...

'They were liars, all of them.'

...

Hadrian and Alec stood in front of Malfoy Manor. The distant sounds of ballroom music hummed out into the darkness, the low baritone was deep and hypnotic making the night sky seem infinite. Hadrian was leant up against the large pillar that fronted the house, the marble column was entwined with ivy; it crawled up, snakelike - suffocating the stone. Alec was pacing, Hadrian watched him with a dark gaze, he walked with clenched fists and a tight jaw, his frustration obvious.

"Stop pacing," Hadrian muttered shortly, releasing a breath of smoke.

Alec looked up affronted, his features darkening somewhat at being told what to do. He continued to pace. Back and forth, his long legs pacing three wide strides left before turning and pacing another three. The obvious shit storm that was currently taking place in the deep depths of Alec's mind was starting to stress Hadrian out.

What a total fuck up.

Hadrian killed a fucking Wizard and to make matters even worse the man worked for Dumbledore. Hadrian had no idea if this man was on a independent suicide mission or if he was working for Dumbledore when he met his unfortunate end. If it was the latter, they were completely fucked because if that were the case, Dumbledore would be looking for his man and it wouldn't take long before he would find out the truth. Guilt worked its way up Hadrian's spine.

"Alec," Hadrian muttered darkly.

Alec ignored him and continued to pace, he ran a hand over his face as if to wake himself up from this sordid nightmare. Someone laughed close by causing Hadrian and Alec to twisted around fast. It was a false alarm, the laughter soon faded away and they were alone again. Hadrian brought the cigarette up to his lips, inhaling desperately before blowing it out into the night.

"Alec," Hadrian repeated tightly.

Alec stopped, turning to stare at Hadrian, his dark eyes glinting with inner conflict.

"I know you're angry," Hadrian uttered, annoyed by Alec's pacing.

"I'm not angry, I'm fucking fuming," Alec spoke frustrated, his eyes raging with concern.

Hadrian finished his cigarette and flicked the butt to the ground, stamping it out casually with his foot. He raked a hand through his dark locks, dragging back the strands resulting in a subtle slick-back. Hadrian knew all of this was fucked up - but he didn't know how they were going to get out of this if Dumbledore had sent the man to follow him.

"I didn't know who he was,' Hadrian spoke quietly.

"I still can't believe you fucking shot him," Alec growled, using his tattooed hand to motion a gun, raising it up to his temple.

"Keep your fucking voice down!" Hadrian growled in return, looking around to see if anyone was watching.

No one was around, they were entirely alone. A dark illusory veil encased them together. They were bathed within the darkness which swam around them; embracing, caressing and obscuring their features. Looking on from afar, the intensity of the two young men seemed historical - if time were to fast forward a dozen years, this haunted moment would be the one transferred into visions of art.

"What are we gonna do?" Alec questioned darkly.

"Lay low, security is crucial right now. I don't want Dumbledore to hear anything but good shit. We donate to charities, we protect kids from bullies. We're gonna be fucking angels." Hadrian instructed.

"You an angel?" Alec smirked darkly.

"Well... I'm gonna have to try to be," Hadrian huffed tiredly.

"We need to find out if Dumbledore sent him," Alec spoke seriously.

"Yeah, we do. I might have someone who can help us with that," Hadrian finished with a mysterious gleam in his eyes.

The music emanating from the house suddenly changed, it was no longer a slow bewitching ballad, it was now glamorously upbeat. Alec frowned, that meant the party had officially kicked in, they were past the pregame greetings and had moved on to drinking the £1000 pound bottles of Dom Pérignon.

"We better go up. Draco will be pissed we're late," Alec muttered, already decided on getting wasted.

Hadrian nodded, fixing his tie before pushing off the large stone column to head inside. The historical English architecture stood opulent and proud within its borders. The Malfoy manor was completely constructed in dark grey Cotswold stone and was guarded by four Corinthian fluted columns which stood proudly at the front of the mansion.

Nature swarmed the estate; ivy, clematis and honeysuckle wrapped itself around the gothic walls as if claiming it as their own botanical arboretum. Dark perennial trees covered the flat land that surrounded the property. Ancient yews were most prominent, their dark branches hung invitingly low, their intentions toxic and destructive. The Malfoy Manor really was beautiful, a classical paragon - sinisterly so.

