"Remember to take the potions at the correct time!" Hadrian called out loudly so his hard of hearing patient could hear him as he slowly vacated the room. All he got was a cough and a hand swatting the air as surly Burley Branson made it through the threshold and closed the door behind him. Hadrian banished the few empty potion vials he'd given Burley before he left with instructions to go to the apothecary and collect new medicinal potions to treat his pain. Before glancing at the clock – yes, an actual clock in the room! – to keep an eye on the time.
Technically this wasn't his room, he was just here as an apprentice after all, but Hadrian had to admit he liked it a great deal more than he thought he would. Sure, all everyone did was complain at him about how sore they were, what their symptoms were, and how fed up they were. Yet he was able to help them, especially with his knowable. He didn't always work at this side of the building, he had been in the emergency section more often.
This was his last shift, in fact in a few hours he would be meeting with Tom and the others at ten forty-five to head straight for the Hogwarts Express in Kings Cross station. Grabbing his next file, he gave it a quick read, letting himself familiarise himself with his newest patient so he knew how to best help.
Once he had given it a once over, he stood up and made his way out to the waiting room, "Bertrise Bagman?" he called out, watching a twenty-one year old woman stand up with a man next to her. "Follow me," it was obvious they weren't expecting someone like him, someone so young, the wizard who was in his thirties looked as if he wanted to turn around and leave.
Hadrian stared back challengingly, daring him to do just that, it was no skin of his nose if the idiot wanted to leave. It was his own time he was wasting, he was going to be here whether the idiot had an appointment or not. He was not very surprised when the wizard in question – could he be Ludo Bagman's father? – ducked his head in return and tottered behind his wife like a bumbling buffoon.
"Come on through," Hadrian said, his tone polite and professional. Normally apprentices weren't allowed to work alone without a healer, but everyone could clearly see that Hadrian Peverell was exceptionally bright, professional and better than over half the healers they had working in St. Mungo's who had passed all the relevant tests. They wanted him, they adored him, and how he was able to diagnose people so quickly and effortlessly and ensure their continued safety…it made more than a few healers quite happy and vindictively so that their 'patients' more like 'patient victims' were actually safe from harm. They'd begged for the incantation for the spells only to deflate when they realized that Hadrian hadn't come up with one. That he was doing it through sheer wish magic alone. Something they theorised was a result of the wish magic he'd performed two years previous.
The wizard cleared his throat once they were inside, clearly unimpressed, "Where's the healer?" he asked, his voice not coming out as firm as he wished, which made him look disgruntled.
"St. Mungo's is experiencing an increasing demand, which is creating such a big workload that the healers and Medi-wizards are working overtime to catch up. Thus, they made a decision to take on apprentices for the course of the summer while they train healers and Medi-witches themselves so that they have a chance to keep up with the workload and not overwhelm their workers." Hadrian explained, eyes boring into Bagman's, this was definitely Bagman's father, Ludo had been exactly like him. Bagman had been around the right age if he remembered correctly, the wizard had to have been in his fifties or sixties. "If you wish, I can of course, summon a healer if you want? It's within your right." Knowing that he wouldn't not with the guilt trip he'd just put on.
"Levi, its' fine," Bertrise murmured quietly, calming the agitated wizard.
"What can I do for you today?" Hadrian asked, focusing all his attention on Bertrise, his face softening, she was a small slip of a woman. There was nothing written down to indicate she'd had previous testing done or a reason for coming. Neither had she given a reason when she created the appointment earlier today through a Floo call.
Bertrise automatically lay her hand on her flat stomach, "I think I'm pregnant,"
Hadrian nodded, there wasn't a spell for quick home revelations to whether you were pregnant or not in this time. Even the potion they had in this time was very expensive and not always accurate. Witches didn't bother wasting their time buying the 'Home pregnancy potion' due to the lack of trust. Which was why people came to St. Mungo's for a magical scan which was the only accurate spell at this point in time.
