Avery watched curiously as Dolohov enter the dining hall, a haughty pureblood grace surrounding him, just a step behind his mother. He knew for sure what this was about without his friend even having to say a word. Neither of his parents were surprised to see one of Avery's friends so early in the morning. It wasn't the first time and it most assuredly wouldn't be the last. Sunday was the only day they were allowed a lie in, but they had to be up before afternoon. At Hogwarts though, it was entirely different, they enjoyed having quite a long lie in when they could.
"Would you care for some breakfast?" Lady Avery questioned from where she perched herself lightly at the opposite end of the table from her husband, Lord Avery, who was eating breakfast, impatiently waiting for the newspaper. It was late, and he didn't do well when things did not go just so. He always read the paper with his breakfast before going to the Ministry. Now he wouldn't get to read the newspaper until he returned home or bought one during lunch.
"No thank you, ma'am, I just ate," Dolohov lied, the thought of eating after getting that letter well…it made him feel sick to his stomach. They hadn't seen either Tom or Hadrian since the attack or rather since they were 'punished' unfairly in his mind. He wasn't a damn babysitter, Peverell could look after himself for Merlin's sake. Mostly. So why the hell did he need to watch him every minute of the day. It wasn't their fault the idiot had been attacked, so why had they paid the price? He had not said that to Tom, of course, he wasn't completely suicidal. Tom had been in one hell of a mood, if any of them thought of saying anything remotely like that they would have been killed on the spot.
"Did you get a letter from Tom?" Dolohov asked, being careful. The lack of noise other than cutlery clinking didn't bother him, his attention was solely focused on Avery.
"Yes," Avery said, being proper in front of his parents instead of saying 'yeah' and rolling his eyes at Dolohov. Dolohov had been acting like a wounded bear, as if he had been the only one punished. He had deserved it, he'd sworn to shield Hadrian, fight for him, Hadrian's battles were his battles. He took his oath very seriously. He had come a long way from the early days, he'd realized that Hadrian was worthy of Tom and worthy of his admiration and staunch respect and support. He was going to bring the magical world into a new era. The spells he knew, had created, the books he brought out, the ones he was planning on bringing out. He wasn't sure whether the hell he got his smarts from. His parents and everyone he knew was in awe of him, and they too, knew Hadrian was going to be renowned. It's why they all wanted to be friends or acquaintances with him. Not that it worked, Hadrian was very peculiar who he took a shine too. Myrtle was a shining example of that, she was just a scared runt when he began to befriend her. Honestly, he'd been furious and disgusted that Hadrian wanted to associate with her. Yet Hadrian had somehow known she had the potential to be better. Now she was the top of her classes, took shit from nobody, and she gave some bloody awesome gifts.
The only useless one he reckoned was Hagrid he couldn't help but think derisively. At least Hadrian didn't go out of his way for the disgusting half-giant. Dolohov was in a similar position than he had been, the quicker he realized they were better for it…the easier it would be for him. Perhaps he should take pity on him and tell him. He hadn't been part of it from the beginning so…yes, perhaps it would be best. He had gone through some serious pain before sense had been knocked into him.
He obviously couldn't do it here, not with his parents around.
"Finally!" Lord Avery stated, as he gracefully stood up, making his way towards the window having felt the owl enter his wards. He opened it, gazing into the distance, a nondescript barn owl flapping its way towards the manor. It had a newspaper clutched in its talons, "I have half a mind to complain, this is a disgrace!" he informed his wife seriously, as if it were late by days rather than merely ten to fifteen minutes at the most.
"Quite right, dear," Lady Avery replied, dabbing her mouth as he stared at her husbands back for a few moments before going back to eat seeing he was through complaining for the moment. More than used to her husband's obsessive-compulsive need to do everything just right.
Aiden ate his food quicker than usual, getting away with it due to his father's preoccupied state. Ignoring the amused yet stern look his mother was giving him. "Come on then," he told Dolohov after clearing off his plate and wiping his mouth. "I'm going to Peverell manor, I'll be home in time for dinner." he promised his parents, they already knew he was leaving but he always told them again just before he left and when he would be home.
