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

"An accident implied it couldn't have been prevented," Antonius retorted angrily. "Is one of your duties as Head of House to ensure that nothing dangerous is in the Dormitories is that not correct?"

"For the sake of the Wizengamot, Mr. Peverell was attacked by a werewolf cub, if not for the quick thinking of Tom Riddle and Healer Chang, Mr. Peverell would have died." the Minister informed the Wizengamot, ignoring the quiet whispering they were doing, used to it by now. "It was a Gryffindor student, Mr. Hagrid who had illegally taken it from its parents and kept it locked up hidden away in his Dorm room. The talking rose in volume as they expressed their anger at such a thing being done.

"Yes, but I have additional duties…" Albus wasn't able to finish.

"A yes or not will suffice," the Minister stated, not wishing to hear his pathetic excuses.

"Tell us what happened to Mr. Hagrid," Antonius pushed.

"He's a young student who was inconsolable after what happened, he made a mistake, we've all done something regrettable, I did not believe suspension or expulsion was the way to go. He received three weeks of detention, and I keep a closer eye on him." Albus stated he had not expected this to be brought up.

"And how did Mr. Peverell react to the lack of punishment?" the Minister asked after the court scribe whispered into his ear.

"He was upset, he believed I was lenient in his punishment," Albus said, praying that his sister wouldn't be brought into this.

"What exactly did you do in turn?" the Minister then asked after a glance at Hadrian Peverell who was sitting watching the proceedings with a blank look on his face.

"I have him detention for the manner in which he spoke to me," Albus replied, "He accused me of favouritism," he added with an indignant tone in his voice.

The Wizengamot went utterly silent at that last pronouncement, too stunned to even speak to one another.

"On to the next charge," the Minister cleared his throat, looking down at the list of charges, "False accusations of a minor, the Minor in question is Tom Riddle who is here with us today."

Tom cleared his throat and spoke up, "Excuse me, Sir, My name is not Tom Riddle, I haven't used it in nearly two years, my name is Tom Marvolo Peverell-Slytherin, the last of the Slytherin line, my mother was Merope Gaunt." he remained respectful and polite, these were the wizards he wanted to respect him after all. In fact one day he wanted to be in the position Lestrange was in now. It would be the only name he ever used; there would be no 'Voldemort' no madness.

Lestrange nodded, glancing at Taft, "Make it so," in other words he was telling her to change the name on the paperwork.

"What it is in question that you accused Mr. Peverell-Slytherin?" Antonius asked, "Oddly enough, another Slytherin who you have kept a suspiciously close eye on." a shudder wracking up his spine as if he was disgusted.

"Keeping in mind we have another sworn statement from Healer Chang," the Minister stated, glancing briefly at the clock, nine forty-five already, still it was going to be a long day regardless of the time. They would need to pause for lunch at one o'clock before reconvening half an hour later.

"Mr. Peverell had been acting strangely, behaving oddly and I was worried about his health, I asked Healer Chang to tend to him, I did not believe Mr. Slytherin was responsible. I did not accuse anyone of anything." and thankfully that was the truth.

"Was there someone else close to Mr. Peverell at the time?" Antonius continued with their interrogation.

"No," Albus conceded, there hadn't really been anyone else at the time.

"I believe we should get onto the next charge, harassment," the Minister stated, moving on now.

"Did you or did you not give unfair detentions to Mr. Peverell in order to interrogate him?" Antonius questioned.

"I did not," Albus stated firmly, he had merely used it as an opportunity.

"So you believe a single instance of not paying attention in class, after you had just entered the classroom might I add is enough to garner detention?" Antonius said his eyes narrowed, "We have pensive memories of those instances should you wish to refute the claims."

"The memories show that Albus Dumbledore questioned Mr. Peverell insistently about his family, trying to get the young man to concede to his demands by using a family he didn't have to do so." the Minister added for the Wizengamot. "It is also clear that the detentions were unfairly given, the Aurors reports show that on page five, various Gryffindors were observed doing the same thing as Mr. Peverell but it was only Mr. Peverell who was given detention."

"I only wished to help Mr. Peverell learn more about his family, if he was in fact from the Peverell line he would have been in line to receive a substantial inheritance." Albus argued, "I did not give him detention to question him, it was a spur of the moment decision to ask him. Mr. Peverell had in fact not paid attention in classes previously, hence my decision to put an end to it."

"Why did you continue on in that vein when it was obvious Mr. Peverell was uncomfortable with your insistences?" Minister Lestrange questioned.

"I did not realise I was making him so uncomfortable," Albus said, pursing his lips. This was looking down right terrible, getting worse by the minute; his own defence was feeling incredibly weak. He felt betrayed that Horace wouldn't even meet his eyes; this was one big misunderstanding how could Horace think so badly of him? Doge as always believed in him, he was sitting up straight nodding encouragingly every now and again but his eyes held a defeat that made him realize it must be a lot worse than even he thought.

"You. Didn't. Realize?" Was enunciated slowly with enough doubt to fill the entire Ministry. "Yet we have reports from dozens of students that you keep watching Mr. Peverell, he is not a Gryffindor you have no need to even be looking at him especially not while he eats his meals."

"What exactly were your plans for Mr. Peverell? It's here that you made fraudulent statements to the Minister of magic while you tried to gain custody of Mr. Peverell!" Antonius proclaimed, "There's written statements from both the Minister Lestrange and Headmaster Armando Dippet to prove as such." he had to admit himself that the Auror's had done a fine job in gathering every possible shred of evidence and information they could. "This is bordering line theft, if you had succeeded it would have been!"

"I was concerned, Mr. Peverell is extremely vulnerable, and all teenagers who are emancipated are vulnerable to being manipulated. The last thing we need is the current generation siding with the Dark Lord and abandoning all hope." Dumbledore said gravely, "It is not as if I had planned to use the boys money, he's emancipated I wouldn't have access to it, likewise it wasn't as if I could marry him to whomever I choose, the emancipation prevents all that, I merely wanted to make sure the Dark Lord Grindelwald couldn't get his hands on them."

Hadrian was biting his tongue so tightly that it had begun to bleed, the hypocritical shit, if the wizarding world had even an idea of what Dumbledore had done in his teenage years he would be in St. Mungo's not teaching the next generation. Vulnerable to being manipulated, he mentally scoffed; the urge to choke the life out of Dumbledore was strong. He swore if it was the last thing he did he was going to make sure Dumbledore could not possibly manipulate another person again and so that nobody would ever, ever listen to him when he spoke about anything. He was going to bring him down, squash him like a bug.

"Despite the fact he was attacked by the Dark Lord's forces?" the Minister said sarcastically.

"For which we've never found out the reason," Albus retorted, trying to paint Hadrian in a bad light was his last resort.

"A reason?" the Minister boomed, his voice angry, "How can you think there's ever a reason behind what that wizard is doing? The people he's attacked and killed! Mr. Peverell had a very lucky escape! Not many others can say the same thing but he isn't the only one!"

Hadrian had to refrain from smirking; it was extremely rare to see anyone speaking to Dumbledore that way, to his face of all things. He felt inordinately irritated that he had felt worried all week, he had been so worried that Dumbledore would speak and everything he was striving towards would be just set aside as an over active imagination of a teenager. Only Hadrian would fail to take into account just how powerful his name was and how many others wanted on his good side.

Chapter End Notes

There we go! I did want to get the entire trial over with but I can't make up my mind whether to have Dumbledore go free and work from the shadows OR whether to have him imprisoned :D for two years until the war is over and he comes out to hear about it (perhaps with Grindelwald actually dead instead of imprisoned?) or longer still and have Hadrian and Tom well known and liked by the magical world then have him actively trying to stop him :) what do you guys think? R&R please!

Shock, disbelief, anger then a blank mask overcame all fifty members of the Wizengamot, some struggling to regain their impassive look but inevitably they all succeeded. In fact Hadrian caught sight of what could have been a witch at the back looking horrified by what had come out of Dumbledore's mouth. Cocking his head to the side, wondering just why he felt as though he recognized him or her. Frowning in annoyance, it was right there, he could feel he'd seen this person before but where? Where? He was just about to give up hope when the face he knew flashed before his eyes, melding with the one in front of him. Bloody hell, this was Doge, he wasn't a dull eyed, scraggy face, short podgy thing he remembered, he was thin, hair wasn't grey and he looked full of life. Dumbledore's greatest defender, refusing to ever believe a bad thing about the old fool even when it was in black and white, after his death. Look at him now, horrified to the core at what he was hearing coming out of his friend's mouth.

It wasn't like Dumbledore to make such a mistake, to say something like that; it was very out of character. He must be panicking and very worried to screw up in such a measure. It gave him a great deal of satisfaction to know Dumbledore was terrified. He was getting a doze of what he had gone through faced with the entire Wizengamot on a trumped up charge of underage magic. He could have made sure everyone knew about Voldemort right there and then, pensive memories couldn't be faked but he'd been content to let things play out, no, he thought angrily, that wasn't his life anymore, and he was going to ensure that nobody suffered at Dumbledore's hands ever again.

"Boys?" Professor Slughorn's voice brought Hadrian out of his dark thoughts.

"Yes, Professor?" Tom asked, none of his sadistic amusement showing on his curious yet serene face.

"They will be busy for at least an hour while they view all the memories, are you hungry?" Horace asked them, praying that they would say yes, he couldn't very well be irresponsible and leave them sitting here while he went for a cup of coffee and he desperately wanted a cup of coffee. He was extremely tired, slightly vexed too, unable to believe the nerve of Albus to give him HIM! That disappointed and betrayed look. He just wanted to get out of the room for a brief moment.

"Wait, what memories?" Hadrian asked, looking around the room only to realize that the Wizengamot were no longer there, in the middle of the room a pensive was glowing blue. "They view them and don't just take the Auror's word for it?" he was quite surprised, it didn't seem to him that pensive memories were all that big in his time.

"They don't," Horace said, educating the teenager with a smug smile twitching at his lips, "Each and every memory submitted by the witnesses, defence or prosecutor are viewed so that the Wizengamot may get a real feel of what happened."

"And fifty people can view them without a problem?" Hadrian asked, gazing at the basin in bafflement.

"Without a doubt," Horace informed Hadrian. "It would be next to impossible to converse, but they aren't there to talk, they are there only to observe."

"I assume the Ministry has a cafeteria?" Tom questioned the professor, knowing Hadrian was done with his questions.

"Two in fact," Horace said, "One is in basement level two, used by the law enforcement mostly, and basement level eight is the cafeteria for the general public, next to the reception area." as the entire Ministry was underground they usually didn't bother with 'basement' in the titles but it was nonetheless there in the directory. "Shall we go?" if he had realized just how hopeful he looked he would have been deeply embarrassed by his lack of restraint, he was after all, first and foremost a Slytherin.

"I am thirsty," Hadrian said in agreement, plus his butt was numb sitting in the same place for ages, he wasn't sure how long he'd already been there. Perhaps he'd underestimated how long the process would take, his own trial hadn't lasted all that long and assumed they were always that way.

"This way," Horace said, eager to get out of the room, he gave a nod to the Minister and his Undersecretary as they left, none of them blinked an eyelash at the decision to leave, since quite a few people did elect to go especially if there were a lot of memories to view. Since the two teens didn't know where they were going, Horace led the way after another sickening elevator ride (for both Tom and Horace) Hadrian meanwhile rather liked it, he'd always been an adrenaline junkie of sorts, for years he had rode his broom and relished each moment of it and the freedom he felt during it. He didn't miss flying as much as he thought he would, or rather playing Quidditch, he had no reason to feel the freedom the sky beckoned him with here. No burdens on his shoulders, he was more than just content with his life…he was extremely happy.

