Hogwarts
Harry was excited when he said goodbye to the Malfoys and boarded the train with Draco.
He was glad they decided to come earlier than most, because 5 min before the train was supposed to leave, they saw Potter and Black walking outside the train, looking around.
In the compartment they were joined by Blase Zabini and Theodore Nott. They already knew each other, having met two weeks before, so Harry was at ease.
At first both boys were a bit wary of him, but that didn't last long once they realized he was anti-Dumbledore.
Harry knew they would be great allies. Zaibini's family was neutral/dark and they were purebloods from Italy while Nott's were dark and supported the Dark Lord.
Perhaps they would be able to tell him more about the man, since Lucius was a bit tight lipped.
So far so good.
An hour into the ride the compartment door opened and a bushy hair girl walked in, while a boy hid behind her.
"Have you seen a toad?" she asked.
"Merlin, no." Blaise furrowed his nose.
"I might have some among my potion ingredients," Hadrian smiled sweetly and the boys snickered.
The girl looked disgusted.
"I'm Hermione Granger. And you are..?"
They all looked at each other.
"Granger? That's not a wizarding family name that I know of." Draco looked at her suspiciously.
"Because it's not," she said proudly, like it was something to be proud of. "I'm the first in my family"
They all blanched back.
"I was so excited when professor McGonagall told me, magic is wonderful, even if this world is all backwards. I'm sure in time we could incorporate more things from muggle world so-"
"Then perhaps you should leave," Hadrian suggested, his tone icy. Not even in school yet and she wants to bring the muggle world into the wizarding one.
While he might not hate all muggleborns he certainly hated how wizarding traditions were erased because of them and how ignorant they all seemed.
A perfect example standing before him.
"Why?" she asked, looking insulted.
"We don't want to associate with your kind," Theodore chimed in.
"And why is that?"
The boy behind her was trying to get her out.
"Because we don't associate with mudbloods." Draco sneered at her, and she stepped back, not expecting this kind of reaction.
Hadrian sighed.
He concentrated his magic and pushed the girl out with little effort, ignoring her protests.
He didn't want to deal with any dramatics this early into the ride.
"Who might you be?" he asked the boy. He looked to be extremely nervous.
"N-Nevile Longbottom."
Harry blinked, remembering, then smiled.
"You ought to find better company, Longbottom. Next thing you know, you'll be consorting with muggles and start fearing magic."
"And w-who are you?"
They all introduced themselves, Neville's eyes widening at Harry.
"You're-"
"Do be quiet, Longbottom," his voice turned cold and the boy felt a surge of threatening magic.
He nodded.
Harry smiled and reached his hand out, summoning the damn toad wandlessly, then handed it to the shocked boy, ignoring mudbloods protests. "Don't lose it again."
Just as he was beginning to relax, the door swung open yet again and a redhead kid stepped in.
"Ever heard of knocking?" Blaise sneered.
"You're Harry Potter right? You have the scar?"
All four boys stared at the intruder incredulously.
"No, I am not. I'm Hadrian Peverell for your lack of knowledge. And who are you?" Harry stared coldly at the boy.
The audacity alone with this one...
"Come on, Hadrian. Red hair, vacant expression... must be a Weasley" Draco taunted, but the redhead went off as if Draco never spoke.
"Ronald Weasley, of course, but you can call me Ron, seeing as we'll be friends. Why are you sitting with these slimy snakes, Harry?"
His magic flared.
How dare he?
"A friend? Why would I be friends with you?" Harry hissed, his eyes glinting angrily. "I already have friends and we were having a pleasant time before you so rudely intruded. Have you not been taught manners? Acting worse than a filthy muggle," he mocked, while other boys snickered.
Ronald’s face reddened, reminding Harry of Vernon. He too got red in the face when angered...
"Your dad said you will be my friend!" redhead screeched.
Harry chuckled coldly and other purebloods in the compartment shuddered.
It was a well known fact amongst them that Hadrian hated James Potter and it was a touchy subject altogether. Even before meeting, Draco warned them not to say anything unless they wished to be flayed alive.
Honestly, Theo thought Draco was greatly exaggerating and carelessly mentioned something Potter did, when temperature plummeted so suddenly and he felt a spark of such powerful and malicious magic, that he almost fainted just from the shock of it.
Of course, he'd never admit it to anyone, but that scared him and he regarded Peverell with caution from then on, and a healthy dose of respect.
If Theo was right, Hadrian Peverell will be someone great one day and he'd rather be an ally than a foe.
And he decided not to doubt Draco again.
"My so-called father is nothing but a useless, pathetic excuse of a wizard. He was dead to me my whole life and he will continue to remain as such. You talking to him just strengthens my belief that you are just as pathetic. Now, get out of our compartment before I force you out, and trust me, it will not be pleasant."
