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. :) Part 1 of the story is almost done! One Chapter left!

Rising Storms

A Harry Potter and Percy Jackson crossover

Chapter 50:

Harry

Harry's summer after his sixth year at Hogwarts was fraught with tension and anticipation. With the gathering of several Horcruxes under his belt, he knew that the final confrontation with Voldemort was drawing near. But before he could face the Dark Lord, there was one last task to complete: the destruction of the Horcruxes.

Harry found himself standing before the imposing doors of Gringotts Wizarding Bank, his heart pounding with nervous excitement. He had arranged to meet with the goblins to oversee the destruction of the Horcruxes he had gathered—the locket, the cup, and the diadem.

As he entered the bank, Harry was greeted by the solemn faces of the goblins, their sharp eyes assessing him with a mixture of respect and wariness. They led him deep into the bowels of the bank, to a chamber hidden away from prying eyes.

In the center of the chamber stood a stone pedestal, upon which lay the Horcruxes, shimmering with dark magic. Harry felt a shiver run down his spine as he approached them, the weight of their evil almost palpable in the air.

With a solemn nod, Harry signaled to the goblins to begin the ritual. They chanted ancient incantations, their voices echoing off the stone walls as they invoked the power of the bank to destroy the Horcruxes once and for all. A huge snake materialized in the middle of the ritual circle, thrashing around in pain.

As the ritual reached its climax, Harry felt a surge of energy pulse through the chamber, followed by a blinding flash of light. When he opened his eyes, he saw that the Horcruxes had been reduced to nothing but ash, their dark magic scattered to the winds.

A sense of relief washed over Harry as he realized that the final remnants of Voldemort's soul had been destroyed. But his victory was short-lived, as he knew that the hardest battle still lay ahead.

Leaving Gringotts behind him, Harry returned home with a renewed sense of purpose. The final showdown with Voldemort was approaching, and he was determined to face it head-on, armed with the knowledge that he had done everything in his power to ensure the defeat of the Dark Lord.

As the summer stretched on after the destruction of the Horcruxes, Harry found himself immersed in a world consumed by turmoil and unrest. The Death Eaters, emboldened by Voldemort's growing power, unleashed a wave of attacks on both the Muggle and magical worlds, leaving devastation in their wake.

The Aurors and members of the Order of the Phoenix were constantly on the move, their days and nights blurred by the relentless fight against the forces of darkness. Harry, too, threw himself into the fray, his determination to protect the innocent fueling his every action.

Amidst the chaos, Grimmauld Place served as a sanctuary of sorts, a haven where Harry sought refuge from the storms raging outside. Remus Lupin and baby Regulus were constant companions, their presence a source of strength and solace in troubled times.

Together, they navigated the challenges of war, caring for one another and finding moments of respite amidst the chaos. But even within the safety of Grimmauld Place, the specter of danger loomed large, a reminder of the ever-present threat posed by Voldemort and his followers.

As the days turned into weeks, Harry felt the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. The final showdown with Voldemort loomed on the horizon, and he knew that the time for action was drawing near. But for now, he found comfort in the bonds of friendship and the knowledge that he was not alone in the fight against darkness.

Harry's seventeenth birthday dawned with a mix of anticipation and reflection, marked by a gathering of his closest friends and family at Potter Mansion. Sirius, Remus, baby Regulus, and James, along with his sister Peony, filled the grand halls with laughter and warmth as they celebrated the milestone occasion. The atmosphere was one of joy and camaraderie, with the Weasley family joining in the festivities to add to the merriment. As Harry blew out the candles on his cake, surrounded by those he held dear, he couldn't help but feel a swell of gratitude for the love and support that enveloped him.

In early August, Harry and his companions embarked on their annual pilgrimage to Diagon Alley for school supplies. The bustling streets buzzed with activity as they navigated the crowded shops, the air thick with a sense of tension and apprehension. Peony kept a watchful eye on Harry, her protective instincts kicking into overdrive as they perused the shelves of Flourish and Blotts. Sirius, Remus, and James flanked Harry, their presence a reassuring reminder that he was not alone in the face of danger. Despite the looming threat of Voldemort's followers, Harry pressed on, determined to prepare for the challenges that lay ahead.

