Third year was quite possibly the longest year of Apollo's life. Classes were finished, his arm was all healed and after all the excitement of the year, he was almost glad to be going home. However, Apollo knew that he would be quickly changing his mind in not even a week. 

Apollo was glad that he could use his arm again, although surprisingly, he hadn't gotten in any fights in the past few weeks. He would never admit it to anyone, but Apollo was slightly shaken by his encounter with Sirius Black. He also had no idea what Blaise had poisoned the Cauldron Cakes with that he had given him in the infirmary. That was the only possible reason as to why the sight of the Slytherin boy around Hogwarts didn't anger him as much as before. 

What Apollo did miss, however, was Daphne's guilt for leaving Apollo alone when he got attacked. It was nice not having the girl talk back to him and her carrying all of Apollo's necessities. Although, she did get quite angry when she realized that Apollo had played up his injury a lot more when he had actually been healed the day he left the infirmary. It wasn't his fault that Daphne was daft enough to fall for it. She didn't seem to see it that way.

So now, Apollo had to carry his own bags towards the Hogwarts Express next to a silent Cassius while Daphne had met up with her other Slytherin friends, pointedly ignoring him. 

"She wants you to apologize." Cassius muttered as the two reached the Hogsmeade station platform.

Apollo rolled his eyes so hard he was sure he pulled something. "Why should I apologize when I was the one that was attacked?"

Cassius merely sighed, not having the energy to deal with the other boy. He quickly boarded the train without another word, leaving Apollo alone. 

However, it wasn't long before a familiar Hufflepuff came into view. 

"Hey, Nathaniel, how have you been?" Cedric Diggory greeted with a kind smile.

Apollo inwardly sighed. Why the Hufflepuff prefect was always so nice to him, he would never know. But considering it had been a trying year and Apollo hadn't talked to Cedric since the attack, he bit down any snarky replies.

"I'm fine, I uh have actually been meaning to talk to you."

You would think it was Christmas the way Cedric's face light up. "Oh really, what about?"

Apollo swallowed the bitter taste in his mouth at what he was about to say. "I wanted to thank you for helping me after what happened in the Forbidden Forest."

Cedric nodded solemnly. "I'm just glad I was around to help. I hate to think what would have happened if Sirius had been able to finish you off."

Apollo shivered at the thought of it. He hoped he would never see Sirius Black again, unless the man was no longer living then he would in fact like to see that. He also vowed to never get a dog. They were tainted for him now. 

"Yeah well anyway thanks I guess and I'll uh see you next year." Apollo wanted to punch himself with how much of an idiot he was acting. Perhaps it would be good to spend some time back at home, it would remind him how much he hated people. Maybe he could even beat up a few people too, that would definitely make him feel better. 

Apollo turned to leave but just before he could, Cedric grabbed onto his arm. "I hope you have a good summer and stay safe. You can feel free to owl me whenever you'd like."

Apollo nodded absently, knowing full well that he would never do such a thing. But before he was able to push Cedric off of him, the older boy leaned in for a quick peck on the cheek before scurrying away.

Apollo stared at Cedric's retreating back in shock. He couldn't understand why Cedric kept kissing him on the cheek. He shook his head, mumbling something about stupid Hufflepuffs, before heading on to the train.

It seemed as though Apollo couldn't catch a break as once he had boarded the train, another familiar student came into view. Apollo couldn't decide if he was more or less annoyed by this face than Cedric. No, he was definitely more annoyed. 

"Hey Cerberus, you recovering from your little dog fight?" Blaise laughed at his own joke.

Apollo narrowed his eyes. "Do you enjoy being punched? Because you're really asking for it."

Blaise held his hands up in surrender. "No more punching, I don't want any permanent damage done to my beautiful face."

Apollo merely raised a brow, unamused by this entire conversation. "Well we both know that's a lie."

Blaise scoffed. "Please, the only thing that might be more beautiful than me is you."

Apollo's heart beat loudly in his chest and he clenched his fists in annoyance. If he wanted to take Daphne's advice, he needed to leave before he really did punch Blaise in the face. 

"Alright, I'm done with this conversation." Apollo muttered before turning on his heel and heading towards the compartment that he and Cassius always sat at. 

"Have a good summer, Apollo!" Blaise called after him.

Apollo looked over his shoulder at the Slytherin with a smirk, wanting to spite the other boy. "Oh, I won't."

Blaise just smiled.

↓

Sorry for the short chapter, but I hope this kinda wraps up the school year! Also, sorry if you can notice the change in writing style, my writing has definitely changed (aka gotten worse) but I hope you guys won't mind too much.

But that's the end of part one! Let me know what you think will happen in part two/goblet of fire. Anything you'd like to see in particular? I'd love to hear it!