A/N: It's November 27! Written on days 27 & 28. I won NaNoWriMo (Day 28)! 2728 words!

Rising Storms

A Harry Potter and Percy Jackson crossover

Chapter 27:

Harry

The Potter family estate had been unusually quiet the last few days of June, prompting Harry to suggest a week of adventure abroad. After a brief discussion, it was settled – a week in France, exploring magical landmarks and indulging in French cuisine. Sirius and Remus, close friends of James, were enthusiastic about the idea.

The group Apparated to a charming wizarding village nestled in the French countryside. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers, and quaint shops lined the cobbled streets. The trio of wizards, along with Harry, wandered through the village, delighting in the magical wares and absorbing the vibrant atmosphere.

"Let's start with something sweet!" Sirius declared, leading the way to a whimsical patisserie. The aroma of freshly baked pastries greeted them as they entered. Colorful macarons, delicate éclairs, and exquisite tarts adorned the display.

"Harry, my boy, what do you fancy?" James asked, a twinkle in his eye.

Harry's gaze lingered on a tray of chocolate éclairs. "Those look amazing!"

The group indulged in an assortment of pastries, savoring the exquisite flavors that the French wizards had masterfully crafted. As they sat at a cozy outdoor table, Remus suggested exploring a nearby magical garden.

The garden, hidden behind an ancient gate adorned with intricate spells, unfolded like a mystical paradise. Vibrant flowers of every hue swayed in the gentle breeze, and magical creatures flitted about, adding to the enchantment.

For the next few days, the quartet ventured through the French countryside. They visited a magical vineyard where the vines responded to spells, creating extraordinary vintages. Wine tastings and laughter echoed through the rolling hills as they appreciated the magical artistry of French winemaking.

One day, they explored an ancient castle nestled in the mountains. The castle was rumored to be home to an elusive magical creature, and the group couldn't resist the allure of adventure. With wands at the ready, they ventured into the mysterious halls, discovering hidden rooms filled with ancient artifacts and magical portraits.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, they found themselves on a turret, overlooking the breathtaking landscape. The glow of the sunset painted the sky in hues of pink and orange, casting a warm embrace over the companions.

Amidst the adventure, Harry couldn't help but marvel at the bond between his dad and his godfathers. Sirius and Remus shared stories from their Hogwarts days, and James recounted tales of their youthful escapades. The laughter and camaraderie between the three friends created a tapestry of memories that Harry cherished.

One evening, they dined in a wizarding bistro tucked away in a charming village square. The aroma of French cuisine wafted through the air as they savored every bite of delectable dishes. The night was filled with music, laughter, and a sense of contentment that transcended time.

As the week in France drew to a close, the quartet returned to Potter Manor with hearts full of cherished memories. Back at home, as Harry's godfathers bid farewell to Harry, James couldn't help but feel grateful for the week of camaraderie and joy. He only wished that Lily was still alive and could have joined them. She would have been happy that Harry was having fun, and learning at the same time.

Harry got his Hogwarts letter, and he was happy to see that he was second in the year. Draco would be happy that he was first in the year. Harry grinned.

"So, how did you do," James asked curiously. He looked up from his breakfast.

Harry looked up from the first page of the letter. "Draco got first place and I got second."

"That's great," James smiled. "I'm so proud of you."

Harry shrugged. "Thanks. I guess even with the draining of my energy, the diary did help me remember things a lot easier."

James frowned at the reminder of what happened to his son that year. "If I could just get the person behind the diary incident," he started to say.

Harry read the second page of the letter, which listed out all of the courses available for their third year. Care of Magical Creatures, Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, Divination, all sounded pretty cool. He didn't know how he was going to choose between them. Muggle Studies was basically useless, because even though he lived in a magical house… his dad kept him up to speed on his muggle side. James got advice from Lily's portrait each time they went out and he was able to help Harry keep up with the muggle world's history and current events.

"What elective classes are you thinking about taking?" James asked, having noticed Harry's distraction.

Harry hummed. "Well, Muggle Studies is useless. Divination might be useless, but could be useful if I trust in my intuition. Care would be cool, because I love animals and I would like to learn more about them. Ancient runes and Arithmancy would be good. They will help me get a better job in the future."

"So which one, or which ones are you choosing for this year?" James asked his son.

