I do not own Harry Potter.
It wasn't every day that Blaise got a crush on someone. Last time had been when he was around eight and swore he would marry his nanny because she was really nice and took care of him. His mother was usually too busy finding a new victim… husband, to mind too much about Blaise. Going to Hogwarts, he got into Slytherin, as was expected by everyone he knew but his mother (she didn't know him enough to expect anything from him). He knew Draco Malfoy, of course, but he was closer to Theo Nott, and even Adrian Pucey, who was one year their senior, but was also one of the few on the Quidditch team, aside from Draco and Harry, that did not feel the need to cheat his way to victory.
Going back to his crush, just why did his crush have to be Hadrian Black-Malfoy?
Hadrian, most commonly known to people as Harry Potter, was Draco's adopted brother since they were seven years old. Blaise didn't know how that had happened, but things were really different since Hadrian, or Harry for short, had become the pureblood heir he was. His life was practically what everyone wanted: he had loving and doting adoptive parents and an equally loving and doting adoptive brother, he wanted for nothing (material or not), he was popular with everyone (even with several Gryffindors), and had perfect scores in all of his subjects.
"What's got your mind so distracted? We have a Potions essay, and you know how Snape demands perfection from us" Theo interrupted Blaise's train of thought.
"Have you ever wondered how Hadrian became Draco's brother, Theo?" he suddenly asked. The blond followed his gaze to where the other two students were working, probably, on the same Potions essay they had to write. The dark-haired Slytherin seemed really focused, until Draco muttered something and he smirked before continuing with his writing.
"Sometimes. I do know Lucius and Narcissa were happy to have another son, and Draco was ecstatic about having a brother" Theo tapped his quill to his chin, and then wrote about the use of Fluxweed on the Polyjuice potion, "Why?"
"He's… so perfect"
That stopped Theo, and looked at Blaise.
"Of all the people in Hogwarts… you have a crush on Hadrian? The most unattainable person in the entire castle? I mean, even Professor McGonagall is more attainable than he is" Theo shuddered, "I just traumatized myself. But, really, Blaise? Crabbe and Goyle are protective of him, but it's nothing compared to Draco"
"I know, Theo, I also live with them" Blaise rolled his eyes, "But, he's brilliant, handsome, and has such high morals that even the teachers have said he's a good influence in our entire House. Even Flint started playing without hitting other people to win"
"Yes, Madame Hooch congratulated him on that, and I swear she would've kissed Hadrian if she could just to thank him. Madame Pomfrey as well. You know, less people injured" Theo mused, and then kept writing on the Fluxweed use. The olive-skinned Slytherin sighed, and then went back to work, deciding to focus on his work. He had time to think about Hadrian after finishing his essay.
"You must be kidding me" Hadrian nearly growled. The entire Slytherin table went quiet. Hadrian was usually mild-mannered, polite, and somehow kept his legendary temper in check. Draco looked at where he was looking. It was the same scene as in every early breakfast: Ronald Weasley and Seamus Finnegan picking on Neville Longbottom and Hermione Granger, with the rest of the House (the ones awake, anyway) doing nothing. The Weasley twins usually intervened, but they weren't awake so early.
So, Hadrian stood, and made his way to the other side of the Hall, under the almost-bored gazes of everyone, and the resigned gaze of his Head of House, and Minerva McGonagall. Dean Thomas looked at him, and then at the others, who then looked at the newcomer.
"Oh, where are your bodyguards? No one protecting baby bastard today?" Ron spat. Hadrian wiped the saliva with a disgusted face.
"Miss Granger, and Neville, would you mind joining me for breakfast?" he asked the other two instead. They stood. Ron made a motion, but he had Hadrian's wand to his neck in no time, "I dare you to say something against it. You're too stupid for your own good, Weasley. You don't recognize Miss Granger is one of the best students in Hogwarts, and could easily hex you into oblivion. She has the power and the knowledge to do so. Unfortunately, she has too much respect for the rules. As for Neville Longbottom, you might as well realize he is using a wand that isn't his, but, if he was, he is also as brilliant as Granger, and, unfortunately, he is too honorable and polite to punch you, though I know he has the strength to do so. Now, sit" like a nicely trained dog, the redhead sat, and went red when he realized what he had done, "As for me… I might be nice enough, but I will never stand idle when it comes to bullies"
He motioned the two Gryffindors to walk to where Draco was already making people move for them to sit, and he himself turned. He heard the jelly-leg jinx coming, and cast a shielding charm.
"Weasley! Detention all week at seven with me!" Snape barked, his face thunderous.
"What! He started it! Typical of you, slimy…" he found himself moving his mouth, but no sound coming out. Hadrian put his wand aside.
"I will not have you disrespect my Head of House" Hadrian gave a nod with Snape, who seemed to be a bit exasperated with his hero habits, but also showed certain satisfaction.
"And detention the next week with me, Mr. Weasley. I am also writing to your mother about your dishonorable behavior" McGonagall took him by the ear, much to everyone's amusement, "And you too, Mr. Finnegan, your bullying is a shame to our House"
The Irish blushed brightly, as he was also grabbed by the ear, and both were dragged out of the Great Hall. Everyone laughed at them.
"Neville, we're going shopping for a new wand. And next time, I want you to at least silence them. Or knock them out, but I'm not too hopeful on that"
"Thanks, Hadrian" Neville sighed, "Hey, guys. Got any plans for the winter break?"
