MTLNOVEL Chapter 7: Chapter 6
Chapter 6: The Hogwarts Express and Beyond
The morning of September 1st dawned chilly and gray. Hadrian stood on Platform 9¾, disillusioned and observing from a shadowy corner near the barrier. He had decided to monitor Harry's departure to Hogwarts, not out of distrust for the security arrangements, but to establish a baseline for what would become one of his regular protective measures throughout the year.
The platform was alive with the usual back-to-school chaos—tearful goodbyes, excited reunions, and the constant hooting of owls and meowing of cats. The Hogwarts Express gleamed scarlet against the gray London sky, steam billowing as it prepared for the journey north.
Hadrian's attention sharpened as a large group with distinctive red hair emerged through the barrier. The Weasleys had arrived, with Harry and Hermione in tow. Mrs. Weasley was fussing over her children as usual, straightening Ron's collar and trying to tame Ginny's windswept hair. Mr. Weasley stood slightly apart, his eyes constantly scanning the platform with a vigilance that hadn't been present in previous years—an understandable precaution following the events at the World Cup.
Harry looked healthier than Hadrian remembered being at the start of his fourth year. The regular correspondence and emotional support, combined with a summer that included time away from the Dursleys, had clearly benefited the boy. He was smiling as he talked with Ron, though Hadrian noted the way his hand occasionally strayed to his pocket where his wand was undoubtedly stored—a subtle sign that the World Cup incident had left its mark.
From his vantage point, Hadrian observed the other key players in the year to come. Draco Malfoy and his parents stood near the front of the train, the elder Malfoys projecting their usual air of aristocratic disdain while Draco smirked at something Crabbe had said. Lucius's presence was particularly interesting to Hadrian, given that he had personally identified the man among the Death Eaters at the World Cup.
Nearby, the Diggorys had just arrived. Cedric, tall and handsome, was accepting his father's enthusiastic goodbye with good-natured embarrassment. Hadrian felt a pang of grief at the sight of the young man who, in his timeline, had died in the graveyard at Little Hangleton—Voldemort's first victim upon his return to physical form.
That death was one Hadrian was determined to prevent. He had already begun formulating plans for the Third Task that would ensure Cedric never touched the Triwizard Cup turned portkey. It was a small change that shouldn't significantly alter the broader events but would save an innocent life—precisely the kind of targeted intervention Hadrian believed could improve this timeline without risking unpredictable consequences.
As the final boarding call sounded, Hadrian watched Harry and his friends climb aboard the train after receiving a final round of hugs from Mrs. Weasley. Moving silently along the platform, still disillusioned, Hadrian positioned himself near the carriage where they had settled. His younger self was safe for now, surrounded by friends and soon to be under Hogwarts' protections, but the journey itself was a period of vulnerability.
The train began to move, slowly at first then with gathering speed. Hadrian remained on the platform until it had disappeared around the bend, then apparated directly to Hogsmeade. He would maintain a periodic watch on the train during critical portions of its journey, apparating ahead to observe it passing through particularly remote sections of countryside where an attack would be most feasible.
This was, perhaps, an unnecessary precaution. In his original timeline, the Hogwarts Express had never been attacked during Harry's school years. But Hadrian had learned through bitter experience that assumptions of safety were often fatal mistakes. The increasing divergence between timelines meant that events might not unfold exactly as he remembered them, and he preferred to err on the side of caution.
As he watched the train from a hillside above the tracks several hours into its journey, Hadrian reflected on the coming school year. The Triwizard Tournament would dominate events, culminating in the Third Task and Voldemort's return. But before that critical moment, there would be numerous opportunities to prepare Harry and to continue his own mission of retrieving and destroying Horcruxes.
His next target was the diadem hidden in the Room of Requirement. Hadrian had decided to retrieve it during his visit to Hogwarts for the arrival of the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang delegations, when the castle would be busy with preparations and his presence would attract less notice. The timing was still nearly two months away, but that gave him ample opportunity to refine his approach and prepare the necessary tools.
