Chapter Text
The train rumbled in the station holding, his head was lulled onto the window watching the crowds while his sister was happily spinning a quarter between her knuckles. He could tell she was more nervous than she let on as she held his hand with her free hand tightly. But he didn’t comment on it. This was going to be the longest they’d separated from their parents and baby sister since they’d become a family and Hadrian would be lying if the anxiety for his baby sister Annabee wasn’t a pit in his stomach. He was glad that Laney was at least here with him.
This would be a nightmare without her. All the people. The fact that for the first time in years people were going to know.
It made him sick. And there was no five-year-old to ground him. It was dizzying.
Flicking a long ponytail over his shoulder, he blinked and turned his head when there was a knock on the train door. Pulling away from his thoughts he stared at a boy with platinum blonde hair stood in front of the two of them, cocking an eyebrow at his and Laney’s intertwined hands.
“Is this seat open? Or should I leave?” He was confident, but who wouldn’t be with the two bulky shadows who stood guard behind him like bulldogs. Laney grinned and waved him in, definitely Mama’s daughter as she welcomed them with open arms, letting go of Harry’s hand to help them settle in.
“Of course! Come on in, my name’s Laney! This is my brother, we’re both first years. What’s your name?” The three boys looked thrown off in the face that was Laney Dragma, but the blonde was the first to relax. Giving a brilliant smirk that caught Hadrian’s eye.
“I’m Draco Malfoy, this is Crabbe and this is Goyle. I’m going to be a Slytherin, what house do you think you’ll be?” Laney’s tight red curls bobbed in the corner of his eye and he looked at Draco’s face. Sharp silver eyes. Hadrian paused, watching as they continued to converse.
Those eyes were the same color of Annabee’s.
His mind wandered and pulled up his first memory with his little sister’s grey eyes.
---
It’d been a bad day again, but Laney had wanted to see him at least once a week since… then. So, his feet had dragged him out of his cupboard and came back to her as promised. Blood was dripping from a cut on his eyebrow, dripping into his eyes. His skin was almost white as a ghost, tainted with water color purple bruises over his jaw and arms, breathing hurt. He looked like death walking. Laney had grabbed his hands as he stayed silent. Fury lit in her blue eyes like a raging inferno, it shrieked and screamed like a dragon, almost too big for her body, bulging at the seams. His hands were bloody and ice cold in hers.
“I hope you have all your things of value brother. You’re coming home now.” He shrugged his shoulders, he never had anything. Harry glanced down, he could see the glittering of glass in his skin, Docile and dazed. He didn’t fight her as they weaved their way through the crowds and the people until they were at her home. Their home. Dragging him up the fire escape on the side of the building to their apartment on top, Laney went running into the house yelling and dragging a petit woman with soft brown hair and honey brown eyes holding a baby.
Obviously, the sight of a very bloody seven year old boy is off putting as the woman panics, pressing the baby into his gangly limbs in a rush to get a first aid kit and yelling for Laney to get some towels. It made Harry feel a muted warmth, a little fond at the concern of a woman who’s never even met him. But he was so far disassociated with the body tagged with his name he couldn’t fully comprehend it. Until a gurgle caught his attention.
She looked so perfect, with brown near black curls and the biggest grey eyes looking up at him. Her face was scrunched up in confusion, until a tiny hand grabbed his nose with a loud giggle and a smile across both chubby cheeks.
And he melted.
Holding her closer to his chest, he smiled. Eyes burning, though no tears leaked out. His vision was so bad enough it wouldn’t have mattered too much anyway. Something was hot in his chest, aching and blistering, worse than any broken rib he had, but it was addictive and sweet.
Laney was soon in front of him, but he firmly held the smaller girl to his chest when Laney tried to relieve him. Hadrian looked up at his friend with a bright smile that she’d never seen on him, eyes more alive than any fire and misty as his voice cracked and rasped.
“I love her.”
---
Five minutes in and he was already homesick. What a disaster he was.
“I can’t believe your whole family’s been Slytherins! That’s pretty cool, if either of our moms went to Hogwarts I probably would want to follow their footsteps too I guess. Is it rare for families to stick to the same houses?” Hadrian politely pressed himself into the conversation as he tuned back in, Draco looked affronted for half a second that someone was interrupting his discussion until he realized who it was. Hadrian idly contemplated the theory that curiosity usually beats annoyance.
