It was very painful to watch, especially for Hadrian. When he had taught – his experience somewhat limited but still there nonetheless – he did it with full passion and success. Because of him the grades for everyone in his year – during O.W.L year no less, had shot up spectacularly. The best any of them had gotten was two wands twitching, none of the others got their wands to move.
Hadrian frowned, staring at the wands pensively, his gaze becoming more fierce as if they were personally offending him. The urge to swipe his hand and smash them all against the wall was overpowering.
"Why the hell are they having so much trouble?" Hadrian scowled darkly, muttering to himself, he felt it was a personal affront to him. "Alright, alright, stop! Let's try another way, call out Lumos and light your wand tips, it works, I…Tom did it when he was thirteen!" he lied a little, it had been him but he couldn't' tell them that since he hadn't had a wand when he was thirteen according to his own backstory here.
Hadrian could have whooped in delight when Abraxas' wand tip glowed, it was very brief but it happened on the first try.
"This has nothing to do with powers…or magic level," Hadrian said, catching their attention, dragging it from their wands. "This is just my own belief, or rather opinion. Your own belief that you need a wand is hindering your progress. I mean look at Tom and me, we've been doing magic for years…at what point did it stop being considered 'accidental magic' and become 'magic'? Hell, guys, it's not really accidental when you're angry enough to perform magic in the first place. For now…I want each of you to think of something that makes you feel…not angry but worked up, annoyed, see if it helps, keep with the Lumos spell."
Hadrian wandered over to the doorway where Tom was standing observing everything with those sharp dark eyes of his. "Well, it was never going to be immediate and sudden." Hadrian admitted, "It's going to take a lot of work, and that's just for the easier spells,"
"We have a limited time to get everyone ready," Tom pointed out seriously. "If this doesn't work out, it's a wasted effort that could have been spent on other ventures." And potentially with deadly effects. They were going to be facing Grindelwald's men for Merlin's sake.
The group were only half paying attention to their task at hand, enough attention so that it seemed they were sorely focused on their attempts to light up their wand. They weren't surprised by the fact both Tom and Hadrian had difference in opinions. Both were very vocal about their beliefs. Hadrian was also not afraid to correct him or argue with him. It used to be like watching two brooms zooming towards the floor at break neck speed. Knowing something was going to happen and unable to look away from the oncoming wreck. It had been fascinating to watch just as it was terrifying, nobody argued with Tom – except of course, Hadrian – still they murmured the spells under their breath, pressing their hearing to listen for any and all conversation.
"I have faith in them all," Hadrian stated firmly, "If they're going to be performing Unforgivables it's best if they do it Wandlessly, that way they won't be caught."
Now those words most definitely caught their attention, Orion and Aiden glanced at each other wide eyed. That was the reason for the sudden interest Hadrian had in teaching them Wandless magic?
"Did he say what I think he just said?" Dolohov muttered surprise written clearly across his face. Hadrian while he was…vindictive seemed the more responsible and law abiding – if someone who had used the Cruciatus Curse could be considered law abiding - out of both of them. To hear him blatantly encouraging the use of the Unforgivables made Dolohov actually warm towards Hadrian for the first time. See him as a good leader, perhaps not so different from them after all. He always came across as if he thought himself better than them all, more knowledgeable, when it was them who had been raised in this world.
He was more knowledgably but Dolohov would never wish to admit it.
"Yes," Abraxas stated sharply, barely refraining from rolling his eyes, they all knew he'd heard, to him hearing Dolohov talk was a waste of time and effort. Better spent listening to Tom and Hadrian or actually accomplishing the task. The fact he was having to put up with people a great deal younger than him was beginning to wear on him. Although Orion and Aiden were alright the others…less tolerable. He'd prefer to deal with Rosier if he was honest with himself.
"Unforgivables though…they're impossible to cast without a wand," Macnair pointed out, his Scottish accent noticeable in his worry.
"No it's not, take it from someone who knows," Aiden replied grimly. He no longer had nightmares about what happened, by Merlin he'd had nightmares every night for a long time afterwards. There was a part of him that was still terrified of Hadrian – and Tom – after what he'd done, but it was the same kind of fear he had for someone more powerful and capable of doing whatever he wanted and knowing they'd get away with it.
"You mean he's cast the spell without his wand?" Macnair's voice was noticeably louder. His focus solely on the others now, not his wand. Which he hated having so far away from him.
"He's cast them yes," Aiden replied, not the time he'd used it on him though, which was the incident he was thinking about himself. His emotional turmoil caused his wand to snap through the air and into his awaiting palm. Blinking in shock, he stared down at the sight, a baffled "Huh," left his lips, if his parents heard him they would have been annoyed by his inelegance.
