Chapter Text
Orion had to be the most stupid person on earth.
What was even wrong with him?! He was supposed to just talk about how Draco saved him, not kiss the fool! Yet Orion kept in mind that Draco had leaned in as well, and had even held his hands back with an almost bruising force. Though despite the obvious signs that he liked Orion back, Draco ran away looking almost scared?
Thanks to Orions stupidity, Draco wouldn’t even look in the Hufflepuff’s direction. Was he really that homophobic? Orion did wonder about what Draco was exactly, since he had kissed Orion and was there for him when he nearly died. But the dumbass was still keeping Orion on a leash, keeping him at an arms length, well, except for that kiss.
Orion needed to get him off his mind.
Thankfully, winter break was just around the corner and Orion hoped that his home would suffice as a distraction.
A day into the break Orion realized that there was a new problem. His mother hadn’t been doing well at all since he left for school, especially without his grandmother there to help around the house. Orion managed to deal with it by helping around the home and hoping his mother wouldn’t have a breakdown.
Then Christmas dinner came along a week later and Orion was told to specifically not help with the preparations, with his mother saying “I can deal with it, dear, just relax for once.” And Orion obliged, somewhat. He still helped with setting up the table for two, though he placed a plate where his father used to sit, just in case.
The food looked amazing, a grand turkey was placed in the middle of the table, surrounded by potatoes and tomatoes alike, a few onions sprinkled around as well. The seasoning made the turkey a nice orange. Butter caked the rolls Orions mother made, a few of them having sesame seeds on it.
Orion sat next to his mother now, the two picking at their food. “So, how’s school?” His mother asked, Orion cleared his throat, “Uh, it’s alright…could be better.” Orion held his tongue, his mom would freak out if she heard about what really happened. “I bet.” Lydia replied, taking a bite of her turkey before speaking again, “you know, back when I was in school, my friends would always take me to the Black Lake.” Orion hated the irony. “And every time I went your father would be there too.” Orion heard his mother’s voice crack and he paused mid-bite to look up, seeing how a few tears fell onto Lydia’s food.
“Mom…” Orion started, going to try and say something that could maybe help his mother feel better, but he knew that when she got emotional she didn’t stop being emotional for a while. “I’m fine, my star.” Lydia said, wiping her eyes and sniffling, “How’s your friends?” She quickly redirected.
Orion slumped slightly and poked at his food. “They’re alright, Adrian is a bit more tense nowadays.” Orion looked off to the side, his mother nodded, “Ah, it’s hard not to be tense these days, hm?” Lydia was smiling now, as if earlier she wasn’t on the verge of tears. Orion nodded in agreement, eating a piece of turkey off of his fork, “Mhm, it’s rough.”
The silence that stretched between the pair was unbearably loud, Orion was half expecting his father to speak up to break the tension, but he looked over to an empty chair and quickly looked away to avoid those thoughts.
“I miss him sometimes.”
Orion perked up at his mother’s solemn tone, she was staring at the empty seat as well. However, before he could say more he heard a knock at the door, did his mom invite Connor over? Orion thought as he stood up before his mother could, pushing on her shoulder for her to sit. “I’ll get it.”
Orion’s eyes narrowed, already going to draw his wand as he looked into the peephole. Orion felt his head thrum with anger. It was his grandmother outside. She was looking around the street, opening and closing her locket over and over again before she reached out and knocked again. Orion could see that she was in a coat that nearly reached her ankles, only the top part buttoned up which showed her slacks and boots she seemed to always wear.
“Orion? Could you let me in?” His grandmother asked, which was a bit unnerving considering that she couldn’t even know he was on the other side of the door. “No, how do I know you’re not a death eater?” Orion sneered, putting his back to the door before crossing his arms then seeing how his mother was now slowly putting his father’s plate onto the seat.
Orion was pulled back to where he was as his grandmother scoffed from the street, “Your favorite color is yellow, you adore your friends, and…” she paused, Orion was reminded how dramatic she was, “you nearly died this year.” Those words sent a chill down Orions spine, his body tense. How did she know?
“Babcia?” Orion whispered out, unlocking the door and swinging it open. It really was her, the traitor in the flesh. Orion felt his face contort with anger, “You left us.” Orion nearly growled out, hands clenching so hard that the wood of his wand creaked. “I never left.” She replied, bright eyes narrowing as did Orions.
“You did! You said that you would protect us…” Orion took a step forward, his grandmother didn’t move an inch. “You said you’d protect us but now my dad is dead.” Orion bit back tears as he mentioned his father, taking a deep breath to calm himself. “I did my best.” The traitor responded.
