A/N: Day 8!

Rising Storms

A Harry Potter and Percy Jackson crossover

Chapter 13:

Harry

Professor McGonagall was in her office, her stern expression etched with concern, as she contemplated the disappearance of Harry Potter. She had just returned from searching various parts of the castle, and the worry for the young Slytherin weighed heavily on her mind.

In her heart, she couldn't help but wonder if there was a connection between Harry's vanishing act and the elusive Mirror of Erised. The mirror had an uncanny way of revealing people's deepest desires, and it was something Harry had been trying to unlock for days.

Summoning all her courage, Professor McGonagall decided to consult with the only person who might have the answers she sought. She ascended the spiral staircase and entered Professor Dumbledore's office, where the headmaster was sitting at his desk, his eyes twinkling behind his half-moon glasses.

"Albus," she began, her voice filled with concern, "I can't find Harry anywhere. I've searched the castle from top to bottom. Do you think he might be in danger?"

Dumbledore regarded her with a serene expression, his voice carrying an air of certainty. "Minerva, it's too early for Professor Quirrell to make his move. He has no reason to act yet."

Her brows furrowed in confusion. Too soon? "But, Albus, I can't help but worry about the boy. He's been gone for days, and no one has seen him."

Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully, his gaze fixed on the flickering flames in the fireplace. He muttered to himself, more to the room than to Professor McGonagall, "Ron should have been with Harry, learning about Voldemort drinking the unicorn blood."

Professor McGonagall's eyes widened at the mention of Voldemort and the unicorn blood. That was a while ago… "You think Voldemort might be involved in this? But how?"

Dumbledore's eyes shifted back to her, his expression grave. "I hope I'm wrong, Minerva, but it's a possibility we must consider. Let us not forget the presence of the Sorcerer's Stone. We must act quickly to locate Harry, for his safety and the security of the stone."

They both understood the gravity of the situation. It was not only Harry's well-being that was at stake, but the potential threat of Voldemort's return. As they discussed the possible scenarios and planned their next steps, Dumbledore's manipulative behavior became increasingly evident to McGonagall, as if he were guiding the pieces of a larger puzzle, with Harry as an unwitting pawn in a game of his design.

They had just begun to devise a final plan when the door to Dumbledore's office swung open, and Severus Snape entered with a tense expression. The Potions Master was known for his sharp intuition and perceptiveness.

"Headmaster, I have news regarding Mr. Potter," Snape announced, his voice cold and measured.

Dumbledore and McGonagall turned their attention to Snape, their expressions eager for any information regarding Harry's whereabouts.

Snape continued, "I believe Potter may be in the forbidden third-floor corridor. I've observed Quirrell's strange behavior, sneaking in and out of that area, and I couldn't help but wonder."

Dumbledore's eyes gleamed with what seemed like a knowing glint, his manipulative intentions subtly evident to Snape. He maintained his calm facade, as he asked, "What do you think, Severus? Why would Quirrell be interested in that particular corridor?"

Snape's gaze bore into Dumbledore, a sense of frustration seeping into his voice. "I can't say for certain, Headmaster, but it's worth investigating. It could have something to do with the obstacles that you had us create for the chamber." He raised an eyebrow.

As they continued their conversation, the undertones of Dumbledore's manipulation became increasingly apparent to Snape. He knew that the headmaster held secrets and had a deeper understanding of the situation. Snape's own curiosity and desire to protect the students began to clash with Dumbledore's enigmatic plans, setting the stage for a complex web of intrigue and hidden agendas. He glanced over at McGonagall, hoping that she saw what he did. She bit her bottom lip, blinking once in answer to his unasked question without looking at him.

…

Harry stared up at the mirror from where he lay on the ground. He didn't have the strength to stand on his own. A sound came from behind him, and he froze in fear. What was Quirrell going to do?

Quirrell walked over to Harry. "Come on, get up! Hopefully, you can be helpful this time." He lifted Harry up and drug him to the mirror. "Get me the stone!"

"No," Harry said, able to see himself, his partner, and his kids again. His older self winked at him, still holding the stone, but not doing anything with it.

"Let me talk to him," came another voice. It held a hissing sound to it.

"Master, are you sure you are strong enough?"

Harry watched tiredly as Quirrell untied his turban one-handed when the voice chewed him out. Quirrell was trembling, and Harry wanted to pull away from the madman, but he was too weak to get away. He stopped moving in shock when he saw the face on the back of Quirrell's head.

"Harry Potter," the second face said. "See what you've done to me? I have to live off of others because of you. Now, with your help, I could get my body back."

"Why would I help you?" Harry asked. "You'd just continue to come after me."

"I could bring you mother and father back," Voldemort said. "I can bring them back to life, Harry. Your parents. All you have to do is serve me, and their souls will be yours once more."

The words were chilling, and Harry's initial shock gave way to a scoff. Weak as he was, he managed to summon a response. "You think I'd trust you? After all the pain and suffering you've caused?"

But Voldemort, still unaware of the living James Potter, was unswayed by Harry's defiance. His crimson eyes glinted with malice.

Before Voldemort could make another move, the chamber was filled with the sudden arrival of three familiar figures. Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, and Severus Snape appeared as if summoned by the urgency of the moment. Their presence alone seemed to cast a protective shield over Harry.

Dumbledore, with his unwavering calm, spoke with a steady authority. "Tom, I see you've made your move at last. But you've miscalculated. Harry is not alone, and your offer holds no power over him."

McGonagall's eyes bore into Voldemort, her voice firm. "You will not harm a hair on his head, Tom."

Voldemort's gaze shifted between the formidable trio and Harry, his frustration growing. He had not expected such an intrusion, and his cunning plans had seemingly unraveled.

Snape, still torn between his role as a spy and his role as 'Dumbledore's man', said, "Harry will never serve you."

The standoff continued, the tension in the chamber palpable. Harry was dropped, still bound, but he felt a glimmer of hope and protection in the presence of those who had come to his rescue.

A/N: 1226 words