The morning had been a very flustering ordeal. Ginny made a few jokes about it and the two would furiously blush, look at one another and then continue to eat.
Molly was in somewhat a somber mood, Percy could understand though. It was right before Christmas that her husband could finally come home. "Thank you for breakfast, Mrs. Weasley." He said as he put his dishes aside.
"It's no problem Percy. We'll see you soon." She said with a smile.
"Hermione will probably see you sooner." Ginny joked and Hermione audibly kicked her chin.
Percy blushed and nodded before he was walked to the front door by Sirius. Who held his hand out before he opened the door. "Apologies about yesterday, Percy." He said and Percy shook his hand. "I keep forgetting that you are a flustered teenager."
Percy blushed at the teasing, "Thank you for letting me stay the night, sir."
"It's Sirius, or Mr. Black if that is better." Sirius said and opened the door for Percy, "I don't need Hermione to walk you home, do I?" The man teased.
Percy huffed and shook his head, his blushing nearly turning permanent.
—
Annabeth stepped out of the fireplace and leapt to wrap her arms around Percy's shoulders. "I've missed seeing you around Seaweed brain." She said, and erupting from green flames walked out Piper.
He missed seeing them in person. "I've got to go to the bank first." He said and smirked, "You want to explore the wizard world, muggles?" Percy said as Annabeth let go of him.
Annabeth looked around and shook her head, "I don't think I can, there is a lot of work that needs to be done here." She said and gasped, "So much."
Piper looked at Percy and shook her head, "We've officially lost her." She said and Percy huffed in amusement as he nodded. "Just us then?" He said.
Piper nodded, "Just us."
Percy looked at Annabeth, "Need anything?" He asked.
"Just some paper." Percy took his wand out of his holster and pointed at the few sheets of paper on his desk and casted the doubling charm. "That'll suffice?"
Annabeth nodded as she pulled a huge pencil case out of her bag. "You go now!" She said, "Don't buy anything unreasonable."
"That's why he got me." Piper joked and looked at him, "How are we getting there."
"Well, we could walk, or we could teleport." He said and let her choose the option.
"Let's walk," Piper decided, "That way we have more time to talk about this girl of yours." She wiggled her eyebrows and walked over to Annabeth to press a kiss against her cheek. "We'll see you soon, dear." She said softly before Piper walked over to the door.
Annabeth didn't say anything back, it looked like it was a normal routine for them. Percy pulled the door open and put his coat on before he walked out. They stepped out onto the busy streets of London.
They walked past the Grimmauld Place and Percy was pleasantly surprised when he saw Hermione walk out of the door with Ginny behind her. She looked up and smiled as she gave him a shy wave.
Percy smiled and waved back.
The daughter of Aphrodite smiled, amused. "So I'm guessing that that is her?"
"You'd be guessing correctly." He wasn't even bothering to cover up the fact that he likes someone.
Percy watched as they all stepped into the small car, clearly not everyone fit if it were a normal car, he's glad that it isn't a normal car. Piper blinked, "Wizards." She just whispered.
The son of Poseidon laughed and kept walking as the car drove away. "We nearly kissed yesterday." He confessed.
Piper punched his shoulder, "No way."
Percy smiled and nodded, "We got interrupted by Weasley's little sister, Ginny, she's been dropping jokes on us at breakfast."
"Got you blushing like a schoolgirl." She said and reached over to pinch his cheeks. Percy just softly pushed her off, "It's a rare sight to see, Perce. I've got to milk it while I can."
Percy rolled his eyes as they neared the Leaky Cauldron. "Hey Tom!" He greeted.
"Grindelwald!" The man behind the bar waved. "How are you doing?"
"Just fine." Percy said and smiled, "Got any exciting news for me?"
"Nothing exciting, just that I've gotten a new menu." The man said and pointed at it.
"I'll be sure to check it out sometime!" Percy called back as he headed towards the bathroom. He looked around and took his wand out to tap the wall. Then it appeared as the brick folded into another.
"Some days I'd rather be a wizard than a half-blood." She whispered as she looked at the Alley it revealed. Percy laughed, knowing full well what she was talking about.
"I get it, just don't have a hated family name and you'll be fine." He thought about it some more, "I mean, there is some kind of racism under the wizards though?"
