A/N: Thank you for all of the wonderful support! I really appreciate it. I would also like some reviews on how you like the story so far. Am I making things interesting enough? Constructive criticism, please... not destructive. :)

Rising Storms

A Harry Potter and Percy Jackson crossover

Chapter 44:

Harry

Cheers erupted around them as Harry and Cedric lay on the ground, trying to catch their breath. They looked at each other and grinned. They had made it back. The two champions sat up and looked around. Now that their joy had settled, the boys were solemn as they got Dumbledore and the Ministry's attention.

"He's back," Harry said. "Voldemort's back."

People gasped at the name. "You're crazy, boy," said the Minister who had come to see the end of the Tournament. "You-know-who died when you were a babe."

Harry scowled. "Don't call me 'boy'. My name is Harry, but you may call me Heir Potter." He took a deep breath. "If you don't believe me, then you can watch my memories."

"And mine," Cedric said. There was more talk now, having such an upstanding person defend the Boy-Who-Lived.

Fudge sputtered. "That shouldn't be necessary," he muttered warily.

"Of course it's necessary," Harry said. "How else would you know the truth?" He scoffed. "You won't believe anything even if you do see it with your own eyes. Perhaps with other people seeing it, you'll have no other choice but to accept it. He is alive."

James came forward through the crowd. He wrapped an arm around Harry's shoulders. "If you want people to see your memories, boys, I have a pensive with me always. It has a special rune on it to project the memories out."

"We wish it," Cedric said. He lifted his wand to his temple and pulled a silver thread out of his temple.

James pulled out the pensive quickly, and held out the small pensive so that Cedric could put the memory in. Harry followed Cedric's lead and let his memory fall into the pensive as well. "Thanks, boys." James touched a rune. The memories rose from the pensive and merged, showing the crowd everything...

*Their hands grabbed each handle of the cup at the same time and instantly felt the pull of a portkey. They landed harshly, and Harry looked around. "Something's not right. You should hide."

"No," Cedric said. "I can't leave you to face whatever is out there."

"You must. They wanted me here. I can't have you die here. Perhaps you hide and watch, and then we can leave later... alive."

Sounds came from deeper in the graveyard, and Cedric hid just in time as a figure came into view. The short figure moved forward to a large cauldron. He laid down a small bundle and then looked up at Harry. "Ah, Potter, our guest." He flicked a wand and Harry was raised and tied to an angel statue. As the boy struggled, the rotund man began to speak again. "You don't recognize me, do you?" He asked. "But, then again, you were just a babe. Your father and godfathers were my friends."

Harry gasped. "You're Peter Pettigrew. How did you escape Azkaban? I know they have anti-Animagus spells on their cells."

"I guess I can tell you. You won't leave here alive. I waited for the spells to weaken, and I transformed." Pettigrew smiled wickedly.

Amidst the eerie silence of the graveyard, Cedric Diggory crouched behind a weathered tombstone, his heart pounding with a mixture of fear and disbelief. He watched in horror as Harry Potter stood before Peter Pettigrew and the resurrected form of Lord Voldemort, the Dark Lord himself.

Cedric's mind raced with disbelief as Voldemort monologued to Harry, his voice laced with venom and malice. He couldn't comprehend how Voldemort had returned, defying the odds and shattering the fragile peace that had settled over the wizarding world.

As Voldemort's words dripped with contempt, Cedric gripped his wand tightly, his determination to stand by Harry's side unwavering. He knew that he had to be Harry's witness, to ensure that the truth of this night reached the ears of those who needed to know.

Peter Pettigrew, his arm wounded and whimpering in pain, trembled before Voldemort's wrath. Cedric's heart ached with pity for the traitorous wizard, but he knew that sympathy had no place in the face of such evil.

Voldemort, with a flick of his wand, bestowed upon Peter a new hand, a cruel reminder of the power he wielded over life and death. Cedric's stomach churned with disgust at the sight, his resolve to stop Voldemort strengthening with each passing moment.

As Voldemort called forth his Death Eaters, Cedric's grip tightened on his wand, his determination to protect Harry and stand against the forces of darkness burning brightly within him.

The air crackled with tension as Voldemort's menacing figure loomed over Harry, his wand poised to strike. Cedric held his breath, ready to leap into action at a moment's notice.

