Hadrian made his way to the Transfiguration classroom, still annoyed beyond belief at Dumbledore. He had intended on giving him that detention before he even walked into that classroom and to top it off he hadn't wasted a second in giving him it for the first available half assed excuse. If one of his precious Gryffindors had done it (and they did do it) would they have received detention? Would they have hell. No, he was up to something, he and Tom both knew it, they just didn't know what he was trying to accomplish. There would have been a time where he had been excited, happy even to meet a younger Dumbledore, to see what he was like. He had been such a naïve little shit back then though, he thought with self disgust, he knocked loudly on the door, his lip curling when he heard the old man bidding him to enter.
Erecting his mental barriers, pushing down all his hatred behind them, he didn't need to worry about Dumbledore getting into his mind. Death had informed him that it would be impossible to do so, his mind was protected to the greatest extent, after all nobody should have his knowledge. It was imperative that nobody ever found out unless he wished it of course, but Death had added that even without the safety measures taken, that he would have honed his abilities so much so that even someone as powerful as Tom or Dumbledore wouldn't have broken his barriers. He wasn't just a wizard anymore, he was Master over Death, and that made him the most powerful being to walk the world. The older he got, the more powerful he would become, regardless of what body he was in. Which Hadrian had found rather odd to say the least, the older a wizard got, the more their core diminished, while Dumbledore was powerful he was passed his prime, or would be soon enough, by the end of his life in his original time, Dumbledore's powers had diminished and it had nothing to do with the curse on his hand.
Shaking off his useless thoughts, Hadrian opened the door and walked in, he took a seat at the front of the classroom, something he hadn't done in a long time. He put his bag on the floor at his feet, unconsciously feeling at the invisible ring on his finger, an added protection just in case Dumbledore did try anything. He doubted he would, after all he wasn't someone unused to magic, like when Dumbledore had first used magic against him to compel him to do things, be the compulsive Gryffindor moulding him to be what he wanted, all the while surrounding him with people who reported everything to him. Cursing his wandering thoughts, he stared ahead impassively.
"Ah, Mr. Peverell, prompt I see," Dumbledore said, standing up, he moved over to the teen, placing a roll of parchment on the desk. "I want you to write lines as your punishment for being disrespectful to a teacher," he added, shaking his head in disappointment.
Hadrian arched an eyebrow at that, barely preventing himself from snorting derisively, he wasn't a child who cared about having someone disappointed in him. Especially not a man like Dumbledore, in fact he couldn't wait until the day came where he destroyed Dumbledore's reputation to pieces. Unveiled everything the old fool wished to keep hidden from the public, by the time he was done Dumbledore wouldn't be able to use people the way he did in his time. He might still have those who follow him but not the majority of the magical world. In fact he prayed that when the news got out that Dumbledore wouldn't end up Hogwarts Headmaster.
Hadrian turned away from Dumbledore, dismissing him without saying a single word, making sure the old fool knew without him saying anything that he didn't care for him or his words. Instead he unrolled the parchment, and grabbed his quill from his bag before writing the words that Dumbledore had written at the top, 'I must not disrespect my professors' and so he began writing, anything to get this over and done with.
He had sent off another owl to Ironclaw before coming for his detention, he had gotten in touch with him right away, considering the money he was making the goblin he wasn't surprised. As manager he got a certain amount of money, more so for each time he successfully invested in another company he requested. He had yet to let him down, then again he had made it more than clear that if he didn't then he would just get another goblin to take care of his account. Considering how quickly he continued to get back, Hadrian would bet that he was considered the top client and given priority over all others.
Hadrian continued to write, paying no attention to Dumbledore, slightly surprised that he wasn't asking him anything or worse doing something. Perhaps he was just being vindictive? But Hadrian didn't think so, it wasn't like him, he usually did something for a reason. The three properties he had in the UK were going to be repaired, internally and externally, it would take them a while if the lists Ironclaw gave him were accurate and they probably were. Ironclaw informed him that the goblins were removing everything still inside to a vault until the properties were repaired. He had decided on Yaxley and Crouch, it was the fifth on the list of recommended construction companies, their reviews were good, by moderately successful wizards and witches, he knew him using them would bring it up. The other companies were extortionate in their prices, well screw that, its why he went with Yaxley and Crouch both because they were reasonable with their prices and well the Slytherin part of him too. The other companies will probably be pissed off that a pureblood like the Peverells had chosen a 'substandard' company. He had told Ironclaw that he would give half upfront half when they were finished, if they didn't like it then he would find another company. He knew by this time tomorrow they will have agreed to it and hopefully one would be finished by the time school ended, he wanted somewhere to call home, his home, he'd never had that before. Hogwarts as much as he loved it wasn't his home, and afterwards he'd spent his life on the run.
