Hadrian Peverell

Harry only recalled forgetting to ask Lucius how the trial went once he was back in the dormity, and was too annoyed to go back.

Snape was bloody annoying.

He may think he knows what’s best for him, but it doesn’t mean he’s right. Didn’t believe him about the ritual chambers too - what a git.

Harry genuinely hoped that Snape enjoyed his little ‘essay’. Detention he’ll probably get will definitely be worth it.

“Why are you sulking?” Draco walked up to him, looking concerned. “Theo told me what happened. Everything alright?”

Harry pursed his lips. “Your godfather is annoying.”

Draco’s eyebrows shot up. Clearly this wasn’t what the blond expected to hear. “Did he… do something?”

“Yes. Called me a liar and believes I can't handle things. It’s insulting .”

Draco was quiet for a moment. “Is this about you not walking alone thing? Because it’s for your own safety-”

“I can take care of myself,” Harry hissed furiously at the boy, and he stepped back. “I’m not weak.”

Draco’s expression softened a little. “I know you’re not, Hadrian, but… what if Dumbledore finds you all alone? Or a group outright attacks you? We just want you to be safe .”

Harry inhaled deeply, knowing he wasn’t being fair, taking his frustration out on Draco, but he hated being smothered. He wasn’t a brainless idiot.

“I hope you didn’t curse my godfather..?” Draco sounded so unsure, that it brought a smirk to Harry’s lips. Did Draco really think he’d curse a teacher - one as important to Malfoys’ as Snape - for something like this?

Well, in that case…

“He'll be fine," Harry waved his hand dismissively, pretending not to notice a look of horror that passed Draco's face at the implication.

" You cursed my godfather?! " Draco screeched loud enough to make Harry wince. Perhaps this wasn't the best idea. 

Draco was, after all, overly protective of those he considered family.

"Of course not-"

"You just said you did! What's wrong with you?! "

This was the first time Harry witnessed Draco acting like this towards him . It was a new sort of experience and honestly, he didn't like it.

"I said he'll be fine, which he will, because I didn't do anything!"

"Yeah right," Draco practically snarled at him, which shocked Harry enough that he didn't say anything back. "Just like you didn’t Sykes?" Harry flinched back. "If I find out you hurt Sev, we're done ."

Harry was left standing speechless as Draco stormed out of the common room, having no idea what just happened.

He- he told Draco he didn't do anything; why did he think Harry was lying?

Or was he just waiting to accuse Harry of something to get rid of him?

Maybe he didn't want Harry intruding on his family? He's heard stories of children becoming jealous of their adopted siblings, maybe this was the case, even if Malfoys were only his guardians?

Or was Harry overthinking this? After all, family was a sore spot for him. His own didn’t want him; it would make sense if this one wouldn't want him either.

"Hadrian?" Harry was startled out of his thoughts by a concerned Theo. "Are you alright? I saw Draco storming out…"

"Yeah," his voice sounded rough, so he cleared his throat and said more clearly: "Yes, Draco just… he thought I cursed Snape, and when I said I didn't, he didn't believe me and ran out."

Theo looked puzzled as well.

"How did he come to that conclusion?" 

Harry shrugged. "He asked if I cursed the git, and I said he'll be fine. He exploded that."

Realization dawned on Theodore's face, and Harry felt irked that the other boy had figured it out before he did.

How was he supposed to know? He never had family drama to deal with before, apart from avoiding Dursleys, and they weren't exactly including him in anything other than slaving for their benefit.

"I think… well, Snape is Draco's godfather, right?" Harry nodded. "It's a very important role in the wizarding world, godfather is like a third parent, of sorts, so, naturally, they're very close. And if Draco believed that you attacked Snape for some reason other than defence, he most likely saw it as an attack on his family. And he's extremely protective of that."

"But I told him I didn't do anything!" Harry was perplexed. He could understand if he actually cursed the idiot, but he didn't! Quite frankly, he didn't fancy having a month’s worth of detention for attacking a teacher - he wasn't a complete lunatic.

Theo shrugged.

"I don't know then. Draco can be pretty dramatic at times."

Harry still felt irked the wrong way for basically being called a liar again .

Yes, Draco was dramatic, but they were supposed to be friends.

He may have nothing to compare it to, but friends were supposed to trust each other. Right?

