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Chapter Text

“BEWARE THE ENEMIES OF THE SLYTHERIN HEIR; THE CHAMBERS OF SECRETS HAS BEEN OPENED.”

The daunting words glower over Harry and his friends as they look at the written warning over the wall. Mrs.Norris lifeless stoned furry body was suspended mid air eerily and of-bloody-course, it’s just Harry’s luck that trouble has found him again. The rest of the school filtered out of the Great Hall after the Halloween dinner, hearing the ruckus down the dungeons.

Suffocating. He needs to get out of here. Everyone was looking at the three of them and Filch’s malicious accusations weren’t helping. The professors looked troubled but otherwise suspicious of him and his friends regardless. Hermione gripped Harry’s arm tightly when she realized her friend was hunching over himself. Ron looked ready to bolt if he weren’t angrily huffing at everyone.

Was it the voice? Was he just hearing things?  Harry wasn’t so sure. Ron and Hermione said they didn’t hear anything or anyone saying “Rip…Tear..Kill…”

The professors reconvene in the DADA classroom where Gilderoy Lockhart, in all his fraud stupidity, is blabbering about if only he was there he could've saved the cat. ‘Bollocks’, Ron muttered low enough for his friends to hear. Harry would’ve laughed if it was an appropriate time. Professors of Hogwarts are there along with Dumbledore and Filch. A shaking Harry is sandwiched between Hermione and Ron as he's interrogated about the chamber of secrets opening and Mrs.Norris.

Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts, a wise old man with a silver beard and half moon spectacles, stood in the middle of the room, a look of deep concern etched upon his face.

"Enough of that, Mr.Filch" Dumbledore said, his voice firm but calm. The muttering of the professors stopped as everyone turned their attention to him. Filch stopped his yelling and glowering at Harry.

"This is a serious matter," Dumbledore continued, his eyes sweeping over the assembly. "One that requires calm and rational thinking."

Lockhart, still sporting his usual slick hair and gleaming teeth, was the first to speak up. "Of course, Headmaster," he said, his voice dripping with fake concern. "But we can't ignore the facts here, can we? A beloved pet has been petrified, and a very plausible suspect has just been found in the vicinity. Aah but if only I'd been there to see Mrs.Norris early, yes, I could've saved the poor cat."

Professor Snape rolled his eyes and sneered beside Professor Sprout and Flitwick. Sinistra and Burbage wisely looked elsewhere, having more patience to not scowl at Lockhart. Professor McGonagall’s lips thinned out in displeasure and exasperation. The yellow looking abomination of a fraud DADA professor couldn’t have done anything to save a mere flobberworm if his life depended on it. 

"Mr.Potter, Ms.Granger, and Mr.Weasley, where were you before you found the cat?", The Scottish Transfiguration Mistress McGonagall asks curiously. The Golden trio looks at each other. In a deep breath, Hermione speaks for her friends "We were just passing by, Professor! Harry didn't do anything."

"Indeed, he did not. Filch, such a thing cannot be done by a twelve year old. I believe in your innocence, young ones", Dumbledore raises a hand before Filch could cry murderer at the poor boy. He was peering over the cat’s body, successfully examining the state of the poor cat.

"If I may, it is unwise to accuse the students of what happened to the cat. Though... quite a coincidence, is it not? Where were you three during the feast?" , the dour Potions Master Snape raised an eyebrow at the kids.

"W-we came f-from Sir Nicholas Death Day Party, Sir.", Ron answers.

“Indeed? And pray tell why is it that the three of you forgo a holiday feast for a ghost party?”

Young Harry looks down, still shaken from hearing voices in the walls that's vindictive. The timing as they found the cat was too huge. "I d-didnt w-w-want to go to the feast, sir. I-it was my parents d-death anniversary you see. And we went to the ghost Death Day Party instead because Sir Nicholas invited Luna Lovegood and we all went with her instead."

There was a shocked silence in the room at Harry's revelation. Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, and the other teachers looked at him with surprise and sympathy. Well, it is a valid reason. Though it does not explain everything.

Sprout clears up her throat and took a more gentle approach in interrogating the trio. “Is it by chance that you three were just in the corridors, dear? You did not see anyone suspicious who may have petrified the cat?”

“We did not, Professor. We took a long route back to the tower after the ghost death day party. We were…err.. Harry wasn't in the mood to go back to the tower yet. We didn’t think we’d see the cat like that.”, the ever loyal redhead answered instead in defense of his friend. The two other lions can tell Harry was drowned in anxiety after Filch just screamed accusations at him immediately out of everyone in the corridor. 

"Is that true, Mr. Potter?" asked Dumbledore gently. The scrawny green-eyed lion nodded, his hands wringing his robe sleeves. Hermione bristled slightly at the professors singling their friend out. Filch looked unconvinced, his beady eyes narrowing.

Suddenly, the double doors of the DADA classroom bursted open and a man arrived unceremoniously. A man who seems to be around his late teen's or perhaps early 20s. For a second, the Professors thought the ghost of James Potter had risen from the grave as the man looked like his replica. Only, he has green eyes as vivid as Lily Evans with James Potter's messy hair. Curious though, he bears a forehead lightning bolt scar like young Harry, and scars littered on the skin that barely shows with his high-necked inner suit and long robes. He sauntered over them in the most intimidating, thundering magical aura around him. A what they can say, the grown up version of the 12 years old Harry Potter right now. He was wearing dragonhide boots, dark green waistcoat and dragonhide slick black trousers with silver accents ladened on the stitching. He pairs his fit with a long double breasted leather coat, the crests of Potter, Black, Peverell and Slytherin at the breast pocket. 

"The cat is merely petrified. The kids had no involvement in this matter.", He simply said without preamble as he burst in with an intimidating green eyed glare and a stance of a powerful seasoned soldier.

The teachers' jaws literally dropped at the sight of the man who entered the room. They couldn't help but stare in shock at this person who resembled James Potter but had the same lightning scar as Harry. Filch, seeing the resemblance too, was stunned for a moment before letting out a scoff. "And who are you?!", he demanded. The golden trio was taken aback for a second at the vitriol and guts of the caretaker.

The man's gaze flicked to Filch and he stepped forward, his stride confident and authoritative. His piercing green eyes fixed on the caretaker with a steely glare.

"Someone who knows what he’s talking about," he said firmly, his voice calm but carrying a tone of authority. "And someone who doesn't put up with baseless accusations against children." The teachers exchanged glances, unsure of what to make of this mysterious stranger who seemed to know more than they did. 

“Where did he come from?”, a tiny squeak from Flitwick. Great question Professor, Harry thinks. Who the bloody hell is this man who looks like his dad.

The professors, Headmaster, caretaker, and Young Harry, Hermione and Ron can only stare at the grown up version of…. Harry? They don't know where he came from, they don't know why he's like grown up Harry Potter, and they don't know how to react.

Silence descended over the room like a thick fog. The teachers and staff exchanged perplexed glances, unable to comprehend the situation unfolding before them. Young Harry, Hermione, and Ron were utterly bewildered, their eyes darting between the grown-up Harry and the professors. It was young Harry who broke the silence.

Harry: "You look like me! Only older!" 

Adorable. 

Grown up Harry smiled and put himself as a barrier between the professors and the kids. Grown up Harry smiled down at the mini version of his best friends, acting like protectors on both sides of Young him. He kneels to Harry and brushes his hair away from his forehead. He knows the younger him would flinch and get wary, but also knew he'd be happy to receive such affection. Merlin knows he never had it growing up.

“That I do.”

Little Harry's eyes widened in both surprise and awe as this grown-up man, whom he can say is his older self, knelt before him. He was struck by the uncanny resemblance and the feeling of familiarity as the older Harry brushed the hair away from his forehead. The teachers, still bewildered by the situation, watched the exchange with a mixture of curiosity and caution. They could see the protective stance the older Harry had taken and the affectionate gesture toward his younger counterpart.

Grown Up Harry merely grins and pat younger him's tiny fluffy head. Huh, when did he start hair care again? This 12 year old still looks like he does not know what a hairbrush is. He stood up again and faced the professors. His face went from soft to absolutely intimidating. His aura and magical presence had made even Dumbledore and Snape quiver, as it rivals even of Voldemort. He doesn't scream danger, but he definitely seems formidable and scary. They may have many questions, but it was clear this is a man they cannot underestimate.

"Cornering and accusing three students, minors at that, without any preamble is unprofessional, Professors. Neither is allowing Filch to accuse young Harry of doing such a thing. Disappointing. The cat isn't dead, it's merely petrified. Has anyone stopped to think how traumatizing it also was for them to see Mrs.Norris like that, including the writing on the wall?”, it was abit acerbic, a bit bitey. But the man believes his words were necessary. Going by the chastised faces of some of the adults.

Before anyone can say more, the older Harry grabbed a vial inside his robes, raising it to show the professors. Specifically angling it for Snape to see, as he’s the potions master here. A steeled glare over the rest, he makes a show of dropping a few drops in the petrified cat’s mouth. The cat jumped to Filch immediately who gruffed gratefully but still bitterly.

"Mandrake restoration potion.", he simply notes.

The professors were caught off guard by the older Harry's commanding presence. Even Dumbledore and Snape, seasoned wizards that they were, couldn't help but feel intimidated by the aura he exuded. Hermione, Ron, and young Harry watched with wide eyes as the older Harry effortlessly took charge of the situation. At the mention of the Mandrake Restoration Potion, Snape's eyebrows rose in interest.

"And how, pray tell, did you come to possess such a potion?", the potions master murmurs with a raised eyebrow. A look typically used for rowdy students or dunderheads he intimidates.

Harry raised an eyebrow back at the Potions Master. If he was young Harry right now, he would've been nervous. But Harry's a time traveler who won a war, watched this man die, killed the same monster who killed Snape, and frankly had faced far more intimidating people. Harry simply smiled back with a wry challenging grin. The other professors curiously watched the interaction. Young Harry, Hermione and Ron however are in awe of him. The tiny students gaping obviously found him cool, which Harry honestly finds adorable. Did he really look that tiny at second year? 

"Why, Potion Master & Professor Lord Severus Tobias Snape-Prince, Mandrakes aren't that hard to acquire you know. Especially when you can brew them for restorative potions.”

The use of full titles and names of Snape made them raise their eyebrows. Snape specifically, because his Prince lordship was hardly a public information.

"The Chamber of Secrets has indeed been opened. A slytherin heir indeed does exist. As someone was.. Or is currently being possessed by a shade of the previous, but already conquered Slytherin heir. Also known as Tom Riddle. But he is no longer the heir. Why? I shall not endeavor right now. None of you has the right to question me when I know how this year will go., nor I shall allow it to repeat. Hadrian “Harry” James Potter-Black from the year 2001, I had accidentally time traveled. Though if I shall go back to my timeline, is a question." 

The teachers, especially Snape and Dumbledore, were stunned into silence. They had so many questions but were rendered speechless by the older Harry's confident and matter-of-fact tone. Ron and Hermione's eyes widened in awe, completely smitten by the mature and powerful persona of Harry Potter. The younger Harry was about to open his mouth as he looked up on himself? His counterpart? He looked like he wanted to say something but wisely decided to keep silent for now because the older man still looks intimidating.

Dumbledore spoke up, his voice calm yet intriguing. "You said you accidentally traveled through time. How...?"

"Ehh, malfunctioning time turners, tricky things. I was on a mission a few days ago. Got thrown back here. Say... I'm what? 9? 10 years from the future? We were on a hit mission in knockturn alley and someone was reselling time turners illegally by scamming people. My timeline might be in shambles right now after losing their Head Auror, or the future might've dissolved already. Not sure."

He shrugged as if nothing’s amiss, and he’s already giving anecdotes of the future. The adults and the trio are all captivated by his authoritative yet nonchalant cool demeanor. He promptly turns to the young version of Hermione and with a stern stare, he wiggles a finger at her.

“No more time turners for your third year, young lady. My own Hermione mistakenly used them to take all electives as third year. I won't allow that to repeat again."

Young Hermione, despite her usual confident demeanor, felt startled at the stern tone of grown-up Harry as she gets warned against her future decision to use a Time Turner. The teachers, meanwhile, exchanged bewildered glances. Even Dumbledore seemed taken aback by the casual way grown-up Harry spoke about his accidental time travel and the mention of the Chamber of Secrets being opened.

Ron, still starstruck, couldn't help but blurt out,"Wait, you're an Auror in the future?!"

Grown-up Harry turned to Ron with a nod, a hint of pride in his eyes. "I am, indeed. Head Auror, to be precise."

Young Harry and Ron's eyes widened even further. The Golden Trio couldn't believe what they were hearing. Grown-up Harry, the older version, was the Head Auror. The professors watched on, their initial surprise morphing into fascination.

"Head Auror, at such a young age?", a surprised Dumbledore murmurs. Grown Up Harry twirls back to raise an intimidating eyebrow at the Headmaster and the professors. He waved off dismissively to deflect. 

“Special case. It was offered when I was 17 immediately after killing the dark lord in a war. But huh... good to see you alive, Headmaster.”

Everyone's eyes bulge at the indication that in grown up Harry's future, Dumbledore had died already in a few years. Also, everyone, the Golden trio, McGonagall, Snape, Flitwick, Pomona, Lockhart, Sinistra gasps at his admission of killing Voldemort at 17. And a second war?! Severus Snape was at the back looking up on the ceiling, ready to retire to Australia at the confirmation there was a second war. 

A deathly silence fell over the room as the professors, and the future Golden Trio, absorbed the gravity of Grown Up Harry's words. Dumbledore's already pale face became even more so, while Snape's expression darkened. Even McGonagall's usually stern demeanor was overtaken by surprise, and Lockhart, for once, was speechless.

After a tense moment, McGonagall found her voice, "Did...did you say you killed the dark lord…? At seventeen?!"

Grown Up Harry gives her the iconic James Potter signature grin and nods proudly. He bows playfully and takes the hand of his Head of House, kissing her knuckles like a gentleman.

"Indeed... However, it’s good to see you younger and healthy, Professor. My, you’re still glowing as ever even in the future."

McGonagall, usually stern and strict, found herself smiling slightly at the unexpected gesture. She was taken aback by the maturity and chivalry of the older Harry. 

"Hmph, stop deflecting Mr.Potter, though you... You certainly have the manners of your father, Mr. Potter."

The rest of the teachers, still trying to comprehend the enormity of Grown Up Harry's statements, exchanged glances. Snape was the next to break the silence, his tone sharp.

"And the arrogance."

"Ahh, I forgot how dour and bitter you were in my younger years, Professor. I'm glad to see you alive too."

The time traveler merely grins. Knowing the true allegiance already of Snape in his own timeline and his duties. He playfully tips an invisible hat on his head and bowed at the man whose eyebrows shoot high in his forehead. Younger version of him look at him gobsmacked as if he's mad for being like this to his least favorite professor. Ron squeaked in horror and Hermione was also confused.

Snape, for the first time, looked almost dumbfounded by grown up Harry's attitude. Normally, he would've retorted with a scathing remark, but the way Harry carried himself with such confidence and nonchalance left him speechless. Even more strange, there was a hint of affection in the time traveler's eyes. It was as if he knew something Snape himself was unaware of.

McGonagall, unable to maintain her stern demeanor, let out a small chuckle. "It seems you've become more cheeky in your time."

Young Harry, Ron, and Hermione watched this exchange, mouths agape. Young Harry, in particular, couldn't believe his older self was speaking to Snape like that. He had never seen anyone talk to the dour Potions Master in such a casual manner before.

Dumbledore, still visibly stunned but also somewhat entertained, couldn't help but smile at the scene. "I must say, Mr. Potter, you do have a knack for subverting expectations."

 "A family trait, Headmaster. My father was good at it too.", Harry turned to Dumbledore, a sly smile on his face.

Young Hermione, unable to hold her curiosity in, suddenly blurted out a question. "But...if you're from the future, why are you here and crossing paths with our Harry? Wouldn’t you create a paradox? Isnt it dangerous to have an interference with the timeline, Sir?"

Ron and young Harry looked curious at this as well. The professors too, were silently waiting for a response. Though the twelve year old Potter scion was more weirded out that Hermione called the older him Sir, and well, everything about the time traveler. Joking with Snape, being casually cheeky with Mcgonagall and all that.

Grown up Harry looks down on the younger version of his bestfriend. He couldn't help but giggle at the adorable mini version of Hermione. He leans down abit without bending his knees, left hand on his pocket and the right smoothing down her frizzy hair. "Oh you're adorable! I never realized Mione was this small."

Young Hermione blushed a little as older Harry leaned down to her level, fixing her frizzy hair. Everyone couldn't help but be amused at the sight. McGonagall hid a small smile, and Dumbledore chuckled softly.

"Hey, don't talk to her like she's some kid! She's the smartest of all of us, even in our year.", tiny Ron chimed in.

Grown up Harry just did the same to little Ron however. The younger version of his other bestfriend is also adorable. He ruffled young Ron's hair too with a grin.

"Of course she is! My Hermione of the future is now taking up the Ministry by a storm you know. And grown up you also became an Auror.... oh you're actually adorable.... all three of you are... huh, were we this tiny in my second year?”, the time traveler grins as he pat all three kids fondly. 

“Cute." 

Young Harry, Ron, and Hermione giggled at older Harry's playfulness. The professors couldn't help but watch on, amused by the sight of the older man behaving like a doting older sibling or even a father figure. 

“We’re not tiny, you’re just tall!”, the younger Harry huffed. Sensitive about his height. “Oh sure mate, let’s leave it at that.”, the older one teased.

"Face it mate, you are tiny among first year boys. Though, I bet I will grow more than you in the future! I'll be bigger!",Ron teased his friend, declaring playfully.

Hermione rolled her eyes, a small smile on her face. "Boys don't grow much after they turn sixteen, Ron. Harry can still catch up.”

“You three can grow as tall as you want, just be good children and take afternoon naps.”, grown up Harry winks at the mini versions of the golden trio. Circe! Time travelling by accident is fun!

Dumbledore cleared his throat after a beat, though his eyes twinkled at the adorable interaction. The time traveler turned to the adults again and nodded at them.

"Now! Business! Mrs.Norris is revived, and these three kids need some dinner. The ghosts served spoiled food at the Death Day Party you know, and these mini trio still haven't eaten anything. So we don't get confused, you may refer to me as Lord Potter.... or Black... or Peverell  ... whatever you prefer. I typically go by Lord Potter. Professors Flitwick, Snape and Sprout? It's best if you calm down the other students about tonight’s fiasco. The Chambers of Secrets is very much real, mind. They surely have questions. It's best you explain the history before little me gets accused again he's the one petrifying students. As Mr.Argus Filch here has done.”-Harry glared at the caretaker who cowered- “My second year experience was shit, if you must know. Professor McGonagall? If you please summon Ginevra Weasley in the Headmaster's office in an hour? She's needed in this so I can handle the Chamber of Secrets you see. Tell her to bring the diary she's writing with, by force. It's a dangerous artifact. And she needs help from a healer. Stat. Headmaster, if you receive us in your office in an hour then I may endeavor to explain to your faculty how to deal with this business. Lockhart, do us a favor and retire to your chambers. You do not have any business in wasting our time as a haughty fraud. Mr.Filch... next time you accuse younger me of being a murderer, see to it you have evidence.”

He effortlessly commands everyone and for some reason, the respect he commands even while threatening Filch, makes everyone feel compelled to follow his instructions. “Now, I shall bring these kids to the kitchen to get them the dinner they need after being interrogated with no evidence. That's all." 

The professors, including Dumbledore and Snape, were taken aback by Grown Up Harry's commanding presence. He'd just ordered them around like they were his subordinates. Even Snape seemed slightly intimidated. Flitwick and Sprout exchanged looks of bewilderment but nodded in agreement. Filch looked like he wanted to protest, but after an intimidating look from Grown Up Harry, he backed down.

The younger versions of Harry, Ron, and Hermione were staring at Grown Up Harry with wide eyes. They couldn't believe how confident and authoritative he seemed.

Dumbledore, still looking impressed, nodded at Grown Up Harry's instructions. The professors and other staff members quickly started to disperse, each one heading off to fulfill their assigned tasks. Lockhart shot Grown Up Harry a nervous glance, while Filch huffed and stomped out.

Young Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked on in awe. They couldn't believe how Grown Up Harry had taken charge of the situation and how everyone had immediately deferred to him.

Grown Up Harry turned to the trio with a much friendlier warm smile and guided them out by their shoulders.

"You may call me Hadrian, that's actually Harry's real name in legal records. Questions later, food first. Cmon, I'll show you guys how to get in the kitchens."

Ahh, yes. Impossible mysteries later, food first.

Chapter Text

Traversing through the halls was a bit of an awkward silence. Mainly due to the trio following Hadrian out of the room, still reeling from everything that had just happened. Young Harry couldn't help but glance at the older version of himself with a mixture of fascination and confusion.

Once they were out of the teachers' earshot, and nosy portraits (it was Eleanor of Aquitaine who’s book fell as she stared at them passing by), Ron spoke up. "Hadrian, huh? A bit of a pompous name, isn't it?"

The bushy haired brunette nudged the redhead and the raven haired boy looked up to Hadrian curiously. Yeah, what’s up with him introducing himself as Hadrian James Potter? Harry wondered if he had an entirely different legal name all this time. Though it wouldn't be surprising considering Aunt Petunia was only forced to tell Harry his name-Harry Potter when the teacher asked in grade school upon enrollment. He was 7, and even then he only knew who Lily Potter was at the age of 10, and got the name of James Potter at 11. 

Yet again, he questions his identity and name. 

"Well, Harry Potter is a very shortened name. Hadrian James Potter-Black is our legal name, befitting of a pureblood heir. Hadrian or Harry is a Potter family name. There are Henrys, Harolds, Harrison and Harry along the Potter bloodline. Hadrian was a name that was chosen by Harry’s grandmother, Euphemia.” Hadrian reveals, making the trio, especially younger Harry gape. He pats Harry's head as they walk along the corridors.

“What?” the younger Potter scion would have screeched in indignation if it weren’t for how hoarse his voice became. It was another moment of noteworthy etymology of his name, it feels like the fourth time he found another piece of himself just as he found out he’s Harry Potter at the age of six, and not boy or just the freak .

Hermione hums in surprise and fidget with her scarf, nudging her friend. “That’s a cool name.” Ron nodded as well though his face was a bit pinched at how pureblood and ponce Hadrian sounds. Like Malfoy or Nott’s first name.”That’s a pureblood name isn’t it? But Harry’s a halfblood.”

Secretly, Harry has the same thoughts. Though he doesn’t believe that halfbloods deserve less than orthodox names. Morgana knows that pureblood superiority has seeped in that deep, even in naming magical children.

“Well, it is a very fine secret that our- or Harry’s mom, Lily Evans wasn't actually a muggleborn. Her true heritage has only been uncovered just as Harry was born, via a Gringotts lineage test. A fact only known by their closest friends. She was only adopted by the Evans family, apparently at a muggle orphanage where Lilith Jane ended up. Named as such already. Hence why both of our parents named Harry like a true pureblood heir.” Hadrian gently explains. The little version of him has wide eyes that’s popping out of his head. Okay…that’s another revelation. Harry wonders if tonight will continue a trend of surprising him every minute.

Scratch that, he’d like to go back on the fact that he barely knows his own family heritage, please and thank you.

Young Harry was stunned into silence. Being a pure-blood was the last thing he expected. No, being an heir was far more startling. He knew his parents left him a trust vault and he’s the last Potter alive, or was, but being told he’s a pureblood heir is another.

Ron was just as shocked. "Wait, wait, wait! You're saying Lily Evans wasn't actually a muggleborn?" he exclaimed. Hermione blinked owlishly at the tall man, “So his mum has two magical parents all along? What bloodline is she from?”

“Nope, she’s as pure as Malfoys, or Bones, or Lovegood, or just like the Weasleys. Lily J Evans was, or used to be, Lilith Jane Selwyn. The Most Ancient and Noble House of Selwyn has died out, and I found that Mom’s biological parents gave birth to her in their old age. According to wizard genealogy updating books, they died around 1962 for unknown reasons. Likely dragonpox honestly. Not sure when she got adopted though.” Hadrian looked down on his younger version who’s hanging on to every word he says. Poor kid, he was deprived of his own heritage. Something considered as a dishonor to a magical child.

