average human’s Reviews > Lord of Time > Status Update

Something had caused Harry to stiffen and outright demand the House-elf he'd agreed to receive and its bloody parents, using the excuse he wanted the House-elf to be trained further to please the Peverell Lord properly, appropriately for his station. Tom knew it had been a lot of nonsense, but Rookwood had eaten it up and the contracts had been altered and signed. Rookwood didn't even try and demand more money for the creatures either. It was almost as if he had just dealt with two stubborn full of heart, bloody Gryffindors.

"It's Dobby, Tom," Hadrian said seriously, "My Dobby; I didn't put it together…not until I heard his name. Dobby belonged to the Malfoy family and what did Abraxas say in his letter to the others?" as soon as he'd seen those eyes and that face he'd known it to be true. While House-elves were similar in appearance, like the goblins, there were ways to tell them apart. Hadrian himself had never had trouble doing that, he suspected it was mostly due to the fact the Pureblood's didn't bother giving them any attention whatsoever. Abraxas had reluctantly allowed Rookwood to give the House-elf to Hadrian instead of getting it as an alliance between the families. Mostly in an effort to appease Tom since he could not do it from Hogwarts anymore.

"I see," Tom replied understanding dawning, Hadrian wasn't loyal to many people from his past, obvious since he'd been betrayed, but there were a few people he was fond off, and Dobby was evidently one of them. He had died to save Hadrian in the past; inwardly he thought it pathetic when he saw Hadrian crying over the dead House-elf, the scene not Hadrian, nothing about Hadrian could be seen as pathetic. He would have to make sure those thoughts never see the light of day. Admittedly he did feel grateful to the House-elf; he had saved his soon to be bonded after all. His lip curled, he was NOT getting fond of House-elves.

"Follow me," Hadrian told the House-elves, moving swiftly through the living room into the dinning room and through to the kitchen. He made his way to the cupboard, the one the House-elves would be using. Unfortunately there was only one bed, he had only planned on having one after all, but it was easy enough to transfigure a few pieces of wood into a bed for them. He had plenty of wood, especially in the corner of the kitchen; its primary use was for the fires. Grabbing two pieces from the large bucket of wood he made his way back over slipping into the cupboard he transfigured the wood into frames.

The frames were the right size for a House-elf, putting them in place he moved out of the cupboard, ignoring the exasperated yet amused look on Toms face. He summoned the box he'd put the discarded stuff in and levitated out two of the mattresses and cleaned, sterilised and practically good as new before shrinking them down, just as he had done with the one already in the cupboard. It might be useful to keep the stuff; there was plenty of space to put them in some sort of storage just in case they came in handy. He also added a few of the throws he didn't like on top of the bed, if they didn't like them well he knew how good they were at sewing and that, they could make their own.

"The bond will not be done until tomorrow morning;" Hadrian informed the wide eyed House-elves, "By then, both me and my partner will be bonded so you will belong to both of us. It will also give me enough time to get you some…uniform without it being considered freeing you." they were not keeping what they had on right now, it looked as if it was some sort of old short skirt that they'd changed into something to wear, which was utterly filthy. "You are now Peverell House-elves and your clothes will reflect well upon my name,"

"Where exactly are you going to get something for them? There is no House-elf clothes shop you can just wander into and purchase what you need." Tom pointed out dryly.

"If it pleases you Masters, I know how to sew," the House-elf bravely told them, his tone hesitant and afraid, he was talking without permission after all.

"Give them a galleon to get some fabric," Tom suggested. He didn't want Hadrian going anywhere after their bonding; in fact if he had his way, they wouldn't leave their bed for days.

"Black or blood red?" Hadrian said thoughtfully, they were the colours of the Peverell coat of arms after all.

"Black," Tom stated immediately, grimacing at the thought of blood red, although he reluctantly had to concede that blood red wasn't Gryffindor red.

"I agree perhaps a white or silver 'P' embroidered on the chest or the Peverell coat of arms?" Hadrian hummed thoughtfully, he wanted people to see his own House-elves and perhaps hope to emulate him, by treating their House-elves better, or at least allowing them to dress better. Not all people hated their servants that were obvious, Winky had worn a blouse and skirt for Merlin's sake, and she had missed Crouch when she was freed.

"P and S," Tom argued immediately, they were combining their names; he wanted everyone in the world to be constantly reminded that Hadrian was his. Hadrian Peverell-Slytherin.

Hadrian glanced at Tom, an amused smile spreading across his face; he didn't have a problem with that actually. "Very well, the Peverell and Slytherin coat of arms. Give me a second," he added before Apparating to their bedroom and digging around in his trunk, until he pulled out a bag of money, merely pocket change, he did look in to make sure there was a galleon at least, and there were five amongst the Sickles and Knuts. It was more than enough for what he wanted to accomplish. Apparating back down to Tom, his pouch hanging from two of his fingers.

"There is enough money in here to buy fabric, in one of the boxes in here there are a few sewing machines, parts for it, and needles, thread and wool, and someone used one of the rooms as some sort of knitting room back in the day." Hadrian explained, "You best buy some food as well since there is nothing here, other than that until I come to you tomorrow at some point, do not interrupt us but you're free to explore the manor and get acquainted with it." he did not want a House-elf coming into his room, not ever. That would be the one place they were forbidden from entering. He would make that clear to the three of them.

"Yes Master," the three of them chorused together, looking well and truly stunned, they had no idea what to make of Hadrian or Tom, never been treated as well as they had, they were still recovering from the beating their previous master had given them the day before.

"Very well," Hadrian said, handing the female the money, he still didn't know their names, other than Dobby that was, but there was time for all that, no wait the male was called Dippy, he could feel Tom getting more and more annoyed at the fact they were continuing to get off track. Tom wanted to bond with him, and had done for such a long time, when you thought about it though; it was a honest miracle he'd managed to last as long as until yesterday before asking again.

