Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sirius and Hydrus arrived at Platform 9 3/4 early. Unfortunately, they weren’t the only ones trying to avoid the rush. Their appearance at the apparition point drew stares. Hydrus was in a pair of jeans and a soft hooded sweater but Sirius looked every bit the rich pureblood Lord he was. Normally he preferred comfortable trousers, muggle T-shirts and his leather jacket but he had a meeting with Amelia Bones later so he wore rich black robes with silver embroidery on the hem and sleeves. 

Sirius’ trial had been three weeks before. He was questioned with veritaserum under strict conditions. Only Madam Bones was permitted to interrogate him and only from a list of preapproved questions. Several Wizengamot members protested the change in procedure but between Sirius providing memories of Peter’s escape, no one being able to find records of a previous trial and both Amelia and Moody testifying that they believed Sirius' story, everything went off without a hitch. Sirius was free and Hydrus’ origins remained a secret.

“I'm going to miss you Pup,” Sirius said, wrapping an arm around his son’s shoulders to give him a squeeze. “Home won't be the same without you.”

“Don't say that dad. You'll break Kreacher's heart,” Hydrus teased. 

Upon their release Sirius and Hydrus moved into Grimmauld Place. It had been kept clean for their return by Kreacher. The elf was old and grumpy but pleased to have masters to serve again. He was a big help while the pair adjusted to life outside Azkaban. Hydrus found the world entirely too big for his liking and struggled with leaving the house. It took a lot of work to get him to Diagon Alley for his school supplies but he managed it. In the end his limitless curiosity overcame his agoraphobia. 

Sirius shifted Hydrus so they were face to face.

“Be careful,” he whispered. “We managed to keep your identity hidden but he’ll have his eyes on you because of the Chamber. He probably already has you labeled as a Dark wizard.”

“Don't worry. Dumbledore can watch me all he wants but we both know I'm full of surprises.”

“That you are Pup,” Sirius chuckled. “That you are.”

More people were arriving so they went to find a compartment toward the end of the train. Once Hydrus loaded his trunk he hurried back to the platform. He wasn't willing to say good-bye just yet, and neither was Sirius. 

“Write me as soon as you can. I want to know which house you sort into.”

“Even if it’s Slytherin?”

“Even if it's Slytherin,” Sirius assured him. “Seriously, no matter what house you're in I’ll be proud of you.”

Hydrus could feel tears stinging his eyes. There hadn't been a day in twelve years that his dad hadn't been there. Now he was facing down four long months before they could see each other again. 

“Hey, hey, none of that. You’ve got this Pup. It will be okay,” Sirius soothed, hugging Hydrus tightly. 

“I'm going to miss you.”

“I'm going to miss you too but Yule will be here before you know it and don't forget, you already have a friend at Hogwarts,” Sirius reminded him. 

Hydrus nodded against his dad’s chest but still refused to let go. It wasn't until the growing crowd started getting too close to their private little bubble that they parted.

“You should go,” Hydrus said. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Sirius promised, kissing Hydrus on the forehead before pushing him toward the train. “Don't do anything I would do.”

Hydrus chuckled and reluctantly climbed onto the train. By the time he made it to his compartment Sirius had disappeared. 

An hour later the Hogwarts Express was racing away from London. Not many students were sitting at the back of the train so Hydrus resigned himself to a lonely trip until he heard voices and a face appeared at the window. A face he recognized. 

“I hoped we would find you somewhere,” Ginny said as she slid the door open. “Do you mind if we join you?”

“Come on in,” Hydrus replied. Ginny bounced to the seat across from him with a sweet smile followed by Fred and George who flopped down beside her. 

“This is a good look on you…” Fred said, gesturing to his washed out black jeans and dark purple sweater.

“... Not that stripes weren’t flattering.” George added with a cheeky grin. 

Behind the Weasleys came a boy with earthy brown hair and a round face. He carried a small potted cactus with purple pustules growing on it. 

