Hadrian Peverell

"What in the name of Merlin and Morgana came over you, James Potter?" Amelia asked her former auror. She was beyond shocked and disappointed to receive summons such as this. "Is it not enough? The charges of neglect against you, being demoted and on suspension, no, you simply must go against the orders and not only harass Hadrian in letters, but personally ambush him as well! Have you no shame?"

"Amelia, I can explain-"

"There's nothing to explain, James! You went against court orders! "

The man looked somewhat ashamed, but Amelia could see stubbornness in his eyes. The justification. 

"He's my son, Amelia, and I want for us to have a relationship-"

"Then where were you?!" Amelia snapped, something she hasn't done in years, but this case… this case just put her on edge. What they did was wrong, plain and simple, and none of them could see any wrongdoing of their own. Merlin, this man was just grating on her nerves.

James flinched back slightly slightly at her tone, but the witch wasn't done.

" Where were you , James, when he needed you? When muggles abused him? Hadrian believed you to be dead . You didn't even have the decency to write a letter, not once , so don't play the innocent card here. It's a little too late to have a relationship after abandoning him."

"It was the best choice! He was safe there, from Death Eaters, from Voldemort, Dumbledore assured us he'll be safer there!"

Amelia's face darkened.

Why did it always come back to Dumbledore?

"Safer? Voldemort is dead , James, he has been for a decade. Anyone could've killed Hadrian there by simply walking in-"

"He was protected by blood wards!"

" There were no wards on the house! " she bellowed at the wizard, slamming her hands on the table. " None ! Not even the simplest detection wards in case someone meaning harm walked in. And they were not his relatives, therefore, no blood wards!"

"Dumbledore-"

"Dumbledore lied!"

James stared.

And stared.

He looked startled at her proclamation, as if it never had occurred to him before that Albus could be wrong. Or not tell the truth. It was troubling.

Amelia sighed deeply, slumping down in her chair.

"Listen, James, you were a good auror, even if a bit prejudiced. Don't-" she lifted her hand to stop whatever the wizard wanted to say. "You are. Don't even deny it. And what happened with Hadrian is unacceptable and you will get no sympathy from me. You got what you deserved, James, and as a parent to parent, I find it disgusting. I would never leave Susan alone without constantly checking in on her and making sure everything was in order personally. Ever. And to think you did it, why? Because Dumbledore asked? Sure, you were worried about his supposed safety, but you didn't even check . I'm not surprised Hadrian doesn't want to see you, and as per court's order, you are no longer his guardian. You have no right to demand anything from the child."

"I am his father!"

"That means nothing. What you did today could and will land you in front of the judge again. I won’t be surprised if Lord Malfoy calls for the whole Wizengamot, and they will grant it, I assure you."

Potter paled.

"I-"

"You violated the court's order on not reaching out to heir Peverell - unless he agreed and was accompanied and supervised by his guardian and an auror - along with sending threatening, demanding and demeaning letters, where you also insult his current guardians. On top of that you ambush him in the headmaster office! What would you have done if he didn't have the forethought to bring his head of the house with him, hm? What?”

“We- I would’ve spoken to him… he- he’s in Slytherin, Amelia, he’s friends with Death Eater kids and Merlin knows what horrible influences he has! He would’ve seen the right way after we were done with him!”

Amelia looked at him as if he was unhinged.

“There is nothing wrong with Slytherin, James. Hadrian is top of his year and is adjusting wonderfully for someone who’s been through abuse. He has friends and support, and these attacks from you and your associates must stop. Actually, I will be ordering you to see a mind healer. Don’t even-” she glared at the wizard who was about to argue. “No. There is something wrong with you if you think your behaviour is acceptable. And you will no longer be working for an Auror division. You’re unreliable at best. I cannot trust your judgement.”

“What?! You can’t do this to me! I’m-”

“I can and I will. Merlin knows if you just turned the other way just because someone was in Slytherin or if your judgement hasn’t been compromised. As well as you’re going to be back on trial, James, because if anything, I’m certain of one thing - Lucius Malfoy will stop at nothing to protect his family.”

“Harry’s my family!”

“ Hadrian is the ward of the Malfoy family, not Potter family. And Lucius was livid after what you’ve done and he has the evidence to back it up. You’re in a deep mess, James. You’ll be lucky to get out of Azkaban sentence this time. I’m certain that Lucius will push for it.”

James paled.

“They have no right! No one would believe a Death Eater over me-”

Amelia slammed her hand on the table again, this time livid.

“There are no more Death Eaters! Do you realize that you are slandering an upstanding wizard, who - might I remind you - saved your son ? Do you wish additional charges for slander? Because as of now, you have plenty of those, in writing . In letters you send to your own son, shaming him for his choices and berating him - you’re incredibly lucky Lily isn’t here to see this, because she would kill you with her bare hand for putting Hadrian through this.” Amelia continued on angrily, professionalism long forgotten. This case, just like to many others, felt personal to her. The backlash of this will be huge.

James visibly blanched at Amelia’s words. He paled.

“Lily wouldn’t-”

“She would. You forget she was my friend as well, and one thing for sure she would have never allowed anyone - not even you - to hurt her son like this. It’s despicable. And I hope that you will realize before it’s too late the damage you’ve done.”

James' face was pasty white.

“I- I…”

“I don’t wish to hear any more of your excuses. I suggest not going anywhere until I come back. I must speak with Dumbledore first.”

And won’t that be another nightmare.

Harry waited for the next day’s Prophet with jittery anticipation.

“Will you calm down? You’re giving me a headache” Draco muttered unhappily. He just wanted to eat in peace.

“I am calm. Just want to see what the paper says. Who knows what happened after they left the office?”

One thing Harry knew is that Dumbledore never came back to the castle.

Perhaps he never will. Harry was getting tired of being stared at by that barmy old coot.

Harry was right to think it will make the front page.

James Potter and Albus Dumbledore continue harassing Hadrian Peverell; Potter is back on trial for violating courts orders and the Headmaster faces suspension

My dear readers, I have something juicy for you today! We all know the tragic story of our young hero Hadrian Peverell (previously Harry Potter, read on page 13), but unfortunately it doesn’t end there.

As of yesterday, I was informed of more horrible news surrounding heir Peverell. It seems that the first Hogwarts year has not been without its hardships for the new Slytherin. This whole time he has been continuously harassed by James Potter, who has taken to sending him more and more aggressive letters when Hadrian chose to ignore them. Additionally, James Potter incorporated help of Molly Weasley, who’s youngest son has been reported to harass heir Peverell at Hogwarts on the orders of them both, and she has been sending disturbing letters as well, threatening to take him away from his family.

My dear readers, I cannot tell you how disturbed I was to hear that our young hero has to deal with such hardship again, at the hands of those who are supposed to care for him! 

But it ends here, after the events of last night.

James Potter and Albus Dumbledore tried to secretly ambush heir Peverell in the headmaster’s office, ignoring the court’s orders of not contacting heir Peverell in any way, shape or form. Merlin knows what would’ve happened if heir Peverell hadn’t brought the Head of House Slytherin and Potions Master Severus Snape along with his guardian Lucius Malfoy with him.

According to my sources, Potter immediately insulted and threatened Lord Malfoy and then insinuated on causing harm onto heir Peverell. That’s when the aurors were called.

