Chapter 29: One Last Confession

Words: 5,555

Recap: The victims have awoken. Jack finally left the school. And everything in Hogwarts is back to normal. But just because the trouble is over doesn't mean the school year is.

Now by this time, you would think everything is all fine and dandy. Marking the end of Act I by saying our goodbyes to new friends and settle ourselves by boarding the magic train back to London, England. Where the norm and magic-less life would be waiting, and we would look back at Hogwarts before leaving entirely out of sight.

Not in this story, we're ending this with a bang.

And when I say bang, I meant in the Final Quidditch Match. Hufflepuff VS Slytherin. The game that decides once and for all who will be the Quidditch Cup Champion! We had lost against the Ravenclaw as they had a really good seeker and ended the game before either team could score any points but won against the Gryffindor in our rematch.

So the only way we'd be able to win the championship if we managed to score 90 points ahead before our team could catch the Snitch. If we catch the Snitch.

On the morning before the final, when repressed excitement stirred among the morning tables. I admit I was also a bit excited for the play. I don't know if we get to win the championship, but seeing as it is the final, I'm ready to put everything in this match.

Though that excitement was squashed when Professor Rose (who had oddly never confronted me about what happened in the forest, maybe she had memory loss or something?) called my name. My back tensed. I was half-way considering to pretend not to hear her but reluctantly turned in the end.

"Professor Dumbledore would like a word to you."

I gulped, nodded, and followed her out. Feeling nerve-racking from being escorted to the Headmaster's office by an American Spy, what a twist my life is making. I'm pretty sure there's a joke somewhere.

We reached the gargoyle, and Professor Rose muttered, "Creaming Ice" before the statue revealed the circular stairs. She twisted around to meet my gaze and said, "I'm sure you have no problem going up your own."

She went striding past me without waiting for my answer and back to either her office or to the Great Hall. I heaved a sigh and climbed up the stairs, facing a familiar oak door with a griffin shaped brass knocker. Honestly, I would have thought it was cool the first time I came around if I hadn't had the unfortunate of being attacked twice by them. I pushed the door aside. While I wasn't expecting a lot, I definitely didn't expect a giant bright red bird flying by and looked like he might try to claw my eyes out.

I ducked instinctively and watched for if it would attack, but instead, the bird perch to his golden stand.

There was a chuckling sound from above and I shot a dirty gaze to Dumbledore, who was standing by the balcony with the window opened behind him.

"I see you've met Fawkes, a magnificent bird, isn't he?"

I examined the bird in earnest interest. It wasn't anything I've ever seen. Red and golden feathers, making him a better mascot for Gryffindor in my opinion, his claw and beak glinted gold that could make greedy men smile, and onyx eyes that reflected my reflection. I found myself edging closer, mesmerized by his appearance. I was only two steps closer when it squawked and backed away like it was afraid before flying out away to the sky through the window.

...did I just scared off Dumbledore's bird?

I looked back at him and said, "That was not my fault, so I held no responsibility for its runaway."

Dumbledore looked no less amused by my reaction, "No need to worry Percy, Fawkes would come back after stretching his wings. You just made him nervous since you have the power of the ocean inside you, and Fawkes is a Phoenix with the power of fire eternally burning inside him."

My jaw dropped before I gazed at the open sky and thought how I just met a Phoenix for the first time. I didn't dwell on the thought when Dumbledore's voice broke the silence, "So all the Sleepers have awoken I see."

"It would appear so," I responded.

"And does it have to do with two students walking into the forbidden forest past their curfew?" Dumbledore queried. Walking down the stairs and stood by his desk.

I rolled my eyes at how was skirting around the subject. I was too riled up from yesterday's events to have any patience for his vague talk, "Can we just get to the point Dumbledore, how much do you know?"

"Enough," he said. There was a stretch silence before he decided to elaborate, "You took a very daring decision, facing up your nightmare like that. It is not one would willingly face."

