Author's Note: So, here's chapter 8. Please R&R. Hope you enjoy.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Chapter 8
One Month Later
Percy's P.o.V
I'm really loving this whole teaching thing. I get to do what I used to do at camp, only now the kids have to listen to me. At camp, the kids would, more often than not, goof around and not take me seriously. It's a nice change.
The students have been doing great. I've seen a lot of improvement from when we started. I'd say Neville has improved the most out of everyone. Boy couldn't even swing a sword right, much less lift one, when we started. Now, he's started doing some of the advanced moves. I'm really proud of that kid.
Thinking about Neville's progress reminds me of when I told the students that we were going to start training. The looks on their faces after we finished our first day was price-less. They were all tired, exhausted, and pleading with me to 'never have to do that again' and then the look on their faces when we went and trained again the day after. It was too good. It lifted my spirits up just a tiny bit.
I've also been practicing my magic with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. We'd go to the Great Hall after all their classes were done and I'd train until it was almost lights out for them. I've come a pretty long way if I do say so myself. Hermione has been helping me with, potions, pronunciations and what the spells should be used for. Harry has been helping me execute spells and he's helped me with some potions too. Ron on the other hand, I haven't really gotten along with. So I say with great pleasure that I get to use Ron as a dummy to practice dueling and such.
Like I said, I haven't really gotten to be good friends with Ron, but Harry is a different story. Harry has been slowly coming to me for help with, well, anything he needs help with. I think he's starting to respect me. He mainly just wants me to lend an ear and hear what he has to say.
I can agree with him on practically everything he says. He talks about Draco and his rivalry and how I should be more careful around him. I know that already, but the fact that someone is actually looking out for me is really satisfying to hear. And it's not just with some of the students that I have that problem.
I've mentioned Draco already. He's trying to get me fired to prove to the school that his father is in charge. That hasn't really done anything. What has been getting to me lately is Delores. She's constantly summoning me to her office, full of weird cat plates, and telling me that I'm 'unfit to be a teacher' and that she'd take it up with the ministry to have me fired if she had too.
I really wish she'd just stop. I mean she's already taken away the majority of the things that make teenagers, teenagers. All those stupid rules she had to make, correcting the clothes policy, banning any kind of physical contact, though I can see why, and just a bunch of other unjust rules and regulations. It really isn't fair. And that poor Trig teacher she's been pestering so much, I'm pretty sure is about to lose her job. Stupid old hag doesn't realize that she's TAKING AWAY some of the most important things for the students to learn. Especially now that Voldemort has risen.
I seriously wish someone was here to help me. I feel so alone. I mean sure Nico is here to help me every once in a while, and Dumbledore is always willing to lend an ear, but I need someone, something more than that. I've been working on rekindling my friendship with Hermione, but were still a long ways away from where we were when we were kids. There's just too much we still don't know about each other. And Harry is a talkative person, somewhat. But he more so likes talking. He doesn't do very well with listening. Ron is completely out of the question, I'm sure I've put my point across on that. I guess I'll go to Dumbledore and see if he can help me figure some more things out. Now I just have to get through my next class, then I can talk to him.
Once everyone was seated and accounted for I began my, slightly, planned lecture. Okay so it wasn't planned at all. Anyway, since we trained yesterday, I'll give the students time to relax their muscles a bit before going back at it again tomorrow.
"Alright everyone, settle down. Let's start with a simple review on what we learned the day before. Who can tell me who the leader of the Greek Gods is and his Roman counterpart?" I asked. A kid from the Gryffindor house raised his hand. I called on him and he answered,
"Um, Zeus and Jupiter?" he said. Though it sounded more like a question.
"Correct. Okay, next question. What two Greek gods were twin brother and sister?" I asked. A girl from Huffelpuff raised her hand "Apollo and Artemis. That was easy." She answered.
"Yeah give us something harder to answer." Said another girl from Huffelpuff.
"Well, for one, your answer was correct, and for two, if you want a harder question, then I'll give you one. Can anyone tell me who the Titans are? I need THREE answers on this one." I said.
