Chapter 1
"Theo, are you sure you need all of these things?" Ilsa had just finished making sure each rune she’d drawn was perfect and now her nose was scrunched in disgust while she looked at the list of Theo’s school supplies.
Theo meanwhile was carefully folding some of his robes but glanced up at his mentor when he heard her question. "Oretta, you know that Hogwarts— well, wizards in general, aren’t like us. They have their special needs, just like we have ours”
“Yeah, yeah. I know that, I can even understand the eel eye or that box full of dragon’s blood— Yes I saw that.” Ilsa looked up from the list to give Theo a stern look but ultimately shook her head and continued ranting. “What I don’t understand is why they use wands to use magic; it’s not like the wands itself creates magic they just—“
“—Use it to channel it,” Theo finished, interrupting her. He continued organizing his clothes. not letting Ilsa’s familiar criticism stop him. “You know that. I know that…but they use them, so I’m going to appear to be the perfect wizard and use mine.”
Ilsa made a disapproving sound at that but didn’t contradict him. “You better not complain the next time I wrap you to prevent your magic from settling solely in your arm, then.”
At this, Theo did stop packing his trunk to look at the smug-looking Gheyo. “Oretta, that’s not fair! You make me look like I'm in the process of being mummified for days.”
“You better take care of your magic then,” Ilsa refuted, and as an afterthought she added, “And your wings too. Last time you came back looking like you—“
Theo didn’t let her finish. “Okay, okay. I get it, I’ll take care of myself.”
“Good. And by the way, never let Bahn or Bhindi look at those robes if you don’t want them burned.” That got a small laugh from Theo but he couldn’t help but get back at her from her previous teasing.
“Oh, really? Didn’t know we would be seeing them, after all these years—” A pillow thrown at his face and Ilsa calling him a brat under her breath shut him up. He continued packing his trunk, ensuring that his robes, shoes, and some other essentials were all in order but this time in silence.
As he moved on to checking his books, Ilsa spoke again. "Are you sure you won't reconsider, Theodore?" Her voice was laced with skepticism. After a few seconds, seeing Theo wasn’t going to answer her, she pinched his ear in retribution for ignoring her. “I still believe spending a year in the pits would be safer than going back to that death trap.”
His face twisted into a grimace, Ilsa wasn’t exactly wrong.
For starters, Hogwarts was full of moving stairs that while they may have initially been created to make it difficult to navigate to outsiders, now they just made more than one first-year get lost. And that was without taking into account the existence of one vanishing step; Theo had seen way too many people tripping on that particular staircase and knew for a fact that at least one student had fallen through the gap.
There was also the Forbidden Forest. Just the name alone suggested that maybe it shouldn't be close to a place with curious kids and stupid teenagers… but well, once again, Hogwarts.
For example, in Theo’s first year, some students were made to have detention in said out-of-limits forest. There was also a rumor about something killing a unicorn and an actual troll somehow entering the school. Despite said school being considered one of the safest places for wizards. And Theo felt he should also mention the three-headed dog placed in some old classroom without any kind of protection, with the headmaster's permission, and the rumors about a dragon hatching— granted Draco wasn’t exactly a reliable source of information, especially if it involved one Harry Potter, but still.
And let’s not forget that the ‘popular’ activity was flying around in a broom without any type of security measures, just ask Neville Longbottom, and having dangerous, enchanted balls thrown at you.
Then there was his second year, which surprisingly also had dangerous things. His third year wasn't any better, mind you, but that came after.
In the second year, there was the whole Heir of Slytherin and the Chamber of Secrets debacle. A lot of people were petrified, including the caretaker’s annoying cat, one of the school ghosts, and all of the school’s roosters had been killed as well. In reality, Theo didn’t have much to complain about his second year, except the horrible experience that was meeting and actually having to interact with Gilderoy Lockhart.
If Theo was now counting professors as dangerous things, he had to mention Professor Quirrell's stuttering as a danger itself, and the crazy Divination teacher and her supposed prophecies. A true danger to Theo’s brain cells, along with the idiotic old man who was the Headmaster.
Third year was… interesting. A notorious criminal somehow escaped from the inescapable— until he did it— prison of Azkaban and decided to go after his godson for some unknown reason. Thus, someone having the magnificent idea of deciding the best security and protection they could provide against such a dangerous individual was the protection of soul-sucking creatures, dementors. The presence of these creatures caused the students to experience overwhelming feelings of despair and fear. It was indeed a super safe year, if you excluded the cursed werewolf they had as a teacher.
