Samhain
“Sit down in each circle, and be careful not to smudge anything,” Harry instructed, as he checked the details one last time. “I know you’ve done this before, but this might be slightly different. Whatever you do, do not step out of the circle until it’s all over.”
The slytherins listened intently, even if they knew the basics. This wasn’t their first Samhain ritual, but it was the first without their families present.
They could see how serious Hadrian was and didn’t want to throw him off, or Merlin forbid, anger him.
“Put the offerings in that circle,” Harry motioned to one of the smallest circles he’s drawn, and everyone put whatever foods and drinks they’ve brought with them.
The offerings from the last harvest.
Harry waved his hand and all candles lit up at once, giving the room an eerie, but calm glow.
He got into his own circle, taking a deep breath.
He was slightly nervous.
He’s never done anything like this before, but he memorized the whole ritual top to bottom, and was confident he could do this. The only thing left to do was to lit up the herbs they brought, which he did with a flick of his fingers, and then he started:
“On this Sacred Samhain night we honour thee; those who were here before us and for this night only walk amongst us again. We offer thee the last fruits of our harvest, as the wheel turns and a new year begins.”
Harry felt a thrill of magic in the room and he knew it must be working, so he continued:
“I call upon the Lord of Shadows, Lord Death, to honour us with thy presence and allow our loved ones to pass through and visit us as the veil parts into our world once more.”
With these words Harry felt a cold breeze pass through, as if the doors were actually opened.
It’s working, he thought excitedly.
Magic became stronger in the ritual room and the candles flickered.
“I offer my blood as a sacrifice,” Harry said and cut his hand open with a dagger, allowing his blood to flow freely and onto the ground. This was one of the reasons these rituals were banned: they required a personal sacrifice, and this could easily be considered blood magic, which was banned and seen as barbaric. Fools , Harry thought, as the rush of cold air, death magic, his mind whispered, engulfed him. “To Lord Death, as a sign of good faith as the darkest part of our year begins.”
This was optional and not all participants did it, but Harry thought, in for a knut, in for a galleon. It’s not like he has an aversion to blood; he bled needlessly more times than he could count - this would hopefully be for something meaningful.
But as his blood touched the ground… Merlin, Harry’s never felt such magic before.
It felt absolutely divine and tingly, and he wished for nothing, but to bask in it, yet forced himself to continue:
“We call upon the spirits of the dead to feast on our offerings, invite them into our world to speak with us once more, as Lord Death allowed them to leave his domain for this night only, while our fires burn bright. Lily Rose Potter-” Harry said, and waited until his friends said the names of the ones they wished to summon as well, then continued: “We call thee into our circles. So I say it, so mote it be.”
There was a gush of icy wind, and everything stilled. Harry felt time tick by and was starting to believe he did something wrong and failed, when-
“ Hello, my dearest darling boy .”
Harry opened his eyes and saw his mother standing in front of him.
She was so beautiful.
And she was right in front of him.
Harry’s breath hitched and his eyes widened, as he was about to speak with his mother for the very first time, ever.
How can this be real?
“Mom?”
She smiled gently, hand reaching out to caress his cheek, but all Harry felt was a rush of cold breeze.
“I love you so, so much. And I can’t tell you how much it hurts me that you had to suffer so much, my darling.” Her eyes were shimmering with tears and unspoken pain.
“It wasn’t your fault.”
“Perhaps. But those I left behind should’ve cared for you,” her tone turned icy so fast, that Harry had to blink in case he imagined it. He didn’t. His mother looked livid .
“You’re not mad at me for what I did?” his voice wavered just a bit, but Lily caught on.
“Of course not. You were put in a terrible situation and you made the best of it. James… well, he’s lucky he’s not participating in these sacred holidays, or I would rip his head off,” her smile turned sinister and Harry was starting to realize that his temper might’ve been inherited from his mother, after all. She then sighed deeply. “It seems that he never grew up.”
“You know I changed my name, right?” Harry’s voice was laced with insecurity, and Lily latched right onto it.
“Good riddance, I suppose. Peverell suits you way better, much more than Potter ever would.”
Harry had a sense of déjàvu, as he recalled the sorting hat saying something awfully similar.
Lily smirked. “Did you know I wanted to give you a more wizard-ish name? I wanted to call you Harrison at least, but James threw a tantrum over it. Hadrian Peverell sounds just about right, doesn’t it, my dear?”
Harry smiled softly at his mom.
It made him feel much better inside that she approved of his choice. He didn’t know how he’d feel if she hated him for it.
Quite frankly, he was nervous to meet her. He thought Lily might side with Potter and belittle him for his choices, but instead… she supported him.
It was a nice feeling, Harry found.
“I’m glad you don’t… disapprove, mom.”
“I would never. You deserve all the best, my darling boy,” she was looking at him with so much love that Harry was beginning to feel uncomfortable. No one ever looked at him like that. He had no idea how to respond or deal with it, but his mother seemed to understand it as well. “James is too blinded by the lies and manipulations of Dumbledore. He was always like that, following the old fool from the get go. It would take something tremendous to snap him out of it.”
“So you’re aware of what’s been going on?” Harry asked carefully.
“Yes. I’m not allowed to share what I’ve seen though. Not everything. There are things that are meant to stay hidden until found at the right time. Some knowledge must stay behind the veil.”
Harry scowled.
“Sounds like something the old coot would say.”
Lily smiled sadly. “I’m sorry, love. Death forbids too much interference.”
“ Death ? So it’s real?”
“Oh, he’s very much real, Hadrian,” she said his chosen name for the first time, and it felt like an approval. “And he’s following the events unfolding closely. It seems Dumbledore managed to upset even the higher beings.”
“Wouldn’t surprise me one bit,” Harry scoffed. “He has a tendency to stick his long nose where it doesn’t belong.” But this was an invaluable piece of information and he made a mental note to snoop around and find out more about it later. But there was one other thing still bugging him: “Mom, why did you fight in the war? And on the light side, no less?”
“At the time, I didn’t have much choice,” Lily looked away. “I was a muggleborn and was told that the Dark Lord wants us dead. That’s the only thing I knew for a long time. Of course, I was deadly interested in so-called dark arts and forbidden magics, thus me dabbling in blood magic,” she smirked, but it turned sour immediately. “The sacrificial magic I did saved you, but the protection was lost once you were shipped off to that wrench of my sister. Merlin, I can't wait until she's dead and rip her head off." She took a deep breath and returned to her story, not noticing Harry’s fascinated gaze. "I think you know that Dumbledore had a hand in this too. Once I got together with James… they were already involved in Dumbledore's group of rebels. We were in seventh year and the war was heating up, so, being James's girlfriend I was expected to fight as well, despite my personal beliefs about magic. I loved him as well, I loved all of them, and wasn't willing to risk losing it all." She frowned. "They were my only link to the magical world as well. And I was so taken aback then… and then we had you. I couldn’t just leave them or stop fighting, especially when Voldemort targeted us -you specifically.”
“You had no way out,” Harry muttered, what his mother was telling him hitting him harder than he thought. “I’m sorry.”
She smiled softly at him. “There’s no need to be sorry, Hadrian. Some events were meant to happen. You will be okay.”
