42. Looks Can Be Deceptive

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Neville and Jim's birthday party pt.2

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"Lord and Lady Potter," Marvolo greeted as he stood in front of them, Hadrianus and Nagini following them, as well as Barty and Theonel who joined on the way, making Hadrianus brightened on seeing his Godfather. James Potter immediately scowled, even though Lily Potter's face was carefully neutral. Marvolo kept talking smoothly, "Regards from House of Slytherin, Peverell, Gaunt, and Everard."

"Yeah yeah, whatever," James waved his hand dismissively, not at all interested in talking to slimy snakes. If he had any say in the guest list, these snakes wouldn't have sneaked in and wreak havoc on his son's birthday party, but alas, this time Minnie had made the guest list along with Frank's mom. Something about preening the delicate bridge between Hogwarts and its Board of Governor and owner! And even if James wanted to protest and tell them he is not going to allow Dark and evil wizards into his son's birthday party, both women are too terrifying for James to say anything, never mind together!

But inwardly, he had seethed and schemed to drive them away, by pranking or any way possible without Minnie or Augusta noticing and lecturing him. Thanks to Rita Skeeter and her stupid articles, he had lost the claim of his own son, almost being sent to Azkaban as if he is the slimy snake. His only 'crimes' were disowning and planned murder of his 'true' Heir, and then covering up his murder. Even declining the claim and saying he didn't cover up Harry's death didn't help his case, or the fact that they didn't even know Harry had died. All the pieces of evidence DMLE had found had said otherwise, and the Dursley's flight from England didn't help in their case.

James didn't even know disowning a magical heir warrant ten years in Azkaban for the Lord and Lady! If he did, he would have let the brat stay in a corner of his house and get over with it. Even if he had magic, he must have been squib-level, which could be the only explanation why muggles were able to abuse him. He now regrets not confirming it via Gringotts. In his defense, he didn't even know Goblins allows these kinds of service!

Thank Merlin for Albus, who swiped in like the great savior he is and talk some pureblood nonsense and legal words to stop them from being sent to Azkaban, and instead, they had to provide Community Service for their crimes. James's glare intensified as he remembered all the trepidation this wizard in front of them caused to Albus.

Hadrianus inwardly glowered at Potter Lord's blatant disrespect to his father. A hand on his shoulder made him aware of the situation, an undertone soothing hissed assurances and reminders of being in public places from his mother. Hadrianus breathed deeply, forcing himself to calm down, practicing the Occlumency shield to not lose control.

Marvolo noticed overweight Potter spawn, his eyes gleaming in vindictive pleasure. The Potter spawn's parents are not overweight but he evidently is. Clearly, it means, Potter spawn has been feeling ravenous and hungry because of their twin bonds and the constant hunger coming from Harry Potter. That hunger must have left him feeling ravenous and not understanding what was happening and why is it happening, resulting in him consuming anything edible to stop feeling so hungry, which would never be enough as the source of his hunger remained starving. Marvolo noticed the glamour on his face and wondered if he is still having nightmares, about how he felt every time Harry was being beaten. He smirked, pleased with his own ruthlessness and slyness, not many would be competent enough to figure out the loopholes of Magical Bonds.

Marvolo knows Hadrianus must be thinking that his ex-twin is spoiled rotten, that's why he is overweight. Thankfully Marvolo hadn't told him every detail of a Magical Bond. He only told him he will read the book when he is old enough to understand it. Small mercies.

Marvolo wouldn't want to suffer the child's bleeding heart if he knew what going on. By the time he will be old enough to understand the book, the Potter spawn will get back to shape and his Gryffindor pride will never let Hadrianus know how he felt towards the Slytherin boy. Minerva is taking the child to therapy, he heard, even he is doubtful whether it will work or not. Especially when Minerva is planning to keep his ex-twin around him. Marvolo noticed Hadrianus glancing at the Potters and jealousy surges within him. Would his son like them more? No. He would never allow that to happen, and he knows his son will never look at them twice, the people who abandoned him as a child. 

"Many many happy returns of the day, Mr. Potter," He said smoothly, as if the blatant rudeness from Lord Potter didn't affect him at all. Hadrianus was mildly impressed. Wow, he truly had am excellent control over his emotions. On hearing his words and remembering he has a role to play, Hadrianus raised the gift box to hand it over to Jim Potter, presenting the gift with a polite smile. But before Potter could accept the box, the Potter Lord suddenly leaped in, pushing him behind and raising his wand at Hadrianus.

