#BLACKLIVESMATTER
I finally can post a chapter and put this up. I am sure by now you all may be aware of the struggle most black people with the police system. The movement has become a worldwide movement after the tragic death of George Floyd that showed the reality of police brutality against colored PoC and minority. It's frankly surprising, tragic, and sad, watching videos police brutalizing peace protestors who did nothing, Emergency Response team and police union vocally protesting of taking accountability when the police has record of hurting and killing innocent people with little repercussions.
I know you must be tired of hearing this. I know there are also black people rioting. There's little I can say to defend that other than recommending to lookup Kimberly Jones. I think no one can express how black people other than a black people. All I can say is express a few words and hope anyone else would take a stand to support Poc and minorities not just in America but nations all over the world that held them back.
It may be difficult during a pandemic, but they need their voices to be heard. They need the support. They need a change. And hoping every little action, in whatever form, could help realize that into reality.
Every word counts.
And now, on to the story...
Chapter 8: The SOS Bracelet
Words: 3,728
Recap: So I met Sirius' younger brother. Had a Seeker Battle with him. A bit a rough on the edges and a kid look ready to prove himself, whatever it takes. Then our long lost Seeker appeared only to break the news of a suffocating school of Gryndilows.
What in the world is happening in Hogwarts now?
Whispers broke in the Hall of the recent news of literal washout Grindylows. Most were having fun speculating the reasons. I can't help be a little jealous of how carefree they were. Not at all worried of the potential disasters it might lead, which was all I could think about the entire day. The classes were nothing more than background noises, much to my Professor's ire. McGonagall went so far as to kick me out when I barely flicked my wand in her class.
"You're thinking about the Grindylows, are you?" Sev sat beside me by the lake. The Grindylows had all been kept into a makeshift aquarium hidden within the walls of Hogwarts. The teachers tried hard at pushing the creepy little creatures back toward the lake. But they jumped back out just as quickly. Like a school of fish too eager to greet us. I remember those early days when I had to physically keep fishes from jumping in my boat during lessons. Still do, which makes it a poor date choice after a fish was caught onto Annabeth's hair.
After settling, I tried talking to the Grindylows but they were a poor choice of a chat partner. They kept saying "Eat! Eat!" like the Mine Seagulls.
"Percy?"
I snapped out of my own mind and faced Severus, "Yeah, a bit, I'm hoping it's just some kind of natural phenomenon."
"But your curse won't allow you a normal life, huh?"
My chuckle came out derisive, even for me, "You could say that. You never know when things started turning for the worse."
Severus gave a long hard look at me, "Whatever, normal is boring anyway. Think of it this way; no one at school can say they've met beasts you only ever read in books at a secluded village you could barely spot in a map. Not to mention all those rare ingredients you have that would make any potioneer salivate."
"Sev… you have a weird way of cheering people up."
"Shut up!" He lightly shoved me, I couldn't help but laugh when he acted so flustered about it. "See if I tried doing that again," he grumbled.
I smiled and tried to sound as grateful as I felt, "Thanks, Sev."
The glare softened and switched back to concern. He patted me in the back, "We'll figure it out. Me, you, and Lils. We always do."
"She still wouldn't talk to me, though." Man, it's been more than a week. That girl can keep a grudge. I feel bad for whoever gets the brunt of her ire.
"It'll be fine. Lily softening up already. She sat with us during Rune Class, remember?"
"Yeah, with you in the middle and barely said one word to me. I don't even know why she's angry at me in the first place!"
It's been a while since Sev looked at me like I was an idiot, "You really don't know, do you?"
"If I knew, I would have said sorry a long time ago, but I can't when I don't even know what I'm apologizing for."
Sev sighed and patted me in the back, "Tough luck, mate." but didn't offer more to help. I have a sneaking suspicion he's using the time to hog Lily's time with just the two of them.
That night, I had a vision. I was standing amidst the thick dead trees within the night. I was barefoot and in my pajamas so I knew instantly that I'm either dreaming or someone kidnapped me from the dorm just to dump in the Forbidden Forest as a terrible act of prank. There wasn't anything that could point me out of the woods, so I let my feet randomly guide me. If this was a dream, I wished it wasn't too realistic. The sole of my feet felt uncomfortable as dry leaves and twigs cracked under me. The night wind blows, sending shivers down my spine from the cold.
