Disclaimer: All recognized characters and elements goes to J.K Rowling.

Hi guys, sorry for the long wait. Please read the bolded A/N at the bottom okay? Thanks!

Heath grimaced when he looked up from a doodling and was met with Hermione's scolding gaze.

"What?" he muttered as he self-consciously covered the drawing with his ink splattered hand.

The bushy haired girl frowned, "Heath! You should be doing your homework!"

"Aw, c'mon 'MIone! It's only the second week of summer! Look at Ron, he's not doing anything remotely school related!"

The ginger haired boy shot him a betrayed look, his mouth full of chocolate.

Hermione shot Ron a glare and huffed, "We should all finish our summer homework early, that way we have the rest of the summer to do whatever we want."

Heath opened his mouth to voice a protest but was interrupted by the woman who had just entered the parlor

"Hermione's right Heath, Ron. It's always good to do your school work early." Lily said with a warm smile.

Heath rolled his eyes when Hermione immediately lit up at the older woman's presence. Today was Hermione's second day staying at Potter Mansion –she and Ron would be spending a week here with Heath- and she had already adopted Lily Potter as her new role model.

Heath and Ron exchanged horrified looks at the prospect of having to do so much homework so early into summer vacation.

"Mum!" Heath protested, "We still have almost two months to work on our summer homework!"

"Boys." Lily said, a small smile on her face, "It's never too early to start on school work."

"Aw, c'mon Lils."

Heath grinned when his dad appeared in the parlor, having heard the conversation.

"Let the kids have some fun, school's only been out for a bit more than a week."

Lily lightly slapped her husband's arm, "James!"

The Head Auror shrugged, "Let's go do some flying, how 'bout that? Leave the females to their boring books."

Hermione flushed, "Mr. Potter-!"

James laughed, "I'm just teasing Hermione. I have nothing against a good book… once in a while."

Lily groaned, "James, stop setting a bad example for the kids." She motioned to Heath and Ron's eager faces. No doubt desperate to escape doing anything academic related.

James opened his mouth to retort but was cut off when the floo suddenly roared to life with green fire.

Heath jumped a little and moved farther away from the fireplace.

James eyebrows were furrowed in confusion, "I wasn't expecting anyone to come through the fire… Lily?"

Lily shook her head, "No, neither am I."

The two adults glanced at the three first year-going-on- to-second year –students.

Heath shook his head, "I didn't invite anyone else…"

The five focused their attention on the floo and out of the corner of Heath's eyes, he could see his dad's right hand tense. He knew from experience that with a small flick of his wrist, his dad's wand would fall out of its holster and land in his waiting hands within nanoseconds.

The fire stopped roaring and a figure stepped gracefully out of the flames.

Heath blinked in surprise at the familiar figure before him.

A white button down, black slacks, dragon hide boots, an expensive pale blue silk casual robe, the Heir ring sitting proudly on his left hand, shoulder length dirty blond hair, clear blue eyes, and a haughty expression on his aristocratic face, Weston Yaxley looked like the picture perfect Dark pureblood Heir.

Out of all of Hadrian's allies he was probably the…un-vilest of them all. Well, not counting the pretty brunette, she could probably even be classified as nice.

The fifteen year old Slytherin scanned the five figures gathered before him. Heath was distantly impressed when he managed to look down his nose at James even though the man stood a head taller.

"Who the bloody hell are you."

Heath started a little when his dad's wary voice rang out over the quiet room. He darted a look to his side and discovered that both of his parents had their wands drawn and pointed at the Slytherin.

To Heath's great surprise, Yaxley actually moved towards the two adults.

"Lord and Lady Potter, a pleasure to meet you." The Slytherin said his voice was cold and his words dripped with sarcasm; however, his face was smoothed into a small respectful smirk. Heath was slightly disturbed at how in control the Slytherin was of… well everything.

Heath shot another glance at his parents and was left feeling uneasy. It seems like the fourth-going-on-to- fifth year's proper and pureblood greeting had put both of his parents, especially his dad, on edge.