Weasley must've finally felt the malicious aura that was steadily filling the compartment or the looks on others faces finally clued him in, but he went pale and ran out without saying another word.
Coward.
Harry was still seething, but calmed down considerably.
If he was right, these Weasleys would become a problem. An annoying one at that.
He did not want to deal with them at all, and the fact that they had contact with James when he had not? Well, Ronald's lucky he walked out with all of his limbs intact.
Draco silently pressed a chocolate truffle into his hand and Harry finally snapped out of his darker thoughts.
"Don't worry, Hadrian. They'll get what's coming for them"
He nodded, and yet another cruel smirk graced his face.
They will.
They will be very sorry in the end, for abandoning him.
That he could promise.
Save to say, Hadrian was receiving a lot of attention.
If it wasn't for his popularity, it was because of the recent drama with his birth father.
Whispers followed him everywhere, and the boy knew for sure that if not for his magic repelling others from their compartment after the Weasley incident, he would've been swarmed by other students.
Even now, as they were waiting for the sorting, Hadrian was getting curious looks and sometimes blatant stares. Thank fuck for his well trained angry glare and the presence of his friends.
But as his luck would have it - because of course the fates hated him for some reason - Ronald pressed forward to him, put a hand on his shoulder and said:
"Don't worry, Harry, I know we'll end up in Gryffindor."
Hadrian felt the rage from earlier surge back and then heard Ronald yelping in pain.
"What the bloody hell was that?!" he shouted, gripping his arm.
"Touch me again, Weasel, and I'll break it next time, " Harry hissed threateningly, enjoying seeing fear flash in the boy's eyes.
And he'd do it.
Wouldn't be the first time and certainly won't be the last.
Why can't people just stayaway from him?
It’s not that hard of a concept to grasp. Just don’t touch strangers. Have they never heard of personal space?
"Know your place, Weasel," Draco taunted, coming to stand next to Hadrian. "From what I've seen, with the obvious lack of... well, everything, they'll put you in the house of pigsty."
Students around sniggered and Ron’s face went angry red once more. But before he could say anything, McGonagall walked in, ordering them to behave and walk into the Great Hall in line.
Hadrian's back immediately straightened, his expression going blank.
He wanted to make the right impression after all.
It wouldn’t be good to show weakness now, especially not with the truth of how he was treated out in the open.
Good thing he had a pretty decent control over his emotions, otherwise he'd be gaping like an idiot at the wonderful sight that greeted him. The Great Hall was actually great . Magnificent, really.
Magic was might.
Immediately, whispers broke out in the hall and Harry felt hundreds of eyes upon him.
Yet, he didn't falter. He was better than that.
And one day, he will be the best.
He quickly scanned the head table, seeing a few shocked faces peering at him.
What, were they expecting a carbon copy of his father? Just like the books said? Well, he was not sorry to disappoint them because he'd rather go bald than look like mini James.
Harry had black hair, yes, but it was not untamed. He just let it grow out a bit and they were even slightly curly at the ends.
His skin was pale and without his glasses everyone could see just how vibrant green his eyes were. His glare was even more prominent too, Harry thought smugly.
His features were aristocratic, or so he was told by Narcissa who wouldn't stop fussing over him. And lightly feminine but he'll never admit it.
All in all, he was not in any way, shape or form a Potter nor did he wish to be. To be fair, he resembled Blacks more than any other family. That's what Narcissa said to Lucius anyway, when she thought Harry wasn't listening.
He wondered if that description included the famed Black madness as well.
That is to be seen.
Back to the head table, a few individuals caught Hadrian's eye.
The first was Severus Snape.
He was looking at him in something akin to shock and wonder, and something else Harry couldn't identify glinting in those eyes.
He knew that man was Draco’s godfather and apparently a generally unpleasant and strict man who held a grudge against James Potter.
Harry has yet to meet the wizard and he hoped that he wouldn't be seen as Jame's son. Who knows, maybe they'll bond over their hatred for the man. After all, the professor must have loved the smear campaign Potter went under after the truth came out.
Hadrian knew that he did. He kept the articles as a souvenir.
Next was a man sitting next to the Potion’s Master. Harry didn't know him; he was wearing a turban and chatting with Snape, looking completely average. However, his eyes became intense when looking directly at him. There was something Harry just couldn't put a finger on about him. It intrigued Harry. But he'll have time to figure it out later.
And third was the headmaster. That bastard who put him up with muggles.
His eyes were twinkling and Harry felt a slight pressure against his mind when their eyes met, before fury overcame him and he not only slammed the mental barriers he had down, but he did a bit of legilimency of his own.
The shock on the old coot’s face was worth it.