"It was either Lily or me; the choice was obvious from the start."

"And you let her settle your fate, your life, do you understand that?" There was gravity in his tone as if I had acted without thinking of the consequences if she failed.

In the end, I only shrugged like it's no big deal, "I believe in her, so there was never any doubt on her part. She may not be a Half-Blood like us, but she wasn't any less than a hero."

Dumbledore didn't say anything at first. Only looking back at me, but it wasn't one with the warm twinkling gaze I would expect. Instead, it was one that is calculating. It was a familiar gaze I would often see in Annabeth, but seeing it with Dumbledore's eyes was a bit unnerving. Like he was trying to think of the best way how to put me to good use. I cleared my throat nervously. He blinked, and the twinkling eyes were back.

"Yes, not everyone would have the courage to act and believe like you do. It could be a strength or undoing depending on who you put your faith in."

"Is there a point you're making in this conversation? Or are you just going to lecture me at how dangerous and stupid my actions were?"

Dumbledore blinked a surprising glint across his eyes, "My apologies Percy, that's not why I brought you here. Because what I wanted to say...is thank you."

That got me wide eye in shock, "What-"

"I am aware you won't have yourself known how involved you were in defeating the Wisps and saving the school, as there is little thing you probably could say without outing yourself as a Half-Blood. I think Miss Evans has many questions she's too hesitant to voice to you."

I bit my lip, thinking back of her concern about my connections with Jack. I knew she had questions, and it had only been Jack's warning that got her to hold back her tongue. My mind switched from Lily back to Dumbledore. Feeling shook when I found him slightly bowing. "So on behalf of this school, I thank you, Percy, for saving this school."

I stood with my mouth agape before squashing down my surprise, "It's fine Professor, I mean... we're heroes, we're expected to stand up and deal with this stuff, you don't have to thank me for what expected of me."

Dumbledore shook his head, "I know you have your views, Percy, but this is Hogwarts, not Camp Half-Blood. It's not supposed to house danger or let anyone expect any danger to come. So for you to rise against the challenge and overcome it, I can't thank you enough."

I wasn't sure what to say since saving people it the world is kind of expected of me. I never imagined someone to thank me for saving the day. Being obscured by the mist and all, the people we save don't know they were being saved. And the gods? Forget it. It took me saving Olympus from Kronos for them to be the show the least gratitude for me.

"You know that I don't expect to be thanked, right?"

"I know, it is unconventional for a hero to be given gratitude, but I'm thanking you not as a Son of Hecate but as the Headmaster of Hogwarts. Plus, I've always been a bit of a rebel," he said in the end with a bit of mischievous twinkle in his eyes that got me to smirk.

"You're welcome then... is that all you need me for?"

"Ah, one more thing Percy."

Of course, there is. "What's that?"

"May Tyche blesses you for the final," he said and winked.

"Thanks, but I've already resigned that Tyche has no love for me. I'm winning this with skill alone."

When it was ten, I decided to went in early to ease the nervousness that only quidditch seemed to bring. I wasn't surprised to find Ted Tonks doing the same as he stood in the middle of the empty stadium with the cool morning breeze, looking up at the clear blue sky with a kind wistful expression. I thought he needed some time alone, and I turned away to give him that but wasn't as discreet as I would have wanted.

"Feeling nervous?" the voice of Ted Tonks asked me.

I turned back to him, and he was giving that easy smile. He tilted his head to the side as his way to invite me to stand beside him. I accepted wordlessly. "A little," I answered. "You?"

"I-" he wet his lips and wasn't sure how to answer me, which was weird.

"I take it there's more at stake than just the championship?" I guessed.

Ted looked surprised by my words before a lighthearted laugh escaped him "How do you know?"

I shrugged, "Just a feeling I get from you." Ted ran his hand through his blond hair. For someone only his teen years, he looked a lot older than he should, and there isn't much that could get you to make that kind of expression. "You know I'm all ears, right? If you don't mind speaking your mind to a lowly first year like me."

