50. Nothing More Than Cockroaches

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WARNING: Brief mention of blood, gore, and child abuse!

Enjoy at your own risk! XD

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Dumbledore walked the country lane, looking around to search for the wooden signboard that was supposed to be pointing towards Great and Little Hangleton. But now, the place was so drastically different from Bob Ogden's memory, that he almost thought that he wouldn't find the Gaunt Shack. What he had seen as high and tangled hedgerows were neatly trimmed, and no more than a meter in height.

The narrow dirt track was bordered by high and wild hedgerows in the valley that was nestled between two steep hills in the northern part of Wixenheim, formerly known as Little Hangleton.

According to Bob Ogden's memory, across the valley, set on the opposite hillside, was supposed to be the Riddle Manor, surrounded by a wide expanse of velvety green lawn. Now, it seemed to be a vast and wild forest, nothing more. A very convincing nothingness to commoners, but Dumbledore was no commoner.

Dumbledore looked around carefully, making sure there was no one around him, before activating the mage sight of his half-moon glasses. The lenses of the glass glowed in a pale bluish light. Albus then very slowly opened his eyes, letting his eyes be accustomed to the vast array of colors in different shapes and sizes that were revealed to him to avoid sensory overload.

Following the familiar route of ignoring the backgrounds as well as the tingling sensation that signals an incoming pounding headache that would start if he uses the mage sight for more than twenty minutes, Albus adjusted the glass over his eyes and studied the place where Riddle Manor was supposed to be. 

Instead of the hidden building being revealed to him as Albus expected, he saw extremely bright lights mixing, pulsing, and forming a huge dome of colors around the building and surrounding grounds, taking most of the hill. There was no building, or manor of any kind that he could find.

Albus frowned, and mentally rephrased the last sentence. There was no building he could see, not without breaking the invisibility wards there must have been. Tom really seems to be rather fond of making buildings invisible to unwanted eyes. Maybe that's what he did to this building as well.

He should have brought Alastor with him, it would have been curious to hear what his magical eyes would have revealed.

After studying the colors for a few more minutes, a prickling sensation on the back of the nape had Albus deactivate the mage sight and look around. Frowning when he found nobody around, he activated the mage sight of his glasses again and then looked around, hoping to see whoever was watching him in disillusioned charm, but to his surprise, there was no one other than the native wild animals. But Albus still carefully looked around, murmuring revealing charms to find whoever was watching him.

When the headache became too much to bear, Albus sighed and deactivated the mage sight, massaging his temple and taking deep breaths to ease the headache, ignoring the prickling sensation that has stopped. As the pain slowly subsided, Albus thought over what he saw. He had noticed and confirmed that Tom has a Manor in Northern Ireland where he kept that Peverell boy. Though, judging by the security of this building, it must also be an important building. Maybe one of his safe houses? Would Tom put such extensive warding for a safe house?

Dumbledore frowned, looking back at the opposite hill that has again taken the form of vast green nothingness. Tom hated his Muggle origin, he would never use this house, otherwise. Albus would need to spy on the building more to confirm it. Unfortunately, he doesn't have much time for that. 

Albus sighed, stroking his long white beard and casting another glance at the vast nothingness. Tom was good, put up some best and quality wards that would take Albus at least an hour to break into. Maybe he would save the information and come back some other time to study the wards more thoroughly.

Nodding, satisfied with the plan, Albus turned and trotted the crooked rocky path to a sloppy downhill, that was heading for a patch of dark trees a little below them, until he reached his destination.

Albus hummed and studied the broken dark building half hidden amongst the tangle of trunks. He examined the dead snake nailed to the door of the Gaunt House,  just as he had seen in Bob Ogden's memory. "Curious," He muttered, before looking around cautiously. He half expected Tom to attack him as Morfin Gaunt had done to Ogden.

Albus looked around one last time to see if the silent watcher was still around, then opened the door to reveal the filthy interior. He scrunched his nose in distaste when he noticed signs of several animals having occupied the house, litter, and dead animal leftovers making the smell unbearable. Not really wanting to waste any moments in this filth, he activated the mage sight and was not surprised to find lingering effects of Dark Arts in the house. Though those Dark Artefacts belonged to the Gaunt family or Tom, he couldn't tell. Albus shook his head, before looking through other rooms and finding nothing of importance.