That will teach the meddling bastard.
Harry could see right through his fake grandfatherly mask. He's had enough masks of his own to recognize one.
Just to get his point completely across Harry snarled and looked away. The sorting was about to start.
Harry watched passively, not caring about others, yet clapping with Draco’s and Theodore's sorting.
"Hadrian Peverell!"
The hall went dead silent.
The young wizard just sighed and glided to the chair with as much grace as he could muster.
If he tripped in front of the whole school he might as well leave altogether.
Here it goes.
" Your occlumency shields are impressive for someone your age, young Hadrian. I've only ever seen such strong shields in only a few certain individuals before."
"Let me guess. Voldemort?"
The hat chuckled. "You'd be correct, that is one of them, even though he went by another name back then."
"Which was?"
"I'm afraid I'm prohibited from saying such information, although… I'm sure you'll find out if you search hard enough. Now let's see... oh, great potential, yes, so much power and ambition already... good Merlin, that's some twisted mind you got here, young Peverell ."
Harry smirked.
"Yes, yes, the name Peverell suits you well. Way better than Potter ever would have, you'll see in time. And heir Slytherin to the boot! Haven't seen one of you in a while. Oh, don't be so shocked. But beware of the headmaster and his plans for you. He does want you in Gryffindor-"
"You dare to put me there and I'll destroy you" Harry snarled in his mind.
"I don't doubt that. Relax, that house is not for you at all, oh no, you'd make them bleed on your first week there. Hufflepuff is also out of the question. Now, you'd do well in Ravenclaw, your mind is sharp and you thirst for knowledge, but Slytherin will lead you to greatness. Now, there isn't much of a choice at all, heh? After all, you'll stop at nothing to get what you want."
"Then sort me already. You babble more than anyone I've met."
"Alright, alright, no need to be snappish. It's rare I get to speak with a mind such as yours, heir Slytherin. Better be… SLYTHERIN!"
Harry ripped the hat off and handed it to gaping McGonagall.
The hall was silent, before the Slytherin table burst into applause.
Harry smirked, having the pleasure of seeing Ronald shouting ' what!' in disbelief, when he went to sit down next to Draco.
"I knew you'd end up here," Draco said.
"Did you expect anything else?"
"No, but you sat there for a minute or two. Don't tell me it wanted you in Gryffindor."
"Perrish that thought!" Harry snapped, earning a few snickers. "No. But the hat informed me that Dumbledore did want that and to be wary of him."
"The hat warned you?" Asked an older year, having overheard.
Harry nodded slowly.
"But I thought the hat can't tell such things, especially against the headmaster," said a girl next to him.
"I think it can, if it's someone of a different standing," Draco said vaguely, implying Harry's heir status, but it only left everyone else confused.
The sorting continued, Blaise joining them as well a minute later, then food appeared.
Harry was a bit shocked at the sheer amount of food, but at least he'll be able to enjoy it - the potions healer prescribed him to take were doing wonders and he rarely felt nauseous these days, unless he ate too much or the food was too hard on his stomach.. Having both Narcissa and Draco pester him also helped, he admitted, albeit begrudgingly. He sometimes just… forgot to eat. In fact, Draco was currently shooting dirty looks to his plate and when Harry turned around, put some more vegetables in it.
Draco was such a mother hen.
Harry did the wise thing and kept quiet.
But his wonderings were cut short at the weird sensation in his scar.
What the hell?
His scar was prickling faintly, but why? This never happened before, and besides, it was a scar.
At the same time, Harry felt someone's eyes boring into him and when he turned, he saw the professor next to Snape staring at him again, intrigued look on his face.
Later that night he wondered what was that about?
The Slytherin common room felt like home.
He didn't know whether it was his heritage influencing his feelings or what, but he didn't want to leave.
Snape's speech was short and curt, but he did, despite his off-putting appearance, tell them to come to him with any issues they may have.
"We, slytherins, are not very well liked in this school, so for that, outside these walls we show unity and stand as a united front. We can't afford not to. If you have any disagreements, solve them here. If you need, prefects are here to help you, and if you need you can come and see me as well. I'd appreciate it if you didn't bother me with minor issues that can be easily sorted out without my interference. Passwords change every fortnight, they'll appear on the board. Tomorrow during breakfast timetables will be handed out so do not be late. Do your house proud."
Then they were ushered to bed.
The next morning Harry ignored the stares and whispers that seemed to follow him everywhere, as he walked into the Great Hall with Draco in tow.
He really hoped that people would get bored of staring at him. It was utterly exhausting.
Apparently, him being in Slytherin was a shock to everyone.
For what reason, he did not know. It was his heritage, after all.
Just because Potter was an obnoxious gryffindor it didn't mean he would be as well.