“It is why she’s the only redhead in the family you know, Petunia has brown hair and pale eyes, but Mom has green eyes. The Evans were all brunettes, while Selwyn were from Ireland and Britain.” 

‘Well, guess that answers my question from last year.’, Harry thinks. He came back from first year and realized sometime during summer that Aunt Petunia and his mom had little to no resemblance at all. Which is weird because it’s rather evident that green emerald eyes were a dominant trait from his mother.

"How come Harry's a Potter-Black then?" Ron scrunched his nose, peering up to the taller man.

Bless his friends for asking the questions he also have, Harry has too many in his head right now.

Hadrian smiles indulgently but chuckled abit sadly. "It's complicated but he carries the name of Black because he's legally the Heir of Black and was blood-adopted by his godfather."

"A what? I have what, Sir?" The raven haired boy blink multiple times. At this rate, his eyes will get sore today. He has a what now? And blood-adopted? The hell does that mean.

"Your godfather, is a very complicated person. But he's a Black and the Lord apparent right now. He named you his Heir, or us, when you were born and used a legal blood-adoption via a potion with your parent's permission. Blood-adoption means adding a parent, its as strong as being someone's biological child in our laws. The magical process is established via a potion and both the blood of the parent and child. Your godfather, who I'll tell you more about soon, didn't care about preserving a bloodline but you're the only kid as close as one would be for him. He made you his Heir also as a precaution during the war when the previous Lord died. Political stuff too. Not for your ears yet. They were really close friends with Dad, thus, your double legal surname. Mom never really had a title as a daughter of the Selwyn House because it was all a mess during the war, which is why you didn't inherit the Selwyn name. She never claimed anything especially as she never used it in public. Not that anybody knew aside from her close family."

Ohkayyyy, information overload. Harry just nodded and decided he'll ask questions another time.

“Heritage aside, we may establish that you all refer to me as Hadrian, as it is now the name I go by, and continue to call Harry likeso. To avoid confusion between us two.” The three kids bob their head obediently upon Hadrian’s suggestion. Even Ron and Hermione find it hard to differentiate Harry and Harry in their heads.

Hadrian chuckles gently, thankfully not patronizingly at Harry’s face. "I do have a plethora of family history for you, little me. Worry not, I will share in due time. Preferably a time where you do not have an empty stomach. I will be here for quite a long while. I'll teach you everything you must know, since I likely can't go back in time."

Young Hermione's mind was spinning as well. She was trying to process all the new information.

"What do you mean you can't go back in your future?" The girl was both curious and alarmed. For her, that’s a huge issue. And quite mind-boggling, her braincells already in overdrive ramming through calculations and what-ifs like an overheating motor. Though the time traveller had gone through Gringotts and Unspeakables already before coming here, smoothing out details and sorting through possibilities moving forward was a hassle and a half.

"Always the knowledge seeker are you, little Mione? " he smiles fondly. “Theoretically, going back in time is more common practice than going forward. You can intentionally time travel to the past, but it's a finicky thing and harder to travel back to the future. The past and future is determined by what's done and CAN be done. No dimension is absolute as it forwards in time. One witch was part of an Unspeakable experiment at 19 years old. She travelled 20 years backwards, but when she tried to go back to her future, she arrived nearly shrivelled up like a wilted cabbage with a disfigured body, due future travelling of years beyond her age. My future had likely ceased to exist the moment I arrived here because I only time travelled, not dimension travelled. Trust me, I checked at Gringotts and with Unspeakables as soon as I arrived." 

Hadrian hopes that’s comprehensive as it can be for tiny second years as he walks them down the halls. He ignores the stray students and prefects around the nearly deserted hallways, being curfew already. The trio's minds reeled at the explanation. Time travel was already complicated enough, but the idea of two-way time traveling added an extra layer of complication. They supposed it’s understandable, the Lord Potter-Black did say a malfunctioning time turner was the catalyst of his jump to the past.

Ron scratched his head, still trying to wrap his mind around the concept. "Wait, so are you saying your future is gone? Just like that?"

Young Hermione, always curious, piped up.

"But what about your family? Your friends? What happens to them now?"

"I'm staying here." He simply vaguely answer with a smile

The trio stared at him, completely dumbfounded. "Just like that? You're just... staying?" his miniature- ehem, little version asked. He’s really tiny, Hadrian can’t help but smile fondly.

This seemed too casual for something this big. The trio walked alongside Hadrian in stunned silence for a few moments, trying to wrap their heads around what he was saying.

"My timeline had likely ceased to exist. A casualty from accidental time travel. There may be methods to go back to that time if I reach out to the Unspeakables or tinker with certain artifacts and runes. However.... I have many more reasons to stay here, do I?"

He grins and looks pointedly at young Harry. His heart clenches at the anxious, tiny, and child version of him. Hadrian "Harry" James Potter-Black is going to stay. He already dealt with the papers at Gringotts three days ago and claimed lordships. Thankfully, this wasn't the goblins first rodeo with time travelers so there's already legalities in place. He's still Harry Potter but he's recognized as a time traveler and won't have to change his identity. The Head Auror merely has to sort out legalities and with an already matured magical signature and different wand, he’s good to go. Thanks to the oily horcrux no longer in his scar too. Apparently, that affects your magical signature.

Harry's eyes widened with realization, "Are you... Are you staying for... for me?"

Young Ron and Hermione caught on quickly, too. They looked at Hadrian with wide eyes, waiting for his response. The implications of Hadrian staying in the past because of Harry were enormous and emotional all at once. Hadrian smiled at Harry, feeling a mix of joy and determination.

"That's exactly why, kiddo. I'm staying for you. You'll have someone in your corner now. And I quite have a tall order of a history to change, and sacrifices to make so you’d be safe from..external harmful wizards" Hadrian cheekily winks. 

Harry's eyes brimmed with tears. Ron and Hermione looked touched by Hadrian's decision. The weight of it all sank in - Hadrian was going to change the past for the better. For him. For all of them.

Hadrian ruffled Harry's hair affectionately, a gesture that felt very fatherly. The boy couldn't help but lean into the touch, feeling safer and more cared for than he ever had before.

"You are not alone anymore, okay? Never again."

Harry nodded, his small shoulders trembling. He didn't trust himself to speak right now.

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Eventually, they arrived at the kitchens. The trio exchanged glances, wondering why Hadrian had brought them to a portrait of fruits.

"Why are we stopping at a painting of... fruit?"

Hadrian grins. "Come on all three of you, tickle this pear. Together"

The trio looked between Hadrian and the portrait, unsure of what to expect.

"Tickle... the pear?" the redhead freckled boy narrowed his eyes. It’s like any second he’s about to whisper to his best mates that this man may be barmy.

Even Hermione, known for her books' smart nature, seemed confused. Nevertheless, the trio stepped forward and each tentatively tickled the pear. The portrait of the fruit basket vibrates for a moment before morphing into a green door, a handle appearing. Hadrian grins wider. "Go on, open it."

Young Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked at the newly appeared door in awe and curiosity. Hadrian nudged them toward it, gesturing for them to open it.

Nervously, Harry, with all his gryffindorish bravado, reached for the handle and slowly turned it. The head auror couldn’t help but to stifle a chuckle. The kids looked so wary as if a blast-ended skrewt would surprise them beyond the wooden door. Finding the access to Hogwarts kitchens was like a rite of passage so he allowed them to experience the discovery.

As the door swung open, the trio's jaws dropped at the sight in front of them. It was filled with House-Elves, cooking stations, and the most delicious smells wafting through the air. It was a sight they had never seen before. Some of the creatures were sitting on some counters, folding tablecloths and napkins. The others cleaning up, and some looked lost on what else to work on. 

Hadrian chuckled at their astonished faces. A bunch of elves immediately hop over to them excitedly and Hadrian asks politely for certain dishes. Knowing from his own timeline what's the favorite dishes of this trio, since the elves just did a Halloween feast hours ago, he knew what to ask for. The elves guide them to sit down at a corner table. The three kids are all staring wide eyed at the elves and the huge kitchens that's the same size as the great hall above it. As he sat down, he chuckled at the astonishment of the Golden Trio. Oh staying in this past timeline will be so much fun for Harry-ehem Hadrian. They're all adorable, even mini-him.

The three received some absentminded head pats and it took everything in the man not to laugh at them melting under his palms. Kids are quite easy sometimes.

"Cool right? This is the Hogwarts kitchen. They're responsible for all the food served to the entire castle. This entire hall is literally beneath the Great Hall. What you see are creatures called House Elves. They're a type of fae-brownie and very powerful creatures. Every pureblood elite family has a few in their staff." 

The trio listened to Hadrian's explanation with wide eyes. They had no idea all this existed right beneath their very feet. It was incredible.

Hermione leaned forward, questions already on her tongue. Ever the curious one, she asked, "So these elves just... cook all the food for the entire school? Isn't that abit much?!”, she slowly starts gaping in horror. “They're servants?!"

Ron curiously looked at the muggleborn. “Who do you think cooked, cleaned and did all our laundry?”

“I dont know! Magic?!” She says indignantly. 

Hadrian held a hand up, wishing to explain to the younger Hermione what are elves. Who is undoubtedly spiraling if this is slavery or unpaid labor. In his own timeline, Hermione created a campaign called SPEW for house elfs freedom and welfare by their fifth year and it was well-meaning campaign, but an offensive one. Hadrian wish to explain to her about elves before she goes around about them being slaves.

"I know what they seem like to you, trust me, my Hermione was the same. However, Elven creatures are powerful and have magic beyond what wixen can do. They're a type of fae-brownie and typically worked as house servants. They cook, clean, do laundry, gardening, housekeeping and designing for the entire castle. Like I said, every pureblood elite family has about three to five of them as servants. Yes, they're servants. Yes, some elves may be treated inhumanely on occasion. No, they are not slaves. No, they are not paid. However, the house elves are nurturing domestic creatures by nature. They MUST be tied to a wizard, family or a magical property because it is a transactional bonding for their magic. If they do not have any family or wizards to serve, their magic deteriorates. They are given uniforms and the Noble House or wizards they serve provides them the place to sleep and eat at. Only formerly freed elves are paid if you hire them. There are some families who pay them handsomely, or hire one through a center. Though being paid was uncommon for them. But again, a bond between a wizard family and an elf is helpful for their magic. They have a council of their own like most creatures in the event that they're abused. They can be freed when given clothes by their Masters or Lord of the House."

The brunette calmed down and nodded along with his explanation. Hermione seemed to process that and felt better. Ron, though a pureblood, never had a house elf and doesn't know much about them either, so it’s also news to him. The smell of food in the kitchen entices his interest more though.  Harry, beside her, bit his lip as he remembered the house elf that showed up in Surrey. Is Dobby an elf? Does Hadrian know what family Dobby serves? 

“But a freed elf is considered a disgrace among their kind. They bond to a wizard or a family to live for a long time. You must treat them with respect regardless and interact with them should you wish to know more." Hadrian sternly adds on as he explains to the trio while they wait for the food.

Hermione listened intently. Her mind was working overtime as she soaked in all the information. She nodded in understanding as Hadrian described the nature of the house elves. "So, they're not slaves but rather... servants, with their own culture and rules. They need a wizard to bond with to maintain their magic. Interesting..."

Finally, two elves pop to their table and serve the food. One of them beams happily to the wizards, wearing a satin white tunic with a… banana leaf belt to her waist, the Hogwarts crest in the middle of it large and proud. Harry notes she looked far healthier and cleaner than the crazy house elf Dobby.

"You is right, Master Lord Slytherin! Master Hadrian is very understanding, very smart. Oh you is knowing about us elves many! I is Miffy, and this is Tipsy, we be happy to serve Master Lord Slytherin and the lions of scary cat professor. Please enjoy the meal."

“Ehh?! Slytherin?!” Both Harry and Ron shrieked.

“I knew it! One of the crests in your robes is slytherin, is it not, Sir?” Hermione beams as if she solved a puzzle, pointing on Hadrian’s long double-breasted dragonhide coat.

Hadrian blinks surprisingly at Miffy and Tipsy addressing him as such, though it’s anticipated considering they feel a wixen’s magical signature well and the school wards has recognized him too. Especially if he claimed Lordship of Slytherin already as a conqueror of Voldemort and granted honor by the Slytherin magic. He nods to the kids and grin at the two elves.

"Master Hadrian and Master Harry sir are the true slytherin heirs because they is defeaters of the last heir, we be feeling you as the honored heir of the house.”, the elf named Tippy explained as they set up the food and plates for them. Hermione turned to them politely and clarified when they agreed at Hadrian’s explanation earlier about house elfs.

“Hello! I’m Hermione Granger, nice to meet you! May I ask if what Lord Potter-Black said to us are all true? I have not met elves till now you see, I apologize.”, the Gryffindor girl politely asked. Hadrian nods in approval of her engaging with an actual elf and being polite, instead of assuming things by her own like she did back in his original timeline.

“I is Miffy, and this is Tipsy Mistress Granger. We is creatures of magic, but needs to be serving wizards for living. We is happy at Hogwarts and is being paid a galleon each a month. But not every elves are being paid by their Masters. Master Lord Slytherin was correct, he is very smart and knowing bout us. Now eat eat please! Little Masters need food! Ohhh too skinny and petite tiny Masters!"

Hermione ohh’s and ahh’s as she explained. The three gryffindors gave them their thanks and introduced themselves before diving to enjoy the late dinner. Hadrian looks at the two elves with glee, beaming as he's free to talk to them when the kids started to eat.

"Miffy! Tipsy! Oh you two are as adorable and happy as ever. Just Hadrian please, no need for all the titles. I'm a time traveler from the future, I used to be friends with you both,  you know. If I'm sneaking down here, you always look after me if I need food in my time. That, and some other elf. It's nice to see you two again!”

The trio were stunned at the exchange. Seeing the elves chatting so happily with Hadrian and treating him like an old friend was incredible. They were fascinated by the house elves so... enthusiastic and excited upon learning Hadrian was friends with them in his own time.

Both elves looked overjoyed and started fussing over the trio and Hadrian, making sure their plates were full and refilled as they ate. Their eyes darted to Hadrian occasionally, as if making sure he was pleased with them. Miffy and Tipsy's care and attention were so genuine that even Hermione felt touched by it. When the elves had left, she looked up at Hadrian.

"They genuinely care for you, don't they?"

The time traveler hummed and nodded as he drank coffee.

"They do, but it isn’t surprising. It’s easy to befriend them. The elves are alike to all creatures. But most of them are very kind, subservient and jolly. If they're treated right by their wizards, they're happy.”. Ron wrinkled his freckled nose when he peered at his cup full of black coffee. Harry was still working to clear ¾ of his plate which Hadrian himself piled up for him. 

“After this, you two must go back to the Gryffindor tower. Curfew has passed already. Harry, you're with me as the Headmaster office kid. I'll be discussing some things along with dealing with the whole Chamber of Secrets thing."

Young Harry, Young Ron and Young Hermione looked like they wanted to protest but one look from Hadrian had them finishing off the food quickly. It was quite a dad kind of look, and he’s still intimidating in their defense.

When they finished, they stood up, the elves quickly clearing the table. Young Harry looked up at Hadrian, nervousness in his eyes. "What sort of things will you be discussing with the Headmaster...?"

As they walk out of the kitchens, Hadrian explains abit. Knowing that this is himself, only younger, but nevertheless the same. He had always hated being in the dark and being talked to like a dumb child when he’s the sole kid who’s in the center of everything.

"I'm taking you in, of course. Guardianship. The chamber of secrets thing. Plotting forward. Future stuff. The whole lot. Don’t overthink about it kid, I can and I will take you away from Surrey. And the headmaster has no business in meddling with your placements. No more Dursleys for you. And I'm going to be taking you out of the castle this weekend to formally adopt you and get you shopping. Also the whole Chamber of Secrets matter thing is very much real. I'll tell you three about it once I've dealt with the threat. Now let's hope all the professors heed my instructions earlier, I'd like to get it done tonight. ”

‘Wha- but Dumbledore said the blo-”

Hadrian interrupts him with a soft snort. “Ha, I'd like to see the Headmaster and officials attempt to stop me. I'm you, you are me. Who else is equipped to take you in? We have quite the fortune, a vast amount of property, and I’m a four times Lord of Nobility. Don't worry about anything okay?"

Young Harry was awed by Hadrian's certainty. He never thought of the possibility of not having to go back to the Dursleys. He felt his heart leap in his chest.

"You... You're going to adopt me? Like... really?"

Hermione and Ron looked just as shocked and touched. Hadrian stopped walking to crouch to his mini-me's height. Holding his shoulders like an older brother or father figure even. 

"Promise, I vow on it, sprog. I know it seems like a dream and I know you're afraid to hope, but I've gone through everything you did. I'm you. I know your life, your past until this very day. Time travelling here in the past.... it means a chance to raise myself when no one did it for me."

Tears welled up in Harry's eyes. He never realized how much he longed for someone to care, until this older version of himself, a man he never knew he wanted or needed, showed up and offered him a chance for something better. It's like a dream and he was afraid he would wake up at any moment.

Hadrian's heart ached at the sight of young Harry's tears. He knew what the little wizard had gone through. He had lived it himself. He gently placed a hand on his mini-self's cheek, wiping away a tear.

"I know everything, kiddo. Every bad moment, every lonely day, every tear shed. All the pain you felt. I went through it all too. That's why I'm here to make it better."

The raven haired scion felt a sense of comfort and relief wash over him. It was an unbelievable feeling, to know that someone understood him so deeply. Someone who had been through everything he had. He threw his arms around Hadrian's neck, hugging him tightly.

"Thank you... Thank you so much..."

His friends watched the scene with misty eyes, touched by their conversation and the bond between the two Harrys. Ron especially looked delighted, having been the one who saved Harry from his awful muggles during the summer. They tried telling Mum and Dad, but they didn’t listen much on the account that they’re just kids. 

Hadrian wrapped his strong arms around the younger version of him tightly yet gently. He tucked his head in his neck and stood up to carry him. Caressing his hair lovingly, he vows he will make Harry’s life better.

Harry's heart felt like it was about to burst with emotion. He clung to Hadrian, burying his face in the older man's shoulder. No one had ever held him like this before, so protectively and lovingly. It was a feeling he craved for so long, and now it was finally being fulfilled. He couldn't help but let out a quiet sob. The older Potter felt a wave of protectiveness and love wash over him as he held the younger version of himself. He knew first hand how important it was to have someone who would hold you, protect you, and care for you. He held the younger Harry closer, cradling him. To the side, Young Ron and Young Hermione looked on, their throats tight with emotion.

Looking back at Mini Hermione and Ron with a gentle smile, Hadrian gently tells them, though it’s like an order. "I'll be there to escort him back to the tower myself after we're done at the headmaster's office. Go with a prefect, okay? He'll be safe with me."

He glances around for a prefect on patrol and whistles for their attention. He saw a Hufflepuff prefect and the time traveler hoped he got the surname right.

"Prefect Cavean, is it? Will you be a dear and escort Granger and Weasley back to Gryffindor tower? The professors are aware they're out of curfew. If you happen to pass by Professor McGonagall and she hasn't called up Ginny Weasley yet to the Headmaster’s office, do inform the youngest Weasley to be there with her diary specifically. Urgent matter. Thank you"

The Hufflepuff prefect, Prefect Cavean, nodded respectfully to Hadrian. "Of course, I'd be happy to escort Miss Granger and Mister Weasley back to their common room."

He gestured for Hermione and Ron to follow him. "Come on, let's go."

Ron and Hermione looked between Hadrian and the prefect. They looked hesitant to leave their friend, but a nod from Hadrian assured them it was okay.

Perhaps, the daunting adjustment period for NEWTs students has pushed the 6th year Hufflepuff to be this sleep deprived. Hadrian knew how tiring it is to be on patrol when you just want to sleep, he wasn't even registering that Harry Potter was in the arms of an older version of Harry Potter and barking orders at him. But oh well, small mercies. Hadrian doesn't have the time to explain nor allow rumors to spark before they get a chance to explain tomorrow.

Young Harry waves at his friends bye in assurance over Hadrian's shoulder since he turned around already. He's also not yet ready to go down older him's arms. He's embarassed to be this childish and emotional infront of his friends and a prefect, but the feeling of being held lovingly for the first time ever overrides it. There was comfort and security in an emotional moment and he wasn’t about to reject that.

Young Hermione and Ron looked back one last time, concern still lingering in their eyes. They waved back, watching as Hadrian started walking down the corridor.

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Hadrian glanced down at Harry in his arms, noting the younger wizard's content expression. He couldn't help but smile.

"You're surprisingly comfortable being carried like this for a first."

There was no judgement in his voice, just lighthearted teasing as he continued walking.

Young Harry grumbled a little, burying his face into Hadrian's shoulder with a hint of embarrassment.

Despite his protest, there was a small smile on his face. Being carried like this felt different and strangely nice. Hadrian laughs and bounces him in his arms. He goes beyond the tapestry at the back of the greathall to access the gargoyle statue that leads up to the Headmaster office.

"Don't be embarassed, kid. Not to me. You deserve all the hugs and kisses."

Young Harry pouted even as he was bounced playfully. Being called a kid should've annoyed him, but there was no malice when Hadrian said it. It was like being teased by a sibling. He couldn't help but let out a little laugh as they approached the gargoyle statue.

"I'm not a baby, you know... I can walk by myself." He protested half-heartedly, but made no move to be put down.

Hadrian just chuckled at Harry's protests. He knew the younger version of himself was just playing the role of the defiant kid. "Mhmm. Are you sure you can walk? Seems to me you're enjoying being carried."

He looked down at the boy, a cheeky smirk on his lips, and bounced him gently yet again. Harry grumbled incoherently once more against his shoulders.

Hadrian only chuckled and stopped at the Gargoyle Statue.

"Acid Pops. Lemon Pops…. No? ....Licorice wands…Pineapple Sugar Quills... Nope?.... Jelly slugs!"

He tries out passwords guessing until the gargoyle turned around to reveal a self-rising staircase

"Ha! Fifth try. Ready to go up, mini me?" 

Young Harry rolled his eyes at the failed password attempts but couldn't help being slightly impressed by Hadrian guessing it correctly. Hadrian seems abit silly but cool. "Took you long enough..." He grumbled, but there was a hint of playfulness in his voice. He braced himself, gripping onto Hadrian tighter.

They go up the moving staircase together. When they arrived upstairs before the double doors of the Headmaster office, Hadrian allowed Harry to be brought down. Harry felt weird having someone so paternal gently care for him. The older version of him smoothen down his robes, brush his hair from his face and rearrange his tie and glasses. Smartening him up as if its a normal routine for the time traveler.

Regardless of the heat in his cheeks, he allowed Hadrian to fuss over his appearance, feeling an unfamiliar sense of contentment and bashfulness. It was a stark contrast to the neglect and indifference he had experienced before. He couldn't help but soak it in, his heart swelling with a mixture of emotions.

"You're treating me like a child..." Harry protested, but there was no heat behind it. He secretly enjoyed the attention.

"A young Heir must hold themselves with grace and etiquette just as your nobility demands. You are the Heir of the most prominent Noble Houses in Britain. A status none of your classmates has achieved whether by birthright or honor. You don't know it yet, Harry, but you should always reflect the sophistication of your name already no matter the age. Just dont overdo it like Malfoy, yeah?"

Harry listened to Hadrian's words, a small frown of concentration on his face. He had never considered the importance of appearance and mannerisms before, but hearing it coming from his older self made it seem more important.

"Like Malfoy huh? Don't worry, I have no interest in acting like that ponce." He muttered with a small scoff of distaste, thinking of the pompous Draco Malfoy.

Hadrian chuckles and sweeps his hair to a direction before patting younger him’s shoulder. The man’s aura changed from open and soft, to completely imposing as he opened the doors. Inside, the Headmaster, all Four Head of Houses and Ginny Weasley are already there. Thankfully no Lockhart. They were talking and immediately ceased when both Potters arrived. Harry almost chuckled at older him’s cloak billowing like Snape often does.

Did he really become that dramatic when he got older?

"Good evening again, Professors. Apologies for making you wait, I had to make sure the kids were fed. I sent a prefect to escort the other two lions back to their dorms before coming here."