Sighing softly, wandering over to Tom, he closed his eyes and leaned into him. He honestly hadn't expected to run into anyone he knew (with the obvious exception being Tom and Dumbledore even McGonagall) so soon in this new life. It had kind of thrown him in a loop if he was honest, quite like when he saved the boy from the rubble, and found out he was a Granger. Somehow someone just continued to pop up out of the blue, after settling in after some sort of upheaval, big or small. Like those other times, he wasn't alone, Tom knew everything, although he wasn't sure Tom could understand the feelings he was going through but him being there was enough.

"Where did you set everything up?" Hadrian enquired, his voice muffled from where he was burrowed in Tom's neck, just relishing in having someone there for him through thick and thin, someone he knew wasn't just using him. Someone who actually really cared. He knew Tom had everything ready, but he hadn't come across anything ritualistic in nature.

"I was originally going to do it in the dungeons, but its disgusting down there, I chose an empty bedroom on the first floor," Tom explained, anticipation thrumming through him, as the time for them bonding was coming closer and closer to being realized. Then after they were bonded he was going to claim Hadrian in the only other possible way. "Come on, let's go," he added, guiding them both away from kitchen and more importantly away from the House-elves.

Hadrian unwound himself, reluctantly, there was nothing like being wrapped in the possessive embrace of Tom. They made their way up the stairs without rush.

"Are you sure you're going to be alright with him here?" Tom enquired, Hadrian was obviously still affected, but he was pulling himself together with remarkable ease.

"Yes, it was just a surprise that's all, he'll never be the little guy I knew, but that's fine, I can make his life better, it's the least I can do after he sacrificed his life to help me." Hadrian commented, as he said this he felt himself becoming stronger, realizing it was nothing but the truth.

Tom couldn't help but think Dumbledore and the others in his Order were idiots. Hadrian was probably one of the most loyal people he'd ever met. No matter your status, creature, human or otherwise. It wasn't a disgusting Hufflepuff display of loyalty, just pure unfretted dependability. Hadrian would have gone to the end of the earth and back for the insipid morons, yet instead of cherishing that friendship they'd stuck to Dumbledore like glue and destroyed it and all that was 'disgustingly good and light' in Harry in the process. Sure Hadrian had been inwardly dark, but his friends had held it at bay, squished it until that day he'd lost it all. Well, no matter, because their loss was his gain and nobody will know what hit them, nor would they understand why. Oh yes, when the time came he was going to truly enjoy messing with them and making their lives hell. It was all memorised, he had their names, what they looked like and he obviously knew the year they were born, same age as 'Harry' after all.

"This side," Tom informed him as he moved towards the correct room as Hadrian opened the first door nearest the stairs.

Upon entering the first thing Harry noticed was that the room was empty of anything one normally finds in a bedroom. Instead in the middle of the room, there was a large circle drawn in black, with over a dozen runes painted on the outside of the circle. Each of them familiar to him, as much as he hated to admit to agreeing with Granger about anything, Ancient Runes was a very interesting subject. There was a table at the 'front' of the circle where the ritual would be completed. On the desk were a few candles, and herbs mixed into a bowl in the centre and the closed book of rituals and a small dagger.

"Have you put the wards up?" Hadrian asked after giving a nod of approval at the settings.

"And why would we need to put wards up?" Tom queried giving his partner a pensive look.

"Are you kidding? We're both extremely powerful, if the wards don't contain it, the Ministry will find out despite both of us having our traces gone…this is a ritual we are doing, it's not as simple as a piece of accidental or Wandless magic." Hadrian explained, as he pushed his magic through his wand, pouring copious amounts into the walls, surrounding the room in his magic. "They've got all manners of ways of finding out things like marriage, bonding, hell they even know the second a damn betrothed contract is created despite the contract itself remaining with the families."

Tom narrowed his eyes as he thought about Hadrian's statement; he'd been unaware of the extent the Ministry could find out about someone. He wondered if it was something they could do in Hadrian's time or if it truly was possible that they had so much information about people that should be private. He would need to find out more about this, quite frankly it was disturbing. Flicking out his yew wand, he added to the wards, doubling their power, it was a testament to both he and Hadrian's compatibility that the wards weaved together seamlessly and effortlessly. "There," he said in satisfaction, it was his first time using that particular ward and he was proud of his success. Normally he didn't have much of a reason to use privacy or anti-detecting wards. "Ready?" he called out to Hadrian, his heart beating erratically against his ribcage, this was it, after months and months of patiently waiting it was here.

"Of course," Hadrian said wryly, "You are aware that this ritual causes pain right?" not that it would be a problem for him, he was used to pain. Tom would probably find the pain he was in higher than his own, with Death doing his thing, which he was still in the dark regarding; he hadn't thought to ask and probably wouldn't understand it anyway. Death did like to be very vague sometimes, alright most times, preferring for him to work it out himself.

"I did read the book," Tom said, his voice smooth as he stepped into the circle, more than ready to bond to Hadrian and make him his irrevocably. He'd chosen the ritual because of how permanent and binding it was, that and the others were just not what he wanted. "Do you need the book open to read your lines?"

"Best to just in case," Hadrian replied, standing inside the circle as well. Unclipping his cloak, and flinging it outside the circle, now his arms were bare, and he was free to move around a little easier.

"fideliter et curabit nos," Tom chanted, clasping their hands together,

"Ut qui fideliter et curabit nos," Hadrain said speaking flawless Latin, despite the fact the ritual was in an older Latin than he was used to.