"You're not a lowly first-year Percy, you're the most swell and talented guy I know, and I can't say that too many people. I mean... more than half of my friends would have been scandalized after finding out I was going out with a Slytherin girl."

"So it is about her."

Ted sheepishly scratched the back of his neck, "Was it that obvious?"

"What else can get our mind in a twist that girls?"

"So true," we both shared a short snort of laughter before we fell into silence. "I decided," Ted started to say, "if we win the championship... I'm going to tell her I love her."

I shot him an incredulous look before punching him on the arm. It was a light punch, but it wasn't so for a mortal like him. He winced and rubbed his arm painfully, "Ow! What was that for?"

"For being an idiot. Do you honestly want to rely on chances? Because news flash, that kind of thing might look cool in movies, but it's not a reliable way to tell your feelings."

"I... I just thought that if we win despite the odds, it would mean that...we were meant to be?" under the scrutinizing gaze I gave, Ted became more unsure, the tone he ended left the sentence like a question.

I rolled my eyes and punched him a bit harder, "Dude, whether you win or lose, your feelings aren't going to change magically. If you truly love her, you don't let anything or anyone take her away from you. But right now, you sound like you're finding excuses not to say how much you care for her."

Ted winced at my blunt words and sighed more tiredly, "Yeah... guess you're right... hey, how come you're the love expert between us? Are you really eleven?"

I tensed a bit at his words but managed to force out a dry laugh at the end, "Wouldn't you like to know?"

Afterward, we talked about nonsense at first before diverting back to Quidditch tactic, we were so into it that we almost failed to notice the rows of seats that were beginning to occupy and the call of our names from our newly-arrived teammates. We went to the locker room to change but wasn't expecting Professor Rose, looking like she wasn't out of place standing in the Hufflepuff Locker Room. I knew somehow, without saying, she had been waiting for me.

"Percy Jackson, a word," she said, simply.

The others stood awkwardly, sending worried glances at me. Nervously, I nodded. We both went out of the locker room to talk, which I hope nothing more than that will happen.

Once we were considerably away and with only us two with no one to eavesdrop, Professor Rose open the conversation first, "I've been asked to referee the match once more."

I blinked, not expecting to hear that, "Good for you," I said to her.

"I rejected the offer."

"Okay... wait... what?" I thought I had misheard her, but the expectant look of my surprise showed she said exactly what I heard.

A rare smile crossed her lips, "If I had refereed that match, I wouldn't be unbiased and be partial to Hufflepuff."

"Oh…" I said, absentmindedly.

She arched an eyebrow at me.

Finally, it dawned, "Oh!"

She made an amused hummed, "It's hard to be partial when the one who saved my life and the whole school is playing in one of the teams that playing today."

"Does that mean you-"

"Remembered everything? No, not really, at least not after I got possessed. But it doesn't take a genius to put two and two together and that you have something to do with the disappearance of the Will 'o Wisp."

"It's not just me, you know."

"Ah yes, Lily Evans. Brilliant witch she is and will be more brilliant in the future."

I couldn't help but smirk in agreement, "Who else knows I was involved?"

"Other than my superiors who think you have a lucky fluke? They and Professor Dumbledore advised I don't try to spread your involvement unless you wish it yourself."

"I think I prefer to let bygones be bygones. I already experienced enough attention throughout my year. I would at least want some normalcy for the last term of my first year - as normal as wizard school goes at least."

Rose nodded, "Understood." She started walking away but didn't take more than three steps before she walked back, this time she looked solemn and her voice grave. "I'll be back to America by the end of term, and I must say there'll be much hardship waiting for you as Voldemort grow stronger in power and influence. He has friends among the ministry itself and many hidden Death Eaters in various establishments to see who they can recruit, especially young wizards who would lead the coming battle."

