Chapter 15: The Truth Hurts

Words: 4,606

Recap: So…. apparently, Dementors came from cursed nymphs of all shapes and sizes and are now being made inside Hogwarts, to which I say…. WHAT THE FRICK?!

By the time we reached the castle, it was noisy from the crowd of the teachers, wands at hand, looking half-ready for war from the identical serious gleam they all had on their eyes. I only felt slightly bad that our arrival had put a stop to their brave march.

"PERCY!" Hagrid was the first to break out of the group to run and gave me a big hug, practically sweeping off Lexus so he could whirl me around. He then put me down, and did the same to Lily and Sev, much to their surprise and reluctance. "Kids, em, em so glad you're alrigh'." Hagrid cried so hard, I'm pretty sure their hair was wet from his tears. "I thought, I thought tha', I thought that the worst thing might have happened teh you and I didn' know wha' teh do." He gently laid them down so he could pull his handkerchief and made a trumpeting blow of his nose.

Professor McGonagall was the second one to come up to us. Her eyes meticulously scanned us to see if we were any worse for wear and visibly slumped her shoulder to see us all well. "Why do you three seem to attract trouble and not the benign kind?" She was back to adopting her strict persona and looked down at us with a disapproving glare.

Lily pursed her lips and glared at our direction, "Well maybe some people just deserve trouble to bite them in the arse."

"Miss Evans, language!"

Sev rolled his eyes, "Oh, I agree. Some people just don't know when to give up as if they're asking trouble to please come and share a cup of tea."

"At least some people know how to be decent."

"You mean naively idiotic ones."

"You…"

Thinking the argument might escalate, I raised a placating hand between them. "Guys, don't you think you're both overreacting a little bit—"

"Shut up, Percy!" They both chorused before throwing their faces away and stopped talking altogether.

As to how this happened… err… well, neither of us could spare looking at each other's faces after some intense argument we've had along the way.

For starters, Severus and Lily were both being unreasonable just because I managed a Rune Spell successfully as if it was a big deal.

"Sev, calm down!" Lily said with both hands holding their Slytherin friend from jumping to the Unicorn.

"Let me hit him just this one time, Lils."

"I get it, Sev. I do. But you're still weak from your encounter with the Dementors!"

"Oi, all I said was I used rune magic to make a water prison! How are you offended by that?"

"Runes are used for rituals, Percy. Not just anyone can do an actual spell with a single symbol without full comprehension of the secret nuance of each runes' meaning that wizards have reportedly lost an eye or a limb to apply it to the natural world while you manage a fully functional spell to trap a Dementor through… guessing?"

Wow, if he reacted this much, imagine if he knew what I 'carved' on the water to do it, "...would it help if I say it was a really lucky guess?"

Let's just say, they didn't take it well with that remark.

Things got worse when a particular subject came up.

"Lily, I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize when you don't mean it, Severus."

"It was more important for us to stay alive!"

"Again with your excuses, do you think just because you have reasons that your betrayal would go unnoticed?"

"You know what? You're right, I'm not sorry. In fact, I think you're being overdramatic."

"We abandoned Cory!"

"I was not going to die over a rock, Lils!" Sev voiced cracked, "That's where I draw the bloody line."

"That rock was ready to die for us so get over yourself!"

And that's more or less how we ended up giving each other the cold shoulder.

Cory, on the other hand, was fine. Hagrid had the foresight to find the rock for Lily and gave it to her, much to her joy. She still gave Severus the stink eye though.

The other professors soon were crowding us, shooting off questions after questions without pause for us to answer. Ranging from "Did you really see Dementors?", "How did you escape?" to "Are you alive?"

The last one was, in truth, a valid question, considering we might have our soul sucked and left with the living husk of our bodies.

That… sounded pretty terrifying now that I think about it.

Baron cleared his throat and immediately took the teachers' notice. "I believe I can answer most of the questions, how about we let the children rest after a most harrowing night."

Professor McGonagall was the first to gain her bearing, "You are correct, but first, we must go and report this incident to the Headmaster."

