Veritas
Part One: Dawning Along the Horizon
Chapter Eleven - New Beginnings
Percy stared at the girl in front of him. She could not be older than Jason. She did not have any hair on her head. He could not understand what was going on. He realized that the machines in the room were working. How was that possible? Did not Jason turn off the power? The pod had its own power source. Or rather, it was running under something else. Percy did not know what it was. All he knew was that he had to get the girl out of the pod.
"What do you mean you found her?" whispered Jason breathlessly on the line. "What do you mean, Percy?"
"Never mind that right now. Just be quiet," ordered Percy. He looked at the pod, wondering how it could be still running. He understood now why Jason said that EVE could work as fast a human brain. Because she was human. Percy pulled off his jacket and rolled up his sleeves. He looked around the pod. There had to be a latch of some kind. Something to open the pod. The lights started to come on in succession again. "Alohomora," whispered Percy, quenching the sense of panic within him.
The latch of the pod popped open, but the fluid from inside the chamber was flooding out. Percy reached for the girl because she was still suspended inside. He noticed that there was a cable attaching her to the machine. It looked as if someone had drilled a hole into the back of her skull to do it. Percy wondered if she was even alive. After a moment, he noticed that she was breathing very faintly. "…help…me…" she gasped. "…help…me…" She reached out her hand, which Percy instinctively took. She grasped it tightly.
"Percy, what's going on? Who is that?" whispered Jason.
"It's Eve," said Percy finally. "She's not a computer at all. She's a human being." He could feel his stomach twist at the thought of what kind of human being was capable of doing this to another living creature. "She's got a tube that's attached to the back of her skull. Jason, can you figure out how I can get her out without killing her?"
There was a long pause. "Jason?"
"I don't know," muttered Jason. "I've never heard of anything like this before."
The girl stirred; her eyes opened. In the dimness, Percy could see that her eyes were a very dark brown, almost doe-like. "I'm here to help you," whispered Percy.
"I knew you would, Omega," said the girl.
"I have to figure out how to get you out though," said Percy. "You wouldn't know how to take out the tubes, would you?"
She looked rather confused because she had just woken up. "It's a plug. There's part that can be twisted it off. Turn it counterclockwise and pull it out. It doesn't hurt me," she whispered. "Please…we have to get out before they figure out what's happened. Omega, please."
Percy reached up behind her head and twisted the plug; he withdrew it from her head. "Can you move?" he asked in a harsh whisper. She shook her head. Percy supported her as he moved her down. "Accio," he whispered, summoning his jacket to him. He did not care that she was a Muggle. He could just wipe away her memory later. He wrapped the jacket around her. "I'll carry you. Jason, what's the way out of here?"
"The duct is that way. On the right side of the room, next to the control panel. It will lead to the sewer," said the girl in a quiet voice. "I couldn't get out before. They were around. And they put me inside. Please hurry." Her voice was trembling. Percy was carrying her in his arms. He laid her down on her back and zipped up the front of his jacket to properly cover her. He picked her up again quickly and draped her on his back. Her arms dangling over his shoulders. "It's easier this way," he said. "We've got to go before they get down." He could not risk making a portkey; not with the condition she was currently in.
"Percy, I can see the guards. They're getting on the elevators. They'll be down there before we know it," said Jason. "There's also a group of them taking the stairs."
"Stall the ones in the lifts. Can't you break into the security system and shut down the bloody things? What kind of hacker are you?" hissed Percy as he moved towards the duct. He was having a little trouble concentrating.
"Give me a sec," muttered Jason.
"Omega," whispered the girl softly; her voice was enough to focus Percy's attention. "I knew you would come." She had regained some strength in her arms. She hung on tightly, comforting Percy's nerves. He was now in front of the duct. He had to get the screws out of the vent, but there was no time. He took out his wand and concentrated. Without saying a spell, the vent blasted open. It was more than large enough to fit two people inside, even someone carrying another. Percy walked inside. He pointed his wand at the damage and whispered, "Reparo." The vent was repaired, so it would appear that they did not go through it.
