Minister for Magic, Leonard Spencer-Moon stalked through the bleak halls of Azkaban Prison, surrounded by five Aurors who were his guards first and foremost. Not that he required them often, the public actually liked Minister Spencer-Moon, he was very good at his job. A sound Minister overseeing a period of great turmoil during the worst of times. Between the global wizarding war (which was in reality Grindelwald's reign) and of course, the Second World War. He got on well with his British Muggle counterpart, Winston Churchill, and between the both of them, they were doing well in trying to keep their communities safe and spirits lifted with the times of great turmoil.
Try as he and President Picquery tried, they could not put a stop to Grindelwald, not only was he elusive but he was an escape artist by the likes they'd never seen before. Each time they grew close to capturing him he killed everyone and fled. The public were calling out for something to be done as Grindelwald slowly advanced across the globe coming close and closer to British shores. Their belief was that Dumbledore might be the only one powerful enough to stop him. Where those rumours had come from…nobody knew, but it was true, Albus Dumbledore did have powers that were of the charts.
Hence his reason for being here in Azkaban prison, hoping against hope to reason with the wizard, perhaps gain some insight into Grindelwald and his potential plans for Britain. His Aurors were extremely displeased with his visit, and what they suspected he might do to end this war once and for all. Especially given what he had done to Hadrian Peverell-Slytherin. The boy was very well liked in all circles, everyone desired to speak about him, or his books he'd published and the evidence of the matter pertaining to the books. If he did this, he knew he'd have more than pissed off Aurors at his neck, he may be risking his career but he had to make the hard calls.
He'd worked his ass off climbing up the ladder over the years, to think he'd begun his career as Tea Boy in the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes. He'd been the Minister for magic for six years, much of that time in office, he had been termed a 'War Minister' due to the wars going on, everything seemed to be happening at once. He was in his element though, he was a very strategic thinker, tactical leadership came in handy during these times.
"Prisoner XO123 as requested, Sir, is in the interrogation room," which consisted of two chairs and a table Spencer-Moon realized, Dumbledore was already situated on the seat, his chains firmly attached to prevent escape. Also preventing Albus from placing his hands on the table as well, as they hung limp between his legs, leaning his elbows on his thighs.
Those blue eyes stared calmly back, a knowing gleam sparkling just so, which made the Minister wish to grit his teeth. Remembering why he'd hesitated in coming even if only for a merest moment. During his trial he'd had the same look on his face. At least until he'd been sentenced at any rate.
"Grindelwald is coming closer and close to Britain," the Minister stated curtly, flinging the newspaper onto the desk, revealing the headlines of Grindelwald suspected of being in France. "Do you know what he wants?" surprisingly, when Dumbledore caught sight of the paper he became alarmed and worried simultaneously, apparently he did care in some respect for the magical world. Either that or there was something he didn't know.
"World dominion over both magical and muggle folk," Albus said, "I think that's been made more than clear." Although Albus suspected it wasn't Britain he was actually after but the boy. From what he'd overheard, the suicidal idiot had accused Gellert of line theft, putting a target on his back for not only the slight against him but by sheer idiocy he'd let Grindelwald know that another line from the great Peverell's and coincidentally the Deathly Hallows still survived. He already had the wand, He was going to be after the other two items, the cloak of invisibility and the resurrection stone.
"There is a reason he's coming, what is it?" the Minister demanded, he just knew there was something behind his current actions, he just didn't know what.
"To finish what he started," Albus informed him, sincerely, without giving out the whole truth, he had no reason to reveal anything. Hadrian Peverell-Slytherin had ruined his life, dragged his reputation through the mud and unveiled everything he had tried so hard to bury. His career was over, his life long ambitions and plans gone in a puff of smoke because of one boy so determined to ruin him. He'd succeeded but also doomed himself, Gellert would utterly destroy him.
"Which is?" the Minister reiterated, annoyance coursing through him, they were just going around and around in circles. Breathing out, he donned his blank mask and slid into the seat, staring Dumbledore down.
"To tear down all government structure, and control the world," Dumbledore answered, and death of course, by coming 'Master of Death' when he gathered all three objects, its' said the power would be immeasurable. Part of him would like that power, even if he knew he should never be in a position of power. It's why he never tried for the position as Minister of magic, he'd already lost Ariana due to his quest for power, he refused to let anyone else die because of his greed.
