Hadrian stretched out, his hand automatically checking the bed next to him, the bed felt slightly warm, but the warmth was fading fast, and Tom was already up. Abruptly sitting up, he realized why Tom was up earlier than usual, it was the day the exam results would be posted to each and every Hogwarts students who were taking either their O.W.L's or N.E.W.T's. A smile worked its way onto his face, almost every day he found out something new about Tom than he hadn't known before. He was actually worried about the results, the smartest guy he knew, was anxious. Maybe anxious was the wrong word, Tom wanted to be the best, and anything less than the best was unacceptable to his OCD husband. He'd deny it, but Hadrian knew he had some sort of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and a fixation with the number seven - which admittedly wasn't all that new to him.
The last few weeks at Hogwarts had gone by extraordinary fast, between the prelim exams and preparation for the real deal. Hadrian had been bemused by the fact he was worrying over exams, especially ones he'd taken already, then again he'd never admit to anyone how poorly he'd done in most classes. He hadn't taken an active interest in his academics. No, it wasn't that he hadn't been interested, there had always been something happening at Hogwarts that took precedence. Something he'd been encouraged in, Dumbledore hadn't wanted him to be smart and studious, he needed him to die at the right moment. No, he thought sternly, he wasn't going to live his life ruled by what happened in his past or Dumbledore. He had a life here, a husband, real friends; his past was just that, his past. Clearing his mind of all the bad things, he stretched out before climbing out of bed, only to blink at the sight of the new robes he'd ordered up against the wardrobe, the see through plastic still covering them to protect them from dust. A groan left his lips at the reminder, it was tonight, the Malfoy's were hosting grand ball, a party.
Grumbling under his breath, he left the bedroom, going in hunt of Tom, and actually quite eager to see his own results, not that he'd admit that of course. He knew Tom had done very well just by stepping into the living room, he was puffed up and extremely smug sitting there with a coffee at his lips.
"Good morning," Harry said wryly, moving over, giving him a quick kiss, avoiding the wandering hands green eyes gleaming in amusement. "You did well then?" he could see the Slytherin Prefect badge shining on the table, declaring Tom once again Prefect for Slytherin. No surprise there, Slughorn thought the sun shone out of Tom's ass.
"Of course," Tom declared smugly, as he drank from his mug, it was just the way he liked it.
"I don't suppose you'd let me off the hook tonight? Tell them I feel too sick to go?" Hadrian asked hopefully, as he reluctantly brought his own pile of mail close to him, not bothering with the newspaper.
"You must come, snubbing the Malfoy's is a very dangerous thing to do, they are the elite at the moment," Tom told him pointedly. You didn't just decline an invite from them, not without a very, very good excuse.
Hadrian snorted, "That would matter if I cared about social climbing," he pointed out, the downside of becoming known and powerful even being leaving Hogwarts - having adults vying for your attention so they could say they were there from the start, and to feed of their own popularity the whole idea was pathetic. "Plus anything they throw at me, I could throw back with much more accuracy," he wasn't just climbing up everyone's social ladder; he was also becoming richer than them all. Their need to stick to wizarding companies was preventing windfalls; there were so many more Muggles than wizards, so it was no surprise that he was able to overtake the purebloods with their vast estates so quickly. When the war was over and everything got back to normal…it would expand further than even he could imagine. He was investing in companies like steel manufacturing, which was bringing in a lot of income, from the various companies that were interested in steel, from the navy, the army to boat building companies. The only downside to having so many investments was the paperwork. The goblins did most of it thank Merlin, and were compensated very well for their time and effort, but it didn't make it any less annoying for him to oversee everything. His portfolio was expanding so much each month.
Tom just rolled his eyes, Hadrian was powerful, desirable, had everyone clamouring to be his friend, yet he didn't care for the power that could come of it. It was a good job he was there to make sure that the use was fulfilled; imaging the waste just horrified him. It had taken him days to work on Hadrian to get him to agree to come to the Malfoy party. In the end him telling Hadrian that the Malfoy's had a lot of political clout in the Ministry, for both the Ministry and Hogwarts. That they would be extremely useful for when the time came to build an orphanage to ensure no magical child was ever left in the Muggle world. Just like that he'd agreed he'd need to remember to use their goals more often. The glare he'd received after stating that told him Hadrian was aware of what he was doing, but of course he did, Hadrian was always able to see through him.
