The Only Exception (Open)

Danathon set up shop in one of the large, sit in window sills on the staircase leading to the Owlery Tower. He had just come down from feeding Karrot and sending a letter home. His letter was to his mom.

Dear Mother,
Hogwarts is great! I can’t believe that I actually got into Ravenclaw-it’s a pretty cool house if you ask me. There are a lot of really nice people here, but also a few jerks. I can’t wait for you to come and see the school sometime. I do miss home a lot though. How are things in London?

He looked back on his letter as he sat in the window sill and pulled his guitar out of the guitar case that he never fails to have strapped onto his back. The dark brown would was polished and felt soft to the touch. He strummed a chord and tweaked the tuning a bit until it was right. He went back to going over the letter in his head.

I hope the house is doing well; it’s odd to think I only spent a few months in it. I can’t wait to see it decorated for Christmas!

Thinking of his mother so much was starting to make him a little too sad, and Danathon did not like sad. He threw the letter out of his mind and began to play, singing in Italian. Strumming against the strings felt like magic to him, more so than any spell he had learned to cast. This was a normal, regular muggle worthy guitar. Danathon felt his mood pick up automatically. He began to play the song ‘The Only Exception’ by Paramore. His mom was very into female rock bands and showed him their album once. He fell in love ever since he heard it.

“Quando ero più giovane ho visto mio papà piangere e maledire il vento. Ha rotto il suo cuore e ho visto mentre cercava di rimontarlo. E la mia mamma ha giurato che non avrebbe mai lasciata dimenticare. E questo era il giorno in cui ho promesso che non avevo mai cantare l'amore se non esiste.” As he sang the song in Italian a few Gryffindor third or fourth years gathered around and watched him play. One of the smaller ones, a blonde, piped up.

”That’s just brilliant, Dan! Could you maybe sing it so we can understand the words?” a few of the other girls started scolding her but eventually Danathon nodded, ”Tell you what, I’ll sing it in Italian for you next time so you know what I’m saying.” After a few squeals from the girls Danathon let out a loud laugh. Girls. What is with them? He thought. Though he did enjoy making them smile. But for some reason it didn’t give him to same bubbly feeling it used to when he was younger. His whole life he had been looking for the right person to be with. But so far no one had fit what he was looking for. He knew he wouldn't find it in any of these girls though, that much he did know. After a moment of waiting for the girls to quiet down and listen he started back in with the chorus.

“Darling, you are the only exception. You are the only exception. You are the only exception…”

Max sat in the Gryffindor dorm with his quill and a piece of parchment. It was just that time of year he was starting to get home sick. Hogwarts was nice, but he missed New York and his mother. Max had always been closest with his mother, and it was just times like these he missed the smell of her perfume, and the way she spoke with her French accent so, different then his own. Come to think about it, in Max's family everyone had different accents, he himself had one from New York, apposed to his older brother who has one from Bulgaria. Being different was key in life, but with all this over thinking, he was becoming moody. Max was always a moody boy, but he tried to stay away from the depression prong of his bipolar. It wasn't healthy, maybe getting out of the castle and being in the sunshine would do him some good.

It was finally warming up outside, the winter weather was fading into spring and the beauty of change was at it's peek. Max finished writing his letter signing his name at the bottom. He proof read his letter, and and dotted a couple of his I's before pushing himself from bed. Max put on his hoodie and slid on his shoes before making his way from the Gryffindor tower to the owlery. On his journey he could hear the girls giggling in the halls. Max was part Veela, inherited from his mother's side. The girls were just drawn to him, even when he wasn't wanting the attention. Naturally Max was conceded and a little arrogant about his appearance, but too many eyes on his gave him anxiety. The boy walked a little faster, he'd have to catch up with Duchess, his snowy owl to kill his anxious nerves. On the way up the stairs, he could hear music, and he knew exactly who it was. His good friend Danathon was distracting some females and Max made his way past them, to finish his mission. He went up finding his owl and gave her the letter sending her off. The bird took flight, and Max smiled watching her for a moment.

How beautiful, he thought to himself before walking down the stairs seeing the girls fade away from where his mate was. Max walked forward catching the words the boy sung and he smirked bringing his hand to his chest, acting flabbergasted. "I knew you cared baby, so why am I the only exception?" Max mused leaning forward batting his eyelashes a bit. He knew Danathon would know he was only teasing, as the two joked around often. Max skimmed his bottom lip with his front teeth a bit, deciding what to do. "So now that I found you, your going to keep me company today right? I was planning on going for a walk or something. Maybe explore the forbidden forest." Max stated shrugging his shoulders, he enjoyed company, maybe having Danathon around him would get him out of his moody state. Who knew, Max was unsure if the boy has other plans. "I mean if your not doing anything that is." He added awaiting a response.