Pausing briefly, Hadrian flexed his hand; it was getting a little too stiff, how long had he been writing? He thought to himself, grasping his Slytherin pocket watch, he found he'd already been here for over an hour. Stretching for a bit before he got back to it, he was only half way through and Dumbledore could keep him here for another two hours, which was extremely depressing, he would have preferred cleaning cauldrons to this, at least while he was cleaning he didn't drift off so much like he was doing today.
Sighing softly, he scribbled away, in fact it was the only sounds in the room, and Dumbledore was at his desk and from what it looked like he was marking homework. He could have had his own homework complete, sitting in the common room, without feeling like he wanted to wring someone's neck. No, what he had planned would do more damage, he thought vindictively. He would wait until he finished Hogwarts though, he definitely didn't want to be within touching distance when he realized who it was although he would love nothing more than to see his face. Knocking on the door brought him out of his musing; nonetheless he continued writing while eyeing the door curiously.
He arched an eyebrow when he saw that it was Healer Chang that entered, he wondered if one of the Gryffindors had been hurt. Although considering he was the Deputy it might not just be a Gryffindor he was responsible for all houses. Her words though made him realize that it wasn't.
"You asked to see me, Albus?" she enquired giving Hadrian a warm smile as she did so.
"I did, why don't we take this in my office?" Albus suggested after giving Hadrian a penetrating look.
"Of course," Chang replied, quickly following the wizard wondering what was going on and why she had been summoned.
Hadrian narrowed his eyes, before casting an eavesdropping charm, able to hear them talking quite clearly, Dumbledore hadn't even bothered to close his door. Then again they didn't teach you charms on how to eavesdrop until seventh year, to prevent instances like that. It seemed as though he was just either careless (which Dumbledore usually wasn't) or he didn't see him knowing that charm which was just insulting.
He began to scribble away, just in case they were listening for that sound of the quill scratching on paper. All the while he listened in on their conversation.
"What is wrong? Are you well?" Chang asked her concern obvious.
"I am fine, alas I didn't call you here for me," Albus said soothing the worried healer, "I believe Mr. Peverell has been subjected to a controlling charm of some sort. His temperament has changed, and I am concerned for him."
Hadrian's eyebrows both rose up in both shock and indignation, his temperament? He had always hated the old fool, although he never showed it, he was confused, what on earth had happened to make Dumbledore think for one second he was being controlled?
"How do you mean?" Chang asked her voice dropping at the obvious bombshell Dumbledore had dropped on her. She sounded shocked and alarmed, which was admittedly an appropriate response to hearing such news.
"He is just not himself, he's more susceptible to doing as he's asked," Albus murmured quietly, a hint of annoyance showing through, perhaps at the fact she hadn't just taken his word for it?
"To who is he more susceptible?" Chang enquired her voice getting more intense.
"I cannot say," Albus said slowly, "It's nothing obvious just something I've observed for the last few days."
Hadrian frowned, utterly perplexed, he knew he wasn't being controlled, his magic wouldn't let him be, the Imperious curse didn't work on him and with his powers such spells like arbitrium, which gave the castor a certain amount of control over another, and if used effectively could change someone's way of thinking, it was the spells Dumbledore himself had actually used on him when he was younger. It was actually in the grey area as far as magic was concerned, dicio, ditio could get you sentenced to Azkaban for a few years, but the Imperious curse was the one you would get a life sentence in Azkaban for.
Dumbledore seriously didn't think that Tom was controlling him did he? Hadrian thought wide eyed as thought struck him, and he knew immediately that he was correct. He still couldn't figure out why on earth he would think that though, it was utterly ludicrous! It had definitely not been anywhere on his list of things Dumbledore would try.
It would backfire on him quite quickly, hearing the tail end of their conversation, he flicked his wand cancelling the charm he'd cast and got back to his work looking for all the world extremely bored.
"How are you feeling, Mr. Peverell?" Chang asked as she exited Dumbledore's private office and into the Transfiguration class.
Hadrian grinned at her, happy to see her "I'm really good! It's hard to believe its been nearly two years since I started here, but please call me Hadrian, ma'am, like you used to."