In the meantime, there were other matters requiring his attention. The issue of Sirius Black, for one. In this timeline, Sirius was still a fugitive, hiding in a cave near Hogsmeade and subsisting on rats. Hadrian had debated whether to contact him directly but had ultimately decided to wait. Sirius was deeply loyal to Harry, but also impulsive and potentially reckless. Better to establish a stronger foundation with Harry first, then approach Sirius once he had a clearer picture of the man's state of mind in this timeline.
There was also the matter of the false Moody. Hadrian had confirmed through discreet observation that Barty Crouch Jr. had successfully captured and replaced the real Alastor Moody shortly before the start of term, just as in his original timeline. The impostor would now be at Hogwarts, beginning his elaborate deception designed to ensure Harry's participation in the Tournament.
Hadrian had decided to allow this plot to proceed, but he intended to monitor it closely. The false Moody would, ironically, prove to be one of Harry's most effective Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers, imparting valuable skills that would serve him well in the coming conflict. Disrupting that aspect of the impostor's role might do more harm than good.
As afternoon faded into evening, Hadrian made one final check on the train as it approached Hogsmeade station. Satisfied that all was well, he apparated back to his cottage to prepare for the next phase of his plans. Harry was safely delivered to Hogwarts, where the machinery of Voldemort's resurrection plot was already in motion. The chess pieces were moving into position.
* * *
The weeks following the start of term were busy for Hadrian. He divided his time between research, correspondence, and careful observation of key locations and individuals. His timeline wall had been expanded further, with detailed notes on the progression of the Triwizard Tournament and the events surrounding it.
Hadrian had also begun preparing for potential combat situations. In the corner of his workroom, a practice dummy—enchanted to simulate a variety of attack patterns—bore the scorch marks and spell damage of regular dueling sessions. Though Hadrian had maintained his combat skills since arriving in this timeline, the recent destruction of the ring Horcrux and the approaching confrontation in the graveyard had motivated him to intensify his training regimen.
On this particular evening, Hadrian was reviewing his correspondence with Harry. The letters had continued regularly since the start of term, with Harry sharing details about his classes, the growing excitement about the Tournament, and most recently, the disturbing news about the attack on Mad-Eye Moody's home.
> *Dear Hadrian,*
>
> *Something weird happened last night. There was some kind of incident at Professor Moody's house before he came to Hogwarts. He's our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, an ex-Auror they call "Mad-Eye" because he has this magical eye that can see through anything. Mr. Weasley had to go help sort it out because Moody's bewitched dustbins attacked someone. The Ministry thinks he's getting paranoid in his old age, setting up all these traps around his house.*
>
> *Moody's first lesson was intense. He showed us the three Unforgivable Curses—actually performed them on spiders in front of us. It was pretty disturbing, especially the Cruciatus Curse. Neville got really upset, and Moody took him back to his office afterward. When Neville came back, he seemed better and had this book about Mediterranean water plants that Moody lent him.*
>
> *Hermione thinks it was inappropriate to show us those curses, but Ron and I thought it was useful to know what we might face. What do you think? You mentioned in one of your letters that knowing about dark magic can help with defending against it.*
>
> *Also, we found out what the big event is this year—the Triwizard Tournament! Just like you hinted. They're announcing the official details at the Halloween feast, but everyone's talking about it already. Fred and George are trying to figure out how to enter even though there's going to be an age restriction.*
>
> *I have to admit, it sounds exciting, but also dangerous. Three schools competing in magical tasks for eternal glory and a thousand Galleons... Did they have the Tournament when you were at school?*
>
> *I've been continuing with those meditation exercises you suggested. They're helping with my focus in class, especially Transfiguration. Professor McGonagall actually complimented my work yesterday!*
>
> *Write back when you can,*
> *Harry*
Hadrian had responded carefully, praising Harry's improved focus while subtly encouraging his caution regarding the Tournament. He had also validated Moody's teaching approach while emphasizing the importance of understanding dark magic for defensive purposes—reinforcing lessons that would serve Harry well in the coming years.
