Chapter 17

"I'm sorry, hold up a second, did you just say fourth triwizard champion? Because you do know the 'tri' in triwizard stands for three right?" Percy asked the organisers, "how the hell can Harry even participate! There are already three of us!"

"I know! Isn't it spectacular?!" Bagman smiled.

"Harry's name came out off the goblet Mr. Jackson, he must participate," Dumbledore explained.

"But how?!" Percy yelled, he turned to Harry, "you okay?"

"Honestly Percy? No," Harry shivered.

"Harry, I have to ask you, did you put your name in the cup?" Dumbledore asked gently.

"No sir, I didn't," Harry replied.

Just then the doors opened up again as Maxime and Karkaroff entered looking furious. Immediately Fleur went to her headmistress, "Madame Maxime! What iz going on?! They tell us thiz little boy iz zupposed to participate as well!"

Harry glared at the comment, Percy placed his hand on Harry's shoulder giving it a squeeze, "to be fair you are very short Harry." Harry looked up at Percy and grumbled, he couldn't muster up the energy for an answer.

"This is not fair! Hogwarts has two champions!" Karkaroff exclaimed, "how did this even happen?!"

The adults all began to argue amongst themselves about who was to blame. The other headmasters blamed Dumbledore, which caused a fight between them and McGonagall. While the was happening Percy pushed Harry back and spoke to him.

"You didn't put your name in right?" Percy whispered as they watched the adults argue like cats and dogs.

"No Percy I swear!" Harry hissed.

"Alright, just checking. Fine, so if you didn't put your name in the goblet who did?"

"I don't know!"

"So what must be done?" Maxim finally asked as Dumbledore claimed the other's down enough.

"Young Harry will just have to participate," Dumbledore concluded.

"But how if that fair?!" Percy argued, "Harry might be awesome and all that but he's still a kid! I mean shit seriously he's just in fourth grade for crying out loud!"

"Hey!" Harry cried out, "I can handle myself alright Percy!"

"Really?" Percy blinked, "you can handle yourself? How?"

"I have talents!"

"I don't think flying is going to one of the tasks given Harry," Percy turned to Bagman, "it's not right."

"No, it is not," Bagman replied with a smile. Crouch got angry and hit him in the stomach, guess he wasn't supposed to admit that.

"Look the end of the day is that this isn't fair, can't we like find a way to get Harry out of this?" Percy asked.

"Why would 'e want to?" Fleur scoffed, "'e 'as a chance to partizipate in a tournament mozt would kill to join!"

"You do realise he's Harry Potter right missy?" Moody grumbled as he made his presence know, "he has more fame than anyone in the room, expect probably Krum and Albus. He has no reason to join this tournament."

"Then you say he did not put his name in the goblet?" Maxin glared at the one eyed auror, but Moody was unfazed.

"Yes, Potter didn't put his name."

"Then who did?" Karkaroff asked in superior tone.

"Obviously who will profit off of Potter's death," Moody said throwing an accusing glance at Karkaroff, "people die in this tournament. Obviously someone is hoping Potter dies during these tasks."

"I hardly think so," Snape scoffed, "this is just like Potter's tendencies to attract attention to himself. The spoilt brat, just like his father-"

"-Don't you talk about my father!" Harry roared as he tried to charge Snape only for Percy to hold him back.

"Enough!" Dumbledore called out, "there will be no fighting. Harry has said he didn't put his name in the goblet, I belive him. I will look to see if there is a way to remove him from the tournament, but for now it seems he will have to participate as per the rules. Bagman, Crouch, I belive you wish to discuss with our champions the details of the tournament?"

"Right you are Dumbledore!" Crouch nodded as he stepped forward and clearing his throat, "lady and gentlemen, the first task for the triwizard tournament will happen on the 24th of November. It will be a task to test your courage, you are forbidden to get help from anyone else especially your teachers. You are also not allowed any form of magical assistance other than a wand."

"Wait quick question," Percy raised his hand, "will I be allowed to carry potions?"

Bagman and Crouch looked at each other. Bagman shook his head, "no, I'm sorry but potions aren't allowed."

"Okay...what about rune stones?"

"No."

"Okay….can I carry my hoverboard?"

"What?"

"It's like a flying broom."

"Oh, then no."

"Well that was helpful," Percy grumbled. Harry chuckled, even Krum seemed to appreciate the humour lighting the situation. Fleur glared at Percy, it seems she didn't like him joking around.

"Now completing the first task will give you a clue to complete the second task. If you fail from completing the first task then you will be in a big disadvantage," Crouch explained.

"Also all champions will be except from their end of the year exams," Bagman added with a happy tone.

"Wait...so we don't necessarily have to go to class?" Percy asked with a big smile.

"Well yes," Bagman said cheerfully. McGonagall cleared her throat and glared at the judge who quickly added, "but off course it is recommended that attend your classes. After all we can't have a champion that simply skives off classes whenever they wish can we?"

Percy groaned, "damn, that's too bad."

Dumbledore chuckled, "yes I'm sure you would have run at the chance to skiv professor Flitwick's class Mr. Jackson, but unfortunately for you that is not possible. Least you wish to face Professor McGonagall's wrath. Now, Karkaroff, Maxim, would you two care to join me in my office to further discuss this situation we find ourselves in?"

