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.

20. The Years Goes On

Chapter Twenty: The Years Goes On

"So… What's this about the courting protocols, actually?"

Viviane and Draco broke off mid-conversation about their brother and cousin's courting respectively, turning to stare at Lucas incredulously. Even Mikhail who had been listening to their conversation without saying anything, was staring at Lucas with a look like the latter had just grown two new heads.

"You…didn't know anything about the courting protocols?" Viviane was the first one to find her tongue.

All four currently present in the Vasilev manor for one of their usual study groups—minus Hadrian that day who had some medical appointment that he can't miss, are after all either heirs or members of one of the major houses in the Bulgaria wizarding community. While Draco isn't the Black heir—that falls to Hadrian, he is still technically second in line and is officially the Malfoy heir, and was trained in the duties of a heir like Hadrian is.

Viviane and Mikhail too are secondary heirs of their individual houses, with their older brother, or in the case of Alec being Mikhail's first cousin, being the primary heirs. But they are second in line if something should happen, or if their older brothers refuse the position for certain reasons.

Hence, all of those present were well versed and trained in the ways of the wizarding communities and the House of Lords. And the courting protocols—while technically considered as part of the Old Ways, were included in their studies.

Unlike their houses, the Michaelis family wasn't as old as theirs, but they were still counted amongst the House of Lords, though quite a new addition, since their family didn't even live in Bulgaria until about two generations ago.

Lucas looked very embarrassed with Viviane's question. "…Dad only started the heir studies with me recently," he muttered, though he didn't elaborate why.

He knew that his father was thinking about claiming the Gaunt and Slytherin lordships, with said lordships having gone unclaimed for decades since the time his great-grandparents have moved to Bulgaria. One of the requirements for the Slytherin line however is the Parseltongue ability, and the lordship and heirship is passed down through the male line and not the female. Same with the Gaunt line.

Unlike some of the other houses however, both the Slytherin and Gaunt lines have no restrictions about an omega claiming the lordships. Hence, despite the fact that Lucas is a male omega, he is still counted in the line of succession, considering the fact that Emil and Iskra Michaelis only have Natasha and Lucas.

Hence, if Emil Michaelis ever went ahead and claimed those lordships, it means that Lucas will be first in line, and not his sister as the first born. Lucas was worried when his father told him about it, that his sister will be resentful. Since unlike Lucas and Emil, Natasha wasn't born with the Parseltongue ability. Surprisingly however, Natasha wasn't, saying that she never had an interest in politics the way that Lucas did.

All that she wanted to do with her life is to play Quidditch or even become a broom glider or coach once she can't compete in Quidditch professionally anymore. Unlike Lucas who had wanted to become a Healer like his parents.

Their mother had bemoaned over her daughter being such a tomboy for years. Hence, when Natasha had identified as a beta, no one was really surprised. Both Michaelis parents however wanted to allow their children to find their paths and didn't really pressure Natasha to be a Healer, even though both sides of their families have been either Potion Masters or Healers for generations.

Viviane, Draco and Mikhail exchanged looks. There were already talks amongst the House of Lords and their families about Emil Michaelis putting things in the works to claim the Slytherin and Gaunt lordships. Once they do, there will be a target painted on their backs from the Death Eater supporters and sympathisers over in Britain. Not to mention the Dark Lord himself.

Reasons which the children are certain must be why the Michaelis family had never claimed those lordships to begin with, starting from the generation of Ominis and Aria Michaelis when they've first set down roots on Bulgaria soil.

"A courting protocol," Everyone in the sitting room almost jumped when Mikhail closed the tome that he is reading through with a slight slam, "is part of the Old Ways, and a very ancient protocol—one that the House of Lords and even some of the minor houses still uses today. It is a very traditional gesture, and tells the world at large that the person being courted is one to be treated with great respect and coveted. This is what Viktor is offering Hadrian, Lucas."

"And with the rules that Sirius had set in place the moment that Viktor had approached him for permission, it means that Viktor has until Hadrian's seventeenth birthday to get Hadrian to agree to marry him." Draco added. If Lucas had only just begun his heir training, unlike Draco and all their other friends that have started said training since they were about five, it only makes sense that Lucas won't know much about it yet. "Exclusive," Draco drew quote marks in the air, "which means that Hadrian won't accept any other courtships or such from anyone else. And anyone else trying anything on Hadrian will potentially be held in breach of a courtship protocol, and the House of Krum are well within their rights to call on retribution on them."

If anything, this might just protect Hadrian from all the unwanted advances from some of the other alphas in school, Draco privately thought to himself. He isn't blind to the ways how other alphas looked at Hadrian from time to time. Especially that one guy. What's his name again? Valko Kovarev or something.

The House of Krum are amongst the most powerful and influential in Bulgaria, with only the House of Black and the Vasilevs being the only other ones able to match them in power and money. The Michaelis family, while not having much money to their name, makes up for it in influence, and they are some of the best Healers in the world, with various Healers all over the world often calling on Emil and Iskra Michaelis for their expertise in not just healing, but also curse breaking.

It might be why Natasha had taken classes in curse breaking and Ancient Runes at Durmstrang, with the younger kids having overheard Natasha mentioning how she wanted to take a Mastery in her Seventh Year in curse breaking and Ancient Runes as a backup plan once she couldn't fly anymore.

She might not have much interest in Healing, but Natasha does seem to have a talent in breaking curses and hexes, and could even turn it as her career once she couldn't fly anymore. Talented curse breakers are very high in demand. There is a reason why curse breakers are amongst the highest paid at Gringotts. Independent curse breakers can easily earn thousands of Galleons in a month if they just have the right contacts.

