Summary: AU. 16 year- old Harry Potter is hopeful that his fourth year at Hogwarts will be a pleasant one. However, when Dumbledore announces the reinstated Triwizard Tournament, Harry's life takes a unique and unexpected twist. New friends will be made, old enemies will be faced, and two hidden worlds will collide after a century of separation.
Parings: Harry/ Ginny, Leo/Luna, Jason/ Piper, Annabeth/Percy (past), Nico/Percy (semi-one sided), Hermione/ Ron (semi-one sided), Frank/Hazel, Hermione/Percy (one sided)
Author's Note: Hello lovelies, so some of you seem interested in this story so far…so that's great! Some of you are wondering "what's wrong with Percy?" and "Where's Annabeth?" their past story will be told…don't worry. Now for those who have read my stories before, I will not be writing Percy/Annabeth anymore. I have nothing against their relationship. I just want to write them separated and explore different sides of their character. The only main demigods in this story will be Leo, Hazel, Piper, Nico, and Percy. I chose these five because I wanted to write their bonding, something you don't see a lot of in the story. Anyhow, I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Chapter Two
"Well, when do we leave?" Percy questioned the table. He hoped it was soon. The faster they got there, the faster he could go home.
Chiron smiled at the black hair boy, "we have arranged a flight for tomorrow. That way you'll be there for the welcome feast."
Percy nodded in agreement, but then he suddenly stopped dead in his tracks... flight? Chiron couldn't be serious.
"Arranged a flight? Meaning we're flying there? You have to be joking Chiron." Percy blanched at the thought. Was Chiron trying to kill him? There was no way Percy would live through that flight.
Chiron and Jason both sighed, "My dad's not going to blast you," the son of Jupiter mumbled under his breath.
Percy wanted to argue that—yes. His dad would in fact blast him out of the sky given the chance.
"I understand you're worried, Percy. But Lord Zeus would not blast three children of his brothers out of spite, he wouldn't risk it." Chiron said patiently.
Percy's eyes flickered over to Hazel and Nico who both nodded eagerly. Apparently they weren't worried about getting zapped.
Percy fidgeted in his seat and sighed loudly, "fine. But if I get blasted, I'll haunt you, I swear." The green eyed boy grinned at the half stallion trainer.
The table all seemed to break out into grins after Percy's remark—even Nico flashed a smile. Percy didn't really understand why everyone thought he was so empty or lost. He didn't like the idea of people tiptoeing around him like he was a minefield.
Annabeth was dead, and that was a true painful fact that Percy couldn't avoid. But Percy didn't really feel…that broken up about it.
Sure, he felt sad and heartbroken; Annabeth was part of his family after all. But after three long weeks with his mother, Percy felt better about her death. He didn't blame himself as much as he used to and a part of him felt relieved that Annabeth was happy and in a better place.
"Well, your flight takes off at about 10 am. So, I believe it's time to eat and then you should head off to bed. Jason, come and see me after supper." Chiron said before he trotted out of the Big House.
Once the hero trainer was gone the remaining demigods all started to stand up and head to the dining pavilion.
"Perce, you coming?" Leo questioned as Percy started to head to his cabin.
Percy turned and smiled as best he could, "Nah, my mom force fed me before I left. Not really hungry."
No one seemed to believe him, but Percy didn't care. He needed sometime away and he really didn't need all the other campers looking at him with pity.
He spun on his heels and marched down the path. Twigs snapped under the soles of his shoes as he made his way to the beach. Percy needed to be under the water for a while.
XXX
When Percy breached the surface he felt relaxed and so much better. The air around him was cool and the only light came from the half crested moon in the pitch black sky. He took a deep breath, inhaling the lake air, and made his way to the sandy beach.
He pulled himself out of the dark water and suddenly felt a wave of tiredness. It had to have been passed midnight, Percy guessed. He was surprised that no one came looking for him.
Maybe they're giving me my space He thought to himself as he padded his way to his cabin.
Percy slipped into cabin 3 as soundlessly as he could, knowing that Frank slept in here when he stayed at Camp- Half Blood. The shape-shifting Roman was a distant relative of Poseidon, making it okay for him to claim one of the bunks, if he wanted to.
Frank was a great friend. He and Percy were almost as close as brothers and were actual brothers in Tyson's eyes. Their relationship had become a bit strain since the Argo II touched down three weeks ago. Frank had to be the one that pulled Percy away from Annabeth in the end, Percy couldn't have done it. He couldn't leave her behind.
