A/N: No big changes!
Perseus was always a step ahead of his uncle in Diagon Alley. His uncle had taken precautions and drank a polyjuice potion in order to protect his dear boy. Percy had recognized the little pub where he went with his uncle after he had a rough day at his job.
Before that day, he never knew what wonder was hidden behind that pub.
With a flick of the wrist they were in a whole different world. The cobblestoned ground was something straight out of a folktale. The Jacksons lived in quite a modern neighbourhood so he had never worried about falling from his bike because of cobblestones, he liked the concrete floor.
The Alley was bustling with wizards dressed in all kinds of clothes, most wore robes, and a very few wore modern muggle clothes. Percy suddenly felt self conscious in his clothes, he tugged on his collar and it did not go unnoticed by his uncle. "You want some new clothes kid?"
Percy nodded, the t-shirt and jeans didn't feel like it was enough for the wizard standards.
"Well then, let's not wait up." His uncle hastened him and he was a step ahead of him. His uncle barked out directions while he muttered under his breath.
Not heard by Perseus, Moody muttered under his breath, "Must not be restricting","Must be able to fight if needed","Casual wear","He'll finally look like a scholar","He does hate shirts close to his collar","He's british, he'll learn to tolerate it,". Such things felt deaf on the ears of Perseus as he wandered through the alleys. His uncle consciously steered them away from any pet stores, not wanting to have him hear the voices of any sea creatures in there.
The duo walked into a lesser known store that sold old fashioned clothes, they were greeted by the teller but quickly minded their own business. Moody shooed his nephew into the fitting room while he quickly took a few things off of the clothing racks.
"Here, wear this. Don't you dare complain because this is the only thing I'll buy for you at the moment." Moody wasn't greedy with his money, he just knew that he had to lay down boundaries because the boy would complain about how itchy the collar is.
Perseus walked out with his wild hair, per usual. Instead of a big t-shirt, he wore a white clean polo. Just like they used to back in the days. His jeans turned into black slacks with a belt wrapped around his waist. His trainers turned into black dress shoes. The man squinted at him, "Where is your jumper?" He asked.
"It's too warm for that." Perseus whined.
Moody shook his head, "You'll attract people's attention, Perseus. Wear the jumper." The boy pouted but pulled it over his head. Moody looked at the boy and saw Sally in him, but on the outside it is all Poseidon.
The family crest patch felt heavy in his pocket. "Come here boy, let's go ask the teller to add something." He shuffled the boy to the front, the lanky boy held his unfolded clothes in his hands as he peeked out behind them, to observe what his uncle was doing.
"How much is it going to be?"
"Four galleons."
"Your prices rose, eh?" Moody said as he fished into his pocket to find the money, instead he came out with a key wrapped up in cloth. He set it aside for later, to not seem suspicious in front of the cashier. He put a few galleons down on the counter, he later fished out another few along with a patch of the family crest. "Sew this on the jumper, if you can."
The cashier nodded and put his clothes that Percy held into a bag, making his hands clear. The boy looked as the cashier stuck the family crest on his chest and he moved his wand with grace. Threads loosened around it and interwoven itself with it. "A pleasure, Jackson."
Moody cringed, "The boy is the only Jackson."
Percy felt a swell of pride erupt inside of him. He did not mind the itch that the collar gave him, but he reminded himself of the fact that he is a Jackson. That is something he can't ever change.
"Thank you for shopping! Have a nice day." The customer service suddenly got ten times better since the man didn't do anything but acknowledge them before the patch. They walked out of the store and back onto the streets.
Moody held up the list that they received from Dumbledore, "Let's go get your uniform, kid." The two walked down the street and right into the store called, 'Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions'.
Walking first into the store, Perseus naturally walked into another person, "So sorry-"
"You should watch where you're going!" A mad voice said, "I just bought them, you little sn-"
Perseus raised his eyebrows at him, biting his lips to not say anything that could end up with trouble. He had after all, promised his mother that he wouldn't cause any trouble. "I didn't mean to!" He argued, after giving up being well-behaved. "It's an open door! If you were paying attention as well, we wouldn't have walked into one another."
"Are you saying that I am at fault as well." The blonde boy seethes, he was younger than Percy was. He felt a lot of anger in the boy and he frowned.
Moody was about to intervene when he noticed the white blonde hair along with a figure behind him. "Now now, Draco. Don't be rude."
The boy turned back towards the man, "But father!" he whined.
"Don't you see the family crest, boy." The man snapped quietly, not quiet enough. "Be respectful to other pure-bloods."
Moody wasn't sure of what Perseus was, but pure-blooded was certainly an option, once they hear that he also has godly blood in him? The wizards would be on their knees for the boy.
The bratty little boy took a sharp breath in and gave Percy a sickening smile, "I apologise for my behaviour, all is forgiven."
Percy looked at the boy with the audacity. "It is okay. Have a good day…" He trailed off, not wanting to continue the conversation, instead the white-blonde haired man took it as a way to introduce himself.
Pridefully he puffed his chest and said, "Malfoy." The older man looked at Percy, interest piqued in his eyes, "Are you starting Hogwarts this year, Jackson?"