Orion felt his eye twitch, “No! I don’t want whatever excuse you have!” He yelled out, reaching for the door and slamming it. He huffed and took a step back, she wasn’t allowed into their home, especially if she couldn’t do something so simple.
CRACK!
The blonde tensed as he felt hands on his shoulders. “FLIPENDO!” Orion practically screamed out as he abruptly turned around and fired the spell. He watched as his grandmother crashed into a wall, a few pictures falling and breaking once they hit the carpeted floors.
At this point Orions mother had been alerted of the older woman’s presence, running into the hallway where they were and gasping, “Oh goodness!” Lydia rushed to the grandmothers side, Orion stood there, eyes wide as he took in what just happened. He hadn’t meant to cause such damage, he just didn’t expect his grandmother to apparate into their home uninvited.
“Mom, I-“ Orion tried to start before his mother whipped around, “No! I don’t want to hear it young man! I can deal with you being distant, doing whatever teen things you do nowadays, but hurting your own grandmother?!” Lydia looked livid, glaring at Orion with such heat in her eyes that Orion backed away, dropping his wand.
“Look-“
“No, no, no! Don’t speak, just…go to your room!”
Orion had never seen his mother so mad before. Before Orion could move to his room, his grandmother spoke, “Moja droga…don’t treat him so harshly..” she said, hauling herself up with a groan. Orions mother turned to the older woman, eyes wide, “but he almost hurt you!” She replied, motioning to the wand on the floor. “It isn’t his fault, he’s been through so much especially after…no I mustn’t say.”
Orion felt a spike of fear run down his spine, his mother was so close to finding out about his near death experience, about the secret he didn’t want her to ever hear. Orion tried to make a sign to the older woman for her to shut up, “No, he hasn’t told me much actually.” His mother responded before the other woman continued with a nod. “Hasn’t he told you?”
At the shake of the mother’s head she continued still, “Ah, I should’ve expected that.” Now Orion was panicking, this was bad, so fucking bad. “Prawie utonął w szkole.” His grandmother said with such calmness in Polish, “He nearly drowned at school”, Orion knew his mother knew Polish as well and slowly turned to him. “What.”
Orion wished to die where he was standing.
“M-Mom…please, I can explain-“
“Is that why you haven’t talked to me?”
Orion stiffened at the tears in his mother’s eyes, it was enough to make his own tears form. “Mom, no, I’ve just…” Orion trailed off, going to reach out but pausing, trying to blink away the tears that were threatening to pour out. “I’ve been…I’ve been so busy, and I just…I couldn’t tell you! You’ve been through enough and-and I didn’t want to panic or worry you more with everything going on and I-“
“Orion Grubb Castor.”
Through the tears, Orion managed to look up at his mother, her eyes brimming with tears though she still looked mad, no, disappointed.
Lydia took a deep shaky breath, though Orions grandmother spoke, “Our family is supposed to be honest, we do not tolerate liars in this house.” Orion watched his grandmother put a hand on Lydia’s shoulder who tensed. “We don’t.” Lydia added in a murmur. “I want you to go to your room, and I want you to think about what you’ve done tonight.” Despite the stern tone, Orion could tell that she was only saying this due to the older woman lurking behind her.
Orion paused for a long while to catch his breath and wipe away his tears. He then grabbed his wand and hurried down the hall to his room. Once he was in his room he allowed his tears to finally fall, stumbling over to his bed to dramatically fall onto it.
He hated his grandmother. He hated everything she had done to him. Train him for seemingly nothing, break into his home, expose him in front of his mother, it seemed that Orions grandma was destined to ruining his life.
Orion took a moment to pull himself up, catching his breath from his sobs. He dug the heels of his hand into his eyes, trying to will the tears away. The tears didn’t go away, neither did the churning unease in his gut. Orion let out a sob and pressed himself against his headboard, curling into a ball.
However, as Orion drowned in his own panic, he could hear a rap at his window. As much as Orion wanted to just ignore it, he knew it must’ve been important if it was this late. So he hauled himself onto the hardwood floors and went up to his window to open it, seeing a soaked bird fall onto Orions dresser.
Orion immediately shut the window as he realized it was raining outside. Then looked down at the bird, which was shaking off the water from its feathers and in turn soaked Orion. The bird had grey and white feathers with the ends black, its yellow eyes piercing and its yellow and black beak holding a dripping letter, the green seal on it looked very familiar.
Taking the letter from the bird’s beak, Orion quickly tore open the seal, his eyes narrowing as he read off the neatly written letter.
Dear
Orion
I know I tell you this every year, but my parents are hosting their annual Christmas dinner on Saturday, and I hope you can come!
