Intertwined || Percabeth Hogwarts AU

Chapter 50

Seventh Year

The welcoming feast felt hollow and foreign now that it was their last time attending it.

Many of the students were in disbelief that it had already been seven years since they first entered this castle. Even with Hogwarts being a school for magic, students still suffered from an overload of homework, sleepless nights cramming, ridiculously difficult exams, unfair professors (some of whom should consider another profession), and detentions.

Despite this, the castle held countless memories of their adolescence. This was where morals were formed and solidified. This was where most had their first kiss and maybe even met the person they would marry. This was where their lives began. These students wouldn't have become who they were without Hogwarts. And from here forth, the possibilities were endless.

Amidst the clamoring, Annabeth moved through the crowd and plopped down next to Percy at the Gryffindor table, much to many of his housemates' chagrin. The Gryffindor-Slytherin rivalry still ran deep, it seemed.

"You're not supposed to be here," Percy said, smiling at her.

She raised an eyebrow. "You're gonna send me away?"

He pretended to think for a moment. "I mean, I guess you can stay," he sighed.

Annabeth nudged his shoulder with hers, a playful smile on her lips. Percy leaned back against the table and wrapped an arm around her as Annabeth settled herself into his side. His hand hung just in front of her just asking to be held. So she did.

She rested her other hand on Percy's thigh and a content sigh fell from her lips when he pressed a kiss to her hair. It made her feel warm and cherished, and it was just natural, like this was exactly where she belonged.

Together, they watched the first years get sorted into their houses with melancholic smiles. They exchanged a knowing look when they saw a boy tripping over his robes as he made his way to the stool.

"Percy," Annabeth started, breaking him out of his thoughts.

"Hm?"

"I think we should try out for Quidditch."

Percy raised an eyebrow. "I thought you didn't like Quidditch."

"I don't dislike it. It's just that I've been to so many games because of my mum and, well, I suppose I found it a bit boring after that," she explained.

"So why the sudden interest now?"

"This is our last year," she said softly, running her thumb over the grooves of his knuckles. "I want to get the full Hogwarts experience. We've done almost everything there is to do, which is truly saying something, but we've never played Quidditch. Besides those pick up games."

"Okay," he smiled. "I'm in. Looks like Gryffindor is winning the house cup this year then."

Annabeth laughed joyfully. "Dream on, Seaweed Brain. We're not even on the team yet. But just because I'm not obsessed with the game doesn't mean I'm half bad at it."

"I guess we'll find out."