Note: Don't hate me for the cliffhanger! Love you all, and please continue reading & reviewing. It means the world to me. Thank you, and enjoy!
P.S. I do not own PJO/HP
Order of the Olympians
Chapter 25
Nico paced up and down the length of the Prefect's bathroom, running his hands together as if trying to keep himself busy as they waited for Annabeth. Harry was finally breathing normally again, and was on his feet explaining the details of his dream to them.
"Sirius was crumpled on the ground in front of row number ninety-seven when Voldemort got to him…"
"But Harry, couldn't these just be-" Hermione started, her anxiety causing her voice to crack.
"DON'T say dreams 'Mione, because they aren't just dreams! Remember what happened to Ron's dad?"
Ron pushed off from his leaning position against the wall. "He's got a point. That was real..."
The Son of Hades watched Harry give a grateful nod to his best friend before turning back to Hermione. "I know how it sounds, but Sirius is in trouble, and we have to help him!"
She turned towards the demigods, as if willing them to knock some sense into him, but Percy wasn't listening. The Son of Poseidon was watching the door like a hawk, completely rigid while waiting for Annabeth. A block of ice had settled in Nico's stomach, and he tried to ignore it while he addressed Hermione. "We think he's seeing what Voldemort's seeing. So it's a good possibility that Sirius is right where Harry says he is."
Her face dropped and she closed her eyes to take a calming breath. "We...we should at least be sure, shouldn't we?"
"I AM SURE!" Harry exploded, and Will grabbed his shoulder.
"Harry! Calm down. It's not a bad idea to be sure that he isn't just at Grimmauld Place."
Neville looked positively confused at the information exchanged, but kept his mouth shut. Harry shook Will's hands off and crossed his arms. "Fine, we can use the fireplace in Umbridge's office again."
Ron cocked his head, "We will need another distraction...Perc? Any ideas?"
But Percy hadn't taken his eyes off the door. "Where is she…" He muttered.
"Percy?"
Ron finally got his attention, but he still didn't turn around. "Where is she? Annabeth should be here by now."
Nico agreed, and was relieved when Ginny Weasley crashed through the door the next second. But the look on her face had everyone on their feet.
"It's Annabeth!" She heaved, trying to catch her breath.
Percy caught her right before she hit the floor, and the Golden Trio knelt by her side. "What happened?" He insisted, the emotion catching in his voice.
She closed her eyes, obviously terrified of the memory. "The Common Room...the shadows that sent the other students into comas...it got her and three other Gryffindor boys. She said to come get you!"
The room erupted in screams as the plumbing exploded. Water from every available faucet burst around them, soaking everyone to the bone. When Nico pushed his sopping hair from his face, Percy was gone. He swore and grabbed Will and Harry by their dripping sleeves and ushered them out. "Go! Go!"
They all sprinted towards the seventh floor, the moving staircases seemingly knowing how important their journey was and giving them easy access. If he had been paying attention to his surroundings, Nico would have noticed students around them complaining loudly in wet robes about the plumbing malfunctioning. Will and Nico led the pack and stopped before reaching the closed portrait of the Fat Lady.
"My dears, I believe you have the wrong Common Room! This is strictly for Gryff-"
Harry pushed passed them and yelled, "Baubles!" Now open the damn door!"
The Fat Lady looked thoroughly offended, but swung open for them anyway. They raced inside, and Nico had the briefest thought of warmth as he laid eyes on the flashes of scarlet and gold, so different from his own Common Room. That thought process didn't last long however, because his eyes landed on three unconscious Gryffindors crumpled near the window, and Percy cradling Annabeth's head in his hands.
Nico thrust out an arm towards the group of friends, stopping their advances, and let Will approach them first. Percy was muttering under his breath, looking more stricken than Nico would have thought possible. His brow was furrowed in concentration, but the light had died in his seaweed green eyes. He moved her head so her neck was more accessible to Will, who checked her pulse. He nodded to Percy, whose face was flushed with relief and racked with pain.