Hadrian and Alec stepped through the large oak door which led into a grand entrance hall. A splendid marble staircase took over the space, it cascaded from the floors above in a collision of dark grey stone. The black wrought iron bannister twisted downwards, its black gothic design was both delicate and deadly. It was something from a fairytale, the height and width overwhelming to the senses.

"How long do you wanna take muchacho?" A voice echoed from behind the staircase.

A figure stepped out from the darkness, glorious red hair met the light in a vision of burning flames. A seductive smile matched it - warm, heated and wicked. Jared Nikoli strolled towards Hadrian and Alec in what could only be described as a sultry saunter. Hadrian couldn't help but smile at the boy, infectious was a good word to describe him. The devious boy wore a grey tweed suit, the contemporary herringbone design a simple backdrop which highlighted his hair making appear to be a mythical element. He was tall too, built like a swimmer and utterly magnetic.

"We thought it best to wait for you.." Another voice echoed.

"Well, it was that or give Draco a heart attack," Jared responded to the voice.

He angled his lean body towards the voice, however, his amused gaze remained on Hadrian's solid form. Jared's dark brown eyes sparkled with humour, it was as if there was an inside joke and only he was in on it.

Just then, out from behind Jared, stepped the giant that was Mason Villenti, a small smile hidden behind the long locks that hung compulsively across his face. His hand raised and scraped them back away from his eyes, it didn't do much, they fell back across his face. Mason was dressed in blue, just like the colours of his house. A velvet navy jacket was paired cleanly with crisp white trousers, a white pocket square gave allegiance to the two strong tones.

"You waited until I arrived to go in?" Hadrian questioned confused.

"Mason's like a fucking elefante.. and well patrón, we all know what that room's like," Jared smirked, pointing to upstairs.

He glanced up at Mason as if he hadn't said anything insulting and somehow, Mason grinned down at him just as amused. Hadrian knew the feeling, it was hard to be mad at the boy. Alec, however, wasn't so easily charmed.

"We know you speak every fucking language, but that doesn't mean you have to speak it ever other fucking word," Alec growled.

Jared didn't respond in fact his face didn't changed, the same small smirking smile remained. Hadrian glanced over at Alec, shadows swam across his features targeting those dark vicious eyes. Hadrian knew why they pursued and it wasn't because of Jared.

"Fuck, Draco's going to flip," Hadrian spoke, shifting the topic only slightly.

"Yeah, sure will, we all know Drake," Mason added.

"Ah, come on, compadre's.. there's always an emotional one," Jared unhelpfully informed.

They all rolled their eyes in incredulousness, Jared ignored them, not affected even for a moment. Finally, Hadrian shoved his hands in his pockets and strolled forward advancing up the steps. Alec followed close behind, with the other two another second after.

"So, we have a game plan yet?" Mason asked.

"No.. to be honest I was just gonna wing it." Hadrian responded, his frankness igniting a perplexed chuckle from Jared.

They were close enough now that the music was clear, its tumultuous beat humming in the background of the chatter and the chinkering of glasses. The deep haunting serenade was the Phantom of the Opera. Hadrian reached the top of the staircase and now in front of them stood four large doors made out of solid oak, they were painted in a white satin finish. The doors towered towards the ceiling - straight to heaven or so it seemed.

The eloquent entrance was warded by four guards. The figures wore black regal cloaks, remaining deathly still as they kept watch. The doors were shut, the party had already started, all of the guests had arrived. One of the guards raised a cloaked arm, his wand help tightly in his attentive grip. The doors clicked unlocked, breezing open gracefully to slowly reveal the affluent delights from within.

Daphne felt the impact on the room, in a hushed conclusion the guests turned towards the entrance watching as the doors began to open. Tendrils of something powerful entered first, it swirled in a figment of black ribbon. If it were visible - that's what it would look like, Daphne was sure of it. Hadrian Potter entered and the sensation of transcendence filled the room. A shiver climbed up the curve of Daphne's spine, her body reacting defensively to the predatory substance.

Hadrian Potter was wearing a bespoke suit, the dark green colour glinting in conspiracy with his eyes, igniting the room with their harsh scrutiny. The suit melted to his frame, the sumptuous material laying across his strong chest and hard thighs. It was made for him, in every sense of the word - both literally and metaphorically.

