Plot twist: Where our wittle bean meets an angwy bean and a happy bean!

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The first thing that caught Neville's eyes when he opened them was twinkling stars. Neville blinked, his eyes trying to focus and find out if he's still in his dreamland or not. It had been a very nice dream!

Neville yawned and stretched out in the warm blanket, his mind starting to clear and realize that he is not in his bedroom. In fact, he is inside a small blanket tent that he just remembered building with Adrian last night, surrounded by tons of pillows, toys, some snacks, and cold cocoa abandoned on the fringes of their little tent, the magical fairy lights above their head were dimly twinkling, as if not to disrupt his sleep. Not to forget the Nightmare Orchid on the nightstand near Adrian's bed. Neville was pleased to find it working as it was supposed to.

It had been the best night ever!

Neville sighed, content, and lay for a moment, just recalling the last night.

During the lessons, Neville had tried to follow Uncle Severus's instructions to control his magical output on the cauldrons and ingredients, he truly did, still, nothing happened. While Hadrianus had summoned his own Magic at the tip of his finger in mere moments as if it's as simple as breathing. Uncle Severus had said nothing but only encouraged him to keep trying and instructed him to continue the meditation and recommended a few book's names, something about how to properly meditate and calm his nerves enough to focus.

Neville had been heartbroken. Not only over the fact that he couldn't perform as Adrian did, but also because now Adrian might scorn him for not being a good enough Wizard. He had been prepared for a cold rejection of their friendship. But to his utmost surprised, the taller boy had instead patiently waited for him, encouraging him, and after the class is over, he even dragged him to the library of the Slytherin Manor and shared his own copies of the recommended books. He also offered Neville to borrow his copies and read them until he brought his own.

Neville had been thankful for having such a good friend.

After they had their supper and built a big fortress with blankets, Adrian confessed to him that he meditates every night on his father's instruction, so together they spent an hour or two meditating, with the taller wizard guiding him. Neville had felt a lot better and calmer after that. Adrian had confessed that it's how his father had taught him to meditate. Neville had felt the acceptance from his older friend and he was relieved and gratified. He had truly feared that, like the others, Adrian wouldn't want to do anything with him when he realized that Neville is almost Squib-level Wizard! And it had lifted the weight he had been carrying from his shoulder since he agreed to befriend him.

He also met Uncle Marvolo who came to meet with them before they went to sleep. He had been just like what Neville had always pictured a father would be like. Caring, gentle, supportive but also strict, and disciplinarian. No wonder Adrian looked up to him so much! He is the perfect role model that Neville had admired and imagined how a father must be like. Uncle Marvolo had checked on them, without any bias towards his son which had surprised Neville, he had expected him to spend more time with Adrian. He asked them about their lessons and Neville had half expected Adrian would immediately tell his father about his failure and make fun of him, so he was surprised when he didn't. Uncle Marvolo even asked Neville about how his parents' recovery, and assured him that he can ask him if he ever needs anything, anytime. 

Even Auntie has been so caring, she came to check on them more than once to make sure they're alright, supplied tons of pillows and blankets and charmed fairy lights for their fort, and send them hot cocoa and lots of snacks to nibble on as they talked and played. Neville had been in awe and maybe a little jealous of his friend, Adrian had no idea how lucky he is to have such great parents.

Neville sighed and looked around, searching for his said friend who he remembered falling asleep beside him, only to find the space is empty. Where is he?

As if answering his unasked question, Neville heard the door of the bathroom opening and then approaching footstep. Smiling, he sat up, abandoning the comfortable and warm comforter and stretched, before crawling out of the tent. Hadrianus lit up seeing his friend awake. "Good morning. How was your sleep?"

"Mm great, good morning."

"You want to join me?"

Neville looked up, confused, "Join what?"

Neville's jaw dropped looking at the training room. The room was huge, and on one side, it is full of so many machines that Neville has never seem in his whole life. What is that?

Hadrianus laughed at the astonished look on his friend's face, "Come on in, I don't bite if you don't!"

Neville snorted, rolling his eyes but following him to the gym nevertheless, looking around. "I never saw all these machines before, what do they do?"