"Err... not that I'm not grateful for the information, but why are you telling me this? That's not a breach of some spy protocol or something, right?"

"This is public knowledge, or at least it will be if your ministry isn't trying so hard to cover it up and pretend everything is all nice and swell." For the first time, I see her rolling her eyes and scoffed distastefully before turning back on me, "For what it's worth, I owe you at least this much and if you need anything at all. You have my sincerest help given whenever you need."

She took out a business card and gave it to me, and I took it gratefully from her. Then Rose smiled, a genuine smile I never thought I'd see her wear, "I'm glad I got to meet you, Percy Jackson, you'll do wondrous and great things in the future, that I'm sure."

And with that final note, she left.

I finally got to change in the locker room, and thankfully, everyone was too busy focusing on our last match to question what Professor Rose might have a say with me—changing from our black school robes to our yellow uniformed Quidditch robes.

We huddled up in circle for Ted to give us the usual encouraging captain speech, "Okay, listen up. There's not much I have to say to you other than what I always tell you. To always do our best, and I believe you all know what you've got to do."

Ted was silent, seemingly considering his words with a frown before continuing, "This is our last match for the year...and the last match for me with all of you. I always say that as long as we do our best, it doesn't matter what the results were...but right here, right now. I hope you excuse me for being selfish, but I want to win. And I want to win, with all of you together."

I looked around through the faces of my teammates and found they were all surprised by his words. Even Jeremiah had nothing nasty to say. Looks like it's not every day you get Ted Tonks to admit he wants to win.

We walked out onto the field and not just hear but also felt the rumbling cries of the crowd from both sides. They were all excited for the final, the crowd's cheer reverberating the whole stadium. Everyone of each team had lined up, Madam Hooch being the referee once more looked between the two sides before telling us to mount our broom.

"On my mark!" Said she, "Three...two...one..."

The whistle blew, and fourteen brooms broke into the air simultaneously in a high speed. The thrown Quaffle had chasers of both teams tried to wrestle immediately. Being with the fastest broom, it was easy for me to launch past the other chasers and zoomed off by myself. Leaving the others as my bangs flew back from the wind, giving clear view of the goal that the Keeper hadn't had the chance to guard.

I managed to score for Hufflepuff in the first five seconds.

Everyone was slack-jawed, including my own teammates. The crowd, for the first time, was stunned silence before it was followed up by the overwhelming roar of delight from the Hufflepuff, but none as eager as our local news broadcaster.

[My word! A surprise keen display from Hufflepuff chaser, Percy Jackson, scoring the first 10 points in the fastest display of goal scoring I've ever seen! I didn't even know a broom could go that fast, and I've seen impressive stunts with that broom but never like that. No one even reacted before he scored. Oh, what an exciting start we've been given. Don't you think so too, Professor?]

[...I must admit I've never seen quite a display.]

[Alright, back to the game. Hufflepuff in possession by Marlene Mckinnon, she streaking through the courtyard and to the goal OH-and she was almost thrown by a good throw beater toward her way by Slytherin Beater, Joshua Hatton. Slytherin's in possession-no, wait, back to Hufflepuff - then to Slytherin-and back, and- SCORE! TWENTY-ZERO TO HUFFLEPUFF!]

I punched the air at another successful goal, but that was cut short as I had to swerve left abruptly after almost colliding with none other than Lucius Malfoy. His frown twisted even further that he failed to crash on me, "Sorry, didn't see your small head," he sneered, and my response was to glare harder at him.

"Maybe you should invest some glasses then, maybe a pair of sunglasses so you could hide one part of your ugly face."

"Are you mocking me? What kind of glasses made out of the sun?"

"...nevermind." Gods, it's hard to insult others when wizards are so clueless to muggle ways.