"Alright vision, whatever it is you want to tell me, now might be a good time."
My dream must have had a sense of irony because a second later, my feet slipped under me, and I was tumbling down a steep hill. Only thanks to my training did I react quickly enough and had my hands shielding my head. The world spun around until I hit the ground with a splat as I was drenched with mud. Some even got to my eye. I tried wiping it off but wasn't sure if I was making it worse or not. Urgh, this better not be real or I'm totally going to wipe the butt of whoever's behind this.
With my eyelids closed, I could still somehow make out a light that shone nearby. Even after getting the mud out, I couldn't look straight at the source as it was too bright to make out what it was. At times like this, I wish I had a pair of sunglasses. The strangest thing was the light was shaping itself. I wasn't sure what it was, but I know it's some sort of animal. Maybe a reindeer, or a male deer, what were they called again?
Getting up on my feet, I walked toward the light. Seemingly tranced by it. But as my hand reached out to touch the silhouette figure something held me back by the shoulder. I glanced and gasped as a skeleton looking hand, as dark as the shadow it came out from. I slapped the hand away but then more shadows emerge from the dead trees as cloaked figures, the form as wispy as a ghost, and you could tell they were looking at you even without seeing its eyes. Lurking ever closer, hands reaching seductively to my face and the abyss within the hood that seemed to suck you in with the promise of a truth you never want to know.
Feeling fully creep out. I decided not to stand still like an idiot. Turning for the light that gave comfort to me. But the tree branches began to move. It stretched and slithered as it ensnared the light. Pulling it to the depth of the dark forest. I ran faster, hoping to save it, but the branches began to build a wall, keeping it away from me.
"Perseus Jackson."
The sudden call of my name that seemed to echo almost gave me a heart attack. I turned around and the shadowed figures were replaced by rows of centaurs half-circling me. I gritted my teeth and braced myself. Not at all comfortable at feeling cornered.
I opened my mouth, ready to ask if they wanted something or if I stream rolled into a seance when one by one they said in turn:
"On the night of Hallow's eve."
"Meet us in our forest."
"We will be waiting."
"Can you stop the moaning for once?!"
"Huh? What the-"
Before I realized it, I had a pillow on my face that I knew was thrown from the neighboring bed. I glared at my roommate. "What was that for?"
"That's for waking me up. Good grief, it's like you can't even rest in your own sleep. Get it together, why don't you?" Cross groaned himself, while half his face buried in his own pillow. "Some of us want to sleep here."
'And yet, you're always the first one to wake me up when I have my nightmare.' I wanted to say but decided to just throw the pillow back to him—no need to give him credit for this one.
When breakfast came, I nudged both Sev and Lils, telling them we needed to talk. They both understood that when I mean "talk" I mean "trouble is coming." Even Lily, who was still angry, needed no persuasion for her to agree. So we filled our plates with our meal of the day and went out of the Great Hall, finding an empty space by the courtyard for us to eat without being bothered.
"So, what did you want to walk about?"
"I had a dream." Both of them turned with visibly tense shoulders.
"Please tell me it's one of your weird dreams where you had a dragon supervising your English test and Dumbledore was wearing a rainbow robe while sword fighting with a bunch of dark wizards," Sev pleaded.
"Sadly, nothing as funny as that. I'm fairly sure the centaurs invited me to meet them at the Forbidden Forest."
"You mean, the same centaurs that threatened you from going to their territory and never listened?" Lily bit her nail.
"Centaurs can go into dreams?" Sev had other concerns, apparently.
"It's less of going into my dreams, and more like sending a message that goes through them."
"But, but what do they want?"
"I'm not sure, but they want me to come on the night of Halloween Feast."
"Should you even go? You're not obligated to meet them, and we don't know if they even have good intentions. What if it's a trap of some kind?"
I considered his words and wasn't sure how to deny that. "Maybe so, but this is the centaurs we're talking about. I'm curious what pushes those prideful bunch to go so far as to contact me."
