Okay, time to be serious. Honestly, I'm still in two minds if I should say or do this. It's not even a big deal since I have so many positive and supporting reviews, you guys had always helped to keep my motivation and love for this fic constant that I never want to break this bubble of escapism for you and for myself. Especially by drawing up anything personal or political.

Recently, a reviewer had the audacity to say "keep my personal political views out of your writing" as if s/he is entitled to tell me what to do. Well congrats GUEST reviewer who doesn't even have the gall to even put a name on yourself, I'm doing exactly the opposite of that. Oh, and S/he also says that my one 2016 Joke I wrote about Trump bankruptcy in the first chapter to be "offensive" and "little ground for honest truth." I would be willing to put five links that prove otherwise, but I don't want to waste time for a truth that can be easily googled yourself. The person may have referred to how I point out Trump to be racist, sexist, and xenophobic. In which case, I'm not going to argue against stupidity and blind ignorance.

ANYWAY, I don't know if you'll reach this chapter and read this, so let me make this clear for you or anyone reading this who is a current Trump Supporter should know:

Stop reading this.

I don't want you here.

You are not welcome.

Harsh? I know. You might be wondering why I'm even calling them out like this. Heck, this is not even the first reviewer who expressed that. So why did I decided to care now? Again, at first, I didn't want to burst this safe bubble I made solely for the purpose of enjoying a good story. I want this fic a place for Everyone. I thought I was being nice.

I was not. I was being willfully ignorant.

Recently a fellow fanfic writer had expressed her struggle of having had to live in America for her race, belief, and even her health condition could have been in jeopardy had she continued to live in a place where Trump's policy and healthcare system would have killed her. She was even harassed online and decided to stop posting through FFN. It finally opened my eyes that Trump and his supporters aren't just all talk, they were making actual harm to vulnerable people. I knew that in my head, but it felt much real when I see the effect from the writer of one of my adored fics.

Then came a reviewer who praised my story and my writing but decided to say that my Trump Joke has "no actual meaning to the story" and therefore "pointless."

In which case, I snapped.

Let me be clear that my jab on Trump isn't a political stance, I'm not even American, but it's the stance of a decent human being when they're not staying ignorant of the problem that Human-Cheeto is causing. There's nothing "pointless" in going against a narcissistic, obnoxious human being who's ignorance and incompetence cost a million lives during this pandemic, who has no respect for women to have no shame in demeaning them and cheat on his wife, for almost causing a global war, proud at mocking a little girl who is an inspiring green activist and doesn't care for anyone but himself. It's not "pointless" to care for the lives who have died, hurt, belittled, ignored, and basically suffered by the actions and inactions encouraged by their President during his term. That's not being political, that's fucking common decency.

For those of you who still support him despite everything he said and done, I will tell you right now that no sane or good person could see what he does and hear what he says and think he's a man worth following. You may not stay ignorant in this fic. You may not feel 'comfortable' reading politics in this fic that's supposed to be your escapism. You may not enjoy this fic having to think of repercussions for following a goddamn fascist. And as of now, I'm willing to be part of that repercussion.

Trump is an idiot, insane, liar, fraud, sexist, xenophobic, and racist TV Star failure. No if, and, or but. My stance has not changed since the first post of this fanfic and it will not change. Those, in good conscience, willing to support him can know that I don't need your likes nor your follows. Though all things said and done, there's nothing stopping you from continuing reading my story. But at the very least, you will know for every chapter posted, and every time you read this fic, you will be reminded that the writer of this fanfic disapproves your stance. And I think of you as a deplorable human being and don't want you here.

For those of you who are NOT Trump-supporter and still felt uncomfortable by this message, please understand that if you choose me to stay silent than you're choosing to excuse and accept their behavior and that's something I won't turn a blind eye because it's easy, so I will not apologize for writing this. Thank you for being patient with me. I pray for everyone to be safe and healthy, please keep up your social distancing and be strong everyone!

And now... this!

Chapter 6: A Ray of Rhea

Words: 5,085

Recap: There's a mysterious missing pack of invisible horses, and I can't say it'll be fun hide-and-seek trying to find them.

"Percy, rise, and shine! It's time for school."

I made a nasty groan in reply and dug further into my pillow despite the insistent nudge on my side. "Go away, it's not my time to shine yet."

