It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power.

Alan Cohen

Every generalization is dangerous, especially this one.

Mark Twain


An Unfamiliar Land


Though it was early September, the evening air was chill. Michael couldn't see his breath, but that didn't stop him from huddling close to his friends and the warmth of the entranceway. At lunch Professor Dumbledore had announced that they would in fact be hosting half of the Italian students and that they would be arriving right after dinner.

According to his father Madam Maxine had refused the upper years; Hogwarts would receive the fifth years and above. The rumor was that she had argued that the upper years had not had the proper training in manners and she would not have them spoiling her students. Supposedly the younger years could still be influenced.

Whatever her reasoning Michael was glad. He hadn't been looking forward to a bunch of hyper children who couldn't speak English. At least the upper years all spoke the language and he knew that they would have at least a few in Gryffindor.

Michael could feel the excitement in the air and not even Hermione's enthusiastic chattering or Ron's grumbling could dampen his mood.

"I'm hungry." Ron Weasley complained as he stomped his feet hoping to stay warm.

Michael could see Hermione roll her eyes in exasperation before she scolded their friend, "For goodness sake Ron, we just had dinner."

"Yea, well, I didn't ask for dinner to be cut short." He defended. "Why are they coming so late anyways?"

Before Hermione could respond she was interrupted by a loud bang and multiple flashes of light. Abruptly as it had happened, it was over and the grass was covered with over seventy-five new people.

The sudden quite was interrupted by a surprised curse. "Merda!"

Michael wasn't sure what was said, but by the smirks on some of the foreign student's faces he was confident the teen that had cursed would not repeat it in front of his mother. Looking for the source of the explicative Michael noticed a few of the students helping a dark haired teen off the ground.

Michael couldn't help smirking to himself, 'At least I'm not the only one who can't stick the landing.'

Ignoring the incident, Dumbledore stepped forward with his usual congenial smile. He grasped one of the teacher's hands and welcomed the group "Darius." he greeted. "I see you made it in one peace. No trouble I hope?"

"No Albus," the professor responded with a tight smile. "No trouble that cannot be rectified." At his statement the teacher sent an obvious glance in the direction of the teen who was still brushing off his clothes; the teen had not yet looked up so the effort was wasted. Turning back to Dumbledore the Professor continued. "Thank you again Headmaster, we are in you debt."

"It is no trouble at all, a privilege even." Dumbledore replied as he began to walk towards the castle. "Why don't we head in, I am sure your students are tired."

Darius chuckled and with a shake of his head he followed. "I wouldn't be so sure headmaster. We have not yet mentioned that they will be sorted tomorrow morning. I am afraid that I will have a revolt on my hands. I don't expect them to sleep anytime soon."

As the two headmasters began to head towards the castle Minerva McGonagall began to usher her students to follow. "Come now," she ordered. "It is nearly curfew and you need to get back to the dorms. You can discuss the new students later."

As the trio headed for the castle Michael couldn't help but comment, "A revolt? Why would being sorted cause a revolt?"

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Boys," she exclaimed. "It's not that hard to figure out."

Ron, still peeved about having to cut dinner short, snapped in frustration. "Well, miss know it all, do tell."

"Ron," Michael chided before turning back towards Hermione. "Ignore him, why do you think that is?"

"The house system is unique. Most schools just separate students by years and that's it. Some of those students have been together for seven years and now, when they are being thrown into a completely new environment, they are being separated." She explained before continuing. "I would be upset also."

Turning back to the obviously close group of students, Michael could understand why they would be upset.

……………………………

The trip to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was uneventful; well the Accademia students could say this since they were used to James De Luca tripping over his own feet. As the sixth year hit the ground a curse slipped between his lips, and no matter what anyone accused him of, James would testify that he tried to prevent it. Trying not to laugh, Anthony and seventh year Vinny Lancino helped James to his feet. He hadn't looked up, but James could feel the glare of Master Maschio so he decided to occupy himself with dusting off his shirt and tie. He knew he was going to get an earful later.

Once James could no longer justify dusting off imaginary dirt he looked up and got his first sight of Hogwarts.

