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

“Um…Sawyer, they own ninety-five percent of the shares of the Daily Prophet,” Ross whisper-hissed to him, as if the other two wouldn’t be able to hear him regardless of how quietly he whispered. They were standing right next to them after all.

“Rightttt,” Sawyer drawled shaking his head in amusement, some stupid joke wasn’t going to get to him. They were just trying to get him back for what he wrote in the article.

“Remember to pack only your belongings, unless you wish to have theft added to the list of charges against you.” Tom added coolly, he wouldn’t be laughing soon enough.

“Your P45, do not come looking for references for the next idiot who’s stupid enough to take you on,” Hadrian slammed the paperwork that essentially fired him, onto the desk. Paperwork that couldn’t be considered forged, it came directly from Gringotts, and they prevented tampering. “You’re done.”

“For what? An article? I’ll sue you if you fire me for that! The wizarding public are allowed freedom of speech!” Sawyer changed immediately, spluttering with rage, when he saw the P45.

“That article you wrote endangered a child! An underage child!” Hadrian roared loud enough that everyone in the reporters office had to hear it. “You not only named him but you shamed him for something beyond his Merlin-damned control! Not that there is anything to be ashamed of!”

Sawyer stepped back at the vitriol coming his way, the spittle from the shouting landing on his face.

“Easy,” Tom murmured, squeezing his hand in reassurance. ‘Do not allow him the knowledge that he’s got to you,’ he warned him through their link.

“Not just any child, but my child,” Hadrian declared possessively, his voice low and controlled once more. “My son, the heir of the entire Peverell-Slytherin estate!” Hadrian was still leaning over the desk, if looks could kill, Sawyer Skeeter would be six feet under.

“It’s all public knowledge!” he squeaked out, glancing at Tom as if to ask for him to get control of his husband.

“You are going to wish you hadn’t heard of me before this is all said and done,” Hadrian threatened, standing back up straight, he was going to torture and kill him he decided.

“How much did you give to the Greyback’s? How much was your career worth?” Tom asked, staring at Skeeter in disgust, shaking his head in what could only be patronising disappointment.

Sawyer swallowed thickly, how did he know he’d gotten the information from the Greyback’s? Or that he had paid them a pittance for their information? Three galleons and they had gleefully aired all their dirty laundry, including how Fenrir had actually become a werewolf. He hadn’t printed that though, it would have gained the boy sympathy, and he didn’t care much for that, it wasn’t the intention behind the article.

A knock on the door had everyone glancing at it, the red robes gave away their occupation before a word could be said.

“Y-y-you involved the Aurors?” Sawyer squeaked out, backing away further, eyes wider than a House-elves on a bad day.

“Sawyer Skeeter?” Auror Spinnet questioned, staring straight at the wizard, indicating he knew who he was dealing with.

“Yes?” Sawyer managed to get out through his suddenly parched throat. Glancing around the room as if hoping for a sudden way out.

“My name is Auror Spinnet and my partner Auror McCormack I’m placing you under arrest for Defamation of character, child endangerment, slander, Stalking a minor, harassment of a minor, taking pictures without parental consent, racial hate crime, you do not have to say anything, but anything you do say will be recorded in court of law, do you understand?” with that said, flicking his wand, Sawyer’s hands were bound together in front of him by invisible cuffs.

Sawyer was wordlessly shaking his head, this couldn’t be happening, all he’d done was write an article. He felt sick to his stomach, Merlin help him, what was happening?

“Do you understand your rights?” Spinnet repeated slowly, as if dealing with someone stupid.

“Y-y-yes,” Sawyer sputtered, tugging at his bound hands, trying to separate them futilely. “The lawyer,” he looked to Ross desperate for aid, to be dug out of his hole he’d unknowingly dug himself into.

“Don’t look at him,” Hadrian said, his face blank, revealing none of his thoughts, which was more intimidating than when he’d been spitting in a rage. “Nor will the Daily Prophet be paying for a lawyer for you.” He wouldn’t be paying for a lawyer for him went unsaid but definitely heard even by the Aurors in the room who hadn’t been around for the entire confrontation.

“He’ll soon be using the Daily Prophet to look for work not to aid you,” Tom added, giving Ross a look of utter contempt. “You approved the article, and I’ve noticed articles in the past that were dubiously written with little to no proof that could see the Daily Prophet in serious trouble if someone had elected to sue us. You’ll find your P45 on your desk by the end of business today. I expect your desk emptied by then and you gone from the building. If not I’ll have security escort you out.” His tone booked no argument, there was no nerves to be heard from a young eighteen-year-old who was a boss for the first time.

If anything Tom Peverell-Slytherin was in his element and actually enjoying himself.

Ross closed his eyes, the thirty-nine year old wizard feeling the weight of his decision to allow Skeeter to print the article weighting heavily upon him. To hear he was fired from a job he’d had since he became apprenticed at seventeen was difficult to hear.

With that Spinnet and McCormack took an arm each of Skeeter, and begun guiding him out of the room.

“Can’t you Apparate from here?” his panicked pleading voice was pathetic.

The Aurors ignored his pleading, he wouldn’t be the first suspect to wish to disappear or want die from embarrassment when they were escorted by the Aurors to the Ministry. Instead they ignored his feeble struggling and guided him out of his office and through the building. You could hear a pin drop, it was so silent compared to how it had been when Hadrian and Tom had entered.

When Ross opened his eyes again, he found himself alone in the room, breathing out a shakily, shoulders hunched. He forced himself to stand straight, and walk out of the room with his head held high. He didn’t feel confident or smug or proficient, he felt like a right failure.

“Boss?” came the echo of various voices as he headed for his own office. The last thing he wanted to do was stop and explain, sate their curiosity, but he knew no work would get done if he didn’t say something. It wasn’t going to be his problem soon enough, but he truly worried that they would all lose their job if those boys got wind of them not working.

“I’m sure by now you’ve all read the newspaper this morning,” Ross said, turning back to face them, “What Sawyer was unaware of…was the fact that ninety-five percent of the shares of the Daily Prophet belong to Hadrian and Tom Peverell-Slytherin. He has been arrested, and his office will be cleared out. Let this be a warning to all of you about what you choose to write, especially about the graduation pieces.” Aware that the boys had indeed just graduated.

That warning caused a lot of rushing around, and pale faces, clearly they had more than just mentioned the Peverell-Slytherins in their article and were deciding against sending it to him for vetting. Now that everyone was suitably distracted he walked into his own office, looking around with a gutted air around him. He was fired, really, he had nobody to blame but himself, for not digging deeper into what they were capable of or not listening.

The pureblood’s didn’t normally tend to have reporters arrested and fired.

With a soft resigned sigh, he sat down on his chair, and with a flick of his wand, all his possessions, including awards he’d won with his published works, begun to fly into a box. Within moments, the office he’d worked out of for a decade, was emptied of any of his personal effects. He silently despaired how he’d find another job, he feared he’d find it damn near impossible, the Peverell-Slytherin’s seemed to have a lot of clout, money and connections.

He deeply regretted allowing that article to be published.

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“It’s safe to say he didn’t see that coming this morning,” Tom said utterly amused, eyes gleaming coldly though, “Did you hear him say he had a follow up article?” the plans he had for the wizard were too good, he wanted him to suffer like nobody ever had. Let that be a warning to anyone who went after his own.

“I did,” Hadrian replied, shaking his head in disgust, “I’m not surprised, reporters that have any measure of success go to any lengths to keep their numbers up. They’re that desperate for stupid awards that they would gleefully and unapologetically tear peoples lives to shreds.” Well, Skeeter wouldn’t be doing that anymore, he did wonder how the wizard died in his time…or perhaps he retired, he’d definitely had a hand in Rita Skeeter being the way she was he reckoned.

“Well, they’ll know better now,” Tom said wryly, he reckoned they wouldn’t say a word about them for a while…or at all really. He was very pleased Hadrian had decided to slowly and subtly buy out the shares…it was so worth it for a moment like this. To see smug wizards who thought they were better reduced to stuttering terrified messes. The power he got off doing it was…unlike anything else he’d ever experienced…even with his friends so to speak.

There is no good and evil, there is only power and those too weak to seek it. Those were the words the wraith of him had said, and it was quite correct, he wasn’t too weak…but he wasn’t that weak creature either, that had failed…Tom was determined not to.

Hadrian snorted and shoved Tom a bit, shaking his head, “Honestly,” he tutted, giving him a smirk.

“What?” Tom asked, a mask of serene innocence on his face, reckoning he knew why Hadrian reacted that way, something must have bled through the bond, perhaps the words themselves?

“There they are,” Hadrian pointed to the large group outside of the terrace of a restaurant. It was an expensive one, and he knew immediately the Black’s were responsible for it.

“They do a good steak,” Tom agreed with the choice.

Hadrian rolled his eyes, “Come on then,” he sighed, overpriced food here they come, they could eat for a month at home for the price they were going to pay for a single meal here. It was also impossible to get into unless you had connections and a hell of a lot of money.

When they walked in, the server immediately knew who both of them were, calling them by name and guiding them up to the ‘private terraced room’ where the others were currently waiting on them. They weren’t all that surprised to see that the adults had elected to join their children, it was to celebrate graduating school, becoming adults officially after all.

“Hey, we got you a butterbeer with a shot of whiskey and you normal whiskey,” Avery said, pointing towards the table with a grin. “Might as well start your holiday as you mean to.”

“Thank you,” Tom said graciously, moving over to collect their drinks, Wandlessly checking to make sure they hadn’t been tampered with. While he trusted Avery with his life, the drinks had been served by people they didn’t know. The drinks were clean regardless, no doubt the restaurant wouldn’t want to risk its reputation by tampering with something. Yes, their Lordship rings would protect them, but it never hurt to be too careful in his book. Especially since new poisons and drugs were being made every day, it would only be a matter of time before one slipped through the cracks.

Of course, he was forgetting that not everyone was as smart as him and Hadrian.

“I heard you’re going on holiday?” Melanie Black asked approaching him with a simple smile on her face, she was so proud of her children and their friends.

“We are,” Hadrian nodded, confirming what she already knew.

“Where have you decided to go?” Melanie asked, thanking her husband lovingly when he brought her over her drink.

“Egypt, Cairo,” Hadrian informed her, accepting a drink of his own that Tom brought over.

“Oh, you’ll love it, we went there for our honeymoon, I didn’t want to leave! The culture, the history, oh, it’s so fascinating, and so much of it was lost.” Arcturus Black boomed, enthusiastically, “A lot was closed during that time, the sand storms,” or tropical storms as they like to call them. His ‘Oh’ that was supposed to portray his enthusiasm though sounded like he was grunting it out.

“Why didn’t you go somewhere else?” Tom queried, Hadrian nodded, he was curious himself.

“Oh, no, Cairo is where the history is, nowhere else compares,” Black swatted the suggestion away, why go somewhere second rate instead of the best? It made absolutely no sense, “I assume you’re remaining at the magical side while there?” they had so many magical markets, Egypt had so many magical places that it made the UK look pathetic by comparison.

“They’re finding a lot of tombs in Luxor at the moment,” Hadrian pointed out, “We’re going to take a trip that way, but you’re right Cairo is always going to be the hot spot for the Egyptian magical world.” In complete agreement, it was always going to fascinate curse breakers, and they were always going to be finding things. Financing digs there proved very fruitful.

“Arcturus has actually funded two digs in the past,” Melanie informed him, “It was a thrilling experience!”

“Was it worth it?” Tom asked shrewdly, not that he felt the need to fund digs in Egypt to gain funds, no, he’d never be desperate to do something that wasn’t near enough a sure thing. He had Hadrian for that.

“It was indeed,” Arcturus admitted, puffing out, “Both successful, and the amount we got for it will keep the Black’s going for quite a few more generations!” he guffawed.

Hadrian suddenly found his drink deeply fascinating, keeping the Black’s going, huh, not at all. In fact, he ended up with the entirety of the Black Estate after Sirius died. Not that he’d gotten to use any of it, of course, no doubt the Ministry had claimed it or some shit. Only two of the Black families had continued the lines out of all the Black’s this generation had, but maybe he had changed that.

“How long were you in Egypt each time?” Tom asked fascinated, this must have been decades ago.

“Too long,” Melanie said ruefully, “He was gone for months at a time, but unfortunately when his father began taking ill, he had to return and take over the running of the estate.” And the toll worse still when Arcturus’ mom became pregnant with Dorea. They hadn’t lived to see their youngest daughter grow up, instead Arcturus had been looking after her. She’d grown up with Arcturus’ kids, seeing him more of a father figure than brother.

