THE EXCHANGE - Nico Di Angelo at Hogwarts

Thirteen ; A Surprise Ally

"So, what is this about?" Nico frowned at the Slytherin boy.

He had brown hair, with a splattering of freckles across his nose. He was taller and stockier than Nico, but had a baby face like Frank's before Italy. Eyes shining with excitement, he stumbled over his words. "You're Nico Di Angelo, legendary son of Hades and two-time saviour of Olympus right?"

Nico was taken aback. Of all the things he expected, this was not it. "I-uh, yeah, how do you know?"

"My mum's a daughter of Dementer, but we moved when I was younger to get out of the monster hotspots. We have Hephaestus TV hooked up, I've seen you and the other demigods broadcasted on it for years!"

"Huh, that's only slightly creepy." Said Nico.

"So, what are you doing at Hogwarts?" He asked.

Nico decided to be purposefully vague. It wouldn't do for this kid to go blabbing to the other students. "The headmaster wanted me here as a defence force. And, I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name?"

"Thomas Dappers. And that makes sense, especially with the whole competition and all." Thomas nodded to himself. "And know that if you want to ask anything, I'm always available!"

He hummed, thinking to himself. "Actually, I do. Do you know if there are any other demigods here? And will there be monster attacks?"

"There's a 7th year Hufflepuff, daughter of Hecate. A 1st year Slytherin, son of Athena. And a legacy of Mars in Gryffindor 6th year." Thomas listed off on his fingers. "That's it, at least that I know. There may be more Roman demigods but I didn't even know they existed until a couple of months ago. And of course, the ones that don't know of their godly blood yet."   

"Right, thanks. And the monsters?"

"I've only seen one or two on the grounds. I'm pretty sure they stick to the forest or are put off by the barriers. A couple of the magical beasts and creatures here have a personal vendetta against us though, which isn't wonderful."

Nico smiled a little to himself. He was sure that there would be an increased monster attack (he was a big three kid, after all). But the idea that it would be so rare brought up his mood substantially. "One last question, what is the mist like here?"

"It's very thick, but most witches and wizards can see through it. Because, you know, it's based on seeing what you want to see. And if someone is used to seeing the extraordinary..."

"Then anything else isn't much of a stretch." The son of Hades picked up. "Thank you for your help, Thomas. Let's go back to eat."

The other boy nodded, and followed behind him as he walked back to the great hall. Nico collected his food, waved at the younger boy, and sat down at the Gryffindor table.

"Where were you?" Ron asked, mouth full of casserole.

"Oh, talking with an old family friend." He replied, absentmindedly burning a slab of the food under the table in a spare goblet. Usually demigods didnt make offerings on quests, but he could always use a little godly luck.

"Huh." Harry huffed, and then turned to look at him earnestly. "Thank you. For earlier. Saving me from that hex."

"No problem." Nico waved his hand in dismissal. "I do agree with Moody, that was a dick move. Although it was very unprofessional for him to react like that."

"It was amazing though." Ron sighed, a far away look in his face. "God, he deserved it."

"I didn't say he didn't." Nico laughed a little at that. "Just, if a student did that, they would be suspended at the very least. And being transfigured sucks, take it from someone who knows."

Hermione stopped shovelling her food. "You've been transfigured before?" She asked curiously.

"Twice. Both times into plants. I hated it."

"By who?" Hermione persisted.

"My stepmother, the first time. And the second, by someone with a personal vendetta against my father." Nico told the truth, involuntarily shivering.

"Your own step mum?" Ron sounded appalled.

"Yeah, we have a... rocky past. My father cheated on her to have me and my sister." said Nico. He didn't know quite why he was sharing so much. But he supposed it would help with solidifying his friendship with the trio.

"Bloody hell." Harry looked at him in shock. "That's intense."

"Oh, you get used to it." He said, enjoying his food.

Hermione finished up and hurried off to the library (for what, none of the boys had any idea). One of the Weasley twins (Fred, Harry told him) took the recently vacated seat.

"Moody!" he said. "How cool is he?"

"Beyond cool," said the other twin, who must have been George, sitting down opposite his brother.

"Supercool," said their friend, who introduced himself as Lee Jordan, said while sliding into the seat beside George.

"We had him this afternoon," he told Harry and Ron.

"What was it like?" said Harry eagerly.

Fred, George, and Lee exchanged looks full of meaning.

"Never had a lesson like it," said Fred.

"He knows, man," said Lee.

"Knows what?" said Ron, leaning forward.

"Knows what it's like to be out there doing it," said George, impressed.

"Doing what?" said Harry.

"Fighting the Dark Arts," said Fred.

"He's seen it all," said George.

" 'Mazing," said Lee.

Ron dived into his bag for his schedule. "We haven't got him till Thursday!" he said in a disappointed
voice.

"He was an Auror, right?" Nico asked,  his small serve already finished.

"One of the best." Ron replied, jealousy basically vibrating off him.