Young and Old, Back and Bold

Chapter 27

Nico pulled his robes close to himself as he looked out over the strawberry fields. They were warm enough at Camp Jupiter, but now that he was on the East Coast, he contemplated putting on the sweater Mrs. Weasley had made him.

Few campers were there, as usual during the winter. Those who were there were filtering towards the Dining Pavilion, dinner about to start judging by the smell that wafted over the camp. Nico took it in for some time, remembering the first time he had smelled it back as a kid. His first time being a kid.

He had just been introduced to this world of Greek gods and monsters. Bianca was alive, he didn't know he had a devil of a dad. Things had been wonderful, then. For a minute, he had been truly happy. It was his only true memory from the demigod world that hadn't had one bit of sorrow or grief.

He held that close as he stood on the Big House porch, tried to use it to not think about the other memories associated with camp. It was something he had learned growing up in the Weasley household, evidently. He had learned to think of Molly's cooking when he got scared, when he was alone, when he was away from home. He thought about it so vividly that he could almost smell it. And it had helped.

Now, Nico tried his best to use it to keep himself happy, keep himself calm. But he could feel the other memories trying to break in.

"Nico di Angelo." Rachel Dare stepped out of the Big House. She had grown, making him feel younger than he felt. "What they said was right."

Nico scowled as he turned to face her. "I thought they weren't supposed to tell people."

"Chiron found it necessary since I'm the Oracle." she shrugged. "I would have found out sooner or later. Why aren't you at dinner?"

"I could ask you the same question."

"I had to talk to Chiron. I'm heading there now." Rachel stepped off the porch. "Care to join me?"

"If you tell me what you were talking about." Nico grabbed his bag and walked over to her. "And every detail. I can tell when you're leaving something out."

"Even after all these years?" she asked.

"We shouldn't have to find out." Nico retorted.

"Fine, fine. You've got me." Rachel started to walk to the Dining Pavilion. "You're technically a senior camper so it's fine, though we haven't even mentioned this to Percy yet."

Nico instinctively reached for his wand. "What is it? What's wrong?"

"I had a vision." Rachel elbowed him roughly. "About you."

Nico rubbed his side, scowling. "You didn't have to do that. What was it about?"

"I saw you at a castle. I'm guessing it was your school," she explained. "It's a castle, right?"

Nico nodded. "Hogwarts. Now get to the point." He stopped outside the Pavilion and turned to her. "Before we go in, you're telling me."

She sighed. "A battle was going on. I had the sense that it was a war. Both sides were wizards."

Nico's eyes widened. "You're sure?"

Rachel nodded. "There was a boy...black hair, green eyes. Scar on his forehead-"

"Harry." Nico filled in. "Got it. What about him?"

"He was dead." she crossed her arms. "It must have been really important since...are you okay?"

Nico's pale face showed his worry and anxiety. As he turned to look at his shoes, he felt a sick urge to throw up. "Anything else?"

"No. Are...are you okay?" she reached out to touch his shoulder but he pulled away. "Maybe you should sit down."