Intertwined || Percabeth Hogwarts AU

Chapter 5

Annabeth snorted despite herself, smothering the small smile that threatened to betray her. True to his word, they made it to the hospital wing shortly but Annabeth made Percy put her down before anyone saw them in that position.

Madam Hestia had been dealing with another student who apparently had an accident during Potions class. But she stepped away momentarily when she caught sight of them. After a short, hushed explanation from Annabeth, Hestia walked up to a cabinet in the corner and pulled something out before walking back to them.

"Is this your first?" She asked kindly.

When Annabeth nodded, she handed her a little package wrapped in cloth.

"I'm assuming you know what to do with those," Hestia said, nodding towards Annabeth's hands. She nodded vigorously, her cheeks tinting pink, which caused Hestia to chuckle a little.

"After you're done, come straight back here. I'll give you a potion to help with the pain. Percy, be a dear and help Annabeth to the bathroom, will you?"

"Of course," Percy replied and tightened his grip on Annabeth. Although still in excruciating pain, she managed a meek 'thank you.'

Percy slowly escorted her to the bathroom, holding her up the entire time since she adamantly refused to be carried again.

"J-just... just stand out here, Percy," she said, looking anywhere but at him.

"Yell if you need anything," Percy told her, thinking it would be reassuring but was thoroughly confused when he saw her cheeks redden substantially.

"Sh-shut up," she managed to get out before pushing past him and hurriedly making her way into the bathroom.

Percy had an incredulous look on his face but it was soon overshadowed by his increasing concern for his best friend. He paced in front of their girl's bathroom for what seemed like an eternity, drawing strange looks from the girls entering and leaving.

What is she even doing in there that's taking so long? Percy wondered, sick with worry. He was going to get gray hairs because of this girl.

When Annabeth finally shuffled out of the bathroom, she had a slightly calmer look on her face making Percy feel immense relief. He smiled widely at her and she returned it but with a smaller one. She must still be in pain, Percy surmised.

"Percy," she murmured, averting her gaze from him. "Could you please..." the rest of her sentence was inaudible.

"What was that? I couldn't hear you."

"Could you..." she trailed off again, tugging her arm close to her body by the elbow. "Could you carry me again please?"

Percy had a soft smile on his face as he wordlessly stepped closer to her and picked her up again. Annabeth buried her face into his shoulder so he couldn't see her face causing Percy to let out a laugh.

"Shut up, Seaweed Brain," she mumbled.

Percy pressed his lips together and remained silent, brimming with glee. He stared down at her mane of curls and felt a warmth spread in his chest. They continued the rest of the journey in silence.

Annabeth let out a blissful sigh after ingesting the potion Madam Hestia had given her. The pain in her lower abdomen had substantially quelled allowing her to breathe properly for the first time that day, though there was still a dull ache.

Annabeth had never felt so grateful to be a magical person. Dealing with menstruation in the Muggle way would be barbaric.

After leaving the hospital wing, Percy had walked her down to the dungeons, stopping in front of the entrance to the Slytherin common room.

"Why did they make housing for students in the dungeons of all places?" Percy asked, incredulous. "It's so cold down here."

Annabeth shrugged. "It's not so bad. The ghosts aren't awful company, much better than some of my housemates anyway."

"I'll bet," Percy said and they shared a laugh.

"Thank you for taking care of me, Percy," Annabeth said softly. "I would've probably passed out if you didn't help me."

"Don't worry about it. It was nothing," Percy replied, nonchalantly.

Annabeth paused, uncertain, before darting forward and planting a kiss on his cheek. Percy's eyes widened but she quickly ran into her common room before he could say anything.

If she had looked back, she would've seen the way he was staring off into space with a stupid smile on his face, his fingers lightly grazing the spot her lips had touched.