Aiden Avery straightened his robes subtly as he stood, tall and regal like all pureblood's as he made his way through the crowd and taking the two steps until he was on the platform, and standing in front of the Minister for Magic. An explosion of pictures were taken, causing lights to flash over a dozen times simultaneously, "The Ministry thanks you for your actions and sacrifice," Spencer-Moon said smoothly, placing the medal on the teens lapel, before they shook hands and turned to face the crowd, before the Minister took a step back, allowing Aiden to speak to the room, as all participants would do.
"Firstly I want to thank you all for coming here tonight to help me celebrate what will probably be one of my greatest achievements of my life," Aiden said, grinning at the crowd, annoyed by all the flashing lightbulbs but paying no attention to it and the laugh he elicited, damn Hadrian had been right. He'd worked with Hadrian and Tom in how to draw the crowd in, to say the right things, even his parents hadn't heard his speech despite their asking him. "Although, truthfully, I don't believe I really deserve it, I was only doing what any one of us would have done. The right thing, at the time I wasn't thinking of medals or celebratory parties, I was just trying to survive. To help my friends survive the assault." Placing his hand close to the medal, as he spoke absently. Pausing to allow room for the aww's and cooing that had come up at his words. He didn't need to look over at his friends to know they were hiding the incredulity at his words, not everyone 'would have done it' and they know it as well as he.
"It was a team effort, from all of us, and I am proud of my friends, they deserve it, and thank you again. I will wear this with pride." He finished, they'd been asked to keep their speech short, with so many recipients, having over ten people giving speeches could potentially take all night. Forty-five seconds was the time they'd been given for their speech length.
Another handshake with the Minister of magic, he was then gestured to leave the platform using the other side. Which he did, fighting to keep the smug smirk appearing on his face. That could come later, when he returned home…depending on what they were doing later, nothing had been discussed.
His smile become a little more genuine when he saw his sister standing and clapping for him. A look of pride on her face, all for him, she gave him a thumbs up, regardless of the disapproval on their parents faces.
"Next I'd like to call to the stage the next recipient for the Order of Merlin first class…" Spencer-Moon said, pausing for dramatic effect, "Antonin Dolohov,"
"Evidently not doing it by alphabetical order," Hadrian mused as he applauded politely.
Antonin stood, and made the same path as Aiden, allowing the Minister to place the medal upon his lapel, his crisp clean black robes and shiny gold medal clearly seen by all. He allowed a small smile to appear on his face as he shook hands and faced the crowd.
"Hello, thank you all so much for coming to mark this day with me and my friends and family it's pretty overwhelming." Dolohov said, clearing his throat, "It means a great deal to us all, we Slytherins tend to get a bad name sometimes…so this…this is an opportunity for everyone to see that we are just like everyone else…I accept this award and hope there is less prejudice with it. Thank you." With that Antonin shook the Minister's hand and with more purpose than Aiden Antonin stalked back towards his seat, head held high, almost defiantly.
The cheering and applause was almost deafening, the moment Antonin sat down, it was a relief, he was beginning to feel a little shaky.
"He has no idea," Hadrian murmured quietly to Tom, he and Tom were the only ones who realized just how bad the prejudice could have gotten in future.
Tom hummed, giving a single nod in agreement, as Fenrir coloured in yet again between them, half a glass of butterbeer wedged between his legs, and a large straw sticking out his mouth as he absently sucked on the brew with glee, he liked it very much. He seemed oblivious to everyone else, despite the knowledge it must be harsh on his ears.
"Next I'd like to call to the stage the next recipient for the Order of Merlin first class…" Spencer-Moon said, pausing a little less for dramatic effect, getting the show on the road, "Orion Black,"
The applause that came from the entire Black family was thunderous to say the least. All of them were there to celebrate the families achievement. Six Black's awarded Order of Merlin first class, you're damn right they were proud. Near all of them still in Hogwarts with the exception of one, who had only been out of Hogwarts for a bit. It boded well for their future and yes, they were feeling rather smug. It included extended family and soon-to-be family as well.
Orion as the next Lord of the Black estate, would one day be in charge of the entire Black family and all it represented. Him getting an Order of Merlin first class, well, it just meant he was going to do a very good job, Arcturus couldn't be more proud of his family if he tried. Except when he got to hold his first grandchild in his arms, the next heir for the Black family he imagined.
"We stood and fought, and would have stood and fought further without withdrawal. We stood and fought for the betterment of our society, for our freedom and peace. A lot of us in the past, such as Merlin himself, chose a path full of hazards, but our characters and courage as a nation heralded his triumph. The cost of freedom is always high, and the French paid for that freedom with the lives of their own. However, I believe that they too would never surrender or submit. They will never be forgotten, so with that I accept this medal with great honour and remember the fallen who have laid the path here to this day, to freedom and peace."