The weird calculating look Snape shot him after handing out timetables didn't pass him by.
It was annoying too, because Harry couldn't get an honest read on the man. Lucius let it slip once that Severus was a great occulmentist. Perhaps that's why, but it was no less irritating.
Harry checked out his timetable.
Transfiguration, DADA and Potions for today. Not bad.
They were the first ones to reach Transfiguration classroom and sat in the front row. Harry's sight wasn't completely healed yet and he wanted to see properly until it was.
The classroom was empty, bar the cat sitting at the desk.
Something was off about the cat. It sat too still for a cat, looking at the door. Then it turned to look directly at him.
No, something was definitely off.
Harry's eyes narrowed.
He extended his magic, subtly feeling the air around the animal, prodding slightly and- his eyes widened.
Was that even possible?
How?
The cat even had a fur that resembled glasses around the eyes...
"Where's professor McGonagall?" Blaise asked, looking around the classroom. The boy seemed unable to sit still and kept fidgeting, when his eye landed on the cat. "Ohh, a kitty!" His expression brightened and he stood up to pet her. "We have at least three at home and-"
Harry grinned.
"Why, Blaise, I don't think professor McGonagall would like you petting her. Sit back down."
The boy froze. After a moment his brain finally registered what Hadrian had said, he went red in the face and jumped back as if scolded.
"H-how did you..?"
"Something seemed a little off. And her magic was... different. Not like any cat I've ever come across." Harry smirked when the cat nodded.
Others were looking at him wide eyed.
Feeling magic wasn't something everyone was capable of and it was a wonderful advantage. Just required practice.
Soon, other students started piling in. Weasley was late and was scolded, much to Harry's delight.
Hadrian was looking at the matchstick in distaste.
Really? This was their task? It seemed a bit too easy.
Harry concentrated on his intent, swashed his wand and not a moment later he had a perfect needle.
Just like that.
McGonagall saw and gaped slightly.
"15 points to Slytherin, Mr Pot- Peverell. And on your first try! I've never seen anything like it. Can you untranafigure it?"
Harry nodded and did as asked, only with slightly more concentration.
"15 more points! Now this is how it's done! Now try to put put more details on the needle, Mr Peverell."
For the next few minutes he did so. He changed the color to purple, because why not, and started adding engravings and any decorations that crossed his mind. In the end it looked more like a fancy hair pin than a needle.
"By Merlin, this is exquisite!" McGonagall gaped at him. "Everyone, please take a look at Mr Peverell's work. He not only changed the matchstick into a needle, by now he transfigured it into a piece of art. As you can see it has different colors, ornaments and engravings. Magnificent. 40 more points to Slytherin. You may help others if you wish."
Harry noticed the baffled stares of his peers. Honestly, if they can't manage this, then they're more pathetic than he thought.
It's only a needle, after all.
He looked around the class and no one looked even close to where he was. In fact, some didn't even have a needle to show. Only a few students managed to change color, and had a silvery matchstick.
That bushy mudblood girl was shooting daggers at him.
He winked at her, receiving another glare.
"How did you do that so fast?" Draco asked, looking flabbergasted, staring at Harry's 'needle' in awe. He too had a silver matchstick.
"Just imagine the result you want as clearly as you can in your mind, and then when you say the spell, will your magic to do what you want."
Draco nodded, determination taking over his features. It took a few tries, but in just a few minutes he managed the transfiguration as well, much to the anger of Granger.
Seriously, what was her problem?
Draco beamed at Harry.
"Ten more points to Slytherin, Mr Malfoy. Now try to untransfigure it and practice until you are certain you mastered it. After that, try adding details like Mr Peverell did."
Draco nodded.
"Hadrian? May you assist me as well?" asked Blaise from behind them, Theodore looking eager as well.
Harry sighed.
"Very well."
Harry ended up receiving 20 more points for helping his peers, totaling ninety points to Slytherin from him alone. That left a pleasant smug feeling in his gut and along with furious expressions from Gryffindor, Harry left the class a very happy man.
And now, finally, coming to the DADA classroom Hadrian felt some sort of anticipation.
The subject held a big interest for him, but he was also curious about the teacher.
There was something about him that made Hadrian cautious but also incredibly curious.
He sat at the very front and waited for the lesson to start, only… to be disappointed.
Professor Quirrell was… disappointing.
Stuttering aside, his lecture might not have been bad, but Hadrian already knew the material. He was bored so he extended his magic to get the feel of professor's; it reeked of weakness and… what was that?
Hadrian sat up straighter and narrowed his eyes, noticing how for a moment professor froze, and then continued on as if nothing happened.
So, he must have felt Harry's magic brushing against his.