No more then 50 yards lay the most majestic building James had ever seen. Vines covered the south side of the weathered castle and its grounds were immaculate. The sun was just setting and the windows were on aflame in the fading light. The castle was massive and James could see how it could once have been a fortress. The air was crisp, and though it was cold, it wasn't as bad as he had expected.

All in all, it was impressive. James quirked his eyebrow and let out a short whistle.

"I know what you mean." Nico responded with similar awe.

Anthony, who hadn't said anything yet, continued to look at the castle thoughtfully. Finally he said, "guarda vecchio"

"It does not look old," Nico argued. His indignation faded quickly and with a smug look he continued, "It's medieval."

James and Anthony couldn't help but laugh.

With a final chortle James lightly punched Anthony's shoulder and joked, "You're just spoiled Tony."

"Am not," he defended half heartedly. "I'm just frustrated that our tech won't work here.

"You're resourceful. You'll figure something out. Besides, Professor Siracusa can help you." Nico suggested. "He loves a challenge."

"Suppongo," he replied. Suddenly, his faced filled with excitement.

Looking at his friend's sudden anticipation James wondered why he always played so oblivious.

He was smart when he wasn't playing the fool.

Tony was smart, but most brushed him off as a rich kid that never grew up; he loved to act like a child, but Anthony was far from childish. Few people knew the real Anthony Rinaldo though, and James felt honored that he was one.

James was roused from his reverie by his friend cursing, "Murda! If I want to call my father I have to leave."

With a smirk James replied, "You'll just have to walk to the edge of the town, it's not that far."

"Ugg," He groaned. "Don't remind me. I hate walking."

As Anthony stalked after their headmaster James couldn't help but wonder how the guy that ran two miles with him every morning could hate walking. James looked over at Nico and saw the same thought running through his mind. The two friends shared a smirk, and with a roll of their eyes ran to catch up with their friend.


An hour later, Michael could be found in his dorm discussing the new arrivals with his dorm mates. Seamus and Dean were playing a game of gobstones while Neville finished the conclusion of an essay due Monday. Ron was draped across the foot of Michael's bed reading the newest edition of Quidditch Monthly while his friend leaned against the head board of his four poster polishing his cherry wand.

"I don't know why everyone is so worked up about them." The Irish commented as he took his turn. "I mean, they're just students."

"Ah," teased the muggleborn, "is Seamus worried that the girls will ignore him in favor of the Italians?"

"Shut up Dean."

The room erupted in laughter as the Irish threw one of his gobstones at his friend. Dean tried to dodge but wasn't quick enough and ended up with green goop coving his face.

Between his laughter Neville was able to reassure his friend. "Don't worry Seamus, they're just fresh meat. The awe will wear off soon enough."

A new round of laughter erupted and when it finally began to die down Michael Michel slipped his wand in his arm holster and looked at his dorm mates. After a moment he asked the question that was on all their minds. "Seriously though, tomorrow we're going to have some new room mates. What do you think they'll be like?"

"Not sure," replied Dean, "But I hope they like football."

"Hate to be a pessimist, "said Ron, "but even if they play football, they wont be a West Ham fan."

"SO?" he argued. "I'll convert them."

"Yea," Michael laughed. "Like Ron was going to convert me."

"Hey!" the red head exclaimed. "The Chudley Cannons are a great team; they've just had a few bad years."

"Or decades." Michael murmured.

The room was once again filled with laughter as Ron threw his pillow at the youngest Potter. When the impromptu pillow fight was finished all five boys were laying on either the floor or a bed panting. As they pulled themselves to their individual four posters Seamus spoke up again.

"Seriously though, their arrival was anticlimactic"

"Tell me about it," Griped Ron from under his covers. "We cut dinner early for that. They're not even being sorted till tomorrow morning."

"Only you Ron." Michael said aloud as he fell asleep.


"I cannot believe they are doing this!"

The silence that had permeated the room after Darius Maschio left was finally broken when Sergio Tresca yelled out in frustration.

James sat in the corner of the room in a large chair. His position had hid James from Maschio's view, but he wasn't sure if the fact that his teacher couldn't see his glare was good or not. He understood the reasoning behind being sorted, but James knew it would cause problems; it was also stupid.

