AN: Hello readers, before I begin, I urge you to read the Author Note at the end of this chapter and not skip it. It's regarding the recent COVID-19 Pandemic update and the usual reminder of what you should do during this trying time. Please don't skip, and heed it. I'm sure you are reminded lots of times but it's always important to spread the word and lessen the spread of the infections. Let's all help each other by reminding ourselves how to keep us safe and healthy.

Chapter 4: Make Way for the Queen's Lion

Words: 3,775

Recap: So, Monica was quite a Wild Car being thrown in our lives. Other than the creepy Muggle-Item shop, the day had been quite as normal as any wizarding kid might expect. It's why this is the part where my Demigod-Instinct started blaring 'Danger Will Robinson!' because the thing about having to go threw a couple of Wars is that Paranoia is that you can't enjoy the time you have for long before thinking of the worse that could happen.

"I can't believe you bought a pet rock."

And indeed, after browsing through the 'Paw Shop' she ended up buying what's basically a half-successful transfigured rock that looked like a simple smooth shiny blue rock the size of a gerbil with a pair of googly eyes stuck onto it. The only difference is that it can actually blink.

"What? All my friends from school have one, well muggle friends but same difference. Besides, my dad is allergic to animal fur so this way, they'll have no problem with me keeping it. Right, Cory?" Lily petted the rock in her hand and it actually purrs in her hand.

"Oh, great, she already named the damn thing." Sev rolled his eyes even as he tried to hide the fond smile on his face. It was quickly wiped out when the rock jumped and hit him in the face.

Sev groaned and clutched his nose, "What the f-!"

"Watch it, Severus!" Lily warned him with a pointed finger, while the rock rested back on her other hand, "The little guy is easily offended."

"Oh, so now you tell me," Sev said, still clutching his bruised hawk-nose.

I failed to stifle my laughter and caught on the other side of his glare, "And what about you? You bought a charmed item as well, and it's a bloody muggle item too unlike Lily's."

Sev eyed the walkman clutched on my trousers and I pulled up my robe to hide it out of sight. "What? This thing can record any music I heard once and play it back depending on my mood. It's like a combination of a mood ring and an iPod but better."

"An I-what?"

Oops, wrong time period, "Nevermind."

The door slid open, and I had to keep myself groaning at the sight of the four last people we want to meet at Hogwarts. "Oh, look, boys! It's Lily and the two dark wizards. Come for another year to spread your wickedness, Jackson?"

Severus practically had to hold back a growl, and I held a hand on his chest just so he wouldn't start acting rash. But Lily was already on her foot, facing James, "Room's not enough for four douches. Find a new cabin to annoy and back off, Potter."

"Evans," James started with a loose smile that anyone might write off as cocky, in contrast to his wide eyes that seemed to sparkle at the sight of her. Oh, boy… he's got it bad if even I'm noticing the signs. "Feisty as ever. Heard you actually have a decent holiday without those two around."

I stood and made my way just a step behind her, letting her know I have her back, "If you must know, I spent my time away so my team can easily flush your House Team down the toilet as we win the Quidditch Cup this year."

"Oh, please," Sirius took a step forward and grinned a feisty grin like a predator ready to eat his lunch, "It's cute you think your little Duffer Team can actually do anything better after a little hard work. But that's all you're good at, isn't? All the grunt work with nothing to show for."

"Ooooh, nice!" James raised his fist and Sirius replied with a fist bump.

"Better than being a Gryffindor, they can't work or have anything worth to show for. Your pureblood names are probably the only thing you're good for." Severus may not be standing beside us, but it doesn't stop him from giving a sick burn.

The mouthy pair flushed an angry red, and Sirius was ready to jump at the lone Slytherin that Lily had to push him back and was left facing off with James.

