Couple "Housekeeping" things before the story.

First off, this chapter took a lot of effort to write. The traditional Diagon Alley "Shopping" chapter where the character gets a bunch of important things such as a wand is very necessary for the story, but that doesn't leave a lot of room for originality. They have to visit Gringotts and Ollivander's, plus any other places that the author requires. From a writing perspective, it's not fun, just tedious. The only real fun I had for this chapter was coming up with how Percy got his gold and what his wand was. Far and away, this has been the hardest chapter so far. That being said, the next chapters should be more fun to write.

I put out a Harry Potter one shot for anyone interested. It's called Loyalty and it explores a possible explanation for how Bellatrix Black became Bellatrix Lestrange. Feel free to check it out if interested.

Several people have reviewed or PM'd me, saying that my story reminds them of another story. Please read the previous author notes. I name the story and give a brief explanation of why my story resembles it. If you're worried about plagiarism, don't. My story will be distinguishing itself pretty thoroughly over the next few chapters.

Just a heads up that I'm beginning college classes again. It's that time of year. I will still write in my free time, but I won't have nearly as much free time as I do now.

With all that out of the way, Read and Review. I will never not enjoy constructive criticism. Friendly reminder that PMing me to kill myself is not considered constructive criticism 9 times out of 10. Let's keep it nice and professional people.

Please drop a review and let me know what Percy and Fleur should call each other for pet names.


Chapter 4- Diagonally

London

When Percy accepted Dumbledore's offer to train as a wizard at Hogwarts, so he could protect Harry, Dumbledore had asked him about his quests. Percy answered all of his questions. The old man was surprisingly perceptive. Percy told his new Headmaster about being the Son of Poseidon and the various quests he had been on. He tried to not talk about Annabeth too much, only really mentioning who she was and that she had died a few weeks before. Dumbledore seemed to sense his heartbreak and grief and didn't push him, just moved on to his next questions, which Percy respected.

Percy told him of Kronos and the Battle for Olympus and the Great Prophecy. He also talked about his mom, telling the Headmaster what had happened to her over the years. He skipped over the Smelly Gabe stories. That was a little too personal, and also not important.

Normally Percy wouldn't trust him and just talk about everything, but the man had a very good idea of what had happened already. Percy was merely filling in the blanks. The man had even guessed that Percy was in exile. The last demigod who had gone into exile in Europe had been Adolf Hitler, though he had fled America in 1929 after some of his perverted ideals about Jews and Mortals in general came to the surface. Percy hadn't even known that part of the story.

A long conversation ensued about the war on Kronos and the uprising of the local Dark Lord, Voldywart. Moldyshorts? Moldevort? Whatever his name was, it was worse than some Greek monster names and apparently, he had named himself. Percy wasn't totally convinced the creep hadn't been dropped on his head as a baby. Whatever his name was hadn't been what Percy had paid attention to. His name wasn't important. His intention to hurt Harry was what mattered to Percy. Percy's ADHD wouldn't allow him to concentrate easily, so he focused on the points that mattered. Evil wizard? Check. Coming after his family? Check. Horrible naming skills that rivaled a high school fanfiction writer's? Check.

After that conversation was over, Dumbledore woke up Percy and the Dursley's. The old man had cheerfully dismissed Smelly Gabe 2.0, Nacho Libre, and the Wicked Witch of the West. All three of them had fled upstairs to hide from the big bad freaks. Percy couldn't bring himself to care much about what they did.

Harry had spent about fifteen minutes grinning ear to ear while Dumbledore talked to both of them about taking a trip to a place called 'Diagonally' and Percy had nodded along, pretending that he understood everything being said like it was perfectly normally. Dress Robes? Owls? Gringotts? Ollivander's? He kind of understood when Dumbledore recommended Ancient Runes.

Percy forced himself to listen. He didn't understand much, but he mentally prepared himself like he was twelve again, just stepping into the world of Gods and monsters. Every bit of information had to be taken in and attempted to be absorbed. After a while, it would make sense. Hopefully. He didn't have Annabeth to translate for him.