“I am sorry,” Tom offered up lamely, honestly, he didn’t have much in the way of understanding families, or growing up with parents who cared. He understood partners, fiancé’s and bonded husbands, because he’d gone through every stage with Hadrian. Quite frankly, the thought of losing him was a bit much to bear, so he understood how his parents felt, but not Arcturus himself. He’d killed his own father for Merlin’s sake, gladly, gratefully.

“It’s never easy losing loved ones, but we are British and what we do is carry on,” Hadrian said, squeezing Tom’s hand in silent comfort over the feelings broadcasted through the bond at the moment. “Unfortunately, Tom and I can only imagine the love Arcturus held for his parents.”

Both froze at that reminder, both of them looking at each other awkwardly.

“Are you ready to order?” asked a voice from the doorway, “I did knock,” he added hastily, seeing the looks he was gaining from the patrons.

Hadrian laughed a little, cutting the tension, “Yes,” he answered for them, who were still chatting amongst themselves all beginning to sit down unaware of any tension. “Thank you,” he added to the waiter.

After that, all of them sat down and ate a meal, drank and had a merry time, celebrating not only their graduation, becoming adults but it also turned into Hadrian and Tom’s celebratory party for them before they left for their holiday.

“How did it go at the bank by the way?” Avery asked, his voice slurring slightly, an indication that he’d had too much to drink.

“Yeah, I want to know too!” Myrtle declared, her eyes alight with delight. “Did you leave him nameless?” cackling with amusement.

“It went as expected,” Hadrian said amused, “And no, I didn’t leave him nameless, although I think he would have preferred that to what actually happened.” he admitted. He felt no guilt for what they had done, it was deserved, going after a kid? Who had done nothing. It was diabolical, he deserved everything he got, and he hoped that the wizengamot or council of magic, whichever one ended up overseeing his trial would give him a really long sentencing.

“We did see Aurors, were they…” Abraxas asked.

“Yeah, they arrested him, just after he was fired.” Hadrian confirmed what Abraxas was thinking.

“He had the audacity think the Daily prophet would pay for his lawyer,” Tom said derisively, as if they would pay for something like that.

“Idiot,” Myrtle crowed, ignoring the aghast looks the others gave her. She wasn’t one for curbing her thoughts, not anymore. She’d grown a spine and she intended to keep it, no matter what company she kept or direction her life went in once she left Hogwarts. “Congratulations guys!” she did smooth over her slight, and once again everyone raised their glasses and drank. As if they needed any more.

Tom and Hadrian couldn’t stay too long though. “Alright guys, we best get going, Fenrir will have been expecting us…” looking at the time, “An hour ago,” he’d been aware they’d probably go celebrate but hadn’t factored in the damn reporter. “I can go alone, you can stay if you like,” knowing Tom would be desperate to make more connections and become more embroiled in the pureblood circles. Not something that can be done by constantly leaving when the party just starts.

“Aww! Just another hour!” Myrtle pleaded with Hadrian.

“No,” Hadrian said shaking his head, eyes gleaming in delight, he didn’t think he’d ever seen Myrtle drunk before. “You take care of her,” he ordered of her boyfriend.

“Yes sir,” he squeaked out. He wasn’t afraid to say that Hadrian Peverell-Slytherin terrified the hell out of him.

Tom chuckled, “I’ll stay,” he confirmed, ‘I’ll be back in time for his bedtime story,’ he’d never say those words out loud, it would completely destroy his reputation. It was just unfortunate, Fenrir preferred his stories over Hadrian’s at night, and thus he was always the one that gave his bedtime story, almost a ritual at this point.

“Alright, I’ll see you at nine o’clock,” Hadrian agreed, leaning over and kissing Tom and smirking at the eye roll only he saw.

“Remember to write and bring me something back!” Myrtle declared, standing up and hugging her best friend, or more like stumbling into him.

“I will,” Hadrian agreed, “No more drink for you, a coffee is what you need,” He laughed as he helped her back into her seat, ignoring her pout. A soft fond smile appearing on his face, one that made everyone take a double look, they weren’t used to seeing that for anyone other than Tom.

“Take care everyone,” Hadrian said, giving one last loving touch to Tom, he left the room, and actually paid for the meals and drinks as well as another two rounds, something they didn’t find out until a waiter went up to inform them of the fact and ask for their drink order.

“We’ll need to find a way to thank him, I had intended to settle the bill,” Arcturus grumbled, but he was very pleased.



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As promised this chapter is for you (anonymous donation) and Jessica congratulations can't wait to hear what you have and that its healthy! I hope this chapter has everything you hoped it would have! One more chapter with young Fenrir with Hadrian and Tom before we start time jumping!! It's been a long time coming for a skip but here we go ninety chapters in for its first one :D Do you want to see Dumbledore released in the next chapter along with the weddings of Abraxas and Orion? R&R please

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Abraxas noticed Hadrian looking at him, and he mouthed ‘Thank you’ unsure if the other teen would understand why he was thanking him. Yet he couldn’t help but thank him regardless, he had a feeling he wouldn’t have all this if not for him.

The bridesmaids made their way down, dressed in strapped pale pink corset bodice dresses, Abraxas smiled at them, aware that Imogen thought very highly of them. three were her friends from home and then there was Myrtle, someone who she had come very close to as of late.

Then he forgot everything he was thinking as the gentle music changed, and began to play as his soon-to-be wife emerged from the manor, and he got his first glimpse of her. She was taking his breath away.

She was absolutely stunning.

A white strapless satin smooth fitted corset bodice gown lined with beautiful silver embroidery that flowed into a train. With a sweet heart neckline. Under the breast line a band of silver gem filigree. She’d forgone a veil or something had gone wrong. He hoped not, he didn’t want anything spoiling her special day.

This had been something she’d been imagining every day since she was a little girl, she’d confessed when he’d gotten his head out of his ass and actually spoke to her and asked her opinion.

She was utterly radiant, with a smile on her face that just could and should not be wiped off. He wanted to see her smiling like that every day for the rest of their lives.

He barely noticed Tom standing beside him, especially with his magic being partially cloaked. His focus solely for Imogen, who may well have floated towards him for all he noticed his gaze focused on her face.

Before too long, Imogen was standing beside him, beaming at him, paying no mind to her father, who seemed very disgruntled at that. Then again, whenever he had been in their presence he had been very disgruntled regardless. Presumably not liking the fact his daughter had at long last found her voice and was gaining independence from him and didn’t need to rely on him for anything anymore.

Then the bonding process begun, binding Imogen and Abraxas together, binding their vows with magic, ensuring their longevity.

“I, Abraxas, so do swear to uphold, honour, cherish, obey,” everyone gasped as one when the wizard uttered those words, it just was NOT done. “Love you until death do us part, so mote it be.” And with that he placed the ring on her finger with his left hand, his right tightly clasped in Imogen’s and corded with magical rope, and it would remain that way until their vows were complete.

His parents foreheads were throbbing as they stood, transfixed with a smile so fake that it was painfully obvious to all.

With a shaky smile, she began, “I, Imogen, so do swear to uphold, honour, cherish, obey, and love you until death do us part, so mote it be,” she said without pause or doubt.

With that, their vows were said, and the magic sank into their bones, binding them to their words. Their vows were so different from all others, and had been a last minute decision on both their parts.

Neither of their parents were happy, but it had not been their decision to make.

“May I introduce you to husband and wife, Lord and Lady Malfoy,” came the voice of the officiant, who had bound them to their word and married them. “You may now kiss the bride.”

Abraxas gave his new wife a quick kiss on the lips, anything more would have been too ‘crass’ for the upper elite pureblood’s. “You’ve made me the happiest wizard in the world.” He confessed so lowly for only his wife to hear.

Imogen beamed in happiness, “I love you,” she whispered right back, and she did, when she’d met him…she hadn’t dreamed of this. She’d only hoped to care for her new husband…and the longer they spent together she believed she might be a little content…but now she knew she was going to be so very happy.

The smitten couple, barely took their eyes off each other during the official photos that were taken. Barely remembered what they said to friends and family, too lost in each other.

“My beautiful wife…will you do me the honour of this first dance?” holding his hand out.

Hadrian watched them dance, a small secret smile on his face. Leaning back against Tom, Fenrir busy playing with a boy Hadrian wasn’t familiar with. The boy was a good few years younger than him, and he was behaving himself, which pleased Hadrian immensely.

“You are awfully pleased with yourself,” Tom commented quietly, not that anyone was listening in, everyone was having their own quiet conversations as they watched the happy couple dance.

“No, happy, Tom, I’m happy,” Hadrian corrected him, there was a difference.

The first dance came to an end, with people beginning to join the couple of the dance floor that had been created for just this occasion.

“Do you want to dance?” Tom asked, surprising himself with the desire to do so.

Hadrian smiled, “I’d love to,” he said sincerely, standing, both made their way up, and Hadrian shouldered Myrtle with a thumbs up, she looked beautiful, she’d most certainly grown out of that awkward phase.

And Tom and Hadrian danced like it was their first one, just as lost in each other as Abraxas and Imogen.

Life was good for the Lords of Time.

Unfortunately their personal bubble of happiness gave way to disgruntlement as Dumbledore was released from Azkaban prison having served his time.



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End here and begin a sequel or will I just continue with the time skip I had planned? I hope you enjoyed the chapter! A picture of the dress Imogen is wearing is available to be seen on my facebook group page if you want to see :) I've never been very good at describing things that are in front of me lol but luckily I had a little help ;) R&R please

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Lord Of Time

Chapter 93

Islington, London, Grimmauld Place 1959, November 3rd

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"Why do we have to be here for the birth? Could we not visit afterwards?" Tom questioned in a merest whisper. He had been abroad when Imogen had given birth six-years-ago. He was not quite so lucky this time, "I am going to have to be here each time a friend goes into labour?" he had legislations to write up, planned speeches to make, and not forget mistakes to correct on the architecture blueprints they had for a building they were planning to see built.

"Not every friend," Hadrian said, grinning brightly, green eyes gleaming with mirth. Watching Tom blanch, a little in distaste, "It shouldn't be long now; she's been in labour for twenty-four hours."

"Yes, and my ears may never recover," Tom said seriously, "I wasn't aware that Walburga even knew half those words. I would have thought them much too vulgar for her tastes." And her screeching…Merlin, she must surely have some Banshee in the family line?

Hadrian muffled his amusement, when he first appeared in this time, that was the Walburga he was more used to. Hearing her talk and sound normal had been a shock to the system. He'd almost forgotten what she sounded like in the portrait, until now.

"Will you be laughing when I'm bleeding from my ears?" Tom asked in mock aghast. And that had been only a few moments when the door was open before it was closed and the silencing wards were re-erected.

"That won't happen, I've seen and heard her louder…and a lot more vulgar," Hadrian said wryly, "Not sure what caused the change…and hope I never find out."

Walburga didn't have any sisters in there with her, instead her mother, Irma Crabbe-Black and her cousins were with her. Orion had been ordered out of the room, until Hadrian had told Orion that the child in there was his son, and he had every right to be there for the birth. That having him there would be a great comfort to Walburga – she was in severe pain – right now.

Within five minutes, Orion had entered the room, and stated quite firmly, if they were unhappy, they knew where the door was. He was going to be with his wife for the birth of their son.

'It's unnatural! I'll tell you, it's obscene seeing your wife like this!'

'She looks beautiful! She's giving birth to our son!'

'Get over here and stop arguing with my mother!'

"He's here!" came Orion's voice, as he emerged from the bedroom, to the reception room where everyone was waiting. Friends and family alike, all impatient for the newest arrival. "I'd like to introduce you to Sirius Orion Black!" he was beaming with pride, flushed red in delight and exhaustion, he'd never known Walburga was so strong.

Arcturus and Melania were naturally first to hold their grandchild. The first child born into the Black family this generation. Not only as the head of the family, although that had a great deal to do with it. "He's beautiful, Orion, you've both done well."

"Hadrian…would you do the honour of being his godfather?" Orion asked, turning to face the extremely powerful wizard, who had helped Orion step into his own.

Hadrian let loose a giggle – bordering on hysterical kind of giggle mind – before he slapped his hand over his mouth in horror.

"Hadrian's my godfather!" six-year-old Lucius Malfoy stomped his foot and pouted.