Right?!

"Well, if that's how he feels, then he can stew," was all Harry said in an unusually cold tone that made Theo shiver. "I will not be called a liar by someone who's supposed to be my friend."

And he will not.

Draco can believe whatever he wants. He and Snape, both, can eat shit. Harry doesn't need them.

He has himself and that's all he needs.

He'll be fine.

He always was.

Theo looked to be having some internal fight, but in Harry's opinion, he just looked constipated. "What?" 

"What will happen to Hagrid?" Theo blurred out and Harry felt himself relaxing that the other slytherin didn't want to continue their previous topic.

"I don't know. Lucius called Madam Bones. I'm sure there'll be some sort of investigation or whatever."

Theo hummed. "Wouldn't be surprised if he gets sacked. Grandfather says he's one of the biggest Dumbledore's supporters. Which… which means that the old coot will try to protect him."

Of course he will.

Or he'd pretend he had nothing to do with it. Harry didn't know Dumbledore well enough to know how he'd react, but it was obvious that Hagrid believed Dumbledore could do no wrong, and even if he gets sacked, he'll remain by the old coot's side.

Question was, how in seven hells did Dumbledore gain such loyalists? It would be fascinating, if it wasn't so pathetic.

"Want to go out for a stroll?" Theo asked, and Harry raised his brow in question. Why a sudden change?

Harry smirked. "What? The last one wasn't exciting enough for you?"

Theo snorted.

"Whatever you do, I don't think it will ever be boring, Hadrian. And besides, safety in numbers right?" Harry stared blankly at him. "You looked about to storm out yourself, and, well… if Sykes' situation repeats itself, I wouldn't mind watching."

It was Harry's turn to snort. "Of course you wouldn't," he muttered, because out of all of them, Theo might be the quietest one, but also the most vicious, as far as those dark tendencies go. From what he gathered, his father and grandfather served the Dark Lord in the past - it would make sense they passed their beliefs and knowledge on to Theo as well.

It's always the quiet ones, eh?

"Someone else is about to get cursed or am I hearing things wrong?”

Oh no.

Only Harry’s glare and a clear promise to zap him, kept Warrington’s hands away from Harry.

“Are ickle firsties looking for trouble again?”

Merlin help him.

“We’re going to take a walk; you’re welcome to stay here ,” Harry grumbled, ignoring the triumphant look on the third year’s face. 

“ Absolutely I will come with you,” Cassius proceeded to walk behind them. “Where you go, there’s drama, and I told you, I’d pay to watch you curse someone again.”

“Keep this up and I’ll grant you a VIP personal experience,” Harry said as he walked out of the common room, ignoring the other two trailing behind. Merlin, it was like having two babysitters.

“You wouldn’t curse a fellow slytherin, would you, Hadrian?”

“I know where you sleep,” Harry deadpanned, thoroughly enjoying a startled look on the older boy’s face. “I also have no problem cursing anyone, thankyouverymuch .”

“Oh. Well, that’s to be expected, considering everything you’ve done up until now. Admirable, really. Great for my pockets too, you wouldn’t believe just how many things students bet on. Even on the train, more than a half of students betted on which house you’d end up with, considering you basically disowning your father and everything. Powermove right there.”

“And what house did you bet on, Cassius?” Harry asked, voice sweet as you please. He was genuinely curious to know though; it was obvious people expected him to be a Gryffindor golden boy, but could others read between the lines even before he stepped foot into this magnificent castle?

“Slytherin,” Warrington answered instantly, smirking. “No gryffindor would’ve done the things you did upon learning you had a living parent, and then went to live with a family like Malfoys. Pure slytherin move right there.”

Harry shot the boy a smirk of his own. Seems like Warrington wasn’t a complete idiot. And he was very slowly starting to like the slytherin.

“Which house had the most votes?” Theo interjected.

“Um… I’m not sure, but Slytherin and Gryffindor were practically a tie, followed by Ravenclaw and I’m pretty sure nobody picked Hufflepuff. There were mostly two groups of people, one completely certain that Hadrian here will be Gryffindoor Light Savior despite the articles raging for the past month, and those who could read between the lines and see Hadrian wasn’t an idiot to have ruined Potter’s reputation and still go to Gryffindor. Of course, there was a fraction who believed you went dark.”