The purebloods went on to have a new conversation, excited, as ever, to plan to spend time together. Draco was the only one aside from Daphne Greengrass that had a sibling, so they all appreciated time spend with people their age. Hadrian noticed Granger seemed awkward.
"Hey, your name is Hermione, right?"
"Yes"
"I've seen you a lot of times in the library. Do you like to read?" Hadrian asked, and she smiled honestly. She started talking a bit about the books she liked. He asked about her parents, and she said they were dentists. She was about to clarify what they did, but Hadrian already knew about that, "I might be a pureblood, but I lived with muggles until I was six" he explained, "Look, I know it's a bit scary to be a muggleborn and that you would get kicked out, but, reality is, you deserve to be here as much as any of us. You are magical, and powerful. And, to be honest, even with Weasley being pureblood, he would probably get expelled before they even consider giving you detention. Relax a little, and don't be afraid to stand up for yourself. Well, and, while you're at it, make friends in Ravenclaw. They're really smart. Padma Patil is there, in our year, in case you want to try"
Hermione nodded, and thanked him for his help.
"Well, time for Potions!" Draco called, "You guys coming?" he called to Hadrian, Crabbe and Goyle. Blaise and Theo were already with him. The three remaining fifth year Slytherins stood to join them, "You really ought to curb your hero complex sometimes, Harry"
"What? Weasley was being insufferable even from our table" Harry snorted, "And Neville is nice, and he's powerful. It's just his stupid grandmother that makes him doubt himself, and that insists he has to be just like his father. Ridiculous"
During Potions, Harry paired with Crabbe, and Draco with Goyle. While both their 'bodyguards' weren't stupid as many people thought, Potions was still a struggle for them. So, the brothers had come up with each of them pairing with one of the duo, so they could learn better. It was partly the reason they were so protective of Hadrian, and also Draco. They really cared enough to help them, and they didn't call them idiots when they didn't grasp things as quickly as the others. Hadrian had said something about dyslexia, and after a few months the letters didn't dance around as much.
"Turn in your essays" Snape entered the dungeons, robes billowing behind him in the usual menacing manner, "Today you are going to brew the Wit-Sharpening Potion, something some of you might benefit from… or not" a pointed look at Ron and Seamus had several people giggling or pretending to sneeze.
Blaise, however, seemed to be too distracted by Hadrian and how graceful he was while smiling and explaining everything to Vincent Crabbe, and how his fingers were so delicate, and that…
"Blaise!" Theo snapped him back to reality, "You just spent the entire period mooning over Hadrian!" the blond had turned in their potion, "I think Snape will kill you, because he noticed"
"Fuck"
In fact, Blaise was summoned by their Head of House that night, before curfew time.
"I will assume you are aware of why I summoned you, and tell you that if you take a step out of line, you will be expelled before you can even come up with an excuse" Snape was looking at him with his deep black eyes narrowed.
"Sir?" Blaise would deny that his professor was threatening enough to make him want to run away.
"Today you spent my entire class giving heart eyes to Hadrian Black-Malfoy. I do not usually condone such behavior, but I expect you know what happens if you do it again. Potions can be dangerous, and you are lucky your work partner is not an idiot like Weasley" the Potions Master cocked an eyebrow, "And I assume you are having a… crush on Hadrian Black-Malfoy. I do not need to warn you that you will find trouble if you hurt him, do I?"
"No, sir. I am aware" he would hate to think what the Malfoys would do to him if he fucked up. He only knew it would be long, and painful.
"When did this happen?"
"I… don't know, sir. I just… he's… amazing" he admitted, sighing, and relaxing for the first time.
"You do know my husband is his godfather, right? And that I will be in line to hurt you should you ruin things?"
"You're married?" Blaise blurted out. Snape chuckled, and removed a glamour, and, behold, a solid gold wedding band was on his left ring finger, "What… since when? Why did no one know?"
"Oh, Draco and Hadrian know. They were there at the wedding. We have not made it public, because it hasn't been brought up until now"
"Who is Hadrian's godfather?"
"Sirius Black" Severus watched, amused, as Blaise seemed to go over his memories.
"But he was a Gryffindor! And he…"
"That… is a story for another time, Zabini. I just hope you know what you're doing if you initiate a relationship with my honorary godson. He is my godson's brother, too, after all"
Blaise returned just before curfew to the Slytherin common room, and Theo and Adrian were waiting for him. He answered their questions about what Snape had wanted. They went quiet when Hadrian came down in his sleeping pants. Blaise blushed, and tried to hide his slightly growing problem at seeing his year-mate so… sexy.
"I would usually not care about your sleeping schedules, but Adrian needs to go to bed. Flint wants us at the pitch tomorrow at six for training. Something about a new strategy" he said. He went up again, and Theo snorted.
"Come on, let's go. You're whipped"
"I'll try and get something out of him tomorrow before practice. Or after practice" Adrian promised, and went up to his room. When Theo and Blaise went into their room, Hadrian was pulling his curtains closed.
Hadrian stretched as he semi-blindly searched for his Quidditch gear. Draco was in the same predicament. Neither were morning people, to say the least.
"Where is Pucey?"
"Probably already down. Come on"
Graham and Cassius were already with Marcus in the common room. Seconds after they arrived, Adrian and Miles joined them. They all made their way to the Slytherin changing rooms, where they all had a clean set of school robes and their brooms. Most of them still had the Nimbus 2001, their gift from Hadrian's and Draco's father. Both had joined the team in their first year, much to everyone's surprise, and Lucius had decided to gift them with new brooms for everyone in their second year. Hadrian had been amused, and had instantly made the connection of Lucius Malfoy as a soccer mom. He had only told Draco of this, and he also seemed to find certain amusement from it once Harry had explained the concept.