Like always, Anthony didn't seem to have a problem in the world. He was currently sitting on the floor at James' feet and leaning his head on the seat cushion. He would periodically take a bite of the apple he held in his hand but that was it. To someone not familiar with the aristocrat, his friend seemed indifferent to the situation. James knew differently though. The fact the apple wasn't already consumed—and the rigid line of his back—gave away the fear that his friend was feeling.

To his right Nico sat in a similar chair. His elbows were on his knees and his hands clasped under his chin. James knew he was already pondering solutions.

It was obvious by the fifth year's outburst that no one wanted to be split up.

At the fifteen year olds exclamation the silence was broken and the room exploded in murmurs. The loudest were the Mancini brothers, "What about us? We have always been together. From the descriptions of the houses I do not think we will end up in the same house."

A light haired seventh year by the name of Hugo Vasari rose from his seat before anyone else could speak up."Come on guys, it won't be so bad." he reassured. "Like Maschio said, Dumbledore agreed to create a common room that everyone can use and we will still attend our Muggle classes together."

"That's not the point Hugo." James interrupted drawing everyone's attention. "The house system is antiquated. The Academia has always stressed unity, and their house system does everything but that. It separates people based on stereotypes and doesn't allow students to interact with others of differing views."

At the nods of agreement James continued, "Besides, the day time isn't when most people have problems, but at night when there is nothing to distract them. Everything here is unfamiliar, and they are basically throwing us to the wolves without a support system."

"He's right; we are friends, and I don't want to become rivals. This year would be so much easier if we were together." Nico quietly added as he leaned back in his chair and looked to his friend.

"Then what do you propose De Luca? That we fight?" James ignored Sergio's sarcasm and let him continue. "Not all of us are as talented as you!"

"There isn't going to be any fighting." James replied firmly. "But we have to stand together."

From across the room Antonia Collovati spoke up. "Jimmy's right." Looking at her green eyed friend Antonia smiled at the mouthed 'thanks Toni', before continuing. "They cannot make us do anything we don't want to do."

"We cannot stay together though, they will not let us." Isabella Giodano added.

"I know." Said Antonia thoughtfully, "but what if we set conditions?"

Sitting forward in his chair Nico asked, "Like what?"

Fifteen year old Giuseppe Perani spoke up first. "Well, they already said we could have a common room, so that is not an issue."

"We want to stay together." James suddenly said as he stood up and started to pace.

The silence lingered for a moment before, "Huh?" Giuseppe said confused, "You lost us there Jimmy."

"We don't want to be separated, but we know we are going to be no matter what." James said as he came to a stop. He continued "Why don't we make sure that no one will be alone."

"How are we going to do that?" Hugo asked.

"We could demand that some of us not be officially sorted." Sixth Year Marisa Tancredo recommended.

"I do not know if they would allow that." Nico said. "They take the house sorting pretty seriously."

Nico was right. There was no way that Headmaster Dumbledore would agree to allow a few students not to be sorted. Ironically, it was the purposefully dense Anthony that came up with a solution. "What if we only chose people who would do well in any house?"

Anthony's suggestion startled a few people who thought he was asleep; his eyes were still closed and his head was still lying on James seat. At the shocked silence he opened his eyes and slightly lifted his head. Other then James and Nico, the occupants of the room stared at Anthony Rinaldo in surprise. Seeing the looks, he shrugged his shoulders with a "what," took another bit of his apple, and laid his head back down.

Shaking his head at Anthony's antics, and the fact he actually made a suggestion, James spoke up again, "He's right, but we should do more."

Nico interrupted his pacing friend. "There should be six students," he suggested, "A guy and girl for each year. If anyone is sorted into a house and year by themselves then the corresponding six can go to that house."

Understanding what his friend was saying James spoke up and finished the thought, "And if we are not needed, at the end of the sorting we'll be sorted normally."

"I think that might work." Marisa said after a moment. "We will have to force them listen though. It will be tough."

Grinning at his fellow sixth year James asked, "You up for it?"

"What?" Marisa asked confused.

"You and I are probably the most vocal. Are you up to the challenge of convincing the teachers?"

"Besides," piped in Anthony as he took another bite of his apple, "It was the two of you who came up with the idea"

James rolled his eyes at his friend before he turned back to Marisa. "So? You in?"