"I am Weston Yaxley, Heir to the Noble House of Yaxley."

Heath watched in fascination as the older boy placed his fisted right hand over his heart and bent slightly at his waist: a greeting from one lesser House to a greater House.

Even though Heath was a member of an Ancient and Noble House, he was never taught the old ways. When he was younger, he had been ecstatic to skip out on extra lessons, but now… he was beginning to wish that his dad had taught him the old pureblood traditions.

James hesitated at the Slytherin's actions. Heath knew that his dad had been taught the old ways by Grandfather Charles and Grandmother Dorea. Almost reluctantly, James placed his fisted right hand over his heart and inclined his head in greeting.

Beside him, Lily Potter watched the exchange with curiosity.

Heath jumped a little when the door to the parlor opened and a person dressed in emerald green casual robes swept in.

Even though it had been more than a week since summer vacation began, Heath had yet to see his brother, even though he had been in the Mansion the whole time.

"Wes!" Hadrian called out, and to everyone's –except for Yaxley's- shock, he actually smiled.

Heath could hear his mum let out a small gasp at the sight of her eldest son smiling.

"Hadrian!" Yaxley said as he stepped forward. The two clasped their hands together and roughly bumped their shoulders.

Heath briefly wondered whether or not he and Ron would ever develop this type of casual masculine greeting the two older boys seemed to have.

The two Slytherin's stepped away from each other and Heath squirmed a bit when his brother's gaze met his briefly.

"C'mon." Hadrian said as he swept out of the room, as suddenly as he had entered.

Not bothering to give anyone else a second glance, the two disappeared from view.

Heath looked around at the other four in the parlor. Hermione was running a hand through her bushy hair, trying to smoothen it, while glancing at the door, a small blush on her cheeks. Heath shuddered lightly as a disturbing thought came to mind… for Merlin's sake she can't possibly… but she's his best friend and that's his brother…. Heath quickly shoved that thought out of his mind. No way was he going to dwell on that.

Ron's nose was scrunched up and he looked both annoyed and confused.

His parents however, were what caught Heath's attention.

His mum was staring at the door, a look of wistfulness and wariness on her features while his dad looked astonished and angry.

"That…" Lily trailed off at a loss for words.

Heath shrugged a little, feeling a need to defend his brother's actions, "Well… I did invite Ron and 'Mione over, so you know… it's only fair that he also gets to invite a friend."

No one mentioned the fact that Hadrian had never had visitors before.

Hadrian smiled when he heard the low whistle that Weston let out.

"Wow mate, this place is…"
"Epic?" Hadrian supplied.

The dirty blond haired boy nodded, eyes too focused on the sight to answer in words.

Hadrian had to admit, Black Castle really is quite an amazing place.

"Damn, it must've been hard leaving a place like this." Weston muttered as he took in the elegant arcs and gleaming marble of the castle.

"Mhm." Hadrian's smile widened as the two walked further into the Black ancestral home. The loving caress of Black Magic swirled around him, giddy and excitedly greeting its master.

"You think the house elves are still here?" Weston asked as he eyed the immaculately clean place.

Hadrian cocked his head to the side and focused on the bond that tied Black Castle to him, "Yeah. They're here alright. They're in a magical coma right now."

"You going to wake them up?"

Hadrian shook his head, "No, better not to. I'll wake them and the rest of the castle up-" he motioned to the still portraits hanging on the wall and the frozen white leopards outside the large window "-after we graduate."

Weston hummed in agreement, "Good idea mate. We're using this as headquarters right?"

Hadrian's eyes narrowed at the slight mention of the unavoidable war, "Yeah…"

"Right then. Anything else?"

"No, we're good." Hadrian said as he reached to grasp his best friend, "Back to Potter Mansion for the party."

"Lovely." Weston said sarcastically as the familiar feel of apparition took over the both of them.