"Cor corpus et animam," Tom continued, despite the dramatic increase of magic saturating into the runes on the floor. He also didn't notice the extra Rune that appeared, it was pulsing black even Hadrian was oblivious to it despite the fact that Death himself had put it there.

"Cor corpus et animam," Hadrian echoed, glancing quickly at the book memorising the next line.

Tom picked up the dagger and sliced his palm almost carelessly, inhaling sharply, not even blinking at the sight of his own blood; he'd seen his fair share of blood since he was a small boy. Not all of it his, but that was beside the point. Glancing up at Hadrian, silently enquiring if he wanted him to do it or if Hadrian would do it himself.

Hadrian understood and gave a nod to Tom to go ahead, Tom took care when he sliced into Hadrian's palm, but he gave absolutely no indication that it had happened, not even a tightening of his hand or a wince.

Tom clasped their bloodied hand together again, hovering it over the bowl filled with herbs, squeezing tightly, allowing three drops to fall into the bowl, which also had a rune engraved into the bottom of it. It began to glow blue, indicating that it had been successful - the blood had reached the rune.

"Ut super nos sanguinem innocentem sanguinem," Tom and Hadrian chanted together as soon as the blow appeared, both breathless, the magic saturated in the room was giving off hot pulsing waves, neither had felt anything quite like it before and it was extremely breathtaking and not to forget arousing.

"Spatio quasi vinculum animarum nostrarum," they added, finishing the ritual, and immediately both felt tearing pain consume them.

Crying out in agony, unable to stifle it they both felt their legs buckle, and as they fell their bodies jarred as they hit the cement floor. The runes were all pulsing now; the white glow caused was visible to Tom and Hadrian, even from behind their closed eyelids adding a headache to their problems.

Hadrian panted his injured hand curled up against his ribs as if to afford it more protection, his other hand was pressed against the stone cement floor, using it to brace himself and stop him falling over. That moment of agony he had felt cold, empty, as if something had been taken from him, but it left just as quickly, leaving behind an awareness, a warmth that was all Tom (at least he was assuming so) since he'd never done something like this before. Opening his eyes he groaned in pain, he quickly found that Tom was unconscious, scrambling over, he pressed his uninjured hand against his chest, relieved when he felt the thumping of Tom's heart, and the slow rise and falling of his chest as he breathed. Hadrian idly noticed that the runes had disappeared as if they'd been completely burnt out or something.

Wincing slightly, Hadrian shifted until he was sitting on his backside despite the shakiness he succeeded. Flicking his wand out of his holster, he healed the wound on his palm, before repeating the spell on Tom's watching it heal seamlessly. Glancing up when he saw Tom's hand twitch, it didn't take long for those eyes to open, temporarily filled with confusion before Tom focused on him and they flared with passion, unhidden within those depths was a look that primarily screamed 'mine' in every way.

"How are you feeling?" Hadrian asked concerned.

"I'm fine," Tom stated, face impassive, it crumbled slightly as he sat up dizzily. Despite his pain he felt over the moon, Hadrian and he were now bonded for life, and they'd be together forever. The pain was merely a temporarily thing, that could be easily controlled with potions. It was definitely worth it in his book.

"Really?" Hadrian said amused, knowing he was lying through his teeth, "You don't feel like you've been ground up in a meat grinder?"

Tom grimaced and nodded, betting that Hadrian felt just as rough as him. The urge to summon his potions kit was very strong, unfortunately for him - for both of them actually - both their cores were drained. It had taken everything out of them to do that ritual; anyone else weaker wouldn't have succeeded.

"Come on, let's get out of here," Hadrian said, before he grasped a hold of the table giving himself some support as he got to his feet. Stretching out with a groan, it was absolutely freezing in here now, his bed looked mighty inviting. The pain was beginning to abate; it would probably be gone in ten to twenty minutes - hopefully. He could feel an echo to the pain, sort of like how he'd felt when the wards gave away for Tom. The ritual didn't explain anything like that. "Do you feel it too?" he asked, as Tom stood up copying him in stretching out.

"I feel it," Tom replied, "It did not say anything about this, nor were any other symptoms supposed to manifest until after we completed the bond." With a pointed yet heated look at Hadrian, and the fact they had waited until the bonding would make it significant stronger.

"I think it might have something to do with my powers itself, not the ritual," Hadrian guessed, as he wandered the length of the room and opened the door, "The books would have specified if it was to happen, if it doesn't say anything about it then it's guaranteed to be the Deathly Hallows." it would need to be if there were no other alternative explanations.

"By that point, you must be able to feel the three hallows themselves then," Tom stated, as he followed Hadrian, "Is that the case?"

"Um, no, sure I can sense the power in them when they're nearby, but I can't sense where they are right now," Hadrian said in surprise, glancing thoughtfully at Tom as they walked. "Maybe I'll need to have all three in my possession again before that happens…as I said this is all new to me too."

"I'm sure we'll have a chance to figure it out," Tom assured him, black eyes gleaming, the desire to know everything and experiment was present.

"That we will," Hadrian said with a serious expression on his face.

"And when will that be?" Tom queried curiously.

"Before May 1st 1945," Hadrian immediately replied, knowing the date that Dumbledore's 'legendarily duel' with Gellert Grindelwald.

"Two years," Tom murmured quietly, he honestly hadn't expected the date to be so soon.

"Our last year of Hogwarts," Hadrian nodded, both of them would be seventeen years old, thus the trace would not be on it was actually kind of perfect, this way the Ministry couldn't try him for using 'underage magic' since he would be legally an adult and allowed to use magic outside of Hogwarts. "During our N.E.W.T's actually."

"Unless we leave before N.E.W.T's and get back before we're due to take them," Tom suggested, absently opening their bedroom door.

