Chapter II-II: Another year, another disaster
(Last chapter (For those of you who skipped it): Our dear Percy went to scout Severus's house, to check on his situations. Seeing how bad it was, and how bad Severus and her mother must have been treated, he went all out on the man. Meanwhile, Annabeth convinced a prideful Severus to receive their help, and succeed in doing so. Percy did not finish the man off to wait for Severus, and that is where this chapter picks up.)
+There is a special bonus chapter today, at the end of the actual hoax chapter. Dedicated to Jessica, since the actual meeting will happen way later, to perhaps ease her long wait a bit. I hope you all enjoy!
"Perfect timing. Hey, Sev." Percy grinned as he opened the door for the two of them. Severus seemed dumbfounded at him opening the doors of his own house. Annabeth stood next to him and gestured for them to all go inside. Severus's steps were cautious and frightened as he stepped towards the sitting room. Then his eyes widened.
Percy tried not to look too guilty as they all observed the mess he had made. The man was still shaking on the floor and Mrs. Snape was sitting on the half sunken couch massaging her bruised neck. Severus's first gaze landed on his 'father' in surprise before rushing to his mother's side to check if she were still okay.
He smiled at the mother and son. Despite the harsh conditions, they had emerged survivors. He had a grudging respect for the two. They were heroes in their own way.
"Wait," He whispered to Annabeth. "Did he cry?"
"Shut up shut up shut up." Was her silent, frantic answer. Percy wisely chose to stay quiet and backed up a bit along with Annabeth to give them some space. It was soon after that Severus turned to the two of them, absolutely dumbfounded.
"How… What….! Explain."
"What?" Percy tried.
"Don't pretend like you're confused! He's… He's…. That man, he's… HOW IN THE BLOODY WORLD DID YOU TAKE HIM ON?!" He wasn't even crafting proper words now. "Um, okay, welllll…. Annabeth, mind explaining?" He sent a help call her way, and she immediately picked it up.
"We got some special training for several years now. It's not that strange or extreme," She hurriedly made up, seeing Severus's expression, "just a talent, like your potion making. Talented in physical ways, while you're that with brains."
He still seemed doubtful. "…. Are you absolutely certain that it wasn't magic? He's…. That MAN is so much larger, and stronger-"
"Him?" Percy asked, furrowing his brows together. "This guy, right here?" He lifted him up with one arm. The alcoholic, frightened man was frail, and he had no will to fight, so he came up quite easily. Severus's eyes grew to the size of saucers as he shrugged and threw him back to the floor, leaving him moaning in pain.
Seeing that, Severus's eyes began to flash. "So it's true…. If it really isn't any magic of the sort…. Means I can learn as well. Can you point me? Where did you train?"
They stared at each other; They weren't expecting this. "Severus," Annabeth started, only to be cut off.
"Don't tell me off. As much as I despise it, this man is going to find ways to worm his filthy way into my life, even after you had a go at him." He kicked the man away, and he howled as Severus's foot met his twisted arm. But he had no time to give a thought about him; Severus was far more important.
"I'm really sorry, but we can't. We've been training for 5 years now, under really special circumstances. It's going to be hard being like us." He broke the news to him gently. "Yes. And to add, we've been training at a place back in America. You aren't going to be able to attend Hogwarts if you choose to attend there." Annabeth supported, and at that, Severus did seem crestfallen, yet he definitely didn't seem like he wanted to drop out of Hogwarts. He slowly nodded.
"A point. But can I at least learn to protect myself? Just basic elements." He almost pleaded, and Percy just couldn't say 'no' to him, considering his situation. He looked at Annabeth and she too shrugged a yes.
"Would until the start of term be okay? And I warn you, I can only teach you some beginner stuff."
"That will be plenty." Said Severus, and he turned away, his ears red, as he spoke again in a small voice. "And….. thank you. For your help."
He knew staying here or adding more words would just make things awkward. That was their que to leave. "My pleasure." he said. "We'll leave you two to finish this. He won't be able to get up for quite some time. AND YOU THERE!" He raised his voice, and the man inhaled sharply on the floor.
