Worries and introductions
In Hadrian's opinion Yule had come far too quick after his abrupt decision to join his friends for the holidays. In all honesty he hadn't really taken in just how different this - experience- would be.
He hadn fully taken into account just how different it would be for him this year. Usually his yule was spent in silence and solitary. Just him, a book and his rosary for company until dinner time. Just as it had been for the past 4 years. Silence.
That's why, sitting in the compartment surrounded by his friends on a train back to the platform he normally only saw twice a year, was apparently quite a lot for his senses to deal with. Yule aside, Hadrian had never really shared a compartment in the train either too or from hogwarts. He somehow always made sure to find the tiniest one to lock himself away in.
Yet here he was surrounded by noise, sure Hadrian had gotten used to noise in the past few months, friends tended to bring noise with them whatever the occasion he had found out, but he still found himself feeling overwhelmed. Maybe it was the noise, maybe it was the overcrowdedness of the compartment. Hadrian knew that what he was really feeling though was something he hated to admit. Regret. Just the slightest amount.
After all the facts, well they weren't exactly good facts when faced with them. His friends were good people, he knew that. His friends were one of if not the only good thing to happen to him. But he couldn't look past the truth.
Their families were death eaters.
Hadrain was sure that inside, somewhere, his friend's parents were good people. Just simply fighting for what they think is right. Well Hadrian wasn’t exactly sure what they were fighting for, he tended to stay away from the gryffindors accusations but he assumed it wasnt good. Not that he really knew. Maybethey were the good side, Hadrian did not exactly trust anything that gryffindors said and he knew that majority of the time the ravenclaws and hufflepuffs just backed the louder of the sides but he couldn't rule any idea out.
That's what was panicking him. The uncertainty.
His friends were- everything to him. Just the idea that he may be about to be introduced to a group of -respectable- people that might just decide he wasnt worth it. The orphanage all over again. Well it was petrifying. The idea clawed at his throat.
Hadrian was ready for rejection, they were bad people. At Least he was told they were. His friends spoke highly of their parents but that didn't mean they were actually nice. Hadrian was sure he had been told that parents acted more kinder to their own children then others, but what did he know? Hadrian was okay with rejection from bad people. But what- what if they weren't bad people and they rejected him? What if they were bad people yet they, for some reason accepted him? Or worse, if he had been prepared for the worst of both options yet both were wrong. What if they were the nicest of people and liked him? Hadrian didn't know how to react to any option coming true if he was honest. Hadn't had time to prepare in this overcrowded and obnoxiously loud compartment.
Why wouldn't they just shut up so he could think?
Did he even want their families to like him? Who was he kidding of course he did. Hadrian couldn't deny it. That he, deep down, wanted some adult to want him. Even as just a friend of their children. It's all he’d ever wanted for himself. Acceptance. After everything.
Hadrian had heard the stories. Their parents had killed people. It was unacceptable. The worst thing a person could possibly do. A sin. His upbringing clinged at him, scraped at his heart and lungs, that all of this was against everything he had ever been taught to know. To agree with. And yet here he was. About To meet a horde of death eaters, the sin was in their name.
But it was war.
That was all Hadrian could bring up in his mind to their defense. His soul was divided in two, one part knew that they were people he shouldn’t even think of befriending or even breathing the same air as let alone shake the hands of and live in the same house as. Yet. The bigger part of himself, the emptier side.. wanted to take the chance. They were in a war, death - it's just a side effect of war and no side could be blamed for the sins they committed over orders. It would be suicide in any form, disobeyment wasnt pretty and it wasnt easy. Hadrian - well he could understand that. Had felt the wrath of it himself. At the end of the day that side of him, well it wanted to be.. to be wanted. These people had asked, actually asked to meet him. For whatever twisted reason, even for a split second, wanted him. Him. Hadrian was wanted- and he would rather eat his heart out then take that chance.
Even if it had been the devil himself. Hadrian wanted to be wanted. That part of him was bigger than any other grip that was on his life. Was that a sin? Yes, but Hadrian couldn't muster up enough of a reason to care. It was what he had prayed for after all. To be wanted.