"Are you okay with me conducting this test? I want to make it as stress free as possible, we can bring in a female Medi-witch?" Hadrian spoke his tone soft and soothing, letting her know it truly was fine if she'd prefer it that way. Noticing that Levi was relaxing marginally, evidently warming up to him. This revealed a lot more about his character than anything else so far. His wife's comfort was obviously paramount to him. This also allowed Hadrian to respect him, not all wizards in this time seem to care for their wives which really angered him. It was the damn arranged marriages, people should be free to love and marry for love. He knew he'd see changes though, parents wouldn't be quite so quick to marry their children off due to the books he'd written and published on genetics.
They realized they could have squibs, and that was the biggest fear for any self-respecting wizarding family. A chance they could not take, especially with the evidence Hadrian had so easily amassed to support his case against any bigot who dared to accuse him of lying or making things up.
"That's fine…it's just we've been trying for five years now, we were beginning to lose hope," Bertrise admitted, shame clearly crossing her face before she stared at the floor her entire body tense like a coiled spring. She tightly gripped her husbands hand, she had felt so horrified by her inability to get pregnant for so long. She in the beginning had feared she was just imagining the symptoms but they had persisted.
"Everyone is different, and it's not always the woman's fault," Harry retorted immediately, "Low sperm count can also factor in. Why don't we run a scan and find out for sure?" he could see how anxious she was, to know if she was right. It was the right thing to say since she nodded almost like an eager child. He couldn't help but wonder if she actually wanted a child or if she felt the need to have one and wanted to please her husband.
"Please stand for a moment," Hadrian gestured for her to stand up, he could have done it while both were sitting but it was more out of a desire to move around. He'd drank enough coffee this morning to make him feel as though he was going to turn into Dobby. The desire to just move around was strong, perhaps he had overshot it with that pepper-up draught. Unfortunately, he hadn't had much if any sleep last night, Tom the bloody ass had gotten to sleep just fine. With how late it was when they both went to bed he couldn't take a sleeping draught lest he sleep right through his alarm. Which was a great possibility since it helps you sleep for at least eight hours. "This will only take a few moments, remain as still as possible," he informed her, and begun the process of the scan, he was always careful about what magic he used in this time, especially in front of people. Myrtle had been his only exception, correcting her eyesight and all.
The exact moment he uttered the last of the diagnosis spell, results began to pour from his wand by means of parchment. Keeping a hold of it, Hadrian moved to reclaim his seat as Bagman helped his wife sit as if she was an invalid, not simply pregnant. She wasn't showing so Hadrian did not expect her to be far along.
"Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Bagman, you are indeed pregnant," Hadrian informed them, a small smile on his face, showing how pleased he was for them.
Bertrise gasped, hand automatically clasping her mouth, eyes filling with tears at the news she'd so wished to hear. Even Levi looked ready to tear up, clutching his wife's hand much more firmly overwhelmed by the news.
"A baby, our own baby!" Bertrise was almost sobbing as she whispered those words clearly only meant for her husband.
"Yes, it's a miracle," he whispered back so lovely that Hadrian felt as though he was the one intruding in the private moment.
Hadrian allowed them to have their moment before he sat straighter in his chair, summoning a small bag from one of the cabinets. It was a drawstring bag, black in appearance and appeared quite small. He opened it just to make sure it was the correct bag he'd summoned – it was – drawing the strings back he nodded firmly. "Inside this bag are five pamphlets of details for expecting mothers, it includes a list of what could happen to your magic and what potions you are and aren't allowed to consume during the entirety of your pregnancy."
"Happens to your magic?" Levi's voice stretched a little sounding highly strung and surprised.
"Well, yes, during pregnancy certain hormones cause overreactions, which can cause spontaneous magical outbursts. It's why its advised during the third trimester that they not use their magic unless they have no choice." Hadrian explained to Levi, wondering how he didn't know this. He was a grown man, he should know the effects of having a child would have on his wife. Levi's face when Hadrian begun talking about hormones and overreactions made the apprenticed wizard wish to laugh. It was definitely a picture of doomed wizard, just realizing what he was getting into.
