C8: Confrontations

"The male, for all his bravado and exploration, is the loyal one, the one who generally feels love. The female is skilled at betrayal and torture and damnation."

- Charles Bukowski

0-0-0-0

Straightening her daughter's robes one last time, Molly kissed her soft blushing cheek before stepping back. "Good luck dear; I know you can do it!"

Ginny grinned at her mother before creating the portkey as the Headmaster's book instructed, keeping her destination clearly in mind as she gathered her magic.

"Portus!"

Waiting a moment for the transportation magic to settle, Ginny giggled happily as she activated the portkey with thoughts of future status and a gorgeous man on her arm.

"Lady Potter"

To the shock and horror of her mother, Molly watched her only daughter be torn apart even as she disappeared along with the portkey with a cut off scream.

Looking in horror at the blood soaked patch forming on their lawn from Ginny's severed and torn hand -that had been left behind- Molly fainted.

Ginny was able to give one last scream as she landed in the Japanese international portkey center before dying of blood loss, scaring the shit out of everyone else in the process.

Examining the pebble that was still emitting magic sluggishly after erecting a strong privacy ward around the body, Haku could tell easily why they now had a mutilated body on their hands. Instead of a destination, whoever had made the portkey had attempted to send what he assumed was this girl to a person instead of a location. While quite underpowered and messily made compared to a normal portkey, it still should have been able to get her here alive long enough to be treated and prosecuted. But with the portkey trying to find whoever it was she was looking for without a blood link to guild it, it tore her apart looking for them.

Bagging and tagging the portkey methodically, Haku sealed her body into a scroll before making a recording of the rest of the area.

When he returned to headquarters Haku dropped the scroll off first with the undertakers down stairs before he went back up to the head investigators office to start making his preliminary report and drop off the portkey.

It was going to be a long week.

0-0-0

"Why'd you let him go?" Hadrian asked curiously as he watched Kyoya's father's retreating back, he hadn't expected Kyoya to bend to anyone -not even his father- Let alone let them hit him.

"Always forgive your enemies, but never forget their names" quoted Kyoya calmly as he typed out what had happened during the encounter. He'd write it into his journal when they got back for a raw copy. Taking notes on who had seen the encounter and to retrieve the video surveillance after the party finished.

Walking over to their group, they arrived just in time to hear the cutting remark an old women they both recognized dealt to one of their own. Hadrian was furious.

"Take your filthy tongue elsewhere madam. You are not wanted or needed in present civilized company." Ordered Hadrian bluntly, inserting the aristocratic drawl Draco had taught him at the end as a way to annoy the old harpy.

"Well I never! How dare you?!" shouted Tamaki's grandmother, shocked and enraged this child would chastise her of all people in front of the upper class no less!

"I dare! I am not your cowardly son and you need remember that! I will not stand by as you insult a man whose only reason for not defending himself is to let you save face!"

"I could destroy you!" seethed the plumb muggle

Hadrian sniffed disdainfully, clearly snubbing her, "You dabble in business to survive, while I dabble to pass time. Who do you think would win in a battle of pride?"

Placing his hand on the small of Tamaki's back, Hadrian applied slight pressure, prompting a shocked Tamaki to begin moving with both sets of twins following much like guards behind, but not before sending filthy looks back at the ugly old women.

"Why?" asked Tamaki when they reached the balcony, shock starting to wear off as he began to worry about being disowned. He was very much aware of how little his father stood up for him to his grandmother.

Hadrian's eye twitched, "Can you switch gears, or are you just stuck on stupid?" Hadrian demanded as he eyed Tamaki like he was a partially mutated bit of soggy cabbage. He was well and sick of the melodrama Tamaki put them through lately because he couldn't grow a pair against a grandmother who meant nothing to him and that he had only met three times so far! Max!

Taking a deep breath, Hadrian did his best to calm down and rein in his temper so he didn't say anything he would later regret. It wasn't Tamaki's fault his grandmother wouldn't just keel over and die already. Perhaps she needed help?

Hadrian sighed; He really didn't like the old women. Looking over at Kyoya, Hadrian could see he was back on his laptop, but there seemed to be a different light then before in his eyes. Looking to Tamaki, Hadrian was surprised at the soft smile being aimed in his direction from the Half-Veela.

"Thank you"

Hadrian shrugged, embarrassed, "You're one of us. We protect our own."

Leaving the strange eyes of the pair Harry went to fetch something to eat before returning home to do some paperwork he had been putting off.

Later that night…

Feeling his mates presence behind him, Hadrian took a deep breath; "I was thinking of returning to Britain" admitted Hadrian quietly as he stared at the dew covered garden outside, it had been a good idea to move to the magical side of the country. "I want to restore and organise the Potter and Black family heritage." He admitted, knowing he would be heard thanks to his mates Vampire hearing. It was something he had been thinking about for a while now, but with the news of the new arrivals he wanted everything organised before they arrived rather than when he turned 21 like he had originally planned.

Hadrian almost jumped out of his skin when strong arms wrapped around him from behind, pulling him into a warm reassuring embrace, the usually stoic Vampire offering Hadrian the comfort that he needed.

"What brought this on? I thought you'd wanted to wait?"

Relaxing in Ume's hold Hadrian didn't cry, he couldn't seem to find the tears anymore, just the aching, gnawing sorrow that nipped after him relentlessly when he had realised the state everything was in.

"After the ball yesterday I returned home to start looking at my magical holdings and businesses. Griptide's reports don't paint a pretty picture. A rather depressing one actually." The amount of work needed on the properties was huge, and the magical businesses were well under and had been long before his parents died. But with the war he doubted his parents put much work into the family businesses.

The realisation of the fact he didn't even have a portrait of his parents to show any future children. He could paint one using the photo album, but they would never have his parent's true personality and memories hidden within.

"I understand." Umehito rumbled, tightening his grip and cradling the smaller man close, feeling a warmth spill into his heart that the man would be willing to trust him with so much.

Hadrian James Potter was a private man even though he appeared so open with so many, there were still many secrets to him and to be trusted as he had just been was both an honour and a privilege. "I will support your decision to return to Britain, I will agree to this and convince Kyoya on the merits of you leading this particular expedition." Unlike the crow, his family still kept a large number of their ancestral holdings. Hadrian's has been neglected for far too long; if he didn't work to repair and organise now, their children may lose all that heritage in the future.

Hadrian had already began to strengthen and rebuild his families former empire on the muggle side, but despite how well everything had been going so far on the mundane side it was still too early to tell how well Hadrian's ventures would go from here.

0-Maps-0

Pulling out the magical canvas and parchment he was able to acquire from the Goblins. Hadrian retrieved the castle plans and laid it on his display board to better see it as he worked.

Copying the floor plan for each level of the castle onto the canvas, Hadrian used the notes he'd found hidden in his vault to recreate the runes and spells that were found on the Marauder's Map before weaving them onto the canvas and tying them into the wards. The last step would be casting the Homonculous charm.

He'd do the same for the rest of his properties before placing the maps in his vault and hang the canvas in the Lords private room. One of the nifty spells he'd weaved in caused the 'wall' of the rooms shown to show the wards and incantation in the language it was cast written with the functions runes and incantations.

The map of the castle and its grounds will be hanging in his private room when it was finished. As much as he cared for his boys, he didn't trust them with the knowledge on how to make their own map. Suspecting Kyoya especially would sell the knowledge to the highest bidder if he had the chance.

S-What are you doing Master?-S

Looking up, Hadrian saw Loki slithering down from the open window. He really didn't want to know why he was outside at this height in the first place, or how for that matter. The vines of the jasmine didn't reach this high.

He had always been a strange snake.

S-Making a Map-S setting his brush aside, Hadrian realized he should add some secret passageways and hiding places to the castle like Hogwarts and many of the old European structures possessed.

He would need to look for the spells he needed. He knew some of the passageways at Hogwarts were made by students, while the nicer passageways were made by the founders or paranoid professors or Headmasters. The one eyed witch for example was put in by the founders as an escape route for incase any witch hunters came calling, while the Marauders had created the one to the Shrieking Shack from the Womping Willow so Moony wouldn't be discovered by someone looking out the window. He would just need to research the necessary spells he would need

S-What's it do?-S

S-It will allow me to know who is in my territory and protect my hatchings-S he mainly wanted to be able to come to his room and find his children or locate any intruders quickly. The castle was too big to search each room individually. S-How goes hunting?-S

S-I found many rat nests, but I will leave some for another sunrise-S Loki gave the snake equivalent to a cheeky grin, S-I saw Hedwig and Hades nesting last night~-S

Blinking in shock at the gossipy snake, Hadrian giggled at the odd image that entered his mind of Hedwig bossing the much larger Hades around their nest. Conveniently ignoring what nesting actually meant to the snake.

Still snickering every now and then, Hadrian returned to the maps he was creating while Loki draped himself around his neck. It wasn't long before his initial drowsiness returned just as he was halfway through a plan of Kyoya' rooms.

Hadrian put his notebook safely back into his desk draw after a quick spell to dry the paint/ink/blood mixture.

Each map had to be activated within the area it was deigned to map and he left for London tomorrow after one last retrieval trip for the Zoo.

Nest Retrieval Site, XXXX

Collecting turtle eggs with the rest of the team, of the 200 nests they had found they took 60% of the eggs from each nest; which would give them a good breeding pool to start with, even though they would be 'releasing' 90% of them on his wizard-made island.

