The Delacour's
It was a gloomy and dismal day, with dark storm clouds hanging heavily in the sky that poured down sheets of rain. The dismal atmosphere seemed to reflect the goblin’s mood as he stood outside a colossal warehouse in the muggle world, patiently awaiting something. The goblin let out a weary sigh and continued to endure the uninviting weather. All of a sudden, the rain intensified, becoming more torrential, until it froze abruptly in mid-air. Frost quickly formed on the ground, adding an eerie touch to the already dreary scene.
As the goblin glanced upwards, a sense of dread washed over him, causing him to instinctively retreat. Before him, looming ominously, were a group of dreaded Dementors. Their ghostly apparitions sent shivers down his spine. Trembling, he turned his gaze to the left and found himself face to face with a fiery-haired woman who had just emerged from the warehouse. She peered up at the sky, her eyes widening in recognition.
"D-Dementors," the goblin managed to stammer out, confirming his fears.
With a determined expression, the red-headed woman spoke to the goblin, who she addressed as Ragnok. "Enough, Ragnok. It's time for us to leave, my business is done." Her voice held a tone finality, as if she had witnessed something interestinginside the warehouse. The goblin nodded in agreement, understanding the gravity of the situation. Reaching out, he clasped her hand, and in the mysterious language of gobbledygook, he cast the spell that activated the hidden portkey. In an instant, they disappeared from the scene, whisked away to safety, just as the Dementors began their descent upon the warehouse.
Inside the warehouse, unbeknownst to the goblin, a dreadful scene unfolded. The space was filled with an unsuspecting mix of both innocent muggles and sinister Death Eaters. The arrival of the Dementors signaled a feast for these soul-sucking creatures, as they preyed upon the terrifying combination of vulnerable humans and nefarious magical beings.
The next morning
Griphook eagerly unfolded the front page of the Daily Prophet, revealing the date as December 12, 1981. The headline was shocking: "A Demetor Attack Leaves 30 Death Eaters and 10 Muggles Dead." Griphook grunted, setting the paper aside and rising from the couch. He made his way to the kitchen, where Maxamillion Delecour and Slit, a deadly assassin from Gringotts' French branch, were deep in conversation about the arrival of certain individuals. Their conversation halted as Griphook approached the counter, hopping onto the stool designated for goblins and pouring himself a cup of coffee.
Slit broke the silence. "Any word, Griphook?"
"No, I haven't heard from father or from Lily. Although Lily's work was featured in the Prophet this morning," Griphook replied.
"Ever since Halloween, the Unseen have been on edge. I don't trust Dumbledore," added Max.
The trio moved to the sunroom, where a three-year-old Fleur was reading to seventeen-month-old Hadrian Potter Evans. They sat down and patiently awaited the flickering flames of the fireplace, signaling the arrival of magical beings. Moments later, Lily entered the room, accompanied by a worn and exhausted Ragnok. Ragnok accepted the mug of coffee that Griphook offered before settling on the floor. Lily walked over to the children, picking up Hadrian and joining Fleur on the couch.
Moments passed, and Lily finally spoke. "It's done."
A collective sigh filled the room.
"I spoke to Petunia. She managed to secure a house and has two golums named Vernon and Dudley. They vanished overnight due to a fake divorce, leaving her the house. I'm going to live there with her and her husband."
Slit asked, "May we visit, ma'am?"
"Of course, any goblin is welcome. And Max, please let me know if you and your wife have another daughter."
"Absolutely. And would it be possible for us to come by for some card games?"
Lily pondered for a moment before agreeing. "Sure, just give me a heads up, but..."
A third person entered the room. This man stood at an impressive seven feet tall, with black eyes and an unsettling aura. Although he smelled of mint, he had a grim appearance. Hadrian couldn't contain his excitement, squirming until he reached the man. "Uncle Duok!"
The man smiled and scooped up the child. "We must go, milady."
Lily rose from the couch and bid everyone farewell before Durok swiftly transported them away, disappearing into the shadows.
1991 Platform 9 ¾
The platform was buzzing with excitement as Augustus Rookwood briskly walked through the sea of people. His wife and nephew trailed closely behind him, carrying a cage and a trunk. He carefully made his way onto the train and settled the trunk and cage into a designated spot before stepping out again. Suddenly, Rookwood accidentally bumped into Arthur Weasley, a familiar face.
"Oh, sorry Arthur," Rookwood apologized.
"No trouble at all, Rookwood. Are you here with your child?" Arthur inquired.
Rookwood shook his head. "No, just my nephew."
As they continued walking, Molly Weasley bid farewell to her brood before they boarded the train. Meanwhile, Arthur and Rookwood approached a woman and a young boy.
"Arthur, let me introduce my wife, Petunia Rookwood, and our nephew, Hadrian Evans," Rookwood introduced.
Arthur exchanged friendly greetings with the couple before suggesting that Rookwood come down to the Department later that day for a conversation. With that, Mr. Weasley took his leave.
"Okay, you be good and send us lots of letters, alright?" Petunia reminded her nephew before giving him a heartfelt hug.
"Yes, Auntie," Hadrian replied, his excitement evident.
Petunia released Hadrian from her embrace, allowing him to rush towards the train. Just as he was about to board he paused. meanwile Narcissa Malfoy approached Rookwood and engaged in conversation, while Lucius exchanged a few words with Petunia. Suddenly, a forceful impact struck Rookwood, and he looked down to find Hadrian at his feet.
"Bye, Uncle Rookie," Hadrian said with a mischievous grin.
Rookwood chuckled softly. "Alright, off you go, have a great year."
Hadrian eagerly boarded the train and settled into a compartment.
Train ride.
"Master, how are you today?" Uncle Durok asked, concern evident in his voice.
"I'm doing well, Durok," Hadrian replied with a slight smile. Despite the emptiness of their compartment throughout the entire journey to Hogwarts, he appreciated his familiar's presence and the comfort of his long-time uncle's company.
As they approached Hogwarts, Durok planned to transform into his third form alongside the other owl, Hedwig. They would observe from the windows outside the Great Hall.
Great hall
The anticipation grew, and the excitement filled the air as the sorting ceremony began.
When Hadrian's name was called, he stepped forward. The Sorting Hat pondered for a moment before speaking, "Hmmm, where shall I place you? Or perhaps, where do you desire to be?"
"If you can't decide, then a neutral house would be ideal. Nowhere specific, but everywhere at the same time," Hadrian responded thoughtfully.
Considering his request, the Sorting Hat finally announced, "You'd do well in... HOGWARTS!" The room fell into a stunned silence, followed by angry shouts. However, the Sorting Hat continued, undeterred, "RAVENCLAW!"
The students quieted down, processing the unexpected outcome, and then erupted in cheers. Hadrian took his place beside Hermione Granger at the Ravenclaw table, feeling a sense of belonging and excitement for the adventures that awaited him.