AN: Well. I've been working on this for months now. I kept on fixing it, adding adjustments and all that because I'm nervous. I'm nervous to be sharing this, I didn't know how this was going to turnout, or if you guys would like it, but I eventually decided to suck it up and put my big girl pants on! So here we have it. I don't own Harry Potter or Percy Jackson, I wish though. I will say ahead of time that I have read all the PJ books multiple times, so I should have my facts down with that, but I've only read up to the 4th book of HP. For all you HP fans/experts/ fanatics out there who are glaring at your computer screen, bare with me, I will do my best to keep it accurate. I just don't have time to read the books now a days, but I really wanted to do this crossover, so cut me some slack, ok? Keep in mind that that this is my story, and I still want to keep it that way, but I will still try to stick to the facts. Names and events and situations might vary. My older sister is a huge HP nut so I do have a decent sense of what I'm talking about, but we all make mistakes so please if you see an error let me know, I want this to be good. So, yeah, I think that covers it. Ill write more if I get reviews! Enjoy! :)
Percy Jackson and the Black Lake or An Unintended Detour
Chapter 1
The Bottom
The pit shook. Percy was the only thing keeping her from falling. He was barely holding on to a ledge the size of a bookshelf
Nico leaned over the edge of the chasm, thrusting out his hand, but he was much too far away to help. Hazel was yelling for the others, but even if they heard her over all the chaos, they'd never make it in time.
Annabeth's leg felt like it was pulling free of her body. Pain washed everything red. The force of the Underworld tugged at her like dark gravity. She didn't have enough strength to fight. She knew she was too far down to be saved.
"Percy, let me go," she croaked, "You can't pull me up."
His face was white with effort. She could see in his eyes that he knew it was hopeless.
" Never," he said. He looked up at Nico, fifteen feet above.
" The other side, Nico! We'll see you there. Understand?"
Nico's eyes widened. " But-"
"Lead them there!" Percy shouted. " Promise me!"
"I-I will"
Below them, the voice laughed in the darkness. Sacrifices. Beautiful sacrifices to wake the goddess.
Percy tightened his grip on Annabeth's wrist. His face was gaunt, scraped and bloody, his hair dusted with cobwebs, but when he locked eyes with her, she thought he had never looked more handsome.
" We're staying together," he promised." You're not getting away from me. Never again."
Only then did she understand what would happen. A one-way trip. A very hard fall.
"As long as we're together." she said
She heard Nico and Hazel still screaming for help. She saw the sunlight far, far above-maybe the last sunlight she would ever see.
Then Percy let go his tiny ledge, and together, holding hands, he and Annabeth fell into the endless darkness.
They landed with a grunt in a heap of limbs.
For several seconds all Percy could see were stars, and all he felt was Annabeth's hand in his and something cold and wet against his back. Everything else was chaos in his head, like a computer trying to process to many things at once, and his brain felt close to a melt down. The sound of their labored breathing filled his pounding head as they laid there dazed and semi consciences. He was cold and every part of him felt like he had been trampled by Otis at dance recital.
What felt like centuries later, Percy was able to get his limbs to move and managed to shakily prop himself up on one elbow. In one painful turn of his neck, he took in their surroundings.
They were laying on a hill, only yards away from a dark stretch of water. It was night, a scatter of stars tossed across a black sky. None of this was familiar, how did they?.. His head was suddenly bombarded with memories:
A dark cavern, spider webs and he was falling, falling, falling.
His heart suddenly lodged itself in his throat, panic kicking his brain into its highest gear as he remembered everything. Before he could have a full out heart attack, a strangled moan from his side snapped him out of his disgruntled thoughts. He looked down into Annabeth's dirt smudged face and his breath caught, subconsciously giving her hand a squeeze, just to reassure himself she was there, she was real. He reached and gently cupped her face.
"Annabeth" He said, voice rough like sand paper. He shook her a little and repeated her name more urgently.
"Annabeth." Her eyes fluttered open and she groaned again. She slowly tried to sit up. He put a hand on her back and eased her into a comfortable position.
" Per-Percy?" She slurred, rubbing her eyes with one hand and clutching his sleeve with the other.
" Yeah, I'm here." He reassured her as she focused her gray eyes on his face. Her brow creased in confusion as she too took note of their surroundings.
" Where are we? This doesn't look like Tartarus."
" No, it doesn't." he agreed, gaze landing on the looming forest on the other side of the water. Nothing was making sense.
Well not as much as it usual did, which, come to think of it, was very little.
At the end of what he knew would be a ridiculously long fall, He expected darkness and nightmarish monsters, a black hole like Nico depicted, not a serene picnic destination. Stuck in their own thoughts and silenced by the weight of such a strange situation they untangled their legs and slowly got to their feet. They both wobbled, extremely disoriented and weak. A jolt of white hot pain shot up Annabeth's leg. She gasped and doubled over, clutching her broken ankle. A low hissed escaped between her lips as she tenderly prodded the flesh under the makeshift bubble wrap splint.
" Almost forgot about that." Annabeth mumbled, steadying herself on Percy's shoulder.
" Are you OK?" He asked, watching his girlfriend clench her teeth through the pain. She nodded and shifted her weight to her uninjured leg and gave him a small, forced smile. Something behind us caught her eye, she gave a happy little gasp. I turned as she picked up something. It was her backpack, she bent down again, and her dagger. She quickly opened the backpack, checking Daedalus's laptop, it seemed ok. She reached in and, to both of their amazement, pulled out her Yankees cap, faded navy blue and tattered. She looked up at him, a smile on her face and her eyes sparkling.
" How? I-I left it on the Argo-I cant believe this is here too, man I thought I had lost this stuff for-"
Suddenly she cut off and gasped again, gaze transfixed on something over his shoulder. Now what, he inwardly sighed, he hoped it was a McDonalds. He needed a big mac, or 5, and coffee, lots of coffee. Percy turned and felt his mouth drop.
There, resting on a hill, was the largest castle Percy had ever seen. It was even bigger and creeper looking than the one they had rescued Nico and Bianca from all those years ago. Large pointed towers, hundreds of windows and huge oak doors. The two confused demigods blinked, awestruck at such a huge building. The part in Annabeth's head not asking a million questions at once, openly admired the extraordinary architecture and she suddenly wanted to see the inside. She noticed the warm light coming from the many windows, confirming the chance that someone, or something lived inside. Her stomach growled, exhaustion crashing over her live a wave. She tugged on her still gawking boyfriends shirt.
" Comn seaweed brain, lets go get some answers."
Percy let her pull him along, her arm slung around his shoulder and his wrapped around her waist for support. Together they made their way up the hill, keeping their eyes on the mysterious castle with apprehension, fear, and excitement. Percy sighed and stuck his other hand in his pocket, fingers curling around riptide.
" Yeah, lets go see if Draculas home."
" Should we knock?" Percy asked, gazing up at the large wooden doors that loomed in front of them. Annabeth squinted her eyes, studying the cobblestones beneath them; wheels turning in her head. She shook her head a little and quickly peered behind them.
" We don't know who, or what, is in here. Lets just go in"
Percy nodded his head in agreement and eyed the very heavy looking doors. He helped Annabeth lean against one side of the door as he braced his hands against the other. He took a deep breath and pushed. He honestly didn't know what he was expecting to happen. Even without the curse, Percy was pretty fit for his age; summers spent at camp climbing lava spewing walls, sword training, and fighting monsters defiantly helped build his physique. But he could tell this was going to take some serious muscle. So what happened next was certainty unexpected. His arms strained against the heavy oak, then, to his surprise, the door creaked open effortlessly.
