Chapter 13: Eminence
Adrian glanced upwards over the cover of the book he was reading. He'd quickly fallen into something of a routine. It was a relaxed Wednesday afternoon. Having just finished his Charms class that morning, he was lounging comfortably in the Hogwarts Library until dinner.
His makeshift schedule allowed him plenty of time to work on the Herbology essay he had been assigned painfully early that morning. Despite the post waking daze that accompanied the greenhouses, it was purely coincidental his inherent knack for magical creatures somehow related to his understanding of magical flora. Adrian was almost certain the marks of many of his classmates rested in his gloved hands.
He had taken the only book in the library relating to the pertinent topic of his essay: the use of Arnica outside of poison brewing. His book listed, in rather impressive detail, that Arnica was still used as a herbal treatment for bruises and sprains on humans.
"Er, hello."
Adrian jolted, nearly knocking his inkwell from the armrest of the chair. The book slid from his lap, snapping shut as it landed on the floor amidst the flurry of his papers. Reflexively, he scrambled to catch the book, already aware that it was futile.
Adrian had assumed that he would be the first person in the library with the intent of finishing the homework. The chances that he would encounter anyone with the same mindset was low, especially considering it was assigned just that morning.
The girl who had startled him so terrible stepped out from around a bookshelf. Her eyes were wide with guilt, Adrian was embarrassed - had he become so relaxed at Hogwarts he could be caught off guard by a girl?
"I was wondering if you were-"
"Are you planning on working on the Herbology essay?" Adrian abruptly offered, trying to smooth the situation the best he could. He leant down from his chair, hoisting the tome off the floor.
"I'm sorry," the girl apologized, looking frazzled. She looked ready to bolt, yet something about her was familiar.
She had unruly hair and a hideously bright red scarf which only served to make her skin colour seem that much more untasteful.
"Oh, we've met! One the train!" She enthusiastically blurted, blushing once she realized her outburst. She scowled, looking disgruntled, a thought occurring to her perhaps. "It's a shame we aren't in the same house, Hadrianus."
Adrian felt disgruntled at her unintentional jab at Slytherin. "I could say the same. Gryffindor, is… unfortunate."
She didn't deny it, which likely meant that the other girls had realized how snobby she was.
"Sit down, I'll share the book with you," Adrian offered, pointing to the seat next to him, currently being used by Adrian's bag. She blushed once again before shuffling over and dropping her own heavy bag on the floor next to him. She sat heavily onto the chair once it was cleared, and wasted no time pulling out her plethora of books and parchment. Adrian raised one eyebrow when he noticed she had already been writing the essay, even without the book she wanted.
"I like to get my assignments done in advance," she struggled to explain, seeming nervous in his company.
"As do I," Adrian soothed, showing how nearly complete his assignment was already. She gaped in surprise and gave a genuine smile before hiding her face in her hair.
They continued, eventually finishing their essays once able to bounce information back and forth. Hermione (her name had finally come to him while writing) was rather intelligent; it was a shame she felt the urge to flaunt it so obviously.
"Could you help me with essays again sometime?" She asked, eyes wide and watery with how hopeful she was.
Adrian was suddenly struck with the situation and just how perfect it was.
"Of course," he nearly purred, trying to keep the grin threatening to split his face absent. "But I make deals."
Hermione paused, suddenly rather timid. "Deals?"
Adrian briefly wondered if he was acting as slimy as Calum. He nodded politely, "Exactly. In the Slytherin house, it's common to have some sort of...assurance. Some classmates like to take advantage of you."
Hermione nodded eagerly, clearly sympathizing with him. Adrian took it as a sign to continue.
"Deals are essentially promises. I'll help you, and you'll help me in the future. Of course, I would always accept galleons if you're purchasing something I own." He smiled slowly, trying to persuade her gently. He could tell that the girl was relaxing. "But in this case, it's so I'll help you again sometime."
Hermione was still wary but it looked like she was considering the offer, now that he had explained it. She worried her lower lip with her prominent front teeth. When she spoke, her words were careful and considered. "Well, that would be nice."
Adrian smiled and pulled out his wand. He motioned for her to touch the opposite end of his wand, forming a link between them.
In a clear calm voice, Adrian incanted, "Peddlemus."
His wand warmed under his hand. Hermione twitched slightly, clearly feeling the warmth on her end. It lingered, before slowly fading.
"There," Adrian said, smiling. He pulled his wand back and slid it into his holster.
Hermione smiled and she looked much happier. Adrian assumed it was because now he was forced to spend time in her presence.
He almost felt bad for her.
"Incorrect!"
Although he was sitting on the far side of the room and the words hadn't been directed towards him, Adrian flinched. The boisterous tone of voice was seriously messing on his head.
