A/N: Day 5 of NaNoWriMo! (Update: only wrote 399 words on day 5, Sunday) Day 6 of NaNoWriMo!
Rising Storms
A Harry Potter and Percy Jackson crossover
Chapter 8:
Harry
People were staring at Harry, pointing and whispering about him, his sorting, and the scar that was barely visible on his forehead. His dad's reaction last night was a surprise. Harry remembered what his dad said, "Your house doesn't define you, son. Your choices do." It was a little surprising to hear him say that, since he used to be so upset about Slytherin house. By the way Lily Potter was standing in her portrait in the background of the mirror, Harry assumed that she had said something to his dad.
In his first potions class of the school year, Harry Potter sat beside his new Slytherin classmates, eager to learn. The atmosphere in Professor Severus Snape's dungeon-like classroom was intimidating, but Harry was determined to prove himself. He had studied the textbook thoroughly and was ready for the lesson.
As Snape began the lesson, he surveyed the room and then fixed his cold, obsidian eyes on Harry. Harry could feel the weight of Snape's gaze, as though the professor was waiting for him to slip up.
Snape looked at his class. "Today, we will brew a simple potion— the Cure for Boils. Can anyone tell me the three main ingredients required for this potion?"
Harry's hand shot up confidently, and Snape, looking slightly surprised, gestured for Harry to answer.
Harry answered, "Lacewing flies, leeches, and powdered bicorn horn, Professor."
Snape's eyebrow arched, and he acknowledged Harry's response with a nod.
Snape stated, "Correct, Mr. Potter. And how would you prepare the leeches for the potion?"
Harry smiled slightly. "We need to crush them in a mortar, Professor."
Snape nodded. "Impressive. And what is the incantation for the stirring of the potion?"
Harry beamed. He couldn't believe that he was being asked these questions! "Swish and flick, followed by clockwise stirs, Professor."
Snape nodded, and Harry felt a sense of pride at having answered the questions correctly. He continued to follow Snape's instructions carefully throughout the lesson, successfully brewing the Cure for Boils without any major mishaps.
As the class concluded, Snape regarded Harry with a newfound interest. Harry, having proved his knowledge and skill in potion-making, knew that he would need to be on top of his game to navigate the challenges of being in Slytherin, especially with Professor Snape's watchful eye upon him.
The first flying lesson was a moment of excitement for all the Hogwarts first years. Students from all four houses gathered on the pitch, eagerly awaiting Madam Hooch's instructions. The sun shone brightly overhead, casting a warm glow on the field. As Madam Hooch demonstrated the proper way to mount a broomstick, there was a palpable sense of anticipation in the air.
Neville Longbottom, however, was not having an easy time. His broomstick was wobbling uncontrollably, and he struggled to stay airborne. Laughter and jeers erupted from the other students, especially Draco Malfoy and Gregory Goyle, who found great amusement in Neville's predicament.
Ron Weasley, with a smirk on his face, couldn't resist making fun of Neville. "Look at Longbottom! He's a mess up there. Can't even handle a broomstick!"
Neville's face turned bright red as he struggled to regain control of his broomstick, but his attempts were futile. In the midst of his distress, Neville accidentally slipped off his broom, plummeting toward the ground. The gasps and worried murmurs of his fellow students filled the air.
Neville's fall was abruptly halted by Madam Hooch's quick response, but the damage was done. His arm was twisted at an awkward angle, and he cried out in pain.
"Mr. Longbottom, to the hospital wing with you!" Madam Hooch ordered as she escorted the injured student away.
As Neville was being taken to the hospital wing, Ron, still wearing a smirk, threatened to throw Neville's Remembrall into a nearby tree, exacerbating Neville's already terrible day.
"That's enough, Ron," Harry shouted, his voice carrying across the field. He had had enough of Ron's taunts and decided to take action. Without thinking, he mounted his broomstick and flew after Ron, who held Neville's precious Remembrall aloft.
