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Chapter Eighteen


Percy's POV

"No! I'm not going to put my name in the stupid cup!" I yelled at two obviously annoyed wizards. It was the day before Halloween, you know, when the other two schools were going to be here, and Harry and Ron wouldn't stop bugging me. They've been trying all day to convince me to put my name in the Goblet of Fire. But here's the thing. I didn't need a bag of Galleons. Or honor. And I definitely didn't need fiasco like the one that had happened four years ago to Harry. Why did Dumbledore even let them hold it again after what had happened to Cedric? Another thing I don't need is more blood on my hands. 

"But Percy," Harry said, trying again, "You're probably the best candidate for the job. You're good with spells, you're great with physical fighting, and you're smart! Well, at least in battle you're smart, but that's still something!" I rolled my eyes at them, "Fine. I'll think about it." The pair let out cheers of victory. I glared at them, "I'm only thinking about it." Honestly, I was going to blow them off and not put my name in the cup, but it was the only way to get them off my back. "Aren't either of you two trying?" I asked, trying to get the topic of the conversation off of me. "Since I was the winner last time, I'm actually not allowed to compete this year," Harry said, "And even if I could, I wouldn't want to." It's not like I could blame him for trying to avoid disaster. I mean, I've gotten more than my fair share of it. Ron's eyes lit up, "I'm putting my name in the Goblet. I'm of age so now I'm allowed to." I rolled my eyes again. "Then why do you want more competition?" Ron shrugged, "It's not that I want competition, it's that I want a friend to try with me." I watched as Annabeth, Hermione, and Ginny walked up behind us. 

"Wise Girl," I whined, "Harry and Ron are trying to make me put my name in the Triangle Tournament cup." Annabeth rolled her eyes, "Percy, it's the Triwizard Tournament. And it's a Goblet. More specifically, the Goblet of Fire." I pouted at her, whining, "Well that just makes it worse! Why isn't it the Goblet of Water?" She just smiled at me. "Well, because there are goblets of water all over the tables when we eat. Try to be a little original, Seaweed Brain." I sighed, "But still. Should I really be doing this?" Annabeth tilted her head, her finger on her chin. "Actually, it's a pretty good idea. A great way to keep our minds sharp and our skills sharper." Harry and Ron nodded encouragingly and I faked a frown. "Come on, Wise Girl! You're supposed to have my back!" Annabeth just grinned and put her arms around my neck. "I will always have your back." She kissed me and I grinned stupidly at her. Harry and Ron gagged. "No snogging in the hallways, guys." Ron said, ruining a great moment. Harry smiled apologetically, "Sorry for hitting on Annabeth, Percy." I shrugged, "Please. I never doubted her. It's us against the world. Literally. We fought the world." Annabeth swatted my arm. 

I clapped my hands, "Alright, it's the weekend and I'm bored. Can we hit the lake?" Ginny shook her head, smiling happily. "Nope. Hate to break it to you, Percy, but it's a Hogsmeade weekend. Maybe we can swim in the lake never!" I tried and failed to stifle my laughter. "Hogsmeade? Please don't tell me that's a place." Hermione rolled her eyes, "I don't understand why this is all so funny to you. Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, Death Eaters. What is your problem?" I snickered. "I haven't had very good experiences with pigs. You know, the flying pigs in Greek Mythology? Fought them. Not to mention the boar is Ares's sacred animals. But still. It's like this whole place is dedicated to the things. And Death Eaters? I met Thanatos in person, and trust me. You do not want to eat him." Luna came up from behind Ginny, "Stop confusing them. Not all of us are Annabeth-level smart." Ginny turned around and hugged her. "Luna's here," she stated, "So we can go." As we walked, I looked over at Luna, joking around with the other girls. "So, I've been meaning to ask you. How'd you get into our Potions class?" Annabeth's eyes widened, "That's right. Sometimes I forget that you're a year younger than us." Luna shrugged happily, "Dumbledore decided that I should be with people that are more my style." 