Soon after, they had departed Privet Drive, and both Percy and Harry had taken Dumbledore's arms. They had then teleported away by what Dumbledore called 'Apparition.' It reminded Percy of Shadow Travel with Nico. He didn't mind it, and Dumbledore seemed unfazed, but Harry looked about ready to throw up.

Now, Percy, Harry, and Dumbledore were standing in front of a pub in London apparently, called the Leaky Cauldron. Something was off though. Percy picked up on it almost immediately. All the people around them didn't seem to notice that the pub existed. Their gazes went from one side to the other side of the building, ignoring the pub between. Maybe it was the Mist, maybe it was a wizard thing, maybe both.

It was a colder day, despite the time of the year. Gray clouds rolled over London, promising rain later. Percy could feel the accumulated water and was instinctually counting down to the downpour. Percy had dressed accordingly for the colder day, wearing a black leather jacket over a Pink Floyd shirt with faded jeans. His watch, as always, was strapped to his wrist. Percy had loaned Harry some of his clothes. Percy was still taller and bigger than Harry, but at least the clothes fit better than the Dudley hand-me-downs. Harry was wearing a dark blue hoodie. Professor Dumbledore was in the same suit that he had arrived in.

"So we're popping down to the pub for a pint?" Percy said dryly, eyeing Dumbledore out of the corner of his vision. Dumbledore chuckled.

"The Leaky Cauldron serves as a gateway between the Wizarding World and the Muggle World," the Headmaster explained patiently.

"Getting drunk tends to do that," Percy said as they approached the entrance. Harry snickered.

Any additional jokes from Percy were forgotten upon entering the pub. It was mindboggling. Things that couldn't be explained were just happening as if they were normal. Mugs and plates were serving themselves to patrons. Enchanted brooms and scrub brushes cleaned tables, dishes, and floors as if they had wandered off the set of Sorcerer's Apprentice.

Percy stared in awe at the paintings on the wall. Every picture on the wall was moving, as if it was a television screen. He eyed a painting of two knights sword fighting. Both eyed him, and as he kept staring, one made a rude gesture in sign language that even he could understand, and both ran off the side of the painting.

Almost every patron in the place was dressed in robes. Percy stopped in place and spun in a slow circle, drinking in the sights. He noticed that Dumbledore's charcoal grey business suit had morphed into elaborate robes of the same color. A bald man nodded respectfully at Dumbledore as he served food from the bar, waving a stick over a series of silverware. No, not a stick, a wand. With that mindboggling revelation, Percy barely noticed as Harry grabbed his shoulder and guided him out the back door, to find himself in front of a brick wall.

Harry took a look at Percy's confused and blank stare into space and laughed. Percy turned to him, an eyebrow raised in question.

"Sorry, I just looked about the same way when I discovered this place. Watch this. Headmaster, may I?" Harry said, smirking as if he knew something that Percy didn't, which was probably more than accurate.

"By all means my boy. I daresay we've already broken him," the old man said, his eyes twinkling merrily. Percy couldn't tell if he hated the twinkling eyes yet. It was mildly infuriating.

His frustration melted away as suddenly as the brick wall in front of him did when Harry tapped a specific brick with his wand.

Inside the wall was an entire wizard city, with entire rows of brightly colored shops and brightly robed people. Percy gawked once again. Seriously, he had to get used to the weird stuff happening to him. He was distinctly aware of Dumbledore and Harry's amusement at his reaction, and he managed to pick his jaw off the ground.

"Percy, welcome to Diagon Alley," Harry said.

"Diagonally? That's an odd place name. Dumbledore. Moldymore. Diagonally. And I thought Tartarus was a weird place name. I mean, it sounds too much like Tartar sauce," Percy said, confused. Harry gave him an equally confused look at the mention of Tartarus, but didn't comment, chalking up the remark to simply processing that magic was real.

Shops lined the road, selling everything from broomsticks to owls. It reminded him vaguely of Olympus, in the way that small miracles of magic were everywhere, as if they were ordinary. A red haired woman in blue robes was arguing passionately with a dark skinned bald man in purple robes about regulations on brooms.

"Honestly Kingsley, the Muggles could have seen him, flying around like the bloody incompetent fool he is."

