Dimension Hoppers

Orion double checks his room, making sure all the dust has been cleared and that every book and cranny is spotless. He has been over to Evan's flat more times then he can count but for the first time ever Hadrian would coming over to spend the afternoon here. He wanted to make a good first impression of his living space and he couldn't do that if it wasn't clean.

Not that he wasn't welcome but usually Orion would be over at Dimension Hoppers anyway seeing as Will has hired his father full time and since Dad worked most of the day he got to accompany his parent to work.

Another bonus of working for the laid back Evans, the man didn't seem to mind their lack of babysitter- no one really applied for werewolves no matter how desperate they were for coins and it's not like his uncles could babysit all the time with their own work- happy to have his employees bring their children if needed to.

He sometimes helped around the store himself along with his best friend, other times he was upstairs playing whatever video game Hadrian purchase this time or walking around the stores of Digon Alley or just being with him and enjoying time.

Really no matter what they are doing Orion is always left breathlessly content and happy. He has always wondered why some friendships like the kind his parents had with Uncle James and Uncle Peter lasted so long while other friendships could get ruin with the misfortune of having romantic feelings for the same person. Sometimes something even less then that is enough to ruin them. Nothing like what the Marauders had who stuck with each other through thick and thin.

He used to watch other children and wonder, with a cripplingly longing, what could possibly set those kinds of friendships apart, what made them wonderful. He now knows the answer and it was Hadrian who showed him, who taught him people could be trusted, and who also taught him how to put the light back into his eyes.

Hadrian's friendship is that special kind his parents, uncle James and uncle Peter have. The true kind of friends.

They agreed to meet up during the summer as a small celebration of how long they have known each other. As of today, Orion could proudly say he's had a real true friend for a year. He has come a long way from the kid who dreaded the sight of his second-year letter, who was lucky enough to catch Hadrian's attention in that crowded street.

He has friends-or a group of people who tolerate him and he does them for Hadrian's sake- and he barely feels lonely. His parents have watched him transform into not quite a social butterfly because Orion is still reserve and quiet but he goes out of his way to speak now. Does his best to find a reason to smile throughout the days and they couldn't be any happier.

It's not as hard anymore. All he has to do is think of Hadrian's smile and even the darkest days seem bright.

Orion's stomach flips with butterflies he's grown used to as he pictures that breathtaking grin that Hadrian rarely shows, despite the many times he is smiling it's nothing compared to that one grin that truly shows his happiness. He has come to accept his crush on Hadrian having worked through the confusion and whirlwind of feelings his best friend inspired in him to know he wants to refer to the Hufflepuff as boyfriend rather than a best friend because Orion knows he loves Hadrian.

Beyond gratitude for his kindness though there is a heavy dose of that, beyond the blatant awe of how smart and talented the other is and beyond the excitement when he notices how pretty Hadrian is becoming even with his plain face is a burning love.

The love that he has personally seen makes Father's eyes go soft when Dad laughs even after all the years they been together.

The kind of love he has seen overtake Uncle James when a slow song plays and no matter where they are, he takes Aunt Lily's hand to drag her into a slow waltz.

He's seen real love all his life and he knows that what he feels for Hadrian is that type. It took him a year to realize the depth of his feelings but he's here now and he thinking of trying to do something about it.

It's nerve-wracking but he's not a Gryffindor for nothing.

He smooths out his bedding again making sure there are no wrinkles what so ever on the bed cover. He just finishes retucking in a corner when Father yells from downstairs. "Orion! Hadrian is here!"

And just like that his heart stops, drops, and flutters like a newborn colt learning to gallop. He doesn't yell back instead he walks out with as much grace as he can, holding his head up high as if though his hands haven't gone damp and his knees don't feel like the bones have been replaced with jelly. He finds Hadrian at the bottom of the stairway trading pleasantries with Father, glowing in only a way Hadrian can.

Sometimes Orion privately wondered if the Evans family had Veela blood in them even when he couldn't smell a drop of it in them. The glow around Hadrian certainly points at it

Hadrian turns to him as soon as he steps into the line of sight, something he's noticed his friend does. He's not even sure if Hadrian himself is aware, but those green eyes follow his movement, always turning to Orion before anyone else in the room, and if that doesn't give him ridiculous amounts of hope he doesn't know what does. "Hi, Orion."