Mikhail nodded with agreement, with Lucas looking really interested. "I'll loan you some books I have when I was undergoing the heir training with my older cousin, Alec, at a later time, Lucas," he added, and Lucas smiled, with Mikhail fighting to contain the blush that threatened to spread across his cheeks. Draco and Viviane exchanged knowing looks. "The entire courtship protocol is for Hadrian's benefit." Mikhail twirled his quill around expertly. "He can end it at any time. And at the same time, the courtship also serves to protect the omega or the person being courted. It's all part of the ancient protocols, and still practiced today, though mainly by the House of Lords, and by several of the old families, as it's part of the Old Ways. I believe Professor Alexandrova mentioned covering the courting protocol in Cultural Studies for us next year. And if the Kovarev heir still tried to make a move on Hadrian or even so much as lay a finger on him…" Mikhail chuckled darkly, "I want to see what Viktor will do to him. If he angers Viktor enough that Viktor calls on the Goddess to judge Kovarev, I wouldn't be surprised if She strips him of his magic as punishment."

Viviane nodded with agreement even as the other two paled with the thought of losing their magic. "The ancient protocols are created with the Goddess' blessing," she reminded her friends. "Going against it knowingly will anger Her. Calling upon the Goddess' Judgment had been done in the past when others tried to make a move on someone already in a courtship. That is before duels became a thing for the wizarding communities to deal with slights."

"You seem to know a lot about the courting protocols though, Mikhail." Draco had a raised eyebrow. "Anything you want to tell us?" He looked at Lucas out of the corner of his eye, with said omega looking entirely clueless. Next to Draco, Viviane tried to hide a grin.

Their group of friends, and Viviane is pretty sure even Viktor's group of friends, were already placing bets on just when Mikhail would have the guts to ask Lucas out. Though with all the talks about courtship lately, Viviane is relatively certain Mikhail would offer Lucas one, with how traditional his family is, and a courting protocol is traditional amongst alpha-omega courtships.

Viviane privately wonder between Alec and Mikhail, which one of the cousins would offer the person they're interested in a courtship protocol first. Ironic that both Vasilev cousins fell for a Michaelis though.

Mikhail only spluttered. "None of your beeswax!"

XXXXXX

Dear Hadrian,

Do you perhaps know of any curses or potions that would silence a fool permanently? I am close to punching that fop in the mouth, manners be damned!

I can imagine your expression right now, best friend of mine, so let me explain.

Remember how Sue and myself were complaining over the Yule holidays and even during the summer holidays when we spent a week in Bulgaria about Hogwarts' Defence professors and their inability to keep one for longer than a year?

Our DADA professor last year, a Professor Quirrell, apparently bit the dust at the end of the year. I don't know the specifics, but there was quite the fuss when the DMLE team, as well as the curse-breaking team sent by Gringotts under request from the Board of Governors due to the fiasco at Samhain last year when the troll broke in, went through the school to search for anything dangerous to the students.

Let me tell you this now: they found loads.

I overhead snippets of the conversation that Dad had with Gran and Mum one night when they thought I was sleeping, with Dad being on the Hogwarts' Board of Governors, and also holding the proxy for the Black and Potter seats should Andromeda Tonks not be available.

From the failing wards that put the bee in the bonnet of not just Gringotts, but the curse breaking team, to dozens of dangerous objects found stashed not just all over the school, but also in the possession of several of the upper year students, and also several love potions in the possession of various of the upper year girls.

From what Dad said, Gringotts had made a note against those girls, and should they ever intend to marry in the future, their spouse-to-be would be checked and examined for all kinds of controlling spells and potions before they would be allowed to.

I can understand now why Bulgaria and so many other countries hated love potions so much to the point it was banned from their shores. I wouldn't like it being used on me either, but thankfully, my Heir ring protects me against such enchantments and potions.

Anyway, back to what I was saying. I don't know the specifics, but it seems like Quirrell was possessed or something? The curse-breaking team found the Philosopher's Stone being hidden in Hogwarts; and that is another black mark against Dumbledore.

And guess who he hired for the DADA position this year? Why, none other than Gilderoy Lockhart, of course!

Mum wasn't impressed when she first saw the book list for the new year, since we have to buy all seven of Lockhart's books that read more as fantasy books than actual books for DADA. I'm already having tutors for several of the core subjects that have been washed down from the original curriculum, and Dad said that he has to add DADA to the list too after hearing how bad a teacher Quirrell had been. If this goes on, I might as well undergo a home-study program entirely.

Lockhart seems more interested in talking about himself than actually teaching. Our first lesson had him releasing Cornish pixies in the classroom that resulted in us all fleeing. From what I heard, one of those pixies dangled Ron Weasley from the ceiling, and if not for Professor Flitwick who happens to be passing by, he would likely remain there until dinnertime.

Complaints to McGonagall and to the other Heads of Houses are useless too. From what Sue told me, Professor Sprout told her and the other Hufflepuffs that when they brought up their complaints to the Headmaster, all that they were told was that everything is handled, and that 'Professor Lockhart' will no doubt start on his lesson plan soon.

Soooo… Dumbledore's usual 'everything is fine' routine.

From what Daphne Greengrass and some of the other Slytherins that we were on friendly terms with have told us, Professor Sinistra, their Head of House, have warned them to never be on an one-on-one scenario with Lockhart. And that if they have a detention scheduled with him, to come to her first.

I think Professor Sinistra might know something or suspect something.

All years have ended up self-studying for DADA. Again. It wouldn't be so bad, considering we don't learn anything in DADA anyway, if only Lockhart isn't so irritating! Man seems to think of himself as Merlin's gift to women or something! Sue said too that he made several of the girls uncomfortable with the way he stares at them or made comments.

Suggestions?

~Neville

Dear Neville,

With all of yours and Sue, and even Hannah and Ernie's letters over the past year, I am starting to wonder if it might not be a better idea for the four of you to transfer to Durmstrang. Why are you lot still at Hogwarts to begin with, paying for a substandard education when you can get a more rounded and extensive education for less than what you're paying for at Beauxbatons, Durmstrang, or even Ilvermorny?