The other headmaster nodded and the teachers dismissed the four gathered champions. Fleur shot Harry a glare and left while Krum simply nodded neutrally to them both.

Percy and Harry walked out together down the Great Hall. "Okay, so you didn't put you name, right?" Percy asked.

"Yes," Harry growled.

"Don't get fresh with me Harry," Percy glared back, "I'm on your side remember?"

Harry looked like he was about to snap when he paused and sighed. "R-right. Sorry Percy, it's just...sigh, Snape always has a way to get under my skin."

Percy nodded, "yeah...he's always nice to me, but I think that's because I'm the only one that is actually good at his subject. I remember people telling me how nasty he can get...didn't think he would take it that far."

Harry rolled his eyes, "Percy you wouldn't believe the stories I have for you."

Percy chuckled, "yeah….do you think Voldemort is behind this?"

Harry's head shot up, "what?"

"Voldemort. Do you think he is behind this?" Percy asked.

"Well I-I don't think so."

"Well from my experience it's alway the main bad guy that's behind everything," Percy grumbled remembering his own dealings with Kronos, "your dreams, do you still have them?"

Harry paused for a second before nodding, "yeah...I do."

"And in them you see Voldemort right? You actually see him as a baby right?"

"Yes, where are you going with this Percy?"

"I don't think those were just dreams Harry," Percy warned, "I don't know how, but I think you are actually seeing Voldemort and where he is right now."

"Is that even possible?"

Percy narrowed his eyes. He remembered all those times he dreamt about Kronos and how many times he found his way because of his dreams. Finding Grover, Nico, the army of Titans, all of it came to him in dreams. Percy had learnt by now to never ever underestimate the importance of dreams.

"Yes Harry...I do think it's possible. In fact I know it's possible," Percy growled.

"How?"

Percy smirked, "you have your secrets I have mine….in these dreams, do you hear them speak?"

Harry shook his head, "they speak but...I don't remember what they say."

"Okay...so we can't rule out Voldemort completely then," Percy hummed, "maybe he had one of his minions put your name in the goblet. Didn't Sirius Black try to kill you last year? Maybe some other death eater is now here and trying to kill you again through this tournament."

Harry blinked, "do you think it's possible?"

"Only thing that makes sense. And believe me, I have experience with psychotic mad men, I know how they think," Percy grumbled, "go to your dorm and get some sleep Harry, we'll talk about this tomorrow morning, hopefully by then we can figure out a way to make sure you survive this thing."

Harry agreed and they quickly went their separate ways. Percy reached the Hufflepuff common room quickly and walked in to see the entire Hufflepuff house awake and waiting for him.

"PERCY!" they all cheered the moment he stepped into the light.

Percy blinked, the common room was decorated streamers and other form of party decor. There was food spread out everywhere with the older kids drinking butterbeer while the young ones stuck to juice.

They were all up, and smiling at him. Percy blinked, "woah, you guys didn't go to bed yet?"

"No way man! Tonight we party!" Michael screamed as everyone cheered with him.

"Get this man a drink people!" Gordan cried out.

Percy was given a glass of butterbeer and a small golden crown on his head he was cheered and pushed to the center of the common room. There was loud music playing on the radio, or the wireless network, and people were dancing.

Percy grinned as drank his drink and threw his hands up, getting into the groove of the party. Everyone enjoyed themselves as they all charged into a pit of dancing in the middle of the room. Percy didn't realise what he was doing until an hour passed by and he slumped down on a couch in one corner of the room, sweating from dancing.

"Percy! You are the worst dancer I have ever seen!" Heather and the other's chuckled as they sat down next to and around Percy.

"Well in my defence this is the first time I danced," Percy grinned, "which I have to say is kind of awesome! Why didn't I ever do this before?!"

"Don't know," Gordon chuckled, he raised his glass, "to Percy!"

"TO PERCY!" the entire house shouted as they all raised their glasses.

Percy laughed, "thanks you guys!" Kelly rummaged out off Percy's robe coat and poked her head out. Percy smiled, "look who finally decided to come out!" Kelly had been sleeping since before dinner, she had missed Percy getting selected and the dancing, luckily for him. She yawned as she rubbed her eyes looked around curiously.

"So Percy did they tell you anything about the first task?" Cedric asked as the serious students listened curiously.

"Yeah, it's on the 24th of November and apparently it's going to test my courage or something."

"Pfft, courage, I'm sure Potter is glad to hear that, dumb Gryffindor," Michael growled.

"Woah Micheal kind of harsh there don't you think?"

"Not at all Percy! That brat tried to show you up!" Miguel yelled waving his drink around madly, "I mean we finally managed to gain some amount of respect for ourselves and he just has to come and take away the spotlight, again!"

The Hufflepuff all nodded. "Yeah! And did you see the whole innocent confused look he had when Dumbledore called out his name?" Heather snorted, "I swear, he should be an actor."

"How did he even manage to do it anyway?" a seven year witch asked, "I mean he couldn't have found a way past the age line could he?"

"Maybe Dumbledore told him how to get passed it," Juan suggested, "we all know the man loves Gryffindor more than us!"

"Alright enough!" Percy snapped loudly. The entire party stopped as they all looked towards Percy in surprise, they had never seen the boy angry before, he was always smiling, but right now that smile was replaced with a very cold glare.

