Chapter 26: The Calm Between the Storm

Words: 4,766

Recap: Have I told you Hagrid is a great friend? Because he's really a great friend. I think everyone should know that. Now let's see how miserable my life can get in the last year in school.

It was a lonely five days.

Eventful, but lonely.

Hufflepuff won the last match but lost the Cup this year. Angelica had been smiling even at the face of her loss, but anyone who knew her for more than a year could tell the too forceful stretch of her lips was to quell the curse-filled shouts and rampaging with her wand What we got was a litany of curse-filled whispers instead, and heavy stomps as we leave the court field. If anyone noticed her going to the abandoned bathroom and heard the sound of a weeping girl, they most likely diminish it as Moaning Myrtle's usual cries. If the rest of us, Quidditch team, know who's inside then none of us said anything.

I was also glad Heckler decided to kidnap Remus after the final exam. I would have not been looking forward to a week of exams after almost getting barbequed.

That wasn't the end of it. While Gwen was right that the newest rumor mill involved me using the Unforgivable, everyone thought it was ridiculous. That didn't stop the kids from reacting at the idea that Washout Percy is capable to do the Unforgivable Curse.

"Oh Merlin, look out, it's Jackson! Don't meet his eyes or else he might keep you as his thrall."

"Hey, Jackson, I heard you can put me out of my misery?"

"Oh, spare me, dark wizard! Don't torture me, hahaha. Yeah, right."

I am conflicted to take this as good news or annoying news, but I'll take what I can get. I was aware of the stink eye from four pairs of eyes, just watching, waiting for the moment I might blow up in an extravagant purple haze, changing into a dark leather, loose shaggy hair, combine with smudgy dark eyeliner as I reveal myself as dark wizard they seemed to believe I am. I have a feeling that they were the ones spreading the rumors as a cautionary from me but the meaning went over everyone's head.

While the tauntings words didn't mean much to me, they were a few older kids that seemed to take things far and bully the little guy; pushing me to a corner, out of view from most of the populace, giving me a reminder not to be to think I'ma hotshot for spreading lies about doing a difficult curse. To which I might respond 'Heeeeeello, do I look happy with this treatment I'm getting?!'

This is why kids are awful.

...my gods, did I just said something a stereotypical loner grandpa would say?

Forgetting moments of my mental and physical age is, the bullies didn't get far in their threat.

No, I didn't do anything badass. You might want that, but I'm toning down the violence here.

My unexpected rescue came from the sudden appearance of a scrawny little Gryffindor rising between us, hands on hips as he tried to look reproachful and menacing but not quite managing. It was punctuated further by the mocking grin paired with their leers on the boy.

"Oooh, looky here fellas, we got ourselves a wannabee-knight in shining armor."

I didn't say anything, too busy watching the boy, feeling a slight familiarity niggling at the back of my head. He flushed beet red at our adversary, "Lay off the kid, Nott. I should have known only you Slytherins would cowardly corner a younger kid."

"Oh, and Itsy-Bitsy 'Bottom thinks he can take us. What do you say, boys? Shall we turn him into a rodent again? Or how about variety, like a cockroach and see if anyone's going to squash him like the little bug he is." The guy - Nott, now that I know his name - took a step forward to loom over the smaller boy, and the Gryffindor doesn't even flinch as he glared back at the bigger and bulkier blond guy.

I would have commended his action with a big round of applause if not for the sudden realization that hit me like a sledgehammer, "You're the guinea pig I petted months ago!"

The tension was sliced better than a fudge cake; the Snake Trio looked bewildered from my unexpected comment and my would-be-savior half-way turned his face to glare at me, conveying his irritation which I don't blame him. But it's not like I meant to blurt it out. These things just happen.

Nott quickly put his mask up and I could almost physically watch his mind brewing to further humiliate the boy, so I turned my attention back to the sorry-excuse-of-a-people and just flatly stare at them like the most boring shaped shite I've ever seen, which is enough to offend their already fragile little egos. A different type of flush colored their faces, pulling a smirk from me.

Before they could open their mouths and retaliate with their sharp knives words, I pulled my wand and pointed wordlessly at them. I was a bit ashamed to say that I felt a dark satisfaction at seeing them flinching. Nott quickly grew angry, maybe more to himself, "Ha, you think a lowly second year like you can touch us! Hilarious."