What interested Hadrian most about the letter, however, was the mention of Neville and the herbology book. This confirmed that Barty Crouch Jr. was following the same playbook as in the original timeline, using his knowledge of Neville's parents' torture to manipulate the boy. The book about Mediterranean water plants would eventually lead to Neville's suggestion about gillyweed for the Second Task—a seemingly minor detail, but one that indicated the timeline was still proceeding largely as Hadrian remembered.
Another letter had arrived just yesterday, bringing news of the most recent developments:
> *Dear Hadrian,*
>
> *Hogwarts is getting ready for the arrival of the other schools. They're cleaning everything, and Filch is going mad about students tracking in mud. The delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang arrive on October 30th—the day before Halloween. There's going to be a big feast to welcome them.*
>
> *Moody's classes continue to be interesting. He put the Imperius Curse on each of us so we could experience what it feels like and try to fight it off. I was the only one who managed to resist it, even partially. Moody seemed impressed and had me try it four times until I could throw it off completely. Is that normal? Being able to resist it, I mean?*
>
> *I remembered what you wrote about creating a mental barrier against outside influence—it seemed to help when I focused on my own thoughts and pushed back against the floating feeling.*
>
> *I'm curious—you mentioned you'll be visiting Hogwarts in late October. Will you be here for the arrival of the other schools? It would be great to see you again and introduce you to some of my friends properly.*
>
> *Ron says hi, by the way. I showed him that book you recommended about Quidditch strategy, and he's been studying it religiously. Hermione thinks it's funny that the only thing that gets him to read voluntarily is Quidditch.*
>
> *Looking forward to your next letter,*
> *Harry*
Hadrian smiled at Harry's subtle pride in being able to resist the Imperius Curse. It was a significant achievement and one that would prove crucial during the graveyard confrontation. The Occlumency-adjacent techniques Hadrian had been teaching through correspondence were clearly bearing fruit, enhancing Harry's natural resistance to mental manipulation.
He penned a response confirming his upcoming visit for the arrival of the foreign delegations and offering further encouragement regarding Harry's resistance to the Imperius Curse. He explained that such resistance was rare and impressive, particularly for a fourteen-year-old wizard, but framed it as a natural extension of Harry's strong will rather than anything connected to his status as a Horcrux or his shared connection with Voldemort.
As he sealed the letter and set it aside for Archimedes to deliver in the morning, Hadrian's attention turned to his preparations for the upcoming visit to Hogwarts. The opportunity to enter the castle officially was invaluable, but it also presented risks. Barty Crouch Jr. would be there in his guise as Moody, and the man's paranoia—both real and affected—made him a dangerous observer. Hadrian would need to be cautious in his interactions, revealing neither too much knowledge of the impostor's true identity nor any suspicious interest in the Tournament.
Then there was Dumbledore. The Headmaster's invitation had been cordial but had contained that pointed reference to elder wood. Hadrian suspected he would face further probing during his visit, as Dumbledore sought to satisfy his curiosity about the mysterious relative who had appeared in Harry's life.
Most crucial was his plan to access the Room of Requirement and retrieve the diadem Horcrux. This would require careful timing and a plausible excuse for his absence during what would likely be a heavily scheduled visit. Hadrian had been developing a strategy involving a supposedly urgent owl from his "research contacts" that would necessitate a brief departure from the formal activities.
A knock at his door interrupted these thoughts. Hadrian stiffened, immediately alert. He wasn't expecting visitors, and only a handful of people knew the location of his cottage despite the Fidelius Charm.
Drawing his wand, Hadrian approached the door cautiously, casting non-verbal detection spells as he went. The results were puzzling—the magical signature outside was familiar but not immediately identifiable. It wasn't Dumbledore, nor any other current Hogwarts staff member he recognized.
"Who's there?" Hadrian called, positioning himself to the side of the door where he would have cover if necessary.