"Now, see, what were you thinking about?" Hadrian said with noticeable triumph in his voice.
Aiden shook his head vehemently, he didn't care if he was cursed for it, he wasn't revealing private information about himself. especially not how it felt when he was cursed by Harry and his entire life was turned into pure chaos.
Instead of getting pissed, Hadrian smiled, giving him a nod of understanding. "Alright, set it back there and think of the same thing again, or something worse or better depending on your chosen memory/emotion. It's all to do with emotions like I said, our emotions are like conduits…much like the conduits that is our wands,"
"When you think back on memories doesn't that dull the emotional effect? Aren't we better off thinking of something that makes us either pissed or happy in the present?" Macnair postulated.
"Our emotions trigger our memories, why do you think the Dementors have such a strong effect on people who are in Azkaban? It sure as shit not because they are thinking happy thoughts in the present." Hadrian explained bluntly, "But if you want to try it that way…imagine your Boggart appearing in front of you…although that itself could be considered a memory as well." not just considered, not really but whatever worked and convinced them they could do wandless magic. Hadrian was quite sure it had something to do with belief and determination. Unlike the classes he taught in fifth year though…this was pure speculation.
"I actually…never thought of that," Macnair said sounding impressed, the mention of the island didn't bother him. He wasn't afraid of the place, he'd never been exposed to a single dementor in his life. It was just a place that you were warned about to be 'law abiding citizens' lest you end up there.
Abraxas absorbed everything he was hearing, his extremely smart mind ticking over all the information. He had been trying to force his magic to react through willpower alone. Watching Aiden success yet again, actually flinging his wand and summoning it back like a ball, he frowned. His Boggart had been a childish fear, one he was positive no longer caused him any fear. An emotional time in his life…his heart sank, he honestly couldn't think of one.
Watching the others get the hang of it made him feel like a complete failure.
"Abraxas…let me guess, you can't think of an incident in your life where you were very emotional?" Hadrian asked, staring straight at the wizard. He was a Malfoy, the only heir, he had nothing to worry about his entire life. Everything he wanted he got, just like Lucius would and Draco after him. They were all deluded in a way, able to pay their way out of Azkaban. The time Lucius had been behind bars would have been a shock to his system, perhaps why they had found it easy to switch sides when it became apparent the light side was actually winning.
Abraxas gritted his teeth feeling as though he was being judged and having no understanding of why. "You're married right?" Harry asked, still staring blatantly at Abraxas as if he didn't see the anger building.
"Not yet," Abraxas felt the danger drain away and felt merely exasperated, they had their wedding invitation. Did that mean that Hadrian had no intentions of coming? That would be a knock to their social status, people would talk about it constantly, and quite frankly it was intolerable to consider it.
"Two weeks away, I already cleared our schedules," Tom pointed out watching the scene in front of him, as he had been doing since he started. He had to admit, seeing them all in action…perhaps this would help them. His lips twitched as Hadrian's eyes flashed at him, all he was missing was the pout, he loathed public gatherings of any kind. It was a nightmare to get him to go anywhere, and he still truly didn't understand his reluctance.
"Fine, your Wife-To-Be, imagine this scenario, she doesn't love you, she loves someone else, she's calling off the wedding to marry them." Hadrian stated, tone harsh and grim. "Two weeks before the wedding, all those galleons spent on nothing and a year long courtship abandoned. To you and your families utter embarrassment there's newspapers from all over the world speculating on what happened, making you out to be the bad guy."
Abraxas growled, actually growled like a wounded bear, and bang, his magic reacted accordingly. At this very moment he did not fear retribution from either Hadrian or Tom as his emotions got the better of him for the first time in his life. He was a Malfoy, people just didn't talk to him that way, nor consider treating him that way.
Hadrian had been waiting on it, he knew Abraxas would be easily manipulated into a fury controlled 'accidental' magical display. He just wasn't used to people talking to him so blatantly or bluntly. It was one of his weaknesses, easily identified, a weakness his son and grandson would take on. The magic blasted harmlessly past where Hadrian had stood moments ago.
Abraxas paled, swallowing thickly, his masks in place refusing to show weakness. He would be ashamed to know that he had already displayed enough fear for the other sharks – or Slytherins in this case – to descend on him. Not that they did, everyone just stood stock still, wondering how the incident would be handled.
"You may think you're impenetrable," Hadrian stated seriously, as he climbed to his feet. "But you aren't, I can read you like a book Abraxas, and while others around you – your friends – might not have the guts to say stuff like this to you…it won't always be that way. You are not better than everyone else just because you're a Malfoy. You can be proud of your lineage without being a condescending jackass."
The other Pure-blood's inhaled sharply at the words, the words 'Damn' caught in their throats. While they admitted they could be conceded from time to time, Abraxas took it to a whole other level.