As the battle between good and evil erupted, Cedric emerged from his hiding place, his wand raised in defiance. He stood by Harry's side, a beacon of hope amidst the darkness, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Together, Harry and Cedric faced Voldemort and his Death Eaters, their courage and determination shining brightly in the face of overwhelming odds. And as the echoes of their battle reverberated through the graveyard, Cedric knew that he would do whatever it took to ensure that light triumphed over darkness, no matter the cost.

Some of the death eaters lost their masks in the fight, and Cedric recognized them. Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, Macnair, Rowle, Rookwood, and Rosier. He would have to tell someone about their involvement.

Harry's spell connected to Voldemort's, forming a bright gold light, and ghosts swarmed around Voldemort to allow Harry and Cedric a chance to escape. The boys ran back to the cup and grabbed it together. Then they were gone.*

The memories unmerged and fell back to the pensive, where Cedric and Harry took their memories back, and the stunned crowd snapped out of their shock. Sudden noise startled the Minister, who was heard muttering "Impossible."

"Believe it," Amelia Bones-Weasley said, stepping in front of Fudge. "It's real. There's no sign of manipulation, so it's all real. Voldemort is real." She looked at the two teens before her. "You two were very brave. Thank you for bringing this information to our attention."

...

James received a letter the first Monday morning after the third task. He opened the letter, warily, noticing that there were no spells on it.

'Lord Potter,

This is a letter to let you know that there has been an inquiry about young Potter's custody. We will gather all the evidence from both sides before we bring both parties to the ministry for trial.

Jennifer Johnson, Child Welfare Office'

James scoffed in confusion. Who would try to get custody of his son? He shook his head.

...

Harry and Cedric had each received half of the Tournament purse, and they often hung out to talk about their shared experience during the third task. Victor and Fleur made their way over to the two Hogwarts champions the day that their schools were leaving. "I'm sorry for how I tried to hurt you," Victor told Cedric and Fleur. He looked down at the ground.

Fleur and Cedric looked at each other briefly before they looked at the burly seventeen year old. "It wasn't you," Fleur said.

"Yeah," Cedric agreed. "You were under the Imperious curse."

Harry watched the three with a small smile. He saw Moody standing a little ways away. There was something off about him. "Excuse me," Harry said. He got up and walked over to the man. "Professor Moody, may we speak privately?"

Moody looked at him. He nodded. "Come," he said. They walked to an empty room and Moody turned to look at the teen. "What is it, Potter?"

"What have you been so worried about?" Harry asked.

"That's none of your business," the man replied, gruffly.

Harry thought for a moment at all of the odd behavior from the man before him. He remembered some talk about missing ingredients from Professor Snape's private stores. The ingredients only added up to Polyjuice. His bright green eyes looked up at Moody. "Who are you, really?"

"What do you mean?" Moody asked. His eyes narrowed.

Harry looked wary. "The missing ingredients, which can only be used together for Polyjuice, and the odd behavior."

The man laughed. "Very observant, Potter. You're right, I'm not Moody. He's in a trunk in his office. I'm only telling you this because I'll be gone after this year." He sighed. "Let me tell you a story, and don't worry about others hearing. They won't hear through the privacy spell. A long time ago, I fell in love with someone from my house here at Hogwarts. We dated for a few years before we graduated and then two years later, I received two shocks at once. My love was killed when he went to destroy something of the Dark Lord's, and I found out that I was pregnant." He looked at the boy before him. He grinned. "Yes, just like your godfather. It's rare, but those with creature inheritances have an easier time getting pregnant. My love had given me a wonderful young boy," the Moody imposter said with a sigh.

"How old is he now?" Harry asked curiously. He was relaxing in the current situation.

"He's fifteen, now, just a year older than you." The imposter smiled. "He's a Ravenclaw, like I was. His name is Bartholomew Regis Black," he said. He cast tempus, not seeing Harry's shocked look until he looked back. "Yes, Potter, my son is also Regulus Black's son. I'm Barty Crouch Jr."

"I-"

Barty smiled and interrupted gently, "We should head to my office. My potion is running out." He led the way out of the empty room and up to the Defense office. A boy was standing outside of the office, staring at the door. "Barry," Barty said.

The boy looked over with a smile, which fell at the sight of Harry. "Um," he said.

Barty smiled. "Potter knows. Let's go inside." He opened the door to the office and they all stepped inside. As soon as the door shut, Barty took out the fake eye and sat down to take off the fake leg.

