"That's extremely odd, don't you think?" Aiden asked, glancing at the front page of the Daily Prophet, its date emblazoned across it, April 30th, an important day to wizards and witches of the magical world. "I wonder what he's done to be fired, it doesn't say." which was actually the odd thing about it.
"It must be something really embarrassing if the Ministry don't want it to get out," Lestrange answered him, wiping his mouth of the greasy residue left over by the egg he had just consumed. He was just as curious as Avery if he was honest, but they'd probably never get an answer.
"Don't want to get what out?" Hadrian questioned curiously, both he and Tom sat down, Hadrian already filling up his plate completely famished. Temporarily ignoring the bundle of letters and the newspaper next to his empty goblet, well not for long as Hadrian filled it with orange juice from the jug, ignoring the pumpkin juice.
"Apparently Bob Ogden has been fired from his position as the Head of the Magical Law Enforcement office." Aiden commented as he ate his breakfast. "Usually there's an explanation, but there's nothing,"
Hadrian felt extremely surprised, "So they actually fired him for it then?"
"Many other rule breakings may have cropped up while he was under investigation," Tom pointed out much to the confusion of the others who were listening in.
"What, wait, you know what this is all about?" Lestrange asked, "Has Abraxas already been in touch?" they didn't always get told everything, they were used to that, but if they could get information they'd do it, more likely from Hadrian than Tom who rarely divulged anything unless he felt like it.
"No, nothing like that," Hadrian shook his head, "Although no doubt he either knows or is trying to get the facts for Tom. Ogden was giving memories of interviews he had with suspected law breakers to Dumbledore. Specific ones to be sure, but he still did it nonetheless, which as you know is illegal, I didn't think he'd lose his job though, maybe a warning and the whole thing swept under the rug." it just went to show just how different things actually were.
"They would never take the chance of that, information never stays buried for long," Orion insisted vehemently.
"I agree," Hadrian replied, grinning at Orion, he looked particularly like Sirius today; or rather Sirius would have looked like him. His hair wasn't slicked back; instead it curled around his face, framing it in black tresses. It made his heart ache a little, he hadn't gotten the chance to know Sirius all that well, but the memories he did hold of him he cherished them fondly. The image of him singing at Christmas particularly, his actions towards Kreacher had been despicable though.
Tom squeezed Harry's thigh from under the bench, trying to get him out of whatever memory he was immersing himself in right now. Orion was giving Hadrian an odd look, glancing at Tom with wariness, not wishing to be the subject of Tom's anger no doubt. Orion definitely didn't have to worry about that, he knew Hadrian only had friendship in mind when it came to Orion. Although the underlying fondness he felt did irritate him he realized it wasn't Orion but probably his godfather. They did look remarkably similar, especially today actually, now that he thought about it.
Hadrian blinked coming back to himself, shaking his head a little, no; he wasn't going to think on it. Things were going to be so much better now, he would ensure it.
"Er…I'm going to head to class," Orion said, wishing to put as much distance between them as possible, hoping that Tom wouldn't get the wrong idea and curse him into next year. "You coming, Walburga?"
She put her hand up, gesturing towards her mouth for a few moments, before, "Sure, just a second," Walburga said after swallowing her piece of toast. Grabbing her bag, she put it over her shoulders and began to walk away with Orion, still eating the toast she'd had in her hands.
Tom chuckled dryly watching them, "He's going to avoid us for at least a week now," until he was sure it was safe to be around him no doubt.
"You are so bad," Hadrian said in amusement, he knew that Tom wasn't going to help the situation, in fact he was liable to make it worst by deliberately making him think he wanted retribution. He loved playing with everyone and make them walk on egg shells around him. Grabbing a boiled egg, he tapped it with his spoon and removed the top of it before slicing part of the egg away. Tapping his wand to evenly slice a piece of toast into 'soldiers' and dug in.
Since Dumbledore's trial the months had just flown in, there wasn't a single person within Hogwarts walls that didn't purse their lips or grimace when the old man was mentioned - which was very rarely - he didn't have a single supporter. Instead of the Gryffindors rebelling and blaming Hadrian for what happened (a fear both Hadrian and Tom felt due to the way the Gryffindors and Slytherins were in the future, it had to have started somewhere) it had caused all houses to unite in their disgust and anger at what occurred, giving support to each other. A curious co-mingling of the houses was the result, more Gryffindors and Slytherin's were coming out with their friendships. Including Charles and Dorea, although only Tom and Hadrian knew it was more than friendship.
