian found it easy to fall asleep that night right after dinner and after a shower, finishing up their letters to their family and to their friends before sending off Hedwig and Arcturus. Hedwig no doubt will be able to deliver her letter in a few hours to Grim Manor. But Arcturus, due to the distance between Britain and Bulgaria, would no doubt take longer. In fact, if Arcturus isn't a sturdy eagle owl, and relatively large, Draco would never permit allowing his familiar to make that kind of journey on his own.

"Morning." Mikhail greeted both Draco and Hadrian the moment both cousins have appeared down in the Great Hall for breakfast. It is the first day back, and from what Viktor said, it is normally the only day throughout the entire school year when students would be up bright and early, as they would all be catching up with each other. "Had a good sleep?"

Durmstrang's structure of the Great Hall had the tables separated by year level, though there are no restrictions to having younger students sitting with their older siblings and vice versa, or even clubmates sharing the same table occasionally. While it is a rule to have the students from First to Fourth Year be present at mealtimes, for the senior students, it is allowed for them to skip a few meals at the Great Hall, as it is understood that they have a heavier workload.

"The best." Draco declared, taking a seat beside Mikhail and already filling his plate with a little of everything that he could reach. There are a wide variety of food available—most of them healthy and appropriate for growing children, though also filling enough to last them throughout the day. There are also fresh fruits available, and students have the option of fruit juice or milk to go with their breakfast. Pumpkin juice is normally only present at the tables during special occasions like Samhain, Yule, and during ritual nights, along with vodka—though that drink is only available for the students that are of age. "I don't think I ever slept that well before."

"Same here." Viviane commented, already halfway through her breakfast, and seated beside Kalya who is her roommate.

"By the way, you wouldn't have met him yet, but this is my roommate." Mikhail gestured towards the quiet dark-haired boy next to him who gave Hadrian and Draco a small smile and a wave. "Lucas Michaelis."

Draco and Hadrian blinked. They're definitely familiar with that unusual last name, as apart from Healer Milan, Healer Emil Michaelis is also the Black family's personal Healer, and is also the Healer that the Krum family visits.

"Michaelis?" Draco echoed. "Any relation to Healer Emil?"

"My father." Lucas spoke. He had a slight accent to his speech—not quite British, but not quite Bulgarian either. Despite growing up in Bulgaria for both Draco and Hadrian, and having spent the last couple of years here for Sirius, Narcissa and Remus, there is still a slight accent to their speech that makes it easy for people to identify them as immigrants. "He told me about you. Pleasure." He nodded to the cousins politely.

"Ah, wasn't your sister good friends with my brother?" Viviane said suddenly, blinking. "Her name's Natasha or something, right?"

"That's right." Lucas smiled. "And she's as Quidditch crazy as Viktor. Though she prefers Chaser, whereas Viktor prefers Seeker, I believe. I went to one of their Little League games about a year ago. They just about gave my mother heart attacks with the moves they did."

Hadrian giggled; and those around looked almost amazed at the sound, before smiling at each other. "I know what you mean. I went to several of the games that Viktor played. If it doesn't kill him first, he'd likely go professional in a few years if he wants to," he commented. "I heard from Siri that the National Bulgarian team had expressed an interest in not just Viktor, but also your sister. But they've been holding off, since they're both too young still. Maybe after they both sit for their OWLs, recruiters would come calling."

"That'll be nice if so." Lucas commented, smiling. "Sis always wanted to go professional. And if she can do it along her best friend, it'll be nice. My entire family have been Healers for generations since they moved to Bulgaria sometime in the late 18th century, but Dad won't mind if my sister breaks the mould."

"I was wondering." Draco commented in between bites of his sandwich. "So you're technically immigrants like us?"

"Well, we have citizenships like you do, no doubt. But yes, my family only started living in Bulgaria from the 18th century onwards. Bulgaria is our home though. Doesn't matter even if our roots technically started in Britain. From what we heard about that place, I think it's lucky that Nat and I didn't grow up there." Lucas smiled.

"Why?" Viviane was curious. Sure, she knew about the reputation of Magical Britain as well as Draco and Hadrian and even Viktor, and knew that it's not a place anyone would want to grow up in, thanks to the restrictions on the type of magic that one uses. It sometimes horrifies Viviane to imagine a country's government trying to restrict the type of magic one uses.

Lucas smiled before he hissed rather like a snake, startling those around him. Draco's eyes went huge.

"You're a Parselmouth!" Draco was amazed. "Uncle Siri and Mama told us about that gift. Most of the users mostly came from India. But there is one prominent family line in Britain that is famous for this gift. Otherwise, this gift is pretty rare, from what we know."

"It runs in the family." Lucas smiled. "Dad has this gift. But it skipped my sister. Parselmagic is really powerful healing magic. It's why most of my family have been Healers for generations. From what Dad told me, Parselmouths are seen as 'Dark Wizards' over in Britain no thanks to that Dark Lord that they have." He drew quote marks in the air as he spoke, a sneer on his face.

"The more I hear about Britain, the more I dislike them." Mikhail deadpanned. "Uncle Lyuben complains about them all the time whenever he visits us."