To answer your question, there is a potion known as Laryngitis Potion that will cause the user to lose their voice for a few weeks. Not permanent, unfortunately. But if this 'teacher' gets any worse, you can consider using it. Just don't say it comes from me.

I wrote the recipe for it with this letter. We learnt to brew it last year, so it isn't a complicated potion, and doesn't need very complicated ingredients. I'm sure you would have the ingredients needed in your student kit at least.

If anyone caught you with it, I didn't give you the idea.

But for a long term solution to this joke of a 'teacher' you had with you, if your professors or that sad excuse of a Headmaster you have can't, or won't deal with the problem, do it like how we do it in Bulgaria. As in, go straight to the ones in power that can do something about it. Isn't Uncle Frank on the Board of Governors? And he had quite the position in Britain's Wizengamot, last I checked.

Have the Board send someone to inspect his 'lessons' under a Disillusion Charm or something. If the stories you are telling me are true, they won't need more than one lesson to determine if he is a suitable teacher for such an important subject.

In the meantime, I did attach a list of books for DADA self-study and reading. If Hogwarts' library don't have those books available, you might want to ask Uncle Frank or Aunt Alice to send you those if you want to pass your DADA exams at the end of the year. You might want to give a copy of the list to Sue as well. She wrote to me and Draco as well, complaining about the DADA professor.

Also, I made a new friend. Or rather, several new friends when Durmstrang, Beauxbatons and Ilvermorny had one of our Inter-School Tournaments about a month ago. I got volunteered to be in the duelling circuit for the Second Years with Draco, whilst Viviane took part in the Music portion. Mikhail volunteered for the debate team.

We got to talking with some of the other students from the other two schools which is the whole purpose of the Inter-School Tournament. One of Beauxbatons' students that won the debate challenge for the Second Years was originally from Britain, surprisingly. And from what some of her friends told us, she originally attended Hogwarts before transferring into Beauxbatons in the middle of last year due to some accident that landed her in the hospital for a few months. She's still undergoing physical therapy now.

She seems a nice enough girl. A bit awkward. Viviane seems to like her, and those two could go on and on about all the books they've ever read, and even music they like to play and listen to. Seems like Hermione too plays the violin, just like Viv. Her peer mentor, a Fiona Evans, seems rather nice too, and seem to be a friend of Viktor, Alec and Natasha.

There is a First Year in Beauxbatons who Hermione had taken under her wing when she first enrolled earlier this year. Seems like she and her father moved to France sometime within the last couple of years when things in Britain started becoming unfriendly for those not deemed 'acceptable'. And unfortunately for poor Luna Lovegood and her father, they are amongst those, so her father decided to pack them up and move to France where they had distant relatives, especially after the death of Luna's mother.

It seems like Mr Lovegood had his own magazine, and with new advisors, his magazine is starting to gain a steady following and a reputable reputation in France for being the leading magazine when it comes to magical animals' sightings and their habitats.

Onto other news, it seems like Lucas' dad is considering taking on the Slytherin and Gaunt lordships, as they have a stronger claim to it than a certain someone. I am anticipating some backlash from Britain once it comes out, considering how old those lines are, and the Michaelis name is pretty well-known worldwide as prominent Healers, and you know that Lucas and his dad are Parselmouths, to boot.

Also, not sure if Draco mentioned it to you in one of his last letters, since knowing my cousin, he probably did.

But well, Viktor offered me a courting gesture a few days after my birthday last summer. Things have been so busy since that I forgot to tell you. Sorry! Don't kill me!

Sirius gave Viktor until my seventeenth birthday before the courting gesture ends. I really don't know if what I feel for Viktor is 'love'. I just know I feel something for him, and that I don't like it when other omegas or even betas threw themselves at his feet continuously.

I'll just take things as they come. And maybe someday, I'll figure out just what I'm feeling for Viktor.

~Hadrian

Dear Hadrian,

VIKTOR KRUM OFFERED YOU A COURTING GESTURE, AND YOU FORGOT TO TELL US?!

(The handwriting changes at this point)

No, Draco didn't tell us about it, though I know he is keeping something from us, considering how secretive he had been. Has he gotten up the guts to confess to Viv yet? Or Mikhail to Lucas?

Should I congratulate you, Hade? And don't worry about not knowing what you feel for Viktor just yet. You'll figure it out. We're only twelve, Hadrian. And sure, our secondary genders and even magic dictates and influences us a lot on what we do. But ultimately, it is you who makes the final decision and call. Just give yourself and Viktor a chance.

So thanks for the suggestion about the potion. Our Potions professor – a Professor Andre LeBeau that teaches the older years, and his apprentice, a Professor Emilie Courbet, seems to know exactly what 'ailment' that Lockhart is suffering from when he suddenly mysteriously lost his voice at breakfast one day.

(We bribed the Weasley twins from Slytherin to pour that potion into Lockhart's goblet. Honestly, I think we could have asked anyone in the school, and they would happily aid us, including the professors)

Madam Pomfrey couldn't seem to 'figure out' what is causing Lockhart's sudden loss in voice, and our two Potions professors couldn't either. In the meantime, one of the other professors have been taking over the spare DADA slot to cover for Lockhart for the last two weeks. For the first time, I feel as if I'm actually learning something!

I don't suppose we can make it so Lockhart loses his voice permanently? I doubt anyone will miss him.

Anyway, I told Dad what you suggested in your last letter when we did our usual weekly communication mirror call. Dad said he has to run it by the Board, but he don't see a reason why they would refuse. The Board as a whole had been getting annoyed with Dumbledore over the years, and his inability to maintain the DADA professors. Not to mention Hogwarts' gradual education decline that had them all concerned for years.

(The ink changes a little at this part)

Getting back to finishing this letter again. Sorry if the contents jumped around a lot. I've been trying to finish this letter in between assignments and the self-study work that I have from my tutors. Ron Weasley kept jeering, saying that I'm mental for adding on work. We'll see who's the one laughing once the end of year results are out.