Levi Bagman just nodded dumbly that he understood, after reminding himself that it was rude not to give some sign he had comprehended what the apprenticed healer was informing him.
"Read the leaflets regarding potions as soon as you get home," Hadrian warned them, "Ninety-nine percent of potions are harmful if ingested while pregnant." Pausing for a moment, "Or being around potions when they are being brewed." He added, which was very important, the fumes were just as dangerous.
Both their eyes widened, they knew potions were dangerous, yes, but the brewing process? It must be something new they had figured out recently. It didn't surprise him really, the healers and medi-wizards or witches were constantly finding out new things. "We understand," Levi said sombrely.
"Good, now there is one potion you can take during the course of your pregnancy, it will aid you with the morning sickness. It must be used sparingly, always adhere to the instructions on the label and never take more than the stated dosage." Hadrian added, "Would you like to take the results with you?" offering up the paperwork for her to take, written and visible proof that she was indeed pregnant.
"Oh, how far along am I?" she asked, sounding more eager now that the news had sunk in.
"Seven weeks," nearly two months along. He handed her the results, halting the urge to glance at the time, each 'appointment' should only run for ten to fifteen minutes otherwise he would run late for nearly the rest of the day. "You will have your normal healer back by the time you come for your next appointment so congratulations and I hope all goes well," subtly trying to guide them into leaving so he didn't have to be curt with them in what was probably going to be fondly remembered as the happiest day of their lives.
"Thank you," Levi answered, standing up, a knowing glint in his eye, as if he knew and understood what Hadrian was up to and appreciating it nonetheless.
Hadrian gave a small smile – barely a twitch of his lips – and a nod as they stood, exiting the room.
Barely a second after they left, the door opened just as Hadrian was about to grab the next folder.
"Hey," Hadrian said, a more genuine smile appearing on his face, his 'professional mask' falling away. "Don't worry, I'm not damaging your office," he teased Yaxley.
"Your next appointment is not here yet," Yaxley explained, claiming a seat, his gaze boring into Hadrian's. "How have you enjoyed your time here?" he hadn't asked before, finding no need to ask a few days into the apprenticeship but now…now that it had come to an end he was definitely curious to know this young wizards point of view.
Hadrian was genuinely startled by the enquiry, leaning back he observed Yaxley just as carefully. "I believe…" Hadrian paused for effect, almost laughing as Yaxley leant forward just a little, Hadrian was sure he didn't even realize he had done it. "I believe I would have become a healer here if not for the contracts and the conducts as well as stipulations placed upon a person when they swear to work here." At least they didn't 'swear to do no harm' now that would leave every healer or Medi-Witch/wizard completely defenceless but that was as far as the kindness of St. Mungo's went.
Yaxley eyed him resignedly, "Yes, somehow I had a feeling that would be your answer, you've certainly enjoyed your time here." And that was obvious to all the healers and Medi-teams.
"St. Mungo's has no right to the spells and potions people create in their own time, definitely not just because they are associated with the hospital." Hadrian stated sharply, his disapproval obvious. "They get twenty percent of their own invention, while St. Mungo's reaps the benefits?" it was mindboggling.
"Come, follow me," Yaxley said, his tone quiet as he stood, gesturing for Hadrian to come with him.
Curiosity unabashed on his face, Hadrian stood, forgetting everything else as he followed Yaxley through corridor after corridor. Passing many green robed Medi-teams and healers as they did so, with a small amount of patients scattered throughout their journey.
"Where are we going?" Hadrian asked suspiciously, his eyes boring holes into Yaxley, having a feeling he wouldn't like what was going to happen next. He could be wrong, but there was a churning in his gut that he was about to learn something he wouldn't like.
"Somewhere the magical population don't like to think about," Yaxley explained grimly, "This…this place is forgotten, the people here…have no family." With that Yaxley tapped his wand against the double doors and led Hadrian through the eerily silent ward.