"I ONLY left you here because this is Mr. Snape's and Severus's choice to deal with you in whatever ways they want. But if I ever hear that you had even laid a finger on either of them…." He cracked his knuckles as loudly as he can, and the man trembled. "You are going to have more than just an arm that hurts." Percy took the small shudder as a response.
Then he turned to Severus and said, "Come at 7 A.M. sharp, at our place. See you tomorrow!" in a tone drastically different from the one he had on moments before, and marched out of the door hand-in-hand with Annabeth before any of them could make a comment on what he said.
"Insane. Absolutely nuts." She said as she laughed. "Crazy is what I'm all about." He agreed, smiling as well. She playfully slapped him on the shoulders. "Good thinking, leaving them to deal with their stuff."
"Yeah, well, it's their problem. It's only right to leave it to their hands."
"Uh huh. But seriously, nice job, Seaweed Brain."
"As always, Wise Girl. Do I get a broom now?"
"You and you're broom. Okay, fine. We'll get one tomorrow."
"YES!" He exclaimed happily, and they continued their usual flirty quarrels all the way home.
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"Here, have a glass of water." Annabeth handed a panting, exhausted Severus a glass, and he drained it at once. "Are you sure you want to continue? You can al-"
"No, I'll be fine. I need to be strong enough, if I want to protect not just me but my mother as well." Severus clenched his fists. Annabeth smiled at her young friend slightly and handed him another glass to drink.
Severus seemed to have made amends with his mother. They were both just victims of a horrible crime. When they were living under him, neither of them could find a space on their plate to look after each other. But when they had reported him to the muggle police and kicked him out, they were getting along well. Especially since his mother had been trying her best to protect him despite everything, and she was an incredibly gifted witch after no longer being blinded by love.
Of course, scars weren't easy to heal. Mrs. Snape-No, Prince-was attending a regular meeting with a psychological counselor, as well as still not making appearances in the public. According to Severus, she had wounds that would remain as scars and often had panic attacks due to her traumatic memories as well. And though he tried hiding it, she could see him wince and tremble slightly whenever his name was mentioned.
She looked at him, her lips twitching to compliment him, but she restrained herself. Since that day when Severus had accepted their help, the day when he had broken down and showed his weakest spot had been locked firmly within themselves. No one mentioned it, for all could see Severus was obviously uncomfortable with the subject. But he still accepted the training, even though it must be hurtful for his pride.
Annabeth chose to stay quiet and tossed Percy a tomato instead.
"Wait, this is breakfast? I thought we were going to Diagon Alley today. Shouldn't we eat up?"
"An appetizer. The bacon's still frying, and about three more minutes till the egg is done."
"Quite a proper English breakfast."
"It's easy to cook. I'm not Leo, after all. I can't make tofu tacos." She said, and stood up to get the bacon. "But at least I can make stuff better than Jackson over there." The last time she allowed him to cook? No wonder Sally Jackson was the only one to at the Jackson's homestead.
"Is Mrs. Prince coming with us? To Diagon Alley, I mean."
"Yes. She said that only going there herself could activate the Prince vault at Gringotts. Then off to buy school supplies, I presume."
"Hey, that reminds me. Are you going to get a broom? Cause me and Annabeth are both going to!"
"It was on his insistence." She shrugged, and Severus muttered something along the lines of 'of course' under his breath. "Yes, well, I have far more important objects to obtain at Diagon Alley than brooms…." He replied drily, and the two bickered on while she tried to remember what else she was going to say. Wasn't there something important…..?
Diagon Alley. That got her. Finally remembering, she snapped her fingers together as she asked Severus, "By the way, what are you going to do about Lily?"
At that, his face drained of color. "Oh Merlin, I forgot to inform her…."
"Well," said Percy, swallowing his bacon, "you can just tell her today! We were going to meet up anyways. What's the big deal?"
"The big deal is," said Annabeth, sighing, "that he promised to tell Lily of his 'private matters' and hasn't talked to her since."