The Son of Hades finally allowed himself to approach, followed by the Golden Trio. Will clasped a hand on Percy's shoulder. "She's alive. They are all in the same condition as the others we've found. We need to get them to the hospital wing."
Hermione dropped down and grabbed Annabeth's hand, "Will...we know that they can't wake up until Erebus is defeated.."
His boyfriend gave her a soft look, "I know, Hermione. But we can at least get them comfortable in a bed while we go-"
"Go?" Percy asked incredulously, fury lining his voice. "I'm NOT leaving her."
Nico grimaced, he was afraid of this. "Percy, I know you don't want to leave her," He held up his hands defensively when The Son of Poseidon turned his heated gaze towards him, "I don't want to either! But the only way to save her is to go."
"No."
He shared a defeated look with Will and Harry, offering them a turn to knock some sense into the demigod. Potter knelt down next him as well, holding Annabeth's other hand. "Perc, we'll have someone stay with her, she'll be okay…"
Percy's head snapped up, "She will NOT be okay! You don't understand! If she's seeing anything near as horrible as I did, then she's in PAIN! She's...she's…" His gaze dropped back to his girlfriend's face, and he caressed his thumb against her cheek. "I can't leave her here knowing what she's going through. She needs someone that she trusts."
"It's a good thing we made it then, huh?" A familiar voice sounded behind them, and the group of students drew their wands at the intrusion.
Nico was frozen in shock for half a second before relief flooded him, and he couldn't help himself as his feet moved towards Reyna. The hardened regal look that she had on her face softened immediately, and she wrapped her arms around him. He could have sworn he heard one of the Golden Trio gasp, as no one except Will was allowed to hug him like this. But he didn't care, and he let himself cling to the only person in the world who truly understood him.
He pulled away reluctantly and gave her a half-smile, "I'm glad you made it. I just wish the circumstances were better." Before he could introduce everyone, Piper rushed to Annabeth and Percy, causing Hermione and Harry to back away abruptly.
"What happened?" She asked, ignoring the nervous eyes flickering back and forth between her and the other newcomers.
Percy tried to meet her eye, but couldn't. "Erebus. He got to her."
Piper didn't answer, and instead found Harry and Hermione. "Hi, I'm Piper." She stuck out a hand and they both moved to shake it while introducing themselves. Percy didn't seem interested in taking over, so Nico did the honors.
"Guys, these are our friends that we told you about. This is Piper McLean, daughter of Aphrodite_"
Ron snorted, and muttered "Makes sense.." a little louder than he probably meant to.
Nico shot him a look before continuing, "This is Leo Valdez, son of Hephaestus. Jason Grace, son of Jupiter, and Reyna Ramirez-Arellano, daughter of Bellona." He motioned towards his new friends, "This is Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Neville."
The look on Neville and Ginny's face almost made him want to laugh. He addressed the Golden Trio, "Uh..you might want to catch them up to speed." The two newcomers nodded with wide eyes, and listened to Hermione explain about their parentage and true reasons for being at Hogwarts.
In the meantime, Piper eyed Jason, who got the message and moved towards Percy. "Bro, she's going to be okay. We'll make sure of it." He clasped the Son of Poseidon on the shoulder and pulled him in for a tight hug. Nico let out a sigh of relief when he saw Percy react for the first time since their arrival. His grip was tight around Jason's dark blue shirt, and his body shook in what Nico was sure to be a mix of emotions. Fury would probably be at the top of the list.
He was right, of course, because when Jason pulled away, the vehemence that rolled off of Percy was enough to cause the young wizards around him to stumble. He whispered something to Piper, who moved out of the way so he could pick Annabeth up bridal-style. His bright eyes were darkened, and his jaw was set.
"P-Percy?" Hermione asked in a small voice.
"Get them to the hospital wing." Was all he said before walking out of the portrait hole. The rest of the group looked at each other nervously before Hermione brought out her wand and called out "Wingardium Leviosa," lifting the three unconscious Gryffindors gently and followed Percy.