“I’m disgusted by such behaviour. Clearly Potter does not possess his full faculties and is a danger to others, if he spews such disgusting things in the hearing range of an eleven year old. I’m just glad that Hadrian is safe and didn’t have to face the man alone. Merlin knows what could’ve happened.” said Lord Malfoy. “As for the headmaster, he is facing suspension for the upcoming two weeks as his involvement will be discussed in court.”

Harry was going to hang this on his wall.

This was brilliant.

Skeeter included a jab on the Weasleys as well.

“You got Dumbledore suspended, eh?” Pucey grinned from the other side of the table. “No one has ever managed that before.”

“What can I say, I enjoy doing the impossible,” Harry grinned right back. “Who knows what I’m going to do next.”

The whole Slytherin table looked surprisingly chipper, continuously glancing at the head table and smirking.

Gryffindor’s couldn't look more gloom though, a lot of them shooting Ronald disapproving looks.

“Are you alright, though? The whole ordeal couldn’t have been pleasant,” Gemma Farley asked, and Hadrian shot her a curious look. Was she really concerned? 

Blaise snorted before Harry could contemplate an answer.

“Knowing Hadrian he must’ve cackled all the way down to the dungeons.”

Harry’s eyes narrowed and he shot a mild stinging jinx at Blaise. “Ouch! What was that for! I’m right!”

“Perhaps. But I did not cackle." No, he just jumped around, smiling like an idiot. But nobody needed to know that.

“So, what are we doing today?” Draco chimed in, feeling smug after reading his father’s letter, but taking his warning to be careful in case Dumbledore’s loyalists decide to take their anger out on either of them. 

Harry smirked. “Gloating.”

“Alright, Mr Gloating, we have tons of homework to do. Let’s not forget the two feet essay McGonagall is trying to kill us with or that thrice cursed history test.”

Harry rolled his eyes at Theo, but he knew the boy was right. Magic may come easy to him, but it didn’t exempt him from doing homework, unfortunately. 

And he’s been off-putting them the past few days in order to sneak around the castle.

“Fine,” he grumbled. “You kill all my joy, Theo.”

Nothing really changed in the upcoming days.

Healer Dipitt was happy with his progress and his eyesight was completely corrected. Finally. 

Unfortunately, he’ll still have to take numerous nasty potions to improve his health.

Can’t win at everything, right?

Classes continued to be a breeze, yet a few teachers, including McGonagall, seemed to be a bit colder towards him. It seemed that him getting Dumbledore suspended was the crime of highest order in some eyes.

Gryffindor’s felt especially slighted, if their continued attacks in the hallways - both verbal and magical - was any indicator.

It took Harry dodging, swearing and actually cursing them back for them to realize that Hadrian wasn’t one to be messed with.

“You’re a traitor, Potter! First you get sorted into Slytherin, then betray Dumbledore! You will regret this!” Alex Sykes, sixth year gryffindor shouted as he was walking to the bathroom, sending what Harry presumed to be some sort of jinx towards him, which he simply dodged. The boy couldn’t aim for shit.

“My name is Hadrian Peverell, you dimwitted fool,” he drawled in a bored tone. “And you can’t betray someone you were never loyal to.”

That seemed to enrage the boy even more.

It also irked Harry that they believed he would be loyal to those idiots. Why would he? They never did anything for him.

“You’re a coward!”

Harry’s had enough.

He raised his hand, focusing on the tingling in his fingers - something he was now aware was his magic , calling out to him, ready to do it’s Master’s bidding, and slammed Sykes backwards into the wall.

“I am sick and tired of fools like you,” Harry hissed at him, eyes glinting angrily. “Nothing but weak and pathetic fools who forgot their place.”

“It’s you who forgot your place! Acting all high and mighty when you’re nothing but a freak !”

Harry froze for a moment, that word bringing its own nightmares with it to the front of Harry’s mind, making him remember when Vernon- no. He will not go down that road. It’s a slippery slope and Harry’s better than that - stronger.

He was never a freak. Never.

He was special. Powerful. No longer helpless.

Oppressive magic started steadily filling the air, reflecting Harry’s anger. His shame.

The other boy’s eyes widened once that magic touched him. Once he felt it.

“Freak, you say?” Harry asked softly, stepping closer. “So far you’re all talk, no show. Attacking a first year from behind, like a true coward. So much for that Gryffindor bravery. Tut-tut.”

“I’m way better than you, traitor! And after we’re done with you, you’ll be begging to be accepted back!”

Good Merlin, were all gryffindors so dense?

“I’m happy where I am, thank you. But you’ve insulted me and I can't let that go, can I?” Harry smiled at the gryffindor with too many teeth for it to be considered anything less than malicious. 

“You’ll do nothing to me, you weak-”

“ Enough! ” This time, Harry truly has had enough. “You’re speaking too much. Be silent! ” Harry growled at the boy and released his magic at the clearly suicidal teen. “Perhaps someone should sew your mouth shut .”

Harry ignored the boy’s screams, watching his magic do his bidding with a gleeful smile on his face, not noticing another pair of eyes watching from afar.

“Did you hear? Alex Sykes, the gryffindor? He’s in a hospital wing, his mouth literally sewn shut. Madam Pomfrey is having trouble fixing it. I heard he pissed off the Bloody Baron.”

“I call that bull, ghosts can’t hurt students.”

“Who else could it be?”

“Maybe the Weasley twins pranked him. Everyone knows they hold some sort of grudge against each other.”

“Yeah, maybe.”

Harry was listening to rumours with a content smile on his face, which didn’t go unnoticed by his classmates once they joined him at the table.

“It was you, wasn’t it?” Draco asked, slightly exasperated. He was still surprised at times at Peverell’s sadistic tendencies.

“Was it?” Harry smiled back at him. “If it was, he deserved it.”

“What has he done?” Nott inquired, knowing there was more to it. There was always something more with Peverell. 

“Attacked me when I was walking to the bathroom and then proceeded to insult me. I just fixed the problem.”

There was silence.

“He attacked you?!” Draco was furious. He wished he was there so he could teach the Sykes himself. Then he turned on Harry. “You shouldn’t be walking anywhere alone!”

Harry shrugged. “It was during a lesson, it’s not like I could ask professor to let us all leave. It’s ridiculous. Besides, I can handle myself.”

“ No way . Couldn’t have figured that one out myself.” Blaise snorted, joining the conversation. “Rumour is Pomfrey still hasn't fixed the tosser.”

Harry smirked at that. “Good.” 

“You should still tell Snape,” Draco persisted. He’s been bugging Harry to tell his godfather about the attacks this whole week, but the boy wasn’t budging. “It’s becoming ridiculous. Who knows what they’ll do next.”

“Draco’s right, Hadrian. It would be much safer and more fun if we let Snape handle it. Imagine all the lost points and detentions…”

“Fine,” Harry snapped. “If you want to snitch to Snape so badly, go ahead. But there’s not much he can do either way, so, when you come back empty handed I’ll tell you I told you so.”

Because that’s how it usually went.

You tell the teacher someone is mean to you and they end up doing nothing. Or blaming you altogether. You should be nicer to Piers, Harry, then he’ll be nicer to you. It was always like that.

