Rudolphus gets Punched
September 30, 1991, Sunday
Potter Manor
Living Room
8:30 PM
“James! It’s time to send the kids their care packages! I need you to sign their letters”.
“Hold on love. Are we sending Hadrian anything?”.
“Well yes…”
“Seriously?! After all the trouble he caused this summer!?”
“James! If we don’t show him the same amount of love, he’ll end up as a criminal! He’s already hanging out with the children of Reapers! The followers of the man who tried to kill them both! It’s a disgrace! So, we show him that we care so we can continue to be in his life”.
“I guess… this would’ve been easier if we could’ve raised him”.
“Stop” she raised up her hand “you know why we couldn’t. I regret every day I had to leave him with my sister. Every time I look at him, I see her. He looks at others around him like she did”. She shakes her head in sadness. “I fear that he’s jealous of Evans anyways. And he obviously holds no love of muggles if he’s hanging out with mini reapers. What was It all for then?”
“I know my love. Hopefully this contract will keep him towards the light”.
Lily just shakes her head. No. She knows it’s not enough. Hadrian spends nine months out of the year with them. It’d be different if Lily had raised her son. He would be like Evans. But she didn’t. He latched on to the first friends he made in this world and their ideals. Lily also knows he has her stubbornness. It terrified her. Her other children were spoiled she could admit. They were used to getting their way. No. Hadrian worked for it. Just like she had. She sighs and goes back to writing the boys their letters. She had yet to tell Hadrian of his betrothal contract, scared he’d do something severe while at school. So, she was going to wait until he got home from school. Christmas break was coming up soon, so she’d get him used to the idea then. She wished her eldest luck on his upcoming quidditch game and told him to study and handed the letter to her husband. Then she told Hadrian to spend some time with Neville Longbottom again. Then told him to consider who he makes friends with wisely. After she was done, she handed the letter over to her husband. Then she started on the care packages.
While she made both boys' care packages, Hadrian's were rather smaller. She felt it only fair since he kept getting in trouble. Evans had his allowance, some candy, cookies, his favorite dessert, a new watch, some quidditch magazines, coupons for the stores at Hogsmeade, and a new card game. Hadrian only had his allowance, a quidditch magazine, and some cookies. She didn’t know him well enough to know his favorite dessert or any of his other interests, so she tried her best. When they were done, she sent them off to Hogwarts. She held little hope in her heart that Hadrian would change his ways, but she hoped that there was a chance.
October 1, 1991, Monday
Lestrange Manor
Foyer
12:00 AM
Rabastan is visiting his parents at the family manor. It's an old building, filled with centuries worth of dark artifacts that's basically drowning the house in magic.
His father Corvus Lestrange is a dedicated lawyer who has many allies with other pureblood and half-blood families. His mother, Alouette Lestrange Nee Rosier, is a poisonous flower. She is beautiful and graceful and ready to kill. His parents were great for pureblood parents. They showed him and his brother love and care and still taught them a dedication to their name. They taught him and everything he knew, Rabastan would be a fool to not use it. Rabastan, while still being in a loving home, wasn't close to either of his parents. His father was normally busy teaching Rudolphus how to run the house. Of course, Rabastan still got some of these lessons as the spare but not as much as Rudolphus. He wasn't close to his mother simply because he wasn't a girl. His mother always wanted a little girl, and he wasn't that. He also declined spending time with her in favor of trying to get more of his father's attention.
His parents had called him back home for a serious conversation. Rabastan wasn't nervous because there was a wide variety of things his parents could consider important.
"Son, how are you?" his father politely asked, whilst leading him to the back garden patio.
"I've been a fine father" He smiled "Work has been quite draining of course".
"Well, that's to be expected when you basically work four jobs"
"Now Father, you know why I'm doing it. I can't stand being bored".
"Yes, you and your brother are both like that. You two never change. Your brother has three jobs as well".
"I'd say he also has four. Putting up with Bellatrix has to be a job all on itself ". At that, his father glared at him.
"Rabastan. It isn't polite to speak down on your sister-in-law".
"Yea because I'll ruin her reputation that she already ruined herself". Rabastan sarcastically recites.
"Enough. I won't hear of this again Rabastan".
"Of course. Now I must ask where my mother is?"
"She's gathering important documents for our conversation".
"Could I be told what this is about Father?" he pauses to look down at his watch. "I do have important business to attend to later". He really didn't but whatever his mother and father really wanted him to hear was sounding increasingly uninteresting for him. Not to mention difficult to get out of.
"Rabastan. This is serious. This has to do with the future of our house and your position in it". Rabastan did his best not to shift in his seat uncomfortably. Instead, he took a sip of the tea in front of him and remained silent until his mother arrived.
When she did arrive, she arrived with a stack of thick folders. She sat them gently on the table and swiftly sat down and got comfortable. “Hello dear, I've missed you so much”. She said sweetly.
