Percy Jackson at Hogwarts

|Chapter 7|

When the group reappeared, they were in the middle of Diagon Alley. The newfound life buzzing through the plaza filled the group with excitement. Fred pulled Cassie to show her things she had never seen before. Percy followed behind the group upset with a few tears that trailed down his face silently. It hurt to see how infatuated Fred was with Cassie. He was hanging off her every word about America and her life back at home. The group noticed the lack of Percy's presence and tried to make him feel more included but the lack of attention Fred was sparing him made it impossible for him to be excited about the day.

The more the day went by, the sadder Percy got. He didn't cry, he didn't go home. He just had a small presence in the back of the group. Anything the group needed, Percy paid for and then slipped back into his headspace. He didn't participate in the activities or smile really. It was a sad sight to see. Eventually, Harry and Lee had had enough of it. They told their respective lovers not to wait and to keep going. They pulled Percy back and started talking.

"What's going on with you?" Lee asked while looking annoyed.

"Is this about Fred and what's her name?" Harry questioned.

"I was stupid to think that someone like Fred would like someone like me." Percy stated plainly and slipped from the grasps of the two boys. It shocked them how simple Percy's statement was, like he knew it was going to happen.

Percy quickly caught up with the group and blended back in. Harry and Lee jogged to get back to their lover boys. The day seemed to drag on forever until it started to get dark. The group wandered into an empty park and sat for a little bit. Percy noticed a small streak of color going up in the air. He got to his feet and ran as fast as he could. He had just ran into a bathroom when he heard a small boom echo. He made his way over to the toilet and threw up. He brought his head up and the next boom echoed louder. He continued to throw up until there was nothing left.

He rested his back on the wall of the stall and took deep breaths. The images flashing in his head were enough to make him gag purely on air. He sat there until the booms finished and he walked out of the bathroom. He staggered his way back to the group. All the Weasleys minus Fred noticed the staggering Percy coming back. The group moved to help him back to the spot they were sitting but Percy was already there by the time they got up. He plopped down and laid back propping his body up with his arms.

"I'm okay. Just tired."

Everyone could see the exhaustion in his eyes and decided to call it a night. Everyone grabbed Percy's arms and they reappeared outside of The Burrow. Everyone went inside while Percy sat outside. He thought about the day and it made him think of a song he loved back in New York. It was called Heather. Soon Percy's singing filled the air.

I still remember the third of December, me in your sweater

You said it looked better on me than it did you

Only if you knew how much I liked you

Everyone in the house stopped dead in their tracks hearing the beautiful voice in the air.

But I saw your eyes as she walked by

What a sight for sore eyes

Brighter than the blue sky

She's got you mesmerized while I die

The voice filled with pain and beauty continued. It was mesmerizing to hear. A voice so soft and sweet, backed by power and emotion, but filled with pain.

Why would you ever kiss me?

I'm not even half as pretty

You gave her your sweater, it's just polyester

But you like her better

Wish I were Cassie

Cassie turned with a slight smirk on her face but when she looked at Fred, it was quickly erased. Fred looked as if he was about to burst out in tears. It had just only dawned on him how he had neglected Percy all day. He realized how at breakfast everything seemed to be about Cassie. He invited her on a trip with them without really asking Percy about his feelings. He allowed her to intrude on their day and didn't notice how quiet Percy seemed. It was only now he realized he had hurt his feelings, unintentionally but he had still hurt Percy.

Watch as she stands with her holding your hand

Put your arm around your shoulder now I'm getting colder

But how could I hate her, she's such an angel

But then again kinda wish she were dead

Cassie was almost offended by how easy it was for Fred to fall for Percy. The feelings he felt towards Percy were feelings he had never felt before. It was new and scary. Nonetheless though, he felt a gravitation towards Percy despise his interest in Cassie's home.

As she walks by

What a sight for sore eyes

Brighter than the blue sky

She's got you mesmerized while I die

Silent tears slipped down Percy's face while continued, pushing for hope.

Why would you ever kiss me?

I'm not even half as pretty

You gave her your sweater, it's just polyester

But you like her better

I wish I were Cassie

Oh, I wish I were Cassie

Oh, Oh, I wish I were Cassie

The group had made their way to sit down and listen. Fred stood by the door with his back pressed against it.

Why would you ever kiss me?

I'm not even half as pretty

You gave her your sweater, it's just polyester

But you like her better

I wish I were

The sudden silence signaled the end of the song but his voice quickly came back carrying a different tune. Through the night, Percy sang his heart out. Some songs were happy, others were sad, some were just mellow. Everyone in the house stayed awake just to hear the magnificent voice. Eventually, Fred gathered the courage to walk out the door to sit by him.

The sight was simple to explain. Fred was hugging the smaller boy and apologizing. Percy was nodding his head and hugging back. Fred put a finger under Percy's chin and connected their lips. They stayed silent reminiscing in the others' touch. When they pulled apart, they realized something. They might not be in love just yet but there was something unexplainable there.

They sat holding the other and eventually fell asleep. They slept in the comfort of the other. This unexplainable feeling in the air but most importantly, the feeling of safety.