The professors nod in acknowledgment. Minerva McGonagall's gaze was sharp and calculating as she watched Hadrian and the younger version of Harry walk into the room. The other professors also watched the two young wizards intently, their expressions a mix of curiosity, concern, and wariness.

Ginny Weasley, sitting there, looked up at the newcomers. Her eyes widened briefly as she saw the young Harry Potter standing next to a man who looked exactly like an older version of her crush.

Dumbledore sat in a comfortable armchair with his fingers steepled, observing the two Harrys with a thoughtful expression. Finally breaking the silence, he spoke in a calm, measured tone.

"Ah, good evening. No worries, dear boy, we just reconvened."

Liar. Pomona Sprout’s teacup is already empty. Hadrian tried his best not to grimace at the infamous patronizing "dear boy" Albus often uses on everyone.

Before Dumbledore, or any Head of House can, Hadrian himself used nonverbal and wandless magic to conjure up additional comfy seats for them. Harry gapes at the older version of him. He looks cool and that was a mad skill! 

Snape and Mcgonagall’s eyebrows twitched at the obvious and deliberate display of power. In Snape’s opinion, he was surprised that the Potter brat wasn’t hopeless after all and obviously grew up to be adequate. Pomona and Flitwick were simply impressed, but Dumbledore’s face became contemplative.

Harry's eyes were wide, completely enthralled. He couldn't believe someone could casually perform magic like that, without a wand and without speaking. Oh wait! That’s him. Hadrian is still him. A small part of him felt excited at the idea that conjuring wandlessly and wordlessly comes off that easy for him when he’s older.

Hadrian sat himself without waiting for Dumbledore’s cue. Then, he nods at everyone politely and pulls his younger version to stand between his legs so he can sit on his lap should Harry desire to. The younger Potter blushed but his older version was nonchalant as ever. Hadrian smiles kindly at the mini version of Ginny Weasley. In his future timeline, he never got back with her after the war ended. It was too fragile and they only dated for months before he hunted for horcruxes. They both realized their plans moving forward were nowhere aligned and the wounds the war brought to them was just too painful to even allow room for romance. But still, this first year version of Ginny is adorable and nostalgic.

Hopefully would grow up without the diary trauma too.

"So, Chamber of Secrets business first then?"

The professors and Dumbledore nodded in agreement, setting aside the questions they had about the two Harrys for the moment. They knew the Chamber of Secrets incident was the primary matter that needed to be resolved.

"Yes, that appears to be the priority at the moment." He folded his hands together, his eyes studying the young Harry sitting on Hadrian's lap with curious yet wary eyes.

Professor McGonagall cleared her throat, the Scottish rhoticity clear. "Has the Chamber of Secrets really been opened, Mr.Potter? It's real? And what's the role of Miss Weasley here?"

Hadrian solemnly nods. "As I mentioned earlier at the DADA classroom, it is a shade of the dark lord's soul that is creating this chaos. The petrification and the blood writing on the wall earlier was his doing. Young Miss Weasley, the diary if you please?"

The professors grew even more serious at Hadrian's words, their jaws clenching in anger and despair. The mention of Voldemort's soul and the dark events happening at Hogwarts were deeply troubling. Snape’s eyebrow rose again at his use of “dark lord” instead of the blatant moniker Albus mercilessly mentioned in his presence. Unbeknownst to him, Hadrian carefully avoided saying Voldemort, aware of the stinging effect it triggers on the dark mark. And he refuses to use You-Know-Who, it’s a hideous replacement.

Ginny Weasley, who had been quietly sitting in her seat, looked up as Hadrian addressed her. She nodded silently, placing the diary into his outstretched hand.

Hadrian smiles sadly at her with a sigh. "Thank you. Though in the future, do refrain from interacting with artifacts you’re not sure of the origin, nor the magic, ya hear? Didn't Mr.Weasley ever tell you not to touch any suspicious artifact, Ginny? A self writing diary that talks back to you is very disturbing. You should've surrendered this to a professor immediately. Though a lesson in the future, do not feel too bad as many others were unknowingly lured by similar dark magic. I just hope there’s no next time, yeah?”

The tiny redhead nods, a bit red at the admonishing. Hadrian wasn’t harsh but he’s also necessarily firm with his words. Clearly, she had been unaware of the true nature of the diary and the sinister entity possessing her. Meanwhile, Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Flitwick and Sprout all looked horrified.

“This very Diary... as you know, has the name of Tom Riddle. A very dangerous vile dark artifact that carries the very soul of the dark lord himself. About 50% of it, he was 16 in the memories imbued in this diary. Ginny was possessed last night that led to the cat’s petrification by a beast.” Hadrian added as he waved the diary infront of the professors. Hadrian conjured an unbreakable, goblin-made, lead box from Morgana knows where and locked the diary in it. 

Dumbledore's eyes widened, while McGonagall and the other professors gasped in horror. Snape, although stoic as ever, looked visibly disturbed by the revelation.

"Ginny was possessed by Voldemort's soul...?" Minerva uttered in horror. Snape grimaced beside her and his left forearm twitched.

"Indeed. Back in my own timeline, the petrification of Mrs.Norris earlier tonight was the first one. There were more victims later on. This diary was planted by Lucius Malfoy in the summer when he fought with Ginny's father right outside the Flourish and Botts. As a time traveler and older version of Harry Potter, I assure you I know what I'm saying. Lucius Malfoy didn't know the true value of this diary, only that it's a dark artifact from the Dark Lord. An artifact entrusted to his father, Abraxas Malfoy and left in his manor. Lucius planted this to a Weasley child in an attempt to frame it on the Weasleys due to Arthur Weasley being among the many in the Ministry who constantly does searches in dark families ancestral manors. A payback if you will, especially with their feud.”

A hush fell over the room as Hadrian finished his explanation. The professors sat in stunned silence, trying to process the shocking information. Dumbledore, although surprised, seemed slightly prepared for the revelation. He stroked his beard thoughtfully, his gaze fixated on the diary in Hadrian's hand.

"...I see. This is... grave news indeed.". Meanwhile, Snape's face paled even more, clearly disturbed by the implications of Voldemort's soul possessing a young girl.

Ginny shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her eyes filled with fear and regret. "I-I didn't know... I thought the diary was just an interesting gift… or that mum bought it for me."

Professor McGonagall looked at the young girl with sympathy, while Flitwick seemed deeply concerned. "It's not your fault, Miss Weasley. How could you know it held the soul of a malicious dark lord.” Flitwick, the Charms Master assured her.

“Professors, do allow Madame Pomfrey to check on her magical core and mind health after tonight. Interacting with this diary alone siphons her reserves, a dark malicious one, even more endangers her. In my timeline, it took until the very end of the school year for me to realize what's possessing Ginny. Tom Riddle would possess her every few weeks to go down the chamber and awaken a beast of Salazar Slytherin himself to petrify students through the school plumbing system. By the time it was almost too late, and the last night the school was about to be closed, Ginny was possessed once more to write blood on the walls that says "Her skeletons will lie in the chamber forever". When I managed to go down there and find the pathway, Ginny's life source was almost gone because Tom Riddle was siphoning from her magical life source. It was done so his shade from the diary will gain a true body. Inshort, Tom Riddle being secretly the dark lord, which was his true name, was attempting to gain his body and power again." 

Dumbledore's expression turned grave, the wrinkles on his forehead deepening in worry. McGonagall, Flitwick, Snape and Sprout's faces all reflected the same concern, their worry for Ginny's health. Ginny looked even more frightened, her eyes wide with fear as she absorbed Hadrian's words.

"This is more serious than I thought..."

Of bloody-fucking-course you old coot. Any more obvious but meaningless reactions to share with the class?

The older Potter tries his best not to scowl at the headmaster’s lack of helpful reactions nor even questions. Shouldn’t he be more proactive? Disappointing, but nonetheless, not surprising.

"Oh indeed. Only there's more. The beast that she awakened at the Chambers which very much exists has been in hibernation since 55 years ago when Volde- ehem, the noseless dark lord himself was still a student. He was the Slytherin Heir then, only he's no longer it, since Harry defeated him by conquest as a child and in his first year. Regardless, to access Salazar Slytherin's chamber was to speak Parseltongue. A skill Harry himself, or me as well in this case, has. It wasn't from his scar. It’s a family gift from our grandmother, Euphemia’s family in Pakistan and India. The Rao's, Euphemia Potter's maiden name, historically has Parselmouth purebloods in ancestry. No, Albus, it does not originate from his bloody scar, cease with your spiraling thoughts. More on that later on. When Ginny was being possessed by Tom Riddle's shade, she was accessing the Chambers by parseltongue. The beast was awakened out of its hibernation by the same tongue...."

The professors all listened intently, hanging on every word from Hadrian. The weight of the situation was starting to sink in. Harry and the other professors blinked at the brief scowl he gave to Albus though, and the blatant use of the headmaster’s first name. Hadrian has achieved far greater feats than Dumbledore and was higher in magical standing than the man so he wasn’t going to bother with titles.

Harry on the other hand, was hanging on to the small fact Hadrian shared about his grandmother from his father's side. India...Huh, so that's why James Potter looked biracial in the wedding photos he saw from Hagrid's album gift. But, what's a parselmouth anyway?

Professor Flitwick was the next to speak, his eyes widening. "So... the beast has been lying in wait for 55 years... and it's been awakened...?"

“Indeed, thus the petrifications.”

All the professors exchanged grim glances, fully starting to grasp the gravity of the situation. Professor Sprout spoke next, her voice laced with a hint of worry. "But... this creature, what is it? A snake or a beast? What kind of creature could have remained hibernated for 55 years, and what threat does it pose now that it's been released...?"

"The last time it was opened was during his time, was it not? And the student who died was Mrytle Warren, aka Moaning Myrtle at the girls bathroom down the dungeons. The Dark Lord killed Mrytle when he was a 6th year prefect and framed Hagrid on it and his acromantula. It was actually Voldyshorts. The beast.... that hibernated from decades and even centuries beyond us, was a familiar of Slytherin... a Basilisk."

Harry and Ginny would’ve giggled childishly at him referring to the scary dark wizard as Voldyshorts if it were not for the utterly baffling and horrifying information shared. 

Dumbledore's eyes widened in horror as Hadrian mentioned the creature. A look of realization crossed his face.

"A basilisk..."

McGonagall paled, Snape's face turned even paler, while Flitwick and Sprout gasped, the fear and dread palpable in the air. Silence fell over the room, the weight of the situation sinking in for everyone.

Professor Flitwick finally found his voice, his voice shaking. "But... a basilisk! They are among the most dangerous beasts in the world... and... and you're saying there is one in Hogwarts, in the Chamber of Secrets..?"

Nodding solemnly and rubbing Harry's arms subconsciously, Hadrian confirms their worries. "A basilisk. 60 feet long. Can travel through the pipes in the school and is down below the Chambers. It’s in the bowels of the school, miles below and away. It’s a massive hidden lair that Slytherin built and has been the sanctuary of his heirs centuries ago. The sink in the girls bathroom where Mrytle haunts is one of the entrances to the Chamber of Secrets. When she died, all she saw was a pair of huge yellow eyes. A Basilisk, if you may not know, is a XXXXX magnificent snake creature known to be extinct. But Salazar Slytherin has a familiar of one and left it in his domain when they built this castle.”

Gasps and horrified squeaks came from everyone.

“She guards his chambers which I only got to raid twice in my timeline honestly. Only parselmouths aka true heirs can access it. A simple stare from a basilisk can kill you, and roosters cry can kill it. Hence why Hagrid's roosters round here are all killed lately. Myrtle died because she saw it directly. In my timeline, if I didn't show up today as I time travelled here, more students and even ghosts will be petrified from the basilisk running through pipes. No one died in my time, mind. They all met its eyes through a reflection, a camera or through a ghost, which only petrified them. Not killed them. In the end though as we're all solving who's the heir wrecking havoc, it was only Hermione who solved the mystery until she got petrified himself." 

The professors were speechless, their faces pale. They could hardly believe what they were hearing.

McGonagall was the first to find her voice. Her voice shook with concern and horror. "A 60-feet basilisk, roaming the school... Good Merlin”"

Professor Flitwick looked like he would faint, and Professor Sprout looked terrified. "But... but how on earth are we supposed to deal with a beast like that...?"

Hadrian coolly waves dismissively. “I can deal with it easily. Or transport her and talk it out with her if I can. I’m not sure if she was insane originally after decades of hibernation, but the basilisk was just being controlled and acting upon malicious orders.”

“An admirable pursuit and bravery for volunteering. However, arrogant.” The acerbic tone of the Potions Master cuts through. 

Instead of being offended, Hadrian simply grinned at the man. Sue him, he has watched that man’s most vulnerable memories and was the person to watch the light inside his eyes die during the battle. That event was hard to pass by and his memory portrait in the headmaster’s office was even fun to talk with. 

"I killed it in my own timeline to save Ginny and managed to pierce myself with one of its fangs, then drove a goblin made sword through its jaw. Fawkes healed me though before I died. Pretty scary for a 12 year old me, mind you. But good thing I time travelled here, eh? The situation wasn't so bad yet. No one else aside from the cat was a victim. I have ways to subdue the basilisk and kill it now. And I got to save mini me from growing through that, and probably the entire school. I had to face Tom Riddle's shadow on my own that day, save Ginny, then kill the Basilisk alone mind you. I won't let that happen again to this younger me. We can call some professionals too, I wouldn’t mind. But unfortunately no one else can access it nor even subdue the basilisk without being a parselmouth. Don’t worry Professor, I’ll grant you access to Salazar’s private untouched library and journals.”

Hadrian winked at the Potions Master and Head of Slytherin. Everyone pales even more at his recounting. But Snape was more stunned at his offer to grant him access to the Chamber of Secrets, without any favor. His horrifying details aside, Harry was surprised and in awe of older him's resolution to save him from such a trial.

The professors were utterly stunned. They couldn't believe the things Hadrian was saying. McGonagall, Sprout, and Flitwick sat there, their eyes wide. Snape, although still pale and serious, seemed impressed.

Dumbledore looked deep in thought, his expression serious and contemplative. He looked at Hadrian intently. "You... You managed to kill the basilisk by yourself? As a twelve-year-old...?"

Hadrian nodded and slid off his right robe sleeve, and there it was. A holster of a basilisk fang shimmering in existence as proof. Little Harry, still in his lap, curiously poke at it as if it would make a noise or shoot out of the holster.

"Sure did. The goblins recognized me as a warrior and told me to carry the fang like a weapon that bit me as a pride after the war. Something about battle scars and warrior wins." He shrugs and pull his sleeves back down to hide the holstered fang 

McGonagall, Sprout, and Flitwick were still shell-shocked, trying to process the whole thing. Snape, on the other hand, looked intrigued, his eyes studying Hadrian with a hint of respect. Dumbledore leaned back, his gaze fixed on Hadrian, his eyes sharp.

"Incredible... It's not every day one meets someone who has not only survived but slain a basilisk. You're full of surprises, Hadrian."

"Hmmm. Anyway, enough of what I've done. Now that I retrieved this diary from Miss Weasley here, I shall destroy it as only three things can. After all, it carries Voldemort's shade. Headmaster, you're surely aware of what it's called but let's not enlighten everyone of it. I'll pick up everything similar to it soon. Just send Ginny down to Madame Pomfrey is all I ask. I'll kill the basilisk tonight and deal with the whole chamber thing once we're done here. Don't worry about anything. I'll ask if I can have Fawkes' tears though, just incase."

……

…

Well bloody hell. 

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Chapter Text

The Headmaster's office was left in a tense silence when the professors left. Hadrian stayed back after discussing the whole chamber of secrets fiasco to talk with Dumbledore, intending to settle some things. Harry has the forebeeding feeling that shit’s about to go down.

Hadrian's demeanor changed the moment the Heads of Houses left, including Ginny. Harry, now sitting by himself on the chair beside Hadrian, can only stare at the older, more powerful version of himself as they look at Dumbledore with a piercing gaze. He shivers a bit in awe realizing one day, he'd also have that ability to radiate so much presence without saying anything.

It makes him excited to grow up. Something he never thought to feel.

Dumbledore's smile faltered slightly, sensing the change in Hadrian's face and energy. He sat up straighter, meeting Hadrian's gaze with a mix of curiosity, caution, and intrigue.

“The change in your demeanor is quite noticeable. You have something important on your mind, I presume?” he says a tad bit too cheerfully for someone who's actually wary of this time traveler. But that's what Albus Dumbledore is, is he not? He has that infuriating ability to act very welcoming, making you think you can open up to him easily.

Hadrian hums and bluntly utters what he simply wants to say. "Harry's never going back to the Dursleys."

A statement, not a question, not a command, but a definite absolute statement. Dumbledore raised an eyebrow, a bit taken aback by Hadrian's firm and uncompromising tone. He kept his composure, his voice even and measured despite his brain running miles a minute.

"And why, may I ask, do you say that? You surely know why young Harry here needs to be at Petunia's over the summers, dear boy.”

Younger Harry grips his hands tightly on the cushion he's on. He looks back and forth to the two men and anxiously listens. Ah, so it's that topic. A knot in his stomach returns at the thought of ever going back. But his older self is very firm and Harry, for the first time, has a tiny flame of hope in his chest.

"There is no why. You failed him, Albus. You failed me. Harry should've never been at Petunia's placement. I will be taking him in.” the time traveller nonchalantly shrugged, playing with the rings in his right hand. Hadrian leans back comfortably in his chair, right leg crossed over the left.

Demeanor, Hadrian finds, is everything in self presentation. 

The headmaster swallowed, trying to keep a calm expression, but he couldn't help but to feel unease. He could sense the power emanating from Hadrian, and the drop in atmosphere only added to the tension. He feels like bits of pieces in his grand plan are currently cracking.

"Hadrian...I understand your frustration,”—So the old coot knows why he’s taking him away from those wretched muggles? He admits then.—”but you must see that I had no choice but to place Harry with his relatives. Place you there. It was for his own safety—”

The air grew colder and the trinkets around his room started to rattle more. The portraits are all listening in. And Hadrian...Hadrian feels more dangerous, unknown and powerful than ever. It not only sends chills to Harry's spine, but frozen Dumbledore himself as well.

Dumbledore straightened up, his voice quivering slightly. Who is this man exactly? In the back of his mind, he sees Tom Riddle sitting again in front of him.”Hadrian, I understand your anger, but you must understand that—"

Hadrian interrupts him, his voice still seething with anger.

“You don't understand anything, Dumbledore. You don't understand the pain and abuse I endured at the hands of the Dursleys. You have no idea what I had to endure. You knew! Even a gist of it, you knew what was happening, didn’t you? But let me tell you this, you don’t know the severity of it. You have no right to say you know what's best for me. You had never checked. And you were in no authority to even decide my placement, Harry’s placement.” Hadrian snarls and his vivid green eyes for a moment flares so brightly Albus Dumbledore thought for a second that a green flash of Avada was emitted from him.

“Abuse? My dear boy, perhaps we should not label something as tension between families with such words. Young Harry is with us, and the blood wards—”

"BULLSHIT!" Hadrian burst as he stood up and put his hands down at his desk. Glowering over his old mentor from his own timeline.

"The blood wards were down to nothing! My mother's sacrifice has never been tied to blood but by the protection her sacrifice brings! Pivet Drive was never my home, was never Harry's home. There is no love in that suburban house. Your bloody wards were your own design, tying me there.”

One of the devices on Dumbledore's shelf started hissing, making Harry on the couch jolt even more. He was already eyes wide, body tense, and scanning the room for exits as he watched his older version glower down at the Headmaster. He never really likes screaming. Dumbledore's eyes widen at the device screeching and he looks at Hadrian, “My boy, I tried to make sure he's protected. Do—”

But Hadrian was nowhere done. His hands are still flat on the Headmaster's desk, glowering over him and more devices are screeching around the office. The raw power emitting from Hadrian continues to affect the air due to years of anger, betrayal and trauma boiling inside the man.

“Do not! ..call me your boy, Albus.” he gritted out tersely. 

“You're a meddlesome chess master. A war general. Nothing more. Dare I remind you that mother and father died under your orders! My uncles got incarcerated under your commands. You failed them! They laid their lives in the first war and what did you do?!  Nothing! You were nowhere permitted to be a magical guardian to Harry Potter, you sealed their wills, left Harry in a basket on the cold night of October 31st at Petunia's door and never checked on him for 10 years! You had used my father's seats at the Wizengamot with no proper authority and never took a moment to check if Sirius Black was really the secret keeper. YOU FAILED ME!" 

Dumbledore was taken aback, his face pale. He never expected to be confronted so strongly by the future version of Harry. It seemed that the boy had discovered all of the manipulations and machinations that Dumbledore had been engaged in. And even the ones he never had bothered to check, like the confirmation from future Harry Potter that Sirius Black is indeed innocent and he wasn't the secretkeeper. A mystery in Halloween 1981 that he never bothered to uncover, seeing it would suit his plans just fine to have Harry grow up without any of the guardians he's supposed to have. A plan so the child would be ignorant of magical Britain and trust him as the mentor when he's at Hogwarts. 

He feels a hundred times older, wilting inside at the fact that he never expected said machinations to be uncovered too early. Hadrian's appearance had shattered everything. 

"I... I had to do what was necessary. I had to ensure your protection and—"

Hadrian cut him off, his voice cold and unforgiving. "I am not stupid, Albus. You used me. You used me for your own purposes. Don't pretend you actually cared about my wellbeing.”

The war veteran wishes he could trash the old man's office right now like he did back in his fifth year. Instead, he just stared right at Albus Dumbledore’s eyes, making sure his occlumency shields are in offense, daring him to try.

"Harry's mine. I'm him, he is me. He'll be with me from now on and you're never going to interact with him aside from Headmaster-Student relations. You are no God, no Merlin. You're nowhere the Light Lord you pose as. Don't think you can get out of this unscathed. Hold tight on your Chief Warlock and Supreme Mugwump position, Albus, and pray on the highest mountains that you're not to end up in Azkaban once I get a case built up on you. Kidnapping, meddling and corruption on authority, line theft, magical compulsions, blocks, endangering children, abuse cases washed off. Yes, I knew everything.”

Dumbledore's face paled even further as Hadrian listed out his crimes. The realization of his misdeeds hit him like a ton of bricks. He had spent his entire life doing what he thought was right, but in the face of Hadrian's accusations, he felt a sense of dread. Someone knew. Someone knew and it's someone who probably has the power to ruin him with it too.

Somewhere in Germany, a former dark lord is joyous with the wind whispering about Dumbledore’s downfall being set in stone soon.

"I... I had good intentions in everything I did. I was trying to protect—", but his words faded as he realized the futility of his excuses. He had no defense against Hadrian's harsh truth. Right now, the Chief Warlock feels more panicked at the thought of someone knowing crimes he has done, whether it’s for the greater good or not. He can ruin him.

For a brief second, desperation crawled up on the Headmaster and his fingers twitched to his wand. Would obliviation or a couple charms would work? Maybe he can get Fawkes to do something about this? 

The bands in Hadrian’s fingers glint brightly on both hands. Lordship rings of the Houses of Slytherin, Black and Potter sit on his right hand and the Peverell on the left, catching Dumbledore’s eyes when he assesses how fast Hadrian can possibly flick his wand on defense.

No. Just no. The time traveler is clearly a ticking time bomb of natural magic. He can’t risk it, especially that Ancient and Noble Houses are notorious for protective Lordship rings. Not only would compulsions, obliviations and confudus wouldn’t work for someone wearing four of these rings, the man radiates power like no other.

“Good luck, Albus. May your biggest nightmare be me." The younger man snarls as he turns away from a frozen Headmaster.

Albus notes the use of his first name. Respect is often automatically given to someone like Dumbledore, even when students graduate and become professionals, they still sometimes use honorifics on him. For someone like Hadrian, he must’ve known that he possesses great power, titles and conquests as grand, if not more, as Dumbledore has. Hence, the use of a first name basis that indicates they’re in equal society standing. That or Hadrian’s lack of respect towards him.

Hadrian gently grabs Harry who is frozen from his seat and sends a last glare at Dumbledore to make him sweat. Hadrian would've dressed down the old coot more, if only Harry wasn't with him in the room. He doesn't want to scare mini-him. He leads his younger version outside and slams the door of the office harshly.

⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪ ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ 

Harry follows Hadrian, still overwhelmed by the intensity of the confrontation he just witnessed. They walk down the hallway from the headmaster's office, just before the staircase.

The time traveler's anger slowly lessens the further away they got from Dumbledore's office. His expression softened, and he turned to look at the younger Harry. 

He reached out, patting Harry's cheeks, taking a moment to exhale. “I'm sorry for that little guy, did I scare you? Forgive me, I lost the sense of control for a second.”

Harry shakes his head, understanding Hadrian's anger towards Dumbledore. "Err..no, I'm okay. I understand. You have every right to be angry, I guess."

Hadrian nods with a smile and tugs Harry to continue down the staircase. There was a moment of silence as they walked along the halls, away from the tower. Harry was silent before a question popped into his head. Despite the display of Hadrian's anger earlier, he's surprisingly not bothered by it nor scared to ask questions right after.

"Hey... can I... ask something?" As his older version nodded with an encouraging smile, Harry took a deep breath, gathering his words. 

"When... when you say I'll be staying with you moving forward... Does that mean..." He trailed off, a hint of hope and hesitation in his voice. It was clear he was anxious to hear the answer to the question he’s already reluctant to ask.

"Forever. Absolute. Legal. It means I'm raising you. You can live with me all you want, or... once I free your wrongfully imprisoned godfather which is a story for another day, you can live with him. Or we can even live at the Potter Manor where our dad grew up. Or Italy, France. Even beside a beach. We have many properties. Maybe at Hogsmeade, or perhaps muggle London. Wherever you want, kid."

Harry's jaw drops. The thought of being free from the Dursleys, living in a place he could call home, and having someone who cares about him is almost too good to be true. He has many questions right now swimming in his head. What godfather? Also who was the Sirius Black he mentioned earlier at the office? Properties? Potter Manor? Harry blinks at the thought of having a manor from his father's side. 

That sounds something like the kids in slytherin would have as a home. The thought of moving into one after growing up in a cupboard was something. Was he richer than he realized?

"I could really live with you... anywhere I want...?", Harry felt like that's the most important question for now. His voice is a mix of disbelief and hope.

Hadrian nodded, a gentle smile on his face. He could sense the trepidation in the younger Harry's expression, afraid of expecting too much. "Yes, anywhere you want. I'll ensure you have a real home. No more suffering at the hands of those awful people.” Hadrian assures, his jaw tightening, still furious about the Dursleys.

"No more living in a cupboard, Harry. You'll be with me from now on. I promise.", he continues. Hadrian smiles and offers a pinky promise.

Harry couldn't help but chuckle as he saw the older version of himself offer a pinky promise, knowing how it’s childish, yet found comfort in its incredulity. How many times has he been offered an innocent pinky promise in his childhood? Possibly never. He wrapped his own pinky around Hadrian's, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Hadrian then opened his arms forward after their heartfelt pinky promise. Harry glanced at it, a mix of embarrassment and eagerness on his face. Although he was usually quite independent, the idea of being carried by someone, someone who cared, was incredibly appealing.

He didn't want to come across as needy or childish, but he couldn't deny the comfort that being lifted off the ground earlier had provided. After a moment of contemplation, he relented and tentatively placed his hand in Hadrian's.

Hadrian scooped the younger Harry into his arms, hoisting him up effortlessly. He had to admit, there was something incredibly endearing about the fact that the younger version of him was still so small and light, even at 12 years old.

As Hadrian carried him like a parent would carry their child, he couldn't help but notice the way Harry's eyes flickered with a mixture of relief and contentment. "There you go…”—he pats Harry's head.—”I'll fatten you up sometime soon and correct everything the neglect did on you growing up, you'll be healthy and tall by the time you're 14, yeah?"

Harry couldn't help but giggle softly as Hadrian patted his head, a mix of happiness and comfort coursing through him. He couldn't remember the last time someone had paid this much attention and care to him. The promise of being taken care of and healthy was like music to his ears, a prospect he never thought he'd have.

“Make me healthy and tall?" the kid parrots, tilting his head curiously. ‘ He looks like a puppy’ , the older Harry thinks for a second, making him smile fondly. Hadrian nods resolutely as he walks.

"Absolutely. Perhaps this weekend, will you humor me when I bring you to Madame Pomfrey and get you a full medical checkup? Or at Gringotts. I know it might be embarrassing and dreadful, but there's nothing to be ashamed about the scars and medical history that you have. Remember, I'm older than you and I know everything you've gone through. I had even worse scars and worse health as my Hogwarts years went by. There were bigger battles and dangers I faced than you had. So there's no need to be ashamed. It'll be only me and the matron."

Harry listened to Hadrian's words with a mix of trust and trepidation. The idea of a full medical checkup sounded both nerve-wracking and liberating. No one had ever cared about his health or injuries before. He nodded slowly, his voice quiet but resolute.

“O-okay. I'll go with you to Madame Pomfrey. But... promise you won't be disgusted?"

As he walks through the quiet halls late at night, carrying younger him, Hadrian's heart clenches. He looks at his younger self sadly but with understanding as he brushes his hair away from his forehead.

“Oh Harry, never. You're not disgusting. You're not weak. Someday, I'll show you my own scars myself, hmm? I have way way way more than you. And I now wear them with pride from winning my battles. There's no need to be afraid of opening up to me, okay? Remember that I'm just you, just older from the future."

Harry's shoulders relaxed slightly, a sense of relief washing over him. He looked into Hadrian's eyes, searching for any signs of disgust or judgment. But all he saw was reassurance and understanding. It was a new experience, someone accepting his flaws and scars, even embracing them.

"Okay.. I-I'll remember that." he took a deep breath and wrapped his arms around Hadrian's shoulders, holding onto him a little tighter.

Hadrian stopped by in an alcove in one of the hallways they pass through. The very same hallway that's open on one side where the inner grounds of the castle is at, leading to where flying lessons happen. He sat down at the nook, leaning his back to the wall, Harry in his lap. The moonlight shining through the gaps and the chilly evening air hugging them. The older man sends a wash of wandless heating charms for the younger boy.

"Do you wish to go to your dorm now, or perhaps stay with me for a while?" He asks softly. Perks of being a time traveler and meeting his own self, he can anticipate how Harry would feel. Hadrian showed up out of nowhere today and no doubt, already had been the best gift younger him had in his life since his parents died. He knows Harry isn't ready to be apart from him just yet, afraid he'd be gone by tomorrow. Or that all of this might be a dream.

Harry felt safe and secure in Hadrian's arms, enveloped by his warmth and the gentle caress of magic. The idea of returning to the cold confines of his dorm room now felt even more daunting. “Can I stay with you for now?"

His voice was small and hesitant, a mix of vulnerability and longing. Despite their short meeting, he felt more cared for in this moment than he ever had before.

“But are you not tired, little one? You look weary.”

Harry shook his head slightly, his grip on Hadrian's shirt tightening a bit. The idea of leaving his newfound comfort and safety felt unbearable to him. In any other circumstances, he would’ve been skeptical to be this relaxed for someone who randomly showed up and claimed to be him from 2009. But honestly, who else randomly has their future self appearing just as the entire faculty is interrogating you for a scary scene you saw and then proceed to defend you, feed you dinner, hold you and treat you with care? Harry’s pretty sure there’s no logical way to go about this aside from accepting things and go with the flow. 

“No... I don't want to go.” he mumbled quietly, his voice sleepy but resolute. He pressed his face against Hadrian's chest, seeking even more closeness and reassurance.

Hadrian chuckles, knowing the answer already. He continues to run his hands through Harry's hair. "But then where would you sleep, little Harry?" 

Harry considered the question for a moment, his eyes still half-closed, his mind growing foggy with drowsiness. But then, as if a light had gone off in his head, an idea crossed his mind.

“Could... Could I sleep with you? Just... just for tonight? You'll be staying in the castle right?" his voice barely above a whisper, almost afraid of being rejected. He doesn’t want to seem needy or burdensome, but the idea of sleeping apart from Hadrian seemed like a nightmare to him at the moment.

Harry shifted slightly, a hint of anxiety in his eyes as he waited for Hadrian's reply. He tried to brace himself for possible refusal, but a part of him still clung onto a sliver of hope that maybe, just maybe, Hadrian would say yes. The silence from Hadrian's end only added to his nervousness.

After a while, Hadrian whipped his wand out and performed a spell he never heard of. Harry lifts his head in shock from his older self's chest as a white silvery huge stag appears.

"Expecto Patronum.... Send this message to Professor McGonagall. Professor, I will be using the Room of Requirement at the 7th floor as my chambers for tonight. As the slytherin heir by conquest, I admittedly have access to anywhere in this castle. Still, I believe it is essential to inform you. Harry will be with me tonight so don't panic if one of your little lions isn't in bed. Oh, and perhaps we can talk tomorrow after breakfast if that's alright Professor? Since it's Saturday tomorrow, I will be bringing Harry out of the premises. We have legal matters to settle at Gringotts and I need to provide things for him. Have a great evening Professor, and may Caer whisper your dreams tonight." 

Harry's eyes widened in awe as the silvery stag emerged from the tip of Hadrian's wand. He watched as the message was relayed and the patronus disappeared into the night. When Hadrian finished, Harry turned to him with a mix of curiosity and wonder.

“What was that?" his voice filled with fascination at the sight of the silvery stag.

Hadrian chuckled softly, amused by the younger one's curiosity. "That, little one, was a patronus. It's a very advanced charm. And mine just so happens to manifest as a stag."

One thing Hadrian had learned to love as he grew older in his original timeline, was the innocence and astonishment children often display when they learn or see something new. He had a bit of practice with the first and second years he had tutored as a returning 8th year after the battle. Or Teddy ( God Teddy), his godson that he babysits sometimes when Andromeda needed a rest. He even got to watch over tiny Victoire briefly who was one year old already just before Hadrian accidentally jumped through time. They were adorable whenever he made little translucent silvery mist animals with a simple charm, amusing little kids was a thing Hadrian learned to appreciate doing after the gruesome war. 

Harry nodded at the explanation, his eyes shining with awe and curiosity. He had heard about patronuses in passing before, but he had never seen one in person. He believes he heard it from one of Hermione's random research studies in the library. The fact that Hadrian's patronus was a stag, in particular, seemed to hold some significance.

"A stag, huh? Is there a reason it's a stag?" he inquired softly, his voice filled with genuine interest.

"Hmm… there is indeed. And it involves our dad himself. How about we go up to the Room of Requirement and I can tell you more about it as we prepare for bed? You can sleep with me tonight as you wish. And I can show you the coolest room in the castle. I know you haven't heard of it yet."

Harry's face brightened at Hadrian's words, his tiredness almost forgotten for a moment. His eyes gleamed with curiosity, eager to see this "Room of Requirement" and learn more about the significance behind Hadrian's patronus.

Hadrian chuckles at the beaming face of his tiny self, and recast a warming charm on him again. The paternal care radiating from the older man felt so instinctive, so casual yet meaningful. It was just as new for Harry and receiving such trivial thoughtful care is still a dream for him.

"Only if you promise to sleep right after. It'll be like a bedtime story, what do you say? One you absolutely need to hear about the story of my patronus. A legacy is a part of it and you get to learn more about Dad. Don't worry about clothes. Let’s go?”

"Y-yeah. I'd like that." Harry mumbled softly, his voice filled with a mix of flustered bashfulness and a hint of longing.

Hadrian chuckled softly at Harry's adorable reaction. He found himself deeply enjoying their interactions, and the sight of the younger version of himself being shy was endearing. It was clear that the younger him still yearns for care and affection despite half of him likely uncomfortable at being someone’s center of attention.

"Then it's settled." Bouncing Harry in his arms as he stood up from the alcove, Hadrian starts to walk towards the seventh floor where you can find the come and go room entrance.

"I don't know about you but going up 6 more flights of stairs tonight does not seem very appealing. Watch this." Hadrian murmurs to him theatrically as if granting a top secret. They paused by a relief of a snake along the corridor walls and hissed in parseltongue. Harry, none the wiser yet about parseltongue and that it actually doesn't sound like English, didn't even notice. Only that he thinks Hadrian is so cool and knows so much of the castle’s secrets when a passage opens up.

Harry looked at the newly revealed corridor in awe, his peridot eyes dilated as he looked back and forth from the man carrying him, and the dark passage beyond them. Hadrian smirks as they walk through the passageway, disappearing through it. A sense of magical energy washes over Harry, and for a second, he’s reminded of the floo network right before you travel through flames. Both Harry Potters ended up at the 7th floor, by the tapestry of trolls being taught ballet.

Hadrian starts to explain what's the Room of Requirement, how to access it and how he found out about it. He found himself being theatrical with it, wanting to amuse the second year Gryffindor as if he’s a toddler to entertain.

Regardless of Hadrian feeling silly with himself, it obviously worked as Harry's expression was a mixture of fascination and awe as he listened intently to Hadrian's explanations. “Brilliant!"

Harry’s eyes sparkled with excitement, as he absorbed this new knowledge. The concept of a room that could transform into anything seemed like something he could only dream of, considering his life with the Dursleys.

"Cool, right? Now watch this."

He walks back and forth in front of the huge blank wall three times, thinking of something in his mind. Then a magical door appears, making Harry gasp. He grins at mini-him. He asked for a very comfortable, cozy, personalized bedroom for them to sleep at tonight.

"C'mon, open it." 

With a mixture of excitement and anticipation, Harry reached for the handle and slowly pushed the door open, his heart pounding in his chest, wondering what kind of room had materialized behind the door. The room that greeted them was exactly as Hadrian had envisioned—cozy, comfortable, and tailor-made to provide a tranquil haven for them to rest for the night. The room was dimly lit by several softly glowing lanterns suspended from the ceiling, casting warm shadows on the walls. In the center of the room sat a large, inviting king-sized bed, its duvet and pillows soft and fluffy, enticing them and beckoning them closer.

Harry's eyes darted around the room, taking in all the details—the soft, plush carpet beneath their feet, the cozy chairs next to the fireplace that promised comfort and warmth, and the small table by the fire with a pot of hot tea and freshly baked biscuits.

He couldn't help but turn to look at Hadrian in disbelief, a mix of awe and appreciation in his eyes. "This... this is incredible. You did this? Just by thinking about it?"

Hadrian chuckled softly, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. There’s something about the childlike joy in the boy’s eyes that sparks something warm in his chest.

Is this what being a parent feels like? Hadrian thinks it’s an addicting feeling.

"That's right. The Room of Requirement responds to what you truly need or desire, and it seems it knows exactly what we need.", he walked further into the room, taking a seat on one of the cozy chairs near the fireplace. He patted the seat next to him, gesturing for Harry to join him.

Hadrian gives him a warm glass of milk from the tea service. He points at an open wardrobe where pajamas and another pair of outwear robes are hanging inside with two sizes. For Younger Harry and Older Harry.

"Would you like a bath tonight? I think there's a bathroom provided by the room."

Harry took a sip of the warm milk, the heat radiating through his body and providing a comforting sensation, before setting the glass down and turning his attention back to Hadrian.

His eyes flickered to the open wardrobe, and his cheeks flushed slightly as he caught sight of the pajamas and robes hung inside, clearly intended for both of them. "A-a bath sounds nice." Hadrian pats his head and stands up, moving to the bathroom.

"Perfect. Stay there, I'll draw you a bath."

He said it so casually and with care that Hadrian is shocked of himself falling easily to a parental role for his past younger self. He already sees himself separate from the boy and knows in his heart that he would really fight the world to give him a better life and raise Harry.

As Hadrian disappeared into the bathroom, Harry sat quietly by the fireplace, feeling a mix of anticipation and warmth. He couldn't help but feel a growing sense of gratitude for Hadrian's care and concern. No one had ever taken such a simple task as drawing a bath for him before, and it touched him deeply.

He's experiencing many firsts today and he's not sure he would be able to sleep tonight without crying happy tears. Someone appeared out of nowhere—which is him from the future. Defended him, held him, assured him, gave him hope and acted so paternal to him. Is this how being someone's kid actually feels?

After a few minutes, Hadrian reappeared from the bathroom, motioning for Harry to come closer.

"Finished with your milk? The warm bath's ready for you. I put some chamomile oil and other cleansing herbs in the bath. Even bath bombs." 

His voice was gentle, his eyes soft with care and warmth as he looked at Harry. He couldn't help but mentally shake his head at the fact that he is talking to his younger self now. The younger Potter on the other hand, blinks owlishly. Harry hadn't ever experienced such luxury before, and the thought of a warm, soothing bath filled with soothing oils and colorful bath bombs seemed like a dream to him. 

Hadrian conjured a hairbrush wandlessly and sat beside Harry again who's finishing his milk. To Harry's surprise again, Hadrian starts combing his hair. The kid’s huge deer eyes in green peers over the rim of the glass as he glanced up, making the older Potter to chuckle fondly.

"Unfortunately, kid, the Potter hair is really stubborn and hard to tame. But hair care does go a long way. You should always brush your hair before and after a bath. And some hair oil thrice a week for scalp health. I'll teach you more about hygiene when you live with me in the summer, yeah? Maybe even holidays. Merlin knows no one ever tried to teach you about men hygiene. Not that Vernon was ever hygienic, is he?"

Harry listened intently as Hadrian spoke about hair care, feeling a mixture of surprise and fascination. Nobody had ever offered to teach him about such things before, yet here was his future self, eager to share his knowledge and to take care of him. When Hadrian mentioned Vernon not being hygienic, a small snort of agreement escaped Harry's lips. He knew too well the truth in those words.

"Right, you're ready for that warm bath.”, Hadrian cheerfully says, patting his head. They walk to the bathroom, and it's oddly homey but elegant at the same time. 

“Call me when you're undressed and under the water. I'll wash your hair wink. Consider this a pamper-my-own-tiny-self night." The joke and wink he gave thankfully didn’t fall flatly. Instead of panicking or feeling overwhelmed, it helped Harry to feel okay with someone helping him bathe.

He watched as Hadrian checked the water temperature before exiting the bathroom, leaving him alone to prepare. For a moment, Harry couldn't help but marvel at the strange turn his life had taken. Slowly, he gathered the courage to remove his clothes and step into the bathtub. The water was pleasantly warm and soothing, enveloping his body in comfort.

"Okay, you can come in now."

Hadrian opens the door and leans on its doorframe first, crossing his arms as he smiles down at the younger him. He looks tiny in the bathtub, especially with the bubbles. The scene was so domestic Harry himself was struck in awe again of this situation.

Harry sat in the bathtub, the bubbles covering him. He felt small and vulnerable in his current state. His eyes followed Hadrian's figure, noticing how he leaned against the door, arms crossed, his smile gentle yet slightly amused.

Hadrian pushed himself away from the door and approached the bathtub, kneeling next to it to be on eye level with Harry. "Comfortable?" His voice was gentle as his eyes flicked over Harry's face, taking in every detail of his features, noting the resemblance and the differences between them.

Harry nodded, his cheeks flushing a light pink at the close proximity. The warm water continued to soothe his weary muscles, and he felt strangely relaxed in Hadrian's presence. 

"It feels... nice." He murmured softly, his eyes darting between Hadrian and the bubbles that covered him.

Hadrian hums and grabs a rolled up towel and puts it on the cavity by the end of the bathtub, then gently guides his younger self down to rest his head comfortably there.

"Here, I'll teach you more about proper hygiene. I know for a fact we shower less than 5 minutes always and only use the barest necessities. As a boy, you're going through puberty plus playing quidditch. Baths are best thrice a week, shower everyday, at least twice a day. Morning and evening. Baths are best for the evening. Why don't I wash your hair for you while you wash your own body?”

Harry nods, taking the body soap while Hadrian takes great care to wash his hair. Unexpectedly, the time traveler started to go on a full-length rundown of hygiene. 

“Here, this is what you call a loofah or body scrub. It helps you exfoliate, you know the grime you have when you get sweaty? That can be washed with soap. Dead skin cells and dirt however settle on your skin, so you exfoliate gently every other day. Two things. Bar soaps for body care, and body wash liquid. Body soap first as first wash. Then body wash has a gentle fragrance and you use it for a second wash. When you bathe or shower, it's always bar soap first for the body. Then, you use shampoo for your hair. Like I said earlier you must brush your hair and oil your scalp before showering. Shampoo is always first because it cleans off dirt on the scalp. I'll demo it later on your hair. Shampoo is every other day or only once a day, preferably at your night bath. Then after bar soap, shampoo, you use a face wash. Face wash must be gentle liquids like this. Here, let me do it for you. Only rub gently after lathering it on your palm like this. .... Close your eyes.... then lather. .... Then let's wash it off. Then now body wash again on your body. You should only use liquid body wash for private areas because they're gentle. If you're doing private business, you wash yourself with bar soap. Now, after shampoo comes the conditioner."

Harry listened intently to Hadrian's explanations, his eyes wide with wonder and slight embarrassment at being treated like a small child. He felt dizzy, that’s alot of things to remember. But there was a part of him that also felt oddly cared for and cared about. He obediently followed Hadrian's instructions, washing his body properly, and allowing Hadrian to show him the correct hygiene routine.

As Hadrian began conditioning his hair, Harry closed his eyes, feeling the soothing sensations of having someone else wash his hair for him.

Hadrian took his time in washing his younger self's hair, gently massaging his scalp. Hadrian found himself feeling a mix of protectiveness and nostalgia as he performed this simple yet endearing task. 

He’ll miss little Teddy Lupin.

Hadrian smiles as he teaches him more about hygiene. "Good boy. Let's use body liquid now. Don't forget to wash between your fingers and toes, even your bellybutton."

Harry nodded, his cheeks still flushed a faint pink from both embarrassment and comfort. He diligently followed Hadrian's instructions, ensuring he washed every part of his body properly for the second wash, even the often-neglected areas like between his fingers and toes, and his belly button.

As the conditioner sat in his hair, he glanced up at Hadrian, a mixture of gratitude and a bit of shyness in his gaze. Hadrian smile down gently at Harry as he massage his scalp with conditioner

"Feels good being taken care of, huh?"

Harry nodded, unable to suppress a small content smile. He leaned into the touch of Hadrian's hand on his scalp, finding comfort in the way the conditioner was massaged into his hair. "It's.... nice. I never felt this way before."

The confession slipped out accidentally, betraying a vulnerability and hunger for something that had been missing in his life for so long.

"I know, little one. But I'm here now. Well, I'm still older than you and I'm not Dad, or our Uncles you're supposed to have, but I'll try my best."

Harry's chest tightened at Hadrian's words. The mention of family and the unspoken acknowledgment of all that had been missing in his life hit him hard. Tears threatened to spill over, but he held them back, trying to remain composed. A mixture of gratitude and longing welled up inside him, and he whispered softly; "Thank you."

"Oh Harry, none needed. I'd pay for someone to take care of me when I was your age. Accidentally time travelling in the past was never in my plan, but if I can raise myself, then it's a great loss and gain. Now, let's rinse that conditioner. Close your eyes."

Harry sniffled slightly, the tears he had been holding back finally slipping down his cheeks. He closed his eyes obediently, submitting to Hadrian's gentle touch and care. The mixture of emotions in his heart threatened to overwhelm him, but he tried to keep them at bay and simply focus on the comfort he was receiving. As Hadrian started to rinse him, Harry inhaled deeply, trying to steady his breathing and compose himself.

"It's okay to cry. It's okay. You're a growing boy, you have many emotions today. I'm here." Hadrian cooed as he quickly washed his face so there'd be no soap suds on his younger version's face as he cried. He cups Harry's tiny face after, wiping his tears.

The gentle and reassuring words from Hadrian shattered the fragile wall Harry had erected around his emotions. The tears flowed freely now, as the emotions he had suppressed for so long found their outlet in the safety of Hadrian's presence. Plus, the chaos from tonight was a lot. He leaned into Hadrian's touch, the comforting hold on his face a soothing refuge from the emotional storm within. His small frame shook with each sob as he allowed the pent-up feelings to wash over him.

Hadrian coo and rinses Harry off properly. Then he grabs a fluffy warm towel and works to wrap his little self in it. Hadrian held Harry close, cradling him gently as he sobbed. The sight of his younger self in such a raw and vulnerable state tore at his heart, but it also filled him with a sense of purpose. He ran his fingers soothingly through Harry's damp hair, murmuring words of comfort and reassurance.