"Oh…. Good luck, buddy. I hope you're still alive by the end of the day…."
"Thank you so much, Percy." Said Severus sarcastically, and he buried his face in his hands.
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The bookstore was full of people. But no one paid attention to a plain man, with no special characteristics or whatsoever, leaning on a wall in a corner. The Polyjuice had worked its magic perfectly.
He had been standing there for quite a while now, several days in fact, waiting for the right person to come to buy their textbook. It had been a long wait…. But at last, he smiled in satisfaction as the boy entered the shop.
His master was smart, unlike the lady that had suddenly taken a spot alongside him. Their members and their children were spread throughout the magical society. Using the network, it was more than easy to find out about the boy and girl his master required,
And there was the boy of the hour, to promise them and his master an immortal life as the winner forevermore.
His master had required someone close to either of the two. And someone weak in their minds, to pour their heart and soul out if offered a gentle hand. Someone who had been suppressing themselves for years now, begging for a chance to escape their reality.
Yet it had to be a half blood, or a blood traitor.
It wasn't easy, finding one that fit all the requirements. But living under his muggle father, and a weak little witch who was a disgrace to the Prince name, the boy was absolutely perfect. He smiled at the memory of his master's pleased face and reached into the pocket of his robes.
Taking out an inky black diary, he approached Severus Snape.
Sneaking towards the boy, he purposefully bumped into him. "Oy! Watch where you are going!" he said, slipping the diary inside the boy's bag safely. He hurried away before the young boy could react, and slipped into the crowd, perfectly mixing in.
He found his way into a nearby alley where he could watch the group perfectly. They seemed confused and angry, seeing as how they were all looking around, but it was impossible to find him when there were so many people here. And besides…. The Polyjuice was bound to wear off soon.
They would never be able to find him. He smiled coyly and watched with satisfaction as the boy walked out with the bag and all, never noticing the diary.
It was done. After this year, they would emerge victorious. And he would be there, by his master, as the greatest servant, most treasured partner of all.
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"You said you can cure any kind of poison, can you not?" Voldemort asked the sorceress, who was scowling coldly as she read something off a parchment. "Yes." She snapped. "If it is within a minute, then it would be more than easy to."
"Excellent….." His smile was cold and crooked. "The heart only has to be fresh, doesn't it?"
"Yes. Quit asking and tend your own cauldron, Tom Riddle."
"Careful…. You should really consider who you are talking to, sorceress. I could easily have you out of this manor, here and now, for the goddess to take." He hissed. "I am merely being generous….. Tolerating for the grand prize."
"And I'm the only one who can offer it to you." Circe shot back. "Don't think you have the upper hand because I am…. Stepping back for now. You can never achieve becoming the master of death without me."
"A matter of fact, I am getting doubts…. Lord Voldemort is not patient, Circe. And I no longer believe you, hiding from one pathetic goddess, whom you said as a 'minor', to be capable of destroying those higher than her."
"You dare question my power?" She whispered. The air was frozen cold, but neither of them cared the slightest bit about it. "What is there not to question? Take a look at yourself, sorceress. Hiding, clinging to the help of another. How can one be certain your plans will work?"
Her eyes flamed green. "Because I made a decision to take a step back never means I am incapable!"
"But you cannot even explain what your plan is, foolish woman."
Ha, Circe bit out a crazed laughter at him. "To know of my plans? You ask too far, Voldemort. A mere mortal is not allowed to know of my great plans."
"Then let it be. Without Lord Voldemort's help, I am curious how long you can go without catching the eyes of the goddess…."
The green met the red. If anyone else were in the room, they might have fainted from the frightening force spilling from the two of them. Finally, Circe howled in frustration as she threw the parchment aside. "I will be generous with you this time, Voldemort. I allow you to take this round." Her pride never once bent down.
He smiled in satisfaction. After everything, he could finally learn of the oh so great plan she had in mind. Now he would be able to continue in his plans with more confidence, knowing that it was one that could truly work.