I looked at her, unamused, "So he figured out you're a demigod?" Luna scratched her head sheepishly, "Yeah, he knows I'm a demigod." I slung my arm around Harry, whose knees buckled for a split second. "So, what're we doing once we get to this, Hogsmeade?" Ron grinned, "We've gotta go to Zonko's. It's a joke shop. And after that, maybe stop by Honeydukes." Luna slapped her hand over his mouth, whispering, "Maybe it's not the best idea to bring Percy to Honeydukes." I narrowed my eyes at her, suddenly suspicious. "Why not?" I asked, "I mean, you go all of the time, Skittles." At her nickname, she blanched. I stared at her. Why was she acting so weird? But of course, my Wise Girl figured it out and sighed. "It's that kind of shop, isn't it?" Luna smiled and nodded, "Yeah, it is." I shot my infamous baby seal face at Luna, who spilled after a minute. "It's a candy shop." Hermione raised her eyebrows, "And that's a problem because?" Annabeth grinned, "We've got ADHD. Give a hyperactive kid some sugar and see where that gets you." I furrowed my eyebrows indignantly, "Hey! My mom used to give me candy all of the time." Annabeth patted my shoulder, "Yeah, I know, Seaweed Brain." 

This was going to be one long day.

I should've just dived into the lake when I had the chance.

The time skip is here! *Cue the trumpets* And he brought his friends from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons. Yay. Notice the lack of trumpets. Let's time travel to right before bedtime. *Cheers*

After a day of successfully convincing the girls that I could be trusted with a bucket of candy, I passed out the second my head hit my pillow. It's not my fault, okay? You try to change the mind of Annabeth, who was nearly as stubborn as me. She made it sound like giving me candy would be the end of the world! I mean, come on, I'm not Leo. 

And if course, when I enter the land of Hypnos, you can be sure the dreams will come. And you can be sure that all of them will be nightmares. 

*Dream*

I was fourteen again, walking through the Junkyard of the Gods. I felt my throat closing up. Of all the dreams I could've had, why this one? Why now? Why ever?Talos was malfunctioning, and I knew this was the part where Bianca was going to die. But this was a dream. And this dream had entered Percyland. And no friends died in Percyland. I shadow traveled into his stupid metal head, trying to get back out with Bianca. "Let's go!" I shouted, grabbing her hand, "You're going to die if you don't get out!" She smiled ruefully and shook her head, saying, "This is the way it's meant to be." And Talos collapsed. But all of the wreckage went right through me and not Bianca. I saw the light leave her eyes this time. And that was worse.

*Flash*

I stood at the top of Mount Tamalpais, with Atlas confined under the sky, I thought that maybe I'd been given a break. Until I saw Zoe dying in Artemis's arms. I mentally kicked myself. A demigod never thinks the Fates have given him a break. Demigod 101. I managed to get a square of Ambrosia out of my pocket, and tried to stuff it into Zoe's hand. She slapped it away, sending it sailing over the edge. I choked, "Why didn't you just eat it?" Zoe frowned at me. "The Fates willed a string to be cut. I will not stand in the way." She shimmered out of existence and I looked up, seeing the Lieutenant running, bow in hand, among the stars.

*Flash*

I was fifteen, watching Beckendorf being dragged towards me by the guards. His fingers made a zero, and he motioned for me to get off the ship. I didn't go this time. I was fire proof. I could protect him. He pushed the button as I got to him. The flames tickled, but didn't hurt. He smiled grimly, "No time, Perce. There's no time." I closed my eyes, wishing the flames would burn me, too. But they didn't. I survived. And he didn't. Again.

*Flash*

I was sixteen. I faced Tartarus with Annabeth, Bob, and Damaesen at my side. They urged me on, and I knew I had to go. Annabeth couldn't hold the doors shut by herself on the way back to the mortal world. I ran back to the elevator with Annabeth and it happened the same as last time.