Hadrianus looked at them and shrugged, "Not sure, I only know this machine, treadmill, it's a walker. But I don't use them, I only do free hands exercises as a warm-up and then practice martial arts. This is my corner."

Hadrianus led him towards a relatively empty space covered with thick carpet and a few dummies and cylindrical bags hanging low from the ceiling. Hadrianus opened a small closet and picked up two sets of robes and other kinds of stuff and threw a set at Neville.

"Let's warm-up for half an hour and then I will show you some cool tricks my Godfather taught me. You never know when you need to defend yourself from some meanies." Hadrianus grinned and Neville perked up at once.

"Awesome!"

An hour later, Nagini found the boys in the training room as Hadrianus practicing a double-take-down move with one of the dummies while Neville is punching the sandbag. Nagini sighed and rolled her eyes. Boys!

"Come on boys, it's time for breakfast. Go stretch, then have a shower."

The boys stopped and grinned at her, sweaty despite the cold of Mid-February. Nagini shook her head and sighed, going back to the dining room to arrange breakfast for them. Marvolo was already there, reading the newspaper. The children joined them in within 15 minutes and Marvolo looked up, folding the Prophet. "Good morning, children. I have already linked the Floo with Hogwarts, Neville. So you can leave and come anytime you want."

Neville smiled and nodded happily. Marvolo turned towards his son.

"Keep up with your studies and don't get into trouble. I will be back home before you know it."

Hadrianus nodded and Marvolo stood, leaving. Hadrianus watched him leave with a sad pout, which was interrupted with the indistinct pop and their breakfast arrived.

"Eat boys, then meet me in your father's office room," Nagini told them and left, and they immediately tucked in.

Neville noticed there are some different types of bread than they normally eat and couldn't help but ask about them, wondering if it's some German thing.

"Oh, it's made of gluten-free ingredients, it makes my tummy ache, you see," Hadrianus confessed, knowing very well he can't tell his best friend about his Creature. Father warned him about it, about how the Light-cored Wizards are so prejudiced about it and if they know he is one, they might kill him. Will Neville kill him as well, if he knew about it? Hadrianus doesn't know, but he knows this will be among the list of the secrets he will keep from him. 

"You're allergic to gluten?" Neville gasped, "That is a bit scary, because, like almost everything has gluten."

"Not necessarily, there are gluten-free alternatives to everything. Besides, my father taught me a neat spell, which shows if my food has gluten or not. See, Gluten Revelio."

The spell took effect within a second, revealing there is no gluten in the food. Hadrianus beamed, tucking his Wand in his holster, and turned to Neville who is staring at the space where the spell took place with an odd look.

"What's wrong, Neville?"

Neville swallowed audibly, unconsciously touching his own wand. It was his father's wand and he is afraid that one day gran will tell him he is not magical enough to be worthy of it, "It's really cool how easily you can cast a spell, Adrian. You're very lucky to have such control on your magic and everything."

Hadrianus nodded in understanding, remembering Neville's struggle with controlling his Magic. "Yes, I am lucky, but it's only because I have awesome parents, not on how I can control my magic. I wasn't born like this, Neville, nor do I have full control over my magic yet. I trained and meditated and worked hard to reach where you're seeing me, so I know you can do as well. Father says our age is the time for Magical Core development, so you must keep training hard to reach your full potential and have full control."

Neville smiled tentatively at his friend's attempt to cheer him up. They ate the rest of their food in silence. Hadrianus sipped on his orange juice, then came to a decision. "Tell you what Nev, keep up with your meditation and practice it regularly. Then next Friday I will teach you a cool trick you'll love."

Neville perked up at once. Hadrianus's definition of 'cool tricks' is truly cool. He can't wait to learn more. He doesn't have anyone to teach him all these. "Like what?"

Hadrianus grinned, "You will know if you promise another sleepover!" He will teach him how to focus on the core and help it unwind his magic and summon a ball of light. Ever since he was able to summon the ball of light, his confidence and determination have grown to do other stuffs. Just like Neville, Hadrianus had been terrified of letting his magic flow, having been beaten down every time an ounce of accidental magic occurred. Yet he did it after several attempts and with continuous encouragement and support from his father.

And he won't sit still until his best friend can do the same.