"Shhh... let it all out... I'm right here... it's alright, cry as much as you need to.”

The comfort and security of being held and cared for was foreign yet incredibly cathartic for Harry. His cries turned into shuddering sobs, his tiny frame shaking with the intensity of the emotions he had kept bottled up inside for so long.

Hadrian cast a warming charm on his younger self again since he just got out of the bath, making sure he's wrapped well by the fluffy warm towel. He also cast a drying charm so he won't be sick. The amount of instinctive care even by simple charms made Harry cry harder because it just feels good to be cared for. "Oh Harry, my darling boy. It's okay. I got you.”

Harry's sobs gradually subsided, his tears leaving a trail of wetness on both his face and Hadrian's shirt. The soothing warmth generated by the charms was like a comforting embrace, adding to the sense of security that began to calm his weary heart.

He gripped Hadrian's shirt tightly in his tiny hands, his voice still shaky as he whispered a soft yet heartfelt request; "Please... don't leave... please."

Hadrian gently wipes his tears as he looks down on his younger self in his arms. He coos gently as he stands up to bring him\ on top of the bathroom sink. Grabbing the pajamas and undergarments the room of requirement provided.

"I promised, didn't I, little guy?" Hadrian smiles gently as he leans on the counter and looks at little Harry's reflection in the mirror. "Look at yourself, you look like a green-eyed marshmallow."

Harry sniffled again, a small bubble of teary laughter escaping his lips at Hadrian's comment. He looked at his own reflection in the mirror, his eyes big and watery, surrounded by a puffy red face. The towel wrapped around him made him seem even more marshmallow-like.

He tried to protest weakly, a hint of a smile on his face. "M'not a marshmallow..."

Hadrian grins and kisses his temple oh so lovingly it made Harry make a little ‘O’ mouth. Chuckling, he spelled the underpants and silk pajama pants on Harry. But left the pajama wizarding top so he can dress Harry himself. Hadrian took the towel which Harry is wrapped with and gently but playfully patted him dry. Allowing his younger version to experience more pampering and being taken care of instead of just using spells alone.

The feeling of being pampered was so foreign, and yet incredibly comforting. Harry silently relished in the attention, his eyes watching every move Hadrian made with quiet contentment.

Hadrian carefully and gently began to dress Harry in the pajamas, being incredibly gentle and patient with every movement. Each button was handled with the utmost care.

As he worked, Hadrian's tone was soft and warm, his gaze never leaving Harry's face. He wanted to make every moment count, to imprint this experience in his younger self's memory as a reminder of the love and tenderness he had been deprived of for so long. "There you go, all warm and dressed. You're not stinky anymore."

He teases, bending abit and playfully sniffs Harry making a face. Harry giggled again, his laughter bright and lighthearted. He playfully swatted at Hadrian's hand as he made the sniffing face, clearly enjoying the playfulness of the moment.

"Hey! I wasn't stinky!" He protested with a smile, his cheeks turning a slight shade of pink again at being teased.

"Uh huh, sure buddy. chuckling Now close your eye, every little boy needs to be pat down with baby powder after shower"

Harry's protests were interrupted by Hadrian's playful command to close his eyes. He gave in with a dramatic sigh, closing his eyes tightly as he heard Hadrian grab the powder.

"I'm not a..." He protested once more, albeit half-heartedly, as he waited in anticipation of the next part.

His older self only teasingly looked at him but did pat his face, neck and arms down with some dusting powder and soft cushion. Harry's eyes remained closed as Hadrian gently dusted his face, neck, and arms with powder, the soft puffs of the material tickling him slightly. He couldn't help but squirm a little at the sensation, giggling softly at the feeling. Hadrian just spelled his younger self's teeth clean with a charm. Since Harry's still sitting on top of the sink counter, staring at his reflection, he grabbed a hairbrush.

As Hadrian began brushing his hair with the hairbrush, he peeked through half-lidded eyes, looking at himself in the mirror. He couldn't help but find it a little amusing, feeling pampered like this. "There's so much hygiene stuff you're doing, are we really this meticulous in the future?"

"We are indeed. In the future you will get used to it eventually. Hygiene routines and a good regimen will keep you healthy and feeling good. Besides, it's good self-discipline." He replied casually, gently working the hairbrush through the unruly locks, trying to make Harry's hair less messy and wild.

Harry nodded, his expression thoughtful as he listened to Hadrian's explanation. He knew the importance of hygiene and taking care of himself, but the concept of having such a regimented routine was a bit intimidating.

"It sounds like a lot of work..." He murmured softly, his eyes fixed on their reflections in the mirror. He leaned into the brush's touch as Hadrian continued to gently brush out his hair, feeling relaxed and cared for under the older wizard's ministrations.

"It is, but it makes you feel good and fresh, doesn't it? Just because we're boys doesn't mean we should be less hygienic, you know. Good discipline. Part of the image and self-esteem you want to have. Especially that you're a very powerful kid and quite famous. I know we hate the attention, but at the very least, we should be making an effort to present ourselves with care."

Harry nodded again in understanding, feeling a pang of agreement at Hadrian's words. He hated the constant attention and fame, but he knew that presenting himself appropriately was important, especially as a student at Hogwarts.

"I guess you're right. It's not just about being comfortable. It's about presenting oneself properly, even when it's a hassle." He admitted in a mumble, his gaze still fixed on their reflections in the mirror, his hair slowly starting to look neater under Hadrian's brush.

"Wise one, kiddo. Was I this philosophical at 12?" the older mused teasingly, making Harry grin at him through the mirror.

“I’m not sure for someone old like you. Younger minds work differently, you know.” Harry teases back with a smirk. Hadrian pokes his side playfully, scowling.

"Hey I'm 20, and I am wise. The experiences and surviving a war does that. Head Auror, remember?"

Harry let out a small noise of protest as Hadrian poked his side, the grin still on his face. He rolled his eyes at the mention of Hadrian's age and his accomplishments.

"Oh, right, the big shot Head Auror. I forgot." He replied sarcastically, sticking his tongue out at Hadrian through the mirror.

His older self barks a laugh at being sassed by himself, just the younger version. Hadrian lift Harry down from the sink and shepherds him out of the bathroom back to the bedroom "Alright, up you go. All warm, fresh and clean my little lad." 

"I'm not little." He protested with a hint of laughter in his tone, trying to sound indignant as he looked up at Hadrian with playful defiance.

His future self only looks down on him teasingly as they waddle back to the room. "Oh yeah?"

He pat his head and gasp mockingly as he levels it to where Harry reaches him. Which is only to Hadrian's waist. 

"Not little indeed."

Harry puffed his cheeks in frustration at being patted on the head and compared to Hadrian's height. He glared up at his future self with playful annoyance, his small stature in contrast to Hadrian's more grown-up frame making him seem even more like a little marshmallow.

"I'm not that small! You're just... tall." He protested stubbornly, his tone still indignant but with a hint of a smile playing at the corner of his lips. He knows it himself that he’s among the smallest in his year.

Hadrian chuckled softly at his younger self's protests. The sight of Harry's puffed-up cheeks, pouty expression, and little fists clenched in determination was amusing, and a clear reminder of their shared stubborn streak.

"I suppose you have a point there. But you're still pretty little."

Hadrian just feels so overwhelmingly fond of his younger self as he brings back Harry to the couch in front of the fireplace the Room of Requirement provided. The tea service is still warm with biscuits before bed.

"Alright, stay here. You can ask the room to give you a book if you want, or drink some milk again and a biscuit before bed. I'll just dryspell your teeth again after. I'm going to shower." 

Harry plopped down onto the soft couch, the warm feeling of the fire and the comfort of the room easing any remaining tension he may have felt. "Okay... I'll be here."

He murmured softly, his eyes following Hadrian as he mentioned leaving to shower. Harry suddenly felt a bit nervous at the thought of being alone, but he tried not to show it, burying himself into the couch and fiddling with the edge of his pajama top.

Seeing the hint of nervousness from parting with his own older self after he showed up from the future, Hadrian kneels in front of Harry on the sofa. Looking at him with so much fondness and love as he caresses his hair again.

"I'll just be in the bathroom, 15 minutes tops. Don't worry your little heart out, bud. How about you read some books for your class, huh? Transfiguration, Potions?" He tease knowing Harry won't be in the mood to study yet

"Not a chance. I've had enough studying for one day." He protested, shaking his head and giving Hadrian a faux-annoyed look, although there was a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Hadrian chuckled softly at Harry's protest, the look of faux annoyance on his face only making him more endearing. He ruffled his hair again affectionately before patting his head.

"Fair enough, kiddo. No studying then." He said with a grin, knowing full well that he would eventually have to push Harry towards academic pursuits but not tonight.

Harry let out an exaggerated sigh of relief, his expression shifting to one of mock exasperation.

"Thank Merlin. I thought you were seriously telling me to study for a second there."

"Oh don't worry, now that you'll have me as a guardian, I'll be your own tutor. Like any kid with parents. No slacking off and I'd even teach you Potions myself. Now, lemme shower first, future plans next." He stood up and made sure Harry's comfortable by the fireplace, wrapped in blankets.

Harry's eyes widened slightly, a mix of excitement and slight trepidation at the mention of lessons. "Wait, you're seriously going to be my tutor?"

"I thought you had, you know, better things to do... being the Head Auror and all." He added hesitantly, a hint of insecurity creeping into his tone.

"That future is not my life anymore. I have many things to do in this timeline, a.k.a dealing with Voldemort and everything else that would happen to you. You're my priority." Hadrian shrugs and pat his head before moving to the bathroom

Harry couldn't help but feel a small flutter of warmth in his chest at Hadrian's words. The words "you're my priority," even though they were said casually, left a deep impression on him.

Harry's mind raced, his thoughts swirling with the events of the day. From his unexpected time travel, to meeting his older self, and now being cared for in the Room of Requirement, the events were almost overwhelming. He thought about the gentle touches, the tender words, the feeling of being taken care of in a way he'd never experienced before. It was all so foreign to him, yet it felt so...nice.

As time passed, Harry eventually found himself yawning again, the warmth of the fireplace, the cozy sofa, and the soothing sound of the water running in the bathroom making him feel drowsy once more.

He snuggled deeper beneath the blankets, his eyelids growing heavy. His thoughts are still swirling, but his mind slowly grows weary. He let out a soft sigh, the warmth and comfort of the room lulling him into a peaceful state.

Hadrian eventually emerged from the bathroom in his wizarding pajama set, rubbing his hair and ear with a towel. He chuckles softly as Harry jerks up alert from drowsiness and moves to him.

"The warmth makes you sleepy, huh? Let's get to bed." 

Harry nodded sleepily, his eyes drooping as he yawned widely once more. The sight was adorable, and Hadrian couldn't help but chuckle at his younger self's tired state. "Mhm... sleepy..."

He mumbled, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand. He extended a hand towards Hadrian, a silent request for help getting up from the couch. Instead of just holding his hand, Hadrian lifted him again in his arms and carried him to the king sized cozy bed the Room of Requirement provided. He found himself getting used to carrying his little self since when he showed up at the DADA classroom.

"Still up for that story time about my stag patronus and our dad, James?"

Harry couldn't help but smile, his tiredness temporarily forgotten in the comfort of being carried and cradled. As Hadrian settled them both on the king-sized bed, pillows and blankets surrounding him, Harry nodded eagerly. "I'd love to hear it."

Hadrian chuckled softly as he pulled the blankets up over both of them. He leaned back against the headboard, pulling Harry close to him, letting them both get comfortable under the warm blankets. "Alright then, little one. So you know, my patronus is a stag, right?"

Harry nodded sleepily, his eyes still fixed on Hadrian's face as he listened to him. He shifted a little closer, pulling the blankets a bit more tightly around him, feeling the warmth radiating from Hadrian's body. He was feeling cozy, safe, and comfortable.

"Back in the 70s, our dad, James Fleamont Potter, was friends with Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and one we never talk about, Peter Pettigrew. They call themselves the Marauders.... they're a tight knit friend group from first year to seventh year. Fun fact, well two. Professor Mcgonagall was the one to brand them with the name and they adapted it. Another is, did you know your dorm room was actually the very same dorm Dad used back in their time?"

Harry's eyes widened with interest, his sleepiness momentarily forgotten. He had heard vague mentions of his father and his friends' adventures as the Marauders before, but never in detail. Hearing about the connection to his own dorm room added an interesting layer that piqued his curiosity.

"Wait, really? My dorm room...?" He murmured, his voice filled with wonder. He looked up at Hadrian, his expression a mix of surprise and excitement, as he waited for more details.

Hadrian nodded in confirmation, his own expression tinged with nostalgia and a touch of bittersweetness. "Yes, your very own dorm room is the same one your father shared with his friends during their Hogwarts years. They called it the Marauders' Den. Stupid name I know, but there’s an inside joke why it’s called Den. They spent many nights there, pulling pranks, studying, and hatching crazy schemes."

The older Potter scion gradually changed his voice into a lighter, whimsical way of story telling. Based on Harry’s large peridot eyes peering at him, it’s working,

"I never knew it myself up until my 6th year too. Until I found a carving on the shelf behind our bed that says "Prongs", and if you check Neville's bedpost to the front right, there should be a carving of a dog too with "Padfoot" on it. James, our dad, was an animagus. An animagus is a wizard who has the ability to change into an animal. It's a hard skill to achieve and you can only manifest in one form of animal. He did the process with his two other friends. The Potters, for years, have often been associated with kelpies and deers. I'll show you our family crest tomorrow. So James, our dad, became a Stag Animagi. In turn, his own patronus charm which like I told you earlier is a guardian soul of ourselves, also manifested in a stag. There's a very long story in my third year, which is your next year, isn't it? That had happened and there were dementors in Hogwarts. Which is a very dangerous creature of the dark that sucks someone's soul, and is situated in the wizard prison called Azkaban. Now, to repel these dementors, you need a Patroni. Because we suffer great trauma, we're more susceptible to being chased by these dementors. One of their friends, Remus Lupin, will be your professor next year for DADA. He taught me the patronus charm himself and it manifested to the very same as Dad's. A stag. Our dad has always been one of our protectors. That year, I got reconnected with one of his friends so it must've been why who James Potter is became more vivid in my mind." 

Harry's eyes widened with awe, the mixture of tiredness and interest keeping him awake. He snuggled even closer to Hadrian, his head resting against his chest, as he absorbed every word. The idea of the Marauders, the carvings in the dorm room, and the mystery surrounding their father's patronus all stirred a deep sense of wonder and connection.

"Oh... That's so cool. I can't believe our dad was an animagus." He said with a soft, sleepy murmur.

The twelve year old also felt like James Fleamont Potter’s image in his mind went from being a ghost to a memory. The tidbits he’s never been blessed to know about his parents made them seem like a ghost of his past, but never a real person. Harry didn’t even know his father had a middle name, nor that the House of Potter is associated with kelpies and deers. Additionally, Harry never knew any former friends of his parents that knew them to an intimate level. Here Hadrian was, giving him these stories he never knew he could  have.

“I know. Cool, isn't it? I'm also an animagus and I'll teach you how when you're at least 15, yeah?" Harry nodded, his interest piqued. He looked up at Hadrian with wide eyes, his curiosity still evident despite his sleepy state. The idea of learning how to become an animagus, much like his father, sounded thrilling.

"Yeah, that would be so awesome! I can't wait." He replied, his voice quieter than before, as sleep started to edge into his voice. He cuddled closer to Hadrian, seeking warmth and comfort as tiredness continued to take over.

"You know, our Mom, Lily, also has a deer patronus. Only hers is the female deer version. I’m unsure if it’s because of Dad’s influence though. So really, we're a family of deer, a herd if you will, staying very true to the Potters. Dad's animagus name was Prongs, in turn, his friends had called you, me, Prongslet."

Harry let out a soft snigger, his sleepy state now making him more giggly than usual.

"Prongslet." He repeated the nickname with a hint of humour, his voice tinged with a soft, sleepy chuckle. "That's... cute."

Hadrian chuckled softly, noticing Harry's battle with sleepiness. He saw how the little wizard was trying to keep his eyes open, but the drowsiness was clearly getting the better of him. The sight was endearing, and Hadrian couldn't help but smile affectionately. He ran his fingers through Harry's hair, his touch gentle and soothing.

"You know, you should sleep, little one. You're fighting a losing battle here, and your eyes look like they're about to close any minute now."

Harry let out a soft, sleepy protest at Hadrian's words. He wanted to listen to more stories, but his eyelids felt heavy, and his energy was rapidly fading. The feeling of Hadrian's comforting touch only added to the temptation of sleep.

"I... don't want to sleep yet..." Harry mumbled, his voice soft and barely above a whisper. Despite his tired protest, his yawn betrayed his exhaustion. His body was practically begging for rest.

"Sure, bud. Sure. How about I'll continue to give you some bedtime stories while you drift to sleep, hmm?" He shifts so he can rub Harry's back.

"His friends, Sirius Black became a Grim Animagus which is a big black shaggy dog that represents the omen of death. He calls himself Padfoot. Dad was called Prongs because of the huge antlers of a Stag. Now, they have a friend who's actually a traitor named Peter Pettigrew, that's a heavy story, I'll tell you another day, okay? That man is called Wormtail because he can turn into a rat. Lastly, they have a friend named Remus Lupin. He wasn't animagi, but a werewolf. Yes, werewolves are real. But he only turns a wolf once or twice a month during a full moon. A man turned to a wolf is a medical condition called Lycanthropy and they're heavily stigmatized and discriminated against in our society. He became one because he's bit by an awful werewolf when he's 5. There's nothing that helps his transformation back in the 70s. And werewolves are lost in their mind during it, so it's dangerous if they're around prey and humans. But the Marauders found out that when animals are around werewolves, they can't be bitten to turn into a werewolf and can safely help Uncle Remus during his transformation. So your Dad and his reckless friends decided to become animagi at 14. At 15, they safely achieved it. Remus was the one I told you will be your DADA Professor next year, or maybe, and his wolf name was Moony. I know right on the nose. Why you never knew about them growing up from the Dursleys is a story for another day, because it isn't pretty. But know that Black and Lupin loved you very very much....."

He trails off as he realizes Harry's asleep now. Hadrian couldn't help but pause as he saw Harry drift off, the sight bringing a soft smile to his face. The transformation from tired and stubbornly refusing sleep to peacefully slumbering in his arms was endearing. Hadrian could feel the gentle rise and fall of Harry's chest with each breath, a calming sight, and a reminder of the innocent and vulnerable innocence that the boy held within.

He leaned back against the pillows, still holding Harry close, and let out a soft sigh. He knew that there was so much more to tell that night, but for now, he was content with just watching Harry sleep.

Minutes passed in quiet contentment as Hadrian remained in the same position, cradling Harry in his arms. His gaze lingered on the little boy's serene face, marveling at just how adorable the boy looked in this moment. Hadrian felt a pang of protectiveness in his heart at the sight. This was, after all, his younger self, and his instincts were telling him to never let go.

"Oh Harry, my Harry, you're so loved. The world’s your oyster, you just don’t know it yet." He murmurs in the dead of the night, as he rubs a sleeping Harry's back. He was repeating Lily's mutterings to his own self similarly. One he got from phials of memories his parents left stored in the Potter Vault. It was when he was 18, a little after things settled down after the battle. Hadrian took time to sort through the family vaults which he was granted access to as he hit the majority already. There was a memory from James wherein they were putting infant Harry to sleep, he was maybe 4? Or 5 months old in the memory stored. He remembers that vividly, how Lily and James were both cradling him in their bed, after he woke them up in the middle of night and was fussy until James held baby Harry. 

Harry remained blissfully asleep, unaware of the tender words that were being whispered in his slumber. His head was resting comfortably against Hadrian's chest, his breaths slow and steady. The gentle motion of Hadrian's fingers added an extra sense of warmth and comfort, lulling him deeper into sleep. Every so often, a small sigh or soft murmur would escape from his lips, as if in response to the soothing touch. It was a picture-perfect moment, a tableau of comfort and tenderness.

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Chapter Text

Hadrian waited two hours before deciding he should take care of the basilisk and diary down to the Chambers. He's apprehensive to leave Harry but knows he should take care of the basilisk during the night when it's safer. Plus, it won't take too long for him this time. He can just ask a rooster from an elf and he has a goblin-made sword in his untraceable expanded pouch he brought from the future. By coincidence really, he always carries many things in his pockets and holsters during missions as an Auror. Thankfully he has everything he needed when he got thrown back in time by accident. 

He could blame it for being a war veteran, but he’d like to think Mad Eye Moody would’ve been proud of his constance vigilance. He suddenly had the man’s image popping in his mind as he carefully disentangled himself from Harry. 

Young Harry remained oblivious to Hadrian's impending departure. He continued to sleep peacefully, wrapped up in the warmth of the blankets and the comfort of Hadrian's presence. The room felt quiet and still, the only sounds being the soft sounds of his breathing and the occasional crackling of the dying fire in the fireplace.

As for Hadrian, he prepared for his task with practiced efficiency. He cast protective spells and set various wards for Harry's protection, making sure his younger self was safe and secure before he left the room. He even wrote a note in case Harry wakes up and panics because he's gone. Hopefully he won't. Hadrian knows Harry would be afraid it's all a dream and his future older self didn't show up. 

Mission: Kill a basilisk and kill another horcrux for the second time is a go. Man, he’s having some flashbacks right now.

Kissing Harry's forehead, he puts on his boots last. He's at least assured by the measurements he left placed. Before he even second guessed, Hadrian grabbed everything he needed including the diary horcrux he got from Ginny Weasley. 

Leaving the Room of Requirement, the halls were eerily empty and silent. Some scones flickering still alight, the staircases moving even when there’s no one and the rustle of tapestries dancing due to wind. Moonlight flows in through mosaic windows or open alcoves, his boots the loudest sound against the floor. Going down the halls from 7th floor down to the dungeons was a rather creepy affair.

Intercepting the diary as early as first petrification was a great timing upon his accidental time travel to the past. He never wants Harry, or rather himself, to experience the horror of second year again. A year that made everyone think he's a villain, the so-called Heir of Slytherin petrifying students even if his best friend is a muggleborn. 

As if. He’d cut his own tongue before he even intentionally harms Hermione.

Hadrian’s memory of himself feeling so alienated and awful for being targeted for his parseltongue was also one thing he’d need to prevent. Hopefully, he can eliminate Lockhart soon before the idiot conducts the dueling club and Malfoy would cast serpensortia on him. He vows everyone will know and treat Harry's parsel ability properly like a gift from Slytherin. He has many situations to prevent in this timeline and he won't fail. Starting from killing a basilisk, may Salazar forgive him, to avoid more catastrophes. Especially if it meant hindering his younger self from facing it.

Eventually, he arrived at the entrance to the Chamber, the stone snake on the sink beckoning him forward. Hadrian couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine. There was something unsettling about descending to the Chamber of Secrets, even if he had been through this particular ordeal before.

Huh, Myrtle isn’t here.

Rummaging his extendable charmed pouch with untraceable depth, he got his firebolt out. He grins at the Firebolt Pro he brought from the future and suddenly realized he got a model that's not even released in this year. Thank Merlin he always carries it. 

The journey down the sink pipes was every bit as unpleasant as Hadrian remembered, the cramped and slimy confines of the pipes making for a less than pleasant experience. But he pushed through, knowing that the trip would be brief and necessary. Eventually, the end of the pipes came into sight, and Hadrian emerged from the end, stepping out into the vast and dimly lit Chamber of Secrets.

Killing the basilisk was a very very quick affair. He summoned a Hogwarts house elf to ask for a rooster. When he got it, he stunned it briefly and used the safety of the chambers to grab the diary out. Using the basilisk fang he already has in his arm holster, he stabbed the diary with it. Rather anticlimactic he thinks. The last time he did this, he had to face a dramatic 16 year old shade of Voldemort who's rather stupid really. The Diary screeches and spurs some blank ink which he vanishes quickly. He didn't even need to be stabbed by a basilisk fang this time to destroy this out of spite! 

Hadrian’s not sure if he should be elated or bitter.

Diary done, Basilisk next.

Hadrian carefully placed the destroyed diary in a lead goblin-made box to contain it, with a sharp exhale, he then opened the door to the chamber with a hiss.