"I don't see why not. I think it's a great way to show you if I can use one the Unforgivable curses or not." Ah, there's the pale faces I wanted to see.

They've taken a step back, but they still put on a brave face. "You, you're bluffing… you can't, can't possibly use the… can't you?" One of the mooks said.

"Well since you all have graciously volunteered in front of me, why don't we demonstrate?"

And so cue pulling my Death Glare on, and I barely spoke the word, "Boo," before they started turning their tails and ran. Going so far as to call out, "This isn't over, Jackson!" before they leave. I had to make sure they completely left from hearing shot before I burst out into laughter.

The Gryffindor looked over me, mildly looking impressed. Never tensing at my dire words, so I asked, "You didn't think I can manage the curse?"

"I know a bluff when I see one. Use it too many times against my brothers and cousins when they're being obnoxious."

I grinned, already liking the guy. "Percy Jackson, that was cool of you standing up for me. That took some guts when you're younger and all."

The boy smiled back and took my offered hand, "Frank Longbottom," he introduced, "and I'm actually the same year as Nott."

"...what?"

"I'm a fourth year."

"WHAT?!"

"What?" he looked down at himself with a frown, "Is not that surprising, is it?"

"You barely reach my chin, so yeah, it really is." I slapped my mouth shut before it can run off on its own. Feeling guilty when I see the slump of Frank's shoulder.

"Yeah, I know. I'm used to it. Being the runt of the family. They can't imagine me being a Gryffindor, not even me." He shrugged his shoulders, in a familiar 'what can you do' gesture that I couldn't help but softly punched his arm in retaliation.

"Hey, don't mock the guy who stood up for me. I hear he's a swell guy that's worth thrice as them." The boy blushed and muttered his thanks. "Do they often hex you, I remember Madam Pomfrey said you often find yourself in the Hospital Wing to get you fixed up."

Again, another shrug, "It can't be helped. Those three have been a sore eye to the rest of the fourth year since the beginning, and no one wants to deal with them. Not with the families they're from. I was the only other pureblood with a good family background that could confront them without any heavy backlash but… I'm not really good at duels and all so… I'm not much of use, am I?"

The matter-of-fact way he said it had physically pained me, especially because I've been there in his shoes. Believing you're no use because you couldn't be as good as everybody else. "That's a load of bull," I thought aloud, "If people are worth how good they are in spells, then the world would be a bleak place with those guys as a shining example." I tilted my head where the departed boys had run off, and grinned when I made him laugh.

"Point, but still… it's no use if the little guys can't even stand up for themselves, you know?"

I found there wasn't I couldn't say anything back. It was like swallowing a bitter pill, feeling like the powerless kid before I came to Camp where nothing you say and do would have made any difference to your life when no one was willing to change it for you.

Frank and I parted with nothing more to say.

Anyway, like I said, eventful but lonely.

Not that Doc, Gwen, and my Quidditch Team didn't help fill my days. But there was an evident gap of my two co-conspirators in my wizarding life I was forced to live in. The ones supposedly the reason I'm here but also what makes it worth living.

So you couldn't blame me during the middle of the dinner feast when the pair of larger-than-life doors to reveal an unlikely Slytherin-Gryffindor pair walking in, I burst out at my seat and went over to them. The smile I had ached my face in contrast to the lightweight that hung from my loaded chest. I practically came up to them running like a Minotaur but managed to stop a foot distance away. Some part of me hesitant at displaying an emotional reunion in front of the whole student body.

"Good to have you on your feet, both of you."

Lily smiled cheekily, "Oh, admit it, you miss us."

"Eh, I guess I did, kind of like missing extra toes."

The red-head laughed and pulled me into a hug. I then turned to Sev. He smiled and gave acknowledging nod, which I returned.

"So, am I right to say that both of you are looking forward to a feastful experience."

"Oh, God, yes!" Lily crowed, "You have no idea how much I've been wanting to eat real food."

We laughed and joked, never setting far from each other even crowding at one corner of my house table. Gratefully, none had commented or warn us off about House seats. Not today. Not with us just reveling in one another's presence from the after horror show we got ourselves out of. Me, mostly because I might grow some gray hair knowing I had to single-handedly protect the kids from harm.

But then I looked back at the young wizard and witch in front of me and thought they could save themselves just fine.