Percy let his arms flop to his sides as he and Annabel shared an astonished, cautious, look. The door swung open, without a sound, just far enough for the two weary demigods to pass through. They stood there for a moment, seriously rethinking this decision, but it was cold, they were tired and Annabeth's ankle needed treatment. Not to mention they had no idea where they were or how they got here. So with the prospect of food, a warm bed and a much needed explanation, Percy once again wrapped his arm around Annabeth's waist and they hesitantly entered the castle. Neither of them very excited about what they were going to find on the other side.
Awestruck for the second time that night, the duo stopped just a few feet in, eyes wide and jaws slack. They craned their necks up, taking in the high ceiling . There were candles lite along the hall, a cold chill shot down their spines that reminded them of their time spent under Alcatraz, with Kampe; a sort of ancient feeling, a slight pressure of something old. Despite the warning bells ringing in their heads and the feeling of being watched, they continued down the hall, their heavy breathing loud in the empty space. They wondered the maze like halls for a good ten minutes, taking turn after turn, going up and down stairs. Quite a few times Percy could have sworn he saw a painting move, or saw a glimpse of something transparent out of the corner of his eye, but they never saw or heard anyone.
Annabeth knew she saw lights, so where were the occupants?
When they were about to give up and go back, the sound of footsteps approaching reached their ears. They froze and instinctively quieted their breathing. The footsteps grew closer until a figure rounded the corner. It was an old man, with long robes, long auburn hair and beard with half moon glasses resting on his nose. When he saw them he also paused and took them in with a sweep of his blue eyes, eyes that reminded Percy of Chiron; old beyond their years. Percy gulped and subconsciously tightened his grip on riptide, still hidden in his pocket.
A moment of silence passed as the three studied one another, then the old man spoke; his voice airy, and wise.
" By your strange clothing and lost expressions, I can assume you two are not students?" Annabeth and Percy exchanged a puzzled look. Students? This place was a school? And here he thought camp was strange. Annabeth took a small step forward, stumbling slightly, and Percy tightened his grip on her hip. The mans eyes darted down to her ankle then back to her face as she addressed him.
" No sir, we aren't. You see we have no idea where we are, or how we got here." She said, voice confident and honest. Percy sighed a little inside, glad she had been the one to speak first, he probably would have said something stupid like; 'Nice dress'
Dumbledore pursed his lips as he once again studied the two teenagers in front of him. He didn't detect any lies in the girls words, and they did look lost. He noted their disheveled appearance, the cuts, the dirt, the spider webs, blood and the girls bound ankle. His calculating gaze softened as he murmured a reply.
" I see."
Annabeth felt relief spread through her body, she had always been good at reading people, like books, and could tell he believed them.
" If we could just get some help, some answers." She said, trying not to beg, as she stepped back. Percy shifted his weight and brought her closer.
" We would really appreciate it" He spoke, the mans eyes resting on him as he spoke for the first time. The man seemed to consider it for a moment, then smiled and gestured behind him, down the hall.
" Of Course"
The demigods locked eyes again, an unheard conversation passing between them, before they followed after the mysterious old man, now waiting at the end of the hall for them. Once they caught up he lead them down another hall, and Percy couldn't help feel suspicious; years of being attacked making him paranoid of just about anyone he didn't know from camp and his parents. A tiny voice in his head told him to be careful, he may look old, but it didn't mean he wouldn't sprout claws and horns and lunge at any moment. Annabeth cleared her throat.
" Um sir, where are we going?"
Percy smirked, loving the way his girlfriend couldn't help not knowing everything, paranoia or not.
" My office, for some privacy. And once we have sorted things out ill be sending you both to the infirmary." He replied with out turning around. Annabeth accepted his answer and gave him a quick thank you.
After a few minuets of walking, (Percy would hate going to school here), they stopped in front of a door. Dumbledore opened it for them and they stepped in first. The elderly man swept past them, his blue robes rustling against their legs, and settled himself in a chair behind a mahogany desk. The shinny wooden surface was cluttered with papers and books. He offered them chairs, which they accepted gratefully, nearly collapsing into their soft upholstery. The room was small, but cozy. They snuck glances at the numerous paintings, colorful bottles, books and other various things that looked like they could be found in the attic at the big house; strange and questionable. Dumbledore cleared his throat and Percy's palms became sweaty. He pushed a small glass bowl with yellow candies across his desk towards them and laced his hands together, resting his chin on them as he peered at them through half moon glasses. Percy didn't take a candy, his mouth was dry enough.
" Now, lets start with your names."
Percy relaxed slightly; that was easy enough. He swallowed and sat up a little straighter.
" I'm Percy Jackson. And this," he grabbed Annabeth's hand, " Is my girlfriend-"
" -Annabeth Chase" Annabeth finished for him, giving his fingers a squeeze. Dumbledore nodded his head and leaned back in his red and gold armchair.
" I am Albus Dumbledore. I'm a professor here at Hogwarts." His voice filled with a hint of pride. Percy's brow furrowed as he looked at the old man then Annabeth, to see a mirrored expression on her face.
" Hogwarts?" she said, testing the name on her tongue. Dumbledore nodded.
" Yes, Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry."
Percy blinked.
Witchcraft? Wizardry?
Percy could feel his head begin to spin a little. Annabeth's grip on his hand tightened. Out of all the things he's encountered, every creature and challenge he's had to face through the last 6 or something years, this was close to the strangest, weirdest, and most shocking. It was close to the day he found out he was a demigod. This had to be a joke.
" Witchcraft? Like spells and pointy hats!?" He blurted, unable to hold in the ADHD part of him any longer. Dumbledore nodded, unfazed by his outburst.
" Do you have any proof?" Annabeth said, narrowing her eyes and crossing her arms over her chest. Dumbledore smiled and reached into his robes, the demigods tensed, and pulled out a stick. Percy was about to laugh but then the old man did something he did not see coming. He gave it a quick flick and the papers and books on his desk floated a few inches in the air then rearranged themselves into neat piles.
Percy was sure his face resembled a fish.
Annabeth shook her head, grimy blonde curls bouncing around her head, and Percy knew one she was about to give one of her famous rants. He could tell by the look in her gray eyes, the lines on her forehead and the way she chewed on her bottom lip; having been on the receiving end of this expression too many times.
" I'm sorry, where are we?"
Dumbldored merely smiled.
" To be exact we are in the Scotland countryside, my dear."
Ok, so Percy wasn't a geography wiz, but last time he checked Rome wasn't exactly neighbors with Scotland. How the Hades did they end up here?
" But that doesn't make any sense. If this is a school for magic then you all must be children of Hecate, or at least have her blessing; and I've never heard of such a thing. Chirion would have mentioned something about this place. This doesn't make sense, the Gods wouldn't-"
Annabeth suddenly trailed off, either catching herself or losing her train of thought. Dumbledore raised a brown eyebrow. There was a pregnant pause, filled with only their soft breathing and the ticking of a large grandfather clock in the corner. Dumbledore re-laced his fingers.
