41. Do Not Expect What You Can't Give

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Neville and Jim's birthday party pt.1

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With long strides, Marvolo walked into the Heir Chamber of the Slytherin Castle, pausing enough to knock beforehand. "Are you ready to go, Hadrianus?"

The said child, his little Heir, looked up from the sketchbook with huge, eager eyes from where he was sitting on his chair in front of the desk. His room, the Heir Chamber, as usual, was so vastly different from the rest of the Castle that it used to throw him off guard whenever he came here, even though he is getting used to it real fast now.

The room is...what one can call (if they compare it with other parts of the Castle) an organized mess. The midnight sky-colored ceiling is forever shinning and glittering with fairy lights in the shape of miniature stars and different planets of the galaxy, hanging by invisible threads and chasing each other in a chaotic pattern. One corner of the room is practically dedicated to a small zoo of different stuffed animals - both magical, non-magical, and historical - all lined up in a haphazard fashion as Hadrianus tended to cram them after done playing with them. One wall is covered with shelves holding both wixen and muggle children's fiction books and different sketchbooks, magazines, small figurines, and other toys. There is a matching pair of bean bags and rugs with a neatly folded similarly sparkling blanket and coffee table, charmed to be child-friendly and unbreakable, in front of the fireplace, which is layered thickly with protective wards against every kind of accidental magic imaginable, and obviously not connected with Floo to further ensure the safety of the owner of the room. And a bedside table, holding the Nightmare Orchid and the most bizarre-looking Dream Catcher from his equally bizarre friends, as well as different photo frames, as does the soft cream-colored wall behind the queen-sized bed with at least ten pillows.

He would never forget his son's face to discover his room after his mum decorated it for him. Marvolo could literally see the stars, not unlike the ones on the ceiling of his room, in his son's eyes as Hadrianus stared at his mother in shock when she took him here and declared it as his. She is spoiling him, probably, but his excitement to finally have a room of his was worth it. And Marvolo, having spent his early childhood and adolescence days without a home, can understand that feeling completely.

The study desk near the floor-to-ceiling huge window is right now full of his coloring pencils and The Quibbler was laid open near the sketchbook, and it looked like his son was copying a photograph of flower from an article on the said magazine. The only difference is the mysterious-looking six-winged bright orange-colored bird that Hadrianus is sketching, drinking nectar juice from the cheerful yellow flower in the picture. Is his son starting to fantasize about the absurd creatures around them, as the Lovegood girl does? Merlin forbid if he does, Marvolo will be banning Quibbler from the Castle! The last thing he wants is his son catching weirdness from the strange people he likes to surround himself with, even if she is a...Seer!

"What are you sketching this time, Hatchling?" Nagini asked as she entered following him.

Marvolo shot her a look of betrayal. She knew Hadrianus had been fantasizing and sketching non-existent creatures from The Quibbler and didn't even think about stopping her son, or at least, giving him some warning?

Hadrianus turned his head to look at mum, eyes widening when his eyes fall on his beautiful mother in a simple but elegant off-white ball gown with puffy sleeves, "Wow, mummy you look beautiful!" He gushed as he abandoned the coloring pencils to bolt and hug her legs.

"Why thank you, my little one," Nagini preened, ruffling his hair and smiling down at him, "You're not bad yourself," she bent over and peppered his face with kisses, making the child squeal and squirmed, "my handsome, handsome hatchling!"

"Mum!" Hadrianus blushed and complained, squirming and laughing as he flailed his arms, trying to avoid her fingers as she tickled his sides. Nagini flashed him a mischievous grin, before glancing at the sketchbook with a raised eyebrow.

"It's a Blibbering Humdinger," Hadrianus said brightly, pointing at his sketch, and even though Marvolo wanted to bang his head on the wall at the confirmation of his fear, he settled for closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, strengthening his Occlumency shields while wondering how to take care of the situation without sounding...rude. Every parenting books he read were very specific on this instruction, about how children pick up their behaviors from their parents.

"Interesting," Nagini commented, staring at the sketch before looking at the article in The Quibbler.

Marvolo can't help but gape at her incredulously, did she actually say that? How is he going to do this, if his partner-m-parenting is going to encourage the child's antics? "Nagini," He called, his voice strained.