Hadrian looked up, glancing around. The ballroom was truly magnificent, a golden palace plucked from a Frisian fairytale. The ceiling was moving, hellenistic art danced and pranced, depicting biblical animations of gods and goddesses. The nude women bore rich palatial fruits while the men soared across the heavens with armour made out of plundered bronze and purloin leather.

Several metres down large golden candles hung suspended in mid-air - the force of gravity doing nothing to stop the power of the magic. An arrangement of seating surrounded the dance floor, plush golden couches and metallic crystal chairs were situated in small groups assembling guests as they drank and laughed.

"Ah, Hadrian's here..." Blaise announced thankfully.

Daphne shifted in her seat, watching as Blaise rose from his position on the sofa, his long hard body straightening to a tall 6ft 3 inches. The silk suit stretched across his wide chest, the rich crimson red bleeding into his equally rich umber skin, the mellow-brown much like the reflection of autumn trees in a clear forest lake.

Daphne watched as Blaise Zabini, much like a soldier greeting his commander, stood, striding forward to greet Hadrian. Blaise's watched as Hadrian's eyes locked onto his approaching form, green eyes so dark and shining with so much vitality, they became completely fixed on the world allowing no move to escape their everlasting dominion.

Daphne's gaze caught Hadrian's for a moment, she watched as his own shone back playfully, the dark green lightening into a warmer tone. Daphne almost growled at him, he wouldn't have heard her he was too far away, or perhaps he would've, she never knew with Hadrian. But her face must have said it all - 'I am not happy with you'. Daphne didn't wait for a response, instead her eyes scanned the room landing on the very tall and very blonde Draco Malfoy.

Draco Malfoy stood around a tall drinks table, sipping on sparkling glass of Rose Prestigé, only £400 a bottle. He wore an all white suit, the alabaster tone causing his skin to appear ten shades darker, if it were even possible. The light lavish material was embroidered with patterns of swirling silver, the design actually moving like steel slithering snakes. The look, not finished, without the streaks of silver that ran within his snow white strands. Draco Malfoy, of course, looked outrageously wealthy.

Draco felt a nudge at his side, turning his eyes fell onto the stunning Daphne Greengrass, her eyes dark and swirling with foreseen friction. Daphne wore a dark green dress that covered the entirety of her skin, not allowing an inch to be exposed except that of her neck and face. Lace encased the bodice of her dress, cinching at her waist and clinging to her vivacious curves.

The dark lace was artfully embroidered into sprawling flowers that wrapped around her body lovingly. The flowers were embellished with an assortment of earthy gems; a variety of the colours green & blue. Unembellished lace ran chaotically down her arms, floating abundantly, only to cuff off at her fingertips.

He looked up to her face, he couldn't even see a trace of makeup, only soft smooth skin and full dark lashes. Draco smiled, she looked as gorgeous as ever. He sipped on his drink again, in fact he finished it, turned and grabbed another from a passing waiter. Daphne watched him for a moment before her dark eyes slid past his and onto Hadrian Potter's subliminal form.

Just for a moment, they rested there before ditching and tracking back to Draco. He could see she was concerned, her eyebrows scrunching only slightly, if he were not so close he would have missed it. Searching her gaze he noticed the inflection of warmth reflected back in them - fuck, his heart hurt. The love that swirled in those warm brown eyes, he would never get used to - they were closer than friends, they were family.

"I know you angry at him," Daphne whispered easily.

Draco casted a glance over to Hadrian, he was talking to someone, Draco didn't know who is was, he didn't think Hadrian did either. In fact, Hadrian didn't look like he particularly wanted to be there... Draco almost smiled. No one else would've noticed because to the rest of the world Hadrian looked abundantly intrigued with the conversation. But, Draco knew otherwise, being best friends with someone, you knew things about that person that others just didn't.

Suddenly, Hadrian looked up, his dark eyes locking onto Draco's tense form. Hadrian's vivid emerald eyes raged with remorse, yet inner conflict swamped their true meaning. Hadrian smiled, a simple, no care in the world smile that caused Draco to nearly lose it. A snarl worked its way onto his face, while his hand clamped down onto the table, whitening the skin.

Daphne's slender hand covered his, calming his frustrations for just a moment. He looked over to her, watching as she picked up her glass, swirling slightly before bringing it up to her lips. He didn't know how she could look so unaffected, but of course it was only what she wanted the world to see. Deep down, she was worried.