"What are his weaknesses?" Spencer-Moon asked, a casual display of nonchalance in his body language.
"He has no weaknesses," Dumbledore revealed, which was true enough, he had no family, nobody he would risk life and limb for. He had people to do everything for him, help wreak havoc on the world, but he wasn't attached to any of them. He was driven, determined and powerful enough to see it through.
"Help us and I shall see about you getting some liberties in here," Spencer-moon offered up, normally he was much more subtle than this. Unfortunately, he didn't want to continue this ring around any longer than necessary. Plus, each delay could cost them dearly. Was he truly going to offer this piece of work amnesty if he defeats Grindelwald? Sure, he wasn't exactly a murderer, but he was no saint either. A student in Hogwarts, several students had feared for their lives, this was wrong on so many levels.
"I will help bring him down, but it comes with a price," Albus said, he unlike the Minister had all the time in the world on his hands. He wasn't about to get some 'liberties' while in Azkaban, which was probably just longer reprieves from the dementors. He honestly didn't know how long he could continue listening to that horrific scene over and over again. Thankfully he always passed out before the memory finished, he never wanted to know if it was him or Gellert who had killed his baby sister. He felt hollowed out, and he did not want to end up like every other prisoner in here. Completely insane and unable to function.
"I said nothing about you doing the deed," the Minister declared, sitting up straighter eyes narrowing in on Dumbledore.
"He won't be expecting me, if anyone can hold his own against him, it's me," Dumbledore said, without an ounce of bragging just simple truth. He was the only one that stood a chance of ending Grindelwald's reign of power.
"And in return?" spencer-Moon queried, heart thumping dangerously. He'd expected it to come to this, that Dumbledore would want to do it on his own. He also suspected – nay knew – what Dumbledore would request in return.
"My freedom," Dumbledore answered, "I want a full pardon,"
"That I cannot do," The Minister refuted immediately, the pureblood's would revolt if such an instance occurred. Especially against a Half-blood who had wronged a pureblood, two pureblood's if you want to be technically correct.
"Then we have nothing further to discuss," Dumbledore stated, he refused to do anything for them, only to be stuck back in this hellhole. He knew though, he knew the Minister would crack. He was here because he was desperate, on his last leg so to speak. He had the upper hand and he wasn't about to give that advantage up. Standing up, he made a move to leave the room, realizing how risky this was, but refusing to back down.
Seeing Dumbledore stand and move towards the door, he added, "What I can do is offer you House Arrest while you serve out the remainder of your sentence. Only if you succeed in bringing down Gellert Grindelwald once and for all." Otherwise he would be right back here went unsaid but certainly understood.
Albus turned back and stared at the wizard, before wilting, "Then we have a deal," he stated, anything to get him away from the presence of the Dementors. "Nothing gets done until all the paperwork is signed, sealed and delivered to me." He wasn't stupid enough to take anyone's word on something, not something as important as this. This wasn't just his freedom but his sanity, and for him his mind was his best asset, and it terrified him to the core at the prospect of losing himself to the dementors.
The Minister reluctantly nodded, he'd expected this too. "Very well," he heaved a sigh, he definitely wasn't going to be popular for this decision. Not that it was a done deal, he had to convince everyone on the wizengamot to agree to the transfer of an Azkaban inmate to house arrest. He could get them to agree, whether they liked it or not, nearly everyone on the wizengamot had family, all in danger within the British Isles with Grindelwald fast approaching. "I'll see what I can do." He never promised anything he knew he wouldn't be able to live up to.
Dumbledore said nothing in reply, merely watched the Minister leave, a twinkle blooming in his blue eyes for the first time in months and months. He tried to tame the hope brewing within his chest, but it wasn't easily done. Even with his shaky occlumency barriers. Nothing truly helped when it came to the presence of the dementors. Any mind shields one has, slowly disintegrate over time. His were well and truly shattered to smithereens, the dementors had been attracted to the guilt that constantly consumed him.
If this deal went through, he hoped that Newton had continued his duty and wouldn't let him down.
--------0
"It's getting close," Hadrian said, standing at the doorway beside Tom, staring out at the beautiful view. The pictures didn't do it justice that's for certain. He and Tom were definitely going to have to come back here at some point, but for an actual holiday not reconnaissance and ulterior motives to deal with Grindelwald. The Villa was his, so it wouldn't be a chore to return at any given time. The weather was warm and wonderful, especially compared to the damn horrible weather in Britain right now.