When they made it to the hospital wing, Percy's radiating anger hadn't worn off. He set Annabeth down with grace, and Hermione did the same with the three boys. Nico looked around and his heart sank, every bed was full now. Twenty-four total students had been attacked by Erebus, and all of them were in painful comas. Percy was the only one he knew of that escaped his fate, and Nico knew that was only because of his frequent dips in the water and his courage to destroy the demon that plagued him.
A few visitors were startled by the interruption and started walking towards them to inquire about what happened. Percy turned around and roared at the poor students. "OUT! GET OUT NOW!" They squealed in fear and sprinted out the door. The Son of Poseidon pulled out his wand and pointed it towards the door. "Colloportus!" Nico winced as it slammed shut and locked with an echoing click.
"Perc, buddy, pal, I think I saw some steam coming out of your ears. If we aren't careful, the two of us might burn the whole damn castle to the ground." Leo laughed nervously.
With the tangible tension hanging in the room, Nico thought Percy might explode at their fiery friend, but to his surprise, the Son of Poseidon smirked for the first time since the exam. "At least not until we get a dam snack bar in this place." He shook his head and folded his arms, suddenly unsmiling again. "Harry, I promised you that we would go and save Sirius. But, Hermione and Will were right, we need to double check that he's not at Grimmauld Place first."
Ron's eyes widened, "You were listening?"
"I'm always listening!" He snapped. "But I'm not playing games anymore, I want that floor cleared so Harry won't have any interruptions. If someone comes, find a way to get rid of them. Piper, I want you to stay with Annabeth."
Ginny took a step forward, obviously struggling to piece everything together, "We could set off one of the pranks Fred and George left behind? And have people guarding the corridor entrances so they can't get past?"
Jason nodded, "Ginny, that' s a great idea. Reyna, Leo, Neville and I can keep people out."
Nico had a feeling Neville was whimpering silently, but to his credit, he only nodded his acceptance.
Ron moved towards his sister, "Ginny, Will, and I can distract Umbridge while you are clearing the floor. Then Percy, Nico, and Harry will be clear to use the fireplace."
Harry looked towards Annabeth with a crestfallen look, then returned his eyes towards the group. "I won't need very long, five, ten minutes maybe?"
It was Nico's turn to speak, "They can give you that. We still have a problem though, if we confirm that Sirius isn't there, we still need a way to get to the Ministry. I could shadow-travel us there, but that's going to take out a lot of energy, and I honestly don't think that most of you could handle it."
Percy's eyes narrowed, "Any ideas?"
Reyna pulled out a skinny silver whistle, "Hecate made Guido and Blackjack available to us, but they wouldn't be able to carry all of us."
Harry crossed his arms, "Then maybe not all of us should go." Once people started protesting, and sighed, "I don't want any of you put in danger because of me. I barely know any of you, and it's too dangerous for Ginny and Neville. I can't ask you to fight for me."
Reyna gripped her spear and brought it eye-level with The Boy Who Lived. "Harry Potter, some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. If you look around, you will find that you have great people surrounding you. We are not fighting for you, Harry Potter, we are fighting with you."
Harry blinked and nodded slowly, the words of Reyna's speech sinking in. The corners of Nico's mouth twitched. He missed these guys.
"Great, now that we are all on the same page, how would all of us get to the Department of Mysteries?" Percy asked.
A few moments of silence passed before a light voice called out, "I believe I have an idea."
They all turned to find none other than Luna Lovegood exiting the Hospital Wing bathroom, an airy look on her face. "Uh...Luna, I didn't think anyone else was here…" Percy started.
"Don't worry, Percy Jackson, I won't tell anyone that you and your friends are demigods." Nico's eyes widened. His first assumption of the girl was confirmed, Luna Lovegood was a lot smarter and frightfully observant than anyone else gave her credit for.
"Er...thanks...you said that you had an idea?" He asked, obviously coming to the same conclusion as Nico.
