Hot N Cold

PeruvianDarkness has agreed ot beta for this story as well.

So many Thanks to her!

A Fifteen year old Antonio Cortalioni the sixth dragged himself out of bed for his early morning rehearsal that day and sighed as he remembered his dream. He had been five and living in a cupboard under the stairs when his Father kicked down the door and rescued him. His Papa had been wearing a superhero cape and when they left the house they flew to Italy and worked together to fight crime.

Toni, as his friends called him, decided he needed to stop eating so much candy before bed. He quickly showered and dressed before leaving for the rehearsal space in the Arts Department of his school. Toni loved his school. They focussed mainly on the Arts but did very well in academics as well. Toni had started at The Lombardi School of Arts and Magic when he was nine years old, and loved every day of it. He had excelled in learning to play the Violin and Cello, but one day he discovered the joy of being on stage.

When he was eleven years old, he had been invited to see a Play at Teatro Colesseo, for a magic-only audience, and had fell in love with the performance. It had been a production of 'Don Pasquale' by Giovanni Ruffini and the comedic opera that had opened his eyes to the wonders of acting. He returned home and asked his father to switch him into some drama courses, henceforth beginning his acting career. After a few weeks, Toni had requested being enrolled as a double major student for music and theatre and earned the title of the Lombardi Prodigy.

Today he had one final dress rehearsal before the Opening performance that night. He had been cast as Peter Pan in the Academies play 'Peter Pan or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up' by J.M Barrie. They had been working on it for four months and were now approaching the home stretch. It wasn't a full rehearsal that morning, just a run through for lines and blocking, but all costumes, scene changes, lighting and sound were done by magic and the performers needed to conserve their magic for the opening.

Toni spent the morning walking through his blocking and lines with the other actors and then spent a quiet lunch with the cast and crew for a final bonding session. They cleaned up and prepped the stage and pit for the performance before retiring two hours before show to get into costume and makeup. Toni had one costume that he wore all night and didn't need to run around as much as the others. He had to wear a simple forest green tunic and green tights, with little cloth shoes and a brown belt with a small dagger attached. He had twenty of these costumes, since every night during the performance the outfit would be shredded and ruined until the end. Magic could fix so much, but after the rough treatment he was about to put the cloth through, it was best to just have a fresh costume every day.

Blaise Zabini was sitting in his Uncle's car with his best friend, headed towards the school to see his cousin perform. He had received owls for months from her detailing how excited she was for the play, and how she desperately wanted him there for her big debut. Isabella Zabini had tried for five years to make into the Academy Production, but they only cast the best performers. Finally, she got cast as Tiger Lily, and could not have been happier. Blaise, deciding he didn't want to suffer alone, had invited his best friend Draco Malfoy with him to see the play.

Currently, Draco was staring out the window, appearing to be bored while Blaise was desperately trying to get his Uncle to stop bragging about his daughter. He didn't see what was so important about walking on stage in a gaudy outfit and delivering a few written words. He had only seen one play in muggle London and wasn't impressed by it. He failed to think of how a wizard play could differ from the muggle one. In his mind, wizards and witches should be focussed on business and Politics, not the arts.

They pulled up at the School and exited the car. Blaise having seen the Academy before, so didn't look twice but Draco, who was visiting for the first time, took a moment to appreciate the Italian Renaissance design. They entered the Auditorium and took their seats in Box 4 when the Balcony doors opened for a large group of men.

It was Tony Cortalioni was with eight of his guards to watch his son's performance. He took his seat in the middle box and his group separated to fill the boxes on either side of him. He was sitting in the only comfortable looking one in the entire place- a leather armchair- and he settled in to read the program. Blaise was just finished watching when Draco leaned over.

"Blaise, who's that, and why does he seem so important?"

"Dray, that's Tony Cortalioni. He's the Head of all the Italian Families." Blaise replied.

"Antonio Cortalioni? My father has been trying to start a business venture with him for years. He cannot even get an appointment with him. What is he doing here?" Draco asked. Before Blaise could speak up his uncle answered for him.

"Antonio Cortalioni is here to watch his heir perform. He attends every performance of his son's, whether dramatic or musical." He stated. As he finished speaking, the lights began to flash signalling that the audience had five more minutes to settle in.

"Dramatic OR Musical? I thought that a student could only be enrolled in one art form." Blaise said.

"Normally, but Toni Cortalioni the sixth is also known as the Lombardi Prodigy. He entered as a music student and mastered two instruments his first year, then expanded. Everyone thought he was a genius until he was 11 and switched into Drama. After seeing his first performance Tony could not have been more proud of his son. He was pure art and magic on the stage that the Headmaster allowed him to enter into a Double major. It is not normally done because of all the work it takes for one major, but Toni is so advanced that it doesn't matter." Blaise's Uncle Beto replied.

