A/N: Alright, so second chapter, and I would like to thank everybody who faved, story alerted, and reviewed. You guys, all of you, seriously made my day. I'm happy for opinions and what you thought of my story attempts for this genre. I've never done a chapter story for Harry Potter before, and this is only one of the ideas I have, so hopefully I don't disappoint y'all and you guys continue to enjoy it.

Warnings: Slash, male on male lovin', don't like, use that ever lovely back button, or do the nice thing, if you hate but continue reading, and don't flame the fic. all flames will fuel the campfire that roasts my marshmallows and weenies to perfection!

Disclaimers: I hereby declare that I in no way, shape, form, or fashion own anything related to Harry Potter and the world in which he so luckily resides. The only things I own... are the plot bunnies who bug me daily.

It had been an exhausting week for Brandyn, as he'd actually been keeping up with his assignments and surpassing even Hermione in the time it took for him to finish his essays and projects. It was enough to make the brown-haired know-it-all jealous, had he not been sweet enough to help her out on the few things she'd found herself stuck on. They were, for once, taking all the same classes and could help one another and discuss their chosen subjects in a depth they'd never been able to before. It was interesting for them, annoying for Ron, and baffling to all but Draco and Luna, who always seemed to know everything despite her airy ways.

Bran's friendship with the youngest Weasley male had begun to backslide slowly and he refused to be the one who fixed it this time. It would be Ronald's own bloody fault if Draco slid perfectly into the best mate spot in Brandyn's life that the redhead was so foolishly leaving open. It was also far from Brandyn's fault that the young Weasley's jealousy only grew at seeing how truly far behind his long time friends he really was in the depth of their intelligence. For Remus and Sirius, there was joy and pride to be had in the fact that Brandyn was quickly becoming the top male student of his class.

Sirius, of course, playfully protested that Remus' influence had corrupted his precious pup before Sirius himself could influence the teen. Remus could be seen smirking smugly at his mate's protestations, the look in his amber eyes shining with pride as he told Sirius matter-of-factly that he'd have to come up with better insults than turning their son into a genius if he wished to annoy the wolf. Sirius was currently trying to come up with a prank that Remus wouldn't be able to make backfire on him. He'd even tried to recruit Brandyn, but his son had refused on the premise that passing his OWLS with flying colors was far more important than helping his dad win an argument through pranking.

This, of course, made Sirius whine until Brandyn caved enough to point him in the direction of Fred and George, knowing that his brothers would be overjoyed to help in a good prank war. It also made Ron even more jealous that his long time friend hadn't bothered to even mention him as prank help. Brandyn ignored Ron's protests for the simple fact that Ron had only come up with ideas that got them caught and it'd taken himself and Hermione to debug his flawed ideas enough for anything to go smoothly. Ron, having heard from someone that Brandyn had said this, tried to prove him wrong and earned himself a months worth of detentions (one week in four different classes). He shut up quite nicely after that.

What bugged Bran day by day, was that creepy feeling of being watched... by two sets of eyes. He knew one set to be the Headmaster's as the man knew absolutely nothing about subtle staring, and someone he'd not noticed yet. While the first was annoying, he took it in stride even as he shrugged off the spells he felt coming from the man every few days. Honestly, you'd think the man thought that Remus and Sirius taught him nothing in the two days he was with them. The other eyes; however, creeped him out because he had the feeling that he knew who it was, but it shouldn't even be a possibility.

Relaxing against the plush cushions of the sofa he's on in the Room of Requirements, Bran gazes at the chairs opposite of him to Hermione and Draco, who are currently in some sort of debate and can't help the calm, happy smile. It was the best way to spend the weekends other than Hogsmead: this simple room to themselves just hanging out and being the best of friends in a much freer environment than the library or one of their common rooms. Sighing, which catches his friends' attention immediately, Bran stretches and turns his face to the fire that's burning cheerfully in the slate fireplace.

Draco, having a feeling that he already knew what was bugging his friend, asks bluntly. "Have you figured out who's been watching you lately Brandyn?"

Brandyn glances at him boredly. "I have an idea, but it couldn't be possible as that person hates my existance, so I must be imagining things." At Draco's snicker, he glares grumpily. "And what's so funny about that?"

