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Chapter Text

I eat my food silently, ignoring the subtle glares my so-called family shot at me. No matter how hard I used to try, my family has always hated me, although almost everyone else thinks that I'm spoiled since Aunt Petunia makes me perform for money.

Four years ago, in music class, it was discovered that I have a talent for the piano and violin, and Aunt Petunia found out that if I win competitions, then I'll get prize money. She got the most strict and cruel teachers imaginable for both instruments. I later discovered that if I win a competition, then I can get a little more food; if I lose, then I'll get the cane. I quickly became considered a prodigy, and at age nine, a little over two years after I started playing, I had to start going to elegant parties, so etiquette lessons were soon followed.

At these parties, I discovered that power is vital, and knowledge can help you attain power. I already knew that I was a freak; strange things happen around me if I'm upset, but if I could consciously control these powers, then I would gain power over the Dursley's.

I knew I had to start big; anything less wouldn't cause them fear; aunt Marge came over and started on me, so I just stared at her, willing her heart to stop. After she was rushed to the hospital and they determined it was a heart attack that was her cause of death, I calmly told my family that things would start going my way or I would cause similar things to happen to them. To prove my point, I set Ripper on Dudley, and he now sports hideous scars all over his body. After that, what I said went, even if the Dursley's didn't like it.

"Girl, you have a performance tomorrow. Do you have everything ready?" Aunt Petunia whispers, scared to talk too loudly around me after I vanished her tongue one time when she decided to yell at me.

"Yes aunt Petunia, but this time I'm keeping all of my money, it is rightfully mine, and I have let you pathetic lot coat off my winnings for far too long," I reply coldly. I already know about my Hogwarts letter that is coming any day now, and I would like to start a vault if I don't have one, and if I do, then I need some sort of income going into it. I've been waiting for my eleventh birthday ever since I used my magic to kill Aunt Marge, and I only have a week left.

"O-okay Potter." Petunia whimpered before hurrying out of the room to finish the cleaning I assigned her. She should be grateful; I have Dudley and Vernon helping her clean. I didn't have any help when they made me do everything around the house. In fact, they made the job harder. It's not like I'm being unfair either; I split all the house chores between the four of us, and Aunt Petunia and I interchange who cooks dinner. I'm practically the adult of the house.

After finishing my dinner, I silently head to my room, already knowing that I'll have a win tomorrow, and soon I'll be learning how to properly hone my magic, although I think I use it pretty well already.

Over the week, I won my competition, earning 3500 pounds, got my Hogwarts letter, and discovered that I have a twin brother who went to live with a good family friend instead of being sent somewhere to be abused. All because a batty old man thought I would end up becoming jealous of the so-called boy-who-lived. I honestly can't say I hate living with the Dursley's, though; they're the perfect little minions for me to play with. It's also a good thing I got rid of that Ms. Figg. I don't like spies.

"Hadria? Are you listening to a thing that I'm saying?" The batty old fool stops and stares at me, his blue eyes twinkling as he tries to get into my mind.

"Yes, headmaster Dumbledore. It's just that, well, I'm feeling quite overwhelmed. Not only have I been told that I'm a witch, but that I have a famous twin brother. It's just so hard to believe." I whisper, ducking my head so that I have a reason not to look in his eyes.

"It's quite all right, dear girl, in fact, let's go meet Adrian in Diagon Alley. I believe he's dying to meet his little sister." Dumbledore smiles in a genial disposition. Had I not discovered magic and power at a young age, I might have fallen for it, but I know that smile. I wear a similar smile when I'm manipulating people.

"So this evil man that murdered my parents and tried to kill my brother, who is he? He's dead, right? I don't want him to harm Adrian." I let tears fill up my eyes, hoping I can fool this man who has no doubt been a master manipulator for far longer than I've been alive. Luckily for me, most people don't suspect little girls of being manipulative in an evil way.

"His name was Voldemort, never be afraid to say his name, and no, I don't believe he is dead. Voldemort was scared of death more than anything else, so he did terrible things that held his soul to the world. I believe he is weak in some kind of spirit form, waiting until he can regain his body." Inwardly, I smile wickedly. I will either kill Voldemort as he is my competition, or I shall make him join me. I am not some idiot follower; I will change the wizarding world, and if possible, I will have the lights' greatest weapon and their greatest enemy on my side. I will be the greatest Dark Lady to ever exist.

I watch quietly as Dumbledore leads me into a building called The Leaky Cauldron, the place is disgusting, and I'll need disinfectant spray after I leave. We walk over to the bar where a little boy with black, unruly hair resides with a dark man wearing a scowl. The man also looks like someone that I could recruit.

"Ah, Severus, my boy, I was expecting Minerva to bring young Adrian to meet Hadria." Dumbledore tries to keep up appearances, but I can tell that he is displeased to see this Severus here. I glance over at Severus and know that he also saw the disapproval.

"Minerva had a family emergency, something about one her brothers' grandkids transfiguring the other with accidental magic. She asked me to pick up Potter and meet up with you." Severus drawls, and I feel a shiver of excitement rush through me. This man is a true deceiver; he can mask everything that he doesn't want any other to know; I could see it in his eyes when he glanced at me. I definitely have to recruit this man and anyone he is possibly close to.

"Well, I hope Minerva can get everything under control with her family," Dumbledore says before glancing at me and smiling. "Dear girl, the young boy over there is your twin brother Adrian. it's an amusing story how you both got your names. The boy was going to be named Hadrian, and the girl Adriana, but your father, in all his nervousness, switched up the names. Your mother covered his mouth before he could finish saying Hadrian, and thus, your name became Hadria Lillian Potter. Since Lily wanted the names to be mostly the same as what they first chose, she named your brother Adrian James Potter." Dumbledore smiled, thinking his story would sway me over to his side, hoping to hear more about my parents. It didn't.

"That's quite fortunate for me then. I quite like my name as it's unique. Adriana would be too common a name to become something in the music business, and if there is anything I don't like, it's to be considered too common." I smirk as I see Severus narrow his eyes at me while Dumbledore shakes his head. Adrian just looks at me in awe at my nerve.

"Why you arrogant little-"

"Temper temper, Mr. Severus, I'm only stating the truth. Had my name been Adriana, then I would have had to change it once my fame in the music industry started kicking off. Us musicians need something to stand out to grab attention in the many parties that we have to attend. Who would want to make connections with someone who sounds too common? Said people would just get overshadowed no matter how good they are. Name and money mean everything out in the real world. My guardians stopped working when I was nine because the money I bring to the house alone was more than they could acquire at an actual job. People pay quite a bit to see a child prodigy, and that's not even counting my winnings from competitions." I smirk as I see the glint enter Severus' eyes. He is no longer viewing me as a stupid child, but instead, he's thinking of the ways he can use me to further his own goals, sadly for him it's I that will be using him. Dumbledore just looks resigned; like something he didn't want to happen will come to pass.

"Wow, you sound like a Slytherin! Aren't Slytherins evil? Ron says they are, but I think mum mentioned briefly that she was a Slytherin." Adrian says, and I can see Severus scowl at the boy. Clearly, he has a lot to learn, but first, I must find out what a Slytherin is.

"What's a Slytherin?" I ask, hoping to get an unbiased answer from someone in this little group. I hate not knowing something; it makes the power be in someone else's hands.

"Slytherin is one of the four houses in Hogwarts. When you arrive, you will be sorted in one of the four, and that house will be like your family. You will sleep in the dorms, go to class, and share a common room with your housemates. Slytherins value cunning and ambition, Gryffindors value bravery and courage, Ravenclaws value wit and learning, and Hufflepuffs value loyalty and patience. Many dark witches and wizards come from Slytherin, so they have a stigma for evil. Professor Snape, over there, is Slytherin's Head of House. Gryffindors, on the other hand, tend to be brave and try to stop evil things from happening whenever they see it. Ravenclaws like to learn, and Hufflepuffs are loyal to those they believe in. Yourself and Adrian's parents were in Gryffindor." Dumbledore replies, and I scoff at the way he's trying to be subtle. Both our parents were in Gryffindor? We didn't exactly get raised by our parents, so we have different personalities and perspectives about life.

"So basically Gryffindors are foolhardy idiots that don't think things through before they act. That's not bravery; that's stupidity for one. For two, you said dark witches and wizards come out of Slytherin, not evil witches and wizards. There's a huge difference between dark and evil. The way you explained it makes me think you only believe things are black and white. Slytherin sounds like the discriminated house. Ravenclaws like to learn and gain knowledge, which is a potent thing. Hufflepuffs are followers that can become dangerous if they believe in the wrong person. A Hufflepuff following a Dark Lord would probably cause more trouble than a Slytherin following the same person. Honestly, Headmaster, I think you need to drop a few prejudices." I smirk as I see the flabbergasted face of Albus Dumbledore, the thoughtful look of Adrian and the calculating eyes of one Severus Snape. I quickly wink at Snape before engaging in a conversation with Adrian, hoping to change his views before it's too late, and maybe, just maybe, he'll be in Ravenclaw. I'm not even going to pretend that Adrian has a chance for Slytherin.

Once Albus was able to fix his face and wrap his mind around what I said, he hurried us into Diagon Alley before dragging us to Gringotts, the wizarding bank.

"I have the key for the vault for both Hadria and Adrian Potter," Dumbledore tells the creature in front of us.

"Wait, Headmaster, I would like to open up my own vault that only I can access. I would rather not share." I interrupt. If my suspicions are correct, then whoever has the key can access the vault no matter what, and since the key is in Dumbledore's possession, I need a vault of my own.

"As you wish, young heiress. Ironclaw! Take miss Potter to discuss the opening of a vault." The teller tells another Goblin, and I'm lead away from the group and into an office.

"What did the teller mean when he called me heiress?" I ask, hoping it means something.

"Your Godfather, Sirius Black, named you his heiress before he was sent to Azkaban prison. If you accept the heir ring, then you will be the Lady Black whenever you come of age at seventeen unless, of course, you die or Sirius is proclaimed innocent. Although there are 2 heirs for the Black family, this is mainly because the male takes over the family after the female marries, but she will still be considered Lady Black. With the heir ring, you can access the heir trust vault that is only accessible to you. It will become your personal vault after you turn seventeen." Ironclaw explains, and I quickly jump at that opportunity. I can gain allies quicker if I have a well-known name.

"Alright, and can I add my own money to this trust vault?" I ask, taking the ring the goblin handed me and slipping it onto my right ring finger. As soon as it slides on, I can feel the rich magic spread over me, offering a form of protection that wasn't there before.

"Of course, Heiress Black, we can even convert muggle money into wizarding currency. 17 sickles in a galleon and 29 knuts in a sickle." I smile as I pull out the money I've been saving for awhile. The Dursley's typically took most of my competition winnings, but I made sure I was able to keep some of it each time, and I usually had gigs I would play at too, which also gave me quite a bit of pounds. I take out 36,788 pounds and smirk at the bulge-eyed look the goblin provides me. "This will give you 7387 galleons 2 sickles and 15 knuts to add to your vault, which already had 415821 Galleons, 8 Sickles, and 15 Knuts. That gives you in total 423208 galleons, 11 sickles, and 1 knut. Of course thats just the exact measurement of money in the vault. There are plenty of knuts and sickles if needed." The goblin informs me, and after asking for a way to get money directly from my vault, without having to continually enter Gringotts, I received a bag for 4 galleons that all I had to do was think about the amount needed while reaching in there and pull it out; plus it would only work for my magic signature since the heir ring linked my magical signature into the vault.