"Dear Lord!" Lord Avery muttered, eyes wide as he almost lost his balance as he walked towards the dining table.
"Be careful," his mother said, as she always did.
"I will, I promise," Avery reassured his mother, giving Dolohov a shove in the direction of the living room. Trying to get out hastily before his mother said anything else or embarrassed him.
"Did you know your friend was going to do this?" Avery senior asked his son, both of them very much alike.
"Do what?" Avery paused, craning his neck back to see what had his father up in a tizzy. "What's going on?" he turned around, leaving Dolohov standing there as he made his way to his father's side.
On the front clearly blazoned across half the page, were pictures that had been taken of Peverell manor, as well as the pictures of the documents confirming Hadrian's story. That the sign Grindelwald was using was stolen from the Peverell family.
"He's gone and accused him of line theft?" Avery choked out, eyes wide, not sure whether to be horrified or amazed by Hadrian's balls. Why the hell would anyone deliberately wind up Grindelwald? He was quite vicious! His death count…was up in the millions. "Bloody hell, what were they thinking?"
"Wait…what did you say?" Dolohov blurted his eyes larger than a House-elves now. He too stumbled towards Avery, wanting to see with his own eyes. Surely, they had to be mistaken, there was no way Tom would let such a thing happen. It would just paint a target on his back, one he wouldn't be able to get off, especially if Grindelwald won! Swallowing the bile at the back of his throat, he stared at the newspaper eyes unseen. He could scarcely believe what they'd done. He was tempted to wash his hands of them and just hide himself away until it all blew over.
"He did accuse him of line theft," Avery pointed out, reading the line.
'Yes, the Peverell coat of arms was shrouded in mystery, mostly due to the fact everyone thought the line had died out. I was attacked by wizards for merely wearing my own crest. When a wizard cannot do that, then there is something seriously wrong. The Aurors' themselves thought I had joined Grindelwald! Which Is ludicrous really, I was attacked by him and nearly died,' the wizard exclaimed, giving us a list of the injuries sustained in both attacks. 'When I realized what had happened, I knew I would have to set out to rectify this, I will not let Grindelwald commit line theft, and besmirch my name and all my line stands for'
Avery senior cleared his throat at the list of injuries sustained when he first appeared in Hogsmeade. "How on earth did he survive?" those kinds of injuries should have killed him. He was in a magically induced coma for a long time, too. Considering he had used wish magic…he should have been utterly spent, yet he had the magical reserves to continue fighting for his survival? It was mindboggling, really, he wasn't a wizard who did not believe in strong wizards either.
"He's extremely powerful, father, I don't think there's a scale that could record just how much magic both he and Tom have." Aiden admitted, they'd probably break it in all honesty. The Cruciatus Curse he'd been under was the single most painful thing in his life. Both Tom and Hadrian had to be equals since he can't honestly say Tom's was more powerful or Hadrian's was for that matter. Time could play into the matter in having him forget just how painful it was. At least he'd put things right, his sister was due to get married next year after a lengthy courtship. Not many people realized he had an older sister, his parents saw it as an embarrassment to have a daughter before a son and heir.
Avery senior nodded, he was already aware of the influence those two boys had. Aiden had almost cost them everything and the Peverell-Slytherin's weren't even out of Hogwarts yet. The best was yet to come where they were concerned. It was why the Malfoy's were so keen to get him on side. It wasn't working, them trying though seemed to amuse Mr. Peverell-Slytherin enormously. Aiden had corrected his oversight, by swearing allegiance to the Peverell line. Forever connecting them together, with much tighter bonds than the Malfoy's could hope to accomplish. He still didn't know what exactly had happened, nobody would speak of it, whether they just didn't want to reveal it, or couldn't well he just didn't know.
Aiden read the pages, the damn interview was four pages long. He wasn't surprised Hadrian had managed to insult Grindelwald over a dozen times either.