Before either parent could reprimand Lucius for his behaviour Hadrian knelt before the child. "You'll always be my first godchild, Lucius, but I don't belong to anyone, and nobody belongs to you. Just because I have another godchild it doesn't mean I'll love you any less." He told the boy seriously; his parents would have just reprimanded him for such behaviour without addressing the underlying fears the boy had.

"Promise?" Lucius asked, staring up at Hadrian innocently.

Imogen and Abraxas shared a look, quite frankly Hadrian often left them feeling like they were unfit to be parents. At least in the emotional sense, since they often forgot that a child would and could be insecure, after all why would he be insecure? He was the heir of the Malfoy line, and he got everything his heart desired.

Fortunately, Hadrian had experience in spades, dealing with children. And Imogen had learnt a lot watching Hadrian and Tom interact with Fenrir. It was so different from how they were raised that some habit died hard.

"I promise, and you know I always keep my promises," Hadrian said hugging the six-year-old tightly. "Come on, let's go see Sirius? Hmm," with that Hadrian led the six-year-old over to Sirius, as he took the baby in his arms.

"He's squishy," Lucius commented, peering at the baby in his godfather's arms. "Can he play?"

"No, and he won't be able to for a good long while," Hadrian explained, as his parents watched with soft smiles. "Babies take a lot of time to grow up, you used to be just like this." Vividly recalling the day he'd held Lucius in his arms for the first time. Beyond terrified that he'd hate the child for the crimes of his counterpart. It had been easier than he thought to separate the two.

Lucius unsurprisingly lost interest after that, there weren't many children his age to play with. At least not within the pureblood circles that they associate with. Leaving Lucius often isolated, and Hadrian had warned Imogen the other day if Lucius didn't get social interactions with children his own age…it was going to be detrimental to his mental wellbeing. That he would not be able to make friends at Hogwarts and instead would be demanding and demeaning to everyone around him. He'd have followers interested in his name, not genuine friends.

Tom cleared his throat, "I do believe Orion is waiting on an answer…" Tom prodded Hadrian, who was still staring down at Sirius. He could feel everything Hadrian was, and it was havoc.

Hadrian shuddered, licking his lips, "I would be honoured, Orion," he said sincerely, "He's going to have one hell of a rebellious spirit, generous and kind…and very inventive and powerful and stunning."

It wasn't the first time Hadrian had said something like this, but when he did? The pureblood's listened, they believed Hadrian to be omnipotent. He predicted things before they happened. It had saved them a great deal of money too. They'd sold their shares on Hadrian's predictions in the past, and it had paid very well, either going bust or the value being shot to hell.

Orion's worries and fears that any child they had being born wrong eased significantly. It was fears that he shared with Walburga, who had put off having children due to this. In the end pressure from their parents had them reluctantly agreeing.

"Come on little one, let's get you back to your mummy, hmm," Hadrian murmured softly, patting Sirius on the butt softly as he made his way through to the master bedroom leaving Arcturus and Melania stunned at the fact he'd just swan off to a Lady's bedroom without explicit permission.

Orion just grinned in amusement still too happy beyond words that his son was powerful and had magic and was going to have the looks to go with it.

"Hey, can I come in?" Hadrian asked Walburga, standing at the doorway of the room, he did have some manners.

"What on earth! Get out! Shoo!" it was bad enough Orion had seen her this way without someone else too.

"Yes," Walburga said, smiling, as she wiped her face from a ceramic bowl of water, cleaning up the sweat still too exhausted to shower for the moment. "Mother…give us a moment?"

"You want to be alone with him?" she squeaked out horrified.

"No, the others will still be here," Walburga gestured towards her female cousins who had helped her give birth. They'd even taken a Midwife course at St. Mungo's when Druella got pregnant with Bellatrix. It was to nobody's surprise that they'd passed with flying colours.

Dorea was already sitting, she was pregnant herself, four months pregnant with her own child. As she was a Potter, there was nothing riding on the Black family for it being a boy, but Dorea knew he was a boy, Charlus did too.

"Very well," she stated coldly, infuriated by the uncommon occurrences that had been happening during this birth. between the father being there for the actual birth and of course, men coming into the room. "We'll see what Arcturus thinks of this!" he was the head of the family and what he said goes.

"Ma'am," Hadrian said politely as he passed, the woman and her husband did not like him and the changes he'd made. They were blood supremist to the extent that they refused to believe the books. They weren't the only ones; it had caused strife in the family but not enough to do any real damage. They weren't stupid enough to antagonise the next Lord and Lady of the Black Estate, too afraid to be stricken out of the family.

Just like they had done to Marius Black, the squib.

"Here you go, mummy," Hadrian teased softly, as he placed Sirius into his mother's arms.

Walburga just stared down at her little boy, worries and fears exuding from her.

"What's wrong?" Hadrian asked, not afraid to ask her or anyone actually for that matter.

"I'm worried I won't be a good mother…" Walburga admitted, stroking Sirius' face.

"Okay, why?" Hadrian said, moving a chair closer to the bed staring at her without annoyance or giving empty platitudes.

"I've not been around children much; Lucius is the only child I've changed…other than Bellatrix, Andromeda and Narcissa and it's not like I've ever been in charge of them on my own. What if I screw up? What if he hates me and the expectations, he has on him? He's going to be Lord Black one day and with that comes with…expectations and burdens that I know Orion still struggles with." Walburga revealed worriedly.

Hadrian nodded, fair play, it was a lot to put on a child's shoulder. Probably what had happened in his past. "That's understandable, but perhaps not putting those expectations on his shoulders would be best? Sirius might not turn out to be the best person to run the Black estate? There will be plenty other Black's to do it…but if you want…how about raising him as a normal little boy? Yes, he'll need to learn to be the head of the family…but how about a week out of the summer holidays after he starts Hogwarts reserved for lessons?"

"Arcturus would not be pleased with that," Walburga admitted, he'd begun teaching Orion very young indeed. Orion had been under such pressure, she'd seen him change so much…some part of that Orion had returned, but not all of it.

"Then remind him that Orion is to be Lord Black when he passes on, not Sirius. There is no need to force Sirius to learn quite so young." Hadrian said softly, stroking Sirius' arm with reverence. Here he was playing godfather to his own godfather. Everything was topsy-turvy and the irony was almost overwhelming. He vowed, however, to be the best godfather he could be. Same as he had vowed to be so for Lucius, who was never going to be that counterpart he knew. "Bargain with the promise of more heirs, your brother and Druella only going to have girls." He all but whispered in merriment.

Walburga laughed a little, eyes wet with tears she didn't let fall. "You mean that's it for them?"

Hadrian nodded, "Yeah," Bellatrix, Andromeda and Narcissa had all been born, naturally. He'd been there for all their births, the disappointment at the lack of sons to take on the mantle of Lord Black had been weighing on Arcturus. Bellatrix was already eight-years-old, Andromeda was six-years-old and Narcissa was the youngest at four. "I suppose it could change," he added, recalling Alphard's interest…in what was her name? He couldn't quite recall, but yes, who knew? But from what he knew Alphard hadn't a relationship with anyone, and had been blasted off the family tree for giving Sirius the means of independence. He was most definitely the most like Sirius, or would be.

"Hadrian's right, you are Sirius' mother, Orion is his father, you have the last say about raising him. Plus, Arcturus won't risk losing Orion as heir or Sirius…" Dorea explained patting at Walburga's covered leg in comfort. She was grateful she didn't have to endure too much in the way of her own in-laws.

"Get some rest, let the potion do it's job, it's a well-deserved rest," Hadrian said, quietly, as not to disturb the peace. "I'll be back soon."

"Has Orion asked…" Walburga asked as Hadrian stood up.

"Yes, and I agreed," Hadrian said smiling encouragingly. "We'll be there for the ceremony." Where he would be legally and magically bound as Sirius' godfather along with Tom. They were a pair, and would both be his godfather. He had seen quite a lot of rituals but only preformed in one.

Lucius' naming ceremony.

"Oh, good," Walburga sighed, tiredness seeping into her very bones. So suddenly achingly tired. The potion was beginning to pull her under now.

"Have a good rest," Hadrian murmured, as he slid out the room, in five months…Dorea would be giving birth again…this time to his father…James Potter. Merlin, he rather hoped she didn't ask him to be godfather. Wouldn't that just be wild?

Then again, he wasn't Hadrian James Potter anymore…he had been Hadrian Peverell since he woke up and Hadrian Peverell-Slytherin since he got married.

"Tom and I are going to head home, congratulations again, Orion!" Hadrian said, hugging him, patting him on the back.

"Thank you, Hadrian," Orion said easily, still confused by why Hadrian had found the situation funny earlier. Perhaps he just hadn't expected it? Cygnus hadn't asked Hadrian to be godfather to any of his daughters. "Your gift was well appreciated." Platinum birth certificate holder, a frame if they would choose to frame it. A small platinum trinket box with black velvet for the first teeth, a hairbrush, a comb, and a few other bits and pieces, all had the Black family emblazed on it.

"I'm glad," Hadrian said happily, thankfully they'd had a list of what they wanted making it easier. Shopping for pureblood's was NOT an easy thing to do. He had even bought a heap of children's books, not all of them wizarding in nature too. Whether they'd be read or not…remained to be seen.

Sirius was going to love Muggle stuff, although it depended on whether this Sirius would be the same as his Sirius.

Hadrian and Tom said their goodbyes to everyone else, the Malfoy's and the abundance of Black's here for this special day.

Before long they were back at Peverell-Slytherin manor.

"Shall I get the blueprints? Get it out of the way?" Tom asked, as they settled in back home.

"Sure," Hadrian agreed, "Coffee or something a little stronger?"

Tom made a little thoughtful sound, "Whiskey sounds good," he agreed, as he made his way into his office, nothing could be summoned so he had to retrieve it on his own.

By the time he'd returned, Hadrian had removed the mass of books – all belonging to Fenrir who was working on his thesis – he liked working with animals – and thus had spent the past three years learning everything he could from a Master who had not cared one whit about his little 'fury problem' so to speak.

Tom spread the blueprints over the table, as they both stared at the structure, three layers, each one meticulously planned to the last.

The orphanage was up and running, and was for the most part self sufficient and ran smoothly and rarely needed their interference. Little Hangleton Children's Home, it was called for Orphans. It had taken them years to get the legislation pushed forward to find them all and get them settled in their rightful world from the get to. All of them were tested – after being settled in – taken to Gringotts for a lineage test – and if they had family, the Head of the family was alerted. They then had the option of adopting them, or just taking them into the family, giving them the family name and paid for their education and such and given them a stipend.

"Do you think Hogsmeade is the best place for it?" Tom frowned thoughtfully, "Perhaps Little Hangleton would be best?" he loved the intricate designs of buildings, and such, not so much caring what it was going to be used for…but if it helped their reputation…he was all for it.

"People aren't used to Little Hangleton being a wizarding place yet, they'd definitely be more comfortable with dropping off their kids at Hogsmeade." Hadrian mused thoughtfully, "But if we don't give them the chance to think of it as a magical area, they won't."

"Indeed," Tom replied, "It is quite the conundrum, we have to do what will give us less hassle in the long run." The orphanage had been opposed most vehemently – surprisingly by those on the light side in the past war – Dumbledore's people. Hadrian had been utterly baffled by their protests, and it had shown, but as more and more people came around to Hadrian's way of thinking, it had been approved eventually…and quite a few even found distant family…and with that the legislation had been approved to allow the magical book of magical wizards and witches to be seen for the first time by anyone not the Headmaster of Hogwarts.

They owed Dippet immensely for letting them 'peek' at the book while he went to the toilet and 'accidentally' left it open. That had let the ball truly begin rolling.

Nothing had shocked Hadrian more than the sight of three werewolf children showing up at the – as of yet unopened doors of the orphanage – dirty, filthy and downtrodden. After the night of the full moon, at that, presumably, like Fenrir their wolves had sought safety, and found it there, or it had been sheer happenstance.

It had been the exact reason for the fighting behind the opening of the orphanage. But what better way to bleed out prejudice than having wizards and witches living with them? Children that don't come to any harm while living with them?

As of yet, none of the children had been hurt proving Hadrian's point, driving it home against the rampant prejudice. And the orphanage had been open for years now. The children and teenagers who were werewolves simply went into the trunk for the night of the full moon and ran rampant in an imitation of freedom of outside, trees, streams and the like – Tom had been aghast how much the trunk cost – but it was well worth it.

