Chapter 15: I Fall From the Sky The Sequel

Words: 5,162

Recap: Remind me never to follow any sort of floating blue fire because then it would result in the screaming fear of ghosts before they disappeared. Not to mention that I may or may not have read a prophecy about who's behind all this.

A hero can't just take a break now, can't he?

When the next morning came, everybody could only talk about the Ghost's uproar on Halloween, specifically about the Will 'o Wisps. Being the only one who had seen it, I was thrown by the bombarding questions. Curious about what it is I saw and what it looked like. I only shooked my head, just as clueless as they were, but not wanting to say it outright.

I knew new rumors were brewing surrounding me, and I had to resist rolling my eyes to being the center of attention all the time. Not just in my own timeline but this one too. I swear if there was such thing as the God of Rumors, he has some sort of love-hate relationship with me.

My mind still reminded me of the prophecy I read at every chance it got. How there was even a prophecy about me when I shouldn't even exist at this timeline, I'm not sure. I don't think I have the brains to cope with the reason.

The tension around the hall was more visible now that the ghosts usually roaming the halls as they go about their day were nowhere to be seen. The only lively ghost around was Peeves, and no one was relieved from that particular news. Either he doesn't care what kind of danger all the other ghost seemed to know or no one bothered to tell him

It was only after breakfast that Dumbledore himself strut to where I was, followed by Professor McGonagall just behind him.

"Ah, Percy. Hope you have a fulfilling breakfast. It's the most important meal of the day."

"Yes Professor Dumbledore, but do you need me for something?" I asked, a bit hesitant from why he singled me out.

"Indeed, I would like us to have a chat in my office if you don't mind."

For a moment, I figured he knew I had eavesdropped on him on the night of Halloween and my mind briefly considered the possible punishment he had for me. I didn't think it was bad enough for expulsion but certainly did not want to risk experience cleaning up the Slug Pit, the shower would be a nightmare. But then I figured, being the only one who saw the so-called Will 'o Wisp, he might need to do some inquiry on me. I nodded then got up to follow him. I felt uncomfortable by the many eyes that were shooting me with curiosity and wonder. Yet I kept my eyes out front, walking through the corridor until we reached the gargoyle sculpture I remembered from yesterday.

"Candyfloss," Dumbledore spoke a different password. Revealing the stairs, we climbed up toward Dumbledore's office. I didn't get to see the full view of things so I took this chance to examine what kind of office a wizard would have.

It was a large and beautiful circular room, full of funny little noises. Many curious silver instruments stood on spindle-legged tables, whirring and emitting little puffs of smoke. The walls were covered with portraits of old headmasters and headmistresses, all of whom were snoozing gently in their frames. I know for a fact they weren't actually sleeping though, Mira told me as much that portraits don't sleep. There was also an enormous, claw-footed desk, and, sitting on a shelf behind it, a shabby wizard's hat I recognized as the Sorting Hat.

Dumbledore sat on his chair across the desk while Professor McGonagall stood by with her usual stern gaze upon me.

"Care for a lemon drop, Percy?"

I shook my head and Dumbledore sighed before taking in the candy for himself.

"What do you need me for Professor?" I went straight to the point.

"Apology for whisking you away Percy," Professor Dumbledore softly said, "But I am very interested in what you saw last night before the feast. Mind telling us the detail of your discovery?"

Confirming my suspicion of why I'm here, I told them everything I know. About when I got lost, what I saw and how I barely could think around it until Gwen called up to me and led me to the hall. McGonagall's eyes turned ever harsher as the story goes on, either she's trying to tell if I was lying or just trying to mask her worry over me. But I scoffed at the latter idea, thinking that would be stupid.

"And you are sure you weren't imagining things?" McGonagall asked for affirmation.

"Positive," I answered firmly.

Dumbledore nodded, "Then Percy, I would very much like to request of you to not to spread what you experienced to others until we figure more of what it is."

"Don't you think it's a bit late with the ghost uproar that happened yesterday?"