"We have the first match of the season against the Gryffindors, as always. This year, the female Weasley made the team as a Seeker. We know the youngest male is the Keeper, and we also know he is incredibly nervous about it. Luckily, he will have detention for two weeks, reducing Johnson's training schedule with him" a couple of laughs and pats on the back for Hadrian, and Flint went on, "Black, always watch out for the twin menaces"
"Of course" it was almost useless saying this to him, because he had the fastest reflexes in the entire castle, and his and Draco's birthday presents after third year had been brand new Firebolts, courtesy of their godfathers, along with a nice professional brewing kit for each.
"Pucey, Malfoy, Warrington, I want you forming a triangle at the start of the game, try to have each of the other Chasers carefully close" Flint then turned to the Beaters, "Montague, one on each side of the field at the start, and I better see you hitting those Bludgers right back at the Gryffindors even if they are on the other side of the field, understood? And Bletchley, no goals allowed for the lions, got it?"
"Yes, sir!" everyone chorused.
Flint started them with running several laps around the pitch, and then some jumping exercises. Finally, they elevated into the air, and Flint let all the balls out, and let the practice Snitch fly around. Hadrian's eyes narrowed, and he started flying in circles, above the others, while Flint acted as different enemy team members. After they hit the three-hour mark and with Hadrian having caught the Snitch eight times during the practice, Flint called for them to go down again and for them to shower. Breakfast had already started, and they were all starving.
Everyone was treated to Draco's voice in the showers. He had an amazing voice and sense of rhythm. Hadrian only hummed along, and Flint tended to grumble about the younger blonde's chirpiness in the morning. For all their not being morning people, Draco did like to sing in the shower, no matter the time.
"Hey, Hadrian, I was wondering. Since last year you took Neville Longbottom to the Yule Ball… anything going on there?" Adrian asked. The fifth year shook his head as he buttoned his shirt.
"No. We're really good friends, and he was too nervous to ask Hannah Abbott to the ball, so we decided to go as friends. Though I did see him dancing with her later" Harry chuckled, and he started doing his tie.
"Oh. I thought that since you keep confronting the idiot Weasley about him…" Warrington, "Got anyone, then, Black?"
"Not really" Hadrian put his robe on, "My shoes, Miles, if you please?" he smiled when Miles just gave him his shoes with a roll of his eyes, "What, no princes left here to put my shoes on?" he batted his eyelashes, and most of them blushed.
"Stop teasing them, Hadrian" Draco laughed, "The poor guys never have the slightest idea of what to do with themselves"
"Allow me to flirt a bit before I get betrothed, Draco" Hadrian pouted, but tied his shoes, "Merlin knows who I'll end up with, and, Circe forbid, he will probably be a jealous prick"
"So, definitely a guy, then?" Flint asked, "Who will be the lucky one?"
"Well, we have spoken with our parents, of course. Draco is already betrothed to William Prewett" Hadrian smirked as his brother blushed, "A talented curse-breaker, the top one in Gringotts, I believe, and a Friend of the Goblin Nation"
"Ah, one of the few Weasleys with common sense" Bletchley hummed, "He has another brother that followed his steps?"
"Yes, Charles" Hadrian nodded, "He's still single, if any of you are interested. The Weasley twins will also affiliate with them as soon as they graduate, or so I was told. Percival is on the way of doing so. Really, they will single-handedly revive one of the oldest and purest bloodlines. The Weasley name barely holds any clout nowadays"
"What does Charles do?"
"Lives in Romania, dragon handler and tamer. Also one of the best" Draco replied, "Hadrian thought it would be hilarious if we ended up betrothed because of his profession and my name"
"Well… romantic irony?" Hadrian offered.
"So, who have you thought about?" Adrian finally asked, "I mean, if your parents obviously take your thoughts into account…"
"Of course they do. They do want grandchildren, you know?" Hadrian laughed, "And some of you might be in the possibilities. Outside of Slytherins, few have gotten my attention. I think Cormac McLaggen came up as well"
"The cocky Gryffindor?" Flint scrunched up his face, "I mean, he is a better keeper than Weasley, but really?"
"Pureblood, practices the Old Ways, not as cocky when you know him better… at least not when we went to his birthday party last year, he was nice enough" Hadrian shrugged, "I don't know if looking for someone in Hogwarts will be the solution. Most of the people here really are boring, and would just be so happy to be with my money and titles rather than with me as a person" he frowned.
"Anyway, who are you bringing to this year's Yule Ball? Parents are invited too, maybe they can also see other potentials here" Miles said.
"Huh. Didn't think about that. If someone asks me to go with them and I like them enough, well, with them. If not, I'll see if one of my friends is available" they finally reached the Great Hall, and proceeded to pile up their plates with the necessary food. Harry had started telling them that filling up just because 'they had to' was unhealthy, so everyone in the team had started to eat all their food with appropriate food group proportions.
Adrian sat with Blaise and Theo, and relayed all the conversation the team had had on their way here. Blaise had a determined look on his eyes when he heard about the part of asking Hadrian out.
"I think Snape is going to burst a vein" Flint pointed out, and everyone looked at their Head of House. Following his gaze, they saw the Weasley female making her way towards their table, "What is she doing?"
