A/N: Part 2 of 3. Disclaimer applies as always.
Harry was worried, and he was never worried when flying in the sky. He allowed the rain to touch his body lightly, and bounce off, while the other players were hammered from all angles. Harry's Quidditch goggles stayed dry due to the aversion water seemed to have to him, more than the spell Hermione used.
Harry flew in patterns, trying for all he was worth to spot the damn snitch. This was the onnly game he'd ever wanted over with as soon as possible, as the feeling of danger quietly swept into his pores. Below, the chasers and beaters handled the elements well, not noticing the cold that was spreading above them.
Finally Harry saw the little glint, and for once he went after it as fast as possible. Harry used the wind to the best of his ability, and mentally egged on his broom to go faster. At this point he didnt care which team won the match, he just wanted to investigate what was making his safe place unsafe. Harry could only do that once he'd caught the blasted snitch.
At one time Harry would have thought it odd that on the ground if he felt unsafe he moved away from the source of discomfort, but in the sky he felt it his duty to investigate. The skies were his. That something unsafe entered his domain insulted Harry to his core. Harry had no idea where the feeling came from, but had long ago stopped trying to figure it out. It started back in second year, when Dobby's bludger had knocked him out of the air. Beyond the pain in him arm, was the ritcheous indignation that something had dared take him from his safe space. Now he was going to face the threat head on, whatever it was.
The snitch rounded one of the goal posts and traveled back high into the center of the field, flying almost completely vertical at one point, up into the clouds.
Harry's competitor slowed down as the rain beat fervently against them, and the wind fought them. Harry mentally tried to clear the clouds, and anger flooded him as they refused to move. The wind itself stopped going Harry's way and instead pushed him back. Harry fought the clouds and wind, forcing his broom up. Glancing back he could barely make out the stands in the field.
Within a split second Harry felt the change in the sky; bitter cold now flooded his body, and darkness settled around him. Dementors. Now, Harry knew exactly what was happening, and gave a silent apology to the forces that be. He should have listened to the wind and the suggestion of the clouds. Harry panicked when he turned his broom around to head back down to the ground, and found his path blocked by two dementors sweeping the area in long lined patterns. Looking around, more of the ghastly creatures crowded in and Harry heard screams in his head.
The screams of his Mother and the flash of green light mentally pounded him with pain and suffering. Blackness slowly formed in the back of his head, and Harry knew in that moment he had only seconds before he would black out. The static blackness was inching towards his vision, and engulfing his head. Harry's could feel his heart facing as he tried to find an out, and yet found none. The creatures were focused on him, and winning.
Finally his vision went black, and the last thing Harry felt were his fingers slipping from the broom.
Zeus stopped dead in the middle of his speech. Something was wrong, something was horribly wrong. He stood up, looking around for the danger and yet found only the curious faces of the assembly of gods and goddesses.
Zeus mentally put out feelers into the surrounding area, but nothing felt amiss. Olympus was safe. Still he could not shake the feeling that something was wrong. Not wrong he corrected himself, there was danger. He felt it as strongly as the air was telling him insistently that nothing in the area was amiss.
The other gods and goddesses noticed Zeus' alert behavior and looked around for the danger their leader obviously perceived. Confusion flooded the air and they looked to each other for direction. None sensed a threat, and waited for their leader to react or calm down. It went unspoken that if Zeus felt something amiss then it was.
After a few long minutes Zeus finally turned back towards the assembly. The feeling began to pass, but left him with an aching dread. What in the name of heaven had happened?
"This assembly's business shall be continued on the morrow," Zeus stated with more firmness then he felt. Inside his heart was racing, and he left the chamber quickly. Poseidon fell into step behind him.
"You are unwell brother?"
"It is nothing. Go back to your seas Poseidon." Zeus demanded harshly, hoping his brother would take the hint and not press the issue. He would hate to have to kill his brother.
Zeus felt Poseidon sigh, disappear from sight, and Zeus made his way into his office. There he put out more coverage, feeling around his domain in the skies and even encroached upon portions of earth. Nothing seemed out of place. Zeus sat in his chair and still came up with nothing. The danger might have passed, but there was a feeling of wrongness that Zeus couldn't explain
He thought of sending messengers out to various lands to ensure that nothing has disrupted the overall harmony of his domain, but realized it would be pointless. A shifting in the balance of harmony had an entirely different feel, one he had felt and taken care of in the past. No, this was different, he sighed to himself.
It was beyond frustrating to know he could do nothing but wait for the future to unfold. Wait, to see if the emotions came again.
