Hadrian Riddle(His Son)

The Duel and the Shadow

Chapter Eleven:

The winter holidays had come and gone, leaving Hogwarts blanketed in snow and the halls filled with the hushed excitement of students returning to their routines. Hadrian Riddle's reputation as a prodigy in the dark arts and his growing bond with Draco Malfoy had made him a central figure in Slytherin house. But with that status came challenges, both seen and unseen.

One cold evening, as the Slytherin common room hummed with the usual chatter, Draco approached Hadrian with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Hadrian, I've learned a new spell over the break. Care to duel? I want to see how I fare against you now."

Hadrian's lips curled into a cold smile. "Very well, Draco. Let's see what you've got."

The common room fell silent as word of the impending duel spread. Students gathered in a circle, creating a makeshift arena. Blaise and Theo exchanged uneasy glances, knowing Draco's tendency to overestimate his skills.

"Ready?" Draco asked, his wand at the ready.

Hadrian nodded, his demeanor calm and collected. "Whenever you are."

Draco struck first, his wand movements precise as he cast a series of spells designed to disarm and incapacitate. Hadrian deflected each one with ease, his wand movements almost lazy in their precision. He was playing with Draco, testing his limits while barely exerting himself.

The duel went on for several minutes, with Draco becoming increasingly frustrated at his inability to land a hit. Finally, in a burst of determination, he cast a powerful hex that sent sparks flying toward Hadrian.

Hadrian's eyes gleamed with a hint of amusement. With a flick of his wrist, he deflected the hex and sent Draco's wand flying out of his hand, pinning him against the wall with a non-verbal spell. The room fell silent, every eye on Hadrian and Draco.

Draco struggled for a moment before realizing the futility. He looked at Hadrian, a mixture of respect and awe in his eyes. "I yield."

Hadrian released the spell, allowing Draco to slide down the wall and catch his breath. He approached Draco and extended a hand, helping him up. "You've improved, Draco. But you still have much to learn."

Draco nodded, his frustration giving way to admiration. "I will, Hadrian. I won't stop until I'm as good as you."

As the crowd dispersed, Blaise and Theo approached Hadrian and Draco, their expressions a mix of respect and concern.

"Impressive as always, Hadrian," Blaise said, his tone cautious. "But be careful. Not everyone will appreciate your...methods."

Hadrian's gaze was icy. "Those who don't appreciate power are weak, Blaise. And weakness has no place in our ranks."

Theo nodded, though his eyes held a hint of fear. "We know, Hadrian. Just...be mindful of those who might see you as a threat."

Hadrian's expression softened slightly as he looked at his friends. "I understand your concern. But remember, we are in this together. Our power is our protection."

Later that night, as Hadrian and Draco sat by the fire in the common room, Draco broke the silence. "Hadrian, do you ever wonder if we're pushing too hard? If there's a line we shouldn't cross?"

Hadrian's eyes were distant, his thoughts unreadable. "Power comes at a price, Draco. But we must be willing to pay it if we are to achieve our goals. The line is a matter of perspective."

Draco nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "I suppose you're right. But I trust you, Hadrian. More than anyone."

Hadrian's gaze softened slightly as he looked at Draco. "And I trust you, Draco. Together, we will rise above all others."

The next few weeks were a blur of classes, duels, and secret meetings. Hadrian's influence continued to grow, his control over the dark arts becoming more refined with each passing day. But with power came scrutiny, and not everyone at Hogwarts was content to let Hadrian rise unchecked.

One evening, as Hadrian studied in the library, a shadow fell across his table. He looked up to see Professor Snape, his dark eyes filled with an unreadable expression.

"Hadrian, a word," Snape said, his voice low and commanding.

Hadrian stood and followed Snape to a secluded corner of the library. "Yes, Professor?"

Snape studied him for a long moment before speaking. "Your talents are undeniable, Hadrian. But you must be cautious. There are those who would see you fall, both within these walls and beyond."

Hadrian's expression remained impassive. "I am aware, Professor. But I will not let fear dictate my actions."

Snape's eyes narrowed slightly. "Power is a double-edged sword, Hadrian. Wield it wisely, or it will consume you."

Hadrian nodded, his respect for Snape evident. "I understand, Professor. Thank you for your counsel."

As Snape walked away, Hadrian returned to his studies, his mind racing. He knew the path he had chosen was fraught with danger, but he was determined to see it through. With Draco by his side and his power growing, he felt unstoppable.

That night, as he lay in bed, Hadrian allowed himself a rare moment of reflection. He thought of his father, of the expectations and the legacy that had been placed upon him. He thought of Draco, of the bond they shared and the trust that had been built. And he thought of the future, of the power and the greatness that awaited him.

Hadrian Riddle, the Master of Death, was ready to conquer whatever challenges lay ahead. And he knew that with his friends by his side, there was nothing he couldn't achieve. The shadows of doubt and fear had no place in his heart, only the cold certainty of his destiny.