“This is Neville,” Ginny introduced. “He's a third year Gryffindor.”

Neville waved shyly and sat by the door, leaving room on the bench for the last person. Hydrus had felt her magic the moment the doors opened. It was warm like sunbeams and brushed over his skin like long grass or dandelion fluff. She had white-blonde hair and big bright blue eyes. She wore an odd combination of pinstriped orange pants and a brown poncho. There looked to be small radishes hanging from her ears. 

“And this is Luna. Third year Ravenclaw,” Ginny said. Luna drifted over to Hydrus and sat much closer to him than would normally be polite but Hydrus didn't mind in the slightest. 

“The wrackspurts really like you,” she told him dreamily. 

“Makes sense,” Hydrus admitted. “It's been a while since I’ve met new people. Once I get to know you I'm sure they'll go away.”

Luna smiled at him before turning her attention to fidgeting with a colorful toy in her lap. 

“I've never seen anyone get a handle on Luna's oddities so fast,” George said. 

“It would take a lot more than that to bother me,” Hydrus replied with a shrug. 

“It must be weird being out of Azkaban,” Fred sympathized. 

“You have no idea.”

“Well, I’m glad you're here,” Ginny assured him. “I never got a chance to thank you for saving me or to apologize for Percy and Ron’s behavior.”

“Don't worry about it,” Hydrus said, waving away her thanks and her apology. “I'm sure I’ll have to deal with worse comments this year.”

“Percy chilled out a little after the Prophet ran your story,” George revealed. 

“But Ron’s a prat,” Fred continued. “We tried our best to avoid him over the summer.”

“So, what year are you going into?” Ginny asked. “They're not making you have classes with the firsties right?”

“No, I tested at the proper level. I'll be a third year.”

“What electives are you taking?” Neville suddenly asked, ducking his head sheepishly when everyone except Luna turned to him. 

“Care of Magical Creatures, Runes and Divination,” Hydrus replied. 

“I’m taking Care and Divination too. Maybe we can work together,” Neville said hopefully only to immediately blush. 

“I'd like that Neville,” Hydrus assured him. 

They continued to chat as the countryside rushed past the window. Hydrus learned that Fred and George were Beaters on the Gryffindor Quidditch team and notorious pranksters. Ginny was the only Weasley girl and was very good at hexes and jinxes thanks to growing up with six brothers. When talk turned to core classes Hydrus admitted he was excited about Defense Against the Dark Arts but nervous about Potions. Brewing was almost impossible to learn without practice which he couldn't do in Azkaban. 

Neville was very passionate about Herbology. His normal nervousness completely disappeared as he talked about the greenhouses and all the wonderful plants that grew on the grounds. Something about Neville drew Hydrus in. Something in his magic that smelled of wet soil and was cool like morning dew. Whenever he really got going his magic reached out and wrapped around anyone nearby like vines. Neville didn't just have an interest in Herbology, he had a Gift and Hydrus really, really wanted to learn more. 

Hours later everyone was well acquainted and enjoying each other's company. Luna had been content to just exist amongst them and only made the occasional comment but just as they were wondering if they were nearing Hogwarts she suddenly perked up. Her eyes glazed over for a moment before she smiled and turned to her seatmate. 

“Hydrus,” she said in an amused voice.

“Yes Luna?”

“You have a stowaway.”

Hydrus frowned. 

“What do you mean?”

Someone out in the corridor screamed. It was followed by several more yells and people running past the compartment. Ginny opened the door and grabbed the arm of a girl with curly brown hair.

“Lavender, what’s happening?”

“There's a dementor on the train!” she replied in a panic before wrenching her arm away and continuing to flee.

“Fuck!” Hydrus swore. He dove out of the compartment, fighting against the flow of people that were starting to crush as the crowd reached the end of the train. 