When they hatched, hopefully they'd think they'd been birthed on the island and return to it in the future, just as their parents will be doing to their own birthplace. They already had protected feeding grounds set up so they could easily find food without the larger predators eating them while they grew.

Covering the remaining nests in protective netting to prevent land scavengers, with suspended finely woven nets to prevent aerial scavengers when they hatched, Hadrian felt those they were leaving behind had a good chance of survival. The supervising rangers seemed to think so at least.

"It's hard to watch them dash for the sea, just to be ripped apart before they make it and know you're not allowed to do anything to save them." Commented one of the rangers helping with the nests when he asked, "not that you can anyway as the scavenger's don't stay long before going after another."

"Then why do this job?" it sounded very depressing.

"For the ones who do survive to reach the sea."

Smiling, Hadrian returned back to his work. While he couldn't do the job she did himself he could understand the drive to help others. While their reasons were completely different it was one thing he had in common with Ana-chan.

Loading their batch carefully onto the transport unit they helped the other teams out and set the signage and tape to keep humans from the nesting sites.

Feeling his phone buzzing in his pocket, Hadrian found a text waiting for him:

Breeding problem. Reptile Department.

Quickly finishing up with his team before appariting to the staff Apparition point located in the breeding habitats, Hadrian strode purposely to the reptile exhibition, smiling politely to what zoo keepers he passed until he located the sender.

"What seems to be the problem?"

"It's the female snake in tank 203. We acquired her from Cobra Novellas before her kinds breeding season, but she didn't breed with the male we introduced or the next. We contacted the Cobra Novellas reptile supplier to ask about her breeding history, and they said she hadn't bred for them either." One of the magical reptile zoo keepers informed him.

Finding the mirror his workers indicated with 203: Silia written above it. Hadrian was pleased to note all the reptile habitats he'd passed so far had been clean and full of prey. Unlike other animals like fish, reptiles will only eat what they need and then leave the rest of the prey alone.

Finding the snake he heard the keepers had been fawning over, Hadrian entered her enclosure.

S-Hello Silia-S greeted Hadrian when he spotted the oddly patterned serpent hiding amongst the foliage.

S-What do the silly humans want speaker!?-S demanded Silia, well and truly sick of the two-leggers to last a lifetime.

S-They want you to have hatchlings-S sitting on one of the larger heated rocks , Hadrian sighed. S-They think you need their help to do so, as you haven't bred during the last heat despite the males they've introduced to your territory-S

Silia snubbed her nose at that, S-I am perfectly capable of finding my own mate!-S

Hadrian shrugged, S-The Gift-less are odd like that. They worry you will be the last of your kind.-S

Watching Silia brood and curse Hadrian sighed, S-Is there anything you're looking for in particular in a mate? Or had you already found a mate before?-S

Silia was silent for a time at that, S-What of your mates? What did you look for? I know you are now carrying hatchlings-S

Thinking back, Hadrian realized after a moment two things both his mates possessed, S-I wanted my mate to be loyal to me, but still have the power to protect and provide for me and our hatchlings-S though he would look into the last part. He had taken the contraceptive potion so he highly doubted he was actually carrying.

Silia nodded in understanding. She understood being a life type herself. She wouldn't want her mate to be gallivanting off with other females while she remained loyal either.

S-We look for the same in mates.-S admitted Silia, S-I have a test I use on the males. I tell them they have to remain with me one season without mating or any guarantee of mating during the next season before I'll consider them as mates.-S

S-What is the aim of that?-S it was quite an odd rule.

S-If they do stay they are worth being my mate, as they see me and not what hatchlings I can give them.-S Silia declared happily. By following that rule it had led her out of quite a few situations in the past. The last time she had wavered she had almost been bitten, if not for Sses warning her away from the male. She knew once she mated her magic would bind her to her mate but it wouldn't bind them to her.

Emerging from the enclosure an hour later, Hadrian was approached by the squibs helping him. He had made it a point to only higher Magicals and squibs or those already aware of the magical world. He didn't want to take the risk of exposure.

"Any luck?"

Hadrian sighed, "I think you should try an older snake that has either lost their mate or unmated. Or put multiple possible partners in, but leave a section where she can retreat to and leave the males in the enclosure even if no mating has occurred." It was the best solution he could come up with. Creatures that mated for live were well known to be picky when it came to mates and Silia was no exception. He wouldn't force her when it affected her whole future.

Exploring the rest of the Zoo and reserve, Hadrian made sure everything was progressing smoothly with the rest of the construction and they hadn't missed anything. Most of the animals had arrived and been given a week to settle in their new habitats before visitors were allowed to view them.

The zoo was slowly coming together.

Appariting home Hadrian saw Umehito and Kyoya waiting for him, with Dobby popping in a moment later to hand him his shrunken trunk. He would be leaving right after the interview with the reporter.

"What's wrong?" both dominates were wearing determined looks on their faces.

It made him feel like he was in trouble.

"We decided that Nekozawa will accompany you to Britain while I keep the Host Club contained to Japan and handle any business issues that may arise in your absence with the Zoo."

Hadrian nodded; honestly he could do with the backup. He was kind of scared British stupidity was contagious after spending time in a civilized magical society.

"I only have one last thing left to do before we leave. We can meet at the airport at 9?"

"Sure"

Heading straight upstairs after giving his boys a kiss, Hadrian got straight into the shower. As much as he liked the zoo it left him with a smell he didn't need for his next appointment.

Looking at the clothes in his wardrobe, Hadrian pulled a blue formal shirt from the rack for a glare of colour to stop him from looking like he was attending a funeral with his jacket and pants, or worse, like Snape's mini me. he also needed the clothes to be comfortable enough to travel in for a long time.

Looking at the clock sitting at the side of the bed Hadrian noted he had a few hours to kill until he had to meet Ms Robin.

Just enough time to finalise some of his mundane paperwork and make an appointment with a Healer.

0-Fred-0

Waltzing into Hadrian's office after having heard some gossip from a number of credible sources, Fred decided to try something before Harry went for his interview. Spotting Harrykins at his desk, Fred waltzed over.

"I'd let you handle my wand any day!"

Looking up at Fred confusedly from his papers, Harry wondered how that would work when he knew the wand responded to an individual's magical compatibility to the wood, core and runes used. It was almost impossible for a wand to respond correctly to another once bonded, even after death.

Fred just shook his head in dismay as he watched Harry's head tilt in confusion. He was wondering how Harry could be so oblivious to these things. His mates were sure in for a rough time.

Then again, maybe the crazy fans back in England had broken him?

"Don't worry, bad joke it seems. How's the theme park coming along?"

Eyeing Fred suspiciously, Harry admitted he was having trouble working out a way to segregate the magical from the muggle safely. Considering the two didn't like being too close to each other.

Looking over the different maps the designers had suggested against the list of creatures, Fred could see the problem. The technology used to keep most of the animals in will malfunction with the active magic, but if they used all magic the muggles would get suss in how they were keeping the animals contained.

"You could try combining some habitats."

"Huh?"

"The Zebras, elephants and long neck thingies are native to Africa and get along. So what other animals can you combine? And what can be played off as a muggle animal? If we can spread the wards out maybe it'd let the muggle stuff last longer, or you could go old school on the security and not use too many electrical systems or make magical look muggle"

Looking back to the list Harry could see what he was talking about. It would free up a lot of land if they didn't have individual habitats for every animal by cutting down the amount of walkways.

"But that still doesn't explain away my muggle-magical problem."

"Have a forest in-between your magical-muggle parks and convert the electronics to run off magic."

Looking up Fred and Harry saw George coming towards them, who just shrugged at the looks he was getting.

"Charlie told us a while ago when he first started that there's a special area only the cryptid healers are allowed to go where sick dragons are taken. Maybe you can have the same sort of thing but it's really the magical side?" sitting down, George threw his legs over the pair as they thought about what he said. "Plus dad was always tinkering with muggle things. So long as whatever it is doesn't need to function on electricity alone it can be converted to run on magic. It's why he was able to enchant the car but failed when he tried to enchant a telephone."

"It's a good idea" writing it down in the pad he had started carrying around, Harry also noted down his need to buy some more plants for the garden when he got the chance, as well as a beehive or two.

"How has your shop been going?" inquired Harry once he was finished with his task. The twin's shop had been open in Britain for a few months now and he heard rumor they were planning on opening another shop soon in another country.

"Our magical joke products are selling really well and we were thinking of opening up another store, but we want to figure out something else to do. Something a bit more serious to do on the side."

Stretching his back as he leaned back to think, Hadrian considered the type of people the Twins were; personally he thought they were one step away from being crazy mad scientists, but they tended to grow bored easily if they had to do one thing for too long. They loved to be creative and push the boundaries.

"Accessories" Hadrian finally declared after a long time had passed "Jewelry, watches, hair ornaments. While similar to some of your joke products you could gear the accessories towards the adult market. You'd just need to decide if you wanted to service the upper or middle markets" it would be the best fit as far as he could see for them. "After learning the basic's at a few schools you could both try apprenticing at different jewelers such as DIOR or BUTLER & WILSONS before trying to make your own stance in the market." It would also be much easier to sell to the muggles than joke products.

"We'll think about it."

Finally being left to his own devices, Hadrian returned to his paperwork. He had an hour left before he needed to meet her.