" Perhaps before I can give you the answers you seek, you should provide me with some first, hmm?" He smiled. Annabeth sent Percy a panicked looked, and he swallowed the lump in his throat. He wiped his hand on his pant leg and shifted uncomfortably in his chair. An inner battle raged inside his head. Should they lie? Would he know if they did? Would he believe them if they did tell the truth? Percy still wasn't sure they could, or should trust this old man. But either way he looked at it, there really wasn't any other option but to tell him everything. He squeezed Annabeths hand again.
" Well you see Professor Dumbledore-"
"Please, call me Albus-
" -Ablus, its sort of a long story. We wouldn't know where to start...what happened...how we got here.. we aren't entirely sure what happened so explaining it to you would be-" he grimaced, " Difficult, sir." He defiantly didn't have Annabeth's way with words. Dumbledore's eyes sparkled.
"I find the best place to start, Mr. Jackson, is the beginning."
Percy sighed, this guy was reminding him more and more of Chirion; beard, eyes, cryptic words and all.
Annabeth scooted forward in her chair, all her earlier weariness gone.
"Well what you should know first sir, is, well..." she glanced at her boyfriend, " Percy and I are Demigods. Have mortal... half god."
Both brown eyebrows went up this time.
And so Percy and Annabeth launched into their story. Annabeth started off by telling him how she was found by Luke and Thalia, then how she made it to camp with the help of Grover, but lost Thalia in the process, but quickly explaining how she was brought back to life and became a hunter. They both winced as they told the professor how they each held the weight of the world, rescued a goddess and lost a friend. Percy told him about being claimed and the stolen lightning bolt his first year, how it had ended with Luke's betrayal; how later on the son of Hermes used the Labyrinth to sneak an army into Camp Half blood. Annabeth, feeling compelled to honor them, told Dumbledore about Pan and Daedalus.
A little hesitantly, Percy and Annabeth took turns telling him about the war, how Percy had risked his life to get the curse of Achilles( He begrudgingly informed the professor that he no longer had it though). How they lead the small band of demigods against Kronos's massive army. He solemnly told him about everyone they had lost; Selena, Beckendorf, many others but also those they had gained; Tyson, Rachael, BlackJack, Mrs. O'leary, Nico, and all his other friends at Camp. He fondly told him about Chiron, Mr. D, and his step father and mother.
A little sheepishly he told Dumbledore he had been the chosen one of the first Great prophecy(he didnt want to brag); all the things he went through because of it. Annabeth explained the battle in New York, how it almost seemed impossible to win, but in the end, what...who they had to sacrificed to save everyone. Tears burned in her eyes at the mention of Luke's death, but continued. She told him about the new prophecy Rachael gave them and the disappearance of Percy,( she gave said boy a little glare), and how he was replaced with Jason. She re-accounted all Jason told her of His, Piper, Leo and Coach Hedges adventures.
Percy told him about his time at the Roman camp, with no memories and no clue what to do. He told the professor of his adventures, making friends with Hazel and Frank, how they traveled everywhere to stop Gaea and the giants; at the end of it all he regained his memories and understood what had to be done in order to permanently stop the earth Goddess. Annabeth jumped in again, explaining her strange encounter with her mother, the responsibility and burden Athena placed on her shoulders. They both explained the meeting of the two camps and how bad that had ended; the 8 of them having to flee and travel across the world to save Nico, find the mark of Athena and close the doors of Death.
They both grew quit as they came to the part in the cavern; the last thing they remembered. Annabeth, still shaken from the whole ordeal with Archane, let Percy explain the rest. How they had to let Annabeth go off on her own, then meeting up with her again in the spiders layer. Annabeth shivered.
Percy tensed in his chair as he forced the words out. Dumbledore, silent the whole time, waited, letting him collect himself.
He told him about the floor caving in, how he caught Annabeth before she could go over the edge. He refused to let her go, and as she was being pulled into the pit, the instructions he gave to Nico.
Then he let go, and they fell.
" And then we landed by the lake." Annabeth finished, the exhaustion evident once again in her posture; it had taken two hours to get through everything and she just wished she could sleep. Sleep and wake up from this nightmare.
The small office grew quiet. Dumbledore let everything sink in as the two teenagers before him sat anxiously. Percy's palms were sweaty again, and he angled him self in his chair, in case he didn't believe them and they had to make a quick get away. But they wouldn't make it very far with Annabeth's ankle...
" Well, I must say, that is quite the story."
Here it comes.
They swallowed, waiting for him to continue. Percy started counting steps to the door. Annabeth shifted her weight to her good leg; to spring from her seat quicker.
" Those were some remarkable things you two did, and so young, a little hard to believe really. And the circumstances of you're arrival are quite strange indeed.." He said these words more to him self. There was an edge in his voice that Percy couldn't place, like he knew more than what he was letting on. Suddenly Dumbledore pushed his chair back and stood. On instinct, so did Percy and Annabeth; Percy's hand finding its way into his pocket. The two demigods braced themselves for an attack, but Dumbledore simply smiled and clapped his hands together.
" Now that we have that taken care of, lets get you two tended to" He made his way around the desk and towards the door, but paused when he found his guests were not following. He turned towards the shocked couple, an eyebrow raised once more. Percy blinked.
"That's it?" he demanded. Next to him Annabeth spluttered, and hoped on one foot to face the old professor.
" You believe us?" She said, incredulous. Dumbledore frowned.
" Of course my dear girl, why would I not?"
Annabeth opened her mouth, then closed it, having no idea how to responded. She turned to Percy and gave him a 'help me' look. Percy felt just as lost as her. He expected a lot of questions, or an angry fit where he called them crazy liars and called the wizard police on them or something. Was this guy nuts? He spoke slow, just incase he really was insane.
" Well it is a lot to take in, let alone believe. We did just tell you we're half human." It even sounded a little crazy to him, but the professor just chuckled and waved around a hand around him.
" So is all this Mr. Jackson, but you have to ask yourself, if witches and wizards exist, why not half mortal half god children?"
Dumbstruck, the two teenagers stood there, mouths agape, staring at the professor with a mix of astonishment and gratitude. Certain they weren't going to say anything else, Dumbledore turned and swept out the door. Percy and Annabeth exchanged a look, before the later grabbed her boyfriends hand, muttering under her breath, tugging him out of the room after the professor.
Annabeth and Percy were led down more corridors and staircases, too mentally and physically depleted to do anything put shuffle behind Dumbledore. When they arrived at the infirmary and walked in it was empty. The two collapsed on stiff beds with thin sheets and Percy had to resist the urge to flop back and let sleep finally take him. He blinked several times, forcing himself to stay awake. On the bed next to him, Annabeth fought the same battle.
He jumped when a sudden POP cut through the silence, and there before them was one of the strangest, ugliest creatures Percy had ever seen. It was a like a mix between a bat and a deformed elf. But with all that had happened to him in the past 24 hours, Percy just looked on with lidded eyes as Professor Dumbledore told it something. The thing nodded obediently and disappeared with another POP.
Percy couldn't tell if that had actually happened or not..
Dumbledore turned to the two barely consciences teens and gave them a warm smile.
" I've sent for Madam Patch, our Head Mediwitch, who will be here shortly."
Percy didn't know what a Mediwitch was, but guessed it was something like a doctor. He liked the sound of a Doctor; his ribs hurt something awful and he was tired of Annabeth wincing in pain every time she moved her leg.