Gasping, Hadrianus immediately let go of the box and took several steps back. The box hit the ground with a thud. His instincts were screaming at him, his inner mamba hissing in alarm, telling him to back off, danger ahead. But another half of his mind, the human part - as father would tell him, told him to hold his ground. He is not a coward, he won't flee in the face of danger. His father is The Dark Lord. If his father can hold his ground against them, so can he. Should he take his wand out as well? The fact that Heirs carry a wand is an open secret. Besides, Hadrianus knows very well he has no hope to win against an ex-Auror. Not yet.

Before he could think to do anything, a soft hand grabbed the back of his cloak and pulled him behind a familiar body, hissing about needing to eat someone. Mum.

Wait, eating what?

He ignored that when he realized what mum is doing, pulling him behind her. Hadrianus flashed at the cowardly gesture, but then he knew he truly has no hope to win. Hadrianus can't even hold his ground against some muggle, what hope does he have against an unhinged ex-Auror? He is not strong enough, like his father. He doesn't know any useful spell that can be used in combat. All his magical practice revolves around levitation, color-changing, some mild transfiguration here and there, illusion, control of light crystal, and feeding Azure his magic. Unlike his father, when he was Hadrianus's age, he had used his power to defend himself, and control other people so they don't hurt him.

Hadrianus has more practice with his serpentine form, but he knows he can't reveal his creature. 

Hadrianus felt more than saw his father's Tigris wand sliding into his hand, and both Lord Nott and Barty rushed to their Lord's side, covering The Dark Prince and Lady Slytherin, their own wand at their hand, ready to defend. 

Is that all he is? Needing others' protection when in danger? No, Hadrianus thought, one day I will become as strong and mighty warlord as my father. I won't be dependent on others' protection.

"Protego!" Barty snapped, and a powerful shield enclosed around his godson, and he stood in front of him, ready to protect him with his own body and take him to safety while Nott braced himself to fight beside their Lord, ready to give them the distraction in case fight does break up. After all, his Lord has given Barty the honorable position of being Godfather of His child, which means his first and foremost concern will always be the little Prince's safety and security. Barty can see Severus is coming their way, he had already alerted Malfoy who must be coming to back them up as well, in case the fight does become ugly. They will be enough to keep them busy as he takes Little Prince and Lady Slytherin to safety.

"Dad!" Jim was flustered over how James was acting, nervous at the fighting stance of others as did Lily who cried an indignant "James!" But Potter Lord didn't pay any of them any attention, his attention on the box as he hit it with several spells that Hadrianus quickly recognized as diagnostic charms. Obviously, the result came back nil, to which he scoffed and sent a severing charm at the box, revealing the exquisite-looking golden snitch clock, enclosed in bubble wraps to protect it from harm.

"Huh? No Dark Arts?" Potter Lord muttered, ignoring the crowd that started to gather around and levitated the clock out of the box, turning it around looking surprised, "Hey Bill," he twisted to look at one redhead with ponytails and cool fang piercing, even though he looked like he wanted to hide somewhere and not be part of the spectacle the Potter Lord is creating, "You're learning Curse Breaking, right? Can you tell me if it has any obscure Dark Curse?"

"JAMES POTTER! You will stop this nonsense at once, or I will make you leave!" Minerva snapped as she made her way to them, the crowd parting for her as sea did for Moses.

"But - "

"Now!" She hissed like a ruffled and angry cat, so did Lady Longbottom glaring for what they're worth. If looks could kill, Potter would be dead twice over. Potter huffed and levitated the clock right back into the gift box.

Barty let out a stream of words of choice under his breath, and Nagini hissed, covering Hadrianus's ears and glaring at him. but the said child was too distracted to learn the new colorful words from his Godfather. He was busy glaring at the Potter Lord, anger coiling around him in furious waves. How dare that wrench of the man insults his father like that? One day, Hadrianus vowed mentally, one day I will be powerful and skilled enough to take revenge for this. One day.