Other slytherins shared a look, but said nothing further on the subject, instead choosing to discuss their latest homework.

More and more students started piling into the Great Hall, 

“Say, Peverell, was that you who cursed that idiotic gryffindor?” Cassius Warrington pushed Blaise aside to sit next to Harry, ignoring his warning glare. 

“What’s it to you?”

The third year smiled. “So far? Thirteen galleons, eighteen sickles and counting.”

Harry raised a brow in question. 

“Betting, Peverell” Pucey sat down across from them, also smirking. “There is a betting pool going on between Slytherin, Ravenclaw, two Puffs and even a few Gryffindors this time! Everyone’s betting on who has finally had enough and cursed that idiot. Cassius here placed his bet on you.”

Harry couldn’t hold his smirk. They bet on him ? He felt a bit like preening at that moment.

And why has no one told him there’s a betting pool before?!?

“And who did you put your bet on, Pucey?” he asked instead.

“Well, after hearing you snapped Weasley’s hand in two for even touching you, it’s not that far-fetched to believe you’d do this too. So far, you’re the completely opposite of what we’ve all expected of you, Pot-Peverell. I placed a galleon on you.”

Harry hummed.

This was certainly interesting.

“Who else is there to bet on?” Draco asked.

“Weasley twins, Bloody Baron, Snape, you, Adrian here, the Carrow twins, Marcus Flint and for some reason, Oliver Wood.”

“Don’t forget Aidan Lestrange.”

“Oh, right.”

Draco preened proudly. “Ha! I made the list!”

Harry rolled his eyes fondly. “Yes, Draco, you’re terrifying. I’ll bet two sickles on you.” he teased.

“Only two sickles?!” Draco pouted. “I’m highly insulted and will no longer be talking to you effective immediately.”

Nott snorted.

“Hadrian’s only not betting on you because he knows you didn’t do shit, Draco. Stop being dramatic.

“Fine. But who in Merlin’s name would bet on Bloody Baron? He’s a ghost!”

“Yes, but a terrifying ghost. Gryffindor’s are in firm belief he’s some sort of death sign, kind of like the grim,” Warrington cackled. “Pathetic, really.”

Harry couldn’t help but agree, even if he had no idea what this grim character was. Yet.

“Who are these Weasley twins? I keep hearing about them.”

“They’re in our year,” Warrington looked painted. “Beaters for their quidditch team.”

“They’re basically pranksters. Complete meanances. They had detention all year last year because they dared to prank Snape during class,” Pucey continued on. “I mean, points for the bravery and all, but you have to be suicidal to do that kind of shit during Potions. They’re lucky Snape didn’t kill them.”

“What did they do?” They were all curious.

Warrington smirked.

“You tell us if you cursed Sykes and we’ll tell you what Weasleys did last year.”

Harry smirked. 

What did he expect, really?

They were slytherins.

“Deal, you fist.”

“When they don’t experiment, the twins are weirdly adept in potions. However, during that class one of them caused a distraction by messing up the ingredients and causing fumes to basically fill the classroom while the other tried to charm Snape’s robes pink, I suppose.”

“It worked, kind of,” Pucey looked wistful. “His robe was littered with small pink flowers, and then their cauldron exploded, causing at least five students to go to the hospital wing for extreme paranoia and hearing voices.”

“Would’ve been funny if Snape wasn’t livid,” Warrington nodded. “He took away a hundred points and gave them three months of detention, adding to it whenever they so much as smirked at his direction.”

“Not that it stopped them from causing mayhem.”

Harry was outright laughing with his friends. This was hilarious.

He wondered what kind of potion they made to cause such a reaction though. He’d definitely try it on someone who annoys him.

“Your turn, little Peverell.”

“Fine, I cursed the idiot.”

They waited for more details, but it was obvious Harry won’t be saying anything else.

“Come on, give us details. We didn’t hold them back.”

“That was your decision, wasn’t it?” Harry smirked. Really, what did they expect from him? Freebies? “Details weren’t in the deal.”

Warrington started laughing. “Well said, Peverell. As slytherin as they come, eh? What do you want?”

“You’re not serious, Cassius…”

“Come on, Adrian, you’re just as curious to see what he did that even Matron can’t remove it.”

Pucey grumbled, clearly unhappy, but nodded.

“A favor, of course,” he was also curious to see if they’ll refuse him. He didn’t really care if they did, but having someone owe you one never hurt.

“Agreed,” Warrington said easily. “Now, details.”

And Harry told them exactly what had happened, evading the exact words the bastard had said to him, not wanting them to think he was weak.

They seemed awed, but Harry didn’t miss the furious expressions when he mentioned Sykes attacking him.

“But what spell did you use?”

Harry shrugged. “I didn’t. I just told my magic to sew his mouth shut. He was blabbing too much and too loud.”

Now even his friends were giving him wide eyed looks.

“You told your magic ?” Warrington asked quietly, not taking his eyes off the boy.

Harry nodded slowly, not sure what this was about.

“But how is that possible? You need a spell - a right incantation !” Pucey looked to be between awed and scandalized.

“It’s magic , isn’t it? Sometimes what you want is enough,” Harry said simply, and it was.

He never knew any incantation before coming to Hogwarts and it worked just fine.

Sure, knowing an incantation and the right wand movement made it easier, required less concentration, but using his sheer will and intent worked just fine. Harder to control and even harder to master, but it worked. That’s all Harry cared about.

“Bloody hell,” Warrington said under his breath, not taking his eyes off of Harry. “I’d pay to watch that.”

It felt like a compliment.

“Don’t encourage him” Blaise muttered offhandedly, but secretly, he was terrified. Hadrian was powerful, he could feel it. He’s seen it. 

He never wanted to be on the wrong side of it.

It.

A beast that lies hiding just under the surface, and emerges once Hadrian is pushed a bit too far.

It terrified him.

It awed him.

Both in equal measures and he couldn’t wait to see what Hadrian does next.

The older slytherins couldn’t look more eager either.

Their future will surely be interesting.

“I can almost feel those galleons I’m going to win.”

“You’ll spend it all in one go in Hogsmeade anyway” Pucey grumbled.

“Isn’t it worth it, though?”

Harry shouldn’t have been surprised to have been called to Snape’s office the very next day.

“Sit. Tea?”

Harry nodded and was served a cup of Earl Grey, and watched how Snape served one for himself as well, sat down and peered intently at Harry.

“Would you like to tell me what transpired between you and Mr Sykes?”

“He attacked me,” Harry blurred out, knowing damn well that if Snape asked, he already knew. There was no point in lying.

Snape sighed heavily, suddenly looking ten years older.

“How so? He’s a sixth year student - not exactly bright or talented, but he’s still much older than you. How did he end up in a hospital wing and you look more than fine?”

Harry had a hard time stopping himself from grinning.

“It’s not my fault he’s weak, professor. Nobody stopped him from undoing the immobilizing spell.”

“Did he have his wand then?”

Harry shrugged. He had no idea where his wand went after being blasted and didn’t really care either.

Snape sighed again. “Tell me what transpired. All of it, Mr Peverell.”

And he did, watching how professor’s expression darkened with every word. 