Harry watched as the man's potion faded away. A much younger man was sitting there, and he smiled at the Ravenclaw. He watched as they greeted each other, and then he said, "I thought you died in Azkaban."

Barty looked over at Harry. He smiled sadly. "No, my mom came for a visit, and took my place. She was dying anyway, and died wearing my face. My father placed me under the Imperious and kept me prisoner for years. I'm just glad that Barry was hidden with Winky during his first eleven years." He smiled at his son.

Bartholomew, Barry, spoke up then. "Winky made sure that I went to Hogwarts when it was time. She had to make sure that no one knew that she was getting the money to use for my supplies and tuition. I came here as a Black, but as a distant cousin branch. It was so hard to not break down and hug my uncle when he came to teach. I still can't get close to him, because then he'll realize who I am."

"You don't want that to happen?" Harry asked.

"It's not safe, yet," Barty said for his son. "You see, I didn't attack the Longbottoms. I arrived afterwards, just seconds before the Aurors arrived. My wand wasn't even out."

"Your trial?" Harry asked.

Barty scoffed. "A group trial, and only Bellatrix spoke... laughing maniacally."

"Maybe we can fix that?"

"How, Potter? Dumbledore knew the injustice and did nothing." Barty looked frustrated and sad.

"I'll think of something," Harry said, confidently. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone that you are here or that I know of your relationship."

The day Harry went back home after fourth year, he noticed that his dad was acting strangely. They flooed to Potter Manor and Harry turned to his dad. "What's going on?"

James blinked at Harry, getting out of his thoughts. "Hmm? Oh. The Monday after the third task, I received a letter that told me that there was an inquiry about your custody."

"So, someone is trying for custody of me? They want to take me away from you?" Harry's eyebrows disappeared behind his bangs.

James nodded. "Yes," he said. "Then this morning, someone from the Child Welfare Office arrived to observe us. She'll be here for a month, but don't worry, because she will only be observing."

...

Ms. Thompson, the woman from the Child Welfare Office, watched with keen interest as James and Harry practiced wand movements together in the backyard Monday afternoon, noting the patient guidance James provided to his son. The air was filled with the soft whispers of spells and the occasional burst of colorful magic as James demonstrated various techniques to Harry. She observed the father-son duo's interaction, impressed by the familial bond evident in their magical training session. She took notes, moving back inside the manor.

Inside the Potter manor on Tuesday morning, Ms. Thompson observed James and Harry brewing potions together in the kitchen. The room was filled with the fragrant aroma of magical ingredients as they carefully measured and mix potions ingredients. James was explaining the properties of each of the ingredients that Harry would learn about in his fifth year. Harry listened attentively and asked insightful questions. Ms. Thompson took notes of the educational value of their activities and the safe environment they provided for their experimentation.

Accompanying James and Harry to Diagon Alley on Friday, Ms. Thompson observed the bustling magical marketplace. She watched as James and Harry navigate the crowded streets, their excitement palpable as they shopped for supplies for Harry's summer tutoring. They interacted with shopkeepers and fellow witches and wizards with courtesy and respect, reflecting their upbringing and values. Ms. Thompson took note of their positive social skills and their ability to adapt to various magical environments.

Sitting down with James for a formal interview the next Wednesday, Ms. Thompson asked him about his approach to magical education, discipline, and involvement in Harry's magical development. James provided detailed and thoughtful responses, emphasizing the importance of fostering Harry's curiosity and independence while ensuring his safety and well-being. Ms. Thompson carefully documented his answers, probing for any signs of neglect or magical misconduct. She didn't voice her thoughts.

Ms. Thompson was allowed to go alone with Harry to the magical Library on Thursday afternoon. She observed his enthusiasm for learning and his respectful behavior towards the librarian. Harry eagerly perused the shelves, selecting books on various magical subjects with eagerness. Ms. Thompson watched as he engaged with magical texts, absorbing knowledge and expanding his magical repertoire. She took note of his dedication to his magical studies and his thirst of knowledge.

That Saturday, Ms. Thompson inspected the manor, ensuring that it met the necessary standards for magical safety and well-being when it came to raising an underage wizard. She checked for proper wand storage, potion ingredient storage, and magical creature habitats on the grounds, finding everything in order. Ms. Thompson was impressed by the care and attention to detail evident in the magical maintenance of the household, reflecting James's commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment for Harry. She even found the portraits of the family ancestors, and spoke to them about Harry's upbringing.

