Alternatively

Enchanted (ii)

Yet there they were, ten minutes and a short walk later, standing at the shores of the lake with quite possibly the most territorial creatures alive. Her plan of calling forth the medallion was turning out to be thought out in poor taste.

"Okay, now what?" Percy asked, rocking back on his heels.

"You seem excited," she warily noted.

His bashful smile was bright in the moonlight. "I mean, yeah, I didn't think I'd be a part of finding something like this. It's really real."

"I did promise you, didn't I?"

He nodded, looking down at his mirror again. "So. What's next?"

Well I can't go back now, she furiously thought, recalling his smile. "Um, I was just gonna use accio."

"Wouldn't the person who lost the necklace have already tried that? Or someone who knew about it before?"

"Yeah, but I figure the mirror is the key to being able to cast it. Someone put the anti theft charm on it; it's why we couldn't get it from Filch's."

"How do you know they didn't also put it on the necklace?"

"Because someone wanted you to find the medallion with the mirror and we can't breathe underwater."

At least, she hoped that was the case.

A sharp breeze rippled across the lake and she steeled herself, wand in one hand and a fist made of the other. How she hated getting wet.

"Hey!" Percy yelped, catching her arm as she toed off her shoes. "You're not getting in there, are you?"

"I'm not familiar with the item," she shivered. "Being close range will help get a stronger hold."

She could tell he was reluctant to let go, but he did and stood back, his own wand at the ready and the mirror clutched in his free hand.

Annabeth took a deep breath, stepping into the Black Lake with a little squeal. The mud squished between her toes and the water was cold, like little needles poking at her skin. The moon shimmered on the surface, gliding over the ripples she caused by wading in further. The palace was at the center of the lake; she needed to get as close as possible to make the connection.

"I'll take the next mission," Percy volunteered sympathetically.

She laughed a little, teeth starting to chatter. There was a drop off at her toes; if she wriggled them, she could feel nothing but pure water. One wrong step and she would be taking an icy bath.

She was up to her waist, anyway.

"Accio," she chattered, sharply swiping her wand and tracing the mental image of the medallion from the book.

All that there was left to do was wait and see if it worked.

"The necklace is moving!" Percy called.

She glanced back, watching him wave the mirror with vigor. A smile broke across her face; he must be watching the water move by the focus.

Carefully, she let her free arm sink into the water, fingers splayed and searching for the metal chain.

"Wow, it's moving fast. Really fast."

Good, she thought, staring up at Hogwarts. The sooner I'm out, the better.

There weren't many lights on, just some at the tops of towers or lining the stairs. Still, it made her nervous. They were far from the castle, but the night was clear; if someone were to look outside, they would be able to see her standing in the lake in a bright orange sweatshirt.