Harry sat in the tent and felt himself shake before he got a handle on his nerves. The Triwizard Tournament was the most horrible thing he'd ever experienced. He would be facing a dragon. What in the name of Merlin could the professors possibly be thinking? He was fourteen! A dragon! As in the beasts which people studied and trained for years in order to be eligible to work at the reserves with. Years, he thought again.
The whole situation made him angry! He had lost his best friend, though sometimes he wondered if Ron had ever really been his best mate. Was a little loyalty too much to ask for? But then, Harry berated himself, Ron had shown this side before. It really was nothing new. Hermione was caught in the middle too, which he felt horrible about. Ron's and his problem certainly should not have become Hermione's.
Then of course there was the fact that the school absolutely hated him. Harry wondered why he was attempting to win a competition for students who were jeering him and professors who ignored him. Actually, it was quite similar his every day life. Professors were constantly telling him to use his magic and focus more, when what they really meant was, you are just above a squib. Harry had resorted to flying five days a week in order to steady himself for the next days lessons. Without the flying time Harry got headaches from attempting to use his wand. The wand seemed to have given up on him as well, but Harry said nothing. Screaming to his professors that he could do their stupid spells wandlessly wasn't exactly a bright idea. Although there were times when it certainly had merit.
The only subject he excelled in naturally was potions, though Snape made that bloody difficult. All Harry had to do was pay attention to detail, and read. No wand required, which was a blessing.
Harry's thought broke off as he heard his name called, and booing erupted from the stadium. He wanted to just quit really, he thought sadly. The jeering was almost as bad as Voldemort coming after him...again.
Harry left the tent and immediately saw the dragon, and the nest she was protecting. Harry told himself to settle down. The stadium quieted as he hunkered down behind a boulder. Fire flashed around his body, but seemed to go out of its way to avoid him. The flame moved as if repulsed by him. Harry questioned it silently. It was exactly what water did. Another hot wave went around him, and Harry realized that he could think the implication of the discovery to death after he got the damn egg.
Harry drew his wand for show, and then mentally called his broom. He smirked, as he saw it flying towards him seconds later. Magic was so much easier with out people looking over his shoulder and correcting his wand movement.
Harry heaved himself away from the shelter of the boulders, jumped on the broom, and made for an area just out of the dragon's reach, hoping to lure her away from the nest. He made two or three passes out of the beast's reach, before he saw the stake in the ground bend under the muscle power of the animal.
Harry swore mentally in every language he knew, as he watched the gigantic dragon realize that she could be free. The animal used its muscled body, and Harry prayed to the powers that be the chain would hold as he searched for an exit route. All Harry felt was dread as he heard the metal snap, and the huge animal came after him. Only him, Harry thought. Things like this only happened to him!
Flying high past the stands full of screaming spectators, Harry lowered himself over the broom and urged the broom on. He aimed the wind in his direction and concentrated on using it against the dragon. At the same time Harry focused on the clouds, moving them to provide a cover.
Even with that, Harry found himself on the roof of the castle minutes later. Merlin, how did he get himself into these situations? Shitty professors, that's how, he thought with anger. Harry saw the dragon land above him and worked his way over the ledge until he was back seated over the broom. It was certainly a close call!
Horror grew though as the animal came after him again, flying at an unbelievable speed. Harry's firebolt seemed to max out on speed, and yet the beast was gaining on him. Harry attempted various routes and evasive maneuvers, but the animal stayed hot on his trail. It was furious with him for attempting to take the egg. How on earth was he to survive this one?
With grim determination Harry saw the bridge and knew that it was either him or the animal. Merlin, he hoped the fates would forgive him. He didn't want to injure her; she should never have been involved in the competition! She was just another innocent! A beastly, huge innocent. Harry hated more than anything that the fight for life had taken to the skies, the one place where both he and the dragon felt at home and free.
Harry struggled as the bridge came closer and finally made up his mind. He headed for a small opening, knowing that the animal would try to follow. The broom and his body fit through easily, and Harry turned back to watch as the animal crash with a huge thud and roar. The magnificent animal bent the metal of the bridge but even she was no match for its strength. Harry felt his eyes tear as he watched the animal fall to its death, and wiped away evidence of the weakness. She should never have been in the tournament, chained down to the ground when she belonged to the skies, he thought.
Harry made his way back to the stadium knowing it was expected he come out chase fierce and excited. He grabbed the egg as classmates cheered, but only thought of the dragon. Harry felt no accomplishment in beating an animal so like himself. His classmates' claps and cheers made no difference. They had shunned him and now wanted to bask in the so called glory of winning. There was no glory though. The skies had been tainted with death.