"Yes, sir."
"My boy is starting in a few years," He said and put a hand on the boy's shoulder.
Percy clenched his jaw, "That's nice." He said, "Have a good day, Malfoys."
The father smiled and nodded, "Thank you." They then pushed past Moody in a rude manner.
"I don't like them, uncle." Perseus whispered as they entered the store.
"Neither." He then ruffled their hair, "Let's get what we're here for." Moody was confused as to why they were even there, from what he could gather, is that the blonde is rather whiny.
—
When it came to the rest of the list it was all plain and boring. Sometimes Perseus stands agape of all the things he sees, but he quickly moves on. Moody snorts at his short span of attention. They got a cauldron for the boy, Moody knew it was wise to buy an extra, a habit that he had formed when he was at Hogwarts with his late sister.
Estelle was amazing at potions, she never had cauldrons enough. In his gut, Moody knows that Perseus is the exact same. He had, after all, seen Perseus play with the mud in the backyard to make some fake potions. Something that amused Moody to no end, when he squinted he could see Estelle creating potions in her humble home.
Then, they ended up in front of a store that Moody never felt the need to visit. The pet store, he had inherited an owl from his grandfather when he started Hogwarts. Moody knew that it would not be wise to get an owl for his boy, he had done his research on Greek Mythology and learnt that Athena and Poseidon hate one another. A gut feeling told him that their rivalry would extend to their kids and animals.
Therefore, he would get Perseus a cat. He knows that the boy had a natural affinity with animals, especially cats. When the boy was five years olds, they would go on walks all the time, since the boy was a walker and runner. Sometimes Moody would lose sight of him, only to find him in the street over petting a stray cat.
"Let's go in." He was glad that this store did not sell any animals connected to the water. There were owls though, who hated his very presence the moment he stepped in. Hooting sounded in their ears, he was glad it wasn't a store that specialises in owls. That'd be a mess.
The duo ignored the constant hooting as they walked deeper into the store, finally encountering a clerk. "Can I help you with anything but an owl?" He grinned.
Moody let out a chuckle, "They aren't fond of my boy."
"I can tell." The man grinned and opened a door in the back, "Here are the other animals, putting the owls in front is good for business." They walked into the back where there were cages and a huge room of cat toys.
One immediately walked up to Percy and purred as it petted itself on his leg. It was still small, a kitten. The man ah'ed, "That's the first time I've seen that happen." He picked the kitten up, it purred in his arms and turned around, snuggling into the warmth that the man radiated. "This is one of the newer ones we got, it's an interbred cat, a tabby cat with Kneazles."
Moody knew he had considered getting one in his early life. They warn you for dementors, something that would be nice as an inexperienced auror. "Looks like it already picked you, kid."
"That tells me a great deal about you kid," The cashier said, "They bond with those they find loyal and worthy of their compassion. You kid, are worthy of that. They protect you and guard your home."
"We're getting the cat." Percy said as he held his arms out for the cat, petting it. The cat clumsily got up from its improvised nap in the cashier's arms and jumped into the arms of Perseus. The boy giggled and petted the cat.
"What are you going to name him, kid?"
"Argus." He whispered. Moody blinked, he did not know where it came from but he had a small clue. The key in his pocket got heavier, Moody turned around, letting the kid and the cashier talk about treatment and training the cat.
He unwrapped the key from its cloth and looked at the small note. 'I hope my vault still has sufficient money and needed requirements in it. Don't be afraid to give everything that Perseus needs. Tell him inside, they'll help.' The note said.
Moody was baffled, "They'll help?" He questioned under his breath. He felt his heart ache as he thought about how dangerous it would be to tell the boy about his lineage. They had left their shopping until the last day, as of tomorrow morning they will depart to King's Cross Station to the train that'll bring Perseus to Hogwarts.
That is when he realised, now was the time to tell Perseus. As soon as he sets foot on Hogwarts he'll be safe. He'll be taken aside to learn how to fight and he'll learn how to survive. All he wants for his boy is for him to survive.
"Can we pick him up in an hour? We've got to go to Gringotts to get the money." Perseus looked over at his uncle, confused. The man had made sure that he brought two pouches full of money.
"We'll have little Argus prepped and ready to go." the cashier nodded, the two walked out of the store and down the road, this time Perseus was in sync with his uncle, no more steps ahead.
"What is Gringotts?"
"The bank." Moody answered, "We're going to visit your vault."
"I have a vault?"
"You have a vault." Moody confirmed, "It has been set up for you quite a while ago, I believe." They walked between the huge columns and walked all the way to the back. Goblins sat behind their desks, writing stuff down with their huge feathers. "Did you know that it is rumoured that dragons and even sphinx guards the vaults here." Moody knows it isn't rumoured. He has seen them down there himself.
They stopped at the goblin who sat at the very end. "We have to visit this vault." Moody said as he handed over a note. The goblin looked up and squinted, "Key?" The nasal voice said.
Moody nodded and held it up. "Here."
The goblin took and and held it up to his nose, taking a strong whiff he nodded. "Let's go." Perseus was confused by the whole interaction but allowed for himself to be dragged by his uncle and the goblin.
