average human’s Reviews > Lord of Time > Status Update

"You have your heir ring?" Druella blurted out, surprised as hell, it caught everyone's attention within hearing range.

"Lordship ring," Harry corrected her, as he absently slid his chain back under his uniform. He'd snuck out of Hogwarts on his birthday to get emancipated at Gringotts so nobody could tell him what to do ever again.



-0 Flash Back 0-

Harry slid out of common room firmly tucked under his invisibility cloak, thankfully without anyone even glancing his way, it seemed he could still be sneaky when he wanted to. Everyone was still packed from dinner, a birthday celebration cake had been put in the middle of the table, all cut up ready to go to everyone, his biggest of all, thankfully nobody had sung happy birthday to him, now that would have been surreal. It wasn't the first time it had happened, it had been done last year when it had been Abraxas' birthday, then someone else, and he wasn't sure who just knew it wasn't his circle. Nothing like that happened in all his years when he was in Gryffindor, just another sign that Slughorn actually cared about all his students and well enough to remember their birthdays. Oh he had no doubt the House-elves made it, but they would need to be told by the Slytherin head of house.

Harry made his way to the statue, muttering 'Dissendium' before squeezing through the opening and down the short stone slide. It was freezing cold; the air around him was frigid. Yawning tiredly, he continued to trek through the secret passageway, he had stayed up well past midnight, and it was something he had never outgrown. As a lonely boy he'd done it, wishing for something better, then even at Hogwarts, and passed Hogwarts too, it was just the one little tradition he'd kept for himself. Unfortunately his birthday wasn't during the holidays anymore, so he'd gotten six hours sleep, he'd been fine with less in the past, but this body wasn't used to it. With his quick sure strides he managed the trip in thirty minutes instead of the hour they usually took in the past. Although he knew he would take another ten minutes at least to get up the stairs, two hundred stairs to be precise, and yes, he had counted in the past. It was why he was able to predict when he was up far enough to stop himself head butting the trap door that led up to Honeydukes. Not that he had any plans to actually go into the shop, they had anti-Apparation spells up after-hours obviously the security was to stop whoever wanted to just pop in and steal the sweets. Of course, the couple that ran the shop the very young Plumes had no idea of the secret entrance in their cellar. This spot was the only place you could Apparate from, the wards all down the tunnel connected to Hogwarts preventing anyone from Apparating. Which is exactly what he did, after bunching up the cloak and putting it in his expanded pocket of his cloak. He appeared right outside of the magnificent marble building, excitement thrumming through him, to know nobody would be able to control him, or force him back to the orphanage was exhilarating to say the least. He'd never had that opportunity in the future, well his past, if he'd known he would have been here the second he turned fifteen, screw the wards, screw Dumbledore.

He wasn't that person anymore, no expectations, no lies and no deceit.

Quickly looking around, his green eyes looking for any sight of teachers, he wasn't stupid the teachers were free to come and go as they pleased - well maybe the exception to the rules were the Head of Houses, he didn't know. He was satisfied after scanning the area that there was nobody there that could get him into trouble, so he swiftly headed up the stairs and into Gringotts, he didn't dally for even a second, just headed straight for one of the teller goblins.

"Good evening, I would like to speak to Ironclaw immediately," Harry stated sharply, Ironclaw was the one he had come to see in the past, and he wanted to deal with him again that and he was sure Ironclaw was the manager of the Peverell estate, he certainly knew information about it, but all goblins might, he could be being presumptuous for all he knew.

"What is it regarding?" the goblin asked, its sharp teeth bared slightly in what might be a sneer or grin it was hard to tell.

"My inheritance and emancipation," Harry stated, "It's Hadrian Peverell,"

The goblin looked at him, black eyes gleaming in a way that suggested the goblin was impressed. He obviously realized he was out of school illegally to get this done. The goblin turned around and began to speak rapidly in Gobbledegook, and Harry in turn just waited patiently, there weren't too many people at the bank right now.

"Room five, down the hall," the goblin told him, his long gnarly finger pointing towards the entrance that was guarded by both wizards and goblins.

"May the gods grant you more gold," Harry dipped his head in respect, before he moved on having given the goblin the customary greeting when you were done. It was their version of goodbye, all races had their cultures, even ones that were part animal like the Centaurs. He wandered right past the guards, having no fear that they would attack him since the goblin he'd dealt with just now probably told them he was fine to go through.

It didn't take him long to find the fifth door, which by the way wasn't numbered, but Ironclaw's name was etched into it. He gave the door a single knock before entering; no doubt they had ways of telling one another if and when someone was coming. "Evening Ironclaw, I do believe you know why I'm here," he said in amusement, smirking as he claimed his seat.

"I had a feeling I'd be seeing you tonight, it is why everything has been prepared," Ironclaw said shrewdly.

"Excellent, then let's get this done." Harry said, nodding once, if Ironclaw was not the account holder goblin he would be by the end of this meeting, he liked him; he was smart, shrewd and respectful.

"These are the emancipation papers," Ironclaw informed him as he rummaged in his desk pulling out three scrolls, placing them in front of the teenager. He could sense he wasn't the normal wizard, there was something about him, and he just couldn't put his finger on it. He was something more, dangerous even, extremely powerful, he had puzzled over it long and hard and still didn't come up with it, it wasn't a creature inheritance, the wards in the bank would have picked it up whether it was dormant or not. Ironclaw's lips twitched when he didn't immediately just sign them, good he was smart. Someone had raised him right.

Harry read each and every sentence carefully, before signing it, placing that one on his chair, seen as it was his copy apparently. He then proceeded to read through the other copies and sign them, one was to go to the Ministry archives and one was for Gringotts itself. "Any other copies that require my signature?"

"No, that part is over, now you need to sign these contracts to take up the head of the Peverell estate, just be sure to sign them as Lord Hadrian Peverell; otherwise they won't be legally binding." Ironclaw informed him, handing over two other rolled up documents.

Harry accepted them, removing the wax seals, and began the long arduous process of reading more legal documents. Sometimes they could make your head spin, thankfully though despite not having been taught how to do anything like this, such as reading, what to look out for etc…he did quite well all things considered. They were as he said, contracts that would see him becoming Lord Peverell, head of the Peverell estate, and nobody would hold power over him anymore. Sighing both, one for himself and the other for Gringotts.

"As I always suggest to my clients, you should have a will written up so the estate doesn't go…" Ironclaw was interrupted.

"To the Ministry?" Harry sneered, "Don't worry, that I will never allow to happen, I refuse to see my money used to fund politics and polices that only benefit those within the Ministry itself and not those outside its walls. If you give me the paperwork I will fill it out and return it once I'm finished and it will be sealed."

"Speaking of seals," Ironclaw replied, digging into his desk once more, he pulled out a square blue box, satin, and slid it across to Harry. Along with a stick of wax, and another document Harry assumed was the will.

Harry accepted it, opening the box with a click and a small secret smile bloomed on his face. Nestled in the box was the ring a so called coat of arms he knew as well as his own mind. He traced it delicately, the cloak/triangle symbol, the circle/resurrection stone and of course the one through them both, the line/death stick. The symbol of the Deathly Hallows reduced to people simply believing it was merely a coat of arms. Shaking his head in disbelief, he slid the large ring onto his fingers, and watched it magically reduce in size to fit him to perfection. He felt the magic flaring within him, accepting him as the Lord of the house, finding him worthy. This hadn't been worn in so long, the Peverell name had ended with the men didn't have male heirs.

"Would you like to make some investments?" Ironclaw enquired curtly.

"Yes, both Muggle and magical investments," Harry stated immediately, "I want a large share in automobile manufactures from the Muggle world and anything dealing with upcoming technology. From the magical world, Cleansweep Broom Company, the Comet trading company," both broomstick manufacturers, Nimbus wasn't created yet, but he would certainly make sure he got in on the investment when it did. He thought about investing in the Thunderbolt Company but they would have a lot of problems in future. He could sell his shares just before two thousand and fourteen, which was where they went completely downhill after a broomstick was smashed to bits after being hit with a bludger, after all they should be able to withstand hits like that. "Add the thunderbolt company as well."