Tom turned and quirked an eyebrow in silent demand for answers.
"The Minister is getting ready to meet the wizengamot to do a deal, I've been told the meeting will last seven hours, it will take him only thirty minutes to get to Azkaban for Dumbledore to sign it." Hadrian explained, everyone else was sleeping, getting much needed rest, they'd pulled a few all-nighters as they got closer to this day.
Tom's gaze darkened in fury, seething over the fact the wizengamot would consider letting Dumbledore out let alone actually doing it. The quicker he and Hadrian had the control they so desired the better, between the wizengamot, the Ministry and Hogwarts – via the board of directors – everything in order to keep an eye on everyone and everything. Prevent such disgusting displays such as this, letting out Dumbledore before he served his sentence.
"They're desperate," Hadrian informed him pensively, knowing without looking that Tom was absolutely raging over what he'd said. They already knew which prevented a more…explosive reaction from his husband. Linking their hands together, his thumb brushing up and down Tom's hand, causing the tense wizard to begin relaxing albeit marginally. "The public are crying out for help, and everyone was begging Dumbledore before all this went down, it's expected really that they'd direct that to the Minister. I have no doubt the ones suggesting Dumbledore are his biggest supporters." They were never going to be free of Dumbledore's supporters though. He just couldn't have the acclaim he had in another timeline.
"Doesn't make it right," Tom hissed out through gritted teeth, his anger just mounting, but with Harry's grounding touch, it stopped him from feeling the need to curse everyone in the vicinity.
"No, no it doesn't," Hadrian agreed, "But it won't happen." They would defeat Grindelwald before that occurred.
Tom turned to face Hadrian, gripping his neck tightly, much more tightly than necessary, "Don't do anything…stupid or heroic," he knew Hadrian better than anyone else…and would always know his husband better than any other. He knew Hadrian was sometimes stupid, did things, took risks others wouldn't. Inhaling sharply, he pressed his head against Hadrian's "If you do…" that particular threat went unspoken.
"Nothing can happen to us," Hadrian reminded him, soothing the feral beast that lay within his husband.
"That might be true, but it can to these bodies, all our efforts thus far…everything we have planned would be gone." Tom argued, he did not wish to restart his Hogwarts education, or go through gaining control of the next generation, or wherever they landed next time. No, he was very content to remain Tom Peverell-Slytherin thank you very much. If Hadrian died…then he would follow him, at least he assumed so, since they were soul mates, joined together in a way that most wizards and witches did not contemplate let alone do. He did not want to do this alone, and that thought nearly bowled Tom over. He'd always been content alone, determined to do it…but now? Now the thought of doing it without Hadrian left a bitter taste in his mouth.
"Do you realize how insane that sounds?" Hadrian said, chuffing in amusement and part disbelief. Green eyes boring into dark brown, these bodies, although he supposed it was true enough. Just hearing it said out loud though was completely insane.
Tom didn't bother replying, he knew Hadrian still found the entire immortality thing hard to digest. He wasn't sure why, because he relished in the knowledge, to an extent. He didn't want to die, of course, and have his efforts to have been for nothing. Still, the knowledge he couldn't die was liberating to say the least. "Seven hours, we have seven hours to do this." According to Hadrian's knowledge which was admittedly iffy the duel between Dumbledore and Grindelwald lasted six hours at least, according to eye witnesses. Written down as the 'greatest wizarding duel of all time' by yet another eye witness.
"Are we heading out?" Walburga asked, despite being asleep she was perfectly poised. Not even a strand of hair out of place. They'd been able to lounge out by the pool earlier, only for a few hours, but the sun, the heat and the tiredness of training, not even a dunk in the water had eased they'd all trudged in for some sleep. "When are you meant to go to the bookstore to sign your books?" and yes, she knew he wasn't really going to do it, but she was curious.
Hadrian glanced down at his watch, "Two hours," he confirmed, which meant they were on a very tight schedule. If anyone looked into their motives, they had to have it all laid out clearly. They were here for one reason, to the world anyway, that was him going to sign his books as he'd scheduled with his publisher. The entire thing with Grindelwald was a 'frightening' coincidence.