"Are you okay, Professor?" Hadrian asked sympathetically, as they walked. "I know he's your friend and this must be very difficult,"

A pained look appeared very briefly over Horace's face as he walked, he didn't appear in any mood to answer that question, instead he got them into the cafeteria, there was no line and for that Horace was grateful, he was about to ask the boys what they'd like when it became apparent that they would be paying for their own items, instead he paid of his large mug of coffee and slice of cake. He patiently waited on both of them finishing up before getting them situated where there weren't too many people to overhear anything.

Taking a sip of coffee, he sat back eyeing the teens with fondness, "I'll be just fine, there is no need to worry," he could see they were confused for a moment before realisation dawned. "He was my friend yes, and it's never nice when you think you know someone and they turn out to be something very different. Unfortunately, that is a way of life, young or old you will experience this yourselves no doubt."

Tom bit his tongue; he'd never allow himself to be surrounded by anyone like Dumbledore or someone who was a pretender or manipulator.

"I know," Hadrian said, thinking of the two he had considered his best friends for seven whole years, he couldn't even bring himself to think their names anymore. Even now it hurt, just a twinge though, he knew the real meaning of friendship and it was nothing like what he'd experienced with them. That's not to say it hadn't been shaky at times, like with Aiden, but jealousy had gotten the better of him, after his wake up call he'd become one of his staunchest friends. He liked to think it wasn't completely reliant on the oath of fealty he'd sworn.

Horace seeing the look on Hadrian's face didn't doubt his word, he had obviously been betrayed in some manner. He just hoped and prayed it was not an adult who had betrayed his trust in any manner but he believed it was. It would explain why Hadrian never went to an adult with his problems; thankfully he'd trusted Armando, who had given him a place at Hogwarts earning some measure of trust from the insecure teen. Just remembering how baffled he had been when they were all concerned for him that day he left the Hospital wing without permission haunted him near constantly.

"Do you think he will be found guilty, professor?" Tom asked, changing the subject while he gripped Hadrian's knee tightly giving him the comfort he so desperately needed. Today was dragging up a lot of old memories for his bonded and he hated that he didn't know how to make it better. Hadrian was the only one he cared about, only one he'd ever felt anything for. He was extremely pleased with himself when he felt Hadrian relax a little and begin to eat his sandwich with more vigour than he'd had the past week. Either that or the hunger had won over the worry.

"There is no doubt about it," Horace informed Tom grimly, "It will be a matter of whether he serves time in Azkaban or get's a suspended sentence."

"You think he could get a suspended sentence?" Tom questioned, feeling a sinking sensation in his gut.

"Some first offenders do receive suspended sentences, its normal youngsters who receive them, but considering Albus is a teacher his sentence might very well be used to set an example against being inappropriate and receive a heaver than normal sentencing." Horace explained as he quite happily drank his coffee, feeling much more alert and honestly? Relieved that he wasn't still sitting in that room with Dumbledore staring at him.

Now that Tom liked the sound off, he really hoped they went down that route and used Dumbledore as an example.

"I'm surprised there aren't reporters in the courtroom," Hadrian added, speaking around the lump of sandwich in his mouth ensuring that no bits spat out. He wasn't Dudley Dursley and hadn't been raised by pigs after all. He didn't sense any curiosity from Tom so he must already know the answer.

"Reporters aren't allowed in the courtroom without a pass, and they are rarely given, they are nonetheless waiting in the atrium for news of the outcome already." Horace told them, putting his empty cup aside in favour of his cake. The courtrooms were very secure areas of the Ministry, the only reason he had been able to get a pass was because legally while Hadrian and Tom were at Hogwarts, both were his wards and they had to be escorted by an adult even if they were emancipated. His students were being taught by the teachers who had free periods, unfortunately the Newts students had to go the library with a quiz since nobody qualified was available to take the class for that time period.

"I see," Hadrian added, drinking some juice to wash down his sandwich. It made sense, since there hadn't even been any reporters in the courtroom for his farce of a trial. There was still so much he didn't know, but he was actually actively reading the material so he knew everything he could about his world now. "Do you know what happens after they view the memories?" in other words how much longer does the trial go on for?

"You will more than likely be called up to answer some questions; Albus may ask you some as well since he's defending himself." Horace began seriously, "They may even call you up as well, Tom, after that they will probably have more questions for Albus and then deliberations will begin on whether he will be found guilty or not guilty, and if it is guilty they will hold one more discussion on the punishment itself and the length of it."

Okay, now THAT was news, Dumbledore himself was going to ask questions? That was definitely going to be the most awkward part of the trial that was for damn certain. What kinds of questions was Dumbledore going to ask? Probably try and get him angry or make him feel really small his mind immediately began to think of tactics the old fool often employed. If the old man thought it would be easy to rile him up he was in for a hell of a surprise.

Horace glanced at his watch, "If you need to relieve yourself, I suggest doing it now, there won't be another break for two hours," he himself intended to as well.

Tom and Hadrian both nodded before they departed, the sign for the toilets ensured they didn't need to enquire as to where they were. Horace grabbed the empty cup, glasses and plates and put them on the top tray before lifting it and dumping them in the large tray, they automatically began to clean and float back over to their original positions. By that time the boys had returned, so Horace moved towards them, instructing them to stay there and went to the toilets himself.

"You can't let Dumbledore get you angry," Tom cautioned him, as soon as their teacher was out of earshot.

"I know," Hadrian said grimly, "I'm aware of the tactics he employs, well better than most," he added thoughtfully.

Tom did have to concede that point, since it was true. Nothing further was said, they couldn't risk speaking of anything more while they were in the Ministry of magic. Although they could have used their minds to speak, but it took a lot of concentration to do it and neither wanted to miss anything and when they went back in they couldn't afford to miss anything especially if they were called up.

Both glanced around when they heard the door open, seeing that Professor Slughorn was back, still wiping his hands with paper tissue which he placed in the closest bin. "Shall we?" he said, and with that the three wizards began to leisurely make their way back, true to Slughorn's word, there were reporters there, four different ones less than he had assumed, it must be a single reporter for each publication, one paper and probably three magazines, he couldn't see the name tags from where he was. They looked bored, but obviously they didn't want to miss anything and risk getting fired.

He lost sight of them once the doors of the elevator closed, and they were on the move once more, all of them holding tightly to the straps above them. What Hadrian loved most about the elevators - which surprisingly wasn't the thrill of riding in them - but rather the speed in which they went. He had mentally counted how long the elevator had been in motion and it was merely seven seconds, it took them longer to get in and out than it took for it to go.

Five minutes later the trio re-entered the room, all of them began to analyzing everything they were seeing. The Wizengamot were still not there, Dumbledore was no longer in the room, and a few others were absent as well. The Ministry, the Undersecretary and the scribe were sitting eating at their seats. Hadrian had just taken his seat when the noise level rose exponentially as the Wizengamot members were ejected from the pensive. Their expressions boded well for him, quite a few of them looked very squeamish, and as if they'd seen something they really didn't like the look of. Turning back to the front, Hadrian had to work really hard to keep the satisfaction and amusement from showing through. Quiet shuffling was heard and Hadrian didn't need to look to know that they were probably all reclaiming their seats ready for the next round.

A side door was opened moments afterwards and Dumbledore was escorted back into the room with two Aurors, a third moved away from them to conjure up a chair before he left through the double courtroom doors. The two Auror's escorting Dumbledore took their seats; they weren't the ones Hadrian had dealt with twice in the past. In fact Hadrian didn't recognize them at all, but that didn't surprise him, all the Aurors from this time were probably either retired and extremely old or dead by his time.

"Mr. Peverell, would you mind coming up and answering some questions?" the Minister asked after making his way over to the teenager, keeping his voice low so nobody else could hear him bar those who were sitting closest to him.

Hadrian nodded, "I'll come, Sir" he answered, being polite and respectful; it never hurt to be too polite especially to someone in power.

"Good," Lestrange nodded, "When I call you up, take a seat on the chair," with that he wandered back to his position without waiting on a reply, picking up the bundle of paperwork, sighing internally, as he stretched out wondering how best to begin questioning him.

"I'd like to call Mr. Peverell to the seat," the Minister called out, and utter silence descended, you would have heard a pin drop.

Hadrian stood up, giving a grim smile to Tom and Horace before moving around the seats, his heart pounding erratically, as nerves got the better of him momentarily especially when he sat down and found himself face to face with the entirety of the Ministry officials.

"What is your name?" Andronicus enquired, this part he found tedious, they already knew but for the sake of records they must ask them.

"Hadrian Peverell-Slytherin,"

"What was your first interaction with Albus Dumbledore like?" Andronicus asked something they weren't aware off.

"He was there with Headmaster Dippet after I woke up, the Headmaster asked me how I was but Dumbledore interrupted him and demanded to know who I was and when I didn't answer right away he asked me my name…it's pretty hazy I was in pain, I was unconscious for a long time and it took a while to regain my bearings." Hadrian answered, "As soon as the Headmaster was gone, he was asking me where I was from, and repeated it a few seconds later…I would have answered if I could, but I was still extremely disoriented."

The Wizengamot all nodded in approval at his clear concise answers, exactly what they would expect from a fifteen year old pureblood.

"And then?" Andronicus probed, presuming it wasn't the end of it.

"I received a pain relief potion from the school healer, Healer Chang, who took excellent care of me and made sure to answer each and every question I presented to her during my stay in the hospital wing." Hadrian added, "The Headmaster then asked me a few questions about what happened. I answered as much as I could about the attack, it was then the Headmaster realized he had to get the Auror's involved, he suggested I eat while I waited on them…pain relieve potions aren't meant to be taken with an empty stomach. I was malnourished and they were quite concerned about me. Dumbledore interrupted once more asking me if I attended Durmstrang, which of course, I had no idea about…I was even aware of magic at that point, or rather the finer details, being cursed does sort of drive home the existence of magic."

"Further into the conversation when Headmaster Dippet made it clear that no magical child would be left behind, insisted I attend magic school, I was quite overwhelmed, in a good way, at his generosity, I hadn't received much of it in my life." Hadrian caused, shifting slightly to make himself look self-conscious and just the right amount of worried. "Then I felt it sink away when Dumbledore asked the Headmaster if it was wise, truly thought I was going to be thrown out the school, homeless and utterly helpless." it was what a child would think after all. "Then when it was sorted Dumbledore then again demanded to know who my parents were…but I didn't know they died when I was very young, a baby. Healer Chang and Headmaster Dippet postulated the idea that I may be from the pureblood Peverell line. After that they left me to eat and get some rest before the Auror's arrived."

"And when was your next meeting with him?" Lestrange asked, this had already been answered as well, the Aurors had been thorough but they had to hear it all again, or rather the Wizengamot did.

"The next day, Headmaster Dippet brought me a list of all the classes I was eligible to take at Hogwarts, I had always been able to catch onto subjects quickly, and picked out my classes. Dumbledore was the one to take my to get my supplies, once we were out of the school he began to interrogate me again. Wishing to know who my parents were, as if he suspected I had lied. Then proceeded to ask if magic had truly not been a part of my life. Asking them in different ways as if he suspected I knew more than I let on." Hadrian informed them.

"On page nineteen there's a sworn statement from Auror Aaron Moody that Dumbledore began asking questions about Mr. Peverell-Slytherin a few days after this incident trying to get information, insistently trying to get at least the names of the parents and the addresses in which the young boy had been raised." the Minister stated, holding up the page in question himself. It had also been in the pensive anyway, so they were already aware of this, and their nodding confirmed it.

"How was your first Transfiguration class?" Andronicus prompted.

"Well, it was different from my normal classes, I…well I didn't ask Healer Chang for any more pain relief potions, so I was a little sore, and I must admit distracted. The class hadn't even been started for ten minutes, when Dumbledore singled me out, demanding that I pay attention and removed three points from Slytherin when nobody else had completed the work yet. As I said I had always picked things up remarkably well, and did the double spell directly afterwards but he did award Slytherin ten points, but blatantly ignored Tom when he did it right afterwards…" Hadrian explained, "At the end of the class, Dumbledore asked me to come to the front of the class, he gave me ten assignments that I had missed since the beginning of term and informed me that I had only until the Christmas holidays to turn them in. My hand ached something fierce but I got them done before the holidays. I didn't think anything more of it until I handed them in during a staff meeting, Professor Slughorn seemed quite angry at Dumbledore for it."

