Chapter Text
November 1991
It was hard to believe the amount of danger his sons were already exposed to but James should have prepared himself for what Henry’s enrollment in Hogwarts entailed.
So sinful or not, he prayed that whoever almost caused Henry’s death that day paid for his deed.
He would gladly break the bastard’s neck if it meant protecting his son from whoever wanted to see him harmed.
Lily was reading an ancient Charms book, looking for the spell that caused Henry’s broom to act strangely.
Sirius was leaning on the chair facing him, his grey eyes looking at the flames unseeingly.
James studied his face, gauging his reaction to what transpired that afternoon. Whenever something happened to the kids, Sirius was found anxiously fussing and cursing.
That night, however, he was silent. Too silent for James’ liking.
“Padfoot?” James started.
Sirius’ gaze lifted to him and he could tell right away that whatever news he learnt were not good.
His face was too pale and his expressive eyes had lost their brightness.
It was a look that struck fear in James’ heart and provoked concern.
He knew that look well, as he was familiar with the loving, great friend and father beneath the gruff Lord Black’s exterior.
It reminded him of the time they were sixteen and Sirius ran away from his Grimmauld Place, almost losing his mind and his link to the Ancestral House.
“The old fox is sick,” Sirius clutched the arm of the chair upon which he sat; the Griffin’s carving biting into his palm.
James felt a flash of sympathy and…fear. He knew how much Hadrian cherished Arcturus, how much he respected the previous Lord Black and sought his advice.
In a way, Arcturus filled the gap Fleamont’s death left.
The sarcastic old man was a great mentor that deplored ignorance and frailty and insisted that every Heir of his House must be well educated and stripped from any weakness his enemies could exploit later.
James couldn't help but admit that Arcturus was the one that shaped Hadrian’s personality and made him a stellar young wizard.
He was the one that added that bit of coldness and viciousness that characterized all members of the Black family.
Lily blinked and it took her a moment to understand what Sirius had said.
“Even from his sickbed, the scourge refuses to admit that he’s months away from embracing Death,” Sirius said disgustingly but he couldn’t fool James, he knew him so well. “I wonder if he believes himself to be the second coming of Merlin. He’s but an old fart.”
Sirius slammed his fist down the table beside him, sending Firewhisky sloshing from his glass.
Lily stood hurriedly and hugged their friend. her green eyes were watery and sad. “It’s alright, Sirius. You’re not alone. We’ll be there with you when the time comes. You're allowed to worry and cry and vent.”
“But…” Sirius squeezed his eyes shut. “He won’t let me tell Hadrian and you know how much he’s attached him, Merlin knows why. And then…you saw what happened today. It has started, Lily. The boys are already in danger. The fool can’t run away now, Hadrian needs him. I…Maybe I'll need his advice later.”
Dread clutched James’ chest but he fought back the unwelcome feeling. His proud friend and brother didn’t need to be coddled and told lies.
So, instead of comforting him, he forced a teasing smile on his face. “I thought you couldn’t wait to get rid of him. He’s been nagging you for years and pointing at your imperfections.”
For a moment he feared his words had not penetrated, but slowly the haze of fear and grief started to dissipate from Sirius'stormy eyes.
When Padfoot glared at him, he saw his old friend: the cheerful and reckless Sirius Black that would rather face a nesting dragon than admit to a weakness.
Innocently, he added. “Who could’ve guessed how much you love Arcturus with the amount of whining and cursing you’ve been giving us headaches with for years.”
Sirius let out a loud snort. “You’re a bastard, Prongs. Don’t you dare accuse me of such blasphemy. Merlin knows the old fox would have the last laugh if he hears you,” he shook his head and patted Lily’s arm, telling her silently that he was better.
She kissed his forehead and then winked at James. “You have nothing to fear. I’m sure that Arcturus knows,” she snickered.
Sirius gasped. “Lily!” then to James he hissed. “Look at what you’ve done. You ruined Perfect Miss Evans with your jokes and half-truths.”
Lily dimpled with pleasure. “Why, thank you, Sirius. But so you know, I’m still perfect.”