They stepped into a minecart that wasn't exactly luxurious. Alastor immediately placed an arm in front of the boy in order to protect him from flying out. When the ride ended, the two were certain that sickness would not disappear. The goblin did not give them a minute as they stood in front of a golden vault door, sea-green jewels adorned the door as it seemed that the waves engraved were moving. The smell was familiar, it smelled just like Perseus. Alastor looked at the boy with grief in his eyes.
There was no more coming back from this, and he knew. The goblin took a hold of Perseus' finger and pricked it with his plume. The goblin squeezed it to let a drop of blood fall from his finger onto the waves. The waves kept moving and the blood started to move with it, the drop of blood got thinner and thinner until it wasn't there anymore.
The door unlocked itself, Moody was surprised that he did not hear a heavy groan, as did his family's. They walked in, the goblin staying outside.
Perseus looked confused, the whole thing was made out of marble, fountains were built into the walls, piles of money sat on the ground, galleons and all magical currency used in different countries.
There were shields and weapons, armour and there even was a chariot. Statues of a man with a three forked prong along with statues of dolphins and pegasus'. Perseus knew it was weird when he didn't remember it from the books, muggle or magical ones. "Uncle Alastor?"
On instinct, his uncle walked over to the fountain which emitted a warm glow. A man appeared, it seemed as if it was some kind of video message on tv. His uncle wrapped an arm around his shoulder.
The thick beard and eyes gave away who it was, Moody knows exactly who. But all he could think about is how Perseus will from now on see him in the mirror instead of his mother. "Perseus." The man said, "This is recorded, because I knew your mother and uncle didn't have the heart to tell you and put you in danger. I am your father, from the stories that your uncle tells you about. I am the god of the sea, storms and more." He waved his hand around, dismissing his other titles.
"I am Poseidon." The man finally says, "You are my child, a demi-god. You are also a wizard. As much as I'd rather have you ignore your counterpart, I cannot. You're a product of magic and of the gods. I am allowing you to go to Hogwarts, where you'll be trained by chosen men. The stories are true, names have power and nowhere is safe. Sorry for the short message, Perseus. Stay safe, son."
Moody let go of the breath he didn't know that he held. His nephew looked up at him, "Uncle, why didn't you tell me?"
"Knowing also gives you power. It's also dangerous the more power you have, you'll be targeted by monsters. That's why you'll be trained." Moody squeezed his shoulder, "I need you to know that it would've been dangerous for you to know, monsters smell your scent and will hunt you. You're a forbidden child."
"Forbidden? For being a wizard and demigod?" He had trouble with wrapping his head around the fact that he is a demigod, in his mind, his family is playing a prank on him. But judging by Moody's demeanour there is no room for jokes.
"Forbidden for being a child of Poseidon, an oath was broken and none of the other gods will like it. It was for your own safety." They were having a serious conversation when a reflection hit their eyes. Suddenly a pen appeared in front of them, alongside a note.
'I'm sorry for the harsh truth, don't maim others and kill monsters. -Your father.' Besides it was a pen, Perseus picked it up, "This is a pen." He deadpanned, "This is a pen." He repeated once again.
Moody looked equally confused as him, "It might be a nice pen?"
Perseus frowned as he took the cap off, he nearly threw the thing on the ground as it grew into a fully formed sword. "What the bloody hell?"
Moody blinked at the sword, "Well shit, kid. Now you have a sword." Moody walked over, making sure to stay out of range, and turned around the note for additional information.
'It'll always return to the pocket of the owner. Wizards can see it.'
"Short but powerful." Moody said and looked over as the goblin knocked on the vault door.
"Five more minutes." The goblin said.
"Well, bloody hell. Go get some money out of the pouches! Maybe some books over there, they look valuable." he barked the orders and watched as the kid scrambled to get them. "Let's get your mother a gift before we leave back home." He looked over at the jewellery. One caught his eyes, "This one might be for you, kid." He called out.
Perseus walked over with his hands full, "What is?"
A ring along with another bag, with yet another note.
'Demigods are dyslexic and ADHD. The ring is for when you're in trouble. Don't forget the bag of nectar and ambrosia. Don't even think about giving it to anyone except demigods, unless you want them to die.'
"Fun." Percy said humorlessly. "ADHD."
"We know, don't worry." Moody said as he took hold of the bag. "You better not give this to anyone."
"Why not?"
"It'll kill them." Moody said as he realised he read too fast for Percy to even try. "The ring is special, for when you're in trouble. I'm assuming that it is something more our magical than godly magic."
Percy shrugged as he put it on his finger. "It looks nice."
"You deserve nice, Perseus." He shooed the boy out of the vault and back into the minecart, the goblin gave them a nasty side-eye. The boy looked sheepishly as they ignored the shouts that their time was over. Back with a key in his hands, the uncle and nephew exit the bank and head back to pick up the cat.
They walked out of Diagon Alley with bags full, along with a crate. "That explains a lot." Percy said.
"Explains what?"
"That water heals me whenever I cut myself."
"You cut yourself?" Moody panicked.
"Because of shaving."
Moody frowned as his heart rate slowed back down, "You're not even growing anything."
"Yet!"