I head back out into the lobby to wait for the others while playing with the key hanging around my neck. It will only come off if I want to take it off, so nobody, but I can mess with my vault. It takes about five more minutes before the other three come back up, and we head out to get our school supplies. Adrian and I both get a ton of books, mine are mostly over politics, wizarding history, and any other spellbooks I can find that are from first to third year, after that we go to Ollivander's to get our wands. Adrian has the brother wand to Voldemort while I have a 12 3/4 pearwood with a dragon heartstring core wand. Ollivander said that it was an exciting combination for a wand since pear wands don't go too dark witches or wizards, but dragon heartstring is the easiest to turn towards the dark arts. I guess the wand realized that although I'm dark, I have the best interests for the wizarding world in mind, even if I have to destroy it before building it up from the ashes.

Chapter Text

I watch coldly as Vernon Dursley starts seizing and foaming at the mouth. You would think that he would have learned a lesson when I killed his sister, but it looks like I need to make him suffer. Good thing he is so obese that it's not suspicious for him to have health problems: and his sister was the same way. I don't tolerate insubordination; if I say to jump, he better ask how high.

"You will take me to the train station so that I may go to school. Do not test my tolerance Vernon, as I am merely nice right now." I smirk as I let go of the wandless magic, Petunia rushing to his side to help him clean up. I happily skip up the stairs to my bedroom to finish packing. Tomorrow I'll be on a train headed to Scotland.

*******

After going through the barrier at the platform, I quickly find an empty compartment, enjoying the quiet while it lasts. I pull out two of the books that I bought when I went back into the Alley, trying to decide on which one I wanted to read. I finally settle on Olde and Forgotten Bewitchments and Charmes, hoping that I could learn some lost and unknown magic from it. After about 15 minutes, Adrian sticks his head in and sighs in relief; obviously, he had been looking for me.

"So what house do you think you will be in? I'm hoping for Ravenclaw! Just thinking of all the books that must be in that tower is enough to make me giddy. The people who raised me were in Hufflepuff and Slytherin, though. I never knew mum, well the woman who raised me, was a Slytherin until I asked her about what you had said when we first met. She then said that she would love to meet you and that she's displeased with Dumbledore for not allowing her to raise you too. You know I have an older sister who is in Hufflepuff, and I think she would have liked to have a little sister. I didn't find out you existed until Snape came and got me to meet you. I-"

"Adrian, you're rambling. Slow down." I sigh as I cut him off. I knew he was excited to see me again, but I didn't realize he would be so nervous about it. It's kind of endearing that he cares so much even if we barely met, and I'm thankful that I'm not the only one that felt a connection. I spent my whole life wishing that there was someone out there that would love and care for me, and now I have a brother that does that without even having to have known me for long.

Before Adrian even has the chance to start talking again, the compartment door opens, and a boy with platinum blond hair walks in; he is followed by two other boys that look dumb as rocks, just like Dudley. The blond boy looks like his family has money, and the other two boys seem to obey him, kind of like vassals did to lords back in the day.

"I didn't realize this compartment was occupied. My name is Malfoy. Draco Malfoy. These two behind me are Crabbe and Goyle. Who might you two be? I don't think I've seen you before." The pale blonde boy, Draco, says while carelessly pointing behind him when introducing the goons. I immediately recognize the boy as a rich snob like everybody else I hang out with when I have to socialize at parties.

"Hadria Potter-Black and the boy behind me is my twin brother Adrian. It's very nice to meet your acquaintance, Heir Malfoy." I stand and slightly curtsy before offering him my hand, and he reaches out to kiss the back of it.

"I see that you are the heiress to the Black family, but not the Potter. May I be presumptuous and ask why? Oh, and please, call me Draco." Draco asks his question, and I take a moment to decide if I should tell him.

"If I may call you Draco, then I extend the favor to you; you may call me Hadria. The way it was explained to me is that since Adrian was born first, he automatically assumed the heir position for the Potter family. My Godfather, Sirius Black, proclaimed me his heiress, but since I'm a female and will take the name of my husband, there is another heir. I'm hoping to be on good terms with said heir once I meet him." I explain to Draco; since he was raised in the wizarding world, he might know who the heir Black is.

"I believe my father mentioned something about an Altair Black being sorted into Slytherin a year ago, and there is a possibility that he is the one you share heirship with," Draco responds. I nod, thinking over the information I was given. Draco then turns his attention to my brother, and I start to feel guilty, I had forgotten he was even there.

"Heir Potter, you too may call me Draco."

"And you may call me Adrian." Adrian responds to Draco before returning to his book; he must have pulled it out during Draco and I's conversation. Draco and I soon follow in Adrian's footsteps; I open my book back up and continue from where I left off while Draco pulls out a book about potions. The compartment thankfully falls into silence, with only the sound of turning pages to disturb the air; both Crabbe and Goyle had left as soon as books were pulled out.

After what feels like minutes, but must have been hours, the train starts to slow. I casually wave my hand over my truck, shrinking it and sticking it in my robe pocket. After Dumbledore brought me back to the Dursley's and told me about how we are expected to leave the luggage on the train, I realized that I needed a decoy trunk. Since I had been to the Alley before, it was easy to pop into the alley and buy another trunk before popping back to Privet Drive. I remember what a place looks like and then in a pop; I'm there.

"You just did wandless and wordless magic!" Both Draco and Adrian gasp at the same time. I smirk slightly, Draco is rather cute when gaping like that. It makes me want to tease him relentlessly. My brother, on the other hand, is just annoying when he makes that expression, possibly because he seems never to have his composure.

"Well yeah, it's not that hard. Popping places is harder to do than that, and even then, that isn't hard either." I've been doing harder magic than this since I was six years old, although it took me some time before I could control it.

"Popping places? Do you mean apparition?" Draco stutters out, his composure completely gone while Adrian continues to gape at me. Well, it appears that I'm still more powerful than my peers. I was starting to worry that my muggle upbringing would put me behind those who were raised here, but it appears that isn't the case. Now it seems as if I need to be careful in what I can do. I don't need to have Dumbledore more suspicious of me than he already is due to the way that I talk.

"Yeah sure, anyways we should get off the train, it's slowed to a stop now; also, I think it goes without saying to not broadcast the abilities you saw me perform." I say, heading towards the doors. As soon as we get off the train, I see a giant holding up a lantern calling for all the first years. Draco, Adrian, a bushy-haired girl, and I all get into a boat together, and I quickly identify the other girl as a muggle-born, and we instantly start a conversation. I learn that she is obsessed with books, but she wants to be in Gryffindor. I tell her that if she changes her mind and gets placed in Ravenclaw, then she'll already have a friend and housemate in my brother. From what I've heard of Gryffindors, a girl with her brain would be rejected and outcasted.

After arriving at the beautiful castle and being led into the great hall by a professor, an old hat is placed on a stool before opening its brim and burst into song:

"Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,

But don't judge on what you see,

I'll eat myself if you can find

A smarter hat than me.

You can keep your bowlers black,

Your top hats sleek and tall,

For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat

And I can cap them all.

There's nothing hidden in your head

The Sorting Hat can't see,

So try me on, and I will tell you

Where you ought to be.

You might belong in Gryffindor,

Where dwell the brave at heart,

Their daring, nerve, and chivalry

Set Gryffindors apart;

You might belong in Hufflepuff,

Where they are just and loyal,

Those patient Hufflepuffs are true

And unafraid of toil;

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,

if you've a ready mind,

Where those of wit and learning,

Will always find their kind;

Or perhaps in Slytherin

You'll make your real friends,

Those cunning folks use any means

To achieve their ends.

So put me on! Don't be afraid!

And don't get in a flap!

You're in safe hands (though I have none)

For I'm a Thinking Cap!"

I clap along with everyone else, and then the sorting ceremony starts.

 "Abbot, Hannah!" McGonagall calls from her list of people and I watch as a small girl with blonde pigtails gets sorted into Hufflepuff, a red-headed girl named Susan soon follows and the two girls immediately hug and start up a conversation. 

Terry Boot and Mandy Brocklehurst went to Ravenclaw while Lavender Brown became a Gryffindor. Millicent Bulstrode, a chubby mean-faced girl, became the first Slytherin. Justin Finch-Fletchley became a Hufflepuff, Seamus Finnigan a Gryffindor, Hermione Granger, the girl I met on the boat, became a Ravenclaw and Neville Longbottom became a Gryffindor.

"Malfoy, Draco!" The hat sat on his head for quite a while before finally declaring him a Slytherin. From what information I gathered about Draco from our short meeting, the hat had to decide between Slytherin and Ravenclaw, both houses that Draco would fit spectacularly in. After Draco was sorted, I zoned out until I heard my brother's name.

"Potter, Adrian!" Adrian walked up to the stool amid the whispers and placed the hat on his head. It didn't take long for his house to be called out, not surprising me but obviously surprising most of the population in the hall.

"RAVENCLAW!" 

He walked to the table that was politely clapping and sat down next to Hermione. They immediately started a conversation and I smiled at the sight. He would have an amazing friend in that girl, and she would make a great ally for me. It never hurts to have someone that can research efficiently on your side, especially someone that will be looked down upon by the supremacists that exist in the wizardry world.

"Potter, Hadria!"

I walk with grace up to the stool and sit down and the hat gets placed over my head, but I nearly visibly jump when a voice starts speaking inside my head.

"Interesting, very interesting. You are dark my child, but at the same time, you have the improvement of our world in your heart. The two sides are fighting against each other trying to overcome the other and eventually one will win. Hopefully, it will not be until you are older and have matured a little more, for you are still young and inexperienced. But you're not here for that, you just want to be sorted. You, like your brother, have a thirst for knowledge.  The difference is that you want knowledge for the power that you can do with it and not just for knowledge sake. There's only one place for you: SLYTHERIN!" I take the hat off and walk over to the Slytherin table to sit in front of Draco. I look at the ring on the finger of the boy beside me and see the heir Black ring on it. I glance at Draco because there is no way that I just miraculously sat next to the boy I wanted to meet and he just winks at me, confirming my suspicions that he purposely saved the seat next to the other Black heir for me. I narrow my eyes at him because I know that he just did it so that I would owe him a favor. 

"What is it that you want in reciprocation Malfoy?" I hiss out, making a few heads turn our way and successfully catching the attention of Altair Black. The ones listening in lean in a little closer, obviously trying to get information that they could use.

"I would relish you to become my betrothed, and later, Lady Malfoy." Draco smirks as a series of gasps and widening of eyes are seen over the first and second years, the elder students are far too composed to react to such a declaration. Altair just narrows his eyes at the younger boy.

"I think, Heir Malfoy, that the favor you gave me does not equal the stipulation you want in reciprocation, as I could have easily figured the information out myself; you just merely beat me to it. If you want my hand in marriage then you will work for it." I force myself to stay calm and rational, even as I want to cause harm to Draco's pretty face. He is the heir to a prominent family, I can't afford to have him as an enemy, but I will not subjugate myself to an unworthy husband. He must prove himself to me as I can not have a weak-minded fool standing by my side when I start my ascent to fix this world. 

"Trust me Hadria, what a Malfoy wants, a Malfoy will get, and I've decided that I want you as my bride." Malfoy smirks again before starting up a conversation with the boy, Zabini, that had just sat down and was the last to be sorted. I ignore everything else and turn to Altair Black, easily starting up a conversation with him and becoming fast friends.

