CHAPTER 5

Tuesday, October 1st

Okay, so.

Blaine was screwed.

Because he had a massive crush on Kurt Vinson, the Slytherin superstar. And he didn't know what to do.

He wasn't stupid. He knew he was kidding himself into thinking that maybe, maybe Kurt felt the same way. But he also knew how Kurt felt about interhouse relationships, and although Blaine's family was well-off, they were definitely not to the Vinson standard.

But then Kurt had surprised him. Blaine often thought back to their night in the Astronomy Tower. The things they'd revealed had been somewhat of their darkest secrets, Blaine liked to think. Sure, maybe Kurt just saw him as a friend, but it was still something.

It was now the first day of October, a Tuesday, meaning Blaine and his friends were lucky enough to have a free period just before lunch. The Apparition class that was taking place was just for Slytherins this term, rotating through the different houses each term. This left Blaine with his friends in their nook in the library, cramming for the coming Charms test.

Tina and Mike had mysteriously been missing all day, spotted only this morning by Brittany when they left the Ravenclaw common room. This left Blaine with Sam, Artie, and Sam's friend Mercedes, who Blaine was quickly warming up to. Besides, he suspected Sam had a little crush on the fierce Gryffindor girl.

"Guys," Blaine interrupted halfway through their Charms revision, "Can I… Can I talk to you about something?"

"What's up?" Artie asked, a look of concern flashing through Sam's expression.

Blaine took a deep breath, "What do you guys think about interhouse relationships?"

"Nothing really," Mercedes shrugged, "You love who you love, and your house shouldn't dictate that. Why?"

"Blaine has a crush!" Sam exclaimed, "I knew you'd been acting differently. Who is it?"

"I can't tell you his name," Blaine quickly defended, his palms getting sweaty already, "But, uh… He's a Slytherin."

Silence fell onto the table as Blaine continued.

"He's just, so much more than his name, you know?" Blaine began dreamily, "He's intelligent and always knows the right thing to say. He's charismatic and funny and I don't think he actually believes in all that blood purity stuff, and-"

"Woah there," Mercedes interrupted sassily, "What's this about blood purity?"

"She's right," Artie nodded, "I fully support you and your pursuit of this boy, but I can't accept it if he's one of those blood-purity obsessed kids."

"It's just his family and friends," Blaine weakly argued, "I don't think it's him-"

"Have you asked him?" Sam asked, "Blaine, you can't date someone like that. As much as you say he's funny or whatever, he's still racist."

"Make smart choices," Artie nodded, "But I'll totally be at your wedding if he turns out to be normal."

Blaine sighed, leaning back into his chair. He trusted his friends, and the logical part of his brain knew they were right, that he could never truly be with Kurt because their morals and families were just so different. However, he just couldn't get the Slytherin boy out of his head.

And so, after his free period had ended, Blaine set off to find the only couple Blaine was sure was capable to withstand anything the world could throw at them; Jeff and Nick.

The two had been best friends since their first day at Hogwarts, despite being sorted into different houses. While Nick was sorted into Hufflepuff, Jeff had been sorted into Gryffindor, the two eventually realising their feelings for each other when Jeff had accidentally knocked Nick out with a Quaffle in Fourth Year. Jeff had been in the Hospital Wing until Nick had woken up, and had accidentally confessed his feelings in the midst of an apology. They'd been attached to the hip ever since.

Blaine found the two cooped up on a bench in front of a third floor window, away from most students, who were busying themselves with lunch. Nick's legs were draped on Jeff's lap as Jeff idly fed him grapes, giggling when Nick would accidentally bite Jeff's fingers. The two were only interrupted by Blaine's awkward cough, breaking them out of their little daydream.

"Blaine!" Nick greeted with an excited smile, "What's up?"

Blaine shrugged, hands buried deep into his robe pockets, "Can't I visit my favourite couple in all of Hogwarts once in a while?"

Jeff snorted, "Don't let the Changs hear you say that."

"Something's up," Nick claimed, furrowing his nose in annoyance, "I can smell it on you. Spill."

Blaine sighed. Despite his… Unconventional ways, Nick tended to see right through him. Blaine kept his eyes on the floor as he began, digging into the floor with the heel of his foot.

"I kind of… Like someone," Blaine sighed, "But it's complicated-"

Blaine was cut off by Nick's excited squeal as he jumped off Jeff's lap. He grabbed Blaines arms, twirling him around the corridor.

"Finally!" Nick exclaimed, "I thought the third-year-Jeremiah-fiasco had put you off for life!"

Blaine cringed at the memory. He'd had a huge crush on a Ravenclaw fifth year, and ended up serenading him outside the Ravenclaw common room. Needless to say, it hadn't gone well. At all. He'd been the laughing stock of the school for the rest of the year, the incident only forgotten when Jeremiah had transferred to Durmstrang.

"It's complicated," Blaine reaffirmed, "He's… Well, he's a Slytherin."

Nick blinked, "…So?"

"So you don't think it's wrong?"

"People used to think being gay was wrong," Jeff pointed out as Nick took his seat onto Jeff's lap, "You can't let stupid things like house rivalries get in the way of love. And Slytherins aren't inherently evil."