"Okay, I've gone into the maintenance controls. It's the other way to shut down the elevators just in case they're doing repairs," said Jason. "By the way, the failure to the power grid is causing Muggle authorities to go into full force."
"Get out of the system and wipe everything clean," ordered Percy. "We're in the sewer now. There's only one direction to go. We'll keep going until were a good mile or so away from the building. Radio silence now." He was about to yank the ear piece out of his ear, but the girl had grabbed it for him. "Thanks," he told her. She did not say anything.
Percy continued down the sewer. It was surprisingly wide. It did not smell very good, but he was too concerned with the girl to care. He could hear her breathing steadily. It was enough to keep him going. She was the reason he was there, so she was the reason he needed to keep going. Percy continued through the pipes. He could see slots that showed the night sky above them.
"I'm sorry about the smell," he muttered about half an hour later. He felt her shake her head. "It's all right. It's the first time I've ever been outside…or out of there," she said. Percy did not say anything about that, but gave it much thought.
Percy figured that she was a captive of the Fortress, but he did not know why. Furthermore, he did not know what was going to happen to her after all this. Was he really rescuing her? He did not want to even think about what was going to happen to her. He kept his mouth closed again. He kept going and going until he felt that they were far enough out because they had reached the edge of a little lake.
Percy blasted the passage over and sealed it just as they got through. He was exhausted, perspiring, and reeking of the sewer. This was not something he had signed up for when he joined the Veritas. Of course, Percy knew he was not in the Veritas for the glamour of it. He felt like his knees were going to give out, despite how light she was on his back.
"You're tired. Just rest. I can move on my own now. I think," she told him quietly. Percy set her down to the ground. He collapsed next to her; he was not physical prepared for the endurance this required. Percy was used to doing more magic. He had the endurance for that.
Percy felt dirty and tired. He wanted nothing more but a long, hot bath to sterilize himself. He glanced at her. She looked Eurasian in descent. With Percy's jacket wrapped around her, she looked even smaller than before. It was a big jacket, lined with many pockets. She did not have anything else on.
"How old are you?" asked Percy out loud.
"Sixteen," whispered the girl. She was trying to keep herself covered up, but at the same time she looked curiously around her. She forgot all decency when she touched the grass. Percy looked away out of modesty for her. "I've never been outside before. The air is so different," she whispered. She looked up at the sky. "I have never seen the stars before, even though I learned about the constellations."
"Who are you?" asked Percy finally without looking at her.
"They just call me Eve," whispered the girl. "I don't really have a name."
"What are you, Eve?" whispered Percy as he leaned in closer to her face. "Are you even human?"
"Barely," she whispered as she looked into his eyes. They were painfully sad, but at the same time there was a spark of defiance in them.
"How did you know where to find me? Why me?" demanded Percy.
"Because," whispered Eve. "Because…I don't know. You were the one that I wanted to come and find me."
Percy looked away again. "We cannot stay here long just in case the people who were holding you are looking around. We must go. Climb on my back," he said crouching down.
"I think I can walk now," said Eve.
"No, I'll carry you. It will be faster that way," said Percy. Eve did not argue with him; she climbed onto his back, locking her arms in front. Percy stood up and started to walk, but this time slower than before. He had some distance between them and the Fortress. He still had no idea how he was going to get out of there. He had given Jason his cell phone, so he could not just call for a cab, and furthermore with the condition that Eve was in, he did not want anyone else seeing her just yet.
Besides, Percy had a feeling that he only wanted Veritas members to see her. She was not as weak as before. Perhaps, she was ready to travel via Portkey. It dawned on Percy that he had broken numerous magical laws during the course of the evening. He did not have the detector for magical energy signals on him, but he had a feeling that she was really a Muggle through and through. He had practiced magic in front of her. Eve had not questioned what he was doing, or even acted amazed. If she was, she did not voice it. Percy wanted to laugh out loud at that moment; in one night he had broken more rules than Fred and George could have ever imagined.