Ironclaw's eyes were slightly wide, he'd never seen anyone so decisive before, and one had to wonder why he was so confident. He began to write it down, realizing that Hadrian Peverell wasn't messing around.

"In the next few years I want controlling shares in the Daily prophet and all publishing companies," Harry stated thoughtfully, "Do you think you could accomplish that?" he challenged Ironclaw.

"You wish for me to be your account manager?" Ironclaw sat straighter, having suspected it when he began speaking so openly about the investments he wished to make.

"As long as I see progress I don't see why there will be a problem with that arrangement," Harry stated seriously, subtly telling the goblin that if he tried anything or didn't do his job he would be quite happy to find someone else.

"You will need to sign a document letting go of the current account manager, and another putting me in his place." Ironclaw said, scribbling away hastily, filling in the blank spots on two separate forms before handing them over.

Harry sighed inaudibly, alright he was getting sick of signing his name, thankfully he remembered to sign it LORD HADRIAN PEVERELL.

"I take it that is us done for tonight?" Harry enquired, letting him know he was through with the meeting without outright stating it.

"Everything needing your immediate attention has been dealt with," Ironclaw confirmed, copying the documents Hadrian had signed and handed them over. "I will begin procuring everything you wish as soon as possible."

"Nothing too ostentatious, I don't want attention drawn to myself, especially the Prophet and publishing companies," Harry warned him, he wanted it kept on the down low.

"Understood," Ironclaw replied, not in the least surprised, most pureblood's when they began trying to gain controlling factors in company's they didn't make a show of it, they did it subtly.

"Good," Harry replied, placing all his paperwork in his pocket, and unhooking his chain to attach his lordship ring to it before hooking it back in place and sliding it under his clothes. "It's been a pleasure doing business with you, may the gods grant you more gold, Ironclaw." with that Harry made his exit after getting the return greeting from his new account manager.

-0 End Flash back 0-



"Lordship? At fifteen?" Lucretia gaped, she'd never heard of that happening, not in all her years. "No way!"

Harry arched an eyebrow, "What?" all the pureblood's surrounding him were the same.

Lucretia's jaw snapped back into place as she regained her decorum, "It's just I've never heard of it being done before."

"Now you have," Harry replied simply, Ironclaw certainly hadn't told him that titbit.

"Earliest I've heard of anyone gaining their Lordship must be eighteen years of age." Carrow joined in the conversation.

"Most people aren't the last heir to their noble house," Harry pointed out, wishing for the attention to be off himself as quickly as possible.

"Still…what's it li-" Rosier was cut off with the warning bell going off causing them all to jump from their seats to hastily make their way to class the current conversation forgotten for the moment.

Chapter End Notes

There we go for those who wanted to read the part at Gringotts :) next chapter Hogsmeade and perhaps the Yule ball...hmm wonder what I should have Harry buying Tom...bit too early for Nagini...and he already has the locket...will we have books and spells written in Parselmagic? or will it be something they actually do out of boredom? any other prospective investments he could make? :D haha its been fun looking them all up let me tell you :) hmm I know the story is going so slow but I just don't want to spoil it with too many time jumps...I guess that's what I get for starting it so early! will Tom want to make Horcruxes and have Harry talk him out of it? or will it never be mentioned due to Tom not feeling the need for them yet since he isn't going back to muggle hell every summer? R&R please

A/N - Thank you to those guys who let me know about a few mistakes I made - that was with googling it too! but what can I say its 4 am and I'm tired LOL!

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The portrait swung open to reveal Hadrian sitting in his usual chair by the fireplace, his fingers stroking soothingly over a very poisonous snake. That stood out sure, but what stood out more was the poisonous green glare Hadrian was currently shooting Avery from where he stood in the middle of the group. Another thing Carrow noticed - the common room was utterly deserted.

"What happened?" Tom demanded as he approached him, his dark gaze checking every inch of Hadrian for any sign of injury, calming down when he saw he looked unharmed. He stood right next to him, his intense eyes boring down on him, possessively, ardently.

"Why don't you ask Avery?" Hadrian hissed out furiously, his glare never once letting up, Avery had just tried to kill him; he certainly wasn't going to let that go. Surprise flittered through the gaze of the group despite the fact they'd actually just been told about it - they hadn't really believed him. Mulciber gaped his jaw slightly unhinged, Tom had known, it was obvious he wasn't displaying any sign of surprise, shock or incredulity just like they were as they watched in half wonder half shock.

Chapter End Notes

I've been wondering how to make Tom lose his cool and actually torture one of them with Harry present so Tom can see Harry's reaction :D and this came to me surprisingly easy yesterday...sooo here we go will it finally make Tom relax and realize Harry wasn't going to leave him...will Harry stop him going to far cementing his position? :D two birds one stone, revelation that he's a Parselmouth too and the fact Avery's gone too far! so will Avery be found 'missing' or will he be thrown from the group and become even more hated by the entirety of the Slytherin population? how will everyone react to Harry also being a parseltongue? Will it make them accept him even more as Tom's significant other (when it gets out since its only really the close group that know and Lucretia) or will they stupidly try and impress Harry thinking that he would try and take Tom's spot at the actual top of the hierarchy instead of sharing it? R&R please

"I'm asking you," Tom hissed back automatically, his gaze never wavering from Hadrian's even as Hadrian continued to bore holes into Avery's head. If looks could kill Avery would be dead already, and that saying had never been truer than at this very moment. His eyes were like green ice, yet so fiery at the same time, he knew there and then that he would never have to worry about Hadrian; he could look after himself, in any situation.

Oh he had no idea just how well Hadrian could look after himself.

"Another snake speaker?" the snake hissed, its head coming up tongue licking at the air, getting Tom's scent memorised.

"Yes, this is Tom," Hadrian hissed back, returning to stroking the beautiful scales, his green eyes then latched onto Tom's almost challengingly.

Thaddeus held his breath, unsure of what to do, what to think as Tom and Hadrian seemed to have some sort of conversation without saying anything; they just continued to look at one another. You wouldn't think seeing this that they'd only known each other a year. He would have felt jealous if he wasn't relived, although why he was relieved was a mystery to him. Maybe it was knowing Tom had someone that he could actually feel things that he wasn't completely impenetrable, that he could show he cared. Before Hadrian had come into the picture Tom had always been cool, bored and aloof, now? Well he smirked more, took great delight in the challenge, and he definitely cared about Hadrian more than he'd seen him care about anyone else. He'd never said anything out loud, not even to the others but he suspected they thought the same.

Tom bit his tongue, trying to stop himself from reacting to Hadrian, how he was sitting so casually with a deadly snake on his lap, stroking it, hissing in Parseltongue, it turned him on like nothing else ever had. The fire in those eyes, the challenging nature, he wanted to tame him at the same time let his real nature shine through. They were alike he and Hadrian, powerful, smart, hiding who they truly were from the masses. Oh, he wanted to show Hadrian who was the boss around here, but in a good way, too bad they had an audience.

"Where is everyone?" Tom asked sharply looking around as if he suspected he'd missed them during his first look around.

"Dorms," Hadrian replied, knowing without him needing to say anything that he would call a house meeting, he wouldn't want anyone talking about the fact he little ability. Especially with things the way they were with Dumbledore, already so suspicious of him.

Tom nodded sharply, "I won't ask again," He stated, he damn well wanted to know what the hell was going on. No matter what happened, Tom could see Avery in the middle of the group looking worried; his stance screamed that he wanted to flee. Seeing Avery looking pleadingly at Hadrian was the last straw. "NOW!"

The group jumped at his harsh words, he was always calm, always, and he never lost it, not even when Hadrian had been injured, yes he'd been worried, but even then when he spoke it had been calm and controlled. Their eyes shifted towards Hadrian to find him cool as a cucumber, how he did it was anyone's guess, since they were all quite worried themselves.