"At least Dumbledore cannot oppose this too much," Tom said with a chuckle.

"I wouldn't bet on that; he'll think your raising the next generation of dark underlings." Hadrian said dryly, which of course, was the only reason Hadrian could figure for Dumbledore's continued interference. It was pathetic really, but neither of them lets it bother them. Dumbledore's pitiful attempts at subverting them.

The ironic thing was, whatever dastardly thing Dumbledore thought they were up to…was so wrong that it was infuriatingly funny.

Tom snorted, "What use do they have to me? They can't even use magic." Rolling his eyes dramatically, and they had zero political clout, which again, useless.

Hadrian shook his head wryly, that was one good thing about Tom's aspirations, it never included children. That might be because Tom knew he'd never allow it.

"How are you really feeling?" Tom asked, dark eyes observing Hadrian with rare solemnity. He had felt how Hadrian had felt earlier, it had almost bowled him over.

"Weird," Hadrian said bluntly, "This is a whole lot weirder than when we were asked to be Lucius' godfather." You could have knocked him over with a feather when Imogen and Abraxas asked him.

Tom couldn't stop the smirk spreading across his face. He'd found the situation absolutely hilarious, despite his husband's emotions. Shock, horror, vehement denial, worry, fear, acceptance and determination. All in swift succession. It had probably been as close to passing out in dead faint than Hadrian had ever been.

"I wonder if they'll go on to have Regulus," Hadrian said thoughtfully, he rather hoped so. He'd liked the sound of Regulus; a bit like him. Except the pureblood supremist of course. Sirius had been jealous of Regulus' desires to please their parents. Called him the 'perfect son' Merlin, Sirius had been childish to the extreme and bitter.

But he hadn't known what Sirius' life had been like though, so he couldn't say with surety that it had been childish prejudice. Sirius hadn't had a chance to really grow up. Clinging to childish things because he'd been deprived of them in childhood…then the freedom of doing what he liked getting the better of him…the betrayal and years in Azkaban probably hadn't helped his psyche either. He wondered how much of the Black madness was present in his godfather that he hadn't noticed due to him being a child.

So much unknown...but it would be rectified.

He wouldn't let Walburga's fears come to fruition.

An owl passed the wards, and Hadrian flicked his wand opening the window specially made for the owls. Standing up, "You know what, fuck it, Little Hangleton. Plus, it will be less travelling for the children at the orphanage." He decided firmly. Plus, Little Hangleton was theirs, they could build whatever they liked instead of just renting a plot or worse trying to buy it. Which was more trouble than it was worth, quite honestly.

"Then we will have a lot more ground to work with," Tom mused, "We may not need the three levels, we can expand the building itself and make a larger play ground."

"Might actually be for the best," Hadrian said, taking the letter from the owl, and making his way back over. "I mean three levels is a bit much but we didn't have any alternatives to fit everyone if it all goes to plan…"

"Two levels?" Tom suggested, eyeing the blueprints critically.

"Definitely," Hadrian agreed, opening the letter, noticing it was from Eileen. Who had disappeared from the magical world after abruptly cutting ties with her parents. Refusing to marry her cousin, to whom she was betrothed. The Princes' had disowned her immediately refusing to even utter her name.

Hadrian had threatened and promised them that they would rue the day they did that. And since then their social lives had plummeted to an all time low. They weren't invited to parties and celebrations very often, and others didn't want to get on the wrong side of the Peverell-Slytherin's also excluded the pureblood Princes.

"She doesn't normally write that much," Tom commented at the size of the letter. "Is she feeling alright?" normally it's just blunt replies to his questions and asking a few of her own. Always asking him to send it at a certain hour so that Tobias didn't see it.

"She's pregnant, five months along," Hadrian explained, "She's…not quite regretting the decision to get out of the contract…but she's regretting pretty much everything else." including marrying Tobias and getting pregnant. Giving Tom a knowing look. He was glad he had kept in touch with her just in case she needed some sort of outlet.

"Anyone would fundamentally regret the loss of money and connections she had." Tom said derisively. "It was the only thing she has going for her." She was quite an unsightly woman, same went for quite a few females actually that he had to talk to on a daily basis.

"That's only because she isn't relying heavily on spells, potions and make up!" Hadrian refuted that statement. Narrowing his eyes unpleasantly, "It's hardly her fault how she was born, and you best consider yourself lucky you ended up with most of your father's good looks regardless of your distaste for the man!"

"Ah, but I was, wasn't I?" Tom said smugly, not at all insulted by Hadrian's words. If anyone else had dared to say that to him it would have been a completely different scenario. "She has neither good powers, or good looks, which made her name the only suitable thing to her."

Hadrian huffed, "Not everyone cares about that," thankfully he knew it to be true.

"Most do. Why do you think the pureblood's look overseas for their brides?" Tom said wryly.

Hadrian frowned, "The next generation don't, if I recall correctly, might be because of all the female Blacks available to them?"

Tom hummed in consideration, it could be, and from what he'd seen in the pensive memories they were absolutely stunning creatures.

"All I'm saying is don't judge them because of their looks…its' very unfair and I. Do. Not. Like. It." Hadrian stated, "Plus, Severus is going to be extremely powerful, intelligent and inventive." A few he'd already used as his own…which was decidedly unfair but he knew Severus would come up with more.

"Severus? As in Severus Prince, the Potions Master?" Tom's lips were twitching madly.

"That's who he's named after yes," Hadrian sat down next to him, so done with the conversation.

"Don't tell me you're going to adopt him?" Tom blurted out, eyes wide, feeling the immense protective instincts coming from Hadrian. Those feelings were usually reserved for Fenrir and anyone who had dared to look at him wrong. Not that Fenrir received those looks, not now, he was much too tall and broad for anyone to want to mess with the young man he was now.

"Only if I have to," Hadrian said quietly, "I'd rather much get both of them out of that situation I know they're going to be in." subdued, he knew quite well what that sort of abuse did long term…and he didn't want her thinking that was her life and that she had to endure it. He didn't know if she'd been broken by her circumstances and her husband before Severus came along…or if she honestly just wasn't a good mother…it could be anything.

"That won't happen," Tom declared, he'd rather kill Tobias Snape than have Hadrian adopting another child out of pity, especially considering how busy their lives were already. He'd thankfully NOT adopted every child in the orphanage, which was one of the things he'd feared.

"Oh?" Hadrian asked, still distracted and didn't notice Tom's emotions.

"Because she has you," Tom stated firmly, and she did, Hadrian would move to the end of the world for her. He'd publicly defended her, made it clear that he would help her in any way he could. Both verbally with her standing there and written word. He'd kept in touch with her. "If they're struggling…why not buy some potions from her? We do need to stock up and you said she was good?" might remind her that she's a bloody witch and not to take the shit her husband was dishing out. She was weak in his opinion, a witch enduring abuse at the hands of a Muggle…pathetic.

He didn't voice this naturally.

"Yes," Hadrian admitted, green eyes gleaming, "She does. And that's a good idea." He'd need to transfer some galleons into Muggle money though. Since Eileen didn't come into the Magical world at all. At the very least he'd know they had enough food on the table.

"Of course, it is," Tom said smugly, as he removed the entire upper layer off the blueprints, and began to place it in the lower levels, sizing everything up, since it could be bigger, they no longer needed to contain themselves to a certain size. "Do you still want to use Muggle playground equipment?"

"No, actually, what I said was using a wizarding company to make similar playground equipment. I mean it's ridiculous, all the kids have to do is watch quidditch games, duelling tournaments, exploding snap, read books and chess…there's nothing physical they can do, I'm surprised there aren't more obese children if I'm honest." Hadrian complained, "All the Orphanage really has is hula hoops and footballs and a small wall climbing frame. I'd like to be able to install a park in both places."

"It truly is a good job you know so much, but remember it wont be forever…" Tom pointed out, "As soon as you hit the year you came back, you'll be as blind as the rest of us." he was honestly surprised that things hadn't changed, that Hadrian's predications stayed close to home.

"Not really," Hadrian said, changing and altering a few pieces of the blueprints himself. "Our businesses are flourishing, the construction business, publishing, newspapers, the journals, the magazines, broomstick construction company, they're always going to be big. Not to forget out interest in businesses that are still going to be around in three decades…what we're actually spending doesn't come close to the interest alone." They'd done very well in making sure their plans could go ahead without suffering financially. Which was sort of the point. That wasn't even their full portfolio, nowhere near it in fact, but the ones Hadrian had 100% confidence in and had built himself from the ground up.

They spent the next half hour adjusting the blueprints, adding and taking away things that didn't fit their tastes. Quite frankly he wasn't sure if he'd use these contractors again, they had been very explicit on what they wanted. Yet they continued to get back these blueprints. He voiced these thoughts to Hadrian.

"They think they know us and that's what we really want," Hadrian guessed, "Either that or they know we have money and are hoping to get as much out of the contract as they possibly can."

"If they keep it up, I'm going to cancel our contract with them, Aiden would be more than happy to take us on." Tom asked irritated.

"He's in construction, not architecture," Hadrian cocked his head to the side, "Unless, he took my advice and actually employed an Architecture?" it was actually nearly a year ago he'd recommended it so he'd thought they decided against it.

"Mm, they'd hunted down the best of the best, had to wait on the contract with her current firm being complete. As of the last time they mentioned her, she was set to come here within the next month once she had her affairs settled in Thailand." Tom explained absently, he might give the appearance of not listening to anything or anyone – except Hadrian – but it wasn't the truth. He listened, and used nearly everything he did to his own advantage. "She isn't due to start for a month after that, to let her become acclimatised…it's a big change." The weather was drastically different for one.

"Interesting, wonder what made her want to come work over here?" Hadrian commented, as he gave the blueprints once last over. "I think that's it perfect, make a copy of it just in case they begin altering it again. You can fire them if they make more changes." At the end of their tether. A nursery didn't need to be extravagant; it was meant to be comfortable, spacious and free of bloody fountains and shit this guy kept trying to foist on them via the blueprints.

Tom's gaze darkened, "I'll make it more than clear,"

"I'm sure you will," Hadrian said suppressing a grin, he'd been there to meet the guy, he had not stopped staring at Fenrir wide eyed the entire time. He didn't think it was attraction, even though Fenrir made a clean-cut figure. Long hair pulled up in a ponytail, in a suit that did nothing to hide his muscular body. Tom had made sure Fenrir knew how to use his strength as a weapon, his stature, his magic, and also made sure he dressed well doing it.

If anyone saw Fenrir crouching down and lifting his father off his feet to hug him his reputation would have been smashed to smithereens. Fenrir towered over both Tom and Hadrian actually, Tom less so since he was taller than Hadrian.

Fenrir was absolute in his dedication to protecting both Tom and Hadrian. Franky, Hadrian wouldn't be surprised if he'd dealt with a few unsavoury characters with Tom. Making sure they disappear without a trace. Including those that had attacked him way back when, for wearing his own coat of arms. The three had gone 'missing' and had never been seen from again.

Their mistake was returning to Britain years after their release from Azkaban.

Tom did not forgive and he did not forget.

Not even Albus Dumbledore was safe. One day he would get his revenge on the old fool for past and present actions. This he vowed, with care and precision, he wasn't the impulsive youth he had been before he let Hadrian or impatient enough – and risked his downfall – no, he'd waited near enough a decade to get revenge on those who had hurt his husband just for the insignia that he'd bought him. A whole decade and a half, he'd patiently waited, with plenty to keep him busy. Fenrir had happily helped him.

"Yes, it's perfect," Tom murmured, his husband turned to arch a brow at his current feelings no doubt.

The wards panged indicating someone had entered the wards, Fenrir was home. No matter where he'd started, who he'd been born to, he would always be Fenrir Peverell-Slytherin and the manor would always be his home.

------0

Yes I'm continuing here! And if i've made ANY mistakes please feel free to let me know! I'm flying blind here LOL and there were a few things I actually wanted so I'll probably SLOWLY go through the story myself and document it :) I'm afraid I haven't received a reply from the one doing it - I hope they're okay! - so yeah, i think i'll do it :) i need to think of some things for Dumbledore to do anyway :D haha i mean he can only manipulate and sabotage them there's literally not a damn shred of evidence to accuse them of wrongdoings so it's going to be something new...subtle and amusing so if you have any ideas you're welcome to give them I've never been one for politics or the dance of politics but I'd love to hear stories of stuff you've heard of happening in politics! *smirks!* yes, quite different and i'm so going to enjoy writing it :D and yess.....Sirius Black has been born! James and Severus are on the way...and probably a few new ones too ;) fun fun fun! R&R please!