If anything Orion's speech caused even greater reception as every single person rose to their feet and applauded.
"Okay, that was a good one," Aiden agreed, admiring the speech, it was much better than his own fumbling one. Next to Orion's his and Antonin's sounded like that of a five year old. Maybe they should have asked their parents, because damn everyone was definitely going to remember that speech.
"Definitely," Hadrian agreed, as he claimed his seat once more.
"Next I'd like to call to the stage the next recipient for the Order of Merlin first class…Alphard Black," Spencer Moon, called out, pride exuding from him as he watched the next generation become even greater then the generation before them.
"Now this should be good, he has a way with words," Tom said grudgingly, not as good as he and Hadrian of course, but in his view nobody was as good as them.
"Too nervous, he doesn't like attention on him and he wasn't trained to be under pressure, that's all on Orion." Hadrian disagreed, Alphard was definitely the quietest of all Black's, and one of the fondest Hadrian felt for, only because he had helped Sirius, his nephew, by giving him the funds to get a flat and such, upon his death, only to be blasted from the family tree by an irate Walburga or Orion. Perhaps both.
"I don't know he did wonderfully during debates in class," Walburga said, "I think it gave him confidence, it's a lot worse debating with friends and family than giving a speech in front of primarily strangers." Which this hall was by the way, made up of distant acquaintances they all knew because of their family. Of course, family was there too, but their father/uncle/head of their family.
"We're about to find out," Hadrian said thoughtfully, watching Alphard turn to face the crowd, they all looked alike, all the Black's and surprisingly it wasn't painful to see, he'd always be fond of Sirius, but that was a different life, a different time, Sirius Black wouldn't be the same person he knew.
"I wish to thank each and every one of you here tonight, for your time. I also wish to thank the Aurors who worked tirelessly and often time thanklessly in order to fight Grindelwald's tyranny. The war with Grindelwald might not have touched Britain as much as the other countries, but that time had been coming with haste like a looming shadow threatening us all. We have endured…difficult decisions, pain, loss and fear but as always Britain does not surrender to its foes, we fight, fight for our freedom and the righteousness. I will accept this medal in their honour, also my own honour, and we will continue to fight against tyranny of any kind."
"Nicely done," Hadrian admitted, cheering along with the others, that had been a good speech, that class truly had helped Alphard come along. Alphard had never agreed with the dark side, from what he knew, he'd been indifferent to it all. Which was why it had been a surprise when Alphard began spending more and more time with them.
Hadrian failed to realize just how much he'd turned everything on it's head. With his arrival at Hogwarts and his continued presence by Tom's side.
"Told you," Walburga said smugly, cheering on Alphard loudly, uncaring about the glances she received from her Aunt, Uncle and parents. He deserved to know how proud of him she was.
"You did," Hadrian agreed, grinning widely, happy to see her so…buoyant, even Abraxas' fiancée was cheering for Alphard with a smile on her face genuinely looking happy for them. they needed this, Hadrian realized, after spending so much time fearing the worst, fearing an invasion…it must be good to be able to let your hair down. They didn't have his advantages, didn't know what he did, that Grindelwald never makes it as far as Britain, never touches Hogwarts or all within Britain herself. Didn't know that he'd been destined to spend what was left of his life in the prison he'd created for his own enemies. Not anymore, no, instead he was six foot under…if he'd been buried that is, who knows? He may have just been set ablaze. He did have a relative after all, a great aunt, she might, just might admit to it if she had any feelings left towards the wizard.
"Next I'd like to call to the stage the next recipient for the Order of Merlin first class…Cygnus Black," Spencer Moon, called out, after picking up the next medal already well aware of everyone he was to present medals to.
Cygnus unlike the others positively swaggered up to the stage with an air of arrogant pureblood and Black pride. Something of which all Black's had in abundance, he was nonetheless humbly accepting the medal and manfully shaking the Minister's hand with the grace of a man, which he was and nodding once.
"What can I say that hasn't already been said?" Cygnus said with a rueful grin, "I stand here before you simply by sheer dumb luck as a good friend likes to say. We were attacked viciously and without mercy while enjoying our Yule holidays. We were indeed lucky to survive, and I am grateful to be able to stand up here today and say this. Thank you for this wonderful honour, I am proud of the resourcefulness and dedication we carried out and put a stop to this monster who was terrorising the entire world with his actions. His mistake was going after Hadrian, and he paid for that, and now we can celebrate our freedom and refusal to bow down to his dictatorship."
Hadrian laughed as he applauded, sheer dumb luck, yes, it was a favourite saying of his when he survived something that others might not have. Starting all the way back to Minerva McGonagall when he was eleven years old in another time. To hear Cygnus Black say it though…well, who could blame him for laughing?
Tom rolled his eyes, but the fondness was there as he gazed at his husband.
