"Rough night?" Orion questioned, his lips twitching as Tom and his group joined them, Lestrange, Avery, and Nott looked as if they hadn't slept a wink. Tom was he same as always, impeccably dressed with a blank mask on his face that gave nothing away except the smirk that was lurking there when he spoke. The only time that mask wasn't firmly in place was when they were in private. Even then it seemed as though he was just lowering a few of his masks, he had seen the looks Tom gave Hadrian when he thought they were truly alone, and it was a tangible, visible thing that made him feel envious and uncomfortable that he was seeing it. It wasn't often one observed that kind of true love and passion, everyone he knew and observed had been wizards and witches with arranged marriages. Some were unsatisfied with the life they had, others were content with their lives, his parents were friends, yes, but there was absolutely no love between them. So seeing it made him uncomfortable, he wasn't used to it.
Lestrange, Avery and Nott had to bite their tongues to refrain from complain, and they definitely wanted to complain loudly. Fortunately for them they weren't suicidal enough to do it where Tom was, they didn't need to worry about Tom finding out since quite a few of them had learned Occlumency and well simply put they wouldn't be found out. Nearly all night they had been locked out of the dorm, their bodies ached after sleeping for hours on an uncomfortable leather couch in the cold common room. The fire had gone out at some point after they'd unwillingly fallen asleep out of sheer exhaustion.
Hadrian said nothing as he delicately sat down, wincing slightly, he probably should have taken that pain reliever mixed muscle relaxant before coming out of the dorm this morning, the shower he'd had just didn't quite cut it. 'Rough' Orion said, he didn't know the half of it, and probably wouldn't want to either although it would be funny to see how he'd react. To see how much of Sirius was in Orion, from what he could see…he didn't understand what made Walburga the way she was in his future, this harpy, or why Sirius had ran away in the first place, this Orion and Walburga were really quite cool.
The fact Tom had that smug look on his face made him want to threaten him with something that would definitely made Tom's mood sour for the rest of the day and maybe the next few weeks. Smug bloody bugger, seeing Dumbledore arrested had…aroused Tom, much more ardently than Hadrian had seen yet from his bonded. Not that he had complained at the time, although towards the end of the third time that night he'd been too sexual sated and exhausted really to put anything to words.
"Keep that look on your face…and I'll make sure you don't get any for the next month," Hadrian whispered wincing yet again, he was going to have to go back to the dorm to get that potion. His fingers which were interlocked with Tom's squeezed firmly, it was his fault after all.
"You wouldn't," Tom protested immediately, the smug look leaving him, but he didn't show his displeasure or horror at the mere thought of Hadrian actually going through with it.
"Try me," Harry said with a vindictive grin on his face, this may well be the only way he could get through to Tom, and he'd definitely need to make a mental note to use it more often.
"Would this appease you?" Tom queried, eyebrow rose, the potion Hadrian had decided against having this morning in his long nimble fingers silently taunting him.
Hadrian's lips twitched despite himself, "It's a start," he said disingenuously, plucking the potion from Tom's fingers, pulling the cork out with his teeth seeing as his hand wasn't going to be release any time soon, and downing it in one go, wanting to sag in relief as the aches he hadn't even known were there as well the another disappeared, but he refrained. He might not adhere to the protocol most Slytherin's follow but he rarely broke the most basic ones. It was madness to let others see you in pain, it gave them ammunition against you, although really nobody could actually demand a duel for his position in Slytherin - and nobody would want to either. Not only had he intimidated them that day Avery had attacked him in the early days, but what he had done to him last year had gotten around, including the fact he'd used a Wandless Cruciatus curse on the teenager within Hogwarts walls. There was also the tiny detail that if they dared cast a spell on him, Tom would end them where they stood. He wasn't totally obvious to Tom's coming and goings; he knew they had been forbidden from touching him, hell even looking at him wrong. For most part he allowed it, it amused him, although if it went too far he'd need to discuss it with him.
"Eat," Tom told him, giving his elbow a nudge, bringing Hadrian out of his thoughts.