"How did that make you feel?" the Minister asked.

"Confused, I just thought it was the way Dumbledore was with everyone…after a week there and no other professor doing it I did begin to think I was being picked on a little but what could I do? He was a professor; I was just a student…a new one at that I didn't think anyone would take me seriously. I thought not complaining would make it stop, especially if I didn't let him see it was bothering me, I thanked him for the homework and the opportunity to prove myself and moved on." now this had been what he had thought with Snape when he was being unfair when he was young, so it was definitely how he should have taken it if he had been young.

"Tell us about the werewolf cub incident," Andronicus questioned.

"Well I don't remember much about it, the attack was such a surprise…I saw a shadow, heard a sound and I turned around, the werewolf cub's teeth latched onto my neck, my magic reacted to my fear and blasted it away from me, and I just remember feeling very, very weak and in a lot of pain." Hadrian explained, "I do know I was out of it for two days, Professor Slughorn came to see how I was doing after I woke up. I learned that Hagrid had only earned detention for a fortnight despite what happened, Professor Slughorn said he pushed for a tougher punishment. I'm ashamed to say I lost control of my temper."

"Go on," Andronicus encouraged.

"I bolted from the hospital wing before the professor or Tom who was visiting could say anything. I ran straight to the Great Hall and made my way towards Dumbledore. I was disrespectful, I asked him if it was anyone other than his precious Gryffindors if the punishment would have been so lenient, to me he does favour the Gryffindors. He had given Hagrid two weeks detention after I had almost been killed. I asked him if his problem was me or the fact it was a Slytherin and he hated our guts." Hadrian allowed his cheeks to flush purposely thinking of the things he and Tom had gotten up to. They would assume it was the fact he was ashamed at his loss of composure he was sure. "He told me not to make the situation worse and I yelled or what apparently I can go around almost murdering people and only receive two weeks detention."

"And his reaction?" the Minister had to stop his lips from twitching, he had seen the memory and he just loved it, a teenager standing up to Dumbledore…in front of all the teachers and students.

"He removed twenty-five points from Slytherin," Hadrian replied, "Then I laughed, saying my disrespect was worth twenty-five point's removal but none had been taken from Gryffindor. I then said to all of them, that they were meant to be teachers, that a student almost died in your care and that's all its worth - two weeks of detention and I added I'll bet they are with Dumbledore himself which they were."

"And then?" Minister Lestrange prompted.

Hadrian shifted slightly, "Um, I told Dumbledore he shouldn't be allowed near children, that he shouldn't be a teacher, to look around at what happens to the students around him getting away with murder,"

"You said something else," the Minister pointed out, almost salivating over that juicy piece of information, dying to know what it was. It was something big that could make Dumbledore so scared, so terrified. Even now he was watching the proceedings paler than a piece of parchment.

Dumbledore could feel his entire world was about to collapse from under him, his heart felt as though it was about to burst. He still didn't know how the boy had found out about Ariana but he hated that he did. He had thought he'd gotten away with that information coming to light earlier; apparently his relief was too soon. What was he going to do? He'd sent his adulthood preventing that information ever coming to light. He knew Gellert wouldn't reveal the information, he held guilt for what happened to her just as he did. He closed his eyes, swallowed the lump in his throat and waited. Praying the boy didn't know anything that he only knew about Ariana because she was buried in Godric's Hollow. The thought of everyone knowing his teenage plans filled him with so much dread and shame.

He would never be trusted again.

Hadrian pursed his lips, his mind racing, if he revealed this it would be the nail in Dumbledore's coffin. It would cement him as a bad guy; nobody would ever trust him again. Yet how did he explain how he knew about it? What happened was only known between three wizards, Dumbledore, Aberforth Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald. Dumbledore could try and use it against him and make him look like a spy or something. Glancing at Tom, he nodded firmly, telling him to go ahead lay it all bare. Did he reveal all or only a titbit?

Chapter End Notes

Will Dumbledore's life and the lie the world believe's come crashing down around him as they learn absolutely everything? If it's a resounding yes, how do we suppose that Hadrian knew it? It is a question Dumbledore would ask after all if he's even in a state to ask any questions once his life is laid bare for all to see :D He can't very well tell them he's from the future :D If I can't think of a reasonable way (and you can't either) I'm afraid the only truth will be the 'rumours' I suppose and a few 'guesses from reading the Daily Prophet' or something like that! R&R guys let me know what you think!

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"Mr. Peverell-Slytherin, how did the overall experience affect you?" Minister Lestrange asked, getting to the winding down statements.

"It's all I've ever known during my period of time at Hogwarts, I grew used to him watching me all the time, no matter where I was, in class or in the Great Hall, even the corridors. It was unfair, I didn't like it at all, I felt deeply uncomfortable, I just thought he didn't like me, it wasn't until the Auror's asked me if he had touched me that I felt really sick, it made me think of each occasion differently…" Hadrian said, finding it increasingly difficult to keep his amusement under bay at the sick looks on everyone's face.

"So you would say it had a negative impact on your schooling?" Lestrange questioned.

"Definitely," Hadrian agreed, nodding emphatically, Dumbledore definitely negatively impacted his education, in both his experiences at Hogwarts.

"That is all the questions I have for you, Mr. Peverell-Slytherin," the Minister said, "Mr. Dumbledore do you have any questions you wish to ask?" his distaste at having to allow this evident in every line of his body and in his voice. Hadrian was a victim of Dumbledore's they shouldn't be allowing it yet Dumbledore had a right to defend himself, it was a sticky situation but both himself and Andronicus both agreed that the boy was strong enough to endure a few questions, especially with them there to curtail anything if the questions got out of line.

"I do," Dumbledore stated, standing up, he had to get the Wizengamot doubting the validity of his statements; he was not going to let the boy get the better of him. "You say you are a descendant from the youngest Peverell brother? That would be Ignotus isn't that correct?"

"Yes," Hadrian agreed, his lips twitched just slightly as he correctly deduced where Dumbledore was going with this.

"Yet it is a well known fact that the Potters are in fact descendant of Ignotus Peverell," Dumbledore said ponderously.

"It's funny that you should know that, the Potters never reveal who they are descendant from, it's a closely guarded secret, nobody outside the family know about it. Not even the elite purebloods knew that piece of information until you spoke about it." Hadrian said, pointing out the Wizengamot and their reactions. He gazed at Dumbledore with renewed wariness, trying to convey his distrust.

Dumbledore twitched in irritation, "Then how come you know?"

"We're related, cousins I think, I never really dwelled on it," Hadrian stated, "I am from the eldest child of Ignotus Peverell, the heir, contrary to popular belief he didn't just have a son, he had two. I have a family tree; my House-elves are currently stitching the results up onto canvas and are doing extremely good work. If anyone wishes to contest the results it would be a simple matter of calling my House-elf with the paperwork." Death was fond of Ignotus, that part of the story was true; the youngest son had gained his respect, maybe because he had known what would become of the family line ending with him becoming Master of Death.

"How many questions did I ask you during your detentions?" Dumbledore asked, getting back to the facts, seen as that one was well and truly a waste of time, it was obvious he wasn't lying, he could sense the truth.

"Three or four, all the while trying to get me to look into your eyes, but it frustrated you when I wouldn't meet them." Hadrian said blankly. "Which put me on edge, I thought you were going to attack me."

That certainly got a lot of people riled up. They would know the reason, why was why Hadrian had so 'innocently' brought it up. Legilimency was a near forgotten art; they definitely wouldn't think that he or even Tom would know it. The Minister quickly quietened them down, breathing like a Bull about to charge.

Dumbledore's mind was whirling, each time he asked a question it seemed as if the brat was trying deliberately to make things even worse for him. Should he just stop and let the deliberations begin? He didn't know how it could get any worse but it seemed as if Hadrian could do the impossible. Things were already bad enough, and he knew they probably had plans to reopen his sister's case; they would try and find out about him, they would find out about his entire life, something he had made sure would never come to light. Merlin, he wished he had never met the boy, wished he had taken his time getting to Hogwarts so that he expired before help could be administered. If only he had listened to his gut this would not be happening to him. What the hell could he ask? All questions that had been posed before him had probably cemented his fate, nothing he asked Hadrian Peverell would help him get out of this situation.

Closing his eyes resignedly, having to admit defeat, "I have no further questions," he said his voice tired and sad for the first time in his life his expression matched his emotions, there was no manipulations to be had. He was defeated and he knew it, he just prayed he did not end up in Azkaban prison.

Chapter End Notes

There we go :) I didn't want you waiting too long for the next chapter....I honestly couldn't think of any other questions Dumbledore could use to question Harry so I'll have to think on that! I've also gotten quite a few questions on whether this will be a Mpreg, and I think it's always 'I don't know' I can't remember if I've asked everyone's opinion or not (it is 64 chapters long and I do have so many other stories) I do wonder if I'm best to just have both of them taking in strays like Fenrir Greyback :D OR let them have a child of their own with Mpreg that would have both their DNA and immortality either that or the child doesnt and they only have the one unable to bear the thought of burying another child (and yes I'm thinking of the very last chapter! LOL) what do you guys think? Any questions Dumbledore can ask before the trial ends? Mpreg or not? R&R please guys!

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"Rough night?" Orion questioned, his lips twitching as Tom and his group joined them, Lestrange, Avery, and Nott looked as if they hadn't slept a wink. Tom was he same as always, impeccably dressed with a blank mask on his face that gave nothing away except the smirk that was lurking there when he spoke. The only time that mask wasn't firmly in place was when they were in private. Even then it seemed as though he was just lowering a few of his masks, he had seen the looks Tom gave Hadrian when he thought they were truly alone, and it was a tangible, visible thing that made him feel envious and uncomfortable that he was seeing it. It wasn't often one observed that kind of true love and passion, everyone he knew and observed had been wizards and witches with arranged marriages. Some were unsatisfied with the life they had, others were content with their lives, his parents were friends, yes, but there was absolutely no love between them. So seeing it made him uncomfortable, he wasn't used to it.

Lestrange, Avery and Nott had to bite their tongues to refrain from complain, and they definitely wanted to complain loudly. Fortunately for them they weren't suicidal enough to do it where Tom was, they didn't need to worry about Tom finding out since quite a few of them had learned Occlumency and well simply put they wouldn't be found out. Nearly all night they had been locked out of the dorm, their bodies ached after sleeping for hours on an uncomfortable leather couch in the cold common room. The fire had gone out at some point after they'd unwillingly fallen asleep out of sheer exhaustion.

Hadrian said nothing as he delicately sat down, wincing slightly, he probably should have taken that pain reliever mixed muscle relaxant before coming out of the dorm this morning, the shower he'd had just didn't quite cut it. 'Rough' Orion said, he didn't know the half of it, and probably wouldn't want to either although it would be funny to see how he'd react. To see how much of Sirius was in Orion, from what he could see…he didn't understand what made Walburga the way she was in his future, this harpy, or why Sirius had ran away in the first place, this Orion and Walburga were really quite cool.

The fact Tom had that smug look on his face made him want to threaten him with something that would definitely made Tom's mood sour for the rest of the day and maybe the next few weeks. Smug bloody bugger, seeing Dumbledore arrested had…aroused Tom, much more ardently than Hadrian had seen yet from his bonded. Not that he had complained at the time, although towards the end of the third time that night he'd been too sexual sated and exhausted really to put anything to words.

"Keep that look on your face…and I'll make sure you don't get any for the next month," Hadrian whispered wincing yet again, he was going to have to go back to the dorm to get that potion. His fingers which were interlocked with Tom's squeezed firmly, it was his fault after all.