The grip around my spoon tightened at the sudden reminder of Circe's warning, and firmly swear to the River Styx that I would do anything to protect them.

Above, on the charming ceiling, clouds began obscuring the sky, followed by lightning lolling and thunder rumbling from it that windows shook from the force of it, creating a stormy orchestra within the halls. Most of the younger student body screamed, either from fright or surprise. Had people known what it was, they might realize the weight of magic that passed by from my resolve. Maybe that's why Dumbledore didn't look up and instead and turned his gaze intently at me. I didn't let that bother me as I revel, instead, the presence of my House and friends for what they are worth.

All's well that ends well…

.

.

.

...would have been what I'd like to say.

Any other time, our End-of-Term Feast would have been a time of enjoyment. A point of time when we mourn the bittersweet days of drowning in books and constipating answers and rejoice the freedom of summer with their friends and family from home. There were no more classes, so we spend most of our day spending the last day of the year with the friends we've made through the year, packing our bags, and enjoying the better feast than the rest of the days we had.

Though the feast this year had soured for me. I couldn't seem to change my food to turn blue, someone had the nerve to charm all the food green the moment it hits the plate. As one daring Hufflepuff seemed proved, too hungry to care whatever weird spell or curse it might have. Realizing there's no other weird concoction in the food, the feast went on as normal. Though the teachers did have to fend off the lines of house-elves desperately apologizing for whatever blunder they made to allow such "atrocity" as they called it, which I agree wholeheartedly.

Other than that bitter point in the evening, it was a normal evening (as normal as any wizarding dinner is). Dumbledore had clicked his wine glass, like a crystal clear bell ringing high, it gave a moment for us to cut the chattering noise in favor of listening to Dumbledore's announcement. For nothing can quite a bunch of rowdy pubescent teenagers than bragging rights for who's better than who.

"It's that time of year again where we greet farewell to a year at Hogwarts," Dumbledore said cheerfully, "And I must trouble you with an old man's bubbling gum before we continue sinking our teeth into our delicious feast. Another great year we have experienced… but all things must come to an end so a new beginning may come… you have the whole summer to look forward before that time may come next year... Now, as I understand it, the House Cup here needs awarding-" Dumbledore cut himself off, interrupted by rumbling laughter, "And I admit, I'm surprised and delighted to announce the house points for this year: in fourth place, with 312 points, Hufflepuff-" Everyone clapped politely, but there was no hiding everyone's slight slump of their shoulder. "-in third, with 312 points, Slytherin-" This time, the applause pick up but there's no mistaken the confusion and surprise etched in some of their faces. "-and in second, with the same 312 points, Gryffindor-" there was barely any applause this time, too busy gawking at the revelation Dumbledore essentially told us. I, on the other hand, tried to keep myself from barking out a laugh. "-Yes, everyone heard that right. For what might be the first time in Hogwarts History, Hufflepuff, Slytherin, and Gryffindor have tied together, give them a big round of applause…"

Everyone in the hall did exactly that, but no matter how funny the Headmaster thinks. It still doesn't change the fact the smug looks from the Ravenclaw table. Sev and Lily made a brief glance to share their wry smile at the situation.

"Which means the winner of this year House Cup with only two points difference… is…"

BANG!

"KYAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

The tensed announcement was broken by the burst of the wide doors and the shirley scream followed. Everyone turned to the source; Professor Monte, a teacher of Divination, her heels giving hasty clip-clop sounds against the cobblestones. Her usual bunned raven hair was in disarray, and she stopped in the middle of the hall, regaining her breath before looking up, baring the terrible fear reflected on her boggled eyes.

Then before anyone could ask what's going, she clarified with just three terrifying words:

"HE IS DEAD!" she cried.

And the Great Hall broke.

Professor Monte broke down, crying on the hard floor. The teachers left the High Table and went to question and soothed the woman. I watched how the staff turned either shocking white or sickly green from whatever she said. Half of them went out of the Great Hall, and I would have no problem letting them addressed a problem that doesn't concern me for once and have them do their jobs. But then I had the unfortunate relation with Severus, who locked eyes with me and saw the glint of hunger and eagerness to plow down a mystery like a possessive Gollum with his precioussss.

Predictably of him, he went sneaking off behind the group of adults. As a semi-adult myself, I have the obligation to watch over the kid before he could get himself in trouble, which is supposed to be my job. I also should have figured that Lily, being sat between us, noticed our silent exchange and tag alongside with us. Lilly is really a good friend.