The three friends burst out laughing, forgetting momentarily about what the future held for their family.
The apoplectic rage that simmered under his skin rivalling in its hotness the breath of a thunderous Chimera was something Hadrian couldn’t prevent.
Anger was the only feeling he could summon if he wanted to keep his sanity.
He had almost lost his brother and the perpetrator was closer than predicted.
“Whoever did this is bolder than expected,” Cassius said disgustedly.
“Sweet Salazar, he’s dauntless I’ll give him that. If I were him, I’d have cornered my prey in a secluded corridor instead,” Flora snorted.
Adrian rolled his eyes. “We’re not in the mood for your murder plots, Flora. There’s an intruder in Hogwarts and we have to catch him at once.”
Graham cleared his throat. Being the broody, silent one Hadrian has always valued his input. “But we should be thankful for his recklessness because he revealed himself before it was too late.”
Cassius nodded. “You’re right, mate. I think that his arrogance made him commit this deadly mistake.”
“And as a proud snake, we shall start the hunt,” Hestia clapped her hands with so much enthusiasm.
Sensing the familiar Aura of the Black Magic, Hadrian’s anger returned and his eyes narrowed.
He leaned back in his chair and waited patiently.
“My Merlin,” Marcus sighed. “I’m knackered so please, make it quick.”
“I can’t promise that but I’ll try,” Hadrian smiled tightly.
The first years were returning from the library, chatting and discussing their classes, the last Quidditch match and the undone homework.
Hadrian’s eyes veered toward the flash of silver-blond hair and his expression hardened.
There was nothing reproachful in what he planned but he felt a small twinge of guilt nonetheless.
Draco was in a way his responsibility, his ward and as an older wizard it was his duty to guide him.
Persuading him might have been made easier though had he not been tainted by Lucius Malfoy’s filthy beliefs.
Remembering the slippery Death Eater served as the last push he needed to give Draco a lesson he needed if they had any hope of redeeming him.
Looking forward to the confrontation he knew was about to commence, Cassius relaxed on his chair and met Draco’s perturbed gaze with a mildly amused one of his own.
Among all The Court members, the Warrington Heir was his closest friend. He was always attuned to his mood swings and never failed to understand him.
“Leave the common room. Malfoy, stay,” Hadrian ordered succinctly. His voice was a drawn sword ready to slice.
Eyes snapped open and faces paled. As the King, he was known for his mild temper, he solely got angry or lost his temper.
“But—‘’ Draco stuttered, his eyes pleading with his yearmates to land him a helping hand.
Parkinson dragged Goyle and Crabbe by the arms begrudgingly, Nott and Zabini shrugged and took the stairs at once.
However, Hadrian noticed the flush of pleasure on Davis’ face. She whispered something to a stoic Greengrass then smiled.
Even though he didn’t interact much with the first years, Hadrian had noticed how cool the Greengrass Heiress was.
She seldom smiled or interacted with other students other than Davis, Zabini and Nott.
Something seemed to be occupying her mind at all times, which made him wonder if she was uncomfortable in their House.
The two girls left in a swash of robes and all that remained was a pale Draco Malfoy cornered by the King, his right hand and his most trusted.
“Draco, do you know why I singled you out?” Hadrian tried, giving him a tiny chance.
“I—I have no idea. I did nothing wrong,” Draco braved out, lifting his chin defiantly.
“Merlin…” Marcus muttered under his breath.
Hadrian waited, no response just a slightly amused expression. When the blond started squirming under his scrutiny, he smiled.
“My father will—“ Draco tried.
“He won’t,” Hadrian finally stood. “Your father has no power here. He’s nothing but a vile man and a shameless wizard who wouldn’t take responsibility for his hideous actions.”
“You—how dare you…” Draco shouted, forgetting momentarily where he was.
Like a viper used to sizing its prey before it attacked, Hadrian stared down at him.
Inches from Draco’s face, Hadrian leaned gracefully. “I am going to give you a chance; just one chance and you would better use it with care. Despite your shortcomings, you are my blood and family is everything to me.”
