Winter break, was as expected wonderful. But also strange for Harry. It was the first Yule he had with a his Mate Tom. Tom gave him courting gifts galore, and he wasn't sure how to feel about it, of course happy. It was just a tiny bit strange somehow.

But what also made it strange was how quiet Draco and Percy were. They stayed super close, cuddled on the couches when morning came it when they came out of Percy's room.

Neville even spoke to him about how quiet it was between the two and everyone else.

But they seemed as fine as ever. Just quiet.

When it was time to go back, Nico had come to the manor the morning before heading off to the train. He smiled when he saw Harry come running in from wherever once he heard him. Nico didn't know why it made him so happy that Harry would do that.

"Nico! Perfect timing! There's someone I want you to meet." Harry says as he grabs amici's wrist and pulled him to the sitting room where Percy was sleeping against Draco who was running his hand through the black locks of the boy. Lily sitting in a chair reading, with Snape nearby. And a man Nico didn't know, he was tall, broad, brown hair and striking red eyes that seemed to stare straight at him without blinking. "This is Tom! He's a family friend." Harry laughed softly.

Nico smiled awkwardly. "Hi." He was able to say but that was about all. Dropping his smile as he looked away in nervousness.

Neville walked in then. "Oh hey Nico, glad you arrived." He smiled kindly, showing off his new features, he was a Druid. Partly anyway, it made him taller, and his eyes golden. His was only quick, probably because they didn't have a spelled castle trying to suppress it. Hogwarts didn't like the spell.

Nico nodded at him but stayed quiet as he was dragged to sit on the same couch as the staring Tom and happy Harry. Right in the middle.

Poor Nico.

*****

When it came to time to leave everyone was rushing, because they were supposed to leave earlier but seemed to have the time slip by without anyone noticing. They met up with seer Luna, her eyes were more milky blue now, which gave off a sort of blind vibe but it suited her. Her hair was also longer and silkier somehow. But they guessed it was do to the inheritance she gained.

Percy perked up a bit, ready to study for their owls for that year, ready to get his mind off of things. Even though it seemed it would be hard do to a certain Malfoy that seemed glued to his hip now more then before.

Blaise and Ron came rushing on last minute as Blaise had Ron staying with him and his mom, who was barely there. But they seemed to have nearly forgot that today was the day to go back.

Hermione having saved the seats for them all. As she was early.

The way back went by as quick as they left if not quicker with the sudden games of exploding snap or people throwing off small jinx's that ruffled hair or messed with clothes.

Kitty, Sapphire, cuddles and other familiars having to leave do to the house but it was alright as there's a separate cart for such reasons.

Even the trolley lady thought they were loud, but smiled foundly as they rushed over each other to get some chocolate frogs and such. Mainly Ron and Harry, but otherwise food was dispersed between the 9 of them.

Once back, a grand feast, and announcements that of what happened or what would be happening.

As they all were heading back, Harry decided to talk to Nico, by grabbing his wrist and letting them fall back. Loving the confused face on the younger boy.

Harry smiled at Nico as his heart raced in nerves. "So, um, I know who my mates are." He said casually as they started walking even though the group was long gone now.

Blinking, Nico nodded. "That's cool. I didn't think they could get all of that in a blood test thing."

"It does the whole magical thing. Your mates magic is intwined with your own, so you can feel their emotions and or thoughts. But it takes awhile for that to form, and they have to have their inheritance." He explained, citing what Hermione had told him.

Nico kind of knew what Harry was trying to get at but, he...actually all of them had such a huge secret. And he didn't get permission to tell them as they hadn't decided. They still hadn't decided if the wizardry world should even know about them just yet. It was on their list to debate about in meetings to come. But for now the rising threat of Kronos was first.

He didn't know why Percy said to get permission to tell Harry, but now he had his suspicions.

Nico gulped as his heart panged. "That's cool," he looked ahead not able to meet the innocent look of Harry's. He couldn't when he was about to lie straight from his own mouth. "I have someone I like back at camp, they're really cool...amazing at what they do and I admire them a lot. I don't know if I'll have mates. But I'm sure...I won't be here in Hogwarts for long..." he winced as Harry's happy expression turned crestfallen but angry at the same time. He had basically just lied about how he liked his brother. Nico did like Percy, but not anymore.

Not after meeting Harry.

"Right....maybe it'll work out." Harry seemed to spit out before walking ahead quickly. Nico staying back as he watched him go.

That night, Nico decided to sleep in the Slytherin dorms then chance seeing Harry before he was ready to.

*****

Pacing could be heard, even if it was a land that was all black, nothing to be seen for miles. The pacer screamed in and it echoed but nothing, not a sound was echoed back.

Suddenly a large figure towered over the very minuscule being below him. He laughed, and it reverberated thickly around them. The molten gold eyes stared down at blue. "What? Did you really think I'd be helping you filthy rats? Spawn of my spawn. Things that have no worth being in the world."

"We made a deal!" He screamed up at him, not caring he could be flattened in seconds.

"Yes, and we will have Percy Jackson in our hands. Dead or alive." He laughed as the mortal screamed in anger and started to hit at his feet with a dagger. "Oh Luke," Kronos crooned as he wiped a fake tear from his laughing. "I assure you. We will have fun with the sea spawn before that if his death."

Luke wept as he was left alone. Alone with a fake Percy grinning at him with golden eyes.