Harry thought about it for a minute. "I think I want to try all of them except for muggle studies. I know it will be hard, but I am willing to try. I can have a schedule set up, and work my days around a 24 hour period. If I show you the schedule, will you look it over and tell me what you think?"

James was very serious as he looked at his son. "You are only turning 13 this month. I will trust that you know what you're doing, because you are like your mom, but if things get too hard, I want you to drop one or two classes."

Harry nodded. "I understand, Dad. I will do what you say. I will test it out, and if it doesn't work, then I will drop a class." Harry chose all but one of the electives and sent the second sheet of the letter off to Professor McGonagall. He would have to wait to hear back from her.

The Burrow buzzed with activity as Harry and James spent time with the Weasley family later that day. Laughter and the aroma of a homemade dinner filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere. Molly, the ever-watchful matriarch, couldn't hide her eagerness to see Harry and Ginny together.

As dinner approached, Molly seized an opportunity to discuss potential futures. "You and Ginny seem quite close, dear. Have you given any thought to the idea of—"

"Marriage?" James finished for her, attempting to steer the conversation into safer waters. "Well, Molly, Harry's still young, and there's plenty of time for him to consider such matters." He scowled at the red-haired woman.

Harry exchanged a relieved glance with his dad, grateful for the timely intervention. Yet, as they navigated the dinner conversation, Fred and George, the ever-watchful twins, noticed the undercurrents.

In a quiet moment outside the Burrow, Fred and George approached James and Harry, expressions serious. "Harry, Mr. Potter," Fred began, looking around to ensure no one was eavesdropping. "We heard something you need to know."

The twins revealed that Lucius Malfoy had orchestrated the entire diary incident. Shocked, James listened as they explained how Ginny had passed the diary to Harry after his shirt was ripped in Flourish and Blotts. The gravity of the revelation hung heavy in the evening air.

"Why would Malfoy target Ginny, and why through that diary?" James wondered aloud.

Fred and George exchanged a glance. "We reckon it's all part of some twisted plan. Malfoy's got his fingers in every dark plot. Ginny was just an unwitting pawn."

Harry's mind raced, connecting the dots between his possession and the insidious plot hatched by Malfoy. Determination sparked in his eyes. "We need to uncover Malfoy's motives and put an end to his schemes. I know she passed me the diary, and that would be twisted into some kind of plot on Ginny's behalf, but Ginny's innocence shouldn't be sacrificed for his twisted games."

James nodded in agreement. "We can't let Malfoy manipulate our lives from the shadows. It's time to bring his machinations to light."

Harry frowned. "I don't think Draco knows what his dad did. Otherwise he'd be really angry at his dad."

The quartet returned to the lively dinner, but now an additional layer of complexity rested on their shoulders. As the days unfolded, James and Harry, but mostly James since he could investigate at work, discreetly investigated Malfoy's involvement in the diary incident. With the Weasley twins as allies, they delved into the dark secrets that surrounded Malfoy, determined to protect Ginny and find out the truth… once and for all.

...

Professor McGonagall came to Potter Manor on Harry's thirteenth birthday to follow up on his request to take so many classes for his third year. "Happy birthday, Mr. Potter," she said when she was allowed in.

"Thank you, professor," Harry said, smiling at her. She might not be his head of house, but she was kind to him and helped him when he needed it. "If I may ask, what's this visit for?"

She smiled in return, before her expression became serious. "I noticed that you signed up for all but one of the electives and I was curious about whether or not you chose them yourself, and if you know what hard work it is to have an overly full schedule."

Harry's expression darkened slightly. "I understand the concern, but my father had nothing to do with my choices. He even told me that he trusted my judgment and that if I found it to be too much, I was to drop a class or two."

McGonagall looked a little sheepish. "Sorry, Mr. Potter. I don't mean to be rude. I was just worried that he might be putting a lot of pressure on you to do better than he did." She glanced at the door and blushed slightly when she saw James standing there with a tray and tea service. "I didn't mean that in a bad way," she said suddenly.

James walked into the room and placed the tray on the coffee table. "I'm sure," he said. He couldn't hold the stiffness any longer and burst out in laughter. "If it was anyone else, I would be pissed, but since it's you, Minnie, I understand." He smiled at her.