And once the professor glanced at him, Hadrian swore he saw something entirely different flash in his eyes.
He had no idea what was going on, but there was something powerful coated inside of Quireell's magic. Was he hiding his potential? If so, why?
Something was going on and Hadrian will figure out why.
He missed the look of intrigue that flashed in red eyes as Hadrian was leaving the classroom.
Perhaps wanting to be left alone was too much to ask, as he was ambushed by that bloody Weasley on his way to the dungeons.
"Harry! Hey Harry! Come with us, mate!"
The boy seriously had no self preservation, Hadrian thought, as he tried to put his arm around his shoulders.
"Try and touch me, Weasel, and I'll break your arm," Hadrian sneered at the gryffindor and he faltered.
They all stopped, Harry with his friends and Ronald with two other gryffindors he didn't know.
"Why are you like that, mate? I mean, it sucks that you didn't end up in Gryffindor, but I'm sure professor Dumbledore will re-sort you! Then you can stop hanging out with these slimy snakes!"
Hadrian was starting to question his control of his magic when it cracked the air like a whip.
The two gryffindors stepped back when they noticed Hadrian's furious expression, but Weasley was still oblivious.
"I am not your mate, Weasel," Harry hissed, his fist squeezed so tight that nails were penetrating the skin. He wanted to strangle the boy. "I don't want to be a gryffindor. And if I ever had to live anywhere near you I'd strangle you in your sleep for your sheer insolence. So leave me the heck alone before I do something I won't regret."
Ronald went beet red.
"Come on, Ron, let's just go, its obvious he doesn't want to be your friend," one of the boy's said.
"Yeah, and you said he was already your friend, why did you lie?"
Draco chuckled.
"Please. Hadrian met the Weasel yesterday on a train where he proceeded to insult and harass him. Have you no self respect?"
"It's obvious he doesn't, Draco, just like he has no manners." Hadrian smirked.
"What's wrong with you!? Your dad promised me you'll be my best friend! You need to obeyhim!"
Draco felt dread pooling in his gut; he was sure that Hadrian would bloody kill the fool right here and now. It looked like Blaise and Theodore had the exact same thought, as their eyes widened in fear.
Hadrian just laughed. It would've sounded like he was really amused, if it wasn't so cold and chilling.
"James Potter is no father of mine, Weasley. He is nothing but a filthy blood traitor, just like you are, who abandoned his child. What that bastard wants is none of my concern. And I would never befriend someone as pathetic as you. Now get out of my way."
Hadrian pushed through to walk away, when Ronald grabbed his hand and he was suddenly yanked back.
If he was lenient before, he won't be now.
"I told you not to bloody touch me," Hadrian hissed, his voice dipping slightly into parseltongue, when there was a loud crack and then Ronald shrieked.
"You broke my arm!" The gryffindor fell on the floor, holding his wrist, while his two friends looked petrified.
"You're lucky that’s all he did," Draco muttered absently.
"I told you during sorting, Weasel, that if you dare to do so again I will break your arm. I told you I don't like being touched and if you're so bloody stupid you can't take no for an answer, then you deserve this."
Honestly, Hadrian felt nothing as he looked at the shrieking gryffindor. Its not the first time he's done this, albeit the first time he broke a kid's arm was in kindergarten and was a bout of accidental magic. A bully pushed him to the ground and then grabbed him in order to land a punch, but at the same moment his bone snapped.
Nobody blamed him, of course - he was three sizes smaller than the other boy, but ever since then Harry knew that he could hurt others at will, even if to protect himself.
"Take him to the hospital wing," he ordered Ronald's friends, then turned around and walked off without a care.
Slytherins hurriedly trailed behind.
"He'll tell someone," Blaise looked slightly worried.
"Yes, and him being a gryffindor…" Theo looked at him with worry.
They all knew about the blatant favoritism Gryfindoor received in this school.
"The worst they can do to me is give me detention. Besides, it was self defense. I told him this will happen. Perhaps now he'll leave me alone." Hadrian didn't look concerned at all.
He wasn't stupid.
With his story of being abused out in the open, if he somehow got expelled for protecting himself, the whole country would be in riot.
And he could always spin the story his way.
Ronald harassing him on the orders of his father.
It would be quite fun to see.
Hadrian walked into Potions classroom with anticipation.
The subject seemed interesting, the teacher was the real intrigue.
Why was the Potions Master looking at him like that during the feast?
And surely, what happened with Weasley would have reached him by now.
How will he react?
As the students started to come in, he noticed Ronald wasn't with them.
Good.
Professor Snape made a dramatic entrance and just as dramatic speech, then called for attendance, stopping momentarily at his name - blink and you miss it.
Then the door slammed opened and Weasley came in, his wrist wrapped in a bandage, glaring daggers at Hadrian.