"I'd like to call to the stage the next recipient for the Order of Merlin first class…Abraxas Malfoy," the Minister called out, applauding with everyone else as Abraxas made his way up after kissing his betrothed on the hand, causing Imogen to flush beautifully and beam at Abraxas as if he hung the moon and the stars even if she was somewhat confused by his openness and the way he had been with her tonight. It was different, something she wasn't used to from their luncheons and dates they'd had so far.
Hadrian watched the scene, vividly reminded of Lucius and Draco. They were all so alike that it was quite frankly scary sometimes. They were almost like clones of each other, especially now as Abraxas was growing his hair, the blonde tresses getting longer each time Hadrian saw him. He had no trouble seeing Abraxas' parents either, who were radiating smugness from where they sat with the other parents. Well, they were entitled he supposed, this once, to be smug. Their son had just won and Order of Merlin first class, they weren't just handed out like sweets. And frankly? This was the biggest group ever actually awarded the first class simultaneously.
"Thank you all so much for coming tonight to help us celebrate this momentous occasion. Not just for us but for everyone around the world who can now relax and resume a normal life without fear of being attacked at given moment." Abraxas said his dulcet tone drawing them in. "I'd like to thank my parents, friends and more importantly my fiancée for their support in what has been quite a trying week." Laying it on a little thick, but he was trying to refrain from making his speech all about him, despite the fact he did indeed just win an Order of Merlin for goodness sake. "However, we are all British and what we do is carry on. Which is exactly what we will all do, carry on."
The applause wasn't as loud, but it was not 'subdued' just less…enthusiastic. Abraxas didn't seem to mind, he merely shook the Minister's hand and made his way back to his seat.
Fenrir tugged at Hadrian's robes yet again, as he put the empty butterbeer flagon back on the table. "I need to pee!" he whispered squirming in his seat.
Hadrian laughed quietly, shaking his head, "Alright, come on then," he said, hopefully he wasn't about to be called upon.
"I can take him?" Imogen offered, somewhat unsurely, not sure of the protocol she hadn't been around children often, well, more accurately someone that wasn't a baby. Did she take him to the girls toilets or did she take him into the boys?
"It's fine," Hadrian said, giving her a reassuring smile, thankful for the offer, but he did want to stretch his legs and if he heard any more speeches he was going to die of boredom. Although, admittedly, some of them had been very tastefully done.
Giving Tom and everyone else a nod, he eased Fenrir out of his seat and put the boy – who was gaining a serious amount of weight lately – on his hip and guided them both out of the grand hall, ignoring the looks he was getting from people – until they realized who he was – for leaving the hall during the speeches.
When they were leaving the toilets they bumped into the Dolohov's or rather Hadrian swept forward and prevented Lady Dolohov from falling to the floor. Her face a mask of intolerable pain, but her mouth remained firmly shut despite the fact she surely wanted to cry out in agony. "Are you okay, ma'am?" Hadrian asked, allowing her husband to ease her up, into standing position again.
"I'm fine, my apologies," Temperance said, "Just a little tumble," trying to wave it off with an air of grace.
"No, you're in pain," Hadrian said, glancing at Dolohov as if suspecting he was the cause of it. "Do you require a pain relief? I have brought some with me?"
"They no longer work," Lord Dolohov insisted, a dark look of anger on his face.
"What caused the pain?" Hadrian asked, his voice quiet and soothing, a probing look on his face.
"The blasted Aurors is what happened," face red in anger, it was their fault, he didn't care about the compensation she'd received. He calmed slightly when he felt his wife's hand on his back and rubbing soothingly.
"It was an unfortunate accident, I was lucky not to be paralysed, I was hit with a severing charm by the Aurors in the back. Just wrong place wrong time scenario, returning from our honeymoon." She explained to Hadrian, not sure why she was, but everyone already knew this, it wasn't a secret.
"Nerve damage?" Hadrian asked in understanding, a thoughtful look on his face.
Surprise flickered through Temperance Dolohov's face, "Why, yes," she murmured, surprised that the boy understood.
"And none of the potions work?" Hadrian then queried.
"No," Lord Dolohov insisted grouchily, "Now if you'll excuse me, do enjoy the rest of your evening." He wanted to get his wife in bed and as comfortable as he could make her.
"Wait," Hadrian said quickly, his hand disappearing into his cloak pocket, and pulling out a bag, which he then unfurled to reveal an assortment of potions and salves that he'd made, which definitely weren't all from this time. "This will help her, massage it onto her back four times a day, until the tub is finished."
"What is it?" Dolohov asked suspiciously, not in a 'you'll kill my wife' kind of way but leery of accepting something he didn't know.
"A salve that will sink into her skin and kill the pain, it has phoenix tears in it, very potent and it should help in fact the pain should lessen considerably…even permanently." Hadrian informed him seriously, not at all offended, before he went on to explain what other ingredients were in the salve just in case Lady Dolohov was allergic to anything. The list wasn't all that long, but he rushed it nonetheless, Fenrir was beginning to get impatient.