"The Thestrals, of course." She said with a soft smile on her face, as if the answer was obvious.
Will clapped, "That's a fantastic idea! There is a herd of them living in the east portion of the Forbidden Forest. Ginny and Hermione can ride with Reyna and Percy on the Pegasi, and the rest of us can ride the Thestrals."
Jason cocked his head in confusion, "What in Jupiter's name is a Thestral?"
"They are like Pegasi..only…" Percy tried to explain.
"Slightly more terrifying," Will finished for him. "They can only been seen by those who have seen death."
Leo laughed wearily, "Then these must be my kind of horses. Been there, done that. You can't get much closer to death than me." He said with a wink.
Nico grumbled, but figured he had a point since he was the only one he knew who had actually died and come back to life.
"Anyway…" Percy continued. "Luna, that's great. Can you and Leo round up four Thestrals while we get to the fireplace? I think Jason, Reyna, and Neville can handle clearing the corridor."
"It would be my pleasure."
Nico's lips twitched looking at the demigods' undetermined reactions to Luna Lovegood, she really was something else.
Ron held up a nervous hand, "Wait..hold up." He seemed to shrink at the weight of everyone's eyes on him. "Are you telling me that everyone except Hermione, Ginny, and I have seen death..?"
Percy sighed and grabbed Annabeth's hand next to him. "I can't speak for Luna and Neville, but Ron, we're demigods. Half mortal, half god. We were born to fight. Whether our home is Camp Half-Blood or Camp Jupiter, we are groomed to lead armies and kill monsters at a young age. Death...death is a normal part of life for us. We've all lost people close to us...our friends and family."
A pregnant silence set itself on the shoulders of the group before Neville and Luna spoke up.
"I can see them because of my mum. I was nine." She offered.
Neville's eyes found the floor. "My Grandad."
Jason put a hand on Neville's shoulder and gave him a small smile. "It makes us stronger."
Percy coughed, "Alright, so we've got a plan in place. We check to make sure that Sirius is missing, then we meet by the Forbidden Forest and fly to the Ministry of Magic." He then turned towards Harry and met his gaze, "And then we finish this."
XX
Will grinned like a maniac when Ginny handed him a box of Weasley's Wildfire Whiz-bangs. "This is going to be epic…" He said with anticipation, earning him a nervous look from Ron.
"Er..yeah. I think we should set them off in the Great Hall, it's big enough to make a scene, and it's plenty far from her office."
Ginny and Will nodded in agreement, "Fine," she said, "You two get these going, and I'll bring her here. Make sure she doesn't find out you two had anything to do with it."
When she turned on her heel and took off to find Umbridge, Ron and Will casually sauntered towards the Gryffindor table, trying not to look suspicious. There weren't a great deal of people present, as lunch was already over. But that was ideal, better to have less witnesses. The two boys nodded to each other and carefully opened up each of their boxes.
The next second, all hell broke loose. The Great Hall shook with enormous force as several enchanted fireworks exploded above the students' heads. Bright neon lights twisted themselves into fantastic shapes, all resembling a disfigured head that looked suspiciously like Professor Umbridge. The young witches and wizards below cheered loudly as a firework fire-breathing dragon dismembered each of the faces with a brilliant flash of light.
Will nudged Ron and the two made their way towards the double doors. Ron pointed his wand at the fireworks and whispered, "Stupefy!" and "Evanesco!" Causing the fireworks to explode and multiply by ten for each one he hit.
The Son of Apollo grinned widely at the young wizard, "Smart thinking." They rushed out of the Great Hall, leaving a complete mess in their wake, and hid behind a large column. They waited until Ginny came running with Professor Umbridge at her heels. She pointed towards the commotion and shouted, "There! You have to find a way to stop it!"
Umbridge looked positively furious, her thick neck bulging dangerously. "Tell me how! Your brothers are the ones who made these horrific contraptions for Merlin's sake!"
Ginny shrugged, "Maybe with a stunning spell? You can also try to make them disappear...I really have no idea! Fred and George never told me how they worked."