I couldn't stand it anymore. I took out Riptide and nicked my thumb. Hopefully, the pain would send me wide awake.

*End of Dream*

I shot up, tears falling, breathing hard. I've tried to move past those memories, and sometimes it works. I mean, I can talk to most of them in Elysium. But Zoe and Bob are a different matter altogether. I tell the stars hello for him every night and I greet the sun every morning. All that does for me is nothing. It doesn't help. But it's nice to know I'm honoring him.

I walked out of the dorm, knowing fully well it was after curfew. But I didn't care. I noticed Annabeth on the couch, reading. I tilted my head, breaking the silence, "Wise Girl? What're you doing up?" She looked startled, almost falling off of the couch. In any other situation, I might've snickered and then run for my life, but I didn't. When she glanced up at me, I noticed her eyes were slightly red-rimmed, probably from crying, and there were bags under her eyes. Most likely from lack of sleep. She shook her head, muttering, "Nightmares." I smiled without humor. "Yeah, me too." I sat on the couch and she laid her head in my lap. I played with her hair until I got the courage to speak up. "So, what did you dream about?" Annabeth closed her eyes. "The usual. Tartarus. You after the Arai attack." She looked shaken up, but steeled herself and continued, "What about you?" I shook my head. "Everyone who died because of me. And then Tartarus." Annabeth sat up, closing her book. She took my hand. "They didn't die because of you," she said quietly, "They died fighting for what's right. For what they believed in." I squeezed her hand, not believing a word she was saying. "No," I said, shaking my head, "I wasn't strong enough, wasn't fast enough. It should've been me. If I had had the powers that I do right now, they wouldn't be gone. I could've absorbed the blast for Beckendorf. I'm fireproof. I could've shadow traveled Bianca out of there. I didn't." Annabeth punched me, cutting off my ramble. I gripped my arm, staring at her, "What was that for?" Annabeth frowned, "Stop drowning yourself in guilt. You can't drown in water, but the weight of staying in the past with your darkest memories will crush you." I leaned back, closing my eyes. Annabeth's head rested on my shoulder, and I couldn't help but argue. "It's like I'm carrying the sky on my back. Nothing I do is good enough. I can't stop these kinds of things." I could almost feel the glare directed at my face. Her voice was firm when she spoke, not really caring that she was close to yelling. "You won in the end. You beat everything that was ever against you and made their deaths worth something. And that's the best way to go about these things." She nudged me, forcing me to open my eyes and see her smile. I wrapped my arms around her. "You're the best, you know that, Wise Girl? You always know what to say." Her grin turned cocky and prideful. "Of course, Seaweed Brain. How else am I supposed to be better than you at everything?"

I got up, brushing off my pants. "I'll go back to my dorm now." I told her, "I've got something special for you tomorrow, so you'd better get some sleep." She kissed me goodnight, and we went our separate ways. She wouldn't believe what I'd managed to do. I mean, not quite as impressive as getting a date in Paris at the last minute, but impressive.

The time skip says, "Don't kill me! Kill the author. What just happened was all his fault!" And I say, "Don't kill me either, or I won't be able to keep writing." Back to the story, awesome readers. *Dodges arrow* It's tomorrow, during Physical Combat.

I rubbed my hands together in anticipation. I paced the front of the classroom, grinning. It was a double Physical Combat day, which was perfect for the lesson I had in mind. Annabeth raised her hand. I nodded to her, "Yeah, Annabeth?" She raised an eyebrow, "If you don't mind me asking, Professor Seaweed Brain, what are you so happy about?" I felt my smile widen. I swept my gaze around the room, saying, "I managed to get a friend of mine in here to help the class. I've mentioned that we would expand the weapon selection when I thought we were ready. Actually, it's when I got my friend at an available time. Today, we will be focusing on the sword, the dagger, and the bow and arrow. I think it's appropriate to let Miss Annabeth Chase teach the dagger portion, and for me to keep to the swords." I noted the crazy glint in Annabeth's eye. The one she got right before a fight. I glared sternly at her. "No, Annabeth," I joked, "You cannot maim the students." She mock-pouted at me, finally letting the curiosity fill her. I continued, "And, as Annabeth knows, I cannot hit a target for my life with an arrow. So, I've found a professional. Just to let you know, she is single. But she will not go out with any of you. Anyone who flirts with her will receive an arrow between the eyes, get sucker punched, and/or die. And I can't protect you. So, welcome Thalia!" 