"Master Potter-Black?"

Resisting the urge to pray for patience, Hadrian lifted his gaze to see Dobby holding two muggle letters in his hands.

"Hello Dobby"

"Dobby be having mail from Master's British PO box. They be safe to open Master!"

"Thank you Dobby" accepting the letters, Harry was grateful Ume knew a House Elf trainer. The improvement to Dobby's speech and self-worth was the most obvious, but the fact he no longer needed to translate elf speak all the time was a plus.

Feeling the crest on the letter was familiar, Harry opened the first letter to find a letter informing him he was a positive match if he wished to donate a kidney to Dudley Dursley.

Not gonna happen

Opening the second letter, Hadrian was confused to find a request for a for a business proposal meeting within.

He could have sworn Griptide handled those.

Reading the summary provided Hadrian found they were trying to get backing for a medical instrument they were trying to build that would display the visual results of a blood smear during a calculation.

Hesitating a moment, Hadrian finally placed the letter and summary in his personal pile to look at again later. After going through all the effort to track him down, they at least deserved to be properly heard.

Returning to the paperwork for his mundane businesses, Hadrian dreaded his upcoming trip back to Britain.

"Hadrian," watching the door peak open, Hadrian tilted his head in confusion when he noticed Ume was dressed for travel. "it's time for your meeting."

Eyes widening in surprise, Hadrian checked and found he had less than 15 minutes to be at the restaurant.

Appariting to the magical restaurants Apparition point, Hadrian was soon sitting down in the family restaurant with the women who had arrived before him.

Hadrian and the reporter ordered first before she began the interview; partly so he had a reason not to talk so much and had something to do with his hands, and partly for the reporter to keep him in place while she interrogated him.

Hadrian was quite happy with his choice of restaurant; it was just a simple place to get a nice meal without having to deal with snobby asses or screaming kids as he did so. He was happy Kyoya's sister had recommended it.

"As someone with so many noble titles Lord Potter-Black, you must lead quite an adventurous life."

Hadrian smiled apologetically for the reporter as the waiter delivered his meal, "I'm afraid you'll find no armor or noble steads in my life Miss Robin." A High Vampire and Tengu maybe, but no knights on a white horse that's for sure. "We are all so much more complicated than our names or titles. People often forget that when it comes to those in the limelight, we're just like everyone else trying to survive in this often cruel world."

The reported nodded in empathy, having heard the rumors about Lord Potter-Black's life from others.

"I heard you have marriage contracts. What happens if you don't go through with any of the contracts?" inquired Miss Roblin, she knew marriage contracts were common amongst the aristocrats, but she hadn't cared to find out what they actually entailed before as she hasn't interviewed a noble before now, just the odd low level celebrity or victim.

"If you don't at least go through with an official betrothal contract, there is a possibility you may lose your magic or suffer some other way depending on who wrote the contract. The contract Albus Dumbledore and Molly Weasley drew up with Ginevra Weasley had a magic loosing clause in it; nowadays the clause isn't used, even by the late Blacks. The consequences of the other contracts are nowhere near as severe. For my other contracts I hold I would only have had to pay compensation to the wronged party and a formal apology." In a way it was just political blackmail and loss of standing and reputation the would have but the Potter and Black Houses through.

"Maybe they had your best interests at heart?" her argument sounded weak even to her as she couldn't even imagine what must be going through someone's head to risk stripping a child of their magic, but she knew her readers would be asking that question so she needed to ask it herself.

Hadrian shook his head sadly, "I had no interest in Miss Weasley or even interacted with her during my time at Hogwarts outside of the time she spent with her brother. Not to mention her and her mother were being paid from my vaults without my knowledge since before I entered Hogwarts.

It's more likely Albus Dumbledore and Molly Weasley concocted some plan to steal more than money from me by committing Line Theft. I wouldn't be the first child a regent has abused their power over I was just lucky enough to escape.

I still don't know how Albus Dumbledore came to be my Magical Guardian in the first place when according to my parents Will, Narcissa Malfoy nee Black was supposed to take me in if Sirius Black or the Longbottom's were unavailable. There are even records of Lady Malfoy trying to adopt me immediately after my parents were killed, but the paperwork disappeared once it reached the Auror department."

Tina Robin blinked in shock. She hadn't thought about how the man became Lord Potter-Black's Magical Guardian. She doubted others did either but it was a very good question. Not to mention what Lord Potter-Black was implying was a very serious charge of attempted Line Theft.

Thinking back to what she'd heard in the papers all those years ago, Tina's eyes widened in shock as she realized there had been no official disputes over Lord Potter-Black's placement; she knew the Black and Rosier families had a stronger claim to the boy before the Muggles did based on blood alone, not to mention the Nekozawa and Ootori families!

The boy's placement stunk of incompetence, if not outright foul play, making the claim of Line Theft not sound so outrageous anymore. If she could uncover solid evidence she may have just stumbled onto a gold mine!

"What was your childhood like? I heard you were raise by muggles?"

"That's correct I guess…my childhood up until last year I can only think to describe as painful."

"You guess? Painful?" not terms she was used to hearing in regards to a person's childhood.

Lord Potter-Black shrugged, looking uncomfortable.

"The muggles I was forced to live with were highly abusive. I think the only reason there was no sexual abuse was because the muggles feared I'd taint them somehow."

Tina was horrified, "Did you tell anyone?"

"I tried a few times before finally giving up. During my first year at Hogwarts I informed Albus Dumbledore of what was happening with the muggles, I begged the Headmaster to let me stay and not force me back there." Hadrian took a deep breath as he tried to calm down, knowing he had to get the information out there before he went back to Britain for incase the man tried anything while he was on British soil, "he refused after telling me in no uncertain terms that I was lying and ungrateful despite the scars I showed him and obvious malnourishment I am still getting treated for to this day."

"Can I see?" the story us so unbelievable, she needed proof before she printed it.

Lord Potter-Black hesitated before taking off his jacket and lifting his shirt to show her a portion of his back. Tina could easily identify a web of white scars in unmistakable familiar patterns that continued until they disappeared under his shirt and pants. The scars looked like they came from household items like belts and muggle power cords.

"May I take a picture as proof?" she'd need it for her editor and may need to use it as proof in the article.

Again Lord Potter-Black hesitated, before slowly nodding his head in acceptance. She realized this must be painful for him, so took the picture quickly. Tina thanked him sincerely for the picture when she was done.

"May I ask who else knew?"

"Outside of Albus Dumbledore, the teachers and principle of my muggle primary school St Grogory, the neighborhood of Surry, the Weasley and Granger family, Professor McGonagall and Healer Poppy Pomfrey the Hogwarts school nurse. I'm unsure if anyone else knew."

"You say the neighborhood of Surry. Why is that?" Neighborhoods normally consisted of over 20 people. You would think someone would have tried to help the poor boy.

"It wasn't unusual for me to be seen bruised or with blood soaked clothes when I was forced to weed the garden for hours regardless of the weather. The clothes I wore were always old and several sizes too big, while the Dursley's clothes always fit like a glove and were of good quality."

Seeing Lord Potter-Black was getting too worked up, Tina knew she needed to change the subject or risk him leaving or refusing her in the future. She could investigate more into this issue later. It was never a good idea to agitate someone who was emotional.

Especially when they were rich enough they could buy a country on a whim.

"How goes your betrothal to Lord Nekozawa and Mr Ootori?" inquired Tina when Lord Potter-Black had himself more under control.

"The betrothal has gone well. Far better than I had expected."

"I'm glad to hear that. You deserve all the happiness you can get."

"Thank you."

Eating their meal, Tina only interrupted the silence with an odd question about his businesses every now and then. She'd learned over the years not to push the people she was interviewing too hard with her questions or she risked being sued or refused interviews in the future; having watched that happen to other reporters back when she was still just a lowly editor's assistant. There was also the risk of being blacklisted from important events if she pissed off someone powerful enough.

In the end despite what was revealed she thought she would be able to get a follow up interview if she played her cards right and wrote a good article.

Running to meet Umehito at the airport check in point as soon as he cleared the shadows, Hadrian barely made it through the customs checks before the last call for their flight sounded.

Taking their seats in first class, Hadrian waited until they were safely airborne before cuddling up to Umehito; he needed the comfort after such an emotional roller-coaster.

"How'd it go?"

"…"

"Har?"

"I think I did well for the most part. But I got too emotional at one point" he hated the way he lost control when he spoke of his childhood. Hated the control it still had over him.

Umehito just held him tighter as Hadrian drifted off to an exhaustion induced sleep.

18 minutes down, 12 hours to go.

Landing in England

Entering Gringotts bank, Hadrian was curious about why Griptide would summon him to the bank his first day back.

"The Potter's wealth was manly amassed over time using the fishing and horticultural industries Lord Hadrian, as they were once a Minor House that gained power through their warrior status during the Clan Wars. While the House of Black were originally royal assassins who gained their wealth through their underground activities before funneling it through their potion supply network. A network Sirius Black disbanded shortly before his incarceration."

Looking over the obviously simplified version of his income, Hadrian didn't like what he was seeing. Despite the ridiculously large total sum, it was obvious his inherited magical businesses were spending more gallons then they were earning. The only reason he could see the gap wasn't so big was because his mundane businesses were offsetting some of the loss. None of the magical businesses even belonged to a company. It was as if the businesses were opened as a hobby for the Lords and Lady's of his Houses.