"Art and magic on stage? How does magic enter a theatre performance? They just waltz on stage and say a few memorized lines." Draco asked.

"Just watch." Beto said before returning his focus to the stage. The lights dimmed and the curtain opened to reveal a bedroom scene with three beds. The set was nice and the performers were okay, Draco sat back in his chair to watch the mediocre performance until a boy with messy black hair entered through a window, wearing green tights. He flew across the stage and moved with a feline grace. His body was thrumming with magic and his lithe body made it feel as if he weren't moving but everything was moving around him.

Draco finally understood how art and magic go together when the boy playing Peter Pan used his to change the set. They went from the bedroom scene to a night sky. The boy used his magic to create stars that formed in his hand before flying off to the respective place son stage. Together the performers created different buildings to fly over and the boy made several shooting stars before they landed in a dense forest setting. Draco watched mesmerized as the play continued. He barely registered when Blaise pointed out his cousin because he was so enamoured by the mess haired boy.

When the intermission rolled around, Draco and Blaise did not want the performance to stop. They had to be reminded by Blaise's uncle that the performers needed a break as well to rest their magic. They left for the bar outside, before they continued talking.

"That was amazing." Blaise started.

"You silly English raised wizards. You focus entirely on Politics, and have lost the Arts. Here in Italy we encourage our youth to explore them, and if they are not suited to any then they can focus on academics or business or even Politics if they so choose. That is why you have never seen a magical live performance." He stated.

Draco registered this and he understood where the Italian was coming from. Hogwarts focussed on academics and while fathers and uncles taught the students business and Politics at home. They never had any art classes and barely any physical fitness classes. The majority of the magic they learned in class they would hardly use again someday, yet here they encouraged the use of magic every day. They used it to its full potential in every performance. Draco wasn't sure how the magic would be used with an instrument but was not curious to see a concert. He finally gathered the courage to ask about Peter Pan.

"Beto, who was that boy playing Peter? He was absolutely amazing on stage."

"Ah that would be Toni Cortalioni. I told you he was talented. He has been in every School performance for the last four years."

"That's the Cortalioni heir?" Blaise joined the conversation.

"Yes. He makes me very proud." A voice from behind them spoke. The group of three turned around to see Tony Cortalioni and his group staring at them. "Thank you for the compliment about my son, I am sure that, if he were here, he would be most pleased with your statement." He said, staring at Draco.

Draco was nervous. His Father had been trying to speak with this man for years, and Draco was standing in front of him.

"Mr. Cortalioni, I am sure that considering how talented your son is, any compliment from a stranger like me would surely pass by him without notice."

"Ah, you do not know my son. He is wonderfully talented but he believes himself only to be a mediocre performer. Whenever he is complimented, he hardly wants to believe that the person is speaking the truth. He is too modest, I say." The Cortalioni Patriarch stated. Just then, the lights began to flicker again, telling the audience to return to their seats. "Ah time to go; I would be devastated to miss even a moment of my son's performance. It was nice talking to you gentlemen." With that said Tony turned and walked away.

"Did I just talk to Antonio Cortalioni?" Draco whispered.

"Yes. You did." Blaise shared the awestruck look that Draco wore while watching the retreating back of the most powerful man in Italy walk away.

"Well boys, back to our seats." Beto then began leading them back to the box and the second half of the performance.

Toni had been backstage with the rest of the performers when he was handed an energizing potion from the Stage Manager. He quickly drank the potion that was flavoured with mint before grabbing a bottle of water. He took a few small drinks before dabbing the sweat from his face and walking to the observation deck. Majority of the audience didn't know about the observation deck in the auditorium. Performers would relax in the couches and chairs and switch the roles and watch the audience mingle before the show and during the intermission. Normally Toni would avoid the observation deck but during opening nights he would go and see the expression on his Papa's face.

Just as he reached the deck he was called over by some of his friends but he just waved to them before approaching the glass. When he looked towards his Papa's box, he noticed that he was just preparing to go to the bar, but he wore a large grin on his face. So far his Padre had enjoyed the show. Toni was ecstatic, since he had been worried that his Papa wouldn't enjoy his son prancing around the stage in tights. There would be no fights tonight.

When Toni had been twelve, they had performed Macbeth. Toni had only been cast as Banquo, and when he had been murdered, his Padre had assumed it was the director's way of threatening Tony. After the show, he had gathered his guards and marched up to the director and nearly ordered his execution before Toni stepped in and stopped him. The director had promptly quit after that and left the country, while Toni was cautious to ensure that his Padre enjoyed every performance after that.

Toni snapped out of his memories when he felt the energizing potion kick in. He quickly evaluated his body and noted he would need a second potion for the rest of the show so he didn't get too burnt out by the end. He also used more magic on opening to impress his Padre, but normally he didn't get this drained. He turned around to search out the Stage Manager when he was side tracked by an over excited Isabella Zabini.