Anyway, about Lockhart. Got some great news! He got his voice back about two weeks after the potion was administered (unfortunately for us). And (luckily for us), the Second Year Gryffindor-Slytherin class are also the first ones in his class the day he got back his voice. And unknown to him, two members of the Education inspection team were also present, but disillusioned. Dad gave me a warning about them so I don't reveal it, since part of the protections on my Heir ring is the ability to detect hidden people.

(I think Dad and Mum and even Gran put all kinds of protections they could think of on my ring, even those not deemed legal in Britain. Pretty sure Sirius did the same for your rings and Draco's as well, I bet)

Not even ten minutes into Lockhart's class, the two inspectors revealed themselves and hauled him off when they realised he's not teaching anything about DADA at all but about himself and what he's wearing when he banished some creature.

My parents didn't pay for me to come to Hogwarts to attend a fashion class, for the love of the Goddess!

After that, Dad wrote to me, and the Daily Prophet revealed that Lockhart was arrested and charged for illegally modifying memories. All those 'adventures' he did in his books? Those were done by someone. Just not him. He interviewed the people who did those, and modified their memories, claiming credit for those deeds.

The DMLE is now on the search for those people whose memories were modified illegally, with International Cooperation getting in contact with the Ministries of the countries those people are from, so as you expect, it's a freaking international nightmare on our front. Since opinions about Britain is still pretty low, especially after what Dumbledore tried to do years ago that resulted in a sanction from Bulgaria.

Since chances are that Lockhart might have damaged the minds and memories of his victims in the process. There is a reason why it's illegal to use the Memory Modifying Charm unless you're an Obliviator after all.

Dumbledore seems displeased, and I know he protested when Madam Bones sent one of the Auror Academy instructors to take over the DADA lessons for the rest of the year. For the first time, I feel as if I'm actually learning something in DADA class!

Last I heard, Lockhart was sentenced to Azkaban, in the minor security wing for about ten years if I'm not mistaken.

It's also nice to know that you and Draco and the others managed to befriend students from other schools. It's also nice to see that you actually befriended Hermione Granger. She's the student I mentioned being the victim of the troll attack from last year. Mum had been a big help to her and her parents, and actually assisted them with their move and subsequent permanent emigration to France. I still exchange letters with Hermione every now and then though. And I know Mum often exchanged letters with Mrs Granger.

Generally, the magical sides of France, America, Russia and even Bulgaria are very stringent on the type of immigrants they allow to come through. They have pretty harsh sentences for mundane-magical relations, from what I heard.

From Hermione's letters, and what she told me after her enrolment and move to France is made permanent, it seems like her parents aren't Muggles, or mundane-born, as they're known as in other parts of Europe. They're from a long forgotten Squib line, with Hermione being the first witch in either side of her family for generations.

It definitely explains why and how they can see Diagon Alley and enter it. I did always wonder, you know? Since Diagon Alley is warded against Muggles, and yet, Hermione mentioned that her parents actually could enter it even without her presence. All they have to do is just ask Tom, the owner of the Leaky Cauldron, to open the entrance for them. This also means they could see the Leaky Cauldron even without Hermione's presence.

It definitely seems like Hermione and even her parents are much happier since their move, since they are able to get closer to their relatives in France in the process. I'll miss Hermione definitely, since she is somewhat a friend prior to her injury, and we became better friends when she was still in St. Mungo's, and I was the only visitor her age when she was there, apart from Susan and Hannah. But there's always letters and even the communication mirrors.

As for transferring to Durmstrang, trust me, Sue and I are very tempted. But we are remaining for a few reasons, so we're opting for a wait and see scenario. If just one more incident happens in Hogwarts, I think that will be the last straw for Dad. He had warned Dumbledore as much after the troll incident, and then when the DMLE and Gringotts teams went through Hogwarts.

From what I heard, the DMLE team just about lost their shit when they found out that there is an Acromantula nest in the Forbidden Forest! A team from the Dangerous Creatures committee was assembled ASAP and sent to either eliminate or move those Acromantulas elsewhere.

Dad told me later on that Hagrid tried to protest and even fight that team. It seems like he's the one to bring the first Acromantula to the Forest, and is basically responsible for them breeding. He was fined for 'obstruction of justice', and it's only due to Dumbledore's interference that he wasn't arrested.

Dad wasn't happy with either one of them, and neither is Mum. Since from what I heard, they're still considering whether or not to charge Hagrid for kidnapping you as a baby after your parents died. After the entire Acromantula fiasco, Mum was all for it, but wanted to hear Sirius' opinion, since he's your legal guardian right now, despite the fact that she is also your godmother.

Thus far, apart from the Lockhart affair and the usual pranks by the Weasley twins, things in Hogwarts have been relatively quiet. There is a Weasley girl that came to Hogwarts this year, sorted in Gryffindor. From what I heard, she's the youngest of the Weasley children, and the only girl.

And can I say that she gives me the creeps? She kept giving me these looks, and Parvati and Lavender told me that from what they heard from the first years, Ginny Weasley seems to have the biggest crush on the Boy-Who-Lived, aka you.

So uh, watch out?

~Neville and Susan

XXXXXX

Severus Snape only watched coolly as the boatman rowed away from Azkaban Prison, with the distinct silhouette of the infamous prison and the island slowly becoming a speck in the distance the further they rowed.

Eight years he had been in this hellhole. Eight years he had spent, suffering under the torment subjected to the Dementors. And for what? Just because Sirius Black is somehow found innocent, and that warranted all the people once accused of being Death Eaters in the last war for a re-trial?

So what if he had been harsher than normal on those insufferable brats? He never wanted to teach to begin with. And so what if one or two Mudbloods died under the hands of the Death Eaters? It's not like he particularly cared about them to begin with.

He only cared about Lily.

Lily is the only one that is different. She's the only one that is different from all those other Mudbloods.

If only she could see his feelings for her. If only she didn't go and marry that damnable James Potter and had that brat that ultimately ended up in getting her killed…

That welp… That spawn of James Potter.