He glanced at Barty, Lord Nott, even mum, so powerful and worthy of fighting beside his father. Maybe he will ask mum and Barty to teach him dueling? Father told him he won't be learning it for another year. He doesn't want to wait another year. Mum will surely help him, won't she?

Hadrianus was thanking all the stars that this rude wizard is not his father anymore, not that he ever was. He glanced at his own father, surprised to see him already dismissing Potters as if they are not worth his time, tucking his wand in and now he turned to Minerva and Augusta with a polite smile as if the last few minutes never happened, talking while they apologize and convince them to not leave the party. Even though both Barty and Lord Nott are still alert, staring at the Potter family suspiciously. Barty was still standing in front of protectively.

He was so distracted that he hadn't realized someone is approaching him. He did snap out when Nagini squeezed his shoulder, ":Remember, do not judge a book by its cover.:" And then released him, leaving him to wonder why she would say that.

"Hey, mate," Someone whispered from behind and Hadrianus turned to look at another redhead, almost as tall as him, looking at him, nervous but determined. "You okay?" The boy asked, wide-eyed, flinched when his glare was snapped towards him.

Hadrianus couldn't help the scoff that left his lips, "Would you be, if your father was insulted like that?"

The redhead grimaced and Hadrianus took deep breaths, forcing himself to calm down. Do not judge a book by its cover - mum said, probably for this confrontation. It wouldn't do to lose his temper in public places. Look at his father, so perfectly poised as if not even a genocide would faze him.

"My apologies," he said smoothly, not realizing how similar he sounded like his father, "I was not in my best manners."

"No it's alright, I understand. Um," the redhead looked behind and Hadrianus followed his gaze, immediately noticing the redhead 'Bill' was not part of the crowd anymore. He was, in fact, standing a few feet away, looking around acting nonchalant, and Hadrianus knew he had sent his brother for an attempt at an olive branch between their houses. It made Hadrianus frown inwardly, suspicious. The way Potter Lord called this 'Bill' person with such familiarity, Hadrianus considered they're allies, which means, they belong to the Light Side. Then why would 'Bill' want to spread an olive branch to an obvious Dark family? The very same they consider as the enemy, judging by how they react around each other?

As the redhead boy looked back and their eyes met, he offered him an awkward smile, "Don't mind the Potters, they are...um, not having the best time of their life. Always thinks everyone is out to hurt them, a bit mental they are, I reckon."

Ah, it is an offer of an olive branch - Hadrianus mused. Probably 'Bill' wanted to make sure father doesn't target them because of Potter singling him out from the crowd. Not wishing his ire, knowing very well a Slytherin will come for you when you're least expecting it. Is this Bill a Slytherin as well?

"I don't appreciate it, but I can understand it," He really didn't, but his father had rules that always be polite to everyone, especially in public spaces. And he is not planning to break the rule today. If his father could keep such tight control on his emotions, going as far as ignoring such insult, Hadrianus can do it too.

The boy nodded, looking a bit relaxed. Clearly, not a Slytherin material - Hadrianus thought with an inward smirk and stared as he shifted his weight on another leg, "You, uh, did a good thing for Neville."

A small blush spread on his face, "Did everyone see that?"

The boy lit up and visibly relaxed more, "Yeah, I honestly didn't understand whatever you said to him, but Bill said you were really smart and a good friend, for standing with him like that. if Bill was impressed, it must have been really cool." The redhead must look up to his brother very much, the way he is entrusting his opinion like words from God. Hadrianus understands the feeling.  This 'Bill' character sounds like a mix between Barty and Uncle Batman, and looks as cool as the Lestrange brothers.

Hadrianus blushed harder. Neville and mum had always said he is a good friend, but Hadrianus had thought them to be biased, because apparently, they like him. He never expected a compliment from a complete stranger, "Thank you."

"I am Ron, by the way," he grinned, raising his hand to shake, and Hadrianus noticed he didn't mention any last name or which House he is from, clearly he doesn't care for Ancient and Noble Houses, which earned him a good point in Hadrianus's eyes, "You're the Slytherin guy from Germany, right? Jim told me all about you, he is my best mate, you see."

"Adrian, pleased to meet you," Hadrianus grinned, shaking his hand, "I apologize, but I am surprised that you are talking to me, given your best mate's parents don't...appreciate our presence."