Somehow, Theo thought telling Ilsa all of that wouldn’t help his case. He must have been lost in thought because suddenly, strong arms wrapped tightly around him in a bone-crushing hug.
This time it was Theo’s turn to sigh but he finally answered her, “I already know that.” His back was pressed against her chest and Theo’s words only served to make his mentor tighten her grip. “Oretta, I’ll be fine. It’s just one more year.”
Behind him, Ilsa growled quietly, “I still don’t like that you are going back to that cursed school.” If Theo wasn’t afraid of the consequences of implying she was capable of such a thing, he would have told her to stop sulking.
Instead, Theo tilted his head sideways to properly look at her and offered a reassuring smile. “Just one year left.”
After a few beats, Ilsa finally conceded, her voice full of resignation. “One year.” One arm freed Theo, only for a hand to firmly grip his chin forcing him to look at her glowing golden eyes. “And you must promise to contact me at the first sign of danger.”
“I promise I’ll be careful, Oretta.” Gold eyes glared at him and Theo rolled his eyes, receiving another pinch for it but dutifully repeated her words, “And I promise to contact you at the first sign of danger.”
With a last squeeze, Ilsa freed him from his hug and lightly pushed him until he was standing inside the meticulously drawn runic circle. With one wave of her hand, Theo’s trunk was closed and safely in his arms.
“Well then, you better leave now. We wouldn’t want the perfect wizard to arrive late, after all.” Ilsa’s voice was full of teasing knowing full well how meticulously her student took care of his image.
“Goodbye, Oretta. Talk to you soon”
His mentor’s nod was the only warning he got before the carefully drawn runes at his feet started glowing. He closed his eyes, embracing the steady and increasing Earth magic surrounding him. When he opened his eyes again, he was no longer in Nott’s Manor.
Theo made his way through the train searching for an empty seat. He didn’t precisely like noise, so it was a habit of his to find a quiet spot where he could read and think without anyone annoying him.
His peace didn’t last long, because an arm was draped around his shoulders and he found himself bearing the weight of someone taller than him. "Theodore!"
With a practiced ease that spoke of the many times he had done it before, Theo swiftly freed himself from Blaise’s hold. And, to his annoyance, he had to tilt his head to look up to dark amused eyes. It seemed like Blaise had grown during the summer, making him taller than Theo again. He sighed, mourning his lost chance of enjoying a quiet train ride.
“Hello, Blaise.”
They made their way to their usual compartment in silence, not trusting the open spaces for more than polite chatter. Thankfully it was empty and they didn’t have to search for another or share it with some first years. The sound of splattering rain against the window was the only noise heard while they silently guarded the compartment with privacy wards and spells.
"How was your summer, Blaise?"
Blaise started to rummage in his trunk trying to find something, but after a few minutes without luck, he scoffed and started undoing his trunk."Oh, you know, the usual. Traveling, dodging any dark curses that came my way, and, of course, burying a few step-fathers. How was your summer, Theo?"
Theo wasn’t impressed with Blaise's less-than-subtle attempt to divert the conversation, but he didn’t feel like calling him out either so he didn’t call him out on it. “Nothing interesting. Ilsa picked me up and we practiced my elemental control.” Theo watched as Blaise pulled out several sets of dress robes and even more pairs of shoes— seriously, what type of extension charm did he have on that trunk?— until he made a little victory sound and finally took out a carefully wrapped purple package.
“She tried to access my Third’s identity but was blocked, again.” Theo’s voice was bitter and full of frustration. At this point he didn’t even want to find out the identity of his Third, he had made his peace with not having any connection with his blood family long ago. He just wanted to know what type of person and of which status could manage to block Ilsa— a Blood title and a heiress of one of the Earth Clan Chiefs— and her connections from getting information.
Blaise absently hummed in response while he made sure, for the third time, that the black bow was perfectly placed in the package before presenting it to him.
Theo raised a questioning eyebrow at him but started to reach for the purple box either way, until Blaise looked at him from under his long eyelashes with sultry violet eyes and said, “For you, my Alpha.”
Theo’s hand froze mid-air and he felt his eye twitch. Blaise kept looking him straight in the eye and even dared to slowly and purposely bat his eyelashes. In moments like this, he appreciated his Oretta forcing him to train his element relentlessly, because he was sure if it wasn’t for that, Blaise would’ve ended up covered in mud.
