"Hadrian? Why. Is. The. Pendant. In. An. Auror's. Investigative. Bag?" Tom asked, enunciating each word when it became clear that Hadrian remained quiet on that front. In fact, he looked like he was contemplating something, lying to him? Trying to worm his way around the truth? Or downplay it? He wasn't even meeting his eyes, instead, he was staring at the bag on the bed as if it had personally offended him. Which just confused Tom all the more.
Hadrian moved over to the bed, scooping up the bag, ripping it open and removing the pendant. A pendant that had caused so much trouble in just a short amount of time. He felt irritated that he hadn't even thought of it at the time. It had completely slipped his mind. "I forgot," Hadrian replied, his tone more thoughtful than anything else.
Tom followed Hadrian, his brow furrowed, eyes glinting determinedly, "Forgot what exactly?" he demanded, unable to curb his need to know. He wanted to know why the attack happened, why the pendant was in an evidence bag. Why the Auror's had been treating him like some suspect when he was the victim. He wasn't in the mood for anything else. He had gone through the emotional wringer last night. Even the curses and hexes he'd thrown hadn't completely helped him. It just took the edge off. Perhaps it was feeling the pain through the bond that irritated him so thoroughly. He did not like Hadrian being in pain, it brought forth emotions he couldn't deal with.
Oddly enough, the hardest part was being away from Hadrian. He'd had to return to St. Mungo's despite being just as useless there. Feeling only marginally better at being close to him. Not even Abraxas had been able to get him answers regarding what had happened.
"What this design meant," Hadrian revealed pensively. "It's not known as being the Peverell coat of arms, Tom, not even in my time…it's not even known as the sign of the Deathly Hallows bar a few…it is merely known…as a sign of Grindelwald, his supporters use this insignia," something he would have to change, and if it led to a confrontation with Grindelwald then he was all for it. The question was would it lead to a confrontation? Or would he just send people after him? He was all for ending the war, destroying Grindelwald but having to fend off a legion of his followers? No thanks. It wasn't like he knew where Grindelwald was, Scamander had ensured Grindelwald's arrest, that had been years ago, in New York. He'd somehow managed to break out and continue his cause.
Tom's nostrils flared as he realized what had happened in startling clarity. Those wizards had attacked his husband because of his gift. He dug his nails into the skin of his palm as anger tore through him. Grindelwald was using his husbands' coat of arms for his cause. Steeping it in suspicion and distrust, this would not do. "It must be rectified." he absolutely refused to let Grindelwald tarnish Hadrian's name like that.
Hadrian nodded in agreement, "Yes, I…have a plan, I just need to get a trustworthy journalist to publish my story in the Daily Prophet." it was the quickest way to garner the most readers, the most understanding from everyone. "My only concern is how Grindelwald will take it. If he sends people after us…we might not survive that, at least not in this time as us, I truly don't want to have to start all over again so soon." he was still getting over the fact he could just 'start all over again' whenever he wished. It wasn't something he tended to dwell upon, although he had no doubt it was the opposite for Tom who had long desired immortality.
'He will make his way directly from Germany to France in exactly half a year. After his current plans are well underway and can commence without him,'twice winces appeared on Tom and Hadrian's face at the abrupt entrance of Death, who as always, regaled them with the information they otherwise wouldn't get. 'From France, he plans on entering Britain, this you cannot allow, you must stop him in France.'
'It looks like there are some things that refuse to change, no matter what happens,'Harry mused wryly, for it had been in France that the Dark Lord Grindelwald had met his end in his old timeline. 'If we do this, then we must make the plans now so that it doesn't look like we went there for the purpose of defeating Grindelwald. More like being in the wrong place at the right time sort of thing,'
'Six months, that means it will be during Christmas,'Tom pointed out, 'It's doable, but we need to step up our training if that's the case. Maybe bring some of the others with us, and train them too if they're dueling is more than adequate'it would give them the motivation to better themselves if they wished to go.
'I think it's time to tell my publicist that I will go on a book signing tour, just in France during Christmas, that will give me the perfect opening, they'll pay for everything as well. They've been annoying me with suggestions on why it's a good thing to go on tour, that it would boost the sales,'Hadrian mused, smirking a little, he didn't care much for publicity, or going on book tours, he wasn't like Lockhart, he just wanted accurate information to be out there. He never thought he'd have a publicist but with the huge amount of mail and everything associated with books…it was immense and he wanted nothing to do with it and left it all for her to deal with. He would, of course, make it seem like her suggestion as well. Best to cover all grounds.
