American Royalty

Part 28: The Weasleys Escape and Harry's Vision

With Dumbledore gone, Umbridge had full reign over the school, and life at Hogwarts went from bad to worse. Without Dumbledore as headmaster, the school had quickly become a jail for the students within.

Most of the demigods sat by the lake, trying to make the best of their situation. Annabeth and Jason had decided to take the O.W.Ls, seeing it as a chance to gather more knowledge and prove their adaptability. The others, however, thought it was a waste of time and were currently avoiding Umbridge, enjoying the fresh air and relative freedom outside.

Percy lay back on the grass, his hands behind his head, looking up at the sky. "I can't believe Annabeth and Jason are putting themselves through those exams," he said, shaking his head.

"You and I both know Annabeth wouldn't come to a school and not put in one hundred percent, even this one," Kit said, her head in Connor's lap who was braiding her hair. 

"Yeah, and Jason said he wanted to expand his knowledge or something," Leo said turning the water Percy had summoned into steam.

The quiet was shattered by the sounds of fireworks and screams, startling the demigods from their peaceful moment by the lake. Everyone jumped to their feet, instinctively reaching for their weapons.

"What the Hades?" Percy exclaimed, looking toward the source of the commotion.

Fireworks lit up the sky, their vibrant colors reflecting off the surface of the lake. The distant sound of screams and chaotic laughter echoed through the grounds.

Leo grinned, recognizing the work. "Looks like the Weasley twins are at it again," he said, a hint of admiration in his voice.

The group stood watching as two familiar redheads sped out of the building, lighting the sky up with a rainbow of colours. The sounds of cheers echoed across the grassy field but the enjoyment was disrupted by the beeping of the rings on each demigod's hand, the SOS signal. 

Sharing worried looks the group quickly collected their belongings and rushed up to the school.  

When they got there, the school was in complete chaos. As they entered the hallway, they were joined by Annabeth and Jason, who looked slightly winded but otherwise ok.

"What's happening?" Percy asked, trying to make himself heard over the noise.

"Harry, Hermione, Ron, Neville, Ginny and Luna are all being held in Umbridge's office," Annabeth quickly explained. "We saw Umbridge leading Hermione and Harry out of the castle and into the Forbidden Forest."

Percy exchanged a grim look with the others. "We need to split up. Some of us will rescue Ron, Ginny, Neville, and Luna from Umbridge's office. The rest of us will follow Umbridge and help Harry and Hermione."

Reyna nodded. "Okay. Percy, Jason, Kit, and Valerie head to the forest, the rest of us will get the others out of the office,"

"Be careful," Piper added, squeezing Jason's hand briefly before they separated.

Percy led the group out of the castle and toward the Forbidden Forest, moving swiftly through the darkness. They could see the faint light of Umbridge's wand bobbing in the distance as she and her captives moved deeper into the forest.

"We have to hurry," Valerie urged, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger.

Meanwhile, inside the castle, the others made their way toward Umbridge's office. They moved cautiously, aware that the Inquisitorial Squad could be lurking around any corner. When they reached the office, they found the door locked and heavily warded.