"You wouldn't," Tom protested immediately, the smug look leaving him, but he didn't show his displeasure or horror at the mere thought of Hadrian actually going through with it.

"Try me," Harry said with a vindictive grin on his face, this may well be the only way he could get through to Tom, and he'd definitely need to make a mental note to use it more often.

"Would this appease you?" Tom queried, eyebrow rose, the potion Hadrian had decided against having this morning in his long nimble fingers silently taunting him.

Hadrian's lips twitched despite himself, "It's a start," he said disingenuously, plucking the potion from Tom's fingers, pulling the cork out with his teeth seeing as his hand wasn't going to be release any time soon, and downing it in one go, wanting to sag in relief as the aches he hadn't even known were there as well the another disappeared, but he refrained. He might not adhere to the protocol most Slytherin's follow but he rarely broke the most basic ones. It was madness to let others see you in pain, it gave them ammunition against you, although really nobody could actually demand a duel for his position in Slytherin - and nobody would want to either. Not only had he intimidated them that day Avery had attacked him in the early days, but what he had done to him last year had gotten around, including the fact he'd used a Wandless Cruciatus curse on the teenager within Hogwarts walls. There was also the tiny detail that if they dared cast a spell on him, Tom would end them where they stood. He wasn't totally obvious to Tom's coming and goings; he knew they had been forbidden from touching him, hell even looking at him wrong. For most part he allowed it, it amused him, although if it went too far he'd need to discuss it with him.

"Eat," Tom told him, giving his elbow a nudge, bringing Hadrian out of his thoughts.

"I do need both hands to eat," Hadrian informed him, giving Tom's hand another squeeze before he was released, giving him a small secret smile in thanks, he dug into the breakfast Tom had put on his plate, while his bonded did the same thing. He had been asked a million times already about the outcome of the trial, not just the Slytherins either or Myrtle anyone he passed wanted to know. His acquaintance from other houses were much at ease asking him, those that didn't know him as well were a little reserved but their curiosity had won out. Not that he had told them anything, he just murmured an excuse, the most common one being he wasn't allowed to discuss the outcome of the case yet. The only people that knew was Myrtle who he had met up with very briefly before Tom had come and dragged him out, the only sound after that was Myrtle's demented giggling.

Tom had of course, taken great delight in revealing the results, oddly enough he had felt charitable enough to reveal a bit of what it had been like and what had happened, everyone's reaction and the like. He wasn't one for long conversations especially if it wasn't relevant to his goals, and then it was usually to inform the others what was expected of them. Then of course, he locked the door on them all night, and what a night it had been. Tom had always been passionate, over zealous last night had taken it to a whole other level, he suspected it would remain that way for a good while to come. Tom had taken a bit too much pride and satisfaction at them putting Dumbledore in Azkaban. Not that he regretted it; they needed Dumbledore out of the way.

There was a heightened sense of stillness in the Great Hall, other than eating quietly nearly everyone was thrumming with anticipation. It dawned on Hadrian, quiet belatedly, much to his consternation, they were waiting on the damn owl post, so they could get the newspapers, so they could read the results of the trial. Zeroing in on Myrtle, she had a wicked grin on her face, one that spoke volumes, she hadn't told anyone, and she was enjoying this. Honestly, that girl should have been in Slytherin, not when they met, but now…now she was Slytherin to the bone. As if she sensed him looking, she looked up and it became even more savage.

Snorting wryly, he shook his head, he didn't know who was worse, Myrtle or Tom…not that Tom would be happy to even be anywhere near level with Myrtle, especially by him of all people. Still they were quite vindictive, admittedly Tom was more so, but both were dying to see everyone's reactions in equal measures.

Tom glanced inquiringly at him, wishing to know what had tickled him, since there was absolutely nobody talking.

Hadrian just shook his head, and at that exact moment, the pressure in the hall dropped as everyone inhaled at the sound of the hundred owls flapping their wings in the distance. Before they shot through the opening, swooping down to the correct person to whom they were delivering the items to, some owls knew instinctively as the humans were there owners.

Unfortunately it was merely a delivery for both Hadrian and Tom, for neither had a familiar, unless you counted Hadrian and Tom's latest acquisition, courtesy of Avery, the Snake had taken a telling and did not make a habit of scaring everyone. The thought of having to leave obviously didn't sit well with the highly poisonous snake at all. Hadrian had bought a tank for the snake, and that was where it spent most of its time.

"Oh, good, they've finally sent all the paperwork," Hadrian commented, his tone slightly sarcastic, as he flipped through the large folder.

"For what?" Tom queried, as he claimed the newspaper to see how much of the trial they actually knew about. The best part was they didn't need to pay for it, as the majority shareholder Hadrian got it for free. Although he definitely wouldn't have minded all that much paying for this particular copy, it was getting saved, he was very proud of their accomplishments.

The food was forgotten, not just by the Slytherin's but by each house as they moved it aside, papers spread out, all leaning over to read the contents. Tom was surprised to see that it wasn't just the students either, all the teachers but Professor Slughorn were avidly reading the paper today, not paying the slightest bit of attention to the students, truthfully they probably realised the students would be reading it was well. This was probably the best time they had to do so as well.

"The publishing house," Hadrian explained absently, with him having the entirety of the company he wondered whether he should change the name.

"Which one?" Tom asked, his eyes still roaming over everyone, observing their reactions with great delight.

The Ravenclaws were shaking their head in dismay that someone so powerful, so intelligent could do something so illegal and morally wrong. Myrtle gleefully pointing out that maybe he hadn't done those things like he claimed, also that just because you were smart and intelligent didn't make you better than everyone else…Dumbledore thought he was smarter and look what happened…he got caught. She was relishing in their reactions, her hatred of Dumbledore had slowly built up over time, the way he was with Hadrian, her best friend, the one who had saved her from seven miserable years at Hogwarts. Given her confidence, happiness and means to fight back. She would always regard him highly, no matter what, she'd do anything for him…them. Some of Dumbledore's favourite students were trying to defend him but the others were shutting that shit right down.

"Roderick and Percius," Hadrian said, closing the folder, intending on browsing through it all later. The rest of the mail was slotted inside to keep it safe for the time being. With all his investments he got constant updates which meant once a month he got a lot of mail coming to him. Hadrian noticed that Dorea was glancing over at the Gryffindor table, a worried frown she couldn't quite conceal on her face. Of course, Dumbledore had played favourites with Charles Potter; no doubt he was saddened over Dumbledore's arrest. How nobody in Slytherin realized the two were in a relationship he had no idea. Then again if there was anything Slytherins were good at - it was keeping secrets. It seemed she couldn't sit around, and swiftly stood up; Hadrian didn't need to watch her to know her destination.

Glancing over at Charles Potter, he had a letter in his hands, he looked pale, sick and shaken, no wonder Dorea was worried. Was it the letter, the newspaper or something entirely different that had caused such a reaction? Perhaps they had found out about the invisibility cloak? He didn't think it was the case at all, but one couldn't be too cautious.

Seeing Charles, he began to observe the other Gryffindors, only a few of them were reacting strongly to what happened. The others were dismayed, shocked and horrified by what they were reading. Thankfully the Slytherins wouldn't be blamed for what happened; it wouldn't start the damnable feud between the houses. Sure there was competitiveness, but mostly just to see who did best, at House points and Quidditch games. Nothing like the blatant prejudice in his time. For quite a long time he'd been blind to it, just relishing in the attention of an adult who did not think he was a freak.

Shaking off his thoughts, refusing to dwell on them, he knew better now. "So that's what Theseus Scamander looks like," giving him a once over, he was a bit pompous, by the look of him. Unless he had just gotten his awards today - unlikely - he wondered how much of his brother was in him, he knew what Newton Scamander looked like, he had been on the back of his copy of Fantastic Beasts and where to find them book.

"You didn't know?" Lestrange choked, "He's a war hero!" he didn't bother mentioning powerful, since compared to Tom and Hadrian he probably wasn't all that. His aunt Leta had attended school with the Scamander brothers. Something had happened; she spoke about him with bitterness, pain and even a smidgen of shame.

"I knew that part," Hadrian said wryly, giving him a dry look he wasn't completely stupid.

"He's the most normal out of his entire family," Dolohov stated, his lip curling in repugnance as he remembered Mrs. Scamander, she stank something utterly foul the day he met her with his parents. "The brother got himself expelled, not even Dumbledore had been able to save him."

"The expulsion was never enforced," Hadrian pointed out; "Despite his brother being more…famous Newton definitely has more money and influence." the brother was only mentioned after Newton as an anecdote in the future. He was known in every magical household, there was a fantastic beasts and where to find them copy in every library. In fact his company (now anyway) had been the one to publish it, bringing them in a substantial amount of money and it would continue to do so with each generation of students having to buy it.

Money and influence meant more to the Slytherin's than fame surprisingly enough.

"Two and a half years," Alphard scoffed, "That's favoritism if I've ever seen it!"

"Actually it's really not," Hadrian commented, causing the Slytherin's to look at him with incredulity.

"He attempted line theft!" Alphard protested vehemently, it was one of the worst kind of things you could do in the magical world. "Twice!" he added for dramatics sake.

"Attempted, yes, but it means little when Dumbledore proved that he had no intentions of using our names for anything, at least mine, since he knew I was emancipated. It's probably why he hardly got any time in Azkaban for that particular crime." Hadrian explained he was quite content with the amount of time Dumbledore had received in Azkaban. Even when he got out it…he would never be as popular or famous as he should have been, let alone manipulate the next generation of students. That, that was the most important thing out of it all. If he wanted to manipulate anyone it would be as adults. Where they would have a better time seeing through it. He wasn't surprised that the purebloods had clung onto that part, they were all probably seething.

"You really are happy with the outcome aren't you?" Orion asked completely baffled.

"He's never going to teach again, nobody will fall for any of his manipulations and I won't have to endure him stalking me, so yes, you're damn right I'm extremely please with the outcome." Hadrian replied sincerely. It didn't matter to him whether the others understood or not, they hadn't been exposed to what Dumbledore would become in future, he used Hogwarts as a base to scope out powerful wizards or witches to join his bloody Order it was disgraceful.

"I hope he rots!" Dorea exclaimed nastily, a sneer twisting on her usually composed beautiful face.

The boys cringed as one when a Black got furious it was best to get out of their way, especially if it was one of the female Blacks.

"How is Potter?" Hadrian asked, finding it increasingly odd to say those words, he didn't think he'd said it out loud before. He avoided the Potters and the Weasley's it reminded him too much of the past he wished to forget. Hell, it was weird talking to Cedric Diggory's grandfather for Merlin's sake.

"His parents are worried that Dumbledore has done something, they want to refer him to a mind healer," Dorea answered him, sitting calmly in her seat as if nothing had happened and she hadn't just snapped so bitterly moments prior.

"Why do you care so much, anyway?" Walburga asked, staring at Dorea strangely.

Evidently, not even the other female Black's knew about her relationship then, Hadrian thought, listening to the two of them.

"He's alright for a Gryffindor," Dorea insisted, "Plus during class projects, he actually does some of the work!"

Hadrian shared an amused look with Tom; it seemed that the secret was known only to them, surely if anyone would have known it would be the female Black's. Hell he could hear a niggling sound of guilt in her voice as she spoke about him in such a way, not that it was particularly demeaning. Nobody else seemed to hear it so he wondered if he was just imagining it.

Just then the bell rang signalling the end of breakfast; Hadrian laughed a little as he grabbed his bag. "Everyone's going to be starving by lunch time,"

Those closest to him groaned in dismay at his truth, looking longingly at their breakfast before trudging from the Great Hall. "Do you think the Temporary Transfiguration teacher will stay?" they actually liked him, he was decent, didn't play favourites. "The Professor is alright," Thaddeus persisted.

