Chapter 21

Ron

I knew it was coming but that didn't make it any less frustrating. I was hoping to get some warm up time in before tryouts as I had not been on my broom since, well, ever. It was a new one mom got for me when I made Prefect. I wasn't familiar at all with how it handled, or its acceleration or overall performance, but Hermione pointed out that we had spent the week in the American House and neglected the first years to the care of the Head Boy and Girl as well as the 6th year prefects. I promised her that until tryout time I would join her in the common room just in case any first years didn't have it figured out by now where to go and what to take with them. From all reports they were doing well so I figured it was a waste of time, and it turned out it was.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. After practice last night we made our way the pitch. Leo had his aerial servants look it over, measure it and what not. I couldn't see any of this, because, well, his aerial servants are invisible. On the way back McGonagall was waiting at the door to deduct points from both us and the Americans. She particularly tore into me, pointing out that as a Prefect I was to ensure students weren't breaking curfew rather than assisting them. Percy tried to explain that they needed the measurements of the pitch, but she didn't care and when he got a little cheeky about how as an American he couldn't be expected to know what the measurements were, she deducted more from him and told him that was what libraries were for. It was becoming clear that neither Percy nor any of the other Americans cared about the House Cup and were mainly interested in fighting and having fun. That is when I decided that Fred and George should be in the next group to join us.

We would be training most of the weekend. Neville would travel with his grandmother Saturday afternoon by apparation to visit his parents as he did once a month, every month, but even he would be gone for only the afternoon. The training was tougher than anything we had done so far at Hogwarts, Annabeth was a sweetheart, but a drill instructor from hell. Frank sat in the corner and scared everyone, and from what they were saying he would soon be taking over when it came time to learn moving on the battlefield as a unit. Still, even though it was much more difficult, it felt like we were actually doing something to prepare us for the fights we knew were coming.

Of course at breakfast I got an earful from Hermione, as well as the other prefects about the importance of every point in the House Cup, the great honor of being a Prefect and how I was supposed to set a good example to upcoming students, not the deplorable one that I had been. It got so bad that Piper came to my defense.

"Look, we needed the pitch measurements to prepare our team and he was doing us a favor by helping the guys get them. You can understand that can't you?"

As she said this, all but Hermione looked to be following her.

"And really, that makes Ron an awesome Prefect because he is so helpful to your guests, doesn't it?"

"Yes, uhm, yes, it does" They all mumbled, except Hermione.

"So, You really should pat him on the back, not worry about the points, and just enjoy this marvelous breakfast, right?"

"Absolutely!" One of them said. "Great job Ron, keep up the good work." With that they all went to the end of the table and sat down.

Except Hermione of course. Once they were out of earshot she promptly asked Piper "How did you do that? That thing with your voice?"

"Oh, it just comes naturally." She smiled. "but I try not to use it unless necessary, and I won't use it at all on friends. That's why I didn't speak to you. Hope you understand."

"But they were right, Ron should not have"

"Just being right doesn't give one the authority to give everyone a headache while you pretentiously berate my friend for doing something to help me. I'm more loyal than that. You are too. Now come on, its getting cold." She smiled.

It was unclear if she meant the tone of the conversation or breakfast, but Hermione sat and gave that blank look she has when she's thinking, then said, "You're absolutely right. I, should have stood up for you Ron, I'm sorry. That was stupid of me."

"We can't all be Percy" Will said.

"What do you mean?" Hermione asked.

Will was busy chewing, and continued to do so. When he swallowed, he reached for his coffee, had a sip, and said "Last year both Apollo and Hera warned Percy that his loyalty to his friends was so absolute that it was his weakness. And its true, Percy would do anything he could to help anyone of us, up to and including dying. And so" He said as he took another bite, chewed then swallowed before continuing, "any of us would for him as well. Thats the mark of a great leader. Or one of them anyway, a willingness to accept personal sacrifice."

"Where is Percy anyway?" Hazel asked.

"Up in the mansion demonstrating his loyalty to Annabeth I suspect" Leo said with a sly grin.

Just then they both walked in and joined us and all the girls blushed while the guys snickered.

"Whats up guys?" Annabeth smiled.

"Uh, we were just talking about uh..."