"It will cease soon sooner or later as just another rumor flying, no need to cause unrest among our students," McGonagall promptly replied.

I frowned at her statement, "But what if that fire thing turns out to be dangerous? We don't know what it is for sure and if you want to keep them safe, shouldn't they be aware of the possible danger around here?"

Dumbledore had halted from brushing his beard. His eyes twinkling (seriously, how does he do that?) as he regarded me in a bit different light, "I understand where your concerns lie Percy. But like I said, we are still investigating what those Will 'o Wisps are and what they represent among the ghost. Hopefully, once we know, there'd be a solution to reassure the students."

I couldn't quite agree with their view of pampering the student with obliviousness. Just because they are unsure themselves of what it is, they think students can't handle the fact. I gritted my teeth, knowing it's not my place for me to speak up. I'm just a first-year student with barely any knowledge of the wizarding world, not to mention the kind of everyday danger surrounding it.

Relenting to their demand, I nodded. Professor McGonagall looked ready to usher me out when Dumbledore asked her to leave me and him alone for a while, making her taken aback quite a bit. The expression made me want to smirk, but I was able to keep my poker face on since honestly, I was a bit confused about why he still needed to talk with me.

"Very well, I will be at my Classroom for my first-period class." She spoke before ushering herself out of the office. Once she left, silence dawned the room other than mysterious pitter-patter noises and the whispering chatter of portraits.

"Now that it's just us two, I presume I'm free to ask why you were sneaking around my office last night?"

I squirmed in my seat, scratching my head sheepishly from being found out. "Sorry, I couldn't help finding out since I'm the one who scared off all the ghosts."

"Understandable, though I must ask you to refrain from spying your teachers next time." Dumbledore with a light air in his tone, "How much did you hear?"

Seeing no reason to play denial, I told him about eavesdropping them, how the ghost Sir Nicholas came and told them about the Will 'o Wisps before freaking out from seeing one himself.

"Are you positive you have no idea what those Will 'o Wisps are?"

Dumbledore stood absentmindedly, brushing his beard as a sign of deep in thought, "The Will 'o Wisps have been as much as an urban legend in the muggle world as it is in the wizarding world. They are believed to be another form of the dead soul that enticed people to get lost or at other times finding their way backs. You would mostly find them in a deep dark forest or swamp, not in a school."

"Then what about the Ghost of Halloween? Do you know anything about it?"

Dumbledore froze. I knew by then he was probably pondering whatever to tell me or not. He had a familiar glint in his eyes I usually would find in Chiron's when he was deciding whether to usher me to my early death or not. Oh sure, Chiron has faith in me, but I doubt he never had faith with any other heroes that never came back in the end.

"The Ghost of Halloween is an old tale Percy," he finally said after a long silence, "just like the Will 'o Wisp it's been passed down as a mere urban legend."

"Considering the ghost's reaction, I don't think it's a mere legend, Sir. Does it even have to do anything with those fires?"

"Indeed they are linked, for most stories of the Will 'o Wisp barely ever separated with the Halloween Ghost since it's known to be the marked trail of said ghost."

"But what so special about him? Since he's a ghost, clearly they can't do much to the living since they're intangible right?"

"Ah, but you've forgotten Percy that not all ghosts are the same. They are called in different names because of their different form and origin, like how Peeves the Poltergeist is aven amortal. A being who never having died and unable to die."

I pursed my lips, thinking he was right as he continued, "If my assumption is correct than the Ghost's name isn't quite as alien as we assumed to be. Since both muggles and wizards know his name as the one who brought the fear to a celebration that honor the dead and inspired the many pumpkin recipes I'm quite fond of."

My eyes widen as realization swept in me. Memories resurfaced of my mom dressing up as a witch she borrowed from the candy store with a bag of candies on her hand, and the time spent carving up scary faces in pumpkins while we get splotches of it on our faces and clothes before decorating our apartment room just for the small occasion for ourselves.

"Jack O'Lantern, that's who all the ghosts are afraid of."