Zeus' head shot straight up from his book at the despair and worry that flooded him. Something had happened, he was sure of it. The past year since the incident in front of the assembly, Zeus had studied every feeling he felt, but this was confirmation that the feelings were not his own.
Zeus grabbed parchment and began to write out his feelings. There was despair, and a lot of it. Sadness and a loss of innocence followed. There was also anger, and deep seeded bitternes. Underlying it all, Zeus felt he had to be somewhere. There was someplace he was needed!
Was he going crazy? Of course not, Zeus admonished himself. He was Zeus, King of the gods, god of the skies. The most powerful there ever was, and he was immortal. Still, he jotted down notes to himself as the flood of emotions continued. He felt an opening of communication, but quickly closed it off. Was he being deceived? Was someone or thing bidding for a take over, and an opening into his mind? Finally the broadcast of emotions stopped and Zeus' writing halted.
Within seconds Zeus remembered that he was not alone. Poseidon sat across from him, with a concerned look upon his face. It was amazing how much he could hate and love his brother at the same moment. Zeus hated that he had shown a weakness, and this unknown was certainly a weakness.
"This is like the last time." It was not a question, but a statement. It had also betrayed a worry that Zeus refused to acknowledge. Damn his brother.
"It is not your concern," Zeus said quietly, composing himself and picking back up the book he had been reading. The emotions continued to linger.
A hand moved the book down and Zeus looked up into Poseidon's concerned face.
"I am talking as your brother, and you have my oath that this discussion shall stay in these quarters. Now, I have kept silent this past year as time and time again your brain wandered as though you were trying desperately to figure out some sort of puzzle. However, today is much like last year's event. If you truly cannot trust me, then find someone you can. There is something wrong!"
The words of steel softened Zeus' resolve in a way that kindness certainly would not have done so.
"They are feelings. Feeling which are not my own," Zeus said quietly, and saw his brother frown.
"You are connected to many mentally. Is it similar?"
Zeus shook his head firmly. He had established over the past year it was nothing similar to his connection with the skies and beings.
"No, I fear not. It is not requests, but emotions. Though today I saw an outlet of response as well. If this is enemies playing new tricks, I shall find and destroy them piece by piece." Steeled resolve underlay the emotions.
"Of course you would. You said that they are emotions. Do you feel an unordinary concern for whatever is feeling the emotions?"
Poseidon was looking at Zeus so intently, that it made him nervous for the first time in centuries. May all that is in the world, help him if Poseidon was able to solve this riddle in such little time. How stupid and insignificant could it be, to be so easy?
"Yes, the emotions vary. Last year it was despair, anguish, and for some reason I was actually concerned. I felt the need to protect." Zeus barked a humorless chuckle. "We both know that no such emotion exists in me. Today I felt despair, and sadness so deep I wanted to protect again. Like I would protect anything. Beings must protect themselves! Survival of the fittest! It makes no sense." Zeus ended with a shake of his head.
Zeus watched his brother's face go blank, and knew that his brother thought he had solved the riddle. The wall of no emotion was the surest sign to all that Poseidon either meant business, or knew the answers and would take his sweet time sharing.
"As you said brother, you don't feel such emotion. You are right. It is human like, though sometimes in rare cases we do. Think back. What was the last being you felt emotion for?"
Zeus felt the color drain out of his face as denial, loss, and hatred flooded his mind.
"No." He should strike down his brother for daring to bring up the memory of what he had lost! All Zeus found he could do though was reiterate his last word firmly over and over again.
Poseidon leaned forward. "He would be what now, fourteen earth years? A time of high emotions in a young one's life."
Zeus got up suddenly, the chair behind him fell, and his fist slammed upon the desk! "You listen here brother! I shall not be manipulated! My son is dead! His mother is dead! If you do not wish to find your's in Hades realm as well, then I suggest you leave and take your foul thoughts with you!"
Zeus watched with rage filled eyes, as his brother walked to the archway that was the entrance. Finally, he turned back after standing in the archway momentarily.
"I know this brings up horrible memories and I am sorely sorry for that. However, you must move onto the reality that very few things can broadcast the emotions you speak of, and it is undeniable that children can do what you are experiencing. Neither his, nor his Mother's body was ever recovered. Ask any of our brethren with mortal children and they will tell you the links are the same. I feel if Percy is in trouble, and if he needs help there is an outlet for me to respond. I feel the emotions I would feel as a father, if I were mortal. and there with him. Fear for him, and the need to protect are common. If you come up with another answer though, do let me know, but I think you must consider the possibility that he is out there."