My spiky haired cousin stepped into the room, bow and arrow in hand. "Dam right, Kelp Head," she said, snickering, "You never sent an apology to the cow fifty feet to the right of your target." I put a hand on my chest, saying, "And the cow never sent me an apology for being fifty feet to the right of the target." She walked up to the front of the room to stand beside me. Annabeth flew out of her seat and hugged Thalia, completely ignoring the wide-eyed students behind them. She cracked her knuckles, smiling menacingly, "Let's do this, wizards." 

After fifteen minutes, we had three groups and everyone had strapped on armor. I'd kept all of the people most comfortable with the sword. Well, I'd sent Hermione to Daggers with Annabeth, but it was to be expected. If Hermione didn't still have both of her parents, I'd think she was a child of Athena. And a person like her could do a lot more damage with a dagger than a sword. I saw Thalia draw back her arrows and fire simultaneously. The students gasped in awe when they saw each arrow split the previous one down the middle. I showed my group more advanced techniques, making sure they kept a tight grip on their swords in the process. Harry turned out to be a great fighter. He was only just keeping ahead of Ron. By the end of the class, Thalia had everyone in her group shooting in the middle rings. Not exactly a bullseye, but, seeing as it was the first day, impressive nonetheless.

Annabeth and I paired up the individuals from our groups to spar. As Hermione stood up to face Harry, she called, "Remember, 'Mione. He has a longer reach. But you can find chinks in his armor. Be strategic about this." I had my fists balled up in anticipation, "Ya hear that, Harry? Keep up a strong defense! Remember what I said about flaws in techniques. Find hers and attack." I pushed away my worry for the oncoming fight. The last time the two had battled, Harry dealt a heavy blow to Hermione's arm. But he was different now. He would keep his battle rage in check. 

Harry made the first move as Hermione stood there, dagger ready, and completely focused. He stabbed forward, toward her stomach. I remembered what I had taught him barely ten minutes ago. I told him that sometimes the point is underestimated. A lot of people tend to strike with one of those wild swings, easy to see coming and even easier to block. But the point can incapacitate an opponent just as well as lopping their head off. Not to mention that the quickest way to a place is a straight line. I was proud that he'd gone with that as his starting move. Plus, it had nearly worked, too.

(A/N I did not make up that last paragraph about the point and the technique. I got it from the Brotherband Chronicles by John Flanagan, which goes with the Ranger's Apprentice, also by John Flanagan. READ HIS BOOKS!!!)

Hermione was startled, only barely avoiding the blade by jumping backwards. She darted forward like a snake, her dagger striking fast, trying to catch Harry off guard. The two weapons locked at the hilt, and I was suddenly glad that I had mentioned the disarming techniques to Harry. Last time he had attempted one, it was disastrous. But with a little bit of training from yours truly, he had really pulled it off. Hermione's dagger clattered to floor. Harry was so ecstatic about his win, that he had forgotten to finish it off, instead opting to jump in celebration. So Hermione dove for her dagger before Harry could even blink. In an instant, the dagger was in her hand and she was back on her feet. 

