Demigods Vs Magic.

Rewriting the Past, Part 1.

One month later, 

"What the Hades am I supposed to do with the dam egg?" Percy muttered under his breath, zoning out from McGonagall's class. He had better things to think about, and with no exams bearing down on him, he had no incentive to put effort into the classes either. 

"I don't know Perce, maybe we could have Jake dismantle it?" Connor suggested. Percy sighed. 

"No, I want to figure it out myself, but something about the egg calls out to me." Percy replied. "I don't know what it is, and each time I open it, it sounds like a bunch of pegasi being strangled to death." 

"So maybe that's your hint?" Travis suggested. "The next challenge involves pegasi?" 

"No, that's not it," Percy replied. "I have a feeling they wouldn't go for flying creatures after involving the dragon." 

"What about aquatic?" Nico asked. 

"What?" Percy blinked in confusion. 

"What I'm saying is-" Nico began, but was stopped by Professor McGonagall's announcement. 

"The Yule Ball is approaching; a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament and an opportunity for us to socialize with our foreign guests. Now, the ball will be open only to fourth years and above, although you may invite a younger student if you wish." 

Percy raised an eyebrow, turning around to hear a bunch of giggles from the Slytherins, and a few Gryffindors behind him. 

"How is a married man getting these many girls?" Connor groaned, smashing his head at the desk. 

"Dress robes will be worn," Professor McGonagall continued, "and the ball will start at eight o'clock on Christmas Day, finishing at midnight in the Great Hall. Now then —" Professor McGonagall stared deliberately around the class. 

"The Yule Ball is of course a chance for us all to — er — let our hair down," she said, in a disappointed voice.  "But that does NOT mean," Professor McGonagall went on, "that we will be relaxing the standards of behavior we expect from Hogwarts students. I will be most seriously displeased if a Gryffindor student embarrasses the school in any way." 

The bell rang, and there was the usual scuffle of activity as everyone packed their bags and swung them onto their shoulders. Professor McGonagall called above the noise, "Potter, Jackson, a word, if you please."

Percy shrugged, following Potter to McGonagall's desk. Professor McGonagall waited until the rest of the class had gone, and then said, "Potter, Jackson, the champions, and their partners —" 

"What partners?" said Harry. Percy looked at her, confused. Professor McGonagall looked suspiciously at them, as though she thought they were trying to be funny. 

"Your partners for the Yule Ball, Potter," she said coldly. "Your dance partners." 

Harry's insides seemed to curl up and shrivel. "Dance partners?" He felt himself going red. "I don't dance," he said quickly. 

"Yeah, not happening." Percy shook his head. 'Annabeth isn't here for that.' 

"Oh yes, you do," said Professor McGonagall irritably. "That's what I'm telling you. Traditionally, the champions and their partners open the ball." 

"I'm not dancing," he said. 

"I agree with him," Percy said. "I'll bring a partner, sure, but don't expect any good dancing from me." 

"It is traditional," said Professor McGonagall firmly. "You are a Hogwarts champion, and you will do what is expected of you as a representative of the school. So make sure you get yourself a partner, Potter. And Jackson, as long as you move around with a partner for a few minutes, you will be fine."