"Hello."

There is a short pause of them staring at each other before Father pointedly tilts his chin upwards and Orion jerks out a hand. "Would you like to come up to my room and get comfortable?"

He regrets his word choice as soon as it leaves his mouth. His father coughs to cover a laugh, but thankfully Hadrian didn't see anything wrong with that question as he easily excuses himself from the older werewolf to climb up the stairs. They walk in the comfortable silence that settles around them until they arrive at his bedroom door and his nerves are nearly fried with how anxious he is for the other boy being in his room

Opening the door he braces himself for any reaction. Hadrian strolls in with a grace that is still strange to see in someone his own age, green eyes running over his things as he does so until his eyes land on the electric guitar Orion has in the corner of the room. He forgot to hide it far to used to it not being noticed. The Hufflepuff face breaks into surprised glee. "Oh! You play?"

The werewolf feels his face going hot. Yes, he does, his Dad taught him how to play guitar to bond with him when he was younger. Since Orion didn't want to go anywhere near Sirius' flying motorbike this was the next best thing his metal head of parent could do to get his son into similar things. When they had some spare time they would sit down and play together every now, and then. "Yes but I prefer acoustic."

Hadrian stares at him, tilting his head a little before an evil grin curls his lips that Orion knows means nothing good. "Aw. Is Orion embarrassed? That's so cute!"

Orion feels both irritation and joy curl in his stomach. "You think I'm cute?"

Please, for all the magic in Merlin's core, please tell me I did not just say that.

"Yes," Hadrian says without a hint of shame, settling down on the edge of his bed. It's times like this he's grateful his friend is as thick as a rock. "You're adorable."

Whatever the werewolf was going to say dies in his mouth. He looks down shyly unable to keep looking at his crush on his bed who is giving him compliments. His poor heart can't take it. Hadrian chuckles. "Don't be like that. It's good to be adorable. Mind playing me something?"

"What?"

"Show me what you got rock star." The Hufflepuff says swinging his feet, too small for them to touch the floor properly from his seat. Orion swallows.

"I've only ever played for my Dad before." He admits, shuffling his feet but after one encouraging look from Hadrian has him marching over to his musical instrument and settling in the little stole next to it. He adjusts the strings a little, making sure they are properly tightened and he stung a few cords to test the sound, tilting his head down allowing his hair to curtain his face slightly.

He peeks up at Hadrian through his bangs watching the boy as he leans back on his hands eager to listen to him play. A faint memory from the corners of his mind plays briefly. When he was younger he once asked his Father what made him interested in Dad, Remus had given him a sappy look admitting fondly it was the first time he heard the Black play his guitar.

A skill he posses.

Sirius once had told Orion he had a lovely voice too.

If Dad wasn't just being nice, then I'm musically talented too. Black genes please don't fail me now. After all, hadn't Orion just swore to himself he would try flirting with his friend? He takes a deep breath and he plays a fast upbeat metal song that is something or another with taking down the man. He closes his eyes allowing himself to fall into the music, doing his best to ignore it's not Dad listening but the one's person he wants to impress most in the world.

His hands blur up and down his guitar, the pick thumps in his fingers as he twists his wrist back and forth, the song rises and falls and he chases the rhythm with his voice, beyond grateful he hasn't missed a single cord or line. The song ends on a guitar solo, one that had sweat gathering at his forehead to complete but once he did he is met with enthusiastic clapping.

Orion opens his eyes and his breath gets pushed clear out of his chest at the wonder on Hadrian's flush face. "That was amazing! Orion, it was utterly brilliant! I didn't know you could sing too!"

The werewolf turns beet red. "Thank you. Want to hear another one?"

"Yes!"

Orions plays a song from AC/DC, one of the first bands his Dad taught him. This time he keeps his eyes open to watch Hadrian leap onto his feet and headbang as he sways to the song, singing along. He hadn't expected the Hufflepuff to be a fan of the rock band but it makes sense in a way as the other boy sings along playing an air guitar of his own. Orion thinks he is the adorable one.