"I think she thinks she's being seductive" Miles shuddered.
"Hadrian, I have noticed you tend to look for excuses to go to the Gryffindor table, and I assure you, if you wanted to ask me out for the Yule Ball, you only had to say so" her sickly sweet voice made Harry want to gag. As it was, he stared at her, as if waiting for the punchline, and, when she didn't deliver it… he still laughed. It wasn't a nice, happy laugh, though.
"You… are hilariously delusional, Weasley. And I am not familiar enough for you to use my given name. As for the Yule Ball… I would rather go with a Hippogriff. At least they are pretty" he replied coldly, "If you can't grab a hint from that, I will not go with you to the Yule Ball, nor do I wish to do so. Now, get lost"
She started turning red in the face, a rather ugly shade of it, really, but the twins came out of nowhere and pulled her from there.
"See you later, Hadrian!" they called with big grins. Hadrian nodded to them, and went back to eating. Blaise, on his part, had to admit being publicly humiliated like that seemed terrifying, but he would ask him out in front of everyone if that was what it took.
They went on with their usual lessons, and, at the end of the day, the fifth-year Slytherins decided to have a small get-together with several snacks and drinks in their room, courtesy of each of their personal House Elves.
"So, I reckon that people will soon start asking others out for the Yule Ball. Are you guys still leaving after the Ball?" Theo asked.
"Of course. We will visit Aunt Andromeda and Uncle Evan in Bretagne, until school starts up again" Harry replied.
"I can't believe Nymph is getting married soon. I never thought we'd see the day" Draco sighed.
"Oh, your Metamorphmagus cousin, right?" Crabbe said, "She was really fun when she was transforming her mouth to be a duck's beak, even a pig's snout"
"Yes, Uncle Evan wasn't amused when she pretended to be Aunt Andromeda in a school meeting with Madame Maxime" Harry chuckled, "At least Elladora doesn't have the Metamorphmagus thing going on. Aunt Andromeda would have a white head by now"
"Mother says she was just as bad as them when she was in school" Draco rolled his eyes, "She should've expected that"
"What about you guys? Going home for the rest of the winter break?" Hadrian asked.
"Yes. Father and Grandfather want to visit Portugal" Theo said, "I think one of his American friends will join"
"We're going to Russia for a few days" Crabbe said, and Goyle just said 'same'. Their parents had been an inseparable duo in their Hogwarts days, just like them.
"What about you, Blaise?" Draco asked. The half-Italian shrugged.
"I thought of staying here until you guys come back. I really don't fancy going home and meet some random guy my mother is dating" he replied. Hadrian exchanged a look with Draco, silently reaching an agreement. He then turned to see the other guy again.
"Join us for our trip to France, then! You won't have to be bored out of your mind here, and you don't have to meet the random guy" he offered. Blaise was shocked for a moment, and looked at Hadrian, then at Draco, who smiled and nodded.
"Are you sure? I mean, your parents…"
"They always welcome our friends. And I swear they have a soft spot for you" Draco said.
The truth was, the soft spot for Blaise had to do with how neglected he had been since his father died in mysterious circumstances, since his mother seemed too busy looking for a new victim… husband, at every opportunity. The Nott family and the Malfoys had tried to help him through every means necessary, as much as they could, anyway. His mother had never been reasonable enough to let either family take custody of her lonely son, even if she barely saw him either way.
Also, Hadrian started having a heavy crush on Blaise since the start of their fourth year. He would have focused more on said crush if he hadn't been shoved into the Tri-Wizard Tournament as the fourth participant. They tried every legal way, he even declared under Veristaserum that he hadn't put his name in the Goblet, but Dumbledore insisted he had to participate. And he wouldn't give a shameful performance. He would put the Slytherin name up high. And he won the Tournament, surpassing the other champions in every task. Of course, it had been a rather consistent source of stress during the entire year, and he hated that he had nightmares about it, and what happened in the graveyard when he just found out the cup was a Portkey.
He had managed to negotiate with Voldemort, and during the summer, he had helped him return as Tom Marvolo Riddle Junior again, and regain his titles and his rightful fortune as the heir of Slytherin, so he had political ground to stand on and make the changes he wanted. His family had been shocked when he had told them this. However, he had never told anyone about the nightmares of the killing curse coming at him as soon as he landed. Marvolo, as he went as now, had apologized in name of Pettigrew, but it didn't remove the nightmares.
Hadrian had made sure, however, that Pettigrew was put in Azkaban for life.
Draco, when he was told by Hadrian of his crush, had started watching Blaise as a possible future brother-in-law.
"Harry, do you think he's good enough for you?"
"Huh?" Harry looked up from his book, his eyes seemed tired.
"Blaise, I mean"
"Draco… yes. He's always been really nice to me, even before we became brothers. And he is not all pushy and irritating like most people that have asked me out. I only regret not talking more to him last year. Maybe we would be dating by now" Hadrian rubbed his eyes.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing"
"Harry, I know there's something wrong. I know when you wear glamours, and I guess you were too tired today to put them up" Draco frowned, "What's wrong?"
"I had a nightmare" the younger one admitted after a few beats. He let himself be pulled into a hug.
"About those pigs again?"
