Hunter at Hogwarts

Chapter 8: Will

It was a long day on the Argo II.

I didn't exactly know what to do with myself, so I spent ages just walking around the deck of the ship. Alone.

People always think I have a lot of friends- and I do. But they all have best friends, or are at least part of a couple. I don't. I'm not. I don't have anyone.

The only other person who was basically just a lone wolf was Nico Di Angelo. As I looped the ship continuously, every time I reached the area closest to the mast, I noticed him hanging by the basket. Nico still wore his black shirt with a white skull. Leaning over the basket, he twisted his skull ring.

Every time I even thought of Nico, my stomach buzzed like it was on fire.

Whenever I saw him, my body froze, refusing to work, and my mouth wouldn't stop moving until some stupid remark would tumble out of it.

When I fell asleep, I saw him lying on the lawn at Camp Half-Blood, slowly fading away. I could do nothing but watch as his body melted into thin air. Nico drifted through my fingertips, I was so helpless. All I could do was feed him ambrosia and bring all of my power from being the Son of Apollo down upon him, praying that he would stay with us. With me. It only just worked.

This dream actually happened. Last week, to be exact! Despite me warning him on the effects dark magic had on him, Nico had shadow traveled back from a quest with himself and four other people. Not to mention the fact that moments before, he had raised an army of the dead. No wonder why his body just couldn't take it any longer.

Now, I shook at the very notion of Nico retracing his bad steps. It was hard to contain myself. I had to bite back my feelings, because I wasn't sure what Nico felt.

He had a reputation for being unable to have any emotion, let alone express it. But he's not what everyone thinks he is. He isn't Hades' son. Not really. I know it. He's just lost.

Should I go up to him? But what if he isn't ready? What if he just doesn't care about anything I have to say? All these thoughts buzzed inside of my brain. I didn't know what the hell to do.

Slowly, before I had even registered what I was doing, I started to climb the rigging leading me up the mast. It took me a  while to reach the basket right at the top. As I clambered into the basket, I grinned at Nico, who groaned back at me.

"You really like it up here, huh?" I asked him. Nico shrugged. Then, I understood why. I gasped as I stared out over the gracious view. The height swept me off my feet as we soared through the cloudy sky. From up here, I could see the whole of the ship. Sure it was cool, but it was also alerting. Like I was always on guard, searching through the perimeter for any hidden monsters. I got the real reason why Nico was always up here. He felt like he couldn't have fun. Like he had to be the protector.

Pursing my lips, I grasped Nico's hand, pulling him over the edge. "Follow me!" I begged. Raising an eyebrow, Nico asked. "Why?" I noticed how he didn't pull away from me. That thought sparked me up.

"Just follow me, it'll be fun!" I demanded. Squirming, Nico shook his head. "I don't know... I think I should just probably stay here." That snapped my spirit and completely ruined any luck I had. I stammered something stupidly.

Eventually, I backed away. Then, I froze. I couldn't just leave. No, I wouldn't leave. Crossing my arms, I turned to face the Son of the Underworld.  "No." I simply said. Nico frowned. "No?" I nodded.

"Your a person, Nico. You're allowed to enjoy life. Have fun. Cus you're a kid. Don't think that just because of your heritage, you can just ignore us." I told him. I didn't realise that I was screaming until it was too late. Nico was lost for words, taken back.

Grinning, I wouldn't take no for answer. I pulled Nico back down with me. I forced him to follow me as I strode across the ship's decking. Stopping as I reached a room below deck, I entered hatching a plan.

Uncomfortably, Nico shuffled on the spot as I recovered various objects from around the room. It was a storage cupboard, and I knew that my siblings had placed lots of instruments in here for the opening ceremony display at Hogwarts.

However, I had another purpose for them.

Being the son of Apollo, music came natural to me. I could play any instrument without even having lessons in the first place.

Harnessing all of my power, I felt my aura glowing furiously. Every memory I had with Nico pounded into me. Just by closing my eyes, I could see his rare smile that always lightened my day. I'd see him fighting in the war during the summer, watching him bravely slash his sword through the air and his eyes narrow.

Every moment with the boy that I had classified as 'magical' urged my adrenalin. Even the little ones where his hand brushed up against my side by accident. Or how his breath often smelt sweet like the strawberry fields that outlined the camp.

It all flooded through me. I sucked it all up, before letting it loose in one giant blow. All the instruments hovered in the air, hesitating slightly before performing a perky tune.

Relaxing, I peered nervously for Nico's reaction. His mouth had dropped into an 'o' shape. "I didn't know you could do..." He couldn't finish.

Without even asking, I picked up Nico's hand. Electricity shot through me at the touch of his soft skin. I spun him round in a dance.

He smiled. Nico Di Angelo smiled. It grew to a laugh as we flung ourselves around the room. I may be good with music, but not with dance. Luckily, Nico wasn't either so we just messed around.

Then, the music changed into something slow. Nico began a small waltz, taking me in hand. I didn't know what to do, so I just attempted to copy him. I failed. It ended with both of us falling to the ground in a giggle.

Brushing the hair from my eyes, I asked. "So where did Nico Di Angelo learn to waltz?" Voice starting to crack, he said. "When the lawyer picked us up from the Lotus casino, he dumped us at a boarding school that was big on dance. Bianca was normally my dancing partner but..." Nico shrugged.

I struggled for breath, staring up into his glistening eyes. Please tell me I didn't just ruin the most perfect moment!? I begged myself.

Yet, Nico actually dealt with it better then I expected. He leaned in towards me. His skin just cm's from mine. I was rooted to the spot. Our lips closed in...

"There you are!!!" Annabeth thrashed through the door. Quickly, Nico jerked away from me. It stung like a bee. He was embarrassed.

"What?" I asked, trying to shove down my anger. Annabeth gestured for us to follow. "We're here! We've reached Hogwarts..."

A/N: You have no idea how fun that was to write! Go Solangelo! I started their relationship in Hunter, but I didn't progress as much as I wanted, so sorry about that! Anyway, this book is definitely going to be a Solangelo story. I promise!!!