"I do need both hands to eat," Hadrian informed him, giving Tom's hand another squeeze before he was released, giving him a small secret smile in thanks, he dug into the breakfast Tom had put on his plate, while his bonded did the same thing. He had been asked a million times already about the outcome of the trial, not just the Slytherins either or Myrtle anyone he passed wanted to know. His acquaintance from other houses were much at ease asking him, those that didn't know him as well were a little reserved but their curiosity had won out. Not that he had told them anything, he just murmured an excuse, the most common one being he wasn't allowed to discuss the outcome of the case yet. The only people that knew was Myrtle who he had met up with very briefly before Tom had come and dragged him out, the only sound after that was Myrtle's demented giggling.
Tom had of course, taken great delight in revealing the results, oddly enough he had felt charitable enough to reveal a bit of what it had been like and what had happened, everyone's reaction and the like. He wasn't one for long conversations especially if it wasn't relevant to his goals, and then it was usually to inform the others what was expected of them. Then of course, he locked the door on them all night, and what a night it had been. Tom had always been passionate, over zealous last night had taken it to a whole other level, he suspected it would remain that way for a good while to come. Tom had taken a bit too much pride and satisfaction at them putting Dumbledore in Azkaban. Not that he regretted it; they needed Dumbledore out of the way.
There was a heightened sense of stillness in the Great Hall, other than eating quietly nearly everyone was thrumming with anticipation. It dawned on Hadrian, quiet belatedly, much to his consternation, they were waiting on the damn owl post, so they could get the newspapers, so they could read the results of the trial. Zeroing in on Myrtle, she had a wicked grin on her face, one that spoke volumes, she hadn't told anyone, and she was enjoying this. Honestly, that girl should have been in Slytherin, not when they met, but now…now she was Slytherin to the bone. As if she sensed him looking, she looked up and it became even more savage.
Snorting wryly, he shook his head, he didn't know who was worse, Myrtle or Tom…not that Tom would be happy to even be anywhere near level with Myrtle, especially by him of all people. Still they were quite vindictive, admittedly Tom was more so, but both were dying to see everyone's reactions in equal measures.
Tom glanced inquiringly at him, wishing to know what had tickled him, since there was absolutely nobody talking.
Hadrian just shook his head, and at that exact moment, the pressure in the hall dropped as everyone inhaled at the sound of the hundred owls flapping their wings in the distance. Before they shot through the opening, swooping down to the correct person to whom they were delivering the items to, some owls knew instinctively as the humans were there owners.
Unfortunately it was merely a delivery for both Hadrian and Tom, for neither had a familiar, unless you counted Hadrian and Tom's latest acquisition, courtesy of Avery, the Snake had taken a telling and did not make a habit of scaring everyone. The thought of having to leave obviously didn't sit well with the highly poisonous snake at all. Hadrian had bought a tank for the snake, and that was where it spent most of its time.
"Oh, good, they've finally sent all the paperwork," Hadrian commented, his tone slightly sarcastic, as he flipped through the large folder.
"For what?" Tom queried, as he claimed the newspaper to see how much of the trial they actually knew about. The best part was they didn't need to pay for it, as the majority shareholder Hadrian got it for free. Although he definitely wouldn't have minded all that much paying for this particular copy, it was getting saved, he was very proud of their accomplishments.
The food was forgotten, not just by the Slytherin's but by each house as they moved it aside, papers spread out, all leaning over to read the contents. Tom was surprised to see that it wasn't just the students either, all the teachers but Professor Slughorn were avidly reading the paper today, not paying the slightest bit of attention to the students, truthfully they probably realised the students would be reading it was well. This was probably the best time they had to do so as well.
"The publishing house," Hadrian explained absently, with him having the entirety of the company he wondered whether he should change the name.
"Which one?" Tom asked, his eyes still roaming over everyone, observing their reactions with great delight.
The Ravenclaws were shaking their head in dismay that someone so powerful, so intelligent could do something so illegal and morally wrong. Myrtle gleefully pointing out that maybe he hadn't done those things like he claimed, also that just because you were smart and intelligent didn't make you better than everyone else…Dumbledore thought he was smarter and look what happened…he got caught. She was relishing in their reactions, her hatred of Dumbledore had slowly built up over time, the way he was with Hadrian, her best friend, the one who had saved her from seven miserable years at Hogwarts. Given her confidence, happiness and means to fight back. She would always regard him highly, no matter what, she'd do anything for him…them. Some of Dumbledore's favourite students were trying to defend him but the others were shutting that shit right down.