"About how loyal Percy is. I was getting on Ron about being caught out last night, which was stupid of me, and Piper pointed out that I really should be taking up for him with the other prefects. Anyway, all was forgiven and Will said we couldn't all be as loyal as Percy, then told us all about, uh, well, his loyalty." Hermione said, saving the day for all of us.

"I never said all was forgiven" I grinned.

"Shut up Ronald!" Herminone answered.

"He is. Its true, its one of the things I love most about him." Annabeth smiled while Percy blushed.

"Not the only thing." Leo snickered.

"What?" Both Annabeth and Percy asked, clearly confused.

"Its, well, he's such a great guy is what Leo means." Piper said.

"Oh. Well. Uh, thanks Leo, back at cha'" Percy said while everyone giggled.

"What is going on?" Annabeth demanded.

"We'll talk later" Hazel said with a smile, effectively ending the conversation.

All through breakfast Annabeth looked around us as if searching for clues, and Percy just seemed confused. It was as awkward of a time as we had as a group so far and I don't think anyone liked it.

"Is it just me or is everyone grumpy today?" Will asked.

"Yeah, its like there is something in the air just making me edgy." Harry said.

"Its probably because we got our poltergeist back. When you are first around them they can make you irritable." Nico said.

"Peeves? Where has Peeves been?" I asked.

Nico put down the paper he was reading, looked around to make sure no one outside our group was nearby, and said, "Well for the last few days he's been taking up residence inside the brain of Delores Umbridge." He laughed hysterically and it would have been super creepy except after a moments thought, we all laughed too.

"So that's why..."

"Well that, and I had every other ghost in the castle dropping by all night to remind her that she must not tell lies." With this Harry was practically rolling in the floor.

"See, most of the ghosts here are garden variety, they can jump out and startle you, move around in pictures, even hide your things or talk to you, but a poltergeist, well, they're special. They can actually possess you, or in this case at my request, partially possess you, which is really worse as our girl Delores knew what she was doing, but could not stop and did not know why. She'll be fine. In a few months. Or a year." He grinned.

"That's horrible!" Hermione said, then grinned, "Thank you very much! Now if the next teacher will teach us, plus you teach us, well, we will be in great shape won't we?"

"Yes. We have three squads now, one at about probitio level. You mentioned bringing others in, I'm thinking next week we could start them. Annabeth drill them a couple nights, Jason a couple and finally Frank two as well. A six night rotation between individual, small group and large group work. Frank and I have been doing that at Jupiter all summer and it has worked well. Of course, only if Hazel thinks we're ready." Reyna said. "Plus every night all of you work on small arms combat for an hour or so, before Percy, Jason, Frank and I work with you on more advanced combat and field skills."

"If we add another, what? Class? I would suggest my brothers Fred and George. They're already committed to join the order when they turn 17, very loyal to Dumbledore and Harry, well, and all of us really, and I think they would fit in. I was thinking about that last night when McGonagall busted us."

"If Annabeth, Jason and Frank think so I would certainly approve. I just don't want to stretch them too thin." Hazel said. "And you guys need to work out who is teaching spells."

"Harry" Hermione said instantly.

"Hermione" Harry and I said immediately there after.

"Come on, you know more spells than anyone. I mean, Harry fights with them more, but you actually know more." I continued.

"Hermione it is." Hazel said. "You need to teach offensive and defensive spells, say one hour three nights a week, every other night, at least until we know what we're getting with the new instructor. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help. I bet Dumbledore would be glad to suggest spells for us and their uses. He'll probably make you go look them up!" Hazel laughed. "So Fred and George, who else?"

"Well, I think Luna. She and her father are fiercely loyal to Harry, but she'll need to know not to publish what we do."

"Talk to her Ginny. Make sure she can keep a secret." Harry said. "But yeah, she's weird but she already knows about the, what do you call it? Leodis?"

"Who else? Five is a good sized squad. Oh, and just a suggestion, if war comes, and I think we all expect it, we may have to work independently for long periods, in other words, no logistics like we have now supplying our every need. Percy and Annabeth literally went through hell with a ink pen and a piece of bone. Percy, Hazel and I went to Alaska with hardly any support, an incoherent harpie and a row boat. And Piper, Jason and Leo fought a Titan, if I understand correctly, with a stolen helicopter that none of them were licensed to fly. You can be faced with insurmountable challenges by the circumstances you're in, but you have to overcome them. In addition to individual combat skills, small group and large group fighting, you guys need to learn survival skills. I think it would be good for Reyna and Will to teach that an hour or so a week. Oh, and in small group, you need to learn both wilderness and urban warfare, as well as ambushes in both. Wow, there is a lot for you to learn." Frank said.

