Here we go, guys. I hope you enjoy it.

A/n. I've switched the scan day to Tuesday night for plot's reasons.

Sharing at least part of your burden proved to be a good move.

You woke up on Monday morning feeling much lighter than you had in a week.

As you prepared your bag among the other girls getting ready, you decided it was going to be a perfectly normal day, just like the ones to follow. Yes, there was a so-called scan and a Parseltongue test in the middle, but if anything those things were supposed to help and make your days even more regular.

The morning started nicely, you practiced the Patronus with Prof. Akagami, then went on to Charms.

Trafalgar Law sat on the opposite side of the classroom, surrounded by his gang, and never looked your way. Reiju exchanged a glance with you and shook her head.

There was a faint need to set things straight with him in your mind. Even if he didn't really deserved it, you wanted to apologise for whatever you had seen of his memories and clarify that it wasn't on purpose.

When the lesson ended and the students started walking out of class, you quickly collected your stuff and tried to reach him, since yeah, you weren't exactly the patient type.

Maybe he sensed it, because he hastened his strides among his classmates without looking back.

You frowned and pushed your way through, slipping in between Ravens and bumping into a couple of them, but were eventually stopped by a human barrier formed by Bepo, Penguin and Shachi.

Your expression darkened a little when you looked up at them, although apparently it didn't help bend their resolution.

«Move, guys.» you grunted, straightening your stance.

Penguin opened his mouth to reply but, before he could say anything, a cheerful voice interrupted.

«Miss L/n! How are you doing?»

You turned to see Donquixote Rocinante standing right in front of you with his signature grin. The Ravenclaw guys took the chance to disappear down the stairs and your mouth twitched.

Is this all a conspiracy to keep me away from Trafalgar?

«I'm fine, why?» you sighed, adjusting the bag on your shoulder.

«I just wanted to make sure.» the professor chimed, then he glanced around the classroom to make sure most of the students had left before continuing «I'll be part of the committee for your scan, so if you have any question or feel the need to talk to someone, feel free to come to me, okay? I know it can sound scary, but we're all here to help.»

Your eyes sharpened as you studied his expression.

You always liked Rocinante, he looked like a genuine person, but could he really be impartial towards you after what happened with his son at the tournament?

«I'm fine.» you just repeated «Thank you, professor. I have class now.»

«Of course.» he smiled «I'll see you tomorrow then.»

The Ravenclaw trio remained as a protective armor around Trafalgar for the rest of the day. After a while, you realized you had a Slytherin armor too.

Perona, Killer, Heat and Wire weren't letting anyone get too close and made sure to talk about any kind of stuff to keep your mind off dark thoughts. Kid remained with the crew but didn't speak much. He seemed still pissed from the night before, or at least in a serious mood. But he did add his threatening presence when Sabo didn't seem intimidated by the others and tried to approach you during lunch. You hardly noticed the whole exchange, since you were too busy picking at your sprouts, so you didn't see how the redhead stepped behind the Gryffindor and incinerated him with his amber eyes until Sabo decided it wasn't the right time.

It was only after the daily lessons that anxiety started to mount again.

Perona dragged you to the library for a study session and, after Kid left for his late-night telekinesis training, Killer forced you to spend the evening learning how to play Wizard's Chess, but your mind was so distracted that your pieces were continuously decimated by the blonde's.

Your friends watched you becoming less talkative by the minute and lost in your thoughts, but none of their efforts seemed to help. Killer and Perona exchanged glances and Heat tried to involve you in a conversation about magical creature power scaling with Wire (usually that worked), to no avail.

At some point you bid everybody good night and retired early. Perona promptly followed you in the dorm.

«Y/n, it's going to be okay.» she reasoned while you got ready for bed.

«You don't know that.» you muttered.

«Yes I do! You've faced much worse and you always pull it off.»

«This is different.»

«Yeah, in the sense that there's nothing actively trying to kill you this time!»

«Right.» you let yourself fall on the bed and covered your eyes with your arm «I know. I just want it to be over with. Thankfully I won't have to wait much longer.»

Perona observed you for a moment, then sighed.

«Okay. You'll feel better Wednesday morning.»

«Yep.»

Obviously, though, sleep didn't come.

You spent hours rolling in your sheets, over and over again, even after all the other girls were far asleep and all the lights in the castle were shut down.

Eventually, you grunted in frustration and lifted yourself up from the bed.

There was a thought tormenting you since Principal Whitebeard said you were allowed to be escorted by an adult, and although you knew it was insidious for your own mental health, you could not shake it off.

After all, what was the point of acting brave when you clearly were not?

«Screw it then.» you whispered in the darkness while crawling down the bunk bed.