“It’s not that rare.” His voice was smooth and level, the blonde blinked quickly, staring intently as Hadrian leaned his head back. Stretching his shoulder’s back elegantly and confidently as Mother taught him commanded attention and consideration. “My biological family were all Gryffindors. I’m certain my ex-brother will be vying to go to their family house. The Weasleys are another traditionally Gryffindor house hold, like the Lovegoods are traditionally Ravenclaw. Many old wizarding families in Britain have family expectations.”
Draco looked impressed with his knowledge, giving a nod as if pleased. “You seem to know what you’re talking about. I do hope when you say biological family and ex-brother it means you won’t be hounding to be one of those bumbling Gryffindors. I’d love to see some competent students in a more, respectable house.”
Hadrian gave a low chuckle, “I can’t say I have given it much thought. I think I’d rather like Slytherin or Ravenclaw. If I were trapped with my ex-brother in a common room I think I’d be sent to Azkaban within the hour for madness and attempted murder.” The blonde laughed loud and uncontrolled for half a second.
“That would make a scene! I almost want to see that. But I rather like you two, so I think sticking with me would be in both of our best interests. I’ll teach you how to mix with the right sort. Are you… muggle-raised?” Draco said it with a slight grimace, but Hadrian appreciated the effort. A lot of pureblood families like the Malfoy’s had strict beliefs that would take time to break down. Laney spoke first.
“Biologically? No clue. Mama and Mother are aware of magic, Mama has none. Mother might, but she was never schooled and I don’t think she’s ever been interested in pursuing it more than she has already for herself. But both of them worked really hard to work both the wizarding world and the muggle world into our home. Especially when this moron was adopted.” Laney jerked a thumb at him. Hadrian picked up the que.
“I’m technically a half-blood. Muggleborn mother and Pureblood father. I disowned myself from them however due to… circumstances. And I lived with the worst of muggles that were my relatives, but only for a month or so. Laney’s always had accidental magic, so even though no one’s got a clue her blood status there was no doubt she’s a witch. That being said, any help would be appreciated. There’s a difference between knowing the basics of a society and culture and actually being immersed in it.”
“Like the Bernie Botts! They’re so disgusting I love them! But government? No clue.”
Draco looked satisfied and his companions were too busy with treats from their bags to care for the conversation. “So, not twins because your adopted with different birth parents. How close in age are you to be the same year?” Laney giggled as Hadrian slumped onto her head, his boney chin digging into her crown.
“Barely a week apart actually! I’m born on July 23rd, he’s July 31st, so we joke that we’re pseudo-twins. Both of us just turned eleven last month.” Draco nodded thoughtfully.
“I always wanted a sibling, but my mother said I was blessing enough. I really think she just can’t have more children and didn’t want to think about it. Having a kinda twin must be cool. I never caught your name however?” Hadrian blinked. Oh right. He just assumed Laney introduced him.
“I’m Hadrian Dragma-Potter. Minstery wouldn’t let me drop my birth name until I can legally drop my heir title.” Draco’s jaw dropped.
“You’re the other Potter twin! I thought you went missing? People said you were…” Hadrian gave a bitter smile.
“A bad seed? Jealous monster? Waste of space? Disgrace? Squib? It’s alright, don’t panic; I see that face you’re pulling. I’m joking. I just hear the rumors. But yeah, I’m the ‘lowly’ Harry, twin of the Boy-Who-Lived.” Hadrian smirked. “Shame I’m not so lowly anymore when I’m going to show people just who they’re gossiping about. I’m going to make my family, the Dragma family. A name to be known and respected.”
Draco’s shock spread into a deep grin. “There’s some Slytherin ambition, you had me worried for a second Dragma. I knew that goody-goody light family had to have some closed doors nonsense.”
Laney snorted. “Doesn’t every house have something they liked to keep behind the doors?”
“True enough.”
Hadrian cocked an eyebrow. “Does that mean I need to cause a scandal? The only ‘closed door’ quirk I can think of is how shameless our mothers’ are with PDA. And that’s just so cute it’s sickening.”