JOKING! I only say that so they let me send this. DON’T COME!!!! Again, I know I say this every year, but my family isn’t one you want to meet again
(I REMEMBER LAST TIME)
Hope you take my warning
-Adrian
Orion could see that on the parchment there was a lot of doodles of what looked like stars and lightning bolts scribbled everywhere, then he spotted two stick figures of Adrian and Orion holding a gift in the bottom left corner.
Adrian had always done this, ever since Orion had visited the Vezira Estate. Adrian’s family would have these brilliant parties, but Orion would never come, because the first time he did, it ended with Orion leaving crying thanks to one of Adrian’s mothers who tried to punish him for touching a vase. He didn’t like to think about what would happen if he tried to go to their house now with everything going on.
What didn’t help was how Adrian’s whole family were Death Eaters, which was more than enough reason to not visit Adrian. So, Orion allowed Adrian’s bird to rest on his dresser, making sure to dry it off with a towel that was in his room, he really needed to clean. Instead of cleaning, Orion sat on his bed and tore off the doodle of him and Adrian to put up on his wall, he liked getting these little pieces of his friends.
As Orion was actively taping Adrian’s letter to his already cluttered wall, he heard a knock on his door and he stiffed. He’d rather be alone than deal with whoever was at the door. So, he didn’t respond, and instead finished taping the letter to the wall.
However, Orion turned around to be met with his grandmother standing ominously in the doorway of his bedroom, the lights from the hallway making her look almost scary. “Orion.” She said with a hum, stepping into his space as if she owned it. “Babcia…” Orion murmured out, not even trying to hide the scowl on his face.
“I know you’re upset about that whole charade.” She said, moving to Orions dresser and taking out her wand, flicking her wrist so that the clothes scattered around the room folded and went into the dresser drawers, ignoring how Adrian’s bird plopped onto the floor next to the dresser as the clothes moved. Orion didn’t respond to her obvious observation. “But you know how our family handles lies.” His grandmother continued, turning to see him sitting on the edge of his bed.
“I know.” Orion sneered, fidgeting with his sweater’s sleeve, the nervous tension in the air was killing him. “But I was going to tell her…eventually.” Orion mumbled out, looking out his window, “Don’t make petty excuses now, Dziecko.” His grandmother sat next to him, her hands folded neatly in her lap.
Orion slowly looked over at the older woman, seeing the lines on her face and her greying brunette hair. He wanted nothing more than to never see that face again after today. “Why are you here.” Orion asked, he knew she wasn’t here to say sorry, she never was.
She stayed silent for a moment, meeting Orions gaze with her blue piercing ones, inspecting him back. “I’m here because I need to tell you something important.” She started.
Now, Orion was a bit curious. Usually she would spout some bullshit about his training, never something important. “What is it?” Orion asked, tugging on his sleeve more insistently now as he listened.
“I might have some information about who killed your father.”
Orion stopped fidgeting at that, what the fuck was she on about? She had to have drunk some potion to make her ramble nonsense, why was she just now helping? “What do you mean…” Orion mumbled out, his tone far too soft than he thought would come out.
He watched as his grandmother looked over at the bird on the floor, which was preening its feathers. “Do you want to know?”
Yes, yes of course I want to know, Orion thought desperately, but he held his tongue, not wanting to sound desperate, “Of course I do.” He replied calmly, even as his thoughts tried to claw from his throat, but instead of voicing them he inched closer to his grandmother.
The older woman slowly looked over at Orion, her eyes cold and calculating like always, but he could see a hint of warmth, “Romeo Vezira.” She started, “He is the killer you seek.” Once his grandmother finished talking Orion really processed the words.
There was no way she was speaking the truth, Romeo Vezira, Adrian’s brother, someone that Orion had only met once in his life. Everything else he knew about Romeo was from Adrian, who had described Romeo as mischievous and arrogant, someone you wouldn’t want to meet. But it wasn’t like Romeo had any reason to kill Orions father, it didn’t benefit him in any way.
“Adrian’s brother? But-but why?” Orion croaked out, his heart was pounding too fast for this.
“Who knows, all we should know is that he shouldn’t walk around unpunished.” She replied with a hum, standing and reaching into her coat.
Punishment? Orion went to speak but was found unable to as his grandmother pulled out a dagger.
The dagger gleamed in the dim lighting of the room, the silver handle bearing a sapphire like gem, with the hilt pointy and reaching upwards. The blade itself was flame-like and wavy, however the point of the dagger was incredibly sharp, especially with the way it shone in the light.
