Nick returned to France but he had hope he would return soon. He would never reclaim his old life; he didn't want to live someone else's. He'd reclaim his friends, and when safe and his eyes back, he hoped to see the manor. He wanted to see where his daddies lived, where they married, where he was born. He had gone to the manor, last time he had been in the UK, but he could see nothing. He knew he likely would remain in France, even after the war ended, go to school there. But he doubted he would ever be kept from it forever.

Nick had a number of visions, including seeing Molly, when he was in the UK. Poppy had come to visit, and thought it was a good move. Nick kept doubting his visions, sure he was using an animal, but there had been none in the hospital. Not even he could doubt it this time.

Adrian was surprised when he came down late to breakfast and didn't find Nick. "Where is he?"

Lucius looked up. "He is out in the gardens. He was up early, and had almost finished eating when I came down."

Viktor new it sounded surprising considering Lucius was always first. "It is even more amazing as he is alone."

Adrian was confused until he noticed Titan was eating in the room. "No one went with him?"

Remus shook his head. "I offered, but he wanted to try on his own. He knew to call an elf if he needed one of us."

Adrian sunk down at the table to have his own breakfast. "He counted, he knows his way, but he has never been ready to go."

He was not alone in being surprised, but they were happy he was doing it. There was something about the red heads Lucius thought. The twins when they had come visit the first time, got Nick to start leaving his room, and walking here And now a day after a return from seeing Molly, he was out in the gardens on his own, without even his dog to accompany him.

After breakfast Adrian went in search of him. That morning he and Nick were meant to go for a ride, as he seemed to have a good connection to horses. Before it had been about building confidence without his eyes, but Fleur encouraged it more, as a class as well.

Nick was listening to a letter; Adrian just heard the last bit. "Fred."

Adrian cleared his throat. "I hope I'm not interrupting."

Nick turned towards him, more by voice than anything. "No. Fred was just telling me Nick headed for school this morning."

Adrian came and sat down on the fountain with him. "It is the first. Does it feel odd not to be with them?"

Nick nodded and shrugged. "I can admit I am even missing have Draco around. I'm just glad you as well as Viktor and Fleur are still here."

Adrian squeezed his hand. "Not going anywhere. I am sure your nephew is happy to hear you'll miss him, as funny as it sounds."

Nick smiled. "The nephew part? Or the fact that he may miss me?"

Really both, Nick and Adrian thought, considering their past. For Draco it had all been a cover, he had to fake it, for his dad's role. Though Nick spent most of his time with his three tutors, he had a lot of time with his family, that summer. He had not only bonded with Lucius, but also his nephew and Narcissa as well. With Draco there he felt normal, he felt like a teen still, even without his eyes. Draco had returned to school, he'd continue as long as it was safe, though he had a portkey to leave at any time. His dad was of course known as a spy already.

Adrian reminded him he had friends, he and Viktor and Fleur may be teachers, but not much older than he was. He and Adrian were only two years apart, Adrian only finished school last year, and they played quidditch against each other for a long time.

Adrian had a surprise for him. "You were not the only arrival from the UK yesterday."

Nick thought. "You said you were going to have your hose sent for, since you planned to stay."

Adrian nodded. "Thunder is here, but he had company on the trip."

Nick stopped when he flashed, and this time he knew it was his own eyes and not the horses around him. "This is the horse from the manor."

Lucius' voice came from behind. "I told you it was the last foal of father's horse. You are the only one he will even allow near him."

They had saddle broke him, with the help of elves, who could get near the horse. But the horse had bit anyone, even Lucius, who came near him. Lucius' own horse was powerful, and hard to control, but nothing like this one. As Nick went into the stall with the horse, Lucius had a feeling it had nothing to do with his Hufflepuff blood, it seemed more a Malfoy thing, his father coming out.

Nick asked for a saddle even though the other two were anxious. "He didn't come all this way to sit in a stall. I plan to ride….what is his name?"

The train station was packed when Harry arrived. He was both nervous and excited to begin. He knew he had a war, and he had to live the life this other kid made, but still. He had every intention to return home when the war was over, he was American, and he would always be. But he had never had a chance at a normal life, not since he was taken from his relatives when little. He would go to normal classes, and be able to socialize, and pick his own food as well. These seemed so simple, but things he had been denied. He even had money for the train, and he'd be able to eat what he wanted, when the food cart came around.

Hermione and Ron were there. Ron didn't know the truth, and was in one of his sour moods, about his home though. Harry could not blame him, but his family said he was being an ass, about more. Harry was also reminded the brat was the one who had spied on the decoy for Albus.

Hermione came and kissed him on the cheek. "Happy to see you."

Ron grunted from where he was standing. "Whatever."

Harry looked at the kid. "You know I didn't choose to be in the house. I recall you were the one who sent letters telling me to come."

Hermione put a hand on his arm. "Forget about him, if he wants to brood like a hurt child, let him."

Ginny stared at Hermione. "You know your family was at risk, and so were you. And it isn't the first time either is it?"

Hermione turned to look at her. "Harry has never put you in danger."

Hermione led Harry onto the train, and reminded him Ron was angry, he had been stripped of his prefect badge, which was given to Harry. The decoy had been told, he had not been made prefect last year, because of his other training. It seemed Albus had got a lot of flak for that, and had removed Ron after he flunked almost all his exams, and made Harry. The decoy may not be as smart as Harry, but he had always done better in school than Ron, not to mention quidditch and the rest. Harry was told quidditch was going to be out for everyone this year.

They found Luna and Neville in a compartment together and joined them. Harry noted that even if they were brooding, the two red heads had joined them, and wondered what Albus had done to convince them. He looked at Neville, who he was reminded didn't know, but was warned.

Neville had a huge smile when he pointed up at the rack above him. "Gran bought me a new owl and a wand, she was so proud of the ministry."

Ron snorted. "So proud you didn't wet your pants like the baby we all know you are? She must have some pretty low standards."

Luna actually spoke up. "He did better in his classes then you did. He passed all but potions."

Ron grumbled and got up. "I'm going to find somewhere else to sit, not full of ass kissers and walking death warrants."

Hermione used her wand to close the door behind him. "Good riddance."

Harry was happy for Neville, he didn't know the kid, but he knew him to be a good friend to the decoy. His parents had been aurors, driven insane, during the first war. He had read the file, the kid used to have a toad, and his father's wand. Even the Weasleys bought their kids new wands, when they could afford it, and the Longbottoms had the money. It had just been as meant of as a sign of pride.

Harry asked. "So what kind of owl, and what did you name it?"

Neville smiled and was happy to be asked. "It's a barn owl; I named her Gilly, for fourth year."

Hermione smiled when she heard that. "I am not surprised."

Harry was a bit confused but he shrugged. "Your love of plants, a bit of an unusual choice though."

Neville looked at him. "Oh yeah, I guess it was Dobby who gave you some in the end."

Harry thought back, and realized the decoy had used Gillyweed in the second task, during the tri-wizard. He hadn't known Neville had a part; the boy had been given a book by Moody, and would have told Harry about it himself. Neville had always idolized Harry, and while he'd have never gone as far as naming his owl Harry even if it had been a boy, he came close.

Neville sighed when Luna was worried. "We spoke about it, after Harry found out about my parents. He knew I was upset, and needed to…"

an: keep up the reviews, story continues.