Lost in Light Found in Dark

2: Lovely Moments

Cedric immediately checked him over, choosing to ignore the Dark Lord. His grey eyes focused on Hadrian. Dark hazel focused on the worry and love flowing through the grey eyes.

"I'm ok, Ced," Hadrian says softly. "Are you alright? I.." he closes his eyes tightly, thinking about that night. "I thought I lost you..."

"Hey," he says softly. "Open your eyes, my Love." Once his small command was obeyed, he smiles kindly and in understanding, "I'm here; I'm safe and alive. What did I tell you at the Yule Ball?"

Of course, Hadrian remembers. The Yule Ball had been after two days of Cedric avoiding him. Two days if wondering if perhaps he shouldn't have told him. It hurt being avoided, but he understood. It wasn't every day you found out your boyfriend is the son of the Dark Lord.

When Cedric showed up at Gryffindor Tower that evening to pick him up for the Yule Ball, he was truly surprised and expressed such. What he was told was what sealed the deal with Cedric.

"I just need time to digest, Love. I still love you, and leaving never even crossed my mind. I would follow you anywhere. Ok?"

"I mean it. Even as the Dark Lord is glaring at my back, no doubt going to threaten me about not hurting you, I would never leave. I love you, Hadrian Peverall."

Looking over his Love's shoulder, he did indeed see his Dad glaring at the young man. Something that, if he hadn't been raised by the muggles, he would have possibly hated. Instead, it warmed his heart. No one had been protective of him like this in a while. Unless, of course, you count Mrs.Weasley.

"Wish to introduce me?" Cedric said in a soft whisper.

"Dad, this is Cedric Diggory, my boyfriend of 2 years. Cedric, this is my Dad,"

"Lord Thomas Peverall. Dark Lord Voldemort. And the person who will harm you personally should my son say you hurt him. Understood?"

"I'd give myself up freely should I hurt him, Lord Peverall."

Till the end of his days, Hadrian would never know what made his Dad smile. Perhaps it was the words said. Perhaps it was the eye contact. Or perhaps it was the fact that Hadrian loved Cedric. In the end, it didn't matter. Cedric Edwin Diggory had the approval of Thomas Peverall, the Dark Lord.

Back at Hogwarts, several students gathered in the Room of Requirements. On a small loveseat were Blaise Zabini, Neville Longbottom, and Ronald Weasley curled together. In a chair next to them was Ginny Weasley with Luna Lovegood in her lap. Next to them were Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger. Lastly, next to them was Dean Thomas with Seamus Finnigan in his lap. The small group held each other nervously as it had been two weeks with no word on their friends.

"He's got to be alright...he just has to be," Neville whispered softly.

"Of course he is! It's Hadrian!" Ron exclaims soothingly to his boyfriend before glancing at his other boyfriend for assistance. "Right Blaise?"

"Ron's right, Love," Blaise says, kissing Neville's cheek. "Hadrian is alright. He'll be back or at least send a letter soon."

"Dobby has a letter for Master Hades' friends!"

The small house elf appeared before everyone but gave the letter to Hermione. He smiled softly and hugged Luna before popping away.

Opening it up, Hermione smiled before reading:

Dear Everyone,

I, and Cedric, are alright and I have officially reunited with my Dad. By the time Dobby gets this letter to you lot I will be officially recognized as Dad's son and heir, meaning I will be resorted upon my return to Hogwarts.

Hope to see you lot soon,
Hades

"Lord Peverall."

Thomas Peverall looked to his office doors to see Heir Cedric Diggory standing nervously. Looking at the young man, he was reminded of Cedric's paternal Grandfather: Edwin Diggory. The man was a great friend of his back before his early passing.

"Yes, Heir Diggory?"

"I, Heir Cedric Edwin Diggory, am formally asking you, Lord Thomas Peverall, to court your son and Heir, Hadrian Thomas Peverall, with the full intent of marriage, bonding, and as a creature; mating."

Instead of saying yes or no, Thomas merely raised an eyebrow. "Creature?" He asks.

"I received a Vampire creature inheritance from my paternal grandmother, Lucille Diggory née Cullen."

"And my son is your mate?"

"Yes sir."

"Do you love him? Creature put aside."

"With all that I am."

"And if he were to reject you?"

"I would accept my death."

Thomas nodded. He could tell not just from the words but the way they were said. Especially the last one. The way it was obvious Diggory did not like the idea of such a thing but would accept it. He would never force his son.

"I, Lord Thomas Marvolo Peverall, give you, Heir Cedric Edwin Diggory, permission to court my son and Heir, Hadrian Thomas Peverall, with the intent of marriage, bonding, and as a creature, mating." Thomas smiled softly. "Do you have the courting gift?"

Cedric nodded and out of his pocket pulled a silver and emerald green band that had the words: amica mea, nam semper. My Love, for always, in latin.

"He will love it. I am guessing emerald green is his favorite color?" Thomas asked quietly. He couldn't help but be in awe of the gift. It was absolutely beautiful and reminded him of his courting gift to James. Which was a bracelet of silver and gold. A representation of both houses that he and James encompassed.

"More so his favorite green. His favorite color is all shades of green."

Thomas nodded. "When do you plan on gifting it to him?"

"As soon as I leave the room." Answered Cedric. "He doesn't like big grand things. If I go in there, treat it as another day, and then gift it, he will love that more."

And that Cedric Diggory did. And he was right. Hadrian couldn't help the happy tears that streamed his face. He couldn't believe he was officially being courted. Or anything recently for that matter. Now all he needed was his friends and he would be alright.

"I love you, Cedric." He whispers as he curls into the elders side.

"And I, you, my Love."