Hadrian blinked, staring at the people ensconced on the beds, all of them just laying there, eyes glazed and vacant as they stared at the ceiling. The mocha coloured walls almost taunting them with cheerfulness the occupants did not feel. Swallowing thickly, he wandered further into the room, "I've seen this before…were these people tortured into insanity?" he asked, refraining from touching them.
Surprise startled Yaxley so badly that it was visible upon his face, "They were found having suffered extensively under the Cruciatus Curse, yes," how on earth did the boy know that? Either he had the most astonishing insight and instincts…or well, it was difficult to say, where else could he have seen such a sight before? Unless, there was much more to Hadrian Peverell-Slytherin than met the eye. He'd always suspected so, but the this extent? The injuries had not been faked and his story matched up to those injuries. He should know he'd been involved in the case from the beginning.
"Because of the war with Grindelwald?" Hadrian was slightly confused, he hadn't expected any of this.
"Or because of stupid idiots who didn't realize prolonged exposure destroys the human psyche," Yaxley stated darkly, shaking his head. Nobody had been arrested for these crimes, these victims had never gotten justice for the injustice that had been set upon them. The agony they must have endured was just horrendous to contemplate.
"They cannot know what they are not taught," Hadrian pointed out grimly, "There should be mandatory Dark Art classes, to help them understand the consequences of using these spells." Which there wasn't, heck there was mandatory Muggle classes but not one to help understand exposure to the Dark Arts?
"We are in agreement, unfortunately, the Headmaster of Hogwarts does not agree," Yaxley said sourly.
"You should try again, Dumbledore isn't there to convince him such action isn't required. Explain in more detail why you want to do it. In my experience the Headmaster is an extremely shrewd and smart man, albeit a little blind when it came to Dumbledore but he had his eyes opened." Hadrian argued, green eyes filled with fire. "So, the proceedings of everything St. Mungo's makes goes to trying to help them? To keep them here? Without emptying the monetary assets?"
Yaxley sighed, "A bit of it, yes,"
"How many wards are filled with people like this?" Hadrian asked, hiding his distress.
"Two wards, a total of sixteen people," Yaxley explained, and none of them had a single visitor in all the years they'd been here. Had nobody pay a single bill for their upkeep, he wasn't suggesting St. Mungo's was utterly innocent in their regard when it came to the money, but they weren't completely heartless. They were extremely docile, never harmed anyone, and quite a few could follow simple orders, like eating when they were told. The Healers did their jobs but it was a sorry sight to see so many lost souls amongst them. Souls they hadn't been able to save from their fate.
"All of them from Cruciatus exposure?" Hadrian asked, needing confirmation.
"Every single one." Yaxley confirmed.
"Bloody hell," Hadrian muttered one of Weasley's favourite sayings, it was needed. His mind flashed from what he was seeing in front of him, to a flashback – be it his own memories of the future – to Frank and Alice Longbottom. The stark contrast was immense. Flowers, cards, fruit, chocolate, clothes and other personal items that had been bought for them compared to these bare rooms. It was difficult to comprehend that these people had absolutely nobody.
"We are trying to create something to help rouse them from their catatonic state," Yaxley explained, "We have an entire team dedicated to the creation of something," anything really. For a pureblood to show emotion – which Yaxley was since pure desperation coated his voice – he must have been either very desperate or very passionate, perhaps it was both.
Hadrian glanced up, green eyes glimmering with sadness, for he knew no such potion would ever be created. It certainly hadn't in his time, otherwise Neville wouldn't have been constantly visiting his parents in the hospital. "Have you tried going into the Muggle world?"
Yaxley reared back as if he had been struck, an aghast look appearing on his face, extremely offended. "Excuse me?"
"Muggles have…an understanding of the human mind," Hadrian said grinning at Yaxley's discomfort, "If say hypothetically we can figure out what parts of the mind has been affected by the spell…the idea of a potion to aid them might be more forthcoming."