"They'll only have pureblood's there won't they?" Hadrian pursed his lips thoughtfully.
"No," Tom replied immediately, shifting the paper and mail aside as breakfast was brought through for them. He gave the House-elf a nod as Hadrian thanked Dobby. Seeing the surprise on his husbands face, he elaborated, "You have no idea how much your book has utterly terrified the pureblood's do you? They did extensive checks to see if what you said was true, and it came back as the truth, obviously, there has been a significant drop in arranged marriages since the book came out, Orion informed me that the rest of his siblings weren't being set up for marriage, not yet at any rate, they want to ensure they do not end up marrying them to anyone closely related."
"The marriage between Orion and Walburga definitely cannot be nullified," Hadrian stated, green eyes filled with fire, he knew the answer, and he just wanted confirmation so he could stop worrying.
"No," Tom agreed, he couldn't imagine growing up with someone, spending all their time together, knowing from an extremely young age they were to be married at their coming of age. Neither of them mentioned the contract or spoke about whether they were amendable or detested the idea, but they did get on, for most part. Like all others, they had times were they agreed and disagreed on certain things. He knew that wasn't why Hadrian was asking though, he just wanted peace of mind to know the only fatherly influence he'd ever had would still exist. Honestly, if anything happened, Hadrian would believe he had murdered him, which of course, wasn't the same as not being born. He didn't necessarily care, but it would hurt Hadrian, and nothing hurt his husband if it did, they answered to him. "No, the marriage cannot be broken." he didn't dare mention that they both might be reluctant to have a child.
"Dobby?" Hadrian called, as he ate his breakfast, minus the greasy fried bread and tomato, he wasn't in the mood for anything that heavy today.
"What can Dobby do for Master Hadrian?" Dobby asked as he appeared immediately, eager to do his Master's bidding, they worshiped the ground Tom and Hadrian trod on. Not only were they treated fairly, they were given leeway and gifts that no other of their kind usually received, fabric to make clothes, even materials to make sandals, time to themselves, a proper room, not only that but they were defended against all others who'd treat them harshly. The most important and awe-inspiring thing was the fact that his parents were allowed to have a family, with the assurance that any of the offspring wouldn't be sold it was in a contract written by Hadrian for their own peace of mind. The look on Hadrian's face when he found out why his House-elves were acting strangely when he returned had been scary to say the least. Then half an hour later, Hadrian had called them to him, informing them that they would NOT be forced to mate, to produce a child to sell off to the highest bidder, that if they wanted to they could, with the knowledge that they would all be together and safe. Master Hadrian had acted like a wounded bear for the rest of the day, until Master Tom calmed him down when he came home.
"Bring down my portfolio, please," Hadrian asked Dobby, his brow furrowed as he continued to investigate what Gringotts had brought, his O.W.L scores forgotten for the moment.
"Something wrong?" Tom queried his gaze shrewd, there something was he never asked the House-elves to get something he could get himself or summon for that matter.
"I don't know yet," Hadrian answered distractedly, "I need to check to see if I've remembered it wrong," it was awfully suspicious that there was hardly any profit being made, especially for such a big company, it was either in danger and needed financial aid, or someone was doing something they shouldn't. Which couldn't be possible, not within one month, no, something was going on and he and his goblin intended to find out.
"Masters portfolio, Sir," Dobby said, and giving a small bow he popped away, he knew his Master would have said by now if he was required to stay.