Chapter Text

Over the past two months, Adrian and I have learned many things and we even formed our own friend groups that occasionally combined to hang out together. Adrian's best friends are Hermione Granger and somehow Draco Malfoy, which is annoying because I can no longer complain about Malfoy to my twin without Addy laughing at me, that and all four of us are competing for the top spot in our year. I'm barely holding the number one spot with Hermione right behind me and Addy and Malfoy right behind her fighting for third.

"Harry, you're doing it again." Altair drawls from beside me, making me blink my eyes in confusion.

"Doing what, Black?" I ask, disinterested in the answer as only my closest friends can read my moods so it doesn't matter if they do notice anything.

"Staring off into space with a goofy grin on your face. Probably thinking about how you beat Malfoy's score on the last test. Careful now or people might start thinking you fancy him." Blaise laughs from my other side, making me scowl.

"That's fine, then I'll just kiss you so that another rumor goes around that the both of you want to court me. Maybe he will request a duel and lose, and then his reputation would be destroyed." I shrug as I continue walking as the other two stop to gape at me in astonishment.

"You would give away your first kiss, the gift a witch gives when she's sure she wants to marry the man courting her, just to spite Malfoy?" Altair sputters out in shock and I just glance at him in amusement.

"Who said it would be my first kiss? Besides, the wizarding world is so bloody sexist! Women are just as equal to men and they can kiss any male they want to. They can even make the first move if they so wish!" I rant, annoyed at the injustice of this world. It's not so bad within the half bloods and nonexistent with the muggleborns, but the purebloods are still in the dark ages. Who sells their daughters for money anymore?

"You've already had your first kiss! You're eleven!" Blaise shrieks from beside me, bringing me out of my head and making several heads jerk in our direction.

"Harry how dare you! Who would dare steal my little sisters innocence and not go through me for permission first?" Addy laughs,draping his arm around my shoulders when we reach the library doors, smirking the whole time. All six of us enter the library and head towards our table.

"Why dear brother, it was only your best friend Hermione." I wink at the girl who goes bright red.

"It was and accident and you know it Hadria! Besides it was more of a smashing of lips and teeth than a kiss!" She gasps out in indignation and I lightly laugh at the faces of our friends.

"Wait what!" Malfoy shouts, losing his composure and turning towards Hermione.

"You know I have a crush on her Mione!" He pouts cutely and I resist the temptation to 'aww' at him.

"Mr. Malfoy! If you are going to yell like a savage in my library and disturb the peace then I must insist that you leave at once!" Madam Pince says, ushering Malfoy towards the door and I smirk, a plan forming.

"Madam Pince, ma'am, can you please excuse Draco just this once? He promised to help me study potions since I'm having a few troubles. I really want to pass this test that's coming up." I give her my best smile and twitch my fingers, casting a few wandless compulsions just in case.

"Just this once Mr. Malfoy. You better thank miss Potter by helping her in potions." She turns and stalks off towards a group of rowdy Gryffindors.

"But Harry, you're the top of the class, even your potions are at the top." Adrian looks at me confused and I just look at him. Sometimes he shows the cunning of a Slytherin and in the next moment I question why I ever had that thought.

"Addy, sweet innocent Addy. Malfoy now owes me. If it had gotten out that the Heir Malfoy was kicked out of his school library for indecent behavior it would reflect badly on his and his parents reputation. Not as badly as if he was removed from an important event, but it would still be something that could be used against the family." I explain to the two Ravenclaws, both of which look flabbergasted that something so small as being removed from a library could ruin a reputation.

"That much was obvious Harry, even I was trying to come up with a way for Malfoy to owe me, but how did you make that work? Madam Pince is a stubborn woman that doesn't care who you are. If you disturb the peace in her library then you're out, simple as that." Altair asks and I just smile an innocent smile and shrug my shoulders. Just because I've found people I can open up to doesn't mean I'll reveal all my secrets and plans just yet. Especially since I don't yet have the guarantee that they will stick with me, even when there is a dangerous situation. We have only been friends for a couple months.

"One of these days, Hadria, I hope you will trust us enough to tell us your secrets and plans." Hermione sighs and I hold back a grimace. Adrian and Hermione are both so pure and good and I'm just a murderer that wants to destroy the light side and make the world into what I envision it, no matter if it costs lives. It's not like I haven't already killed people for doing me wrong, but they see the best in everybody.

"Maybe one day Hermione, but my secrets aren't safe to know." I sigh as I stand, stretching out the kinks in my back. Without a word I walk out of the library, heading for my last class of the day.

"Heiress Black! Our free period isn't over yet and I need to speak with you." Malfoy huff's as he finally falls in step with me.

"Yes, Heir Malfoy?" I question, knowing its serious if we have to switch to business speech.

"I'm conflicted. Heir Potter is my closest friend, but he's also friends with the muggle born Granger. My father is displeased with this situation and I have yet to come to a plan of action." He explains and I sigh, waving my hand to create a silencing barrier around us while thinking up a plan.

"I'm sure your father doesn't want to make enemies with me nor my brother, especially since Altair would fall in line with us, and likely Blaise too. This creates conflict with Heir Potter, Heiress Black, Heir Black, and the son of the Black Widow. Honestly it would be political ruin to go against Adrian, being as he's the boy-who-lived. Going against me will be detrimental to your life, likely the same as if you went against Blaise and Altair. There is a reason we are called the dark trio, and you, the golden." I explain as we stop at the doorway for DADA, and I recheck the barrier, ensuring that nobody can eavesdrop on our conversation, especially since both Adrian and I get a weird feeling around Professor Quirrel.

"Yes, but he wouldn't accept that as a reason to be around mudbloods." Draco mutters and I growl in frustration. He's supposed to be cunning, not an idiot.

"Here's the plan, because you can't pretend that Granger isn't actually a friend. Tell your father that in order to be close to Adrian you have to be around Hermione too, just to prove to him that you're different to everyone else, but act like you're upset about it, stop smiling idiot! Anyways, prove to me that you will be an amazing partner-in-crime to my brother and you will fall under my protection. Nobody will touch you then." I tell him, too tired to come up with anything else. The only time I'm not playing politics is when I'm around my friends, and I really don't want to start around Draco.

"What makes being under your protection so great? Sure you're the best in our year but that doesn't mean anything to the upperclassmen. They have been studying the dark arts for years!" Draco argues and I raise an eyebrow. Does he really think that I don't know these things?

"Draco, don't question me. Just do as I say." I growl before dropping the barrier and walking into the classroom, already tired of the conversation. As long as he does what I told him to do then he is safe from my wrath and any others that want to mess with him in my presence.

The class flies by quickly, I only learn from the book I'm reading, unable to listen to Quirrel for more than five minutes at a time without developing a migraine. The class soon ends and I stand, the rest of the Slytherin's following and standing as one. I walk out of the classroom and towards the library, Blaise and Draco following me as the other Slytherin's whisper about how the 'Dark Trio' raised even higher in the ranks amongst the Slytherin hierarchy.

"How are you three able to tolerate this?" Draco asks, slightly cringing as the eyes turn towards him and whispers of the 'Golden Trio' begins to be heard amongst the other three houses.

"Look it's Draco Malfoy, Adrian Potter's best friend."

"He must have had to beg the hat to be put in the snake pit to avoid the wrath of his father."

"Why is he hanging out with two of the Dark Trio?"

"I heard the girl, Hadria, put a dark curse on him."

"No, she gave him a love potion. Didn't you hear? He claims he wants to marry her."

I chuckle darkly as the whispers reach my ears and I casually flick my hair back, wandlessly cursing them with a hex that makes their hair fall out with each rumor they spread that involves my, or my friends, names.

"You did something Hadria?" Blaise asks, his smirk dark and dangerous.

"Not what I would have liked to have done, but yes." My smirk grows wider as I think about actually doing something nice to my hair tomorrow, just to taunt those that are losing theirs.

"What did you do and how? I never saw you draw your wand?" Draco asks, and I just smile and show him my wand holster on my wrist, permitting me to draw my wand and place it back within seconds. I'll never admit this out loud, but I spent days practicing in front of a mirror until I could do it in a split second.

A shriek suddenly sounds through the air, one Pansy Parkinson holding wads of hair that had fallen out. My smirk grows wider as even more people start noticing the developing bald spots on their heads.

I calmly walk into the library, smirk still in place as the echos of crying girls and upset boys reaches my ears. I walk to my table and see Altair calming down a frantic Adrian.

"Addy look at me. She's fine, girls just need time to themselves when they're upset. Could you see your sister crying in front of us over such a small thing as Ronald Weasley? She'd be more embarrassed at the fact that someone like him could hurt her feelings." Altair soothes, making me stop the other two while I sneak closer to the duo.

"But Al, what if she thinks I agree with Ron and that I hate her?" Addy asks, still visibly upset, but calming quickly as Altair rubs circles on his back.

"She won't. She just needs to have a little time to herself." I say, making the two boys jump. I walk over to my brother and gently wipe away his tears before waving my wand and erasing any evidence that he had cried before allowing Blaise or Draco over. The less people to see Adrian's moment of weakness the better.

"So tell us what happened." I lean forwards on the table, curious as to what made Adrian completely break down in Altair's arms. I send a curious glance towards my best friend, being as he hates physical contact and he just rolls his eyes before mouthing 'later'.

"In charms, Professor Flitwick partnered Mione with Ron to practice wingardium leviosa. Mione got it right away and after watching Ron try, she told him what he had done wrong and tried explaining and he just blew up at her. Said that the only reason she does as well as she does is because she cozies up to all the purebloods, trying to pretend that she isn't muggleborn and that she would be worthless without our help. She ran out of the class crying and I haven't been able to find her since!" Adrian explains and I seethe in rage and begin to plot revenge. I can't kill him; one he's only a child and two, I can sense strong compulsion charms on him, and if I remove them they always return, no matter how many times I remove them.

"That's awful! Hermione is brilliant! Us being her friends has nothing to do with that!" Draco scoffs and I'm inclined to agree, besides-

"Only Draco and I are purebloods." Blaise states the same thought that had just crossed my mind.

"Blaise is correct. Altair, Adrian, and I are all half-bloods, and I was raised in the muggle world." I say, becoming confused as to the reason Ron had saying such cruel things to Hermione.

"Most people assume Hadria and Altair are purebloods though. They both have that 'I'm better than you and I know it' aura that all purebloods exhibit." Draco explains and Adrian and I look at him like he's grown a second head.

"Hadria and I are twins though? That's common knowledge isn't it? We have the same name and we look just alike." Adrian says confused while I just nod in agreement.

"Hadria actually looks more like a Black than a Potter, while you look like a Potter. Potter's tend to have wild, messy hair, but Hadria's is more like the wild curls of a female Black; it's a little more tamed in the men, like Altair. But really the only similarities is what you both inherited from Lily Potter, eyes, and Hadria inherited her facial structure." Draco explains and I twirl one of my curls around my finger. It takes me forever to calm my curls down to not look like a crazy woman. It's why I rarely ever actually do my hair like other girls, all my time is taken up making sure I don't look like Bellatrix.

"Your mother got lucky Draco. She doesn't seem to struggle with curly hair." I pout as I pull a curl again. Knowing that Hermione also struggles with her curly hair.

"On the contrary, her hair is curly, just not as bad as yours. Hers is more tame, but she takes a potion every couple months that keeps her hair straight." Draco smirks at me while tugging on a curl for himself and I scowl at him. I didn't give him permission to touch me, much less my hair.