"Why haven't I seen this list before?"

Griptide scowled. "The deeds and details for each business were found during the audit of your vaults. The businesses were all in individual names rather than family names, resulting in them not being revealed in your assets tests"

"Can you have magical and muggle businesses listed under the same company?" Looking back over the list of magical businesses Hadrian cringed at the amount of variation.

"No"

Basilisk Dreams has the least amount of businesses under it. "Transfer Draconic Sunto White Lily and Cobra Novellas to Magi Sky; we can use Basilisk Dreams as our company for the magical world."

Looking over the list of businesses, Hadrian decided to look at the easier ones to sort first.

"I wantall the literature stores closed down. I want the one in Diagon Ally, Hebe Ally in France and Hogsmeade Village to remain open but under the name of Circe and Apollo: Magic and Knowledge. If I actually own the shop or land the store is on put it up for lease."

In the book shop the muses could each reside over their own discipline while other minor gods could resign over theirs. Like Eileithyia residing over the pregnancy and childcare section while Urania watches over the Astronomy section.

62 closed of 65 wasn't too bad.

The rest of his plans for the other businesses ran along the same thought pattern. In the end, of the 198 business on file Hadrian had been able to compress them to a more manageable number of 6.

Company; Magi Sky (Started by Harold Potter)

Business;

-Valkyrie Air

(Valkyrie Air is a Company that specializes in designing and making modes of air transport and products such as toy helicopters and jets)

-Commonwealth Bank (owns 60%)

(Mundane bank operating in the British Commonwealth)

-Cobra Novellas

(A company specializing in the breeding of rare and exotic animals. They are the main supplier of zoos for new stock)

Company; Basilisk Dreams (Started by Regel Black)

Business;

-Aphrodite's Armor

(Aphrodite's Armor is the upper market variant clothing store with Aphrodite's Shield catering to the middleclass market.)

-Hephaestus's Crafts, Pluto's Riches

(Jewelry, Transport and Weapons creations for the upper market.)

-Hestia's Hearth

(Café and Restaurant chain)

-Circe and Apollo: Magic and Knowledge

(Book shops with cafés above.)

-Artemis's Den

(A company specializing in the breeding of magical animals and plants.)

-Hecate's Muses

(Monthly magazine with a bit of everything; from beauty and health to politics and finance mixed with magical knowledge.)

Company; White Lily (Started by Hadrian Potter-Black)

Business;

-Draconic Sun

(A novel and live action production company producing office supplies and stationary on the side)

-Rose Productions

(Manga and Anime Company . home-base Japan, secondary-base Denmark.)

- Demeter's Garden

(Food and resource chain farming)

- Vines of Dionysus's

(Wine producers and vineyards)

-Nekovara

(Nekovara is a building Company specializing in building unique practical eco homes)

-Sir Anubis's Orphanage

(-Sir Anubis's Orphanage are orphanages on large self-sustainable properties where the occupants help grow their own food, this means the children and care givers have enough to eat and the children gain a free agricultural education. Because they grow their own food there is also more money for clothes and toys.)

-Aurora Art

(Aurora Art is a Company helping select young artist like university students sell their art with a small 5% going to the company and another 5% going to charity from the sale)

-Asclepius Medical

(A rising success in the medical industry, Asclepius Medical is a research Company and hospital that is dedicated to researching ailments and diseases of the mind and body, while also developing better research and treatment methods.)

Pushing the file he had prepared over, Hadrian started the first step in his future plans. He had started worrying about it once he found out the news. "I want to open an international magical cooking school; Dionysus and Hestia's Academy of Magical Culinary Arts." Hadrian had noticed trade schools were basically nonexistent in the magical world, relying heavily on apprenticeships to Masters. As time went on he'd build more schools next to the cooking school until he had a full blown magical trade university going on.

Accepting the dreaded file Griptide placed the folder in his to-do pile before paying attention to Lord Potter-Black once more.

"Is there any other magical hospitals in Britain besides St. Mungo's?" Hadrian didn't trust their integrity when dealing with their patient's privacy, but knew he'd need to deal with a healer at some point during his stay here.

"St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries is the only official hospital of Magical Britain after their previous competition closed down. There are smaller private practices operating, but nothing bigger than three healers to a practice is currently registered."

"Lord Paean" Hadrian smirked as the idea came to him, "I want to open a magical hospital in Britain called Lord Paean." Paean was a lesser known Greek God of Healing and the Physician of the Gods. Once the hospital found its feet here he'd move on to other magical communities like Australia and Germany.

St. Mungo's, you now have competition.

Weaving through the morning crowd on his way to meet Neville, Hadrian took note of the various businesses within each ally.

Ducking into the café-restaurant Neville had selected, Hadrian was amused to see plenty of colourful orchids all around the place. The owner must be a fan of the things.

Spotting Neville waiting at one of the side tables, Hadrian approached and began to sit down.

"I'm sorry, but-"

"Hello Lord Envy" interrupted Hadrian as he sat down more fully. "How have you been?"

"Lord Wrath" Neville breathed, before smiling "I have been well. You?"

"I've been better, but it could be worse."

Neville simply nodded, knowing he was referring to his return to British soil. Ordering their meals and drinks, both simply exchanged idle chatter while they waited for their meal to arrive. It wasn't until they were actually eating that the real conversation started.

"You look different."

"Transfiguration" it was a half-truth, but close enough. In truth after his hair became darker and more manageable after his awakening all he needed to do now was hide his scar now to go unnoticed.

"What year are you going into now?"

"I've been able to get myself into third year with a great deal of effort. You?" Hadrian had been able to do it, but at the cost of neglecting his magical education. He was a full year and a half behind by this point, and would soon be two years behind by the time he reached from class 3-D to 3-A.

"Just going into my sixth year now, why did you get advanced at your muggle school?"

"To be honest, my family affairs are a wreck financially and politically. In no small part because of the last two wars." Hadrian shrugged -it was how it was- he was already changing his situation so it didn't matter much anymore. He had already returned his income back into the positive end of the scale. "Because I need to free up my time I requested an advancement test on top of the yearly exams. If I can pass my final year of high school I slash one year off my schooling." It was rare for people to take a placement test after enrollment, as while the test could result in advancement, it could also result in you being demoted a few years as well.

"Sounds like a lot of hard work"

Hadrian smiled, "it'll be worth it in the end. What about you? Have you had a look at your family affairs?"

Neville shook his head, "Gran handles the family affairs as much as she is able. The situations a bit tricky because my parents are still alive, the political power is all tied up with them and we can't access the main family vault."

"What happens when you come of age?"

Neville frowned, having not considered that "I'm not sure"

"I think you'll need to see your account manager then"

Neville nodded, now lost in thought.

Returning to their meal, Hadrian left Neville to his thoughts before returning back to Black Manor.

Arriving home, Hadrian checked to see if Ume was back from his own meeting before making his way up to his temporary office. Looking at the clock, he saw Ume was due back any minute.

Just before he was about to step into his trunk, Hadrian spotted the biggest crow he had ever seen eyeing him off. Noticing the letter attached to his leg, Hadrian was quick to open the window and let the deadly bird in and watching as it dropped the letter on his desk before flying back out the open window.

Approaching the desk, Hadrian checked for magic before picking the letter up and opening it.

Lord Hadrian James Potter-Black

Despite our disagreements in the past, which we now know were facilitated by a third party, it has come to my attention that we may have mutual interests that we were previously unaware of.

I would like to meet with you to discuss our similar views and our future interactions.

Wishing to hear from you in a timely fashion,

Dark Lord Voldemort Slytherin

Raising his brow, Hadrian hadn't been aware there was a last name to Voldemort and was surprised but really when he thought about it, it made sense.

Sending off a request for a temporary peace treaty contract to Griptide -along with a copy of Voldemort's note- Hadrian was able to get two hours of paperwork finished before Griptide sent back his own note along with the temporary treaty. Reading the treaty, Hadrian made sure to read the agreement twice before signing.

Lord Tom Marvolo Riddle

Should the protections in the contract I have enclosed be signed I shall agree to a private meeting between us.

Lord Hadrian Potter-Black

Lord of the Noble and Ancient House of Black

Lord of the Noble House of Potter

Heir of Slytherin through Conquest

He would have loved to see old Voldies face when he read the last part, but alas...

Sending the letter and contract off to Voldemort with Hedwig, Hadrian gave her strict instructions to leave immediately once she dropped the letter off. As a precaution he cast a number of protection wards that would hopefully give her enough time to get out if she needed to.

Now all Hadrian had to do was wait for the man's reply.

"Ready to go?" inquired Umehito half an hour later as he popped his head in Hadrian's office, "We can go another day if you want?"

Hadrian smiled gratefully at Umehito for giving him a way out, even though he knew if he didn't take the leap now he never would. He didn't have any fond memories that weren't now tainted of Britain.

"I just popped over to the florist this morning so we're all good." putting the paperwork he had just pulled out away, Hadrian grabbed his coat from the hanger in the floo room before flooing to Godric's Hallow with Umehito.

They followed the directions the Goblins had given them to his first home.

As they walked to the other end of the street, a small statue of Lily and James holding baby Hadrian appeared from a war monument. Looking up at the monument, Hadrian didn't know what to feel knowing the statue was a result of Ministry propaganda. Continuing on to behind the church, Umehito and Hadrian searched the headstones until they located Hadrian's parents.

