Camp Attack
I could not stop myself from staring up at the sky. You would really think that a small army of monsters being led by an angry Minotaur would grab my attention right away, but that wasn't the case for now. As I stared at the black, starless sky, I could see that there were definitely more than three wizards heading our way. What was more important, however, was that crazy Bellatrix was somewhere up there ready to kill me this time around. My bones literally began hurting at the thought of her and her magical stick of doom. Then I remembered the other man, Snape. He, too, looked menacing. Lucius, on the other hand...he looked troubled, as if something else was more important in this mind than the fate of some random kids. Nonetheless, they were all dangerous and we had no way of surviving this attack unless the gods did something about it.
Chances of that?
Zero.
"We have to get out of here..." I whispered to Annabeth.
"Scared, punk?" A voice behind me laughed. Clarisse, daughter of Ares, was dressed her full battle armor ready to take on anyone who would dare to look at her the wrong way; or just simply dare to look at her, period. I wanted to tell her off but decided that being in the middle of an attack was neither the perfect time nor place to do so.
"No, I'm not," I said as I took my eyes off the sky. "But we don't stand a chance against them; we can't even get close to any of them without getting hit by some sort of light." Clarisse glared at me through her helmet's visor as if regarding what I had said. However, just before she had the chance to open her mouth, a jet of green light struck Clarisse's shield sending her flying a couple of feet into the air. At the same time, the jet of light bounced off Clarisse's shield and was now making its way back to the army in the sky.
Under different circumstances, seeing Clarisse flying would've been hilarious. Now, however, I panicked. I'd recognized the green light that hit her as the same one that had killed Alex from the Apollo cabin. Along everyone else, I stood there silently, fearing the worst for our best fighter who at the moment was not moving.
I was sure she was dead.
Until Clarisse started shouting obscenities in both Greek and English that I didn't even knew they excited.
With the quick help of all her brothers and sisters... Ok a couple of her brothers and sisters...all right, fine. With the help of just an older brother, Clarisse came back up the hill swearing on her Father's name that whoever attacked her was going to die a very slow and painful way. In my mind's eye, I could see, in a hopeful way, Clarisse and Bellatrix battling to the death and the crazy woman dying that slow and painful way Clarisse had mentioned.
"That's it thought..." said Annabeth with a serious and thoughtful expression across her face. "The shields can bounce off whatever they send our way and it will allow us, at the same time, to get close enough to strike."
"But they can't cross the barrier," a young demigod from Hermes cabin argued. And as if an angry god, which I don't doubt we had pissed someone up there recently, had been listening, Bellatrix hovered above us, blew me a kiss and zoomed past us towards the Big House cackling away just as the witches do in the old Disney movies.
"Your plan better work wise girl," Clarisse grumbled. "Everyone that's ready for battle get into positions. Those that are slow and don't have a shield, go immediately to the armory! Grab any shield and weapon you can find and attack freely." Don't ask how Clarisse became the leader of this battle but when dealing with the daughter of the god of war...I thought it was best to just follow the directions and not cross her when she was angry. Just before I was about to run to the armory before the good shields were taken, Clarisse stopped me on my tracks, her face angry, ready to kill.
"Punk!" She looked serious. "Me and my cabin are ready for battle. We're going straight for the Big House and fight that woman. Any objections?"
I shook my head. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to object or not.
"Good." And with that, Clarisse lead a very small, angry mob of Ares demigods to the Big House and fight the woman that had humiliated her in front of her siblings.
"Clarisse can be sort of cool," Annabeth said.
"In a weird way..." I agreed.
We ran as fast as we could towards the armory and despite the long run, I was able to keep up with the much agile Annabeth. As we passed The Big House and the volleyball court, we saw Crazy Bellatrix laughing maniacally above in the sky. Chiron and the Ares Cabin, on the other hand, were failing to get her down with their arrows for she kept changing them to large black snakes that attacked back. I was glad, however, that our side wad found a way to stay alive with the shields, for Bellatrix was not very forgiving with the deadly green light. We continued to run despite how much I wanted to stay and help, but without a shield, I knew I would not last long. We arrived at the armory after all the demigods had come and gone leaving me with very little options. I had to choose between a pink feathery helmet worthy of the Aphrodite Cabin and a helmet full of holes. Trust me, you too would pick the pink helmet if you saw how horrible the other one was.
"Percy, catch!" Annabeth threw a large round, bronze shield that immediately made me miss the one my little brother, Tyson, had made for me a couple of years ago but had been lost the previous year when we were being chased by Kampe. All of the sudden I could hear some ruckus from the stables along with voices shouting orders, most likely the other cabin members had thought of using the pegasi to fight into battle.
"Ready, Seaweed Brain?" Annabeth asked.
