Note: big thank you to atp (ATP_Synthase on ao3) for reading this over 💚
Seventh Year
The welcoming feast felt hollow and foreign now that it was their last time attending it.
Many of the students were in disbelief that it had already been seven years since they first entered this castle. Even with Hogwarts being a school for magic, students still suffered from an overload of homework, sleepless nights cramming, ridiculously difficult exams, unfair professors (some of whom should consider another profession), and detentions.
Despite this, the castle held countless memories of their adolescence. This was where morals were formed and solidified. This was where most had their first kiss and maybe even met the person they would marry. This was where their lives began. These students wouldn't have become who they were without Hogwarts. And from here forth, the possibilities were endless.
Amidst the clamoring, Annabeth moved through the crowd and plopped down next to Percy at the Gryffindor table, much to many of his housemates' chagrin. The Gryffindor-Slytherin rivalry still ran deep, it seemed.
"You're not supposed to be here," Percy said, smiling at her.
She raised an eyebrow. "You're gonna send me away?"
He pretended to think for a moment. "I mean, I guess you can stay," he sighed.
Annabeth nudged his shoulder with hers, a playful smile on her lips. Percy leaned back against the table and wrapped an arm around her as Annabeth settled herself into his side. His hand hung just in front of her just asking to be held. So she did.
She rested her other hand on Percy's thigh and a content sigh fell from her lips when he pressed a kiss to her hair. It made her feel warm and cherished, and it was just natural, like this was exactly where she belonged.
Together, they watched the first years get sorted into their houses with melancholic smiles. They exchanged a knowing look when they saw a boy tripping over his robes as he made his way to the stool.
"Percy," Annabeth started, breaking him out of his thoughts.
"Hm?"
"I think we should try out for Quidditch."
Percy raised an eyebrow. "I thought you didn't like Quidditch."
"I don't dislike it. It's just that I've been to so many games because of my mum and, well, I suppose I found it a bit boring after that," she explained.
"So why the sudden interest now?"
"This is our last year," she said softly, running her thumb over the grooves of his knuckles. "I want to get the full Hogwarts experience. We've done almost everything there is to do, which is truly saying something, but we've never played Quidditch. Besides those pick up games."
"Okay," he smiled. "I'm in. Looks like Gryffindor is winning the house cup this year then."
Annabeth laughed joyfully. "Dream on, Seaweed Brain. We're not even on the team yet. But just because I'm not obsessed with the game doesn't mean I'm half bad at it."
"I guess we'll find out."
-xotwod-
"You're gonna chew your nails straight off if you keep doing that."
Annabeth took her finger out of her mouth and glared at him, making Percy snort as he took her hand. He rubbed a finger over her nails and made a 'tsk, tsk' noise, shaking his head with mock disappointment.
"You used to bite your nails too," she said hotly, snatching her hand back.
"I quit, though," he smirked, jokingly condescending. "But anyway, quit worrying. We're definitely going to make the team."
She raised an eyebrow. "And how do you know that?"
"Because we're the best duo in the whole fucking world, duh." He said that like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Who's gonna beat us? Nobody here, that's for sure."
She smacked his chest and laughed. "You're lucky Beckendorf stayed for an eighth year. You two are good friends."
"That doesn't matter. I know I'm getting in because of my awesome flying skills," he bragged.
"Keep telling yourself that," she laughed. "Meanwhile I'm stuck with Clarisse as my captain. She literally hates everyone besides her boyfriend."
"Yeah, I know, right?" Percy scoffed. "I don't know if she'll be more infuriating if I let her win in a duel or if I keep beating her."
Annabeth snorted and reached over to play with a lock of his hair, twisting it around her fingers. She smiled as he closed his eyes and leaned into her touch. There was a tender, relaxed look on his face as his lips curved upward and he let out a soft sigh.
A mild look of discontent settled on his features when she pulled her hand back. He opened his left eye a smidge to glare at her, making her laugh.
