Chapter 22- Bonds of Shadows
A few days after Hadrian's abandonment-
The crackling fire cast long shadows over the room, the orange glow flickering across the polished wooden table and the tense faces of James and Lily Potter. The sound of their slow, uneven breathing filled the otherwise silent space, where the heavy curtains drawn tight against the windows blocked the chill of the October night. Across from them, seated in an armchair with his usual calm but calculating demeanor, was Albus Dumbledore. His half-moon spectacles glinted in the firelight, and though his expression was placid, his piercing blue eyes betrayed the weight of the conversation that lay ahead.
Lily sat straight in her chair, her hands gripping the edges of her armrest, knuckles white. Her lips pressed into a thin line, eyes narrowed as she studied Dumbledore. James, on the other hand, was leaning forward, elbows on the table, his posture tense and restless. His hand ran through his already untidy hair in agitation, a clear sign of his discomfort.
Dumbledore was the picture of serenity, his hands steepled beneath his chin as he gazed thoughtfully at the Potters. Yet beneath that calm exterior, the wheels of his mind were turning swiftly, assessing, calculating. He had orchestrated countless delicate situations over the years, but this one was different. This was not simply about guiding the course of a war or positioning a key player. This was about manipulating the truth—and ensuring that no one would ever know the Potters had abandoned their eldest son.
---*Hadrian's disappearance.*
The words hung between them like an unspoken curse. Dumbledore's voice, when he finally spoke, was calm, his tone devoid of judgment, though the implications of their situation were clear.
"I understand your concern," Dumbledore began, his gaze flickering to James first, then Lily. "Hadrian's absence will certainly raise questions, especially within the context of the inheritance laws tied to the Potter family's wealth and standing."
James's jaw clenched, and he looked away for a moment, staring into the fire, his leg bouncing restlessly under the table. "What exactly are we dealing with, then? If Hadrian's gone, who gets the money? The titles?"
Lily's eyes darted to her husband, her lips parting as though to say something, but she closed them again, choosing to listen. She didn't trust Dumbledore as easily as James did, and right now, she was focused on understanding the full scope of what they were about to do.
Dumbledore's face remained neutral as he explained, "Hadrian's disappearance—or rather, the perception of his disappearance—must be carefully managed. You see, according to Gringotts' inheritance laws, should an heir vanish without trace, they are presumed dead after seven years. Until that time, their inheritance remains in stasis, untouchable by any other family member."James shifted uneasily in his seat, his brow furrowing. "Seven years? Bloody hell..."
"Yes," Dumbledore continued, his voice soft but precise. "Seven years. In the meantime, no one will be able to claim the Potter family vaults, nor will the Wizengamot be able to settle any disputes regarding Hadrian's position as the rightful heir. This, of course, presents a problem—not just for you, but for the entire wizarding world. The Potters are a prominent family, and any hint of scandal, especially surrounding the Boy Who Lived's elder brother, could have far-reaching consequences."
Lily finally spoke, her voice quiet but laced with steel. "Far-reaching how, exactly? Are you saying people will try to... take what's not theirs?"
Dumbledore tilted his head slightly, regarding her with a faint smile. "In times of uncertainty, my dear, some people might seek to take advantage. The political implications of Hadrian's disappearance cannot be understated. It would shake the foundation of the Potter name, not to mention the potential fallout in the Wizengamot. You must remember, there are those who would not hesitate to use this to weaken your family's influence."
James's face twisted in frustration, and he slammed his fist down on the table, the sound echoing through the room. "Damn it, Dumbledore! Are you saying we're about to lose everything because of this?"
"James," Lily said softly, her eyes darting to her husband's clenched fist. "Please, calm down."Dumbledore raised a hand, his tone soothing. "I assure you, nothing is lost—yet. That is why we are here tonight. To craft a narrative, one that will ensure no one questions Hadrian's disappearance. A story that protects your family's legacy."
Lily's eyes sharpened as she leaned forward slightly, her gaze never leaving Dumbledore's. "A story," she repeated slowly. "You mean a lie."Dumbledore's eyes twinkled faintly, though his expression remained serious. "Not a lie, Mrs. Potter. A necessity."