Five minuets later the doors opened, by that time Percy was ready to pass out, and in hurried in a ruffled, flushed faced woman; hair pulled into a messy bun and robes hastily put on. She looked irritated, Percy would too if he was awoken by one of those things.
She stopped next to Dumbledore, casting disapproving eyes over Annabeth and Percy, placed her hands on her hips, and scowled up at the older man.
" What is the meaning of this Albus? Who are these children?" She huffed, running her brown eyes over the two demigods, pursing her lips at their dirty, blood stained clothes and scratched, grimy faces.
" That can all be explained later Harriet, for now they need medical attention." The Professor replied, stepping aside so the Mediwitch could have a better view of the two battered teens. Her eyes fell on Annabeth's ankle, and she sighed, turning away to fetch something in a cupboard across the room. She came back with a clear bottle filled with a questionable bubbling purple liquid.
" I don't know what you two were doing, by the looks of it id assume you fell of a cliff, but whatever it was you two are defiantly worse for wear." The woman huffed.
Percy inwardly rolled his eyes.
She had no idea.
Madame Patch set to work unwrapping Annabeth's ankle, raising a brow at the bubble wrap and leather straps, but didn't say anything. She pulled out a stick-wand-from her robes and gently tapped the tip against Annabeth's swollen ankle, muttering words under her breathe and Percy watched, amazed, as the ugly bruises on his girlfriends skin slowly disappeared. The swelling gradually started to go down until Annabeth's ankle looked good as new.
Necter and Ambrosia were great, but having one of those things around wouldn't hurt.
Annabeth quickly shut her mouth and experimentally moved her foot, smiling when she didn't feel any pain, just a little stiff. Which was a big improvement from the searing, agonizing pain she'd been in all day. She looked up at the witch and beamed, Percy's heart did a little flip.
" Thank you."
The witch nodded, and handed Annabeth the bottle.
" Drink this, it'll help keep the ache away."
Annabeth uncapped the bottle and took a cautious whiff, cringing, but quickly swallowed the the mysterious liquid.
Madame Patch, satisfied with Annabeth, stepped back and waved her wand at both of them.
" Scorgify"
Percy felt a cold tingle wash over him, covering him from head to toe. He looked down and all his cuts and scrapes were gone. Every blood and dirt stain were no where to be seen on his now tear and hole free clothes. Even his hair was clean and brushed. He looked over and couldn't help but grin at the sight of his girlfriend. Even covered in spiderwebs and dirt she was breathe taking, but now blood free and clean she seemed to glow.
Dumbledore smiled
" Now that the two of you are cleaned up, I implore you both to get some sleep. Its been a long day."
Annabeth and Percy almost cried with relief. A long day didn't begin to describe it. Percy hadn't felt so emotionally, physically or mentally drained since the titan war. He had too many questions that needed answers, too many fears that need dealing with, too much anxiety he was afraid he would explode. But his body wasn't having any of it.
It needed sleep. Now.
Dumbledore placed a hand on Madam Patch's shoulder and began to lead her away, towards the door.
" We shall sort the rest out tomorrow, goodnight." And with that the strange old professor and the confused Mediwitch were gone and Percy and Annabeth were alone in the infirmary. Almost immediately Annabeth bent down and untied her shoes, kicking them away. She left her backpack on her bed then pulled the coin of Athena out of her pocket, smiling at it sadly, and placed it on the small table beside her bed. She Kept her dagger strapped to her arm and hobbled her way to Percy's bed.
" Scoot." She told him, easing in beside him as he made room for her, tucking them both under the sheets. Percy wrapped his arms around her, burring his face in her soft, blonde curls. Annabeth sighed contentedly, snuggling closer to her boyfriend, letting his calming scent of salt water soothe her. They were quiet for awhile, submerging themselves in each others presence, making up for the brief time they were apart.
A time when both doubted they would see the other again.
Percy ran a hand through his girlfriends hair and sighed.
" And here I thought we were the experts on everything crazy and unexpected." he said, gazing up at the ceiling.
Annabeth laughed, and he smiled, he had missed the sound of her laugh.
" Yeah, well the fates like to make our lives as hard as they can, but wizards? Did not see that one coming." Annabeth sighed, fingering the ring on her necklace and lacing the fingers of her other hand with his. Percy snorted.
" Tell me about it. I'm still trying to wrap my head around all of it."
" Don't hurt yourself."
" Har Har."
"...but it is kinda exciting isn't it? Wizards and Magic."
" Whatever you say Wisegirl."
Leave it to his brainiac girlfriend to find the educational benefit of every situation.
Annabeth flicked Percy's arm, and shifted in his embrace. She exhaled slowly and closed her eyes, feeling the tug of sleep slowly winning. Percy pressed a kiss to the top of her head and let his eyes slip shut also.
" G'nite Seaweed brain, tomorrows gonna suck." Annabeth whispered, half awake. Percy's chest rumbled.
" Mhmm."
The infirmary fell silent again.
For the first time in a long while, Percy didn't dream. No cryptic visions of his death or the end of the world, just sleep. Sweet, blissful sleep.
He awoke with Annabeth still nestled in his arms and bright sunlight stabbing at his eyes. He groaned and brought a hand up to block it out and lifted his head. Stone walls, rows of beds, this wasn't his cabin, or his room on the Argo.
Then it hit him.
He groaned again, loud enough to awaken the sleeping blonde beside him, and let his head flop back onto the pillow. Percy squeezed his eyes shut, hoping this was all just a bad dream and he would wake up among his friends, on their way to save the world. His eyes snapped open.
He was hit again.
Annabeth turned away from her boyfriend, a string of unintelligible babble tumbling from her lips as she propped her self up on one elbow. She rubbed sleep from her eyes and looked over her shoulder at the other occupant of the bed. Percy's face seemed frozen in an expression of shock, panic and fear. The last remains of sleep immediately cleared from Annabeth's head. She placed a hand on his arm, he flinched.
" Percy, what's wrong?"
Percy meet her worried gaze, opened his mouth to say something, then closed it. He gritted his teeth and sat up, throwing his legs over the edge of the bed and sat there, cradling his head in his hands; fingers fisting locks of raven black hair. Annabeth, biting her lip, positioned herself next to him and repeated her question. The son of Poseidon unclenched his hands and ran them through his now ruffled hair, letting his arms rest on his legs as he bent over, hands dangling by his knees.
" We shouldn't be here, Annabeth. We cant be here." his voice was a strained whisper.
Annabeths eyebrows furrowed as she tried to make sense of her boyfriends sudden sullen mood; sure he wasn't a morning person, but this was different. She touched his elbow.
" You're right, we should be in a black hell-hole, but im not following you.."
His head jerked up, and his troubled green eyes stared into her startled gray ones.
" That's exactly it! If we're here, who's going to open the door from Tartarus? Who's going to help keep the romans from destroying camp? We shouldn't be here. We have to get back, back to our friends. We shouldn't be here!" his last words had risen from a fierce whisper to an angry shout.
Annabeth felt her heart drop next to her stomach, an icy cold hand running down her spine as she let his words sink in.
Percy was right, if they were here. Then how would...
Annabeths hands curled into fists as she and Percy gazed into each others eyes, lost at what to do, say. But they didn't get the chance to do either, because just then the doors swung open and their attention snapped to the three people striding in. The man in front the two demigods did not recognize, but behind him Annabeth saw Professor Dumbledore and Madam Patch. The unknown man was a little on the heavy side with a balding head and blue and gold robes. His dark eyes were narrowed as they swept over the two bead headed, weary teens.
