Intertwined || Percabeth Hogwarts AU

Chapter 57

Whispers arose throughout the group. Naming such a fearsome beast would certainly be an accomplishment. But the thought of getting near something that could kill you with less than a thought, not so much.

Hagrid spent the next few minutes explaining the large Abraxan's behavior and how to approach this one in specific. The entire time the unnamed horse ground its hooves along the dirt, looking restless. Percy thought it might enjoy being in the air more, probably not accustomed to staying still for too long.

The Abraxan tossed its fierce head, neighing impatiently.

"Hold yer horses, yeh silly creature," Hagrid chided, not realizing his pun. "Right then — who wants ter go first?"

A majority of the class backed away while a few daring souls thought they had a chance.

Drew scrunched her nose up. "It's just a dumb horse, how hard can this be?"

She strode forward with intention and overconfidence, making it five paces before the Abraxan growled at her, lowering his head and flexing its wings getting ready to charge. Needless to say, Drew wouldn't be trying again. A few more students made attempts, but ultimately failed until there were only two remaining.

Percy and Thalia.

"That horse is mine, Perce," Thalia smirked as she tied her hair into a ponytail.

Percy returned her smirk with his own. "We'll see."

"You guys can see it, can't you?" Thalia asked, electric blue eyes crackling with excitement. "Me riding that thing. Wow, I'd look so hot."

"Of course, we can," Nico said sarcastically. He stood beside them, but had no interest in trying to name the horse. "We can see you becoming the Minister of Magic, too."

"Shut up, Death Breath," she returned, undeterred. "At least I'm not a pussy like you."

He shrugged. "It's your funeral."

Percy laughed and watched her approach the horse, wand at the ready in case it attacked her. The Abraxan let her get close enough to touch him, but she must've grabbed its fur too hard because she was soon sent tumbling back to where he stood.

He had to give her props, clapping a few times before helping her up. That was the closest anyone had gotten. He watched her try a few more times before stomping a foot in frustration and giving up, covered in scratches and dirt.

Of course, after seeing Thalia fail so brilliantly, Percy had to try and one up her. His first attempt had been... not good. The Abraxan had knocked him unconscious and sent him to the hospital wing with a broken arm. He'd gotten a stern talking to from Madam Hestia for that, which was honestly scarier than the Abraxan.

So three days later when the class had started learning about other creatures, Percy remained persistent in trying to tame the Abraxan. He hadn't gotten injured that badly anymore, but still hadn't managed to get anywhere near its back.

"How ya' doin' there, Percy? Still breathin'?" Hagrid called out.

"Fine!" Percy managed, gritting his teeth in frustration. Damn, that stupid horse could really kick. He slapped his hands to his cheeks and met the Abraxan's eyes. "Okay, Percy, come on. You got this."

He rushed forward, this time feeling ready for any tricks it might pull. The Abraxan reared its head, drawing its wings near to charge, when Percy cast a quick leg locking charm. The black horse remained immobile for a few seconds before breaking free from the charm, a testament to its strength, and taking flight.

"Hey!" Percy yelled up at the air. "Come back down here! That's not fair!"

Surprisingly, the horse neighed like it was laughing and did as Percy asked, landing a few feet in front of him. It trotted along the dirt. And what was more surprising was that it was approaching Percy. Not the other way around.

Percy stood, tensed and guarded in case it attacked, but the Abraxan lowered its head near him, sniffing audibly. When realization seeped in, Percy reached into his pocket and brought out a pouch, emptying its contents into his hand.

Single malt whiskey, the preferred treat of Madame Maxime's Abraxans, made into cubes.

He and Annabeth had researched the winged horses and found that bit of information out. Circling his hand, Percy watched as the Abraxan followed the movement, a bit comically since its head was so big.

"You want these, boy?" Percy asked, laughing when the creature nodded, huffing and bouncing excitedly.

Merlin, if he knew it would be that easy, he would've led with this instead of keeping it as a last resort. And probably saved himself a few trips to the infirmary. Forget Madam Hestia, Annabeth had not been amused in the slightest.

"Okay, I'll give them to you — hey!" Percy held the cubes out of reach when the horse tried snapping forward. "Only if you let me fly with you."

Puffing a little impatiently, the Abraxan laid on the ground and let Percy hoist himself onto its back. He hung on tightly as it stood up, catching Hagrid's hulking figure rushing over with an unmistakable smile on his face.

"Well done, Percy! Well done!" Hagrid said, elated. "Go on, then. Take a spin around the grounds!"

Without much warning, fifteen foot wings flapped and with a burst, they were soaring upward. The feeling of being in the air was like nothing else. Wing tugged at his clothes and hair as they cut through the air like a black bullet, flying over the expanse of the lake. For once, the castle seemed small.

All too soon, they were heading back down to the paddock where Hagrid, Thalia, Nico, and a few other students were waving at him as they landed.

The Abraxan lowered its head into what was an unmistakable bow, making Percy smile and pat its head before allowing him the treats. As it ate, Percy took out his wand, staring back and forth between it and the horse. Shrugging, he figured Annabeth was right. Patroni don't need names.

"Blackjack. Your name is Blackjack."