A bit disappointed for not having found anything to link to Tom, Albus stepped away from the house before apparating away. He would need to study Tom's history more thoroughly.

Unknown to him, a certain albino cobra from the dense bushes looked thoughtful as it watched Albus apparate away.

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"Is that what I think it is?"

Hadrianus laughed at the tiny newly turned six years old came rushing towards him with big eager eyes, "Why hello to you too, Abigail! And yes, it indeed is, the Unicorn and rainbow-themed school bag, exactly like that you wanted. Happy Birthday!"

"Thank you, thank you, thank you so much!" Little Abigail hugged Hadrianus tightly, before taking her prized bag to examine. 

Mr. Hulk snorted from where he was standing behind Hadrianus, having escorted him to his pack when he arrived with The Dark Lord. "That would make her the whole year, Pup."

"I certainly hope so, Mr. Hulk. Now, when is the party getting started?"

"If you mean when you get to eat the cake, Pup, it's not happening before dinner."

"What!" Both Abigail and Hadrianus were offended, "How I am going to turn into six if I don't cut the cake?" Abigail demanded, "That's just prospetus, grandpa!"

"Don't you mean, preposterous?" Hadrianus asked from the corner of his mouth.

"Oh hush, you. I know big words too. If I say propesturules, then it's propesturules!"

"Um, I'm pretty sure it's not!"

"Okay, stop it, you too!" The corner of Fenrir's mouth twitched but he kept his best poker face on, watching as their Lord's familiar slithered past them to find a warm log and perch on it, "We have a reason for delaying your birthday party, Abigail. The Darkest Lord needs all of us to -"

Another pop sounded nearby and all of them turned to find Nott Lord and Heir, Theodoret standing, the latter two breathing deeply to get over their post-apparition nausea.

Fenrir growled, pushing Hadrianus and Abigail behind him, snarling at them, "What do you want, Wizard?" He spat at the last word.

"Nothing from you, you mangy wolf." Nott Lord sneered at him, making Hadrianus and Abigail mouth the new obviously no-no word they just learned silently from behind them before grinning at each other, "I've simply come to offer my grandsons as a company for our Dark Prince today, while we all will be busy tripling the security of the Headquarter."

"The Darkest Lord already told me pup will stay with my other cubs, and I don't want some ponce wizardling to mingle with my pack."

"Oh, I already know that. And be certain, wolf, that they are not here to 'mingle' with your... pack . They're here to keep the Dark Prince company. Now if you'll excuse me, unlike some of us, our Lord trusts me with some important duties. Well met, My Prince." Lord Nott curtsied Hadrianus.

"Good morning, Lord Nott." Hadrianus wasn't sure how he should react, as he was pretty sure the conversation between Lord Nott and Mr. Hulk was not something that mum would call 'civil', thinking Lord Nott must be in some bad mood to snap and sneer like that. But his attitude towards him changed drastically when Lord Nott greeted him, making Hadrianus realize it hadn't been because of a bad mood. He was perfectly aware from the past conversation with Godmummy that not everyone likes werewolves.

Lord Nott left without a backward glance, Mr. Hulk sneering behind his back, leaving Hadrianus in an awkward position. 

"Whoa," Little Theodoret blurted out, unable to turn his wide brown eyes away from the biggest man he had ever seen in the seven years he had lived, "What do they feed you?"

Fenrir looked back at the puny wizardling, sneering, "Wizards."

"Oh, you like them roasted or fried?"

Fenrir smirked down at the wizardling's daring, crossing his arms over his chest, "Alive."

"That sounds unhealthy," Hadrianus noted with curiosity, while Theodore whimpered quietly. "What if you somehow get indigestion from all the germs?" He wondered if mum ever got indigestion from eating people.

"We have healers and potion masters for that." Fenrir shrugged, before turning to head off to find his Beta and warn him about the infestation of puny wizardlings among their cubs. "Abigail, go see if your mother needs help baking your birthday cakes." Abigail perked up and ran off in a different direction hearing the word 'cake', leaving a thoughtful Hadrianus behind.

"Huh, that's convenient. We do have a healer and potion master to help anyone if we get sick after eating something we were not supposed to eat, do we not?" Hadrianus asked Theodoret who looked thoughtful as well.

