Chapter 18: Breaking New Year
Words: 4,719
Recap: Old, unwanted memories came rushing back. Why now though? Is it because of the Dementors? Whatever the reason, first I'll have to address the other Black in the room.
"Black? Are Sirius and Regulus related to you?"
She sniffed, she took a black handkerchief with golden linings to hide the distasteful quirk of her mouth. I subconsciously took a whiff at my sleeve, thinking I must have smelled weird. I mean, to be fair, I had been under the lake for so long. I may be waterproof, but I'm not exactly smell-proof over here.
"Indeed, I am the children's mother," she confirmed.
Taking another look, I noticed a few family resemblances. She has Sirius's nose, Regulus characteristic frown, and they all have unhealthy white skin. I'm beginning to feel genuine concern that they might be lacking some Vitamin D over here.
"Percy, is there something you need from me?" Dumbledore asked me.
"Err… it seems you're busy, I can do this later—"
"Nonsense," the Minister cheerily interrupted "We've finished our business with your Headmaster so I'm sure he can spare a few moments of his time for one of his students."
"I, I don't want to intrude—"
"We haven't been able to finish that riveting conversation we've had last time," Dumbledore unashamedly cut in and my escape route of this conversation, "I was hoping you'd indulge this old man by continuing."
He said it so nicely as if it was a request when he's cornering me to accept. "If you insist, Headmaster."
I've been to Dumbledore's office so many times by this point, there's less and less novelty you would think existed. I greeted the moving portraits, avoiding the running stool, and waved at the phoenix before it squawked my way before flying to perch on the second floor.
"Nice to know I still feel welcome." I stood in the middle of the room, while Dumbledore took his time strutting to his desk.
"Don't let Fawkes' action disheartened you, there's little he could do to quell his instinct from a young man with much potential."
"That's one way of putting it— what are those?!" I bewilderedly pointed out to the, the, the thing he wore underneath his tobe.
Dumbledore lifted his robe to let me witness the most mismatched ugly-looking socks I ever set my eyes on. One had the British Flag on one side and contrasted terribly with the red lion with the snake tongue on a yellow backdrop that I later learned was the Old Scottish Flag. The other had a ridiculously sparkling knitted fabric with a unicorn of the most cartoonish face you don't expect to find on an old man's foot.
"Ah, I'm happy you noticed, Percy. These are my holiday socks. My brother had so graciously gifted me these, and while it is unfortunate their pairs must have been lost in the mail, how could I possibly not wear them?"
There was slightly more glee in his tone that I wasn't expecting before I blinked back at his twinkling gaze. Realization dawned on me. Either Dumbledore genuinely likes those socks, or he is gaslighting his brother's fashion taste. Because if it's the latter, I got to say I now believe those two are truly brothers.
"But for now, shall we continue our last discussion?" He cut to the chase.
"Nuh-uh, you haven't even told me the whole story about your past."
"Ah, but haven't you learned it on your own?"
Well, sure, I learned it on my own because the Fates have a funny sense of humor and a series of coincidences— "Waaaiiiiiiittt…" I glared at him before pointing accusingly at him with all his sock and bearded glory, "You told Aberforth to tell me, didn't you?"
He started casually grooming his meticulously cared beard, "Quite a leap of logic. Though I understand your concern, you have my word that I did no such thing."
I raised a questioning eyebrow, "So we're back with the half-truths then?"
Dumbledore froze, he parted and closed his mouth. "I- my apologies, Percy," he said, looking like the first time fumbling with words, "It's difficult to break away patterns we never need to escape from. Being open about myself is one of them."
There's something I never expect to hear and see. The Greatest Wizard of Our Time, awkward when it comes to himself. How he managed to fool anyone that he is this kind grandfather figure became astonishing to me.
I set aside my glasses to pocket them and pitched the bridge of my nose before looking back at the man. "Why the truth serum then?"
"Because I fear you are a person with great faith and loyalty," Oh great, even my fatal flaw is obvious to the wise, old man. Shocker. "If you believe it was for a good cause, not even the Olympians themselves can demand it from you."