We were then escorted to Dumbledore's office. All the way, we could hear the sharp series of the wolf howling from a distance. The three of us and the Professor came to his office to see him already standing by his desk. It was a whiplash to see the esteemed Headmaster standing wearing his sleeping attire. I never would have imagined Dumbledore wearing a night robe with thick fancy fur for its sleeves. Other than that, he seemed to hold the perfect composure if I hadn't zeroed the fidgeting around his wand that stopped.

It barely took a second for him to spot us and gave a relieved smile. "Minerva, I'm glad that you found them but that was certainly a quick search."

"Yes, well, it'd seem the children managed to find their way out on their own." Professor McGonagall admitted.

Dumbledore raised a single eyebrow but showed no other sign of surprise if he even was, "Then it's fortunate to know the children are resourceful enough to get themselves safe," the twinkling in his eyes almost gleamed, "but I must ask; did you truly encounter Dementors in the Forbidden Forest?"

I turned to both my friends, who had a tight look on their faces. They couldn't seem to form words from the recollection they're having and settled for quick nods.

"I see," Professor Dumbledore turned grim before schooling his face once more, "Then you would need your rest, go back to your dorms and I recommend asking for some hot cocoa from the house-elves. I would offer some milk duds myself but alas, I only have lemon drops."

"Headmaster" McGonagall sighed in plain exasperation, "I don't know what fascination you have with those muggle candies you've stocked up."

"It's always good to have little varieties in life, Minerva. Now children, off you go. Professor McGonagall shall escort you back safely." We slumped our shoulder collectively, all thinking of the warm beds back in our dorms.

"Perseus," my back tensed from the call, "May I have a moment of your time?"

And why am I not surprised I got singled out?

McGonagall had pushed my friends out before they could protest and then there were only the two of us.

I braced myself before turning back around, "Is there something you'd like to ask, Professor?"

He didn't say anything at first, just waving his wand that pulled up a chair across his desk, a tray of teacups and a warm tea being poured from a floating pot came next, a silent request for me to sit down.

I did so without protest and Dumbledore came sitting by the edge of his desk instead of his chair, and had to crane my neck up to face him.

"So what would you like to know?"

"From the beginning."

Fairly sure he wasn't talking about the beginning, beginning, I retold the events that transpired through the night. The first mention of Rhea assigning our detention had already made him frown. Then I continued by how I managed to find out about the cursed nymphs before Rotting into a Dementor, then how I suspected there might be more in the forest and ran off to warn Lily and Sev. I didn't tell him about the bracelet, mostly because it felt private. Something the three of us share.

"Then I met up with Baron and the whole herd of Centaurs."

"All of them?"

"Yeah, apparently their home is infested with Dementors. They've had a stock of Celestial Bronze weapons to keep them at bay, but… without finding the source... who knows how long that could hold for."

"And you requested Baron to bring you to their village?"

I nodded. Feeling parched, I took a sip of the tea Dumbledore prepared. "Yeah, he let me ride his back and everything. Lots of them didn't want him to leave the herd. They were all 'You carry the blood of the gods so go fix the problem' and I was like 'Yeah, but I'm also a person, you can't define me by my god-bloodness, that's... godism' which shut them up. Baron then told me that the Unicorns can help keep the Dementors away so I called out to them. Just in time too, I think they were about to Kiss Lily." My face darkened at the image that brought me.

Dumbledore was quiet for a moment, his fingers tapping alongside his wand, "What about you?"

"What about me?"

"How did you escape the clutch of the Dementor? That's not an easy thing to do for someone's first-time encounter."

I considered an answer he could accept but my mouth ran off on its own, "I saw it in a dream once, you know how demigod dreams are, but then a shiny-ghost-lion-thing saved me and I remembered how it made me feel... good? I can't exactly describe it any other way, but in the lake, I focused on the good memories to keep the bad feelings away."

"Interesting," he said while stroking his beard, "and were you aware Dementors were being made in Hogwarts?"

