"I can't believe I let you talk me into this," Hadrian muttered petulantly to himself, as he hid himself away in a corner, observing the party going on around him. One of Slughorn's infamous parties were in full swing, students past and present were there for the occasion all dressed up to make a good impression meeting like minded people or those who were particularly…popular and famous in various fields. Slughorn was puffed up and strutting around, taking his time to talk to absolutely everyone there, accepting the 'gifts' he was offered by the people who felt indebted to him for starting their career by introducing them to the right people. Not that it was a bad thing really, they both got something out of it, and so it was not just a Slytherin move but quite a Hufflepuff one too. He was very tempted to just leave the party, he'd already been accosted by idiots wanting to meet him, shaking his hand with their sweaty palms, stuttering like fools thanking him for his 'advancement of the magical community' all of them Muggle-born's who saw him as some sort of champion. It reminded him too much of the past he wished to forget, all he'd done was write a book in order to cease the rampant prejudice that would overtake completely in the coming decades.
"I had hoped to find you here," a voice said from the shadows of the open doors, it was oddly familiar to Hadrian, but how could that be? It prickled at him, but to his annoyance, he couldn't figure it out.
"Oh? How so?" Hadrian asked, quite intrigued, eyes glowing in the dim light of the corner, watching the veranda.
"Do you even realize what you've done?" the voice continued.
Hadrian absently swept his fingers over his wand, as curiosity got the better of him and he stepped out beside the voice. His jaw was momentarily unhinged, but Hadrian was very grateful that the wizard did not see it. He was, however, still quite confused, he had nothing to do with Newton Scamander, what was he 'realize what you've done' coming from? "And what could I possibly have done to offend you, Mr. Scamander?"
He received a side way glance from the wizard before his eyes were firmly fixed upon the grounds of Hogwarts. Not that there was much to see on this side of the building. It was definitely more majestic from the front. "You had Professor Dumbledore arrested, sentenced to Prison, now the Dark Lord Grindelwald has begun to plan to invade France and ultimately Britain." bringing danger to his family and everyone within Britain.
"Ah," Hadrian said beginning to understand a whole lot, sympathy thrummed through him, "I am sorry for what you are going through," he said softly, turning when they were interrupted, but it was just a waiter, holding a tray of food and drinks in individual trays. Hadrian took two drinks and handed one to Scamander, then proceeded to give him a plate of food, before Hadrian took one himself. Nodding to the wizard in thanks to back out as quickly as he had entered.
"What I am going through?" Scamander asked, meeting Hadrian's eyes cautiously.
"You aren't the first to be taken in by Dumbledore's grandfatherly façade and no doubt you will not be the last." Hadrian said, green eyes darkening, "I will do everything in my power to make sure that people are at least aware of the façade he likes to portray to the world."
"He was a good man," Scamander insisted, facing Harry, worry and fear clouding his eyes. Which went against everything he had learned of Scamander, he had always seemed so fearless, been described as utterly fearless.
"We have different in opinions," Hadrian stated firmly, before suspicion began to worm its way into his heart, that look…it reminded him of the look Granger had supported after Dumbledore's death. "From what I understand it, you went to America to let your creatures out in their natural habitant…rescuing many on your travels, why would you even be concerned about Grindelwald enough to come here and confront me?"
Scamander didn't answer; instead, he looked out at the scenery once more.
"Please tell me you weren't spying on Grindelwald for Dumbledore," Hadrian questioned with a groan, pinching the bridge of his nose in exasperation. A tingling at the back of his mind alerted him to the fact that Tom was close, very close, and likely listening to their conversation.
"No," the quick denial was confirmation. If he hadn't been spying he would have been confused, slower to answer, and more importantly not extremely stiff.