"What do I say?" asked Hadrian as he stood at their graves after having laid the bunch of poppies he'd brought down on the stone. He'd be having them exhumed and moved to the Potter crypt by the weeks end.

They were never meant to have been buried here and made a mockery of in the first place.

"One owes respect to the living. To the dead one owes only the truth." quoted Umehito quietly, not liking the bad vibes to the air here…like it was trying to taint him somehow. He was more in tune to the darker side of magic, so was able to tell the taint came from the whole village, not just one or two houses or graves and centred on soul magic.

Hadrian looked to Umehito, still lost.

Umehito sighed, looking at the mockery of a head stone once more. The quote chosen obviously not done so by someone who cared about the people actually in the grave.

"You don't have to say anything if nothing comes to mind, but you never lie. It's bad karma." Umehito considered this for a moment, "Talk about your day, plans for the future." It was what his mother had told him when his father had been killed by human magicals all those years ago.

Turning back to the grave, Hadrian thought of everything he'd organised to have done or was planning to do.

"I've organised for you guys to be exhumed this Sunday with the Goblins. Move you to the Potter Family Crypt like you guys deserve" as far as he had read in the book on Potter traditions his great grandfather had written, only those who had been exiled from the family as disgraces were buried elsewhere on other Potter properties, but never on church land as the church was enemy soil.

"I'm also pregnant. I got tested when one of the snakes at the zoo I built in Japan congratulated me. We're having twins, though I don't know their sex yet"

Umehito's brow rose as he looked down at Hadrian. He had assumed Hadrian had gone to a healer because of morning sickness, not because a snake had told him he was pregnant.

"I am the Alpha-Dominate Mate, High Vampiric Lord Umehito Nekozawa. Tengu Daemon Kyoya Ootori is your sons Beta-Dominate Mate, and currently not here as he is taking care of business back in Japan." Began Umehito formally when he noticed Hadrian didn't know what else to say again. "From all I know of you from Hadrian and my coven's investigation, I know you may have loved your son, but were atrocious parents and judges of character."

Hadrian stared up at his mate in shock. He so did not just say that to their face!

But Umehito wasn't done.

"You cared more for fighting a war for which you did not know the goals of each side, but still followed and fought blindly. Disregarded a trusted friends knowledge, which resulted in your son being brutally abused by Lily Potter nee Evan's sister Petunia and her monstrous offspring and husband at the hands of the man you chose to trust instead of your friend. How does it feel to know your sons suffering is a direct result of both your actions? Doe-"

"Enough!"

Looking down into a teary but angry eyed Neko, Umehito quelled his temper before his submissive, but not before giving the grave stone one last glare. Easily stating with his eyes We'll finish this later to the pair.

All he felt for his In-Laws was a cold hate. He knew theoretically they probably had their reasons and had died for their child, but all he cared to see was that they had harmed his submissive.

"Would you like me to wait at the gate?"

Hadrian hesitated before nodding. That alone told him Hadrian didn't like this graveyard anymore then he did. Retreating to the gate, Umehito made sure to keep well within sight of Hadrian while he finished up.

Looking up when he heard a noise, Umehito noticed a crow perched in the tree above his head.

"What are you looking at?"

"Hmm? There's a-" Umehito didn't get to finish before the crow had clipped him with his wing.

Detaching and opening the sealed parchment from the familiar crow, Hadrian saw that it was the contract he had sent earlier today, but it now hosted Lord Voldemort's signature at the bottom beside his own. A second letter was attached which went more into detail what Tom wanted to talk about.

"It looks like my plans have changed for today." Murmured Hadrian as he ran through a list of where Tom could be hiding. "If we're to be somewhat safe in Britain, we need allies."

"What are you talking about?"

Hadrian blinked in shock at Ume, "There's a civil war going on right now." He thought Umehito had followed him knowing that.

Apparently not.

"Looks like your Ministry is keeping it quiet." quite successfully too. But then again not many paid too much attention to magical Britain with how backwards they are.

"They're good at that." Handing over the contract, Umehito perused the terms, miffed he wasn't consulted before Hadrian had sighed. While the contract was firm, there were loopholes both parties could exploit. He would be having words with his little submissive when this trip was done.

"Lord Voldemort?" he had heard the name a few years ago while his father had still been alive and doing business in Britain.

"Leader of the Dark Faction"

"Light?"

"Albus Dumbledore and the Ministry. They have total Nyctophobia in front of the public but aren't afraid to use it for their own means behind closed doors."

Following his connection to Riddle, Hadrian led Umehito through the dark until they emerged before a smaller gothic version of Hogwarts.

Walking up the short path, Hadrian knocked on the large oak door, waiting for an elf or servant to answer.

"How may Pip help you?" inquired the elf who answered the door, despite already recognising them.

"We would like to speak with your master if we may" Hadrian made sure to keep Tom firmly in his mind as Pip skimmed his shelds.

"This way"

Following the elf, Hadrian kept a neutral expression as they bypassed Death Eaters on their way to what he assumed was the throne room, but instead was lead passed two great oak doors and to what he now assumed was an office. Waiting while the elf entered to announce them, they didn't need to wait long for a reply.

"Leave your friend outside the door"

"Hadrian?"

Hadrian smiled reassuringly up at Umehito, "I'll be fine. I have the contract and know how to handle things with him if they get hairy."

Entering the room and sitting across the sitter from Tom, the elf soon returned to place High Tea between them, Hadrian sighed. The air was so thick you could cut it. Neither of them knew how to act around the other anymore without drawn wands.

Voldemort twitched at the sigh, "What is it?" the boy had done nothing by sigh since he entered the room!

"You were so much hotter when you were younger. Not that you're not hot now that you got your looks back, better still with the scales! But still, older men who have lost their hair aren't my thing." Hadrian inserted a heavy sigh just for the hell of it. Knowing it'd tick him off more.

Voldemort's wand hand twitched. Why did he agree to no wands again? It was a stupid rule. The boy obviously needed to learn respect. Taking a deep breath through his nose, Voldemort reminded himself he needed the boy right now.

"Hadrian."

"Yes?"

"Silence!"

Hadrian snickered. Riling Dark Lords was always fun, but he was actually here for business. While magical and muggle foci was off limits, Hadrian was well aware Tom was also a natural Magi. But now that the ice was broken so to speak, maybe they could finally get down to business?

"What are your plans for magical Britain, and how do my votes come into play?" from what he could gleam from the note Tom wanted the weight of his political power behind him. Considering he only knew the amount of seats he held he'd need to bluff knowing about its weight.

Voldemort nodded regally in -private- relief, "Full restoration of Magical traditions and customs with myself as ruler while still retaining a Magical Minister. Your support is needed to sway the general public to our side and help the bills get passed at this time."

Hadrian's brow rose at that, "I do hope you realize they will need to be modified before I even consider voting for them. I will note vote blindly"

"How so?" inquired Voldemort neutrally. The urge to curse rising by the second.

"I want greater protection and rights for magical creatures, females and submissive's. I also want stricter laws governing the media in terms of reliability and ethics." Demanded Hadrian calmly, "and what set of traditions are you referring to restoring? Druid? Roman? Celtic? Greek?" there were many different magical cultures that had settled in Britain after all with the constant muggle wars.

Voldemort's brow rose at that; he had been expecting more resistance or outlandish demands or accusations. Not the scholar before him. Even among Purebloods the origin of their traditions and the different variations wasn't a commonly known fact unless you were a Master Historian.

"I plan to take what is relevant or useful from each branch to suit this modern era, but plan to take primarily from the Pagan traditions."

Hadrian nodded, "You'll need modern laws as well you realise?"

"I don't see why."

Hadrian twitched.

"We can't remain completely segregate from the muggles without consequences." Chastised Hadrian in the same tone one would use with a child, "We need to be able to blend in in case they ever discovered us. You and I both know how dangerous the muggles actually are and that the wizards of Britain stick out like a sore thumb with how little they know."

"We would end up in the same position we are in now!" Voldemort's eyes narrowed, "We would be paving the way for muggle supporters to rise up in the future."

Hadrian shook his head, "If you employed the current system then yes that would be true, but if you started young and taught the children correctly they wouldn't likely be swayed by the 'defenceless muggle, evil dark wizard' routine Dumbledore liked to play in the past. It was because he was the sole influence for the majority of ones youth in Britain that has seen us fall so far and him with so much power."

"What would you suggest?" demanded Voldemort prudently, keeping his annoyance in check.

"Take the fantasy image they currently have of muggles and bring it back to reality." Voldemort's eyebrow rose in confusion at that, prompting Hadrian to elaborate "Teach them about the horrors of WWI and WWII and the current horrors of today such as the child slavery in the diamond, agriculture and sex trade, and what they would do to us should we be discovered, using examples from what Hitler or the Christians did to the Jews or discovered magicals." It was sad to say but even in 1st world countries today like Australia and America there were still certified slaves on the market if you knew the right people and were willing to pay the right people a price. Most of who were foreigners brought over who didn't know their rights or the language enough to seek help.

"I am curious as to how you found me so quickly."

Hadrian shrugged, "I followed our connection. Dumbledore said it's a result of whatever you did the night you came after me."

Thinking back to that night, just as he had done many nights before, Voldemort remembered laying the containment circle for the Horcrux around the houses boundary. There were possibilities, but he would need to find the original second volume of Necromancer Melody to confirm any theories.