"You think word has gotten back to Grindelwald yet?" Alphard questioned, appearing right next to his sister.
"I have a feeling he already knows," Hadrian replied, you don't piss off a Dark Wizard and go free. Grindelwald probably knew everything about him. well, what could be dug up at any rate, which was only the past few years, the rest was magically created and completely safe from unravelling since Death himself had created it. which probably included when he had Portkey'd into the country and got his wand permit. At least his appearance at the store was secret, so he wouldn't know about that, unless he had the bookstore owner in his pocket – which was unlikely – so they had two hours to gain Grindelwald's attention.
"What do you mean by that?" Alphard asked, slightly alarmed, they still didn't know everything. Which didn't sit well with him, but he wasn't about to let Hadrian or Tom down. To think he'd been ready to distance himself from the group. Mostly because Tom was becoming more…vicious, and he hadn't wanted any part in that. Seeing the future for what it would become. A diabolical dictator. Hadrian's presence had changed everything, the dynamics in the group, and more importantly Tom. He suddenly found himself enamoured with the way the group was going, and he wanted to be part of it.
Dolohov made a strangled sound of agreement, his eyes slightly wider than normal.
"Alphard…I insulted Grindelwald, in the worst way possible…do you honestly think he'd let that slight go?" Hadrian said wryly, wandering over to the couch and sitting himself down. Tom went with him, sitting as close to Hadrian as possible. "No, he will have had someone check me out,"
"Doesn't mean he gives a shit, I mean he's trying to take over the world." Alphard pointed out, slumping down on a chair of his own. "Why care what one Hogwarts student says about him?"
Walburga gasped at her brothers plebeian words, had he been spending too much time with the Mudbloods?
"And locked his ex-lover in Azkaban," Hadrian chuckled, surprised to hear Alphard speaking that way. His mother would throttle him and his father kill him if he heard those words. They'd been brought up to be proper, elocution lessons.
"You really think he'll come to us now?" Alphard stood, wand in hand, moving towards the open doors scanning the horizon as if he
suspected wizards were surrounding them at all angles. His hair standing on edge as he realized the danger they were in.
Dolohov shadowed his movements, watching everything as if expecting wizards to just begin popping in. He'd been on the not attending list for this mission, he'd been half glad, half furious. He'd worked hard to prove himself, even though he hadn't actually wanted to come here. Who would in their right mind? These wizards of Grindelwald were vicious. Yet, the fact they said he wasn't going had subdued his fear and made him indignant. So, he had argued the point with Harry and with surprising results, he'd agreed to let him go.
"Alphard, Dolohov…nobody can get in here, it's safe," Hadrian reassured them, "Hell, its safer than anywhere else…the only thing above the safety wards we've put on is the Fidelius Charm." even Walburga had gone tense at his proclamation.
"I suggest we eat, then get going," Tom stated firmly, "Alphard wake the others. Dobby?"
"Food as requested, Masters," Dobby said as he appeared, he'd already been aware he'd be called and had the food ready for them all. He also was aware of what they were doing, but due to the care Hadrian and Tom provided, Dobby would never think to betray them. Clicking his fingers, a long table of food was spread out before them, a feast for them to eat.
Hadrian blinked, he was used to food being delivered, but never saw a table being delivered along with it. Probably for the best, considering how damn large the table was and the amount of food…well, the smaller table they had in the Villa definitely wouldn't have fitted a third of it. "Um…" was all Hadrian could say, it was a ridiculous amount of food.
"Has Fenrir eaten?" Tom asked Dobby before the House-elf could disappear.
"Yes, Master Tom, Fenrir has eaten," Dobby nodded eagerly, they loved taking care of Fenrir, having someone to watch out for all day every day. Admittedly they had been beyond petrified of him to begin with, but Fenrir now emulated Tom and Hadrian, copying them in the way they treated the House-elves. He was far from 'normal' but he was getting there, he barely left Tom's side whenever he was around. Master Hadrian found the entire thing hilarious.
"Good," Tom replied, waving his hand gesturing for the House-elf to leave.
"You know what? I'm not even that hungry," Alphard admitted, his stomach queasy just staring at the food.
Tom watched Alphard leave, his blank mask hiding his confusion.
