Strange Ties--Percy Jackson/Harry Potter

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Percy

Two days later, Percy arrived at the Unity Tree, his heart heavy with anticipation. He had prepared himself for the worst, knowing that he might be stepping into a trap or walking right into a battle he wasn't fully ready for. The air was thick with tension, the kind that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the clearing where the ancient tree stood.

The Unity Tree itself was underwhelming at first glance. It was large, sure, but it had an ordinary appearance-its bark rough and knotted, its leaves rustling softly in the breeze. There was nothing outwardly magical about it, no glowing aura or mystical symbols carved into its trunk. If Percy hadn't known its history, he might have dismissed it as just another tree in the forest.

He glared at the thousand-year-old tree, feeling a mixture of frustration and unease. How could something so unassuming be the site of such dark rituals? He inhaled deeply, taking in the earthy, wooden scent of the tree, trying to calm his nerves. But his mind was racing with doubts. Two days later, Percy arrived at the Unity Tree, his heart heavy with anticipation. He had prepared himself for the worst, knowing that he might be stepping into a trap or walking right into a battle he wasn't fully ready for. The air was thick with tension, the kind that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the clearing where the ancient tree stood.

The Unity Tree itself was underwhelming at first glance. It was large, sure, but it had an ordinary appearance-its bark rough and knotted, its leaves rustling softly in the breeze. There was nothing outwardly magical about it, no glowing aura or mystical symbols carved into its trunk. If Percy hadn't known its history, he might have dismissed it as just another tree in the forest. But he did know its history, and that knowledge weighed heavily on him as he approached.

He glared at the thousand-year-old tree, feeling a mixture of frustration and unease. How could something so unassuming be the site of such dark rituals? He inhaled deeply, taking in the earthy, wooden scent of the tree, trying to calm his nerves. But his mind was racing with doubts. What if he was wrong? What if this isn't the right place? What if the monster doesn't show up?

He shook his head, trying to push those thoughts aside. He couldn't afford to second-guess himself now. He had done the research, followed the clues, and this was the best lead he had. The tree's history as a place of power, its connection to ancient magic, and the significance it held made it a likely target for the monster's next move. But still, the uncertainty gnawed at him.

Percy moved closer to the tree, circling it slowly, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of movement. The forest was eerily quiet, the usual sounds of wildlife muted as if the animals themselves sensed the impending danger. The silence only added to his anxiety, making him hyper-aware of every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig.

He stopped in front of the tree, placing a hand on its rough bark. The wood felt solid and cool under his palm, grounding him in the moment. He closed his eyes, focusing on the task at hand. He had to be ready for anything.

The minutes ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity. Percy's senses were on high alert, his muscles tense as he waited for something-anything-to happen. The sun dipped lower in the sky, painting the clearing in shades of orange and gold, and still, nothing. The longer he stood there, the more nervous he got. The last rays of sunlight disappeared and the night settled in. For a moment, there was nothing but silence. Then, a rustle in the underbrush caught his attention. Percy tensed, his grip on his sword tightening as he prepared for whatever might emerge from the darkness. His heart pounded in his chest, the adrenaline surging through his veins.