The chamber was silent as Hadrian stood before the massive statue of Salazar Slytherin, the serpent around its neck motionless and still. The only sound was the faint echo of his own breathing and the soft sound of his shoes against the stone floor. If he focused closely, he’d hear water dripping down on some areas.

He took a deep breath, preparing to speak the words that would summon the basilisk. He cleared his throat before calling out in the language of his ancestors in India.

"ssSpeak to me, Slytherin, greatest of the Hogwarts four. Hisss great king sssserpent, I sssummon you"

Hadrian's words echoed throughout the chamber, the sound of his voice reverberating off of the stone walls. For a moment, there was nothing but silence. Then, in the distance, a low, soft hissing sound could be heard, growing louder and louder as the giant serpent slithered its way through the chamber. The sound of its scales gliding over the stone floor made Hadrian's heart race, and he tightened his grip on his wand, bracing himself for what was to come. He could immediately sense this basilisk is inherently insane already, must’ve been because it had met 16 year old Voldemort decades ago, and now, has been awakened once more by a possessed Ginevra Weasley.

“Sssyou, Who are you? You are not my massterr! Kill, i musstt kill! A tressspasser~”

“No! Pleassse, I’m notsss an enemy, I am a parsel~ like your masters~”

“sssStranger creature, master ssayys obey and speak no one else~ Prey, must kill prey~”

Wow okay, he has to do it this way then.

Without wasting time, Hadrian shut his eyes as he ran to another corner and sent a nonverbal spell to the rooster. As the rooster's crow rang out through the chamber, the basilisk let out a furious hiss. The large snake thrashed and writhed, its scales scraping against the stone floor as it writhed in pain from the rooster's call. It let loose a stream of curses in its ancient language, its voice echoing with anger and frustration at the sound that was torturing it.

Hadrian opened his eyes to watch the scene before him, taking in the sight of the mighty basilisk thrashing and flailing in distress. He could sympathize with the pain the snake was experiencing, but he also knew that this was necessary. He watched as the rooster, still bound with magic, continued to let out a loud and raucous crow. The sound echoed through the chamber, adding to the chaos and confusion of the scene.

Hadrian watched as the basilisk's body slowly fell still, its writhing and thrashing ceasing into a motionless heap on the cold stone floor of the chamber. The rooster's crowing finally came to an end, and a heavy silence fell over the chamber once more.

Hadrian blinks at the huge snake for a moment.

"Well that's rather anticlimactic."

He says to no one. He shrugs and grabs a couple vials in his pouch. Casually harvesting a tiny bit of basilisk skin from its head, one fang, and some venom. When he took his NEWTs back in his timeline after the war, he never went back to Hogwarts after the battle. Instead, he self-studied for his NEWTs and realized that when you don't have a bitter professor breathing down your neck, Potions is a rather talent of his. Which also meant he learned harvesting and foraging for ingredients. Plus, the compulsions and blocks on his magic Dumbledore placed subdued every bit of gift and power he had, which made it hard for him to use his full potential when he was younger.

It turns out, Potions do run in the veins of Potters if Fleamont’s journals he found in the family vaults were to go by. The irony of it was; SkeleGro was one of his most used nasty potions as a quidditch player and one of his own ancestors had apparently invented it. 

Don’t get him wrong, he now understands Snape’s true loyalties and lifelong purpose of why he acts like that. But it still does not excuse how he was unnecessarily treated in Potions class just to appease the slytherins and their parents for his spy image. He had learned more from the potions book he got from teenager Snape than he did in 5 years of being taught by the man. Hadrian still admires the man’s bravery and would always honor the Snape of his timeline, but both truths can exist at the same time.

That just reminded him to get Harry to Gringotts tomorrow and purge him from everything. The thought that he's much more gifted and powerful all his life and was blocked from his own potential makes his skin crawl. May Mother Magic have mercy on Dumbledore because Hadrian sure as hell won't. Unlike Snape, whom he has mixed feelings about, he had lost most of the good will he had for Albus, considering he had set things up and was responsible for lives on a large scale. 

Hadrian quickly collected the ingredients that he needed from the basilisk, carefully placing them into the small vials for safekeeping. As he worked, he tried to push aside the anger and bitterness that he felt at the thought of Dumbledore's interference. 

No, he couldn't let himself get lost in such negative thoughts right now.

With all the necessary ingredients safely stored, he made his way back up the chambers' pipe, leaving the bowels of the school, and the dead basilisk behind him. He’ll get that professionally harvested soon enough, the goblins are rather great business partners. Maybe even offer some parts to Snape as a retribution of the House of Potter-Black misdeeds against him when the Marauders were teenagers.  

When he got back to the Room of Requirement through a shortcut, he's pleased to see the younger him still asleep. Hadrian shed himself from everything he carried including his weapons. He's like a walking armory honestly. Spelling himself clean again since he just showered, he smiles down fondly at Harry.

Young Harry, in turn, shifted in his sleep as Hadrian slid back into the bed, instinctively snuggling closer to the source of warmth. He let out a soft sigh, his body relaxing as he subconsciously sought out the comfort and familiarity of Hadrian's presence. Even in slumber, it seemed that the younger wizard was drawn to his older self's affection and protection.

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The next morning, it was Harry who woke up first early. Always the early riser. The come and go room had kept its warmth throughout the night and there’s even some sort of artificial sunlight filtering through the faux windows of the room. When he opened his eyes properly, he lifted his head, confused at first being held by someone and in a room he didn't recognize. Moreover, being so comfortable and with a foreign feeling of safety, a luxury for him. Young Harry's eyes widened in relief and surprise as he recalled who was holding him. He couldn't believe what he was seeing - his future self, several years older but so undeniably familiar, asleep beside him in the bed. It was surreal and almost dream-like, and it took a few moments for it all to sink in.

Slowly, carefully, he reached out a hand to touch the older man's face, his fingers tracing over the contours of his features as if to confirm that this was real and not an hallucination. Yesterday was not a dream.

Hadrian, after the war, had changed his body clock completely, especially after camping during the horcrux hunt. The year of recovery post-war included taking care of his sleep schedule. Which was rather a test with the PTSD and extra nightmares he gained. Thankfully he had managed it just last year. Hadrian was at the very least glad that he got thrown back in the past in a state of a healthier, smarter, and far more equipped Hadrian to raise his own younger self.

Regardless, Hadrian had never shrugged off being a lightsleeper. So Harry tracing his face woke him up gently. Peeking one eye open, he groans playfully against the pillow and tuck Harry in his arms further. A quick glance at the magical clock shows it’s still 5:26 am.

"Well good morning. I forgot how much of an early riser I was before.”

The second year bashfully smiled and shrugged. “Good morning.”

“It's barely 5:30 owlet, go back to sleep. You’re in cuddle jail right now."

Young Harry couldn't help but let out a giggle as he was tucked more thoroughly into Hadrian's arms. The sensation was comfortable and familiar, and he found himself liking being held this way. He also found it a bit funny how Hadrian groaned like an old man.

"You don't like waking up early?" He asked curiously, tilting his head up to look at his future self with a small grin.

Hadrian hums and tug the blankets tighter around the both of them. "I started to sleep longer as soon as I lived alone. Took too long, mind.... Hmm... I'll work on making you sleep healthier soon enough." He murmurs sleepily, and peeks one eye open when his younger self is curiously poking his cheek. He chuckled with a raspy voice at his younger self's curiousity, it's rather endearing.

"You're too awake, go back to sleep with me.” He groans and tucks Harry playfully further in his arms. Harry let out another soft giggle, wriggling in his grasp.

"But I'm not sleepy anymore." He protested, a hint of petulance in his voice. Despite his protests, he seemed to still be enjoying the feel of being held and cared for by his future self. His smaller body curled up closer to Hadrian, snuggling into his warm embrace. Hadrian on the other hand chuckled softly at Young Harry's protest, finding his petulance more adorable than anything.

"Ah, but little one, sleep is important. And it's still too early." He replied, his voice still sleep-laden but with a hint of playful teasing. Even as he scolded, he squeezed Harry tighter in his arms, clearly enjoying the feel of the little one snuggling into him. 

"Did you sleep okay? No nightmares?" Hadrian adds, looking at his mini-me's face. Harry, on the other hand, feels giddy and shy again being on the subject of parental care. Hadrian being the same person as Harry, knows intimately how often he gets nightmares and how unhealthy his sleep was in his youth. He's hoping that being cuddled to sleep, after a warm bath and pampering, made a comfortable slumber for his little one last night.

Harry shook his head in answer to Hadrian's question about nightmares. Even though he usually had frequent nightmares, he had slept exceptionally well the night before. The pampering had provided a sense of comfort that seemed to chase away the usual bad dreams. "No nightmares.   slept well, thank you..."

"I'm glad to hear it, little one. You deserve a nice, restful night of sleep." He gave young Harry a warm smile, his hand stroking through the boy's messy black hair affectionately.

It was a soothing and caring gesture, and the younger Heir found himself feeling strangely comforted and safe in his future self's embrace. For a moment, it was almost easy to forget about the bizarre and confusing situation and just enjoy being close to someone who cared.

"You're nice to me..." He murmured quietly, his voice slightly muffled against Hadrian's chest.

"I'm just older you, why wouldn't I be nice to you? You deserve so much more, Harry." Harry felt a flush of warmth spread through his chest at Hadrian's words. He understood the logic behind the statement, yet hearing it spoken aloud was still a bit of a revelation. To hear his future self, someone who should be just like him, saying he simply deserves more, it’s jarring. 

Harry wonders how he deserves this miracle.

Not knowing how to answer that, he changes the subject instead. “What are we going to do today?”

"Hmmm. I'll ask a special permission from Professor McGonagall so I can bring you to Hogsmeade. Specifically for Gringotts. We need to purge you from things in your magic. Then a healer check. I realized Madame Pomfrey is an amazing mediwitch and all, but in your case, you need an in-depth healer. I'll explain later, yeah? And, sort out legalities and all. So I can take you into custody. And you need to have your heirship rings from now on, they are essential for your protection and accepting your heirship.”

The boy’s eyes widened at the list of tasks that Hadrian had laid out. A full medical check-up, a visit to Hogsmeade, legalities, and sorting out heirship rings - it all sounded so... overwhelming. And the mention of being under Hadrian's custody and having heirship rings, it all made the boy's head spin. He clung a little tighter to Hadrian's shirt, feeling a mix of confusion, fear, and uncertainty.

"It's... a lot."

"I know, little one. It's a lot to take in. But I promise you, I'll be beside you every step of the way. The medical check-up will be quick, the healers under Goblin’s oath are more efficient than wixen healers. Hogsmeade will be fun, I promise. I need to upgrade your clothes, your glasses, the likes. And all the legalities and heirship rings, I've got all that handled. You just have to be there and do as I say. Plus, you get to visit Hogsmeade and only third years and up can! Your second year peers will be jealous" Hadrian winks playfully, hoping he can soothe his worries.

Harry managed a small smile at Hadrian's playful wink, his fear and confusion still present but somewhat alleviated by the older wizard's reassurance. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. "Alright... I trust you." He then fidgeted, shifting slightly in Hadrian's arms before asking.

"Will the check-up hurt?"

"Not really, it shouldn't be.... hmm... actually, do you want to do it as the last task for the day after we visit the bank and shop around Hogsmeade? I think the goblins healer will do most of it. You have what they call compulsions and blocks on your person, they are nasty stuff on your magical core. And you needed to be purged from them. We'll discuss that later, so don't worry much right now, yah hear? The reason why I want you to be looked over is because I know very well what you endured the previous summer. I also believe you will need to be on some maintenance potions. And you might have to regrow some bones that didn't heal properly when you're younger, which needs a full night.”

Young Harry listened intently as Hadrian explained the process, still feeling a mixture of anxiety and a growing sense of apprehension. The mention of compulsions and blocks sounded particularly concerning, but he trusted Hadrian's judgment and decided to put his doubts aside for now. He really appreciates how Hadrian would explain everything he needs to know, otherwise he would overthink until it happens. Although, the mention of having to regrow bones made him wince a little.

"Regrow bones? It'll hurt, right?" He asked warily, his grip on Hadrian's shirt tightening once more.

Hadrian could sense the weariness in the younger wizard's voice, and he patted his head gently in an attempt to be reassuring.

"I know it all sounds scary and difficult, little one. But I promise I'll be by your side through it all. The Goblins healthcare services are quite capable. They'll take good care of you. And I'll make sure all those nasty compulsions and blocks are taken care of. You'll feel better after, trust me."

"Alright...I trust you." He repeated, his voice a bit stronger. He cuddled in a little closer to Hadrian, still seeking comfort in the older wizard's embrace.

"First thing you need to understand now that I'm here, is that you have someone to trust, okay? I know it's hard and you, we, have many habits developed from years of independence and neglect. But I'm here to teach you how to be a kid. I'm only telling you these things because I know we hate it when adults don't tell us things, because you feel like you have to handle things yourself. But sometimes, it's better to keep the responsibilities and worries on the shoulders of adults. There may be no one ever since mom and dad died, but you have me now. All you need to do is do as I say and follow my lead. I'll never lead you astray."

For years, Harry had been independent, forced to handle things on his own because there was no one else to rely on. Now, hearing Hadrian say that there was someone he could depend on, it was both reassuring and overwhelming. He fidgeted slightly in Hadrian's arms, trying to push down the tears that were threatening to spill over. For so long, he had tried to be strong, to be brave, even though he was still just a kid.

Hadrian hums and rubs his back. Allowing Harry to process his emotions for a few silent minutes. After all, it's too early for emotions on a Saturday.

"Harry? You okay, bud?" He glanced down after a while, checking on Little Harry when he was too quiet. The younger replica of him sniffled slightly, wiping away some stray tears with his sleeve. He let out a shaky exhale before looking up at Hadrian.

"Y-yeah...I'm okay. Just... still trying to take everything in."

"That's alright, remember what I said. There's nothing to be ashamed of in front of your own self. I know you deep inside, little one. There's no such place in the universe where I'll think you're weak and embarrassing for having emotions."

Harry felt a wave of comfort wash over him at Hadrian's words. He had always been hesitant to show his emotions, having learned at a young age that showing weakness was a liability. But here, in Hadrian's arms, it felt safe to be vulnerable, safe to let his walls down.

"Thank you...for understanding."

"Always..... hmm do you want to eat down the breakfast hall with your friends before we go? Or eat with me? I think little Ron and little Hermione would like to check up on you again after last night. After all, you didn't go back to the dorms to sleep."

Young Harry thought for a moment. He did miss his friends and was a bit worried that they were worried about him. But at the same time, he felt oddly clingy to Hadrian, not wanting to leave the older wizard's side just yet.

"Can I... eat with you instead? I could see my friends later..."

Hadrian smiles, and had already anticipated the answer. He glanced down fondly at little him, kissing his forehead. "Oh, someone's not ready to share me yet?" He teases but not unkindly.

Harry blushed slightly, unable to hide his slight embarrassment at being called out. He buried his face into Hadrian's chest, mumbling an embarrassed "shut up" into the fabric of the older wizard's shirt. Hadrian chuckled softly, enjoying the cute sight of his younger self's flushed cheeks. He ruffled the boy's hair affectionately, finding a strange form of amusement in how embarrassed he was.

"Cute." He teased lightly, causing the younger wizard's face to turn even more red.

Young Harry swatted at Hadrian's hand in annoyance, still hiding his flustered face in his older self's chest. "Stop calling me that!"

"Why can't I find my younger self adorable, huh? I can't help it that you're cute" Hadrian squishes Harry's cheeks with one hand.

"I'm not cute! Let go, stop squishing my cheeks!"

Hadrian chuckled at the younger wizard's failed attempts to look stern. He found it endearing and amusing how the boy was trying so hard to deny his own cuteness.

Teenagers. Always so adamant they’re mature than their age and no longer look adorable.

"You're definitely cute. Your protests, no matter how fierce, just make you even more adorable." He teased, continuing to squish the younger wizard's cheeks playfully. Many kids always hated being coo’d over, even as tiny as 4 years old. Back in his original timeline, his little godson, Teddy already glares at him when he squishes his cheeks. As if he did an infernal disservice to the little tyke for finding him adorable. 

Young Harry's face turned as red as a tomato as Hadrian continued to tease him, his protests growing weaker by the moment. "Stop...stop it! You're so annoying! I’m not cute and im 12 already ya know"

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It turns out, the debate of where they'll have breakfast was a moot point. While Hadrian was dressing up Harry for the day (thank heavens for the magic of RoR providing even the finest clothes), Dumbledore sent a missive offering to announce it on breakfast today about Older Harry time travelling from the future and now being little Harry's doppelganger. Hadrian briefly snarled at the meddling of the coot again but realized that'll work. And he has the opportunity to speak and stop questions being thrown to his younger self instead. Merlin knows how little him hates the attention. 

Additionally, it'll show anyone who tries to make Harry uncomfortable, that there's someone protecting him from now on and he'll be in the castle alot. Not to mention, Hadrian has Lockhart to expose soon as a fraud. Hmm, come Monday in two days time, Hogwarts would need an interim DADA professor again after he gets Lockhart disposed. And wouldn't that be great? Hadrian can be at the castle until the year ends. So Harry won't worry about being apart from him. He'll get a chamber and can even teach the kids properly. Though he's definitely not staying for next year, Remus Lupin will need to follow the timeline and be the professor. Hadrian had volunteered to teach DADA as an assistant back in his own timeline after the war. Just to help McGonagall around when she needed a temporary one. Which wasn't permanent because he was a Head Auror, thus, he has the experience.

So, Hadrian preps little him to go down the halls and eat at the breakfast hall where no doubt, they'll be the talk of the castle. Harry fidgeted nervously as he followed Hadrian down the corridors leading to the Great Hall. He could already feel the weight of the stares and murmurs that would come as soon as they entered the room. Everyone would be talking about them, about him, and he couldn't help but feel a stab of anxiety at the thought.

"Do we really have to go down there? Everyone will be staring at us..." He whispers, his voice small and timid.

Hadrian, sensing the younger wizard's unease, placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. He could sense the anxiety radiating from the boy and quickly tried to soothe his worries with a gentle tone. "It'll be alright, little one. I'll be right there beside you the entire time. Just follow my lead and ignore the whispers."

Hadrian strode in the Great Hall beside Harry, looking rather imposing and formidable. The students look in curiosity and awe, as well as confusion when a doppelganger of Harry Potter walks in with him. Only he's a whole lot older.

Hadrian had slicked back his hair, the lightning bolt scar proudly on display. A contrast to Harry who hides it a lot. His glasses make him look more intimidating but his face looks just a mature version of his younger self duplicate. He was wearing a striking, gothic-inspired formal ensemble. A long black tailcoat with sharp, flowing hems that reaches his ankles, a textured black waistcoat adorned with chains, and slim-fit black trousers. It’s paired with a crisp white dress shirt and an elaborate cravat-style tie, adding a Victorian touch. He even wore a  silver lapel brooch, pocket square, and decorative gloves. All four House crests of Potter, Black, Peverell and Slytherin proudly on his coat. 

Hadrian walks right through the middle with Harry, moving towards the frontier stage where the professors are. Dumbledore said he'll announce about Harry's older time travelling self before they eat so Hadrian can join his little self down the tables.

Doesn’t mean he won’t make a spectacle of it, does he?

He’s the godson of Sirius Black for a damn reason. Theatrics is a Black signature.

The Great Hall was filled with whispers and hushed conversations as the students caught sight of Hadrian and Young Harry entering. Several heads turned, their eyes widening in surprise. From up at the staff table, Dumbledore stood up to address the hall, silencing the chatter in the room.

"Attention, everyone! I have a rather unusual announcement to make. As I'm sure you've all noticed, we have a new... er... face among us." He said, gesturing towards Hadrian and Young Harry, a knowing twinkle in his eyes.

"Allow me to introduce Lord Hadrian James Potter-Black to you all. He is.. well, a bit of a special situation.” He explained, his gaze flicking towards Hadrian, who stood there cool and collected, his hand still resting on the shoulder of the younger wizard beside him. Perhaps it’s the confrontation last night at his office that did the job, but Hadrian was surprised the Headmaster introduced him by his proper title.

Hadrian bows oh so princely that made Harry cringes at some girls swooning in the tables. His older self looks very intimidating and powerful, though he would admit, his older self cleans up nicely. 

"Hello dear children, well met. Hadrian James Potter-Black, from the year 2001. Age 21, a DADA, and Potions Master.” Hadrian warmly smiles despite his intimidating look, sweeping his eyes at the gaping crowd of students.

“And yes, I'm from the future. I'm a Head Auror in my time who dealt with a mission regarding criminals dealing with time turners in Knockturn Alley. Hence, my accidental trip here three days ago in the past. Yes, I am exactly the older form of your schoolmate here Harry Potter. I arrived at the castle last night and dealt with the chamber of secrets issue you all may have seen after the Halloween feast. Though, a business none of you shall have to worry about further. Hadrian is Harry's true legal name, being four times Pureblood Heir. You may refer to me as Lord Potter-Black, or Hadrian." 

He commands the entire Hall's attention. Sending them a polite kind smile yet he looks intimidating regardless. Multiple of Harry's yearmates are gaping back and forth to his younger self and him, wondering a number of questions. The others, even the slytherins, are confused and in awe of the sheer power and aura Harry's older self exudes. Not to mention the slytherin crest on his robes. Everyone else, aside from the Professors who already knew last night, were gobsmacked that Harry can be this.... respectful, scary, powerful looking when he's 21.

Multiple Professors, particularly Mcgonagall, Flitwick and Snape shared looks at the information that Harry Potter gained a mastery in DADA and Potions in the future. 

‘ Well, if it isn’t the least surprising thing to learn he also became competent in Potions after his display of power last night. ’, Snape thinks internally.

Even Harry himself was looking up at his older version, gobsmacked at the fact that he carried himself with such confidence and grace that only added to his imposing presence. ‘I want to be like that someday! Hadrian is so cool!’

"Now, I know this is a lot to process, but I hope you'll all welcome Hadrian with the same kindness and respect you show any other professors here." Dumbledore said, his tone firm and reassuring.

Hadrian looks at the student body sharply with his emerald green eyes. "I would appreciate it if you do not hound my younger self with stares and questions, it is quite rude to do so. You may all ask a question now so we do not pass it on to little me."

The students immediately started to raise their hands, their gazes still fixed on Hadrian. There were so many questions they wanted to ask, but they knew better than to just bombard the older wizard with them all at once. One slytherin student raised his hand, a slightly apprehensive expression on his face.

Hadrian points at the slytherin student. Being just his own self, he had lived through these halls and knew of these same people. "Yes, Ms.Fawley?"

The slytherin student, Miss Fawley, swallowed nervously before asking her question. "How... how did you end up here exactly, Lord Potter-Black?" She asked, clearly curious about Hadrian's arrival in the past. Slytherins may have been hostile to Harry Potter, but they recognize and respect power when they see one. 

And Hadrian exudes it in spades.

"I was on a mission in Knockturn Alley as an Auror. There were shady dealers bartering the artifacts of malfunctioning time turners. It happened in the crossfire that as their head, I got accidentally thrown back 9 years in the past exactly three days ago when things went south. Next question?"

The students murmured amongst themselves, all of them still trying to wrap their heads around Hadrian' s story. Many gryffindors whistle coolly at the thought of their seeker becoming Head Auror in the future. But another student, this time a Ravenclaw, raised their hand, clearly wanting to ask a question.

"Mr. Terry Boot, right? Go on." Terry Boot, the Ravenclaw student, looked slightly surprised that Hadrian knew his name. He nodded briefly in acknowledgment before asking his question.

"What's the biggest difference between your time and ours, sir?"

Hadrian smiles serenely, his younger self still in front of him, holding his shoulder. "The future was bleak, but the Wizarding world was safer and less prejudiced by the time I'm 20." 

He points to a gryffindor, aka one of Harry's roommates. "Yes, Mr.Finnigan?"

Seamus Finnigan was a bit surprised to be called upon by Hadrian, especially when he was still struggling to process all the information being thrown at them. But he took a deep breath and managed to stutter out a question.

"Would you be going back to yer own timeline, Sir?