As Harry and his companions ventured down a secluded alley, they were ambushed by a group of Death Eaters, their dark robes billowing ominously in the shadows. Panic surged through Harry as he recognized the familiar faces of Voldemort's minions among their ranks. Sirius and Remus sprang into action, their wands ablaze with magical energy as they engaged the Death Eaters in a fierce battle. Peony stood by Harry's side, her own wand at the ready as she fought alongside her brother and her guardians. James joined the fray, his presence bolstering their resolve as they stood united against the forces of darkness. Spells flew back and forth as the two sides clashed, the echoes of magic reverberating through the narrow alley. In the end, the Death Eaters were forced to retreat, but the encounter served as a stark reminder of the perilous times in which they lived.

After the chaos of the skirmish in Diagon Alley, Harry retreated to the sanctuary of Potter Mansion, seeking solace in the familiar surroundings of his home. As he looked out over the sprawling grounds, Harry's thoughts turned inward, his mind swirling with a maelstrom of emotions. The close call with the Death Eaters had rattled him to his core, but amidst the fear and uncertainty, there was also a glimmer of hope. With his friends and family by his side, Harry knew that he could face whatever challenges lay ahead. With renewed determination, he resolved to continue the fight against Voldemort, fortified by the unwavering support of those who stood beside him.

As the Hogwarts Express chugged into Hogsmeade Station, a sense of tension hung heavy in the air. Aurors, led by James Potter, stood watchful and vigilant, their wands at the ready as they scanned the platform for any signs of trouble. The recent escalation in Death Eater activity had put everyone on edge, and there were whispers of potential attacks on the students as they made their way to Hogwarts.

Peony Potter, flanked by her brother Harry and their guardians Sirius and Remus, stepped off the train, her eyes darting warily around the crowded platform. The familiar sights and sounds of Hogsmeade were overshadowed by an underlying sense of apprehension, a palpable reminder of the dangers that lurked in the shadows.

As the students began to disembark from the train, James Potter and the other Aurors moved swiftly into action, their trained eyes scanning the crowd for any signs of suspicious behavior. Every shadow seemed to conceal a potential threat, every whisper a cause for concern.

But despite the heightened security measures, the students remained largely oblivious to the danger that lurked just beyond the station walls. Excited chatter filled the air as they reunited with friends and made their way towards the carriages that would carry them to Hogwarts.

Peony exchanged a worried glance with Harry, her grip tightening on her wand as they joined the throng of students heading towards the carriages. The journey to Hogwarts had never felt more perilous, with the looming specter of Voldemort and his followers casting a dark shadow over the start of the school year.

As they climbed into the carriages and the horses began to pull them towards the castle, Peony couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at her insides. The threat of danger lurked around every corner, and she knew that the coming year would be fraught with peril.

In the dimly lit confines of the Slytherin Common Room, Harry found himself surrounded by the familiar faces of his housemates. The crackling fire cast dancing shadows on the walls as students lounged in plush armchairs, their voices mingling in idle conversation. Daphne, ever at Harry's side, sat beside him on the overstuffed sofa, her presence a reassuring anchor in the sea of green and silver.

As they discussed their class schedules and upcoming assignments, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with his fellow Slytherins. Despite the prejudices that had long plagued their house, they had formed a tight-knit community bound by loyalty and mutual respect.

In the hallowed halls of the Potions classroom, Harry took his seat alongside his classmates as Professor Slughorn bustled about, preparing for the day's lesson. The aroma of potion ingredients filled the air as Slughorn launched into a lecture on the finer points of brewing Felix Felicis, the coveted luck potion.

As Harry meticulously followed Slughorn's instructions, he couldn't help but feel a surge of pride at his own proficiency in the subject. Potions had always been one of his strongest subjects, a testament to his dedication and natural talent.

Amidst the towering shelves of books in the Hogwarts Library, Harry and Peony huddled together at a secluded table, poring over their textbooks and notes. The soft glow of lamplight bathed the room in a warm, inviting ambiance as they immersed themselves in their studies.

With exams looming on the horizon, Harry was determined to maintain his academic prowess and uphold the standards of excellence expected of a Slytherin. Peony, ever the diligent student, offered her support and encouragement, her unwavering determination serving as a source of inspiration.

On the Quidditch pitch, Harry and his teammates donned their Slytherin robes as they prepared for an intense practice session. The crisp autumn air echoed with the sound of brooms whizzing through the air and the shouts of their captain as they ran through drills and strategies.

As Harry soared through the sky, the wind rushing past his ears, he felt a surge of exhilaration course through his veins. Quidditch had always been his passion, a chance to showcase his skills and leadership abilities on the field.