"Hang on," he said as he put her back down again. Eve looked at him with curiosity. "We have to get out of here faster and much further away from here." He still had his gun strapped to him and a belt that had a holder for his wand. He drew it out and took the ear piece and pointed his wand at it. "Portus." The ear piece started to tremble, glowing with a faint blue light, which was brighter because of the darkness. The ear piece was still again and the light faded away. Mentally adding another thing to his list of offenses, Percy sighed and relaxed a bit.
"Okay, I know that you've never done this before, but we haven't got much of a choice," said Percy. "Touch it," he instructed. Eve reached out and grabbed the plug in part of the wire. Percy held on to the ear piece itself and grabbed a hold of her hand. "Okay, on the count of three. One…two…three."
At the count of three, Percy felt the familiar pulling sensation that he felt whenever he used a Portkey. He felt his middle being sucked in, which was the reason why Percy disliked traveling by Portkey. He would normally close his eyes before the count was finished, but he kept his eyes open to look at Eve. She looked terrified, but it was over quickly.
They were now back in the hotel. Jason was not alone; he looked stricken as he stared at Percy. Percy looked at what made Jason so worried; Percy felt like his stomach was still being sucked in. Sidney Nelsen and Dennis Ahmed were standing in the room with grim looks on their faces.
Dennis was the first to break the awkward silence. "Omega," his voice sounded strained, "are you going to just stand there, or are you going to explain yourself?"
Percy paled so badly that his freckles showed up even more so. "I can explain this," he started.
"You sure as Hell better," said Sidney in a cold voice. "You have seriously broken not only wizarding laws, but protocol as well. But, you'd better explain it to Dennis. Come with me." The last part was addressed to Eve. Her hand was still gripping Percy's tightly. She looked at Percy for some reassurance.
"It's all right. Go with her," said Percy gently as he pulled his hand away. "Go on."
Sidney came up to her and placed her hand on her shoulder. Sidney asked, "Jason, do you have any extra clothes? That's all we've got right now." She could have conjured something, but decided against it; she was not about to do any magic in front of Eve.
"Yeah, she can borrow some of my clothes," said Jason. He was the only one whose size was close enough. He went to his suitcase and pulled out some clothes. "Umm…is that the only piece of clothing you've got?" he asked Eve, referring to Percy's jacket, which was still zipped up. It only came to her mid thigh. She nodded. "Oh," said Jason as his cheeks flushed.
Sidney walked with Eve to the bathroom. There was the sound of running water for a while. Percy opened his mouth to speak, but Dennis held up his hand to keep him quiet. Sidney came out of the bathroom and firmly shut the door behind her. "Well, what did you find out?" she asked immediately.
"I decided to wait for you," said Dennis as he turned his attention back to Percy. "Jason has told us what happened from his end."
"What are you two doing here?" Percy decided to risk asking.
"We came here because it was an emergency. It was decided a little too late to come over here. Did you know that the security breach was contained? After we couldn't reach you, we had to come here," said Sidney. "You should have gotten a room with a fireplace."
"It would have been easy to trace us if we put an unauthorized part of the Floo Powered Network," said Dennis calmly. "Anyway with the lock down, we couldn't reach anyone else. However, the concern was the unauthorized mission you decided to go on, Omega."
Percy sighed. He looked back and forth between Sidney and Dennis. He was less experienced than they were. Not only did he get himself into trouble, but he had dragged Jason down with him. Percy assumed his usual stoic expression as he looked at them again.
It was easier to explain what had happened, so Percy did just that. He did so without interruption. Dennis sat down calmly while Sidney paced around the room. When Percy had finished, his exhaustion caught up with him again and he sat down on his bed, not caring that his clothes were a mess.
"What happens now?" asked Percy.