"Amelia, Dawlish merely misunderstood-"

Dumbledore moved onwards, taking Harry and Percy with him, further into the street. At the end of the alley, a large building rose above the shops, towering impressively. The building resembled a Greek temple, carved of solid white marble with big doors of solid bronze. Gringotts was carved above the doors, engraved into the marble and filled with gold lettering. Carved directly into the doors was a warning to thieves. Annabeth would have loved the architectural marvel that even he found impressive.

As the small group approached the doors, they swung open automatically, revealing a very large, glamourous open hall. Its interior kind of resembled Grand Central Station, with its large, vaulted ceilings, and impressive stone arches, if Grand Central Station was a bank and was inhabited by….by….what the hell?

Percy ground to a halt, finding himself surrounded by little creatures that he didn't recognize. They were small, ugly, and grey skinned, with large pointy ears. Most were dressed in red and gold uniforms, while some were dressed in small business suits. The business suits seemed to symbolize importance, as they seemed to be giving the orders. They were….they were-

"Goblins. It's considered very rude to stare at them, you don't want to offend them. They are a very proud race of warriors and treasure hunters. They conduct most of the banking in our world," Dumbledore said, placing a hand on Percy's shoulder, steering him to a nearby window where a goblin in a suit sat, eyeing a large ruby the size of Percy's fist through a monocle looking device.

"Yes?" the goblin asked, sighing slightly as it set the gem aside. After a moment, the gem disappeared with a gentle popping noise.

"I'm here to escort young Mr. Potter here to his vault. I'm also here to get Mr. Jackson here a blood test to determine his vaults. He is a new customer, so he does not have a key," Dumbledore said patiently, gesturing to the two cousins standing to either side of him.

"Very well, Mr. Potter first. Key?" The goblin said, perking up slightly at the mention of a new client. Harry dug a key out of his pocket and handed it to the goblin, who inspected it for a moment before handing it back. "Very well, follow Griphook to your vault for any business you have."

"Harry, when you are done, meet us outside Ollivander's," Dumbledore instructed. Harry nodded, smiling at Percy's seeming constantly gaping face, before he turned, following one of the goblins out of a side door. The goblin teller pulled out a small knife and held it out to Percy, who took it hesitantly, looking at Dumbledore and the goblin suspiciously.

"Cut yourself slightly with the knife. A drop or two of blood will suffice. We need to determine if you are eligible for any current vaults," the goblin instructed. Percy glanced at Dumbledore, who nodded. Percy steeled himself and pricked his finger on the point of the blade, several drops of blood running out onto the knife. He handed the knife back to the goblin, who inspected the blood closely, using the same monocle looking device. The blood on the blade began to glow before vanishing into the blade, as if it was sucked in and absorbed.

"Interesting. Most interesting…" the goblin muttered, turning the blade over and over.

"What is it Ragnok?" Dumbledore inquired, leaning forward trying to discern what Ragnok found so fascinating.

"Follow me and all will be explained," the goblin declared, exiting the teller booth. Percy glanced at Dumbledore, who seemed almost as lost as he was, before shrugging and following the goblin, Dumbledore right behind him.

The goblin led them through the same doors that Harry had disappeared through. The small group found themselves in front of a minecart looking device. Several sets of rails branched away from the room, leading down into a variety of tunnels. Some tunnels looked to be nice, carved of the same marble brick and trimmed with bronze and copper inlays. Other tunnels were carved of dirt and clay, a far cry from the grandeur of the large banking hall behind them. On the rails, several carts that resembled a weird cross between a minecart and a rollercoaster sat waiting for use. The goblin climbed in one, and with a mental shrug, Percy climbed in after Ragnok, Dumbledore entering after him. Then they were off.

What followed was one of the most fun, thrill inducing experiences of Percy's life. It was like riding the Coney Island Cyclone, only better. The little cart raced down and down into tunnels, going deeper and deeper, until the cart was racing and careening through tunnels of hewn granite. The drops and twists and turns left Percy's heart in his throat, and he loved every moment. It reminded him of the few times he and his mom had managed to go on rollercoasters. It was a considerable step up from the Tunnel of Love ride that he went to with Annabeth where they fought mechanical spiders for Ares.