Behind all of them, Nagini sighed and buried her head into her coils. If she was in her human form, she would have slammed her head into the tree log beneath her, repeatedly. Damn it, why is the whole World against Nagini trying to raise her son decently and not almost killing himself every other day? She honestly thought Fenrir was better than that!

"Wait, did he say birthday cake? It's her birthday?"

"Well, yes. I'll introduce you to her later." Maybe when all the adults with their dramatic whiney selves are away.

Theodoret looked at his still white-faced brother with wide eyes, "But we didn't bring any gift for her!"

"Well, you can of course order your House Elf to get her something!" Hadrianus offered.

That was a brilliant idea! Thanks, Adrian! Nippy?"

As Theodoret got busy discussing it with the House Elf, Hadrianus glanced at the older Nott who reeked of scare and anxiety. "What are you so afraid of, Heir Nott?" Hadrianus frowned as Theodore carefully looked around.

"M-my Prince! I-I am not afraid!"

Hadrianus stifled a sigh, "How about this, you're allowed to call me that in formal settings and in front of our guardians, but when we're alone, in front of my friends, or in Hogwarts, you will call me Hadrianus."

Theodore's face broke into a small smile, "Then you must call me Theodore!"

"Only if you are honest with me. Tell me, are you afraid of werewolves?"

Theodore's face burned bright red as he looked down in shame, "Yes, M-Hadrianus."

"It's nothing to be ashamed of, even my Godmother is afraid of them, and she's way older than you." Hadrianus waved it off, "Back to my questions, if you're so afraid, then why are you here?"

"Grandfather heard you will be with them the most of the day and thought you would need back up in case -" He trailed off, not sure what to say. But Hadrianus was smart enough to hear the unheard.

"But, you're terrified of them. Does your grandfather know that?"

Theodore's face burned bright red but he stayed silent. Hadrianus sighed, as it means either Lord Nott doesn't know about this and just ordered Theodore to do this which the latter blindly followed, or, he knows but didn't care about his grandsons. And honestly, Hadrianus doesn't know which one is worse. Mum would have thrown a huge fit if father did that. And Theodore doesn't have a mum to have his back.

But he has Hadrianus.

"Well then, you're lucky that most of the adults would be busy for the rest of the day, then. I mean, you're a bit quick on your feet, aren't you? To outrun the were-puppies?"

Theodore laughed, "I am nowhere as fast as you are, however, the book says that as it's not Full Moon, their bite won't be infectious. So I don't have to outrun them, right?"

"Exactly!" Hadrianus fist-bumped his shoulder, making Theodore smile a bit brighter, "Just think of them as puppies who can occasionally turn into were-puppies. But, if you think you can't handle it, you can always go back to Headquarters. I'll cover for you to your grandfather, just say I sent you to get some chocolates from a hidden stash I have in the quarters, maybe request him not to tell The Dark Lord or he may confiscate them from me, again, that will surely make him believe you. No pressure, okay?"

Theodore looked relieved, his eyes widened in reverence, "I...Thank you so much, M...Hadrianus."

Hadrianus smirked, "Well, at least, you're taking the outrunning were-puppies idea with a stride."

Theodore blinked, before letting out a small giggle. He may be still terrified, but at least The Dark Prince started with his silly puns again, which warmed the inside of his stomach. He can spend some time with those...uh, were puppies, if he can have those silly punny talks with The Dark Prince, besides, he did offer him a time out away from the were puppies, promising to have his back if grandfather catches him. It would be worth it.

The idea of The Dark Prince having his back calmed Theodore enough to actually pay attention to his brother and the surrounding. They followed The Dark Prince towards several large blankets spread in the open wood, where many of the, uh, 'werepuppies' of various ages were sitting on, writing, or drawing. Theodore was terrified, but still, the scene was so different than the stories he read or heard about these beasts, he wouldn't have believed them to be werewolves. 

Theodore snapped out of the moment, awkwardly waving his hand when The Dark Prince introduced them to the other 'werepuppies', as well as the birthday girl, who beamed and thanked profusely after receiving the Honeydukes' Finest Chocolate box.

