Chapter 11: Old and New Friends
After a while, Malfoy seemed to get over his fear of Nico. It didn't take the brat long to notice that he wouldn't be able to use his powers at Hogwarts. Thankfully, Gryffindor and Slytherin only shared Potions so they didn't have to put up with Malfoy too much.
Nico sleepily walked down the staircase that led up to his dorm. He really wished he could sleep in more. Nico noticed most of the Gryffindors were looking at a sheet of paper. He also noticed that no one seemed happy about it. Nico shoved his way through the crowd. Harry and Ron must have come down a little before him as they were now by his side.
Nico squinted at the sheet but it looked like gibberish. Harry groaned beside him. "What's wrong?" Nico asked him.
"We have flying lessons with Slytherin." Nico paled. FLYING lessons?! Great now Malfoy will know about his fear of heights. Or, at least, that's what he would call it. Nico had no problem with heights, it was being blasted with lightning and dying that he was scared about. Nico could swear he heard a faint rumble of thunder - as if warning him that if he flew, he would die.
The three friends walked to the Great Hall. "Typical," Harry grumbled. "Just what I always wanted. To make a fool of myself on a broomstick in front of Malfoy."
"You won't make a fool of yourself," Ron said kindly. "Anyway, I know Malfoy's always going on and on about how good he is at Quidditch, but I bet that's all talk."
Nico took a moment to silently thank Ron. Usually, Nico was the one who comforted Harry but he was to busy freaking out to do it himself.
Everyone but him seemed to be excited about learning how to fly. Nico wondered how anyone could be excited about flying a hundred feet in the air, relying on a twig to hold you up.
Everyone from wizarding families talked about a sport called Quidditch. Nico was actually really excited to see the first match. From what he had heard, it sounded very exciting, though he would never play it himself. Although he still didn't understand it completely, he was looking out for the first game.
At least, Nico thought, some people here had a brain. Hermione and Neville both told him constantly about how nervous they were. Nico sighed. That was another one of his problems. He enjoyed spending most of his time with Hermione and Neville but he couldn't just abandon Harry. He had noticed that while Hermione had come on strong, all she was trying to do was make friends. She had conformed this when she told him that none of the Muggle children had really been her friend. They often called her bossy and a know-it-all.
Nico wasn't that close with Neville, though. They were complete opposites. Nico was a little creepy and no one but his friends talked to him while everyone was constantly teasing and laughing at Neville. Nico was sneaky and silent and Neville was clumsy and awkward. Despite their differences, Nico stood up for his friend whenever he was bullied.
The problem was that no matter how hard he tried, Ron and Harry just wouldn't let Hermione and Neville hang out with them. While it was true that the two would let Neville in to their conversations and were kind to him, it was obvious Hermione had gotten on their bad side. Nico didn't want to leave his new friends but he couldn't abandon his best friend either.
Nico and Ron didn't get along well at first but, after giving him another chance, he found out Ron was a pretty good guy and cared about Harry. Nico knew he could trust him. Ron also warmed up to Nico as well. He was still a little creeped out though.
Nico sat down next to Harry and across from Hermione and Neville. While Harry had gotten a letter from Hagrid a while ago, Tenebris hadn't brought Nico anything.
Nico poked at his food quietly, keeping to himself as everyone else chatted happily with their friends. Nico sighed. Making friends seemed harder than it should have been. Just because he was usually a loner didn't mean he enjoyed it. Turns out, a lot of people had noticed the shadows shifting during Potions and rumors had spread fairly quickly. While some were close to the truth, some were just ridiculous.
Nico sighed again. Even in the world of witches and wizards he was the odd one out.
He was driven out of his thoughts when the mail arrived. He looked up and, to his amazement, saw Tenebris. That was shocking enough as Tenebris, like his owner, was a loner and spent most of his free time sleeping before flying off alone at night. What was even more shocking was he had a package.
No one paid the bird much attention until he landed in front of Nico. The whole hall seemed to quiet down as they stared at the two. Dumbledores eyes sparkled at Nico's confusion, though they had a look of curiosity as well. Tenebris dropped a letter on Nico's lap and hopped onto his shoulder.
