Battles of Darkness and Strife

Greetings

Merrily POV

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Malcolm just stares at me. Honestly, I can't blame him, mainly because I can't believe it's happening either. 

"So you're leaving for a week?" Malcolm runs his fingers through his hair. 

I nod sullenly. "Yeah, unfortunately. But we'll be back before you know it!" Malcolm just gives me a hug. Since I don't have a suitcase, I just grab a backpack with some bare necessities and Apollo's bracelet. I know it technically won't work, but it's comforting to have around. After that, I jet off to the Big House. I'm the first one there.

"Oh, I guess I'm early," I say, surprised. 

"Yes, you are," Hecate replies cooly. Dang, I wish I could have such a chill attitude. Then I remember something. 

"Um... Lady Hecate? May I ask you a question, please?" 

Hecate looks down her nose at me but nods curtly. 

"I was wondering if you had any instructions for when we actually get there?" What can I say? I want to be prepared. I quickly whip out a notebook and pen.

"Of course," Hecate agrees. "Now listen closely, because I won't be repeating anything. To start, I will give you all wands. They have already been fitted by me. When you arrive, you will look like you are seventeen. You will appear directly outside of a home called the Burrow. All of the things in your backpacks will be transported into trunks along with the wands I have chosen. You seven are under the guise of being American exchange students from the school Ilvelmorny. From there, the family, including Harry Potter and Hermione Granger will likely escort you to a place called Diagon Alley where you will do your school shopping.

In there, there is a vault where the gods keep their treasure. A key will appear in one of your bags. That is all you will need to know, except these warnings. Firstly, someone decided that in order to boost morale, they will bring back the Triwizard Tournament. It will be held at Hogwarts. Do not, under any circumstances, enter your name. It was a mistake to hold the tournament in the first place, considering the circumstances and what happened last time. Second, you are not to tell anyone of your heritage unless absolutely necessary. As a daughter of Athena, I leave this choice up to you." I finish scribbling everything down and tuck the notebook into my backpack. Hecate turns away and stares away into space. 

I guess that's it then. I hope she didn't forget anything. Ten more minutes pass and then Ryan and Chey burst in the door. Chey is in the process of stuffing her magic hairbrush in her backpack.

"We're here!" Ryan gasps. 

"Don't worry," I say. "None of the others have shown up yet." 

"Thank goodness," Chey sighs. "I'm going to kill Connor when we get back. He was making such a fuss about watching Taylor. You'd think she was a demon or something."

"Gods, don't invoke their presence!" I scold her. "Are you trying to get us killed?" The three of us chat for a while until Nico, David, Abigail, and Leo finally show up. 

"Took you all long enough," Hecate frowns. "Now here is some ambrosia and you will be transported in 5... 4..." Hecate shoves a gallon-sized bag of ambrosia in my hands as Abigail begins to panic.

"What-wha-wait! Aren't you going t--" A bright light and loud whining sound cut her off and we are sucked into a dizzying portal. My body feels like it's stretching and swirling and... I wonder if you can puke while you're in a portal. 

At last, the trip ends and all of us are spit out onto some damp grass. I hear multiple thumps around me and someone retching. Looks like my friends made it okay.