"I agree he is, I guess we'll find out next year," Avery said, if he was still there when the next school year comes around then surely it stood to reason he would be there to stay. The school was still buzzing with the news of Dumbledore's sentencing, all talking and protesting over it, even as they trudged towards class. He was glad they didn't have potions today, he was tired, and he definitely didn't want to blow up the damn room due to exhaustion.

"Professor Reese is fair," Hadrian agreed, he was old though, probably as old as Dippet himself, given their familiarity he would postulate that they were friends. "Has a new Head of Gryffindor been made yet?"

"Professor Slughorn has been looking after them temporarily, but he can't keep doing that," Thaddeus explained, "It's a bit too much for anyone to cope with so many students at a time." he added before scoffing down the toast he'd napped on the way out of the Great Hall.

"That and his club and meetings will suffer," Hadrian said wryly, Slughorn was a great teacher, even better Head of House, but there was no denying he preferred the extravagant meetings he hosted, and it wasn't just him that benefited either, each of his Slytherin's did, introducing them to people who could help them in some way when they left Hogwarts. He had quite a network built up, each month he got dozens upon dozens of gifts from all over the world from his previous students or those he had used his connections to introduce. They all showed their gratitude in ways the Professor definitely liked. The tray of fudge he'd received the last time was expensive stuff; they didn't skimp on giving him the best.

Avery chuckled, "I sincerely doubt it," he wouldn't let anything get in his way of that.

"Move along! Get to class!" the curt sound of Minerva McGonagall calling out to the students holding up the line, making them all late for class. "NOW!"

"Oh, boy, that does take me back," Hadrian murmured to Tom, but there was a huge grin of merriment on his face. Sure the voice sounded younger, perhaps not as curt and cold as McGonagall was in his time but she was nonetheless sounding like she knew how to deal with students.

Tom chuckled, inwardly pondering on the woman, she had joined Dumbledore's Order, but she was as Ravenclaw as one could be, despite her being in Gryffindor. Surely she knew better than to demonise one section of magic as if it was to blame for all that would have happened? Then again, it may not have been the magic but rather his actions that made her join Dumbledore. Separating himself from Hadrian, he wandered over to the Head Girl, clearing his throat making his presence known, ignoring the flushed cheeks of every female in the vicinity. As he always did, even before Hadrian had appeared, they knew he was bonded now, and they still clung to their delusions that he would notice them. It took everything not to sneer at their pathetic hopes and dreams. As if he would look at them twice, with their mediocre looks, and even more pathetic magical displays.

"I know how close you were to Professor Dumbledore; I hope you are coping well?" Tom asked, keeping a close eye on her reactions, she was a Gryffindor, she showed all emotions. Pain flared across her face, much to his amusement, he'd never get enough of seeing people so stricken, especially against someone like Dumbledore, a teacher.

"I'm fine," Minerva insisted, unaware of her features giving her away, especially to a closely watching Slytherin.

"I do hope you won't come to blame Hadrian for what happened," Tom said, allowing his brow to crinkle. "He has nothing but respect for you and your abilities in Transfiguration." he wanted to be sure that none of the Gryffindors were planning any retaliation, if that were the case he would need to get there first and put an end to it.

"Of course I don't!" Minerva protested heavily, how could she blame the victim, no she blamed Dumbledore. Yes, he had been her favourite professor, but that didn't mean she would blindly blame someone else for his actions that was just deplorable. She was extremely hurt that Dumbledore would do those things, her trust in teachers had cracked and frayed at the seams with her leaving after exams she wouldn't be able to regain that trust either. A vision of the first time she'd seen Hadrian flashed though her mind, he hadn't deserved what Dumbledore had done…hadn't he been through enough?

"I'm pleased to hear that," Tom stated, and he was, "If you'll excuse me, I must depart for class before I'm late." he told her and those surrounding her charmingly.

"Yes, we must as well!" Minerva looked around surprised to see that the block in the middle of the hall was now gone, the students had left for classes. As Head Girl she wouldn't get in trouble if she was late, given the circumstances but she didn't want to be late, she was quite a stickler for the rules.

And with that, they all swiftly made their way to their classes. Not that it mattered; the teachers were out of sorts all day, even the person with the dimmest Lumos in the wand and worst grades could tell you that.

Tom entered the classroom, finding the teacher absent which was just fine with him, he slid into his seat next to Hadrian.

Life had never been more amusing to the Slytherin, he revelled in chaos and watching it happen in front of him. By tomorrow evening there wouldn't be a single Dumbledore supporter left within Hogwarts.

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

Hogsmeade

"Come on, spill it," Hadrian said, glancing over at Myrtle shrewdly, the teenager had spent the majority of the time quiet, and he knew Myrtle, she was incapable of being quiet unless she was reading from books. "There's obviously something wrong with you, and you rarely spend time with me on Hogsmeade days anymore." he pointed out, she wasn't doing it maliciously it was just the time where Myrtle and her boyfriend spent the majority of the entire allotted time as a date.

"I'm sorry about that," Myrtle said apologetically, feeling awful now that Hadrian had said something.

Hadrian merely snorted, "I don't mind, I usually spend it with Tom, you know that." shrugging his shoulders. Most people did the same thing, either go in groups of singles or partners spent the day together. Maneuvering around a large group, heading straight for Hogshead.

"What…where are we going?" Myrtle protested Hadrian rarely went into Hogshead; it was dirty full of people she'd rather not have to look at.

"I'm meeting up with Eileen Prince," Hadrian explained, seeing he look on his friends face he added, "I'm Apparating her to Ollivander's to get a wand; she's using one that is not right for her."

"Oh, one those families then!" Myrtle exclaimed, not needing it explained further. "Wait Apparating? Bloody hell, Hadrian, don't let any of the teachers see you!" she didn't even bother trying to talk him out of breaking two laws, one leaving Hogsmeade and the other illegally Apparating without a license. One significantly more important to the rules of society than the other.

"I won't," Hadrian replied, "You coming?" he asked her as he approached Eileen who looked a little nervous but determined.

"No, I'll wait here," Myrtle answered, still distracted.

"Alright, five minutes then we talk," Hadrian pointed at her seriously; he wasn't going to let her avoid it anymore.

Myrtle just rolled her eyes, which she was sure it was something Hadrian would do when he found out what was actually bothering her. He wouldn't give up either until she said anything, it was just silly and she was ruminating. Blinking once she found Hadrian and Eileen were gone. Glancing around, she noticed nobody was paying any attention…had he put a ward up? Flicking her wand she cast a detection charm and realized he had. A subtle notice-me-not charm, well, he was careful if nothing else.

She hoped it was quick and easy getting Eileen's new wand, she didn't want to remain standing here too long. She thought seeing a hag sneaking out of the pub nervously. Sure she was good at magic, but she certainly didn't want to go up against a fully grown adult especially if she saw something she shouldn't.

The sound of Apparation five minutes later was like music to her ears, as both Slytherins made a reappearance.

"Keep that wand," Hadrian suggested, a subtle smirk playing around on his mouth. "Trust me, you'll find it as a use in the near future." maybe, what if he had changed the future so much so that Severus was never born? Even Death had said he had been changing things just by being there. Not being born wasn't the same as killing someone was it? Merlin, he didn't like that thought at all, what if his interference had done something he would forever regret?

"Thanks, Hadrian," Eileen said, her normally scowled features softening into a genuine look of fondness for a few moments. It changed the entire shape of her face, made her look younger, happier.

"You're welcome," Hadrian said giving her a small smile in turn, as much as it pained him to admit, maybe it was for the best that there was no Severus, neither would live in misery, and maybe Eileen could find happiness. He had never seen that kind of look on her face…just how lonely was she? Just how many people in her life had actually helped her?

"I have to go!" Eileen exclaimed looking at the time before rushing off, turning back briefly "Goodbye!" she added like a good pureblood girl then she disappeared into the crowd.

"Ice cream?" Hadrian offered. "To go," the ice cream parlor was always filled to capacity with students.

"Why not?" Myrtle shrugged, it would help pass the time until they had to return to the school.

Fifteen minutes later they were wandering around the secluded area of Hogsmeade, an area that was considered 'Haunted' in Hadrian's time. Without the disgusting dilapidating shack the scenery was absolutely breathtaking. They would need to think of something different for Remus if they could, he definitely never wanted this view of the castle spoiled.

"So what's got your pants in a twist?" Hadrian asked, much to Myrtle's incredulous amusement. Nobody spoke like that, absolutely nobody.

"Nothing," Myrtle replied, honestly it wasn't anything big it was just silly.

Hadrian just gave her a pointed look.

"Me and Richard have been serious for a while now, my parents don't approve of arranged marriages, neither does his, but by this point in a relationship…it should move forward." Myrtle eventually answered sounding slightly depressed.

"What exactly are you expecting?" Hadrian asked perplexed.

"A promise ring…just something to show that we are serious…I've been dropping hints but he hasn't picked any of them up," Myrtle grouched. "Even though I worry about us becoming serious and Richard treating me differently."

"Why don't you buy them?" Hadrian asked, seeing her look he elaborated, "Men get just as nervous as women you know, and just because you are a witch it doesn't mean you should have to wait until he gets down on one knee. Yes it's traditional but who the hell cares? Honestly, women are treated like shit for what? Their gender? You either have kids or end up with a career and called an old shrew. Why can't women have both? Men do, for most part. It won't always be that way, but women have to step up and make change or will it remain stagnant."

Myrtle stared at Hadrian quite stunned.

"Get him the ring, you'll find out soon enough if he's serious…if not then you can end the relationship if it's not going to lead somewhere you want." Hadrian suggested, as they circle around, eating the ice cream out of the small cartons they had. "You're better off trying to be with someone who will treat you like an equal anyway, so many women have children straight out of Hogwarts but its daft, we live such an elongated life, why not have a career and a family?"

"I never really thought of that," Myrtle murmured quietly.

"There are plenty of women who have careers and kids, I mean Newt Scamander's wife is an Auror and she's got a kid," Hadrian pointed out, "Sure it's in America but still, they could learn a lot from us and we can learn a lot from them."

"I suppose so," Myrtle said quietly, he was right of course, but still she hadn't contemplated the idea of a family and a career, she'd been brought up to believe she was to marry a respectable wizard and have a child. It was just the way her parents were, she didn't hold it against them.

"Feel better now?" Hadrian asked. She was just as quiet but he hoped some of what he said got through to her.

"Yes," she replied slowly, could she really get the ring and ask him? It usually happened the other way around, biting her lip she pondered on what she was best to do.

"Then lets head back," Hadrian replied, throwing his empty ice cream container in the nearest bin.

"Alright," Myrtle agreed copying him, what was left was melted now and no use to her.

Chapter End Notes

There we go! Everyone's reactions and more of the story :) I think the next chapter will be them getting ready for exams AND actually taking them the next chapter after that will more than likely be summer holidays...so will they host the parties or just actually begin attending parties themselves? Will Hadrian beat Grindelwald sooner? before he even leaves Hogwarts? Will Grindelwald make an attempt to go for Dumbledore? will he actually get Freed from Azkaban only to end up back inside? Is that who Tom will be dueling? the question is where :D they will need some witnesses after all...I suppose we could have some muggles seeing it having the Ministry called out/involved? R&R please

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"So, what do you plan to do today then?" Hadrian asked, they'd finished their homework four days into their holidays, between doing their homework and sex they hadn't been bored or outside for that matter until their second week. Which had ironically been quite busy, for both of them. Now here he was, going to a party, why the hell did the Malfoy's have to host one? He loathed the ass kissing; Tom was firmly in his element though.

"We have nothing to do until tonight," Tom said giving Hadrian a look of desire. "How about we appreciate the privacy while we can?" he added suggestively. He would never get enough of Hadrian, each time he half expected it to dull down but it was never, ever that way.

"You won't have that excuse in a year's time," Hadrian said, unconsciously licking his lips, drawing Tom's attention to them.

"Who says you'll be coming with me?" Tom asked eyes gleaming victoriously, knowing he was talking about the Head Boy room that came with the title, one of the many benefits.