Draco’s eyes widened with fear and wonder.
“Step out from your father’s shadow and try to think for yourself. You are not compelled to obey him when he’s leading you astray. You are Draco Malfoy, your own person and the future Lord of your House. Are you going to remain a puppet for the rest of your life?”
Draco opened his mouth like a fish but nothing came out.
“Your conduct is not befitting of a well-mannered wizard, of someone of your status. You take pleasure in mocking and belittling those you consider weaker. You embrace Pureblood Supremacy and forget what the previous Wizarding War had done to our family, how we lost Regulus and how your dear Father barely escaped Azkaban. Are you ready to take this path? Are you ready to forsake the right way and become a follower instead of a master of your fate? Is this what you want Draco?” The finality of his words and the flat tone in which he spoke were like a Severing Charm, sharp and straight to the point.
Then to accentuate his words, he laid his left hand on a captivated Draco’s shoulder.
His Heir Black ring gleamed and Draco hissed.
The vicious Black Magic recognized him and in a way, reminded him which family he belonged to.
Slowly, Hadrian raised his hand and as if he had been holding his breath the entire time, Draco trembled and clenched his teeth.
“This is your last warning. Never forget you’re part Black and as such, you belong to my House. You can leave now,” Hadrian said flatly.
“And you’d better reflect on these words, Malfoy,” Cassius interjected. “You won’t be given this chance again and we'll be watching you and assessing your progress.”
Draco nodded. Without a look back, still pale and trembling, he trudged up the stairs to his room the deadly, unspoken promises that permeated the air echoing in his ears.
Hadrian’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he retreated soundlessly.
He hugged the Invisibility Cloak closer to his body and took careful steps toward the dungeons.
“Why…I’d never…” Cassius shook his head and he mentioned for him to wait.
When they left the third floor, he took the Cloak off and put it back in his pocket.
“He’s been sniffing around the trapdoor for a week. He’s looking for a way to neutralize the three-headed dog,” Hadrian massaged his temples with frustration.
Cassius ran a hand through his hair. “How dare the old coot bring something dangerous to Hogwarts? Doesn’t he know that his little warning did nothing but encourage everyone to have a look?”
“The right question is who’s pretending to be Quirrell? You’ve heard him spouting obscenities, he wasn’t stuttering.”
“You mean—“ Cassius sighed. “I noticed something uncanny about his Aura. It’s in a way, tainted and darker than last year.”
Being a Warrington, Cassius could sense Auras and recognize anyone by their distinctive signature.
‘’Henry is uncomfortable in his presence, too. Something is not adding up. We have to monitor him at all times. Failure is not an option,” Hadrian gritted his teeth.
Cassius' grey eyes gentled and he patted his shoulder. “Don’t worry. We’ll abort any plan to harm your brother or put anyone’s safety in jeopardy.”
“You’ve been having my back since we met on the train,” Hadrian sighed. “You’re the best mate a wizard could wish for.”
“And you’d better never forget that Heir Potter-Black,” Cassius smirked.
At the same time it took him to blink, the egg split open.
The dark-blue baby dragon flopped onto the table and Neville gasped. “It’s—this is a…a…”
“A baby Norwegian Ridgeback, ‘’ Ron supplied helpfully.
“But Hagrid! It’s too dangerous,” Hermione said. “They grow too fast and if anyone finds out about this, you’ll get in trouble.”
“She’s right, Hagrid,” Henry nodded, his eyes glued to the tiny creature. “We have to take him to a safe place,”
“But…Norbert is small and defendless. I can’t dump him,” Hagrid sniffed.
“No one mentioned dumping the dragon. How about we contact Charlie? He started taking his Dragonist Apprenticeship in Romania,” Ron suggested.
Henry tilted his head, looking at the fourth member of the Golden Foursome.
Since that talk on the train months ago, Ron seemed to turn over a new leaf.
He didn’t like Slytherins still and tried to interact with them as little as possible.
His quarrels with Malfoy were always explosive and ended with wands pointed at each other's throat.