“Do you not want me to… I don’t know, play family with my… father?” Harry asked reluctantly. He didn’t want to call that piece of shit his father.
Lily looked at him as if she knew exactly what he was thinking.
“Oh, no. You’re definitely much better off with the Malfoys, my dear. They will treat you well, either out of love or of fear,” she gave him a knowing smirk, aware of Harry’s tendency to scare people. “And they won’t shield you from the truth. James… he would’ve handed you over to Dumbledore in a second, because after everything, he still fully believes in that ancient bastard.”
Harry snorted.
Wasn’t that the truth?
It was kind of pathetic, really.
“And I’m also extremely proud of what you did today,” Lily said suddenly.
Harry looked at her questioningly.
“Well, I don’t believe anyone else stuck their whole house to their seats,” she chuckled. “But I want you to be careful with that man, my darling.”
“What do you mean?” Who was she speaking about exactly?
“Your DADA professor. There are things you don’t know, but he will be crucial in your future, my dear, so tread carefully.”
“I can take care of myself,” Harry scowled, but Lily shushed him. “I know darling, but you don’t know everything. Just promise me to be cautious.”
“I will,” he said sincerely, because his mother clearly must know something.
“Our time is up, my darling,” Lily said sadly, crouching down when Harry’s eyes widened. He didn’t want her to go. He had so much to ask, still.
“But why ?” he whined, sounding like a little kid, but Harry didn’t care. He wasn’t finished!
“I can’t stay here forever. The fires are fading, and I’m not allowing you to exhaust yourself completely, my darling. I’m still your mom and care for you deeply. This is only your first Samhain.”
Harry knew what she meant. The leader of the ritual usually took up the mantle for most if not all magical sacrifice needed to allow spirits communication. He didn’t know of anyone who actually died from it, but was he willing to risk it? He was still only eleven.
“You will be just fine, Hadrian. Continue as you’ve been. I might just visit James to haunt his nightmares today, for what he’s done.” She had a sinister smile on her face for a moment, before turning back to smile at him softly again. “Be strong, my love. I am always with you, even if you don’t see me.” She reached out to brush her hand against Harry’s cheek and the boy felt a gust of cold wind again.
“I love you, mom,” Harry said quietly, wishing with all his being that they could have more time.
That James had died, instead of his mom, a vicious part of his mind supplied, but that’s all it was - a wishful thinking.
“Don’t dwell on the dead, my darling. You have a life to live,” she leaned in, placing a ghosty kiss on Harry’s temple, and Harry imagined - just for a moment - that it’s real. “And what a life it will be.” Her words sounded ominous. “Goodbye, my darling. Until the next time.”
And then she was gone.
Harry came back to himself, feeling as if someone punched him.
It was so sudden. It felt like a dream.
He met his mom. Lily.
And Merlin, she was fierce .
“Hadrian? Is it over?” Theo asked from somewhere; the candles were already out and there was absolute darkness in the room.
Were they done and waiting for him?
“We extend our gratitude to Lord Death for honouring our request on this sacred night. May Magic bless us all and the upcoming darkness allows us to flourish. So Mote It Be.”
“So Mote It Be,” everyone else repeated, and the magic spiked for a brief moment, as if agreeing to Harry’s claim.
“Thank you,” Harry whispered, and briefly felt something cold brush against his cheeks, like a caress. Huh. He may have imagined it.
The darkness suddenly felt thicker and there was yet another gust of wind, before everything settled.
The ritual was over.
Harry’s skin felt tingly from the magic he was feeling in the air; it felt as if darkness danced around his skin, teasing him, just begging Harry to grab it and- and what?
One way or another, it felt welcoming. Comforting even.
Harry always loved the darkness. He spent a lot of his life in it - how could he not?
He heard his classmates shuffling and standing up, and one of them cast lumos.
“Are you alright, Hadrian?” Draco asked, looking down at the still sitting boy.
“Yeah. Give me a moment.”
Nobody said anything, and Harry noticed that they all looked paler and a bit out of sorts.
Theo looked like he'd been crying.
Harry tried to stand up and- holy shit. Then exhaustion hit him like a punch in the stomach and he wavered a bit. Nobody noticed.
That’s what his mother meant.
But even with his current exhaustion, Harry still reveled in the feeling of peace and fulfilment.
He still felt powerful.
“It’s bloody freezing here, isn’t it?” Blaise asked from aside, looking slightly uncomfortable.
“Yes, and the magic…” Theo shuddered. “It’s intense.”
“What are you on about, it’s not even cold,” Harry muttered, because it honestly wasn’t.
They all looked at him as if he was insane.
“Harry, it is, ” Draco said slowly, sizing him up and now.
He raised his eyebrows in question and confusion, both, because he felt bloody warm , and could sleep in here too, if needed.
Perhaps slytherins were just dramatic. They had a penchant for that.
“Let’s go back,” Harry said, moving closer to the door.
He looked at the offerings they brought earlier when he was walking out, blanching back a bit when he noticed rotten food and empty drinks.
Merlin gracious.
This was so cool.
“We aren’t cleaning the room?”
“No. Baron said the room cleans itself.”
“Cool.”
When he was finally lying in his bed, Harry couldn’t remember the last time he felt so utterly peaceful and at ease.
He didn’t know what it was about Samhain, but even days before it, Harry felt… something.
It was a different sort of energy, he supposed, surrounding the castle. Different magic.
It was nothing bad or evil, just… it felt as if someone opened a new door and there was a cold breeze penetrating the halls.
Harry guessed it had something to do with the veil being at its thinnest.
The ritual was a success.
More than.
Harry had trouble understanding how anyone could be against this sort of thing? Why would anyone deny someone a chance to speak to their loved ones again, even for a short time?
Sure, Harry only had his mother to see. But that was enough. More than enough.
And the magic he felt… Merlin gracious, he’s never felt anything like it.
It was strong, and powerful, and peaceful, and Harry wanted to bask in it forever.
What a rush .
He felt weirdly energised, but the same couldn’t be said about his friends.
All of them looked tired and as if they were crying. It took Harry rushing them back like lost lambs throughout the dungeons to get them back to their dormitories; they looked like they had trouble moving their limbs, and fell asleep immediately after.
“Thank you,” Harry whispered into the darkness of his room, to no one in particular.
He was grateful for being granted such an opportunity.
Such honour .
And just as he was falling asleep, Harry swore than someone brushed against his head and a voice whispered:
You’re welcome, my childe
The next morning, everything felt surreal.
Harry woke up feeling well rested, energised, and content .
He laid in bed for a while, basking in the feeling, and then he remembered - Potter was getting charged today!
It was good news for Harry.
He couldn’t wait to hear what happens!
Ah…
The disappointment set it. It won’t happen until evening, Harry was sure. Trials take time, and Lucius can’t just barge in during lessons with the news.
Ugh. Harry’s going to have to wait the whole day for it now, if not more.
In times like these Harry wished the magical world had something akin to phones. It would be so easy. Or do they already have something?
“Can we skip lessons today?” Theo asked from his bed, receiving groans in return.
“No,” Harry said, jumping from his bed. “Snape will drag you out himself if you stay.” And he would. Harry was certain he absolutely would and take sick pleasure from it too.
That got them moving.
Nobody wanted to anger Snape personally.
Harry felt bouncy throughout the day.
