PJO meets HP

Sleep didn't come easily for Percy that night. Every time he closed his eyes, his mind replayed the image of the hooded figure disappearing into the Forbidden Forest. The uneasy feeling in his gut hadn't gone away. If anything, it had worsened.

By the time morning arrived, he felt like he hadn't slept at all.

As the Gryffindors made their way down to breakfast, Percy fell in step with Harry and Ron. Hermione was already ahead of them, carrying a massive book under her arm.

"You look like you got hit by a Bludger in your sleep," Ron said, yawning.

"Didn't sleep much," Percy admitted. He glanced at Harry. "You ever get a bad feeling about something?"

Harry nodded, his green eyes shadowed. "All the time."

Percy debated telling them about the figure in the forest, but something held him back. He wasn't even sure what he had seen. Maybe it was just a trick of the moonlight.

Still, he knew better than to ignore his instincts.

Breakfast passed in a blur of clinking silverware and excited chatter. The Hogwarts rumor mill was already in full swing—some students were talking about the latest Quidditch teams, while others whispered about a troll that had supposedly been spotted in the dungeons.

But Percy's mind was elsewhere.

Hagrid was seated at the teacher's table, tearing into a plate of sausages. If anyone knew what was going on near the Forbidden Forest, it would be him.

Percy nudged Harry. "Let's talk to Hagrid after class."

Ron groaned. "Why? That place is full of all sorts of nasty creatures."

"Exactly," Percy said. "And one of them was sneaking around last night."

That shut Ron up.

Their first class of the day was Charms with Professor Flitwick. The tiny wizard stood atop a stack of books, peering over his desk.

"Today," he squeaked, "we will be practicing the Levitation Charm! Remember, the swish and flick is key!"

Percy watched as Hermione demonstrated the motion with perfect precision.

"Swish and flick," she said, her voice crisp. "Wingardium Leviosa!"

Her feather floated into the air, and Flitwick clapped in delight.

Ron scowled and jabbed his wand forward. "Wingardium Leviosa!"

Nothing happened.

Percy held back a chuckle as Ron muttered something under his breath.

When it was his turn, Percy gripped his wand tightly and flicked it as instructed. "Wingardium Leviosa."

The feather lifted an inch off the desk before dropping.

Not great, but not terrible.

Still, as he practiced, Percy couldn't shake the feeling that he was holding back. It wasn't the same as controlling water or channeling his usual power. Something about his magic here felt… different.

Like it wasn't meant for a wand at all.

After classes, Percy, Harry, and Ron made their way to Hagrid's hut. The half-giant opened the door, his massive form filling the doorway.

"Ah! What're you three doin' down 'ere?" Hagrid asked, waving them inside.

The hut was warm, the scent of woodsmoke and freshly baked treacle fudge filling the air. Fang, Hagrid's massive boarhound, thumped his tail lazily on the floor.

Percy wasted no time. "Hagrid, did anything weird happen near the Forbidden Forest last night?"

Hagrid's expression darkened. "Why d'ye ask?"

Percy hesitated, then said, "I saw someone. A hooded figure. Near the edge of the forest."

Hagrid stiffened, setting down his teacup with a heavy thud.

"Best ye stay away from there," he said gruffly. "The Forbidden Forest ain't a place for students. Dangerous creatures lurk there—centaurs, werewolves, things best left alone."

Percy exchanged a glance with Harry. He could tell Hagrid wasn't saying everything.

"Who was it, Hagrid?" Harry pressed. "Was it—?"

"Never you mind!" Hagrid cut in quickly. "Just keep to yer classes an' don't go sneakin' around at night!"

That only made Percy more suspicious.

Whatever—or whoever—had been in the forest, Hagrid knew more than he was letting on.

And Percy was going to find out.

That night, long after curfew, Percy lay awake in bed. His instincts screamed at him—urging him to go back to the window.

Finally, he gave in.

He crept out of the dormitory and down the stairs to the common room. The fire had burned low, casting flickering shadows on the walls.

He moved toward the window, his pulse quickening.

The Forbidden Forest was still and dark.

Then, just for a second, something moved.

A figure.

Not hooded this time—but watching.

Percy's breath caught.

The figure smiled.

And then it was gone.