It was his fault, his first year’s self’s fault to be specific. He should have been more careful with what he ate in public and where he preened, but in his defense dragels were supposed to be extinct on Earth, so he hadn’t expected Blaise to recognize the signs. He had ended up reluctantly befriending the other dragel born. Theo would never admit it out loud but he normally enjoyed Blaise's company.
What he didn’t enjoy that much was all the fake gifts and courtship jokes. Blaise thought it was funny though, and enjoyed embarrassing him— especially in public— so Theo counted his blessings that at least this time it was only them. He snatched the package from the awaiting hands, trying not to blush, but Blaise’s satisfied smile meant he had failed.
Not for the first time. Theo cursed his pale complexion. Luckily, Blaise took pity on Theo and decided to stop teasing him. Instead he leaned forward, lowering his voice conspiratorially despite being alone and the compartment and surrounded by protective spells. “Well, you heard the rumors, right?” When he looked at Theo’s blank expression, he muttered under his breath and started again, “Did you at least hear what happened at the Quidditch World Cup?”
When he shook his head, Blaise groaned and muttered something Theo wasn’t able to understand before he began explaining what Blaise thought was a quick summary of the important events of the summer. “Well, for starters it was an unfair result, Bulgaria should have won. Ireland didn’t exactly play a bad game but they shouldn’t have been the victors. Least of all with their seeker's performance. Krum was clearly superior throughout the whole game— if it wasn’t for Ireland’s chasers Bulgaria would have won. At some point in the game, there was some kind of fight between team mascots and it was honestly one of the saddest things I have ever seen…I don’t know if I appreciated the omnioculars at that moment because it was sort of pathetic and, contrary to popular belief, I don’t enjoy watching undignified things. Honestly, don’t veela have some pride? Lowering themselves to throwing handfuls of fire at the leprechauns. I mean really, their dignity disappeared as fast as the leprechaun gold. And don’t get me started on the price of the tickets, Draco mentioned theirs cost at least seven peaco—”
“Blaise, focus! And for Ergen’s love, please stop spreading rumors about Lucius Malfoy being an albino peacock dealer.”
Blaise scoffed at that and muttered something that suspiciously sounded like they aren’t rumors if it's the truth, but Theo didn’t have enough sanity to have that conversation again, so he just feigned deafness and waited for Blaise to continue.
“Well, it seemed like it ended up like usual, with what appeared to be a fight between the fanatics and lots of screaming. It turned out to be an attack from some unconvicted Death Eaters, with the Dark Mark floating in the air and everything. I even heard–”
Theo meanwhile, at Blaise's insistent look, had started opening the gift that turned out to be a box full of chocolates, something often used as a courting gift. Ignoring that connotation Theo started pulling the different sweets from it. He identified cauldron cakes, chocolate frogs, and sugar quills but there were some he didn’t know. All in all, it looked like Blaise had robbed the nearest candy store.
He decided that since Blaise had had his fun teasing him, he was going to at least get something out of it. Rummaging through the sweets, he ended up deciding on a round unnamed sweet that seemed to be made from dark chocolate. He unwrapped it from the packaging and was close to biting it when Blaise stopped talking to quickly snatch the sweet from him, plunking it in his mouth. Theo glared at him for stealing his chocolate and it was only after Blaise had swallowed it and winked at him that he offered an explanation. “Mom’s homemade recipe”
Mrs Zabini's history of being widowed multiple— seven— times, all of them by suspicious causes, wasn’t exactly a secret. It was a topic he never dared to broach with Blaise. They had some kind of unspoken pact about it. Theo didn’t ask and Blaise never shared. Just like he had never explained why he was a dragel at his age. Still, Theo couldn’t help but wonder about Blaise’s home life. He knew what Blaise was doing, it wasn’t that uncommon to try to build immunity to large doses of poison by prior ingestion of gradually increased doses. But, was it a choice he willingly made, or was it born from an environment that demanded such precautions?
Yet, for all the curiosity that gnawed at him, Theo respected the unspoken boundaries between him and Blaise. The practice of Mithridatism, although intriguing, remained a part of Blaise's life he chose to keep private.
So that was it. Blaise continued to explain to him the gossip of the summer and Theo went back to searching for a new sweet. This time he chose a chocolate frog, he hoped this one wasn’t secretly poisoned. “–legend, others say he's a former Auror. And he's a bit eccentric, they say."
Theo raised an eyebrow at that. "Eccentric? That's a polite way of saying he's completely mad."
