Ever since that night at the common room, Percy had been avoiding Hermione at all he can, whenever he can. At night whenever Hermione showed up in the common room, Percy neither headed straight away for his dorm, or just let them know he'll be in the library with Annabeth. Or when he's in the corridor of the castle, and spotted Hermione, he either turned to a different path, one he even never use before, just to avoid her, and lost at the same time, or just ignored her and walked pass like nothing happened. And to make it worse, other students had given him dirty glances every since they found out Percy is going to the ball with Annabeth.
The only high light of those day was the house-elves had finally managed to make his pancake blue. But to his horror, Percy had to skipped most of his breakfast just because Hermione was there or halfway through and she appeared with Ginny by her side. "I'm gonna be in the library." said Percy to Ron and Harry, pushes the pancake away as he saw Hermione. Percy walked pass her like nothing was there before Hermione sat down, and Percy could heard Ron's voice from afar."Hermione - who are you going to the ball with?" and that was it.
It was cold and snowy out side the castle, Percy could see the Beauxbatons carriage was now like a giant frosted pumpkin next to Hagrid's cabin, while the Dumbstrang ship were glazed with ice. Before Percy know it, he was already at the library, spotted Annabeth and took a sit across her.
"Hey." said Percy, letting Annabeth know he was here.
"Hey," she called back. "Still avoiding Hermione?"
Percy didn't said a thing.
"Fine," said Annabeth. "I've been looking for this thing in-"
"Wait - is that a book in the restricted area?" asked Percy, about to grabbed it but Annabeth snapped him out of his dazed.
"Yes, Dumbledore said i could looked through everything i want to, as long as i don't sneak it out of Hogwarts which i won't, that's the Stolls brothers kind of things,-" said Annabeth, restrained herself. "As i was saying, i found out something called Legilimency."
"Legit - what?" said Percy dumbfounded.
"Legilimency - it's some kind of mind reading, and if it's use in the right way, the user could manipulate the one who's being possessed -"
"But we already knew Luke is not being possessed - he want to do it, taking down the gods." said Percy, whispered the last part.
"I know - i know, that's why i'm trying to find more about this, it may take a while but i think i can do it," said Annabeth, draw another book out of the stack beside her. "In the mean time, i think i know what the egg is."
And it caught his attention, finally something was in his way.
"It's some kind of recorder, and the scream you heard - it's from the merpeople." said Annabeth.
"Mer - what?" said Percy.
"Think of them like mermaid, without the colorful skin," said Annabeth. "And for you to hear it, just dip it in the water."
"So just like that?" said Percy.
"Just like that." assured Annabeth, grinning and closed the book.
"Ok, ok," said Percy. "So how are we going to do this?"
"Uhm - Percy," continued Annabeth. "I don't think you're going to like this."
And she tell him the plan, which something consist dipping himself and the egg in the Black lake. Now normally that wouldn't be a problem, but it was the winter, and the lake was freezing cold. But he'll do it anyway, so Percy told Annabeth to stay at the library wait for him when he get the egg from the dorm. As he entered, the trio was sitting at the dark window filled with snow from the outside.
"Percy," called Harry, showing him the letter. "It's from Padfoot."
'Sirius.' a name come up in his mind.
"What did he say?" asked Percy, didn't move an inch closer.
"Nothing much, congratulate us on passed the dragon, and reminded us on keeping an eye on you-know-who." said Harry.
"He's sound like Moody." said Percy, smile then dash to his dorm, looking for a coat for himself and Annabeth, and the egg.
As Percy come down to the common room once again, the trio stop talking, looking at him.
"Where are you going?" said Ron.
"To the lake with Annabeth," said Percy. "We're gonna try out her theory, and if it's right, we might know what the second task is."
"And if you don't?" said Hermione, Percy could feel the awkwardness in the air.
Percy just shrugg, didn't said a thing, then leave with the golden egg with him to meet up with Annabeth, who was standing at the library, waiting for him. As the two walking toward the lake, they could feel the cold, so they tried to walked closer together, until reached the lake.