"Don't call me Minnie," she said with a small smile. "I really am sorry for the presumption. So, Mr. Potter," she said, turning to face Harry. "Due to your answer earlier, you are one of the only two students that will be given the opportunity to use a time turner for your classes. It will be given to you before the Welcoming Feast, and you will be under strict rules for the use. Am I clear?" She looked over her glasses at Harry. "Any sign of breakdown due to the workload, and you'll lose the privilege of using the time turner, and you'll have to drop a class… maybe two."

"I understand," Harry said solemnly. He was sitting straight and looking her in the eye as he spoke, showing his sincerity.

Professor McGonagall nodded. "Very well," she said, handing over the list for his books and supplies. "Here is your updated list of books and the supplies needed. I hope it all goes well and I will see you on September first. Have a good day." She stood up.

"Do you not want to stay for tea?" James asked.

The woman looked at the tea set and shook her head. "Unfortunately, I can't stay. Albus has me doing some house visits today, so I have to go now and get started on those."

"I see." James nodded. "Well, have a good day."

"Thank you," Professor McGonagall said. She nodded to them and then left through the floo.

Harry looked over at his dad, who was looking thoughtful, and said, "Dumbledore is making her do so much work."

James nodded. "It seems that way." He turned to look at Harry. "Who else do you think got a time turner?"

"Probably Hermione Granger," Harry said immediately. "She's really smart, consistently in third place in the entire year."

A few hours later, Harry and James were standing before the fireplace in the greeting room. As people flooed in, they would greet the family or couple, and then James led the guests to the ballroom where the party would be. Harry's friends from Slytherin were some of the first ones there. Theo, Blaise, Draco, and a girl named Daphne greeted Harry with smiles. Harry didn't really know Daphne that well, but he was glad to see her and get to know her better.

After several more guests arrived at the party, Hermione was brought to Potter Manor by Neville and his grandmother. All three of them looked around in awe.

Harry stepped forward. "Hello, and welcome to my birthday party."

"Thank you for inviting me," Hermione said.

Neville and his grandmother repeated the sentiment, and greeted James politely.

James led the three into the ballroom, but Harry was left waiting for the final party guests in the reception room. He was still waiting thirty minutes later, when his father came back into the room. "Is someone late?" He asked.

Harry nodded. "Ron and his family. I know they are always late to things, but I had hoped that they wouldn't be late to this."

James sighed. "I'll wait here for them. Your other guests are waiting." When Harry nodded and left, James sighed again and turned to look at the fireplace. The flames hadn't changed. Twenty minutes later, just when James was about to close the floo connection, the flames turned green. 'Finally,' he thought.

One by one, the Weasleys were spat out into the Potter Manor reception room. "Sorry we're late," Arthur Weasley said, sheepishly. He glared at Molly and Ginny. "Someone decided that they had to change their clothes several times before we left."

"Where's Harry?" Ginny asked excitedly.

James looked down his nose at her. "He's in the ballroom waiting for you. He had waited as long as he could before I told him that his other guests were starting to get upset." He stopped Ginny from walking around his manor and told her, "I will lead you there when I'm ready." He glanced up at all of the redheads. He noticed that even the two oldest sons were there. "Follow me, please."

As the Weasleys were led down the hall to the ballroom, Ginny and Molly kept looking around in envy. They couldn't believe that Harry and James lived in this splendor. Ron mumbled under his breath at the luxury, but quieted before they got to the ballroom.

James let them in, but noticed that Arthur and his five sons, actual sons, were still beside him. James turned to Arthur. "When are you going to divorce her?"

Arthur shook his head. "Technically, we're not married. Amelia and I are married, but someone made it to where I wouldn't remember that and think that I was married to Molly." He shrugged. "When is a good time to tell someone that you know you're not married to them?"

James sighed. "I'm not sure, Arthur. It's all up to you. I still can't wrap my head around it."

"You're not the only one," Bill said. "I can't believe that I'm not related to the two terrors."

Charlie laughed. "I'm glad I'm not related to them." Percy and the twins agreed. Then Charlie looked over at James. "Mr. Potter, is there some way that we could get our mother tested at Gringotts without freaking her out?"

"We could have Gringotts send her a letter about a possible problem with her account." James looked thoughtful.