Snape pinched the bridge of his nose in what Harry presumed to be an incoming headache and exasperation. “Merlin gracious,” he stood up and started pacing around the office. “Why didn’t you come to tell me that most of the student body is attacking you, Mr Peverell? Including this incident?”

Harry shrugged again, crossing his arms defensively. “It’s not like you can do anything.”

He heard Snape curse under his breath, something that sounded a lot like ‘ bloody muggles’ and ‘murder’ .

“I am a teacher and your Head of the House. Of course you should come with these things to me.”

“Tell me, professor, did you receive an influx of slytherins in the past day telling you about this exact same… issue?”

Because that’s the only explanation how he knew about other incidents.

“Your friends were worried, Hadrian. So am I.”

“I can take care of myself.”

“I don’t doubt that. But this is unacceptable. You are a first year student and I will not allow the student body to blame you for something that you have no fault in.”

Harry didn’t say anything. He heard this kind of thing before and nothing was ever done. That’s how it was in schools - empty promises and no change. If you want something done, you have to do it yourself.

Harry heard Snape sighing again.

“Would you like to tell me what kind of curse you put on Mr Sykes? I will not be reprimanding you - this was clearly self defence. I’d just like to get Poppy off my back.”

“I don’t know. I was just… angry he was saying all that stuff and wanted for his mouth to be sewn shut. And my magic complied.”

Of course it did, although now he was curious to know what kind of spell it actually was. Probably something dark and illegal. 

Cool. 

“That’s… impressive. Twenty points to Slytherin for using advanced magic in self defence.”

Grin overtook his face. 

“Thank you, professor.”

Snape grunted. “Now, onto another matters. Lucius and Narcissa asked me to pass you this,” the older wizard handed him what seemed to be a package. “I believe there is something for Draco inside as well, but either way, open it when you are in your dormity.”

Harry nodded in thanks.

This was probably the book he asked of Lucius.

“You may go now. I’ll deal with Mr Sykes and would appreciate it if you actually came to tell me when something happens, Hadrian. You could get hurt.”

Harry looked at the professor for a good minute, surprised to see concern behind the usual stoic mask.

“We’ll see, professor. Have a good the rest of the day.”

“You as well, child.”

Severus Snape went on a rampage.

Anyone who even looked at Hadrian wrong, let alone used spells or cursed, were losing points left, right and middle.

Snape handed out detentions as if they were going out of fashion.

By the end of the week Gryffindor was in the negatives, someone was cleaning out dirty cauldrons daily and Filch actually seemed happy with the amount of students he now could punish.

Additionally, someone older - usually a prefect - was shadowing Harry’s group most of the time and taking points from those who still dared to say anything nasty.

Harry wanted to be mad for such a treatment, but he couldn’t. It was too amusing seeing their anger and clear pure want to strangle Harry on the spot, but in his opinion, they got what they deserved.

And his respect for Severus Snape skyrocketed.

The wizard kept his word. More than.

He literally went out of his way to punish anyone who dared to harass him.

To think all of them were Dumbledore supporters made it so much sweeter. Harry asked Theo to take all of their names just in case. Know thy enemy and all that.

Dumbledore will be coming back in a few days and this will be his welcome.

Harry couldn’t wait.

“You’re being too harsh, Severus,” McGonagall said. “They’re just kids! They don’t know any better!”

“They most certainly do, Minerva. I refuse to stand aside and do nothing while your students treat Hadrian like some sort of criminal just because of what happened to Albus. It’s cruel and inhumane. And completely unfair too.”

The witch pursed her lips.

“I still think you’re being too harsh.”

“Then perhaps you should speak with your students, Minerva, on how not to attack a first year student, hm?”

“He’s not wrong. I had a few of my Puffs come to me concerned for the boy's safety,” Pomona nodded along. “I’ve taken quite a few points myself. Some of the older years from light families are entirely too aggressive. Muggleborns especially.”

“And their aggression is completely unfounded. The boy did nothing wrong.”

“They blame him for Albus suspension” Minerva huffed. “He was removed only because of this alleged conspiracy of ambushing Harry.”

Severus stared at her incredulously along other heads of houses.

“Alleged? There’s nothing alleged there, Minerva. I was there, or have you forgotten?” She huffed again, clearly still in disbelief. “If this continues I have no doubt in my mind that Lucius Malfoy will intervene and it won’t be pretty. It’s his ward they are attacking. Unless you want to be suspended yourself for supporting bullying against an abused boy hero, Minerva, I suggest you change your tune.”

She looked shocked.

“I must agree with Severus, Minerva,” Filius chimed in. “The boy has already been through enough, this kind of behaviour towards him is unacceptable.”

“This wouldn’t have happened if he was in Gryffindor” she still looked unhappy. 

Severus’ eyes narrowed.

He knew Minerva favoured her lions like nobody’s business, and was especially fond of thrice damned Marauders, but could she really be one of those who held a grudge against Hadrian for being sorted into his house?

She clearly believed the boy will follow in his parents footsteps.

“Well, he isn’t a gryffindor,” Snape said coldly. “He is not his father, Minerva. Peverell is Slytherin through and through.” 

Minerva looked salty, for the lack of a better word.

“Oh, come on, Severus, he’d make a perfect Ravenclaw,” Filius winked. “He reads more than most of my students.”

“Reads, yes. He loves learning, but trust me, he has no love for actually doing homework.” And Severus would know. Draco complained enough that Hadrian gets too immersed in a book that is not on the school's curriculum and leaves his essays for the last minute.

And yet, his homework is done excellently more times than not.

“Right. Enough about that. Let’s proceed on…”

The next time Harry saw Sykes, he shot the boy his most innocent smile he could manage. Yet, the boy paled, turned around and ran the other way from the mere sight of him.

This felt like power. Like a rush.

It felt good to be the one with the upper hand. He spent years being someone else's punching bag; he wasn’t about to be pushed around again.

Never again.

“So, Dumbledore is coming back today,” Blaise said casually.

“And it’s Samhain. Not the best odds in the world,” Theo added. “Are we doing the ah-” he glanced at Hadrian cautiously. “- ritual ?”

Harry rolled his eyes.

“I’m not an idiot, Theo. And I’m well aware of our world’s rituals and celebrations. What, did you expect me to go gorge myself with candy? I’m not Goyle.”

Theo’s face reddened. 

“Sorry. It’s just… not many people still do the rituals. It’s… I'm sure you know how stigmatized they are.”

“You mean illegal ? Frowned upon? I’m well aware. Draco’s father can vouch for witnessing me ranting about it for an hour… maybe more.”

Draco snickered.

“Father told me about it. He was pleasantly surprised. Said he expected Harry to want to celebrate the muggle holidays. Mother was ecstatic too.”

Harry furrowed his nose. What was the point? He had no fond memories of them. Any and every holiday he was forced to cater to the Dursleys and their guests. It was officially ruined.

And they have magical holidays.

Why in seven hells would he exchange them for muggle ones? It was preposterous. 

“Well, I have no idea how to draw a runic circle. Father always took care of it.” Draco looked a bit nervous.

“I don’t either,” Blaise looked sheepish.

“I mean, I helped with it last year, but I don’t remember it fully,” Theo added.

Harry rolled his eyes.

“And I’m the one who lived with muggles-” he grumbled. “I’ll do it.”