Ron didn't see Harry approaching until it was too late. Harry made a swift dive, snatching the Remembrall from Ron's grasp just as he was about to throw it. With impressive control, he circled back and landed smoothly on the ground.
The other students watched in awe as Harry held the Remembrall triumphantly in his hand. Madam Hooch returned to the field, and upon learning what had happened, she was both stern and impressed with Harry's flying skills.
"Potter, that was an impressive display of skill and bravery," she said, her tone softening. "You've got potential, I can see that."
After the flying lesson, Harry found himself alone with Draco Malfoy. Harry was determined to make a difference and asked Draco to do something unexpected.
"Draco," Harry began, "I think it's important that you apologize to Neville. Laughing at him when he broke his arm wasn't right."
Draco frowned, clearly taken aback. "Potter, why would I apologize to Longbottom? He's in a different house."
Harry sighed, "Because it's the right thing to do. We should treat each other with respect, regardless of our houses."
Draco reluctantly agreed, and they tracked down Neville in the hospital wing. Harry stood by as Draco approached Neville, who looked surprised to see them.
"Longbottom, I wanted to apologize," Draco said awkwardly. "I shouldn't have laughed at you earlier. It was wrong, and I'm sorry."
Neville, still nursing his broken arm, was taken aback by the unexpected apology but appreciated it nonetheless. "Thanks, Malfoy. I appreciate that."
As they left the hospital wing, Harry felt a sense of accomplishment, knowing that he had encouraged Draco to do the right thing and that small steps like these could help bridge the gaps between students in different houses, even in Slytherin.
Later, at dinner, Harry sat with his housemates and looked around at the rest of the students. He was worried about the whispers and rumors about him. What if he really was evil because of the house he was sorted into? What if his dad stopped loving him because others start telling him that Harry was evil?
"Are you okay?" Draco asked.
Harry blinked and looked over at his friend. "Huh? Oh, yeah, I'm fine. I was just thinking." He smiled at Draco. "Thanks."
Draco watched Harry as he filled his plate. "Okay," he said. "Just let me know if there is anything I can do."
Harry beamed at Draco. "I will! Thank you!"
Severus Snape finished his conversation with Madam Hooch and stood up to walk over to his Slytherins. He stood behind Potter and bent down to whisper in the boy's ear. "Meet me in my office after you finish eating. Come alone."
Harry blinked in surprise. "Yes, Professor." Harry and his year-mates watched as Professor Snape stepped to another student at the table before leaving with that student.
"That's the quidditch team captain," said Draco. "I wonder what he wants with you."
Harry shrugged. "I don't know."
After Harry finished eating, even if it wasn't much due to his nervousness, he made his way to Professor Severus Snape's office. Nervous, he entered the room and stood before the stern-faced professor.
Snape frowned at the first-year. "Mr. Potter, your behavior during the flying lesson was reckless and disobedient. As punishment, you will write lines – 'I will not fly without permission' – one hundred times."
Harry nodded, accepting his punishment. He knew he had acted impulsively and had to face the consequences.
Snape's demeanor softened slightly, and he continued, "However, I have heard about your impressive flying skills, Potter. It seems you have the potential to be an excellent Seeker."
Harry's eyebrows shot up in surprise, not expecting such a compliment from Snape.
Snape smirked. "You are hereby invited to join the Slytherin Quidditch team as our Seeker. We have a match against Gryffindor coming up, and your skills could be invaluable."
Harry was overjoyed by the offer. "I'd love to, Professor."
Snape nodded. "Very well. Allow me to introduce you to Marcus Flint, our Quidditch team captain."
Flint, a burly fifth-year student, approached, offering Harry a firm handshake. "Welcome to the team, Potter. We've heard great things about your flying abilities."
Harry's heart swelled with pride and excitement. He had never imagined that he would become a part of the Slytherin Quidditch team. It was a fantastic opportunity to prove himself, not just as a skilled flier but as a true Slytherin.
A/N: about 1,500 words in this chapter!