Snape tried to reverse the spell, but he didn't even know what spell was used. He deducted it was a spell written before even the Dark lord was born. Snape managed to glare daggers into Hadrian's head, but the boy took no notice. Instead he returned to clenching his hands into a fist once more.
                          
Snape clawed helplessly at his neck, even though he knew it was no use. The boy wouldn't kill him....would he? Black spots danced across his vision and his chest tightened painfully. His vision became blurred and his head became heavy. The color faded away and he was plunged into darkness.
                          
Thankfully, he didn't die. When he woke up, it was dark outside and he wondered how long he had been "dead". He was alone, but he was relieved to discover he could breathe normally. He was furious the boy tried to kill him, and he forced himself off the floor to go hunt him down. When he got his hands on the boy, he would wring his neck.
                          
As he was walking towards the door, his eyes fell onto a small slip of parchment on his desk. His curiosity got the best of him, and he picked up the parchment. His hooded black gaze scanned every inch of the parchment, and his anger grew more and more as he read each word. The note was short, and written in black with elegant script.
                          
I will see you after the holidays. 
                          
Happy Christmas. 
                          
It wasn't even signed, but Snape knew bloody well who it was from. He crumpled the fancy parchment into a ball with annoyance, tossing it into the nearest wastebasket. His sharp eyes landed on a shiny bottle filled with fire whiskey, and Snape hastened to pour himself a drink. The amber liquid burned in his throat, and he relished the feeling. He had put up with so many things in his life. First his father's violent tendencies, the Dark Lord, the fool of a headmaster, the moronic father-son Potter duo, the idiotic Gryffindors, and now he could add Hadrian Draven Riddle to the list. Snape rubbed his temples. He deserved this drink. If anything, he needed ten
                          
more.
                          
Hogwarts Express [6 pm]
                          
They were almost there, and Hadrian was almost itching with anticipation. He had missed everyone. Yes, everyone including his slightly insane father. Hadrian stretched comfortably in his seat. His hand accidentally whacked Destiny's head, and he shot her an apologetic smile. She huffed and turned to speak with Neville who was sitting across from her. Hadrian rolled his eyes and stared at the ceiling above.
                          
"Honestly, can't you spend ten minutes without looking at yourself?"
                          
"Don't you dare tell me what to do filthy mudblood!"
                          
Hermione yawned, "That's getting old. If you're going to insult me, at least make it a good one."
                          
Blaise grinned and gave her a high five. Ever since Hermione had introduced him to the concept, he had been requesting 'high fives' almost every day. When Draco turned his icy glare on him, Blaise simply shrugged.
                          
"What can I say? She's my feisty cespuglio capelli!" Blaise exclaimed dramatically, swinging an arm around her shoulders. Hermione giggled at his antics and leaned against his arm.
                          
Hadrian raised an eyebrow cooly, trying to stifle his laugh. "You do realize that means 'feisty bush hair' in Italian, right?"
                          
Hermione made an offended face, and swatted away Blaise's arm, "You've been calling me that for the past month!"
                          
Blaise shot her a sheepish grin and pouted, "Aw come on Mia Carina! I was just kidding! I happen to love that bush you call hair!"
                          
Hermione fumed silently in her seat, although every time Blaise poked her ribs she forced herself to push down a smile. Draco sneered at them and resumed to fixing his hair in the window's reflection.