People were too invested in Harry’s personal life, Harry thought. Analysing everything to bits.

Thank Merlin they didn’t have things such as muggle cameras, or he’d have bloody paparazis chasing him down the hall, and then Harry would end up in Azkaban for going on a murder spree. That’s the only viable solution.

Didn't they have a personal life?

"Mr Peverell! To my office this instant!" McGonagall's quite furious voice sounded from somewhere behind him and Harry jumped.

"She sounds furious," Cassius looked at Harry in concern and curiosity. "What did you do?"

Harry pursed his lips. "Possibly got someone else arrested."

The boy's eyes widened. "Who?" He sounded excited.

"You'll see. I'm coming with," Theo stated.

"Oh, me too," Warrington's eyes were glinting with excitement. “No way am I missing this.”

"Mr Nott, Mr Warrington, I only need Mr Peverell, you two may go."

"I'm afraid, professor, I know what this is about and I was told by professor Snape to accompany Hadrian everywhere."

A lie .

McGonagall pursed her lips in displeasure. 

"I'm sure it's not needed, Mr Nott."

"Professor Snape was very clear, Professor McGonagall," Warrington interjected. "I'm afraid you'll have to take it up with him."

She glared at them all and beckoned for them to follow her.

"Seriously, what did you do?" Cassius whispered, beyond intrigued right now. 

Harry didn’t grace him with an answer, but Loki poked his head out from Harry's shirt and looked at the boy curiously.

“ Back inside and don’t come out, Loki,” Harry hissed softly, and the snake complied, tickling his neck as it went.

Cassius looked starstruck.

McGonagall turned to them as the office door closed, looking more stern than Harry has ever seen her. He took an offered seat while Theo and Cassius stood closer to the door, and waited to see what the hell was this about.

"Your behaviour today was completely unacceptable, Mr Peverell. You'll be lucky not to be expelled after the stunt you pulled today."

What?!

"Oh? And pray tell, what have I done, professor?" Harry feigned innocence, while cackling on the inside. Did she seriously think he would fall for her intimidation tactic?

Scare him into agreeing to whatever truth she held and whatever punishment she wanted?

Well, wrong . 

"No need to feign ignorance, Mr Peverell. You attacked a staff member, which is a high offence in this school and will not be tolerated. In fact, if you're not expelled, you'll be serving detention for at least two months-"

Harry laughed out loud, an amused little smile overtaking his face at the affronted look of the professor.

"That's not going to happen," he stated, casually inspecting his nails as a show of nonchalance. "I don't know where you get your information from, professor, but you're either delusional or so gullible that you need to see a healer."

McGonagall was gaping at him, speechless, whilst the two slytherins behind him snorted loudly and could barely control their expressions.

Nobody has ever spoken with McGonagall like that before, and Harry was honoured to be the first. In Harry’s opinion, respect must be earned and not given, just because you’re in a position of authority, and so far McGonagall has done nothing to earn his respect. 

"H-how dare you, Mr Peverell, twenty points from Slytherin, you-"

"First of all, professor-" Harry cut her off again. "You will find that I did no such thing you're accusing me of. I'm assuming you're speaking of Hagrid?" She nodded. "Then you'll find that he's the one that ambushed me. Theo was there, he can confirm."

She glanced at Nott, looking shocked to hear this.

Aha! 

"Oh? Did Hagrid forget to mention that little detail?" Harry mocked her loudly. "What a shame. Did he also inform you that he threatened a student ?"

"You're obviously exaggerating, Mr Peverell. Hagrid is a good man and wouldn't lie about such things. You, on the other hand, have a tendency to cause trouble."

"I've yet to break any school rules, I'm not sure what you're referring to, professor." And if he had, she’d never know.

"You know exactly what I mean, Mr Peverell. Ever since you came into this school, you've been causing chaos and unrest, and lying in the papers, but this has crossed a line."

"You're right, it has." Harry looked completely unbothered by the accusations. He just didn't expect this kind of thing from McGonagall; she was stern, yes, favoured her lions like nobody's business too, but she was usually fair. Clearly, everything concerning Harry just had to be an exception. "This is why my guardian along with Amelia Bones will be most likely pressing charges against Hagrid. I'm sure she's already done with whatever paperwork she needed and is on her way here. We met earlier, you see."

