Harry awoke with a headache that felt like his memories were tampered with. He sluggishly rolled out of bed and went to the bathroom. He filled the basin of the sink with water and splashed his face with the practically freezing liquid. His eyes shot open and he shook his head vigorously. Harry felt the tiredness from his eyes disappear and the headache vanish. Ron soon joined him in getting ready for the day.
Once Harry had thrown on his robes and attempted to fix his inherently messy hair, he left the boy's dormitories to the Gryffindor common room. There, he did not expect to see Will and Nico sleeping on the couch. Nico rested his head on the blonde's chest, and said blonde draped his arm over Nico as if protecting him. A blanket hung off the couch and barely covered the two's legs. Harry did not know whether to wake the boys, or continue onto the great hall with the embarrassed blush still fading on his face. He did not have to decide, because Ron stumbled into the room like he was drunk. He very bluntly pointed out the two boys on the couch by saying, "That's gay" Very loudly.
Nico opened his eyes with a scowl, and Will squinted at the light flooding into the room. "Ron!" Harry scolded.
"What?" Ron asked as if he did nothing wrong. "There were two boys sleeping together, so I described it."
Hermione approached the scene. "Honestly Ron, will you ever learn." Ron shrugged and apology to Will and Nico.
"Its fine," Will shrugged. "I'm not going to deny it."
Nico slapped his boyfriend on the arm, "Dude, they don't need to know." He rolled his eyes as Will stretched and rolled off the couch, causing Nico to fall on the floor. Nico and Will still had on their robes from yesterday. After Hermione scolded Ron, and the Weasley twins for testing their products on first years (long story) Nico and Will joined Harry, Ron and Hermione on the way to the potions, despite not getting ready. Nico looked around at the pictures on the wall as if it was the first time he had seen moving pictures. He had gone to this school for the past five years, so he should be used to the magic by now.
Once they reached the dungeons, Nico and Will sat by themselves on the far end of the classroom, whispering to each other as if they were on a secret mission. Professor McGonagall entered and slipped them two schedules and nodded a greeting to them before gong back to her classroom.
"So, what do you make of the new students?" Ron asked.
"What new students?" Hermione asked. Harry thought the same. "Are you talking about the first years?"
"No, the blonde and emo one," Ron clarified. "They have never gone here before. I didn't know Hogwarts took American exchange students."
"Ron," Harry worried. "They have gone here for the past five years. Remember, Nico was petrified by the basilisk, Will tried out for the Gryffindor Quidditch team, but did not make it. How could you not remember, you were at tryouts?"
Ron titled his head like a dog. "They just got here yesterday, what are you talking about?"
Hermione looked very worried by now. "Are you okay Ron?"
The red head was starting to look frustrated. "I'm telling the truth. I've never seen them before."
"Ron," Hermione assured. "Maybe someone is pulling a prank on you. Have Fred and George slipped something in your food?" She reached across the table and felt Ron's head like a mother would a sick child .
"Never mind!" Ron growled. Then he swore under his breath. "I'll just keep an eye on them. they don't seem normal."
"we're wizards," Harry commented. "We're as far from normal as it gets." Ron scowled and picked at his potion's book. Harry glanced at Nico and Will. Harry found Nico staring at him. Nico quickly averted his eyes, choosing to instead to look at the cauldron in front of him. Harry was not new to people staring at him, especially with the new rumors of Voldemort returning. However, he suddenly found some truth in Ron's words. These two would need to be watched.
Professor Snape soon entered the room, a scowl on his face. His robed flowed behind him as smooth as a river. Snape turned to glare at Harry, quickly averting his eyes as if the mere sight of Harry made him sick. He glanced at Will and Nico suspiciously, Harry noted, and almost immediately after, paced and spoke in his slow, deep voice like a snake slithering slowing, stalking its prey and hissing smoothly. Snape described his achievable expectations for the O.W.L. exams and wrote on the board the instructions for the class. Harry noticed the slight confusion on Nico's face as he regarded the notes on the board, but quickly gained his composure when Will pointed to the ingredients. Harry quickly lost interest in the two once they began to make their potion, and started on his own.
At the end of the class, Snape scowled at the potions in the room, only regarding Malfoy's potion with satisfaction. The Slytherin professor hissed, "A light silver vapor should now be rising from your potion." The professor sneered at Harry's potion. Once Snape was finished belittling Harry, he proceeded to make the failed potion disappear. Harry fumed, looking around at the other potions. His was no worse than Neville's, or Ron's, or Nico and Will's, which was emitting an odd mixture of pure black and pure white smoke. Snape called for the students to turn in samples of their potion for points, and Harry watched as all of his classmates received a chance to get full points for the day, unlike Harry who could not scrape by even one point.