Draco gave another barking laugh. “Your presence this year is going to be scandal enough. I’m almost disappointed I won’t get a front row seat to the show you’re going to make when they call your name. I want to see that stupid headmaster’s face when you’re sorted.”
Hadrian was going to reply when the door to their cabin was rudely forced open. A girl with frizzy brown hair barging in unapologetically. Hadrian gave a displeased pout as Laney smiled fondly and patted his arm. A tight smile on her lips as Draco sneered at the intruder.
“Yes dear?”
“Has anyone seen a toad? A boy named Neville has lost one.” Her nasally voice was the nails on the chalkboard. Making him bristle and any contentedness in his chest die quickly, both at the interruption and the high and loud tone of voice. Draco basically growled at her.
“No. Now get out.” Crabbe as the one closet to the door and on alert with Draco’s attention and aggression rose up and slammed the door back shut easily with one hand. Silencing her yelling and protests. “Good job Crabbe. You were saying Hadrian?”
The temptation to speak back up under those eyes was so clear and so there. But the words died in his throat and he just slumped back. Making Laney sigh discontentedly. “Hadrian’s hit his word limit for now. He’s the strong silent type you see?” With a cheeky wink and a smirk, she got Draco’s furrowed brows to lighten up with at least a fond eye roll.
“Don’t worry about it Hadrian, not like these guys are big talkers either and at least you got the intelligence and competence to pull it off. I’m more surprised no one’s ears are bleeding from that harpy. She could have at least knocked. It’s only polite.” Draco checked the scenery and looked into the hallway.
“We should get our robes on. We’re going to be at the school soon.” The train ride was supposed to be hours, but it had only felt like minutes to Hadrian’s surprise and delight. Their robes swished with their steps in the dying evening light as the train slowed to a stop and all the first years were dragged along by a very tall man into river boats. Hadrian felt a dim light of anxiety in his chest as he glanced back at the train. Laney felt the discomfort and granted a small mercy.
“Hey Draco, where do they put our luggage? They kept both our animals with it and I’m worried for them.” Draco gave a firm pat on her shoulder before maneuvering to walk between the two siblings. Crabbe and Goyle flanking behind by a step and forming a protective ‘V’ formation. Hadrian was rather impressed with the practiced smoothness of the gesture.
“Don’t worry about it Lane. They’ll drop off all our luggage, pets included at our dorms once we’re sorted. Unless you have an owl, then they go to the Hogwart’s owlery.” Laney nodded happily, ignoring Draco’s small squawk as she grabbed his hand to hold as they walked. Harry sniggering near silently at the confused expression on Draco’s face.
If the boy stuck with them he’d get used to the hurricane that was Laney Dragma.
“Oh cool! Harry’s got his pet snake Suni, she’s been his for years now. But I just got a new kitten and I’m still trying to get her used to me. I named her Marissa. Do you have any pets?” Draco grinned, not responding for a moment as they all stumbled into one boat before he spoke again.
“Those two don’t, I have a black owl named Akumu. He was my mother’s but she got him when I was a baby and he imprinted of me, so she gifted him to me when I was ten so I could send my own letters. I wanna meet Hadrian’s snake though, what breed is it?” The long hair brunet answered for his sister.
“She’s a banana ball python, and a big girl. She’s getting close to five feet long, which is the normal average size for a full grown python. She’s a good girl, she’ll love you.” Draco gave a childish grin, finally looking like a kid rather than a haughty old man.
“Cool, what do you- holy Merlin.” Draco interrupted himself, prompting Hadrian and his sister to look behind themselves. Both froze and looked awestruck.
The castle loomed in the night sky like a fairy tale. Grand and so beautiful it was like a light house, beckoning them home. Hadrian’s lips pulled into a smile that his sister quickly mirrored, giddiness welling up in his chest.
In all his years he’d always looked forward to the day he’d go to Hogwarts, and it was finally sinking in that he was here. This was the first step into learning and growing into his magic, this is where all his possibilities would blossom and grow.
It was an even sweeter feeling when any fear of disappointing his parents faded. His mothers, his real parents wouldn’t care as long as he tried his best and worked hard. It was a deep hidden fear he never realized still lingered in his chest until it released. Leaving only a gasp of fresh air in his lungs. It left him high and joyful as his smile spread into a grin.