"Roderick and Percius," Hadrian said, closing the folder, intending on browsing through it all later. The rest of the mail was slotted inside to keep it safe for the time being. With all his investments he got constant updates which meant once a month he got a lot of mail coming to him. Hadrian noticed that Dorea was glancing over at the Gryffindor table, a worried frown she couldn't quite conceal on her face. Of course, Dumbledore had played favourites with Charles Potter; no doubt he was saddened over Dumbledore's arrest. How nobody in Slytherin realized the two were in a relationship he had no idea. Then again if there was anything Slytherins were good at - it was keeping secrets. It seemed she couldn't sit around, and swiftly stood up; Hadrian didn't need to watch her to know her destination.
Glancing over at Charles Potter, he had a letter in his hands, he looked pale, sick and shaken, no wonder Dorea was worried. Was it the letter, the newspaper or something entirely different that had caused such a reaction? Perhaps they had found out about the invisibility cloak? He didn't think it was the case at all, but one couldn't be too cautious.
Seeing Charles, he began to observe the other Gryffindors, only a few of them were reacting strongly to what happened. The others were dismayed, shocked and horrified by what they were reading. Thankfully the Slytherins wouldn't be blamed for what happened; it wouldn't start the damnable feud between the houses. Sure there was competitiveness, but mostly just to see who did best, at House points and Quidditch games. Nothing like the blatant prejudice in his time. For quite a long time he'd been blind to it, just relishing in the attention of an adult who did not think he was a freak.
Shaking off his thoughts, refusing to dwell on them, he knew better now. "So that's what Theseus Scamander looks like," giving him a once over, he was a bit pompous, by the look of him. Unless he had just gotten his awards today - unlikely - he wondered how much of his brother was in him, he knew what Newton Scamander looked like, he had been on the back of his copy of Fantastic Beasts and where to find them book.
"You didn't know?" Lestrange choked, "He's a war hero!" he didn't bother mentioning powerful, since compared to Tom and Hadrian he probably wasn't all that. His aunt Leta had attended school with the Scamander brothers. Something had happened; she spoke about him with bitterness, pain and even a smidgen of shame.
"I knew that part," Hadrian said wryly, giving him a dry look he wasn't completely stupid.
"He's the most normal out of his entire family," Dolohov stated, his lip curling in repugnance as he remembered Mrs. Scamander, she stank something utterly foul the day he met her with his parents. "The brother got himself expelled, not even Dumbledore had been able to save him."
"The expulsion was never enforced," Hadrian pointed out; "Despite his brother being more…famous Newton definitely has more money and influence." the brother was only mentioned after Newton as an anecdote in the future. He was known in every magical household, there was a fantastic beasts and where to find them copy in every library. In fact his company (now anyway) had been the one to publish it, bringing them in a substantial amount of money and it would continue to do so with each generation of students having to buy it.
Money and influence meant more to the Slytherin's than fame surprisingly enough.
"Two and a half years," Alphard scoffed, "That's favoritism if I've ever seen it!"
"Actually it's really not," Hadrian commented, causing the Slytherin's to look at him with incredulity.
"He attempted line theft!" Alphard protested vehemently, it was one of the worst kind of things you could do in the magical world. "Twice!" he added for dramatics sake.
"Attempted, yes, but it means little when Dumbledore proved that he had no intentions of using our names for anything, at least mine, since he knew I was emancipated. It's probably why he hardly got any time in Azkaban for that particular crime." Hadrian explained he was quite content with the amount of time Dumbledore had received in Azkaban. Even when he got out it…he would never be as popular or famous as he should have been, let alone manipulate the next generation of students. That, that was the most important thing out of it all. If he wanted to manipulate anyone it would be as adults. Where they would have a better time seeing through it. He wasn't surprised that the purebloods had clung onto that part, they were all probably seething.
"You really are happy with the outcome aren't you?" Orion asked completely baffled.
"He's never going to teach again, nobody will fall for any of his manipulations and I won't have to endure him stalking me, so yes, you're damn right I'm extremely please with the outcome." Hadrian replied sincerely. It didn't matter to him whether the others understood or not, they hadn't been exposed to what Dumbledore would become in future, he used Hogwarts as a base to scope out powerful wizards or witches to join his bloody Order it was disgraceful.