Reyna and Will agreed to teach, but demanded that some of the folks with more hands on survival experience be prepared to guest lecture. Will agreed to put together a wizards survival kit with Reyna volunteering to assist, and even Hazel asked if she could contribute as well.

"How about Cho and Seamus?" Harry asked, getting us back on point.

"Uh, I think Seamus has been reading the Daily Prophet all summer Harry. He was telling us on the train he's not sure you really fought Voldemort last year. His parents almost didn't let him go back to school if you were going to be here. Cho is okay though. She's probably looking for revenge for Cedric anyway."

"Seamus will come around. He always has. He's just one of those guys who has to see things for himself."

"Okay, Harry, you talk to this Seamus kid. Which one is he anyway?" Hazel asked.

"Short Irish guy, rooms with me and Harry, and has since first year. He's always been loyal to Harry until now." I said.

"Well, there is tentatively our five."Hazel said. "So tell us Ron, why are you so certain your brothers will fit in with us.?"

"They laugh at everything, like to break stuff, and are good at making things explode."

"Men after my own heart!" Leo said.

Without Defense against the Dark Arts it was as though the day just flew by and before I knew it I was spending the promised hour in the commons room with Hermione helping first years who neither wanted nor needed much help. I started being the one who escorted perspective Quidditch players into the Leodis. Leo had not only built a practice pitch, but also framed up stands so the players would have barriers to run into in case they over shot the field. There were only a few rows of seats, but it was better than playing on an open field where everyone would argue about who crossed the boundary lines.

I was trying out for Keeper, but as it turned out so was Cormac McLaggen. I had been Keeper the previous year, I thought fairly successfully so I was surprised and made somewhat nervous at this development. McLaggen was quite athletic, in fact I suggested that he had more of a build to be a beater, but he seemed confident he could win the position. He even had the nerve to ask if afterwards I would introduce him to Hermione as he wanted to ask her to the Formal next Friday, but I told him she already had a date. I didn't mention it was me.

I was putting on my gear in the stands, I had enough of waiting in the common room and my time was almost up, when Reyna and Neville stopped by and she asked if I could explain the game to her. I really didn't have time, and thought that Neville could, but she was such a wonderful friend how could I say no?

I told her the basics, the positions, how it is played, the scoring, all that. When I told her I was the Keeper last year, but had competition trying out for it this year, she said that certainly I would get it again, what with Harry being my friend and all.

"Harry knows that if I didn't earn it, I wouldn't want it." I smiled, not sure I believed that, but it felt right to say.

Just then Harry called up those trying out for Keeper and I stood up to fly over. As I rose, Reyna took my hand, said something like "Good Luck, may the force be with you" and I felt a sudden wave of warmth come over me.

"Ron, of all our students, you most need to believe. Believe in yourself and the power within you. We will be with you, and you cannot be defeated." I heard Reyna's voice, but only in my head. She stared at me, but her lips weren't moving. The warmth washed over me again, and I knew I couldn't lose. I don't know why, but I was confident that McLaggen couldn't beat me."

Ginny and Katie Bell attacked with a vengeance, and they had always been good, but I could do no wrong. Finally with our scores tied McLaggen missed, wildly, and Katie Bell came at me full speed. It didn't matter. I knew she was going for the left goal no matter how much she charged the center. As she drew back to release, I shifted goals and easily deflected her shot.

The celebration was muted, only Hermione cheered, but as I looked over to the seating I saw that beside her was Reyna, who in her own, reserved way, was smiling at me while politely clapping. I decided, as I had not had a chance to really fly on my new broom, to take a victory lap as fast as I could go around the pitch, and as I did, Ginny, Katie, Harry and the rest of our team for the year joined in.

After that we met in the center, a hundred yards up in the air. Harry congratulated everyone and told them that practices would be in the Leodis. We would set a schedule after consulting with Jennifer and Leo. Harry then excused the folks that were not in the DA so that we could get to training. I looked over to the training area and saw Percy and Annabeth talking to Hazel. Annabeth put her face in her hands like she was crying, Percy tried to comfort her, as did Hazel, but she got up and ran away.

No way this was a good thing.