[/justify]

As soon as the girls began to clear Danathon saw a familiar face making it's way down the stairs. He pretended not too notice Max as he put his guitar away. Damn that boy being part Veela, on top of his charming attitude. Maxwell Krum had to be one of the most beautiful creatures Danathon had ever come into contact with. ONE of them.

Danathon looked up at Max as he spoke. "You're the only exception to the fact that I thought my music only attracted girls." Danathon smirked. Being in the same year and the same house the boys had spent a lot of time together over the years between classes and hanging out in the common room they had become pretty close friends.

Danathon already had a crush on Max, since their first year, but he knew it wouldn't go anywhere. Max went through girls generally but Danathon didn't mind. He was a great friend and Danathon trusted him as someone to talk to, that's what really mattered overall in a friendship. Even if he thought Max was charming and handsome, he could still respect him as a friend and enjoy each other as shameless flirts.

Danathon pretended to sigh dramatically and began putting his guitar back in it's case. "I guess i'm stuck with you." Danathon said in a low, dramatic sounding voice."So forest it is?" Danathon stood up and slung his guitar over his shoulder, "I just need to put this back in our room first, cool?" Danathon smiled and stepped down, reaching over to link arms with his dear friend.

Music had always been a thing that took his mind off the bad things in life. Max could listen to music no matter what mood he was in, there was something for him to relate to. Max chuckled at Dan's explanation to why he was the only exception. "Well you should be honored that it attracted me." Max claimed confidently. If it wasn't for the fact he knew it was Dan playing he probably wouldn't have stopped to enjoy the song. Music was universal, everyone enjoyed it, but Max didn't just go out of his way for anyone. If he and Dan hadn't know each other since first year, and became friends, he may have avoiding contact with the boy. It was one of those friendships he grew close to, he knew Dan had a crush on him, it was obvious, but he'd never speak of it. It was just how the two interacted that he liked, he wouldn't be foolish to address it so things changed. Max actually went along with the shameless flirting, he didn't mind buffing his friend's ego a bit. Harmless over all, and fun.

Max didn't mind the idea of hanging out with his friend. Getting drunk, having fun and finding mischief was his specialty. He knew why he went to the Forrest to drink though. Max had felt at home in those elements, comfort in nature was added on due to his werewolf curse. Of course he explained he was going 'exploring' to Dan, but that bottle of fire whiskey in his spot would create more fun. Max enjoyed being around others in general, this was a reason he wouldn't reveal his curse to the world. He feared rejection most of all. Only few knew and that was how he liked it to be. "Stuck with me? You say it like it's a chore, and you don't enjoy being around my pretty face. I beg to differ." Max protested, walking toward the Gryffindor tower when Danathon was all packed up. "I guess I'd be mean if I made you lug that thing around, so sure we can take a quick pit stop." Max said sighing out loud. The dramatics of the duo were pretty funny, another reason he enjoyed being around his Danathon. The two made their way to the Gryffindor tower and Max stood by the entrance. "I'll wait for you out here, make it quick, I'm dying for a drink and a chance to let loose." Max explained leaning against the wall, awaiting for his mates arrival so they could start their adventure for the day.

The adorableness of Danathons dear friend Max was almost too much to handle at times. Dan had been crushing on him since first year, but of course the subject was never breached. Plus, Dan secretly enjoyed letting girls fawn over him even though he wasn't the least bit interested. He chuckled at Max and shrugged, "I am honored, you are an excellent audience member and cheerleader." Danathon chuckled lightly. He may have momentarily pictured Max in a muggle cheerleading outfit but he quickly shut it out of his mind. That image was just a little too weird for him. Plus Max belonged on the field itself-not the sidelines. Danathon shook of the thoughts of Max playing quidditch. Which was, in Dans opinion, one of Max's best looks.

"Stuck is a... relative term," Dan started, "It's like 'the negative aspect of being stuck is in the eye of the beholder.' I don't mind being stuck with you." he chuckled again, Max could make anyone laugh if he wanted. Especially when fooling around with his fire whiskey. Danathon recalled a few specific instances as they neared the Gryffindor tower, especially that first time Max had kissed him, foolishly and jokingly, but a kiss nonetheless. Of course, Max revealed his intention of getting a drink. Danathon laughed aloud this time, "No surprise there. Be right back." He quickly entered the portrait hole and gently placed his guitar up in the dormitory.

He didn't want to take long so he ran back out and saluted Max. "I am ready sir, lead me to your illegal-slash-possible ground for expulsion." He smiled.

