Annabeth Chase the Triwizard Champion

Chapter Thirty Eight

"Very well," Dumbledore said, sitting back down. "Voldemort has overcome that particular barrier. Please, continue."

They went on, and then they got to the part where Annabeth was hit with the killing curse.

"But you survived," Dumbledore said. "We must discuss that later. For now, continue."

So they did, and when they finished, it was quiet.

"The wands connected?" Sirius said quietly. "Why?"

"Priori incantatem," Dumbledore muttered.

"Formerly enchanted?" Percy translated, frowning. "What does that even mean?"

"The reverse spell effect," Sirius said.

Annabeth listened as Dumbledore explained that Harry's and Voldemort's wands shared a core, how they couldn't fight each other. And how when they did, shades started to emerge from Voldemort's wand. Shades of an old man, someone named Bertha Jorkins, and Harry's parents. Harry explained how they had circled the duel, told Harry what to do, and helped him escape. Then he explained how Annabeth had taken down some of the death eaters, even in her injured state.

Percy, who had been holding Annabeth's hand this entire time, squeezed it tighter and kissed her on the cheek.

"I will say it again," Dumbledore said when they were both done, "you both have shown bravery beyond anything I could have expected from you tonight. You have shown bravery equal to those who have died fighting Voldemort at the height of his powers. You have shouldered a grown wizard's burden and found yourselves equal to it— and you have now given us all that we have a right to expect. You will both come with me to the hospital wing. I do not want you returning to your dormitories tonight. A sleeping potion, and some peace... Sirius, would you like to stay with Harry?"

Sirius nodded, standing and transforming back into his dog form. He looked at Percy for a second, but Percy wasn't fazed in the slightest as he wrapped an arm around Annabeth's waist and helped her up. He knew better than to try to actually carry her. Every muscle ached and screamed, but Annabeth was going to walk.

When they got to the hospital wing, they were met with Mrs. Weasley, Bill, Ron, Hermione, Sally, Paul, Vera, and Freddie, all surrounding a stressed Madam Pomfrey. As the door shut, Mrs. Weasley screamed, and Harry and Annabeth were swarmed.

"Are you okay?" Sally said, gently taking Annabeth's other arm and leading her to a bed. "What happened? You look exhausted! Come on, lay down."

"Annabeth, what the hell happened?" Freddie asked, pale faced.

The Weasleys were a little less together. Mrs. Weasley looked like she was about to bear hug Harry until Dumbledore raised his hand to stop her.

"Molly," he said, "All of you, please listen to me for a moment. Harry and Annabeth have been through a terrible ordeal tonight. They have just had to relive it for me. What they need now is sleep, and peace, and quiet. If they would like you all to stay, you may do so. But I do not want you questioning them until they are ready to answer, and certainly not this evening. And right now, I would like to have a private discussion with Annabeth. You may come back soon."

Annabeth barely resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Tonight was bad, but it wasn't even in the top fifteen of her 'terrible ordeals'. Annabeth closed her eyes for a second. All she wanted right then was to sleep, but she couldn't do that yet.

The Weasleys and Hermione left, and after some arguing so did Vera and Freddie, but Percy, Sally, and Paul stayed where they were. Paul looked like he was about to get up, but when he saw that Percy and Sally weren't moving, he sat back down.

"Mrs. Jackson-Blofis, Percy," Dumbledore said, " I'm afraid I need the room."

"You have the room," Percy said with an obvious dislike for Dumbledore. "But we're not leaving."

"I'm afraid I must insist."

"No."

"You must understand—"

"No, you must understand." Annabeth was surprised to hear the words come out of Sally's mouth. Sally stood up, giving Dumbledore her Mom Glare. "We're her family, and probably the only people in this room that she actually trusts. Annabeth had been through a lot tonight, and if you think we're leaving her side for even a second, you need to rethink some things. Whatever you have to say, you're going to have to say it to all of us. Understand?"

"Dam, Mom," Percy muttered as Dumbledore nodded stiffly.

"Language, dear."

"Sorry."

Dumbledore sat on the last empty chair at Annabeth's bedside, on the opposite side of Sally. He leaned forwards, resting his hands on his knees.

"Annabeth, it is important that you answer this question honestly," he said. "Has anyone ever given their life for yours?"

Annabeth's fingers squeezed around Percy's, and she felt him do the same. She remembered the wars, the sacrifices, Thalia, Luke, Bob, Damason, even Leo. so many people had lost their lives, not just for Annabeth, but for everyone.

"What does that have to do with anything?" she said coldly. She was vaguely aware of Harry in the next bed over, listening.

"It has everything to do with everything, I'm afraid," Dumbledore said. "It can tell us how you survived. I'll ask you again. Has anyone ever given their life for yours?"

"Yes," Annabeth said shortly.

"May I ask who?"

"You may not."

Dumbledore nodded, though he looked disappointed. "What happened to you tonight is the same thing that happened to Harry, fourteen years ago. When someone loses their life to protect another, the person who was saved is given a different kind of protection," he said. "It is a very old, very powerful magic. It is called a Love Shield. The killing curse, a spell that must be backed by an overwhelming amount of hate, cannot touch a love shield. That is why you survived."

"Okay," Annabeth said, exhausted. She glanced at Percy. They had their answer now. Her entire body ached like it had fought with every muscle it had to stave off the curse, and she felt so sore that moving any muscle, even the ones on her face, made sure she knew they were hurting.

"One last thing, Annabeth," Dumbledore said. "Where did the curse hit you?"

Annabeth examined herself. She was completely full of cuts and bruises from the third task and the graveyard, it was hard to tell what was from where. But she focused on the center of her pain, and her hand landed on her chest, just below her collarbone.

"Here," she said, pulling apart her ripped sweater so she could see it. Her tank top's collar went just low enough to reveal the area. The cut didn't look any different from the others, but something about it just seemed a little... magical.

"I'm sorry to say that scar will never fade," Dumbledore said. "But I feel I must tell you that it might give you some insight into Voldemort's mind. I believe Harry can tell you more, if he wishes to. But not tonight. Tonight you rest.

Finally, Dumbledore let everyone back in, and Vera and Freddie rushed over.

"Care to fill us in?" Vera asked. She was playing it cool, but Annabeth could tell her friend was worried.

"Not tonight," Annabeth muttered. "Maybe tomorrow. Or after that..."

"Go to sleep, Wise Girl," Percy said, pressing a kiss to her palm.

"We'll be here when you wake up." Sally said gently. She smoothed the blanket, tucked Annabeth's hair behind her ear, and kissed her forehead. It had been so long since Annabeth had felt that motherly affection. "We'll be here the entire time."

"I could stun you if you want," Vera suggested, but Annabeth knew she wasn't serious.

She sank down into her little haze of warmth, and all her pain faded as she fell asleep.