"The boy with you?"

"My mate"

When the conversation became stagnant once again, they decided to wrap the meeting up. Neither was interested in small talk, nor could really hold a conversation with each other that wasn't insults.

They had said all they needed to.

Umehito was just relieved to see Hadrian emerge unharmed.

Returning to Black Manor, Umehito was relieved to have returned with his Mate intact.

Reading the missive from the Goblins over Hadrian's shoulder, they were informed about the closed trial that was to take place using a giant communication mirror connected to the Swedish ministry with Swedish escorts.

Umehito had a bad feeling about that trial.

Looking out the window, Umehito saw the sun was just about to set. Kissing Hadrian, Umehito informed him he needed to take care of a bit of business before leaving.

Gliding to the muggle area he frequented when in Britain, Umehito called Kyoya to inform him of this new development. The Tengu would spread the word with the international press. If Kyoya could work the press, the pressure may be enough to pressure the British Ministry into hold a public trial. Locating a bar frequented by squibs and other magical creatures, Umehito decided to start with the more respectable bars and work his way down into the seedier clubs.

Ordering a drink from Rosie, Umehito waited before starting his ramble to the barmaid, making sure the few groups around him could hear. "Did you hear about Sirius Black being innocent? Heard from my brother who works in the Administration department the ministers nervous with all the evidence the man's godson is piling up." Umehito swirled his vodka, disappointed with the strength of the liquid and missing his homelands sinful concoction, "If they'd do that to an Heir of one of the Nobel and Ancient Houses, just think what they'd do to one of us ordinary folk! The man's trial's in a week too, but the ministries keeping it all hushed up in a closed trial. Makes you wonder what their hiding…" drowning the last of the weak brew, Umehito left for the next magical bar, changing his appearance slightly as he went and leaving the taverns patrons that had heard him in a tizzy.

Umehito worked hard to spread the word that night, until he noticed his rumours momentum picking up as more people were hearing the same rumours. Once the men told their wives or lovers in the morning, the rumour would be rampant before week's end, even if no longer accurate.

Returning to Black Manor, Umehito was surprised to find Hadrian waiting up for him; it was nearly three in the morning after all.

"You should be asleep" Umehito rasped tiredly as he undressed, changing into his sleep wear. Keeping track of every rumour he spread had left him mentally drained.

"I couldn't sleep" watching Umehito, Hadrian could smell the faint scent of alcohol clinging to him. while he wanted to know what had kept Ume out so late He'd ask in the morning. It was too late to ask right now when they both just wanted to go to bed.

Sitting at the breakfast table the next morning, Hadrian was surprised the International Wizarding Post was announcing the status of Sirius's trial and background information they could only have obtained from a small handful of people. Looking to a still exhausted Umehito, Hadrian was touched to realise what Umehito had actually done for him last night.

As he was passing to put his used dishes in the sink, Hadrian planted a kiss to Umehito's temple as he nursed his hangover. He'd need to plan something nice for Umehito in the near future.

Heading up to his office to complete the map of Black Manor, Hadrian found a plain brown owl waiting for him on his desk. He could have sworn he shut the window yesterday but he meant have.

Checking the letters, Hadrian was surprised to find Wizardmont schedules for Lord Potter and Lord Black enclosed.

"That was quick" Hadrian finally murmured as he copied the dates and times into his calendar. He needed to make a not to declare himself as an independent neutral before his first Wizardmont meeting. He was curious though; only the muggles knew he was in Britain again and the envelope the letters had arrived in didn't have the ministry crest.

Pushing the thought from his mind for later, Hadrian instead focused on revising Magical British laws and looking into what to wear…maybe he should just find Mia?

0-0-0-0

Entering the Wizardmont chambers in his family colours with the Wizardmont over robe from the Lords entrance, Hadrian spotted Umehito not far from him sitting with the upper class spectators.

Sending Umehito a nervous smile, Hadrian took his seat in his designated spot in the neutral party, having changed his family affiliation when he registered as an active member.

It wasn't long before the meeting started and Dumbles was iterating a summary of the last session, before announcing what was to transpire this session and the proposed bills.

Listening carefully to the wording as the three new bills were presented and a copy appeared before him, Hadrian could find no obvious loop holes that either the Light or Dark could take advantage of. Reading the bills together, Hadrian could see the bills worked in tandem to support each other without conflict. It explained why Tom stressed he didn't want them changed too much from the original proposal.

The man was such a chatty pen pal.

One bill proposed by one member proposed the possible opening of a Magical orphanage, while another one proposed by another member gave the ministry authority to remove children from abusive households given sufficient evidence, while the last one would technically allow magicals to adopt children with little hassle from third parties, in a way reversing Dumbles bill from a few years ago. Preventing parties such as the Ministry or meddling Headmasters meddling in Will adoptions as his would have been had his parents Wills been followed.

While two bills appeared to give the ministry power, the third evened the balance.

"Are there any amendments to be debated?" when none spoke, Dumbles stood, "All in favour?"

"Ai"

Watching as the hourglass displayed a majority vote with three different colours of crystal, Hadrian could have sworn he saw Lord Malfoy and Lord Greengrass relax at the bills passed, which was curious in itself.

"These bills are now passed to law"

He could see through Dumbledore's strained mask that declaring those bills passed was like pulling teeth while sucking on a lemon. Added to the fact the man had hardly taken his eyes off him the entire session and Hadrian knew where his ire was aimed. Looking at the man's left arm, Hadrian was surprised to see the arm had turned black, like he had suffered a lethal burn.

From what he understood now, his seats tipped the balance in a straight yes or no vote, rather than the long debates of the past where the light and dark were evenly matched.

Once a orphanage was built, he knew Tom likely planned to introduce a 'Mandatory Magical Orphanage' bill that would state any magical child was to be placed with their closest magical family or in a magical orphanage, but never with muggles regardless of family ties.

If these laws had existed in the past his, Tom's and countless other children wouldn't have had to suffer at the hand of muggles. They were actually the lucky ones considering they had survived into adulthood.

Signing his full name and titles beneath that of Lord Nott, Hadrian sighed. His signature had been the last one needed before the parchment glowed gold; making it truly official in the eyes of the law.

Retreating from the hall, Hadrian did his best to sidestep Dumbles lackeys that tried to stop his retreat.

"Hadrian!"

Umehito very unceremoniously shoved a portly man down to clear him a path. Hurrying to Umehito's side, they both quickly left through the floo beside the chamber before the light wizards recovered enough to think to stop them.

Arriving in Black Manor, Hadrian and Umehito weren't surprised to find Tom and Lord Malfoy waiting for them in the reception room. The Black family magic preventing them from going further into the manor.

Leading the pair into the Lord Reception room, Hadrian asked for Rudolph to bring them a full tea service. He didn't want to risk antagonising his marital uncle by calling Dobby.

"How was your first Wizardmont meeting?" inquired Lord Malfoy easily as they sat down, setting the service to making them all tea with a swish of his wand.

As if you don't know.

"It was eventful." Mused Hadrian finally, "The bills were interesting."

"I hear you own a charitable Orphanage chain"

Hadrian's brow rose at the forwards statement, So that was your plan

They wanted him to open the orphanage. With his name behind the idea, it would be much better received by the public then if a known Death Eater family tried. That his orphanages were already a known name internationally and had a high reputation was just a bonus to them.

"indeed" piped in Umehito while Hadrian was lost in thought. He would need to procure an island somewhere in the isles in order to build considering all the accidental magic that would likely be flying about. Preferably close to a lay line.

"Lord Potter-Black?"

"Pardon?"

"We were discussing the Muggleborn problem and were wondering if you had an opinion on the matter." Tom informed him diplomatically. But Hadrian could still hear the sarcasm that was well hidden. While they weren't firing curses, they still communicated better with veiled insults.

"I believe they should be isolated from the muggle world early and integrated back into the magical world, same with the rest of the magical population."

Malfoy's eyes narrowed, obviously thinking he was planning something dubious with the purebloods, "Explain"

Hadrian just smirked at the suspicious Lord. Careful Malfoy, your mask is slipping.

"The Black townhouse was built when the area used to only house the Upper Nobility of British Society. Back when it was customary to travel between a main country Manor and city Townhouse with the changing solace. Today it is surrounded by muggles. What if we relocated the magical establishments currently surrounded by muggles to an area controlled solely by magicals?"

The pureblood and half-blood before him blinked in shock. Specking some more about the possibility, the two Dark wizards soon left to do their own research on the matter.

"I wasn't aware you felt that way about mundanes'" commented Umehito when their guests finally left.

Hadrian shrugged.

"I admit I don't like them in the least, but I do prefer Japans integrated mentality" Hadrian sighed, "but what works in one country won't necessarily work in another. The bitterness is too strong here for a few pretty words to fix everything. It's best that the community here is let to grow away from the muggles watchful eyes before the next generation tries again in the future." The Ministry and Dumbles truly screwed up on that front, with forcing the muggle values on the populous to the point they were almost physically cramming it down their throats until it had two reactions; compliance or hatred. The close proximity to the muggles also resulted in the stunting of magical expression. Britain was behind too many magical communities to think about in Europe alone let alone Asia, who had a much more accepting view on magic.

"How do you think you'll go with the trial tomorrow?"