During the third week of the observation, Ms. Thompson attended a meeting with James and Harry's magical tutors, and they discussed Harry's progress and any concerns raised by his instructors. She observed James's proactive approach to addressing magical challenges, actively participating in discussions and offering insights into Harry's magical development. Ms. Thompson took note of James's dedication to his son's education and his willingness to collaborate with magical professionals to ensure Harry's success.

Ms. Thompson observed James and Harry participating in several magical community events, such as a wizarding festival or enchanted garden tour. She witnessed their enthusiasm for magical culture and their respectful interactions with other magical families. James and Harry immersed themselves in the magical festivities, enjoying the camaraderie and sense of community that comes with being part of the wizarding world.

During a family visit to the wizarding world's zoo, Ms. Thompson observed James and Harry marveling at the magical creatures. Unicorns and selkies, fairies and bowtruckles, and more. She saw their shared sense of wonder and appreciation for the magical world, noting the positive impact it had on their relationship. James and Harry, along with Remus and Sirius and their son, eagerly explored the magical menagerie, bonding over their fascination with magical creatures and creating cherished memories together.

Ms. Thompson conducted a final assessment of James and Harry's living situation, reviewing her observations and gathering any additional information needed to make her recommendation regarding Harry's custody. She reflected on the strong magical bond between father and son, feeling confident in their ability to provide a loving and magical home environment. As she prepared her report, Ms. Thompson was interrupted by the sound of laughter and excitement as preparations were made for Harry's upcoming fifteenth birthday party.

July 31st, Ms. Thompson attended Harry's fifteenth birthday party, where she witnessed the joy and celebration shared among family and friends. As the festivities unfolded, two dementors suddenly descended upon the party, casting a chilling darkness over the gathering. Screams erupted as many of the guests huddled by the manor. Ms. Thompson watched in horror as the mood turned somber and fearful, but she was heartened to see James and the other adults spring into action, rallying to protect Harry and the other guests.

James and the other adults shot their Patronus spells into the air at the dementors. A stag, a wolf, and a dog led the charge. Ms. Thompson watched in awe as the figures circled the two dementors. Harry flung his wand out when one of the dementors escaped the adults' patroni, and Ms. Thompson saw him produce a mountain lion Patronus. The feline Patronus attacked the lone dementor, and before her eyes the two dementors fled.

...

They were celebrating when a letter was delivered to Harry by a nondescript owl. Harry looked confused. "The ministry is sending me a letter? I hope it's not about my spell. You also performed magic," Harry told his dad.

"Read it aloud," James said worriedly.

"'Dear Mr. Potter,

It is with great regret that I must inform you of the decision made by the Hogwarts Board of Governors regarding your recent use of the Patronus charm and its subsequent implications. As you are aware, the Patronus charm is an advanced magical spell with significant implications and restrictions on its usage, particularly outside of educational settings.

Upon careful consideration of the events that transpired during your fifteenth birthday party, the Board of Governors has determined that your use of the Patronus charm constitutes a serious breach of magical law and school regulations. The unauthorized use of such a powerful spell cannot be overlooked or condoned.

As a result, I regret to inform you that you have been expelled from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, effective immediately, due to the underage magic use. This decision was not made lightly, but it is in accordance with school policy and the laws governing magical practice. You are hereby required to return any school property in your possession.

Please be advised that the Ministry of Magic has been notified of your expulsion and may take further action as deemed necessary. Additionally, your wand will be confiscated pending further investigation, and any attempts to use magic outside of authorized settings will be met with severe consequences.

I understand that this news may come as a shock, but I urge you to remain calm and cooperative throughout this process. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Mafalda Hopkirk

Head of the Improper Uses of Magic Office

Ministry of Magic'"

Everyone stared at the letter in Harry's hand. Ms. Thompson spoke in her worry, "They can't get you for underage magic. For one, there were adults casting spells and that would cover any magic you do. For another, children can cast spells in times of emergency."

Harry was going to say something, but another letter arrived for him. He read it aloud.

"'Harry,

I was just informed of the situation. Honestly, the fools. Don't give up your wand, Harry. They have no right. Dumbledore is here trying to get the expulsion overruled, but I have a bad feeling about it. I will come visit you in a day or two when I find out what's going on.

Amelia Bones-Weasley'"