"No"
When Harry had first arrived with the Malfoys, he had a lot of nightmares of being back at the house of those muggles that treated him like a slave. Draco had taken to hug him through the night after he woke up, and promised he wouldn't let anyone take him away. Of course, Lucius and Narcissa always made sure Harry knew they also wouldn't let him be taken away, and they adopted him legally and magically as a result. The adoption had brought forward more Black aspects to Harry's overall features, and, since he was more of a Black than Malfoy in blood terms, he used that last name first.
"What happened in your nightmare?"
"Remember how I helped Voldemort return and all?" Harry said it so casually that his family had started to see that event as if it was commenting on how sunny a day was, "Well, and with me insisting on Pettigrew going to Azkaban?"
"Yes"
"That night, on the graveyard, well… he almost killed me"
"HE WHAT?!"
"Sh! First thing I saw was the killing curse coming at me" Harry admitted lowly. Draco paled dramatically with everything that implied. He nearly lost his brother, and he hadn't known. But, most importantly, Harry had been dealing with it on his own. His hug tightened around his brother, as if to make sure he was still there.
"I will make sure he gets Kissed" he promised darkly.
The Yule Ball was two weeks away, and Blaise hadn't asked Hadrian to be his date. He at least knew he still was available, thanks to Adrian popping questions to the team about it after their practices. Miles and Draco were the only ones without dates aside from Hadrian, though Blaise thought William would be coming to the dance to escort Draco and basically telling everyone he was off-limits. According to Harry, the two oldest Prewetts were rather possessive, something Draco apparently liked about his Prewett in the right measure.
"You heard? Black rejected the Weasley girl again" he heard a couple of Ravenclaw girls gossiping, "I can't believe she can't get a hint"
"And everyone knows he's gay! I mean, he said so himself in his third year! She can't be deaf!"
"Do you think McLaggen will ask him?"
"I don't know. As cocky as McLaggen is, Black has a venomous tongue when he wants. I don't think he will risk public humiliation like Weasley"
Blaise pretended he didn't hear their sighs when he passed them by. Also pretending he hadn't eavesdropped. Not that anyone would accuse him of such bad habits. He went back to the common room, then going to the fifth year dorms, and found Hadrian alone, reading.
"Hey, Blaise. Why so rushed?"
"Gossipy Ravenclaw girls on the way back from Hogsmead" he groaned, "Are you back so early?"
"I only wanted a warm butterbeer. Draco wanted to explore the Shrieking Shack with Vin and Greg" Harry shrugged, "And you? Why are you so early?"
"Theo joined Draco for his exploration, apparently, and I just have to do something important"
"Oh. What is it? I mean, if it's not top secret"
Blaise smiled a bit, and went to his area, where he removed the glamour to the white roses and peonies with silver threads and eucalyptus leaves, and some ivy, as well as the single white lily in the center.
"This…"
"Wow, Blaise, who are you asking out?"
"You"
Silence. One beat. Two beats.
"Me?" Hadrian looked straight into his eyes, and Blaise had the feeling of being the subject of superficial Legilimency. He nodded, not breaking eye contact.
"I know you've been asked to the Yule Ball by a lot of people, and I know you have rejected them. I just… I think you're an amazing person, Hadrian. You're kind, and warm, and you're brilliant, but you also know how to deal with people that test you. I admire you. And… well, I thought this was a chance for me to say this to you, and asking you to the Ball…" the olive-skinned wizard stopped himself, still looking into Harry's. The slightly younger wizard stood from his armchair, and walked towards him, and finally broke eye contact with Blaise to look down at the flowers, and touched them. He smiled.
"I will go with you, Blaise. I hope our robes match"
"… Really?"
"Yes. I won't hear the end of it if Draco thinks we don't have matching robes"
"No, I mean, you will go with me?"
Harry smiled as he looked at Blaise again.
"Yes. I've had a crush on you since last year. I didn't say anything because, yeah, I was trying to get through the Tournament and I made sure Neville didn't go alone. He was being teased too much about it. But now… yes, I really want to go with you"
Blaise slowly lowered his head, and Harry, understanding, lifted himself a bit up, and their lips met in the middle. They moved their lips in a smooth sync, and Harry pulled him closer with one arm. They didn't know for how long they were kissing, but apparently it had been long enough that they got interrupted by the rest of their year-mates.
"Finally!" Draco hugged them both, "Though, I warn you Blaise, do something that hurts him, and you will regret meeting us"
"Of course, Draco, I will heed your warning. And I will accept any punishment you see fit if I hurt him"
"Great, overprotective brother gets validated" Harry grumbled, and Theo laughed along with Vincent and Gregory.
Blaise also made a point of asking him publicly the next day at lunch, when everyone was a witness, and Harry also made a point of kissing him after a strong 'yes' that disappointed the population that had asked, or had wanted to ask, him to the Ball. The soon-to-be-Prewett twins had let out some fireworks and catcalls, congratulating Hadrian, while their sister had run out of the Great Hall in tears.
"Expect to receive a letter from my parents before the Yule Ball" Hadrian warned.
Blaise, indeed, got a letter two days later, a joint letter from Lucius and Narcissa, welcoming him to the trip to France, and to the family. The half-Italian wasn't sure what to think when he was informed that he had given a courting bouquet (and how had he missed how serious his statement was?), and that the betrothal contract was already being written and negotiated with his mother. He was sure, however, that he did want Hadrian as more than only one date to the Yule Ball. And a betrothal to him was just the perfect way to prove it.
What he did not expect, though, was Sirius Black visiting Hogwarts on the same day the letter arrived, looking every inch of the lord he was, and as threatening, if not more, than the rest of the members of his family, and his secret husband.