It's all his fault. Everything.

Lily's death. His incarceration in Azkaban Prison. All of it!

It's all his fault!

Severus Snape's eyes only darkened as he dwelled deeper in his own dark thoughts.

He swore a long time ago to protect Lily's child. But it seems like that promise too will be joining the already long list of broken promises that Severus already had on his list. For if it's one thing that Severus Snape was known for during his time in Hogwarts even as a First Year, it is for being vindictive.

Liese Pearce could definitely attest to that when he had used one of those darker family spells that Regulus Black had taught him when he was in Second Year, and no one had ever linked it back to him. Yet it was those eyes that Sirius Black had used during their entire time in Hogwarts after that that made him afraid for a moment that he knows something. But if he did, he said nothing, but only stuck close to Liese Pearce whenever he could, and if his retaliation on Snape and his friends after that were harsher than before, no one asked why. Not even James Potter.

And now, his most hated person in the entire world is free and compensated generously by the Ministry for wrongful imprisonment and living up quite the life in Bulgaria with James Potter's hated spawn and that werewolf. And yet, he, Severus Snape, who didn't do anything wrong, had to suffer for eight years in this hellhole and had his assets and fortune seized by the Ministry and distributed amongst those brats that he had to suffer having in his classroom.

And to add insult to injury, he had to receive a letter from the Potions Guild when he was still in Azkaban, informing him that they've revoked his title as a Potions Master due to the severity of the crimes he'd committed, since to be a Potions Master means to nurture the next generation, and it seems like that is one aspect that you failed spectacularly.

Severus swore silently to himself, even as he clenched his bony hands tightly into fists, that he will have his revenge on all those that have wronged him, no matter how long it takes.

The boatman responsible for ferrying people to and from Azkaban Prison and to the mainland shivered to himself when he saw the almost maniac glint visible in those dark eyes. The Auror responsible for guarding Severus Snape too seemed to be uneasy, judging by the way he had his wand partially summoned into his hand.

The boatman had been working at this job for years, and he had seen many a prisoner released from Azkaban with barely any sanity intact. Some of them were already insane even before Azkaban, such as Bellatrix Lestrange, which last he heard, had died some years ago when she was sentenced to the isolation cells after that round of re-trials for all the Death Eaters.

But that look in the eyes of Severus Snape…

The boatman can't help but feel uneasy, and only sped up his rowing, wanting to get this man off his precious boat as soon as possible, and as far away from him as he could.

He only hoped he won't see Severus Snape back on his boat and towards Azkaban once more. But the boatman had a funny feeling that the fates have something else in store for this man.

XXXXXX

Thirteen-year-old Dudley Scott Evans is very nervous, and unable to stop fidgeting, despite his sister's obvious annoyance, even as the steady click-clacking of her knitting needles became a sort of background sound.

Many years ago, Dudley is ashamed to admit that he had been a horrible child, and an even worse person to his cousin who deserved none of the treatment that he had doled out, being both younger and smaller than Dudley, and not to mention being an omega to boot.

Dudley remembered being five-years-old and howling the place down when the Social Services officer assigned to him whom he remembered as being Mr Seven, their neighbour whom his Mum hates so much, informed him that both his parents were sentenced to prison, and that his mother's cousin and adoptive brother would be taking him in.

He was an awful brat to Simon Evans whom he now called Dad, he remembered with shame. Simon must have the patience of a saint to deal with him, and his tantrums, as Dudley remembered that he is indeed a terror as a child—having never been taught no in his life, and doing whatever he wanted without consequences—everything that Simon had spent years fixing.

Even now as they looked back, Dad had often joked that he had dealt with worst tantrums from the recruits he had trained during his time in the Queen's army that Dudley's tantrums are nothing compared to it.

Both his biological parents were sentenced to twenty years in prison, from what Dad had told him when Dudley had asked once when he was about nine before they have moved to France. Dad had taken him to visit Vernon and Petunia Dursley only once, and then never again. Dudley was properly horrified at how horrible his biological parents have been, and how his mother had screamed at Dudley through the glass separating them, with how Dad had 'tainted' Dudley.

It was after that when Dudley had finally accepted the offer to be Simon Evans' child, and had accepted the adoption offer that Simon had once offered to him a few years ago.

To be honest, Dudley's memories of his cousin was vague, and only came up in the back of his mind every now and then. And even then, it is only because he still had the scars from that vicious cat that had clawed his arm nearly to shreds when he had kicked Harry in the ribs as hard as he could just because he thought that it's fun.

He did wonder over the years if Harry is fine and if he's well. Simon however always got really angry whenever Petunia and Vernon Dursley came up in conversation, as did Fiona, his sister, and hence, Dudley never voiced out his concerns around them.

It wasn't until six months ago when his teacher at his school assigned them some kind of geology project when Harry came up in his mind again. His nightmares after that didn't help matters until Simon had hesitantly suggested reaching out to Harry and contacting him again.

It might help them both with closure, since heavens knows that Harry probably had the same issues that Dudley did over their shared childhood. While Dudley never underwent the horrible mental and physical abuse that Vernon Dursley doled out like giving out sweets, what he went through under Vernon and Petunia Dursley is a form of abuse in itself.

Dudley was never as thankful as he had been to Simon Evans who had helped him to pick up his life, and even Fiona who had stayed by him and helped him, even when he had been a total brat to them both as a child. He now had a bright future, hoping to major in photography once he enter college, and had been working on his photography portfolio ever since developing a love for the lens when Simon had gifted him with his first camera when he had first gone to secondary school.

With Simon's contacts with the French government and even Interpol, thanks to running a very famous security company, he was able to track down Harry for Dudley after several months, and Harry was agreeable to meeting with Dudley again, despite the fact that he lived in Bulgaria now. A date and time for the meeting was arranged between Simon and Harry's current guardian, with the meeting place to be at the Evans' residence.