86% I’m smiling ear to ear.

There was always something…beautiful at the sight of Peverell-Slytherin Manor. It always made Fenrir feel nostalgic, which really, was ridiculous, he was never gone for more than a week or two at a time since he was eighteen. At least four times a month he actually stayed over still, normally if there had been a stupid amount of drinking involved. His Dad put his foot down and refused to even contemplate letting him Apparate.

"Fen!" Hadrian said, a wide smile appearing on his face. "Is Dawn not with you?" Dawn and Fenrir had become increasingly close, both werewolves and from pureblood families grunting as he was lifted off his feet and embraced by the werewolf.

"She's collecting the little cubs from the orphanage," Fenrir's soothing rumbling voice spoke. "Might have to stop, she's getting too attached." Chuckling, showcasing he didn't really mean it. Gently lowering his Dad back to his feet, as he nodded at his father.

The land his Dad had given him had turned into a preserve actually. The adults and some of the kids (that had a parent or relative in the group) lived there full-time. The kids at the orphanage only came for the full moon.

He had begun building it with his bare hands and magic, along the way gaining helpers in the form of Beta's. He was now proud to say he had the biggest pack on this side of the world. it was self-sustaining too, they had their own food, created their own woodwork and sold it along with the excess food for coin and bought the rest they couldn't otherwise grow or create. He never had to borrow even a Knut from his parents.

"Oh, well, tell her I'm too young to be a grandfather," Hadrian declared, giving his son a pointed look. "Bad enough I've just been made godfather to Sirius."

Fenrir barked out a sound of amusement, not surprised that Orion had made his Dad godfather. All his Dads friends were in awe of him and respected him. It made sense to him at least, that they would want him to be part of their kid's life. Some of that respect was intermingled with fear though, and Fenrir had grown to appreciate and emulate that in his own dealing with his pack.

Between being raised by Hadrian and Tom…he did both very well, and had naturally found a good balance.

"You eaten?" Hadrian asked, stretching out, "We're just about to have a late dinner…" there would always be more than enough for Fenrir, the House-elves always had what was left over.

"I have time," Fenrir murmured, the scents of home…of family, made him and his wolf purr in satisfaction and happiness. He'd always find time for his Dad and Father. "Is there going to be trouble with Alex and Alexis attending Hogwarts?" and why on earth did people insisting on giving twins similar names? He thought, as they moved towards the dining room out of sheer habit. In the Reserve they ate around a camp fire or tent with a fire pit in the middle, nothing this fancy. He was perfectly adaptable though, going from one side of the society to the other.

"Why would there be?" Hadrian asked, as he scooped up food for Fenrir, filling his plate and handing it over.

Fenrir grinned as he accepted it, man, he loved coming home.

"Has there been any talk about it being a problem?" Hadrian asked, wiping his mouth.

"Not yet, but what happens when Headmaster Dippet retires as Headmaster of Hogwarts? A new Headmaster will need to be picked by the school governors." Fenrir pointed out, "And no offence but he doesn't look like he's got long to go…he was ancient when I was at Hogwarts."

Fenrir had indeed attended Hogwarts School for seven full years. Graduating with consistent high marks – despite every full moon – and with honours. He had been a Prefect and Head Boy during his tenure, and earned all of two detentions during his schooling.

Hadrian and Tom had told him the importance of how he was seen, and how he would be viewed. How important it would be for werewolves in the future, those that come after him…that it all hinged on him. It hadn't been a daunting pressure; they'd never mentioned it more than once. His father had been more insistent on ensuring nothing stained the family name more than the stain it would have on werewolves. After all, new plans could be made for werewolves, but any stain on the family name would remain.

"Don't you worry about that," Hadrian informed Fenrir, as they ate the late dinner. "The majority of the school board will listen to any suggestions we put forth." And there was absolutely no doubt about that, Hadrian thought smugly.

"Doesn't it need to be a complete vote?" Fenrir queried, relaxing somewhat trusting both his Dad and Father that they were correct. It would devastate them all if they were cut off from an education.

"If it came to it, I would make it a complete vote," Tom stated curtly, "There's always ways around things, and if I need to use a little blackmail to accomplish it then that's exactly what I would do. Luckily though, it truly isn't required." Personally, he didn't really care about the children they weren't his, but he'd do it for Hadrian and Fenrir. Despite his best efforts, he'd grown to like the boy, now a man. The fact Fenrir shared the same bloodthirstiness got rid of the last pieces of reservation he'd held onto.

'When Exactly did Dippet die?' Tom asked to Hadrian thoughtfully, he knew Dumbledore had become Headmaster in the other timeline. Which most certainly wasn't going to happen this time, his history would prevent him getting a job interacting with children, despite his best efforts. So, that struck him off being an educator or tutor.

'I honestly have no clue,' Hadrian admitted as he chewed thoughtfully on a piece of succulent Turkey. 'I believe it had to have been between 65 and 71 from what I've been led to believe, he was also given a lot of offers for the Minister of magic position during that time too…but all I heard was rumours that I've just tried to stick together. Just because he comes Headmaster…doesn't mean Dippet died then…'

"I hate when you do that," Fenrir groused, knowing what his fathers were up to. It was cute in its own way; he wanted a connection like theirs. He may have already met the person he'd like to have it with…although she was quite a bit younger than him, and he didn't know whether she'd be interested in a real relationship or a quick fuck. He was interested in one but most definitely not the other. He wasn't a teenager looking for a quick rut anymore.

"Force of habit," Tom said wryly, "So there is still at least a decade to fifteen years before the changeover happened…which stands to reason that Dippet will continue on his duties for the foreseeable future. It certainly gives us a timeline in which best suits us for getting people we approve entirely on the board of governors."

Fenrir's keep ears and eyes listened and watched his parents closely. Yes, he was aware of his Dad's true birth date and origins, he didn't know everything like his father did but he knew enough.

"At least, and as I said, retirement doesn't mean dead, at least I hope not, he's a good man." Hadrian declared, "I'm just so glad he had such a close family, when he retires, he will be well looked after."

"Yes, and not for the money he has," Tom said wryly, that had been a surprise. He had a modest savings his family probably knew nothing about…and let's not forget a large life insurance policy, that will more than cover any possible funeral arrangement he could plan.

Hadrian sighed in exasperation, "Money doesn't always mean everything!" he shook his head at Tom but the smirk on his face belayed any real anger he might feel.

"Almost everyone else would disagree with you," Tom pointed out, and it was depressingly true. Money shouldn't dictate how you treated someone, and Hadrian so badly often wanted to give them a wake-up call.

"Ugh, the Muggle who said money was the root of all evil was right," Hadrian rolled his eyes.

"Then why did you go around making so much 'evil'," Tom teased, "Heaven forbid you decide to stop betting." No, he believed religion was the root of all evil. Books that tried to dictate how you live your life or worse…

Hadrian pouted, "We needed money for all the plans we've got! Money doesn't grow on trees you know."

Fenrir sniggered, feeling like a thirteen-year-old again. He didn't think he'd actually seen or heard his parents really fight. Go back and forth with witty sarcastic retorts, yeah, heatedly argue about something…but any inkling of seriousness creeping into it, they'd stop.

"Speaking of which, did you get the plants I sent you?" Hadrian asked his son, "You spoke of a few things you still didn't have, so I asked the House-elves to make some there were thirty pepper plants successfully flourishing on the first attempt with a Bell Peppers didn't cost a thing." The few they'd attempted at the reserve hadn't come to much, all dying off at various stages. It had been just as simple as planting the seeds of a used pepper instead of placing them in the bin. "I also sent some trees, they're young, but it can't hurt to replant, especially considering you will be building more in future."

"You think so?" Fenrir questioned, with a safe space to roam, its likely that less werewolves would be bitten, but born werewolves was a different thing entirely.

"I don't know if you've noticed but the five werewolves you've taken in these past few months have been from abroad. With fairer laws its perfectly natural to seek out that country." Hadrian pointed out.

"It also means you need to lay down the law," Tom pointed out, "If they see weakness, they will take advantage."

"Most of them just want acceptance," Hadrian refuted, "But he does have a point, some werewolves…can be vindictive and want to punish others because of how their lives turned out." Fenrir himself had been one of them in the other timeline.

"I won't let it happen," Fenrir reassured them, and if they did…well, they'd suffer the consequences and wouldn't live to repeat them. He didn't just have one or two Betas to keep safe…he had thirty-nine werewolves in total – not including any family – to keep safe. The need of the one didn't outweigh the need of many when it came to the pack.

"How many werewolves are you sponsoring in Hogwarts now?" Tom queried.

"Another two are attending so twelve in total," Hadrian informed his husband.

"It's the last year for three of them," Fenrir said, "As much as progress is being made…they're worried they won't get jobs." Quite a lot of his werewolves actually worked full-time and paid money into the pack funds pot instead of rent.

"My company is on the lookout for more people to work in construction…if it's any of interest in them? Perhaps at the weekend they can work on an 'apprenticeship' of sorts before going full time next year?" they were able to carry significantly heavier loads and were amazing at construction, Harry had been awed when he saw the reserve for the first time. "Albeit if the full moon doesn't fall on the weekend."

"I'll let them know," Fenrir declared, those designated 'caretakers' looked after all the kids even those not their own. Then there were the fruit pickers, diggers, those that hack down the trees for construction. Those that look after the vegetable patches, the green houses, which house potions ingredients they sell, herbs, and of course plants. They were always expanding due to newcomers, so there was never someone just sitting there doing nothing. If they didn't have a job on the outside, there was always things to do on the reserve.

"You do that, if they've no interest in that, I'm sure we can think of something else that might suit their interests." Hadrian replied.

"If they feel like it's charity, then Avery publishing is taking off, and no its not attached to us, not this one." Tom told him, Aiden wanted to try going out on his own, he felt it silly, but at least it wasn't books like their co-owning business was, it was a magazine business he was trying to start up. For teenagers, aimed specifically for pre-teen forward.

Hadrian snorted, "Oh, yes, I'm sure they're going to love writing about stuff for pre-teens."

"You did say it would more than likely take off," Tom pointed out, "Or was that a lie?"

"Teens will love it, Witch Weekly is a good magazine, but its geared towards just girls. I told him if he makes it more geared towards teen boys, he'll definitely have something going." Hadrian told him, "But I have no real idea if it will take off, it didn't exist in my time, for all I know it didn't exist at all."

Tom made a small noncommittal noise, "I guess we'll have to wait and see; I do believe he's coming over to show you the first draft. If it does well, are you going to invest?" not that the Avery's actually need any investors to get it off the ground. Especially with how much money the publishing business was making.

"That's something we should probably discuss if we're given an offer…and more than likely we'd be the first…but not the last. Aiden is smart enough to realize where we go…others will follow."

Tom smirked, yes, he was indeed, he chose his acquaintances well. He ensured they reflected back on him appropriately too.

"That was before Walburga ended up in labour, he'll not be by for days, they'll be celebrating for ages." Harry waved that comment away, and Tom would be likely joining them. "Also, your aunt Imogen wants you to stop by the orphanage."

"Is it important?" Fenrir asked, if it was no doubt Dawn would meet him with the same news when he returned home too.

"I don't think so otherwise she would have written to you herself, just that she'd like to talk to you when you have a moment." Hadrian informed him.

Fenrir nodded, "I'll go see her after the full moon when I take the cubs back." He'd spent a great deal of his childhood with his Aunt Imogen, even after she'd given birth to Lucius. He adored her.

"That's good…she could use the company," Hadrian said softly, she'd lost another child, unable to carry the baby to term. He'd suggested surrogacy through fertilising her eggs into a close friend a few weeks ago, after she'd went through a period of mourning. Some witches just couldn't seem to have more than one child, all down to the attempts at keeping lines pure for so long.

Fenrir grunted in acknowledgement, he had crafted a wooden play set, but set it aside after the news reached him.

"I best get back to the preserve, give my best to Orion and Walburga," Fenrir rumbled, unfortunately, not staying for dessert he wanted to spend as much time with the cubs and educate them on the ways of the wolf.

"You can take some dessert back with you if you'd like? There's certainly too much for just me and Tom." Hadrian said, and that was always the case without a doubt.

"Go on then," Fenrir said, unable to resist, plus the cubs would be ecstatic. They didn't eat much after the full moon, so feeding them up before the moon was full was the nearest best thing.