They stopped in front of a large set of doors. The doorframe and the vault were constructed of solid marble bricks stacked high. The doors themselves were ten feet high and made of solid silver. The Roman numerals 'XII' were carved above the door in the marble, and a Greek Omega was inlaid into the center of the double doors, one half on each door. The Omega was made of gold. Vault 12 would have fit right in on Olympus. Percy could see it fitting right in with Zeus's pinstriped business suit and the marble architecture of Ancient Greece.

"The Olympiad Vault. Vault 12. It is one of Gringotts' largest secrets. The vault was opened by Chiron Brunner in 1856. He stored a large number of items and money inside and set a series of requirements for inheritance. We know of the magic inside, and we know of your heritage Mr. Jackson. We here at Gringotts would strongly advise you to keep that information to yourself," Ragnok said, glaring down his large pointed nose at Percy.

"What requirements?" Percy asked, confused about Chiron having items stored inside a wizard bank vault.

"You must be both a demigod and a witch or wizard. Additionally, you cannot be an outcast or exile. You must have willing left the land of the Gods," Ragnok said, looking annoyed at the question. "Now, place your hand on the door."

Percy walked to the large set of doors, examining them, before placing his hand hesitantly on the Omega symbol. The symbol immediately grew warm under his touch and began to glow faintly, before the vault doors opened, allowing him access.

"Go and get what you want. Make sure you have enough money for your school supplies," Dumbledore instructed, handing Percy a small pouch.

Inside the vault, was a fortune. It looked like a dragon's lair straight out of a Lord of the Rings film. Mounds of coins were piled high, both of drachmas and unrecognizable coins. Suits of armors and silver candlesticks were scattered. Old Greek vases and celestial bronze chunks were mixed with piles of old books and weapons that wouldn't be out of place back at camp. All in all, Percy just became a very rich person. It was more money than he would ever know what to do with. Smelly Gabe would have killed to see a fraction of the money here. Hell, he would have been nice for a fraction of the money here.

A table was tucked into the corner of the vault with a few objects and sheets of paper scattered across the tabletop. A platinum drachma caught his eye immediately, almost as if he was pulled to it. It picked it up, rolling it around his knuckles, examining it. He flipped it in the air. Nothing happened. It felt important though, almost as if it was speaking to him, so he tucked it in his pocket for future examination.

A Stygian Ice Dog Whistle sat on the table, and Percy instantly recognized it. It was similar to the one he had been given the previous year by Daedalus. It called Mrs. O'Leary to him last time. Would it do the same thing again? He didn't want to test it. Somehow, Percy didn't think summoning a demon dog the size of a double decker bus into a bank vault would go down very well. But now he had a possible ally in case of an emergency. Who knows if it even would work, since Europe was supposedly monster free, with the exception of Greece and possibly Italy. The whistle went into his pocket next to the platinum drachma.

He picked up the letters. One was from Chiron and looked to be very old, judging from the flowing script and the yellowed paper. The other was, surprisingly, from Poseidon. He squinted and read through the letters as fast as he could, his dyslexia making it harder than needed, as always.


September 2, 1856

Dover, England

To the Demigod in Need,

You have found the Olympiad Vault. It is compiled of some treasures and riches from Greece that was taken from Camp Half-Blood. It is meant for someone who has suddenly found themselves in a new world, a world of Magic and Wizards. This vault is meant to be a safety net for someone starting to bridge the gap between the world of Divine magic and Mortal magic. Use it well.

In our time in Britain, the Wizarding World has been a great asset on occasion. You can trust some individuals and most certainly cannot trust others. I do not know when one of my students will discover this vault, or even if you are a student of mine.

The world is changing. The Gods are moving West, following the birth of a new culture that will change the world. I do not know how soon or late this will be found, but if you are willing to be taught, Fort Half-Blood, Ilvermorny in Massachusetts, and Hogwarts in Scotland are all places to learn to control your abilities and to grow in your power.

If you are a student of mine, I am sorry for not revealing the existence of this world to you sooner. Much like our world, they pride themselves on secrecy, and while the Gods are aware of Mortals who wield magic, they do not like their existence. Mortals, or 'No-Magics,' are not meant to wield such power, and are viewed as a threat when they do.