The game kicked start again and I was after the Quaffle once more, but things were harder with both the Slytherins Beaters, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, ganging up on me. (That's not their real name, of course, I don't remember them other than their big and stupid). Almost at every turn, I had a Bludger almost taking my head off or hitting my broom to veered me off course. I can't deny that both of them were good, our own Beaters had a hard time keeping them off me. They were loud boos coming from the Hufflepuff supporters, but the Slytherin didn't seem to mind them.

It didn't stop our team from scoring, though. We were Fifty-Twenty to Hufflepuff, but at this rate, getting the championship would be hard if we don't get another seventy points ahead of them to win, and I was determined to do just that.

Thinking over how to outwit them, I shuddered as a plan formed in my mind—a really bad plan, but a plan nonetheless. I was briefly glad Lily isn't here to nag or Sev to insult me how stupid I'm being. Despite it, a rush of excitement flooded me when the Bludger was getting ever closer toward me.

Gasps erupted from the crowd when I didn't move out of the way, I extend my hand and catch the Bludger. Gritting my teeth as I did not let the force of it throw me off.

The crowd goes wild at my reckless display. I let the Bludger guide me through the field as no one wanted to be any closer to my crazy stunts. Once I was close to the scoring area and saw the Quaffle being thrown. The keeper blocked. Then, with all my strength, I threw the Bludger. Making the Slytherin Keeper yelp and move out of the way and using the Bludger to smack the Quaffle to the goal. The crowd cheered once more.

[BLOODY HE-]

[Language Toots!]

[Sorry, Professor, but you have to admit that was some mad display from Percy Jackson. I've never seen anyone scored that way.]

[I must say, I've never seen anyone score that way either. It's unprecedented even to me.]

[Well, I get my score from wherever. It's sixty-twenty to Hufflepuff!]

As expected, the Beaters became more reluctant to send me more bludgers, and it gave me more room to score with the Quaffle. he game continued. Ted came up behind me and clapped my shoulder, making me winced.

"Nice job Percy, that was amazing!"

"Yeah, but don't expect me to do that again. I almost pop my shoulder out with that."

[And it's Ziva Callow from Slytherin in possession, heading straight to the Hufflepuff's goal post- no, Mason Malone intercept and tearing up the field and-Duck! A close call from a Bludger swerving overhead and-NOW THAT'S UNFAIR!]

Tweedle Dee, who turned out to be named Noah Zambini, has gone and use his club to hit Mason's broom instead of the Bludger that was near. Mason whirled around for a while before she had her broom float still and unfortunately dropped the Quaffle. Madam Hooch whistled rang and flew to Zambini and began lecturing him, Zambini only half-heartedly apologized, saying he mistook hitting the Bludger with her and wouldn't repeat it. Putting a penalty to Slytherin's Beater, Mason made a penalty shot, and it went in.

[HA! SEVENTY-TWENTY, THAT'S WHAT YOU GET FOR PLAYING DIRTY, YOU SNEAKY-!]

[Toots!]

[Hey, they're the ones who started cheating. Can't help if I get worked up Professo-hold on, is that a Snitch?]

Everyone, including the audience, began searching for any glimpse of a golden snitch, and it just so happened I saw it. Flying innocently by the Slytherin goal post, and the Slytherin Seeker was catching up to it.

I looked to Ted, who was catching up as well from the other side of the field, and I knew he wouldn't catch up in time. We couldn't let the Snitch be caught yet. In a split-second decision, I launched myself toward the Snitch and block his attempt from catching it and risk blatching (which is flying to collide with him). Madam Hooch whistled and gave a penalty to me. Lucius, the Slytherin Seeker, gave me one dirty look when he realized what I've done before flying away.

Jeremiah flew to take the Slytherin's penalty, he hovered in front of the Hufflepuff goal post with his jaw clenched. Everyone waited in a nervous beat. Madam Hooch whistled. Slytherin shoot. Jeremiah saved it. The crowd cheered wildly. I sighed in relief, and the team gave him a brief thumbs-up before flying away. Jeremiah only huffed in response, but I saw a glimpse of his proud smile.