Hence, Dudley is now very nervous fidgeting whilst Fiona Evans is trying her utmost best to not chuck her knitting needles at her brother's head. The entire household had been subjected to how nervous Dudley had looked in the week leading up to the meeting. More than once, Simon Evans had hesitantly asked Dudley if he shouldn't cancel the meeting, only for Dudley to object, with the boy wanting to see his cousin again, and apologise.

Simon Evans too had taken the day off work to be with Dudley, despite the fact that Fiona is present too.

"Dudley, for the love of everything that is holy, either go and work out your frustration with the punching bag or keep still!" Fiona finally had enough when she made a mistake in the row that she is knitting, and had to undo it, much to her annoyance. She hadn't made a mistake in her knitting since the time when she first started learning how to knit and crochet as a child.

"Everything all right, you two?" Dad called out to them from the kitchen where he is currently nursing a cup of tea for himself to calm his nerves. This will after all be the first time he will be seeing Harry for himself since the latter was a baby.

"J-Just fine, Dad!" Dudley squeaked. "Just… I'm nervous, Fiona." Dudley finally admitted, with Fiona putting down her knitting project and giving her brother her complete attention. "What if Harry hates me for what I've done to him when we were children and he wanted nothing to do with me?" He spoke his fears.

"Then he will have me to deal with." Fiona said almost fiercely, being extremely protective of Dudley. "It'll be fine, Dud. Harry wouldn't have agreed to meet with you, even flying from all the way from Bulgaria if he hates you." She reminded.

Right on cue, the doorbell rang.

"H-He's here!" Dudley squeaked. "Fiona, can you get the door for me? I need some time." He patted his clothes and hair down, looking for all in the world like he's about to go on a date with a girl rather than meeting a cousin whom he hasn't seen since he was about five, much to Fiona's amusement.

"All right. Take some time to compose yourself. It'll be fine." Fiona reassured Dudley before getting to her feet and towards the front door. The girl was prepared to come face to face with a pair of strangers, since unlike Dudley, she had never met Harry before, despite the fact she too is technically related to him.

Thus, Fiona was very confused when she opened the front door only to come face to face with a familiar boy whom she knew, as well as a handsome man.

"Huh? Fiona?" Hadrian Potter was equally confused, looking from the slip of paper in his hand to the door.

"Hadrian?" Fiona Evans blinked owlishly.

Hadrian looked at the doorplate next to the door and then back to the slip of paper in his hand. "Did we get the right house?" He asked the man next to him who looked semi-amused and confused at the same time.

"Fiona, is that him—" Dudley paused in his tracks when he came up from behind Fiona only to see Hadrian and Sirius.

Dudley still had very vague memories of his younger and smaller cousin. The teenager in front of him doesn't really resemble the waif of a child that he had been back then. But the inky black hair so dark that it's almost midnight blue and the distinctive emerald green eyes were the same. His cousin's features were soft, and almost feminine-looking, and he is small in stature as compared to Dudley. Traits all identifiable with an omega, with there being more than a few male omegas that attends the school that Dudley attends.

"Uh…" Dudley had prepared quite the script for what to say once he actually met his cousin again. But now that he had said cousin in front of him, Dudley found that he had gone mysteriously tongue-tied. "I, uh…"

"Dudley, Fiona, who is that at the door?" Simon Evans thankfully came to the rescue just then. His eyes then widened when he spotted and recognised the man next to the child at his front door. "Sirius? Sirius, is that you? Sirius Black? I thought that you're dead!"

Sirius Black grinned the familiar crooked grin at Simon Evans. "It's been awhile, Simon."

"Come on in, you two." Simon suddenly remembered his manners, ushering the pair into his house. "How about we converge in the kitchen? Sirius, do you still like coffee?"

"You know I do." Sirius responded, removing his shoes at the front hallway as he did so, with Hadrian copying his actions, with the two adults going towards the kitchen, and with the three teens following in their wake. "I miss the coffee you make."

"So, uh…" Dudley looked from one person to the next even as they sat at the kitchen table, even as Simon Evans busied himself with making drinks for their guests. "Fiona, how do you know Harry?"

"My name is actually Hadrian, Dudley." Hadrian corrected with an easy grin that easily put Dudley at ease, with his worries that 'Harry' will actually hate him evaporating like smoke. "And I met Fiona here at the Inter-School Tournament that Durmstrang, Beauxbatons and Ilvermorny had every six months."

"He's friends with Hermione, so I mainly met Hadrian and his friends through her and even Luna." Fiona answered her brother's questions honestly. "Honestly, if I'd known that 'Harry' is actually Hadrian, I would have introduced you both sooner!" She was kicking herself for it.

Though honestly, Dudley didn't know 'Harry's' last name, only his first name. And even then, from his few vague memories, only because his neighbours call his cousin by his name, since his parents only addressed him as 'freak'.

"So you're a wizard?" Dudley asked excitedly, brain catching up to what his sister had told him. Dudley is sad that he didn't have enough magic to be invited to a magical school, but he could still do the non-wanded stuff like Potions and Ancient Runes, and had met several of Fiona's school friends and juniors during the holidays. He especially got along well with Hermione and her friends, considering they are close in age.

"That's right. At Durmstrang Institute." Hadrian answered with a small smile.

"When I was looking through the records, I did wonder why Hadrian's records were sketchy at best, with his guardian being no better." Simon confessed, placing down two mugs in front of a very amused Sirius and Hadrian. "I was worried for a moment that he was being abused or something, and was all set to take him away if there's something going on. I promised Lily to take care of her child, and you can't imagine the guilt I felt that I let Petunia and Vernon basically abuse him for years, and I didn't even know until Social Services got in contact with me to take in Dudley." He smiled fondly at his adoptive son. Apart from the blond hair, Dudley's features are all Evans.

"I probably should have reached out to you, sorry." Sirius apologised, honestly not thinking about how worried Simon would have been.