“How?!” Draco spluttered. “You’ve never-”

“I’m well aware, Draco, thanks.” Draco blanched back at Harry’s cold tone. “However, I have a book about the ritual and how to do it, the specifics and all that. We just need a room.”

“Well, I know that older slytherins go to one of the abandoned classrooms in the dungeons.”

“That’s not a bad idea, although…” Harry frowned, thinking. Where were they doing these rituals before they were banned? Certainly there must be some sort of ritual rooms. But where? “Are there any ritual rooms in Hogwarts?”

The boys shared looks.

“Not that I know of. I could ask father, but we won’t receive a reply for a few days,” Draco said. “We could ask Snape.”

“Would he tell us? He is a teacher.” Blaise looked slightly worried.

Draco rolled his eyes. “He’s the head of Slytherin. Do you honestly believe he doesn't know what's going on?"

Blaise conceded his point. "Fair enough. Or we could ask prefects."

Harry, however, was having a different sort of ideas.

"Wait here. I know exactly who to ask."

"Bloody Baron?"

Harry was feeling nervously excited about speaking with this ghost.

The fact that you could actually speak with a ghost was still so bizzare-

"Yes, young Peverell?"

Harry was startled. "You know who I am?"

"Of course. It's been a while since one of you came to Hogwarts. What can I do for you, child?"

One of you? What did that mean?

"Oh, I was hoping you could direct my friends and I to ritual chambers. I'm sure there are some in Hogwarts, we just have no idea where. It's Samhain, after all."

Bloody Baron stared at him without saying a word for such a long time that Harry began fidgeting. Did he say something wrong?

"Ritual chambers, eh? It's been decades since anyone used them. People seemed to have forgotten their existence. Such a shame."

I knew it , Harry thought. 

"Will you show me?"

"Yes. Follow me, child."

"Where were you?!" Draco shrieked, as Harry strutted into the common room, happy as you please.

"Out."

"You're not supposed to be out alone, you know that." Theo pressed his lips, clearly unhappy. In fact, quite a few older years looked disgruntled as well.

Were they looking for him?

"I told you I can handle myself," Harry rolled his eyes. "Anyway, I have something to share with you." Harry raised simple privacy wards around them and huddled them all a bit closer. "I found the ritual chambers."

"Already?!"

"How?"

"Where?"

Harry smirked, seeing excited and incredulous looks they were giving him.

"Down in the dungeons. The entrance was sealed, but I had help."

"Did you ask Severus?" Draco's eyes widened. He sincerely doubted that. He knew his godfather would've come to reprimand them for letting Harry leave all alone.

"Nope. Found someone better." Harry leaned in, feeling very much like he was conspiring. "Bloody Baron."

Their eyes widened.

It was a well known fact that the ghost barely spoke to anyone at all.

But to help as such?

"How did you get him to help you?"

Harry shrugged. "I asked."

"You asked?"

"Yes? It's not so hard, you know. He may not float around and talk nonsense like that annoying Gryffindor ghost, but he will answer if you ask him."

They were dumbfounded, but Harry could see respect blooming in his eyes.

"Merlin, Hadrian." Blaise muttered. 

"Yes, that's not all. He was incredibly helpful with preparation and had much to tell. Especially about what students have done centuries ago. What kind of rituals students performed before, which most are most likely illegal right now.”

It just reminded Hadrian that he was currently very unhappy with the treatment of their customs and traditions.

"Is that where you were all this time? Doing preparations?"

Harry nodded enthusiastically. 

In reality, he was nervous.

It was the first time he's done anything even remotely close, not to mention it was his first ever magical ritual, and Samhain to boot. 

When Bloody Baron led him down deeper and deeper into the dungeons, he was more than a little excited. The ritual rooms were sealed behind a blank wall, a statue of some weird and deformed wizard that was missing an ear standing in front of it.

He only needed to break the seal - which he did with the raw force of his magic, and state his intention to that bloody statute, and a door appeared.

It was brilliant and easy.

He walked in, pleased that torches lit up as he walked in, and the room appeared.

There was nothing inside it. It was completely empty and bare. 

Depending on the room, either the person or Hogwarts magic cleanses it after the ritual, according to Baron.

It was cool, if Harry could say so.

He pulled out the book and things he needed, and with guidance from the ghost along with the book, he drew the runic circles that were needed for the Samhain ritual.

It was fairly simple, he supposed, to those who've done it before, but Harry had no knowledge of these things as of now.

No matter, he will have time to study and learn it all in the upcoming years.

It took some time and effort, but it was done now.

From what he could understand, there were several rituals that could be done on this day. Only three were in the book, but there were certainly more of them. The first one was to see your loved ones was the most common one, as today was the day the veil was at its thinnest.

There were some who only did the ritual to honour the dead and feel the magic of this day, which was said to be powerful and entrancing. 

And there was one more; to summon Death. As far as Harry knew, nobody tried this one, simply because they had no reason to speak to death or were too afraid. It was said to be dangerous as well; there were instances were people wounded up dead, presuming from magical exhaustion, but some argued that they angered Death.

Harry was incredibly curious about all three of them. They were all similar in nature, but varying in the result.

Harry couldn't help but be fascinated. 

"Yes, I drew the circles and everything. The only thing needed are the candles, offerings and us."

His friends looked awed and excited, and Harry couldn't help but feel the same.

If everything goes right, he'll be able to meet his mother.

It was disappointing to see Dumbledore back in these halls.

The bastard was back for the lunch and looked way too smug in Harry's humble opinion.

The incident damaged his already shaky reputation and will probably lose his Chief Warlock position once everything gets out.

Lucius was dutifully updating Harry with what was going on, since nothing was released to the public yet: the investigation and trials were still ongoing.

"It won't be pretty," Lucius said to Harry, as he visited Snape's quarters. "Amelia Bones is being exceptionally unrelenting and vicious with charges and didn't need any prompting at all. In fact, she didn't even protest the Azkaban sentence I suggested, which is already a win."

"What about Dumbledore?"

Lucius scowled then. "That man weaseled his way out, but won't be coming unscathed, trust me on this. Once the news gets out, he will be lucky to still have this job. Unfortunately, he has too many supporters and too many people owe him favours, but this won't last forever. And he still will be charged, make no mistake of that, just less severely."

Harry was unhappy to hear this, but it was better than nothing.

From what he understood, many people tried to get rid of the old bastard throughout the years and they were unsuccessful, including the Dark Lord. He just had too much power and had his claws were in too many people. 

Too much influence.

Unfortunately for him, Harry had influence in spades.

He hated that he was called the Light Saviour of this world and whatnot, his fame now including his horrendous past, but this worked in Harry's favour now.

People won't let it slide if something happens to him because of Dumbledore.

At least there was that.

But tomorrow Potter was getting charged and Harry was visibly nervous and excited.

The outcome will be hilarious for him, but what will Dumbledore do?

He already tried to get him alone with Potter, what if this happens again? What was the old man’s plan? Why him?

"Do not walk anywhere alone, for any reason," Lucius told him, while Snape was nodding firmly in the background. "Anything could happen."

Harry protested, of course, saying he can protect himself just fine.