Chang smiled even more genuinely at him, Hadrian had changed since she first saw the poor boy. He had been so underfed that it was unhealthy, skinny and sickly looking. In the past two years he had shot up in height, obviously hitting a growth spurt with his healthy eating. He had filled out and the haunted look in his eyes wasn't present anymore, he looked happy and she was honestly very fond of the child. When he was in the hospital wing he wasn't cheeky, moody or wayward in any way, he was unfailing polite and charming, considering how his life had been it was a surprise really. "Oh, very well, Hadrian it is," she said, ignoring Dumbledore's clearing of his throat to rush this along. "May I use a diagnosis charm on you?"
"Why? Is there something wrong?" Hadrian asked stiffening noticeably, his green eyes flashing with worry.
Chang cleared her throat, "Professor Dumbledore thinks someone may have some form of controlling spell attached to you, to get this cleared up, a simple diagnosis charm is all that's required." she answered honestly, not going to lie to the child, she could see that Albus wasn't impressed with her but she refused to be dishonest.
"Controlling spell?" Hadrian cried out, "That's impossible!" he added more himself, his green eyes boring into twinkling blue.
"Many people older and more experienced than you can end up spelled, Mr. Peverell, as it so happens, it being impossible is also a defence mechanism the spell holds of the recipient." Albus said condescendingly. He had seen the way Tom was with the boy, he was positive he was right, and when that happened well he wouldn't need to convince the boy to separate himself from Tom for his own good he would do it on his own.
"No, I mean it's impossible," Hadrian replied calmly.
"Irene I think its best if you do the spell," Albus said, quickly gesturing towards her to do as he asked.
"Why do you think its impossible Hadrian?" Chang asked, her voice soothing and calm, she completely ignored Albus once more, she wasn't about to cast spells on an unwilling child not without proof that there was something wrong. She didn't see any changes in Hadrian from the last time she had seen him.
Hadrian raised his hand, tapping it with his wand, not revealing his Wandless abilities, not to Dumbledore of all people. He revealed his ring, his Lordship ring, which prevented him from being tampered with, the ancient magic in the ring worked incredibly well to safeguard the wearer and Lord of the family. "This is why,"
Dumbledore paled at the signet on the ring, and the fact he had the ring on his hand. It wasn't the ring the one he was fascinated with, but it was the signet of the Deathly hallows nonetheless. The knowledge that the boy could very well have the ring he so desired…caused him a great deal of consternation. He was one step closer to his goal, if he could get his hands on that ring, he would be the owner of all three hallows. After all he knew where the cloak was, everything would be complete.
"There's only one spell that would work with this ring on my finger, and that's the imperious curse, and even using a diagnosis spell wouldn't prove it, if I'm right about it…there's never a sign right? I mean that you're under the curse until you come out of it, but I'm not susceptible to that curse, they tried to use it on me that day," Hadrian lied, swallowing thickly, trying to make himself as tiny and traumatised as possible, giving a shudder for affect. "When they couldn't they used the other one…and it hurt so much."
"It's alright, Hadrian, please don't continue, its fine," she soothed, gripping his shoulder in comfort. She felt like cursing someone for making Hadrian relieve that day, the poor boy had been unconscious for a month while they continued to save his life again and again until the curses were finally lifted. "I think you should go back to your dorm, get some rest," effectively ending Dumbledore's detention.
"Yes, ma'am," Hadrian murmured quietly, still staring at the floor, if he so much as looked at the damn old fool he would lose it completely.
"Yes, yes, that seems like a good idea," Dumbledore said as if it was his own idea, still distracted, his mind running a mile a minute on how to get Hadrian to give him the ring if he had it, he had to go to the Ministry, gain custody if he could. It wouldn't be easy especially seen as that was not just an heir ring but Lordship; Hadrian must have gotten emancipated somehow.
Hadrian scooped up his bag, bidding goodbye to Healer Chang before leaving the classroom, only once he was well out of view of the transfiguration classroom did he began to bolt for the Slytherin common room, tamping down on his considerable magic, trying to prevent himself from losing complete control of it as his anger began to mount precariously on a knife edge ready to unleash. If those in Slytherin had assumed they'd felt the full force of his powers when he unleashed it against Avery back then they would be in for a surprise if he didn't reign himself in.
"OPEN!" Hadrian hissed, not consciously thinking, which incidentally meant thinking of the password, just needing to get into the common room.
Hadrian ignored absolutely everyone looking at him, just dumped his bag on one of the couches and stomped away. Not going up the stairs but to the training room he had found when he first nosed around. He continued to use it to this day actually, to continue his magical training, to widen his magical core, allowing this body to get used to all the magic cast. As soon as he got inside, he began to pulverise the training dummy he had created, spell after spell left his fingertips, he didn't even bother with his wand, knowing it would only hinder his need to vent. The dummy was in pieces but Hadrian never stopped, instead he just blasted the pieces into even smaller pieces.