Hadrian turned back to stare at Avery, then very slowly a bloodthirsty smirk began appearing on his face, as he ignored the pleading looks on the boys face. He wasn't about to let him away with it, not only would the others suspect and make them look down on him, it would weaken his place in the hierarchy system they had here. He always told himself he didn't care, but for some reason, he couldn't quite let it go either. "I just had a lovely conversation with this snakelet, apparently someone matching Avery's description decided to let loose one of the most poisonous snakes in the world next to me. I wish I could say I was surprised to see you all come flying in but I wasn't, definitely would have been disappointed to have been proven wrong." the last part was spoken sarcastically.

Tom wasted no time in turning around to face Avery, tearing into his mind, too furious for any subtly uncaring that he fell to his knees. The others quickly made theirselves scarce, moving away from Avery, not wishing to be in the way of Tom's revenge and punishment. All of them had suspected there was more to it, and knew without even needing confirmation that it was likely true. Avery had never appreciated what Hadrian did for the group, how much a difference he made.

It didn't take Tom long to find what he was looking for, he was an expert at this having been doing it for years. He withdrew from Avery's mind, his fury showing on every line of his face, he now knew every plot, every plan he had to take Hadrian down. Just because he was jealous of Hadrian, of his place at his side, his powers, his ability to get respect without even trying from the moment he appeared.

Lashing out he threw a non-verbal 'Tormento!' at Avery, who was too terrified to even move, let alone try and defend himself as his mouth had up until that point been opening and closing wordlessly.

Carrow with one look from Tom, moved towards the portrait and closed it, sealing himself off from the common room, to make sure nobody happened upon them, security first and foremost was always on Tom's mind. He was always extremely cautious about what magic he used here too.

Tom straightened out further, belatedly realizing he was actually cursing Avery as the red anger that had descended him began to fade just enough for him to think clearly and coherently. The urge to turn around and see Hadrian's reaction for himself was very strong, yet he felt a smidgen of worry slither down his spine, what if Hadrian didn't react well to it? He hated the fact he wanted…no desired Hadrian's approval, he wanted this powerful, gorgeous, amazing wizard to accept all of him. He had no idea if Hadrian knew him well in the future, knew how he could be…it was the unknown and that didn't sit well with him, made him want to lash out. Avery was the only one he could actually lash out at so he cursed him yet again with another non-verbal 'Tormento'.

Hadrian cocked his head to the side, wondering why Tom wasn't using the Cruciatus Curse; he'd seen him using it when he was less furious. He knew Tom had already used that particular spell; he'd used it on the Muggles who had said something to him in the caves while in the Muggle world. It was one of the few titbits of information he'd learned from Dumbledore. It had definitely been the Cruciatus Curse, it was one distinctive curse that there was no mistaken it. Was he actually going soft on Avery? After what he had done? It made him inwardly bristle, feeling slightly insulted, Avery had tried to kill him, he deserved to suffer further.

Lestrange, Nott and Selwyn watched both powerful wizards from where they stood, quiet like, cautious even though they knew instinctively that they wouldn't be targeted, that their ire was directed solely at Aiden Avery. Hadrian had never been at a meeting, they'd never questioned Tom on why, and since it was pretty obvious he was part of their group. A few had assumed Tom didn't want Hadrian knowing everything, some thought that Hadrian wouldn't approve and Tom knew that, others suspected it went deeper but even they didn't consciously believe that, after all why would Tom be afraid of showing who he really was to Hadrian? It would suggest he was afraid, no, apprehensive really. It didn't mesh with all they knew so they discarded it unaware of how close to the truth they really were.

Rabastan Lestrange's gaze moved subtly as possible over to Hadrian, inhaling sharply, damn, they'd seen Hadrian be ruthless before, but this? There was clear murderous intent in those deadly green eyes of his. If he'd had any doubt about Hadrian's capability of understanding Tom (which he didn't) it would have been cleared right up. He was more furious and deadly than Tom right now, but that made sense, since Aiden had just tried to kill Hadrian after all. Glancing up at the others, he could see caution and surprise flickering through their usually impenetrable 'pureblood' masks.

Thaddeus cocked his head to the side hearing the head boy sternly telling the others to go back to their dorms immediately, or they would be put in detention. Avery's screams must be making them all worried or curious, you could never really tell, especially with the first years. Then it was cut off, they'd obviously put up silencing spells, which was probably a good idea for here. Flicking out his wand, he murmured a silencing charm under his breath; the spell took affect as a glow wormed its way around the room before it disappeared. Now nobody would hear anything. There was no way Tom was anywhere close to finished, not with this sort of transgression. He had broken the number one rule, the only rule that really mattered most, always look out for your own. Sure they tried to get one up on each other, but damn, nobody had thought of actually killing the other. Hadrian was one of the only male Peverell purebloods they'd seen in a long time, if this got out…let's just say Avery would wish he was dead, it was anathema to do such a thing especially in pureblood society. No matter whether he lived or died, there was no going back, not now.

They had lost a friend today; tomorrow he would be their enemy.

Despite the fact he was glaring holes into the petrified figure of Avery, he could still see the looks the others were shooting at Hadrian. Whether it was a good thing or not remained to be seen. He knew he couldn't put it off further without coming across as anything approaching vulnerability and that was something he would not, could not tolerate. His eyebrow quirked slightly at the bored look on Hadrian's face, out of all things he'd expected boredom wasn't one on his list - on any of his lists. This was coming from a wizard who cautioned him on using fear as a motivator that it could backfire. He had forgotten about that until now that was, it seemed his worries were for naught.

"That all you've got?" Hadrian said a devious smirk on his face, causing the others to squeak quietly, presumably at his audacity or perhaps the fact they were shocked he had the guts to stand up to Tom when he was in this sort of mood.

Tom's eyes flashed with a few unidentifiable emotions, "Trust me, I'm just getting started," he replied a bite to his voice rising to the challenge.

Hadrian merely 'hummed' in reply, his gaze thoughtful before he swiftly stood up; the snake was carried with him as he approached the crumpled figure of Avery. Everyone held their breath, especially as Hadrian lowered the snake into Avery's line of sight. "No, no, no, no…no," Avery whimpered trying to drag his painful body away from the dangerous snake.

"Do you have any idea of how excruciating it is to be bitten by a Taipan snake? How much pain it puts your body through? As the venom slowly makes its way around your system? Shutting down your internal organs bit by bit until you're nothing but a hallucinating quivering wreck?" Hadrian asked coldly, causing shivers to go down everyone's spine and not all the same reasons. "Nine times out of ten the venom is so potent that even with the antivenin administered your body can't take the strain and it slowly shuts down." Hadrian hissed to the snake, warning it not to bite him, as he slowly lowered it even further; putting the snake right next to Avery's eyes, watching him pant heavily, his eyes wide with terror, the smell of urine permeated the air. "Please, stop, help please!" he begged his friends through chittering teeth.

"Pathetic!" Hadrian spat, guiding the snake to settle itself around his neck, "I've had worse spells cast on me and I kept walking, kept running! All you are is a cowardly privileged piece of trash and weak! I've put up with you for far too long, hoping you'd get a bloody clue."

"I'm sorry," Avery whimpered out, giving out a strangled yelp when Hadrian gasped his robes and forced him up slightly so they were face to face.

"Not good enough. I've had enough of people stabbing me in the back, and let me tell you something else, if I thought I could get away with it I would kill you were you lie, and at least I'd have the guts to do it to your face." Hadrian snapped, "Maybe I can't do it right now, but someway, some day, I will get you and I will end you." Hadrian warned him, his green eyes glowing with determination. Being on the run and having only himself to rely on for years had changed him…being hunted down and killed by those he had once thought of as friends…no family, had changed him completely. He wasn't evil, there were lines he would never cross, but he was tired of being everyone's doormat, this was a new life for him and he would be damned if he ever let anyone walk all over him. To prevent that he had to show he wasn't willing to take piss from anyone. If he did kill him it was no great loss to anyone, his son was just as foul and pathetic. Admittedly it wasn't Avery who had turned his back on 'the cause' so to speak, it was ironically enough the Malfoy's.