"Look and listen, Harry did not put his name in the goblet, got it?"

Gordon and the others looked at each other. They looked uncertain and Cedric spoke up, "how do you know Percy?"

"Because Harry and I are friends, good friends, and he wouldn't lie to me. Plus honestly, he's not that daring, he doesn't have the guts to do something like this," Percy smiled defusing the tension a bit.

"Fine," Heather huffed, "if Potter didn't do it then who did?"

Percy shrugged, "we don't know. Dumbledore has no clue, but our best guess? Voldemort," suddenly everyone in the common room flinched in response to the name. Percy was surprised, "okay what was that?"

"Wait...you don't know?" Miguel asked in surprise.

"Know? Know what?"

"He's American Miguel, they probably didn't fear him as much as we did," Kristien explained.

"Okay will someone tell me what's going on."

"Percy, do you know why we call him you-know-who?" Cedric asked.

"Who? Voldemort?" Everyone flinched again and Percy looked concerned, "are you all okay?"

"No, we aren't," Juan grumbled, "you see Percy I don't know how it was in the states, but here, we were told to be afraid of the man, very afraid. Out parents were afraid and the stories they told us...it made us afraid."

"So...everytime I want to make you guys flinch all I have to do is say Voldemort?" que the flinching, Percy grinned, "cool!"

"Not cool Percy! Everyone in England is scared of the guy! And he's dead! Who knows how it would be if he's alive!"

"Dead? Voldemort isn't dead," Percy said with narrowed eyes.

Cedric scoffed, "who told you that? Potter?"

"Well yeah," Percy said, "he told me about the crazy things that happened during his first and second year."

"Well don't believe them, he was making them up," a fourth year scoffed.

"Well then who opened the chamber of secrets?"

The Hufflepuff were silent at that. None of them answered as they gave Percy blank looks. The demigod sighed, "look I don't know what's the truth or what isn't, but I do know this, Harry doesn't really seem the kind of guy who would just lie about these kinds of things, does he?"

The fourth year boy from before hung his head refusing to answer. However a red haired girl standing next to him spoke up, "yeah...I've been studying with him for the past four years...he isn't that bad."

Percy blinked, "wait...are you Susan Bones?"

The girl nodded in surprise, "yes, why?"

Percy chuckled, "no reason, inside joke," Percy then changed to 'serious' mode, "look we currently have two options, one, believe that a boy who has never acted out in anyway did something to grab attention to himself, or two, believe that one of the people that served Voldemort," cue the flinches, "wants Harry dead. I don't know about you, but option number two seems more likely to me."

The Hufflepuff students looked at each other and whispered in groups. Finally Cedric spoke up, "alright Percy, what do you think we should do then?"

"Simple, someone is coming after our own. Harry might not be a Hufflepuff but he is a student of Hogwarts. So if someone even thinks about messing with our friends we badgers will show them why we aren't someone to fuck with!"

"Yeah!" they cheered.

"I'll do my best to get Harry out off this alive, if someone is trying to get to him through this tournament then I'm not going to let them! Are you?!"

"No!"

Percy jumped off his couch and raised his glass, "awesome! Badgers rule!"

"Badgers rule!"

"Ah excuse me," a small first year spoke up, "I have a question."

The older children laughed causing the little boy to blush brightly. Percy stepped up, "what's your question little dude?"

"Ah, what does fuck mean?" the innocent boy asked as several off his year mates looked on curiously.

Percy blinked, "when did you…." he remembered a few seconds ago when he used that word during his little speech, "oh shit. I mean fuck! I mean….don't tell Professor Sprout!"

The common room exploded into laughter as the party begun again going into full swing. They danced and drank and ate till the late hours of the night. The first and second years were forced into bed by around 11 while the rest just went to bed whenever they wished.

The next day Percy woke up late, which was surprising given his usually wake up routine during weekends. He wore a blue hoodie and muggle clothes as he walked into the great hall like a zombie.

He noticed Fleur and the other Beauxbaton students already there, Percy smiled and waved at them, Camille and a few others waved back, but Fleur just sent him a side glare.

'Great, what did I do now?' Percy grumbled as he sat down next to Camille and pulled up a plate. "Morning all," Percy wished them as he cast the translation charm around his head, "how was your evening?"

"Good, though yourz looks far more fun," Camille noted looking at Percy's sleepy face.

"Ya, if there's one thing we Badgers know it's how to party," Percy yawned, "Gods dammit, would it kill for the britishers to give me a cup of coffee instead of tea?"

"I t'ought you love tea," one french wizard asked in surprise.

"I don't love it, I tolerate it. I'm American through and through Hugo, and I need me some coffee," Percy grumbled as he grabbed a cup of orange juice and chugged it, "but I suppose this will do instead. Anyway, what did you guys do to celebrate last night?"

"Nothing," Hugo said as he gave a sidelong glance at Fleur, "madam Maxim kept an eye on uz, zo we couldn't do much. Or else we would 'ave partied, that I promise you."

"Bummer," Percy shrugged, "well if you guys ever need a place to party away from the watchful eyes of your headmistress just ask. I'm sure someone here knows a room you guys can use. Hogwarts has tons of unused space, it's kind of a tradition to explore and find a secret you can keep all for yourself."