After a moments hesitation she smirked. "Sure. I think I'm up for the challenge."

"Good." James said with another smirk."Then it's settled."

"So…," Antony interrupted for a third time. "Who's not going to be sorted?"

"Oh"

James guessed they hadn't thought the plan out as much as he had thought. Looking around the room the sixth year knew it would be a long night trying to decide who could fit into all the houses.

………………………………………

"Sooo… how did it go?" asked the music and French teacher Claire Machiavelli as the Accademia's headmaster entered the staff room.

Maschio glared for a moment before he finally responded. "How do you think they responded Claire? And don't think that I didn't' notice you sneak off when the time came to tell them."

"What can I say? I know how to preserve my life." The French women replied.

With a groan Maschio dropped into a chair and began to rub the bridge of his nose.

After a moment of silence the Accademia's Transfiguration teacher spoke up, "So, where do you think they will be sorted?"

At the mention of the sorting the Hogwarts teachers began to listen in. Bebbe Oriali continued, "I think we will have our fair share of Ravenclaws and Slytherins."

"Slytherins?" Snape scoffed before he continued with his traditional sneer. "Do you really think so? They are all Muggleborns. I will be surprised if the hat will place any one of them into Salazar's house."

"First of all" argued Erika Kristic, "They are not all Muggleborns. Moreover, will that disqualify them from going into the house? I thought it was the house of the cunning and ambitious? Believe me, our students have that in spades."

Though he would never admit it, Darius couldn't help but be amused at his female colleagues and their antics. All the teachers took their duties to the students very seriously, but the women seemed much more protective. As the saying goes, he thought, 'Hell hath no fury like a women scorned'.

Before the Russian could continue, Darius interrupted her. "Erika, I do not believe that Professor Snape meant it as an insult, merely an observation." He turned to Snape and asked a question. "I know of many students who could end up in Slytherin, should I be worried about how they will be treated?"

After a moment in which neither of the men looked away, Snape finally responded to the Italian's inquiry. "I do not believe the hat would put them at risk, but if any of your students are sorted into my house I will make sure they are safe." Snape said before he smirked, "It is amazing what a little persuasion can do. They might not make friends, but they will be safe."

"Thank you Professor." Maschio replied with a nod. "I am sure that is all I can ask of you."

"So?" Frank Todero hesitated a moment. "Anyone want to take a bet?"

………………………………………..

Pomona Sprout and Minerva McGonagall couldn't help but laugh as their new colleagues began to bet on what house their students would go into. Severus had left moments before in a huff but the transfiguration mistress didn't what to miss the action. The hat in the center on the low table was quickly filling to the brim with galleons and sickles.

"Miss Santos and Mr. Benetti will both be Slytherins, that I have no doubt." Enrico Machiavelli stated as he threw in both his wife's and his wagers.

"I wouldn't bet against that." Leone Montella, one of the history teachers agreed, "but I will put my money on Miss Lorente and Mr. Luciano going to Ravenclaw."

"I can see Abrielle," the Russian replied, "but not Nico. That boy has a stubborn streak. I would place him in Gryffindor with Anthony."

"Rinaldo is definitely going to Gryffindor, and so are the Bianchi twins." The Italian Transfiguration mistress claimed. "I would also wager Giuseppe Perani will go to Hufflepuff."

"Huh." scoffed Matteo Verace, "I'll believe that when I see it. Hugo Vasari on the other hand is definitely going to be wearing yellow."

Curious about the one student she knew something about Minerva finally spoke up. "What about De Luca?"

At the silence she wondered what she said wrong. Finally, Maschio spoke up with a grin. "No one?"

The Ancient Ruins professor finally spoke up. "I'm not sure." He said thoughtfully. "He could do well in any house. However, I think he will sweet talk his way into Gryffindor."

"Why Gryffindor?" Pomona asked, curious.

The answer was simultaneous from every direction.

"Anthony Rinaldo."

At he confused looks Darius spoke up. "They're best friends. De Luca will be sorted first, but I'm sure he can guess where his friend will end up."


"Which one is De Luca?"….."Look at the one with red hair, isn't he cute?"….."I guess so, but look at the one with green eyes, he's hot"

"Bloody girls." James thought as he and Marisa walked into the hall. He tried to ignore the whispers but he had always prided himself on his hearing and didn't know how to shut it off.