His anger was still thrumming through him, he needed an outlet, otherwise his magic was going to explode and possibly hurt someone who didn't quite deserve it. Staring down at Avery, his eyes narrowed further, he wasn't the wizard he was back in fifth year, and what he did next was proof of that. Hadrian spread out his right hand, allowing his hand to hover over Avery's chest, pouring all his hated, anger, disappointment and more importantly his rage into non-verbally using a spell. Red light encased his hand before it shot out at the wizard who was still begging and pleading under his breath.

Everyone bar Tom inhaled sharply once more, knowing the spell, everyone knew the colour of the Unforgivables, and they were like no other colour of spell. They needed no other clarification, but they got it all the same, as Avery let out an inhumane shriek of agony, his body twisting and arching in an impossible display, as his hands scratched at his body, trying to claw the pain away but never getting a reprieve.

Pride and smugness clawed at Tom's very soul and heart, yet another sign that Hadrian was meant for him, was just like him. The Unforgivables were impossible to use non-verbally or Wandlessly according to the books, yet he could, and Hadrian could too.

After exactly sixty seconds Hadrian broke the spells affects, "Did you know the body can take four minutes of this spell before it begins to affect your mind? Can't do anything to anybody if your mind is mulch and you're locked up in St. Mungo's wards for the insane." Hadrian said conversationally, "Won't be able to tell anyone anything that happened either, death would be too good for the likes of you, try anything and I mean anything ever again, and this is exactly what I will do to you." his anger was now gone having vented. Standing up he swiftly kicked Avery, knowing it would be agonisingly painful with his nerves shot to hell, and it did judging by the muted scream he let out.

"Get him out of my sight before I do kill him," Hadrian told the others, turning around his face a neutral mask giving none of his feelings away.

"But…but the spell…" Thaddeus muttered still rooted to the spot.

Harry chuckled humourlessly, "Let me guess you believe there's spells up at Hogwarts that alert the teachers to dark spells being used?" snorting derisively, wandering away from Avery, "Its not true, it's merely a deterrent to prevent you, well that's not entirely true, it's the trace, the Ministry can pinpoint it to Hogwarts but they would never know which person specifically cast it unless you were idiotic enough to leave it on your wand for all to see. There's too much magic on Hogwarts itself and too many people within her to accurately say where the spell was cast." when Hadrian moved passed Tom, he was surprised when the wizard drew him to himself, clutching him tightly, and his actions obvious to all there. Claiming.

"Mine," Tom growled possessively, laying claim to Hadrian properly for the first time in front of everyone. Biting down on his neck, causing Hadrian to yelp slightly only to glare at him that was definitely going to leave a mark. Then of course, he suspected that it was exactly Tom's plan judging by the smug look on his face. Out of the corner of his eyes he observed their reactions; none of them were really surprised, well except Avery he noted.

If it was even remotely possible, Avery grew significantly paler, he hadn't believed the others, had downright refused to believe them actually…now there was no denying it. It was the last thing he saw as his body shut down unable to cope with further stress.

"Go," Tom stated making sure they took Hadrian's order as if it were his own.

Lestrange opened the door and peered his head around, "You can come back in now," he told Carrow before moving to help Thaddeus lift Avery, grimacing at the smell of pee. "Showers?" he suggested, and Lestrange nodded vigorously, they weren't letting him back into their dorm room smelling like that. All of them made a mental note never, ever to piss off Hadrian. They'd all thought it, but now they knew what they had to look forward to if they did piss him off. Between the three of them, they lifted the unconscious wizard and made their way up the stairs with a great deal of difficulty.

"You do know the levitating charm works don't you?" Hadrian called after them, only after watching them struggle for a few minutes. Stifling his laughter (the snake winding down his body to sit by the fire) at the curses he heard then the spell, and then they were gone up the winding staircase. Turning his attention back to Tom, he gazed at him in wonder, wondering why he looked a lot lighter, less troubled, why he would outright declare his intentions, he'd never expected that, nothing he knew about Tom Riddle had prepared him for it either.

Suddenly Tom gripped his neck and hair tightly, closing the distance between them and attaching Hadrian's lips to his own, pouring all the feelings he didn't dare name or say into it, at the same time making sure Hadrian couldn't get away from his claiming, not wanting any excuses to come between them. His grip tightening, his other hand snaking around his back bringing him impossibly closer as the wanton moan that left Hadrian's lips. Keeping a hold of him, he turned around, guiding them both up the stairs to the dorm, going slow so neither of them tripped up especially Hadrian since he was walking backwards.

Chapter End Notes

Haha! were any of you honestly expecting that from Harry? do you think he went too far? Is he losing himself or has he just been through enough that he knows he has to do whatever it takes to make people less likely to stab him in the back? Is he being drawn into Tom's web not even seeing what's happening? or will Harry still prevent the worst of what's to come by giving Tom sage advice? i wanted to get the yule ball done this time but oh well, too much happened to just skip to a happier occasion :D will Avery be in attendance? or will he honestly be pushed aside and forbidden from interacting with anyone? R&R please

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"That is what you're wearing to the Yule Ball?" Lucretia asked the other female Black's by her side looking just as aghast. They were dressed in the finest material money could buy with jewellery presumably that was kept in the Black vaults for special occasions adorned their necks and wrists. Extremely old fashioned pieces that were probably handed down from the family - or they could very well be new pieces that they'd bought, Hadrian wasn't sure what the fashion was supposed to be like in this day and age - he had no interest in it.

"You all look absolutely stunning," Hadrian said, trying to take the attention off of him.

All of them began preening at the praise, temporarily off the topic for now.

"Now where are your dates?" He added to ensure it stayed of the topic of his choice of attire. "Don't tell me they're taking longer to get dressed." he teased, grinning wryly.

"Boys!" Dorea sighed shaking her head, "They always go up at the last minute." she groused.

"That's because they don't take forever to get dressed," Hadrian replied with a sardonic grin. A sigh of relief left his lips when he heard the tell tail thumping of feet in the boys staircase, they were coming and would definitely not get on at him again. He had no interest in buying fancy dress robes with his money to wear for one night, it was pointless, especially considering he would be taller and filled out more by the time next year came around. Not that he was considering going - no way.

"Ready to go?" Vincent Crabbe enquired, arm out ready to escort Lucretia to the Yule Ball.

Hadrian shook his head, he was already off to a bad start, and he was going to be abandoned before the nights end girls liked to be complimented, especially when they'd gone all out to impress their partners. Most of the first through third years were off to one side of the common room, some despondent that they had to wait to go, some sulking that they weren't invited and others were jealous of the gorgeous robes. The only one older than thirteen was Avery, who was right in the corner trying to become one with the walls or invisible. Either one would have been fine by him; the boy had been cowering away from him since the other night. Which did provide a source of entertainment for Hadrian, he'd expected himself to feel some sort of guilt over it but he didn't, he'd been pushed to the edge and had retaliated in a way he hoped the boy would learn from and never try anything again, he liked it here.

"Hadrian?" the others called, when they realized he wasn't with them.

Hadrian sighed and grumbled but reluctantly got to his feet, practically dragging himself along. Ignoring the looks of incredulity from the others. They couldn't understand why he didn't want to go, didn't want to make the effort either.

"Stop looking as though someone has just killed your dog," Thaddeus, "It's going to be fun!"

"Sure," Hadrian muttered dryly, "So much fun," jumping slightly when he felt a hand slip into his own, squeezing it, he didn't need to look he knew it was Tom. He stared at their joined hands struck dumb, he couldn't get used to it, and it was just so different from all he thought he knew about Tom. "Well, at least the food will be decent."

"Decent? It's the best!" protested one of the girls who Hadrian couldn't put a name to at the moment, since they were altogether and giggling like there was no tomorrow.

"Well, considering I've had worse maybe you're right," Hadrian shrugged, he just couldn't be bothered with all the fuss, once was enough for him in his lifetime. The Slytherins in his life before coming here had always been so calm, aloof and centred, even at the ball, it was odd to think they had been just like this excited as everyone else but just putting on a front as they did every day. Just like he did as he exited the common room, he was a Slytherin now, always was meant to be, a sneaky smirk appeared on his face at the thought of the others reactions if they for one second found out that he was once a Gryffindor.

