Simply Complex

4: Attacks

Cadmus was grateful for the lessons he was receiving from his Father. Wow, wasn't that a thought? He went from having no family and being alone to having a Mother, Father, and little brother whom he adored. He was in the library, fighting to keep his eyes open as he read the Pureblood Etiquette book his Mother required him to read. His eyelids felt heavy from the tedious information, but Mother planned to test him upon his return at Yule.

"Okay, time to get some sleep."

Cadmus looked up and saw Francis Rosier, a fellow Slytherin in his year group. He was partnered with him in Potions and knew he was brilliant. The Rosier Heir was striking with his shoulder-length brown hair and light brown eyes. His casual robes, popular among students for weekend wear, added to his relaxed demeanor.

"I apologize, but I noticed you were beginning to fall asleep reading and felt it would be appropriate to try to encourage you to get some rest," Francis said, his voice filled with concern.

"I appreciate it. I should get some rest." Cadmus stood before packing his books into his book bag. "Thank you. I shall head to the dorm to get some rest."

"May I walk with you? I want to ensure you do not fall asleep on the way there."

Cadmus noticed the slight blush that formed on the Rosier Heir's cheeks. He felt his own cheeks heating slightly. He dipped his head ever so slightly in gratitude and embarrassment.

"I would like that." Cadmus found himself saying, wondering why he was acting like a schoolgirl.

Hadrian smirked at the sight of Francis and Cadmus walking closely into the Slytherin common room. Over the past few weeks, he had an inkling that Francis was at least attracted to his brother. He may or may not have been the one to let Francis in on Cadmus neglecting to sleep, and perhaps he ought to convince him to do so.

"Uh oh. What did you do?"

Hadrian turned to his best friend, Orion Black, who held an amused look on his face.

"What do you mean? I have not done a thing." Hadrian confusedly stated.

"You have that look." Orion deadpans.

"What look?!"

"The look was that I had an idea and implemented it without talking to anyone. So, what did you do?" Orion asks with amusement.

"I noticed that Francis Rosier had taken an interest in my brother, so I may have given them a small nudge." He smirked before he stood worriedly at his friend, who ran up to him. "Abraxas? What is wrong?"

"It's Alex!! He is in the Medical Wing!"

Abraxas barely got the words out before Hadrian and Cadmus, who was barely in the hallway leading to the boy's dorms, ran out. Both brothers were ignoring anyone who tried to stop them. Their hearts were beating out of their chests as their breathing became harsh. They arrived at the Medical Wing with shallow breaths as they approached Alex's bed.

"Is he okay?" Hadrian asks Madam Pomfrey as she walks up. "Has someone contacted my Aunt and Uncle?"

"Why ever would we need to do that, my boy?"

The young Heir turned to see his Transfiguration Professor, Albus Dumbledore, walk to the bed. The older man's eyes twinkled, making Hadrian want to punch him. Instead, Hadrian decided to look to his brother. The two held a silent conversation before Cadmus nodded and left. Hadrian turned to Dumbledore with a blank face.

"Cadmus has left to write to my aunt and uncle and our parents. I hope you understand that it is illegal and against Hogwarts regulations to withhold information about a student being in the Hospital Wing from their guardians. I believe, with how fast Artemis and Apollo are, my Aunt, Uncle, and parents will be here sooner rather than later."

Cadmus returned with both sets of parents in tow. As soon as they got to the double doors, Marcus and Melody split from the group and went to either side of their son's bed. Adrian stood next to Cadmus, and Marlys next to Hadrian. The two checked their sons before Adrian looked at Madam Pomfrey.

"So, is my nephew going to be okay?" Adrian asked, irritated.

"Yes, is my son going to be okay?" Melody asked, worry seeping into her every word.

"Yes, Heir Flint is going to be okay. He should wake in the next hour or so."

Indeed, the young Heir woke up with a pounding headache within the hour. He rubbed his eyes irritably as he tried to sit up, only for his Mother to stop him.

"Stay down, Alexander."

"Mum?" He said, confused, but listened. "What happened?"

"We were hoping you could tell us, Mister Flint," Madam Pomfrey said in a concerned tone. "What do you remember?"

"I just remember falling..." He says with a pained expression.

"Don't try too hard. You'll hurt yourself." Said the matron calmly, handing him a pain relief potion.

"Once you remember anything, write to us immediately," Marcus said softly. If we can figure out who harmed you, I will sue them harshly."

"Surely, my boy, that is not necessary." Albums tried weakly.

"It is Lord Flint to you, Dumbledore, firstly. Secondly, someone harmed and possibly even tried to kill my heir. I refuse to let punishment go."

"They- they said something to the effect of letting "Peverell know his time is up". I think they weren't trying to kill me but to warn Hades."

The four Peverells looked at each other worriedly. Over his time at home during his lessons, Cadmus had learned that the Potters, at least Fleamont, Henrey, and Belladonna, were attempting to steal the Peverell title as it was old as could be. Hadrian found out that in his old timeline, they were successful. It was how he gained the title in the original timeline. Now, it was his birthright. A birthright he held proudly.

"You boys best be careful," Marlys said with worry. "As Heir and Secondary Heir you both are targets. Do not let your guard down and use your Slytherin brains."

"Yes, Mother." The boys responded simultaneously. 

"Behave, and I will see you both at Yule." She kissed their foreheads before leaving through Slughorn's floo with Adrian. 

Both boys felt the tension between them. The idea of someone trying to kill their family was a heavy thought. They both knew things for their family just got a lot more complicated.