The trio stopped a few feet away and Annabeth and Percy stood, Percy's hand grabbing hers and for some reason Annabeth suddenly wished she had kept her shoes on. Maybe because the look baldy was giving her and Percy made her want to bolt. Dumbledore took a step forward, giving them one of his warm smiles.
" Miss Chase, Mister Jackson, this is Headmaster Dippet."
Annabeth and Percy didn't respond, not quite sure what to say to the glaring man. Said man reached forward to shake their hands, his eyes softening, but only a little, as he forced a polite smile onto his face. Percy wiped his sweaty hand on his orange camp shirt and shook the headmasters hand, Annabeth doing the same. The two demigods fidgeted slightly under the scrutinizing gaze of the larger man.
" Ah, its very nice to meet you both." Annabeth smiled and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, a habit she did when she was nervous.
" Its nice to meet you too Headmaster. We appreciate all that's been done for us." She turned her body a little towards Percy in order to hide the elbow she swiftly jammed in his stomach. Percy let out a quiet 'oof ', shooting a glare at his girlfriend and rubbing his abused abdomen.
" Yeah, thanks" He managed to get out, flashing the balding man a white smile that he hoped would placate him, and his girlfriend. Dippets eyes narrowed further but he chuckled and smoothed a hand over his robes.
" Yes well, Albus has informed me of your, unfortunate, situation. Though I don't know if we will be able to aid you any further. Hogwarts hasn't ever, ah, encountered people such as yourselves, and we are a little stumped on how to aid your return home. We cant very well let you walk out now can we?" Percy heard a slight hint of a threat, and a trace of fear. " The nature of your arrival is another matter all together, one that we will provide assistance with, within our abilities of course."
Percy didn't like all the pauses and stutters that were in that sentence, or how Dippet looked at everything but them as he spoke.
" So in the mean time you are free to stay here at Hogwarts until we can decide a course of action. How old are you two?"
" 17, sir" Annabeth answered. Dippet pursed his lips and nodded.
" Professor Dumbledore will show you where the two of you will be staying. Rest assured I will do everything that is in my power to assist you. Tonight, at dinner, I would like to announce your presence here to the students. If you need anything don't be afraid to seek me out. Welcome to Hogwarts."
With that said, the Headmaster gave them one last suspicious look that wasn't at all friendly, then turned and swept from the room.
Percy blinked. He was a little taken aback by the headmasters abrupt attitude. It was obvious Dippet didn't trust him and Annabeth, that was to be expected, but he didn't have to be so rude and curt about it. They were just as confused and weary as he was, if not more. Dumbledore cleared his throat and waved a hand in the direction Dippet had left from.
" If you two would please follow me, ill show you to your quarters and get you something to eat." Percy wasn't exactly eager to go anywhere in this strange place, ( he really hoped that everyone else here wasn't like the Headmaster) but food did sound good. As if on cue, his stomach rumbled loudly. Percys face grew warm as Dumbledore winked at him. Annabeth quickly put her shoes back on and grabbed her things, taking Percy's hand as he offered it to her. They followed Dumbledore out of the infirmary and into the hall way.
The Castle looked totally different during the day, sunlight streaming through the large windows illuminated every nook, column and painting. But despite the amazing architecture and over all magical aspect of the castle turned school, Percy didn't feel right. He always had a sort of sixth sense, he considered it a demigod thing, for anything evil, out of place; and he could feel something...wrong.
Traces of it were everywhere, the source was somewhere inside the castle, pulsing through the walls, and Percy couldn't quite put his finger on what it reminded him of. He tried not to think about it, he had no intentions of looking for trouble in this place, but it was like a little tingling sensation in the back of his mind; annoying and unsettling. Percy glanced at his girlfriend, wondering if she felt it too. Whatever it was, he planned on leaving it be. But trouble always did have a habit of finding them, and when it did he would have to deal with it.
He didn't particularly want to.
This was foreign territory, a world they knew nothing about, he didn't want to stick his nose into something he shouldn't. Despite what everyone thought, he didn't start mayhem on purpose, it happened to him with or without his consent. Percy was going to keep his head low, and make sure he and Annabeth got out of this in one piece.
He owed her that much.
So for the time being they would go with the flow.
The halls were still deserted, but when they walked by closed doors, they could hear voices; laughter, chatter. Annabeth and Percy guessed these were the many students that attended Hogwarts, and were suddenly glad they were in there and not out in the hallway with them. Their time at Hogwarts so far had been stressful enough, they didn't know if they could handle the stares and whispers of curious witches and wizards.
Percy shook his head, a small smile pulling at the corners of his lips.
Witches, wizards.
They defiantly weren't in Kansas anymore.
Professor Dumbledore suddenly stopped in front of a painting of a beautiful meadow; wild flowers and a blue sky. Percy and Annabeth peered over his shoulder, confused. In the right corner of the Painting, legs crossed, sat a black haired girl no older than 12. She wore a long, cotton white dress, a crown of flowers rested on her head and she was plucking petals from more flowers around her. She looked up as the trio stopped in front of her, a smile spreading across her pretty face.
" Hello Professor." The girl beamed. Percy tried not to let the his surprise show, sure he had made a fool of himself enough times because of this place, but the painting, painting, had talked, moved! Annabeth was returning the girls smile, looking at the painting in a mix of awe and well concealed shock. Dumbledore nodded his head in greeting.
" Good Morning Halice."
He waved a hand at the slightly frozen couple.
" These two are not students, but will be staying here for the time being."
Here? Percy glanced around, where?
" Of course Sir." Halice replied, turning her soft green eyes to Annabeth and Percy.
" What will the password be?"
Percy's browed dipped, he exchanged a look with Annabeth. Not quite sure what was happening, Percy shrugged and nudged his girlfriend.
" All yours." He muttered. She rolled her eyes.
" Well it should be something simple enough, so that you could remember it-
" Hey!"
"- so how about.." she chewed her bottom lip then addressed Halice, " BlackJack"
A small pang hit Percy's heart as he though about his friend, now so far away, or it seemed that way to him. When he couldn't call him for a ride or a favor, he might as well have been in another universe.
Halice smiled and held a flower to her nose, closing her eyes as she enjoyed its sweet scent, then the painting swung open and a passage was revealed.
" Password excepted, welcome to Hogwarts."
" Thank you" Annabeth said, stepping through the doorway after Dumbledore. Percy was still a tad bit hesitant, a painting had just talked and there was an extremely sketchy passage behind it. Not to mention Annabeth was being a bit overly trusting of the whole situation, but he followed her nonetheless. Were there actually any danger, he sure as Hades wasn't going to let her go in by herself.
Once he passed the threshold of the painting, it swung shut, closing with a soft click behind him. Percy was prepared to be plunged into darkness, but there was a warm light that surrounded him. He blinked and there were steps at his feet. Glancing one last time at the way he had come, he could hear Halice humming, he quickly descended them to catch up with Annabeth, keeping one hand on the cold wall incase the stone steps were as slick as they looked.