"Not with that attitude, you're not. Come on, you don't want to be late, don't you?"

I puffed a huff before dragging my upper body up and glared at her, "You're lucky I love you, Mom."

"Love you too, Sweetie. Now get up and go."

With bleary eyes, I got up on my feet and started walking. Still in my jimmy-jams, I went to the living room. Paul was there, reading his newspaper, and there was a fishbowl with a fish on the table. I didn't know if it was his pet or if it was supposed to be his breakfast. We smiled in greeting before going outside, not caring whether my feet were barefoot as I walked among the new yorkers. Cars zipped through the street, Hermes was jogging through the street wearing a Nike training suit. I passed by a window shop, spotting Medusa trying to decide a blazer while being assisted with mannequin employees, her snakes giving hissing comments. A bus opened its door and witnessed lines of passengers get in, not heeding the quarreling Gray Sisters who are trying to decide who gets the eyes and who gets to choose today's radio station.

I soon was on the block where Goode High School was, but instead of a large classic multi-story building, it was replaced by a medieval castle that shouldn't have fit within the limited residential block. But I paid no heed to that strangeness and kept on walking. I glanced at the Great Hall, which had Dumbledore conducting a group of singing centaurs. I climbed on the Moving Stairs, which worked as usual as well like an escalator as the steps rolled up. From all the other stairs, you'll spot the Four Muskedorks sliding down one stair and Gideon and Fabian sliding down on another but using a shopping cart. Peeves were cackling while floating past between castle walls, being chased by Captain Marlene on her broom. The ghosts were having a tea party with the paintings.

I climbed and climbed until I reached the Astronomy Tower. Annabeth was waiting for me, her curly blond hair tied in a ponytail, her stormy eyes reflected the gentle red of the sunset. She turned and smiled back at me, and I came to watch beside her, my lips twitched, thinking she looked good wearing the same Hogwarts robe as I am.

But then someone screamed, and I turned. My eyes went round in disbelief and shock. Severus and Lily were there, the former pointing a wand at the later. I knew then I was looking at an imposter or an illusion because there's no reality where Sev would ever raise his wand on her, on our Lily. Before I could say anything to stop him, I felt the harsh tug on my hand, and I was left holding on to Annabeth as she dangled by the edge of the tower. Below was a large hole where the shimmering string of web threatened to drag her down. Despite being too dark and too far for me to see, I could have sworn I saw and felt the dark war-torn land, sizzling lava moat, screaming rivers, prickling acid air.

"Percy!" I heard. My head whipped back as Severus' back up seemed to multiply, and a dozen robed individuals were aiming at her. "Percy, save me!" Her scream was shrill and horrified. I was torn to get up and reached out for her.

"Percy!" I turned and locked with Annabeth's gray eyes, her usual strong mask broke from the evident fear of being dragged back into that hell. "Please, don't let go!"

My head whipped back and forth between the two girls. Hoping for something, anything to come. A person, an idea, divine intervention. Because that's how it's always been, right? There's always help coming in the end. There has to.

"Percy!"

"Percy!"

Green lights shone as multiple spells hit Lily, her scream turned from horrified to in pain, and Annabeth's hand slipped through mine. I watched as I lose everyone I care, all the while doing nothing.

"Percy!"

"Percy!"

"Percy, WAKE UP!"

Pain shot across my head, followed by a loud thud. My eyes snapped open and were met with a pair of shoes, looking from sideways.

"Wakie, wake, my lucky charm!" Crooned Marlene, looking down at her chaser.

I heard a groan coming from his neighboring bed, "Merlin! Not again! Percy, get your crazy captain out of our room!"

It took a second for me to realize I was on the ground, half my bedsheet tangled around myself and the other held up by his much-too-cheerful Captain on this gods-awful early morning on a weekend that no sane person should be awake.

Oh, wait, my captain is far from sane.

That fact was emphasized further when my blanket was yanked fully out from, and the morning breeze came giving me goosebumps. I looked to where it was coming from. There, by the opened window, I was greeted by the sight of my fellow Quidditch teammate, already dressed, broom in hand, and looking like Thanatos had personally dragged them back from Death's Door.

I sighed and got up, "I'll get dressed."

Really, what was Ted thinking, making her our Captain?