'The belief that wizards are superior to Muggles is laughable, we can see the damage they're doing to their own world right now…can you imagine what they will be able to do in a centuries time? We've got a nation dropping bombs, wizards and Muggles alike dying…two tyrants trying to take over the world at very nearly the same time…one a Muggle one a wizard and both their times will come'
'It sounds to me like you're deliberately goading a very powerful wizard, Hadrian,'
'Grindelwald is powerful yes, just like Dumbledore was, just like I am, just like Tom is, everyone with a wand has the capacity to be' Hadrian explained simply. 'Grindelwald only seems so undefeatable because of his fanatical followers. They are the ones doing most of the work for him. Without all his followers he will be just but one man.'
'I see you haven't denied my inference for deliberately goading him,'
'I wouldn't say deliberately goading him, let me ask you this, are you proud of your lineage?'
'Yes, very much so.'
'Exactly, I am too, I just want my name to be remembered, like everyone. I've written books, created spells, invented potions, and I am still in Hogwarts, still a student. I have an apprenticeship within St. Mungo's…now I found out my name is being tarnished, it's not something I wish to tolerate. It isn't just my reputation on the line here if it continues, Tom's would be too' Hadrian explained all too honestly. 'We have ambitions…life goals, having this come out then could have been detrimental to both of our careers. I won't let a dreamer like Grindelwald to destroy that'
Aiden winced, Hadrian was blatantly calling Grindelwald a dreamer. Damn, he was definitely goading him despite his words he realized. Honestly, Hadrian had more guts than self-preservation he reckoned.
"That boy is going to get himself killed," Avery senior stated in a clipped manner. Upon reading the next statement. The worst thing was, having read the book, he knew the bloody blighter was right.
'It's like watching a toddler throw a temper tantrum when he didn't get what he wanted' Hadrian replied. 'He's missing common sense, there are billions of Muggles in the planet, what does he intend to do? Put them all under the Imperius curse because they didn't bow down to him? or kill everyone off? Until what? We've interbred so much that witches can no longer get pregnant and human life ceases to exist?'
"You are going to be late for work," Lady Avery informed her husband with no small amount of amusement.
"Blast it!" Avery senior cursed, "I assume you'd like to read it my dear?"
"Of course," she replied, she would be Floo called all day, the gossip would be quite spectacular considering everyone's reactions thus far. Her husband never stood up to read the newspaper and never once forgot the time.
"Then I will buy another copy on my way to work," Avery senior declared, handing over the paper reluctantly, he wished to remain and continue reading the intriguing interview. He had a way with words, and most definitely didn't sound the same age as his son. Giving his wife a kiss on the cheek, "I'll see you both later, and it was nice to see you Dolohov," he added, saying it as it was expected rather than with any feeling.
"Thank you, Sir, have a good day," Dolohov replied, as if reciting from a book. He knew how to act, especially around his friend's parents. Anything less than that his parents would ground him and force him to take etiquette lessons again. Not something he was going to endure, no sir. It was the most awful thing in existence and he still held his parents personally responsible for the horror of it.
"We're going now!" Avery explained, quite eager to find out what exactly Hadrian was planning. Or rather what both Tom and Hadrian were planning, since obviously something was up.
Dolohov scowled as he stared at the fireplace, his reluctance to go was so tangible that Avery had to stop himself snorting.
"Come on," Avery sighed, grasping a handful of the Floo-powder from the fine china bowl at the side of the fireplace. "Honestly, it's over and done with, it's not like it's going to happen again." once again refraining from rolling his eyes at the wizard. It made him wonder embarrassingly enough, if he had been that way himself. Nudging him into the fireplace, which easily housed both of them.
Calling out the name of Peverell manor, which only worked when the network was open, but Hadrian and Tom always had it closed. Which meant they could get Floo calls, but anyone trying to Floo in was met with a headache and lurched back into their own home. Oh, add a sore back to the list of aches when one was rejected from the Floo Network.