Harry watched McGonagall's face turn pasty white, and he couldn't contain his glee. Such entertainment. 

He won't have people to arrest by the end of the year at this speed.

"You got that oaf arrested?" Cassius sounded excited and didn't even try to hide it.

Harry turned to look at the boy and smirked. "Not yet, although I left before Madam Bones could come back."

"Amelia Bones?" McGonagall uttered under her breath, looking faint. "No, you- you-" she clearly was at a loss for words, and Harry was thoroughly enjoying it. Question was, how will this end?

She didn't have a leg to stand on. He should be fine.

He will be. It's not like they will simply dismiss his words, especially with a memory to boot. No, no more. He will be heard .

"I'm not sure what you want from Hadrian here, professor," Cassius interjected. "This problem seems to be already handled and you accused him without even listening to his side of the story. Can we go?"

She blinked, looking irked to be caught off guard. "No. Until I'm certain you're not lying, you will stay here." She pulled out her wand and Harry stiffened, calling his magic forth in case she did something, but the professor waved her wand, producing a silvery, glowing cat.

What the fuck is that?

"Tell Severus to come here immediately, I have Mr Peverell in my office."

The cat nodded and disappeared through the door.

Harry had no idea what that was, but he wanted one. And he would've asked McGonagall what has she done, but the witch clearly was at odds with him at this moment, so he'll just figure it out himself later.

Merlin, magic was great .

It took less than ten uncomfortably silent minutes for Snape to arrive. Harry wondered if he ran all the way here from the dungeons in hopes to strangle him. After all, he was absolutely certain that no student before him had caused so much trouble in one day.

However, the man's confident entrance and commanding presence left no doubts in Harry’s mind that Snape was a powerful wizard and not one to be messed with.

But frankly, Harry wasn't either. 

And he didn’t give enough crap to put up with people coming at him today for absolutely no reason other than to make him snap.

"What is the meaning of this, Minerva?" Snape asked, brows shooting up when he saw Warrington standing just behind Harry and looking amused. The boy quickly scolded his expression into something more presentable at Snape's cold look.

Harry met the man's eyes head on, refusing to look away, especially considering the… essay he left the professor just over an hour earlier and their not so cordial parting, which will most likely irk the stern professor something mad.

Was it Harry’s problem? Absolutely not. He was completely honest and Snape could eat shit if he had a problem with it. That’s what you get for being an unreasonable prat.

“I came across a terribly distraught Rubeus who claimed that Mr Peverell attacked him and locked his door shut, thus trapping him inside. I brought him here to appoint punishment, but Mr Peverell claims I’m in the wrong, which I find ridiculous, since Rubeus isn’t one to lie, and Mr Peverell claims you’re aware of the situation? And that for some unknown reason, Amelia Bones is already involved?”

Snape stared at the transfiguration teacher, then turned to look at Harry, sighing heavily.

“I’m well aware of what happened, Minerva, and Mr Peverell did not attack that insufferable fool. Quite the opposite in fact-”

“I find these claims ridiculous. Rubeus wouldn’t hurt a fly!” McGonagall exclaimed loudly. “Potter- I mean, Mr Peverell is clearly exaggerating to make himself look better!”

“Minerva-”

“His behaviour is getting out of line. I could understand his need for attention, if it wasn’t hurting innocent people! First James, then young Ronald and Molly, Albus, now Rubeus! Even you must understand that this is crossing a line!”

Harry felt unadulterated fury fill his being at the evident accusations the witch was throwing at him. That he made everything up.

A fourth person calling him a liar in one day? Must be a record.

Also the very end of his patience.

McGonagall was incredibly lucky that Harry could control himself better than most, otherwise she would have been screaming in pain already. There was also the fact he didn’t want to get actually expelled for attacking a professor in front of three witnesses. Like he said, he wasn’t an idiot.

However, for the briefest moment his control slipped and at least slytherins must’ve gotten a feel of his angry magic, if anything to go by the looks he was getting, and Warrington stepping away from him, wide-eyed.

Snape just gave him a side-eyed, unimpressed look and then glared at McGonagall.

“Mr Warrington, this isn’t a discussion involving you, I suggest you leave and go back to your dormity.”

Even if the slytherin wanted to argue, he kept his mouth tightly shut and simply nodded, before vacating the premises, but the look he gave Hadrian clearly stated he’ll be coming for answers later.