"I'll be right back!" Hadrian said, sliding out of his seat, and making his way to the kitchen to have the dessert packed up for the cubs. The house-elves always made a lot more extra when they knew Fenrir would be here. He always ate a lot more than both he and Tom combined. Plus, food was also usually set with him, not because they couldn't make it themselves, but Hadrian liked to feed everyone.

He knew what it was like to go without, so liked to make sure everyone had enough to eat.

Tom as usual just rolled his eyes, but the fact he never said anything was…particularly revealing.

"Here you go, there's definitely enough for everyone! Hey Aiden," Hadrian said, not at all surprised to see him there, how could he when the wards alerted him? The rather tense look on his face though…he definitely didn't expect.

This was not going to be about the new magazine he wanted to begin publishing.

"See you all later," Fenrir said, smacking Aiden on the shoulder, so that his knees nearly buckled. He'd never stopped teasing and taunting the Knights, who knew very well, never to retaliate if they wanted to live another day.

Fenrir was untouchable, and he knew it.

Then he Apparated, his chuckle ringing in the air.

"Ouch," Aiden grimaced, Merlin, he was bloody strong.

"What's wrong?" Hadrian asked, crossing his arms, their dessert forgotten.

Even Tom had picked up on Aiden's mood and was watching him intently.

"You asked me to get someone to follow Lyall Lupin around? Well, I actually bought a House-elf, and had him following Lyall for the past few weeks." Aiden told them, a grim determination on his face.

"I think I'm going to need a drink…want one?" he asked them both, they immediately agreed, "Sit down, Aiden, I'll be back in a second." Rubbing his forehead to try and rid himself of the nervous tension. He'd met the bastard three weeks ago, and the vitriol that came out of his mouth had been alarming to say the least.

It had taken everything Tom had to stop Harry retaliating with deadly precision. It was people like him and their innate prejudice that made life so difficult for his son. After all, he couldn't act insulted or bothered by anything he said if they wished to end the threat that was the man.

He made the three tumblers, and handed them out, all of them sat on the chairs at the table. "Alright, go on," he said, tense and alert.

"Lyall Lupin is a wizard who was a world-renowned authority on Non-Human Spirituous Apparitions. The Ministry of Magic called on his expertise of Dark creatures to help contain the threat. He eventually joined the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures after the war. Lyall is married to a Muggle Hope Howell-Lupin." Aiden explained, "He's quite intelligent, and magically powerful."

Hadrian nodded, "Yeah, he'll have quite a powerful offspring."

Aiden continued despite what Hadrian said, used to his offhanded comments, "Um…he really seems to hate werewolves in particular. If I didn't know any better…you'd think he'd been bitten and was hiding it. He definitely isn't, but he's inciting violence against them in the department."

"I was afraid of that," Hadrian admitted, "If he manages to provoke them enough…he could actually start up an illegal hunter fraction."

Tom glanced at Hadrian, a contemplative look on his face. So, that's what had him so worried. "He's going to be trouble then?"

"Oh, yes, definitely," Hadrian said, swallowing down his drink, "He's dangerous to the extreme." It took something horrific happening for it to drive home to the bastard that they weren't soulless. His own son being bitten after insulting the wrong person. He'd like to say Fenrir wouldn't react the same way he had before…but the things Lyall had said…even he had been enraged to the point of killing the bastard. "If he gets near Fenrir…" Hadrian let out a breath, giving a haunted look.

Aiden snorted, "He wouldn't bloody survive, and there wouldn't be a damn piece of him left for anyone to find. He was taught well, and there would be no reason to target Fenrir specifically."

"Lyall wouldn't be stupid enough to start anything where he was alone." Hadrian commented idly, glass at his lips, "Especially if he's as smart as you say he is. He'd keep the confrontations public, to try and anger him into reacting, to provoke him and make the public try to take his side."

"Then it will have to be something drawn out, subtle, an illness," Tom said, thoughtfully, "Nothing that can show up in the scans and no poison. Unless…you want to wait?"

Hadrian shook his head, "He needs to be dealt with as soon as possible." 'His wife will already be pregnant, I don't know Remus' date of birth…but he's in school with James, Severus, Sirius and Lily…so he's probably either already been born or soon to be.' He told Tom privately.

"We're better off not using the same as before," Aiden mused, speaking of course, to the Greybacks demise. Although, it certainly would have been handy.

"You're right, definitely not, but an accident might be more appropriate…" Hadrian said vindictively, he didn't care that he was taking a father away from Remus. It was better than what his future would be with such a vicious despicable character. Merlin only knows how he'd be brought up – if he somehow managed to avoid being bitten – probably adopt his fathers' beliefs.

"There are a few people we want to take out in the Ministry…how about an outbreak?" Tom suggested, eyes gleaming as his best basis self-showed through. "Make it seem like an accident…with no single person being suspected as the sole intended victim?"

"That could quickly backfire," Hadrian commented, but he had a thoughtful look on his face. "Hmm, you'd need to have an anti-dote ready just to be on the safe side. And it cannot be closely connected with us…and a Potions Master…which really are in short supply." Which was why Tom had only Severus in his ranks as Potions Master.

"Not if I work with the Unspeakables," Tom pointed out, "It wouldn't even be out of character."

"Might give you the push you need to be a contender for Minister of Magic." Aiden pointed out. "Or you, Hadrian, I mean you're a natural healer, nobody would be surprised if you came up with something."

"Everyone in Knockturn Alley, Little Hangleton and no doubt Hogsmeade will be supporting us." Hadrian said smugly, they had made their lives much happier than they would have been otherwise. It had taken years for them to get to where they were, but they'd done it.

People were no longer afraid to venture down or let their children venture down Knockturn Alley. Any shops not meant for children well, simple wards prevented them from venturing in. These little reassurances were all they needed repeated over time.

"Only those that trust Dumbledore," Tom said, sneering as if something foul had been put under his nose. Despite how different things had worked out…and the lack of real trouble Dumbledore was…Tom still hated him. Always would, just for that little display he'd done at the orphanage and of course, denying him sanctuary during the summers.

"It's a small fraction," Hadrian said bemused, "Minuscule compared to everyone else votes." They'd been told to go for it many times, but they were waiting for the right moment. Not too young, not too old and most definitely after a big change.

This may well be it after all.

"You think I should go for it this time?" Tom asked thoughtfully, not that he doubted his ability, far from it. Honestly, he was torn between being Minister and being Headmaster. Harry had suggested he do both.

"Well, they will be looking for a new Minister in three months…why not?" Hadrian put to it thoughtfully, "It's probably better to do it now actually, before someone namely Dumbledore's stooges…gets someone that might do a lot of damage to everything we've accomplished." Dumbledore wouldn't be voted in himself; his reputation was in tatters. Even after all this time.

It always would be.

"Minister Peverell-Slytherin," Hadrian teased, and laughed softly when Tom straightened up imperiously.

"Then we best begin to show our best to the public," Tom said smugly, and so it was, he was determined, he would become the British magical worlds next Minister for magic.

"Like you do anything but," Aiden said wryly.

"How's the magazine coming?" Hadrian asked, changing the subject, grinning at Tom's little pout, if you didn't know Tom as well as he did…you'd barely notice it, just a twitch of his lip.

"I'm not sure, it's too much like Witch weekly to be honest, would you take a look at it?" Aiden asked.

"Come tomorrow morning, I'll have a look then, I'm working at the clinic then the orphanage tomorrow afternoon." Hadrian explained, all freelance, he didn't have a set job, and he also didn't get paid. He wasn't in it to make money, he did it to help people who couldn't afford the prices that St. Mungo's demanded…and even just for a consultation.

He had a lot of grateful people at his beck and call, that Tom most certainly took advantage of.

"Great," Aiden said in relief, nodding, "I will."

"So, what do you want me to do about Lupin? Will I have the House-elf continue to watch him?" Aiden asked after a few minutes of comfortable silence. He would never have thought to use them before Hadrian had regaled them all with the virtues of having a House-elf that was not only loyal to you but happy to serve.

"Has he broken any laws?" Hadrian pondered. "It would be a good way to get him out of the way…but that could come back and bite us in the ass. So, no, we definitely have to permanently take care of him. You do not tell Fenrir anything remotely what Lyall Lupin thinks of werewolves."

Aiden shook his head, "I won't," he wasn't sure he'd survive even if he would just be the messenger. The things he said in private and in public…it was disgusting, truly disgusting. Seriously? Werewolves were soulless creatures? Evil? Deserving nothing but death?

"Good," Hadrian sighed.

"I personally think you should just drop him off in the reserve." Tom said coolly, but he definitely wasn't going to miss the opportunity to take out a few questionable wizards that were currently in the Ministry of magic that were Dumbledore's 'stooges' as Hadrian had called them often enough. Doge and Diggle were contenders to being the biggest ones, and Dawlish, idiots the lot of them, and it would be their deaths. "I'm sure it would be…rather educational for the youngsters, get a taste of human flesh young."

"How you can say that with such an innocent look on your face…" Hadrian commented wryly, rolling his eyes, even Aiden had blanched probably thinking Tom was serious. Well, truly seriously, but he would do it if he thought he'd get away with it. "It could have been better timing."

"How's that?" Aiden wondered, drinking the last of his whiskey.

"I'm working on a potion that helps against Dragon Pox…" Hadrian admitted, "It's not quite there yet, and here I'm going to have to take more time away from it." he already had the potion memorised, he just couldn't whip one up, it didn't work like that…he didn't want to be Merlin reincarnated for Merlin's sake.

He was definitely going to 'complete' it before Abraxas got it. Imogen would be devastated if anything happened to him. Although, quite frankly, Hadrian believed Imogen died first, perhaps trying to give birth to a child? Abraxas had met his grandson before he passed. He recalled a picture in Malfoy Manor that time, just in passing, he hadn't even thought about it until he watched the memory. It was a picture of a pink squalling Draco Malfoy being held in the arms of Abraxas Malfoy all burnt and singed around the edges. The Manor had paid for Lucius' failure in the original timeline.

So, he had time, and it wasn't quite reaching a pandemic level yet.

"What about if we just gave them Dragon Pox? Through a little cut…that would be enough to infect them…" Hadrian realizing it could be just as simple as adding them to the tally of the Dragon Pox that was going around.

"How do you imagine cutting them without them knowing?" Aiden asked doubtfully, imagining Hadrian going at them with a dagger. It was comical really.

"Easily," Hadrian said with a slowly emerging smirk, "Muggles used to do it all the time." Sometimes knowing things like that had its advantages.

Aiden shivered, goosebumps emerging all over his flesh. He shouldn't forget what Hadrian was capable of. He had been the one to suffer most because he'd been a jealous idiot as a teenager. Rubbing at his emerging beard out of nerves, he just nodded, as Tom watched on with smug pride over the husband, he'd chosen for himself.

Still able to get off on just how bloodthirsty he was.

Nobody touched the people Hadrian Peverell-Slytherin cared about and lived to tell the tale.

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

You didnt think I'd forget about Lyall Lupin in this after Hadrian adopted Fenrir now did you? :P LOL

A/N – Well, will Hadrian and Tom have a baby on the way as they move once more in the political sphere as Tom aims to become the Minister? Will they adopt Severus or will Hadrian just be able to help Eileen and eventually have her parents welcoming her back into the family and Severus being raised by his mum and grandparents? Will it be purely accidental due to their experimental potions that they're trying for Imogen? Will Harry end up being the surrogate for the woman? Or will squibs be integrated back into society and helping that way? Would you like to see a flashback to the confrontation Hadrian had with Lyall Lupin before he meets his end?

89%

January 10th 1960

"Morning," Hadrian murmured, as he padded out to the patio still a little sleepy after a good night's rest. He still didn't get it, how the more you sleep the more tired you become after wakening up. The smell of coffee sure did perk him up before Tom shook his head and pointed towards another cup, which he knew by now had decaf in it. "You do know in these times it's not a problem drinking coffee?" he grumbled in complaint, pointedly not pouting as he sat down…well, not visibly but there was little doubt Tom felt the pout through their bond.

"It's better to be safe," Tom replied, watching him avidly. No doubt his husband severely regretted telling him everything he had about the do's and do nots of being pregnant in his own time. The medical advances the world would undergo were massive, to put it lightly. Decaf coffee wouldn't be around or rather patented for at least another decade or so. The process had been rather straightforward once the House-elves got a hold of it. It now lacked much of its caffeine but retained its flavour. It had been fascinating overseeing he must admit. Hadrian got one cup in the morning but that was all he permitted himself, and all Tom did too. He would keep Hadrian on the straight and narrow even if Hadrian wavered.