"I hope he rots!" Dorea exclaimed nastily, a sneer twisting on her usually composed beautiful face.
The boys cringed as one when a Black got furious it was best to get out of their way, especially if it was one of the female Blacks.
"How is Potter?" Hadrian asked, finding it increasingly odd to say those words, he didn't think he'd said it out loud before. He avoided the Potters and the Weasley's it reminded him too much of the past he wished to forget. Hell, it was weird talking to Cedric Diggory's grandfather for Merlin's sake.
"His parents are worried that Dumbledore has done something, they want to refer him to a mind healer," Dorea answered him, sitting calmly in her seat as if nothing had happened and she hadn't just snapped so bitterly moments prior.
"Why do you care so much, anyway?" Walburga asked, staring at Dorea strangely.
Evidently, not even the other female Black's knew about her relationship then, Hadrian thought, listening to the two of them.
"He's alright for a Gryffindor," Dorea insisted, "Plus during class projects, he actually does some of the work!"
Hadrian shared an amused look with Tom; it seemed that the secret was known only to them, surely if anyone would have known it would be the female Black's. Hell he could hear a niggling sound of guilt in her voice as she spoke about him in such a way, not that it was particularly demeaning. Nobody else seemed to hear it so he wondered if he was just imagining it.
Just then the bell rang signalling the end of breakfast; Hadrian laughed a little as he grabbed his bag. "Everyone's going to be starving by lunch time,"
Those closest to him groaned in dismay at his truth, looking longingly at their breakfast before trudging from the Great Hall. "Do you think the Temporary Transfiguration teacher will stay?" they actually liked him, he was decent, didn't play favourites. "The Professor is alright," Thaddeus persisted.
"I agree he is, I guess we'll find out next year," Avery said, if he was still there when the next school year comes around then surely it stood to reason he would be there to stay. The school was still buzzing with the news of Dumbledore's sentencing, all talking and protesting over it, even as they trudged towards class. He was glad they didn't have potions today, he was tired, and he definitely didn't want to blow up the damn room due to exhaustion.
"Professor Reese is fair," Hadrian agreed, he was old though, probably as old as Dippet himself, given their familiarity he would postulate that they were friends. "Has a new Head of Gryffindor been made yet?"
"Professor Slughorn has been looking after them temporarily, but he can't keep doing that," Thaddeus explained, "It's a bit too much for anyone to cope with so many students at a time." he added before scoffing down the toast he'd napped on the way out of the Great Hall.
"That and his club and meetings will suffer," Hadrian said wryly, Slughorn was a great teacher, even better Head of House, but there was no denying he preferred the extravagant meetings he hosted, and it wasn't just him that benefited either, each of his Slytherin's did, introducing them to people who could help them in some way when they left Hogwarts. He had quite a network built up, each month he got dozens upon dozens of gifts from all over the world from his previous students or those he had used his connections to introduce. They all showed their gratitude in ways the Professor definitely liked. The tray of fudge he'd received the last time was expensive stuff; they didn't skimp on giving him the best.
Avery chuckled, "I sincerely doubt it," he wouldn't let anything get in his way of that.
"Move along! Get to class!" the curt sound of Minerva McGonagall calling out to the students holding up the line, making them all late for class. "NOW!"
"Oh, boy, that does take me back," Hadrian murmured to Tom, but there was a huge grin of merriment on his face. Sure the voice sounded younger, perhaps not as curt and cold as McGonagall was in his time but she was nonetheless sounding like she knew how to deal with students.
Tom chuckled, inwardly pondering on the woman, she had joined Dumbledore's Order, but she was as Ravenclaw as one could be, despite her being in Gryffindor. Surely she knew better than to demonise one section of magic as if it was to blame for all that would have happened? Then again, it may not have been the magic but rather his actions that made her join Dumbledore. Separating himself from Hadrian, he wandered over to the Head Girl, clearing his throat making his presence known, ignoring the flushed cheeks of every female in the vicinity. As he always did, even before Hadrian had appeared, they knew he was bonded now, and they still clung to their delusions that he would notice them. It took everything not to sneer at their pathetic hopes and dreams. As if he would look at them twice, with their mediocre looks, and even more pathetic magical displays.