"Are you sure i have to do it?" asked Percy again.
"Yes, positive," said Annabeth. "maybe."
"Seriously?" replied Percy. "- i don't think we should -"
But then Annabeth pushed him down the lake anyway. The water seemed cold for all Percy can tell, for a moment he can't barely move, but then again, he remembered the egg, then open it. But instead of a scream that could tear his ears out, a sweet and dreamy voice sang.
Come seek us where our voices sound, We cannot sing above the ground, And while you're searching ponder this; We've taken what you'll sorely miss, An hour long you'll have to look, And to recover what we took, But past an hour, the prospect's black, Too late, it's gone, it won't come back.
Then Percy shot up, off the cold water, and landed right next to Annabeth.
"Yo - you wa - was rig - right." said Percy, teeth chattering. And Annabeth help Percy get up, and the two walking back to the common room, smiling and laughing all the time.
-Time Skip-
In the common room, Harry and Ron were playing chess while Hermione watched them as Percy and Annabeth entered. The daughter of Athena pushed Percy down the couch right in front of the fire, to warm him up.
"Blimey Percy, what happened to you?" said Ron as he noticed a shivering Percy.
"Nothing, just took a dive in the lake." said Percy, tried to flash a familiar trouble maker grin.
"Bloody hell," said Ron. "Why did you -"
"Annabeth pushed me." said Percy, making the three looked Annabeth in horror.
"What? He kept talk his way out." said Annabeth, with a blanket, wrapped on Percy. The water now all gone, but the cold was still there, and Annabeth wrapped her arms around him, making him warmer. But then Hermione stood up and leave, as Percy just ignore her.
"What's up with her?" said Ron, looking at Percy, but the son of Poseidon just shrugged.
"Oh and the egg, just -" Percy sneezed, unable to finish.
"Just dipped it in the water and you'll be able to hear it." said Annabeth.
"But don't do what i did." Said Percy.
"Then how am i suppose to find out?" Said Harry.
The Christmas morning come with the noise of Dobby and - well everyone else in the room yelling, making him the last to wake up. And apparently, they are exchanging gift, Dobby had received a pair of socks, and it made the elf very happy. Dobby also asked Percy what he wanted the most for Christmas, and Percy's answer was a breakfast on bed.
A silver tray appeared out of thin air, with a dish of blue pancake, a cup of syrup and blue soda on it. Percy said a thank before devoured piece by piece, and of course Ron had given Dobby the sweater from Mrs Weasley had given him for Christmas. But Percy didn't, instead he gave Dobby a drachma, told him it was a special coin can use to call Percy or whoever he can, whenever he can, just throw it in the water, form a rainbow then said "Show me Percy jackson or anyone you want to call, but it will be more effective if you know the place of whom you want to call, and only for emergency." and Dobby nodded.
"Dobby must go now, sir, we is already making Christmas dinner in the kitchens!" said Dobby to Harry and Percy, hurried out off the dorm and on the way, said bye to Ron while Percy just sit on his bed, keep on munching his pancake.
"Sorry, I forgot to wrap them..." said Percy, full of sarcasm, to Harry right before Dobby left the room. "That's the best you can do."
Percy just keep on watching his friends, and unwrapped his gift. Harry had a bulging bag of Dungbombs, and so did Percy, both from Ron. A box of blue cookie from his mother, which one of his favorite, of course Annabeth had give him a book on advance spells and charms to use against the Dark Arts, in Greek. Usual sweater from Mrs Weasley, with a dragon on it. But then a burning feeling started to rise in Percy's chest as Harry hold in his hand a book on Quidditch. It's not like he jealous or something, just that it was from her.
But all of those mix feeling was soon washed away by a heavy knock on the head, making Percy looked up. The ironbelly was hovered above Percy's head, about to dropped on it once again, before Percy snatched it in his hands. The mini verse of the dragon was still doing fine, seemed it can take care himself perfectly.