There was a small, old packet shoved in the double layer of your luggage. Trying to move as quietly as possible not to wake the other girls, you retrieved it and slid out of the room in your pyjamas.

The common room of Slytherin had always been a little spooky at night.

It would have been pitch dark if it weren't for the blue-greyish glares coming from the depth of the lake. From time to time, shadows passed in front of the large window, but the black waters made it impossible to distinguish what kind of creature was swimming around.

Your bare feet touched the cold floor and you shivered, suddenly regretting not bringing a blanket with you.

The silence was absolute but you still sneaked around to make sure nobody was in the room before wielding your wand.

«Incendio.»

The numerous candles scattered on the furniture lit up, filling the hall with quivering shadows.

You kneeled in front of the fireplace, now beaming with flames, and held up the small packet.

It took a deep breath to calm your nerves a little, although your heart kept pounding.

Your cold fingers reached out in the packet, took up a handful of powder and threw it in the fire.

Please, be there.

The flames crackled before turning green. The heath waned off.

You grabbed the edge of the fireplace and swallowed.

Damn, I hate fire.

«Oh, fuck it.»

Gritting your teeth, you forced yourself to shove your head in.

Ashes and smoke filled your throat and nostrils but you still shouted the address as clearly as you could before breaking into a fit of cough.

It lasted a few seconds, then the smoke cleared out and you managed to blink the now weak flames away as a vision slowly took form in front of you.

A large office, with walls made of stone bricks, expensive tapestry, libraries, and an oak desk taking up the side. High and elaborate candlesticks stood at each corner of the room, sending feeble, dancing lights across the enclosed space.

You had only limited sight from your angle but a wave of relief washed over your chest when you noticed a pair of long legs crossed over an armchair you couldn't fully see, and that unmistakable yellow and orange suit.

«Uncle?» you called, hopeful.

The legs moved, the sound of a heavy book being closed and a familiar voice echoing in your ears.

«Ouu, is it Y/n?»

The tall man stood and you watched him walking by the fireplace. He calmly reached the chair and dragged it so he could sit in front of you, and you rolled your eyes at all the time he took.

«What a surprise.» he commented with his slurred voice, bending one of his legs and resting his foot on the other knee «Is everything well in Hogwarts? Did you cause some ruckus again?»

You frowned, the uncomfortable feeling of the fire enveloping your face making you wince.

«No, I didn't do anything. I just wanted to talk to you about this scan thing.»

«Ooooh, yes.» he tilted his head to the side «How did that go?»

«It's tomorrow, actually.»

«Mmmh, you could have sent an owl then.»

«You never reply to owls!» you snapped.

The tall wizard scratched his thin moustaches.

«I don't? Well, you know I don't do well with technology.»

«There's nothing technological about owls!»

The comment only caused him to chuckle.

You closed your eyes and sighed. There was no point arguing with that man, you'd known it since childhood.

«Doesn't matter. Listen, uncle B, I know I shouldn't get agitated for this, but... well, they said I could ask a trusted adult to be there, and since I don't really know what to expect, I was wondering if you could... you know,» you swallowed «maybe you could accompany me and stay there while they do it?»

«Mmmh...»

The wizard observed you from behind his lenses, fingers still massaging the sparse beard. His eyes didn't seem focused on you tough, but rather looking at some random spot in the fire.

«You know I'm a busy man, Pumpkin.» he finally said «If you wanted me there you should have asked earlier.»

You felt your heart dropping to your stomach.

«But I only came to know it two days ago, and–»

He waved your excuses off with his hand.

«Besides, you don't really need an adult for this. You'll be barely conscious the entire time.»

«Yes but–»

«And you've always been a brave kid, mmh? Or better, you're not a kid anymore.»

You opened your mouth to say something else, but you found yourself giving up before the words could come.

The wizard stood and walked to a wooden closet, from where he poured himself a drink.

«Would that be all, Pumpkin? Sentomaru is bugging me with this report I need to finish.»

«Sure...» your eyes flicked down «Just, uncle, hum... you don't think they'll find something bad, right?»

He puckered his lips in thought as he circled the room to come back in front of you.

«Hmm... whatever they find, they'll be able to handle it. Hogwarts has very skilful professors.»

Yeah, it's not them I am worried about.

«Also, since we established you're not a kid anymore, maybe you can start calling me Borsalino.»

You frowned.

«But Sentomaru calls you "uncle" all the time and you aren't even related!»

«Oh, that's true.» he chuckled before sipping from his drink «Well, it was nice seeing you, Y/n. I won't be home for Christmas, but feel free to use the mansion. Invite your friends over, if you wish.»

You sighed, heavy disappointment clouding in your chest.

«Fine. Bye, unc... Borsalino.»

«Bye, Pumpkin.»