"This is the first time that anything like this has ever happened," responded Dennis thoughtfully. "We've got a strange situation on our hands."
"We could just alter her memory and be done with it," said Sidney. "But, she's definitely in danger from those people. We can't in good conscious do that."
"No," disagreed Jason, joining in. "You can't. Not after what I found out about Project Oracle."
"What?" asked Percy. Jason straightened up. "I thought I told you to get out of the system."
"They told me to get back in," said Jason as he jerked his thumb at Sidney and Dennis. Percy glanced at them. "Project Oracle is EVE. That's the name of the project. It's secret, highly illegal, and potentially dangerous. She was created by the Muggles. She's really a person, but she was created by using Muggle techniques. You know all you need to make a human being are just two specialized cells."
Percy was not as well versed in Biology as Sidney and Dennis were, but he went along with their silence because they seemed to understand what was going on. He could just look up the information later. "Eve does not have any parents. No family. The information on that was never recorded. She has no past. They were using her as a way of predicting probability. On top of that, she was used to design scenarios for them, including things like assassinations and terrorist attacks. She is a genius with unprecedented abilities."
Dennis and Sidney glanced at each other. "She was the one who broke into our system, so that someone would get her out. But, why Percy?" asked Sidney.
"No idea. You'll have to ask her yourself," replied Jason with a shrug.
Dennis glanced at Percy. "Do you have any idea?" he asked.
"No, I really don't, Asmodeus," said Percy.
Sidney walked back to the bathroom door and knocked on it. "May I come in?" she asked as she pressed her ear against the door. She opened the door after a response. She walked into the bathroom.
"What are we going to do with her?" asked Percy quietly. "What will happen to her?"
"That will be for Alpha to decide," answered Dennis with a sigh. "By the way, Happy Birthday."
Percy looked at him with mild surprise.
Much later, after everyone was cleaned up and fed, Percy had to start packing up to leave. The hotel knew about Jason, but the staff most certainly did know about Sidney, Dennis, and Eve. It was decided that they would go back to England via Portkey. Percy and Jason would checkout of the hotel and go back to England a little later also by Portkey.
Either way, they had to keep their eyes and ears open for any news. There was loads of news about the power outage and reports about the break in at the Fortress, but the Muggle authorities were having no luck. The Fortress had reported that nothing was stolen, but that was a lie. They were not about to report Eve as stolen property. No doubt they would go looking for her by themselves. Percy was not worried though. He doubted that they could find the Veritas.
"So, today's your birthday?" asked Jason out loud once they outside the hotel.
"Yeah," said Percy. "I kind of forgot. I didn't really celebrate last year."
"You're no longer a teenager then, are you?" quipped Jason with a grin. "I guess this isn't exactly what you'd be doing for your birthday, if you were here."
"I don't know. It's only a day," said Percy with a shrug. He did not want to think about what his family was doing back home in his absence. He doubted that his mother regarded his birthday with the same callousness. "This is more important anyway."
"What will happen to me?"
"I already told you, Jason."
"That was before what happened last night."
"You're not the one in trouble. I am. Alpha is going to have my hide for this one."
"So, he's the head?"
"Yes. Everything will be fine for you. You were only following my orders, and you're not even a full member yet, so it's me who'll take responsibility for everything."
It was not enough to relieve Jason. He felt a little guilty about the whole thing. He did not want Percy to get into any trouble. He did not think it was fair because Percy was doing the right thing, no matter how wrong it seemed. "Tell me about your old school," said Jason quietly, wanting to change topics. "Since I'll probably be going there anyway. How are the teachers like? Is it hard there? What about the other students?"
Percy smiled and glanced at him. "I'll tell you all about it once we get back to England." They had reached the alleyway that Percy had apparated in when he first came to New York. He took out his wand and made a Portkey out of the newspaper they had bought earlier to check out what was going on. "Okay, on three. One…two…three."