[And it's Hufflepuff in possession again - Hatton alongside of her - Agh! He's in possession again, flying toward the Hufflepuff goal post-come on now Jeremiah save it again! Malfoy shoots and- Jackson! Jackson swooped in and caught the Quaffle and now streaking through the field and- ANOTHER SCORE! Eighty points to twenty with Hufflepuff in the lead.]

As my team is scoring more and more points and leading further in the game, the Slytherin began to play dirtier. When they know chucking Bludger at me was useless, Tweedle Dee and Dum began beating Bludgers toward either Mason or Marlene whenever they got the Quaffle, making it harder to pass it on to someone else. I decided to help our own Beaters by guarding one of our chasers so I could try blocking any Bludger that came, and surely afterward, we scored another point. It was ninety to twenty.

Getting worked up, the Slytherin - including the Keeper - were getting desperate. They were surrounding Marlene, who had the ball. But they were getting narrow-minded as they didn't think to cover above her where she threw it up, and I caught it, wheezing through the field like a bullet with a clear way and score. Hundred to twenty.

The crowd's cheer was getting wilder as they chanted, "One more goal! One more goal!"

We were confident we were going to win, and drunk with confidence. We didn't notice quickly enough how Zambini aimed his Bludger at Jeremiah and almost made him fall off his broom. We got another penalty shot but didn't get the goal. With Jeremiah injured, he was slower to block the Quaffle and the Slytherin team quickly got to score once again. It was a hundred to thirty.

Later on, while Hatton was holding the Quaffle. Gideon pelted a bludger at him, making him let go of the ball and for me to seize it throw it through the Slytherin's goal. A hundred ten to thirty.

[The tension is rising. Hufflepuff only needs one more goal for them to finally be able to chase the Snitch. Jackson has the Quaffle, the Slytherin in desperate attempt is blocking his way but-Wow! Look at Percy Jackson go, swerving left and right, passing them by like they're nothing. Now only the Keeper is in his way. Percy shoots. HE SCORES! FINALLY HUNDRED TWENTY TO THIRTY!"

The course cheer and boo collide as we were finally ninety points in the lead, and Ted was ready to catch the Snitch. Everyone's expectant eyes were on him as the championship was finally within reach. Suddenly both Team's Seeker burst into speed and flying right toward... me?

I was confused by the act before I glimpse up and saw the shining golden Snitch right above my head. I looked back at the Seekers. They were close enough to crash into-OH STYX!

I managed to fly out of the way at the last second, but then I found the Snitch was still flying right next to me. Despite flying away, it wouldn't shake me off, which led to both Seekers on my tail like they were chasing me. Of all the glitches I would expect from a small flying ball, this isn't one of them. I tried putting distance since I don't want to accidentally caught it and give a penalty shot to Slytherin, but the Snitch was more stubborn than I expected.

[What this?! Looks like we have a three-way chase with the Seekers chasing the Snitch that's chasing Jackson for some reason. Ain't that hilarious?]

[Must be a small glitch. Obviously, someone has forgotten to take it for the monthly maintenance.]

While I was running away from the Snitch, I thought about how to take advantage of this, and so I dived down from tens of feet from the air. The Snitch and Seekers followed behind. I glanced at Ted and send him a silent message through my gaze, and he nodded. The dive became steeper and faster, and when the green field was almost upon me, I made a swift turn and flew upward. Lucius was surprised at this and instinctively swerve away, but Ted didn't. Trusting my skill, I managed to fly upward without crashing into him even with his hand outstretched, and when I thoroughly went past him, the roar of the crowd became deafening. I turned around and wasn't surprised to see Ted waving around a golden snitch on hand.

[TED TONKS CAUGHT THE SNITCH! HE CAUGHT THE SNITCH! HUFFLEPUFF WINS THE QUIDDITCH CUP!]