After that, Frank acted like he was walking on hot coals around Percy. Maybe he thought Percy blamed him for her death, or maybe he couldn't hide his pity as well as the others. Percy didn't know which one it was, but all he did know is that he didn't blame Frank for her death at all. Why would he? Frank was the reason Gaea never woke up. Frank was the reason why Percy was still alive. Without him…Percy didn't know what the world would be like today.
The Sea Prince shuffled into the dark sea smelling cabin and slipped off his tee-shirt, readying himself for a short night sleep.
"When'd you get that?" Frank's voice asked him.
Percy turned around to look at his friend, guilt written all over his face. "Geez Frank, I'm sorry I woke you. I just lost track of time."
Frank flickered on the light and smiled a bit at the shorter teen. "It's fine. I was sleeping in dog form and my ears picked up your steps. Not really your fault. But, I ask again. When'd you get that?" Frank pointed passed Percy, "It's beautiful."
Percy smiled and turned so Frank could get a better look at his tattoo. When Percy got home and told his mother everything that had happened, she suggested he get a tattoo to help get over Annabeth but still remember her in some way. He had been reluctant at first but after a bit of convincing he decided it would be a good idea.
His tattoo was a grey owl clutching a trident. It was tattooed in the middle of his shoulders, with the wings spanning into his shoulder blades and up.
It was a fairly large tattoo and took about eight hours for it to be completed. In Percy's opinion, it turned out rather nicely and at least this way he would have something to remember Annabeth bye.
"I got about two weeks ago. My mom thought it would be a good idea." Percy said, while slipping into bed.
Frank smiled, "It was a good idea. It's a pretty great tattoo."
"Yeah" Percy sighed, pulling his right arm behind his head. "Thanks"
"You're welcome. Now go to sleep, you have to be up early to catch your flight." Percy heard Frank say before the light flickered off.
Percy curled onto his side and pulled the blue sheets up his body.
"I'm sorry Frank." Percy said simply and quietly.
"For what…?" Franks asked in a very confused voice.
"The list could go on for miles, Frank. I'm just sorry, for everything." Percy said in a sort of deadpanned voice.
Frank was quiet for a moment before he spoke again. "You don't need to be sorry Percy. You've done nothing wrong. Now go to bed."
There wasn't a hint of doubt in Frank's voice, which made Percy feel a bit better. Maybe he spoke too soon about his friends.
Percy lay in silence for a few moments before he spoke in a barely audible voice. "Thank you, Frank…for everything."
He wasn't sure if Frank heard him, but a part of him didn't really care.
Percy tossed and turned in his bunk for another twenty minutes before he fell into a dreamless sleep.
XXX
"We're all going to die." Percy stated for the hundredth time. The group of demigods had just boarded the plane and Percy was already freaking out.
The scared teen felt two hands inter lock with his. One belonged to Hazel who sat on his left side, and the other belonged to Piper who sat on his right. Nico and Leo sat on the other side of the girls.
"Percy, no one's going to die." Hazel assured him, but he could tell there was some fear in her voice. Maybe his freaking out wasn't helping her calm her nerves.
Percy felt guilty at that thought. He was tired of frightening his friends.
The messy hair boy took a deep breath, and tried to remain calm.
The plane started moving down the runway and Percy felt a chill of fear run through him. Soon they would be in the air. And soon he would start really freaking out.
"How long is this flight again?" Percy asked Piper in a shaky voice.
Piper thought for a moment before she answered, "About seven hours, give or take."
Percy whitened even more. This was going to be an awful seven hours.
"Hey Percy, why don't you go to sleep? You look like you could use it." Piper suggested kindly.
Percy felt like he could use some sleep, but he didn't feel like sleeping at the moment. He felt like deep breathing and thinking of places on the ground he liked. Like the ocean. The ocean was a pleasant place to be.
"Can't" Percy told Piper "too high strung."
Percy started jiggling his leg impatiently. He should have just flown with Blackjack. He didn't need to be at the welcome feast.
"Percy, go to sleep." Piper commanded. He could tell she was charmspeaking him, because his body started to instantly relax.
"What about…" Percy yawned, letting the charmspeak wash over him. "That rule about no…" Percy smacked his lips and snuggled his head into the head rest, "charmspeaking friends…"
"Go to sleep, Percy." Hazel laughed slightly.
Percy closed his eyes and was instantly out like a light.
OOooOO
After the feast was over, most of the students got up and started to walk to their respected towers.