Yaxley just blinked uncomprehendingly at Hadrian, "But Muggles…" he muttered in aversion, finding the idea repugnant.
"Have you even met one?" Hadrian asked bemused, honestly, he was getting more amusement than he should out of this conversation. Especially when what they were talking about was so dire.
"No!" he yelped horror-struck.
"That's what I thought," Hadrian said wryly, the mind while it was comprehended in this time…scientists had a greater understanding in his time. It was a shame he could not get books regarding the brain here that might help farther. A frown passing over his features before he smoothed it over. He had been publishing potions that he knew from his time…creating spells, perhaps it was time he did something for these people who clearly needed someone on their side. His new book was going to be published soon, so why not focus on something that would make a real change? The question was…could he do it? Could he create a potion that helped someone overcome what they'd gone through? Could the anti-Cruciatus potion be a focus point on that part? No, he very much doubted it, unless…unless it didn't just take care of visible tremors but helps all aspects of the aftereffects.
Yaxley desperately wanted to brush off Hadrian's words, Muggles couldn't be better than them at understanding the human mind. It was impossible surely, they were so primitive compared to them, they had no magic so of course, they were more nascent. Yet, he was very much anxious to aid these people, even if it required a trip into the Muggle world. The only problem was, he had never ventured there before, he wouldn't who where he was going, what to do, where to find the books and with the war going on, well he'd very much rather refrain from going out and risk getting bombed thank you very much. Perhaps after the war he would request one of the Half-blood or Muggle raised healers to accompany him, they would know what he required.
This beautiful mind was beyond his comprehension, he was quite frankly one of the most creative, inventive and smartest wizards he'd ever encountered and glad to have met. He'd read his books, tested out his spells, he was thoroughly impressed with the teenager and he was still in school. It made him extremely grateful he had successfully managed to save his life. The world would have been a great deal poorer without him, of that he had no doubt. If he said the Muggle books would help him he knew deep down that was the case.
"I shall inform the Potion Masters we have on the matter in question, perhaps you'd like to visit and offer a few suggestions?" Yaxley questioned, unsure whether he was overstepping. Oh, he knew he was, but Hadrian had been very…accommodating this summer with what he had asked. Other times things he suggested seem to personally offend him so it was just a matter of finding out exactly what was bothering him.
"Best not, I don't want them getting into trouble for revealing information to me, or being sued for theft," Hadrian immediately shook his head.
Yaxley straightened up, eyes boring into Hadrian's understanding the words not said. He wanted to say 'It's impossible' and he would have done if it was anyone other than this boy. If anyone, anyone could do it, it was him, and for the first time he felt true relief flow through him. Out of everyone he'd place his bets with Peverell-Slytherin, especially with him and his husband both the brightest minds Hogwarts had ever seen. "I understand," Yaxley said, eyes gleaming with fire, no doubt Hadrian would also do it as a middle finger to St. Mungo's it was clear he didn't approve of their work, even with the good work they did here. "Good luck," he said sincerely.
"Thanks," Hadrian said, a genuine smile spreading across his face.
"I must admit," Yaxley said, gesturing for Hadrian to follow him, "I will miss your presence here, you've helped more than you can fathom." The only place he wasn't allowed to go – except here – had been the infected ward, where those who were suffering from what they had called 'Dragon Pox'. He begun to lead Hadrian back in the direction they had come from.
"I just got lucky," Hadrian waved the praise off, most pureblood's didn't do it unobtrusively, they nearly always had an ulterior motive. He believed Yaxley probably still wanted him to work for St. Mungo's and why wouldn't he? Everything he published…most of the proceeds would go to the hospital. It was a good job Yaxley was a natural healer, otherwise Hadrian would have felt a little bad…especially if he was getting pressured by his superiors to get Hadrian onside. Stepping through the door while Yaxley ensured it was closed.
"If you say so," Yaxley said dryly, his sarcasm obvious, their footsteps were the only things heard as they walked in silence until they returned to the office.