“I think this would prove a sufficient punishment, hm?” His grandmother raised an eyebrow, tilting the blade until it pointed at the floor, she was handing him the dagger.
“What? Do you want me to kill him?!” Orion asked, shuffling back on the bed. He wasn’t a punisher, least of all a killer.
Orion watched as his grandmother huffed out a laugh, “Och, drogie dziecko, don’t you want revenge?” She asked as if it was normal for seventeen year olds to get revenge. Though Orion did want some sort of payback for his father’s death, and he did want to find out why.
Orion bit his lower lip in thought, Romeo was an asshole anyways, plus his father was never meant to die so early, he was meant to live his life happily until he died of old age. “M-Maybe a little…” Orion admitted quietly, seeing a triumphant grin form on his grandmothers face, she looked creepy.
The older woman nodded, holding out the dagger a little more, “Perfect! I will train you how to wield and fight with this blade, soon you will be more than just a wizard.” She said, watching as Orion took the dagger with shaky fingers.
More than just a wizard. Orion knew she meant he would be a wizard as well as an assassin, but he felt a deeper connection, that she meant that he would be more than just Orion Castor, more than himself.
“Dziękuję, babciu.” He mumbled out, feeling the weight of the dagger in his hand. Orion took a shaky breath, standing up to go put the blade on his nightstand.
“Ach, idealnie.” He could hear the woman speak, and when he turned around Orion saw her holding Adrian’s letter, “You can go to this party, I’m sure that Romeo will be there.” She hummed out far too casually. Orion frowned, remembering Adrian’s warning, “Uh, babciu, I don’t think that’s-“ Orion started before meeting his grandmothers gaze, back to cold and calculating.
“You can get information, my child.” She remarked, putting the letter back onto the wall.
Orion did have to admit that she was right, information could mean finding out why his father was killed, which would mean he would be a step closer to avenge his father.
“Okay, I’ll go, babciu.” Orion nodded, looking back at the dagger with narrowed eyes.
——————————————————————
Surprisingly, Orions mother didn’t ask any questions when Orion asked to go to the party, only exchanging a curt nod and mentioning how she had a suit in her closet for him. Orion knew that the suit she was talking about was his father’s, one that was likely collecting dust in the midst of his mother’s dresses.
The days leading up to the party, Orions grandmother made sure to teach him how to wield the dagger without cutting himself, and a few tricks along the way.
“You can practice when you get back to school, practice makes perfect as they say.” The older woman said on a rather snowy day, the two in Orion’s backyard, with Orion being taught how slashes dealt more damage rather than simply stabbing.
On the day of the party, Orion felt his nerves start to get the best of him. He didn’t want to go to this party, he didn’t want to face Adrian’s family, well, he didn’t want to face Adrian who wouldn’t be expecting his best friend to come despite his obvious warnings.
Orion stood in front of the mirror in his room, adjusting his yellow tie, impatiently tugging on it until he looked somewhat good, then he really looked at himself in the mirror.
He had borrowed some of his mother’s makeup to hide his eye bags and acne, it made him look more presentable. Orion sighed as he reached for a hair tie to tie his rather long hair up into a low ponytail, his hair was nearly over his shoulders now, his bangs needing some trim so he could properly see. Which speaking of, his eyes were a gleaming blue, no trace of the past hazel that used to occupy his iris.
Once he looked presentable enough, he turned to exit his room, freezing as he saw his grandmother was standing in his doorway again. “Bring this, just in case.” As she spoke Orion could now see she was holding the dagger, which he had now nicknamed as Mściciel, Avenger.
Orion nodded silently and took the blade, then paused seeing that his suit didn’t really come with a knife holder.
“Uh, babciu?” He looked up just in time to see his grandmother holding a cover for the knife, “Put it in your waistband.” She commanded without any room for argument, then she turned on her heel and left the room. So much for conversation.
However, Orion did as she requested and pocketed the now sheathed blade into his waistband, making sure it wouldn’t fall out too easily. Then, once he was fully ready, he walked out and down to where the door was, his mother already standing there.
“Ah, there you are.” She sighed, reaching out to comb her hand through Orions hair. “Mum…I already fixed it!” Orion complained, with her scoffing, “If that’s fixed, I don’t want to know what it was before.” She managed a laugh, fixing up his tie a bit.
Orion managed a smile, looking over his shoulder at his grandmother who was leaning against the doorway into the kitchen. The older woman nodded before Orion’s mother urged him out of the house.
Orion had rarely used apparition in his life, only doing it when Hogwarts allowed him to practice and a few stray times his mother or grandmother wanted to go somewhere quick, just like now. With Adrian’s home being in Spain it wasn’t convenient to go by broom or bus.