"I request a meeting with Blaise Zabini" he called. Blaise could see Severus hesitating before motioning him to stand, and leaving the Great Hall with him. He could hear Harry's exasperation, and Draco's amusement.
They went to the small sitting room where Severus usually met with students in an informal manner, and the owner of said room warded it against everything.
"What in hell are you thinking? Showing up here just demanding a meeting with one of my students"
"Oh, dear, you do say I have a knack for making dramatic entrances" Sirius casually pecked Severus' lips, "And I told you to at least stop the glamour from your wedding ring. I want people to know you are taken. By me"
"Shut up. Why are you here?"
"Ah, to threaten my future godson-in-law. Yours, too"
"I threatened him before he even gathered the guts to ask Harry out" Severus sniffed, offended, and got them tea. Blaise wasn't sure what to make of this oddly fitting couple. His professor seemed so… relaxed. And happy.
"Aw, you ruined my fun. Between you and me we could've made him piss himself!"
"Stop being so…"
"Handsome? Sexy?"
"Annoying" Severus deadpanned, "Just, go on, and then visit your godson. He's missed you"
"Ah. Right. Zabini" the sharp grey eyes turned on him, and Blaise froze, "Look, do something out of place, and I will castrate you, and then bury you alive, then give your almost-dead body to Dementors so they suck your soul out before your life expires. And, that's about it. Harry has had a crush on you for at least a year, and, knowing how his father was, he will not give up on you. So, welcome to the family, you can call me Sirius"
A confusing hug for Blaise ensued, and Sirius left for the Great Hall again. Severus was pinching the bridge of his nose.
"To think I married that man"
"He's so… not like you"
"Yes, and bullied me for years. Unbelievable" Severus grumbled.
"Why did you marry him?"
"I learned to let go. I'm happier like that" the Potions Master smiled softly, "He is loyal to a fault, and he sees the best in me, Blaise. I reckon you will be happy with Harry, because, in that aspect, they're really similar. I hope you don't abuse that, ever"
"Never, sir" Blaise assured.
"Severus is fine when we're like this. You are family, after all"
"Tell me he didn't run away" Hadrian pouted at his godfather, who laughed.
"Of course not. Severus is with him, anyway, he couldn't run if he wanted" Sirius replied, "Hey, Dray, what about Bill?"
"He's coming to the Yule Ball. He managed to take a small break from Egypt, he will even join out first days on France" the blond smiled.
"And you three?" he looked at Theo, Crabbe and Goyle, "Any dates?"
"I'm going with Astoria" Vincent smiled, a light blush on his cheeks.
"And I'm going with Millicent" Goyle said proudly.
"Daphne agreed to go with me" Theo shrugged, "She isn't interested in anyone, and, well…"
"You didn't ask your crush?" Sirius wondered.
"He already has a date" Theo sighed, "And I don't know him enough, so he's straight for all I know"
"That's a bummer, but, don't worry! I can always ask around! Who is it?" Sirius looked around, and Theo shook his head frantically, "Well, I can make my own investigations. See you later! And I will be joining your trip to France, my dear nephews. Andy has some amazing pranks I can pull off at work. Now, farewell" his face turned serious and menacing again, Harry wanted to face palm himself, and Draco was plainly amused by his brother's retreating godfather.
"I still can't believe he's married to Severus" Draco muttered to Harry, who nodded his agreement. He had already been adopted by the Malfoys by the time they got married, so Sirius couldn't actually get custody of him. He had been amazed at how different both men were, and how they worked so well together if you knew them.
"Just wait until they actually announce it to the world. I think Dumbledore and McGonagall will faint" Harry chuckled.
"Malfoys, we're going to be late for Transfiguration!" Theo called for them. The brothers took their belongings and joined the other Slytherins.
"I can't believe your godfather is so attractive, Black, and is still single. Do you think he would mind someone younger?" Daphne asked. Harry snorted.
"He is not a cradle-snatcher, Greengrass" he replied, "And he is rather taken with someone at the moment, I believe"
Daphne blushed.
"Does that someone reciprocate?" Millicent asked.
"I believe they do… they really do" Harry smiled gently at her, "I'm just happy he's happy"
They took their seats. Usually, Harry and Draco sat together, but Blaise decided to sit with Harry, and Harry rather agreed, and Draco just rolled his eyes, said something about future codependence, and sat with Greg, making Theo sit with Vincent.
When the Yule Ball came, the entire castle was decorated for the occasion. Massive trees, all the decorations in silver, several mistletoe sets around the Great Hall, the punch bowl, and soft jingles making everything feel as magical as it was, if not more. The Weasley girl had asked Dean Thomas to the Ball, but she kept looking in Harry's direction, which translated in 'trying to make you jealous'. Which, of course, didn't work.
Hadrian Black-Malfoy was too busy dancing with Blaise Zabini, who was twirling him around gracefully, both showing off their impressive dancing skills.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" Blaise asked softly when a slow waltz came. Hadrian hummed.
"Of course, Blaise" the green-eyed teen smiled up at him. Blaise easily had a head over him, not to mention he was a bulkier guy. Hadrian wondered his training routine, because, even with his robes, Blaise was very well built, "Are you ready for our trip tomorrow? My parents are excited for you to spend time with us, officially as part of our family"
"It makes me a bit nervous. It is quite different as going as your friend than going as your betrothed" Blaise placed a soft kiss on Harry's forehead, "But I'm looking forward to it"
"I want a proper kiss" the shorter teen pouted. Blaise chuckled, and, as Harry lifted himself up, he lowered his head to meet him halfway and press their lips together. A throat clearing interrupted them. It was Charles, "Charlie, why are you interrupting me getting my kisses?" Harry glared at him.