"The Olympians," Circe began, "are blind and ignorant. They have been for centuries. But yet, they have been ruling this world for a near eternity. And why is that? It is because they have power."
She snarled. "They would have been easily overthrown millenniums ago, and should have been, but that was the only reason why they weren't: Because they were powerful. I knew eons ago that I would be a more fitting ruler than those idiots, but I kept silent and played an innocent sorceress in the Sea of Monsters."
"I would have stayed silent, with no way to overthrow them, until those two brats ruined everything." Scowling deeply, she continued, "And so, I sought revenge. The titans? I supplied them with some of my personal servants and magic. The giants? I advised them on how to play with all the seven. Wisdom spawn with her pathetic lover, the Sea spawn with his loyalty to his loved ones, and such. I also sent Medea and Pasiphaë to assist them as well. The Roman Emperors? I told them how to throw 'the greatest heroes' out of the picture and assisted in bringing Python back. It was I who made it possible for mortal emperors to gain control of the Oracles."
She took a pause before continuing. "But yet, like the disappointments they were, none of them managed to overthrow them. By the time half of the oracles we had taken control had been reclaimed by Apollo and that Demeter kid, I knew this war too was lost. Again. So I sought a way to claim the throne for myself once again, working alone instead of weighing me down with accomplices as useless as them."
"Hecate was easy to manipulate. I have always been her favorites, and I acted as if I truly respected her. And so, I was able to lay my fingers on the resources she possessed….. Finding out about this world in the process." Her eyes glinted.
"It was incredible. A world in my reach, just over a sea, without the Ancient Laws or whatsoever. And that was when I realized, this was the thing I have been searching for."
"This world?" He asked drily.
"To be precise, a world without the limitations that had me give up my plans. Think of it. They are still bound by the laws, and their powers are as well. But if this world becomes a part of my power, it could easily overpower them ALL." She laughed hysterically. "And Hecate can't do anything about it, because she has an oath with Zeus, and the rest of the so-called Olympians think this pantheon as something below them, incapable of having any value."
She sat up suddenly, with the insane look still etched in her green eyes. "But I am different. I am smarter, humbler, and even wiser than Athena. I knew that powers of both pantheons mixed would confuse the Ancient Laws. Break them, shatter them completely." He nodded his head once. It made sense. One with limitations, one without. Mixed together carefully and so messily that they can't be told apart from each other, all limitations would be broken.
"And so?" He urged for her to continue.
"I searched all I can about this world, and things that could give me the exact results needed. It would have taken an extreme amount of time to do so, if I hadn't had similar ideas prepared beforehand. The parts needed from my world was already known; all I had to find was the ones of yours."
She took a deep breath, as if she were trying to calm herself. "And then, it was finally complete. Time had long passed-for mortals, of course-since those 'Triumvirate Holdings' emperors had failed. But it was of no matter; my own plan was ready. And this time, I would have to share the throne with no one else."
"And so…. I reached the Wisdom spawn's place to take her into the time I required, for she was an important ingredient as well. Any of those 7 brats would do, for they were all the 'strongest heroes of the century', but I had personal grudges against her, for she was the one who had trashed my beautiful island. And by taking her, I would be able to give Jackson a great misery as well. It was the perfect choice."
"I was planning to go to 1995, where you would have just returned and was the strongest, with all seven horcruxes. A few months would be plenty for the effects to wear off and for me to prepare everything. Then all would have gone smoothly, and the world would have been mine."
Circe slammed her fists on the table, unable to hold her anger back any longer, and he did not even flinch. "But that miserable girl had to foil my plans once again! If she just hadn't intervened, everything would have been alright. But due to her, I'm stuck in another era, unable to do anything. And do you have any idea how humiliating it was to see her there and not able to harm her, with the spell tied to not just me, but the both of us?! I had to flee like a pathetic insect beneath her."
The corner of his lips tugged at the thought of her being tossed on to the ground and rolling under a mere child. It was a sight he would have very much liked to see. "That does explain what you were trying to do. But you still haven't mentioned of what your spell does or how you'll overthrow the Olympians." He said coldly. He had asked for a straightforward answer, not a long explanation likewise of this.
