(DISC) The Rise of Hadrian Potter

A Winter's Ball

Potter Manor, 25/12/1988, 16:45

"Now, listen here son," Charlus said, adjusting his cuff links "you are to act on your best behaviour but also have some fun, you've been so uptight during both your pureblood etiquette and occlumency lessons so I'm giving you this chance to let loose. Any fighting however and you can say goodbye to your broom next year. Do I make myself clear?" Charlus looked down at Harry, eyebrows slightly raised. Harry looked down and then curtly nodded his agreement. "Good, now let's head off to Black Manor for the ball. Try to have some fun while there, fully repressing all emotions theough occlumency isn't healthy for you Hadrian." And with that, they stepped into the fireplace before disappearing in bright green light.

Black Manor Greenwich, 25/12/1988, 16:50

"Ah Harry, Charlus! Merry Christmas or Happy Yule!" Sirius called out as the rest of the guests turned to face the late arrival. Harry recognised some of the faces Amelia Bones and her niece Susan, the Abbott family, the Smiths and Macmillans, Remus and he groaned internally as his gaze fell upon the 7 redheads. However, there were some he didn't know of, the blonde man with the cane and a boy who Harry assumed was his son, speaking with another blonde man standing with a woman and two girls. Ugh, grandfather will make me introduce myself most likely, he thought to himself as he followed Charlus towards Sirius. "Thank you, Sirius. And Happy Yule to you and your family, I trust you are in good health?" Charlus shook Sirius' hand as Harry fist bumped Canis.

"Hadrian thank Merlin you're here. I was beginning to get bored of some of the snobs here-" his comment earning a light smack from his mother at which Harry snickered. "Canis, you may not like some of the people here but they are all nonetheless part of the Sacred 28. I assure you, if you do not keep up the appearance of niceties then you will lose access to your broom." Marlene repromanded sternly. "Now go introduce yourselves Canis, Hadrian. You will have all the time later for dancing and having fun." Then she guided the two into the centre of the room before turning to speak with Charlus, Sirius and Remus once more.

"Great. Stuck at a boring old dance party with a bunch of stuckup boring people," Canis pouted, though his rant was interrupted as someone backed into him, spilling his drink, "Oi! Watch i- oh. Sorry Susan, didn't realise it was you." He said, a food of red rising to his cheeks as Harry began walking away towards the blonde man with the cane. As he walked he could hear the faintest extracts of Canis and Susan's conversation, more like Susan's monologue he pondered before reaching his destination.

"Ah, Mr Potter, the defeater of Dark Lords has graced us with his presence." The man with the cane said as he bowed, "I am Lucius Malfoy. My son, Draco, will be in your year at Hogwarts in 3 years' time. Introduce yourself Draco." He finished in haste as Draco shook Harry's hand. "Hi, I'm Hadrian." Which Draco responded to with a nod. He opened his mouth to speak but was intereupted by the voice of Sirius, enhanced by the sonorus charm. "Lords, Ladies, Scions, heirs and children. Welcome to the annual Yule Ball hosted today by yours truly." He started with a large, exaggurated bow, earning laughter from some of the crowd. "I hope you do enjoy yourselves today and adults, don't go too heavy on the booze in front of the kids. Anyways-" he hurried on after a glare from his wife, "let the festivities begin." After he clapped, a waltz began to play

Harry weaved through the crowd to one of the girls he noticed from when he entered who was now sat alone at a table in the corner reading. He sidestepped next to her as she looked at him with piercing icy blue eyes, her dirty blonde hair falling across her brow. "Yes?" She said as Harry stared at her, mouth slightly agape before he returned to his senses. "I was wondering if I could have this dance?" He responded, outstretching his hand at which she scoffed, "You don't even know my name, Potter, why would you want to dance with me? Surely you'd prefer the obsessed redhead staring you down from over there." She pointed in the direction of the youngest Weasley who was eyeing Harry, her face turning beet red as she realised he was looking at her.

"If I can't have your dance, can I at least have your name, Ice Queen?" He looked back at her, meeting her stoney glare with his own endearing one. "My name is Daphne Greengrass, not 'Ice Queen', Potter. You'd do well to remember that if you don't want to get hexed in the future." She responded, her face the picture of indifference as she began reading again. At this, Harry circled to the other side of the table and began to read his own book, his father's journal.

After the waltz ended, Canis came and sat on Harry's right, Susan on his right with Hannah Abbott and Zacharias Smith closely following behind. Daphne took a brief glance up from her book at the new arrivals before looking down again, "friends with the trickster and the second biggest ponce in the room are we, Potter?" She turned another page as Canis turned to Harry in bewilderment whilst Zacharias looked irate. "The trickster, yes. He's like my brother. The ponce I'd rather not be associated with at all-" he began, still reading. "How dare you insult me you filthy half-blood!" Zacharias yelled,"I am the heir of Hufflepuff herself you disgusting vermin, you have no right to speak to me like that!" The room fell silent except for the turning of Daphne's page. Harry just shrugged and went back to reading.

"You dare ignore me, Potter!" Zacharias yelled as he slammed the book out of Harry's hands. Both Canis and Harry stood up to face Zacharias as Ernie Macmillan appeared at the furious boy's side. "You better watch it Potter, we of pure blood are far superior to any of your kind." Ernie spat, glaring at Harry. Canis was about to respond before Harry raised a hand and began walking away after picking up his book. Zacharias growled and ran at Harry, punching him in the back of the shoulder. Harry turned to face Zacharias, then Charlus who sighed but nodded. At that Harry released his magic, pinning Zacharias to the ground then walking away from the silent room.

"I told you he's a dark wizard! He just tried to kill Zacharias!" Ron yelled, breaking the silence, "He must've used dar-" Ron kept moving his mouth but no sound was made as Charlus pocketed his wand. "I believe - Mr Weasley, Lord Smith, Lord Macmillan- that it would be best to escort your families from these premises before they cause any more trouble." Sirius stated, coldly. The three men nodded as their families began to file out the room. Charlus grabbed Harry by the shoulder and led him to the fireplace to take him home. "I will be presenting the issue of your families insulting the heir of an Ancient and Most Noble House at the next Wizengamot assembly. Good night to you all and Happy Yule." Charlus stated finally as he continued to lead Harry into the fireplace before disappearing in a flash of green light.

------------------------------------------------------

1264 words

A/N: So, hope you liked this one. I tried to introduce as many characters as I could before it got boring. I hope you liked the scuffle between Zacharias and Harry and I hope you liked the introduction of Daphne to the story

As always, reviews and critiques are highly appreciated and I hope you bear with me through this long haul of a story I have planned. :)