“I've missed you too mother”. He smiled, pleased to see his mother in such good health. She had been struggling these past few years.
“Now Hun, me and your father have an important conversation to have with you”.
“I know mother, father has already told me”.
“Oh! So, your father gathered the courage to tell you need to get married? You're surprisingly calm!” She abruptly outed.
Rabastans mouth dropped. He looked like a fish for a few moments before he remembered his manners. “What!” he quietly screamed.
“Oh dear, had your father not told you?”.
“Lettie, I know you did that on purpose” his father sighed, shaking his head in exasperation.
“Well Corvus, I knew you wouldn't say anything. He had to know eventually”. HIs father blushed, embarrassed to be called out like that.
“Mother, why?” Rabasatan cried.
“Hunny, I know you hate this. You know how your brother and his wife are. There is no chance they are going to give us an heir. Rudolphus loves that woman. For what only Morgana knows. Bellatrix is basically infertile. She wasn't when they married but whatever magic that woman dabbles in did it to her. Plus, I don't think Bellatrix likes Rudolphus that much.”
“It was you two who pushed him into the marriage in the first place” Rabastan grits his teeth.
“Now you know better than Rabastan. Rudolphus loves her. He was the one that begged to be allowed to marry her”. His father shakes his head.
“Now dear” his mother says while pushing a couple folders to him “I want you to take a look at these. If you don't like them then you can come back and get more”.
“Fine.” Rabastan grits his teeth again and takes the folders. He takes a last sip of tea before standing. “Good day mother and father”. He turns and stomps out of the garden patio and back through the house, apparating as soon as he's out of the house. Once he's home he throws the folders down, intending to put it off for as long as he can. He goes to his liquor cabinet and grabs a bottle of his most expensive whiskey and pours himself a drink.
Taking a sip, he walks back over to the folders and opens them. Each folder is its own candidate. He currently has three. Each Folder has a picture of them, a list of relatives currently alive, a family tree, it also has a list of achievements. The candidates are between the ages of 13 to his age of 30 (about to be 31 in not even 30 days). He groans. His mother really included 13 year olds. While 17 was the age of majority in the wizarding world, 14 was the age of consent. So his mother included 13 year olds to be in a betrothal contract with. It made sense but it was still annoying. He was going to kill his brother.
October 1, 1991 Monday
Hogwarts
The Great Hall
6:30 PM
Hadrian was sitting with his friends at dinner. After taking his potions for a month he didn't have to take them twice a day anymore. Now he was only taking them once in the morning, so his nausea went away for the most part, allowing him to eat more during mealtimes without getting sick. The first month of Hogwarts had been a blur, and an exhausting blur. Hadrian was doing his best to stay on top of his homework and still have enough time for the private lessons he was receiving from Professor Crouch AND now Professor Snape and Professor Sinatra. Hadrian was of course sharing his new knowledge with his friends. Over the last month, Hadrian grew very close with his Slytherin friends. They basically did everything together and Hadrian noticed they seemed to follow him around like baby ducklings. It was funny to compare his friends to when they tried to be big and bad to others. Really, they were not though.
“Hey Hadrian! You have a package!”. Dray shook him a little to get him to pay attention.
“Whose it from?” Blaise asked. It wasn't really his business, but Hadrian had trouble saying no to Blaise.
“Uhm my parents”.
“Oh wonder what they sent”.
Hadrian hummed in response. He casted Revelio on it quickly. He didn't think that would really reveal anything if they had Dumbledore to cast things on it. Hadrian COULD slightly taste and feel magic so he always had that as a fail safe. He did not sense anything from it so he went ahead and opened it.
Inside was only his allowance, some cookies, and an interesting-looking quidditch magazine. He took the cookies out and opened them.
“Would you all like some cookies?” They all nod and take one. There wasn't enough for him to also get one, but he didn't really care.
“Lady Potter really knows how to make cookies”. Theo said as he ate the last bite of his cookie. In the
“I guess. The only thing she goes to the kitchen for is to bake. She's actually pretty good at it I guess”.The kids giggle.
Hadrian opens the letter his mother wrote. It was nice enough compared to what she normally sends. Hadrian just didn't want anything to do with her. His mother was smart and determined, he would give her that. He had the feeling that a lot of what she did always had an ulterior motive. He wasn't totally sure he was right about that but he tried to trust his instincts. She asked what his favorite sweet was. It was Treacle Tart. He wasn't going to say anything in the letter that got sent home.
The second part of the letter was written by his father. It was the same stuff he got told every time he read a letter from his parents. ‘Don't be hanging around those reapers’ and ‘why don't you start talking to Ron weasley’. Hadrian didn't bother reading more.
“Are you okay Hadrain?” Blaise asked.