Neville Longbottom sighed softly as he stared at the group of people gathered before him, all wishing Heath a happy birthday.

He still doesn't understand why his parents had ever thought it was a good idea to have a combined birthday party with Heath Potter, the boy-who-lived. It's quite obvious that most of the guests here hadn't even known they were attending a duo birthday celebration. Or maybe trio? Neville still wasn't sure if Hadrian's birthday is also included in this large party at Potter Mansion.

Probably not, he thought after scanning the room and finding not a single Slytherin in sight, Of course, Aunt Lily and Uncle James are probably still upset with him…

He jumped a little when he heard a loud crack sounding from outside the large ballroom doors. Because he was standing at the very edge of the doorway, he wasn't covered by the silencing charms and so was able to hear the sounds coming from outside of the ballroom.

Neville's eyebrows scrunched up in confusion wondering who could possibly be coming at this time. The party had been in full swing for more than two hours now.

Darting a look around him, Neville wasn't really surprised when no one was paying attention to him. The party goers were all focused on Heath, and his parents were mingling with all the other adults.

Without further thought, the boy slipped out of the crowded room. As soon as he passed the doorway, the chatter from the ballroom disappeared.

Double sided silencing charm, Neville thought in surprise, The Potters sure know their stuff.

The brown haired boy clumsily snuck down the stairs to the reception hall where he had heard the crack coming from.

He came to an abrupt halt when he heard a familiar voice.

"-Jazz is Head Boy."

Another voice answered, "Yeah. With you, Annabelle, and the Armen twins as prefects we basically have the House under control."

"Under control?" Hadrian's voice drawled.

The other voice that Neville couldn't quite put a name to responded, "Well… under more control."

Hadrian laughed and Neville was startled by how genuine the sound was. He hadn't heard Hadrian laugh in a long time, smile, yes, but not laugh. Even though Hadrian was three years older than him, they had gotten along well, more so than Neville and Heath. But he hadn't interacted with Hadrian for nearly two years now; his parents hadn't seen the need to drop Neville off at the Potters when they go out ever since he turned nine.

Neville shook off the slight feeling of melancholy and continued to listen in on the conversation. A small part of him felt guilty for eavesdropping but he quickly pushed the feeling aside.

"-arcus is Quidditch captain but he'll graduate in two years." The other boy was saying.

"I think Ace should take over after."

"You do?"

"Yeah. I'm prefect now-"

"-and you're a shoo in for Head Boy by seventh year." The other voice said suddenly.

"Perhaps." Hadrian conceded, "But by then Heath would be in his fourth year."

"You worried that the Golden Brat would draw in more trouble?"

Hadrian huffed, "Yeah. You know, most kids get less troublesome as they grow up… but not Heath."

"Mhm." The other boy hummed, "I swear, if it weren't for you, he would've died ages ago."

Neville winced a little when he heard the sound of someone getting smacked upside the head. A muffled 'ow' followed the sound.

"You're so mean Hadrian." The unknown voice whined.

Neville was surprised… he didn't know Slytherins were capable of whining. By this time, he had no doubt that the other boy with Hadrian was a Slytherin.

"Yeah, yeah," amusement lingered in Hadrian's voice, "But you shouldn't say stuff like that. Morgana knows, Heath already has terrible luck. Don't curse it even more."

"Whatever." There was a pause, and Neville was surprised to hear the other boy's voice become hesitant, "Hadrian?"

"Hmm?"

"Why do you care so much?"

There was a long pause and Neville held his breath. When he had begun eavesdropping on this conversation, he hadn't expected to learn so much… this information is no doubt extremely sensitive.

"He's family. It's everything." Hadrian said softly, so soft that Neville had to strain to hear the reply.

"We're family too, you're everything to us." The other boy said, there was a short pause, "You're my everything." Neville felt the back of his neck and his ears heat up at hearing the reverent and emotional tone the boy used.