"Like a 'iden room?" Camille asked.

Percy nodded, "if one should be so lucky."

Hugo turned to Camille, "we should explore this place later. If what he says is true then we can find rooms to gather our friends and hang out."

Camille nodded, "agreed. But let's not tell him that, I don't want our private time to be interrupted."

Percy rolled his eyes. Hugo spoke up, "thank you Perzy for telling uz thiz, we will find ourselves this room."

Percy chuckled, "no problem. Though I must warn you be careful, the walls have ears...and eyes...and moving sentient portraits that aren't afraid to rat you out to the professors."

The french students blinked, guess they didn't realise that part.

Percy turned to Fleur who was sitting a few seats away from Percy eating her own meals, not reacting or saying a word to anyone else.

"Hey Fleur!" Percy called out with a grin, "excited yet for the task?"

Fleur looked up and glared. She quickly finished the rest of her eggs and got up walking away, not sparing Percy a glace.

Percy watched her leave and turned to Camille, "what did I do?"

Hugo and a few boys chuckled, "don't worry Perzy, it izn't you. Fleur has always been a little...diztant. Did you zay anything to her yesterday?"

Percy shrugged, "no clue...well I may have joked around a little too much, but that's because everyone looked like they were going to kill each other, someone desperately needed to crack a joke."

"Zhe is probably upset you didn't take the zituation zeriously," Camille suggested, "if you want to make up with your girlfriend I zuggest you apologize."

Percy blushed, "girlfriend?! She isn't my girlfriend!" They all laughed hard at this while Percy puffed his cheeks in anger, "you french people are mean."

The rest of breakfast Percy spent asking them questions about their school and the way they were going to continue their education here. It seemed that all of them were seventh years and they would continue their education by joining in with the seventh year NEWT classes with the rest of the school. Apparently Bulgaria was doing the same.

After breakfast Percy got up to leave and saw Harry sitting alone at his table looking distracted. Remembering his promise to speak with the boy Percy quickly jumped down next to him, "heyo Harry!"

Harry snapped into alert as he looked up and saw Percy smiling down at him, "oh hey Percy."

"What's wrong? You sound super dull," Percy asked concerned.

"I...I didn't sleep well last night."

"More nightmares?"

Harry shook his head, "no..no nightmares. When I went up last night the Gryffindors were up partying, I told them I didn't put my name into the goblet, but they didn't believe me. And Ron...Ron's crossed that I didn't tell him how I did it. I told him I didn't do it, but he didn't believe me."

Percy blinked, "what? Why?!"

Harry sighed, "I don't know. He's supposed to be my friend, but he doesn't want to hear it! I can't belive him! He thinks I did this in order to get even more famous! What crap!"

Percy put a hand on Harry's shoulder and squeezed, "relax Harry, don't get angry."

"How can I not Percy?! He thinks I'm a liar! Bloody hell they all do! They don't believe me when I said I didn't do it! Ever Hermione thinks I'm lying!"

"Harry if Voldemort is responsible for this then you getting angry at them is the last thing you should do."

"Why?! They are calling me a liar!"

"Because getting you to feel alone is exactly what he wants you to feel," Percy narrowed his eyes, "you are always stronger with those that are your friends, always. If he manages to separate you from them….well then he has already won. Listen to me Harry, go to Ron and Hermione and tell them the truth, and if they don't believe you tell them again. Make them listen to you Harry, I'll do my best to help you out, but if you want to get through this thing alive you need all the help you can get. Especially the support of your friends."

Harry sighed, "I…..yes….fine...I'll talk to them...it's just unfair."

Percy patted him on the back, "when you are fighting for your life it doesn't matter what's fair or right Harry. You suck it up and do what is needed."

Harry narrowed his eyes, "you know Percy sometimes I think you act like a goof ball. But other times….there's a lot you're not telling me isn't there?"

Percy smirked, "yes, there is. And I can say the same to you can't I?"

Harry blushed red, "I..I didn't mean to keep things from you it's just-"

"-Relax Harry, I don't blame you, I keep things from you too, everyone's entitled to their secrets," Percy smirked as he watched a few more Hufflepuff's walk into the Great Hall, among them was one Susan Bones.

Percy leaned down and whispered, "I talked to my house last night, I told them I believed you were innocent and someone probably put you in this tournament to kill you."

Harry was surprised, "and they believed you?"

Percy shook his head, "not at first, but then one of the fourth years spoke up for you and said that you didn't seem the type to do something so crazy. Heck if it wasn't for that person I don't think I could have convinced them otherwise."

"Who defended me?" Harry asked in surprise.

Percy smirked, "Susan Bones," Harry cheeks blushed red as he whipped his head around and saw Susan sit down with her friends and eat breakfast. She looked up and saw Harry looking at her, she smiled and waved to him and Harry turned away in embarrassment.

Percy chuckled, "young love, so sweet."

"Shut it!" Harry growled back.

"Seriously Harry, she seems like a nice girl. You know….I think we have a Hogsmeade weekend next week. You should probably ask her out, show her you appreciate her sticking up for you."

Harry's entire face turned scarlet as he looked down and mumbled, "what makes you think she's even interested?"

