First Year Begins
"SLYTHERIN!"
Hadrian Prince smiled softly as he hopped off the stool and quickly sat next to his Godbrother, Draco Malfoy, and waited while the rest of their friends were sorted. Daphne Greengrass, Pansy Parkinson, Gregory Goyle, Vincent Crabbe, and Theodore Nott were already sorted into Slytherin as well. Soon, Blaise Zabini joined them in Slytherin.
"Hades, is it just me, or is Dumbledore glaring at you?" Draco asked softly.
"He is." replied the 11-year-old with a shrug. "Subtly, though, or else Grandma and Gran will get on to him. Aunt Pomona and Uncle Filius, as well. All the staff treated me as if I were family too. Which Dad is grateful for."
"Welcome students to another year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I am Albus Dumbledore, your Headmaster. On either side of me are our four heads of houses. To my right is Professor Minerva McGonagall, the Gryffindor Head. Next to her is the Slytherin Head, Professor Severus Prince. To my left is Professor Pomona Sprout, Hufflepuff Head. Next to her is Professor Filius Flitwick, the Ravenclaw Head."
Each one stood as their names were said. Well, his Uncle Filius was already standing. Due to the man's height and heritage of being half Goblin. Something young Hadrian always found interesting. Looking at the other tables, he saw some of his other friends in their houses. He notices Hannah, Susan, Neville, and Ernest all got into Hufflepuff. Padma, Lisa, Terry, and Sue all got into Ravenclaw. He saw Seamus, Dean, Ron, and Parvati all got into Gryffindor.
"Hadrian," began his Dad as they walked to Severus's quarters. "Do you remember me saying how I had something for you that would have to wait until your first year?"
"Yes?"
Of course, he remembered! He was about 6 and found a small box with his name on the front. He had asked his dad about it, but the man simply stated he had to wait until the first day of his first year at Hogwarts. Now, he was about to find out what was in the box.
As they sat, Severus in his black leather chair and Hadrian on the sofa next to it, the elder gave his son the box. The box was now slightly worn and torn, the original brown slightly discolored, and the black writing seemed to have aged. However, as he opened it, he saw a black leather-covered journal with the letters H, S, and P going diagonally from the left top corner to the right bottom in Slytherin green.
"I love it," he whispers, lightly touching the cover. "It's like Mums..."
"We got one each our first year from your Grandma, Rosie, your Mum's mum. Mine looked like yours, while your Mum's was white. We would get one each year after. I know your Mum would want me to continue it with you," Severus whispered.
"It'll be a Prince family tradition from now on." Hadrian declares before turning to his dad. "May I go back to the dorms? I promised Dray and Blaise some time to talk before bed."
Severus simply smiled, nodding before watching his son run off. He loved how much his son looked like him, although that had to do with the Prince's family magic. The black hair and dark onyx eyes were two features he found out were the Prince's family magic. However, the pale skin and sharp features were pure Slytherin family, Something Severus got from his actual father, Thomas Riddle.
"He is doing amazing, Lily," Severus whispers to himself. "You'd be so proud of our son."
Dear Mum,
I know you aren't my actual mum. She died when I was a baby, but you will be close enough, I suppose.
Mum, I got into Slytherin. Dad says you would be proud either way as long as I don't become an arse. I dearly hope it's true.
I am best friends with a boy named Draco Malfoy. He is also my Godbrother. Don't worry, though! We are also best friends with Neville!
Then there is Ronald Weasley. He likes to be called Ron, though. His mum is Molly Weasley, née Prewett. I think you'd have found him sweet.
I'm excited about my classes, but mostly Dad's. Do you know he teaches Potions? Although, I am especially excited about Charms. Uncle Filius still teaches it, you know! I got to grow up with all of the teachers here. Although Professor Quirrel seems...off lately. He didn't wear a turban before now, but he has one this year.
I better head to bed. Goodnight Mum,
Love you,
Hadrian.
"So, you lot excited for which classes?" Ron asked the tight-knit group of friends.
The group included Draco Malfoy, Blaise Zabini, Ronald Weasley, Seamus Finnigan, Dean Thomas, Neville Longbottom, Parvati Patil, and Padma Patil. Sure, they were friends with the others, but this group had been friends for a long time, having met through the last member and pseudo-leader, Hadrian Prince.
"I am personally excited about Charms and Potions," started Hadrian, " although I am quite eager about Astronomy, too."
"I prefer Potions or Transfiguration." Commented Draco.
"I am excited about Herbology," Neville said softly.
"Me too!" Padma exclaimed.
"I can't wait for transfiguration," Ron states. "Although Percy said the first year is a bit boring."
"I can't wait for Charms," Blaise comments, a blush tinted to his cheeks. He was actually looking forward to the bright look on Hadrian's face.
"I am looking forward to Astronomy myself," Parvati states.
"I'm most excited about defense!" Dean exclaimed with a grin. "Did you lot know that?"
"The teacher has been different every year since 1946," said the others in unison, causing them to erupt in giggles.
"You remind us all the time, Dean," Seamus said with a smile.
"Oh, blah," Dean stated, sticking out his tongue.
Hadrian glared at the so-called Professor Quirrel. The man wearing the turban could not be this man. The one who used to be the Muggle Studies Professor. The one who used to ask Hadrian questions. The one who slid Hadrian a piece of chocolate after dinner when his Dad said no.
"Who are you?" He asked. "Because you simply cannot be Quirrel. Also, cut the stuttering act."
"Hadrian, it is me..." Quirrel said softly. "Just someone else as well."
"Then what did you gift me my first birthday with Dad."
"A book on your Zodiac, the Lion, Leo."
"So you are my Uncle Q..."
"Let me ssssee him!" Called a voice that Hadrian felt he knew.
"M-My L-Lord..."
"You serve the man trying to kill me?!" Hadrian stated, tears beginning to build.
"Hadrian, please, listen.." Quirrel begged softly. "I would never harm you or allow harm-"
"Step away from my son, Quirinus!" Severus snarled, putting his hand on his son's chest and pushing him behind him.
"Severus, please.."
Quirinus Quirrel felt his own heartbreak as Severus separated him and his crying nephew further. He couldn't believe Severus even thought he would hurt Hadrian in such a way. He sent a wave of anger at his Lord for putting him in such a position. This was his nephew! The boy he helped raise!
"SSSSeverussss!" Lord Voldemort cried out through the turban. "Lisssten to me!"
"You tried killing my son!" Severus nearly shouted. "I told you who he was! I told you not to harm him, Father! Our relationship ended the day my son gained his scar!"
"No, I didn't!" the voice said weakly. "I wasss helping Lily get them out! Dumbledore attacked me!"
Severus wanted desperately to believe his Father. Wanted nothing more than that. But his need to protect his son was higher than all of that. Looking at his son, who was crying and clutching his robes, he sighed. Turning to Quirrel, he glared. "Outside of classes, stay away from him until we can have a very serious talk, Quirinus. I must think of Hadrian first and foremost, and I do not trust either of you with him at this time."
-Edited August 17th, 2024-