You shut your eyes and pulled yourself away from the fire. After a few seconds, the flames turned red again and the heath slapped your face.

You stayed like that for around a minute, kneeling by the fireplace, fingers clumsily toying with the packet in your hands. You didn't even bother to wipe away the two single tears that ran down your cheeks. There was nobody to see them anyway.

It was stupid, you knew it. You always knew he wasn't going to give you what you wanted. And still you tried. Over and over again, since you were a little kid. With drawings, the first magic, the first good marks, again and again trying to get his attention, impress him with anything. Yet all you could remember were his long legs passing you by, a chuckle and a pat on the head. But his eyes never lingered on you.

Your blurred gaze fell on the powder. You might have as well thrown it away.

The telekinesis session ended even later than usual, that night.

It wasn't really a problem though, because Kid had a special permit to cross the castle after the curfew for his lessons, as long as he returned straight to his House. Of course he had bent the rule quite a few times, that was why Prof. Edward Thatch often insisted to walk him. For "safety reasons". Yeah, safety for the rest of the castle.

Either way, he was tired but satisfied as he crossed the gallery to Slytherin chambers. He was evolving fast. He wondered whether Trafalgar was just as good. Judging by the stunt he played on you during the Duelling Tournament, he was already to the point of using his tricks in battle.

Kid stepped in the hallway, ready to shed some light with his wand but was surprised to notice the crackling glares of fire coming from the common room. Who the hell was up that late?

A familiar voice reached him before he could turn the corner.

«...I was wondering if you could... you know, maybe you could accompany me and stay there while they do it?»

He didn't know why he stopped. Normally he wasn't the kind of guy that eavesdrop, and it wasn't his intention, and yet... that conversation seemed too intimate to be interrupted, even if it was just to cross the room and go to his dorm.

Plus your voice sounded weird, maybe... thinner than usual?

«Damn...» he lowly grunted, letting himself go against the wall.

The replies coming from the other side of the fire were muffled, but still distinguishable.

Kid didn't know who your uncle was, but he felt an immediate aversion for the guy. Who the hell he thought he was to shut you down like that? You, who never asked for help or assistance, not even when your life was on the line. Since he had met you, you always acted like it was normal to do everything by yourself. Now maybe he understood why.

It wasn't like Kid had a family to depend on, but he couldn't say he was alone either. Killer had been by his side for most of his life, and relying on him felt so natural he hardly noticed it anymore.

When the magic link was interrupted, Kid waited to hear your steps climbing up the stairs. He frowned when no sound came.

Slowly, the redhead leaned over to take a peek into the common room.

You were still in front of the fireplace, shoulder slumped, barely moving. Then he heard a choked sob, which had him jerk back behind the corner and flatten against the wall. Something crumbled in his chest and he winced.

«Fuck.»

Give him an army of troll, and he would laugh in their face.

But this, he definitely wasn't equipped for.

Okay Y/n, you've been dwelling into self-pity long enough.

You shook your head and took a deep breath.

«Oi.»

The low voice almost gave you a heart attack.

You jumped to your feet and turned in a twitch, hand clinging to your oversized T-shirt.

«KID!» you gasped, heart racing into your chest.

He stood at the entrance in all his height, the Slytherin uniform still hanging from his figure and his amber eyes staring at you.

When did he arrive?

You suddenly became very aware of the state of your face and your fingers ran up to wipe your cheeks.

«I was, uuh... making some tea.» you rambled, brusquely turning towards the adjacent kitchen «I couldn't sleep, so I came down. Do you want some?»

«No.»

Your brows furrowed. It was strange for Kid to be this quiet, but you didn't turn to him, busying yourself with kettle and stoves instead.

«Oh, okay, just me then.» you forcefully chimed «Goodnight!»

But he didn't go anywhere. You still felt his burning gaze stuck to your back.

«Is there something I can help you with?» you irritably asked after a few seconds. That really wasn't the time.

«Why are you so scared?»

«Excuse me?»

You turned to glare at him with humid eyes. Your hair was messily falling around your face and your cheeks were probably red, but you couldn't care less now.

Kid didn't seem intimidated.

«You heard me.»

«I'm not scared!»

«Oh, please.» he threw his bag on the closest armchair «You look like a terrified kitten!»

«Well, why don't you mind your own business?!»

«I would, but you're in the way of me going to sleep.»

Your gaze sharpened.

«Oh, sure, how rude of me to be here!» you turned off the stove with an angry movement «Let me get off your way then.»

Kid gritted his teeth as you marched past him, his eyes shutting briefly before he cursed under his breath.

«Y/n, wait.»

«What now?!»

You shot him another glare from the bottom of the stairs.

The redhead snorted and lost the black tunic, remaining in his pants and red sweater.