Being the nearest, Ted came and pulled me into a tight hug, followed by the rest of the team as they shouted, "We won the Cup! We won the Cup!" until their voices became hoarse. Wave upon wave of yellow supporters came pouring down to the field and join the group hug. Suffocating as it was being pressed upon multitudes hands and bodies, it didn't stop us from laughing. They even lifted Ted up while he showed case the caught Snitch in his hand. The rest of the team were also hoisted up, punching the air in victory.

Up in the shoulder of the crowd, I got a more unobstructed view of the audience's reaction. Professor Rose had lost all dignity as a teacher and a spy as she celebrating alongside Professor Sprout, who was waving the Hufflepuff flag and jumped around like a maniac while screaming intangible yet excited scream. I saw Professor Slughorn sighing before giving a few coins to Dumbledore, who took it in glee. I saw Doc and Grace, each waving their wands and made shoot out a colored firework and wrote to the sky 'CONGRATULATION HUFFLEPUFF!' I guess this is their own way to congratulating and apologizing to me.

Finally, we were brought to the stand where Professor Dumbledore waited with the enormous Quidditch Cup on hand. Before he was about to give it to Ted, he leaned in to whisper the word "Congratulation Percy.".

Then...a sudden great idea came to me. I marched forward and took the trophy from Dumbledore's hand, and with a shout, I said, "Hey everyone!" the crowd took a silent turn as they tried to hear what I have to say, "My captain, Ted Tonks here has something to say or two so listen up!"

I turned to Ted, who looked aghast at first, before swallowing his saliva when all the crowds waited for him expectantly. He opened his mouth, closed it, and wet his lips before he took in a breath or two until his eyes set determinedly. Ted walked forward and nervously he said, "I...I have something to say...to Andromeda Black."

The crowd was rendered silent for a whole different reason this time, waiting curiously on what he might have to say to a Slytherin Girl, Not to mention a Black. Ted gulped again, but his voice was coming out more confident, "Dromeda, when we first go out, you weren't serious being with me, and I'm not surprised to hear that you started dating me as a game, and I didn't really care of it was because... I love you. God, I love you, Andromeda. Being with you is the best thing that happened to me, and I wouldn't change it for the world. I'm sorry I never got to say how much you truly meant to me, but to me so if you have in your heart to accept me still-"

Ted didn't get to say much afterward, because just as he was confessing his profound love, a familiar girl who stood at the very back of the crowd had slowly walked toward him, climbed up the stage and pulled him into a kiss. I noticed there were leftover tear tracks on her cheeks. Everyone was stunned silence by the display, and when they broke the kiss, Ted just smiled and asked: "So...is that a yes?"

"What do you think?" she playfully asked.

They pulled each other into another kissed with Ted dipping her down, and this time the crowd cheered wildly, followed by loud wolf-whistling and some clapping. Ted gave a short glance at me and gave me a thumbs up, which I respond eagerly.

It's always good to see a happy ending...no, not an ending, but a new happy beginning.

After that, months and exams passed, it was finally time to leave Hogwarts. It was a shocker to me when on the last day, the wardrobes were empty, and trunks were packed. I have to say it's a way better system than reminding us to pack our stuff or get eaten by harpies. All the first year waited by the docks, me, Lily and Sev waited for the boats, for Hagrid to sailed us across the lake and toward the Hogwart express.

"Can I just say," Lily began, "That despite all the troubles we've gone through, I wouldn't change it for anything."

"Really?" I asked skeptically.

"Really." She put her hands around our shoulder and pulled us close to her, "Especially when I got my two boys with me."

I raised an eyebrow at her and turned to Sev, "Are we her boys?"

Severus sighed in defeat, but the smile he had was undeniable, "It would seem so."

Lily laughed at our response, and after a glimpse of a giant, waving tentacle toward us. I smiled as I board the train as it left Hogwarts. Looking back through the window until the magical school I never knew ever existed was out of sight.

-End of Act I: Percy Jackson and the Ghost of Halloween-