I nodded, ready to take on anyone who carried a magical stick. When the both of us stepped out of the armory, we almost were run over by pegasi getting ready to take off.
So sorry master! Silena Beauregard's Pegasus shouted as he took off into the sky. Silena was in the lead of about ten people and were heading towards the hill to meet the Minotaur and the other monsters. The others who were on foot were running towards either The Big House or the barrier to meet the enemy. I looked at Annabeth and without much of a word, the two of us took off running behind them and began yelling like in those epic movies when the hero leads an army towards the enemy.
Yo, Boss! As I ran, I looked back to find Blackjack catching up to us at a terrifying speed. I think you may need a ride again.
"Once again, I think you're right." With one swift move, I got on Blackjack's back. Not daring to leave Annabeth behind, trust me, she would've killed me if I hadn't at least asked her to come with me, I asked her to come with me to help Clarisse and the other Ares demigods fight at The Big House.
"No, you go," Annabeth said as she shifted from one leg to another in her armor. "I'll go help the others at the Hill." And with that, both Annabeth and I parted ways not truly knowing if I was going to see her again after this battle.
Harry tightened his hold on his broom as they flew towards the destination. All he could see and had seen since they arrived was the semi-deserted road underneath them and the forests surrounding it. They had been flying for quite a while yet Harry was enjoying every bit of it. For the first time in months he felt free from every responsibility he had back on the ground and wished, for a moment, that he could just continue flying and never come down. Remus, who was now flying next to Harry, however, interrupted that wishful thought.
"All right, Harry?" Remus asked. Harry noticed that Remus had much darker circles around his eyes this time around than last time he had seen his old professor.
"I should ask you the same thing," Harry responded.
Remus shrugged his shoulders, "up until now I've been continuing to work underground for Dumbledore and gather information on Fenrir Greyback's doing. I have to say, though, I'm glad to be out of that job for a while."
"Where do they think you are?"
"They think I've gone to get more recruits for You-Know-Who's cause," Remus said with a yawn.
"But if we find Death Eaters here, don't you think they'll tell Fenrir Greyback?" Harry looked at Tonks as he said this. He was afraid that if Greyback found out that Remus was had actually been a spy for Dumbledore all along, he would carry out his vengeance and anger on Tonks to make Remus pay.
"Yeah, I guess I should've turned in my resignation letter," Remus said with a faint smile. "Don't worry, Harry, I'll be fine...and so will Dora as long as Dumbledore is around." Harry was just about to say something when a loud explosion was heard from a distance. Up ahead, Harry saw a great ball of fire erupting into the sky and immediately knew that they were arriving to their destination horribly late.
"Everyone, get ready!" Dumbledore shouted from ahead. Harry turned to Remus who nodded and smiled at him before speeding up next to Dumbledore. The rest of The Order followed directions and within minutes, they were above a small army of creatures Harry had never seen. At least he had never learned in any of his classes. Much to Harry's dislike, Dumbledore descended just behind the army of monsters and started marching past them without any of the creatures doing anything to Dumbledore. In fact, to everyone disbelief, they were making way for Dumbledore to pass. Everyone stood behind, looking at each other not knowing what to do until Dumbledore looked back and motioned them to follow him.
Harry, with one glace to Ron and Hermione, was the first to move, his wand at the ready if any of the creatures decided to attack. He was aware of everyone following behind him as they went up a hill where a lonely pine tree stood. It was there Harry saw the chaos unfold right before his eyes. It was a battle, but not in a way he had experienced first hand. Instead this way a sort of battle that one only saw on the telly and cinema.
"They," Dumbledore whispered as he motioned with his head to the creatures that were now going down the hill towards the fight, "believe we're with them. They clearly were not told that not all wizards are Death Eaters. That has been their weakness in their-" Another explosion interrupted Dumbledore. This time it was closer to the hill than the first one. Harry could see, faintly in the dark sky, dark figures flying above some buildings.
"Death Eaters," Krum mumbled. "But what are they?" he asked as the last member of the army of monsters passed them. Harry felt a chill going up and down his spine as he saw the last of the several snake women slither past him.
"The Death Eaters new allies for the time being. They are, however, not our concern. They," Dumbledore pointed to the sky above, "have been trained to take care of the Minotaur and everything related to him." Harry and everyone in the Order were able to see very little thanks to the darkness and smoke but Harry was sure that he was seeing flying horses. Pegasi, he reminded himself. He had seen a unicorn a long time ago but an actual Pegasus...never. "They have, however, been not trained for the Death Eaters, and that's how we're going to help them." And without any more words, Dumbledore, with his wand out, got on his broom and rode past the Pegasi Army towards the burning buildings. Following the silent instruction, Harry and the rest of the Order followed Dumbledore into the sky.