In the stillness of the night, Harry and Peony ventured down to the shores of the Black Lake, their footsteps echoing softly on the dew-covered grass. The moon cast a silvery glow over the water as they walked in companionable silence, lost in their own thoughts.

As they gazed out at the tranquil expanse of the lake, Harry felt a sense of peace settle over him, a respite from the chaos and uncertainty of the world beyond Hogwarts. In that moment, surrounded by the beauty of the castle grounds, he knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, he would face them with courage and determination, fortified by the bonds of friendship and the strength of his own convictions.

As the leaves turned golden and the air grew crisp with the onset of autumn, Harry took Daphne for a leisurely stroll along the shores of the Black Lake. The tranquility of the lake mirrored the peace they found in each other's company, their footsteps mingling with the gentle lapping of the water against the shore.

Amidst the rustling of the trees and the whisper of the wind, Harry and Daphne shared quiet moments of conversation and laughter, the weight of the world momentarily lifted from their shoulders. They lingered by the water's edge, lost in the beauty of the fall scenery, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment.

One crisp October afternoon, Harry surprised Daphne with a picnic in the heart of the Forbidden Forest. Under the canopy of ancient trees, they spread out a blanket and unpacked a simple feast of sandwiches and pumpkin pasties, the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves above.

As they sat side by side, surrounded by the untamed beauty of the forest, Harry and Daphne shared stories and dreams, their laughter mingling with the chirping of birds and the rustle of leaves. Despite the dangers lurking in the shadows, they found solace in each other's presence, their love blossoming amidst the wilderness.

In the weeks that followed, Harry took Daphne's advice and began to spend more time with Susan Bones, forging a tentative friendship that would prove invaluable in the days to come. They studied together in the library, shared meals in the Great Hall, and even ventured into Hogsmeade for the occasional butterbeer.

As they got to know each other better, Harry found himself drawn to Susan's quiet strength and unwavering determination. They discussed their hopes and fears for the future, their shared resolve to stand against the darkness that threatened to engulf their world.

As the months passed and the threat of Voldemort's forces loomed ever larger, Harry and his friends devised a daring plan to lure the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters into a trap. They spent countless hours strategizing and preparing, honing their skills and steeling themselves for the battle that lay ahead.

Draco's suggestion of a friendly duel provided the perfect opportunity to put their plan into action. Harry faced off against his friend with determination and resolve, their spells colliding in a flurry of light and energy. Though Harry emerged victorious, the true test lay ahead as they prepared to face Voldemort and his minions in the ultimate showdown between light and dark.

As darkness descended upon the picturesque village of Hogsmeade, a sense of foreboding hung heavy in the air. Voldemort and his Death Eaters had descended upon the tranquil streets, their malevolent presence casting a shadow over the once lively village.

Harry stood at the forefront, his eyes narrowed in determination as he faced down the Dark Lord. Voldemort's cold, serpentine gaze bore into Harry's soul, his voice carrying across the silent square.

"Harry Potter," Voldemort's voice rang out, dripping with malice. "You have one chance to spare your friends and classmates. Surrender now, and I will grant them a peaceful end."

Harry's heart clenched with anguish at the ultimatum. He knew he couldn't abandon his friends to Voldemort's mercy, but he also couldn't risk their lives in a futile battle against the Dark Lord.

Turning to his fellow students, Harry issued a command to evacuate Hogwarts immediately. There was no time to waste as they hurriedly made their way to safety, their fear palpable in the air.

But as they fled, a cry of terror pierced the night. Hermione, still harboring resentment towards Harry, had been captured by Voldemort's forces. Despite Harry's desperate pleas, Voldemort showed no mercy as he struck her down with a cruel flick of his wand.

The loss of Hermione hit Harry like a physical blow, even if she hadn't been a friend. But in the darkness, a familiar voice broke through the chaos.

"Harry," James Potter's voice echoed in his mind, a beacon of strength and reassurance. "You are not alone. You owe it to yourself to keep fighting, but don't let other people dictate what you do."

With renewed resolve, Harry pushed aside his grief and focused on the task at hand. The Horcruxes had been destroyed, leaving Voldemort vulnerable. As the two groups converged outside the gates of Hogwarts, Harry confronted Voldemort with unwavering determination.

"All of your Horcruxes have been destroyed, Voldemort," Harry declared, his voice steady despite the tumultuous emotions raging within him. "You have nothing left to hide behind."