Seeing most students with stomach aches from yesterday enraged him and made him feel smug in equal measures.
Their own fault, really. Should’ve celebrated Samhain, like the rest of them.
He ignored suspicious looks and went on about his day.
But his heroics(?) of yesterday were neither a secret nor forgotten.
Word has gotten out that Hadrian Peverell supposedly saved the whole Slytherin house by forcing them to stay in the Great Hall.
Dumbledore looked exceptionally sour with him today, but Harry couldn’t decipher whether it was because of the troll itself or because he didn’t allow the troll to kill all the slytherins yesterday.
Who knows with that man.
However, the professors seemed to be extra nice to him today, which was sweet, in Harry’s humble opinion. Extra points didn’t hurt either. It was unfortunate he didn’t have DADA today though; his conversation with the wizard wasn’t forgotten; in fact, Hadrian was now even more curious than ever, especially with his mother’s warning from the other night.
Quirrell was a mystery.
A dangerous mystery that might aid him, apparently, and he had to figure it out by the end of the year.
But first, he had to find out what the doggy was guarding.
With that thought in mind, Harry expertly slipped away from his friends and beelined to the third floor corridor.
It was empty, but Harry could feel wards around the room. Last time there weren’t any.
He reached out with his magic, gently, carefully, and probed around.
There was a simple Notice-Me-Not charm, some complicated locking charm and… repelling charm?
That’s it?
Harry laughed as he unlocked the door, then very slowly peaked inside. Who knows, there might be curses laid upon the door opening, or another monster inside.
But there was nothing there, except for… how cliche. A trapdoor on the floor.
Harry was insanely curious to see where it was going, but he had a feeling he needed to get out. He can check it another day, surely, whatever is down there can wait.
Harry shut the door and locked it again, wondering what the fuck could be down there and why would Quirrell, of all people, would want it bad enough to bring a troll as a distraction.
Something extremely valuable, Harry was sure.
Either way, he felt excited. Even with all the hardships and danger the Magical world came with, Harry would never change it for the world or what he had before. Not in a million years.
“Who’s owl is that?” Blaise asked as he watched the bird approaching them, carrying a letter.
“I have no idea.” Hadrian said as the owl landed in front of him and extended its leg. “For me?” he asked, and the owl hooted. “Huh.”
“Who’s it from?” Draco asked, but received no answer, as Harry already started reading the letter, which was written in an incredibly terrible handwritten. It was worse than Dudley's.
Dear Harry,
My name is Hagrid and I’m the gatekeeper of Hogwarts. Ye’ve seen me before, I brought ye with the boats from the train, remember? And I also took you from yer home after that horrible night, took ye to safety, so we’ve already kinda met.
Anyway, I was thinkin’ maybe you’d like to come down to my hut for a cuppa and a chat? I’ve got something important to tell yeh.
I live right on the edge of the forbidden forest, can’t miss it.
Hagrid
Harry stared at the short letter - a note really - in shock.
What the fuck.
“Who's it from, Hadrian?” Theo inquired politely, quickly noticing Harry’s look of disbelief as he stared at the piece of parchment.
“A mistake, surely,” Harry muttered and handed it over to Draco, who looked eager to find out what it was, and soon after he had the same look of disbelief on his face as Harry, before snorting.
“This is a joke, right?”
“I sincerely hope so.”
“What is that?” Blaise asked as well, slightly annoyed by those two being so cryptic. He was certain Draco enjoyed it thoroughly, as if to show everyone that he was closer to Hadrian than anyone else, but it wasn’t surprising - Hadrian lived in his fucking house, for Merlin’s sake.
“A letter from Hagrid. Wants to chat with me and whatnot,” Hadrian answered in a biting tone.
“Hagrid?” Theo parroted back in disbelief. “What would that oaf want from you?”
“Probably tell me some Dumbledore propaganda.”
Theo started chuckling, quickly followed by others. “This is a bit pathetic, isn’t it? Merlin.”
“So, which one of you is coming with me?” Harry asked suddenly, and all the snickers stopped abruptly, followed by disbelieving stares.
“You’re joking,” Theo was the first to speak, after a long moment of silence.
“You’re mad, mate,” Blaise uttered.
“We are not going to visit that oaf,” Draco stated imperiously. “Absolutely not.”
“Why?” Harry challenged. “If he wants me to visit, it means he has something to tell me. Very possibly, something Dumbledore wants me to know, in hopes to manipulate me, since he’s forbidden to speak with me himself. Who is more perfect to push it onto me than Hagrid?”
He was a perfect candidate, in Harry’s opinion.
Gullible, loyal to Dumbledore… a perfect choice.
“I’m going with or without you, but I’d rather one of you went with me.”
“I’ll go,” Theo said. “If he really wants to brainwash you or whatever, he will be too cautious around Draco, as he probably knows it will eventually get back to Lord Malfoy that way, and I’m… less susceptible.”
Harry nodded, grin slowly overtaking his face.
“We’re going to have a grand ol’ time.”
“If that oaf does something to us, I’ll kill you,” Theo tells Harry as they walk down the hill towards the hut.
“Oh, relax. What’s the worst he could do? He can’t even use magic!”
“He’s huge, I’m sure if he sat on one of us, not even Snape would be able to revive us.”
Harry snorted. “You’re just dramatic. Let’s just… see what he wants.” He knocked three times on the door, waiting impatiently for the door to open. “Worst case scenario, I’ll let Onyx bite him.” With these words, a snake peaked out from Harry’s shirt and hissed slightly, before going back.
Harry was genuinely curious to see why he was being summoned here. He wouldn’t have gone at all, but curiosity got the better of him. He’s neer even spoken to this Hagrid before, so, there must be a reason for this. There was always a reason if something happened concerning him.
Moments later, the door slammed open and an insanely huge man walked out.
Harry gulped, refusing to step back as the man towered over him. This reminded him of Vernon just a bit too much.
You have magic, he told himself. You can blast him off.
“Hello, Mr Hagrid,” Harry said politely, unsure of how to speak to him yet.
“Just Hagrid is fine, lad, come on in! And oh- who is this?” the man frowned, looking at Theo.
“I’m Theodore Nott,” he introduced himself, forgoing all the formal necessities, simply because this was a bloody gamekeeper who was known to be Dumbledore’s lackey and Theo held no respect for him. He was there as a support for Hadrian and to make sure nothing bad happens.
“Oh, er… alright, I guess. Uh, come in, lads.” Hagrid motioned them inside and to the kitchen table.
Theo grimaced, but Hadrian nudged him to at least pretend until they find out his motives.
“So, Hagrid, why did you want to speak with me?” Harry asked.
“Ah, just wanted to see how yer doin’, you know, with everything going on… it must be hard. Would you like a cuppa?”
“Sure,” Harry agreed, but he had no intention of eating or drinking anything. Snape, as well as Lucius, have warned him to be extra cautious when consuming anything, in case someone tries to harm him or feed him the truth serum, and Harry was paranoid to begin with. Once he realized that the magical world had potions for pretty much anything and everything, and just how easy it would be to get someone to take them, he vowed to never take anything from anyone he didn’t trust, especially not someone from the old coot’s or his father’s side. Merlin knows, with his luck, he could end up poisoned or something else just as horrible. “And I’m doing perfectly fine, thank you.”