'Be careful, he does not fight fair, take at least five others with you'and with that last piece of advice, he waited and watched, gleaming visions of the most recent version of the future.
Tom and Hadrian glanced at each other, eyes gleaming with determination. They could do this, they would do this.
Once Death determined that all would be well, he extracted his presence from their minds, continuing to watch over his two favorites. Both of them had changed so much, greed hadn't consumed Tom's soul, leading to the destruction of it. Instead, with Hadrian there to tame the insatiable beast that he would become, and tame his ardent desire for too much too soon. Leading them to a bright, bright future. One with endless opportunities that they deserved. Tom's presence had also changed Hadrian, but it was less noticeable, and it wasn't just the matter of the heart. Much too soon, Death had to pull away to deal with the lost souls, violently ripped from life due to war.
"We must set up an interview soon," Tom declared, "Abraxas will know the perfect candidate for us," he determined.
Hadrian nodded conceding his point, Abraxas would know the best person to use. Hopefully someone within the political sphere in the Daily Prophet. "I'll go to the Ministry, get that hex taken off the bastard, you head home and contact Abraxas," he suggested, as he wrapped the pendant around his neck, he refused to stop wearing it because of their actions.
"No," Tom stated immediately, gripping Hadrian's wrist tightly, but not enough to cause pain. "We go together," he had no plans of letting Hadrian out of his sight for as long as possible.
"Alright," Hadrian conceded, knowing Tom wouldn't give in, he rarely did, but if he made a good argument he could get Tom to change his mind. Unfortunately, he knew this was one of the times where he wouldn't be able to give an adequate argument that would see Tom leaving.
A knock on the door caused Hadrian to sigh in irritation, damn bloody Aurors, they just didn't know when to leave well enough alone.
Upon opening the door, surprise flashed over Hadrian's face, it wasn't the Aurors' at all.
"Healer Yaxley," Hadrian said, giving him a nod of respect, cautious and curious to know why he was here. Was the offer he had on the table about to be withdrawn due to the recent rumors?
"Mr. Peverell-Slytherin, I heard about your recent…misfortune," Yaxley said, watching both of them closely, "I do hope it won't prevent you from giving some serious consideration to my offer." he had not written to anyone else, he had no desire to have anyone mediocre following him around. His boss wasn't quite happy with that fact, or that he was choosing someone so young either. He had been begged to reconsider, but he put his foot down.
Hadrian thought about it seriously, and very briefly, he knew he'd never work in St. Mungo's. There were too many people out there who couldn't afford medical treatment from the hospital. Whether there was a war or not. Then there was Tom and the others, it would be handy to have a healer in the group, just in cases. He wasn't stupid enough to think they weren't going to do questionable things. If and when they did, and they ended up hurt…he could take care of them. He still didn't know what he really wanted to do after he left school, he just knew what he absolutely would never do. So why not do this? The biggest question though, was could he do it? While he wrote his books? His books were just a hobby, a hobby that was gaining him some serious money, but still a hobby nonetheless.
"Is it full-time or part-time?" Hadrian questioned, his brow furrowed as he thought about it, it would be a serious undertaking that he had no doubt.
"Part-time, just three days a week," Yaxley explained, hope began to kindle within him. He was positive that Hadrian Peverell-Slytherin was like himself. A natural born healer. He was extremely smart, more so knowing that he had only known the magical world for a short time and had absorbed so much. He thought outside the box, asked the right questions, but until he had actual experience, he wouldn't know if his thoughts were correct. He tried not to get excited about it, and definitely didn't tell him, yet, just in case it turned out to be wishful thinking on his part. "It can be done less if need be."
"And is it contracted?" Hadrian queried.
"Yes, there is a contract, but it's more along the lines of work experience, it isn't paid work," Yaxley explained honestly.
"Okay, then I'd like to see the contract first before I make any promises, I would very much like to take on the work experience, but if anything I create during that time belongs to St. Mungo's I will not be able to take part," Harry explained seriously.
"Understood." Yaxley nodding firmly, he was smart enough to realize this beforehand, many were not, especially those that go into the experiments department. He would inform Hadrian that those sort of contracts were only for the experiment department but Hadrian would still want to read it. As he should. He had been taught well. Or he had taught himself well. "I shall send you the contract during my lunch hour, in a few hours, but for now I must depart, I have patients to see."
"That's fine, I have things to do anyway," Hadrian replied, and it was true. "I will write to you later, answering directly as to whether I can or cannot undertake this venture,"
"I look forward to hearing from you, Mr. Peverell-Slytherin," Yaxley bowed, "And it was a pleasure to see you both," nodding to each of them in turn before he made his exit, returning to the middle of the building before entering a room, which presumably held one of his patients.