"Urgh, I want to know that too, but…" Sev bit his lips as he contemplated the pros and cons of going.
"Severus, it's fine. I know you're not one to take risks so I want you guys to cover for me while I'll sneak out from the banquet."
"Wait, then you'll be all alone." Lily's tone was clear that she doesn't agree with this plan.
"I know you guys don't like it, but the centaurs only asked for my presence and they look easily offended if I bring more 'humans' in their territory."
Lily pursed her lips but didn't refute. I have a feeling I didn't give myself much brownie points to get back into her good grace.
Sev didn't look happy either but relented with some condition, "You need to find a way to contact us if you ever need backup. At least that way, we won't have to worry whether you're dead or trying to burn down the forest."
"Ha. Ha. Hilarious, Sevvy. I'm cracking up," I deadpanned.
Throughout the week, we spend every free time we could muster a magic communication idea. We're halfway regretting not buying a magically-charmed walkie-talkie from our time in the Paw Shop. I briefly thought of using an Iris Message, but then again, I doubt you can find rainbows, especially in the dark, gloomy forest that I'm going to. Times like this make me feel being a wizard is a pain. Instead of a simple phone, they had to make things complicated. A pager would have been as useful, and I never even heard of it until I'm stuck in the 70s. In the end, we decided to visit a shop once we're allowed to go to Hogsmeade.
"Speaking of which, are you guys excited visiting Hogsmeade?"
"Excited? More like thrilled!" Sev said, "I can finally buy ingredients without using those damn owls. No offense to Sophia, but owls have a crude delivery system, and I have delicate purchase."
"I can't wait either." It'll be the first time I went outside school grounds during the term period. I was getting restless from being stuck at the same place for almost a year-round. "Where do we want to go first? I heard from my House that Three Broomsticks has the best meal served."
The conversation took a different turn when Lily spoke next, "Oh, sorry, boys, but I can't hangout past noon."
"Why not?"
"A senior I know asked me out to give a brief tour around the village."
"A senior… wait! He's not a guy, is he?!" Sev looked ready to jump into her personal space as he demanded to know, "Did a guy ask you out?!"
"What? No! She's a girl, and why would that matter?"
"Err, no reason," Sev mumbled, looking away to hide his embarrassment.
When the D-day came, the Entrance Hall was packed by third years who couldn't wait to take the first step to the village. They made lines as each Head of our Houses checked the permission slip they brought. Mine has Hecate signing it as my guardian.
There was little to describe Hogsmeade other than it felt like being pulled into a fantasy book despite my life being one. One of those medieval-type stories where the hero party would stop at a village to rest, go to pubs for information, or just hear out the villager's concern to unlock quests and such. You could see most shops had wooden signs hanging from the side door. No buildings were taller than two stories and were made of blocks and woods.
At a glance, you might even mistake them for a typical small village. But then you might spot the little irregularities. Water can that floats while tearing the potted plants outside. A tower of cauldrons that you can only think it's a miracle that hasn't fallen off. Ivy plants that grew out of the cracks of the greengrocer's store by the time it opens. Even through the glass pane, you could vaguely see lots of weird magical stuff going on inside the shops.
"Oi, Percy, don't just stand there with that stupid look on."
"I don't want to hear that from someone who just stuck their face on the window-shop, Potion Nerd."
"Boys, it hasn't even been 15 minutes, please don't start."
That said, we hadn't even visited a single shop or pub yet. Too busy marveling at the lively, picturesque village that is very much in contrast to the gloomy, misty Cokeworth. It didn't help that we've also been arguing which shop we wanted to visit first. Severus wanted to check out the cauldron shop, Lily was interested in the books sold in Tomes and Scrolls, and the shiny silhouette from Honeydukes really beckons me like a moth to a flame.
"Fine!" Sev huffed in the end, "Let's just go straight to Dervish and Banges, maybe they have something that can help us."
"Hmm, let's do that then," Lily nodded.
Thus, that's how we ended trekking further up since the shop turned out to be near the outskirts of the village. Seriously, this village really needed to invest some pamphlets for the newcomers. It was hard enough running around in circles without knowing which shop is where. But once we found it, we secretly felt it was worth it.