Percy smirked, "what makes you think she isn't?" Harry looked surprised at that as h stared in stunned silence, Percy laughed as he got up, "I'll see you around Harry. And remember, we badgers got your back."

Percy walked out off the Great Hall and decided to go to The Forest for a while. He didn't feel like taking his board out for a spin, much too late in the morning and his head was still not alert enough for that. He managed to get into the Forest fairly easy, all he had to do was jump a few feet, no big deal for a demigod.

He opened up the windows and let the fresh morning air inside. The then quickly went over to the three cauldrons of Felix felicis he had brewing and checked up on them.

He started brewing them on the first of October, today marked the first month passing by. Percy added a few more ingredients and made sure to keep all the conditions stable on the potion, they would only be ready at the beginning of may, Percy had to make sure they were all stable until then.

After that Percy turned his attention to his mapping project. It was honestly going very slow. Every problem he solved three more took it's place. For now the map could use the user's magic like a leech and send it out in waves. Percy had based this on the runes carved into his blood band, all he had to do now was for a way to absorb back the magic sent out and make the map design the location.

His work took up all his time that day, it became well known that one the weekends Percy would disappear around noon and wouldn't be seen until the next day. His friends were used to it now and didn't ask where he went, though Juan did hint his curiosity several times over.

As Percy worked that day his mind began to wander, he couldn't help but think about Fleur. Why was she mad at him? Was making a few jokes that bad a thing to do? He didn't like the fact that she was angry at him, there weren't best friends or anything, but he still didn't like it when a good person hates him for no reason.

Percy didn't feel like she deserved an apology, he was defending his friend and he refused to apologize for such an action. No matter how beautiful Fleur looked.

The next day Percy came down for breakfast and saw Harry and Hermione sitting together and away from the other Gryffindors, who were constantly glaring at them. Percy narrowed his eyes, he noticed Ron sitting and happily talking to his friends, ignoring Harry and Hermione.

With a sad sigh Percy sat down next to Harry and Hermione, "morning you two, hows life?"

Hermione smiled, "good morning Percy."

Harry however groaned, "morning."

"Oh dear, let me guess Ron didn't take to the talk you guys had?"

"No," Harry sighed as he ran his hand through his hair, "it's not fair! I didn't even do anything and yet I went and apologized to him! And he's still mad at me?!"

"Harry give it some time, he'll come around, you'll see," Hermione softly patted Harry's shoulder calming him down.

Percy smiled, "she's right Harry, he'll come around….although at this point I don't really think you should bother waiting for him."

"Percy!" Hermione hissed.

Percy shrugged, "what? It's the truth. I have known Harry for a few months and even I can tell shorty isn't the type to do shit like this. If Ron is that stupid then may Athena help him," Percy grabbed a plate and started filling up on food.

"He's right Hermione," Harry growled, "he of all people should believe me! How can he just treat me like this?!"

"Harry calm down, you know how jealous Ron can get, he's just having a tough time right now," Hermione insisted.

"Either way you'll be fine," Percy assured him, "after all you now have the smartest witch of her year helping you out."

Hermione blushed while Harry chuckled, "you know Percy if I didn't already know you had a thing for blondes I would say liked them curly haired and bushy."

"Harry!" Hermione shrieked.

Percy chuckled, "actually Harry the first girl I ever had a crush on was blonde and a genius, so I think I prefer them smart rather than blonde."

Hermione blushed even more as she lowered her head into her plate while the two boys surrounding her laughed.

The first period of that day was DADA and Percy managed to get there just in time. Moody began the class with a small lecture on the uses of the unforgivables and ways people used them.

The imperio was unsurprisingly used to make women sex objects by evil wizards. This was a big problem especially during the middle ages were dark wizards would often take over the mind of kings and queens forcing them to do their bidding. Freeing these people were a pain, because the moment they are free they become hysterical about being possessed, giving the magical community even more of a bad name.

Then came the torture cure, most often used for interrogation purposes. Obviously it was very effective as more and more people began to use it, at one point it was even allowed free reign by any auror out on the field, but after they discovered the side effects it had on the brain the ministry outlawed it.

And then came the third curse, the killing curse. Funny thing about said curse, it was actually meant to be a humane way to kill off various creatures. It was considered a mercy since there was so many other ways a wizard or witch could die, like a botched self-transfiguration or even a switching spell aimed at one's heart. The killing curse wasn't banned because it killed someone, no, it was banned because it became too easy to kill someone. Just point and zap.

To the surprise of the entire class after the speech Moody started to demonstrate the three spells. He used a spider for this purpose, he first imperialised it and made it dance, many people laughed, but Percy was horrified. Seeing something under the complete control of another person, Percy valued his free will above all else, and to see a simple spell, just four syllables take that away, it was horrifying.

Then came the cruciatus, the spider screeched in pain. Percy didn't even know spider's had vocal chords to scream with. Annabeth hated spiders, she wouldn't care if one was squashed and killed. But seeing this….Percy doubted even she would just stand by and let this happen.

And then the spider was put out of it's misery, a simple point, a flash of green light and it was gone.

"These curses are unforgivable because that is what they are," Moody spoke in front of the silent class that sat horrified at what they had just seen. "The ability to take away someone's free will, the ability to torture someone to insanity and the ability to simply wave one's wand and kill something is far too great a lure of power. This is why a small group of witches and wizards were able to toss the entire British wizarding world on it's head. Not because they were smarter or more talented, but because they were willing to go places that no mortal soul should ever go."