"We know that very well by now, Hadrian, but you can't just curse Dumbledore," Lucius had a knowing glint in his eyes, which told Harry he already knew about Sykes. "He doesn't need to know about your prowess, less he tries something drastic. Just stay out of his way and always have a student with you."

Harry conceded, eventually.

He knew it was for his own safety, even if he didn't like it.

"He doesn't look affected in the slightest," Theo muttered, after he finished staring at Dumbledore. 

"Of course, why would he? He doesn't blame himself in the slightest. Just wait, he'll try to spin this his own way." Harry muttered darkly and scowled outright when many students, especially Gryffindors clapped once they saw the coot back in his infernal chair.

Harry wanted to set it on fire.

"We're still doing the thing today, right?" Blaise asked, looking nervous.

"Of course. Why wouldn't we? Perhaps we can rope some ghost into strangling the old bastard."

Theo choked on his drink and started coughing.

"My ideas are too progressive for this time," Harry said highly, turning away from his friends with his chin raised up. “Contact me when you catch up.”

The feast was loud and obnoxiously muggle .

Hadrian was disgusted to see Halloween decorations and clearly muggle food littering the hall, ready for students to purge themselves on it.

It was disgusting.

Blasphemy .

This was a sacred holiday during which you honour the dead, the end of harvest, the one during which you fast , where you taste humble food, not stuff yourself full with sweets.

Could they not feel magic's dissatisfaction? Could they not feel the energy all throughout today, becoming stronger and colder as the midnight came closer, as the veil thinned even more?

Were they all so blinded, so fooled by fucking food and Dumbledore?

Acting like muggles.

Muggleborns looked ecstatic, of course, but all Harry could feel was burning hatred for a desecrated holiday. 

They were not muggles and catering to their needs was a bloody crime.

Lowering yourself to their beliefs out of what exactly?

Need to fit in? Why should they?

"Hadrian, you need to calm down," Draco nudged him slightly, looking slightly fearful.

Harry snapped out of it as he noticed the dishes around him covered with frost .

What the hell?

"Your magic is leaking out, little Peverell," Waringron said from the other side of the table, his voice strained. "You're clearly mad. Why?"

"Don't tell me you're not," Harry snapped at the boy, motioning all around. "This is-"

"Oh, we know, and it only gets worse each year. Dumbledore has a perverse liking to muggle candies and tends to throw them all around during Samhain. Oh, pardon me - Halloween ."

"Yeah, last year he had dancing skeletons as entertainment. Such a mockery should be punished," growled Flint from aside.

Harry's eye twitched.

He got the idea of wanting all students to feel welcome, but not at an expense of their own traditions. Not by mocking by mocking sacred holidays.

How having bloody dancing skeletons was not mocking Death?

It was bizarre.

Harry glared at the pot with muggle candy he vaguely recalled from the time that Dudley stuffed his face with it, and his magic banished it.

Everyone around jumped.

"What just happened?" Pansy squeaked.

“Hadrian just glared the muggle candy out of existence,” Theo answered in an amused tone, but he could see the anger in his eyes too, and if he was honest, he would rather be on the other side of the ocean than in the direct line of it.

Hadrian Peverell was a force to be reckoned with.

“Oh,” was the answer of the slytherins around them, as they realized the altitude of what transpired.

“Dumbledore looks exceptionally pleased,” Blaised muttered.

“Why wouldn’t he be? His plans are working out, he’s back at Hogwarts, looking way too smug,” Harry muttered darkly, as he shot a glare at the headmaster.

Fucking bastard had the gall to look all superior, despite what was going on.

He’ll get what’s coming for him. Just wait.

“He just got back from suspension, won’t there be some other action taken?” Pucey asked.

Harry smirked.

“Oh, come on, Peverell, we’re all curious if you’re going to get Dumbledore sacked permanently.”

“And about what’s going on altogether, there was nothing else mentioned in the Prophet, even though you said Potter was arrested.”

Curious eyes looked at Harry, and he felt the anger slowly receding, smugness overtaking it.

There was nothing in the prophet because there was a gag-order on the case, since it included him, an underage abused boy who got done over again. And Lucius insisted on it as well, playing a wonderful part of a furious guardian.

There won’t be any press release until the case is over and only what Lucius approved.

Surprisingly, Amelia Bones was accommodating to this request, feeling exceptionally sympathetic towards Harry, which helped them immensely.

“There were a few hearings, the trial is tomorrow,” Harry announced gleefully, imagining his father being carted off to Azkaban. That would serve him well.

“Do you think he’ll be punished? I mean, Dumbledore got off unscratched.”

“Father is pushing for an Azkaban sentence,” Draco said proudly, and Harry couldn’t help but notice the absolute faith Draco had in his fathers abilities.

He had no idea what it was like to believe in someone like that, without a clout of doubt and with absolute trust.

“Dumbledore has much more reach than my blasted excuse of a father,” Harry answered, knowing it to be true, and it was only because of those people he wasn’t sentenced along with that bastard. “He is influential and has his hooks in too many people, but he won’t be getting out unscratched. He was suspended, yes, but I’m certain there will be someone constantly checking in on him here and someone might just be investigation launched on him and Hogwarts.” At least Harry hoped. He’ll know after the trial.

Smirks started appearing on everyone’s faces after hearing that.

“There must be tons of dirt they can pin on him,” Warrington said gleefully. “We might as well dig up something as well, so then he can-”

The door slammed open.

“ Troll in the dungeons! !”

After a defeating moment of absolute silence, pandemonium erupted across the hall, students screaming at one another, most getting up, ready to run , but Harry’s eyes were glued to the professor and narrowed as he fainted.

Really ? 

“SILENCE!” Dumbledore bellowed and it was a surprisingly effective way to shut everyone up at once. “Prefects will lead all of you back to your common rooms. Professors will go with me,” he said and they all disappeared into the hallway aside of the Head table.

Harry froze as he registered what the old coot said.

Was he insane?

His eyes narrowed as slytherins started standing up and-

“SIT BACK DOWN!” Harry slammed his hands on the table and a burst of magic forced every single slytherin back into their seats with quite a few shrieks of surprise, a lot of them looking scandalised and confused.

“What was that- PEVERELL! We mustgo!” Flint hollered as he noticed that Harry was the only one standing and looked furious.

Many pulled out their wands and tried to finite the enchantment and were bewildered when they couldn’t.

Harry’s magic was too strong.

Too strong.

At this point the Great Hall was practically empty.

“Have you lost your minds?! ” Harry bellowed at them, ignoring the looks he was getting as the whole Slytherin table zeroed in on him. “Our common room is in the bloody dungeons , or have you forgotten that little fact! Or do you want to meet the bloody troll?!”

Many went pale as the realization dawned on them.

“Holy fuck,” Gemma Farley cursed out loud, channeling everyone’s thoughts at that moment. “We would’ve walked right into it.”

“What should we do then?” Cassius asked.

“Wait here until they deal with it? Eat?” Harry suggested snidely, not even a little bit amused.

Did they not possess a slightest shred of original thought? Merlin.

“Well, then. I guess we’re staying. And- oh , is he dead?” Gemma pointed at the professor, still lying on the floor.

Harry’s eyes snapped to him and he stood up, walking up to the professor.

“Hey, Peverell! Why can’t we move? What kind of spell is this?!” someone shouted from the table and Harry smirked.

