The Dark lords interest
September 8, 1991 Saturday
Slytherin Castle
Meeting Room
12:00 pm
Rabastan was sat at a round table near the end with his fellow death eaters surrounding him. His lord was at the end demanding their attention just with a single glare. Rabastan was on the left side, three seats down from his lord. Next to him is his brother and then Bellatrix next to Rudolphus. On Rabastans rights is Severus Snape. On his lord's right is Regulus Black. Next to him is Lucius Malfoy and his wife, Narcissa. Then Barty Crouch.
The meeting is very important so only the inner circle are in attendance. The meeting is over the current state of the ministry . It’s also over detailed reports. That means the meeting is going to take a while.
His lord clears his throat and calls attention to everyone in the room.
“Good Afternoon everybody”. They all repay the greeting simultaneously. “Today we should be going over reports. Bellatrix?”.
Bellatrix stands up. “Yes my lord! I’ve kept my eye on who you told me too! It seems that while Lord Greengrass is in our ranks, he also has a lot of contact with light lords! I think that’s just because he’s more Gray than dark but he’s had correspondence with Lord Weasley over the new bill he introduced”. His lord nodded at her to sit down.
“Interesting… Bella I want you to question him on it”. “Yes my lord!”.
“Rudolphus.”. He stood. “Nothing to report my lord. The bill has not progressed and Thicknesse is still begging for forgiveness “.
“Right. I think now is the time to join back in. We need all the Unspeakables information as we can”. Rudolphus sat.
“Regulus”.
“I have heard from my brother, my lord. He does not disagree with our standing but he is not willing to be marked or fight with us. He is too worried over his family and lording over House Black”. This puts his lord in a state of thinking.
“I see. It’s good to know he won’t fight us then”.
Regulus spoke once more. “My lord? I believe if we injure one he considers family he will openly oppose us”.
His lord nods to himself. “Yes I see how that would be an issue. Maybe if we give him a good enough reason for the attack, if it ever happens that is. Regulus, inform me if he starts losing attachments to them”. “Yes my lord”.
Next his lord calls on him, Lucius, and Narcissa. They all have nothing of importance to report on.
“Barty?”. He stands when called on.
“Yes my lord. I have had all the years in Hogwarts. I have an interesting batch of students and quite a few are gifted in the dark arts and in defense. It’s still a little early to really know but so far it’s going quite well”.
“Right. Severus what do you think?”.
“My lord, I agree with Barty. It’s quite early to really tell but a couple students do show an aptitude for the art of potions. I also have spoken with Dumbledore. He has told me to watch for our own children of course. He just said they “would need more guidance”, but I know what he meant. Surprisingly, he also told me to watch out for a student named ‘Hadrian Potter’. He is another one of my snakes. He shocked quite a few people with his sorting, including the headmaster for some reason. I personally have never heard of the boy and I’m still in very sparse contact with Lily Potter. I've also learned quite a bit of disturbing information about his home life”.
His lord sits up in his seat. “Yes I’ve been made aware of the third Potter child already by Rabastan here”. The others all glance at him in surprise. “ Rabastan, why don't you tell us what you know of the boy”.
Rabastan nods and starts his explanation. “Of course my lord. I met the boy back in June at the ministry Gala. He bumped into me and we had a quick conversation. He’s the second oldest and seems to have a good understanding of politics. He also seems to find it funny when adults lie and trick each other. He seemed quite intelligent but he didn’t have proper training at the time. When his mother spotted him, she dragged him away without even speaking to me. The boy tried to tell his mother that his brother was being rude to him but she just brushed it off and told him to stop provoking him. There was no love between the two in my opinion”. The others all process this new information.
“Thank you Rabastan. Now Severus, what did you learn?”.
“The boy had come in for his mandatory check up when I learned this. Me and Poppy had trouble getting a hold of his medical records. When asked about that the boy said he didn't have any! Then when Poppy did her check he showed signs of physical abuse that hadn been treated. I've brewed the potions he needs myself and should see him tomorrow to go over them with him”. Everyone shudders in disgust.
“Do you think the Potters did that to him?” His lord asks.
“No my lord. A lot of it is old injuries. The boy seemed to know that's what would show up too. It was a lot of Broken bones that had never been healed or set right and malnutrition. The boy looks like he's only 8 or 9 for merlin's sake!”. The dark lord just hums to himself.