"T-this is crazy!" Fred yelled out.

"What are we supposed to do if someone uses it on us?!" George asked.

"Run, hide," Moody explained, "if you think you can take them then stand and fight, but be prepared to die or be tortured into insanity."

"So we are just supposed to run? We can't do anything to protect ourselves?" the ravenclaw girl that hated Percy's guts asked.

"No, you can't. For the killing curse all you can do is jump away or hide between something solid, preferably some kind of mineral, like marble. For the cruciatus...well to take a great deal of concentration and hate to use that spell, your only chance to avoid that is to out think your opponent while they are consumed with their hatred for you. Difficult to do, but if done can save your life."

"And the imperious?" a Slytherin asked.

Moody smiled, "now that I can help you with. The imperious is a unique spell, while it is unblockable, that is not the reason it is banned. The reason it is banned is because of what it represents, total control over another, but this spell, unlike the others, isn't absolute. It can be broken. If one is strong enough to break it."

The class whispered amongst each other, Percy himself felt a little happier knowing this, he could defend himself, the spell wasn't absolute.

"Now everyone get up and form a line, I will cast the spell on you and you will attempt to break free. Understood?" The class looked nervously at each other, they didn't want to willing be put under the imperius curse. Moody however wasn't having it, "I said get your lazy butts up! Now!"

The class exploded into motion as they quickly formed a line. Percy was behind George and Fred, he was in the middle of the line, hopefully by the time his turn came he would have figured something out.

"All right step forward!" Moody yelled. A Ravenclaw was first, he looked scared, as he should be. "Now listen, I will cast the curse on you, you will hear a voice in your head telling you to do something, whatever you do, do not listen to the voice. Understand?" the scared teen nodded, "good. Imperio!"

The boy looked like he was resisting, but after a minute Moody had control. The boy then started to act like a chicken, dancing around the class. No one laughed, they all knew they were next.

One by one they went and one by one Moody put them under the charm and made them do embarrassing things. Angelina sang, Alicia flapped her hands like a bird. Gordon did the salsa with a Slytherin girl, while Juan got down to one knee and proposed to a Ravenclaw boy.

And then it was Percy's turn. The demigod stepped up nervously, his hands were cold, he can't believe he was actually doing this. He looked at Moody who nodded at him. Percy sighed, 'if I don't at least try then I won't be able to block it when it matters the most.' Percy sighed, he looked at Moody and nodded back.

"Imperio!" Moody jabbed his wand forward sending a wave of magic over Percy.

The demigod shut his eyes and screamed, 'NO NO NO NO NO!' in his head over and over again. But slowly he realised that he was screaming at no one. He opened his eyes and blinked, he couldn't hear anyone else in there. There was no commanding voice present in his head. It was empty, well except for him.

"Ah sir, I don't think you cast that right," Percy said causing everyone to blink in confusion.

Moody himself had his mouth slightly ajar, "w-what?! H-how?! I did it perfectly!" he looked at his wand and then to Percy. He narrowed his eyes, and leveled his wand again, "imperio!"

Percy waited, and once again found his head occupied by only his own thoughts. And he knew they were his own because they were snarky and sarcastic as hell. "Yeah I don't think this works on me."

"Incredible!" Moody beamed, his attitude doing a complete 180, "look here class! Jackson has thrown off the spell completely! He didn't even feel it!"

"Woah!" Fred and George exclaimed.

"How did you do it Percy?" Juan asked.

Percy shrugged, "I don't know. Guess I just didn't let it enter my mind in the first place." But Percy knew the truth, it what because he was a demigod, Hecate had explained it to him a long time ago, he was much stronger than any week spell a wizard to throw out, it was also the reason he was immune to the veela charm, which now that he thought about it sounded a lot like the imperious charm.

Moody narrowed his eyes for a moment before he smiled, "good job Jackson! 20 points to Hufflepuff! Pay attention class, the secret is persistence! Jackson here threw off the curse by not even allowing the curse to take hold, learn from his actions, and try it yourself! Now let's continue."

Percy walked away and stood to the side while the entire class went and got themselves imperialised by Moody. Percy narrowed his eyes, he saw the look Moody gave him, that dark curious look, the guy was a good teacher, but Percy didn't trust him, not one bit. He still creeped him out, Percy figured it was because of the eye, but he didn't know for sure.

Classes remained normal for that week. Classes were the same, though Percy was sorely tempted to just skip Flitwick's class by using his champions excuse. But a long lecture from McGonagall forced him to push away the idea. Stupid cat lady.

Percy still had no idea what the first task would be, but he didn't care much, he was sure whatever it was he could handle it. Was that over confidence? Yes. But you try swimming in the Styx and come out unscathed and try not to grow a little proud over your abilities.

Everyday at breakfast Percy sat with Harry and Hermione, he didn't like Harry sitting alone being shunned by everyone, and is he, the official Hogwarts champion, sat with Harry, Percy hoped people would realise Harry wasn't to blame and stop shunning him.

But of course the real pain in the ass wasn't class at all, no, it was in fact an angry french veela.