At the bottom of the stairs Percy stopped. The room was roughly the size of his cabin, but minus the fountain and bunk beds, those were replaced by a fireplace and plush couches. The carpet beneath his feet was a deep red color, that matched the two couches, with gold and black throw pillows, slanted in front of the fire place. The walls were cream and adorned with more paintings. They didn't appear to move, much to Percy's relief. A black book shelf took up the wall opposite the couches and fire place, a simple high-backed chair positioned off to the side.
Percy whistled, shoving his hands into his jean pockets.
It was no Camp Halfblood, but he could get use to it.
He stepped into the room, doing a 360, before coming to stand beside Annabeth. She was busy studying the numerous rows of books, go figure, that glint in her eye that appeared whenever she was reading or pouring over blueprints. He smiled; or when she was in the heat of battle, her eyes light up, burned...they did that when she looked at him sometimes. Percy's checks warmed and he slipped his hand into hers; she didn't acknowledge him, to busy running her fingers over book spines. He found he couldn't stop holding her hand since being reunited with her back at new Rome, or the cavern, when holding onto her hand was all he could think about. His grip tightened and she turned then, grays eyes sparkling as she stepped towards him. His heart did a happy little leap.
Gods, he loved her.
" There are so many. I could get use to staying here, for a bit."
Percy chuckled, a couple books, a comfy couch to sit on and she was sold.
Dumbledore cleared his throat and the two demigods turned. He was standing in between two stair cases that spiraled up, onto little landings and a door. He gestured to each stair in turn.
" These are your bedrooms. Mr. Jackson," he waved his hand at the set of steps to Percy's left, " And Mrs. Chase," the one on the right, " I hope you find them comfortable. I will have a house elf bring you both some lunch, until then please make yourselves comfortable. You will be summoned for dinner later in the evening." Annabeth nodded, letting her hand slip from Percy's as she stepped forward to shake the old mans hand.
" Thank you Professor, for everything. We owe you." Annabeth said firmly as Dumbledore clasped her hand in both of his.
" Think nothing of it Miss Chase, I'm only helping those who deserve it, and believe me when I say I will do whatever I am capable of doing to get to the bottom of your predicament and get you two home." Annabeth's heart swelled and she once again thanked the Professor as he turned to leave. Dumbledore reached the bottom of the steps when Percy spoke up.
" Professor, you can call us by our names, you know, if you want." Percy muttered, embarrassed at mentioning such a stupid thing and being unable, once again, to control his mouth. Dumbledore smiled.
" Very well, Percy, Annabeth. I will see you two at dinner. Welcome to Hogwarts."
He disappeared up the steps.
Percy was feeling a little more welcomed. Nice place to stay, food on its way, no life threatening injuries and so far no one has tried to kill them.
Hogwarts was looking pretty good.
Percy couldn't help but chuckle to himself a little.
Annabeth raised an eyebrow at her boyfriend.
" What's so funny?"
Percy shook his head, and returned his hands to his pockets. Annabeth gave him a skeptical look, then shrugged and turned with a swish of blonde curls, trotting up the staircase to her room.
" Whatever then, I'm going to check out my room. Let me know when lunch gets here."
After a rather satisfying lunch of turkey sandwiches and cherry pie, Percy and Annabeth lounged in their new common room, spread out one of the extremely comfy couches. Percy absentmindedly played with Annabeths hair as her head rested in his lap, nose buried in a book. He had read the spine, the curly script murder on his dyslexia, but managed to make out Hogwarts; A History. ('what? As long as we're here we might as well try to blend, right? It's very interesting so far..')
Percy's head was like Aeolus studio room, chaotic, with things whizzing about at ridiculous speeds. He tried to focus on one thing as he gazed into the fire, sort out this crazy situation they had managed to get themselves into, but this nervous feeling kept crawling up his throat, and that same foreboding feeling from earlier settled heavier in his stomach. He wrapped a blonde curl around his finger and gave it a gentle tug. Annabeth lowered her book and looked up at him, eyebrow lifted. Percy swallowed the sudden dryness in his throat and stared into her gray eyes.
" Hey, have you uh, felt anything off.. like sorta evil, since we've been here. It sounds stupid, but I just cant shake this feeling." his words came out in a rush, afraid she would laugh at him, but instead she placed her book on her lap and drew her lower lip in between her teeth. Her brow creased, her nose scrunched the way it did whenever she was trying to solve a difficult puzzle. She ran a finger down the spine of Hogwarts; A History
" Yeah, I have... Its this uneasiness, but I don't know where its coming from.."
" I know its somewhere in the castle, I can feel it."
She tilted her head back more to get a better look at his face.
" What do you think it is?"
Percy shrugged.
" Nothing good." Annabeth snorted and rolled her eyes.
" Eloquent as always seaweed brain."
Percy gave her hair another tug, and she giggled.
" You know what I mean, I don't know what it is, but I suggest we steer clear and focus on getting the heck out of this place." He grunted. They lapsed into a moment of silence, then Annabeth spoke up.
" Do you-do you think it was Gaia who sent us here?" she asked. Percy frowned, admittedly he had been so focused on the how and why of all of this to consider there was a who behind it all. Though, he should have known, most everything in his life wasn't a freak accident. Freaky yes, accident, no.
" If it was her, why? What does she have to gain by sending us here? A place with potentially powerful allies and magical resources.." Annabeth continued then trailed off, lost in thought. Percy narrowed his eyes at the fire.
" Unless they aren't allies. What if this thing we keep feeling, this whole place, is suppose to distracts us, keep us here long enough for her to rise, or just straight up kill us?" He said. Annabeth shrugged.
" Possible, but why here? Why not just let us crash-land at the bottom of Tartarus and let Zeus knows what down there finish us off?" She grumbled, clearly getting frustrated at all the un answered questions. She grabbed one of the golden pillows and buried her face in it, a loud, muffled groan escaping from underneath.
" Unless, Gaia really has nothing to do with this" Percy offered. Annabeth groaned again.
" None of this is making any sort of sense!" She growled
Percy chuckled.
" You're now just figuring that out, and I thought you were the smart one" The golden pillow hit him square in the face as Annabeth sat up and placed her book on the other end of the couch. She ran a hand through her hair.
" I just cant believe Professor Dumbledore would want to hurt us, he seems to honestly want to help-"
"- Yeah, so did Aunty Em and the lotus hotel, and Circe and-"
" Ok, ok, I get your point seaweed brain, but I just don't think Gaia would do this sort of thing." Percy raised a brow,
" And you're familiar with how the psychotic, evil, Earth goddess' mind works?"
Annabeth gave her boyfriend a sour look and chucked another pillow at him. He ducked and smirked.
" Joke all you want, but we need to figure this out, and I don't see you coming up with any ideas." She grumbled, standing up to put her book back on the shelf. Percy shrugged,
" I'm kinda just going with the flow for now." Annabeth rolled her eyes and gritted her teeth.
" Because that's always gone so well for us." She drawled sarcastically. The son of Poseidon frowned a little, and stood up, walking up behind his girlfriend and wrapping his arms around her waist. He felt her relax and sigh. He rest his chin on her shoulder,
" Hey, were gonna get out of this, get to Tartarus, stop Gaia, and everything's going to be a happy ending, OK?" he tried to sound convincing, when on the inside his own doubts spun around his head like a hurricane. Annabeth turned around in his arms and cupped his face between her hands. Her big gray eyes looked up into his sea green ones, his heart clenched a little, and she bit her lip.
" Promise."
Percy hesitated, but only for a second, before he smiled.