Hadrian felt a nudge at his left side, the other being pressed against the side of the window in the compartment. It snapped him out of his head, rather forcefully. He hadn't realized he had been so- out of it. He turned to the direction of the nudge to see that where Blaise had once sat was now occupied by a slightly smiling Draco. When did that happen? Had he been that distracted?
“You okay?” Draco asked, a slight nudge from his shoulder to Hadrians as he asked, He wasn't speaking as loudly as before,yet the whole cabin seemed to silence itself as he spoke.
“What? Oh- Yeah i'm good.” Hadrian replied through a tightlipped smile, now realizing everyone was looking at him.
“You sure? You have kind of just been staring out of the window for the last twenty minutes.” Pansy piped in, from her seat opposite Hadrian. The rest of his friends nodded in agreement,
“We thought you just needed a minute but you had this- frown on your face, so we got a little concerned. Are you sure you’re okay?” Draco added after Pansy had finished speaking, motioning to his face as he said the word frown yet a smile never left his face as he did. Hadrian realized that he hadn't really been paying attention to anything since his friends started speaking after they left the platform in hogsmeade.
“Sorry. I’m good.” Hadrian said, trying to convince himself more than his friends. Apparently he hadn't done a good job of that either.
“You're worried aren't you?” Theo chimed in, from his seat beside Blaise on the opposite side of the compartment.
“What? No.”Hadrian tried to deny it but his face was practically an open book to his friends recently that it was pointless to deny it.
“Hadrian you don't need to lie, you're allowed to be worried, or scared. Actually, have you ever left Hogwarts before? Your ‘home’ aside?” Daphne asked, a concerned look on her face from her seat next to Pansy. Daphne had a knack for knowing when people weren’t being themselves, sure the rest of his friends did too. That was what Hadrian liked about them but Daphne was- well she was better than all of them at it..
“Fuck i hadnt even though about that.” Pansy lightly gasped, looking from Daphne to Hadrian as she finished speaking. She placed a light grip on his knee before taking it away after a quick squeeze.
“No I haven't. I've never been anywhere but Hogwarts and my room.”Hadrian confirmed, although it pained him to actually say it in the moment.
“You don't need to be worried, Hadrian, I promise you will be safe. Maybe even safer than in Hogwarts.” Draco reassured, his eyes never leaving Hadrian, their comforting gaze always had a way at calming Hadrian even just a little. Though Hadrian trusted his friends he wasn't exactly to jump up and scream the truth, that he was scared of their parents. He had agreed to come because deep down, Black was scarier to him then they were.
“Our parents- despite what others may say- are nice people. Besides Hadrian you're not just anybody are you? No, you're our friend and you've been invited. Draco wont be more than a room away at most. Will you Draco?” Pansy said, her voice calm and confident. Hadrian was not denying that, but people tended to hate him, his friends were the only ones who hadn't for some unknown reason. Draco gained his attention again, placing his hand on Hadrian's thigh and squeezing it to snap him back. He knew when Hadrian started to slip away in his mind.
“I won't be any further away than a room. Besides, the manor is rather large, if you put your mind to it you could disappear for hours and not be found- especially if you have inside knowledge of all the hiding places.” Draco added a light laugh in his voice as he went on, ending his words with a dramatic wink that had Hadrian and the rest of the compartment laughing.
“Draco!” Tracy laughed out. Everyone was chuckling, Draco had a way to take the attention onto him. Hadrian was glad for it right now.
“What? Like we all have not gone and hid in the attic or someplace or other to stop our parents from ending a get togethers as children.” Draco laughingly sighed out, a dramatic shrug of his arms and a childish flop back into the seat he accompanied the words as he chuckled. He slowly turned to Hadrian as his friend's laughter increased, sending a slight wink to him.
“Draco! Hadrian, it as all Dracos idea.” Millie chimed in, acting scandalized at Dracos words, yet entirely playing into the joke. Hadrian had to admit, it eased him and let him sit up straighter as he chuckled. Feeling far more comfortable and calmer than he had been before.