“Okay time for new business then!” His lord grins excitedly. “Okay Bella I want you to monitor Lord Black's mail. See if he sends anything to the new Potter boy. Regulus, ask your brother about the boy and see what you can find out. Rabastan, look up anything and everything about the boy and his disappearance as you can. I want you and Rudolphus to work on this together. Lucius, confront Lord and Lady Potter about him. See what they're hiding. Narcissa, I want you to write to your son and ask if he's made any new friends. Hopefully he knows something. Barty, Severus, keep an eye on the boy”.
A chorus of “yes my lord” rang out. “My lord”. Snape says quickly. “I've seen Draco around him all the time. He will definitely have information on the boy”. Barty nods in agreement.
“Good. Severus, I have another job for you. I want you to convince Dumbledore you have betrayed me. I need some information on his actions. I don't care how you do it, but do it soon”.
“Yes my lord”
“Good. Good”.
September 9, 1991 Sunday
Hogwarts
Hospital Wing
5:12 pm
“Potter, hurry up and sit down,” Professor Snape says to him as he enters the hospital wing. “Yes Professor”. Hadrian does as he's told and gets comfortable while Madam Pomfrey and Professor Snape awkwardly stare at him.
“Okay dear, as I'm sure you know… you show many signs of past abuse…”her voice is comfortable and soft as she says it. “I know this may be difficult to talk about especially if it was a family member but we need you to explain to us how all your injuries happened to better know how to heal them”. She pauses for a moment and picks up a piece of parchment that he recognized as the one from his scan a week earlier and hands it over to him.
Mild Concussion
It's the first thing he reads. He thinks back to what could have caused a mild concussion, but a lot of things could have contributed to that.
“Uhm well… it could have been when Aunt Petunia hit me with a frying pan. Or when Uncle Vernon hit my head against the wall pushing me into it…it also might have been Dudley and Piers kicking my head ...I dunno honestly…” he shrugs trying to avoid eye contact.
“Okay….” Madam Pomfrey says slowly “How about the next one?”.
Broken ribs
“Dudley and Piers again. They loved to play a game called ‘Harry Hunting’. It always ended with me hurt”. She nods pointing to the next one. It's a broken wrist. He quietly explains what happened skipping over some parts that he can't bear to say in front of people and finally makes it to the end of the list.
“Okay, hun… so a lot of this can be fixed with some Skele-gro and some Nutrition Potions”. We will put you on a regime starting tomorrow. We can also fix your eyesight that seemed to rapidly deteriorate after that concussion you suffered but that will have to wait a while”. She ushered Professor Snape over and grabbed a green potion. “Okay, this is your Nutrition Potion. You will have one every morning and every night for a month. A house elf will send them up with your food”. She grabs a purple potion next. “This is a potion for your bones. Because of your lack of nutrients, your bones, hair, and nails are brittle. I'm sure you've noticed your bones break more easily than they used too”. Hadrian nodded. “We of course tried to get in contact with your parents to get consent for treatment but they did not respond. So! Severus is acting as your guardian since he's your head of the house he can!”. Severus sighed at the headache that was. It almost makes Hadrian laugh.
“Of course they didn’t”. Madam Pomfrey looks at him weirdly.
“That is technically neglect. Refusing to get you medical attention when you need it is a crime”. Hadrian just shrugs. Madam Pomfrey sighs long and hard.
“Okay. Come back after dinner Friday. We are going to start re-growing your bones! Tell your friends that you will be busy all next weekend”. Hadrian nods. “Okay then off you go. Remember! Starting tomorrow potions everyday and night for a month”.
“Yes Madam Pomfrey”. Hadrian gets up and walks out of the Hospital Wing without looking back.
Poppy sighs again. “What am I going to do with that boy?”. She asks herself while shaking her head.
“Lily is starting to disappoint me”. Severus says. Poppy gives him a deadpan look. “The boy has somehow garnered the attention of Marvolo Slytherin ”. Her eyes widened.
“Really?! My goodness! What did he do to get caught up in politics?”.
“He bumped into a Lestrange brother. Lily came and dragged him away from him apparently. He would’ve been investigated anyway. As soon as Barty made his report. A third Potter child that has never been seen before has to be. You know how in love Lily and Potter are. There was no thought that he could even be a bastard child”.
“Poor boy. He gets taken out of an abusive home just to be neglected”.
“Yes… I’m glad he’s fitting in though. He’s made plenty of friends with my snakes. They all gather around him weirdly enough”.
“I think that’s because of your godson Severus. I’ve seen them wander the halls together”.