Claiming the cup of coffee, Hadrian sat on the bench next to his husband and sighed softly as he leaned against Tom. He wasn't feeling very hungry, so he didn't even attempt to claim his plate. Plus, the House-elves were giving him weird meals, scrambled eggs and avocado's and fruit.

"Not feeling hungry?" Tom asked, amused, he still found it hilarious that no matter what Hadrian said to the House-elves they still continued to give him meals that were rich in protein and healthy for the baby without even considering Hadrian's likes and dislikes.

"There is an avocado cut up into my scrambled egg," Hadrian said dryly, "So, no, not hungry." In fact, it had made him feel even more sick if he was honest. "I'll try dry toast again, it worked yesterday." they hadn't told anyone he was pregnant yet, but the cat would be let out of the bag tonight at the ceremony that they were attending.

It had been quite a rocky few months; Tom had not taken the news well at all. In fact, when he came to, he'd been adamant that they didn't need another child. All but begged Hadrian to reconsider, asking if Fenrir wasn't enough…going so far as to suggest adoption but Hadrian had been adamant in his refusal. Tom, instead of saying something he'd regret had Apparated out of their home.

-0 Flashback 0-

For just a second, Tom was confused as to why exactly he was on the floor before he cottoned on. Eyes snapping open, he swiftly stood back up, his cheeks a little red as he listened to his husband giggling outrageously over his admittedly momentarily slip of composure. If fainting could be seen as a momentarily slip of composure that is. Tom would never see it as anything but. Narrowing his eyes, "It is hardly that funny, and if anyone finds out I'll make sure you live to regret it." warned Tom, Hadrian just giggled even more at the redness suffusing Tom's cheeks, he didn't need to feel the embarrassment through the bond to know how much Tom was reacting to fainting.

"I'm sure I will," Hadrian said after getting himself under control, Tom could threaten him all he liked, Hadrian could sense he didn't mean it. "But can you imagine their reaction?" he asked innocently enough causing Tom's glare to notch up from Defcon 4 to Defcon 1.

"I'll kill anyone you tell," Tom said seriously, he would not allow anyone to know or see him as vulnerable.

Hadrian huffed, "Take away my fun why don't you?" knowing Tom was actually probably serious…honestly, everyone knew he was human, just like the rest of them. His desire to see him elevated was ridiculous…but at least he got to see the real wizard under all that posturing. It warmed him that he got to see that, he was happy that Tom at least showed him and Fenrir his softer side, the real Tom.

"Were you serious?" Tom asked, staring at Hadrian with a look that caused a shiver to run down Hadrian's back.

Hadrian got the feeling that Tom wanted him to say yes, even though his husband knew he never joked around. Would never joke around about something so serious as family, since Hadrian had always had so little of real family in his life. He had no idea how Tom would react to this news, and quite frankly, Hadrian felt a twinge of worry shoot down his spine. "Very serious, Death confirmed it."

"But how?" Tom questioned, just as perplexed as him, as his mind reeled over the new information. Panic and fear began to grip him, he knew that Hadrian would not give up a chance to be a parent. He would keep the baby growing inside of him.

"I've had the ability all this time," Hadrian said softly, aware of all that Tom was currently feeling. He'd had all morning to come to grips with all that had been said, Tom would now need that time too. "Without Death…there can be no life." repeating what Death had said to him.

Tom clenched his hands into fists, "You need to get rid of it."

Hadrian wasn't surprised to hear those words; he also knew why. He hadn't been oblivious to Tom barely paid any attention to Imogen ever since the first time she got pregnant. Abraxas had been hurt by that, and quite a few times, Abraxas actually looked like he wanted to ask him why.

To Tom pregnancy was interwind with death.

His own mother had died giving birth to them, and since joining the magical world, he had to concede that not all women, witches, were weak. Not like he had believed of his mother for years. Then he (Hadrian) came along and made Tom see or rather feel that his mother's protection had stayed with him in the orphanage where he grew up. Blood wards, that only death magic and love could create. Out of fear for Tom's life if his grandfather or uncle found him. A half-blood as he was. They would have killed him.

"I'm sorry, but I'm not going to do that, I can't," Hadrian said with genuine regret that he couldn't take Tom's wants into consideration. Stepping forward, Tom took a step back, and Hadrian felt hurt radiate all the way down into his soul.

Tom swallowed thickly, feeling that agony as his own and guilt slithered in. "I can't lose you, not for something we can live without. We can adopt, isn't Fenrir enough?" desperation coating Tom's voice, terror of losing Hadrian so strong that it almost bowled Hadrian over…their heightened emotions not helping the situation at all.

"Nothing will happen to me," Hadrian said quietly, rubbing at his chest as if he could physically feel the emotions bleeding out of his chest and causing him actual pain.

Tom stared at Hadrian, realizing that his own wants and desires were not going to be taken into consideration here. Hadrian had already made up his mind. They always decided things together, it was what made their relationship so strong. Sure, they had small arguments here and there that were sorted with clear communication. Biting viciously on his tongue so that he did not end up saying something he couldn't take back, anger surging through him, he Apparated away from his home.

Leaving Hadrian standing there, devastated as the bond was closed up.

Tom reappeared in a desolate area that he had been surveying quite a while ago. Removing his wand, he began to blast trees, stumps, anything and everything unleashing his fury against the might of nature.

Trees were blasted to woodchips, the greenery going everywhere even into Tom's hair, but he didn't care.

Blast after blast, Bombarda after Bombarda left his wand, wood, grass, earth and flowers were destroyed. He was furious enough that he honestly would have killed anyone that crossed his path. Fortunately, for all concerned, nobody did come across Tom.

He was so very angry and upset with Hadrian, at the situation, at Death even. He continued on in this vein for over an hour, but the reality of it felt like two hours until he slumped down against a tree that had been safe from his wrath for the simple reason his back was to it.

Startling a bit when he felt sticky wetness on his cheeks, his fingers brushed against it, expecting his fingers to be bloody red upon looking at them. Instead, he found clear liquid, tears, Tom realized in disbelief. For the first time since he had found out what Horcruxes did, he wished he had created them in that one spiteful moment. Anything, anything would be better than feeling all these emotions. He loathed his lapse in composure, emotions like this were a weakness. Showed him that he was just like everyone else, and that he wasn't above everything as he liked to think.

Wincing a little as his mind shields were gotten around, if he didn't know any better, he would think Death was being vicious on purpose. He would have a headache for days now, he thought morosely, rubbing his temples.

'Humans, you're all the same' Death said with exasperation, unable to believe he was playing mediator of all things. It was fortunate that he loved Hadrian like a son, closest he'd ever get to one. 'Thinking they know what's bothering them, you need to look deeper into your own fears…you no longer fear death but loss,'

'Why did you do this? It will devastate Hadrian if anything happens!' Tom snarled furiously, regaining some of his former anger, but it sputtered out, he had utterly spent his anger earlier. 'When it happens!' he was smart enough to know that Hadrian was unique, that there wouldn't be immortality for anyone else except them. Not to mention whether Hadrian would survive the birth.

'Your mother died due to the fact that she didn't give birth in St. Mungo's, she was ill, malnourished and had a difficult birth something potions would have easily rectified.' Death said, almost callously. 'Her lack of magic did not help matters either. What magic she did have went on securing your future. Most women who die in childbirth, which is very rare indeed, in the magical world are due to complications brought on by inbreeding which severely weakens you. Now stop being a stubborn idiot and go back to your husband I won't allow anything to happen to him, it isn't his time.'

So, Hadrian had been right about that then, he'd known that, but now he really knew.

-0 End flashback 0-

Tom had listened, he had returned to Peverell-Slytherin manor, their home. It hadn't been smooth sailing; it had taken a week before the stubborn husbands had an honest and frank conversation. Tom had spent a lot of time outside of their home, continuing to enact their plans, including killing the opposition with what appeared as 'natural causes' during a dragon pox pandemic that had been unleased, all tracing back to the Ministry of magic. They had tried to stifle that news but had not succeeded, the Ministry did not look good at the moment.

Lyall Lupin had been one of the victims, and now Hope Lupin would have to raise her son on her own. Raise a wizard on his own, but given Remus' fate if his father had lived, it was better for all concerned.

Hadrian felt for Hope, he really did, being pregnant he sympathised, and was surprised that she hadn't given birth early when the news of her husbands' demise reached her. although, considering how early in her pregnancy she was, it was a good thing she didn't go into premature labour. He would never want to do this without Tom.

As in all things, when Tom became possessive…he did it to the extreme. Resignation gave way to greediness. The baby was part of him and Hadrian, something they'd created together. He'd read everything, prepared himself in all ways for anything that could come their way.

The knowledge that Hadrian wouldn't die had settled something within Tom in a way no other reassurance could have accomplished.

"Have you prepared your speech for tonight?" Tom asked quietly, not wishing to disturb the morning quietness. The only thing that could be heard besides the gentle but chilly breeze was the chirping of the birds. The beauty of magic was that they could enjoy these sights without getting cold.

"Yes, although I feel really bad," Hadrian said sipping his coffee, leaning his head against Tom's shoulder. Tom moved his arm around Hadrian's back and letting him rest more comfortably.

Tom scoffed, he had a different opinion on that, "How many lives have you saved by 'inventing' the potion?" he questioned, and he still felt bad? Honestly, he wasn't sure what to do with his husband sometimes. He used some spells without thinking, spells he most definitely hadn't created, used potions and spells in the books he wrote – which were all wildly popular by the way – but his passion would always remain healing.

"Hundreds maybe thousands," Hadrian conceded, "It still isn't right."

"If they're as smart and dedicated as you say, they'll invent something else in it's place." Tom replied, shrugging one shoulder so that he didn't dislodge Hadrian. He honestly couldn't care about nameless and faceless people in the future. He did care about Abraxas and the others who might pass due to Dragon Pox. The only one who had been safe from it had been Hadrian, who had been inoculated against it as a child and him after taking the potion Hadrian gave him after the first case cropped up. He'd never admit to caring about the others, he'd rather be put under the Cruciatus Curse. Bad enough that Death and Hadrian knew him so well. Still, Abraxas was the closest thing he had to a best friend, and he was very fond of Imogen, despite the fact he had sort of took a step back from that friendship.

"Maybe," Hadrian conceded, "Nothing I can do about it now, what's done is done." He had patented the potion, it wasn't about money for himself, but he still had so much he wanted to do, to accomplish in the magical world. Running an Orphanage – which would one day be changed – wasn't cheap, the clothes, food, library, Hogwarts tuition, spending money, potions, paying the caretakers, tutors and it was really, really expensive. He hadn't realized how expensive it was actually until the money was practically running out of the vault. Nothing he needed to be alarmed over really, he had more than enough coming in along with what he already had, and the bets, but he had to always make sure he made more than enough money to do everything. Plus, a political campaign cost just as much if not more so. Especially if Tom had anything to say about it, he would not tolerate failure.

He had a feeling the second he and Tom took a political move; things would heat up. They hadn't heard or seen Dumbledore since his release. He was too quiet, and Hadrian was quite frankly freaking the fuck out. Dumbledore didn't have it in him to slink away to lick his wounds…unless he'd been badly affected by the Dementors and was still mentally recovering…the only other option open to him was he was up to something.

Neither option would surprise him, so both were definitely on their guard outside the manor.

"I wonder if you'll still be this optimistic in a few decades time," Tom mused quietly into the morning.

"Probably," Hadrian said wryly, giving Tom a smirk, "Someone in this relationship has to be."

Tom laughed softly, "You'll find I am optimistic," he said in feigned haughtiness.

"Sure, you are," Hadrian said dryly, before inhaling sharply, "Did everyone accept their invites?" noticing the flapping of wings, as the owls descended to drop of their assortment of mail.

"I've got them," Tom stated firmly, standing up, "And yes, they're all confirmed for attendance. They've swindled Arcturus and Melania into babysitting tonight."

"Oh, I'd love to see how they managed that," Hadrian said in admiration, Arcturus Black was quite frankly one of the shrewdest men he'd ever met. He never agreed to something without looking out all angles. If it wasn't for the difference in ages, he would never have been able to tell any of the Blacks apart. Then again, most of the babies/children were actually going to be Black's. "But let me guess, the Malfoy's are going to be there." He grumbled unhappily. He had never liked Abraxas' parents; they were foul loathsome creatures.

