Julian's POV

"Look at how much you've grown!" Aunt Narcissa squealed as she fussed over me.

I gave out a small groan as my eyes wandered to Uncle Lucius, who was watching the scene unfolding with an amused smirk.

"Oh, I never knew Bella would have such a charming son!" Aunt Narcissa exclaimed, rubbing my cheeks and straightening my collar. I dropped my head, slightly embarrassed. "Look at you-"

"Let's leave the boys," Uncle Lucius interrupted. "Let them...catch up."

Aunt Narcissa looked almost disappointed when she let go of me. "Why don't you show little Julian to both your rooms, Draco?" was her last words before she left the front hall.

Oh, why did she call me little?!

"So, er, I guess we're cousins, then?" Draco asked nervously. "Um...here's the way to my room."

"Yeah, I guess we are," I responded as I followed him upstairs.

We went up a flight of stairs, and he opened the second door on the left. "This is it," he stated, stepping to the side.

His bedroom was quite large, and you couldn't really tell what colour the walls - or the ceiling - originally were, due to them being painted green and silver. Slytherin colours. His bedsheets were the same colours, and over his bed, was a large Slytherin crest. The carpet on the floor, the drawers, and his wardrobe were all painted in Slytherin colours as well.

"Nice," I complimented.

Draco looked anxious, but due to what reason, I don't know. "Th-thanks," he stuttered, looking down at his feet.

Draco's POV

Julian seemed a little...I don't know, unwelcoming? I mean, we're basically family, right? And it's him who's staying at our house!

I really wanted to object, but I have to admit that I'm a bit scared of him. Mother did say all sorts of really nice things about him. But-

Julian stomped on my foot, hard. "OUCH!" I hissed.

"Sorry," he said carelessly. "Had to get your attention."

My foot still throbbed. "What do you want?" I asked.

Then, before I knew it, I was on the ground, whimpering in pain. Julian had punched me in the ribs. "W-What do you want from me?" I whispered, looking up at him in fear.

"I don't like your attitude," he said simply. "Are you going to show me to my room or not?"

"Um, y-yeah," I spluttered out. He made no movement to help me up whatsoever, so I clambered to my feet and walked across the hall. "Here's your room. It's pretty plain, but mother and father said you can change it to fit you."

I averted my eyes, but I could still tell that he was taking in the details of his new bedroom. "It's cool," he finally said. "I'll-"

"D-Dobby has come to t-tell Master Draco and M-Master J-Julian that s-supper is ready."

And it was a long evening from there.

~*~

By the next morning, my body was aching from the fresh cuts and bruises Julian gave me. He seemed to think that I was the perfect person to practice his defensive skills.

I tried to act normal around mother, since she thought that Julian was absolutely angelic. It was really difficult, since nearly every part of my body was sore.

But nonetheless, today was Diagon Alley day.

Father apparated Julian and I there, and my arms are numb from carrying the large box. When Father questioned why I was limping, I simply said that I fell - since Julian was glaring at me, as if daring me to tell the truth.

I lifted my mood by making snarky comments on Potter, Weasel, and Mudblood. But even as Father apparated back home, I knew that this year wouldn't be long enough.