A/N: It's November 20th; Day 20 of NaNoWriMo! It's another 3k day for me today. Oh, I noticed that I forgot to update last chapter's actual word count... it was over 3k, just in that chapter. ... And, I finished this on Day 21 of NaNoWriMo... a 1500 word day.
Rising Storms
A Harry Potter and Percy Jackson crossover
Chapter 23:
Harry
The summer between his second year and his third year was going great so far! Harry went ahead and got all of his homework done on the train ride home so that he didn't have to worry about it anymore. He spent a few days with his family, just relaxing, but today was the day of Draco's birthday party. Harry was excited for his friend!
Harry grabbed the present that he had bought for the blond and raced down the stairs to where he would meet up with his dad and uncles. They were already standing in front of the floo with the presents they were giving the Malfoy heir. "Sorry I'm late."
"We're still early," Sirius said, shaking his head slightly at Harry's messy hair. "Come, I'll fix your hair."
"It never lies flat," said both Potter males.
Sirius laughed. "Well, maybe he doesn't have the same resistance to potions… Or, maybe, his hair would lie flat with length." He raised his wand. "Today, I think we'll try the length." A quick spell later, and Harry's hair reached just below his shoulders. Another spell, and Harry's now straight hair was tied back with a ribbon. "There," Sirius said, proud of what he had accomplished. "I thought the weight would pull his hair straight," he told James.
James stared at his son in shock. "I think you got Lily's hair," he said. "Hers curled, but when she wore it long… it straightened."
"Really?" Harry turned to look at his dad, who nodded. Harry was happy to hear more about his mom when she was younger. Yes, he could talk to her portrait, but she didn't always talk about her childhood. She usually talked about study tips and offered help with research.
"Come on," Remus said, wrapping an arm around Sirius's waist. "We need to get going before the Weasleys get there," he joked.
They laughed, heading closer to the floo. "You know, I think Draco did invite the Weasleys, due to the tentative truce between Draco and Ronald." While they stood there in shock, Harry stepped into the green flames and flooed to Malfoy Manor.
…
Malfoy Manor was a wonderful place, decorated in silver with a little bit of emerald green… probably to show their guests that they were trying to be respectful of differing opinions, and that they could tone down their decorations. Harry looked at the small family waiting in the room, and stepped towards them. "Lord Malfoy," he said, holding out a hand for him to shake.
"Heir Potter-Black-Peverell," Lucius Malfoy replied, shaking the hand before him. "Welcome to our home."
"Thank you, sir. And, please, call me Harry. We are family, after all." Harry grinned. He turned to Narcissa. "Lady Malfoy, your home is lovely and you look stunning on this fine day," he said, holding out a hand for her to place hers in.
Narcissa Malfoy let out a giggle, startling her husband and son, and placed her hand in his for him to bow over and kiss. "Thank you, Heir Potter," she replied, cheeks pink.
When he straightened, Harry winked at her. "You're my favorite, cousin Cissy."
A bark of laughter from behind him drew everyone's attention. Sirius leaned heavily on Remus, who was grinning, and said, "I fix his hair, and he turns into a mini-me!"
"Merlin, I hope not," James replied. He grinned at his son, who was beaming at making everyone laugh.
The party was going well until Ron, Fred, George, and Bill Weasley arrived. It wasn't their arrival, per se, Harry thought… but Ron's actions. Almost from the beginning, Ron was rude about the color scheme or the decorations. Then he was ranting about Slytherins. Harry could see Bill, the eldest Weasley son, covering his face in horror and embarrassment. Harry shook his head, looking for the twins. They were each grabbing one of Ron's arms and dragging him back to Bill. Harry walked over just as Bill uncovered his face. "Weasleys," he said.
Bill straightened stiffly. "Heir Potter-Black-Peverell. I'm sorry for my brother's actions. I'll make a formal apology to Lord and Lady Malfoy as well."
Harry nodded. He turned his gaze to Ron. "You can't even be polite in someone else's home, can you?"
Ron looked contrite at the question. He looked down, scuffing his shoe on the floor. "I'm sorry. I just couldn't believe that they didn't have any other colors in here but silver and green. Also, it's like they look down on everyone." He even stopped struggling against Fred and George.
Harry scrutinized Ron's face. He didn't believe Ron's explanation at all. "Okay," he said, seeing the other Weasleys look at him in shock. "I hope you will behave for the rest of the party. For your family's sake, public and political sake…"
Fred and George exchanged a look over Ron's head as Ron looked into Harry's eyes. "I will."