The rest of the day, Percy just stayed in his room, apparently someone is going to come here today with his dress robes for Percy and something else for Annabeth. And it seemed Percy had missed a lot of fun in that day, but it doesn't really matter though, since Percy still didn't have his dress robes, or tux and the Ball only hours away.
As Harry, Ron, Seamus and Dean changed to their dress robes while Percy just paced around the room, waited for something to come with his robes. Harry and Ron had insisted on waiting for him as Dean and Seamus had left, but Percy told them to go and he'll catch up later.
Minutes after they left, Percy looked out of the window but not one but two figures at the doorway appeared interrupted him. At first Percy thought it was just a couple about to attend the Yule Ball until.
"Well isn't it my favorite demigod?" the girl said, which make Percy totally surprise and reach for Riptide. "No need to, it's just us." and the two revealed themselves.
"Dad? and Aphrodite?" said Percy. "What are you doing here?"
"Well your mom said you need dress robes right? And i think it's a nice to visit you too." said Poseidon.
"Okay, that i get it but dad," he paused. "No offend, but i don't think you are appropriate enough to give me fashion advices."
And it was true, the god of the sea might be one of the big three, but when it come to fashion or anything to do with it, let's just say he a easy going kind of guy. Poseidon was wearing his usual sandals, khaki Bermuda shorts and a Hawaii t-shirt.
"Well that's why she insist on going." said Poseidon, gestured to Aphrodite.
Aphrodite was stunning as ever since the last time Percy met the goddess of love. She was in a pink v neck dress, with make up, making Aphrodite even more beautiful. 'Well, she it's the goddess of beauty after all.' a thought popped inside his head.
"Well then," started Aphrodite. "Let's get on with it shall we?" The goddess moved toward, making Percy stepped a few step back. "And hon, watch the door will you." she said to Poseidon, and the old mann of the sea just grumbled something then closed the door.
"Uhm - what about Ann-" said Percy, but get interrupted by Aphrodite.
"Ah ah, don't you worry now," said Aphrodite. "My other self is handling it. Now close your eyes."
Percy was getting nervous, but do it anyway since he doesn't want to get blast out of oblivious. Oh no, Percy really doesn't want that, he still very much love his little life.
"Good boy." said Aphrodite. And her finger ran along Percy's body, making him shivered and in seconds, feel something had wrapped him up, until Aphrodite told Percy to opened his eyes, and a mirror appeared right in front of Percy.
It was a black suit, well-fitted, with a black tie, button down white shirt, a pair of leather shoes, and a black belt to match them all. It was comfortable, and cool, and judging from Aphrodite's look, it seemed she pleased with her work.
"Oh splendid!" cried Aphrodite. "Now go before late, Annabeth is getting down too."
So Percy did, a get a wave from Aphrodite before she said " And Percy hon! This night might be a little harsh, but hang in there." and Percy nodded, leave the room before he hugged Poseidon and get a compliment from his father on defeated the dragon.
As Percy making his way down the common room, he noticed how everyone were looking at him, but it doesn't matter, because Annabeth was already down there, waiting for him. Annabeth was wearing a long charcoal grey backless dress, making her received glances from all the boys, and Percy heard some whispered from the girls.
"You look great." said Percy, feeling nervous.
"You too," said Annabeth. "Let's go, we're going to be late." and Annabeth pulled him through the portrait and headed to the Hall where the Ball was held. And it was packed with students.
"Champions over here, please!" called Professor McGonagall. And the two making their way there. Percy could see Harry was there too, along side with his date, and the other champions. McGonagall told them to wait but then on the stairs, someone caught their eyes.
It was Hermione, escorted by Viktor Krum. Percy was stunned by her beauty, her hair was twisted up, into an elegant knot, and wearing a periwinkle-blue dress.
Percy's mind was going crazy, million thoughts running through his head, until Annabeth broke him out of his daze.