Hadrian laughed lightly and Neville heard the sound of silk rustling as the fifth year leaned against the wall, "Wow mate, when did you become so girly?" Hadrian's voice suddenly dipped with emotion and he sighed, "You're my family too Wes. You're like my brother. You are my brother. More so than Heath… but he's still my brother you know?"

"Yeah. Brothers." The boy Hadrian called 'Wes' said. Neville bit his lip in confusion and astonishment. Was it his imagination or did the boy sound slightly disappointed?

Hadrian made a sound of agreement, "Brother until the very end Wes."

There was another long pause and Neville's skin felt prickly at the silence.

"Why are you so cold towards them- the Potters?" The Wes guy asked, finally breaking the silence.

"You know how it'll be easier to protect them –Heath- if others don't think I care for them… well most of them."

Neville was beginning to think that the 'them' Hadrian cared about was Heath. Only Heath. Not James and Lily, but just Heath. Neville frowned in confusion; Hadrian had never been exactly kind and loving to Heath. He's civil but definitely not all 'big-brother-love'.

'Wes' laughed sharply, "Don't bullshit me Hadrian. We both know that's not the truth. Not the whole truth."

Hadrian was silent and Neville imagined the Slytherin running his hand through his hair in frustration. As creepy as it is for Neville to know about Hadrian's nervous habit, in his defense, Neville had known Hadrian for a very long time.

"Fine. It's…. it's just easier you know? I don't have to care so much. I mean, I used to feel guilty when they-" James and Lily, Neville filled in silently, "-looked at me in disappointment and stuff. But all those sad looks just started getting less and less as the years passed. After the Quidditch Incident, they practically told me that they hated me. It's just so easy now. I don't have to feel the guilt of it. I don't have to feel guilty for not caring about them enough!" Hadrian finished.

"But not Heath?"

"Heath's different." Hadrian answered shortly.

Neville felt dread settle in the pit of his stomach. Why, oh why, did he have to stumble upon this super sensitive conversation? Why did he have to be so curious and actually listen in? Why didn't he just walk away? Most importantly… why are these two having such a confidential conversation in the middle of a hallway? During a birthday party of all things! For Merlin's sake! Aren't' Slytherin's supposed to be the sneaky and paranoid ones?

Ugh, I guess people do make mistakes once in a while, even Hadrian, the epitome of perfection. Neville thought.

Neville's eyes widened when he realized that the voices are drawing nearer to him. Fumbling with his feet, he hurriedly tried to shuffle away from the approaching footsteps.

Oh Merlin no. Neville thought as his heart clenched.

Too late.

The Gryffindor crashed onto the ground and the small table he tripped on tipped over, causing the ornate vase to splinter into thousands of pieces when it came in contact with the marble floor.

Neville groaned and opened his eyes. He gulped when he found two wands pointed at his chest.

"H-hey…" he stuttered a little as he eyes darted between Hadrian and the other boy.

Hadrian arched an eyebrow and Neville shrank back, intimidated.

"What are you doing Neville?" the older boy said as he slowly retracted his wand.

Neville sighed in relief when the other boy also drew back his wand and sheathed it. Though his body remained tense, as if expecting Neville to jump up and attack Hadrian any second.

"Um… I h-heard apparition s-so I just came to ch-check." Neville mumbled, heart pounding rapidly.

Hadrian tilted his head to side and a strange contemplative look flashed across his face, "Did you… hear anything else?"

Neville fidgeted and his eyes shifted around uneasily. He wasn't sure how he was supposed to answer that question.

The raven haired fifth year shared a look with his friend and before he could do anything, Hadrian had grabbed his arm, his other arm hooked with his friend's and they were apparating away.

Hadrian appeared in his tower with a loud 'CRACK'. He felt a small bit of satisfaction trickle through him, even after two years of aspirating on his own, he still felt proud of the fact that he was able to land gracefully on his feet. It was a stark contrast compared to when he was younger and participating in any form of magical transportation, be it apparition, floo, or portkey.