If you have not been a student of mine, I would welcome you to Fort Half-Blood. We are currently in Dover, England. If we are not there, you will find us in America. I hope I can keep you safe from the dangers on your travels. The table has several items to help you on the road ahead.

Good Luck and Safe Travels,

Mr. Chiron Brunner


Percy,

It will take a very large amount of power to even send this note to some place you may find it. I do not know if I will be able to contact you again.

A war is coming to England. Brace Yourself.

I am sorry and I hope you find peace.

Poseidon


Percy scoffed as he set down the last note. Chiron's had been nice. He had left without truly saying goodbye to his mentor. The man had been downtrodden from the loss of so many students and had been busy repairing the damage of the war. Percy had been ashamed of his failures and had left without saying goodbye, something he now regretted.

His father's note, on the other hand, was just annoying. Brace Yourself? Again, really? Oh, a war is coming, and surprise, surprise, it's right where he went to get away from a war. How shocking really. A cousin in mortal danger from an evil wizard calling himself Moldyshorts. Moremoldy? Morevoldy? Gods, that name was odd. He really needed to hear that whole story again. And honestly, half of his father's note explaining why he couldn't send another note? Pathetic really.

Percy scoffed again, before turning back to his original purpose, the piles of money. There were three kinds of coins in the heaps of money besides drachmas. Gold, silver, and bronze coins were scattered everywhere, piled higher than Percy's head.

Had he just become rich? If so, he had to send money to his mom. His mom and Paul did alright, between his mom's books and Paul's teaching salary, but it hadn't always been alright and stable. Back in the Smelly Gabe era, when his mom worked at the candy store, they had been dirt poor. All of Gabe's money went into booze, poker nights, and his car. All of his mom's meager earnings went into rent, groceries for three, and all the other expenses of being an adult. Any remaining money was usually gambled or drank away by Gabe.

Percy was used to having next to nothing. Growing up wearing the same couple clothes every day and living off ramen for a week on end was normal back then. Being on the road for demigod quests was just as rough living, often having to act like they were homeless and steal rides to travel cross-country. So yeah, Percy could handle no money, but this? Heaps and heaps of wizard and godly gold buried in a vault under London that was now under his sole possession? He was giving his mom a ton, as much as she needed and more.

His mom had been through a lot, and yet she had never complained. Contrary to popular belief, Percy wasn't stupid. He knew how hard he had been to raise. His sarcasm had gotten him into more trouble than it should have. Dyslexia and ADHD made it almost impossible to teach him for a long time. Disappearing on quests every summer worried her half to death. Asking for her blessing to bathe in the River Styx and to fight in a war? Any sane person would have said no, yet his mom had done the selfless thing and let him go, despite her wishes. Now that he was rich? He was sure as Hades paying some of that back.

With that thought, Percy knelt and began scooping coins into the pouch he was given, filling it.


Percy walked out of Gringotts with his pouch of gold, tucking an envelope of American dollars into his pocket. He had withdrawn about eleven thousand dollars for his mom. It was a tiny amount compared to what was in the vault, but it was a start. He hadn't been able to carry much more gold coins, or 'Galleons' as they were called.

Why anyone would name a coin after a ship was beyond him. Wasn't that like naming a coin 'Sports Car?' Same with 'Sickles' and 'Knuts.' Percy was quickly discovering wizards had naming problems that rivalled Ancient Greece. Seriously, how hard was it to name someone Bob? Not to mention, the amounts of how many Knuts were in Sickles and how many Sickles were in Galleons was just awful. Why on earth wasn't it in multiples of ten?

Percy snapped himself out of his thoughts as Dumbledore led him down the alley. Standing in front of a shop was Harry, who was absentmindedly looking across the street at a place selling broomsticks and balls. Percy blinked twice at the word 'Quidditch,' before giving up. He was just going to have to get used to nonsense words.

"Hey Percy, how were the goblins?" Harry asked, looking away from the brooms.

"Vaguely terrifying," Percy said, mock-shuddering.

"Oh, why's that?"

"They can't do math and yet they run a bank. Seriously, 17 Sickles in a Galleon? Who came up with that? It's overly complicated," Percy grumbled. Harry laughed, smirking at him.

"Yeah, it's confusing. I think it's meant to be so that we don't try banking ourselves. You ready to get a wand?" Harry said, gesturing behind them.