Not even Tom knew that titbit of information actually. Probably would never get to know either.

"You've been to a Yule Ball before, at least once probably more," Tom commented, his tone sure slowing them down so the others were further in front of them. He did not want anyone learning what he knew, he was very smug about the fact he knew about Hadrian and he would ensure nobody ever found out he would keep Hadrian safe from all and any threats.

Hadrian turned to face Tom as they walked slow, "Yes," he admitted cautiously. "Once," he added thoughtfully.

"What happened?" Tom demanded feeling jealous that someone had probably taken him to the ball that he wasn't getting to experience Hadrian's first time. The only thing that helped his jealousy was the fact Hadrian didn't seem to want to go, obviously something had happened. Something bad that put him off all balls.

"We uh, had to have dates, it was just a one time thing, special occasion because something was going on in the school," Hadrian admitted quietly, "Didn't care about taking anyone, but I kept being told I had to, so I ended up reluctantly picking a partner, shared one dance with them which resulted in me stepping on their toes more times than I can remember, they were bright red, she couldn't wait to get away from me," Hadrian laughed in amusement, shaking his head.

"And why did you pick a female partner?" Tom enquired genuinely confused, so much so that a small wrinkle began to worm its way onto his forehead. While it was unusual for two men to come out it wasn't something scorned, the only scornful thing about it is if they didn't have heirs, and there were plenty of women out there who prefer not to marry that could have a child for them, surrogates.

"Because I hadn't quite figured it out yet," Hadrian replied honestly, that and his life was a spectacle everything he did examined under a microscope, even if he had known he would never have thought of asking a guy, his life had been hellish enough as it was. Truth was he was too busy staying alive to give a hell about having someone in his life. "I've only ever really been attracted to one person."

"Who?" Tom tried to keep his anger at bay, he would obliterate that person from the face of the earth, and Hadrian would have eyes for only him.

"You," Hadrian snorted, rolling his eyes, he was still easy to anger, easy to get jealous, and when had it stopped being scary and started being funny? Even if he had been attracted to anyone else he would never reveal it, who knows what Tom would do. Oh he knew alright, he'd bloody wipe out an entire line just so whoever it was wasn't born. Tom was never going to be a good guy, but he hoped at least to prevent some of the more radicalised ideas the pureblood's held.

"Good," Tom hissed into his ear, pressing him closer, putting his lips over the bite mark he'd given him feeling a sense of smug satisfaction. Everyone knew now, well those in Slytherin, but he would make sure there was no mistaken who Hadrian belonged to by the end of the night.

Hadrian pursed his lips, trying to stop himself from reacting but damn it, he was in a teenager's body, he was reacting like any other teenager would. He couldn't help it, it was so damn hot, it shouldn't surprise him that Tom was sexually advanced, and he was advanced at everything he did - good at it too. A shiver passed through him remembering the other night, Merlin if he hadn't been so exhausted he would have thoroughly liked to have continued.

"I don't suppose I could convince you to go back to our dorm?" Hadrian whispered, hotly against Tom's face, feeling the affects he was having on him.

"Do not tempt me," Tom replied visibility having to force himself forward instead of doing what all parts of him wanted to do - run back to the dorm and claim Hadrian as his own properly.

Hearing giggling stopped Hadrian in his tracks as he groaned, he hated girls and their need to gossip. He knew who it was without having to look. "Myrtle," Hadrian grumbled, which just caused her to laugh, wriggling her eyebrows at him.

"It's about time," was all she had to say as she sauntered by and wandered right into the Great Hall her boyfriend following trying to suppress his own amusement.

Hadrian groaned, "Well, now everyone will know,"

"Do you have a problem with everyone knowing you are mine?" Tom didn't hesitate in that question as soon as she was gone, still keeping his arms around Hadrian not letting up for even a second.

"You don't?" Hadrian replied arching his neck so he could look at Tom over his shoulder utterly perplexed. He thought he was passed the ability of being surprised. So far he'd been right on so many things that life was predictable and that was all good, he liked it like that even if he sometimes felt a little bored but that's why he'd started up his training again. Shouldn't he be glad that some things were a surprise?

"I want everyone to know you're mine, so they know to keep their hands to themselves," Tom stated possessively.

Hadrian laughed, "That sounds about right," he said grinning widely. That was definitely the Tom he knew, possessive bugger that he was he thought fondly.

"You'll always be mine," Tom said sternly, he would never let him go.

Hadrian's green eyes twinkled deviously, "Just as long as you remember you are mine too." equals he thought and for some reason the prophecy wasn't even thought of. It was no longer a concern, he would never let it be, and he would ensure Tom didn't go down that real dark route. He could still be the domineering leader, still make the changes he wanted but he would not stand by and watch him consumed by the dark. He didn't want to change him, not completely, just stop him from making Horcruxes…from making mistakes that he wouldn't realize he was making by splitting his soul to pieces. He knew what happened when ones soul was twisted from Horcruxes, it was a horrifying thing to contemplate.

Tom paused briefly, before nodding just the once. He could live with that, Hadrian claiming him, they were both powerful, equally so, Merlin just thinking back on what happened the other day got him extremely excited to say the least, and at all the wrong times too. He'd had to literally force himself to think about Dumbledore in nothing but the sorting hat to take care of his problem, his robes concealed the rest until it abated. He had known there and then when Hadrian used that curse, that he was the one for him and that he would never let him to. It was why he made it more than clear to everyone. He was his. He had always wanted to lead alone, felt that emotions made you weak, until he had came into his life, wreaked havoc on him, his emotions and made him feel more alive than he'd ever felt in his life.

"Come, appearances must be kept," Tom stated before leading them to the Great Hall.

"Damn it," Hadrian cursed, he had so hoped to get out of it.

Tom just gave a little huff of amusement before his game face was on, seeing his…partner? Staring at him, he turned to face him, "What?"

"Just admiring," Hadrian teased, smirking a little, "You're very good at this." the fake smile plastered on his face, the genial look, he'd always been in awe of how good he was since coming here.

"Of course I am," Tom stated haughty, with that he touched the doors and they opened easily enough to allow Tom and Hadrian entrance. Tom kept moving them towards the Slytherin table, keeping an eye on Hadrian's reactions thought-out it all.

Hadrian's first impressions left a lot to be desired, it was exactly the same as it had been in his fourth year, literally there was nothing different about it. They hadn't put up new decorates, just old ones that had been lying around for generations. He might not like the ball but it was a proud honourable tradition to these pureblood's, another reason they hated Dumbledore it seemed. The music thumped loudly, a lot of the students danced, and yes, even the Slytherin's but with a little more gracefully. Yule was something that the pureblood's felt the need to be part of, with a little luck he may be able to continue them to help ease the damn pureblood Vs Half-blood crap that will only worsen given time.

"Do not even think about asking me to dance," Hadrian warned him, knowing Tom would never do such a thing, and he couldn't help but laugh at the indignant look on his face.

"I don't dance," Tom replied blandly as he interlocked their fingers together and put them on blatant display in front of everyone.

"Didn't take long, he's already burning a hole through our heads," Hadrian hissed in Tom's ear, knowing it wouldn't out them so to speak, since the music covered it anyway.

Tom didn't even need to ask who the 'He' was; both of them spoke about Dumbledore's unnatural obsession of them quite often. Although that was Hadrian's term, not his, he wouldn't call it 'Unnatural obsession' he just referred to it as an annoyance. Dumbledore always kept an annoyingly close watch on him, and it just made Tom more secretive, making sure he was never caught. He would never give Dumbledore the satisfaction of catching him in the act and trying to get him expelled.

Black eyes met green eyes, and before Hadrian knew what was happening, Tom drew him closer, laying claim to his lips, not for too long though, but he did bite Hadrian's bottom lip as he withdrew, satisfaction written all over his face was the first thing Hadrian registered.

"Overly possessive idiot," Hadrian muttered knocking their foreheads together, "He's intolerable as it is without adding fuel to the fire."