"Shove off now or I'll make you!" She glared, heatedly. Her face was almost as red as her hair. She was close enough to be nose-to-nose with James, who looked all the more gleeful at her visceral reaction, purposely egging her to show Lily's signature fiery red-head temper of hers. He might try to puff his chest out like a hero, but all I see is just a smug kindergartener feeling victorious for pulling his crush's hair.

"I'll like to see you try, Evans."

The sentence 'Ask and you shall receive' pass my mind as the little rock on her hand jumped and put a nice dent to James' eyes, pushing him back to his cronies. Remus was the only one smart enough to step aside and let his friends take the fall, literally.

Lily huffed and scooped the rock from his face gently as if it was the one that got hurt. She said "And there's more where that came from." before shutting the door. She turned to us, grinning viciously. We hunched forward from the hysterical laughter that came over us.

"I take back what I said," said Sev, "We're keeping the rock."

I grinned, "Welcome to the family, Cory."

I may not be an expert on rocky expression, but it's safe to say it was eye smiling at us in joy.

"Alright," Sev clapped, getting our attention, but he spent a second rubbing his hands as if preparing himself, "Now that we've gotten rid of the buffoons, I think it's time we stop avoiding the elephant in the room. What do we do with Miss Wales?" Severus asked in all his seriousness.

I made a 'one-second' gesture and swallowed the rest of my egg sandwich, "What do you mean what should we do?"

In return, Sev made his signature glare when I'm being an idiot. "A muggle knows about us, Percy."

"So? The same goes for Lily's family and they're muggles too."

"That's different. We don't even know who she is. What if-"

"What? That she'll tell people?" Lily interjected, "Even if she did, no one will believe her. It's the reason why the poor girl practically came begging us for answers. She was driving herself mad."

"I'm just saying," Sev tried defending his argument, "There's a reason we hide from muggles. Practically shoved on our faces during History when Binns isn't boring us to death." His face twisted to a darker turn and his tone turned bitter.

"Hey," I patted his shoulder, "No one's going to hurt us."

That didn't ease him off, instead, he turned his glare at me, "You know this is your fault, right? You didn't just show proof of magic, but you even told us where we study!"

"Hey, it's not like I told her about Hogwarts address, I doubt she can contact us." Which come to think of it, there's no exact address to it. "Besides, at least this way she won't have to resort to contact, I don't know, a conspiracy group or some kind."

"Fine, fine," Severus finally relented, "but I'm warning you, if this comes and bite us in the arse, don't say I didn't warn you."

"If it does bite us, you have my full permission to blame me."

He scoffed but said nothing as he laid back to his seat.

And that was that.

. . .

When we first stepped into Hogsmeade Station, the first thing Lily did was run and hug a familiar face. I leaned next to Sev and asked, "What's her name again? McG?"

"MG McGonagall, and no, I don't know what her name stands nor her exact relation to our Deputy Headmistress. Good luck asking anyone"

"Huh," I let out. Lily invited her to join us, we trekked through the muddy track until she then spotted another one of her Gryffindor friends and went to greet her too. "So how are we going to get to the castle? Are we supposed to walk all the way?"

"What are you talking about?" MG curled her nose, "We do it the same way last year."

"Yeah… let's assume I had a different mode of transportation in getting to school and leave it at that."

I felt a light tap on my shoulder and turned to Severus, "That's how," she pointed where lines and lines of carriages await the student of Hogwarts sans the first year.

"Huh, so we're going medieval," I thought aloud. My eyes then wandered, searching for familiar faces and spotted Frank, of all people. The little guy wasn't so little anymore as he finally had the growth spurt I'm pretty sure he desperately wanted, he wasn't a gangly tall but at least he's average height now. He was talking with a girl I noticed was from my house and was shocked by it. Not from talking with a Hufflepuff, but of who she is. The Black Sheep of the Badger House if you exclude me, Alice Kamala.

I was half-considering warning him of her when the braided raven-haired girl didn't so much as twitch before hexing him in the face. I winced as I watched him fall with his back on the ground and Alice walking off without a single great in her gait.