Hadrian blushed a little. “Yes. Yes, I'm fine. Thanks for asking Blaise”. Blaise smiled, showing his teeth.
October 6, 1991, Saturday
Hogwarts
Slytherin First years Boys Dormitories
9:00 PM
A week or so later, Hadrian receives a letter from his godfathers. They had written to his parents to ask if they were planning to set him up in a contract after he had sent his letter a couple of weeks previously. His parents took their time writing back to them.
Siri informed him that his parents HAD asked about light families with children around his age. Sirius didn't think anything about it at the time because the Potters are involved in politics and children are an important part of that. He also thought his parents were trying to help him make friends with people they knew.
Sirius expressed his concern about him being in a betrothal contract. Hadrian told him he didn't mind being in a contract really but he wanted to know who it was with. Sirius said that's not what he was talking about. He thought that being in a contract with someone who used strictly light magic wasn't a good match for him. Hadrian was inclined to agree. It would be difficult to be married to someone who didn't share the same beliefs as you. Sirius also said knowing his parents they picked someone who was very against slytherins and dark magic usage, the opposite of Hadrian.
Hadrian also asked why Sirius was okay with Evans' contract but was so worried about his. His response was Evans was okay with his contract and was also attracted to the type of people his parents were searching for. Hadrian mentioned that Ginny wasn't okay with the contract. Sirius said he couldn't do anything about that, which made him quite upset for his younger friend.
After that, Hadrian decided he wanted to start sending letters to Ginny after those letters. Which was nice. Ginny and Hadrian got along quite well. They related to each other a lot. They both felt so out of place in their families. While Ginny was her mothers favorite, it wasn't always a good thing. The woman was apparently always around Ginny, she couldn't wait until she came to Hogwarts. Ginny also felt out of place being the only girl. She was quite nice and very sarcastic. She honestly was basically a female, red-headed, and younger Hadrian. Hadrian also couldn't wait for her to come to Hogwarts.
October 17, 1991, Wednesday
Slytherin Castle
Meeting Room
12:00 AM
Rabastan is back at the meeting room in Slytherin Castle. He is surrounded by his fellow death eaters who are happily talking about the meeting. It's important and a lot of big decisions are about to be made. Rabastan is also giddy about it but he prefers not talking to these people. He does turn and talk to Snape for a while. The conversation turns to a meeting he has soon with Lord Black over the newest potter boy. Rabastan feels bad for Snape. Rabastan never really got along with Sirius because he was an asshole in school. Remus was pretty nice though.
Rudolphus leans over and asks Rabastan a question. He didn't even bother to process the question before looking him in the eye and turning back to snape. He didn't even bother to look at the face he knew his brother was making. Snape was eyeing the two of them weirdly, no doubt not wanting anything to do with whatever drama was going on between the two men. Right when Snape was going to open his mouth to say something, their lord walked into the room, demanding attention with just his presence.
“Hello my dear followers. Today is a very important day for our future! Minister Fudges Downfall starts today!” They all cheer. Lord Slytherin sits down and relaxes, his pet snake coiled around his torso and resting on his laps. He's petting her and she hisses contently. He shivers disgusted. Surprisingly for a Slytherin, Rabastan hates snakes.
The meeting goes on slowly. Their lord is giving everyone long detailed instructions and time limits. Rabastan has to find information on Minister fudge through the Department of Mysteries. Which will be pretty easy because Fudge visits often for some corrupt reason or another. The meeting finally ends after two hours and Rabastan stands. He makes his way towards the Floo before Rudolphus grabs him by the arm.
“What was that earlier Rabstan?”. He sneers at his brother for even asking. Realistically he knows his brother has no way of knowing why he was angry but he was feeling vindictive.
“You want to know why I'm angry? Follow me.” Rabastan grabs his brother and side apparates him to his home. He drags him to his office and lets go. “You and your wife are apparently failing house Lestrange brother”. He hears Rudolphus grit his teeth and snort.
“How so little brother? Mother and Father think we're crazy and are embarrassing our name again?” He laughs.
“No asshole!” Rabastan grabs the folders on his desk and hands them to Rudolphus. He watches as he flips through the folders.
“What's this?” Rudolphus says as he looks up at his younger brother.
“Mother and Father think it's time I try to get married”. He grits his teeth. It's becoming a bad habit he needs to stop. Rudolphuss eyes widened.
“Are you serious?” Rudolphus practically yells.
“Yes. They seemed to have figured out that you and your lovely wife won't be having children anytime soon.” He rolled his eyes lovely.
“So guess I won't be Heir Lestrange anymore.”
“Obviously not. Even though you're the perfect person to be lord Lestrange.”
“No, I'm not Rabastan. Do I look I want that responsibility? Does it look like my wife would be a good person to be Lady Lestrange? No, don't be stupid little brother?”