Nagini glanced back at him, and Marvolo was instantly wary of the sparkling mirth he noticed in her eyes, before she looked back at Hadrianus, "Looks like your father can't see the article."

"What?" Hadrianus looked at his father, frowning, "You can't see it?"

"See what?"

"The Blibbering Humdinger," he said, pointing at the picture in the article.

Marvolo stared at his son, taking note of his bafflement, both in his face and the link from their bond. He may dupe the face but he can't dupe their bond. His son is not lying or acting, he realized, he is genuinely surprised that Marvolo can't see whatever imagery picture he sketched in the photograph. 

A matter to attend later, Marvolo decided and flicked his wand, and the sketchbook and coloring pencils soared through the air to arrange themselves on the shelf, "Come on. We're getting late."

"Right. Let me just..." Nagini pulled out the tiny jar of homemade kohl from her pocket. Knowing what was coming, Hadrianus rushed to the nearest chair and sat still, letting her make a small dot on his temple with the kohl on her right ring finger, before covering it back with his hair, then made dots on his palms and feet. He doesn't know why mum does it before they go out ever since Germany, but he loved all those little dots, reminding him of mum's beautiful kohled eyes. So he let her do it.

"Come, let's go. There are some children's activities during the party and you were invited to play. Oh, and don't forget the gift boxes."

"Yes, mum."

"Wait," Marvolo approached his son and tapped his wand on his collar, and instantly the ruffled hair was fixed, his tailored robes smoothed out and the shirt was buttoned up to his neck, looking perfect like his father. "Now, remember, keep your Occlumency shield up and tighten the tendrils around your Core, the way I taught you."

"Yes, father. Thank you," Hadrianus dashed out to bring the gift boxes for the birthday boys, missing the way Nagini shot Marvolo an unimpressed look.

"He is just a child!" Nagini hissed, bordering on Parseltongue. "It's going to be ruined anyway, when he will play with his friends at the party."

"Which is nothing but a matter of quick charm," Marvolo frowned at her, "He has an image to keep."

"He is not a Malfoy, Tom. He could do without your impossible expectations all the time."

"I am not raising him to be like a Malfoy, Nagini." Marvolo rolled his eyes. The last thing he wants is a whiny child with sparkling hair like them. "Don't forget, He represents Slytherin, Peverell, Gaunt, as well as Everard House. He could maintain a modicum of decorum."

"Don't infect my hatchling with your OCD, Tom."

"Then don't let my Heir get infected with the strangeness of his...friends." Marvolo retorted.

Nagini rolled her eyes, but before she could reply, Hadrianus appeared with two floating boxes. Marvolo quickly poked at his son's shield and was pleased when he met the shields. "Let's go."

Making sure they have everything, including the gift boxes for Neville and Jim Potter, the three of them Floo'd to Slytherin Manor using their privately set up International Floo in Marvolo's Office. And then they apparated in the Knight Headquarters, where the Malfoys and Notts were waiting for them.

"Theonel, Lucius, Narcissa, meet Lady Slytherin-Peverell-Gaunt-Everard." Marvolo introduced her, smirking at the astonished looks, though he didn't bother explaining more. He is their Lord, he doesn't owe them any explanation, neither they would need to learn her first name. Though he is tempted to share her name, only to see their mask scramble to pieces. But even he is not that cruel to break them before an important celebration, the joined birthday of the Boy-Who-Lived and Longbottom Heir. They are aiming to establish alliances amongst the neutral side, and this is the best way to do so. After all, who would expect The Dark Lord to be invited to the Boy-Who-Lived's birthday? 

Nagini quirked her lips at the long title Tom mentioned, but otherwise didn't react outwardly as they shuffled to bow before her, "An honor to finally meet you, My Lady."

She nodded at them, accepting the kisses on her knuckles and then standing regally beside her son, who was looking bored, but both Nagini and Marvolo can tell how stiff he is. Malfoy Heir seems to be avoiding looking anywhere near Hadrianus, and she belatedly realized this is actually their second meeting, after the disastrous first one. Nagini smirked inwardly as she noticed Hadrianus ignored him as well and nodded at Nott Heir, and received a bow which made him more uncomfortable - judging by the dismay they could feel through their bond, even if the other adults looked pleased.