“You are?” Hagrid looked surprised, then glanced at Theo.
“Yes. Shouldn’t I be?”
“Well…” Hagrid looked nervously at Theo again, and it dawned on Harry that the half-giant probably thought Theo was here to… do something evil, probably. Keep Harry in check? Spy ? Merlin knows how their minds worked.
“You can speak in front of Theo, Hagrid,” Harry said, smirking when the man’s cheeks reddened. Gotcha . “He is my friend.”
“Yes, of course, I know that, it’s just… no offence, Theodore, but yer a slytherin, and-”
“And what ?” Harry snapped. “I’m a slytherin too, if you haven’t noticed.”
“Yeah, but… you’re not a real one, aren’t ye?” What? “It’s just bad influence, yer parents were both gryffindors, ye know-”
“Who my parents were has nothing to do with who I am, simply because I never knew them,” Harry said coldly, and he was beginning to get irritated. Hagrid sounded like a poster boy to spread Dumbledore’s opinions without an original thought of his own.
“But you could, Harry-”
“My name is Hadrian ,” he cut off the man coldly, and he seemed to falter once again, not expecting such a hostile tone from the boy. Then he laughed awkwardly.
“That’s just silly, you’ll always be Harry to me; a baby I carried from a destroyed house and took to yer family-”
“So you’re the one who took me away before Aurors could take me and legally appoint a guardian, then took me to my abusive relatives. Got it.”
Hagrid flinched.
“They surely weren’t that bad, Harry, it’s not nice to exaggerate things to make others look bad, just because they didn’t grant you your every wish, and it’s not nice for you to make yer daddy look like that; he’s a really nice man and my friend.”
Harry wanted to snap this man’s neck.
“Yeah, a really nice man who abandoned his child.”
“He did what was best!”
“For himself, I’m sure.”
“Malfoys are just making you say things, Harry, you don’t really mean any of it. It’s unfortunate that you met them before you could yer daddy, and then believed their lies, but Dumbledore can help you-”
The cups exploded.
Hagrid and Theo jumped back in shock, but Harry’s eyes were glazed with fury, a snarl already on his lips.
“Let me make a few things crystal fucking clear for you, Hagrid.” Harry stood up, furious magic coming off him in waves and rattling everything around the small cabin. He’s heard enough. “James Potter is dead to me. That filthy bastard is no father of mine, never has been and never will be. Dumbledore can go fuck himself as well, and you too, for that matter. Malfoys are my family, got it? They are the only ones who ever helped me. They never lied to me. So whatever filthy lies and delusions you hold in that little brain of yours, keep them to yourself .”
Harry clearly shocked the man into silence, as his mouth was gaping open after Harry’s quite vicious attack.
He clearly didn’t expect for Harry to snap, but from a barely audible snicker, Theo did.
“Let’s go, Theo,” Harry motioned for the boy to go to the door.
“No, see there, Harry-” Hagrid tried again, but Harry turned back furiously, just to snarl: “My name is Hadrian Peverell, and if you can’t remember such a thing as a name , perhaps you should find another work place, hm? Who knows what kind of things you might just forget ?”
“The Malfoys and Slytherin clearly clouded your brain, Harry, this isn’t like you.” Hagrid continued on as if Harry never said a thing. “They’re poisoning your mind-”
“Because you don’t bloody know me!” Harry’s hands were shaking in anger. This bastard dared to speak to him like that, prattle on as if he was a dumb idiotic child that could never have a mind of his own. “And I told you, it’s Hadrian, you filthy- ”
Hagrid seemed to have had enough, as he stood up and walked closer to Harry, looming over him and honestly, Harry wasn’t sure if the man was going to deck him or not. He certainly looked angry. “Your behaviour is unacceptable, Harry Potter, and you will be serving detentions until we can straighten you out. And then you’ll drop this charade and go back to yer daddy, back to the light side, where you belong, boy.”
Harry was almost reeled in by a flashback of Vernon. This sounded spectacularly like something he would say; even the tone was no different, but immediately after the initial shock, fury overcame his whole being.
He will not be cowed again.
“I believe I told you my name is Hadrian Peverell, or are you really that daft you can’t remember?” Harry’s mocking tone reached the target, and Hagrid’s eye twitched. “And I most certainly won’t be serving anything or going to that piece of scum you call my father-”
Hagrid slammed his fist on the table so hard that it cracked in the middle. Harry and Theo jumped back, both with wands in their hands, ready to strike, as Hagrid bellowed:
“JAMES POTTER IS A GREAT MAN, AND YOU WILL NOT SPEAK OF HIM THIS WAY, AFTER WHAT YOU’VE DONE! But once you’re back with James, he will straighten you out, you’ll see. Dumbledore said you just need someone to handle you properly-” Harry flinched at the wording. “-and you will be ready to be who you were supposed to be. This is unacceptable."
“And who’s that?” Harry asked snidely, wanting nothing more than to get out of this filthy hut, but he wanted the information more. It seemed like Hagrid had no problem sharing it anyway. But if this half-giant steps another foot towards him? Harry will fucking blast him. He will.
“The Light Saviour! You were supposed to be a Gryffindor, a beacon of light and later on, defeat You-Know-Who, but you got so corrupted that you went against your family! Against the light! What a shame! Harry Potter in Slytherin!”
“I believe he’s told you multiple times that his name is Hadrian Peverell,” Theo spoke up for the first time, sneering at Hagrid. “Are you deaf or just stupid?”
But Hagrid just went on, as if Theo never spoke up:
“But we’ll get you re-sorted, like I said, I’m sure you can live with Molly until you can clear yer daddy’s name, she won’t mind. We just have to get you to Dumbledore and he will take care of everything, he promised.”
Harry felt Theo stiffen at his side.
So the ploy was to get him to Dumbledore? Get him straightened out and on the light side again?
What a shame it wasn’t happening.
“You’re bloody delusional,” he told the man, enjoying his look of confusion. “I already told you that Potter and Dumbledore can go and eat shit. You too, for that matter, with all the bullshit you’ve been sprouting for the last twenty minutes. I’m sure you’ll feel right at home.” Narcissa would be horrified if she heard how Harry was speaking, Harry thought for a brief, hysterical moment. She would probably wash his mouth with soap too, but in Harry’s defence, it wasn’t his fault he learned to use this kind of vocabulary- blame his relatives. They were pretty mouthy with him, and when they’d kick him out of the house for hours, making him just wander the streets out of sheer boredom? Well, he’s heard much worse. “Slytherin is my home ; I’m not going anywhere. And neither are Malfoys, for that matter. And there’s nothing you, or anyone can do.”
“Dumbledore-”
“Is on thin fucking ice,” Harry cut him off.
“You- I tried to be nice and tell you, but you just don’t listen, do you, boy?” Hagrid sounded angry. Truly angry. Huh, maybe Harry’s words finally got to him? “I’m giving you two months of detention with me, so we can straighten your horrible behaviour. Professor Dumbledore said you just need a firm hand and discipline, to be taught your place-”
Harry’s heard enough.
And the words this oaf was using sounded too similar to his loving relatives. It made him wonder if Dumbledore urged them to treat him like shit as well. Hagrid wouldn’t have parroted it to him otherwise.