"Let's head down to the Halloween feast, I'm hungry." Blaise interjects before Malfoy and I can get into another argument about personal space and boundaries. We all agree and head down to wait for the headmaster to give a short speech in remembrance of those that lost their life in the fight with Voldemort. After his speech we begin to eat our food, enjoying the peaceful silence.

"Did you hear? The mudblood that the blood traitor insulted was crying in the girl's bathroom on the first floor. We should go pay her a visit after the feast." Pansy Parkinson laughs with one of her friends and I clench my fists in anger. This girl will pay, and soon. The hair loss hex from earlier today isn't effective when some have potions from home that can fix it. At about that time Quirrel bursts through the doors.

"Troll! Troll in the dungeon! Just thought you ought to know." He shouts before pretending to pass out. I don't pay that any attention though because Hermione is somewhere out beyond those doors, without a clue that there's a dangerous troll. I stand, ignoring the orders Dumbledore is shouting to the professor's and students and run out into the corridor, Draco running to Adrian to tell him the situation before the four follow. I run to the girls bathroom and see the troll cornering Hermione against the wall and I don't even think to pull out my wand, instead waving my clearly empty hand at the troll, demanding my magic to cause it pain.

Before it can fight off that I'm using my magic to steal the club and I turn it on the troll, my magic swinging the club at the troll until it's unmoving.

"Bloody hell Hadria! You killed a fully grown mountain troll without even using a wand!" Adrian gasps out.

"She used an unforgivable without a wand is the most incredible fact." Blaise whispers, causing the other two to glance at him in surprise.

I ignore them, walking over to the troll. I can see its chest slightly moving so I coat my body in magic and give a good solid stomp on its head, smashing it in and getting covered in blood.

"What the hell Hadria!" Draco yells and I shush him, waving my hand at my body and becoming instantly clean except for a few splattered droplets like everyone else has on them. I then take my wand out and preform the levitation charm, placing the club over the trolls head just before the professor's rush in.

"What happened in here!" Mcgonagall gasps, placing a hand over her mouth as she takes in the scene.

"P-proffessor's! It's so horrible! Hermione was upset about something and that was said to her and didn't want to attend the feast. I told her to wait here and I would bring her food afterwards, but then Professor Quirrel mentioned a troll and Hermione had no clue so I ran here as fast as I could to try and warn her and find safety. The others followed me since they were worried. When we got here the troll had her cornered and I preformed the levitation charm on its club and hit the troll in the head with it, but then there was so much blood!" I start to cry, hiccuping as I tell the story, before dropping to the ground, holding my knees to my chest and shaking.

"Severus, get the poor dear a calming drought. Twenty point to Slytherin for protecting a friend and warning her of danger. Even if it was too late. Although next time inform a professor." Mcgonagall scolds and a calming drought is quickly handed to me. I quickly down it and hand the vial back to professor Snape.

"Dear girl, that story doesn't just add up with this scene. The levitation charm shouldn't be able to cause this much damage." Dumbledore says and I hold back my scowl.

"Isn't there a way for you to verify what I say is true Headmaster Dumbledore? " I ask, tears still falling from my eyes.

"Indeed there is, your wand Miss Potter?" Professor
Flitwick says, taking the wand I hand him.

"Priori incantato." Flitwick casts and the levitation charm, expelliarmus, and alohomora appear out.

"Her wand is clear Albus. Now I will take my snakes back to their common room. I'm sure Flitwick would like to do the same." Professor Snape says, Flitwick nodding in agreement. I gently stand and stumble out after Snape, under the watchful eye of Dumbledore and the incredulous gazes of my friends.

"We are clear of Dumbledore's gaze now." Snape says and I immediately straight my posture and start walking like normal.

"What the actual fuck was that!" Draco hisses and I smirk at them.

"That, my dear, was the reason I told you that you should just do as I say." I smirk at him as he gapes before his mask slides back in place as we enter the common room where a group of students are standing in wait.

"Heir Malfoy, you stand by half-bloods and you dared save a mudblood. We heard you tell Adrian Potter where Hermione Granger was and that you were going there to help." A big, burly fifth year growls, reaching to grab malfoy before I intercept, grabbing his arm and squeezing, pushing magic through my fingers like electricity. I watch as he convulses under me for a bit before I take my hand off his arm.

"Only I am allowed to tell Malfoy when to do something. Is that understood?" I ask, my magic swirling around me, making my eyes glow avada kedavra green and for cuts to appear on anyone who gets too close.

"Why would we listen to a filthy half-blood who doesn't know her place in society? Women are just supposed to stay quiet and look pretty." Another male growls and I turn to look at him before smiling.

"Who said I couldn't be stay quiet and look pretty while causing you pain?" I ask, walking towards him. He tries to pull out a wand but I keep him still with my magic. I lightly trail my fingers down his arm, having my magic inflame his nerves. The room winces as I force them to watch as he writhes and screams.

"Next time you speak to me in that way I will ensure that you will never continue your family line. Your name will end with you." I whisper in his ear, lightly licking it before pulling away, dragging Draco over to the couch in front of the fireplace, Blaise and Altair already sitting there.

"Thank you, Hadria." Draco says and I scoff.

"I didn't do it for you. Adrian would be sad if his best friend wasn't safe in his own common room." I turn away from him and start talking to Blaise about quidditch.

"Why are you two so indifferent to this?" Draco asks Altair, making me pause in my conversation with Blaise as he decides to answer.

"There is a reason we are called dark, Malfoy. Hadria isn't the only one the house has to watch out for. They know that to anger one of us will anger us all, and all three of us aren't afraid to use Dark Magic. Hadria is just better at it than us." Altair nods in confirmation before turning back to his book. I decide to get comfortable and lay my head in Malfoy's lap and my feet in Blaise's. Malfoy runs his fingers through my hair while he reads and I talk to Blaise about how I want to try out for seeker next year. Around nine we all head up to our dormitories to sleep. Before falling asleep I try to figure out just why Professor Snape looked to have been bitten by a large dog.

Chapter Text

The days continue to pass quickly until days turn into weeks and weeks into months, and Christmas is just a mere week away. I've already scheduled concerts and entered winter competitions to gain more money, that and I just really enjoy playing; it's like a release from my everyday life when I play I am free. No masks, no lies, just me and my music.

"Hadria, would you like to stay at my manor during the break? The others have all agreed already. My father would like to meet you. Is that an instrument?" Draco asks as I'm walking out of my dorm, violin case in hand.

"I will be there, although I will have to leave every so often to compete in my competition's, I will also be required to attend gatherings." I reply before leaving the common room and heading towards the lake. I slipped up and haven't been practicing as I should, I must not let myself be so complacent about my talents as others could be better than me, as reluctant I am to admit it. I have to play Christmas music and two choices of my own, for both instruments. I chose Moonlight Sonata and Für Elise for piano. For the violin, I decided Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Ashokan Farewell; neither is easy, but it still shouldn't be too difficult for me to play. I'm sure I will make mistakes, but one day I plan to play them all perfectly.

I quickly tune my violin before I start my scales and then into one of the Christmas pieces, rapidly losing myself into the music produced. I don't even notice as Draco comes out with my friends or any of the others that followed. I sway to the music, and before I realize it, I'm going into a haunting piece, tears filling my eyes and sliding down my face as I put all my emotions into it, of the abuse I had to suffer before the music world saved me. Of the bruises that covered my fingers as I was slapped with a ruler anytime I messed up on the piano. I remembered the time Vernon beat me with my bow until it snapped because I messed up on a complicated piece in front of his business associates. Each emotion I felt at that time, fear, hopelessness, shame, and anger, I put into the haunting melody drifting from my instrument.

I slowly come to an end, the last note ringing in the silence before applause sounds out. I snap my eyes open, magic coming to my fingertips to use before I realize it's just my friends and other classmates.

"Wow, Harry! That was beautiful!" Hermione gasps, wrapping her arms around me in a hug. I try to get out of her hold, not used to the contact, but she just tightens her arms around me before stepping away.

"I did not realize you could play an instrument so well. I thought I was at a professional concert." Altair says, coming to stand beside me as I gently place my instrument in its case. I quietly hum as I clean rosin off the strings and put my bow back in its place, careful to avoid touching the hair.

"I was dubbed a prodigy as a child; I've been playing both of my instruments for five years. I may start to learn another instrument soon." I reply before heading to the room I had the house-elves deliver a piano to so that I could work on my piano pieces.

***************

Days continue to fly by as I diligently work on my music pieces until the day comes to leave for break. I grab all the things I will need, including the concert tickets I got for my friends so that they could attend with their families if they wanted. I also set aside the ones for Petunia and Dudley as they always come. Petunia so that she can seem doting and Dudley because Petunia makes him so that he can learn to be refined and become a gentleman. Anyone at the concert or competition can attend the after-party.

"You ready, Hadria? Your boys are impatiently waiting for you." Tracy Davis says, leaning against the doorway as I finish putting my shrunk trunk into my pocket and grab the tickets. I nod and head toward the common room, smiling as I hear Blaise whine about just how long females and Draco take to get ready.

"I'll have you know, Zabini, that I've been ready for a while now. I just figured I should get the tickets I received to give to friends just in case you wanted to discern true aptitude over the holidays." I disdainfully sniff as I walk past the boys, passing a confused Draco on my way out the door.

"What the bloody hell happe-" I hear Draco ask as the wall slams shut behind me, and I head outside to the carriages that will take us to the station in Hogsmeade, confused at the skeleton horses.

"What are they?" I whisper to myself, looking at how beautiful they are.

"Thestrals. They are only seen by someone that has witnessed death. Therefore, Miss Potter, just who have you seen die?" Professor Snape says from beside me, nearly giving me a heart attack as I never sensed him come near me, too caught up in the beauty of the Thestrals.

"Harry? You've seen someone die?" Hermione says from behind Snape, the others standing with her looking surprised.

"Uncle Vernon's sister had a heart attack in the middle of dinner when I was nine." I respond, shrugging my shoulders as I don't care, being as I'm the one that killed her.

"That's terrible! I'm so sorry!" Hermione gasps, and I shrug again, briefly forgetting about Snape as I see Blaise and Altair giving me a confused look.

"You may be able to fool the innocent Miss Potter, but I know what that look in your eyes means." Snape says before walking away, robes flaring out behind him, the said innocents looking confused before Draco gasps in shock.

"Don't be so surprised Draco, remember our conversation on Halloween." I snarl at his horrorstricken face before marching onto a carriage with Altair and Blaise, both staying silent, knowing it's something Draco and I would have to settle ourselves. The carriages soon take off, and within minutes we are at the station and boarding the train to London. Altair, Blaise, and I choose an empty cabin and are soon joined by Draco, who explains that Hermione and Adrian are sitting with some friends from Ravenclaw to discuss the books they are reading over the break for their book club. I wandlessly lock the door and make it to where no sound will leave the compartment.

"Ask, Draco." I order, licking my suddenly dry lips in my nervousness.

"You killed someone when you were nine!" He gasps out, and I look at him bemused.

"The first time I killed someone was when I was almost eight. I practiced on criminals until I knew I had my magic under control. It was the only way to move out of the cupboard under the stairs and to scare my aunt and uncle enough not to abuse me anymore. Then I took control of the house, being the only person earning any money. I assigned chores and made Dudley diet and exercise. I was just the adult of the house." I shrug uninterested as the others look at me incredulously.

"Cupboard?"

"Abuse?"

"Eight?"

