"...English..."
"...Bulgarian..."
'...thoughts...'
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September 1st, 1993
Alexander stood at the small port looking at the restless sea around him. It was cold for this time of year and violent waves crashed against the pillars beneath him. The past few days have been hell for him. After he took Andrei home the boy refused to speak more than one syllable words. It frustrated him to no ends, but he let it go. Viktor and Sofia sent letters asking why he hadn't returned and not wanting to worry them he opted for slight alteration of truth. Covering Severus' actions didn't sit well with him, but he just ignored his conscience. During the day Andrei would shut himself in his room and come down only for meals, but Alexander let that slide too. Now, the boy was standing right next to him, looking a little bit nauseous, but still refused to complain about the impending boat trip… even though the only reason Alexander didn't take him by floo was to elicit some response from him. Noticing his clenched fists Alexander decided enough was enough. Besides, there were things Andrei needed to hear before he left for school.
"Bottling it all inside can't be too healthy for you. I wish you would just tell me what's on your mind."
"Not much. As a matter of fact, I'm trying to keep it as blank as possible."
"That's not going to work, you know. You will need that brain of yours this year more than ever before."
Andrei looked at him in confusion.
"Things have been set in motion this summer. Voldemort's return is just the matter of time and his followers are aware of it. Many do not bother hiding their allegiance anymore and I am willing to bet neither will their children."
"I don't think Voldemort's return would have that much impact at Durmstrang. England might freak out about it, but I don't think there are many who would care around here."
"You are wrong." A raised eyebrow was the only answer to that, so Alexander decided to explain."You already know about Konstantinovs, but they are not the only ones eager to serve him. Rangelov was a faithful follower to the cause too. So Valentin might have a slight change of attitude this year."
"He is my friend. I trust him." Andrei answered with a frown.
"You shouldn't. He might not want to act differently around you but most likely he will. There are plenty of others from upper years who might be forced to do the same." Alex noticed Andrei still seemed reluctant to believe it."The only reason I'm telling you this is so you wouldn't be taken by surprise or hurt. I am not necessarily saying you shouldn't trust your friends, just be careful."
"I will, I promise."Andrei thought about it for a few seconds. "What about those who are not Bulgarians?"
'"Durmstrang has always been known for less than subtle approach in teaching Dark Arts. Before you say anything, I know why it is necessary, I went there myself once, remember?" Andrei nodded. "However because of that it attracts powerful Dark wizards and students are easily swayed by their ideals and promises. It happened to me and a lot of others not so long ago. So, you see, Andi, Dark Lords don't care where you come from as long as you bow at their feet."
Alexander turned and saw other students and their parents arrive to the port. At least he had enough time to warn his son of what he might expect this year. Andrei still had a grayish tint to his face so Alexander put his arm around his shoulders in comfort and offered him a calming drought which he eagerly downed. They stood there, watching the water ripple and the top of Durmstrang ship emerge from it.
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September 4th, 1993
Andrei was glad to see he was right about Valentin, but what surprised him was that he had yet to talk to Rolf. He saw him in hallways and at classes but the latter always left before he could say anything to him. Alvin wasn't having much luck with him either. Andrei would spend his afternoons chatting with Alvin and waiting for Rolf to join them but today he realized they were waiting in vain. Rolf stood outside the runes classroom with a boy a year older than them who was obviously explaining something to him, but when they saw the two of them they stopped talking and the other one abruptly left.
Rolf frowned at them and if looks could kill they'd both be dead twice over. He entered the classroom leaving two stunned boys behind.
"What the heck was that about?" Alvin whispered.
"I think it's safe to say he doesn't want to hang around us anymore."
"And that's ok? Why are you being so calm about this?" Alvin asked suspiciously.
"My dad warned me about things like this, I just didn't think it'd be Rolf."
"Warned you about what? Our friend walking out on us?"
Andrei could only nod. "We'll talk later; we'll be late for class."
Despite his calm exterior Andrei thought if this was how the year started he didn't want to know how it would end.
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September 14th, 1993
Andrei and Alvin assumed their usual spot on the loveseat in the common room, their homework laid out all around them, but they paid it little mind. Valentin was sitting in the armchair across from them but he was deep in thought himself.
The common room was full, people talking and laughing together, some trying to do their schoolwork, but soon distracted by others. Andrei's eyes were fixed on one of those who were having fun. The fourth year student threw his head back and his deep laughter could be heard above the noise. Andrei was mesmerized by the sight.
"Planning to do something about it or are you gonna feast on the sight of him for another year?"
Andrei turned around and nearly bumped his head with Maarika who whispered in his ear. He smirked and it was all the answer the girl needed.
"Go, Andi!" she squealed.
Andrei stood up and took a deep breath. Alvin looked at them both like they were crazy.
"Oh, please, I'm begging you! Don't make a fool of yourself."
"Shut up, Al! He's gotta try!" Maarika replied but both of them had face splitting grins while they watched their friend gather courage.
Andrei walked over to the group of fourth years and said something to the handsome boy who proceeded to follow him out of the common room, away from prying eyes.
Alvin and Maarika high fived each other but Valentin frowned, picked up his books and left.
"What's with him?" Maarika asked genuinely puzzled.
"Think he's jealous?"
"No, I' m pretty sure he's drooling after that redhead from third year…"
"Tina?"
"Whatever her name is… Maybe he just couldn't focus on his homework?"
"Yeah, whatever… I wonder how Andrei's doing…"
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"So, what is it you wanted to tell me?" Mikhail, the handsome brunette, asked.
Andrei stared at the boy not knowing what to say now that they were finally alone.
"Well… I guess I…" Andrei stopped blabbing and decided to be blunt, "I've been thinking about you over summer. A lot."
"Oh… yeah, I know what you mean." Andrei raised his eyebrows and was about to tease the older boy but was interrupted "I mean, I've been thinking about you, too."
"Really?" Andrei asked before he could stop himself.
"Sure, why wouldn't I? And it's not like you haven't been painfully obvious when you asked me to tutor you in potions last year." Mikhail said in a raspy seductive voice.
"Yeah, well, I guess I wanted it to be obvious, but you never said anything… not to mention you refused."
"I had a girlfriend then, but we broke up this summer. And you didn't really need help.", he said gauging Andrei's reaction.
"So, it's alright to approach you now?" Andrei looked at him through his bangs.
Instead of a verbal answer Andrei felt a soft hand against his cheek and soon sparkling dark eyes came into his view. He felt his heart skip a beat before he became aware of warm, wet sensation envelope his lips. It was bliss and his knees would have buckled if the older boy hadn't wrapped his arms around him.
A few seconds later they pulled away from each other, Andrei still savoring the taste on his lips.
"Was that ok?"
"It was great." Andrei said.
"Then how about we do it again?"
Not waiting for the answer Mikhail raised Andrei's head for a better angle and claimed his lips. This time it was still gentle but more heated. He felt Mikhail's tongue on his lips and he parted them slightly. It was a weird feeling. Andrei felt so exposed but at the moment it only heightened his excitement. His eyes closed and he was only aware of that sweet tongue working wonders in his mouth. The next time he opened his eyes he was seated on Mikhail's lap and looked dreamily up at him, before those wonderful lips returned one more time.
Andrei lost track of time, and it wouldn't be until much later that evening that he returned to the dorm, not even noticing Alvin still waiting for him, nor the relieved smile on his friend's face before he allowed himself to drift to sleep.