But whatever we had expected, it wasn't the prone, unmoved body of Jeff Heckler, his head pooled in his own blood on the ground of the front porch of Hogwarts' entrance gate. The view was quickly obstructed by the circling crowd of professors, but it was enough to make Severus' eyes wide and lip thinned, while Lily paled, her gawking mouth covered as she tried clamped down her horrid shout.

"How did this happen?" One of the Professors asked aloud.

"She said she witnessed him running straight out from the third-floor balcony without pausing."

"So this is suicide? He must have not wanted to be sent to Azkaban."

"He chose one hell over another." Flitwick shuddered. "Tragic."

"We must inform the Aurors."

There was nothing more we could have learned and quickly we hide behind the armor, then waited until the rush of footsteps were out of earshot. We came out, no less anxious and out of our depths. I'm only good at kicking butts and talking fish, not being a detective.

Severus took a step forward and faced us, "Do you guys know what this could mean?"

I turned to Lily, and even she shook her head, her face still pale from the corpse outside. "I'm not following, Severus."

"Heckler isn't the type of person to jump out of a building. He's too much of a coward to even think of death as an option."

"You never know, Azkaban doesn't seem to be a pleasant place to be in," Lily weakly supplied.

"If notoriety is enough to squash anyone from being sent there, there'd be less crime and more suicides. Besides, Heckler seems to be more of the type to try to wiggle his way out during a trial"

"But… if what you say is true then how did Heckler die? You heard what she said, he saw him throwing himself out! You can't force someone to do that."

It hit me like one of Zeus's bolts as the answer Sev tried to sent became clear. Severus opened his mouth, probably to demur her but I slammed my foot on him, stopping him with a hissed. Sev sent a stink eye and I challenged him with a look of my own before glancing at our ginger friend. Silently telling him "Look at her, idiot!"

He did. Finally noticing the wide worried eyes, the tight fear of her muscles, and the uncertainty in her whole figure. Sev's deflated instantly, his tongue went numb as he tried to find the right words to put her at ease, but that's what I'm here for.

"Maybe it wasn't a suicide but it doesn't mean we can't rule out an accident. Who knows, Heckler might be trying to use a spell to fly his way out or something and failed miserably."

Lily turned to Sev, waiting for his answer, to which he nodded absentmindedly, "Yeah, maybe. I suppose we'll never know the answer. But the important thing is the danger is out for now."

Lily nodded, and her body visibly radiated relief, knowing the worst is finally over. We sneaked back into the Great Hall, the commotion had worsened during our absence. The same fear and uncertainty that almost made Lily mistaken for the dead colored the houses.

Dumbledore ordered a thundering silence that is uncharacteristic of him that everyone shut up like magic. He then asked the respective Head Girl and Boy from each house to escort them back to their dorms. The next couple of days went by as if nothing happened, we got our report cards and bags were packed without our consent. There were still dark rumors that quickly spread out throughout the student body about Heckler's fate; split between fired from misconduct that they can't decide what it is or dying from an ill-crafted use of spells. None said anything about suicide or one of the Unforgivable curse in play. I wasn't sure whether that was for the best or not.

We would have joined the hustle of kids and teens shoving themselves to the train. But Severus hung back a bit, pulling me aside for a brief discussion, "Why did we lie to Lily? Didn't you realize how he might have died?"

"That he was possibly cursed with the Imperius and was made to jump off a building? Yeah, it had crossed my mind considering I've just used one of the Unforgivable recently."

Sev winced at the reminder but pressed on, "If you know then why are we hiding this from her? She deserved to know too."

"We will, just not when Lily has pileup stress on her plate. She deserves a bit of a break."

"She's not like the rest of the spineless masses… She's Lily."

"I'm not saying she has a weak stomach or anything, but after being tortured and faced a fire-breathing gold-transfigured dragon with feeble swordsmanship, I would at least want her to feel safe for the rest of the year in school."

"Why wouldn't she be? It's over. Heckler's dead."

"Don't you get it? If Heckler had been under the Imperius Curse, then someone must have cast it on him. Someone who knows where he was. Someone from inside the castle."

Sev's blew out heavy curses that have nothing to do with magic. He looked between the castle walls as if he couldn't trust it to not keep whatever's lurking away from him. "Ah, I can see how that wouldn't be the best idea."