"I don't know, I mean this is Gellert Grindelwald we're talking about here, the most wanted Dark Wizard at the moment, I doubt he'll be in the same place for too long with the fear of being caught." Hadrian commented thoughtfully, sliding his shoes off, as he sat down and got undressed. "I think I'm best going at the end of April."

"We, we are best going at the end of April," he was not going to let Hadrian go along, despite the fact he knew his bonded could take care of himself, well and truly. He just wanted to be there, and if he needed to step in and prevent anything from happening to him.

"We," Hadrian nodded, truth be told he wouldn't want to go alone, he couldn't say for any degree of certainty he would be able to beat Gellert Grindelwald if he wasn't cheating. Which he was, the Elder wand belonged to him, and it would sense it (at least he assumed so) and would refuse to harm him, just like the time Voldemort tried to use the Elder wand to hurt him only for it to backfire. With a little luck the same thing would happen, he really didn't want to duel Gellert for three bloody hours like Dumbledore had in the old timeline.

"Where exactly did this 'battle' take place?" Tom asked realizing that he did not know.

Chapter End Notes

Do any of you have any idea where the Battle actually took place? I've looked for the past half hour but I've not found anything! So, if there isn't anything where do you think the battle should be done? near Germany so it's easier to get Gellert to Numbengard? Or will the infamous Gellert not survive the encounter with this Hadrian? I can't wait to play out the battle! Unfortunately, it will have to wait until I get them through school LOL! sooo will we see a shy Tom that doesn't have experience :P or will he be confident like he is in all things he does? Will Tom be able to give up control to let Hadrian have his shot? :P I want them to be equals of sorts but there are many ways that is already accomplished ;) what they do in the bedroom has no bearings on it :D R&R please!

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"Tell me…wait a minute is that a ring?" Avery rasped out, eyes wide as he stared at Hadrian's ring finger in shock. "Did you two marry?" part of him felt hurt that he hadn't been asked to attend, that part was firmly stamped down, he did however glance at the others, they were just as shocked so nobody had been invited, that eased the hurt a little.

"Bonded," Tom said smugly, ignoring the amused look Hadrian threw his way, that look said it all, Hadrian knew he had been waiting on someone noticing.

"Bloody hell," Dolohov muttered in astonishment, and damn it! He now owed Thaddeus five galleons for that bet. Thaddeus had bet him that they'd be bonded or married before they left Hogwarts and he'd said it was impossible, Tom liked control yes, and getting bonded was the opposite of being in control, tying yourself to someone for life wasn't what he'd expected Tom to do.

"You should have said something! It's improper to meet bonded couples without bringing a gift!" Thaddeus protested, the urge to leave and go and pick something up at Diagon Alley or Knockturn Alley that they'd like was very strong. It had been drummed into him since he was a kid. He threw a smirk at the others, he was up twenty galleons, he'd bet them all they'd be bonded soon. He had to refrain from cackling gleefully; honestly it was as if they didn't see Tom and Hadrian at all. It was glaringly obvious to him that they cared about each other.

"You know the address for the Floo and you know how to send things with an owl, its fine," Hadrian said rolling his eyes, but it was a lovely gesture that they wanted to do it for them though.

Suddenly the Floo network turned green as someone came stepping through.

"Abraxas," Tom said coolly, surprised to see him, "I thought you couldn't make it?" arching a sculptured eyebrow in silent demand for an explanation.

"I was with my father at the Ministry, Dumbledore was there, and I heard everything and left as soon as I could without my father getting annoyed." Abraxas said a little irritated at having to wait so long to get news to Tom about what he'd heard.

"Lunch for Masters and Masters Friends," Dippy said appearing with food for them to eat, placing it on the table.

"Get!" Abraxas said with his lip curled as he stared at it.

"Excuse me?" Hadrian said sharply, his magic flaring out in his anger. "Do not talk to my House-elves like that again or I swear you will not be able to father a son, am I understood?" He absolutely refused to let anyone talk to his House-elves that way let alone Abraxas Malfoy. Hadrian's acidic green eyes were spitting out warnings at the wizard nobody missed the look of utter contempt and disgust Hadrian was boring into the Malfoy heir.

Tom wanted to groan, what was it with Hadrian and the damn House-elves? If this was what he wanted to do…then why not let him? He couldn't care less either way, in fact if anything he was displeased with Abraxas being able to annoy Hadrian so quickly, Abraxas and Hadrian barely knew each other, they hadn't been in the same social circle, Hadrian had become friends with him when Abraxas had only half a year left and that was spent studying constantly. This was the first time they'd met up, so yes, he was slightly vexed. Dobby was loyal to Hadrian, had remained loyal to his dying breath and his death had nearly destroyed Hadrian. His glare worsened as he remembered vividly that Hadrian had sobbed in utter devastation for the little creature who had risked it all for them. For a submissive creature Dobby had guts, he'd never seen one speak back so vehemently against its previous owners and declare he was a 'free elf' with such smug satisfaction.

Abraxas flinched at the twin glares on Tom and Hadrian's face; this was not getting of to a very good start.

"If you try and take it out on your House-elf when you return home…I will be pissed off, if you have a problem with me, take it out on me." Hadrian hissed out through gritted teeth, Nott, Avery and Dolohov did wonder how he knew that was what Abraxas intended to do, judging by the red flush that adorned his face that was embarrassment at being found out. Considering Abraxas knew Occlumency they had to wonder just how the hell Hadrian knew the wizard enough to know that this was what he would have done.

The others made an urgent mental note never to annoy Hadrian Peverells-Slytherins (or was it the other way around? They didn't know yet) House-elves.