"How?" Piper cringed as they walked through Diagon Alley.
"In the wizarding world we have pureblood families, half-bloods who are you know, half muggle and half wizards and then we have muggle-borns." He hummed as he headed into the bank. "Muggle-borns are those who have normal non-magical parents and still possess the ability to do magic."
Piper listened and looked around the bank. "Which are you using?"
"I'm thinking I'll go with Father's bank, the man is a literal god. You know how many riches he probably has?"
"Imagine Hazel's bank then?" Percy did and looked at Piper, quite impressed.
"She'd be loaded." He stated and Piper nodded, "Oh yeah she would."
They walked towards the back where the last goblin was waiting. "Heroes of Olympus." The goblin said in Greek and Percy was a bit surprised, Piper looked like she was as well. "Welcome to our bank."
Percy just nodded, "Thank you."
"What vault will you be visiting?" This goblin who was talking to them was known for being harsh and impolite. But he was nothing of the sort against them.
"This one." Percy said as he put a celestial bronze key on the desk. The goblin looked excited and took it in his hands. "Very well," It said and handed it to another.
In silence Piper and Percy followed the goblin into the vault after having the goblin prick his thumb for blood. Percy and Piper walked in and blinked a few times, "Dude you're loaded."
"Apparently." He blinked, his mother always sent him money when he asked for it, but never before had he assumed they had this much. He walked over to the first moleskin he saw and held it open, and many galleons in it.
He then walked over to another corner and got a few hundred pounds out of it. "Holy shit." Piper said from another corner. "You've got a buttload of weapons."
Percy looked and walked over, "They're antiques." He said as he could feel the aura around them, "Lots of tragedy on those swords," He shook his head, "Tragedy is parasitic."
Piper looked a bit quizzically at him but nodded reluctantly. "After we're done we could go get ice cream." He suggested and she didn't look excited about it. "It has about 60 different flavors."
"Holy shit." Piper said.
Percy nodded, knowingly, "I know right?"
They soon walked out of the bank and into the first furniture store. "You know, if the prophecy is doing its work. It could mean that Hermione will be your one true love." She knew using the word soulmate would be a lot for Percy.
Percy blinked and smiled softly, "I think I'd like that." He admitted. "She's really lovely," He then snorted, "She was a bit jealous when I mentioned Annabeth."
Piper laughed a bit.
"I had to explain to her how you're the only one for her." He said and looked at the nice oak bed. "Should I get this one?"
Piper actually considered it, "It's a lovely bed." She said as she tapped the wood. "You need a darked color of it. That place has dark oak floors and forest green walls." She said, "You're going to need a darker color for it all to match."
Percy nodded and walked over to the lurking clerk and whispered a few hushed words, the clerk pointed his wand at it and the frame turned darker.
"That'll be good." Piper said and Percy nodded at the clerk.
"Should I get the same one for every sleeping room?"
Piper nodded, "Can't go wrong with that." She admitted, "How many rooms do you have?"
"I think about four."
Percy looked at the clerk and he nodded, the bed disappeared out of the showcase room. "I'll come pick them up later." Percy said and the clerk nodded.
The two kept looking through stuff as they talked about Hermione. "She's like a shot of espresso, being bathed in sunlight." The way her eyes shone when light fell on them, the brown should be talked about. "She's incredible and enthusiastic about the things she loves." Percy said with a smile on her face.
Piper gave him a look and just shook her head, "Oh boy." She said under her breath and skipped over to the curtains, "Navy blue!" She exclaimed. "It'd fit great."
—
"I've got to bring some home with me." Piper said as she scooped a scoop full of ice into her mouth. "I nearly raided the candy store."
Percy snorted, "Yes, you did."
He had already ordered for a bunch of ice cream to be put in a small box along with a never melting charm. "We need to get you a modern kitchen," Piper said.
Percy opened his small box with the charmed furniture. He looked at it and even pulled out the small curtain to look at it. The paintings were adorable. He had even bought a very small one for Annabeth and Piper.
The shrinking spell was his favorite so far. "Why?" He questioned.
"You're not able to work with one from this era." Piper said, "We also need to get you groceries."
Percy nodded, "One thing at a time, please." He pleaded. "We'll just go to a store after this, yeah?" Piper asked.