"10 points from Gryffindor for being late," Snape snapped and Hadrian noticed a glint in his eyes.
Hm, interesting.
"Professor, i was in the hospital wing, it was a long way down-"
"I do not want your excuses. Sit down. Now answer me, what would you get if you added a powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?”
The boy went red.
"I don't know, sir."
"Tut-tut. Unprepared, are we? Let's try again. Where would you find a bezoar?"
"I don't know."
“Disappointing. Do you know the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane, Mr Weasley?”
“N-no, sir.”
"Its obvious that you never opened a book before coming here. 5 points from Gryffindor."
"Well why don't you ask her ?!" Ronald pointed at Granger, who was practically standing in her seat, arm raised. "She seems to know."
"Sit," Snape snapped at the girl, then turned back to Weasley. "Are you telling me how to do my job?"
"N-no, sir."
Snape glared some more, and then turned to Hadrian.
"Mr Peverell. Let's see if you hold any more sense than your classmate. Could you answer those questions?"
"Of course, sir," he answers respectfully, knowing that he didn't want to be in the bad graces of this man. He seemed vicious. "If powdered root of asphodel was added to an infusion of wormwood it would create a rather strong sleeping potion known as the Draught of Death, which, if taken too much or taken wrongly could land a person in a coma. A bezoar is usually found in the stomach of a goat and is an antidote to most but not all poisons. And monkshood and wolfsbane are the same plant that goes by the name of aconite."
Snape seemed surprised at the accuracy of his answers. "Correct. 20 points to Slytherin for a well thought out answer. At least some of you opened the books before coming here. Well? Why aren't you writing this down?"
It seems like he passed whatever test that Snape had for him.
And thank Merlin for his wonderful memory and curiosity, because the last question was from an advanced extracurricular book that wasn't even on their list.
Draco nudged him and pointed to Ronald, who was glaring daggers at Hadrian.
He winked at the boy, who's face reddened even more.
This was turning out to be fun.
"Mr Peverell, stay after class."
He wasn't surprised to hear this and did so, Draco staying back as well.
Snape just raised a questioning brow at Draco.
"Is this about Weasley, sir?" Draco asked.
"Yes. Pray tell, why did you see it fit to break Weasley’s wrist, Mr Peverell? That blasted boy seems to think you attacked him."
Harry raised a brow.
"Attacked him?" he repeated slowly. "He and his friends ambushed us as we were walking back to the common room. Then demanded for me to be re-sorted and to become his friend, because my blasted excuse of a father promised him and for some unfathomable reason I must obey. As if that's not enough, he continues harassing me."
Snape’s left eye twitched.
"How so?"
"He came to our compartment yesterday and tried to drag Hadrian out." Draco explained. "His magic reacted and blasted him off. Similar thing just before sorting, he just can't seem to keep his hands to himself and take no for an answer."
"I- I don't like being touched," Harry admitted, much more quietly and stared down at the desk, refusing to meet professor's eyes. Even if its been over a month, he still flinched at the contact and he hated it. It made him feel weak .
He was now fine with Draco, he knew the boy meant no harm, but if it was someone unfamiliar…
"Usually, if someone grabs me, my magic reacts, rather violently." And it was true. His magic was very protective of him, but now he mostly had control over who he hurt and how. "I told Weasley before to not touch me, he didn't listen. When he grabbed me and tried to drag me earlier, my magic just snapped the hand that was holding me."
Snape stared at the boy in front of him, a boy who was holding his hands around himself protectively and looked ashamed when he admitted to hating physical contact.
He knew exactly how that felt.
"Well, in that case, 5 points to Slytherin for protecting yourself, Mr Peverell," Snape said and watched how shocked the boy was at this.
Clearly, he expected punishment. But he will not let his snakes be harassed by anyone. Especially not someone who was abused.
"Fret not, Mr Peverell. I will personally have a talk with Mr Weasley. His behavior is unacceptable. If such things continue, come see me immediately."
Harry nodded, feeling slightly shocked.
Perhaps the Potions Master will not be so bad.
Severus sat in his rooms, pondering.
All of his expectations were thrown out of the window.
He expected Potter's spawn to come to Hogwarts, be sorted into Gryffindor and boast around with his fame, cause trouble and be more annoying than his father, instead…
He got a respectful, abused child who got sorted into Slytherin.
His house.
That must've stinged the marauders, especially with their hate for everything Slytherin, even years after graduating. He still couldn't believe how childish they both were, how prejudiced. You’d think a decade would dissolve some of their beliefs, but no. Of course not. He was convinced that the only reason Black and Potter got so far into their careers was because of the prestige being supposed guardians of the Boy Who Lived brought. But that was over now.