Filch caught up to them, completely out of breath. Professor Umbridge screamed in fury and marched into the Great Hall with her wand raised high. Ginny waited until they were both distracted before calling out for the boys. Will and Ron gave her a high five and started towards her office. "That will keep her busy for a while, don't you think?"
XX
Jason waited thirty seconds before Professor Umbridge hobbled after Ginny towards the sound of the explosions. Percy was right, she really did resemble a toad. Once he was sure they were gone, he fingered the wand in his hand-still unused to the feeling-and whistled loudly. "HEY! EVERYONE OUT!"
The thirty or so students that were wandering about gave him strange looks, "Who in Merlin's name are you?" One of the students in a robe lined with emerald green called out. "And why should we listen to you?"
Annoyance twitched in his chest, he wasn't used to being questioned. Jason pointed his wand towards one of the light fixtures above and concentrated. The Blasting Curse spun towards it, and the lights shattered, causing the students to screech in surprise and rush out of the corridor.
He caught Reyna's eye across the way and caught himself from laughing at her approving smirk. She hadn't bothered disguising her spear as a wand and threatened multiple students with it before the floor was cleared. She called out to him, "You watch that end, and Neville and I will keep everyone out on this end!"
Jason nodded and called out for Percy, Nico, and Harry, who appeared a few moments later. "Alright, you guys get in and out as quickly as you can." Nico took the two boys' arms and pulled the shadows around them before they disappeared completely. Jason couldn't help but shiver, knowing he would never get used to the Son of Hades' preferred method of travel.
XX
The second Percy's feet hit the floorboards, he tried to shake off the chills that ran through his veins. Shadow-Travel was tough on the body, and he understood why it took so much energy out of Nico. Harry immediately started towards the fireplace and called out, "Accio Floo Powder," safely catching the small jar as it reached him.
He threw out a handful into the fire and leaned back as the flames reached upwards. "Number 12 Grimmauld Place!" Percy watched Harry thrust his head in and call out for Sirius.
While they waited, Percy couldn't stand still. His feet needed to move, so he paced around the office. Nico must have been feeling the same way, because he mirrored Percy's actions. They made eye contact, and immediately knew the conversations the other was reliving.
XX
"You look frustrated, Son of Poseidon." an eerily familiar voice called out to him from behind a statue. The air seemed to be holding its breath and Chronos stepped out into the firelight. "I believe you know why I am here."
Percy straightened, and nodded dutifully. "You're here to tell me what my part is in stopping Erebus."
The ageless man before him smiled. "You would be correct. My only questions is...are you ready to hear it?"
He took a deep breath and nodded. "I'm ready."
Chronos studied him, "I need an enormous surge of magical energy delivered to me before I can put Erebus back into his deep slumber."
"I know, Will told us."
"I believed he would. What none of you understand quite yet is what exactly it will take to generate what is needed." Chronos said, the light dancing across his face.
Percy narrowed his eyes, "Then explain it to me."
The old man took a seat on the windowsill and twisted his long fingers around the tip of his beard. "Can you tell me what the most powerful magic in the known world is? It applies to mortals, wizards, demigods...all creatures that inhabit this green Earth."
The Son of Poseidon thought back, straining to remember something that Hecate told him at the beginning of their quest. "Love?"
Chronos' kaleidoscope eyes crinkled in front of him. "Very good, Mr. Jackson. More specifically, Sacrificial Love. This is the reason Harry Potter is still alive. His mother gave her life to protect him, searing the ancient, powerful, and long lasting counter charm into his veins. It's why Voldemort failed the night of his downfall, and why Professor Quirrell disintegrated when he attempted to lay his hands on the boy."
Percy blinked as he took in the information. "Why are you telling me this?"
"Because it's the only magic powerful enough to defeat Erebus." Percy took a sharp intake of breath before Chronos continued. "Mr. Jackson, a death is required to wake the students who have fallen after the Darkness attacked, and to stop him from extending his destruction to the rest of the world."