—
When they got home, Percy could hear the sound of walls being knocked down. He could also hear Annabeth order Leo and Leo turning around to argue a bit. "Leo!" Percy said and scooped the elfish boy into his arms.
"Perce!" He exclaimed and hugged back. "How have you been?"
"Good." Percy smiled as he looked around. "Exposed pipes, you know me so well."
"Annabeth and I argued a bit about it, but with my modern pipes and water installation it doesn't have any risk that I'll burn something." He said proudly, Annabeth rolled her eyes from the side. "That piping of yours was really nasty, by the way!"
Percy laughed, "I know." He admitted. "It's already looking far better, something more, me." He admitted, the windows were clearer and the curtains were taken off. A lot of light shone through the house and Percy looked back at the sun room.
"You've seen it?" He asked.
Leo nodded, "Annabeth and I love the concept. I even went ahead and put some plants there."
"How?"
He nodded at Calypso who just walked into the sun room, gardening gloves around her hands. "You know how she is."
Percy chuckled, "I do." He said before he turned his eyes towards Annabeth. "We've gotten the furniture and the kitchen." Turning back to Leo. "Could you also install a whole new kitchen?"
Leo nodded, "With pleasure, just know that your house has been bumped up to stay in for two weeks or so." Percy laughed and nodded.
"As long as you don't go into my study." He said and wiggled his eyebrows, "You could seriously get cursed or die! Great-grandfather was a lovely man." He said sarcastically.
Leo looked a bit concerned with the casualness but just remembered that it is Percy they're talking about. "Right." He said and looked around and even outside. "The living room, study and downstairs bathroom is fixed. If you want me to start on the kitchen. You should give me the kitchen.
Percy nodded, "All right." He said and opened his box, and handed it to him. "Lovely model it is." Percy said as he took it out of his hands and on the ground.
"Look I'm a fan of buildings but I don't do mini-" Percy waved his wand and it turned to its original size. "Dope." Leo said and gaped, "If I could do that, the Hephaestus cabin would love me."
Percy laughed, "Where do I put the rest?" He asked, Leo pointed to somewhere at the side, "There is fine." He then started to burn and melt the nails. "It's faster when they fall apart."
Percy nodded and walked out of the kitchen and up the stairs to find Annabeth. "How is it?"
"In bad shape." Annabeth confessed, "I've never quite seen anything like it. All the buildings I've worked on are-"
"Muggle houses that stay with the times." Percy said, "This one hasn't been lived in since early 1900." He said and Annabeth nodded.
"I knew that." There was no doubt about it.
"I'm thankful that you're helping me." He said and Annabeth looked at him with a teasing look in her eyes.
"Good, you should know that if I'm ever moving again that I'll be asking you to shrink everything so I don't have to ask Frank to ever lift a lot of weight up an apartment staircase ever again."
Percy laughed, "I'm cool with that." He admitted.
"You really found your home." Annabeth said and Percy hummed, "Shame that we aren't close to one another anymore."
"I still get nightmares about Tartarus." Percy admitted, "You don't get them anymore now that you've got Piper." He said quietly. "They're the most detailed after I see you."
Annabeth looked at him with a guilty look in her eyes as she opened her mouth to speak, but he didn't let her.
"I would do it for you once again, in a heartbeat." He said with a smile, "But I needed to be gone from everyone anyways. While we have good memories together, we've survived with each other, we've been through hell. I needed a step back, the quest allowed for me to do so."
Annabeth nodded and pulled Percy into a hug. "Thank you for telling me that, Percy." She breathed out. "
Percy patted her back after he pulled away, "How is the upstairs looking?" he asked.
"Great." Annabeth said as she smiled at him, "All the plumbing had been restored and replaced."
Percy smiled, "Leo's done a fast job."
"Well, you've disappeared with my girlfriend for six hours. He arrived right after you left out of the door." Annabeth said. "He had enough time."
"Do you know if he did the electricity?"
"Of course, he even got you new lamps. We left the chandelier though, it's a gorgeous piece, it really finishes the whole room with the type of look you want." Percy smiled.
"Do you want some food, I'm sure that I could order a whole bunch for us." He said and listed the most local ones, "There is a Greek restaurant around the corner. " He offered.