Severus has read the papers and couldn't believe it at first.
James Potter left his only child with magic hating abusive muggles for a decade.
With Petunia Dursley nee Evans.
He had the displeasure of meeting that hag, she was always nasty and jealous of Lily to the extreme.
To think they would leave a magical child with her was unthinkable.
Lucius was pretty tight lipped over what happened, he didn't want to share knowing his and Potter's past, which was understandable, but he implied it wasn't pretty.
This boy never knew his father and practically publicly disowned him by changing his name and becoming the ward of the Malfoy family, after learning what James did.
Harry James Potter became Hadrian Peverell.
Potter faced charges and lost his High Auror position, and now was placed on suspension. Black was charged as well, but less harshly, since he was only a godfather, yet was still aware of what was going on.
To think they lied all this time...
Yes, it was extremely fun and satisfying to watch the Prophet rip into James Potter, watch him lose all that he held dear. His job, most of his friends and his son.
The backlash was glorious. The public outraged.
But his heart still went for the boy.
Sverus knew what it was not to feel loved growing up, to feel pain instead. And he didn't wish it on anyone.
Not even the Potter boy- Peverell now.
Harry didn't even resemble Potters, not really. He had their dark hair, but that was it. His eyes were even greener than Lily's, his face features one of an aristocratic family.
The boy held himself with grace that made many envious. You'd never guess by looking at him that he grew up anywhere else but in a pureblood family.
And yet.
So when he heard that this innocent looking child snapped Weasley's hand in two, he was beyond shocked.
Weasley went on accusing Hadrian, but he was doubtful of the story, decided to listen to Peverell first.
The boy couldn't even look him in the eye when he admitted to hating being touched and wrapped his arms around himself protectively.
His godson looked like he wanted to wrap the boy in a hug himself, but didn't dare to do such a thing.
Really, Severus' heart ached for Lily's son.
He swore an oath to protect the boy, and so far he's failed, even if unknowingly. And he wasn't about to fail again.
It was a shock to hear that Pot- no, Peverell's magic was protective. It just showed what the boy has gone through was terrible and he found himself reassuring the slytherin that he will deal with the Weasley himself.
The relief was palpable.
Clearly, the boy was expecting punishment or scolding, but he deserved none of it. Not for protecting himself.
Weasley, on the other hand…
If what he heard was true, and he was sure Draco wasn't lying, the boy is going to regret the day he set his eyes on Hadrian Peverell.
And to do so all and James demands? A man the boy hated perhaps even more than Severus did?
It was preposterous.
If this continues, the Weasley boy will spend the rest of the year in detention with him.
McGonagall had the gall to argue with him about Weasley, but when Snape pointed out Weasley’s obvious disregard of Hadrian's boundaries and why he even had those, she relented.
They agreed that a broken arm was a punishment enough, but Weasley rescinded a lecture about what happened and a warning to leave Hadrian alone.
He wasn't happy about that. In fact, he started screaming about Hadrian not getting any sort of punishment.
"Mr Peverell was acting in self defense, Mr Weasley, and if you continue to harass him, I will ensure you end up in detention with me for the rest of the year."
That seemed to do the trick.
Hadrian received a note saying he is to meet professor Snape at 6pm, and he was wondering what was that about.
As far as he knew, he didn't do anything bad.
He wasn't particularly worried either. For all the rumors about the dungeon bat, Snape seemed alright, especially to his slytherins.
He knocked at 6pm sharp and heard a ‘come in’.
Hadrian strolled in, taking the seat that Snape pointed him to.
"Tea, Mr Peverell?"
"Sure. And please, call me Hadrian or Harry if you'd prefer."
Severus was slightly surprised at the request, but nodded nonetheless.
He observed the child and the young wizard would look completely at ease to anyone else, but Severus could tell he was guarded.
Ready to bolt or attack at a moment’s notice.
He poured the tea and asked:
"You are probably wondering why I summoned you to my office?"
"Yes, sir."
"Well, it was a consolation of many things, but first, how are you adjusting to Hogwarts?"
Hadrian was surprised at the question.
"It's alright. Apart from people staring, that is."
"Has anyone else harassed you apart from the Weasley boy?"
"No."
"I see. And how do you find your studies?"
At this, Harry smirked.
"Easy. A bit boring, if I may be so bold."
Severus raised a brow at this.
Lucius did mention that the boy seemed to be engrossed in books, but to feel bored already? Did he really catch up so much in one month?
"I see. The material will become more challenging as the year goes on. Do you not feel properly challenged?"
"Well, its not that the subjects aren't interesting, it's just… take charms, for example. The task was to lift a feather and only after an hour of theory. I don't see how anyone would be struggling with such a thing, it's easy! And some were unable to lift it at all! It baffles me."