I just shake my head at the three. I don't know why Draco was freaking about me being eight when I first murdered instead of the abuse like Altair and Blaise, well I don't think Altair heard anything farther than me living in a cupboard. I hum again as I remember the tickets I have before handing them to the three. I then stand to bring Hermione and Adrian theirs while the others are distracted. I can somehow always sense where Adrian is, so I follow that sensation and knock on the compartment door. When Hermione opens the door, I explain it to her before walking back to the boys. They slowly get over their shock, but once they do, everything goes back to normal, and we finally make it to London. Altair and I will stay with Draco all break as Altair's mom is always working and isn't the friendliest towards him, although not abusive. According to Altair, she just sees too much of his father when she looks at him and has become detached to cope. When the train slows, I quickly spot the Malfoy's, and I follow Draco over to them.

"Mother, Father, this is Hadria Potter-Black and Altair Black. Both are Heirs to the House of Black. Heir Black, Heiress Black, these are my parents, Narcissa Malfoy and Lucius Malfoy." Draco introduces, and I curtsy to Draco's mother before holding out my hand to his father, who then lightly kisses it.

"It's very nice to meet you, albeit I will have to be coming and going from your house often to attend my performances in the muggle world." I inform, causing Draco to remember to show the family pass to his parents.

"H-Hadria." Petunia says, stuttering as she comes up beside me with Dudley in tow, having followed the magic that I sent to fetch her.

"Aunt Petunia. Here are the tickets. Remember, you will only receive what I permit you to have." I respond, monotone and uncaring, too busy noticing the weight Dudley seems to be gaining even though I gave strict instructions to follow.

"But that's barely enough for us to survive off of, and Vernon isn't able to find a well-paying job!" Petunia argues, gaining some confidence from my absence within her presence these last few months.

"You receive over two thousand pounds a week from my vault with the investments I've made. That alone is more than you will need to live comfortably and still be able to save money. I then upped it to three thousand pounds a week last month for you to have a nice Christmas. Let me ask you something, Petunia. Why has Dudley gained weight? I had a strict regimen in place. Do not disobey me again." I reply, a dark coldness seeping into my voice as I stare at Petunia, Dudley shivering away from my fury as I force my magic through his body.

"Mommy!" Dudley cries out, and Petunia turns fearful eyes to him before looking back at me.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry! Just please stop!" She begs, and I pull my magic back towards my body, Dudley back down to the weight he was when I left for school. I nod in their direction, and she quickly rushes away with Dudley.

I turn back to the small audience that I couldn't fool with an invisibility spell as they knew we were there, just to see gobsmacked looks on Altair, Draco, and Narcissa while a cruel smirk adorned Lucius' face.

"I'm sorry about that. My aunt and cousin needed a few things and seemed to have forgotten the rules." I curtsy again before touching Draco and Altair so that the portkey can carry me to the Manor. I feel a pull in my stomach before I'm landing shakily on my feet outside of a mansion. I struggle to keep a straight face as I battle my nausea. I think I prefer popping places than doing that ever again.

"Never again." Altair and I groan in unison as Narcissa gives a soft laugh at our misery. I knew all Malfoys must be sadistic, even those that marry into the family. It must be a required attribute to be accepted as marriage material.

"But, Hadria dear, how else will you make it to your competitions?" Narcissa smiles, placing a hand on top of my head, and I scowl at the thought of even trying to portkey again. I refuse, even if it means I have to reveal even more secrets than I already have. Or should I simply make them forget? I'll try sharing some information and, if necessary, I'll make them forget.

"Now that I've been here I will be able to pop back to this location. It shouldn't be too hard." I tell the adults and they, along with Altair, look at me confused. Oh, right, they don't call it popping. What do they call it again? It's not teleportation, nor is it transport. It starts with an 'a' doesn't it?

"She means apparition. She can apparate." Draco says, only to receive disbelieving glances. I guess that type of magic is supposed to be hard, although I don't know why. Using a wand is harder than my wandless magic, although more things can be done with a wand. When I try to use a wand it takes forever for me to master a simple spell.

"How can you apparate?" Altair sighs, already used to the weird things that I can do or that happen around me. Like how we found a three-headed dog while running from Filch, and the troll on Halloween. I almost forgot that even happened if I'm being honest to myself. Besides, Sharvara couldn't hurt a fly, Altair is just freaked out because he's a Cerberus.

"It's really not that hard, I've been able to do it for years. Ever since I was running from Dudley in school and popped up on the roof. After that I was so focused on mastering my magic to control the circumstances around me that I didn't even think it was hard when I came to Hogwarts. Using a wand is harder." I shrug as i receive incredulous looks from everyone around me.

"How is using a wand harder? You're at the top of the class!" Draco splutters in shock and I just shrug my shoulders.

"With a wand I can cast more complicated spells than without, but it's harder. With wandless magic I just think about what I want to happen and it either happens or doesn't, and if it doesn't that just means it's too complicated a task." I calmly inform them as I watch for signs of needing them to forget.

"Anyways, I have a competition tonight, if the judges deem my performance better than my opponent I will advance until I reach the finals. Will I be seeing you there? There will be a gathering of sorts afterwards where I must socialize and let my competitors know that although I haven't been present these last few months that I'm still the best. Whomever has a ticket can come to the gathering and the performances." I inform as I follow Narcissa and the others to the rooms we will stay in.

"We will be there." Draco answers before anyone else can and the others nod in agreement. I nod in acknowledgement before walking into the room that I will be staying in and changing into a dark green flowy dress, with silver gemstones at the top. I manage to tame my wild curls into an elegant updo before sliding on silver chunky heels and silver bracelets. Finally I put some green and silver butterfly clips in my hair. Once I'm satisfied with my outfit I walk out of the room, violin case in hand. The others are waiting in the parlor and I tell the two adults just where they should pop -apparate- to. When I get there I see Petunia and Dudley waiting, flinching as the other four arrive.

"You will win?" Petunia asks meekly, but holding her head up.

"Of course, I remember the consequences of failure and it fuels my determination to succeed." I scowl at her before entering the building and giving my name, the others showing their tickets.

Once I start to play I forget all of my problems and play from my very soul, dominating the competition. Before I know it days have passed and I've won all my competitions. My friends praising my talent as everyone goes to the manor for the last night of break, Draco barely convincing his father to let Hermione come along with Adrian and Blaise. Although once we arrive at the manor Lucius becomes nasty.

"Why would I allow a filthy mudblood dine at the table with us?" Lucius snarls when Hermione tries to sit at the dining table with everyone else before flicking his wand and pushing her to the floor. Altair rushes to her side to try and help her up, scowling at Lucius.

"Maybe because she is a guest and under both Black and Potter protection." I growl as my magic flares around me as my anger rises. I can't physically hurt him because right now, he is magically stronger than I am, but I will defend Hermione to the best of my abilities. She is too good of a person to be treated this way in a home she was invited to be in.

"Lucius, don't anger ones with the Black last name. For her to have that last name and some of the characteristics she has, the Black blood is running through her veins. Along with the Black madness. Black's hold a grudge, and normally follow through at some point in their lives." Narcissa warns and Lucius casts a spell on her, forcing her to be silent. I scowl at the sight, a man has lost his mind if he thought he could ever do that to me.

"You carried the Black last name and you don't scare me, why would a small child? Besides, women should know their place. They're just around to produce children and look pretty, and you could barely accomplish the first part." Lucius scoffs.

"You know it's crazy, but according to science, men can also be infertile. Also, judging by your prejudices, you haven't been to the muggle world, but women are equal to men. Shocker, I know, but we had women fight to be considered equal and I will not regress back to a time when they are not. Maybe you should think about how you speak to your wife before you say it. Back to the original topic, how are you going to invite someone into your home and then disrespect them? Hermione has been studying pureblood customs, at least the reasonable ones, and she should be respected. She's not trying to erase your culture, but join in as she's part of it. The wizarding world needs muggle-borns, otherwise inbreeding will happen, and that causes mental problems, affects magical strength, causes mutations in appearance, and oh hey, guess what? Causes infertility. Who knew? Oh right, muggles, because they've already advanced past this era."

"Let it go Harry, we'll be leaving in a couple hours and I'll never come here again. I appreciate you standing up for me, but we are in his house. " Hermione sighs while Draco looks at me in betrayal "He was going to make you sit at our feet like you aren't important. Besides, all I'm doing is stating facts that anyone that payed attention in science would know. But the wizarding community is too good for things that muggles have discovered and invented." I scowl before forcing my face into a neutral expression, placing a bite of food in my mouth.

"Don't bother looking at Harry like that Draco. Had she not spoken I would have, and it would have been worse for you as I would have made a blood feud between Houses Black and Malfoy. You never would be able to be around either of us again, let alone try to woo Harry." Altair rolls his eyes and Draco's scowl gets deeper.

"Nobody should speak to my father like that, especially in our own home!" Draco huffs out angrily.

"So you would rather have him demean and disregard your best friend? That's really a great way to show your friendship, why haven't I tried that yet?" I ask sarcastically. I really wish I had just went to Blaise's house and met his mom and sisters. I'm starting to feel more comfortable around him than Draco anyways.

"Lucius, this was the last straw, forcing me to be silent because you didn't like my opinion goes against the vows we made when we wed. The bond between us broke the instant you did that, we are over. Heir Altair, may I ask as a former Black to take up my maiden name once more and to live on a Black property?" Narcissa asks as soon as the spell on her breaks.

"Permission granted." Altair says, fully nullifying the marriage and making Narcissa a Black once more.

"Hadria, I know you are a child, but I must ask what you think I should do. It is tradition to go to the Lady Black when a marriage and bond is broken, but seeing as we only have an heiress I must ask you."

"Draco once told me you wanted more children but Lucius either refused or you weren't able to get pregnant again. Now is your chance to marry for love and actually have those children. Although may I suggest marrying a muggleborn or a half-blood? Purebloods magic is weakening from so much inbreeding from what I can tell." I ignore her slight wince at the thought and continue, wanting to enjoy my last night before going back to school.

After dinner all of us kids gather in Draco's sitting room. I try to lay my head in his lap like I always do but he pushes me away before standing up and walking away. A hush falls across the room and I feel my throat close up and my eyes burn like I'm about to cry, but I push that feeling away before curling up on Blaise, wrapping my arms around his neck and tucking my head in between his neck and shoulder. Everyone knows that Draco is the person I always lay on and that he loves it, so the fact he pushed me away is a huge thing. I slightly shake as I fight the tears from falling, and failing, snuggling tighter into Blaise's arms. I try desperately to get that safe feeling I always have when with him, but I fail because of how chaotic my thoughts are.

"What the bloody hell was that Draco?" Blaise asks darkly, anger evident in his voice.

"I don't want to touch the person that disrespects my father in his own house." Draco shrugs and I stare at him incredulously. His father treated his best friend like she was nothing. Hermione says that since it was Lucius' house that it was disrespectful, but that she also doesn't want to be treated like that or have any of her friends agree that she should be. Altair disagrees with Draco and says that I was being a good friend to Hermione and Addy stays silent through the whole ordeal, not sure what to say as it's between his two best friends and his sister.

Soon I hear no more as I cry myself to sleep in Blaise's arms, never making a single noise, nor hearing the argument that goes on between the others.

The next day things are still tense between everyone, all of us boarding the train in silence. I don't even look at Draco as I again climb onto Blaise's lap, this time facing the rest of the compartment.

"I'm going to visit Sharvara after dinner and find out what hes guarding." I finally announce, ignoring the incredulous look the others give me.

"What are you going on about now?" Draco smirks as he sees the tightening of my hands but I quickly put my wall up. I can't show weakness around him again.