"Just get a whole bunch, you can't go wrong with Greek." he looked outside and noticed it was getting darker. Down the stairs he went and he saw that Leo was still working on the already nearly done kitchen, Piper and Calypso were on the couch, talking and discussing what seems to be the new curtains that they hung up. "I'm getting some food, anyone want to join me?"
They all shook their heads and Percy nodded, not minding to do it on his own. He put his coat and scarf on as he walked out of the door. Looking down at his shoes as he fidgeted with a coin, "Oomfp." A voice sounded as he bumped into someone.
He looked down and his eyes widened as he immediately helped her up. "I'm so sorry Hermione-" He said and pulled her up.
"It's fine, Percy." She said, clearly amused by his apologies and how fast they were shot out of his mouth. "Where are you headed?" She asked as she tilted her head.
"Restaurant." He said, "Getting food to feed everyone."
Hermione raised her eyebrows, "How many people are in your home now?"
"About four, including me five. Including us, six?" He said.
"Including Harry as well. He's going to come soon to let the Weasley's process everything about Arthur." They began to walk towards the Greek restaurant. He noticed her shivering from the cold and he stopped them from walking.
"You never learn do you." He said as he started to unwrap his scarf. "I'd buy you a new jacket if you need one, Hermione." He offered as he pulled the scarf around her neck.
She looked amused, with a curl of her lips she grinned. "I actually quite like this." She said as she buried her face into the scarf.
Percy chuckled and pulled her along to continue walking. They arrived outside of the Greek restaurant and walked in.
"We have a couples evening, 50 percent off for you lads." The lady at the reception offered. Percy and Hermione blushed.
"We're here for take out." Percy said, not even correcting the woman. They have done that enough already. Hermione looked at him and Percy just smiled weakly.
"To the back." The lady looked amused and Percy squinted at her. Something in the back of his mind said that he knew and recognized the lady.
Percy quickly goes up to the counter and orders a whole bunch of everything, with a bag they walked out together, holding bags full of food and another bag full of soda's. "How was furniture hunting?" Hermione asked.
He smiled, "It was nice, I loved catching up with Piper. She really helped me out, we even got a modern kitchen."
Hermione laughed a bit and nodded, "They're so much easier, right?"
"So much." Percy nodded, he had tried to cook his lunch on his first day in London but quickly quit trying because of how it just wasn't working. "I don't know how my mom did it, but she's some prodigy around the fire." He admitted.
They saw Harry walk toward his house and he called out, "Harry!"
The boy with the glasses turned around and smiled, "Percy." He nodded, "Did you do something to your building?"
Percy looked at it and also noticed the difference, "Leo must've grouted it as well." He shook his head, "The damn worker."
He unlocked the door with his key and announced himself. "I'm home!" He called out, "We've got visitors."
Piper and Calypso were already setting the table while Leo was finishing up the staircase. "Your hallway is wider." Hermione noted. Harry nodded, "Somehow."
Percy chuckled and walked into the living room as he could hear steps come down from upstairs. Piper and Calypso sat down at the table and Hermione and him put the bags of food down on the table.
Leo and Annabeth quickly walked through the door and sat down. The three wizards were the only ones standing. "Everyone," He gathered their attention, "This is Harry Potter." He introduced and Harry smiled. "And this is Hermione Granger." He said with a slight smile.
Hermione waved and Percy turned to the two, "I'll take your jackets, you sit down and eat." He said.
It wasn't awkward, it actually was fun. You'd say that they've known one another for a few months already because no tension was in the air. Everyone talked with each other and it was relaxed.
Leo took them around the house and knocked on the hollow point of the staircase, "And this is the space that Percy never found, but I did." Leo said with a grin as he pushed it open, it revealed a wine storage.
"Blimey." Harry said and Hermione slapped his shoulder, telling him to watch his language. "You reckon we could open one?"
Percy looked at them and shrugged. "Everyone would have to stay over and sleep here." He said and everyone looked at each other before shrugging and nodding.
Percy blinked, "Big sleep over." He turned to Piper, "I'm so glad you forced me to get basic groceries."
Piper smiled and walked into the kitchen, she walked out with as many wine glasses she could. "You can thank me by pouring me a glass." She said and Percy laughed as they grabbed a few bottles and gathered in the living room.