He glanced to his side and wasn't surprised at how smoothly Weston had landed on his feet. Wes had always been very coordinated.

He grimaced a little when he focused on the only Gryffindor in the small group. The same could not be said about Neville Longbottom.

The boy was currently sprawled on the pure white carpet on the floor, a dazed and surprised look on his slightly chubby face.

Hadrian bent down and helped the boy up, he then pushed him onto the royal blue arm chair while taking a seat beside Weston on the matching colored sofa.

Hadrian couldn't help but feel a small pang of pity for the younger boy. He was shifting around his seat in nervousness.

"Neville."

The mousy haired boy looked at him with wide yes.

Hadrian motioned to Weston, "This is my friend, Weston Yaxley. He's a Slytherin in my year."

Neville shook Weston's hand timidly when the older boy offered it.

Hadrian exchanged another knowing look with Weston.

"What did you hear Neville?" Hadean asked.

The boy trembled a little and Hadrian considered softening his gaze, but then he brushed the thought aside. It's better to quickly deal with this than to let it draw out for so long.

"Well?" Weston asked, his voice hard and wary.

Neville shrank into his seat, "I-I'm sorry! I… everything."

Hadrian closed his eyes and sighed deeply, "Well… this sure as hell complicates things."

He glanced at Weston and a silent conversation passed between them.

Do you think?

Yeah. It'll be helpful having an inside source. But it'll be complicated. I don't trust him though. Weston's eyes seemed to say.

I've known Neville ever since he was born. I think we can trust him… for the most part.

The two turned back to the person in question.

"What do you think?" Hadrian questioned.

Neville looked at him with confusion.

"The plan. The goals." Hadrian clarified.

Neville blinked rapidly, "I.. uh. You mean, about y-you um being not D-Dark and wanting to um help H-Heath?" he stuttered out.

Weston rolled his eyes and slumped in his chair in impatience, "No. You silly boy. Hadrian is not not-Dark. We're both Dark."

Neville squeaked in fright and Weston scowled at him.

Hadrian elbowed his best friend before turning calming eyes onto Neville, "Yes. I want to help Heath. I want him to survive this damned war. But that doesn't mean I'm Light-" he mentally shuddered at the word. It's not like he had anything against it, really, but because of his Declaration to the Dark, Light magic is more… unpleasant. However, he could still cast some Light spells, such as the Patronus Charm, due to his Potter heritage. "-I'm Dark. Wes is too. But we're not evil, nor are we ever going to bow in front of the Dark Lord."

"Wannabe." Weston coughed when Hadrian spat out the title.

Neville looked shocked and just a little bit too pale.

"So… you in, Neville?" Hadrian posed the last question.

The boy nodded robotically, a look of disbelief and trepidation on his face, "I-I guess. I mean, w-we've always been fr-friends…"

Hadrian and Weston grinned and Neville shrank even further back into his seat.

"You made the right choice, kid." Weston said as he fingered his wand, "My obliviates are kind of rusty, I'll hate to damage you're brain."

Coming up next: More summer and DIagon Alley

1) I'm jet lagged and tired and I think I have a cold, hence why I haven't updated.

2) I don't have a steady update schedule, but if you guys want, I can start updating once a week or something. Choose a day, I'm pretty much fine with any.

3) School's starting soon so I won't be able to update as much (maybe once every two weeks).

4) As mentioned before, I have terrible grammar, especially with tenses. I do reread each chapter at least four times before updating. It's not that I don't try, I just get confused too easily.

5) On a lighter note: Neville is brought into the fold!

6) Weston likes Hadrian more than a friend (if it wasn't obvious, sorry for the spoiler). But it's one-sided, Hadrian doesn't see him that way. But this would not ruin their friendship okay?

7) And another spoiler. I've decided to pair Hadrian with Fleur Delacour. As mentioned before, their relationship won't be super dramatic and "teen drama" type.

8) What else? Oh, right. Review!

xoxlollipopxox