As will the rest of Slytherin, most likely.

They were nosy like that.

“You are completely out of line, Minerva,” Snape declared coldly, eyes trained on the witch. “And your accusations are unfounded. Have you even stopped to ask Mr Peverell of his side of the story or just straight up accused him of whatever story that fool came up with?”

McGonagall pursed her lips in displeasure. “He said that Rubeus attacked him, which I refuse to believe. I’ve known that man for decades; he’d never hurt anyone.”

“But that’s not what I asked, is it?” Snape’s voice was deceptively sweet. “I’ve watched the memory myself, Minerva, and that man will be lucky to still have a job here after the stunt he pulled. Lucius was furious.”

She paled after hearing this, eyes jumping from Harry to Snape, back and forth.

Did she really think Harry just went up to Hagrid and started going at him for no reason? Really ?

“Lucius Malfoy was here?” she whispered.

“Yes. I believe he’s currently speaking with the board members.”

The witch staggered.

“There’s no need to involve the Board, Severus; whatever happened can be resolved between us-”

“No.”

“Excuse me?”

“It’s the Board of Governors job to deal with unruly staff, Minerva, you know this, and considering that the one harassed was heir Peverell , it will not be glossed over like most incidents in this school. I suggest you drop whatever prejudice you hold, because from where I’m standing, you’re trying to do just that.”

“Severus…”

Snape continued staring coldly at the other professor without saying another word.

Harry, on the other hand, felt oddly touched.

Snape was… protecting him? It was obvious, happening right in front of his eyes, and yet, Harry could hardly believe it.

He could understand Lucius doing it, as it was expected from a guardian, but Snape? Snape could just let him rot, just stand aside and let Harry deal with it on his own, but he wasn’t. He’s helping Harry, and has been for a while, despite being a prick earlier.

Why?

Was there an ulterior motive? Harry couldn’t help but think. After all, he knew from experience that no one does anything for free.

Even Malfoys didn’t become his guardians for free; it was a mutually beneficial agreement and both parties knew it.

So what was the reason for Snape’s protectiveness?

Nevermind. Harry has another seven years to figure it out and this year was already crazy enough.

“I believe the matter is out of your hands, Minerva, and this conversation is over. Mr Nott, Mr Peverell, you’re free to go.”

“Just wait a second-”

“We’re done , Minerva.”

“Of course, we’re not done! What about the boy’s lying tendencies?”

The temperature in the room dropped instantly and Harry's eyes started glowing with fury.

"I am not a bloody liar, professor," Harry said through clenched teeth, because he's had it up to his neck with people not believing him when he was telling the truth. He was done. "And if the truth is not something you like to hear, that is not my problem in the slightest."

McGonagall flinched.

"That's enough, Minerva," Snape's voice was deadly; Harry's never heard the professor like this. "Hadrian, go back to your dorm," he said much more calmly after, while staring McGonagall down. "You as well, Mr Nott."

Harry felt a nudge from Theo, and he let himself be led out into the hallway. Only then did Harry realize he was shaking.

Why was everyone so against him in this bloody world?

What the hell has he done to warrant it?

Sometimes he really hated his life.

"Are- are you okay?" Theo asked tentatively as he watched his friend try and fail to control his inner turmoil.

Harry didn't answer; instead dug his nails into his palms until blood started seeping from the wounds, and even then he didn't stop.

Pain was always grounding, wasn’t it? Much more effective than deep breaths, right?

"Go back to the common room, Theo," Harry said quietly. The other boy opened his mouth to protest, but Harry wasn't having it: "I'll be fine. If Snape asks, say I was going to curse you if you didn't leave." 

Theo still hesitated. Harry sighed, both annoyed at the persistence and touched to have someone who gave a shit. "I'll come back later. I need some time for myself."

Theo looked at him for a long moment before nodding and leaving Harry be.

Harry left as well, not fancying Snape finding him loitering in the halls when he was told to go, and wandered upstairs.

He only released the breath he was holding once he reached the Astronomy tower, where he looked down onto the extensive fields surrounding the castle - such a magnificent view - and almost slumped over. With relief, with anger, with anguish, with the unfairness of it all that made his eyes fill with angry tears.

Wasn't this world supposed to be different?