"Morning," Aiden called out as soon as they stabilized themselves, noticing that Hadrian was watching them closely. It was almost as though he was making sure they were alright. "How are you feeling?" he asked Hadrian, he looked much better than the last time Aiden had seen him.
"I'm fine," Hadrian reassured him, opening his mouth to ask how he was before closing it with a snap. Perhaps it was best if he didn't ask. He could do without Tom pouting all day, well, his version of a pout anyway. "Hungry?" he asked them both, as he ate the rest of his breakfast. Tom was unsurprisingly already having eaten quickly, in order to read the newspaper.
Avery shook his head, "Just ate," he informed him. Tom seemed in a much better mood today, which boded well for all of them. In fact, if he didn't know better he would say he was in one of the best moods he'd seen. If that were the case…he couldn't help but ponder on why he was in such a good mood. He didn't ask though. Avery moved over to the couch and plonked himself down, absently picking up the newest publication of Potions Weekly.
Avery got himself lost in it, while he waited, barely noticing the others coming, at least not until Orion plonked himself down next to him.
All conversation cut off when Tom cleared his throat, his chair scraping out as he observed them all.
Like a king staring down his subjects Hadrian thought with some amusement. Fourteen-year-old him would have been horrified, disgusted, but he wasn't that naïve little boy anymore. Those watching Tom right back, should probably be thanking him on bended knee. If he wasn't there and Tom went down his path…it would have been a painfully long pitiful one. For most of them, since he knew not every single supporter Tom had right now became Death Eaters. Orion and walburga Black were definitely not Death Eaters, but if Sirius was to be believed, they had believed in his goals. The only Black Death Eater had been Regulus.
"During Christmas break Hadrian and I will be going to France," Tom spoke, his usual charm on full force. "During that time, everyone will be under the impression that Hadrian is there for the sole reason of signing copies of his books. Doing a book tour," an unimpressed sneer on his face. Not at the thought of it, well not fully, but at the thought of Hadrian needing such a thing to sell books.
Everyone's eyebrow arched in synchronisation, staring intently, wondering where this was going.
"What is really going to happen will be the end of Grindelwald's reign." Tom stated sharply, looking each of them in the eye. Showing each and every single one of them that he was very serious about the matter.
Orion Black retained eye contact, quite confidently. Dolohov glanced away quickly but the rest of him screamed surety in his own skin and abilities. Avery listened intently, wanting to know everything, he knew there was a reason this was being revealed. It was quite a simple logic that told him that Tom would need them. Nott was the one who didn't give anything away, his eyes carefully blank. Lestrange though looked positively gleeful, like Avery he suspected what was to come.
"These aren't students you'll be shaking down," Hadrian stated sharply, seeing Lestrange's visible excitement. "It's dark wizards, ones who wouldn't think badly for a second in taking down students who aren't even out of school yet. Overconfidence will get you killed if you do not reign yourself in. It would end most of your lines, seen as you're the only male heir!" hitting them where he knew it would hurt. Orion was the only one who had a brother, a younger brother who could take on the mantel of Lord Black if anything happened. Not that he'd let it, after all, Orion was Sirius' father.
That certainly sobered them up.
"I am not just taking anyone, I only want the best of the best to come with us," Tom continued, silently agreeing with Hadrian on his words to them. "We will be training those who wish to come, in the end, come Christmas I will reveal who is accompanying us."
"If anyone tries to sabotage the others…they are automatically disqualified, this isn't the time for personal gain through sneakiness." Hadrian added, addressing them all. Giving them a knowing look. He didn't need to read their thoughts to know that this would be a road they wanted to go down. Trying to sabotage each other in order to step up the ranks. "Just because you aren't picked we won't think any less, we just need to know those who come will come home alive and well at the end of the day. You'll still be one of us." Dumbledore had said they were the weak seeking protection, the greedy wanting shared power and to cause damage and pain to others. Not in those words admittedly, but Hadrian had believed it. Looking around the room, Hadrian realized, it wasn't quite true, none of these people were weak, they had their own power and were being cunning enough to realise that Tom was going places in future and wanted to be part of it. They wanted to be part of something greater than just being a Lord and starting a family when the time came. They were dying to be accepted, to be better than the rest of Hogwarts. With most of them not having siblings, the only bonds they had were to each other.