But even the mere thought of someone teaching him his place made Harry’s skin crawl, and then ignited raging fury deep inside of him.
He would rather kill them than face the same kind of treatment as before. Never again.
“I won’t be serving anything, you fool, but you -” Harry stabbed a finger at Hagrid. “You will be lucky to have a job by the end of the day. Let’s go, Theo.”
“Where are you going?! I’m not done!”
“You are,” Theo said coldly, pushing Hadrian through the door, when it looked like he was going to go back in to say some more stuff. “You have no authority over students and we’ve heard enough of your demented ramblings.”
“Twenty points from Slytherin! You-”
Harry slammed the door with his magic and sealed it shut, his hands trembling in rage, as they stalked back to the castle.
“Well… that was anticlimactic,” Theo said carefully. “Did you actually lock his door?” he asked, because they could still hear furious banging coming from the hut, even after walking away.
“Yes,” Harry said curtly, relaxing a bit once they were far enough from the hut. He didn’t want someone as big as Hagrid chasing them down.
Theo chuckled.
“Wicked. Although… the things he said…” he glanced at Harry worriedly.
He nodded. “I know. He seriously believed everything he was saying too. What a bloody idiot.”
“So he did want to sprout propaganda he’s heard from Dumbledore. Did he seriously think you’d believe it?”
Harry shrugged. Maybe, if he was gullible and stupid… but he wasn’t. Thank Merlin for that.
“I think there was another reason he called me,” he said, as his mind wandered back to the moment they entered the cabin and Harry took notice of everything around him. Theo raised a brow in question, not knowing where Harry was going with this. “You didn’t notice? There was a clipping from the Daily Prophet, from three months ago. About a Gringotts break in.”
“Why would he have a clipping from so long ago?”
Harry shrugged. “I don’t know, but it certainly seemed suspicious.”
“How did you notice? You were… furious .” Theo shivered. He had no idea how Hagrid didn’t faint from the feel of Hadrian’s magic alone. It was. It was intense.
“It was placed in a suspiciously open place, somewhere where we would easily see it amongst everything else. I would’ve had to be blind not to notice.”
“But why that article? It has nothing to do with you.”
Harry hummed. “Perhaps… to raise my interest? I mean, Gringotts has never been broken into before, right?” Theodore nodded. “So, whoever did it, must’ve been wicked smart and talented. And I remember that article: nothing was stolen, which means, the thief didn’t know the vault was empty, or just got there too late. But what could be so valuable that someone would try to break in?”
Harry most certainly wouldn’t.
Goblins sounded vicious, and they supposedly chopped off the hands of anyone they caught stealing, and he was very fond of his hands, thankyouverymuch .
Not that he’d need to steal anything. According to his vaults, he was loaded. On top of that, Malfoys were providing him with everything he could ever need or want.
In fact, they appointed him a trust fund, just like the one Draco had, for his personal spendings.
They were even insulted when Harry said it wasn’t needed and he can buy things on his own too, no need for them to buy it.
“You’re the ward of the Malfoy family now, Hadrian,” they said. “Part of our family, and we take care of our own. And until you’re of age, we will provide you with everything you need or want, you only need ask. It’s not like we’re going to become broke because of it.”
And it was true, he supposed.
Malfoys were filthy rich. Harry also believed that if the word got out that he’s using his own personal vaults, it would bring shame to them, which was something every pureblood family avoided at all costs.
And Malfoys wanted to preen that they were now the guardians of the Harry Potter-Hadrian Peverell. There was this too.
At first, it made him uncomfortable. He’s never had nice things, never had money to spend how he wished, and then all of a sudden, he had it all and more.
This is your birthright, Harry remembered reasoning himself. You deserve this and more.
And he was going to take it all with both hands too. Everything that was owed to him.
“I have no idea. Must’ve been something priceless for someone to risk incurring the wrath of the goblins.”
Harry hummed.
“We should go to Snape’s office,” Theo said, receiving an incredulous look. “No, hear me out. Hagrid basically harassed you, Hadrian, sprouting the same nonsense Dumbledore and Potter did, before you got them arrested. This is no different.”
“I know, I know,” Harry conceded, by now knowing that look on Theo well; the boy would drag him there himself if he refused, he was sure of it. He just wanted some time to calm down completely and then snoop around more and find out why Hagrid wanted him to see that piece about Gringotts. Harry was absolutely sure it was a setup; who keeps an article from three months ago?About something extremely valuable they would risk pissing off goblins to steal. Something possibly-
Harry stopped walking abruptly, eyes widening with realization when the dots connected in his mind.
Merlin and Morgana.
Harry was an idiot.
A public warning to keep off the third floor corridor - a bait to lure someone in.
Trapdoor under the Cerberus in a room without any wards.
Dumbledore wanting Harry to investigate, throwing subtle hints.
The article about something priceless being almost stolen.
Quirrell trying to cause distraction to investigate.
It was a trap .
But for whom? Him? Quirrell? A third party?
Why ?
And much more curious question: what was the thing Dumbledore wanted him to find?
“I will murder him,” Lucius muttered, more to himself than to others. “How dare he- bloody half-giant oaf.”
Harry watched pensively how both, Snape and Lucius, emerged from the pensive and looked murderous .
And not at him either. He was certain they wouldn’t approve of his vocabulary or losing his temper, that they might even be angry at him, but it seems that his fears were unfounded.
They were angry on his behalf.
Seems like Theo was right.
“We need to contact the DMLE, Amelia Bones. This is clearly another attack against Hadrian.”
Lucius pursed his lips, but nodded, going immediately for the floo and sticking his head in.
Harry waited with anticipation.
He never expected his day to go like this when he received a letter from the gamekeeper.
“Don’t worry, Hadrian, we’ll sort this right out,” Snape came up to him and spoke in a calm voice, despite his clear displeasure. “We expected a retaliation from Dumbledore, but we didn’t think he’d use Hagrid, out of all people. Not like this.”
Harry looked at the Head of Slytherin in slight surprise. Snape didn’t look like someone who would reassure distraught students.
He looked like he’d be the one to cause such distress, but so far? He's done no such thing. In fact, Harry would go as far as to say he liked the man and was slowly coming to trust him.
He just hoped his trust wouldn’t end up being misplaced.
After all, no one really stood up for him before, no adult helped him without an ulterior motive or dismissed him outright. Harry had a right to be suspicious.
Besides, Snape’s been an ass the last time they spoke. He was punished for nothing and still felt salty about that.
He was brought out of his thoughts by the whoosh of a fire.
“What happened now?” Amelia sighed, eyes closing in resignation.
“Hagrid,” Harry answered, watching her eyebrows skyrocket.
“What does he have to do with anything?”
“He invited my ward for a chat. Hadrian went there with a friend, just in case something happened -”
“I’ve been having someone walk with Hadrian at all times, seeing as the hostility towards him increased since Albus suspension.” Severus interjected, while Amelia pursed her lips in clear displeasure.
"What was the reason for the chat? Have you spoken to him before?"
Harry shook his head. "No. That's why it was surprising he wanted to speak to me, I mean, it's pretty weird, right? That a gamekeeper would want to speak to me specifically and in private?"
When he said it like that… it didn't paint a pretty picture.