“Hadrian, Draco used to whine so much it was hilarious.” Tracy added. Daco had let his jaw drop slightly, though a smile was still visible, about to speak before Blaise chimed in.
“He used to throw a tantrum when we had to leave. Once he decided that we -Had- to all stay for at least another hour so he grabbed us by the arm and made us sprint to this ‘secret hiding place.’” Blaise chuckled out, his arms animated telling the story and getting light chuckles as he did. Draco had just slumped down in his seat, a slight shake to his head as if he couldn’t believe what they were admitting.
“Oh but the best part? The ‘hiding place’ wasn't a place at all. It was the corner of the library in the manor. The huge open space that his parents had practically watched us run down. So of course we stayed hidden for all of two minutes before we were forced to leave.''Theo started, proudly humiliating his friend in the process. Everyone else just laughed at the memory. Hadrian himself couldn't hold in his laughter. Draco was scandalized at what had been said, all but leaping forward in his seat.
“No, at the time it was a great idea. How was i to know they were right behind us?” Draco added. “Because they were shouting at us to stop from behind us as we ran.”Goyle added. “Okay sorry i was too focused in the moment to notice. Beside you all followed, i only had a grip of Pansy and Theo the rest of you followed of your own choice. Plus, i made it my mission to find better spots next time and i did. Hadrian we once stayed hidden for three hours, i swore my house elf to secrecy and everything. It was brilliant.” Draco finished, leaning back in his seat once more with his arms crossed and a cocky smile on his face. Hadrian just smiled, he was glad to hear how fun lives they had had as children.
As the bickering continued for another ten or so minutes the train came to a halt. They had arrived at platform nine and three quarters. Far too soon for Hadrian's liking. They all stood and made their way quickly off of the train- all having shrunk their trunks before they left hogwarts.
The platform was busy, not nearly as busy as September time but busy nonetheless. Hadrian, if he wasn't in the middle of his group of friends, would have easily gotten separated in the rush of people.
Unlike Hadrian's usual way onto the platform via the muggle train station, his friends were herding him towards the other side of the platform to a section that was normally too busy to be seen from his usual entrance.
Hadrian noticed they were making their way towards- fireplaces? At Least that was what they looked like, although with his knowledge of how badly the wizarding world could turn his thoughts upside down he was sure they weren't actually fireplaces. Luckily for them, they didn't seem to be busy as the majority of the people were distracted on the platform behind them.
Hadrian had been warned that they wouldn't be met at the platform but Hadrian had never had to really meet anyone either. Professor Snape always made it a habit of appearing just outside of the entrance to kings cross, so as to not risk anyone seeing them and asking questions that they likely would.
Pansy and Crabbe and Goyle seemed to grab some sort of powder thoughtlessly and made their way into one of the fireplaces. They threw the powder to the floor and all declared the words ‘malfoy manor’ before they disappeared in a blur of fire.
What the f-.
“Shit sorry Hadrian, i didnt even think to see if you knew what a floo was.” Draco chimed in beside him. “Floo powder is what they threw down, you grab a handful and properly pronounce where you want to go and throw the powder to the floor and you are there in an instance.”
Draco was explaining as the rest of their group disappeared. Hadrian was scared, petrified if he was honest. Draco just gripped his arm and dragged him in. Hadrian grabbed a handful of powder of his own as he went, all but mimicking Draco. The boy just chuckled.
“Its’ okay, Hadrian just grip onto me. That way even if you say something wrong you'll still come with me. Ready?” Draco said, eyes never leaving Hadrians. He could only nod in reply. Luckily as if on cue they both threw their powder down and spoke ‘malfoy manor’ in one breath and Hadrian closed his eyes as he felt the same pinch in his stomach as he did when Snape collected him.
Hadrian opened his eyes, only a second later and instead of the crowded brick platform he was met with an ornate, wooden and greatly decorated room. His mouth all but dropped open in awe. Unconsciously he moved forward, gazing around the room as he did so. Draco chuckled as he moved to stand with Hadrian in the middle of the room.