"One day you could say the wrong thing to the wrong person, and that would be the main Malfoy line just gone…" Hadrian stated, "Just like that," clicking his fingers as he said 'that' to emphasis his point. "Or get pissed off at the wrong wizard and boom you're in Azkaban."
Tom narrowed his eyes on the words Hadrian had spoken, 'main Malfoy line' which meant there was another…that was interesting. He made a mental note to ask his husband about it later. Had a descendant of the Malfoy line actually had girl after all? They claim to always have boys, but it was very easy to life. Too easy in fact, unless you know Occlumency and Legillimency. Not a subject easily learned or found for that matter, it was an ancient art that only Pure-blood's cared for, how many Muggle-borns had brushed it aside as nothing worth learning? Pure-bloods did it too though, thinking of Animagus transformation.
"Are you threatening me?" Abraxas croaked out, without his usual defiance and fiery determination.
Aiden refrained from rolling his eyes, watching everyone's reactions to Hadrian's display. He felt sorry for Abraxas, he knew how it felt to be on Hadrian's bad side, although he truly didn't think Hadrian was pissed. If he was, they would surely know by now. He wasn't shy in taking his due when he felt the occasion called for it. The others were standing stock still, eyes on both of them, barely breathing unless they absolutely had to. Orion he reckoned figured out what Hadrian was up to after him, as he slowly relaxed a little, grey eyes gleaming.
There was no need to discuss Tom, since Aiden didn't want to think of those two being intimidate. Tom looked ready to ambush Hadrian, the carnal appreciation was obvious for all too see. He wanted Hadrian to himself right now, his desire was obvious.
"No, Abraxas, I'm not," Hadrian informed him, "If I was to threaten you, you'd know, I've never been one for subtly, I can't be bothered with all that crap. Mean what you say and say what you mean is something of a motto I believe in,"
Tom had to thoroughly bite his tongue to stop himself showing any outward reaction to Hadrian's domineering display. Fuck, he was beautiful, otherworldly when he showed the true extent of his powers and observations. Having them quaking in their shoes with just a few chosen words was arousing. Shifting his body just slightly, he adjusted himself, while everyone else's attention was on Abraxas. Too arousing, his cock was straining within the confines of his pants, grunting in irritation he closed his eyes for a moment, thinking of anything that would take care of his problem.
Dumbledore. His deaths. His snake visage courtesy of his desire to cheat death only to spectacularly fail.
Sighing softly, well that took care of that, at least, it had also soured his mood too. This…this would never get old, it had been two years since the first time he'd seen this beautiful, powerful wizard display his powers for the first time. Yet his reactions only became more extreme, after all Hadrian was his.
"I am showing you your own weakness," Hadrian added, "Your pride, your vanity, your belief that you're better just because you're a Malfoy."
"I am a Malfoy," Abraxas said proudly, "Nothing and nobody can say anything that will make me not proud of my pure lineage."
"Really? Is that a challenge?" Hadrian asked, green eyes flaring with the challenge. Stepping closer to Abraxas, he leaned into his face, right at his ear, feeling the blonde freeze at Hadrian's close proximity, not daring to shove him away or breathe. "You're so called 'pure' line has housed squibs…and more importantly…half-bloods, its why you're so powerful…don't believe me? Look it up." He whispered so only Abraxas would hear what he had to say.
Abraxas stepped back, disbelief written across his grey eyes.
"Right, let's get back to it," Hadrian called out to them, "Remember the feeling it evoked, then do your magic." he added solely for Abraxas' sake before stepping back.
Tom gestured for Hadrian to come to the door, when he glanced in his direction. He wanted to know very desperately what Hadrian had said to Abraxas to garner such a reaction from the usually stoic Pure-blood. He had remained blank faced with many of his own threats being aimed his way. He had been brought up never to reveal his emotions to anyone in public and rarely in private.
"I was just reminding him that he has squibs and a few Half-bloods in his line, no need to worry about your precious wizard," Hadrian said quietly as soon as he was there, whispering so that the others didn't hear. He wasn't intending on completely embarrassing Abraxas after all.
"He's not my precious anything," Tom sneered, the words getting to him due to his dour mood.
Hadrian stepped closer, wrapping his fingers around his neck, pressing their foreheads together. He often forgot that Tom was in reality with a teenager, he used spells and curses to take care of his anger instead of dealing with it. Surprisingly it didn't make him feel old, but different and that was all they were, just a bit different. "If you want to go into politics you need to find a new way to deal with that anger inside you. Antagonism isn't a good way to deal with anything while trying to change the magical world."