They stood in front of a large shop that was rickety. A dusty sign read 'Ollivander's' and had the emblem of a pair of crossed sticks, probably wands from the context. The shop was kind of run down and dusty, but not so much that it seemed unlived in or uncared for. More like someone was struggling to take care of the building.

"Absolutely. Let's do some magic," Percy said, legitimately excited. He wasn't thrilled about the Wizarding World. He was walking into a lot of potential danger to try helping Harry. However, that didn't make him any less thrilled about magic. Come on, it was magic. What little kid doesn't want to cast magic spells?

They walked into the shop, Percy in the lead. Inside, there was a small lobby that was blocked off from a storage area by a small counter. The lobby had a few chairs, which both Harry and Dumbledore took seats in. The storage area was made up of lots of very tall shelves that had many small rectangular boxes. Some boxes seemed new, while others were covered in a thick layer of dust.

"Good morning," a soft voice said.

From behind the many shelves of boxes, a man emerged. He was very tall and very skinny, with long spindly fingers that reminded Percy of spider legs. He had crazy white hair that stuck straight up, as if he enjoyed sticking his finger in electrical sockets. His eyes were very large, and instantly made Percy uncomfortable, as if the man was staring into his soul. The shop and the man both seemed to buzz with some kind of silent power that radiated from all around them.

"Harry Potter," the man said, turning to Harry, who gulped suddenly, looking as uncomfortable as Percy felt. "Holly and Phoenix Feather. Eleven Inches. Nice and Supple. Great things have come from it, and many more will come, yes?"

"Err, yes. I think so?" Harry said, shifting in his seat, breaking his gaze from the odd man's stare. The man turned without speaking.

"Headmaster. What can I do for you?" The man said, peering at Dumbledore, who looked undisturbed.

"This is Perseus Jackson, a new student. He is in need of a wand," Dumbledore said patiently. The man turned to Percy, humming.

"Yes, yes. I can see you. Just as great things as your cousin, in your past and in your future," He said, getting into Percy's face until they were almost touching noses.

"How did you know we were cousins?" Percy asked.

"I see a great many things, Mr. Jackson, and I know a great many more. My name is Garrick Ollivander. What is your wand arm?" He said, never blinking. Percy looked away uncomfortably, holding out his right hand. Mr. Ollivander pulled out a tape measure with silver markings, rapidly measuring Percy's arm, before measuring several other body parts at a furious pace.

After finishing, Ollivander stood back, looked Percy up and down, before nodding and scurrying off to the back, selecting a box and scurrying back, handing the box to Percy, who opened it. Inside was a wand.

"Oak. Twelve inches. Ukrainian Ironbelly Heartstring. Rigid. Pick it up and give it a wave," Ollivander instructed. Percy picked up the wand and waved it. A single ember emerged from the tip, sadly spiraling to the ground anticlimactically. The wand was immediately snatched from his grip by Ollivander, who immediately presented a different wand.

"Applewood. Seven inches. Thestral tail hair. Nice and Flexible."

Percy waved it, and a shelf in the storage area exploded, sending wands and boxes everywhere. It too was snatched away and placed next to the previous one, before he was given another wand.

"Yew. Nine inches. Acromantula Spinneret. Supple."

The wave summoned a small pile of spiders which promptly disappeared from a wave of Dumbledore's wand. Annabeth would have fainted or screamed bloody murder. That wand joined the growing pile of rejects.

"Does this mean I'm not meant to have a wand?" Percy asked, concerned.

"Not to worry Mr. Jackson. I have yet to fail to find a wand for someone. Your wand is here, we just have to find it. The wand chooses the wizard." Ollivander answered, buried up to his waist in a fallen pile of wands, rummaging around. He brandished the next one in the air, placing it in front of Percy.

"English Oak. Ten inches. Unicorn Tail Hair. Unyielding."

The resulting explosion left everyone inside the shop covered in soot and everyone outside the shop covered in glass dust from the windows vaporizing.

"Definitely not. Pine. Thirteen Inches. Phoenix Tail Feather. Flexible."

An ugly purple spell was promptly released in the store, ricocheting off the walls and ceiling, bouncing around until Ollivander absorbed the spell with a wave of his wand.