There were shelves upon shelves of magical items that you can only imagine. Glass-balls that held a sign says 'Remembrall' as a reminder of your forgetfulness. Rings of bronze, silver, and gold called 'Animaring' that turns the wearer into the designated animal it's charmed for. You could tell from the carving and design which ring is for what animal. There was also a bowl of 'Sneakoscope' that acts as a beckon for dark magic to anyone who aims to harm the owner. Quite a useful item to have… but then I consider what I often got myself into, and I imagined I'll just be a walking, talking siren. There was a bowl of compasses that points to things you lost instead of north. Then there's bags and suitcases hanging on one wall which had an engorgement charm being used—even levitating small colored light balls called 'Luxball' to aesthetically enhance your room, apparently.
Compared to the other places, it wasn't quite as crowded. The room was warm and had a soothing, wooden smell (maybe cedar?).
A pale man with sunken eyes, as if he never knew the word 'Sleep.' "Ah, young customers, I see. My name is Allent Dervish. How may I help you?"
"We would like to purchase any magical items that help with staying in contact with friends?" Severus got straight to the point.
"I see, I see, would it be a calling or for broadcasting purposes?"
"For calling if you have."
"I see, then please wait while I check out the repertoire." Mr. Dervish went to his desk, pulled up his reading glasses, and opened a black book as he read close enough that his hawk nose touched the paper.
We decided to wait as we browsed the items being sold. I was particularly interested in the Luxballs that were floating around like fireflies and considering buying one. But then Ivan might whine that he's being replaced, so I threw the idea away. Severus was inspecting a camera that takes magical photographs, and Lily might or might not have broken an hourglass watch. I hope that's not how we'll find out there's a 'You break it, you buy it' policy in place.
"Ah, Mister and Missus Customer, unfortunately, there aren't any magical instruments for calling between people. Usually, people just use owls or Floo when they need to communicate with someone, you see. I have Howler letters, but I'm assuming that's not your preferred option."
"Oh no, is there really nothing that can help us?" Lily pressed, hoping for a solution. "Anything will do, even if it's as small as telling each other if we need help."
"Hmm, I see, I may help you with that. Though I don't have the tools for it, I can help make you one that would suit your needs. I know a spell that could at least help monitor the person's condition, which includes whether you need help or not."
"You can do that?"
"Of course," He put a parchment and quill on the table, "just list all the things you want for the item, and I'll try my best to make it for you."
The three of us rounded around the paper and started brainstorming. It wasn't easy trying to come up with a whole new magic item. Lily kept biting her finger, and Sev didn't realize the inked quill tapped on the side of his head, smudging his temple black. I was fiddling with the beads of my necklace when an idea hit me. "What about a bracelet? You know, one of those friendship bracelets that has a charm on?"
Sev eyes dropped down at me with looks of ridicule before snorting, "A friendship bracelet? Really? That's gotta be a-"
"Brilliant idea! Oh, oh, we could have the charm change colors depending on whether we need help or not. What do you think, Sev?"
"-excellent idea."
I tried not to laugh as Sev started writing our ideas; we would have three bracelets entwining each other, each with a different charm tied. Mine is a sword charm, Lily's a flower charm, and Severus decided he wanted a simple ball charm.
Then Lily took his quill and wrote changed it so there'd be two snakes that shaped into his initial.
Sev made no move to change it.
We then began arranging our color code; white means that we're fine and black for whenever we're in mortal danger. But then Lily thought my definition of "fine" is skewed and added a silver color for whenever I'm "in danger but got it handled" and gold for whenever I'm "in need of back-up." Sev decided it's not enough and added red, which means detention, so he "wouldn't have to wonder whenever Percy came late for dinner." To which I responded with a blue color that means "Hangry" because I can.
This is becoming less of an SOS signal and more of a Percy Monitor.
Mr. Dervish took the list and read it up, his brow scrunching tighter and deeper as he reached the end of the list. "Err, Mister and Missus Customer, I apologize if I overstep my boundaries, but I'm concern that you three kids will be endangered."
