Meeting Of Swords and Wands

Chapter 29: Nico Takes a Cannonball

I was sleeping in my bed, enjoying the feeling of being out with my class and being able to do things like cuddle my boyfriend. Last night was an awesome whirlwind by the time everyone went to bed with several Gryffindors coming out, making Harry feel less anxious. Yeah, it's scary as Nico would tell you, but it's great when you have a social network.

Speaking of Nico, I had him in a firm hold as I spooned him. Thus, I could feel it when he turned over and started poking me in the cheek.

"Percy." He said, while pushing my cheek in. I groaned in response to the stimulation. "Percy." He said a little louder this time and started poking me even harder. Welp, can't go back to be now.

"What Nico?" I asked, annoyed. Gods, I may love Nico, but he can annoy the fuck out of me sometimes.

"No 'good morning'?" Nico asked innocently.

"No. Good mornings are for people who don't poke my cheek to wake me early on a Saturday when nothing's going on." I replied as I opened my eyes. Nico looked disappointed and tried pouting. It looked cute as all fuck, but it's not as effective as mine. "Good morning Neeks." I gently said as I kissed him. "Now, what in Hades is going on that you need to wake me up for?"

"We're going outside today." Nico said with a smile.

"What for?" I groggily asked.

"You'll see."

Why did I suddenly fear for my life?

But, after getting washed and dressed, I didn't have to wait long as Nico led me by the hand down the corridors.

"What's going on Nico?" I asked as I fought to contain my blush from having my boyfriend hold my hand and the resulting rush of energy.

"I'm going to teach you how to control your Mist Travel abilities." Nico proudly said.

"Thanks for wanting to teach me." I said.

"I'm not doing it for just your benefit. I don't want to be dragging your ass all over Great Britain." Nico dryly replied but carrying a devilish smile that made my heart skip a beat. Gods I love that kid, but I want to strangle him sometimes.

Finally, Nico dragged me outside into the crisp winter's air and led me down and away from the castle so no one could see us. The sky somehow turned darker and the threat of snow was about to be carried through. My boyfriend took me to a clearing where the castle and lake were far out of sight. I recognized the place as close to where the First Task of the Triwizard Tournament was held. Sure enough, there was a clearing in the tree line that oddly looked like the ring.

"Ok, Percy, you know how Mist Traveling works, right?" Nico asked as  he let go of my hand and turned around, snapping me back to the present.

"Yeah, it works like your Shadow Travel." I replied. "You have to see the place you want to go in your mind and your body will take your there."

"That's a passable explanation." Nico said. "You're right, it's a lot like my Shadow Travel. And yes, having a clear destination works. But, you can also move by simply willing to or wanting to catch up with someone."

"Like how you always appear next to Will or I." I added, remembering all the times Nico showed up someplace right next to someone out of thin air. More than a few screams were made.

"Exactly." Nico smiled. "You activated your ability by wanting to save my life during that fight with the Horntail. So, I'm going to help you master the skill. Do you see that tree over there?" Nico pointed at a pine tree 100 ft from us.

"Yeah." I replied.

"I want you to Mist Travel over there. Then, I want you to come right back here." Nico instructed. "On the count of three. One. Two. Three!"