Dolohov relaxed and a hopeful gleam entered his eye before it was covered up. "How much?" he grunted out, assuming he was doing it for the money.
Hadrian just shook his head, "Good luck, I hope you feel better soon," was all he said with kindness towards Temperance before he added a quick, "Goodbye!" and he once again lifted Fenrir up.
It was about fifteen minutes later, when he returned, Hadrian realized that Mulciber and Rosier had already given their speeches and gotten their Order of Merlin's. That Dorea was missing from the table, and one glance showed that she was shaking hands with the Minister, ready to give her speech.
Getting Fenrir comfortable and settled once again, very proud of him and his patience. He had been so well behaved tonight that Hadrian couldn't help it, he was so overwhelmingly proud of him. Merlin, thank goodness they had found him when they did, otherwise it might have already been too late for him. lightly adjusting his hair, Hadrian absently kissed him on the head, before leaning back ready to listen, tonight hadn't been so bad actually, he'd been fearing it would be much worse.
Arching a brow, Tom wondered why Hadrian had been so long, but Hadrian just shook his head, he'd explain later.
Tuning in to listen to the speech.
"It's my greatest pleasure in accepting this award, thanks to everyone who worked hard to end the threat that was Grindelwald and his followers. I'd like to say it was luck that we survived, but it wasn't, it was the work of everyone, my friends, my family and more importantly Newton and Theseus Scamander who's timely intervention allowed us to get our bearings in order to fight. Thank you to the tutors my parents hired that allowed me to be able to fight alongside my cousin and brothers as equals, it was thanks to them that I was able to fight alongside them and be as ferocious as any wizard. A special thank you to Charles Potter who also encouraged me to continue with these lessons during the summer holidays." She added standing tall and proud, ignoring the whispers that had begun at her words.
"Woah," Hadrian said, eyes widening at the words, he hadn't expected that at all. She was finally coming out as dating Charles Potter. He shot a quick glance at the Black reactions, seeing them all baffled was better than angry he guessed.
"What the hell was that all about?"
"How the hell does she know Potter?"
"I think it's about high time we spoke to him don't you?" Orion said with deceptive mildness, eyes boring into Charles Potter who was unaware of the protective fury radiating from Orion.
"If you want to risk her wrath, go right ahead," Hadrian said sniggering with a wicked grin on his face, "She'll make sure you can't have kids,"
Orion paled at the threat, crossing his legs, "Maybe…another time," he muttered, "I'm sure father will deal with it." hiding behind his dad.
"I can't believe I'm defending him," Hadrian said in amusement, Charles Potter was very, very light orientated. Did not believe in the use of dark magic, and had very prejudice and narrowminded views that he was definitely going to pass down to James Potter. He wondered why Dorea endured it, allowed her son to besmirch the house she came from and all she represented. She was a Slytherin and proud of that fact, she was a Black and her core was easier suited for Dark magic. It was just the way of the world. Then again they struggle for years to have James if he recalled correctly, he honestly didn't know, so much conflicting information he couldn't begin to wade out the truth to rumours even about his own family.
'Worried?' Tom arched a brow, speaking through the bond they shared. What would happen if Dorea and Charles did not get together? History would be changed, Hadrian's history specifically, but as MOD and someone completely different he wasn't Harry James Potter anymore. He was Hadrian Peverell, and surely nothing could happen even if things were changing enough that he wasn't born in this timeline. Hadrian had changed it the moment he appeared in Diagon Alley that day, altered the future all he knew disappeared with it.
'I always worry about things like that' Hadrian revealed honestly, he felt responsible, but he was learning to let go a little, be less worried.
'I know' Tom answered, watching Walburga accept her medal next, the normally blank faced witch was beaming in sheer delight. She should be delighted, the list of witches who had won this award was low, Lucretia, Walburga and Dorea were probably what…fourteen, fifteen and sixteenth on the list. Something he had to admit he was surprised by, given some of the things witches had done for the magical world, including inventing Floo Networking, for which that had won the witch an award, he couldn't quite remember her name.
"When I received the letter inviting me to this celebration, a celebration to award me an Order of Merlin I was very surprised, in fact I almost fainted," Walburga admitted, causing a light-hearted laugh to go around, "Neither my cousin or aunt ever expected to be the recipient of such an outstanding award, to have our contributions noticed. A lovely surprised to be sure, and one I will always remember. I never woke up and expected or even dreamed of such an award being gifted, neither before or after the fight, you'll never know how much this means to me, so on behalf of myself and my friends and family, from the bottom of my heart, thank you."