Hermione wanted to scold them for underage drinking but Percy recognized the look and leant over, "We already have the alcohol. It is illegal for us to buy, but not drink." He said with a grin as he handed her a glass.
She accepted the glass and smelled it, her face cringed a bit. "Molly would kill us if she ever knew."
Percy grinned, "You're staying the night, she would never know."
The whole evening consisted of dancing to the radio that Percy had bought along with drinking and talking a lot. There were many times where Percy nearly accidentally revealed himself on the Greek side of his life.
The whole evening people had pink cheeks. Leo and Calypso were one of the first to go to bed, compliments from Leo on the nice bed. Something told Percy is that he'll be staying at his house a lot.
Then slowly, Piper and Annabeth went to bed and finally Harry went to bed. The only empty room there was left. "They're lovely people." Hermione said.
Percy sat on the couch in the small corner as he looked at her, "No reason to be jealous, right?" He teased.
The girl blushed and threw her head back as she groaned. "Don't even." She complained. The fireplace ejected this warm light onto her face. "I can see how they're your best friends."
Percy smiled softly, "You're one of my closest friends as well, Hermione." He said.
Hermione looked at him, "But I know so little about you."
"So?" He questioned, "There are no terms and conditions about it all." He said as he shuffled a bit closer. "Would you like some tea?" He questioned.
Hermione nodded and got up, pulling Percy up. The two laughed and hummed to the soft music that played.
Percy looked at his kitchen and the first thing he did was grab a hold of the kettle. "I never used to drink tea." He confessed and Hermione nearly gasped.
"What did you drink then, coffee?" He shook his head.
"I was not allowed coffee." He said with a grin, "Imagine me now with twice the energy, besides I've been banned from it by everyone."
Hermione shook her head and she sat up on the new counter, "You've got quite a lot of energy already."
Percy yawned a bit as he leant his hip against the counter besides Hermione as the water was cooking. The girl looked down at him with a soft look in her eyes. "Thank you for tonight."
Percy gave her a smile as well, "I'd do it again." He admitted and folded his arms. "You've had a taxing day, seeing Mr. Weasley in a position like that. I know that he's an important figure in your life."
Hermione smiled, "It was nice meeting your friends." She said quietly.
"I'm sure that they loved you." He said with a grin. "What isn't there to love?" He questioned and Hermione blushed.
"I could say that about you as well." Hermione said and with a grin Percy pushed himself off the kitchen counter and stood in front of her.
"What would you say about me?" Percy said with a smile, one of his arms resting against the counter.
"I'd say that you have captivating eyes." Hermione said with a slight blush on her cheek as she looked up at Percy, "Good teeth."
Percy laughed and looked away as he laughed. He put another hand to lean on by her side, "Well, I think that you have a lovely laugh." He admitted.
"Yeah?" Hermione asked with a grin on her face and a small nod.
His eyes flickered between her eyes and lips, Hermione fell quiet and looked up at him with her brown eyes. He just can't deny the warmth each time those eyes fell onto him. "Yeah." He said quietly.
Hermione's gaze was flickering between his lips and eyes as well. "Percy." She said quietly.
Percy nodded as he clenched his jaw, not really focussing on her words but rather her lips. "Please kiss me." She whispered and Percy smiled.
"Yes, please." He whispered back as he started to lean in.
When their lips met Percy felt like he could turn immortal as long as she was by his side. His heart nearly beated out of his chest but then he felt arms go over his shoulder and pull him closer.
Percy pulled away as he needed to breathe, he put his forehead against hers, both of them were breathing heavily. Percy pulled a bit farther away from her, her arms still around his neck and looked down at her. Hermione's eyes shone brightly, "That was long overdue." Percy whispered.
Hermione bit the inside of her cheek as she nodded, "It was."
They jumped apart when a voice rang out, "Guys?". Percy's hand in his pocket he looked around and his eyes landed on Harry. He let out a breath and let go of his hand, "Yeah?"
"The kettle." He pointed out as he tiredly rubbed his eyes. He yawned and walked away muttering a tired, "Good night."
Percy turned the fire off and looked at a blushing Hermione. Percy pursed his lips, not trying to laugh, and that broke Hermione's resolve as she broke down in a bunch of giggles. Percy was quick to follow her example as he broke out in quiet laughter as well.