My eyes twitched, not liking how a bit on the nose because that is something I would totally do.
"Not cool, but okay." I shrugged it off since there are more important things to address. "And before, with the Ministry, were you talking about the capital D trouble?"
"You're not wrong for that matter. There was never any chance to keep this incident hidden from the ministry's eyes, nor should we. Hogwarts will need all the help we can accumulate to keep the Dementors quarantined in their forest."
"But, but what about the creatures living in the Forbidden Forest? They're just as vulnerable as we are!"
"The centaurs have been dealing with them through their brand of, you might say, sheer will. But unfortunately, your worries are not unfounded. While Jenkins had assured me she'll take precaution in the matter, the most she could do would be moving them to an isolated place. However, as long as the cause of their breeding isn't known, then you can expect Hogwarts to be shut down in the foreseeable future."
"What?!" Well, yeah, I guess you don't want a school filled with stressed schoolkids near a source of depression without asking for trouble, but to shut down Hogwarts? Was this Circe's goal? What's she gonna do next? Shutdown the government?
"How long do we have then?"
"Not long," he non-answered, still threading on the line of partnership and not.
I huffed irritably, "Alright, fine, you asked if I want to make a team with you, but I've been doing fine on my own," mostly, "So why should I?"
Dumbledore smiled much more naturally than a second ago, and I wondered if I hit a familiar territory for him, "Because if you do, the Headmaster of Hogwarts shall provide you with all the needed support without question for whatever venture you might need to pursue this quest."
The cross of my arms hid my clenching fist. With Dumbledore fully on my side, I can imagine the perks I'll get. Unlimited detention free cards, universal hall pass, I thought back to the last conversation in the library and thought it's my chance to help find the answer to this mess we're in. I don't see any downsides from the offer.
"Even the strongest and most refined steel shall break under a pressure too strong to bear. I know full well the tax of having a looming prophecy over our heads. So please, let me offer you my help, Percy. You don't need to face the Fates alone any longer."
But something inside was telling me that Dumbledore's offer didn't sound quite right. Like he's cutting out a business deal I would need actual glasses to read the fine print. But most importantly, it didn't sound like a fair proposition.
"You know what? I'll agree if I teamed up with Albus Dumbledore, but I don't need the Hogwarts' Headmaster as my sponsor in exchange for being a teacher's pet."
His hand started combing his prized beard again, "A peculiar set of words you choose, may I ask why?"
"If we're going to be a team, I don't want a relationship based on exchanging favors with its balance and checks, I need a partner who I trust to help me when I need it and being trustworthy enough to offer mine in return."
Dumbledore showed not the slightest sign of reaction other than the pause of his stroking hand. I wasn't sure exactly what I said that gave him a pause, but it wasn't important anyway.
"Headmaster?"
"Ah, yes, I wasn't expecting your insight to easily pierce through the heart of the matter."
That was a compliment, right? "Err, thanks, I guess?"
"I've only ever had one partner in my life. The only one that I had ever let down my guard and trusted with my whole being."
I knew instantly who it was. Gellert Grindelwald. Suddenly, my request became not at all simple as I thought it would be. I looked, actually looked, at the white-haired man, wrinkles carving him from every year he added, the twinkling eyes that held too many of his own share of heartbreaks and sorrows.
I looked at him and remembered a once younger, hateful man in a dream, looking back in betrayal, and thought of living a life where he was the first and only person he ever trusted.
"No offense, Headmaster, but you need better friends."
Dumbledore huffed out a laugh, breaking the terse air that I wasn't aware was permitting, before sitting down, "Please, call me Albus, Percy."
It was as much as a peace offer as it is an assent. An accord establishing itself between two demigods where I took the final leap. Maybe I needed him for my goal, but it seems to me Albus may need a friend. So taking my seat, I sunk in a deep breath while facing him head-on before telling my story.
"Look, I didn't want to be a Half-Blood..."
. . .
I left his office in staggering steps, it was only when I was fully out that I found the nearest wall for me laid back and slid down. My head fell listlessly to my hand, failing to stop the pained groan out.