Harry was amongst the first to stand and applaud, once again, as he often did with every interaction with Walburga, wonder how she turned from how she was to the damn portrait left to hang in Grimmauld Place. He genuinely liked her, and couldn't see how Sirius could think she was nothing but an 'old hag' and constantly worried that something could happen to her in future. Something that changed her, but oftentimes he came back to grief, grief did a number on anyone. Losing her husband, her son and her other son, the Black heir who should have been Lord Black…fleeing as if the grim was on his tail as soon as he could.
"I'd like to call to the stage the next recipient for the Order of Merlin first class…Lucretia Black," the Minister called out, grateful that they were still Black's otherwise he would have been a little lost on their names, they were all betrothed if he recalled correctly, and would soon be married and joining other families.
"Are you returning home after you receive your medal?" Aiden asked, his gaze on Hadrian. He knew very well that Hadrian would look for the quickest escape route as soon as possible.
"Probably," Hadrian said, "It's getting late and well past this wee man's bed time," his hand carding through Fenrir's brown hair.
"Right, just because it's his bed time," Aiden teased him, a rueful grin on his face, Hadrian loathed being in the public eye.
"Of course," Hadrian said blinking his green eyes innocently, "Who'd want to miss all this?"
Everyone at the table snorted, the shocking thing was Hadrian actually sounded like he meant it. When they all actually knew he'd rather already be at home, although to be fair, they were all looking forward to hearing his speech, no doubt he'd leave them all stunned. If they thought Alphard had a way with words or Orion…nobody came close to Hadrian. He could make you feel like shit without actually being nasty about it and bolster your spirits like nothing else. It depended on which way he went, and how he was feeling this particular day.
"She's up," Alphard said, quieting the entire table, as they all turned to stare at the resplendent vision Lucretia Black made all dressed up for the night. Her betrothed was staring at her starry eyed, clearly aware of how lucky he was to have her in his life.
Ignatius Prewett was so gone on his wife-to-be that was clear to see. The Prewett's Hadrian realized, had money and connections. What had happened to those connections and money? Then again Ignatius wasn't the firstborn, he didn't gain control of the estate, so whatever happened couldn't be courtesy of him. Ignatius was going to be the Uncle of Molly Weasley and the three other kids they had, Bilius, Gideon and Fabian. His eyes widened when he recognized a young woman at the table, well young-ish certainly a lot younger when he saw her last. Muriel, Molly's great aunt. Bloody hell was that a smile she had on her face? A big difference to the scowling sour thing she was in future.
"Good evening everyone, I hope you've all enjoyed tonight, for it's not just for one but all. I think it's safe to say I never envisioned myself standing here with such a prestigious medal being presented to me. I have never felt such an intense passion at receiving any awards or accolades for that matter. however, let me tell you it is not just my sole effort that has brought me here tonight. A great thank you to my tutor Samuel Flint and Tara Wentworth for their dedication in making me be the best I can be. They and Hadrian Peverell-Slytherin saw a talent in me that even I couldn't see in myself." Lucretia explained, "Not just them but my family too, everyone needs families and mentors and I'm very fortunate to have mine guiding me at such a young age. Let this be a guide to every witch looking to change the world, its not over unless you want it to be, and a true example of this is me, standing right here, in front of you. Thank you very much!"
"That was quite demure for her," Orion acknowledged, as he stood, yet again, cheering for her, they'd expected more power to witches speech than what just happened. "Mom has been spending a lot of time talking to her though," the near loss had frightened their mother something fierce. Melania Black was a force to be reckoned with when she was worked up.
"And Arcturus," Walburga pointed out, as she drank from her spiked butterbeer, now that speeches were out the way, they could enjoy themselves a little more. Cygnus had gotten the shot of whiskey for her.
"Yeah," Orion agreed, with his betrothed, who sidled close together while they stood and applauded until Lucretia re-joined them again, Cygnus slyly giving her the whiskey imbued butterbeer with a wink when she returned.
Lucretia grinned and gleefully accepted it, before they all sat down again.
"Four Galleons Tom's called first," Alphard suggested, a sly smirk on his face, that was very reminiscent of Sirius Black.
"Nope, definitely me," Hadrian disagreed, "The Ministry will see his contribution as the best, so yeah, definitely last and they'll probably add more to the speech."
Everyone automatically looked to the Minister, waiting to see which one would be the winner of the bet.
"The next recipient of the Order of Merlin first class…Hadrian Peverell-Slytherin," the Minister called out, taking the medal from its box, when the assistant opened it for him.
"Damn it," Alphard groused, almost pouting, almost, it was a near thing.
"I'll be back for it," Hadrian said smugly, running his hand through Fenrir's hair before he stood up, making his own way to the podium. Nothing in his body language suggested he was unhappy or annoyed by this display, but Tom could feel how Hadrian felt. He hated the spot light so enormously that usually Tom found it hilarious. He believed it was just past experience that made him that way. That in time he'd get used to it, but he was beginning to think that wasn't true either.