The majority of the female population felt both devastated that two of the best looking wizards were taken…with each other and equally wanting to coo over them and how cute they looked together. Regardless of their feelings they were happy for them, Tom and Hadrian were awesome despite the fact quite a few there didn't like Slytherins overly much - too closed off for that - Tom and Hadrian weren't the same.

Surprisingly the night went fast when both boys began to debate about Arithmancy and Ancient Runes the night seemed keen on passing them by. Judging by the more cheerful attitudes of the Slytherin's they'd managed to smuggle in alcohol.

"Want some?" Thaddeus asked, providing Hadrian of all the proof he needed, his breath stank of Fire Whiskey.

"You're going to get in a hell of a lot of trouble if the teachers smell that," Hadrian pointed out his nose scrunching up at the stench. It was watered down and probably disgusting, especially in pumpkin juice, but they'd probably only managed to get one of the older students to get them one half litre between them if he had to guess.

"Oh please, do you think old sluggy doesn't know?" Thaddeus tisked.

"Oh I have no doubt he knows, but if the other teachers found out he would need to plead ignorant," Hadrian pointed out in amusement.

"Told you it would be fun," Thaddeus said ignoring Hadrian's words.

"And you've had way too much to drink," Hadrian replied with a wry grin, wondering how much of Thaddeus was in his son or grandson, because he got on with him the best, and wondered if he would have gotten on with him if he'd been sorted into Slytherin when he should have been. No point to dwelling on it, he would never go back to that life, his life was here now.

"No I've not," Thaddeus protested, pointing his finger at Hadrian, but groaned and put it down when all he saw was three or four of them.

"Uh-huh," Hadrian said turning to face Tom he didn't look amused at all just vexed. "Oi let them have fun, wait until there's a reason to get pissed off before doing or saying anything."

"What makes you think that?" Tom arched an eyebrow.

Hadrian just stared at him, "You're worried they'll blab to someone," he eventually answered.

"Coming out for a smoke?" one of the sixth years students asked, Hadrian didn't know his name despite seeing him around Slytherin all the time.

"Count me in Fergus," Carrow commented immediately.

"They aren't talking about Muggle cigarettes are they?" Hadrian whispered to Tom, not wishing to embarrass himself.

Tom nodded in distaste.

Hadrian just blinked blankly, in his six years at Hogwarts he'd never seen a single person smoking, they must have cut down on it or something…either that or he just hadn't noticed. It wouldn't surprise him if it was the latter, he'd always been too busy, and only really had a few friends. He just couldn't picture the likes of Seamus and Dean sneaking off to smoke, it just seemed so wrong somehow. In fact in all his years he hadn't actually observed a Wizard or witch smoking at all. Even more wrong was the fact the uppity purebloods were actually smoking.

"How about heading back? They'll be distracted for at least another hour…we'd have the entire dorm to ourselves…" Hadrian asked his green eyes twinkling. They'd showed their face, they'd talked, had a decent enough time, enough was enough though he just wanted some peace and quiet. He'd never been one for big celebrations like this, he'd spent his entire childhood secluded and alone, so it was little wonder he hadn't taken to it when he was older.

Tom agreed immediately.

Chapter End Notes

Next chapter I promise will be solely focused on the boys ;) I'm just wondering whether to have them going all the way or not, still being hit with those pesky under age thing especially since Hadrian's technically over 20 years old...but if you all are all right with it then I don't have a problem going for it :D do you think its in a Slytherin to give up? Will Avery leave well enough alone or will he try something again before too long? if so I'll definitely need to look into my brain box to find something unique like the snake ;) would need to be next year since i need to move the story along LOL definitely didn't think I'd be up to chapter 35 and still on an unimportant year but I hope i've made it filled with things you've liked though R&R please

Think I'll Update Fixing Past Mistakes tomorrow or the next day depending on how much I can get written out I'm just so sorry that I can't write as much as I used to anymore :( feel guilty as hell - there was a time I could write 10 pages in a few hours and get it up and posted EVERY SINGLE NIGHT.

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"Here, you both missed lunch," Carrow said, speaking for the group, as he put two plates on the table having been hiding it from the librarian, Selnick wasn't too bad when it came to being strict, but food was obviously the number one rule in the library that he stuck to.

Hadrian glanced at the clock blinking in surprise, they'd actually been in here for over five hours, bloody hell, and he'd never spent such a long time in the library before. "Thanks," he murmured gratefully, biting into the sandwich they'd brought him, cheese, ham and pickle, it was one of his favourites. Damn Slytherin's weren't half observant, even his so called best friends hadn't known his favourite foods, just Dobby. "What have you guys been up to?" he asked after swallowing his bite, quite quickly to take another, he really was hungry.

"Nothing much, just went for a fly," Lestrange said as he took a seat, the others followed, Nott, Carrow and Dolohov. "You really should have given Quidditch a try; you're bloody brilliant on a broom!"

"I love flying, Quidditch I can do without," Hadrian shook his head, who would have thought he'd ever say those words? Quidditch he could do without? His eleven year old self would have screamed at him for his 'blasphemy' no doubt. He'd been proud of the fact he was the youngest seeker of the century, still proud but it was nothing he could talk about without people here thinking he was lying through his teeth. He didn't have the urge to play here, he wasn't burdened with fame and people loving or hating him at the drop of a hat. Another reason he'd rarely gone flying, well that and the brooms sucked, he was used to flying a damn Nimbus and Firebolt for Merlin's sake, those old school brooms were pathetic next to them.

"Never!" Lestrange said vehemently, "Quidditch is the best."

"Hardly," Tom stated. It was a foolish waste of time, flying around on a broom after a snitch or hitting Bludgers.

And that was it, another word wasn't said on the subject much to Hadrian's amusement, he watched them with twinkling green eyes. He never got bored with the hold Tom seemed to have over the others, his word was law with them and that was it. Hadrian's gaze shifted to Tom's, staring at him pensively, wondering what it was that held three generation of wizards and witches enchanted with him, it wasn't his looks, since by his time he didn't have the looks to enchant others into following him. Was he truly that powerful? Or was it the hold he had being Salazar Slytherin's heir? Part of it he suspected was how far the magical world had declined, when Dumbledore took up the unofficial throne and changed so many laws and made a branch of magic almost extinct as if the devil itself was imbued in it. Hell it could be a combination of all of them that he thought could be the reason.

The loud clearing of a throat had Hadrian blinking and coming back to the current conversation going on around him, which sounded to Hadrian a little bit too forced as if they were trying to pretending not to know what was happening. Far from being annoyed Tom was sitting there smugly, honestly Hadrian half expected him to start prancing around like a proud peacock. Hadrian just rolled his eyes, of course Tom thought everything was about him…but in this case it might be true but he wasn't going to admit it - that would just make him even smugger although he didn't think it was possible.

Hadrian stretched out languidly; he'd been in the same position for hours, "IS there anyone out in the pitch right now?"

"It's Christmas, there's no schedule," Carrow said, watching Hadrian put a bookmark in the book he was reading and swipe it closed.

"That didn't answer my question," Hadrian pointed out, picking out two other books he wanted to take with him.

"I don't know there obviously wasn't when we left," Carrow said shrugging his shoulders, "Why?"

"Just curious," Hadrian replied, "I was thinking of going flying for an hour or so later."

"You said the brooms suck," Lestrange said blinking in surprise. They'd been trying to get him to go out for a game of Quidditch for how long? And all of a sudden he wanted to go flying? Would he ever understand Hadrian?

"Well, there is that," Hadrian grumbled, "Honestly, I can't wait for the day they make a decent racing broom."

"Why don't you just fly yourself?" Tom pointed out.

Hadrian's jaw dropped, "Don't tell me you can do that already!" Hadrian couldn't help the whine in his voice, he really couldn't, and thankfully it wasn't too full on.

Tom just smirked at him, his dark eyes gleaming with satisfaction and self pride.

"Wait, you can fly too?" Dolohov asked his question aimed at Hadrian not Tom.

"I've done it once…" Hadrian said slowly, but not in this body, and not alone, he thought to himself. "I've never actually tried to do it again though, and when I did do it…it was sort of in an emergency, my magic reacted I doubt I'd be able to do it again without training myself first."