"And what did Hagrid tell you when you went to his hut? Tell me what transpired, in your own words."
Harry shifted uncomfortably.
"He invited us inside, but he was incredibly uncomfortable with Theodore being with me. He said it was because Theo was a slytherin, and when I pointed out that so was I, Hagrid started ranting that I wasn't a real one they will resort me to Gryffindor where I belong so I can be the ‘Light Saviour’ and kill the Dark Lord." Harry told Amelia happily, cheering inside when her expression darkened. He was pretty sure this will land the old coot in hot water again. Serves him right. "Hagrid also insisted that I will be going back to James Potter or Molly Weasley, so they can straighten me out," Harry grimaced. "And refused to call me anything else but Harry Potter."
“That isn't all," Lucius spoke up, when it became clear that his ward wasn't going to utter another word about what that oaf accused him of. " Hagrid told Hadrian that he was lying about the abuse and should be ashamed for lying - going as far as to say that he will take it all back and go back into their custody. That Hadrian should trust Dumbledore and Potter, shaming him for his actions, along with threatening to straighten him out from 'slytherin influence poisoning his mind'.”
Amelia closed her eyes, praying for someone to grant her strength.
Never in her entire life had she thought she would have to deal with anything like this.
A bloody nightmare.
"That isn't all, I'm afraid," Snape spoke up. "Hagrid kept threatening months worth of detentions to straighten Mr Peverell out - even tried to appoint those to himself, but Hadrian shut them down." And wasn't that ridiculous thought. Gamekeepers had no power over students and couldn't issue detentions and take points. That man was delusional. "It was an increasingly worrying number of times that Hagrid spoke of this same thing; them straightening Hadrian out, with firm hand, as he said, forcing him into some sort of hero role."
And Severus wasn't surprised in the slightest - Albus wanted a gryffindor hero; a little brave reckless lion who would listen to his every word. Instead, he got a cunning snake with his own motives and strong mind. Not someone easily manipulated.
His whole plans were coming undone.
But using Hagrid? That was a new low.
“It’s this kind of a problem, huh?" Amelia said more to herself than to others, then pinched the bridge of her nose, willing the upcoming headache this day was going to bring away. "From your specific wording, I suppose you saw Mr Peverell's memory?"
Both wizards nodded.
“I want him fired," Lucius stated fiercely. "His behaviour was unacceptable, let alone blatant manipulations and threatening."
"I understand that, however, this will have to go on file and be done legally. Mr Peverell, are you willing to submit your memory for the case?"
Harry glanced at his guardian for guidance, not knowing whether he should do it or not. He's done some pretty hefty swearing in there and didn't hold back about his opinions.
Lucius nodded subtly, so he did as well.
"Splendid. Severus, would you mind donating an unbreakable vile? I'm afraid it's the procedure for an officer to extract the copy of a memory, especially when it's an underage child."
"Of course," Snape immediately summoned one and handed it over, watching closely as Amelia stepped up to Hadrian and pulled out her wand.
"Your guardian must've explained the procedure before, yes?" Hadrian nodded. It felt slightly uncomfortable to have your memories pulled out, that's for sure. "Good. Now think about the memory as clearly as you can." She pressed the tip of her wand against Harry's temple, extracting a long silver string and putting it in the vile immediately. "Good job. That's it."
"What's going to happen now?" Harry asked, because it didn't seem like they were rushing to arrest Hagrid. How would they even do it? The man was huge.
"I'm sure Lucius will call a meeting for the board of Governors," the man nodded. "And I will review the memory back in my office. We will take action in accordance to what happened. Don't you worry yourself, Mr Peverell," she said much more gently when Harry's eyes clouded in uncertainty. "I will not allow any staff member to abuse their power with any student here. Dumbledore may let these matters slide, but no more. We are on your side."
Harry bit his lip but nodded, feeling oddly touched.
He had people - adults with power to change things - on his side.
He had to admit, it was a wonderful feeling to know someone will fight for you.
"I will be leaving now," Amelia said as she stepped towards the floo. "I have a feeling I will be coming back here later tonight. I also advise you, Mr Peverell, to not go anywhere alone for any reason, for your own safety."
Harry nodded eagerly.
He could handle himself, Sykes was proof of that, but they didn't need to know that.
"We've told him the same thing," Severus said, receiving an approving nod from Bones, and then she vanished into the flames. "At this rate, you'll have half the staff arrested, Mr Peverell."
Harry shrugged.
He honestly didn't care.
"If he manages to weed out Dumbledore's supporters, Severus, all the better," Lucius drawled, sitting down in one of the armchairs. "Would certainly make your life easier."
Snape pursed his lips. "I believe that my life will become increasingly more difficult from now on."
Harry's eyebrows shot up. "Oh?"
"Albus is unhappy with how things are progressing. He desperately wants to gain control of you, and right now I don't know what other things he may try. I believe he never imagined you would involve DMLE and try to get rid of them all legally. Or at all."
Harry snorted. Neither did he, really.
He never expected any of this when he came into the magical world.
He thought he'll go to school, learn cool magic, have fun. He never thought people will try to control him, especially the headmaster. In fact, the more he learned, the more unreal it all seemed; like one of those silly movies Dudley liked to watch loud enough Harry could hear everything from his cupboard.
If a year ago someone would've told him that people would try forcing him to live with his alive father and be some light hero, and he would get them arrested , Harry would have laughed at their faces.
Perhaps all of this is some fever dream and he'll wake up back at the Dursleys.
He shivered involunteringly. Merlin, that's a horrid thought. He'd rather have people out to get him than go back there.
"Hadrian? Are you alright?"
Harry was startled out of his thoughts and looked at his guardian. Lucius looked slightly worried.
"What? Oh, sorry, I was just lost in my head for a moment."
Lucius and Severus shared a glance.
"Perhaps it would be best if you went to lie down for a bit, hm? You had quite a taxing day."
Harry shook his head. "I'd rather not miss whatever happens next."
Snape snorted.
"Figures," Lucius sighed. His ward was too sly for his own good. "However, I'd rather you rest. Actually, perhaps you should see a healer-"
"No!" Harry shouted, eyes wide. "No need," he repeated, much more quietly this time. He didn't want the bloody healer harping on him about something again. They seemed to be exceptionally fond of that. "I'm not tired." No, he was bloody curious about what was Dumbledore baiting him with. He had an urge to ask right now, but decided against it.
He had a feeling they'd tell him to stay out of trouble and away from Dumbledore’s schemes.
"If you’re certain.” Lucius eyed him critically for a few moments. “I’m curious though, how did you manage the ritual?”
“What ritual?” Snape asked sharply.
“Samhain, of course,” Lucius answered easily. “Hadrian asked for a book.”
“You had an eleven year old child with no experience perform a ritual?!”
“Oh, do relax-”
“I’m not an idiot,” Harry said defensively, when Snape continued to glare daggers at his guardian and looked genuinely upset. Why would he be upset? Was Snape one of those who denied wizarding traditions? Harry had a hard time believing this, considering everything he knew about him so far. Then what was it?
“I know you’re not, Hadrian, but you’ve never done such a ritual before, have you? It’s dangerous. ”
“I wasn’t alone, was I? And did everything by the book too.” Well, almost. “It went fine .”