He, along with James and Remus, have met Simon Evans several times since their Hogwarts years when James and Lily started dating. The three boys have seen Simon as the older brother they never had, and had the pleasure of witnessing Simon give James the protective big brother talk the first time Lily had brought James home and had introduced him as her boyfriend.

"Nah, it's fine. If what I heard about what Petunia and Vernon have done is of any indication…" Simon's eyes flickered towards Hadrian, not elaborating. "Your priority would have been Hadrian, as it should be. That, and I know that much like France, Bulgaria has very strict rules about mundane and magical relations. Dudley and I are technically squibs, so we're allowed entry into France's magical districts, and we were actually able to visit Fiona at her school during Parents' Day. Which from my experience when Lily was in Hogwarts, something that Britain never did."

"Come on, you two. Let's talk in the sitting room." Fiona said briskly, getting to her feet and tugging both boys to their feet. "Let the adults talk amongst themselves, hmm?"

"F-Fiona!" Dudley's protests faded away even as the older girl herded both boys into the sitting room.

"He looks so much like Lily. His features are all her. His hair colour though… That is all James." Simon chuckled, his eyes following the kids even as they left the kitchen. He is however thankful to his daughter for reading the room, and getting both boys out of the kitchen. "Thankfully, he didn't inherit the bird nest that James called his hair."

Sirius chuckled. "James hated the way his hair stuck up all over the place," he admitted wistfully. "It might be due to me blood adopting Hadrian. But he did take on a few of the characteristics from the Black side of my family."

"How is he, really? And tell me what really happened back then." Simon said seriously. "All I know is that Lily and James died, not how and why. And you suddenly disappeared. As did Remus. I tried to find both of you, but I couldn't. I didn't even know that Hadrian was in Petunia's custody until Social Services contacted me to take in Dudley! If I had known from the start, I would have taken him from her. I know that she wouldn't have treated Lily's child properly."

Sirius sighed. He had been dreading this conversation since they received the message that Simon Evans wanted to meet with them, and that Dudley Evans wanted to see Hadrian. He respected Simon as a brother and even as a friend, but the man is scary on a good day when it comes to Lily. He is awfully protective over her, and Sirius had witnessed more than once how Simon had defended Lily against Petunia, even rendering the latter to tears on more than one occasion when she insulted Lily.

Sirius too is aware that Severus Snape is an old neighbour and childhood friend of Lily's, but it seemed like Simon Evans had never liked the boy for certain reasons, even prior to Lily's very public falling out with Snape when the latter had basically called her a Mudblood and whore. After James and Lily have started dating, and James had often made visits to the Evans' household—with Lily making sure that James, Sirius and Remus would be as comfortable in the Muggle world as they were in the wizarding world, Sirius is sure that he had seen Severus Snape spying on them and Lily more than once.

The few titbits that Lily had let slip when James and Lily were preparing for their wedding seems to reveal that Severus Snape is afraid of Simon Evans, and there is a reason why he never dared to show his face around the Evans' house when Simon is there after his falling out with Lily. The man might be technically a squib, but it doesn't mean he is totally defenceless. Man is a soldier in the Queen's army for a reason, and had shot through the ranks so quickly that he nearly broke all records ever held.

Heck, from what Sirius had heard, and from the numerous platitudes and awards he had seen in the Evans' household throughout his Hogwarts' years, it is apparent that Simon had won various awards and medals throughout his time as a soldier. He even had a personal award from the Queen once when he had thwarted a kidnapping attempt on her son.

Even Vernon Dursley was afraid of Simon Evans the few times he had come over to the Evans' household when Lily's parents were still alive. The man had quickly learned to hold his tongue around Lily and even James when Simon was around. Simon is probably the only reason why James and Lily's wedding wasn't totally ruined by that horrible couple, though she was definitely upset with how horrible her sister and brother-in-law have treated their guests.

And through Lily, Simon too is awfully protective of Hadrian, even from the time when he was a baby, and Lily had brought her new-born son to meet her brother, with a proud James on one side, and with Sirius on the other side, with Remus next to Sirius.

"Well, it started around the time when Lily found out she's pregnant…"

XXXXXX

"I'm sorry." Dudley blurted out after several long moments of awkward silence. Hadrian only looked at him with a confused look. "I'm sorry for what I did to you as a child. I won't blame you if you hate me."

"I don't." Hadrian interrupted, and Dudley looked at him hopefully. "I don't hate you." He said again. On the nearby couch, Fiona smiled, only giving Dudley 'I told you so' looks. "Whatever that you did back then, Dud, was because you didn't know any better. Your parents didn't teach you any better. They are the ones in the wrong, not you. You know now that it's wrong. That's enough for me."

Dudley relaxed, seeing the smile on Hadrian's face. He excelled at his Psychology class at school, and is really good in reading body language. Hence how he knew that Hadrian isn't lying to him just to make him feel better.

"I visited them once before, you know?" Dudley said at last. Seeing Hadrian's enquiring look, his smile turned strained. "My…biological parents. Dad took me to visit them at prison several years ago before we moved to France." He gestured towards himself and Fiona. "That was the last time I visited them. They were really…awful." He admitted. "I didn't think so when I was five when I was told that I'm to live with Simon, but I'm thankful to him now. He helped me a lot."

"You sure were a brat when you first came." Fiona teased, and Dudley blushed. "Throwing tantrums at the drop of a hat. I lost count of the number of times Dad put you in the Time Out Corner." She winked at Hadrian who only giggled. "I never knew that you're my cousin too, or I would have told Dudley about it the moment I could." She smiled at Hadrian. "I guess I'm technically your second cousin or something, since Dad is Aunt Lily's first cousin."

"Well, it is nice to be able to connect with my mum's side of the family." Hadrian smiled.

"Will you be in France long?" Dudley asked, wanting to spend more time with his cousin, but had an inkling that they likely might not be able to stay long, especially if they're from Bulgaria. Heck, Dudley himself is busy even during the summer holidays. Not to mention Fiona and Hadrian, considering they attend magical schools.

