Voluntary Torture, aka Social Gatherings
Chapter 8 (Voluntary Torture, aka Social Gatherings) -
The next few days consisted of a weird schedule where Hadrian would somehow manage to fit dueling practice, dance class, and etiquette class, and spend some 8 odd hours reading while getting a decent amount of sleep. Even though dance class wasn’t as torturous as Hadrian first thought it would be, that was only because Hadrian had natural grace. Meaning that as long as he didn’t do anything incredibly silly, having two left feet would matter as it would still look as elegant as it would if he were dancing properly. That being said, it would still be better if Hadrian could dance properly. Hadrian also spent hours pouring over houses, customs, and everything he needed to know before the ball.
He also got an alert from Kreacher that a Wizengamot session was a few days before the ball. Hadrian immediately started looking over the bills in review. There were a few budgets that were being reviewed and stuff like that. But there’s one bill that caught Hadrian’s attention. The bill let the ministry seize all the assets of prisoners and give them the ability to liquidate them should they not have a known heir. This means Hadrian would have to out himself as Lord Black to not be evicted from his own home. As Hadrian read further down, the bill also allowed the ministry to take assets from houses that have been dormant for over a century or longer. In other words, Hadrian thought while reading the bill, unless I reveal that I have a claim to all of those houses, they’re assets will be seized. Great.
Over the two days, Hadrian practically lived in the library trying to find a way to stop the bill from passing. Kreacher placed food down next to Hadrian while he read through piles of books. Eventually, he found his answer.
“Lord Black, you have found what you are looking for?” Kreacher asked. Hadrian smiled.
“Yep, apparently, the first seven laws created also known as the Founding Laws, it states that the Ministry of Magic cannot liquidate assets of houses and cannot force title holders to reveal themselves to the Ministry. In other words, even if the law passes, it will not go into effect, so I don’t need to worry about it. That being said, other houses will also be subject to this law and I don’t want people to feel like they are forced to reveal their titles because they might lose them if don’t. Kreacher, can you prepare my Wizengamot robes for tomorrow?” Hadrian asked. Kreacher smiles.
“Of course, Lord Black,” Kreacher said before disappearing. Hadrian got up and stretched before heading to the dueling room in the townhouse and practicing some magic finally meditating while increasing the oclumency protection that he built up.
~The next day at the Wizengamot session~
Hadrian stepped into the Wizengamot chamber for the first time. To the right of the entrance, there was a 5-tiered area. The ground floor was for the lesser noble houses, the floor above it was for the noble houses, the one above that was for the ancient houses, the one above that was for the esteemed houses, and finally the one above that for the imperial houses. The floors had seats on them and were divided into three sections. The area to the right was reserved for the light faction, the area to the left was reserved for the dark faction, and the middle was reserved for the neutral faction. There was a viewing section to the left of the entrance on a balcony. In front of the entrance, is where the Chief Warlock, Minister of Magic, Secretary, and Assistance Secretary sat. There was also a seat where the King/Queen would have sat as well. This area was called the Minister's section despite there being more than just the Minster sitting there. Next to the entrance was a place where all of the heads of the departments could sit. There was a huge gap between the Wizengamot seating area and the Minister's section called the Wizengamot floor. The floor is where people would stand to try and convince others to vote for their bill.
Hadrian walked up the stairs to his area. People stared at him and some rolled up their sleeves. Hadrian nodded to them and they rolled them back down. He was wearing a simple white shirt with black pants and a robe with the Peverell and Potter coat of arms over his heart. There was a gold trim around the cuffs of his sleeves, and the robe itself. He had his hair down and black shoes. Hadrian’s wand was in its holster under his sleeve.
~Lucius Malfoy’s POV~
Lucius was talking to another member of the Dark Faction when he saw Lord Peverell-Potter ascend the stairs with grace not even a pureblood could achieve. Lord Peverell-Potter was rather short compared to everyone else, even on the steps. His hair flowed with each step. Before he left the voting up to his proxy, I wonder what changed for him to enter the Wizengamot now. Perhaps a bill that will be voted on today? Lucius finished his conversation with the other member and headed straight towards Lord Perevell-Potter.