"They were an hour late, Daph," Draco gritted out almost silently.

"All I asked was that they came tonight. All they fucking had to do was get here on time just like everyone else," Draco continued, clenching his jaw.

"I know." Daphne responded calmly.

She didn't tell him that both boys had made it on time, only to have left soon after in a hurry. It wouldn't make him feel better, it would only make him suspicious - there wouldn't any point. Daphne scanned Draco's features surprised by the vulnerability hidden there, it seemed Draco had relied on Hadrian's presence more than she, if not everyone, had thought.

"Darling?" Narcissa Malfoy, waltzed elegantly up to the table.

"You look amazing, Mrs Malfoy," Daphne beamed, not moving her hand away from Draco's.

"Thank you sweetheart, but if only I could have your skin dear," Narcissa complimented smiling.

"You look stunning," Narcissa finished.

Daphne only smiled in return knowing when enough was enough. She was right, Narcissa Malfoy looked truly efficacious in her dark satin pantsuit. The black charcoal trousers floated gracefully around her long legs, enfolding at the bottom around her heeled feet. A fitted emerald blazer hugged around her slender waist, formally bestowing her as fashionable and astute. Without much effort, Narcissa Malfoy outshone the rest of the family matriarchs - it wasn't even a competition.

"Draco, did you see Hadrian arrive?" Narcissa smiled happily.

Draco smiled in return but it was forced, it could of fooled anyone in the world but never his mother. Narcissa pretended she didn't see it, in fact she acted as if there wasn't a care in the world. Lifting her arm, her hand found her sons shoulder and she squeezed it comfortingly, her face not giving away a thing. Lucius Malfoy joined the group, his hand gently finding his wife's waist and resting there affectionately.

"Dad.." Draco said, tipping his glass towards his father, in a preoccupied salute.

"Son," Lucius nodded, sending a slight glance to his wife.

Suddenly, a group approached the table, Hadrian Potter, of course, stood frontline and centre. Blaise Zabini and Theo Nott had already arrived and had greeted; it was the other four who now advanced for the first time. Jared Nikoli looked beautiful, he had always reminded Daphne of a vampire, with that elusive effortless charm and the strikingly bright good looks.

Jared's dark brown eyes caught her own, but it wasn't long before his eyes dropped down to slowly examine her body. Daphne almost cursed him for his nerve, however, the affectionate wink he threw her way caused her to swallow it. She almost smiled as she watched him turn to greet Mr and Mrs Malfoy with that knowing smirk on his face.

Alec was next, his dark gothic suit a material reflection of his personality. There was no doubt, he was extremely handsome, it was in a dark unfiltered kind of way. While Jared reeled you in with warmth and the sensual certainty of sinful bliss - Alec warned you away, from the hardness of his features, to ruthless bearing of his body. Of course, you would dream about him, how could you not?

And yet, there would always be that fear, that persistent fear to never get too close. Some did and Daphne didn't know whether to feel sorry for them or condemn them for their stupidity. You see, there was little mercy left within those dark eyes, over the years it had gotten lost, a little at a time, gradually, so no one would notice. Daphne had been there in the beginning, she noticed.

Mason Villenti wasn't easy to miss, he stood tallest amongst the group, his large arms a contender to Blaise. The suit he wore looked expensive and Daphne didn't for a moment doubt that was it wasn't.

"Mr Malfoy," Hadrian greeted Lucius his hand extended to shake.

"Mrs Malfoy, you look infallible," Hadrian smiled, leaning forward to kiss her cheek.

Draco almost rolled his eyes at his best friends ability to compliment like no one else. Draco watched anxiously as Hadrian clasped onto Mason's shoulder affectionately, an easy smile gracing his lips.

"I would like to meet my close friend, Mason Villenti," Hadrian spoke seriously.

Draco froze, so did Daphne, in fact everyone seemed to or so Draco thought - the anticipated meeting didn't matter anymore. Hadrian's collar had shifted, only slightly, yet it revealed a splattering of blood - the dark angry red specks screamed of injustice and slaughter. Draco knew, he didn't know if he was the only one, but he just knew.

What had he done... Hadrian what have you done?

...

'There is blood everywhere, they are lost in it, drowning in it.'

...