Percy and Jason found themselves in the head offices of the Veritas that were located in London. He was looking at the people at the table. Sidney and Dennis were next to each other at one end with Eve. It was already afternoon in England. Hardly anyone had gotten any sleep in the past twenty-four hours. Percy had only slept for about three hours, but he was careful to hide his tiredness. At the head of the table was Lord Prometheus Wallace. He was regarding Percy with a calm gaze, which did nothing to ease Percy's nerves.
"Asmodeus and Aura have explained the situation, Omega," said Lord Wallace calmly. "Your actions were rash, reckless, and foolish."
Percy tried not to wince at each word. He looked straight into Lord Wallace's eyes, ignoring everyone else in the room. He had to hold his tongue; he could not interrupt Lord Wallace, if he had any hope of properly defending himself. Lord Wallace's voice did not sound very harsh nor angry. On the contrary, he sounded as kind and compassionate as ever, amplifying Percy's guilty.
"Furthermore, your actions could have led to the exposure of our cause," continued Lord Wallace. "However, they have proven to be very useful. Miss Eve will remain under the protection of the Veritas. You have successfully recruited Mister Quinn. I am going to show some mercy to you for today. However, you will be suspended from doing anymore missions, save the ones that you are currently on. Is that understood?"
Percy jerked his head in a nod. He was not happy with the decision that was made. "Very well. Go to your parents for the rest of the day," said Lord Wallace. "You are dismissed. Now."
Percy nodded again. He thought that the order to go to his parents was an odd one, but he was not about to question any of Lord Wallace's orders. No, he was just lucky enough to get away with what he had done. He Apparated first to his flat to take a hot shower, and change into his usual wizarding clothes. He put on his glasses just before going to the Burrow.
What Percy did not see was the look on Lord Wallace's face when he Disapparated. Lord Wallace had the smallest of smiles on his face for a moment before turning his attention back to the business at hand.
Percy had Apparated just outside the house before walking through the front door. His mother had already hurried into the living room because the clock said he would be home. "Percy! Where have you been?" she asked as she hugged him. "We were looking for you."
"I was working, Mother," answered Percy, not really a lie. She would not have been able to guess exactly what he was working on. His body felt tired from the lack of sleep. It was really all he wanted to do.
"I know that, but you really should have taken the day off," said Molly. "It's your birthday after all."
"Some things are more important," said Percy soothing.
"There you are, Percy," said his father as he entered the room. "Happy Birthday, son."
"Thank you, Father," said Percy. "Do mind if I sit down? I'm very tired." His voice came out ragged. His parents looked at him anxiously. Molly guided him to a chair.
"You looked like you haven't slept in a day," observed Molly. "You should just sleep."
"It's all right," said Percy, wanting nothing more but to do exactly what she was suggesting. He was reluctant to show how tired he was.
The others came in and stopped. "Hey, Percy!" exclaimed Charlie with a little surprise. "I was wondering when you'd get here."
"I sort of forgot what the day was," replied Percy. "I was very busy with work."
"All work and no play," said Bill with a grin. "But you looked bushed."
Yeah, you'd look bushed, too, if you had to break into a building, steal girl, carry her on your back most of the way, and walk through a sewer pipe to get out. And before that think that the cause you worked for was over because of a security breach. Furthermore, without getting sleep, except for three short hours. Percy thought as he stared at the lot of them. Harry and Hermione were also watching him.
"Yes, I am," admitted Percy. "Not too much though."
"How could you forget your own birthday?" asked Fred. "You were the same person who sent invitations around the house when you were younger."
Percy shrugged, not really wanting to remember such memories. "Time flies when you're doing paperwork."
"You need to loosen up more. You're more overworked than Hermione in the school year," Ron with a laugh.
"I am not!" exclaimed Hermione.
The rest of the day went by quickly, even though Percy was too tired to feel anything. His family enjoyed having him there for his birthday, but he soon realized that that it was not the exhaustion of the day that prevented him from enjoying himself what it really was.