My eyes popped open and I turned to find the other two with identical faces, indicating the three of us didn't think this through.
"That is why, I must ask, what are you using this bracelet for?"
"Err… that is…"
"Witch hunter!" I blurted.
"Witch hunter?"
My mouth was left hanging since I couldn't think anything more, but Sev, thank the gods, followed me, "Yes, witch hunter. We just learned them in history, and we thought it's always good to be cautious whenever we're out among muggles." He tried playing it off like we're a bunch of paranoid kids. I wished I could have fist-bumped for that stroke of genius.
"Wi, witch hunter doesn't exist anymore... do they?"
The reaction wasn't what was expected but Lily didn't pause before hitting the final nail to his doubt, "That's what they want you to think!" she said, "We manage to hide ourselves from the muggles with magic, do you think they can't do the same with their… err… techny-logy… us wizards must be prepared for anything."
Severus unnaturally coughed to his hand.
"I see, I see, I see, I see. That is indeed a viable concern. The features are not overly complicated so it'll be finished before the end of the day and the cost would be a total of 4 galleons and 4 sickles, and you can pay after it's finished, is that agreeable?"
"That would be most ideal, thank you, Mister Dervish." Once done, we walked away out of the store. Our pace faster than usual just so we could put some distance where we stopped, breathed, and broke out into laughter.
We laughed and laughed until Sev was wheezing, and Lils was on her knees.
"Witch hunter? Seriously? That's the best you can come up with?"
"I didn't see you giving out ideas."
"Better yet, did you see that clerk reaction? That was priceless."
"Not as priceless as you trying to play off as a pureblood, 'techny-logy,' Lily? You're lucky I didn't break down then and there."
"You don't get to talk, Severus!"
After we had our fill of laughter. Lily noticed the sun was already up higher than she wanted to and had to bid us goodbye if she didn't want to be late to her meet up.
Sev and I waved as we watched Lily run, before he asked, "You want to check out the Three Broomsticks?"
"Please, I'm starving already."
We went into a smoky, warm inn. A curvy sort of woman with a pretty face was serving a rowdy group of wizards from our school. My appetite immediately plummeted when I saw who the group was.
AN: This chapter ended up 6.5K long so I had to cut into half. It was hard trying to finish this chapter up because of the damn bracelet. I wanted something to keep my GOlden Trio in touch or in need of help. There's the Mirror Phone, but I don't want to copy JK since it's a magic item that is a Marauders (TM). Then I was reminded of the Weasley cloak and thought that could work. TWO WEEKS did I finally come up with a bracelet after talking with ELU and that took up the subject of the chapter and was forced to split the chapter. I EVEN HAVE TO CHANGE TO TITLE BECAUSE OF THAT DAMN THING!
I'm glad I wrote it because they're going to need it. But the trouble that bracelet gives me doesn't make me love it.
Anyway, done with the rant, let's go to the awaited QRA:
Stjinbus: OmG, I didn't mean to offend or anything, It was purely meant as a joke, You do know that right? The ps doesn't really ease my heart. Sorry if it didn't come across as that. And when I think of Wizard joke, I was thinking of like...
Two Hungarians Horntails walk into a pub.
The first one says, "It sure is hot here"
The second snaps back, "Shut your mouth"
That sort of joke you can only hear from the locals. Though I forgot where I heard this one from. I must have wandered into a wizarding pub at some point.
Geni Blaze: Yeah, I should have fixed the typo by now. And it's supposed to be Damien. Hehe, it's good you like him because I have plaaaaaans for him.
FolkLuz21: If you love the cat meme reference, you're going to love what I have in store for future chapters. And ever since I put Damien I suddenly love Marlene more too because their dynamic is hilarious. I think there should be more Captain Rivalry between teams.
Lily's reaction is only the tip of a growing problem Percy doesn't seem to realize yet. I'm glad it twists your heart. It means I wrote it right. The horse reaction will come next chapter so you're going to have to be patient for a bit longer, blame the bracelet for it. and yes Rhea is awesome, and she is not just A queen, she is THE queen.