He heard her before he saw her. She was calling for him and becoming more frantic the longer she couldn’t find him judging by the increasingly thick film of frost following in her wake. She floated at chest height but was only as tall as a toddler. She hadn’t grown into her cloak yet so it trailed behind her, the sleeves flopping over the ends of her tiny hands. 

Hydrus had just opened his mouth when a man wearing beige trousers and a knit cardigan full of snags stepped out of one of the compartments. He raised his wand but Hydrus quickly pushed it down. The Patronus burst apart against the floor leaving only a puff of silvery fog.

“Don’t!” Hydrus yelled. “A Patronus can kill a juvenile dementor!”

“What are you talking about? Let go!” the man shouted, trying to break free. His brown eyes flicked between Hydrus and the approaching dementor. He redoubled his efforts when she swooped toward them but Hydrus was stronger than he looked. Using one hand he held the man’s wand down and with the other he reached out and pulled the little dementor against his side. 

< What are you doing here? > he rasped, readjusting her so she sat comfortably on his hip.

< I missed you. When are you coming home? >

< Not for a long time, little one. I have school and the wizards don’t let people visit the Island very easily. >

< Can I come to school too? >

< You don’t really have a choice. It’s not like I can send you back right now. > 

She made a gurgling sound, the dementor equivalent of a giggle, and lay her hooded head on his shoulder. 

“What is happening?”

The man was staring at them, wand forgotten as he listened to a wixen boy have a conversation with a dementor. 

“I second that question…” George announced.

“...Third!” Fred added. Both twins raised their hands as if voting or waiting to be picked in class. The gang from the compartment had just arrived. They eyed the dementor but seemed curious rather than frightened. 

“Do they have a name?” Ginny asked.

Hydrus answered with a short rasp and a few rattles that no one understood. 

“Eurus,” Luna said confidently. “Her name is Eurus.”

“Eurus it is,” Hydrus agreed with no hesitation. 

“How are you able to speak to her?” the sandy haired man asked.

“Dementors speak a language called Morstongue. Like Parseltongue it can only be learned if you're willing to bond with a natural speaker.” 

“How did you manage—?”

“Professor Lupin? Is it safe?”

A girl with bushy hair and a tall redheaded boy, both wearing Gryffindor uniforms, peaked out of a nearby compartment. Hydrus recognized the boy as Ron and was amused to see that Ginny, Fred and George did not look happy to see their brother. He was just contemplating how easy it would be to rile Ron up simply by drawing attention to himself when the girl’s words registered.

“Lupin?” he asked excitedly, turning to the man. “As in Remus Lupin?” 

“That's me,” the man replied. “Do I know you?”

“I’m Hydrus Black.”

Remus’ eyes widened. 

“Your Sirius’ son?” he confirmed.

“Yeah, Uncle Moony, that's me.”

Remus’ chest tightened hearing Hydrus use that old nickname. After he read in the paper about Sirius’ false imprisonment and the son he had been forced to raise in Azkaban Remus desperately wanted to reach out but he wasn’t brave enough. He was ashamed that he ever thought Sirius capable of betraying Lily, James and Harry. Now, Sirius’ son stood before him. He had expected to see a carbon copy of his old friend but Hydrus had traits unique to him, or maybe his mother. He had black hair down to his shoulders that was curly and not wavy or effortlessly sleek as Sirius’ used to be. His face was a little softer than a Black’s usual sharp features and intense green eyes stared back at him rather than the expected gray. 

“You okay Moony?’ Hydrus asked quietly, concerned by the way his uncle seemed to not be breathing. Remus swallowed.

“I’m okay, Cub. I'm just happy to meet you.” he said with a smile. Hydrus beamed back at him. 

“Oi!” Ron shouted, reminding the pair that there were others in the corridor. “What happened to the dementor?” 

“She’s right here,” Hydrus replied, shifting so Eurus was visible playing with the strings of his hoodie. Ron screamed and jumped back while the bushy haired girl shrieked at Remus to ‘kill it’. Hydrus wrapped his arms around the little dementor protectively.