" Promise."
Then he leaned down and captured her lips with his.
There was a small cough, and the two demigods jumped a part. Percy expected to see coach hedge standing there, reading to give them a ridiculously long lecture on public displays of affection, but instead it was one of those things from before. Those things literally come out of no where. He thought he had gotten use to that, with Nico popping out of shadows all the time, but this thing had a whole new level of stealth. Annabeth cleared her throat awkwardly and addressed the little creature.
" Yes?" She said polietly. The thing fidgeted slightly, clenching its hands in its dirty pillowcase turned toga.
" Frompit has been sent to fetch-fetch the miss and mister for dinner." it stuttered. Annabeth gave the thing a reassuring smile, and nodded.
" Of course, lead the way Frompit." She beamed. The creature returned Annabeths smile with a small, tentative one of its own.
The little creature lead the two demigods up the stairs and out of their dorm. They went through more hallways, secret passages and staircases that Percy was determined to remember. Though he wasn't as surprised as before, Percy was still fascinated by the moving paintings, he even waved to a couple. Annabeth took a step closer to their little guide,
" Excuse me Frompit, if you don't mind me asking, but what exactly are you?" She asked, her natural curiosity to know everything unable to hold back. She's never seen a creature like Frompit before. Frompit blinked, taken aback at the question, and the polite kindness its was addressed in.
" Frompit is a-a house elf Miss." Frompit said, shoulders hunching. Annabeths eyes grew bright.
" A house elf? I've never heard of a house elf before."
Frompit blink once more, astonished. Percy chuckled at his girlfriends forwardness and the look on the elf's face.
" Where we come from, we have many different mystical and magical creatures, but I've never seen a house elf." Annabeth continued, unaware of the elf's shocked silence. She opened her mouth to ask more questions, but the house elf sudden piped up.
" We-we are here, Mister, Miss. Frompit must go." Then the creature turned and disappeared with a soft snap. The two demigods stood there for a moment, unsure of what to do next, and stared apprehensively at the big wooden doors before them. Percy's stomach sank, this was it, there were going to be introduced to the entire school; hundreds of wizards who could blast them to bits with a wave of their wands. He gulped and grabbed Annabeths hand.
Annabeth ran her other hand restlessly through her hair, trying to untangle the knots and snarls.
" Do I look ok?" she asked as she straitened her red t-shirt and checked her jeans for any holes or stains. Percy rolled his eyes. Was she seriously concerned about her looks? Her anxiety levels must be off the charts if she was suddenly turning into a self conscience daughter of Aphrodite.
" Relax wise girl, you look fine." She huffed, cheeks turning pink.
And that's when they felt it. It swept over them, causing their hair to stand on end and goosebumps to ripple across their skin. The feeling was stronger than ever, and Percy knew, that whatever it was, it was behind these doors. Annabeth shifted and squeezed his hand.
" So, do we knock?"
Percy smiled.
" We don't know who, or what could be in there." He replied mockingly. She smirked and elbowed him lightly. Just when they were about to take a chance and walk in, they heard the voice of Dippit from the other side.
"...And now that we have finished the regular announcements, we have one more bit of news. Under certain circumstances, we have two guests here at Hogwarts, who will be staying here for the time being, until further notice."
A murmur of voices followed the Headmasters statement, the two demigods held their breath as he silenced them and continued.
" I hope all of you will make them feel welcomed. With that said, please welcome Mister Perseus Jackson-
"-Percy" said boy grumbled
"- and Mrs. Annabeth Chase."
Just like before, the doors before them opened by themselves. Sending a silent prayer to his father, that he wouldn't make a complete fool of himself, Percy took a step forward, Annabeth right next to him, and walked into the great hall.
Not a single sound was made as the two demigods walked into the great hall, the weight of a hundred eyes on their backs. The staring they were use to, but these were unfamiliar faces, potential enemies if they made the wrong move. Annabeth had a death grip on Percy's hand, and he had to physically restrain himself from shouting at everyone to 'take a picture, it would last longer!
Did wizards even use cameras?
Murmurs and whispered conversations erupted around them when they passed. Percy was able catch a couple.
" Guests? Like exchange students? Hogwarts has never had any of them-"
"-odd clothes they are wearing. Is it muggle fashion?"
He didn't know what a muggle was but it didn't sound like a compliment.
" The blonde is gorgeous!-"
"-Stop drooling Richard, she's obviously taken.-"
Yes. Yes she is.
" Are they wizards?"
Percy's heart stop for a moment at that last one. They never did come up with a back story! What were they suppose to say? Dippit didn't really clarify that they weren't wizards, so everyone probably assumed they were. His first instinct was to Lie and say they were, could they tell if they weren't? He mentally groaned, great, they were doomed. The walk from the door to the staff table felt like miles, but they finally made it, mounting the stairs and coming to stand next to the Headmaster.
Annabeth and Percy let their eyes wander around the room, the walk up here was more than nerve-wracking, Percy was so focused on not tripping, so the chance to take in the large room came now. Four large tables stretched from the back of the room, to the front, each filled with kids ranging from ages 11 to 18. They all wore the same uniform, but some had different colors, something he had to ask Dumbledore about later. The celling was a beautiful starry night sky, and Percy could even see Zoe twinkling, and he smiled. Hundreds of candles floated above their heads, creating a warm atmosphere.
All in all, the great hall was just as magical as the rest of the castle. In a way, it reminded him of Camp. A small pang of longing struck Percy's heart as he thought of Camp, of capture the flag and the bon fire, the big house and his friends, and taking walks with Annabeth on the beach. It seemed like a lifetime ago...
The son of Poseidon was brought back to the present by the sound of polite applause.
" Yes, now on with the feast." Dippt chirped.
Percy forced a smile on his face, it was shaky and he was sweating. The evil presence was making it hard to concentrate on anything else, like breathing and not looking like a total idiot. Dippit gestured at two seats at the staff table, next to Dumbledore and a large, but friendly looking man. Annabeth nodded graciously and led them to their seats. They settled into their chairs, Percy thanked every God on Olympus that he didn't trip, and the students immediately began to talk again.
And the two demigods had a hunch the new hot topic wasn't the mashed potatoes.
The large man, sitting next to Annabeth, stuck out his hand to the two guests,
" Professor Horrace Slughorn, a pleasure to meet you both."
Annabeth smiled nervously, and accepted the gesture.
" And to you too, sir. I'm Annabeth."
Slughorn beamed and gave her a very enthusiastic ' Splendid!'
Percy shook his hand.
" Percy."
The Professor looked at the pair like a new species he had just discovered. Percy could feel the onslaught of questions coming.
" Wonderful. Now, where are you two from?"
Yup.
Annabeth shot Percy a slightly panicked look. He had hoped she had a story to sell, she was the daughter of Wisdom after all but they were both at a loss for words. Thankfully, Dumbledore saved the day.
" Miss Chase and Mister Jackson are from a private magic academy in America."
Percy inwardly sighed, that sounded good to him.
Slughorns eyes lite up.
" Is that so."
Annabeth jumped in.
" Yes, its called Delphi Academy of Magic."
Delphi Academy of Magic? OK, this was going to be hard to build off of, but they didn't really have any other options. The Professor eagerly nodded, and took a sip from his wine glass. For the next ten minutes Slughorn bombarded them with more questions, which they dodged the best they could or feed him some vague, completely fabricated answers, all of which the red cheeked professor was eating right up.