"And whoever it is taken that much trouble to keep Heckler's mouth shut. This isn't over Severus. This is far from over."

The year ended with that çheerry note. And I imagined what it must be like to know the rows and rows of compartment held the face of excited yet tired kids all looking forward to going home, but only one room held three restless kids wearing a tight grim lip. The only three who felt the strong wind that had passed with no guarantee it won't come again.

And next time, it might carry a storm.

. . .

When I reached home. My body naturally gravitated to my room where the only mistress holding my heart could beckon me to her embrace and pulled my spirit out to the sea of dreams. "Hello, bed." I tiredly greeted it and almost lovingly before letting myself fall, face-first, toward the mattress. Sleep came instantly that I was unaware when it took me out. Probably because it felt like I was instantly apparated back to the Hogwarts Train that for a second, I thought I dreamt of coming back to my flat instead of the other way around.

I gazed about, looking for what might be dream-worthy until I spotted Sev. coming back from the bathroom. I knew then I was dreaming of the past - which is a rare case in itself - and immediately curiosity got the best of me since he didn't come back for the last of the half time of the train ride.

Severus went past me like a ghost, but then the call of his name made him turn and I did the same. Two Slytherin kids I've only seen in passing waved at Sev.

Sev politely nodded at them, "Rosier, Mulciber, Good afternoon."

The dirty blonde kid shook his head, pulling an amused smile that looked indulgent at best, "What did I tell you, Severus? Use our names. We're fellow housemates, remember?"

"Okay- Glenn- Dorian," Sev tried it out, and smiled softly at the use of it. But it quickly faded away as he glanced between them, unsurely, "Do you need something for me? I can't think of a reason for you to randomly spoke out to me otherwise."

"Quick on the uptake as always, Severus. That's why I like you. It's honestly nothing grand, the other Slytherins and I just thought it'd be a shame if you were excluded from us on our last day together so we thought you want to join us in our compartment. We have room for one more," Glenn Rosier explained so eloquently, so unlike a normal 12-year-old. The other boy just grunted dumbly, but with a self-satisfied smirk as if he was the one who asked Sev.

Knowing my best friend all too well, I can tell the moment his heart soared at the invitation while I was left feeling clueless, thinking I was missing some sort of social cues between them. At least I know why it took him so late to get back.

Sev followed them like a trailed puppy, though there was still a tight knot around his shoulder, and was a bit glad realizing I'm not the only one thinking there's more to his 'invite' that he first requested it, and I don't even know the kid. Sev's spine went ramrod straight when Glenn casually put his arm around his shoulder.

"We were also wondering what spell you used to those lion-cubs, the way you dangle them and have them to your mercy? It was hilarious."

"Hilarious," Dorian droned.

"It's...it's actually a spell I made of my own. I didn't think you were there to see it."

"Oh, so you weren't making it up when you say you were working on 'your own spell.' Quite extraordinary, Severus, I didn't think you had it in you." Sev wasn't sure whether to blush or offended and decided to hide behind his hair. "I was there when those nasty Gryffindors might have come for you at the time. After all, we protect our own, remember? Can't have them thinking they could touch one of us without touching all of us." Eh gave one of those flashy fake smiles that used too often in commercials, and I bristled how he was chumming up to Sev. "You wouldn't mind sharing us this spell of yours, would you? Seeing as we are family."

"Well…"

I was about to shout out to him of his bullshit, but before he and I could say anything more. The world began to drown in a blurred sight and muffled sounds as if I was underwater and felt myself being suffocated. Holding my breath when I hadn't even taken the time to breathe, and felt the pressure crushing, crushing my lungs before the tears broke out that meant nothing in water and my shout was nothing but bubbles as the reality turned against me.

I woke up with a sudden heave of breath, and it took me getting a mouthful of feathers, shocking me out of my shock, from Sophia. I looked long and hard at my bird, perching on my knee, looking up with worry and expectant gaze from her owlish gray eyes, belatedly realizing that I had been hyperventilating. It took a minute or two before I burst out into a series of chuckles which only seemed to annoy her.

"Ow, sorry. I didn't mean to mock you or anything. It's just… I remembered the girl I love back home and thought she would have given me that same look."