"Thank you, Dippy, you may return to your duties now," Hadrian stated, using the normal tone he did with his House-elves, seeing the complete and utter awe on his face made Dippy look exactly like Dobby, there was no doubt about that. Or should he say Dobby looked exactly like Dippy? Or would? He'd never been good with his tenses. Hadrian picked up a few bits and pieces for himself and Tom, passing over his absolute favourite sandwiches, saying to the others "Dig in," knowing they couldn't eat before he and Tom did.

Tom took a single bite out of his sandwich before speaking to Abraxas again, "What did you overhear?" ignoring the others conversing quietly amongst themselves, although he noticed a drop in sudden sound after he asked the question.

"He was trying to convince Minister to give him permission to check in on students, more specifically…" Abraxas relaxed as he spoke, figuring he was forgiven if nothing had happened, he didn't get to finish however…

"Let me guess," Hadrian drawled out sounding incredibly bored, "Recently emancipated teenagers?"

"Yes," Abraxas nodded grimly. "Insisting that Headmaster Dippet agreed but is far too busy to leave the school to tend to additional duties."

Tom scowled at the information, irritated beyond belief at Dumbledore's constant interference.

"Did he agree?" Avery asked, his lip curled in repugnance, he loathed Dumbledore they all did.

"He seems reluctant…for now," Abraxas admitted, "He made a very persuasive argument," he had to admit it.

"I've no doubt about that," Hadrian said dryly, "Let me guess he used 'old pureblood names' and how they had to 'have someone trustworthy to rely on and come to understand their position in life' if they hope to realize its potential."

"Not using those words but I suppose that was the gist of it, he thinks those who don't have parents and are left alone will be more vulnerable to Grindelwald's cause, and might be manipulated into joining him." Abraxas answered, he absolutely loved politics, and couldn't wait to officially take over from his father.

"It's brilliant, you have to admit, the Minister is probably terrified of something like that, he'll probably give Dumbledore carte blanche to do whatever the hell he likes." Hadrian mused, seeing the looks he was receiving he added defensively. "Don't look at me like you're not all thinking the same thing, underestimating your opponent is the dumbest thing anyone can do."

"He's right," Tom stated distastefully.

"He can't get away with that! It's not right! He can't just invade everyone's privacy!" Avery spat out angrily.

"Not everyone, just us, you know that's all Dumbledore's interested in, I suspect he's already been to the orphanage Tom and realized you hadn't been there in near enough two years. That will terrify him; he's got a constant need to know where you are at all times, what you're doing at all times. He's terrified of what you'll become he'll be collecting memories of anyone you associate with that will 'share' their memories. He's already got memories from Ogden from your grandfather…oh shit, he fucking knows, the damn ring, was anything he said fucking true?" Harry spat out infuriated, his magic lashing out in all his fury. The feeling of Tom's hand squeezing his own in warning and cautious, and the feeling of Tom enforcing calm on him tampering his magic down. It hadn't had anything to do with the damn Horcruxes, Dumbledore started collecting memories to get the Deathly hallows.

Thaddeus frowned, trying to piece a scenario together that made sense with the words he'd just heard come out of Hadrian's mouth. The problem was he couldn't make sense of it himself let alone piece together a situation where Hadrian could know that information. Why mention a ring? What the hell could a ring have to do with anything? Glancing at the others he could see they were just as perplexed as him.

"What does a ring have to do with anything?" Abraxas asked, having more confidence than the others. Or better yet what did Tom's grandfather have to do with it? Wasn't he already dead? Tom was the last living direct descendant of Salazar Slytherin.

Hadrian smirked ferally, "Nothing, absolutely fucking nothing, he'll never get it," and that he knew with one hundred percent certainty. Even if he did Death had told him that nothing would happen, he would never become the Master of Death he wasn't worth AND added to it, he wasn't of Peverell blood.

Part of Tom felt relieved that Dumbledore hadn't been stalking him from the get go, but he also knew even if he hadn't been from the start he was now. Everywhere he went Dumbledore always popped up in one way or another and also suspected him when absolutely anything went wrong. It made him wonder though if he hadn't immediately left Hogwarts and went abroad (and he had from what Hadrian said) what would have happened? Dumbledore had defeated Gellert Grindelwald for the wand. The ring came next, he obviously realized it belonged to him, he icily wondered if he knew the invisibility cloak had been in the Potter family. He'd had it for ten years after James Potter was killed by his hand, and it was returned to Hadrian at Christmas his first year at Hogwarts. Why give it back? Had it even been the real invisibility cloak made by Deaths own shroud?

'Smart one you are,' Death said, and Tom jumped barely refraining from squeaking, trying in a vain effort to slam his mental shields up but couldn't, for some reason it wasn't working. Panic and fear tore through him, what the hell was happening? Someone was in his goddamned mind! 'How rude,' Death added as his attempts to throw him out. He was finding a lot more amusement out of it than he should.

'Calm down, haven't you figured it out yet? You are bonded to my Master after all,' Death said after a minute, his voice was unmistakably amused much to Tom's prickling anger.

'Hadrian…Death?' Hadrian hadn't told him he could communicate with Death! Nor that he would be able to.

'Now, now, don't be too hasty in blaming him, he had no idea you would be able to converse with me as well' Death chided the hot headed wizard.

The times he'd spaced out…each and every time…this was what it had been doing Tom realized, and what he was probably doing right now. He refused to let that happen, he couldn't be seen as weak in front of the others, then with a few words 'we'll talk later' the very disconcerting feeling of something vacating his mind and his mental barriers returning overcame him.

Hadrian was right, he had been after the damn hallows, even after sixty years. The others had been continuing their conversation while he was gone, and had no clue what they had spoken about. He did hear Avery's suggestion though.

"Can't you…you know, use your blackmail material to get him to back off?" Avery suggested grimly.