"That's enough goofing off, Seaweed Brain. We have to start our Charms essay. I don't need Professor Hecate hounding you because then you'll end up complaining to me for hours."
Percy made a face and continued to stay noncommittal. "Did you know Mozart's first name was Wolfgang?" He asked randomly.
Annabeth nodded. "Yes, why?"
"I dunno." He shrugged. "I just thought that was pretty cool."
She smothered a smile and jabbed a finger into his side. "Start your essay, Seaweed Brain."
Percy groaned as he reached into his bag to pull out his ink and parchment. He dropped his textbook onto the table and stared at it, hoping the essay could write itself.
"Okay, I have an idea," he said. "How about you do the essay and I'll paraphrase it after you're done?"
Annabeth rolled her eyes. "Fat chance of that happening."
"Oh, yeah?" A sly smirk played on his lips. "What if I do that thing you like?"
She swallowed and chewed on her lower lip. "What thing—"
"You know exactly what I'm talking about," he said quietly, unbuttoning the top three buttons of his shirt so the tanned skin of his chest was exposed to her. Making sure no one else was around, he leaned forward and brushed his nose along hers, remaining just an inch from her lips. "Remember that time we snuck into the Prefects' bath—"
"Percy," she interrupted, her voice lower than usual.
"Yeah?"
"We have an essay to work on," she said, laughing as he pouted and slouched in his seat. "Maybe if you get an O, I'll do the thing you like."
-xotwod-
"...Girl… Wise Girl… Annabeth!"
Annabeth flinched and dropped her book, eyes wide with surprise. "Yes! Sorry, sorry!"
"Welcome back to Earth," Percy chuckled. He picked up her book and handed it to her. "Good book, I take it?"
"Really good," she patted the spot on the bench next to her for him to sit down. When he did, she pressed their shoulders together and showed him the cover. "It's a fantasy novel series about Greek myths and gods and demigods fighting monsters in modern day. But there's a budding romance too! And it's really good."
He smiled at her enthusiasm. "Oh, yeah? Sounds cool."
"Yeah!" She said happily. "You need to read it, Percy. I'm almost done with the third book, but I'll lend you the first two. They're in my dorm."
Percy scratched his head. He wasn't really much of a reader. "Sure, I'll give them a shot."
"This is a spoiler, but can I please tell you about this one scene?" She begged, her eyes practically had stars in them.
He nodded, smiling endearingly. "Of course."
"Okay, so the two main characters, Pearce Johnson and Annabelle Chains, they're best friends, they have to hold up the sky like the titan, Atlas, in the myths. They do it for each other because Annabelle gets kidnapped, and it was just the sweetest thing. Two fourteen year olds! Can you believe that?"
"Wow." His eyebrows rose and he blinked a few times. "That's… that's pretty extreme."
"Mhm, and afterward, a lock of their hair turned gray from the sheer pressure. And it not only shows how strong they are but also how far they'd go for each other."
She was gushing now and Percy found it absolutely adorable.
"These two kids don't even realize how deep their feelings go. I won't spoil anything else for you and I know I'm rambling, but that gray streak — it's… it's symbolic. It's a physical indication of their bond, of how much they've been through together, how much they mean to each other, and how they're tied to each other. I just love their story so much. And I'm not even done!"
That resonated very hard with Percy. Love. These two fictional characters obviously loved each other. But, did he love Annabeth? He had been thinking about that from the moment they shared their first kiss. Probably even before that.
And he was about 107% sure he knew the answer. Approximately, of course.
Shaking his head, Percy took her hand and pulled her up. "Come on."
"Seaweed Brain!" Annabeth complained as she was dragged along. "I was almost done with my book! Where are we even going?"
"You'll see."
After a quick trip to Hogsmeade, they found themselves in the Prefects' bathroom with a bag full of hair supplies from Dervish and Banges. They stared at the instructions on the back of the bottles with confused expressions.