Circe held her head high as she stared into his eyes. "Fine. Do you know where the Olympians are attacked first in their wars? It is Mount Olympus. You may think it obvious, for that is where they reside, but why not attack them individuals but their home?"
"It could hold as a symbolic meaning."
"You are smart, Riddle. I will credit you for that. But that is not the main reason; It is because their thrones, their seats of power are where their powers come from."
Voldemort scraped every last bit of his patience. "And so? What are you going to do about it?"
"Isn't it obvious? If their powers come from their seats, all I would need is a, throne for myself, you could say, that is FAR MORE POWERFUL THAN THEIRS. A throne of power so powerful that all the rest could be overthrown."
She smiled as she said, "By mixing the magic of this world and of my world together, the destructive power it possesses is far beyond anything they have ever dreamt of. They won't be able to resist and would soon fall. I would become the one true immortal that all would bow down to."
She paused, before adding in satisfaction,
"And it would all come true, as soon as I get my hands on those brats."
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The train to Hogwarts blew off a mighty jet of steam as it rode through the night.
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Bonus Chapter: A Summer to Remember
(Please note that this is a special bonus chapter, not related to the actual hoax plot-at least, not yet! This is a what-if: What if they had ended up with the Golden Trio instead of the Marauder's era? This special takes place in the summer, before the fourth year-So Quidditch World Cup! Note that due to them getting involved, Sirius is no longer a runaway, at least in this AU. Be careful not to get confused!)
This chapter was based on a suggestion by Jessica, but its my gift to all you fantastic readers. A chapter full of just major fluff. Enjoy!
Percy had been here for three years now, yet he still despised the feelings that Portkeys gave. He tried hard not to puke. At last, when the dizziness faded, he could see straight. He hadn't realized it, but someone was dragging him by the arms farther into the campsite, so he wouldn't be the only one dragging back from the group.
Actually, it was two someones(wait, was that a real word? He didn't know): Fred and George Weasley.
"Gred, I believe this dizzy damsel has finally regained his senses." The twin on his right said, grinning.
The twin on his left grinned as he too said, "Cannot agree more Forge, looks like he has. To tell you the truth, I thought he would be out for at least a few more minutes-"
"-or a few more hours-"
"-or the entire Quidditch World Cup-"
"Okay, I get it!" He replied, grumbling in a playful way, and the twins smiled identically. Okay, they were so like the Stoll brothers that it was crazy.
"So Percy's finally up?" The voice of Harry Potter asked behind him, and he turned to see his friends Ron Weasley and Harry Potter walking along as they chatted with Harry's godfather Sirius Black. He was smiling mischievously, and so was Sirius. He groaned, for he could tell from their looks that this was going to be the new way to make fun of him for quite a while. "Blimey, Percy, we thought you might be done for! Who knew you were so sensitive to Portkeys?" Sirius imitated Percy fainting, and Percy rolled his eyes their way. They burst into laughter again.
"You were out for a good while, mate. Like that muggle fairytale... What was it again, Hermione?" Ron too supplied, sniggering as he did. Then he heard an audible sigh come from one of the girls walking ahead of him. It was Hermione Granger and his awesome girlfriend, Annabeth Chase.
The bushy haired girl shook her head as she replied, "Honestly, Ronald. Do you ever remember anything? You've asked that the last time that Percy slept for a good near day."
Annabeth scrunched up her nose. "Wasn't that two days ago?"
"Exactly my point, Annabeth."
"Impossible. Humans can't be that idiotic, can they?"
"Oy, feeling the love here." Ron grumbled, but the girls ignored him. "Well, if you see Percy, I suppose it is plenty possible, but-"
"Hey!"
"-what are the odds that there are two of them who are intertwined with our lives?"
"Quite low, I presume." They both shook their head, darted their gazes between him and Ron, and sighed as they shook their heads again. The rest of the gang, besides him and Ron, sniggered at that. Fred and George were howling with laughter while Ron muttered 'Miss Know-it-alls' under his breath. George (Or was it Fred?) wiped away an invisible tear away at his eyes as he said, "Ah, the ladies know our ickle Ronniekins too well."
