Demigods, Wizards, and Alchemists

Preparation and Pain

"blah blah"- Speaking Greek (or a dream)

"blah blah"- Speaking Amestrian

'blah blah'- Thinking

*<*<*>*>* - Begin/end flashback

Disclaimer: Seeing as I am neither British, Japanese, or a man; it stands to reason that I am neither J.K. Rowling, Hiromu Arakawa, or Rick Riordan, which means I do not own their respective works. In addition, I do not own the song 'This is War' by Thirty Seconds to Mars.

(o)O(o)

Harry

Harry decided that if he could go through one year at Hogwarts without getting caught up in something life-threatening, then he would be happy. One year, that was all he wanted. One. Unfortunately, fate seemed to have decided that he would never be off the hook. As he watched Ron storm out of the common room without saying a word to him, Harry decided that life must hate him.

"I know how you feel," Percy said, as if he knew exactly what was going through Harry's head. "I've been shoved into plenty of unwanted, dangerous situations. It sucks."

"Have you had your best friend hate you because of it?" Harry asked, clenching his fists.

"Well...no," Percy admitted. "But hey, I'm sure Ron will come to his senses eventually!" The boy grinned and he threw an arm around Harry's shoulders.

Harry frowned as he and Percy exited the common room and began walking towards the Great Hall for breakfast. "I'm not so sure about that," he muttered.

Percy's grin faded and his expression became serious. "Listen," he began, turning his head and meeting Harry's eyes. "You and Ron have been friends for what - three years now? Think about all that you guys have been through in that time! Think about all you went through even just last year! You think after all that, you two are going to stop being friends because of something as ridiculous as this?" Percy shook his head firmly. "You'll get through it, you'll see."

By this time, the two had arrived at the Great Hall. Thalia spotted them and waved, motioning to where she and Nico were sitting.

"Hermione's trying to talk some sense into Ron," Thalia said as they sat down, jerking her head towards Ron and Hermione, who were sitting at the far end of the table.

Harry slumped down in his seat. "Good luck with that," he muttered bitterly.

"You've written to Snuffles, right Harry?" Percy asked, obviously eager to change the subject.

Harry shook his head firmly. "I don't need to worry him about this. If I tell him then he's sure to do something crazy."

Nico gave a long sigh. "Harry," he began, as if speaking to a small child. "He's going to find out whether you want him to or not. The real question is, do you want him to find out from you, or from the paper?"

Harry frowned. "I guess I didn't think of that," he muttered, dragging his fork across his plate.

"So, write to him today," Thalia pressed.

"Alright, alright," Harry said. "I'll have to use one of the school owls though; he told me not to use Hedwig again."

The rest of breakfast passed silently; until Nico rose to leave. Harry almost didn't notice him standing; the boy was extremely good at making his movements go unnoticed.

"Where are you off to?" Harry asked, stopping Nico in his tracks.

"Library," Nico replied. "I have some studying to get done."