"You're a tricky one, but I have never failed and I doubt I will today." he said, seemingly happy to have a challenging customer, "Now try this. Palm. Eleven inches. Cerberus Hair. Rigid and Strict."

The explosion cause was even larger than the last boom, sending the entire shopfront exploding into the street, several shoppers having to dive out of the way to avoid an injury. Dumbledore waved his wand and the storefront repaired itself.

"Sorry," Percy said, putting the wand down delicately, looking sheepish. Harry snorted, trying not to grin.

"Not to worry, dear boy, not to worry. I always love a challenge. Keeps this old wandmaker on his toes," he said, waving the apology aside. He suddenly stopped and turned, squinting at Percy suspiciously. "I wonder…"

"Wonder what?" Percy asked, watching as the man retreated down the row of shelves, climbing to the very top of one of the shelves with a ladder. He came back clutching a wand box of green painted wood delicately, setting it on the counter.

Percy reached out, grabbing at the box, but Ollivander smacked his hand away wordlessly. Percy clutched his hand, hissing in pain, and Ollivander grabbed Percy's face, smushing his cheeks slightly as he turned Percy's head back and forth, peering into Percy's eyes, seemingly searching for something. Percy decided then and there he wanted to spend as little time there as possible.

"Am I right in assuming you have a connection with the sea, Mr. Jackson?" Ollivander whispered, still looking into his eyes. Percy removed the man's hand from his face.

"Yes," he said simply.

"Then take this, it will work, I can guarantee it."

Percy hesitantly opened the green box. Inside was a yellow and reddish wooden wand with a simple Polynesian carving on the handle of seashells and waves.

"Koa wood from Hawaii. I got it from a piece of driftwood that washed ashore. Twelve and three-quarter inches. A Pegasus flight feather core. The wand is unyielding and loyal, much like its owner. It is adrift in a new world, searching for a new home and new family members. It strives to defend others. It is very loyal. Others who try using it could find themselves faced with very unpleasant consequences. It is the wand of a wandering warrior, and it is destined for very great things, much like yourself," Ollivander said, watching Percy expectantly.

Percy picked it up and waved it. A warmth washed down his shoulder and he instantly knew it was right for him. It was the same feeling that he got wielding Riptide or spending time with Annabeth or eating his mom's cookies. It just felt right, like it belonged where it was.

Percy was rather unsettled at how much the man had seemingly guessed about him without actually knowing a thing. The entire encounter had been more than just a little creepy. At least he had his wand though, so that was neat. He paid for the wand in a daze, walking out of the shop as soon as he could.

The rest of the shopping went by in a blur. They bought cauldrons and potion ingredients, books and robes. At Flourish and Blotts, the bookstore, Dumbledore advised him to pick up extra books on runic magic. His knowledge of Greek and Latin would come in very handy in that class. Just looking through the book, Percy agreed, since he was able to understand most of it.

At Madam Malkins, Percy found himself picking out dress robes, which was essentially a fancy suit merged with a bathrobe. Percy wasn't a fan of the robes. He had always considered himself a good dresser when he could afford certain clothing, so wearing a bathrobe wasn't ideal. It was easier to accept when it seemed to be the norm of everyone walking around the alley, however.

Another odd discovery was made about the Wizarding World. Apparently, wizards delivered mail by owl. By OWL. What? It was so bizarre but cool. Percy picked out a Barn Owl and named it Athena, both in honor of the Goddess and Annabeth. She spent the rest of the trip in her cage sleeping with her head tucked under her wing.

It had been a long day. When Percy finally returned to Privet Drive it was after dark. Harry went to bed, getting ready for the next day. Percy stayed up and called his mother, it only being the evening in New York.

The phone rang twice, before Paul picked up.

"Hello?"

"Paul, it's Percy."

"Hey Perce. How was the flight? How are the relatives?"

"Good, good. My mom there? We've got a lot to catch up on."

"Yeah, no problem. We were just finishing our takeout, your mom ordered Thai food. Here she is," Paul said, disappearing for a second.

"Percy?" his mom's voice came through.

"Hey mom. Listen, we've got a lot to catch up on. For starters, I know that Lily was a witch…."