“She’s just a baby!” he shouted, looking at the girl with disgust. “Even if she was fully grown, why would you want to kill her?”

“Dementors are evil,” she insisted. “Everything I’ve read about them says they’re monsters that will suck out your soul if given the chance.”

Hydrus rolled his eyes.

“Everything you’ve read is wrong. Dementors only suck out souls in specific circumstances.”

“What do you know?” Ron sneered, “You’ve never even gone to primary school.”

“I was in Azkaban for twelve years,” Hydrus replied, “I think I know a thing or two about dementors.”

“Yeah Ronniekins. Don't be daft…” George taunted.

“... You’re embarrassing yourself in front of your girlfriend,” Fred added.

Ron turned red and stammered out a weak defense which only encouraged the twins. While they argued Hydrus noticed that the bushy haired girl was looking him over like he was a nasty bug or a muddy smear on the ground.

“Are those real tattoos?” she asked, scrunching up her nose. 

“They are. Do you like them?” Hydrus replied sweetly as he tapped the rune under his left eye with a hand that had more runes tattooed between each knuckle. He fought not to snicker when she pursed her lips like she had swallowed a lemon.

“They’re ghastly!” she cried. “That has to be against the dress code. I’m sure I can find a spell to remove them.”

“Leave him alone, Hermione,” Ginny scolded. “I think he looks cool.”

“He looks like a delinquent,” Hermione argued.

“I am a delinquent,” Hydrus pointed out, fighting down a shit eating grin. It was way too much fun messing with these two. They were so easy to wind up. Neville and Luna seemed to be enjoying it as well. Neville barely managed to hide his laugh behind a cough while Luna giggled wildly which caught Ron’s attention. 

“Shut up Loony!” he snapped. “You have no right to laugh when everyone knows you're balmy. Do us a favor and wander into the lake.”

Hydrus stiffened, his face falling into a mask of barely contained rage. He could feel his magic swirling inside him like a hurricane. It took more self control that he thought he possessed not to create an aura that would make the redhead cower and whimper and wish he was never born. 

“Alright! That's enough!” Remus shouted. He had been standing back, enjoying the fact that Hydrus had inherited Sirius’ ability to perfectly push someone's buttons, but this was getting out of hand. His long-lost nephew looked like he wanted to murder someone. “We're almost in Hogsmeade. You should get changed.”

Hydrus was more than happy to take his leave. He grabbed Luna’s hand as he passed, not willing to leave her anywhere near Ron. The blonde squeezed his fingers and allowed him to lead her back to their compartment. 

The group quickly put their uniforms on. Hydrus wore plain black robes since he hadn't been sorted yet. When they pulled into the station Neville, Luna, Ginny, Fred and George surrounded Hydrus, hiding Eurus from prying eyes as they made their way to the carriages. They chose one near the back and Luna immediately went to stroke the thestral harnessed to it. 

“Luna? What are you doing?” Ginny asked. The Weasleys were watching her with fond amusement but Neville was eyeing the thestral apprehensively. Hydrus stepped forward to pat the creature's bony neck. It made a solid thumping sound and the redheads jumped, their eyes widening.

“It’s a thestral,” Hydrus explained. “They can only be seen by people who’ve seen death. Everyone thinks they're bad omens but they're actually very calm and gentle.”

Luna grabbed Ginny’s wrist and slowly guided her hand to the thestral’s shoulder. Her breath hitched when she touched its leathery hide. Fred and George followed her lead, blindly finding the edge of its wing. Hydrus beckoned Neville toward its head. He seemed nervous as he studied its milky eyes and beak-like snout. 

“It's okay,” Hydrus soothed, scratching the thestral along the cheek. “Just rub his nose. I promise he won't hurt you.”

Neville took a deep breath and held it as he raised a shaky hand. He gasped softly when he made contact and the thestral nuzzled into his palm, begging for more pets. 

“There you go,” Hydrus praised. “He likes you. Can I ask how you can see them?”