Hadrian laughed, standing up and sauntering over to Tom, "Oh? Decided you've had enough of me?" he teased, knowing that it wasn't true, he would feel it through their bond which was as strong as ever. "Maybe we should spent more time apart." he breathed the words into Tom's ear before he laughed as he was grabbed around the waist and found himself on Tom's lap.

"Don't even think about it," Tom declared possessively, before kissing Hadrian, it was all teeth, bruising force, passion and a clear demonstration that they were enough for each other. He never wanted to be parted with him; a few years ago he would have sneered at any such display convinced it was a weakness, that he didn't need love in his life. He'd been a young naïve fool.

Panting softly, Hadrian whispered seductively, "It's too bad you decided to attend Nott's party last night,"

Tom's eyes flared, desire coiling within him, "You have no idea how difficult it was to pay any sort of attention to my surroundings," he confessed, he'd felt absolutely everything through the bond, his awakening desire and arousal, Hadrian had taken his sweet time, causing him as much bloody backlash as possible. It was a good thing he had so much self control for when Hadrian had came undone it had almost caused him to follow and that was just through the bond. "I was very tempted to return earlier and bind you into bed and have my wicked ways with you until came undone." make Hadrian think twice about doing it again without him.

"Oh? How exactly did you imagine that while you were preoccupied?" Hadrian teased, green eyes gleaming wickedly, he had known what he was doing to Tom but he couldn't bring himself to regret it. Last night when he returned had been…one of the most intense nights thus far, they hadn't even gotten to bed, he'd been in the shower when Tom returned…he wasn't sure he'd be able to shower again without getting a hard on for ages.

"How about you and I find out exactly what I imagined?" Tom stated in return, his fingers possessively stroking along Hadrian's throat and spine in slow sensuous moves.

"As lovely as that would be…" Hadrian trailed off significantly, "We can't, I have to go and find something to appease the Malfoy's when we visit, it would be rude to go without a gift. Perhaps if we leave early…." he said with purpose, a sly smirk stealing over his features, his eyes basically gleamed 'I win' before he stood up, putting distance between them as he reclaimed his seat, fishing out his Hogwarts letter, to see his results.

Tom groaned and sent Hadrian a withering glare, knowing he'd done that on purpose, well, he'd be sorely disappointed, they were going and they were staying until the end and that was it. He wasn't going to be blatantly manipulated with sex; he'd get what he wanted anyway once they got home. He knew just how to enflame Hadrian, make it so he was putty in his hands. He hid his smug smirk behind his goblet before drinking from it. His arousal and desire calming somewhat in the meantime, "How did you do?" he asked after a few moments.

"Sixteen outstanding grades," Hadrian said with vindictive amusement, take that Granger, he thought with pride. It was awesome to know that if he hadn't had distractions he would have done outstandingly well on all his exams. She'd gotten nine outstanding and one exceeded expectations, he had successfully beaten her, the so called brightest witch of her age. If only he was able to throw that in her face. Admittedly there wasn't the same amount of classes available in that time, but that definitely didn't burst his bubble. He was very proud of himself, he'd worked hard he was entitled to it. He also didn't care that technically he wasn't sixteen years old.

Tom just shook his head in amusement, putting the pieces together without needing Hadrian to say anything. The vindictive amusement came from the fact he'd done so well, it wasn't aimed at him which made him deduce it was someone from his past. He would bet it was Hermione Granger; he hated the fact he would be required to wait so long to enact revenge on those who had hurt his husband. It was decades away, extremely unfair and he loathed having to wait for anything. Admittedly since Hadrian had come into his life he had felt much more at ease to let things come to him in good time.

"What exactly are you thinking of getting them?" Tom queried curiously, what did you get for a family that had everything?

"I don't know, I'll have a look around, worse comes to the worst I'll just given them a bottle from the cellar," Hadrian shrugged indifferently.

Tom choked, "For someone who doesn't care…giving them over a thousand galleon bottle of wine or whiskey will indicate otherwise,"

"Try ten thousand, most of the bottles down there could actually fetch more at auction," Hadrian corrected him, he didn't care though. "Especially considering that two of the companies have closed down," everyone drank alcohol perhaps he should invest in a few more breweries, wineries etc… he only had two he was invested in, or rather more accurately they'd already been invested in before he took over the accounts by one of the Peverells at least he was assuming so. It certainly explained everything in the cellar that was for damn certain.

Tom rose an eyebrow wondering just how Hadrian knew that when he wasn't one for drinking at all. That's not to say he didn't, especially when he was under immense strain, the night he learned everything sprang to mind. He shoved those thoughts aside, not truly caring how Hadrian knew, it wasn't important in the grand scheme of things.

"Are you coming?" Hadrian asked as he polished off the remains of his breakfast.

"I have a few things I need to do before we get ready to leave," Tom shook his head regretfully, he'd spend every waken moment with Hadrian if he could, but it wasn't to be.

Hadrian grimaced at the reminder, ugh, he did not want to attend this stupid function, wasn't it bad enough that he attended all Slughorn parties without having to endure worse ones during his summer holidays? Damn Tom and his manipulative tendencies, worse still he had a damn point! Still, he wasn't going to lick their shoes, Tom knew that, so what happened wasn't fully his fault; Tom knew he didn't want to go.

Tom just chortled quietly, used to Hadrian's sulking when it came to being in the public light.

"I better go," Hadrian grumbled, summoning his money pouch, giving Tom a lingering kiss before he Apparated.

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"One of these days I'm going to kill you," Hadrian protested, and he reluctantly made his way up the path to Malfoy Manor. The Portkey had dropped them off just past the wards, leaving them walking for over ten minutes to get to the actual manor, but the pathway was lit with dozens upon dozens of lanterns attached to poles.

"I believe you've already been there, done that," Tom commented, his voice condescending.

Hadrian stopped walking, warily looking around before glaring at Tom, "That wasn't very nice," he stated.

"Neither was you killing me," Tom pointed out dryly.

Hadrian pursed his lips, trying to keep his 'annoyed' façade on but failing miserably, against his will his lips twitched in amusement. "An argument could be said you committed suicide, twice," had they gotten to the point where they could actually joke about this stuff? He'd never saw himself in the creature that had been killed; it was odd hearing him admit it.

"I'll concede to your logic," Tom admitted, nodding his head, glad to have Hadrian's thoughts OFF this upcoming party for now.

"Good evening, young Masters, May Tisky be taking you cloaks?" a House-elf asked from the doorway.

Hadrian pursed his lips at the state of the poor thing, nostrils flaring in disgust, especially seeing the bruises adorning the House-elf. How many times had she or he been hit this evening by inconsiderate arseholes already? Removing his cloak, he did not give it to the House-elf instead he hung it up himself. "Thank you, but I think I can manage to put it up myself,"

Tom rolled his eyes, as he also did the same as Hadrian, not wishing to incur his wrath about the House-elves, he had a wild night planned for both of them, and doing anything remotely insulting to a House-elf would be a definite cock blocker.

"Dobby?" Hadrian called looking around unobtrusively.

"Yes, Master Hadrian?" Dobby answered, wondering again why it was that his Master always called him instead of his parents.

He would never know that Hadrian was more used to him than his parents and it was instinctive to call Dobby over them. Especially knowing just how loyal Dobby truly was and the attachment he had.

"Bring me a pain reliever and a bruise salve, immediately please," Hadrian said with a little urgency he couldn't be caught outright helping the House-elf not without causing it more pain he wasn't stupid.

Dobby didn't answer he immediately popped away, already having a funny feeling who and what it was for.

Tom just groaned he didn't know how Hadrian could care more for House-elves than anyone else (except him but that goes without saying).

Once Dobby returned, Hadrian crouched down, his eyes soft, knowing without a doubt that Dobby would be in this House-elves place if not for him. This one may have very well been in a happy home, like Winky, that may well be on him. "Take these and hide them in your…room, take a sip of the pain reliever and leave the salve to later, if you ever get caught you tell them the truth, tell them that Master Hadrian Peverell-Slytherin gave you them," throwing his name around, if it helped this unfortunate soul then he'd damn well do it.

"Yes, Master Peverell-Slytherin," Tisky muttered shyly a look of awe on his face, clutching the vials as if he was terrified they would disappear.

"Quickly go," Hadrian urged, standing up to find that Dobby was already gone again.

"You are soft," Tom said shaking his head.

"Only for certain things," Hadrian stated firmly, he wasn't about to change either.

Tom's lips twitched and he nodded sombrely already very much aware of that.

"Follow Tisky, I will take you to the Great Hall," the House-elf insisted the second he returned, already standing a little taller and easier, exuding gratefulness and excitement. "Masters Peverell-Slytherin," the House-elf introduced them as she must, causing everyone who was there to glance at the entrance in awe, curiously and familiarity.

"Thank you," Hadrian said once more uncaring that everyone in the room heard.

"I can take that Master Peverell-Slytherin," Tisky said demurely gesturing towards the tall box that was gift wrapped.

"Its glass so you might want to take care," Hadrian commented as he gave the House-elf it over, as their friends impatiently waited for them at the side of the Great Hall. They all ignored the whispers proceeding due to his kind nature towards the House-elf, very aware of Hadrian's feelings towards any and all abuse.

"What the hell is he doing being kind to it?"

"Father, please say nothing," Abraxas warned remembering his own experience. Hadrian would leave his father nameless by the time he was through, he'd only shown disgust at the House-elf and Hadrian had nearly gone feral and bit his head off because of it, he could only imagine how he'd feel regarding how his father treated the House-elf.

"It's not the proper decorum for purebloods!" he protested.

"Not all purebloods mistreat their House-elves, you know that," Abraxas pointed out, refraining from rolling his eyes at the aghast look on his father's face.

"Come, we must introduce ourselves to them," a tall beautiful blonde (different from the Malfoy' blonde of course) insisted, linking arms with her husband, dressed in a resplendent red dress with ruby and diamonds adorned her neck, wrists and ears. She couldn't deny she was curious about the two, they were gaining an extremely momentous amount of attention and fame, young too, and they would go far, both she and her husband knew it, thus the invite. She knew her husband would behave himself for that fame and fortune alone.

"Indeed we must," and with that Lord and Lady Malfoy began to make their way towards the Peverell-Slytherin couple, ready to begin a beautiful friendship that would be good for all of them.

Chapter End Notes

Hmm I wonder what to call Lord and Lady Malfoy perhaps Lord Malfoy can be named after a Roman emperor but I don't think Abraxas is one though...Lucius definitely is and Draco was named after a star like all those with Black blood ironically enough Draco did the same with his son...what do you guys think? any suggestions? and I'll probably be updating this again tomorrow or the next day (like I did with the games they play) the muses are strong on these ones :D R&R please

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Tom was many things but he wouldn't lie about this, he wouldn't claim credit for things that hadn't been fully his doing. Even if Malfoy was just digging for answers, he wasn't exactly being all that subtle about it in his eyes either. Fortunately, he was saved from having to do anything as the surprise, shock and worry came down the bond startling him a bit. "Please excuse me," he said, not giving Octavian another moment of his time as he made his way towards Hadrian.
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"Hey, Orion I thought you said Cedrella wouldn't make it?" Flint commented, as he strolled up to their table, Orion and the other Black's all looked towards Flint.

Hadrian coughed and began to splutter, his gaze swinging around trying to find her. Cedrella Black, she was supposed to marry Septimus Weasley, worry began to swarm in his gut. While there was a few Weasley's he loathed, he didn't want to see the entire line just disappear. Septimus Weasley was the seventh son, and ironically enough their son would go on to have seven children too. What was she doing here? He knew he had changed a great deal by coming here, but to think he may be changing a lot of peoples futures did panic him yet again.

The feel of a hand curling around his neck anchored him, the fingers tightened but not to the extent of hurting him. "Are you alright?" Tom asked, magic flaring around him, silencing them from any eavesdroppers that might be tempted to listen in. "I could feel your panic spike suddenly."