Tom watched from the door for twenty minutes as a multitude of different coloured spells was spat from Hadrian in all his fury. He wasn't stupid enough to approach Hadrian in his condition, he waited until some of the anger had tapered off and the spells were becoming less and less frequent, only then did he wrap his arms around Hadrian's stopping him from casting anymore. "Easy," Tom murmured quietly, concerned about his intended, he'd never seen him quite so furious before; never felt this much magic coming from him. "What happened?" he asked as Hadrian leaned fully against him, his legs trembling - with so much magic being used without a wand he wasn't surprised that Hadrian was feeling weakened.
Hadrian chuckled darkly, "Dumbledore happened," he spat, "Bloody hypocritical old fool!"
"Let's get to the dorm, can you move?" Tom enquired, taking control, something he was very much used to and always felt better when he was in complete control.
"Yeah," Hadrian said, standing albeit shakily, he was exhausted, the run through the school, the tight hold of his magic and unleashing it had left him feeling like jelly. Tom let his arms fall from his body, but kept close by just in case, Tom led him out of the room, throwing a glare at everyone in the common room causing them to all look away. It didn't take them long to get up the stairs, in fact the enclosed space helped Hadrian get up them much easier and quicker.
"Silencio!" Tom cast, bathing the room in silence so whatever they spoke about wouldn't reach anyone else's ears. He also used the spells that Hadrian had shown him, to detect any listening spells and found none. He was too tense to sit so he stayed standing as Hadrian sat on their bed, he was still angry if his clenching fists was anything to go on. "What did he do?" he demanded.
"He called Healer Chang and basically told her I was being 'controlled'," Hadrian sneered, "I have no idea why he would think that, but I'm pretty sure he thought it was you."
Tom scowled, his own anger at Dumbledore rising, how dare the old fool think for a second he was controlling his intended? Then he remembered Hadrian's words, hypocrite, and he began to wonder if Dumbledore had used such a spell on Hadrian when he was younger…it would certainly explain Hadrian's words and anger at the old fool.
"I had to reveal my headship status, he saw the insignia on the ring, he's going to be after me even more now," Hadrian said bitterly.
"Why?" Tom frowned, not yet connecting the dots.
"The Deathly Hallows, remember?" Hadrian replied, showing him the sign, "He's been obsessed with the hallows since he was a teenager, he was obsessed with them until his dying breath."
"I see," Tom replied thoughtfully, his brow furrowing as he lost himself in thought.
Hadrian began to strip, screw his homework, he could do it another night he just wanted to sleep he was so tired.
"What did you mean earlier by him being a hypocrite? Has he used spells to control you before?" Tom demanded, forcing himself not to get distracted as that pale delectable flesh was slowly revealed. He wanted an answer more, which was a surprise since when it came to Hadrian he lost all sense and just wanted to ravish him.
"Yes, but how many times even I have no idea, it wasn't until later I realized what he'd done," Hadrian murmured as he snuggled under the covers. Truth of the matter was, a few compulsions was nothing at the end of the day when you learn someone you loved as a grandfather wanted you dead and had used his so called friends to make sure it happened after he died.
Tom gritted his teeth, furious on Hadrian's behalf at what Dumbledore had done. While he wasn't exactly a beacon of light, he did not cast controlling spells left right and centre, although he had contemplated a time or two casting the Imperius Curse to get what he wanted but he hadn't. He would rather persuade or blackmail people into doing his bidding thank you very much.
"Don't worry about it, he can't do anything, I have the ring on, and he knows it," Hadrian mumbled sleepily, sensing Tom's rising frustration and anger. "I was too important back then to be left to my own devices; it's why he did it,"
"Don't you dare defend him," Tom snapped furiously, he couldn't believe the words that had just came out of his mouth.
"Oh I'm not," Hadrian sighed, sluggishly opening one intense green eye, which began to twinkle, "Believe me he will get what's coming to him and he will never anticipate it. I'm going to enjoy every. Single. Minute. Of it." he enunciated viciously. Albus Dumbledore would rue the day he had ever met Harry Potter and looked at Hadrian Peverell wrong, he was going to utterly destroy the old man.
Tom slowly smirked, oh he couldn't wait for that day to come, and he knew deep inside that it would be worth the wait, worth keeping his own mouth shut about what he did know. He also knew that with Hadrian on his side…everything he wanted to accomplish would be done, by both of them, together. The two most powerful wizards in the magical world, and he would make sure they would never die, he would make them immortal. He would find a way to do it, it just required some research.