Meeting Of Swords and Wands

Chapter 32: Hey Dad

Nico and I woke up with a bit more energy today. School was out and he and I were going home! Home to my mom's blue chocolate chip cookies. Home to Canp Half Blood and it's many perils and home to our boyfriend Will. A small knot in my stomach formed as I thought about Will. Admitedly, I haven't spent that much time with him, but a small voice in the back of my head made me worry that Will and I wouldn't work out. But, another part of me was excited to get to know Will more because I've seen how well he's treated Nico over the year they spent together. And, I also reminded myself that this relationship was Will's idea.

Putting on an orange CHB T-shirt and jeans with my necklace proudly displayed, I quietly got my trunk ready and scribbled down a note to Harry wishing him a merry Christmas. I attempted to set it down on the teen's nightstand while avoiding the wrath of the model Horntail. However, my hand got cut by the little bastard as I set the note down. Silently, Neeks and I carried our trunks down the stairs, through the common room, and into the empty halls and corridors of the Castle.

After months of seeing this castle so busy and lively, it's creepy to hear our footsteps echoing off of the stone walls and not see any soul, living or otherwise.

"It'll be nice to be back at Camp." Nico fianlly said, snapping me out of my reverie.

"Yeah, it'll be great to get away from this for a couple of weeks and hang out with you and Will." I replied.

"Oh, I can't wait to see you two get yourselves worked up." Nico snarked. "Give me some peace."

"Aw, wittle Nicokkins dow't wanna be loved?" I teased, finishing with a kiss face.

"Shove off Seaweed Brain!" Nico angrily said as he pushed his hand into my face. I laughed a little and caught up with my shorter boyfriend and held his hand.

Finally, we reached the Entrance Hall where my dad's note said where we'd meet him. I wanted to check my IPod, but the battery finally died a month back. Nico and I waited for a little bit before I heard the faint footsteps of boots and the swishing of a cloak.

"Well, you two are up early." Snape drawled as he came into sight, appearing out of the shadows like a vampire. "And I thought you didn't have to get up so early due to your partying last night."

"We have a ride to catch." Nico offhandedly replied.

"Students aren't allowed to leave until tomorrow." Snape pointed out. I had a bad feeling that he wanted to give us grief for what happened last night.

"If you're here to torment us about last night, you can just crawl back to Tartarus." I said, giving the greasy-haired professor the side-eye. "Blaise had it coming and I'll have a go at any bigot. And I do mean any."

A small, cruel smile played on the potions master's lips, which only caused my anger to rise up. I slipped my hand into my pocket to play it cool. But, I could still feel the metal surface of Riptide.

"Oh, aren't we the gallant hero?" Snape said in a mocking tone. I gave Snape an angry look to force him to back down. The trick worked in that it forced Snape to look away from my face and stop circling us like the vulture he is.

"Tell us what you're doing here Severus." Nico coldly said.

"It's Professor Snape to you, Mr. di Angelo." Snape sneered.

"And it's Ghost King di Angelo to you. Though, my lord will suffice." Nico reminded with a flash of red in his eyes as he played with his silver skull ring, the symbol of his rank. "But, it's not like titles are important."

"And, I remind you that my father authorized this transfer." I venomously replied.

A dangerous glint got into Snape's eyes.