Chapter Sixteen: Luna and the Lumindus
Annabeth's P.O.V.

THE MORNING AFTER Harry and the Weasley's left school we got a letter from camp. The five of us were sitting in the Great Hall while Leo and Nico were explaining what had happened in the dormitory last night.

"-It was definitely a demigod dream." Nico confirmed.

"So they left school?" Percy asked.

"Yep." Leo says, "They're so lucky."

At that moment before I could comment on what Leo said my owl, Sophia(Wisdom in Latin), came soaring down with a letter in her beak. I quickly snatched the letter and quietly read over it. Thank the Gods it was written in Greek.

Dear, Annabeth, Percy, Nico, Piper, and Leo,

I have come to a conclusion that you five shall return to camp for the holidays. When you arrive at Kings Cross station there will be an escort waiting for you. This escort will assist you from traveling to Camp.

Good luck with your quest, Chiron.

"What is it?" Percy asks.

I show him the letter.

"Who do you think this escort will be?" Piper asks.

"I dunno," I say. "But at least we get to go to camp for the holidays."

* * *

The train ride was dull. We sat in the compartment talking about what we were going to do once we got back to camp. About half way through the ride I heard a knock on the compartment door.

"Hello," Said Hermione. "I just got back from the prefects carriage. I was wondering if I could sit with you since Harry and the Weasleys aren't here."

"Sure," I said happily. We can't let Hermione be suspicious, so we'll have to act innocent, "Make yourself comfortable."

Hermione takes a seat next to Piper and Nico.

"So," she says breaking the awkward silence, "what were you guys talking about?"

"None of your bu-" Leo was interrupted.

"We were talking about what we are going to do over the holidays. I find it better to drop the subject. I also think that you should forget what Leo said."

She shot me a look that said, 'I hate this.' Most kids would find it awesome to control people, but I know Piper doesn't feel that way. The Charmspeak has been very useful, but Piper hates to bend minds. But all of us have our flaws.

We spent the rest of the train ride was spent in silence. Hermione kept trying to make small talk but we quickly ended the conversation. This train ride is making me feel claustrophobic. Probably the ADHD getting to me, I've been sitting for too long.

I look over at Percy who's twirling Riptide, in pen form of course, in his hands. Leo has a smile on his face as if he is thinking about something intently. Piper was messing with the braids in her hair. Nico was looking at the floor, his face showing a neutral expression.

After years of training to read people, I can never tell what he's thinking. After the Giant War once he confessed about that he used to have feelings for Percy, I feel like we've gotten a little closer. I guess that's one more thing that we have in common, Percy.

But during those few short days before the five of us left for Hogwarts, rumors around camp began to spread. Specifically about Nico and Will. I don't know whether the rumors are true or not. I don't really care though, I just want Nico to be happy for once.

My thoughts drifted along as the Hogwarts Express pulled into the station.

* * *

We got to the platform and he was waiting for us.

"So you're the chaperone, huh?" Leo said, "It's good to see you again."

Leo and his stupid jokes! Doesn't he realize how hurtful that could be! We don't need another flood from his tears. But Argus smiled and blinked. All of his eyes blinked at once, which kind of made it look like he was having a concussion.

"Whoa." Said a blonde girl getting off the train. She was staring right at Argus. "Are you a Lumindis?"

I looked closer at her. I think I recognized her from the DA. Every called her, 'Loony Lovegood', but I think her name was Luna. Was it possible she could see through the mist?

"No. What is that?" I asked her.

"A Lumindis is a mythological creature that most people believe to be extinct. Well, I don't believe that. There is proof everywhere that they exist, mind you. I don't know a lot about their species, but I do know that they originated from the Greek myths. I think Hera, the queen God-"

"Yes. I know who Hera is." The five of us said at the same.

"-created a creature named Argus to guard one of her cows."

"Well, no he's not a Lumindis. But we got to go. See you later Luna." Piper said quickly.

"You want me to leave." She says, "Are you lying? I don't think there's anything wrong with having a Lumindis as a friend. No need to be embarrassed."

"He's not a Lumin whatever." Nico says. He turns his back on her and we follow Argus put to the train station parking-lot.

"How are we getting back to camp?" I ask Argus.

He hands me a slip of paper with writing on it. I read it out loud for the others to hear.

"Dear, Annabeth, Percy, Piper, Leo, and Nico,

The object that Argus is about to present to you is a type of wizarding transportation. You may have heard/ learned about it at Hogwarts. It's called a portkey. A Portkey is an object enchanted to instantly bring anyone touching it to a specific location. So if all six of you touch it at once, you will all be transported to CHB. Remember, hold on tight.

Best wishes, Hecate."

Argus takes a dagger from out of his pocket and sets it on the ground. He counted down on his fingers signaling for us to grab on.

Three-

Two-

One!

The ground disappeared from beneath my feet, my hand grasping to the hilt of the dagger. I was banging into the others as all sped forward in a swirl of colors and a rush of wind, the dagger pulling us onward and then-

My feet hit the ground so hard that my knees buckled.

"Whoa." Percy said.

"What was that!?" Leo screamed.

"I think I'm going to throw up now." Piper says.

"Yes beauty queen. Because you have such a sensitive stomach."

"Shut up Leo!"

"I am never doing that again. I am so sticking to shadow traveling. Otherwise-" Nico was interrupted.

"Um.... How did you guys get here?" A voice said.

I looked around and realized we were standing in the dining pavilion in the middle of breakfast.

"Long story." Leo and Percy said together.

"Piper?" A voice asked.

"Hey Jason." She says with a smile.

"Where have you been the last four months!?" Jason asked.

"Nobody's told you?" Piper questions, "The five of us have been attending a school in Scotland. We're on a quest, possibly to prevent a war."

"Why haven't you IMed me?" Jason asked.

"Well, one, no one in the school knows that we're demigods, so it kinda makes it hard to IM. And two, I have been behind on classes. I am so sorry."

"Sorry? I had no idea where you have been! No one would tell me."

"Look Jason, can we please talk about this later?" Piper pleaded.

I don't blame her Jason looks angry. Electricity is sparking off his fingertips. He really can be scary when he wants to.

Suddenly everyone turns toward the front of the pavilion.

"Ahh," Chiron clip-clopped toward us, "I see your back from your quest. How is it going so far?"

Me: I do not own any of the characters. All characters either belong to Rick Riordan or J.K. Rowling.
Nico: I wish that Jules-Albert could've drove me.
Annabeth: Umm, are you planning to tell us who that is?
Nico: He's my undead driver. My dad gave him to me as a gift. I thought every one knew this.
Annabeth: Look, I'm fine with Jules-Albert driving me as long as I NEVER have to use a portkey again.
Me: But, portkeys are magical. Aren't they fun?
Annabeth: You're as mad as that Luna Lovegood girl
Me: Thank you.
Nico: That wasn't a compliment you know.
Me: Oh I know....
Annabeth: ....
Nico: ....

2/16/15