Lord of time (chapter 41-107)

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"Thank you, Professor," Hadrian said, flashing Professor Slughorn a smile of gratitude, as the gargoyle began to move once he said the password for him to get up to the Headmaster's office. Exuding worry and anxiousness, as if he didn't really want to do what he was about to, but feeling the need to do so nonetheless.

"I could accompany you if you wish, Mr. Peverell?" Slughorn asked, concerned by the emotions he could see coming from his student. Normally he was very well composed, after assimilating to school life and getting over the trauma that brought him here in the first place. He was quite a natural Slytherin, the hat had been quite right in placing him with the rest of his house. Normally his students didn't show much in the way of emotion which told Slughorn just how bad it may be.

"That's okay, professor, I know you'll have to get the class set up for today, I'll be fine," Hadrian said, visibly straightening up and putting a blank mask on his face giving Slughorn the impression he wanted to be seen as grown up. Giving him a nod, Hadrian began to ascend the stairs, it had surprised him how quickly he'd gotten a meeting with the Headmaster.

Knocking firmly three times on the door, he waited patiently for the elderly Headmaster - elderly he may be but powerful nonetheless - he didn't have to wait long before a firm voice beckoned him to enter. Twisting the knob Hadrian stepped into the Headmaster's office, once again caught off guard by just how different it was from what he had always known it as. Practically a replica of Gryffindor common room with a lot of expensive trinkets taking up all available space.

"Ah, Hadrian, it's good to see you," Dippet said, observing the teenager with pride. He had made the right call by allowing the child to attend Hogwarts. Not only was he astonishingly bright and top of his classes he had brought Tom out of his self imposed isolation. The young child seemed to always have his head buried in his books, never showing much in the way of emotion even if he was impeccably dressed and very polite. With Hadrian he was actually living his life not just reading from books, he knew both of them were going to be great one day, perhaps even taking great positions within the Ministry of magic. Definitely students to be proud of, it was just a shame that neither had guardians they could rely on.

"Hello, Headmaster," Hadrian said with a genuine grin on his face, he really liked Dippet, after Dumbledore it was a surprise he could like anyone in a position of power. "Thank you so much for agreeing to see me, especially so soon, I know you're busy but I don't have anyone else to go to." he admitted his brow furrowing and his grin fading into a grim line.

Dippet sat up straighter in his chair, "Sit down, Hadrian, and tell me in your own time." he told the child, "I am however, a little surprised, Professor Slughorn has always given the impression of being rather discrete and reliable."

"I would have went to him," Hadrian agreed his eyes shadowed, "But he knows the person I'm worried about...and I'm afraid he might not believe me...or that you might not either." swallowing thickly, having to stifle his amusement and guilt at the look of worry that was now appearing on Dippet's face. This was too important to screw up, he had to shine a negative light on Dumbledore now, before he got anywhere near the Headmastership then it would be next to impossible to get him removed from his position, he knew because there had been many attempts over the last six decades.

If Horace knew the person then the likelihood of him knowing too was extremely evident in his speech, he was not going to like what he heard at all. He braced himself as all sorts of thoughts flooded his mind, had a teacher hit him? It was something he'd abolished upon becoming the Headmaster of Hogwarts so it was considered forbidden. He didn't believe negative punishments helped students learn, they needed a positive environment. Was he being bullied? Threatened? Each and every thought seemed more ludicrous than the last. He remained silent to give Hadrian time to explain, trying to get it out before he was ready would mean things get muddled up. He would rather have a clear concise understanding.