The Minister however, broadcasted a little bit of discomfort, probably due to the reminder of the conversation they had at the beginning of the evening. He was far from a stupid wizard, he knew that the Peverell-Slytherin's had the ability to make his life a living hell should they have the desire to do so. They not only had the money but the political backing of the entire pureblood population. Everyone was going out their way to try and speak to the Peverell-Slytherins this evening, their table had been overwhelmed with people clamouring.
"Good evening, everyone," Hadrian said, facing the crowd, nothing revealing his general dictate. "Thank you all for coming tonight. The support we have received from you all has been awe-inspiring. It's times like these that we must band together, whether we are human or the creatures you so deride and pretend to better than. It only causes strife, tension and inevitably wars. Let what happened a week ago be words of warning to anyone wishing to pick up where Grindelwald took off, we will not stand for it. There will always be someone strong enough to stand up against such reckless hate. Always someone strong enough to do what must be done. As a poet so accurate said, to be human is to err; to forgive, divine. We must forgive those who seek to destroy what we've built, we are all only human, that is not to say we forget, learn from past mistakes and make a bright, bright future. A future for all of us, this current generation and the next and the next after that let the past go, let prejudice and old belief's go. Thank you."
With that Hadrian stepped down, giving a nod to the crowd before making his way to his seat. Kissing Fenrir on the forehead and giving Tom's shoulder a squeeze as he claimed his seat. The applause was still going strong, ironically, Hadrian didn't believe they would take what he said to heart. They'd try though, he'd give them that.
"Last but no means least, I'd like to call up Tom Peverell-Slytherin, who's dedication and aid has ended this war before it reached our shores, and prevented countless deaths," Spencer-moon declared, "And we owe him more than we can repay, Tom Peverell-Slytherin everyone!"
Hadrian grinned at Alphard, "Told you," he said smugly, he might be in a different time but they were all the same. The Ministry was trying to gain their favour in order to bolster the public image of them.
Alphard grumbled, but grudgingly handed over the gold coins, it was no skin of his nose really, he had more money. He was a Black he just didn't like being proven wrong. They should all know better than that by now, not to bet when it came to Hadrian. He had a canny ability to be right, constantly.
Harry turned his attention back to Tom, watching him walk towards the platform, tall and proud his commanding presence out in full force. Tom had been writing his speech since they received word that they'd be getting this party in order to prepare. Although, he had no idea what Tom intended to say. Tom had been working on it while he read through the dozens of manuscripts he'd had sent to himself and sleeping while he recuperated. One of them had been Scamander's, and despite having read it before, Hadrian had re-read it and enjoyed it just the same. Suggesting a name change and giving him more than he knew any other publishing company would give to a newcomer, only because he knew how just popular it would be, it would send his company higher up the food chain, he knew the amount of money that book would continue to bring in. Worth whatever he had to pay.
Tom had his masks up in full force, playing the humbled but charming teenager that he used most frequently at Hogwarts. Accepting the Order of Merlin graciously, and seriously, even from here, unable to hear what Tom and Spencer-moon was saying, the Minister had that starry eyed look on his face that was constantly associated with anyone Tom talks to for any length of time and with purpose.
"Thank you all so much for coming to help celebrate our accomplishments this evening. A few years ago, I could never have imagined that I'd be standing here before you the recipient of such a prestigious award. This will always be a cherished memory, however, the marriage to my husband definitely is my most defining moment, although this will remain close to my heart." Tom said, sounding awed and humbled, an award-winning smile gracing his features. Possessively reminding everyone that Hadrian was his, and very much taken.
The women in the crowed 'awwed' over the words as if he had said something adorable and cute. Quite a few of the wizards all seemed deeply amused, guessing accurately the real reason behind the words. Especially his friends and Hadrian himself just barely, barely refrained from snorting.
"It was as it's been stated, a group effort, and I wish to thank each of them for their actions that day, that proudly enabled us to end the Dark Lord Grindelwald's reign of terror. I'd also like to thank my professors at Hogwarts for the passion they show for their subjects, especially Professor Merrythought, our DADA teacher who's passionate speech from our first class heralded my own love of Defence against the Dark Arts. And a special thanks to my Head of House, Horace Slughorn for his dedication in making sure each of us were more than performing adequately at our subjects and believing in us."
Hadrian looked around, lips twitching, Tom had them all eating out of the palm of his hands. Making his speech not about him, Merlin it had to be killing him, there was no doubt he wanted to discuss his own accomplishments but knew he couldn't if he wanted to come across in a certain way. Image was everything to Tom, at least his public image anyway.
"Also I'd like to thank my husband, who I would not be standing here today without," Tom said, dark eyes gleaming, a world of secrets behind those eyes, secrets that only Hadrian and Tom shared.
Hadrian pursed his lips barely able to refrain from guffawing, now that was probably the closest thing to the truth Tom had said this evening.