With a glance at the package on the table, Nico ripped open the letter. He was shocked to find he could read it easily.
Dear Nico,
I am sorry I haven't written sooner. Things are much harder here without your help. The ghosts of Hogwarts have informed me of the little episode you had the other day (cue a blush from Nico). Try to keep your powers under control. Being my son-
Here Nico dropped the letter in shock. His-his father had written to him? After six years he had finally written to him? Nico felt a mixture of emotions. Happiness, anger, hurt, excitement, confusion, joy. He couldn't believe it. This was an even bigger shock then when he found out he was a wizard. His father was alive? With shaky hands, Nico picked up the note and read on.
Being my son comes with difficulties, and I am truly sorry for that. Don't let it get to you. Stick with that boy, Harry. He is a true friend. I wish I could have been there with you as you grew up but your uncle would not allow it. I have been watching you and want you to know I am very proud. I have given you some of your old clothes. I hope you enjoy them. Also, I feel danger is approaching you. Just know that when the time comes, twist your skull ring. You will know what to do. Make me proud, son.
Your Father
Before Nico could do anything, the letter was ripped from his hands. Nico tensed and looked up at the person who stole his only connection to his father. It was Malfoy.
"You can actually read this?" He sneered.
Nico just gave him a blank look. "You can't read it?"
Malfoy shook his head. "Who would write to you anyway much less write in a language no one understands." Nico clenched his fists.
"Give it back Malfoy."
The blonde boy smiled evilly. "Actually, I think I'll hold on to it for a while. Try to decode it."
In a flash, Nico was on top of Malfoy. He wanted to pull out his knife and gut the git but knew he couldn't. Nico wrestled the note from his grip. McGonagall was there before he knew it, pulling the two boys apart. "That is enough. Mr. Malfoy, next time you should mind your own business. And Mr. di Angelo, I would expect more from one of my lions." Nico grumbled some not so nice words and grabbed his package, storming up to his dorm.
Nico grumbled the password and slammed the door to his dorm shut. He walked over to his bed and smoothed out the letter. His father had actually written to him. He was keeping an eye on him as well. Nico read the letter over and over, hungry for more. Six years. Six years and he had finally gotten a letter.
Nico flipped the paper over. To his surprise, there was another sentence on the back.
Don't worry about not remembering your life from before; it will all make sense at the right time.
Nico taped the letter up with the pictures on his wall, next to the picture of his family. Satisfied with his work, he turned to the package. With shaking fingers, he ripped it open. Inside, was three black jeans with rips in them and a chain attached, five black shirts with several different skull designs, and a jacket. Nico quickly changed into the more comfortable clothing, making sure to hide them with his robes, and ran down the stairs to join Harry and Ron for Flying Lessons.
Nico stood with the rest of the class with a broom on the ground. It was sunny out and the wind was almost still, perfect flying conditions. That didn't reassure Nico at all though. He eyed his broom. It had twigs sticking up at all different angles and seemed really really old.
Madam Hooch, the teacher, stared at them with her yellow eyes. "All right, hold your right hand up over the broom and say, up!" There was a chorus of "Up!"s. Harry's broom shot up into his hand, as did Malfoy. Ron's sprang up and hit him in the face. Nico couldn't help but laugh. (Love that part in the movie) Hermione's broom was rolling on the ground while Neville's didn't move at all.
Nico swallowed his fear and put his hand over the flying death trap. "Up!" He shouted. To his surprise, it leapt up into his hand right away. After everyone had their brooms, Madam Hooch went around, showing them how to hold their brooms correctly. Nico couldn't help but smirk when she told Malfoy he had been doing it wrong for years.
"All right, now put your leg over your broom and when I blow my whistle, kick off the ground. Hard." Before the whistle even touched her lips, Neville shot off the ground. Nico watched helplessly as his friend rose higher and higher into the air, his face white with fear. Neville fell off his broom and landed with a loud crack. Nico winced in sympathy.
