A/N: Day 19 of NaNoWriMo!

Rising Storms

A Harry Potter and Percy Jackson crossover

Chapter 21:

Harry

The Quidditch pitch was bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun as Slytherin and Ravenclaw clashed in a thrilling Quidditch match, the last match of the year. The stands were a sea of contrasting colors, with Slytherin green on one side and Ravenclaw blue on the other. Excitement crackled in the air, and the anticipation was palpable.

In the air, sleek broomsticks soared and darted, each seeking the elusive golden snitch. Harry Potter, donned in his emerald-green Quidditch robes, gripped his nimbus 2000 tightly as he streaked through the sky. The wind whistled past his ears as he angled for a better view of the fluttering snitch.

On the opposing side, the Ravenclaw Seeker was determined, zipping around with agility, trying to outmaneuver Harry. The bludgers whizzed past, the beaters skillfully directing them away from their teammates while trying to disrupt the opposing chasers.

Down on the pitch, the Quaffle changed hands rapidly as Slytherin's chasers weaved through Ravenclaw's defenses. Draco Malfoy, flanked by his fellow chasers, executed a perfect play that led to a swift goal against Ravenclaw.

The Slytherin supporters erupted in cheers, waving their banners and scarves as they reveled in their team's success. James Potter, sitting beside Severus Snape and Minerva McGonagall, waved a small green flag as he yelled in support of his son's team. On his other side, Sirius and Remus cheered as well. Snape kept glaring at their rambunctious cheering, but he didn't say anything. The Slytherin Beaters, Blaise Zabini and Vincent Crabbe, expertly protected their chasers and maintained control over the bludgers.

Above the roaring crowd, Harry's sharp eyes caught a glint of gold. The snitch was in sight. He kicked his Nimbus into high gear, a surge of adrenaline coursing through him as he pursued the elusive winged ball.

James and Sirius were on their feet, hollering at Harry, encouraging him in his pursuit of the elusive ball. James felt his heart nearly burst at the joy he was feeling watching his son have fun.

The Ravenclaw Seeker, though valiant, couldn't match Harry's determination. With a burst of speed, Harry closed the distance, his hand outstretched. The crowd held its breath as he snatched the snitch from the air.

Slytherin had won.

The cheers from the green-clad supporters echoed around the pitch as Harry descended, holding the golden snitch aloft. The Slytherin team gathered in a triumphant huddle, celebrating their victory. Draco clapped Harry on the back, a smirk of satisfaction playing on his face.

As the Slytherin team made their way off the pitch, the cheers of their supporters followed them. Harry, still high on the adrenaline of the game, basked in the glory of their win. The Quidditch victory not only brought pride to Slytherin but also a sense of unity among the team members.

"Harry!" James yelled, racing down to his son, with Sirius and Remus following behind him. By the time Harry turned to look, James was there lifting Harry into the air. "You won!" He spun his son around.

Harry laughed joyously as his teammates looked on. They had smiles on their faces as they watched the small family. Sirius ruffled Harry's hair as he congratulated his godson. Remus shared a look of exasperation with Harry over Sirius's actions.

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the Quidditch pitch. The Slytherin players, still in high spirits, made their way to the locker room, eager to revel in the triumph of their well-fought match against Ravenclaw. The taste of victory lingered in the air as the cheers of Slytherin echoed through the castle, marking a memorable moment on the Quidditch pitch.

As the weeks rolled on, the magical halls of Hogwarts embraced the intense focus of students preparing for their final exams. The echoes of cheers from the recent Quidditch triumph lingered, but now the air was charged with a different kind of excitement—one tinged with anticipation and, for some, a touch of apprehension.

In the common room of Slytherin House, the tables were strewn with parchment, quills, and textbooks. Harry, Draco, Blaise, and the rest of the Slytherin first years huddled together, creating a study haven amidst the emerald hues that defined their house. The camaraderie that had blossomed since the beginning of the school year continued to flourish as they faced the challenges of final exams.

"Alright, let's tackle these Charms incantations first," Theo suggested.

Harry nodded in agreement, his brow furrowed in concentration. "We've got this. Wingardium Leviosa, Nox, Lumos… we've been practicing these all year."

Blaise chimed in, "And don't forget the subtle tricks for Potions. Snape loves those."

While the Slytherins engaged in their collective study efforts, the atmosphere in the Great Hall was equally charged. Each day, the Slytherins would take their studying to the Great Hall for their meals. The long tables were laden with platters of hearty meals, but the students were more focused on the textbooks and notes before them than the delicious offerings.

Hermione, accompanied by Ron and Neville, joined the Slytherin group, creating an unexpected alliance forged by the shared pursuit of academic success. They reviewed Transfiguration theories, discussed Herbology nuances, and debated the finer points of Defense Against the Dark Arts.

The final exams loomed like a magical storm on the horizon, but within the confines of Hogwarts, students of all houses were united by a common quest for knowledge. The castle walls absorbed the whispered incantations of spells, the rustle of pages turning, and the collective sighs of concentration.