When the song ends, Hadrian punches a fist into the air. "That was even better!"

"Thank you" He smiles then being a little too daring he rushes over to his closet pulling out his acoustic guitar. Excitement and adrenaline urge him on, not allowing him to stop and think before he back in the stole, Hadrian clapping enthusiastically like the excitement is an air-born drug. It's amazing and wonderful and it's only around Hadrian he feels like this.

It's not until he gets the singing that he flatters, missing the first line slightly however not enough for it to be obvious. He prays his voice doesn't tremble and curses himself for getting carried away, as the original song titled "First love" the one he wrote about the very same boy in his room falls from his lips

Gentle tenderness

Leaving me speechless

A warmth that I thought I would never know.

Like spring melting from snow,

First love, oh, darling, I love you so.

Kiss me under the moonlight,

Hold me just right,

Show me the brilliant light

of your lovely soul,

you are the kindness I'm searching for.

First Love, oh darling, can't you see?

Through those jewel eyes, so lovely,

You are my new greatest dream.

"Wow" Hadrian breaths when he finishes. "Orion, that was beautiful. Did you write that?"

Orion nods not trusting his voice, twisting his hands into his lap. He wants to yell it's about the most beautiful person he knows, wants to shake Hadrian until it gets through his head that he wrote that about him. The slow whisper like the way it was sung meant to represent the patient understanding of the Evan, the words of everything he ever wanted to say, and most of all the accompanying beat of his own heart to the melody created this song.

He poured everything into it.

Hadrian smiles. "I'm sure Draco will love it."

What?

"What?"

His friends wink "Don't think I haven't noticed the heated looks you two been trading lately."

Orion suddenly had the urge to break his guitar over the Hufflepuff's head. "Hadrian that is the wrong kind of heat"

Before his friend could respond there is a knock at the door, and suddenly Dad is pushing the wood open carrying a tray of snack Father no doubt asked him to bring up. Or he wrestled from Father as an excuse to come up here and embarrass Orion. The later is much more plausible especially with his opening sentence "Were you playing First Love? You know Hadrian he wrote that about this great boy in his year."

Hadrian beams as if that confirms his suspicions. "It's a lovely song."

"Isn't it? He can be quite the romantic. My boy would make the best boyfriend wouldn't he-"

"Thank you, Dad! You can leave now" Orion cuts in forcefully taking the tray and pushing the protesting man out of the room at the same time. He barely has the mind to glare at the cackling Auror before he slams the door closed. He turns to find Hadrian wiggling his eyebrows. He sort of wants to punch him in the face.

Him and Malfoy!? Honestly, why was Hadrian so bloody thick!

A few days later Orion is once again singing for Hadrian but this time they are at a magical park. Today he picked a slow and sensual song, taken from a muggle movie that Will adores, trying his best to get the husky undertone just right. Hadrian his laying on his stomach, chin resting on his palms nodding his head back and forth to a gentle song Orion is playing on his acoustic guitar. Ever since the Hufflepuff learned the Gryfindor could sing he strives to find somewhere private for the other to sing to him. Said his voice was calming and nearly hypnotic- nearly causing Orion to self-combust from joy.

Before, the werewolf would be mortified if anyone outside his parents learns of his ability to play, not overly sure why but it was a skill he hides and hides often. In fact, as far as Potter, Uncle James and Aunt Lily knew the electric guitar was more decoration than anything else. Now, however, he has gotten into the habit of carrying one of them with him, the case swung onto one of his shoulders because if Hadrian asked him to, he would gladly play for him.

How could he not when the other acted like Orion was sharing his hobby with him was the same as receiving a blessing.

As the last of the tune fades away Hadrian sighs opening his eyes from where he had close them to listen better. "Brilliant as ever Orion. You really have a talent."

"It's not a big deal" He deflects on reflex even if he is very please by the praise. He glances around for his water bottle parched from the high notes, only to frown upon spotting he already drank it all. Scanning the area his eyes fall on a little stand selling some beverages and snacks, his mouth drying even more. "I'll be right back."

