A/N: Day 17 of NaNoWriMo! I think I have 2 more chapters until Percy's first real chapter! :D
And Day 18, because I got sick on the 16th and I was still recovering over these two days...
Rising Storms
A Harry Potter and Percy Jackson crossover
Chapter 19:
Harry
The staff of Hogwarts, the school Governors, and James Potter were leaving the Headmaster's office after discussing Hannah Abbott's attack, when they came upon Moaning Myrtle's Bathroom. There was a message in red on the wall.
'His skeleton will lie in the Chamber forever.'
James's heart started pounding in his chest. He didn't know what the feeling meant for him, but he tried to catch his breath as he noticed that there was a second message.
'If you want to find him, go forward and hiss 'sayahaasshiess' and take a leap of faith.'
"What does that mean?" asked one of the governors.
McGonagall was pale. "I think a student has been taken, and that's a way to find him. I don't know what they mean 'go forth and take a leap of faith." She shook her head. "I'm going to make an announcement for all students to return to their dormitories."
The news of Harry's disappearance spread through Hogwarts like wildfire, sending shockwaves through the very foundation of the castle. James Potter, accompanied by a contingent of Hogwarts staff and the concerned school governors, raced through the twisting corridors in a frantic search for the missing Slytherin.
"Has anyone checked the Slytherin common room?" Professor McGonagall inquired, her stern gaze scanning the surroundings.
"I've been there twice; no sign of him," Severus Snape replied, his usually sardonic tone edged with genuine concern.
As the group continued their search, James' instincts guided him toward a different path. He caught a glimpse of Gilderoy Lockhart, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, lurking in the shadows, a suspicious air about him.
"Lockhart," James called out, his voice commanding attention. "Where's Harry? You claim to know everything about the monster in the Chamber of Secrets. What do you know?"
Lockhart, feigning confidence, stammered in response, "Ah, Potter, you see, I've been working tirelessly to unravel the mysteries surrounding the monster. I do know what it is and where it resides."
James, his patience wearing thin, seized Lockhart by the collar. "Enough of your deceit. If you know something, spit it out."
But Lockhart, exposed and cornered, wilted under James' scrutiny. "I might have exaggerated my expertise a tad. I... I don't really know what the monster is."
In a swift motion, James summoned aurors to apprehend Lockhart, his fraudulent pretenses laid bare for all to see. As Lockhart was led away, the gravity of the situation intensified.
Returning to the mysterious message scrawled on the wall, James read the cryptic instructions once more. "If you want to find him, go forward and hiss 'sayahaasshiess' and take a leap of faith."
Draco Malfoy, appearing at that moment, joined James in deciphering the enigmatic message. "What in Merlin's name is this? 'Sayahaasshiess'? It sounds like Parseltongue."
James, his thoughts racing, realized the connection. "That's right. It's Parseltongue. Draco, we need to find Myrtle's bathroom."
The two wizards, united by the urgency of the situation, navigated the labyrinthine corridors until they stood before Moaning Myrtle's haunted bathroom. James, with a deep breath, hissed, "Sayahaasshiess."
The sink in the bathroom responded to the Parseltongue command, revealing an opening beneath it. A dark, mysterious passage awaited them.
"Okay, then." James took a deep breath, taking a leap of faith into the unknown. Draco, his resolve unbroken, followed suit.
The passage, shrouded in shadows, led them to an underground chamber where the whispers of secrets resonated. A still figure lay before them, and relief washed over James as he recognized his son, Harry.
"Hold on, Harry. We're getting you out of here," James vowed, his wand at the ready to help his son.
As James attempted to wake up Harry, Draco stood by, a silent ally in the face of adversity. Draco felt a sudden chill in the air. His gaze flickered to a shadowy corner of the chamber, where an eerie presence seemed to materialize.
A ghostly figure, dressed in Hogwarts robes, emerged from the darkness. Draco's eyes widened as he saw the sixteen-year-old visage of Tom Riddle, a spectral echo from the past.
"What's going on?" Draco questioned, his voice laced with uncertainty.