A tense silence fell over the battlefield as Voldemort processed Harry's words. Then, with a roar of rage, he launched himself at Harry, their wands clashing in a dazzling display of light and shadow.

The battle raged on, spells flying and curses colliding as Harry and Voldemort fought with all their might. In the end, it was Harry who emerged victorious, his determination and courage prevailing over the forces of darkness.

As Voldemort fell, defeated at last, Harry felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him. Collapsing into Sirius's arms, he succumbed to unconsciousness, the weight of the battle finally lifting from his weary shoulders.

When Harry awoke, the battle was over. James, Sirius, Remus, Severus, and Fred had survived, their presence a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The remaining Death Eaters had been apprehended, their reign of terror brought to an end.

Amidst the rubble and debris of the battlefield, Draco Malfoy searched for any sign of Harry Potter. The aftermath of the battle was a chaotic scene, with Aurors and Order members tending to the wounded and securing the area.

Finally, Draco spotted a figure slumped against the remnants of a crumbling wall. It was Harry, his form battered and bruised, but alive. Relief flooded through Draco as he hurried to his friend's side.

"Harry," Draco called out, his voice tinged with urgency. "Are you alright?"

Harry stirred, his eyes fluttering open as he struggled to sit up. His gaze met Draco's, and for a moment, the weariness in his eyes was mirrored in Draco's own.

"I'm... I'm okay," Harry murmured, his voice hoarse with exhaustion. "Just tired."

Draco nodded, understanding the toll that the battle had taken on them both. With a determined expression, he reached into his cloak and withdrew a familiar object - the white wand, its surface gleaming in the dim light.

"This is yours," Draco said, offering the wand to Harry. "You won it fair and square."

Harry's eyes widened in surprise as he reached out to accept the wand. He remembered the duel with Draco, the intensity of their clash, and the sense of camaraderie that had grown between them over the years.

"Thank you, Draco," Harry said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude. "I appreciate it."

Draco nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Despite the trials they had faced and the challenges that lay ahead, he knew that their friendship would endure.

"We've been through a lot together," Draco said, his tone solemn. "But we've always had each other's backs."

Harry nodded in agreement, a sense of mutual respect passing between them. As they sat amidst the wreckage of the battlefield, the echoes of their shared history serving as a reminder of the bonds that had formed between them, Harry couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope for the future.

The group of wizards, led by James Potter and including Harry, Remus, Sirius, baby Regulus Black, Fred, George Weasley, Draco, and Severus, gathered in the grand hall of Gringotts, their faces etched with a mixture of curiosity and determination. They had received a mysterious letter from the goblins, detailing trouble in another dimension and extending an invitation for assistance.

As they approached the ornate doors of the bank, a sense of anticipation hung in the air. The goblins had always been enigmatic allies, their motives shrouded in secrecy. But if they were reaching out for help, it must be a dire situation indeed.

With a solemn nod from James, Harry pushed open the heavy doors, revealing the cavernous interior of Gringotts. The marble floors gleamed in the dim light, and the sound of bustling activity echoed off the walls as goblins hurried to and fro, their faces etched with determination.

Making their way to the nearest teller, James handed over the letter from the goblins, his voice steady as he addressed the goblin behind the counter.

"We've come in response to this letter," James said, his tone firm. "We're here to offer our assistance."

The goblin's eyes flickered over the letter, its expression unreadable. After a moment's pause, it nodded curtly and motioned for them to follow.

Leading the group through a labyrinthine maze of corridors and passageways, the goblin finally stopped before a massive oak door. With a grunt of effort, it pushed the door open, revealing a dimly lit chamber beyond.

Stepping inside, the wizards found themselves in a vast chamber, its walls lined with shelves upon shelves of ancient tomes and arcane artifacts. At the center of the room stood a group of goblins, their faces drawn with concern as they huddled around a large map spread out on a table.

Approaching the goblins, James cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "We're here to help," he said, his voice echoing in the cavernous chamber.

The goblins exchanged a glance before one of them stepped forward, his expression grave. "We've detected disturbances in another dimension," he explained, gesturing towards the map. "We believe it may be the work of dark forces."

Harry's eyes narrowed as he studied the map, his mind racing with possibilities. If there were dark forces at work, they couldn't afford to ignore the threat.

"We'll do whatever it takes to help," Harry said, his voice echoing with determination.

With a nod of agreement from the others, the group of wizards and goblins began to formulate a plan of action. Whatever awaited them in the other dimension, they were ready to face it together.