Chapter 6. Lessons and Fans
The bed was so comfortable that Hadrian never wanted to get up. The thick sheets kept him in a warm cocoon that made the idea of Scottish weather seem like a blizzard. The clock on the wall said six, breakfast was served in the hall at seven thirty. Hadrian reluctantly pulled himself out of the covers and into the bathroom, Seraphina slithered into his place. The shower was heavenly, feeling like a warm rain cloud over his head. After Hadrian brushed his teeth and got changed, he moved back into the bedroom watching his snake fast asleep under the sheet. He picked her up and held her to his chest, attempting to calm his panicking. The snake sleepily moved up his neck, whispering into his ear.
Calm Hatchling, you will be safe
After a few moments, his breathing returned and he focused his thoughts on the positive aspect of starting his first day at a new school. Hadrian exited the dorms, leaving his snake to soak up the warmth from his bed. He walked down the stairs to find a pair of older ginger-haired boys (who seemed to be identical twins) experimenting on a plate of biscuits with different spells. The sound of his footsteps on the stone floors caused the twins to look up and rush over to him.
“Well, if it isn’t Hadrian Potter-Black.”
“You know you gave everyone quite a shock with your sorting.”
“Everyone expected you to be Gryffindor’s new poster boy.”
“Well, that’s what was expected of us.”
“Mum nearly had a heart attack when she found out we were sorted into Slytherin.”
“A 200 year-old Weasley family tradition out the window.”
“Fred,”
“-and George,”
“Wealsey.”
Hadrian blinked at the rapid back-and-forth before hesitantly shaking their hands.
“Hadrian,” he managed, still processing their whirlwind introduction.
The twins led Hadrian to the Great Hall, chatting about Hogwarts’ teachers and secret passages. With a final cheerful goodbye, they joined the Quidditch team at the head of the table. At the end of the table sat two other first years.
“Good morning, Hadrian.” Theo barely looked up for his book, which seemed to be in a language that Hadrian was unable to decipher. The boy with the golden aura held out his hand.
“Lorenzo Berkshire.” Their hands shook and the voices sounded out again.
“Two houses?”
“Yeah, the Sundström heirship is from my mother’s side. But you and a 7th year Ravenclaw have the rest of us beat. But his are because a Chimera attacked the family reunion.” Hadrian was very glad his other house rings were hidden from sight. The rest of the first years came piling in after a few minutes, most looked like they had just crawled out of bed. Midway through his meal of toast and hashbrowns, Snape began handing out schedules.
“Looks like we have Potions with the Ravenclaw’s first, then Charms with Gryffindor, and transfiguration with Hufflepuffs.” Blaise stated after being handed his.
Most of his classes were with Ravenclaw or Hufflepuffs, few were with the Griffindors, probably to stop them from killing each other. During his hour gap between his lessons on Wednesday, Snape wrote in ‘hospital wing’. Hadrian turned to Draco looking over his shoulder.
“Why do you have to go to the hospital wing every Wednesday?” He froze for a second, not wanting his classmates to know that years of abuse have left him with possibly lifelong health conditions. “Ow!” Draco rubbed his leg in pain while Theo glared at him from across the table.
“I just have some health issues that need regular check-ups.” Draco looked like he wanted to ask but the fear of being kicked again by Theo made him not.
“Come on, let's get to class.”
Potions was easy enough, it was merely an introductory lesson, explaining what they were going to be learning over the year, Safety procedures to follow, and a demonstration on how to brew a Wiggenweld potion, which they would be brewing in the next lesson. After watching Snape brew a few potions during the summer, Hadrian came to the conclusion that he has a large advantage in potions due to the fact that he can see the magic of the ingredients mixing together and how different sturs change the aura’s color. When he told Snape this, the man made him brew about eight different potions to test this theory, taking notes on everything.
Charms class was taught by Professor Flitwick, who was making them perform a Wingardium Leviosa charm on a feather. Most people found it easy, while others were waving their wands around like lunatics trying to get the feather to float.
“Why is that boy staring at me?”
Hadrian whispered into Blaise’s ear about the ginger-haired, Gryffindor boy who was looking at him like he was the holy grail.
“That’s Ron Weasly, second youngest of the Weasley family. I think he’s a bit starstruck.” Hadrian began to feel very uncomfortable at this.
“Is there any way to get him to stop?” They both turned to look back at the boy who was still staring.
“I don’t think so.“
The transfiguration classroom took a while to find, but they luckily made it on time. Hadrian saw a Silver tabby cat sat on the teacher's desk, surveying every student that walked in. An emerald aura danced around it, too powerful for a cat.
“I think that’s Professor Mcgonagall.” Theo turned to look back at the cat who then jumped off the desk. Fur turned into skin, robes appeared from nowhere, the creature shifting into human forms as it landed on the ground.
“10 points to Slytherin for the astute observation. Now everyone, to your seats.”
By the time dinner was over, Hadrian was ready to go to sleep. The plush sofa in the common room felt like heaven to him. The rest of the boys followed after him, Theo sitting on his left and Lorenzo on his right on an armchair.
“Why is this castle so complicated? I got lost three times.” Draco flopped onto the sofa with a huff.
“We have to go up the moving staircase tomorrow for our first class.” A collective groan sounded out from the group at the thought of navigating the maze of enchanted stairs.
“The Weasley twins told me to watch for the trick step on one of the stairs.” Draco rose from his slouched position on the sofa to look at him.
“You have got to be kidding me?” Hadrian shook his head before Draco fell back into the sofa. Blaise clapped his hand before rising from his chair.
“Come on, we best get to bed before we get yelled at by a prefect.” The boys sluggishly got up and walked towards the dorms with Theo and Hadrian lingering behind.
“How did you know the cat was Mcgonagall?” They stopped before the stairs, the fireplace covering them in a soft glow.
“Just a feeling.” Theo smirked at the lie before heading up stairs.
“Goodnight Hadrian.”