Dumbledore stared long and hard at me before nodding, "That may be so, but alas like I said we have no way to know and all the information we have of him could only be said, just that, a legend."

For the first time, I could understand Annabeth's need to know everything. The lack of information is incredibly frustrating and I usually have someone exasperatedly explain it to me because of how clueless I was most of the time. All I know about Jack O'Lantern is that it's what people always called the face carved on pumpkins. I've always wondered why it would even need to be named Jack. As if it couldn't find any cool names that haven't been taken and decided to just call it Jack. Not even Mom knows the story behind it and she knows a lot about myths and legends from her study. It just became the sort of thing people do without giving a second thought. My thoughts whirled for possible answers, but figuring I wouldn't have the right answer on my own, I shook my head, derailing from my train of thought before it got lost in an infinite track.

"Is that all you want to say to me, Professor?" I asked him.

"Other than asking you not to pursue this case yourself, then yes Percy, that is all I have to say."

My back straightened as I tried to play off innocently, "What makes you say that?"

Dumbledore, not fooled by my act, chuckled. "We, as demigods, are always known to be restless. While I found preoccupying my time with knitting helps my nerve, I wouldn't want you getting involved in something dangerous."

A resign smile crossed my lips and the weary looked slip out my face a little bit, "You should know as much as I do Professor, we demigods always attract trouble."

Half of Dumbledore's face might be mostly covered in white facial hair but I noticed the brief odd look he had on me, his eyes glinted calculatingly as if trying to make me out as a curious puzzle.

I gulped, suddenly feeling restless under his gaze and shifted awkwardly, "May I go now, Sir?"

Dumbledore curtly nodded, "You may."

I couldn't focus much on my studies that day. Not just because of my ADHD that's already making it hard for me to study, but the conversation I had with Dumbledore that kept repeating in my kind like an old broken cassette tape.

I didn't even realize the worry look Lily and Sev kept sending me whenever I took my class with them. This time, I couldn't stop the track of my train as it ran off, losing my self in my thoughts. I didn't even realize when I started scribbling in greek, over and over, the words from the journal I read in that hidden chamber, trying to make sense of it all but having no clue how it helps the situation.

When lunch came around, Lily and Sev ignored their house table in favor of sitting next to me. Raising eyebrows from a few others but none said anything much.

"Okay Percy, fess up! What did Dumbledore say to you?" Sev slid down next to my right at the same time Lily sat on my left.

"You know you can tell us anything right?" I could tell Lily was subtly coercing me to talk and I would have no problem if I did.

However, I have to consider their safety. It's not like I can just ask them to help fight a ghost when I don't even know how to fight them myself. Maybe if I had a Stygian Iron on hand I'd have a better chance but I doubt I could find them lying around at a school.

I silently sigh and shook my head, "I'm fine guys." They shot me identical looks, not believing me which somehow hurts coming from them. But on the other hand, they know me too well.

"Really, I'm fine guys. I just have a lot on my mind."

"And usually that's bad because we don't usually find you thinking," Sev pointed out followed by Lily nodding eagerly.

Yep. They know me too well.

"Aw, Sev. You're concerned for little ol' me?"

Said guy rolled his eyes noting my tone. "You obviously have quite a problem, but no offense, I doubt you could handle it without causing bigger problems."

Okay, his confidence in me was hurtful but justifiable. "You don't even know what my problem even is."

"So tell us!"

I bit my lips before I could snap to either of them when it's none of their business. 'They're just worried' I had to remind myself. I took a deep breath, counting back from five before my temper took over and sighed.

"Please Sev, just... drop it. I don't... I can't talk about it."

Sev looked ready to refute, but a hand from Lily holding him back and a shake of her head finally back him off from the subject. The sound of the giant bell told us we were five minutes away from the next period.

When a few days passed, the deep tension that coiled among the students stayed that way but was quickly diminished when quidditch season finally came around. The day I would show myself as the first first-year quidditch player in around 80 years. I groaned, thinking about the attention I had was about to pile up even more after this game.