That was a strange question to ask, "No. How could I? It was my first time meeting one, remember?"

"Let me rephrase then; did you know danger was lurking on Hogwarts ground?"

"I mean, with all the strange behavior from the beasts, I suspected there was danger."

"Percy," Dumbledore sounded almost tense, "did you come to Hogwarts because of a prophecy?"

That shut me up, or at least it was supposed to shut me up, but the answer "Yes" came out involuntarily. I knew then that something was wrong. I know I have a habit to not think when I speak but not to that extent.

Dumbledore inhaled with a slight quiver, "Did you come to cause danger?"

I shook my head, wanting him to stop. "No," I answered.

"Did you come to prevent danger?"

I stood up, the chair toppled as I backed away, but the answer came out nonetheless, "Yes."

He got up, not letting our distance change, "Do you know who's behind the danger?"

"Yes. Professor, please stop, don't make me do this!" I panicked. I should have run right there and then but I couldn't think straight, too focused on the words I shouldn't say while wondering what the heck is happening with me. His grandfatherly eyes twinkled all the same.

"Why?"

"Hecate told me—if the truth comes out there's a price to be paid."

"There's always a price for everything."

"Now is not the time to spout your wise schist, old man! Who says it might be you who paid it."

"Percy, I've said it at the start of the year. Hogwarts is my responsibility to be aware of any danger and to protect it should it come its way. I'm more than willing to pay my due."

"That doesn't mean it's a good idea, the prophecy is there for a reason."

"Is it? I've always seen it as a statement of a fact rather than a warning."

I was about to refute but thought twice about it, "Okay, you're not wrong there, but still—!"

"Understand I shall stop my questioning," he sighed relentingly, and I thought that was that, "But Percy, I am curious, can you please tell me, who are you?"

This time, it wasn't a question. It was a request that relied on my consent, which made it worse. I struggled and mulled over how am I supposed to reply to him? But I found there never needed an excuse to tell him who I was, "I'm just a Half-blood student of Hogwarts trying to do my best to keep my people safe, I never pretend to be anything otherwise."

The Headmaster didn't say anything at first, the twinkle of his eyes dimmed as he bored intently to my eyes, "I see…"

"If you don't mind, can you now answer me some questions?" I didn't give him a chance to reply. "Did you just put a truth serum in my tea?"

"Yes."

I was honestly stunned by the bluntness. "What the hell, gramps?! Isn't that, oh, I don't know, rude?!"

"I thought a little bit of Veritaserum was less intrusive than going into your mind."

"So prying my mind is crossing the line, but spiking my tea's fine?" Oooh, that rhymes.

"I don't regret the lengths I need to go through."

"Well, don't expect me to consult with you in the future when you don't give the basic decency of proving my trust instead of drugging me for answers… I thought better of you."

"Considering you hadn't offered me the courtesy of forewarning despite the Prophecy that guided you to my school, I like to say the same goes for you," He retorted mildly, but with a soft undertone like the ones my mom would use when she's disappointed, "Would you have answered my questions had I not pulled it out from you forcibly?"

"That's not-" but it was the same, and I bit my lip while still keeping my glare in a pathetic effort to save face.

Dumbledore then sighed, "My apologies for betraying your trust, Percy. I understand the rift I caused may only impede us from working on a common goal. Which is why I have a proposal."

"Go on…"

"We've been working behind each other's backs throughout the year and it has helped us immensely, but there's still a limit to what we can accomplish by ourselves, so I suggest we make it more official."

I struggled to make sense of his words until it occurred to me what Dumbledore was implying, "Wait, you mean… But, but that's—" insane!

"Is it? Quests are oftentimes cleared in teams. I don't see why you can't have me as yours… if you're willing that is."

I bit my lips as I considered his proposal. I was still a bit pissed that he tricked me, but he gave a good argument. I have been running myself ragged, trying to keep my cover as a Hogwarts Student (with my schedule being filled with lessons, homework, and Quidditch), going through the Main Quest, and the little problems I have no doubt Circe is involved somehow. I have Sev and Lily with me but it's a struggle to get them involved without exposing my true nature.