Sophia ruffled her feather and gave me a piercing stare as if channeling Annabeth's spirit here that I could almost hear her voice; 'Miss me, Seaweed-Brain? Honestly, what would you do without me? You can't get rid of me in your head'

'Why would I want to?"

'True, I am awesome. But get it together, Percy, I know you can do this.'

I smiled up at her, before lunging at my bird and ruffling her feathers. Much to her annoyance. The timestamp showed it's only 1.30 a.m. and I let myself fall back while crushing my owl to my chest. Only letting go once she suffered enough from my cuddling, that will teach her from messing with me.

I couldn't quite go back to sleep, not when the hazy memory of tonight's dream was still in reach. There shouldn't be any red flags from what had been a normal conversation (with one douchebag looking guy with a smart mouth in it), but seeing in a dream makes me feel that if it's not a significant event, then it might be a significant beginning.

'To what?' You might ask.

I very much doubt the gods would kiss and tell.

AN: You know, this whole time out my very own inter-house-golden-trio, I thought Harry was more like Percy or Lily because of their fairness or sense of justice. I didn't think when it comes to mysteries, Harry has Severus's unquenchable curiosity. I mean, think about it, out of all the teachers, Severus was the one who figured first someone from the staff was after it and trying to do something, just like Harry. Severus just happened to have a different perspective in putting the pieces together. Harry would have left it alone if he had any trust with the authorities, as I showed Percy has in this chapter when he decided to leave the strange incident of the Crying Woman because he can trust the teachers and find out later on anyway. That, and Percy is a man of action. He is less trying to dig up mysteries, and more to winging it when the trouble comes knocking on his door or at the people he loves.

Not that I'm saying Percy has complete trust with adults in general. But unlike Harry, Percy actually has an adult who loved him and his trust; his mom. But he's aware there are bad adults who would do harm or take advantage of him; Gabe. This makes Percy becoming a critical judge of character, especially on an authority figure. It might be why Percy is good at making allies and has a knack for trusting the right people at the right moment-whether or not they are allies. (I mean, my mad boy negotiated with GAEA so he would survive a bet! Can anybody be as hardcore as that?). I don't think Harry could have done that what Percy did. Not to say Harry's bad, only different. It made me realize why they are so many problems in the book, Harry is too un-trusting and the adults are too secretive.

But I digress, in short, Severus and Harry are more alike than I like to admit in their curiosity and untrustworthiness with authority and I will absolutely use that to bring them together… as soon as they stop being stubborn because I'm writing something special for ya'll but these two just… keep… on… fighting….

I don't know if I'm entirely correct. Tell me what you think, I'd love to know.

I also want to express my regret in centering the Marauders this early on. I was too blindsided by their interaction with my personal Golden Trio, I failed to bring more layered characterization for the supporting characters I had introduced in the last act. Like M.G. Lucius, and Percy's roommates too! I wanted to flesh out their characters so much and I failed! I failed you all! I'm sorry. I promised to do better the next time because the Marauders will bring more trouble next year and dammit, they'll try to steal the spotlight but I won't let them! At least Regulus will finally appear! (Reggy, my boy, do I have plans for you!) He's already in school by now, but he wasn't important and there was no chance for Percy's path to cross with him.

Now, before we go to the reviews I would like to spare a few words for my dear friend, Elu. She hasn't reviewed here for a while but that's because since she made a touching review here, I made contact with her and we have been great friends ever since and like to express what a wonderful person she by being both a loyal fan and a loyal friend. She has helped me multiple times throughout the writing of this series and I doubt I could have made it to this point without her, and I want everyone to know who read to know that.

So thank you Elu, for being a great friend.

Now on to the QR&A corner!

EdgyBro: BRO! I think you just broke the record for the longest continuous reviews here! You've been distracting me with all your lovely comments throughout the day; people were giving me weird looks since I was smiling to myself. There's a lot to unpack from your response so I'll start with you first.

I can say that there's a lot of prediction you made that are spot on once you've read past those points. I'm honestly impressed and think we might be in the same wavelength as an idea. Especially with Professor Rose being a government assassin, it's not right but it was close. I applaud you for that. Was it a shock to you at the end? Annabeth won't be coming because I have special plans for her in the later acts, I'm pretty you'll like it. And Daedalus, that completely slips my mind! OMG, you just gave a really great idea for the later acts. I'm happy you like my Vault 0 and enchanted glasses. The later is Dumbledore's original made magical item. Monica is just a normal mortal that has better eyesight, not another Oracle of the Delphi. Like the DADA position, it's still jinxed.