"You should hear Siri go on about them." Hadrian laughed, and Draco grinned, recalling the few instances when Sirius went on a rant about Britain's stupidity. Most of his rants however centered mainly around one person in particular. Draco and Hadrian were warned about Dumbledore, and both children knew that the old man wants Hadrian for something. The adults in their lives didn't believe in coddling them too much, and knew that both children need to be warned and wary of the man.

Hadrian then felt a prickling on the back of his neck and turned around warily, only to see a teenager maybe around the age of Viktor coming towards his direction from the entrance of the Great Hall. He had a look on his face that Hadrian definitely didn't like, and is familiar with. Sirius and Narcissa have both tried to shield Draco and Hadrian from it as best as they could, along with Remus, but Hadrian is not totally clueless about how certain groups tends to see women and omegas, especially in a patriarchal society.

Liese too had taken Hadrian and Draco aside a few months prior to their enrolments in Durmstrang to give the Talk, and had really gone into detail for both of them, much to their mortification. While both boys are definitely still too young to have presented, there are secondary gender tests that certified Healers can perform for children so that parents would be better prepared for their children once they presented. Liese isn't an alpha; hence, Sirius had taken care of that part of the Talk for Draco. She did however went into detail about the dangers surrounding a young omega for Hadrian—especially one unclaimed and still a virgin.

Sex magic, Liese had explained, is very powerful in the wizarding circles, especially when one claims a virgin. It is why there are such harsh laws protecting omegas against rape, and why love potions are banned in Bulgaria. Despite the laws however, there are always those few who would try forcing themselves on an omega. It is why Sirius had goblin protection amulets crafted for Hadrian and Draco before they have gone off to school. It would protect both boys from unwanted advances, and at least protect them from being potioned.

The look on the face of the teen now approaching Hadrian's initial direction—it is more than similar to some of the looks that some have given Hadrian over the years. And which Hadrian recognised it as lust.

Hadrian gulped and turned back to his food, quickly busying himself with his goblet of apple juice, hoping that the teen hadn't noticed him turning around, and that his friends hadn't noticed. Unluckily for Hadrian however, Draco knew him too well, and is very much in tune with his emotions and his downplaying of injuries and when he's not feeling well.

"Something wrong, Hade?" Draco furrowed his brows.

"N-Nothing." Hadrian murmured, wondering if he can quickly excuse himself to his dorm. But considering that half of his plate is still full, he can hardly claim that he's full.

"Hadrian Potter-Black."

Hadrian tensed, along with his friends, even as he turned around to face the teen who had what the latter probably hoped is a charming smile; but to Hadrian, it only seems to make the teen look constipated.

Opposite Hadrian and Draco, Mikhail and Lucas exchanged looks. They recognised this boy as the son and heir of Radoslav Kovarev, no thanks to their families having run in the same circles. What's his name again? Valko or something like that.

"Can I help you with anything?" Hadrian was quick to smooth his expressions out, not betraying anything at all. Sirius did give him Heir training alongside Draco, as he is set to inherit the Potter and Black titles, like how Draco is set to inherit the Malfoy lordship when he turns seventeen.

Viviane frowned, her muscles tense. She really didn't like the way that Valko is looking at Hadrian; looking as if he wanted to tear off his clothes. It made her skin crawl. And with the way that the others are looking at Valko, it is apparent they felt the same way.

"Yes." Valko smiled, "My father wants me to introduce myself to you. He was ever so disappointed when your father rejected his offers of a betrothal contract between us." Hadrian resisted the urge to shiver. "But even without it…" He trailed off slowly, looking Hadrian up and down. "You're really beautiful."

Hadrian then froze even as Valko gripped his chin with his long fingers, and he lost it completely.

XXXXXX

Over at the Fourth Year table, Alec (Aleksander), Katerina (or Kate), Ludmilla and even Natasha were all watching with amusement at the half-asleep Viktor even as he took slow sips of his coffee to wake up completely. For someone that has no problems waking up at the crack of dawn to practice Quidditch until nightfall, he isn't a morning person.

"Are you awake yet?" Alec asked with amusement, snapping his fingers in front of Viktor's face. "The professors might be lenient on the first day back, but it doesn't mean they will tolerate you sleeping in class. Especially Professor Yanev."

The entire table shuddered as one. The hard as nails Dark Arts teacher don't tolerate anyone slacking off in his class, and may Merlin be with you should you fall asleep in his class. Though with the nature of his class, it comes as no surprise that he doesn't tolerate anything like that.

"I want to go and check on my brother before we go off for class anyway." Natasha commented. "Timetables should be given out soon, isn't it?"

Kate was about to answer where there was a sudden surge of panic and magic emanating from the direction of the First Year table—something that definitely woke Viktor up completely.

"What?"

"Hadrian!"

XXXXXX

Needless to say that Valko Kovarev was very surprised when he suddenly found himself blasted away from Hadrian Potter-Black.

He wasn't exactly untrue in his statements to the young omega—and he knew instinctively that he is definitely one, judging by that delicate stature and his looks. The Potter and Black heir is indeed very beautiful, and he will only grow into his looks as he grows older, no doubt.