Tom Riddle, his expression cold and calculating, spoke with a sinister smile. "Ah, the illustrious James Potter and young Malfoy. How fortuitous that you've uncovered the secrets hidden within these walls."
Draco, realizing the gravity of the situation, demanded, "What are you doing here? And what's happening to Harry?"
Tom Riddle's gaze flickered to Harry's unconscious form. "Ah, yes. As your friend here perishes, I come to life. It's a delicate dance between life and death, you see."
A sense of dread settled over Draco as he grasped the connection. "You're leeching life from Harry?"
James, overhearing the conversation, grew determined. "We won't let you harm my son."
With a swift motion, Draco picked up the enchanted diary from the floor. "This diary is the key. We need to destroy it to save Harry."
James, understanding the urgency, summoned a controlled Fiendfyre only around the diary, once it was put closer to him. Flames erupted, dancing with an otherworldly intensity. Tom Riddle screamed, his ethereal form contorting in agony.
As the fire consumed the enchanted diary, Draco watched as the ghostly figure of Tom Riddle wavered and then disintegrated into nothingness. The diary, now reduced to ash, lay useless on the ground.
The chamber resonated with the finality of the act. As the flames subsided, a moment of tense silence enveloped the space.
Then, with a gasp, Harry stirred. His eyes flickered open, confusion giving way to clarity. James, relief flooding his features, gathered his son in a tight embrace.
"You're okay, Harry. You're okay," James whispered, his voice choked with emotion.
Draco, standing amidst the remnants of the enchanted diary, knew that they had averted a sinister fate. He wondered how Ginny Weasley got the diary in the first place. He voiced his concerns to his friend's father.
"I don't know, Draco. But, I'll find out."
The grandeur of Dumbledore's office seemed almost oppressive as James Potter stood before the imposing figure of the Hogwarts headmaster. His son, Harry, lay recovering in the hospital wing after a harrowing ordeal, and James was determined to take him home for the winter break.
"Professor Dumbledore," James began, his tone firm but respectful, "I believe it's in Harry's best interest to leave early to spend the winter break at home. He needs time to recover and be with his family."
Dumbledore, his piercing blue eyes peering over his half-moon glasses, regarded James with a sagacious gaze. "Mr. Potter, I understand your concern for Harry. However, I believe he would benefit from staying at Hogwarts."
James, his frustration simmering beneath the surface, pressed on. "He's been through a traumatic experience, and he deserves to be surrounded by family during the holidays. We can provide the care and support he needs."
Dumbledore, though seemingly sympathetic, remained resolute. "The castle is a place of safety, Mr. Potter. We have additional security measures in place, and I assure you, Harry is in good hands."
Unyielding, James insisted, "He's my son. I want him with us, especially after everything that's happened."
The headmaster leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "I understand your concern as a father, Mr. Potter. However, Harry has an important role to play in the events unfolding at Hogwarts. His connection to the Chamber of Secrets is crucial, and I believe he can help prevent further harm."
James, his patience waning, couldn't accept Dumbledore's reasoning. "I appreciate the complexities of the situation, but Harry needs a break. Let him heal with his family. There should be no reason for him to play an important role in these events. He's a child. Not a pawn."
Dumbledore sighed, a hint of weariness in his expression. "Mr. Potter, Hogwarts is not just a school; it is a sanctuary. I assure you, Harry's safety is of utmost importance to me. We are doing everything in our power to ensure the well-being of our students."
The conversation reached an impasse, both men standing firm in their convictions. Dumbledore's commitment to the greater good clashed with James' paternal instincts, creating a tension that hung in the air.
Meanwhile, in the hospital wing, Madam Pomfrey moved among the beds where the recently petrified victims lay. Colin Creevey, Hannah Abbott, and the cat—all had been revived using the mandrakes, their eyes now alert and their movements returned.
As James and Dumbledore continued their discussion, the door to the office creaked open. Harry, wearing the pallor of recent tribulations, stood in the doorway, having overheard the conversation.
"Enough," Harry said, his voice surprisingly steady. "I want to go home for the holidays."