"A fellow scholar with an interest in ancient artifacts," came the reply in a mild, slightly hoarse voice. "Particularly those connected to the founders of Hogwarts."
Hadrian frowned. The voice was vaguely familiar, but he couldn't place it immediately. The reference to founders' artifacts, however, was concerning given his recent focus on the diadem Horcrux.
"That's a rather broad field of study," Hadrian responded carefully. "Any particular founder or artifact that interests you most?"
"I've always found Ravenclaw's lost diadem a fascinating mystery," the voice answered. "Though Hufflepuff's cup and Slytherin's locket are equally intriguing, wouldn't you agree?"
Hadrian's blood ran cold. The visitor had just named three of Voldemort's Horcruxes in succession—too specific to be coincidence. Either this was someone with dangerous knowledge of Voldemort's secrets, or...
"And your opinion on rings?" Hadrian asked, testing a theory. "Particularly those connected to the Peverell family?"
"Ah, the Peverells," the voice replied with a touch of amusement. "A fascinating lineage. Their ring would complete quite a collection, though I understand it might recently have become more difficult to acquire."
That settled it. Whoever was outside knew about the Horcruxes and was aware that Hadrian had already destroyed the ring. This was potentially a catastrophic security breach—or an unexpected ally.
Decision made, Hadrian cast several additional protective charms around himself, then opened the door just enough to see his visitor.
Standing on the threshold was a tall, thin man with tawny hair streaked with gray and a lined face that suggested premature aging. He wore shabby but well-maintained robes and leaned slightly on a walking stick. His amber eyes met Hadrian's with an intensity that triggered sudden recognition.
"Remus Lupin," Hadrian said, neither lowering his wand nor opening the door further. "This is unexpected."
"Indeed," Lupin agreed with a small smile. "Though perhaps less surprising than a Potter cousin from America who shows unusual interest in certain dark artifacts and has an elder wand."
The implication was clear. Lupin had somehow connected the dots that Hadrian had been so careful to keep separate. The question was how, and more importantly, what he intended to do with that knowledge.
"Perhaps we should continue this conversation inside," Hadrian suggested, stepping back to allow Lupin entry.
"Thank you," Lupin said, crossing the threshold with a slight limp. "I apologize for the dramatic introduction, but I needed to confirm certain suspicions before revealing myself."
Once inside, Hadrian directed Lupin to a chair near the fireplace while maintaining a tactically advantageous position. With a wave of his wand, he strengthened the privacy wards around the cottage before turning his full attention to his unexpected guest.
"How did you find me?" Hadrian asked directly. "This location is under the Fidelius Charm."
"Sirius told me," Lupin replied calmly. "Or rather, Sirius told me he had observed someone fitting your description entering and leaving a cottage in this vicinity. Given my... enhanced senses, I was able to detect traces of your magical signature despite the Fidelius."
Hadrian cursed internally. He had been careful to check for human observers during his comings and goings, but had failed to account for Sirius's Animagus form. A large black dog would attract little attention in the countryside around Hogsmeade.
"And what prompted this investigation in the first place?" Hadrian asked, though he suspected he knew the answer.
"Harry's letters," Lupin said simply. "He's been corresponding with both Sirius and myself since the end of last term. His mention of a newfound relative with expertise in defense against the dark arts and an interest in rare magical artifacts raised questions. When he described your guidance on resisting mental influence—which sounded remarkably like basic Occlumency—Sirius became concerned about your intentions."
Hadrian nodded slowly. It made sense. Sirius was fiercely protective of Harry and would naturally be suspicious of an unknown adult taking an interest in his godson.
"And yet you come alone," Hadrian observed. "Without Sirius, without notifying Dumbledore or the Ministry. Why?"
Lupin's amber eyes studied Hadrian carefully before he answered. "Because of certain inconsistencies that suggest a more complex situation than simply an impostor trying to manipulate Harry. Your knowledge of the Horcruxes, for one. The fact that Harry's instincts—which are generally excellent—tell him to trust you. And most compellingly, the subtle but distinctive traces of Lily's magical signature that cling to your own."