"Look, this is so not something you can brush off with a quid pro quo." But I sat back on the chair regardless, too many unanswered questions to let the opportunity slip by. "But I'll consider telling you more of my quest if you're willing to answer some of my questions."

"In that case," Dumbledore took his share of drink and gulped the whole tea in one go. "I believe it's only a fair bargain."

I gaped at his audacity. I was still angry, but dam did he look a bit badass for a second there. Clearing my thoughts, I asked "What's your history with Professor Ops? Why are you wary of her?"

"I suppose it's no surprise that you're curious about us. Rhea and I had known each other since I first moved to Godric's Hollows. I've always known her as the nice witch everyone avoids that lived across the street."

I'm sorry, what?

"People knew her to be a seer and everyone tended to avoid her because of it."

"Well, that's not fair. I may not like prophecies much but I wouldn't avoid someone because of what she is." Rachel would have talked my ear off if I decided to avoid her for being the Oracle.

"It's less because of what she is, and more to do with how she often accidentally slips out your fate without realizing. One minute you can be discussing your favorite brand of tea, the next you'd find out you die from a snake."

Well… okay… that... certainly would be an awkward conversation.

He started moving behind his desk and sat, his hand started fidgeting the pendant laid unattended on the table. "Nobody wants their fate being told. It makes them feel that much more helpless as they waited or struggled for the inevitable, and no one likes feeling helpless. However, as a child, I've always been inexplicably drawn to her. Probably because of my heritage. The Titaness caught my eyes since I saw her with a lion once, but everyone said she had a cat. I thought it was the same thing since it's both felines instead of magic."

"When did you find out?"

"I didn't, she told me straight away that she was a Titaness, and I believed her. My mother, my biological mother, wasn't around other than to claim me and answered my prayers. My step-mother was too busy taking care of my sister. It was Rhea who taught me everything I needed to know about the Greek World."

"You must have been close, what happened?"

Dumbledore sunk in a breath. I knew then I breached a topic he didn't want to hit, but the same potion worked to make his mouth lose, "She warned, no, foretold my fate if I kept walking the path I choose. I ignored her... and paid the price." It was still too vague for my taste, but even I was reluctant to open an old wound. I let the question cease and he dismissed me from his office. He said we could continue this later, but I think he wanted some space. He kept gazing on that pendant like it held all the answers of the universe.

After settling into my room that night, I was surprised to find myself dreaming two nights in a row. All I remembered was hitting the hay after a long, exhausting day. The next I was looking up at Rhea under the pouring rain. I knew I was dreaming then because instead of the rushing power of the water, I felt only the hot seething rage build in my chest and the prickling hurt that hits my eyes.

"Are you satisfied?!" I yelled, "You were right, we were wrong, I was wrong. Are you happy knowing everything is going exactly as you said!"

"Albus…"

"Don't! Just... don't." I didn't want to hear her excuses. Deep down, I knew she wasn't responsible but I didn't want to hear more of her brand of divination. With a bitter chuckle, I realized that the seductive words of fate are what got me into this mess in the first place. "This was something I sowed and reaped, ignoring every warning sign my head supplied, from you and Aberforth even, living in blissful ignorance from believing in his cause, believing in him."

"Albus, wait!" she walked down the steps of her porch, into the rain, and facing me. Her hands held both my cheeks, making my breath stuttered. "You don't have to do this."

I couldn't hold back the harsh laugh, "That's the thing, isn't it? If not me, then who will?" I took a step back and it feels like wrenching myself from her touch. "It's like you said, a broken oath will lead me to lose my loved one. I've set myself up for this future, It never crossed my mind that it'll be with my own hands… but you knew that, didn't you?"

Rhea flinched, "Albus, please, don't go…"

I shook my head and took another step, "It's too late, Rhea. I've called for a duel, there's no turning back."

"Albus, you're not listening—"

"It's him or the world. I've," I choked before bracing myself, "I've made my choice. He has to be stopped."