Fingers intertwined with Hadrian's own, and they both exited the room, going in the opposite direction from Yaxley.
Hadrian smiled, clutching Tom's hand closely, gratitude and love flowing through the bond, no words were needed between them. During the conversation, there had been no jealousy or anger at the fact that Hadrian had been the sole focus of attention. Only pride and veneration at him and his accomplishments. If it had been anyone else there would have no doubt been anger and irritation at being overlooked. Yet with him, there was only encouragement and love, and Hadrian adored him for that. He wasn't used to anyone being happy for him, so to know that he was meant the world.
As soon as they stepped out of St. Mungo's they Apparated to the Ministry of magic, followed of course, by the Scamander and his partner.
--------------------------0
Two Days Later
"Marion Morrell will be here soon," Tom informed Hadrian, as he entered the sitting room. Making his way over to Hadrian, wrapping his arms possessively around him, to find Hadrian signing the contract from St. Mungo's. "Finally to your liking?" he questioned, a bit redundant since he had signed it. The first one had been very insulting, slyly making sure anything they published or created during their stint at St. Mungo's half of it would go to them. Tom had very nearly missed it himself, but when he had he was furious with their underhanded tactics. He was very tempted to tell Hadrian he should just tell them where to shove their apprenticeship. Where the don't sun don't shine, preferably.
Hadrian leaned in relishing the contact, "Yes, it's much simpler now, not that it matters, I won't be bringing any books or spells out during my time with them. I won't take that risk, regardless of whether the contract is different, it's only a few more months anyway, I can get send the book in once I've returned to Hogwarts." He explained, "I won't risk them taking me to court over it, so yes, once the contract is officially over, I'll send my manuscript in."
"Good," Tom murmured as he nosed around Hadrian's neck, biting provocatively, he'd never get enough of Hadrian or how smart and ruthless he could be. He truly couldn't stand St. Mungo's and all it stood for, their greed and the fact they did not help those who needed it the most. Personally he didn't understand it, much like his attachment to House-elves, he had seen that House-elf, Dobby, die for him and his friends, getting them to safety, he understood the logic behind it, distantly, but still, his desire to give them a good life baffled him. Baffled them all really. They were House-elves, they liked serving wizards.
He was sure there were things about him that baffled Hadrian, so it evened things out between them.
Hadrian closed his eyes and moaned at the feel of Tom sucking on his skin, leaving purple bruises in its wake. If he wasn't so aroused he would have been rolling his eyes at Tom's possessive behavior. He was underhandedly proclaiming Hadrian as his to the damn reporter that was coming. As if he had any attachment to her whatsoever. Well, that and the fact Tom just loved to leave those sorts of marks on him constantly, it truly aroused him like nothing else. Just seeing them sent a bolt of arousal through Tom, strong enough to actually affect him through their bond.
"What am I going to do with you?" Hadrian whispered as he looked up at Tom, green eyes gleaming happily.
"I know what I want to do to you," Tom stated, lips teasingly playing along Hadrian's lips before licking his bottom lip, seeking permission, before he moved to the side so that they were face to face instead of Hadrian straining his neck upwards to accommodate them. Both tongues danced an intricate dance, as they sought to take control. Tom's fingers absently massaging Hadrian's neck, working out the kinks that had appeared moments earlier Hadrian humming appreciatively in thanks.
Then, of course, something had to interrupt them.
A ding indicating someone was on the grounds. No doubt the reporter and her cameraman.
Hadrian groaned in silent irritation, Tom hadn't touched him since the attack, well, that was wrongly worded. He hadn't fucked him since the attack. That was two days and three nights since he had woke up that he had gone without. It was the longest he had gone without some action. Honestly, you'd think he'd nearly died or something, he had already healed but Tom was insistent on waiting. Not something he'd ever predicted would happen, emphasis on ever.
"Did you remember the official seal and coat of arms that you had tested at the Ministry of magic?" Tom questioned as he reluctantly pulled away completely. Why now? He thought in annoyance? Why now when there was someone coming did he suddenly wish to keep Hadrian to himself, get him up the stairs and show him who he belonged to? The desire to do just that was strong enough that he had to physically restrain himself by gripping the back of the chair. No, this interview was important. The world had to know that Hadrian wasn't evil or in the league with Grindelwald. Especially when it comes to what would happen in six months time. He knew how fickle the public could be, he didn't want them even thinking for a second Hadrian had done so just to take his place. So this had to be done right and in a way that had the public sympathetic towards them. Which meant going over things that were over with, in the past.