Snape doing the chicken dance…. No, no, I can't… it will destroy everything… but so, so hilarious….

Percy will have a hard time for sure, and his issues have issues. I'm a bit nervous touching that subject since it's related to PTSD and all… which is why I've only been skimming the subject. It'd be a bit hard imagining Percy resolving or dealing that issue since I'm not familiar with PTSD but I hope I can do it justice.

Patolemus: I'm so happy you're emotional for the last chapter. Wizarding society is essentially a prejudiced lot and needed a Hermione Granger to get their shits together. You don't need to calm down, the point of the story is to push emotional buttons after all. It made me curious about what you think for this chapter since we have a brief glimpse of what the rumors made them react. (Of course, the pureblood would be jealous instead of otherwise). I'm glad you also think the story is taking shape because I'm making this up as I go with a general idea of how it ends. Remus is being hypocritic, sure, but I like thinking that despite wishing acceptance, we're not susceptible to prejudice as well if it means being the SAME with others. I had been in the same position as Remus so I am having feels for him. Don't worry, Percy would have more friends! I mean, he supposed to have more friends in this Act but as I said, the marauders took the spotlight too much.

Years later, Harry would one day threw an Unforgivable for someone spatting at McGonagall, and she will look back on that day, thinking of another dark-hair and a green-eye younger boy, who did the same.

Bunearybunny: Thank you for the review. You have been such a loyal reviewer and reader since Act I and there's nothing I can say or do that can express how much I appreciate your constant positive respond 'give a box of virtual cookies'

Dauntlessofthesea: Thanks for the correction. I am touchy about edging closer to this PTSD issue when it comes to Percy's breaking point because he will have a breaking point and I still lacked reference and research to make a realistic image of it. The last few chapters were only a shallow dive and I'm nervous as I went on with this story. And Percy needs an outlet with Lily and Severus being out of commission. Thank you so much for your review, hope you keep on enjoying my fic.

FolkLuz21: Another long review, HORRAY! Can I say I look forward to what you have to say? Because I do. You should have kept with the positive rants! I am ecstatic to see your excitement through your revies and made me feel delighted. Also, I'm so happy you liked my portrayal of Percy so much (I'm pretty sure I've said it before). While there's no avoiding Dark!Percy when there's blatant avoidance of proper therapy, I said it in previous responses that I a nervous as I dive further to his darker psych since I am going toward unfamiliar territory when it comes to PTSD.

Furthermore, Sass and Humor is Percy's go-to coping mechanism so it's easy to work around that. I often read many PJO crossover fic too, but it tends to get repetitive and with many POVs, it becomes a hassle to read. Uncle Rick did well by limiting to 3-4 POVs in one book, and since they're usually in close proximity, the timeline isn't wonky and we don't have to wonder much what the other was doing. Some fics also like turning Percy so dark that they lose his humor, which is understandable when humor is how he copes with things and if he stops then he can't cope with the darkness anymore. But then you lose the 'fun' we normally associated with Percy and his adventures. I like to challenge myself how to keep that in balance in future fics so wish me luck!

Percy is a 17-year-old boy (mentally 18 now), but he's a boy that's gone to 2 wars. I think he has less reservation for any type of weapon, including spells. There's a lot of emotions going around. Percy acts young because no only was his PTSD was repressed but his body actually affects him mentally. (Nobody seems to realize that). Also, everybody goes through a phase where they wanted to go back and be carefree and young again. Percy is basically milking that opportunity.

I can see you basically have an interest in the psych of Percy Jackson in this peculiar circumstance he's been thrown in. I would have thought you're more into Psychology, ut I supposed it's a distance cousin to Philosophy and its babies. Anyway, hope you like this chapter :)

Chogidonewithlife: Thank you so much for your kind words! I will always try to do Percy justice!

Poseidon Olympus & Genesis Draconian: Here's your update. Now praise me! HAHAHAHA, I'm jk, thank you for reviewing, hope you had enjoyed this chapter.

Tbbh: Percy and Lily do look like a cute couple. Sadly, I'm on board of SS Percabeth and have no intention of leaving that ship. Besides, I have PLANS!