"Alright, Team," she started as we made our ways to the Quidditch pitch. "I'm only going to tell you all once, but this year we're going to be faster, harder, and better before because I'll make sure to train you guys until you eat, sleep, and breathe Quidditch."

The whole felt one moment of solidarity as we shuddered in synch by her declaration.

We made our way to the Quidditch pitch, not a single body even as a place to hang out, and the morning was cold enough to freeze your bones. Marlene must have calculated it because now I can't wait to get on my broom and break out a sweat.

But then I froze as I found the field wasn't as vacant as I thought it would.

Dozens of jet black winged skeletal horses were trotting around; on the field, the goal post, the benchers, A couple were even flying in the sky. I gaped at the sight in front of me, not sure where all these horses are coming from. But the shocking thing was, none of the others paid heed to them. They kept trolling to the middle of the pitch like it was just your everyday Saturday morning. I gaped for a second or two before Marlene turned and shouted, "Percy, what are you doing? Stop daddling around and get stretching!"

I didn't stop gaping on my spot, my eyes shifting from the unwanted guests like they were in their own personal garden party and the small group of mortals in the middle, looking nonplussed at me.

"Err, are you guys, okay, you know with the…" I gestured to the horses surrounding us.

They didn't seem to know what I was getting as they looked around and spotted nothing out of place. "What, Percy?" Gideon asked.

"Well, I thought we'd want to drag the horses away before getting into an accident and flying into them."

"Percy, you're not making any sense, what horses?" Mason asked me.

Okay, either they're messing with me or something wrong is going on, "The horses that are standing around us, guys, don't you see it?"

"Psst, Captain, maybe we should put a break, I think all that excessive practice we had is finally starting to take a toll on his head," Chris said in a mock whisper to our captain.

"I can hear you, you know."

"Everyone, quiet!" Marlene yelled out, "Percy, I know you're our star player. But I won't tolerate any special treatment. So get a bloody grip of yourself and get your broom up so we can start!" She rode her broom and flew up with a purpose...

"Wait—!"

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!"

...and ramming straight to a horse. Marlene's body went straight off to the ground, none reacted fast enough to break her fall, and we winced at the loud thud she made.

At least I'm not the one falling off the broom this time.

. . .

Madam Pomfrey was not impressed. While she is the sole medi-witch and Hogwarts would have fallen into chaos a long time ago without her. She did not sign up to patch up a broken arm first thing in the blind morning on the weekends while she's still in her nightdress.

"What in Merlin's name happened?"

"Apparently she crashed into an invisible horse," Chris tried to explain like it's a perfectly normal incident to have if not for the smirk he had

Pomfrey mumbled something about "careless children," "unbelievable," and "why do they even like such a barbarian game?" But then she paused before administering the medicine to one, moaning Captain. "I'm sorry, did you just say invisible horses?"

"According to Percy that is," Gideon jabbed a thumb at me, "He saw a bunch of winged horses roaming around the Quidditch pitch that we couldn't see."

Madam Pomfrey pinned me with her round eyes. Then, she turned and hauled me to her side. "We must speak to Dumbledore," she said before merely dragging me away.

I wanted to remind her that she hasn't exactly cured Malene's, but then I thought it's not like she was dying from a broken bone. And the team could use a spare amount of break from the tyrant.

Breakfast had only just begun when we entered the Great Hall, Dumbledore was always the second person to sit on the High Table (Hagrid is the first) and enjoyed breakfast, which makes a great spot the first sign of trouble when an unlikely pair came straight toward him with determined eyes, but not for reaching the first plate of the day. I doubt I'm reason enough for him to rise to his feet when I came in.

"Poppy, is something the matter?"

"Not… exactly, but it would seem Mister Jackson has something to say. May I suggest you bring in Hagrid as well?"

"Of course," he nodded, "Please, presume to your post, and I'll handle Mister Jackson's query."

Pomfrey nodded and quickly turned her back, leaving me with the Headmaster, who was not so subtly questioning me with that tiny signature quirk of his eyebrow all of my teachers have done at least once. 'What did you do now?' He seemed to ask, and I shrugged my shoulder, not knowing what to tell other than the mysterious horses that only I can see roaming around the Quidditch pitch.

I wouldn't think Dumbledore was surprised if not for the slight part of his lips and had requested Hagrid to accompany us to said field.