Draco smirks. "My godfather has never hated you Bran, just the person you were a carbon copy of. You've always been quite handsome, but now you're simply gorgeous and you don't really look like a carbon copy of either of your fathers, but like a unique little person made up of all their best traits. He can literally see you for you now instead of seeing you as a miniature James Potter. He likes who he can see in you now, and your looks just help gain his favor that much more."

Hermione blinks as Bran groans in 'pain'. "Who's your godfather Draco?"

Brandyn, sounding miserable, answers her. "Severus Snape, Potions Master extrodinaire, and now a very creepy stalker!"

Hermione, understanding now, laughs shortly. "Well, it's all he can do until you're sixteen Bran, is watch. He can't actively court you until your next birthday with your parents' permission! I mean, you watched Cho didn't you?"

Brandyn grimaces. "Ugh, don't remind me! that was before i realized my obvious gaynessand that sloppy, slimy, kiss, but Snape!? Come on! why not someone I can understand, like.. uhm.. Fred or George? that man's a walking, talking conundrum that I don't need right now!"

Draco chuckles. "I thought you liked a little mystery and adventure Brandyn." He dodges the random hex thrown at him and laughs when it turns the walls a blinding neon purple. "Besides, you even have the wrong Weasleys! Fred and George aren't interested in more than a nice roll in the sack right now. You're more of a serious relationship kind of person, so it'd never work."

Hermione's eyes seem to sparkle. "Let's let him guess Draco! I've noticed it too.. that one Weasley who'd always had an interest in Harry... and now in Brandyn!"

Draco grins and nods in agreement. "Alright Bran, start guessing."

Brandyn pouts, but starts guessing. "Percy?"

Draco actually has to think on that one before he shakes his head negatively. Percy had liked Harry, but only as a trophy to show off and buy his way into an important job.

"Bill?" They shake their heads and Bran frowns, there really wasn't many Weasley males he could guess after Fred, George, Ron and Percy were off the list and if not Bill then... "Charlie!?"

Both Draco and Hermione nod and Brandyn gapes at them comically enough for both to be sent into a fit of giggles (chuckles in Draco's case, he'll insist in the name of masculinity.). Bran scowls at them. "What? They're both older than we are, why would they like me anyways? Snape harps on maturity and responsibility and Charlie could get anybody he wanted without even trying, so why me?"

Hermione stops giggling to give him a sharp look. "Maybe because you're intelligent, courageous and strong in a way that many people aren't. You've got your childish moments, yes, but you've also got a maturity beyond your years. It intimadates all of the guys our age, but attracts older guys."

Draco, calmer now, nods curtly. "I would think that you would want to date someone older who could come to understand you Bran. Severus and Charles both could do that."

Brandyn sighs softly. "Brilliant Dray, Mione, really, but how exactly does one get used to the thought of being courted by older men so that it's not so creepy to have your potions professor checking out your arse whenever you walk out of the Great Hall, or on your way to the ingredient cabinet?"

Both Hermione and Draco laugh heartily and the rest of their time in the room is spent among a multitude of jokes and prank hexes being tossed about the room.

Sunday dawned bright and early, and Brandyn had found the sunrise to be beautiful when witnessed atop his broom above the Quidditch pitch. There were no practices scheduled for they day, but for his own, and he found that early morning was the best time to begin practice after a filling breakfast had in the kitchens. Dobby, of course, was always happy to serve him, and had made sure that Bran was more than stuffed. He'd had to stretch just to make sure his muscles wouldn't be lax in the air.

Deeming it the perfect time to begin his self-appointed practice, Brandyn sets the practice snitch on a more complicated professional level than was used at school games and lets it go, wondering how long it would take him to catch it with it on a level used only in the professionals. Smiling indulgently, he lazily circles the pitch before looping through the air and practicing his feints and trying out new moves the morning itself was giving him inspiration for.