Defence Against the Dark Arts was being taught by the most insufferable man Adrian had ever the misfortune of meeting once again. James Potter looked practically gleeful as he took five more points from the stunned looking Pansy Parkinson.
The Hufflepuffs weren't exactly sure what to do. It was blatantly obvious that Professor Potter was trying to take as many points as possible from the Slytherins and was enjoying every second of his success.
It was grating on Adrian's nerves. Each jab was making him tense, until only a few more sneers and dumb looks from Hufflepuff until he snapped.
Adrian was filled with intense loathing as James Potter once again asked a question to the unprepared Daphne Greengrass. She stuttered but it was too late, already Potter was snatching points.
Was Potter even qualified for teaching? Wasn't he an Auror?
"Mr. Malfoy!" James Potter started once more, voice crooning in contrast to the huge shark like grin spreading across his features. "What is a Daywalker!"
'Oh!' Adrian felt attention perking up, the questions were venturing into magical creatures? Now this was a topic he knew.
"A Daywalker is a species of vampire that is impervious to sunlight," Malfoy responded, each word grinding from his locked jaw. Malfoy had been the prime target of Potter throughout the entire (much too long) class already.
It was a well known fact that Draco's father only narrowly escaped being sentenced to Azkaban. With how involved Potter was with the arrests, he could have been the one who escorted the man to his trial.
"Five points from Slytherin for stating the obvious!" Potter was nearly vibrating with excitement, "The proper answer would include the description of its fangs and eyes!"
Oh this was getting ridiculous.
"Mr. Selwyn!" James Potter directed, shifting from where he stood on his little platform to look at Adrian directly.
Adrian froze and with restrained trembling he met the soft brown eyes. Chillingly acidic green scalded and seared into James with emotion so strong, it stunned the man for a few seconds.
"Do phoenixes die?" Stumbling, James Potter asked.
Adrian almost smiled.
"Yes, phoenixes can die."
"Incorrec-"
"I apologize professor. Would you like me to specify how they die? I don't like to presume such things, but if that was the case, your question shouldn't have been so direct." Adrian interrupted, he revelled in the almost euphoric sensation of a shocked James Potter.
"Elaborate," James Potter demanded. The man crossed his arms, choosing to lean against his personal desk in the relaxed picture of teacher authority.
"A phoenix can die from its bond with its master if the bond is strong enough and the master dies. It can also die from neglect or abuse. That is only with tamed birds, since the majority of phoenixes are still wild. The bird can also die on command, if it ever wants. Curses will not harm a phoenix, instead it'll revert back into its hatchling state. Specific venoms from its natural predator will kill it, alongside a few species of plants."
The room was silent, Adrian curling his hands tightly into fists. He felt the biting sting of his nails puncturing the skin of his palms, but didn't back down from Potter.
The rising nagging thoughts rose slowly in the back of his mind, regardless of his attempts to crush them. The ravenous doubt that left him inexplicably desiring affection from his- 'No! James Potter is not my father!'
His teeth began grinding together, the ache in his jaw providing clarity to dismiss the nonsense.
'He's not even that good of a teacher. I bet he spoils the Gryffindors for holding a quill. He spoils Skylar. Why didn't he sp-'
He almost screamed with fury, he could tell his entire body was shaking ever so slightly. His face was aching.
The little bell on James Potter desk rang itself. Potter blinked, somehow still stunned and staring at Adrian almost hypnotized. He floundered, not actually saying anything while everyone gathered their objects and filed out of the room.
The group walked silently back to the common room. Once the door opened and they walked in quietly, the older years looked at the new students slightly interested.
Then Pansy burst into cheers and hugged Adrian, who yelped backwards in surprise.
"Selwyn got Potter!" Theo cheered, seeming smug through Adrian's own abilities.
"The golden boy brat?" One of the third years asked curiously, not too interested with the ruckus.
"No, the professor." Pansy clarified, looking much too starry eyed for Adrian's comfort.
"Bloody hell, how did you manage that?" A fifth year gasped, looking at Adrian interestedly. "That clotpole won't even give Vaisley five points."
Draco seemed rather annoyed with the topic, and stomped away to sit on a vacant couch.
"You should have seen it, answered the question and shut him right up." Theo grinned, giving Adrian an appreciative look. "You're going to be useful when Quidditch season comes around!"
"Always happy to be of service." Adrian sighed, trying to slip away from the new interest from the upper years.
It wasn't that big of a deal.
Adrian noticed afterwards on the house cup record in the Slytherin common room, he had been awarded ten points by Professor Potter.