"Hadrian!"

Valko growled from his place on the floor when he realised that his arch nemesis, Viktor Krum and his friends, were at the First Year table, with the Krum heir holding a trembling Hadrian, and he growled. That ass has no right touching the omega he wanted like that.

"What's going on over here?!" Professor Rositsa Alexandrova demanded, approaching the hysterical group of First Years. Lots of little voices from the surrounding First Years all begin trying to tell their story—all having seen the way Valko had approached and then laid his hands on Hadrian who panicked. "Silence!" The First Years fell silent, all wide eyed. "Now. Miss Romanova, please tell me what happened." The professor's eyes fell on Kalya.

"Yes Ma'am." Kalya proceeded to tell her side of the story, seeing Professor Alexandrova's visage getting darker with each word that she said. By the time she'd finished her story, with the rest of their year group agreeing with every word that she'd said, the professor was absolutely furious.

"Mister Kovarev." Professor Alexandrova looked at the boy with disapproval, who by this point, already had his two friends (or minions, as the faculty have secretly called them) on either side of him, having helped the boy to his feet. Some of the prefects and even the student leaders were already going around the First Year table to ensure that they're all fine. Hadrian's accidental magic clearly touched none of his year group, and only blasted Valko away from him. Unknown to Hadrian however, his little show of accidental magic impressed a lot of the students who respected power, and it is clear Hadrian Potter had lots of it. "What in the name of Hecate were you thinking? You approached the First Year table, harassed my students, touched one of them without permission, and in the process, frightened him so badly that he blasted you with accidental magic! We've told you again and again that your unwanted advances are just that—unwanted! You do not touch someone without their express permission!"

"I was just introducing myself." Valko growled.

"You introduce yourself with your mouth, not your hands!" Professor Alexandrova snapped, thoroughly irritated with the teen. "Miss Zvezda?" The Fifth Year who is currently the student leader in charge of the new First Years approached. "Can you kindly escort Mister Kovarev to the Headmaster's office? Mister Dimitrov?" A Sixth Year prefect approached when she called for him. "Please assist Miss Zvezda with this. Both of you will stay with him in the office until the headmaster returns. Do not let him out of your sight. I will write passes for you both to miss your first class of the day."

"With pleasure." The male prefect almost growled, almost glaring at Valko with scornful dislike. A good half of the school honestly detest the way that Valko Kovarev tend to touch the girls and even some of the omegas in the school, despite them saying no.

"Krum is touching him now!" Valko snarled, angered at this latest act of prejudice against him. Wait until he writes to his father about this… "He has no right!"

Professor Alexandrova was about to say something to that before an angered and annoyed Viktor Krum snapped back at his self-proclaimed 'rival'.

"We're betrothed, you sorry excuse of a Flobberworm!" Viktor growled out the first words that came into his head, with the entire hall immediately starting to fill with alpha pheromones, before the teen quickly tried to keep it under control, seeing how it's affecting his beta and omega schoolmates.

"Take him away." Professor Alexandrova was very exhausted. "First Years, this really isn't how I anticipated introducing myself to you. But I'm Professor Rosita Alexandrova. You can call me Professor Alexandrova. I'm the professor of Cultural Studies for all years, and would also be your homeroom teacher for the next three years. Prefects, please give out the First Years' timetables." She told the prefects at the table who nodded. "Now, Mister Potter-Black, are you sure you're fine?" She knelt down to the little omega's eye level, who is currently in the protective arms of Viktor Krum, and she smiled to herself. Hadrian Potter's eyes were large with fear, and she felt her heart go out to the small child. "Do you need to go to the Hospital Wing?"

Hadrian shook his head. "I-I'm fine." His voice warbled. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lash out like that…"

"Don't be sorry." Professor Alexandrova wanted to soothe the child, but a low growl from Viktor Krum made her pull back her hand. Viktor Krum must still be adjusting to his new alpha instincts—he is just at the right age when he would just have presented. "If you're sure you're fine, I won't force you. But at least get a Calming Draught from Nurse Mina or even Professor Galvchev." Her eyes flickered towards the core Potions professor at Durmstrang who is currently checking on the Fourth Years that he is in charge of. "Now are you sure you're okay to be attending class this morning?"

"I-I think so?"

"Hadrian, let's get you to the Hospital Wing, okay?" Viktor murmured gently to Hadrian, letting the little omega calm down. "Just to get checked over." Hadrian nodded slowly. "Alec, can you get my bag to the next class?"

"Leave it to me." Alec nodded, concerned eyes on Hadrian who looked absolutely terrified, no thanks to Valko, but is slowly calming down. "You get Hadrian to the Hospital Wing. I'll let Professor Radomirov know you'll be late."

"All right. Come on." Viktor was gentle as he helped Hadrian from his seat, with Draco tagging along wordlessly, with the blonde carrying both his and Hadrian's bags.

Professor Alexandrova was still checking on the First Years, but she could hear Draco Malfoy's confused words to Viktor quite well.

"Since when were you both betrothed?"