At a flash of gold, Bran feints towards it, then shoots off away from it for a distance before looping backwards and shooting off after the snitch at a blindingly fast pace, just loving how his Firebolt cuts through the air so smoothly. Watching the tricky little ball, Brandyn guesses its next movement and moves with it easily, barreling towards the ground towards it, then lifting his broom expertly as he just barely skims the grass of the pitch, turning righteasily, and chuckling at the rush of the broom in his hand and under his body, the air that ruffles his robes and hair, and that little gleaming golden winged ball ahead of him as he reaches out and captures it.

Slowing his pace, Brandyn loops and circles lazily, contentedly, about the pitch until he feels that it's time to land and turns the snitch off before doing so. his feet lightly touch down on the ground and he swings his leg over the broomstick easily. Walking over to the ball case, Bran bends and places the practice snitch in the compartment it belongs and closes the case. Having not noticed anyone on the pitch but himself, he jerks his head towards the sound of cheering to his right. Amber eyes wide in surprise, Brandyn stares at the five people.

Grinning and clapping, Hermione, Draco, Fred, George, and Charlie stand in the first row of the Gryffindor stands. Draco smirks, thought his eyes dance with laughter. "It's a wonder I can even keep up with you when we play against one another."

Brandyn smirks playfully, amused now that he was caught in his private training. "I've always been the better flyer between us Draco. I'd like to think that it's not a question of you keeping up with me, but rather the question of how much I have to hold back to make the game interesting."

Draco snorts. "Right, what did you set the snitch on anyway? I could barely keep it in sight."

Bran's smirk widens a bit. "I set it on the level used in the professionals.... well, the hardest one available anyway." He shrugs carelessly. "I wanted to challenge myself in a way that wasn't so damned deadly. It's why the bludgers were still in the box."

Fred and George smirk at him in their usual way and Brandyn points at them, narrowing his eyes playfully. "Don't even think it guys. We don't even have the team here and there's no way Mione's going to even think of getting on a broom! She hates flying! And no, you can't go wake up Katie or Angelina or Alicia because they'll all blame it on me when they lose an hour of their precious sleep for quidditch. Today's our day off and I'm only out here for my personal training time. Meaning this is when I come up with the stunts I pull out of my arse on game day and perfect them while I play with catching the snitch."

Fred smirks even more. "How cute our little brother..."

George shares his twin's smirk. "...is trying to..."

"...talk us out of...."

"...planning a practice game."

Brandyn's eyes widen and dart pleadingly to Charlie. "Come on Charlie, you're the big brother here, help me out here?"

Charlie smiles calmly, blue eyes twinkling in amusement. "I don't know Brandyn, I sort of like the idea of a game. It would be nice to see the golden team play together again. I've heard that Wood gave inspiring speeches."

Brandyn scowls. "No, he gave scary reassurances and monologued pep talks that put Binns to shame. Where are you getting your information from?"

Charlie grins. "Oliver's boyfriend. He works on the preserve you know."

Bran rolls his eyes. "He's never been on his Hogwart's team. You have a bigger audience and a set time in the locker room for a professional game! They know nothing of the Oliver we knew his seventh year! Besides, he's getting laid so he can afford blind spots with Oliver!"

Charlie laughs. "I suppose he can. Alright then Brandyn, I'll help you with these two scoundrels." He turns to his brothers and gives them a playfully stern look. "Alright Fred and George, you cannot try to talk Brandyn into playing your little practice game until you get the professors to agree to host it here and have two complete teams no matter who plays."

Brandyn gapes lightly as Draco laughs and the twins agree cheerfully, not having even thought of doing that until he'd told them to. Hermione smiles cheerfully. "If it helps Bran, you still have that detention with Professor Snape for sneezing and supposedly making Neville's cauldron melt."

Brandyn huffs and growls out. "It does not help one little bit Hermione Jane Granger! especially not when I caught him checking out my arse when he gave me that detention! Merlin, you lot and your ideas of 'helping' out a friend! Besides I don't have that detwention until well after noon, and none of you have told me why Charlie's at the school today."

Standing, Charlie walks out of the stands and stops just before Brandyn, a cheerful grin curving his lips. "I'm here to meet with the headmaster. The board of governors sent me."

Bran raises a brow, curious now. "Why exactly would they do a thing like that?"

"Because I'm taking over as flying instructor and quidditch coach. Madam Hooch is officially resigning her post at Hogwart's in favor of becoming an official Quidditch couch for a professional team that just lost theirs."