This certainly wasn't in her plans for today. Even if she had no plans. And, shit, what would Sally say when Percy came home with dyed hair?
Annabeth looked up at him and asked for the fourth time, "Are you sure you want to do this?"
"Completely," Percy answered yet again and placed the bottles in the sink. Reaching up, he cupped her face, his thumbs smoothing over her cheekbones. "I know I didn't hold the sky for you or anything, but I… I really care about you, Annabeth. And I always will."
He was never particularly good with words. But, of course, if she was with him, he felt as though nothing could limit him, so he spoke exactly how he felt. Because she would understand. She always did.
Annabeth's heart fluttered. "Percy," she whispered, her throat closing up a little and her eyes misting. She cradled his wrists and squeezed gently. "I feel the same for you. Always."
Percy smiled gently and trailed his eyes across her face, tracing its gentle curves and taking in every detail like they weren't already committed to memory. The grays of her eyes were a softer shade right now, gleaming even brighter when the morning light shone on her face. He loved her eyes. It was the first thing he noticed about her.
He could spend a lifetime looking at her, learning all there was to know about her, and he would if he had anything to say about it. He cherished moments like these the most — when simply talking to her would make everything else feel irrelevant.
It was just the two of them lost in their own little bubble.
"And, just so you know," he whispered, leaning his forehead against hers. "If the opportunity ever arose, I would definitely hold the sky for you."
A breathy chuckle left her. "Seaweed Brain."
Annabeth wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him in for a searing kiss. She poured everything into it, sighing contently as he immediately wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her close in his warm embrace. Kissing Percy always made her feel invincible, like she could do anything with him at her side.
Percy felt his stomach turn and tie itself into knots when she moved her lips to the corner of his mouth before biting down on his bottom lip. Warmth blossomed and flared through his chest and he was sure she could feel his thrumming heartbeat.
"Woah! Third party present. Break it up, lovebirds."
Annabeth and Percy sprang apart and looked toward the source of the voice in alarm. A sigh of relief left them when they saw it wasn't a professor.
Standing in front of the door was an extremely beautiful girl. Probably the most beautiful girl in the entire school, according to most of the boys. Though, Percy thought there was another contender for that spot. She had glossy black hair and bright blue eyes, dressed in her uniform, her Gryffindor tie prim around her neck.
"Uh, hey, Sil," Percy said, awkwardly rubbing the back of his head. "We were just—"
"Viciously eating each other's faces off?" Silena laughed at the sheepish expressions that simultaneously crossed their expressions. She thought it was adorable how they adopted each other's mannerisms. "Yeah, I have eyes."
Annabeth cleared her throat and tried for a smile. "Hope you don't take off points," she joked, though her voice was a little strained.
"You're both still clothed so I guess I'll refrain," she said playfully, her eyes twinkling with mirth.
Percy threw an arm over Annabeth's shoulder. "I mean, we can take them off if you want."
Annabeth's cheeks tinted pink. "In your dreams," she said, rolling her eyes as their friend watched with a huge smile on her face.
Silena Beauregard was the Head Girl and one of the nicest people anyone could ever meet. And she was the biggest hopeless romantic. Like ever.
"Now, you two said something about hair dye? I'm your girl."
Silena took full control of applying the dye to a lock of hair along their hairline so it'd always be at the front of their faces. The process took a bit longer for Percy since he had black hair and needed to bleach it first. Annabeth laughed quietly as she watched him go cross eyed to look at the aluminum foil in his hair before remembering there was a mirror a few feet away.
She couldn't help the small smile that seemed to permanently be on her face whenever she was around Percy. Both intentionally and unintentionally, he always did the cutest things, and it didn't hurt that he was rather cute himself. Okay, maybe more than cute. Just a smidge.
And the fact he decided to dye their hair on a whim. Usually, his impulsiveness didn't pan out all that well. But, as she'd come to realize, she'd taken for granted just how far Percy was willing to go to make her happy. Hell, she still didn't know. He was just so kind and sweet and ridiculously loyal that it made her heart clench.