“Lord Perevell-Potter, what a surprise that you are here,” Lucius said as he rolled up his sleeve in respect. Lord Perevell-Potter gave him a slight nod.
“Lord Malfoy, it has been quite some time since we last spoke,” Lord Perevell-Potter said.
“May I ask why you decided that today was a good day to appear at the Wizengamot?” Lucius asked. Quite a few people around them stopped their conversation to listen in, not that Lucius cared.
“I have to represent my houses on the floor of the Wizengamot,” Lord Peverell-Potter explained.
“Of course Heir Potter, but as you are only an heir, wouldn’t it be best to leave the politics to your proxy? Unless you have lost trust in your proxy and need a new one. I would be happy to assist you if that is the case,” Lord Diggle said while walking over. Everyone looked at him. Lord Peverell-Potter pursed his lips.
“Lord Diggle,” Lord Perevell-Potter said slowly. “I’m not an heir anymore. I have taken up both the Potter and Peverell Lordships.”
“Ah, of course. But at such a young age? You should be enjoying life. Out there with your friends playing games. Politics is not a place for the inexperienced. You should let your proxy do the talking for you,” Lord Diggle said dismissively.
“Yes, but if I were to do that, I would have no idea what to do when I eventually joined the Wizengamot. By doing so now, I can learn from others through a first-hand experience while bringing attention to things that I find important,” Lord Perevell-Potter said eloquently.
“O-of course Lord Peverell-Potter. I do wonder who your proxy is though,” Lord Diggle commented.
“I would prefer they remain anonymous at the moment” Lord Peverell-Potter replied.
Just before anything else could be said, the Chief Warlock Shaqui banged the gavel signaling the beginning of the Wizengamot session. Everyone went to their seats.
“Before we begin, I believe someone will be claiming their seats from their proxy,” Chief Warlock said, glancing at where Lord Peverell-Potter sat. He smiles a bit before standing up.
“I, Hadrian James Peverell-Potter, claim the Peverell seats and the Potter seats. So mote it be,” Lord Peverell-Potter declared loudly.
The seats appeared on the esteemed level, glowing gold before moving behind Lord Peverell-Potter.
“Now, to get to our agenda today. The first thing on our agenda is…”
~30 minutes later~
~Hadrian’s POV~
“And now, we have a bill presented by Lord Brown of the Light Faction. The floor is yours Lord Brown,” Chief Warlock Shaqui said. Lord Brown walked to the floor.
“Lords and Ladies of the Wizengamot, as we all know, running a government is expensive. We have several loans with Gringotts that will most likely not be fulfilled in our lifetime. The Ministry is constantly on the verge of going bankrupt. So while many contemplate an answer to this great problem, I have come up with one. Many, many vaults in Gringotts will never be used because the owner of the vault is in Azkaban and has no heir. Thousands of gallons that will never be touched. Therefore, I propose that we use those gallons to improve our world by putting them in the Ministry. It would be a way for those who are in Azkaban to repay society for some of the damage they have done,” Lord Brown finished, nodding to the Chief Warlock.
“Any questions?” Chief Warlock Shaqui asked. Hadrian stood up. “Yes, Lord Peverell-Potter?”
“How will you know who has an heir?” Hadrian asked.
“We will simply ask if they have an heir. Should no-one claim heirship, we will liquidate the assets,” Lord Brown said. “You have another question, Lord Peverell-Potter?”
“Yes, I wonder what if the heir does not wish to reveal themselves?” Hadrian asked.
“There is no reason to not reveal themselves. If they do not reveal themselves, then we liquidate the assets,” Lord Brown said.
“Lord Brown, you realize that if this bill passes, it won’t go into effect, right?” Hadrian asked.
“What do you mean Lord Peverell-Potter?” Lord Brown asked.