"I know how close you were to Professor Dumbledore; I hope you are coping well?" Tom asked, keeping a close eye on her reactions, she was a Gryffindor, she showed all emotions. Pain flared across her face, much to his amusement, he'd never get enough of seeing people so stricken, especially against someone like Dumbledore, a teacher.
"I'm fine," Minerva insisted, unaware of her features giving her away, especially to a closely watching Slytherin.
"I do hope you won't come to blame Hadrian for what happened," Tom said, allowing his brow to crinkle. "He has nothing but respect for you and your abilities in Transfiguration." he wanted to be sure that none of the Gryffindors were planning any retaliation, if that were the case he would need to get there first and put an end to it.
"Of course I don't!" Minerva protested heavily, how could she blame the victim, no she blamed Dumbledore. Yes, he had been her favourite professor, but that didn't mean she would blindly blame someone else for his actions that was just deplorable. She was extremely hurt that Dumbledore would do those things, her trust in teachers had cracked and frayed at the seams with her leaving after exams she wouldn't be able to regain that trust either. A vision of the first time she'd seen Hadrian flashed though her mind, he hadn't deserved what Dumbledore had done…hadn't he been through enough?
"I'm pleased to hear that," Tom stated, and he was, "If you'll excuse me, I must depart for class before I'm late." he told her and those surrounding her charmingly.
"Yes, we must as well!" Minerva looked around surprised to see that the block in the middle of the hall was now gone, the students had left for classes. As Head Girl she wouldn't get in trouble if she was late, given the circumstances but she didn't want to be late, she was quite a stickler for the rules.
And with that, they all swiftly made their way to their classes. Not that it mattered; the teachers were out of sorts all day, even the person with the dimmest Lumos in the wand and worst grades could tell you that.
Tom entered the classroom, finding the teacher absent which was just fine with him, he slid into his seat next to Hadrian.
Life had never been more amusing to the Slytherin, he revelled in chaos and watching it happen in front of him. By tomorrow evening there wouldn't be a single Dumbledore supporter left within Hogwarts.
-----------------------0
Hogsmeade
"Come on, spill it," Hadrian said, glancing over at Myrtle shrewdly, the teenager had spent the majority of the time quiet, and he knew Myrtle, she was incapable of being quiet unless she was reading from books. "There's obviously something wrong with you, and you rarely spend time with me on Hogsmeade days anymore." he pointed out, she wasn't doing it maliciously it was just the time where Myrtle and her boyfriend spent the majority of the entire allotted time as a date.
"I'm sorry about that," Myrtle said apologetically, feeling awful now that Hadrian had said something.
Hadrian merely snorted, "I don't mind, I usually spend it with Tom, you know that." shrugging his shoulders. Most people did the same thing, either go in groups of singles or partners spent the day together. Maneuvering around a large group, heading straight for Hogshead.
"What…where are we going?" Myrtle protested Hadrian rarely went into Hogshead; it was dirty full of people she'd rather not have to look at.
"I'm meeting up with Eileen Prince," Hadrian explained, seeing he look on his friends face he added, "I'm Apparating her to Ollivander's to get a wand; she's using one that is not right for her."
"Oh, one those families then!" Myrtle exclaimed, not needing it explained further. "Wait Apparating? Bloody hell, Hadrian, don't let any of the teachers see you!" she didn't even bother trying to talk him out of breaking two laws, one leaving Hogsmeade and the other illegally Apparating without a license. One significantly more important to the rules of society than the other.
"I won't," Hadrian replied, "You coming?" he asked her as he approached Eileen who looked a little nervous but determined.
"No, I'll wait here," Myrtle answered, still distracted.
"Alright, five minutes then we talk," Hadrian pointed at her seriously; he wasn't going to let her avoid it anymore.
Myrtle just rolled her eyes, which she was sure it was something Hadrian would do when he found out what was actually bothering her. He wouldn't give up either until she said anything, it was just silly and she was ruminating. Blinking once she found Hadrian and Eileen were gone. Glancing around, she noticed nobody was paying any attention…had he put a ward up? Flicking her wand she cast a detection charm and realized he had. A subtle notice-me-not charm, well, he was careful if nothing else.