"Isn't it odd that the board is sending you here last instead of running it through Dumbledore ahead of time?"

Charlie smirks. "Thanks to a well-placed comment from Bill to dad at the dinner table, and dad's well placed comment in the Ministry, the board seems to be on your side rather than the old man's. Anyone you don't like, they don't like. Especially when you hold no trust in them. Did you know that you're heir of two founders?"

Brandyn blinks. "It's news to me. Which ones?"

Charlie's smirk widens a bit, his eyes dancing in amusement. "Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Your talent comes from Salazar himself, not Voldemort who is, interestingly enough, the descendant of his sister. Your intelligence and supposedly secret thirst for knowledge is something you come by honestly. You get the Slytherin and Ravenclaw through your mother. It surprizes me, honestly, how no one wondered just why the woman was so powerful for a muggleborn witch."

Amber eyes widen slightly, the intelligence in them fascinating Charlie as he sees the exact moment when Bran catches on to what he didn't say, and knew he wouldn't have to for the teen to understand what he'd implied.

"Their lines turned squib didn't they?" At Charlie's smile, Brandyn's eyes sparkle. "So she was technically a pureblooded witch!" He pauses and frowns. "Then why the bloody hell is my aunt so muggle? I never could feel even a spark of magic in her."

George, who left the stands with the rest of them, is the one who answers. "You told me once, that your relatives hated magic. If she's always been a non-believer, always hated magic because of her jealousy that Lily was more powerful than she, then maybe she killed her magic all by herself. It would've been relatively easy for her if she were only a squib."

Charlie nods curtly, agreeing with his brother. "Squibs can't do much at all, if anything, but there's still a magical feel to them that you should've been able to sense. Magic is a funny thing, it listens to you, and sometimes, if you wish it with everything you are, it will make your wish for it to be gone completely come true. Hell, it could've been her husband who made her wish such a thing. If she loved him enough in her youth to become what he wished."

Bran raises a brow. "Which is foolish because the one who wishes you to change what makes you who you are, can't possibly be in love with you. They see someone willing to become a blank slate and be their doormat. Now, it's a different thing if what you're doing is hurting you in the long run, or could kill you, but if it's a part of your heart and soul, a piece that will be missed no matter how much you dislike it that they want gone.... It's a foolish thing to abide by and change for someone else. But, I digress, she does love that man very much. I honestly don't know why though..."

Charlie chuckles softly. "Love is an odd little thing that both confuses and scares you, even as it grows to become the most wonderful part of your life." Blue eyes lock with amber seriously. "It's someone who needs you because they love you. It's unselfishly selfish and never fades if it's true. It's someone to hold you and love you and cherish you and make you feel warm and safe in their arms. It's the person there you can always run to and share your weaknesses and strengths with, who will always stand by you, even through their argument that you're wrong in something. If she has that with him, then it's not as foolish as you think that she'd do anything to keep him."

Hermione, watching them together, smiles softly at Brandyn's expression and how it changed subtly while Charlie spoke. There was interest there, with Charlie just as there was with Snape though Brandyn denied it. From the outside looking in though, and having known her friend for five years now, Hermione could see what he refused to voice and it made her lips twitch and curve in good humor at his situation, which would likely get worse before it got better.

Draco, smirking to himself, is thinking along the same line as Hermione, but from his perspective as an old rival who'd watched for signs of what would get his rival's dander up quickest. Though Brandyn griped about Severus' staring and checking him out, he'd been doing the same type of sniffing around that the older man had been doing. And Charlie, well, who wouldn't be interested in a man like that? Even straight blokes couldn't help but take a second glance at him. It was his suspicion though, that Bran liked much more than just his looks, and that's what Charlie enjoyed.

Brandyn nods a little, understanding Charlie's reasoning in a way and his aunt's actions as he could not before. He didn't know that this... love thing... could be such a powerful emotion. Maybe, he thought to himself, he should allow the two suitors to try their hand at wooing him... and maybe find out what love could be like. He knew that Severus and Charlie both were the least likely to even care about his status in wizarding society, and both men were able to snap him out of a foolish moment.