Hadrian immediately flipped through all his documents until he got to the ones he wanted to see, narrowing his eyes thoughtfully; he had known something wasn't right. Passing them over to Tom without a word and his incredibly intelligent wizard figured it out quite quickly, judging by the narrowing eyes and displeasure he could feel through the bond. "Have the House-elves take this to Gringotts immediately, have them investigate it, they know how to do it better than you or I could with finesse too. The fact he did not catch it is disappointing, make it clear that you expect such inconstancies caught, and if it happens again, you'll have another take over your account." Tom stated coolly, utterly disgusted by the blatant mistakes the goblins had made. It was both of their estates, the Slytherin-Peverell estate, but most of the paperwork got sent to Hadrian due to the fact he had started it all before their marriage. The others they had started up after their marriage came to both of them, they ended up in Hadrian's portfolio anyway, and it was much easier and simpler to keep them together.
Hadrian nodded in agreement, agreeing with Tom's suggestion; he'd rather not have any more to do with the issue except hearing that it was resolved. Summoning a piece of paper and a self-inking quill he began to write a professional letter to Gringotts, to anyone reading it he would have seemed much older than his supposed age. He did make his disappointment known; it would prevent screw-ups like this in future. If he caught it with everything else on his plate, the goblin should have, especially given that was all he had to do, he was in charge of the Slytherin-Peverell estate only, and he was well paid for it.
Tom drummed his fingers on the table as he waited; green eyes filled with amusement glanced up at him. "Open them if you're that desperate to know," he was teased, the only one who would dare to, well, that wasn't true anymore, Myrtle sometimes did it if she was feeling particularly playful, but it was admittedly very rare she would try with him. She must know he wasn't one to be messed with; somehow she must be able to sense his nature under the masks he wore at Hogwarts.
"Dobby?" Hadrian called three minutes later once his missive was written, he didn't bother sealing it, his goblin was well aware of his House-elves and his habit of using them to ensure his mail wasn't intercepted. His paranoia hadn't abated even here in the past, he felt quite guilty about using them like owls but not enough to stop. The House-elves liked having things to do, and it showed trust, so all in all the guilt wasn't too bad.
"What can Dobby do for Master Hadrian?" Dobby asked reappearing with a pop.
"Take this to Gringotts, the usual routine, no need to wait for an answer," Hadrian told him with a small smile, turning back to face the table and Tom he picked up his Hogwarts mail.
"Aren't you at least a little bit disappointed not to be elected Prefect?" Tom queried as Hadrian began to read his exam results, either that or the requirement list for the new school year.
"This time or during my last fifth year?" Hadrian queried, setting the mail aside scrunching up the envelope and levitating it absently over to the fire without conscious thought.
Tom blinked in surprise, "Both," he'd never tire of hearing about Hadrian's life as Harry Potter. Especially the small things that Hadrian didn't think were important until something came up about it. He could never get bored of Hadrian talking, not like he did with the others after a while. Although the complaints were less often these days, Hadrian had changed the way things were, but not to the extent they'd ever disobey him. His and Hadrian's (mostly Hadrian) laying into Avery after his display.
"Before…I was really jealous and angry, prefects are supposed to be chosen because they are smart, grades are very good and they could take care of the younger students." Hadrian said slowly between finishing his breakfast, "It was given to the stupidest guy in Gryffindor, Weasley was lazy, he couldn't care less about the younger years and his grades were the lowest out of all of us, Neville would have probably been the best out of all of us actually. So yeah, I was jealous of him, probably one of the two times."
"Neville?" Tom queried, thinking back trying to remember if he recalled that name.
Hadrian grinned shark-like, "Oh yes, you thought he came from Noble stock, that he was spirited and brave, offered to let him join the Death Eaters in fact,"
Tom contemplatively eyed Hadrian knowing what he'd say next would surprise him.
"He retorted that he'd join you when hell freezes over, when all looked lost, when everyone thought I was dead…" Hadrian admitted, green eyes glimmering in satisfaction. "He was loyal, and would have remained so to his cause to the very end." his pride evident, both on his face and through the bond. He was hoping that nothing like that would happen this time around. It was why he had ensured to besmirch Dumbledore's name as much as humanly possible.