That's… err… okay.

I came over so I could offer him a hand once he's done writhing over his stinging face. He blinked out the tears that broke and smiled at the sight of me. "Hey!" he choked out while taking my offered hand, "Percy, right?"

"That's my name, and you're Frank."

"Oh, you remember me. That's refreshing, people usually took longer to remember since I have one of those faces."

I winced for a different reason, "So… listen, as a Hufflepuf, I'm obligated to tell you, but if you're going to befriend Alice or whatever, be on your guard. She's no bark and all bite as far as I know."

"Alice… so that's her name… what's her deal?"

I was scratching the back of my neck as I looked away, wasn't sure the best way to word it nicely… or at least neutrally, "Don't know, all I know is that she's kind of the problem kid of the Hufflepuff. Always missing class, getting into fights and detentions without rhyme or reason, disturbing the classroom by causing incidents."

"Huh, that was her? I thought those rumors were about you?"

Frank said like it was no big deal but I still felt a harsh jab was made to my chest. I had to take a deep breath to keep my composure, "Yeah, fair, I don't have the best reputation either, but her volatile side is more of a daily basis from what I heard."

"Huh," at first, Frank fell silent, his gaze never leaving her retreating figure with a look I could say was contemplating, "Not that I'm not grateful for the warning that she's bad news but why are you telling me this?"

I blew out the bangs off my face, "I'm not saying she's bad, I'm saying she's troubled, if you want to get to know her then that's your business. I'm telling you now that being friends with a problem kid is going to be as hard. As if the universe is testing you every single waking moment in your life and you'll question yourself a lot of what you've done to deserve the hell on earth you didn't ask."

Frank nodded along, eyes glazing over, and mouth parted without many words coming out of him. I think of it as a good talk and patted him in the back before going back to my friends.

While Sev and MG had fun with their silent conversation, Lily was still talking with her housemates and pulled the hand of… what's her name? Marly? Mary? Marisa? Anyway, she pulled her fellow Gryffindor friend like she was inviting her to join us but the girl froze and Lily was almost pulled back. They whispered back and forth for a bit, but I couldn't catch much as Mary shook her head as if she's denying something and got into the carriage with her other red-and-gold friends.

Lily took a longer moment than needed to stand, staring at her, but then she came back and started climbing on the same wheels as us, sliding next to me.

"Hey, you okay?" I asked.

"Fine, fine, no worries."

"Cool. So… are there any magic horses going to come and take us to school? Maybe even a pegasus? Because that would be cool, to fly as a group to school."

MG rolled her eyes, "Of course not," she said with the words 'you idiot' silently hanged, "The carriages are obviously charmed to take us to Hogwarts once it's filled. You really should have paid attention, Jackson."

I raised an eyebrow at her terse tone, I wasn't sure whether she's always this… tense… or plainly doesn't like me. But I did decide to point out the obvious, "Well either you're wrong or the magic carriages are malfunctioning because none of them are moving."

"What?!" She jumped on her seat, followed by the rest of us, and stood to examine the rest of the unmoving carriages that have now become a topic of distress murmur among the kids.

"What's going on?" Severus asked.

None of the occupants answered, looking just as distressed. But the small exchange I had between me and two of my friends was one that can be said in apprehension.

We barely arrived and already trouble started brewing.

In the great words of Bart Simpson: Ay caramba!

. . .

The prefects took the initiative and began rounding up their house. We began trekking up to school. We arrived just in time when the teachers were in the middle of a panic-induced discussion of the late arrival of the students, and they were considering going back to the station.

Professor McGonagall was the first to spot the group of weary students and immediately come up to them, her dark emerald robe billowing in her haste and a permanent scowl that seemed to blame you for every problem in the world. (To be fair, I think every teacher I had seen me that way.)

"What happened?!"