Honestly, he had no idea. He just commanded his magic in the pit of panic and it reacted.

“You’ll be free once a professor enters the room.” Harry said and crouched down next to Quirell, letting his magic wash over the man.

He grinned.

“Nice act, professor. You are not fooling me,” he whispered to the man, who was clearly awake and faking.

But why?

“Is he dead?!” Shouted Pucey, sounded a tad bit too excited.

Harry could relate. Even he was getting sick of the constant stench of garlic and that god awful stuttering.

“Not yet. I’ll take him to the hospital wing.”

There was a brief moment of silence before shouts erupted.

“The hell you are!”

“Come back here, Peverell!”

“Are you bloody mad?!”

“Undo the spell!”

“You are not walking out of here alone!”

Harry looked amused by this, feeling something warm in his chest at the protectiveness radiating from his friends.

Draco looked somewhere between fierce and panicked when he failed again and again to get up.

“Harry! If you don’t take me with you I will tell father about it!”

Harry shrugged.

“Not if I tell him first,” he countered, grinning at the shocked face of Draco and snorts of others.

“Don’t you dare to go alone!”

“Not alone. I have a professor with me.”

“An unconscious one!”

Harry shrugged again. “If you manage to get up from the table, you may come with,” Harry said as he levitated professor and started walking out, hearing voices of outrage he was leaving behind.

He’ll deal with it later on.

This was too good of an opportunity not to take, and if he somehow encounters the troll… well, he has magic. And if that doesn’t work, he can run and hide fast.

He had experience.

Harry walked for a minute until he was far enough before dropping Quirrell down on the floor with no warning. It was satisfying to hear a grunt after the man hit the ground.

“You should reconsider your career, professor. Theater would suit you better.”

Quirrell got up from the ground, eyes fierce and calculating, staring straight into Harry’s soul.

Harry felt excited .

“And how did you know, Mr Peverell? Such deduction ?”

Harry shrugged. “I’m not stupid, professor, and neither are you. It’s well known you know how to deal with trolls and for you to stage such a dramatic entrance and then faint ? Others might’ve believed it, perhaps a few teachers, but it was obvious if you knew where to look.”

Quirell looked guarded, but Harry could see an amused glint in his eyes.

“So, a distraction , professor? I wonder what for?” Harry hummed and reached out with his magic to feel around the professor and act as a shield in case of him lashing out. And oh . That spark , whatever Quirell was guarding deep inside himself, was more present than ever before.

Oh, the intrigue .

“You’re more perceptive than what I gave you credit for, Mr Peverell” the man muttered.

Yes, Harry was perceptive and more often than not it was his saving grace.

The man didn’t answer his question though.

Harry cocked his head to the side, eyes narrowing, mind whirling thousand miles an hour.

“Say, professor… you wouldn’t be after whatever the doggy is guarding, would you?”

The man froze momentarily before feigning nonchalance again.

Bingo .

Harry’s smile turned viscous and he stepped closer to the wizard, elated for having figured this out.

“Of course not, Mr Peverell. I’m a professor.”

“Funny how you didn’t deny knowing about the doggy. Or is it something else now? After all, I did let it slip to Amelia Bones when she escorted Dumbles out.”

Harry saw delight flash in the eye’s of the professor. He looked genuinely amused.

“I haven’t the slightest of what you’re accusing me of, Mr Peverell.”

“Of course not. So you wouldn’t have disappeared when all the students vacated the hall?” Harry knew he was right on point when the professor didn’t answer. “What a shame Slytherin stayed put.”

“Indeed. Quite a feat you performed there, Mr Peverell. I’ve yet to see a first year student with so much control over his magic. Wandless magic.” Harry’s eyes narrowed at the tone. Was this a threat? “I can’t quite wait to see what else you do, Mr Peverell. Consider me officially curious.”

Harry wasn’t sure whether this was a bad or a good thing, however, the man had ulterior motives and he was damn curious to know what those were.

“Then keep that curiosity for yourself, professor. It would be such a shame if the Defence Position curse got to you sooner than it does to most, wouldn't it?”

And Harry was absolutely sure that the rumours about the curse were true.

Students said there was a new teacher each and every year, no one stayed more than one. Something horrible happened to every professor, for decades.  

It was a horribly curious thing, one more thing Hadrian was going to look into out of sheer curiosity. But there was one thing, one advantage he had; he could practically see narrow, barely there tendrils of magic, something dark wrapping itself around the professor, becoming stronger every day and Harry had an inkling it was the curse.

It felt malevolent .

Was it hiding this magical potential within Quirrell as well or was it something else?

“Is that a threat?” Quirells hissed quietly, his expression changing just a bit, but Harry had a feeling the professor was amused as well.

For some reason, his scar prickled.

Huh. weird. 

“Not at all, professor. Just a mere warning to keep things to yourself. After all, you have things to hide and we wouldn’t want those getting out as well?”

Then the most bizarre thing happened.

Quirrell smiled .

“You make a hard bargain, Mr Peverell. How slytherin of you.”

Harry smirked. “I'm as slytherin as they come, professor.” And wasn’t that the truth.

“Yes, I’m beginning to realize that,” the man muttered, too quietly for Harry to hear.

Harry cocked his head to the side, contemplating whether to sate his curiosity or not. He was certain he won’t get an answer anyway, but…

“So, what is the cerberus guarding, professor Quirrell?”

The man blinked, taken aback by Harry’s bluntness.

“I haven’t the slightest. What does Dumbledore and Potter want from you?” he asked in return and Harry scowled.

“ That is none of your business, professor.”

“Then neither it’s yours.”

Harry glared at the man.

Of course he wouldn’t be getting any answers, but at least he now had concrete proof that there was more to the professor than met the eye.

He has a whole year to investigate anyway. Not a big loss, he's not getting his answers today.

“I’m sure you can find your way back, professor.”

“Don’t run into a troll, Mr Peverell. I have a feeling it wouldn’t come out alive.”

Harry shot him a sharp, vicious smile, then turned on his heel and left.

“Are you completely out of your mind?!” 

Harry crossed his arms and glared at the professor.

“One, nothing happened, and two, I was with a professor.”

“An unconscious professor!”

“Please, he woke up quickly. And I wasn't in any danger whatsoever.”
“You left the Great Hall without any protection! There was a troll on the loose - it could’ve killed you!”

Harry rolled his eyes.

“No it couldn’t have. I could’ve easily smacked the thing down and ran, if the need arose. I’m not an idiot.”

“Then why did you leave the bloody hall?!”

Harry sighed deeply. He should’ve expected this and Draco was a bloody snitch.

“I did nothing wrong. In fact, you should be thanking me. I kept students seated and safe while the old coot told everyone to leave. They would’ve ended up in the dungeons and most likely hurt!”

Snape bristled, but his anger receded just a bit.

“Yes, you did a smart thing, although I’m still quite unsure on how you managed that - and trust me, enough slytherins complained, but I digress. You made Slytherin proud, thought ahead and for that I grant you fifty well earned points.” Harry grinned. “And I take ten for leaving the safety of the Hall.” Harry’s face changed immediately, scowling. “Be glad it’s not a detention, although I’m still not sure it shouldn’t be.”