She hoped it was quick and easy getting Eileen's new wand, she didn't want to remain standing here too long. She thought seeing a hag sneaking out of the pub nervously. Sure she was good at magic, but she certainly didn't want to go up against a fully grown adult especially if she saw something she shouldn't.
The sound of Apparation five minutes later was like music to her ears, as both Slytherins made a reappearance.
"Keep that wand," Hadrian suggested, a subtle smirk playing around on his mouth. "Trust me, you'll find it as a use in the near future." maybe, what if he had changed the future so much so that Severus was never born? Even Death had said he had been changing things just by being there. Not being born wasn't the same as killing someone was it? Merlin, he didn't like that thought at all, what if his interference had done something he would forever regret?
"Thanks, Hadrian," Eileen said, her normally scowled features softening into a genuine look of fondness for a few moments. It changed the entire shape of her face, made her look younger, happier.
"You're welcome," Hadrian said giving her a small smile in turn, as much as it pained him to admit, maybe it was for the best that there was no Severus, neither would live in misery, and maybe Eileen could find happiness. He had never seen that kind of look on her face…just how lonely was she? Just how many people in her life had actually helped her?
"I have to go!" Eileen exclaimed looking at the time before rushing off, turning back briefly "Goodbye!" she added like a good pureblood girl then she disappeared into the crowd.
"Ice cream?" Hadrian offered. "To go," the ice cream parlor was always filled to capacity with students.
"Why not?" Myrtle shrugged, it would help pass the time until they had to return to the school.
Fifteen minutes later they were wandering around the secluded area of Hogsmeade, an area that was considered 'Haunted' in Hadrian's time. Without the disgusting dilapidating shack the scenery was absolutely breathtaking. They would need to think of something different for Remus if they could, he definitely never wanted this view of the castle spoiled.
"So what's got your pants in a twist?" Hadrian asked, much to Myrtle's incredulous amusement. Nobody spoke like that, absolutely nobody.
"Nothing," Myrtle replied, honestly it wasn't anything big it was just silly.
Hadrian just gave her a pointed look.
"Me and Richard have been serious for a while now, my parents don't approve of arranged marriages, neither does his, but by this point in a relationship…it should move forward." Myrtle eventually answered sounding slightly depressed.
"What exactly are you expecting?" Hadrian asked perplexed.
"A promise ring…just something to show that we are serious…I've been dropping hints but he hasn't picked any of them up," Myrtle grouched. "Even though I worry about us becoming serious and Richard treating me differently."
"Why don't you buy them?" Hadrian asked, seeing her look he elaborated, "Men get just as nervous as women you know, and just because you are a witch it doesn't mean you should have to wait until he gets down on one knee. Yes it's traditional but who the hell cares? Honestly, women are treated like shit for what? Their gender? You either have kids or end up with a career and called an old shrew. Why can't women have both? Men do, for most part. It won't always be that way, but women have to step up and make change or will it remain stagnant."
Myrtle stared at Hadrian quite stunned.
"Get him the ring, you'll find out soon enough if he's serious…if not then you can end the relationship if it's not going to lead somewhere you want." Hadrian suggested, as they circle around, eating the ice cream out of the small cartons they had. "You're better off trying to be with someone who will treat you like an equal anyway, so many women have children straight out of Hogwarts but its daft, we live such an elongated life, why not have a career and a family?"
"I never really thought of that," Myrtle murmured quietly.
"There are plenty of women who have careers and kids, I mean Newt Scamander's wife is an Auror and she's got a kid," Hadrian pointed out, "Sure it's in America but still, they could learn a lot from us and we can learn a lot from them."
"I suppose so," Myrtle said quietly, he was right of course, but still she hadn't contemplated the idea of a family and a career, she'd been brought up to believe she was to marry a respectable wizard and have a child. It was just the way her parents were, she didn't hold it against them.
"Feel better now?" Hadrian asked. She was just as quiet but he hoped some of what he said got through to her.
"Yes," she replied slowly, could she really get the ring and ask him? It usually happened the other way around, biting her lip she pondered on what she was best to do.
"Then lets head back," Hadrian replied, throwing his empty ice cream container in the nearest bin.
"Alright," Myrtle agreed copying him, what was left was melted now and no use to her.