He had to physically restrain himself when he started to hear the guys talk though. No one should say that about his friends, especially women.

As Professor McGonagall led the new students into the hall the rest of the teachers rose from their seats. Looking over his students Maschio grew worried. "Oh dear..."

With a look as his worried counterpart Dumbledore leaned toward the Defense Master and asked, "What is the matter my boy?"

Rolling his eyes at the 'my boy' comment Maschio replied, "They have something planned."

"And how would you know that?" Severus inquired with his usual sneer.

Ignoring the Potions Master he pointed with his chin to the two leading students. "De Luca and Tancredo. Their faces."

"Yes," Matteo Verace, Maschio's second at Hogwarts said, "They do look as if they are preparing themselves for battle."

Before any of the teachers could respond the students came to a stop. Dumbledore was about to officially welcome the foreign students, but James took a step forward and interrupted. "We, as in all of us, came to a decision last night."

The students and staff were shocked. Very few students dared to speak up to Albus Dumbledore, but here one was. The Accademia teachers could barely withhold their mirth. Getting control of his smirk, the Defense Master asked, "And what, may I ask, did you decide?"

There was barely a pause before James replied, "We don't want to be sorted."

At hearing his declaration Dumbledore finally spoke up, "Young man, I know...."

Once again James did not let him finish, "But," he stressed, "We understand that it will help integrate us, so we will submit to the sorting, on one condition."

"I don't see how..." This time Minerva McGonagall was interrupted.

"What is your condition?" Maschio asked, knowing it was the only way to continue.

Emboldened by her friend's success, the young women at his side spoke, "Six of us, a male and female from each year will postpone our sorting till the end."

She paused nervously and James continued before anyone could interrupt. "If any student ends up in a house and year alone then their counterpart will not be sorted and go to that house."

The hall was silent, not even the students dared to Breath; no one had ever made demands regarding their sorting. The indignation was clear on the headmaster's faced when he started to speak. "Young man, I am sorry, but I cannot agree...."

Ignoring Dumbledore, Darius Maschio asked a question. "I am guessing that the six have already been decided?"

"Yes." Marisa answered while many other students nodded there heads in the positive.

When James saw the expectant look on his headmaster's face he continued. "Claude and Tess from 5th, Marisa and myself from 6th, and Eugene and Giulietta from seventh."

Though irritated at being interrupted so many times, Dumbledore knew Darius knew his students best. At his contemplative look Dumbledore turned to his fellow headmaster and asked. "What are you thinking Darius?"

"The six students they mentioned are well balanced and could do well in any house." He said, "I think we should let them have this. It will make them happy and they will go ahead with the sorting. This will stop them from causing too much trouble and I really don't want to deal with it."

Seeing the truth in his reasoning Dumbledore acquiesced, "I will defer to your judgment in this case." He turned back to the students and said, "Very well, we agree to your terms, but I do ask that you still try on the hat to make sure your chosen house is acceptable?"

After trading looks with a few other students James turned back and replied, "We agree."

"Excellent." He clapped. "Well then, why don't we get started?" With that finished he sat down with a flourish and the other teachers followed. With a small gesture from the Headmaster Professor McGonagall picked up the stool from behind the head table and placed it in the center of the stage. She cleared her throat and called out the first name.

"Alito, Belladona! 5th year!"

When her name was called a tall fifth year strode confidently towards the stool and the waiting hat. After only a moment the hat made its decision and Ravenclaw was heard throughout the hall. Applause erupted from the middle table clad in blue and Bella made her way to her new house.

The first Accademia student had been sorted and they had about fifty more to sort. All the students knew it was going to be a long morning and they were grateful that their first classes had been canceled.

"Benetti, Raphael! 7th year!"

When the hat shouted "Slytherin!" the room descended in silence. None of the Hogwarts Students expected the Muggleborn students to go to the snakes den. The new Slytherin looked around for his house and stopped abruptly when he saw the disgusted looks coming from the end table. For a moment he hesitated before he raised his chin and confidently walked to the green table.