Blaise chuckled at that. "You might be onto something there, Theo. But here’s the best part: they say his eye, the magical one— I bet his regular one can’t even see his wand— can see through any object. Which seems quite a bit illegal but what would I know… surely the Aurors would have done something about it if it was.”
Theo couldn't help but find Blaise’s sarcasm rather amusing. "Well, I suppose it'll be an interesting year. I just hope he knows what he's doing when it comes to Defense Against the Dark Arts."
“Yeah, you don’t have to worry about it being interesting. The Triwizard Tournament is being hosted at Hogwarts this year."
Theodore's eyes widened in surprise. The Triwizard Tournament was a prestigious and dangerous magical competition that was held between the three largest wizarding schools in Europe—Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. The tournament was known for its deadly tasks and had been held at Hogwarts only a handful of times.
"That's... unexpected," Theodore remarked. "It's been ages since Hogwarts hosted the tournament. "
“It has been ages since the last time it was hosted at all, and for a good reason. I don’t think there’s ever been one when someone didn’t die, in fact, there had been times when multi–”
Theo absentmindedly listened to Blaise ramble about the dangers of the previous tournaments while he opened his chocolate frog causing Blaise to smirk. "Another Dumbledore card, perhaps? If it is, I swear I'll burn it."
He unwrapped the Chocolate Frog praying it wasn’t another one of the old headmasters. To his relief, it wasn't Albus Dumbledore. Instead, he gazed at the card, and unknowingly to him, his expression softened, a soft smile tugging at his lips.
Blaise, noticing his friend's reaction, couldn't resist his curiosity, a wicked smile spreading across his face. "Well, what did you get? Another Merlin or maybe a Grindelwald?"
Seeing Theo wasn’t going to answer him, too focused on the moving figure painted in the card, he tried to take the card from his hands only for it to be moved at the last second. “Seriously, what did you get that has you blushing and making gooey eyes?”
Once again he received no answer so Blaise, incapable of containing his curiosity, leaned over again and this time he managed to snatch the Chocolate Frog card from his hand. "Let me see that."
Theodore protested, but Blaise was already examining the card closely. His laughter died down as he stared at the painted face of a certain dark-haired wizard, with a lightning bolt scar on his forehead, and piercing green eyes— Harry Potter.
"Blaise, give it back," Theodore said, his voice a mix of embarrassment and annoyance.
"Harry Potter? Really, Theo? You have a crush on him now?"
Theodore's cheeks turned an even deeper shade of crimson, and he stammered, "I didn't say that I have a crush on him. It's just that..."
Blaise didn't let him off the hook and continued to tease, "Just that what, Theo? You want to be the next chosen one or something? Oh wait, you want to be his chosen one?"
Theo opened his mouth probably to deny what they both knew was the truth but Blaise handed the card back to him with a knowing smile, interrupting what he was going to say. "Well, who am I to judge? Just remember, Theo, you can admire from afar, but you deserve someone who can admire you in return."
Theo, still flustered and caught off guard by Blaise's teasing, took the card back and hastily stowed it away in his robes. He mumbled a half-hearted comeback, "You're impossible, Blaise," and busied himself with organizing the rest of his school supplies.
Blaise, undeterred by Theodore's protests, leaned back in his seat with a grin. "You know, Theo, it's not every day I catch you blushing over a Chocolate Frog card. I might need to document this moment for historical purposes."
Theodore shot him a playful glare, but there was a fondness in his eyes. "Just drop it, Blaise. It's not a big deal."
Blaise, always one to enjoy pushing buttons, persisted. "So, are you going to start collecting Harry Potter memorabilia now? Perhaps a Potter poster for your dormitory?"
Theo rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. "You're insufferable. And no, I'm not turning my dormitory into a Harry Potter shrine."
Blaise chuckled at Theodore's response, thoroughly entertained by his friend's discomfort. "Well, well, Theo… who would've thought our stoic and composed Theodore Nott harbored a secret admiration for the Boy-Who-Lived? Maybe memorabilia is not so far off;you should ask for an autograph when you inevitably see him again at Hogwarts."
Theo sighed, realizing that there was no escaping Blaise's playful banter, and rolled his eyes again. "Just drop it, Blaise. I don't need your commentary on my choice of Chocolate Frog cards or hypothetical crushes."
“What do you mean? Shouldn’t I also approve of our future intended, Alpha?” Theo’s groan was muffled by his hands and Blaise's laugh echoed through the compartment.