Hadrian couldn't help but think it was poetic justice, not only that but it was by far the best way they could have ever gotten rid of him. Dumbledore had been so proud of his name, worked so long and hard to bring 'light' and 'success' to it after what his father had done. Wishing for the name to be remembered, revered even and he'd taken all that from the old man…although the old man didn't even know the half of it. His signature had always boasted his names and titles like they made him better and sage than anyone else could ever perceive to be.
How the outside world, the academic world was reacting to it all was unknown to him. If the people were anything like they were in his time, he could make an accurate guess.
"Come on, we need to get to class," Tom commented once they were done with breakfast, it wouldn't do well if he was late after all, since he was one of the schools Prefects. He had been in the other time as well, since Hadrian hadn't been surprised the slightest when the badge had fallen out upon receiving their Hogwarts letters. It had made him belatedly remember the diary Horcrux; the badge had been evident on him as well.
Hadrian discarded the rest of his meal and followed Tom to Transfiguration, his mind mulling over whether he should do the ritual tonight or if he should just leave it. He would need to ask Myrtle if she wanted to attend, if he left her out he'd never hear the end of it. That girl had bloody bat ears, heard things she shouldn't and would find out. It would have to be during break if he could catch her in the great hall, or lunch time.
"Good morning students, since this is Friday and I'm sure you're all quite eager for the weekend and tired, we shall do a quiz today, then if we have the time, practice the Bird-Conjuring Charm which I am hoping all of you will have successfully cast by my next class." Professor Reese warned them all "Do let me know if you are having trouble, this class is one of the most difficult, the most dangerous magic you will learn here at Hogwarts."
Hadrian's eyes zoned in on the professor when he said this, his eyes narrowed contemplatively. Could Reese be the one who taught McGonagall all she needed to pass her Mastery? Became her Master when she took up her apprenticeship? It wasn't unusual for apprentices to unconsciously copy whom they admire the most. Those words were very familiar, added with the ones he'd heard Reese say the first time he took over the class…the threat of being kicked out of class if you 'messed around' and now 'the most difficult, the most dangerous magic you will learn' McGonagall had said that as well.
He certainly would bet that Reese had somehow influenced her, and Dumbledore had remained her Transfiguration teacher throughout McGonagall's years at Hogwarts…so it was quite the logical conclusion. Although he could have been someone she met during or after her Mastery for all he knew, it wasn't as if he knew much about his old Head of House.
Nearly everyone had the quiz done within forty-five minutes, the rest of the time was spent with Hadrian, Tom and a few Gryffindors, Potter and Prewitt he thought, continuously doing the 'Avis' spell and producing birds from their wands, until the classroom was quite overwhelmed with the small golden birds and most of the students nerves frayed at the constant sound of gunshots that produced the birds.
"Hey, everything alright?" Myrtle asked Hadrian as he approached their table, a concerned look on her face.
Hadrian blinked, "What do you mean?" baffled by her question, did he look as though something was wrong?
"You don't normally come over to the Ravenclaw table," Myrtle said dryly, already feeling better that nothing was wrong, but it was a curious incident. It was true, she was the one who usually braved the Slytherin table, Hadrian couldn't stand many of the Ravenclaw's, or the looks and questions he was constantly asked about Grindelwald and what happened during the attack.
Hadrian eyed them all as if they were rabid werewolves ready to pounce at any given moment causing Myrtle to stifle her amusement. Leaning over he whispered the question into her ear, glaring at anyone who had the audacity to lean forward to try and hear their private conversation.
"Seriously?" Myrtle asked, eyes gleaming in curiosity, she'd never seen one performed before.
"Planning on it, you coming?" Hadrian asked, "Don't worry about getting back, I've got it covered."
"Definitely," Myrtle agreed automatically, she wasn't going to miss this for the world; she'd never been part of one and would like to try it at least just once. It wasn't just intellectual curiosity and a desire to observe the tradition either.
"Alright, I'll see you around eleven-ish," Hadrian gave her a grin as he nabbed one of the apples from the Ravenclaw table before confidently walking away. Quite honestly he would have preferred to do it at home, not in Hogwarts, he would just have to do the ritual twice…but he wouldn't be home on the first of May for a few years yet. Truthfully though there were more powerful times to do a different one.