A set of 7th year twins, "Bianchi, Mia" and Bianchi, Roberto," were called consecutively and both ended up in Gryffindor.

"Donati, Nicholas! 6th year!" Was called and sent to Slytherin, while to the shock of his teachers, "Luciano, Nico! 6th year!" went to Gryffindor.

6th year "Milano, Sofia" followed her boyfriend, "Lancino, Vincent!" to Hufflepuff.

Two more Ravenclaws were called before Nuncio, Adriana! 7th year!" and "Perani, Giuseppe! 5th year!" were sent to Slytherin.

"Rinaldo, Anthony! 6th year!" was finally called and Anthony turned to James and grasped his shoulder. With a squeeze he headed towards the stool hoping that his friend, his brother, would end up in the same house. With a glare directed at the dirty wizard's hat he reached down and placed the offending object on his head. Less then a minute later "Gryffindor!" was heard throughout the hall.

"Santos, Camilla! 7th year!"

As Professor McGonagall called the next name a beautiful blond stepped from the group of Italian students. She was tall and had the body any girl would envy. A few wolf whistles could be heard from the Gryffindor table and their only reception was a sneer. The blond strode to the stool and a moment later the hat yelled, "Slytherin!"

A few more students were sorted and when only the six remained James turned to the others and asked, "Guys?"

Claude Moreau, a small fifth year spoke up first. "Mikey is alone in Ravenclaw."

As a group the teens looked over to the Ravenclaw table and saw the hopeful face of Michelangelo Pinosi looking back at them. A look of relief flooded his face as he saw Claude's nod.

As they turned back to each other Marisa asked, "Anyone else?"

"Mia in Gryffindor." Said a Red haired Seventh year by the name of Giulietta.

"Okay." James thought aloud as he nodded. He then turned back to the headmaster and cleared his throat. He finally spoke aloud and said, "Giulietta Marino will go to Gryffindor and Claude Moreau will go to Ravenclaw. The rest of us will be sorted normally."

"Excellent!" Dumbledore beamed as he rose to his feet. "However, we did agree to one other aspect. So, before Miss Marino and Mister Moreau go to their respective houses I would like them to try on the hat. We do not want them to go to a house that they are not adequately suited for.

With a resigned sigh James motioned for Claude to head up to the stool. The fifth year placed the hat on his head and within a minute the hat agreed, "Ravenclaw is acceptable." A moment later Giulietta had the sorting hat on her head and within moments her selection was also accepted.

"Excellent!" The headmaster clapped. "Now that we have that done I believe it is time to sort the four of you. Mister De Luca? I believe you are first."

With that James took a deep breath and took a step towards the hat, and unknowingly, his future.


A/N

I am so sorry, I had three research papers due this week, and midterms were before that. Other then that, I have no excuse.

Okay, on to other things. I hate this chapter (well kinda). Everything happened that I had planned but I don't like the writing; something just isn't right. Also, I will admit that I am loosing motivation. I mean, Look at how long it took me to get this chapter out? The scene where Harry/James is 'killed' is what I was originally aiming for; now that I have written that I don't have an urgent need to get to any other scenes. I have tons of ideas and some already written out but no major ones that get my emotions riled up.

Thank you trewin7502, you were my 35th review (and heartlessgroom who was my 36th). It got me to finish the last section that I had been putting off. It is horrible being added to over a dozen favorites in a two week span but receiving no Reviews. So here is a hint. Review!

Did everyone enjoy Dumbledore being interrupted? I just had to do it, I can just see the look on his face, but I know I didn't do it justice. Also for those of you who want to know I didn't realize it in the beginning but I have fashioned a few of my characters off of others that I love. Nico is a mini Remus, level headed, intellectual, but knows how to have fun. Anthony is turning out to be fashioned like my favorite character from the TV show NCIS, can anyone guess who? Darius is like a much milder Snape. I hope this helps.

Finally, I am going to finish this but updates are going to be erratic and probably slow (not a year guys, I promise). I would love input and ideas, but most of all MOTIVATION. So if you want the chapters quicker I need to feel a little guilt. What I am getting at is REVIEW!!!

Italian Translations

Merda!--- Just think a little stronger then crap. Sorry guys, I just couldn't write it.

Suppongo---I suppose