Hadrian shook his head with a smile, surprised Seamus had asked him a rather interesting question. “No, I’m afraid not. Time travel is tricky especially in an attempt to go back to the future when it wasn’t through a ritual. This is why we do not play with dangerous artifacts, kids.”

He even explained and jokingly chided in a very adult manner, almost like a teacher. Behind him at the Professors table, Lockhart’s left eye twitches at this man, easily captivating the students without much effort nor blinding pearly white smiles. He exudes so much aura that Lockhart himself gets envious with the way most of the students smile at the time traveler’s words.

More hands raise in hopes to be called next. 

Hadrian nodded at Susan Bones, gesturing for her to ask her question. Smiling fondly at the mini version of the hufflepuff. He expanded his circle after the war and Susan took after her Aunt’s footsteps in the DMLE, plus being the Bones Heiress as well. He had gotten close to many other of his yearmates when most of them entered the workforce and claimed their Heirships in the Wizengamot cabinet. Afterall, it was their generation, led by the minds of Hermione, Susan Bones and even Daphne Greengrass in reforming the Ministry post-war. Harry himself joined his four Houses under the Grey faction which Bones and Greengrass are under. 

"Go on, little Susan, let’s hear it.”

The badgers were surprised at the warm reception towards Susan, and even his younger self was curious why. They don’t really see Harry around Hufflepuffs.

"Can you tell us more about your relationship with our Harry? You look almost the same physically, but do you have similar personalities or interests, Sir?”

"Hmm good question. I'm the very same person as Harry here until well, his second year last night. We're one of the same. Only I'm from the future. Hence, I had grown and changed already as one always does. That's why I ask you all to refer to me with my formal titles or use Hadrian, instead of Harry. Little me here is a seperate person from me for now on even if we're the same DNA, same person, same background. We're of different timelines so to not confuse people, I'm Hadrian, he's still Harry."

The students nodded in understanding, taking in Hadrian's words and processing the new information. It was certainly a lot to take in, but they were doing their best to follow along.  Hadrian nodded to another gryffindor, nodding to the girl who caught his eye. Must’ve been a seventh year student, he doesn’t remember the name at all.

"Go ahead, Miss..?"

The Gryffindor student, a girl named Faye, spoke up, her eyes wide with curiosity and a cheeky smile. "Faye Schuyler, Sir. Are you married, sir? Did you have someone special in your time?"

The entire hall seemed to perk up at Faye Schuyler’s question, all eyes fixed on Hadrian, waiting eagerly for his response. Even the professors were curious about this topic.

Hadrian smiled slightly, knowing that this was a topic that would intrigue the teenagers. Even his younger self was wide eyed and looking up on him curiously. Chuckling at the nosy kids, Hadrian smiles with a shaking head.

"I used to be committed with someone that I shall not reveal. But no, I'm a very single man despite many courting offers and betrothal attempts from elites. I'm a very busy man after Hogwarts, so no, I'm not married."

Or too broken and frayed by the aftermath of the war, but these innocent carefree students don't need to know that.

A 7th year Ravenclaw girl yelled out bravely after. "How young do you fancy, Sir? Is 18 okay?" 

Some students laugh and the professors shake their heads. Harry looks horrified at someone attempting to shoot their shot on himself.

Even if it's the future for him! It's gross!

Yuck.

Hadrian let out a bark of laughter at the 7th year's bold question, amused at the girl's forwardness. Even the professors looked slightly bewildered at the student's attempt to flirt with Hadrian. The students, particularly the girls, couldn't help but giggle and nudge each other, clearly entertained by the situation.

Harry, on the other hand, looked absolutely mortified by the girl's question. His face was red as a tomato as he tried to avert his gaze from the scene unfolding. Merlin, it’s like having an attractive Dad and having to deal with students near your age trying to shoot their shot on said man. Some of the students continued to whisper and giggle amongst themselves, clearly finding the situation amusing. 

Hadrian, on the other hand, had a playful glint in his eyes as he shot a smirk at the girl who had asked the question.

"Well, that's quite the question, young lady. Let's just say, I prefer someone more... mature and interesting by nature, shall we? And I'm afraid, at your age, you're a tad bit too young for my taste and range.”

Harry continued to look mortified beside his older self at the girls swooning and giggling. It's weird! They're finding HIM! His future self! Attractive and everything! Ughh.

Seeing how flustered his younger self looked, Hadrian couldn't help but suppress a chuckle. It was amusing to see his younger self so embarrassed and flustered, especially considering he had years of experience dealing with admirers and flirtations himself. The girls, oblivious to Harry's mortification, continued to swoon and giggle at Hadrian. One particular girl couldn't help but chime in, batting her eyelashes at him.

"But you're so handsome, sir! Can't you make an exception?"

Hadrian barks a very attractive, deep laugh, holding his right hand to his mouth in elegance. "Alright, settle down you gremlins. I'll have you know I'm intent on adopting my younger self. I'm a single Dad now, you know, but no plans for romance.”

The girls who had been admiring and swooning over Hadrian looked slightly taken aback by the revelation, some of them looking slightly disappointed that they were too young for him. However, one girl from the slytherin table, a particularly cheeky one, spoke up with a cheeky grin.

"Oh come on, you can still have a wife and a kid, right?"

Hadrian chuckled heartily, clearly amused by the girl's attempt to flirt even after he had made it clear that he was taking on the role of a father figure for his younger self. Teenagers and their innocent crushes. He wasn’t going to entertain a student, legal age or not, thank you!

"Take your NEWTs first before farming a man, young lady. Now! Any last questions for me so we avoid crowding little mini-me from questions after this?"

The students quieted down, realizing that the question round was coming to an end. But just before the room fell completely silent, a hand shot up from the crowd. It was a slytherin student, a mischievous smile on her face.

"Ahh, Miss Parkinson. Yes?" He sees the second year version of Pansy, knowing she's one bully snarky girl that's a friend of Draco and targets Harry a lot.

Parkinson smirked and leaned forward slightly, clearly enjoying the attention. She shot a quick glance at Young Harry before turning her gaze back to Hadrian. She spoke in a slightly coy tone, "Well, sir, I have a... rather intriguing question. It's about our dear Boy Wonder over here..."

She nodded towards Young Harry, who fidgeted uncomfortably under her gaze. Hadrian raised an eyebrow, curious about Parkinson's question. He could tell that she had a motive behind it, but he played along, allowing her to continue.

"Oh? Pray tell, what's your question about our little hero over there?"

Parkinson smirked, clearly enjoying herself. She knew that her question would likely make Young Harry uncomfortable, but she couldn't resist the opportunity to dig up a little dirt.

"Well, sir, I was just wondering... you're wearing the slytherin crest on your robes. And last night, we heard it's Mr.Filch accusing Harry he killed Mrs.Norris the cat, and it was the golden trio who saw the writing on the wall about the Slytherin Heir opening the Chamber of Secrets. So he's the slytherin heir then who's petrifying muggleborns?" 

The hall fell silent as everyone turned to look at Young Harry. The boy's face turned beet red as he realized all the attention was on him now. The enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall suddenly became stormy. And the temperature got colder, a wash of silence flows through the hall when Hadrian's magic crackles. 

At least someone’s asking about the elephant in the room from last night. It took a bit of “I’m the adult, I’m the adult” mantra over Hadrian’s mind to not lose composure because of a 12 year old. The mood in the hall changed instantly as Hadrian's magic crackled with contained power. The enchanted ceiling darkened, reflecting the tension of the moment. Harry was even elated to find Parkinson's haughty mask falling and looking like she's going to start pissing himself.

Parkinson, who had been smirking and confident just moments before, now looked visibly uneasy, the haughty mask she wore slipping slightly as she seemed to realize the gravity of her accusing words. The students, too, felt the shift in the energy. They could sense the seriousness in the air, and their eyes flicked nervously between Hadrian and the now pale looking Parkinson.

Hadrian's gaze darkened, a dangerous glint in his eyes as he leaned forward, his voice low and deadly quiet.

"And just what, exactly, are you implying, Miss Parkinson?"

Parkinson flinched slightly at his tone, seeming to realize that she had pushed too far. She swallowed hard, her composure faltering even more under the weight of Hadrian's gaze. The hall was so quiet that a pin could be heard dropping.

"I-I was only asking a question, sir... I just... well, I thought-" She stumbled over her words, trying to find a way to backtrack from her accusation but faltering under Hadrian's intense stare.

"At the age of 12 in my own timeline, the very same age my Harry is right now, I had saved a student being possessed by living shade via a dark artifact. In the same night, I had traversed through the Chamber of Secrets and faced the wraith of Voldemort, yes, his shade, while also killing a 60 foot long basilisk. The near-extinct creature is a hibernating familiar of Salazar Slytherin that was roaming the pipes of our castle just last night. Hence, Mrs.Norris petrification. I came back in time to stop that from happening again especially when more students should've been petrified or worse, killed. Just last night, unbeknownst to many of you, I had killed the same basilisk down at the chambers which is very much real. So no, Miss Pansilia Araminta Parkinson, Harry Potter wasn't the Heir petrifying muggleborns students. He is, or I am, however, the true Slytherin Heir by the right of conquest when we vanquished Voldemort on October 31st 1981. The same night he killed our parents and got vanquished through an ancient dark sacrificial spell Lily Evans procured. The previous heir was the Dark Lord, thus, believe it or not, it was him possessing a student via a dark artifact to open the chambers. Yes snakelings, it does exist.”

Even the professors weren't aware of last night's adventures of Hadrian. He had explained to them last night of what he knows about the basilisk and chambers, sure. But they didn't expect Hadrian to casually kill it sometime during the night, alone. The hall was absolutely silent, as all the students (and teachers) stared at Hadrian in shocked awe. Even Parkinson was completely and utterly speechless, her confidence from before vanished completely.

Young Harry, on the other hand, was gaping at Hadrian with a mixture of awe and horror. He had known that Hadrian was powerful, but the thought that his older self had gone and killed a freaking basilisk alone while he was sleeping seemed absolutely insane to him. Some of the students couldn't help but exchange fearful whispers, wondering just how powerful Hadrian must be if he had been able to defeat a basilisk at such a young age in his own timeline. The others shared looks of disbelief, nowhere believing Hadrian especially when he mentioned the shade of Voldemort.

The professors, too, were reeling from the information, completely taken aback by the revelation. Professor McGonagall, especially, looked deeply disturbed.

Hadrian grabbed two vials of the harvested basilisk venom, and fang respectively from his robes. Then float it to Snape, surprising the black haired man. He wanted to not look like Lockhart spewing about facing dangerous beasts in front of the student body especially when he let everyone know, especially professors, that he is Harry Potter from the future. He's not as fragile if his truth was questioned but he would like to protect his younger self from any jeers he may get.

"Proof of the parts of the beast I just killed, should any of you would like to inform your parents of this released information as a post-alert from the near danger you all would've been in this premises, feel free to do so. Now, as a neutral party and Potions Master, Professor Snape, would you like to confirm that the two vials I had shown before all of you are of basilisk venom and basilisk fang?"

Hadrian purposely didn’t show them the diary since he already locked it on a lead box last night. But more importantly, he’s aware some lions may have seen the youngest and only female Weasley writing in that diary and he was careful not to reveal Ginny’s part in this.

Snape, the ever cool and collected Potions Professor, tried to remain calm as he examined the vials with barely contained excitement. The fact that Hadrian had just casually handed him basilisk venom and a fang for inspection was almost too much for the black haired man to handle. Basilisk venom was incredibly rare and very useful in potions, imagine what he can experiment with these, and the fact that he was holding it in his hands was almost as good as Christmas morning.

Snape nodded, his voice steady and composed despite his inner excitement. "Indeed, the ingredients are genuine. Freshly harvested venom, and fang.”

The other professors at the staff table exchanged wide eye looks, having witnessed Snape's inspection of the ingredients. So Hadrian wasn’t bluffing. The students, too, looked impressed even if they didn't fully understand the significance of what was happening.

Young Harry looked at Hadrian with a mixture of admiration and bewilderment. His older self had not only killed a basilisk but also had the presence of mind to collect the venom and fang as proof.

Absolute genius and sly.

Pleased and knew the Potions Master was vibrating inside, Hadrian received back the vials. He'll just have to gift him these parts privately later to his protector from another timeline. He knows Snape wants it and it could even be a thank you for saving Harry’s life last year with the broom incident. He has an entire basilisk down the chamber for himself anyway. Nodding politely and turning to the students again.

"Now, I believe that ends all the questions I shall entertain for now. Fair warning that should any of you hound and bother Harry with questions or unsolicited comments, you will answer to me. In another vine, to be a true heir of Slytherin, is to speak his own gift of parseltongue. I am, by nature, a speaker. And no, it is not a dark gift or evil to have.” Hadrian smoothly follows, determined to break down the stigma should Harry still accidentally use parseltongue in public without knowing.

“It is arrogant to think that only Salazar Slytherin and You-know-who has the tongue when many more in South Asia, Middle East and South America can speak parseltongue. So I warn, all of you, to not dare to alienate or bully my young self with his ability to speak the tongue. It is a family gift Harry gained from his grandmother’s side of the family, Euphemia Potter nee Rao from Maharashtra, India. Is. That. Clear?"

He sternly looks at the student body, wanting to prevent any issues with Harry's parsel magic before he's even revealed to be one by accident. He'll get rid of Lockhart sooner than he gets to do that stupid club. He wants to tip it off the bud as well so he already explained to Harry about their parseltongue gift last night. Most of the students look scared and chastised at the warning from this powerful version of Harry Potter, and the younger one can't help but be thankful of  how protective his older self is. Some students of Indian descent, especially the Patils and Shafiqs in the crowd, beams at the information that Harry’s also Indian through his grandmother.

Most of the claws, though, were already scratching on spare bits of parchment, likely interested in researching the Rao family and parsel magic existing in other continents. Even Hermione was doing the same. It made Hadrian chuckle a bit internally. The professors at the staff table exchanged looks, impressed with Hadrian's quick thinking and no-nonsense attitude.

Dumbledore, too, looked contemplative of Hadrian's handling of the situation. He was surprised to hear the man’s confirmation that parseltongue would’ve been from Euphemia Potter, not Voldemort. He wonders if it’s really the full truth. He still firmly believes Voldemort had transferred some form of magic and ability to Harry Potter that night in Godric Hollows. The power he knows not portion of the prophecy is still yet to be answered for the old man.

Satisfied, Hadrian's face lightened with a kind yet calculated smile. "Marvelous. Anyway, It's wonderful to see many faces still as young and innocent as I remembered, have a nice breakfast everyone." 

‘Or the ghosts of the students he saw died in the battle .’ He thinks belatedly to himself.

The hall went silent for a moment, the tension from before slowly dissipating as the young students went back to their meals. Some of them were still stealing glances at Hadrian and Young Harry, clearly still in awe of the older wizard. The professors, too, seemed to relax, looking relieved that Hadrian had managed to handle the situation so effectively. Even Dumbledore looked pleased, nodding at Hadrian in approval.  "You have a knack for keeping order, Hadrian."

A hardened, steel expression from Hadrian meets the old man, does he really think he can keep up the grandfatherly smile on him when he almost tore him up in his office last night? Old fool. He merely inclined his head with a warning smile.

"Indeed, let us commence later with all the Heads of House, as I just revealed, I've neutralized the basilisk down the chamber. I believe Albus, this should warrant a record to the Ministry that such danger was once in Hogwarts and none of you had known, yes? Especially when one pureblood student was carrying a rather dark artifact. I'd hate... the board of governors to learn it from other sources instead of the Hogwarts faculty themselves." Hadrian drawls, now used to diplomatic ways of insinuating things after 4 years doing politics as a Lord.

Dumbledore looked taken aback by Hadrian's hard tone, but he composed himself quickly. He could see the thinly veiled threat in Hadrian's words and tone, and he knew that the young man was serious. "Ah, yes, of course. I agree that the board should be informed of this... unfortunate discovery."

He looked slightly chastened, as if he was being reprimanded by a superior and not a 21 year old wizard. The other professors at the staff table had gone very quiet, clearly aware that Hadrian held the leverage in this situation. He had exposed a grave oversight on the part of Hogwarts and they all knew that the school's reputation would suffer if this information ended up leaking to the media.

Hadrian nodded, satisfied that Dumbledore understood the seriousness of the situation.

"Good. I'll meet you all in the Headmaster's office after breakfast to discuss the matter in detail. Professor McGonagall? I'd like to take my now young ward out to Hogsmeade and Gringotts after breakfast. Legal matters to settle you see,  Harry Potter's previous Magical guardian”— he notably looked at Dumbledore which wasn't missed by the professors— “did nothing to ensure his safety and education as an Heir prior to Hogwarts. Especially when he has many unpleasant experiences, after all, it is I, myself who experienced my first year facing Voldemort at the back of Quirell's head. Ahh… how the wixen world had failed their savior. Disappointing really."

The professors all looked uneasy at the mention of Harry's past experiences, especially those who knew how much Dumbledore had failed in looking after the boy. Professor McGonagall in particular looked furious at the reminder of Harry having faced Voldemort already as a first year. Hadrian knew he had hit a nerve with his words. Dumbledore, however, tried to maintain his composure. He attempted to keep his calm mask, even in the face of Hadrian's thinly veiled accusations.

"I.. am aware of some of Harry's past tribulations, yes..."

"Yet nothing was done. My own younger self walked through your halls looking thin and meek with patched worn out clothes and none of you had ever stepped in, especially his supposedly magical guardian. Do not try to placate me Albus, I am after all, still Harry Potter from the future. Anyway, later." 

He inclined his head and turned snappily away from the Professors Table. And if he had sowed seeds of doubt and rumors among the professors and any students down the tables about Dumbledore's shortcomings? That's a mere coincidence, and nothing but the truth. Hadrian guides Harry by his shoulders to walk down the gryffindor table.

Dumbledore watched Hadrian walk away, his mouth hanging open in shock. He knew he had made mistakes in not protecting Harry properly, but having those mistakes thrown back in his face like that was still a harsh blow. The other professors looked torn between shock and anger, some of them glancing at Dumbledore with accusation. They knew that Harry's words were true, and that the boy's safety had always been left to chance.

The students who were near enough to eavesdrop, whispered amongst themselves, clearly fascinated by the gossip.

Ding dong, drama is here.

Chapter Text

Harry followed Hadrian to the Gryffindor table, grateful to be away from the tense atmosphere. He still couldn't believe that Hadrian had confronted Dumbledore like that. He had always been too intimidated to say anything about his treatment at the Dursleys, but Hadrian had just spoken up without hesitation. As they sat down, Harry looked up at Hadrian in awe. He couldn't believe how powerful his older self was. Not just powerful physically, but also powerful in influence and control.

"Wow, you were so cool back there."

Hadrian glanced down at his younger self fondly, his right hand adorned with the lordship rings of three houses gleaming in light, the last ring on the left hand alone. The Black heirship rings get fussy and possessive. He wonders if the Black lordship ring would feel the same for Sirius like it did for him back in his own timeline. The rings have quite the personality sometimes. He of course did not claim or could not claim the lordship for this timeline, since he very much intends to prove Sirius is innocent and free the man. After all, scabbers is just with Ron at the moment. 

Shaking his head to focus on the present, Hadrian feels lightness in his heart and pride to have his own little self look up to him and find him cool. He's definitely done something right.

"Is that so?"

Harry nodded enthusiastically, his eyes gleaming with admiration. "Yeah! You just told off Professor Dumbledore like it was nothing. And he looked like he was going to wet his pants too." 

Harry couldn't help but giggle at the image of the all-powerful headmaster looking terrified at his older self earlier. He was pretty sure even Snape looked impressed, and Mcgonagall was smirking.

Hadrian chuckles and runs his hand through his little self's hair. As they walk to where Harry's friends are mostly sat, ignoring the in awe stares from the students, Hadrian gestures to them. Of course, since they're the same person, he knows these people. But he would like Harry to experience introducing his friends to an adult especially when he would be Harry's guardian.

"I know I'm familiar with your own friends, since shockingly! We have similar friends. But would you like to introduce me to them, my little one?" Hadrian playfully gasps with a grin.

Harry nodded in agreement, feeling bashful at being called "little one" but he also felt a warmth in his chest at how paternal and caring his older self was being.

"Yeah, sure. Um, guys this is well, Hadrian, aka older me, and err that's Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley. And that's Neville Longbottom. That’s Seamus, Dean and Thing 1 is Fred, Thing 2 is George.”

He gestured to his friends who all looked up at Hadrian with a mixture of awe and curiosity. Harry's friends glanced at Hadrian, their eyes wide with excitement. The twins in particular looked completely starstruck, clearly finding it surreal to be face to face with a future version of their own unofficial adopted brother. Ron and Hermione, who both already met and interacted with Hadrian last night, shyly waves with a smile.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir! Harry looks cool when older!" Dean, surprisingly grins first.

“Blimey, bloody brilliant” Fred utters.

"Y-yeah, hi." Neville timidly waves.

“You're... er..”—Ron struggled to find the right words—”really bloody tall, I didn’t realize it last night."

Hadrian chuckled at Ron's blunt observation, finding it amusing how awestruck the young Gryffindors were. Hermione gave Ron a disapproving look.

"Ron.. that's the first thing you say to Hadrian this morning, really?"

"What? I was just making an observation! He's really tall, it's hard to ignore. Harry isn’t even that tall right now."

Harry looked offended and glared at his friend. “Hey!”

Fred and George snickered at their younger brother's comment, clearly amused by his lack of tact. Hadrian sat beside Harry, politely inclining his head to the mini versions of his friends. His heart tightened a little to see a very alive Fred.

"Hello, everyone.” Hadrian shook the hands of the lions, mostly the halfbloods and muggleborn. Then, he turned to Neville and the twins, properly executing the proper greeting for the esteemed children of the society, as their titles demanded. “Well Met Heir Longbottom, Well Met Heir Prewetts. You may call me Lord Potter-Black or simply, Hadrian. It's nice to see the younger versions of my friends again."

The gryffindors, including Harry, were dumbstruck at the formal pureblood greeting to Neville, and the twins. Neville, while surprised, immediately knew how to respond as an aristocrat, being raised like one by Augusta. But the twins never knew they're Prewett Heirs, so their faces were comedic. Oh only if they knew. Ron and Hermione on the other hand were perplexed and intimidated how Harry grew to this adult who's so put together and acts like a true pureblood.

Neville, being the only one familiar with pureblood customs, politely nodded his head in return, offering a forearm handshake to the older man. He went from timid to snapping to the usual aristocratic stance when he stood up. "Well met, Lord Potter-Black. It is an honour to meet you."

The twins, on the other hand, were still trying to wrap their heads around Hadrian's words as they shook his forearm, clumsily imitating how the Longbottom scion did it.

"Did you say... Heir Prewett?" Fred laughs, clearly unsure if this is a joke. George echoed his brother's words, looking completely dumbfounded. “Sorry what?”

Hadrian couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle at the twins' shocked expressions. "Yes, I did. You are indeed the Heirs of the House of Prewett"

Even Percy, Ginny and Ron looked dumbfounded. Scandalized even. There’s an heir in the family?! 

Hermione's curiosity was piqued, as per usual and she leaned forward with a question, her bookworm mind clearly intrigued by the new information. "How do you know of their heritage if they themselves were not aware of it?"

"Perks of being from the future." He winks and starts plating a breakfast spread for little Harry who's blinking up on him. Though he shouldn't have been so surprised after how Hadrian cared for him last night. He plated a balanced meal for the boy and gave him water instead of pumpkin juice. Hadrian is pleased with the knowledge of his own self’s eating habits, easily knowing the right quantity and dishes Harry would like.

"Eat up, little me. Breakfast spread should always be light, especially with that sensitive stomach I know we have at this age. You must always have a protein and light carb, and no tart heavy drinks for the morning. Perhaps a light pastry, and milk with it instead. Let's save the pumpkin juice for the noon meal, hmm? Here, finish this for me. You have a busy day ahead."

The younger Harry couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed at being babied in front of his friends, but he knew better than to protest. His older self definitely knew better than he did, and he found it oddly comforting to be taken care of. His friends watched the exchange with a mixture of bewilderment and fascination, clearly finding it surreal to see Hadrian acting so parental towards his younger self.