"Hey Toni! Wow, you're really performing well tonight. I am so honoured to be performing with you." She babbled. Toni could only smile, since she seemed too excited to let him get a word in. "Anyways, I was so happy that I finally got into a show that invited my cousin all the way from Scotland to watch. He is in the audience and, well, the rest of the actors are having a celebratory party after the show, and I was wondering if you could come? My cousin will be joining us and I really hope you can come and meet him." She gave him a pleading look and he couldn't help but to agree to go and meet her cousin. She was a good girl overall. A little excitable, but a decent actress. She was two years older than him and in her final year, so Toni was glad that after this long she finally made a performance.

"I would love to go, but I must find Nadia to get a second energizing potion." He told her.

"Second? Everyone else has already had three." Isabella gave him a questioning look while blocking his exit.

"Normally I only need one, but tonight I seem to be using more magic than normal. Excuse me while I prep for the second half." He gave her a soft smile before moving past her. He located Nadia quickly and got another potion, before walking to stage left where his entrance would be. Toni saw the lights flicker before triple checking his costume and giving himself a quick shake to slip back into character. He saw the lights dim and he moved onto the stage to assume his pose before the lights came up.

Toni had just walked off stage from his curtain call when he was swarmed by a happy cast and crew. Everyone was trying to either hug him or pat him on the back.

"Okay, okay" he laughed, "Everyone did an awesome job tonight, not just me." When no-one seemed to be letting up on the hugging, he tried again. "I need to breathe you know!" he yelled. Suddenly a gasp let out and everyone backed off to make sure that he was okay. "Well now that I'm free, everyone go change and wash up. I believe we have a cast party to attend." With that, he shooed every one away while laughing and retreating to his own dressing room.

After the show, Draco was still reeling about how phenomenal the entire thing had been. The difference between muggle and wizarding were so profound that Draco vowed to never see a muggle show again. Blaise had mentioned his cousin inviting them to a cast party, and was eager to meet the actors. They stopped at Blaise's uncle house to change before getting back in the car and driving to an unknown location. Isabella had left the address with the driver so they didn't know where they were going.

They arrived at a pretty normal looking house and knocked on the door. A male actor answered the door wearing a pair of tight jeans and a muscle shirt. He let them in and led them to the kitchen where Isabella was busy talking to the girl who played Wendy. When she felt a tap on her shoulder she turned and immediately jumped onto Blaise.

"Blaise! How did you like the show?" she asked after she had finished squealing.

"You were wonderful, the play was amazing. You blew all my expectations out of the water!" Blaise didn't bother telling her that he had very low expectations since it would probably drag down her mood.

"Really? You thought I was good? I mean, when performing with Toni, it's hard to notice anyone else's acting but you actually thought I was good?" Draco could tell that Isabella held Blaise's opinion in high regard.

"The kid who played Peter Pan? Nah, everyone knows that Peter would be nothing without Tiger Lily. You were the star tonight." He replied.

Isabella disentangled herself from around Blaise, before smacking his arm. "Oh, now I know you're lying to me. But, seriously, did you enjoy it?"

"Yes, you were quite lovely. I am glad I came to see you. I had a fantastic time during the play, and look forward to attending your future shows." Blaise hugged his cousin quickly before turning around to introduce Draco. "Bella, this is Draco, my best friend. He also enjoyed the show and I believe had become a life long fan of the performing arts." He said with a smirk.

Draco shot him a glare before stepping forward and taking Isabella's hand to kiss quickly. "A pleasure to meet you, Signorina."

"Oh, sod all those pureblood customs. You're at a party, they don't belong here. Now let's go quickly because I believe Toni just arrived and I wanted to introduce you to him. He looks exhausted, so we better do this before he leaves." Like a woman on a mission, she grabbed both their wrists and dragged them back to the front door where a large group of people were gathering. "Move! Toni needs to breathe remember." She shouted before she dropped their wrists and elbowed her way to the front.

"Blaise, you cousin can be quite… aggressive." Draco stated as he noticed another person nursing a future bruised ribcage.

"Yes, but she can be quite the lady when she needs to be." Blaise replied.

Draco watched as Isabella emerged from the crown dragging a tired looking Toni Cortalioni behind her. Draco noticed that he was taller than the boy who was probably 5'9. Toni had bright green eyes and the same messy black hair. He was wearing fitted designer blue jeans, with a black v-neck shirt and a black jacket. He did look extremely tired and moved sluggishly.

"Blaise, Draco I would like to introduce Toni. He is the best performer at Lombardi's and my mentor." She stated while motioning towards the shorter male. "Toni, this is my cousin, Blaise and his best friend Draco. They go to Hogwarts, but I managed to convince Blaise to drag himself here for the show. "Draco was curious about the mentor comment since the boy barely looked 16.