Both kept him grounded in their own, very different ways. Severus was more than willing to snark him out of a childish moment, but Charlie was more understanding and logical in his approach. He could reason Brandyn out of a stubborn moment with an ease even his fathers didn't have. Both men were, he supposed, on equal footing when approaching him with intentions of courting him. It would be an interesting sixteenth year, that's for sure.

"Yes, I suppose that's why she would do such a thing. I wouldn't know personally, but I hope to find something like that some day." His smile is distracted and thoughtful as he sompletely misses the emotion that flickers in the redhead's eyes. "Well, come on then, I'm sure the Headmaster will be tickled pink to meet his new flight instructor and quidditch coach. If it wouldn't be seen as odd that I tag along, I'd really love to see his reaction in person, but I may as well shower and change and check on my schoolwork before I have to go serve my detention."

Bran winces at a thought. "Ugh, I hope there aren't any dirty cauldrons or slugs that need preparing this time. I swear that man's a sadist."

Draco smirks. "Maybe you just can't appreciate his unique sense of humor."

Brandyn scowls. "If he were making you clean cauldrons that smelled like month-old rotten bananas and raunchy socks, you'd not be apreciating it when he simply chooses to smirk at your misery and gagging enjoyment of your punishment either Dragon."

Draco grimaces. "Ugh, no I suppose not."

It was time for his detention and Brandyn wasn't annoyed so much as resigned. There was honestly no telling what the man would come up with, but he was sure it wouldn't be his dream job. As he reaches the door to the classroom, Bran doesn't even bother to knock as he's on time and Severus should be ready for his detention by now. Walking into the room, Bran glances around suspiciously, making sure the room itself is already spotless. Hopefully there was no reason for him to need to clean the classroom itself from top to bottom again.

Severus, settled on the edge of his desk, sans bat robes, watches the teen in hidden amusement. "Have a suggestion for your detention Mr. Black, or have you never really noticed what this classroom has looked like in the past five years?"

Brandyn, slightly startled, turns his attention to his professor and blinks at his casual state of dress. It was interesting to see how much more... handsome and distinguished the man looked in clothing that fit him well. At his professor's smirk, Brandyn stops staring and grins impishly. "Just making sure the classroom didn't need any 'spring cleaning' sir."

Severus chuckles quietly hestures for Brandyn to come closer. "Your detention today is to be served in the ingredient storage room. That is the only thing that needs cleaning as a good bit of the ingredients are much too old to be used in potions without ill effects. If, after that is completed, you wouldn't mind staying a little longer and helping prepare the new ingredients, I wouldn't be adverse to the help."

Brandyn gazes at him thoughtfully. "It'll depend on the time, Professor. I don't think I should miss curfew, or that you would condone it despite the reasons for it."

Severus can't really help the smirk. "I could always escort you to your dorm, but you make a valid point. Come then, let's get this done quickly. If you tell anyone else I helped you with your detention; however, I will deny it and make you serve another one."

Brandyn chuckles and smiles impishly. "Of course sir, I will take the information with me to the grave, I swear it. Besides, it benefits you if I can finish this detention as quickly as possible. So very Slytherin of you that it wouldn't really seem out of character."

Severus allows a small, barely there smile. "True. follow me."

The detention passed, for Brandyn, surprizingly well and even more quickly. By the time it was through, there was still enough time for them to prepare ingredients and Bran was more than happy to help the older man out. Their time was passed more easily and pleasurably with a low-toned conversation.

"How do I prepare this?"

Severus, preparing aconite, gazes over at the wriggling worm Brandyn's looking at in disgust. "Use a very mild sleep spell on it and cut it into thirds. Too strong a spell will ruin its potency, so be careful."

Brandyn, concentrating, tries it out and smiles when Severus, who'd felt the power put into it, nods in approval. It really was simpler when the man explained things calmly. So, as he continued chopping up worms, Brandyn asks conversationally, "Why do you always make your self so.. imposing in the classroom?"

Severus raises a brow. "Because I want to keep you lot on your toes so you won't blow up my classroom."

