Flourish and Blotts was busy with activity as Adrian and his older sister, Evanna stepped into the shop. The crowd was bustling with excitement due to the chaos of pre-Hogwarts shopping.
Evanna led the way, as they effortlessly weaving through the throngs of witches and wizards. Her eyes scanned the shelves with ease, pulling books from their places as though she had memorized the entire catalog of magical literature.
"First year charms should be over here," Evanna said, gesturing toward a row of shelves labeled Hogwarts Essentials.
Adrian said. " Let me go and get the books."
Adrian pulled out a book from the shelves,The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1. This was an essential book for his first year at Hogwarts. However, such beginner stuff did not interest him enough. He already had spent countless hours in the Blackthorn library, poring over texts that spanned centuries of magical knowlege. Overwhelmed by his curiosity, he decided to buy all the books up to the third year.
"Evanna, buy me all the books up to the third year" said Adrian
"Are you sure? Even with your excellent knowlege, you might not understanding some principles"
Adrian stood there glaring at his sister
Evanna sighed and said"Okay I will get them for you."
His sister continued to collect the other necessary books: A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration, Magical Drafts and Potions, and The Dark Arts: A Historical Perspective, all up to year 3.
As they were about to pick up the last book , Adrian's attention wandered. The shop was starting to feel crowded, as Adrian noticed a few familiar faces who were from old families names that had carried weight in magical circles for generations.
But his thoughts were interrupted when a voice cut through his distractions.
"Well, well, if it isn't the Blackthorns."
Adrian turned to find Draco Malfoy standing a few feet away, his usual smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. Beside him stood his mother, Narcissa, her demeanor as composed as always, watching the exchange with mild interest.
Evanna smiled at Draco in greeting, her tone polite but not overly friendly. "Draco. How's your summer been?"
"Fine," Draco replied smoothly. "Father insists on making sure everything is perfect for the new term. No surprises for the Malfoy family. We take tradition seriously."
Evanna's smile didn't falter. "Of course," she said. "Tradition is important."
There was an air of superiority in Draco's words yet, it remained familiar to Adrian. He had already met Draco in multiple family parties and of course his father had asked him to maintain a good relationship with the Malfoys.
Draco's gaze shifted toward Adrian, sizing him up in a way that felt almost possessive. "So, you're the new Blackthorn," Draco said, his voice slightly more appraising than usual. "I suppose Slytherin will be welcoming yet another shining star this year."
Adrian raised an eyebrow, as his gaze met Draco's without flinching. "We'll see," he said, his voice calm as though he was indifferent towards Drac.
Draco's eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't push the matter further. Instead, he turned to Evanna. "I assume you'll be in Slytherin as well. It runs in every pureblood family, doesn't it?"
Evanna nodded, her smile polite but a little colder. "Slytherin is a house for those who know how to use their advantages. I'm sure you'll be sorted there as well."
"Indeed. See you both at Hogwarts. I'm sure it'll be an interesting year."
With that, Draco and Narcissa turned and walked off as the brother and sister headed to finish the payments.
Adrian watched them go, his expression unreadable. "Well, that was pleasant."
Evanna shrugged, unperturbed. "Draco can be a bit much, but he's harmless. He's just a spoiled child with no strength. Yes our blood makes us superior yet, we need strength to match up to that as well."
"Definitely," Adrian muttered, pleased with his sister's answer.
"let's move on" said Evanna as Adrian snapped out of his reverie. "We need to get you fitted for robes, then we can finish up the list."
Adrian nodded as they made their way out of Flourish and Blotts.
The day ended as both of them got all the supplies need for the Adrians first semester.
The next day
Today was the day he was going to leave for Hogwarts.
The sun had risen as the Blackthorn family gathered around the dining table for Breakfast as the clink of silverware and the soft hum of conversation filled the air. Adrian sat quietly, glancing between his mother, Helene, and his father, Damian. It had been a long time since he had seen his mother. She had been travelling all this while to Sweden for some important meetings.
Helene sat at the head of the table, elegant and composed as always. Despite the serene exterior, Adrian could sense her sharp eyes noting every small detail. His mother today morning seemed unusually focused on her children.
"So, how was your trip to Diagon Alley?" she asked
"It went well," Adrian replied, offering a small smile. "Evanna made a few impulsive purchases, as usual," he added with a glance toward his sister, who was absently twirling her fork.
Evanna shot him a playful glare. "I don't see you complaining when you find books on hexes that don't even exist yet."
Helene's lips curved ever so slightly at the exchange. "Books, purchases... both have their place," she said, a note of subtle amusement in her voice. "But Adrian, I trust you're not neglecting your more practical studies as well?"
Adrian's gaze met his mother's. He knew she wasn't just referring to his magical studies as she was alluding to something deeper. He nodded trying his best to not reveal too much.
"I've been preparing for the term, Mother. You know how it is," Adrian said, keeping his tone nonchalant.
Helene's smile didn't fade, but her eyes sharpened just a touch. "Of course," she replied smoothly. "I know you, Adrian. You always have your mind on something bigger. Just be cautious, my dear. The world outside these walls is changing, and not all change is kind."
The weight of her words settled as his mother always knew what was going on in this world. Adrian thought it was due to her close relationships with many powerful families.
Evanna interrupted the silence, her voice a little more serious than usual. "Do you think this year will be different, Mother? With everything happening in the world, it seems like something's brewing."
Helene's gaze softened as she looked at her daughter. "It always feels like something is brewing, my dear. This year there were a few incidences in Albania. Yet for you both, there is nothing to worry about."
Adrian watched his mother carefully. He knew she was extremely powerful, perhaps she could hold her own against Dumbledore for a while. Her hints gave him a feeling that the wizarding world was truly changing.
Suddenly, Adrian felt himself getting squashed." I will miss you both at Hogwarts and never forget that I'm proud of both of you," Helene said softly while giving Adrian a deep hug. "Never forget that."
Adrian's heart swelled with a rare warmth. Despite the connections and the complex web of politics and power that defined their family, he knew one thing for sure his mother's love for him and Evanna was unwavering. Even if she didn't say it in the traditional way, it was there in the way she spoke, in the way she protected them and in the way her eyes lingered on them now.