I had spent all my spare time practicing together with the other members of the team. Being in the practice field, I noticed the weather became much colder. Even from afar I felt the lake had become icy cold.

Thankfully, Sev and Lily never really mind hanging out near the field while they wait for me. Sev would often conjure a jar of flame for them share warmth from it. I also made sure Sev would keep an eye out for her whenever I'm not around. He raised an eyebrow at my insistent tone but didn't question further. I wasn't sure if I could lie properly to his face so I was glad he had let it go. Most likely because I didn't need to ask anyway since he wouldn't take his eyes off her.

When that day finally arrived, the whole school looked to be in uproar out in the stands around the quidditch pitch. Many students had binoculars. The seats might be raised high in the air, but it was still difficult to see what was going on sometimes.

Alongside me were my teammates.

There was the Captain-slash-Seeker of the team, Edward 'Ted' Tonks.

The Keeper, Jeremiah Smith, a haughty-looking guy. Blonde hair and blue eyes, he eerily reminded me of Octavian but a more bulky version of him. Even though his similarity only went as far as his eyes and hair, the look of disdain he gave me was almost identical.

The two Beaters, Gideon Prewett and Chris Rivers. Both are third years. Gideon is a quiet guy and has a shy smile, but once he opened up he could be rowdy as he is nerdy. According to him, he was more into gobstone and books, but Chris managed to wrangle him into quidditch. Mostly because he has competitive side with his twin brother who's also a beater in Gryffindor Team.

And two other Chasers alongside me, Marlene McKinnon and Mason Malone. The two girls I can admit has more talent in flying than the rest of the guys other than Ted.

"Alright guys, this is it. This is what we've trained for."

"No need to state the obvious, Captain." Jeremiah huffed, with a sneer curled up at the corner of his mouth. Marlene smacked him lightly on the shoulder, telling him to lighten up.

"Now I know we never truly won the Quidditch Cup these past few years."

"Seeing as we're a sucky team," Jeremiah added under his breath but didn't escape the other's notice. I should have mentioned that Jerry here is an extreme pessimist, and that's saying something because I'm usually the morbid one. Though he should know his constant negative comment would lower our moral, I was inwardly holding back myself from shaking him down and telling him to shut up.

Nevertheless, Ted wasn't deterred the slightest by it. "However I know for a fact we're just as good as the other team in terms of skill. And since this is my last year in quidditch, I decided to take a gamble with Percy here." He patted me on the back and turning all the other's eyes on me.

Exactly on cue, Jeremiah sneered but said nothing. He already had his say when I first turned up for practice, saying I was a shrimp that can't throw a ball right. I shut him up quick when I got to score over him more than a dozen times in a row.

"I honestly can't say we're going to win because I don't want to give you guys false hope. I do know I want to give everything I have for my final year and it was an honor to play with all of you. I trust you would all give everything you have for this game."

He let his words sank in, giving them a second to contemplate his words. The solemn air quickly diminished when Ted clapped with a broad grin that lightened the mood around us.

"Alright everyone, let's move out. Good luck!"

With those last words, we went on one straight line toward the pitch. The loud cheering from the crowd was almost deafening as they resounded throughout the field. On one side were the Hufflepuff supporters, yellow theme banners and badgers waved from the crowds. From the other were the Gryffindors.

I briefly wondered if Sev and Lily were out there within the crowd. Lily must have been conflicted cheering for me or her house while Sev would be rather caught dead sitting among the Hufflepuff. That thought kind of bummed me down but I didn't let that hover my mind for long. I was suddenly curious over what kind of expression James and Sirius would have seen me as one of the quidditch players, because if I know one thing I learned over the past few days near the Quidditch Season, is that the both of them are a huge quidditch fan.

Professor Rose was refereeing. She stood in the middle of the field waiting for the two teams, her broom in her hand.

"I want a fair game from all of you and may the best team wins," she said, once they were all gathered around her. Ted was facing with a smug-looking sixth year Gryffindor, who looked at him almost in pity. Ted kept his smile on him, but his eyes burned in challenge.