"You just miss having someone to boss around and not having to train them," Hadrian teased him, as they both retook their seats.
"There is that," Yaxley commented wryly, "It's never been a favourable task, due to my…natural healing abilities I learned differently. My way doesn't quite work for them and so forth, while you have the natural talent…you too are different from me." Which was perplexing to say the least, it shouldn't be possible yet it was, Hadrian only needed to look and feel to get an understanding. While he had to work a little harder, perhaps he was a different level of natural healing?
"Magic is eternal, every changing, mutating along the way, just when you think you understand it, you'll find yourself farther away from that understanding that you could have ever expected." Hadrian replied, something his Potions Master had said. The closer you think you are the farther you actually were, it was quite true really. "Everyone uses their magic different, has different perceptions which I believe affects your magic. When I first used magic to save my life I didn't use a wand…and the prospect of needing one was a strange one to me. Thus I never came to rely on it quite the same way other teenagers do." Which was true enough, on the run didn't afford him the comfort of relying on his wand, especially when he fought more than one opponent at a time. The so called light side had fought dirty but they never saw the hypocrisy in their movements.
"We are in agreement regarding that," Yaxley nodded firmly, everything he knew regarding magic had been pulled from under him by this slip of a boy. Well, he wasn't quite 'a slip of a boy' anymore, but he had been upon their first meeting. He would never have guessed his outcome when he had tirelessly spent weeks battling to save the child's life. The pureblood circle was still reeling really, scrambling to cancel marriage contracts and the like, horrified at the prospect that they were responsible for the decline of magic and the birth of squibs in their noble lines. Many of his acquaintances and friends were desperate to become friends with the Peverell-Slytherin couple. Knowing they were going to become extremely important in their world.
Yaxley himself had no desire for furthering himself, he had no political aspirations. He was content with his life, plus he was widely regarded as the best healer in St. Mungo's. As a natural healer it was quite self-explanatory as to why that was the case. It was also why he had been summoned to aid in then unnamed child. He couldn't deny he desired to see Hadrian working at St. Mungo's, to see what would become of him. To teach him all he knew, to see him flourish and watch that beautiful mind at work.
He had two more years to see if the boy would change his mind. Two more years he would remain at Hogwarts and gain his N.E.W.T's. Then the world would be his for the taking, he'd get any job he desired straight out of Hogwarts due to his smarts.
He suspected, however, the boy was destined for even greater things than St. Mungo's had to offer.
"It's been fun," Hadrian said, standing abruptly, scooping up the strap of his bag that had been dumped earlier when he came in for his 'shift' at the hospital. "I'll see you in class, Professor Yaxley," he added with sass.
Yaxley scowled at the teenager, everyone knew he hated that title, especially while class wasn't in session.
Hadrian just laughed and sauntered out the room, Yaxley just shook his head, musing whether to head for a quick lunch then return to his duties since the Medi-witches had this.
---------0
Taking in a deep breath after Apparating to the magical side of platform nine and three quarters. There was just something about returning to Hogwarts that made him feel both so happy and nostalgic. Most of it left over feelings from his other years at Hogwarts. It had been his home for so long, Tom's too, and he didn't need the bond to know Tom felt this as well when they saw the train.
Sure, they had a new home, or would you consider Peverell manor old? Either way, Hogwarts was no longer their sole refuge. They no longer needed a refuge, they were safe, and no longer forced to return to a place they loathed. Merlin, that time he'd spent in the Muggle world had been enough for Hadrian. At least during the war at any rate, now that had been utterly terrifying. What long term affect did that have on Tom in the long run? That undiluted fear of death? No, it didn't matter, after all the future he knew had been wiped clean.
Peverell Manor meant more to them than Hogwarts, it was their future, but the school would always have a special place in their hearts. It was their first home, the only place that had ever made sense to them. Where they had harnessed their magic and become capable.
Hadrian didn't bother trying to see over the heads of all the students and their parents trying to find Tom. Instead he focused on the bond, feeling Tom out, and wasn't very surprised to sense that Tom and the others were actually already on the train. The express filled up really quickly and if you wanted a decent compartment then you had to snap it up fast.