Hadrian sat back down on the bench with a groan, "I'm glad it's the end of the week, let me tell you," he admitted, stretching out a yawn slipping past his lips. "I'm exhausted." he added yawning tiredly again. Between homework, classes, reading he didn't get to spend anywhere near as much time with Tom alone.
"It's only a two months until we can go home," Tom said, 'home' he'd never really had one before. Every time Hadrian mentioned it or he did he felt a pang in his heart, not a bad one but one filled with wonder. He'd never admit it to anyone, although Hadrian probably understood and suspected, but it meant more to him than nearly everything else that he had somewhere to call his own.
"For two whole months," Hadrian said with a grin, before he bit into the apple, the House-elves had already been asked to gather what he needed. "It's tempting to do the NEWTS early though," two more years of Hogwarts, while he loved the school, he'd already attended it and truly had no desire to continue. Unfortunately this was his life, and to quit Hogwarts would be seen by the purebloods as impudence. Taking it one year early though made you a prodigy, Hadrian honestly wondered at the pureblood society sometimes, and no matter how much he thought on it he still didn't understand them.
"And are you?" Tom queried turning to face his bonded, an eyebrow raised in silent question. He knew better than to try to talk Hadrian out of anything. He did what he liked regardless of his opinion, most times; its part of what had drawn him to his bonded in the first place. Everyone around him did what he asked, when he asked.
"Maybe next year," Hadrian admitted thoughtfully, it was really just waiting for the most opportune moment to take out Grindelwald, there was a reason he was never found - he didn't want to be. The only reason he had came out and duelled Dumbledore was because they'd known each other. No doubt Dumbledore had written to Grindelwald or something, he wouldn't have that advantage. Not that particular advantage he amended thoughtfully, he did have Death on his side. He couldn't wait to get the wand. It was the one last artefact that he was missing, that was his. He was the Master of Death after all.
"It would be foolish to leave Hogwarts early, while it's good to cultivate relationships out of the school and do what you wish…there will be many who decide against supporting someone who wilfully left the school before you were magically considered an adult, even emancipated as you are." Tom said smoothly. Not even trying to be subtle about talking him out of it. His lips twitching as Hadrian looked at him, biting into his sandwich with relish. He was not going to leave Hogwarts early, not with his political aspirations he had to do everything perfectly, by the book, especially if he wanted the pureblood's to vote for him. While his own people would, it wasn't their parents, he wasn't sure if he'd ever gain their allegiance either. Not in the way he had the others, so yes, he had to have care. He did not want to spend an entire year at Hogwarts without his bonded, ten months without seeing his bonded was quite horrifying.
"You forget I don't really care what people think," Hadrian pointed out quietly, his brow furrowed; at least he didn't think he did. This was his fresh start; he had no plans on going to other times, so perhaps he should care. It was just after being judged constantly as 'Harry Potter' he'd given up, people were just…people, they let you down, judged you, him more so than anyone else. He'd lost his ability to care what strangers he'd never interact with would think of him.
"So you've said," Tom said dryly, flicking his wand getting rid of all the crumbs upon his clean black robes. Hadrian certainly acted like he didn't care what others thought, but he put on a front that was greater than even his own, he was loved and adored by the entirety of the Hogwarts faculty and the students. It disgusted him, the level of adoration he received sometimes, he endured it though. Nobody certainly should get on his bad side…Avery certainly had experience in that regard. "You often commented on a desire to have a normal schooling experience, has that changed?"
"No," Hadrian answered, "I guess I'm just a little bored, even writing my next book isn't shaking the boredom off." he knew all the spells, doing all the homework…admittedly some of the spells he hadn't known until he came here, but the school was more advanced than it was in his old time.
"You may change your mind after the summer holidays," Tom commented, as he peeled his orange, glad to see that nobody was trying to listen in on their private conversation. He understood Hadrian's boredom, for sometimes he felt it too, he and Hadrian were so advanced compared to most students that they were reading to be mentally stimulated in a boring environment but there was only so much they could risk reading here.