“Come on. They’ll all be in the sitting room.” Draco said, nudging his head in the direction of the door as he spoke. He brushed his clothes as he spoke, quickly moving as he finished. Hadrian followed after, also brushing off and straightening up his clothes as he did.
The rooms and halls they passed through were more and more ornate the deeper into the house they went. The portraits moving and unmoving followed you as you walked, the metals in the rooms glinted in the light from the large windows. Malfoy manor was even more grand than Hogwarts was or could ever be. With just a glance you could tell someone rich lived inside the walls of the manor.
Hadrian could imagine his friends running these halls, the joy they must have held. The rooms seemed to never be dark furniture aside, the windows were large and the rooms were grand. The decorations were just- beautiful.
Hadrian had been expecting all of it, yet it was still a slap in the face. Afterall his room, which was grand in his opinion, was greatly shadowed by even the portraits on the walls of malfoy manor. Hadrian had never been somewhere as grand. It made the orphanage and its rooms seem even duller than before- Hadrian was already preparing for the gut wrenching feeling that he would get upon returning ‘home’.
After a quick minute that seemed to be way longer spent winding down halls, they approached a room, where chatter seemed to be whispering out of. Dracos smile ever so slightly increased.
As they made their way through the threshold of the room the chatter turned to quick silence as they were met with a -quite large- group of people. Who all turned to stare at them as they entered.
There were three large sofas, all of which were occupied and a few single chairs scattered alongside them which were also occupied and there were a few people standing. Overall a very large group of people. All of whom were staring, seemingly, straight into Hadrians soul.
“Mother.” Draco announced as he focused on the people in front of them, a huge smile on his face as he made his way towards who he had just addressed.
A gorgeous and elegant woman stood up, a smile that was a carbon copy of Dracos on her face. Her hair was platinum with what Hadrian assumed were scattered strands of black that suited the woman amazingly. She met Draco in a hug from her seat that was the closest to the door on the sofa.
“Draco darling.” She said, pulling Draco into a loving hug and pulling away as she started to speak again. “How are you? Good?”
“Yes mother i am well.” Draco responded, although he tried to sound almost annoyed at the women's question, a smile never left his face. A man with mirroring platinum hair, a shade closer to white then Draco's mother stood just behind her as they finished their exchange.
“Draco.” The man nodded at Draco, a caring yet almost posh tone. Draco nodded back.
“Father.” Although the two said nothing more it was clear that the exchange was one filled with withheld love. The man that Hadrian now knew as Draco's father turned to slightly glance at him before returning his gaze to Draco. Now that Hadrian looked clearly, the similarities between the two adults and Draco were as clear as day. He was almost a carbon copy of them both.
“Ah yes, Hadrian come here.” Draco,with a smile, beckoned Hadrian over who followed with only slight hesitation. Feeling the eyes of everyone in the room now on him. It was unnerving to say the least.
Hadrian stood directly in front of them all in the open space that the surrounding seats left open, a tight and worried smile on his face. Draco's arm on his was the only thing keeping him from turning away at all the attention.
“Everyone, this is Hadrian.” Draco spoke, as he did Hadrian stood up straighter. After all these were strangers, and he had been taught to always give a good first impression. Sure it hadn’t worked where the sisters had hoped it would but now was as great of a time as any. Practically everyone in the room stayed motion and emotionless. Hadrian's nerves had practically exploded, he couldn't do much but stand still and offer a smile.
“Hadrian this is my mother Narcissa Malfoy and my father Lucius Malfoy.''Draco introduced him to his parents, his mother nearly all but leapt forward. A kind smile on her face that spurred Hadrian to life, much like her sons could. Hadrian quickly offered his hand which was pushed lightly aside as he was pulled into a quick hug just as Draco had been.
“It is lovely to meet you, Hadrian is it?” Narcissa added with a smile, Hadrian nodded shyly in answer. He was too shocked to speak, he hadn't expected a hug from a stranger or ever in all honesty.