"I think I remember who you are referring too," Tom nodded slowly, the pensive memories didn't become ingrained like your own memories, it's like watching a movie, you could and would forget parts of it, and continue to as time passed. If you watched everything repeatedly, you'd obviously remember it in great deal, enough so that you could say the words before they came. He'd only seen Hadrian's memories once, so yes, he felt hazy on a great deal many parts of what he'd been shown. Feeling the pride coming from him, he wasn't sure how to feel, jealous? Annoyed that it wasn't him? Happy that at least one person from his past (the future) hadn't let him down? Probably a combination of all three.
"As for now…no I'm not angry or jealous, I knew you would be picked as a prefect and will be the Head Boy, I told you, Slughorn thinks you're the second coming of Merlin," Hadrian chuckled wryly, "You have complete control over the Slytherin's so you're perfect for the position anyway."
It took Tom a few seconds to catch up on Hadrian's abrupt change of subject to their previous subject matter. Tom nodded, agreeing with him, he was best for the position; false modesty wouldn't become him, especially not for Hadrian who would just give him that smirk and sly look in those green eyes that had been there from the beginning.
"So, what do you plan to do today then?" Hadrian asked, they'd finished their homework four days into their holidays, between doing their homework and sex they hadn't been bored or outside for that matter until their second week. Which had ironically been quite busy, for both of them. Now here he was, going to a party, why the hell did the Malfoy's have to host one? He loathed the ass kissing; Tom was firmly in his element though.
"We have nothing to do until tonight," Tom said giving Hadrian a look of desire. "How about we appreciate the privacy while we can?" he added suggestively. He would never get enough of Hadrian, each time he half expected it to dull down but it was never, ever that way.
"You won't have that excuse in a year's time," Hadrian said, unconsciously licking his lips, drawing Tom's attention to them.
"Who says you'll be coming with me?" Tom asked eyes gleaming victoriously, knowing he was talking about the Head Boy room that came with the title, one of the many benefits.
Hadrian laughed, standing up and sauntering over to Tom, "Oh? Decided you've had enough of me?" he teased, knowing that it wasn't true, he would feel it through their bond which was as strong as ever. "Maybe we should spent more time apart." he breathed the words into Tom's ear before he laughed as he was grabbed around the waist and found himself on Tom's lap.
"Don't even think about it," Tom declared possessively, before kissing Hadrian, it was all teeth, bruising force, passion and a clear demonstration that they were enough for each other. He never wanted to be parted with him; a few years ago he would have sneered at any such display convinced it was a weakness, that he didn't need love in his life. He'd been a young naïve fool.
Panting softly, Hadrian whispered seductively, "It's too bad you decided to attend Nott's party last night,"
Tom's eyes flared, desire coiling within him, "You have no idea how difficult it was to pay any sort of attention to my surroundings," he confessed, he'd felt absolutely everything through the bond, his awakening desire and arousal, Hadrian had taken his sweet time, causing him as much bloody backlash as possible. It was a good thing he had so much self control for when Hadrian had came undone it had almost caused him to follow and that was just through the bond. "I was very tempted to return earlier and bind you into bed and have my wicked ways with you until came undone." make Hadrian think twice about doing it again without him.
"Oh? How exactly did you imagine that while you were preoccupied?" Hadrian teased, green eyes gleaming wickedly, he had known what he was doing to Tom but he couldn't bring himself to regret it. Last night when he returned had been…one of the most intense nights thus far, they hadn't even gotten to bed, he'd been in the shower when Tom returned…he wasn't sure he'd be able to shower again without getting a hard on for ages.
"How about you and I find out exactly what I imagined?" Tom stated in return, his fingers possessively stroking along Hadrian's throat and spine in slow sensuous moves.
"As lovely as that would be…" Hadrian trailed off significantly, "We can't, I have to go and find something to appease the Malfoy's when we visit, it would be rude to go without a gift. Perhaps if we leave early…." he said with purpose, a sly smirk stealing over his features, his eyes basically gleamed 'I win' before he stood up, putting distance between them as he reclaimed his seat, fishing out his Hogwarts letter, to see his results.