"Maybe," Hadrian admitted, the smell of orange permeating the air stirring his own desire for one. Just as he was reaching for the orange round fruit the bell went, he snatched it as he stood, everyone who was still in the hall quickly scrambling to make way to their next class. He waited until everyone had moved before they made their way out. The orange had been eaten by the time they reached the Defence Against the Dark Arts class.
Dolohov glared at the Ravenclaw that came through the entrance to Slytherin common room. She had gotten in on her own, which meant she knew the password. No doubt Hadrian Peverell had given it to her, even more loathsome was how she sauntered in as she owned the place without a single fear that she'd be singled out. Which was more than likely true, nobody wanted on Hadrian's bad side, and if you hurt his friends he'd go to town with retribution on their behalf. Scowling darkly, as irritation set in.
"What's up?" Alphard asked Dolohov, seeing his sour mood amongst all the excitement they were currently feeling.
"If anyone else did that, there would be hell to pay," Dolohov muttered darkly, his eyes still penetrating Myrtle; if looks could kill she'd be six feet under.
Alphard utterly perplexed, followed Dolohov's line of sight, until he found what he was looking at. Or at least he assumed so at any rate. "Warren?" he summarised, at his nod, Alphard realized he was correct. "She's alright for a Ravenclaw, bet me at Chess very nearly beat Prince as well." and that was near impossible to do, Eileen Prince was bloody brilliant at chess, she was climbing up the leader board, nearly first place if the rumour mill was to be believed.
"Doesn't change the fact you're not supposed to give out the password to the other houses," Dolohov said his scowl unchanged.
Alphard just laughed, shaking his head in amusement, "Don't go letting them hear you say that," he'd probably miss out on all the fun. Tom and Hadrian were the ones that made the rules; they were free to change them whenever they pleased. Nobody argued, there was no point, they were quite aptly put, the Princes of Slytherin and until they left and someone took over it was their way or end up ridiculed by the entire house.
"Myrtle! You made it just in time!" Hadrian called out, smiling in welcome.
"I had to avoid the caretaker and then the damn stairs took me the wrong way!" Myrtle said, rolling her eyes in exasperation.
Hadrian laughed, "That's why you should always take an extra ten minutes to get to where you're going," he teased her, smirking wryly as she just rolled her eyes at him. "Her innate magic likes to trip you up from time to time." he added a wistful smile on his face as he pressed his palm to the wall, relishing the feel of the magic surrounding him.
"Her?" Myrtle caught the word, instead of laughing or deriding Hadrian as many would have she watched him closely. Wondering what he could feel…if he could feel the magic in the ancient castle, it certainly seemed so, and he made it sound as though Hogwarts had a sense of humour, 'likes to trip you up from time to time'.
"Her," Hadrian nodded, his hand falling away as he broke out of his revive. He flicked his wand setting off a loud bang, getting everyone's attention. "Let's go," he called out, holding out a Portkey for everyone who was coming to touch. One by one they all touched the large goblet and were quickly swept away from Hogwarts by a Portkey. While Tom and Hadrian were sixteen the rest of the fifth years were only fifteen and technically what they were doing was against the school rules. Not that any Slytherin cared much about the rules (except Slytherin rules) as long as they weren't caught.
They were deposited into the grounds of Peverell manor; two large blazing bonfires could be seen and felt even from the distance. The bonfires were inside the stone circle that was used for most Pagan rituals if not all of them.
"Welcome to Peverell Manor," Hadrian commented, wizarding manners had been set in since he first appeared in the magical world. It was just polite and considerate to welcome people even if they were his peers. Unsurprisingly Tom began to show them the way, smug satisfaction wafting from him, he was undeniably proud of Peverell manor and the splendour that came with it. It wasn't the biggest manor by far, but it was no slouch and it was modernised, not run down all in the name of their ancestors.
The closer the group moved towards the manor, they realized that there were seats spread out for them, and further away still a buffet of food for their enjoyment along with drink. Only a few noticed the large cauldron placed dead centre in the middle of the two blazing bonfires. An orange candle sat perched inside its wick lit. Placed inside was Hawthorne, wood from the tree that meant sexuality and fertility. Birch a feminine wood, for love and fertility again. Rowan a tree of protection and healing and an abundance of flowers for the Beltane ritual.
