Home.

(1.5) Harry

Percy led me to the front of the Empire State Building. We admired the outside for a while. I was impressed by its height. I didn't know why I was so enthralled by this building, but something about it was just... magical.

We went inside to buy tickets for the observatory. Percy strode up to the desk and talked to the man in hushed tones. I shuffled closer, wanting to hear what was said, but before I could, Percy quickly took two tickets from him and turned back to me, just a few metres away by the security guard.

After being screened and handing over our tickets, we took the elevator up to the observation deck. I looked down in wonder at the magnificent sight before me. I could see the streets spread out in a grid-like fashion. Central Park was visible too. Percy pointed out famous landmarks and other smaller details I would've missed. I looked through the telescopes and felt pure excitement and joy. I'd never been able to celebrate my birthday like this before. There I was, at the Empire State Building with my cousin who made this day as perfect as he promised it would be.

'Perseus Jackson. Surprised to see you here', a female voice called out.

I noticed Percy visibly stiffened as he turned towards the woman's voice.

'Athena', he said in acknowledgement. I could see he was guarded, but he didn't consider her a threat. He acted more anxious to end the conversation than anything. It didn't look like he felt the need to flee or protect me. Honestly, he looked tired, like he's had many conversations with her and didn't want to have another.

'What might you be doing here?'

'I'm showing my cousin the sights. He's never been. That's all.' There was a cold finality to his voice that I didn't understand. Athena obviously did because she nodded solemnly.

'I understand. Just wanted to... check-in. How is she doing?'

'Annabeth's fine. She's spending time with her father before we head to college. You could visit her, you know?'

Athena had a pained expression before answering. 'We haven't been seeing eye to eye of late. The last... trip... did not put me in a good light. I'm giving her space.'

Percy sighed in exasperation and resignation. 'I get it. But don't take too long. Our lives are never guaranteed to last another day.'

His words were something you could write on a motivational poster, cliché even. But the way he said them sent chills up my spine.

The two nodded to each other before Athena disappeared into the now crowded balcony. Percy quickly pushed me away and towards the elevators. I didn't complain. I could tell he was slightly upset over the conversation. But I was confused and curious.

'Who was that? How'd she know Annabeth?'

'That was Annabeth's mom.'

'That was your girlfriend's mum?!'

'Yup.'

'Does she not like you? I mean, not to be rude, but you two were a little standoffish towards each other.'

'Our relationship is... complicated. She didn't like me, then she grew to tolerate me. Then Annabeth and I were official and she didn't really approve, but then... let's just say she wouldn't stand against me.'

His explanation did not clear things up, but I didn't want to pry. Percy seemed guarded still, but he put on a smile and led me around some more. We visited the gift shop at the end and I bought a tiny model of the building and Percy bought me a jumper that said 'New York City' claiming that I needed something to show my friends that I'd been to the greatest city in the world. I laughed at that but I had a feeling he bought it for another reason.

I was still wearing Dudley's old hand-me-downs. I had no other clothes to wear unless I wanted to be given dirty looks for wearing my wizard robes. Aunt Sally had slowly been replacing my wardrobe saying things like 'I saw this in the stores and thought you'd like it' or 'the retail worker said this was the style boys your age liked best' or 'it's not every day I get to spoil someone. Percy won't let me, so I've got to spoil you instead.' Every time I told them it wasn't necessary, I was shot down immediately and pressured so much I couldn't say no. It looked like Percy was subtly doing the same thing. I was so grateful for their kindness, but now it made me worried. I didn't want to put them in danger or disturb their normal lives. I didn't want them to think of me as a freak as the Dursleys did. I didn't want to lose what little family I had.

Taking a breath, I pushed that all aside. I could wallow in self-pity later. For now, I was going to enjoy the day out on my 14th birthday.

***

Percy and I set up a blanket in Central Park after we bought various snacks from a corner 'bodega' as Percy called it. We picked up some meatball heroes too. That afternoon was one of the best. The picnic was great, the weather was nice and sunny, and the peaceful setting was perfect. It only got better when Percy pulled out a small box wrapped in blue paper out of his pocket. He handed it to me with a smirk.

'The present is from the whole family. We wanted you to have it.'

I grinned excitedly and tore into the paper. I pulled the lid off of the box and looked down at its contents. It was hard to focus on the gift because my eyes started to water. I took a deep breath in and somehow managed to keep the tears at bay.

'Do you like it?' Percy asked.

That was a daft question if there ever was one. Inside the box sat a black, leather keychain with the word 'Home' engraved on it. Attached was a single metal key and a yellow New York taxi charm. It was clearly a key to the apartment. It meant it was my home as much as theirs. It meant I was a member of the family and always would be.

'I love it. Thank you so much', I said as I gave Percy a bone-crushing hug. He laughed and eventually drew away, ruffling my hair.

'Good. You're one of us now, you hear?'

I nearly broke my face with how wide my smile was. Best birthday ever.