That last observation caught Hadrian off guard. He hadn't considered that his mother's sacrifice, which had left such profound magical protection on him as a child, might still leave detectable traces even after his temporal displacement and physical transformation.
"You believe I'm connected to Lily Potter," Hadrian said carefully, neither confirming nor denying.
"I believe you're connected to both James and Lily," Lupin replied quietly. "In a way that defies conventional explanation. The resemblance is subtle but present—in your mannerisms, in certain expressions, in the residual magic I can sense. You are, somehow, family."
A silence fell between them as Hadrian considered his options. Lupin had clearly deduced more than was safe, but had also demonstrated discretion by approaching Hadrian directly rather than taking his suspicions to Dumbledore or others. Moreover, Lupin had been a crucial ally in Hadrian's original timeline, a member of the Order of the Phoenix whose loss had been deeply felt.
Having such an ally again—one with connections to both Sirius and Hogwarts—could be invaluable. But trust required honesty, at least to a degree.
"What I'm about to tell you," Hadrian said finally, "cannot go beyond this room. Not to Sirius, not to Dumbledore, not to anyone. At least not yet. The consequences of this information becoming widely known could be catastrophic."
Lupin nodded solemnly. "You have my word."
Hadrian took a deep breath. "Your assessment is partially correct. I am indeed connected to the Potters, though not in the way I've publicly claimed. I'm not from America, and while the Peverell connection is genuine, it's not through a distant branch of the family."
"You're from the future," Lupin said quietly, the statement rather than a question taking Hadrian by surprise. "It's the only explanation that fits all the evidence. Your knowledge of events and artifacts that few should know about. Your carefully constructed backstory. The way you interact with Harry—with familiarity but restrained emotion, as though you know him well but are trying not to show it."
Hadrian stared at Lupin, momentarily at a loss for words. He had underestimated the former professor's perceptiveness.
"Yes," he admitted finally. "Though not precisely the future of this timeline. I've come from a parallel future, one I'm trying to prevent from occurring here."
"How bad was it?" Lupin asked softly.
"Worse than you can imagine," Hadrian replied, the memories flashing through his mind—Hogwarts in ruins, London decimated by magical warfare, the systematic extermination of Muggle-borns and eventually all those who opposed the new regime. "Voldemort returns, as I believe you've already surmised from my interest in the Horcruxes. But what follows his return... that's what I'm here to change."
"And Harry? What happens to him in this future?"
Hadrian hesitated. "He survives, initially. Plays a crucial role in the conflict. But the cost is... substantial."
Lupin nodded slowly, seeming to understand what Hadrian wasn't saying. "And you? Your connection to Harry is more direct than you've implied, isn't it?"
"Yes," Hadrian admitted, deciding that partial honesty was necessary. "In my timeline, I was closely connected to Harry. The exact nature of that connection is something I'd prefer not to specify at this time. What matters is that I have the knowledge and ability to help him navigate what's coming and hopefully create a better outcome for everyone."
"The Horcruxes are key to that, I assume?" Lupin asked. "That's why you've been seeking them out?"
"They're Voldemort's anchors to life," Hadrian confirmed. "As long as they exist, he cannot truly be defeated. I've already destroyed one—the ring. The diadem at Hogwarts is my next target."
"During your upcoming visit for the arrival of the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang delegations," Lupin surmised.
"Exactly."
Lupin was silent for a long moment, processing everything he had learned. Finally, he spoke. "What you're attempting is incredibly dangerous. Not just the hunt for Horcruxes, but the manipulation of timeline events. The potential for catastrophic consequences is enormous."
"I'm well aware," Hadrian said grimly. "But the alternative—letting events unfold as they did in my timeline—is unacceptable."
"I'm not suggesting you should," Lupin clarified. "Merely acknowledging the complexity and risk of what you've undertaken. A burden that perhaps doesn't need to be carried alone."