"He quite enjoys making others feel indebted to him, so they are willing to do whatever he requests of them, even if it put them in danger." images of people he knew Dumbledore had used for his own benefit flashed through his minds eye, Hagrid, Severus, now Scamander and of course, him once upon a time. "You do understand that Dumbledore didn't defend you out of the goodness of his heart or the belief that you were innocent without proof don't you?" he added, drinking from the goblet staring at Scamander watching his shoulders tense. Ah, ever the loyalist, true to those he cared about. He was the true epitome of all things Hufflepuff.
"What are you implying?" Scamander asked stiffly, reminding himself he was dealing with a Slytherin. He had already been burned by one before; he didn't want it happening again.
Hadrian sighed softly, "Do you know the ancient arts of Occlumency and Legilimency?" his voice somber.
"Of course," Newton said, a smile spreading across his face, "My sister-in-law is the great natural Legilimens I've ever met, although she cannot control it." fond exasperation evident on his features.
"Dumbledore's isn't natural, but he honed his craft, that is how he determined you were not guilty of what happened. He used you to get what he wanted, he could have spoken up, told the Headmaster what he knew, but he did not for it didn't serve his purpose. I know because he personally tried to read my mind on a few occasions unaware that I was a natural Occlumens," here he was lying, it wasn't natural, but he couldn't very well tell him he had learned sixty years in the future. "So you spied for him under the guise of a creature lover."
"It is not a guise." Scamander's tone was forceful for the first time, taking umbrage at Hadrian's thoughts. He cared more for his creatures than almost anything else in the world except his wife, son, sister-in-law, and brother-in-law.
"Perhaps not," Hadrian said, dipping his head in silent apology, "You couldn't have come here solely to confront me on such a feeble excuse unless you were truly hoping to learn that everything written in the papers was false. You are here looking for answers aren't you?"
Scamander grimaced and looked away, he hadn't been able to find a scrap of information that would either exonerate Dumbledore or prove his guilt.
"Do yourself a favor, don't go looking for answers, for you will not like what you find," Hadrian said compassionately, he remembered a time where he would have denied all Dumbledore's wrongdoing, desiring instead to see the good while burying his head in the sand. He had been in the same place as Scamander once, so he knew what it was like to be in his shoes, quite literally. "Nor do you need to fear for our shores Newton, the Muggles do not bow down to fear and terror, nor shall we, even if we must take care of the problem ourselves." it was the best he could do without outright telling Newt that he planned on taking care of the problem. With that Hadrian stepped back into the rooms, Tom standing very near the entrance listening to everything with curious cautious eyes.
"That was unexpected," Tom drawled as he guided Hadrian away from the entrance and towards their group of Slytherin's who had, of course, been invited.
"You think?" Hadrian muttered giving an incredulous laugh, "He started so much earlier than I thought…Tom what if there are others out there who he has done wrong?"
"It doesn't matter now," Tom stated, "Everyone knows what he is like, he will never achieve popularity and fame." at least none like he had in the now obliterated future. "I cannot understand why anything would surprise you about him, he began grooming children to join his order, to be light orientated without truly understanding other branches of magic then allowed them…"
"Don't Tom," Hadrian warned, he knew what Tom was going to say 'Allow them to be murdered' he definitely didn't want to dwell on that. He had long ago realized that Dumbledore must have known Pettigrew was the leak; he had no qualms about entering the minds of whomever he pleased, even eleven-year-olds, so why stop there? No, Dumbledore knew everything, which included every single strength and weakness from each student, teacher, and enemy and Order member. He had learned more here than he had in the seven years he'd been firmly ensconced in the old fools steel grip. "Each new piece of information I learn makes me want to gouge out his eyes," he hissed under his breath green eyes gleaming with malice that Tom had only seen once, that malice had allowed Hadrian to cast the Cruciatus curse non-verbally at Avery.
"By Merlin, you are…breathtaking when you get furious," Tom whispered into Hadrian's ear, the desire he felt thrumming through him, he let it be felt through the bond they shared along with the utter adoration and possessiveness he felt too. You would think such feelings of possession would fade given time, they did not, instead, it firmed, and becoming more pronounced each time Hadrian did something truly delicious and delightful.