Madam Hooch ran over to Neville. Nico heard her mutter that he had a broken wrist. Neville headed off to the hospital wing with Madam Hooch. "If I find out anyone goes up into the air while I'm gone you will be out of here before you can say Quidditch!"
As soon as Madam Hooch and Neville were gone, Malfoy burst out laughing. "Did you see his face?" He gasped out. Some other Slytherins burst out laughing as well.
"Shut up Malfoy!" Someone shouted.
"Oh Parvati, I didn't know you had a thing for Longbottom!" A pug faced Slytherin girl called out. Nico remembered her name was Pansy.
"Maybe you should shut your face Malfoy before I bring out my knife again. I'm sure you remember your close encounter? I've been practicing and won't miss this time." Malfoy paled but tried to sneer.
"You wouldn't. Not with other people here. Everyone already thinks you're a freak."
Nico shut his eyes. It doesn't matter what they think. Dad is proud. That's all that matters. Nico managed to smirk. "You think I really care what people think?"
Malfoy ignored him and grabbed something in the dirt. "Oh look, it's that stupid thing Longbottom's grandmother gave him!"
"Give it here Malfoy." Harry stepped forward.
"Come and get it Potter." Malfoy hopped onto his broom and soared into the air.
"Oh come on Malfoy, don't act so childish!" Nico called up.
The young Slytherin smirked. "Oh yeah? If you're so tough then come on up here di Angelo." Nico froze. He was trapped. If he stayed on the safe, firm ground, Malfoy would know he was scared. If he flew up, he was almost certain he would get struck by lightning.
As if some super natural force was listening, the sky darkened and lightning flashed across the sky in the distance. Harry seemed to know what Nico was thinking. Harry griped his broom and mounted it. "No Harry don't! You'll get expelled!" Hermione shouted. Harry ignored her. Nico sent Harry a grateful look before he shot up into the air. Ron and Nico cheered. Harry was a natural.
Nico watched as the two boys exchanged a few words that only they could hear. Then, suddenly, without warning, Malfoy tossed the glass ball. Harry dove for it, 20 feet away from the ground, 15, 10, 8, 5. Harry pulled up at the last second, the glass ball in his hand.
All the Gryffindors rushed to congratulate Harry. Nico just stood there, open mouthed, staring at his best friend. A Slytherin girl walked up to him. "You trying to catch flies di Angelo?" She asked. Nico blushed and quickly closed his mouth. The girl smirked before walking off.
Nico stared at her as she walked away. She seemed... different. There was no other way to put it. She seemed kinder then all the other Slytherins. Like she actually had a heart. Nico shook his head. He turned back just in time to see Professor McGonagall was marching up to Harry. "HARRY POTTER!"
Ouch, busted, Nico thought. "Never in all my time at Hogwarts - how dare you! You could have broken your neck!"
"It wasn't his fault Professor-"
"Be quiet Miss Patil."
"But Malfoy-"
"That's enough Mr. Weasley. Potter follow me." Nico watched helplessly as his friend was pulled away. Malfoy smirked in victory. By the time Madam Hooch got back, class was dismissed.
On his way to the Great Hall, someone pulled him to the side. It was the Slytherin girl from before. Her black hair hung in her face. Her icy blue eyes stared at him. "What do you want?" Nico said a bit harshly. Her blue eyes hardened a little at his words.
She took a shaky breath, as if she was nervous. The girl bit her lip for a second. "I just wanted to say that was really brave what you did back there. Standing up to Malfoy like that. Anyone who does that is ok in my books." Nico just nodded, unable to form a sentence, more than a little shocked that a Slytherin was complementing him.
The girl held out her hand. "The names Kiersten."
"Nico di Angelo." He said shaking her hand.
Kiersten nodded. "Well maybe we can hang out sometime. (No not a date) You seem ok."
"Oh, um, yeah. Sure. Well I gotta go find Harry. See you around I guess..." Nico replied awkwardly. She nodded and walked away.