"Yeah, I got them this morning," Hadrian explained, standing up, moving everything out of sight that he did not want to be photographed and locked his drawers as well. "Where do you think would look best?" he added, gazing around the room with a critical eye.
"The fireplace," Tom stated immediately, both sides had lions perched protectively upon the Peverell coat of arms. Much like the posts at the entrance of their home, keeping it secure behind large gates. Not today, the gates were open, allowing the reporter entrance.
"I agree," Hadrian agreed as he looked over the fireplace. They hadn't changed much when he and Tom moved in, not wishing to steal from the original design. So, there was a possibility that the fireplace was, in fact, the original, dating back hundreds of years. One thing he did know was that it was his direct family that had used it before the Peverell name landed itself in obscurity. For the Gaunts would have most definitely used this place if it was legally theirs.
Hadrian, having made his decision, had the chairs moved towards the fireplace. Dimmed the fire a little so that it wasn't quite so hot to sit next to. For however long this interview would last. Absently giving a nod of appreciation and agreement with his own arrangements he felt another ping alerting him to the fact that they were close to the door.
Normally pureblood's had their House-elves answer the doors, it was unfitting of someone's station to answer they believed, but Hadrian wasn't like the others. In fact, Tom and he had gotten into an argument about it, but in the end, Hadrian had won, he refused to back down and use House-elves as tools. He was very capable of answering his own door thank you very much. As he left to answer the door, Tom just rolled his eyes heavenwards as if asking 'why me' why did he have such a stubborn husband who refused to bow down to his every whim?
But, of course, Tom wouldn't feel the way he did if Hadrian did just concede to his every demand.
Not that Tom paid any mind to such inconsequential thoughts.
The House-elves did indeed prepare a lovely lunch for them all and spread it out on the surface of the table nearest the seats by the fire at Tom's demand. None of the House-elves minded Tom's attitude, for he was not abusive, and they were in as awe of him as they were of Hadrian…well not quite so much, but it was enough to exasperate Tom nonetheless.
They no longer just had three House-elves, due to the expanding of well…everything, they needed more help on their lands. The potion ingredients that were grown, the herbs, the vegetables, the fruits, the plants and grass, the animals, and let's not forget the actual house. Eight House-elves was the total, for now, he suspected that Hadrian would call in more due to the fact he didn't want to 'overwork' the House-elves. Probably before they returned to Hogwarts yet again.
"Welcome to Peverell Manor, the interview will be taking place in the main sitting room, if you'll follow me," Hadrian's voice carried through the hall and into the room.
Tom gave the room a once over before straightening his robes, making sure they were pristine.
"You have a lovely home, Lord Peverell-Slytherin," Marion said reverently, as she tried to look everywhere at once clearly awed by what she was seeing. "Was it difficult to get this place up and running again after it was abandoned so long?" the reporter in her unable to help asking, any and all questions that flowed through her mind.
"Oh, please call me Hadrian, my name is quite a mouthful," Hadrian requested, she had done her homework if she was calling him Lord which pleased him, Abraxas was quite correct, she may just be the best one for this interview. "It was quite rundown, especially the land, the manor was in good shape, all that it required was an intensely good clean. The land itself was in good shape itself really, I was able to rescue many of the flowers and plants that had been planted here when the last of my family took residence here." thanks to his green thumb, the Dursley's had been useful for something after all.
"This is my photographer Jonathan Carrow, but have no worries we will request permission for each picture that's taken," Marion was quick to reassure him.
"This is my husband, Tom, Tom, this is Marion and Jonathan," Hadrian dutifully did what was expected of him, although leaving out their last names weren't done. "I had the House-elves make a lovely lunch for us to enjoy while we have this interview, I don't expect anyone to stand on ceremony, I'd rather not in the comfort of my own home," he revealed, giving a rueful smirk, he noticed Jonathan gave a smirk and side nod of his own, evidently agreeing with Hadrian. "Please, take a seat," he invited them as he took his own seat, knowing they wouldn't sit until the 'Lord' or 'Lords' of the home had claimed their own. Tom, however, was much slower at seating himself down, causing Hadrian to purse his lips a little to stop himself laughing. Tom would never change, and honestly? Hadrian rather hoped he didn't.
Once he and Tom were seated, Marion and Jonathan seated themselves as well, feeling distinctively wrong-footed at being treated as friends, rather than simply doing the interview and leaving. It took Marion quite a few moments to catch up with herself, and before long she began asking small questions as they ate the very delicious food. It was most certainly fresh and newly baked, exquisite to be sure.