Hadrian snorted, "I'm not using it for something like this, no there's a time and a place for that's use but it isn't now," like just after Grindelwald was taken care of. "Plus he has no idea where I am, the Goblins won't give him the information…no matter what piece of paper he gets drafted up from the Ministry. You know as well as I do that the Goblins hate the Ministry and Dumbledore."

"He'll know through your trace," Abraxas informed him; "If your wards are more than adequate then they'll keep him out."

"Interesting, I had no idea that you could be traced through your damn wand, especially if you don't cast magic with it." Hadrian pondered on that.

"Well just a general location, two mile radius I think," Abraxas told him.

"And if he cannot get us through the trace?" Tom asked, his eyes glimmering in satisfaction.

"Locating charms?" Hadrian answered before the others could.

Tom hummed in agreement, that would be the logical next step and exactly what he'd been thinking.

"If these wards are ancient, and its location secure, then he shouldn't be able to find your location using those spells, the only things that would get passed them are the spells that require blood or hair." Avery mused, "Either that or you'll have to jump from location to location every twenty-hour hours to stop him from getting near you."

"They might be ancient but they've not been upgraded for at least a century maybe more," Abraxas pointed out, "Wards, even as powerful as these, deteriorate if they aren't replenished."

"Do you even know where your warding hub is?" Thaddeus asked, "Every house is different, they choose whichever location they want it helps keep manors like this even more secure. The heirs never know where they are either, only when the Lord of the manor has passed will the new lord find out."

"Of course we did," Tom stated sharply, they weren't stupid, the first thing they'd done, alright maybe third or forth thing they'd done was to find the warding hub and make the manor more secure. Pouring their magic into it ensuring their home was safe.

"Good," Thaddeus said nodding, relaxing a little at that. "We can only hope the old fool doesn't find you."

"You both got rid of your traces didn't you?" Dolohov blurted out.

Twin nods was his answer.

"Dumbledore will figure it out if he can't find you, that might get you into trouble with the Ministry," Dolohov whispered wide eyed, "There's a sentencing to Azkaban if you're found out." it was illegal to remove the trace. It could be the opportunity Dumbledore was just waiting for.

"You forget they are legally adults now, technically it's within their rights to remove it," Abraxas pointed out, he knew the law better than anyone other than maybe Tom. "It's a technically that will work in their favour if Dumbledore even tries to think about bringing them in front of the Wizengamot."

"He knows we're both emancipated he won't try that," Hadrian shook his head, "He'd wait until he knew he has something that will stick, and then only do it after he's made sure there are no loopholes to work through."

"I'm sick of him," Thaddeus said bitterly, sick and tired of the looks he received from the old fool, the blind prejudice he exhibited without anyone giving a shit.

"Indeed," Tom said acidity, he wasn't just sick of Dumbledore he loathed him; he wouldn't help him if he lay dying at his feet. Although the image certainly gave him a great deal of amusement.

"He won't be around forever," Hadrian said determinedly, he would find a way to bring Dumbledore down as far as he possibly could. He wouldn't gain the power he had in his future, and he was hoping to actually prevent Dumbledore from becoming Headmaster of Hogwarts which meant he would need to do something that would see Dumbledore lose his position…it would have to be something sneaky and very, very cunning that even Dumbledore couldn't predict the outcome of.

"You're planning something?" Dolohov asked eagerly.

"Thinking of something," Hadrian corrected him thoughtfully. "Dumbledore's really smart though so it would have to be something very sudden and damaging."

"I hope we're there to see it," Avery said vindictively.

Hadrian just smirked with a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. If he had his way the whole world would see it, but only time will tell if he could succeed.

"Does Dumbledore visit the Ministry often during the summer?" Tom then demanded of Abraxas.

"I'm not sure, but I will ask my father and get back to you on that," Abraxas promised, as always eager to stay on Tom's good side especially after screwing up earlier. How was he to know that Hadrian was bloody possessive of his House-elves? Then again the way they were dressed probably should have reached his notice sooner. Not many had their House-elves dressed so neatly or cleanly. His own House-elves had nothing but old pillowcases on it had been the first thing his grandfather grabbed before taking them on supposedly.

"Very well," Tom answered, going quiet again after getting everything he felt was sufficient from his men. He and Hadrian definitely had to have a talk after the others left. He replaced his arm around Hadrian, content to just listen in without contributing. The conversation changed from Dumbledore, refusing to let him destroy the rest of their day. Despite not talking about him, Tom's mind continued to dwell on him, what he could do and how he and Hadrian could possibly mess with the old man. Every now and again his mind reeled on the fact he'd had an albeit small conversation with Death! Did Death have a body? Or did he make up one every time he came to the mortal plane? Could he even do that? Or was he just an entity, an existence that would outlive them all?

Chapter End Notes

haha what did you think of Death tormenting poor shocked Tom :P :D I got a giggle out of writing that i must admit. anyway I think just one more chapter before they depart on the Hogwarts express :D so will Dumbledore find them or will he try to be extra sneaky and put spells on something of theirs in a bid to find out where they're staying or will he give the Auror's an 'anonymous' letter indicating they've got 'dark' artifacts and are up to something just to make their lives harder? so much to choose from can't have everything go their way especially with an opponent as old and sneaky as Dumbledore :D will they get the last laugh? Will Dumbledore even be a teacher by the time Hadrian and Tom are through with him? R&R please

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"How about we have some breakfast here in bed when everyone leaves?" Hadrian suggested.

"I couldn't agree more," Tom agreed immediately, it was his birthday after all and you're supposed to get what you want weren't you? He wanted Hadrian all to himself today he decided.