Soon, they apparated, or side-along apparated, in the children's case, in front of an old but sturdy, shiny metal gate, and beyond the gate, there was a beautiful castle with many turrets and towers.

":Wow!:" Hadrianus muttered under his breath, even if his face didn't betray him. Behind him, he can hear others expressing their own surprise. While he came to Hogwarts before, he had traveled via Floo and came directly to gran's chamber. He never knew She is this beautiful! And the afternoon sun shining behind, with the golden ray reflecting on the ancient Castle, it looked ethereal! Just as they entered through the gate, Hadrianus can feel the wards and how they tightened around him, as if She is hugging him, welcoming him home.

":Wow indeed,:" Marvolo agreed with a small smile, nostalgia building inside him at the sight of Her. She looks as captivating as ever! Her magic feels as glorious as always!

"Come, we must catch one of the carriages." 

The tiny Charms Professor Filius Flitwick had been enthusiastically waving at them from beside hundreds of carriages that a few people are clustered over, about to ride them. Apparently, he had taken the responsibility to show the guest the carriages. Hadrianus brightened noticing him, waving back, recognizing him instantly as one of the professors that came home to meet his father on his birthday. Well, he hadn't noticed him differently out of all the teachers, but he recognized his smell. The smell of berries and burnt cheese. He doesn't know why, but this particular smell had stuck into his memory, remembering him of his early days in Gringotts Healing Chamber. And now he knows the person who smelled like that. Is he related to his godfather? He wanted to know, but he also knows now is not the time.

Filius chuckled and ruffled the hair of the adorable clan-child of Goblins - if the rumors are correct, pleased to see he has recognized him. Behind them, unknown to others, Marvolo sighed, resigned, and Nagini glanced at him in amusement. 

"Filius," Marvolo greeted coming forward, shaking his hand with a charming smile, "You already know my son. Allow me to introduce my beautiful wife, Nagini, Lady of the House of Slytherin, Peverell, Gaunt, and Everard."

"Ah, so pleased to find you healthy and well," Flitwick greeted her eagerly, bowing and kissing her knuckles, earning a blush from Nagini as she thanked him. He heard about her from Augusta, though he never had the chance to meet her until now. He was pleased to see the family without any judgment for creatures, which can not be said for their company, who merely sneered at him from distance.

As the adults were busy talking and introducing themselves, Hadrianus's attention wandered towards the familiar fleshless reptilian horses with black coats clinging to their skeletons, of which every bone was visible. Hadrianus had a feeling that all of them were staring at him with their pupil-less eyes white, as if they found him fascinating as well, given the way all of them turned to look at him, some going as far as turning the carriages. After staring for a bit, one of them turned fully, coming over to him along with the carriage. Hadrianus raised his hand just as the big leader of the Thestral clan came over, smiling broadly as he let Hadrianus pet him, unmindful of how everyone became silent around him. A pleased neigh escaped the Thestral's voice, earning startled but delighted laughter from Hadrianus.

"You can see Thestral, little Adrian?" Flitwick squeaked, looking ready to bawl out as he realized what it meant for the little clan-child. Hadrianus heard Malfoy Heir saying, "The what now?" before stopping, probably by a look from any of his parents. Mum was looking concerned at how all the Thestrals were staring at her little son, while father was unreadable as ever, though he can still see the calculating gleam in his eyes. Hadrianus can't see the other's reaction, as they are standing at a distance behind him, but he can already imagine Malfoy Heir and Nott Heir's reaction. Malfoy must be seething in envy and Nott, looking awed, as it is his usual reaction to everything Hadrianus does, much to his chagrin. As if he is that special, or extraordinary! Aunt Cissa will probably look mildly wary and Lords Malfoy and Nott would be impassive as always.

"Yes." Hadrianus flashed a broad grin at the sinister-looking Thestral, who nuzzled his hand and then nudged him, as if asking him to ride on him. "You want me to ride on you?" Hadrianus asked surprised, earning another neigh.

"No, not now." Marvolo interrupted and grabbed his son's shoulder, stopping him before Hadrianus can even think to do exactly that. He doesn't enjoy how the creatures of Death standing so close to his son, nuzzling his hand like some curious puppy. Hell, he probably would have preferred a Kelpie over that! "We have a party to attend." He ushered the now pouting child towards the carriages, making sure the carriage is only for three of them so others would take the next one. Why can't his son attract the attention of some normal animals? Like some fluffy cats? "We will see you at the party, Filius."