«I've never done this myself, so I can't promise it'll work.» he grumbled, grabbing his wand and motioning for you to approach «Now come here before I change my mind.»

You eyed the wand with a frown.

«What are you doing?»

«Come on, sprite, I don't have all night!»

A hint of curiosity entered your bad mood. That wasn't really like Kid. Or maybe it was.

Slowly, you walked down the few stairs and approached him.

«Okaaay, I'm here. Now what?.»

He grimaced, like he didn't really want to be there.

«Hold your hand out.»

«What?»

«Your hand!»

You hesitantly complied and he grabbed your wrist, pulling you closer with a curt tug.

You swallowed.

It was suddenly very warm in the room. Your face was heating up fast.

Kid peered down at you for a moment before his eyes darted aside and he scoffed. You noticed his ears were turning red too.

«Now don't talk and don't move until I'm done.» he growled «I'm going off my memory here, so I'm not sure what will happen.»

You looked up at him in suspicion.

«Are you gonna kill me?»

«Maybe, if you don't shut up.»

With a nervous flick of his wand, Kid killed off all the candles. In a second, the shadows from the lake were all you could see.

«Okay, now I'm pretty sure you're going to kill me.»

His grip squeezed your wrist and you gasped.

«I swear to god, sprite.»

You heard his wand falling on the small table nearby.

No wand?

Then he started.

A low, guttural chant that you never heard before.

Well, you never heard Kid chanting before. And it wasn't even understandable, that...

Your eyes widened in the darkness as you realized.

Gaelic.

Scottish Gaelic, to be precise.

You knew Kid could speak it, he sometimes used it with Killer when they didn't want to be understood, but you had no idea he could do more than that.

His voice was gruff and insecure at first, but as he went, it grew steadier and limpid.

The air around you became ticker.

More creatures were agitating in the waters beyond the window, as if the chant was attracting them. You could see their restless shadows multiplying on the walls. Then the temperature started rising, for real this time.

«Kid...»

He gave another squeeze to your wrist and you pressed your lips together.

Your heart was pounding again.

The merfolk of the lake were now responding to his chant.

The air began trembling, like an earthquake was mounting.

Instinctively, your other hand grabbed his sweater.

Shit, shit, shit.

Then his finger traced a few lines on your palm and his touch set your skin on fire.

You winced in pain and closed your hand but he didn't let you go. Instead, he repeated the same gesture on your forehead.

You tried to jerk away but he curtly pulled you back.

«Kid, what the fuck!» you hissed.

«Le seo tha mi gad chuir fo dhìon nan seann dhiathan.»

His hand was suddenly on the back of your head and he pushed you forward. Your fingers clenched around his clothes and something soft pressed against your burning forehead.

Your breath got stuck in your throat when you realized it was his mouth.

The pain immediately turned into warmth and radiated from his lips to the rest of your body, flowing down to your core and pumping through your veins.

«Cha dèan dad cron ort gus am faic sinn a chèile a-rithist.»

You closed your eyes, savouring the wholesome relief expanding inside you.

Then he stepped back and everything fell silent.

Like a switch was hit, the echoes disappeared, the temperature dropped and the air was still again.

But you weren't cold, nor scared.

«Incendio.»

You blinked as the fireplace flared back to life, the shadow of the flames dancing on the walls. Your eyes fell on your palm, but there were no signs on it.

Kid was giving his back at you, busy collecting his stuff from the armchair. By the movement of his shoulders, he seemed a little out of breath.

You touched your forehead. The skin felt smooth under your fingertip.

«Kid, you...»

«As I said, I never did it before, so I'm not sure it worked.» he muttered without turning.

No, it definitely worked. Or at least it did... something.

«And what did you do, exactly?»

«I just placed an ancient rune on you.»

Your eyebrows flicked up.

«How do you know this kind of magic?»

There was a pause.

«My mother.»

Oh.

The redhead hoisted is bag and tunic on his shoulder and swiftly headed for the stairs.

«I never practiced this stuff much, so the spell is weak and probably flawed, but it should hold for a day.» he grumbled, eyes fixed in front of him.

You almost had to chase him to get all the words.

«Yeah... and what is the spell supposed to do?»

His mouth twitched in annoyance.

«It's a rune for protection, it's supposed to hold until next time we meet. Dunno if it works though. I won't be in class tomorrow since I have an extra telekinesis session, so I will probably see you after your scan-thing.»

You froze on your steps.

So that's why he did it.

He must have heard the conversation with my uncle before.

You watched him quickly climbing the stairs to the male dorm.

«Kid, wait!»

«What now?!»

«Thank you.»

The young wizard stopped and shot you a glare over his shoulder. Then he scoffed and moved on.

«Tch. Crybaby.»

That night, your fingers were still brushing your forehead when you finally fell asleep.