"Yeah," Nick nodded, "Unless you're like, Kurt Vinson and his friends."

Blaine froze, his hope vanishing instantly, "What's wrong with them?"

Jeff raised his eyebrow, "Literally everything Blaine."

"They poured a skin-changing potion into my tea last year," Nick began, "Remember I was blue for days?"

"They charmed Artie's books to yell every time he opened them."

"Miss Pillsbury is still giving Thad counselling after the boom mishap."

"I swear, they've done more detentions than anyone in the history of Hogwarts."

"Rachel charmed Tina's shoes in second year to continuously force her to dance, which was actually quite funny-"

"The point is-" Jeff interrupted, "They aren't exactly the nicest of people if you hadn't noticed."

Blaine sighed, "Yeah, you're right."

"So," Nick continued, "Who's the lucky guy?"

Blaine forced a smile onto his face, "You wouldn't know him. But… Thanks, you guys."

Blaine was stumped.

He'd resigned himself to file his feelings for Kurt away in a deep, dark closet in his head. All his friends had very valid points, at the end of the day. Kurt was raised in a certain way, and besides, Blaine just figured he was blinded by just how attractive he found Kurt to see all the bad that everyone else saw.

He'd been sat in the library after his Ancient Runes class, to which Kurt had failed to attend. Blaine didn't let the thought bother him too much, and instead, buried himself into his Care of Magical Creatures essay. The new Groundskeeper, Burt, had taken over the class and had actually proven to be a rather good professor. Blaine was keep to make a good impression.

He was just on his fourth inch of parchment when a blonde-and-blue ball of energy plopped itself across from him on the table, in the form of none other than Brittany Pierce.

"Did the Nargles bother you? Is that why you look so sad?" Brittany asked, concern evident in her face.

Blaine looked at her in confusion, "Uhm- No, I'm fine Brittany."

"No you're not," Brittany replied knowingly, "Something's wrong."

Blaine sighed. He'd already spoken to most of his friends about it. He may as well tell Brittany.

"What would you do if you were falling for someone that everyone thought was, for lack of better word, evil?"

Brittany blinked slowly, "Do you think he's evil?"

"Well, no," Blaine replied almost immediately, "But I don't know if I'm just choosing not to see it because I like him."

Brittany shrugged, "Everyone thinks Santana is really mean, but she's actually really nice. She never tells me to shut up when I talk about Moon Frogs like everyone else does. And she's really smart, too. She knows loads about Herbology."

Blaine furrowed his eyebrows, "Santana Lopez? Are you sure?"

Brittany nodded enthusiastically, "Tina always used to say she was evil, but I think she's just shy."

Shy. Brittany thought Santana Lopez, whose family was responsible for the Crucio curse, was shy. Sometimes, Blaine wondered how exactly Brittany had ended up in Ravenclaw.

"Kurt is nice too," Brittany continued, "He helped me get Lord Tubbington to come off the roof last week, and the tree, and Lord Tubbington let Kurt pet him, which means he must be nice, even though everyone thinks he's evil. Do you have a crush on Kurt?"

Blaine froze. How had she-

"Uhm, yes," Blaine admitted, ignoring Brittany's beaming smile, "But you can't tell anyone."

Brittany nodded, "Kurt is like a unicorn."

Blaine raised his eyebrow, "A unicorn?"

Brittany nodded, "He's special. He's always finishing all the Herbology homework weeks before its due in, and he's always helping his friends. I heard he was really nice to all the first years in their initiation, and he didn't complain when Lord Tubbington covered his robes in fur."

Blaine smiled, realising exactly why Brittany was a Ravenclaw. She was much smarter than anyone had given her credit for, because she saw the little things in people.

"Thanks Brittany," Blaine smiled, "I needed that."

Tuesday, October 1st

Kurt was not having a good morning.

To start off, he hadn't woken up in time for breakfast, meaning he had to go straight to his first class of the day, followed by mountains of homework being loaded onto him. The only break he had was lunch, which he was intending on spending in the library, alone.

However, for some unknown reason, he couldn't seem to find the damn place. He was a master of navigating Hogwarts, but half-an-hour later, he still hadn't found it. He was beginning to get frustrated, tugging at the sleeves of his robes as he marched aimlessly around the corridors. Even his navigation spell hadn't worked, sending him in circles and-

"Kurt Vinson?"

Kurt had been too preoccupied by his internal debate of just jumping out a window to notice the unfamiliar man in front of him. He had long black robes and light brown hair, slicked back elegantly. He had a somewhat-kind smile on his face, but Kurt could tell the man had ulterior intentions.

"Who's asking?" Kurt asked narrowly, the weight of his wand in his pocket feeling especially grounding in that moment.

"Oh! Where are my manners?" the man teased, holding his hand out to Kurt, "Allow me to introduce myself; Professor Andrew St. James."

Kurt hesitantly shook the Professors hand, "Are you Jesse's father?"

"Indeed," Andrew replied with a smirk, "I can see why the Order picked you as one of their initiates. Definitely bright, and definitely fiery. I can see it now."