“Yes… those two are hardly apart for long”. Poppy just shakes her head in exasperation before stopping suddenly. Her eyes widened a little.
“Severus, do you think Sirius Black would consent to treatment? He’s listed as an emergency contact, so he has the right to make those decisions. I didn’t think of this before because I don’t know if he’s also that boy's godfather”.
“Yes… He probably would. You should write to him, Poppy".
“No no no… don’t try to play this off. You're going to write Sirius! Maybe you’ll finally stop fighting like it’s over a quidditch team every time you speak to one another”.
Severus almost whined “ Poppy….”.
“Nope! Go on! Go write to him after dinner!”.
Severus sighs and nods in defeat. “You’re lucky I’ve seen what you can do, with that wand or I’d have put up a bigger fight”.
“Shoo! Go to dinner, Severus! That letter better be flying towards Sirius black by tomorrow!”.
With that Severus says his goodbyes for the night and heads up to dinner.
September 11, 1991 Tuesday
Hogwarts
DADA Classroom
11:42 am
“Okay! Good job everyone! We’ve finished early so I want you to get started on your homework! Which is to give me different reasons you could experience magical exhaustion! There is no length requirement but it must be detailed and thorough”. Professor Crouch and at the end of class. “Mr. Potter, can I ask you a question really quick”.
Hadrian got up and walked up toward the professor. “Yes, Professor Crouch?”.
“Mr. Potter I can't help but see that you are quite advanced magically”.
“Yes, magic just comes easier to me! I don’t know a lot like my classmates so I’m glad I can make up for it like this”.
“Well, it seems to me this class isn’t a challenge for you at all. It also seems that you know all of the theory as well”.
“Well, I already read the books you had us buy for this year. I got in trouble over the summer and wasn’t able to talk so I just read a bunch! Plus my godfather and father are Aurors so they know a lot of spells. I just had Sirius teach me”.
“Yes well, I want you to go ahead and start on next year's readings if you will. It’s too early to know how advanced you are but if I find that you are doing good enough I’m willing to tutor you privately”.
“I would really like that Professor!”.
Crouch smiles. “Good I also want you to start helping out your fellow classmates”.
“Of course Professor!”.
“Alright go start on your homework”. Crouch says while shooting him off.
Once Hadrian gets back to his seat Dray starts whispering to him.
“What was that about Rian?”.
“He just said he could tell I was magically advanced or something and that I already knew all the theories so he wants me to start reading a second year Defense book. He also said to start helping out my classmates. And guess what?”.
“What”.
“He said he might start tutoring me privately!”.
“WHAT”.
“YEA I KNOW”.
“REALLY?”. Hadrian nods rapidly. “Wow”.
September 21, 1991, Friday
Hogwarts
Slytherin dorms
5:30 am
“Good morning, Dray! Happy Mabon!”. Hadrian jumps on Draco’s bed to wake him up.
“‘Rian it’s too early…”. He mumbles while turning back over.
“Draco Malfoy! Get up right now! I want to talk about our Mabon rituals for tonight”. Hadrian grabs a pillow and starts hitting him with it.
“Okay, Okay I’m up”. Draco starts rubbing his eyes “Merlin ‘Rian...why are you so excited…?”.
“It’s my first Mabon dray I’ve never got to celebrate one before!”.
“Oh. I didn’t know that…”.
“Dray my parents are Potters they don’t celebrate the pagan calendar”. It’s also only the third holiday he’s been in the Wizarding world during but he’s not gonna tell Draco that.
For the rest of the day, Hadrian was excited and jumpy. The other Slytherins were all hyped up too. Hadrain even ran across a couple Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs that were excited for the rituals that night.
After dinner, Hadrian and his friends slowly started to go outside. They walked into the forest looking for the clearing. They stumbled their way through a small part of the forest and found the bonfire. Once they were there Hadrian saw a bunch of students crowded around the area. There were students from every year and ¾ of the houses in attendance.
“What did you bring ‘Rian?”.
“I brought salt and sage for cleansing and then I brought food for offerings. I also brought a couple of offerings for my ancestors. I also brought green and brown candles”.
“Oh, I brought about the same, but I didn’t bring sage”. He nods. “Okay then let’s get set up for this”.
Hadrian picked a little spot for himself and got comfy later they would be doing a big ritual using the bonfire but now they were doing smaller personal ones.
Hadrian made a small salt circle big enough for him to sit in and put other stuff in and sat in. He lit the sage and started cleansing himself and his ritual items.