"No offense to you Tonks, but we're so going to kick you to the curb."

"We'll see about that Goldstein," Ted challenged him back.

Professor Rose signaled us to mount our brooms and gave a loud blast on her silver whistle. Fifteen brooms rose up, high into the air and we were kicking off at the same time the quaffle was thrown to the air.

I hear the voice commentary of Tilden Toots for the match, accompany by Professor McGonagall.

[Aaaannd the game kicks off with Cole Spine takin' off with the quaffle. Passing it ter Captain Kree Goldstein- then back ter Spine, Chaser Malone briefly missin' the catch- Goldstein now flyin' like a wild Hawk, aimin' for the goal and- nope, a swift block from Hufflepuff Stick-up-his-bumhole Keeper, Jeremiah Smith, saved the first goal from them.]

[Toots.]

[Wha'? Y'know it's true Professor!]

I can imagine the miffed looks he would have gotten from the commentary and snickered.

[Now Mckinley has the ball an' swiftly dive ter dodge a swipe from Carly Peach- ducking under a speeding bludger courtesy of Gideon Prewett- passin' over to Malone- then back- she shoots- Keeper Eugene dives and bloc-Holy Cow! HUFFLEPUFF SCORE! Thanks ter an unexpected appearance of the youngest chaser Percy Jackson! A brillian' play just as Eugene blocked the quaffle an' sen' it upward, Jackson appeared out of nowhere and scored 10 points!]

The crowd goes wild, their cheers resonated the cold air followed by the chorused moan from Gryffindors. The two Chasers beside me high five at my display. A few Gryffindors glared at me and I knew the next goal isn't going to be as easy.

It didn't stop me scoring for the Hufflepuff, they all looked at me in awe and surprised at how fast I went with a dingy broom as most call it. Even my teammates showed their surprises since I wasn't going this fast during practice. Seeing as I wasn't even afraid of flying narrowly passing by the players without disregarding the crashing possibility. They usually swerve past me before they could test that theory which made the goaling that much easier.

It didn't stay one-sided for very long, they all got the same idea that I was suddenly a big problem and decided to have two of the players to mark me. Making it harder for the others to passed the ball to me and got the Gryffindor to score the third goal in a row.

Thinking hard, I smirk at an idea. Pulling a fast feign, I got past the two players and caught the quaffle, letting the others followed my tail.

[Jackson got the quaffle. He zoomed the field like a mad man flying, dodging bludgers like an everyday thing. I mean- look at his speed, it's like he's not afraid of crashing!]

Well, after being pulled by a flying giant pig around Manhattan, this much speed doesn't faze me as much. I clenched the ball tighter and when I realized how all three chasers were tailing me, in an effort to surround me they were keeping an effort of speeding as fast as me. But with the old broom I was using, I knew I couldn't keep up with the speed for too long and will have a hard time scoring if they mark me.

[Jackson is heading toward the goal post, no sign o' him slowing down- he dives and he's...turning around-wha'?]

An outbreak of confused murmur resounded, but I kept a smirk at the plan I had on mind. Keeping my speed and making sure the Chasers were on my tail. I zoomed past my own teammates and avoided a few close calls with the bludger. The Chasers were keeping distance after almost getting blunged (hehe...blunged…) from my close call act. Flying around the field, acting like I needed to get them off my tail until-

[SCORE! HUFFLEPUFF SCORES THE SEVENTH TIME! WE ARE ON A ROLL HERE!]

The Gryffindor Chaser was made stun at the scene down below where Mckinley successfully scored a point for the team. "But... how... you…" One of the Chasers left his mouth hanging. They still don't realize I just discretely passed it to Marlene while keeping a 'shaking off Chaser' pretense. I grin, thinking how the plan actually works and how simple wizards are.

They growled at one for the last time before Ted patted me in the back, his smile couldn't have shown more how happy he was, "That was great Percy! Keep that up and we might not need to snitch to win this!"

"You better get it, I do not want to draw out a three months long game just for you to catch a snitch."