"I have a feeling, not much of the food will be eaten," Hadrian commented wryly, he'd get it sent to a shelter or sent anonymously to those in need. Food was scarce, a lot of people were going hungry, so he definitely wasn't going to allow the food to go to waste. Wool's Orphanage as well, perhaps, the kids deserved something nice to eat. He grimaced remembering the taste of the food, so bland and barely edible.
"We haven't eaten since breakfast," Tom pointed out, in fact he was ravenous himself.
Hadrian just shook his head amused, patting Tom's arm, it wasn't the first time Tom hadn't understood something. It certainly wouldn't be the last, thankfully he was here to make sure that he did get it. 'They'll be anxious, worried, maybe even a little fearful, it makes your stomach churn. They won't want to eat, but I think they'll try and eat something knowing they need to keep their strength up.' Using their connection to talk to Tom, he wouldn't say anything like this, not even in the presence of those he considered 'friends' and their closest acquaintances.
Tom just scoffed inwardly, showing what he thought of such weaknesses.
It wasn't just this sort of situation that could make you feel sick, even a game of Quidditch could have that affect. Well, it had on him, especially during his very first game, it didn't help with Snape being his usual self. If Severus did exist in this timeline…would he be different or still end up the same irascible wizard? His mother…she was so much like him it was actually scary. The sarcasm, the glares, the affronted look and by merlin, her potions were perfect. Thank goodness she wasn't the same age as them, otherwise Tom would have taken it as a personal outrage that she was better than him. There was no denying that Eileen Prince was the best potions brewer within Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Within ten minutes, everyone who had come with them, appeared in the room. Despite being asleep just ten minutes prior, they were perfectly presented. They'd been taught never to appear dishevelled in the company of others.
"Let's eat what we can," Hadrian suggested, as he stood, walking towards the table Dobby had conjured for them, "After that we begin planning out the attack." Well, the logistics of it at any rate. No plan ever went perfectly, something always went wrong he knew this from personal experience. He was also a very good escapist.
They spent the meal eating in silence, a tense anticipation coiling in the air. Once they were done, Dobby was called and ordered to see to it that the food went to those who needed it. The two others were called as well, to make it easier, it was a lot of food after all.
"Alright, from all the newspaper clippings and eye witnesses, he usually has at least eight others with him when he attacks," Hadrian explains, "His inner circle if you will, they're always the same people, nobody has been able to identify them yet either, so I wasn't able to do a real detailed background check."
"We do have rudimentary pictures of the so called 'inner circle'," Tom stated, standing up, dropping a folder to each of the others with them.
"They're not very good," Avery commented, staring down at the pathetic drawings that renditioned the wizards. "If this is the best the Ministry has…I'm surprised they ever capture anyone." Hello, they had pensive memories for a reason, they should use them, especially against Grindelwald's fanatics.
"I agree," Nott snorted derisively, something else they needed to change within the Ministry.
"I agree," Dolohov murmured grimacing at the impressions.
"When did you do this?" Dorea asked, taking a sip of her tea.
"Doesn't matter, we aren't going to be able to figure out who they are…" Walburga argued.
"That's interesting…." Avery stated, seeing the back of the drawings filled with information. Which Aiden assumed was regarding the wizards in question, even if they didn't have their names…they knew enough. Preferred spell, most used spells, suggested power level, left or right handed, whether he could do wandless magic or not. Very, very detailed more so than Avery would have thought possible.
"The drawings…" Nott begun to say to Avery, Rosier and Mulciber remained quiet on either side of Avery as the arguments started out.
"It will do as an identifier, give us an upper hand on how we deal with them," Tom retorted, causing everyone to quiet down.
Orion, Cygnus and Alphard all put their heads together when Dorea turned their first page over, realizing it wasn't just a picture they were getting but information. Vital information that could see them getting the upper hand, although they could have done without seeing their kill count. The Black's all looked alike, you'd mistake them all for brothers when in reality they were cousins. Well, Alphard and Cygnus were in fact brothers, Orion was the cousin.
"This must have taken weeks if not months," Cygnus said impressed despite himself. His new wife was back home, and he had come when he heard the news from Orion and Alphard. That and his parents had demanded he go and take care of his brother and sister.