Yapp, not at all like the descriptions in the books. Or did the books get it wrong? Or maybe it was only the adults that are so scary fierce and violent? Greyback certainly seemed so when they appeared, but then again, if that was true, why would The Dark Lord trust His own child with them?

"That's my favorite cookie!" Theodore looked up to find The Dark Prince has snatched two choco mint cookies with his two hands as one of the women brought a plate, successfully distracting all the children who perked up at the smell of delicious cookies.

":Wash your hand first!:" Nagini interrupted as he was about to eat his treat. Hadrianus pouted but went to wash his hand like an obedient boy.

After that, most of the morning went off like a blur, and Theodore was able to relax a bit, though he still tensed up whenever an adult would approach them. After all the cubs finished their homework and received treats in return, it boggled Theodore's mind to see them studying like human beings, all of them gathered to play. It took several minutes of nervously watching The Dark Prince and his brother playing with them before Theodore nervously joined them. But soon he forgot all about his anxiety, playing hide and seek with the others, laughing at The Dark Prince's deliberately silly jokes that had him ousted from his hidden place. Theodore never had so much fun running in the Hedge Maze before. So much space to run, so many corners to hide in with all the plants. When the time for Lunch came in, both Nott brothers had groaned with other cubs as well, not wanting the fun to end so soon.

Washing up in the nearby river was the first experience for the Nott brothers as well. Even under the watchful eyes of adults, he was never allowed to go anywhere near a water body. After that, they all gathered around the blankets to have lunch, mostly with various types of meat and fruits. It was so different than having excellent House Elf-made meals while sitting on an expensive table and chair, but Theodore savored them just like any other cub. It was a new experience for him, and he has The Dark Prince to thank for that.

"Alright cubs and pup, gather around me." Fenrir clapped his hand after the last cub finished their lunch, and the children ran to their Alpha, surrounding him, "Now, you had your meals. It's nap time." Everyone groaned, "Yeah, not today. We all have some work to do, we will be busy, so no sneaking around today. The cubs will be in the Main Hall for the rest of the day. Oliver," Fenrir addressed his Beta, "You're in charge. Stay there with the cubs and watch over them. Justin and Chloe, you will help Oliver."

"Yes, Alpha."

"Good. Now, chop chop!"

Hadrianus pouted but shrugged, as they walked together to the main hall in the Headquarters. All the children, teenagers, with three adults, were staying there, with Nagini and Oliver guarding the gate.

Everyone scattered around the Main Hall, there were about 40 of them, including the adults and mum. The Main Hall has cleaned off the grand tables, and there are rows of beds in one corner if anyone wants to nap. Hadrianus exchanged a glance with Theodore and they all went to sit on them, as it seems none of the others are heading towards it, even after Chloe's scolding.

"Can I go play with my new friends, brother, Adrian?" Theodoret looked at his elder brother with pleading eyes, making Hadrianus grin, though Theodore hesitated.

"Sure, if that's what you want, I'd say go ahead. What do you think, Theodore?" Hadrianus looked at him mischievously. So much for 'not mingling with the pack'! Take that, Lord Nott!

Theodore sighed and shrugged, making Theodoret beam as he jumped from the bed and ran off.

"So, what do you think it was all about, Hadrianus?" Theodore asked, keeping an eye on Theodoret as he started playing with some other cubs, chasing each other.

"Not sure," Hadrianus frowned, "But a week ago, I heard father coming home tense and trading ideas with mum, apparently the location of the Headquarters is compromised, and then I noticed many of the Knights drawing some runes on those stones for the next few days. Not sure what but probably some kind of safety runes, and as you know they can shift at will, run fast and dig quite well so I guess the wolfies are gonna dig the ground and bury them surrounding the Headquarters. I am not sure how big is the ground, but it's big enough if they need most of the adults for the rest of the day to complete it."

"Wait, really?" Theodore looked at Hadrianus with wide eyes, "The werewolves can shift at will?"

"Yeah, but it's like an animagus transformation, unless of course, in Full Moon."

"How? I haven't read about it anywhere."

"People write books, so they're not always accurate." Hadrianus shrugged, "But apparently, there are some forbidden dark rituals that help them achieve that, aided by the monthly dose of Wolfbane Potion. I heard it makes their transformation at will and unites them with their creature."

"That sounds helpful, why is it forbidden?"

"I don't know, maybe because they help people?"

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