Hadrian studied the man carefully. "Are you offering assistance, Professor Lupin?"
"Remus, please," he said with a small smile. "And yes, I am. Whatever future you've witnessed, whatever fate befell Harry and others you cared about, I have no desire to see it repeated here. If my knowledge, skills, or connections can be of use in preventing that future, they're at your disposal."
It was an unexpected development, but not an unwelcome one. Hadrian had always intended to recruit allies eventually, though he had planned to move more cautiously. But Lupin's deduction had forced his hand, and now he was faced with the opportunity to gain a valuable collaborator much earlier than anticipated.
"There would be conditions," Hadrian said after a moment's consideration. "I need to maintain control over the broader strategy. There are events that must unfold in specific ways to ensure predictable outcomes, even if those events seem negative in the short term."
"Such as allowing Voldemort to return to physical form," Lupin suggested shrewdly.
Hadrian nodded. "Under controlled circumstances where we can prepare appropriately. Preventing his return entirely might only delay the inevitable while forcing him to seek alternative methods we couldn't anticipate."
"A calculated risk," Lupin acknowledged. "But one I can understand, given what you've said. What role do you envision for me in this... alliance?"
"Intelligence gathering, primarily," Hadrian replied, his mind already adapting his plans to incorporate Lupin's involvement. "You have connections to the Order of the Phoenix members from the first war, access to resources I don't, and a legitimate reason to maintain correspondence with Harry. You could also help with certain aspects of the Horcrux retrieval that might be more challenging for me to manage alone."
"Such as accessing Grimmauld Place for the locket," Lupin suggested.
"Exactly," Hadrian confirmed, impressed again by Lupin's quick understanding. "Sirius mentioned the location to you?"
"He did. Though he's unaware of the locket's significance, I assume?"
"For now, yes. His involvement will be necessary eventually, but his impulsive nature makes me cautious about bringing him into our confidence too soon."
Lupin smiled slightly. "A fair assessment of Sirius's character. Though he's more capable of discretion than you might remember, when properly motivated."
"I'll keep that in mind," Hadrian said, beginning to feel more comfortable with the idea of Lupin as an ally. "For the immediate future, I could use your assistance with research on safe methods of Horcrux destruction. Basilisk venom is effective but in limited supply, and Fiendfyre is too dangerous for regular use."
"I have access to some rare texts through my contacts in eastern Europe," Lupin offered. "Curse-breaking techniques that might be adaptable to our purpose. I'll begin looking into it immediately."
They spent the next hour discussing specifics—secure methods of communication, division of responsibilities, and immediate next steps. Lupin provided valuable insights about the current activities of various Order members and offered to discreetly sound out certain individuals who might be brought into their confidence at a later date.
As their meeting drew to a close, Lupin addressed the question that had clearly been on his mind throughout their conversation. "You haven't specified your exact relationship to Harry in your timeline. I won't press for details you're not ready to share, but I would like to know one thing: Can I trust that your primary motivation is his welfare?"
"Above all else," Hadrian replied without hesitation, meeting Lupin's gaze steadily. "Everything I'm doing is ultimately to secure a better future for Harry and those he cares about. That's the core truth behind all the necessary deceptions."
Lupin studied him for a long moment, then nodded. "Then we have common ground on the most important point. The rest, I suspect, will become clear in time."
After Lupin's departure, Hadrian sat for a long while, contemplating this unexpected turn of events. Having an ally—particularly one as intelligent and connected as Remus Lupin—was a significant advantage. But it also introduced new variables, new potential points of divergence from his carefully planned course.
Still, he couldn't deny the relief he felt at being able to share even part of his burden. The path ahead remained treacherous, but perhaps less lonely than he had anticipated.
With renewed purpose, Hadrian turned back to his preparations for the coming visit to Hogwarts. The diadem awaited, and with it, another step toward ensuring that this timeline would not suffer the fate of his own.