"Oh, look at these, aren't they beautiful?" Dorea exclaimed seeing the flower crowns on the table near the food, twigs from the Rowan tree with a mixture of flowers and herbs. It smelt utterly divine, she placed it upon her head, before delicately taking one for Walburga and Lucretia who were as always right next to her. The Black females were close, or as close as they could be with one keeping a huge secret.
"I'll let my House-elves know you approve," Hadrian said with a smile, they had definitely outdid themselves; this had been a last minute decision. They'd had all of four or five hours to get this all done, and it was just three of them, he would have to figure out how to show his appreciation in a way that wouldn't send them into a sobbing mess. Picking up one of the many flowers he stepped forth, his voice loud and confident, as he spoke, "Bring in the May, with out Rite today, circle of life, circle of sound, circle of Beltane, circle around." placing the flowers around the ceremonial Beltane circle.
Tom came to stand next to him, his voice commanding attention as he spoke, "Spirits of Land, Spirits of Fay, Join in our circle, to bring in the May,"
"Scared sun, we call you forth, to shine your light and bring us warmth," Aiden Avery called out placing a wreath he had created himself on the circle. He'd been busy with it since lunch time when he knew it was definitely a go. The wreath was covered with yellow May flowers - very appropriate.
With a gleeful smile, Dorea plucked one up and joined the others, "Spirits of Land, Spirits of Fay, Join in our circle, to bring in the May," laying another on the circle, and of course everyone followed, unusually serious and solemn as they partook in the ritual of Beltane. One most had never participated in; others had done it once or twice. Thankfully though they all knew how the ritual went.
"Beltane Sun, Shining Forth, Thank you for your light and warmth," Myrtle said, conjuring a wreath right there and then, the magic was sizzling in the air quite pleasantly. Grateful that Hadrian had given her a few things she could say; otherwise she would have been utterly lost. She made a note to herself to study up on her solstices and such.
"May King, May Queen, May Couple, joy you bring," Walburga said clearly, enjoying the festivities.
One by one each of them chose a chant to say in offering until the ceremonial circle was complete. They stood in the circle as Hadrian began to speak, his voice carrying over to everyone there. Strong, sure and powerful there was no sign of hesitation in him whatsoever.
"Bless, O threefold true and bountiful,
Myself, my spouse, my friends.
Bless everything within my dwelling and in my possession,
Bless the kine and crops, the flocks and corn,
From Samhain Eve to Beltane Eve,
With goodly progress and gentle blessing,
From sea to sea, and every river mouth,
From wave to wave, and base of waterfall.
Be the Maiden, Mother, and Crone,
Taking possession of all to me belonging.
Be the Horned God, the Wild Spirit of the Forest,
Protecting me in truth and honor.
Satisfy my soul and shield my loved ones,
Blessing every thing and every one,
All my land and my surroundings.
Great gods who create and bring life to all,
I ask for your blessings on this day of fire."
A shiver worked up everyone's back and Goosebumps appeared on their skin as Hadrian spoke with confidence and vigour. It was midnight and the magic was crackling in the air, being absorbed by the wards they could feel pulsing around them. They'd never felt anything quite like it before.
"Ironically enough, May day is sometimes called Walpurgis night," Hadrian whispered to Tom, green eyes gleaming in secret amusement.
Tom nodded, he was very much aware of that fact, Beltane was said to be the most important of the four Gaelic festivals. He had to have chosen the term Walpurgis for the two meanings, the festival and the fact on this night, witches held revels with the devil himself. He couldn't see himself giving his followers a name such as 'Death Eaters' (even if he was insane) and assumed it was the newspapers that had daubed them as such. He would never know, he had no desire to be anything like Voldemort, but he did intend to change everything. With Dumbledore out of the way he knew he and Hadrian would succeed.
"It's never mentioned though, it's suggested that might be why such practise were stopped." Lucretia whispered still enjoying the wash of magic coming over her. It wasn't intense like the feel of Hadrian unmasking his magic that day in the common room a few weeks after he first started attending Hogwarts but still overwhelming to say the least. Despite the cool breeze the fire's warmth prevented her from being cold.
Tom snorted, "By insipid fearful idiots no doubt," distaste clear in his voice.
"What do you mean?" Myrtle queried curiously, completely ignoring a scoff to her right.