"Hagrid mentioned something about Nicolas Flamel to Addy. I think Sharvara is guarding the Philosopher's stone. I want to study it." I shrug as I inform them, ignoring Addy's exclamation that the dogs name is Fluffy and Hermione saying that I might get expelled.

"I'm going with you." Is all Blaise says and I snuggle deeper into his arms, basking in the warmth that simple human contact could give me after years of not receiving any unless it was to harm me.

The voices around me soon fade to a soft murmur as I start to fall asleep, the restless night I had catching up with me. The soft lullaby Blaise hums finally pulling me under. Before I know it I'm falling into the nightmares that have always plagued me. A woman crying, a green light, and then screaming. My dream then shifts to being under a four year old Dudley as he hits me for making pancakes instead of french toast. When my magic tries to protect me I'm picked up by Uncle Vernon, who throws me across the room before he start to kick me as I curl up in a ball, protecting my head.

'No, stop! Please stop Uncle Vernon! I promise to be a good girl! Freak will be good! Freak promises! Please don't. Please stop. Please." I cry as Uncle Vernon takes his belt off to whip me with it, the buckle catching my head.

"No!" I scream, jerking out of arms that were holding me and shielding my head from any upcoming blows, flinching away when somebody tries to touch me, continuously murmuring about how freak would be a good girl and not cause freaky things to happen anymore.

"Freak doesn't want to be bad, Freak promises. Freak just wants food." I sob as a hush falls around the room. I cautiously uncover my head and look around me, confused at seeing the strange people around me before all my memories crash into my head and I realize what I just revealed.

"Fuck!" I sigh, running my hand through my hair. I didn't need to have an episode around everyone, I actually like to keep some things to myself. I warily climb back into Blaise's lap, flinching back when Draco reaches for me, not wanting to let him in again. He's hurt me too much these past few hours.

"What was that Hadria?" Adrian asks, bewilderment filling his features and I flinch, not wanting to admit my weakness.

"I- it was nothing important." I sigh, running my hand through my hair, trying to ignore the incredulous looks being directed my way.

"That looked like you were in a memory that you couldn't escape. Like those that suffer from PTSD or abuse victims." Hermione whispers and I flinch back again, Blaise tightening his hold on me.

"Harry doesn't want to talk about it so drop it." Blaise growls and Altair nods in agreement, pointing his wand at the others.

"Hadria?" Draco whispers, holding his arms out to me again and I start to shake from how much I want to crawl into his warmth, but he rejected me once already.

"You rejected her need for touch just last night Malfoy. Why would she go to you?" Altair scowls and Draco flinches.

"I'm sorry, Hadria. I'm sorry. Just please." Draco begs and I slowly crawl into his lap, prepared but fearing for the rejection I'm sure is to come. All Draco does is wrap his arms tighter around me, slowly running his fingers through my hair, making me relax and almost purr in contentment.

"That explains why you're always wanting to be in one of the boys laps. You trust them and feel safe around them, but it seems you feel safer with Draco." Hermione says and I scoff. Me feeling safer with Draco? I actually feel the safest with Blaise.

"Draco is just the warmest. He's also the only one that plays with my hair. I don't feel safest with him." I scoff while Blaise and Altair smirk at me, not believing it one bit. Okay fine, so I may prefer being in Draco's lap, but that doesn't mean anything. I really like how he plays with my hair, and he actually is the warmest. He's like a furnace and I go to him for comfort. If I feel like I'm in danger I'll always go to Blaise first. I get the feeling he'll always protect me. I can't trust Draco like that because of how often he turns on me.

When the train gets to Hogsmeade we all get on a carriage that will carry us back to Hogwarts. My goal of seeing Sharvara is thwarted, however, when Draco decides that he needs more contact with me to calm his nerves, and Altair and Blaise want to do more research on the stone before going after it. I sigh as I settle into Draco's arms, the Slytherin's used to it by now and ignoring it, even if they view it as indecent. I'm thankful as I realize they would have pounced on the fact that I was in Blaise's lap had Draco still been ignoring me. Everyone knows I only go to Blaise when Draco and I are fighting and they always pounce on that as a weakness, the first through third years trying to dethrone me as the Princess of Slytherin and Altair as the Prince. Fourth through seventh don't care as they respect the Queen and King, that and they're more focused on upcoming exams.

"When will you agree to marry me Harry?" Draco sighs into my hair and I huff, crossing my arms.

"I'm eleven, Draco. I'm not thinking about marriage or dating right now. I'm just trying to decide the best route to take over the wizarding world and make it a better place." I smirk as the people around us start laughing. They think I'm joking just to rile up Draco, but I'm serious. I'm more concerned on how I'll take over Wizarding Britain than I am marriage.

"I'm serious, Hadria. I want us to marry when we turn seventeen." Draco murmurs in my ear and I shiver as the air sends goosebumps over my arms.

"Malfoy, she's too young." Altair scowls while Blaise sends me a smirk, he knows I have a crush, but he doesn't know I'm starting to like him too. I nearly laugh at the look on Draco's face when Altair speaks, everyone knows Altair is extremely protective and sees me as a younger sister.

"Maybe try asking me in a couple years and not when I'm eleven." I smirk at him before standing from his comfortable arms. I bend over slightly to kiss his cheek before doing the same to Blaise and Altair before heading to my dorm, leaving the warmth to go to sleep in a cold bed, ignoring the snickering behind me as the others laugh at Malfoy.

Chapter Text

Once the first classes of the new semester is over, we all go to visit Hagrid and give him his Christmas presents. Hagrid loves dangerous creatures so everyone got some kind of model of different ones for me to then animate, that way he can have his creatures, but not suffer the backlash from the ministry.

"Thank you three so much for doing this, I know he doesn't trust you, but he doesn't trust most Slytherin's." Addy says, clearly happy from the results of my magic on the objects.

"It's not that big of a deal, Addy. I really do respect Hagrid. Not many people can deal with the dangerous creatures out in the forest without a problem like he does." I smile as we reach the hut, although it quickly turns to a frown as I smell burning straw. Something is going on inside there and I won't allow any harm to come to my friends.

As soon as I think that, a protective dome surrounds them, keeping them from getting hurt as I burst through the door, just to see a baby dragon.

"Merlin! It's so cute!" I refuse to acknowledge the squeal that came out of my mouth as I rush over to the baby.

"Did you just squeal?" Altair asks as he follows in behind me while Blaise smirks at me.

"No, I did not, nor will I ever, squeal." I huff and cross my arms across my chest as Altair and Blaise continue to make fun of me as Draco and the others come inside. Friends are the absolute worst.

"Hagrid! Is that a dragon?" Draco squeals, throwing everyone by surprise as he runs over to join me cooing over the dragon as the others gape at us.

"Oh Merlin, it's so cute and tiny!" I sigh as I hug the baby to my chest, ignoring the claws slicing into my legs. The pain is so worth it.

"Dragons are so amazing." Draco agrees as he dodges the little bursts of flames coming from the baby's mouth.

"Draco, I want one." I give him puppy dog eyes as I pet the dragons snout.

"It'll be a wedding present." Draco murmurs.

"Promise?"

"I promise."

I sigh in contentment before putting the dragon down and crawling into Draco's lap. I think I need a nap after all the excitement today.

"I'm not your pillow to use just whenever you feel like it!" Draco scowls as I shift around to get more comfortable.

"Yes you are, and don't even pretend you don't like it. You get jealous when I sit in anyone else's lap!" I growl in annoyance. He complained just last night when he walked into the common room after being gone for two hours to see me taking a nap in Blaise's lap. His yelling woke me up from a good dream too. There's been a tension between the both of us since the break when I spoke to his father.

"If you want to use me as a pillow all the time then just marry me." Draco smirks and my scowl turns darker. I'm so tired of hearing this, how many times must I remind him that we are eleven and shouldn't even be thinking about marriage right now. We should be children while we can.

"Why would I want to marry someone who squeals whenever he sees a baby dragon?" I huff before getting up and throwing my arms around Blaise, leaving Draco sputtering on the ground. I then smirk as I realize I won that arguement. I've beat my rival once more, plus I get to be in Blaise's arms, always a bonus.

"Ronald Weasley needs to leave us alone. Hagrid! Dragon breeding is illegal!" Hermione gasps, breaking me out of my happy thoughts as she walks through the door with Addy. Wait, didn't they come in with Draco?

"Um Hermione, Addy? Where have you been?" I ask as I had thought they walked in with Draco.

"Ron stopped us to tell us that we shouldn't be making friends with slimy snakes and should be friends with him instead." Addy scowls, glaring in the direction of the castle.

"That's not important. Why is there a baby dragon in here?" Hermione slightly screeches, causing me to wince. I hate it when people do that.

"Actually it's called a chick." Draco interrupts, causing us to look at him.

"What? I like dragons." He says and he looks simply adorable, causing me to slightly flush. I scowl as I realize what I'm doing and grip Blaise harder. Draco is my rival and I refuse to care about him more than that. He's too annoying and gross. I will never forgive him for pulling my hair to get my attention the first week of school.

"Why must you always cling to Blaise? If I didn't know any better I would think you had a crush on him!" Draco yells, making me wrinkle my nose. Slytherin's shouldn't show this much emotion around outsider's. Why is he even bringing this up now? Bloody drama queen. SO what if I have a crush on Blaise?

"Malfoy, what does it matter if I do have a crush on Blaise. You are always hot and cold. One minute you want to marry me, and the next you hate me because of the way I spoke to your father. You constantly disrespect the things I say or just ignore them. We will finish this conversation later." I sigh as I realize the audience we have. I'm revealing too much around non-Slytherins, besides Slytherins aren't supposed to argue outside the common room because it shows weakness to the other houses.

"But-"

"Draco, later." Altair sighs, tired of this childishness. This has become an almost daily argument and we're both tired of it.

"So, what's this about a crush?" Blaise murmurs and I blush, I forgot he could hear that. It is most definitely time to change the subject.

"Hagrid? We all got you a Christmas present. Addy says you love dangerous creatures so I got you a Dragon figure." I say as let go of Blaise and hand him the animated object. It puffs out some smoke and flies up into the air. It took me forever to figure out how to make it realistic. I guess it was a little too late though since he has an actual dragon. We'll have to figure out a way to keep him out of trouble but I think I have a plan.

"I had Harry animate the models that we got to act as real creatures since she does it the best. Now you can have dangerous creatures but not get in trouble with the ministry. Although it seems you went and decided to get a dangerous creature anyways." Addy babbles, completely forgetting the most important part.

"The charm only lasts for a year or so, maybe less because I was experimenting. Just tell me when it does so I can improve upon the spell and recast it." I shrug before opening up a journal to write out my thoughts. If we take the dragon to Dumbledore and say that Hagrid found it in the forbidden forest it wouldn't be too suspicious. Especially considering the fact that there was a troll let in. Although dragons need certain conditions in order to hatch, and this one is still a baby so I don't know if that would be believable, again, stranger things have happened.

I run the plan by the others and Hagrid, who tears up at having to let his dragon go, but he understands how much trouble he could be in, plus he has his model dragon now so its not as bad as it could have been. He grabs floo powder so that he can floo call Dumbledore and I check my watch before realizing we have a meeting in about 15 minutes. I hurriedly pack up my things before speed walking towards the castle.