Harry rose slowly and followed Hermione and Ron to the Gryffindor tower. Most of the students were in a buzz about the news of the Triwizard Tournament.
"I'm sure the two wizarding schools will be Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and Durmstrang. They're sort of like Hogwarts brother and sister school." Hermione told them as they walked up the moving staircase.
Ron snorted, "Oh, and how do you know?"
Hermione's eyes flash with a bit of anger at Ron's snippy comment. "For your information Ronald, I read about them in An Appraisal of Magical Education in Europe." Hermione snapped back.
Harry had never heard of that book before, but it sounded like something Hermione would read.
"What are they like?" Harry inquired. He had never really considered there being more than one Wizarding School. He figured there must have been more than just Hogwarts, but he never found out if there actually were.
Hermione started biting her lip a bit before she answered. "Durmstrang's got a horrible reputation. Apparently they put a lot of emphasis on the Dark Arts." She said stiffly.
"I think I've heard of it," Ron said vaguely. "Victor Krum goes there."
Hermione and Harry both looked at Ron like he had two heads.
"Who's Victor Krum?" Harry asked.
Ron's eyes seemed to pop out of his head. Harry guessed that Victor Krum must be someone pretty important in the wizarding world.
"Blimey Harry, don't tell me you've never heard of Victor Krum!" Ron practically yelled at Harry, making the portraits snap at him in annoyance.
Hermione rolled her eyes at the ginger. "Will you keep your voice down." She hissed.
Ron waved off Hermione and turned his attention back to Harry.
"Why he is only the best seeker in the world! He plays for Bulgaria and he's unbelievable! He's really young, too. Only about eighteen I think, maybe seventeen. If you saw him Harry, you wouldn't believe your eyes, he's a genius." Ron rambled excitedly.
"Sounds like someone's in love." A melodic voice cooed from behind.
The trio turned around quickly to find the rest of the Weasley clan standing behind them, smirking.
"Shut up, Ginny. I was just telling Harry who he is. According to 'Mione he'll be staying at Hogwarts this year." Ron explained to his younger sister.
"I said I think they might." Hermione grumbled.
Ron rolled his eyes but said nothing. Both of Harry's best friends seemed to have some sort of unspoken argument going on between them. Harry hoped it was nothing too serious. He really hated being in the middle of those two.
"So, where is Durmstrang? What country is it in?" Harry asked as they made their way up to the Gryffindor Tower.
"No one knows." Hermione said in a matter-of-fact voice. "There's a lot of rivalry between magic schools. They all like to conceal their location so no one can steal their secrets."
Harry nodded his head, it made sense. Maybe some things where better left unknown.
Harry and his group of friends finally reached a big portrait of a very large woman wearing a silky pink dress.
"Password?" she demanded as the group approached.
"Balderdash" Fred and George echoed at the same time. The portrait swung open and exposed the warm interior of the Gryffindor common room.
The group crawled through the small hole that was always used to enter the Tower.
A crackling fire was lit, warming the room to a perfectly tranquil temperature. Students chatted happily away on squashy arm chairs and couches.
Most of the conversations were about the Tournament and what kind of other magical beings were going to participate. Harry was trying to keep his mind off of that topic.
Hermione and Ginny said farewell to the boys and disappeared through the door way to the girls' dormitories.
Harry could hear the twins and Ron talk about if they were going to enter the Tournament. Harry smiled a bit to himself. This was going to be the year where he would get to be a normal student.
"Are you—are you going to enter, Harry?" Ron questioned him as the twins walked away to talk to some of their friends.
Harry laughed. "Are you kidding? Oh course I'm not going to enter."
Ron's face seemed to light up at that thought, it made Harry feel guilty. Did Ron always feel this way? Did Harry always steal his thunder?
"Good…I mean…you'll be safe then. People have been known to die in this Tournament." Ron said as he got dressed for bed.
This was news to Harry. People were getting excited to compete in a Tournament they may die in?
"Well, are you entering?" Harry asked, slipping on his night clothes.
Ron dropped his eyes to the ground. "I don't know, maybe. I doubt I'll stand a chance at getting picked."
Harry twisted in his bed and looked at his friend, "you have just as good as chance as anyone else." Harry said without a doubt.
Ron smiled, but it quickly fell. "I don't know. I heard that Cedric Diggory was planning on entering, I don't think I would stand a chance."