'What have I done?'
Mind you, we didn't have the luxury to waste time telling 10 books worth of experience. I only gave him the gist of the kind of life I had before, why I was then trusted for this quest, the prophecy given to me. Circe, but I never told him about the time-traveling part. Not exactly. I left enough clues for him to figure it out for himself. I'm still wary about the warnings so I'm making an effort to skirt around it.
But was this the right thing to do? Was this the best thing? I wouldn't know, that's for sure. I was never one for planning or strategizing. This would have been more of Annabeth's field, and more than anything I wished she was here. Contemplating her choices with that cute knit between her brows, her gray eyes blazing as she glazed through a million and one scenarios in her head. The warmth of her hands that keeps fading away in my memories. The sound of her voice lightning a path so I wouldn't scramble alone in the dark.
Fights, I can do. Fights are the easy part of being a demigod.
It's holding on afterward that gets tiring.
Dumbledore obviously had a lot of things to ponder but he did tell me a few things before I left. How he discussed the relocation of the dementors with the ministry and would employ a group of Aurors by the start of the term. "Their sole mission is to eradicate all existing dementors from the premises. But if they fail to do so or if more dementors show up within the three months of their deployment, the school will forcibly shut down," I remembered Albus said.
So the deadline would be around the end of the second term. No biggie. I got this. I've dealt with worse.
I put my glasses back on, thinking there's no crying over spilled milk and trusting my gut despite the insecurities that are eating me away.
But peace didn't settle on forever before the hall broke out in a desperate scream. Jumping on my feet, the wand on hand, ready to cross spells at the newest enemy. Then I realized the screaming was coming from the other end of the hallway and broke out into a run.
Years of fighting and living as a demigod, I expected a few things at the end of the hall; a new breed of monster, dark wizard wreaking havoc, a random kid lamenting over a failed test, or worst, a Dementor finally getting into the castle. But never did I imagine a scene remotely similar to what I'm seeing; Regulus on his knees, eyes red and face wet from tears, and his mother standing before him with her wand being in use.
"Pathetic, how many times do I have to tell you not to act anyway to disgrace the noble house of Black."
"Mother, please, I beg of you."
"Look at you, disgracefully on your knees for this pathetic creature."
There was a squealing sound. My gaze followed at the end of the wand was pointing. The little winged creature that I knew had gotten attached to Regulus was squirming in pain while the kid sat there, looking helpless.
I didn't know what exactly was happening, but I don't need context to put a stop to things. Though I should have considered how it gets done so I wouldn't have resorted to flinging my shoe on the nasty lady's head.
At least I didn't throw out my wand this time, that's an improvement.
"What in heaven's name—" the scary woman turned to the side for the source of the assault.
Before she could turn around I waved at the rookie seeker, "Yo, Regulus, fancy seeing you here."
The kid in question was gobsmacked, he looked unsure where to look; between the audacious me, his injured fairy, or the shoe I threw at his mother's head left unattended at her feet. I'm not surprised he's been thrown in uncharted territory. "Ja, Ja, Jackson?! What are you—"
"Well, I saw my second-favorite Slytherin and couldn't help but say hi."
Wal-, err Wal-street? Wal-Mart? gave me a gaze filled with contempt for a split second before she turned neutral. But then she pulled out her handkerchief, at the same subtly hiding her wand, and covered half her face. "I see now that Hogwarts is to blame, to lower their standard of admission. I understand your brother, but for you to be surrounded by ruffians like him."
Excuse you, lady, but I'm a delight to be with. There were lists of things I wanted to say I'm sure was a bad idea, but then Regulus pushed me aside.
"I'm not, I don't hang out with people like him. He's just a rival Quidditch team from Hufflepuff." He then turned his glare to me, "What do you want?"
Dude, is this really the time to act tough with that puffy eyes of yours?
"I thought you might need some help," I spoke in a low enough tone to be mistaken as a whisper.
"The noble and ancient house of Black never needs help, least of all from you." Ouch, that was harsh even for me, kid. "Stay out of my business if you don't want to get hurt, Jackson."