To say Hagrid was elated was an understatement. He burst out tears of joy as he went and hugged one of the horses. They seemed to share the sentiment if the crowding herd - of what I suspect were Thestrals - from the sight of him was any clue.

All the while, Dumbledore watched while grooming his beard, eyes twinkling in thought, "Well, it appears you found them, Percy. Hagrid and I are very grateful for that."

"Does this happen often? Thestrals setting off on their own and then regrouping in the middle of the Quidditch pitch like they own the place?"

"Ah, yes, that still remains a mystery. Rest assured, the professors and I will investigate the cause of this peculiar case thoroughly. I suggest you go back to the Hall; otherwise, you'll miss breakfast."

On cue, my stomach made an earthshaking rumble, and there was no stopping the blush I wore when there's no stopping the Headmaster from hearing it. I took his dismissal and made my way back to the castle. I smelled a whiff of freshly baked banana muffins on the table, and my feet were pulled by my cravings. Taking me to an open seat where they lay innocently opened for me to ravage.

"Come to Papa, hehehehe." I bit my muffin and didn't hold back the groan that slipped out of me.

"Hey, Percy!" I heard Gwen called as she slid beside me, followed by Doc.

I shush the two before they say anything more, "Can't you see I'm on a date with my muffin?"

Doc sighed while Gwen rolled her eyes, but I could tell they have the same kind of fondness for me. I am adorable. "Come on, it's almost time for our first Defense class with the new Professor, I wonder what she's going to be like."

I groaned and made no movement to follow them out as I stayed with my mouthful of muffin, hoping they would leave me, a man engaging with his food, be. Alas, alas, they know my habit too well by this point and didn't bother arguing before my friends dragged me by the crook of my arm to our next appointed class. There, Rhea- I mean, Professor Ops was waiting for us by her desk. She was sitting halfway on her desk with a book on hand, her reading glasses on even though I'm pretty sure she can read just fine without it, and petting her lion like any other house cat, lounging blissfully on the desk.

Without any way of avoiding, I saddled my bag and made my way to an open seat, put my bag on the table, and sat, waiting for class to begin. I eyed her conspicuously, waiting for the first sign of her acknowledgment of me because there's no way a self-aware Half-Blood like me would be out of her radar.

She lifted her head up and squinted, "What are you doing?"

I was confused for a bit before following her line of sight and noticed everyone lingering by the door. They looked way too nervous just to get in class, and I belatedly realized I'm the only one who had no problem strolling in.

"Err, Professor," Doc began, "Is it safe, you know, being with your lion?"

"Michale? Oh, sweeties, he's the most docile of them all. He's got a soft spot for children, so I can assure you that you are more than safe around him."

"She's got more than one lion?!" Somebody whispered and failed not to be heard.

"But if you're still hesitant, that's alright, we're not going to learn in the class anyway."

"We're not?"

"Mother's gracious, no. It's a bit too iffy for me to teach you here. You can't learn how to handle yourself in the real-word within a confined space, and it doesn't have enough room to broaden your minds. Come, come, let Michael lead you to our first lesson."

The lion got to its leg and jumped down, the kids backed away, but couldn't look away from the grace of the King of the Animal, walking with purposeful steps and showing off the rippled muscle under its fur. Awe and fright seemed to mix within them.

With the lion leading us ahead, Rhe- Professor Ops followed on the back, her voice ringing clear to all her students, "In our first lesson, we would be covering Grindylows. Can anybody tell me what they are?"

I sneaked a peek at Doc, who's fumbling with his finger and mumbling the answer to himself. I rolled my eyes and pinched his side, making him cry out.

"Ah, yes, you're Mister Dearborn, I presumed. Would you like to answer the question?"

Doc gave me a brief stink eye, all the while I had my innocent-smile before he faced the teacher. "Grindylows are small, horned, and pale-green creatures native to Great Britain. They're aggressive in nature and carnivorous. Also, they are native in fresh-water dwellings, mostly found in wet beds at the bottom of lakes. Merpeople seemed to keep them as pets."

"Excellent, Mister Dearborn, what a precise answer you have." Doc made a shy smile. "Grindylows are listed as dark creatures, can anybody tell me the reason why?"