He watched silently as her small form disappeared into the wave of students. Her blue eyes had seemed to be trying to pull out his every secret. (AN No, Nico does not have a crush on Kiersten... Yet *enter evil smirking face*)
Nico went to find Ron and Harry. He walked into the Great Hall in a daze. He spotted the two boys talking at their usual spot at the Gryffindor table. As he headed over to his two friends, he decided he shouldn't tell them about Kiersten. Ron made his opinion of Slytherins very clear. Harry wasn't that fond of them either.
As soon as Nico sat down, Harry told them what Professor McGonagall had said. Ron was in shock but Nico wasn't that surprised. "Seeker! No way! You must be the youngest seeker in-"
"A century." Harry answered. "Wood told me."
Nico shrugged. "Did you see the way he flew? I'm not surprised he's the seeker." Harry blushed at the complement.
"It was no big deal." Harry muttered.
"No big deal! Mate, you flew up at least 20 feet in the air then dove down and pulled up at the last second!" Nico told him, using large gestures with his hands for emphasis.
Harry blushed even more. "You can't tell anyone though. Wood wants to keep it a secret." Nico and Ron nodded.
Just then Malfoy came over again. Nico groaned and put his head down on the table with a loud thump. "Nico? What is it?" Ron asked.
"Malfoy just can't take a hint." He mumbled.
"Well Potter enjoying your last meal?" He sneered.
"Go away Malfoy." Nico grumbled, head still on the table.
"What's wrong di Angelo? I saw how nervous you were at flying lessons. You to scared to face me now?"
"Maybe I just ate and prefer to keep my food down." He replied.
Nico turned and looked at the pale boy. He smirked at Malfoy's pink face as he tried to sneer. "I don't have time for losers like you di Angelo." He said turning to Harry.
"Oh so I'm a loser now? What does that make you then? Didn't this loser scare you in the robe shop? Didn't this loser nearly make you wet your pants on the train? I know you act all big and strong but your eyes don't lie. Your scared of me Draco Malfoy so I would watch it if I were you. Like I said before, I've been practicing with my knife and next time, I won't miss." Harry, Ron and Malfoy were staring at him in shock while Crabbe and Goyle were trying to figure out what he just said.
"I don't have time for this." He stood up and shoved past Malfoy. Everyone stared at Nico as he left. A few Gryffindors looked at him with respect, obviously having heard what he said. He headed up to the Gryffindor common room. He sensed someone following him so he hid in the shadows. Thankfully, they gave up and left.
Once in his dorm, Nico shed his cloak and sat on his bed, twirling his black wand between his fingers as he waited for Harry and Ron. Sure enough, his two friends barged in. "I can't believe that guy!" Ron exploded. "'I'll take you on anytime on my own. Tonight if you want, wizards duel.'" Ron continued to rant in a terrible impression of Malfoy.
Harry sighed. "Ron calm down. It's fine; he's just being a git again."
"So a wizards duel." Nico joined into the conversation. Ron and Harry jumped in surprise.
"Bloody hell mate. Stop doing that." Ron muttered. Nico smirked.
"Pay attention more. Anyway, how'd you feel about one more joining your team?"
Harry thought for a moment. "Sure, why not. We could use your help to sneak out." Ron shrugged in agreement.
Nico smiled. "When is this 'wizard duel' anyway?" He asked.
"Midnight." Nico nodded.
Nico got up and stretched. "Well I'm going to practice with my knife. Don't want to get rusty." Harry eyed Nico curiously.
"Where did you get the clothes?" He asked. Nico looked down and noticed he was wearing the clothes his dad sent him. Nico silently cursed himself.
"Um, from the package that arrived in the mail for me today." Harry nodded and let him leave.
Sticking to the shadows, Nico made his way outside. He headed towards the lake to practice. The lake still made him uncomfortable, but it was away from other people. After checking to make sure he was alone, he pulled out his knife.