He may have a name now, someone to look out for him, hell; he had a voice and yet … he was still a liar and constantly attacked from all sides.

Was anything ever good enough? 

Did he have some sort of sign above his head that said 'come at me'?

It certainly seemed so.

At least in muggle school his headmaster or teachers weren’t out to get him all the time. They were distrustful of him, because of the nonsense Dursleys were sprouting, but they never went after him like this. They just saw him as a quiet weird kid, who was probably fucked in the head. 

Well, people here probably thought that too, considering how McGonagall was acting, despite him being a model student.

To hell with everyone.

Getting revenge was fun, but as of right now, Harry felt like everything was just… too much.

He wanted to break something. To explode. To let his magic loose and watch the destruction occur in front of his eyes, and his magic resonated with his wishes, slowly building up and filling the room.

Harry was so absorbed in the feeling, he didn’t even notice someone else coming in, until a voice broke him out of his thoughts:

“Your magic is quite strong, young Peverell.”

Harry startled, his second wand instantly pointing at the intruder, which turned out to be none other than professor Quirrell.

“Did you follow me here?” he accused, and lowered his wand, but kept it in his hand, just in case. He didn’t need yet another professor accusing him of attacking them, not today.

Merlin, it would be a nightmare.

“Hardly. I was walking past when I felt the magic thrum . I came to investigate what could be causing such things to occur, and see you here, all alone and clearly upset about something for your magic to be this way.”

Harry didn’t elaborate and watched the professor like a hawk as the wizard walked closer to him, but not too close. Funny how his stuttering was gone once more.

“So, what has upset you, Mr Peverell? Enough that your magic leaked out and practically called me here?”

“My magic did no such thing,” Harry said coldly. It didn’t. It couldn't have. He wanted to be alone , not for someone to come nag him some more.

He just wanted a goddamn break .

“Of course,” Quirrell said, if only to placate him. “So, what has made you so upset? Surely, not the results of your father’s trial; from what I gathered, you’re not exactly fond of him.”

“Why would I tell you? So you could go and parrot everything back to Dumbledore?” Harry said probably more angrily than he should have, but it didn’t stop him from noticing the twitching of the wizard’s eye or a sudden, barely-there, spike in his magic.

Huh. Interesting . 

“I assure you, Mr Peverell, that I would never do such things as ‘parrot back to Dumbledore’.” The man sounded highly insulted, but Harry still wasn’t buying it. Quirrell could still be lying.

“And why not? That seems to be everyone’s favourite pastime, and the fact that he’s your employer.”

“It does not mean I report everything to him. I don’t have time nor patience to deal with the old fool on a daily basis,” professor said in a clipped tone.

“ Oh ?”

“Quite.”

They were quiet for a long moment, just staring at each other, and Harry did something he hasn’t done in a while - he decided to peek into the man’s mind.

What? He just wanted to know Quirrell’s true motives. And besides, he’s done it unconsciously dozens of times before; this should be no different, right?

Wrong . 

“It’s impolite to invade the mind of a person who’s trying to have a civil conversation with you, Mr Peverell,” professor chasited him, and Harry blinked back into himself after he was forced out of the mind. This was the first time it happened. It felt as if there was a wall in Quirrell’s mind, and then he was out.

And he didn’t see a thing either.

Bummer.

“I have no idea what you’re speaking of, professor.”

“I’m sure." Quirrell continued staring at him unnervingly, but Harry made sure not to look nervous. He knew from experience that if you show weakness, the other person will catch it and push until you break.

"So, have you given any thought to an acting career, professor?" Harry inquired casually.

Quirrell looked stunned for the briefest moment, before laughing .

It sounded wrong , on a level that made the hair on the back of his neck stand up.

Predator was near , his inner radar supplied.

"What a delight you are, Mr Peverell. I can't say I have, but I'll make sure to invite you to the premiere if I ever do."

Did the magical world even have anything equivalent to theater? Harry wondered.

"So, have you already found what's hidden behind the trapdoor?" He continued asking, just as curious as the last time. "If not, you should hurry up, because someone already tried to steal it from Gringotts. Who knows what might happen next."

Quirrell's reaction was instantaneous. 

That hidden magic spiked, the man's eyes sharpened to a point Harry felt he might be thrown off the Astronomy tower and he could swear that they had a red hue to them for a moment. 