Tom bit his tongue to stop himself from asking questions that would surely raise a lot of eyebrows. He was curious when Hadrian actually had learned, he had a feeling it was older than they were right now, probably a lot older and Hadrian had obviously had trouble with it judging by the fact he couldn't believe Tom had been able to do it so soon. It was curious that Hadrian had the ability to do what he did pretty much, but he couldn't fly? Interesting, indeed.

"I've read those books; do you need information on them?" Dolohov enquired, reading the titles upside down.

"We've all read them," Carrow said amused, they were forced to memorise all books pertaining to pureblood society, so they were never unprepared for anything. Including etiquette, laws and rules of elite society, it was by far the most boring stuff, but their parents always insisted it would be used later in life and if they wanted to be heirs they would be required to be able to recall this information at the drop of a hat.

"It's drier than mummies dust." Hadrian added, "I have no idea how you managed to remember any of it."

"It's important, especially when we come the heir, you really should have read it before you became Lord Peverell," Dolohov.

Hadrian narrowed his eyes, sharply looking around and giving Dolohov a 'shut the fuck up' look, he didn't want anyone knowing about his status. He'd rather it not get back to Dumbledore; he was annoying as hell as it was, without him knowing more about him. "I'd rather the entire school didn't know in time for dinner," he stated, his annoyance obvious.

Just then Rosier came jogging over, panting heavily, extremely out of breath. "Uh, can you come down to the common room…that Taipan is freaking out the first and second years, it keeps slithering all over the common room."

"I thought you all liked snakes?" Hadrian asked innocently, and he pulled it off quite spectacularly.

"Not poisonous ones," Rosier squeaked, clutching his ribs as he tried to regain his breath.

"Alright, I'm coming," Hadrian shrugged, his lips twitching at the relief lit all over his face. "Just give me a few minutes." with that he took his three books over to the desk for the librarian to check out for him. The librarian gave him a smile, used to Hadrian and Tom being in the library quite often, although usually not for five hours straight. As soon as he had his books, he was about to walk out, only for Tom to jerk him back by the back of his cloak. Hadrian just huffed quietly and waited, used to Tom's ways by now.

Ten minutes later they were speaking the password to Slytherin Common room.

"Alright you, stop terrorising everyone," Hadrian hissed, hiding his amusement from the snake.

"They smell of fear, stupid humans," the Taipan snake hissed back, sliding across the room to get to Hadrian, slowly winding itself around his leg and further up. The sighs of relief from the students caused another burst of hilarity at the situation.

"They fear you, you have an extremely potent poison in your fangs that can kill us, and they'll always fear you." Hadrian explained.

"You don't," the Snake said, sounding petulant.

"No, but me and Tom have a distinctive advantage," Hadrian said wryly, shaking his head, unaware of everyone silently watching him converse with the snake with reverence. Tom didn't speak very often, in fact in the past few days they'd heard it more than in all the years he'd been at Hogwarts. They were all envious too; Tom and Hadrian had everything, powers, looks and an ability that all Slytherin's would kill for. "So stop terrorising everyone or I'll either put you in a tank or leave you in the forbidden forest to fend for yourself. If anyone and I mean anyone finds out you're here, a teacher, you'll be taken away to the Ministry and locked up and packed back to your own country." He added, not sure if it was true but he believed most of it was, the Ministry would take it, and the snake was a dangerous breed.

"Fine," the snake hissed, sulking as it wrapped itself around Hadrian's neck, hissing in content at the heat radiating from what he considered his human.

Hadrian laughed, shaking his head slowly; it wasn't half a temperamental thing. "You don't know anyone that would be able to tell me what age he is and whether he's healthy?" speaking to the group as he sat himself down, dumping the books on the table.

"Lord Jackson Yaxley will be able to help you," Rosier said, sitting down on his conjured seat.

"My healer?" Hadrian asked perplexed, "Isn't there someone more qualified like a vet?"

"He is a vet, he has more than one Mastery," Carrow explained.

"Your healer?" Tom asked his voice deceptively smooth.

"He is," Hadrian stated, "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him, he created the counter-curses for all the spells that Healer Chang couldn't remove. A natural healer, they're really rare."

"Not really," Dolohov shook his head, "There are five that I know of working in different departments in St. Mungo's. Lord Yaxley didn't go there because they are forbidden from taking on independent cases, and personally I don't think he likes people telling him what he can and can't do."

Hadrian just nodded idly, but Tom had understood, even natural healers were things of the past during Hadrian's life. What the hell had happened in the next six decades that caused such a decline in the magical world? Natural healers are very well respected, and they could heal people, in ways that normal healers couldn't hope to achieve. "I wouldn't either! Who are they to decide what someone does in their own time? Not everyone can afford to go to St. Mungo's!"

"Why would that bother you? You're one of the richest Lord's with only a few in front of you." Nott replied quite frankly amused by his statement.

"Even if I explained you wouldn't understand, you've never had to go without," Hadrian replied coolly, "Never had to go without food, shelter, warmth, endured pain because nobody took you to a healer, if you did experience that even for a day you'd think differently about those who actually need a hospital but couldn't go because they have no money and no means to get it. How many wizards and witches have died because they couldn't get help from St. Mungo's? How many have suffered because of it? And it's not just Muggle-born's either! Its Pureblood's too."

Thaddeus' amusement faded fast; instead a solemn look replaced it. He had nothing he could say in turn to that statement. He'd never really thought about it before, where did they go if they couldn't afford St. Mungo's? Perhaps his father would be able to enlighten him.

"Surely there's somewhere for them to go," Carrow frowned.

"What to someone down Knockturn Alley who isn't qualified to transfigure a water goblet never mind try and diagnose someone? Or heal them?" Hadrian snorted wryly; then again he wasn't sure if the clinic was here in this time. "That just makes it even worse, we're stuck in the nineteenth century, and as much as Muggles suck at least they've actually advanced passed using bloody ink and quills and oil lanterns and actually look after their own. We're backwards compared to them, and if we don't get out of it, we will remain this way even in the new millennium."

"Look after their own?" Dolohov scoffed, "They've made a war!"

"Oh and we're completely innocent are we?" Hadrian asked sarcastically, "Grindelwald is just a nuisance? Come on, don't start statements if you've not got anything at all to back it up it just makes you look stupid."

Dolohov's nostrils flared but he said nothing, just silently grinding his teeth.

"How would you go about making our world better?" Lestrange, causing Rosier to nod vehemently.

Hadrian shrugged, "Need a Minister that isn't scared of his own shadow, willing to do whatever it took, whether they were liked for it or not. Need to get the Wizengamot onside, they're the ones with the true power, considering most of them come from high up pureblood societies all you'd need to do is prove your lineage and standing, make sure they knew you were a force to be reckoned with. Get all the information you possibly can on them, so you would know how to play them. Play nice at first, but after a while of them treating you like a child, show your power, that way you'll have a good understanding of what they're really like when they're not sucking up to you." Hadrian's smirk was truly vindictive. "Because guaranteed they'll be as condescending as hell thinking they know better, then just like that the tables are turned, everyone's always respected power, followed it, revered it even, there's always more than one powerful person in play, so it also helps by being recognized for your good deeds over political clout, they'll remember you that way."

"Such as?" it was Tom who spoke, his tone thoughtful.

"Playing on their sympathies has always worked, changing laws to better the lives of magical creatures is another way, playing the hero, people will want to vote for you, be your friend, or at the very least claim to be one. Giving out advice, being humble yet strong enough to stand your ground and not let them walk all over you." Hadrian said thoughtfully. Kill a dark lord who is terrorising the magical world would also surely work he thought sardonically to himself. He wasn't sure how Tom had gone about it the first time, whether he'd done it the wrong way or if Dumbledore had just been too big an influence at that point. He would soon find out if Tom could do it without Dumbledore or not, since Dumbledore was never going to get to spread his 'anti-dark' disease all over the magical world. Tom had just made it even easier for Dumbledore to spread how dangerous the Dark Arts were.