"We can stay for another five days or so." Hadrian informed Dudley, much to his relief. "Sirius and I came by Portkey, so we don't have to worry for the long waiting times at airports." He teased lightly, and Dudley grinned.

Dudley had the experience of using a Portkey a few times when Simon had taken him to Fiona's school to visit her during Parents' Day. And he wasn't sure if he prefer the long waiting times and the very uncomfortable seats in a mundane plane, or the squeezing through a tube feeling that he got when using a Portkey.

"Hermione and Luna will be pleased to see you, I bet." Fiona chirped. "They were so pleased to be able to make new friends from Durmstrang. As would their other friends."

And if Fiona knows her dad at all, she is sure that regular holidays to Bulgaria would be in their schedules from now on. As would letters.

"Hermione mentioned to me a few times in her letters, and even when she came to visit Fiona." Dudley recalled a few of his conversations with the brunette. "She said something about the Inter-School Tournament that Durmstrang, Beauxbatons and even Ilvermorny have every six months, though the location where those tournaments are held alternate between each school each time. Hermione never liked to talk much about her time in Hogwarts—bad memories, she say. But she mentioned once that Hogwarts was never involved in those tournaments, though they are also part of the Europe contingent."

"From my understanding, it's because Hogwarts would never be able to keep up." Hadrian said at last after a long pause, exchanging looks with Fiona who had a frown on her face. The older girl had disliked Hogwarts for a long time even prior to becoming Hermione's mentor, thanks to the stories that her father had told her about her Aunt Lily's experiences there. "When the Inter-School Tournaments was first proposed and begun some two to three centuries ago, there were some talks about involving them to begin with. But that idea was quickly scrapped when the three school heads at that time agreed that Hogwarts' education is kinda…lacking, as compared to ours. It is especially so even now. They don't even have half the lessons that our schools have. What we learned in First Year for example, is what Hogwarts' students are learning in Third Year. They would never be able to keep up when we hold those tournaments."

There is a reason why Neville and Susan have private tutoring for at least half of their lessons after all, and even additional ones that aren't available in Hogwarts.

"That, and British wizards are extremely close minded." Fiona said grimly. "And prejudiced, if the stories that Hermione told me is true. Dad didn't say anything, but I know that it's partially because of me that is the reason why he suddenly decided to move to France when he retired from the army. He didn't want me attending Hogwarts, especially after hearing Aunt Lily's stories about the treatment she faced there. From Hermione's stories, it isn't any better now."

That, and Simon Evans had thought it a good idea for them to have a fresh start in a new country, considering the attention brought to the Dursley case when Petunia and Vernon Dursley were sentenced to twenty years in prison each.

Marge Dursley is in prison herself for ten years for animal cruelty, and had also lost her breeder license. Though from what Dudley had overheard one time, it seems like Marge's prison sentence was extended due to the woman fighting another prisoner in there. Everyone knows that Marge too is a regular participant in child abuse, but they were never able to prove it. Though it seems like the prisoners in the prison didn't care whether they were able to prove if Marge is guilty of child abuse or not.

At least half of her dogs have to be put down due to being too vicious, whilst the other half that were allowed to live were never allowed near children due to how aggressively trained they were.

And from what Fiona and Dudley knew from their father how prisons work, both teens were relatively certain that Petunia and Vernon Dursley wouldn't have a good time in prison, considering how even prisoners felt about child abusers and molesters. That is if they even survived their beatings in there.

Muggle prisons aren't really that different from magical prisons, in that sense. Both sides wouldn't treat child abusers or molesters well even in prison. And if you're in prison for being a child killer… Well, they would be lucky to get out alive.

"Hermione, huh?" Hadrian gave Dudley a knowing look. "She did mention Fiona's brother a few times to me and my friends during the tournaments and even in her letters. She never mentioned you by name, but you both seem quite close from her stories."

Dudley's face is beet red, and Fiona laughed. "Me and my friends have bets going on when Dud here would have the courage to ask Hermione out," she teased her brother.

"I'm a squib, Fiona."

"This isn't Britain, Dudley." Fiona frowned at her brother. Clearly, this is a regular conversation. "Plenty of squibs have remained in the magical world in France, and even found good paying jobs to support themselves, and even carved a place for themselves. You don't need a wand to be able to make something of yourself. Besides, Hermione isn't that close minded."

That, and Fiona knew that Hermione and Luna and several of their friends have embarked on some Rune project that would allow a squib to use a special wand. None of them have said anything to Dudley, not wanting to get his hopes up if their project failed. Squibs after all still had magic. They just can't access it.

Hadrian agreed with Fiona. "Bulgaria too doesn't discriminate against squibs," he agreed. "Not to say that everyone is the same way." He added wryly. "But squibs have a place in our society too, and could easily get an education or Masteries in non-wanded subjects."

Though honestly, much like Bulgaria, most magical societies have witches and wizards snap their wands once they turn fifteen and start doing wandless magic instead. As far as Hadrian is aware, it is just Britain who insists on sticking to wands.

"Why would she look at me? There are so many guys in Beauxbatons that are good-looking and much more athletic than I am. And unlike me, they actually have common points with Hermione to talk about."

Fiona wanted to groan. They had this conversation more than once.

"Have you looked at yourself, Dud?" Fiona resisted the urge to bonk her brother on his head. Hadrian meanwhile looked very amused. "If you just look around and take your head out of your books or your camera, you'll notice that you're quite the catch yourself. Half the girls at your school have crushes the size of the Eiffel Tower on you!"

"So tell me more about yourself, Hadrian!" Dudley hastily changed the topic, turning his attention back to his very amused cousin. "What have you been up to for the past decade or so?"

Hadrian chuckled, knowing a deflection when he sees one, but decided to humour Dudley a bit. He can always find out more from Hermione later on.

"Well, it all started when Sirius took me to Bulgaria for healing…"