"Well, I know You-Know-Who was in Slytherin, but Bill always said that not all Slytherins are bad. He, Charlie, and even Percy have friends from Slytherin, you see. And some of our relatives including our aunt Muriel was also a Slytherin."

Hadrianus nodded, noticing from the corner of his eyes how Bill is now looking relaxed and talking to elderly redheaded couples, probably their parents - given they have similar scents. The wind was blowing such a way that Hadrianus didn't have a problem picking up their smells. The smell of Sun-soaked breeze with a hint of baked goods and...minced pie?

"You have three brothers?" Hadrianus was impressed.

"Five, Bill is just out of Hogwarts and started training in Gringotts, the rest are still there. There are the twins before me, they will start Hogwarts after this fall." Ron pointed out to the redheaded twin that Neville showed before, both were whispering and talking a few feet away, apart from his parents. Noticing Ron pointing them out to him, they gave an identical grin and approached them as Ron continued, "We also have a sister, she is younger than me."

Ah. So Bill is working in Gringotts, which means he had probably learned he has a gobfather. This is why he made his brother talk to him, so he keeps a good rapport with the Goblins. They are, after all, fiercely protective and hate other wizards for taking away their rights. Hadrianus nodded in understanding, now realizing where the motivation of alliance is coming from.

"You're lucky to have so many brothers and a sister," Hadrianus grinned. If he had a brother, no one would have bothered him in Private Drive, then again, probably no one would have remembered his existence and found out about him after his so-called 'death', as Jim did. "Being only child, it gets boring, having no one to play with - " He trailed off when the twins arrived with similar mischievous grins.

"Why hello, little snake -" One twin started.

"Never knew they want to play with lions - " said the other twin.

"But we, the Weasleys - "

"Have always been - "

"A big family." The twins said in what Hadrianus had decided typical twin talks, making his grin broaden as his eyes traveled back and forth between them, reminding him of Tit and Tat, and the Lestrange twins.

"I see," Hadrianus nodded, raising his hand to shake, "I am Adrian. Nice to meet you."

"Hello, ickle little Adrian - "

"Nice to meet you too."

"Fred Weasley,"

"George Weasley,"

Hadrianus's eyes narrowed at their mischief look, "Are you sure it's not the other way around?" He asked, mostly guessing because that's what he would do too! Their eyes widened and Ron laughed out loud at that, "He got you! He actually got you!"

"So he did - " Said one twin,

"We like you." decided the other twin.

"Do you want to play Quidditch with us?"

Hadrianus raised his eyebrows and glanced at Jim who just arrived with a scowl on his face, "I don't think I am much welcomed."

The twins looked between him and Potter, then turned towards the raven head, "Jim?"

"He is a Slytherin!" Jim said in a duh tone, as if that explains everything.

"So?" The twins asked together, "He has not Sorted yet."

"You don't have to be Sorted for that, his last name proved it. He is Dark, evil, rude, arrogant like the Malfoys!"

"Like Malfoy?" Ron asked incredulously, "Mate, did you not see how he put the Malfoys in their rightful place? He even sent him to the Infirmary!"

"Exactly Ronniekins."

"Jim, don't be like your dad."

"We haven't seen him act anything like a Malfoy."

Jim scowled at them, not impressed how they didn't agree with him. "I am nothing like my dad." He said, crossing his arms glaring, his green eyes flashing, irritated at being compared to him. He is more annoyed at how his insides are being in knots at how unconcerned and bored the Slytherin boy looked, remembering the cruel rejection of a solid wall when they first shook their hands. Jim felt insulted, no one has ever looked such way when they are near the Boy-Who-Lived. Even though he remembered Aunt Minnie's words, he is too angry and worked up to care anything about it. Especially when he is coming from Aunt Minnie verbally tearing dad into pieces. Jim might be angry at them for what they did for Harry, but still, they are his parents. He knows he can't say anything to Aunt Minnie, but he can do so to the same boy who had been the reason for so many stupid lectures in the past months. Maybe he can make the boy say 'no' when Aunt Minnie will be asking him.

So he whirled towards him, glaring as he merely stared back at him, calm and nonchalant. "What are you scheming, Slytherin?" He spat the word out, "Why associate with the 'Blood Traitors'?"

"First of all," The boy started in a tone as

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