Orion had never enjoyed apparition, he hated the tight feeling like he was being squished from every angle, but with his mother holding his hand it made it feel a lot better.
The two stumbled outside the gates of the Vezira Estate, vines creeping up the steel gate that was open to the grand estate, Adrian’s home. Orion could see the three stories and the tiled rooftops, the walls a pale yellowish white. The higher the walls went up the more detail that spread across the building, with the higher levels having swirls and intricate lines that spoke of insane wealth.
Orion looked down from the house and saw a fountain in the middle of the walkway, the marble having as much detail as the house, with angels being the main focus, one even pouring out the water from the top of the fountain, though it had ivy creeping up from the cracks in the stone flooring. Which, speaking of the plants in the house, there was a lot. On either sides of the estate were grand trees and greenery that Orion couldn’t help but appreciate.
It seemed his mom liked the greenery too, with how her eyes widened at the sight of them. However, she shook her head and let go of her son’s hand, “Make sure to have fun, Mój syn, and don’t do anything stupid!” She said sternly yet playfully, making Orion smile and nod.
“I’ll make sure, mama.” He murmured out, pulling her into a tight hug, resting his chin on top of her hair. He didn’t know why she was acting so sweet all of the sudden, it was as if she wasn’t yelling at him just days earlier.
Orion let go of her, but not before his mother kissed his cheek a bit hard. She gave him one last smile before apparating away with a sharp CRACK! Orion’s smile quickly fell as he looked back at the house.
With a shaky sigh, Orion started to walk to the large double doors the guests were walking into, and Orion could see his best friend holding said door open.
Adrian’s hair was slicked back uncomfortably, with his hands impatiently running through the strands to try and mess it up more. Orion could see he wore a black suit with a dark green shirt underneath, partially unbuttoned with that Adrian charm.
“Hey! How’re you, Adrian?” Orion called out, forcing a grin as his best friend froze in place. Adrian’s eyes widened, “W-What are you doing here, pendejo?!” He asked in a hushed whisper, taking his wand out to hold the door open as he approached his friend.
Orion chuckled and adjusted the cuff of his suit, “I’m here for the party, duh, what else would I be here for?” Orion winked at Adrian, who stared at him dumbfounded.
“I don’t know…a death sentence? I thought I sent my letter to you-“
“Oh no, it sent.” Orion interrupted, eyes narrowing despite the grin on his face.
Orion felt awful lying to his longest best friend, but he knew that in order to get information he’d have to lie to creep his way in. It helped that Orion was attempting to peek inside the building past Adrian.
Adrian scoffed, “Then why come? Did you even read it? Can you read?” He asked, putting a hand on Orion’s shoulder who tensed at the touch.
“Of course I can read! Can’t I just come here to see my friend?” Orion asked right back, putting a hand on Adrian’s shoulder a bit harder than necessary but Adrian kept his footing.
The two stared for a long moment before Adrian sighed, “Tu estupido…fine, come in, I’ll be right behind you.” Adrian finally relented, moving to the side so Orion could enter the grand estate.
The interior of the house was nearly as fancy as the outside, but in a much darker tone. The entry way was nearly as big as Orion’s bedroom, small steps leading to a living room where partygoers mingled and spoke amongst themselves.
Orion could hear Adrian close the giant front doors behind him as the blonde scanned the crowd for the person he truly was here for.
“Hey, ‘Rion.” Adrian said, grabbing Orion’s forearm and pulling him to the corner of the entryway that was behind the coatrack. “Why are you really here? You’ve never come to these things.” Adrian asked, blue eyes narrowing as he looked over Orion’s face, his eyes lingering on the absent eye bags.
Orion huffed out a laugh, “Come on, can’t you just believe that I’m here for you?” Your brother more like it, Orion put his hands up in mock surrender, tilting his head to the side. He watched as Adrian backed off slightly, looking off to the side then back at Orions grinning face.
“How can I say no to a face like that…?” Adrian mumbled out, managing a smile, “I could use some company other than cousins I don’t care about.” Adrian rolled his eyes playfully, though Orion could see that he sensed something wrong.
Sometimes Orion didn’t like how good Adrian knew him.
The party wasn’t like the usual parties that Orion heard about. Instead of the loud music he expected there was a soft Spanish song playing while the guests mingled about.
Orion spent most of the party looking for the one person that he was here for, though it proved quite difficult with Adrian following him and talking about the art that lined some of the hallways.
“Actually, I think my Mamma bought this one last year-“ Adrian rambled on, motioning to a painting of a man working on the fields while a woman watched from their house. Orion wasn’t interested in the art, though he took note that the Veziras had amazing taste in it.