The black blade gleamed in the late afternoon sun. Nico smiled lightly at the familiar weight of the knife. He quickly shed his jacket and started practicing. He slashed, stabbed and attacked, his moves like a complicated dance. Sweat lined his brow as the warm sun beat down on him. Time flew by and before he knew it, it was dark out. Nico panted as he sat down, a tree supporting his back. He took a sip of the water he brought with him. He was really good with a knife but it just didn't feel right.
After a few minutes, he started practicing again. After about three hours of practice total, Nico was ready to head in. He wiped the sweat off his face and hid his knife. He picked up his jacket and grabbed his now empty water bottle. Once inside Hogwarts, Nico realized how late it actually was. It was past curfew and he had missed dinner. Sticking to the shadows, Nico made his way to the kitchens. He tickled the pear and the doorway was opened.
A few dozen house elves rushed forward to serve him. He ordered a simple PB&J and sat down at one of the tables, only to realize he wasn't the only one who had wanted a late night snack. Nico sighed as the Weasley twins came over. He just couldn't get some alone time could he?
"Nico!" Fred started. "Why are you-"
"All sweaty?" Nico sighed and dropped his head to the table for the second time that day.
"Kill me now." Came his muffled voice. The twins pretended to be heartbroken.
"But Nikki!" Nico scowled at their nick name for him. "Don't you love-"
"Our company?"
"Don't call me Nikki." He growled. The twins smiled at his annoyance. "And if you must know I was hiding from annoying people like you."
George examined him. "But that-"
"Doesn't explain why-"
"You're sweaty."
Nico sighed loudly in annoyance. "Why do you care so much! I was training! Practicing with my knife so I can skin annoying people like you!" The twins held up their hands in defeat. Just then, a house elf brought him his food. "Now if you don't mind I would like to eat in peace."
"Of course." George replied.
"You won't even know we're here." Finished Fred.
Nico should have known silence wouldn't last long with the Weasley twins. He was only half way done with his sandwich when Fred spoke again.
"So Nikki," Nico scowled once again. "Who's your little girlfriend?" Nico was so shocked he started chocking on his PB&J. George started thumping him on the back.
"Easy mate. You need to chew the food before swallowing it."
Nico shoved him away. "Don't touch me."
"See Forge? I told you someone could melt Nikki's cold heart."
The other twin nodded in agreement. "Who would have thought our little Nikki would grow up so fast! Aren't you proud Gred?"
"And a Slytherin girl none the less." Nico blushed.
"She's not my girlfriend. I just met her today."
"And what is this little miracle workers name?"
Nico flushed scarlet. "Kiersten." He mumbled into his sandwich. The Weasley twins beamed.
"Ah! Kiersty-"
"And Nikki! How romantic!" Fred gushed.
"You know Fred, I think we should tell Harry and our dear brother."
Nico glared at them. "Not one word. You say anything and you will meet the end of my knife. You know how Ron and Harry feel about Slytherins." Nico finished his sandwich and put his jacket back on while the house elves picked up his plate. Nico was headed out the door by the time he heard the Weasley's response.
"Ah, a forbidden love!" Fred started.
"A Gryffindor and a Slytherin. It seems here we have our own Romeo and Juliet, don't we Fred."
"Shut up." Nico grumbled.
Fred stood up and waved. "Goodbye Romeo! Tell the pretty lady I said hello!" With that, a red faced Nico left the kitchens.
A still scarlet Nico entered the Gryffindor Common room. When he walked in, Nico noticed Ron and Harry were discussing the wizards duel. Harry looked up, having heard him come in. "Hey Nico. How'd training go?"
"Ron, I hate your brothers." Was all he said. "Wake me up when it's time to go." He grumbled, heading up the stairs. Ron and Harry exchanged confused looks. Nico collapsed in his bed and fell asleep.
What felt like seconds later, Harry was shaking him awake. "Come on mate. It's fifteen minutes to midnight. We should go." Nico groaned but got up. He stretched and realized he was still in the clothes his dad sent him.
"Let's go." Was all he said. They headed downstairs quietly. Everyone was asleep except-
"I really hoped you wouldn't do this Harry." It was Hermione. She was standing with her arms akimbo.