The class wracked their brains for answers. I knew they wouldn't be able to answer the question because we haven't talked about the Titans yet. I was surprised to see one of the Slytherin boys raise his hand and answer.
"The Titans were the first Greek Gods. They are the parents of Zeus and his brothers. They are also the twelve gods that were overthrown by the Olympians." The boy said.
I stared at him in astonishment. So did everyone else in the room. He looked up at me with a slightly embarrassed look on his face and said,
"What? I did some research. I figured it would be helpful to find out as much as I could about this outside of the classroom."
"That's a really good idea. Okay, thanks to you I've come up with an idea for a project. Starting tomorrow you will be researching a god, goddess, or titan of your choice and present it to the class. You can work on this project in this class on the days we don't train, and outside of class. It will be due a month from tomorrow. I expect a paper written or typed, I don't care which, and you will need a visual aid. Whether it be model of something that they made, a real life thing, or some pictures, I don't care. I will inform the other classes tomorrow. Now, on with the review. Can anyone give me their best description of the goddess Aphrodite?"
The class was silent for a while. Some were completely stumped, because they didn't really know much about her other than that she is the goddess of love. But others, you could see the gears in their heads spinning as they tried to form thoughts into words. Finally one of the Ravenclaw girls raised their hand and said,
"She is the Goddess of love and beauty and is married to Hephaestus. Though she is known to flirt with Ares from time to time."
"That's correct. Good Job." I said. "Now, what powerful god lived in the Underworld rather than on Mount Olympus?" I asked. A boy from Gryffindor shot his hand into the air immediately.
"The answer is Hades. And, you made a mistake." He said
The class erupted into oohs at the fact that I could have made a mistake. Though I know that I haven't. So I casually leaned against my desk at the head of the class and asked him,
"What did I make a mistake on?"
"You said that Hades was a god, when in fact, he really isn't viewed as one. Same goes for Hestia." He said.
He had a smug little smile on his face, and he looked like he had accomplished something. I really didn't want to rain on his parade, but I just couldn't help myself. It was just too much fun.
"Actually, you took the phrase out of context. You see, he wasn't viewed as one of the twelve main gods. He was still a god though. But, as of recent events, they both have become gods. So there are now fourteen Olympian gods and goddess." I said. His face fell in disappointment, but I quickly reassured him that it was a common mistake to make, and he seemed a bit better after that.
After reassuring the boy, and going over some questions on the project, class was finally over. I waited until everyone had cleared out of the room, don't want people snooping around now do we, I went to leave the classroom in search of Dumbledore. But before I could make it out the door, I noticed a shimmering mist to my right. Knowing what this means, I approached the Iris message and greeted the caller. Turns out, it was Nico. It was nice hearing from him, after all, the last time I talked to him was, maybe, a month ago.
"Hey Nico! How's it going?" I asked curiously.
"I just thought I'd fill you in on some very important things that are happening at camp." he said.
"Okay." I said, hesitantly. "What exactly is going on?" I asked
"Well. I'm not really sure where to start." He confessed
"Start at the beginning. Tell me the oldest problem and work your way up to the newest one. It can't be that bad can it?" I asked, but all the more, I became uneasy at what he might say.
"Well, the camp is in a bit of a divide right now." Nico said. "The campers are trying to figure out who drugged Annabeth with a split personality potion."
I just stared at him, trying to comprehend what he just said. Annabeth was drugged? That can't be possible. How could something like this happen? Why do I feel so angry? STOP IT Percy, she cheated on you, you need to get over her. But then again, what if this potion is why she's been acting the way she is?
"Hey Nico?" I asked
"Yes Perce?"
"Do you think Annabeth was on this so called "potion" when we were still dating?" I asked
"Okay, I have two things to tell you. One, I do think she was on it while you were dating. And two, she still thinks you and her are together." Nico said, rather hurriedly.
I just sat there, starring off into space, wondering how she could forget breaking up with me, how she could forget cheating on me. It was ridiculous, it was absurd, yet I felt relieved for some reason. Was I relieved that she maybe didn't cheat on me on purpose, or relieved because she doesn't remember it and still wants me? I'm so confused and not sure what to do.