"Albus, Albus, listen, you're going to regret this, please!"

I turned my back on her, and the scenery changed into a beach. With the sun barely on the horizon, walls of rock on one side and the furling waves on the other. My wand out, pointing at the opponent in front of me. Both of us heaving in exhaustion from the countless spells we threw at each other. The roaring wind did not deafen our cries. I was standing between my brother and opponent, not sure whether I was shielding Aberforth or covering for him.

"Gellert, please, don't make me do this." I pleaded, practically begging him to stop.

"You made your choice, Albus. You chose the muggles over the Greater Good. Over a life of freedom. Over us."

"We cannot do this. Your plans aren't a life of freedom for us, Gellert. It's a life of oppression for muggles. We are blessed with more power, yes, but that's why it's all the more important to be held accountable for how we use it to preserve the peace of wizards and muggles. How do you expect reform by spreading more hatred against each other?"

"They should have expected the consequences when those mudbloods slaughtered us into non-existence, used and threw us away after forcing us to play their games just because we have more power, for being the superior race. We deserve justice. They deserve to have everything burn to the ground."

"Through more bloodshed? More violence? You're just repeating history, Gellert. What you're asking isn't equality, it's revenge! If you fail—"

"I will not fail!" he roared.

"If you fail then there'll truly be no haven for wizards anymore. We will lose everything once you expose us to the world."

"So you think it's better to live in a society built under the muggles' boots? Cowering and hiding all our lives to survive? Like your miserable little sister."

Aberforth stepped forth, looking ready to set aside his wand to punch him on the face, "Don't bring Aria into this!"

"Abe…" I held out a hand to hold him back, never taking my eyes off Gellert.

"I've told you it's no use talking to him, Brother," I heard Aberforth say, "Kill him! It's the only way to stop this madness."

"He's right, Albus. Try stopping me if you can, I dare you! I bet you don't have the guts."

"Kill him, Brother!"

"Do it, Albus!"

"Brother!"

"Albus!"

I gritted my teeth as everything was turning into a blur. The voices of my brother and my beloved, my throbbing mind and my racing heart threatened to split me apart. Rhea's prophecy was ringing in the back of my head and with a roar, I shouted my spell at the same time as Gellert. Flash of green light igniting the tip of our wands.

"Avada kedav—!"

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

A desperate, high pitching cry was like a dagger being thrust in me before a burst of power knocked both of us over. I opened my eyes, looking up at the ceiling of my dorm, and realized I've fallen off the bed after one exciting dream. At least it was better than having nightmares.

Sophia cooed, and I turned to find her perch at the clock, showing the time that's way past breakfast and into the first period.

"Oh, shite— why did no one wake me up?!'

I made a quick change and brushed my teeth before trotting fast to McG's class. Still, the dream gives me a lot of things to think about all the while. From the fact that Dumbledore has a brother that no one ever talks about, to the curious "Gellert" he cared so much. I mean, they've got some serious Obi-Anakin vibe going on.

I burst into the class, Professor McGonagall was usually not impressed by my last-minute arrival, but there were fewer creases between her brows. Looks like she might give me a bit more leeway today out of consideration.

"For today's lesson, we will be reviewing more about the step-by-step rituals of becoming an animagi—"

She barely finished her sentence before the door to the class abruptly pushed open. The rest of us instinctively turned to the latest arrival but none was prepared to witness Remus coming to class in disarray. He had twigs and leaves sticking out of his hair. There was some dirt coloring one of his cheeks. His shirt was buttoned up wrongly and his collar wasn't even down while his tie hanged loosely around his neck, but what got us gawking was the checkered boxers he had been flashing.

"I know what this looks like... but I can explain…" Remus trailed off, but no one seemed to care what he had to say, too busy laughing their heads off.

Professor McGonagall sighed, but she was oddly unsurprised by this turn of events. "Mister Lupin, while I commend your effort to be on time, I would prefer you'd dress for the occasion." She made a pointed look at his pants-less legs and it'd seem not even Remus realized how bad he looked until he followed her gaze and his whole face flushed.

