Chapter 2
The fitting was swift and efficient, the air thick with the scent of new robes and the incense that hung in the air. Madam Malkin took his measurements with a tape that whispered as it wrapped around his body, noting them down with a quill that never seemed to run out of ink. With a flourish, she presented him with the robes that would soon be emblazoned with the Hogwarts crest and the name 'Black' on the inside tag.
"These will suit you perfectly, Mr. Black," she said with a small curtsy. "Follow me to the back, and we'll have them tailored to your exact specifications."
As he walked through the racks of fine fabrics, the memory of Daphne's smile lingered. It was unlike any he'd seen in the pure-blood circles he'd grown accustomed to – warm, welcoming, and free of the cunning he'd learned to expect. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was something special about her, something that called to the part of him that longed for more than the rigid confines of his upbringing allowed.
Once the robes were sorted, Narcissa took him to Ollivander's for his wand. The shop was small and cluttered, with wands lining the walls and a dusty, magical aura that tickled his senses. Mr. Ollivander, the ancient wandmaker, took his hand, his eyes twinkling with excitement behind his half-moon spectacles. "Ah, yes," he murmured, stroking his chin. "A Black, you say? Let's see what we have here."
The first wand was too whippy, the second too stiff, but the third... the third was perfection. It was made of dragon heartstring and holly, and as he took it in hand, it sang to him. The warmth of the wood and the hum of the magic resonating within it was like nothing he'd ever felt. "It's the one," he said, his voice filled with awe.
Narcissa's eyes lit up with pride. "I knew you'd be special, Hadrian," she whispered, squeezing his shoulder.
They then made their way to Gringotts, the grandeur of the bank's marble halls and the echo of their footsteps on the cold floor sending a shiver down Hadrian's spine. The goblin guards, with their stern faces and sharp eyes, nodded in deference to Lucius as they passed. The Malfoy name held weight here, and everyone knew it.
In the depths of the bank, they met with the Black family's account manager, a goblin with a long, pointed nose and an even sharper mind. He greeted them with a nod, his eyes lingering on the ring that now adorned Hadrian's finger. "Ah, young Master Black," he croaked. "The ring has chosen well. Your father would be proud."
Narcissa's gaze remained focused on the ledger before her, her voice cool and calculated. "We need to discuss the state of the Black family's investments," she said. "And the status of any remaining family members."
The goblin's eyes flicked to the parchment, his quill scratching away as he spoke. "The investments are secure, Lady Malfoy. As for family, there are but a few of note." He paused, glancing at Hadrian before continuing, "Miss Tonks, Mrs. Longbottom, a few distant cousins and Of course Sirius Black . The marriage contract with the Potters was nullified, as you know."
Hadrian felt his stomach clench at the mention of the Potters. The Black family's history was fraught with conflict and betrayal, and the Potters were central to much of it. Yet, there was something about the way the goblin spoke that suggested there was more to the story, something that was left unsaid.
The conversation grew tense as the topic of marriage contracts arose. Narcissa's eyes narrowed slightly. "We shall need to consider our options," she said, her voice low. "Hadrian's future is of the utmost importance."
The goblin nodded, his expression unreadable. "Of course. The Black lineage is strong, and there will be many who wish to align themselves with it. We shall review the available opportunities."
The meeting ended with a flurry of paperwork and the clinking of goblin gold. Hadrian felt a heaviness in his heart as they left the bank. The ring on his finger, a symbol of his heritage, now felt like a prison as much as a crown. The expectations of his family's legacy weighed upon him, but he was determined to forge his own path.
The rest of the day passed in a flurry of shopping, the excitement of purchasing school supplies and books momentarily distracting him from the weight of his future. Yet, every time he glanced at Daphne across the crowded street, he couldn't help but wonder if she might be part of that path. Her smile had left a mark on him, a gentle reminder that there was more to life than duty and politics.