"Walpurgis night was sometimes called that by wizards and witches who would go to Brocken Mountain and hold revels with the devil, and make pacts." Hadrian explained as he moved towards the food, Myrtle and the others followed finding themselves rather hungry. "The rumours clamped down on those who celebrated Beltane, it was never really forbidden, and you cannot go to prison for your religion, but the Ministry do make it impossible to practice faithfully without guilt or being made to feel like a black magic practitioner."
"Why would anyone think this was black magic?" Myrtle frowned, utterly perplexed.
"Not just anyone, Muggle-born's," Mulciber stated, he might have said Muggle-born but his tone was practically spitting 'Mudblood' out for all those who had half a mind.
Hadrian rolled his eyes and shook his head at Myrtle, asking her not to retaliate, which she would, she'd came a long, long way from the terrified girl he'd helped two years ago. He was proud of her, but he wanted to have a good night without some sullen idiot screwing it up. "It's not black magic, it's just that Muggle-Borns associate the rituals with evil witchcraft because that's what they grow up believing, it's ingrained by the time they come to Hogwarts. Paganism is also sometimes associated with sacrifice, but if they did their homework they'd realize that paganism is quite a peaceful religion, and was celebrated by everyone, men and women alike, for centuries before Christianity took over." nobody else said anything, all very aware of that fact since Hadrian had told them last year, and they'd done their homework and had realized he was correct.
As they moved over to their seats, Tom pulled Hadrian onto his knee. His fingers wrapping around the back of his neck before kissing him in an ardent possessive claiming for all to see. As if he had been worried that Hadrian would pull away from him. Hadrian didn't, instead he closed eyes and moaned softly aware of their audience, and trying to maintain awareness so that they didn't go too far. He did keep a grip of their food; he was quite peckish after all.
When his green eyes opened they were glimmering in surprise, he hadn't expected him to be so openly affectionate in mixed company. He was possessive with what he thought of as Tom's inner circle, but he rarely displayed it. A small smile twitched onto his lips, for a moment wondering what was going on in that intelligent head of his bonded. His husband. He decided not to question it and just enjoy tonight. If it was a new thing well he'd still continue to enjoy it.
"Are you going to send gift baskets out?" Lucretia asked after their hosts private moment was done, inhaling the smell of the sweet smelling flowers. There were many flowers planted around the manor, if it wasn't for the bonfires she wouldn't have noticed them of course, it was a surprise to see them since both Tom and Hadrian were men, and all men she knew didn't care for anything like that.
"St. Mungo's?" Tom queried knowingly.
"Yes, it's what I was thinking, it would be such a shame for them all to go to waste," Lucretia admitted, buckets of flowers, plants and wood.
"Here," Walburga said, passing a plate of food over to her.
"Thanks," she said gratefully, smiling as she sat down next to her.
"Why don't you make a basket and put some of the flowers in for your parents?" Hadrian suggested, "What's left can go to St. Mungo's but to put it all in the hospital…by the time they're done checking them over they'd have withered." that's if they were checked over by the staff in this time, but considering how things were more competent here he'd bet his wand arm they did check them. Considering he got no odd looks he suspected his thoughts were accurate.
"We won't be able to do that until tomorrow…by then we'll be back at Hogwarts; they might suspect what we've been up to." Dorea pointed out. They would deduce that they'd left Hogwarts and they could end up in trouble, from loss of house points to detention or worse suspension.
"Hardly, just shrink it down with a letter in the common room and send it off," Tom replied, inwardly rolling his eyes at their inability to think before speaking.
Hadrian grinned from where he sat, nibbling on the cheese, onion, and ham or sausage cocktails and miniature sausage rolls, which were utterly divine, it's as though the House-elves had made them the same day as he was eating them - and for all, he knew they could have. This was nice, having everyone together away from the claustrophobic feel of Slytherin common room.
"Is there alcohol in this punch?" Alphard asked after taking a drink, he was sure he already had his answer but it never hurt to have confirmation.
"A small amount," Hadrian confirmed Alphard's thoughts; it came as no surprise when they suddenly made beelines for more much to his amusement. "What do you think of celebrating Samhain?"
"Perhaps," Tom replied, but Hadrian just grinned knowing by now that this was Tom's way of saying he didn't mind either way if he hadn't approved he would have said no immediately. If he had been enthusiastic a definite yes would have been his answer.
Within twenty-four hours the parents were aware of their children's doings and unsurprisingly they approved - as long as they didn't get caught, naturally.