Hadrian shrugged; as close to the trial as he was he couldn't vote on the trial itself, which was making him nervous. "Considering how long it's taken to get this far, I'm not sure what I'm feeling right now."

Feeling Ume place a kiss to his head as he passed, Hadrian heard Ume make his way towards the direction of the flu room.

"I won't be long, try and get some rest for now"

Listening to the flare of the fire, Hadrian lay down on the sofa while he let his thoughts run free.

0-Sirius-0

Entering courtroom 31, Hadrian was surprised to find Kyoya and Umehito's lawyers talking to a man he assumed to be Sirius but he was too far to tell. Taking his seat in the Lords level but on the defendant's side, Hadrian watched the man closely as the trial started. The man didn't look very healthy even if he was well dressed, but he didn't look as bad as the anorexic man he had met all those years ago.

"Madame Bones and the representatives of the Wizardmont, Lord Hawkesbury and Lady Nougat preceding over the Trial of Sirius Black"

"Do you willingly consent to the use of Veritaserum?" demanded Madame Bones as soon as the trial commenced.

"I do"

He couldn't hear the public that were in the public booth while they administered the potion, but he assumed silencing charms were in place to prevent court interference when he could spot some of their mouths moving.

He was surprised when Kyoya and Umehito's lawyers volunteered to be the first to start the interrogation. A risky more if they didn't ask the right questions according to Draco.

"What is your full name?"

"Sirius Orion Black"

"Are you a Death Eater?"

"No"

"Are you a Dark sympathiser?"

"No"

"Who are you loyal to?"

"House Potter"

"Who was the caster of the Fidelius Charm?"

"Albus Dumbledore"

"Who was the Potter's Secret-Keeper?"

"Peter Pettigrew"

"Did you kill Peter Pettigrew?"

"No"

"Have you ever killed muggles?"

"No"

"Were you ever given a trial for the crime you were accused?"

"No"

"What is your magical affiliation?"

"Light-Grey"

Listening for the verdict after the opposition finished asking their own questions, -which were the same as Sirius's lawyers just worded differently- Hadrian felt like a mass of nerves as they gave Sirius the antidote. With the use of Veritaserum the entire interrogation only took an hour.

Madam Bones stayed standing while the other two judges sat when they returned from deliberation.

The two seated did not look happy.

"Given your answers and the overwhelming evidence collected, we of the Court declare Sirius Orion Black Not Guilty of any crimes of British Law. In repentance for your wrongful imprisonment, we award Sirius Black the entirety of the Vault contents of those found to have known or aided in your wrongful imprisonment, as well as the estimated monetary loss of earnings based on your pay at time of imprisonment. We award The Nobel and Most Ancient House of Black two extra seats in the Wizardmont in conjunction to any held by the conspirator's, as well as the wiping of your records of all blemishes. So Mote It Be."

Hadrian sagged in relief before rising from his seat. Looking at Sirius's face, Hadrian smiled at the gobsmacked expression the man wore before he made his way to greet his godfather. Once all the dust settled, their first move would be getting Sirius out of Britain and to safety.

Looking to the mirror displaying the eagle eyed Swedish minister, Hadrian threw the man a thankful smile and nod before continuing his way to Sirius.

"Hey" called Hadrian as he crossed the last few feet of distance.

"Hey"

Grabbing Sirius's hand to get him to stand, Hadrian led Sirius to where Umehito was waiting to flu Sirius to Japan where Kyoya would be waiting on the other side.

The week following the trial was hetic.

The stipulations handed down by Madame Bones and the representatives resulted in a lot of people losing their jobs over Sirius's imprisonment not just their vaults. With a grand total of 6 seats being added to House Black's already substantial 4 seats and a decent fortune being added to the Black vaults.

By the end of the week Dumbledore was quietly removed from all his positions of power and sentenced to a year in Azkaban for his part in the scheme along with Cornelius Fudge and three other seat holders.

Taking the opportunity presented to him with Dumbledore's imprisonment, Voldemort moved as many of his people he could into the now vacant Ministry positions. Using the information collected by his Death Eaters and the Goblins to bury the members of the Order of the Phoenix in the public's eyes.

With the leader of the Light and his key political supporters out of the Wizardmont, the Dark introduced bill after bill until all the changes they ever wanted were made, with little opposition with the Light's main power base removed from their path.

Perusing the maps of Britain for patches of land to build on, Hadrian feared he would need to build the land himself again, but given the stricter views on manmade islands he doubted he'd be able to get approval.

Massaging his temples, Hadrian tried to stave off the pounding headache rearing its head. He only needed three patches of land, why was it so hard finding them?

Feeling the manor wards buzz insistently, Hadrian let the annoying man in.

"What are you mopping about Potter! Get up!"

"Go away Marvolo. Finding land is HARD" wined Hadrian, wishing the man would just go away for once.

Voldemort sneered, "Have you already forgotten I now control the Ministry?"

"…"

"Just tell me what's needed and I'll see it done. I need that Orphanage up and running by the end of the year Potter!"

Sitting up after a moment, Hadrian looked once more at his map of Britain, feeling a bit foolish considering the current situation. Motioning to the chairs before his fire place, Hadrian ordered Tom to "Sit". While highly affronted, Tom did indeed sit.

He must really need that orphanage.

Perusing the map, Hadrian finally decided on circling an expanse of sea between Scotland and Ireland, but further out, before handing the map to Tom.

"I need to be able to build an island in this area without a size limit."

Tom raised his brow as he eyed the expanse of sea, "How do you plan to create land?"

"Geothermal and Druid Magic of course"

Ignoring Tom as he marched off in a huff, Hadrian went to lay down for a nap now that the question of land was taken care of. He was getting so tired so quickly recently and missed Kyoya terribly; the phone calls just weren't enough anymore.

As Summer vacation ended and construction commenced on the construction of the Island, Hadrian and Umehito returned to Japan with a special medical portkey in order to complete their final years of schooling.

0-0-0-0

Six months after the British Lights silent defeat with almost no blood being spilt, Hadrian and Draco watched as Umehito hovered over the basinet, hypnotised by their two children. Kyoya was touring his new hospital in Tokyo right now, but he'd be back in time for dinner if he didn't want to sleep on the couch tonight. Even now he was still surprised how much of a political battle the last war had turned into.

Hadrian wasn't surprised how much of a workaholic Kyoya really was. He just couldn't seem to mentally sit still for long without doing something unpleasant to someone to pass the time.

"The bastard really likes children, huh?" commented Draco as they watched Umehito wave a cat puppet. The man was slightly obsessed with cats.

"Yeah, I think he's always been this way. He's like it with his sister too." Hadrian shrugged. Well used to Umehito's stalker tendencies by now, especially after Britain.

"What happens when she finds a mate?" inquired Draco a little too loudly with a smirk.

Umehito's head shot up at that, he actually hissed at Draco.

Hadrian just laughed while Draco grinned, before turning serious as Umehito turned back to the children.

"So it was a good match?" Draco asked quietly, worried about his own upcoming match to the younger Greengrass daughter.

Hadrian's smile went large at this, "Yeah, much better than I was expecting." He had actually had plans in place to murder whatever fiancé he ended up with in their sleep, much like Zabini's mother had done to some of her previous husbands, as the contract would have been fulfilled so he couldn't have been forced to marry Ginny despite their death, which would have secured his freedom; the main reason for his initial agreement and move to Japan.

"And you got two of them!"

Hadrian smirked mischievously along with Draco at that -if for different reasons- knowing the twins were quite taken with the blond and planning to steal him from his match in the very near future.

The rest of the dinner guests soon arrived.

Let the chaos begin

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A/N:

Q&A

Multiple Trunks

Harry still uses his old school trunk when in Hogwarts in order to avoid suspicion from dumbes and his spys, but carries his apartment trunk glamoured on his chocker everywhere while his third trunk is hidden within his new trunk under a shrinking charm. Everything he values is within his new trunks while his old hand me downs and school robes are displayed within his old school trunk along with anything the spy's are expecting to see. Which is why the invisibility cloak and map is in his school trunk, as the spies know he possesses them.

Marauders Map

The twins gave Harry the Map after a little prodding from dumbes. Dumbles realized it would be too suspicious if Harry got back together too quickly with Ron and Hermione given how public their row was, so encouraged interactions with the twins while he tried to smooth over the other two.

He planned to use the twins to get the golden trio back together so it appeared like a natural transition to the observant Ravens' and Snakes.

Dursley's

Petunia and Vernon die while on Holiday to Russia, Dudley is sent to live with Aunt Marge when he returns to England.

An autopsy on Petunia and Vernon reveals they died of liver and Kidney failure. Tests on Dudley revealed he is in the final stages of the 'disease' and will die unless he receives a transplant.

Medical files indicate Harry is a compatible Donor, but is not listed as a willing organ donor.

With muggles the beauty potion acts like a very mild poison or infection to the liver and kidneys. The more scaring the liver sustains the less it works, until the muggles liver eventually fails them completely. The beauty of the potion is that the victim doesn't show the typical yellowing skin as the potion is designed to give the recipient 'flawless' skin based on the victims ideals of beauty.

Dumbledore

During third year Dumbles left Harry alone to cool down from his row with Hermione and Ron, as their spying was still effective as far as he knew and he had expected a row to occur during the future anyway as he is trying to mold a trio of children after all.