He decided to make his offering to the Black family first. While he wasn't named Black, he wanted to honor them. Hadrian felt more connected to them than the Potters anyway. Plus, there was that whole thing about him possibly being the heir.
Hadrian struggled to find a good offering but managed to get some raven feathers, which The Black family had ties too. Hadrian wasn’t sure why exactly but ravens were all over everything in grimmauld when he went and visited Siri and Remy for tutoring sessions. Hadrian lit his candles and placed the feathers in front of him.
Hadrian then sorted praying to his family. “My ancestors… I wish to honor you. I have brought you raven feathers to symbolize importance. I’m not sure of the meaning but Is know you will all appreciate them…”. Hadrian felt a wave of acceptance and fondness pass through him. He smiled to himself knowing his gift had been appreciated.
Next, he made his offer to the Potter family tree. He brought with him a small lion statue and some potion ingredients and made his prayer. “My ancestors… Hear my prayer… I give you something to recognize our coat of arms and our many potion masters in our family”. Hadrian felt a wave of regret and love pass through him. Hadrian was not ready to unpack yet as of right now so he moved on.
Finally, Hadrian wanted to give an offering to the Peverall family. Which is definitely a family he doesn't have a lot of connections to. He figured that he really needed to recognize the start of the Potter family tree. He just brought some animal bones and made his offering. The wave of acceptance was significantly weaker but it was still there.
Finished with his personal rituals he left the circle and tried to find his friends. He walked around for a bit until he found Theo looking drained.
“Are you Okay Theo?” He asked quickly.
“Yes I’m alright. I’m just a little tired after my rituals”. Hadrian, knowing better than to ask, nodded politely.
“Well I’ll just stay with you then! Can’t have you embarrassing Slytherin house”. He teased lightly. Theo laughed but agreed to stay by him Incase of emergencies. A little while later everyone finished their rituals and found Hadrian.
“Hello guys! Hope your rituals went swell”. After that everyone told Hadrian about their rituals, skipping the personal parts of course. The group saw more and more people gathering around the bonfire and headed over there. The main ritual was simple. All they were doing was giving an offering to mother magic of food. It was to symbolize their thanks for the harvest. Everyone made their offerings and stepped back from the fire. Hadrian was feeling such a rush. These were his first rituals ever and they made him feel so light and accepted. It was one of the best things he’s ever felt!
With everything done the group finished up and set back towards the castle. Curfew was soon so they were trying to hurry. The group was filled with happy chatter while they walked. It’s like tension had been lifted from everyone tonight.
“Hey guys, I have a question”. He asked the group.
“What is it, Rian?” Pansy responded, looking away from her conversation with Blaise.
“Did any teachers attend tonight?” He said curiously. He thought he had seen some older people.
“Oh yes! I saw Snape!” She thought for a moment “and Crouch”. Hadrian hummed and thanked her. They went to bed pretty quickly that night.
September 22, 1991 Saturday
Black Manor
Master bedroom
5:30 am
“Bambi has sent another letter, Siri”. He said walking back into their bedroom. Sirius rolled over and looked at him. He placed his head on his arms while Remus sat on the side of the bed. “So has James and Lily”. Sirius groaned. His best friends were bad parents. And the thing is, he knows they're not! He watched them raise Evans and Rose and they only turned out slightly spoiled. They were terrible parents to Harry. Only him.
“Come on love. Read them”. So Sirius did.
He read the letter from Bambi first. It was just an update on his life and the first ever rituals he performed the night before. Hadrian kinda rambled a lot so the letter was quite long. A serious upgrade on how he used to send letters to him during the summer. The letter was light hearted and happy until he got to a part about James and Lily.
“Moony….” he said looking up at his husband “do you think they would put Hadrian in a betrothal contract?”.
“Well Evans is in one. And they like him. Probably want him to find true love. So definitely. Why?”.
“Bambi says Lily keeps hinting he’s in a contract. She won’t tell him anything definite and is being evasive”.
“Damn. Wonder who it is…”
“She’s been asking me about prominent light families…” he sighs dejectedly and rubs at his eyes “ I should have known”.
“Mmh… don’t worry love” Remus rubs his back soothingly “Hadrian will be fine. It’s only a betrothal. It could have been a marriage contract”.
“Yea but they normally lead to marriage contracts”.
“It will be fine. Cub isn’t the type to listen to his family. Marriage contract would have to be signed by him as well and you know he would never unless he wanted to”.