"Pleasure to meet you Toni… excuse me for asking, but how old are you?" Draco asked. Toni merely gave a small smile before shaking Draco's hand.

"Nice to meet you as well. I'm 15. I'm guessing you asked because Bella said I was her mentor? Well, to answer quickly she is exaggerating. I gave her advice once and since then she has believed that I am a theatre guru." He then turned to Blaise and continued. "It's a pleasure to finally meet Bella's cousin. She talks about you constantly and I was about to go crazy if I didn't get to meet you before she told another story about your adventures." He also shook Blaise's hand and then regarded Isabella. "Bella, I am terribly sorry but I must leave early. The show took way too much out of me and I need rest. Enjoy your night and relish in the compliments because you deserve them." He said before turning and starting to walk away. Draco found this behaviour seriously rude and decided to speak up. In pureblood society, one never left a conversation before bidding goodbye to all parties, and as a Malfoy he held to the pureblood traditions and policies very tightly.

"Well that was rude. One should always big goodnight to everyone in the conversation before leaving. Also I don't understand why you're so tired when it seems everyone else is still full of energy." Toni seemed shocked that he had spoken up. He turned towards Draco and looked confused before assuming an apologetic face.

"You are correct and I am dreadfully sorry for ignoring you." Draco hadn't noticed but when he commented on Toni behaviour everyone around them seemed to stop and stare that someone would speak to a Cortalioni that way. "In my tired state I forgot others were around, once again I apologize. As for the energy issue, I used to most magic tonight on stage, and also everyone here has taken an energy potion and I have not." Toni didn't bother telling them that he hated how the energy potion made his body bloated and how he crashed hard after they wore off. He would need the rest of the night and most of the day tomorrow to work tonights potion out of his system. He figured tomorrow he would wake up just in time to make call.

"It was still very rude, and then you admitted to forgetting about us. It was hardly a minute past since you shook our hands." For some reason Draco just could not let this go.

"Yes I know and I apologized. I really didn't mean you any offence." Toni responded. Toni was tired and just wanted to crawl into bed but this blonde Brit just wouldn't let him leave. "I bid you goodnight Draco and to you as well Blaise." Toni then turned and left the three standing there.

Draco still thought he was rather rude, but was quickly reminded of who he was by Blaise. "Draco, you did remember that was the Cortalioni heir correct?" Blaise asked. Draco paled as he had forgotten that little bit of information hen addressing the boy. To him the smaller boy who danced around in tights all night could not be the same boy who was being raised to take over the Cortalioni Enterprise. "Shit" he said.

Isabella had noticed the looks they were getting and quickly pulled the boys into another room before getting them all drinks. The spent the rest of the night talking but Draco could not get rid of the feeling that something bad was going to happen to him since he insulted the Cortalioni heir. Also there was something about the boy. He didn't look like his father. Mentally comparing the two, he couldn't find anything similar about the two except for the tanned skin. Deciding to forget about it now, he ignored the feeling and enjoyed the rest of the night at the party.

Toni had returned home with a frown on his face. His Padre had seen the look, and took him into his study to discuss what was wrong.

"Toni, what's wrong? You look upset about something."

"Nothing Papa, it's just that I met a boy tonight and he pointed out that I was rude. I am merely trying to think of other times where I may have exhibited the same behaviour and offended someone."

Tony was surprised that someone had the nerve to tell his son that he was rude. It was also a surprise to hear his son being rude, when Toni was the most well mannered youth he had every crossed. Toni was soft spoken and quiet when he was not on stage. He made friends easily and everyone seemed to genuinely like him. He had never seen or heard about any bad behaviour from Toni, unless it was regarding an incident where he stood up for his friends that were being bullied. He was too kind hearted to intentionally be rude to anyone, even an enemy he was nice to.

"I am sure it was an accident and that this person was upset by something else and was taking it out on you. There is nothing to worry about, you are never rude and I have never had a single complaint about your behaviour."

"I guess you're right, but I had just met him and I don't think I left a good impression. He probably hates me now and I won't have the chance to apologize." Toni sighed before he got up and hugged his Padre. "I'm about to fall asleep in your chair. I believe it was time I retired to my bed,"

"Buonanotte mio piccolo mostro. By the way, you were amazing tonight. I am so proud of you."

As Toni retired to bed, he figured he would probably never meet the Blonde again, so he should stop worrying about the incident. Besides, if he did meet him again it would be during the war, and they wouldn't have time to discuss one little meeting. Toni knew that he was Harry Potter and destined to defeat the dark lord. His Padre had been prepping him since he was ten to get ready for the fight. Whenever he was home, and not practising his lines or music, he was in the training room working on his offensive and defensive spells. Toni knew that even if he wasn't the Saviour, he would have to know these spells, since the Cortalioni's had a lot of enemies out there.