Young and Old, Back and Bold

Chapter 29

Homework piled up as the days went on. Nico didn't mind it much as it kept his mind busy, as it kept the nightmares far away. But some thoughts still slipped through; the worries about Voldemort always seemed to slap him in the face at the most random of times.

In was after dinner one night that he tried talking to Hecate for the first time in months. He had gotten sick of the others blaming Snape, had heard enough about Quirrell being victimized. Every time he was near the man, the feeling of death washed over his soul.

Are you still there? Nico asked.

Until your quest is done, young demigod.

That's not what I asked. Nico sighed as he laid back on his bed. What is this? You put me here for what? To watch as the wizarding world goes into war?

You're smart, Hecate commented. As you can tell, no other wizards think that a war is brewing. Dumbledore, maybe, but Harry and those who will be in the middle of it are left oblivious.

It's Voldemort, isn't it?

I'm afraid so, son of Hades. I can't say much and I can't say the future, but that dark wizard is back. You need to protect Harry Potter.

I know. Nico closed his eyes. "Damn it..."

"Damn what?" Dominic asked from his bed.

"Damn you for always listening to me." Nico sat up. "I was talking to myself."

"Yes, you were talking to yourself, but you did it loud enough for me to hear." Dominic looked over from the book he was reading. "You know that, right?"

Nico took his shoes off before laying on the bed again. "Yeah."

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The days went on from Nico's conversation with Hecate. Soon Easter break was upon them, but all he did was cram some more and actually witness his brother do some homework. No more threats of Voldemort showed up but Nico was always on high alert.

"I'll never remember this." Ron let the book fall onto the table. The library had become their home lately, but it kept Nico further from Dominic who insisted on never doing his homework. Nico was surprised he hadn't already flunked out.

Nico turned to lecture his brother but stopped when he heard Harry's voice. "Hagrid! What are you doing in the library?"

Nico turned his head again to see Hagrid, who was very obviously hiding something behind his back.

"Just looking." Hagrid's voice caused Nico's eyes to narrow. "And what're you lot up to?" He frowned. "You're not still looking for Nicolas Flamel, are you?"

"Oh, we found out who he is ages ago," Ron replied. "And we know what that dog's guarding, it's a Sorcerer's St -" Nico clamped a hand over his mouth.

"There are a few things we wanted to ask you, as a matter of fact," Harry spoke, too far from Nico for him to also cover his mouth. "About what's guarding the Stone apart from Fluffy -"

"SHHHH!" Hagrid insisted. "Listen - come and see me later, I'm not promising I'll tell you anything, mind, but don't go rabbiting about it in here, students aren't supposed to know. They'll think I've told you-"

"See you later, then," Harry cut in. When Hagrid walked off, Nico finally let Ron's mouth go.

"What was he hiding behind his back?" said Hermione thoughtfully. "Do you think it had anything to do with the Stone?"

"I'm going to see what section he was in." Ron wiped his mouth before standing up, looking to Nico. "Who knows where your hands have been." He walked off but soon came back with a pile of books.