The Dark Slytherin (Trilogy)

Ch 9- The Wizarding World

Hadrian Potter stood at the entrance to Diagon Alley, feeling a mix of trepidation and excitement. The gateway, hidden behind a seemingly ordinary brick wall in the Leaky Cauldron, had just unfolded to reveal a bustling, magical marketplace. He took a deep breath and stepped forward, leaving the familiar world of the Muggle streets behind.

The sight that greeted him was beyond anything he had ever imagined. The cobblestone street was alive with the hustle and bustle of witches and wizards going about their day. Children with bright eyes ran ahead of their parents, pointing excitedly at the various shop windows. Hadrian watched them, a pang of longing tugging at his heart. He couldn't help but wonder what it would have been like to grow up in such an environment, surrounded by magic and loving family.

He felt a familiar ache as he remembered the gang. They had become his family over the past three years, but seeing these children with their parents reminded him of what he had missed. He shoved his hands into his pockets and walked on, feeling more like an outsider than ever.Determined not to dwell on the past, Hadrian decided to explore Diagon Alley alone. He had no one to guide him, no one to explain the wonders of the magical world. But he was used to being independent, to figuring things out on his own.

His first stop was the bookshop, Flourish and Blotts. The sheer number of books overwhelmed him. He picked up a few titles, flipping through pages filled with spells, potions, and magical creatures. He couldn't afford to buy any of them, but just being surrounded by so much knowledge was a comfort.

 Hadrian continued his exploration. He watched as families shopped for cauldrons, robes, and all manner of magical supplies. The sight of parents patiently helping their children made his chest tighten. He wandered through the alley, his eyes taking in everything from the Apothecary to Quality Quidditch Supplies.

Suddenly, a loud commotion drew his attention. A group of people had gathered near Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, and Hadrian could hear excited whispers and gasps. Curious, he pushed his way through the crowd, only to come face to face with a scene that made his blood run cold.

Julian Potter, his twin brother, stood at the center of the crowd, basking in the attention. Julian was plump, but well-fed. His robes were straining against his round belly. His face was flushed with arrogance, and he spoke loudly, boasting about his achievements and magical prowess. Julian's parents, Lily and James Potter, stood nearby, beaming with pride.

Hadrian felt a lump form in his throat. He hadn't seen his parents in years, and now here they were, fawning over Julian, the Boy Who Lived. The sight of their smiles, the warmth in their eyes as they looked at Julian, was more than he could bear. He felt a wave of emotions—anger, sadness, and most of all, a deep sense of betrayal.

He wanted to cry, but he refused to show any weakness in front of Julian and his parents, even if they didn't notice him. Instead, he turned on his heel and walked away, his vision blurred by unshed tears. He didn't care where he was going; he just needed to get away.He walked faster, his footsteps echoing on the cobblestones. The crowd thinned out as he moved away from the main thoroughfare, but he didn't notice. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and feelings. He had spent so long building a new life with the gang, yet seeing his family brought all the old wounds to the surface.

Lost in his turmoil, Hadrian didn't realize he had wandered into a darker, narrower alleyway. The cheerful sounds of Diagon Alley faded, replaced by an eerie silence. He finally stopped and looked around, his heart still pounding. The shops here were different, their windows filled with sinister-looking objects and dark artifacts.

A shiver ran down his spine as he took in his surroundings. He had stumbled into Knockturn Alley, a place whispered about in fear and fascination. The atmosphere was heavy, filled with a sense of foreboding. Hadrian felt a mixture of fear and curiosity.

As he stood there, unsure of what to do next, he couldn't shake the feeling that his journey into the magical world had only just begun. The future was uncertain, filled with both promise and peril. But one thing was clear—he would face it head-on, just as he always had. Hadrian took a deep breath and began to walk, the shadows of Knockturn Alley closing in around him.