Harry, Ron and Hermione were at the rear flank of the group while Remus and Dumbledore took the lead. Harry watched has Ron flew next to Hermione, who looked nervous about having to fly again, to most likely bicker on her constant chats with Krum. Ignoring the bitter lovebirds, Harry looked down and saw that the pegasi were not alone in the fight but that people in armor were helping them. Because of that distraction, Harry failed to notice a rogue spell heading towards him until it was too late. The spell hit him on his shoulder, knocking off his broom and plummet to the ground at an alarming speed.
He used his wand to lower the speed of the fall be nonetheless, he landed hard on his side and for a few seconds, he did not move an inch out of pure pain. Letting a groan out, Harry rolled slowly on to his back and saw how neither Ron nor Hermione had seen what had happened as they continued to fly with The Order.
The ground is hot compared to the cool sky I had been in, Harry thought as he tried to get up and fetch for his wand. From afar, Harry heard the laugh that still haunted his dreams at night. Instead of soaring into the sky and join Dumbledore again, Harry walked towards a large burning building on his left. Above the fire was Bellatrix Lestrange, laughing like a maniac as she battled the people dressed in armor below. They tried their best to hit her with arrows but had little success, especially when she was turning the arrows into snakes.
Without thinking about it, Harry ran towards the people and the blazing building with his wand drawn.
He stood far away from everyone but was close enough to think he had seen the Professor Firenze among those people fighting Bellatrix. As he inched closer, he saw that this centaur had a white body covered in ash instead of a dark one such as Firenze's. Bellatrix's laughter grew louder and more maniacal as one of the snakes lunged for one of the warriors and managed to bite him in the arm.
As the person cried in pain, visions of Sirius popped into his head. He raised his wand and aimed at the woman who had taken the only family he had away from him. "Expelliarmus!" The jet of light shot from Harry's wand but missed its target. The spell, however, took Bellatrix by surprise as she almost fell from her broom down to the burning house.
"Who are you?" Harry was surprised that one of the warriors was a girl underneath the armor and helmet. He decided not to comment on it considering she already sounded mad enough and had a deadly looking spear ready to pierce him with it if he made one false move. "You and that woman are dead meat, punk!"
"Potter!" Bellatrix shrilled from the sky. "What are you doing here?" Without waiting for Harry's answer, Bellatrix sent the killing curse towards Harry. He was ready to dodge it but the girl in the helmet stepped in front of him and with her large, rectangular shield, she protected Harry from the curse.
"She clearly wants you dead, as do I, but I'll deal with you later. She comes first!" The girl snarled as she pushed Harry so hard that it knocked him to the ground.
"You can't beat her with only arrows and swords!" Harry bellowed stubbornly as he stood from the ground. He noticed how the others were starting to forget about Bellatrix, a big mistake, and concentrated on Harry and the helmet-wearing girl instead. "Look, I don't know who you are but let me help you!"
"Yes, dear." Bellatrix was on the ground, a big smile clear on her face "Let him help. I believe he's your only salvation at this point for these silly arrows of yours are nothing. As for you, Potter, it seems you're still among us, a most unfortunate mistake. Before I kill you, however, I do wish to know…how did you get through Kronos' army?"
"Them?" Harry pointed towards the hill. From a distance, he could hear battle cries along with swords and shields smashing against each other. "Oh well, they were stupid enough to believe that we were with you. I guess you guys forgot to tell them that not every witch and wizard is like you."
"I'm glad you guys are here," The white centaur said with relief as he galloped to Harry's side. He was clearly injured, but he didn't seem to care. "Where are the others?" Harry, however wasn't listening for the blood was pounding hard in his ears.
"Potter looks mad," Bellatrix, sneered.
"Shut up!" Harry pointed his wand towards Bellatrix. "Just shut up."
"Remember Potter…" She now pointed hers at him. "You have to mean it." And with that, Bellatrix sent her killing curse towards Harry while he, on the other hand, sent the Cruciatus curse towards her. Both curses collided with each other and for a few seconds Harry thought that their wands had connected just as his had done with Voldemort years before. That all changed, however when Bellatrix faltered and had to dodge Harry's curse.
"You bloody bastard," Bellatrix screamed out of pure rage, "I will kill you!"
Harry quickly pointed his want at the ground and yelled, "Avifors!" All the rocks that were underneath him turned into small birds ready to sign you a song or attack. Without giving Bellatrix a chance to think, Harry aimed his wand on Bellatrix once again and sent every bird he had created towards her just as Hermione had done with Ron. She was fast for she quickly set the bird on fire, destroying every single one of them with one flick of her wand. That, however, was part of Harry's last minute plan for the moment she was busy with the birds he attacked her once again.
"Expelliarmus!" The spell hit her wand hand and sending her wand flying towards the creek behind her. Screaming out of pure rage, Bellatrix quickly got on her broom and disappeared, clearly to look for her wand. Wanting to follow her but knowing that she would come back anyway, Harry ran towards the almost destroyed house.