Tom watched the effect those words had on the others, watching as they unconsciously relaxed despite the challenge presented before them. They might not show much in the way of emotion. Which made it difficult for him to read them, difficult yes, but not impossible. In Hogwarts it was more difficult, they had their masks up fully, but here? Here they let their guards down a little. Less so today, probably due to his…actions the last time they had been in his presence. Perhaps they would be able to pull off the impossible and have the others trained in the way they needed them by Christmas. Observing them again, finding it all very Interesting, very interesting he would allow Hadrian to have his way. If it didn't work, he knew he'd be able to put the fear of Merlin into them.
"It won't be easy to just leave the country…" Avery pointed out pensively, giving a concern many of them would face. "Even if it's only to France. With the war and everything, our parents would need more than just a couple of days warning to warm to the idea." by warm to the idea relentless begging they'd need to do in order to accomplish their goals. He knew his father would agree, but his mother was a tad bit overprotective. It would take him weeks maybe months of badgering to get her to agree. His father wouldn't disagree either, he'd go along with her desires.
"True," Hadrian conceded thoughtfully, "I suppose all of them actually coming to France isn't a bad idea, but not to the battle." that unfortunately, would be difficult to ensure that those who weren't to come didn't sneak by with them. It was the sort of thing he would do. Thus, he wouldn't put it past the others to do the same thing. "Give credence to 'wrong place wrong time' sort of thing, after all everyone didn't always agree to something so the others keeping back would aid them.
Tom snorted, surprising even himself when the noise left his throat.
Hadrian smirked, having no doubt that they were having similar thoughts, they were alike he and Tom.
"Are you sure it will be required?" Tom asked grudgingly, his focus solely on Hadrian.
Hadrian sobered, "I'm pretty sure that most parents don't let their kids leave the country at the last minute saying yes, even more so during a war. Even if it's going to be to a property of ours when we look through some of the places available on the market." he had already told Tom last night that the best time to buy properties was during turbulent times, so he had every intention of getting as many properties as he could. Most would be used as an income, renting it out to anyone who wanted it. Others though, would be kept solely for him and Tom, or any of their friends if they wished. France though would be where they began.
Tom barely refrained from rolling his eyes, honestly, parents were more annoying than they were worth. Regretfully until they were out of Hogwarts, he had to be aware of their limitations. Which of course, meant considering their parents, a resigned sigh passed his lips. "Very well," he had to admit though, if only to himself and Hadrian, it wasn't the worst plan in the world.
"Is there a specific number of people you want to accompany you?" Dolohov asked astutely.
"What do you think, Tom, ten people in total?" Hadrian mused at the same time as Dolohov spoke.
"Perhaps," Tom agreed thoughtfully, "I'll speak to a few others when we return, only then will I give an accurate answer."
"Then I should hold off on buying any property until we know," Hadrian pointed out, "Which leaves us with less time than I'm comfortable with to get a property, but there's not much we can actually do about it." He conceded.
"How many of us do you have in mind?" Dolohov asked yet again, irritation brewing within him at being ignored. "For fighting," he clarified, completely forgetting that his first question had been answered before his question had been fully out.
"At least five," Tom's tone held a thinly veiled warning.
Tom glanced at the newspaper with a smug smirk. The table had been wiped clean by the House-Elves.
"You accused him of line theft?" Avery choked out, eyes wide, not sure whether to be horrified or amazed by Hadrian's balls. Finally, finally able to get the words out he'd been choking on since he Floo called over. Seeing the glance at the paper, gave him the opening to discuss it. Why the hell would anyone deliberately wind up Grindelwald? He was quite vicious! His death count…was up in the millions. "Bloody hell, that's a way to get him to come to you." assuming they were setting all this up to get rid of him.