Filius waved at them back, still looking a little spooked, and patted the Thestral's back, nudging forward. The Thestral started to stride towards the Castle. As the ride started, Marvolo quickly tapped his wand on his son's shoulder, fixing his hair, earning a snort from Nagini. Hadrianus didn't pay any attention to them as he pressed his face on the window edge, enjoying the wind on his face and staring at the beautiful Castle ahead.

Soon the carriages stopped in front of the smooth and evenly cut grass field. They stepped out, walking out towards the flight of stone steps leading to a big arena.

":The Quidditch field,:" Marvolo told his son who nodded.

As they came near, Hadrianus noticed Aunt Minnie in her usual emerald robe and tight bun, smelling like fresh mint tea and touch of catnip as always, standing near the entrance of the arena. As her eyes fall on them, she gave a very faint fond smile to Hadrianus. "Welcome to Hogwarts, Lord and Lady Slytherins, Malfoys and Notts. The children are playing on the left part of the arena. Would you like some refresher first?"

"Can I go see Neville first?" Hadrianus whispered to his mum.

But Aunt Minnie somehow heard him, and Hadrianus can bet it's because of her Animagus form, "I believe your friend is with Augusta, go straight towards the platform, in the middle of the arena." She advised.

"Come," Marvolo nodded at her and stridden in, others following closely behind. Hadrianus took a deep breath, his nostril picking up the smell of earth in deep forest, muddy and fresh leaves from other hundreds of smell, and realized the smell is getting stronger. A quick look around showed him a bored-looking Neville, standing closer to gran who is talking with some people.

Hadrianus grinned on seeing him, he wanted to yell his name and rush towards him, but they are in a public place and father wouldn't like him losing composure in a public place like this.

As they came nearer, Neville glanced towards them and immediately perked up seeing his favorite people coming in. Even gran paused and dismiss whoever she was talking with so she can give them full attention. Hadrianus greeted and kissed her knuckles, following his father and mum who only courtesied, and earned a small smirk from her. Marvolo then took one box out of his pocket carefully, enlarging it to return its original size, and gave it to Hadrianus, who presented it to his best friend with a big grin.

"There you go, birthday boy. Something to add to your growing collection."

"You bought me plants?" Neville asked eagerly as he saw the familiar packaging with holes, used only to wrap small plants. No one gave him a plant as a gift before! He can already tell he is going to like this one best!

"Yes, different herbs from India." Hadrianus beamed proudly.

"Regards from House of Slytherin and Peverell. Many many happy returns of the day, young Neville." Marvolo said, smiling softly at the pleased child, followed by Nagini who also ruffled his hair slightly, earning a pleased blush from Neville at the affectionate gesture.

"Thank you, Uncle Marvolo, Auntie," he greeted his favorite adults with a big grin. Malfoys and Notts looked on carefully, noticing how familiar Longbottom Heir is with the whole Slytherin family, and wondering why their Lord has allowed the squib to become so familiar with them, though they didn't dare question him or go against him when they presented their own gifts, none of which were met with an enthusiastic grin from the birthday boy as he did with them. And feelings were entirely mutual. Draco merely scowled, while Theodore tried to bury his envy to find The Dark Prince so at ease with him. It reminded him of the boy he bumped into in Slytherin Castle, who then closed off after introductions were made. The Dark Prince hadn't even smiled or relaxed fully in his company ever since, which left Theodore to wonder what he did wrong for him to close up on him like that. Speaking of which... Theodore looked around, narrowing his eyes. Something is missing, isn't it? What is that feeling? He was confused.

"Thank you for coming," Augusta gave them one of the rare faint smiles, even though it tightened as her eyes fell on Malfoy and Nott Lords. She dismissed them after the initial greeting and turned to the one-child who mattered more to her than others, "And thank you again, little Hadrianus, for teaching the lightball conjuring trick to Neville, it had been a... wonderful moment when he showed it off during one of family dinner." 

Hadrianus nodded, feeling awkward and flushing in embarrassment, looking around not meeting anyone's gaze. He did nothing, it had been

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