Brandyn frowns a little. "it only makes people like Neville more nervous, and distracts from what you do teach us and explain. We learn, yes, but I find that in detentions where I help prepare ingredients, or need to rebrew a potion, that when you speak patiently and break things down to make it easy to understand that it's easier to focus on your words rather than trying to remain invisible to your stern glowers and snappy comments."

Thoughtfully, Severus studies Brandyn. "So you think I'd b a better teacher where I more patient and willing to dumb down my lessons for everyone?"

Bran glances at him seriously. "Not exactly. I think that if you weren't so stern in the way you teach us as a class, that more students would feel that they could ask you a question without you thinking us morons for our honest ignorance and snarling at us for not listening. Most everyone listens to every word you speak, but not all who listen actually understand because maybe potions isn't their thing outside of being a required class."

Gazing back at his pile of worms, Brandyn sighs softly. "I enjoy potions, I honestly do, but I also love cooking the muggle way, so I know more than anyone what some of the preparation should look like, but not all. We need instruction sometimes on what an ingredient should look like, or how it should be prepared. Like a muggle cookbook tells you. Some explain the steps and what things should look like at the end of each one."

Severus frowns thoughtfully. "So...." He stands and walks to a storage wardrobe and comes back with a tattered advanced potions book. Opening it, he shows Brandyn the words scrawled inside of it. "You're saying that I should teach like this?"

Brandyn studies the book intently and smiles, recognizing that scrawl from the countless essays and tests he'd had returned to him from the potions master. It really hasn't changed all that much. "Actually, yes, that's exactly what I'm saying sir." Amber eyes gaze at him in good humor. "Always been a genius have you? You must've made many people insanely jealous of your natural talent and skill."

Severus, a bit surprised at the praise, allows a smile as he takes the book back from Brandyn. "It's a skill I've always had, something I've always loved. I'm not sure about making others jealous, but perhaps I did and did not realize it."

Brandyn grins. "It's quite possibly what made kids pick on you, because a half-blooded wizard was far more intelligent than many of the pureblooded ones. Mione would be on my case if I were not nice enough to help her when she's stuck on some of our classwork. She's only jealous when someone refuses to share their intelligence in interest of tutoring someone else when they need the help. Ron though, is jealous no matter what anyone does. So long as you've got something that he hasn't even bothered to work for, he's insanely jealous and bitter."

"Is he not still your friend? I don't see why he would push away one of the best friends he's had."

"You would think so, but I'm honestly not surprised as he's turned his back on me before. Last semester was one glaringly brilliant example of that. He's left his spot wide open, and Draco is finding it rather easy to take over his empty place in my life. It's not something I'd have wished for personally, but I'm not the one at fault here. I have nothing to apologise for, nor nothing to be ashamed of. I refuse to fix what I did not break this time."

Severus frowns. "It would seem that he's much too ashamed of what he has to realize what it is exactly that he's so ashamed of. Many would kill for the opportunity to have the family that he has."

Bran nods as he moves on to another pile of ingredients that need preparation. "I know that, at one time, I'd have given anything just to have a family like that. I can't see how it could ever be worth wanting material wealth over what really matters. It's different, I suppose, when you've been raised most of your life by family who could care less whether you eat or not, than when you've been raised in such a warm and loving home. It's the difference between knowing what you're missing, and wanting what you think is missing in your life. He's already rich, he just can't see it."

Severus' smile is an understanding one that Brandyn thinks looks rather good on the man. "I agree. It takes one who knows the loss of love to understand just how very precious it is."

By the time they've finished preparing ingredients, Brandyn finds himself much more comfortable around snape than he'd ever been before. By the time he'd reached his bed in his dorm, he could see them becoming friends by the end of term. It actually wasn't all that hard to see himself with either man in the future, the only problem he had was seeing clearly which one would be the one to hold his heart when the time came to make his decision. It was going to be hard on him to be the heartbreaker rather than the heartbroken....

A/N: Okay guys, this is.... the best offering I have for you and I hope it's a good one. I like it enough to post it, so I hope you enjoyed! ^_^ And yes, I am very aware of my mistake making in punctuation, it's a tough taskmaster for me. Honestly I'm in my imaginary bomb shelter waiting for my first multi-chapter HP story to blow up on me. Lol. Anyways, the next chapter will be out ASAP! Bye for now!