Bill looked down into Harry's eyes. "Thank you, Heir -"
Harry smiled. "Please, that's such a mouthful. You, Fred, and George may call me Harry." He turned to Ron. "If you prove that you've changed, then I'll give you permission to use my name at that moment."
"Thank you, Harry," the three older redheads said as one.
Harry snorted out a laugh. "No worries." He turned to look behind him at the Malfoys, who were watching them. "I think now would be a good time," he told Bill.
Bill stepped up beside Harry and placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Thanks, Harry, and you may call me Bill. It's going to be really confusing if you keep calling us all 'Weasley'." He chuckled.
Harry turned his head and smiled up at Bill. "Okay, Bill."
"Come, Ronald," Bill said, stepping forward and removing his hand from Harry's shoulder.
Harry watched the two walk over to the Malfoys, and then he had two identical redheads hanging off of him. "Hello, Forge and Gred," he said with a grin.
"Harrikins," said Fred. "Do you want-"
"To tell us," George continued.
"If those-"
"Lovely gentlemen-"
"Are Prongs, Padfoot, and Moony?" The twins finished together.
Harry spun around to face them. "How do you know those names?" He blinked up at them. "And, yes, they are. Dad is Prongs, Sirius is Padfoot, and Remus is Moony."
"Well, that was easy." Fred's eyebrows rose.
George nodded. "Yeah, we figured that you would be more mysterious."
Harry shrugged. "They told me that if you guessed it, then I could confirm." He watched them look over at the Marauders. Their expressions were funny as they looked like they had just met the god Loki. Harry laughed, drawing the Weasley twins' attention. "Go on. You know you want to." Harry smirked at them. And then they were off!
…
The living room buzzed with the warmth of the crackling fireplace, casting a golden glow across the room. Plush sofas and overstuffed armchairs were scattered around the room.
Harry Potter, perched on a cozy armchair, found himself surrounded by the familiar presence of his father, James Potter, Sirius Black, and Remus Lupin. The trio of Marauders, once a legendary force at Hogwarts, now shared moments of camaraderie with the next generation.
They were just spending time together as a family in between visits with friends. It was Remus's idea, not surprisingly. Taking this time, just for them, was a good thing for their mental health, Remus would often say.
Harry thought that he had a point, because sometimes life got too busy and this calming time helped Harry relax. He looked around at the men around him. They were so different, but so alike… all at the same time. Thankfully, his dad and Sirius had been able to take the day off.
James, with his unruly hair and infectious grin, conjured a floating feather, entertainingly maneuvering it through the air with a flick of his wand. Sirius lounged on a nearby sofa, an easy smile playing on his features, while Remus, ever the composed and wise figure, observed the scene with a glint of amusement in his eyes.
"Watch this, Harry!" James exclaimed, sending the feather into a graceful dance before making it burst into a burst of sparkling confetti. Laughter erupted in the small circle.
Sirius raised an eyebrow, his eyes gleaming mischievously. "I bet I can make a better Patronus charm than Prongs here."
Remus chuckled, interjecting, "Well, you do have a certain flair for dramatics, Padfoot."
As the banter continued, Harry couldn't help but feel a profound sense of connection with these wizards, his family. It was more than just the shared laughter or magical antics; it was a bond that transcended generations.
"So, Harry, how's Slytherin treating you?" James inquired, leaning back in his chair.
Harry grinned, appreciating the genuine interest. "It's not bad, Dad. Draco, Blaise, and the others are good friends. We even won the last Quidditch game against Ravenclaw."
Sirius threw an arm around Harry's shoulders, a proud smirk on his face. "That's my godson! Taking after his old man in Quidditch, I see."
Remus joined in with a warm smile. "And your studies? You've got some big shoes to fill with Prongs and Padfoot as your mentors."
Harry nodded, a sense of responsibility settling over him. "I'm doing my best. Hermione helps a lot. We study together."
James ruffled Harry's hair affectionately. "That's the spirit! Studying hard and playing Quidditch—just like a true Hogwarts student."
Remus looked thoughtful. "She was the girl that was rude on the train, right? I think that's what you told us last year."
Sirius laughed. "Are you getting old, now, Remi?"
Remus smacked him. "Not funny, Padfoot," he said, trying not to laugh.
"Moony!" Sirius turned puppy dog eyes on him.
"Harry's better at that than you," Remus replied.
The camaraderie lingered in the air, blending the past and present seamlessly. In that room, laughter intertwined with memories, and the bond between the Marauders and the next generation strengthened. As the evening unfolded, the magical fire continued to flicker, casting a warm glow over the quartet.
