When Worlds Collide~

CHAPTER 5 (continued)

Harry•

"I don't know what to feel," I said, leaning back on the tree and sighing.

Ron threw another chunk of bread into the lake. "Well mate, be glad Dumbledore's actually giving you security, and that he's not ignoring your existence like we thought."

Hermione slid a piece of paper into her book and closed it. "Well, I think it's a bit... unnerving, that even with all the other enchantments and security that's around the school, Dumbledore still thinks you need some extra protection. That means You-Know-Who's getting stronger. Maybe strong enough to get past these enchantments."

"Well aren't you a right ray of sunshine," said Ron, tossing some more toast to the giant squid. "Thing is," he continued, "there isn't much we can do about You-Know-Who - or this Percy bloke. I just hope he's not a scumbag like Malfoy."

I chuckled, then quickly grew serious. "How do we know if he's trustworthy, though? And is he even good enough? He looks pretty young. I mean, yeah he needs to fit in, but I'd rather have no protection if it's not good." I frowned. "Actually, I'd rather not have it at all."

"Even so," Said Ron, "I still feel kinda bad. First we burst in on him sleeping, then we're out here yakking about him while he's waiting for us in Potions. Still, yeah, if he's a douche he deserves it."

"Even though I don't not trust him, it doesn't mean I'm going to get all matey with him, Ron."

"I never said you were. I was saying we should give him a chance."

I huffed. "And I wasn't saying I dislike him. I don't like him, but I don't not like him."

Ron scoffed. "Whatever. You're just worried about what Malfoy's going to say if he finds out. Which isn't all that likely, as long as no one tells him."

"And if Percy gets all chummy with him and 'lets it slip?'"

Hermione sighed. "I've told you this before, Harry, but I'll say it again. I trust Dumbledore, so I trust who he trusts. But now," she said, glancing down at her watch, "We have to worry about getting to class on time."

Ron chucked his last piece of toast into the lake and leaned towards me, muttering sarcastically, "I think she's started to sort out her priorities..."

-----•

Percy•

One good thing about Hogwarts: the food.

Oh gods, the food. Even though I've only had one actual meal at this school, I can tell you with absolute certainty that the food here is top-notch. Don't get me wrong, the food back at Camp Half-Blood is great. But Hogwarts food.

Camp... It's only been a day since I left, but I'm missing it already. I haven't contacted anyone, not even my mom, Chiron, or Annabeth. Dumbledore had promised me that Chiron already knew, and that he'd send a letter by owl to my mom, but Annabeth must be going out of her mind with worry.

Having no drachmas suck. The abandoned bathroom wasn't of any use without an offering. Apparently Iris wasn't interested in little stones or bits of toast.

I fiddled with the weird feathered pen that I'd been given as I stared around the dank classroom.
No windows, no sign of ventilation. Slimy pickled things in jars. Lovely.

The door creaked open, letting in a group of chattering students. Harry wasn't among them.
A few people glanced over at me and threw whispers at their friends, but I was left alone.

Gradually the classroom filled, but Harry Potter still didn't show.

I give up. I scooped the parchment, ink and quills into my borrowed bag and stepped out into the corridor, slinging it over my shoulder.
I paused. All right, now what? I didn't know where to find them. Or where to even start.

Another group of students came walking down the corridor, chattering amongst themselves. The last strands of conversation died away as I approached.

"Uh, hi," I said. "Can you tell me where Harry Potter is, by any chance?"

A round-faced boy spoke up. "He was by the lake the last time I saw him, but he's probably on his way here anyway-"
"Why do you want know, anyway?" A brown-skinned girl asked, not kindly.

"I just need to find him. Oh, and thanks," I nodded to the boy. "Bye."

He was right. I'd just reached the main corridor that branched off to the different wings of the school when I saw Harry with his two friends hurrying in.
Gods, I wanted to chew them out for not being in Potions, but I figured it wouldn't be all that great if they hated me even more while I had to stick around with them.

"Hey," I said, dropping in beside them. "Sorry, did I miss something when you told me you were going to be in Potions? See, I'm supposed to stay with you, but that's kinda hard when I don't even know where you are."

"We were beside the lake," said the gangly redhead, glancing at Harry. "Sorry."
"It's cool, ah... Sorry, I don't even know your name -"
"Ron," he said.

"I'm Hermione," said the bushy-haired girl.
"You probably already know my name," said Harry with a shrug.

"It gets sort of annoying after a while, doesn't it?" I sympathized.
He looked surprised. "Yeah. Do you get that sort of thing?"
"Yeah man. At least back in - ah, home there's not as much people around. Unlike your school here."

"I hate to interrupt," said Hermione, "but we need to get to class. Quickly."
Ron looked at his watch. "Bloody hell. Snape's going to kill us."

We broke into a jog.