During forth year he was kept busy with the tournament and making alliances with the other schools for the upcoming war. But he took the time to enter Harry into the tournament as a way to test Harry and scare him back to Ron and Hermione.

In hindsight Harry was kept safe by his own acting skills and Dumbles arrogance in third year, while there were too many eyes on him in fourth year to act openly.

Golden Trio

Ron; When Harry changed his electives Ron wasn't happy, as it placed Harry too close to Hermione for his comfort and meant he would have to put more effort into completing his mission. When they had their public row at breakfast Ron fully expected Harry to come crawling back to him. When that didn't happen and Harry spent more time with Neville and the Twins he sulked for a few months before trying to get back in Harry's good graces.

Hermione; In a bid to keep Harry under control she agreed with Ron that Harry should be in the more useless classes and cited his low test scores and questioned whether he would be able to do the work during breakfast. She also didn't want Harry in her classes as it would mean her intelligence was being questioned. The fact she basically called Harry an idiot for trying to improve himself within hearing range of Ravenclaw and Slytherin has alienated her with both houses.

Harry; Harry just steered clear of Ron and Hermione for the most part, but made sure to be seen reading in plain view of the Hogwarts populous and make friendly with people from other houses. He basically laid a very strict foundation for if anyone tried to alter his personality or behavior, as many people would be able to spot the difference and be in position to report their suspicions.

Harry made sure the people he associated with were all powerful Purebloods, Half-bloods, or the rare extremely promising Muggleborn. He knew in life it's all who you know rather than what you know, as shown by Vernon who was high up in Gunning's only because he went to school and boxed with the owner.

Wechard - Neville's Mother

Riddle does not know about his daughter's fate just yet, as she is listed in the papers and medical files under her husband's name of Longbottom.

Neville knows his mother was a Riddle but doesn't realize just what that means in terms of his relation to the Dark Lord as he doesn't know the Dark Lords real name.

Passage about Pure and Impure Brides in relation to breaking Harry's contract

Harry doesn't know about Ginny's habits until Draco writes to him about them, by which time almost two years have passed since he read the passage. The contractors who could have cancelled the contract also had zero reason too, even with Ginny's behavior.

Only the submissive and their family is fully aware of who they have contracts with and the contracts status.

Contract

Harry agrees to the contract because the contract buys him time and protection while he establishes himself and his freedom. He originally planned to pull a Zabini on one of the two but ended up falling for them both for different but similar reasons.

Ginny and Molly

Ginny and Molly are still very much delusional about their roles in Harry's life. While Ginny is just obsessed about being Lady Potter and the wealth that will bring her, Molly is very much aware she married down in life and is determined to elevate her status through marrying her daughter off to the Potter Heir.

House Elf Trainer

House Elf trainer Hadrian hired was a Half-blood who wants to educate house elves, but unlike Hermione has actually done her research. She basically just teaches the elves how to speak and read properly and proper hygiene and manners, but it makes a big difference to their treatment and sense of self-worth by giving them a voice that can be understood when heard.

Super Harry

While Harry is now a magical creature, he isn't any more or less dangerous than any other magical creature.

Balance is a big part of magic in my stories, so while Harry is magically powerful, he's also physically weak like a normal human. Kyoya and Umehito on the other hand are magically average or below but superior physically as their magic is geared towards enhancing their physical aspects, like hearing and speed.

Threesome/Pairings

Harry/Umehito was my original pairing when I started this story, but Kyoya kind of came and hijacked the idea. So in the end I put it to a vote and the threesome won.

Ouran High School: Magical or Muggle?

Both. All the old money students are magical, but there are enough newly rich muggle children that all the classes are mixed. 90% of the students have magical blood so it's basically a muggle school for magical students…or an extreme muggle studies class.

Mori

As Huni wasn't actually hurt Harry's safe. Mori just runs interference when he can to keep Huni away from Harry's sweets.

Umehito and Kyoya on the Contract

Both boys know about their magical heritage and the fact they have contracts, but Umehito is the only one of the two who took an actual interest before Harry showed up. While Kyoya knows he had a contract, his father promised his hand in a lot of business deals, so Kyoya never paid too much attention to them.

Traditionally, the dominants decide on a contract and the submissive's family or representative either approves of it or rejects it. The one in power all has to do with the numbers. For example one submissive to two or more dominates results in the submissive being in control, while one dominate to two or more submissive's results in the dominate being in control, but if the dominant is the one who made the contract the subs would have been in control.

Info on Creatures

I haven't been able to find a good way to introduce this…

Both Neko and Tengu are Japanese animal based demons with control over one type of element along with the general abilities…think Kami-sama Kiss for these guys, while the High Vampires in this fic are the same as the Pureblood vampires in Vampire Knight.

Twins Elder Brothers

At the time the twins were disowned, their elder brothers had all left home and started work. Which is why Harry didn't adopt them as they were already adults and weren't in dire straits.

White Lions

I assure you dear readers the use of the term White Lion was fully intentional.

"The white lion is a rare color mutation of the Timbavati area. White lions are the same as the tawny African Lion found in some wildlife reserves in South Africa and in zoos around the world. White lions are not a separate subspecies and are thought to be indigenous to the Timbavati region of South Africa for centuries, although the earliest recorded sighting in this region was in 1938. Regarded as divine by locals, white lions first came to public attention in the 1970s in Chris McBride's book The White Lions of Timbavati. Up until 2009, when the first pride of white lions was reintroduced to the wild, it was widely believed that the white lion could not survive in the wild. It is for this reason that a large part of the population of white lions now reside in zoos.

White lions of Mazanie are not albinos. Their white colour is caused by a recessive trait derived from a less-severe mutation in the same gene that causes albinism, distinct from the gene responsible for white tigers. They vary from blonde to near-white. This coloration does not appear to disadvantage their survival. The white lions of the Global White Lion Protection Trust (GWLPT) have been reintroduced into their natural habitat and have been hunting and breeding successfully without human intervention for a significant amount of time." - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I don't believe in the idea that inbreeding automatically results in mutations and disease in the offspring, I believe it's the result of societies telling children bogyman stories in order to scare them into conforming to societies views.

The science just isn't there to prove it, but there's plenty of evidence to disprove it.

Missing/Rushed Scenes

The best way to explain this would be to explain my writing style.

My first version of a story is normally crap and hard to follow, but I upload it anyway because I need reviewers to point out my mistakes so I can fix them or find plot holes I haven't addressed.

My second version is normally rushed but decent.

My third version -which this one currently is- is rushed but decent and includes the ending and important info, but is missing the filler and most development scenes. Like the Omake I added at the bottom this is where I have scenes I've written but don't know where to put just yet.

This is where I normally mark the story as complete as I have the ending and amount of chapters I want to work with.

1yr break

Fourth version, missing filler and development scenes are added. My mistakes are fixed and plot holes addressed.

From version 5 and onwards I'm just fixing what I added in version 4 and refining the story I have into the best I can do, but I won't delete any scenes. While I might need to move the scene to a different spot to make the story flow better, because I don't like it when other authors do it I won't be deleting any scenes.

I normally take a break from a story once I reach version 3 or get writers block. The break allows me to take a step back from the story so when I come back I have more idea's and write better. Once I've taken a step back I see problems I didn't notice before or notice things I had forgotten to add.

Special shout of to some reviewers

Barbasulrico – all your questions helped me write this story, and you were even dead on the mark with your guesses

Elfin69 – for consistently reviewing every chapter in every story you read with your thoughts on the story and an idea or two I can use

SleepyMangaHead – for the awesome advice on how Harry could legally kill someone and get away with it, and for figuring everything out in the first few chapters

LittleFoxAvanalae – thank you for your constructive words and for pointing out a huge hole in my story. I didn't intentionally leave the tournament and Dursley's out! With what happened, I'm thinking I probably made a mental note to come back and finish the chapter but forgot to do so…

Moonglazerz – Have you also noticed how in canon Harry loses all his intelligence? He's so smart up until he meets Hagrid and his common sense flies out the window…

On a final note my Beta SnowTigerQueen, also known as Thexlonelyxprincess, has been an awesome help with editing and fixing my mistakes

Omake 0-Baby-0

Watching Umehito coo and pamper his little sister, Hadrian smiled.

Umehito would make a good father. He could see it in his aura; how it wrapped protectively around his sister as he interacted with her.

Leaving the parchment with the healer results on it Hadrian contemplated the best place to sleep tonight. He knew he was being cowardly, but he didn't want to risk being caught in a blow up before they had time to process the news.

He still retained his instincts from the Dursley's, telling him to avoid conflict.

He knew Kyoya and Umehito would have wanted to talk but Hadrian was exhausted and furious at his Mates for impregnating him, even if Hadrian knew it was no more their fault than it was his.

Hadrian needed to meet up with Griptide in the morning to make arrangements with this new development, including his Wills and schooling.

Activating the runes on the door to his nest, Hadrian collapsed into bed. Not giving Kyoya a chance to disturb him, knowing Umehito would have respected his wishes once he entered this room, but Kyoya would have pushed.

The bossy bastard.

After fifteen minutes of waiting for sleep to claim him, Hadrian sighed as he rose.

Hadrian pulled out his new Ancient Runes tomb instead. He wanted to see if he could integrate runes from different alphabets into the same sequence array anyway. If it worked, it would open his options for different designs and moving portraits, as well as wards. He wanted the security in the nursery to be air tight.