"She look beautiful." said Annabeth.
Percy smile awkwardly, and Hermione passed him toward Viktor, who was in the front before said hi to Harry, ignored him complete.
As everyone settled in the Hall, Percy could see how excited Ron was since one of his friend was actually a partner of Viktor, Ron had tried to says hi, but his tongue seemed tied, only Krum was smiling back, said something before Ron was in the Hall.
Professor McGonagall told the champions and their partners get in line in pair and followed her. And they did, as they entered, applause broke out from every corner of the Hall and all the champions with their partners making their way to a round table at the top of the Hall where the judges were sitting.
The wall had been covered in silver frost, with hundreds of garlands of mistletoe and ivy crossing the starry black ceiling. The house tables had all vanished, instead there were hundred of smaller round tables, each for about a dozen people. And Percy had spotted Ron at the top table, with Padma.
"You seem a little over enthusiastic." said Percy as Annabeth keep taping her feet, which was something Percy usually do. "What has gotten into you?"
"Nothing, nothing," said Annabeth. "Just feeling the night."
"Feeling the night," replied Percy as they all reached the table. "What's that suppose to mean?"
"I already told you, nothing," she said, keep on tapping. "I just want to have fun, you know, dancing and all."
"Okay, we can do the dancing later." said Percy while Harry started ordered his food, and so did Percy, with all the blue food he can remembered, making the headmaster and the headmistress of Durmstrang and Beauxbatons along with the students looked at him weirdly, all except Annabeth and the trio - Harry, Ron and Hermione. Even Krum had to asked Hermione something about Percy's oddly taste, making his date a little uncomfortable.
"Hey, what's Percy doing here?" asked Percy to Harry. (i know, it's sound weird to me too.)
"He just got promoted," said Harry, munching on his food, "here on behalf Mr. Crouch."
"So where is he? Mr Crouch."
"Sick or something, ever since the World Cup fiasco and with Rita at his back, he doesn't do well according to Percy." said Harry.
"Huh," said Percy. "We really should get him a get well card you know." and earned a small laugh from Harry before continued on his food. But Percy didn't really mind it since he already had load, but with Hermione teaches Krum how to pronounce her name at the far side of the table, it was annoying Percy. Even when Krum said something about his school until was stopped by Karkaroff.
And of course Fluer had to joined in too, talked about how great her school was and her date, Roger Davis just agreed with her with a dazed look on his face.
Moments later, when they all finished, Dumbledore stood up and asked the students to do the same, making them a little confused, but did it anyway. The headmaster raised his wand, all the tables zoomed back leaving a clear floor, then a platform with along the right wall. A set of drum, several guitars, a lute, a cello and some bagpipes.
"It's a dance floor!" said Annabeth excitedly.
And a band trotted up and stage applause broke out, so Percy just assumed they are the Weird Sister, as the band started to pick up the instruments, Percy held out his hand to Annabeth.
"Ms Chase, may i have this dance?" said Percy as Annabeth grabbed his hand.
"I thought you'll never ask." said Annabeth in returned. And Percy lead Annabeth out of the dance floor.
The Weird Sister started with a slow tune as Percy faced Annabeth, his hand in her, the other put on Annabeth's waist. Percy was tried his best on not to step on Annabeth's feet.
"You membered out fisrt dance?" said Annabeth, making Percy started to looked in Annabeth's eyes, those fearless stromy grey eyes now filled with sadness and sorrow.
"Of course i do," said Percy, as Annabeth taking the lead. "It was two years ago right? In winter break?"
People started to joined in, and the champions were no longer the center of attention.
"Yeah, it was fun, even though you tripped most of the time." she said, remembering the time when they were thirteen.
"Hey, but i'm getting better," said Percy. "See, no more tripping."
Annabeth smile, and wrapped her arms around Percy's neck, getting closer, her head next to Percy. And his arms were around Annabeth's waist, and the two just keep on the dance, back and forth, slowly until the Weird Sister stopped playing, and Annabeth pulled out. Percy could see tear on Annabeth's face, and the son of Posseidon pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket as applause broke out again and wiped them away.