Cedric was the captain of the Hufflepuff Quidditch team. He was handsome, nice, popular, and a perfect student. He would be a good choice as a champion.
"Believe me Ron. You have just as good of a chance as he does."
Ron's ears turned a bit pink, "you really think?"
Harry nodded as he yawned, "I know so."
XXX
Harry hated transfiguration. Even though Professor McGonagall was one of Harry's favorite Professors, he just couldn't wrap his brain around the subject.
This was becoming a problem because Harry needed to score well in the class if he wanted to become an Aura.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione all had double transfiguration to start off their first day.
The trio ate breakfast together before they headed to the class.
When they entered, Harry spotted a Tabby cat sitting in a proud statured on the desk. The cat's eyes were staring down Harry as he took his seat next to Ron.
He was wondering if he had something on his face.
Suddenly the cat transformed into the stern and proud Professor McGonagall. She wore her classic ivory robes and her thick grey hair was tied tightly on the top of her head.
"Good morning class." McGonagall smiled slightly, "Potter, come here please."
Harry flashed a questioning look to Ron and got up without saying anything.
"Yes Professor?" He asked as he got closer to the desk.
The Professor smiled at him, "the Headmaster would like to see you in his office right away."
Harry was a bit surprised. What could Dumbledore need from him this early in the year?
The skinny boy nodded, "yes Professor." He said and turned to walk out of the class.
"Oh Potter" McGonagall called after him, "remember acid pops."
Harry nodded and raced out of the room making his way to the headmaster's office in a few short minutes.
When he got to the angel designed stair case all he had to say was "Acid pops" and the staircase twirled upwards.
Harry was always blown away by how large and impressive Dumbledore's office was; he seemed to have every knick and knack you could ever want.
In the corner on a shelf sat the dirty old sorting hat. It didn't look like much but, however, it was actually a very wise and enchanted item that could be the difference in what house you get placed in.
Harry walked further into the office and spotted Dumbledore sitting in his high back desk chair.
"Ah, Harry. You look well. Have a good summer?" the elderly headmaster questioned.
Harry smiled awkwardly and sat slowly down in a chair facing Dumbledore, "yeah, it was alright."
"I'm sure you're wondering why I asked to see you." Dumbledore said, while taking a sip of tea.
Harry nodded, but didn't say anything. He had a feeling it was about the Tournament.
"As you are well aware Hogwarts is going to be very interesting this year."
"Yeah, the Triwizard Tournament" Harry said lamely.
Dumbledore nodded, "Yes, the ministry thought it would be a good time to bring it back. I brought you in here because I wanted to see were you sat on the subject."
"I'm not sure what you mean, sir?" Harry was a bit confused. Did Dumbledore want him to enter his name?
Dumbledore smiled warmly, "I know you have had an interesting couple of years, Harry. But I urge you not to enter your name in the cup this year."
Harry felt like a weight was being lifted off of him. "Don't worry sir, I didn't plan to."
Dumbledore smiled more, "good to hear, Harry. Good to hear."
Harry smiled back as a couple of seconds of silenced passed, "is that all?"
Dumbledore took another sip of tea and smiled yet again. "Yes that is all. But Harry, remember you can come to me if you need anything."
Harry got up without another word. He was becoming use to odd conversations with Dumbledore, but this might just take the lead.
XXX
The main hall was buzzing with excitement at the prospect of the new students arriving. Harry himself felt intrigued as well.
He'll finally be able to find out what other kinds of beings they'd be meeting.
"I hope they get here soon, I'm starving." Ron complained.
Harry could relate. Since he sat down his stomach was aching to be fed, and the empty plates staring back at him weren't helping.
"So, what did Dumbledore want to talk to you about?" Hermione asked as she pulled her nose out of one of her books.
The trio hadn't been able to talk about Harry's and Dumbledore's conversation all day.
"He wanted to know if I was putting my name in the cup." Harry told them.
"And are you?" Ginny questioned, popping up into the conversation unannounced.
Harry shook his head, "no way, I'm staying out of things this year. I'll let Ron or someone else take the heat this time."
Ron smiled at Harry as everyone around them gave a slight chuckle.
Harry's eyes skipped to the head of the room where Dumbledore stood waiting for the attention to be drawn to him.
"Attention, attention students." Dumbledore's voice rang out through the hall, "it's the moment most of you have been waiting for."
Most of the students seemed to be sitting on the edge of their seat. Harry just wanted something to eat.
"Please allow me to welcome Madame Maxime and the lovely ladies of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic."
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