Harry's green eyes narrowed in realization before he turned back to Hermione, grinning. "You're a sneaky wizard, aren't you?" He asked. "You've known me for seven years. I think you can answer that." With that, she had her victory secured with a deft flick of her wrist. I patted Harry on the back, "You did well, Harry. That's the kind of mistake I used to make with Annabeth when I was just starting out." Annabeth yawned, "Yeah, Seaweed Brain couldn't even disarm me without something going incredibly wrong." I pulled Harry to the side, sticking my tongue out at Annabeth as we turned. "Alright, so you should've made sure that Hermione forfeited before turning around, right?" Harry smiled ruefully, "Yeah. And I should've kept a hold of my sword." I let out a laugh. "That would've helped." I fist bumped him. "That was an amazing duel, Harry. You know, for non-demigods." Thalia, being mature, shot an arrow that flew centimeters from my face. I felt the wind as it passed. "Pinecone Face!" I cried, "What if I'd moved my head?" She shrugged, her hands clasped behind her back, "Well, I'd have one less stupid cousin. Anyway, I promised M'Lady that I'd be back before the Minotaur hunt in Texas." I rolled my eyes, "Well, why don't you just stay here? I mean, he always finds me." She laughed, "See ya, Kelp Head, Annie." She glared at me, "You break her heart, I snap your neck, Percy." She smiled again before racing out of the room.

I looked at the clock. "Oops, class lasted ten minutes longer than it should've. Late for dinner." Harry's eyes widened, "Percy Jackson, late for dinner? And he's not starved yet?" Hermione and Annabeth broke out into laughter behind us. Annabeth took my hand, lacing her fingers through mine, "Your swordsman lost, Seaweed Brain. Another win for me." I rolled my eyes, "Hermione won against Harry. You did not win against me." Hermione peeked over at me from Annabeth's other side. "Actually," she said, "She taught me, and you taught Harry. She just taught me better." Ugh, girls. Always ganging up on the common Seaweed Brain.

As we entered the Great Room, a good fifteen minutes late, Ginny and Ron rushed over to us. Ron's eyes were as wide as the plates, "Blimey, how long did that duel take you? Durmstrang and Beauxbatons are right over the Black Lake." As we took our seats, I saw the ship sailing over the water and the giant house pulled by pegasi. I watched the pegasi and house from the air and I leaned over to Annabeth, "You see the house, too, right?" She laughed, "That's a carriage, Seaweed Brain." I shook my head, dumbfounded, "No, Wise Girl. What we have at camp is a carriage. That is most definitely a house." The ship landed, and dozens of boys in heavy winter gear marched into the Great Room. The first one, obviously the leader, pulled down his hood. Ron's face was hilarious. He was awestruck and angry at the same time. Hermione was blushing, looking down at her lap. Harry must have noticed my face, because he whispered, "You see the guy with his hood off? That's Viktor Krum. He's practically Ron's hero. In the last Triwizard tournament, he'd asked Hermione to the Yule Ball. He's expressed some romantic feelings for her. And you can see how Ron's handling that." I stifled a laugh. Ron probably doesn't even know he likes Hermione. That's just the way I was with Annabeth when we were like, fourteen. I raced across the country for her and I didn't even realize. I thought I was going because I needed to save a goddess. And I was always jealous of Luke, too. Yup, I am more of a Seaweed Brain than I like to admit.

Viktor bowed, the rest of the boys following suit. Dumbledore spread his arms in welcome, "Ah, Viktor. How nice to see you again. You have replaced your old headmaster, I see. What of your Quidditch career?" Viktor nodded stiffly before replying. "I practice with my students and make sure that our skills are top notch. On the weekends I am off at tournaments and such. It is an honor to be back, Professor Dumbledore." His eyes briefly scanned the tables, locking eyes with Hermione. His face broke out into a wide smile and Hermione's blush just got fiercer. 

The house landed right outside of the entrance, and girls and boys alike streamed into the Great Room. They ran among the tables, creating light shows among the tables. As more than a few of them winked at me, I felt Annabeth bristle beside me. I took her hand and felt her relax. They stood at a stiff attention until a giant lady sat down beside Dumbledore. Dumbledore kissed her cheek, greeting her warmly. "Lady Maxime! Hagrid will be pleased to see you!" The giant smiled, her laugh booming through the halls, "I will be pleased to see him as well." Dumbledore stood, motioning for the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang kids to sit anywhere among the tables. The vast majority of them took their seats at the Gryffindor tables, a couple of others sitting with friends from the last tournament. Viktor sat at the head table, although his wistful glances told me that he wished he could sit with his students.