...
The summer sun bathed Potter Manor in warmth, and Harry found himself longing for the familiar chaos of the wizarding world. One day, while he relaxed in his room, a snowy owl tapped on his window, carrying a letter. Harry recognized it instantly—it was Ron's handwriting.
Dear Harry,
How's the summer treating you? Bet you're counting the days till Hogwarts!
I've been stuck at the Burrow all summer, and it's driving me bonkers. Mum's been on a cleaning spree, and the ghoul in the attic has taken up the bagpipes. Fred and George have managed to turn a garden gnome into a miniature dragon. You're missing out on all the fun.
Anyways, we're planning a bit of a gathering. Dad's fixed the old fireplace, and Mum's itching to show off her new dessert recipes. You know, the ones she insists you can't find in any wizarding cookbook. Ginny's been practicing Quidditch moves in the garden. She reckons she can beat you.
So, how about it? Come over for a day. Break the monotony and have a laugh with us. Sorry I took Hedwig from the twins. I needed to send this to you and Errol isn't up for the task. Send Hedwig back with your answer. Mum's already preparing a feast for the day you say yes.
Cheers,
Ron
Harry frowned at first. What was Ronald trying to do? Harry turned to Hedwig. "I'll be right back. You can go hunt until then, if you want." She settled down on his desk as Harry walked to his dad's office.
James was going through paperwork, but when Harry knocked on the door, he closed the folder on his desk so that Harry couldn't see what was inside. "What is it Harry? Come on in."
Harry stepped into the room, sitting down in front of his dad's desk. He handed over Ron's letter. "I'm not sure I should go. Mrs. Weasley seems to be wanting to push me towards Ginny, and I don't know how Mr. Weasley is going to go about Mrs. Weasley's control of him." Harry had told his dad when he had noticed that Arthur Weasley was under controlling spells and/or potions… under a secrecy oath.
"I see," James said, reading quickly. He handed the letter back to his son. "I guess you can go this Saturday and see how things go. I'll take the day off so that if you need to floo back home for any reason, I'll be here. Keep your eyes peeled, and if you need to, talk to Arthur and he'll send me a patronus and I'll be there immediately."
Harry frowned. "Alright, dad. Thanks for the advice. I'll let you get back to work, even though you shouldn't be working now that you're home," he teased with a grin. He ran back up to his room. With a flick of his wand, he summoned a piece of parchment and began drafting his reply.
Weasley,
The summer's been quiet at Potter Manor. Thanks for the invite. I suppose I could come… Tell your mum I'll be there on Saturday, and I'm ready to take on Ginny in Quidditch. Just hope she's ready to lose!
See you soon,
Harry James Potter-Black-Peverell
Harry attached the letter to Hedwig's leg, and with a hoot, she soared out of the window, carrying his response to the Weasley family.
A few days later, Harry flooed to the Burrow, where the lively sounds of the Weasley family welcomed him. Harry was a little overwhelmed at the chaos of the home and family. Molly Weasley attempted to yank Harry into a hug, but he sidestepped her and accidently stepped into Mr. Weasley. "Sorry, sir."
"It's okay," he said. "She gets like that." Arthur rolled his eyes when Harry was the only one looking.
Harry grinned. "So, dad said that if anything happened, I could floo back. He's home today. He also said that if it was important, then I was to tell you and you could send him a patronus to get him here immediately."
Arthur nodded. "Got it."
The garden echoed with laughter as Ginny attempted daring Quidditch moves, challenging Harry to a friendly match. Although Harry wasn't romantically inclined toward Ginny, she wasn't bad at flying.
As the sun set over the Burrow, Harry couldn't help but feel glad that it was over. Fred and George had kept Harry laughing and 'mostly' away from Ron and his mom and sister. Tiredly, he flooed back to Potter Manor and flopped onto the couch in front of the fireplace.
A/N: 2736 words in this chapter. What do you think? The next chapter will be back with Percy... and his arrival at Camp Halfblood. I might do a second Percy chapter after that, but I haven't decided that yet. I'm only working one chapter at a time. I'm trying to get these two boys through the story at the same time, so they meet up when Harry is 17 and Percy is 16. I'm sorry. I didn't realize that I would need to explain my reasoning of all of the 'Harry' chapters before. :) Thank you for reading, following, favoriting, and reviewing! It means so much to me! Right now, I'm just under 39,000 words for NaNoWriMo! I'm so happy! This is the most I've written in a month! :D