“Pleasure Mr. Potter.” Lucius spoke rather sturnly, offering his hand to Hadrian who quickly shook it adding a nod in return as the man finished.
“Pleasure is all mine.” Hadrian quickly spoke. Draco smiled as he did so, quickly moving around to introduce the rest of the people in the room who watched on expectantly.
“This is Perseus Parkinson and Daria Parkinson,lord and lady Parkinson and Pansy’s parents.''Draco said, guiding him in their direction with his arm as he did so. Lord Parkinson was tall, evident even as he sat. His hair was a deeper shade of brown than Pansy’s and he, as were the rest of the room, dressed impeccably. Lady Parkinson was beautiful, all the women were. Her face was slightly rounded and her eyes were a beautiful hazeley yellow which popped ever so slightly against the lighter shade of brown in her hair. Pansy was a carbon copy of her parents that was for sure.
“Pleasure to meet you both, Pansy has said great things about you.”Hardian spoke. They all had said wonderful things about their parents, which had made Hadrian's worries even more prominent in his mind the last few days.
“Pleasure is all ours Mr Potter '' Perseus spoke, Daria agreed with a nod before speaking herself. “Pansy has said great things about you in her most recent letters.”
All Hadrian could do was smile and nod, luckily enough Draco took that as his que to continue.
“This is Florian Greengrass and Queenie Greengrass, lord and lady Greengrass and Daphne and Astorias parents.” Draco gestured to yet another pair of well dressed people. Lord Greengrass was a dark blonde haired man with dull yet captivating blue eyes. The man held a slight snarl permanently on the lines on his face which had obviously come with age, though Hadrian couldn’t pinpoint the man's age. Lady Greengrass was a slender woman, with gray and blue eyes. Her hair a mousy brown and a small smile present on her lips.
“Pleasure to meet you both.”Hadrian nodded as he spoke.
“And you Mr. Potter.” Florian replied, his snarl still the only expression on his face, Queenie just nodded along with her husband's words with her smile. Hadrian gathered that it was just how they were, if the casual glance the others sent their way was anything to go by.
“This is Maximillian Davis and Eugenia Davis, lord and lady Davis and Tracy's parents.” The pair seemed a lot kinder than the rest of the room, both meeting him straight off with a smile.
“What a pleasure it is to finally meet you Mr. Potter.” Lady Davis spoke, a wide yet tame smile on her face as she spoke. Lord Davis looked on with a smile before speaking, letting his wife speak first.
“As my wife said, it's a pleasure Mr. Potter.” Maximillian looked alot more expressive than most in the room, it was rather refreshing for Hadrian to see.
“The pleasure is all mine.” Hadrian replied with a slightly wider smile.
“Now, this is Magnus Bullstrode and Amelia Bulstrode, lord and lady Bulstrode and Millicents parents.” Draco gestured to a slightly pudgy man. He wasn't fat, nor was he really that pudgy but he was in comparison to the other men in the room. His hair was brown with a slight reddish tinge in the light. He looked- well posh. That was all Hadrian could describe him as. Lady Bulstrode was a small woman, evidently just an inch or too taller than her daughter. Her hair was blonde and shoulder length, all of which made her face look soft against her green and blue eyes.
“Pleasure Mr. Potter.” Magnus spoke, a tight lipped smile on his face. Lady Bulstrode just nodded in enthusiastic agreement.
“Pleasure is mine.” Hadrian felt like a broken record as he replied but no one seemed to mind. He wasn't making too big of a fool of himself he hoped.
“This is Evelyn Zabini, lady Zabini is of course Blaise's mother.” Draco gestured to a stunning and elegant woman. Evelyn was beautiful, her skin was just a shade darker than Blaise’s and her hair was pinned back in gorgeous curls that Hadrian was sure were popular in the forties but complemented the woman brilliantly. Even her smile was elegant, as was the way she had all but draped herself in the chair she was sitting in.
“Wonderful to meet you Mr. Potter. Blaise has said nothing but great things.” Lady Zabini spoke in a soft voice, smile never leaving her face.
