A True Riddle

Chapter 8 - Confrontations

"Listen up!" Snape calls out over the gathering of Slytherins. It is the morning after the re-sorting and Snape has gathered the Slytherins to talk to them about their new house-mate, Hadrian.

"I know many of you are surprised about Harry Potter being in Slytherin," Murmurs erupt as glances are shot to where Hadrian, Draco and Blaise are gathered. Draco glares at them from where he is curled around Hadrian, daring them to say something.

"However, he has been sorted into Slytherin, and I trust the sorting hat. But not as much as I trust Harry." The shock among the gathered students is evident, "As such, you will treat him as you would any other house-mate. The other houses will probably be after him, and I expect you to help him as you would any other Slytherin. Remember, you may have small squabbles in these walls, but the second you step outside, you are united. We are a house, act like it." Grudging sounds of agreement rise from the Slytherins, "Good, you may go." Snape claps his hands, and, like they have been released from a spell, the students scatter.

"Draacoo" Pansy sings, rushing towards him and throwing her arms around his neck, ignoring how he is still attached to Hadrian. Unreasonable jealousy rises in Hadrian as Pansy attempts to get between him and Draco, and he has to work hard to not immediately cut Pansy's hands off for touching his Draco.

"What are you doing with him?" Pansy shoots a glare in Hadrian's direction, which he happily returns. "You should come with me." Pansy tugs on Draco, trying to get him to leave, this time Hadrian can't stop the growl that comes from his throat.

Draco carefully detangles himself from Pansy, "Thanks, Pans, but I'm good here. You're welcome to join us if you want."

"Hmph." Pansy huffs before turning and flouncing away.

"She is not welcome to join us." Hadrian growls into Draco's neck.

Draco pats his hair, "Jealous much?"

"For you? Always." 

Draco laughs, "Come on, we should get to breakfast."

"Do we have to?" Hadrian complains, hiding his worry.

"Yes." Draco sighs, "Hadrian, look at me. The other Slytherins may not be welcoming currently, but all of them will defend you. We are a house. Your house." He says, seeing through Hadrian's act.

"Yeah, and there's no way a Slytherin is going to let anyone, not even an overgrown house cat, insult one of their own." Blaise chimes in.

"Alright, let's go." Hadrian sighs. Draco stands, then turns to pull Hadrian up with him. 

"And no matter what, we are with you." Draco says, "I am with you."

The chatter that had surrounded Hadrian for the majority of breakfast slowly dies out. Confused, he looks up and follows the gazes of the other Slytherins to the doors of the Great Hall, where Ron has just walked in. His already dark face goes darker when he sees Hadrian sitting with the Slytherins and he immediately adjusts his path to walk over to Hadrian, who tenses. Draco, sensing his mate's worry, looks up as well and sees Ron.

"I'm with you." He whispers. Hadrian just has time to send him a smile before Ron reaches them.

Harry, mate, what is this?" Ron snaps. Hadrian turns to face him and stands up. Draco follows. 

"I am not your mate." Hadrian spits. Gasps explode at the best friends arguing. 

Ron looks shocked, "I thought you were my friend."

"Yeah? Well, I thought that too. Guess we were both wrong."

"I don't understand, why did you switch houses? You were in Gryffindor, you were always meant to be in Gryffindor."

"No." Hadrian lifts his head, "I am a Slytherin, I have always been a Slytherin. Now leave." His voice is hard.

"But."

"Now." The other Slytherins stand to surround them as Draco steps up to Hadrian's side as he speaks. Hadrian hides his surprise at the overwhelming support from his new house.

"Ron, you should go." Hermione appears and grabs hold of Ron's arm.

"No, he's meant to be my friend. He has to be my friend." Ron protests. Getting annoyed, Hadrian pulls out his wand, levelling it at Ron. Sensing a fight, the other Gryffindors come over. 

"Why do I need to be your friend? Do you not get your allowance if I'm not your friend?" Hadrian spits, stunning Ron, "Now get out of here before I curse you."

"Let's go Ron." Hermione pleads again. 

"Fine." Ron turns and storms off. Hermione stays, looking at Hadrian. Anger swirls in him, but he remembers that Hermione's name wasn't on the list of people getting paid, the thought causes the anger to slowly drain out of him, maybe she really was his friend?

"Are you happy?" She asks quietly.

"Yes." Hadrian nods and she softly smiles at him before following Ron.

"I told you the Slytherins would support you." Blaise says as they return to their breakfast.

~~~

A/N: Who's side do you think Hermione will be on? I chose Light 'Em Up by Fall Out Boy because when Hadrian confronts Ron, he suggests that he knows what he did.