"Indeed. I couldn't have been a more embarrassed brother." The other twin replied sarcastically and laughter burst once again. Ron turned beet red as he said, "Come here you-"
"Oh no! I'm frightened, George, absolutely frightened. What ever shall we do?"
"We are done for, Fred. Save yourselves! Run, Ginny, run!" Ginny Weasley stared at them with annoyance and shook her head as she ignored them completely and made her way into the girls' conversation.
"Why you little di-"
"LANGUAGE, RONALD!" The voice of Mrs. Weasley came from the front, where the adults were moving along. Wow. Percy was impressed with her talent to intervene at the exact moment when one of her her kids was about to say something bad. It was basically some sort of a superpower. Poor Ron could only grit his teeth as the twins continued to taunt him from both sides.
Percy felt okay now. He stood up on his own legs and watched with a smile as Fred and George got up to their usual shenanigans. Slipping to the back of the group, he found himself next to Harry, who was alone. Sirius had gone to join Remus in a conversation. The man looked really happy, and he was happy to see how well he was looking after Annabeth got him out of Azkaban. Yes, she was freaking amazing!
"So!" said Harry, breaking his train of thoughts. "Which team will you be cheering for? Bulgaria or Ireland?"
"Definitely Ireland."
"Why? I thought you liked Viktor Krum."
"As a player, I said he seemed okay. But even if I did, I'm no seeker, and I seriously think that Ireland has a better team in general. You cheering for Bulgaria?" Harry shrugged. "I dunno. Not yet, anyways. I've never seen either of them play before today. I just know about Krum because Ron won't stop talking about him, and that you seemed quite impressed with him."
Percy shrugged as well. "Just heard-or really, more like brainwashed at this point-from Ron that he's good. Saw a couple of his signature moves. I said Krum seemed like a good player one time, people. One. Time." He shook his head. "And besides, Annabeth's cheering for Ireland."
"Ah."
"Haven't got much of a choice now, do I?" The two boys sniggered. Then they fell into a comfortable silence.
"You know," started Harry, suddenly. " I wanted to thank you. And Annabeth, for taking Sirius out of Azkaban."
Percy smiled. "Hey, what are friends for? And it's not really me you should thank; it was those two girls. I mean, have you even heard them in court? They were crazy good. Like, at the point where it was just plain scary."
He remembered that day easily; it was a big event, after all. It was first Annabeth, working her way with words, convincing the minister for trial, and Hermione, with her brains and smarts to put the clues together. When the two had entered the court, the Wizengamot members had scoffed in disbelief. Of course, that changed to respect as the two shoved the truth up all their throats. Thanks to them, Sirius was a free man in just a few hours. He had been in shock when he did. Percy still remembered the first words Sirius had said to him: Are they... Witches, barely 13? Are you ABSOLUTELY certain?
Harry chuckled. "What's so funny?" He asked, and Harry shook his head as he said, "Of course, I've said thanks to Annabeth and Hermione as well. And you know what Chase told me? She said to thank you, because it was only thanks to your and Ron's help that they've gathered up all the evidences, and had successfully captured Peter Pettigrew."
"Oh, that." He said sheepishly. "It wasn't that big of a deal. Anyone could have done it. They were the ones who were amazing."
"But you made it happen too, Percy. And I can't thank you enough for that." The sincerity in Harry's eyes warmed him to his heart. "Okay, fine. Your welcome. Thank you accepted. Happy now?" He handed, half jokingly, and Harry was quick to join him in the pace.
"I'll be happier if you took another Portkey. I would very much like to see that."
"Oh, gods. Never again." He replied, only to hear Percy's-Percy Weasley-yell and turn around.
"MY REPORT!" He yelled, and Percy could see a bag that was open and empty held in Percy W's hands. "THE 28 INCH CAULDRON BOTTOM REPORT, MY-FRED AND GEORGE WEASLEY!" The redhead turned his head around madly to find the twins, only to see them way ahead.
