Chapter 2
September 1st, 1992
Harry POV
The golden trio was walking trough the halls of the train, looking for an empty compartment. They had arrived late at the train station, and only barely caught the train. Which wasn't really anything new.
The last Days before school began again had been hectic, especially after the stuff that happened at the World Cup. Arthur had been working the whole time, erasing memories of muggles that lived near the hill that the Cup had taken place. And Molly - as good of a mother she may be - was a bit overworked with so many kids. So the drive towards the Train-station had been stressful. They had to turn back many times, one time because the twins forgot their Joke supplies, then Hermione realized Crookshanks wasn't in the car, and lastly Harry had forgotten his broom. When they finally arrived at Kings Cross, they only had 5 minutes to get into the train. It was totally packed, which was natural, considering they had boarded last second. So now they didn't have a compartment.
The twins had been lucky, Lee Jordan had saved them seats in his compartment. Ginny had a stroke of luck too, with Luna having saved her a seat in a compartment of 3rd year Ravenclaws. So now the golden trio had to look trough every single compartment, asking if they still had space, to no avail. Well that was at least until they reached the end of the train, where they found Neville fidgeting in-front of a seemingly empty compartment.
"Neville? Why aren't you entering?" Hermione questioned him.
"Oh- uhm... There's someone in there, and he looks like he doesn't wanna be disturbed... yeah... I think I'll just... stay here in the hallway..." Neville replied, still looking on edge.
"I'm sure he won't mind", hermione said, and pushed the compartment door open. Inside sat a broody looking teenager, around their age maybe? He had choppy black hair, and pale skin. He didn't look quite healthy. Well, maybe that was a bit exaggerated. The boy didn't look healthy, but not unhealthy either. More like he was recovering from something in a way. His eye color couldn't be seen at the moment, due to the boy having his eyes closed, leaning his head against the window.
Even though the energy the boy had around him screamed noble pureblood, his clothing was very... muggle. Dark gray (maybe black?) jeans, a black skull shirt and an aviator jacket. On his hand shimmered a skull ring, which was barely visible since the boy had his arms crossed, and the hand with the ring was away from them.
"Excuse me?" Hermione spoke up. The boy only opened one eye to signalize that he heard her. His eye was really dark brown, some would even say black. "Would you mind if we join you? All the other compartments happen to be full."
"Suit yourselves." The boy closed his eye again.
Hermione thanked him and they all joined the boy in the compartment, Neville rather reluctantly. Harry observed the boy for a bit. He had never seen him around hogwarts before, and he looked too old to be a first year.
"So... I haven't seen you around before. Are you new? And why are you joining so late?" Harry addressed the strange boy.
"... I'm an exchange student from Illvermory. I am here to represent my school for the tournament. My Name is Nico. Nico di Angelo." The boy, Nico, harry knew now, said.
"What Tournament?" Harry and Ron asked in unison. They didn't know anything about a tournament.
"You guys don't know?" Nico opened his eyes, both this time. "The Triwizard Tournament will have a comeback this year, after the gods know how long. The Beauxbatons and Durmstrang delegations will arrive around Halloween as i have heard, but my... headmistress has wished for me to spend the start of the school year at Hogwarts too. Though i do not see the goal in me participating, considering Illvermory has not competed before, it is a Triwizard tournament after all. But who am I to judge the headmistress's descisions."
Harry and Ron didn't really get what the boy was talking about, so Hermione went on a long rant about the tournament, it's rules, the death toll and how irresponsible it is that they are holding it again. Harry had tuned out after around 3 minutes, and he was sure the stranger, Ron and Neville weren't even listening to begin with.
——
For the rest of the journey Nico didn't talk much. He spent most of the time just looking out of the window and toying with his ring. When they arrived at Hogwarts he couldn't help but think that that Annabeth would've loved the castle. He had no interest in architecture, but he couldn't help but admire the structure of the castle. Maybe some magic helped holding it together?
A bit of the childlike innocence and excitement he used to have emerged. He felt like he was 10 years old, finding out that he was a demigod all over again. He was quickly snapped out of his awe by a loud voice.
"C'mon, follow me – any more firs'-years? Mind yer step, now! Firs'-years follow me!"
Nico glanced over seeing a huge man standing there by a lake, waving the first years over to him. A half giant. Nicos fingers twitched a bit, but he kept himself calm. Lady Hecate had mentioned him, and told Nico that he wasn't a threat. But after a whole war against giants he couldn't help but be cautious.
He contemplated if he should go with the first years or with the older students. On one hand he really didn't want to go near the half giant, or over a lake in any way. He knew Poseidon wouldn't get him, since this was Lady Hecates realm, but that didn't mean he felt comfortable with it. On the other hand he kind of had no choice. He still had to get sorted - atleast from what the gods had told him - and as far as he knew he had to follow the first years for that. Great.
With a sigh he joined a two first years on the boat.
When they arrived at the shore again he immediately got out of the boat. The way hadn't been as bad as he expected, he had to admit that, but he still preferred to have both his feet on solid ground, thank you very much.
The half giant - Hagrid, if Nicos ears didn't deceive him - raised a large hand and knocked on one of the castle Gates. A stern looking woman with her hair in a tight bun opened it. She reminded Nico of Athena in the way she held herself and just seemed to emit knowledge. The woman introduced herself as Minerva McGonagall. Huh. Names really had power.
Professor McGonagall lead them into a small room and told them to wait, before leaving trough another set of doors. Nico could feel the presence of ghosts behind them, but before he could think about it too much, Professor McGonagall had returned, and once again asked them to follow her.
The great hall was… well, huge. Floating candles, four long tables (five if you counted the one where the teachers sat) and an enchanted roof that reflected the weather outside. Nico let his eyes drift from the teachers table over to the student table. The students were grouped into four different houses (“Slytherin”, “Hufflepuff”, “Ravenclaw” and “Gryffindor” his magically implanted memories supplied). You could separate the students by the color combinations on their ties.
His gaze suddenly paused at one of the tables. A couple of ghosts were just sitting there, conversing with the students as the first years got sorted. Gods damnit. Nico did not sign up for even more work. Him and the ghost locked eyes, and Nico narrowed his eyes. Before he could do (or say) anything, his name was called to get sorted.
He walked over and sat on the three legged chair. The hat was placed on his head. Then he saw his life flashing before his eyes again. The day he lost his mother, the lotus hotel, finding out he was a demigod, Bianca’s death, Minos, Percy holding a sword to his neck, the first war, rescuing Hazel, meeting Jason, the second war, losing Jason.
The hat hummed in contemplation.
“A demigod, hm? I haven’t had one of these in a while… and a really difficult one at that… You’re smart, but do not bury your nose in books and try to be the best… You’re brave, but not reckless… You’re cunning and ambitious, but also hardworking, even if it is unappreciated by most, and loyal if your trust has been earned…. So where should I put you…?”
Nico was surprised. He had been sure that it would be Slytherin, without a doubt. But this could make his quest easier. Potters trust would be earned more easily if he was in Hufflepuff.
The hat had seemingly observed his thought process, as he announced his house seconds later.
“Are you certain? Very well then. I guess I will put you into… HUFFLEPUFF”