McGonagall gently ushered alongside him back to the Gryffindor Tower, leaving 20 or so students to their devices. I don't know what the others were talking for the rest of the time, but I turned to Lily who still had her eyes on the door. "So what do you think that was about?"

"Don't know. He probably did something stupid," she answered, "I'm just glad Sev isn't here or he'd have a million and one questions."

"Alright peeps, listen up!" Both of us turned, and James and Sirius were sitting at McGonagall's desk, their faces full of mischief that they were ready to cook. "Put your books away because today we're going to learn something because let's face it, who here actually did their homework, am I right, Sirius?"

He snorted, "I don't even know where I put my quill."

"So I'm going to teach you losers something worth learning, namely the identity of the Copper Cauldron Klepto. As we, the Celtic Letter Coalition shall give you our findings of the truth we uncover from the rigorous investigation of what kind person would steal all of Hogwarts' cauldrons and spread it around the castle like some sick and twisted scavenger game."

As James and Sirius began putting frameworks and diagrams to explain their finding to the point it sounded like a conspiracy theory, I nudged at Lily, "Weren't they the one who sneaked out all the cauldrons around the school?"

She shook her head, but more of exasperation instead of denial, "I gave up understanding what's inside those boys' brains."

Later that evening, I heard from Lils that Remus was absent throughout the day. But there was no room for pity as dinner that day was a riot as Sirius and James came to the Great Hall, flashing their underwear as if they were the next Top's Models without a shred of shame (Peter was there too, but he ducked behind them). Highlighted by McG's shrill reprimand for their uncouth conduct that forced them to have dinner during their detention.

Hogwarts… never a boring day.

AN:

"I was not going to die over a rock, Lils!" Sev voiced cracked, "That's where I draw the bloody line." If there's a hall of famous quote reserved for me, make sure to put this line on a golden plaque.

Also, I am disappointed with all of you. After all the lovely and sincere reviews I received from you, not a single ONE of you notice A Very Potter Musical I've referenced in the title of my two previous chapters. Shame on you! Tell me someone here has at least watch Draco literally slithering on the floor, Quirell and Voldemort pinning on each other, and Dumbledore being an absolute gay to Zac Efron. The Remus scene was inspired for there, COME ON GUYS!

Joking aside, I finally got myself an internship so I may not update this fic as often as I want. I'll try my best so wish me luck.

Now it's time for the QRA where I answer your questions and thank your luvs.

Stijnbus: I knew you'll like it, it's one of my proudest chapters. And yes, I did look it up which is how I know it's a free game on how I go about it. Also, I'll admit that your joke last time doesn't make much sense to me.

aarna rastogi: Thank you so much for the kind words and luvs. I'll check up on your fic as soon as I could since it's the weekend.

DramaticClassClown1230: Thank you, wish me luck on my future story then.

Astra03: Coral is a sass child, he doesn't know greatness when he sees it and thinks everyone is fair game. Thank you for the luv!

FolkLuz21: Okay, two reviews. Whoa, a lot to respond. Here we go...

First, no worries. You should always review and read my fic in your own time. No rush from me. Hope your exam went well. Though I admit, I got a little worried if you haven't gotten a notification for it. I stand by a motto while writing the Marauders, which is "How to make them an ass but still fun for me to read." Yes, yes, I know you adopted the kids, you can have them once I finish my story. for now, I'm working their butt off.

I'm so glad you love my last chapter so much. To be frank, I knew you would. *smugly smirk* You and everyone do seem to love Coral. And same, I've always wanted a chance to have Percy BE in the Lake. Now we both get what we want. And the reference you might be wondering might be this:

A: If you're from Africa, why are you white?

B: OmG, you can't just ask people why they're white!

I follow a theme. Since we got Dementors in book three, we're getting Dementors in Act Three. I'm glad you love how I use the runes, me and my beta work together to make it that way with that reference in mind actually.

Cory will live for eternity!

