Kurt tossed and turned his whole first night at Hogwarts with dreams of his last school haunting him. Startled awake the third time he sat up and pulled the curtains back from his bed. Out the window he could see light coming just above the tree line. With a deep breath, Kurt stooped down next to his bed to pick an outfit for the day. It wasn’t until he saw his gold and crimson tie on the table on his left that he remembered the uniform. Grabbing his robes and toiletries he walked quietly to the bathroom on the right. After locking the door, he turned on the shower and stepped in. The warm water cascaded over him skin. Kurt stretched and hummed to himself trying to wash away the nightmares. The memories daunted his mind for only a few minutes, before Kurt pushed them to the back of his mind. He had more important things to think of, like his first day of classes. Shutting off the water ten minutes later he started his extensive morning skin care routine. Twenty minutes in a knock sounded on the door.

“Kurt?” Finn asked through the wooden door. “Are you almost done? Cause the rest of us kind of need the bathroom too.”

“Yeah, I’ll be out in just a minute.” Kurt called to his brother. He quickly finished his regime and got dressed. Walking out of the bathroom five heads turned to look at him.

“Took you long enough.” Peter grumbled as he pushed past Kurt into the bathroom. “What were you doing in there anyways?” he asked before closing the door.

“Oh, give it a rest Peter it’s his first morning.” Nick said, still focused on the book he was reading since Kurt exited the bathroom. Nick looked up to see Kurt’s head down looking a bit nervous. He quickly put down his book and moved to stand in front of him, while the others turned back to getting ready for their morning. “Hey,” Kurt looked up, “Don’t worry about Peter. He always has a broom up his ass in the morning, or well any time of day.”

“Thanks Nick.” Kurt said smiling at the brunette. “It’s just going to take some getting used to.”

“How so?” Nick asked as they both walked to Kurt’s bed. Nick sat down while Kurt busied himself with pulling his belongings together and packing his papers into his satchel.

“Well, I had my own bathroom at home and I certainly didn’t have any roommates. Plus the uniforms...” Kurt trailed off as he picked lint off of the robes. Nick chuckled. Another laugh came from behind Kurt and he turned to see Blaine sprawled out on his back on his bed. His hair was slicked back with far too much gel, by Kurt’s or anyone else’s standards. Blaine was already changed into his robes, but they were askew as he leaned against his pillow reading from his Care for Magical Creatures book. His glasses perched at the end of his nose. As Kurt took in Blaine’s appearance, he didn’t notice everyone else in the room leaving and heading to breakfast.

‘My god is this boy gorgeous.’ Normally Kurt wouldn’t think the messy style could look good on anyone, but Blaine put a swift death to that theory. Blaine looked up at Kurt.

“Well the uniforms can be good sometimes. Plus not everyone can pull off Alexander McQueen black knee high boots like you can.” With a wink Blaine rolled off his bed and started packing up his own bag. Kurt’s eyes went wide.

“You knew I was wearing Alexander McQueen?” Kurt sounded shocked.

“Of course I did silly. I even know they were from this seasons collection.” Blaine said with his head in one of his bedside drawers.

“Very impressive.” Kurt said. When Blaine turned back and smiled at him Kurt could not help, but laugh.

“What?” Blaine asked looking down at himself, as if to check if something funny was on his robes.

“Oh nothing.” Kurt teased in a sing song voice as he grabbed his bag.

“What? What’s so funny?” Kurt started walking towards the door to leave. Blaine grabbed his bag and ran around his bed to catch up to Kurt. When he caught Kurt at the door he grabbed his sides and started tickling him.

“Blaine!” Kurt screeched as he started cracking up into fits of laughter. “Blaine! Blaine... stop... that really... tickles!”

“Tell me what’s so funny Kurt and I’ll stop.” Blaine laughed with him.

“Fine, fine. I give.” Blaine stopped tickling Kurt and stepped back admiring the boy in front of him.

Kurt turned around, breathing a little heavily trying to catch his breath. “I was laughing because you look so dapper with your hair slicked back.” Blaine blushed. “And I also didn’t know that our ties also came in bow tie form.” Blaine’s hand lifted to touch his favorite accessory with a fake hurt look on his face.

“I’m both flattered and wounded.” Blaine said.

“I’m sorry.”Kurt said grinning.

“You are forgiven. And as an apology for my tickle attack may I escort you to the Great Hall for breakfast?” Blaine asked.