Thaddeus listened intently, watching the expression of Tom and Hadrian's face as one spoke the other listened. He'd always known Tom would go places when he left Hogwarts, he had so many ambitions, it also helped by surrounding himself with pureblood's who could help him achieve that greatness. As he listened he realized it wasn't them that was going to help Tom go to the top now, it was Hadrian. He seemed to be able to read people, knew them, how to get a desired results out of something. "Was that why you rarely spoke until…" Thaddeus paused, "Until Avery started?"

"It's easier to observe your surroundings when you blend into the background," Hadrian admitted, smirking.

"That's cute; you actually thought you ever blended into the background?" Carrow said in a teasing tone.

"Didn't I?" Hadrian blinked glancing at him in confusion.

"No," Carrow said laughing a little, "You were the talk of the castle the second you accidentally Apparated to Hogsmeade. That didn't change after you woke up, everyone was curious about you."

"Hmm," Hadrian muttered, stroking the snake around his neck disgruntled.

Chapter End Notes

There we go! the next chapter up for you, I meant to get Tom motivated but i guess it got sidetracked...Will Tom kill his uncle and his parental family and claim the fortune? or will he merely kill his uncle and father and make it look like they'd fought to death? Getting the Riddle money in the process when he 'meet's' his grandparents who are bound to be really old by this point and considering who they are they will want someone to carry on their name...I'm truly stuck on that BUT his fathers death is going to happen it was implied earlier on in the story Death said Harry wouldnt be able to prevent it since some hate just runs too deep and Tom hates his father...R&R please

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"Well it certainly looks like it has only one person staying in this room," Hadrian commented after Tom opened the door, quickly glancing in the cupboards just to be on the safe side. He was serious about not wanting to use the Obliviation spell, it could be undone. "Definitely." he determined, it was Tom's fathers room. The bedrooms light had been on as well, did they just not care that their carelessness could have killed not only them but everyone in the vicinity in little Hangleton. Not that it would happen of course, since the town was still standing in future.

Tom absolutely refused to touch anything in the room, so instead transfigured a chair and smoothly sat down each move looking as if it had been carefully calculated for weeks. His aristocratic features showed none of his turmoil as he gazed at the door as if somehow willing for this to be over.

Hadrian snorted in amusement, only Tom would conjure up a damn throne to sit on. "Comfortable?" Hadrian asked smirking a little. "I hope you're not expecting me to sit at your feet."

"That is a very good idea," Tom replied, glancing at Hadrian with a heated look on his face.

"In your dreams," Hadrian chortled, shaking his head, he did wonder about one thing, whenever he saw 'Voldemort' he never had shoes on, but Tom always did, was it something he developed after creating Horcruxes? His resurrection? Or just something he came to prefer later in life? Grunting as he was grabbed by the arm and plonked down on Tom's chair, his arm wrapped around his midsection tightly.

"Is that so?" Tom asked, seductively.

"Seriously?" Hadrian muttered he was turned on by this? Or was it the prospect of revenge? Knowing Tom it was probably a combination of both. He couldn't help but shiver in delight as Tom's fingers crept up his stomach, as his breath ghosted his neck. "They could be back any second." damn it he wasn't about to have sex with Tom here of all places, and bloody hell, how was he so good at making him squirm?

"And?" Tom asked his tone low, the feel of Hadrian all over him was very heady, and it grounded his anger, the anger he really wanted to let loose on all the remaining Riddles, yet Hadrian's plan had set something off in his mind. The Gaunt and Riddle property and land being his, privacy, prestige and money was what it screamed to him.

"And I'm not going to be found in a comprising position here of all places!" Hadrian protested, a half squeak half moan leaving his mouth as Tom twisted his nipple until it was a hard sensitive nub. He managed to get to his feet and turn around, thinking of the most disgusting things he could, as he rubbed at himself unconsciously trying to get rid the sexual tension stirring in his body and only making it worse. Tom just chuckled at him as he watched in amusement black eyes gleaming possessively.

"It's not funny," Hadrian stated, a trickle of a whine leaving his voice but barely discernable. Biting his tongue as Tom's hands raised his t-shirt and stroked his sides, urging him forward but without any force, giving him a choice this time. The look on Tom's face made Hadrian unable to deny him, he had never had anyone look at him that way, he caved and Tom positively radiated smugness out of every pore.

"With that look, I'm half tempted to get back up," Hadrian said, now straddling Tom at his words Tom's fingers pressed him closer, not that he would be able too, with the solid grip Tom had off him and his position which would make getting away next to impossible. One of Tom's hands removed from his ass and his long nimble fingers wrapped around Hadrian's delicate neck, giving him a strong bruising kiss as his fingers stroked the side of his neck feeling the elevated heartbeat as he did so.

Hadrian greedily breathed in air when Tom's lips finally parted from his, Merlin this was so wrong being so hard, so excited at the prospect of being found like this. Either it was just Tom or he was finding the danger exhilarating, which was possible, since he had lived and breathed for it for so long. He was happy with the life he had, he didn't miss the constant danger so why would he get a thrill out of it?

"You…are…mine," Tom enunciated carefully, between sucking and biting at Hadrian's neck, groaning himself as his constant wiggling was putting pressure on his engorged cock. He loved being able to turn Hadrian into a loud quivering wreck, he was so easy to arouse it was heady and enticing. Although he wasn't being particularly vocal right now, but he knew if he wanted to he could.

His thumb turned Hadrian's chin upwards, satisfaction thrumming through him when he saw the marks were bright red. They were definitely going to turn purple, he thought smugly. Inhaling sharply as Hadrian ground into him, thrusting their clothed erections together causing pleasure to shoot through them.

In return Tom bit Hadrian's earlobe teasingly, causing Hadrian to writhe against him, their lips met once more, both of them battling to dominate the kiss, as pleasure furled through them, causing them to gasp in pleasure as their stomachs felt as though a dozen butterflies had been released inside.

Hadrian groaned, ripping his lips away, breathing heavily, moaning at the feel of Tom's lips at his neck, he couldn't help but cock his head to the side, giving him better access, he scooted back just an inch or so, and unzipped Tom's trousers and began to stroke the engorged cock, feeling it enlarging in his hand, the pre-cum leaking from the tip, allowed Hadrian to jerk him off much more effectively. The underwear made it restricting but he didn't much care as his pleasure began to overwhelm everything so completely he was finding it hard to think.

The firmer Hadrian touched Tom, the faster the pre-cum leaked from the engorged shaft; euphoria overcame Hadrian at the feeling of power, of having Tom squirming and moaning under him. Perhaps using this throne (no doubt Tom would always call it a chair) had been a good idea.

Only a few more seconds after Hadrian felt the stirring of his orgasm approaching too many emotions and the constant motion of his hips, rocking back and forth, it hit him suddenly, his body writhing as he ejaculated, his body slumping slightly, he was only half aware of the fact Tom had cum as well, as it splattered all over his hand. They just sat there for who knows how long, basking in the afterglow.

The next thing they became aware of was the loud chiming of the clock as it struck twelve times.

"Happy New Year, Tom," Hadrian murmured, only slightly glad when a cleaning charm washed over the both of them. He was definitely a kinky wizard, something he definitely hadn't pegged him as, getting his rocks off waiting for revenge.

"Happy new year," Tom replied, his fingers running over Hadrian's face, a soft look on his face, soft but still possessive, nobody would ever see Hadrian like this, he would kill anyone that tried... he was his.

Chapter End Notes

:D I hope you enjoyed this chapter which admittedly wasn't as long as I would have liked but i'm sure the next chapter will be filled with enough action to satisfy everyone :) I know they didnt go all the way but as you are all aware i dont do underage, not even if both of them are so until they're sixteen you won't be seeing much of going all the way :P anywhere you want to see them having some fun :P i just had to have Tom depraved enough to get all hot and bothered over getting revenge :D hahaha and Harry for a whole different reason :) I'm really having a lot of fun writing this story I hope you're having fun reading it! is there anyone you'd also like to see more off especially before they're graduating :P will someone still end up on the receiving end of Tom's anger and ended up petrified? or something different? just thinking of things for the future to use now lol R&R please