A Beauxbatons girl sat next to Harry, looking awestruck. "Gabrielle!" He exclaimed, "I haven't seen you since the wedding! How have you been?" The girl smiled, "I've been fine, Harry. Fleur and Bill are as happy as ever, too. What about you? I saw you in the newspaper. It was so heroic how you took out Voldemort." Harry's smile faltered a little, "It wasn't all me. Everyone at Hogwarts fought until they dropped." Gabrielle's eyelashes fluttered, "Still, it was incredible." I smirked. I didn't actually think that she had any romantic feelings towards Harry, but it was fun to tease the guy. I nudged him, "You've got a not-so-secret admirer, Harry." His face turned as red as a Weasley's hair at the prospect of Gabrielle liking him. "Shut up," he hissed, "She's just a friend." When Gabrielle heard that, her smile only grew wider. She can call the great Harry Potter her friend and that was good enough for her.

Harry turned, "Gabrielle, this is Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase. They're students from America. Guys, this is Gabrielle Delacour. She's the little sister of Bill Weasley's wife." I held out my hand, and she shook it, copying the motion with Annabeth. She tilted her head, "Are you two new? I didn't see you the last time around." I nodded, "Yup. We're in the eighth year." Her eyes narrowed, "There are no wizarding schools in America, the last I heard. You just skipped every other year?" Annabeth nodded happily, "Yeah." Hermione grinned, "It's not as if they needed the first seven. They're straight up amazing." I looked down. I was about to speak because the silence had gotten a little awkward, but Dumbledore called for our attention. Saved by the bell.

"Students, of all schools," he said, "As many of you know, I am the headmaster of Hogwarts. I am Albus Dumbledore and welcome to another Triwizard Tournament!" Cheering was heard throughout the Room, although noticeably less from the Beauxbatons students. "The rules are simple. A representative from each school will complete three challenges in which they will be judged on their skills. I must remind you that only those of age can compete because it is extremely dangerous. The winner will receive honor for their schools and a thousand Galleons. To enforce these rules, I will be setting up an age line around the Goblet of Fire. Those who wish to compete must place their name and school into the Goblet. Later, it will choose a champion for each school who will compete. Good luck, and may the best school win!" The room broke out into cheering once more and everyone was sent to bed.

Ron and Harry were bouncing on the balls of their feet. "Come on, Percy, do it," they said in unison. I raised an eyebrow, "Do what?" They rolled their eyes, "You know, put your name in the cup. It's bound to choose you." I tilted my head, "And what if I don't want to be chosen?" They grinned. Harry said, "Come on, just do it." I groaned, "Fine. But only if Annabeth puts her name in, too." Annabeth sighed and wrote her name and school on a slip of paper and dumped it into the cup. "There! Good enough for you, Seaweed Brain?" I nodded, "Of course." I scribbled my information onto another piece of paper and held it out for Harry to see. He adjusted his glasses and narrowed his eyes. "I'm sorry, what?" I rolled my eyes, "I'm dyslexic and my penmanship is horrible. Cut me some slack!" He erased it and wrote it down for me. The group watched me in anticipation as I stepped over the line and put the paper in the cup.

"There, now let's just g-" That's all I managed before an ear-splitting shriek sent my vision tunneling and my body tumbled to the floor. My spots danced before my eyes. 

The last thing I saw before I was submerged in darkness was Annabeth's worried face.

Alright, ma peeps. There's another chapter. But right now, I need ideas for the other characters.

I need a girl to represent Beaxubatons and a guy for Durmstrang.

Tell me:

Name

How they look

If they're going to be friends with Percy, not know him, or hate him.

Good or evil

Tell me about it in the comment section. The first answer for the girl and the first for the guy will be put into the story. 

 


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