After being stunned by Blaine’s vibrant honey hazel brown eyes Kurt answered “ You may.” blushing. Blaine led Kurt down the hall and stairs, past many curious looks froms students hanging around in the common room and out the portrait doorway. They walked side by side with their bags over their shoulders and hands almost touching. Their trek to the Great Hall was spent mostly by asking questions about each other. Kurt learned that Blaine’s last name was Anderson, he had been going to Hogwarts since he was eleven, he had a good relationship with both his parents, and was pretty good in his Defense Against the Dark Arts class. In return, Blaine learned Kurt’s last name was Hummel, he had a sharp fashion sense, he was very close with his family, but when he tried asking about Kurt’s last school Kurt looked away and changed the subject. Blaine could tell something was wrong, but didn’t push. After more talking they got to the Great Hall. Jeff waved them over to two empty seats across from him and Nick at the Gryffindor table. As they walked Kurt waved at Mercedes and Rachel, who were sitting at their own houses tables. Blaine and Kurt sat down across from Jeff and Nick.

“So, did you two take full advantage of the dorm room when we all left?” Jeff asked winking at the boys. Nick elbowed Jeff in the side. “Ouch! Nicky, it’s an honest question.” Blaine glared at Jeff before starting to eat. Kurt (after his severely pink blush from Jeff’s question) started talking to Nick about the classes he was going to that day.

“I have Defense Against the Dark Arts this morning and Charms later this afternoon right before dinner.” Kurt said picking at his fruits salad.

“Darn. Wish we had class together today. Oh, well at least I’ll see you at least we can talk later about the party next week.” Nick said as he picked up his copy of the Daily Prophet.

“There’s a party?” Kurt asked curiously.

“Yeah, Blaine didn’t tell you?” Kurt shot the dapper boy a diva look to find him chatting with Jeff about Quidditch. “Anyways. There’s a trail leading to a small beach at the edge of the Black Lake that the upperclassmen have a party on each year to kick off the school year, even though it’s already been a few weeks. As fifth years, this will be the first time we’ll be allowed to go.” Nick explained.

“And the teachers don’t care?” Kurt asked munching on some toast.

“They know it happens every year so they don’t try and stop it anymore. All we have to do is make sure none of the alcohol is left behind or we’re all busted and get detention with Filch.” Nick said before Jeff cut in.

“But the party can be really fun to see you can make skinny dip in the lake when their shnockered.” Jeff said laughing.

“But, you don’t have to go.” Blaine said quickly to Kurt.

“Are you?” Kurt asked quietly.

“I was planning on it.” Blaine smiled. Kurt melted a little under the warm gaze. The three boys looked expectantly, waiting for his answer.

“Alright. I’m in.” Kurt said. All three of the Gryffindors cheered, drawing looks from the students around them. Finn got up from his seat at the Ravenclaw table on the left, next to Rachel, and walked over.

“What are you guys up to?” He asked, sliding between Blaine and Kurt. Much to both of their disliking.

“Kurt just agreed to go to the party next week with us.” Jeff said before he started nibbling at Nick’s ear. The brunette pushed him away playfully. Undeterred, Jeff kept up with the public display of affection and the two got wrapped up in their own world.

“Kurt, I don’t think you should go.” Finn said to Kurt. Kurt looked up at his step-brother.

“And why not.” Kurt asked with a bit of attitude.

“There’s going to be drinking and the parties here can get pretty crazy. Maybe you should hang back.” Finn said as he grabbed food and piled them onto a plate that appeared in front of him, oblivious to Kurt’s eyes narrowing. The three unrelated boys all slid away from the two as Kurt turned an icy glare onto Finn. Finn dumbly looked at the other boys reaction and then back at Kurt. He started to slide away to with wide eyes. “What? What did I do?”

“Contrary to many people’s beliefs, I am not a fragile person. I can handle myself. Far better then you can most of the time, Finn. So, don’t make me seem like a delicate little flower that needs to be kept back or protected. I’m not like I used to be anymore and you damn well better remember that.” Kurt finished with a huff, stood up, grabbed his bag, and marched out of the hall. All four boys sat dumbstruck.

“I’m tempted to applaud.” Nick said, staring after Kurt wide eyed admiration of the display.

“I’m with you on that Nicky.” Jef said, also staring at the door.

“What just happened?” Finn asked before shaking his head in confusion.

“Kurt!” Blaine shouted as he stood up and ran out the door. “Kurt, wait up!” Blaine looked to his right then left. He caught a glimpse of Kurt’s stylish black boots going around the corner at the end of the hallway on his left. Blaine quickly ran after them. When he turned the next corner, Kurt seemed to have disappeared. They still had thirty minutes before class so, he started searching, but after searching almost all the the castle surrounding the Great Hall Blaine came up empty. With ten minutes left he started wandering. He came to a hallway barely used by the students or faculty. As he passed by a seemingly empty wall he heard scratching. Looking around, Blaine saw the wall coming life. It shifted, curved, and carved. Creating a door. Pushing it open, Blaine walked in and took in the surroundings. The walls reminded him of someone’s bedroom. They were warm and had pictures on them of people he didn’t know. Unlike the rest of the pictures in the castle, these didn’t move. Blaine leaned in and looked at one. It was of a boy sitting at a small table with a man. Both were smiling and looked to be having a tea party.