She was snapped out of her stupor when Silena gave her a little tap on the shoulder, beckoning her to the far end of the bathroom. Annabeth didn't like where this was going.
And, unfortunately, she was right.
"Gosh, Annabeth, I'm so happy for you two," Silena said, smiling knowingly. She kept her voice down so Percy wouldn't hear. "And you've got that look on your face. It's absolutely adorable."
Annabeth immediately forced what she hoped was a neutral expression. "What look?"
"The damn-Percy-is-so-fine-I-want-to-fuck-him look," she whispered, waggling her eyebrows suggestively.
"Silena!" She hissed, blushing furiously. Risking a glance at Percy, she breathed a sigh of relief seeing he was still preoccupied. "I do not have that look."
"Come on, Annie." Silena elbowed her playfully, the shit-eating grin still on her face. "There's no need to be ashamed about it. I'm assuming you guys have had sex before?"
"Oh my god," Annabeth murmured, massaging her temples. She'd foregone all hopes of trying to quell her blush now. "He's literally right there! Go ahead and scream it, why don't you."
Silena made a 'tsk, tsk' sound. "That doesn't answer my question."
Annabeth thought back to just a few weeks prior, during the summer when she and Percy lost their virginities to each other. It had been presumably awkward. But their relationship was open and trusting, and a little help from both ends, not to mention the enthusiasm, went a long way. Suffice to say, that was only the prequel to the many, many times that followed after that, learning each other's bodies and pushing their desire to new levels.
Practice made perfect after all.
An ache began to warm low in her belly as she distinctly recalled the last time Percy visited; her parents and brothers had left the house, leaving them alone together, which allowed him the liberty to press her up against the shower wall, whispering all sorts of filthy things in her ear, as he —
Oh, god.
Covering her face with both hands, she let her shoulders sag and nodded once. Silena let out a little squeal that she'd berate her for if her cheeks didn't feel like they'd explode at any moment. Annabeth peeked through her fingers in time to see Percy shoot them a funny look.
"Everything okay, you two?" He asked.
"Just fine," Silena hollered, shooting him a smile. "You stay over there and keep looking pretty."
Percy laughed and shook his head, scrambling adorably when the tinfoil shifted. And even that simple movement made Annabeth want to run over and kiss him senseless.
Oh, if Silena weren't here…
"You need to tell me all about it—"
Annabeth clamped a hand over her mouth. "Absolutely not. Stop being so nosy."
Silena licked her palm, making Annabeth snatch her hand away and rub it on her skirt in disgust.
She bounced her eyebrows. "So he was bad then?"
"Silena, I will murder you." Annabeth shot her most menacing glare at the laughing girl beside her. "And he was fantastic, for your informa—oh, Sweet Morgana, I'm done talking about this."
She was saved from any further embarrassment when Percy made his way over to them. The allotted ten minutes were up (thanks to the convenience of magic, it didn't take longer for the dye to set in) and it was time to wash it off.
They stood side by side at the long sink and watched the residue trickle down the drain. After drying their hair with a small Ventus charm, they looked not at the mirror but at each other.
"Oh, wow," Silena breathed, a smile clear both in her voice and on her face. "You two look amazing! Next time we're in Hogsmeade, we need to take a picture."
Unfortunately, technology and electronics didn't work within Hogwarts' boundary.
Percy and Annabeth both nodded in agreement, but didn't say a word, too busy staring at each other. They really did look great. Silena had done a great job. Though, they were more entranced by what the gray streak symbolized.
Silena smiled softly and quietly slipped out, giving them privacy. Seeing them together made her want to be with her own boyfriend. Besides, Charlie was probably wondering where she wandered off to.
Annabeth watched, transfixed at how little droplets of water slid along his damp hair and down the minimal space between them. She wouldn't mind it if they re-dyed their hair every time the color grew out. And perhaps a bit, just a bit premature, but she certainly wouldn't mind it if they continued until their hair actually became gray.