"Oh, I know this one!" Gwen raised her hand excitedly, "It's because they attack people, mostly ate them actually, that's why they are known as a dark creature."

"Very good, Miss Fawley. However, Grindylows survives mostly on fish, algae, and other small sea creatures. Can anyone explain why they would go out of their way to attack humans?"

No one raised their hands, instead most exchanged questions whether any of them knew the answer or not. Since Caradoc didn't even know the answer, it's safe to say that books don't have the answer to them."

"Mister Jackson," My back straightened, and I felt more nervous than I ever remembered when a teacher decided to call my name, "Can you think of any ideas of why that would be?"

"Err… because they were having… food shortage?" I remembered one of Grace's passionate rants concerning wildlife and elaborated, "I heard animals went out of their way when there's little food in their habitat."

"Brilliant answer, Mister Jackson. Five points for Hufflepuff."

Wow, wait, I'm right? That's… a new feeling. Usually, the teacher called on me with little expectations of me being right and making me an example for the case of 'This is what happens when you don't pay attention.' I guess there's a first time for everything.

Professor Ops then continued explaining how Grindylows are much dangerous in numbers (but that would suggest you need to be swimming deep into their territory, in which case, what are you doing?), but we'll be focusing on a spell that traps them one at a time.

She then asked us if we have any questions regarding anything, and Gwen shot out her hand, "Is it true that you're Rhea from the Greek Myth?"

"Yes, I am," she answered without missing a beat.

I almost lost my footing on the stairs if I hadn't held on to the handrail. What in Dad's name is she doing? Is, is that even allowed? What's going to happen with all these mortals knowing our secret?! While everyone broke into chattering whispers, I was already calculating how to salvage the situation and keep the Greek World secret when I heard Cross chuckled, "Yeah, right, so did your husband actually eat every single one of your babies?"

"First of all, EX-husband. Emphasize on the ex. I left that whack-job eons ago. No self-respecting woman stayed. Second, not all my babies, if you must know, I did trick him into eating a boulder, so I could save my youngest from him."

"No way! Even if that was true, shouldn't he notice whether or not he was eating a rock? I'm pretty sure they taste different."

"The guy ate my babies, I'm pretty sure his pallet is questionable from the get-go."

The class roared in laughter, and I simply watched with my mouth agape how they asked questions after questions of her life as if playing along with the delusion of an old woman. Doc nudged me on the side and whispered, "Am I the only one feeling concerned that our new Professor is mentally insane, or am I just thinking too much?"

"Who cares?" Gwen put her two cents after, "She's hilarious."

I took a turn looking at my two friends and the careless revealing of the Greek World from the Titaness of Motherhood herself before looking back at them, "Yeah, I'm not even going to give a comment on this."

By the time Michael stopped, we had arrived by the Black Lake, where all the boats the first years used were docked. We stood by the bed, waiting for the Professor's next instructions when the lake started bubbling up. The kids reasonably backed away and watched warily as a pair of creatures burst out of the water. One as pale as the stormy sky, the other as the murky sea. The former had seaweed hair while the later had red coral-like hair. I wasn't sure merpeople could have coral for a hair. I noticed how their scaled fintail seeped to split as it touched the dry air, and became fin feet instead.

They each had a spear on one hand, and numerous dark green ropes being tied on a struggling creature I'm pretty sure were the group of Grindylows. As they snapped and jumped at each other like a bunch of piranhas.

Professor Ops then spoke, "Thank you for assisting with my lecture, my students, and I very much appreciate it."

The two merpeople uncomfortably looked at each other before the coral-head replied, "We happily offer our service for the Great Mother and any staff of Hogwarts."

I scoffed, "Yeah, right, that's why you're helping." I only had very brief contact with them before in my brief visit to Atlantis, but you can tell they don't merely 'offer' their service without a catch to just anyone. Or maybe because the shark teeth kind of give them an edgy impression. I could be wrong.

There was an unnatural silence you don't usually find among a group of teens, and belatedly realized they were all looking at me with wide eyes.

"Mate, you understand them?" Cross was the first to ask.

I pursed my lips, having no idea what he was talking about.

Professor Ops cleared her throat and gave me an impressed smile, "My, Mister Jackson, I didn't know you learned Mermish, it would seem you have many hidden talents."