"Well, I don't mind, if my gran permits." Neville shrugged, "It's much better than at my Great Uncle Algie's house. I had fun last night."

Hadrianus's face darkened hearing it, remembering how this Great Uncle is the one who verbally abuses Neville because of something he has no control. "Do you spend time regularly with him?"

"Only when my gran is busy."

"Well, you can ask gran to let you come here instead," Hadrianus suggested as they stood, going to his father's office. The less he spends time with that man, the better.

On reaching the office room, they saw Nagini waiting there. Seeing them, she smiled and offered a bowl full of Floo powder to Neville, "Come back here whenever you wish, Neville. Okay? Just give us a heads up before you come."

"Yes, Auntie." Neville beamed, then turned to Hadrianus, "You want to come with me? I mean, being Heir of Slytherin, Hogwarts is your home too, and you've never seen her."

Hadrianus perked up, turning at his mum who looked conflicted.

"Just a quick visit to our quarter, Auntie, and then he will return. My gran will be there." Neville promised.

"Please mum?" Hadrianus looked at her with pleading eyes, because what could go wrong with just a quick visit, right?

"If you say so," Nagini sighed, "But be quick."

Neville beamed and agreed to go through the Floo first. As he did, Hadrianus turned to look at mum.

"Hatchling," Nagini said, still a little alarmed, "I should not let you go to Hogwarts alone. If Dumbledore sees you..."

"Mum, you will be a lot more in danger than I if you go, while Hogwarts' Wards might recognize me as Her Heir, what if it turns you back to your serpentine body?" Hadrianus asked and Nagini falls silent. To be honest, not even Nagini knows if that is possible or not. She must ask Tom when he returns. "Besides, Barty and Uncle Severus will be there. If anything happens and I can't return through Floo, I will run to either of them." It won't be totally impossible, if he truly is Hogwarts' Heir, he might sense them in the wards or if not, at least smell them. "And I won't step beyond Neville's gran's chamber, I promise."

Nagini sighs and nods, "Go and return to me quickly my hatchling, then we will leave for home."

"Yes, mum."

Hadrianus stepped through the Floo and brushed his robes off the ashes, the first thing he felt was a warm, rich and glorious aura that washed through him, judging him, leaving him mildly shivering. Then, as if realizing who is he, Mother Hogwart's wards tightened around him, as if hugging him, welcoming him home. It was as powerful like it had been in the home, but also, a bit sedated. As if she's exhausted, tired. Hadrianus probably wouldn't have realized the difference if he did not associate with Slytherin Castle Mother so intimately.

Dear Lord, what happened to her?

His wondering came to a halt when his eyes fell on the occupants of the chamber, having a small tea party in an office no larger than his father's office in the Manor. Neville and Madam Longbottom aside, there were two more occupants in the room who are staring at him. A tall witch in a tight black-haired bun and emerald-green robe with a very stern face that reminded him of his father and Uncle Severus, and Hadrianus's immediate thought was that this was not someone to cross. The other one...

Hadrianus's heart skipped a beat when their eyes met. Without meeting him or even having seen his photo before, Hadrianus recognized who it was. After all, it had been the same face Hadrianus used to see in the mirror before using his metamorphmagus ability, and later the blood adoption to change it. The only exception being, this is what he would have looked like that if he grew up with a loving family that spoils you by letting you eat whatever you wish, whenever you wish, and no exercise and obviously, no scars on your body.

No, he doesn't like the outcome, he is much better with his strict father keeping tabs on his unhealthy food intake and makes him train to burn the extra calories out so it doesn't affect the well-being of his Creature.

Does James Jr. have any Creature?

Hadrianus reached out to his own Mamba and realized he doesn't have one, not uncommon as the other boy must be only eight and had no life-threatening situation to force his Magic to go through a Creature Inheritance. But Augusta Longbottom is a Sphynx, and another strict witch has a faint feline smell, though he doesn't feel any Creature on her. Maybe Animagus? He is not sure, he needs to ask his father.

"Ah, Heir Slytherin-Peverell," Madam Longbottom greeted, successfully breaking his impromptu staring contest with his ex-twin, taking his attention on her. She wasn't expecting him to come, but nevertheless, she is pleased to see him.

