A/N: Day 6 of NaNoWriMo (continued)!

Rising Storms

A Harry Potter and Percy Jackson crossover

Chapter 10:

Harry

The library was a scene of chaos, with books scattered, a toppled bookshelf, and a massive troll lying unconscious on the floor. Professor Severus Snape, the Potions Master and head of Slytherin House, arrived first. His eyes narrowed as he took in the unexpected scene.

"What is the meaning of this, Potter?" Snape sneered, his tone filled with disdain. "Why are you and Miss Granger involved in this mess?"

Harry and Hermione stood near the downed troll, both looking slightly disheveled and still holding their wands.

"We didn't have anything to do with this, Professor," Harry replied earnestly. "We were studying here in the library when the troll came in."

Hermione chimed in, "We tried to stop it from causing any more damage, Professor."

At that moment, Professor Filius Flitwick, the head of Ravenclaw House and the Charms professor, entered the library. He looked around at the scene with wide eyes.

"What on earth...?" Flitwick began, but then he saw Harry and Hermione.

"Professor Flitwick, we were studying when the troll entered the library," Hermione explained. "We had to defend ourselves and the library."

Snape crossed his arms, still skeptical, but he couldn't deny the logical explanation. "Potter, Miss Granger, explain what you did to subdue the troll."

Harry recounted their actions, from the Petrificus Totalus spell to Hermione's Incarcerous and Stupefy spells.

Flitwick looked impressed. "Remarkable work, Miss Granger. Mr. Potter, you were indeed brave in the face of danger."

Snape, though grudgingly, nodded in agreement. "Very well, you may have acted with some semblance of responsibility. Potter, five points to Slytherin for your bravery."

Flitwick turned to Hermione and smiled. "And Miss Granger, ten points to Ravenclaw for your quick thinking and resourcefulness."

Harry and Hermione exchanged grateful glances, relieved that their actions were acknowledged. Despite being from different houses, they had faced the troll together and earned points for their respective houses. The professors left to take care of the unconscious troll, while Harry and Hermione returned to their studies, with the library now significantly quieter.

…

Life at Hogwarts for Harry and his friends in their first year had settled into a comfortable routine. Harry was dedicated to his studies, ensuring that he excelled in his classes, particularly Potions and Defense Against the Dark Arts. This dedication was his way of proving himself as a proud Slytherin.

In addition to his academics, Harry also focused on improving his Quidditch skills. He had become the star Seeker for the Slytherin team, thanks to his natural talent and hours of practice. The thrill of soaring on his broomstick during Quidditch matches was something Harry relished. Slytherin was known for its ambitious and competitive spirit, and Harry fit right in.

One sunny afternoon, Harry's Quidditch practice had ended, and he joined his friends in the common room. Draco Malfoy, Neville Longbottom, Hermione Granger, and Blaise Zabini were gathered around a table, studying and chatting. Neville and Hermione had been given permission to study in the Slytherin common room sometimes. It was a diverse group, but their camaraderie was genuine.

Blaise, a witty and charismatic Slytherin, was recounting a recent prank he had played on a few Gryffindors. His storytelling had everyone in stitches.

Draco, who had been Harry's first friend at Hogwarts, grinned and commented, "You have quite the knack for mischief, Blaise."

Neville, the dependable Hufflepuff, chimed in with a smile. "It's a good thing we have you on our side."

Hermione, the diligent Ravenclaw, looked up from her book and raised an eyebrow. "I hope you're all remembering to do your homework and not just causing trouble."

Harry laughed and joined in. "Don't worry, Hermione, we're not entirely neglecting our studies."

As the evening progressed, the group discussed their plans for their upcoming years at Hogwarts. Blaise mentioned their anticipation for the third-year when they could finally visit Hogsmeade. They talked about which shops to visit and which treats to enjoy at Honeydukes.

Draco turned to Harry, a mischievous glint in his eye. "You know, Harry, you might want to impress everyone with your flying skills on the Quidditch pitch in our third year."

Harry chuckled. "Of course, Draco. I'll show off a bit for our friends."

They chatted about their upcoming holiday break and the plans they had with their families.

Blaise was the first to share his excitement. "My mom and my step-dad are taking me to the french Alps for some skiing. I can't wait!"

Neville smiled. "My grandmother and I will be going to the cottage in the countryside. There's a garden full of magical plants. It's always a fascinating place to explore."

Hermione, with her typical enthusiasm, joined in. "I'll be spending time at home, of course, but I'll also be working on some independent research projects. There's so much I want to learn."

Harry laughed at her enthusiasm. "Dad, Remus, Sirius, and I will be spending Yule at Potter Manor. We spend time talking to our family portraits about the year, and then we go out to get the yule log."

The days turned into weeks, and their bond grew stronger. Despite their different houses, Harry and his friends were inseparable.

…

Dumbledore sat alone in his office at Hogwarts, the serene decor of the room a stark contrast to his agitated thoughts. The headmaster, usually a paragon of calm and wisdom, was deeply troubled by the recent developments concerning Harry Potter.

In a rare moment of frustration, Dumbledore spoke aloud to himself, his voice tinged with annoyance, "This was not the way I envisioned things, not at all." He sighed deeply, his piercing blue eyes clouded with concern.

The source of Dumbledore's discontent was the independence displayed by Harry, the young wizard whose destiny was intertwined with the very fate of the wizarding world. Dumbledore had long ago crafted a plan, a careful design to mold Harry into the savior that the world desperately needed. But lately, it seemed that Harry had been straying from this path.

He muttered to himself, "Harry's independence, while admirable in some ways, is creating complications. He's not following the plan as I had hoped."

Dumbledore knew that Harry was not meant to face the challenges of the magical world alone. The boy was supposed to have close friends, like the bond Dumbledore himself had cherished with his companions in his youth.

"I thought Harry and Ron would be inseparable," Dumbledore lamented. The friendship between Harry and Ron was intended to be a cornerstone of their support network, but it had not unfolded as expected.

He thought of Harry's initial encounter with the troll, which had been a moment of chaos and panic. While Harry and Hermione had managed to subdue the creature, Dumbledore was far from pleased with the situation.

"Quirrell allowed a troll into the castle, and the way Harry handled it... It was far too logical," Dumbledore muttered. He had anticipated Harry would show courage and resourcefulness, but the incident had revealed an insightful revelation that concerned him. Harry Potter and Hermione Granger were not questioning how the troll got into the school, or why…

Dumbledore reflected on the countless hours he had spent observing and guiding Harry's path. He had seen the young wizard grow and had high hopes for him, but it was becoming clear that Harry's independent spirit was leading him in unpredictable directions.

He pondered how best to address the situation and guide Harry back onto the path he had envisioned. It was essential for the safety of the wizarding world and for Harry's own well-being. Dumbledore knew he would have to take a more direct hand in shaping Harry's journey.

Dumbledore stood up and strode to the window, gazing out over the Hogwarts grounds. He was determined to ensure that Harry would not stray too far from the plan. His voice, now firm and resolute, echoed in the room, "It's time to reevaluate the path we're on, my young friend."

With a sense of purpose, Dumbledore began to devise a new strategy, one that would address the growing issues of Harry's independence and lead him down the path he was destined to walk. It was a path that would require a great deal of effort, and Dumbledore knew it was a journey filled with danger and sacrifice.

As he contemplated the complexities of guiding the young wizard through the tumultuous years that lay ahead, Dumbledore understood that Harry's destiny was not set in stone, and his own role as a mentor would be vital in shaping that destiny. It was time to ensure that Harry would follow the plan that Dumbledore had laid out, for the greater good of the wizarding world depended on it.

A/N: 1500 words