Severus stared at the boy, pondering.
"So for you it comes easily and you don't need to repeat the process for a long time, correct?"
Harry nodded.
He was perplexed about his classmates' incompetence.
Severus put an empty cup in front of him and asked him to levitate it.
Harry didn't even pull out his wand, just looked at the cup and willed it to go up.
Severus' eyes went wide at that.
The boy just performed a wandless and wordless levitation charm with no effort at all and still looked confused.
"Mr Peverell- Harry , this, what you just did? It's wandless magic. I can tell you for certain that your classmates are unable to perform such a thing. In fact, most deem it accidental magic. For you to consciously control it is incredible and something extremely rare."
"What does that mean?"
"It means you have an exceptional control over your magic and your magic is incredibly strong. I've only seen a handful of wizards capable of wandless magic. Even I have trouble with it, especially more advanced spells, and you are a first year student. 10 points to Slytherin."
Harry smirked at the professor's antics.
"Perhaps it would be best if this certain ability didn't get out then," Harry said and Snape smirked.
"Would be for the best. Now, another thing. I spoke to Narcissa and she informed me you are taking potions?"
With that Harry's face became a blank mask. This was not something he liked discussing. At all.
"As a Potions Master and their friend, she asked me to take over providing you with necessary potions. I was told you are on a strict regime prescribed by goblin healers and she doesn't want Madam Pomfree messing something up and reporting it all to the headmaster."
Severus observed the boy and he knew Hadrian would absolutely detest speaking about his past.
He looked guarded by a mere mention of it.
"With your permission, I'd take over these duties and adjust the doses when needed. A healer would come to my private quarters every few weeks to check on you as well. Everything that happens or is talked about in here will be strictly confidential, of course."
Harry pondered for a moment.
The man was being nice to him, the Malfoys trusted him, he hated James Potter, it was all positives in his books.
He nodded slowly.
It was better than the alternative.
"Alright. But first I'd like you to tell me where you stand, professor."
"Where I stand ?"
"Well, yes. I am well aware of this Boy-Who-Lived nonsense and what Dumbledore was sprouting about me while I was… gone. I also know he expects me to be this oh, so light wizarding savior and kill the big bad Dark Lord. And if I am to trust you with my health, I need to know where you stand with Dumbledore. Are you going to report to him about me?"
Severus' eyes widened.
He didn't believe it when Lucius warned him that Harry was less than fond of Albus, but the boy spat his name out with such venom, he was left shocked.
This was in no way Dumbledore's golden boy they were all expecting.
It made Severus curious.
If the boy didn't follow Dumbledore, everything would change. Severus is sworn to protect Harry, the vow doesn't state which side the boy must be on.
"I will not tell him anything you don't want him to know, Hadrian."
The young slytherin still looked suspicious, but nodded.
"I see. And what is your stance about the Dark Lord?"
Snape blanched back.
He was not in any way expecting this.
"I do not serve him."
Just as these words left his mouth, Harry's eyes glinted as if spotting a prey and he smiled.
A chilling, bloodthirsty grin that sent shivers down Snape's spine.
"I think you're lying, professor. That pretty little tattoo on your arm tells me a different story."
Snape's breath hitched.
How did the boy know?
"Did Lucius tell you?" he hissed at the boy, suddenly angry. He had no right to such information! None. But when Harry continued smiling, Severus became unnerved.
The boy looked like a little demon smelling blood.
"Oh, no. He didn't tell me about his either, but the magic that reeks off the mark is so… delicious ." Harry leaned in closer, as if to whisper a secret. "It reeks of the Dark Lord. "
Severus was at a loss for words.
Just what abilities did this boy have?
Wandless magic? Clearly magically powerful, if his colleagues boasting is anything to go by. Being able to sense or see magic?
Incredible.
Dangerous .
"However, I no longer serve him," Severus said firmly.
Harry laughed .
"Oh, but do you not know, professor? You don't break deals with the Devil. He breaks them with you. And until such a thing happens, you serve the Dark Lord." That little sinister smile had no place on a child's face. "So please, refrain from lying to me. I was merely asking to see where your views lie. Because let me tell you a secret, professor." Harry leaned in closer. "There never was nor will ever be a Light Savior, Harry Potter. He's dead and not coming back. I will never help the so-called light for what they did to me. Never. In fact, I will be there to watch them burn. Front row seat, if I can manage it. I can promise you that."
With that, Harry leaned back into his seat and sipped his tea, as if he didn't make a life changing confession to one Severus Snape.
A Potions professor who was gaping at the first year student in front of him.
A child who might as well have proclaimed his alliance with the Dark Lord, just not in so many words.
One thing Severus was sure of, that this child will make the world burn.