Nico looked around for other students. His father had mentioned that the school was large and confusing, but no one was to be seen.

"Lookin' for others? Everyone's inside already." Hagrid explained. "If ya had followed the others, you would've been too."

He rolled his eyes when Hagrid turned back around. So far, his quest was going along slowly. Nothing but getting all his stuff and looking for the 9 3/4 platform. Bastard of a father forget to mention it was hidden behind Mist.

Shaking his head clear of the thoughts, Nico continued on. He had forgotten Harry was with them, so when his voice came from behind him, he was beyond remorseful. His black sword was at Harry's neck in a matter of seconds. However, as he found out, he was a wizard now. Wizards have wands not swords.

Thankfully, the Mist was almost a part of him now so instantly a wand was seen.

"Ah, sorry. Didn't mean to startle you. Just thought you'd like to talk. You must be a bit nervous about all this."

Scoffing Nico put his wand/sword away. "Why should I be scared? I've been through hell. This is like a stroll through the park."

Harry frowned a bit. "I'm… sorry to hear that. Can I ask what happened?"

"No." With that Nico spun around to catch up to Hagrid.

-line break-

He knew it wasn't a good idea to let Malfoy find him. Hadn't been like he had a choice. His plan was to spy and gather information. Nothing remotely close happened. Malfoy had seen him and insisted on Harry missing his chance to go to Hogwarts. His home.

Gratefully, Luna had found him. While he was trying to be polite, the blood rush from the thought of not returning to Hogwarts drove him forward. Luckily, Harry saw Hagrid along the shore line walking to a carriage.

"Ha-"He stopped himself. Another body could be seen at the front of the carriage. A student? Late just like him? Could it be Malfoy?

The thought made him slightly angry. Soon as the thought came, it went. The body turned and he could see a boy with black hair, not blond.

Relaxing slightly, Harry wandered closer and realized that they were leaving. "Hagrid!"

His voice broke the silence that had befallen the area. "Harry! How are ya?"

"I'm great. Glad to be back. And you?" Harry said easily.

"Starving. Hungry for the feast."

Harry chuckled. Clearly Hagrid hadn't changed. As they kept talking, he noticed the boy Hagrid had with him. Almost immediately he scolded himself for thinking the boy was Malfoy. Malfoy was all bark but no bite. It seemed this kid was the opposite.

With a start he heard Hagrid call the boy Nico. A third year like him. What fun.

He forced himself to smile and put out his hand. An instinct he regretted when Nico's hand touched his. Again he forced himself to stay put and talk. "Nice to meet you. Are you a transfer then?"

Moments passed before Nico nodded. "From America. Heard Hogwarts was a better school."

Forgetting the awkwardness of his companion, Harry started explaining Hogwarts. If it hadn't been for the Thestrals stopping the ride, he wouldn't have stopped talking.

He noted that Nico hurried to get out of the carriage. Feeling slightly hurt he followed along behind Nico. His thoughts on Hogwarts and his friends.

-Line break-

This was taking longer than he thought it would. Foolishly he hoped he would be done in a few days, at most a week. The way it was going, maybe a year would go by.

'Not like there's anything else really waiting for you though.' He thought. He was the 9th wheel? Hazel had Frank. Percy had Annabeth. Jason had Piper. Even Leo had Calypso.

He smirked a bit, remembering what Will had looked like when he mentioned his quest. The look was more than Nico needed to pleasantly enjoy what few moments of happiness he rarely had.

Once again he found his focus waning, and forced it back. Mistakes were one thing he couldn't afford.

Although when he looked around nothing had changed. Harry had quieted down since his blunt refusal for conversation. While he did have to protect him, he didn't have to be friends with him. Or even like him. Or-

"We're 'ere." Hagrid boomed.

Nico looked up at the large doors as they passed through. What would Annabeth would do to see this? After allowing himself a few moments of amazement, he stifled his curiosity. Acting like a child would not help.

"This way." Hagrid called. He was surprised to see the man already turning a corner far away from him.

Casting a glance back at the other boy, he realized that Harry wasn't in sight. He took a deep breath and turned to catch up.

When Hagrid finally came into view, a herd of bodies blocked him. He swore slightly in Ancient Greek before combining it with Italian.

Quickly he found himself stuck in the group that passed him. The thought- be like water, go with the flow- reminded him of Percy in a heartbeat.

'Another reason I don't go with the flow.' Nico thought. He did however, in this instance, go with the flow.

As he walking or was dragged along, Nico realized that they were all first years. The group he was supposed to be with. Sighing, he started eavesdropping.

"Hogwarts is so-"

"I can't believe I'm finally-"

"-mother hopes I'm in huff-"

"Students! Your attention please!" At the front of the group stood a tall, black-haired witch in emerald-green robes. "My name is Professor McGonagall and I welcome you to Hogwarts."

The woman went on to talk about a banquet and a hat. She explained that the hat is for sorting the students into houses. Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.

Immediately after the explanation the students started talking. It was mostly what houses their parents were in or what they wanted to be in. Nico tuned them out in favor of examining his surrounds. With his ADHD kicking in he had to find some way to release the extra energy.

Within moments however, the professor returned and lead them inside. He hung around in the middle to avoid an unwanted attention.

When they entered Nico's first reaction was, way too much. Hundreds of students chattering with friends at tables and the illusion of a sky above them.

'Zeus wouldn't approve. Wonder what Hecate did to convince him…'

The group of students led by professor McGonagall reached a space before a few steps and stopped.

"Now form a line." The professor said.

Again Nico swore. As it was Nico stood in the middle, just out of sight from the tables.

He looked at the hat that was being placed on a stool in front of them. Seconds after touching the chair the hat began to sing. Once again Nico unfocused. The talent was becoming valuable. He could just lose himself until the whole thing was over.

Sadly the song ended quickly and the sound of clapping alerted him to come back. He caught an old man begin to talk. 'Probably the principle, or headmaster as they say here.'

"Students, we are happy to introduce a new addition to the third years. He is a transfer student from America. Please welcome him with open arms."

The man stepped back and allowed professor McGonagall to undo a scroll. 'Bad luck to whoever goes first.' Nico thought, smirking.

"Di Angelo, Nico." Sighing internally, Nico accepted his fate.

Huge thanks to those who reviewed. I really appreciate the suggestions. Hope you like!