Idly wondering when she became so soft, his smooth voice broke her out of her reverie.
"You look amazing, Wise Girl," Percy said, rubbing his hand along her waist and squeezing.
She sighed a little before smiling and bunching his shirt in her fist. "You do, too. This… this makes me really happy, Percy. Thank you."
"Thank you," Percy returned easily. At the confused quirk of her lips, he pressed a kiss to the corner of her mouth, laughing softly when she chased his lips. She pouted when he stayed out of reach. "For being my girlfriend. For caring about me. For making every day something to look forward to."
She breathed an incredulous laugh and slapped his chest lightly. "So cheesy."
He grinned proudly. "I also really should thank you for letting everyone know that you're mine, visually and stuff. For, you know, when I'm not around."
Annabeth blinked and her heart beat a little faster. "Is that right?"
"Hell yeah." Percy reached up and tucked an errant curl behind her ear, letting his thumb brush along her cheek. "You don't see it? All these guys never stop staring at you even though everyone knows we're dating. Makes me wanna go insane sometimes."
She rolled her eyes. That wasn't the part she cared about, or even noticed for that matter. She was still caught up with him saying she was his.
"And you don't seem to mind all the girls looking at you," she returned, deflecting a little to stop her heart from reeling, but regretting it when a bubble of jealousy coursed in her. "Especially Calypso."
"Calypso?" He echoed her name with genuine surprise. "Seriously? I think we've only talked like once or twice. And it was about dueling!"
Annabeth sighed. That girl had the biggest crush on him since their fourth year. It was as plain as day to anyone who gave her a glance.
"Still didn't mind it."
He rolled his eyes.
"Oh, please. If my mum wouldn't kill me for it, I'd tattoo your name on my forehead." And then more gently, he took her hands, squeezing reassuringly, and told her, "You know I'm yours, 'Beth. Even if no one else knows why we did this, I want to show off how much we mean to each other just like the characters in your book. It's like our own little thing. It's not conventional, I guess, but when have things ever been, you know? We—I… because you, Annabeth Chase, are something else."
At that moment, Annabeth couldn't care less if an asteroid struck the Earth. Because the rest of the world was kind of moot when Percy Jackson was this close, speaking from the heart like only he could. And whatever he couldn't say, the blaze in his eyes recompensed.
He didn't say how much she meant to him, he said we. How much they mean to each other. And Annabeth couldn't have been happier. For as long as she'd known him, Percy had always subtly undermined himself, like he wasn't worth the same to her, and it drove her completely over the edge.
The corners of his mouth lifted as he gazed at her — tender, shy, and almost vulnerable. He was beautiful. It completely threw her for a loop that this boy, too kind for his own good, never thought he was worthy. Of her. Of anything in this world.
So now that he was referring to the berth of their mutual feelings, well, it struck deeper than he knew. All the time and words she'd spent stuck with him. She needed them to. Because he meant everything to her.
Her eyes welled with tears. "Percy… you're the only one for me."
Their foreheads touched, noses brushed, her fingers slid into his hair, and then they were kissing, feeling warmth spread from head to toe. A rush of breath left his nose and she tugged him closer. She could get lost in this feeling. Of peace, of hearth, and of home.
Home.
They were like puzzle pieces, sliding and fitting together like only the perfect compliment could. Annabeth had known this for a long time: she loved him. She was in love with him. And here, standing in this bathroom, she found herself falling just a little more.
Now for the simple matter of telling him that.
In retrospect, she knew that they both knew they loved each other. Even before they began dating, there was a change in their gazes, their expressions, and most importantly their touch; warm, lingering grazes that pulsed with unspoken endearment and something more. It was subtle, but it was undoubtedly there.
Though, neither of them had explicitly said it.
Yet.
-xotwod-
Percy was happy to get out of the castle on such a warm day. It was getting stuffy in there.