Tom sighed out, agreeing with him, he couldn't very well just curse someone at a wizengamot meeting. Which he had learned he would have to wait until he was seventeen, whether he was emancipated or not to attend. Which meant a few months after he begun Hogwarts, after New Year he could begin attending. He was entering his sixth year, and would be seventeen during the majority of it. "Agreed," he replied, the thing was…he had no idea how to deal with any anger, except cursing. Just being this close to Hadrian was helping him feel better, it may have something to do with the contentment coming through the bond.
"Go practice in the duelling room, take your mood out on the test dummies, don't destroy them completely though, they cost an arm and a leg!" Hadrian suggested, keeping to something that worked would probably be best for Tom. So training dummy it was, if it worked brilliant…it's just like some Muggles' needing punching bags to get some of their anger and frustration an outlet.
Tom scoffed, "We have more than enough money to buy out entire warehouses and then some," money wasn't something they were ever going to have to worry about, and that is without Hadrian using his knowledge to continue to advance their status where money is concerned. He had a lot of plans and things he wanted to do, buying an orphanage and such, so he knew money would do many great things, so was determined to continue to amass his fortune while he could. Tom had no plans to stop him, as he'd said, Hadrian was the money and knowledge on the future while he made the plans and used his cunning to ensure their goals. He couldn't wait until they were out of Hogwarts so they could do everything they wanted.
Most of all he was looking forward to the day he turned seventeen so he could begin his political aspirations within the wizengamot.
"We do, but I'd rather spend it elsewhere," Hadrian stated, he would never be one for frivolous spending. He'd spent more on the actual manor or things for Tom to use every day than he had for himself. Although one could argue that the properties he'd bought abroad were frivolous. People were selling their land and properties at a very low price because of the war. It was the perfect time to gather what he could, especially within the Muggle world. Some would say he was being greedy, but Hadrian did not care. In the long term, this would be a good investment and it would go towards childcare and other charities he'd start up. "Go, I'll send them up in an hour or so, there's no point to too much practise, otherwise they will end up with low reserves."
Tom nodded wordlessly before leaving the room. He and Hadrian did want to expand the amount of power the others were capable of casting. The fact they used magic during the summer holidays helped build that 'stamina' so to speak up. This year though, they were truly expanding on what they would normally do. It was for good cause, their cause, or to aid their cause at the end of the day. Being a hero to the general public would open doors that wouldn't otherwise be there.
Hadrian sighed stretching out, blinking his eyes rapidly in order to wake himself up. The schedule he was keeping was just awful, he felt for all the healers and Medi-witches and wizards who practised the medical side of healing. The apprenticeship then medic-work and of course, the healing mastery. They went through this for three years to qualify for the highest position, only then were they given an opportunity to choose their hours.
Yet the pressure didn't stop, thankfully he was used to weird schedules and lack of sleep in all that shit. Although truthfully, these past few years, it hadn't been happening. He'd been able to sleep in all he liked, act like the teenager he was for once.
He didn't need to feel pressured, he had decades to do everything he wished. The only thing he had to focus on right now, was Grindelwald. Of making sure that the others returned home with him and Tom at the end of the day.
It wouldn't be a victory if they lost any of the others.
"Alright, guys, do you know why I'm suddenly wanting to teach you Wandless Non-verbal magic?" Hadrian asked, turning back around to face them, the fact none of them looked surprised, Hadrian just grinned wryly at them, "Alright, so here's the deal,"
Hadrian went on to explain the why, the when before telling them they wouldn't be focusing on it for any longer than an hour or so a day. More often than not they'd need to train alone when he was at St. Mungo's. That it wasn't going to be Tom's priority, but he felt that it was worth learning. If it got them through this then brilliant, if they didn't need to use it, all the better it was a useful skill, and it would also see them held in higher regard during their exams.
With that Hadrian joined in, before long the group were exercising their mind, body and magic. Dropping their wand at the back of the room, running to the front, summoning the wand before going through the repetitive loop over again. Changing it up sometimes, one by one going for their wands, the first to light it wins just simple things like that to make it a little more fun…less like a long gruelling lesson.
"Right. Come on, let's head to the training room, blast some dummies," Hadrian called out to everyone, wiping the sweat from his brow. Those dummies were Auror grade, and not easily defeated, they all enjoyed the challenge.
Unfortunately when they got there, three of them had been destroyed to smithereens. Contrary to his earlier words, Hadrian didn't mind, he just laughed in amusement and shook his head.
For once every single person in their group – except Hadrian and Tom – were actually looking forward to getting back to Hogwarts by the end of the summer.
The training was intense to say the least, but they understood the reason behind it and relished in it, yet their bodies and minds needed rest and the normality, boring as it is in order recuperate.
They only had until Christmas to do so before the real test begun.
To add to their apprehension they didn't know if they were getting to go on the expedition until it was nearer time.