Hadrian's lips twitched, fury evaporating like water in the sun, Tom was right, there was no point, and it didn't matter now. Dumbledore couldn't keep using Newt for his own ends, Newt would go looking for answers, and what he would find would collaborate everything he'd accused Dumbledore of. Only then would Newt realize how badly he had been used and inevitably cut all ties with the old fool and live his life. He would never use Hagrid either or keep him here at Hogwarts watching each generation graduate unable to do so himself. Never use Severus to then spy on Tom at personal cost, and these were just the people directly affected by Dumbledore's machinations, the rest had been just as affected but on a less personal level, especially in regards to the damn prejudice heaped upon the world.
"You alright?" Avery asked, handing Hadrian a Butterbeer, he had seen the look on his face as he and Tom had come over.
"Yeah," Hadrian replied, removing all thoughts from Dumbledore from his mind.
Carrow watched the interactions between the two Slytherin's showing just how much could change in a single year. Ever since Hadrian had shown up, Aiden had been angry, jealous and it had boiled over, making him do something incredibly dangerous and stupid. If it had gone according to Aiden's plan his life with have been forfeited, whether right away or later Tom would have killed him. He would have known straight away, he would have done everything he could to get answers, and none of the Slytherin's would have retaliated. Aiden had done the only thing that would have kept him alive, sworn allegiance to Hadrian, some would say it was a bit of a big move to make, he couldn't take it back either, but really, it was better than the alternative. Nobody had any doubt that Hadrian would have hunted Aiden down and killed him first chance he got.
"Is that Scamander?" Nott exclaimed, watching the wizard who was talking to Slughorn intently, trying to make out whether his thoughts were right or if it was just someone who looked like him.
"Yes, it's him," Tom was the one to answer. "Looks like he's leaving," he added, watching the tall thin wizard shake hands with their professor before making his way through the Floo, all the while staring at the floor never meeting anyone's eye as if he was afraid and self-conscious. He must be at least twenty to thirty years old probably older, yet he was acting like an insecure child without an ounce of pride of self-confidence.
"What was he doing here?" Nott asked bemused, "He has never come before, he was never even a member of the Slug Club, to begin with and he's a Hufflepuff." their professor never spoke of him either, he couldn't help but wonder what it was all about. Slughorn spoke about everyone who came to these things, proud and undeniably smug; he hadn't half built up a hell of a network.
"He's the same age as my uncle, and he was in the Slug Club, definitely no mention of him," Lestrange confirmed. "I hope he's not beginning to let all the riff-raff in,"
Hadrian glared at him giving him a pointed look, Hufflepuff or not, Scamander was actually quite powerful and was a house-hold name, money, status, immortalised as an Author, he was hardly in any way in the same category as the 'Riff-raff' of the magical society, which he personally would consider the likes of Ronald Weasley. Just a no good, jealous, lazy ass that wanted things in life but didn't want to have to work for it. Looking for fame and fortune by looking to others. "If that is your definition of 'riff-raff' I would really like to see what you think of those deserving of your respect," Hadrian told him dryly because they must be a hell of a wizard if they could outshine Newton Scamander.
Thaddeus chuckled in amusement, both in agreement and the look on Lestrange's face, he quite honestly looked as if he had just had his favorite toy taken away.
"Have I been here long enough for you Tom?" Hadrian asked deadpanned, ignoring the others gaping at him, honestly, it had been years, surely they were used to him being unafraid of time to say what he really thinks. "I wish to return to my dorm."
"What is this? Aren't you enjoying yourself, Hadrian?" Slughorn came up to them hearing the end of their conversation.
"Of course, he is, Professor," Tom said sweetly, "But we have been staying up later than normal to study for our exams, brushing up on our knowledge."
"How right you are, Tom, very serious business your exams are, everyone should be following your example!" Slughorn nodded seriously. "Take twenty points each for your dedication! Oh, look, there's Richard, please excuse me!" and with that, he was gone again.
