"The mark is not useful for training or elaborate concepts," his father's voice was sharp. A small flare of throbbing in the back of Adrian's mind alerted him to his father's rising annoyance, "You will learn Apparation. I intend for you to participate in a raid, my announcement of my return. You will be using a portkey, but such failsafes cannot be relied upon forever."
"A raid?" Adrian straightened instantly, "An actual raid?"
Adrian had always dreamed of participating in a raid. Obviously he couldn't help with the minor spells and charms learned in his first year. Even the elaborate hexes that he spent weeks on wouldn't be enough to defeat an auror in a simple duel. His fight with James Potter just before the term ended was proof enough. It was dumb luck that Werewolves couldn't swim that had saved him and stopped the two aurors from chasing him down.
"After you practice with Bellatrix," Voldemort crooned back, eyes glinting brightly like rubies, "You will go with Nagini as a guide, she will protect you and let me know your whereabouts at all times."
Adrian huffed and swallowed down his protests- he didn't need Nagini to mother him and guide him around like a lost dog. He was much faster, he was already a much better spellcaster than Potter.
"The raid will take place on August 25, during the Quidditch World Cup." Voldemort continued, ignoring Adrian's stewing thoughts, "You will attend as a learning experience only."
Adrian wasn't a fan of quidditch, although the world cup was something Theo had been enthusing about since second year. Theo was excited, along with Draco that it would be hosted in England. Knowing Draco, he would likely already have seats reserved.
"What spells am I going to be taught?" Adrian leant forward, bracing his elbows on his knees, "The Unforgivables?"
"I learned those in my sixth year," Voldemort smoothly rebutted, frowning as he observed Adrian's face closely, "Those are still too advanced for you."
Adrian did not pout, although his cheek did twitch unwillingly.
"Unfortunately," Voldemort continued, sighing dramatically with displeasure, "You have inherited my looks significantly."
Adrian had hoped for that, although he only shared half of his father's genetics from the blood adoption potion, the fact he had taken it before he grew ingrained their shared features further. He didn't see it as a problem at all, he was proud to inherit the hair and the nose. A permanent reminder that Adrian existed as someone entirely new, someone who was a threat.
"I agree, you are a threat," Voldemort nodded, a small smirk twisting his thin lips as his eyes darkened lazily, "I would love to see the expression on the old fool's face if you were to age, untouched."
"What-" Adrian bit his tongue, growing silent as his father frowned in disapproval at his interruption.
"It's possible to place a minor glamour over you, shifting it to be permanent," Voldemort continued, clicking his tongue thoughtfully, "Of course extended exposure to that may indirectly affect your magic, and you already have such wonderful control."
Adrian flinched but stayed still as Voldemort snatched his head, long fingers curling around his jawline and chin, forcing it sharply to the side to see his profile.
"No, perhaps a natural illusion would alter your appearance appropriately," Voldemort hummed, "And you've created such a wonderful tale of dear abusive Bellatrix."
"What..." Adrian swallowed anxiously, feeling the beginning stirrings of fear in his stomach. "What do you mean?"
His father had a strange expression on his face, one glimmering with some sort of dark amusement. He reached out, gently shifting Adrian's hair until he could see the bone white mark on his up upper forehead, hidden always by his fringe. His scar, or at least the one his father had given him a very long time ago.
The long finger trailed over the slightly raised edge, more tangible than visible. It was in the shape of a lightning bolt, unique and something Adrian treasured.
His father's mouth quirked, as if he had realised something at the sight of his scar.
"I'm sure I can come up with something." He mused, twitching his finger so the nail sharply dug into his skin. Adrian didn't even flinch.
His father, like the sadist he was, immediately threw him into the dragon's cage to face the beast itself directly after the proclamation.
"Adrian!" Bellatrix shrieked, her hair much shorter than he was used to. It barely brushed her bony shoulders, "My baby!"
Adrian turned partially, taking the tackling hug with his shoulder knocking into her chest. It didn't prevent the long gnarled nails on her hands from digging into his upper arm, although it helped him protect his lungs and breathing from impact.
"I've missed you!" Bellatrix cooed, stroking his hair and somehow knotting the locks between her slightly shaking fingers, "You're so tall now!"
He had grown, although compared to his father he was still so short. Next to Bella, he realized he didn't need to look up at her nearly so far.
"Yes, I grew," Adrian spoke, the words awkward and stiff as he watched her for any violent movements, "That's what people tend to do."
She flung him away, curling her hands to her chest as she cackled loudly, eyes welling with delighted tears.
"They do!" She agreed enthusiastically, "Like a puppy!"
Adrian carefully pulled his wand from his sleeve, showing her his movements slowly so she wouldn't lunge at him. "Father said you were supposed to be showing me spells."
"He did?" She cocked her head the one side, eyes going blank before sharpening, "Oh! Yes! He did!"
Bellatrix never used to forget information like that, especially from her lord.
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