"Good morning, Lady Longbottom." Hadrianus gave a respectful bow.

"Oh, none of that, Heir Slytherin-Peverell," Augusta brushed it off, "I expect to see a lot of you, so we should forgo the formalities, call me gran." She wouldn't have done this with anyone else, especially when they're such important Heir of two prominent families, but she was pleased to see the radiant glow from Neville ever since he stepped out of Floo, looking younger and happier as if a burden had been lifted from his shoulder. And Augusta wanted him to keep it this way, even if it means she would need to sacrifice the formalities to make the other child more comfortable in her presence. Which showed the way the child's wary look melted and he relaxed a tad.

"Thank you, gran, call me Hadrianus or Adrian, then." He grinned.

Augusta nodded, "Hadrianus, let me introduce you to Lady Minerva McGonagall, the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts. Minnie, this is Heir Hadrianus Slytherin-Peverell, I am sure you remember his father."

"Of course," Minerva nodded and opened her mouth to greet the child when the said child stepped forward and courtesied, and kissed her knuckles lightly, "It's an honor to meet you, Deputy Headmistress McGonagall."

A faint blush dusted on the old witch's cheeks, and Minerva was pleased. It's not every day you meet a polite and well-mannered child, and if what she heard from Augusta, Filius, Pomona, and Barty is true, a very exceptional and bright mind as well. "Thank you," Minerva said, looking at the child and pleased with what she found. The color of the Killing Curse surrounded the child's black pupils, those big and dainty almond-shaped eyes covered by those thick ebony lashes, gave off a unique quality. The innocence they held was just... incredible. He positively looked like a lovely little well-dressed porcelain doll, who will definitely grow to be a gorgeous and stunning gentleman. The defining features of the Slytherin lineage marked the boy's face, porcelain skin, and high cheekbones  - similar to his father. Though the small, delicate nose must have come from his mother- Minerva mused. There's a subtle touch of Black lineage as well, and Minerva wondered if there's anyone of Black blood was there in the Slytherin family.

"Let me introduce you to Heir James Potter Jr., my ward. Jim, this is Heir Hadrianus Slytherin - Peverell." Minerva smiled as she looked closely at the boy, intentionally not mentioning the moniker they've dubbed Jim with, wondering if the boy would recognize him and how he'd react. Jim had been her charge ever since the Wizarding Family Service has taken Jim Potter from his guilt-until-proven-otherwise parents, and she is happy to take him under her wings and raise him. Ever since she had resigned from the teaching Transfiguration and Head of Gryffindor House, her schedule has cleared immensely and she can finally spend some private time with her friends and family and raise a child, having none of her own. She hadn't realized how much she had been missing out on.

To her surprise, Heir Slytherin-Peverell didn't even blink or gape in surprise hearing Jim's name, only smiled widely as he extended his hand. As if the kid is merely being introduced to another kid, not Boy-Who-Lived.

"Pleased to meet you, Heir Potter." Hadrianus smiled, unaware of the adults looking at him with calculating gleam and silently querying if he knew whom he is being introduced to. He didn't even ask him if he had the scar or anything like that. Does Heir Slytherin-Peverell even know he is being introduced with the Boy-Who-Lived? Or is he merely concealing his expression even better than most of the adults do?

Jim stared at the extended hand with mixed and torn expression. He had felt an odd, familial pull towards the new boy as soon as he stepped out of the Floo, the sensation was completely new to him which had thrown him off guard. He had never felt something like this before. It was as if his magic was pulling him towards the new boy, wishing to befriend him and play with him. Why would he feel this way? And for the first time in his life, Jim wanted to befriend the new boy. He had been preparing to invite him to play with him, knowing Aunt Minnie would introduce him to him, but then he heard his name. He is a Slytherin.

Jim wanted to groan and complain about the unfairness. This is the first time he wanted to befriend someone and that boy is a Slytherin. Why he must be a Slytherin? If not Gryffindor, he could at least be some stupid Hufflepuff or nerdy Ravenclaw! Why Slytherin?

No, he can't befriend a Slytherin. Slytherins are all Dark wizards and he is Boy-Who-Lived! He can't be seen befriending a Dark wizard.

He had been thinking all these when he