"LOOKING FOR THIS, PERCE?" One of them yelled. "YOU'D BETTER GET HERE QUICK, BECAUSE-"
"-I HEARD THERE WAS A NICE CAMPFIRE NEARBY!" The other one finished, and Percy W's face turned as red as his hair. "YOU, DON'T YOU DARE-!" He shot towards them, but they were quick and nimble. Every spell fired their way was simply ducked, sidestepped, and all avoided. Percy W finally screamed in frustration and went after them physically as the two ran away farther. The kids howled with laughter. Even the girls had to give in. He could vaguely see the twins high-fiving each other as they ran away from their brother.
Sirius laughing as he was slapping Remus on the back. Remus simply smiled innocently and hexed him.
Ginny was sniggering madly while Hermione shook her head grinning.
Ron, who had just came over to them, roared with laughter along with Harry.
Mr. Weasley was shaking their head, smiling, as Mrs. Weasley rubbed her forehead.
His eye met with Annabeth's. She too was laughing with her hand over her mouth, an amused expression over her face.
Percy couldn't help but join in everybody as they laughed happily. A normal, peaceful day, just like he had Annabeth had longed for. Well, maybe not as they hoped for, because the Volde-something guy was still on the loose, but hey, take what you can get, right?
He pushed the worries, quests, and other stuff aside. They were not important right now.
Stars shined beautifully over the campsite. Bob says hello, he breathed as he drank the sight around him.
Friends and families, demigods and wizards, him and Annabeth together with friends.
It was a summer to remember.
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Done! I hope you enjoyed the special chapter. The Annabeth and Percy of the hoax universe would be meeting them a lot later, so I figured I'd write a small special to help you on your wait. If you have another AU you want to see, you can let me know and I'll try writing them when I have the time (Note: WHEN I HAVE THE TIME). Drop them off randomly, I'd say. So no promises that all would be written. Please keep that in mind!
This sure was a long chapter, with the special and all. I'm just crying with joy over my 1989 deluxe album and the new Love Story Taylor version right now. Yes I'm a Swiftie and I'm proud! Love Story rules the world. A new cover cause 100k words! Wow, can't believe that I've gotten this far. What do you think? Look okay? I really do hope so.
Like I said, though this was based on the idea suggested by Jessica, it is my special gift from me to all of you. 125 reviews, 21k views, 124 followers and 88 favorites? It's more than I have ever dreamed of. Thank you truly, and I hope you'll continue to stay with this story!
And to the actual hoax chapter now: The big reveal! This is Circe's so-called grand plan. What do you think of it? Does it make sense? Does it look like it would work? And most importantly: Does it look okay? This is the main theme of this story, the big frame, so I'm nervous to see what you think of it. I pray you like it, because this is the general, the main story...
Severus has changed! You need updates on your information, Riddle. He will be like that no longer! See how that small fact changes everything throughout year 2. Next chapter will open up the second year at Hogwarts officially, and I'll try my best to have it more action-packed and better than year 1. Please stick with me through it!
And now, my favorite part; replying to your reviews!:
-Just Me: She might have... If Severus wasn't so disturbed with everything else. They seem to be fine for know-but will it be forever? I'll stop there, in case spoilers. But you are correct and really smart for pointing that out! As amazing as she is, Annabeth is not always PERFECT; and some of it happens to show this chapter. I got plenty of sleep, since we're on break, though I'm struggling with writing my papers. Thank you for your concern, and enjoy this chapter!
-TheWritingRaven: Thank you! Compliments are always terrific to hear. The mistake was intentional! As much as I love Annabeth, she can't be completely flawless all the time. And this is one of the moments when she is! Severus is hurt, in pain, and is curling up like a hedgehog, raising his spikes, so Annabeth was speaking a bit hurriedly there. I know child abuse is not a subject to be lightly discussed, and tried to take responsibilities as a writer writing themes like that. Thank you for the vote of confidence! Please continue to enjoy the story! Thank you for reviewing, you are the one that's truly amazing.