Hadrian relaxed back against the hold Tom had on him, turning into his hold, so that nobody could see him show any 'weaknesses' he didn't want them thinking for a second he had any designs of Cedrella Black. "Do you happen to know why Cedrella Black is here?" his tone more than a little hopeful that Tom did indeed know.

Tom frowned, "Why does it matter?" he asked, gazing down at Hadrian his face uncharacteristically soft, soothing even. It wasn't often that he was able to provide for Hadrian, even in such a small way.

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"That boy is going to become someone extremely important, you mark my words," Octavian confided to his wife as she made her way back, watching Tom Peverell-Slytherin leave towards his husband. "It's truly a pity," he sighed morosely.

"What's a pity?" Estella enquired, handing over another drink to her husband, having ensured everyone who wanted a drink had been topped up. Mostly everyone was here, the music was going, everyone was having fun, she would say it was a great success so far. She wasn't even remotely bothered by the fact not everyone had turned up. The Scamander's were on the short list of those who had not come.

"That our son didn't take the initiative and suggest a bond between them," Octavian, to join the Slytherin line together with the Malfoy line, it was truly something most of them only ever dreamed off. They usually only reserved a bonding between males if the contract had been made before their births, either that or with absolutely no alternative. It was times like these were they truly desired female offspring. From what Abraxas said, neither had a male influence in their lives, perhaps he could offer himself up to the role. To have the credit…would be a heady thing indeed.

"Abraxas already has the perfect fiancée," Estella argued with a clipped tone, she wouldn't hear of it otherwise. "We've never had bonded males in the Malfoy line," plus they would need four children if two men bonded, an heir and a spare for both names.

"She's wonderful," Octavian agreed, "But the Peverell name is now attached to the Slytherin name, one of the most prominent families in existence. I do wonder though, whether it was a bonding on the notion of silly young love or convenience," he would put his money on convenience. He'd spent time with Tom and he was extremely shrewd, to say the least.

As good as they were with keeping up with their history, they didn't realize that the Peverell name was closely linked to the Slytherin name regardless of the marriage between the two.

"Nobody gets married that young for convenience sake," Estella told her husband, basking in the success of yet another party.

"It seems not," Octavian stated, watching the couple closely, that look of affection was raw and genuine. They knew because they could see real love when staring them in the face since most of the time marriage was used for convenience sake within their circle - the pureblood circle - in a bid to keep the families going and pure.

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"Cedrella Black marries Septimus Weasley, they have seven sons, one of those sons goes on to have seven children…that's fourteen people just erased out of existence if I've screwed up…" Hadrian frowned, was it worth the price to pay for all the changes he'd made? Fourteen people for the lives of generations upon generations of people? Probably, but Hadrian didn't like to think things like that. Unfortunately, it was becoming something of a reality for him, the knowledge of what he had changed at any rate. Like Eileen Prince, Myrtle, the guy she was dating, and now possibly Cedrella Black.

"You haven't screwed anything up," Tom stated firmly, "Things are changing, sure, but that doesn't make it your fault, you must stop worrying about things you cannot change, and just enjoy your life otherwise you're going to be a mass of panic and worries for the next sixty years."

"I can't help it, sometimes it just catches me off guard, the little things I know…which is much more than I anticipated," Hadrian mused, the last remnants of panic and worry draining from him. Tom was right, there was no use to worrying about things he ultimately wouldn't be able to change. This was his life now, the past was no longer viable, for he would be there to see it all unfurl before him like a flower in the sun.

Tom arched an eyebrow at the last comment as he sat down but said nothing, simply removed the silencing spell, and sound began to drift back to them.

Chapter End Notes

There we go I hope you enjoy the chapter, I'm sorry if it's not like my usual chapters I've just had to say goodbye to my beautiful German Shepherd (who would have been eleven in a few months) and honestly, I'm feeling a little down - and heartbroken - so any other chapters I update might be the same I hope you can forgive that I'm writing just to try and take my mind off it, but it's not working all that well I don't think. R&R please

"Ugh, I think that's me done for the night," Hadrian murmured, as he pushed his plate further up the table. Much to his consternation, the food had been absolutely divine, but well, that wasn't down to the Malfoy's really, and he'd made sure to say as such when he 'complimented' their House-elves for an absolutely beautiful meal, and so artistically positioned. Despite his constant digs the Malfoy's had been ever so graceful, it truly was amusing to Hadrian, after all, he knew how they treated their enemies, and it was obvious to him they didn't want to consider him one. Admittedly Octavian was much less friendly and a little cooler towards him than Tom, but Hadrian didn't mind, he preferred it even. This was Tom's stage, where he thrived, and it was magnificent to watch him work his charm.

"Yeah, I've got to be home for curfew in ten minutes," Avery admitted, glancing at his pocket watch to see the time for himself.

"Aren't your parents here?" Hadrian cocked his head to the side in confusion, knowing that they were here, he had met them earlier. "Have they left already?"

"Oh, they're here alright," Avery murmured amused, shaking his head ruefully.

Hadrian's eyebrows rose in silent question judging by everyone's expression they already knew everything he wanted answering.

"It's encouraged for those under the age of eighteen to head home at ten o'clock, whether our parents are there or not," Dolohov explained, "It's usually when 'business' truly begins, and the heavy drinking, they keep it up until one or two o'clock in the morning,"

"Latest I've heard my parents returning was three o'clock, and I think it was a Malfoy party too," Avery scratched his chin thoughtfully before nodding determinedly, yes, it definitely had been a Malfoy party. "I was quite young, too young to even want to attend a party, I must have been nine or ten years old."

"You stayed up that long?" Abraxas threw Aiden a surprised glance.

"My room used to be above the sitting room, the fireplace still does straight up by my old bedroom, the guest bedroom above and of course, the attic." Avery exclaimed ruefully, "Every time someone used the Floo I could feel it, woke me up every time. It was annoying when my father used it at six o'clock in the morning,"

"How long did it take for them to give you the heir room?" Orion asked with a smirk playing on his face.

"Too long," Avery grumbled, his annoyance unpalatable.

"Let me guess when your Hogwarts letter came?" Dolohov questioned, a knowing look on his face.

Avery grudgingly nodded, yes, it was when his letter came, judging by Dolohov's look he'd been through the same thing.

"Why not when you first display magic?" Hadrian asked his gaze blank as he observed them. He wasn't a pureblood, had never grown up with any, the Weasley's didn't really count, they didn't adhere to the rituals that the Pureblood's kept. So he wasn't in the know, but he could figure it out from how they were talking. He didn't ask if they had performed magic by the age of ten, now that would just be too much of an insult. These were quite powerful wizards in their own right, otherwise, Tom wouldn't give them the time of day. Albeit compared to him and Tom they were…adequate he supposed.

"Every family is different," Orion explained, "Some do give their heirs the heir room upon displaying their first instance of accidental magic. Others only do it when they've been given their letters for Hogwarts. It's mostly families with more than one child that does it admittedly, since you know…there's no guarantee to know who actually did the accidental magic."

"Aiden is an only child," Hadrian pointed out, "What was your first instance of accidental magic?" truly curious.

Avery startled at hearing his first name coming from Hadrian, like all others they usually used their last name, but with Hadrian having such a long name now they usually called him Hadrian sometimes Peverell but not often due to the look Tom gave them. "Well, my parents said I did my first instance of accidental magic when I was three, I caused an explosion actually, I was near the fireplace having a fit because they wouldn't let me see my friends and I was bored. Magic and fire don't mix, thankfully my dad was there that day, and quickly shielded my mother and I from the flames and parts of wood that exploded everywhere." they had been furious with him, for like an hour before their tune changed. probably after they'd gotten over the damage caused and probably panic too, to realize their son had performed his first bout of accidental magic.

"Bloody hell," Hadrian murmured eyes slightly wide, impressed despite himself.

"How about you?" Orion pressed, truly curious to know just what accidental magic Hadrian had done in his life.

"Me?" Hadrian blinked in surprise, glancing at Orion, seeing so much of his godfather in him. Which was ironic really, since it was a letter he had found in Grimmauld Place that led him to know what his 'first accidental magic' actually was. A letter from his mum to his godfather. "I summoned my toy broomstick, I was one year old, to the day, I had just got it as a present," Hadrian revealed, his eyes glazed slightly, this was the first true memory he was sharing with them, and he found it quite emotional, more emotional than he anticipated. "Accidental magic after that made my life a living hell," shaking off his thoughts, he came back to the present.

"This I have to hear," Dolohov stated, ignoring the warning glances the others were giving, their own intuition telling them that this would lead to very thin ice. Even Avery had learned when to let things go, admittedly in a painful manner. "What other accidental magic did you do? Was it even accidental? I mean you're powerful," he wasn't able to hide his envy as fully as he would have liked.

Oddly enough, Hadrian just shrugged, "Not much, just turned my teachers wig a different color, shrank down tops, grew my hair back and Apparated onto a school roof when I was nine," there was no hint of boasting in his voice. He knew compared to everything Tom did he had nothing to boast about. Hell, he had been using the Cruciatus curse from a young age, if they had to compare power levels he'd say Tom was more powerful, forget the whole damn equal thing the prophecy insisted they were. He was a true prodigy while he was sort of a fake, everyone thought he was a prodigy too just because they thought he was a whole lot younger than he actually was.

"You Apparated?" Orion choked out, "But that's impossible!" nobody should be able to accidentally Apparate at that age, he'd never heard the likes of it before.

Hadrian just gave him a doubtful look.

"I…when you first appeared here that was extenuating circumstances," Orion amended, thinking better of saying 'when you nearly died' nobody wanted to remind him of that time…except maybe Dolohov. One of them was going to have to talk to him before he ended up cursed to hell and back. "Wish magic is very strong, only capable under the most arduous circumstances, and its like once in a lifetime deal."

"Maybe," Hadrian said with a thoughtful frown, "There might just be different versions of wish magic, different levels that people are capable of." he had wished to be away from his cousin and his imbecilic friends he hung around with, and his magic had reacted to that, he didn't put any 'awe' into this wish magic thing, but he was using his own experiences, it was obviously something amazing to everyone else, he suspected it was due to the fact the recipient of 'wish magic' was always at deaths door and despite all odds manage to survive.

"You think so?" Avery adopted a very pensive look as he actually thought about what Hadrian suggested.

"Aiden, time," was called across the room, his father giving his son a pointed look when Aiden focused on him.

"I guess I best get going," Avery grumbled, he'd been all for leaving twenty minutes ago, but this discussion had probably been the best discussion all night.

"Best excuse ever," Hadrian murmured, causing everyone to chortle, all silently agreeing that he was some wizard. Different from all they knew, and part of them actually relished in the difference while it irritated them too. "I'll see you guys tomorrow," they'd made plans to meet up in Diagon Alley just to have something to do. There was only so many parties you could attend before they became boring, although getting to see your friends was the only benefit.

They all called out their own farewells, as Lady Malfoy brought out the Floo powder with a flourish.

Hadrian paid no attention to her, the powder after waving his friends away, he merely began to look for Tom. He had stayed longer than he thought he would, but enough was enough, he wanted to head home. All this schmoozing had left him feeling nigh on exhausting…or maybe it was Tom's feelings coming through the bond.

As he moved through the throng of people, he realized he hadn't asked the others how they'd done on their O.W.L's. In fact, they hadn't been brought up at all tonight. It was slightly strange, you'd think they'd want to boast about their results. He supposed it could have been done before he and Tom got there.

He was talking to Malfoy again, honestly, that guy had been hounding Tom all night. Hadrian pressed his hand to his back, letting Tom know he was here. "I'm going to head home to the manor," Hadrian informed him when Tom tilted his head after he finished his sentence, letting Hadrian know he was listening.