"I'll be happy to inform you, Professor McGonagall." An older Hufflepuff came upfront with a service smile that reminded me of every salesman in retail malls. I remembered him as the Head Boy, Conall Macmillan. He went up and volunteered to explain. It was incredibly weird seeing the happy guy telling her we had to walk up the hills for 20 minutes to reach Hogwarts like it was a fun school activity we can all hold hands and sing through it. That's how cheery the guy was. I bet he could read the complete contract of any Terms and Condition word for word and wouldn't lose even the slightest curve of his lips.

McGonagall's frown was not lost throughout the explanation that you wouldn't think she was fazed, but if you look closely, you'd notice the little things like the constant blinking she made and the tight pressed of her lips. It was clear that she was affected more than she'd like. After thanking Conall, she gestured Hagrid closer to whisper something in his ear. The half-giant nodded vigorously in response like he was given a personal mission or the kind.

We were then ushered to the Great Hall as if nothing happened. If there had been a series of growling from the line of first years as they hold their stomachs, no one said a thing. I sat among my housemates in my Year, specifically Doc and Gwen. Gwen was in the middle of babbling on and on about the Failed Stagecoach Incidents, putting out theories after theories, no matter how outrageous it was (and for a wizarding standard, that's not nothing). If Gwen loves anything more than gossip, it's conspiracies.

Doc nodded and hummed at the right place, never intruding her thoughts while it's out. It was only when the light blonde girl paused to breath did I ask, "So what do you think happened, Doc?"

He shrugged, "Not sure, something must have happened to the Thestrals."

"Thestrals?" Gwen and I both queried.

"Yeah, they're invisible winged horse beast that's been trained to pull our carriages for centuries. Their sudden, well, not disappearance but lack of presence I suppose is certainly odd."

Gwen gawked at him, "If you knew the reason this whole time, why on earth did you have me rambled on like that? How do you even know this stuff?"

Again, he raised his shoulder in a shrug, "You seem like you're having fun so why not? And you would have known this 'stuff' had you tried reading Hogwarts: A History."

"And torture myself? No thank you."

"If they're invisible how will the teachers rein them in? Heck, how did they even train them in the first place?"

Doc avoided my eyes, looking intensely down at his shuffling feet. "They can only be seen by, uh, certain types of people."

I didn't say anything, just kept pointedly staring at him while Gwen did the same. Silently asking him to elaborate.

Doc sighed, and his words felt like he had to drag it out of the barbs to answer, "Only people who witnessed death can see Thestral. It's why they're also called the Reaper's Horse."

"Witnessed death? What does that— Oh— OH! You mean…" I eyed the ghosts around and gestured to them before making a slicing gesture across my throat.

Doc gulped, queasy even by the idea, "Uh-huh, that."

The uncomfortable topic was thankfully put aside once all the tables were filled and the first years were lined between Gryffindor and ours. McGonagall put the Sorting Hat on the stool and the annual Sorting Song began:

Good evening lads and ladies,

do not be afraid

This ol' and weary raggedy hat

exist for your aid

So that you'll be put

where your heart's desire

Where your house will guide

to be who you aspire

You might belong in Gryffindor,

Where dwell the brave at heart,

Those who has more chivalry

and valiant from the start

You could belong in Hufflepuff

Where they are just and loyal,

Those patient folk are often true,

And unafraid of toil;

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,

Where they are of ready mind,

So those of wit and wisdom

could learn to take a shine

Or perhaps in Slytherin,

Where cunning folks convene

Determined to get their way

by using whatever means

If you're not sure what you want

that's where I come in

I'm the Sorting Hat and every year

I point you to your kin

The Hall resounded with the claps like we're hearing a riveting song from a hat concert. And Sev asked why I bought the charmed walkman. This is why.

