Percy Jackson and the Mirror of Erised [Book 1]

51) The Hospital Wing

I woke up three days later. I was in the bed beside Harry's. And I could see Dumbledore choking on one of Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans.

They shared a few more words before Dumbledore looked up and saw me. His eyes softened and he moved to sit on my bed instead of Harry's.

He got straight to the point, "We have potions and spells that could take the memories away. Maybe not the scars, but we could take the memories away."

Harry was watching confused. Dumbledore had said that a little too loudly, in my opinion.

I shook my head, "No, it's okay."

"Are you sure, Percy?"

"Why should I forget? What's a few more nightmares to add to the others. I don't want to forget anyway. Someday, someone's gonna ask me what happened. And I'll tell them. And it'll be another person who hates Voldemort just as much as I do."

Dumbledore smiled softly. Then he motioned to someone sitting in a corner.

I was surprised when Luke came into focus.

"I've been told lots of things by your fellow classmates. And when Luke found out, he came to me immediately. You're not going back to Mr. Ugliano, Percy. And Luke would like for you to stay with him instead."

My eyes immediately widened and I looked at Luke. He stared at me with sad eyes. Understanding eyes. Hopeful eyes.

That last one shocked me. But he'd seen me as a brother this entire year. I somehow knew that hadn't changed at all.

I nodded. I couldn't think of any good words that could convey how I felt. So I nodded.

Luke smiled and sat on my bed, "This was my last year at Hogwarts. I've gotten myself a mortal job. I'm going to be a police officer. I never thought that would happen. And I've got an apartment we can stay in. And they're even implementing something new. We can go to camp whenever, but still stay here in the summer. You've just got to show that you're trained and you'll be allowed to stay home. And you are trained more than enough. That way you can still see all of your friends. Is everything okay with you?"

I nodded and hugged Luke, even though it hurt.

Eventually Dumbledore and Luke had both left. Harry and I had started arguing with Madam Pomfrey to let Hermione and Ron visit us.

"Just five minutes," Harry pleaded.

"Absolutely not."

"You let Professor Dumbledore in...." I said.

"Well, of course, that was the headmaster, quite different. You need rest."

"I am resting, look, lying down and everything. Oh, go on, Madam Pomfrey...."

"Oh, very well," she said. "But five minutes only."

"Harry! Percy!"

Hermione looked ready to tackle us with hugs, but thankfully she did not.

"Oh, Harry, Percy, we were sure you were going to — Dumbledore was so worried—"

"The whole school's talking about it," Ron said. "What really happened?"

Harry told them everything. When Harry said he passed out, they all turned to me for an explanation of what happened next. I just shook my head and said, "Maybe another time."

"So the Stone's gone?" Ron said finally. "Flamel's just going to die?"

"That's what I said, but Dumbledore thinks that — what was it? — 'to the well organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.'"