Percy

Percy rubbed his eyes and took in a deep breath. He wondered what time it was… the air was cold, and until Percy's hand was lifted to his face. He hadn't realized the floor was freezing. Then he noticed the slight shiver that disturbed Annabeth. And scooted over to her, gently, he slid his arm behind her back. He moved her limp body against his, she leaned into his touch. He managed to slide his other arm beneath her legs, calling on every bit of strength he could, he picked her up and stood. His legs and arms screamed at him in protest. He walked over to Harry and Ron who slept and nudged them with his foot. They jolted awake, confusing clouding their expressions. Then shock seeing Percy holding sleeping Annabeth in his arms.

They jumped to their feet.

"What happened to-"

"She's just sleeping," the noise that came from Percy's mouth shocked him. His voice was scratchy and deep.

"Get Hermione, whether you wake her up or carry her. I'm going to take Annabeth to the dorms,"

Ron went over to Hermione with slight hesitation. And then he shook her, stepping back for fear of getting hit.

Hermione groaned and rubbed her eyes. She looked over to where Annabeth sat but looked around in confusion seeing she was no longer there. Then she saw Percy, holding her in his arms. She looked so peaceful in his arms. Ron helped Hermione up off the floor.

"Weren't you just on the floor- and how are you?"

"Don't ask." Percy replied, "Let's get her to the dorms. We still have a quest to leave for in the morning."

Hermione nodded and took the lead. Percy followed her out of the bathroom, it was best they did not linger, he wasn't sure how long he would be able to hold her.

Hermione cautiously looked both ways of the hall before stepping out of the bathroom. Ron held Percy's change of clothes behind them, and Harry quicked his steps to catch up to Hermione. He gave his wand to her for light. It was apparent that he was the only one who had any sort of weapon on him.

They all walked quickly and silently down the halls. They had planned to leave before anyone woke up, it would cause problems if they were found. They did not fit into the school at all.

Instead of going to the dorms, Hermione led them to the library which was closer.

When they entered the room, the smell of dust and books greeted him.

Hermione ducked behind shelves, and Percy had to pick up his pace to keep up with her.

She disappeared behind a corner, and when Percy turned the corner, he was staring at a bookcase that had turned in on itself revealing a staircase.

"It's a long story, but Dumbledore showed me this just in case if we needed to hide you two."

"Dumble who?" Percy whispered.

"The big white wizard," Harry responded.

"Ah,"

Hermione rolled her eyes and led the way down the stairs. Hermione clapped her hands and candles lit themselves in the seller.

It was filled with supplies for survival. Food, blankets, fresh clothes.

Hermione instantly busied herself grabbing blankets and unfolding them onto the bare floor. She threw a few pillows on the makeshift bed.

"There, you can put Annabeth over there, and I'm sure that we have enough blankets and pillows for four more beds…"

Ensuing that all of them were going to stay down there.

"I think it's best we leave them down here and we go back up to the dorms." commented Harry.

"We can't just leave them down here!"

Percy put Annabeth gently down, and put a blanket over her. Keeping himself out of the conversation.

"People will get suspicious if we aren't in our beds tomorrow morning, Dumbledore planned to excuse us from school saying we have an important family event to attend to. But it would be weird if our beds are evidence we were there, but we are nowhere to be seen."

Ron looked from Harry to Hermione, "He has a point…" Ron said sheepishly.

Hermione sighed and turned to Percy, "Will you two be okay down here?"

"I'm sure we will be fine," he said.

Hermione nodded and swept past Harry and Ron, being careful not to touch them.

Harry sighed, "Sorry.. But I think it would be less suspicious this way,"

"Don't worry about it. We'll be fine,"

They said goodnight, and Harry and Ron made their leave.