"C'mon, sit down," said Percy as he gently hold one of Annabeth arm back to the table. "I'll get you some drink." and Percy did, a golden goblet of punch was held in Percy's hand before handled it to Annabeth.
Harry and Ron seemed weren't having the best night of their live, Harry keep on watching Cedric and Cho as for Ron - well let's just say he didn't really enjoy his date. Bur before Percy know it, Annabeth had pulled herself together, said she was fine and pulled him out of the dance floor once again. And this time, Ron was actually dancing along side Padma.
After a few songs, the two demigods were getting tired and the daughter of Athena said she need to go to the lady room. So Percy getting their drinks, next to him was Krum, also getting drinks for Hermione and himself, but he didn't really care. As Percy headed out of the Hall, he spotted Ron was talking with Harry at the table, rather excited, but Harry seemed a little dazed.
On the stairs Percy was, sitting down, untie all his suit's buttons, taking a few sip of a time. Annabeth was finally back, and Percy handled the daughter of Athena the glass of punch, she grabbed it and drink.
"So," started Percy. "Having fun yet? Still feeling the night?"
"Well i have my fun," said Annabeth, then from a happy and carefree expression, it disappeared. "I'm worry Percy."
"Don't be," said Percy. Annabeth had think about it again, on how Luke can betrayed them all, why and how can she be here, dancing, having fun while Luke is planning on who know what? And if Annabeth had said it sooner, Luke wouldn't turned out to be like this. "just like you said, let's just have f-" Annabeth was now hugging him, tight... When Annabeth finally pulled out, tears were streaming down her face, and Percy hold Annabeth face and wiped the tears away. But before Percy know it, Annabeth reached foward, kissed him on the lips.
Percy frozed, shocked from what is happening. 'Annabeth is kissing me! ANNABETH IS KISSING ME!' the thought keep appeared in his mind. But at the bottom of the stairs, Hermione was with Krum, standing there, watching as Annabeth finally broke out. Percy really want to explained everything, said it was just a - Percy doesn't even know what it was, but Annabeth bursted into tears and hold him as Hermione turned around, walked away quickly but not back in the Hall but the opposite direction, leaving Viktor behind.
Percy lay Annabeth down the stairs, head on his lap, until she felt asleep. The son of Poseidon carried the daughter of Athena back to the Gryffindor common room, and placed Annabeth on his bed before casted spell, letting no one know she was there then headed back to the Hall, looking for Hermione to explain everything.
And Percy did, but the talk didn't go as well as Percy expected, from he trying to explained to Hermione that wasn't what she think, to how Hermione can excepted to go to the Ball with Krum, which when Percy thought of again, it was a stupid fight.
"Yeah well you an running along with the enemy now." exclaimed Percy.
"The enemy? What are you talking about? Krum is not the enemy."
"Oh really, the-"
"Really, the time he had spents in the library because he doesn't have the courage to talk to me."
"Oh so nothing else then." said Percy. "What about the information huh? i'm sure it already come up once or twice."
"For your information, he hasn't asked me one single thing about the egg."
"Well then i think you can just give him already," said Percy. "Save him from some trouble."
And Percy walked off her, with his coat and tie on arm, out off the Hall. But then Hermione followed Percy out, pulled him back.
"Then you know what the solution don't you?" said Hermione. "Next time there's a ball pluck up the courage to ask me before someone else does!"
Hermione was right, but Percy was not gonna let her know that, so he turned away, his back to Hermione's face and off to the Gryffindor tower, returned to the common room, and lay on the couch, getting some rest.
AU: Thank you for reading my story, i know i haven't interact that much with you guys, but i hope that i will have your support till the end of the story, and don't worry, i have a plan for every things i fit in and make sense. Once again, thank you for reading. ^^
-The End-