Zeus knew he should stay silent, but he couldn't, "You are suggesting that my child's Mother was in league with the traitors are you not? That they are both alive and out there! For why would they hide they dispose of her body, and yet keep my son alive?"
Poseidon still stood at the archway. "I am merely pointing out that we both know you had no love for the Mother of the child. A conquest, nothing more, nothing less. However, everyone on earth and sky knew you would never let her leave your protection with the child in tow. The child would have stayed under your protection until he was to be turned."
"Your imagination has run away with you Brother, along with your brain and common sense! No, you shall not toy with me! He is dead, as is his Mother! Maybe, this is your plot to take over! Voices in my head indeed!"
"He is dead because you say so?" Poseidon visibly scoffed at the notion.
Poseidon walked out of the room only to see lightening and hear thunder crack and roll overhead, the likes of which he hadn't heard in years.
Harry hated the fact that others were taking his form to protect him. When his protectors showed up at the Dursley's with this plan, he had tried to persuade them against it. He hated that they were being put in danger. Everything revolved around him, and every death was another laid upon Harry's shoulders.
Harry wasn't offerred a choice though.
Hagrid quickly got Harry into the motor bike and into the air they went. It calmed Harry down, right up until the point that the death eaters intercepted them in the air. Harry looked around shocked as Death Eaters appeared all over his sky. He hadn't any warning!
Within moments the air was filled with colored lights, and spells either hit nothing or sickening screaming was heard as they found their target. Part of Harry couldn't believe this was actually happening. The masked followers of the Dark Lord were out to kill the people who were trying to protect Harry, and there wasnt a damn thing he could do about it!
Hagrid was trying his best to evade the lights, but he wasnt having a lot of success. The screaming was getting to Harry, as Hagrid kept telling him to hold on. Harry looked on in horror as more spells converged on his protectors. Merlin, how many more would die. How could he face these people again? It was all his fault!
Zeus stopped dictating to the assembly the moment the emotions began to fill him, and he closed his eyes. It had been two years since the last incident, and the moment he felt the wave of emotion he stopped and paid attention.
This was like and unlike the other he noted with frustration and dread. There was panic, pure panic, and a belief that death was sure to follow. There was despair and pain so real Zeus looked for the source.
Zeus opened his eyes, and found Poseidon's worried gaze.
A wave of actual pain came through, and Zeus realized this was it. It was decision time. He could acknowledge that this was actually happening, or he could close off the feelings completely. He was tempted to take the latter option, and hated that his heart wanted him to take the former. Was it truly possible that these emotions came from his son? It seemed so impossible. Another waive of despair came though, and Zeus realized that the time for thinking was over.
Zeus looked steadily at his brother. "What do I do?"
Poseidon rose from his seat immediately, and walked over.
"Close your eyes and try to see him. You may not be able to see what is actually happening, but you should be able to feel the emotions very clearly. Get to know the situation that he is in. Guide him through it. "
Zeus heard Athena's gasp as the situation dawned on her, but made no move. He closed his eyes, and searched for the connection. It was a connection similar to ones he had with other beings, yet this was more powerful. As he traced it the emotions came through even stronger, and Zeus felt a wave of protectiveness he had not experienced since his son had been placed in his arms for the first time.
He tried to determine the boy's surroundings but all he felt was the familiar sense of war. There was a battle in the skies, and his son was watching pain and possibly lives being lost as he struggled to live through it. Dread and fury coursed through him. The skies were Zeus place!
Zeus gathered his strength, and looked towards the intent of the boy's foes. It helped greatly that they were in the air, and Zeus' senses were at their strongest there. Oh, yes, these foes wanted his son dead. They were willing to kill anyone in their path to thhat objective, and lives had already been lost. Zeus felt the boy decide to take an offensive, though his son struggled to decide on a particular approach. Mentally Zeus encouraged him to take an option that would take the enemy out for good.
Zeus felt the boy disagree, and almost smiled at the stubborness, but then felt the panic of something that was a close call. Were they in planes that the mortals had invented? It made sense, but the boy seemed so young for that. Zeus lightly admonished the boy and again pushed him hard to take a direct approach. This time Zeus felt the boy listen, and felt both the guilt and relief of a successful attack.
Time and time again Zeus helped the boy make decisions as he tried to gain a sense of where on earth the battle was. Warfare in planes was too common in these years though, and Zeus felt guilty that his hands off approach to earth was now a weakness. He had no idea what was happening on earth, and who was at war these years.