Percy took his new mugs out of the cabinet and looked over at her with a smile, "What tea do you want?"
"Do you have black tea?" She asked as she hopped off of the counter and walked over to Percy.
"Yes, I do." Percy said as he plucked the box out of the cabinet.
"What a service I got here." She said teasingly.
Percy put the tea bags in their mugs and smiled as he turned towards her, "I think I might deserve a tip." He said and winked.
Hermione blushed and smiled as she swiftly reached up on the tip of her toes to press a kiss to his lips. Percy smiled as he leant down to properly kiss her.
He felt Hermione smile into the kiss as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. With his arm around her waist he pulled her closer in a slow fashion.
It was a soft kiss. The one that should be preserved.
Percy bit his lip as he pulled away and looked down at her, his arm still around her waist. "That was a nice tip." He teased.
Hermione huffed and she started to laugh. "You're terrible." She joked, as she put a hand on the nape of his neck, "Just terrible."
Percy laughed as he rolled his eyes and let go of her to hand her the warm cup of tea. Hermione took her hand off of his nape and took the tea into her hands. She watched him as she drank. "Very good." She hummed.
Percy laughed and put a hand over his heart, which was still drumming. "Good." He said in mock relief, "I got the brit's approval."
She laughed and rolled her eyes, "You're such a dork." she complains.
—
"Why did I wake up with you in bed?" Harry asked as he went to his attached bathroom, complaining a tad bit.
Percy rubbed his eyes as he pulled a green shirt over his shoulders. "Because Hermione is sleeping in my bed." He yawned as he raked a hand through his hair.
Harry rolled his eyes as he walked out of the bathroom, "What's for breakfast?"
Percy shrugged, "Honestly, whatever is in the fridge." He admitted and walked out into the hallway. Everyone seems to be awake already. Leo was walking down the hall with Calypso glaring after him.
In amusement, the son of Poseidon huffed, "What is up with Cally?" He asked.
Leo looked behind him and just smiled as if it was normal at Percy, "She isn't a morning person." Leo said.
Percy raised his eyebrows, "She is." He deadpanned, "I've stayed a week with her."
"Got me very concerned about you." Annabeth said as she walked down from the upper floor. "You should knock down a few walls up there, with a lovely view and balcony." She suggested. "Storage spaces are for basements, not while attics have potential."
Percy shrugged, "You're the architect."
Annabeth smiled and nodded at Leo who just rolled his eyes. "Later." He then looked back at Percy. "What do you eat?" He asked as he unbuttoned a few buttons of Percy's shirt with one strike.
Percy raised his eyebrows at him. "Seriously."
"A neat little trick I learnt." Leo said with a cheeky smile. "Seriously though," The Latino pulled his own shirt up and patted his lean stomach. He then reached over to knock on Percy's abs, "Steel." He said and nodded.
Another door opened and out walked Hermione in the oversized clothes that Percy gave her to sleep in. She yawned and looked over at the gathering in the hall, she furrowed her eyebrows in confusion as she saw Leo still knocking Percy's abs and chest.
She looked at Harry behind Percy and back at the son of Poseidon. "Breakfast?" Percy asked as he slowly removed Leo's hand from his chest.
Hermione laughed softly as she shook her head, "Yeah, coffee would be nice." Harry said from behind him.
"Right?" Percy said and everyone around him stopped in their path, including Calypso.
"Absolutely not." Annabeth stated as she put her foot down, from besides her, Piper was shaking her head.
Leo shook his head, "No, no coffee for you Perseus."
Percy frowned, "Am I being scolded?" He asked. Hermione quietly laughed and Percy just looked at her, "I'm being scolded for even wanting coffee." He said incredulously.
They all went downstairs and Percy was held back by Piper, "and?" She asked.
"And what?"
"How was it?" She asked and wiggled her eyebrows.
Percy blinked a few times, "How'd you know?"
"Who's my mother?" She gave him a deadpan look. Percy nodded, "We kissed a few times, after you all were sleeping."
Piper punched his shoulder, "You should've woken me up!" She exclaimed.
Percy laughed, "Annabeth would kill me that she wouldn't get her recommended hours of sleep." They both laughed.