Dumbledore, momentarily taken aback, looked from Harry to James. The unspoken tension lingered, but Harry's decision carried the weight of his own agency.
James, his gaze fixed on his son, nodded in silent approval. The winter break would be spent together, a time for healing and familial support.
Dumbledore, recognizing the significance of Harry's choice, relented. "Very well, Harry. Spend the holidays with your family. But remember, Hogwarts will always welcome you back." As Harry left the office with his father, Dumbledore remained, his wise eyes watching the departing figures.
…
The towering spires of Potter Manor were draped in a soft blanket of snow, glistening under the wintry moonlight. As the magical manor welcomed James and Harry back for the Yule holidays, a sense of tranquility settled over the estate. Remus Lupin and Sirius Black, true to their roles as honorary members of the Potter family, joined the festivities.
The grand halls of Potter Manor echoed with laughter and warmth as the family gathered to celebrate the Yule season. The aroma of festive treats wafted through the air, and the flickering glow of enchanted candles adorned the lavish decorations. It was a time of respite, a respite well-deserved after the trials that had befallen Harry at Hogwarts.
In the heart of the manor, the family sat around a crackling fireplace, exchanging tales and relishing the shared moments. Remus, Sirius, and James regaled Harry with stories of their own Yule celebrations during their Hogwarts years, weaving a tapestry of magical memories.
As the festivities unfolded, Harry felt the healing embrace of familial bonds. The weight of the possessed diary and the shadows of the Chamber of Secrets began to lift from his shoulders. James, mindful of his son's recovery, observed Harry with a mixture of pride and concern.
"Harry, my son, I'm glad you're here with us," James said, clinking his goblet against Harry's. "We're going to make this Yule special, a time for joy and renewal."
Remus added with a warm smile, "You've been through a lot, Harry. But you've come out stronger, surrounded by those who care about you."
Sirius, ever the irreverent spirit, chimed in, "Now, let's forget about dark wizards and Chamber of Secrets business. Tonight, we celebrate family, warmth, and good company."
The Yule festivities stretched into the late hours, the manor alive with laughter and the enchanting sounds of their songs echoing through the corridors. The Christmas tree, adorned with sparkling ornaments and magical lights, cast a festive glow that illuminated the grand hall.
Days turned into nights, and as Yule gave way to the promise of a new year, the Potters reveled in the comfort of home. New Year's Day was amazing for the family. Harry, nestled in the embrace of family, found solace in the simple joys of the season. The manor became a haven, a sanctuary where the echoes of Hogwarts' challenges faded into the background.
As February approached, a familiar energy filled the air. The time had come for Harry to return to Hogwarts and resume his studies. The prospect of catching up on missed lessons loomed, but the family remained steadfast in their support.
In the cozy library of Potter Manor, with its shelves lined with ancient tomes and magical artifacts, Harry prepared to reenter the world of academia. Books and parchment were spread across the table, and James, Sirius, and Remus offered their assistance.
"Harry, don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it," Remus advised, flipping through a Potions textbook. "We're here to guide you through the material."
Sirius, perusing a Defense Against the Dark Arts book, added with a grin, "And if Snape tries to give you a hard time, you can always hex him for us."
James, poring over a Transfiguration tome, chuckled. "Just focus on catching up, Harry. You're resilient, and with a bit of extra effort, you'll be back on track in no time."
As February dawned, the family bid farewell to Potter Manor. The carriages pulled away from the grand entrance, carrying Harry and his guardians back to Hogwarts, via Sirius and Remus's house as one last carriage ride in the snow that year. The manor, with its snowy turrets and magical allure, stood as a testament to the strength of familial bonds.
James and Harry flooed to Hogsmeade and walked over to the gates of Hogwarts. On the journey back to Hogwarts, Harry reflected on the Yule holidays spent with his extended family. The warmth of their support had been a balm for the wounds inflicted by the events at Hogwarts. As he and his dad approached the castle, the familiar spires came into view, marking the return to the enchanted realm of academia.
Hogwarts awaited, and with it, his friends. He had four months to catch up and attempt to do well on his exams. Harry was looking forward to it.
A/N: 2379 words