Quickly making his way through the crowd, avoiding trampling on anyone or bumping into them. He'd rather not have to apologise over and over again. Half his focus was on the bond, especially once he was on the train, until he got to the third compartment down and opened it.
The compartment was uncommonly packed. Usually only a few of the others joined them, instead what Tom could one day call his 'Inner circle' was there.
"Hey," Hadrian murmured, squeezing into the window seat next to Tom. Sighing softly, he leaned back giving a groan of contentment.
"How did it go?" Avery asked, genuinely curious.
"I'll miss it, but it was a good experience," Hadrian replied sincerely, especially if they needed any medical healing after the battle with Grindelwald.
"Then why not continue it?" Dolohov suggested.
"I have other…projects I want to do," Hadrian answered immediately, his mind drifting back to the wizards and witches he'd seen completely catatonic.
Tom glanced at him briefly, his brow furrowing as he sensed the turmoil within Hadrian.
Hadrian mouthed 'Later' to him, he'd discuss it in private, Tom in turn gave a very short imperceptible nod of his head.
"If you enjoyed it then maybe you can open a clinic next summer?" Orion suggested, "We don't have many people who open clinics for those who need help." St. Mungo's…well, sometimes it took weeks at a time to get an appointment unless it was an emergency and even then, you could end up waiting hours to be seen.
"That…is actually not a bad idea," Hadrian pointed out, a thoughtful look on his face, it would allow him to do what he wanted while helping others. A part time clinic, or hell a full time one with a few healers he trusted to work with him. They would work their own hours, make their own money, it was actually very plausible, another way to bring in money. Although, probably not much, since the whole purpose of the clinic would be to help those who couldn't afford St. Mungo's.
Orion just sat there smugly, very pleased with him.
"How did your talks go with your parents, by the way?" Hadrian asked some five minutes later, interrupting the quiet talking the others had going on with their neighbours or the reading a few were doing.
"I've had no luck," Nott grumbled look extremely vexed.
"My parents were apprehensive about it, but in the end they agreed to let me go, since it's only a few days and I'd have an emergency portkey on hand." Avery replied, while a few nodded, as if that had been the same line of questioning they'd had regarding their holiday.
"Same," the others who had nodded in agreement.
"Just one who hasn't got permission?" Hadrian asked, surprised despite himself.
"I haven't had the opening to ask them," Dolohov said grudgingly, feeling like a failure.
"Be sure to be convincing, get the others to help you write a good letter, with a portkey I can't see the reason they'd say no," Hadrian replied, understanding why Dolohov was hesitating. He had seen the expression on his face when he learned they were going after Grindelwald. It was one of pure fear, Dolohov reminded him of Draco actually, full of fire but when it came down to it…he just didn't have the confidence to go through with it. People would call it cowardice, but the reality was he just had a bigger sense of self preservation. Plus, he was one of the Death Eaters who lived to adulthood and he became quite confident in himself. All he needed was time and some confidence. "There's no guarantee you'll be chosen anyway, it all depends on how the training goes."
"Speaking off, how is your Wandless abilities going?" Tom asked cutting in, his tone very different from the soothing dulcet tones of Hadrian. Dolohov was grateful for the change in subject for all of two seconds.
The silence spoke volumes.
"How disappointing," Tom uttered, causing the bond with Hadrian to ping with amusement, he knew immediately that it was the words not the way he was behaving. Which made him even more curious, but he refrained from asking, even over the bond since he'd immediately began speaking and he wasn't going to interrupt. It was always fascinating to watch Hadrian with his inner circle.
"It takes time guys, and you've been using magic most of the summer…it's not going to be a simple and easy thing, even while we're in Wandless classes," which he knew a few of them were, and it was going to be fun to see how they do. Hopefully it would be at the end of the day, since he knew how exhausting Wandless magic actually was on a person when they first begin.