Hagrid, the groundskeeper and Professor for Care of Magical Creatures, grinned brightly at the arriving students as they approached his hut, waving a large hand at them. He greeted all the students personally as everyone gathered around him. Fang, his boarhound, whined in greeting from where he lay on the ground, watching with lazy eyes.
"Glad all o' yeh joined me fer your seventh years," he said brightly, not so subtly wiping a tear from his eyes. "Really warms me heart. Now come on, follow me. I've got an absolute treat fer yeh!"
A few excited whispers arose as to what creature Hagrid would be teaching them about this year. Percy walked with Thalia and Nico, smiling happily as the group entered the Forbidden Forest. But he wished Annabeth was here too. Unfortunately, her schedule was already jam packed with difficult classes and she didn't want to add another to her workload.
A few minutes later they had arrived at a paddock where many of the tree trunks had been splintered or completely broken in half. It looked like a hurricane hit this place.
Nervousness seeped into Percy's skin, his muscles tensing in preparation. Hagrid was rather eccentric when it came to mythical creatures, always looking past razor sharp teeth and foot long claws, insisting they were harmless when they were in fact not.
Nonetheless, Hagrid was one of Percy's favorite parts of Hogwarts and this class was always fun to attend. Except back in fourth year when a fire crab nearly singed all his hair off. That had not been a good day.
"Alright everyone, gather 'round here and stay close to me," he called seriously. "This beast is a feisty one!"
Hagrid raised his fingers to his lips and whistled so loudly it echoed through the forest. A moment later, a heavy gust of wind swept through the area, forcing everyone to cover their faces as dust and stray branches kicked up.
"Holy shit," Thalia murmured, staring wide eyed at the sight before her. "Percy, you see what I'm seeing?"
Percy nodded slowly. "Kinda hard to miss."
In front of them was the largest winged horse they'd ever seen, the size of a fully grown African elephant. It stood tall and proud, watching them with a critical, almost angry gaze. Its coat of rich black fur shone from the morning light, emphasizing its powerful muscles.
Even Hagrid, a half giant, looked small standing next to it.
"It's an albino Abraxan an' much bigger 'n the normal ones," Hagrid said gleefully, patting it's leg. "Firs' o' his kind, I reckon. Beautiful, isn't he? Usually they're all palominos bred by Madame Maxime over at Beauxbatons."
"What's it doing all the way out here then?" Drew asked snobbily, side eyeing the big horse.
Hagrid ignored her tone and laughed. "Who knows? I'm glad I found 'im, though. Injured, he was. Got into a tussle with something, I imagine."
The Abraxan neighed indignantly, as if insulted that Hagrid would reveal that bit of information. A proud creature.
"What's his name?" Nico asked.
Hagrid grinned widely. "That's the fun part abou' today's class. Whoever he lets ride him, gets to name 'im."
Whispers arose throughout the group. Naming such a fearsome beast would certainly be an accomplishment. But the thought of getting near something that could kill you with less than a thought, not so much.
Hagrid spent the next few minutes explaining the large Abraxan's behavior and how to approach this one in specific. The entire time the unnamed horse ground its hooves along the dirt, looking restless. Percy thought it might enjoy being in the air more, probably not accustomed to staying still for too long.
The Abraxan tossed its fierce head, neighing impatiently.
"Hold yer horses, yeh silly creature," Hagrid chided, not realizing his pun. "Right then — who wants ter go first?"
A majority of the class backed away while a few daring souls thought they had a chance.
Drew scrunched her nose up. "It's just a dumb horse, how hard can this be?"
She strode forward with intention and overconfidence, making it five paces before the Abraxan growled at her, lowering his head and flexing its wings getting ready to charge. Needless to say, Drew wouldn't be trying again. A few more students made attempts, but ultimately failed until there were only two remaining.
Percy and Thalia.
"That horse is mine, Perce," Thalia smirked as she tied her hair into a ponytail.
Percy returned her smirk with his own. "We'll see."