I rub my eyes a bit and look back at Nico. He seems to understand and gives me a sympathetic look. I take a deep breath and ask him if he has anything else to say.
"Well, no, not really. OH! I just remembered, Leo's back."
I looked at him like he was a crazy person. How was it possible? How could Leo still be alive? HE WAS DEAD! Nico explained further that Leo actually survived the attack on Gaia and then went in search of Calypso. After they explored for a bit, Leo came back to camp, but let Calypso take Festus to continue seeing the world.
I was happy for Leo. Not only did he cheat death, but he actually found Calypso. I still feel bad for leaving her like that, but there's not that much I can do about it now. Besides I have Anna-. Never mind, no I don't. Speaking of Annabeth,
"Nico?"
"Yeah?"
"Have they found the person who drugged her?" I asked
"No. There is only one lead on who did it." he said
"Who?" I asked
"It's not that important. Let's move on okay?"
"Nico! Who is it?" I asked again, with a bit more authority
"It's nothing really, just a hunch that some of the campers have. It really isn't important." He said hurriedly.
"NICO! WHO?" I yelled.
His face crumpled in defeat and sighed. He looked up at me and in a very hushed voice said, "You"
Me? I thought. How could they think I did it? I wasn't even there. How could the campers possible fathom that I was the one to do such a thing. I mean, sure, she's my ex, but that doesn't mean I would be so selfless as to do something like that to her. Seeing the unspoken question on my face Nico added.
"I tried to tell them that you had already left the camp long before the incident, but not many people believed me. Now the whole camp is in disorder because no one knows what to do. Some people want to go out looking for you. Others want you to come to your senses and come back. While a majority of the campers just want to dead and gone. Brad has almost everyone convinced that he is, practically, a god. The only people who disagree are Jason, Piper, Leo, Hazel, Clarisse, Annabeth, and I. Also including their cabins, and godly parents. The only exceptions would be Aries and Artemis. Aries because he actually is against you, yet his daughter is the only one for you. And Artemis, because she is for you and is sending her hunters on a search to find you. You should be safe for now. I'll inform you on whether or not they are on to you in the future. Good luck Percy. God's only know you're going to need it."
"Thanks Nico. Try not to get caught." I replied
"I won't. See you later."
"See you later."
I disconnected the Iris message, and took some time to sit and think. What was going on with the world? One minute you're fine, you've saved the world and everything seems to be going in your favor, the next the world seems to be in total chaos. All of these events have to be linked to something. I think I know what or who it is but it's too soon to start making accusations yet. Although I'm sure I'm right on the money with who I think it is. Mainly because things didn't start to fall apart until he showed up at camp.
I need to talk to someone else about this. Remembering my plan to talk to Dumbledore earlier, I decided to walk to his office and ask him for some well needed advice.
At Dumbledore's Office
After being ushered in by Dumbledore and talking about how my classes were going, I decided to come out with it and tell him what was bothering me.
"Um, Dumbledore?"
"Yes Perseus?" he asked
"I'm in a bit of a tough spot right now. Do you think you could give me some advice?" I asked
"I'll do my best. What's troubling you?" he asked
"Well, it's the camp." I said
"Ah, yes, Nico just called me a little bit ago and told me about what was going on at the camp."
"Right, so, he told me that my ex-girlfriend was drugged and I know that we're over, but I can't help but feel a tiny bit relieved that she doesn't remember we broke up. I want to get back together with her, but I think I'm starting to fall for someone else. I'm not sure what to do. It's all so confusing."
Dumbledore looked off, in thought. It took him a while before he answered me back but I guess something is better than nothing.
"It seems to me like you have a problem with holding on to the past and moving on to the future. You see Annabeth is you're past. She is everything you have ever known. The thought of losing her frightens you, because you think you might be resentful of your decision. This other person is your future. Someone who could give you everything you could ever want, but you're afraid of taking the chance due to previous heart ache. My advice to you would be to pick a side. Do you want to stay caught in the past with what is familiar, or venture into the future and face the unknown?" he stated
"Well when you put it that way, it kind of makes your opinion obvious." I said
"Yes, I do believe that you should, how do the kids say it know a days? 'Get together'? with the Granger girl."