“It’s my dad and I” a voice came from the brown leather couch in the middle of the room. Blaine spun the see Kurt sitting with his knees to his chest facing the left wall.

“You both look really happy.” Blaine said as he moved towards Kurt and sat on the other end of the couch. A faint smile grew on Kurt’s face, but he didn’t meet Blaine’s eyes.

“So, what did Nick and Jeff say after I left.” Kurt asked, looking up as Blaine started to chuckle.

“Both seemed incredibly impressed. Nick wanted to clap for you.” Kurt laughed and their eyes met. “I’m guessing you’ve had a hard time before Hogwarts.”

“What makes you say that?” Kurt asked sarcastically. Blaine could tell his walls were up.

“Well, I could just tell that you don’t like to talk about your last school or friends.” Kurt stood up and started pacing. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“Not really, no” Kurt responded quickly. They stayed in complete awkward silence before a huge Bang! ripped through the silence.

“Damn, we’re going to be late for class.” Blaine stood up quickly, grabbed Kurt’s hand, and started rushing out the door and down the hall. While rushing to class, Kurt was thinking one thing.

‘He’s holding my hand. He’s holding my hand. Dear god he’s holding my hand!’ Kurt’s brain was cheering. ‘Okay Kurt, hold yourself together. You just met him yesterday. Don’t think about how your hands fit perfectly together or how good he smells... he does smell really good... no, stop. Focus on getting to know him more. Focus.’

“Kurt?”

“Focus, what?” Kurt asked quickly looking at Blaine. Blaine smiled.

“We should probably go into class now.” He said grinning.

“Right, okay.” Kurt said, still flustered from being pulled out of his thoughts.

“Um, Kurt?”

“Yeah?” Kurt asked spinning in the doorway.

“Could I have my hand back?” Blaine asked. They both looked down to see their hands.

‘No.’ “Oh, sorry.” Kurt dropped his hand and the boys walked in and sat in two seats that were open in the middle. A substitute professor came in, they had yet to find a person willing to permanently fill the position, and gave them book work to finish by the end of class. Since Kurt had yet to get his books, Blaine and him sat close together to share Blaine’s. Kurt quickly found that Blaine was very smart when it came to Defense Against the Dark Arts. With the few questions Kurt had about the problems Blaine answered them kindly and helped him when he got stuck on a problem. The two were the first done in the class so they spent the rest of the time passing notes back and forth. They opened up a lot to one another with stories of their pasts. Blaine, after much persuasion, found out that it was bullying that Kurt had a huge issue with at his last school, but didn’t push when Kurt refused to go into details. After that, they changed to lighter topics. They each found that they had a lot in common. A love for music, family, and hair products were just a couple of things. Both didn’t notice when class ended and students got up and left. When a throat cleared in front of them, Kurt and Blaine looked up, shaken from their own world.

“Excuse me boys, but class ended five minutes ago and I’m going to have to ask you both to be on your way.” The substitute said rudely.

“Sorry sir, we’ll be going.” Blaine said. Kurt stood and tucked the note into his bag. Both quickly left the room.

“Do you want to go pick up your books now?” Blaine asked as they strolled down the corridor.

“Sure.” Kurt said and they made their way towards the library. When they got their, Blaine held the door open for Kurt and motioned him in. Kurt swooned in his mind.

‘Is there anything that makes this boy not perfect?’ Kurt thought to himself. His train of thought ceased when he took in the rows upon rows of books.

“Wow.” Kurt whispered.

“Pretty incredible huh?” Blaine asked in a quiet voice. They made their way to the librarian’s desk to the right of the door. A small grey haired witch sat behind it with half circle glasses perched on her nose going through parchments.

“Hello, Madam White.” Blaine said kindly. The older witch looked up and smiled at the two boys in front of her.

“Well hello Blaine deary. What can I do for you and your friend today.” Madam White asked sweetly.

“We’re just here to pick up Kurt’s books.” Blaine handed over Kurt’s schedule. The witch took it and flicked her wand. Multiple books flew from the shelf behind her and stacked themselves on the desk. As that was happening, a book on the right side of the desk caught Kurt’s eye. He read the title and stared wide eyed.

“You have the first edition of ‘Spells and the Unknown’ by Agatha Crooks?” Kurt asked without taking his eyes off the old pristine looking novel. Madam White turned and looked at Kurt, surprised.