Hadrian lefts a brow silently asking if he wanted him to go along as company but the werewolf knows he's comfortable laying there in the shade and shakes his head. Green eyes crinkle with a small smile the other gives him crossing his arms on the grass and resting his head on it as Orion walks away. He scurries over to the little stand, already eyeing the water bottles, but the ice cream snatches his attention nearly as fast.

He's in the mood for something sweet, and he knows Hadrian doesn't really eat- a worrying fact his father has been trying to remedy as well as a pushy Will- but maybe if he gets him a small cup, with the changing flavor between vanilla and chocolate, it might be enough to convince him to have some. Even if only a little bit then it would be enough.

It's when he gets close to give the witch running the stand his order he notices the cart next to the food, having missed it with his tunnel vision on refreshments.

A man in cheerful red robes is selling flower arrangements, he sees Orion staring and smiles. "Would you like some flowers for your sweetheart?"

Orion blinks remaining silent but his confusion must have shown on his face since the wizard tilts his head to where Hadrian is still laying in the shade a few feet away. The wizard and the witch running the business share a knowing look when he goes beet red realizing what the man is hinting at stuttering out "Oh no we aren't-it's not-I um."

He curses his incoherent words but he does eye the flowers arrangement pictures on display with interest. Hadrian once mentions he used to garden, during a Herbology class and he knows for a fact his favorite are lilies and tulips. He's not a real big fan of roses, something to do with his late-aunt, but maybe...

Orion suddenly thinks of the way his Dad melts whenever Father spontaneously presents him with flowers. His father had once told him the quickest way to Dad's heart wasn't through his stomach but through his nose and flowers were some of his favorite smells. He might have been joking but...but Orion has been trying to flirt in his own way- expressing himself with words is hard for a regular conversation never mind flirting and his singing hasn't gotten him very far.

Hadrian was stubbornly thick maybe something physical could give him a hint.

"Excuse me, sir, do you think you could weave me this one with red lilies? Blue stardust ribbons please." The man beams when he sees which ones he's pointing to. He waves his wand and the lilies float into the air, stems twirling around each other rapidly, while ribbons tie themselves over the stems to hide them. Orion watches him work as the witch scoops up his icecream, praying Hadrian doesn't glance towards him until they both finish.

"Here you are." The wizard, says handing over his flowers, just as the witch hands over the carry box of ice cream. He pays them both, nearly trembling as he walks back to Hadrian. It's because his sense of hearing is so powerful due to his condition he manages to catch the witch coo "What a cute couple."

He's glad someone can see them together.

Hadrian is still laying in the same place he left him, not tensing in any way which means he knew Orion was approaching. It's can be rather terrifying that he can recognize people by the sound of their footsteps. He has always been rather curious about why a twelve-year-old nearly a thirteen-year-old would need to have a skill like that but it might have something to do with how the Evans brothers were left orphans and he doesn't dare ask.

Orion settles back down on the grass which finally causes one green eye to peek open at him. Hadrian raises an eyebrow in confusion at his new purchases. Orion clears his throat holding out the heart-shaped flower arrangement. "This is for you."

His friend springs upwards, surprise painted on his pretty face. He thinks back to when they first met and thought the other teen was painfully plain which only shows how much of a fool he was. Especially when Hadrian's face lights up at the sight of the lilies, warming as he takes the flowers. "You didn't have to Orion"

"I wanted to. Do you like them?"

Hadrian gifts him that wonderful, mind-blanking grin. "I love them."

There it is. The sudden kick to his chest made of warm and gooey feelings and Orion can't stop his face from breaking out into an equally bright smile. His eyes fall to Hadrian's lips and he wonders if he starts to lean forward would there be a chance for his first kiss? His Dad told him he would know the moment when he saw it and this feels like it might just be-

"You're a great friend 'Rion" Hadrian continues turning the flowers in his hands and caressing the ribbons. "How did you know I needed something to decorate the front door of the shop? I was going to go look for something later but now we can just stay all day lazing about. This will look great on there."

Orion wants to scream.