"Thank you," Tom added, to the crowd and the group cheered and the others begun to applaud, Tom shook the Ministers hand before making his way back to the group. Horace Slughorn applauded the loudest, proudly boasting that 'Tom' was his favourite student, and the smartest that had walked the halls in a few generations. They could hear him from here without any difficulty.
Tom just seemed amused by the words, as he claimed his seat, interlocking his fingers with Hadrian. 'I did mean that' he said mentally to Hadrian, he wouldn't be here without him, and he owed him everything.
'You don't need to thank me, Tom, you were capable of all this on your own. You are so smart, so dedicated, and so very powerful. Just a little impatient, the Horcruxes added to the madness…I'm glad I was able to save you from your impulsiveness. This though…this you were always capable of. You were made for this, everyone else who follows you can see the greatness in you,' Hadrian said with pride and love shining through his green eyes, pressing a kiss to Tom's hand. 'Now you can give me the speech you probably wanted later tonight, how about it?' knowing without a doubt Tom will have written two, one he wanted to say the other he knew he would.
Tom gazed at Hadrian, still surprised by how well he knew him sometimes. 'As long as we're naked' Tom suddenly declared causing Hadrian to choke on the butterbeer he was just taking a sip off.
Hadrian narrowed his eyes, 'I'll get you back for that' knowing he'd done it on purpose, their bond made any real attempts useless to say the least.
'I'd like to see you try' Tom said smugly, tonight had went splendidly, and it wasn't over yet. There were still a few people who he hadn't spoken to tonight.
With the speeches over, Dorea was gestured over by her Head of house, her brother. No doubt there would be ramifications over her words about Charles Potter. Dorea didn't wilt over the gesture, just straightened her spine and made her way over to her brother after excusing herself from the table.
"Will she be alright?" Imogen asked, watching the witch leave worry prevalent.
"She'll be just fine," Hadrian insisted, watching her closely, she was very worried, and it showed just what her own life with her parents had been like without any discussions. "Thank you for coming this evening, it was great to finally meet you, don't be afraid of making friends."
"It was wonderful!" Imogen burst out, a big smile on her face, "So much fun! I'm glad I got to meet everyone." And that it went smoothly, she'd been terrified of messing up. Abraxas had been different tonight, more talkative and he'd even let her offer to babysit Fenrir! She'd offered without thought and he'd agreed! She hoped he hadn't just said that because of his friends, but Abraxas had never once refrained from giving his opinion when he felt it was merited in public or privacy, not that they had met in private overly much, they always had a chaperone. Which was usually her father, which did put a dampener on the evening. Since this was a very public outing no chaperone had been required.
"We should meet up tomorrow for lunch? Perhaps my parents can chaperone this time?" Abraxas joined the conversation, watching his betrothed closely when he suggested his own parents, Hadrian's words ringing in his ears.
Hadrian turned to face Fenrir who was rubbing his eyes sleepily, trying to stop himself listening in on the conversation between Imogen and Abraxas. Wishing that he knew more about the Malfoy family. All he knew was that Abraxas died of Dragon Pox before or just after Draco Malfoy was born. There had been no mention of Imogen, did she die giving birth to Lucius? The thought was terrifying to say the least. Regardless of his running thoughts, he still heard the quiet conversation the betrothed pair were having.
Imogen's big smile reduced somewhat, but it was no less genuine, perhaps even a bit fond. "I'd love that," she said, her eyes light up in a way Abraxas hadn't seen before. It took Abraxas breath away.
"You're so beautiful," Abraxas said, it's the thing that had drawn him to her, she barely spoke, so it wasn't as if her personality could have drawn him. He was beginning to think there was a reason for that quietness now. "Thank you for coming tonight, it's the most fun I've had in a long time." Doing what he did, learning to be Lord of the estate, it was hardly surprising that a celebratory evening had been so much fun. Plus, the awkwardness that usually followed them during dates was gone.
"Thank you for inviting me, it was so much fun getting to meet your friends," Imogen said softly, "I just hope I didn't get a little too much for Hadrian…I really do love his books." She might have been a little too fan girly with him.
Abraxas snorted, "Don't you worry about that, Hadrian doesn't have trouble telling people to leave him alone if they get too annoying."
"Hadrian?" Imogen asked incredulously, glancing at him in doubt, he didn't look like he'd hurt a fly let alone someone else.
Abraxas laughed in delight, "Oh yes, never ask him a question you don't want to know the answer to. For he gives it to you regardless to whether it hurts or not. He doesn't like to lie…and most certainly loathes being lied to." at least this was the idea he had gotten.
"Oh," Imogen said, mouth open making an 'O' gesture in surprise.
"We celebrate Imbolc, it's a month away…but I'd very much like it if you would attend with me?" Abraxas asked.
"You mean sneak away?" Imogen said shocked.