"I want to dance with you, little brother, and you have spent the entire night with Blaise here. A pleasure meeting you, by the way, brother-stealer" Charles smirked at seeing how unsure Blaise was with that greeting, "Don't worry, Bill and I won't kill you if you do things right. I will let you dance with my dear Teddy"
"Stop calling me that, Charlie" Theo blushed intensely.
"Wow, since when do you two know each other?"
"Adrian might have mentioned he is single, so I wrote to him, since his brother was coming here for Draco. And, uh, I really didn't expect him to come. So Daphne is with Adrian now, and I came with Charles. My parents are going to negotiate with William after the winter holidays"
"Oh, he will say yes. Never mind that I'm an adult, and I really agree with this relationship" Charlie pecked his cheek, "Still, dance with me, Harry?"
"Sure. Blaise, be a gentleman to Theo"
"Always" Blaise chuckled, and pecked his lips before going to his best friend, "Really, Theo?"
"What? He is handsome, and is so relaxed, and kind… shut up"
"This is not just to dance, though, dear baby brother" Charlie put up a privacy charm around them, "Sirius and Severus are already in Champagne with Andromeda and Evan, and Sirius asked me to relay his greetings. Also, their relationship will become common knowledge in tomorrow's paper. We will all be in France by that time, or in Portugal or Russia, depending on which friend you ask, so Dumbledore can't pull anything until you all come back. Enough time to plan, right?"
"With time to spare. I would've liked to see how he reacts in real time, but I prefer spending time with family" Harry sighed.
"I think Flitwick might be of help in that aspect" Charlie smiled as he made Harry spin twice, "So, what are your thoughts on Theo and me?"
"I'm glad both of you are happy. Really, we will all likely marry at the same time. What are your thoughts on a triple wedding?"
"A big no. Knowing Draco, Theo, and you, each of you will want your own especial day, and I pretty much prefer seeing all of you alive and not killed by each other" Charlie snorted, and Harry gave out a giggle.
"Draco already has a palette for the wedding. I think he might want to marry before all of us"
"Bill wants him to finish Hogwarts first" Charlie hummed, "Education is important, especially if Draco does want to follow his desires of being a Healer"
"Of course. Oh, and, considering all of our bloods… at least two kids for each couple, right?"
"You need three at least" Charlie scoffed, "Potter, Black, and Zabini. Even Malfoy, just in case. Theo and I for Nott, and maybe Prewett, but that is mostly on Bill, to be honest. I just hope our children aren't born before we finish dealing with Dumbledore and his people"
"That does include your parents, Charles" Harry narrowed his eyes, "What about Ginevra and Ronald?"
"What about them?"
"George and Fred will also take the Prewett name, and they are pretty much on our side. Your other brother and your sister have been really persistent on following Dumbledore's orders. At least Ginevra has been constantly asking me out, and I found a love potion in my drink twice already. If they continue down that path, I'm afraid they won't have much of a future"
Charlie sighed.
"Well, they are already in an age where they can think for themselves. Ultimately, they might be blood, but we don't feel like kin with people that will truly hurt whoever they deem necessary for their own selfish gains" he said, "And we have enough family with you guys"
Harry gave him a smile, and then they joined the table where their friends and intended were.
"So, did you finish your plotting? Honestly, with how sneaky you truly are, I'm surprised all of you were in Gryffindor" Draco was comfortably sitting on Bill's lap, and his redhead was happily giving him the bite-size treacle tarts that he loved. It did help that people were looking at them, green with envy, pretty much, at their love. Dumbledore had tried to approach him and Charlie when they arrived, but they had been in real haste to get to their respective betrothed, and had dodged every attempt.
He watched as Harry, who he considered a little brother since that weird first meeting, sat on Blaise's lap. Charlie kissed Theo, but the blond had more decorum, apparently, because he only sat really close to him, and shared some kisses.
"What time is it?"
"Twelve past midnight" Blaise replied after checking his watch, "Why?"
"Time to leave for Champagne" Harry smiled, "Draco?"
"I'll get Mother and Father" the Malfoy lord and lady were currently dancing to a waltz. Bill went with Draco, and danced close to them, saying it was time to go.
"Well, let's go to our rooms" Harry smirked. The Slytherins, even the ones disguised as Gryffindors, went to the dungeons, and, after saying the password, they went to the Floo. Each of them called 'Rosier Chateau', and, one by one, each started flaring out of a pure marble fireplace, where several people were waiting. One of them was one of Narcissa's older sisters, Andromeda, who had married Evan Rosier, who was also there with their daughters.
Originally, Edward 'Ted' Tonks had tried to woo her, but Rosier had been more successful in that area. The result had been a quick engagement and the most perfect wedding one could have with two weeks of planning and a lot of money. Nearing their first wedding anniversary, Nymphadora Rosier had been born. And, two years later, Elladora Rosier had been born. Both were, naturally, incredibly beautiful young ladies, even if Nymph, as the elder preferred, had more of a goofy and kind of clumsy side to her. Of course, with her being a Metamorphmagus, she could pull a lot more pranks that her parents considered healthy. Elladora was prone to pranks as well, but it took more work if she wanted to pretend to be someone else.