Tom groaned and sent Hadrian a withering glare, knowing he'd done that on purpose, well, he'd be sorely disappointed, they were going and they were staying until the end and that was it. He wasn't going to be blatantly manipulated with sex; he'd get what he wanted anyway once they got home. He knew just how to enflame Hadrian, make it so he was putty in his hands. He hid his smug smirk behind his goblet before drinking from it. His arousal and desire calming somewhat in the meantime, "How did you do?" he asked after a few moments.
"Sixteen outstanding grades," Hadrian said with vindictive amusement, take that Granger, he thought with pride. It was awesome to know that if he hadn't had distractions he would have done outstandingly well on all his exams. She'd gotten nine outstanding and one exceeded expectations, he had successfully beaten her, the so called brightest witch of her age. If only he was able to throw that in her face. Admittedly there wasn't the same amount of classes available in that time, but that definitely didn't burst his bubble. He was very proud of himself, he'd worked hard he was entitled to it. He also didn't care that technically he wasn't sixteen years old.
Tom just shook his head in amusement, putting the pieces together without needing Hadrian to say anything. The vindictive amusement came from the fact he'd done so well, it wasn't aimed at him which made him deduce it was someone from his past. He would bet it was Hermione Granger; he hated the fact he would be required to wait so long to enact revenge on those who had hurt his husband. It was decades away, extremely unfair and he loathed having to wait for anything. Admittedly since Hadrian had come into his life he had felt much more at ease to let things come to him in good time.
"What exactly are you thinking of getting them?" Tom queried curiously, what did you get for a family that had everything?
"I don't know, I'll have a look around, worse comes to the worst I'll just given them a bottle from the cellar," Hadrian shrugged indifferently.
Tom choked, "For someone who doesn't care…giving them over a thousand galleon bottle of wine or whiskey will indicate otherwise,"
"Try ten thousand, most of the bottles down there could actually fetch more at auction," Hadrian corrected him, he didn't care though. "Especially considering that two of the companies have closed down," everyone drank alcohol perhaps he should invest in a few more breweries, wineries etc… he only had two he was invested in, or rather more accurately they'd already been invested in before he took over the accounts by one of the Peverells at least he was assuming so. It certainly explained everything in the cellar that was for damn certain.
Tom rose an eyebrow wondering just how Hadrian knew that when he wasn't one for drinking at all. That's not to say he didn't, especially when he was under immense strain, the night he learned everything sprang to mind. He shoved those thoughts aside, not truly caring how Hadrian knew, it wasn't important in the grand scheme of things.
"Are you coming?" Hadrian asked as he polished off the remains of his breakfast.
"I have a few things I need to do before we get ready to leave," Tom shook his head regretfully, he'd spend every waken moment with Hadrian if he could, but it wasn't to be.
Hadrian grimaced at the reminder, ugh, he did not want to attend this stupid function, wasn't it bad enough that he attended all Slughorn parties without having to endure worse ones during his summer holidays? Damn Tom and his manipulative tendencies, worse still he had a damn point! Still, he wasn't going to lick their shoes, Tom knew that, so what happened wasn't fully his fault; Tom knew he didn't want to go.
Tom just chortled quietly, used to Hadrian's sulking when it came to being in the public light.
"I better go," Hadrian grumbled, summoning his money pouch, giving Tom a lingering kiss before he Apparated.
-----------------------0
"One of these days I'm going to kill you," Hadrian protested, and he reluctantly made his way up the path to Malfoy Manor. The Portkey had dropped them off just past the wards, leaving them walking for over ten minutes to get to the actual manor, but the pathway was lit with dozens upon dozens of lanterns attached to poles.
"I believe you've already been there, done that," Tom commented, his voice condescending.
Hadrian stopped walking, warily looking around before glaring at Tom, "That wasn't very nice," he stated.
"Neither was you killing me," Tom pointed out dryly.
Hadrian pursed his lips, trying to keep his 'annoyed' façade on but failing miserably, against his will his lips twitched in amusement. "An argument could be said you committed suicide, twice," had they gotten to the point where they could actually joke about this stuff? He'd never saw himself in the creature that had been killed; it was odd hearing him admit it.
"I'll concede to your logic," Tom admitted, nodding his head, glad to have Hadrian's thoughts OFF this upcoming party for now.
