Changing The Past

16. NEXT YEAR part 2

A/N: patreon.com/Bluuuloser :)

They disembarked from the train after most students had exited, avoiding the rush. Walking from the station to the awaiting carriages, Crockett strutted over like a preening peacock and joined them without invitation, much to Hadrian's irritation. As they approached their carriage, Hadrian walked up to the Thestrals and began to pet them. Someone behind him emitted a questioning noise, almost like a scoff.

Hadrian decided to ignore it at first, choosing instead to focus on the beautiful eeriness of their skeletal appearance. He ran his hand down the Thestral's head, following the curve down its back where the wings met the skin. The smooth, leathery texture surprised him with its softness and warmth. Beneath his touch, he could feel the contours of its bones, giving him a sense of the animal's delicate yet resilient nature.

Continuing to pet the Thestral he named Nyx, the matching Thestral pulling the carriage nudged towards him and shook its head. Hadrian chuckled, reaching out to pat the head of the new horse, whom he named Nocturne. Conjuring two apples, one for each, he fed them and then gave each a gentle kiss on the snout before scratching their chins.

He was abruptly pulled from his interaction with Nyx and Nocturne by a whisper that came from Crockett, who was uncomfortably close to Tom.

"Erm... What's he doing? There's nothing there. Is he... alright in the head?"

Hadrian rolled his eyes and opted not to respond. Rabastan Lestrange spoke up in his place.

"Firstly, you're a fifth-year Slytherin, so start behaving like one," Rabastan Lestrange retorted sharply. "Secondly, he's petting Thestrals. They're visible only to those who have seen death, known for their speed and their uncanny ability to navigate any terrain. Thirdly, no one invited you to join us here. And finally, are you suggesting that Hadrian is crazy?" His glare at Crockett intensified, briefly checking with Hadrian who gave a small, grateful smile, before refocusing on Crockett.

"Excuse me?!" Crockett exclaimed, clearly offended. He glanced at Tom, expecting him to step in and defend his honor like a knight in shining armor.

"You are excused. In fact, you're excused from this group," Rabastan said sharply, stepping up into Crockett's face. "I'd hate to be you if you were insulting Hadrian. You'd be unconscious in St. Mungo's before you could even blink." He stepped back, watching Crockett's face pale visibly.

Hadrian stepped over to Rabastan, placing a hand gently on his shoulder. "Thank you, Rabastan. I appreciate you standing up for me," he said sincerely, offering a shy smile usually reserved for those closest to him.

"I wanted to ride with you all to get to the castle," Crockett muttered petulantly, his tone carrying a hint of childishness.

"Mhm, sorry, it's full," Hadrian said dismissively, his tone laced with sass, earning a puzzled look from Crockett.

"How about we let Slytherin answer for himself since he's the only one worth listening to, instead of someone trying to kiss his arse," Crockett said snottily, unaware that Tom always sided with Hadrian one hundred percent of the time.

"He said it's full, Crockett," Tom sneered, emphasizing the name with disdain. "Get lost."

"No worries! Maybe we can sit together at the feast?" Crockett's voice carried a hint of desperation as he tried to salvage the situation.

Tom turned on his heel and walked away without a word before Crockett could finish speaking. The others followed suit, joining Tom in the carriage as it set off towards Hogwarts.

Walking back into Hogwarts was like breathing a breath of fresh air for the boys. They were happy to be far away from Wool's orphanage for a while. Before they could enter the Great Hall for the welcoming feast, the boys were intercepted by a Gryffindor student. He stood taller than Hadrian but shorter than Tom, with short, tousled black hair that fell in choppy layers to his neck. His eyes sparkled a crystal blue, contrasting sharply with a light dusting of freckles across his nose. His complexion had an oddly orange hue, hinting at a recent attempt at a fake tan spell that clashed vividly with the red of his Gryffindor robes.