"There's another part of you that couldn't agree more as well," Hadrian said, his tone hitching in delight, he loved knowing the affects he had on Tom. It was better than flying on a broomstick, flying without a broom, casting the patronus charm…better than anything.

Tom chuckled in agreement, causing Hadrian to shudder in delight. "Thank you," he whispered softly against the shell of Hadrian's ear, he was the only person that would ever hear those words coming out of his mouth.

"How about you show how thankful you are?" Hadrian breathed out; it was sinful really how much this wizard could affect him with just mere words.

"Oh, I will." Tom promised darkly, removing the silencing charm they had around their bed.

Suddenly neither of them could wait until the others were gone.

"All of you, leave," Tom stated sharply, "Now," not even a few seconds later the others were vacating their beds, grabbing their clothes and making a hastily exit from their dorm. As soon as they were out the door clicked shut and locked, they weren't getting back in any time soon.

"Not again," Avery groaned his shoes fell with a thud as he wedged his feet into them, and the dungeons were bloody freezing all the time.

"I don't know about you, but I'd rather be warned," Lestrange said, shuddering in remembrance to the one time he had walked in on them. Not an image he'd wanted, but bloody hell they were hot, there was no denying that. He was completely straight but if anyone could turn him gay it would be Hadrian. Not something he liked to think about at all, especially not when Tom was around, he knew how possessive his Lord was, any sign of his thoughts and he'd be tortured to death and he wasn't exaggerating the slightest. He pitted any fool who thought they could desire Hadrian. Avery and Nott sniggered before moving away, going down to the common room to get some heat and wait until breakfast, Lestrange unsurprisingly followed them.

----------------0

Hadrian sniggered at the sight of the others bolting out of the room, he should probably defend them in some way, but honestly he couldn't be bothered. He didn't care enough to say anything…and he did have other things on his mind. He shook himself out of his thoughts only to feel Tom muttering under his breath, and the feel of silk robe twisting around his wrists and sinking through the bed at each end of his pillow, leaving him bound and at Tom's mercy. Hadrian shot his magic through the binds, trying to dislodge them.

"Nice try," Tom said with a smug smirk, gazing down at Hadrian, arousal shooting through him seeing his bonded, his husband, at his mercy. "You won't get out of them until I utter the password." he promised him grinding down against him, his gaze never wavering from Hadrian, who gasped and arched up his pupils dilated in pleasure, heat beginning to blaze off him where he had a grip of his hip even through his thin layer of his pyjamas.

Hadrian tried yet again to get through the bindings, but true to Tom's word the damn things wouldn't budge. He hadn't realized he'd closed his eyes until he felt Tom's forehead against his, he opened his eyes staring startled for a few seconds.

"Trust me," Tom said quietly, eyes soft, a look on Hadrian would ever pull from him. He understood Hadrian's reluctance, he had seen most of his memories, but he didn't want Hadrian associating anything with that life, most certainly not him. If he really didn't want it, then Tom would release the bindings, he never wanted to make Hadrian's trust in him diminish.

There were no words needed as Hadrian relaxed into the bed, stopping his attempts in breaking the bindings. He trusted Tom, a lot more than he had ever thought he would sit down at the Slytherin table the night of his sorting. He wouldn't have married him if he hadn't; he'd just not had good experiences at being bound at another person's mercy.

Tom's eyes gleamed in delight, lightly pressing a kiss to Hadrian's lips, unspoken promises of no regrets kindled in the kiss. Oh, he would make sure his bonded enjoyed today, he truly hoped to do it again, seeing him trussed up, just for him was extremely arousing. Watching as a shiver stole over Hadrian's form as he lightly touched and caressed him under his pyjama top.

"I think we're a bit over dressed don't you?" Tom purred into his ear before drawing back, sitting up still straddling Hadrian. There was no hiding his reaction to his bonded. He'd always reacted strongly to Hadrian from that first moment of ruthlessness where he unleashed the majority of his power in warning. Nothing else had ever gotten him filled with a single minded desire. With a single non-verbal spell, Tom had both of their nightclothes off and folded in a neat pile on their chair. Sighing in relief that there was nothing now rubbing up against his engorged member.

Hadrian huffed, grumbling inwardly, he wanted to touch Tom, but could not.

Tom chuckled, before swooping down laying all his passion for the wizard in his arms into the kiss, pressing his hand against his back pressing him forward, their bodies touching, desire coiling within them, they needed no bond to know it they were well acquainted with the affect they had on the other. Yet they wanted to be reacquainted. Nothing would come close to the passion they'd unleashed after Dumbledore had been arrested. They hadn't even gone to their dorm, they'd slid into an unused classroom and not to forget been slightly late for class but that was just something inconsequential.

"Mmm, Tom," Hadrian sighed out, flushed red in desire and arousal feeling Tom's own desire pressing against him, reminding him of the affect he had on him. A teasing smile played on his lips, those captivating green eyes mesmerised Tom, enchanting him.

Tom lost all patience, and began to kiss him, his tongue tracing every crevice, his hands gliding along Hadrian's flesh, leaving Goosebumps in his wake. So impatient to be inside his husband again, Hadrian was like a siren, he was unable to resist him. Even after all this time, even knowing all his secrets. His feelings hadn't dimmed, if anything they had grown with intensity he never would have expected. He'd never been one to rely on emotion, he used it to suit his own purposes yes, but never thought he'd fall in love.

Hadrian swung his leg around Tom's back, pressing him closer, breathing in sharply, his chest heaving with exertion. Rocking back and forth, his mind going blank of anything other than the strong desire to finish what they'd started. Pressing a kiss to Tom's neck after Tom burrowed his face in his neck, listening to the groans of delight coming from his husband. Green eyes gleaming wickedly, he nibbled and bit down on Tom's neck marking him, sucking the flesh between his teeth before laving it with his tongue grinning as Tom inhaled sharply.