"They would never miss an occasion to party," Tom said wryly, checking the mail for any harmful substances or spells. Many from the future, which gave them so many advantages over anyone's attempts to get rid of them. "Even if it's a celebratory occasion for you," the elder Malfoy's did not like Hadrian, at least they were subtle about it, but Hadrian? Didn't have a subtle bone in his body.

Returning to sit back down, he handed Hadrian's mail to him before absently beginning to go through his own. "Hopefully it's small intimate tables, I don't want to be sat next to them."

Tom arched a brow, "You'll be too busy talking to everyone to really pay much attention to them, regardless of where they are sat."

Hadrian grimaced, "Yeah, and lie my ass off about how I went about creating the Dragon-pox potion." The Ministry and the public believed that this was entirely Hadrian's creation, his and his alone. He was on the healer side of things, so it wasn't a stretch to think he would create something to help people. A never-ending list either, he was still trying to help the Greengrass family curse and not to mention finally clinch that Anti-Cruciatus draught. New potion ingredients and uses were being found constantly, so it was just a waiting game, followed by experimentation until they found something that clicked, that worked.

It gave him a whole new appreciation of Severus, who had created a potion as part of passing his Mastery. So that he could become the youngest Potions Master in the world. That shit is difficult, and he was a grown ass adult not a teenager.

Opening the letter, his eyes widened, "Now that's just freaky!" he murmured.

"Tom made a soft humming sound in enquiry as he read his own mail.

"I was just thinking of Severus…and this letter is announcing his birth." Hadrian said wryly, before his eyes darkened and frothing rage surged through the bond.

Tom's head snapped up, glancing at Hadrian and then the letter, now what on earth would cause him that much fury? His dark eyes read quickly over the missive, and found the potential cause.

Hadrian's lips had peeled back into an imitation of a snarl, teeth bared as if the letter itself was the objection of his anger. "I can't believe them, they've actually disowned Eileen and Severus!" hand curling into a fist and crunching up the paper. Well, Eileen had already been disowned but to disown a baby not even twenty-four hours old?

"This can't surprise you, not really, the Prince family is very old and steeped in tradition." Tom pointed out, although, if he was entirely honest with himself, he was surprised too. The world had changed drastically since Hadrian first published his books while he was still in Hogwarts. About inbreeding, what it did the family and ultimately responsible for the production of squibs and dying magic. Everything, absolutely everything that was required as evidence was there.

"The Black family was supposed to be the worst for it all!" Hadrian protested, leaning back, shaking his head in disbelief.

"That you knew, from what I observed in the pensive, your world was…made of perhaps a dozen families. A dozen families without actually knowing a thing about them." Tom pointed out pensively, "Quite frankly…I think you knew more about me than any other person." He wasn't smug about that fact either, Hadrian's world had been manipulated from the moment he'd killed Hadrian's parents all those years ago. Nothing had been left to chance, not even his friends. Dumbledore hadn't even allowed him to have real friends.

It was too bad they couldn't have knocked off Dumbledore with the dragon Pox too. The more powerful and stronger you were, the quicker you died. He'd be surprised if Dumbledore would have lasted a day, two days tops. Of all things he thought of Dumbledore…he couldn't deny he was powerful, not quite an adversary here in this time they had successfully curtailed any fame grabbing attempts by ending Grindelwald themselves. He would never achieve the notoriety he had in the old timeline.

He would not have people begging for him to become Minister. He would not become the Headmaster of Hogwarts. He would not succeed in turning the school into something of a mockery.

Hadrian shook his head, "After all they found out, how could they actually disown her son magically?" at least it wouldn't affect Severus' magic, Eileen had definitely been affected years ago, yes, but Severus no. "They've stupidly ended their own line." Baffled beyond belief.

"The main line certainly," Tom agreed, thoughtfully, "Perhaps they have a cousin line that will inherit?"

"If they lived abroad, maybe," Hadrian conceded, "I can't recall a single Prince ever being mentioned…and believe me, Granger dug into it. Especially after I started getting better grades than her by following the 'Half-Blood Prince' instructions in the potions text."

"Unless she was told, and it was all part of the plan?" Tom suggested.

"I don't see it, I mean honestly, what does my potions grade do?" Hadrian mused thoughtfully; his stomach gurgled reminding him that he hadn't eaten yet. "Dobby?" he called.

"What can Dobby do for Hadrian?" Dobby asked, as always eager to serve.

"I'd like some dry toast, two slices should do it, please." Hadrian said giving him a smile. He'd met Kreacher, and he adored the ground Orion and Walburga walked on, the difference in the elf was astonishing. Without Orion and Walburga spewing blood purity nonsense the House-elf wasn't picking it up and wasn't treating any guests that showed up any differently. "They will regret it; he's going to put the rest of the Prince family to shame when it comes to talent."

"Only then?" Tom smirked, eyes gleaming as he watched his husband ardently, without a doubt Hadrian was going to obliterate the Princes, he was going to do everything he could to make their lives a misery. He wouldn't just attempt it, he would succeed.

The Princes had just burnt any and every bridge open to them.

Nobody would piss off the Peverell-Slytherin's for fear of besmirching their own names and families.

He couldn't wait to see what Hadrian had in store for them. He was so very vicious when he felt wronged or someone, he cared for was wronged. Despite having never even met this Severus Snape, Hadrian was already protective of him.

Much like he was of Sirius, even Lucius and the Black girls, Hadrian kept an eye on Bellatrix but as of right now she was a bright intelligent eight-year-old Witch, no sociopathic tendencies, yet.

"She hasn't really asked for help yet," Hadrian said unimpressed, Merlin, he'd done everything he could to allow her to see that she had a friend in him. That it wasn't her abilities or name that made him care. He continued to write to her, had done so since leaving Hogwarts, yet nothing. He recalled his own secretiveness towards his own abuse, and felt dismayed when he realized the likelihood of anything being said was slim to nothing. "Wait, Eileen has a cousin, she was betrothed to marry him, I can't believe I forgot about that…"

Dobby reappeared with the toast before disappearing without a single word, not wishing to disturb his masters conversation.

"Might be a cousin from the mother's side," Tom pointed out, "Might not be a Prince in name at all."

"True,"

"I think I recall him," Tom said, frowning in contemplation, "He's quite atheistically pleasing on the eye, especially when compared to their aunt and uncle, dull and boring and rather lacking in intelligence. Definitely doesn't have much in the way of magical prowess."

"I don't recall him," Hadrian said trying to think back to any time he interacted with the Princes. Sure, he always avoided them as much as he could. People were picking up on his silent distaste of them. Which by the way he was going to amp up now, so disgusted with them for disowning a child, a baby. Chewing on his toast, he swallowed before answering, "Must have been one of the times you went yourself." and he did do that often, Hadrian hated publicity and schmoozing, he did it when he absolutely had to but only then.

"Probably, you would have remembered him," Tom replied, not for any good reasons, but ones that would make you want to avoid that particular person in future. He certainly had; it had been excruciating really. "And said something unsavoury." He added wryly.

Hadrian shrugged unrepentantly, not at all bothered by anyone's opinion on his character. Quickly finishing off his two pieces of plain toast, which settled in his stomach easily. He disliked wasting food, and if the House-elves continued he was going to forbid them from making anything for him for breakfast entirely, he decided.

"I wish she would just bloody ask," Hadrian huffed, before gently folding the letter, smoothing out the wrinkles and putting it away.

Tom refrained from saying anything, at least Hadrian knew better than to intervene without explicit permission. It would have just made for a more volatile situation. Although, if this Tobias Snape kept causing his husband to worry so much about a baby that had just been born and for Eileen he supposed, he would have to do something about it.

Accidents happened all the time after all, he was sure he could make one Muggle in nature. Depending on whether or not the Muggle actually worked around abusing his wife and one day his son.

Perhaps the world would be better off without him.

Still, it wasn't worth the effort, not yet.

"I mean we have been wanting to set up a shop in the Alley," Hadrian said, it was empty at the moment and just gathering dust when it could be used. "It's the last one."

"What are you thinking?" Tom queried curiously. Definitely not another bookstore or publishing company, not a construction company, or a press, not the newspaper, or magazines, or a clinic.

"Well, I did just start up a potions business, so to speak," Hadrian pointed out, "We'll need people to brew them, and if we buy ingredients in bulk, we'll get good offers and reduce the money we're spending on ingredients. New inventions need to be created…and quite frankly…there might not be anyone better than Eileen Snape." And it was still odd calling her that.

"Hardly," Tom muttered, "She wasn't that good." Well, to be fair it was definitely her best class, no doubt she was a good brewer compared to all her other grades and classes.

"She really was, if given the chance…where do you think Severus got his passion for it?" Hadrian said fervently, "If she'd just been given a break…who knows what she could accomplish if someone took a chance on her? You know the Princes are well known for their potion abilities."

"If their powers have always been that weak its little wonder," Tom said dryly, "I know, I know, they used to be well known for their powerful spell inventions and weaving, but that was such a long time ago. Their powers and intelligence have declined…and despite knowing what causes it, they've continued on in the idiotic belief that pureness will see them through." Continuing to force a betrothal on a young girl with her older cousin despite her reservations on the matter. The last Heiress of the Prince blood, he couldn't blame her for running.

Part of him felt a little slither of hypocrisy, since he had believed it too. He would have continued two wars believing in blood superiority at that. It was quite quickly banished, after all, he wasn't Voldemort. He'd never be that pathetic imitation. They shared a name, that was all.

"Is Aiden coming this afternoon?" Tom questioned, he had been coming every week for his and Hadrian's opinion on the magazine articles.

"No, he doesn't have the time," Hadrian explained, he and his wife would be having an early 'dinner' before beginning to prepare for the celebration. Everyone would probably be doing the same thing, the celebration was beginning at four o'clock, it wasn't just him of course, there would be dozens of others gaining awards during the ceremony. He would be finalising the magazine all day, making sure everything was perfect and giving the go ahead for the final production and then heading home. "Is there anything you need to do before we go?"

"No, but Burke has finished the portrait, we will be receiving it sometime early this afternoon, between one o'clock and three." Tom replied, rolling his eyes, "He has done as asked and made four miniatures, one small and of course, a large portrait." From his studio in Knockturn alley, which Hadrian had given him, along with painting supplies and everything required for the portrait. Making it clear that it wasn't charity, he'd have the place rent free for six months for the large portrait, and Burke had already received the money for the four miniatures and the small portrait.

"That's good," Hadrian said smiling contently, he'd been worried about the wizard, so much so that he'd had work done he didn't really care for. Although, the thought was growing on him, and it would help a wizard down on his luck which was a bonus. He had five months to turn his luck around, if he started getting commissions then he'd be able to afford the rent, and maybe one day buy a better studio – one he wasn't sleeping in – but Hadrian reckoned he didn't care at the moment.

Ironically enough, he worked opposite Borgin and Burkes.

He still didn't know how they were related though, or if they were even related.

"I'm sure," Tom said dryly, as they focused on reading the rest of their mail or unpacking it to ensure all was in order. Which it was of course, but accidents happen.

"Are you ready to head back in?" Tom asked, standing up, he was more than ready.

Hadrian hummed before joining Tom, closing the doors behind them as they went.

"No rest for the wicked, tomorrow morning we have Sirius' ceremony to attend," Hadrian commented, "His naming ceremony." where he'd be officially and magically his own godfathers godfather.

Tom shook his head, honestly, the Black's had zero consideration, barely two days in advance notice? They couldn't have sent them a little more warning? They just expected everyone to be ready at the drop of a hat.

A/N - Okay there we go! so the ceremony and then the godfather stuff…are there any druid/pagan things associated with godfather/mothers? I mean godfather/mothers are primarily a Christian thing isn't it? just wondered if I was going to have to make something up or if there is something similar already there! I'm going to need so much information on Paganism for My Time! So, So, So much! And the websites are so different I wished there was one website with everything I'll need on it…after that we'll probably have another few time jumps :D the question is where do you want it to end? The Marauder Era? Harry's time? Or the very moment he originally went back? Of course, it can't all be written, I can theoretically end it and continue putting snippets up? Not sure how it would work…what do you think? R&R please! And sorry there's not more 'Tom's reaction' it fought me for days I just couldn't get it to work so I had to work around the flashback and this is what I got out of it! Take care and stay safe everyone