The response was immediate, "I won't let my friends be a part of that. They are going back home in one piece."
Chronos half-smiled. "I knew you would be of that opinion. Loyal till the end, Mr. Jackson. Now, in this world, the end really isn't the end. Your friend Leo can attest to that. I have given Mr. Solace my personal Time-Turner, which has the special ability to hone the power absorbed while it travels."
"Which means that once the sacrifice is given, we can go back in time before it actually happened…." Percy guessed.
"Precisely. However, the Lord of the Underworld has a certain vendetta against losing souls to time-travel. Can I assume that you have seen your uncle's temper first hand?"
The Son of Poseidon grimaced, "Yeah, he doesn't appreciate being jipped out of a soul. So...basically we need to keep the balance. A soul for a soul?"
Chronos nodded, "A soul for a soul. You will need the talents of our dear friend, Mr. di Angelo, for that particular task."
Percy leaned up against the stone wall and closed his eyes. "Nico...Nico is a lot more vulnerable than he lets people believe. The thought of ending someone's life, even if it means bringing me back and defeating Erebus, is going to be rough on him."
"Then I suggest you allow me to speak with him first."
"What, and not tell my friends that someone has to die for us to win?" Percy asked incredulously.
Chronos placed a strong hand on his shoulder, "Patience is bitter, but its fruits are sweet. Enjoy the present, Mr. Jackson. I will speak to Mr. di Angelo when he is ready. Then you can form a plan with all of the information."
As the primordial deity turned gracefully to leave, Percy growled. "Chronos!" The old man simply looked over his shoulder. "It has be me. I'm not letting anything happen to them, do you understand?"
"I see all things, I hear all things, and I understand all things, Mr. Jackson." He answered ominously before disappearing with a flick of his hand.
XX
A few weeks after that, Nico was finally enlightened to the beginnings of their plan, and he had begged, pleaded, and implored Percy to find another way. They had brainstormed, of course, and did enormous amounts of research, but to Nico's dismay, Chronos was right. A sacrifice produced the most ancient and powerful kind of magic, and it was the only thing that could bring Erebus' hold crumbling down.
During Nico's conversation with Chronos, the deity had apparently given him the timeline of his part of the plan, and he had been practicing with the combination of shadow-travel and apparation ever since. From what Percy could tell, the Son of Hades had finally achieved it, but couldn't yet bring anyone else along with him.
Their eyes twisted towards Harry when he cried out, "KREACHER NO!" He forced himself backwards, falling painfully onto the hard floor. Harry scrambled up, his voice distraught. "He's not there! He's gone to the Department of Mysteries!" He grasped onto Percy, "They're torturing him, Percy! Voldemort's going to kill him!"
As the two demigods tried to calm Harry down, Jason beat against the door, "They're coming! Get out of there!" His voice sounded muffled, but insistent behind the strong wood.
Nico swore and pulled them back into the shadows and depositing them outside of Umbridge's office. Jason, Reyna and Neville were standing by the edge of the corridor, ushering them to hurry. The group sprinted down the stairs and out towards the grounds, pushing past anyone who stepped in their way.
By the time they reached the treeline to where the others were waiting, Harry was huffing heavily. Percy let him catch his breath and called the other wizards over near Hagrid's hut.
Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Luna, and Neville all waited expectantly.
"Listen, I know you all want to do this, and I'm not going to keep you from coming. But, i want you to be prepared for what might happen. Don't be ignorant enough to think that this won't end in an all out fight. All of you have been exceptional in the D.A. meetings, so don't forget what you've learned." He tried his best at a smile, but knew it was strained. "When it comes down to it, I need you to do exactly what we tell you to. Jason, Reyna, Leo, Will, Nico and I have all been in more battles and wars than we can count, so trust our instincts."