James shifted again, running a hand through his hair. His fingers trembled slightly as they passed over his scalp, betraying the strain he was under. "We didn't mean for any of this to happen," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "It wasn't supposed to be like this. Hadrian just... and we... we..."
His voice trailed off, and he glanced at Lily, his face pale. He didn't finish the sentence, but the weight of his words hung heavy in the air. Lily's jaw tightened, and her hands gripped the armrests of her chair even tighter. Dumbledore's eyes softened for a moment, a rare show of empathy, before he pressed on.
"There is no use dwelling on what could have been, James," Dumbledore said quietly. "We must focus on what is, and how best to move forward. Now, as for the story—"
Lily's hand shot up, halting Dumbledore's words. "What about the others? What will people think when they find out we abandoned him?" Her voice cracked slightly, but her eyes were sharp, her mind working rapidly through the implications.
Dumbledore's expression didn't change, though he noted the way Lily's gaze flickered with something close to desperation. He had known this moment would come, and though he sympathized with her concerns, he was more interested in controlling the situation than comforting them.
"The others," he repeated softly, his tone contemplative. "Ah, yes. Your friends. Sirius, Remus... even Peter Pettigrew. And of course, there are the Weasleys. The Hogwarts professors..."
A brief silence followed, and Lily's face drained of color as she imagined their reactions. Sirius would be furious—unforgiving, even. He had always been protective of Hadrian, almost as if the boy were his own son. And Remus... Remus would be disappointed. Devastated, even. As for the Weasleys, Molly would be horrified. And McGonagall—no, McGonagall would be appalled."They'll hate us," Lily said quietly, her voice shaking.
James swallowed hard, his jaw tightening as he looked at her. "No, Lily. We'll make them understand. We didn't have a choice."
"But they won't see it that way," she countered, her voice rising in frustration. "They'll see it as abandonment. As neglect."
Dumbledore interjected smoothly, his voice calm but firm. "They need never know."Both Potters turned to him, startled. Dumbledore smiled slightly, but there was an undercurrent of something darker in his tone—something coldly practical.
"You see," he continued, "there is a solution. A spell, of sorts. An abstract charm that compels those who hear it to believe what you want them to believe. It is subtle—very subtle—and it will not alter their memories entirely. But it will create the impression that Hadrian simply... disappeared."
Lily's brow furrowed, her mind racing. "What do you mean?"Dumbledore's eyes gleamed with the faintest hint of satisfaction. "I mean that with the proper spellwork, we can ensure that everyone, except you, believes Hadrian ran away. That he was lost in the confusion, and that despite your best efforts, you were unable to find him."James stared at Dumbledore in shock. "You can do that?"
Dumbledore nodded. "I can. It is a form of subtle mental compulsion, one that will plant the idea in their minds without them ever realizing it. They will believe Hadrian ran away or was lost, and they will feel sorrow for you. They will not question your actions, nor will they seek to uncover the truth."
Lily's face was pale, her eyes wide with disbelief. "That sounds... that sounds like manipulation."Dumbledore's expression softened, his voice lowering to a gentle, almost fatherly tone. "Lily, I understand how difficult this must be for you. But you must see that this is the only way to protect your family. To protect your son, Julian. Hadrian's disappearance is already a fact. We are merely ensuring that no one uses it against you."
James's hand tightened on the table, his knuckles white. "So you're saying... you'll make them believe he's just... gone? That he ran away?"
"Yes," Dumbledore confirmed. "It is the only way."
Lily hesitated, her eyes flickering between James and Dumbledore. She could see the logic in Dumbledore's words, but something about it felt wrong—deeply, morally wrong. Still, what other choice did they have? If they didn't do this, the truth would come out, and the consequences would be catastrophic. She could imagine the scandal, the shame, the accusations.
But more than that, she could imagine the heartbreak. The anger. The betrayal.She closed her eyes, taking a slow, deep breath. "How... how does the spell work?"