Finally he felt the boy's feelings of relief and safety. Zeus tried to keep the connection open, to encourage the boy to think about his wearabouts, but he panicked and mentally gave Zeus a shove. When Zeus searched for the connection again, he found it disappearing quickly. Zeus tried for all he worth to trace the path, but in a split second it was gone.
Zeus took a few breathes, thanking the fates that Olympus was so high into the air, which gave him renewed strength. FinallyZeus opened his eyes, and saw that most the assembly was still seated.
Only Poseidon and Athena stood by his side waiting for him to direct their course of action. Zeus thought for a few moments over the implications of what was about to happen. There was no question now. His son was alive somewhere, and Zeus realized he would gladly tear apart earth to find him.
Zeus breathed in and out again, deciding on the best course of action. He refused to act recklessly, but instead would map out a strategy. The lives of mortals were negligible he decided. Millions could go to Hades as long as he had his son by his side in the end.
Finally Zeus nodded to Poseidon and Athena, the latter still had surprise written across her face. The two returned to their seats quietly, as the others looked on.
"I have known for sometime of the possibility my half-blood son is alive. I know not what happened to his Mother, nor do I care. She is either dead or a traitor, and shall make a trip to Hades in due course. My son is the priority though."
This announcement brought forth curses, and shock. Hardly surprising, Zeus thought. He had disbelieved it fully until a few minutes ago. Now though, everything would done to ensure his son's return. Everything.
"Now it is a certainty he is alive. He seems to be involved in some sort of battle on earth, and I express my resolve here and now, my son shall be found!" Zeus made certain he met every single pair of eyes. No one would question his resolve. "I care not how many mortal lives are lost, though I suppose less is always preferable," Zeus stated more as an after thought. "Should anyone, mortal, god, or in between have known about the deceit I will wipe out the line and will seek vengence on every being they knew! Am I understood? Every lead will be looked into until my son is by my side!"
Zeus was surprised to find that every eye met his in resolve. Yes, he thought, it greatly surprised him. Zeus did not realize that every body in the room had watched him suffer in sadness when his son was taken. Those born of Zeus' own loins could not deny that the half mortal son had changed their Father. For the few short months the boy had lived, Zeus had been a different being. A better being. If it took the slaughter of millions to find the child, then that's what would happen in the end. Their help would save lives, because they knew from the last time that Zeus had little concern for life when it came to this child.
They all spoke oaths, and made plans. Some cared not for the child, since they had never cared for their own mortal offspring, and this was no different. However, they did care for Zeus. Some did not care for Zeus, and those that did not, agreed because they knew the look in his eyes. Their immortality would end before one word was taken in opposition of the plans. Therefore, they would never question the plans.
Finally, the plans were sealed and Zeus sent up a signal to the heavens in the form of lightening, and in a silent promise to his son that he would be found.
Percy Jackson waited with Annabeth, and the others, by the fire once they were awoken by the huge display of lightening and thunder. On such a clear night, the display was understood by one and all to be a message of power, anger, and resolve. Not that anyone would ever go against Zues, but it seemed that something had rattled the powerful god.
"What do you think it is?" Grover asked from beside Percy, as he munched on some bread.
"Something big," Annabeth stated, her eyes still on the sky. The display had started forty-five minutes ago, and had yet to end. The large threads of lightenings lit of the sky all around them.
"Whatever it is, we should know soon." Chiron stated from Annabeth's side. Percy noticed that even their wise teacher seemed a little apprehensive. "A messenger was called up to Olympus some time ago, and will hopefully be back shortly." Hopefully, being the key word, Percy thought.
Percy became even more worried as the bon fire grew larger, and even larger yet, towering over the students. Nothing appeared in the flames but it was a sure sign that even Hades had taken notice of the display, and was keeping a close eye on the events.
Percy glanced to Annabeth, and saw the thoughtful look on her face. When she shook out of it, he looked in question.
"My mother says that everything will be alright. Nothing else, but that she believes us not to be in any danger."
The words were vague but Percy felt comforted by them. At least someone knew what was going on, and he made a mental note to ask Poseidon later why he was keeping his own son out of the loop. Unless, Percy thought, Poseidon was already busy working on the problem. Problem, or whatever this was. Percy looked over to Chiron.
"When was the last time that Zeus did this?"
Chiron just shook his head, his eyes still flickering between the fire and the skies.
"Not since -." A deep breath alerted Percy to a change in Chiron's thoughts. Annabeth had also noticed and stared at him.
"Since when?" Annabeth asked with determination.
"The night Zeus' son was lost."
The sound of a blowhorn beckoned all the students into the arena came, and Percy wondered what the gods had discovered. A display like this meant that the game plan had changed.
TBC...