Nymph was the same age as Charlie, and she would've been a year-mate, maybe not housemate, had she attended Hogwarts. However, with the Blacks having their origins in France, and the Rosiers also being from France, they had decided to live there. Given how they were both fluent in French as they were in English, well, it was nor problem. Therefore, both their daughters attended Beauxbatons.
"Welcome, finally! Can you imagine how boring it is to wait for so long with only Sirius as a pranking friend?" Nymph had a big smile, "Besides, I will get married soon, and mère says it is not proper to play pranks as a lady"
"Hey!" Sirius protested from the back of the room, and they could see Severus rolling his eyes at his husband's antics. They weren't in direct eyesight, so they hadn't actually noticed them until Sirius made himself known.
"Of course, some of us don't have any qualms about pranks and propriety" Severus drawled, pointedly looking at Sirius, and then stood to greet them.
"Nymphadora" Andromeda sighed.
"Don't call me that" her eldest daughter pouted.
"Then behave"
"Who is the lucky man?" Harry asked.
"Louis Alexandre Delacroix" Nymph smiled, "He's amazing. You will meet him tomorrow for Yule"
"Good, good, he will have to pass the test, then" Draco grinned with way too many teeth. Then again, everyone was protective of their family, and she was family. Harry, while not directly related to her if not for Lucius and Narcissa adopting him, was equally protective.
"We do have an announcement to make!" Sirius grinned.
"We know you will publish your relationship back in Britain" Harry cocked his eyebrow, wondering if his godfather forgot to tell them something.
"I know you know! But, we're expecting a baby" Sirius smiled like the crazy in love man he was when he looked at Severus, and the Potions Master blushed lightly, but nodded. A thud was heard, and they found Theo had fainted, and Blaise seemed to be in shock.
"I think you broke them" Harry mentioned almost dispassionately, "Congratulations! This is so exciting, we'll get to be the coolest uncles, Draco" the blond was smiling wide, "So, who is carrying the baby?"
"I bet it's Sirius" Bill muttered. Severus chuckled, "What?"
"I am" the Slytherin Head said, "But I appreciate your… bet"
The next day, Yule, before the celebrations, they met Nymph's betrothed. He was tall, handsome, and every inch the pureblood they had imagined. The only difference between their mental image and the reality of the man was that Alexandre, while composed, wasn't too stuck up about pranks and jokes. Apparently, it had been love at first sight for him when he first met Nymph in Beauxbatons. After spending several years in school with her, it only grew, and she had been really accepting of his advances, so he managed to convince his parents to betroth him to her. The final stages of the negotiations had happened in May, and they were ready to introduce each other formally by November. Meaning, they attended balls together and did everything as if they were married, save from the living together part. At this stage, they were only waiting for the ceremony, and they would be starting their marital bliss.
"I have heard that you are really close to each other, yes?" Alex, as he had given permission to be called, asked Draco and Harry. Both nodded.
"To Nymph as well" Draco had learned the best threatening-calm stare from Severus, and Harry always enjoyed seeing people squirm around when they were given that stare. Except Alex didn't seem fazed about it.
"So, what is your threat?"
"Pretty simple, really" Draco drawled out. Harry smirked.
"You hurt her, and you will regret the day your parents met. Or the day they conceived you, depends on our mood. There won't be a place you will be able to hide. If you aren't aware already, I hold two lordships" Harry continued, making his eyes shine, as Sirius would say, creepily similar to the Killing Curse. It was something he didn't know he could do at first, but when he learned of it, he used it to intimidate. Alex rearranged his sitting position, but the pure panic most people would feel at this point seemed to be merely a slight worry.
"I understand, and I will not try to hide"
"Wonderful, then we are in agreement. So, do you think Bulgaria has a chance to get the cup on the next Quidditch World Cup? Because, personally, I would like England to win. Is France classified yet?" Harry's change in subject momentarily disoriented Alex, but he smiled, understanding the threat was gone, and they were on friendly terms.
"If they win the next two games, against Portugal and Greece respectively, I think we will classify"
Blaise slowly woke up when he heard a voice calling his name. As soon as he processed Harry was in bed with him, shaking him awake, he jumped in surprise.
"What are you doing? Your family will kill me!" he whispered-screamed.
"They can suck it up. And Sirius know I'm here. I just want to cuddle" Hadrian pouted, and batted his eyelashes at him. Blaise didn't stand a chance, and he readily pulled him closer.
"Severus?"
"Sirius will deal with him if he walks in on us" Hadrian was probably too chirpy to be awake in the middle of the night, but, after basically entangling himself with Blaise, he started relaxing, "I just never thought I'd get the chance to be with you, and that I would get betrothed to someone I didn't love"
"I seriously doubt your parents would've made you unhappy"
"They wouldn't, of course, but marrying and only having companionship is not as desirable as marrying to someone I love. Now, shush, I want to sleep"
Blaise smiled softly at Hadrian. Somehow, his first thoughts of Hadrian being unreachable seemed silly. He was aware that the only reason he had been able to reach him was because Hadrian wanted him to, and he could recall his coldness and the disdain he showed everyone that didn't held any of his interest. But having Hadrian now? He would never let him go. He placed a kiss on the younger wizard's forehead, and went to sleep as well.
This just something that sort of came to me. I have a soft spot for Slytherin Harry. Hope you like it!