The dynamics of the Slytherin house were confusing and convoluted. Each Year apparently had some sort of hierarchy established. The older you were, the greater your inherent right to order those younger than you around was. It was particularly aggravating when a fifth year openly told you to fetch them useless objects or food.
It reminded Adrian all too well of the lazy pigs which treated him similarly.
It was even more loathsome when power-plays began just before the end of October.
A heavy set girl, twice the size of Daphne Greengrass, a fair haired snobbish First Year, had gotten it into her head that she was the superior authority of the Year. She hadn't any qualms with Draco, who had almost instinctively claimed his high position. Instead, this stocky large jawed doberman challenged Adrian.
Theo had snickered to himself, looking interested while fidgeting. Watching Adrian and Millicent (as he had been later informed) battle it out was something of a train wreck.
She first demanded Adrian move his position from where he sat on the couch. He lazily obliged, having offered a long mocking swoop of his arm which undermined the fact he actually had moved. The next act was having snatched the food from his plate before he could even eat. He instead smiled and sipped on whatever drink the house elves had provided. He hadn't touched any part of his meal, instead offering it to Crabbe who eagerly snatched up the spare biscuit.
Millicent started to throw jabs, vicious spittle coated words which weren't at all pestering considering how petty they truly were. By now, a week had gone on and Millicent had not gained any ground, although she hadn't lost any either.
Millicent had cornered him in the common room one friday evening. Adrian was reading through a book rather quickly in search of an answer for a Hufflepuff girl who was likely going to fail her assignment without his aid. Millicent plopped onto the couch across from him, wearing a smug look more at home on a pug.
"So, I was looking at tapestries," She started, already almost crowing with victory. "And you aren't part of the Selwyn family!"
Adrian blinked, paused, then nearly groaned.
"No, I'm not," he agreed, speaking slowly with the rising tension of the room.
"I'm from another one. Selwyn is a popular last name, you know."
"You aren't in any of them!" She cheered, grin looking positively vicious. "That means you're adopted!"
Adrian paused, calmly turned the page of his book, withheld the flinch, and raised an eyebrow.
"I bet your real parents don't even like you," Millicent nearly giggled. "I bet you're from a pathetic family! Maybe even Longbottom!" She was full out laughing now, drawing the attention of a few other students. "I bet they got rid of you so they wouldn't have to ever see your ugly mug again!"
Adrian didn't notice how tight his grip was on his book until he heard a nearly inaudible creaking noise. He glanced downwards at his book. The corners of the pages he had been reading furled inwards on itself, like watching a flower close bloom in reverse.
The room was struck with the pungent smell of smoke, and a few wafts trailed upwards from his hands.
Millicent didn't seem to notice, although a few of the upper years murmured to one another. They evidently had seen the smoke and now understood the cause was the steadily intensifying anger.
Millicent finally noticed that she had gained something over Adrian. She beamed, looking thoroughly impressed with herself. She walked away with her head held high.
Theo had seen the exchange, and seemed conflicted with the results.
The next day in Herbology, the teacher, Professor Sprout, had the idea to introduce the group as well as the Ravenclaws to a dangerous thorny plant with bright red flowers capable of breathing fire.
The plant in question was fascinating, although the name escaped Adrian. It thrashed and smoldered and provided a delicious opportunity.
Theo had chanced looking upwards with a grimace from where he was trying to prune his own plant. Adrian, standing across from him with his own plant, had a nearly obsessive look on his face as he stared down the row at Millicent.
Theo watched, tilting his head curiously as before his eyes, Adrian's hands flexed slightly and his pupils dilated rather suddenly.
Millicent screamed almost instantly after. Theo spun his head to look at her, where her hair and her robes had caught marvelous lapping flames. She was crying, thick alligator tears falling down her face while the air was filled with the acrid stench of burning hair.
Professor Sprout hurried down the row, scolding the others of the dangers of the flower. She hushed Millicent and took her aside, patting out the very eager flames with her fire retardant gloves.
Theo slowly looked back at Adrian, who finally blinked and looked away. He calmly tended to his plant over the sounds of Millicent's whimpers.
Theo was extra twitchy, stumbling over to mumble his speculations to Pansy who had shrieked in delight over the rumor. She spread it rapidly, efficiently enough that by dinner that night it was a Slytherin secret that Adrian Selwyn could set things aflame, wandlessly and nonverbally.
When Millicent was released from the hospital wing a few days later, it wasn't only a stack of homework assignments awaiting her.
Adrian smiled at her when she returned, offering a pleasant, "So glad to see you weren't burnt too badly."
She realized when her half finished essay curled and burned under her hands, that the injury was entirely intentional.
By the end of that week, Adrian had secured his position as untouchable.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
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