Finally Dumbledore was able to draw the curious Professor's attention from the mentally weary teens, and the two demigods were able to enjoy their food.
Annabeth pushed her roasted potatoes around her plate and leaned into Percy.
" Did you find it?"
Percy shook his head, grabbing another roll and let his eyes wander around the room.
" No, not yet."
When they sat down, the overbearing presence lessened a bit and hadn't picked up since, he couldn't tell where it was coming from.
Suddenly the food in Percy's mouth tasted like cardboard, his neck prickled and he felt eyes on him. Trying to be as discreet as possible, Percy turned, scanning the room, when his eyes met cold, steel blue. The boy was about his age and had dark hair, pale skin and high cheekbones. His lips were turned down in a scowl, his shoulders stiff. He was handsome, Percy would give him that, but the way he was looking at Percy, and Annabeth he realized, was unnerving, calculating and just downright uncomfortable.
Percy immediately didn't like him.
The teen wore an emotionless mask and when Percy made eye contact, the only change was his piercing eyes narrowing slightly, but he did not back down. So the two males found themselves locked in a staring contest, one Percy was determined not to lose. Though that was proving to be a little difficult.
There was no mistaking it.
That feeling, that presence, it was him.
The feeling was so strong that a sort of soft roaring started to grow in his ears. Sweat begin to form on his brow, he fisted his hands under the table as an all to familiar pressure began to form in his stomach. A knot getting tighter and tighter, something was about to burst.
The boys presence seemed to get worse, he didn't have any intentions to lose either, and now the energy was bearing down on the son of Poseidon, trying to get him to submit; look away, lose. It pushed and jabbed at him.
Percy took a deep breath.
His stomach clenched.
'Oh no, calm down Percy, you've got to stop this or else-'
Too late.
A few seats down from the mysterious boy, a jug of water exploded, dousing those in a two foot radius. The whole room suddenly fell silent. Percy's eye connection was broken as the boy looked away, towards the commotion. Confused murmurs spread through the room, some stood to get a better view of the mess. A girl with long black hair and a scrunched up face shrieked and shot to her feet, furiously wiping at her sopping clothes with a napkin. Percy ducked his head, face hot. A slip up like that hasn't happened since he made that volcano erupt, and thank the gods it was a pitcher of water this time. He didn't think a single person, much less someone he didn't know, could make him lose control like that with just one look.
Anger swelled in his stomach.
He nudged Annabeth, who was watching the aftermath of the outburst with mild interest.
" Its him."
She frowned.
" Whos what?"
He rolled his eyes and jerked his head in the direction of the green and silver table.
" The extremely good-looking one, Mr. tall, dark and pale. The evil presence, its him." Percy hissed, trying to keep his frustration in check. Annabeth tucked a piece of hair behind her ear and nonchalantly glanced over at said boy.
" Are you sure."
"Positive. Look what he made me do." He tried not to sound like a five year old.
" That was you? Percy we're suppose to-"
" Lay low, I know, but something about the way he was staring me down, something just made me snap."
Annabeth gripped her napkin, and turned to professor Dumbledore.
" Excuse me professor, but who is that boy."
Annabeth pointed, Dumbledore's periwinkle eyes followed her finger. The professors lips thinned, his eyebrows lowering a fraction. Percy frowned, looks like he wasn't the only one who didn't like this guy.
Dumbledore smiled pleasantly.
" Ah, that is Tom Riddle, our Head boy."
Head boy? They've only been here for about a day and they somehow already managed to piss off the Head boy?(whatever that was.) Go figure.
" Head boy?" Annabeth asked, glancing at Tom. Dumbledore nodded.
" Yes, we have a head boy and girl. They are tasked with monitoring the students behavior, academically and in other school activities, below the staff of course, they have the power to give rewards and deliver punishments."
" So they're kind of like the head councilors at Camp..." Annabeth mumbled.
" What was that Miss Chase?"
" Oh, nothing Professor, thank you."
That still didn't explain what this guys problem was. Percy was 120% positive they've never met this guy before, (he probably thought the same thing with Reyna, thought in his defense Hera had taken a eraser to his brain), but he would remember those eyes. He wouldn't forget this feeling.
The students returned to their seats and began to eat again, the water incident already forgotten. Percy had a feeling freak accidents happened a lot in a school of magic. The Great hall was filled with happy chatter once more, but the two demigods didn't feel too welcome anymore. A feeling, sadly, they were use to recently. Percy shoved a forkful of mashed potatoes in his mouth and forced himself not to look back at the silver and green clad table, even though he felt eyes on him again.
Annabeth sensed his discomfort and leaned over.
" I'm sure he's just interested in the new kids like everyone else."
Percy snorted, which sounded like he was choking on his fork with his mouth full of food.
" Yeah, a little too interested.." he mumbled. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
" And how do you explain the evil presence? I'm telling you Annabeth, this guy is bad news, and for some reason he's got his eyes set on us." Percy risked a quick peek, and sure enough Tom was watching them, " I don't like this, I think we should leave.."
" And go where? Percy this place has answers, I can feel it. Trust me." She whispered.
Uggh, those eyes.
" I trust you, not him."
He really just wanted to grab Annabeth and get the heck out of this place, or at least escape back to their dorm, before anything else could happen.
" Just give it a couple days, if he tries anything then well leave, OK?"
No, not ok.
" Fine. But we are steering clear of him."
Annabeth smiled and kissed him on the cheek.
" Deal."
Man, she was good at that.
From there, dinner passed uneventfully, much to the relief of two young demigods, that is until Annabeth saw the newspaper.
Percy was getting his ear talked off by Professor Merrythought about something called Qudditch, and Annabeth was deep in conversation with Slughorn about some potion that can enhance deductive abilities(like she needs it) when Annabeth suddenly gave a small gasp and stopped midsentence.
Percy Looked at her, apologizing to Merrythought. Her eyes were wide and fixated on something on the table. It was a folded newspaper laying next to Slughorns plate. Percy couldn't make out the headline, so it wasn't that she was looking at. Was there a spider on it? He nudged his girlfriend.
" Hey, what's wrong?"
She didn't answer, just swallowed thickly and tapped Slughorns shoulder, gesturing at the paper.
" Sir, may I see that please?" Her voice was small and wobbly. The pink faced Professor, not noticing Annabeth's odd behavior gladly handed her the crumpled newspaper. She took it gingerly, like he had handed her a ticking bomb. She unfolded it carefully. It looked fine, no bugs, the pictures were moving, but that wasn't anything new. He wasn't catching on..
" Annabeth? What is it?"
She looked at him, her face white, eyes still wide, and pointed a shaky finger at the top of the front page.
Percy's eyes traveled up the length of the paper before it came to rest on the letters above Annabeth's finger. His heart stopped, sank actually, down to join his stomach that jolted suddenly. It was a date, not just any date, the wrong date. At least for them. He re-read it again, and a third time just to be sure he was reading it correctly, that his dyslexia wasn't messing with his head. But Annabeth's trembling hands were enough to confirm it, her eyes were glued to it too;
October 26th, 1945
Percy swallowed the golf ball sized lump in his throat.
"Oh."
AN: Cliff hanger, no? I hope you guys like it so far, I apologize for any grammatical errors, spell check and I make mistakes. Please read and review!