Dumbledore's smile returned, faint but reassuring. "It is a subtle weaving of magic. It will affect everyone who hears of Hadrian's disappearance, planting the idea in their minds that he simply vanished. They will believe it wholeheartedly, and no one will question it. You, of course, will be unaffected. The spell will not alter your own memories or perceptions. You will know the truth, but everyone else will believe the lie."
James leaned back in his chair, his face pale but determined. "And you can teach us how to act? How to make it believable?"
Dumbledore nodded. "Of course. You must present yourselves as heartbroken, devastated parents. James, you will need to act like a father desperately searching for his lost son. In public, you must be strong, but with moments of vulnerability. You must appear as though you are doing everything you can to find Hadrian, even though you know he is gone."
James nodded slowly, his face hardening with resolve.
"And Lily," Dumbledore continued, turning to her. "You must act heartbroken. Distraught. You will need to show your grief—let it consume you in public. People will sympathize with you, and they will never suspect the truth."
Lily's hands trembled slightly in her lap, but she nodded. "I... I can do that."Dumbledore smiled, his eyes twinkling once more. "Very well. Then let us begin."---
The warmth of the afternoon sun bathed the Hogwarts grounds in a golden hue, casting long shadows across the lush green grass. The final exams were over, and the air was filled with a sense of relief and freedom that only students on the brink of summer could feel. The tension of the past few weeks had melted away, leaving behind a giddy excitement for the Great Feast and the promise of a well-deserved break.
Hadrian Potter and his small group of Slytherin friends had claimed a spot by the Black Lake, away from the hustle and bustle of the castle. It was a quiet corner, where the water lapped gently at the shore and the distant chatter of other students was little more than a murmur. The perfect place for them to unwind and enjoy each other's company.
Daphne Greengrass lay sprawled on the grass beside Hadrian, her long, blonde hair fanned out like a halo around her head. Her icy blue eyes sparkled with mischief as she poked fun at Blaise Zabini, who was lounging nearby, looking every bit the picture of Slytherin composure.
"You're just sore because I beat you in Potions," Daphne teased, a smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. There was a playful glint in her eyes, one that spoke of her confidence and the easy rapport she shared with her friends.
Blaise raised an eyebrow, his dark eyes narrowing in mock indignation. "I'm not sore, Greengrass. I'm just concerned for your well-being. The only reason you won is because Professor Snape has a soft spot for you."
"Right," Daphne drawled, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Because I'm sure Professor Snape is known for his soft spots."
Hadrian chuckled, watching the exchange with amusement. Daphne's beauty was undeniable, with her delicate features and graceful demeanor, but it was her sharp wit and confidence that drew him in.
There was something effortless about the way she carried herself, as if she was fully aware of the effect she had on those around her but chose to focus on more important things.
"Don't let him get to you, Daphne," Theo Nott chimed in from his spot on the grass, where he was absently twirling a blade of grass between his fingers. "Zabini's just jealous because you're better at Potions than he is."
"Better at everything, really," Daphne added with a smug smile, earning a laugh from the group.
Blaise huffed, crossing his arms over his chest. "You lot are insufferable."Daphne leaned over to Hadrian, her shoulder brushing against his as she whispered conspiratorially, "He's just mad because I beat him at chess last week too."
Hadrian smiled, feeling a pleasant warmth spread through him at the contact. Daphne had a way of making him feel at ease, her presence both calming and exhilarating at the same time.
He couldn't help but notice the way her eyes softened when she looked at him, or the way she seemed to gravitate towards him whenever they were together. It was a subtle thing, something that she probably wasn't even aware of, but it didn't escape Hadrian's notice.
"You're unbeatable," Hadrian replied, his tone light and teasing. "Blaise never stood a chance.""Unbeatable, huh?" Daphne tilted her head, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "I like the sound of that."
Theo grinned, his eyes flicking between Daphne and Hadrian with interest. "Careful, Potter. Daphne might start getting ideas if you keep flattering her like that."
Hadrian chuckled, shaking his head. "She already has enough ideas as it is."
The group laughed, the sound carrying across the lake and mixing with the distant calls of the birds. It was easy, natural, the kind of laughter that came from the comfort of being among friends. There was no need for pretense here, no need to hide behind the masks they wore in the presence of others.