“Am I to assume you were with your usual group?” Harry pursed his lips and didn’t answer. “Merlin gracious. Did you at least have an older student with you?”
“No, what for?”
Snape pinched the bridge of his nose and cursed under his breath. He looked like he needed a drink, in Harry’s humble opinion.
“What is the matter, Severus, you can see that he’s fine, they did the ritual alone, so what? They had clear instructions, Draco attended the ritual numerous times… I don’t see why you’re so stressed.”
“You don’t- fucking hell, Lucius-”
“Don’t curse.”
Snape rolled his eyes so hard it must’ve hurt. “I believe it’s a bit too late to shelter your ward from cursing. You underestimate the risk. What if Dumbledore found out he was performing a Samhain ritual, presumably on your orders? You know how it would look and end.”
“Please, most of Slytherin performed the same ritual that night, as they do every year, and nobody ever gets caught. Slytherins aren’t stupid.”
“The risk is still there and they aren’t old enough. Where did you even do the blaster thing? Did you clean it all up afterwards?” he turned to question Hadrian, who was becoming slightly insulted.
“Of course, I’m not an imbecile. And we did it in one of the Hogwarts ritual rooms.”
Both wizards’ eyebrows shot up.
“The what now?” Lucius sounded intrigued. He's never seen such rooms before.
“There are no such chambers in Hogwarts,” Severus countered.
“Oh, how silly of me, I must’ve imagined the whole ordeal then. But please, do go on." Harry answered snidely and crossed his arms, turning to glare at the nothing in particular. He hated being called a liar when he was telling the truth. But adults had a tendency to never believe him, didn't they?
And they wondered why Harry never trusted anyone.
He heard a deep sigh coming from one of them, but refused to turn around. He's not going to say a word without an apology.
They didn't deserve it.
"What Severus must've meant, Hadrian, is that we have never come upon any ritual chambers before in Hogwarts. Not even once. He's not calling you a liar." Lucius said gently, noticing Harry's problem right away. He's dealt with this before, after all. Harry had extreme reactions to being called a liar or not being told the truth for what it was; so far he's only witnessed a few reactions to this, one being explosive anger fueled by Hadrian's very potent magic, the other was shutting down and offering snarky commentary. It seems like it was leaning more to the second option. Severus better apologize or he'll have a nightmare on his hands.
"Well, I don't hear him saying that, am I?" Came the answer and Lucius swore that Harry was pouting.
This was a new sort of experience for him as well; Draco never would've dared to speak so openly with any of them. He wouldn't demand an apology, wouldn't argue, wouldn't threaten.
But they had completely different upbringings, it wasn't surprising one bit. Draco was raised as an heir to the Malfoy family, was a bit spoiled and rarely was told no. He was polite, if a bit standoffish. They did their best to provide whatever Draco could want or need. Hadrian, on the other hand? He was a survivalist - he had to be with the past he had, only to come out on top. He adapted every situation to suit his needs; just look how quickly he got himself away from the Light! It was admirable. So no, Lucius wasn't surprised just how vindictive and downright cruel his ward could be, with that backbone of steel.
And if Severus wanted to be on the boy's shitlist… well, Lucius will not get in between them. He's felt Hadrian's power. He doesn't want to be on the receiving end of it.
One way or another, it's been awhile since he's had such an interesting year.
Severus pursed his lips as well.
"It's hard to believe that a child who's been to Hogwarts for just over two months found ritual chambers already, while someone like me, who's been there for years , has not ."
"And that's my problem how?" Harry huffed. "You can hardly blame me If I'm more observant than you, professor.”
Lucius snorted loudly, receiving a glare from Snape.
“Besides, Hogwarts is over a thousand years old. I’m sure it holds many more secrets than you can fathom, professor. Just because you’re unable to find it, it doesn’t mean it’s not there.”
And Harry wanted to know those secrets wholeheartedly.
Hogwarts was magnificent . Thrumming with magical power. He would be a fool not to explore. Merlin knows what these walls hide.
“Alright. I concede. You supposedly found the ritual chambers. How? And where? As far as I know, nobody is aware of their existence.”
Harry’s eyes glinted with vindictive pleasure, and Lucius instantly knew what was coming. “I don’t think I’ll tell you.” And there it is. “I’m sure you don’t need a child to tell you things about a place you lived in for years .”
“Oh, you little arogan-”
“ Severus ,” Lucius' cold tone cut Severus off immediately. “That’s enough. Hadrian,” he turned to the boy. “You don’t need to tell us, but were you safe and careful?”
“Yes,” Harry said, shooting a glare at Snape. On his side or not, the man was rapidly losing whatever positive points he’s managed to gather so far by being so goddamn annoying.
“And I suppose everything went according to plan?”
“Of course.”
“That’s all I need to know. Do you want to go back to the common room?” Harry nodded, and turned to walk out. “Wait, we’ll-”
“I can get back on my own. I doubt there’s someone waiting for me outside, and if there is, they’ll come to regret it.”
Harry’s tone made both wizard’s shudder, but he paid them no mind and went straight for the door. “Thank you for your help, Lucius,” he said genuinely, completely ignoring Snape.
“Of course, Hadrian. Oh, and good job on keeping slytherin students safe during the Samhain. I was informed that you were the one to keep everyone from leaving, yes?”
Harry nodded, smirking slightly.
It was amusing watching people trying to figure out what he did, and even more entertaining once he remembered no one being able to remove the spell.
Draco said he was too smug for his own good, but he had a reason to be smug.
“Do not forget the part where your ward left the safety of the Hall with an unconscious professor,” Snape said harshly, his eyes trained on the student. “For Merlin knows what.”
Harry’s mood immediately soured.
“I was not in any danger,” he bristled, because he wasn’t. “Just like I told you last time. I don’t see any reason why you keep bringing it up, as if I’ve done something unspeakable!”
“You foolish child, you could’ve been attacked!”
“I wasn’t. ”
“Ehem,” Lucius cleared his throat loudly and winced slightly when two furious pairs of eyes were trained on him. “Severus, you must calm down, nothing happened. And Hadrian, I want you to be more careful next time. I know nothing happened, but there’s nothing wrong with being precautious, especially now.”
Harry bristled, but nodded.
He knew they wanted what’s best for him, probably, but he still didn’t like someone just swooping in out of nowhere and ordering him around.
He’s been on his own all this time and he could handle it.
Merlin knows how things would’ve been if he was unlucky enough to stay in guardianship of Potter, or Gods forbid, Weasleys. He’d have to fake his own death, surely.
He still didn’t like it.
“Good, so, the matter is resolved?” Lucius asked hopefully.
“Yes.”
“No.”
Harry and Severus glared at each other again.
“Mr Peverell has a task to write an essay about keeping himself safe during extreme situations-”
“Oh, is that all? Should’ve had me write this one when I was six -” both men winced at the implications and Harry’s biting tone. “It surely would’ve helped loads.”
Harry rummaged through his pockets, knowing there was a piece of parchment with the supposed essay; a joke, more like - something he scribbled yesterday during history class, so he wouldn’t fall asleep with the rest of the class.
“Here. Your precious ‘essay’ ,” Harry slammed the parchment on the table with more force than necessary, and went for the door. “I hope it’s informative. I put my heart into it,” he said snidely and went for the door, slamming it behind him without so much as goodbye.