"Someone already got hurt though," I made a pointed look to the floor, where the fairy was still moaning, cracking the harsh facade Regulus wore on his face before his eyes gleamed in resolve.
"She was a nuisance anyway," he gulped, his lips trembled to get the words out, "I'll be glad to get rid of her."
Then the lady with a name like someone gargling opened her mouth. "Well said, my star," she complimented, but there was no change in her expression nor tone. As if she's suffering in a constant state of displeasure. "It is unbecoming to have a bug as your plaything." She lifted her feet to squash the fairy, and Regulus looked ready to cry anew.
There was no way I could have shielded her bodily in time but I reached out to her nonetheless. All I could think was the overwhelming need to push her aside and shield her, irrationally pleading to Hecate to help the fairy. I watched in horror as her foot reached her wings and deeply cried "NOOOOOOOOOOO!"
Whatever it was by chance or literal miracle, there was high buzzing noise and a dull thud before I managed to reach the fairy and cover for her.
I gently scooped the fairy on the palm of my hand. "Are you crazy, lady?!" I then looked up to find the Black Lady was on her back, Regulus was there to help her up. As if his mother had been pushed back. For the first time, I saw an expression that wasn't indifference nor disgust on her face. With Wal-what's-her-name mouth slightly parting, her handkerchief slipping out from her hand and held her chest, and her round eyes gaze down at me like I wasn't the swine she thought I was.
It was only for a moment though before she gained her neutral composure back, "I see you're not a fully useless degenerate then."
"Wha— you almost killed a fairy and that's what got your attention?"
In a clear dismissal, she ignored me and addressed her son again, "Come, you'll have to get ready to leave for home."
"Huh?!" Regulus fumbled like it's the first time he's hearing this, "But, Mother, I thought I can stay for the holiday? Like brother did. We don't celebrate Christmas after all—"
"Young man, are you talking back?" A dangerous edge slipped in her words and Regulus shut his lip quickly. "And to think you're considering staying in this waterhole school like that good-for-nothing son?" She scoffed, "Outrageous! You're coming home and that's final"
Regulus whimpered so lightly that I barely caught it being next to him. I haven't said anything as I watch the proceedings of this mother-son duo, but mostly because I just couldn't believe what I was hearing and seeing right in front of me. Maybe because I'm spoiled, maybe because Mom has been one of the best treasures in my life, but never did I imagine this sort of twisted family relationship from mortals that would make the Kardashians look sane. I wanted so bad to jinx her in the face, but I quell the urge, reminding myself that she is still the Undersecretary of the Minister for Magic, and bad enough I chucked a shoe on her head.
"You're a half-blood, aren't you?" She started addressing me next.
I bristled at her tone, "What about it?"
"While your blood is not perfect, you have an impressive amount of magic. Let me advise you to choose your enemy wisely. Otherwise, you'll be left to burn, child."
"No thank you for the advice, lady, but trust me when I say I've been burned way worse than you can imagine. So let me advise you not to make an enemy out of me."
She left with a sneer without looking back. Resignedly, Regulus trailed on her heels. He glimpsed at the injured fairy on my hand before he determinedly looked forward, fully abandoning her in the end.
Instead of clenching frustratingly until my knuckles were white like I wanted, I ran the opposite direction, toward the Hospital Wing in hope Madam Pomfrey knew a thing or two about healing magical creatures. Thankfully, once I arrived, she did. But inexperienced, she quickly floo-called Professor Kettleburn to assist in healing her.
"She'll be fine after a few days of rest but what on earth happened to the poor thing?"
I could have told her what Black Lady had done but doubted there was anything that could dent someone high up in the hierarchy. So I didn't bother.
I went to the Great Hall for dinner. There was a distinct lack of students as most went home for the holiday so one table was needed for the night. Searching for any sign of Severus since we always spend the holiday together, I was surprised to find the person next to him.
"Lily?!" I faced them two across the table, "I thought you'd be home... for Christmas… with your family?"
"Oh, didn't you know? I asked my parents if I could stay with my boys. Thought you would need all the help you can get if we're going to face the nightmare in the Forbidden Forest."