“When I was young my grandfather died. He had been sick for a long time so he knew he was going. My grandmother and I sat with him,” Neville explained. “How are you able to see them?”

“I've always been able to,” Hydrus answered vaguely. 

“Come on boys. It's time to go,” Ginny called from inside the carriage. 

After a short ride through Hogsmeade and up a muddy laneway Hydrus got his first proper look at Hogwarts. The castle was breathtaking. Every window glowed and the front doors were opened wide to welcome her students back. 

Their group was one of the last to arrive so everyone wished Hydrus a quick good luck before rushing to join their houses. Hydrus waited in the empty entrance hall until a gaggle of first years appeared from the dungeons led by Hagrid. Sirius had spoken fondly of the groundskeeper and his obsession with all magical creatures. Hydrus was excited to meet him.

No one noticed Hydrus so he was able to quietly follow the younger students toward the Great Hall where a tall, serious looking woman in long dark green robes and a pointed hat stepped out to greet them.

“Firs’ years all accounted for Professor McGonagall,” Hagrid announced. Hydrus smiled. He hadn't had a chance to really enjoy meeting ‘good ol’ Minnie’ the last time he was here. 

“Thank you Hagrid,” McGonagall replied. The groundskeeper waved and went to take his place in the hall as McGonagall turned to the students. 

“Welcome to Hogwarts. In a few moments you will pass through these doors and join your classmates but before you can take your seats you must be sorted into your house. They are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. While you're here your house will be like your family. Your triumphs will earn you points, any rule breaking and you will lose points. At the end of the year the house with the most points is awarded the House Cup.” 

McGonagall finished her customary speech and scanned over the first years, noting excitement and nervousness in equal measure. She didn't notice Hydrus at the back, tucked away in the shadows cast by the torches. 

“The Sorting Ceremony will begin momentarily. Wait here until I return.”

She marched back into the Great Hall, leaving them alone. The younger students immediately started chattering amongst themselves. Several were wondering how they would be sorted, suggesting everything from a duel to rolling a magic die. Hydrus took the opportunity to really look at the entrance hall. The architecture was simple but grand with stone arches and subtle detailing that looked like tangled branches or Celtic knots around the various windows, alcoves and doors. 

Hydrus was studying the massive wooden tresses holding up the roof when someone suddenly screamed. He looked around for the cause, expecting to see the Hogwarts ghosts, but the first years were all looking at him and Eurus. Hydrus sighed loudly. He was getting really sick of explaining dementors to everyone. 

“This Is Eurus,” he said, hoisting the dementor higher on his hip. “Yes, she is a dementor. No, she won't hurt you. Any other questions?” 

“Why do you have a dementor?”

“She likes me and I like her.”

“What if she gets hungry?”

“Then she’ll eat.”

“What’s a dementor?”

Hydrus glanced down at a small girl standing much closer to him than most of the others. If she hadn’t heard of dementors she was probably muggleborn. 

“Dementors are magical creatures. Eurus is only a child but fully grown dementors are the size of a man. People don't like them because they look scary and feed on emotions but they're actually very intelligent.”

“Can she speak?” someone else asked, likely another muggleborn. 

<Say hello little one,> Hydrus rasped, waving his hand as a demonstration. 

<Hello,> Eurus said, copying Hydrus' wave. 

“You can speak to dementors!?” someone shouted. They were a half-blood or pureblood judging by their incredulousness.

“It's called Morstongue. Not many wizards can speak it.”

“Can I hold her?” asked the same muggleborn girl as before. 

“That's not a good idea but you can shake her hand if you're gentle.”

The girl nodded enthusiastically so Hydrus told Eurus to hold out her arm. Her sleeves covered her hands but the girl didn’t mind.

“Hi Eurus. Nice to meet you.”