“The Founding Laws, states that no one can force someone else to reveal any titles they have. Should your bill pass, Lord Brown, it will force many people to out themselves as heirs who are, as you said, they are quite wealthy people, and to keep their money they would need to reveal themselves,” Hadrian explained.
~Albus Dumbledore’s POV~
Joshua Brown’s eyes widened in slight alarm. He glanced at Albus. That was the entire point of the bill. By forcing people to out themselves, the Light Faction would guide them into the world of politics and have their complete allegiance. Then they would be rich all while robbing those good-for-nothing Death Eaters of their families' savings. It was a genius plan until Harry ruined it. Now we have to get myself out of this mess. Albus sighed. Wait, if I can get people to dismiss him because of his age, we might still be able to pass this bill.
Albus stood up. “My boy, I’m not sure you are aware due to your young age, but we can simply vote out the old laws to make this legal. I think this is why you should leave things like this to your proxy whom I’m sure will gladly handle these bills while you focus on your school work, ” Albus said in a way that could be considered condescending.
“Lord Peverell-Potter, Lord Dumbledore. We are not in your office, and you should be addressing me respectfully. I’m doing perfectly well with my school work as you should know. We are also on Winter Break. I also fail to see how this and my choice of what I do with my seats is relevant to our current conversation or any of your business,” Harry said.
“Of course my boy, I’m simply concerned about your education,” Albus said.
“Now, as to you saying that we can simply vote out the old laws would mean that we would also dismantle the Wizengamot. In case you weren’t aware, the Founding Laws or old laws were created at the start of the Wizengamot and set up our government. To vote them out of effect would revert us to the old government which was a type of caste system. The old system would change the government back to a monarchy. Since there are no public heirs of the royal house of Pendragon or any of the imperial houses, the role of King would revert to me. Due to the old system, I would have to then pull out of school and wouldn’t be allowed to choose a regent. I would also have to create a court and hire private tutors. In other words, if you vote out the old laws, there would be a lot of paperwork I would have to fill out and just be a general pain to deal with. So, the logical thing to do would be to cancel this bill entirely,” Harry explained.
~Lucius Malfoy’s POV~
He’s willing to give up that much power and was still sorted into Slytherin. That seems much more like a Hufflepuff thing to do. Strange. Draco has said good things about him and I think I now understand why. I should remind Draco of the power his friend has. Malfoys make powerful allies.
~Hadrian’s POV~
Hadrian sat down after his speech. He glanced at Dumbledore. He looked stunned.
~30 minutes later~
The bill didn’t pass. Since that was the last thing on the agenda, everyone was free to go home, which Hadrian eagerly did. Avoid talking to anyone and flooding home.
~About two days later~
The Malfoy Winter Ball was in 20 minutes and Hadrian was done getting ready thanks to Kreacher's help. Hadrian had his hair down. As the head of both the Peverell and Potter houses, he had to incorporate both of the house colors into his outfit. The Potter house colors were purple and gold while the Peverell house colors were black and gold. So Kreacher got together an outfit with all three colors. Hadrian wore a black shirt with black pants with a gold trim on the bottom. He wore a purple and gold tie with a black robe on top. The Peverell and Potter house crests were over his heart on the robe. Hadrian took a deep breath and flooed to Malfoy Manor at the exact start of the ball.
He stepped out of the floo gracefully and looked around at the entrance room. There was a couch and a table along with a rug. Lord Malfoy and his family were standing in front of him.
“Lord Peverell-Potter, what a pleasure to see you again,” Lord Malfoy said while he and his family were rolling up their sleeves. Hadrian nodded.
“It’s lovely to see you as well, Lord Malfoy. Lady Malfoy, Heir Malfoy, ” Hadrian said while acknowledging the other two in the room.
“This way,” Lady Malfoy said, leading Hadrian out of the room. He followed her into the main ballroom which looked amazing. It was a winter wonderland with snowflakes falling. There was a glass table with a few snacks. The walls were white with painted snowflakes that were light blue. Needless to say, it was a stunning ballroom. And Hadrian expressed as much to Lady Malfoy, who thanked him for the compliment. Hadrian recognized many Lords and Ladies from the Wizengamot.