I looked at him astounded. How could he possibly know I was talking about Hermione? It doesn't make any sense. I never said anything to tip him off that the girl I was talking about was Hermione. Dumbledore seemed to realize what I was thinking and said that No one can hide secrets from him.
"Thank you Dumbledore. That was very helpful. But I have one last problem I'd like you're help with." I said.
"And what might that be?" he asked
"Well, you see, I've been having some trouble with one of my students. Draco Malfoy. He is constantly berating me in class and saying how his father is going to come and fire me, or that he'll find a way to get me fired. And then there's Delores. She is constantly summoning me to her office and telling me that I'm unfit to teach and that she'll get me fired. Also I think she's trying to get the Trig teacher fired as well." I said
Dumbledore took a few moments to collect his thoughts, then turned back to me and said,
"You don't worry about Draco and Delores. I'll take care of them. This has gone on long enough and it's time someone did something about it. Thank you for finally making me open my eyes and see that Perseus."
"No problem. And thank you for help me out. OH! And just call me Percy." I said.
"Will do now, Percy, I'll see you tomorrow morning. I suggest you get some sleep. It's late."
"I will, thanks again Dumbledore, for everything."
I closed the door behind me and left to go to my room. All the way back I couldn't help but think of my students and their training. I mean, it kind of sucks that we have to cancel someone's Quidditch practice. I was thinking of asking Dumbledore if maybe we could find somewhere else to go to train. It would have to be spacious, with dummies and different types of weapons to use. It would also need some work out equipment, so that the students are not all standing around watching and waiting to spar with someone. That way they have something to do that's productive and is good for passing the time.
While thinking all of this, I had just turned a corner of a corridor and a giant door just appeared out of nowhere. Curious, I stepped quietly stepped inside to see what was behind the door. My jaw dropped to the ground once I was inside. It was everything I was looking for.
I walked around the room, looking at everything it presented. It was big, really big. It had a workout area, mats in the center of the floor for sparing, It even had some dummies for independent learning. And that's not even the best part. On the other side of the room, was a training room for wizards. It had more dummies, and books and scrolls with all kinds of spells and hexes and such that the students could use. Hell, I, could use this space for training, now that I think about it.
I was so excited about my new find. After looking around some more, and testing out some of the equipment, I left the room and went to leave. When I turned back to look, the door was gone. It was nothing but a giant wall now. After convincing myself that what I had seen, and done, was not a dream, I turned and headed off to my room again. Eager to go to sleep and tell Dumbledore about the new room. Although, I think I could use a second opinion on whether or not I should tell Dumbledore about this new place or not.
After changing into a pair of basketball shorts and a plain blue T-shirt, and climbing into bed, I decided to ask Hermione to come down and look at the room and giver her opinion on what he should do. After that, I closed my eyes and fell into a dreamless sleep. Which was pretty good luck considering the nightmares I'd been having recently. It was peaceful, and for once, just once, he wished that the world would stay that way. Peaceful.
Author's Note 2: So… Please don't kill me for not updating sooner. I was planning on updating this weekend, but forgot it was Easter and ended up not finishing until now. Anyway hope you enjoyed the chapter. I've gotten a lot of good reviews, those have really helped me to keep updating. Keep it up guys. I don't know when the next chapter will be up. But I do know that I'll be updating a bit more often in about two week because I'm going to Disney World with my parents. It should be fun. Anyway keep reviewing and tell me what you thought of the chapter also, send me some ideas for random class mates. I'll need
Name
What they look like (Eyes and hair color, and any accessories like glasses, head band, pony tail, etc…)
What house they are in
If you could do that I would be greatly appreciative. I'm just tired of saying boy from Gryffindor or girl from Huffelpuff.
And one last thing. I'm going to be putting up questions at the end of my stories to see how well you are at paying attention. Here's the first question
What did I do differently in chapters 7&8 that I normally did in the others? *hint* the difference is at the top of the page.