That sounded like a sequel to a Freddie Kruger movie. "You never mentioned that."
"Hmm, sucks not to know anything, isn't it?"
Okay, that was a fair jab. The guilt was successfully lodged, giving me a lump in my throat. There wasn't much I could excuse the secrets I hid from them and ended up facing away. Apologies don't seem to cut it when I can't promise anything.
I could hear Lily sighing, "Look, get in here and sit with us. I'm still having Christmas dinner with family, don't ruin it."
We did celebrate together. There was still an underlying tension of unsaid words and hurt feelings, but that night was a night of forgiveness and compassion. The hurricane of emotion settling down in my chest as I basked in the Christmas cheer. Clinging to their warm voices before I drown in the dark whispers in my head.
I suddenly couldn't wait for the next morning so Sev and Lils could open their Christmas presents from me; a ring (that should reimburse the cursed ring I threw out) and a pendant for each, made out of imperial gold that would help ward off monsters. Thank Dad I've got a free claim to his vault. As expected, the next morning, Sev "slightly" forgave me for throwing out his ring. But I didn't think Lils would pout, hoping for a matching weapon instead, but considering she kept marveling at the golden glint it made, I think she's happy enough.
I made a glance at the Professors' table, trying to find any reaction from the gifts I gave. Hagrid seemed pretty happy with the magic-kelp I got for him, I bet he can't wait to start talking with the merpeople. Albus showed just the slightest amusement at the Muggle-basket I ordered just for him, and it would have been awkward not to give my grandma anything so I thought of giving her a magic bird toy for her to play with Michael. After all, a lion is just a giant cat, right?
On the other hand, I've had my fair share of presents given to me. Lily and Sev put together their allowance to buy me a blue album with empty photos in them. I awkwardly said thanks to them before Sev explained about the weird psychic photos that will appear whenever we think of a specific memory (which, I admit, was pretty cool).
Hagrid, never disappoints me as I received a really quilt made of the wool from Hidebehinds fur, padded with Griffin feather, and back woven with the spider silk of an Acromantula. I don't like any of the animals it's from but they sure make a toasty blanket. I was also given an unnamed gift that gave me a mirror that lets you see the night sky even during the day, so instead of getting cramps from looking up so much, I can get it from looking down at it. Lucky me. Dumbledore, as usual, gave me another puzzling present. Last year he gave me a jar of sand. Unless it has the heart of Davy Jones in it, I don't see the point.
This year was an unrefined pearl the size of a dime.
Considering him there's probably some magical benefit but nooooooo, he couldn't give me the decency to explain what it does in his notes. I don't know if he thinks I genuinely will like them or is messing me around.
The rest of the week was then spent with us filling up our homework, pelting snowballs at each other, and practicing our spells while talking about everything and nothing.
"Wait," Lily said as she digested the new information, "So every year, wizards hold a firework show. Why have I never heard about this?"
"I think it's one of those things the wizarding world considers as a matter of fact and fails to explain," I supplied my theory.
"To be fair, muggles do it all the time and they don't get to explain themselves," Sev added, "Both of us usually find a rooftop where he carried me with his broom to watch."
"You guys have the best seat to watch magic fireworks and you never invited me!"
"Err…" Sev and I trailed off, not sure we wanted to dig our graves deeper.
To make up for the missed times, she dragged us to Hogsmeade to buy our own share of small fireworks packs. There was the classic rainbow-colored sprinkler. Scented smoke bombs that included bubblegum and strawberry scent like an early-wizard-version of vape. Bubble fireworks which blew like soap bubbles but burst into tiny stars around you.
We bought one of every type. Lily was grinning from ear to ear the whole way back.
But everyone who stayed for the holiday will tell you that they always looked forward to the climax of the magic fireworks show that would involve moving pictures. New Year is the only day at Hogwarts we were allowed to break curfew, so it'd be a waste not to spend it. I remember that last year we'd had a griffin-shaped fire flying all over the area.
Sev wanted nothing more than for us to continue to research instead of wasting time watching a repeated event. It took two different shades of green pleading up to him before we got to drag him out for some fresh air.