Sometimes, he expressed how scary Hadrian looked but….he was trying and in Henry’s book, it was more than enough.
He understood that it wasn’t easy to let go of ideas ingrained into him since he was a kid.
His family had suffered a lot because of prejudice and Pureblood bigotry, their financial situation didn’t help either but Henry wouldn’t lose hope.
He wished that his new friend would let go of the shackles holding him back and become his own wizard, just like the twins.
“Charlie? It sounds like a sound solution to this problem. Let’s contact him at once. Ares needs a long flight to stretch his wings as well,” Henry smirked and the four friends grinned.
Hagrid, however, didn’t seem pleased with the prospect of letting go of his new pet.
Henry smiled and looked around when he came to the end of the stairs.
Hadrian was waiting for him at their secret meeting place.
As if he could sense his presence, Hadrian turned. When he saw him, a smile lit his green eyes from within.
“How have you been, brat? You’re making Father proud.” Hadrian chuckled.
Henry rubbed the back of his neck and retrieved the Invisibility Cloak, handing it over to its rightful owner.
“I’m not you, Harry. I can’t behave properly all the time,” he smirked, “I need to keep the Potter Legacy and protect the Marauders' reputation. Thank you for the Cloak by the way.”
Hadrian took it and shook his head. “You can have it whenever you need to sneak around as long as you don’t put yourself in harm’s way.”
“So, Hagrid slipped again,” Henry winked.
“Really? Out with it, don’t keep me waiting,” Hadrian urged impatiently, something few were allowed to witness.
Henry’s smiled and looked into his brothers’ eyes, ignoring his lifted eyebrow.
He didn’t want to sever the connection for he missed the times he spent with his family in Potter Manor, behaving carelessly, unaware of how adventurous life at Hogwarts was going to be.
When Hadrian groaned, Henry laughed and slanted his eyes at him. “The great Hadrian Potter-Black isn’t as poised as he seems.” Then more seriously, he started. “Before school started, Dumbledore trusted Hagrid with bringing something back from Gringotts. Something precious he wasn’t allowed to tell anyone about.”
Hadrian’s eyes narrowed. “Something he’s keeping in Hogwarts.’’
Henry nodded. “It’s the Philosopher’s Stone.”
Hadrian cursed under his breath. “How could…he’s hiding it on the third floor, hence the three-headed dog and the trapdoor.”
Henry looked down sheepishly and was startled when Hadrian’s voice blasted through his eardrums. “Don’t tell me you went there! You heard Dumbledore’s warning, it’s dangerous!”
“But you went there, too,” Henry huffed pleased with himself for standing up to his overprotective brother. ‘’It wasn’t intentional, I swear. We were trying to keep Ron from falling into Malfoy’s trap.”
“Nevertheless, you shouldn’t go there again, ever,” Hadrian admonished. “You had your fun and that’s it. Keep your head down and concentrate on your studies. Mother won’t be pleased if your grades aren’t straight O.”
Henry shifted his mocking gaze to his brother. “I’m working on that but I can’t promise an O in potions. The bat won’t leave me in peace.”
When Hadrian sighed, he smiled widely. “I can promise the Quidditch House cup, though. I’ll have my revenge soon,” he added haughtily when Hadrian looked like he might laugh at his claim. “I am the youngest Seeker in a Century.”
“And you’re the best,” Hadrian ruffled his hair. “Now, let’s hear about the dragon. It was a pleasure to talk to Charlie again,” he asked casually with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Henry gasped unwittingly and Hadrian winked. “You’ve been a great help without even trying. We need to get to the bottom of this. Only then, the mystery will be solved and you’ll enjoy the rest of this year in peace.”
Henry looked up again, registering the new determination igniting a glint in his brother’s eyes.
He sucked in a breath, letting the overwhelming love of his brother sweep across his heart.
His mind was made up; he wouldn’t fear a thing as long as Hadrian had his back.
That, however, didn’t mean that he wouldn’t be part of the fight.
He was a Potter as well and trouble should be his middle name.