By the time I changed and got to the table the mood was somber. No one was talking and everyone was feeling guilty. Percy was off to one side, staring into the distance and whenever one of the Americans tried to talk to him he would brush them off, saying "Not now."

We all just sort of sat around for a few minutes, no one knowing what was going on, or if anyone did they weren't sharing, when Annabeth came marching back. She was dressed as some kind of ancient warrior, like out of the movies, Roman or Greek, I wouldn't know, but she was carrying a sword that wasn't like the practice ones I had seen her use before. This was gold, completely except for veins of black and silver intertwined throughout it, and shaped like a big, angry leaf. I knew from her discussion the other night it was a gladius. Her face was covered by a helmet that came down and covered her nose, and had red hair hanging loosely from the top that mixed in with her blond hair. Honestly if it wasn't for the hair I might not have recognized her. Jennifer walked with her, her face as serious as I had seen.

"Small arms drills. Who is ready?" She commanded, her voice loud and sure.

No one moved to accept the challenge, but we all looked at each other nervously.

"Come on! First one to beat me, Percy will tell you about our sex life. But to beat me, you have to kill me. Who's up first?"

"What?" Jason asked.

"Our sex life. This morning you were all laughing as if you knew all about it, I thought you might want to hear the truth. All you have to do is beat me. You ready? " She said, pointing her sword first at Jason, then at Leo.

"No, come on, we were just, well just giggling a little bit." Frank said.

"Yes, every one of you guys were. And until Hazel told me why I had no idea. Well here's the deal boys. My mother is the goddess of wisdom. Do you think Percy and I are stupid enough to have a sex life at our age? Yes, we are staying together. We promised each other that, especially after the last time he nearly died helping people here. I nearly lost him at the Battle of Necromanteion, and at Tartarus, and to Jupiter, and at Half Blood, and three or four times at the Battle of Olympus, on the plains of Greece and the underground of Rome... and a dozen other times since we fell in love. Hera herself tore us apart for the better part of a year and our parents hate each other. We are never, ever going to be apart again. So if you, my friends, want to join the rest of the world and want to laugh like a bunch of immature fourth graders, well, I'm just not going to put up with it. Now, who wants to know bad enough to fight for it?"

No one moved. I was afraid to breath. I mean, no one meant to hurt anyone's feelings, it was just one of those stupid things you do and..

"We get it. You're right. We're, well, we're sorry." Leo finally said.

"You should be. Its hard enough being one of the people at this table without your friends letting you down!" she shouted, then stabbed the sword into the side of the tree, burying it deep, nearly to the hilt. She then turned and walked away, saying softly, "Frank, you have class tonight."

Percy looked us over with a stare that said either "Fuck you guys" or "Thanks a lot assholes" and turned to follow her. He stopped, turned, and said "It will be better tomorrow, Annabeth is hurt right now, but her soul is filled with forgiveness."

Instead of class we just talked. We all felt about an inch tall. Being a teenager is hard enough. Being a teenager who is hunted by an army of darkness is even tougher, and being a teenager that has been fighting armies like that all her life and watching her boyfriend nearly die every few weeks as near as anyone could tell, has to totally suck. And the only way to get through teenage years like that is if you have a group of friends who always have your back. We had failed Percy and Annabeth. And we were wrong. The only laughter that night was when Hermione was looking at the sword in the tree and said "Whom ever can pull that out is the rightful King of England."

It didn't feel right sleeping in our rooms in the Leodis, so all of us except Ginny and Neville stayed in the tower. It was kind of nice getting back to our old beds, although both of us agreed that Ginny was right about sleeping in a bed made for the gods. It did give us a chance to talk to Seamus, and he had been wondering why were were spending all our time "down there" as he called it. He still wasn't convinced that Voldemort was back, but he wouldn't call Harry a liar either as he did believe the death eaters were rising again. It was clear he spent the summer getting pressure from his parents to cut ties with Harry and just go with the flow. I don't know that I could blame them. None of us were guaranteed to survive what all of us, Seamus included, felt was coming. In the end, he agreed to the secret training as the school hadn't taught us anything since Lupin left, and it felt like a great way to flaunt the rules.

I didn't have the heart to tell him we had yet to break any rules other than measuring the pitch after curfew.

It was late when we got done talking, but tomorrow was a day we could sleep in. We finally fell asleep, but just a few minutes later, Harry woke us up screaming.