Hermione, in particular, was watching carefully, seemingly making mental notes on everything Hadrian did. She takes looking after her best friend seriously. Even Ron was trying to remember Hadrian’s tips on what should be eaten depending on the mealtime. Let it not be said that the ⅔ of the trio does not care for their friend.

The twins, however, couldn't help but break the silence with their usual cheekiness.

Fred cleared his throat. "Soooo what's that about us being Heir Prewetts, oh future Lord Harrikins?" 

"Didn't know we're heirs, Forge, say Lord Harrikins Sir, are we rich without our knowledge?"

Hadrian chuckled at the twins' typical banter, clearly amused by their antics. He leaned back in his seat and responded with a smirk. He missed seeing Fred joking, all young and alive. Of course, he even missed seeing George full of life just by being with his twin. In his own timeline, George lost most of his shine after the final battle and it was Hadrian, Bill and Ginny who had to help him grieve Fred the most then bounce back from it.

“It seems your knowledge of your heritage has been lacking indeed, Messrs Weasley and Weasley. Yes, you are indeed the Heirs of Prewett, a prominent pureblood family from your mother’s side." Hadrian whispers conspiratorially.

He raised an eyebrow at their next question, his tone almost teasing. "And yes, it seems you are indeed quite rich. Unbeknownst to you, of course. Your mother was the eldest of the Prewett line, is she not? And your Great Aunt Muriel is the proxy due to your parents not using your Wizengamot seats.”

All Weasleys present on the table were closely listening in. All five of them gobsmacked at this information. Hadrian continues as he slices his pie with much more table etiquette than Harry could manage. The kid was subtly imitating the way his older self holds the knife and fork, which Hadrian realized with a fond smile.

“Now, Prewetts are known to always have twins or even triplets within their bloodline. I know Molly and Arthur never raised the Weasleys aligned with pagan traditions and customs of purebloods, which, as much as I love your parents, it is sadly a dishonor to not inform you of your heritage. The Prewett line since the late 1800s is the only pureblood line in Britain known to allow both twins to be the Heirs together. The Patils, while doing the same, were from India. The Carrows also bore twins in their bloodline but only allowed the first born as the Heir. Your late Uncles, Fabian and Gideon, may their souls rest in Death's land, are the last to inherit the House of Prewetts. Any next twin pair is automatically the Heir, which is the both of you. It’s what the family magic of Prewett demands. Now, I don't have any knowledge of the riches you can inherit from the Prewett line, since you must be considered adequate to accept the heirship, but you definitely have a humble wealth to inherit."

The twins were completely stunned, their usual bantering now replaced by sheer disbelief at Hadrian's words. All the teenagers near them blinked blankly at the time traveler. He really seems like he knows a lot about wizard families like most poncey purebloods they know.

"Wait... so you're saying we're heirs to the Prewett line, we're rich...?"

“And we could have inherited a fortune, had our parents taught us about the traditions and customs of purebloods?"

Hadrian nodded and smiled at the genius twin inventors. He already knows what their future plans are. They're still young at this point but definitely already have ideas for future WWW shop. Dabbing his mouth with a napkin (he can see little Ron eye older him due to his improved table etiquette which Ron definitely needs too. But he's also amused to see little Harry attempt to imitate him.) 

"I suggest you immediately connect with your Great Aunt Muriel to learn more about your heritage, as you should be, by birthright, the Heir Prewetts. Harry here for one, or well, myself, is the Heir to Black, Potter, Peverell by birthright and name, and Heir by conquest to Slytherin. Neville here is Heir Longbottom from his father's line. The reason why I formally greet you with customs is a recognition of your distinguished status. It is an etiquette. Your eldest brother, William "Bill" Weasley, should be Heir Weasley. Only that he gets a seat in the Wizengamot but sadly not much riches to inherit, however, I'm pretty sure there's a single property in your name from your ancestors aside from the Burrow. And the manor your Aunt Muriel resides, which is a Prewett property.”

Not even Percy could hide his astonishment at the prompt lesson about the Weasley's heritage and family assets. Ginny and Ron instantly looked excited at the prospect that they have another property under their family’s name. 

Hadrian continues his lengthy explanation. He wants the Weasleys to know about their family assets as early as now. “Now, that Weasley seat should be in your father's hand currently, but he does not handle lordship matters at all, if I’m not mistaken. Which admittedly will only give him political seats but not wealth and reputation. I believe around this time, he gave the proxy to Dumbledore. Should your eldest brother take up the seat now, it is possible. So technically, by all means, you twins are the richest among your humble family. Though if it rivals Bill's salary as a curse breaker is a question. Regardless, the riches of the Prewett line are yours."

He explains extensively while they eat. He's saddened that Fred and George never knew of this even in his original time, not until George went to Gringotts a year after the war. By that time, Hadrian was already getting familiar with the whole inheritance-lordship thing, so he was the one to help George sort things out.

The twins sat in complete stunned silence, trying to wrap their heads around the information that Hadrian had just shared with them. They looked completely stunned, their minds working overdrive with excitement and shock.

"So... you're saying that all this time, we're heirs to the Prewett bloodline, and we're actually rich... but we never knew it?!"

George nodded in agreement, his face paling with shock. "And our own father never told us anything? Why?!"

"Hmm, the Prewetts are from your Mother's line. Not your father’s. I’m pretty sure Bill is familiar with the House of Weasley politics already. So again, connect with your Aunt Muriel instead to learn. Do not cast fault on your parents for this ignorance and missed knowledge, yeah? While I do not share their stance in cutting yourselves from learning pureblood customs and Olde Magicke traditions, it is imperative to remember that they are also unaware of such things due to them rejecting it early in their lives.... and boys, do not get blinded by the excitement of riches. It is also a responsibility and political matter. Heirship training will be beneficial to the both of you.”

The twins nodded eagerly with cheshire grins. 

“If you wish to know more about inheritances as Heirs, befriend and ask around other Heirs in the school. I will be training Harry myself after I settle down legal matters. It is never too late. You're both only what? 14? Three years to catch up before your majority, surely your Aunt Muriel would be delighted you're catching up on pureblood customs and family magic. That riches you may gain would be a christmas gift, knowing your family wealth, trust me, I know. But do ask advice from your older brothers on how to invest those money, okay? I'd hate for you two to be lost in the excitement. You can even access the trust vaults of the Heirs Prewetts as soon as your Aunt allows.”

Fred and George nodded, clearly taking in Hadrian's words seriously. They knew he was right, and the excitement of the moment slowly simmered down as they considered the responsibility and potential of their newfound heritage.

"You're right. We'll make sure to get in touch with our Aunt Muriel and start learning about our heritage right away." The twins looked a little sheepish, as if they were already imagining the endless possibilities of their wealth. "And we definitely need to talk to our brothers about money management before we go wild and buy everything we've ever wanted."

Fred grins at his twin “We might have already made a few mental lists of things we want to buy..." And as always, George would add. "Like a whole new broomstick collection..."

"A full set of Omnioculars..."

"And perhaps a few... experimental ideas for new products for our Wheezes shop..."

Hadrian simply chuckles at the innocent wants of the younger versions of the twins. He refills more brie cheese slices and crackers on Harry's plate casually without even looking. This made the boy glare with bright cheeks at Ron and Hermione’s teasing looks sent at him.

"Hmm, you deserve such frivolous purchases, just practice restraint. Money isn't limitless, but you definitely should enjoy your birthright."

The twins nod, finding this future Harry so cool and worth looking up to. Even Harry's friends find him so.... adult. So trustworthy and all. Ron though, was quietly stewing in awe at the side upon hearing the twins are richer than the rest of the family. But at the same time wondering if that meant Mum or Dad would make the twins use that inheritance for the entire family. The twins are not stingy, but both Ginny and Ron know they have lifelong plans and things they’re saving up for already.

The twins smiled widely, their minds already spinning with ideas for their new purchases. The thought of being able to buy anything they wanted was incredibly tempting, but they knew better than to overspend.

"Don't worry, we'll try not to go too crazy."

"We'll definitely pace ourselves...at least a little bit." 

Ginny finally shyly voices her question. “How come Mum or Dad never tried to check if they can gain something from both our lines. Did you know why Lord Potter-Black?”

Hadrian shrugged, which was more ridiculously dignified than casual. “If I'm not mistaken, both your parents abandoned the pureblood life. Especially your mother. She didn’t have any desire to do anything with the whole politics of Houses, especially that she lived through the first war. Your father also didn’t have any political power and both of them forsaken wixen traditions and forgo their own family practices. That’s what I learned. Fabian and Gideon already took up lordship fresh out of Hogwarts, they were friends with my parents being in the same old crowd, so it wasn’t in Molly’s radar anymore by then.”

Percy cleared his throat. “But then Lord Potter-Black, shouldn’t Mum be able to inherit it since our uncles died?”

“Ahh, I’m not completely sure how the Prewett magic works. It’s just that it’s an automatic transfer of inheritance if there are twins in the bloodline. If your mother tried, she may have been accepted. But because your brothers were already born even before Fabian and Gideon accepted theirs, it automatically passed unto Fred and George. Also, the heirs to the Prewetts are mostly male, I believe. Your aunt Muriel is only a Regent if you remember.”

“Wait, so Mum wouldn’t have been Lady Prewett regardless?” Ron asked through chewing his sausage. Hadrian nodded. 

“Molly was first and foremost, never the next Heir to the Prewett line the moment the next set of twins was born. She rejected anything with your family traditions and magic as well when Fabian and Gideon died. Drawing a line on what’s light and dark magic too. It is not only about wealth, but following her family's Olde Ways and being accepted by its magic. Thus, why your Aunt Muriel, as her Aunt and last available family member of the Prewetts, took over its responsibilities. Your parents are not hiding any galleons from all of you, it is simply nonexistent and nowhere their right anymore. Your entire family was cut off from the Prewetts magic and wealth the moment your mother herself rejected it. The Prewett line is only eligible to be accessed and taken by the twins by birthright because it's what the family magic demands from the twins born in the bloodline. It's complicated.”

Another silence fell over the table, the gravity of Hadrian's words heavy in the air. The twins exchanged a look, still trying to come to terms with it all. "And...how much money are we talking about here, exactly...?"

Even their other friends were listening with rapt attention, clearly curious about the scale of the inheritance.

Hadrian chuckling and waving off a hand at the redheads, gave them an amused look. "Boys, family vaults are a very private thing. I only knew about this because I helped future George to deal with the revelation that you're supposed to be Heirs all along. I am not privy to such detail. A good rule of the thumb as Heirs and Lords, is that only you and your trusted family members may know these details."

Fred and George looked a little disappointed at not getting an exact figure, but they knew Hadrian was right. In the world of the purebloods, such details were indeed meant to be kept confidential.

"Right... I guess we'll find out when we finally meet our Great Aunt Muriel then..."

"But it's still exciting, don't you think? Knowing that we're actually Heirs to an entire line."

Harry, who's been quiet beside him looks up, almost done with his breakfast which Hadrian is very pleased to see. "When did we get this wise about such things?" He looks up to his older self with bambi green eyes, finding him so cool.

Hadrian chuckled softly at the younger Harry's question, amused by the innocence in the younger boy's gaze. He reached over and ruffled the boy's messy hair affectionately.

"Well, sometimes life throws you into the deep end, and you learn to swim. You're Heir to Most Exalted, Most Ancient and Most Noble Houses. Four, little me. Black, Slytherin, Potter and Peverell. They're no joke. You should've grown up knowing how to wage through pureblood customs and heirship, especially that as you can see, I'm currently a Lord now. You're the most powerful politician by far with four houses under your thumb. It is a disgrace that you and I didn't grow up like a proper Heir. Trust me, it sucked having to catch up at an age when I'm already supposed to be a Lord. You'll get there, and with me now here, it's easier for you." 

Harry's eyes widened as Hadrian listed the Houses he was Heir to, clearly feeling a mix of awestruck and nervous as he absorbed the magnitude of the legacy he was inheriting. As Hadrian mentioned the difficulties he faced in catching up on his responsibilities as an Heir, Harry felt grateful that he had a future self who could guide him through it now.

"Thanks... it sounds overwhelming, but I'm glad you're here to help." He gave Hadrian a small, tentative smile.

Most of his friends looked wide-eyed in admiration and envy. Ron suddenly burst in amazement. "Four?!? He's Heir to four?! Bloody hell mate, you're filthy rich and powerful! It's an honor to even have two, having four is just insane. You're so lucky." He crassly uttered while chewing, making even Hadrian wince. He forgot how unapologetically improper his best friend was. 

"Ron, we may share your thoughts after chewing, child.” Hadrian softly chides, handing him a napkin to wipe his mouth, making Hermione and Harry snicker. “But yes, gaining four heirships is rather rare and never seen."

Ron immediately stopped mid-chew, looking a bit abashed as he realized he was being rather rude. He swallowed the mouthful of food he had in his mouth and quickly apologised.

"Oh, sorry. That was rude. And yeah, I was just saying... Four House Heirships are pretty rare. I mean, even just one is already really impressive, but four is just... wow." He shook his head in disbelief, envious of Harry's position.

After the war in his timeline, he had drifted off a bit with Ron and Hermione. They were too dependent on each other, friendship forged by trauma and raw from the year of horcrux hunting. While they all survived through the tenacity of their history together for years, they also all needed to heal independently. All three of them had pieces to pick up of themselves, families to mourn and depression to deal with. This made all of them grow more mentally as adults for a few months without being influenced by one another. Until they all had enough and slowly sewed the frayed bonds when they were all ready to bounce back as a trio.

This meant that when Hadrian had the trouble through finally learning about his own heritage, he realized he was in a whole other arena that Ron and Hermione weren't socially or politically belonging to. Hadrian had all these wealth, traditions, history, and political power he needed to get used to even before he could be a Lord in the Wizengamot cabinet and help them reform the ministry after the war. In order to dismantle the destructive conservative society, one must know how to be among the sharks, as it turns out. 

Being a muggleborn and blood-traitor in the eyes of society, Hadrian realized how much they influenced him growing up but also meant he missed out on things he’s supposed to see from his peers because his own best friends are not practicing Heirs. Etiquette lessons included, apparently. 

This reminded Hadrian that he must urge Harry to cultivate his friendship with Ron and Hermione even without the traumatic experiences shaping them. He wants these kids to grow as teenagers without growing through the whole basilisk drama, the dementors and Sirius escaping, and especially not through a war. So he also wants Harry to widen his circles through all kinds of influences. Befriending Ron and Hermione had been a double edged sword for him. They were what Harry needed and wanted in so many ways, but he also was too dependent on them and consistently kept them his closest. It took a bit for him to accept as an 18 year old that the level of codependency was doing damage too.

Hadrian, sensing Harry's nearly done with his breakfast spread, put some light palate cleanser and cast a wandless charm to his tea again that had gone cold.

"Almost done, mon cherè? We have to talk to the professors before we go to Hogsmeade." 

Harry bashfully nods as he starts to eat his dessert and the tea. The very paternal affection he's being showered with since last night is still a dream and he feels floaty honestly. Meanwhile, his Gryffindor friends gape at the indication that Harry gets to visit Hogsmeade today (Saturday) for errands with his older self. Even Hermione, Ginny and Neville were envious.

Harry finished his meal and sat back, feeling surprisingly full and content. Hadrian's attention and care was something he relished in, but it also felt a bit overwhelming. He wasn't used to being fussed over like this. The envious gazes of his friends, however, did not escape his notice. Ron, in particular, looked very envious at the thought of Harry getting to go to Hogsmeade on a shopping trip with an adult. 

Hermione could barely keep the jealousy out of her tone too. "Woah! Luckyyy. Only third year and above get to visit Hogsmeade..." 

"What kind of errands are you going on, anyway?" Ron murmurs enviously.

It was the young Harry who answered. He's a bit annoyed at their jealousy and need to know everything. He's feeling a bit territorial to have his future self by himself. But he only quips blankly, making Hadrian amused. "Legal matters mostly."

His friends looked rather taken aback by Harry's short and blunt answer. They traded a few looks among themselves, clearly not expecting such a curt response. Hadrian tried his best not to laugh, it was adorable and amusing how his younger self was clearly feeling possessive and wanted to keep their Hogsmeade trip as personal business.

"Legal matters? That... sounds boring." Ron muttered, acting like his envy isn’t growing with every passing second. He couldn't help but feel a bit left out that Harry was getting to go to Hogsmeade whilst they had to sit in the school grounds.

Hermione shot Ron a disapproving look, silently scolding him for his tactlessness. Even though she was also slightly envious, she knew better than to let it show so obviously. "Oh, come on, Ron. Legal matters could be important. Harry's probably handling some serious business. Not everything has to be exciting, you know."

Ron rolled his eyes, clearly not fully convinced. He crossed his arms and leaned back in his seat."Still sounds boring to me."

“I have many errands for little me, legal matters aside. I'll allow Harry to bring you all back some honeydukes sweets to share. Neville, Ginny, I have it on good authority you both happen to like pineapple sugar quills and tarts. Some Every flavored Beans and tarts for Seamus and Dean, yeah? And of course I know little Ron and Hermione's tastebuds, as I do with the twins. Now, Harry, ready to go, buddy?"

There was an immediate shift in the kids' expressions; their faces going from envious to giddy in an instant. All thoughts of boredom or envy were quickly forgotten at the mention of Honeydukes treats. Even Ron and Hermione, though they tried to hide their excitement, couldn't help but let their eyes light up.

Kids are really easy. Just some sweets and they're happy. Hadrian thinks to himself chuckling.

Harry, meanwhile, felt a mixture of relief and slight annoyance. On one hand, his friends were easily distracted by the promise of sweets. On the other hand... he kind of wanted Hadrian to himself.

Hadrian chuckled as he saw the kids' reactions. He understood that sometimes, a promise of a treat would take priority over everything else. They were just kids, he would’ve been envious at their age too. 

"Alright then, since you all are behaving well, I'll make sure to get you all something. But let's not linger here, shall we Harry? We have lots to do today." 

⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ 

When he saw the Head of Houses leave from their table and nod to him, Hadrian stood up and told Harry to say goodbye. Hadrian needed to talk with the professors first about bringing him out of castle grounds and the whole chamber-of-secrets-basilisk thing he did last night.

"So, mon cherè, are you energized enough to get through the day? We have lots to do. First, shopping. Clothes, items, books, your school supplies, I'm going to replace lots of things you need, or lack thereof. Oh we also need to get you a wand holster and a second wand from knockturn. Hmm, maybe we can visit the quidditch shop after honeydukes. Then a whole muggle wardrobe too, what do you say? And we need to get catalogues so you can order more things for your room once I secure us a property. By Yule..err Christmas for you, you'll have a home to go with. Then hmmm, Gringotts. For the custody and heirship rings. Then the purging of those magical blocks I said you may have. And their healer."

Harry felt a bit overwhelmed as Hadrian rattled off the lengthy list of things they had to do. It seemed like quite the adventure, indeed. He couldn't help but feel a little bit excited, though. He could tell Hadrian was determined to make sure he had everything he needed. Still, Harry was a bit apprehensive about some of the things on the list, does he even deserve it?

"T-that's a lot of things.... I... I don't need much.... you know. And really? You'll take me in?"

Hadrian could see the hint of apprehension in Harry, sensing that the boy might be feeling overwhelmed and perhaps a bit unworthy. He stopped walking and put a gentle finger to lift his chin.

"Harry, listen to me. You are no less deserving of love or good things than anyone else. You deserve to be cared for, to be provided for, and to have a home. And yes, I'm going to take you in, make no mistake about it. You're worth it."

"B-but Dumbledore said....the blood wards...on the Dursleys. He won't allow me to leave there, Dumbledore said—"

Hadrian's expression darkened as soon as Dumbledore was mentioned. He had his own issues with the headmaster, and the thought of the old man dictating Harry's life only served to anger him further.

“Forget what Dumbledore said. Blood wards? That's just a sorry excuse to leave you in that hell-hole of a house. You won't return there, I'll make sure of it. You deserve so much more than that. And I'm going to make sure you get it."

Harry was surprised to hear Hadrian dismiss Dumbledore so easily. He'd always thought Dumbledore was the wisest and most powerful wizard. To hear someone suggest that the headmaster is wrong, just as he yelled at Dumbledore last night, is a reminder that he’s also human.

"But... he's the headmaster. He always knows what's best."

Hadrian's expression softened, his grip gentle yet firm on Harry's chin.

"Harry, you have to understand. Just because a person is in a position of authority, it doesn't automatically mean they always have your best interests at heart. Trust me. I'm you, remember? The stupid blood wards were nonexistent, Bill and I checked it ourselves before I left it permanently in my time. Like I said yesterday, Petunia was never a blood sister to Lily. Mum was only adopted to muggleborns but never one, she's a pureblood from an ancient lost bloodline. The stupid blood wards that old coot has been fooling everyone with are just two simple wards that would've been straight up murder for us to grow up there considering the danger we're exposed to. Harry, I'm sorry, but we've been suffering from a house of strangers we're never related to."

Harry's eyes widened as Hadrian's words sunk in. He couldn't believe it. Everything he'd known about his life was a lie. He’s been told last night about his mum’s true heritage of course, but it didn’t click in that it meant the Dursleys were never a blood relative. He felt a mix of anger, betrayal and relief. Anger at being deceived, betrayal at those who were supposed to care for him, but also relief at the thought of having a true home with Hadrian.

"So...you mean... I was never supposed to be with the Dursleys? It's all just... a lie?"

Hadrian nodded solemnly, his expression full of compassion. "It's true. You were never meant to live with the Dursleys. Unfortunately, Dumbledore orchestrated your placement there in the name of the so-called blood wards. But those words were nothing but rubbish. It was all a ploy to keep you contained in a place where he could keep a close eye on you...or rather, try to control you so you'd grow up to be pliable and easy to manipulate with the trauma and neglect."

Harry stood in the empty hallway with Hadrian, since they stopped there on the way to the headmaster office. He can't help but feel a huge amount of anger, betrayal, and deep hurt. His vision unfocused and his fist tightened, the only thing grounding him is Hadrian's gentle touch on his chin. The huge mosaic windows were rattling behind him, and some artifacts hanging on the pillars were also shrouded with the magic bursting from Harry, the temperature dropping around them.

"Oh mon amour, it's okay. It's okay, come here. It will be alright now."

He pulls Harry in his arms, his heart hurting for his younger version. This reaction was rather tame compared to the pure fury Hadrian released during his own time when he found out.

Harry leaned into the embrace, the warmth and comfort of Hadrian's arms anchoring him amidst the storm of emotions that raged within. He buried his face against Hadrian's chest, taking in deep breath. It was as if a floodgate had been opened, and the pain, anger, and hurt that he had been holding back were surging forward now. He clung to Hadrian, his body shaking as his emotions overwhelmed him.

"I...I can't believe it's all a lie..." 

Hadrian held him tighter, rocking him gently like a child. His heart ached at the thought of all the trauma Harry had endured, all because of a lie. "I know, I know it's unfair. You didn't deserve any of it. But I promise, I'm going to make it right. You won't go back there, ever. You're going to have a real home now. A family that loves and cares for you. I won't let you suffer again."

Harry' s shoulders still shook with suppressed sobs, but the words and the steady, gentle rocking provided a small measure of comfort. He took in a shaky breath, looking up at Hadrian with tear-stained cheeks.

"You'll... you'll stay... right? You won't leave me?" Softly and utterly gutwrenchingly gently, Hadrian wiped Harry's cheeks, cupping him on the other side.

"Never, little one. I'm here to stay. It's always yourself against the world, huh? But it's okay, even if it's still you, taking care of you, I'll do a damn good job of it if it's the last thing I'll have to do. I may be the same person as you are, but I will, and can protect you. Always."

Those words, spoken with such determination and sincerity, pierced something deep in Harry's heart. He wanted so badly to believe that it was true. That he didn't have to face the world alone. He wanted to trust Hadrian. To let go and let someone take care of him for once in his life. He buried his face into Hadrian's chest again, his small frame trembling with a mix of emotions.

"Please... I don't want to be alone anymore…"

Hadrian's heart ached at the raw desperation in Harry's voice. He wrapped his arms around the young boy, pulling him closer and running his fingers through his hair gently in a soothing gesture. "You won't be alone. I promise. I'll be by your side, every step of the way. You're not alone anymore, okay? I'm here, and I'll always protect you."