“We need to get a picture for the moms. Mama would lose her god damn mind. This is just her aesthetic.”
“Grand castle, soft and warm yellow lights and a night sky with a lake? This is basically Mama’s photography wet dream.” All five of the eleven-year-olds stumbled out of the boat. Crabbe and Goyle talking between the two of themselves as they helped out the three distracted students out of the boats, gaining grateful smiles in return.
The magic of the place whisked away the time all through the female professor’s speech until she left them to prepare for their sorting. Hadrian was peacefully listening to Laney questioning Crabbe and Goyle with Draco’s help when he heard a voice that made his heart pound in his ears. Blood rushing and loud. It made him angry. It made him feel powerless. It made him feel vicious. Hadrian snatched Laney’s hand as Draco immediately picked up his new friend’s worsening mood and saw exactly the cause.
Alexander Potter.
Draco assessed the situation.
There was definitely a resemblance between the two. Potter had the same general facial structure and their hair was the same shade of dark black-brown. That was about the end of their similarities however.
Potter’s expression was openly brash and loud, large grin as he talked with a ginger beside him, Ronald Weasley if Draco remembered correctly. People were watching and whispering along the sides of the two and Potter seemed unbothered by the attention. Even flourishing under it. He looked slightly shorter than Harry, more stout with his chest puffed out. His hair was a shaggy and wild mess on his head with dark brown eyes that looked shone a slight gold in the torchlight. He was so Gryffindor Draco could feel a head ache forming from here.
Hadrian’s own presence was quieter, like a calm stream without a sound, it soothed Draco’s still sensitive capacities as an empath. His hair was pulled into a sleek and long high pony tail, falling smoothly down his spine, the only hint of any messy curls was nestled under his ponytail and the baby hairs that skewed down his hairline and the gentle curves on Harry’s fringe and bangs. Harry’s eyes were a bright and intelligent green, with a tall and lithe figure that spoke of grace and easy elegance. Not standing out like a peacock, but still commanding respect and attention.
The other boy seemed to falter when he caught sight of his biological twin, before he waved and made a motion for Hadrian to come closer. A small grin on his face and a light in his eyes that spoke of glee. Hadrian for his part gave a slow blink before turning his back to their other boy, face smooth and blank as glass.
Draco had gotten on the train interested to find the boy who lived, but he found himself rather satisfied with what he’d found instead. His mother and father would hardly care either way as long as he made nice wizarding friends that had a shred of a decent head on their shoulders. Hadrian’s head leaned back slowly, craning to look at him. Those eyes pinned him down, and even though Draco knew he wasn’t another empath it felt like the other boy was baring out his soul. It was a slightly thrilling feeling.
“I wouldn’t blame you. It happens you know.” Hadrian could see the understanding and between the lines words in Draco’s eyes. The blonde mulled over the words, before he stepped closer to Hadrian.
“Snakes stick together, united front and all that jazz. Besides. I prefer you already. I can feel the entitlement from here.”
“That’s rich coming from you Malfoy.”
“Laugh it up Dragma. I’ll know where you sleep in a few hours.”
“I’m shaking.” The bland statement mixed with the pure look of boredom on Harry’s face made Draco internally lose his mind. All that came out of his mouth was a garbled and choked laugh. But immediately Laney’s head whipped around from her discussion about vassals and serving families.
“He did the thing, didn’t he? I swear, he could say the most mundane things. But how he says them you think he was Dane Cook or something.” Another flat glare was fixed at her as Hadrian fell silent again. Though this time Draco didn’t feel that stab of coldness, so he assumed Harry was a bit more comfortable in his skin now and just choosing not to respond.
McGonagall reappeared in the doorway of the school, “Students! Come in, it’s time for the sorting to start!”
All the students stepped into the beautiful hall and as a ratty hat started to sing, Hadrian glanced at his companions. Laney had a dreamy smile full of wonder and excitement as she held his hand. Draco caught his eye and gave a confident smirk with Crabbe and Goyle gave him firm nods. It bolstered Hadrian immediately as he looked up at the head table with determination.
It was show time and he was ready.