I also like to think how being a demigod give kids a sense of bravado, like nothing could hold them back or showing they're fine when they're confused and scared. I like to think that's how kids usually react when their world turn upside down. And Regulus acts that way because of... reasons.
Thinking music magic makes me think of a bard. You know, those people in DnD parties that would often spread fame. I think they can use a kind of musical type magic (not sure, never played it, wish I did). I can't see why there shouldn't be a Bard in HP Universe. I think the only muggle system wizards adopt are those for practicality, like the train and plumbing.
ASDFDFHFKHJIHWUG! KAMU PAKE BAHASA AKU! AKU BAHAGIA BANGET! Is this how you feel when I tried using your language?! No wonder you reacted that way! It sounds formal, but hey, at least google teaches people to be polite. Además, ¿quién dice que el problema es solo de Black Lake? I'm so happy that you love it. Every word you express, saying my work makes you happy really gives me a sort of one-of-a-kind happiness. It helps me being proud o my work. I can never say it enough but thanks again for the review. Sampai jumpa!
aarna rastogi: Thank you! Hope you love this chapter too, maybe even the next. Anyway, keep on loving it! (Now I sound like McDonald.)
Patolemus: Of course there's future intereaction. I made effort to give a deep meaningful analysis in Regulus and Percy first meeting, I wouldn't waste it on just one meeting. I don't want to spoil or anything, but as one of my favorite reviewers, their reaction will go so far as changing the future. That's all I can say.
The thing about humanity, they're not worried about people calling themselves Venutian (because martian are from Mars, obviously), they're more worried of anyone who believes you. The Thestrals will appear on the next chapter, blame the bracelet for the cut. The problem is way bigger than just a simple Grindylows being afraid hehehe. Probably more sword fighting than water power, but there's a scene where he'll use it.
Thank you as always for the support :)))
SandaKagami: Oh, I'm so glad you take notice of that. Both for Reggie's character and Rhea's attention. I'm proud of both of those. It's a set-up for a more, hopefully, heart-wrenching scenes I have in mind. I do try to draw parallels in both HP and PoJ. I'm sure you can spot some in this chapter too.
brade1991: Here's the next chapter :)
Butter: Will do my best! Hope you like this chapter as well.
64Felicity: Girl, Damien was only introduced in the last chapter. He's an OC. How could you '"Forget"? I mean, that's amazing if you could forget something I haven't write. Did you predict him or something?
Joking aside, I hope I meet past your expectations for what I have in mind for Rhea and Percy. Regulus was willing to die for the right thing and he had to learn on his own even after being a Death Eater. I want to do him justice. Regulus is twelve and Damien is sixteen, and kids are cruel in general, they mostly aren't self-aware... Damien is the most self-aware a-hole though and I'm going to love him for it. I appreciate that you take notice of Lily's reaction, it's always good to take note that secret has its price. Sadly, Percy can't talk to the Grydilows. But the mystery indeed thickens.
JustLikeRandomStuff: Ah iya, emang kalo jokes dibawa terlalu serious memang sih bikin melek. Until someone decided to cross the line, in which case, I slam my keyboard. Gue pikir yang suka PJO banyak di Indonesia tapi Fandom fanfic gak banyak sih. Teruatama kalo gak ngerti setting atau budaya luar. Thanks for the support and love, hope you like this chapter.
zoomingaway: Hmm, does Rhea have a plan. Maybe, maybe not. You will suffer the same way Percy suffers. Muahahaha. If you love the cat meme, you're going to love what I have in plan in the future. Thank you for making this fic your favorite, it's making me blush, They'll be more Marauders shenanigans, I guarantee you that. Both them being admiring loyal friends to one another... as an as asshats as well.
I try to always make my ending that would make Uncle Rick proud. And there's always connection in every problem here. The question is what. I'm thankfully safe and healthy. I love you like my OCs. I try to make them interesting by interacting with known characters. And I definitely will put more Hogwarts snark. It's the sugar in my fic after all. Thank you for your support and love :)))
Eragonshadeslayer21: And thank you for trying to understand :) I'm glad you're willing to listen and convey your thoughts, that's always important.