Percy Jackson and the Heir of Slytherin [Book 2]

8) The Crash

I didn't feel good about this.

I've never been a big fan of heights. Save for the magical broom that was created specifically for me, and any flying equestrian, flying is dangerous. Not just for me, but the people around me, too.

Flying in the car to collect Harry wasn't so bad. Definitely uncomfortable, but the storms in America had taken focus off of us completely.

The car turning visible again told me that Zeus was quick to notice. Someone was in the sky who shouldn't be there.

Still, he couldn't do anything, or he'd have the Titan Hecate against him. So he probably ruined the invisibility of the car.

The boys pummeled the button, attempting to turn the car back invisible.

I just put my head in my hands and moaned, "This was a bad idea."

I ignored everything the boys said. They were going to get us in serious trouble.

I watched the car dip beneath the clouds for a moment, and I saw the scarlet steam engine. I should've been on it. Not in this car.

The boys seemed to be in awe as we shot above the clouds, riding the fluff. The sun beat down on us, warming the car.

I, however, was terrified. I could feel tears prickle the corner of my eyes as I realized just how high up we were. With one flick of his wrist, Zeus could turn me into a Percy Pancake.

He could turn my friends into pancakes.

The boys laughed while I shook.

The boys didn't notice my silent terror at all throughout the ride.

Eventually, my friends happy chattering died down as it got hotter. I could see Harry pull off his sweater, but he was still sweating a lot.

I didn't dare move. I was worried that Zeus would see and strike us down.

We rode across the sky for hours. I felt worse when it got darker out, knowing Artemis wouldn't even think of helping us.

As the sun was setting, we dipped beneath the clouds to see the train again. And this time, when we went up the car started to make a weird sound.

I felt a tear stream down my face.

The boys pretended that nothing had happened for the rest of the ride. It grew steadily darker, the blue sky turning black.

We made it to Hogwarts. I could see the lights dancing in the dark. I was immediately filled with relief.

The engine shut off very suddenly.

I screamed. I couldn't help it. We were flying straight towards Hogwarts' wall. Ron shouted and turned the wheel, saving us from an imminent crash by inches.

I buried my head in my hands and didn't look. I could hear the boys shouting. I could hear the wind whistling.

We hit something with a thud. I hit my head on the window beside me. Then we landed on the ground.

After a shaky second I opened my eyes and immediately shouted, "WE HIT THE WHOMP—"

I never got to finish. My side of the car was hit like a truck. I was launched into the opposite door.

"What's happen—"

Ron was interrupted by a branch slamming into the windshield. Another smashed through the glass by my head and I screamed, glittering pieces of the window landing in my hair.

"Aaargh!" Another branch dented Ron's car door. Another branch pounded on the roof.

"Run for it!" Ron shouted, slamming himself against the car door. He was then knocked into Harry's lap by a punch from the tree.