"Just a few days, I already had all the information," Harry revealed, giving Cygnus a grin. He hadn't met the wizard until the summer holidays, due to the fact like Abraxas he had left Hogwarts before he came onto the scene. Surprisingly, he'd known immediately who it was, despite how similar all the Black's were. He could see Narcissa, Andromeda and Bellatrix shining through him. He had no idea what Druella (commonly called Ella to those closest to her) Black nee Rosier looked like. If any of them resembled Druella it would be Narcissa who was the only one born with blonde hair, which was rare when it came to the Black's. It would take Cygnus and Druella six years to have an heir, unless they have miscarriages along the way before Bellatrix was born. If he had the ages correct that was, his information on the Black family was sketchy. He just tried to remember the information on the tapestry, and of course, what Sirius had actually said about his family.
"Know thy enemy," Avery said in approval.
"Indeed," Tom replied dryly, "Memorise every single one of them, and their preferred methods and we will have the upper hand." He stated imperiously.
"Tom and I will do drills, enact scenes the way they would, and you have to remember who and what," Hadrian informed them with a vindictive smirk. "The last test so to speak before the showdown."
"Speaking off…how exactly are you planning that?" Alphard queried, questioning him, but making sure it didn't come out like an accusation. "They don't even know where we are,"
Everyone glanced up at that, they too wanted answers.
"I'll go and sign some books, word will get around, no doubt we'll have someone watching us, following us, that's more than likely when they'll attack." Hadrian revealed, "A few of you can help spread the word, and keep a watch on the outside for any suspicious characters."
"How do we stay in contact with each other?" Lucretia asked, "Not all of us are capable of casting the Patronus to learn the Patronus message."
"Ah, that reminds me," Hadrian said, waving his hand, keeping it outstretched until a large satin pouch smacked into his palm. Plonking it down on the table, he unrolled it, revealing the pendants within. "These will give us the ability to communicate, a mental link, so to speak."
"How?" Dorea asked, eager for knowledge, how she hadn't ended up in Ravenclaw was a mystery to them all.
Hadrian smirked, "This is a combination of both mine and Tom's greatest work actually," admittedly stolen from the mirror idea but Hadrian really didn't care about that. He would use anything at his disposal to ensure this worked.
"It requires a drop of blood imbued in the stone of each person you wish to have hear," Tom stated, "So even if they go missing, which they won't, nobody will hear what they shouldn't." he had a recall spell implanted so that he'd get every single one of them back. He wasn't risking his or Hadrian's blood getting into the wrong hands, no matter what. As soon as this was over, he'd retrieve them all and destroy them, shame really, it was a work of art. He supposed he could put them away just in case, in the Fidelus Charmed vault in their home, or at Gringotts. Considering how a seventeen year old successfully broke into the bank…he preferred using the one at home that they'd created to put their more…questionable books. They couldn't have anyone finding them after all.
Everyone at the table tensed, blood giving wasn't done, it had been drummed into them from as far back as they remembered.
"After today is over with, each pendant will be destroyed," Hadrian stated curtly, a look of understanding crossing his features. "In front of you if you prefer." He'd been absolutely cautious of his own blood after the ritual being used to bring back Voldemort. By Merlin, it had been difficult to leave the blood quill behind with Umbridge with his blood still on it. Thankfully though, she was just interested in torturing him, not using his blood for nefarious purposes.
Tom inwardly huffed, so their amazing piece of magic – he wasn't above praising himself – was going to be destroyed after all. Cocking his head conceding the point when Hadrian pointed out they could make new ones, their work might be destroyed but easily replaced. 'True' he conceded, speaking through their link.
The others relaxed marginally, grateful for Hadrian's words but not showing it. there would come a time when they didn't give any body signals away, but they were still young and Hadrian was used to reading body cues since he was a kid.
"Let's use these while we train, we only have an hour at most," Hadrian stated, "Let's get to it." and one by one, each of them used their wands and allowed a single drop of blood to fall upon the pendant. It glowed red each time, indicating that the rune had absorbed the blood and it was working.
Tom reached out and plucked one from the circle and put it around his neck, stashing it under his robes so it wouldn't be easily be found and removed or worse broken. As long as he could hear Hadrian though, he didn't much care.
"How do they work?" that was repeated twice, in their minds and out loud. "Oh, never mind." was only said out loud.
"Project what you want the others to hear," Tom stated, "Your actual thoughts are your own." He said, smug and superior, it was a beautiful piece of magic for sure.