Percy tried to talk to Fleur whenever he could. He would sit with the Beauxbatons students during lunch and dinner, and try to get Fluer to talk to him. But the girl was still angry, not that Percy could help it. He wasn't going to apologize, if that was what she wanted, but it sucked not being able to talk to her. She seemed nice enough.

So Percy kept himself occupied. He talked to the other french students and became quick friends with them as well. He was one of the few students in the castle that the frenchys actually liked talking too. He was laid back and always had a smile, plus anyone who could shut Fleur up had to be worth something.

Thursday morning Percy sat down with Harry and Hermione once again. This time however they were joined by Fred, George and the three Gryffindor chasers.

"So what's on your schedule today?" Harry asked them all.

"Well let's see, today's Thursday so I have runes, DADA and charms. I'm thinking I can probably bunk the last class though," Percy said a smile.

Harry rolled his eyes, "you want McGonagall to skin you alive?"

"Hey what's the point of being champion of the school is I can't abuse my privileges once in awhile?"

"That's right Percy!" George nodded.

"We know we would do the same!" Fred agreed.

"In fact that was one of the reasons we agreed to join!"

"On day I would take his place and then he would take mine!"

"We skip every class and work on our pranks full time!"

"That isn't very responsible you two," Hermione hissed, "imagine what your mother would say!"

"Well it's not our fault Hermione!" Fred exclaimed.

"If we are going to get our joke store up and running we need all the research time we can get!"

"Is that why I find you two experimenting on the younger kids?" Angelina asked.

"You both did what?!" Hermione shrieked.

"Relax Hermione!"

"They know what they are getting into!"

"Plus we tell them exactly what's going to happen!"

"Plus we also pay them!"

Hermione grumbled, "and that's an excuse for testing potions and cady's on kids?!"

"Well..." they looked at each other, "yes."

Hermione looked like she was going to start yelling again when Percy spoke up. "Wait, what joke shop?"

"Oh we didn't tell you Jacky?"

"We are joing to make our own joke shop after we graduate!"

"Zonko's products have become old, they haven't had a new invention in years!"

"We'll corner the market without inventions!"

Percy's eyebrows perked up, "really?...Say would you two be interested in partnering up?"

The twins smiled, "depends on what you mean by partnering up."

"Well as you know I hold the patents to my quick quill idea and the hover board. I want to sell them but I can only do so much while at school. After I graduate I'm going to need a place to sell them, if you guys want I can sell them at your place."

Fred and George looked at each other and started whispering. They nodded and turned to Percy, "we thinks it's a good idea-"

"-But maybe we should talk a bit more about the joke shop before we put down any laws yeah?"

"We still don't know exactly what you are going to bring to the table Percy."

"Maybe we can visit Hogsmeade together this weekend-"

"-we'll show you around, give you a feel of what we want to accomplish."

Percy blinked, "oh that's right, this week is going to be the first Hogsmeade weekend. Damn, alright, but I'm going to have to stop somewhere before, I need to pick up some supplies from town. I hope that's not a problem?"

"No, after all we weren't planning on spending all day with you you know," Fred and George turned to Alicia and Angelina and wiggled their eyebrows at the girls.

Angelina rolled her eyes, "if you don't stop giving me that creepy look George Alicia and I might decide to go alone." immediately the twins stopped.

Percy sighed, "ah young love," he turned to Harry and grinned, "so Harry," the boy flinched as he saw Percy's grin grow wider and wider, "do you have any plans?"

"N-no," Harry gulped as he looked over Percy's shoulder seeing Susan Bones. Harry already knew what Percy was going to say.

"Really? That's too bad...you know who else doesn't have any plans? Susan Bones," Percy wiggled his eyebrows as all the gathered Gryffindors turned to Harry with wide eyes.

"Susan?" Hermione asked with a curious look on her face, "Harry...you like Susan?"

"What?! No!" Harry squeaked.

"Then why did you write letters to her?" Percy teased.

"I never wrote her letters!" Harry blushed red as he yelled in protest.

"Then why are you so embarrassed?"

"Because..because...ah! You are impossible!"

"So...you going to ask her out or not?"

"Why should I?!"

"Because she's a lovely girl who just so happens to be the only Hufflepuff that believed you didn't put your name in the cup, other than me of course," Percy swung his hand around Harry's neck and leaned in to a whisper, "come on Harry live a little. I told you didn't I? The more alone you are the stronger Voldermort is. It's easier to have several reasons to live for, than simply shutting yourself away from it all."

Harry looked up and meet Percy's eyes. He sighed, "w-what if she rejects me?"

"Then it's her lose," Percy shrugged, "but you can't just give up because you're afraid of failure. Plus I don't think she will say now. So get up, gather your Gryffindor courage, walk up to her and ask her out to Hogsmeade this weekend."

Harry and Percy stared each other down, Harry with a frown and Percy with a daring grin. Finally Harry sighed and got up.

"You think he'll actually do it?" George asked as Harry walked away.

"Of course he will," Percy grinned back, "he's my little protege isn't he?"

"Do you think she'll accept?" Angelina asked.

"She would be fool not too," Hermione huffed.

Harry tapped Susan's shoulder and asked her to the side, she nodded and they both walked away for a moment. They talked, Harry's face went red, but he stayed his ground. His mouth moved, but Percy and the other's couldn't make out what he was saying. Susan smiled back and said something in return causing Harry to chuckle.