A cheerleader, Max scrunched his nose at the idea of being a cheerleader.. He had always been a star on the quidditch field, therefore sitting from the side lines, egging on someone else was rare. Max guessed that was what friends were for. To be there to enjoy one another's accomplishments in life, and celebrate them. "Well then I am certainly your most handsome cheerleader, minus the whole skirt and all bro, because let's face it, I don't got the legs for it." Max mused, his legs were much too muscular, not to mention hairy. Even if his friend was homosexual Max couldn't even envision Dan dressing in drag. It was however a small amusing thought that made him snicker to himself. Max was very comfortable with his own sexuality, therefore when males hit on him he didn't mind. The boy was part veela, and that could just add to his shine. Though becoming a werewolf opened him up to be blind to gender. Max liked anyone who cared for him, without a preference of sex or age. It was simply the emotional connection he longed for, which he hadn't felt in quite some time. Since Nora turned him he didn't want to really settle down. Plus there would be a lot of disappointed females if he were to take steps of commitment.

As he waited for Dan to return from putting his guitar away he reminisced times in the past he had drank with the boy. Max was a bit more open minded, and more affectionate when drinking. Not to mention his inner wolf wasn't on his case pushing through with rage. Max was very mellow when drinking, more charming then anything. Pulled from his thoughts he looked up to see Dan. Max was glad to see the boy was as enthused about drinking as he was. "I shall lead you, in due time sir. " Max went along with Dan's little role playing. He enjoyed the playful nature the boys shared. It was much more relaxing then being around his other friends. Dan knew about Max's disposition as a werewolf. It was hard for him to keep the secret with his loud, arrogant mouth. He just not need to feel the sting of rejection, from his peers. Max walked the castle with confidence Dan by his side.

When the two his the outside he felt the warm breeze tough his skin. He was barely effected by the cold weather, but the heat made it uncomfortable for him sometimes. This would happen when ones body temperature was constantly ninety degrees. Max lead Danathon to the forest where he roamed around finding his little cave. Max would come here during transformations and sleep off the rage of being an animal. He feared hurting someone else to him, which was why he limited his werewolf nature. Though the head of the Greyback pack, took him under his wing, and said Max should embrace his inner wolf. Max crawled into the cave and pulled out a fresh bottle of fire whiskey. He got back to his feet and spun off the top taking a large drink passing the bottle to Dan. "Let's get the party started." Max said in his New Yorker accent, not pronouncing his R. Max took a seat on one of the logs. "Let's make this interesting, who ever gets wasted first has to go skinny dipping in the black lake." Max mused with a wink, he knew both boys could very much so hold their liquor so it would be interesting to take shots and find out who had more of a tolerance. After making his bet offer he pulled one of his knees to his chest. "So what's new with you, enjoying the spring? Any new crushes I should be jealous of?" Max teased quirking an eyebrow, producing his rather adorable grin.

Danathon laughed out loud and musically so at Max's leg comment. “I'm sure you're legs are just fine... but maybe not suitable for a skirt. Though I would get a pretty good laugh out of it!” He chuckled. He knew that Max was a star on the Quidditch field which took a lot of leg muscle, meaning the skirt would probably look extremely silly on him. Danathon daydreamed for a moment about what it would be like to be on the quidditch team. He had flown of course and played a few rounds of quidditch with friends but he never really had the screaming fans in that area. No, Dan didn't mind just being cheered on for his music. It was what he was the best at, after all. Sometimes he didn't even think of himself as a wizard, just a musician in an extremely weird setting. He shrugged it off.

Although Max was a werewolf and a veela simultaneously, Dan saw him as more Wizard than anything. A very humanistic wizard with some awkward and beautiful setbacks. Heck, Dan even thought that the werewolf being added I gave an even more rugged nature to Max. He chuckled, glad that his friend was playing along with the silliness Dan had instilled in the moment. “I shall follow in earnest.” Dan replied with a dramatic and low tone, giving the impression of a deep and thoughtful time being held before them. He knew it would just be fun and charm that came from his friend Max, he just hoped that there wouldn't be any moments that got too emotional. That made their relationship a little harder.

It was warm and lovely outside, Dan loved the warm weather. He didn't really mind the cold either, truthfully, but the outdoors no matter the temperature always had something new to look forward too. Dan liked that. As the traversed through the forest Danathon tried not to think of how Max knew it so well. All of those lonely night as a werewolf must have been a very hard time for him. Must be very hard times for him. He tried to shake off the thought, he didn't want to think of Max cold and alone running around who knows where and sniffing out who knows what. It was too sad. But Max would never like to hear pity from Dan, so Dan tried to not mention it aloud. Dan followed his friend and laughed quietly at the lack of an 'r'. New York was somewhere Dan had been only once, and though it was an exciting trip he could barely understand what they were all saying. Americans and their funny accents. “Skinny dipping?” Dan repeated raising his eyebrow, “You don't want to have to compete with these abs here Max.” Dan pointed at them and chuckled, knowing Max was more in shape than he was.

Dan took a swig and lowered the bottle, handing the bottle back to Max. “Well, no potential crushes so far but you know how spring fever can be.” He shrugged, looking down at his hands just in time to avoid getting trap in Max's adorable features. “I guess i'm just glad we aren't doing O.W.L.S. This year.” He muttered. Unsure of whether Max had even stressed the year before about them.