Hydrus translated the greeting and told the girl that Eurus said it was nice to meet her too. The interaction seemed to break the tension. Students crowded around, asking so many questions he couldn't keep up. Thankfully, he was saved by the return of Professor McGonagall. Her eyes fell on Hydrus and Eurus and she clutched her chest in shock.

“Mr. Black! Is that a dementor?” she cried.

“That’s Eurus,” one of the first years told her. “She's very friendly.”

Several students nodded in agreement. A few waved at Eurus who automatically mimicked them. McGonagall seemed surprised before schooling her face again.

“This is highly irregular but not at all surprising,” she admitted. “I dare say you'll make a bigger splash than your father did.”

Hydrus grinned and could have sworn the corner of McGonagall’s mouth twitched. 

“Very well. Follow me then.”

The first years had to practically jog to keep up with the Deputy Headmistress' long strides. Hydrus took up the rear and kept his head held high even as his heart began to beat wildly. 

He thought he had gotten used to crowds after Sirius’ trial and their trip to Diagon Alley but this was way more people than he expected and everyone was staring. He hadn't wanted to draw too much attention but realistically he knew the whispers and stares were inevitable. Even without Eurus on his hip the Daily Prophet had been very diligent in reporting every detail of his and his dad’s situation. 

“When I call your name you will place the sorting hat on your head and be sorted into your houses,” McGonagall announced. “Appleby, Nathanial!”

Hydrus didn't pay much attention to the sorting. He was more focused on listening to the students who needed to learn how to whisper. 

“ Is that the Black kid? ”

“ I can't believe the Ministry sent a baby to Azkaban! ”

“ Can we trust him? I heard he was raised by Death Eaters .”

“ What's he holding? ”

“Black, Hydrus!”

Hydrus blinked and realized he was the last one left. He went up the steps and sat on the stool, transferring Eurus to his lap. The whispering picked up as people realized what she was but Hydrus was distracted by the old wizard hat slipping over his eyes. 

“Hello Hydrus. I've been waiting for you,” the hat said in his head. 

“Sorry I took so long.”

“Bah! No need to apologize. None can alter Fate though some may try. Hogwarts is on your side, young Master. She wants her halls full again.”

“I'll do my best.”

“I believe you. It's exactly why I'm placing you in SLYTHERIN!” 

There was some polite clapping and even more whispers as Hydrus made his way to the far right table. He bypassed the first years to sit with his yearmates who made space when he approached. As soon as he was settled, Dumbledore spoke.

“Welcome, welcome to another year at Hogwarts. We are very pleased to see all of you back and thrilled to add more brilliant minds to our esteemed houses. Without further ado, dinner is served.” 

The table was suddenly covered in mounds of food. There was anything Hydrus could ever want and it all smelled divine. Despite the way his stomach growled he only served himself a single leg of roast chicken and a scoop of mashed potatoes. He pulled a nutritional potion from his pocket and downed it. The dementors and Sirius had tried their best to keep him well fed but the meals the Ministry provided Azkaban prisoners were small and bland. Kreacher had put in a lot of work to get Hydrus and Sirius eating proper food again but neither could handle too much without feeling sick. 

Thankfully, Hydrus’ classmates were polite enough to leave him be while he ate and started conversations amongst themselves about their summers and plans for the new year. It wasn't until Hydrus was forced to give Eurus some chicken bones to play with when she kept trying to grab his fork that someone spoke to him. 

“I’m Blaise Zabini,” the dark skinned boy to his right said. “Heir to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Zabini.”

“Well met Heir Zabini. I'm Hydrus Black. I have yet to claim my heirship.”

“Understandable, I'm sure you've been quite busy since your release,” the boy with short, wavy brown hair assured him. “I’m Theodore Nott, Heir to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Nott.”

“I'm Daphne Greengrass, Heir of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Greengrass,” the girl with long blonde hair to his left cut in. 

“Pansy Parkinson, Heir to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Parkinson,” the girl with the straight back bob cut added. 