The sorting began with McGonagall calling the first name and putting the hat on them. It went on until we welcomed all the new additions to our House like Bones and Fudge but I didn't catch any of the other names. Dumbledore stood up and began his usual speech; greeting the new students, announcing new rules and cautionary, and I thought he was going to end it with a weird, out of the blue, saying when he stopped. Hand froze in a wide gesturing arc as if he was about to present something or someone. While that's not weird at all, considering the empty seat of the DADA teacher, something about it had me unsettled since I imagined the Old Man can look at a giant in the eye and wouldn't give himself a break from knitting a nice set of socks for the winter.

"Last but not least, we'll be welcoming the newest member of our faculty, but it appears she hasn't arrived—"

BOOM!

Almost everyone jolted on their seats, turning toward the abruptly opened pair of giant wooden doors that closed off the Great Hall. And in came striding that made the gasp of a hundred people audible was a lion. Sauntering next to a hippy-looking witch. Beneath her black robe was half-opened to show the white-green batik floral gown she had beneath, a brass peace symbol hung on her necklace, tinted glasses that I wasn't sure was allowed when wizards don't even know what sunglasses are and had her hair tied into one braid across her shoulder, long enough to reach her hip.

I knew Hogwarts allowed pets, but she sure is pulling the stops here. Not a single one looked away as she managed to catch their full attention. Not only because of the lion (though that's a given) but because I was willing to bet my sword that everyone would say she's beautiful after taking one look at her. It's the kind of timeless, breathtaking beauty that can put you at ease like watching the colored sky of a setting sun beyond the ocean's horizon.

The woman locked eyes with Dumbledore, green eyes brightened, she smiled a smile that looked so bright and genuine, it was like she reverted 20 years younger. She raised her hand and waved like greeting an old friend, "Albus, so good to finally see you and your precious school. How have you been, Darling?"

If the woman's appearance and pet were surprising, then her casual greeting to the Headmaster was shocking. But it was mind-boggling when Albus Dumbledore, the stereotypical poker-faced wise old man, visibly sagged and sighed while giving an unmistakable exasperate smile.

"Good evening Professor Ops, it's nice that you've finally joined us."

"Wouldn't even miss it for Mother." She strode toward the empty chair on the High Table, and only those who searched for signs would notice the other teachers leaning away for a slight berth. Hagrid seemed to be the sole one to lean in interest and restraining himself to pet the lion.

The braided woman looked around the Hall that seemed to clued her some, "Oh, were you in the middle of your welcoming speech? Do excuse me, I had imagined you were done by now."

Dumbledore took an audible breath in and calmly said, "I was just about to introduce our new Defense of the Dark Arts Professor, but since you're here, would you like to do the honor?"

Her smile widened, teeth showing, and for a moment she looked a bit predatory, "You know me so well, Albee."

There were so many things to point out from that short conversation alone. But we all waited with bated breath as the Headmaster stepped aside for the new Professor to take her position on the podium while I took a sip from a goblet of limed water. She greeted us like a new student ready to join the class instead of a new authority figure cementing respect in the eyes of pupils.

"Hello, it's nice to meet everyone. Officially, my name is Ray Ops, your new DADA Professor, but at another time I'm called the Titaness Rhea, please to meet you."

The water burst out of my mouth before my brain registered her name and had to yell out: "Ti gamó?!"

EDIT: This just in! Google translate is not reliable so I changed the last words Percy said and I still don't know if it's accurate. so let's just say that it roughly translates to: WHAT THE FU—?!

AN: SURPRISE! None of you thought the cream of the top would come bursting in the story without a single shred of subtlety, didn't you? I admit you all got some good guesses. And I did say it was PJO UNIVERSE, which means it could be a character from the Trials of Apollo.

There are a lots of reasons why I want Rhea to be in this story, one of which is to make Dumbledore being someone's bitch for once because it's hilarious. And who could possibly have the power, status, and experience to have a reason to go to Hogwarts and unsettled the Mighty Gryffindor Manipulator.