Harry and Susan then walked back to their house tables. They didn't say a word as Harry sat down next to Percy simply returning to his meal.

They looked at each other with confused looks. Percy finally had enough, "well?"

Harry looked up, "what?"

Percy groaned, "did you do it?!"

Harry blinked, "oh, you mean ask out Susan Bones? Yes I did."

"And?!"

Harry grinned, "she said yes!"

Percy laughed, "that's my boy!" He threw his hand around Harry's neck and cheered, "three cheers for the brave Gryffindor! Hip hip!"

"Hooray!" they all cheered loudly, even Hermione.

"Hip hip!"

"Hooray!"

"Hip hip!"

"Hooray!"

Harry laughed as he threw off Percy's hand, "alright enough! Fine, so now I have a date. Meaning you are the only one going to Hogsmeade alone."

Percy shrugged, "and?"

"Well if you want we could ask Katie," Alicia suggested.

"No Katie is going with Lee," Fred supplied.

"What? When did that happen?" Angelina asked surprised.

"Lee asked her two nights ago," George shrugged, "we thought you knew."

"Damn, well sorry Percy, bad luck for you I guess," Angelina sighed.

Percy shrugged, "I don't really care. I'll probably be too busy looking around town anyway. Plus dates are always...so complicated."

"Not really," George shrugged, "you just have to be yourself."

"Yes, just let your instincts guide you," Fred agreed, "I'm sure you know what I mean."

Percy shrugged, "well I haven't actually been on one so I wouldn't know."

"What?!" the group yelled as one.

Percy winced, "try being a little louder you guys! I don't think the ghosts heard you!"

"Oh don't worry young Percy! We all heard them!" Nearly-headless Nick called out.

Percy groaned, "great...look you guys it isn't that big a deal anyway. I just...well I just never had a date before is all."

"Wait...Percy….have you ever kissed a girl before?" George asked slowly, almost afraid of the answer.

Percy rolled his eyes, "of course I have!"

"Really? Who?" the other twin asked.

Percy blushed, "I-ah, well it's kind of complicated."

"Ah ah! So you haven't kissed a girl!" Fred exclaimed.

Percy sighed, "I have! Sigh, look it's a complicated story okay? There was a lot of booze involved and everything was kind of blurry."

"When did this happen?" Angelina asked curiously.

"This summer."

"Wait….this summer?" Harry thought for a second before his eyes widened in realisation, "you and Cassy?!"

"What?! No! I would never kiss Cassy! She's cute but damn is she crazy!"

"Whose Cassy?" Hermione asked.

"The Dursley's family friends," Harry spat out. He then turned to Percy, "but that doesn't make any sense, Cassy is the only girl I saw you spend any time with. Plus you spent most of it with me and….your-"

"-Okay I'm going to stop you right there! No Harry, I know what you're thinking but ew! She's my aunt mate! I would never do that!"

"Then who is it?! You were with me the whole time!"

"Well not the whole time," Percy mumbled.

Harry thought for a moment, "well I left for the Weasley's a few days before the quidditch finals...and I don't think you found someone else in Privet drive...so the only time you would have kissed someone is... during the finals!"

"Was it a veela?!" Fred and George asked as one.

Percy's face went red, "will you two shut up!"

"Oh my god!" one twin exclaimed.

"It was wasn't it?!" the other continued.

"You made out with a veela!"

"Shut up! Someone's going to here you" Percy hissed looking around, 'thank the Gods no one is looking this way!'

"We'll keep quite if you tell us!" they hissed.

Percy groaned as he turned to Angelina, "can't you please make them stop?"

The girl shook her head, "no, we want to hear this too!"

"Yeah Percy!" Harry grinned evilly, "we want to hear all about this girl you kissed."

"Tell us! Tell us! Tell us!" the twins chanted slowly growing more and more louder.

"Fine!" Percy up his hands up, "fine! Just keep quite!"

They nodded as they all looked on eagerly. Even Hermione looked curious, she had pushed the book she was reading to the side.

Percy sighed, "after the match a veela named Chanel came up and asked my aunt to join them for the after party. My aunt was very...supportive for the veela cheerleaders during the match and they noticed, so they figured my aunt's good cheer would brighten up the expectedly somber party.

"My aunt brought a bottle of firewhiskey with her, but I confiscated it. She isn't the nicest person when drunk. Anyway Chanel and I shared a few drinks and the next thing we know we were making out, both of us completely drunk."

The twins mouth were open, "wow."

Harry was the first to break out off his surprise, "wait, you and Chanel spent the entire night together?"

Percy blushed as he cleared his throat, "y-yes."

"Wait….does that mean-"

"-Oh look at the time! If we don't leave now we are going to be late for class!" Percy yelled out as he jumped up and grabbed his school bag waking up a sleeping Kelly inside it.

"Wait a minute Jackson! We aren't done with you yet!" one twin called out.

"What happened next?!" the other yelled as they got up and chased after Percy.

The demigod however was much faster, running through the halls in seconds. Percy knew they would eventually catch up to him or corner him, but until then he was going to do whatever it took to avoid their questions. If they reacted like this for just one veela, who knows how they would react if they knew the truth about all five?