“And I'm Malfoy. Draco Malfoy. Heir to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Malfoy,” the last boy, the one with platinum blond hair, finished.

“Well met,” Hydrus said, completing the traditional greetings. “I'm pleased to meet you all, especially you, cousin.”

Draco raised an eyebrow but nodded his head in acknowledgment. 

“A pleasure to meet you as well, Black.”

“Please, call my Hydrus. My father holds your mother in high esteem. She’s his favorite cousin.”

“Really? Sirius Black favors my mother?”

Hydrus nodded.

“What about my father?”

“Not a fan,” Hydrus said dismissively, taking a sip of juice while watching Malfoy over the rim of the cup. The blonde’s pureblood mask stayed firmly in place but Hydrus had a feeling he’d just won points with the Malfoy Heir. Very interesting. 

“And who's your friend?” Greengrass asked. “Are they the little troublemaker that caused such a commotion on the train?”

“This is Eurus. Apparently she couldn’t stand Azkaban without me and followed.”

“How did she get on the train?” Zabini inquired. Hydrus frowned.

<How did you get on the train?> he asked Eurus. 

<Mother took me to one of the Muggle hives. I got on when the loud snake slowed down.>

Hydrus chuckled and gave her a couple more bones that she rattled happily. 

“Sounds like I'm on permanent babysitting duty,” Hydrus informed his housemates. “Her mother put her on the train when it slowed outside Edinburgh.”

“Why would her mother do that?” Parkinson asked.

“Her mother is kind of mine too. Dementors are much more social than wix give them credit for. She's the one that made sure my dad had everything he needed to take care of me. As I got older she taught me Morstongue and some of their magics.” 

The Slytherins were now gaping at him in a very inelegant way. Hydrus found it oddly endearing.

“You need to write a book on dementors,” Nott decided. “To set the record straight.”

“Maybe I will,” Hydrus agreed, grinning at the boy. 

“Okay, I have to ask,” Malfoy spoke up. “Is she not hungry?”

Hydrus looked down just in time to stop Eurus from shoving the chicken bone into her hood and probably her mouth. 

“She’s eating right now,” he revealed. 

“How? I thought dementors ate happiness? I don't feel any different,” Zabini said. 

“Dementors eat emotions. It doesn't matter what kind but as dark creatures they find negative emotions more filling. People assume they feel scared and depressed around dementors because they've eaten all your happiness but that's not correct. Dementors can create auras to encourage you to feel whatever emotion they happen to be craving so they can feed off it.”

“What is Eurus eating right now?” Nott asked. 

“Anxiety. I have plenty at the moment.”

“What do you have to be anxious about?”

Hydrus scoffed.

“Classes, being out in the world for the first time, Dumbledore poking at my occlumency shields, I could go on.”

Being responsible for his dementor pseudo-sister in a castle full of spell happy students, the potions professor studying him like he’s a puzzle, the nasty looks from the Gryffindor table, particularly around Ron and Hermione.

“Is Dumbledore seriously using Legilimency on you?” Pansy asked. 

“Incessantly. Don't worry though. I learned from the best.”

His yearmates knew better than to ask who taught him but Malfoy eyed him curiously. There was no one more versed in mind magic than a Black and no Black outside Narcissa Malfoy more skilled than Bellatrix Lestrange. 

Soon the conversation turned to school. Hydrus learned he would be sharing Care of Magical Creatures with Malfoy, Nott and Parkinson and Runes with Zabini, Greengrass and Nott. Greengrass and Parkinson were also taking Divination but Hydrus expected he would be skiving off that class. 

Before they knew it the desserts disappeared and Dumbledore made a few announcements including that magic was banned in the halls and that the Forbidden Forest was, in fact, forbidden. He then introduced Remus as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and Hagrid as the Care of Magical Creatures professor. There was some polite applause before the students were finally released to head for the dorms. Hydrus followed his yearmates into the dungeons only to be stopped just outside the entrance by Professor Snape. 