Then came the dinner, something only half the guests attended with Orion being part of the half that stayed. Adrian made sure to drag Orion to a seat where he was directly next to him, which happened to be close to where the family was, though Romeo seemed to be missing from his spot.
However, as Orion took his seat, people stared, which was something he wasn’t used to, why stare at him? He was just taking a seat. Orion made sure to ignore those people and instead focus on his plate, staring at the different types of forks and spoons. Orion had heard of using the wrong utensil yet had never learned what to use.
Thankfully before the food came out, one of Adrian’s moms stood up and clinked her glass which Orion took note was probably a clinking glass spoon.
Orion recognized her from when Adrian spoke about his ‘Mama’ or Victoria by the guests. He could see her dark brown hair framed her soft face, the waves dusted grey at the tips. Her eyes shone a grayish blue color as she looked at all the guests with a wide grin. Her dress was a mix of green and black, her sleeves disconnected to the top and somehow simply draped on her arms.
However, before Orion could think more about her appearance, her words shook him out of his thoughts. “Thank you all for coming tonight, it’s truly an honor to have you all here.” Victoria started, nodding to all the patrons at her table.
“I would like to say that this celebration wouldn’t be possible without our Dark Lord’s support.” She praised, raising her glass. Orion could see her sleeve slip and reveal the Dark Mark, making him tense and shift in his seat awkwardly, this wasn’t a place he belonged to.
“Now let me allow us all to enjoy this night together, juntos!” Victoria exclaimed, the other guest repeating after her in a collected “juntos!” with Orion following and clinking glasses with the people around him.
Everyone settled back into their seats as the food came floating out from the open kitchen. An entire pig came and clattered in the middle of the table, causing some plates to rattle, the apple in the meal’s mouth rolling out onto the table.
Orion waited for more food to come out but instead was met with the woman next to Victoria yelling in rapid Italian. “Romeo Vezira! Fai il tuo lavoro correttamente per una volta!” She yelled towards the kitchen, where a snickering Romeo was holding his wand and nodding, “Ok, ok, mamma! Non essere così drammatico...”
Now that Romeo was in the room, Orion took this chance to really look him over. Romeo had dark curly hair tied into a low messy ponytail, his eyes dual colored with one being a vibrant green and the other blue. His skin a dark olive color that matched the green silk shirt he had on. Orion could see he had two piercings just below his lip, colored silver just like the earrings he wore. He looked actually really cool.
Romeo brought out the food, all of it this time, then sat down next to Adrian. Orion quickly looked away from the brother as soon as those dual eyes met his. Though Orion could see the grin widen on Romeo’s face at the reaction.
The dinner itself was boring. Sure, Orion ate even if it wasn’t much, but he mainly spoke to Adrian who was very talkative during dinner as Orion could tell. However, Orion was only half listening, more focused on the other family members of the Vezira family.
His gaze turned to the Italian woman who yelled at Romeo earlier, seeing how her beautiful acacia skin matched her green upturned eyes as well as her black hair which curled at the bottom of its strands. Orion guessed that this was the ‘Lucia’ that the guests spoke about, Adrian’s stern mother.
Then he looked to the left of her, a boy next to Romeo and his mother. His skin mahogany and his deep undertone looking brilliant under the chandelier lights. Orion could see he had a slight mustache, like it hadn’t fully grown out yet.
Then he caught of glimpse of his eyes, a dark hooded green that surveyed the room silently. His curly black hair went over his eyes, though Orion could see that it was attempted to be straightened. Adrian had mentioned an older brother who wasn’t very present, Luis Vezira, someone who Orion had heard was cold and distant.
Orion knew this family was a far cry from his own, but he didn’t really care how different they were, one of their members killed his father, that’s all he cared about.
After the dinner, the guests were free to roam the house to some extent, and Orion decided to take this chance to try and catch Romeo off guard, especially now that he was actually present at the party.
So, while Adrian tried to distract him, Orion could see Romeo head to where the balcony was.
This was his chance.
“Hey, I think I’m gonna go to the restroom.” Orion interrupted, he didn’t really want to hear about whatever Adrian was talking about.
“Oh! Alright, just be quick!” Adrian said with a lopsided grin, not his usual bared one he put on.
Orion stiffly nodded and rushed off. This could be his only chance at getting a lick of information.
Orion walked up to the second floor and out onto the balcony where he was met with the overwhelming scent of cigarette smoke, for a moment he nearly thought Draco had been invited. He then focused and saw Romeo smoking and leaning against the marble railing. He looked so relaxed looking down at the garden below.