For a moment, they were just children, enjoying the simple pleasure of each other's company, not sly manipulative Slytherins.
But beneath the surface, there were layers of complexity, unspoken truths that hovered in the air like a delicate web. Hadrian could feel it, the way their eyes would dart away when the conversation grew too close to something real, the way they would change the subject with a joke or a clever remark. It was the Slytherin way, to keep things light, to hide behind wit and charm.
But today, as they lounged by the lake, Hadrian felt a tug in his chest, a desire to share something more. To let them see a part of him that he usually kept hidden. He wasn't sure why, but the words were on the tip of his tongue, waiting to be spoken.
"So," Blaise said, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled over them. "What's everyone doing for the summer? Theo, are you going back to that godforsaken manor of yours?"
Theo rolled his eyes, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Unfortunately. I'll probably spend most of the summer avoiding my parents and pretending to care about pureblood politics."
Daphne made a face, her nose scrunching up in distaste. "Sounds dreadful. I'm planning on spending most of my summer in France. My family has a villa there, and it's the perfect escape from all the nonsense."
"Lucky you," Blaise muttered, shaking his head. "I'll be stuck in Italy with my mother. She's already planning a string of social events that I'm expected to attend. Pureblood parties, you know the drill."
Hadrian listened to them talk, a pang of envy tightening in his chest. They all had families to go back to, homes that were filled with history and tradition. He didn't have that. He had Sirius, and he was grateful for that, but there was still a part of him that felt like an outsider, like he didn't quite belong.
"What about you, Hadrian?" Daphne asked, her voice cutting through his thoughts. "What are your plans for the summer?"
Hadrian hesitated, his mind racing as he considered how much to reveal. He could feel the weight of their gazes on him, the curiosity in their eyes. They had all heard rumors about his past, about his upbringing, but none of them knew the full truth. Not yet, at least.
"I'm not sure," he said slowly, choosing his words carefully. "I'll probably spend most of the summer with Sirius. Maybe we'll travel a bit, see some new places."Theo raised an eyebrow, his expression thoughtful. "You're lucky to have Sirius. He's a good man."Hadrian nodded, feeling a surge of affection for his godfather. "Yeah, he is. He's done a lot for me."
There was a brief pause, the atmosphere shifting as the conversation took on a more serious tone. Hadrian could see the questions in their eyes, the unspoken curiosity that lingered just beneath the surface.
Daphne shifted closer to him, her shoulder pressing against his as she spoke softly, "Hadrian, you don't have to answer if you don't want to, but... we've all heard things about your childhood. Rumors, mostly. I guess what I'm trying to say is, we care about you. We're your friends."
Hadrian's heart skipped a beat at her words, the sincerity in her voice catching him off guard. He could see the concern in her eyes, the way her lips pressed together as if she was holding back something more. There was a vulnerability in her expression that he hadn't seen before, a glimpse of the person behind the confident exterior.
He took a deep breath, his mind racing as he considered what to say. Part of him wanted to keep it all inside, to bury the memories and never speak of them again. But another part of him, the part that longed for connection, for understanding, urged him to speak.
"It wasn't easy," he began, his voice quiet, almost hesitant. "Growing up, I didn't have a family. Not a real one, at least. The Dursleys... they were my aunt and uncle, but they didn't care about me. They hated me, actually."
He could see the shock on their faces, the way their eyes widened, and their expressions shifted from curiosity to disbelief. Daphne's hand tightened on his arm, a silent gesture of support."They treated me like I was nothing," Hadrian continued, his voice growing steadier as he spoke. "I was more of a burden to them than anything else. They locked me in a cupboard under the stairs, barely fed me, and... well, they did a lot of things that I'd rather forget."
Blaise's jaw clenched, his usual calm demeanor cracking as a flash of anger crossed his features. "Those bastards."
Hadrian nodded, feeling a strange sense of relief at finally speaking the words out loud. "Yeah, they were. But then, they kicked me out, I was on my own. Until I met a group of people who took me in, who taught me how to survive."