“Wait in the common room,” he ordered the rest of the third years. “I need to speak to Mr. Black.”

Once they were alone the pair stood in silence, each looking the other over. Snape seemed to still be forming his opinion on Hydrus. Sirius had been honest with him about his bullying tendencies in school and Hydrus knew the potion’s master and his dad hadn't gotten along. He hoped his professor wouldn't hold old grudges against him.

Eventually, Snape’s dark eyes landed on Eurus. 

“When can you send it back to Azkaban?” He asked. 

“Never,” Hydrus replied firmly. “She has been placed in my care.”

Snape frowned.

“Would you say her attachment to you is similar to a familiar bond?” he pressed. 

“You could say that, sir,” Hydrus acquiesced. He recognized an attempt to help when he saw it. 

“I'll discuss it with Dumbledore. You know how to produce a Patronus Charm?” Snape asked. Hydrus nodded. “Good. Do not allow her in populated areas without you. The Slytherin common room may become the exception once your housemates get used to her.”

“She may occasionally explore the Forbidden Forest to feed or visit the thestrals,” Hydrus said. “Will that be a problem?”

“As long as she's not out when students may stumble on her I don't see why not.”

“Understood,” Hydrus agreed. 

“Go join the rest of the Slytherins. I'll be there in a moment.”

Hydrus took his leave, stepping through the portrait hole to find the entirety of Slytherin House gathered in the common room. The first years were sitting on the chairs and couch closest to the fire while the older years had found space elsewhere. Hydrus spotted Malfoy, Zabini, Greengrass, Parkinson and Nott around one of the tables and joined them. Professor Snape entered less than a minute later. 

“I am Professor Snape, potions master and your Head of House,” he stated, pacing in front of the fire. “You have been sorted into Slytherin, the house of the ambitious, resourceful and cunning. Within these walls we strive for greatness but you will not often find acceptance in students from other houses. Those outside Slytherin see us as schemers and cheats which is what makes what I am about to say so important. 

“Protect each other. I do not care if you are mortal enemies, outside this room you are allies. We must present a united front. Any inter-house disagreements are to be handled in private. Failure to do so will result in punishment. 

“Other students will attack or insult you. I do not expect you to take it lying down. Retaliation to fit the crime is encouraged but do not get caught. If you get caught I will not save you from whatever punishment you get for breaking school rules and will add my own punishment for breaking house rules. Am I understood?”

“Yes Professor!”

“Good. Prefects, please show the first years to their dormitory. Curfew for first and second years is nine o’clock. Third to fifth years can stay up until ten. For anyone else it is eleven. I expect you in the Great Hall for breakfast at seven sharp to collect your schedules. Good night.”

As Snape marched out of the dorms, his cloak billowing dramatically behind him, the prefects started calling for the first years to follow them to their new rooms. The older years started to do the same. It wasn’t very late but everyone was tired from traveling and stuffed from dinner so the common room emptied quickly.

Hydrus was shown to the third year dormitory. They had their own common room with a hall to the right for the girls and a hall to the left for the boys. Each hall had a bathroom at the end. Hydrus’ room was next to the bathroom, having been added the moment he was sorted. Inside was a four-poster bed, a side table, a wardrobe and a desk with a chair. Hydrus’ trunk was already at the foot of the bed. Everything was colored gray, silver and deep emerald green with the wood being a rich, dark walnut. The stone walls reminded him of his cell. He loved it. 

“I advise waking up early,” Zabini said with a grin. “If Draco gets to the bathroom first you'll never make it to class on time.”

Malfoy smacked Zabini upside the head. Hydrus was pleasantly surprised by how relaxed they were in the dorms, away from the prying eyes of the rest of the school. 

“Thanks for the warning,” Hydrus laughed. The pair said good night and left him to change and fall into bed. Eurus explored the room briefly but soon found a dark corner to float in for the night. 

<Good night little one. See you in the morning,> Hydrus yawned before promptly drifting off to sleep.