Harry fumed on the way to divination. Harry dreaded going to the perfume filled tower. In his third year, Professor Trelawney predicted Harry's death. Harry was not looking forward to another experience similar to that one. Harry took his place in the far corner of the room, close to a window to be able to breath some fresh air in the presence of some much perfume. Nothing exciting happened in the class until the very end of the class.
The supposed oracle had made her way around the classroom, stopping at every student's table to check their progress on interpreting their dreams. She finally moved on to Will and Nico's table, where she took Nico's hand and read it like a stereotypical fortune teller. She jumped back immediately and gasped.
"Child..." She breathed as if she did not know what to say. Harry felt exasperation rising in his stomach. Good, now Nico will die this year. but Trelawney said something unexpected by most of the students in the room. "I'm sorry child, I didn't know..."
"We'll talk later," Nico hushed the stuttering woman. The boy looked up as if he suddenly became aware of the whole class staring at him. He shrunk away from the attention, but Will stepped in.
"Okay, go back to your dream thingies, nothing to see here." Nico slid lower into his seat. Somehow, Will's comment drew more attention to the two. Will shook his head and looked back to the book on interpreting dreams. This caused the class to stop looking at the pair expectantly, looking for an answer to Trelawney's odd behavior and Nico's reaction to the professor's comment.
Once Harry had left the perfume fill room, he whispered to Ron, "what do you think that was about?"
Ron looked smug for a second, "I told you they were different." Then he worried. "You don't think they have something to do with you know who, do you?"
"No, I have the feeling they don't. But I could be wrong. We should keep and eye on them," Hermione admitted.
"So what do you think Trelawney was talking about, regarding Nico?" Harry wondered.
"That's not really your business," A dangerous voice hissed. Harry turned to find the subject of their discussion. Will closed the trapped door to Trelawney's classroom, looking anxiously from Harry to Nico.
"Neeks," Will squeaked.
"I don't know who you think you are," Nico started. His eyes burned like black fire. "I know your type. Think they saved the world so many times, that they have access to your whole life."
"Nico," Will said, louder this time.
"I don't have to tell you anything, and I think it would be best if you stayed in your own business."
"Nico," Will shouted. "Harry is not Percy!" Nico was taken aback. Will took Nico aside. "I know you still hold resentment for him, and that professor did not help by bringing it up again, but Harry is someone else. He did not..." Will looked to Harry, who turned away and tried not to listen to the private conversation, but looked back anyway out of curiosity. "He had nothing to do with Bianca, or that place, or Rome." Will took Nico by the chin and kissed his cheek gently. Will took Nico in his arms and let go once Nico pushed away.
"I apologize for my boyfriend," Will told Harry.
"Not this again," Nico rolled his eyes, but took Will's hand. He said under his breath "Significant annoyance in your case." Then he gave a light chuckle." Harry shrugged. So what if they were two guys. He recalled Sirius talking about the one year he considered dating Remus, tough Harry could tell he was not telling the whole truth*
"Apology accepted," Harry stated. He took a gaping Ron by the shoulder and lead him to the DADA classroom. All the way there, he grew more and more restless. He realized this was because of the new pink toad that would be teaching the class this year. Once he entered the classroom, Harry found it to be free of the pink toad that was supposed to be teaching the class. Harry took a seat next to Ron with Hermione across the aisle. Nico and Will sat behind Draco, who greeted Nico like an old friend.
Soon, the class heard the clacking of heels on the wooden floor, and Professor Umbridge walked into the room. She greeted the class, scolding them for not saying "Good morning professor Umbridge" and then smiling sweetly, reminding Harry of the time he put too much honey on his breakfast, thus making it sour and disgusting. The pink toad loomed to the front of the room and waved her wand. The letters O W and L appeared on the board, followed by the acronyms' meaning. The toad proceeded to describe expectations, claiming that they would be studying theory of defensive spells in a "Safe, and ministry approved environment." Once she dismissed the class to read chapter one of their textbooks, Hermione's hand shot in the air.
Professor Umbridge looked around at the room, noticing but not acting upon Hermione's obvious discomfort. Umbridge instead decided to harass Nico, who squinted at the page. "Is something wrong, dear?" Nico glared at the toad with pure hatred, but gained his composure.
"I cannot read this." He stated plainly.
"Excuse me? Have you never been taught how to read?" Umbridge mocked Nico, arrogance dripping from her voice as if she was contemplating why Dumbledore would let someone who could not read into the school.
"I have dyslexia. So does Will to some extent." Umbridge's arrogant expression dropped. She looked at Nico and Will like she had never seen someone who was remotely different. Someone who needed extra help. This made Harry hate her even more. Of course she would act like the only people she would associate with are people who did not have disabilities. She only worked with people who she did not need to help, only people that could and would help her.