"For an evening, yes," Abraxas, "Nothing improper I assure you," reassuring her.
Surprisingly, doing something so forbidden didn't terrify her, but excited her, "Yes!" she replied before Abraxas could say anything else. "I'd love to see them all again and celebrate Imbolc with you all." She had never celebrated any pagan holidays, nor the non-magical ones either. Yule was always just a quiet time at her home, while everyone else celebrated, her friends knew better than to send gifts, her father set them alight in righteous fury. She usually gave her friends a few small trinkets to open before the holidays, not that she could anymore, she was no longer in school.
"Bring a few of your friends, from France if they have the time, I'll send you two invites…would that be enough?" Hadrian re-joined the conversation, not even slightly embarrassed at having heard them.
Imogen just stared at Hadrian as if she couldn't comprehend his suggestion.
"No?" Hadrian said, seemingly amused by her state, glancing briefly at Tom who stood, giving him a smile and a nod. Knowing he desired to make connections, as long as he wasn't brought along for the ride then he didn't mind at all.
"I…yes, please," Imogen said a little dazed, she hadn't seen any of her friends in so long.
"Okay, it will probably be a few days, I haven't bought any invites yet," Hadrian explained, feeling feral amusement through the bond to Tom, well that hadn't taken long at all. "I don't normally, we usually just use word of mouth but I suppose we should make it a bit more professional this year if we're inviting people." people outside of their social circle, he definitely would have to invite Myrtle, she'd be pissed if he didn't, not that he'd consider not inviting her. She'd come in the past and fitted in quite well with everyone and could hold her own. He'd done that, he'd given Myrtle the courage and conviction to stand up for herself.
"I know a start-up business that's absolutely perfect for the job?" Imogen suggested, "Their prices are acceptable, much less than other professional jobs and perfectly done."
"Been looking at them for your wedding invites?" Hadrian asked, as always paying attention to what people said.
Imogen glanced at Abraxas and flushing, "My parents did my betrothal announcements…I would have liked to have used them. She just needs someone to take a interest and well…a Malfoy order would have been a perfect first start and opened doors for her." The witch and her husband had begun a start up company, and she liked them.
"Get me some of their samples," Abraxas suggested, "But no promises," he couldn't risk social ridicule if they were substandard, not even for his soon-to-be wife.
"Do they have a shop? Start-up funding?" Hadrian asked, always on the prowl for new things to invest in. He didn't need the money, hell, he didn't think he'd ever need the money with all the companies he'd invested in, both Muggle and Magical in nature, he probably had the most money out of all clients in Gringotts. Not to brag about it, but he'd made sure they had money for everything they wish to do in future and were already currently doing.
"They want to get one in Diagon Alley they said, they've got their eye on a print shop, it used to belong to a newspaper that's long since went out of business?" Imogen said, more of a question than a statement.
"Magical news global," Abraxas imputed, it was the only other newspaper that had gone bust and had a shop in Diagon Alley, "The printing presses and everything are still there, it's quite frankly a perfect set up."
"That's it! Yes, they're enquiring about it," Imogen said.
"It's difficult, most start-up businesses don't make it past their first year," Orion commented, "Leaving most in debt," mostly because its people with not a lot of money or connections trying to do something different.
"Yes, they commented on that," Imogen said with a sad smile, "They've passed their first year but still don't have premises."
"Who are they anyway?" Lucretia asked, wondering if she knew them.
"Oh, Judy and Edmund Macmillan," Imogen explained.
"Any relation to your mother?" Hadrian asked, knowing that Melania was a Macmillan.
"Very distant relations, cousins I think twice removed," Orion said, indifferently, "They don't move in our social circle," other than Melania's brother, his uncle, and of course, cousins who were babies right now, they didn't associate with any other Macmillan. Not that they were from the main Macmillan tree, it was a bastard one if he recalled correctly, and it affected its descendants whether it was right or not. Plus, there were no other Macmillan's other than the main branch and the bastard one.
Hadrian nodded, wondering what age they were, he was imagining an older woman and man, but there was no guaranteeing that's what they were. He knew it took a long time, more than just a year to start up a business, and it could flourish regardless of your last name. Look at the Weasley twins, they'd worked hard, while at school…and probably would have taken another few years to get their own premises if he hadn't given him his Triwizard winnings. From what he had heard even while on the run, they were close to running Zonko's out of business. It was a chain of stores and Weasley's had one, and yet they were close to bringing such an empire down, it was impressive to say the least.
Even if they had betrayed him, everyone had betrayed him and…no, he wasn't going to think on them. They didn't even exist, and when they did…well, he wasn't alone anymore.
He had a family of his own.
A family he could never imagined even on his best of days, and even if they became who they had been in future, he wouldn't care, he'd still love them wholly and fiercely. For his loyalty was not one sided, not like those he had the shame of calling his friends in his past.