"You guys can see it, can't you?" Thalia asked, electric blue eyes crackling with excitement. "Me riding that thing. Wow, I'd look so hot."
"Of course, we can," Nico said sarcastically. He stood beside them, but had no interest in trying to name the horse. "We can see you becoming the Minister of Magic, too."
"Shut up, Death Breath," she returned, undeterred. "At least I'm not a pussy like you."
He shrugged. "It's your funeral."
Percy laughed and watched her approach the horse, wand at the ready in case it attacked her. The Abraxan let her get close enough to touch him, but she must've grabbed its fur too hard because she was soon sent tumbling back to where he stood.
He had to give her props, clapping a few times before helping her up. That was the closest anyone had gotten. He watched her try a few more times before stomping a foot in frustration and giving up, covered in scratches and dirt.
Of course, after seeing Thalia fail so brilliantly, Percy had to try and one up her. His first attempt had been… not good. The Abraxan had knocked him unconscious and sent him to the hospital wing with a broken arm. He'd gotten a stern talking to from Madam Hestia for that, which was honestly scarier than the Abraxan.
So three days later when the class had started learning about other creatures, Percy remained persistent in trying to tame the Abraxan. He hadn't gotten injured that badly anymore, but still hadn't managed to get anywhere near its back.
"How ya' doin' there, Percy? Still breathin'?" Hagrid called out.
"Fine!" Percy managed, gritting his teeth in frustration. Damn, that stupid horse could really kick. He slapped his hands to his cheeks and met the Abraxan's eyes. "Okay, Percy, come on. You got this."
He rushed forward, this time feeling ready for any tricks it might pull. The Abraxan reared its head, drawing its wings near to charge, when Percy cast a quick leg locking charm. The black horse remained immobile for a few seconds before breaking free from the charm, a testament to its strength, and taking flight.
"Hey!" Percy yelled up at the air. "Come back down here! That's not fair!"
Surprisingly, the horse neighed like it was laughing and did as Percy asked, landing a few feet in front of him. It trotted along the dirt. And what was more surprising was that it was approaching Percy. Not the other way around.
Percy stood, tensed and guarded in case it attacked, but the Abraxan lowered its head near him, sniffing audibly. When realization seeped in, Percy reached into his pocket and brought out a pouch, emptying its contents into his hand.
Single malt whiskey, the preferred treat of Madame Maxime's Abraxans, made into cubes.
He and Annabeth had researched the winged horses and found that bit of information out. Circling his hand, Percy watched as the Abraxan followed the movement, a bit comically since its head was so big.
"You want these, boy?" Percy asked, laughing when the creature nodded, huffing and bouncing excitedly.
Merlin, if he knew it would be that easy, he would've led with this instead of keeping it as a last resort. And probably saved himself a few trips to the infirmary. Forget Madam Hestia, Annabeth had not been amused in the slightest.
"Okay, I'll give them to you — hey!" Percy held the cubes out of reach when the horse tried snapping forward. "Only if you let me fly with you."
Puffing a little impatiently, the Abraxan laid on the ground and let Percy hoist himself onto its back. He hung on tightly as it stood up, catching Hagrid's hulking figure rushing over with an unmistakable smile on his face.
"Well done, Percy! Well done!" Hagrid said, elated. "Go on, then. Take a spin around the grounds!"
Without much warning, fifteen foot wings flapped and with a burst, they were soaring upward. The feeling of being in the air was like nothing else. Wing tugged at his clothes and hair as they cut through the air like a black bullet, flying over the expanse of the lake. For once, the castle seemed small.
All too soon, they were heading back down to the paddock where Hagrid, Thalia, Nico, and a few other students were waving at him as they landed.
The Abraxan lowered its head into what was an unmistakable bow, making Percy smile and pat its head before allowing him the treats. As it ate, Percy took out his wand, staring back and forth between it and the horse. Shrugging, he figured Annabeth was right. Patroni don't need names.
"Blackjack. Your name is Blackjack."