Even in the dimly lit dungeons where Snape's Potions class took place, the cauldrons simmered with potions bubbling over, and students meticulously followed their instructions. Harry, Draco, and the Slytherins navigated the intricacies of brewing elixirs and concoctions under the watchful eye of their formidable professor.

Days turned into nights, and the library transformed into a sanctuary of focused intellect. Madam Pince, the stern librarian, observed the diligent students with a keen eye, occasionally casting disapproving glances at those who dared disturb the sacred silence.

Amidst the studious ambiance, even Peeves, the mischievous poltergeist, kept his pranks to a minimum, sensing the gravity of the scholars' pursuits.

As the final exams approached, the collective energy within Hogwarts reached its zenith. The tension was palpable, but it was accompanied by a sense of unity among the students. Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin—all houses stood on equal footing in the quest for academic achievement.

Finally, the day of the last exam arrived. The Great Hall, adorned with floating candles and enchanted stars, welcomed students to their final challenge. The professors, stern yet fair, distributed the exams with an air of solemnity. Quills scratched parchment, and time seemed to stretch as students poured their knowledge onto the pages.

When the last quill was set aside, the collective exhale of relief echoed through the Great Hall. The exams were over, marking the culmination of an intense week that had tested the mettle of every student.

As the second years left the Great Hall, a mixture of fatigue and accomplishment painted their expressions. The final hurdle had been overcome, and Hogwarts bore witness to the resilience and determination of its students.

In the days that followed, the castle returned to its usual rhythm. The enchanted ceilings reflected the colors of the outside sky, and laughter and chatter once again filled the corridors. The anticipation of the upcoming summer break loomed, but before the departure, the second-year Slytherins gathered in their common room for a moment of reflection.

"We did it," Draco said, a proud smile breaking through.

Harry nodded, a sense of achievement washing over him. "Together. We faced exams, Quidditch, and everything Hogwarts threw at us."

Blaise and Theo nodded. They were leaning against each other in exhaustion.

Draco smiled at them. "Harry, would you like to come to my birthday party this summer?"

"Yeah, sure," Harry replied. "It sucks that you can't have a party on your actual birthday."

Draco laughed. "Yes, that's the problem of having a birthday during the school year." The already thirteen-year-old wrapped an arm around Harry's shoulders. Looking at Blaise and Theo, the other thirteen-year-olds in the small group, Draco smiled when he saw them asleep. "Malfoy manor will be amazing this year," he said. "I can't wait to play pick-up games of Quidditch on our personal pitch."

"You spoiled brat," Harry teased.

...

At the Leaving Feast, banners of green and silver over the tables showed who won the House Cup. Harry, Draco, Blaise, and Theo shared huge grins at the confirmation.

"Harry Potter," Dumbledore called from the head table. "Could you please step up here for a bit?"

Draco frowned. "I'm coming with you. I don't trust him."

Harry nodded. They walked up to the head table, leaving their friends to sit down without them. "You wanted to speak to me, Headmaster?" Harry asked.

"Yes, my boy." Dumbledore sent Draco a puzzled look. "Mr. Malfoy, I only asked for Harry."

"I asked him to come with me for support," Harry skillfully lied. Snape sent him an amused look.

Dumbledore nodded slowly, unsure of what to do now. "I see… I have reason to believe that Voldemort is still active and might take control of you at any time. May I have the diary that you have so that I may destroy it?" He ignored the winces around him at the name.

Harry sighed. "It's already been destroyed. It was destroyed before I even left for an early Winter Break."

"Are you sure, Harry?" Dumbledore asked, leaning forward.

Draco rolled his eyes. "I saw it turn to ash… courtesy of Lord Potter's spell. And, you should really be using his title, Headmaster. His dad won't like you being so familiar with Harry." He saw Snape and McGonagall smirk out of the corner of his eye.

Dumbledore frowned at Draco's words. "I see. If you are sure that it's destroyed, then that's great. You may go sit down." He watched the two second years sit down in the midst of their friends. Then he stood. "It's time to award the House Cup! In fourth place, Hufflepuff, with 388 points. In third place, Ravenclaw, with 424 points. In second place, Gryffindor, with 459 points. And, finally, in first place, Slytherin, with 496 points."

The entire school cheered for their house when each house was named. Thunderous applause and cheering came from the Slytherin table, showing their pride and unity.

Dumbledore nodded. "Well done, Slytherin, well done. In addition to the House Cup, you have won the Quidditch Cup too." Another loud cheer. "Now, enjoy your meal and get ready to empty your mind this summer, ready for more learning next year. Remember, the train leaves at eleven tomorrow morning, and you must have everything out of Hogwarts before the train leaves." He sat down, just as the food appeared.

"Dumbledore is barmy," Blaise said quietly. His friends nodded. As they ate, they discussed possible plans for the summer. Then they were off to their dorms to do last minute packing before bed.

The next morning, Harry led the way to the carriages to take them to the train. He couldn't wait to see his dad and his uncles again. This was going to be an awesome summer!

A/N: 1939 words