“It’s annoying to not be able to protect by godson from his own fuckings parents”.
“Mmh. Come on, let's get breakfast”.
Sirius whined “do I have too… my legs and ass hurt Remy”.
“I’m sure I will get up. I’m sure some tea will”.
“You think tea will fix everything” he grumbled while rolling his eyes.
“And I haven’t been proven wrong yet so up you get”.
Once they were in the kitchen they came face to face with Regulus Black.
“Hii…? What are you doing here this lovely morning Reggie”.
“Siri. Wolf. I’m here about your godson”.
“Which one?”.
“The new one” he said simply.
“Alright. I’ll get a spot of tea on”. Remus said. Sirius and Regulus nodded in sync and Remus walked away to the stove.
“Alright let's sit then” Sirius gestured towards the breakfast table. They sat down and got comfortable.
“Tell me about him then. How come I didn’t know about him”.
“First of all. I know you little brother. Who are you giving this information too? I’m not stupid even if I act like it. I’m a lord first and foremost so who’s interested”. The only sign Regulus was surprised of his brother catching him out like that was his fingers whitening from how hard he was wringing his hands together and him frowning deeply.
“Right. I forgot how much of a black you are. Well then. Marvolo Slytherin is interested. The Potters are advocating for the light lord running for office. He’s hoping to discredit them with a scandal. Which they already opened themselves for with a child appearing out of nowhere.”
“So you want to put my 11 year old godson in social disgrace! He’s in Slytherin for morgana's sake! Him being in this will ruin him. You want to ruin him before he even has the chance to make himself?”
“No sirius. Just James and Lily”.
“I don’t know what kind of stupid bullshit revenge on James this is but don’t involve Hadrian in it. That child is literally my flesh and blood. I will not let you do this. I find out you’re pursuing this again and I will ban you from those meetings in general. I let you do what you want as long as you don’t ruin our families reputation but this is a no! You seem to forget who the lord of the house is so let me remind you. Tell Bella and Cissy as well. I will not have my family be seen ruining other family members. Now go. Go report to your lord and tell him to stay away from Hadrian”. Sirius said while crossing his arms and nodding towards the foyer. And Regulus did. He stood and walked out of the house in a terrible mood.
“Well then love”. Remus said handing over a cup of tea “that was interesting”.
“Yes. Yes it was' '. Sirius knew that wasn’t the last of the subject. 3 members of the family were in that man's following. All of them being important people to the cause as well. Most people thought him stupid. But Sirius wasn’t. He’d seen when the man started gaining a following and has been watching since. He wasn’t stupid.
September 22, 1991 Saturday
Slytherin manor
Meeting Room
12:00 am
Regulus was still angry at the meeting 6 hours later. This was important to him and his brother had dismissed him so quickly and thoroughly it was embarrassing! Once it was his turn to report he did.
“My lord. I’ve spoken to Sirius on the matter of his godson…” he trailed off.
“Regulus?” His lord said curiously. Regulus wasn’t one to hesitate.
“Sorry my lord. It did not go so well. My brother is not stupid” he said, gaining the incredulous looks of the others. “I suspect he’s been watching us since the beginning. Especially since there are 3 blacks sitting in this room. He put his foot down and said that no blacks are allowed to participate in harming the boy through The Potters. He said something about the boy being his flesh and blood”.
“Could he have blood adopted the boy?” Narcissa gasped.
“I would say so. Meaning the boy is heir black”. Regulus nodded.
“Sit then Regulus. What have you found then Severus?”.
“Right well the boy has suffered through abuse. His full check up gave a big list of unhealed wounds and bones. He also shows signs of him being starved. Like I said before it wasn’t the Potters. The boy lived with Lady Potter's squib sister and family. They apparently don’t like magic. The potters also refused the boy medical treatment so we Had to go to lord black for permissions”.
“Hmm. Bella?”
“Sirius has been in constant contact with the boy my lord! It seems they’re very close”.
“Right. Anyone else?”.
“I’ve offered to private tutor the boy, my lord”.
“Why”.
“He’s advanced academically and gifted magically. He is not challenged in my class at all”. He just nodded "but he has mentioned punishment that concerns me". His lord just nodded at him "he mentioned getting in trouble and not being allowed to talk".
"Yes, that's weird".
“My son hasn’t stopped talking about the boy. They are very close. I could ask him if he knows anything".
“Is that it? Okay not terribly uneventful let’s move on to—“