The Dark Slytherin (Trilogy)

Ch 1- The Potter Childhood

31st July, 1985—

The whole of Britain was in a rush. It was the day when their national hero, Julian 'Jules' Potter, was turning five. The Potters were organizing a grand party celebration, during which they would donate significant sums to St. Mungo's to help families bereaved by You-Know-Who's terror attacks. Famous people from all over the world were invited. This year's special guests included the British Minister of Magic, the German Minister of Magic, and diplomats from various European countries.

Meanwhile, the Potter household was in a great frenzy. "James, where is Jules's formal coat and pants?" shrieked Lily." In the wardrobe on the third floor, in the room next to the guest room for members of the Order, or it could be in the closet next to the bathroom on the second floor," replied James, who was directing the house-elves in arranging the ballroom for the special guests like the Ministers of Magic and other diplomats. "Wake Jules up! The party starts in two hours and he is still sleeping like a log," shouted Lily. "I know, I know, one minute. These damn new house-elves don't seem to understand my words," James muttered, exasperated.

Two hours later, the party was in full swing as guests mingled, while James and Lily tried to network and make valuable connections. Unfortunately, they were struggling. Lily Potter was parading her son Julian like a prized trophy, while James stumbled over his words, trying to sound sophisticated. Important dignitaries gathered around the wonder boy, trying to catch a glimpse of him amidst the crowd. The velvet curtains and lavish carpets gave the room the grandeur of a royal court. Guests dressed in expensive silk clothes and glittering jewelry added the final touches to the opulent setting.

In a dimly lit corner of the room, away from the glittering crowd and the lavish celebrations, sat Hadrian Potter. He watched the proceedings with a quiet intensity, his emerald eyes observing every detail. He had learned to stay in the background, to let his brother bask in the glory and adulation. No one paid attention to the quiet boy with the lightning-shaped scar on his neck, and he had grown accustomed to it.

Hadrian watched ruefully as his twin brother Julian soaked up all the attention. The guests fawned over Jules, their faces alight with admiration and joy. The laughter, the applause, the endless stream of compliments—all directed at Jules. Hadrian's heart ached with the realization that no one remembered him, no one even acknowledged his presence. He and Jules were brothers, yet it seemed the world had room only for one Potter child.

The crowd erupted into applause as the annual Potter charity event announcements began. A hired speaker took the stage, clearing his throat before addressing the assembled guests."Ladies and gentlemen," the speaker began, his voice resonating through the grand ballroom. "We are gathered here today not only to celebrate the fifth birthday of young Julian Potter but also to support a cause that is dear to all our hearts. The Potters have always been known for their generosity, and this year is no different. They will be making a substantial donation to St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries, specifically to aid those families who have suffered losses due to the dark times we have faced. "The crowd erupted into applause, admiration evident in their faces. Lily beamed with pride, while James looked on, trying to maintain a composed demeanor." As we all know, these are trying times," the speaker continued. "But it is through the efforts of families like the Potters that we find hope and resilience. Now, without further ado, it is my pleasure to introduce our esteemed guest of honor, the German Minister of Magic, Herr Klaus von Drachen."

Herr von Drachen stepped forward, his imposing figure and stern expression commanding attention. He began to speak in a deep, authoritative voice. "It is an honor to be here among such esteemed company. The efforts of the Potter family in these dark times are commendable, and it is a testament to their character that they continue to support those in need. The unity we show today, across borders and nations, is a beacon of hope for a better future. "As von Drachen's speech concluded, the guests once again applauded, their spirits lifted by the words of solidarity and hope. James and Lily exchanged a glance, a mixture of relief and pride in their eyes. Amidst the celebration, young Julian Potter, unaware of the weight of expectations placed upon his small shoulders, looked around with wide, curious eyes. To him, it was just another birthday party, albeit a very grand one. But for everyone else in that room, it was a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there was light, and it shone brightly in the form of a five-year-old boy who had the potential to change the world.

Hadrian, however, felt the sting of being invisible. The grand speeches, the lavish praises—all for Jules. No one even glanced at him. He wished he could be happy for his brother, but the loneliness and sadness were too overwhelming. He felt like a shadow, always present but never seen.

As the party continued, Hadrian noticed his parents huddled together in a quiet corner, their faces serious. He couldn't hear their conversation over the noise of the party, but he could see the worry etched on their faces. Curiosity piqued, he moved closer, straining to catch their words. "James, we have to consider it, Dumbledore told us, he is in a lot of danger, with Jules being in the limelight, he might even get jealous" Lily was saying, her voice barely above a whisper. "But Lily, he's our son. Sending him away... it's not right," James replied, his tone conflicted. "We can't keep ignoring the strain this is putting on our family. Maybe the Dursleys can provide the structure and normalcy he needs. Besides, with Jules being so... special, we need to focus on his future." Hadrian's heart sank as he realized they were talking about him. The thought of being sent away to the Dursleys, his Muggle relatives, filled him with dread. He had heard enough about them to know they were not kind people.

Tears welled up in Hadrian's eyes as he slipped away from the corner, unnoticed as always. He had hoped that one day his parents would see him, truly see him, but it seemed that day would never come. As the party raged on around him, Hadrian retreated further into the shadows, feeling more alone than ever.

The world might have forgotten Hadrian Potter, but he had not forgotten the world. And one day, he knew, his time would come. For now, though, he remained in the background, watching and waiting, a silent witness to the grand celebration that was not meant for him.