"You know these would be amazing, for Aurors who are out on patrol, and such," Dorea said, thinking of her boyfriend, who wanted to either be an Auror or potioneer. It would give him a little more protection if he did become an Auror. Although, she suspected he might only say he wanted to be an Auror due to a few generations of Potter's being Aurors. His passion was definitely potions,
"It would," Hadrian agreed, but Tom probably found it too ingenious for the masses, probably desiring to use it just for his people. Not that it was a bad thing, if the Ministry got wind of the invention, they'd create something to negate the connection the pendant created, both within the Ministry and elsewhere. They had a huge think tank in the Ministry for all that sort of thing. They rarely created anything new, instead made counters to inventions which was such a waste of their talents. Their belief they're doing the right thing didn't help matters either. Thankfully not ingenious wizard and witches worked for the ministry. Otherwise nothing would ever get created and the magical world would be stagnant.
Everyone remained silent as they read through the information Hadrian had gathered for them. Trying to memorise everything in order to have the upper hand. All that was heard was the shuffling of paper, or the others talking quietly to each other, pointing out a few things that would give them away without even needing a good picture.
"Orion and I shall go first," Tom said, getting back to their task, or rather test.
Orion's eyes widened, before he steeled himself, giving a curt nod, as they all moved to one of the empty guest bedrooms which would conveniently double as a good training room. It was thankfully a magical property, no light switches, honestly Hadrian didn't think they'd know what the hell to do in a Muggle property. Maybe, he'd arrange it one day, just so he could laugh his ass off at how clueless they were.
"It will do," Alphard mused, already casting spells, making sure the room was secured. If anyone went flying into the walls they wouldn't be hurt. It would be like falling onto training mats. The floor unfortunately, didn't receive the same treatment.
"Too bad we didn't bring the dummies," Walburga said, eager to prove her worth.
"Yeah, set them up to be like our new opponents," Lucretia pointed out.
"That…is actually a brilliant idea," Hadrian admitted, why hadn't he thought of that?
Dolohov nodded in agreement, it definitely was, it was better than fighting each other.
"It would take too long to reconfigure them," Tom pointed out, but it was a good idea, if only they'd set them up earlier. Unfortunately, they only had one hour before they had to get going to set the stage up.
"I'll do it while you work on Orion, even if it's only a few it still saves time," Hadrian shook his head, "An hour only gives us at least ten to fifteen minutes per person." The hour would fly by, at least with the dummies, they'd get in a little more training time. Not by much, but it would have to do. Even a little more training time could go a long way.
Hadrian waved his hand, and an hour in red numbers hovered above the room, counting down the seconds.
"Very well," Tom agreed, gesturing for Orion to step up, once he did, Tom didn't give any warning, he immediately begun flinging curses he knew was the preferred method of one of the worst of Grindelwald's men. Orion much to Tom's pleasure, figured it out very quickly, and adjusted his fighting method and they worked in tandem, both of them trying to hit the other but not truly wishing to cause harm.
Hadrian immediately got to work, requesting the dummies from Dobby, and got to work reconfiguring them. It wasn't easy work, especially making them specific to someone's fighting style. The fact he was having to do this quickly didn't help either, but within fifteen minutes he had the first one complete.
"Wingardium Leviosa!" Hadrian murmured, a pained wistfulness on his face, all his childhood memories tarnished because of greed and Dumbledore's need for control. Merlin, it hurt, he wished he could remove the memories and just start anew. He would never allow that or do it to himself, he'd never go back to the naive idiot he used to be. He'd never be a trusting fool again. Warmth and concern – at least Tom's sort of concern – pushed through the bond, letting him know he wasn't alone anymore. He'd figured out how to make Hadrian feel better, and used it when required.
"You take that one Lucretia," Cygnus ordered, when it came to family he would make sure the girls were protected and had the best chance of survival.
Within half an hour, Cygnus was training with Tom while the girls, Alphard and Dolohov used the dummies.
"You're up Avery," Hadrian called out, shifting the dummy into a suitable space so nobody ended up injured.
"You think the others are still upset?" Rosier queried as he mock fought with Mulciber. The look on their faces when they hadn't been picked had been comical to say the least. Made those who had been picked feel superior as well.
