Lord of time (chapter 41-107)

68

"I can't believe I let you talk me into this," Hadrian muttered petulantly to himself, as he hid himself away in a corner, observing the party going on around him. One of Slughorn's infamous parties were in full swing, students past and present were there for the occasion all dressed up to make a good impression meeting like minded people or those who were particularly...popular and famous in various fields. Slughorn was puffed up and strutting around, taking his time to talk to absolutely everyone there, accepting the 'gifts' he was offered by the people who felt indebted to him for starting their career by introducing them to the right people. Not that it was a bad thing really, they both got something out of it, and so it was not just a Slytherin move but quite a Hufflepuff one too. He was very tempted to just leave the party, he'd already been accosted by idiots wanting to meet him, shaking his hand with their sweaty palms, stuttering like fools thanking him for his 'advancement of the magical community' all of them Muggle-born's who saw him as some sort of champion. It reminded him too much of the past he wished to forget, all he'd done was write a book in order to cease the rampant prejudice that would overtake completely in the coming decades.

"I had hoped to find you here," a voice said from the shadows of the open doors, it was oddly familiar to Hadrian, but how could that be? It prickled at him, but to his annoyance, he couldn't figure it out.

"Oh? How so?" Hadrian asked, quite intrigued, eyes glowing in the dim light of the corner, watching the veranda.

"Do you even realize what you've done?" the voice continued.

Hadrian absently swept his fingers over his wand, as curiosity got the better of him and he stepped out beside the voice. His jaw was momentarily unhinged, but Hadrian was very grateful that the wizard did not see it. He was, however, still quite confused, he had nothing to do with Newton Scamander, what was he 'realize what you've done' coming from? "And what could I possibly have done to offend you, Mr. Scamander?"

He received a side way glance from the wizard before his eyes were firmly fixed upon the grounds of Hogwarts. Not that there was much to see on this side of the building. It was definitely more majestic from the front. "You had Professor Dumbledore arrested, sentenced to Prison, now the Dark Lord Grindelwald has begun to plan to invade France and ultimately Britain." bringing danger to his family and everyone within Britain.

"Ah," Hadrian said beginning to understand a whole lot, sympathy thrummed through him, "I am sorry for what you are going through," he said softly, turning when they were interrupted, but it was just a waiter, holding a tray of food and drinks in individual trays. Hadrian took two drinks and handed one to Scamander, then proceeded to give him a plate of food, before Hadrian took one himself. Nodding to the wizard in thanks to back out as quickly as he had entered.

"What I am going through?" Scamander asked, meeting Hadrian's eyes cautiously.

"You aren't the first to be taken in by Dumbledore's grandfatherly façade and no doubt you will not be the last." Hadrian said, green eyes darkening, "I will do everything in my power to make sure that people are at least aware of the façade he likes to portray to the world."

"He was a good man," Scamander insisted, facing Harry, worry and fear clouding his eyes. Which went against everything he had learned of Scamander, he had always seemed so fearless, been described as utterly fearless.

"We have different in opinions," Hadrian stated firmly, before suspicion began to worm its way into his heart, that look...it reminded him of the look Granger had supported after Dumbledore's death. "From what I understand it, you went to America to let your creatures out in their natural habitant...rescuing many on your travels, why would you even be concerned about Grindelwald enough to come here and confront me?"