"Excuse me?" Kurt replied, frozen.

"How are the nightmares going Kurt?" Kurt felt his blood run cold, because this man, this man knew about the Order and his nightmares, "I'm surprised no one has given you your first task yet. It's always the most fun, in my opinion."

"You're in the Order?" Kurt asked as the man searched his robe pockets, finding a singular piece of red card.

"I run it," Andrew supplied, handing over the red card to Kurt, "I wanted to hand deliver your first assignment as a new initiate. Complete it by the end of the week. Once completed, burn the card."

"What-"

"You're a promising candidate, Kurt," Andrew continued, smirking at the boy, "I haven't seen anyone quite as promising since my own son joined. This year is going to be… Well, let's call it special, shall we? Now, I have some Defence Against The Dark Arts essays to mark. Lovely meeting you, Kurt."

Andrew went to turn away, but quickly turned back after just a few short steps, "I should probably lift this charm now, shouldn't I? Wouldn't want you being late to your next class."

Andrew clicked his fingers elegantly, and suddenly, Kurt recognised the hallway. He'd been spelled to get lost by the Order. Kurt watched as Andrew turned a corner, waiting for him to be out of sight before he turned the card around.

Kurt read the few words on the red card, and instantly felt sick.

Procure the Order with a vial of mudblood blood.

Kurt didn't know what to do.

His whole life, regardless of his desires, had lead to this moment. He was destined, by blood, to be part of The Blood Order. Really, he didn't have a choice. He believed in what they believed, always had and always would.

But then there were people like Blaine; pureblooded wizards and witches who believed in equality, in love. Although Kurt was a hopeless romantic, he'd lost his belief in love a long time ago, after his mothers death. If he didn't join the Order, everything his granddad had made him work for, had given him, would amount to nothing. Kurt knew he wasn't in love with Blaine, so why was he having doubts?

He knew why. Because Blaine had touched him, had changed him, for better or for worse. Kurt's mind was muddled, because although the first task was a rather gruesome one, it signified so much more than that; it signified Kurt's allegiance to the group. It signified the start to the rest of his life, a life that would in no doubt be successful if he followed his grandparents wishes.

Kurt was confused, conflicted even. So much so that he skipped the rest of his classes that day, opting to walk the Hogwarts grounds in search for some clarity. It hadn't worked so far.

That is, until Kurt spotted the Groundskeepers Hut, with Burt sat on the doorstep, nursing a cup of cranberry tea as he looked out onto the fields surrounding Hogwarts. The minute he spotted Kurt, he knew something was wrong.

"Hey kid," Burt greeted as Kurt walked near the hut, "Shouldn't you be in class?"

"You're technically a Professor, right?" Kurt asked hesitantly, "So you technically have to abide the whole confidentiality-with-students rule even if I'm not technically one of your students, right?"

Burt raised his eyebrow, "…Come on in, kid."

Obviously, Kurt wasn't stupid enough to tell Burt about the Order, but with his own warm cup of cranberry tea between his hands and a plush red cushion between his back and the chair, Kurt felt somewhat… Homely.

"So," Burt asked, seating himself across from Kurt around the small wooden table, "What's wrong?"

Kurt sighed, rubbing the rim of the mug with his thumb, "I… I think I like this guy."

"Right," Burt nodded, "What's the problem?"

"He's exactly the person I shouldn't like," Kurt began, "I mean, I'm a Slytherin. My family legacy involved hexes and curses. My best friends are future leaders, important people. And he's…"

"None of those things?" Burt supplied.

"His family is well off, but he's… He's a Hufflepuff of all things. He believes in blood equality and loves Muggle music and would probably be perfectly happy being a Muggle and I just don't get it. He's everything I was taught to hate, but then he shows up and I-I don't know what to believe anymore!"

Burt pursed his lips in thought, "Look kid, I know house rivalries are a huge part of your lives right now, trust me, my step-son is in Gryffindor. But don't let that dictate your life."

"That's not the problem," Kurt sighed, rubbing his temple, "My family… They're old-school. My granddad wants me to apprentice him in the Ministry as soon as I finish seventh year. Before I came here, he wouldn't even let me talk to someone of a lower status than us, let alone someone who was half-blood or muggle-born. It's just… It's just what I believe in."

"You know, when I was your age, gay rights weren't a thing," Burt began, leaning back, "But the world changes. I was kind of like you, actually. I mean sure, I never had powers of my own, but my brother would come home in the summer with all these fantastical stories, and looking back at it now, people were always so wrong. Sometimes old-school isn't the best way forwards."

"What do you mean?" Kurt pushed.

Burt sighed, "My first wife. She was like you; important family, old-school values, the whole lot. But she didn't believe in any of it, because she was openminded, she was ready for a change to be made in the world. And so, she made it. She was actually the one who brought the petition to let Squibs work in the Wizarding world. That's how we met."

"Wow," Kurt breathed, "So you think-"

"I think you should be free to love whoever you want, everyone else be damned," Burt concluded with a smirk, "Just- make sure it's what you want, okay?"

Kurt nodded, a small smile on his face, "Yeah, okay."