The man stood completely still as his eyes wandered over him.

" Oh ? And how come you came to a conclusion that the unfortunate Gringotts break-in has any ties to that… trapdoor?"

Harry’s smile reminded the one of a shark. He had no idea why, but this man brought out his darker side with barely any provocation at all, and for some reason, Harry felt no need to hide it.

"Oh, just a few less than subtle suggestions from Dumbledore’s goons, professor. For some reason he really wants me to stick my nose into this scavenger hunt business. I'm just curious if you're a part of it."

The grimace Quirrell had at the suggestion seemed genuine.

"Do I look like someone who would follow someone like Dumbledore?" He sounded insulted.

Harry cocked his head to the side and said: "Not particularly, no, but you can never be too careful.”

The amused little smile was back.

“You intrigue me, little Peverell,” professor stalked closer, but Harry refused to move an inch and simply stared back at the man. Whatever spark he was hiding inside was closer to the surface than ever and Harry wanted it. “You come into this world, a completely opposite of what you were believed to be. You’re strong . And you don’t seem the type to follow easily.” 

Harry suppressed a flinch when the wizard cupped his chin and tilted his head up. His eyes were much more intense from up close.

“What can I say? I like to shock people.”

Quirrell smirked.

“You do, don’t you?” he sounded oddly soft and released Harry, taking a step back, even if his eyes never left Harry’s. “How would you like some… additional lessons, Mr Peverell?”

What?

Harry blinked, shocked to the core at the offer.

Why would Quirrell offer him anything?

“What’s in it for you, professor?”

“Ever the slytherin, hm?” Quirrell muttered. “I see potential in you. You remind me of someone from a long time ago and I’d hate not to offer you further… tutelage. There’s also a more selfish reason; I’m intrigued to see your potential, Mr Peverell. After all, Hogwarts only teaches so much.”

The implication was clear.

Quirrell wants to teach him forbidden magics. Dark arts, most likely.

Oh, how interesting.

“Why not,” Harry watches as delight shoots through the professor's face before receding into previous amusement. “But you must promise to tell me what is it that you want that’s hidden behind the trapdoor before the end of the year.”

Unless he gets bored and decides to just nick it himself. Whatever it is, must be priceless.

Quirrell started laughing.

“You drive a hard bargain, Mr Peverell.” The wizard’s smile was sharp and for a moment, Harry felt like he was the one who fell into the trap. “You’ve got yourself a deal.”

Severus Snape wished that James Potter was a decent person and a good father, so he could deal with all the trouble his spawn caused by himself.

He knew that none of it was the boy’s fault; even if the little shit did nothing to diffuse the fire; quite the opposite - Harry seemed keen on burning the whole damn place to the ground; but even then he wasn’t the one at fault. Not truly. Everyone else was out for his blood.

Severus knew this, but he was still the one having to deal with the outcome.

If only Peverell was sorted into Ravenclaw, for he would never be considered anywhere else. Then he’d be Filius’ problem.

But no. Of course not . The Fates just hated Severus Snape, which had him glaring murderously at one Minerva McGonagall, someone he considered more than an acquaintance - a friend of sorts - at times.

“I’ve heard enough from you, Minerva. Cease this nonsense. I will not have you attack Hadrian on unfound babblings of an idiot. Or did you suddenly forget I saw the boy’s memories?”

“They could be faked-”

“Not by a child!”

The witch pursed her lips. “I don’t like this.”

“And I don’t like the way you’re behaving towards my snakes, Minerva.”

“You know I’m fair!”

“Are you?” Snape looked at her doubtfully. “That’s not something you are right now. And if you continue your attacks on Peverell, no doubt it will reach the Board of Governors.”

“You are allowing too much power to that boy! He needs discipline! He’s out of control with the lies!”

“He’s yet to lie about a single thing,” Severus replied coldly. As of now, he didn’t recognize the witch Minerva used to be. In front of him was standing a stranger. “You forget what he’s been through, Minerva. I wouldn’t wish it upon my enemy, let alone a child. Of course he needs discipline; in a form of structure and creating relationships, and not in a way of unfound punishment.”