Hadrian laughed, shaking his head, "Honestly, I think sometimes you could have a dead Muggle in each hand and he'd give you points!" He could get away with murder, he wasn't sure how Tom did it, and he just had everyone eating out of the palm of his hand, well almost everyone.
"Is Slughorn right about the newest batch of people? He seems to pick a good hand quite accurately." Tom whispered as his dark eyes roamed the room. Trying to gauge what their professor saw in everyone, it wasn't just Slytherin's either but Ravenclaw's even a Gryffindor and Hufflepuff or two.
Hadrian turned to Tom; no doubt he was interested in picking them out for himself - to further his own ambitions. Humming softly, he pondered momentarily, "Not all of them are famous, some just have the capacity to go far but don't…some never get the chance, while others are used so Slughorn could make more connections with the family, or already has done so and the students are there just to keep those he has in his connections happy." he explained in Parseltongue so nobody could understand them.
Those surrounding them shivered at the sound of the Parseltongue, it sounded very angry, which contradicted the look on Hadrian's face; they were beginning to realize that Parseltongue always sounded angry. It was spitting and hissing, so to them it would they guessed. Surprisingly the two didn't use it all that often when they did though…oh it made them unbelievably curious to know what they could be taking about.
It didn't matter what time Hadrian was in, he just couldn't bring himself to enjoy the so-called daubed 'Slug Club' it just wasn't his sort of thing. He knew he'd better get used to it, since Tom probably had dozens of these parties lined up just waiting to make connections and begin his political career. Even if he said no, Tom would just do his head in until he agreed; he wasn't one for giving in or taking no for an answer.
As he leaned against Tom, just relishing in the comfort it brought, his mind went back to Newt how he had looked when he had spoken so bluntly. He'd looked devastated, disillusioned, part of Scamander obviously believed him. He sort of wished he had been less blunt more sympathetic, but he wasn't the soft touch Potter anymore and never wanted to be again. He was Hadrian Peverell and when he spoke people took him seriously. Truthfully was no way to say what he had without it being a sucker punch to the gut, he should know, he'd experienced it too. Well, he'd had to put the pieces together alone, while everyone else here knew because of evidence and actual fact. Two years, he had only one more year to get rid of Grindelwald or risk Dumbledore actually getting out and challenging him, he refused to let Dumbledore claim his status and getting rid of the darkest wizard in the world would accomplish that. He would be untouchable, a huge thorn in their side.
That was unacceptable, he'd go back to stop it happening if he had to. Harry wasn't sure how long he stood there lost in thought, but the amplified voice of their professor brought him out of it. "Students, curfew is in five minutes, be sure to head straight to the common room, Slytherins I'll be by to check on you later." Slughorn called out before he removed the 'Sonorus' spell from his throat.
"Do try and get some rest Hadrian, there is such a thing as too much studying," the professor informed him, patting his arm as he passed him by.
"Yes, Professor," Hadrian replied, "Goodnight," and with that Tom, Hadrian and the rest of the gang bid their professor their own goodbye's and made their way towards the common room at a languid pace, they weren't far from it so they weren't at any risk of being out after curfew, even if they were, Tom was a Prefect, and he was allowed out after curfew.
"I really should do some studying, if I don't do well enough my parents are going to nag at me forever," Lestrange grumbled under his breath, he was expected to be perfect, get perfect grades and not let his family down. He wasn't sure how many letters he had received with similar demands this year, but it weighed heavily upon him. He couldn't imagine just how unbearable NEWT year was going to be if that was the case.
"They're supposed to," Hadrian said with a grin, he had seen the letters, and quite frankly they came across as subtle threats, but that was just Slytherin's for you. Lestrange didn't have anything to worry about, none of them did, he'd never tell them this, but they were quite smart, especially when they put every effort into their work. They had their own areas where they were excelled better than others, except Tom, Tom was just brilliant at all subjects it came as easy as breathing for him.