Harry fumed with more anger than when he left potions with no marks for the day. Umbridge left Harry with a bad taste in his mouth, like something that had a sweet facade, but tasted like a vomit flavored jelly bean. Harry's blood boiled with pure rage, and looking at Hermione patiently waiting for Umbridge's attention, which she would most likely not get, made Harry feel like he was burning from his anger.
"How do you think I could help you?" Umbridge asked, fake smile taking over her face.
"Is there a spell that could read the book to us, that only we could hear?" Will asked. "Something like 'Audio bookus, headphonius."
"Audio book..." Umbridge contemplated the blonde's words. She probably had never even heard of an audio book or headphones, she was so disconnected. Something a political leader should never be. They should at least know about the muggle world. Harry's admiration for Arthur Weasley grew. " Perhaps a charm would work. Or you could change the text into something you could read?"
Nico nodded, not bothering to thank the professor. He looked back to the book he could not read, and Umbridge went on with ignoring Hermione. Finally, when there seemed to be nothing else to do, Umbridge regraded Hermione like she just noticed the raised hand. "Yes, dear?" She smiled sweetly. "Can you not read the text either?" Nico looked ready to strangle the witch.
"You never said anything about using defensive spells." Hermione pointed out. "I was wondering how we will pass our O.W.L.s without learning how to cast the..."
"Dear," Umbridge interrupted. She proceeded to try and explain how theory would insure that the students would earn how to cast the spells. Only if they studied theory enough. Using spells, she claimed, was an unsafe, and not ministry approved way. She proceeded to mock Hermione's intelligence, insult professor Lupin, and use backwards logic concerning the use of Defensive magic. "I repeat, as long as you have studied theory long enough..."
Harry had enough, he did not bother to hold his hand in the air. "And what good is theory in the real world." Umbridge looked up and smiled sweetly.
"This is school, not the real world. What do you expect to be out there anyway, Mr. Potter?"
Nico decided to jump in at that moment by chuckling darkly. "The answer may surprise you, Professor."
Umbridge fumed at this. "Again, what exactly do you expect to be out there?"
"I don't know," Harry mocked. "Lord Voldemort." Umbridge turned red with fury and Harry heard multiple gasps at the mention of the name. Nico perked up, paying more close attention to the conversation.
Umbridge gritted her teeth. "I know that some have been spreading rumors that a certain dark wizard has returned. These claims are false."
"Can you be sure of that?" Nico muttered, not caring if he was heard or not. Umbridge turned his way.
"I can be sure, Mr. di Angelo" She glared at Nico, "because the minister..."
"So according to your precious ministry, Cedric Diggory dropped dead to his own accord."
"Cedric Diggory's death was a tragic incident, most likely because of the dangers of the triwizard..."
"He was murdered by Voldemort, and you know it!" Harry's rage practically heated the room enough for ten winters. Umbridge's nostrils flared as she took a sharp breath.
"Come here dear," She hissed through gritted teeth. She watched him expectantly as he crossed to the front of the room, everyone's eyes following his footsteps. "Take this to McGonagall." she handed him a roll of parchment. I will see you Saturday." she grinned and watched him leave the classroom.
Harry stormed to said professor's office. Along the way he encountered Peeves, who taunted him until Harry exploded with fury. Peeves chuckled as he flew away to stick feathers onto Mrs. Norris until she looked like a chicken on four legs. Harry reached McGonagall's office and knocked in the door.
"Come in."
Harry flew into the room, causing McGonagall to jump in her seat. Harry shoved the paper onto the professor's desk. she took it and looked it over. "So you shouted at professor Umbridge." Harry nodded. McGonagall regarded harry from the corner of her eye. No sign of disapproval shown in her eyes. However, she put on a facade of disappointment. "And you called her a liar." Harry nodded. "And said He who must not be named has returned." Harry nodded.
"Have a biscuit, Potter." Harry was taken aback, his anger almost forgotten. He took a biscuit. "You need to be careful." McGonagall took a sip of her tea. "You saying thing like this could be reported back to the ministry. If they get word of this, it will be used against you, not to mention you will receive detentions, loose house points, your O.W.L. performance could suffer." She regained her composure. "Be careful of what you say around her, Mr. Potter. And remember, you can always talk to a member of the order." Harry nodded. "You should get back to the common room, I doubt professor Umbridge will welcome you into her classroom again." Harry nodded and started to leave, until he remembered another issue at hand.
"Do..." Harry started. "Do Will solace and Nico di Angelo seem off to you?"
"I've know them for five years and there seems to be no problem with them." the professor regarded Harry. "What is this about."
"Well Ron said that they were new students, which cannot be true. I've seen them before. Then, Snape looked at them like he had never seen them before, not to mention professor Trelawney saw something about Nico. If it is not true that they are new, why hasn't Trelawney noticed Nico before today?"