The silence reigned in the room.
“Well, that could’ve gone better.”
“This is the second time he slammed the door to my face.”
“ Oh ?”
“Don’t. Even. Ask.”
Lucius chuckled.
“I’m not sure what you expect, Severus. He’s a traumatized child who’s been on his own for years. I understand that he needs structure, but forcing him will not work, nor will fighting. Try compromising instead.”
“When did you become so wise?” Severus asked as he went to pour himself a drink. Merlin knows he’s earned it.
“I already raised one child and have to deal with imbeciles in the Ministry daily. Call it experience.”
“Or karma. I just know that my mistakes are coming to bite me in the arse in a form of Potter’s spawn. He may no longer call himself a Potter, but Merlin, the genes are still there and I think Peverell might be even worse.”
“Don’t let him hear you say that,” Lucius cautioned. “He genuinely hates James Potter. Even more so than you do. He took his abandonment hard, even if he’d never show it. And he went straight for the throat.”
Severus snorted. “Isn’t that right. Even in my wildest dreams I couldn’t have imagined James losing everything, by his own child’s hand. It would be tragic, if it wasn’t so well deserved.”
“Indeed.” Lucius sipped his own drink, pondering for a moment. “Still, I’d rather you not antagonize him. Hadrian’s used to being independent and doing things his way; he often sees adults interfering as an attack on his person.”
“That sounds awfully a lot like something Narcissa would say.”
“It was. We had quite a few lengthy discussions about this, even with a mind healer.” Severus’ eyebrows shot up at this. “Harry came to us with a set of problems, Severus, not all of them physical. He needs guidance and support, even if he vehemently refuses both. You just have to be a slytherin about it.” The blond took a moment to reprieve. “The boy isn’t stupid. He’s sly and cunning, and will get what he wants, even if it means doing you over.”
“He’s a disrespectful brat, Lucius, and I cannot condone it in school.”
“I honestly don’t understand why you’re upset with him, Severus. He might be a manipulative little shit, but he’s still a child. An abused one who’s testing boundaries. Of course he’s going to make mistakes and piss you off; you know how teenagers are more than most.”
“It still doesn’t excuse his behaviour-”
“It does.” Lucius’ tone was unforgiving. “Put yourself in his shoes. We’re lucky he didn’t have a breakdown by now, with everything going on. It just shows how incredibly strong he is.”
Severus didn’t say anything, just stared at Lucius for a long moment.
“I never thought there will come a day when Lucius Malfoy praises the Boy-Who-Lived.”
The wizard scowled. “You know perfectly well he’s dark, Severus, and a supporter of the Dark Lord’s goals. And nevermind his parentage, he’s still a magical child, an heir to prominent bloodlines, that got hurt, and is still a target of Dumbledore.”
Severus sighed deeply, knowing that everything his friend was saying was true, yet the annoyance didn’t leave him completely.
The brat was still grating on his nerves. His escapades were highly suspicious, but he had nothing to go onto; Harry was exceptionally adept at being unnoticed when he needed to.
Sly little snake indeed.
“This is why I need you to shove whatever pique or grievances, or whatever it is that you hold against him currently, and shove them somewhere no one can see. You are the only one I trust in this school, Severus - you are my friend. And when the push comes to shove, when Hadrian can’t handle something and needs help… I need you to be the person he turns to. That he can trust.”
Severus took a huge gulp of the firewhisky and reveled in the burn.
He knew what Lucius was saying was true. Harry needed someone - an adult - to rely on for help, just in case, and it had to be him. And so far, the boy didn’t trust him enough to believe Severus had good intentions in terms of his wellbeing and freedom, and was willing to help. After all, it was Draco who came to him with concerns. Never Hadrian.
“You know you can trust me, Lucius, even if Hadrian feels like he cannot. Yet.”
“Allow him to calm down. I’d rather you don’t piss him off enough to curse you. You will not get any sympathy from me.”
Snape shuddered after recalling the gryffindor Harry most definitely cursed.
“Your ward is a nightmare. A powerful, terrifying nightmare.”
“Don’t tell me something else had happened.” Lucius sounded resigned.
“Oh, he never admitted it directly, not at first, but there was a gryffindor, Sykes, cursed not too long ago. Mouth sewn shut, Poppy couldn’t fix it for days. It seems that the boy cornered your ward in order to teach him a lesson - old coot’s supporter - and got taught one himself.”
“Sewn shut?” Lucius' mouth was gaping open, eyes wide. “That’s dark magic. He didn’t get caught? How come I haven’t heard of this? How did he even do it?”
“That’s the mystery, isn’t it? He said he ‘told his magic to do it’, whatever that means. He has phenomenal control of his magic, if he can do such things.”
“Why didn’t you inform me? Neither did Draco…”
“Because nobody else knows, at least not professors. Sykes never told anyone who did it; but he still runs in another direction whenever he sees Hadrian. The only reason I know is purely by putting two and two together, then calling him in for a chat.”
“This is why I’m not going to protect you from him, Sev. I’d rather keep my health in its current state.”
Snape rolled his eyes. “I will be just fine. I’ll call him down for a chat in a week or two.”
Lucius nodded, and they both sat in silence for a moment, until the blond’s eyes caught the parchment Hadrian left behind. “What did you make him write?”
Snape followed his friend’s gaze and smirked.
“Something I hope that will be beneficial. Let’s see…” the Potions Master summoned the parchment and started reading.
Then blinked.
Was this a joke?
“Is something the matter, Severus? You look rather… stunned.”
“Your ward is going to cause me to have a permanent headache,” Snape mumbled and handed the parchment over, pouring himself another drink.
Lucius looked at the parchment curiously, wondering what was this all about.
I keep myself safe in dangerous, extreme situations by coming out on top.
I will pursue my agendas, even if it seems like they endanger me, as long as it furthers my goals.
Self-preservation is a trait I possess and I take it as an insult when you act as if I don’t have it.
If some unfortunate soul dares to attack me, I will keep myself safe by making them suffer before their death.
The root of all my problems seems to be Dumbledore, so, by assigning this essay professor Snape is indirectly asking me to kill the headmaster.
This essay is a waste of my time and I will not write it, simply because I didn’t do anything to deserve a punishment.
Lucius couldn’t help it and started laughing.
“This- it-it’s brilliant ,” he choked through tears, not having laughed like this in a very long time. “ Merlin -”
“Yes, hilarious,” Snape drawled, but even he could admit that what Harry wrote was brilliant.
The boy had a strong mind, Severus will admit. No one else would dare to hand something like this to him. No one.
His reputation wasn’t unfounded.
But this boy… Hadrian Peverell was going to make this world burn, Severus was sure of that.
“I don’t know what I was expecting.”
“Well, he was at least truthful, that’s something, eh, Sev? I’m going to make a copy of this to show Cissa,” he pulled out his wand and made a copy, stashing it into his pocket. “Merlin.”
“Yes, truthful and arrogant. Imagine a safety guide written by him? 'If you wish to be safe in dangerous situations, just come out on top - by Hadrian Peverell.' This child will keep everyone on their toes."
Lucius smirked, giving his friend a knowing look.
"He's quite something, isn't he?"
"Indeed."