"Good evening, young Masters, May Tisky be taking you cloaks?" a House-elf asked from the doorway.
Hadrian pursed his lips at the state of the poor thing, nostrils flaring in disgust, especially seeing the bruises adorning the House-elf. How many times had she or he been hit this evening by inconsiderate arseholes already? Removing his cloak, he did not give it to the House-elf instead he hung it up himself. "Thank you, but I think I can manage to put it up myself,"
Tom rolled his eyes, as he also did the same as Hadrian, not wishing to incur his wrath about the House-elves, he had a wild night planned for both of them, and doing anything remotely insulting to a House-elf would be a definite cock blocker.
"Dobby?" Hadrian called looking around unobtrusively.
"Yes, Master Hadrian?" Dobby answered, wondering again why it was that his Master always called him instead of his parents.
He would never know that Hadrian was more used to him than his parents and it was instinctive to call Dobby over them. Especially knowing just how loyal Dobby truly was and the attachment he had.
"Bring me a pain reliever and a bruise salve, immediately please," Hadrian said with a little urgency he couldn't be caught outright helping the House-elf not without causing it more pain he wasn't stupid.
Dobby didn't answer he immediately popped away, already having a funny feeling who and what it was for.
Tom just groaned he didn't know how Hadrian could care more for House-elves than anyone else (except him but that goes without saying).
Once Dobby returned, Hadrian crouched down, his eyes soft, knowing without a doubt that Dobby would be in this House-elves place if not for him. This one may have very well been in a happy home, like Winky, that may well be on him. "Take these and hide them in your…room, take a sip of the pain reliever and leave the salve to later, if you ever get caught you tell them the truth, tell them that Master Hadrian Peverell-Slytherin gave you them," throwing his name around, if it helped this unfortunate soul then he'd damn well do it.
"Yes, Master Peverell-Slytherin," Tisky muttered shyly a look of awe on his face, clutching the vials as if he was terrified they would disappear.
"Quickly go," Hadrian urged, standing up to find that Dobby was already gone again.
"You are soft," Tom said shaking his head.
"Only for certain things," Hadrian stated firmly, he wasn't about to change either.
Tom's lips twitched and he nodded sombrely already very much aware of that.
"Follow Tisky, I will take you to the Great Hall," the House-elf insisted the second he returned, already standing a little taller and easier, exuding gratefulness and excitement. "Masters Peverell-Slytherin," the House-elf introduced them as she must, causing everyone who was there to glance at the entrance in awe, curiously and familiarity.
"Thank you," Hadrian said once more uncaring that everyone in the room heard.
"I can take that Master Peverell-Slytherin," Tisky said demurely gesturing towards the tall box that was gift wrapped.
"Its glass so you might want to take care," Hadrian commented as he gave the House-elf it over, as their friends impatiently waited for them at the side of the Great Hall. They all ignored the whispers proceeding due to his kind nature towards the House-elf, very aware of Hadrian's feelings towards any and all abuse.
"What the hell is he doing being kind to it?"
"Father, please say nothing," Abraxas warned remembering his own experience. Hadrian would leave his father nameless by the time he was through, he'd only shown disgust at the House-elf and Hadrian had nearly gone feral and bit his head off because of it, he could only imagine how he'd feel regarding how his father treated the House-elf.
"It's not the proper decorum for purebloods!" he protested.
"Not all purebloods mistreat their House-elves, you know that," Abraxas pointed out, refraining from rolling his eyes at the aghast look on his father's face.
"Come, we must introduce ourselves to them," a tall beautiful blonde (different from the Malfoy' blonde of course) insisted, linking arms with her husband, dressed in a resplendent red dress with ruby and diamonds adorned her neck, wrists and ears. She couldn't deny she was curious about the two, they were gaining an extremely momentous amount of attention and fame, young too, and they would go far, both she and her husband knew it, thus the invite. She knew her husband would behave himself for that fame and fortune alone.
"Indeed we must," and with that Lord and Lady Malfoy began to make their way towards the Peverell-Slytherin couple, ready to begin a beautiful friendship that would be good for all of them.