-Carmen:
-Your sister does? (*Sweats nervously*) It might be less enjoyable for her, I agree, but I still hope she likes it, nonetheless. I am also glad for Percy doing what he did. No child deserves that kind of horrible crime, EVER. Severus will be much happier with his mother from now on. As for the Triwizard... Go see the last chapter of year 1 again, and you just might find a hint about it!
-That is true! I've read all three: The Son of Sobek, The Staff of Serapis, and The Crown of Ptolemy, and I had honestly not put that into thought. Whoops. To try and cover that plot hole up, let's say that's an Egyptian relic, so Annabeth is more careful of using it. Besides, the drakon-bone sword was a gift from Damasen, a reminder of her brave friend, while the knife isn't the real one she got from Luke. She had no time to pack stuff or think for long before being dragged here, so let's go with 'she could only bring the drakon-bone sword because it was the one she usually used' plot. Does that explanation seem okay? I certainly hope so... Thank you for reviewing, not once but twice!
-Jessica: That's awesome! Glad to know you'll stay a reader :). This special chapter was for you! Was it a bit like what you had in mind? Seem okay? I'm curious to know what you think. Like I said above, the actual appearance is far, far away. I didn't want you to wait that long though... So I brought a special, for I'm on break and managed to find time to do so. Since you have first given me the idea, I hope you enjoyed it. See you next chapter!
-Callum Runchman: It sure sealed it alright. Really nice to see you again! Of course, you can do whatever you please. I'm glad that you'll keep reading, and it's my pleasure to see your reviews. Please do whatever you think is the best, because I'll support you no matter what choice you make. Hope this chapter and the bonus one seems alright. Enjoy!
-the god of wolves: Thank you. It was no subject to be written and enjoyed, so I handled it the best I could. I agree themes like this are important in stories- it's how you handle them that matters so much. Glad to know my way of handling it seemed okay. Your criticisms aren't harsh at all! On the contrary, you picked out the problem I had been pondering on. I won't be pulling the same mysteries for every year, and I won't be doing so for this year either! Each year will TRY and have its own unique plot. Also the reason I said years 4 and 6 are unlikely to happen, because where's the fun in repeating the same thing over and over again? It's no fun to both me and you, so I'm not going to do that. I'll try polishing up the scenes. Can you give me examples, or parts you want them to be? I'll see how I can fix the problems there. Thank you for the wonderful words of concern. Hope this chapter looks good to you, and have a good day!
-akisabookworm: Yup! But that's what it made it so nice and heartwarming. Thank you! I quite pride myself on my English skills, and this was a real joy to see. Happy to know you liked last chapter, and how I've dealt with it. And as for my update schedule... I'll try to keep it with an update every 2~3 days. But when I have urgent issues or have a writer's block, there won't be promises! I still think an apology is necessary, because it's not fun to think someone's trauma is being written by me, who have never been even close to the subject. But thank you, your assurance is a great relief. It may be my writing, but it won't be a full story without you readers! I'm lucky to have all of you, and I love hearing your opinions. I'm the real lucky one here ;)! Stay safe and take care!
-Dawn. justice: If you have any questions or parts that are confusing, I'm all ears! Just letting you know. I'll be more than happy-no, overjoyed to help you! And I can fix if they are mistakes or plot holes, so don't hesitate to ask me! Thank you though, for saying you love this story, because this is the reason I write: to make others happy! I hope you enjoy this chapter :)
Whew! I've been working on this for so long now. With the reports and hws, it was hard finding the time (before the break, of course). But here I am, with a bonus chapter-I've brought this on myself.
Next chapter will update next week, because I just can't seem to find the time to write in the schedule for the next few days. I'll try as always, but spare me if I don't, because I do have A LOT of real life stuff to do. Please be patient with me :)!
I'm lucky to have readers like you. As always, read, review, favorite, and follow! It motivates me to write!
Have a fantastic weekends, and I'll see you next chapter!
-Claire-