"Give me a moment, I'll come with you," Tom informed Hadrian turning to face him, Tom's eyes flared with desire, and heat coursed through the bond. He had remembered Hadrian's seductive suggestion, and this was early, well, compared to the Nott party at any rate.

Hadrian laughed, eyes gleaming, "You wish," slightly breathless as he slightly adjusted his stance, which was becoming very uncomfortable. The others, of course, wouldn't understand what he meant, since Hadrian was responding to the feelings through the bond, teasing Tom that he wasn't getting any tonight.

Tom just smirked in reply, able to feel the desire thrumming through Hadrian's veins, albeit desire he had started. What could he say? Hadrian was…delectable to look at, passionate, sarcastic, gorgeous, and all his. He didn't think there ever would be a time where he didn't constantly desire Hadrian, the intensity differed every day.

"I'll wait in the entrance hall," Hadrian informed him, kissing the side of his mouth, only to be pulled into a breathtaking proper kiss, that left his legs feeling like jelly and caused his toes to curl, even after all this time. Hadrian didn't know if it was perhaps his 'body's age' or if this was normal, the honeymoon period they called it, how long did it last? Hadrian wasn't sure, he hadn't been in a 'relationship' before, and honestly, the only couples he'd been around were the Weasleys and the Dursley's not examples he wants to follow. "Yes, the entrance hall," he murmured after a few moments, sounding as breathless as he felt, completely ignoring the amusement that shot through the bond.

It took a few minutes for Hadrian to begin moving, leaving Tom to do what he had to, but he did notice that many of the adults had moved from the Grand Hall. Perhaps moving to a study of some sorts a more 'intimate' setting to talk business, honestly, Hadrian didn't understand why they weren't utterly bored. They certainly looked ecstatic enough, might have something to do with the drinks they'd consumed in the past few hours.

Wrinkling his nose, he successfully meandered around avoiding anyone who wished to talk to him. He'd been asked so many questions about his book, questions that were actually already in the book for them to read. It went to show just how much attention was paid to them. He immediately put a hand up, stalling the House-elf, before snatching both his and Tom's cloak from the pegs, many of them now empty.

It was curious why they didn't have a cloakroom, even Peverell Manor had one, albeit not used often or at all really. A quick peek around, he observed that there were no other doors in the vicinity that could be one. Perhaps it had been ripped out during one of the renovations of the manor or something. Shrugging uncaringly, he rocked back and forth on his feet, boredom getting the better of him. He wished Tom would hurry up.

He could feel him before he saw him, turning around, "Finally," he sighed out, thrusting his cloak at him before making a beeline for the door. "You so owe me for this," he added, to think he could have been working on his book, not that there was much left to do of course, but he did need to finish it.

"I'll make it up to you," Tom promised, linking his fingers through Hadrian's, "Tonight," he added, seeing Hadrian so caustic towards the Malfoy's had been mesmerizing just as much as their stifled reactions. It shouldn't have made him respond that way, he should have been annoyed but Hadrian was Hadrian, nothing would change him. It got him through Lord Malfoy's constant questions, his subtle digs at Hadrian had not been appreciated though. Quite frankly, Malfoy tried to make it sound like Hadrian was using him to get higher up, to gain status, that he'd been the one to garner such recognition, that it was solely his hard work that gained the Slytherin name a renewal if you will. It was just there in the way he spoke, the way he asked certain questions. Perhaps that was the reason he wasn't so annoyed by Hadrian's sardonic barbs, his favorite definitely had to be the praise he'd given the House-elves for their dinner.

"Merlin, I'm so tired," Hadrian admitted, yawning tiredly as if to prove his point. "Have you been drinking pepper-up? You got up earlier than me." nudging Tom giving him a smile. He averted his eyes quickly though, due to the balls of light, that was currently floating around Malfoy Manor's garden, letting people find their way out.

"Only by an hour," Tom informed him, his masks dropping a little, but it wasn't until they Apparated home that Tom fully relaxed and his masks disappeared completely. His cheeks fairly hurt at the moment, but that wasn't unusual, they always tended to get that way after hours of smiling and charming people.

Stifling another yawn, "I need a shower and to get out of these bloody clothes," he always felt like a stuffed turkey wearing these things.

Tom looked down at his own robes and conceded his point, while it was uncomfortable, he, unlike Hadrian, actually liked wearing expensive robes. He toed off his shoes though, he very much preferred going barefoot when he could. Hearing footsteps receding, he realized that Hadrian was heading upstairs and followed at a sedate pace.

He reached their bedroom in time to see the tantalizing view of his husband's rear end disappearing into the ensuite. The clothes he'd worn earlier discarded on the floor. Tom, not one for patience or denying himself something he wanted, swiftly began to disrobe as fast as possible, eager to join him.

The door was open, an invitation if he'd ever seen one, he thought with a wry grin, as he stood there for a moment watching Hadrian wash his hair, eyeing the trail as it went south, his mouth going dry as it disappeared from view. Once again blown by the fact at one point the hadn't wanted this. Wandering over, struck by his stupidity in thinking it was a weakness, opening the glass door, he stepped in, closing it behind him pressing himself against the warm body, causing Hadrian to shiver at the coolness that was him until he swiftly warmed up by the water.

Hadrian turned around, green eyes gleaming in amusement, "You're completely insatiable," he said it like it was a complaint, despite the fact it most definitely wasn't. blinking as he got shampoo in his eyes, he leaned upwards, closing them as the water cascaded down his face.

Tom watched the droplets, his gaze narrowing in on the scar trailing down Hadrian's neck, his fingers brushed against the thin line that was almost invisible. He had almost lost Hadrian to Hagrid's damn wolf cub, he'd never forgiven the half-giant for that, and never would. He'd never experienced worry like that before, and truly never wished to again. Leaning forward, Tom kissed a trail all the way up the scar tissue a smirk tugging at his lips as Hadrian swallowed thickly multiple times. Before drawing Hadrian into another heated kiss. "Still tired?" he drawled, as he drew back, hands automatically clutching his husband's sides, bringing him closer.

Hadrian moaned a little, "Little bit," wrapping his arms around his shoulders, fingers trailing up and down the nape of Tom's neck as he drew the wizard in for another kiss. "Maybe less now," he admitted, enjoying the intimacy between them, it wasn't fierce and hot like the last time they did it in here, but no less intense. Burrowing his face into Tom's neck, sighing softly, grateful to have this time with him.

"You seemed to enjoy yourself a little tonight," Tom said, hands trailing absently up and down Hadrian's back, the intense heat vanishing leaving behind a more tameable desire.

Hadrian sniggered into Tom's shoulder, "Someone needed to take them down a few pegs, and believe me, they only get worse each passing generation."

"I'll take your word for it," Tom replied, knowing better than to even doubt Hadrian's word for a second, reaching forward and turned off the shower, summoning two towels, and wrapping one around Hadrian then himself.

"You should," Hadrian told him firmly, as he dried himself off, and my goodness his bed had never before been more inviting. "I told the guys I'd meet them in Diagon Alley tomorrow, gather our books before it begins to get packed with everyone coming in." using the towel to dry his hair as best as he could.

Tom made a disinterested noise, as he slid into the bed, arms automatically coming around Hadrian's middle, dragging him to Tom's side. He may be disinterested in the current conversation, but there was something Tom was definitely interested in, judging by the bulge pressed against Hadrian's hip. The wiry muscles were becoming more prominent on Hadrian, Tom observed, as he touched as he pleased, he could never get enough of Hadrian.

Using his elbow to sit up, locking their legs together, Tom stared down at Hadrian, desire flowing through him.

"What?" Hadrian asked bemused by the staring. He opened his mouth to ask a proper question only to have his lips taken in a searing kiss, moaning softly as Tom bit his bottom lip, before traversing down his neck, as long dexterous fingers trailed upwards along his ribs arousal flaring within him making him forget his question. Which hadn't been all that important anyway. Impatiently he wiggled down, urging Tom across him, moaning softly at the feel of Tom's weight across him before he latched onto a nipple that was in full view.

Sudden loud pecking from an owl caused both to break apart, glance at the window in disbelief before simultaneously groaning.

"You've got to be kidding me!" Hadrian groaned, slumping his head on the pillow.

Tom just glared at the bird as though he wanted to kill it.

Sighing resignedly, he waved his hand, letting the owl in, grumbling in irritation. "Wait, I think I recognize that owl,"

Tom sighed as he slid off Hadrian and to the side, keeping close to his husband. "Who?" he queried, it definitely wasn't any of their acquaintances or followers. He confirmed his thoughts as it flew towards the bed, claiming the middle of the headboard as its own.

"Yaxley, Healer Yaxley," Hadrian explained, as he shimmied up a little in order to claim the letter attached to the owl's leg. As soon as the owl was relieved of its burden, it took off, evidently, it hadn't been instructed to wait for a reply. Shrugging his shoulders, he leaned against Tom fully as he opened the missive, surely he had to be wrong about it belonging to Healer Yaxley? Why would he be getting in touch with him?

"Huh, looks like I wasn't," Hadrian muttered, as he glanced at the bottom.

"Wasn't what?" Tom asked confused.

"Wrong about who sent it," Hadrian explained, "Whoa, he wants me, ME to help in St. Mungo's," utterly baffled.

"You told me yourself that he's told you that you could probably pass the basic Medi-Wizardry course within three months," Tom stated, unsurprised that Yaxley had seen Hadrian's potential. Added to the fact that Hadrian was ahead in that class, if he wanted to he could take his N.E.W.T's in that particular subject this week and pass.

"I can't see any of the Healers being happy with the thought of someone my age being there, he should have probably asked someone in seventh year." Hadrian mused thoughtfully, still holding the letter.

"Are you going to go?" Tom questioned, he knew better than to give his own opinion, Hadrian did whatever he wanted whenever he wanted. Plus, he was going to go down to B&B's again, he found quite a few decent books the last time he was there. He was hoping to find more of the rarer ones, and much to his amusement, all he had to do was bring up his husband and Borgin was very cooperative about his prices. He was still terrified of him, which he would have found insulting if not for the fact he found nothing but amusement out of it.

Hadrian sighed, "I have absolutely no idea," he felt as though Yaxley had an ulterior motive, "I'd feel better knowing his game plan."

"It's quite obvious, to get you into healing, he wants you as his apprentice," Tom chuckled dryly.

"I suppose it can't hurt to learn, I'd never end up working for St. Mungo's though," Hadrian murmured, "Maybe do it privately,"

"Between writing books?" Tom questioned, "Will you have the time? Added to the fact you intend to bring out the nutritional potion, isn't one of those books actually about the potion?" he felt smug about that, having finally convinced Hadrian to at least publish one of his potions, he was still working on the others though. He'd wear him down, it would take him, but he had all the time in the world. In fact, he suspected that Hadrian working in St. Mungo's would help him along in his endeavors. "You should do it, even if it's only for a few weeks."

Hadrian glanced at him eyes gleaming in amusement, seeing through his sudden altruism. "I doubt I'll be the only one asked if St. Mungo's is truly in need of student aid."

"True," Tom conceded, making a thoughtful sound. It must be bad as Hadrian said, but asking students to help? It strained credulity, he believed Yaxley was just trying to entice Hadrian into taking on an apprenticeship in healing. Hadrian had often said he didn't know what he wanted to do, due to the fact he hadn't had the opportunity to find out before. Not everyone knew what they wanted to do with a grim certainty, like him. "Now how about we forget this and get back to what we were doing before we were so rudely interrupted?" Tom suggested, but it wasn't really a suggestion, he was already moving, putting the letter in the drawer closest to him, before drawing Hadrian close.

Hadrian laughed at him until it was cut off by lips descending on his own.

They weren't interrupted again.

Chapter End Notes

Here we go! another chapter for you guys! enjoy! the rest of the summer holidays will probably fly by since I'm struggling to write anything regarding their summers...Will I add something in about Grindelwald? Would you like to see some looming foreshadowing of what's to come ;) hehe R&R please