McGonagall regarded his statement. "Perhaps Professor Snape's expression was something else. As for Ronald, his brothers might have done something to him. With their troublesome history, it would not be surprising. And Professor Trelawney is unpredictable at best." McGonagall seemed to be trying to convince herself. "However, something strange did occur involving...But we mustn't dwell on this, for it might be nothing."
"It might be something having to do with you know who," Harry claimed. "The two show up right after Voldemort rises again. It might not be a coincidence." McGonagall sighed and started to say something, but Harry stated, "I'm just trying to make you aware of the situation."
"Perhaps I will look into it, however, because there is not enough solid evidence, we must not directly accuse them of anything." Harry started to argue, but the professor beat him to it. "You may look into it, but do not make a scene or confront the two about it. You do not need more enemies at the moment."
Harry nodded, and said his goodbyes before heading out the door.
That night, Hedwig flew through the window of the Gryffindor common room.
Harry
I need to talk to you immediately. It is important regarding some of your peers.
I will contact you Via the fireplace. I will get your attention when you are completely alone
You can bring Ron and Hermione if you want to
-Snuffles
Harry glanced at Sirius' letter, already knowing what Sirius was talking about. He waited by the fire, showing the letter to Ron and Hermione when they entered through the portrait hole. "Harry," Ron started. "Is this about who I think it is about?"
"Maybe"
Harry, Ron and Hermione waited until one in the morning when they were finally alone. Sirius' head peaked through the ashes. "This is about the two boys, one with very pale white skin and black hair, the other tan and blonde with blue eyes."
Harry nodded," We figured." Sirius tilted his head as if he was a black dog (which he was) "Ron claims they are new to Hogwarts, Hermione. Practically the entire castle and I think they've been here as long as we have. I don't know why"
"I saw them doing a spell, last night." Sirius looked over Harry's shoulder. "From what I've heard, they were altering your memories. They were not using obliviate though. I don't know who they are, or what they are, but they are dangerous if they can alter the memories of an entire castle. Do not trust them, keep an eye on them and stay out of their way. I do not want to live long enough to see you be hurt anymore than you have been." Sirius regarded Harry with sad eyes. "Promise me you will not put yourself in harm's way."
"I promise." Harry felt like he was betraying Sirius for telling a blatant lie to his face. Sirius bought it, or ignored the fact it was a lie to reassure himself that Harry was safe. "Could you tell the order about this. They might want to know."
"I have already informed Albus of the situation, however, he seemed amused by the idea. I'm not sure he took me seriously." Sirius laughed at the pun they had all heard an infinite number of times. "And do not get into anymore trouble with your new professor. The ministry does not need anything more to use against you."
"Okay, Sirius." Harry looked around, hearing footsteps. "Someone's coming. See you later, Sirius." Sirius nodded and his face disappeared from the fireplace. Harry sat back down on the couch in front of the fire. He glanced at the stares.
Nico stood there, an over-sized t-shirt falling off one shoulder. Long pants touched the floor. Nico rubbed his eyes with hands hidden by the long sleeves. Will stood behind him, hands on his shoulders. Nico yawned and Will asked, "Do you know a good place for hot chocolate?"
Harry glanced at Ron and Hermione before answering. "The kitchens are a good place to start." Harry told them the directions to the kitchens, and about the ticklish pear. Will nodded thanks to Harry and lead the drowsy Nico towards the portrait hole. Nico muttered something about ticklish fruit as he stumbled into the halls of Hogwarts.
"That reminds me," Hermione exclaimed. "I should restart work on S.P.E.W.!" Ron groaned.
"Not this again," He rolled his eyes.
"Well sorry for thinking all creatures should be treated with respect. House elves are treated horribly I mean look at Dobby..." Hermione lectured Ron until he exclaimed that he was going to bed, causing Hermione to stop her rant and go to bed herself. But not before setting out a few ugly hats, presumably for the house elves. Harry sat by the fire thinking about Nico and Will until his eyes seduced him into sleep.
*Hehehehehe. I ship it. You can take the whole truth as them dating, or as something else if you don't ship it. I'm not gonna force anything on you
Second chapter is done! I lost internet for two days, but it was okay. That gave me time to think about the future plot of this story. "But Venice, you are only two chapters in, don't go too fast" Don't worry, you'll be fine.
And you might have noticed a difference between the dialogue of this chapter and the book. of course it will be different, I don't want to copy word for word. Then it is not my story. I will keep my favorite lines, such as "have a biscuit, Potter."
Thanks to all that reviewed. I want to give a shout out to "Guest". You know who you are. Don't worry. I know you keep asking for Solangelo. I hope the next chapter won't disappoint ;). I gave you a lead into where they will go.
Thanks again to my readers. this is the most attention one of my stories has gotten and I will continue it, hopefully until the end.
I have some plans that I would hate to abandon
Have a Good one
-Venice