“So youre going to fuck up my life so you dont have to take on your responsibilities? You're going to make me do the one thing I don't want to do so I can take over a position you just decided randomly you didn't want?” Rabstan was screaming now.
“Yea I guess I am! Do you think I want to be Lord Lestrange? I didn't marry Bellatrix just because I loved her. I knew eventually our parents would realize she wouldn't be a good head of house.”
“And you couldn't tell me sooner? I'm already almost thirty-one Rudolphus! My marriage prospects are so low now! This could literally be the end of our bloodline!”
“Better that responsibility fall to you than me”.
“WHAT? ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS?” Rabastan pinched the bridge of his nose. “I can't believe this.”
“Don't take this personal Rabastan it's not that big of a surprise for this to be happening. I've been hearing our parents talk about making this decision for a couple years now.’
“DON'T TAKE THIS SERIOUS? Youre ruining my life and possibly our family and your going to tell me not to take it seriously?” Rudolphus rolls his eyes. “Okay” Rabstan sighs after a long pregnant pause. “Here's what I want you to do” He looks at Rudolphus. “I want you to go home. Then I want you to never talk to me again”.
“What?”
“Then I want you to go fuck yourself” Rabastan snarls.
“Seriously little brother?”
“Don't call me that. Brothers don't ruin each other's lives!”
“Seriously! Stop being so dramatic” Rabastan snaps and punches his brother square in the jaw. He falls over and grabs his face and winces in pain.
“I'm serious Rudolphus” He growls. “Don't fucking talk to me anymore.” Rudolphus gets up, still holding his jaw, his eyes wide in disbelief.
“Fucking fine”. He turns around and leaves through the floo. As soon as he does, Rabastan Locks the floo to him and Bellatrix and also bans them from the wards. He was serious when he said he didn't want to see or speak to him for a long while.
Rabstan sits down and starts writing a Letter to his lord, asking if he and Snape could possibly switch seats. He goes into as little detail as possible, not wanting to annoy his lord with drama but also enough to convince him. Once he's done and sent that off he gets his whiskey and starts drinking it straight from the bottle. He winces every once and a while. His knuckles are already bruised and the ache making itself known.
October 20, 1991, Saturday
Black Manor
Sitting room
2:00 PM
Severus Snape is coming to have a meeting with Lord black and Consort Black about their godson, Hadrian. They had been writing letters back and forth to get consent with treatment and planning a meeting in person. Severus would have preferred to just write a letter to the two but decided that this was best spoken of in person, as much as he detested the two men.
“Severus” Remus greets.
“Wolf”. Remus rolls his eyes at the man.
“Well, then I'm going to make tea”. Remus stands and leaves the room.
“Snivellus”.
“Mutt”. Sirius Growls.
“The only reason I'm allowing you in my home right now is because this is about my child”
Severus caught that. Black had said ‘His Child’. He raised an eyebrow at that. This would confirm the Blood adoption theory.
“Well, I'm not really happy to be here either. I'm only here because Hadrian is a Snake and is a good kid. Unlike how you were when you were a first year”. Sirius rolled his eyes. He knew he was a Dick. They sat in uncomfortable silence until Remus came back floating three saucers of tea behind him.
“Here you are”. The three all sip their tea, happy to delay the conversation longer.
“Well, then boys” Remus starts “Let's get this over with”.
Severus clears his throat awkwardly. “There has been some concerning information that came out at Hadrian's mandatory check-up”.
“Well?” Sirius raises an eyebrow.
“Poppy's scan showed serious signs of physical abuse. Years worth of scars and internal damage. The boy also shows signs of starvation. Not to mention the boy's mental health”. Severus looks over to the two men and sees sadness etched on their faces. So, they knew. “Lily and Potter have ignored all the letters we have sent them as well, which counts as neglect”. The men's expressions stay the same.
“We know already Severus”
“And you haven't done anything?” he shouts angrily.
“We've tried already! We don't have custody of him! We've tried getting the two to take him to a doctor or something, but they refuse. We also don't want them to get too angry at us and push us out of their lives, so Hadrian has no one”.
“You blood adopted the boy, didn't you?”
“Yes.”
“Then take them to court”.
“You expect the Ministry to be on the side who did a BLOOD adoption? No never”. Severus sighs.
“Get custody of him another way then”.
“We're trying Severus”. It was Remus who spoke up now. Severus shakes his head. He could feel a migraine starting.
“Well, for now, I suggest you get him into mind healing quickly”.
“We will”.
“Well then. I'm going to take my leave. I thought this would be longer because you wouldn't know about the abuse but obviously, I was wrong”.
“I write a letter to Hadrian at least every other day. I would find out eventually about the abuse”.
“I'm sure mutt”.
“Hush you two! I'll walk you out, Severus”. And Remus did.