Anyway, before we go to the QRA I'm obligated as responsible civilian to inform and remind my beloved readers (because I care about you guys) of how we're going to live in this widespread Pandemic we are dealing. My own city is being quarantined and there have been 500 cases in my country. I'm doing fine but I can't imagine how hard it must be for you guys to be dealing in this crazy, dangerous situation we're in and can only pray for you all. According to the newest update, China has no more new coronavirus case because of ial Distancing and Italy is confirmed to have the most death toll and I share my condolences for any of you readers who are from Italy. These are the few reminders:

1. Stop buying and hoarding facemask unless you're sick or taking care of someone who's sick. They have little effect, and some people are taking advantage of the pandemic by making masks much more expensive than it needs to be. Plus, doctors and nurses (who are working to cure us btw) are in shortage because of the mask hoarding, so please have some decency. And if you are sick, what are you doing outside? Stay at home. Be safe. Drink your medicine. What are you? Insane as well as sick?

2. Do keep stock of prescription, food, and supply for the next two weeks (Don't panic buy though). Remember guys, SOCIAL DISTANCING. Let's limit the spread of the virus, shall we?

3. WASH YOUR HANDS! You must have heard this repeatedly but it bears reminding. FOR AT LEAST 20 SECONDS.

4. DON'T TOUCH YOUR FACE!

5. DISINFECT SURFACES YOU OFTEN USE. In my case, my smartphone. The virus is noted to survive for around 3 days on hard surfaces so make sure to disinfect yours too and other surfaces.

6. Don't be lazy and go to the WHO website to read any update of the pandemic if you're not watching the news. In the words of the late Mad-Eye Moody: CONSTANT VIGILANCE!

Anyway, I hope this helps. Not just a reminder for yourself but for you to remind others as well. Please do your best to keep yourself safe and healthy.

Now let the QRA begin

KiwiKiwi: Kisses from Indonesia! Thank you for the love. Hope you keep on enjoying.

Gaming Master Anthony: That's right!

Patolemus: Oh, Percy knows how to contact Bill alright. The stone is crucial in a much later arc so the act Percy made is not only funny but made as a reminder for the reader. And don't worry...much... about Severus, he'll find his way to the Light...eventually. Also, it's fine if you don't like Monica, the point wasn't to make her likable, the point was to make her a relevant character in the story and introduce a new reaction for mortals to meet the supernatural. Because Percy's mom and Rachel are chill AF. They don't let the big picture stop them from living their lives but not all mortal react the same and I wanted to explore the different reactions. She's not likable now, but that's what character development is for.

FolkLuz21: Always happy to learn new language, amigo. Hope you like this chapter as well. And I've got to admit your Drachma idea is way better than having a mysterious-relevant-stone-I-have-no-use-for-it-yet as a gift. It's funnier though. Also Percy didn't buy a skateboard, but I hope a walkman is a good substitute, much easier to hide. I'm glad you like Severus geeking about Dark Magic, because just like the marauders... he's a kid, he doesn't know any better of what he's getting into. And for the epilogue, well...I just started writing and I found a Plot Hole Rowling may or may not miss. It unnerves me since if I fix it, it would change canon by 180 degree. Then I thought what the hell, it's my story and it wouldn't be half as fun if I keep it strictly canon and decided to go wild.

mientras no interrumpa tu vida, sea tan addicto comp quieras con mi historia. If you want to rant, my PM is always open.

Stjnbus: Bill the Terrible Chaotic Toddle, you just describe my nephew to a T. And really? Pun is one thing, but a dad joke? I hope you don't have a boatload of them or I'll wade myself out.

64Felicity: I'm glad you love my Illegal Muggle Shop, hope you like what our friends bought. And Monica is 100% mortal, I'm glad you like how I started off things. The first mystery is already presented and the new DADA Professor is certainly going to make waves.

PercabethPotter: Glad to have another writer on board, and I'm glad you love my writing :)