"Aguamenti!" He shouted when he was near enough to the fire. Water poured out of his wand but he had a feeling that it was not enough to end the inferno that was quickly eating what was left of the building.
"Answer my question!" A voice from behind him demanded. Harry turned around and saw that the girl he had encountered earlier had shed her shield to reveal a tall, muscular and intimidating brunette girl about his age. She was clearly angry, Harry could tell but his main concern was Bellatrix. He had to keep a lookout and be ready just in case she came back.
"My name's Harry Potter," answered Harry as he turned his attention back to the building. The girl, though, was not happy with the simple answer.
"How did you get past the barrier?" she demanded as she grabbed Harry from the neck of his robes hard enough to the point of almost chocking. "Who are they? Are you with them, punk?" Harry, who now had a spear pointed on his chest, was about to answer when the white centaur approached came to his rescue.
"Clarisse, let him go," he instructed, "you saw him fight her, he is not with them so let him go, child." The girl, Clarisse, said nothing but stared at Harry with eyes that could kill. Very slowly, she lowered her spear but nonetheless she gave Harry a dirty enough look that he got her message clear: one false move and he was going to meet the sharp end of her spear. After her silent message, Clarisse marched away screaming in an unknown language while leading a small group towards the hill. Most likely to join the others, Harry thought as he wondered about Ron, Hermione and the rest of the Order.
"Are you alright?" the centaur asked.
"Err, yes…yes, thank you."
"I'm Chiron, activities director of this camp."
"Camp?"
"Yes, well…" Chiron looked around with a sad expression. "What's left of it, that is. Now tell me, you're not the only one, right?"
"What?" Harry could not focus as the hit from the landing was starting to give him a headache. "No, no the others…they went to meet the other Death Eaters towards that direction." Harry pointed towards the direction of another fire. Even from afar, Harry could make the faint light of spells going back and forth; his stomach did a flip every time he saw a green flash.
"Good." Chiron smiled a bit. "I'm glad you've come, otherwise we wouldn't have made it without your help." Harry did not know what to say but nonetheless shook the centaur's hand. "If you wish you could join us-oh Zeus, no!" Chiron exclaimed as he looked past Harry's shoulder.
Above in the sky, Harry saw a Pegasus being chased by none other than Bellatrix herself. She was sending every curse she knew, Harry was sure, but the Pegasus and his rider were fast and had managed to dodge every spell and curse she sent his way. Harry heard Chiron said something but it was already too late. He summoned his broom and was determined to make Bellatrix pay for everything she had done.
As I flew towards The Big House, I stopped and turned to see that some of Bellatrix's friends had made their way to the cabins to have their "fun". It seemed however, that they were fighting amongst themselves for jets of light kept going back and forth in the sky. The view reminded me of the fourth of July with the fireworks. The lights, however, were too dangerous to be festive. I almost wanted to see if I could take them alone, but my bravery melted away as soon as I remembered the attack I faced alone with just three of them.
Better not go there, Boss! Blackjack said. It looks dangerous.
"Yeah, you're right. Let's go help Clarisse." As we flew towards, I heard faint laughter coming from behind me. I turned and almost had a heart attack right there for right behind me was Crazy Bellatrix laughing like a lunatic with her stick pointed at me. Letting out a string of curses that would make my dear mother blush, I instructed Blackjack to dive. The light missed me but I had figure out a way to get rid of her one way or another. I was above The Big House when she managed to disarm me from my shield, leaving me only with Riptide to fight.
Bad luck some would say but that was not the worst of all because another one of her friends joined the fight. To make matters worse, if that was possible by this point of my life, a jet of red light coming from Bellatrix's friend hit Blackjack, injuring him on his wing and having to make an emergency landing.
Both Bellatrix and the other lunatic joined me on the ground; one crazy woman in front of me, one robbed man behind me. Life is great.
Bellatrix looked at him and smiled her evil smile making me dread what was going to happen next.
I was surrounded.
Blackjack had passed out from the pain so making a quick gateway was out of the question. I had nowhere to turn and no shield to protect myself; only Riptide was my only hope despite the fact that I was sure I was going to die. I guess dad was too busy to make a quick life saving appearance to stop these two from finishing me off.
Crazy Bellatrix looked at me before looking at the robed figure as if challenging each other to see who would kill me first. She laughed in her crazy-like laugh and the next thing I knew that jet green light was heading my way. I could not move out of fear. For a couple of seconds, which mind you, they went by very slow-I could think of nothing but my mother. How was she going to take the news of my death, I did not know. All I wished at that moment was to see her one last time and tell her that I loved her and that everything was going to be all right.
The light was right in front of me before everything turned black and the last thing I felt was landing on the ground not being able to move at all.
Edited 2/16/12