Tom's fingers began to teasingly run down Hadrian's chest, down the length of his erect member, a trail of precum following him to an even more intimate place.

"Tom, please," Hadrian breathed out arching up again, desperate for more, for anything, his leg sliding from Tom's back, spreading open silently urging him to continue wiggling enticingly to make sure Tom didn't play around. "The spell," he muttered desperately, becoming increasingly frustrated.

"I don't think so," Tom said breathy, seeing Hadrian so desperate drove him on to make this last as long as possible. Instead he summoned the lube he kept nearby at all times, something of his own creation, much better than the pathetic stuff they sold at the apothecary's.

"Tom!" Hadrian whined, by Merlin he wanted to feel him, but he was to be denied. The slick finger at his entrance had him arching up, demanding more, it wasn't enough. "Either get on with it or I'll find a way out of those binds and do it myself!" he huffed, his toes curled as Tom found that spot inside him very easily - and that was the end of Hadrian thinking of anything much.

Tom's eyes roamed over Hadrian's sweat slick form, he so badly wanted to take his time, but his own patience had worn thin. He wanted to be inside his husband, to claim him again, to remind Hadrian who he belonged to he thought possessively adding another finger relishing in the sounds coming from his impatient wizard. He actually missed those fingers digging into his skin, yanking on his hair in silent demands for more, and a whole plethora of actions that required his husband use of his hands. Perhaps this wouldn't happen as often as he thought, so he made sure to ingrain it in his mind.

Wiping his fingers on the duvet, he pressed himself at Hadrian's opening, before thrusting into him, biting his lip and closing his eyes as an overwhelming feeling of tightness coursed through him a tortured groan managed to get passed his lips. Hadrian already squirming, urging him on. Breathing through his nose, he gripped his hips tightly, preventing any real movement before Tom withdrew and thrust powerfully back in, keeping up the fast pace, groans, gasps and moans leaving their mouths as pleasure mounted, doubled through the bond.

Tom's hand wormed its way to Hadrian's neck, kissing him with urgency, his other hand gripping Hadrian's engorged member, moving in sync with his trusts, groaning in ecstasy as Hadrian tightened around him. The urgency they felt becoming more pronounced, Tom knew Hadrian was close so he sped up, trying to finish at the same time, the guttered moan was his only warning as Hadrian came, his entire body going lax afterwards as he sped up even further, seeking his own finish, the tightening of Hadrian's channel helped immensely, burying his head in Harry's neck, biting him as he came, riding out his orgasm, pumping as much of his essence into him as possible, grinding down until he was completely spent.

Knowing Hadrian wouldn't be able to support him for much longer without getting sore, he rolled off him both of them they there panting in exertion, sweaty and sated. Indecipherable whispered words and the bindings disappeared allowing his husband free use of his hands once more.

"Happy birthday, Tom," Hadrian's throaty voice said again.

"I think this has been my favourite birthday by far," Tom admitted lazily, cleaning both of them and the bed with casual use of Wandless magic that nobody else their age (or most adults) could accomplish. Moving to his side and leaning on his elbow, his hand keeping his head aloft.

Hadrian snorted in amusement, flexing his arms getting the aches out of them after being in the same position so long. "I'm starving, still calling Dobby or going to the Great Hall?" Dobby's father was the one that was feeding the Basilisk, but Dobby was starting to learn the ropes, so they did call him now and again to let him feel useful.

Tom just hummed, nodding his head once.

"Dobby?" Hadrian called, covering them both up he did not want a House-elf to see him starker's.

Tom grunted petulantly but said nothing.

"What can Dobby do for Master Pev… Hadrian, Master Tom?" Dobby asked, his big green eyes staring at them wide with adoration, remembering just in time that his Master Hadrian had forbidden them to use their Master's full title.

"Bring us some breakfast, Dobby," Hadrian asked, giving a small smile of thanks to the House-elf.

"Dobby will do that," Dobby said bowing, "And Happy Birthday Master Tom!" and with that he was gone with a pop.

"Happy Birthday, Master Tom," Hadrian imitated with a wicked grin.

Tom grabbed Hadrian's hip and dragged him until they were touching again, "I like the sound of that," he said heatedly, eyes gleaming playfully but with a hint of seriousness.

Hadrian snorted, "Don't expect it from me," he told him not surprised the least.

"No," Tom agreed, "Never you," while it would have been something he desired a while ago, it wasn't what he wanted now. There would just be something so wrong with someone as powerful as Hadrian thinking of calling him that. The others were different, he had subjugated them a long time ago, and he had no doubt they thought of him as their Lord and Master. In fact he knew they did, their thoughts gave them away, and he would do his best to lead them into a new world, one where he and Hadrian were already working hard to do.

"Myrtle has a birthday gift for you," Hadrian added, "So we will need to go to the Great Hall at lunch."

Tom blinked at Hadrian unable to comprehend that statement at all. "Why?" he asked blankly.

"Because she likes you, and thinks of you as a friend, or a friend of a friend," Hadrian explained softly. She had specifically asked him what Tom would like, she'd seen him writing a letter and he'd explained he was trying to get Tom's birthday gift, and had asked him then. Hadrian kissed Tom's shoulder, his poor bonded; he was beginning to realize that not everyone who gave him something wanted anything in return and did it just because they could. It was the same expression that had briefly crossed his face upon getting Slytherin locket from him.

Dobby popped back in with the food for them, along with a letter from the Ministry of magic. Hadrian didn't even need to look to know it was him being called to the Wizengamot for Dumbledore's trial. Having Abraxas within the Ministry was proving to be very useful, at least until they themselves could do their part.