"Ah, you've read the book then," he chuckled.

"No, Gwen might have said a thing or two about Quidditch. That girl is a walking talking trivia."

Ted chuckled more, then floated to his place before the game resumed. For the rest of the game, I didn't feel the small regrets from joining the team. Feeling the rushed, cold air brushing against my cheeks, the adrenaline pushing me to win, the blood pumping hard at the back of my head and the giddy smile on my face in the face of harmless danger. Well harmless as far as I'm concern.

No longer I minded the guilty pleasure I was feeling and was able to forget all my problems. About the prophecy, the ghosts, the Will 'o Wisps. It was truly like being a kid again and playing Capture the Flag for the first time.

Yeah, it was a disaster and I almost got killed by a Hellhound that time and Clarisse almost maimed me. But it's also when Poseidon claimed me as his son so it's not all bad memory.

That's why it was only fair for something bad to happen this time around.

It had been in the middle of the chase when I noticed something weird with one of the Gryffindor Beater. While beaters are usually played by wizards, instead played by a witch. She was burly and had red curly hair tied in a ponytail. She looked like she could have been a cousin of Rachel's who had Ares for a dad.

Yet what caught my attention was the fact she was just floating there, the hand that held her bat was just dangling on the side, and her half-lidded eyes weren't even focused.

A bludger was coming straight at her and if she doesn't move she would get a direct hit on the head.

I gave up on chasing and pointed my broom upward, hoping I made in time. "Hey! Get away, there's a bludger!"

But my words were too drown out by the cheer and I cursed. No choice I grabbed her hand and pulled her aside in time.

Unfortunately, pushing her aside resulted in the bludger to hit my broom instead. And it was a loan from the school too!

With quick, trained reflex, I grabbed on to the girl's broom and was left dangling in midair. You would think that's bad, well let's add a holding up 125-pound unconscious girl to the list because that's what happened to me.

The crowds might have been too busy watching the match, or they think I was making a fool of myself just for laughs. Either way, I could hang on for a while but the unconscious girl was making it harder for me to have options and my sweaty hand does not promote confidence.

I tried willing the broom to move but in our current state, it doesn't seem to respond the same way as mounting it.

Even so, as long as I hang around long enough, surely someone would notice us. So I briefly thought that things would work out either way.

And I was proven horribly wrong when the bludger seemed to come back to finish the job. It hit the tip of the broom and arching it sideways. Whatever it did help plunge us down. At the rate we were going, we might just crash-land from 20 feet in the air. I might survive but I couldn't vouch the same for the girl.

With renewed strength, I dragged my body on top of it even as we swirled like a frantic merry go round. The crowd cheers were mixed with gasps of horror knowing finally someone noticed we were falling. I willed it with one hand to stop but it was proving harder than it looks. I did feel it slowing down but I knew deep down, I wasn't going to make it.

I arched the broom sideways. Bracing myself, I pulled the girl with both my hands as the broom crashed down to the field. The timing was enough to shield her from the brunt of the force but being slid down from the air and crushed by the massive girl. One thought only came to me.

'Oooooowwwww.'

I can vaguely hear the time-out whistle, the drumming footsteps against the grass in time with the ringing in my ear, obscuring the worried murmur I vaguely hear. All the while, I tried not to keel in pain. It felt embarrassing that after surviving through literal hell, holding up the sky, and fighting Kronos I would whine over falling over a couple of feet in the air.

I pushed the girl aside and the others were crowding over me whether I was alright but I was too focused on the girl.

"She's... I don't know what wrong with her. She suddenly keeled over and... is she alright?"

Professor Rose immediately came over to her and checked for any sign on injuries, but her brows furrow in confusion and I could understand why.

"She's asleep."

I couldn't quite believe her until I did a double-take on her and confirmed that she was fast asleep. Her breathing came in deeply and soothly though her face was frowning and mumbling possibly from a dream. We almost died falling and the field was a never-ending cacophony yet she was able to fall asleep.

I knew then this was just the start of something terrible happening.

Damn my demigod luck.