So with ten minutes to spare until the show, I brought my friends to the rooftop. The night made it hard to see any details but the blinking lights of the villages and the shadows of the forest that's been quiet. You would think it'd be good news, but we knew a great burden that what we're experiencing now is just the calm before the storm.
But then the first firework started zipping through the sky before exploding into fairy-shaped sparkles before they zipped around the sky in a dancing, flying formation. We let our worries wash us over as we got caught up with the show before us. Settling on the moment when we stayed on the roof of Hogwarts, huddled up together within the shielding warmth from the tiny blue flame lighting.
When the show ended with the climax of an aurora-like explosion that covered the Hogwarts' sky, none of us moved. Too comfortable and exhausted that we ended staying throughout the night.
For the first time in a long time, I managed peaceful rest before being woken up by the first light of the year.
"Rise and shine, guys." I tried shaking them awake, "It's sunrise."
Sev grumbled, "Let me die in peace."
"Dude, you're not dead."
"It's the only time I don't need to deal with the living, what's the difference?"
"Your dramatic butt is what's different."
Sev continued mumbling intangible until a newspaper fell and slapped him right in the face, forcing him awake.
"Oi!"
I cackled and stretched out my hand for Sophia to rest on my arm. "Good work, girl," I cooed while petting her head.
Lily woke up from the commotion, though she struggled to keep her eyes open. But then she noticed the breathtaking rooftop view of the sunrise and her attention was grasped elsewhere.
"It's beautiful," she was mesmerized by the sight, her face shone in yellow.
Severus appreciated it no more than ten seconds before turning to the first page of the newspaper he had on hand. I noticed the instant shock took over his face; bleary eyes turned wide awake, his back straightened tensely, and his hand clutching the paper that he looked ready to rip off.
Curious, I edged closer to his side to read the headline. When I did, icy hands seemed to have a grip on my heart. The words of a pale widow-like person came to mind as I read it.
DEATH EATERS RIOT IN LONDON, TWO MUGGLES BURNED
AN: Dumbly is soooooo hard to write. I had to make sure his dialogue is short and sweet but tell you everything you more than you need to know.
So I'll jump straight to the QRA because my eyes are unusually straining today so I'm gonna have to answer just as sweet and short.
Brade1991: Boi, try writing a chapter and see if you can go over 2k without writer's block. Also, it's a figure of speech since Percy has other business that needs talking with Dumbly. I appreciate that you like it so much, though be mindful that I write what I want to write.
zoomingaway: I know right? I thought I wasn't going to use the title since the last chap's title was funnier but then it was longer than I thought and I used for this one's instead. What Remus did was technically what Percy's second should have done; #NegotiatieATimeAndPlace. Heeeeeeeey, a b99 fan too! We have so much in common!' I'm so happy that you love the duel so much and Sev the Everything Maker (he's a great potioneer too you know), I was hyping it as much as I could until shit starts hitting the fan, I was at the edge of my seat waiting until you react for that one scene. Thank you for mentioning the trash talk, it happens to be the minor detail that's keeping me from publishing because of how long it took. And technically, The Black wouldn't burn the Squib off the family tree and would pretend he doesn't exist.
Also, can you imagine if the Seven got wet and they just ask Jason to blow dry them during their voyage?
Thank you for the luvs darling.
123wwww: Okay, I hope you got my PM because look... I'm not saying no country doesn't have their hiccup in politics or policy. As much as I don't agree with the concentration camp, it's technically china's business. Whether it's allowed to exist or not is something the Chinese can only decide for themselves as an independent country. (Though I believe cultural genocide is crossing the line). The main problem I had nag in the last chapter was of Disney making money on an international platform from the support of the CCP near those camps. Imagine if I had paid 30 USD only to find out at the end credit I was giving money to a movie that supports those camps. Disney drags me here. I shouldn't even be commenting about it which is why I'm pissed. Any problem outside like that Tibet thing is China's business, those involved, and those educated enough with the issue to comment. Anyway, thanks for reading and loving. Peace out!