Rongroaned. "Just go to bed! We don't have time for this!" Hermione stuck her nose up in the air. Uh oh. Nico knew that look. Hermione wouldn't be backing down.
Ron headed out of the common room with Harry following close behind. Hermione chased after them, hissing like a snake. Nico sighed and followed his three friends. The Fat Lady closed behind them, but she wasn't there.
"Oh no! Now what am I going to do!" Hermione panicked.
"Not our problem." Ron shot back. Hermione was ranting to Ron and Harry seemed worried. Nico sighed.
"Just come with us Hermione." Hermione beamed at him while Ron glared. "Come on, let's go. Stick to the shadows." Nico whispered. The three followed him down the corridor, the darkness wrapped around them like a blanket.
Nico suddenly stopped, causing Harry to run into him. "Someone's here." Nico whispered. "I'm going to check it out. Stay here." Nico crept toward the lump on the floor, knife ready. When he saw who it was, he sighed in relief and quickly hid his knife. "It's ok guys. It's just Neville."
At the sound of his name, the boy woke up. "What are you doing here Neville?" Ron asked.
"How's your arm?" Harry said. As Neville talked to the others, Nico wandered ahead.
"Come on guys." He whispered back to them. Before he knew it, their group of three had become a group of five.
After quite a bit of sneaking around, they made it to the room where they would have the duel. "Malfoy's not here yet." Nico announced.
"Maybe he chickened out." Ron suggested. Nico shook his head.
"That's not like him." Nico's eyes widened in surprise. "Hide! Someone's coming." Harry led them into another room.
"Search my precious, they should be here somewhere." Came a voice outside.
"Filch. Malfoy tricked you." Hermione whispered. Neville whimpered beside Nico.
"Well thank you for that Hermione. Now how about you help us find a way out!" Nico whispered back.
"Just run!" Harry replied.
They dashed down the hall before stoping in front do a door. Nico could sense something familiar behind the door but ignored it. "I told you." Hermione panted. "I told you you shouldn't have come!" Nico rolled his eyes. They were so out of shape. Nico was about to reply when they heard Filch again.
"Quick! In here!" Harry pointed at the door. Ron tried to open it but failed.
"That's it! We're done! Doomed!"
"Oh move over!" Hermione shoved towards the door and grabbed Harry's wand. She muttered a spell Nico didn't hear and the door opened with a click.
They all filed into the room and closed the door behind them. They all sighed in relief when they heard Filch leave. Neville whimpered again and started pulling on Harry's sleeve. "What?" Harry hissed. After a second or two, Harry spoke again. "Uh, guys, you might want to see this." They all turned around.
Nico froze. Standing before him was a giant three headed dog. Each head had fangs the size of Nico, it's six dark eyes stared at them. Drool dripped off its lips. The others screamed and ran out but Nico didn't move. His eyes quickly flickered around the room, spotting a trapdoor under the dogs giant paw. The dog continued to growl at him. "Cerberus?" Nico whispered. The dog eyed him curiously. "Is that you?" Nico felt white hot pain behind his eyes as he struggled to remember but pushed it aside. "What are you doing here?" The dog stopped growling. It's ears flattened down in shame. It was only a puppy.
Before he could do anything, Harry came back and pulled him out. Nico was about to object but Harry pulled him along. They caught up to the others quickly, just in time for Neville to trip over a suit of armor. They dashed to the common room and collapsed into the chairs. "Never again." Ron muttered. Harry nodded in agreement. Poor Neville looked like he would never speak again. Hermione just marched up the stairs to her dorm.
"Well I hope you're happy. You could have gotten us all killed! Or worse, expelled." Nico couldn't help but wonder how that worked but didn't care enough to ask. He stood up as well.
"I'm going to bed. Night." So, Nico left Harry, Ron, and Hermione arguing again.
Nico eyed the pictures on the wall again before climbing into bed. That dog was connected to his past somehow. And he was going to find out.
Yea! Nico is coming close to discovering his past! Also, the way you pronounce Kiersten is K-EAR-stin. So yeah. Please vote, comment ect.