Thank you so much for the luvs as always. It brights my day/

Espero que les guste este capítulo. Por cierto, obtuve un negativo en mi prueba corona. So all I have to is to keep myself that way. Tómese su tiempo para revisar y no se apresure. We all know late is better than never. I'm glad to know what you're learning. I hope you already know what you have in mind for your future. Though a few corrections on your Indonesian XD It's "bebas" that means you have time, instead of "gratis" that means no cost. And "dipukul" instead of "memukul." afew other error from google but other than that, you're fine.

Semoga ujian berjalan lancar. Sudah semiggu aku magang di start-up media. I can feel it's been long since I went regularly outside. Aku baik-baik saja, untungnya. Dan iya, kamu selalu bilang aku penulis yang luar biasa. Selalu terima kasih atas pujiannya. Looking forward to your next review, sampai jumpa!

SandaKagami: Percy Theory... LOL... still not as catchy as Jackson Effect but I'll consider your wisdom once I reach Valentine Chapter. Spoiler alert: that's when Damalene Ship will start building. I only had Percy talked with Lexus, the leader of the Unicorn pack, but the vain biker persona can be made if there's a chance for Percy to talk with the other unicorns in the future.

123wwww: Thank you so much for the luv, so to you I response

A review a day

of love and joy from my hand

Isn't it a blessing? :)

snowsTorm18000: A lot of people love Coral and his sass but does no one appreciate Zea and having to put up with him 24/7? I'm glad Percy/Sev still gives an ideal friendship to my readers, which is feel so bad when I'll one day break it to pieces. Also, Percy can talk to horses and has a horse, and yet he never had a classic "Knight in shining armor" entrance. Dude deserves that. Thank you so much for the luvs :)

CalRedEss: Thank you. I'm happy you're loving it, it's one of my best works. Apparently, everybody loves Coral.

Patolemus: Ah, so that's why everybody loves Coral. Apparently, he's relatable. Then tension continues to rise as to how the Trio will stop the onslaught of Dementors being made like a plague. Give Percy a break, he can't help being a disappointment. I'm jk wkwkwkw. Percy with his unicorn, Regulus with his fairy, "BEHOLD! The most terrifying Dark Wizards to be walking on Hogwarts!" I forgot whether it's in Scotland or Ireland, but apparently you stay away from Fairy Rings if you ever find one. Severus may confront Percy, but not today and not any time soon so you'll just have to buckle your seatbelt.

The problem they have is currently the Greek World is trying to mesh with the mortals instead of vice versa. also, you want more drama, bet you like this chapter then because it's a bucket full of it.

Alright, about Damien. Just because You're going to love him, doesn't mean I won't make you hate him again. It's called emotional twist. Second, Marlene's fate is intertwined with Damien, in some way. Third, I did say I only give one spoiler, I never said it answered ALL your questions. wkwkwkwk now SUFFER!

Anyway, thank you so much for the luv and hoe you'll keep enjoying my story.

zoomingaway: The hastags are adorable! Finally, someone who equally appreciates Zea as well as Coral. I wanted to do an accent on the selkies, but sadly, I can't do accents. "You've got no legs" WKWKWKWK it's funny because it's true. Come on, it's called the Dementor's KISS, no way I wasn't going to remind it about consent.

Typos are the worst...

Hagrid is the lord of NOPES! Not even the Centaurs want to mess with them. Percy deserved a "Knight in shining armor" entrance, complete with a white stallion and a sword in the air. Don't worry, I don't find numerous reviews boring. I love them actually. And as you've must have read this chapter, yes, you're half-right about Grindelwald. Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for the luvs! I look forward to what you have to say next.

scl04: Of course there are still questions, the solution was already laid out so it's only a matter for the Trio to notice. Rhea doesn't hang out much with her grandson, so any excuse she has given the chance, she'll take it. Severus won't complain, but he won't forget either. he'll get his answers even if it's the last thing he does. You review this time is "Long Ass" enough. Thank you so much for the luv, and I hope you like this chap.