Theertha: Thanks for the luv!
aarna rastogi:
*Read the comment*
*Goes to lawn*
*Dig a hole and bury myself I'm embarrassment*
I'm soooooo sorry for that. But I check twice in your account and there's only like one fic. I'm confused? Dude! Anyway, I'll check up on it as pronto as I can. This week was a bit busy for me. So I hope you'd be patient. Still, I hope my PM can, err, be helpful in some way. And I implied that Percy kind one jumps back to the war almost... every night actually... (now I feel bad writing that way)which is why he needs a sleeping potion so he gets dreamless sleep. Thank you for the luv! Hope you like this chapter.
scl04: What? You want more anxiousness in your chapter? Hasn't Percy suffered enough? wkwkwkwkw
I was trying to make the Prewetts Twins similar but different to Weasley Twins. So I tried to emphasize the difference in the Preweets characters but their share love of money that surpasses even the Weasleys. Sev is a genius that the Slytherins are aware but overlook because... well... reasons... explained further in the future chapters. Seconds are commonly known for the one who negotiates for a truce. The first time I read a duel in the book, the rule shock me because even before research I question why the seconds should replace the dueler when he's the one being challenged. Kind of erase the purpose of dueling. And James is a big on honor, so yes he'll leave PERCY alone.
How you perceive Snape's pov is something I'll let you mull on it. Half the fun of reading is speculating after all. wkwkwk. Don't worry Percy will talk to the Boss Women. Eventually. Thanks for the luv!
Patolemus: No! That's not the part I want to make cry. I have many things plan worse than that to make you cry so hold on to that tears and buckle up!
Thank you for loving the PTSD scene, it's the hardest part of that chapter. I had to rewrite it a lot to get it right and not being over the top like you said. Also, Lily and Percy are Severus' light. So whether Severus gets into the dark side or not depends on whether their bond exist or not.
Yeah, Sev gotta chill! Bro has issues already no need to stockpile that up. wkwkwkw
There's your Regulus-Fairy scene. Be glad I didn't get the fairy killed. Walburga is a capital B, Biaaaaaatch. There was no scenario where she wasn't going to try killing that fairy, and I almost cried by my own scene because I don't want to fairy to die so I had to OP up Percy a little bit to save her.
Percy is a good child(Tm) and we love and live for it!
Marauders aren't animagis already. They're good and creative but not geniuses. Thank you for the luvs. Hope you like this chapter.
iHateFridays: Thank you so much for the luv. I'm a bit proud of the narration myself. Though far from being Uncle Rick as I would have hoped.
SilverBlizzard05: Thank you so much for the luv XD Your comment touches me so much. And it's great that you enjoyed the duel from the psych-up to the shitstorm. I want to make sure there are enough angts to give legroom for humor that's the cornerstone for Percy's narration. I'm glad I manage to balance the two. Dude, I implied Percy got nightmares every night if not for the Dreamless Potion Sev brewed for him. Percy's stress that even I'm surprised he manage so far. He's good at compartmentalizing through his humor but what he didn't bank was the Dementor messing with his emotion.
Severus isn't perfect. It's okay to not like him. I think the most relatable character is those who make a stupid young mistake but grew out of it and redeem himself. We don't get that from JKR (both James and Sev's povs weren't explored much) so this is my self-indulgence to showcase that. I think most people would have like Severus more if there was character development in the books, or how we found relatable characteristics in him that helps understand him. You know it hits me when I sympathize with hateful character. My emotion would be at war and I live for it!
Ah, what I have in mind for Percy would be spoilers. Guess you'll just have to continue reading. Thank you for the luv btw.
Matt-Jackson2000: Thank you so much for your kind words. I hope you like this chapter too.
LofftyCloudCreed: Percabeth until the day I die! Whether Annabeth will appear... well... you'll see ;) Thank you for the luvs!
tipsyseen: Hellow newbie! I'm glad you love it. :)
ultronkeks: Thanks for the luvs. And no, no Triwizard tournament for Act 4. Doesn't mean I can't have other school appearing ;)