Over the next couple of days, everything was set in order by the Veritas. The Order of the Phoenix maintained their normal activities without knowing that they had a spy in their midst. The Veritas had other plans, which involved the new recruit and the girl. The Death Eaters were getting bolder as well, so the Aurors had their hands full.
Jason Quinn was given the codename "Loki" after the Norse god of mischief. He had undergone the usually battery of tests that all Veritas agents were required to undergo. He had come through with flying colors. There was still a lot of work that needed to be done. Jason still had to learn how to do the special brand of magic that the Veritas field agents used, Muggle martial arts, and he still had not finished his training in normal wizardary. Needless to say, there was still a lot of work to be done before Jason could enter the field.
Eve, who had no last name because she was never give one, was now under the protection of the Veritas. They kept her under wraps and protected. She agreed to undergo physical examinations, which came out clean. She was also given a battery of tests to gauge her mental abilities. She was a genius by human standards, both Muggle and wizard.
The main problem with Eve was trying to figure out what to do with her. She had refused to speak to anyone, but Percy. He had to come in on several occasions to help. Eve wanted to help the Veritas, but it was decided that she be allowed to have a normal life.
Eve's past was not normal by any means. She was created by the people at the Fortress. They never treated her like a human being; she was bred to be a genius. They exploited her. One day, Eve had decided not to do what they had demanded; so in order to teach her a lesson, the chamber had been built. They operated on her so that they could put her into the chamber. The scientists started to leave her inside the chamber for longer and longer stretches without any regard to her humanity.
Eventually, she was connected to the internet. Eve spent her time searching for a way out. She estimated which organization would help her the most. When she had hacked into the Veritas network, which was entirely by chance, she had learned about the wizarding world. But the Veritas valued all human life. Eve had hoped to find someone within the Veritas who could get her out. She had waited for months looking for the right person. Eve found out about Percy because he had stood out of all the agents. He was the youngest field agent and he came from a large family. Eve thought it was fate that he rescue her because he was sent to New York on that recruitment mission.
Percy went to almost all the sessions that they had with Eve. She seemed normal to him; but she refused to speak to anyone else. She would only speak to them knowing that Percy was there. Percy found himself playing big brother to both her and Jason. A role he did not expect to take on when he first entered the Veritas, but he did not mind it so much.
Jason had to have an official guardian appointed, so Dennis Ahmed was labeled for Hogwarts' records. The Veritas was very careful not to make any obvious connections to Percy because of his connections to the Order. Jason was not given any specific instructions on what to do while he was in Hogwarts other than finish N.E.W.T. level in a list of subjects. He was not exactly told to spy on anyone. Percy did tell him about the students he could remember, most of whom were Gryffindor. He even told Jason about Dumbledore's Army, which sparked Jason's interest. Too bad, Jason could not use his connection with Percy to get in.
Everything settled down. Percy was functioning like normal because of the suspension. He was only spying on the Ministry of Magic and the Order of the Phoenix. He submitted his reports without fail and kept up his good behavior, and he was going mad with boredom in the process. Whatever Percy was feeling, he did not voice it. He was becoming very good at suppressing his emotions.
When September 1st rolled around, Percy was well entrenched with his family. They were slowly trusting him again; something that caused him endless guilt. He had gone to King's Cross that day along with the rest of his family to see the students off to school, which included Jason. Percy had warned Dennis about Bill remembering him all too clearly, so Dennis could not join Jason at the station. Percy could not be too obvious about helping him, but he was going to.
Percy arrived at the station a little later than everyone else with the purpose of helping Jason, and getting him a chance to get to know Ron ahead of time. If there was any hope of Jason blending in, then he would have to get to know someone quickly. Jason did not say that he was grateful to Percy for it; but Percy was aware of it.
The Weasleys, Harry, and Hermione were at the station with the extra guards. Little did they know about the extra Veritas guards that were around. Percy unofficially acted as a guard. He had spotted Jason entering the station just after he had.