“Why yes. It was just donated to us by Mr. Anderson’s family.” Kurt turned his shocked gaze to Blaine, who was now holding Kurt’s books for him.

“How did you get it? They’re nearly impossible to find.” Kurt asked.

“Aunt Agatha is my mother’s sister. She was happy to give us a copy.” Blaine said. After a quick ‘thank you’ to Madam White, he ushered a dumbstruck Kurt out of the library and towards Gryffindor Tower. Kurt let himself be led through the painting, up the stairs, and into the thankfully empty dorm room. His mind was reeling from the new information. ‘I’ve been trying to find copy of the first edition for over two years.’ Kurt thought to himself. Blaine sat him down on his bed and placed his books on the bedside table. He sat across from Kurt and waited. After a minute Kurt looked at him and spoke.

“You’re related to Agatha Crooks?” Kurt asked.

“Yes.”

“The Agatha Crooks?” Kurt asked again, trying to wrap his mind around the idea. Blaine laughed and smiled at him.

“Yes.” Kurt jumped up and paced back and forth in front of both of their beds. Blaine could tell that Kurt was wrapped up in his own mind. He began to worry. “Kurt, please say something.”

“Agatha Crooks.” He whispered without stopping his repeated motion.

“Something other than my aunt’s name.” Blaine said, still worried. Kurt stopped and looked at Blaine.

“Did you know she’s my idol?” Kurt asked and Blaine shook his head. “She creates and writes about the most incredible charms and some of the most unique cases they have ever been used. I became interested in charms after reading her sixth edition of ‘Spells and the Unknown’.” Kurt explained to Blaine as he sat back down on his own bed. Blaine sat in front of him a smiled. Kurt smiled brightly back at him. “This is amazing.”

“I’m glad you think so... Well, go ahead and ask.” Blaine said trying to keep his voice level.

“Ask what?” Kurt asked honestly confused.

“If you can meet her, or if I can get you an autograph, or any other perk.” Blaine said turning away from Kurt’s gaze.

“Blaine... I... I’m not going to do that.” Kurt stammered. Blaine looked back at him surprised.

“You’re not?” Blaine asked.

“No. Of course not. That’s just rude and tacky.” Kurt said. “Does that happen a lot?” He asked, feeling bad for the boy across from him. Clearly, from the look on his face, he had struck a nerve. They seemed to be doing that a lot today.

“All the time.” Blaine exclaimed. He got up and walked to the middle of the room. After taking a deep breath, he turned back to Kurt, who had sat down on his bed. “My extended family is pretty well off. I won’t go into detail, but my parents are also well known. It’s not a bad thing, it just makes it hard sometimes.” Blaine walked to Kurt’s bed and sat next to him. “When I first came to Hogwarts, people didn’t know who my parents and family are. I was treated like everyone else. Then one day, halfway through my third year, my dad came to visit. He’s a close friend to some of the staff members. People saw us walking around the castle together and they connected the dots between my name and his. After he left, students treated me different. It was split between treating me like I was some celebrity everyone could have a piece of and people thinking I was spoilt and attention seeking. I didn’t ask for any of it. It shouldn’t matter who my parents are. I just want to be like everyone else. Now I have a few select friends that I know actually care about me.” Blaine lifted his head and looked into Kurt’s sad eyes. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to dump that on you.”

“No, it’s okay.” Kurt said. He reached and squeezed Blaine’s hand. “I bet it is hard, but I promise that I’m not like that. My opinions of you have nothing to do with who you’re related to.” He said, smiling at the curly haired boy.

“What are your opinions of me.” Blaine asked curiously.

“I find you to be pretty great.” Kurt said before he could stop himself. He blushed and stood up, quickly walking towards the door. “Well... um... I’m going to go to Charms.I’ll see you later.” Kurt quickly left closing the door behind him. He walked quickly trying to get away from the tower.

‘Way to go Kurt. Why don’t you just tell him you like him too?’ Kurt stopped walking for a minute and sat down on one of the benches, letting his head fall back and hit the wall behind him. ‘Crap. You like him, because now is the perfect time to come to that realization, after he just told you something major about his life and you can’t even open up about your own.’ Kurt thought sarcastically. He huffed and then resumed his walk to class.

*****

Back in the dorm room. Blaine laid back on Kurt’s bed, letting the smell of vanilla and coffee wash over him. ‘He thinks you’re great.’ Blaine thought to himself. He smiled so big that it threatened to take over his whole face. ‘Wait.’ Blaine thought. ‘What if he didn’t mean it that way.’ His smile fell. A small voice in the back of his head said, ‘You want him to think you are. You like him.’ Blaine groaned. This was going to get confusing.