My eyebrows shot high, and it only occurred to me then that the Merpeople have their own language. I mean, how should I know they speak different languages? I never talked to a merperson, not to mention nobody ever told me about it. Great, put that on the list of Percy Jackson's Weirdness in their heads.

Being the center of attention, I followed the Professor's cue and played it off like it's something I've always been able to do.

"Where do you even learn Mermish?"

I shrugged, "It's a gift, I guess. Now, how about we focus back on the creepy water demon?"

"Indeed, it's going to take all your focus on learning how to trap a Grindylow."

That successfully casting their attention aside as everyone talks at the same time filled with questions and excitement. She tried and failed to calm everyone down until Michael made the smallest growl. That shut the kids up real quick,

I see why she needed the lion.

"Thank you, Michael. Now, what we're going to learn today is the Bubble Jinx. The spell will trap the target into a bubble of water, sort of like the opposite of the Bubble-Head Charm. But first, we're going to practice how to recite the incantation."

Everyone groaned at the most boring part of the lesson, which I feel for them.

"I know it's the boring part, but I'm sure by now you all know how important it is to get incantations right, we don't want any spells to blow up on our faces, right children?"

For some reason, I feel multiple gazes at the back of my head, probably just me.

"Now, please repeat after me, Ebublio."

The class repeated her, but it was clear half the kids had trouble chanting it, including me. Professor Ops then had us practicing the incantation for one minute until we're fully confident with saying it. I have to say, the spell is a bit of a tongue twister. Try saying it 7 times fast. Ebublio, Ebublio, Ebublio, EbubblioBubblioBubloBlublublu…..

"Times up, who wants to go first?"

Gwen wasted no time hesitating before shooting her arm out. She excitedly made her way to the edge of the lake, and Professor Ops encouraged her to let her take an ankle-deep to the lake and pull off her robe. Gwen followed her instruction and went so far as to roll her sleeves up. The Merpeople had made a deep dive back to the lake, pulling aside the Grindylows until there were no signs of either of them.

"The Grindylows can attack you when and where you least expect it, so keep your eyes on the water and be aware of any shifts happening."

"Attack?" Someone whimpered.

"Nothing serious, like I said, I've arranged this class to be perfectly safe."

Gwen listened and had her wand pointed to the lake. Despite how eager she had been at first, you could see the tension rolling off her muscle. Not wanting to make the slightest mistake, and I was worried it was making her stiff.

Random bubbles began to blow on the lake's surface. Gwen acted too fast and cast the spell before the creature showed its face, creating an empty bubble prison that quickly popped. Gwen cried as tentacles wrapped around her leg and yanked her further lower into the water. She tried pulling her feet up, but more and more tentacles ensnared her, and she was having difficulty fighting off.

That's when Professor Ops silently pointed her wand, and the Grindylows shot away from Gwen, releasing their grip on her. "Keep your eyes on the target, and don't panic. Just know they are not a threat. Do you want to try again, Sweetie?"

Gwen was red-faced as she looked at herself; she had fallen on her butt, and the water was soaking her clothes. The confidence she had wore down and looked halfway ready to quit with her oozing out miserable.

"Come on, Gwen! Show them what you got!" I cheered so loud, I was a bit flush myself, drawing attention voluntarily myself. I then nudged Doc and eyed him to join me. He panicked a bit, but I managed to wriggle him to shout out just as loud, with a much flusher face.

"Yeah, Gwen, you absolutely can do this."

"Keep your eyes on the prize! You practice this!"

"If all else failed, just throw your wand and beat it with your bare hand!"

"You, boys, better shut up before I jinxed you both instead!"

We promptly shut our mouths. Though that doesn't mean we didn't notice her lips twitching into a grin. She sniffed before gaining her bearing and got up again, wand ready on hand. "I'm ready, Professor."

At her words, there was bubbling on the lake's surface once more, but Gwen wasn't hasty this time. She examined further the murky water for any shadows around her before pointing at one and exclaimed confidently, "Ebublio!"

A giant bubble came out of the lake, a struggling Grindylow trapped on the inside. The class that had been laughing before, cheered and clapped.

"Excellent work, Miss Fawley. Come here and let me dry you."

Gwen dragged herself back from the lake, and it took a swish of Professor Ops' wand to turn her dry. She put on her robe and made her way between us. "Thanks, for before." She shyly mumbled.