“Blaise has said nothing but the same about you, it's wonderful to finally put a face to the name.” And to the rumors Hadrian thought. Lady Zabini chuckled lightly, as did Draco from beside him.
“This is Gregory Goyle Senior, lord Goyle and obviously Goyles father.” Goyle Sr was an older man, a glare seemed to be permanently carved into even the creases of his face, which made the smile he gave Hadrian seem almost sinister. He was a stocky and tall man and had an ability to unsettle anyone with his gaze it seemed.
“Pleasure is all mine Mr Potter. Junior has told me - all- about you.” Goyle Sr spoke, his words inviting yet ominous. While it sent a chill up Hadrian's spine, it also warmed him to know that Goyle had also spoken about him.
“I assure you the pleasure is entirely mine.” He replied with a smile.
“Hadrian, this is Victor Crabbe. Lord Crabbe and Crabbe's father.” Draco gained back Hadrian's attention and gestured to a slightly hunched man. Victor was a small presence, much like his son. Although he seemed just by appearance a drastic difference to his son. He seemed to be just around the same height as Crabbe yet less pudgy and alot more put together unlike Crabbe whose tie seemed to be even at that moment crooked and messy.
“Nice to meet you Mr. Potter.” Victor nodded. All of the purebloods had manners at least, although Hadrian knew as much anyway.
“Nice to meet you too sir.” Hadrian nodded back.
“This is Tiberius Nott, Lord Nott and Theos father.” The man Draco gestured to was an obvious older version of Theo himself, aside from a couple features. Tiberius had mousy brown hair that was littered with gray hairs, though it didn't take away from the manslooks. He also held himself with poise, his posture and grace never faltering. As Hadrian looked at the man, he had Theos eyes looking back at him. It was almost scary.
“Pleasure Mr. Potter. Glad to make your acquaintance.” Lord Nott spoke, clearly and matter of factly, ending his words with a slight nod.
“And i yours sir. The pleasure is mine.” Hadrian replied with a tight smile, rather intimidated by the older man. Draco smiled, noticing his uneasiness around the man.
Three people were left for Hadrian to be introduced to. Two men who looked nearly identical aside from a few slight differences in their faces. Their heights were similar and their hair were matching shades of near black in colour. They screamed purity more than anyone in the room, yet had a slightly rugged tinge to them. Hadrian struggled to explain it. To the, what Hadrian could only assume was the older of the twos side, was a beautiful woman. She was thin, but not too unhealthily so. Her hair was deep and pure black, it was messy in its place tied upon her head yet still looked put together and well placed on the woman's head. Her face was slightly sunken, her cheekbones obvious on her face. All of which seemed to pop in contrast to her deep brown eyes which when the light hit them seemed to have a hint of gold in them.
“Here we have Rodolphus Lestrange, lord Lestrange and his brother Rabastan Lestrange.” The two men looked at Hadrian as if they were analyzing him. They held themselves with grace and know they held the room with their presence that was certain.
“Pleasure Mr. Potter.” The oldest Rodolphus spoke, a nod ending his words. His brother turned to him as he spoke before facing Hadrian again.
“As my brother said, Pleasure Mr Potter.” Rabastan had a slight smirk on his face as he spoke.
Draco almost laughingly scoffed as they spoke,Hadrian had spotted from the side of his eye.
“And finally, Rodolphus’ wife and my Aunt, Bellatrix Lestrange.” Draco gestured to the last person he had yet to be introduced to. The beautiful yet crazy looking woman. As she was introduced a worryingly large smile spread across her face. She quickly jumped up and before Hadrian could react had gripped him into a hug, a very tight hug, before releasing him. Her hands still gripped his arms as she looked at him, her gaze locking with Hadrian’s as she seemingly analyzed him.
“Oh look at you!” She squealed. “You look gorgeous, oh those eyes.” Bellatrix continued, moving closer to stare into his eyes before moving back. She seemed to be analyzing every feature on his face, really taking him all in.