He was being hypocritical with this, he knew. Just hours earlier he was raving and calling Hadrian a liar, but… Lucius talked some sense into him, and if Minerva found out he was doubting Hadrian… this would eventually undoubtedly get back to the boy, as well as Dumbledore, who would use it for his own benefit, and any and all trust Harry still held for him would be lost for good.

No, slytherins stand together.

“He still attacked Rubeus!”

Snape shook his head. “How do you think Hadrian felt, when a man five times his size was shouting at him, threatening him and reacting violently when he was told no? Especially with his history?”

Minerva faltered. “Albus said the Dursleys… he said the boy exaggerated. He said they didn’t do anything apart from normal disciplinary measures and that Harry was troublesome.”

How could she be so blind to it all?

“Are you that gullible?” Snape asked, unaware that’s exactly what Hadrian had called her earlier. “You actually believe that?” He’d be severely disappointed if she did, not that he already wasn’t disappointed in his once-time friend. “As much as I too would like to deny it, he is an abused child. He’s still undergoing excessive treatment for what he had to endure-”

“He’s never been to Poppy, she would’ve told us,” Minerva intervened. 

“That’s because he is under the care of an actual healer hired by the Malfoys, and not the school's medi-witch .” The one who would report her finding to Albus, no less. “And he’s going to need years of treatment to reverse the damage those monsters caused. I don’t care about your personal beliefs, Minerva, no matter how wrong they are, but I warn you; if you continue your attacks on Mr Peverell, it will not end well.”

Severus was one hundred percent sure of this.

Hadrian Peverell wasn’t someone to cross.

The child was powerful. He was bright and he was sharp .

He was dark . 

Severus still vividly recalled when this small boy laughed at his face when Severus proclaimed he no longer served the Dark Lord.

You don’t break deals with the Devil, he said.

How he proclaimed keeping himself safe by coming out on top.

Severus believed that wholeheartedly. He’s seen with his own eyes how the boy manipulated circumstances to favour his means. How he masterfully sabotaged those who meant him harm. Even his own flesh and blood. 

And those were the actions of a slighted eleven year old. Severus shuddered to think what would happen as Harry grows older. What sort of destruction he’ll bring upon this world and those who dared to hurt him.

He knew it will be gruesome and just as deserved.

“You need to forget this illusion of light saviour Harry Potter, Minerva. He never existed - it was always Albus creation - a delusion. Nothing more. And just because Hadrian doesn’t follow the script you and Albus wish him to, it does not mean he doesn’t deserve to be treated fairly. He is his own person. He will never be Harry Potter, the gryffindor and a saviour. It’s time you got that into your thick skull.”

Severus turned to leave, when he was stopped by her voice:

“I didn’t think I’d see the day you’d stand up for Jame’s child,” she said. “Even if it is against Rubeus.”

Snape bristled.

“I will always protect my snakes, Minerva, make no mistake of that. Even if it is against a staff person harassing him and calling him a liar .”

She flinched.

Good, Severus thought as he slammed the door shut behind him, feeling a twirl of satisfaction. 

No wonder Harry slammed the door twice on him now. He could certainly see the appeal.

Sitting in his office, Voldemort grins.

“Master, are you not going to kill the boy?” Quirrell asks, still confused why his Master refused to so much as hurt the child when the circumstances allowed it.

“Don’t be absurd, Quirinus. The child has done nothing but hurt the light side since his coming here. I would be a fool to stop him.” He twirled a glass of Ogden’s best firewhisky, reminiscing the time’s he’s spoken to the said child. “And I admit to being curious of what the young Peverell will do next.”

“But, Master, he’s the one who vanquished you!”

The next moment, Quirrell was screaming as he faced Voldemort’s displeasure.

“He was nothing but a babe, do not speak such nonsense again!”

“Yes, Master. I’m sorry.”

“Hadrian Peverell is a puzzle, a mystery I wish to unravel. A child with such dark magic, born to the light family… Light’s hero.” The wizard snorted. “What an irony he is anything but .”

Voldemort saw with his own eyes what was done to the sixth year gryffindor a few weeks back. It didn’t take much to find out who was responsible, and Voldemort’s intrigue only grew. 

How could a first year boy with no previous magical training be capable of such feasts?

“Do not worry your poor little head, Quirinus. Hadrian Peverell is not to be touched. He is mine.”

Voldemort gulped down the rest of the whiskey, revelling in the burn.

He couldn’t wait for their meeting.