Orion wondered if he ever regretted killing his father.
“Orion Castor.” Romeo spoke up, causing Orion to stiffen at the doorway. “Adrian’s friend, right?” Romeo turned around, huffing out smoke from his mouth and nose, “I’ve heard a lot about you…” Romeo added with a sly grin.
Orion scoffed, “Like what?” The blonde asked, stepping forward until he was next to Romeo. Orion could hear people underneath them speaking to each other.
Romeo shrugged, “Oh, not much, nothing that’s a sin.” Romeo took another hit of his cigarette, blowing the smoke out into the air which blew directly into Orion’s face.
He tried not to react much, though he couldn’t help a cough or two. “Right…because I’m such saint.” Orion said sarcastically, leaning against the railing and looking out to the tree-filled horizon.
Orion heard Romeo laugh, “Hah, none of us are saints, cariño.” The pet name rolled off of Romeo’s tongue far too easily.
Orion felt his jaw tighten as he forced a smile. “You’re right.” He replied through gritted teeth.
The silence between the two was unbearable for Orion. He hated doing this. He didn’t want to be at this stupid party, he could be at home sleeping, or better yet, writing to Adrian on how incredibly stupid this party was-
“Want a smoke, cariño?” Romeo’s voice snapped Orion from his thoughts. Orion had never smoked before, but he knew that his grandmother would’ve wanted him to do it for Romeo’s trust.
“Sure.” Orion replied through gritted teeth, watching as Romeo took a cigarette from his Marlboro box and handed it to Orion, who took it from him then took out his wand to light it.
Before he could mutter the spell to light it, Romeo stopped him, “No, no, no, don’t do that cheap shit, it doesn’t suit someone like you.” Romeo shook his head, putting his cigarette between his fingers then reached into his pocket to pull out a lighter.
Orion raised his eyebrows at the lighter design, there was a silver snake wrapped around the lighter with its head being flicked back to light it.
Orion did have to admit it looked awesome.
Romeo tilted Orion’s head over to him and lit the cigarette, Orion mumbled out a nearly incoherent “thanks” before inhaling. The smoke that went down his throat burned like hell, and Orion almost immediately coughed the smoke back out.
Instead of showing sympathy or anything like that, Romeo laughed out loud, almost mockingly as Orion’s eyes watered, “First time?” Romeo snickered, leaning back to blow smoke into the air, this time not into Orions eyes.
Through his coughing fit, Orion managed to nod. “Y-Yeah…I usually don’t smoke.” Orion replied, going to take another hit which went down a bit more smoother than the first, with Orion successfully blowing out the smoke from his nose and mouth.
“You’ll get used to it, don’t worry.” Romeo hummed out simply, straightening up and pulling back his sleeve. Orion went to say something before his eyes widened as he took in the various burn marks along Romeo’s forearm, the burns dancing around the Dark Mark and the snake tattoo that curled around his forearm in a mortifying way.
Before Orion could speak his concerns about the burns, he watched with a wide gaze as Romeo put out the cigarette onto his arm, hearing a small wince come from the Death Eater before he exhaled through his teeth.
Romeo looked over at Orion’s shocked face and chuckled, “Ah, lo siento, I should’ve warned you.” Romeo said with a grin as if he hadn’t just harmed himself in front of him.
“Uh, do you…always do that? Every time you smoke?” Orion asked, trying to stop his hand from shaking as he took another hit from his cigarette, fighting back the burn.
“Maybe~” Romeo drawled, pulling back down his sleeve, “¿Qué? You still go to Hogwarts, right? You should be used to this.” Romeo said as if at Hogwarts it was normal for people to hurt themselves on the daily in front of others.
Orion shook his head, eyes narrowing, “I don’t really talk with the other students.” Orion admitted, looking away and down the balcony. Romeo chuckled, “Ah, a loner! My brother used to be that way.” Orion could feel Romeo’s stare even when looking away.
“Adrian?” Orion asked as he took another hit, coughing afterwards. “No, no, Adrian might as well be another me! I was talking about Luis. Y’know, the giant of our family.” Romeo laughed a bit too loudly on Orion’s ears. The way he described his family was insulting in a playful way. Orion guessed that’s how siblings worked.
Orion then had to listen to Romeo talk about his family in ways that could be interpreted as either being adoring or just straight up mean.
“Luis has such a big head, but he uses it for something other than being a prick.”
“Ah, mi mama is so attentive, y’know she stopped Adrian from getting to your house! It was hilarious when he got caught by her!”
“Momma has been much nicer than usual this week, besides dinner of course!”