"Harry! Wait for us!" Draco calls as he, along with Blaise and Altair, leave Hagrid's hut. I glare at Draco but continue walking. We don't have time to cause a scene and I feel like I've said all that needs to be said. Draco seriously shouldn't have caused such a scene. I had already been in Blaise's lap for awhile, and then Draco suddenly lost his marbles. Everyone knows I'm just as likely to be in Blaise's lap as I am Draco's.

"We have a meeting." Altair grumbles as Draco goes to open his mouth. He really needs to learn how to shut his bloody mouth up. It's been causing more problems than not recently.

"You know, Harry, I feel like inside that head of yours you curse up a storm. You're normally so prim and proper, but I just feel like deep inside you stay cursing." Blaise laughs, making me hit him in the arm, I'm too short to reach his head. He laughs before picking me up and carrying me on his back.

"Hush Blaise, I'm plotting." I laugh as I enjoy seeing the world from up high for once. I can actually see over peoples heads! I'm not getting stepped on or bumped into! Now this is the life. I was cheated when my genetics made me short.

"Blaise? Carry me on your back for forever. I love being tall." I sigh into his hair. I know most girls aren't very tall, but I feel so short, especially since I'm the shortest person in our year. I know some of it is from malnourishment when I was younger, but I also know neither of my parents were very tall.

"No. Let Draco do that manual labor. I'm only filling in until he decides to build up enough strength to carry you." Blaise laughs and I know he's joking. He doesn't think I've noticed, but his arms always tighten around me when I start to leave him for Draco. It sucks liking two people at once.

"But hes so short!" I scowl down at Blaise's head in disappointment. I want to see the world as I conquer it! I want him to stay by my side forever, but I can't say that, because I also want the same of Draco, and I really don't want to hurt anyone's feelings by leading them on.

"Didnt you see his mom and dad? Draco will be tall eventually. Just like you will grow at some point." Blaise calmly reaches up and pats my head as I pout. Just read my mind Blaise and hear what I really want. I'm so confused.

"Harry, Princess, it's time." Altair says from beside us, interrupting my drum beat on Blaise's head.

"Lead the way, Prince." I sigh as I slip off of Blaise. It's time for our house meeting and Altair and I have to become distant. Altair says the password and I walk past him, keeping my head held high. I find this whole Hierarchy thing to be stupid, but we're meant to help those that are struggling and to protect the others against the rest of the school. Especially the children, albeit I'm one myself, but its not often a first and second year become the prince and princess. As a bonus, we get our own rooms. We have a short hall that has four rooms for the Royals.

"The Prince and Princess are here, get the King and Queen and gather around for the meeting." One of the prefects tells one of the nearby first years.

"No need. We're right here." Cecilia Pucey's cold voice permeates the air as Elias Lestrange stands beside her, scowling at ones being loud.

"The battles to dethrone Princess Hadria and Prince Altair will commence within the week. If they keep their position then that will be the end of it until the next school year." Elias says, shooting me a glare. He doesn't believe I'm fit for a position of power, since I stay in Blaise or Draco's lap.

"Eli and I will commence our battles the week after the Prince and Princess. Next, are there any issues you would like to discuss with us?" Cecilia says, dropping the titles.

"Is the Princess really suited to be part of the court when she always has to cling to a male? Seems like she's just trying to sleep her way into power." Draco asks and I feel my blood run cold as fury rises in me. The temperature in the room drops as the fires blaze brighter. I am so tired of the disrespect, the passive aggressive comments, and now this?

"I will show you weak. Just keep digging a deeper grave." I hiss, the sounds seeming more snake-like, but I don't notice in my fury. I hate being embarrassed in front of so many people like this. Anytime I think him and I are finally getting closer as friends, he does something like this! Well sometimes I do start the problem, I have many flaws I will admit, but I always do it in private with just our friends.

"Did, did you just speak parseltongue?" Draco asks and I scowl, how dare he ask weird questions to try and distract me.

"No, I spoke English, I knew you was too incompetent to comprehend it, but I didn't realize you had trouble hearing it too. Maybe that's why anytime I tell you no it doesn't register!" I say before Altair stops me and I realize the common room is completely silent.

"Harry, I hate to say this because I know Draco normally doesn't ever listen to what you say, but that wasn't English and I have no idea what it was."

"It was hot, that's what it was." Blaise murmurs but everyone ignores him.

"Parseltongue, the language of snakes, only descendants of Salazar Slytherin are said to speak it ." Cecilia says, informing us not in the know. That's ridiculous, only descendants of Slytherin? Snake charmers originated in India, so I'm sure that's where more parseltongues are.

"It's more likely that parseltongue is more common in India. Snake charmers originated from there, and Hinduism holds serpents as something sacred. The Potters also originated from India, and my mothers new blood most likely brought out traits that were thought to be lost. The Peverells were could also speak the snake language and both Salazar Slytherin and the potters are direct descendants."

"How do you know that if you didn't know what parseltongue was?" Draco scoffs. There's no way I'm going to tell him it's because I have dreams of a strange being that gives off an aura of death telling me stories of the past.

"Journals in my vault, it never gave a name, just the language of snakes." I say before looking at Cecilia, we were in the middle of a meeting after all.

"I think we are done with the issues, if anyone has a genuine problem, just find Elias and he will listen and solve it. If its serious, then you may find me." Cecilia scowls at Draco before gliding away. In that moment I decide that I'm done showing weakness. I refuse to climb into one of the boys laps just to make me calm, or to stop the nightmares, especially if it makes people think that I'm trying to sleep my way to power. I'm powerful enough myself, I don't need to have a guy to give me any. Just because I need the comfort and safety of someone doesn't make me weak, it means I have trauma that I struggle everyday with at that I overcome it. I don't need the comfort and safety, I've spent ten years without it, its just something that's nice to have.

But now it's time I put my previous plans into motion. I should probably start befriending the Hufflepuff's, they are the most loyal, after all. I just hope I can win them over even with the prejudice going around. They would make better friends then some of the people in the room with me now.

"Harry?" Blaise questions when I sit beside him instead of climbing into his lap.

"Yes Blaise?" I ask calmly as everyone in the room stares, unused to this behavior from me, but what did they expect after the things Draco said? I don't even know if I can trust Blaise and Altair to not see me as weak right now.

"Come here." He demands and I shake my head in refusal. I must stay strong and resist my impulses. I glance up just in time to see Draco storm away from us towards Pansy Parkinson, making my heart twinge in discomfort. He knows that she doesn't like me because I'm Addy's sister, also because he fancies me. Although she seems like a good friend to others so I need to stop feeling this way. My friends aren't my possessions, they can have other friends too.

"Harry, come here." He demands again and I sigh as my attention focuses back to the present. How am I supposed to become strong and not be weak enough to need physical contact when Blaise puts that piercing gaze upon me? I sigh as I shift into his lap and immediately relax into him, trying to resist the urge to cry.

"It will be easier to befriend the puffs if they see you as approachable and cuddly, you know?" Blaise whispers into my hair. I never even told him my plans and he still figured me out. He can read me like an open book when nobody else can.

"I'm tired of feeling weak around the others." I murmur and Blaise's arms tighten around my torso.

"Even if they see you as weak, we both know you are one of the strongest in this room. You hold the title of Slytherin's princess, after all." Blaise laughs quietly and a smile grows on my face. The Golden Trio may hold everyone's attention as the kindest students within the first years, imagine that with Draco being part of it, but Blaise and Altair know just what to say to raise my confidence when my insecurities surface. I never thought I would ever find a single person that could understand me this much, a place where I would feel comfortable and safe.

"You and Altair are the greatest friends I could have ever asked for." I whisper, a small happy smile growing across my face. I really can trust these two to always have my back and to protect me not just from others, but also myself.

Chapter Text

It didn't take long for me to become friends with two of the Hufflepuffs. Normally, they would be wary of Slytherins, but Adrian, being my brother, made things easier. Plus, Susan and Hannah are fairly reasonable and level-headed. Susan has goals similar to mine; we both want to change the wizarding world for the better. I already know I want to create a magical orphanage, no child should have to live through the abuse that I went through, and I'm sure I wasn't the only one raised among muggles that went through it. Hannah, on the other hand, is just a sweet girl; I don't think she could ever hate anybody. With that done, I send the two in Neville's direction, knowing that the calm and sensible hufflepuffs are just what he needs. Now that I'm seen in a better light, I can focus on my other plans.

"Harry, when are we going to make our move on the stone?" Blaise asks, and Altair leans forward in his chair, waiting on the answer to the question they've been asking for weeks now. I curl up a little more into Blaise, trying to think of when the best time would be. The biggest problem is the Headmaster, but I really don't think he checks on the stone often. He's waiting for something, maybe for Addy or someone else, to make a move.

"Tomorrow. It will be the second to last Quidditch match of the year, so people will be waiting to see who wins and will go up against Slytherin. It will be big enough for most people to be out of the castle, but not so big that our absence will rouse suspicion. Especially if we mention studying for exams, everyone knows we are all battling for the top spot." I decide, especially since I do need to get some studying in; if I'm careless, Hermione will beat me out again. Or even worse, Draco. I would hate for that little brat to be better than me in any way.

"You're still upset that Hermione was in the top spot last month after making a better test grade than you? You do you realize she's a Ravenclaw and that it's only natural?" Altair asks while Blaise snickers at the look on my face.

"Harry secretly should've been in Ravenclaw. Her, Hermione, and Draco are constantly trying to do better than the other. When Draco hit the top spot, both her and Hermione wouldn't stop studying for a week. Poor Addy is the same way." Blaise laughs, and I feel my eye twitch. He doesn't get it. He's in the fifth spot and happy there, but I like to be the best. I could never settle for such low standards of myself. Besides, the hat did consider me for Ravenclaw before deciding Slytherin was a better fit.

"Keep on laughing instead of studying. I'll be the one laughing when Theo beats you out of your spot." I roll my eyes. Doesn't he realize how serious this is? If I have everyone that's one of mine or Addy's in the top 5 in all our years, then I can have more influence once we graduate, especially if I'm in the top spot. It makes us seem more mature, and having that mixture will make me seem like a better person since Addy is seen as a saint. I need all the support I can possibly get to change this place for the better. It's crazy to me how far behind the wizarding world is compared to the muggle one.

"Theo is smart; he just prefers to stay in the shadows, so he wouldn't risk exposing himself just yet, so my spot is fine. By the time he gets close to surpassing me, he'll probably already be one of yours." Blaise laughs and tugs me closer to his side. I sigh and try to let go of all the stress I've been feeling lately. Sometimes, I forget I'm still only eleven and that I don't need to take care of everything immediately. I still have years before I have to truly worry about getting this all done. Right now, I need to focus on getting that stone. I want to be able to study it before sending it back to Flamel, maybe negotiate a deal to learn alchemy if possible, or at least have Altair or Blaise learn it. I might actually have a little too much on my plate at the moment.

"Blaise?"

"Yes, love?"

"You think you would want to learn alchemy?" I ask, looking up at his face to try and decipher his reaction.

"Nope, but you want to know who would? Theo. Ask him, bring him into your circle." Blaise laughs at the pout on my face, and I sigh. I guess talking to Theo will have to be added to my to-do list. Everything on there will get done eventually, just not right now.

"Don't be like that, love. You know, I just gave you the excuse you've been looking for. If it really bothers you, though, I'll learn alchemy; just be there to learn it with me. If I have to learn then so do you." Blaise groans and then promptly tickles me. I screech as I try to get away from the weight pinning me down.

"Blaise, get off. You're heavy!" I giggle as I try to squirm out of his grasp. I can't remember the last time I've just been able to act my age. Since he's so much stronger than me, I push him him off with magic and hit him with a tickling charm. It's only fair, after all. Only, he doesn't laugh.