"That's not why I'm doing it," Hadrian frowned, his tone grim, "I was attacked for wearing my own damn coat of arms, for Merlin's sake. I will not allow it to happen again. The newspaper has been distributed across the globe in over a hundred different languages to ensure it gets to all the corners of the world." He couldn't tell them that Dumbledore was in Azkaban and he was the one to previous defeat Grindelwald now could he? Or that he was taking care of Grindelwald to save lives AND ensure both he and Tom got the public/wizarding world under their thumbs, looking at them with rose tinted glasses.
"Remind me again…never to piss you off," Nott said in awe of Hadrian's daring. They'd seen it, quite often actually, but damn, this was…this was a whole other game. Incurring the wrath of Grindelwald. A guy who was kicked out of Durmstrang Institute for using Dark Magic, a school famous for its tolerance for it. He must have terrified the professors to have them kicking him out. Imagining the kind of wrath, he was capable of actually made him feel very afraid.
"That was the reason you were attacked by those bloody guys?" Orion blurted out, "I had been wondering," he admitted shaking his head ruefully. It wasn't in the newspapers, well, the reason why hadn't been until today apparently.
How did you feel regarding the most recent attack upon your person?
'At the time, deeply confused, to me they weren't making any sense. They were just talking about making me pay. There was no talking to them, I couldn't get a word in edgewise when they began to curse and hex me.' Hadrian revealed his brow burrowed. 'That many against me, I was honestly surprised I could keep up with them, but I managed but not without further injury.'
"Has Abraxas been able to find out what's going on at the Ministry?" Aiden asked, knowing that Hadrian and Tom would know if there was more information to be had.
"They're remanded in custody until their hearing, their lawyer made sure it was the Ministry and not Azkaban, citing that it might take months until they got a court date and they were 'vulnerable' right now." Hadrian said, a scowl on his face, eyes gleaming darkly. He wasn't best pleased, but considering all potential results, at least they were still behind bars. If he had his way, they would remain so for at least a few years. Let them think on that before they went around attacking people for nothing. The fact all the purebloods were rallying behind him was making him feel…a kindred spirit, a belonging, one he hadn't experienced before. especially when compared to how Dumbledore was during the summer before his fifth year.
"Abraxas reassures me that they will get at least two years," Tom informed them, "He has been looking through recent cases, and that seems to be the general consensus from the council and wizengamot."
"The council of magic and the wizengamot work together?" Hadrian leaned over to whisper the words to Tom, his brow furrowed.
Tom blinked at the question, glancing briefly at Hadrian, seeing the confusion. "In terms of hierarchy the council of magical law is inferior to the wizengamot. The wizengamot is the High Court. The magical law trials are extremely short by comparison, the accused is only allowed to give their own testimony before a panel of judges who then pronounce judgement."
"Maybe I shouldn't have given that book a miss," Hadrian winced at his ignorance. His magic shimmering around him, cloaking both of them in silence as he stated indignantly. "I thought the wizengamot was all there was to it. I was tried by a full body of wizengamot members for underage magic! Before my fifth year at Hogwarts!" he'd had no idea, they were the equivalent of the damn High Court!
Tom nodded, "I am fully aware of that," it had surprised him seeing them all there for a simple trial for underage magic. It had been a stitch up from the get go, there was little doubt about it. That's without the whole 'Umbridge' thing being called into question. "I still have a copy of the book, you can read it tonight." knowing Hadrian had finished one of his books last night he'd probably dive right into it. Hadrian hated having to ask for clarification on anything. Which was why he had been so surprised by the question moments ago.
"Thanks," Hadrian murmured the spell shattering into a thousand pieces at Hadrian's own willpower.
"I still can't believe you goaded Grindelwald," Avery admitted, shaking his head, all of them seemed to be reeling from the days interview.
"How did your parents react?" Hadrian asked wishing for a honest reply.