"The gang," Theo said, his voice low and serious. "The one we've heard about." Hadrian looked at him, eyes raised, "How the hell do you know about the gang?" Theo shrugged and said, "Rumors." Hadrian just sighed while closing his eyes.
Then, Hadrian nodded and opened his eyes, his gaze distant as he recalled those years. "They weren't perfect, but they were the closest thing I had to a family. They showed me how to take care of myself, how to fight, how to survive in a world that didn't care about me. They taught me to be strong."
Daphne's hand slipped into his, her fingers warm and reassuring. "You are strong, Hadrian. Stronger than any of us."
There was a moment of silence as the weight of his words settled over them. Hadrian could see the mix of emotions on their faces—anger, sadness, disbelief—but most of all, he saw something that he hadn't expected: admiration.
They weren't looking at him with pity or sorrow. They were looking at him with respect, with a new understanding of who he was and what he had been through.
"We're with you, Hadrian," Theo said firmly, his voice carrying a note of determination. "No matter what. You're not alone anymore."
Hadrian felt a warmth spread through his chest, a feeling of belonging that he hadn't felt in a long time. These were his friends, his true friends, and for the first time in his life, he felt like he was part of something bigger than himself.
But before he could fully process the emotions swirling inside him, a sudden movement caught his eye. Across the lawn, he saw a group of students chasing someone—two rough-looking Gryffindors and two large Hufflepuffs, their expressions twisted with malicious intent.And the person they were chasing... Hadrian's heart leapt into his throat.
It was Tonks.
Without a second thought, Hadrian was on his feet, his muscles coiled with tension as he watched the scene unfold. He didn't hesitate, didn't pause to think. All that mattered was getting to Tonks before they did.
"I have to go," he said urgently, his voice clipped with barely restrained fury.Daphne and the others looked at him in confusion, but before they could ask, Hadrian was already sprinting across the lawn, his wand clutched tightly in his hand. He could hear their voices calling after him, but he didn't stop. There was no time.
As he closed the distance, he could see the fear in Tonks's eyes, the way her breath came in ragged gasps as she tried to escape. The sight of her, vulnerable and alone, sent a surge of rage through Hadrian's veins. How dare they? How dare they go after her?
He reached them just as one of the Gryffindors grabbed Tonks by the arm, a cruel sneer on his face. "You're not getting away this time, freak."
But before the words were fully out of his mouth, Hadrian was there, his wand flashing in the late afternoon sun.
"Let her go," he commanded, his voice low and deadly, filled with a cold fury that made even the Gryffindor hesitate.
For a moment, the group froze, startled by the sudden appearance of the furious Slytherin. But then, their leader sneered, pushing Tonks aside as he turned to face Hadrian."And what are you going to do about it, Potter?"Hadrian didn't answer with words. He didn't need to. His wand moved with lightning speed, the spell on his lips before they even had a chance to react.
"Bors Stratus!" A spell from the Black Family, one of the lighter ones.
The Gryffindor's hand bent, it was dislocated. The boy fell, Hadrian then proceeded to kick his wand out of the boy's hand, causing it to land several feet away in the grass. But Hadrian didn't stop there. He advanced on them, his eyes blazing with an intensity that sent shivers down their spines.
"Leave. Now. And if I ever see you lay a hand on her again, you'll regret it."
There was something in Hadrian's voice, something dark and dangerous that made the group take a step back. They exchanged uneasy glances, the confidence draining from their faces as they realized they were outmatched.
Without another word, they turned and fled, their footsteps echoing across the lawn as they disappeared into the distance.
Hadrian stood there for a moment, his breath coming in heavy bursts as the adrenaline coursed through his body. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, the anger still simmering beneath the surface. But then he turned to Tonks, his expression softening as he took in the sight of her, safe and unharmed.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice gentle as he reached out to her.
Tonks nodded, her eyes wide with a mix of relief and gratitude. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks to you."Hadrian smiled, the tension in his body slowly easing as the reality of what had just happened sank in. He had protected her. He had been there when she needed him.And as he looked into her eyes, he knew that he would always be there for her, no matter what.