Hey y'all! I'm sorry it's been so long since the last update! I've recently been doing a bit of work on my other fics, Scars of the Future, and Mia Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and I'm happy to say that both are coming along nicely! Thank you to everyone who is a new follower, and thank you as well to all those who commented on the story! Please continue commenting/reviewing, I love hearing what everyone has to say! I hope y'all are doing well! As always, relax, sit back, enjoy, and on with the chapter!
-Sav
Chapter 13: Thalia Takes Flying Lessons
I jumped as Thalia slammed her books down on the Gryffindor table. Oh dear. This was going to be bad. Thalia looked as though she was going to either murder someone, or be sick. The other demigods sensed this as well, and we all looked up at her, waiting for her to explain her mood. She threw a paper down on the table.
"Look at this!" I scrunched up my eyes, trying to read the paper. Finally, I was able to see what Thalia was on about. I started to worry as well. We had flying lessons today. Jason let out a whoop, and Percy and Hazel looked a little sick as well.
"Oh gods." Percy voiced my thoughts. "This is it. I'm going to die today. I survived two wars, went to hell and back, held the weight of the Earth, and all for nothing! I'm going to be taken down by your father and a stupid broomstick!"
Thalia ran her hands through her short, spiky, jet black hair. "Why can't I be a tree again? Just for today?"
I growled. "At least your father won't strike you out of the sky! Our dads hate each other! Possibly more than your dad hates Percy's!"
"Come on guys, it'll be great!" We all glared at Jason.
Hazel shook her head. "No, no, no, no. Jason It will not be great! It will be horrible! We'll be in the sky! Moving! If your father doesn't strike me down, I'll get sick! Or fall! Or both!"
Suddenly, a wonderful thought popped into my head.
"Guys! I've got it!" Hazel, Percy, and Thalia looked at me hopefully. "We go talk to the Headmaster! He knows about our situation. If we just explain that we'll be blasted out of the sky and most likely end up injured, or worse, he'll have to let us skip! If not, I'm sure Piper could... convince him."
"Nico, if this works, I will buy you enough Happy Meals to last you a year," said Percy, gratefully, just as Dumbledore entered the Great Hall. The four of us shot out of our seats and walked down the hall to where the Headmaster was sitting.
"Um, excuse me, sir," I said a little hesitantly. For someone wearing such ridiculous clothing, he sure was intimidating. "We were wondering if we might have a word with you, um, regarding a potentially dangerous situation that we, uh, hope to avoid?"
"Of course, Mr. di Angelo, however I sincerely hope you do not mean to tell me that you and your friends have ventured into the third floor corridor…"
"No, of course not, sir. Some of my friends and I were just worried about the upcoming flying lessons. I'm sure you know all about our… um… family issues…"
"Ah, yes, I see the problem now. Not to worry! I will let Madam Hooch know that all those who are likely to perish due to your family issues are excused from the lesson."
I let out a huge sigh of relief.
"Thank you so much, sir!"
"Not at all, Mr. di Angelo. Now, I must be off, my supply of lemon drops is almost nonexistent, so that will need to be rectified immediately."
What on earth? Who keeps a supply of lemon drops? No matter. I turned back to the table victoriously, giving Percy, Hazel, and Thalia two thumbs up. All three looked relieved- I was, too. I know I've done some crazy things, but provoking Zeus further, was not something I wanted a part in.
"Good afternoon, class!"
"Good afternoon, Madam Hooch."
Although it was rather sunny (for the Scottish Highlands), the temperature was not too hot- something I greatly appreciated. Madam Hooch strolled down the aisle created by the two lines of students quickly, jumping right into the class and leaving no time for discussion.
"Welcome to your first flying lesson. Well, what are you waiting for? Everyone, step up to the left side of your broomstick."
As the class moved to do as she asked, Madam Hooch looked towards me, Percy, Hazel, and Thalia, and narrowed her hawk-like eyes. Seeing that we were clustered off to the side, she approached our group.
"Headmaster Dumbledore has informed me of your situation and you are excused from class." Before we could let out a sigh of relief, Madam Hooch continued, and turned to face Thalia. "However, that does not explain why you, Miss Grace, are standing here with your friends, rather than participating. From what I recall, your father does not have any issue with you taking to the skies…"
"What?" Thalia squeaked.
"You are in no danger of being struck down, therefore you are not excused from the lesson."
"B-But… but I thought-"
Then, it hit me.
"Oops…" Thalia rounded on me, her hands on her hips, and her eyes narrowed furiously. I was suddenly fearful for my life. Thalia was going to kill me.
"Nico di Angelo," she growled, her eyes flashing, "what exactly did you say to the Headmaster?"
"Well… I may have… kind of said that it was family issues, and I may have… kind of…"
"Yes?"
I gulped. "Um… well… I forgot to bring up the acrophobia issue when talking about the family issues… sorry…"
"Dam it, Nico!" She hissed through gritted teeth. I flinched. "I swear to all the gods, di Angelo, that the second I get back on solid ground, I will run you through with my spear!"
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, it just slipped my mind!"
"Slipped your mind? I have half a mind to set the Hunters on you!"
Before I could respond, she spun on her heel and stalked off towards the line of brooms.
"Neeks?" Said Percy as the rest of the class summoned their brooms.
"Yes, Percy?"
"I would run, if I were you." We watched as the brooms lifted off the ground. Thalia let out a shriek, and I found myself shivering under her murderous glare. Percy looked at me. "Like now."
I nodded. Percy was definitely on to something. Shooting one last look at the class, I turned and sprinted off the field, running for my life.
I'm a goner.