I smiled, "What are friends for?"

After her, the rest of the class had no problem following her lead. Eagerly getting themselves wet as they flick their wands everywhere. When Grindylows jumped out high enough on someone's face, the merpeople were fast enough to pull their leashes. Some were a bit traumatized from almost getting bitten in the face, but most surprisingly had fun.

I had the last turn to practice my wandwork, and hopefully, I wouldn't screw up badly. The merpeople were half out of the water and made no sign of subtly bowing to me; the Seaweed-hair respectfully bowed with his arm across his chest, while the Coral-head had rolled her (or his, I can't quite tell) eyes before giving a grand bow gesture that oozed sarcasm. Urgh, great, they'll be talking about this by lunch.

"Greetings, Young Lord. It's an honor to be in your presence."

"Yes, honor to the Son of Poseidon, who we never met and barely pay a lick of us here."

He was slapped upside his head by his friend, giving him a warning look while Coral-head shot an annoyed look back.

Oh great, one is a kiss-up, and the other is an ass. I can already tell the two is going to be a pain to deal with.

"Err, thanks, guys, but no need for the polite talk. You can just call me Percy."

"Of course, Lord Percy. We, merpeople, will follow your words and your will, whatever that may be."

"Oh yeah! Let's have the sniveling brat decide our life and death. What could go wrong?"

Instead of giving them an answer, I decided to focus on better things and searched for any Grindylows in the lake. My eyes unblinkingly examined the murky water, but what had helped me, in the end, was the flow and rippling water soaking my feet. I can tell where they are, where they'll swim, and thought it would make things easier if I just trap one from a group. I pointed my wand and exclaimed, "Ebublio!"

A bubble appeared out from the lake, revealing a trashing water demon inside. But then the bubble came out bigger than expected, and we found I trapped two Grindylows. Which is nice since I might get extra credit for it.

But then it still grew, trapping three Grindylows. Then four… then five… then Seaweed and Coral got swept up and trapped within the bubble alongside the rest of the uncaptured Grindylows. The bubble already grew big enough to shadow the whole class as they looked up in awe at the frightening size of the jinx.

The silence was broken by my roommate. "Alright," Cross shouted, "Pay up, people, I won!"

AN: So. Many. Research. I have three freaking research pending on my desk for my final examination and I am having a minor panic attack that I can't get them all done in time. But hey, I finished this chapter so that's a plus? (I need to get my priority straight).

QR&A TIME!

ephemeral-times: *Use Dumbledore's voice and stroke imaginary beard* All will be revealed... in time.

Stijnbus: As fun as that would be, Hagrid has his hand full with Fang eating up his Rock Cake and all the other creatures he's taking care of. I'm pretty sure you've reread the two acts by now. Notice anything new? I hope your Stepfather gets well soon. You should be proud of having a brave person being on the frontline. And no, I did not hear about the circus burning down.

KimiKiwi: I'm less of a rock person and more of a shell person. If I'm ever at the beach, you'll be damn sure finding me searching for shells. I'm glad you love my last chapter, hope you like this one too.

FolkLuz21: Movie? Rock Music? What's that? Something you can eat? Said a random wizard. And the #ImNotaMummy? Hillarious. I cracked up! I'm glad you love Severus so much. I love him too. I put hard work trying to characterize his young self. You don't have to worry about him redeeming, it's canon that he did. And you're laying way to thick on the compliment, my blush will start burning my face off at this rate. I love that you love Cory. All he did was rammed someone on the face. Also, no there shan't be peace while I exist. It wouldn't be fun otherwise. And this story happens after the first book of ToA. Percy did get the prophecy from Rhea's Groove. And yeah, since this is a crossover, I based the runes from the Series of Magnus Chase. They have a condition that only those who suffered torment could use Runes. I made it so wizards use runes as a phase in magic rituals because... well... they don't often suffer enough to be able to use their full potential. And yes, I agree, Death is great in the eyes. Rhea and Albee have... history... the rest I'll leave it to your imagination. But there'll be more of their interaction in the future that I hope cracks you up. Our Muskedorks will have fun causing troubles and we'll love and hate them for it. More Hufflepuff solidarity in this chapter. The Thestrals Mystery deepens even further.