“Hadrian!” Pansy yelled before dragging him to her parents. “Father, Mother, meet Lord Hadrian Peverell-Potter, the current King of Slytherin despite being a first year. Hadrian, meet my parents Lord and Lady Parkison.” The Parkison family immediately rolled their sleeves up and rolled them back down when he nodded.
“Well met Lord and Lady Parkison,” Hadrian said with a smile. Blaise walked over with someone, who Hadrian presumed was his mother.
“Mother, meet the current King of Slytherin, Lord Hadrian Peverell-Potter. Hadrian, meet my mother Lady Zabini,” Blaise introduced. They both rolled their sleeves up and rolled them back down at Hadrian’s nod.
“Nice to meet you Lady Zabini,” Hadrian greeted her.
“You as well Lord Peverell-Potter. I’ve heard great things about you,” Lady Zabini said. Hadrian talked to the Parkinsons and the Zabinis before leaving because he saw Theo and his family as well as the Quidditch team. He headed towards them.
“Hello Theo,” Hadrian said.
“Hello, Hadrian. Father, this is the person I was telling you about, the current King of Slytherin, Lord Hadrian Peverell-Potter,” Theo introduced. Both of the Notts rolled their sleeves up. Hadrian nodded and they rolled them down. “Hadrian, this is my father Lord Tiberius Nott.”
“Well met Lord Nott,” Hadrian said.
“Well met indeed Lord Peverell-Potter,” Lord Nott said. They talked for a bit before Hadrian went to the Quidditch team which assembled near a corner. They talked for a bit.
~1 hour later~
“I’ll be honest Lord Peverell-Potter, most of us expected that you would be against the ideals of the Dark faction, not for them.” Lord Malfoy said. Hadrian was talking to him, Lord Nott, Lord Yaxley, and Lord Avery.
“Why would I be against the Dark faction?” Hadrian asked.
“Because the Dark faction supported the Dark Lord during the war,” Lord Yaxley said dubiously.
“And the war has long since ended, we should let old rivalries die with it,” Hadrian replied. The three other lords fell silent. “So what we’re the Dark Lord’s ideals if I seem to agree with them so much?”
“He believed that the magical world and the muggle world should be separated. He also believed that all magic should be available. He also believed in creature rights,” Lord Nott explained.
Hadrian and the other Lords kept talking for a while.
~30 minutes later~
Hadrian left the ball thinking about what the Lords said. The Dark Lord’s ideals align, and I doubt he’s dead since his name means “flight from death”. So the question is what do I do when the war starts back up? Do I go neutral and attempt to stay out of the war? No, someone’s going to force me back into the war. Voldemort attacked me for a reason and if I pull out of the war, I’ll be more open to attacks. Joining Voldemort’s side is an option, but then I’ll have to worry about crazy people like Bellatrix. I’ll also have to worry about assassination attempts which will be annoying. I’ll also have to figure out if I fully agree with his ideals and if he takes steps to get to those ideals. It doesn’t matter at the moment anyway, but I’ll need to decide soon.
Now that I think about it, the troll and the corridor are related, aren’t they? But, Dumbledore must have let the troll into Hogwarts because a simple troll couldn’t possibly breach Hogwarts’ wards and break through them. But why would he do that? What’s the point of putting all of us in danger? Also, why hasn’t it been in the news? Something as big as a troll breaking through the Hogwarts’ wards should be really big news. So why hasn’t it? Also, where were the Aurors? Why were the teachers responsible for protecting students? Surely Aurors were supposed to be the ones handling the trolls. Also, why did he tell us to go back to our common rooms? I find it hard to believe that Dumbledore just forgot that two houses have their dorms in the dungeons. So what’s up with that? Something isn’t adding up. Hadrian went to bed contemplating.