“If you give me it, I will not come for I don’t deserve it,” Harry said harshly, and he meant it. 

Snape scowled.

“Fine, brat. However, I expect an essay about keeping yourself safe in extreme situations.”

“I was safe!”

“With a troll on the loose?”

“You were dealing with it! And it’s a troll. From what I gathered, not even a grown up one. I was fine. ”

Severus still looked more than a little pissed and concerned and-

He sighed.

“Fine.” Harry smirked. “I still expect that essay though. Do not argue with me, Harry.” He clapped his mouth shut, knowing that the professor was at the end of his rope today. 

Snape pinched the bridge of his nose, shoulders slumping slightly.

“I still will be telling this to Lucius.”

“What? Why?!”

“Because he’s your guardian.” Snape sighed one more time at Harry’s blank expression. “Your guardian is supposed to know about events happening at Hogwarts that include you, especially what ones where despite leaving the whole Slytherin House safe, you wandered off with an unconscious professor.”

“But why ?” Harry was beyond confused. “He may be my legal guardian, but it’s not his job-”

“It is his job ,” Snape cut him off. “His job is to care for you, provide for you and deal with whatever situation there is that involves you . That’s what guardian is there for, Hadrian, not only to keep you safe and away from Dumbledore and Potter.”

Snape gave Harry a moment to think, because it was clear to him that the boy had no idea why Lucius would give a shit about this, why he’d think this mattered at all. It was obvious that in Harry’s eyes there was nothing to worry about.

And from their previous conversation he knew Harry didn’t trust adults easily or at all.

“You also forget that Draco must’ve already composed a letter to his parents about today’s events and will be sending it off, which means it would be irresponsible for me to keep it quiet. And let’s not pretend that this troll was anything else but a distraction,” Snape said and Harry’s eyes immediately sharpened. “Do you know anything about it?”

Harry kept his mouth spitefully shut.

Snape looked like he was about to pop a vein.

“Harry-”

“I’ll tell you if you tell me what the doggy was guarding.”

“ Doggy ?”

“The cerberus on the third floor’s corridor.”

Potion’s professor closed his eyes, praying to all the gods out there to hear his call and make this boy see reason and stay out of other people’s business. Dangerous business.

But of course, the universe hated him for some reason, because while Harry may no longer be a Potter, he still had his annoying quality to stick his nose where it didn’t belong. Without anyone noticing too.

“The cerberus have been removed.”

Ah, makes sense.

“What was it guarding?”

“That is none of your business, Mr Peverell, and I highly advice you not to stick your nose into it.”

“Then I won’t be telling you anything either.”

Snape bristled. He’s had enough of annoying brats today.

“I am your professor-”

“You are, but what I know is none of your business. Why since I came into this world does everyone feel entitled to be privy to my life?! I don’t owe anything to anyone,” Harry hissed at the man, unsure of where this outburst came from, but it’s not like he was lying. “No one cared before and I’d appreciate it if people left me the fu- the hell alone.”

Snape stood frozen for a good moment, before nodding.

“Fine. We will speak on a later date. You may leave.”

Harry huffed and quickly walked out of the office, slamming the door shut for a good measure.

It sure felt satisfying.

Severus stared at the door that was just slammed right in front of his face.

The audacity alone.

No one ever dared to do so before.

They’d be in detention before the sound evaporated completely.

But this was Harry . Lily’s boy.

If he was quite honest with himself, Severus was glad to see some teenage behaviour in the boy, even if it manifested as simple door slamming and storming out.

He feared that Harry would never be able to… be free? Of the abuse, of his past, that he’ll be too wrapped up in it to act like a child his age should. Harry was mature for his age, everyone could see that, but that came with a territory of an abused child.

Somehow Snape couldn’t be angry for the slammed door.

He was at fault as well. He was too impatient and too curt with the boy.

Today has been an utter nightmare.

Dumbledore was back and was more annoying than he usually was, especially with the Ministry looking into him. He strode in and demanded updates on the school, even if nothing even remotely interesting happened and then refused to answer any of their questions.

To add to it, it was Samhain.

The day he lost Lily.

This day was always hard on him, especially when people celebrated it with no respect for what happened, even daring to use such words as ‘congratulations’, which irked Severus even more. He could understand celebrating the defeat of the Dark Lord, but could not fathom not honouring the lives lost for it to happen. Even worse, it was a muggle holiday full of sweets and mockery of death, something Dumbledore encouraged even amongst the teachers.

He clearly couldn’t feel - or simply ignored - death glares from purebloods and the whole Slytherin table.

Those who knew better than to mock their traditions.

It didn’t surprise him that Hadrian knew of them as well - it seemed that the boy was genuinely interested in celebrating them and was furious when he found out about the illegality of their sacred rights. No wonder he was glaring at the headmaster with such a nasty look that Severus’ vowed to never do anything that would put him in front of it.

That didn’t stop him from noticing some sort of commotion where Harry and Draco where sitting. He wished he could eavesdrop.

And then it happened.

The troll.

Merlin gracious, Snape swore Samhain was cursed ever since that day.

He and other professors quickly dealt with the thing - the stench was unbearable - and someone from the Ministry was called to take it back to where it came from. He didn’t stick around to find out.

It was a surprise to see his snakes still in the Great Hall and was even more shocked once he heard the reason why.

“Peverell used some sort of magic to stick us to our seats and none of our spells were able to unstick us,” Gemma explained to him quickly, looking relieved when he came in. “Troll was in the dungeons, he said, so it would be… unwise for us to go to the common room, as here was safer.”

“And where is Mr Peverell right now?” Snape asked with a glint of panic in his voice.

“He left!” Draco screeched. “With professor Quirrell! That utter tosser, didn’t even take me with him! Said if I can stand up I can come, and I obviously couldn’t! No one could!”

“He left with professor Quirrell?” Snape was confused. Why would Peverell leave the safety of the great Hall?

“Yes, said he’ll take him to the hospital wing. Looked amused about something as well.” Theodore Nott intercepted.

Snape bristled.

“Troll is dealt with, you all may go back to your dorms.” Snape turned to Draco. “I will deal with Peverell. Go back to your dorms.”

He found Harry on his way to the dungeons himself, and invited him for a chat.

His short temper, especially after the day they had, wasn’t the best and Snape regretted not confronting the boy the next day.

One thing he knew for certain that Harry didn’t trust easily, and in these two months they came to an understanding. Hell, Harry was even at ease in his presence, Malfoys’ vouching for him helped too. But for all he knew Harry won’t trust him as well as he did previously again.

Trust was a fragile thing, with a past like his.

No matter, Severus will try to placate the situation tomorrow, with a much clearer mind, when their emotions aren't running high.

But that wasn't all.

Question was, what transpired between Harry and Quirrell and how in seven hells did the boy managed to find out about something being hidden behind a cerberus?! This wasn't something that was transmitted to everyone! It was supposed to be a secret!

Severus won't be surprised if Harry somehow finds out just exactly they are guarding and from whom. The boy had a knack on finding out things he shouldn't, and with that snake of his... it wouldn't surprise him if Harry used it to spy for him.

Something the Dark Lord used to do as well.

Snape went to his cabinet and poured himself a generous glass of scotch.

Hadrian Peverell will be the death of him.