Aku suka belajar bahasa baru dan paling gampang belajar dari mendegar film atau mengobrol seperti kita sekarang :) Sekarang tengah malam dan tugas belum selesai TT_TT Nuestro hogar ya no es un paraíso. Gracias por ser paciente con tu idioma, ¿quieres probar tu Indonesio? ;) Un pequeño intercambio de regalos. Tu idioma con el mío. Semoga tidak keberatan. Mantente segura y saludable! Hasta la proximal!

Patolemus: Dumbles and Thea could meet in any number of ways. They live for a long time after all. Does Rhea's class go as well as expected in your head? Your question shall be left unanswered because even I don't know what to do with it. (Well, actually, I have some ideas, but whether I use it or not depends on how the story goes. My ideas often evolve once written). In this fic, I decided until it's Christine by them, they will be called the four Muskedorks. And I'm trying hard to make them everyone love and hate them in equal measure (Including Minnie). Regulus... hmm... now that you mention it I think it's almost time for him to appear, don't you agree?

SandaKagami: Percy is already an idiot-genius with Potions. If he's ever going to use runes, I have something else in mind. And no, Severus' expletive word happens is fifth year.

Zoomingaway: THANK YOU SO MUCH! I'm happy you love my fic so much and that you like how I wrote my characters. It means so much. My Golden Trio is the best. Marauders are christened Muskedorks in this fic until I say otherwise. LOL. Hagrid is a cinnamon roll that Percy would gladly die for. And as for Rhea and the Thestrals, well... you'll find out by the end of the act. And yes, I am healthy and safe, and I wish the same for you and your family :))))

DreamCatcher06: Welcome back to the review section *Gives out a warm welcome hug* If you like the missing Thestrals, I'm curious of what you think of the Reappeared!Thestrals. Of course, Rhea is cool, she's like the badass mom everyone wants to have. Though she's pretty chill In this fic, don't blame though, she's having her hippy period. Yes, this is post BoO so yes there'll be more Dark!Percy in the future though only during intense duress. Percy hasn't fallen off that far off the wagon. Thank you so much for the love. Can't wait to hear more for you! Stay safe and healthy!

Perseus the Avenger: Aaaaaawww, thank you. You're too kind. I did my best so I'm glad you're enjoying it. And yes, in the first epilogue there is indeed a rumor that Percy's team had a perfect streak. But that's just it. A rumor. I wanted to show how exaggerated Percy's tale has become over time. I mean, a perfect streak is way cooler as a legend than one or two miss, right? ;)

Baekhyun Is Better Than Bacon: Or DamHotDog, Daaaaaamn, it's been so long, I remember you! I like your last username better, your current one is a pain to write (lol). I don't have a regular schedule, unfortunately, but I try to at least update once a month. And I see I find a Marvel Fan. Yes! Listen, I currently have a Spider-man Fanfic I can't help but write and I need reviews, opinion because I'm writing out my ass and I need to know how to make it better. I don't have friends who both like to read fanfic and a marvel fan at the same time. It may not be your cup of tea, but it's okay if you don't like it as long as I get an opinion. Otherwise, it's like writing in the dark. In exchange, you'll get your Star-Lord!Percy moment.

dhodges507: LOL, they're children, of course there'll be no romance yet. Severus is socially awkward, James thinks being obnoxious is flirting, and Lily just wants to study magic in peace. Thank you so much the kind words, and I'm happy you enjoyed it as much.

Blah: Here's your goddamn chapter!

Gace428: THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU! I have never been in the Top Ten of anything (Nah, that's a lie, but I like to be dramatic). You have reasonable questions needed answering that will remain unanswered or else it'll be less fun for you. YAS! My Golden Trio is my moneymaker, I love them too (lol). Hope you stay safe and healthy as well! May we see through this pandemic through the end!

ShadowBlade14: Thank you for joining us at the end of the middle of the road. If you like Rhea, then I hope you love how I portray her in this chapter. In terms of loyalty and spirit, Cory won't lose to even Michael. And you have a good eye, indeed Percy's adventure was inspired by the original canon story. Not only so the fandom can enjoy a sense of nostalgia in reading them, but because it'd be easier to write for me. Planning seven acts ain't easy, bro. This might look original, but it's actually copying homework and changing it up to my style, LOL.