"You mean to tell me you're pretty, smart, magically strong, and not ticklish? How is that fair? Is that even allowed?" I huff as Altair bursts out laughing. I'm being completely serious, and people are acting like I'm joking. That's rude of them.

"Aww, you think I'm pretty? That's a lovely compliment." Blaise smirks, and I just glare. I have no words for the audacity that was just displayed. Am I a joke to him?

"Look, ickle baby Hadria is pouting; you would think she would show more maturity for someone who thinks she's so smart. If I were her family, I would have beat the childish actions out of her." Draco mocks from across the room and I scowl as I feel tears prickle my eyes, magic temporarily flaring before I push it and my emotions back down. No need to lose control of my magic and make everyone think he proved a point, and no need to lose control of my emotions and show that his words hurt me. I thought we were friends? That he understood me a little better than even my own brother.

I'm not perfect, and I'll never claim to be, but I have to present a facade to the world; otherwise, I'll be beaten down, and sharks will be upon me. Even though we fight constantly, I thought he at least understood me and knew that I just don't know how to express how I'm feeling unless it's through my art. Wait, its because he knows me so well that he's able to say things that hurts, he knows just what would do it. His words are chosen with precision and cut like the sharpest scalpel. I think that hurts more than anything; that someone I trusted to be understanding turned it on me.

I feel a sob trying to burst forth, and I know I need to escape, but it can't look like I'm running away either, even though that's what I am doing. I've spent nights in the common room when I couldn't sleep from the nightmares, laying with him on the couch as he combed through my hair and I told him stories of what my life was like before Hogwarts, before I discovered magic and found a way to stay safe. Of how I sometimes dream of dying because of how much blood I've spilled just in order to stay alive myself, because obviously if I've had to do all that just to survive then was I really meant to? It seems like too much work put into just living a normal life, especially for someone as young as me to have to do.

I take a deep breath and try to ignore him. I also stop Blaise and Altair from saying anything. I can handle my own problems. He's eleven. We're both still children and I'm actually allowed to be a child at Hogwarts. I'm not demanded to be anyone but myself.

"Malfoy, if you were my family, I'd rather have been drowned in the river as a baby. At least then I wouldn't have to hear your narcissistic attitude and be blinded every morning when the sun hits your body. I can barely tell you even have hair with that pale body of yours; it just looks like a giant forehead and receding hairline to me." I huff as I stand to leave the room. I know my words were petty, but I just need to get out of here as fast as possible.

"Blaise, Altair, I'm going to my room. This room is filthy and hasn't been cleaned out yet. I need a clean area to focus on our plans." I tell them both goodnight before walking past Draco, making sure a sliver of my magic slipped inside of him, binding all of my secrets to where he can't talk about them to others. I also have it break the bond of friendship that was between us; now, the only way to have it back is a formal apology, and if I accept it. The bond will then be weak until I fully trust him. His gasp sounds broken as the bond breaks, and I grow annoyed. He has no right to sound hurt. He talked about beating me? Well then, I'll just have my magic punch him in the nose and break it, so that he can see just why beatings aren't fun. It'll just have to be when he least expects it.

I quickly get to my room after that and I let go of my emotions that have been building up. The sob tearing from my throat and echoing through the room. I feel as if my heart is breaking, and it became worse immediately after breaking the bond. I'm just glad my twin bond with Addy, Heir bond with Altair, and the friendship bond with Blaise are keeping me anchored.

Why is he acting so different? I understand that around others we haven't been social with each other since that fight we had around the last meeting, but nearly every night, when everyone else is in bed, we studied together and spoke about our childhoods. Not only that, but he's Addy's best friend so he's never been intentionally hurtful.

I shake my head and grab a book. I need to study more so that I can improve on my wand based magic.
********

After Harry left I look over at Altair confused. Did Draco really just say those things to her?

"Did that-"

"I'm going to go say something." Altair cuts me off before standing and walking across the room. Bloody hell, he's going to cause a scene. Good.

"Heir Malfoy, I don't want to see you near Heiress Black, hear you speak her name, nor see you ever look her way." Altair hisses out.

"But I didn't, she's the one that broke the bond! I didn't even do anything!" Draco whines and we both stare at him in disbelief. Does he really not believe he did anything? That she's not a human that can be hurt? She has feelings and he stomped all over them. She's already told us she tells him secrets that she still hasn't told us. I also know her magic held his blood oath in higher regards than mine, and ours is the one that was created first.

"Draco Malfoy, you are an idiot." I scowl as I swiftly walk away before I do something stupid, like punch him in the face. How could anyone be so stupid? I've had a crush on her since the moment I met her, but she liked that idiot Malfoy, and now he's broken her heart and I hate to see her so fragile. I don't know if she'll ever like me back and frankly I don't care if she does. We're still children and my feelings could easily change, but I will always love her in some form. I will always be her friend, even if everyone else turns their back on her.

She may not be pure of heart, she has grey morals, but she really does care about others. She doesn't care about blood status, but intelligence. She wants to make the world better for orphans like herself. She wants to help muggleborns to actually be part of the wizarding world before their Hogwarts letter comes; that way everything isn't thrown at them all at once. If that doesn't tell you that she's a good person, then I don't know what will.

"Blaise, you're brooding." Altair sighs, and I jump, when did he get beside me? Wait. I am not brooding and I say as much which just earns rolled eyes.

"You ready to go check on her?" I ask, already heading towards Hadria's room. I'm just glad the Royal Court have their rooms separate from the rest of the dorms in case they're needed in an emergency. It means we can actually see Hadria in her room since the magic of the castle keeps boys from being able to enter the female dorms.

"If she needs space then we are leaving Blaise." Altair says, authority in his voice and I just sigh. He's so protective of her, which would be endearing; if he didn't know I was in love with her. He really has no need to worry, the Zabini's fall once and they fall hard. No other will do it for them, it's why my mother has gone through so many husband's. Well I say that, but she was married to my dad and papa at the same time, and when dad died, Papa was able to keep her sane, until he died that is. Both natural causes, but after that her sanity towards men and marriage snapped. But people only really hear about the Zabini's going through spouses; they don't hear about us choosing one or two people to spend the rest of our lives with and going crazy when they're gone.

When we get to her room we knock and slowly open the door when there's no answer. Hadria is passed out surrounded by books, with redrimmed eyes that indicate she was crying. I gently pick her up and carry her over to the bed, where Altair has already pulled the covers back. I place her down as gently as I can before using a spell that my mother taught me that places a nightgown on her. I then cover her up and kiss her forhead before turning to leave.

"So I was right, you are in love with her." Altair says and I jump again. I forgot he was in here, well that's awkward.

"A Zabini, well, they fall fast and they fall hard. My dad and papa used to tell me that my mother knew my dad was the one within the first moment of seeing him, but it took her about 3 years to realize my papa was also the one. But she always knew something was missing. She had to first see how papa was with dad and her, and wanted to make sure dad was okay with her being in love with two men. Turns out dad had been in love with papa before mum got with dad, so it all worked out." I laugh lightly at my memories as I decide to write a note to Hadria explaining the spell I used and that nobody undressed her, and that if she needed help learning it then I would help her. I doubt she'd need help though.

"Wait, two men? What happened to them? And they were both fathers to you?"

"Yea, dad died when I was about two, he worked as a curse breaker  and there was an accident. Papa  died when I was four. Some of you-know-who's followers tortured him to death because he was a muggleborn. Dad was normally the one to protect him from things like that, and after his death, mum tried. She was pregnant, though, and was at the doctor's to find out the gender to tell papa. She came home to find him dead, it almost made her miscarry my sisters but it all worked out.  Although the Zabini's are a mix of the Potter's and Black's, we fall as fast and hard as the Potter's, but we go insane when the one we love dies. I think me and the twins are the only things holding mum together." I explain and it actually feels good to get these worries off my chest. To know that someone knows the things I may have to deal with in the future and can possibly keep me grounded, or kill me if it gets bad enough.

"I honestly don't know what to say to that? My condolences? I'll be here for you if you ever need it. When can Hadria and I meet your siblings?" Altair asks and I smile, I'm so glad I met these two people, they brought me out of my shell and enabled me to be myself, and not the arrogant tosser I was raised to be by each of my step-dads.
********
In a dark, secluded part of the castle two figures meet.

"Did you recast the spell? I thought you were good at charms, so why isn't this one sticking?" The first figure harshly asks.

"Yes, although it feels wrong to do this to children. I'm only doing this because it's required of me. I don't understand how he breaks the spell every night, but I got him with a stronger one when he was with Adrian Potter. He shouldn't be able to break out of it this time."

"So the plan is finally coming together. That's perfect, now we'll just have to watch as the future comes to pass, however that will be only time can tell."
********

I wake up and realize I'm in my bed, and also in different clothes. Who undressed me? I panic as I check over my body, I'm still fully clothed and I don't have any pain anywhere so hopefully that means I wasn't raped. I'm pretty sure that's something I would be able to tell since I'd be hurting. I grab my glasses and look around, I'm confused as I don't see anything out of place, did I sleepwalk to my bed? I know I fell asleep on the floor. A piece of paper catches my eye and I grab it and see its a note from Blaise. A spell that dresses the person it's cast on, seems useful. Blaise most likely learned it to help his mum with his sister's. I smile at his thoughtfulness and hug the note to my chest. I am most definitely taking him up on that offer to teach me the spell. The thought of getting to see him in a nightgown is too great to pass up on.

I get dressed for the day with an extra bounce in my step and rush to the common room, excited to see my two best friends, plus today is the day we go after the stone and I'm extremely excited. I don't know if Flamel would teach me alchemy, but I hope he would. I also don't see him as being responsive to blackmail since he's lived for so long. He'd probably respect someone that just loves to learn new things, so I'll try to go that route. Especially since I don't want to learn for power for once, alchemy just intrigues me. I wonder if there are any wizarding professions that involve it. If there isn't I could possibly create my own and teach it to others, I actually like the thought of being able to research and teach others.

"Harry, excited for today?" Altair laughs as I jump on to Blaise, hugging him. I woke up happy, sue me.

"Yes! I also just woke up really happy and refreshed so I'm in a good mood." I smile as Blaise hugs me tighter. I already have so many plans running through my head, and of course I could complete them faster if I didn't bother with friends, but I've been happier and less anxious lately and I feel like my mental health is more important than plans of world domination.

"Princess Hadria? I know we don't talk but do you think you could help me?" Someone asks and I look up to see Goyle with a book in his hand. This is probably a shocker to others, but I've seen him in the library plenty of times reading.

"What's wrong Goyle?" I ask, worried about the shy boy that tries to stay out of everyone's way, but follows and protects Draco since he's a vassal.

"I'm struggling with charms. I went to professor Flitwick and he told me that you have the highest grade in the class and help others when they ask." He says and I smile, I enjoy helping others learn, but he also just gave me the perfect alibi for today. I will let him go to watch the Quidditch match and get the stone while it's taking place, I'll then be back at the library to finish the tutoring session. I'll just have to be quick. I also want to talk to Theo at some point, I do need to have more friends then just these two, my brother, and Hermione. Can Addy even be counted as a friend when he's my brother? I mean, we get along really well so that should count for something.

"Meet me in the library after breakfast and I'll help. I was planning on studying during the quidditch match anyways and that will be after lunch so it gives us plenty of time." I pat him on the back as I get up and leave, I'm hungry and ready to eat.