"Who cares?" Dorea called out from her position. Those that hadn't been picked (except Dolohov) questioned Hadrian sometimes, behind his back of course, but given they weren't chosen...perhaps he did know. He wouldn't want anyone questioning him so he had not chosen them. All of them had distrusted Hadrian at one point though, but that was when he first arrived and changed the Status Quo. Hell, Avery and everyone else received the biggest wake up call at the same time. If they weren't careful they'd be out of the group full stop.
Considering they'd been friends with him since childhood, they wanted to help them but if they made his own bed they'd need to lie in it. None of them was going to risk their own lives or place in the ranks by helping them when that time came. They'd seen what happened to Avery before he made the blood oath, they were not going to see that happen to them, thank you very much. That had been just a taste of the power they were going to have when they were older.
As Slytherins they wanted a taste of that, no matter the cost.
"You and I are next," Tom said, stepping up right next to Hadrian, plastering himself against his back, talking into his ear. "You up for it?" he didn't say anything else about being careful, he'd said his peace and surprisingly it didn't help. He still felt worried, he wasn't used to such feelings. As for the others, he was worried, but only because he knew how vindictive pureblood's were and didn't want to end up on the wrong side of them, not until he garnered more power.
"Are you?" Hadrian half taunted, half concerned though. Tom hadn't stopped for forty-five minutes, they had a battle on their hands as it was. He didn't want anything to happen to Tom if he became exhausted. With their magical powers they didn't need to be concerned about magical depletion but physical exertion and exhaustion was a real concern.
"I'm fine," Tom stated slightly insulted.
"Alright," Hadrian replied, stepping away and getting into position. "Ten more minutes then we're heading out,"
Avery remained to watch the duel, honestly, those two made them all seem like amateurs. You wouldn't think either of them were lovers, husbands the way they duelled each other. It was as if they were actually trying to hurt each other. Avery winced, correction, actually hurting each other, as Hadrian's arm was clipped by a cutting curse. Neither slowed down, even while injured they were determined to see it through. The magic swelling in the room was unbelievable proportions.
Then again the enemy wouldn't stop when they injured their opponents, or take it easy on them.
The clock buzzed indicating the time had run down.
"How bad is it?" Tom asked immediately upon the buzz, swiftly making his way over, taking Hadrian's injured arm delicately to see for himself. Switching from enemy to lover within seconds nearly leaving the others with whiplash. Dolohov watched the scene with a frown, wondering if this meant they weren't going to go after all.
"It's fine," Hadrian replied, staring at the injury completely indifferent as Tom repaired the damage done to his arm. The skin knitted closed and Tom cleaned up the blood and repaired the clothes so that nothing remained behind. "It was sloppy," he had been sloppy.
"Agreed," Tom would never lie, he'd be caught out anyway even if he tried.
Hadrian huffed out a sardonic laugh.
"Do you want a blood replenisher?" Avery asked, if he lost blood during the battle, that potion might be the difference between continuing on and loss of consciousness.
"I'll get it, we need to get going, otherwise I'll be late," Hadrian informed them, and he definitely didn't want to be late. He wouldn't hear the end of it from his publisher, plus it was rude, and if for whatever reason he wanted to do this again, he couldn't let anyone down otherwise they would decline to let him appear at their stores.
"I'll keep him safe," Avery promised Tom as Hadrian disappeared through the doorway.
"I know," Tom replied, and it was the truth, out of them all, Avery would make sure Hadrian survived. Not just because they were close, best friends some might say, but because of the oath. He rather hoped it didn't happen, apart from Orion, Avery was one of his best. "Let's go,"
Tom and Avery re-joined the others who were more than ready, they were raring to go.
"Let's go!" Hadrian called out, entering the room, his face already looking a lot brighter, with red flushed cheeks. "The Portkey will take us to the bookstore," they weren't supposed to be able to Apparate yet, so Portkey it was. They weren't going to be breaking the law any more than they already going to, they didn't want the public crucifying them.
Each of them touched the Portkey, without a hint of concern, they'd been using them since they were old enough to know what they were.
Dolohov reached out touching it quickly, as if ripping a band aid off, either that or the camaraderie and adrenaline were making him want to fight.
Upon reaching their destination, Hadrian's hawk eyes caught the sight of several wands pointed in their direction.
"Shei—" Hadrian called out, but there was no time, waving his hand, he raised a shield before a massive explosion rocked him off his feet.
Then Hadrian knew no more as unconsciousness swiftly claimed him.