The group of young witches and wizards nodded in understanding, and he sent them back to the Thestrals. Hermione stayed back to mentally prepare herself for their journey, and Harry came into view. Percy admired the determination that settled itself across his face. "Thank you for coming. I know what both of you are risking here, and I just want you to know that I appreciate it." Percy sighed, knowing that Harry really didn't know the extent of what he was talking about, but patted him on the back nonetheless.
As they turned to return to the others, who had hidden themselves in a clearing with the Thestrals, a shrill voice lined with fury and delirium called out to them.
"YOU RIGHT THERE! DON'T MOVE!" Percy turned around to see Professor Umbridge hobbling towards them with a handful of Slytherins behind her, all of them holding their wands out.
He immediately held up his hands and balled them into fists, a signal for the others to stay hidden. He would rather try to get out of this peacefully.
Harry and Hermione took their places next to Percy and kept their hands away from their wands, understanding Percy's message. "What can we do for you, Madam Inquisitor?" He asked in the most polite tone he could manage.
Professor Umbridge was completely disheveled from the events of the day. It seems that the distraction Will and Ron set off did it's job. "Do you three honestly think that I wouldn't have my office guarded after not one, but TWO nifflers destroyed it!? I KNOW that you were in there, Potter!"
Harry's eyes widened in mock confusion, "I don't know what you're talking about, Professor."
She screeched in frustration. "You were using my fireplace! I KNOW you were! Who were you talking to? Was it Dumbledore? Or that disgusting Half-Breed?"
Percy held out a hand to stop Harry from advancing at the insult to his friend. This seemed to spur on Umbridge, "Ah, HA! So you were talking to one of them!" She inched closer, her wand fixated between Harry's eyes. "Tell me Potter, was Dumbledore explaining his plan to take over the Ministry? Was he giving you directions?"
The trio stayed silent, causing the Inquisitor to start to mutter to herself. Percy thought that after all of Nico's silent torment, all of the pranks and destruction of property that she had undergone after Fred and George's 'Grand Plan,' the woman must have finally cracked. There was something off about her eyes, like they had lost all reason.
"If you won't tell me outright...then I will just have to force the information out of you." Hermione gasped, and reached for her wand, but Umbridge moved hers to intercept. "I don't think so, mudblood! This information is essential to the success of the Ministry, and I'm sure Cornelius wouldn't mind my….methods…"
Percy finally caught onto the woman's ravings and a snarl ripped from his throat, "If you think you're going to be harming a HAIR on their heads, you've got another thing coming!"
Professor Umbridge laughed in a way that caused the Slytherins behind her to take a step back. "I don't THINK so, Mr. Jackson. I am the HIGH INQUISITOR of Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and WIZARDRY, and by the power given to me by the MINISTER of Magic HIMSELF, I can do whatever I damn well please!"
There was no reasoning with her, Percy decided. He thrust his arms down quickly, pulling Harry and Hermione down roughly and dropped to the ground. Powerful stunning spells spilled from the forest, knocking Umbridge back onto the muddy ground. The Slytherins took the hint and rushed off back towards the castle with their tails between their legs.
He helped his friends up and ushered them towards the Forbidden Forest. "Go! Go!" He heard a sharp whistle sound in front of him, and looked back to see the familiar outline of two flying horses gaining speed towards him. Once Blackjack and Guido had touched down, he gave a quick welcome to his old friend.
"Come on, this way!" He told them, and led them towards the clearing where Ron was carefully climbing on the back of Will's Thestral with a look of absolute confusion, while Nico and Harry, Jason and Luna, and Leo and Neville were already in position.
Percy gave Hermione a leg up on Blackjack and helped Ginny settle in behind Reyna on Guido. Once everyone looked secure enough, he led Blackjack forward so that he was facing all of his friends. "We go straight to the Ministry and get through to the Department of Mysteries. Keep your wands and weapons up, and keep an eye out for each other. We have our own personal army here with us today. Watch each other's backs."
The energy in the clearing rose ten degrees, and everyone shouted out in agreement. Percy took a deep breath before ushering Blackjack towards the skies.
"Legion, cuneum formate!' Reyna yelled. 'Advance!'XX