After every sentence where the family’s behavior could be read as abuse, Romeo laughed or even slapped Orion on the back hard enough to force the smoke from his lungs.
Right, Orion had been smoking the entire time, he felt a bit more lax the more he did so. It was comforting in a way. But Orion mainly tried to focus on any hints on why Romeo had killed his father, and when he didn’t get any he felt himself growing uncharacteristically impatient.
“So, how’s being a Death Eater?” Orion asked flatly, finally smushing the butt of the cigarette under his boot. Romeo looked amused at the question, putting his elbows on the railing and balancing his chin on the palms of his hands. “Mm, el pequeño is curious…” he hummed out.
“It’s quite amazing, actually, no matter how people love to villainize us.” Romeo explained. Orion had to hold back a grimace. No wonder people villainized them, they were the villains.
When Orion stayed silent Romeo continued. “I get to serve the Dark Lord and my family in ways that no traditional family could.” Romeo added in a low purr. “Oh yeah? How?” Orion asked, biting back the desperate question of whether it was killing his father or not.
Romeo clicked his tongue and straightened his posture, “Oh you know, missions, heists, the usual.” Romeo said casually, as if he wasn’t admitting crimes to a child who could tell. But Orion wouldn’t. He couldn’t with the plan of his revenge pressing against his hip.
Orion hummed as if in agreement, though his eyes betrayed his annoyance with the whole conversation.
The two stared for a moment, and just as Orion was about to speak he tensed as the door to the balcony slammed open.
“Orion!” Called out Adrian’s voice, “So much for the bathroom huh?” Adrian looked almost scared once Orion turned around, his eyes wide. He hadn’t expected Adrian to storm in here.
Without warning Adrian grabbed Orion’s hand. “Ah! Mi hermano! How kind of you to join us!” Romeo exclaimed, turning around and bowing dramatically.
“Hold the dramatics, Romeo.” Adrian bit back, suddenly snappy with his movements, “Orion should be heading home, his mother might be worried.” Adrian said before turning around.
“Aw, leaving already, cariño?” Romeo pouted, looking away with a sigh, “If you must, can’t keep Señorita Castor waiting, huh?”
Orion could hear the brother cackling as Adrian dragged him inside and down the stairs. “What the fuck are you doing?” Adrian asked once the two were alone in a hallway, Adrian pinning Orion to the wall next to a vase.
Orion rolled his eyes, “I was just talking!” Orion countered and Adrian shook his head,
“You weren’t! I can smell smoke on you. What did he do?” Adrian asked, looking Orion up and down rapidly.
Orions eyes shone with realization that his best friend was panicking, something that Orion hadn’t seen in months.
“Adri, it’s no big deal, truly.” Orion said, grabbing Adrian’s shoulders to try and ground him. The nickname made Adrian perk up and stare at Orion. “Listen, ‘Rion, you don’t know my brother like I do.” He’s got that right, Orion thought. “He isn’t like me, he won’t be swayed from his path so easily.”
Adrian sighed shakily, backing up a bit from the blonde who stayed where he was. “His path being a Death Eater?” Orion asked in a low tone. “Sí, my whole family they…they don’t know when to stop.” Adrian’s voice lowered to an almost whisper, Orion felt a bit better about his plan to kill Romeo.
“Then come to my house, you always like it over there.” Orion offered, knowing that his grandmother would probably give him a lecture for bringing a friend over, but he didn’t care, this was his best friend.
Adrian looked back at his friend, nodding slowly before tackling Orion into a hug, “You’re the best, ‘Rion…” he mumbled into the suit, making Orion grin. “Same to you, but maybe you could tell me more about that cool new piercings you got.” Orion chuckled, but it quickly died when Adrian didn’t laugh alongside him.
“I don’t wanna talk about it.” Adrian said with a huff, grip tightening around Orion.
“Got it.” Orion replied, rubbing Adrian’s back slowly while his head rested against Adrian’s.
Orion did wonder however.
What would’ve happened if the two had never met? Would Adrian still be the person in Orion’s arms? Would the influence of his family drain him slowly until he was no longer himself?
Or maybe, would he become a Death Eater just like the rest of his family?
Orion held Adrian a bit tighter. He knew Adrian was too good to be a Death Eater, sure he had his bad qualities but never one like the people who followed Voldemort.
Orion knew Adrian was better than Romeo, than the one who killed his father and left him empty. Adrian was the one who had filled the void, one of the only ones that could bring him out of his own grave.
Killing Romeo was probably going to hurt the rest of the Vezira family more than Adrian, and that made Orion’s plan suck a lot less.