“Oh they didn't tell us how handsome you were. Almost like a Black with those features, wouldn't have picked you as a Potter that's for sure. Wouldn't you agree, dear?” Bellatrix continued, turning to quickly address her husband. Despite her words Hadrian didn't mind them as she spoke. She seemed to be saying them in a nice and endearing way and - well no one ever really complimented Hadrian before.
“Yes dear.” Rodolphus responded to his wife with a slight smirk.
“Don't worry my darling, we are all nice here.” She continued with a wink. “They're just trying to scare you, what with being new blood and all.” She finished with a chuckle and a glint in her eye that calmed yet petrified him at the same time. Hadian returned her laugh with a small one of his own. He could feel the looks he was getting, people obviously didn't always react to Bellatrix nicely he assumed. Hadrian's laughter was met with a beaming smile from the woman however so he didn't see the harm in it. Besides, even though she was speaking the truth it was rather funny. Draco was looking at him with a slightly shocked smile.
“Come dear, why don't you sit with me?” Bellatrix moved to pull him back to where she was sitting previously. “Move up you fool. Don't make me hex you Rabastan. There we go.” Bellatrix all but threatened her brother in law and husband who only smiled at her antics. She sat next to Rodolphus and all but pulled Hadrian to sit at her side next to the arm of the sofa. Hadrian happily moved, a small smile on his face as he did.
As Hadrian made himself comfortable next to Bellatrix, who had wrapped a hand around his arm, he looked back up and noticed the slight stunned faces of the rest of the room and the open mouths of his friends. Lord Malfoy chuckled from where he and lady Malfoy had moved to sit as they had before.
“Well it seems Bellatrix likes the boy.” Lucius chucked out, seemingly amused by the situation. His words snapped everyone back to reality. Draco moved to lean on the arm of the sofa opposite to Hadrian and next to his parents.
“Don't mind them darling, they're all just shocked I like you.” Bellatrix whispered into his ear, laughing slightly as she did. Hadrian lightly sighed, worried he had done something wrong by sitting with the woman. The only thing easing his worry was the calm look on Draco’s face.
“Well Mr. Potter-'' Lucius began to speak, Hadrian flinched at the name. Sure they had all been using it but now as he was sitting and didn’t have as large of a distraction to glaze over the words, they struck his heart a little. Lucius began to continue before Draco's head spun round to interrupt him.
“Actually Hadrian doesn’t like to be called that- Just Hadrian is fine.” Draco explained to his father, a confused expression on his face . As Draco finished, Lucius slowly panned back to face Hadrian. A slight nod of understanding escaped from him and the other occupants of the room before he continued.
“Ah, I see. My apologies Hadrian.” Lucius apologized lightly, quickly moving to finish his words. “I was just going to ask to know more about you. I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say I’m a tad bit curious about you.”
Lucius had a glint in his eye, though Hadrian made sure not to react to it. It was a look that held ulterior motives behind it. Draco got a similar look before he found a way to convince Blaise or Theo to tutor Crabbe and Goyle rather than himself. Hadrian just wanted to know what the man was hoping to know.
Had they found out about his- living arrangements? Were they ready to mock and belittle him? Were they going to be just as harsh as the orphanage? Sure Hadrian had gathered that his friends would at some point inform their parents about him and his situation, but to be confronted about it so soon and so indirectly was just puzzling him. Why couldn't they just be straight forward- at least then his nerves would be saved. He felt eyes on him as he stayed silent, the most piercing being that of the Malfoys and Lestranges. Hadrian struggled to find the words, realizing his mouth was opening much like that of a fish out of water. Every bad scenario that he had previously spent hours petrified about were all playing through his mind.
“What exactly would you like to know?” Hadrian managed to muster the words to ask, rubbing his hands anxiously a few times on his trousers as he spoke.
Lady Malfoy had a flash of emotion glisten across her eyes that Hadrian didn’t recognise before she spoke.
“Whatever you are willing to tell us.” She said with an all too calm smile.
They knew.
Hadrian was sure of it. The chills the realization sent up his spine were hard to push down and not react to.
What was he supposed to do now?