Jason had been given orders to change his appearance. He had altered his appearance accordingly. He knew that Dennis was half British, so Jason assumed the features of Dennis' mother's side. He had changed his hair into dirty blond spikes and made his eyes deep blue. He even had freckles on his nose and made his nose a bit wider. His lips were about the same as before though, but Percy almost did not recognize him.
"Excuse me," asked Jason as he walked up to Percy. "I just moved here from America. Is this the train to school?"
Percy went with the feeling he had when he had first seen him; he pretended not to recognize him. "Yes, it is. Do you need some help?" he asked. Jason nodded. "I know some people who could help you. This way." Percy led him up to the others.
"Good morning everyone," said Percy pleasantly. "Actually, this…is…wait, I didn't catch your name?"
Jason shook his head. "You didn't ask. My name is Jason Quinn. I'm new. I just move to Europe and transferred to Hogwarts."
"Yes, Jason. This is my brother, Ron. He's a prefect, and so is Hermione Granger. This is Harry Potter. And my sister, Ginny," said Percy.
Jason looked at Harry for a moment, but quickly stopped because Percy had warned him about not doing that. Percy knew that Harry was uncomfortable about being stared at. Jason did not do the typical "You-are-Harry-Potter-aren't-you?" question. Jason held out his hand and shook hands with them.
"Nice to meet you," said Hermione as she smiled. "We're prefects, so we can help you."
"Thanks," said Jason with a smile. "It's strange to go away for school like this. I've never done it before."
"You mean that they do things differently in America?" asked Ginny. She thought that he was rather cute. Jason nodded. He turned for a moment to look at Percy. "I didn't get your name either."
"Oh, my name is Percy Weasley. These are the other members of my family. My parents, Arthur and Molly. My brothers Bill, Charlie, Fred and George," said Percy as he introduced the rest of his family. Jason was surprised because Percy had not said anything about his family. Percy did not bother with the rest of the members of the Order who were there. Besides, Moody and the others sort of moved away during that time. "Well, good luck everyone," he added.
Molly kissed her children goodbye along with giving hugs and kisses to Harry and Hermione. She turned to Jason and said to him just before they boarded the train, "Don't worry, Jason. It's not so bad."
"Last year was worse," said Ron. Jason looked visibly nervous; he almost turned to Percy for reassurance. "Don't worry about it. We'll help you out."
"Thanks," said Jason as he climbed on with Ron, Hermione, Harry, and Ginny.
"Stay with Harry and me. Ron and Hermione have to go see the other prefects," said Ginny.
"We'll join you later," said Hermione as she and Ron went down to another compartment.
The Hogwarts Express started its engine and took off. The families stayed until it was out of sight. It was the first time that Percy had ever seen the train leave without him, even before when Bill and Charlie were attending Hogwarts. It was an odd feeling. He shook himself back to reality when he saw the shadows move. The other Veritas agents were using spells to hide in the shadows. It was perfect in the station where there was limited sunlight. It was enough to remind Percy of where and when he was.
"Time to go to work," announced Percy as he looked at the others. They all went their separate ways. Percy and his father went towards the Ministry of Magic with Tonks and Kingsley. Remus and Molly went back to Headquarters to handle some business there. Bill went to the bank, while Charlie left for the dragon preserve. All the other agents went their way.
Percy thought how deceptive it was. He was going his own way. Was it the right way? Or was he headed down a path that was going to ultimately destroy him? Only time could tell.
Written by kirikarin
Beta Read by IvyDragon
AN: This ends the first part of the story. This part introduces all the main players that will show up later on. This part was to show how Percy's life is going. He is in the middle of the crossroad. What will he do next?
Anyway, school is once again kicking my pathetic behind. The poetry and American Literature class is getting in the way of my fanfiction time. Don't worry, I'll still post much more frequently than I did last term.
kirikarin.livejournal.com
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. This story belongs to me and cannot be posted anywhere else without my permission.